PMID- 22035590
TI  - Cortical peroxynitration of nerve growth factor in aged and cognitively impaired
      rats.
AB  - Basal forebrain cholinergic neurons (BFCN), a system involved in learning and
      memory processes, are highly dependent on a continuous supply of biologically
      active nerve growth factor (NGF). Age-related cholinergic atrophy and cell loss
      in normal brains is apparently not complemented by reductions in the levels of
      NGF as could be expected. In the present work, cortical proNGF/NGF were
      immunoprecipitated from cortical brain homogenates from young and aged and
      behaviorally characterized rats and resolved with antinitrotyrosine antibodies to
      reveal nitration of tyrosine residues in proteins. Cortical proNGF in aged and
      cognitively impaired rats was found to be a target for peroxynitrite-mediated
      oxidative damage with correlative impact on decrease in choline acetyltransferase
      activity. These studies provide evidence for oxidative stress damage of NGF
      molecules in the cerebral cortex of cognitively impaired aged rats as previously
      shown in AD human brains.

PMID- 22035591
TI  - Glycosaminoglycans from aged human hippocampus have altered capacities to
      regulate trophic factors activities but not Abeta42 peptide toxicity.
AB  - Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) are major extracellular matrix components known to
      tightly regulate cell behavior by interacting with tissue effectors as trophic
      factors and other heparin binding proteins. Alterations of GAGs structures might
      thus modify the nature and extent of these interactions and alter tissue
      integrity. Here, we studied levels and composition of GAGs isolated from adult
      and aged human hippocampus and investigated if their changes can influence the
      function of important trophic factors and the Abeta42 peptide toxicity.
      Biochemical analyses showed that heparan sulfates are increased in the aged
      hippocampus. Moreover, GAGs from aged hippocampus showed altered capacities to
      regulate trophic factor activities without changing their capacities to protect
      cells from Abeta42 toxicity, compared to adult hippocampus GAGs. Structural
      alterations in GAGs from elderly were suggested by differential transcripts
      levels of key biosynthetic enzymes. C5-epimerase and 2-OST expressions were
      decreased while NDST-2 and 3-OST-4 were increased; in contrast, heparanase
      expression was unchanged. Results suggest that alteration of GAGs in hippocampus
      of aged subjects could participate to tissue impairment during aging.

PMID- 22035592
TI  - Rescue of cognitive aging by long-lasting environmental enrichment exposure
      initiated before median lifespan.
AB  - The rescue of cognitive function through environmental enrichment (EE) during
      aging has been extensively documented. However, the age at onset, the duration of
      EE, and the cerebral mechanisms required to obtain the greatest benefits still
      remain to be determined. We have recently shown that EE applied for 3 mo after
      the median lifespan, i.e., the age at which 50% of the population is still alive
      (from 17 to 20 mo in NMRI mice), failed to prevent cognitive deficits in
      senescent animals. In the present study, mice were exposed to EE prior to the
      median lifespan, and for a longer total duration (from 14 to 20 mo), before the
      assessment of memory performance and the electrophysiological properties of
      hippocampal neuronal networks. The EE prevented memory deficits and reduced
      anxiety as the animal aged. Moreover, EE attenuated the age-related impairment of
      basal glutamatergic neurotransmission in CA1 hippocampal slices, and reversed the
      decrease in isolated N-methyl-D-Aspartate receptor (NMDA-R)-dependent synaptic
      potentials. Surprisingly, EE did not prevent the age-related alteration of theta
      burst-induced long-term potentiation (LTP). This study therefore suggests that EE
      needs to be initiated before the age corresponding to the median lifespan and/or
      required long duration (> 3 mo) to have an effect on cognitive aging. In
      addition, we show that EE probably acts through theta-burst-independent
      mechanisms of synaptic plasticity.

PMID- 22035594
TI  - Characterization of iron-phosphate-silicate chemical garden structures.
AB  - Chemical gardens form when ferrous chloride hydrate seed crystals are added or
      concentrated solutions are injected into solutions of sodium silicate and
      potassium phosphate. Various precipitation morphologies are observed depending on
      silicate and phosphate concentrations, including hollow plumes, bulbs, and tubes.
      The growth of precipitates is controlled by the internal osmotic pressure, fluid
      buoyancy, and membrane strength. Additionally, rapid bubble-led growth is
      observed when silicate concentrations are high. ESEM/EDX analysis confirms
      compositional gradients within the membranes, and voltage measurements across the
      membranes during growth show a final potential of around 150-200 mV, indicating
      that electrochemical gradients are maintained across the membranes as growth
      proceeds. The characterization of chemical gardens formed with iron, silicate,
      and phosphate, three important components of an early earth prebiotic
      hydrothermal system, can help us understand the properties of analogous
      structures that likely formed at submarine alkaline hydrothermal vents in the
      Hadean-structures offering themselves as the hatchery of life.

PMID- 22035595
TI  - Type 2-diabetes is associated with elevated levels of TNF-alpha, IL-6 and
      adiponectin and low levels of leptin in a population of Mexican Americans: a
      cross-sectional study.
AB  - The goal of the study was to determine the association between diabetes and
      inflammation in clinically diagnosed diabetes patients. We hypothesized that low
      grade inflammation in diabetes is associated with the level of glucose control.
      Using a cross-sectional design we compared pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines
      in a community-recruited cohort of 367 Mexican Americans with type 2-diabetes
      having a wide range of blood glucose levels. Cytokines (IL-6, TNF-alpha, IL
      1beta, IL-8) and adipokines (adiponectin, resistin and leptin) were measured
      using multiplex ELISA. Our data indicated that diabetes as whole was strongly
      associated with elevated levels of IL-6, leptin, CRP and TNF-alpha, whereas
      worsening of glucose control was positively and linearly associated with high
      levels of IL-6, and leptin. The associations remained statistically significant
      even after controlling for BMI and age (p=0.01). The association between TNF
      alpha, however, was attenuated when comparisons were performed based on glucose
      control. Strong interaction effects between age and diabetes and BMI and diabetes
      were observed for IL-8, resistin and CRP. The cytokine/adipokine profiles of
      Mexican Americans with diabetes suggest an association between low-grade
      inflammation and quality of glucose control. Unique to in our population is that
      the chronic inflammation is accompanied by lower levels of leptin.

PMID- 22035596
TI  - Continuous controlled-infusion of hypertonic saline solution in traumatic brain
      injured patients: a 9-year retrospective study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Description of a continuous hypertonic saline solution (HSS)
      infusion using a dose-adaptation of natremia in traumatic brain injured (TBI)
      patients with refractory intracranial hypertension (ICH). METHODS: We performed a
      single-center retrospective study in a surgical intensive care unit of a tertiary
      hospital. Fifty consecutive TBI patients with refractory ICH treated with
      continuous HSS infusion adapted to a target of natremia. In brief, a physician
      set a target of natremia adapted to the evolution of intracranial pressure (ICP).
      Flow of NaCl 20% was a priori calculated according to natriuresis, and the
      current and target natremia that were assessed every 4 hours. RESULTS: The HSS
      infusion was initiated for a duration of 7 (5 to 10) (8 +/- 4) days. ICP
      decreased from 29 (26 to 34) (31 +/- 9) mm Hg at H0 to 20 (15 to 26) (21 +/- 8)
      mm Hg at H1 (P < 0.05). Cerebral perfusion pressure increased from 61 (50 to 70)
      (61 +/- 13) mm Hg at H0 up to 67 (60 to 79) (69 +/- 12) mm Hg at H1 (P < 0.05).
      No rebound of ICH was reported after stopping continuous HSS infusion. Natremia
      increased from 140 (138 to 143) (140 +/- 4) at H0 up to 144 (141 to 148) (144 +/-
      4) mmol/L at H4 (P < 0.05). Plasma osmolarity increased from 275 (268 to 281)
      (279 +/- 17) mmol/L at H0 up to 290 (284 to 307) (297 +/- 17) mmol/L at H24 (P <
      0.05). The main side effect observed was an increase in chloremia from 111 (107
      to 119) (113 +/- 8) mmol/L at H0 up to 121 (117 to 124) (121 +/- 6) mmol/L at H24
      (P < 0.05). Neither acute kidney injury nor pontine myelinolysis was recorded.
      CONCLUSIONS: Continuous HSS infusion adapted to close biologic monitoring enables
      long-lasting control of natremia in TBI patients along with a decreased ICP
      without any rebound on infusion discontinuation.

PMID- 22035597
TI  - Explaining the variability in recommended intakes of folate, vitamin B12, iron
      and zinc for adults and elderly people.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To signal key issues for harmonising approaches for establishing
      micronutrient recommendations by explaining observed variation in recommended
      intakes of folate, vitamin B12, Fe and Zn for adults and elderly people. DESIGN:
      We explored differences in recommended intakes of folate, vitamin B12, Fe and Zn
      for adults between nine reports on micronutrient recommendations. Approaches used
      for setting recommendations were compared as well as eminence-based decisions
      regarding the selection of health indicators indicating adequacy of intakes and
      the consulted evidence base. RESULTS: In nearly all reports, recommendations were
      based on the average nutrient requirement. Variation in recommended folate
      intakes (200-400 MUg/d) was related to differences in the consulted evidence
      base, whereas variation in vitamin B12 recommendations (1.4-3.0 MUg/d) was due to
      the selection of different CV (10-20 %) and health indicators (maintenance of
      haematological status or basal losses). Variation in recommended Fe intakes (men
      8-10 mg/d, premenopausal women 14.8-19.6 mg/d, postmenopausal women 7.5-10.0
      mg/d) was explained by different assumed reference weights and bioavailability
      factors (10-18 %). Variation in Zn recommendations (men 7-14 mg/d, women 4.9-9.0
      mg/d) was also explained by different bioavailability factors (24-48 %) as well
      as differences in the consulted evidence base. CONCLUSIONS: For the harmonisation
      of approaches for setting recommended intakes of folate, vitamin B12, Fe and Zn
      across European countries, standardised methods are needed to (i) select health
      indicators and define adequate biomarker concentrations, (ii) make assumptions
      about inter-individual variation in requirements, (iii) derive bioavailability
      factors and (iv) collate, select, interpret and integrate evidence on
      requirements.

PMID- 22035598
TI  - Effectiveness and use of linezolid in hospitalisation wards.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the use and effectiveness of linezolid as an alternative
      treatment for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. METHOD: Demographic,
      clinical and safety data were collected from hospitalised patients. The
      information sources were the clinical records and the pharmacy programme.
      RESULTS: Thirty patients were treated with linezolid (median age 69.3, 63% male).
      The median duration of treatment was 8 days. The most prevalent indication was
      soft tissues and skin infections (46.7%). The indications were off-label in 40%
      of cases. Linezolid was used as a targeted therapy in 53%, especially for
      coagulase-negative Staphylococcus. Clinical healing occurred in 83.3%, and
      microbiological healing in 40%. Three patients (10%) experienced side effects
      from using linezolid. CONCLUSION: The effectiveness and safety of linezolid is
      similar to that described in the trials. Its off-label use and the high number of
      empirical treatments mean that new strategies must be developed.

PMID- 22035599
TI  - Evaluation of negative outcomes associated with medication (NOM) by pharmacists
      at a home assistance programme in a Brazilian teaching hospital.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The concept of pharmaceutical care (PC) specifically refers to the
      pharmacist being able to identify, prevent and resolve negative outcomes
      associated with medication (NOM). According to the Third Consensus of Granada,
      these are patient health-related outcomes not consistent with pharmacotherapy
      objectives, and are associated with the proper or erroneous use of medicines. In
      this way, pharmacists might provide the pharmacist to provide the correct use of
      medicines to patients who are attended at home. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to
      detect, classify and quantify NOM, according to the Third Consensus of Granada,
      in patients treated at home, who were assisted by the Home Assistance Programme
      of the University Hospital of University of Paulo, Brazil. METHOD: A descriptive,
      observational and cross-sectional study was conducted. The pharmacotherapy plan
      was filled during the interview with the patient or caregiver. RESULTS: The study
      included 87 patients with a mean age of 66 years old, adults (89%), children
      (11%), female (58%) and retired (62%). A total of 62% patients presented NOM,
      with an average of 1.13 NOM per patient. The NOM included untreated health
      problems (20.6%), effects from unnecessary medicines (9.1%), non-quantitative
      ineffectiveness (34.5%), quantitative ineffectiveness (3.4%), non-quantitative
      safety problems (11.4%) and quantitative safety problems (3.4%). Patients with
      the following characteristics were more prevalent than expected in the NOM
      effectiveness group: those aged between 65 and 74 years (p=0.0199), those with a
      low education level (p=0.0266), those with increased comorbidity (p=0.0461),
      those using medicine for the digestive tract and metabolism (p=0.0475) and those
      using medicine for blood and blood-forming organs (p=0.0466). For the NOM
      necessity group, patients with endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases
      (p=0.0587) were in greater numbers than expected; and for the NOM safety group,
      only patients aged over 74 years (p=0.01809) were in greater numbers. CONCLUSION:
      For this population, it was concluded that there were several factors related to
      the occurrence of NOM: age, education, number of comorbidities, use of medicines
      for the digestive tract and the metabolism and medicines for blood and blood
      forming organs. The use of the Third Consensus of Granada classification was very
      important for the recognition and measurement of NOM.

PMID- 22035600
TI  - Application of the Technology Web 2.0 in a drug information centre.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To develop a Web 2.0 resource map and select those that may be useful
      in a Drug Information Centre at a Hospital Pharmacy Department (CIMSF). METHOD: A
      multidisciplinary working group under the Biomedical Information Commission
      selected some of the Web 2.0 resources included in the Guia d'usos i estil a les
      xarxes Socials guide of the Catalonian Government. RESULTS: Six resources were
      selected: Netvibes, Delicious, Google groups, Google Docs, Slideshare and
      Twitter. These tools were used for 5 months to manage biomedical information for
      the medical staff, and to provide external visibility by providing information to
      other health professionals. More than a thousand hits were recorded on the portal
      Netvibes and more than 100 professionals followed CIMSF on Twitter. CONCLUSIONS:
      The Web 2.0 offers useful, user-friendly and cost-efficient tools which could be
      implemented in a CIMSF, while also enabling participation in external networks of
      pharmacotherapeutic interest, increasing its visibility to other professionals.

PMID- 22035601
TI  - [Patent expiry for profitable drugs].

PMID- 22035604
TI  - 1, 2, 3: counting the fingers on a chicken wing.
AB  - RNA-seq transcriptomics of digit primordia in the developing chick wing and leg
      has clarified a long-standing dispute between paleontologists and embryologists
      about evolutionary homology.

PMID- 22035603
TI  - Plasma biomarkers of oxidative stress and genetic variants in age-related macular
      degeneration.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare plasma levels of oxidative stress biomarkers in patients with
      age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and controls and to evaluate a potential
      relationship between biochemical markers of oxidative stress and AMD
      susceptibility genotypes. DESIGN: Prospective case-control study. METHODS: Plasma
      levels of oxidative stress biomarkers were determined in 77 AMD patients and 75
      controls recruited from a clinical practice. Cysteine, cystine (CySS),
      glutathione, isoprostane, and isofuran were measured, and participants were
      genotyped for polymorphisms in the complement factor H (CFH) and age-related
      maculopathy susceptibility 2 (ARMS2) genes. RESULTS: CySS was elevated in cases
      compared with controls (P = .013). After adjustment for age, sex, and smoking,
      this association was not significant. In all participants, CySS levels were
      associated with the CFH polymorphism rs3753394 (P = .028) as well as an 8-allele
      CFH haplotype (P = .029) after correction for age, gender, and smoking. None of
      the other plasma markers was related to AMD status in our cohort. CONCLUSIONS:
      Our investigation of the gene-environment interaction involved in AMD revealed a
      relationship between a plasma biomarker of oxidative stress, CySS, and CFH
      genotype. These data suggest a potential association between inflammatory
      regulators and redox status in AMD pathogenesis.

PMID- 22035605
TI  - The effect of pre-pregnancy BMI on intention, initiation and duration of breast
      feeding.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether pre-pregnancy BMI influences breast-feeding
      practice. DESIGN: Retrospective epidemiological study. SETTING: University
      Hospital Leuven, Catholic University Leuven, Belgium. SUBJECTS: Two hundred women
      (median age 29 years, interquartile range (IQR) 4; 52 % nulliparae) were grouped
      into four categories according to pre-pregnancy BMI using WHO cut-offs. RESULTS:
      The incidence of intention and initiation of breast-feeding was significantly
      lower in underweight (64 %) and obese women (68 %) compared with normal weight
      (92 %) and overweight women (80 %). Initiation was also related to parity (OR =
      0.582; 95 % CI 0.400, 0.846), but not to gestational weight gain, method of
      delivery or hypertensive disorders. Fifty-two per cent of underweight, 70 % of
      normal weight and 56 % of overweight women were exclusively breast-feeding their
      infant during the first month of life. This incidence was significantly lower in
      the obese group (34 %; P = 0.030). Only 40 % of all infants were exclusively
      breast-fed at 3 months of age, with the lowest prevalence among women with
      obesity (P = 0.0 0 1). The median duration of any breast-feeding in the obese
      group (1.8 months, IQR 3.4) was significantly shorter than in the underweight
      (3.0 months, IQR 3.1), normal weight (3.0 months, IQR 2.4) and overweight group
      (3.0 months, IQR 3.5; P = 0.024). Reasons given for ceasing breast-feeding in the
      obese group were maternal complications (29 %), insufficient milk supply (23 %),
      sucking problems (21 %) and work resumption (21 %). CONCLUSIONS: Breast-feeding
      practice in the total population, but especially among women with obesity, fell
      short of global WHO recommended standards. Policy initiatives and local
      interventions should continue to support breast-feeding, but also prevent
      maternal obesity.

PMID- 22035606
TI  - Characterization of the novel HLA-C*16:07:02 allele in a family of Benin origin.
AB  - The novel allele HLA-C*16:07:02 differs from HLA-C* 16:07:01 by a silent
      nucleotide substitution at codon 220 (TAC -> TAT).

PMID- 22035607
TI  - Foreword.

PMID- 22035608
TI  - Pulmonary arterial hypertension.
AB  - Pulmonary hypertension is a complex and multidisciplinary disorder. The
      classification of pulmonary hypertension includes 5 groups. Pulmonary arterial
      hypertension is a rare disorder that can be idiopathic or heritable in nature, or
      associated with other conditions, such as scleroderma or congenital heart
      disease. The recent decades have realized advances in the treatment of this once
      devastating disease. More commonly, pulmonary hypertension is associated with
      other disorders, such as those that elevate left heart filling pressures and
      hypoxemic lung disease. Chronic thromboembolic disease can result in pulmonary
      hypertension. To determine the etiology, a thorough and methodical evaluation
      must be completed. Often, an echocardiogram is the first test to suggest the
      diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension. Studies to identify potential associated
      causes are important. The diagnostic evaluation culminates in right heart
      catheterization. Over recent years, advances in therapies, including the
      prostacyclins, the endothelin receptor antagonists, and the phosphodiesterase
      type 5 inhibitors, have resulted in an improved quality of life and outlook for
      patients with what is often a progressive disease.

PMID- 22035609
TI  - 7 billion of us.

PMID- 22035610
TI  - Multidrug-resistant Salmonella enterica.

PMID- 22035611
TI  - One health: moving from concept to reality.

PMID- 22035612
TI  - Urgent need for formal medical training in infectious diseases in India.

PMID- 22035613
TI  - HIV drug and supply stock-outs in Latin America.

PMID- 22035614
TI  - Integrated delivery of HIV and tuberculosis services in sub-Saharan Africa: a
      systematic review.
AB  - Tuberculosis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in people with HIV and
      about a quarter of HIV-related deaths are attributed to tuberculosis. In this
      Review we identify and synthesise published evidence for the effectiveness and
      cost-effectiveness of eight integrated strategies recommended by WHO that
      represent coordinated delivery of HIV and tuberculosis services. Evidence
      supports concurrent screening for tuberculosis and HIV, and provision of either
      co-trimoxazole during routine tuberculosis care or isoniazid during routine HIV
      care and at voluntary counselling and testing centres. Although integration of
      antiretroviral therapy into tuberculosis care has shown promise for improving
      health outcomes for patients, evidence is insufficient to make conclusive claims.
      Evidence is also insufficient on the accessibility of condoms at tuberculosis
      facilities, the benefits of risk reduction counselling in patients with
      tuberculosis, and the effectiveness of tuberculosis infection control in HIV
      health-care settings. The vertical response to the tuberculosis and HIV epidemics
      is ineffective and inefficient. Implications for policy makers and funders
      include further investments in implementing integrated tuberculosis and HIV
      programmes with known effectiveness, preferably in a way that strengthens health
      systems; evaluative research that identifies barriers to integration; and
      research on integrated strategies for which effectiveness, efficiency, and
      affordability are not well established.

PMID- 22035615
TI  - Prevalence and implications of multiple-strain infections.
AB  - Infections frequently contain multiple strains (genotypes) of the same pathogen,
      yet they are still usually treated as uniform entities. In this Review, we
      discuss problems with inconsistent definition of the term "strain" and review the
      prevalence and implications of multiple-strain infections. Up to now, multiple
      strain infections have been shown unambiguously in 51 human pathogens (and 21 non
      human ones) and are likely to arise in most pathogen species. In human pathogens,
      multiple-strain infections usually reach considerable frequencies (median 11.3%,
      mean 21.7% of infections), which are certainly underestimated in many cases
      because of technical limitations of detection. For many diseases, the importance
      of multiple-strain infections is still unclear, but theoretical work and
      experimental results from animal models suggest a broad range of clinically
      relevant effects. Multiple-strain infections can affect host immune responses and
      our ability to prevent and treat infection efficiently. Competition and mutualism
      between strains change pathogen and disease dynamics and promote pathogen
      evolution. Co-infection enables gene transfer among strains. Taking multiple
      strain infections into account will improve our understanding of host-pathogen
      interactions and disease dynamics, and will provide a basis for novel control
      approaches.

PMID- 22035617
TI  - Pulsed-activated therapy.

PMID- 22035618
TI  - Lapidus arthrodesis.

PMID- 22035620
TI  - Editor's comments.

PMID- 22035621
TI  - Sinus tarsi artery.

PMID- 22035623
TI  - Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus arthritis in adults: case report and
      review of the literature.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) septic arthritis
      has emerged over the past 25 years as an increasingly prevalent and serious
      infection. We sought to characterize the clinical features of MRSA septic
      arthritis in adult patients. METHODS: We report a case of community-acquired
      fatal MRSA septic arthritis of the hip and analyze the clinical features of 56
      additional adult patients with native-joint MRSA septic arthritis identified
      through a systematic literature review. RESULTS: Among 56 previously reported
      cases of MRSA native-joint septic arthritis, 42 were men, 14 had polyarticular
      infections, 5 were previously healthy individuals with community-acquired
      infections, and 8 had a fatal outcome. The most frequent predisposing factor was
      a preexisting rheumatologic condition. The knees and shoulders were most commonly
      affected. CONCLUSIONS: MRSA native-joint septic arthritis is a predominantly male
      disease that is usually nosocomial in origin but can occur rarely in health care
      naive patients. A preexisting rheumatic disease is the most common
      predisposition. Community-acquired MRSA septic arthritis can be fatal. Cultures
      should be performed promptly, to identify potential antibiotic resistance.
      Patients presenting with both community-acquired and nosocomial septic arthritis
      should receive initial antibiotic treatment that includes coverage for MRSA.

PMID- 22035624
TI  - Psychological factors affecting the outcome of total hip and knee arthroplasty: a
      systematic review.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Recently, numerous studies have reported that psychological factors
      can influence the outcome of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) and total hip
      arthroplasty (THA). However, a systematic overview is missing. The objective of
      this study was to examine which psychological factors influence the outcome of
      TKA and THA and to what extent. METHODS: Data were obtained from the MEDLINE and
      EMBASE databases from inception to January 2011. Search terms included TKA and
      THA, outcome measures, and psychological aspects. Two reviewers independently
      selected the studies. Studies with a prospective before-after design with a
      minimum follow-up time of 6 weeks were included. One reviewer extracted the
      results and 2 reviewers independently conducted quality assessment. We
      distinguished between follow-up shorter and equal or longer than 1 year. RESULTS:
      Thirty-five of 1837 studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in this
      systematic review. In follow-ups shorter than 1 year, and for knee patients only,
      strong evidence was found that patients with pain catastrophizing reported more
      pain postoperatively. Furthermore, strong evidence was found that preoperative
      depression had no influence on postoperative functioning. In long-term follow-up,
      1 year after TKA, strong evidence was found that lower preoperative mental health
      (measures with the SF-12 or SF-36) was associated with lower scores on function
      and pain. For THA, only limited, conflicting, or no evidence was found.
      CONCLUSIONS: Low preoperative mental health and pain catastrophizing have an
      influence on outcome after TKA. With regard to the influence of other
      psychological factors and for hip patients, only limited, conflicting, or no
      evidence was found.

PMID- 22035625
TI  - Central sensitization in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic
      literature review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The goal of the present study is to systematically review the
      scientific literature addressing central sensitization and central nociceptive
      processing in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: To identify
      relevant articles, we searched PubMed and Web of Science. The search strategy was
      a combination of terms of the following groups: "Rheumatoid arthritis,"
      inflammatory joint pain, or arthritis; AND (central) sensitization, (central)
      hypersensitivity, central hyperexcitability, pain modulation, pain processing,
      neural inhibition, or pain physiopathology; AND pain, nociception, hyperalgesia,
      pain threshold, or algometry. Articles fulfilling the inclusion criteria were
      screened for methodologic quality with specific checklists to evaluate different
      study designs (2 independent raters). RESULTS: Twenty-four full-text articles
      were included, of which the majority were case-control studies, followed by
      nonsystematic reviews, cross-sectional studies, and case reports. Methodologic
      quality was very heterogeneous. Preliminary evidence for generalized hyperalgesia
      in RA is available. In addition, the mechanism behind impaired central
      nociceptive processing remains rather obscure. The role of cytokines and
      neuropeptides especially remains to be elucidated. Windup appears to develop more
      easily in RA, but evidence in support of impaired nociceptive inhibition and
      cognitive emotional sensitization (sensitization due to cognitive bias) is
      scarce. CONCLUSIONS: The symmetrical manifestation of the disease, the poor
      relation between disease activity and symptoms, and the generalized hyperalgesia
      at both articular and nonarticular sites for different kinds of stimuli are
      indicative of the presence of central sensitization in RA patients. Further
      research is required to provide firm evidence in support of various aspects of
      central sensitization in humans with RA.

PMID- 22035626
TI  - Subclinical atherosclerosis and endothelial dysfunction in patients with early
      rheumatoid arthritis as evidenced by measurement of carotid intima-media
      thickness and flow-mediated vasodilatation: an observational study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In this study, we aimed to investigate the frequency of endothelial
      dysfunction and subclinical atherosclerosis in early rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
      patients by carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and endothelial-dependent flow
      mediated vasodilatation (ED-FMD) as compared with healthy controls. METHODS: The
      study included 35 early RA patients (disease duration <12 months) and 35 healthy
      controls. Intima-media thickness of common carotid artery and ED-FMD of brachial
      artery were measured by high-resolution ultrasonography. Disease activity of RA
      was assessed by Disease Activity Score and activities of daily living were
      determined by Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index Score. RESULTS: RA
      patients (age 38.3 +/- 10.6 years) had average disease duration of 0.46 +/- 0.28
      years and 22 patients (62.9%) were rheumatoid factor (RF) positive (RF titer
      >9.56 IU/mL). There were no significant differences between age, sex, and lipid
      profiles of patient and control group. cIMT was significantly higher in RA
      patients (0.50 +/- 0.16 mm) than in controls (0.44 +/- 0.09 mm) (P = 0.007).
      Similarly, FMD% was significantly lower in RA patients [5.26 (2.9-10.6)] as
      compared with controls [10.34 (7.4-14.3)] (P = 0.004). Age, systolic blood
      pressure, tender joint count, and swollen joint count had significant
      correlations with patient cIMT. RF titer came out to be the major risk factor for
      increased cIMT of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with controls, early RA
      patients have higher cIMT and lower FMD%, denoting premature atherosclerosis. Our
      data suggest that early determination of FMD% and cIMT may be useful tools to
      assess cardiovascular risk even in early RA patients.

PMID- 22035627
TI  - High survivin levels predict poor clinical response to infliximab treatment in
      patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if the measurement of survivin in the blood of patients
      with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) undergoing infliximab treatment has predictive
      value for treatment response. METHODS: The study included 87 consecutive RA
      patients (age 24-89 years, disease duration 18-526 months) treated with regular
      infusions of influximab. Survivin levels were measured by enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay and evaluated in relation to the total dose of infliximab,
      disease activity (DAS28), response to infliximab treatment (change in DAS28
      >1.2), and radiographic damage (vdH-Sharp score). RESULTS: Thirty-seven percent
      of patients were survivin-positive (survivin >0.9 ng/mL) and showed severe
      radiographic damage at the start of infliximab treatment compared with survivin
      negative (P = 0.027). Patients with high survivin levels were unlikely to respond
      to infliximab treatment (OR 4.02 [1.22-14.61], P = 0.022) and achieve remission
      (OR 4.32[1.01-30.11], P = 0.048) compared with patients with low survivin levels.
      CONCLUSIONS: High survivin levels are associated with severe radiographic damage
      at the start of treatment and a poor response to infliximab. Survivin measurement
      should be considered an additional tool for aiding the selection and follow-up of
      antirheumatic treatment.

PMID- 22035628
TI  - Imaging approaches for evaluating peripheral joint abnormalities in juvenile
      idiopathic arthritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess the usefulness of imaging studies for peripheral joint
      assessment in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), based on a
      systematic literature review. METHODS: We used PubMed to identify relevant
      articles published between 2000 and 2011. RESULTS: Plain radiography is still the
      reference imaging study for monitoring joint destruction in patients with JIA,
      and the results correlate well with the clinical findings. Radiographs should be
      obtained routinely during follow-up and in therapeutic trials. Available scoring
      methods have been validated in children, but no recommendations are available on
      the intervals between radiographic assessments. Ultrasonography and magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) can detect inflammatory changes that precede bone
      destruction. Ultrasonography features in JIA are still being studied.
      Ultrasonography can detect clinically silent synovitis, which has major
      implications for determining the JIA subtype. MRI is the only imaging study
      capable of showing bone marrow edema, which predicts joint destruction.
      CONCLUSIONS: Although radiography remains the reference standard imaging study
      for assessing peripheral joint destruction in JIA, ultrasonography and MRI allow
      the early detection of predestructive changes, the presence of which affects
      treatment decisions. Much more work is needed to determine the optimal imaging
      protocols, the best interval between imaging evaluations during follow-up, and
      the therapeutic implications of imaging study findings.

PMID- 22035629
TI  - A novel HLA-A*30 allele, HLA-A*30:36.
AB  - A novel HLA allele, HLA-A*30:36, is found in a donor from the Central German Bone
      Marrow Donor Registry.

PMID- 22035630
TI  - Platelet dysfunction in vascular pathologies and how can it be treated.
AB  - Cardiovascular diseases are one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality
      in industrialized countries, and although many processes play a role in the
      development of vascular disease, thrombosis is the primary event that
      precipitates stroke and acute coronary syndromes. The blood platelets are of
      significant importance in medicine. These cells are involved in many
      physiological processes, particularly haemostasis through their ability to
      aggregate and form clots in response to activation. In addition, these dynamic
      cells display activities that extend beyond thrombosis, including an important
      role in initiating and sustaining vascular inflammation. The expansion of
      knowledge from basic and clinical research has highlighted the critical position
      of platelets in several inflammatory diseases such as arthritis and
      atherosclerosis. Platelets are emerging as important mediators of inflammation
      and provide important signals to mediate phenotype of other blood and vascular
      cells. The important role of platelets in arterial thrombosis and the onset of
      acute myocardial infarction after atherosclerotic plaque rupture make inhibition
      of platelet aggregation a critical step in preventing thrombotic events
      associated with stroke, heart attack, and peripheral arterial thrombosis.
      However, the use of platelet inhibitors for thrombosis prevention must seek a
      delicate balance between inhibiting platelet activation and an associated
      increased bleeding risk. The aim of this review is to up-date the knowledge on
      platelets physiology and dysfunction in pathologies, such as diabetes mellitus,
      hypercholesterolemia, and hypertension, emphasizing the link between platelets
      and the inflammation-related atherosclerosis. The review evaluates the
      opportunities offered by the novel platelet inhibitors to efficiently alleviate
      the thrombotic events.

PMID- 22035631
TI  - Heparin attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury by inhibiting
      nitric oxide synthase and TGF-beta/Smad signaling pathway.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Heparin, a potent blood anticoagulant, has been shown to exert a
      variety of pharmacological activities. The purpose of this study was to
      investigate whether heparin has a beneficial effect on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)
      induced acute lung injury (ALI) in rats and to further explore the possible
      underlying mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Adult Sprague-Dawley rats were
      randomly assigned into the control, heparin, LPS, and LPS plus heparin groups.
      ALI was induced by intratracheal instillation of LPS at a dose of 1 mg/kg. Rats
      in the LPS plus heparin group were intravenously received 50 U/ kg heparin every
      1 h after the induction of ALI. RESULTS: We found that heparin significantly
      improved LPS-induced lung pathological changes, inhibited myeloperoxidase (MPO)
      activity, and reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) level and lung wet/dry weight ratio.
      Heparin also inhibited the release of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and
      interleukin (IL)-6, and markedly decreased the expression of inducible nitric
      oxide synthase (iNOS) in lung tissues and thus prevented nitric oxide (NO)
      release in response to LPS challenge. Additionally, heparin decreased the
      expression of transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1), p-Smad 2, and p-Smad
      3, which are all important molecules of the TGF-beta1/Smad signaling pathway.
      CONCLUSIONS: Heparin significantly ameliorated the lung injury induced by LPS in
      rats via the inhibition of nitric oxide synthase expression and the TGF-beta/Smad
      pathway. Heparin may be a potential therapeutic reagent for treating ALI in the
      future.

PMID- 22035632
TI  - Circulating levels of thrombospondin-1 are decreased in HELLP syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Preeclampsia is characterised by an imbalance of circulating pro- and
      anti-angiogenic factors. The syndrome of haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and
      low platelet count (HELLP) develops mostly on the ground of preeclampsia, and one
      of its important features is the severe disturbance of the coagulation system,
      intravascular coagulopathy. Thrombospondin-1 (TSP-1) is derived from the
      endothelium and platelets, and exerts potent pro-thrombotic and anti-angiogenic
      effects. Our aim was to determine, whether its circulating levels are altered in
      preeclampsia and in HELLP syndrome. METHODS: We enrolled 45 pregnant women with
      early-, 43 with late-onset preeclampsia, 21 with HELLP-syndrome, 45 with
      uncomplicated pregnancy and 20 non-pregnant controls in our case-control study.
      TSP-1 levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS:
      Circulating TSP-1 levels were lower in HELLP syndrome compared to all other study
      groups, while they were unaltered in preeclampsia compared to the control groups.
      There was a significant positive linear correlation between TSP-1 levels and
      platelet count in HELLP syndrome. In patients with more severe HELLP syndrome,
      TSP-1 levels were significantly lower compared to women suffering from a milder
      form of HELLP syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: Circulating thrombospondin-1 levels are
      decreased in HELLP syndrome and they seem to reflect disease severity, lower
      levels representing a more severe state. Nevertheless, despite its potent anti
      angiogenic effect, our results suggest that circulating TSP-1 does not play a
      significant role in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.

PMID- 22035633
TI  - Urinary excretion of iPF(2alpha)-III predicts the risk of future thrombotic
      events. A 10-year follow-up.

PMID- 22035634
TI  - Imaging for target volume delineation in rectal cancer radiotherapy--a systematic
      review.
AB  - The global move towards more conformal radiotherapy for rectal cancer requires
      better imaging modalities that both visualise the disease accurately and are
      reproducible; to reduce interobserver variation. This review explores the
      advances in imaging modalities used in target volume delineation, with a view to
      make recommendations for current clinical practice and to propose future
      directions for research. A systematic review was conducted using MEDLINE and
      EMBASE. Articles considered relevant by the authors were included. Planning with
      orthogonal films is being replaced by computed tomography (CT) simulation. This
      is now considered the 'gold standard' and allows conformal three-dimensional
      planning. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been shown to overcome some of the
      limitations of CT and can be used either as a diagnostic image to visually aid
      planning, or as a 'planning' MRI carried out in the treatment position and co
      registered with the planning CT. The latter approach has been shown to change the
      treated volumes compared with CT and in prostate cancer patients has been shown
      to reduce interobserver variation. There are remaining issues with four
      dimensional motion that are yet to be fully appreciated or overcome. 2-[18F]
      fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose positron emission tomography/CT co-registered with
      planning CT results in smaller volumes than CT alone and also reduces
      interobserver variation, but requires further validation before routine
      implementation. Experimental work utilising novel positron emission tomography
      tracers and diffusion-weighted MRI shows promise and requires further evaluation.
      Rigorous quality assurance is important with processing of newer imaging
      modalities. Further work needs to be conducted into both interobserver variation
      and the formal evaluation of the clinical benefits of newer imaging modalities.
      Developments in image-guided radiotherapy are also required to ensure that
      improvements in target definition at the planning stage are reproducible
      throughout treatment.

PMID- 22035635
TI  - Bailing out.

PMID- 22035636
TI  - Effect of dietary beta-agonist treatment, vitamin D3 supplementation and
      electrical stimulation of carcasses on colour and drip loss of steaks from
      feedlot steers.
AB  - In this study, 20 young steers received no beta-agonist (C) and 100 animals all
      received zilpaterol hydrochloride (Z), with 1 group receiving Z while the other 4
      groups receiving Z and vitamin D(3) at the following levels (IU/animal/day) and
      durations before slaughter: 7million for 3days (3D7M) or 6days (6D7M), 7million
      for 6days with 7days no supplementation (6D7M7N) and 1million for 9days (9D1M).
      Left carcass sides were electrically stimulated (ES) and right sides not (NES).
      Samples were analysed fresh or vacuum-aged for 14days post mortem. Parameters
      included drip loss and instrumental colour measurements. In general, zilpaterol
      showed increased drip loss, lighter meat, and reduced redness. Vitamin D(3)
      supplementation could not consistently overcome these negative effects. All
      vitamin D(3) treatments reduced drip loss of stimulated aged steaks.

PMID- 22035637
TI  - [Systematic literature review on patient safety in medical departments].
AB  - Patient safety is an issue of interest. All scenarios of health care have a risk
      of adverse events (AE) and determination of its incidence has been reported in
      virtually all medical specialties. OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence reported
      in the medical literature of adverse events in medical departments. DESIGN AND
      METHODS: An exhaustive search of biomedical databases using different strategies,
      search in high impact journals and a manual search of related articles. RESULTS:
      We reviewed 17,437 entries. After reading the abstracts and articles, and
      applying previously defined inclusion and exclusion criteria, we selected 10
      articles that reported the incidence of adverse events in medical departments.
      Most studies corresponded to a historical cohort, had used an AE screening to
      identify high risk patients, and had used a structured review to check clinical
      records. None of them had as their ultimate objective to report on the impact of
      adverse events or characterize them. The incidence reported in medical
      departments ranged from 3.6% to 21.7%. The definitions of adverse events and
      forms of detection were similar; however the few differences put the
      comparability at risk. CONCLUSION: No studies were aimed at quantifying or
      characterising the adverse events in health care. None of them defined what
      constitutes a medical department, although the results reported are within the
      published values for health systems. Further research is needed in this area.

PMID- 22035638
TI  - Limitations to maximum sprinting speed imposed by muscle mechanical properties.
AB  - It has been suggested that the force-velocity relationship of skeletal muscle
      plays a critical limiting role in the maximum speed at which humans can sprint.
      However, this theory has not been tested directly, and it is possible that other
      muscle mechanical properties play limiting roles as well. In this study, forward
      dynamics simulations of human sprinting were generated using a 2D musculoskeletal
      model actuated by Hill muscle models. The initial simulation results compared
      favorably to kinetic, kinematic, and electromyographic data recorded from
      sprinting humans. Muscle mechanical properties were then removed in isolation to
      quantify their effect on maximum sprinting speed. Removal of the force-velocity,
      excitation-activation, and force-length relationships increased the maximum speed
      by 15, 8, and 4%, respectively. Removal of the series elastic force-extension
      relationship decreased the maximum speed by 26%. Each relationship affected both
      stride length and stride frequency except for the force-length relationship,
      which mainly affected stride length. Removal of all muscular properties entirely
      (optimized joint torques) increased speed (+22%) to a greater extent than the
      removal of any single contractile property. The results indicate that the force
      velocity relationship is indeed the most important contractile property of muscle
      regarding limits to maximum sprinting speed, but that other muscular properties
      also play important roles. Interactions between the various muscular properties
      should be considered when explaining limits to maximal human performance.

PMID- 22035639
TI  - Pulsatile extracorporeal circulation during on-pump cardiac surgery enhances
      aortic wall shear stress.
AB  - Controversy on superiority of pulsatile versus non-pulsatile extracorporeal
      circulation in cardiac surgery still continues. Stroke as one of the major
      adverse events during cardiopulmonary bypass is, in the majority of cases, caused
      by mobilization of aortic arteriosclerotic plaques that is inducible by
      pathologically elevated wall shear stress values. The present study employs
      computational fluid dynamics to evaluate the aortic blood flow and wall shear
      stress profiles under the influence of antegrade or retrograde perfusion with
      pulsatile versus non-pulsatile extracorporeal circulation. While, compared to
      physiological flow, a non-pulsatile perfusion resulted in generally decreased
      blood velocities and only moderately increased shear forces (48 Pa versus 20 Pa
      antegradely and 127 Pa versus 30 Pa retrogradely), a pulsatile perfusion
      extensively enhanced the occurrence of turbulences, maximum blood flow speed and
      maximum wall shear stress (1020 Pa versus 20 Pa antegradely and 1178 Pa versus 30
      Pa retrogradely). Under these circumstances arteriosclerotic embolism has to be
      considered. Further simulations and experimental work are necessary to elucidate
      the impact of our findings on the scientific discourse of pulsatile versus non
      pulsatile extracorporeal circulation.

PMID- 22035640
TI  - Design of next generation total disk replacements.
AB  - To improve the treatments for low back pain, new designs of total disk
      replacement have been proposed. The question is how well these designs can act as
      a functional replacement of the intervertebral disk. Four finite element models
      were made, for four different design concepts, to determine how well they can
      mimic the physiological intervertebral disk mechanical function. The four designs
      were a homogenous elastomer, a multi-stiffness elastomer, an elastomer with fiber
      jacket, and a hydrogel with fiber jacket. The best material properties of the
      four models were determined by optimizing the model behavior to match the
      behavior of the intervertebral disk in flexion-extension, axial rotation, and
      lateral bending. It was shown that neither a homogeneous elastomer nor a multi
      stiffness elastomer could mimic the non-linear behavior within the physiological
      range of motion. Including a fiber jacket around an elastomer allowed for
      physiological motion in all degrees of freedom. Replacing the elastomer by a
      hydrogel yielded similar good behavior. Mimicking the non-linear behavior of the
      intervertebral disk, in the physiological range of motion is essential in
      maintaining and restoring spinal motion and in protecting surrounding tissues
      like the facet joints or adjacent segments. This was accomplished with designs
      mimicking the function of the annulus fibrosus.

PMID- 22035641
TI  - The oscillatory behavior of the CoM facilitates mechanical energy balance between
      push-off and heel strike.
AB  - Humans use equal push-off and heel strike work during the double support phase to
      minimize the mechanical work done on the center of mass (CoM) during the gait.
      Recently, a step-to-step transition was reported to occur over a period of time
      greater than that of the double support phase, which brings into question whether
      the energetic optimality is sensitive to the definition of the step-to-step
      transition. To answer this question, the ground reaction forces (GRFs) of seven
      normal human subjects walking at four different speeds (1.1-2.4 m/s) were
      measured, and the push-off and heel strike work for three differently defined
      step-to-step transitions were computed based on the force, work, and velocity. To
      examine the optimality of the work and the impulse data, a hybrid theoretical
      empirical analysis is presented using a dynamic walking model that allows finite
      time for step-to-step transitions and incorporates the effects of gravity within
      this period. The changes in the work and impulse were examined parametrically
      across a range of speeds. The results showed that the push-off work on the CoM
      was well balanced by the heel strike work for all three definitions of the step
      to-step transition. The impulse data were well matched by the optimal impulse
      predictions (R(2)>0.7) that minimized the mechanical work done on the CoM during
      the gait. The results suggest that the balance of push-off and heel strike energy
      is a consistent property arising from the overall gait dynamics, which implies an
      inherited oscillatory behavior of the CoM, possibly by spring-like leg mechanics.

PMID- 22035642
TI  - A novel strategy to develop therapeutic approaches to prevent proliferative
      vitreoretinopathy.
AB  - Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) thwarts the repair of rhegmatogenous
      retinal detachments. Currently, there is no effective prevention for PVR.
      Platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRalpha) is associated with PVR
      in humans and strongly promotes experimental PVR driven by multiple vitreal
      growth factors outside the PDGF family. We sought to identify vitreal factors
      required for experimental PVR and to establish a potential approach to prevent
      PVR. Vitreous was obtained from normal rabbits or those in which PVR was either
      developing or stabilized. Normal vitreous contained substantial levels of growth
      factors and cytokines, which changed quantitatively and/or qualitatively as PVR
      progressed and stabilized. Neutralizing a subset of these agents in rabbit
      vitreous eliminated their ability to induce PVR-relevant signaling and cellular
      responses. A single intravitreal injection of neutralizing reagents for this
      subset prevented experimental PVR. To identify growth factors and cytokines
      likely driving PVR in humans, we subjected vitreous from patients with or without
      PVR to a similar series of analyses. This analysis accurately identified those
      agents required for vitreous-induced contraction of cells from a patient PVR
      membrane. We conclude that combination therapy encompassing a subset of vitreal
      growth factors and cytokines is a potential approach to prevent PVR.

PMID- 22035644
TI  - [New knowledge in genetics and inflammatory bowel disease. Are there any
      practical applications?].

PMID- 22035643
TI  - Trajectory classes of depression in a randomized depression trial of heart
      failure patients: a reanalysis of the SADHART-CHF trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this article was to determine whether, in drug
      intervention trials, growth mixture modeling (GMM) is able to identify drug
      responsive trajectory classes that are not evident in traditional growth modeling
      approaches. METHODS: We reanalyzed acute phase (biweekly data up to 7 occasions)
      and longitudinal (12 months) data on the 469 patients in the SADHART-CHF study of
      the safety and efficacy of sertraline for depression in patients with heart
      failure. GMM was used to identify the trajectory classes present in the treatment
      and placebo groups, based on Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores. RESULTS:
      Two distinct trajectory classes were identified in the treatment group: (1)
      chronic depressives (12%), who remained depressed through the treatment phase;
      and (2) responders (88%), who had scores indicating nondepression at the
      conclusion of the acute phase. At baseline, chronic depressives were
      distinguished by higher Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores, the presence of
      implantable cardioverter defibrillators, and a history of anxiety. During follow
      up, they were more likely to have unstable angina. Only responders remitted
      (70%). Three distinct trajectories were identified in the placebo group: (1)
      moderating depressives (19%), (2) temporary improvers (13%), and (3) responders
      (68%). At baseline, the classes differed in mean Hamilton Depression Rating Scale
      scores, responders' scores falling between the other 2 classes, and the
      proportion with renal disease. Only remission differed at follow-up: responders
      (76%), moderating depressives (21%), and temporary improvers (3%). Where the
      traditional analytic approach found improvement from moderate to mild depression
      but no significant treatment effect, GMM found response in 20% more people in the
      treatment group than in the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS: Unlike conventionally
      used, standard analytic approaches, which focus on intervention impact at study
      end or change from baseline to study end, GMM enables maximum use of repeated
      data to identify unique trajectories of latent classes that are responsive to the
      intervention.

PMID- 22035645
TI  - Peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumour of the liver: a case report and
      review of the literature.
AB  - Peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumour (PNET) is a malignant mesenchymal
      tumour. Although PNETs can occur in numerous solid organs, it is an extremely
      rare tumour entity, specially involving the liver. We report a 19-year-old boy
      with Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection who was diagnosed with a primary PNET of
      the liver.

PMID- 22035646
TI  - Estimating postoperative skull defect volume from CT images using the ABC method.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Surgeons often perform decompressive craniectomy to alleviate a
      medically-refractory increase of intracranial pressure. The frequency of this
      type of surgery is on the rise. The goal of this study is to develop a simple
      formula for clinicians to estimate the volume of the skull defect, based on
      postoperative computed tomography (CT) studies. METHODS: We collected thirty sets
      of postoperative CT images from patients undergoing craniectomy. We measured the
      skull defect volume by computer-assisted volumetric analysis (V(m)) and our own
      ABC technique (V(abc)). We then compared the volumes measured by these two
      methods. RESULTS: The V(m) ranged from 3.2 to 76.4 mL, with a mean of 38.9 mL.
      The V(abc) ranged from 3.8 to 71.5 mL, with a mean of 38.5 mL. The absolute
      differences between V(abc) and V(m) ranged from 0.05 to 17.5 mL (mean: 3.8+/
      4.2). There was no statistically significant difference between V(abc) and V(m)
      (p=0.961). The correlation coefficient between V(abc) and V(m) was 0.969. In
      linear regression analysis, the slope was 1.00086 and the intercept was -0.0035
      mL (r(2)=0.939). The residual was 5.7 mL. CONCLUSION: We confirmed that the ABC
      technique is a simple and accurate method for estimating skull defect volume, and
      we recommend routine application of this formula for all decompressive
      craniectomies.

PMID- 22035647
TI  - The impact of preoperative counseling on postoperative treatment adherence in
      bariatric surgery patients: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess if attendance to a preoperative counseling program improved
      weight loss or adherence to treatment guidelines in patients who underwent
      bariatric surgery. METHODS: One-hundred-forty-one patients were included in the
      study. Sixty-nine percent chose to participate in the counseling groups. They
      were randomized to a Treatment group and a Control group. Thirty-one percent
      chose not to participate in the counseling. However, they gave their consent to
      assessment before and after surgery (Reference group). RESULTS: One year after
      bariatric surgery, 88% had a weight loss of >= 50% EWL, 37% reported more than 30
      min of physical activity daily, 74% had 5-7 meals daily, and 87% took recommended
      vitamins. There were no differences in weight loss, eating habits, or physical
      exercise between the Treatment group, the Control group and the Reference group
      one year after surgery. CONCLUSION: Preoperative group counseling did not
      increase treatment adherence to recommended life-style changes. PRACTICE
      IMPLICATIONS: In accordance with findings in the present study, it is not
      reasonable to offer a preoperative counseling program for all patients undergoing
      bariatric surgery. Further research should focus on developing and evaluating
      programs for postsurgical follow-up, and identifying patients that are in need
      for more comprehensive treatment programs.

PMID- 22035648
TI  - A prospective open-label trial of quetiapine monotherapy in preschool and school
      age children with bipolar spectrum disorder.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although bipolar disorder frequently onsets in the preschool years,
      treatment studies to guide management of these highly dysfunctional children are
      limited. This study evaluates the response to quetiapine monotherapy in preschool
      and school age children with bipolar spectrum disorder (BSD). METHOD: Two eight
      week, prospective, open-label trials utilizing identical methodology to assess
      the effectiveness and tolerability of quetiapine monotherapy in the treatment of
      BSD in preschool (age 4-6 years) and school age children (age 6-15 years).
      RESULTS: Forty-nine children (30 preschool and 19 school age) with BSD (Young
      Mania Rating Scale [YMRS] at entry: 34.5+/-5.5 and 30+/-6.5 respectively) were
      enrolled and 34 (20 preschool and 14 school age) completed the trial. Quetiapine
      was titrated to a mean endpoint dose of 175.8+/-63.8 mg/day in preschool and
      248.7+/-153.1 mg/day in school age children. At endpoint, treatment with
      quetiapine was associated with similar and statistically significant improvement
      in mean YMRS scores in preschool (-14.5+/-11.5, p<0.001) and school age (-13+/
      9.8, p<0.001) children. Quetiapine was generally well tolerated with treatment
      limiting adverse-events observed in 3/30 preschool and 1/19 school age children.
      Quetiapine monotherapy in preschool and school age children was associated with
      significant weight gain (+3.1+/-1.8 and +7.4+/-7.7 lb respectively, p<0.001) and
      with clinically insignificant changes in vital signs. LIMITATIONS: As an
      uncontrolled study, the assessments were not blind to treatment and the effects
      of treatment cannot be separated from time. CONCLUSIONS: Open-label quetiapine
      treatment was beneficial for the treatment of BSD in preschool and school age
      children. Further controlled trials are warranted.

PMID- 22035649
TI  - The coin toss of B cells in rejection and tolerance: danger versus defense.
AB  - Transplantation is the preferred therapy for the end stage organ disease. Since
      the introduction of organ transplantation into medical practice in 1953 [1],
      significant progress has been achieved in patient and graft survival rates due to
      improvements in surgical techniques and more targeted immunosuppressive
      medications [2]. Nevertheless, current gaps in the management of the transplant
      patient stem from an incomplete understanding about the heterogeneity of the
      injury response in organ transplantation, at different rates and different time
      points after transplantation, as well as our inability to monitor the immunologic
      threshold of risk versus safety in each individual patient. Recent advances in
      immunology/transplantation biology with the advent of high throughput "omic"
      assays such as gene microarrays, proteomics, metabolomics, antibiomics, chemical
      genomics and functional imaging with nanoparticles, offers us unique methods to
      interrogate and decipher the variability and unpredictability of the immune
      response in organ transplantation (Fig. 1) [3]. Recent studies using these
      applications [3-8] have uncovered a critical and pivotal role for specific B cell
      lineages in organ injury [9] and organ acceptance [10,11] (Fig. 2). The
      availability of specific therapies against some of these defined B cell
      populations provides for an exciting new field of B cell targeted manipulation
      that can both abrogate the allospecific injury response, as well as promote
      allospecific graft accommodation and health.

PMID- 22035650
TI  - When the game demons take real lives: a call for global awareness raising for
      venous thromboembolism.

PMID- 22035651
TI  - Release of endothelial microparticles in vivo during atorvastatin treatment; a
      randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study.

PMID- 22035652
TI  - Prevalence and impact of complications on outcomes in patients hospitalized for
      oral and oropharyngeal cancer treatment.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We studied the association between presence of complications and
      hospitalization outcomes, including hospital charges, length of stay in hospital,
      and in-hospital mortality. METHODS: The Nationwide Inpatient Sample for 2008 was
      used. All hospital discharges with a primary diagnosis of oral and oropharyngeal
      cancers were selected. Presence of complications was determined by using ICD-9-CM
      codes. The association between the presence of complications and outcomes
      (hospital charges, length of stay, and in-hospital mortality) was examined by
      multivariable linear and multivariable logistic regression analyses. The effects
      of several patient- and hospital-related confounders were adjusted in the
      regression analyses. RESULTS: A total of 17,632 hospitalizations were attributed
      to oral and oropharyngeal cancers. A total of 519 (2.9%) patients died in the
      hospitals. The total hospitalization charges were close to $1.08 billion. Oral
      and oropharyngeal cancers accounted for 117,472 hospitalization days (mean length
      of stay 6.6 days). The overall complication rate was 14.95%. The most frequently
      present complication was hemorrhagic complications. Among the different
      complications, septicemia was associated with the worst outcomes. Patients with
      septicemia were associated with the highest odds for in-hospital mortality (OR =
      13.06, 95% CI = 3.81-48.50, P = .0001). CONCLUSIONS: Presence of complications
      was associated with poor outcomes, such as high in-hospital mortality rates,
      excess hospitalization charges, and longer length of stay in hospital. Among the
      different complications, septicemia was associated with the worst outcomes.

PMID- 22035654
TI  - Rapidly enlarging nodular lesion of the anterior maxilla.

PMID- 22035653
TI  - Human beta-defensin-3 (hBD-3) upregulated by LPS via epidermal growth factor
      receptor (EGFR) signaling pathways to enhance lymphatic invasion of oral squamous
      cell carcinoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In this study, the hypothesis that hBD-3 is upregulated by LPS via
      epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathways to enhance metastasis
      in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) was tested. STUDY DESIGN: hBD-3 expression
      in human tissue specimens was evaluated by RT-qPCR and immunohistochemical
      staining. The presence of hBD-3 peptide in the culture supernatants of each type
      of treated cells was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The
      chemotaxis response to LPS or hBD-3 protein of SCC-25 cells or siRNA-hBD-3
      transfected cells were also measured by chemotaxis assay. Paired, 2-tailed
      Student t test and analysis of variance was used to assess the statistical
      significance between 2 groups or many groups. RESULTS: hBD-3 is highly expressed
      and associated with lymphatic invasion of OSCC. hBD-3 expression and EGFR
      phosphorylation were markedly upregulated when SCC-25 cells were treated with
      LPS. When SCC-25 cells were preincubated with EGFR inhibitor or TLR4-neutralizing
      Ab before LPS stimulation, a decrease in the expression of hBD-3 was observed.
      hBD-3 markedly enhanced cancer metastasis, and the chemotaxis response to LPS of
      SCC-25 cells was partly blocked by siRNA target hBD-3. CONCLUSION: These findings
      indicate that hBD-3 is upregulated by LPS via EGFR signaling pathways to enhance
      lymphatic invasion of OSCC.

PMID- 22035655
TI  - Does air pollution increase the effect of aeroallergens on hospitalization for
      asthma?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clinical experiments demonstrate that the asthmatic response to an
      aeroallergen can be enhanced by prior exposure to an air pollutant. OBJECTIVE: We
      sought to compare the effects of ambient aeroallergens on hospitalization for
      asthma between high and low air pollution days in 11 large Canadian cities.
      METHODS: Daily time-series analysis was used, and results were adjusted for day
      of the week, temperature, barometric pressure, and relative humidity. RESULTS:
      The relative risk of admission for an interquartile increase in tree pollen
      levels was 1.124 (95% CI, 1.101-1.147) on days of lower values of fine
      particulate matter with a median aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to 2.5
      MUm (PM(2.5)) compared with 1.179 (95% CI, 1.149-1.21) on days of higher PM(2.5)
      values. Significant (P <= .05) differences in the relative risks of admission
      between lower versus higher values of particulate matter with a median
      aerodynamic diameter less than or equal to 10 MUm in diameter were 1.149 (95% CI,
      1.118-1.181) versus 1.210 (95% CI, 1.161-1.261) for ascomycetes, 1.112 (95% CI,
      1.085-1.14) versus 1.302 (95% CI, 1.242-1.364) for basidiomycetes, 1.159 (95% CI,
      1.125-1.195) versus 1.149 (95% CI, 1.129-1.169) for deuteromycetes, and 1.061
      (95% CI, 1.016-1.107) versus 1.117 (95% CI, 1.092-1.143) for weeds. CONCLUSION:
      We identified an association between aeroallergens and hospitalizations for
      asthma, which was enhanced on days of higher air pollution. Minimizing exposure
      to air pollution might reduce allergic exacerbations of asthma.

PMID- 22035656
TI  - Oral food challenge practices among allergists in the United States.

PMID- 22035657
TI  - Medical and economic impact of misdiagnosis of drug hypersensitivity in
      hospitalized patients.

PMID- 22035658
TI  - Population diversity of Staphylococcus aureus isolated from bovine mastitis in
      Brazilian dairy herds.
AB  - Population diversity was evaluated in strains of Staphylococcus aureus isolated
      from bovine mastitis in Brazilian dairy herds by PCR-RFLP and sequencing of the
      3'-terminal portion of the coagulase gene, and the susceptibility of strains to
      antimicrobials. The results showed great diversity in S. aureus population
      studied and the existence of predominant clones that account for most infections.
      No associations between the predominant types observed in the PCR-RFLP and the
      forms of presentation of the mastitis or to any of the different patterns of
      antimicrobial resistance were observed.

PMID- 22035659
TI  - Identification of NO induced and capacitation associated tyrosine phosphoproteins
      in buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) spermatozoa.
AB  - To acquire the fertilizing competence, spermatozoa must undergo a cascade of
      physiological and biochemical changes collectively defined as capacitation.
      Compelling evidence signifies that the global increase in protein tyrosine
      phosphorylation is the driving factor for capacitation. In our laboratory, we
      previously demonstrated that nitric oxide (NO) induces capacitation in buffalo
      sperm and is associated with an increase in protein tyrosine phosphorylation. The
      aim of the present study is to identify the proteins undergo tyrosine
      phosphorylation during NO induced buffalo sperm capacitation using 2-D
      immunoblotting and mass spectrometry. The percentage of progressively motile and
      capacitated sperm was more in presence of l-arginine. Along with known tyrosine
      phosphoproteins like ATP synthase subunit beta, pyruvate dehydrogenase E1
      component subunit beta, GST mu 3, F-actin capping protein subunit beta 2, GPD2
      and VDAC2, interestingly novel tyrosine phosphoprotein substrates such as actin,
      serine/threonine-protein phosphatase PP1-gamma catalytic subunit, and glutamine
      synthetase were also identified which might be specific to the NO induced
      signaling and also emphasizes the species specificity with respect to tyrosine
      phosphorylation of proteins during capacitation. In conclusion, this study forms
      an essential step in delineating the proteins undergo tyrosine phosphorylation in
      response to NO induced signaling pathways during capacitation of buffalo sperm.

PMID- 22035661
TI  - Feasibility and acute toxicity of hypofractionated radiation in large-breasted
      patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the feasibility of and acute toxicity associated with
      hypofractionated whole breast radiation (HypoRT) after breast-conserving surgery
      in patients excluded from or underrepresented in randomized trials comparing
      HypoRT with conventional fractionation schedules. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A review
      was conducted of all patients consecutively treated with HypoRT at the University
      of Chicago. All patients were treated to 42.56 Gy in 2.66 Gy daily fractions in
      either the prone or supine position. Planning was performed in most cases using
      wedges and large segments or a "field-in-field" technique. Breast volume was
      estimated using volumetric measurements of the planning target volume (PTV).
      Dosimetric parameters of heterogeneity (V105, V107, V110, and maximum dose) were
      recorded for each treatment plan. Acute toxicity was scored for each treated
      breast. RESULTS: Between 2006 and 2010, 78 patients were treated to 80 breasts
      using HypoRT. Most women were overweight or obese (78.7%), with a median body
      mass index of 29.2 kg/m(2). Median breast volume was 1,351 mL. Of the 80 treated
      breasts, the maximum acute skin toxicity was mild erythema or hyperpigmentation
      in 70.0% (56/80), dry desquamation in 21.25% (17/80), and focal moist
      desquamation in 8.75% (7/80). Maximum acute toxicity occurred after the
      completion of radiation in 31.9% of patients. Separation >25 cm was not
      associated with increased toxicity. Breast volume was the only patient factor
      significantly associated with moist desquamation on multivariable analysis (p =
      0.01). Patients with breast volume >2,500 mL experienced focal moist desquamation
      in 27.2% of cases compared with 6.34% in patients with breast volume <2,500 mL (p
      = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: HypoRT is feasible and safe in patients with separation >25
      cm and in patients with large breast volume when employing modern planning and
      positioning techniques. We recommend counseling regarding expected increases in
      skin toxicity in women with a PTV volume >2,500 mL.

PMID- 22035660
TI  - The rhomboid protease family: a decade of progress on function and mechanism.
AB  - Rhomboid proteases are the largest family of enzymes that hydrolyze peptide bonds
      within the cell membrane. Although discovered to be serine proteases only a
      decade ago, rhomboid proteases are already considered to be the best understood
      intramembrane proteases. The presence of rhomboid proteins in all domains of life
      emphasizes their importance but makes their evolutionary history difficult to
      chart with confidence. Phylogenetics nevertheless offers three guiding principles
      for interpreting rhomboid function. The near ubiquity of rhomboid proteases
      across evolution suggests broad, organizational roles that are not directly
      essential for cell survival. Functions have been deciphered in only about a dozen
      organisms and fall into four general categories: initiating cell signaling in
      animals, facilitating bacterial quorum sensing, regulating mitochondrial
      homeostasis, and dismantling adhesion complexes of parasitic protozoa. Although
      in no organism has the full complement of rhomboid function yet been elucidated,
      links to devastating human disease are emerging rapidly, including to Parkinson's
      disease, type II diabetes, cancer, and bacterial and malaria infection. Rhomboid
      proteases are unlike most proteolytic enzymes, because they are membrane
      immersed; understanding how the membrane immersion affects their function remains
      a key challenge.

PMID- 22035662
TI  - Adjuvant radiotherapy for palpable melanoma metastases to the groin: when to
      irradiate?
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the efficacy of and criteria for postoperative radiotherapy
      (PORT) in patients with palpable melanoma metastases to the groin. METHODS AND
      MATERIALS: Patients with palpable metastases to the groin who were treated with
      therapeutic nodal dissection during 2000 to 2006 were identified in a prospective
      institutional database. RESULTS: In 101 patients, 103 therapeutic nodal
      dissections were performed; 37 of these were treated with PORT to a median
      equivalent dose (eqTD(2)) of 50.6 Gy (range, 50-72 Gy). In the surgery-only and
      PORT groups, 2-year regional control rates were 86% (95% confidence interval [CI]
      76-95%) and 91% (95% CI, 81-100%), respectively (p = 0.395). Of five recurrences
      in radiation-treated patients, four were of dermal type, and in three of these
      cases, no bolus over the operative scar was used. PORT improved 2-year regional
      control (46% [95% CI, 11-82%] vs. 82% [95% CI, 63-100%], p = 0.022) among
      patients in which the sum of risk factors present (i.e., risk factor score) was
      >=2. In multivariate analysis, risk-factor score (<2 vs. >=2: HR, 2.93; 95% CI,
      1.00-8.56; p < 0.0001) and PORT (yes vs. no: HR, 7.81; 95% CI, 2.83-21.74; p =
      0.050) was predictive for regional control and on logistic-regression testing,
      number of involved lymph nodes was predictive for systemic dissemination (p =
      0.011). CONCLUSIONS: PORT should follow therapeutic nodal dissection in cases
      with two or more adverse factors. More conventional fractionation (<=2.5 Gy),
      cumulative eqTD(2) <60 Gy and use of bolus over the operative scar are
      recommended.

PMID- 22035663
TI  - Target volume delineation in oropharyngeal cancer: impact of PET, MRI, and
      physical examination.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Sole utilization of computed tomography (CT) scans in gross tumor
      volume (GTV) delineation for head-and-neck cancers is subject to inaccuracies.
      This study aims to evaluate contributions of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI),
      positron emission tomography (PET), and physical examination (PE) to GTV
      delineation in oropharyngeal cancer (OPC). METHODS: Forty-one patients with OPC
      were studied. All underwent contrast-enhanced CT simulation scans (CECTs) that
      were registered with pretreatment PETs and MRIs. For each patient, three sets of
      primary and nodal GTV were contoured. First, reference GTVs (GTVref) were
      contoured by the treating radiation oncologist (RO) using CT, MRI, PET, and PE
      findings. Additional GTVs were created using fused CT/PET scans (GTVctpet) and
      CT/MRI scans (GTVctmr) by two other ROs blinded to GTVref. To compare GTVs,
      concordance indices (CI) were calculated by dividing the respective overlap
      volumes by overall volumes. To evaluate the contribution of PE, composite GTVs
      derived from CT, MRI, and PET (GTVctpetmr) were compared with GTVref. RESULTS:
      For primary tumors, GTVref was significantly larger than GTVctpet and GTVctmr (p
      < 0.001). Although no significant difference in size was noted between GTVctpet
      and GTVctmr (p = 0.39), there was poor concordance between them (CI = 0.62). In
      addition, although CI (ctpetmr vs. ref) was low, it was significantly higher than
      CI (ctpet vs. ref) and CI (ctmr vs. ref) (p < 0.001), suggesting that neither
      modality should be used alone. Qualitative analyses to explain the low CI
      (ctpetmr vs. ref) revealed underestimation of mucosal disease when GTV was
      contoured without knowledge of PE findings. Similar trends were observed for
      nodal GTVs. However, CI (ctpet vs. ref), CI (ctmr vs. ref), and CI (ctpetmr vs.
      ref) were high (>0.75), indicating that although the modalities were
      complementary, the added benefit was small in the context of CECTs. In addition,
      PE did not aid greatly in nodal GTV delineation. CONCLUSION: PET and MRI are
      complementary and combined use is ideal. However, the low CI (ctpetmr vs. ref)
      particularly for primary tumors underscores the limitations of defining GTVs
      using imaging alone. PE is invaluable and must be incorporated.

PMID- 22035664
TI  - Breast ultrasound: an indispensable tool.

PMID- 22035665
TI  - Case of the season: Large B-cell lymphoma involving both breasts.

PMID- 22035666
TI  - The breast ultrasound lexicon: breast imaging reporting and data system (BI
      RADS).

PMID- 22035667
TI  - Mammographic-sonographic correlation.

PMID- 22035668
TI  - Utility of second-look ultrasound in the evaluation of MRI-detected breast
      lesions.

PMID- 22035669
TI  - Sonographic features of inflammatory breast cancer.

PMID- 22035670
TI  - Intraoperative breast ultrasound.

PMID- 22035671
TI  - Screening for breast cancer with sonography.

PMID- 22035672
TI  - New sonographic breast technologies.

PMID- 22035673
TI  - Automated 3-D breast ultrasound as a promising adjunctive screening tool for
      examining dense breast tissue.

PMID- 22035674
TI  - Measurement of intraarticular wrist joint biomechanics with a force controlled
      system.
AB  - Pathologies of the wrist, such as fractures or instabilities, can lead to
      alterations in joint biomechanics. Accurate treatment of these pathologies is a
      frequent challenge for the surgeon. For biomechanical investigations, a test
      setup that applies physiological loading of the wrist joint is necessary. A force
      controlled test-bench with agonistic and antagonistic muscle forces was built to
      move six fresh frozen human upper extremities through flexion and extension of
      the wrist joint. Tendon forces, range of motion, intraarticular contact area and
      contact pressure of the lunate and scaphoid facet as well as tendon excursion
      were investigated and compared with the current literature. During wrist motion
      the extensors exerted double the force of the flexors. Capsulotomy and sensor
      insertion decreased the range of motion from 63.4 degrees  (SD 14.1) to 45.9
      degrees  (SD 23.7). The ratio of force transmitted through the radius and ulna
      was 77:23 and pressure distribution between the scaphoid and lunate facet showed
      a 70:30 relationship. The obtained data indicate a good agreement with the
      available literature. Therefore, the force controlled test-bench in combination
      with intraarticular radiocarpal measurements can be used to investigate the
      influence of wrist pathologies on joint biomechanics.

PMID- 22035676
TI  - Concussion and mild traumatic brain injury: current and future concepts.
      Introduction.

PMID- 22035675
TI  - Relationship between resting blood pressure and laboratory-induced pain among
      healthy children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adult studies have demonstrated that increased resting blood pressure
      (BP) levels correlate with decreased pain sensitivity. However, few studies have
      examined the relationship between BP and experimental pain sensitivity among
      children. OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the association between resting BP
      levels and experimental pain tolerance, intensity, and unpleasantness in healthy
      children. We also explored whether these BP-pain relationships were age and
      gender dependent. METHODS: Participants underwent separate 4-trial blocks of
      cutaneous pressure and thermal pain stimuli, and 1 trial of a cold pain stimulus
      in counterbalanced order. RESULTS: A total of 235 healthy children (49.6% female;
      mean age 12.7 [2.9] years; age range 8-18 years) participated. The study revealed
      specific gender-based BP-pain relationships. Girls with higher resting systolic
      BP levels were found to have lower thermal intensity ratings than girls with
      lower resting systolic BP levels; this relationship was stronger among adolescent
      girls than among younger girls. Among young girls (8-11 years), those with higher
      resting diastolic BP (DBP) levels were found to have lower cold intensity and
      unpleasantness as well as lower thermal intensity ratings than did young girls
      with lower resting DBP levels; these DBP-pain response relationships were not
      seen among adolescent girls. CONCLUSIONS: Age, rather than resting BP, was
      predictive of laboratory pain ratings in boys. The findings suggest that the
      relationship between BP and experimental pain is age and gender dependent. These
      aspects of cardiovascular relationships to pain in males and females need further
      attention to understand their clinical importance.

PMID- 22035677
TI  - Epidemiology of concussion and mild traumatic brain injury.
AB  - Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is a common public health concern that affects
      millions of people each year. The available epidemiology of mTBI may contain
      insights that can guide future identification, prevention, and treatment efforts.
      This article discusses epidemiology of both non-sports-related mTBI and sports
      related concussion. Specific occupational factors, emergency department data, and
      meta-analysis regarding mTBI are reviewed and discussed. With regard to sports
      concussion, the article will discuss data related to the sport played, the
      individual's position, level of play, and gender differences. Although males make
      up a larger percentage of cases than do females throughout the majority of
      reviewed non-sports-related mTBI data, the sports literature indicates that rates
      are higher in women when similar sports are compared. Identifiable risk factors
      within sports include female gender, sport, and position played. Emerging trends
      across mTBI include increased incidence and decreased rate of hospitalization for
      mTBI.

PMID- 22035678
TI  - The pathophysiology of concussion.
AB  - Concussion is defined as a biomechanically induced brain injury characterized by
      the absence of gross anatomic lesions. Early and late clinical symptoms,
      including impairments of memory and attention, headache, and alteration of mental
      status, are the result of neuronal dysfunction mostly caused by functional rather
      than structural abnormalities. The mechanical insult initiates a complex cascade
      of metabolic events leading to perturbation of delicate neuronal homeostatic
      balances. Starting from neurotoxicity, energetic metabolism disturbance caused by
      the initial mitochondrial dysfunction seems to be the main biochemical
      explanation for most postconcussive signs and symptoms. Furthermore, concussed
      cells enter a peculiar state of vulnerability, and if a second concussion is
      sustained while they are in this state, they may be irreversibly damaged by the
      occurrence of swelling. This condition of concussion-induced brain vulnerability
      is the basic pathophysiology of the second impact syndrome. N-acetylaspartate, a
      brain-specific compound representative of neuronal metabolic wellness, is proving
      a valid surrogate marker of the post-traumatic biochemical damage, and its
      utility in monitoring the recovery of the aforementioned "functional" disturbance
      as a concussion marker is emerging, because it is easily detectable through
      proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy.

PMID- 22035679
TI  - Concussion in the pediatric and adolescent population: "different population,
      different concerns".
AB  - Sports-related concussions are common among pediatric and adolescent athletes,
      yet a scarcity of age-specific research often has meant that practitioners use
      guidelines developed for collegiate or adult populations. This situation is
      changing, as more studies are being published about this population that bears
      special attention because of the immaturity of the developing brain. This article
      describes existing knowledge about the epidemiology and etiology of concussions
      in youth athletes; discusses issues related to assessment, clinical management,
      and return to activity; examines special concerns related to the effects of
      concussion on the developing brain; and discusses prevention and education
      initiatives related to concussion in youth athletes.

PMID- 22035680
TI  - Concussions and the military: issues specific to service members.
AB  - Since October 2001, more than 1.6 million American military service members have
      deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan in the Global War on Terrorism. It is estimated
      that between 5% and 35% of them have sustained a concussion, also called mild
      traumatic brain injury (mTBI), during their deployment. Up to 80% of the
      concussions experienced in theater are secondary to blast exposures. The unique
      circumstances and consequences of sustaining a concussion in combat demands a
      unique understanding and treatment plan. The current literature was reviewed and
      revealed a paucity of pathophysiological explanations on the nature of the injury
      and informed treatment plans. However, through observation and experience, a
      theoretical but scientifically plausible model for why and how blast injuries
      experienced in combat give rise to the symptoms that affect day-to-day function
      of service members who have been concussed has been developed. We also are able
      to offer treatment strategies based on our evaluation of the current literature
      and experience to help palliate postconcussive symptoms. The purpose of this
      review is to elucidate common physical, cognitive, emotional, and situational
      challenges, and possible solutions for this special population of patients who
      will be transitioning into the civilian sector and interfacing with health
      professionals. There is a need for further investigation and testing of these
      strategies.

PMID- 22035681
TI  - Mild traumatic brain injury in the occupational setting.
AB  - The evaluation and management of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in the
      occupational setting may pose significant challenges for even the most-seasoned
      practitioner. Providers must simultaneously address the clinical management of
      mTBI and be familiar with the systematic and administrative requirements related
      to the management of injured workers with mTBI who are covered by workers'
      compensation insurance, including causation, return to work, and the potential of
      permanent impairment. Given the primarily subjective nature of many mTBI
      symptoms, an injured worker with a delayed recovery may raise the question, if
      not suspicion, of symptom magnification and secondary gain. This review discusses
      the evaluation and treatment of the injured worker with mTBI, and focuses on the
      medicolegal issues that are present in the workers' compensation system,
      especially the role of neuropsychological evaluations. Although significant
      differences exist regarding classification schema, for the purposes of this
      discussion, mTBI is used to encompass the terms concussion, postconcussive
      syndrome, and persistent postconcussive syndrome.

PMID- 22035682
TI  - Postconcussion syndrome: a physiatrist's approach.

PMID- 22035683
TI  - Headache management in concussion and mild traumatic brain injury.
AB  - Headache is one of the most common symptoms after traumatic brain injury (TBI),
      and posttraumatic headache (PTH) may be part of a constellation of symptoms that
      is seen in the postconcussive syndrome. PTH has no defining clinical features;
      currently it is classified as a secondary headache based on its close temporal
      relationship to the injury. A growing number of studies are characterizing PTH by
      using primary headache classifications. Moderate to severe PTH that is often
      disabling may be classified as migraine or probable migraine and is found in
      substantial numbers of individuals. Recent data from civilian adult, pediatric,
      and military populations all find that PTH may be more of a chronic problem than
      previously thought, with a prevalence of close to half of the injured population.
      In addition, if PTH definitions are strictly adhered to, then many cases of PTH
      may be missed, thus underestimating the scope of the problem. New headaches may
      be reported well after the 7 days required for diagnosis of PTH by the guidelines
      of the International Classification of Headache Disorders, 2nd edition. A history
      of headache before a head injury occurs and female gender are possible risk
      factors for headache after TBI. Treatment of PTH may be acute or preventive, and
      recommendations are made for the use of migraine-specific acute therapy when
      indicated. Preventive therapy may be considered when PTH is frequent, disabling,
      or refractory to acute therapies. Comorbid conditions should be considered when
      choosing an appropriate preventive therapy. The symptom of headache as a "return
      to play" or "return to duty" barrier must be viewed in the context of other
      symptoms of mild TBI.

PMID- 22035684
TI  - Imaging modalities in mild traumatic brain injury and sports concussion.
AB  - Mild traumatic brain injury is a significant public health issue that has been
      gaining considerable attention over the past few years. After injury, a large
      percentage of patients experience postconcussive symptoms that affect work and
      school performance and that carry significant medicolegal implications.
      Conventional imaging modalities (computed tomography and magnetic resonance
      imaging) are insensitive to microstructural changes and underestimate the degree
      of diffuse axonal injury and metabolic changes. Newer imaging techniques have
      attempted to better diagnose and characterize diffuse axonal injury and the
      metabolic and functional aspects of traumatic brain injury. The following review
      article summarizes the currently available imaging studies and describes the
      novel and more investigational techniques available for mild traumatic brain
      injury. A suggested algorithm is offered.

PMID- 22035685
TI  - Neuropsychological testing as it relates to recovery from sports-related
      concussion.
AB  - Concussion is a challenging injury for the sports medicine team, and
      neuropsychological testing has been used as an adjunct to other clinical measures
      for assessment and management, and to guide return-to-play decisions.
      Understanding the limitations as well as the role of neuropsychological testing
      in the evaluation and management of sports-related concussion is important for
      the sports medicine team. This article will review the evidence regarding the
      utility of neuropsychological testing as it relates to concussion in sports.

PMID- 22035686
TI  - Neuropsychological testing point/counterpoint.

PMID- 22035687
TI  - Considerations for return-to-play and retirement decisions after concussion.
AB  - Return-to-play and retirement decisions after concussion are often difficult and
      complex. The complexity of these decisions may be influenced by many factors,
      including the number, proximity, and severity of previous concussions; gender;
      age; sport played; exposure to head impacts; and predisposing or pre-existing
      conditions. These circumstances and conditions can confound the decisions
      concerning return to play and retirement. Clinicians should carefully weigh how
      these circumstances and conditions influence quality of life and how they
      interact with the effects of concussion. Furthermore, clinicians should consider
      past and potential exposures to both subconcussive and concussive impacts during
      the athlete's lifetime when deliberating a return to play or retirement. The
      purpose of this overview is to highlight and discuss these issues as they factor
      into the return-to-play and retirement decisions after a concussive injury in an
      effort to provide clinicians with evidence-based information that can be used in
      the decision-making process.

PMID- 22035688
TI  - Postconcussive impairment differences across a multifaceted concussion assessment
      protocol.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the proportion of athletes with concussion and with
      impairment disagreements across various clinical concussion assessment measures.
      DESIGN: Quasi-experimental repeated measures design. SETTING: Clinical research
      laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: A sample of 100 collegiate-aged athletes participated
      in the study (mean [SD] age, 18.5 +/- 1.1 years; mean [SD] height, 180.6 +/- 9.9
      cm; mean [SD] weight, 84.1 +/- 20.6 kg). METHODS OR INTERVENTIONS: Participants
      completed preseason baseline and postconcussive injury assessments on a clinical
      assessment battery, including a 17-item graded symptom checklist, a computerized
      neurocognitive assessment, and a balance performance assessment. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASUREMENTS: Symptom severity total score, 8 cognitive domain scores from the
      Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics, and the composite balance score
      obtained from the Sensory Organization Test served as outcome measures for the
      study. McNemar tests of paired proportions were then used to analyze impairment
      disagreements (where one measure identified impairments not identified by the
      other) between the study outcome measures. The alpha level was set to .05 a
      priori. RESULTS: We observed significant disagreements between symptom severity
      total scores, and all other measures used in the study in which symptom severity
      total scores identified more impairments than all other measures. In addition, we
      observed significant disagreements for half of the clinical measures used in the
      study, with disagreement proportions that ranged from 22%-52%. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      study underscores the importance of using a multifaceted approach for management
      of concussion that includes assessment of symptom severity, cognitive function,
      and balance. Use of this multifaceted approach also can aid clinicians in
      understanding other comorbidities that may complicate the management of
      concussion.

PMID- 22035689
TI  - Biomarkers, genetics, and risk factors for concussion.
AB  - It is estimated that between 1.6 and 3.8 million concussions occur annually in
      the United States. Although frequently regarded as benign, concussions can lead
      to multiple different adverse outcomes, including prolonged postconcussive
      symptoms, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, cognitive impairment, early onset
      dementia, movement disorders, psychiatric disorders, motor neuron disease, and
      even death. Therefore it is important to identify individuals with concussion to
      provide appropriate medical care and minimize adverse outcomes. Furthermore, it
      is important to identify individuals who are predisposed to sustaining a
      concussion or to having an adverse outcome after concussion. This article will
      discuss the current research on serum biomarkers for concussion, genetic
      influence on concussion, risk factors associated with concussion predisposition
      and poor outcome, and practical suggestions for the application of this
      information in clinical practice.

PMID- 22035690
TI  - Long-term consequences of repetitive brain trauma: chronic traumatic
      encephalopathy.
AB  - Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) has been linked to participation in
      contact sports such as boxing and American football. CTE results in a progressive
      decline of memory and cognition, as well as depression, suicidal behavior, poor
      impulse control, aggressiveness, parkinsonism, and, eventually, dementia. In some
      individuals, it is associated with motor neuron disease, referred to as chronic
      traumatic encephalomyelopathy, which appears clinically similar to amyotrophic
      lateral sclerosis. Results of neuropathologic research has shown that CTE may be
      more common in former contact sports athletes than previously believed. It is
      believed that repetitive brain trauma, with or possibly without symptomatic
      concussion, is responsible for neurodegenerative changes highlighted by
      accumulations of hyperphosphorylated tau and TDP-43 proteins. Given the millions
      of youth, high school, collegiate, and professional athletes participating in
      contact sports that involve repetitive brain trauma, as well as military
      personnel exposed to repeated brain trauma from blast and other injuries in the
      military, CTE represents an important public health issue. Focused and intensive
      study of the risk factors and in vivo diagnosis of CTE will potentially allow for
      methods to prevent and treat these diseases. Research also will provide policy
      makers with the scientific knowledge to make appropriate guidelines regarding the
      prevention and treatment of brain trauma in all levels of athletic involvement as
      well as the military theater.

PMID- 22035691
TI  - Changing the culture of concussion: education meets legislation.

PMID- 22035692
TI  - Hazardous dichloromethane recovery in combined temperature and vacuum pressure
      swing adsorption process.
AB  - Organic vapors emitted from solvents used in chemical and pharmaceutical
      processes, or from hydrocarbon fuel storage stations at oil terminals, can be
      efficiently captured by adsorption onto activated carbon beds. To recover vapors
      after the adsorption step, two modes of regeneration were selected and could be
      possibly combined: thermal desorption by hot nitrogen flow and vacuum
      depressurization (VTSA). Because of ignition risks, the conditions in which the
      beds operate during the adsorption and regeneration steps need to be strictly
      controlled, as well as optimized to maintain good performances. In this work, the
      optimal conditions to be applied during the desorption step were determined from
      factorial experimental design (FED), and validated from the process simulation
      results. The regeneration performances were compared in terms of bed regeneration
      rate, concentration of recovered volatile organic compounds (VOC) and operating
      costs. As an example, this methodology was applied in case of dichloromethane. It
      has been shown that the combination of thermal and vacuum regeneration allows
      reaching 82% recovery of dichloromethane. Moreover, the vacuum desorption ended
      up in cooling the activated carbon bed from 93 degrees C to 63 degrees C and so
      that it significantly reduces the cooling time before starting a new cycle.

PMID- 22035693
TI  - Photocatalytic degradation of metoprolol tartrate in suspensions of two TiO2
      based photocatalysts with different surface area. Identification of intermediates
      and proposal of degradation pathways.
AB  - This study investigates the efficiency of the photocatalytic degradation of
      metoprolol tartrate (MET), a widely used beta(1)-blocker, in TiO(2) suspensions
      of Wackherr's "Oxyde de titane standard" and Degussa P25. The study encompasses
      transformation kinetics and efficiency, identification of intermediates and
      reaction pathways. In the investigated range of initial concentrations (0.01-0.1
      mM), the photocatalytic degradation of MET in the first stage of the reaction
      followed approximately a pseudo-first order kinetics. The TiO(2) Wackherr induced
      a significantly faster MET degradation compared to TiO(2) Degussa P25 when
      relatively high substrate concentrations were used. By examining the effect of
      ethanol as a scavenger of hydroxyl radicals (OH), it was shown that the reaction
      with OH played the main role in the photocatalytic degradation of MET. After 240
      min of irradiation the reaction intermediates were almost completely mineralized
      to CO(2) and H(2)O, while the nitrogen was predominantly present as NH(4)(+).
      Reaction intermediates were studied in detail and a number of them were
      identified using LC-MS/MS (ESI+), which allowed the proposal of a tentative
      pathway for the photocatalytic transformation of MET as a function of the TiO(2)
      specimen.

PMID- 22035694
TI  - Analysis of hazardous organic residues from sodium hydrosulfite industry and
      utilization as raw materials in a novel solid lubricant production.
AB  - The hazardous organic residual wastes produced by the sodium hydrosulfite
      industry are demonstrated to be convertible into a novel solid lubricant.
      Identification and isolation of the organic residues are achieved by Fourier
      transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC
      MS), and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). FTIR and GC-MS provide important
      information about the residues and the two main components obtained by column
      chromatography are further analyzed by NMR. The main organic residues are found
      to be thiodiglycol and 2,2'-dithiodiethanol which have potential applications in
      petroleum drilling because of their S-S and/or C-S functional groups. The
      lubricity of the organic residues is subsequently studied and the influence of
      different adsorbents on the lubricity is investigated and discussed. This
      homemade lubricant is observed to have good lubricity and by increasing the
      concentration of the commercial solid lubricant M, the lubricity diminishes. The
      process is expected to not only have commercial impact but also help to reduce
      environmental pollution.

PMID- 22035695
TI  - Development of a fritless packed column for capillary electrochromatography-mass
      spectrometry.
AB  - A novel procedure was developed for the fabrication of a fritless packed column
      for the coupling of capillary electrochromatography (CEC) to mass spectrometry
      (MS). The process involved the formation of internal tapers on two separate
      columns. Once the internal tapers are formed and the columns are packed, the
      untapered ends of each column were joined together by a commercially available
      connector. Several advantages of the fritless columns are described. First, the
      design used here eventually eliminates the need for any frits thus reducing the
      possibility of bubble formation seen with fritted packed columns. In addition,
      this is the first report in which the internal tapers are formed at both the
      inlet and outlet column ends making the fritless CEC-MS column more robust
      compared to only one report with externally tapered counterparts. Second, a
      comparison of internally tapered single frit packed CEC-MS (previously developed
      in our laboratory) column versus fritless CEC-MS column reported here shows that
      the latter provides better efficiency, suggesting no dead volume with equally
      good sensitivity and chiral resolution of (+/-)-aminoglutethimide. The fritless
      column procedure is universal and was used to prepare a series of columns with a
      variety of commercially available packing material (mixed mode strong cation
      exchange, SCX; mixed mode strong anion exchange, SAX; C-18) for the separation
      and MS detection of short chain non-chromophoric polar amines, long chain
      nonchromophic anionic surfactant as well as oligomers of non-chromophoric non
      ionic surfactants, respectively. The fritless columns showed good intra-day
      repeatability and inter-day reproducibility of retention times, chiral and
      achiral resolutions and peak areas. Very satisfactory column-to-column and
      operator-to-operator reproducibility was demonstrated.

PMID- 22035696
TI  - Direct quantification of mono- and di-D-alpha-tocopherol polyethylene glycol 1000
      succinate by high performance liquid chromatography.
AB  - A simple and direct reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP
      HPLC) method with UV detection was developed and validated for the determination
      of mono- and di-D-alpha-tocopherol polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS 1000)
      in TPGS mixture. Before the HPLC analysis, mono- and di-TPGS 1000 were separated
      by simulated moving bed (SMB) chromatography system and characterized by matrix
      assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF
      MS). The mass spectrometric results confirmed that the molar mass distribution of
      TPGS prepared in our laboratory was very close to that of the product of Eastman
      Chemical Company with similar n- (average polymerization degree), M(n)- (number
      average molecular weight) and M(w)- (weight-average molecular weight). The HPLC
      analysis was carried out on a C30 analytical column with mobile phases comprised
      of acetonitrile (A) and isopropanol (B) in gradient conditions. Validation of the
      analytical method was done on the following parameters: system suitability,
      linearity, limits of detection and quantification, accuracy and precision, method
      robustness and solution stability. The linearity of the calibration curves for
      mono- and di-TPGS 1000 from both sources was found to be good (r(2)>0.9996). The
      recovery values were from 94.6% to 103.3% for mono-TPGS, and 93.5% to 103.3% for
      di-TPGS. This method could be successfully used in the direct quantification of
      mono- and di-TPGS in TPGS 1000 mixture using TPGS standards with similar
      molecular mass distributions although derived from different sources.

PMID- 22035697
TI  - Plate height formula widely accepted in GC is not correct.

PMID- 22035698
TI  - Hydrodynamic chromatography of macromolecules using polymer monolithic columns.
AB  - The selectivity window of size-based separations of macromolecules was tailored
      by tuning the macropore size of polymer monolithic columns. Monolithic materials
      with pore sizes ranging between 75 nm and 1.2 MUm were prepared in situ in large
      I.D. columns. The dominant separation mechanism was hydrodynamic chromatography
      in the flow-through pores. The calibration curves for synthetic polymers matched
      with the elution behavior by HDC separations in packed columns with 'analyte-to
      pore' aspect ratios (lambda) up to 0.2. For large-macropore monoliths, a
      deviation in retention behavior was observed for small polystyrene polymers
      (M(r)<20 kDa), which may be explained by a combined HDC-SEC mechanism for
      lambda<0.02. The availability of monoliths with very narrow pore sizes allowed
      investigation of separations at high lambda values. For high-molecular weight
      polymers (M(r)>300,000 Da) confined in narrow channels, the separation strongly
      depended on flow rate. Flow-rate dependent elution behavior was evaluated by
      calculation of Deborah numbers and confirmed to be outside the scope of classic
      shear deformation or slalom chromatography. Shear-induced forces acting on the
      periphery of coiled polymers in solution may be responsible for flow-rate
      dependent elution.

PMID- 22035699
TI  - Fibroblast growth factor receptor 1- 5-hydroxytryptamine 1A heteroreceptor
      complexes and their enhancement of hippocampal plasticity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The hippocampus and its 5-hydroxytryptamine transmission plays an
      important role in depression related to its involvement in limbic circuit
      plasticity. METHODS: The analysis was made with bioluminescence resonance energy
      transfer, co-immunoprecipitation, in situ proximity ligation assay, binding
      assay, in cell western and the forced swim test. RESULTS: Using bioluminescence
      resonance energy transfer analysis, fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1)-5
      hydroxytryptamine 1A (5-HT1A) receptor complexes have been demonstrated and their
      specificity and agonist modulation characterized. Their presence based on co
      immunoprecipitation and proximity ligation assay has also been indicated in
      hippocampal cultures and rat dorsal hippocampal formation showing a neuronal
      location. In vitro assays on extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2
      phosphorylation have shown synergistic increases in signaling on coactivation
      with fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2) and a 5-HT1A agonist, and dependent on the
      heteroreceptor interface. In vitro and in vivo studies also revealed a 5-HT1A
      agonist induced phosphorylation of FGFR1 and extracellular signal-regulated
      kinase 1/2 in rat hippocampus without changing FGF2 levels. Co-activation of the
      heteroreceptor also resulted in synergistic increases in extensions of PC12 cells
      and neurite densities and protrusions in primary hippocampal cultures dependent
      on the receptor interface. The combined acute and repeated
      intracerebroventricular treatment with FGF2 and 8-OH-DPAT was found to produce
      evidence of highly significant antidepressant actions in the forced swim test.
      CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate that neurotrophic and antidepressant effects
      of 5-HT in brain may, in part, be mediated by activation of the 5-HT1A receptor
      protomer in the hippocampal FGFR1-5-HT1A receptor complex enhancing the FGFR1
      signaling.

PMID- 22035700
TI  - Integrated treatment programs for individuals with concurrent substance use
      disorders and trauma experiences: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to examine the evidence of psychotherapeutic
      integrated treatment (IT) programs for individuals with concurrent substance use
      disorders and trauma histories. Electronic searches of Cochrane Central Register
      of Controlled Trials, MEDLINE, Web of knowledge, PubMed, PsycINFO, CINAHL,
      PILOTS, and EMBASE identified 17 IT trials (9 controlled trials). Both narrative
      review and meta-analysis indicate that IT effectively reduces trauma symptoms and
      substance abuse from pretreatment to longest follow-up. However, IT and
      nonintegrated programs appear to produce similar declines in symptoms.
      Methodological issues limiting the current body of work and recommendations for
      future research are discussed. Well-designed randomized controlled trials are
      clearly needed, particularly large sample studies evaluating understudied IT
      programs and exposure-based approaches.

PMID- 22035701
TI  - Predictive validity of the EuropASI: clinical diagnosis or composite scoring?
AB  - This study assessed the correlation between the areas of the interviewer severity
      rating (ISR) and the areas of the composite scores (CSs) of the European version
      of the Addiction Severity Index (EuropASI). It evaluated the predictive validity
      of both types of scoring with regard to completion of treatment. For this
      purpose, 252 patients were interviewed using the EuropASI; 38.9% of patients
      discontinued treatment. Results indicated a high correlation between various
      areas of the ISR and the CS, except the legal and family-others scales. Regarding
      predictive results, patients with a score greater than 3 in the ISR family area
      were more likely to quit the program compared with patients with a score lower
      than 3. Patients with a CS score that was greater than 0.34 in the alcohol use
      area were more likely to drop out of treatment. When both ISR and CS scores were
      included in the prediction model, the ISR family area was a better predictor.

PMID- 22035703
TI  - Intrauterine administration of autologous peripheral blood mononuclear cells
      increases clinical pregnancy rates in frozen/thawed embryo transfer cycles of
      patients with repeated implantation failure.
AB  - Intrauterine administration of autologous peripheral blood mononuclear cells
      (PBMC) activated by HCG in vitro are reported to improve implantation rates in
      patients with repeated failure of IVF-ET. In this study, we examined the effects
      of intrauterine administration of freshly isolated PBMC on clinical pregnancy and
      the implantation rates of patients who received frozen/thawed embryo transfer by
      prospective cohort study. Patients who had not achieved a successful pregnancy
      despite at least one or more IVF-ET sessions were enrolled in this study (n =
      253, 253 cycles). Based on the patient's treatment preferences, PBMC were freshly
      isolated from each patient and then administered to the intrauterine cavity of
      that patient. Frozen/thawed embryo transfer was performed and the success of
      implantation in the PBMC-treated group (n = 83, 83 cycles) was compared with that
      in the non-treated control groups (n = 170, 170 cycles). There were no
      significant differences in the clinical pregnancy rate (34.9% vs. 32.9%),
      implantation rate (21.6% vs. 21.1%) and live birth delivery rate (21.7% vs.
      21.8%) between PBMC-treated and non-treated groups. However, when the analyses
      were restricted to patients who had three or more implantation failures, the
      clinical pregnancy rate and the implantation rate in the PBMC-treated group
      (42.1% and 25.0%, p<0.05; n = 19 and 32, respectively) were significantly higher
      than those in the non-treated group (16.7% and 9.4%, p<0.05; n = 36 and 64,
      respectively). These findings indicate that intrauterine administration of
      autologous PBMC freshly isolated from patients, effectively improves embryo
      implantation in patients with three or more IVF failures.

PMID- 22035702
TI  - Hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus services offered by substance abuse
      treatment programs in the United States.
AB  - Although substance abuse treatment programs are important contact points for
      providing health services for hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV)
      infections, availability of services in these programs has not been well
      characterized. This study evaluated the spectrum of HBV and HCV services offered
      by substance abuse treatment programs within the National Drug Abuse Treatment
      Clinical Trials Network. Our survey of substance abuse treatment program
      administrators covered availability of testing for HBV and HCV; hepatitis A virus
      (HAV) and HBV immunization; and HCV medical and nonmedical services. There were
      also questions covering clarity of guidelines for HBV and HCV testing and HAV and
      HBV immunization. Differences between methadone and nonmethadone programs were
      examined. Despite the importance of substance abuse in sustaining the hepatitis
      epidemics, few programs offer comprehensive HBV and HCV testing or HCV health
      care services. Interventions to improve access to hepatitis services for
      substance-abusing patients are needed.

PMID- 22035704
TI  - [Acute confusional syndrome in the elderly admitted to internal medicine].

PMID- 22035705
TI  - [Useful and practical tests for the early detection of sarcopenia in older
      adults].

PMID- 22035706
TI  - The two main theories on dental bruxism.
AB  - Bruxism is characterized by non-functional contact of mandibular and maxillary
      teeth resulting in clenching or grating of teeth. Theories on factors causing
      bruxism are a matter of controversy in current literature. The dental profession
      has predominantly viewed peripheral local morphological disorders, such as
      malocclusion, as the cause of clenching and gnashing. This etiological model is
      based on the theory that occlusal maladjustment results in reduced masticatory
      muscle tone. In the absence of occlusal equilibration, motor neuron activity of
      masticatory muscles is triggered by periodontal receptors. The second theory
      assumes that central disturbances in the area of the basal ganglia are the main
      cause of bruxism. An imbalance in the circuit processing of the basal ganglia is
      supposed to be responsible for muscle hyperactivity during nocturnal dyskinesia
      such as bruxism. Some authors assume that bruxism constitutes sleep-related
      parafunctional activity (parasomnia). A recent model, which may explain the
      potential imbalance of the basal ganglia, is neuroplasticity. Neural plasticity
      is based on the ability of synapses to change the way they work. Activation of
      neural plasticity can change the relationship between inhibitory and excitatory
      neurons. It seems obvious that bruxism is not a symptom specific to just one
      disease. Many forms (and causes) of bruxism may exist simultaneously, as, for
      example, peripheral or central forms.

PMID- 22035707
TI  - Ambulatory venovenous extracorporeal respiratory support as a bridge for cystic
      fibrosis patients to emergent lung transplantation.
AB  - Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO) is a therapeutic option
      to bridge patients with advanced lung disease to lung transplantation. The use of
      VV ECMO avoids the use of mechanical ventilation while allowing patients to
      participate in physical therapy and to eat normally while receiving respiratory
      support. We describe the successful use of ambulatory single-venous VV ECMO as a
      bridge to bilateral lung transplantation in 4 patients with end-stage lung
      disease due to cystic fibrosis who developed acute hypercapnic respiratory
      failure. The use of ambulatory single-venous VV ECMO was safe and effective in
      this small cohort of CF patients. Based on our experiences, our belief is that a
      key step in the treatment course was early application of VV ECMO soon after
      development of acute respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation.

PMID- 22035708
TI  - Cultures of seeing embryos and cells in 3-dimensions and flatness.

PMID- 22035709
TI  - Life lines: An art history of biological research around 1800.
AB  - Around 1800, the scientific "illustrator" emerged as a new artistic profession in
      Europe. Artists were increasingly sought after in order to picture anatomical
      dissections and microscopic observations and to translate drawings into artworks
      for books and journals. By training and technical expertise, they introduced a
      particular kind of knowledge into scientific perception that also shaped the
      common image of nature. Illustrations of scientific publications, often
      undervalued as a biased interpretation of facts and subordinate to logic and
      description, thus convey an 'art history' of science in its own right, relevant
      both for the understanding of biological thought around 1800 as well as for the
      development of the arts and their historiography. The article is based on an
      analysis of botanical treatises produced for the Gottingen Society of Sciences in
      1803, during an early phase of microscopic cell research, in order to determine
      the constitutive role of artistic knowledge and the media employed for the
      visualization and conceptualization of biological issues.

PMID- 22035710
TI  - Axes, planes and tubes, or the geometry of embryogenesis.
AB  - The paper presents selected figures of chick embryogenesis as depicted in the
      classic studies of Caspar Friedrich Wolff (1734-1794), Christian Heinrich Pander
      (1794-1865) and Karl Ernst von Baer (1792-1786). My main objective here is (1) to
      demonstrate how the imagery of Wolff, Pander and Baer attempted to project an
      image of a 3-dimensional rotating body into static figures on paper by means of
      linear contours, and (2) to ponder on the efficacy and pervasiveness of dots,
      lines and arrows for depicting embryogenesis.

PMID- 22035711
TI  - Inducing visibilities: an attempt at Santiago Ramon y Cajal's aesthetic
      epistemology.
AB  - In this paper, I consider Santiago Ramon y Cajal's strategy of histological
      observation and imaging in terms of what I call "induction of visibility"
      (Fiorentini, 2011). Cajal's strategy of visibility induction drew upon both
      rational and aesthetic visual sensibility, and considered this interplay to be a
      constitutive element of knowledge production. I propose to describe Cajal's
      fundamental attitude towards visually inferred knowledge in terms of an
      "aesthetic epistemology".

PMID- 22035712
TI  - Cellular dimensions and cell dynamics, or the difficulty over capturing time and
      space in the era of electron microscopy.
AB  - The introduction of electron microscopy profoundly altered biomedical research,
      providing a tool for a more detailed but at the same time a spatially and
      temporally more restricted visual analysis. Examining the case study of Golgi
      apparatus research in the 1950s and 1960s, it will be shown how microscopists
      handled these challenges, and how these confrontations modified the general
      concept of cellular organization. This will also shed light on the artifact
      debate and on the question of scientific realism in the field of microscopy.

PMID- 22035713
TI  - Cells from icons to symbols: molecularizing cell biology in the 1980s.
AB  - Over centuries cells have been the target of optical and electronic microscopes
      as well as others technologies, with distinctive types of visual output. Whilst
      optical technologies produce images 'evident to the eye', the electronic and
      especially the molecular create images that are more elusive to conceptualization
      and assessment. My study applies the semiotic approach to the production of
      images in cell biology to capture the shift from microscopic images to non
      traditional visual technologies around 1980. Here I argue that the visual shift
      that coincides with the growing dominance of molecular biology involves a change
      from iconic to symbolic forms.

PMID- 22035714
TI  - Standardizing psychotropic drugs and drug practices in the twentieth century:
      paradox of order and disorder.
AB  - According to ongoing historical research, standardizing the production and
      consumption of psychotropic drugs is a process fraught with contradictions and
      inconsistencies. Both the construction and change of drug standards can be highly
      unsettling events and do not necessarily lead to more order. The balance between
      order and disorder appears to be rather fragile and paradoxically at all stages
      in the evolution of standards we see order-disorder transitions.

PMID- 22035715
TI  - Blockbusters and controlled substances: Miltown, Quaalude, and consumer demand
      for drugs in postwar America.
AB  - In 1955 Carter Products launched its new tranquilizer Miltown with a huge
      marketing blitz; Miltown soon became one of America's earliest "blockbuster"
      celebrity drugs. In 1981, federal agents shut down a network of "stress clinics"
      and arrested the owners, medical staff, and other personnel for illegally
      trafficking in the sedative Quaalude; Quaalude soon became a "Schedule I
      Controlled Substance." Both of these stories are familiar, indeed archetypal,
      moments from America's postwar medical system. As the Miltown example reminds us,
      this fundamentally commercial system was built on the creation and courting of
      consumer demand for medical products and services, particularly drugs. As the
      Quaalude example shows, however, this system also incorporated tools for reining
      in excessive consumer demand. Together the two episodes affirm an enduring irony
      of the American medical system: the need for regulatory campaigns to tame lively
      markets for drugs that had become popular, in part, because of advertising
      campaigns. This article uses the Miltown and Quaalude sagas to explore the issue
      of consumer demand for prescription medicines, arguing that efforts to stoke or
      quash that demand have shaped (and linked) America's medical system and its drug
      control regimes.

PMID- 22035716
TI  - Naming the problem that has no name: creating targets for standardized drugs.
AB  - Many of the most common types of mental health problems that are found in
      outpatient psychiatric and general medical practices are diffuse,
      undifferentiated, and amorphous. Before the 1970s this lack of specificity did
      not conflict with the dominant theories and treatments of the American
      psychiatric profession or the demands of third party insurers and regulators.
      However, since that time the legitimacy and solvency of the psychiatric
      profession has come to depend on the perception that it treats specific disease
      entities. The establishment of the DSM-III in 1980 provided American psychiatry
      with many standardized disease entities that could be precisely measured,
      quantified, and abstracted from their particular contexts. In the late 1980s,
      these entities became the targets of the new class of psychoactive drugs, the
      Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors. Professional, political, economic, and
      cultural forces that arose in a particular historical era account for the
      standardization of mental illnesses.

PMID- 22035717
TI  - Reshaping chronicity: neuroleptics and changing meanings of therapy in French
      psychiatry, 1950-1975.
AB  - This article explores the transformations in the regime of practice and discourse
      concerning chronic mental illness in French psychiatry in the post-war period and
      the role played by chemotherapy in these transformations. From the 1950s and 60s
      on, chronicity was reconstructed as a new experience, involving a new set of
      expectations, of dilemmas and negotiations, and involving new types of actors
      giving a new meaning to what they were doing with patients. While some
      psychiatrists thought that neuroleptics could open the way to active treatment of
      these pathologies, in effect this project faced a series of obstacles: some came
      from psychiatric ideologies, others from the conditions of psychiatric work. As a
      result chronicity acquired a new uncertain and elusive shape. Based on an
      examination of the interplay of meaning and action in psychiatrists' recourse to
      neuroleptics in the treatment of their chronic patients, this article seeks to
      highlight the difficult construction of the idea of chemotherapy in post-war
      French psychiatry and, more generally, the transformations in its notion of
      therapy.

PMID- 22035718
TI  - The introduction of chlorpromazine in Belgium and the Netherlands (1951-1968);
      tango between old and new treatment features.
AB  - The introduction of chlorpromazine in Belgium and the Netherlands demonstrates an
      intriguing tango between old and new treatments. Chlorpromazine, marketed by the
      French company Rhone Poulenc entered psychiatry as an adjunct to existing
      therapies. Instead of promoting chlorpromazine as a revolutionary therapy, we see
      early efforts to market Largactil as a supplement to the armoury of psychiatric
      treatments. These marketing efforts matched the idiosyncrasies of national and
      local styles and cultures. Despite continuities with earlier therapeutic
      developments, we support the notion of a therapeutic revolution. In the early
      sixties supply and demand provoked a turn towards more standardized therapeutic
      regimes.

PMID- 22035719
TI  - East-Side story: the standardisation of psychotropic drugs at the Charite
      Psychiatric Clinic, 1955-1970.
AB  - The present article illustrates the history of psychotropic drugs introduced in
      the German Democratic Republic (GDR) from 1945 onwards. We begin by examining the
      introduction of an anti-depressant and a tranquilizer at the university
      psychiatric clinic, Charite, in East Berlin. On the basis of patient files, we
      consider the monitoring routines, altered by the use of psychotropic drugs, and
      the difficulties that arose when these routines were translated into existing
      research programs. In the 1960s, attempts to evaluate the psychiatric practice
      were based on psychopathology whereas at the end of the 1960s there was a shift
      to "target symptoms".

PMID- 22035720
TI  - Anatomy dissections and student experience at Irish universities, c.1900s-1960s.
AB  - Utilising the unique source of articles, poems, stories and cartoons from student
      magazines from all of the Irish universities, in addition to the memoirs of Irish
      doctors, and the accounts of correspondents, this paper will discuss the Irish
      student's experience of anatomy in the early twentieth century. For many medical
      students, anatomy dissections were seen as a rite of passage, while one student
      at Queen's College Belfast claimed that 'the dissecting-room is to the student a
      club, a smoke room, common room research room-one in all.' However, the
      dissecting rooms of Irish medical schools were often rife with bawdy
      conversation, sexual undertones and black humour. Recognising this, following the
      admission of women to Irish medical schools from the 1880s, university
      authorities constructed separate dissecting rooms for the women students, and
      part of this paper will investigate why this separation occurred. I will examine
      the Irish dissecting room as a centre of learning and integral part of student
      experience in the period. The paper will suggest that the black humour and pranks
      that were commonplace within the context of the dissecting room acted as a means
      for students to reconcile their fears and anxiety about dissecting.

PMID- 22035721
TI  - "Describing our whole experience": the statistical philosophies of W. F. R.
      Weldon and Karl Pearson.
AB  - There are two motivations commonly ascribed to historical actors for taking up
      statistics: to reduce complicated data to a mean value (e.g., Quetelet), and to
      take account of diversity (e.g., Galton). Different motivations will, it is
      assumed, lead to different methodological decisions in the practice of the
      statistical sciences. Karl Pearson and W. F. R. Weldon are generally seen as
      following directly in Galton's footsteps. I argue for two related theses in light
      of this standard interpretation, based on a reading of several sources in which
      Weldon, independently of Pearson, reflects on his own motivations. First, while
      Pearson does approach statistics from this "Galtonian" perspective, he is,
      consistent with his positivist philosophy of science, utilizing statistics to
      simplify the highly variable data of biology. Weldon, on the other hand, is
      brought to statistics by a rich empiricism and a desire to preserve the diversity
      of biological data. Secondly, we have here a counterexample to the claim that
      divergence in motivation will lead to a corresponding separation in methodology.
      Pearson and Weldon, despite embracing biometry for different reasons, settled on
      precisely the same set of statistical tools for the investigation of evolution.

PMID- 22035722
TI  - Ethnology in the metropole: Robert Knox, Robert Gordon Latham and local sites of
      observational training.
AB  - Anthropologists have traditionally separated the history of their discipline into
      two main diverging methodological paradigms: nineteenth-century armchair
      theorizing, and twentieth-century field-based research. But this tradition
      obscures both the complexity of the observational practices of early nineteenth
      century researchers and the high degree of continuity between these practices and
      the techniques that came later. While historians have long since abandoned the
      notion that nineteenth-century ethnologists and anthropologists were merely
      'armchair' theorists, this paper shows that there is still much to learn once one
      asks more insistently what the observational practices of early researchers were
      actually like. By way of bringing out this complexity and continuity, this essay
      re-examines the work of two well-known British ethnologists, Robert Knox, and
      Robert Gordon Latham; looking in particular at their methods of observing,
      analysing and representing different racial groups. In the work of each figure,
      early training in natural history, anatomy and physiology can be seen to have
      influenced their observational practices when it came to identifying and
      classifying human varieties. Moreover, in both cases, Knox and Latham developed
      locally-based observational training sites.

PMID- 22035723
TI  - Is meta-analysis the platinum standard of evidence?
AB  - An astonishing volume and diversity of evidence is available for many hypotheses
      in the biomedical and social sciences. Some of this evidence-usually from
      randomized controlled trials (RCTs)-is amalgamated by meta-analysis. Despite the
      ongoing debate regarding whether or not RCTs are the 'gold-standard' of evidence,
      it is usually meta-analysis which is considered the best source of evidence: meta
      analysis is thought by many to be the platinum standard of evidence. However, I
      argue that meta-analysis falls far short of that standard. Different meta
      analyses of the same evidence can reach contradictory conclusions. Meta-analysis
      fails to provide objective grounds for intersubjective assessments of hypotheses
      because numerous decisions must be made when performing a meta-analysis which
      allow wide latitude for subjective idiosyncrasies to influence its outcome. I end
      by suggesting that an older tradition of evidence in medicine-the plurality of
      reasoning strategies appealed to by the epidemiologist Sir Bradford Hill-is a
      superior strategy for assessing a large volume and diversity of evidence.

PMID- 22035724
TI  - Morphogenesis, Dictyostelium, and the search for shared developmental processes.
AB  - In the 1930s John Tyler Bonner began studying the slime mold, Dictyostelium
      discoideum, as a way to investigate how organisms develop. With a life cycle that
      includes periods of unicellularity and multicellularity, Dictyostelium raises
      questions fundamental to development and evolution. In Morphogenesis: An Essay on
      Development (1952), Bonner built on his work with Dictyostelium to inform
      developmental theory and practice. By exploring how Bonner's early work with
      Dictyostelium motivated his synthetic approach in Morphogenesis, this paper
      presents an example of how those who studied development sought ways to gain
      traction in the rapidly changing life sciences. While a biochemical viewpoint of
      development became dominant, morphogenesis provided a way to reintroduce and
      emphasize biological organization at the organismal level. Bonner's early work
      offers a window to mid-twentieth century studies of development, an understudied
      area in the history of science, and shows that it was a time when growing
      experimental evidence enabled new ways of thinking about the relationship between
      ontogeny and evolution, and more broadly, about how the parts of nature might fit
      together.

PMID- 22035725
TI  - Cognitive individualism and the child as scientist program.
AB  - In this paper, I examine the charge that Gopnik and Meltzoff's 'Child as
      Scientist' program, outlined and defended in their 1997 book Words, Thoughts and
      Theories is vitiated by a form of 'cognitive individualism' about science.
      Although this charge has often been leveled at Gopnik and Meltzoff's work, it has
      rarely been developed in any detail. I suggest that we should distinguish between
      two forms of cognitive individualism which I refer to as 'ontic' and 'epistemic'
      cognitive individualism (OCI and ECI respectively). I then argue - contra Ronald
      Giere - that Gopnik and Meltzoff's commitment to OCI is relatively unproblematic,
      since it is an easily detachable part of their view. By contrast, and despite
      their explicit discussion of the issue, their commitment to ECI is much more
      problematic.

PMID- 22035726
TI  - Infectious milk: issues of pathogenic certainty within ideational regimes and
      their biopolitical implications.
AB  - Throughout the 19(th) century and early decades of the 20(th) century, milk was a
      dangerous food that required state intervention to make it safe. Throughout this
      period, the germ theory of contagious disease came to prominence, but could not
      explicitly determine the causal relationships linking germs, milk, and human
      illness. Using the notion of an ideational regime, I examine how (1) knowledge
      claims move from uncertainty to certainty and become privileged claims within
      ideational regimes that (2) result in an unintended, but necessary deployment of
      a biopolitical strategy for governance. The argument here is that theoretical
      uncertainty meant managing populations as a uniform undifferentiated reality
      using pasteurization technologies. I use two historical moments as evidence of
      these processes. The first is the 1901 British Congress on Tuberculosis when I
      argue germ theory came to a theoretical standstill and the second is Ontario's
      1938 amendment to the province's Public Health Act that permanently
      institutionalised province-wide compulsory pasteurisation laws organised around
      the notion of nutritional equivalency. This genealogical exploration should
      provide some insight into how bacteria became the singular cause of illness and
      into the conditions that led to targeting milk as the main site of intervention
      instead of treating individual bodies.

PMID- 22035727
TI  - Complex systems, evolution, and animal models.
AB  - In this paper, we respond to arguments made concerning our position regarding
      animal models (Shelley, 2010) by briefly examining the fact that animals (human
      and nonhuman) are complex systems that have different evolutionary trajectories.
      This historical fact has implications for using animals as predictive models for
      human response to drugs and disease.

PMID- 22035728
TI  - [Carpal tunnel syndrome surgery in France in 2008: patients' characteristics and
      management].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is the most common upper limb
      neuropathy. There has been a dramatic increase in CTS surgery since the 1990s.
      This study focuses on changing incidence of CTS surgery in France and associated
      factors. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Cases of CTS surgery were identified using the
      national hospital discharge database for persons living in metropolitan France.
      Patient characteristics, comorbidities and care management were studied using the
      reimbursement database of the beneficiaries covered by the general health
      insurance scheme (76% of the 64-million French population) comparing those with
      or without CTS surgery in 2008. RESULTS: In 2008, hospital admissions for CTS
      surgery were identified in 127,269 patients aged 20 years and older, giving an
      overall incidence of 2.7/1000 (females 3.6/1000, males 1.7/1000) in metropolitan
      France. Between 1999 and 2008, the number of patients with CTS surgery increased
      25%. Half of this increase was directly related to increasing demographics. For
      people in the 20 to 59-year age range, incidences were respectively 2.5/1000,
      3.6/1000 and 1.3/1000 with high regional variations (1.1/1000-5.5/1000).
      Individuals aged 60 years and older accounted for 36% of the patients. Using a
      negative binomial regression, regional incidence variation was significantly and
      positively associated with the regional density of surgeons practising CTS
      surgery, proportion of manual workers in the population and proportion of
      employment in the industrial sector and negatively associated with densities of
      primary care physicians, rheumatologists and physiotherapists. Certain
      comorbidities were found to be significantly associated with CTS surgery:
      diabetes mellitus (Relative Risk [RR]=1.6), hypothyroidism (RR=1.3), end-stage
      renal disease treated with dialysis (RR=3.3), depression (RR=1.5), hereditary
      metabolic disease (RR=1.3), ankylosing spondylosis (RR=1.5). Interestingly, a
      significant negative association was found for full healthcare coverage linked
      with very low income (RR=0.7) and certain chronic diseases: Alzheimer's disease
      (RR=0.3), Parkinson's disease (RR=0.7), neuroleptic medications (RR=0.4),
      multiple sclerosis (RR=0.7). This could be associated with lower frequency of
      occupational risk factors and a lack of complaint or investigation. After
      surgery, 55.0% of the patients in the 18 to 59 years age range had a period of
      sick leave and 36.8% returned to work later than the upper limit of the
      recommended recovery period of 56 days. The annual cost of sick leaves was
      estimated at 81 million euros for the general health insurance scheme.
      CONCLUSION: The number of CTS surgical procedures is increasing in France.
      Prevention of CTS in the workplace must be sustained and encouraged.
      Recommendations for sick leave periods should be followed.

PMID- 22035729
TI  - Are varicoceles associated with increased deoxyribonucleic acid fragmentation?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To perform a literature search on the association between varicocele
      and sperm DNA fragmentation. DESIGN: Systematic review. PATIENT(S): Men with a
      varicocele and infertility. INTERVENTION(S): Varicocele repair. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURE(S): Does the presence of a varicocele increase seminal oxidative stress
      and sperm DNA fragmentation? RESULT(S): In men with a varicocele increased levels
      of reactive oxygen species and sperm DNA damage can be found. This is probably
      related to defective spermatogenesis in these patients. Seminal oxidative stress
      is believed to be the source of sperm DNA damage. Patients with a varicocele and
      oligospermia may also have a diminished seminal antioxidant capacity. After
      varicocele repair sperm DNA fragmentation decreases. CONCLUSION(S): Varicocele is
      associated with sperm DNA damage, and this sperm pathology may be secondary to
      varicocele-mediated oxidative stress. The beneficial effect of varicocelectomy on
      sperm DNA damage further supports the premise that varicocele may impair sperm
      DNA integrity.

PMID- 22035730
TI  - Expression of BET genes in testis of men with different spermatogenic
      impairments.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To characterize the BET gene expression in human testis with
      spermatogenetic impairments; to examine BRDT protein expression in testis and
      semen. DESIGN: Prospective study. SETTING: Fertility clinic. PATIENT(S):
      Azoospermic men (n = 120) who underwent testicular sperm extraction and who were
      classified as either normal spermatogenesis, mixed atrophy, spermatocyte
      maturation arrest, or Sertoli cells only according to their combined histologic
      and cytologic testicular findings and three normozoospermic men who donated
      sperm. INTERVENTION(S): Evaluation of testicular biopsies by qualitative and
      quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemical
      staining, and analysis of spermatozoa by immunofluorescence. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURE(S): Expression of the four BET genes in testis and localization of BRDT
      protein in testicular tissue and ejaculated spermatozoa. RESULT(S): The BRDT gene
      was not expressed in testicular tissue from patients with Sertoli cells only,
      whereas the other three genes of the BET family retained expression in all the
      pathologies. The BRDT protein was localized in the nuclei of spermatocytes,
      spermatids, and ejaculated spermatozoa. Expression of BRDT protein was almost nil
      in testicular tissue specimens with spermatocyte maturation arrest despite normal
      transcript levels. CONCLUSION(S): Human BRDT expression pattern differs from
      mouse BRDT expression. In human, BRDT is the only BET gene expressed exclusively
      in testicular germ cells. Its expression in elongated spermatids and ejaculated
      spermatozoa raises the possibility that it is involved in unidentified additional
      functions.

PMID- 22035732
TI  - [Which patent foramen ovale needs to be closed, and how?].
AB  - Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO) is a normal fetal communication between right and left
      atria that persists after birth by about 30% in adults. It is discussed to be
      associated to potential clinical events, asking rational of such closure. Its
      correction throughout venous access can be attempted on four different
      indications: (1) secondary prevention of stroke or transient ischemic attack, (2)
      decompression illness, (3) migraine with aura, and (4) platypnea-orthodeoxia. The
      PFO closure procedure implies the double control of X-rays and ultrasound, and is
      relatively simple to perform, using various prostheses. In France, the place of
      percutaneous closure procedure is nowadays unclear since the Haute Autorite de
      sante currently suspended recommendations about the management after stroke.

PMID- 22035731
TI  - The prevalence of digenic mutations in patients with normosmic hypogonadotropic
      hypogonadism and Kallmann syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of digenic mutations in patients with
      idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (IHH) and Kallmann syndrome (KS).
      DESIGN: Molecular analysis of DNA in IHH/KS patients. SETTING: Academic medical
      center. PATIENT(S): Twenty-four IHH/KS patients with a known mutation (group 1)
      and 24 IHH/KS patients with no known mutation (group 2). INTERVENTION(S): DNA
      from IHH/KS patients was subjected to polymerase chain reaction-based DNA
      sequencing of the 13 most common genes (KAL1, GNRHR, FGFR1, KISS1R, TAC3, TACR3,
      FGF8, PROKR2, PROK2, CHD7, NELF, GNRH1, and WDR11). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The
      identification of mutations absent in >=188 ethnically matched controls. Both
      SIFT (sorting intolerant from tolerant) and conservation among orthologs provided
      supportive evidence for pathologic roles. RESULT(S): In group 1, 6 (25%) of 24
      IHH/KS patients had a heterozygous mutation in a second gene, and in group 2, 13
      (54.2%) of 24 had a mutation in at least one gene, but none had digenic
      mutations. In group 2, 7 (29.2%) of 24 had a mutation considered sufficient to
      cause the phenotype. CONCLUSION(S): When the 13 most common IHH/KS genes are
      studied, the overall prevalence of digenic gene mutations in IHH/KS was 12.5%. In
      addition, approximately 30% of patients without a known mutation had a mutation
      in a single gene. With the current state of knowledge, these findings suggest
      that most IHH/KS patients have a monogenic etiology.

PMID- 22035734
TI  - Membrane trafficking and cytoskeletal dynamics in neuronal function.

PMID- 22035733
TI  - Genome-wide association studies in plants: the missing heritability is in the
      field.
AB  - Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have been even more successful in plants
      than in humans. Mapping approaches can be extended to dissect adaptive genetic
      variation from structured background variation in an ecological context.

PMID- 22035735
TI  - Apathy and impulse control disorders in Parkinson's disease: a direct comparison.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Apathy and impulse control disorders (ICDs) in Parkinson's disease
      (PD) are clinically important complications and may exist on a common behavioral
      spectrum of disorders of reward and motivation. OBJECTIVE: To directly compare PD
      participants with apathy those with ICDs on range of demographic, neurologic and
      psychiatric measures. METHODS: Ninety-nine non-demented PD participants (ICD, n =
      35; apathy, n = 26; and controls, n = 38) were assessed in the study. Univariate
      statistics were used to compare the behavioral groups. A linear regression model
      was created with either apathy or impulsivity as the dependent variable. RESULTS:
      The two behavioral groups differed significantly from the PD control group on
      similar factors but in opposite directions. The apathy group was older at the
      time of both assessment and disease onset, had higher levels of depression and
      lower dopamine agonist use, compared to the other two groups. The ICD group was
      younger than the apathy group at disease onset and had higher levels of anxiety,
      a higher overall dopamine load and greater motor disease complexity. Overlap in
      behavioral pathology across the two groups was also noted. CONCLUSION: Apathy and
      ICDs may be on a common behavioral spectrum in PD. Both are associated with
      significant psychiatric morbidity supporting shared underlying pathology.

PMID- 22035736
TI  - Retrospect of hematologic malignancies 2010.

PMID- 22035737
TI  - Unusual autoimmune nonhematologic complications in chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
AB  - Autoimmune phenomena are well known to complicate chronic lymphocytic leukemia
      (CLL) and occur in 10% to 25% of patients. Hematologic autoimmune complications,
      particularly autoimmune hemolytic anemia and immune thrombocytopenia, are much
      more common than nonhematologic complications. We present 6 cases of patients who
      exhibited uncommon complications of CLL: myasthenia gravis, acquired von
      Willebrand disease, bullous pemphigoid, and acquired angioedema. In our patients,
      the activity and recrudescences of these complications were highly associated
      with CLL remission or progression. More awareness of the association of CLL with
      these complications could facilitate earlier diagnosis and effective treatment.

PMID- 22035739
TI  - Dasatinib combined with interferon-alfa induces a complete cytogenetic response
      and major molecular response in a patient with chronic myelogenous leukemia
      harboring the T315I BCR-ABL1 mutation.
AB  - Mutations of BCR-ABL1 are observed in 50% of patients with imatinib-resistant
      chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The T315I mutation is resistant to imatinib and
      second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). We report the case of a 57
      year-old man diagnosed with CML in 2003 in whom imatinib therapy failed after
      which he acquired the T315I mutation. He was treated sequentially with an anti
      T315I-specific agent, KW-2449, that led to eradication of the mutation without
      any further improvement. Subsequent introduction of combination therapy that
      included dasatinib and pegylated interferon led to the achievement of a sustained
      complete cytogenetic and major molecular response (MMR). This case illustrates
      the benefit of combination therapy that includes a TKI and a second agent with a
      different mechanism of action, either sequentially (TKI followed by KW-2449) or
      concomitantly (TKI + interferon), in eradicating resistant disease with the T315I
      clone.

PMID- 22035740
TI  - A comparison of races and leukemia subtypes among patients in different cancer
      survivorship phases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The three phases of cancer survivorship include the acute survival
      phase (ASP), the extended survival phase (ESP), and the permanent survival phase
      (PSP). This Institutional Review Board-approved retrospective pilot project
      compared races and leukemia subtypes among patients in the ASP, ESP, and PSP.
      METHODS: Fifty-five adult patients from our National Cancer Institute-designated
      cancer center were individually interviewed. Subjects were asked about multiple
      areas of survivorship including their social support system, distress level, and
      quality of life. RESULTS: Demographics of the 55 patients are acute lymphocytic
      leukemia (ALL), 10; acute myelocytic leukemia (AML), 9; chronic lymphocytic
      leukemia (CLL), 23; and chronic myelocytic leukemia (CML), 13. There were 23
      females and 32 males, 30 Hispanics, 20 Caucasians, and 5 African-Americans.
      Twenty-two patients were in the ASP, 21 in the ESP, and 12 in the PSP. AML
      patients experienced the most physical, family, emotional, and spiritual problems
      (78%, 33%, 56%, and 22%, respectively). AML patients also had the highest
      distress level with a mean score of 5.8 (SD 1.7), compared to ALL (1.8), CLL
      (3.2), and CML (5.1) (P value < .001). Among all the phases of survivorship, the
      ASP had the highest distress level (mean, 4.8) and the worst quality of life
      (mean, 2.3). The ASP patients had the most treatment for depression (38%). When
      comparing races, African Americans and Hispanics (40% and 37%, respectively) were
      unable to cope with finances, compared to Caucasians (5%), (P value .016). Fear
      of recurrence was higher in Hispanics (67%), compared to African Americans (40%)
      and Caucasians (30%) (P value .031). Hispanics (40%) experienced more problems
      with housing, insurance, and work, as compared to African Americans (20%) and
      Caucasians (10%) (P value .047). CONCLUSION: This study addresses the perceptions
      and beliefs of leukemia survivors and found that AML and minority patients need
      further investigation on various aspects of quality of life.

PMID- 22035738
TI  - Outcome of treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia with second-generation tyrosine
      kinase inhibitors after imatinib failure.
AB  - Although imatinib revolutionized the management of chronic myeloid leukemia
      (CML), recent data indicate a transformation in the treatment approach likely in
      the near future. For patients whose CML does not respond to standard-dose
      imatinib therapy, increasing the imatinib dose is a second-line option. However,
      high-dose imatinib is not an appropriate approach for patients experiencing drug
      toxicity, and there remain questions concerning the durability of responses
      achieved with this strategy. Alternative second-line options include the newer
      tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) such as dasatinib and nilotinib. A substantial
      amount of long-term data for these agents is available. Although both are potent
      and specific BCR-ABL TKIs, dasatinib and nilotinib exhibit unique pharmacological
      profiles and response patterns relative to different patient characteristics,
      such as disease stage and BCR-ABL mutational status. The superiority of second
      generation TKIs over imatinib in newly diagnosed disease has been recognized as
      well. They induce high and rapid rates of cytogenetic and molecular response,
      with less progression to advanced forms of disease in comparison with imatinib.
      Several investigational agents specific for those patients with the T315I
      mutation remain under evaluation. The future of CML therapy may include early use
      of these potent agents to help more patients achieve molecular remission and
      potentially be a path to a CML cure.

PMID- 22035741
TI  - Fatal paraneoplastic systemic leukocytoclastic vasculitis as a presenting feature
      of chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The most common paraneoplastic vasculitis is leukocytoclastic
      vasculitis (LCV),(1) 75% of which are caused by hematological malignancies.
      Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is associated with a multitude of auto-immune
      paraneoplastic syndromes. Data on LCV in association with CLL is restricted to
      isolated case reports,(3,4) none of which had systemic LCV. We present a unique
      case of fatal paraneoplastic, systemic LCV as an initial presentation of CLL in
      an elderly male with multiple co-morbidities. CASE: A 71-year-old man presented
      with a palpable, symmetric, purpuric rash on the lower extremities and an
      absolute lymphocytosis (white blood cell count 26.9; 23% lymphocytes). His co
      morbidities included coronary artery disease, congestive heart failure, and new
      critical aortic stenosis. Flow cytometry of peripheral blood demonstrated an
      abnormal population of B-cells, positive for CD5, CD19, and CD23, consistent with
      CLL. The skin biopsy specimen revealed neutrophilic inflammation in vessel walls
      indicative of LCV. Acute renal failure (creatinine 2 mg/dL), urinary red cell
      casts, and hypocomplementemia were concerning for a systemic vasculitis. The
      antinuclear antibody, cryoglobulin titer, antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody,
      serum protein electrophoresis, viral serologies were negative. On hospital day 6,
      he developed acute hepatocellular injury and acute respiratory failure.
      Continuous veno-venous hemodialysis was begun for worsening acidemia and
      hyperkalemia. Two days later he became obtunded on hospital day 8 and had an
      elevated lactic acid level with generalized abdominal tenderness worrisome for
      bowel ischemia. The same day he needed intubation with cardiopulmonary
      resuscitation for a brief episode of asystole. Despite aggressive treatment with
      high-dose steroids and plasmapheresis, he suffered worsening renal failure and
      shock. His family sought withdrawal of care on hospital day 11. Autopsy revealed
      diffuse LCV of the stomach, distal ileum, integument and alveoli with petechial
      hemorrhages, fibrin thrombi, and gangrenous patchy necrosis. CONCLUSION:
      Paraneoplastic LCV is a rare syndrome and seldom occurs in association with CLL.
      This is the first reported case of fatal systemic paraneoplastic LCV from B-cell
      CLL. Dermatologic involvement is universal with LCV, and may portend systemic
      disease. More data on its pathogenesis in CLL is warranted.

PMID- 22035742
TI  - Array comparative genomic hybridization analysis identifies recurrent gain of
      chromosome 2p25.3 involving the ACP1 and MYCN genes in chronic lymphocytic
      leukemia.
AB  - Chromosomal aberrations are independent prognostic markers in chronic lymphocytic
      leukemia (CLL). Recent studies using genomic arrays have shown recurrent gains of
      the short arm of chromosome 2 (2p) in a subset of CLL. We evaluated 178 CLL cases
      for 2p gains using custom-designed oligonucleotide array-based comparative
      genomic hybridization (aCGH). A high frequency of 2p gains was observed in 53 of
      178 (30%) cases, which ranged from a small 29-kb region to large segments
      involving the entire short arm. Besides several common chromosomal aberrations
      associated with 2p gain, we demonstrated a novel observation that gain of the
      telomeric region 2p25.3 harboring the ACP1 gene is common in CLL (25%, 44 of 178
      cases). The ACP1 gene has been previously shown to regulate T-cell receptor
      signaling through ZAP-70, and both genes are unfavorable clinical markers for
      CLL. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) confirmed the presence of 3-6
      copies of ACP1 in 35 of 40 (88%) of these cases. Interestingly, none of the aCGH
      diploid CLL cases showed gain of ACP1. Assessment of 73 healthy individuals by
      qPCR revealed ACP1 copy number gain in only two cases (2.7%). Gain of 2p25.3 was
      associated with ZAP-70 expression (P < .002) and unmutated immunoglobulin heavy
      chain variable (IGHV) gene mutation (P < .0001). A high frequency of MYCN co
      amplication with ACP1 was observed (14 of 40 cases, 35%). The frequent 2p25.3
      gain involving the ACP1 and MYCN genes may help define the critical region of 2p
      that contributes to pathogenesis of CLL together with other chromosomal
      abnormalities.

PMID- 22035743
TI  - Chlorambucil--still not bad: a reappraisal.
AB  - Although chlorambucil has been used in the management of chronic lymphocytic
      leukemia (CLL) for 55 years, the optimal dose and treatment duration have not
      been established. We summarized data from 4 UK randomized CLL trials over the
      past 30 years in which chlorambucil, as a single agent, was one of the study
      arms. Overall response rates (ORR) ranged from 57% to 75% when using doses of 60
      70 mg/m(2) per 28-day cycle. This compares favorably with an ORR of 31% to 55% in
      other studies that used lower doses. Response rates improved when patients
      received 6 or more courses. Studies that used chlorambucil as a comparator, at
      lower doses or with fewer courses, resulted in consistently lower ORR.
      Comparisons with single-agent fludarabine in 2 randomized trials (LRF CLL4 and
      German CLL5) showed similar progression-free survival. Chlorambucil compares
      favorably with fludarabine and bendamustine with respect to myelotoxicity,
      neutropenia, and fever, even at 70 mg/m(2) per cycle and in the elderly.
      Resistance to chlorambucil does not preclude a good response to newer treatments
      used as second-line treatment, which explains the good survival after progression
      observed in patients randomized to chlorambucil in LRF CLL4. Chlorambucil is
      currently being combined with anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies in several phase II
      and III trials. It remains a useful drug for patients unfit to receive more
      intensive combinations. However, both the dose and duration of treatment are
      important.

PMID- 22035744
TI  - Prognostic factors and models in polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia,
      and primary myelofibrosis.
AB  - Myeloproliferative neoplasms include essential thrombocythemia (ET), polycythemia
      vera (PV), and primary myelofibrosis (PMF). These 3 diseases have common clinical
      features, such as a high risk of vascular complications, progression to secondary
      myelofibrosis, and clonal evolution into the blast phase. Current risk factors of
      ET and PV, used to predict events, are patient based: age >60 years and a history
      of thrombosis. Very recently, other parameters, such as leukocyte count and the
      presence of JAK2 (V617F) mutation, have been reported as potential risk factors.
      Prognosis in PMF is predicted at diagnosis by a combination of different risk
      factors, such as advanced age (age >60 years), anemia, leukocytosis (white blood
      cell count > 25 * 10(9)/L), the presence of blast cells (>= 1%), and the presence
      of constitutional symptoms. This model may also predict survival when applied
      during follow-up.

PMID- 22035746
TI  - BCR-ABL1--negative myeloproliferative neoplasms: a review of molecular biology,
      diagnosis, and treatment.
AB  - In 2008, the World Health Organization expanded the classification of
      myeloproliferative disorders based on increasing amounts of molecular and
      cytogenetic data. Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) that do not contain the BCR
      ABL1 mutation include polycythemia vera (PV), essential thrombocythemia (ET), and
      primary myelofibrosis (PMF). JAK2V617F is the best characterized mutation in BCR
      ABL1-negative neoplasms, with an estimated prevalence of more than 95% in PV, 50%
      in ET, and 50% in PMF. Current diagnostic strategies are increasingly reliant on
      molecular markers, and their prognostic value continues to be investigated. The
      use of aspirin, hydroxyurea, and phlebotomy for PV and ET, and the use of
      androgens, steroids, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy for PMF continues to be
      the mainstay of therapy. The only potentially curative therapy is allogeneic
      hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, but treatment-related mortality remains
      high. There have been promising results from clinical trials that involve the JAK
      tyrosine kinase inhibitors TG101384 and INCB018424, but their role in future
      therapy is yet to be established. Despite the optimism, it is increasingly
      apparent that pathogenicity in BCR-ABL1-negative MPN is more complex than for
      chronic myeloid leukemia, and a pathognomonic mutation may not be forthcoming.

PMID- 22035745
TI  - JAK2 inhibitors: are they the solution?
AB  - The discovery of the JAK2V617F mutation in patients with Philadelphia-negative
      myeloproliferative neoplasms (Ph-negative MPN) started the era of targeted
      therapy for these diseases. Until now, patients had few treatment options
      available, which usually were restricted to hydroxyurea, interferon preparations,
      and chemotherapy in more aggressive cases. JAK2 inhibitors have been developed
      over the past 5 years, and the results of the first clinical trials with JAK2
      inhibitors for patients with myelofibrosis were recently published. Current
      research results suggest that JAK2 inhibitors have a potential to decrease
      disease burden and its activity, as manifested by a decrease in splenomegaly and
      improvement in systemic disease-related symptoms, but they do not seem to be able
      to eradicate the malignant clone. However, JAK2 inhibitors help patients
      regardless of their mutation status, because patients without JAK2V617F mutation
      benefit to the same extent as patients with JAK2V617F mutation. A greater
      understanding of the pathophysiology of MPNs is needed before we can cure
      myelofibrosis with drug therapy. Currently, several new JAK2 inhibitors are in
      clinical trials for patients with myelofibrosis, and clinical trials for patients
      with polycythemia vera and essential thrombocythemia have also started. We review
      recent data on JAK2 inhibitors for the management of patients with Ph-negative
      MPNs.

PMID- 22035747
TI  - Allogeneic stem cell transplantation for myelodysplastic syndromes: critical for
      cure?
AB  - Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) is the treatment of choice for young
      patients (age <= 55 years) with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) characterized by
      poor-risk or intermediate-risk cytogenetics, who have a histocompatible related
      or unrelated donor. For patients who lack an human leukocyte antigen-compatible
      donor, autologous SCT, or chemotherapy may be good alternatives for those with
      MDS and with good-risk cytogenetic characteristics. Iron toxicity is an
      underestimated cause of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) treatment
      related mortality. The pathogenesis, diagnosis, and monitoring of iron-induced
      organ damage are currently topics of investigation. Prospective studies on the
      prevention or treatment of iron toxicity before HSCT and/or after HSCT are
      necessary.

PMID- 22035748
TI  - Monitoring of minimal residual disease in acute myeloid leukemia: methods and
      best applications.
AB  - Posttherapy minimal residual disease assessment in acute myeloid leukemia is an
      important prognostic indicator as well as a potential early surrogate measure of
      therapeutic effectiveness. The goal of this brief review is to discuss the broad
      classes of targets for molecular diagnostic assays, with specific examples of
      each, and to describe the analytic approach to flow cytometry testing for minimal
      residual disease in acute myeloid leukemia. Several of the most significant
      recent contributions to this field are highlighted.

PMID- 22035749
TI  - Older patients with acute myeloid leukemia benefit from intensive chemotherapy:
      an update from the Swedish Acute Leukemia Registry.
AB  - Most patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) are older, the median age is 71
      years, and survival decreases rapidly with age. The achievement of complete
      remission and long-term survival mostly require intensive combination
      chemotherapy, but standard regimens are often believed to be too toxic for older
      patients. The Swedish Acute Leukemia Registry is unique and contains data on 98%
      of all patients diagnosed since 1997, irrespective of management. Comorbidity
      increases with age, but the distribution of AML-related risk factors is mostly
      similar in different age groups of patients older than 60 years old. In Sweden,
      most patients up to 75 years old are given intensive induction treatment with
      acceptable complete remission rates. Early death rates were always lower with
      intensive treatment compared with palliative treatment, thus, most patients up to
      75 years and with AML both tolerate and benefit from intensive induction
      treatment.

PMID- 22035750
TI  - New treatments and strategies in acute myeloid leukemia.
AB  - Despite considerable progress in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia in the
      past several decades, the prognosis of the majority of patients with this disease
      remains guarded. Advances in supportive care and better characterization of
      disease subsets through cytogenetics and molecular analysis have led to
      significant success in treating specific subsets of patients, such as those with
      acute promyelocytic leukemia and core binding factor leukemias, particularly
      among the younger patients who are able to better tolerate the effects of
      cytotoxic chemotherapy. However, overall, only about 40% of younger patients and
      <10% of older patients with this disease are alive at 5 years. Current research
      is focusing on the identification of new cellular targets amenable to specific
      inhibitors, designing the best strategies for combining these novel agents with
      traditional chemotherapy regimens, and determining prognostic indicators that may
      allow us to better stratify therapy.

PMID- 22035751
TI  - Targeting the bone marrow in Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia.
AB  - Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia (WM) is a low-grade B-cell lymphoma characterized
      by widespread involvement of the bone marrow with lymphoplasmacytic cells. In
      approximately 20% of patients, the malignant clone also involves the lymph nodes
      and induces hepatosplenomegaly. The mechanisms by which the tumor cells home to
      the bone marrow and preferentially reside in the marrow niches are not fully
      elucidated. In this review, we examine the role of the bone marrow
      microenvironment in the regulation of cell growth, survival and cell
      dissemination in WM. We also summarize specific regulators of niche-dependent
      tumor proliferation in WM. These include chemokines, adhesion molecules,
      Src/PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling, NF-kB activation, and micro-RNA regulation in WM.
      Targeting these pathways in clinical trials could lead to significant responses
      in this rare disease.

PMID- 22035752
TI  - Fludarabine versus chlorambucil: is the debate over?
AB  - Historically, chlorambucil had been considered to be the treatment of choice for
      previously untreated patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) from the
      1950's until 1990's. Ever since the 1990's, when the nucleoside analogue,
      fludarabine, became available as a therapeutic agent, this drug has replaced
      chlorambucil in the treatment of CLL. In the initial treatment of CLL. Although,
      prospectively conducted, randomized clinical trials comparing these two drugs in
      the front-line therapy of CLL, initially, showed a significant increase in the
      complete remission rates, overall remission rates, and progression-free-survival
      in patients treated with fludarabine, as compared to the patients treated with
      chlorambucil, the overall survival duration did not show a significant
      improvement improvement. A recent report, of a long-term follow-up of that study
      now reveals that a significant increase in the overall survival time of the
      patients who, originally, were randomized to fludarabine arm started to become
      manifest only after about 6 years had passed from the time of first treatment on
      this study. Thus, fludarabine has now been proven to be superior to chlorambucil
      for the initial treatment of CLL.

PMID- 22035753
TI  - High-risk multiple myeloma: does it still exist?
AB  - Major improvement milestones in the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma
      (MM) include the introduction of the melphalan/prednisone combination in the
      1960s, high-dose chemotherapy supported by autologous stem cell transplant in the
      1980s, and the more recent introduction of the novel agents thalidomide,
      lenalidomide, and bortezomib. Historically, age and eligibility for autologous
      stem cell transplantation were the primary basis for treatment selection, but,
      from a biologic standpoint, MM therapy was "one size fits all," in that therapy
      was not tailored based on molecular or other features that define subtypes of MM.
      Recently, novel therapies have extended overall survival for the broad spectrum
      of patients with myeloma. Moreover, newer data demonstrate that novel therapies
      may ameliorate the prognostic impact of predictors of high risk and poor outcome
      in MM, which suggests that patients with MM and with high-risk disease should
      receive novel agents. Such approaches may constitute nascent steps toward
      individualized therapy, ie, the selection of highly effective therapies based on
      specific features exhibited by an individual patient's MM. However, prospective
      data that demonstrate the validity of these approaches are lacking. Definitive,
      multi-institutional clinical trials are required before redefining standards of
      myeloma care based on this approach.

PMID- 22035754
TI  - HSP90 inhibitors as therapy for multiple myeloma.
AB  - The heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) family of proteins are ubiquitous molecular
      chaperones that are intricately involved in folding, activation, maturation, and
      assembly of many proteins that include essential mediators of signal transduction
      and cell cycle progression. They are abundant in eukaryotic cells and localized
      to the cytoplasm and mitochondria as well as the endoplasmic reticulum under
      normal conditions, making up 1% to 2% of all cellular proteins. HSP90 proteins
      have increased expression in a number of malignancies, including multiple
      myeloma. HSP90 inhibition can influence multiple oncogenic pathways and proteins
      involved in myeloma, therefore making it an attractive target for drug
      development in this disease. This article serves as an overview of the pre
      clinical data and clinical trial data on HSP90 inhibitors in multiple myeloma.

PMID- 22035755
TI  - Management of myeloma: an Italian perspective.
AB  - Multiple myeloma remains a fatal plasma cell malignancy. However, new insights
      into the disease biology and immunology have identified molecular mechanisms,
      underling functional interactions between plasma cells and the bone marrow
      microenvironment that have become molecular targets of so-called "new drugs" such
      as thalidomide, lenalidomide, and bortezomib. Recently, the combinations of new
      drugs with melphalan and prednisone in elderly patients, and with autologous stem
      cell transplantation in induction and/or maintenance schedules in younger
      patients have significantly prolonged overall survival. Optimal combinations and
      timing are a matter of debate. Moreover, management of side effects is a key
      clinical target to improve long-term quality of life. Many randomized phase III
      studies are currently in progress to address these issues. Whether these new
      advancements in myeloma treatment will eventually translate into a long chronic
      phase or a monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance-like status for the
      majority of patients remains, however, still unanswered.

PMID- 22035756
TI  - Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: the old and the new.
AB  - During the past decade we have witnessed a number of changes in the field of non
      Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), including new entities added to the classification as
      well as a better understanding of the biology of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
      (DLBCL). An understanding of the epigenetics of NHL is also contributing new
      agents for the management of this disorder. It has become increasingly clear that
      DLBCL is a biologically and clinically heterogeneous cell type. Two major
      categories are now recognized: germinal center B cell and activated B-cell (ABC)
      types. The former is associated with a good prognosis while the latter is known
      to have a more adverse outcome. With the use of routine immunohistochemical
      stains, these two types can be identified. The ABC type is known to be NFK-B
      dependent. NFK-B is a therapeutic target for bortezomib which is being
      investigated as treatment for this subtype of DLBCL. Several major changes in the
      classification will be discussed among which the most important are the
      recognition of so-called borderline entities. One of the two most common of these
      is the borderline DLBCL/Burkitt tumor (DLBCL/BL) which has features of both DLBCL
      and Burkitt's lymphoma. Many of the cases in this DLBCL/BL category contain a
      translocation of MYC as well as BCL2, so-called "double-hit lymphomas" which have
      a very aggressive clinical behavior. The second common borderline entity is the
      mediastinal grey zone NHL (MGZL) which has pathological features intermediate
      between primary mediastinal B-cell lymphoma and nodular sclerosing Hodgkin
      lymphoma (NSHL). Overlapping clinical features include young age, male
      predominance, and localized mediastinal presentation. Anecdotal reports suggest
      MGZL is relatively resistant to Hodgkin-based chemotherapy. Epigenetic therapy
      represents a new concept. Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi)and DNA
      methyltransferase inhibitors constitute a promising new class of antineoplastic
      agents. They modify the expression of genes related to cancer development. In
      this review, we discuss the role of HDACi in lymphomagenesis as well as in
      treatment. To understand the benefits of HDACi in lymphoma treatment, we must
      appreciate the crucial interplay between BCL6, p53, and STAT3. The STAT3 oncogene
      is involved in the ABC type of DLBCL, an unfavorable and frequently therapy
      refractory lymphoma. STAT3 can be effectively suppressed by several HDACi. We
      will summarize the results of recent trials with HDACi such as romidepsin,
      panobinostat and valproic acid that have shown significant preliminary activity
      in recurrent and refractory lymphomas. Their future role in front-line management
      remains to be determined.

PMID- 22035757
TI  - Management options for follicular lymphoma: observe; R-CHOP; B-R; others?
AB  - Treatment results are improving for patients who have advanced-stage follicular
      lymphoma; this progress is in large part related to the inclusion of anti-CD20
      monoclonal antibody therapy in front-line therapy programs. Rituximab has been
      combined successfully in chemo-immunotherapy regimens with several standard
      chemotherapy combinations, and with bendamustine. Post-remission treatment
      strategies, including radioimmuotherapy consolidation and rituximab maintenance,
      have had a favorable impact on duration of remission. Thus, although traditional
      palliative strategies can still have a role in many situations, such approaches
      must now be placed in perspective with options that have the potential to achieve
      durable disease control. Recent therapeutic advances have renewed the hope that
      potentially curative treatment options may be forthcoming for these patients.

PMID- 22035759
TI  - Neural coding in graphs of bidirectional associative memories.
AB  - In the last years we have developed large neural network models for the
      realization of complex cognitive tasks in a neural network architecture that
      resembles the network of the cerebral cortex. We have used networks of several
      cortical modules that contain two populations of neurons (one excitatory, one
      inhibitory). The excitatory populations in these so-called "cortical networks"
      are organized as a graph of Bidirectional Associative Memories (BAMs), where
      edges of the graph correspond to BAMs connecting two neural modules and nodes of
      the graph correspond to excitatory populations with associative feedback
      connections (and inhibitory interneurons). The neural code in each of these
      modules consists essentially of the firing pattern of the excitatory population,
      where mainly it is the subset of active neurons that codes the contents to be
      represented. The overall activity can be used to distinguish different properties
      of the patterns that are represented which we need to distinguish and control
      when performing complex tasks like language understanding with these cortical
      networks. The most important pattern properties or situations are: exactly
      fitting or matching input, incomplete information or partially matching pattern,
      superposition of several patterns, conflicting information, and new information
      that is to be learned. We show simple simulations of these situations in one area
      or module and discuss how to distinguish these situations based on the overall
      internal activation of the module. This article is part of a Special Issue
      entitled "Neural Coding".

PMID- 22035758
TI  - Allogeneic stem cell transplantation for chronic myeloid leukemia resistant to
      tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
AB  - Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is well-established as
      a potentially curative treatment for patients who have chronic myeloid leukemia.
      The success of imatinib and other tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) as initial
      therapy has changed the treatment paradigm for this disease. Allogeneic
      hematopoietic transplants are now reserved for patients whose disease does not
      respond optimally to TKI treatment. Patients whose disease does not have an
      optimal response to imatinib may respond to a second-generation TKI, dasatinib or
      nilotinib, and many achieve major or complete molecular and cytogenetic
      responses. The indication for allogeneic HSCT versus continued second-line
      therapy is not well-defined and is the subject of ongoing study. There has been
      continued progress in reducing the toxicity and risks of HSCT with development of
      reduced-intensity regimens; transplants can be routinely performed in patients up
      to the age of 75 years who are in fair general medical condition. Transplantation
      results from unrelated donors have improved, with survival rates similar that
      achieved with matched siblings. Results with haploidentical and cord blood
      transplants have markedly improved, and should be considered for patients lacking
      a matched donor. Allogeneic hematopoietic transplants have the best chance to be
      curative in patients with chronic phase that is under hematologic control with
      80% disease-free survival; patients progressing to the accelerated phase or blast
      crisis have a much poorer prognosis. Thus, HSCT should be considered for patients
      with imatinib failure. Patients receiving second-line TKI therapy must be closely
      monitored and referred for transplantation if a complete cytogenetic response and
      major molecular response is not achieved. HSCT should be performed if feasible in
      patients without a continued response to TKI treatment.

PMID- 22035760
TI  - An investigation of the mode of sorption of inositol hexaphosphate to goethite.
AB  - Adsorption of inositol hexaphosphate (IP(6)) on goethite has been studied as a
      function of pH and concentration, and by use of Attenuated Total Reflectance
      Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR). While adsorption was highest
      at low pH, a significant amount remained adsorbed above pH 10 where, in the
      absence of IP(6), the surface is expected to have a net negative charge. The
      adsorption isotherm at pH 5.5 indicated strong binding to the surface with each
      adsorbed species occupying about 2.5 nm(2). ATR-FTIR spectra of IP(6) solutions
      in the pH range from 2 to 12 were fitted with a single set of IR bands which were
      assigned primarily by analogy with phosphate spectra. From its variation in
      intensity with pH the band at 1040 cm(-1) was assigned to the effect of hydrogen
      bonding on the PO vibration. No additional bands were required to fit the spectra
      of IP(6) adsorbed to goethite, indicating that adsorption occurs by outer-sphere
      complexation in this system. At all pH values studied the band associated with
      hydrogen bonding was more intense for the adsorbed species than in solution at
      the corresponding pH indicating that hydrogen bonding plays an important role in
      binding IP(6) to goethite.

PMID- 22035761
TI  - Benefit of immediate revascularization in women with critical limb ischemia in an
      intention-to-treat analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Evidence for the best treatment strategy in women with critical limb
      ischemia (CLI) is limited and controversial with studies contradicting each
      other. Therefore, we determined the benefit of immediate revascularization
      compared to medical therapy (MT) with optional delayed revascularization in men
      and women with CLI. METHODS: This cohort study with follow-up at 2, 6, and 12
      months was conducted in a consecutive series of 356 patients (41% women)
      presenting with 394 critically ischemic limbs. In this intention-to-treat study,
      292 limbs were assigned to immediate revascularization by either surgical (81
      limbs) or endovascular techniques (211 limbs) at the time of first presentation
      with CLI, whereas MT as first-line therapy was administered in 102 limbs with
      CLI. Primary outcome measures were overall and amputation-free survival. Cox
      regression models adjusted for 10 baseline characteristics following Kaplan-Meier
      Survival estimates were performed. RESULTS: Women with CLI were significantly
      older than men (P < .001), had higher systolic blood pressure (P = .03) and
      cholesterol levels (P = .04), but less women presented with renal failure (P =
      .03) and less were smokers (P < .001). In women, but not in men, immediate
      revascularization was associated with a prolonged overall survival (hazard ratio
      [HR], 2.37; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.29-4.34; P = .01) and amputation-free
      survival compared to MT (HR, 2.11; 95% CI, 1.30-3.43; P = .01), irrespective of
      whether surgery or percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) was performed (not
      significant). Except for overall survival (HR, 2.14; 95% CI, 0.95-4.82; P = .07),
      outcomes were not significantly changed after Cox regression analysis.
      CONCLUSION: Women presenting with CLI profit from immediate revascularization
      therapy, irrespective of revascularization technique used and despite advanced
      age and differences in other cardiovascular risk factors. Thus, our data suggest
      aggressive and early limb salvage efforts in women with CLI.

PMID- 22035762
TI  - The Nationwide Inpatient Sample may contain inaccurate data for carotid
      endarterectomy and carotid stenting.
AB  - The Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS) contains information from discharge
      abstracts submitted by hundreds of community hospitals across the United States,
      and it frequently has been used as a resource for population-based research
      comparing the safety of carotid artery stenting (CAS) to that of carotid
      endarterectomy (CEA). However, at least two findings from the NIS dataset seem
      open to question. First, several NIS studies have indicated that more than 90% of
      CEAs and CAS procedures now are being done in asymptomatic patients, a figure
      that substantially exceeds the prevalence of asymptomatic patients that has been
      reported elsewhere. Second, these studies also have suggested that the
      periprocedural stroke rate for CEA and CAS is lower at community hospitals
      contributing to the NIS than it was in the Carotid Revascularization
      Endarterectomy vs Stenting Trial (CREST), even though the surgeons and
      interventionalists participating in CREST were stringently selected according to
      their previous experience and results. Neither of these two findings seems to
      pass the test of face validity. Furthermore, some unexpectedly low stroke-to
      death (STD) ratios are present in the NIS data, especially for CAS. These issues
      may be related to poor documentation of preprocedural symptoms and periprocedural
      strokes in the medical records and to subsequent coding errors in the hospital
      discharge abstracts on which the NIS is based.

PMID- 22035763
TI  - Prevalence and metabolic abnormalities of vitamin D-inadequate patients
      presenting with urolithiasis to a tertiary stone clinic.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence and metabolic abnormalities of patients with
      inadequate vitamin D (VD) presenting with urolithiasis to a tertiary stone clinic
      in North America. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective review of consecutive
      patients presenting from August 2009 to January 2010 was performed. Demographic
      and clinical data were collected together with metabolic stone workup, including
      2 24-hour urine collections and serum 25-hydroxy VD [25(OH)D]. VD inadequacy
      (VDI) included VD deficiency and VD insufficiency defined as 25-(OH) VD levels
      <20 ng/mL and 21-29 ng/mL, respectively. RESULTS: Of 101 patients, 81 (80.2%)
      were found to have VDI: 34 (33.7%) were deficient and 47 (46.5%) had insufficient
      VD. Mean age was 50.4 +/- 15.8 years and the mean body mass index was 28.7 +/-
      5.8 kg/m(2). Forty-two percent were smokers, 51% were recurrent stone formers,
      and 54% had positive family history of urolithiasis. Hyperparathyroidism was
      detected in 25.9% of patients, of which 91% of them were secondary to VDI.
      Hypocalcemia and hyperuricemia were found in 36% and 11% of patients,
      respectively. Of 81 VDI patients, 69 (85.2%) had complete 24-hour urine
      collections, of which 92.7% had at least one abnormality. However, only 40% of
      patients with normal VD had metabolic abnormalities (P <.0001). The most
      prevalent pattern of urinary abnormalities in VDI patients were suboptimal volume
      (45%), hypocitaturia (24%), hypocalciuria (33%), hypercalciuria (20%),
      hyperuricosuria (16%), cystinuria (5%), and hyperoxaluria (7.2%). CONCLUSION: In
      this preliminary study, patients presenting with urolithiasis were found to have
      a high prevalence of inadequate VD associated with abnormalities on metabolic
      stone work-up.

PMID- 22035764
TI  - Gleason pattern 5 is frequently underdiagnosed on prostate needle-core biopsy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess underdiagnosing Gleason pattern 5 on needle biopsy and
      discuss the potential consequences for patient management. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      We retrieved 300 consecutive prostate biopsy cases from the consultation files at
      The Johns Hopkins Hospital (JHH) from 2009-2010 in which we identified Gleason
      pattern 5. All of these cases were diagnosed by one of the authors and all were
      sent in as a final diagnosis for which the outside pathologist was not requesting
      consultation because of difficulty with the diagnosis. The Gleason grades
      assigned to these cases at our institution were compared with the grade rendered
      by the submitting pathologists from the outside institution. RESULTS: In 146
      (48.7%) of the cases, Gleason pattern 5 was not identified by the outside
      pathologists. Of the 146 cases, the outside Gleason score was <=7 in 61 (20.3%)
      and 4+4=8 in 85 (28.4%). Even when the tumor was diagnosed at JHH as Gleason
      score 5+5=10, only 26 (41.3%) were diagnosed as the same by the outside
      pathologists; Gleason score 9 was graded in 27 (42.8%). CONCLUSION: Considering
      the important prognostic and therapeutic implication of misdiagnosing Gleason
      pattern 5, efforts should be made by the pathology community to acknowledge this
      as a problem and improve on individual pathologists' accuracy by diverse medical
      education programs. In addition, urologists should not hesitate in sending
      biopsies with high-grade prostate cancer for expert genitourinary pathology
      second opinions.

PMID- 22035765
TI  - Bipolar plasmakinetic transurethral resection of prostate in 132 consecutive
      patients with large gland: three-year follow-up results.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety, efficacy, and medium-term durability of bipolar
      plasmakinetic transurethral resection of the prostate (PK-TURP) for the treatment
      of bladder outlet obstruction due to benign prostatic hyperplasia in a
      prospective study. METHODS: From March 2007 to May 2008, 132 consecutive patients
      underwent PK-TURP at our institution. All patients were assessed perioperatively
      and followed up at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 36 months postoperatively. The
      parameters included the International Prostate Symptom Score, quality of life
      scores, maximal urinary flow rates, transrectal ultrasonography, postvoid
      residual urine volume, and serum prostate-specific antigen level. RESULTS: The
      mean patient age was 64.55+/-4.03 years. The prostate volume was 79.66+/-12.36 g.
      The operative time was 78.83+/-17.41 minutes, and the resected weight was 58.12+/
      7.29 g. The catheterization time was 69.00+/-17.99 hours, and the hospital stay
      was 117.00+/-17.99 hours. The decrease in hemoglobin and sodium was 1.55+/-0.48
      g/dL and 1.57+/-0.38 mmol/L, respectively. A significant improvement occurred in
      the maximal urinary flow rate (22.34+/-3.1 mL/s), International Prostate Symptom
      Score (2.90+/-1.60), and quality of life (1.12+/-0.60) at the 3-year follow-up
      compared with baseline (P<.001). Of the 132 patients, 6 (4.5%) required
      reoperation. CONCLUSION: PK-TURP represents an effective surgical intervention
      for the treatment of bladder outlet obstruction for large prostates. Furthermore,
      the functional results at 3 years demonstrated durability. Therefore, the PK-TURP
      technique could play an important role in the surgical treatment of patients with
      symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia with a large prostate gland.

PMID- 22035766
TI  - The developmental quality of participation experiences: beyond the rhetoric that
      "participation is always good!".
AB  - A powerful rhetoric regarding the importance of adolescents' civic engagement and
      political participation is common in contemporary societies, whilst citizens,
      both adolescent and adults, seem to express a growing scepticism and alienation
      regarding politics. Even if this disengagement is debatable, as there are
      simultaneous signs of an increasing involvement in a variety of emerging and
      broadly-defined civic and political activities, we argue that the benefits of
      these experiences should be scrutinized using psychological evidence-based
      criteria. We rest on classical contributions from developmental psychology,
      educational theory and political science to define criteria that could inform the
      quality of participation experiences, and then present two studies that explore
      its adequacy. Study 1 is a cross-sectional study that observes that higher
      quality civic and political experiences are connected with more complex modes of
      thinking about politics. In Study 2, a two-wave longitudinal design, the quality
      of participation experiences is a significant predictor of change patterns of
      political attitudes; moreover, results support the argument that participation is
      not good in itself and that some experiences, with lesser developmental quality,
      might have a detrimental effect on adolescents' political development.

PMID- 22035767
TI  - [Agreement between two observers in the measurement of smoking and use of safety
      belt and cell phones in vehicles].
AB  - The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility of direct observations of
      smoking and use of seat belts and cell phones in drivers in the city of
      Barcelona, and to analyze the agreement between two observers. We performed 315
      pairs of observations. The simple percentage inter-observer agreement between
      driver and passenger smoking was 100% with a Kappa coefficient=1.0. There was
      high inter-observer agreement in measurement of cell phone use and the number of
      passengers aged less than 14 years old. The variable with the lowest agreement
      was the driver's age. In conclusion, direct observation studies are a good
      resource for monitoring smoking and use of seat belts and cell phones in the
      drivers of motor vehicles.

PMID- 22035768
TI  - Effects of ethanolic extract from Radix Scrophulariae on ventricular remodeling
      in rats.
AB  - PURPOSE: To explore the effects of ethanolic extract of Radix Scrophulariae
      (EERS) on ventricular remodeling in rats. METHODS: Rats with coronary artery
      ligation (CAL) were randomly assigned to 5 groups: CAL model; CAL plus 40 mg/kg
      captopril; CAL plus 60 mg/kg, 120 mg/kg, 240 mg/kg EERS. Sham operation rats were
      randomly assigned to 2 groups, sham-operated control and sham-operated plus 120
      mg/kg EERS. The rats were orally administered with the corresponding drugs or
      drinking water for 14 weeks. The left ventricular weight index (LVWI) and heart
      weight index (HWI) were determined. Myocardium tissue was stained with
      hematoxylin and eosin or picric acid/Sirius red for cardiomyocyte cross-section
      area or collagen content measurements respectively. The concentrations of
      hydroxyproline (Hyp), matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2), angiotensin II (Ang
      II), aldosterone (ALD), endothelin 1 (ET-1), atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP),
      tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and renin activity (RA) in myocardium or
      serum were determined. Real-time RT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expressions
      of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE), ET-1 and ANP. RESULTS: EERS could
      significantly reduce the LVWI and HWI, decrease heart tissue concentrations of
      Hyp and collagen deposition, diminish cardiomyocyte cross-section area, reduce
      the tissue level of Ang II, ET-1, ANP and TNF-alpha. EERS could also down
      regulate the mRNA expression of ACE, ET-1 and ANP in myocardium. CONCLUSION: EERS
      attenuates ventricular remodeling. The mechanisms may be related to restraining
      the excessive activation of RAAS, TNF-alpha and modulating some gene expressions
      associated with cardiac hypertrophy.

PMID- 22035769
TI  - Tanshinone IIA and tanshinone I production by Trichoderma atroviride D16, an
      endophytic fungus in Salvia miltiorrhiza.
AB  - In this study the isolation of an endophytic fungus from the root of the
      medicinal herb Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge is reported for the first time. The
      fungus produced tanshinone I and tanshinone IIA in rich mycological medium
      (potato dextrose broth) under shake flask and bench scale fermentation
      conditions. The fungus was identified as Trichoderma atroviride by its morphology
      and authenticated by ITS analysis (ITS1 and ITS2 regions and the intervening 5.8S
      rDNA region). Tanshinone I and tanshinone IIA were identified by HPLC and LC
      HRMS/MS and confirmed through comparison with authentic standards. This
      endophytic fungus has significant scientific and industrial potential to meet the
      pharmaceutical demands for tanshinone I and tanshinone IIA in a cost-effective,
      easily accessible and reproducible way.

PMID- 22035770
TI  - The real mystery about language. Comment on "Modeling the cultural evolution of
      language" by Luc Steels.

PMID- 22035771
TI  - Where could biolinguists and evolutionary linguists meet? Comment on "Modeling
      the cultural evolution of language" by Luc Steels.

PMID- 22035772
TI  - Emotional voices in context: a neurobiological model of multimodal affective
      information processing.
AB  - Just as eyes are often considered a gateway to the soul, the human voice offers a
      window through which we gain access to our fellow human beings' minds - their
      attitudes, intentions and feelings. Whether in talking or singing, crying or
      laughing, sighing or screaming, the sheer sound of a voice communicates a wealth
      of information that, in turn, may serve the observant listener as valuable
      guidepost in social interaction. But how do human beings extract information from
      the tone of a voice? In an attempt to answer this question, the present article
      reviews empirical evidence detailing the cerebral processes that underlie our
      ability to decode emotional information from vocal signals. The review will focus
      primarily on two prominent classes of vocal emotion cues: laughter and speech
      prosody (i.e. the tone of voice while speaking). Following a brief introduction,
      behavioral as well as neuroimaging data will be summarized that allows to outline
      cerebral mechanisms associated with the decoding of emotional voice cues, as well
      as the influence of various context variables (e.g. co-occurring facial and
      verbal emotional signals, attention focus, person-specific parameters such as
      gender and personality) on the respective processes. Building on the presented
      evidence, a cerebral network model will be introduced that proposes a
      differential contribution of various cortical and subcortical brain structures to
      the processing of emotional voice signals both in isolation and in context of
      accompanying (facial and verbal) emotional cues.

PMID- 22035773
TI  - The cultural approach to language is ripe, let us expand our options to test it
      empirically. Commentary on "Modeling the cultural evolution of language" by Luc
      Steels.

PMID- 22035774
TI  - Control chart pattern recognition using K-MICA clustering and neural networks.
AB  - Automatic recognition of abnormal patterns in control charts has seen increasing
      demands nowadays in manufacturing processes. This paper presents a novel hybrid
      intelligent method (HIM) for recognition of the common types of control chart
      pattern (CCP). The proposed method includes two main modules: a clustering module
      and a classifier module. In the clustering module, the input data is first
      clustered by a new technique. This technique is a suitable combination of the
      modified imperialist competitive algorithm (MICA) and the K-means algorithm. Then
      the Euclidean distance of each pattern is computed from the determined clusters.
      The classifier module determines the membership of the patterns using the
      computed distance. In this module, several neural networks, such as the
      multilayer perceptron, probabilistic neural networks, and the radial basis
      function neural networks, are investigated. Using the experimental study, we
      choose the best classifier in order to recognize the CCPs. Simulation results
      show that a high recognition accuracy, about 99.65%, is achieved.

PMID- 22035775
TI  - A novel KFCM based fault diagnosis method for unknown faults in satellite
      reaction wheels.
AB  - Reaction wheels are one of the most critical components of the satellite attitude
      control system, therefore correct diagnosis of their faults is quintessential for
      efficient operation of these spacecraft. The known faults in any of the
      subsystems are often diagnosed by supervised learning algorithms, however, this
      method fails to work correctly when a new or unknown fault occurs. In such cases
      an unsupervised learning algorithm becomes essential for obtaining the correct
      diagnosis. Kernel Fuzzy C-Means (KFCM) is one of the unsupervised algorithms,
      although it has its own limitations; however in this paper a novel method has
      been proposed for conditioning of KFCM method (C-KFCM) so that it can be
      effectively used for fault diagnosis of both known and unknown faults as in
      satellite reaction wheels. The C-KFCM approach involves determination of exact
      class centers from the data of known faults, in this way discrete number of fault
      classes are determined at the start. Similarity parameters are derived and
      determined for each of the fault data point. Thereafter depending on the
      similarity threshold each data point is issued with a class label. The high
      similarity points fall into one of the 'known-fault' classes while the low
      similarity points are labeled as 'unknown-faults'. Simulation results show that
      as compared to the supervised algorithm such as neural network, the C-KFCM method
      can effectively cluster historical fault data (as in reaction wheels) and
      diagnose the faults to an accuracy of more than 91%.

PMID- 22035776
TI  - Mixture of fibroblast, epithelial and endothelial cells conditioned media induce
      monocyte-derived dendritic cell maturation.
AB  - Fully matured DCs with large amount cytoplasm and copious dendritic projections
      were visible at the end of culturing period in the presence of MCM, TNF-alpha and
      poly (I:C), with or without FEECM. Thus, DCs generated with these maturation
      factors are nonadherent and have typical satellite morphology. Flow cytometric
      analysis using anti-CD14, -CD80, -CD86, -HLA-DR and -CD83 revealed that
      expression of CD14 is decreased in particular in FEECM treated DCs, on day 5 and
      expression of CD80, CD86 and HLA-DR was the higher when FEECM are added to
      maturation factor. Functionally, when DCs matured in the presence of FEECM
      elicited stronger MLR, reduced phagocytic activity. These results support the use
      of the FEECM with MCM, TNF-alpha and poly (I-C) as maturation factor in DC
      generation that could result in functionally mature monocyte-derived DCs in
      comparison to either alone.

PMID- 22035777
TI  - Excellent outcomes with use of synthetic vascular grafts for treatment of mycotic
      aortic pseudoaneurysms after heart transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mycotic pseudoaneurysm is a rare but potentially lethal complication
      after heart transplantation. Allograft has been advocated as the choice of
      material for aortic replacement. We report a series of 7 patients with
      pseudoaneurysm that was treated with primary repair or synthetic graft
      replacement. METHODS: Between October 2005 and February 2011, 8 patients (mean
      age, 55.3 years; range, 39 to 67 years), were diagnosed with mycotic
      pseudoaneurysms of the ascending aorta 2 to 29 months after transplantation. One
      patient declined operative repair, and the remainder had urgent or emergency
      surgical intervention. One patient had primary repair at the cardioplegia site,
      and one had primary end-to-end anastomosis after the infected recipient aortic
      segment was resected. Five patients had replacement of the infected aorta with a
      Dacron graft (DuPont, Wilmington, DE) for pseudoaneurysm development at the
      suture line or donor aorta. Clinical and radiologic follow-up assessments were
      performed in all patients. RESULTS: There were no operative or in-hospital
      deaths. None of the patients had major postoperative complications, and there was
      no cardiac allograft dysfunction. Median follow-up was 25 months (range, 1 to 48
      months). One patient died of a pulmonary embolism 10 months after the operation.
      The remaining 6 patients remain free of infection. The most recent radiologic
      follow-up showed no residual or recurrence of pseudoaneurysms among the surviving
      patients. CONCLUSIONS: A synthetic vascular graft to replace the infected aorta
      is a viable aortic substitute among transplant recipients, and in the presence of
      a vascularized flap, can offer excellent midterm outcomes.

PMID- 22035778
TI  - Mechanisms of pulmonary hypertension related to ventricular septal defect in
      congenital heart disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate differences in molecular
      mechanisms of pulmonary hypertension between patients with complete transposition
      of the great arteries (TGA) combined with ventricular septal defect (VSD) and
      those with VSD alone. METHODS: Twenty-four consecutive patients with pulmonary
      hypertension (mean pulmonary artery pressure > 30 mm Hg) underwent surgical
      correction of TGA + VSD (n = 10) or VSD alone (n = 14). Lung specimens were taken
      from the right middle lobe before cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). Extent of
      pulmonary hypertension was graded according to the Heath-Edwards pathologic
      classification. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to determine
      expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), inducible nitric oxide
      synthase (iNOS), endothelin-1 (ET-1), endothelin A and B receptors (ET-AR, ET
      BR), matrix metalloproteinases 2 and 9 (MMP-2, MMP-9), and tissue inhibitor of
      metalloproteinase (TIMP). RESULTS: There were no statistically significant
      differences in age, height, weight, VSD diameter, or preoperative pulmonary
      artery pressure between groups. Hemoglobin level, pulmonary artery oxygen
      saturation, and reduction in postoperative pulmonary artery pressure were
      significantly higher in patients undergoing correction of TGA + VSD (p < 0.05).
      All patients had grade 0 to II Heath-Edwards morphologic changes in lung biopsy
      samples. Expression of eNOS and MMP-2 was significantly lower in the TGA + VSD
      group than in the VSD-alone group (eNOS, 280.13 +/- 101.92 ng/mg versus 488.41 +/
      249.60 ng/mg; p < 0.05; MMP-2, 31.68 +/- 15.36 ng/mg versus 69.28 +/- 49.12
      ng/mg; p < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences between
      groups in expression of iNOS, ET-1, ET-AR, ET-BR, MMP-9, or TIMP. CONCLUSIONS: In
      patients with TGA + VSD, high oxygenation in the pulmonary circulation decreases
      expression of MMP-2 and eNOS, which may affect the progress and reversibility of
      pulmonary hypertension.

PMID- 22035779
TI  - Soluble ST2 is a marker for acute cardiac allograft rejection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Soluble ST2 (sST2), an interleukin (IL)-1 receptor family member, has
      a role in immunologic tolerance and has also emerged as a biomarker of cardiac
      stretch and remodeling. The sST2 role in heart transplantation is still unknown.
      METHODS: From the heart transplantation population at our institution (n = 74),
      we selected a subset of 26 patients who had an acute rejection episode in the
      first year after transplantation (35%; 52 +/- 14 years; 76% men). Endomyocardial
      biopsy (EMB) results obtained at the time of the first rejection episode
      represented the rejection cohort (n = 26). Each patient served as a control to
      himself or herself, with EMB without rejection obtained before and after the
      rejection episode (n = 52). All laboratory measurements and blood samples were
      obtained at the time of EMB. RESULTS: sST2 concentrations rose significantly in
      the context of acute rejection (130 [60 to 238] versus 51 ng/mL [28 to 80]; p =
      0.002). Tertile analyses of sST2 concentrations revealed a graded association
      with rejection (p = 0.002) and repeated measurement analyses showed that sST2
      concentrations were significantly modulated by the presence of rejection (p =
      0.001). In receiver operator characteristic (ROC) analysis, sST2 had an area
      under the curve (AUC) of 0.72; the optimal cutoff point was 68 ng/mL (positive
      predictive value of 53%, negative predictive value of 83%), which predicted acute
      cellular rejection (odds ratio [OR] 4.9; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.7 to
      14.5; p = 0.004). The addition of sST2 values to those for the N-terminal pro B
      type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) resulted in a significant improvement on the
      integrated discrimination index (IDI) for rejection (relative improvement of 24%;
      p = 0.021). CONCLUSIONS: sST2 concentrations are modulated by the presence of
      acute rejection and provide complementary predictive ability to NT-proBNP for the
      biochemical identification of rejection.

PMID- 22035780
TI  - Diagnostic knee arthroscopy: a pilot study to evaluate surgical skills.
AB  - PURPOSE: To develop a scoring system to evaluate individual proficiency at
      diagnostic knee arthroscopy. METHODS: This was a prospective blinded study.
      Subjects included residents in postgraduate year (PGY) 1 through PGY 5 (n = 20)
      and staff surgeons (n = 10). All subjects performed a diagnostic arthroscopy on a
      cadaveric knee. Subjects were evaluated on both completeness and time required to
      complete the arthroscopy. The examiner viewed the arthroscopy from a remote
      location and was blinded to the level of training of the subjects. During the
      arthroscopy, 15 areas required assessment to achieve a score of 75 points. An
      additional 25 points were awarded depending on the time it took to complete the
      arthroscopy. A maximum of 100 points were available (Total score = Arthroscopy
      score + Time score). RESULTS: Thirty subjects were divided into 3 groups: group 1
      (PGY 1 or 2) (n = 12), group 2 (PGY 3, 4, or 5) (n = 8), and group 3 (staff) (n =
      10). In group 1 the mean total score was 28.25 points, the mean time to complete
      arthroscopy was 11.9 minutes, and the mean number of structures not examined was
      8.67. In group 2 the mean total score was 76 points, the mean time to complete
      arthroscopy was 8.2 minutes, and the mean number of structures not examined was
      1.75. In group 3 the mean total score was 100 points, the mean time to complete
      arthroscopy was 4.6 minutes, and the mean number of structures not examined was
      0. Statistically significant differences by use of an analysis of variance test
      were noted for the total score, total time, and number of missed structures (P <
      .001). CONCLUSIONS: Using our skills assessment tool, we were able to evaluate
      subjects and determine their relative technical skill level in performing a
      diagnostic arthroscopy. This tool was able to distinguish among the novice,
      experienced, and expert levels in performing diagnostic arthroscopy. LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: Level III, development of diagnostic criteria on the basis of
      consecutive subjects.

PMID- 22035781
TI  - Optimizing pressurized contact area in rotator cuff repair: the diamondback
      repair.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare tendon-bone footprint contact
      area over time under physiologic loads for 4 different rotator cuff repair
      techniques: single row (SR), triangle double row (DR), chain-link double row
      (CL), and diamondback double row (DBK). METHODS: A supraspinatus tear was created
      in 28 human cadavers. Tears were fixed with 1 of 4 constructs: SR, DR, CL, or
      DBK. Immediate post-repair measurements of pressurized contact area were taken in
      neutral rotation and 0 degrees  of abduction. After a static tensile load,
      pressurized contact area was observed over a 160-minute period after repair.
      Cyclic loading was then performed. RESULTS: The DBK repair had the highest
      pressurized contact area initially, as well as the highest pressurized contact
      area and lowest percentage decrease in pressurized contact area after 160 minutes
      of testing. The DBK repair had significantly larger initial pressurized contact
      than CL (P = .003) and SR (P = .004) but not DR (P = .06). The DBK technique was
      the only technique that produced a pressurized contact area that exceeded the
      native footprint both at initial repair (P = .01) and after 160 minutes of
      testing (P = .01). DBK had a significantly larger mean pressurized contact area
      than all the repairs after 160 minutes of testing (P = .01). DBK had a
      significantly larger post-cyclic loading pressurized contact area than CL (P =
      .01) and SR (P = .004) but not DR (P = .07). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that
      a diamondback repair (a modification of the transosseous repair) can
      significantly increase the rotator cuff pressurized contact area in comparison
      with other standard rotator cuff repair constructs when there is sufficient
      tendon mobility to perform a double-row repair without excessive tension on the
      repair site. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The persistent pressurized contact area of a DBK
      repair may be desirable to enhance healing potential when there is sufficient
      tendon mobility to perform a double-row repair, particularly for large or massive
      rotator cuff tears where it is important to optimize footprint area and contact
      to encourage biologic healing.

PMID- 22035783
TI  - Future fuel: could biomass be the new petroleum?

PMID- 22035782
TI  - Transcriptomic analysis of pluripotent stem cells: insights into health and
      disease.
AB  - Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) hold
      tremendous clinical potential because of their ability to self-renew, and to
      differentiate into all cell types of the body. This unique capacity of ESCs and
      iPSCs to form all cell lineages is termed pluripotency. While ESCs and iPSCs are
      pluripotent and remarkably similar in appearance, whether iPSCs truly resemble
      ESCs at the molecular level is still being debated. Further research is therefore
      needed to resolve this issue before iPSCs may be safely applied in humans for
      cell therapy or regenerative medicine. Nevertheless, the use of iPSCs as an in
      vitro human genetic disease model has been useful in studying the molecular
      pathology of complex genetic diseases, as well as facilitating genetic or drug
      screens. Here, we review recent progress in transcriptomic approaches in the
      study of ESCs and iPSCs, and discuss how deregulation of these pathways may be
      involved in the development of disease. Finally, we address the importance of
      these advances for developing new therapeutics, and the future challenges facing
      the clinical application of ESCs and iPSCs.

PMID- 22035784
TI  - L-DOPA ropes in tRNA(Phe).
AB  - L-DOPA is the most commonly prescribed drug for the treatment of Parkinson's
      disease. Here, Moor et al. (2011) report that phenylalanyl-tRNA synthetase
      catalyzes the misacylation of tRNA(Phe) by L-DOPA, suggesting that it may
      contribute to the elevated levels of L-DOPA-containing proteins found in patients
      treated with this drug.

PMID- 22035785
TI  - Green-red flashers to accelerate biology.
AB  - Photoactivatable fluorescent proteins are now widely used for cell and protein
      tracking and super-resolution optical imaging. In this issue, Adam et al. (2011)
      report a general approach to introduce photochromism into green-to-red
      photoconvertible proteins and describe new photoactivatable protein with a
      complex four-state flasher-like behavior and advanced characteristics.

PMID- 22035786
TI  - Biology-driven library design for probe discovery.
AB  - Libraries of diverse small molecules are important to probe and drug discovery.
      The current trend toward building massive screening collections to support drug
      development, a special application of chemical biology, can limit their broader
      potential. Biology-driven construction methods (Wallace et al., 2011) are rapidly
      emerging to bring chemical libraries back on a viable path.

PMID- 22035787
TI  - Tailor-made peptide synthetases.
AB  - Harnessing the modular architecture of non-ribosomal peptide synthetases for
      combinatorial biosynthesis is a longstanding goal in chemical biology. Several
      recent reports illustrate how computational design and directed evolution can be
      used to tailor the specificity of these assembly-line enzymes.

PMID- 22035788
TI  - Aspirin-triggered metabolites of EFAs.
AB  - Aspirin triggers the biosynthesis of oxygenated metabolites from arachidonic,
      eicosapentaenoic, and docosahexaenoic (DHA) acids. In a preceding issue, Serhan
      et al. (2011) describe a novel aspirin-triggered DHA pathway for the biosynthesis
      of a potent anti-inflammatory and proresolving molecule.

PMID- 22035789
TI  - PNA to DNA to microarray decoding facilitates ligand discovery.
AB  - The development of a method for the amplification of PNA tags (Svensen et al., in
      this issue of Chemistry & Biology) should expand the range of biological targets
      amenable to screening using PNA-encoded combinatorial libraries and thus
      facilitate the discovery of new biologically useful agents.

PMID- 22035790
TI  - Generation, translocation, and action of nitric oxide in living systems.
AB  - Nitric oxide (NO) is a gaseous diatomic radical that is involved in a wide range
      of physiological and pathological functions in biology. Conceptually, the
      biochemistry of NO can be separated into three stages: generation (stage 1),
      translocation (stage 2), and action (stage 3). In stage 1 the oxygenase domain of
      NO synthase converts L-arginine to L-citrulline and NO (g). Owing to its short
      lived nature, this molecule is converted into a different nitrogen oxide such as
      NO(2), an organonitrosyl such as a nitrosothiol, or a metal nitrosyl such as a
      heme-nitrosyl, for transportation in stage 2. Each of these derivatives features
      unique physical characteristics, chemical reactivity, and biological activity.
      Upon delivery in stage 3, NO exerts its physiological or pathological function by
      reaction with biomolecules containing redox-active metals or other residues.

PMID- 22035791
TI  - Bacterial and eukaryotic phenylalanyl-tRNA synthetases catalyze misaminoacylation
      of tRNA(Phe) with 3,4-dihydroxy-L-phenylalanine.
AB  - Aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases exert control over the accuracy of translation by
      selective pairing the correct amino acids with their cognate tRNAs, and
      proofreading the misacylated products. Here we show that three existing,
      structurally different phenylalanyl-tRNA synthetases-human mitochondrial
      (HsmtPheRS), human cytoplasmic (HsctPheRS), and eubacterial from Thermus
      thermophilus (TtPheRS), catalyze mischarging of tRNA(Phe) with an oxidized analog
      of tyrosine-L-dopa. The lowest level of L-dopa discrimination over the cognate
      amino acid, exhibited by HsmtPheRS, is comparable to that of tyrosyl-tRNA
      synthetase. HsmtPheRS and TtPheRS complexes with L-dopa revealed in the active
      sites an electron density shaping this ligand. HsctPheRS and TtPheRS possessing
      editing activity are capable of hydrolyzing the exogenous L-dopa-tRNA(Phe) as
      efficiently as Tyr-tRNA(Phe). However, editing activity of PheRS does not
      guarantee reduction of the aminoacylation error rate to escape misincorporation
      of L-dopa into polypeptide chains.

PMID- 22035793
TI  - Rational design of photoconvertible and biphotochromic fluorescent proteins for
      advanced microscopy applications.
AB  - Advanced fluorescence imaging, including subdiffraction microscopy, relies on
      fluorophores with controllable emission properties. Chief among these
      fluorophores are the photoactivatable fluorescent proteins capable of reversible
      on/off photoswitching or irreversible green-to-red photoconversion. IrisFP was
      recently reported as the first fluorescent protein combining these two types of
      phototransformations. The introduction of this protein resulted in new
      applications such as super-resolution pulse-chase imaging. However, the
      spectroscopic properties of IrisFP are far from being optimal and its tetrameric
      organization complicates its use as a fusion tag. Here, we demonstrate how four
      state optical highlighting can be rationally introduced into photoconvertible
      fluorescent proteins and develop and characterize a new set of such enhanced
      optical highlighters derived from mEosFP and Dendra2. We present in particular
      NijiFP, a promising new fluorescent protein with photoconvertible and
      biphotochromic properties that make it ideal for advanced fluorescence-based
      imaging applications.

PMID- 22035792
TI  - Structural and mechanistic insights into C-P bond hydrolysis by phosphonoacetate
      hydrolase.
AB  - Bacteria have evolved pathways to metabolize phosphonates as a nutrient source
      for phosphorus. In Sinorhizobium meliloti 1021, 2-aminoethylphosphonate is
      catabolized to phosphonoacetate, which is converted to acetate and inorganic
      phosphate by phosphonoacetate hydrolase (PhnA). Here we present detailed
      biochemical and structural characterization of PhnA that provides insights into
      the mechanism of C-P bond cleavage. The 1.35 A resolution crystal structure
      reveals a catalytic core similar to those of alkaline phosphatases and nucleotide
      pyrophosphatases but with notable differences, such as a longer metal-metal
      distance. Detailed structure-guided analysis of active site residues and four
      additional cocrystal structures with phosphonoacetate substrate, acetate,
      phosphonoformate inhibitor, and a covalently bound transition state mimic provide
      insight into active site features that may facilitate cleavage of the C-P bond.
      These studies expand upon the array of reactions that can be catalyzed by enzymes
      of the alkaline phosphatase superfamily.

PMID- 22035794
TI  - Identification of a eukaryotic reductive dechlorinase and characterization of its
      mechanism of action on its natural substrate.
AB  - Chlorinated compounds are important environmental pollutants whose biodegradation
      may be limited by inefficient dechlorinating enzymes. Dictyostelium amoebae
      produce a chlorinated alkyl phenone called DIF which induces stalk cell
      differentiation during their multicellular development. Here we describe the
      identification of DIF dechlorinase. DIF dechlorinase is active when expressed in
      bacteria, and activity is lost from Dictyostelium cells when its gene, drcA, is
      knocked out. It has a K(m) for DIF of 88 nM and K(cat) of 6.7 s(-1). DrcA is
      related to glutathione S-transferases, but with a key asparagine-to-cysteine
      substitution in the catalytic pocket. When this change is reversed, the enzyme
      reverts to a glutathione S-transferase, thus suggesting a catalytic mechanism.
      DrcA offers new possibilities for the rational design of bioremediation
      strategies.

PMID- 22035795
TI  - Rational development of caged-biotin protein-labeling agents and some
      applications in live cells.
AB  - Biotin-(strept)avidin complex is widely used in biotechnology because of its
      extremely high binding constant, but there is no report describing
      spatiotemporally controlled formation of the complex in live cells. Here, based
      on X-ray crystal structure analysis and calorimetric data, we designed and
      synthesized photoreleasable biotins, which show greatly reduced affinity for
      (strept)avidin, but recover native affinity after UV irradiation. For application
      at the cell surface, we introduced an amine-reactive moiety into these "caged"
      biotin molecules. Specific fluorescence imaging of live cells that had been
      labeled with these agents and then UV-irradiated, was accomplished by addition of
      streptavidin conjugated with a fluorophore. We also demonstrated the
      applicability of these compounds for UV-irradiated-cell-specific drug delivery by
      using caged-biotin-labeled cells, a prodrug, and streptavidin conjugated with a
      prodrug-activating enzyme.

PMID- 22035797
TI  - Decoding a PNA encoded peptide library by PCR: the discovery of new cell surface
      receptor ligands.
AB  - The ability to screen and identify new ligands for cell surface receptors has
      been a long-standing goal as it might allow targeting of pharmaceutically
      relevant receptors, such as integrins or G protein coupled receptors. Here, we
      present a method to amplify hits from a library of PNA-tagged peptides. To this
      end, human cells, overexpressing either integrins or the CCR6 receptor, were
      treated with a 10,000 member PNA-encoded peptide library. Extraction of the PNA
      tags from the surface of the cells was followed by a PNA-tag to DNA translation
      and amplification enabling decoding of the tags via microarray hybridization.
      This approach to ligand discovery facilitates screening for differences in
      surface-receptor ligands and/or receptor expression between different cell types,
      and opens up a practical approach to PNA-tag amplification.

PMID- 22035796
TI  - Compound prioritization methods increase rates of chemical probe discovery in
      model organisms.
AB  - Preselection of compounds that are more likely to induce a phenotype can increase
      the efficiency and reduce the costs for model organism screening. To identify
      such molecules, we screened ~81,000 compounds in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and
      identified ~7500 that inhibit cell growth. Screening these growth-inhibitory
      molecules across a diverse panel of model organisms resulted in an increased
      phenotypic hit-rate. These data were used to build a model to predict compounds
      that inhibit yeast growth. Empirical and in silico application of the model
      enriched the discovery of bioactive compounds in diverse model organisms. To
      demonstrate the potential of these molecules as lead chemical probes, we used
      chemogenomic profiling in yeast and identified specific inhibitors of lanosterol
      synthase and of stearoyl-CoA 9-desaturase. As community resources, the ~7500
      growth-inhibitory molecules have been made commercially available and the
      computational model and filter used are provided.

PMID- 22035798
TI  - Directed evolution of a gatekeeper domain in nonribosomal peptide synthesis.
AB  - Modular natural products are biosynthesized by series of enzymes that activate,
      assemble, and process a nascent chain of building blocks. Adenylation domains are
      gatekeepers in nonribosomal peptide biosynthesis, providing the entry point for
      assembly of typical peptide-based natural products. We report the directed
      evolution of an adenylation domain based on a strategy of using a weak,
      promiscuous activity as a springboard for reprogramming the biosynthetic assembly
      line. Randomization of residues invoked in a "specificity-conferring code" and
      selection for a non-native substrate lead to mutant G2.1, favoring smaller amino
      acids with a specificity change of 10(5): a 170-fold improvement for L-alanine
      corresponds to a 10(3)-fold decrease for its original substrate (L
      phenylalanine). These results establish directed evolution as a method to change
      gatekeeper domain specificity and suggest that adaptation of modules in
      combinatorial biosynthesis is achievable with few mutations during evolution.

PMID- 22035799
TI  - Disruption of Wnt planar cell polarity signaling by aberrant accumulation of the
      MetAP-2 substrate Rab37.
AB  - Identification of methionine aminopeptidase-2 (MetAP-2) as the molecular target
      of the antiangiogenic compound TNP-470 has sparked interest in N-terminal Met
      excision's (NME) role in endothelial cell biology. In this regard, we recently
      demonstrated that MetAP-2 inhibition suppresses Wnt planar cell polarity (PCP)
      signaling and that endothelial cells depend on this pathway for normal function.
      Despite this advance, the substrate(s) whose activity is altered upon MetAP-2
      inhibition, resulting in loss of Wnt PCP signaling, is not known. Here we
      identify the small G protein Rab37 as a MetAP-2-specific substrate that
      accumulates in the presence of TNP-470. A functional role for aberrant Rab37
      accumulation in TNP-470's mode of action is demonstrated using a Rab37 point
      mutant that is resistant to NME, because expression of this mutant phenocopies
      the effects of MetAP-2 inhibition on Wnt PCP signaling-dependent processes.

PMID- 22035802
TI  - Employing modular polyketide synthase ketoreductases as biocatalysts in the
      preparative chemoenzymatic syntheses of diketide chiral building blocks.
AB  - Chiral building blocks are valuable intermediates in the syntheses of natural
      products and pharmaceuticals. A scalable chemoenzymatic route to chiral diketides
      has been developed that includes the general synthesis of alpha-substituted, beta
      ketoacyl N-acetylcysteamine thioesters followed by a biocatalytic cycle in which
      a glucose-fueled NADPH-regeneration system drives reductions catalyzed by
      isolated modular polyketide synthase (PKS) ketoreductases (KRs). To identify KRs
      that operate as active, stereospecific biocatalysts, 11 isolated KRs were
      incubated with 5 diketides and their products were analyzed by chiral
      chromatography. KRs that naturally reduce small polyketide intermediates were the
      most active and stereospecific toward the panel of diketides. Several
      biocatalytic reactions were scaled up to yield more than 100 mg of product. These
      syntheses demonstrate the ability of PKS enzymes to economically and greenly
      generate diverse chiral building blocks on a preparative scale.

PMID- 22035800
TI  - Metabolically stabilized derivatives of phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate:
      synthesis and applications.
AB  - Phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PtdIns(4)P) lipid is an essential component of
      eukaryotic membranes and a marker of the Golgi complex. Here, we developed
      metabolically stabilized (ms) analogs of PtdIns(4)P and the inositol 1,4
      bisphosphate (IP(2)) head group derivative and demonstrated that these compounds
      can substitute the natural lipid fully retaining its physiological activities.
      The methylenephosphonate (MP) and phosphorothioate (PT) analogs of PtdIns(4)P and
      the aminohexyl (AH)-IP(2) probe are recognized by the PtdIns(4)P-specific PH
      domain of four phosphate adaptor protein 1 (FAPP1). Binding of FAPP1 to the
      PtdIns(4)P derivatives stimulates insertion of the PH domain into the lipid
      layers and induces tubulation of membranes. Both ms analogs and IP(2) probes
      could be invaluable for identifying protein effectors and characterizing
      PtdIns(4)P-dependent signaling cascades within the trans-Golgi network (TGN).

PMID- 22035801
TI  - Promysalin, a salicylate-containing Pseudomonas putida antibiotic, promotes
      surface colonization and selectively targets other Pseudomonas.
AB  - Under control of the Gac regulatory system, Pseudomonas putida RW10S1 produces
      promysalin to promote its own swarming and biofilm formation, and to selectively
      inhibit many other pseudomonads, including the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas
      aeruginosa. This amphipathic antibiotic is composed of salicylic acid and 2,8
      dihydroxymyristamide bridged by a unique 2-pyrroline-5-carboxyl moiety. In
      addition to enzymes for salicylic acid synthesis and activation, the biosynthetic
      gene cluster encodes divergent type II fatty acid biosynthesis components,
      unusual fatty acid-tailoring enzymes (two Rieske-type oxygenases and an
      amidotransferase), an enzyme resembling a proline-loading module of nonribosomal
      peptide synthetases, and the first prokaryotic member of the BAHD family of plant
      acyltransferases. Identification of biosynthetic intermediates enabled to propose
      a pathway for synthesis of this bacterial colonization factor.

PMID- 22035803
TI  - [Travel-related dermatosis, returning from tropical regions].

PMID- 22035804
TI  - [Travel-related fever].

PMID- 22035805
TI  - Treatment of Na(v)1.7-mediated pain in inherited erythromelalgia using a novel
      sodium channel blocker.
AB  - Mutations in the SCN9A gene leading to deficiency of its protein product,
      Na(v)1.7, cause congenital indifference to pain (CIP). CIP is characterized by
      the absence of the ability to sense pain associated with noxious stimuli. In
      contrast, the opposite phenotype to CIP, inherited erythromelalgia (IEM), is a
      disorder of spontaneous pain caused by missense mutations resulting in gain-of
      function in Na(v)1.7 that promote neuronal hyperexcitability. The primary aim of
      this study was to demonstrate that Na(v)1.7 antagonism could alleviate the pain
      of IEM, thereby demonstrating the utility of this opposite phenotype model as a
      tool for rapid proof-of-concept for novel analgesics. An exploratory, randomized,
      double-blind, 2-period crossover study was conducted in 4 SCN9A mutation-proven
      IEM patients. In each treatment period (2days), separated by a 2-day washout
      period, patients were orally administered XEN402 (400mg twice daily) or matching
      placebo. In 3 patients, pain was induced by heat or exercise during each
      treatment arm. A fourth patient, in constant severe pain, required no induction.
      Patient-reported outcomes of pain intensity and/or relief were recorded, and the
      time taken to induce pain was measured. The ability to induce pain in IEM
      patients was significantly attenuated by XEN402 compared with placebo. XEN402
      increased the time to maximal pain induction and significantly reduced the amount
      of pain (42% less) after induction (P=.014). This pilot study showed that XEN402
      blocks Na(v)1.7-mediated pain associated with IEM, thereby demonstrating target
      engagement in humans and underscoring the use of rare genetic disorders with
      mutant target channels as a novel approach to rapid proof-of-concept.

PMID- 22035808
TI  - Fertility sparing surgery for treatment of early-stage cervical cancer: open vs.
      robotic radical trachelectomy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the open versus robotic surgical approaches and provide
      surgical outcome data on patients who have undergone radical trachelectomy (RT).
      METHODS: We identified patients who underwent open (ORT) or robotic radical
      trachelectomy (RRT) between September 2005 and June 2011. Tumor characteristics,
      perioperative, operative and obstetrical outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: Thirty
      seven patients with early stage cervical cancer that desired future fertility
      underwent attempted radical trachelectomy, and 32 patients (20 with 1B1, 11 with
      1A2, and 5 with 1A1 with LVSI/poorly differentiated histology) had successful
      completion of RT. Five (1 open/4 robotic) underwent conversion to radical
      hysterectomy secondary to close (<5mm) endocervical margin (p=0.08). The median
      age at diagnosis was 28.9 years (range; 21.4-37.2), 70% were nulliparous, and 9
      had a visible lesion. Twenty-five patients (68%) underwent ORT and 12 (32%)
      underwent RRT. RRT was associated with less blood loss (62.5 mL vs. 300 mL,
      p=0.0001) and decreased length of postoperative stay (1 vs. 4 days, p<0.001),
      with no difference in operative time or histopathologic outcomes. Twenty-three
      patients (62%) had no residual cervical disease on final pathology. Common long
      term morbidities were irregular menstrual bleeding or amenorrhea (25%), cerclage
      erosion (13%), or cervical stenosis (9%). Although there was a higher rate of
      conversion to hysterectomy in the robotic surgery cohort, rates of serious
      morbidities among the cohorts were comparable (robotic: 33% vs. open: 24%,
      p=0.70). Eleven (36%) patients are actively attempting pregnancy and three have
      achieved pregnancy. The median time of follow up is 17.0 months (range 0.30-64.9
      months). There are no documented recurrences. CONCLUSIONS: RRT results in less
      blood loss and decreased length of hospital stay with no compromise in
      histopathologic outcomes.

PMID- 22035806
TI  - Phase II trial of adjuvant pelvic radiation "sandwiched" between combination
      paclitaxel and carboplatin in women with uterine papillary serous carcinoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and survival in women treated with adjuvant
      pelvic radiation "sandwiched" between six cycles of paclitaxel and carboplatin
      chemotherapy with completely resected UPSC. METHODS: Surgically staged women with
      UPSC (FIGO stage 1-4) and no visible residual disease were enrolled. Treatment
      involved paclitaxel (175 mg/m(2)) and carboplatin (AUC=6.0-7.5) every 21 days for
      3 doses, followed by radiation therapy (RT), followed by an additional 3 cycles
      of paclitaxel and carboplatin (AUC=5-6). Survival analysis, using Kaplan-Meier
      methods, was performed on patients who completed at least 3 cycles of
      chemotherapy and RT. RESULTS: A total of 81 patients were enrolled, of which 72
      patients completed the first 3 cycles of chemotherapy followed by prescribed RT.
      Median age was 67 years (range: 43-82 years). 59/72 (82%) had disease confined to
      the uterus and 13/72 (18%) had completely resected extra-uterine disease (stage 3
      and 4). 65 (83%) completed the protocol. Overall PFS and OS for combined stage 1
      and 2 patients was 65.5 +/- 3.6 months and 76.5 +/- 4.3 months, respectively. PFS
      and OS for combined stage 3 and 4 patients was 25.8 +/- 3.0 and 35.9 +/- 5.3
      months, respectively. Three-year % survival probability for stage 1 and 2
      patients was 84% and for stage 3 and 4 patients was 50%. Of the 435 chemotherapy
      cycles administered, there were 11(2.5%) G3/G4 non-hematologic toxicities.
      26(6.0%) cycles had dose reductions and 37(8.5%) had dose delays. CONCLUSIONS:
      Compared to prior studies of single modality adjuvant therapy, RT "sandwiched"
      between paclitaxel and carboplatin chemotherapy is well-tolerated and highly
      efficacious in women with completely resected UPSC.

PMID- 22035809
TI  - Quality of life and emotional distress in early stage and locally advanced
      cervical cancer patients: a prospective, longitudinal study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This prospective, longitudinal study investigates QoL issues and
      emotional distress in early stage cervical cancer (ECC) patients undergoing
      radical surgery (RS) and in locally advanced cervical cancer (LACC) patients
      triaged to chemoradiation (CT/RT) followed by RS. METHODS: The Global Health
      Status scale of EORTC QLQ-C30 (GHS), the EORTC QLQ-CX24 (CX24) and the Hospital
      Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaire were administered at baseline,
      and after 3, 6, and 12 months from surgery. For LACC patients QoL assessment was
      also performed after CT/RT. Statistical analysis was performed by the ANOVA for
      repeated measures and the Between Subject test. RESULTS: In ECC and LACC
      patients, the GHS scores improved over time (5.5% difference in mean scores
      compared to baseline in ECC, and 7.0% difference in mean score compared to
      baseline in LACC patients). An early worsening of lymphedema scores was
      documented in ECC cases (14.6% difference in mean values compared to baseline, p
      value=0.001), and in LACC patients (difference up to 28.3% of mean values,
      value=0.0001). Menopausal symptoms persistently worsened over time reaching >15%
      difference of mean values compared to baseline in both groups. Sexual activity
      scores markedly improved both in ECC and LACC patients (difference of mean score
      values compared to baseline was 16.5% in ECC, and 6.7% in LACC patients). Both
      ECC and LACC patients experienced an improvement of anxiety scores. CONCLUSIONS:
      Lymphedema and menopausal symptoms were the most disabling treatment-related
      sequelae; the amount of QoL issues and their multifaceted aspects require the
      cooperation of multidisciplinary teams.

PMID- 22035810
TI  - Basophils in allergic immune responses.
AB  - Basophils are rare effector cells of the innate immune system. They are generally
      associated with type 2 immune responses that develop during helminth infections
      and allergic reactions. The role of basophils for initiation and execution of
      allergic immune responses is not well understood. Over the past few years new
      tools have been generated to study the function of basophils in mouse models.
      Depending on the experimental systems used conflicting results were obtained with
      regard to the role of basophils for initiation and execution of immune responses
      against allergens and helminths. This review highlights the current knowledge
      about basophil in vivo functions with a focus on the role of basophils for
      allergic responses like asthma, allergic skin diseases and anaphylaxis.

PMID- 22035811
TI  - Influencing safe perioperative practice through demonstrating relevance.

PMID- 22035812
TI  - You spoke, we listened: implementing AORN recommended practices.

PMID- 22035813
TI  - Recommended practices: coming to your neighborhood.

PMID- 22035814
TI  - Implementing AORN recommended practices for prevention of deep vein thrombosis.
AB  - One to two people per 1,000 are affected by deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or
      pulmonary embolism in the United States each year. AORN published its new
      "Recommended practices for prevention of deep vein thrombosis" to guide
      perioperative RNs in establishing organization-wide protocols for DVT prevention.
      Strategies for successful implementation of the recommended practices include
      taking a multidisciplinary approach to protocol development, providing education
      and guidance for performing preoperative patient assessments and administering
      DVT prophylaxis, and having appropriate resources and the facility's policy and
      procedure for DVT prevention readily available in the practice setting. Hospital
      and ambulatory patient scenarios have been included as examples of appropriate
      execution of the recommended practices.

PMID- 22035815
TI  - Health care worker safety in surgery.
AB  - Nursing is ranked as one of the occupations with the most incidences of workplace
      related injury and illness. The six types of injury risk specific to the
      perioperative environment are biological, ergonomic, chemical, physical,
      psychosocial, and cultural in nature. Strategies to improve safety include the
      use of engineering controls to change the work environment, the equipment used,
      and how the work is done; administrative controls, such as implementing policies
      and procedures to develop a culture of safety; and behavioral controls that
      individuals can exercise to reduce the risk of injury. In addition, every
      perioperative RN is responsible for following safety policies and has the
      responsibility to identify safety hazards, take appropriate actions, and report
      the hazards through appropriate channels.

PMID- 22035816
TI  - Using concept maps in perioperative education.
AB  - Critical thinking and clinical decision making are essential components of the
      knowledge and skills acquired in the perioperative education process. Although
      traditional didactic teaching methods remain predominant teaching strategies in
      perioperative nursing education, programs should include a variety of methods and
      tools to enhance learning of a considerable amount of complex material. Concept
      mapping is an active teaching strategy that can be used in nursing education to
      facilitate the development of critical thinking and decision-making skills. A
      concept map is a tool consisting of a main idea, subconcepts, and cross-links
      that organizes knowledge by showing relationships between concepts. Different
      types of maps can be used to present different types of learning material,
      depending on the focus of the lesson. Complex knowledge (eg, perioperative
      technology) can be better learned and retained when the brain works to organize
      information in a hierarchical framework and the information is built up with
      interacting concepts.

PMID- 22035817
TI  - Bloodborne pathogen violations: compliance is key to prevention.

PMID- 22035818
TI  - Changing perioperative practice in an Indonesian hospital: part II of II.

PMID- 22035822
TI  - Reaction to dye.

PMID- 22035823
TI  - Achieving hemostasis with topical hemostats: making clinically and economically
      appropriate decisions in the surgical and trauma settings.
AB  - Achieving hemostasis is a crucial focus of clinicians working in surgical and
      trauma settings. Topical hemostatic agents-including mechanical hemostats, active
      hemostats, flowable hemostats, and fibrin sealants-are frequently used in efforts
      to control bleeding, and new options such as hemostatic dressings, initially used
      in combat situations, are increasingly being used in civilian settings. To
      achieve successful hemostasis, a number of vital factors must be considered by
      surgeons and perioperative nurses, such as the size of the wound; bleeding
      severity; and the efficacy, possible adverse effects, and method of application
      of potential hemostatic agents. Understanding how and when to use each of the
      available hemostatic agents can greatly affect clinical outcomes and help to
      limit the overall cost of treatment.

PMID- 22035824
TI  - Lanthanide-DTPA grafted silica nanoparticles as bimodal-imaging contrast agents.
AB  - The design and synthesis of a combined MRI-optical probe for bio-imaging are
      reported. The materials studied join the properties of lanthanide (Ln(3+))
      complexes and nanoparticles (NPs), offering an excellent solution for bimodal
      imaging. The hybrid SiO(2)@APS/DTPA:Gd:Ln (Ln = Eu(3+) or Tb(3+)) (APS: 3
      aminopropyltriethoxysilane, DTPA: diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid) system
      increases the payload of the active magnetic centre (Gd(3+)) and introduces a
      Ln(3+) long-life excited state (Eu(3+): 0.35 +/- 0.02 ms, Tb(3+): 1.87 +/- 0.02
      ms), with resistance to photobleaching and sharp emission bands. The Eu(3+) ions
      reside in a single low-symmetry site. Although the photoluminescence emission is
      not influenced by the simultaneous presence of Gd(3+) and Eu(3+), a moderate r(1)
      increase and a larger enhancement of r(2) are observed, particularly at high
      fields, due to susceptibility effects on r(2). The presence of Tb(3+) instead of
      Eu(3+) further raises r(1) but decreases r(2). These values are constant over a
      wide (5-13) pH range, indicating the paramagnetic NPs stability and absence of
      leaching. The uptake of NPs by living cells is fast and results in an intensity
      increase in the T(1)-weighted MRI images. The optical properties of the NPs in
      cellular pellets are also studied, confirming their potential as bimodal imaging
      agents.

PMID- 22035825
TI  - Catapult effect in pole vaulting: is muscle coordination determinant?
AB  - This study focused on the phase between the time of straightened pole and the
      maximum height (HP) of vaulter and aimed at determining the catapult effect in
      pole vaulting on HP. Seven experienced vaulters performed 5-10 vaults recorded by
      two video cameras, while the surface electromyography (sEMG) activity of 10 upper
      limbs muscles was recorded. HP was compared with an estimated maximum height
      (HP(est)) allowing the computation of a push-off index. Muscle synergies were
      extracted from the sEMG activity profiles using a non-negative matrix
      factorization algorithm. No significant difference (p>0.47) was found between
      HP(est) (4.64+/-0.21m) and HP (4.69+/-0.23m). Despite a high inter-individual
      variability in sEMG profiles, two muscle synergies were extracted for all the
      subjects which accounted for 96.1+/-2.9% of the total variance. While, the
      synergy activation coefficients were very similar across subjects, a higher
      variability was found in the muscle synergy vectors. Consequently, whatever the
      push-off index among the pole vaulters, the athletes used different muscle
      groupings (i.e., muscle synergy vectors) which were activated in a similar
      fashion (i.e., synergy activation coefficients). Overall, these results suggested
      that muscle coordination adopted between the time of straightened pole and the
      maximum height does not have a major influence on HP.

PMID- 22035826
TI  - Effects of 2 exercise training programs on physical activity in daily life in
      patients with COPD.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The effects of different exercise training programs on the level of
      physical activity in daily life in patients with COPD remain to be investigated.
      OBJECTIVE: In patients with COPD we compared the effects of 2 exercise/training
      regimens (a high-intensity whole-body endurance-and-strength  program, and a low
      intensity calisthenics-and-breathing-exercises program) on physical activity in
      daily life, exercise capacity, muscle force, health-related quality of life, and
      functional status. METHODS: We randomized 40 patients with COPD to perform either
      endurance-and-strength training  (no. = 20, mean +/- SD FEV(1) 40 +/- 13% of
      predicted) at 60-75% of maximum capacity, or calisthenics-and-breathing-exercises
      training (no. = 20, mean +/- SD FEV(1) 39 +/- 14% of predicted). Both groups
      underwent 3 sessions per week for 12 weeks.  Before and after the training
      programs the patients underwent activity monitoring with motion sensors,
      incremental cycle-ergometry, 6-min walk test, and peripheral-muscle-force test,
      and responded to questionnaires on health-related quality of life and functional
      status (activities of daily  living, pulmonary functional status, and dyspnea).
      RESULTS: Time spent active and energy expenditure in daily life were not
      significantly altered in either group. Exercise capacity and muscle force
      significantly improved only in the endurance-and-strength group. Health-related
      quality of life  and functional status improved significantly in both groups.
      CONCLUSIONS: Neither training program significantly improved time spent active or
      energy expenditure in daily life. The training regimens similarly improved
      quality of life and functional status. Exercise capacity and muscle force 
      significantly improved only in the high-intensity endurance-and-strength group.

PMID- 22035827
TI  - Noninvasive ventilation failure: the answer is blowing in the leaks.

PMID- 22035828
TI  - Prolonged mechanical ventilation: are you a lumper or a splitter?

PMID- 22035829
TI  - Diagnosing COPD: high time for a paradigm shift.

PMID- 22035830
TI  - Staffing the respiratory care department: new considerations.

PMID- 22035831
TI  - Ventilator software version markedly affects time to trigger and time delay.

PMID- 22035832
TI  - Is noninvasive ventilation possible only in New Jersey?

PMID- 22035833
TI  - Prognostic significance of neuroendocrine differentiation in prostate
      adenocarcinoma.
AB  - Much progress has been made toward an understanding of the development and
      progression of prostate cancer (PC) and the factors that drive the development of
      androgen independence. Neuroendocrine (NE) cells may provide an intriguing link
      between NE cell differentiation (NED) and tumor progression in PC. NED in PC
      generally confers a more aggressive clinical behavior and less favorable
      prognosis than conventional PC. In this article, we review the known functions of
      NE cells in PC and discuss the current knowledge on stimulation of cancer
      proliferation, invasion, apoptosis resistance, serum and immunohistochemical
      markers, and the prognostic significance of NED in human PC.

PMID- 22035834
TI  - [Causes of early mortality after liver transplantation: a twenty-years single
      centre experience].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To define the causes of mortality of patients who died within the
      first three months after a liver transplantation. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective,
      observational, and single centre study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between March 1989
      and July 2010, all patients who died within three months after a liver
      transplantation were included. Demographic characteristics, preoperative and
      peroperative data, donor characteristics, postoperative complications and causes
      of mortality were collected. RESULTS: Among the 788 performed liver
      transplantations, 76 patients died in intensive care unit (11%). The main
      indications of liver transplantation were alcoholic cirrhosis (30%), hepatitis C
      (28%), hepatocarcinoma (15%), primitive or secondary biliary cirrhosis (10%).
      Fifty percent of the patients were categorized as Child C. The main causes of
      death were non-function or dysfunction with retransplantation contra-indication
      graft (18%), sepsis (18%), neurological complications (12%), hemorrhagic shock
      (13%), (9%), multiorgan failures (5%), cardiac complications (6%). CONCLUSION: In
      this study, the main causes of mortality were infectious, neurological and
      hemorrhagic. These results emphasize the necessity for better control of sepsis,
      haemorrhage and immunosupressors.

PMID- 22035835
TI  - [State of the art. Publications of French emergency's teams since 5 years].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The development of emergency medicine in France and its valuation
      can take place only through acknowledged scientific publications. The aim of our
      study was to analyze the publications of French teams in emergency medicine since
      2006. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Observational, descriptive study, from January 1st,
      2006 to December 31st, 2010 including, thanks to Medline, studies related to
      emergency medicine with, as keywords, "medicine d'urgences; urgences; emergency;
      emergency medicine; French; France" the names of heads of the emergency
      departments, of the urgent medical aid services (samu) and of anaesthetics
      services in mainland France. Data collection focused on the type of study,
      subject, place of conducting the study and grade of international quality.
      RESULTS: Three hundred and twenty-five publications were listed: 39% (n=126) of
      the studies were carried out in prehospital. We identified 28% of observational
      studies (n=92), 20% of randomized prospective (n=66), 19% of cohorts (n=62), 18%
      of case reports (n=59), 10% of clarifications (n=32) and 4% of general reviews
      (n=11). The most frequent theme was the cardiology (38% of cases). The most
      favourite journal was the Annales francaises d'anesthesie et de reanimation
      (Afar) (18%, n=57). CONCLUSION: The release of French studies in emergency
      medicine is increasing, with an improvement in the quality of the published
      studies. All these results demonstrate the progress made since five years in
      emergency medicine in France but also the work that remains to be done in our
      rising medical specialization.

PMID- 22035836
TI  - The end and after: how dying cells impact the living organism.
AB  - All cells die, but the manner of death dictates interactions with living cells
      and consequences for the organism, especially with respect to the immune
      response. Here we discuss the different modes of cell death as they relate to
      this rapidly evolving field.

PMID- 22035837
TI  - Beginnings of a good apoptotic meal: the find-me and eat-me signaling pathways.
AB  - Prompt and efficient clearance of apoptotic cells is necessary to prevent
      secondary necrosis of dying cells and to avoid immune responses to autoantigens.
      Recent studies have shed light on how apoptotic cells through soluble "find-me"
      signals advertise their presence to phagocytes at the earliest stages of cell
      death. Phagocytes sense the find-me signal gradient, and in turn the presence of
      dying cells, and migrate to their vicinity. The apoptotic cells also expose
      specific "eat-me" signals on their surface that are recognized by phagocytes
      through specific engulfment receptors. This review covers the recent progress in
      the areas of find-me and eat-me signals and how these relate to prompt and
      immunologically silent clearance of apoptotic cells.

PMID- 22035838
TI  - Cell death in the maintenance and abrogation of tolerance: the five Ws of dying
      cells.
AB  - The mammalian immune system continually faces death in the form of its own dead
      and dying cells that arise during normal tissue turnover, infections, cellular
      damage, and cancer. Complex decisions must then be made that will permit a
      protective response to pathogens, while at the same time destroying tumors but
      not attacking vital systems of the host that could lead to autoimmunity. By using
      an investigative technique termed the five Ws (who, what, when, where, and why),
      we will examine how the immune system responds to antigens generated via cell
      death. This analysis will give us a better understanding of the molecular
      differences fundamental to tolerogenic or immunogenic cell death, the cells that
      sense and react to the dead cells, and the consequences of these fundamental
      elements on the maintenance or abrogation of tolerance.

PMID- 22035840
TI  - Dying to replicate: the orchestration of the viral life cycle, cell death
      pathways, and immunity.
AB  - Manipulation of cell death pathways has been identified as a common feature of
      host-microbe interactions. We examine two examples: influenza A as a
      representative acute infection and cytomegalovirus as an example of chronic
      infection. From the perspective of viral entry, replication, and transmission, we
      identify points of interconnection with the host response to infection, namely
      the induction of host cell death, inflammation, and immunity. Following from this
      analysis, we argue that the evolution and fine-tuned regulation of death
      associated genes may result from constant microbial pressure--past and present-
      that helped to support and coordinate cell death programs within the host.
      Interestingly, the delay in host cell death allows time for the virus to
      replicate while perturbations in cell death allow the host cell to initiate an
      immune response. This may represent a genetically encoded trade-off ensuring
      survival of both host and virus, or it may be a part of the complex agenda of
      infectious microbes.

PMID- 22035839
TI  - Tumor promotion via injury- and death-induced inflammation.
AB  - Inhibition of programmed cell death is considered to be a major aspect of
      tumorigenesis. Indeed, several key oncogenic transcription factors, such as NF
      kappaB and STAT3, exert their tumor-promoting activity at least in part through
      upregulation of survival genes. However, many cancers develop in response to
      chronic tissue injury, in which the resulting cell death increases the
      tumorigenic potential of the neighboring cells. In this review, we discuss a
      resolution to this paradox based on cell death-mediated induction of tumor
      promoting inflammatory cytokines, which enhance cell survival and trigger
      compensatory proliferation in response to tissue injury.

PMID- 22035841
TI  - Dynamiting viruses with MxA.
AB  - The crystal structure of the interferon-induced member of the dynamin family MxA
      presented by Gao et al. (2011) in this issue of Immunity reveals the molecule's
      higher-order structure, thereby providing insight into the protein's antiviral
      action as a molecular machine.

PMID- 22035842
TI  - Dual face apoptotic machinery: from initiator of apoptosis to guardian of
      necroptosis.
AB  - In this issue of Immunity, Bonnet et al. (2011) show that skin-specific ablation
      of the adaptor protein FADD sensitizes keratinocytes to RIPK3-dependent necrotic
      cell death, which leads to severe skin inflammation.

PMID- 22035843
TI  - Memory: the incomplete unhappening of differentiation.
AB  - The signals that regulate the differentiation of central and effector memory T
      cells remain unclear. In this issue of Immunity, Pepper et al. (2011) and
      Marshall et al. (2011) implicate the differential expression of transcription
      factors in driving memory subtypes.

PMID- 22035844
TI  - Orphan cytokine reveals IL-17 family secret.
AB  - The biology of interleukin-17C (IL-17C) has remained largely a mystery for more
      than a decade. Chang et al. (2011), in this issue of Immunity, and two other
      reports (Song et al., 2011; Ramirez-Carrozzi et al., 2011) demonstrate that IL
      17C has broad functions in a variety of tissues.

PMID- 22035845
TI  - The DNA-binding protein CTCF limits proximal Vkappa recombination and restricts
      kappa enhancer interactions to the immunoglobulin kappa light chain locus.
AB  - Regulation of immunoglobulin (Ig) V(D)J gene rearrangement is dependent on higher
      order chromatin organization. Here, we studied the in vivo function of the DNA
      binding zinc-finger protein CTCF, which regulates interactions between enhancers
      and promoters. By conditional deletion of the Ctcf gene in the B cell lineage, we
      demonstrate that loss of CTCF allowed Ig heavy chain recombination, but pre-B
      cell proliferation and differentiation was severely impaired. In the absence of
      CTCF, the Igkappa light chain locus showed increased proximal and reduced distal
      Vkappa usage. This was associated with enhanced proximal Vkappa and reduced
      Jkappa germline transcription. Chromosome conformation capture experiments
      demonstrated that CTCF limits interactions of the Igkappa enhancers with the
      proximal V(kappa) gene region and prevents inappropriate interactions between
      these strong enhancers and elements outside the Igkappa locus. Thus, although Ig
      gene recombination can occur in the absence of CTCF, it is a critical factor
      determining Vkappa segment choice for recombination.

PMID- 22035846
TI  - Mast cells condition dendritic cells to mediate allograft tolerance.
AB  - Peripheral tolerance orchestrated by regulatory T cells, dendritic cells (DCs),
      and mast cells (MCs) has been studied in several models including skin allograft
      tolerance. We now define a role for MCs in controlling DC behavior
      ("conditioning") to facilitate tolerance. Under tolerant conditions, we show that
      MCs mediated a marked increase in tumor necrosis factor (TNFalpha)-dependent
      accumulation of graft-derived DCs in the dLN compared to nontolerant conditions.
      This increase of DCs in the dLN is due to the local production of granulocyte
      macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) by MCs that induces a survival
      advantage of graft-derived DCs. DCs that migrated to the dLN from the tolerant
      allograft were tolerogenic; i.e., they dominantly suppress T cell responses and
      control regional immunity. This study underscores the importance of MCs in
      conditioning DCs to mediate peripheral tolerance and shows a functional impact of
      peripherally produced TNFalpha and GM-CSF on the migration and function of
      tolerogenic DCs.

PMID- 22035847
TI  - [Systematic reviews of the literature: what should be known about them].
AB  - A systematic review (SR) is an article on the "synthesis of the available
      evidence", in which a review is performed on the quantitative and qualitative
      aspects of primary studies, with the aim of summarising the existing information
      on a particular topic. After collecting the articles of interest the researchers
      then analyse them and compare the evidence they provide with that from similar
      ones. The reasons for justifying performing an SR are: when there is uncertainty
      as regards the effect of an intervention due to there being existing evidence
      against its real usefulness; when it is desired to know the magnitude of the
      effect of an intervention; and, when it is desired to analyse the behaviour of an
      intervention in subject sub-groups. The aim of this article is to perform an
      update on the basic concepts, indications, strengths and weaknesses of SRs, as
      well as the development of an SR, the most important potential biases to be taken
      into account in this type of design, and the basic concepts as regards the meta
      analysis. Two examples of SR are also included, of use for surgeons, who often
      come across this type of design when searching for scientific evidence in
      biomedical journal bases.

PMID- 22035848
TI  - Effect of triple growth factor controlled delivery by a brushite-PLGA system on a
      bone defect.
AB  - Bone regeneration is a complex process that involves multiple cell types, growth
      factors (GFs) and cytokines. A synergistic contribution of various GFs and a
      crosstalk between their signalling pathways was suggested as determinative for
      the overall osteogenic outcome. The purpose of this work was to develop a
      brushite-PLGA system, which controls the release rate of the integrated growth
      factors (GFs) to enhance bone formation. The brushite cement implants were
      prepared by mixing a phosphate solid phase with an acid liquid phase. PDGF (250
      ng) and TGF-beta1 (100 ng) were incorporated into the liquid phase. PLGA
      microsphere-encapsulated VEGF (350 ng) was pre-blended with the solid phase.
      VEGF, PDGF and TGF-beta1 release kinetics and tissue distributions were
      determined using iodinated ((125)I) GFs. In vivo results showed that PDGF and TGF
      beta1 were delivered more rapidly from these systems implanted in an
      intramedullary defect in rabbit femurs than VEGF. The three GFs released from the
      brushite-PLGA system remained located around the implantation site (5 cm) with
      negligible systemic exposure. Bone peak concentrations of approximately 4 ng/g
      and 1.5 ng/g of PDGF and TGF-beta1, respectively were achieved on day 3.
      Thereafter, PDGF and TGF-beta1 concentrations stayed above 1 ng/g during the
      first week. The scaffolds also provided a VEGF peak concentration of nearly 6
      ng/g on day 7 and a local concentration of approximately 1.5 ng/g during at least
      4 weeks. Four weeks post implantation bone formation was considerably enhanced
      with the brushite-PLGA system loaded with each of the three GFs separately as
      well as with the combination of PDGF and VEGF. The addition of TGF-beta1 did not
      further improve the outcome. In conclusion, the herein presented brushite-PLGA
      system effectively controlled the release kinetics and localisation of the three
      GFs within the defect site resulting in markedly enhanced bone regeneration.

PMID- 22035849
TI  - Microsporidia in household dogs and cats in Iran; a zoonotic concern.
AB  - Microsporidia in dogs and cats is primarily caused by the obligate, intracellular
      parasite Encephalitozoon cuniculi, which is a member of the phylum Microsporidia.
      The aim of the current study is the detection of this parasite in stool samples
      of small animals of Iran, by polymerase chain reaction. Microsporidia spp. was
      found in 31% (31/100) of dogs (E. cuniculi (18/100), Encephalitozoon bieneusi
      (8/100) and Encephalitozoon intestinalis (5/100)), and 7.5% (3/40) of the
      specimens obtained from cats were infected with E. bieneusi. Sequencing of PCR
      products confirmed these results. In conclusion, Microsporidia infection seems to
      be fairly common in pet animals of Iran, especially in dogs. This finding could
      indicate the importance of pet animals as zoonotic reservoirs of microsporidial
      human infections.

PMID- 22035850
TI  - Doramectin resistance in Haemonchus contortus on an alpaca farm in Belgium.
AB  - Parasitism by gastrointestinal nematodes is a health concern in New World
      Camelids (NWC) worldwide, and anthelmintic treatment is often needed for parasite
      control. Although anthelmintic resistance has been reported in ruminants
      worldwide, data in NWC are only scarce. In the present study, a case of suspected
      doramectin resistance in alpacas was examined. A field efficacy study was
      conducted for the evaluation of two different dosages of doramectin using a
      faecal egg count reduction test. A group of 8 alpacas was treated with a
      subcutaneous injection of doramectin at 0.2mg/kg bodyweight. Individual faecal
      samples were collected before treatment and 7 days after treatment. The faecal
      egg counts indicated a treatment efficacy of only 68%. To determine whether the
      treatment failure was caused by true anthelmintic resistance or suboptimal dosage
      in this animal species, a group of 4 alpacas was subsequently treated at 0.3mg/kg
      bodyweight. Faecal egg counts 7 days post treatment were reduced by only 41%,
      indicating that the treatment failure was more likely to be caused by the
      presence of resistant parasites on this farm. Coprocultures of faecal samples
      collected after treatment indicated the presence of 98.5% Haemonchus contortus
      and a small percentage of Cooperia oncophora (<1.5%). A controlled efficacy trial
      in sheep, for which the optimal dosage of doramectin is known, was conducted to
      ensure that this truly was a case of resistant parasites. Infective larvae
      collected from the faeces of these alpacas were used to infect eight nematode
      free lambs. These lambs were assigned to one of two groups based on faecal egg
      counts post infection. One group was treated with doramectin injectable at
      0.2mg/kg bodyweight, the other group served as a non treated control group.
      Pharmacokinetics indicated that the doramectin treatment was adequate, yet an
      efficacy of only 16% was determined on day 7 after treatment. Identification of
      the larvae after treatment revealed 100% H. contortus. On day 7 after treatment,
      H. contortus worm counts were only reduced by 8% in the treated lambs. The
      results of the present study report for the first time a case of doramectin
      resistance in alpacas, mainly in H. contortus.

PMID- 22035851
TI  - Acute effects of indacaterol on lung hyperinflation in moderate COPD: a
      comparison with tiotropium.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Evidence has been provided that high-dose indacaterol (300 MUg) can
      reduce lung hyperinflation in moderate-to-severe chronic obstructive pulmonary
      disease (COPD). AIM: To study whether low-dose indacaterol (150 MUg) also reduces
      lung hyperinflation in comparison with the recommended dose of tiotropium (18
      MUg) in moderate COPD. METHODS: This was a multicenter, randomized, blinded, 3
      period cross-over, placebo-controlled study. Spirometry and lung volumes were
      measured before and 30, 60, 120, 180 and 240 min after the administration of
      single-doses of indacaterol, tiotropium, or placebo. The primary end-point was
      the change in peak inspiratory capacity (IC). The area under the 4-h curve (AUC(0
      4)) for IC, 1-s forced expiratory volume (FEV(1)) and forced vital capacity (FVC)
      were secondary variables. RESULTS: 49 patients completed the study. On average,
      peak IC and AUC(0-4) for IC were significantly greater after indacaterol than
      placebo by 177 mL (p = 0.007) and 142 mL (p = 0.001), respectively. Differences
      in peak IC and AUC(0-4) for IC between tiotropium and placebo were 120 mL (p =
      0.07) and 85 mL (p = 0.052), respectively. Differences between indacaterol and
      tiotropium were statistically insignificant. Peak IC increased by >20% in 12
      patients with indacaterol and 9 with tiotropium (p = 0.001), and by >30% in 8
      patients with indacaterol and 3 with tiotropium (p = 0.001). The effects of
      indacaterol and tiotropium on FEV(1) and FVC were statistically significant vs
      placebo. CONCLUSIONS: Low-dose indacaterol has a bronchodilator effect that is
      similar to the recommended dose of tiotropium, but it is slightly superior in
      reducing lung hyperinflation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov number:
      NCT00999908.

PMID- 22035852
TI  - Extended diagnostic criteria used for indirect challenge testing in elite
      asthmatic swimmers.
AB  - The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of asthma with or without
      exercise induced symptoms among elite and elite aspiring swimmers and to compare
      sport specific exercise provocation with mannitol provocation. METHODS: 101
      adolescent swimmers were investigated with mannitol provocation and sport
      specific exercise challenge test. Mannitol positivity was defined as either
      direct FEV(1) PD15 (ordinary criteria) or as beta(2)-reversibility >=15% after
      challenge (extended criteria). A direct positive exercise test was defined as a
      drop in FEV(1) of 10% (ordinary criteria) or a difference in FEV of >=15% either
      spontaneous, variability, or with beta2-agonist, reversibility (extended
      criteria). RESULTS: We found a high prevalence of mannitol and/or exercise
      positivity. Twenty-six swimmers were mannitol direct positive and 14 were direct
      exercise positive using ordinary criteria. Using extended criteria 43 were
      mannitol positive and 24 were exercise positive. When including reversibility and
      variability to define a positive test the sensitivity for current asthma with or
      without exercise induced symptoms increased while the specificity remained
      roughly unchanged. Direct positivity for mannitol and exercise poorly overlapped
      using ordinary criteria but improved using extended criteria. CONCLUSION: We
      found a high prevalence of asthma among elite swimmers. The use of variability
      and reversibility (liability) as additional criteria to define a positive test
      provided to our mind relevant information and should be considered.

PMID- 22035853
TI  - Real-life prospective study on asthma control in Italy: cross-sectional phase
      results.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence of partly controlled and uncontrolled
      asthmatic patients, to evaluate quality of life and healthcare resource
      consumption. METHODS: Cross-sectional phase followed by a 12-month prospective
      phase. Asthma Control Test and the EQ-5D were used. RESULTS: 2853 adult patients
      recruited in 56 Hospital Respiratory Units in Italy were evaluated: 64.4% had
      controlled asthma, 15.8% partly controlled asthma and 19.8% were uncontrolled.
      The mean (SD) EQ-5D score was 0.86 (0.17) in controlled, 0.75 (0.20) in partly
      controlled and 0.69 (0.23) in uncontrolled patients (p<0.001 between groups). The
      number of patients requiring hospitalization or emergency room visits was lower
      in controlled (1.8% and 1.6%, respectively) than in partly controlled (5.1% and
      11.5%) and uncontrolled (6.4% and 18.6%). A combination of an inhaled
      corticosteroid and a long-acting beta-2 agonist was the reported therapy by 56.0%
      of patients, with the rate of controlled asthma and improved quality of life
      being higher in patients on extrafine beclomethasone/formoterol compared to
      budesonide/formoterol (p<0.05) and fluticasone/salmeterol (p<0.05 for quality of
      life). CONCLUSIONS: Asthma control is achieved in a good proportion of Italian
      patients. Differences may be detected in a real-life setting in favor of
      extrafine beclomethasone/formoterol combination.

PMID- 22035854
TI  - Principles of microRNA involvement in human cancers.
AB  - Naturally occurring microRNAs (miRNAs), small non-coding RNAs of 19 to 24
      nucleotides (nt), are encoded in the genomes of invertebrates, vertebrates, and
      plants. miRNAs act as regulators of gene expression during development and
      differentiation at the transcriptional, posttranscriptional, and/or translational
      levels, although most target genes are still elusive. Many miRNAs are conserved
      in sequence between distantly related organisms, suggesting that these molecules
      participate in essential processes.  In this review, we present principles
      related to the basic and translational research that has emerged in the last
      decade, a period that can be truly considered the "miRNA revolution" in molecular
      oncology. These principles include the regulation mechanism of miRNA expression,
      functions of miRNAs in cancers, diagnostic values and therapeutic potentials of
      miRNAs. Furthermore, we present a compendium of information about the main miRNAs
      that have been identified in the last several years as playing important roles in
      cancers. Also, we orient the reader to several additional reviews that may
      provide a deeper understanding of this new and exciting field of research.

PMID- 22035855
TI  - Cancer epigenetics: a perspective on the role of DNA methylation in acquired
      endocrine resistance.
AB  - Epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, are responsible for determining
      and maintaining cell fate, stably differentiating the various tissues in our
      bodies.  Increasing evidence shows that DNA methylation plays a significant role
      in cancer, from the silencing of tumor suppressors to the activation of oncogenes
      and the promotion of metastasis.  Recent studies also suggest a role for DNA
      methylation in drug resistance.  This perspective article discusses how DNA
      methylation may contribute to the development of acquired endocrine resistance,
      with a focus on breast cancer.  In addition, we discuss DNA methylome profiling
      and how recent developments in this field are shedding new light on the role of
      epigenetics in endocrine resistance.  Hormone ablation is the therapy of choice
      for hormone-sensitive breast tumors, yet as many as 40% of patients inevitably
      relapse, and these hormone refractory tumors often have a poor prognosis. 
      Epigenetic studies could provide DNA methylation biomarkers to predict and
      diagnose acquired resistance in response to treatment.  Elucidation of epigenetic
      mechanisms may also lead to the development of new treatments that specifically
      target epigenetic abnormalities or vulnerabilities in cancer cells.  Expectations
      must be tempered by the fact that epigenetic mechanisms of endocrine resistance
      remain poorly understood, and further study is required to better understand how
      altering epigenetic pathways with therapeutics can promote or inhibit endocrine
      resistance in different contexts.  Going forward, DNA methylome profiling will
      become increasingly central to epigenetic research, heralding a network-based
      approach to epigenetics that promises to advance our understanding of the
      etiology of cancer in ways not previously possible.

PMID- 22035856
TI  - Spatial autocorrelation calculations of the nine malignant neoplasms in Taiwan in
      2005-2009: a gender comparison study.
AB  - Spatial analytical techniques and models are often used in epidemiology to
      identify spatial anomalies (hotspots) in disease regions. These analytical
      approaches can be used to identify not only the location of such hotspots, but
      also their spatial patterns. We used spatial autocorrelation methodologies,
      including Global Moran's I and Local Getis-Ord statistics, to describe and map
      spatial clusters and areas in which nine malignant neoplasms are situated in
      Taiwan. In addition, we used a logistic regression model to test the
      characteristics of similarity and dissimilarity between males and females and to
      formulate the common spatial risk. The mean found by local spatial
      autocorrelation analysis was used to identify spatial cluster patterns. We found
      a significant relationship between the leading malignant neoplasms and well
      documented spatial risk factors. For instance, in Taiwan, the geographic
      distribution of clusters where oral cavity cancer in males is prevalent was
      closely correspond to the locations in central Taiwan with serious metal
      pollution. In females, clusters of oral cavity cancer were closely related with
      aboriginal townships in eastern Taiwan, where cigarette smoking, alcohol
      drinking, and betel nut chewing are commonplace. The difference between males and
      females in the spatial distributions was stark. Furthermore, areas with a high
      morbidity of gastric cancer were clustered in aboriginal townships where the
      occurrence of Helicobacter pylori is frequent. Our results revealed a similarity
      between both males and females in spatial pattern. Cluster mapping clarified the
      spatial aspects of both internal and external correlations for the nine malignant
      neoplasms. In addition, using a method of logistic regression also enabled us to
      find differentiation between gender-specific spatial patterns.

PMID- 22035857
TI  - ABO blood type is associated with endometrial cancer risk in Chinese women.
AB  - ABO blood type has been associated with risk of several malignancies. However,
      results are not consistent. In this population-based case-control study including
      1204 incident endometrial cancer cases and 1212 population controls, we examined
      the association of self-reported serologic blood type with endometrial cancer
      risk using a logistic regression model. Women with endometrial cancer were more
      likely to have blood type A. Compared to women with blood type O, the adjusted
      odds ratios for endometrial cancer were 1.00 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.79
      1.28] for type B, 1.24 (95% CI, 0.90-1.69) for type AB, and 1.50 (95% CI, 1.19
      1.90) for type A. A significant dose-response relationship was observed for
      cancer risk and level of antigen A (P for trend = 0.0003). The positive
      association of blood type A with cancer risk was observed regardless of
      menopausal status, body mass index, oral contraceptive use, or family cancer
      history. Our results suggest that ABO blood type may be involved in the
      development of endometrial cancer.

PMID- 22035858
TI  - Stage T1N0M0 renal cell carcinoma: the prognosis in Asian patients.
AB  - The prognostic features of T1N0M0 renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in Asian patients
      have not been well explored in large sample studies. In this study, we
      retrospectively analyzed the records of 713 patients undergoing nephrectomy for
      T1N0M0 RCC between 1991 and 2009 in three Asian hospitals. Univariate and
      multivariate analysis were performed to identify the independent predictive
      factors for T1N0M0 RCC prognosis among a series of clinicopathological
      parameters, including age, gender, tumor size, Fuhrman grade, and histological
      classification. Our results showed that 388 of 713 patients had tumors 4.0 cm or
      smaller (stage T1a) and 325 of 713 patients had tumors 4.0-7.0 cm in size (stage
      T1b). Five-year cancer-specific survival (CSS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS)
      rates for this group of patients were 96.0% and 93.5%, respectively. The patients
      with T1b RCC had a significantly lower 5-year CSS and RFS rates than did those
      with T1a RCC (CSS, 93.1% vs. 98.6%, P = 0.026; RFS, 90.0% vs. 96.5%, P < 0.001).
      Patients with low grade (grades I-II) tumors had a higher 5-year CSS (97.8% vs.
      91.2%, P = 0.001) and RFS (95.5% vs. 85.5%, P < 0.001) rate than did those with
      high grade (grades I-II) tumors. More interestingly, when stratifying patients to
      T1a and T1b groups, the role of grade in distinguishing prognosis could be only
      observed in patients with T1b disease. Cox regression showed tumor size and
      Fuhrman grade were significant in predicting CSS and RFS. Our study suggests that
      the prognosis of patients with T1N0M0 RCC is excellent, and these results are
      comparable to previously reported studies in Western patients. Furthermore, our
      data indicates that patients with T1b disease and high Fuhrman grade have high
      risk of tumor recurrence and death, thus requiring more frequent follow-up.

PMID- 22035859
TI  - The effect of childbirth on carcinogenesis of DMBA-induced breast cancer in
      female SD rats.
AB  - Many epidemiologic and clinical studies have indicated that the frequency of
      breast cancer was lower in parous women than in nulliparous women. Moreover, the
      incidence of breast cancer has been reported to be lower in women with early
      childbirth than in women with late childbirth. To verify the effect of childbirth
      and the age at first childbirth on carcinogenesis and progression of breast
      cancer, we induced breast cancer by 7,12-dimethylbenanthracene (DMBA) in 120
      female Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, and divided them into control or experimental
      (DMBA-treated) nulliparous, early childbirth, and late childbirth groups to
      observe the incidence, latency, and size of breast cancer. Argyrophilic nucleolar
      organizer regions (AgNOR) count and the expression of C-erbB-2, proliferating
      cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), Ki-67, and minichromosome maintenance protein 2
      (MCM2) in breast cancer tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry. The breast
      cancer incidences were 95.0%, 16.7%, and 58.8% in the experimental nulliparous,
      early childbirth, and late childbirth groups, respectively (all P < 0.05).
      Between any two of these groups, the latency was significantly different, but
      tumor size was similar. AgNOR count and the expression of C-erbB-2, PCNA, Ki-67,
      and MCM2 were significantly higher in the experimental nulliparous group than in
      the experimental early or late childbirth groups (P < 0.05), but no significant
      differences were observed between the latter two groups. Taken together, the
      results suggest that childbirth, especially early childbirth, can reduce the
      incidence and postpone the onset of DMBA-induced breast cancer.

PMID- 22035860
TI  - Water-filled balloon in the postoperative resection cavity improves dose
      distribution to target volumes in radiotherapy of maxillary sinus carcinoma.
AB  - Postoperative radiotherapy is a major treatment for patients with maxillary sinus
      carcinoma. However, the irregular resection cavity poses a technical difficulty
      for this treatment, causing uneven dose distribution to target volumes. In this
      study, we evaluated the dose distribution to target volumes and normal tissues in
      postoperative intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) after placing a water
      filled balloon into the resection cavity. Three postoperative patients with
      advanced maxillary sinus carcinoma were selected in this trial. Water-filled
      balloons and supporting dental stents were fabricated according to the size of
      the maxillary resection cavity. Simulation CT scans were performed with or
      without water-filled balloons, IMRT treatment plans were established, and dose
      distribution to target volumes and organs at risk were evaluated. Compared to
      those in the treatment plan without balloons, the dose (D98) delivered to 98% of
      the gross tumor volume (GTV) increased by 2.1 Gy (P = 0.009), homogeneity index
      (HI) improved by 2.3% (P = 0.001), and target volume conformity index (TCI) of 68
      Gy increased by 18.5% (P = 0.011) in the plan with balloons. Dosimetry endpoints
      of normal tissues around target regions in both plans were not significantly
      different (P > 0.05) except for the optic chiasm. In the plan without balloons,
      68 Gy high-dose regions did not entirely cover target volumes in the ethmoid
      sinus, posteromedial wall of the maxillary sinus, or surgical margin of the hard
      palate. In contrast, 68 Gy high-dose regions entirely covered the GTV in the plan
      with balloons. These results suggest that placing a water-filled balloon in the
      resection cavity for postoperative IMRT of maxillary sinus carcinoma can reduce
      low-dose regions and markedly and simultaneously increase dose homogeneity and
      conformity of target volumes.

PMID- 22035862
TI  - [Calcitonin: indications and interpretation].
AB  - Calcitonin is the sensitive and specific marker of the medullary thyroid cancers.
      It is a diagnostic, pronostic and follow-up marker. Medullary thyroid cancer is a
      rare disease representing 4% of the thyroid cancers and occurring in 0.4% of
      nodular thyroid pathology. The use of sex specific adults normal ranges allows a
      better interpretation of the moderately elevated calcitonin levels.
      Hypercalcitoninaemia non due to medullary thyroid cancer are attributed mainly to
      male sex, tobacco use, overweight, renal failure and other endocrine tumors. CT
      is associated to carcinoembryonic antigen and possible procalcitonin assays.
      Calcitonin can be assayed in the wash-out fluid of the fine needle aspiration
      too. Stimulation tests give poor additional diagnostic information and are about
      to be abandoned.

PMID- 22035861
TI  - Tumor-induced osteomalacia with elevated fibroblast growth factor 23: a case of
      phosphaturic mesenchymal tumor mixed with connective tissue variants and review
      of the literature.
AB  - Tumor-induced osteomalacia (TIO), or oncogenic osteomalacia (OOM), is a rare
      acquired paraneoplastic disease characterized by renal phosphate wasting and
      hypophosphatemia. Recent evidence shows that tumor-overexpressed fibroblast
      growth factor 23 (FGF23) is responsible for the hypophosphatemia and
      osteomalacia. The tumors associated with TIO are usually phosphaturic mesenchymal
      tumor mixed connective tissue variants (PMTMCT). Surgical removal of the
      responsible tumors is clinically essential for the treatment of TIO. However,
      identifying the responsible tumors is often difficult. Here, we report a case of
      a TIO patient with elevated serum FGF23 levels suffering from bone pain and
      hypophosphatemia for more than three years. A tumor was finally located in first
      metacarpal bone by octreotide scintigraphy and she was cured by surgery. After
      complete excision of the tumor, serum FGF23 levels rapidly decreased, dropping to
      54.7% of the preoperative level one hour after surgery and eventually to a little
      below normal. The patient's serum phosphate level rapidly improved and returned
      to normal level in four days. Accordingly, her clinical symptoms were greatly
      improved within one month after surgery. There was no sign of tumor recurrence
      during an 18-month period of follow-up. According to pathology, the tumor was
      originally diagnosed as "lomangioma" based upon a biopsy sample, "proliferative
      giant cell tumor of tendon sheath" based upon sections of tumor, and finally
      diagnosed as PMTMCT by consultation one year after surgery. In conclusion,
      although an extremely rare disease, clinicians and pathologists should be aware
      of the existence of TIO and PMTMCT, respectively.

PMID- 22035863
TI  - Molecular genetics of cancer and tumorigenesis: Drosophila models.

PMID- 22035864
TI  - Tumor invasion and metastasis in Drosophila: a bold past, a bright future.
AB  - Invasion and metastasis are the most deadly hallmarks of cancer. Once a cancer
      has acquired the ability to colonize new sites in the body it becomes
      dramatically more difficult to treat. This has made it a focus of much of cancer
      research. The humble fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, has despite its relative
      simplicity, made significant contributions to the understanding of tumor
      progression. In this review we outline and highlight those with an emphasis on
      modeling the genetic and epigenetic changes required for invasion and metastasis.
      We will revisit the early years of cancer modeling in Drosophila where the first
      parallels were drawn between Drosophila and vertebrate neoplasms and highlight
      recent advances using genetic screens and interactions with the epithelial
      microenvironment and innate immune system. We focus on the power and limitations
      of current fly models of metastasis.

PMID- 22035865
TI  - Dysregulation of CDK8 and Cyclin C in tumorigenesis.
AB  - Appropriately controlled gene expression is fundamental for normal growth and
      survival of all living organisms. In eukaryotes, the transcription of protein
      coding mRNAs is dependent on RNA polymerase II (Pol II). The multi-subunit
      transcription cofactor Mediator complex is proposed to regulate most, if not all,
      of the Pol II-dependent transcription. Here we focus our discussion on two
      subunits of the Mediator complex, cyclin-dependent kinase 8 (CDK8) and its
      regulatory partner Cyclin C (CycC), because they are either mutated or amplified
      in a variety of human cancers. CDK8 functions as an oncoprotein in melanoma and
      colorectal cancers, thus there are considerable interests in developing drugs
      specifically targeting the CDK8 kinase activity. However, to evaluate the
      feasibility of targeting CDK8 for cancer therapy and to understand how their
      dysregulation contributes to tumorigenesis, it is essential to elucidate the in
      vivo function and regulation of CDK8-CycC, which are still poorly understood in
      multi-cellular organisms. We summarize the evidence linking their dysregulation
      to various cancers and present our bioinformatics and computational analyses on
      the structure and evolution of CDK8. We also discuss the implications of these
      observations in tumorigenesis. Because most of the Mediator subunits, including
      CDK8 and CycC, are highly conserved during eukaryotic evolution, we expect that
      investigations using model organisms such as Drosophila will provide important
      insights into the function and regulation of CDK8 and CycC in different cellular
      and developmental contexts.

PMID- 22035867
TI  - Deciphering tumor-suppressor signaling in flies: genetic link between
      Scribble/Dlg/Lgl and the Hippo pathways.
AB  - Loss of apico-basal polarity is one of the crucial factors that drives epithelial
      tumor progression. scribble/discs large/lethal giant larvae (scrib/dlg/lgl), a
      group of apico-basal polarity genes, were initially identified as members of
      "neoplastic" tumor-suppressors in flies. The components of the Hippo signaling
      pathway, which is crucial for organ size control and cancer development, were
      also identified through Drosophila genetic screens as members of "hyperplastic"
      tumor-suppressors. Accumulating evidence in recent studies implies that these two
      tumor-suppressor signaling pathways are not mutually exclusive but rather
      cooperatively act to give rise to highly malignant tumors. The interaction of
      these tumor-suppressor pathways could include deregulations of actin
      cytoskeleton, cell-cell contact, and apical-domain size of the epithelial cell.

PMID- 22035866
TI  - Extra sex combs, chromatin, and cancer: exploring epigenetic regulation and
      tumorigenesis in Drosophila.
AB  - Developmental genetic studies in Drosophila unraveled the importance of Polycomb
      group (PcG) and Trithorax group (TrxG) genes in controlling cellular identity.
      PcG and TrxG proteins form histone modifying complexes that catalyze repressive
      or activating histone modifications, respectively, and thus maintaining the
      expression status of homeotic genes. Human orthologs of PcG and TrxG genes are
      implicated in tumorigenesis as well as in determining the prognosis of individual
      cancers. Recent whole genome analyses of cancers also highlighted the importance
      of histone modifying proteins in controlling tumorigenesis. Comprehensive
      understanding of the mechanistic relationship between histone regulation and
      tumorigenesis holds the promise of significantly advancing our understanding and
      management of cancer. It is anticipated that Drosophila melanogaster, the model
      organism that contributed significantly to our understanding of the functional
      role of histone regulation in development, could also provide unique insight for
      our understanding of how histone dysregulation can lead to cancer. In this
      review, we will discuss several recent advances in this regard.

PMID- 22035868
TI  - Hippo signaling: a hub of growth control, tumor suppression and pluripotency
      maintenance.
AB  - The molecular mechanisms of organ size control and regulation remain one of the
      major unsolved mysteries of development biology. Almost a decade ago, the
      discovery of the Hippo signaling pathway in Drosophila shed some light on this
      puzzling issue. The Hippo signaling pathway is highly conserved in both
      invertebrates and vertebrates, and plays critical roles in animal development. It
      controls organ size and growth by inhibiting cell proliferation and by promoting
      apoptosis. Malfunction of the Hippo signaling pathway leads to cancer development
      and tumorigenesis. Although the core of the signaling pathway is well understood,
      the upstream inputs and downstream transcriptional regulation are still obscure
      to us. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the mechanism
      and the function of the Hippo signaling pathway and compare its differences
      between flies and mammals. We underline the crosstalk between the Hippo signaling
      pathway and other signaling pathways, and the possible roles of the Hippo pathway
      in stem cell proliferation and self-renewal.

PMID- 22035870
TI  - Chemical genetics and drug screening in Drosophila cancer models.
AB  - Drug candidates often fail in preclinical and clinical testing because of reasons
      of efficacy and/or safety. It would be time- and cost-efficient to have screening
      models that reduce the rate of such false positive candidates that appear
      promising at first but fail later. In this regard, it would be particularly
      useful to have a rapid and inexpensive whole animal model that can pre-select
      hits from high-throughput screens but before testing in costly rodent assays.
      Drosophila melanogaster has emerged as a potential whole animal model for drug
      screening. Of particular interest have been drugs that must act in the context of
      multi-cellularity such as those for neurological disorders and cancer. A recent
      review provides a comprehensive summary of drug screening in Drosophila, but with
      an emphasis on neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we review Drosophila screens in
      the literature aimed at cancer therapeutics.

PMID- 22035871
TI  - Personalized participatory medicine: sharing knowledge and uncertainty.
AB  - Informing patients about risks and benefits of alternative treatment options and
      choosing between them is becoming a bigger challenge as knowledge about the
      relationship between the individual's genetic profile and the efficacy and safety
      of available medications accumulates. Putting personalized medicine into practice
      requires new modes of information sharing and decision making by patient and
      physician. This is illustrated by a case study on treatment choices of breast
      cancer patients following genotyping for CYP2D6, recently published in Genome
      Medicine.See research article: http://genomemedicine.com/content/3/10/64.

PMID- 22035869
TI  - Cell competition and its implications for development and cancer.
AB  - Cell competition is a struggle for existence between cells in heterogeneous
      tissues of multicellular organisms. Loser cells, which die during cell
      competition, are normally viable when grown only with other loser cells, but when
      mixed with winner cells, they are at a growth disadvantage and undergo apoptosis.
      Intriguingly, several recent studies have revealed that cells bearing mutant
      tumor-suppressor genes, which show overgrowth and tumorigenesis in a homotypic
      situation, are frequently eliminated, through cell competition, from tissues in
      which they are surrounded by wild-type cells. Here, we focus on the regulation of
      cellular competitiveness and the mechanism of cell competition as inferred from
      two different categories of mutant cells: (1) slower-growing cells and (2)
      structurally defective cells. We also discuss the possible role of cell
      competition as an intrinsic homeostasis system through which normal cells sense
      and remove aberrant cells, such as precancerous cells, to maintain the integrity
      and normal development of tissues and organs.

PMID- 22035872
TI  - Effect of current depression on the association of work-related asthma with
      adverse asthma outcomes: a cross-sectional study using the Behavioral Risk Factor
      Surveillance System.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Depression has been associated with a decreased level of asthma
      control. The aim of our study was to examine associations between health
      professional diagnosed work-related asthma (WRA) and current depression and the
      effect of current depression on the associations of WRA with adverse asthma
      outcomes. METHOD: We analyzed data from the 2006 and 2008 Behavioral Risk Factor
      Surveillance System Asthma Call-Back Survey and the Anxiety and Depression Module
      conducted in 25 states and District of Columbia for ever-employed adults with
      current asthma. We computed weighted proportions and prevalence ratios adjusted
      for age, sex, race/ethnicity, education, current employment status, and smoking
      status. Survey participants who were ever told by a doctor or other health
      professional that their asthma was related to any job they ever had were
      determined to have WRA. Participants with current depression were identified
      using self-report of depressive symptoms. RESULTS: Of ever-employed adults with
      current asthma, an estimated 9.1% had WRA and 17.0% had current depression.
      Persons with WRA were significantly more likely than those with non-WRA to have
      current depression. Persons with either WRA, current depression, or both WRA and
      current depression were significantly more likely to have adverse asthma outcomes
      than persons with asthma and neither condition. The associations with adverse
      asthma outcomes were stronger when both current depression and WRA were present.
      LIMITATIONS: This is a cross-sectional and hypothesis-generating study.
      CONCLUSIONS: Depression may play an important role in asthma management and
      should be considered when assessing patients with asthma and, in particular,
      those with WRA.

PMID- 22035873
TI  - Epigenetic reprogramming during plant reproduction and seed development.
AB  - Epigenetic processes such as DNA methylation are crucial for the development of
      flowering plants, and for protection of genome integrity via silencing of
      transposable elements (TEs). Recent advances in genome-wide profiling suggest
      that during reproduction DNA methylation patterns are at least partially
      transmitted or even enhanced in the next generation to ensure stable silencing of
      TEs. At the same time, parent-of-origin specific removal of DNA methylation in
      the accompanying tissue allows imprinted expression of genes. Here we summarize
      the dynamics of DNA methylation as a major epigenetic regulatory pathway during
      reproduction and seed development.

PMID- 22035874
TI  - Low surface contamination by cis/oxaliplatin during hyperthermic intraperitoneal
      chemotherapy (HIPEC).
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate contamination by platinum drugs in the
      operating room during hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC). METHODS:
      Environmental sampling of 151 wipe samples from surfaces on the HIPEC devices and
      operating room floors was performed for platinum in six German hospitals during
      19 HIPEC procedures. Additionally, 45 wipe samples from surgeons' and
      perfusionists' protective gloves were analyzed. RESULTS: Platinum concentrations
      from the HIPEC devices and operating room floors ranged from 0.07 to 110,000
      pg/cm(2) (Median: 1.5 pg/cm(2)) with high contamination on the regulation knob
      and reservoir after HIPEC procedure, particularly when injecting the cytostatic
      drug into the reservoir via syringe. Samples from perfusionists' and surgeons'
      protective gloves ranged between 0.01 and 729 ng/pair. CONCLUSIONS: Although
      sporadically high platinum concentrations on surfaces on the HIPEC device and
      operating room floor were detected, our study revealed that low surface loads are
      definitely possible and can be documented by wipe samples. Important factors for
      achieving low surface contamination are the use of infusion bags instead of
      syringes for injection of the cytostatic solution, careful cleaning of the device
      after HIPEC and wearing of two pairs of gloves.

PMID- 22035875
TI  - Long-term follow-up after fractional flow reserve-guided treatment strategy in
      patients with an isolated proximal left anterior descending coronary artery
      stenosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study sought to evaluate the long-term clinical outcome of
      patients with an angiographically intermediate left anterior descending coronary
      artery (LAD) stenosis in whom the revascularization strategy was based on
      fractional flow reserve (FFR). BACKGROUND: When revascularization is based mainly
      on angiographic guidance, a number of hemodynamically nonsignificant stenoses
      will be revascularized. METHODS: In 730 patients with a 30% to 70% isolated
      stenosis in the proximal LAD and no significant valvular disease, FFR
      measurements were obtained to guide treatment strategy. When FFR was >= 0.80, the
      patients (n = 564) were treated medically (medical group); when FFR was <0.80,
      the patients (n = 166) underwent a revascularization procedure (revascularization
      group; 13% coronary artery bypass graft surgery and 87% percutaneous coronary
      intervention). A 100% long-term clinical follow-up (median follow-up: 40 months)
      was obtained. The 5-year survival of the medical group was compared with that of
      a reference population. For each patient, 4 controls were selected from an age-
      and sex-matched control population. RESULTS: The 5-year survival estimate was
      92.9% in the medical group versus 89.6% in the controls (p = 0.74). The mean
      diameter stenosis was significantly smaller in the medical than in the
      revascularization group (39 +/- 14% vs. 54 +/- 13%, p < 0.0001), but there was a
      large overlap between both groups. The 5-year event-free survival estimates
      (death, myocardial infarction, and target vessel revascularization) were 89.7%
      and 68.5%, respectively (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Medical treatment of patients
      with a hemodynamically nonsignificant stenosis (FFR >= 0.80) in the proximal LAD
      is associated with an excellent long-term clinical outcome with survival at 5
      years similar to an age- and sex-matched control population.

PMID- 22035876
TI  - No reason to change the current guidelines on allergy prevention.

PMID- 22035877
TI  - The effect of single and multiple infections on atopy and wheezing in children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The current epidemic of asthma and atopy has been explained by
      alterations in immune responses related to reduction in childhood infections.
      However, the findings of epidemiologic studies investigating the association
      between infection with atopy and asthma have been inconsistent. OBJECTIVE: We
      sought to investigate the effect of single or multiple infections (pathogen
      burden) on atopy and wheeze in urban children from Latin America. METHODS:
      Specific IgE against aeroallergens (sIgE) and skin prick test (SPT) reactivity
      for the most common local allergens were measured in 1128 children aged 4 to 11
      years. Data on wheezing and potential confounders were collected by
      questionnaire. Infections by 8 pathogens were assessed by using serology and
      stool examination. Associations of wheeze and atopic outcomes with single and
      multiple infections were analyzed by means of logistic regression. RESULTS:
      Negative results for Toxoplasma gondii were associated with a higher prevalence
      of sIgE (>=0.70 kU/L), whereas negative results for Ascaris lumbricoides, T
      gondii, herpes simplex virus, and EBV were associated with a higher prevalence of
      SPT reactivity. Children with 3 or fewer infection markers had a higher
      prevalence of sIgE and SPT reactivity compared with those with 4 or more
      infection markers. However, isolated infections or pathogen burden were not
      associated with the prevalence of atopic or nonatopic wheeze. CONCLUSION: The
      findings provide support for the idea that the hygiene hypothesis is operating in
      an urban Latin American context, but its expression is thus far restricted to the
      atopic status of patients and not the perceived asthma symptoms.

PMID- 22035879
TI  - Histamine and H1-antihistamines: celebrating a century of progress.
AB  - In this review we celebrate a century of progress since the initial description
      of the physiologic and pathologic roles of histamine and 70 years of progress
      since the introduction of H(1)-antihistamines for clinical use. We discuss
      histamine and clinically relevant information about the molecular mechanisms of
      action of H(1)-antihistamines as inverse agonists (not antagonists or blockers)
      with immunoregulatory effects. Unlike first (old)-generation H(1)-antihistamines
      introduced from 1942 to the mid-1980s, most of the second (new)-generation H(1)
      antihistamines introduced subsequently have been investigated extensively with
      regard to clinical pharmacology, efficacy, and safety; moreover, they are
      relatively free from adverse effects and not causally linked with fatalities
      after overdose. Important advances include improved nasal and ophthalmic H(1)
      antihistamines with rapid onset of action (in minutes) for allergic rhinitis and
      allergic conjunctivitis treatment, respectively, and effective and safe use of
      high (up to 4-fold) doses of oral second-generation H(1)-antihistamines for
      chronic urticaria treatment. New H(1)-antihistamines introduced for clinical use
      include oral formulations (bilastine and rupatadine), and ophthalmic formulations
      (alcaftadine and bepotastine). Clinical studies of H(3)-antihistamines with
      enhanced decongestant effects have been conducted in patients with allergic
      rhinitis. Additional novel compounds being studied include H(4)-antihistamines
      with anti-inflammatory effects in allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and other
      diseases. Antihistamines have a storied past and a promising future.

PMID- 22035880
TI  - Genetic CD21 deficiency is associated with hypogammaglobulinemia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Complement receptor 2 (CR2/CD21) is part of the B-cell coreceptor and
      expressed by mature B cells and follicular dendritic cells. CD21 is a receptor
      for C3d-opsonized immune complexes and enhances antigen-specific B-cell
      responses. OBJECTIVE: Genetic inactivation of the murine CR2 locus results in
      impaired humoral immune responses. Here we report the first case of a genetic
      CD21 deficiency in human subjects. METHODS: CD21 protein expression was analyzed
      by means of flow cytometry and Western blotting. CD21 transcripts were quantified
      by using real-time PCR. The CD21 gene was sequenced. Wild-type and mutant CD21
      cDNA expression was studied after transfection of 293T cells. Binding of EBV
      gp350 or C3d-containing immune complexes and induction of calcium flux in CD21
      deficient B cells were analyzed by means of flow cytometry. Antibody responses to
      protein and polysaccharide vaccines were measured. RESULTS: A 28-year-old man
      presented with recurrent infections, reduced class-switched memory B cells, and
      hypogammaglobulinemia. CD21 receptor expression was undetectable. Binding of C3d
      containing immune complexes and EBV-gp350 to B cells was severely reduced.
      Sequence analysis revealed a compound heterozygous deleterious mutation in the
      CD21 gene. Functional studies with anti-immunoglobulin- and C3d-containing immune
      complexes showed a complete loss of costimulatory activity of C3d in enhancing
      suboptimal B-cell receptor stimulation. Vaccination responses to protein antigens
      were normal, but the response to pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccination was
      moderately impaired. CONCLUSIONS: Genetic CD21 deficiency adds to the molecular
      defects observed in human subjects with hypogammaglobulinemia.

PMID- 22035881
TI  - Involving service users in the classroom with social work students.
AB  - The purpose of this paper is to explore and discuss issues related to the
      requirement by the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) and the Scottish
      Government that service users and carers are partners and stakeholders in social
      work education. This requirement is one of several that are used by the SSSC in
      the approval of Scottish Universities to deliver social work courses. This paper
      explains the developmental process of involving service users and carers as
      partners in the planning of social work courses at the Robert Gordon University
      (RGU), Aberdeen. This is illustrated with reference to a group made up of young
      people ('The Voice of Reason') and also in relation to a group made up of adult
      service users (the Service User Panel). This short paper suggests there are
      benefits for student learning if we invite service users and carers to become
      partners in the teaching/learning process. There are also benefits for teaching
      staff and indeed for the University itself as a public institution on the basis
      that an ongoing relationship allows for good partnership working. This enables
      the University and its staff to be viewed positively and from that vantage point
      further developments are more likely. At the same time this paper has discussed
      the need to avoid tokenistic moves through ensuring a sound organisational
      commitment is made to providing effective support and putting in place enabling
      structures and processes. Lastly it discusses the broader implications for
      partnership working in relation to the education and training of students for
      professional practice. The suggestion is made that such a teaching and learning
      approach equips the students with good partnership skills and attitudes that will
      help to inform their practice post-qualification. Interest is expressed in the
      experiences of other professions who have adopted similar approaches to
      incorporating service users into students' learning experiences.

PMID- 22035883
TI  - Comparison of double- and single-dose methotrexate protocols for treatment of
      ectopic pregnancy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare efficacy between double-dose methotrexate and single-dose
      methotrexate for treatment of tubal ectopic pregnancy (EP). METHODS: Between
      March 2008 and February 2011,157 patients who had tubal EP diagnosed by a non
      laparoscopic approach and were hemodynamically stable were enrolled in a
      prospective study in Qassim, Saudi Arabia. The participants were randomized to
      receive either double-dose (50mg/m(2) intramuscularly on days 0 and 4; group 1)
      or single-dose (50mg/m(2) intramuscularly on day 0; group 2) methotrexate. Serum
      human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG) levels were followed until negative.
      RESULTS: The overall success rate was comparable between groups 1 and 2 (88.6%
      versus 82.0%, P=0.1). The duration of follow up until negative beta-hCG was
      shorter in group 1 (P=0.001). Receiver operative characteristics showed that
      higher cut-off levels of beta-hCG and gestational mass diameter were associated
      with successful outcome in group 1. Among participants with initial beta-hCG of
      3600-5500 mIU/mL, the success rate was higher in group 1 (P=0.03). There was no
      significant difference between groups in adverse effects. CONCLUSION: For
      treatment of EP, double-dose methotrexate had efficacy and safety comparable to
      that of single-dose methotrexate; it had better success among patients with
      moderately high beta-hCG and led to a shorter follow up.

PMID- 22035882
TI  - The use of transarterial chemoembolization in the treatment of unresectable
      hepatocellular carcinoma: a response to the Cochrane Collaboration review of
      2011.
AB  - This commentary is written in response to a recent Cochrane Collaboration review
      published in March 2011 (1). The authors of this commentary would like to express
      their concerns over the conclusions of the Cochrane review, which state, "There
      is no firm evidence to support or refute transarterial chemoembolization (TACE)
      or transarterial embolization (TAE) for patients with unresectable hepatocellular
      carcinoma (HCC)."

PMID- 22035884
TI  - Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome in the Czech Republic: an epidemiological
      study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify the basic epidemiological characteristics of children
      hospitalized with diagnosis of Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome in the Czech
      Republic in the years 1994-2009. INTRODUCTION: Staphylococcal scalded skin
      syndrome (SSSS) is a relatively rare disease in childhood. This syndrome was
      first defined in 1878 by Baron Gottfried Ritter von Rittershainem and belongs to
      the group of diseases called Burn-like syndromes. It is a bullous skin disease
      caused by exfoliative toxins which are produced by certain types of
      Staphyloccocus aureus. Typical structures affected by these toxins are desmosome
      proteins called Desmoglein-1 located in the stratum granulosum of epidermis.
      Unlike in Lyell's syndrome or Stevens-Johnson's syndrome, the exfoliation is
      caused by loss of adhesivity particularly in the stratum granulosum and not by
      induction of apoptosis in the dermo-epidermal junction. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      This retrospective study was conducted on patients hospitalized in the Czech
      Republic in the period from 1.1.1994 to 31.12.2009. The basic condition for the
      inclusion in the retrospective study was age under 1 year and hospitalization due
      to SSSS. A total of 399 children (177 girls) fulfilled the criteria for inclusion
      into the study. Information was obtained from a central data depository, the
      Department of Health Information and Statistics, Czech Republic. RESULTS: A total
      of 399 children under 1 year were hospitalized for the diagnosis of SSSS in the
      study period. The group included 177 girls and 222 boys. M:F ratio was 1.25:1.
      The average incidence of SSSS in the Czech Republic was 25.11 cases per 100,000
      children under 1 year of age. The highest recorded incidence in the followed
      period was in 1994, when a total of 57 cases of SSSS was reported, namely 53.47
      per 100,000 children. By contrast, in 2003, there were reported only 12 cases and
      the incidence of 12.81 per 100,000 children. The average length of
      hospitalization was 6.39 days. In 1995, the highest average length of
      hospitalization was reported, which was 8.1 days, and then in 2007, the lowest
      average length of hospitalization, 4.4 days. There was no significant difference
      in the length of hospitalization in boys and girls. None of the 399 children in
      the population died. CONCLUSION: In our retrospective study, we established basic
      epidemiological characteristics of a group of children aged under 1 year with
      diagnosis of SSSS. As epidemiological data show, the occurrence of this syndrome
      is not sporadic, but steady.

PMID- 22035885
TI  - Changing pattern of fungal infection in burn patients.
AB  - Invasive fungal burn wound infection is an important emerging cause of late onset
      morbidity and high mortality in patients with major burns. Following a pilot
      study done in our unit in 1 year, i.e. January 2008-March 2009 in 71 patients
      where 28% (20 patients) of the burn wound biopsies from suspected cases showed
      fungal wound invasion (FWI), a detailed study was planned in order to study the
      epidemiology of fungal infection in burns in our unit wherein routine wound
      biopsies in 100 patients were sent on 7th, 14th and 21st postburn day over a one
      year period (July 2009-June 2010). 12 patients (12%) were diagnosed with FWI on
      culture. This was then followed by another study in a 9 month period (July 2010
      March 2011) when wound samples for only 36 patients in whom there was clinical
      suspicion of fungal infection were sent. 16 of these patients were diagnosed with
      fungal wound invasion (FWI) thus establishing an incidence of 44% from suspected
      cases. These studies showing the increase in fungal infection in our unit have
      therefore made us wiser, increased our awareness and our accuracy in diagnosing
      this uncommon infection in extensive burns where patient is not only severely
      immunocompromised but also has many other risk factors making them more
      vulnerable to fungal invasion. Another glaring fact which emerged from these
      studies was the rising incidence of nonalbicans Candida infection compared to
      Candida albicans, especially C. tropicalis and C. krusei which are more severe in
      nature and associated with a higher mortality. This signifies that there is a
      shift of FWI in burns from commensal organism, i.e. C. albicans to pathogenic
      nosocomial organisms, i.e. C. nonalbicans.

PMID- 22035886
TI  - The severity of kettle burns and the dangers of the dangling cord.
AB  - Kettle scalds are a major cause of paediatric burn injury. Whilst preventative
      measures have been advocated for years, the incidence of this type of injury is
      increasing. Information is lacking regarding severity and mechanism of injury. We
      prospectively analysed all paediatric scald injuries that warranted referral to a
      tertiary burn centre to quantify severity, outcome, look into how these burns
      occurred with a view to providing information for preventative strategies and
      audited the safety features of 19 top selling kettles. A total of 119 kettle
      burns were included in the study. Mean age at time of injury was 2 years 1 month
      (5 months to 12 years). Mean TBSA was 11.8% (2-30) and 62% sustained TBSA >10%.
      Mean length of stay was 10.4 (1-120) days and a surgical procedure was required
      in 62% of all kettle scalds. Grafting was undertaken in 52% of patients. Mean
      number of surgical procedures was 1.7 (median 1, range 1-9). Pulling the kettle
      cord was the main mechanism of injury (74% vs. 37%). "Cord-pullers" were also
      significantly younger (mean 20 months vs. 51 months, p<0.05) and underwent
      significantly more grafting in "cosmetically sensitive" areas (69% vs. 23%,
      p<0.05). 4 cases of inhalational injury occurred as a result of pulling the
      kettle cord. Mean kettle cord length was 66 cm (range 45-80) with only 30%
      employing a coil tidy feature. In view of these findings we discuss current
      legislative policy on kettle cord length and report on the current safety of
      today's kettles. Areas for future prevention are discussed.

PMID- 22035888
TI  - Almanac 2011: stable coronary artery disease. The national society journals
      present selected research that has driven recent advances in clinical cardiology.

PMID- 22035887
TI  - Feet burning: a traditional medical practice associated with significant burns in
      patients with seizures: 4 case reports.

PMID- 22035889
TI  - Dietary polyphenols as antioxidants and anticancer agents: more questions than
      answers.
AB  - High intake of fruit and vegetables is believed to be beneficial to human health.
      Fruit, vegetables and some beverages, such as tea and coffee, are particularly
      rich in dietary polyphenols. Various studies have suggested (but not proven) that
      dietary polyphenols may protect against cardiovasucalar diseases,
      neurodegenerative diseases and some forms of cancer. Dietary polyphenols may
      exert their anticancer effects through several possible mechanisms, such as
      removal of carcinogenic agents, modulation of cancer cell signaling and
      antioxidant enzymatic activities, and induction of apoptosis as well as cell
      cycle arrest. Some of these effects may be related, at least partly, to their
      antioxidant activities. In recent years, a new concept of the antioxidant effects
      of dietary polyphenols has emerged, i.e., direct scavenging activity toward
      reactive species and indirect antioxidant activity; the latter activity is
      thought to arise primarily via the activation of nuclear factor-erythroid-2
      related factor 2 which stimulates the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as
      glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S-transferase, catalase, NAD(P)H:
      quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO1), and/or phase II enzymes. The direct antioxidant
      activity of dietary polyphenols in vivo is probably limited because of their low
      concentrations in vivo, except in the gastrointestinal tract where they are
      present in high concentrations. Paradoxically, the pro-oxidant effect of dietary
      polyphenols may contribute to the activation of antioxidant enzymes and
      protective proteins in cultured cells and animal models because of the adaptation
      of cells and tissues to mild/moderate oxidative stress. Despite a plethora of in
      vitro studies on dietary polyphenols, many questions remain to be answered, such
      as: (1) How relevant are the direct and indirect antioxidant activities of
      dietary polyphenols in vivo? (2) How important are these activities in the
      anticancer effects of dietary polyphenols? (3) Do the pro-oxidant effects of
      dietary polyphenols observed in vitro have any relevance in vivo, especially in
      the potential anticancer effect of dietary polyphenols? Apparently, more
      carefully-designed in vivo studies are needed to answer these questions.

PMID- 22035890
TI  - Fluoroquinolone-associated tendinopathy.
AB  - The fluoroquinolones (FQs) are used to treat a wide range of infections because
      of their excellent gastrointestinal absorption, superior tissue penetration and
      broad-spectrum activity. Recently, FQ-associated tendinopathy and tendon rupture
      have been reported, especially in the elderly and patients with diabetes and
      renal failure. However, these adverse effects do not appear to be widely known
      among physicians. Because of the frequent use of FQs in clinical practice,
      physicians should be aware of their potential for severe disability from tendon
      rupture. Achilles tendinopathy or rupture is among the most serious side effects
      associated with FQ use, with reports markedly increasing, especially with the use
      of ciprofloxacin. The histopathologic findings include degenerative lesions,
      fissures, interstitial edema without cellular infiltration, necrosis and
      neovascularization. There are possible molecular mechanisms accounting for FQ
      associated tendinopathy. First, ciprofloxacin mediates inhibition of cell
      proliferation and G2/M cell cycle arrest in tendon cells by down-regulation of
      cyclin B and cyclin-dependent kinase 1. Second, ciprofloxacin inhibits the spead
      and migration of tenocytes by down-regulation of focal adhesion kinase
      phosphorylation. Third, ciprofloxacin enhances the enzymatic activity of matrix
      metalloproteinase-2 with degradation of type I collagen. Management of FQ
      associated tendinopathy includes immediate discontinuation of FQs, rest, non
      steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, physical modalities and eccentric
      strengthening exercise. Tendon rupture may require surgical intervention.

PMID- 22035891
TI  - EMR2 receptor ligation modulates cytokine secretion profiles and cell survival of
      lipopolysaccharide-treated neutrophils.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Epidermal growth factor (EGF)-like module-containing mucin-like
      hormone receptor-like 2 (EMR2) is an adhesion G protein-coupled receptor
      previously shown to potentiate neutrophil responses to a number of inflammatory
      stimuli. EMR2 activation promotes neutrophil adhesion and migration, and augments
      production of reactive oxygen species and degranulation. In this study, we
      examined the effect of EMR2 ligation by its specific antibody on the cytokine
      expression profile and cell survival of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated
      neutrophils. METHODS: Neutrophils were treated with LPS in the absence or
      presence of the anti-EMR2 mAb, 2A1. Cell apoptosis was determined by flow
      cytometry analysis using annexin-V and propidium iodide staining. Cell
      supernatants were collected for the detection of cytokine secretion by enzyme
      linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: We confirmed the specific priming effect of
      EMR2 on the response of neutrophils to formyl-Met-Leu-Phe by measuring the
      production of reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, we showed that EMR2 ligation
      suppresses LPS-induced neutrophil survival. In addition, we demonstrated that
      ligation of EMR2 changes the secretion profiles of multiple cytokines, including
      interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8, and monocyte chemotactic protein-1. Finally, higher
      levels of EMR2 were detected on neutrophils of liver cirrhosis patients and were
      correlated to a pro-apoptotic phenotype. CONCLUSION: Collectively, the present
      data indicate a functional role for EMR2 in the modulation of neutrophil
      activation during inflammation.

PMID- 22035892
TI  - Biochemotherapy with carmustine, cisplatin, dacarbazine, tamoxifen and low-dose
      interleukin-2 for patients with metastatic malignant melanoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The toxicity and efficacy of biochemotherapy with low-dose
      interleukin-2 for patients with metastatic malignant melanoma (MM) were studied.
      METHOD: Metastatic chemo-naive MM patients were given biochemotherapy (BCDT
      regimen) with carmustine (BCNU), cisplatin (CDDP), dacarbazine (DTIC), and
      tamoxifen and interleukin-2 (IL-2) 18 Million International Units in divided
      doses by subcutaneous injection three times a week for four weeks. BCDT consisted
      of BCNU (150 mg/m2, day l every 8 weeks), CDDP (25 mg/m2, days l-3 every 4
      weeks), DTIC (220 mg/m2, days 1-3 every 4 weeks) and tamoxifen 10 mg twice a day.
      Treatment was repeated for a total of 6 cycles, or until disease progression or
      unbearable toxicity. RESULTS: From Nov 2001 to July 2005, 40 patients (20 men; 20
      women) were enrolled. Their median age was 54 years (range 22-79 years). Subtypes
      of melanoma included 23 (57.5%) acral lentiginous, 11 (27.5%) nodular, 1 (2.5%)
      mucosal, and 5 (12.5%) others. Grade 3-4 toxicities included neutropenia (27.5%),
      anemia (45%), and thrombocytopenia (40%). Constitutional IL-2 toxicities included
      indurate injection site (57.5%), fever (60%), chills (55%), itchy skin (42.5%),
      bone pain (32.5%) and myalgia (45%). Grade 1-2 hypotension was noted in 12.5% of
      patients. Eosinophilia (range 5% to 71%) was evident in 72.5% of patients. The
      response rate was 32.5% including 5% with a complete response, 27.5% with a
      partial response, and 17.5% with stable disease. The median progression-free
      survival was 6.2 months (95% CI: 2.9~9.6 months). The median overall survival was
      11.3 months (95% CI: 7.0~15.6 months). Five patients (12.5%) who presented with
      oligo-metastasis achieved five-year survivals. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrated
      that low-dose IL-2 plus BCDT is tolerable. A durable response and long-term
      survival can be achieved in a small subgroup of patients.

PMID- 22035893
TI  - Serum HCV RNA level is not associated with insulin resistance and metabolic
      syndrome in chronic hepatitis C patients with genotype 1 or 2 infection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous reports have indicated that insulin resistance (IR) is
      associated with chronic hepatits C virus (HCV) infection. However, the
      correlations between IR, metabolic syndrome (MS), and serum HCV RNA levels are
      still controversial. The aim of this study was to determine the relationships
      between IR, MS, and HCV RNA in patients with chronic genotype 1 or 2 HCV
      infection. METHODS: One hundred and twenty subjects with chronic genotype 1 or 2
      HCV infection with complete clinical data were prospectively enrolled. Baseline
      and laboratory data were collected and analyzed. IR was defined as a homeostatic
      model assessment- IR (HOMA-IR) score > 2.5. RESULTS: Of the 120 patients, 47
      (39.2%) had a HOMA-IR > 2.5, and 42 (35%) met the criteria for MS. IR was
      significantly associated with a high body mass index (p < 0.0001), high waist
      circumference (p < 0.0001) and high triglyceride level (p = 0.025). IR was an
      independent predictor of MS. However, in multivariate linear regression analysis,
      the serum HCV RNA level was not significantly different in chronic hepatitis C
      patients with or without IR (p = 0.761), and with or without MS (p = 0.292).
      CONCLUSIONS: IR and MS are not uncommon in patients with chronic hepatitis C. The
      serum HCV RNA level is not associated with the presence of IR or MS in chronic
      hepatitis C patients with genotype 1 or 2 infection. The impact of hepatitis C
      virus on IR is not dose responsive.

PMID- 22035894
TI  - Does adequate bladder cuff excision impact outcomes in patients undergoing
      nephroureterectomy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nephroureterectomy with bladder cuff excision has been the gold
      standard surgical treatment for upper tract urothelial carcinoma. In this study,
      we determined the independent prognostic factors for upper tract urothelial
      carcinoma. METHODS: The records of 285 consecutive patients undergoing
      nephroureterectomy with bladder cuff excision at our institution between 2003 and
      2007 were reviewed. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to determine the 5
      year cancer-specific survival rates for all patient groups. Cox proportional
      hazard regression was performed to determine the factors that had an independent
      impact on the survival of patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma.
      RESULTS: A total of 192 patients matching the inclusion criteria were enrolled in
      our study. The mean follow-up time was 43.81 months. We found that the female
      gender, a lower ureter free of invasion, and an adequate bladder cuff excision
      were independent factors for a better tumor recurrence-free survival rate. The
      pathology stage and recurrence (none, intravesical or extravesical) were
      independent factors for the overall survival rate. A non-adequate ureterectomy
      including the bladder cuff was associated with a high body mass index (BMI) and
      the infiltrating tumor pattern of urothelial carcinoma. CONCLUSION:
      Nnephroureterectomy together with adequate bladder cuff excision plays an
      extremely important role in the surgical treatment of upper urinary tract
      urothelial carcinoma. Patients with incomplete resections of the bladder cuff are
      at increased risk of tumor recurrence.

PMID- 22035895
TI  - Is a biopsy necessary for colon polyps suitable for polypectomy when performing a
      colonoscopy?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The incidence of colorectal cancer is increasing in Taiwan.
      Adenomatous polyps are known to be precancerous lesions and need to be removed.
      New techniques like chromendoscopy, magnifying endoscopy, narrow band imaging and
      magnifying endoscopy with flexible spectral imaging color enhancement may improve
      the accuracy of identifying precancerous polyps but are not widely available in
      the real world. This study analyzed the conventional biopsy method in diagnosing
      early colon cancer and the necessity for subsequent surgery after polypectomy.
      METHODS: From January 2002 to December 2007, 1027 adenomatous polypoid specimens
      taken from 720 patients who received polypectomy by conventional white light
      colonoscopy were studied. The pathologic reports of 26 specimens of early cancer
      or high grade dysplasia from 25 patients were analyzed. Protruding polyps were
      classified as pedunculated (o-Ip), subpedunculated (o-Isp) and sessile (o-Is).
      RESULTS: Fourteen of the 26 specimens were type o-Ip, 10 were type o-Isp, and 2
      were type o-Is. The pathologic reports were high grade dysplasia (n = 5), mucosal
      adenocarcinoma (n = 18) and submucosal adenocarcinoma (n = 3). Among these, 7
      lesions from 7 patients received a randomized biopsy instead of immediate
      polypectomy. Adenoma was reported in 6 of them with only one malignancy detected
      (false negative rate: 86%). Eight patients received surgery. The mean follow-up
      period for these patients was 17 months, and none of them had recurrences.
      CONCLUSIONS: The randomized biopsy method for adenomatous polyps has a high false
      negative rate for early colon cancer and high grade dysplasia and is therefore
      not necessary in cases of protruding type polyps which can be removed by
      polypectomy. An adequate direct polypectomy may completely remove the protruding
      type of early colon cancer.

PMID- 22035896
TI  - Complications of hip fractures in children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hip fractures account for < 1% of all pediatric fractures. Most are
      caused by a high-energy mechanism. Complications occur at a high rate because the
      vascular and osseous anatomy of the child's proximal femur is vulnerable to
      injury. The purposes of this study were to evaluate whether osteonecrosis
      influences the functional results and to analyze the risk factors for the
      development of osteonecrosis. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of the
      complications of hip fractures (3 transepiphyseal fractures, 13 transcervical
      fractures, 6 cervico-trochanteric fractures, and 1 intertrochanteric fracture) in
      23 patients (15 boys and 8 girls) between January 1988 and December 1997. Most
      injuries were caused by falling from a height or a motorcycle accident. The
      medical records and serial radiographs of all patients were reviewed. The
      function of the injured site was evaluated using Ratliff's criteria. RESULTS: The
      ages of these children at the time of injury ranged from 1.5 to 16 years (average
      11.1 years). The mean follow-up was 4.91 years (range, 1 year to 12 years and 7
      months). Overall, complications included osteonecrosis in 11 (48%) patients,
      premature physeal closure in 11 (48%), coxa vara in 3 (13%) and coxa valga in 2
      (9%). There was no nonunion. Poor outcomes were related to the development of
      osteonecrosis. The time to surgery (<= 12 hours) and the quality of reduction
      significantly influenced the occurrence of osteonecrosis. The occurrence and
      severity of femoral head osteonecrosis significantly influenced the functional
      results (p < 0.001, and p < 0.048, respectively). CONCLUSION: Osteonecrosis is
      the most severe complication after hip fractures in children and is associated
      with poor functional results. The time to surgery and the quality of reduction
      were the significant predictors in our study.

PMID- 22035897
TI  - Predictors of outcome after open repair of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysms.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To determine predictors associated with early hospital death, 30-day
      mortality, and long-term survival after open surgical treatment of ruptured
      abdominal aortic aneurysms (RAAAs). METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 127
      consecutive patients who received open surgical treatment of a RAAA at Chang Gung
      Memorial Hospital, Taiwan, from February 1994 to May 2007. Data recorded included
      patient characteristics, medical history, perioperative variables, and outcomes.
      RESULTS: There were 104 men and 23 women with a mean age of 70 ? 12 years in the
      analysis. Patients with RAAAs were classified into two groups; 100 (78.7%)
      patients were classified as group I (hemodynamically stable), and 27 (21.3%)
      patients were classified as group II (hemodynamically unstable at arrival). The
      30-day mortality was 22% for group I and 74.1% for group II. Multivariate
      analysis identified age > 75 years old (odds ratio [OR], 0.083; 95% confidence
      interval [CI] 0.02-0.36), hemodynamically unstable state (OR, 0.081; 95% CI 0.016
      0.4), blood transfusion > 5 L (OR, 0.14; 95% CI 0.038-0.54), intraperitoneal
      rupture (OR, 7.2; 95% CI 1.4-36), urine output < 0.5 mL/kg/min (OR, 22; 95% CI
      4.6-110), and suprarenal cross-clamping (OR, 0.083; 95% CI 0.019-0.36) as
      incremental risk factors for 30-day mortality. CONCLUSION: Significant predictors
      of mortality in patients with RAAAs include hemodynamically unstable state, age >
      75 years old, intraperitoneal rupture, low intraoperative urine output, and
      suprarenal cross-clamping.

PMID- 22035898
TI  - the impact of personality on depression among university students in Taiwan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Depression in Taiwanese university students is a significant problem
      in terms of life and financial costs. The purpose of this study was to examine
      the impact of four selected personality traits, namely interpersonal problems,
      ideas of being persecuted, social students in introversion, and self
      depreciation, on the inclination to be depressed among students in Taiwanese
      university. METHODS: A self-report survey was administered to students at a
      Taiwanese university and consisted of three parts: demographics, the Chinese
      version of the Basic Personality Inventory (BPI), and the Taiwanese Depression
      Questionnaire. The level of depression among students was assessed, and the
      relationships among the various variables were explored using analysis of
      variance (ANOVA) and regression. RESULTS: Altogether, 255 students successfully
      completed the survey. Overall, 37.62% of students were suffering from depression,
      including 4.7% who indicated that they were severely depressed, 18.30% who were
      moderately depressed, and 14% who were mildly depressed. In a multiple-regression
      model, ideas of being persecuted and self depreciation were both significant when
      predicting an inclination to be depressed. CONCLUSION: Depression is a problem
      for many university students in Taiwan. Understanding which personality traits
      are related to depression in Taiwanese students is important for student affair
      administrators and medical professionals and will help them to prevent and treat
      this debilitating illness.

PMID- 22035899
TI  - Amisulpride and neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
AB  - Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a rare but lethal complication of
      neuroleptics. Its incidence ranges between 0.02% and 3%. Amisulpride, a second
      generation neuroleptic, was associated with rhabdomyolysis in one report and NMS
      in 2 reports. Although the precise pathogenesis is still unclear, dopamine
      receptor blockade is theorized to play a central role. Conventional presentations
      include hyperthermia, muscle rigidity, and elevated creatine kinase
      concentrations. However, similar to other second generation neuroleptics,
      amisulpride induces an atypical form of NMS, which presents with lower degrees of
      hyperthermia and elevation of creatine kinase than the typical form. This
      phenomenon makes it difficult to identify early signs of NMS. This study
      describes the first case of amisulprideinduced NMS in Taiwan, together with a
      review of the current knowledge on NMS. In this case, the correlation between NMS
      and amisulpride was categorized as "probable" on the Naranjo adverse drug
      reaction probability scale.

PMID- 22035900
TI  - Ruptured aneurysm of the accessory middle cerebral artery associated with
      moyamoya disease: a case report.
AB  - The accessory middle cerebral artery can provide collateral blood supply in
      moyamoya disease. We report a case of unilateral moyamoya disease which
      demonstrates the anatomy of the right accessory middle cerebral artery and a
      ruptured peripheral aneurysm on the artery. Our patient was a 56-year-old woman
      who initially suffered from headache and lethargy. Right caudate nucleus
      hemorrhage with intraventricular extension and spontaneous subarachnoid
      hemorrhage were found on brain computed tomography. A ruptured peripheral
      accessory middle cerebral artery aneurysm associated with unilateral moyamoya
      disease was diagnosed on cerebral angiography. Surgical intervention to excise
      the peripheral accessory middle cerebral artery aneurysm assisted by frameless
      navigation guidance to reduce the risk of damage to collateral vessels was done
      successfully. Histopathology of excised tissue showed this anomaly was a
      pseudoaneurysm. The management of an aneurysm in moyamoya disease should be
      modified based on its location and collateral vessels. Prevention of aneurysm
      bleeding and preservation of collateral vessels during craniotomy are the
      critical when managing hemorrhagic moyamoya disease. This case suggests that
      surgical intervention for ruptured intracranial aneurysms is safe with the use of
      frameless navigation guidance to minimize collateral vessel injuries.

PMID- 22035901
TI  - Innervation of the inferior oblique muscle: anatomical facts.

PMID- 22035902
TI  - Antimony leaching from MSWI bottom ash: modelling of the effect of pH and
      carbonation.
AB  - Development of treatment methods to reduce Sb leaching from municipal solid waste
      incinerator (MSWI) bottom ash, such as accelerated carbonation, is being
      complicated by insufficient understanding of Sb geochemistry. The leaching of
      antimonate (Sb(V)) and antimonite (Sb(III)) in MSWI bottom was studied as a
      function of pH and degree of carbonation. While total (Sb(V)+Sb(III)) leaching
      was lowest (1.2 mg kg(-1)) at the natural pH (i.e. 10.6) of uncarbonated bottom
      ash, HPLC-ICP-MS analysis showed that acidification and carbonation increased
      Sb(V) leaching, but decreased Sb(III) leaching, probably because Sb(III)(OH)(4)(
      ) became less stable. PHREEQC geochemical modelling suggested that Sb(V)
      concentrations approached equilibrium with the romeites, i.e. calcium
      antimonates, Ca(1.13)Sb(2)(OH)(0.26).0.74H(2)O at pH=10.6 and Ca[Sb(OH)(6)](2) at
      pH=8. It is hypothesised that not interaction with ettringite but dissolution of
      romeite controls antimonate leaching in the pH range 8-11 in MSWI bottom ash,
      because while Ca is preferentially leached from romeite, the mineral structures
      containing more Ca at higher pH are less soluble. A model was proposed where
      acidification and carbonation both lead to lower Ca(2+) and/or hydroxyl
      concentration, which removes Ca(2+) and hydroxyls from the romeite structure and
      leads to comparably higher Sb(V) concentration in equilibrium with romeite. Sb
      solubility depends on pH and Ca(2+) availability in this model, which has
      implications for bottom ash valorisation and risk assessment.

PMID- 22035903
TI  - Process and technological aspects of municipal solid waste gasification. A
      review.
AB  - The paper proposes a critical assessment of municipal solid waste gasification
      today, starting from basic aspects of the process (process types and steps,
      operating and performance parameters) and arriving to a comparative analysis of
      the reactors (fixed bed, fluidized bed, entrained bed, vertical shaft, moving
      grate furnace, rotary kiln, plasma reactor) as well as of the possible plant
      configurations (heat gasifier and power gasifier) and the environmental
      performances of the main commercially available gasifiers for municipal solid
      wastes. The analysis indicates that gasification is a technically viable option
      for the solid waste conversion, including residual waste from separate collection
      of municipal solid waste. It is able to meet existing emission limits and can
      have a remarkable effect on reduction of landfill disposal option.

PMID- 22035904
TI  - Genomics of common diseases: approaching the tipping point.
AB  - A report on the Wellcome Trust Scientific Conference 'The Genomics of Common
      Diseases 2011', held at the Wellcome Trust Conference Centre, Hinxton, Cambridge,
      UK, 30 August to 2 September 2011.

PMID- 22035905
TI  - A novel neutrophil derived inflammatory biomarker of pulmonary exacerbation in
      cystic fibrosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The focus of this study was to characterize a novel biomarker for
      cystic fibrosis (CF) that could reflect exacerbations of the disease and could be
      useful for therapeutic stratification of patients, or for testing of potential
      drug treatments. This study focused exclusively on a protein complex containing
      alpha-1 antitrypsin and CD16b (AAT:CD16b) which is released into the bloodstream
      from membranes of pro-inflammatory primed neutrophils. METHODS: Neutrophil
      membrane expression and extracellular levels of AAT and CD16b were quantified by
      flow cytometry, Western blot analysis and by 2D-PAGE. Interleukin-8 (IL-8), tumor
      necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and AAT:CD16b complex were quantified in CF
      plasma (n=38), samples post antibiotic treatment for 14 days (n=10), chronic
      obstructive pulmonary disease (n=10), AAT deficient (n=10) and healthy control
      (n=14) plasma samples by ELISA. RESULTS: Cell priming with IL-8 and TNF-alpha
      caused release of the AAT:CD16b complex from the neutrophil cell membrane.
      Circulating plasma levels of IL-8, TNF-alpha and AAT:CD16b complex were
      significantly higher in patients with CF than in the other patient groups or
      healthy controls (P<0.05). Antibiotic treatment of pulmonary exacerbation in
      patients with CF led to decreased plasma protein concentrations of AAT:CD16b
      complex with a significant correlation with improved FEV1 (r=0.81, P=0.003).
      CONCLUSION: The results of this study have shown that levels of AAT:CD16b complex
      present in plasma correlate to the inflammatory status of patients. The AAT:CD16b
      biomarker may become a useful addition to the clinical diagnosis of exacerbations
      in CF.

PMID- 22035906
TI  - [The role and method of fluorescence-guided cystoscopy in 2011 for management of
      bladder cancer: Review of the Oncology Committee of the French Urology
      Association].
AB  - AIM: Fluorescence-guided cystoscopy is a useful tool for bladder tumour detection
      in association with white-light cystoscopy and decreases the residual tumour
      rate. The aim of the study was to provide an overview of the pertinent literature
      on this subject. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data were provide from a Medline((r))
      research by using the follow keywords: urinary bladder neoplasms; cystoscopy;
      fluorescence; prognosis; intraepithelial neoplasm. RESULTS: No evidence 1 level
      data was available. The fluorescence-guided cystoscopy improves the bladder
      cancer detection rate, especially the flat lesions, and improve the recurrence
      free survival by decreasing the residual tumour rate. The specific indications
      for fluorescence-guided cystoscopy in the diagnosis and management of non-muscle
      invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) should benefit the patients. CONCLUSION: The
      fluorescence-guided cystoscopy is a benefical tool in association with white
      light cystoscopy in NMIBC diagnosis. It has been shown to have a positive impact
      on recurrence-free survival but not on progression-free survival. More
      investigations with significant follow-up should be lead in the future to
      accurately assess its therapeutic impact on patients.

PMID- 22035908
TI  - [Cell therapy and urinary incontinence: if far, so close].

PMID- 22035907
TI  - [Prevention of complications of general anesthesia linked with laparoscopic
      access and with robot-assisted radical prostatectomy].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of our work was to present a review of technical features
      and complications of general anesthesia during robot-assisted laparoscopic
      radical prostatectomy (RALRP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data on RALRP and general
      anesthesia were explored on Medline using the following MeSH terms: radical
      prostatectomy; morbidity; anesthesia complications; laparoscopy; robotics;
      Trendeleburg. Publications were considered on the following criteria:
      methodology, relevance and date of publication. RESULTS: There was no data of
      level of evidence 1 available. The first RALRP was reported in 2000.
      Technological innovation brought by the robot with its 3-D vision, the
      acquisition of degrees of mobility and a more ergonomic position for the surgeon,
      have led to a growing interest from new teams in the western world. However, the
      RALRP generates constraints for the anesthesia team who need to incorporate the
      rules of laparoscopy and the patient's specific installation to guarantee maximum
      safety. There are inherent complications with the installation of the patient
      himself in the Trendelenburg position (ocular, neurological, hemodynamic,
      respiratory) and respiratory complications related to the specific procedure in
      gaseous atmosphere due to pneumoperitoneum. One of the criteria of the quality of
      publications in the field of surgery is related to the objective evaluation of
      complications by appropriate scale systems and the complications of general
      anesthesia must also be absolutely recorded. CONCLUSION: RALRP had deeply
      modified the anatomical landmarks of the surgical removal of prostate cancer.
      However, the perioperative environment has also been completely altered and the
      installation of RALRP in the daily routine of a service requires from the
      anesthesia team to adapt their behavior to this sophisticated surgical access.

PMID- 22035909
TI  - [Renal angiomyolipomas without fat component: tomodensitometric and histologic
      characteristics, clinical course].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Angiomyolipoma is the most frequent benign renal solid tumor.
      Because of the lack of fat component on the CT scan, diagnosis of this tumor is
      hard and can require percutaneous biopsy of unknown renal tumor. The follow-up of
      the poor fat CT scan component AML (PFCT AML) is uncertain. METHODS: Five hundred
      percutaneous renal biopsy under tomodenstitometry have been realised between 1998
      and 2008. There was 41 PFCT AML on the 500 biopsy. By definition, a PFCT AML is
      an AML where the diagnosis is done on a percutaneous biopsy but where there was
      no fat component on the first CT scan. We studied and compared clinical,
      tomodensitometric and histologic parameters of these 41 patients (mean age: 56,
      9+/-11.04; sexe rate M/F: 6/35) where renal AML was diagnosed on percutaneous
      renal biopsy but without fat component on CT scan. Average size was 26.44+/
      14.68mm. We phone-called 16 patients for the long-term follow-up. Average follow
      up was 41+/-28.3 months. For four patients on 16, initial diagnosis was done in
      front of local symptoms, for one of the 16 diagnosis was done in front of general
      symptoms, for one of the diagnosis was done during Bourneville tuberous sclerosis
      evolution and 10 of the 16 was done fortuitously. RESULTS: After review of the
      initial CT scan, fat density was found on 24% of them. Ten percent was
      epithelioid angiomyolipoma. Four renal biopsy on 41 (10%) was epithelioid AML. No
      epithelioid AML had fat component after the second look of the CT scan. Among the
      16 patients who were phone-called, three (19%) underwent a complication. Two had
      abdominal pain and was treated medically. Initial sizes were 26 and 30mm. Only
      one patient must be operated by radical nephrectomy for acute hemorrhage. Initial
      size was 45mm. No neoplasic degeneration was identified for those 16 patients.
      CONCLUSION: In our study, the PFCT AML rate was 8.2%. In 25% cases, CT scan read
      through shown a fat component and could help for the diagnosis. PFCT AML
      evolution seems to be the same as a classic AML. Conservative treatment had a
      good covering because there was no death and no malignant evolution. However, we
      found 10% of epithelioid angiomyolipoma in which malignant risk is high. PFCT AML
      diagnosed on renal percutaneous biopsy of unknown renal tumor requires the same
      management than the classic AML.

PMID- 22035910
TI  - [Nephron-sparing surgery is superior to radical nephrectomy in preserving renal
      function outcome in tumors larger than 4 cm].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to analyse whether nephron
      sparing surgery (NSS) was superior to radical nephrectomy (RN) in preserving
      renal function outcome in tumors larger than 4cm. METHODS: The data from 888
      patients who had been operated upon at eight french university hospitals were
      retrospectively analyzed. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) pre- and post-surgery
      was calculated with the abbreviated Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD)
      equation. For a fair comparison between the two techniques, all imperative
      indications for NSS and all GFR<30 mL/min/1.73 m(2) were excluded from analysis.
      A shift to a less favorable DFG group following surgery was considered clinically
      significant. RESULTS: Seven hundred and thirty patients were suitable for
      comparison. Median age at diagnosis was 60 years (19-88). Tumors measuring more
      than 4cm represented 359 (49.2%) cases. NSS and RN were performed in 384 (52.6%)
      and 346 (47.4%) patients, respectively. In univariate analysis, patients
      undergoing NSS had a smaller risk than RN of developing significant GFR change
      following surgery. This was true for tumors<=4cm (P=0.0001) and for tumors>4cm
      (P=0.018). In multivariate analysis, the following criteria were independent
      predictive factors for developing significant postoperative GFR loss: the use of
      RN (P=0.001), decreased preoperative DFG (P=0.006), increased age at diagnosis
      (P=0.001) and increased ASA score (P=0.004). CONCLUSION: The renal function
      benefit offered by elective NSS over RN persists even when expanding NSS
      indications beyond the traditional 4 cm cut-off.

PMID- 22035911
TI  - [The neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, or LCN 2, marker of
      aggressiveness in clear cell renal cell carcinoma].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the prognostic significance of the neutrophil gelatinase
      associated lipocalin (NGAL) and the matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) in clear
      cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: NGAL and MMP-9
      expression were quantified by immunohistochemistry in clear renal cell carcinoma
      tissues and in sera by Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (Elisa). Results were
      associated with clinicopathologic data. RESULTS: Seventy-four patients operated
      for CCRCC in Rennes between 2003 and 2009 were included. High concentrations of
      NGAL-MMP-9 complex in serum were associated with short progression free survival
      (PFS) (33.3 months versus 47.3 months, P=0.016) and poor overall survival (42.5
      months versus 51.9 months, P<0.047). High NGAL concentrations in serum were also
      associated with shorter PFS (13.6 months versus 41.6 months, P=0.04). However, no
      NGAL expression was observed in renal tumor cells. Interestingly, NGAL was
      expressed by neutrophils infiltrating CCRCC and we showed that the density of
      NGAL expressing neutrophils was associated with pejorative PFS and survival
      (36.9months versus 56.1 months, P<0.006). CONCLUSION: In this study, we showed
      the pejorative significance of NGAL-MMP-9 complex and NGAL rates in serum of
      CCRCC. We also confirmed that density of NGAL expressing neutrophils in CCRCC was
      associated with poor outcome.

PMID- 22035912
TI  - [Prospective evaluation of intrasphincteric injections of autologous muscular
      cells in patients with stress urinary incontinence following radical
      prostatectomy].
AB  - PURPOSE: Cell therapy for urinary incontinence management has been experienced in
      animals with encouraging results, but studies in human beings are lacking. Our
      primary objective was to assess the safety of intrasphincteric injections of
      autologous muscular cells in patients with postprostatectomy incontinence (PPI).
      Secondary objectives focused on complications efficacy. METHODS: We conducted an
      open, prospective study in a single center on 12 patients presenting PPI.
      Patients underwent intrasphincteric injections of autologous muscular cells
      isolated from a biopsy of deltoid muscle. The primary endpoint was the Q(max)
      variation at the three month visit in order to assess potential bladder outlet
      obstruction. Secondary endpoints assessed side effects and efficacy parameters
      based on symptoms, quality of life score, voiding diary, pad-test, and urethral
      pressure profile at one, two, three, six and 12 months after injection. RESULTS:
      No immediate complication occurred and no significant variation was noted on
      Q(max). The only side effects possibly product-related were three cases of
      urinary tract infection treated by antibiotics. An acceptable safety and
      tolerability of the procedure whatever the injected dose of muscular cells was
      demonstrated. Results on efficacy after one year were heterogeneous, with 4/12
      patients describing reduced urine leakage episodes, 1/12 patient presenting
      increased maximal closure pressure, and 8/12 patients showing improvement on pad
      test. CONCLUSIONS: Cell therapy consisting of intrasphincteric injections of
      autologous muscular cells in patients with PPI was a feasible and safe procedure.
      The results point out that some subjects may positively respond to this
      procedure, but clinical efficacy remains to be confirmed.

PMID- 22035913
TI  - [The role of a 6-month depot form of hormone therapy in the treatment of advanced
      hormone-dependent prostate cancer: Results from the 'ELIRE' observational study].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Androgen-deprivation therapy modalities are on continuing evolution.
      Leuprolide Acetate (LA) Eligard((r))45mg was the first 6-monthly LHRH agonist
      (agoniste luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone [LHRHa]) treatment available for
      use in prostate cancer. The objective of this study was to assess the use of the
      3-monthly and the 6-monthly LHRHa in patients with prostate cancer. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: A two-step survey (registration and follow-up) was held between July
      2008 and January 2009. One hundred and sixty doctors included patients treated
      with LHRHa for prostate cancer. Then, a follow-up registry was implemented for
      patients who had been prescribed a 3- or 6-monthly LHRHa. RESULTS: Data analysis
      showed that the 1853 registered patients had a mean age of 75 years old. Time to
      diagnosis was 7 months. Among them, 26.4% had an N+ and/or M+ cancer. The most
      tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage represented was T3N0M0 with Gleason score 7.
      High prostate specific antigen (PSA) level and metastatic stage were the main
      motives for LHRHa prescription. Choice criteria for a 3 or a 6-monthly LHRHa were
      patient autonomy (3.2 vs 18.4%), age (27.2 vs 44%) and anxiety (28 vs 16.8%).
      Patients for 6-monthly LHRHa were likely to be with low urinary symptoms, older,
      less autonomous and less anxious. The reported advantage of the 3-monthly LHRHa
      was the high satisfying quality of medical follow-up. For the 6-monthly form, the
      advantages were the flexibility and the freedom to stop worrying about their
      cancer for up to 6 months. CONCLUSION: The 6-monthly LHRHa provides more
      flexibility in the management and follow-up of patients with locally advanced or
      metastatic prostate cancer.

PMID- 22035914
TI  - [Urological complications of gynecologic surgery].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze the epidemiological, anatomoclinical, surgical and
      evolutionary aspects of the urological complications of gynecological surgery.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: It was about a retrospective survey, concerning 81 patients
      hospitalized in the department of urology of the university hospital, Brazzaville
      from 2000 to 2008 for urological complications of the gynecological surgery. The
      epidemiological, diagnostic, surgical and evolutionary parameters have been
      analyzed. RESULTS: The urological complication of the gynecological surgery has
      been recovered in 3% of patients hospitalized in urology. The middle age was 37+/
      14.52 years (17 and 74 years). The median was about 36 years. The middle delay of
      diagnosis was 15 days (0 and 350 days). The revealing clinical signs were: the
      oligoanuria (n=12), the urinary incontinence (n=57), the lumbar pain (n=9) and
      the cyclic hematuria (n=2). The surgical interventions in reason were: the
      Caesarean (n=50), the hysterectomy for fibroma (n=26), the myomectomy (n=3) and
      the hysterectomy for cancer (n=2). Anatomical lesion were 55 (67.9%)
      vesicovaginal fistulas, 12 (14.8%) ureteral ligatures, eight (10%) uretero
      vaginal fistulas, three (3.7%) vesico-uterine fistulas, two (2.4%) wounds
      ureteral and one (1.2%) vaginal vesico-fistulas and uretero-vaginal fistulas. The
      treatment consisted in one termino-terminal ureterorraphia, 20 uretero-vesical
      reimplantation, 57 cures of vesico-vaginal fistulas and one nephrectomy. The
      recovery was obtained at 96% of the ureteral lesions and 90% of the vesico
      vaginal fistulas. CONCLUSION: The lesions of the ureteral and the bladder were
      often met during the gynecological surgery. The treatment requires knowledge of
      the anatomy of pelvis.

PMID- 22035915
TI  - [Completeness and quality of multidisciplinary team meetings: the example of
      prostate cancer in the Mid-Pyrenees region].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the completeness of the examination of cancer patient
      cases in a multidisciplinary team meeting (MDTM), to study the factors that can
      affect this examination and to assess the quality of the MDTM concerning prostate
      cancer in Tarn. METHODS: Completeness was estimated by comparing the database of
      the Tarn cancer registry containing all the inhabitants of this department for
      whom prostate cancer was diagnosed in 2007 with the list of patients living in
      Tarn whose cases were discussed during a Midi-Pyrenees MDTM. Determinants of the
      case discussion in MDTM were studied from data collected in medical records (age,
      stage at diagnosis, PSA level, Gleason score, treatment). The MDTM quality study
      (delay in management, whether the case was seen before or after treatment,
      required elements for MDTM, clinical data, conformity between suggested treatment
      and guidelines, adequacy between suggested and performed treatments) was based on
      the MDTM forms retrieved from the DCO and from medical records. RESULTS: Four
      hundred and fifty-nine patients were re-examined. The pretherapeutic passage rate
      within three months after diagnosis was 56.2%. The probability of a discussion in
      MDTM decreased for people over 85 years of age (OR=0.10) compared with the 70-74
      year-old people and it increased for the N+M+ (OR=4.23) compared with the T1-T2.
      Patients for whom radiotherapy was considered were presented more frequently than
      the others. The MDTM quality was studied based on 220 DCO forms. The patient's
      physician attended the MDTM in 65% of the cases, 97% of the suggested treatments
      were consistent with the guidelines and 90% of the performed treatments complied
      with the suggested treatment. CONCLUSION: The discussion rate in MDTM has not
      reached the 100% planned by the first "plan cancer" yet, but when a MDTM was
      carried out, its compliance and adequacy were high. While seniors' cases require
      interdisciplinarity because of a complicated management, they were less discussed
      in MDTM.

PMID- 22035916
TI  - [Right obstructive pyelonephritis due to supra-piriform herniation of the pelvic
      ureter: a clinical case].
AB  - Ureteric herniations are extremely rare. We are reporting the case of a 57-year
      old female presenting with an upper urinary tract sepsis due to a pelvic ureteral
      herniation into the supra-piriform sciatic foramen. The diagnosis was made by the
      CT scan and the treatment was performed in two steps: first the upper urinary
      tract was drained, and then the hernia was surgically treated. Although ureteral
      hernias are exceptional causes for nephritic colic, urologists must be aware of
      the specificity of the diagnosis and of the treatment in order to avoid
      complications.

PMID- 22035917
TI  - [Plasmacytoid urothelial carcinoma of the bladder with prostate cancer: report of
      two cases].
AB  - Plasmacytoid urothelial carcinoma (PUC) is a rare variant of urothelial carcinoma
      with aggressive clinicopathological behaviours. We experienced two cases of PUC
      of urinary bladder. Both cases were advanced cancer with extravesical invasion
      and lymph node metastases. They also had coexisting prostatic carcinoma, one was
      preoperatively diagnosed and the other was incidentally discovered after surgery.
      As these cases were the first report of PUC simultaneously associated with
      prostatic carcinoma, clinicopathological features and the treatment options were
      discussed.

PMID- 22035918
TI  - The adaptive response of lichens to mercury exposure involves changes in the
      photosynthetic machinery.
AB  - Lichens are an excellent model to study the bioaccumulation of heavy metals but
      limited information is available on the molecular mechanisms occurring during
      bioaccumulation. We investigated the changes of the lichen proteome during
      exposure to constant concentrations of mercury. We found that most of changes
      involves proteins of the photosynthetic pathway, such as the chloroplastic
      photosystem I reaction center subunit II, the oxygen-evolving protein and the
      chloroplastic ATP synthase beta-subunit. This suggests that photosynthesis is a
      target of the toxic effects of mercury. These findings are also supported by
      changes in the content of photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a and b, and beta
      carotene). Alterations to the photosynthetic machinery also reflect on the
      structure of thylakoid membranes of algal cells. Response of lichens to mercury
      also involves stress-related proteins (such as Hsp70) but not cytoskeletal
      proteins. Results suggest that lichens adapt to mercury exposure by changing the
      metabolic production of energy.

PMID- 22035919
TI  - Detecting diclofenac in livestock carcasses in India with an ELISA: a tool to
      prevent widespread vulture poisoning.
AB  - Diclofenac, a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), has caused
      catastrophic vulture declines across the Indian sub-continent. Here, an indirect
      ELISA is used to detect and quantify diclofenac in 1251 liver samples from
      livestock carcasses collected across India between August 2007 and June 2008, one
      to two years after a ban on diclofenac manufacture and distribution for
      veterinary use was implemented. The ELISAs applicability was authenticated with
      independent data obtained using LC-ESI/MS. Of 1251 samples, 1150 (91.9%) were
      negative for diclofenac using both methods, and 60 (4.8%) were positive at 10
      4348 and 10-4441 MUg kg(-1) when analysed by ELISA and LC-ESI/MS, respectively.
      The residue level relationship in the 60 positive samples was highly significant
      (p < 0.001, r(2) = 0.644). Data suggest that this immunological assay could be
      used not only for cost effective sample screening, but also for residue level
      semi-quantification.

PMID- 22035920
TI  - Microsporidia parasites disrupt the responses to cadmium exposure in a gammarid.
AB  - Microsporidia parasites are commonly found in amphipods, where they are often
      asymptomatic, vertically-transmitted and have several effects on host sexuality
      and behaviour. As amphipods are often used as models in ecotoxicological studies,
      we investigated the effect of microsporidian infections on energy reserves and
      defence capacities of Gammarus roeseli under cadmium stress. Only females were
      infected by two microsporidia parasites: Dictyocoela roeselum or Dictyocoela
      muelleri. In physiological conditions, microsporidia had no major effect on
      energy reserves and defence capacities of G. roeseli, while under cadmium
      exposure, energy reserves and antioxidant defence were weaker in infected
      females. Moreover, higher malondialdehyde levels detected in infected females
      revealed that they suffered more cellular damages. Our results suggest that
      microsporidia may affect gammarid fitness in stressful conditions, when parasitic
      stress cannot be compensated by the host. Consequently, microsporidia parasites
      should be a factor necessary to take into account in ecotoxicology studies
      involving amphipods.

PMID- 22035921
TI  - Synthetic fertilizer management for China's cereal crops has reduced N2O
      emissions since the early 2000s.
AB  - China has implemented a soil testing and fertilizer recommendation (STFR) program
      to reduce the over-usage of synthetic nitrogen (N) fertilizer on cereal crops
      since the late 1990 s. Using province scale datasets, we estimated an annual
      reduction rate of 2.5-5.1 kg N ha(-1) from 1998 to 2008 and improving grain
      yields, which were attributed to the balanced application of phosphate and
      potassium fertilization. Relative to the means for 1998-2000, the synthetic N
      fertilizer input and the corresponding N-induced N(2)O production in cereal crops
      were reduced by 22 +/- 0.7 Tg N and 241 +/- 4 Gg N(2)O-N in 2001-2008. Further
      investigation suggested that the N(2)O emission related to wheat and maize
      cultivation could be reduced by 32-43 Gg N(2)O-N per year in China (26%-41% of
      the emissions in 2008) if the STFR practice is implemented universally in the
      future.

PMID- 22035922
TI  - Gene expression of heat shock protein 70, interleukin-1beta and tumor necrosis
      factor alpha as tools to identify immunotoxic effects on Xenopus laevis: a dose
      response study with benzo[a]pyrene and its degradation products.
AB  - The exposure to benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) results in an alteration of immune
      function in mammals and fish, and the analysis of cytokine mRNA levels has been
      suggested for predicting the immunomodulatory potential of chemicals. To obtain
      evidence of the innate immune responses to B[a]P in Xenopus laevis, the present
      study monitored the mRNA expression of interleukin 1-beta (IL-1beta), tumor
      necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) in a
      laboratorial exposure. Tadpoles exposed to 8.36, 14.64, 89.06 and 309.47 MUg/L of
      B[a]P,were used for detecting hsp70, IL-1beta and TNF-alpha mRNA induction. A
      dose-response increase in the expression of hsp70 and IL-1beta mRNA was found.
      The results of this study confirmed the use of hsp70 and IL-1beta, but not TNF
      alpha, as sensitive indicators of immunotoxic effect of B[a]P in X. laevis.
      Further research would be required for the validation of these endpoints.

PMID- 22035923
TI  - An integrated method for removal of harmful cyanobacterial blooms in eutrophic
      lakes.
AB  - As the eutrophication of lakes becomes an increasingly widespread phenomenon,
      cyanobacterial blooms are occurring in many countries. Although some research has
      been reported, there is currently no good method for bloom removal. We propose
      here a new two-step integrated approach to resolve this problem. The first step
      is the inactivation of the cyanobacteria via the addition of H(2)O(2). We found
      60 mg/L was the lowest effective dose for a cyanobacterial concentration
      corresponding to 100 MUg/L chlorophyll-a. The second step is the flocculation and
      sedimentation of the inactivated cyanobacteria. We found the addition of lake
      sediment clay (2 g/L) plus polymeric ferric sulfate (20 mg/L) effectively
      deposited them on the lake bottom. Since algaecides and flocculants had been used
      separately in previous reports, we innovatively combined these two types of
      reagents to remove blooms from the lake surface and to improve the dissolved
      oxygen content of lake sediments.

PMID- 22035924
TI  - Adsorption of trace metals to plastic resin pellets in the marine environment.
AB  - Plastic production pellets collected from beaches of south west England contain
      variable concentrations of trace metals (Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd and Pb) that, in
      some cases, exceed concentrations reported for local estuarine sediments. The
      rates and mechanisms by which metals associate with virgin and beached
      polyethylene pellets were studied by adding a cocktail of 5 MUg L(-1) of trace
      metals to 10 g L(-1) pellet suspensions in filtered seawater. Kinetic profiles
      were modelled using a pseudo-first-order equation and yielded response times of
      less than about 100 h and equilibrium partition coefficients of up to about 225
      ml g(-1) that were consistently higher for beached pellets than virgin pellets.
      Adsorption isotherms conformed to both the Langmuir and Freundlich equations and
      adsorption capacities were greater for beached pellets than for virgin pellets.
      Results suggest that plastics may represent an important vehicle for the
      transport of metals in the marine environment.

PMID- 22035925
TI  - A comparison of POPs bioaccumulation in Eisenia fetida in natural and artificial
      soils and the effects of aging.
AB  - The close relationship between soil organic matter and the bioavailability of
      POPs in soils suggests the possibility of using it for the extrapolation between
      different soils. The aim of this study was to prove that TOC content is not a
      single factor affecting the bioavailability of POPs and that TOC based
      extrapolation might be incorrect, especially when comparing natural and
      artificial soils. Three natural soils with increasing TOC and three artificial
      soils with TOC comparable to these natural soils were spiked with phenanthrene,
      pyrene, lindane, p,p'-DDT, and PCB 153 and studied after 0, 14, 28, and 56 days.
      At each sampling point, total soil concentration and bioaccumulation in
      earthworms Eisenia fetida were measured. The results showed different behavior
      and bioavailability of POPs in natural and artificial soils and apparent effects
      of aging on these differences. Hence, direct TOC based extrapolation between
      various soils seems to be limited.

PMID- 22035926
TI  - Forests under climate change and air pollution: gaps in understanding and future
      directions for research.
AB  - Forests in Europe face significant changes in climate, which in interaction with
      air quality changes, may significantly affect forest productivity, stand
      composition and carbon sequestration in both vegetation and soils. Identified
      knowledge gaps and research needs include: (i) interaction between changes in air
      quality (trace gas concentrations), climate and other site factors on forest
      ecosystem response, (ii) significance of biotic processes in system response,
      (iii) tools for mechanistic and diagnostic understanding and upscaling, and (iv)
      the need for unifying modelling and empirical research for synthesis. This
      position paper highlights the above focuses, including the global dimension of
      air pollution as part of climate change and the need for knowledge transfer to
      enable reliable risk assessment. A new type of research site in forest ecosystems
      ("supersites") will be conducive to addressing these gaps by enabling integration
      of experimentation and modelling within the soil-plant-atmosphere interface, as
      well as further model development.

PMID- 22035927
TI  - Comparison of arsenate and cadmium toxicity in a freshwater amphipod (Gammarus
      pulex).
AB  - Cadmium is largely documented on freshwater organisms while arsenic, especially
      arsenate, is rarely studied. The kinetic of the LC50s values for both metals was
      realized on Gammarus pulex. Physiological [i.e. metal concentration in body
      tissues, bioconcentration factor (BCF)] effects and behavioural responses (via
      pleopods beats) were investigated after 240-h exposure. Arsenate LC50 value was
      100 fold higher than Cd-LC50 value after 240-h exposure, while concentrations in
      gammarids were similar for both metals at their respective LC50s. BCF decreased
      with increasing cadmium concentration while BCF remained stable with increasing
      arsenate concentration. Moreover, BCF was between 148 and 344 times lower for
      arsenate than cadmium. A significant hypoventilation was observed for cadmium
      concentrations exceeding or close to the 240h-LC50(Cd), while gammarids
      hyperventilated for the lowest arsenate concentrations and hypoventilated for the
      highest arsenate concentrations. We discussed the relationships between potential
      action mechanisms of these two metals and observed results.

PMID- 22035928
TI  - Ambient ozone effects on gas exchange and total non-structural carbohydrate
      levels in cutleaf coneflower (Rudbeckia laciniata L.) growing in Great Smoky
      Mountains National Park.
AB  - Ozone-sensitive and -tolerant individuals of cutleaf coneflower (Rudbeckia
      laciniata L.) were compared for their gas exchange characteristics and total non
      structural carbohydrates at Purchase Knob, a high elevation site in Great Smoky
      Mountains National Park, USA. Photosynthesis and stomatal conductance decreased
      with increased foliar stipple. Sensitive plants had lower photosynthetic rates
      for all leaves, except the very youngest and oldest when compared to tolerant
      plants. Stomatal conductance decreased with increasing leaf age, but no ozone
      sensitivity differences were found. Lower leaves had less starch than upper ones,
      while leaves on sensitive plants had less than those on tolerant plants. These
      results show that ambient levels of ozone in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
      can adversely affect gas exchange, water use efficiency and leaf starch content
      in sensitive coneflower plants. Persistence of sensitive genotypes in the Park
      may be due to physiological recovery in low ozone years.

PMID- 22035929
TI  - Potential sources of methylmercury in tree foliage.
AB  - Litterfall is a major source of mercury (Hg) and toxic methylmercury (MeHg) to
      forest soils and influences exposures of wildlife in terrestrial and aquatic
      ecosystems. However, the origin of MeHg associated with tree foliage is largely
      unknown. We tested the hypothesis that leaf MeHg is influenced by root uptake and
      thereby related to MeHg levels in soils. Concentrations of MeHg and total Hg in
      deciduous and coniferous foliage were unrelated to those in soil at 30 urban and
      rural forested locations in southwest Ohio. In contrast, tree genera and trunk
      diameter were significant variables influencing Hg in leaves. The fraction of
      total Hg as MeHg averaged 0.4% and did not differ among tree genera. Given that
      uptake of atmospheric Hg(0) appears to be the dominant source of total Hg in
      foliage, we infer that MeHg is formed by in vivo transformation of Hg in
      proportion to the amount accumulated.

PMID- 22035930
TI  - Levels and distribution patterns of short chain chlorinated paraffins in sewage
      sludge of wastewater treatment plants in China.
AB  - Short chain chlorinated paraffins (SCCPs) are listed as persistent organic
      pollutant candidates in the Stockholm Convention and are receiving more and more
      attentions worldwide. In general, concentrations of contaminants in sewage sludge
      can give an important indication on their pollution levels at a local/regional
      basis. In this study, SCCPs were investigated in sewage sludge samples collected
      from 52 wastewater treatment plants in China. Concentrations of total SCCPs
      (SigmaSCCPs) in sludge were in the range of 0.80-52.7 MUg/g dry weight (dw), with
      a mean value of 10.7 MUg/g dw. Most of SCCPs in the sludge samples showed a
      similar congener distribution patterns, and C(11) and Cl(7,8) were identified as
      the dominant carbon and chlorine congener groups. Significant linear
      relationships were found among different SCCP congener groups (r(2) >= 0.9). High
      concentrations of SCCPs in sewage sludge imply that SCCPs are widely present in
      China.

PMID- 22035931
TI  - A mesocosm approach for detecting stream invertebrate community responses to
      treated wastewater effluent.
AB  - The discharge of wastewater from sewage treatment plants is one of the most
      common forms of pollution to river ecosystems, yet the effects on aquatic
      invertebrate assemblages have not been investigated in a controlled experimental
      setting. Here, we use a mesocosm approach to evaluate community responses to
      exposure to different concentrations of treated wastewater effluents over a two
      week period. Multivariate analysis using Principal Response Curves indicated a
      clear, dose-effect response to the treatments, with significant changes in
      macroinvertebrate assemblages after one week when exposed to 30% effluent, and
      after two weeks in the 15% and 30% effluent treatments. Treatments were
      associated with an increase in nutrient concentrations (ammonium, sulfate, and
      phosphate) and reduction of dissolved oxygen. These findings indicate that
      exposure to wastewater effluent cause significant changes in abundance and
      composition of macroinvertebrate taxa and that effluent concentration as low as
      5% can have detectable ecological effects.

PMID- 22035932
TI  - Fate of Triclosan and Methyltriclosan in soil from biosolids application.
AB  - This study investigates the persistence of Triclosan (TCS), and its degradation
      product, Methyltriclosan (MeTCS), after land application of biosolids to an
      experimental agricultural plot under both till and no till. Surface soil samples
      (n = 40) were collected several times over a three years period and sieved to
      remove biosolids. Concentration of TCS in the soil gradually increased with
      maximum levels of 63.7 +/- 14.1 ng g(-1) dry wt., far below the predicted maximum
      concentration of 307.5 ng g(-1) dry wt. TCS disappearance corresponded with MeTCS
      appearance, suggesting in situ formation. Our results suggest that soil
      incorporation and degradation processes are taking place simultaneously and that
      TCS background levels are achieved within two years. TCS half-life (t(0.5)) was
      determined as 104 d and MeTCS t(0.5), which was more persistent than TCS, was
      estimated at 443 d.

PMID- 22035933
TI  - Insights into low fish mercury bioaccumulation in a mercury-contaminated
      reservoir, Guizhou, China.
AB  - We examined Hg biogeochemistry in Baihua Reservoir, a system affected by
      industrial wastewater containing mercury (Hg). As expected, we found high levels
      of total Hg (THg, 664-7421 ng g(-1)) and monomethylmercury (MMHg, 3-21 ng g(-1))
      in the surface sediments (0-10 cm). In the water column, both THg and MMHg showed
      strong vertical variations with higher concentrations in the anoxic layer (>4m)
      than in the oxic layer (0-4 m), which was most pronounced for the dissolved MMHg
      (p < 0.001). However, mercury levels in biota samples (mostly cyprinid fish) were
      one order of magnitude lower than common regulatory values (i.e. 0.3-0.5 mg kg(
      1)) for human consumption. We identified three main reasons to explain the low
      fish Hg bioaccumulation: disconnection of the aquatic food web from the high MMHg
      zone, simple food web structures, and biodilution effect at the base of the food
      chain in this eutrophic reservoir.

PMID- 22035934
TI  - Blood Pb and delta-ALAD inhibition in cattle and sheep from a Pb-polluted mining
      area.
AB  - The effects of Pb pollution on cattle and sheep raised in an ancient mining area
      were studied through the use of blood Pb (PbB) levels and delta-aminolevulinic
      acid dehydratase (delta-ALAD) activity. Lead levels in livestock blood from the
      mining area (n=110) were significantly elevated when compared to the controls
      (n=79). In 91.4% of cattle (n=58) and 13.5% of sheep (n=52) sampled in the mining
      area, PbB levels corresponded to subclinical exposure (6-35 MUg/dl). Two young
      cattle (<2 years) from the mining area (n=5) had PbB levels indicative of
      clinical poisoning (>35 MUg/dl). Elevated PbB was also accompanied by delta-ALAD
      activity inhibition in blood, which confirms that measurable effects of Pb
      poisoning were taking place. Observed PbB levels suggest that a potential risk to
      human consumers of beef from the Pb polluted areas may also exist, as has been
      shown previously for game meat from the same mining area.

PMID- 22035935
TI  - On the use of a freeze-dried versus an air-dried soil humic acid as a surrogate
      of soil organic matter for contaminant sorption.
AB  - The sorption of phenanthrene (PHN) to relatively pure soil humic acids (HAs) was
      investigated to assess the suitability of the soil HA as a surrogate sorbent for
      the soil organic matter (SOM). The HAs were prepared in both freeze-dried and air
      dried forms. The two forms of HAs from the same source are similar in composition
      but the freeze-dried HAs exhibit a significantly higher initial surface area (SA)
      (3.86-4.59 m(2)/g); the SAs of air-dried HAs are below 0.1 m(2)/g. However, the
      SAs of freeze-dried HAs are not stable upon contact with water; the samples lose
      practically all the SA after 4 days of immersion in water. The PHN sorption to
      both forms of HAs is practically linear, whether a co-solute is present or not.
      The sorption linearity observed with the present freeze-dried HAs is in sharp
      contrast with the allegedly nonlinear PHN sorption on similar freeze-dried HAs as
      presented by others.

PMID- 22035936
TI  - Bioaccessibility of trace elements as affected by soil parameters in smelter
      contaminated agricultural soils: a statistical modeling approach.
AB  - An investigation was undertaken to identify the most significant soil parameters
      that can be used to predict Cd, Pb, and Zn bioaccessibility in smelter
      contaminated agricultural soils. A robust model was established from an extended
      database of soils by using: (i) a training set of 280 samples to select the main
      soil parameters, to define the best population to be taken into account for the
      model elaboration, and to construct multivariate regression models, and (ii) a
      test set of 110 samples to validate the ability of the regression models. Total
      carbonate, organic matter, sand, P(2)O(5), free Fe-Mn oxide, and pseudototal Al
      and trace element (TE) contents appeared as the main variables governing TE
      bioaccessibility. The statistical modeling approach was reasonably successful,
      indicating that the main soil factors influencing the bioaccessibility of TEs
      were taken into account and the predictions could be applicable for further risk
      evaluation in the studied area.

PMID- 22035937
TI  - Metal stress and decreased tree growth in response to biosolids application in
      greenhouse seedlings and in situ Douglas-fir stands.
AB  - To assess physiological impacts of biosolids on trees, metal contaminants and
      phytochelatins were measured in Douglas-fir stands amended with biosolids in
      1982. A subsequent greenhouse study compared these same soils to soils amended
      with fresh wastewater treatment plant biosolids. Biosolids-amended field soils
      had significantly higher organic matter, lower pH, and elevated metals even after
      25 years. In the field study, no beneficial growth effects were detected in
      biosolids-amended stands and in the greenhouse study both fresh and historic
      biosolids amendments resulted in lower seedling growth rates. Phytochelatins -
      bioindicators of intracellular metal stress - were elevated in foliage of
      biosolids-amended stands, and significantly higher in roots of seedlings grown
      with fresh biosolids. These results demonstrate that biosolids amendments have
      short- and long-term negative effects that may counteract the expected tree
      growth benefits.

PMID- 22035938
TI  - Assessing single and joint effects of chemicals on the survival and reproduction
      of Folsomia candida (Collembola) in soil.
AB  - Chemicals are often found in the environment as complex mixtures. There has been
      a large effort in the last decade to assess the combined effect of chemicals,
      using the conceptual models of Concentration Addition and Independent Action, but
      also including synergistic, antagonistic, dose-level and dose-ratio dependent
      deviations from these models. In the present study, single and mixture toxicity
      of atrazine, dimethoate, lindane, zinc and cadmium were studied in Folsomia
      candida, assessing survival and reproduction. Different response patterns were
      observed for the different endpoints and synergistic patterns were observed when
      pesticides were present. Compared with the previously tested Enchytraeus albidus
      and Porcellionides pruinosus, the mixture toxicity pattern for F. candida was
      species specific. The present study highlights the importance of studying
      toxicity of chemicals mixtures due to the observed potentiation of effects and
      confirms that for an adequate ecologically relevant risk assessment different
      organisms and endpoints should be included.

PMID- 22035939
TI  - Concentrations of methylmercury in invertebrates from wetlands of the Prairie
      Pothole Region of North America.
AB  - Prairie wetlands may be important sites of mercury (Hg) methylation resulting in
      elevated methylmercury (MeHg) concentrations in water, sediments and biota.
      Invertebrates are an important food resource and may act as an indicator of MeHg
      exposure to higher organisms. In 2007-2008, invertebrates were collected from
      wetland ponds in central Saskatchewan, categorized into functional feeding groups
      (FFGs) and analyzed for total Hg (THg) and MeHg. Methylmercury and THg
      concentrations in four FFGs ranged from 0.2-393.5 ng . g(-1) and 9.7-507.1 ng .
      g(-1), respectively. Methylmercury concentrations generally increased from
      gastropods with significantly lower average MeHg concentrations compared to other
      invertebrate taxa. Surrounding land use (agricultural, grassland and organic
      agricultural) may influence MeHg concentrations in invertebrates, with
      invertebrate MeHg concentrations being higher from organic ponds (457.5 +/- 156.7
      ng . g(-1)) compared to those from grassland ponds (74.8 +/- 14.6 ng . g(-1)) and
      ponds on agricultural lands (32.8 +/- 6.2 ng . g(-1)).

PMID- 22035940
TI  - Effect of recent climate change on Arctic Pb pollution: a comparative study of
      historical records in lake and peat sediments.
AB  - Historical changes of anthropogenic Pb pollution were reconstructed based on Pb
      concentrations and isotope ratios in lake and peat sediment profiles from Ny
      Alesund of Arctic. The calculated excess Pb isotope ratios showed that Pb
      pollution largely came from west Europe and Russia. The peat profile clearly
      reflected the historical changes of atmospheric deposition of anthropogenic Pb
      into Ny-Alesund, and the result showed that anthropogenic Pb peaked at 1960s
      1970s, and thereafter a significant recovery was observed by a rapid increase of
      (206)Pb/(207)Pb ratios and a remarkable decrease in anthropogenic Pb contents. In
      contrast to the peat record, the longer lake record showed relatively high
      anthropogenic Pb contents and a persistent decrease of (206)Pb/(207)Pb ratios
      within the uppermost samples, suggesting that climate-sensitive processes such as
      catchment erosion and meltwater runoff might have influenced the recent change of
      Pb pollution record in the High Arctic lake sediments.

PMID- 22035941
TI  - Trend and concentrations of legacy lead (Pb) in highway runoff.
AB  - This study presents the results of lead (Pb) concentrations from both highway
      runoff and contaminated soil along 32 and 23 highway sites, respectively. In
      general, the Pb concentration on topsoil (0-15 cm) along highways was much higher
      than the Pb concentration in subsurface soil (15-60 cm). The Pb deposited on soil
      appears to be anthropogenic and a strong correlation was found between the Pb
      concentration in surface soil and highway runoff in urban areas. The
      concentration of Pb measured during 1980s from highways runoff throughout the
      world was up to 11 times higher than the measured values in mid 1990 s and 2000s.
      The current Pb deposited on soil near highways appears to be a mixture of paint,
      tire weight balance and old leaded gasoline combustion. Overall, the Pb phase-out
      regulation reduced the Pb deposits in the environment and consequently lowered Pb
      loading into receiving waters.

PMID- 22035942
TI  - Cosorption of organic chemicals with different properties: their shared and
      different sorption sites.
AB  - Complementary sorption of different chemicals was expected and investigating the
      relationship between the sorption inhibition of primary sorbate (DeltaQ(pri)) and
      sorption of secondary sorbate (Q(sec)) could provide a new angle to understand
      coadsorption of different chemicals. This study used bisphenol A (BPA) as the
      primary adsorbate, sulfamethoxazole (SMX) as the competitor, and carbon nanotubes
      as model adsorbents to study their complementary and competitive adsorption. At
      low BPA concentrations, the sorption of SMX (Q(sec)) exceeded BPA sorption
      inhibition (DeltaQ(pri)), indicating that these two chemicals complementarily
      adsorbed on their respectively preferred sorption sites. At high BPA
      concentrations, higher DeltaQ(pri) was observed in comparison to Q(sec), which
      may be resulted from different packing efficiencies of the adsorbed SMX and BPA.
      This study emphasized that both competitive and complementary sorption should be
      discussed in binary sorption system.

PMID- 22035943
TI  - Aqueous uptake and sublethal toxicity of p,p'-DDE in non-feeding larval stages of
      Antarctic krill (Euphausia superba).
AB  - This study evaluated the toxicological sensitivity of non-feeding larval stages
      of a key Antarctic species (Antarctic krill, Euphausia superba) to p,p'
      dichlorodiphenyl dichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE) exposure. The aqueous uptake
      clearance rate of 84 mL g(-1) preserved weight (p.w.) h(-1) determined for p,p'
      DDE in Antarctic krill larvae is comparable to previous findings for small cold
      water crustaceans and five times slower than the rates reported for an amphipod
      inhabiting warmer waters. Natural variations in larval physiology appear to
      influence contaminant uptake and larval krill behavioural responses, strongly
      highlighting the importance of time of measurement for ecotoxicological testing.
      Sublethal narcosis (immobility) was observed in larval Antarctic krill from p,p'
      DDE body residues of 0.2 mmol/kg p.w., which is in agreement with findings for
      adult krill and temperate aquatic species. The finding of comparable body residue
      based toxicity of p,p'-DDE between polar and temperate species supports the
      tissue residue approach for environmental risk assessment of polar ecosystems.

PMID- 22035944
TI  - Emissions of nitric oxide from 79 plant species in response to simulated nitrogen
      deposition.
AB  - To assess the potential contribution of nitric oxide (NO) emission from the
      plants grown under the increasing nitrogen (N) deposition to atmospheric NO
      budget, the effects of simulated N deposition on NO emission and various leaf
      traits (e.g., specific leaf area, leaf N concentration, net photosynthetic rate,
      etc.) were investigated in 79 plant species classified by 13 plant functional
      groups. Simulated N deposition induced the significant increase of NO emission
      from most functional groups, especially from conifer, gymnosperm and C(3) herb.
      Moreover, the change rate of NO emission was significantly correlated with the
      change rate of various leaf traits. We conclude that the plants grown under
      atmospheric N deposition, especially in conifer, gymnosperm and C(3) herb, should
      be taken into account as an important biological source of NO and potentially
      contribute to atmospheric NO budget.

PMID- 22035945
TI  - The impact of verbal instructions on goal-directed behaviour.
AB  - It is common to use verbal instructions when performing complex tasks. To
      evaluate how such instructions contribute to cognitive control, mixing costs (as
      a measure of sustained concentration on task) were evaluated in two task
      switching experiments combining the list and alternating runs paradigms.
      Participants responded to bivalent stimuli according to a characteristic
      explicitly defined by a visually presented instructional cue. The processing of
      the cue was conducted under four conditions across the two experiments: Silent
      Reading, Reading Aloud, Articulatory Suppression, and dual mode (visual and
      audio) presentation. The type of cue processing produced a substantial impact on
      the mixing costs, where its magnitude was greatest with articulatory suppression
      and minimal with reading aloud and dual mode presentations. Interestingly,
      silently reading the cue only provided medium levels of mixing cost. The
      experiments demonstrate that relevant verbal instructions boost sustained
      concentration on task goals when maintaining multiple tasks.

PMID- 22035947
TI  - Late preterm birth: more and better data needed.

PMID- 22035946
TI  - Evolution of sex and mating loci: an expanded view from Volvocine algae.
AB  - Sexual reproduction in Volvocine algae coevolved with the acquisition of
      multicellularity. Unicellular genera such as Chlamydomonas and small colonial
      genera from this group have classical mating types with equal-sized gametes,
      while larger multicellular genera such as Volvox have differentiated males and
      females that produce sperm and eggs respectively. Newly available sequence from
      the Volvox and Chlamydomonas genomes and mating loci open up the potential to
      investigate how sex-determining regions co-evolve with major changes in
      development and sexual reproduction. The expanded size and sequence divergence
      between the male and female haplotypes of the Volvox mating locus (MT) not only
      provide insights into how the colonial Volvocine algae might have evolved sexual
      dimorphism, but also raise questions about why the putative ancestral-like MT
      locus in Chlamydomonas shows less divergence between haplotypes than expected.

PMID- 22035948
TI  - Editors' note on notice of retraction.

PMID- 22035950
TI  - Nonspontaneous late preterm birth: etiology and outcomes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We sought to determine the proportion of evidence-based (EB), vs non
      EB (NEB) iatrogenic late preterm birth, and to compare corresponding rates of
      neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission. STUDY DESIGN: We performed a
      retrospective cohort study. Cases were categorized as EB or NEB. NICU admission
      was compared between groups in both univariate and multivariate analysis.
      RESULTS: Of 2693 late preterm deliveries, 32.3% (872/2693) were iatrogenic; 56.7%
      were delivered for NEB indications. Women with NEB deliveries were older (30.0 vs
      28.6 years, P = .001), and more likely to be pregnant with twins (18.8% vs 7.9%,
      P < .001), have private insurance (80.3% vs 59.0%, P < .001), or have a second
      complicating factor (27.5% vs 10.1%, P < .001). A total of 56% of EB deliveries
      resulted in NICU admissions. After controlling for confounders, early gestational
      age (34 vs 36 weeks: odds ratio, 19.34; 95% confidence interval, 4.28-87.5) and
      mode of delivery (cesarean: odds ratio, 1.88; 95% confidence interval, 1.15-3.05)
      were most strongly associated with NICU admission. CONCLUSION: Over half of
      nonspontaneous late preterm births were NEB. EB guidelines are needed.

PMID- 22035951
TI  - Leiomyoma-related hospitalization and surgery: prevalence and predicted growth
      based on population trends.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To estimate leiomyoma-related inpatient care in the United States for
      2007 with predictions for the ensuing 40 years. STUDY DESIGN: We used the 2007
      Nationwide Inpatient Sample to estimate hospitalizations and inpatient surgeries
      for uterine leiomyoma in US women 15 to 54 years. We used the US Census Bureau
      population projections to predict leiomyoma-related inpatient care through 2050.
      RESULTS: In 2007, 355,135 women were hospitalized for leiomyoma (rate = 42 per
      10,000 women-years). Black women had increased rates of hospitalization,
      hysterectomy, and myomectomy (relative risk, 3.5, 2.4, 6.8, respectively)
      compared with white women. Leiomyoma-related hospitalizations are predicted to
      increase 23% (to 437,874) between 2007 and 2050, with 20% and 31% increases in
      leiomyoma-related hysterectomies and myomectomies. CONCLUSION: Leiomyoma-related
      inpatient care and major surgery remains substantial despite advances in less
      invasive treatment options. Given population growth, the projected burden of
      leiomyoma-related inpatient care will increase significantly by 2050,
      differentially impacting black vs white women.

PMID- 22035952
TI  - A peculiar site: melanoma of the cervix.

PMID- 22035953
TI  - Discussion: 'placental dysfunction disorders across generations' by Wikstrom et
      al.
AB  - In the roundtable that follows, clinicians discuss a study published in this
      issue of the Journal in light of its methodology, relevance to practice, and
      implications for future research. Article discussed: Wikstrom A-K, Svensson T,
      Kieler H, et al. Recurrence of placental dysfunction disorders across
      generations. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2011;205:454.e1-8.

PMID- 22035954
TI  - Spontaneous prelabor uterine rupture in a primigravida: a case report and review
      of the literature.
AB  - A rare case of prelabor uterine rupture in a primigravida was reported. A woman
      with a history of uterine perforation during hysteroscopy became pregnant after
      donor oocyte in vitro fertilization. To provide more insight into the possible
      risk factors for prelabor uterine rupture in primigravidae, a literature review
      was performed.

PMID- 22035955
TI  - Effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids to reverse biopsy-proven parenteral
      nutrition-associated liver disease in adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Parenteral nutrition-associated liver disease (PNALD)
      complicates the treatment of patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS). Some
      studies have shown omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (omega-3 PUFAs) have
      favorable effects in treating PNALD in children. We, therefore, investigate the
      effects of omega-3 PUFAs supplemented intravenous lipid emulsion (ILE) on PNALD
      in adults. METHODS: We performed an open-labeled study of a omega-3 PUFAs based
      ILE in 15 adults with SBS who developed cholestasis while receiving soybean oil
      based ILE. Liver biopsies were performed before and after the initiation of omega
      3 PUFAs to confirm the presence and improvement of cholestasis. Blood samples
      were collected every week for analysis of fatty acid composition and liver
      function. RESULTS: 12 of the 15 patients had their direct bilirubin normalized
      within 4 weeks and our data demonstrated a significant decrease in both DB (P <=
      0.001) and TB (P <= 0.001) after 4 weeks compared to baseline. There were
      ameliorations of liver function and fatty acid patterns in all patients and
      serial liver biopsy specimens showed progressive histologic improvement.
      CONCLUSIONS: Parenteral omega-3 PUFAs supplemented fat emulsions are safe and
      effective in the treatment of PNALD in adults.

PMID- 22035956
TI  - Integrated nutritional intervention in the elderly after hip fracture. A process
      evaluation.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Within a multicentre randomized controlled trial aimed at
      improving the nutritional status and increase the speed of recovery of elderly
      hip fracture patients, we performed a process evaluation to investigate the
      feasibility of the intervention within the present Dutch health care system.
      METHODS: Patients in the intervention group received nutritional counseling
      during 10 contacts. Oral nutritional supplements were advised as needed until
      three months after hip fracture surgery. The intervention was evaluated with
      respect to dieticians' adherence to the study protocol, content of nutritional
      counseling, and patients' adherence to recommendations given. RESULTS: We
      included 66 patients (mean age of 76, range 55-92 years); 74% women. Eighty-three
      percent of patients received all 10 contacts as planned, but in 62% of the
      patients one or more telephone calls had to be replaced by face to face contacts.
      Nutritional counseling was complete in 91% of contacts. Oral nutritional
      supplementation was needed for a median period of 76 days; 75% of the patients
      took the oral nutritional supplements as recommended. CONCLUSIONS: Nutritional
      counseling in elderly hip fracture patients through face to face contacts and
      telephone calls is feasible. However, individual tailoring of the intervention is
      recommended. The majority of hip fracture patients needed >2 months oral
      nutritional supplements to meet their nutritional requirements. The trial was
      registered at clincialtrails.gov as NCT00523575.

PMID- 22035957
TI  - Clinical review of 28 patients with basilar artery occlusion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We retrospectively analyzed factors related to the outcomes of
      patients with basilar artery occlusion. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients with
      basilar artery occlusion admitted to our hospital within 24 hours after onset
      between April 2007 and December 2010 were included. We investigated parameters
      related to outcome, such as coexisting disease, clinical type, clinical severity
      at admission, the site of occlusion and the infarction lesion, the collateral
      flow from posterior communicating artery, therapy, and time to therapy after
      onset. RESULTS: Of 28 patients with basilar artery occlusion, good outcomes
      occurred in 6 patients (21%) and poor outcomes occurred in 22 patients (79%).
      Clinical severity on admission was significantly different between the 2 groups.
      Three of 5 patients with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty achieved
      recanalization. Two of 3 cases with recanalization resulted in poor outcomes.
      CONCLUSIONS: Clinical severity on admission was the determinant factor of
      functional prognosis in patients with basilar artery occlusion.

PMID- 22035958
TI  - A conserved SREBP-1/phosphatidylcholine feedback circuit regulates lipogenesis in
      metazoans.
AB  - Sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBPs) activate genes involved in
      the synthesis and trafficking of cholesterol and other lipids and are critical
      for maintaining lipid homeostasis. Aberrant SREBP activity, however, can
      contribute to obesity, fatty liver disease, and insulin resistance, hallmarks of
      metabolic syndrome. Our studies identify a conserved regulatory circuit in which
      SREBP-1 controls genes in the one-carbon cycle, which produces the methyl donor S
      adenosylmethionine (SAMe). Methylation is critical for the synthesis of
      phosphatidylcholine (PC), a major membrane component, and we find that blocking
      SAMe or PC synthesis in C. elegans, mouse liver, and human cells causes elevated
      SREBP-1-dependent transcription and lipid droplet accumulation. Distinct from
      negative regulation of SREBP-2 by cholesterol, our data suggest a feedback
      mechanism whereby maturation of nuclear, transcriptionally active SREBP-1 is
      controlled by levels of PC. Thus, nutritional or genetic conditions limiting SAMe
      or PC production may activate SREBP-1, contributing to human metabolic disorders.

PMID- 22035959
TI  - The processing of extraposed structures in English.
AB  - In most languages, most of the syntactic dependency relations found in any given
      sentence are projective: the word-word dependencies in the sentence do not cross
      each other. Some syntactic dependency relations, however, are non-projective:
      some of their word-word dependencies cross each other. Non-projective
      dependencies are both rarer and more computationally complex than projective
      dependencies; hence, it is of natural interest to investigate whether there are
      any processing costs specific to non-projective dependencies, and whether factors
      known to influence processing of projective dependencies also affect non
      projective dependency processing. We report three self-paced reading studies,
      together with corpus and sentence completion studies, investigating the
      comprehension difficulty associated with the non-projective dependencies created
      by the extraposition of relative clauses in English. We find that extraposition
      over either verbs or prepositional phrases creates comprehension difficulty, and
      that this difficulty is consistent with probabilistic syntactic expectations
      estimated from corpora. Furthermore, we find that manipulating the expectation
      that a given noun will have a postmodifying relative clause can modulate and even
      neutralize the difficulty associated with extraposition. Our experiments rule out
      accounts based purely on derivational complexity and/or dependency locality in
      terms of linear positioning. Our results demonstrate that comprehenders maintain
      probabilistic syntactic expectations that persist beyond projective-dependency
      structures, and suggest that it may be possible to explain observed patterns of
      comprehension difficulty associated with extraposition entirely through
      probabilistic expectations.

PMID- 22035960
TI  - Th17 expansion in MS patients is counterbalanced by an expanded CD39+ regulatory
      T cell population during remission but not during relapse.
AB  - In this study, percentages of CD39(+) Treg and Th17 cells were compared between
      relapsing-remitting MS patients and controls and were related to the vitamin D
      status. The Th17 cell population was expanded in about 40% of the MS patients. In
      MS patients in remission, but not during relapse, a positive association was
      found between Th17 cell and CD39(+) Treg percentages (r=0.468, p=0.007). Since
      CD39(+) Tregs have been shown to have Th17 suppressive capacities, we propose
      that a dysregulated Th17/CD39(+) Treg balance might contribute to disease
      exacerbation. A clear role for vitamin D in this regulation could not be
      established.

PMID- 22035961
TI  - Cladribine inhibits cytokine secretion by T cells independently of deoxycytidine
      kinase activity.
AB  - Cladribine (2-chloro-2'-deoxyadenosine) is a purine nucleoside analogue (PNA)
      which causes targeted and sustained reduction of peripheral lymphocyte counts.
      Cladribine tablets produced significant treatment benefit for patients with
      relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis in the phase 3 CLARITY study. In addition
      to the well-characterised cell-specific phosphorylation of PNAs responsible for
      lymphocyte reduction, the mode of action of cladribine may encompass distinct
      activities contributing to its overall effects on the immune system. Here we
      demonstrate that clinically relevant concentrations of cladribine also inhibit
      cytokine secretion by human peripheral blood T cells in vitro through mechanisms
      independent of the induction of lymphocyte death.

PMID- 22035962
TI  - Replacement of continuous-flow left ventricular assist device via left subcostal
      incision.

PMID- 22035963
TI  - Ideal site for ventricular anchoring of artificial chordae in mitral
      regurgitation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Surgical treatment of mitral leaflet prolapse using artificial
      neochordae shows excellent outcomes. Upcoming devices attempt the same treatment
      in a minimally invasive way but target the left ventricular apex as an anchoring
      point, rather than the tip of the corresponding papillary muscle. In this study,
      cine cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was used to compare these 2 different
      anchoring positions and their dynamic relationship with the mitral leaflets.
      METHODS: Eleven healthy volunteers (mean age, 31 years; 6 female; mean ejection
      fraction, 62%) were examined by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (3 Tesla, cine
      steady free precession technique with retrospective gating), whereby dedicated
      software enabled assessment of the physiologic distances among 3 anchoring sites
      (anterior papillary muscle, posterior papillary muscle, and apex) and the plane
      of the mitral annulus at the level of leaflet coaptation. These distances were
      measured in systole and diastole, and the performance of virtual neochordae was
      analyzed for the 3 potential anchoring sites. RESULTS: Length difference between
      systole and diastole for the 3 measured distances were 0.19 +/- 0.11 cm (5.9% +/-
      3.4%) for the anterior papillary muscle, 0.19 +/- 0.09 cm (6.7% +/- 3.6%) for the
      posterior papillary muscle, and 1.52 +/- 0.18 cm (17.8% +/- 2.8%) for the left
      ventricular apex (P = .001). Virtual neochordae between the leaflet and the left
      ventricular apex were first adjusted in systole to achieve leaflet coaptation.
      Leaflet tear in diastole can only be avoided if the width of the attached leaflet
      is larger than the systole-diastole length difference. On the other hand, if
      virtual neochordae are adjusted in diastole to avoid leaflet tear, residual
      leaflet prolapse during systole can result. Because the systole-diastole length
      difference for papillary muscle anchored chordae is smaller than for apical
      chordae by a factor 10, there is a strongly reduced risk of prolapse or tearing
      and the leaflet width is unimportant. Furthermore, if the neochordae attached to
      the anterior mitral leaflet uses the apex as a distal anchoring site, the angle
      alpha between the aortic valve plane and this mitral leaflet is significantly
      reduced in diastole and therefore increases the risk of systolic anterior motion.
      CONCLUSIONS: Anchoring of neochordae at the papillary muscles, thereby mimicking
      the real anatomy, should be preferred over the left ventricular apex. Further
      analysis of dilated hearts and papillary muscle displacement is necessary to
      include the whole spectrum of pathologies.

PMID- 22035964
TI  - Transplantation of alveolar type II cells stimulates lung regeneration during
      compensatory lung growth in adult rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: It is controversial whether lung regeneration contributes to
      compensatory lung growth after pulmonary resection in mature individuals. The
      objectives of this study were to clarify the molecular mechanisms that regulate
      the process of compensatory lung growth and investigate the influence of
      transplantation of lung cells enriched in alveolar type II cells on compensatory
      lung growth. METHODS: Serial changes of morphology and gene expression were
      examined in the remnant right lung after pneumonectomy in adult male Wistar rats.
      One day after surgery, animals received endotracheal transplants of rat lung
      cells enriched in alveolar type II cells at a dose of 2.5 * 10(6) cells. Serial
      morphologic changes were examined in comparison with pneumonectomy alone.
      Engraftment of lung cells was validated with a sex-mismatch model. RESULTS: The
      alveolar density with mean linear intercept was always lower in pneumonectomized
      rats than in sham surgical controls for 6 months after surgery. Microarray
      analysis revealed that multiple genes related to proliferation (but not specific
      alveolar development) were initially up-regulated and then returned to normal
      after 1 month. In the pneumonectomized rats with transplantation, the alveolar
      density was equivalent to that in the sham controls. Engraftment of the
      transplanted cells from male donors in the alveoli of female recipients was
      proven by detection of Y-chromosome positive cells and quantified by real-time
      polymerase chain reaction for the Sry gene. This occurred in pneumonectomized
      rats but not in sham controls. CONCLUSIONS: We postulate that lung cell
      transplantation stimulates lung regeneration in the remnant lung after
      pneumonectomy in mature rats.

PMID- 22035965
TI  - Prophylactic amiodarone reduces junctional ectopic tachycardia after tetralogy of
      Fallot repair.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Junctional ectopic tachycardia is common after pediatric heart
      surgery. After tetralogy of Fallot repair, the incidence of junctional ectopic
      tachycardia may be as high as 15% to 20%. We introduced prophylactic amiodarone
      for tetralogy repair. This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of
      the prophylactic amiodarone. METHODS: A continuous infusion of amiodarone was
      started in the operating room at the time of rewarming during cardiopulmonary
      bypass at a rate of 2 mg/kg/d and continued for 48 hours. Between November 2005
      and November 2009, 63 consecutive patients underwent primary repair of tetralogy,
      of whom 20 had prophylactic amiodarone (amiodarone group) and 43 did not (control
      group). Variables studied included demographic and bypass data, surgical
      procedure details (transannular or nontransannular patch), preoperative and
      postoperative echocardiography findings, and postoperative inotropic support.
      Univariate and stepwise multivariate analyses were conducted to determine factors
      associated with the occurrence of junctional ectopic tachycardia. RESULTS: The
      incidence of junctional ectopic tachycardia was 37% in the control group and 10%
      in the amiodarone group. The groups were similar in age, weight, bypass time,
      rate of transannular patch usage, and preoperative and postoperative gradient
      through the right ventricular outflow tract. Prophylactic amiodarone was
      significantly negatively associated with junctional ectopic tachycardia by both
      univariate (P = .039) and multivariate (P = .027) analyses. There were no adverse
      events attributable to prophylactic amiodarone use. CONCLUSIONS: Prophylactic
      amiodarone is well tolerated and significantly associated with a decreased
      incidence of junctional ectopic tachycardia after tetralogy repair.

PMID- 22035966
TI  - Content validity and internal consistency of the Dutch translation of the Safety
      Attitudes Questionnaire: an observational study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patient safety is fundamental to healthcare quality. Attention has
      recently focused on the patient safety culture of an organisation and its impact
      on patient outcomes. A strong safety climate appears to be an essential condition
      for safe patient care in the hospital. A number of instruments are used to
      measure this patient safety climate or culture. The Safety Attitudes
      Questionnaire is a validated, widely used instrument to investigate multiple
      dimensions of safety climate at the clinical level in a variety of inpatient and
      outpatient settings. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to explore the face
      and content validity and the internal consistency of the Safety Attitudes
      Questionnaire in a large Belgian academic medical center. METHOD: The translation
      into Dutch was done by three researchers. A panel of fifteen Dutch speaking
      experts evaluated the translation and its content validity. Content validity was
      quantified by the content validity index (CVI) and a modified kappa index. Face
      validity was evaluated by two nurses and two physicians who assessed the Dutch
      version of the SAQ. A cross-sectional design was used to test internal
      consistency of the SAQ items by calculating Cronbach's alpha and corrected item
      total correlations. RESULTS: Twenty-three of the 33 SAQ items showed excellent
      and seven items showed good content validity. One item had a fair kappa value
      (item 20) and two items had a low content validity index (items 15 and 16). The
      average CVI of the total scale was 0.83 and ranged from 0.55 to 0.97 for the six
      subscales. The face-validity was good with no fundamental remarks given. The
      SAQ's overall Cronbach's alpha was 0.9 and changed minimally when removing items.
      The item-total correlations ranged from 0.10 to 0.63, no single items were
      strongly correlated with the sum of the other items. CONCLUSION: We conclude that
      in this study the Dutch version of the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire showed
      acceptable to good psychometric properties. In line with previous evidence, this
      instrument seems to be an acceptable to adequate tool to evaluate the safety
      climate.

PMID- 22035967
TI  - Repeated assessment by high-throughput assay demonstrates that sperm DNA
      methylation levels are highly reproducible.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess reliability of a high-throughput assay of sperm DNA
      methylation. DESIGN: Observational study comparing DNA methylation of sperm
      isolated from 3 divided and 12 longitudinally collected semen samples. SETTING:
      Academic medical center. PATIENT(S): One man undergoing screening semen analysis
      during evaluation of an infertile couple and 2 healthy fertile male volunteers.
      INTERVENTION(S): Spermatozoa were separated from seminal plasma and somatic cells
      using gradient separation. DNA was extracted from spermatozoa, and DNA
      methylation was assessed at 1,505 DNA sequence-specific sites. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURE(S): Repeatability of sperm DNA methylation measures, estimated by
      correlation coefficients. RESULT(S): DNA methylation levels were highly
      correlated within matched sets of divided samples (all r >= 0.97) and
      longitudinal samples (average r = 0.97). CONCLUSION(S): The described methodology
      reliably assessed methylation of sperm DNA at large numbers of sites. Methylation
      profiles were consistent over time. High-throughput assessment of sperm DNA
      methylation is a promising tool for studying the role of epigenetic state in male
      fertility.

PMID- 22035968
TI  - Viral screening of spent culture media and liquid nitrogen samples of oocytes and
      embryos from hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and human immunodeficiency virus
      chronically infected women undergoing in vitro fertilization cycles.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the presence of viral RNA or DNA sequences in spent culture
      media used after ovum pickup (OPU) or embryo culture and in liquid nitrogen (LN)
      used for oocyte or embryo vitrification in patients seropositive for human
      immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and hepatitis B virus
      (HBV) undergoing IVF cycles. DESIGN: Descriptive study. SETTING: Private
      university-affiliated IVF center. PATIENT(S): Twenty-four women who underwent
      controlled ovarian stimulation for oocyte vitrification or IVF/ET. A total of 6,
      11, and 6 patients were seropositive for HIV, HCV, and HBV, respectively, whereas
      1 patient showed a coinfection with HCV and HBV. Seven patients presented
      positive blood viral load (HIV, n = 1; HBV, n = 1; HCV, n = 5). Sixty-three
      samples were analyzed: follicular fluid, n = 3; spent culture media, n = 33 (20
      after OPU and 13 after embryo culture); and LN, n = 27 (14 and 10 after oocyte
      and embryo vitrification; and 3 LN storage tank samples). INTERVENTION(S): Ovum
      pickup, oocyte and/or embryo culture, and/or vitrification by the Cryotop open
      device. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis was performed
      for viral screening. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Detection of viral sequences of
      HIV, HCV, and HVB. RESULT(S): All the samples analyzed tested negative for the
      detection of viral RNA or DNA sequences. CONCLUSION(S): We have not detected
      viral sequences after culture and vitrification of oocytes/embryos from HIV-, HBV
      , and HCV-seropositive patients. These findings represent good evidence of the
      lack of risk of cross-contamination among seropositive patients, even using an
      open device for vitrification.

PMID- 22035969
TI  - Are there subtle genome-wide epigenetic alterations in normal offspring conceived
      by assisted reproductive technologies?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To review recent data regarding subtle, but widespread, epigenetic
      alterations in phenotypically normal offspring conceived by assisted reproductive
      technologies (ART) compared with offspring conceived in vivo. DESIGN: A PubMed
      computer search was performed to identify relevant articles. SETTING: Research
      institution. PATIENT(S): Not applicable. INTERVENTION(S): None. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURE(S): Not applicable. RESULT(S): Studies in animals indicate that in vitro
      culture may be associated with widespread alterations in imprinted genes compared
      with in vivo-conceived offspring. Recently, studies in humans have likewise
      demonstrated widespread changes in DNA methylation, including genes linked to
      adipocyte development, insulin signaling, and obesity in offspring conceived by
      ART compared with in vivo-conceived children. Changes in multiple imprinted genes
      after ART also were noted in additional studies, which suggested that the
      diagnosis of infertility may explain the differences between in vivo-conceived
      and ART offspring. CONCLUSION(S): These data suggest that ART is associated with
      widespread epigenetic modifications in phenotypically normal children, and that
      these modifications may increase the risk of adverse cardiometabolic outcomes.
      Further research is needed to elucidate the possible relationship between ART,
      genome-wide alterations in imprinted genes, and their potential relevance to
      subtle cardiometabolic consequences reported in ART offspring.

PMID- 22035970
TI  - Structure and characterization of the 3-deoxy-D-arabino-heptulosonate 7-phosphate
      synthase from Aeropyrum pernix.
AB  - The first enzyme in the shikimic acid biosynthetic pathway, 3-deoxy-D-arabino
      heptulosonate 7-phosphate synthase (DAH7PS), varies significantly in size and
      complexity in the bacteria and plants that express it. The DAH7PS from the
      archaebacterium Aeropyrum pernix (DAH7PS(Ap)) is among the smallest and least
      complex of the DAH7PS enzymes, leading to the hypothesis that DAH7PS(Ap) would
      not be subject to feedback regulation by shikimic acid pathway products. We
      overexpressed DAH7PS(Ap) in Escherichia coli, purified it, and characterized its
      enzymatic activity. We then solved its X-ray crystal structure with a divalent
      manganese ion and phosphoenolpyruvate bound (PDB ID: 1VS1). DAH7PS(Ap) is a
      homodimeric metalloenzyme in solution. Its enzymatic activity increases
      dramatically above 60  degrees C, with optimum activity at 95  degrees C. Its pH
      optimum at 60  degrees C is 5.7. DAH7PS(Ap) follows Michaelis-Menten kinetics at
      60  degrees C, with a K(M) for erythrose 4-phosphate of 280 MUM, a K(M) for
      phosphoenolpyruvate of 891 MUM, and a k(cat) of 1.0 s(-1). None of the downstream
      products of the shikimate biosynthetic pathway we tested inhibited the activity
      of DAH7PS(Ap). The structure of DAH7PS(Ap) is similar to the structures of DAH7PS
      from Thermatoga maritima (PDB ID: 3PG8) and Pyrococcus furiosus (PDB ID: 1ZCO),
      and is consistent with its designation as an unregulated DAH7PS.

PMID- 22035971
TI  - Managing progressive disease in patients with GIST: factors to consider besides
      acquired secondary tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance.
AB  - The use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) has revolutionized the treatment of
      patients with unresectable and/or metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumors
      (GIST). Currently, imatinib mesylate is the standard first-line treatment for
      unresectable and/or metastatic GIST, extending recurrence-free and overall
      survival for many patients. Nonetheless, eventual progression during imatinib
      therapy is prevalent, and the development of treatment paradigms for managing
      GIST progression is of importance. Sunitinib malate has been approved as a second
      line treatment for unresectable and/or metastatic GIST and is an option for
      patients who are intolerant to imatinib or experience disease progression due to
      acquired resistance, otherwise referred to as secondary resistance. In many
      cases, however, there may be other causes for GIST progression besides secondary
      resistance, and consideration of these factors is necessary before switching to
      second-line treatment. This review presents a treatment strategy for GIST
      patients who have progressed after initial imatinib responsiveness and addresses
      necessary considerations that include instances of false progression,
      insufficient TKI plasma levels, and patient non-adherence. In situations where
      true progression has occurred, patients may benefit from imatinib dose
      escalation. Surgery also provides a viable option for patients with stable
      disease or limited progression, and may prevent and/or delay the development of
      resistant clones by reducing tumor burden. Switching to second-line therapy with
      sunitinib should be considered for imatinib-intolerant or -resistant GIST
      patients.

PMID- 22035972
TI  - Enzymatic glucose biosensor based on CeO2 nanorods synthesized by non-isothermal
      precipitation.
AB  - Cerium oxide nanorods (CeO(2) NRs) were synthesized without templates through a
      low cost and simple non-isothermal precipitation method. The structure and
      morphology of CeO(2) NRs were characterized by X-ray diffraction and transmission
      electron microscopy. The CeO(2) NRs films, deposited on indium tin oxide (ITO)
      coated glass substrates through electrophoretic deposition, were used for the
      immobilization of glucose oxidase (GOx). Field emission scanning electron
      microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, cyclic voltammetry, and
      electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used to characterize the CeO(2)
      NRs/ITO and GOx/CeO(2) NRs/ITO electrodes. The GOx/CeO(2) NRs/ITO electrode
      exhibits a linear range for the detection of glucose from 2 to 26 mM (correlation
      coefficient: 0.99) at 1-2s response time. Biosensor sensitivity is 0.165 MUA mM(
      1) cm(-2) with 100 MUM detection limit. The anti-interference ability of the
      biosensor was also examined. The mediator-less application of CeO(2) NRs for
      glucose sensing was demonstrated.

PMID- 22035973
TI  - An electrochemical sulfite biosensor based on gold coated magnetic nanoparticles
      modified gold electrode.
AB  - A sulfite oxidase (SO(X)) (EC 1.8.3.1) purified from Syzygium cumini leaves was
      immobilized onto carboxylated gold coated magnetic nanoparticles (Fe(3)O(4)@GNPs)
      electrodeposited onto the surface of a gold (Au) electrode through N-ethyl-N'-(3
      dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide (EDC)-N-hydroxy succinimide (NHS) chemistry. An
      amperometric sulfite biosensor was fabricated using SO(X)/Fe(3)O(4)@GNPs/Au
      electrode as working electrode, Ag/AgCl as standard and Pt wire as auxiliary
      electrode. The working electrode was characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared
      (FTIR) Spectroscopy, Cyclic Voltammetry (CV), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
      and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) before and after immobilization
      of SO(X). The biosensor showed optimum response within 2s when operated at 0.2V
      (vs. Ag/AgCl) in 0.1 M Tris-HCl buffer, pH 8.5 and at 35  degrees C. Linear range
      and detection limit were 0.50-1000 MUM and 0.15 MUM (S/N=3) respectively.
      Biosensor was evaluated with 96.46% recovery of added sulfite in red wine and
      1.7% and 3.3% within and between batch coefficients of variation respectively.
      Biosensor measured sulfite level in red and white wines. There was good
      correlation (r=0.99) between red wines sulfite value by standard DTNB (5,5'
      dithio-bis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid)) method and the present method. Enzyme electrode
      was used 300 times over a period of 4 months, when stored at 4  degrees C.
      Biosensor has advantages over earlier biosensors that it has excellent
      electrocatalysis towards sulfite, lower detection limit, higher storage stability
      and no interference by ascorbate, cysteine, fructose and ethanol.

PMID- 22035974
TI  - Binding kinetics of grouper nervous necrosis viruses with functionalized
      antimicrobial peptides by nanomechanical detection.
AB  - We report the binding kinetics of fish-infected grouper nervous necrosis viruses
      (NNV) and selected antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) by nanomechanical detection.
      AMPs, the vital member in an innate immunity, are promising candidates in the
      fight against pathogens due to their broad range of antimicrobial activity and
      low toxicity. Grouper NNV primarily cause mass mortality of many marine cultured
      fish species, and two selected AMPs in this study were found to inhibit viruses
      by agglutinating its virions to form aggregates. The binding activity of NNVs
      with functionalized AMPs onto a sensing microcantilever yielded induced surface
      stresses, indicating high binding strength of molecular interaction. The binding
      affinity and kinetic rate constants of molecular recognition events calculated
      for NNV-AMP(TH1-5) compared to NNV-AMP(cSALF) were found to be 2.1-fold and 4.43
      fold, respectively, indicating TH1-5 effectively bind with NNV more than cSALF.
      Moreover, a microscopic X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy technique was employed
      for further validation of pre- and post-NNV binding onto peptides-functionalized
      sensing surface. An increase in the spectrum and intensity of the P 2p and N 1s
      elements for the post-NNV binding was clearly shown to ensure the existence of
      phosphate groups and nitrogen-containing ring structures of specific NNV-TH1-5
      interaction. Therefore, the microcantilever biosensing technique provides a
      potential and useful screening of AMPs for affinity to NNVs.

PMID- 22035975
TI  - Intra-operative fitting study of the PediPump ventricular assist device.

PMID- 22035976
TI  - Prospective randomized evaluation of a collagen/thrombin and autologous platelet
      hemostatic agent during total knee arthroplasty.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a
      collagen/thrombin and autologous platelet hemostatic agent in preventing blood
      loss during primary total knee arthroplasty. This prospective, double-blinded,
      randomized study was designed to enroll a total of 100 patients. Patients were
      randomized 1:1 to either the treatment arm (standard hemostasis plus study
      product) or the control arm (standard hemostasis alone). Transfusion
      requirements, as determined by a blinded investigator using standardized
      criteria, were significantly lower in the treatment group (no blood transfusions)
      compared with the control group (5 transfusions; P = .007). These data support
      the addition of the study product to prevent blood transfusions after primary
      total knee arthroplasty.

PMID- 22035977
TI  - Prevention of venous thromboembolism after hip or knee arthroplasty: findings
      from a 2008 survey of US orthopedic surgeons.
AB  - A survey was mailed to a representative sample of US orthopedic surgeons to
      assess protocols for the prevention of venous thromboembolism after lower
      extremity total joint arthroplasty. Practices were examined by type of operation,
      annual surgical volume, and opinions of consensus guidelines issued by the
      American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons and the American College of Chest
      Physicians. Although there was near-unanimous agreement that routine
      thromboprophylaxis should be the standard practice for patients who undergo hip
      or knee arthroplasty, surgeons were divided as to the exact management approach.

PMID- 22035978
TI  - A sensitive and specific HPLC-MS/MS analysis and preliminary pharmacokinetic
      characterization of isoforskolin in beagle dogs.
AB  - A sensitive and specific high performance liquid chromatography-electrospray
      ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS) method has been developed
      and validated for the determination of isoforskolin in canine plasma. Liquid
      liquid extraction was used to extract isoforskolin and the internal standard
      (I.S.) eplerenone from canine plasma. The chromatographic separation was
      performed on an Agela Venusil XBP Phenyl column with an isocratic mobile phase
      consisting of methanol-2mM ammonium acetate-formic acid (62:38:0.1, v/v/v),
      pumped at 0.35 mL/min. Isoforskolin and I.S. were detected at m/z 433.4->373.3
      and m/z 415.3->163.5 in positive ion and multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode,
      respectively. The standard curves were linear over the concentration range of 0.1
      200 ng/mL (r>0.99). The intra- and inter-batch accuracy values for isoforskolin
      at four concentrations were 90.2-108.3% and 97.8-106.6%, respectively. The RSDs
      were less than 6.0%. The mean extraction recoveries of isoforskolin and I.S. were
      97.0 and 88.4%, respectively. The method was successfully applied to the
      pharmacokinetic study after an intravenous administration of isoforskolin in
      beagle dogs.

PMID- 22035979
TI  - Measurement of free and total sialic acid by isotopic dilution liquid
      chromatography tandem mass spectrometry method.
AB  - The measurement of urine sialic acid (N Acetylneuraminic Acid: Neu5Ac) is useful
      for screening sialic acid storage disorders. We developed a new LC MS/MS method
      for the determination of a sialic acid. Urine samples were analyzed, after an HCl
      n-Butanol derivatization step, by a reverse phase based high-performance liquid
      chromatography method using 1,2,3-(13)C(3) N-Acetyl-D-neuraminic Acid ((13)C
      Neu5Ac) as an internal standard. Selective detection was performed by tandem mass
      spectrometry using an electrospray source operating in positive ionization mode
      employing multiple reactions monitoring to monitor N-Acetylneuraminic Acid and
      the internal standard. The transitions m/z 366->330 and 369->333 for Neu5Ac and
      (13)C-Neu5Ac were respectively monitored. The limit of the method quantification
      was 1.40 MUM of N-Acetylneuraminic Acid and the calibration curve showed a good
      linearity up to 1000 MUM. The within assay precision and accuracy of the method
      ranged from 3.22 to 5.95% and 98.69 to 109.18%, respectively and the between
      assay precision and accuracy ranged, respectively, from 5.15 to 7.65% and 96.14
      to 102.30%. The method can be applied for the determination of N-Acetylneuraminic
      Acid concentrations in urine and other biological fluids (e.g., amniotic and
      peritoneal fluids).

PMID- 22035980
TI  - Pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of docetaxel by liquid chromatography
      mass spectrometry: evaluation of folate receptor-targeting amphiphilic copolymer
      modified nanostructured lipid carrier.
AB  - A novel amphiphilic copolymer, folate-poly(PEG-cyanoacrylate-co-cholesteryl
      cyanoacrylate) (FA-PEG-PCHL) was synthesized to modify docetaxel-loaded
      nanostructured lipid carrier to lead to a long blood circulating effect and
      targeting ability for the delivery of antitumor drug in cancer. To investigate
      the characteristics of modified docetaxel-loaded nanostructured lipid carrier in
      vivo, a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method was developed and
      validated for the determination of docetaxel in rat plasma and tumor-bearing
      mouse tissue samples. The biosamples were extracted by liquid-liquid extraction
      method with ether and separated on a C(18) column (150 mm*4.6 mm, 5 MUm) using a
      mobile phase consisting of methanol-0.01% formic acid water (82:18, v/v). The
      standard curves were linear over the ranges of 0.01-4.0 MUg/mL for plasma and
      0.02-8.0 MUg/g for tissue samples, respectively. The validated method was
      successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study in rat plasma and tissue
      distribution study in mouse tissues of docetaxel after an intravenous
      administration of docetaxel injection (DTX injection), docetaxel-loaded
      nanostructured lipid carrier (DTX-NLC) and FA-PEG-PCHL-modified docetaxel-loaded
      nanostructured lipid carrier (FA-DTX-NLC), respectively. The results indicated
      that the FA-DTX-NLC led to significant differences in pharmacokinetic profile and
      tissue distribution. Nanostructured lipid carrier modified by FA-PEG-PCHL could
      be one of the promising suspensions for the delivery of docetaxel in cancer.

PMID- 22035981
TI  - Improvement and validation the method using dispersive liquid-liquid
      microextraction with in situ derivatization followed by gas chromatography-mass
      spectrometry for determination of tricyclic antidepressants in human urine
      samples.
AB  - A simple, rapid and sensitive method termed dispersive liquid-liquid
      microextraction (DLLME) combined with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry
      (GC/MS) was developed for the determination of tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
      in human urine sample. An appropriate mixture of methanol (disperser solvent),
      carbon tetrachloride (extraction solvent), and acetic anhydride (derivatization
      reagent) was injected rapidly into human urine sample. After extraction, the
      sedimented phase was analyzed by GC/MS. The calibration curves obtained with
      human urine were linear with a correlation coefficient of over 0.99 in the range
      of 2.0/5.0-100 ng mL(-1). Under the optimum conditions (carbon tetrachloride: 10
      MUL, methanol: 150 MUL), the detection limits and the quantification limits of
      the tricyclic antidepressants were 0.5-2.0 ng mL(-1) and 2.0-5.0 ng mL(-1),
      respectively. The average recoveries of TCAs were 88.2-104.3%. Moreover, the
      inter- and intra-day precision and accuracy was acceptable at all concentrations.
      The results showed that DLLME is applicable to the determination of trace amounts
      of TCAs in human urine sample.

PMID- 22035982
TI  - Extreme exercise enhances chromogranin A levels correlating with stress levels
      but not with cardiac burden.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Stress and heart failure are associated with increased systemic levels
      of chromogranin A (CGA). Here we analyzed the effects of marathon running on
      systemic CGA levels and the association with cardiac burden and stress. METHODS:
      We recruited 47 lean and obese runners for a 10week training program aiming at
      running a marathon. Heart rates, individual fitness and marathon finishing times
      were monitored. CGA, proBNP and troponin T levels were analyzed by ELISA.
      RESULTS: We found a significant increase of CGA (+51%; p<0.01) in lean runners
      after marathon. The obese group showed the highest troponin T (0.22ng/ml; p<0.01)
      and proBNP (176.6ng/ml; p<0.01) levels. There were no correlations between
      proBNP, troponin T and CGA. An inverse correlation (r=-0.45; p<0.01) was found
      between CGA and finishing times. CONCLUSION: Marathon running is associated with
      increased CGA levels. However, this does not seem to reflect cardiac burden but
      rather marathon induced stress.

PMID- 22035984
TI  - Surface characterization of feldspathic ceramic using ATR FT-IR and ellipsometry
      after various silanization protocols.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study characterized the feldspathic ceramic surfaces after
      various silanization protocols. METHODS: Ceramic bars (2 mm * 4 mm * 10 mm) (N =
      18) of feldpathic ceramic (VM7, VITA Zahnfabrik) were manufactured and finished.
      Before silane application, the specimens were ultrasonically cleaned in distilled
      water for 10 min. The ceramic specimens were randomly divided into nine groups (N
      = 2 per group) and were treated with different silane protocols. MPS silane (ESPE
      Sil, 3M ESPE) was applied to all specimens and left to react at 20 degrees C for
      2 min (G20). After drying, the specimens were subjected to heat treatment in an
      oven at 38 degrees C (G38), 79 degrees C (G79) or 100 degrees C (G100) for 1 min.
      Half of the specimens of each group were rinsed with water at 80 degrees C for
      15s (G20B, G38B, G79B, G100B). The control group (GC) received no silane.
      Attenuated total reflection infrared Fourier transform analysis (ATR FT-IR) was
      performed using a spectrometer. Thickness of silane layer was measured using a
      spectroscopic ellipsometer working in the lambda = 632.8 nm (He-Ne laser) at 70
      degrees  incidence angle. Surface roughness was evaluated using an optical
      profilometer. Specimens were further analyzed under the Scanning Electron
      Microscopy (SEM) to observe the topographic patterns. RESULTS: ATR FT-IR analysis
      showed changes in Si-O peaks with enlarged bands around 940 cm(-1). Ellipsometry
      measurements showed that all post-heat treatment actions reduced the silane film
      thickness (30.8-33.5 nm) compared to G20 (40 nm). The groups submitted to rinsing
      in hot water (B groups) showed thinner silane films (9.8-14.4 nm) than those of
      their corresponding groups (without washing) (30.8-40 nm). Profilometer analysis
      showed that heat treatments (Ra ~ 0.10-0.19 MUm; Rq ~ 0.15-0.26 MUm) provided a
      smoother surface than the control group (Ra ~ 0.48 MUm; Rq ~ 0.65 MUm). Similar
      patterns were also observed in SEM images. SIGNIFICANCE: Heat treatment after MPS
      silane application improved the silane layer network. Rinsing with boiling water
      eliminated the outmost unreacted regions of the silane yielding to thinner film
      thicknesses.

PMID- 22035983
TI  - Synthesis and characterization of dimethacrylates containing quaternary ammonium
      functionalities for dental applications.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The widespread incidence of recurrent caries highlights the need for
      improved dental restorative materials. The objective of this study was to
      synthesize low viscosity ionic dimethacrylate monomers (IDMAs) that contain
      quaternary ammoniums groups (antimicrobial functionalities) and are compatible
      with existing dental dimethacrylate-based monomers. Such monomers have the
      potential to copolymerize with other methacrylate monomers and produce
      antibacterial polymers. METHODS: Two monomers (IDMA-1 and IDMA-2) were
      synthesized using the Menschutkin reaction and incorporated at 0-30% (by mass)
      into a 1:1 (by mass) bisphenol A glycerolate dimethacrylate (BisGMA):triethylene
      glycol dimethacrylate (TEGDMA) resin. Resin viscosity was quantified using
      rheology, and polymer degree of conversion (DC) and surface charge density were
      measured using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and fluorescein
      binding, respectively. Effects of IDMA-1 on initial attachment of Streptococcus
      mutans and on viability and metabolic activity (via reductase enzymes) of RAW
      264.7 macrophage-like cells were quantified. RESULTS: IDMA-1 and IDMA-2 were
      prepared and characterized. IDMA-1 was miscible with BisGMA:TEGDMA and slightly
      increased the resin viscosity and DC. As expected, polymeric surface charge
      density increased with increasing IDMA-1. Incorporation of 10% IDMA-1 into
      BisGMA:TEGDMA reduced bacterial colonization without affecting viability or
      metabolic activity of mammalian cells. Increasing IDMA-1 up to 30% had no
      additional effect on bacterial coverage, but >=20% IDMA-1 significantly reduced
      macrophage density, viability, and metabolic activity. Leachables from polymers
      containing IDMA-1 were not cytotoxic. SIGNIFICANCE: The Menschutkin reaction
      provides a facile, convenient means to synthesize new monomers with quaternary
      ammonium groups for dental and medical applications.

PMID- 22035985
TI  - Descriptive analysis of the verbal behavior of a therapist: a known-group
      validity analysis of the putative behavioral functions involved in clinical
      interaction.
AB  - This study analyzes the interobserver agreement and hypothesis-based known-group
      validity of the Therapist's Verbal Behavior Category System (SISC-INTER). The
      SISC-INTER is a behavioral observation protocol comprised of a set of verbal
      categories representing putative behavioral functions of the in-session verbal
      behavior of a therapist (e.g., discriminative, reinforcing, punishing, and
      motivational operations). The complete therapeutic process of a clinical case of
      an individual with marital problems was recorded (10 sessions, 8 hours), and data
      were arranged in a temporal sequence using 10-min periods. Hypotheses based on
      the expected performance of the putative behavioral functions portrayed by the
      SISC-INTER codes across prevalent clinical activities (i.e., assessing,
      explaining, Socratic method, providing clinical guidance) were tested using
      autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) models. Known-group validity
      analyses provided support to all hypotheses. The SISC-INTER may be a useful tool
      to describe therapist-client interaction in operant terms. The utility of
      reliable and valid protocols for the descriptive analysis of clinical practice in
      terms of verbal behavior is discussed.

PMID- 22035986
TI  - A randomized clinical trial comparing affect regulation and social problem
      solving psychotherapies for mothers with victimization-related PTSD.
AB  - Addressing affect dysregulation may provide a complementary alternative or
      adjunctive approach to the empirically supported trauma memory processing models
      of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A
      CBT designed to enhance affect regulation without trauma memory processing-
      trauma affect regulation: guide for education and therapy (TARGET)--was compared
      to present centered therapy (PCT) and wait-list (WL) conditions in a randomized
      clinical trial with 146 primarily low-income and ethnoracial minority mothers
      with PTSD. TARGET achieved statistically and clinically significant improvement
      on PTSD and affect regulation measures compared to WL, with more consistent and
      sustained (over a 6-month follow-up period) evidence of improvement than PCT.
      Drop-out rates (~25%) were comparable in TARGET and PCT, similar to those
      previously reported for trauma memory processing CBTs. Symptom worsening was rare
      (2-8%) and transient. Affect regulation-based CBT without trauma memory
      processing warrants further research as a potentially efficacious therapy for
      victimization-related PTSD.

PMID- 22035987
TI  - Changes in ecological momentary assessment reported affect associated with
      episodes of nonsuicidal self-injury.
AB  - Although emotion regulation deficits have been frequently implicated in the
      incidence of nonsuicidal self-injurious behavior (NSSI), no research to date has
      examined in vivo change of affect associated with real-world NSSI behavior. The
      present study employed Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) to assess change in
      affect associated with episodes of experienced NSSI in a sample of 36 college
      students with a self-reported history of NSSI. Results indicated that individuals
      who reported NSSI behavior over the course of the study experienced increases in
      negative affect prior to an episode of NSSI that peaked during the episode and
      faded gradually in the hours following the episode, with affect change roughly
      approximating a quadratic curve. These changes in affect were detected only at
      times in which individuals engaged in NSSI and were absent for individuals who
      did not report NSSI over the course of the study. Moreover, changes in negative
      affect associated with NSSI were, on average, detectable hours prior to the NSSI
      event. These findings suggest that episodes of NSSI may be predicted through a
      careful examination of affect change long before actual NSSI behavior occurs.

PMID- 22035988
TI  - A pilot study of the DBT coach: an interactive mobile phone application for
      individuals with borderline personality disorder and substance use disorder.
AB  - Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) has received strong empirical support and is
      practiced widely as a treatment for borderline personality disorder (BPD) and BPD
      with comorbid substance use disorders (BPD-SUD). Therapeutic success in DBT
      requires that individuals generalize newly acquired skills to their natural
      environment. However, there have been only a limited number of options available
      to achieve this end. The primary goal of this research was to develop and test
      the feasibility of the DBT Coach, a software application for a smartphone,
      designed specifically to enhance generalization of a specific DBT skill (opposite
      action) among individuals with BPD-SUD. We conducted a quasiexperimental study in
      which 22 individuals who were enrolled in DBT treatment programs received a
      smartphone with the DBT Coach for 10 to 14 days and were instructed to use it as
      needed. Participants used the DBT Coach an average of nearly 15 times and gave
      high ratings of helpfulness and usability. Results indicate that both emotion
      intensity and urges to use substances significantly decreased within each
      coaching session. Furthermore, over the trial period, participants reported a
      decrease in depression and general distress. Mobile technology offering in vivo
      skills coaching may be a useful tool for reducing urges to use substances and
      engage in other maladaptive behavior by directly teaching and coaching in
      alternative, adaptive coping behavior.

PMID- 22035989
TI  - Global and local evaluations of public speaking performance in social anxiety.
AB  - Differences in the relative use of global and local information (seeing the
      forest vs. the trees) may explain why people with social anxiety often do not
      benefit from corrective feedback, even though they pay close attention to details
      in social situations. In the current study, participants high (n=43) or low
      (n=47) in social anxiety symptoms gave a series of brief speeches, and then self
      rated their speaking performance on items reflecting global and local performance
      indicators (self-assessment) and also received standardized performance feedback
      from an experimenter. Participants then completed a questionnaire asking how they
      thought the experimenter would rate their performance based on the feedback
      provided (experimenter assessment). Participants completed the self- and
      experimenter assessments again after 3 days, in addition to a measure of
      postevent processing (repetitive negative thinking) about their speech
      performance. Results showed that, as hypothesized, the High SA group rated their
      performance more negatively than the Low SA group. Moreover, the High SA group's
      ratings of global aspects of their performance became relatively more negative
      over time, compared to their ratings of local aspects and the Low SA group's
      ratings. As expected, postevent processing mediated the relationship between
      social anxiety group status and worsening global performance evaluations. These
      findings point to a pattern of progressively more negative global evaluations
      over time for persons high in social anxiety.

PMID- 22035990
TI  - Cognitive behavioral therapy in practice: treatment delivered by trainees at an
      outpatient clinic is clinically effective.
AB  - Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is known to be effective for a number of
      disorders, and can be delivered effectively by trainees in controlled settings.
      However, the effectiveness of trainee therapists in general practice compared to
      that of more experienced therapists is unknown. In this study, the authors used a
      benchmarking strategy to compare the outcomes of naturalistic CBT delivered by
      trainee therapists to those of efficacy and effectiveness studies using primarily
      professional therapists. Patients (N=249) with mood and anxiety disorders were
      treated by trainees (primarily by interns and postdocs) using nonstandardized
      nonmanualized CBT at an outpatient clinic in an urban academic medical center.
      Changes in anxiety and depression were assessed using effect sizes, reliable and
      clinically significant change, and benchmarked to efficacy and effectiveness
      studies. Symptoms of anxiety and depression significantly improved from start to
      end of treatment. Rates of improvement and recovery compared favorably to those
      achieved in other studies, with the exception of recovery rates in severe
      depression. Effect sizes were in the medium to large range, but generally lower
      than those achieved in other studies. Results suggest that CBT can be delivered
      effectively by trainees in an outpatient setting.

PMID- 22035991
TI  - Modular cognitive-behavioral therapy for body dysmorphic disorder.
AB  - This study pilot tested a newly developed modular cognitive-behavioral therapy
      (CBT) treatment manual for body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). We tested feasibility,
      acceptability, and treatment outcome in a sample of 12 adults with primary BDD.
      Treatment was delivered in weekly individual sessions over 18 or 22 weeks.
      Standardized clinician ratings and self-report measures were used to assess BDD
      and related symptoms pre- and posttreatment and at 3- and 6-month follow-ups. At
      posttreatment, BDD and related symptoms (e.g., mood) were significantly improved.
      Treatment gains were maintained at follow-up. A relatively low drop-out rate,
      high patient satisfaction ratings, and patient feedback indicated that the
      treatment was highly acceptable to patients. To our knowledge, this represents
      the first test of a broadly applicable, individual psychosocial treatment for
      BDD.

PMID- 22035992
TI  - Popular or unpopular? Therapists' use of structured interviews and their
      estimation of patient acceptance.
AB  - An accurate diagnosis is an important precondition for effective
      psychotherapeutic treatment. The use of structured interviews provides the gold
      standard for reliable diagnosis. Suppiger et al. (2009) showed that structured
      interviews have a high acceptance among patients. On a scale from 0 (not at all
      satisfied) to 100 (totally satisfied) patients rated overall satisfaction with a
      structured interview at M=86.55. Nevertheless, therapists rarely seem to use
      structured interviews in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to assess
      how frequently therapists use structured interviews in daily practice. Secondly,
      we hypothesized that therapists underestimate patient acceptance of structured
      interviews. As a third goal, we explored further reasons why therapists choose
      not to use structured interviews. We conducted an online survey of 1,927
      psychiatrists and psychotherapists in Switzerland and asked them how frequently
      they used structured interviews and how they estimated patient satisfaction with
      these interviews. Furthermore, we asked therapists why they chose to use or not
      use structured interviews. Therapists reported using structured interviews on
      average with about 15% of their patients. Furthermore, therapists estimated
      significantly lower patient acceptance than patients themselves indicated
      (M(therapist)=49.41, M(patient)=86.55). Our data suggest lack of familiarity with
      these instruments as well as an overestimation of the utility of open clinical
      interviews as further reasons for not using structured interviews.

PMID- 22035993
TI  - Rethinking safety behaviors in insomnia: examining the perceived utility of sleep
      related safety behaviors.
AB  - Harvey's cognitive model of insomnia (2002a) proposes that sleep-related safety
      behaviors play a central role in the maintenance of insomnia because such
      maladaptive coping strategies are thought to reinforce threat-based appraisals of
      the likelihood and consequences of poor sleep. Research to date has assessed the
      frequency of safety behavior use in those with insomnia only; however, in
      addition to the frequency of occurrence, the function of safety behaviors (i.e.,
      a belief that they will prevent a feared outcome from occurring), may be an
      important consideration. The purpose of this study was to examine sleep-related
      safety behaviors based on an expanded theoretical understanding of such behaviors
      across psychological disorders; that is, by examining both their frequency and
      perceived utility. Undergraduate students (N=376) completed an online survey
      about their sleep, mood, and use of sleep-related safety behaviors. Insomnia
      severity was associated with a greater perceived need to use safety behaviors
      (i.e., utility) but not with frequency of safety behavior use. Higher perceived
      utility of safety behaviors was also associated with unhelpful beliefs about
      sleep, fear and avoidance of fatigue, and both general and sleep-specific
      helplessness. These results suggest that these behaviors and the associated
      underlying maladaptive beliefs may be important targets in cognitive behavioral
      therapy for insomnia. The current study extends the existing literature and
      refines the concept of safety behaviors in insomnia to include both the function
      and frequency of these behaviors.

PMID- 22035994
TI  - Attributions for spousal behavior in relation to criticism and perceived
      criticism.
AB  - This study examined relations between spousal attributions and criticism in a
      sample of 118 married couples. Spouses rated general perceived criticism (PC) and
      their own expressed criticism as well as interaction-specific PC from a
      videotaped discussion. Independent judges also coded criticism from the
      discussion. Spouses' self-reported causal and responsibility attributions for
      hypothetical spousal negative behavior were related to all types of criticism.
      Attributions were also associated with unique variance in spouses' reports of
      general PC and criticism, even after controlling either for judges' or partners'
      ratings of criticism and marital adjustment. General PC and expressed criticism
      appear to reflect more than either the amount of criticism present or feelings
      about the marriage; rather, general PC and expressed criticism are uniquely
      associated with the cause and responsibility ascribed to partners' behavior.

PMID- 22035995
TI  - Motion as motivation: using repetitive flexion movements to stimulate the
      approach system.
AB  - Research suggests that having a healthy approach system is critical for adaptive
      emotional functioning. The goal of the current study (n=186 undergraduates) was
      to determine the efficacy of an easy-to-disseminate and cost-efficient strategy
      for stimulating this system. The experiment tested the effects of repeated
      flexion movements (rFM) on approach system activation as measured by both self
      report (BAS scales) and behavior. The results showed that rFM increased approach
      system motivation in men but not women. Men who completed the rFM task reported
      significantly greater levels of fun-seeking motivation than men in the control
      task. Moreover, the rFM task led to changes in actual behavior. Men who completed
      the rFM task exhibited significantly greater persistence on a difficult
      laboratory task than men in the control task. In contrast, women who completed
      the rFM task reported significantly lower levels of fun seeking and tended to
      exhibit less persistence on a difficult laboratory task than women in the control
      task. These results provide support for embodied theories of emotion as well as
      additional evidence for a gender difference in approach-avoidance tendencies.

PMID- 22035996
TI  - Preliminary psychometric properties of the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire
      II: a revised measure of psychological inflexibility and experiential avoidance.
AB  - The present research describes the development and psychometric evaluation of a
      second version of the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (AAQ-II), which
      assesses the construct referred to as, variously, acceptance, experiential
      avoidance, and psychological inflexibility. Results from 2,816 participants
      across six samples indicate the satisfactory structure, reliability, and validity
      of this measure. For example, the mean alpha coefficient is .84 (.78-.88), and
      the 3- and 12-month test-retest reliability is .81 and .79, respectively. Results
      indicate that AAQ-II scores concurrently, longitudinally, and incrementally
      predict a range of outcomes, from mental health to work absence rates, that are
      consistent with its underlying theory. The AAQ-II also demonstrates appropriate
      discriminant validity. The AAQ-II appears to measure the same concept as the AAQ
      I (r=.97) but with better psychometric consistency.

PMID- 22035997
TI  - Psychometric properties of the mobility inventory for agoraphobia: convergent,
      discriminant, and criterion-related validity.
AB  - Aims of this study were (a) to summarize the psychometric literature on the
      Mobility Inventory for Agoraphobia (MIA), (b) to examine the convergent and
      discriminant validity of the MIA's Avoidance Alone and Avoidance Accompanied
      rating scales relative to clinical severity ratings of anxiety disorders from the
      Anxiety Disorders Interview Schedule (ADIS), and (c) to establish a cutoff score
      indicative of interviewers' diagnosis of agoraphobia for the Avoidance Alone
      scale. A meta-analytic synthesis of 10 published studies yielded positive
      evidence for internal consistency and convergent and discriminant validity of the
      scales. Participants in the present study were 129 people with a diagnosis of
      panic disorder. Internal consistency was excellent for this sample, alpha=.95 for
      AAC and .96 for AAL. When the MIA scales were correlated with interviewer
      ratings, evidence for convergent and discriminant validity for AAL was strong
      (convergent r with agoraphobia severity ratings=.63 vs. discriminant rs of .10
      .29 for other anxiety disorders) and more modest but still positive for AAC (.54
      vs. .01-.37). Receiver operating curve analysis indicated that the optimal
      operating point for AAL as an indicator of ADIS agoraphobia diagnosis was 1.61,
      which yielded sensitivity of .87 and specificity of .73.

PMID- 22035998
TI  - Does acceptance and relationship focused behavior therapy contribute to bupropion
      outcomes? A randomized controlled trial of functional analytic psychotherapy and
      acceptance and commitment therapy for smoking cessation.
AB  - This study evaluated a treatment combining bupropion with a novel acceptance and
      relationship focused behavioral intervention based on the acceptance and
      relationship context (ARC) model. Three hundred and three smokers from a
      community sample were randomly assigned to bupropion, a widely used smoking
      cessation medication, or bupropion plus functional analytic psychotherapy (FAP)
      and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Objective measures of smoking
      outcomes and self-report measures of acceptance and relationship processes were
      taken at pretreatment, posttreatment, 6-month, and 1-year follow-up. The combined
      treatment was significantly better than bupropion alone at 1-year follow-up with
      7-day point prevalence quit rates of 31.6% in the combined condition versus 17.5%
      in the medication-alone condition. Acceptance and the therapeutic relationship at
      posttreatment statistically mediated 12-month outcomes. Bupropion outcomes were
      enhanced with an acceptance and relationship focused behavioral treatment.

PMID- 22035999
TI  - Predicting premature termination within a randomized controlled trial for binge
      eating patients.
AB  - Understanding the dropout rates of efficacious forms of psychotherapy for
      patients with binge eating disorder (BED) is an unsolved problem within this
      increasing population. Up until now the role of psychotherapy process
      characteristics as predictors of premature termination has not been investigated
      in the BED literature. Within a randomized controlled trial (N=78) we
      investigated the degree to which early psychological process characteristics,
      such as components of the therapeutic relationship and the experiences of mastery
      and motivational clarification, predicted premature termination of treatment. We
      statistically controlled for the influences of covariates such as rapid response
      of treatment, treatment group, body mass index, Axis II disorder, and patients'
      preexisting generalized self-efficacy at baseline. Patients' postsession reports
      from Sessions 1 to 5 indicated that low self-esteem in-session experiences was a
      stable predictor of premature termination. Its predictive value persisted after
      controlling for the above-mentioned covariates. Exploratory analyses further
      revealed low self-esteem experiences, low global alliance, and low mastery and
      clarification experiences as predictors in those patients who explicitly
      specified discontentment with therapy as reason for premature termination. These
      results indicate that patients' self-esteem experiences may not be an
      epiphenomenon of their specific psychopathology but may represent general
      mechanisms on which remaining or withdrawing from psychotherapeutic treatment
      depends. Early psychotherapy process characteristics should therefore be
      considered in training and evaluation of psychotherapists carrying through BED
      treatments.

PMID- 22036000
TI  - The behavioral activation for depression scale-short form: development and
      validation.
AB  - Following a landmark component analysis of cognitive therapy by Jacobson and
      colleagues (1996), there has been renewed interest in behavioral activation (BA)
      treatments for depression. The Behavioral Activation for Depression Scale (BADS)
      was developed to measure when and how clients become activated over the course of
      BA treatment. Multiple studies have provided initial support for the BADS but
      have also identified several potential problems. Four studies were conducted in
      order to develop and provide initial evaluation of a short form of the BADS that
      addresses these concerns. In Study 1, an exploratory factor analysis was
      conducted on existing data using the original BADS in order to identify items to
      retain for the short form. In Study 2, these items were administered to a new
      sample of college students with elevated depressive symptoms and were analyzed
      with exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. Study 3 examined the
      predictive validity of the BADS-SF by examining the BADS-SF and depression scores
      in relation to activity tracking and reward-value ratings over the course of 1
      week. Study 4 examined BADS-SF data over the course of BA treatment for two
      clients using cross-lagged panel correlations. With one client, changes in BADS
      SF scores led changes in depression scores by 1 week, whereas with the other
      client changes in BADS-SF and depression scores occurred concurrently. These
      studies resulted in a nine-item scale that demonstrated good item characteristics
      as well as acceptable internal consistency reliability, construct validity, and
      predictive validity.

PMID- 22036001
TI  - Exploring negative emotion in women experiencing intimate partner violence:
      shame, guilt, and PTSD.
AB  - This study explored the association of shame and guilt with PTSD among women who
      had experienced intimate partner violence (IPV). Sixty-three women were assessed
      by a research clinic serving the mental health needs of women IPV survivors.
      Results indicated that shame, guilt-related distress, and guilt-related
      cognitions showed significant associations with PTSD but global guilt did not.
      When shame and guilt were examined in the context of specific forms of
      psychological abuse, moderation analyses indicated that high levels of both
      emotional/verbal abuse and dominance/isolation interacted with high levels of
      shame in their association with PTSD. Neither guilt-related distress nor guilt
      related cognitions were moderated by specific forms of psychological abuse in
      their association with PTSD. These data support the conceptualization of shame,
      guilt distress, and guilt cognitions as relevant features of PTSD. Results are
      discussed in light of proposed changes to diagnostic criteria for PTSD.

PMID- 22036002
TI  - Prospective prediction of nonsuicidal self-injury: a 1-year longitudinal study in
      young adults.
AB  - Nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) has become a significant public health problem.
      Although numerous studies have examined cross-sectional psychological correlates
      of NSSI, there has been little research examining predictors of NSSI over time.
      The present study examined cross-sectional and longitudinal correlates of NSSI in
      81 young adult self-injurers (M age=19, 74.1% female, 51.9% Caucasian), 51 of
      whom were followed up 1 year later. At baseline, participants completed self
      report measures of NSSI, Axis-I disorders, borderline personality disorder (BPD),
      and impulsivity, as well as an implicit measure of NSSI attitudes and identity.
      One year later, participants completed a Timeline Followback Method whereby they
      indicated their engagement in NSSI over the previous 12 months. Analyses
      replicated many known cross-sectional correlates of NSSI, including symptoms of
      several Axis-I disorders and BPD. However, many of these same variables failed to
      predict the course of NSSI over the 1-year follow-up. The only variables to
      prospectively predict NSSI were past NSSI (i.e., frequency, methods, and recency
      of NSSI), participants' behavioral forecast of their engagement in future NSSI,
      and BPD features. Findings suggest that many cross-sectional correlates of NSSI
      may not be useful for predicting subsequent NSSI. Instead, NSSI severity and BPD
      features appear to best predict continued engagement in NSSI.

PMID- 22036003
TI  - Comparison of DFT methods for molecular structure and vibration spectra of
      ofloxacin calculations.
AB  - Comparison of the performance of different density functional theory (DFT)
      methods at various basis sets in predicting molecular and vibration spectra of
      ofloxacin was reported. The methods employed in this study comprise six
      functionals, namely, mPW1PW91, HCTH, LSDA, PBEPBE, B3PW91 and B3LYP. Different
      basis sets including LANL2DZ, SDD, LANL2MB, 6-31g, 6-311g and 3-21g were also
      examined. Comparison between the calculated and experimental data indicates that
      the mPW1PW91/6-311g level afford the best quality to predict the structure of
      ofloxacin. The results also indicate that B3LYP/LANL2DZ level show better
      performance in the vibration spectra prediction of ofloxacin than other DFT
      methods.

PMID- 22036004
TI  - Determination of phenol by flow-injection with chemiluminescence detection based
      on the hemin-catalysed luminol-hydrogen peroxide reaction.
AB  - This study established a novel flow injection (FI) methodology for the
      determination of phenol in aqueous samples based on luminol chemiluminescence
      (CL) detection. The method was based on the inhibition that phenol caused on the
      hemin-catalysed chemiluminescence reaction between luminol and hydrogen peroxide
      in alkaline solution. Optimum conditions and possible mechanisms have been
      investigated. The linear range was 2.0*10(-9) to 4.0*10(-7)gmL(-1) for phenol.
      The proposed method is sensitive with a detection limit of 4.0*10(-10)gmL(-1).
      The relative standard deviation for 11 measurements was 2.3% for 1.0*10(-7)gmL(
      1) phenol. The method was applied for the determination of phenol in waste water
      samples. The results obtained compared well with those by an official method.

PMID- 22036005
TI  - A structural and spectroscopic study on para-aminohippuric acid with experimental
      and theoretical approaches.
AB  - In this work, the molecular conformation, vibrational and electronic analysis of
      para-aminohippuric acid (pAHA, C(9)H(10)N(2)O(3)) were presented for the ground
      state using experimental techniques (FT-IR, FT-Raman and UV) and density
      functional theory (DFT) employing B3LYP exchange correlation with the 6
      311++G(d,p) basis set. FT-IR and FT-Raman spectra were recorded in the regions of
      400-4000cm(-1) and 50-4000cm(-1), respectively. The UV absorption spectra of the
      compound that dissolved in ethanol and water solution were recorded in the range
      of 190-400nm. Potential energy curve was computed by means of scanning NCCO
      torsion angle. The geometry optimization and the energies associated possible
      four conformers (C1-C4) were computed. The computational results diagnose the
      most stable conformer of pAHA as the C1 form. Optimized structure of compound was
      interpreted and compared with the earlier reported experimental values. The
      complete assignments of fundamental vibrations were performed on the basis of the
      total energy distribution (TED) of the vibrational modes, calculated with scaled
      quantum mechanics (SQM) method. A study on the electronic properties, such as
      frontier molecular energies, absorption wavelengths and oscillator strengths,
      were predicted by time-dependent DFT (TD-DFT) approach, while taking solvent
      effects into account. To investigate non-linear optical properties:
      polarizability, anisotropy of polarizability and molecular first
      hyperpolarizability of molecule were computed. Thermodynamic properties (heat
      capacity, entropy and enthalpy) of the title compound at different temperatures
      were calculated.

PMID- 22036006
TI  - Obsessive-compulsive symptoms in schizophrenia: implications for future
      psychiatric classifications.
AB  - Although obsessive-compulsive symptoms are not considered primary features, they
      are prevalent, independent of psychosis, and substantially modify clinical
      characteristics, course, treatment and prognosis of schizophrenia. The authors
      highlight the clinical significance of obsessive-compulsive symptoms in
      schizophrenia, provide diagnostic criteria for "schizo-obsessive" patients and
      address future directions for research.

PMID- 22036007
TI  - Validation and normalization of the General Health Questionnaire 30 in parents
      with primary school children in China.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Parenting can be a stressful experience. Higher levels of parenting
      stress are predictive of parents' negative appraisal of children's behavior, the
      use of physical discipline, and poor child outcomes across a variety of domains.
      Assessment of parenting depression is needed in China. This study aims to
      standardize the Chinese version of the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-30) for
      parents of primary school children. METHOD: Stratified randomly selected parents
      of primary school children were selected from the cities of Nanjing and Shenyang
      in China. The Chinese version of the General Health Questionnaire 30 was
      administered to 7615 parents of primary school students aged between 8 and 12
      years. A high response rate was achieved, with 6672 parents (88%) responding to
      the survey. RESULTS: Exploratory factor analysis with a 5-factor solution showed
      that 5 factors were extracted from the scale, namely, depression, anxiety,
      inadequate coping, social dysfunctioning, and sleep disturbance. The 5-factor
      structures were confirmed by using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Overall,
      the 5-factor structure had a high level of reliability for each individual
      dimension. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the 5-factor structure
      abstracted from this study had a good model fit. CONCLUSIONS: The 5-factor
      structure derived from the present sample of parents, with good model fit in the
      CFA analysis, suggests that a 5-factor solution can be used to assess parent
      psychopathological symptoms in mainland Chinese parents of primary school
      children.

PMID- 22036008
TI  - WITHDRAWN: Anatomic differences in first episode schizophrenia: a deformation
      based morphometry MRI Study.
AB  - This article has been withdrawn at the request of the author(s) and/or editor.
      The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. The full Elsevier
      Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at
      http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy.

PMID- 22036009
TI  - Validation of a short French version of the UPPS-P Impulsive Behavior Scale.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Impulsivity is a multifaceted construct that has a prominent role in
      psychiatry. Lynam et al (2006) have developed the UPPS-P, a 59-item scale
      measuring 5 impulsivity components: negative urgency, positive urgency, lack of
      premeditation, lack of perseverance, and sensation seeking. The aim of the
      present study was to validate a short, 20-item French version of the UPPS-P.
      METHODS: Six hundred fifty participants filled out the short French UPPS-P. A
      subgroup of participants (n = 145) took part in a follow-up study and completed
      the scale twice to determine test-retest stability; another subgroup (n = 105)
      was screened with other questionnaires also to establish external validity.
      RESULTS: Confirmatory factor analyses supported a hierarchical model comprising 2
      higher order factors of urgency (resulting from negative urgency and positive
      urgency) and lack of conscientiousness (resulting from lack of premeditation and
      lack of perseverance) as well as a separate factor of sensation seeking. The
      results indicated good internal consistency and test-retest stability. External
      validity was supported by relationships with psychopathological symptoms.
      CONCLUSION: The short French version of the UPPS-P therefore presents good
      psychometric properties and may be considered a promising instrument for both
      research and clinical practice.

PMID- 22036010
TI  - Insight, symptomatic dimensions, and cognition in patients with acute-phase
      psychosis.
AB  - AIMS: This study was designed to evaluate the relationship between insight and
      the severity of psychotic symptomatology in a sample of patients in an acute
      phase of psychosis, as well as to analyze the relationship between insight and
      the symptomatic profile of the patient. In addition, the role of general
      cognitive abilities in this relationship was explored. METHOD: Cross-sectional
      observational study of 96 acute psychotic adults. To evaluate psychopathology we
      used the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale; for insight, the Scale of
      Unawareness of Mental Disorder; and for general cognitive abilities, the Screen
      for Cognitive Impairment in Psychiatry. RESULTS: Insight showed significant and
      moderate positive correlations with positive and general symptoms but not with
      negative symptoms. In the subgroup with positive symptomatic profile, awareness
      of the disorder and of the effects of medication were positively associated with
      severity of positive and general psychotic symptoms. Awareness of social
      consequences of the disease was positively associated with positive symptoms. In
      the subgroup with a negative symptomatic profile, awareness of the disorder and
      of the effects of medication were positively associated with severity of positive
      and general psychotic symptoms. In this subgroup, these relationships were
      significantly affected by general cognitive abilities. CONCLUSIONS: Insight was
      not related with the severity of negative psychotic symptoms. The symptomatic
      profile of subjects played an important role in determining the relationship
      between insight and its dimensions and the severity of psychotic symptoms.
      Cognitive function moderated these relationships only in the negative symptomatic
      profile.

PMID- 22036011
TI  - Stigma: a core factor on predicting functionality in bipolar disorder.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Extant literature indicates that bipolar disorder (BD) is associated
      with significant poor psychosocial functioning. However, the relationship between
      functioning and demographic and clinical variables is unclear. The aim of this
      study is to investigate the predictors of functioning such as demographic and
      clinical variables, social support, self-perceived stigma, and insight in
      remitted patients with BD. METHODS: Eighty patients with a diagnosis of BD,
      complete remission according to the criteria of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual
      of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition were included in the final assessment.
      Bipolar Disorder Functioning Questionnaire, Beck Depression Inventory, Young
      Mania Rating Scale, Internalized Stigma of Mental Illness Scale, Multidimensional
      Scale of Perceived Social Support, and Schedule for Assessing the Three
      Components of Insight were used. Student t test, Pearson correlation analyses,
      and linear regression analyses were used to assess the pathways effecting on
      functioning. RESULTS: The 3 predictors of functioning were severity of
      depression, perceived social support, and internalized stigmatization. Severity
      of depression is considered the strongest predictor, whereas internalized
      stigmatization has a core role in predicting functioning. Clinical variables such
      as years of education and number of hospitalization probably have indirect
      effects on functioning. CONCLUSION: Interventions that oppose stigmatization and
      consideration of mild depressive symptoms will positively affect functioning in
      remitted patients with BD.

PMID- 22036012
TI  - Genotoxic and enzymatic effects of fluoranthene in microsomes and freshly
      isolated hepatocytes from sole (Solea solea).
AB  - The fluoranthene (Fluo) is one of the most abundant polycyclic aromatic
      hydrocarbons (PAHs) in human food and in marine compartments. However, the
      existing data on its genotoxicity is poor and controversial. The aim of this
      study was to assess in vitro the potential genotoxicity of Fluo in sole and its
      possible effect on CYP450 modulation. Freshly isolated hepatocytes were exposed
      for 24 h to a range of Fluo concentrations from 0.5 to 50 MUM in both culture
      flasks and microplate wells. The ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) activity was
      measured as an indicator of the activity of the cytochrome P450 1A1 (CYP1A1). The
      genotoxic effects were evaluated by measuring both DNA strand breaks and DNA
      adducts by the alkaline comet assay and the postlabeling technique respectively.
      Calf thymus DNA was also exposed to Fluo in the presence of sole liver microsomes
      in order to check for Fluo DNA adduct formation. In sole hepatocytes, Fluo was
      shown to induce a decrease in the EROD activity in a concentration-dependent
      manner. A significant genotoxic effect was observed in terms of DNA strand
      breakage from an exposure concentration of 5 MUM: despite a concentration
      dependent effect was observed, it did not follow a linear dose-response. The
      response was similar whatever the way of exposure in flasks or in wells. One
      reproducible adduct was detected in the hepatocytes exposed to the highest
      concentrations of Fluo. The formation of Fluo adducts was confirmed by the
      detection of one reproducible adduct following in vitro exposure of calf thymus
      DNA to 100 and 200 MUM of Fluo in the presence of sole microsomes. These results
      demonstrate the potential of sole hepatocytes to metabolize Fluo in 24 h into
      reactive species, able to induce genotoxicity by DNA strand breakage and DNA
      adduct formation. Moreover, a miniaturized cell exposure system was validated for
      further experiments using fewer amounts of hepatocytes and contaminants, and
      allowing exposure to PAH metabolites.

PMID- 22036014
TI  - Type-2 fuzzy model based controller design for neutralization processes.
AB  - In this study, an inverse controller based on a type-2 fuzzy model control design
      strategy is introduced and this main controller is embedded within an internal
      model control structure. Then, the overall proposed control structure is
      implemented in a pH neutralization experimental setup. The inverse fuzzy control
      signal generation is handled as an optimization problem and solved at each
      sampling time in an online manner. Although, inverse fuzzy model controllers may
      produce perfect control in perfect model match case and/or non-existence of
      disturbances, this open loop control would not be sufficient in the case of
      modeling mismatches or disturbances. Therefore, an internal model control
      structure is proposed to compensate these errors in order to overcome this
      deficiency where the basic controller is an inverse type-2 fuzzy model. This
      feature improves the closed-loop performance to disturbance rejection as shown
      through the real-time control of the pH neutralization process. Experimental
      results demonstrate the superiority of the inverse type-2 fuzzy model controller
      structure compared to the inverse type-1 fuzzy model controller and conventional
      control structures.

PMID- 22036013
TI  - Antioxidant deficit in gills of Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) exposed to
      chlorodinitrobenzene increases menadione toxicity.
AB  - Disturbances in antioxidant defenses decrease cellular protection against
      oxidative stress and jeopardize cellular homeostasis. To knock down the
      antioxidant defenses of Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas, animals were pre
      treated with 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB) and further challenged with pro
      oxidant menadione (MEN). CDNB pre-treatment (10 MUM for 18 h) was able to consume
      cellular thiols in gills, decreasing GSH (53%) and decrease protein thiols (25%).
      CDNB pre-treatment also disrupted glutathione reductase and thioredoxin reductase
      activity in the gills, but likewise strongly induced glutathione S-transferase
      activity (270% increase). Surprisingly, hemocyte viability was greatly affected
      24 h after CDNB removal, indicating a possible vulnerability of the oyster immune
      system to electrophilic attack. New in vivo approaches were established, allowing
      the identification of higher rates of GSH-CDNB conjugate export to the seawater
      and enabling the measurement of the organic peroxide consumption rate. CDNB
      induced impairment in antioxidant defenses decreased the peroxide removal rate
      from seawater. After showing that CDNB decreased gill antioxidant defenses and
      increased DNA damage in hemocytes, oysters were further challenged with 1 mM MEN
      over 24 h. MEN treatment did not affect thiol homeostasis in gills, while CDNB
      pre-treated animals recovered GSH and PSH to the control level after 24 h of
      depuration. Interestingly, MEN intensified GSH and PSH loss and mortality in CDNB
      pre-treated animals, showing a clear synergistic effect. The superoxide
      generating one-electron reduction of MEN was predominant in gills and may have
      contributed to MEN toxicity. These results support the idea that antioxidant
      depleted animals are more susceptible to oxidative attack, which can compromise
      survival. Data also corroborate the idea that gills are an important detoxifying
      organ, able to dispose of organic peroxides, induce phase II enzymes, and
      efficiently export GSH-CDNB conjugates.

PMID- 22036015
TI  - Photocatalytic degradation of bentazone in soil washing wastes containing
      alkylpolyoxyethylene surfactants.
AB  - Three alkylpolyoxyethylene surfactants bearing the same hydrophobic chain and a
      different number of oxyethylene groups were investigated as suitable candidates
      for the soil washing treatment of contaminated soil samples containing bentazone.
      Comparable good recoveries of the pesticide were obtained working with these
      surfactants. The photocatalytic treatment of the collected washing wastes,
      performed in the presence of suspended TiO(2) particles under irradiation with
      simulated sunlight, leads to the effective degradation of bentazone residues
      after a time depending on the nature and concentration of the chosen amphiphile.
      Brij 35 was found to be the best surfactant candidate, giving the faster
      abatement of the pesticide in the collected wastes. The overall treatment time
      depends on the bentazone mineralization kinetics, markedly slow in the presence
      of surfactants. Useful information about the photocatalytic degradation route was
      obtained from the HPLC-MS analysis of transient intermediates formed in water.

PMID- 22036017
TI  - Height and death in the Antebellum United States: A view through the lens of
      geographically weighted regression.
AB  - Factors related to geography such as climate, natural resources or waterways
      often affect human activities. However, traditional approaches such as ordinary
      least squares (OLS) have limitations in investigating such patterns. Unlike OLS
      regression, geographically weighted regression (GWR) allows the coefficients of
      explanatory variables to differ by locality by giving relatively more weight to
      geographically close observations. GWR depicts spatial patterns. This paper
      examines the pattern of height and crude death rate in the United States prior to
      the Civil War by this method. The GWR results show that access to water
      transportation increased mortality and decreased stature in the food exporting
      areas of the Midwest, and the opposite pattern appeared in the food importing
      areas of the Northeast.

PMID- 22036016
TI  - The role of glial cells in synapse elimination.
AB  - Excessive synapses generated during early development are eliminated extensively
      to form functionally mature neural circuits. Synapses in juvenile and mature
      brains are highly dynamic, and undergo remodeling processes through constant
      formation and elimination of dendritic spines. Although neural activity has been
      implicated in initiating the synapse elimination process cell-autonomously, the
      cellular and molecular mechanisms that transduce changes in correlated neural
      activity into structural changes in synapses are largely unknown. Recently,
      however, new findings provide evidence that in different species, glial cells,
      non-neuronal cell types in the nervous system are crucial in eliminating neural
      debris and unwanted synapses through phagocytosis. Glial cells not only clear
      fragmented axons and synaptic debris produced during synapse elimination, but
      also engulf unwanted synapses thereby actively promoting synapse elimination non
      cell autonomously. These new findings support the important role of glial cells
      in the formation and maintenance of functional neural circuits in development as
      well as in adult stages and neurodegenerative diseases.

PMID- 22036018
TI  - Aspirin and colorectal cancer prevention in Lynch syndrome.

PMID- 22036020
TI  - The Measure of Insight into Cognition: reliability and validity of clinician
      rated and self-report scales of neurocognitive insight for schizophrenia.
AB  - Poor insight into the neurocognitive deficits in schizophrenia-spectrum disorders
      may have significant clinical implications for treatment. The purpose of this
      study was to replicate and extend the psychometric findings initially reported on
      the Measure of Insight into Cognition Clinician-Rated (MIC-CR) and Self-Report
      (MIC-SR) which assess awareness, attribution, and frequency of neurocognitive
      deficits. Assessments conducted one week apart allowed for internal consistency,
      test-retest reliability, concurrent validity, and administration order effects to
      be determined. In this study sample (N=80), 73 demonstrated significant
      neurocognitive impairment, yet on the MIC-CR, the average awareness and
      attribution scores indicated only partial awareness and attribution of
      neurocognitive deficits. The average MIC-SR score indicated rare frequency of
      cognitive difficulty in everyday life. Cronbach's alphas for the MIC-CR (0.83)
      and MIC-SR (0.93) were consistent with the initial validation study; test-retest
      reliability for both MIC assessments was significant (p<0.001). In new analyses,
      concurrent validity was demonstrated by significant correlations between the MIC
      CR and MIC-SR in the first validation sample: r=-0.75 (p<0.001) and the current
      replication sample: r=-0.70 (p<0.001). Effect sizes were large when frequencies
      of neurocognitive complaints (MIC-SR) were compared between subjects with good
      versus poor awareness on the MIC-CR. Reliability and concurrent validity results
      were similar and significant regardless of order of MIC-CR and MIC-SR
      administration. The MIC-CR and MIC-SR are thus reliable and valid complementary
      instruments to assess neurocognitive insight in people with schizophrenia
      spectrum disorders.

PMID- 22036019
TI  - Long-term effect of aspirin on cancer risk in carriers of hereditary colorectal
      cancer: an analysis from the CAPP2 randomised controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Observational studies report reduced colorectal cancer in regular
      aspirin consumers. Randomised controlled trials have shown reduced risk of
      adenomas but none have employed prevention of colorectal cancer as a primary
      endpoint. The CAPP2 trial aimed to investigate the antineoplastic effects of
      aspirin and a resistant starch in carriers of Lynch syndrome, the major form of
      hereditary colorectal cancer; we now report long-term follow-up of participants
      randomly assigned to aspirin or placebo. METHODS: In the CAPP2 randomised trial,
      carriers of Lynch syndrome were randomly assigned in a two-by-two factorial
      design to 600 mg aspirin or aspirin placebo or 30 g resistant starch or starch
      placebo, for up to 4 years. Randomisation was in blocks of 16 with provision for
      optional single-agent randomisation and extended postintervention double-blind
      follow-up; participants and investigators were masked to treatment allocation.
      The primary endpoint was development of colorectal cancer. Analysis was by
      intention to treat and per protocol. This trial is registered, ISRCTN59521990.
      RESULTS: 861 participants were randomly assigned to aspirin or aspirin placebo.
      At a mean follow-up of 55.7 months, 48 participants had developed 53 primary
      colorectal cancers (18 of 427 randomly assigned to aspirin, 30 of 434 to aspirin
      placebo). Intention-to-treat analysis of time to first colorectal cancer showed a
      hazard ratio (HR) of 0.63 (95% CI 0.35-1.13, p=0.12). Poisson regression taking
      account of multiple primary events gave an incidence rate ratio (IRR) of 0.56
      (95% CI 0.32-0.99, p=0.05). For participants completing 2 years of intervention
      (258 aspirin, 250 aspirin placebo), per-protocol analysis yielded an HR of 0.41
      (0.19-0.86, p=0.02) and an IRR of 0.37 (0.18-0.78, p=0.008). No data for adverse
      events were available postintervention; during the intervention, adverse events
      did not differ between aspirin and placebo groups. INTERPRETATION: 600 mg aspirin
      per day for a mean of 25 months substantially reduced cancer incidence after 55.7
      months in carriers of hereditary colorectal cancer. Further studies are needed to
      establish the optimum dose and duration of aspirin treatment. FUNDING: European
      Union; Cancer Research UK; Bayer Corporation; National Starch and Chemical Co; UK
      Medical Research Council; Newcastle Hospitals trustees; Cancer Council of
      Victoria Australia; THRIPP South Africa; The Finnish Cancer Foundation; SIAK
      Switzerland; Bayer Pharma.

PMID- 22036021
TI  - [Analysis of the cost effectiveness of home-based phototherapy with narrow-band
      UV-B radiation compared with biological drugs for the treatment of moderate to
      severe psoriasis].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Psoriasis is associated with high treatment costs due to the
      increasing use of biologic drugs. Phototherapy has been demonstrated to be safe
      and cost effective for the treatment of psoriasis, although it is limited by the
      requirement for patients to visit a hospital various times a week. OBJECTIVES: To
      evaluate the efficiency of home-based phototherapy with narrow-band UV-B
      radiation compared with biologic drugs for the treatment of moderate to severe
      psoriasis under normal practice conditions in our setting. METHODS: A
      retrospective cost-effectiveness study was undertaken in 12 patients with
      moderate to severe psoriasis. Half of the patients were treated with biologic
      drugs (2 with etanercept, 2 with adalimumab, and 2 with infliximab) and the other
      half with home-based phototherapy using a Waldmann UV100L-TL01 lamp. Clinical
      effectiveness was determined on the basis of achieving a 75% improvement in
      Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI 75) within 16 weeks of treatment.
      RESULTS: Treatment was considered to be effective in 5 out of 6 patients (83%)
      treated with biologics and 4 out of 6 patients (66%) treated with home-based
      phototherapy. The direct costs required to achieve PASI 75 were 8256? per patient
      for biologics and 903? per patient for home-based phototherapy. The costs
      associated with effective treatment using biologic drugs in a single patient
      would provide effective home-based phototherapy for 9.1 patients. LIMITATIONS:
      The study included a limited number of patients analyzed over a short time period
      (16 weeks) and the comparison group included multiple treatments with different
      predicted responses. CONCLUSIONS: Although biologic drugs exhibited greater
      efficacy, home-based phototherapy was more efficient for the treatment of
      moderate to severe psoriasis. Home-based phototherapy represents a cost-effective
      treatment option for patients with psoriasis and may be appropriate for use in
      the Spanish health care system.

PMID- 22036023
TI  - Postscript on advantame--a novel high-potency low-calorie sweetener.

PMID- 22036024
TI  - Advantame--an overview of the toxicity data.
AB  - Advantame is an N-substituted (aspartic acid portion) derivative of aspartame
      that is similar in structure to neotame, another N-substituted aspartame. An
      extensive series of studies, were conducted on advantame to define the
      pharmacokinetics and metabolism in various species, subchronic and chronic
      toxicity in the rat and dog, carcinogenicity in the rat and mouse, genotoxicity,
      reproductive, and developmental toxicity, and human tolerability studies. The
      results of these studies, presented in overview in the present publication, and
      in greater detail in the accompanying publications, show that advantame is well
      tolerated by both animals and humans and does not possess systemic toxicity. The
      metabolic data demonstrate that the animal species used in the toxicity testing
      are relevant to the evaluation of human safety. The no-observed-adverse-effect
      levels (NOAELs) identified in the animal studies in which advantame was
      administered in the diet were generally the highest doses tested. Under the
      anticipated conditions of use, the predicted intakes of advantame are about
      20,000- to 70,000-fold lower than the identified animal study NOAEL values. The
      results of the animal toxicology and human trial data support the safety of use
      of advantame in food.

PMID- 22036025
TI  - In vitro and in vivo assessment of the mutagenic activity of N-[N-[3-(3-hydroxy-4
      methoxyphenyl) propyl]-alpha-aspartyl]-L-phenylalanine 1-methyl ester,
      monohydrate (advantame).
AB  - Advantame (N-[N-[3-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl) propyl]-alpha-aspartyl]-L
      phenylalanine 1-methyl ester, monohydrate), an N-substituted analogue of
      aspartame, has been developed as a high-intensity sweetener. It is approximately
      100 and 20,000 times sweeter than aspartame and sucrose, respectively. In this
      study the safety of advantame has been evaluated using a series of in vitro and
      in vivo genotoxicity assays including, bacterial mutation, mammalian cell
      mutation, and mouse micronucleus tests. Advantame did not induce reverse
      mutations in Salmonella typhimurium and Escherichia coli at concentrations of up
      to 5000 MUg/plate. In the mammalian cell mutation assay, advantame did not induce
      mutation at the Hprt locus of L5178Y mouse lymphoma cells in two independent
      experiments, either in the absence or presence of S9. In vivo, there was no
      effect on the incidence of micronucleated immature or mature erythrocytes in bone
      marrow after oral administration of the test substance at any dose level (up to
      2000 mg/kg body weight) or sampling time (24 and 48 h). The results of these
      studies demonstrate that advantame is without genotoxic potential.

PMID- 22036026
TI  - Chronic toxicity and carcinogenicity of N-[N-[3-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)
      propyl]-alpha-aspartyl]-L-phenylalanine 1-methyl ester, monohydrate (advantame)
      in the rat.
AB  - Groups of 55 male and 55 female Han Wistar rats were administered advantame (98.9
      99.8% purity) in the diet at concentrations of 0, 2000, 10,000, or 50,000 ppm for
      104 weeks, following parental exposure to the same levels from prior to mating
      and throughout gestation. Additional groups of 20 rats/sex and 10 rats/sex were
      dosed for a period of 52 weeks and constituted the toxicity and reversibility
      phases of the study. Achieved doses of advantame over the carcinogenicity study
      were 0, 97, 488, and 2621 mg/kg body weight/day in males and 0, 125, 630, and
      3454 mg/kg body weight/day in females, respectively. A high incidence of a pale
      and swollen anus and changes in fecal composition were observed in the high-dose
      groups. There was no effect of treatment on mortality. Body weight gain in the
      high-dose males (50,000 ppm) was slightly reduced compared to controls after 52
      and 104 weeks of treatment; the decrease was not considered to be of
      toxicological significance, but due to the non-nutritive nature of the high
      dietary concentration of advantame. During the toxicity phase, food conversion
      efficiency was slightly decreased in both sexes, at the 50,000 ppm dose level.
      Given the non-nutritive content of the diet, this finding was not considered
      biologically significant. There were no relationships between treatment and the
      results of hematological or urinalysis investigations. Clinical chemistry
      evaluations showed consistently lower plasma urea concentrations in both sexes
      treated at 50,000 ppm, which was reversed during the 6-week recovery phase
      following 52 weeks of treatment, indicating a lack of permanent effects. Terminal
      investigations at both the 52 and 104-week revealed a number of intergroup
      differences in absolute and/or relative organ weights; however, the differences
      did not show dose-response relationships, were minor in nature, and/or occurred
      only in one sex, and were not associated with any pathological findings, and they
      were considered not to be treatment-related. Evaluation of the histopathology of
      the carcinogenicity phase animals revealed an increased incidence of pancreatic
      islet cell carcinomas in males (incidence rates of 0/55, 1/55, 2/55, and 3/55 in
      the 0, 2000, 10,000, or 50,000 ppm groups, respectively) and of mammary gland
      adenomas in the high-dose females (incidence rates of 0 in the control through
      10,000 ppm dose groups and 4/41 in the 50,000 ppm dose group). The incidence
      rates of these tumors did not attain statistical significance and/or remained
      within background historical control values, and they were considered to be
      unrelated to advantame treatment. The no-observed-adverse-effect level was
      considered to be 50,000 ppm in the diet, the highest concentration tested,
      equivalent to 2621 and 3454 mg/kg body weight/day in males and females,
      respectively. Advantame was concluded to be without carcinogenic activity.

PMID- 22036027
TI  - Chronic oral toxicity of N-[N-[3-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl) propyl]-alpha
      aspartyl]-L-phenylalanine 1-methyl ester, monohydrate (advantame) in the dog.
AB  - Advantame (N-[N-[3-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl) propyl]-alpha-aspartyl]-L
      phenylalanine 1-methyl ester, monohydrate), an N-substituted analog of aspartame,
      has been developed as a high-intensity sweetener. Groups of 4 dogs of each sex
      were treated at 0, 2000, 10,000, or 50,000 ppm of advantame in the diet for 52
      weeks. Additional groups of 2 dogs/sex at the control, and mid- and high-dose
      groups were treated for 52 weeks followed by a 6-week recovery period. There was
      no effect of treatment on mortality, body weight, organ weights, food
      consumption, or the results of ophthalmological, electrocardiographic,
      haematological, clinical chemistry or urinalysis examinations. No
      histopathological changes were associated with advantame treatment. The NOAEL was
      considered to be 50,000 ppm, the highest concentration tested, which was
      equivalent to 2057 and 2139 mg/kg body weight/day in males, and females,
      respectively. The results of the study support the safety of advantame for use as
      a high-intensity sweetener.

PMID- 22036028
TI  - Evaluation of the teratogenic potential of N-[N-[3-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl)
      propyl]-alpha-aspartyl]-L-phenylalanine 1-methyl ester, monohydrate (advantame)
      in the rat and rabbit.
AB  - To assess its teratogenic potential, advantame (N-[N-[3-(3-hydroxy-4
      methoxyphenyl) propyl]-alpha-aspartyl]-L-phenylalanine 1-methyl ester,
      monohydrate) was administered to mated rats (22/group) in the diet at 0, 5000,
      15,000, and 50,000 ppm (providing approximately 465, 1418, and 4828 mg/kg body
      weight/day), and to mated rabbits (24/group) via oral gavage at 0, 500, 1000, and
      2000 mg/kg body weight/day throughout gestation. Shortly before delivery (rats:
      day 20; rabbits: day 29), animals were killed and subjected to a detailed
      necropsy. Fetuses were examined for external, visceral, and skeletal alterations.
      Atypical coloration of the feces and cage liners seen with test diets in both
      rats and rabbits was attributed to excretion of test material/metabolites in the
      feces and urine. Advantame had no adverse effect on rat offspring survival or
      development. The no-observed-adverse-effect level (NOAEL) for both maternal and
      developmental toxicity in rats was 50,000 ppm, the highest dietary concentration
      tested. Due to adverse effects associated with reduced food intake and fecal
      output, approximately 20% of mated rabbits receiving 200 0mg/kg body weight/day
      and 1 animal at 1000 mg/kg body weight/day had to be terminated before scheduled
      necropsy. A NOAEL of 500 mg/kg body weight/day was established for maternal
      toxicity in rabbits. No teratogenic effects were observed in any animals, and
      based on a slightly increased incidence of fetal deaths at 2000 mg/kg body
      weight/day, a finding that was considered to be indirectly related to advantame
      treatment, 1000 mg/kg body weight/day was considered the NOAEL for developmental
      toxicity.

PMID- 22036029
TI  - Acute and multiple-dose studies to determine the safety, tolerability, and
      pharmacokinetic profile of advantame in healthy volunteers.
AB  - Advantame, a new, high-intensity sweetener that is thought not to be absorbed
      from the human gastrointestinal tract in appreciable quantities, was evaluated
      for safety and tolerability in a total of 48 healthy adult volunteers in 2
      studies. In the first study 24 subjects were randomized to receive escalating
      single doses of 0.1, 0.25, or 0.5mg/kg of body weight, and pharmacokinetic and
      safety parameters were assessed subsequently for 8 days. In the second study, 24
      subjects were randomized to receive over 4 weeks either 30 mg advantame/day
      (split into 3 doses per day), or placebo. All subjects completed both studies and
      no significant treatment-related adverse effects were observed in any subjects in
      either study. There were no clinically relevant changes in laboratory parameters,
      vital signs, electrocardiogram, or physical examination findings. Plasma
      concentrations of advantame were mostly below the limit of quantification in all
      samples taken after a single dose or prior to the dose in the repeat-dose study.
      The concentrations of the hydrolysis product, advantame-acid, were also below the
      limit of quantification at 12, 36, and 48 h after a single dose of 0.1, 0.25, and
      0.5mg/kg body weight, respectively. These studies demonstrate the safety and
      tolerability of advantame in healthy subjects at doses far exceeding those likely
      to be encountered in food and beverage use.

PMID- 22036030
TI  - Pharmacokinetics and metabolism of N-[N-[3-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl) propyl]
      alpha-aspartyl]-L-phenylalanine 1-methyl ester, monohydrate (advantame) in the
      rat, dog, and man.
AB  - The pharmacokinetics and metabolism of advantame were evaluated in rats, dogs,
      and humans. The oral pharmacokinetic studies using (14)C-advantame showed that
      advantame undergoes rapid but incomplete absorption, with an oral bioavailability
      of total radioactivity in the range of 4-23%. Data indicated that absorption was
      mainly as ANS9801-acid (de-esterified advantame), which was formed in the
      gastrointestinal tract as a result of the hydrolysis of the methyl ester group of
      the parent compound. In the dog, plasma ANS9801-acid was present largely in the
      form of an unidentified conjugate. Advantame (chiefly in the form of metabolites)
      was mainly excreted in the feces in rats, dogs, and humans (>80% in each
      species), with urinary excretion representing a minor route. The predominant
      metabolite of (14)C-advantame detected in the feces and the urine of rats, dogs,
      and humans was ANS9801-acid, with lower amounts of 3-[3-hydroxy-4-methoxyphenyl]
      1-propylamine (termed HU-1) or N-(3-(3-hydroxy-4-methoxy phenyl))propyl-L
      aspartic acid (termed HF-1) present, as well as other minor metabolites and areas
      of indistinct radioactivity. ANS9801-acid, HU-1, and HF-1 were detected and
      identified in the urine of rats, humans, and dogs, while ANS9801-acid and HF-1
      were identified in the feces of humans and dogs. In the feces of rats, in
      addition to ANS9801-acid, other additional metabolites were detected, including
      demethylated ANS9801-acid (designated as RF-1) and another unidentified
      metabolite (designated as RF-2). Overall, the data show generally similar
      pharmacokinetics of advantame and ANS9801-acid in animals and in humans and close
      similarity with neotame. Metabolites of advantame that occur in humans are also
      found in the 2 species utilized in the toxicology studies, and the metabolism
      studies support the interpretation of safety data from studies conducted in rats
      and dogs.

PMID- 22036031
TI  - Re: Andrade NN, Raikwar K. Congenital benign teratoma of the tongue with bifid
      tip, ankyloglossia and polydactyly: report of case.

PMID- 22036032
TI  - Multiscale modeling of lymphatic drainage from tissues using homogenization
      theory.
AB  - Lymphatic capillary drainage of interstitial fluid under both steady-state and
      inflammatory conditions is important for tissue fluid balance, cancer metastasis,
      and immunity. Lymphatic drainage function is critically coupled to the fluid
      mechanical properties of the interstitium, yet this coupling is poorly
      understood. Here we sought to effectively model the lymphatic-interstitial fluid
      coupling and ask why the lymphatic capillary network often appears with roughly a
      hexagonal architecture. We use homogenization method, which allows tissue-scale
      lymph flow to be integrated with the microstructural details of the lymphatic
      capillaries, thus gaining insight into the functionality of lymphatic anatomy. We
      first describe flow in lymphatic capillaries using the Navier-Stokes equations
      and flow through the interstitium using Darcy's law. We then use multiscale
      homogenization to derive macroscale equations describing lymphatic drainage, with
      the mouse tail skin as a basis. We find that the limiting resistance for fluid
      drainage is that from the interstitium into the capillaries rather than within
      the capillaries. We also find that between hexagonal, square, and parallel tube
      configurations of lymphatic capillary networks, the hexagonal structure is the
      most efficient architecture for coupled interstitial and capillary fluid
      transport; that is, it clears the most interstitial fluid for a given network
      density and baseline interstitial fluid pressure. Thus, using homogenization
      theory, one can assess how vessel microstructure influences the macroscale fluid
      drainage by the lymphatics and demonstrate why the hexagonal network of dermal
      lymphatic capillaries is optimal for interstitial tissue fluid clearance.

PMID- 22036033
TI  - Design and experimental evaluation of adjustable bone plates for mandibular
      fracture fixation.
AB  - Conventional bone plates are commonly used for surgical mandibular fracture
      fixation. Improper alignment between bone segments, however, can result in
      malocclusion. Current methods of fixation require a surgeon to visually align
      segments of bone and affix a metal plate using bone screws, after which little
      can be done to adjust alignment. A method of adjusting fracture alignment after
      plate placement, without screw removal, presents an improvement over costly and
      risky revision surgery. A modified bone plate has been designed with a deformable
      section to give surgeons the ability to reduce misalignments at the fracture
      site. The mechanics of deformation for various adjustment mechanisms was explored
      analytically, numerically, and experimentally to ensure that the adjustable plate
      is comparable to conventional bone plates. A static force of 358.8 N is required
      to deform the adjustable bone plate, compared with predicted values of 351 N
      using numerical simulation and 362 N using a simple beam theory. Dynamic testing
      was performed to simulate in vivo loading conditions and evaluate load-capacity
      in both deformed and un-deformed bone plates. Results indicate that bending
      stiffness of a rectangular bone plate is 709 N/mm, compared with 174 N/mm for an
      octagonal plate and 176 N/mm for standard plates. Once deformed, the rectangular
      and octagonal plates had a stiffness of 323 N/mm and 228 N/mm, respectively. Un
      deformed and deformed adjustable bone plates have efficacy in bone segment
      fixation and healing.

PMID- 22036034
TI  - Evidence for impaired neocortical synaptic plasticity in bipolar II disorder.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Synaptic plasticity might play an important role in the
      pathophysiology and treatment of bipolar disorders. There is, however, a paucity
      of human evidence supporting this hypothesis, mainly due to a lack of methods for
      noninvasive assessment of synaptic plasticity. It has recently been demonstrated
      that plasticity of the visual evoked potential (VEP) induced by repeated visual
      stimulation might reflect synaptic plasticity. In this study, we examined VEP
      plasticity in healthy control subjects and patients with bipolar II disorder (BD
      II). METHODS: Forty healthy control subjects and 26 individuals with a DSM-IV
      diagnosis of BD-II matched for age and gender participated. The VEPs were evoked
      by checkerboard reversal stimulation before and after a modulation block of
      prolonged (10 min) visual stimulation. RESULTS: The modulation block resulted in
      significant VEP plasticity in healthy control subjects. The VEP plasticity was
      significantly impaired in patients with BD-II. Explorative analyses indicated a
      trend toward a less severe impairment in medicated than in unmedicated patients.
      CONCLUSIONS: Visual evoked potential plasticity might represent a reliable and
      robust assay for studies of synaptic plasticity in vivo in humans. In addition,
      our findings support the hypothesis of impaired synaptic plasticity in BD-II.
      Longitudinal studies are needed to fully clarify the effects of medication and
      mood state on VEP plasticity.

PMID- 22036035
TI  - Attention and masking in schizophrenia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with schizophrenia are known to be impaired in masking
      tasks, but the mechanisms underlying their deficits are still elusive. Our study
      was intended to examine attentional effects, which have a known impact on masking
      in healthy volunteers but have only rarely been explored in relation to masking
      in patients. METHODS: We compared focused versus divided attention in 18 control
      subjects and 18 patients using forward and backward masking tasks. In the
      conventional masking task, subjects had to locate one target among four possible
      locations. Presentation of one target allows attention to be focused, in contrast
      with the divided attention task in which two targets were presented either in the
      same hemifield or different hemifields. RESULTS: Our results reproduce patients'
      deficits in forward and backward masking tasks but only when one target is
      presented. We show that control subjects benefit from focused attention, much
      more so than patients. Furthermore, patients' performance is identical to that of
      control subjects in backward masking when targets are presented across
      hemifields. This performance equalization was checked to ensure it was not due
      solely to the redundancy of signals (two vs. one). We achieved this by comparing
      performance when two targets were presented in the same vs. across hemifields,
      the latter yielding a greater redundancy gain. CONCLUSIONS: From the results, it
      is unlikely that redundancy can account for the whole pattern of results, which
      suggest instead that attention deficits play a role in backward masking
      impairments in patients.

PMID- 22036037
TI  - Cortical glutamic acid decarboxylase 67 deficiency results in lower cannabinoid 1
      receptor messenger RNA expression: implications for schizophrenia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Levels of cannabinoid 1 receptor (CB1R) messenger RNA (mRNA) and
      protein, which are expressed most heavily in the cholecystokinin class of gamma
      aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurons, are lower in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex
      in schizophrenia, and the magnitude of these differences is strongly correlated
      with that for glutamic acid decarboxylase 67 (GAD(67)) mRNA, a synthesizing
      enzyme for GABA. However, whether this correlation reflects a cause-effect
      relationship is unknown. METHODS: Using quantitative in situ hybridization, we
      measured CB1R, GAD(67), and diacylglycerol lipase alpha (the synthesizing enzyme
      for the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol) mRNA levels in the medial
      prefrontal cortex of genetically engineered GAD(67) heterozygous (GAD(67)(+/-)),
      CB1R heterozygous (CB1R(+/-)), CB1R knockout (CB1R(-/-)), and matched wild-type
      mice. RESULTS: In GAD(67)(+/-) mice, GAD(67) and CB1R mRNA levels were
      significantly reduced by 37% and 16%, respectively, relative to wild-type mice
      and were significantly correlated across animals (r = .61; p = .01). In contrast,
      GAD(67) mRNA levels were unaltered in CB1R(+/-) andCB1R(-/-) mice. Expression of
      diacylglycerol lipase alpha mRNA, which is not altered in schizophrenia, was also
      not altered in any of the genetically engineered mice. CONCLUSIONS: The findings
      that reduced GAD(67) mRNA expression can induce lower CB1R mRNA expression
      support the hypothesis that lower cortical levels of CB1Rs in schizophrenia may
      partially compensate for deficient GAD(67)-mediated GABA synthesis by reducing
      endogenous cannabinoid suppression of GABA release.

PMID- 22036036
TI  - Glutamatergic modulation of auditory information processing in the human brain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Auditory mismatch negativity (MMN) and P300 event-related potentials
      (ERPs) are reduced in schizophrenia patients and healthy volunteers administered
      the N-methyl-D-aspartate glutamate receptor antagonist, ketamine. In rodents, N
      acetylcysteine (NAC), a stimulator of the cystine-glutamate exchanger, attenuates
      the cognitive and behavioral effects of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor
      antagonists. On the basis of these findings, we tested whether NAC would reduce
      ketamine effects on behavior, MMN, and P300 in healthy humans. METHODS: This
      randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study consisted of 2 test days
      during which subjects (n = 16) were administered oral NAC (3000 mg in divided
      doses) or matching placebo 165 min before the infusion of saline and then
      ketamine (as a bolus of .23 mg/kg over 1 min followed by .58 mg/kg for 30 min,
      and then .29 mg/kg for 40 min) in a fixed order. Behavioral and ERP data
      including auditory MMN and P300 were collected during each test day. RESULTS:
      Ketamine produced psychotic-like positive symptoms, reductions in working memory
      and sustained attention performance, and amplitude reductions for the frequency-
      and intensity-deviant MMNs and P300. NAC pretreatment did not reduce the
      behavioral or ERP effects of ketamine. In addition, NAC reduced frequency-deviant
      MMN amplitude and increased target and novelty P3 amplitudes. The decrements in
      frequency-deviant MMN amplitude produced by ketamine and NAC were not additive.
      CONCLUSIONS: NAC did not attenuate the effects of ketamine in humans, in contrast
      to previous studies in animals. NAC merits further investigation as a cognitive
      enhancing agent due to its ability to increase the P300 amplitude.

PMID- 22036039
TI  - Molecular and antigenic evolution of human influenza A/H3N2 viruses in Quebec,
      Canada, 2009-2011.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A/H3N2 variability leads to poor vaccine effectiveness when the
      vaccine strain is not well matched to the circulating virus. OBJECTIVES: We aim
      to describe the molecular and antigenic evolution of A/H3N2 viruses recovered
      during the last 3 influenza seasons in Quebec, Canada. STUDY DESIGN: Clinical
      samples from 33 patients with culture-confirmed A/H3N2 infections were collected
      over 3 consecutive seasons (March 2009-2011). The isolates' HA gene was amplified
      and sequenced; phylogenetic analyses of the HA1 region were conducted. To
      characterize A/H3N2 antigenic properties, standard hemagglutination inhibition
      (HI) and microneutralization (MN) assays were performed. RESULTS: In 2009, we
      observed an antigenic drift from A/Brisbane/10/2007 (vaccine strain used in 2008
      2009 and 2009-2010) to A/Perth/16/2009 (vaccine strain used in 2010-2011).
      Antigenic analysis of clinical influenza strains recovered in Quebec during 2009
      2010 also illustrated antigenic drift from the previously prevalent
      A/Brisbane/10/2007-like (March 2009) to A/Perth/16/2009-like (December 2009)
      strains. In 2010-2011, the emergence of >4 substitutions in 4 different H3
      antigenic sites suggested a genetic drift. However, HI and MN results confirmed
      the emergence of a drift in only 1 strain (8-fold difference in titers), while 19
      others remained antigenically similar to A/Perth/16/2009 but exhibited titer
      differences (2-4-fold) just inferior to the standard definition of a drift.
      CONCLUSION: Antigenic and molecular characterization of H3N2 viruses over three
      seasons revealed that not only is the number of HA mutations important, but the
      nature and location of key mutations may play a significant role in antigenic
      drift.

PMID- 22036038
TI  - Brain-derived neurotrophic factor Val66Met allele impairs basal and ketamine
      stimulated synaptogenesis in prefrontal cortex.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Knock-in mice with the common human brain-derived neurotrophic factor
      (BDNF) Val66Met polymorphism have impaired trafficking of BDNF messenger RNA to
      dendrites. It was hypothesized, given evidence that local synapse formation is
      dependent on dendritic translation of BDNF messenger RNA, that loss-of-function
      Met allele mice would show synaptic deficits both at baseline and in response to
      ketamine, an N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonist that stimulates synaptogenesis in
      prefrontal cortex (PFC). METHODS: Whole-cell recordings from layer V medial PFC
      pyramidal cells in brain slices were combined with two-photon laser scanning for
      analysis of wildtype, Val/Met, and Met/Met mice both at baseline and in response
      to a low dose of ketamine. RESULTS: Val/Met and Met/Met mice were found to have
      constitutive atrophy of distal apical dendrites and decrements in apically
      targeted excitatory postsynaptic currents in layer V pyramidal cells of PFC. In
      addition, spine density and diameter were decreased, indicative of impaired
      synaptic formation/maturation (synaptogenesis). In Met/Met mice the synaptogenic
      effect of ketamine was markedly impaired, consistent with the idea that
      synaptogenesis is dependent on dendritic translation/release of BDNF. In parallel
      behavioral studies, we found that the antidepressant response to ketamine in the
      forced swim test was blocked in Met/Met mice. CONCLUSIONS: The results
      demonstrate that expression of the BDNF Met allele in mice results in basal
      synaptic deficits and blocks synaptogenic and antidepressant actions of ketamine
      in PFC, suggesting that the therapeutic response to this drug might be attenuated
      or blocked in depressed patients who carry the loss of function Met allele.

PMID- 22036040
TI  - Emergent 2009 influenza A(H1N1) viruses containing HA D222N mutation associated
      with severe clinical outcomes in the Americas.
AB  - BACKGROUND: During the 2010-2011 influenza season, a small sub-group of 2009
      influenza A(H1N1) viruses (hereafter referred to as 2009 A(H1N1)) emerged that
      was associated with more severe clinical outcomes in Ecuador and North America.
      Genetically, the haemagglutinin (HA) of this sub-clade was distinct from HAs
      found in viruses associated with severe outbreaks in 2010 from the United Kingdom
      and from other global specimens isolated earlier in the season. OBJECTIVE: We
      report the emergence of a novel 2009 A(H1N1) variant possessing a re-emergent HA
      D222N mutation obtained from patients with severe respiratory illnesses and
      phylogenetically characterise these D222N mutants with other severe disease
      causing variants clustering within a common emerging sub-clade. CASE REPORTS: In
      early 2011, three cases of 2009 A(H1N1) infection, two from Quito, Ecuador, and
      one from Washington, DC, USA, were complicated by severe pneumonia requiring
      mechanical ventilation, resulting in one fatality. These cases were selected due
      to the reported nature of the acute respiratory distress (ARD) that were captured
      in Department of Defence (DoD)-sponsored global influenza surveillance nets.
      RESULTS: Genetically, the 2009 A(H1N1) strains isolated from two of the three
      severe cases carried a prominent amino acid change at position 222 (D222N) within
      the primary HA receptor binding site. Furthermore, these cases represent an
      emerging sub-clade of viruses defined by amino acid changes within HA: N31D,
      S162N, A186T and V272I. Phylogenetically, these viruses share a high degree of
      homology with strains associated with recent fatal cases in Chihuahua, Mexico.
      DISCUSSION: Previously, enhanced virulence associated with the change, D222G, has
      been clinically linked to severe morbidity and mortality. Initial observations of
      the prevalence of a novel sub-clade of strains in the Americas suggest that
      viruses with a re-emergent D222N mutation may too correlate with severe clinical
      manifestations. These findings warrant heightened vigilance for emerging sub
      clades of 2009 A(H1N1) and presumptive clinical implications.

PMID- 22036041
TI  - Evolution in the sensitivity of quantitative HIV-1 viral load tests.
AB  - Significant advancements in molecular diagnostics have been made since the
      inception and application of PCR-based technologies in clinical diagnostic
      laboratories and the management of HIV-1 infected patients. More recently, real
      time PCR has improved the overall performance of assays used for detecting and
      quantifying HIV-1 RNA viral load in patients undergoing antiretroviral treatment.
      The effects of these changes and the interpretations of the HIV-1 viral load
      results are discussed in this review in the context of the different assays used,
      the viral dynamics of the HIV-1 virus, and the recent changes to HIV-1 treatment
      guidelines.

PMID- 22036042
TI  - A need to expand our thinking about "repeat" abortions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Women who have more than one abortion are often the "targets" for
      social and clinical interventions geared at preventing "repeat abortions." Such
      an approach ignores the unique circumstances that may surround each abortion.
      STUDY DESIGN: We qualitatively analyzed the history of 10 women who have had more
      than one abortion who were participating in a larger study of women's emotional
      experiences following abortion. Women were recruited following their initial
      contact with a postabortion support talk line and from a previously completed
      study. RESULTS: Overall, women in the sample reported that each abortion was
      different and some abortions were more emotionally difficult than others,
      suggesting that the phrase "repeat" can be a misnomer and discounts the unique
      circumstances surrounding each abortion. CONCLUSION: Rather than use the term
      "repeat abortions," we advocate for the use of the less loaded term "multiple
      abortions," in which each abortion is understood as a unique experience.

PMID- 22036043
TI  - Management of the malpositioned levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The management of a malpositioned levonorgestrel (LNG)-releasing
      intrauterine system (IUS) can present a clinical challenge, complicated by the
      high cost of replacing it with a new device. We tried to challenge the guidelines
      and common practice that usually suggest prompt removal of any malpositioned IUS
      and replacement with a new one. STUDY DESIGN: We present our experience with 18
      patients in whom the LNG-releasing IUS was found during a routine sonographic
      evaluation to be displaced towards the cervical canal 2 to 36 months
      postinsertion. Using an alligator forceps, the device was repositioned in the
      uterine cavity. RESULTS: The procedure was deemed successful in 17 (94.4%) of 18
      cases. In 3 (17.6%) of the 17 successful procedures, the LNG-releasing IUS was
      found again to be malpositioned within 2 months. No complications were noted, and
      no postprocedural infection occurred. CONCLUSION: Repositioning of a
      malpositioned LNG-releasing IUS should be considered, as it is an easy and simple
      manipulation that can be done in the office with a high success rate and minimal
      risk of complications.

PMID- 22036045
TI  - Clinical outcomes from a prospective study evaluating the role of ambulation
      during medical termination of pregnancy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although induced abortion is one of the most commonly performed
      gynecological procedures in Great Britain and medical termination of pregnancy is
      being used more frequently, very little is known about the role of ambulation
      during the procedure. We sought to compare ambulatory and non-ambulatory groups
      of patients undergoing medical termination in the hospital setting and determine
      whether ambulation impacted clinical outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: This was a
      prospective patient-preference study carried out among 130 women with pregnancies
      up to 63 days of gestation fulfilling the requirements of the 1967 Abortion Act
      and undergoing medical termination of pregnancy. The objective was to evaluate
      the effect of ambulation during medical termination of pregnancy. The women were
      given the choice to be ambulatory or non-ambulatory throughout the process of
      medical termination of pregnancy. They received 200 mg oral mifepristone and 800
      mcg vaginal misoprostol for the termination procedure. Outcomes measured included
      time taken to pass the products of conception, first feeling of abdominal cramps,
      estimated blood loss, time to discharge from the hospital, pain scores and need
      for analgesia. RESULTS: In both ambulatory and non-ambulatory groups, the mean
      time taken to pass the products of conception was similar: 230.7 min (118-343.4)
      and 233.0 min (134.5-331.5) for ambulatory and non-ambulatory patients,
      respectively. Time to onset of cramps was 75.6 min (29.4-121.8) for ambulatory
      and 91.7 min (22.2-161.2) for non-ambulatory patients, from administration of
      misoprostol. Mean estimated blood loss (assessed by weighing the pads as well as
      blood in bed pan) was less than 100 mL in both groups, and overall, approximately
      85% of patients ranked their pain score as 3 or less (on a scale of 0-5). There
      were no statistically significant differences in the ambulatory versus non
      ambulatory groups with regard to clinical outcomes. CONCLUSION: Ambulation during
      medical termination of pregnancy neither appears to influence the amount of
      bleeding or pain nor hasten the process of medical termination of pregnancy.

PMID- 22036044
TI  - Tubal risk markers for failure to place transcervical sterilization coils.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is a growing body of literature on placement rates of the
      Essure(r) procedure, yet prior studies have not attempted to identify tubal
      associated risk factors for placement failures. The current study examines risk
      markers associated with the inability to deploy the Essure(r) coils into the
      tubal lumen using the new ESS305 design. STUDY DESIGN: We used electronic medical
      record data to assess risk markers associated with the inability to place the
      Essure coils in the tubal lumen using the new ESS305 design. A total of 310
      attempted procedures between June 14, 2007, and April 29, 2011, were analyzed.
      RESULTS: There were 18 tubal failures (5.8%) out of the 310 attempted procedures.
      A history of a prior sexually transmitted infection (STI) was associated with
      tubal failure (odds ratio 2.64, 95% confidence interval 1.01-6.90, p=.048).
      CONCLUSIONS: We speculate that the observed association between a prior STI and
      an inability to place the coil was due to a past history of pelvic inflammatory
      disease.

PMID- 22036046
TI  - Contraceptive failure of etonogestrel implant in patients treated with
      antiretrovirals including efavirenz.
AB  - Contraception for HIV-positive women is a complex issue. Although the use of
      condoms is recommended, complementary methods of contraception are often
      prescribed. Antiretroviral therapy can lead to drug interactions and modify the
      efficacy of hormonal contraception. Two unintended pregnancies suggest that
      etonogestrel implants should be used with caution in patients on efavirenz.

PMID- 22036047
TI  - Poor responders: still a problem.

PMID- 22036048
TI  - A systematic review of randomized trials for the treatment of poor ovarian
      responders: is there any light at the end of the tunnel?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the definitions for "poor ovarian responders" used among
      randomized trials for the treatment of women with impaired response to
      stimulation. DESIGN: Systematic review. SETTING: None. PATIENT(S): Poor ovarian
      responders. INTERVENTION(S): Treatment modalities for the management of poor
      ovarian responders. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Number and nature of the criteria
      used to define poor ovarian response to stimulation and threshold values used.
      RESULT(S): Among 47 randomized trials, 41 different definitions for the patients
      with poor ovarian response have been used. No more than 3 trials used the same
      definition, whereas even trials from the same research groups used different
      definitions across different trials. None of the criteria used was adopted in
      more than 50% of the trials. Age and antral follicle count were adopted only in
      9% of the definitions, whereas the criteria of number of follicles on the final
      stimulation day and number of oocytes retrieved were used in more than 40% of the
      trials; nonetheless, even for these criteria, the threshold values were
      consistently different. CONCLUSION(S): The variability regarding the definition
      of poor ovarian responders appears to be striking. Although the Bologna criteria
      developed by European Society for Human Reproduction and Embryology consensus in
      2011 aim to define a consistent group of patients, their applicability needs to
      be tested through clinical trials. Meanwhile, meta-analyses of the currently
      available trials should be strongly discouraged because they may lead to the
      adoption of interventions of ambiguous value.

PMID- 22036049
TI  - Androgens and poor responders: are we ready to take the plunge into clinical
      therapy?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To review and summarize data from the scientific literature on the use
      of androgens to improve ovarian function. DESIGN: Review of pertinent literature.
      SETTING: University hospital. PATIENT(S): Women exposed to androgens.
      INTERVENTION(S): None. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Critical review of the
      literature. RESULT(S): The artificial increase of intra-ovarian androgen
      concentrations constitutes an attractive concept for improving the deficient
      ovarian function of poor responders. Data from studies conducted in animals
      treated with high-dose androgens, together with observations made in
      hyperandrogenic women or female-to-male transsexuals receiving virilizing
      androgen doses, indicate that androgens may increase follicle responsiveness to
      FSH and/or the number of growing follicles in the ovary. Yet, definite clinical
      demonstration of such a concept still is not available. CONCLUSION(S): Current
      clinical approaches aiming at increasing androgen availability in the ovary
      showed conflicting results. Therefore, additional studies using proper strategies
      to achieving higher intra-ovarian androgen concentrations for longer intervals
      are required to define the clinical efficiency of androgens in poor responders.

PMID- 22036050
TI  - Modified natural-cycle in vitro fertilization should be considered as the first
      approach in young poor responders.
AB  - The use of modified natural-cycle in vitro fertilization (IVF) is a valuable
      alternative to controlled ovarian hyperstimulation in young poor responders and
      should be considered in patients who require IVF and demonstrate endocrinologic
      evidence of ovarian aging and in those who have had one or two canceled
      controlled ovarian hyperstimulation cycles.

PMID- 22036051
TI  - The value of growth hormone supplements in ART for poor ovarian responders.
AB  - Recently, three meta-analyses have concluded that cotreatment with GH improves
      assisted reproduction outcome in poor controlled ovarian stimulation responders.
      Although generally GH supplements did not increase controlled ovarian stimulation
      response or number of oocytes, the supplements improved pregnancy and live-birth
      rates-thus speaking for an effect on oocyte quality.

PMID- 22036052
TI  - mTOR kinase inhibition results in oocyte loss characterized by empty follicles in
      human ovarian cortical strips cultured in vitro.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether oocyte loss is induced by mTOR kinase inhibition
      in human cortical strips as seen in model organisms in vivo and in vitro. DESIGN:
      Ovarian cortex was collected at two centers and cut into small strips. Strips
      were cultured for 6 days with or without the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin (RAP; 100
      nM). Strips were then embedded in paraffin, and serial sections were prepared.
      SETTING: Samples were collected in general obstetric (Edinburgh), gynecologic
      surgery (New Haven), and fertility preservation assisted reproductive technology
      (ART) (New Haven) practices. PATIENT(S): Ovarian cortex collected from patients
      (15-34 years of age) during cesarean section (donated tissue) was removed for the
      purposes of fertility preservation or was prepared after oophorectomy.
      INTERVENTION(S): Tissue was used for research purposes only, with no subsequent
      patient intervention. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Follicles were counted and
      assessed in each serial section. Caspase activity was monitored to determine
      whether mTOR inhibition activated apoptosis. RESULT(S): The RAP inclusion in
      cultures results in significantly fewer follicles compared with ethanol vehicle
      treated controls. Furthermore, RAP treatment resulted in the induction of
      follicles that lacked an oocyte in any serial section (30/161 follicles vs. 1/347
      ethanol vehicle-treated follicles). Caspase activity was not elevated by RAP
      treatment. CONCLUSION(S): mTOR inhibition results in a conserved destruction of
      the oocyte by adjacent granulosa cells (GC) in the absence of increased caspase
      activity. This model of oocyte loss is not consistent with classic
      apoptosis/atresia.

PMID- 22036055
TI  - Using the Drinking Expectancy Questionnaire (revised scoring method) in clinical
      practice.
AB  - The Drinking Expectancy Questionnaire (Young & Knight, 1989; Young & Oei, 1996)
      has been widely used in clinical and research settings over the past 20 years. A
      revised scoring method with a five-factor structure has been proposed but no
      norms for this method are available (Lee, Oei, Greeley, & Baglioni, 2003). The
      aim of this study is to establish sample means for the five expectancy subscales
      (Social Confidence; Sexual Interest; Cognitive Enhancement; Tension Reduction;
      and Negative Consequences) in a sample of adults entering hospital treatment for
      alcohol dependence (N=163) and a sample of university undergraduate students
      (N=110). Clinical sample means on the expectancy subscales tended to be
      substantially higher than the means for the student sample, with the exception of
      Sexual Interest (which was higher in the students). Interestingly, the Negative
      Consequences subscale mean was more than two standard deviations higher in the
      clinical sample, and was strongly correlated with measures of depression, anxiety
      and stress. The Negative Consequences scores were strongly associated with
      drinking risk in the student sample but were not related to drinking measures in
      the clinical sample. A ROC analysis established a cut-off on the DEQ total of 107
      that distinguished dependent drinkers from student drinkers with high sensitivity
      and specificity. The clinical utility of the DEQ in general will be discussed.

PMID- 22036054
TI  - Therapy-related acute leukemia with mixed phenotype and t(9;22)(q32;q11.2): a
      case report and review of the literature.
AB  - Therapy-related acute leukemia showing mixed phenotype is extremely rare. We
      report a 49-year-old woman who presented with palpable masses in her neck and
      back. She had received systemic chemotherapy (adriamycin and cisplatin) and
      radiotherapy for endometrial adenocarcinoma 7 years before. Her peripheral blood
      and bone marrow showed increased blasts, which coexpressed myeloid (CD13, CD33,
      and myeloperoxidase) and B-lymphoid antigens (CD19 and CD79a). Cytogenetic
      analysis showed a karyotype of
      46,XX,dup(1)(q21q32),add(5)(q33),t(9;22)(q34;q11.2)[12]/47,idem,+der(22)t(9;22)[8
      , and BCR/ABL1 rearrangement was detected. Leukemic infiltration was also
      confirmed in her back mass. After induction chemotherapy with idarubicin,
      cytarabine, and imatinib, she achieved complete remission. Only 2 cases of
      therapy-related acute leukemia with mixed phenotype have been reported so far:
      one with hyperploidy and the other with t(1;21)(p36;q22). To the best of our
      knowledge, this is the first case of therapy-related acute leukemia with mixed
      phenotype and t(9;22) as well as extramedullary leukemic infiltrations.

PMID- 22036056
TI  - Peering through the smoke: the effect of parental smoking behavior and addiction
      on daily smokers' attentional bias to smoking cues.
AB  - Although previous research has demonstrated that individuals with parents who
      smoke are more likely to become smokers and are less successful in smoking
      cessation efforts compared with those without a smoking parent, the reasons for
      this link have not been established. In the current study, implicit attentional
      bias to smoking-related cues was investigated in college-age smokers, based on
      models of addiction that suggest that attention to drug-related cues plays an
      important role in drug addiction. Sixty-one participants completed a dot-probe
      task to measure attentional bias to smoking-related and matched non-smoking
      related control pictures. Results indicated that while those who reported smoking
      occasionally did not demonstrate an attentional bias, daily smokers who had a
      smoking parent showed more of an attentional bias to the smoking cues than those
      without a smoking parent, but only to cues that did not contain human content. In
      addition to parental influence, nicotine dependence explained a significant
      portion of the variance in the attentional bias for daily smokers. Implications
      for models of nicotine addiction and the development of smoking cessation
      programs are discussed.

PMID- 22036053
TI  - Costaining for keratins 8/18 plus ubiquitin improves detection of hepatocyte
      injury in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
AB  - Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is a global health dilemma. The gold standard
      for diagnosis is liver biopsy. Ballooned hepatocytes are histologic
      manifestations of hepatocellular injury and are characteristic of
      steatohepatitis, the more severe form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
      Definitive histologic identification of ballooned hepatocytes on routine stains,
      however, can be difficult. Immunohistochemical evidence for loss of the normal
      hepatocytic keratin 8/18 can serve as an objective marker of ballooned
      hepatocytes. We sought to explore the utility of a keratin 8/18 plus ubiquitin
      double immunohistochemical stain for the histologic evaluation of adult
      nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Double immunohistochemical staining for keratin
      8/18 and ubiquitin was analyzed using 40 adult human nonalcoholic fatty liver
      disease core liver biopsies. Ballooned hepatocytes lack keratin 8/18 staining as
      previously shown by others, but normal-size hepatocytes with keratin loss are
      approximately 5 times greater in number than keratin-negative ballooned
      hepatocytes. Keratin-negative ballooned hepatocytes, normal-size hepatocytes with
      keratin loss, and ubiquitin deposits show a zonal distribution, are positively
      associated with each other, and are frequently found adjacent to or intermixed
      with fibrous matrix. All 3 lesions correlate with fibrosis stage and the
      hematoxylin and eosin diagnosis of steatohepatitis (all P < .05). Compared with
      hematoxylin and eosin staining, immunohistochemical staining improves the
      receiver operating characteristics curve for advanced fibrosis (0.77 versus 0.83,
      0.89, and 0.89 for keratin-negative ballooned hepatocytes, normal-size
      hepatocytes with keratin loss, and ubiquitin, respectively) because
      immunohistochemistry is more sensitive and specific for fibrogenic hepatocellular
      injury than hematoxylin and eosin staining. Keratin 8/18 plus ubiquitin double
      immunohistochemical stain improves detection of hepatocyte injury in nonalcoholic
      fatty liver disease. Thus, it may help differentiate nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
      from nonalcoholic fatty liver.

PMID- 22036057
TI  - Expected to deliver: alignment of regulation, training, and actual performance of
      emergency obstetric care providers in Malawi and Tanzania.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Policy, regulation, training, and support for cadres adopting tasks
      and roles outside their historical domain have lagged behind the practical shift
      in service-delivery on the ground. The Health Systems Strengthening for Equity
      (HSSE) project sought to assess the alignment between national policy and
      regulation, preservice training, district level expectations, and clinical
      practice of cadres providing some or all components of emergency obstetric care
      (EmOC) in Malawi and Tanzania. METHODS: A mixed methods approach was used,
      including key informant interviews, a survey of District Health Management Teams,
      and a survey of health providers employed at a representative sample of health
      facilities. RESULTS: A lack of alignment between national policy and regulation,
      training, and clinical practice was observed in both countries, particularly for
      cadres with less preservice training; a closer alignment was found between
      district level expectations and reported clinical practice. There is ineffective
      use of cadres that are trained and authorized to provide EmOC, but who are not
      delivering care, especially assisted vaginal delivery. CONCLUSION: Better
      alignment between policy and practice, and support and training, and more
      efficient utilization of clinical staff are needed to achieve the quality health
      care for which the Malawian and Tanzanian health ministries and governments are
      accountable.

PMID- 22036058
TI  - Regional variation in histopathology-specific incidence of invasive cervical
      cancer among Peruvian women.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate patterns of cervical cancer incidence in Peru by examining
      variation in 2 common histopathologic types, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and
      adenocarcinoma (ADC), and analyzing trends over time. METHODS: Data on the
      incidence of invasive cervical cancer between 1984 and 2006 were obtained from 3
      population-based cancer registries in Peru: Lima, Trujillo, and Arequipa. For
      each registry, data quality assessment was performed, crude and age-specific
      incidence was calculated, and time trends were analyzed. RESULTS: Overall and SCC
      incidence varied across registries but incidence of ADC did not. Overall and SCC
      incidence showed significant declines in Trujillo (P<0.05) and modest declines in
      Lima (P>0.05) over time. ADC incidence showed marginally significant increases
      among women aged 15-29 years in Trujillo (P=0.10) and modest increases among
      young women in Lima (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Population-based cancer registries were
      an efficient source of data for evaluating the incidence of cervical cancer once
      data quality had been established. Geographic and temporal variations in cervical
      cancer burden were documented in Peru. The trends suggest that cervical ADC is
      increasing among young women in urban Peru, particularly in Trujillo. We
      recommend supplementing current Papanicolaou test screening with complementary
      methods of cervical cancer control, including human papillomavirus (HPV)
      vaccination and HPV DNA testing.

PMID- 22036059
TI  - Effect of coadministration of dexamethasone with intrathecal morphine on
      postoperative outcomes after cesarean delivery.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of intrathecal dexamethasone administered
      with intrathecal morphine at cesarean delivery on postoperative adverse effects
      and patient satisfaction. METHODS: A triple-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled
      trial conducted between February 2008 and December 2009 of 120 pregnant women
      scheduled to undergo cesarean delivery. The patients were randomized into 2
      groups: group 1 received 0.2mg of intrathecal morphine plus 8 mg of intrathecal
      dexamethasone, while group 2 received 0.2mg of intrathecal morphine plus 0.9%
      saline solution (placebo). The occurrence of postoperative nausea and vomiting
      (PONV), postoperative itching, number of vomiting attacks, and need for
      antiemetics were recorded in both groups. Overall patient satisfaction was also
      recorded. RESULTS: PONV was 3 times less likely to occur in the dexamethasone
      group than in the placebo group. When vomiting did occur, the number of attacks
      was lower in the dexamethasone group (23 vs 87 attacks; OR 0.26, 95% CI, 0.18
      0.39). Administration of antiemetics was markedly lower in the dexamethasone
      group (18 vs 49 shots; OR 0.10, 95% CI, 0.04-0.23) and less postoperative itching
      was experienced (OR 0.39; 95% CI, 0.19-0.81). The dexamethasone group reported
      significantly higher mean overall satisfaction scores (77 +/- 17 vs 51 +/- 22;
      mean difference 26.00; 95% CI, 18.97-33.03). CONCLUSION: Intrathecal
      administration of dexamethasone with morphine significantly decreased PONV and
      improved overall patient satisfaction after cesarean delivery.

PMID- 22036060
TI  - Schistosoma mansoni infection among prenatal attendees at a secondary-care
      hospital in central Sudan.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the epidemiology of Schistosoma mansoni infection among
      pregnant women in a secondary-care hospital in Geizera state, Sudan. METHOD:
      Between August and September 2010, a cross-sectional study was conducted and
      questionnaires were administered to obtain basic sociodemographic and obstetric
      characteristics of pregnant women attending prenatal care at Araba Waeshreen
      Hospital. Stool samples were investigated for helminth infection via formol-ether
      concentration and Kato-Katz techniques. RESULTS: Of 292 pregnant women, 38
      (13.0%) had S. mansoni infections. Hymenolepis nana and hookworm infections were
      present in 5 (1.7%) and 1 (0.3%) women, respectively. The intensity of the S.
      mansoni infection was light, moderate, and high in 13 (34.2%), 21 (55.3%), and 4
      (10.5%) women, respectively. In multivariate analyses, parity, gestational age,
      and occupation were not associated with S. mansoni infection, unlike maternal age
      less than 20 years (odds ratio [OR] 9.8; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.5-16.3;
      P=0.01) and no education (OR 6.2; 95% CI, 2.8-12.9; P<0.001). CONCLUSION: There
      was a high level of S. mansoni infection among pregnant women in the present
      setting, especially among younger women and those with no education. Control and
      preventive measures should be used in the area.

PMID- 22036061
TI  - Assessment of knowledge and stigmatizing attitudes related to human
      papillomavirus among Hong Kong Chinese healthcare providers.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess knowledge and stigmatizing attitudes related to human
      papillomavirus (HPV) and HPV testing among Chinese healthcare providers in Hong
      Kong. METHODS: Between May and September 2010, an anonymous self-administered
      questionnaire was sent to 247 doctors, nurses, and smear-taking trainees
      providing cervical screening in Hong Kong. RESULTS: In total, 137 questionnaires
      were returned. Most participants had basic knowledge about HPV infection and HPV
      vaccination. Only about 33% knew that high-risk HPV does not cause genital warts,
      infection is most common among young women, or infected individuals might not
      have any identifiable sexual risk factors. Regarding HPV testing, 6 of 7
      knowledge items were answered incorrectly by many participants (>= 50%),
      highlighting a lack of understanding of the indications for HPV testing and the
      implications of a positive result. About 30% of participants agreed that
      individuals with HPV infection were sexually easy, responsible for their
      infection, or had more than 1 sexual partner. More knowledge about HPV infection
      predicted less stigmatizing attitudes. CONCLUSION: Continued education on HPV and
      HPV testing is needed for frontline healthcare providers of screening in Hong
      Kong. The stigmatizing attitudes toward HPV-infected individuals warrant further
      exploration of the impact of HPV infection on patient care and interventions.

PMID- 22036062
TI  - Coping strategies adopted by pregnant women in Pakistan to resist spousal
      violence.

PMID- 22036063
TI  - Low maternal vitamin D status during pregnancy requires appropriate therapeutic
      intervention.

PMID- 22036064
TI  - The structure of posttraumatic psychopathology in veterans attending primary
      care.
AB  - This study attempted to extend research indicating that posttraumatic stress
      disorder (PTSD) factors of Re-experiencing, Avoidance and Hyperarousal are more
      related to Fear/phobic disorders, while PTSD Dysphoria is more related to Anxious
      Misery disorders. Trauma exposure, PTSD and comorbidity data for 668 veteran
      patients were analysed using confirmatory factor analyses and relative strengths
      of the relationships between PTSD factors and the Fear and Anxious-Misery factors
      were assessed. Combining Simms, Watson, and Doebbeling's (2002) model of PTSD
      symptoms and Krueger's (1999) Fear/Anxious Misery model of mood and anxiety
      disorders fit the data well. Contrary to previous research, PTSD Re-experiencing,
      Avoidance and Hyperarousal did not correlate more with the Fear factor; nor did
      PTSD Dysphoria correlate more with Anxious-Misery. Hyperarousal was more closely
      related to Fear than was Re-experiencing; however, Avoidance was not. Dysphoria
      was more closely related to the Anxious-Misery factor than all other PTSD
      factors.

PMID- 22036065
TI  - Reading the ubiquitin postal code.
AB  - Polyubiquitin chains are assembled through the formation of an isopeptide bond
      between a lysine side-chain or terminal amino group of a proximal ubiquitin
      moiety and the carboxy-terminal of a distal ubiquitin moiety. Protein substrates
      tagged by polyubiquitin chains of different linkages undergo different fates.
      Many polyubiquitin chain types have been characterized so far, notably Lys11,
      Lys48, Lys63 and linear chains. These different types of chains are synthesized,
      disassembled and recognized by selective enzymes and receptors. Here I survey the
      structural basis for the selective binding of polyubiquitin chains of specific
      linkages, with an emphasis on recent advances in our understanding of
      polyubiquitin chain structure and functions. Recent work suggests linkage-type
      discrimination by members of the NF-kappab signalling and DNA repair pathways and
      a specific role for Lys48-linked polyubiquitin chain recognition by proteasome
      associated proteins.

PMID- 22036066
TI  - Social factors in the cultural evolution of language. Comment on "Modeling the
      cultural evolution of language" by Luc Steels.

PMID- 22036068
TI  - Abstract concepts in language and cognition. Commentary on "Modeling the cultural
      evolution of language" by Luc Steels.

PMID- 22036069
TI  - Elevated circulating levels of the serum acute-phase protein YKL-40 (chitinase 3
      like protein 1) are a marker of obesity and insulin resistance in prepubertal
      children.
AB  - YKL-40 (chitinase 3-like protein 1) is a newly recognized protein that is
      secreted by activated macrophages and neutrophils and expressed in a broad
      spectrum of inflammatory conditions and cancers. It has also been associated with
      endothelial dysfunction and diabetes in adults. Its role in childhood obesity has
      not been evaluated yet. Our aim was to evaluate the associations of serum YKL-40
      levels with markers of obesity, inflammation, and insulin resistance in children.
      Forty-one obese prepubertal children and 41 age- and sex-matched lean controls
      were included, and serum YKL-40 levels were determined. Body mass index (BMI),
      blood pressure (BP), body fat percentage, fasting glucose, insulin, homeostasis
      model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index, whole-body insulin
      sensitivity index, lipids, white blood cell (WBC) count, C-reactive protein, and
      fibrinogen levels were also assessed. Obese children had higher YKL-40 levels
      compared with controls (P = .003). Insulin-resistant individuals showed higher
      YKL-40 compared with non-insulin-resistant individuals after adjusting for age
      and BMI (adjusted P = .039). Serum YKL-40 levels were positively correlated with
      age, BMI, body fat percentage, fasting glucose and insulin, HOMA-IR index, whole
      body insulin sensitivity index, systolic BP, mean BP, and WBC count (P < .05).
      After adjustment for age, sex, BMI, WBC count, and systolic BP, HOMA-IR index
      remained significantly associated with YKL-40 levels (P < .001). The study
      suggests that YKL-40 levels are elevated in obese youth and represent a marker of
      insulin resistance even in childhood. Prospective studies are needed to determine
      whether children with elevated YKL-40 levels are at higher risk for future
      cardiovascular disease.

PMID- 22036070
TI  - Segmental arterial mediolysis--an iatrogenic vascular disorder induced by
      ractopamine.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Segmental arterial mediolysis, an uncommon arterial disorder most
      often occurring in the splanchnic muscular arteries of the abdomen, is a cause of
      catastrophic hemorrhages. Its histology and initial clinical presentations
      suggested that it represented a localized norepinephrine-induced vasospastic
      response to perturbations in vascular tone and blood volume distribution caused
      by coexisting vasoconstrictor conditions. However, later presentations were at
      odds with some aspects of this hypothesis. METHODS: Nine greyhound dogs were
      administered a single dose of ractopamine. Two dogs developing persistent
      conduction abnormalities with biochemical evidence of heart injury were
      euthanized and necropsied--one 4 days and the other 17 days after dosage This
      report is based on findings and comparisons of the canine abdominal and coronary
      arteries to segmental arterial mediolysis. RESULTS: Lesions having features of
      early-injurious-stage segmental arterial mediolysis were identified in the canine
      arteries 4 days postractopamine, and arteries examined after 17 days showed
      alterations typically occurring in reparative-stage segmental arterial
      mediolysis. It is suspected that ractopamine, a Beta-2 adrenergic agonist,
      created segmental arterial mediolysis by neuromodulating the peripheral
      sympathetic nervous system to release norepinephrine from varicosities of
      efferent nerves serving splanchnic arteries that stimulate alpha-1 receptors to
      induce injury at the adventitial medial junction and medial muscle apoptosis.
      CONCLUSION: This finding and other cited examples suggest that segmental arterial
      mediolysis may be a disorder principally caused by iatrogenic or accidental
      exposure to alpha-1 adrenergic receptor agonists or Beta-2 agonists able to
      release norepinephrine from the peripheral nervous system.

PMID- 22036071
TI  - Molecular changes in the heart of a severe case of arrhythmogenic right
      ventricular cardiomyopathy caused by a desmoglein-2 null allele.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC) is a genetic
      disorder caused by mutations in desmosomal genes. It is often associated with
      life-threatening arrhythmias. Some affected individuals develop progressive heart
      failure and may require cardiac transplantation. METHODS: The explanted heart of
      a young adult with end-stage heart failure due to a null allele in desmoglein-2
      was studied at macroscopic, microscopic, and molecular level. Myocardial samples
      were probed for junctional localization of desmosomal components and the gap
      junction protein connexin43 by immunohistochemical staining. In addition, the
      protein content of desmosomal and adherens junction markers as well as connexin43
      was assessed by Western blotting. RESULTS: Histological analysis confirmed ARVC.
      Despite the loss of specific immunoreactive signal for desmosomal components at
      the cardiac intercalated disks (shown for plakoglobin, desmoplakin, and
      plakophilin-2), these proteins could be detected by Western blotting. Only for
      desmoglein-2, desmocollin-2, and plakoglobin were reduced protein levels
      observed. Adherens junction proteins were not affected. Lower phosphorylation
      levels were observed for connexin43; however, localization of the gap junction
      protein displayed regional differences. At the molecular level, disease
      progression was more severe in the right ventricle compared to the left
      ventricle. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that, in the ARVC heart, plakoglobin is
      mainly redistributed from the junctions to other cellular pools and that protein
      degradation only plays a secondary role. Homogenous changes in the
      phosphorylation status of connexin43 were observed in multiple ARVC samples,
      suggesting that this might be a general feature of the disease.

PMID- 22036072
TI  - Single gene disorders of the aortic wall.
AB  - Genetic diseases that affect the vasculature primarily affect the aortic root and
      ascending aorta. These conditions lead to aortic root dilatation, which, if not
      treated, will result in dissection and death. Often, aortic disease is just one
      manifestation of a syndrome with diverse findings. Some of these diseases were
      described over 100 years ago based on physical manifestations, and their
      causative genes are among the first described Mendelian causes of cardiovascular
      disease. Within the pediatric and young adult population, there are over 15
      causes of ascending aortic disease. Previously, these diverse diseases, along
      with their histopathology, have been extensively characterized. Most genetic
      causes of root aneurysm are extremely rare. Amongst these, five diseases are
      relatively common with known genetic mutations for which pathologists should be
      familiar. These are Marfan syndrome, vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Loeys-Dietz
      syndrome, Turner syndrome, and familial thoracic aneurysm and dissection. This
      review will focus on these important causes of genetic aortic disease. The aim is
      to briefly describe the historical record and physical manifestations and then
      focus on cardiovascular complications, the causative genes, and current research
      into these entities.

PMID- 22036073
TI  - Ionic liquid/water interfacial localization of a green fluorescent protein fused
      to a tryptophan-rich peptide.
AB  - We report that several tryptophan-rich peptides exhibit an affinity for a
      hydrophobic ionic liquid (IL) (1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bis
      trifluoromethanesulfonyl imide), and that green fluorescent protein (GFP) fused
      to a peptides, "SSSWWSWWWW" (SW1) or "SWWWWSWWWW" (SW2), containing serine (S)
      and tryptophan (W) at the C terminus localized at the IL/water interface. While
      GFPs without W-rich peptide distributed only in water phase, SW1- and SW2-GFPs
      were accumulated at the interface. The localization of SW1-GFP showed biphasic
      behavior, and most distinctive localization was observed at 7.1 MUM. The
      localization of SW2-GFP presumably occurred at largely lower concentration (<=0.5
      MUM) than that of SW1-GFP, which difference was due to the higher hydrophobicity
      of SW2 peptide.

PMID- 22036074
TI  - Biosurfactant-producing bacterium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa MA01 isolated from
      spoiled apples: physicochemical and structural characteristics of isolated
      biosurfactant.
AB  - An extensive investigation was conducted to isolate indigenous bacterial strains
      with outstanding performance for biosurfactant production from different types of
      spoiled fruits, food-related products and food processing industries. An isolate
      was selected from 800 by the highest biosurfactant yield in soybean oil medium
      and it was identified by 16S rRNA and the two most relevant hypervariable regions
      of this gene; V3 and V6 as Pseudomonas aeruginosa MA01. The isolate was able to
      produce 12 g/l of a glycolipid-type biosurfactant and generally less efficient to
      emulsify vegetable oils compared to hydrocarbons and could emulsify corn and
      coconut oils more than 50%. However, emulsification index (E(24)) of different
      hydrocarbons including hexane, toluene, xylene, brake oil, kerosene and
      hexadecane was between 55.8% and 100%. The surface tension of pure water
      decreased gradually with increasing biosurfactant concentration to 32.5 mNm(-1)
      with critical micelle concentration (CMC) value of 10.1mg/l. Among all carbon
      substrates examined, vegetable oils were the most effective on biosurfactant
      production. Two glycolipid fractions were purified from the biosurfactant crude
      extracts, and FTIR and ES-MS were used to determine the structure of these
      compounds. The analysis indicated the presence of three major monorhamnolipid
      species: R(1)C(10)C(10), R(1)C(10)C(12:1), and R(1)C(10)C(12); as well as another
      three major dirhamnolipid species: R(2)C(10)C(10), R(2)C(10)C(12:1), and
      R(2)C(10)C(12). The strain sweep experiment for measuring the linear viscoelastic
      of biosurfactant showed that typical behavior characteristics of a weak
      viscoelastic gel, with storage modulus greater than loss modulus at all
      frequencies examined, both showing some frequency dependence.

PMID- 22036075
TI  - Ralstonia sp. U2 naphthalene dioxygenase and Comamonas sp. JS765 nitrobenzene
      dioxygenase show differences in activity towards methylated naphthalenes.
AB  - Methylsubstituted naphthalenes constitute a significant part of light gas oil
      fractions (LGO). These are toxic compounds with low fuel value, and can
      potentially be enzymatically modified to increase the fuel value and at the same
      time reduce toxicity. The first step in the biodegradation of naphthalene
      involves dioxygenation of the aromatic ring catalysed by naphthalene dioxygenase
      (NDO). Here we show that recombinantly produced NDO from Ralstonia sp. U2 and the
      related nitrobenzene dioxygenase (NBDO) from Comamonas sp. JS765 can use several
      mono-, di-, tri-, and tetramethylated naphthalenes as substrates. For the
      majority of the substrates both enzymes catalyse the formation of a mixture of
      mono- and dioxygenated products, and it is only dioxygenated products that are
      likely to be processed further, leading to ring cleavage. In some cases, like for
      1-methylnaphthalene, NDO mainly generates the monooxygenated form, while with
      NBDO, the dioxygenated form dominates. In other cases, as for 1,4
      dimethylnaphthalene, the monooxygenated product dominates with NDO, whereas NBDO
      generates similar amounts of both forms. Presumably, the best future strategy for
      bioconversion of methylated naphthalenes in LGO is to develop engineered enzyme
      that are optimised with respect to the specific composition of naphthalene
      derivatives found in a given product.

PMID- 22036076
TI  - Modelling of growth, growth/no-growth interface and nonthermal inactivation areas
      of Listeria in foods.
AB  - Growth, growth boundary and inactivation models have been extensively developed
      in predictive microbiology and are commonly applied in food research nowadays.
      Few studies though report the development of models which encompass all three
      areas together. A tiered modelling approach, based on the Gamma hypothesis, is
      proposed here to predict the behaviour of Listeria. Datasets of Listeria spp.
      behaviour in laboratory media, meat, dairy, seafood products and vegetables were
      collected from literature, unpublished sources and from the databases ComBase and
      Sym'Previus. The explanatory factors were temperature, pH, water activity, lactic
      and sorbic acids. For the growth part, 697 growth kinetic datasets were fitted.
      The estimated growth rates and 2021 additional growth primary datasets were used
      to fit the secondary growth models. In a second step, the fitted model was used
      to predict the growth/no-growth boundary. For the inactivation modelling phase,
      535 inactivation curves were used. Gamma models with and without interactions
      between the explanatory factors were used for the growth and boundary models. The
      correct prediction percentage (predicted growth when growth is observed+predicted
      inactivation when inactivation is observed) varied from 62% to 81% for the models
      without interactions, and from 85% to 87% for the models with interactions. The
      median error for the predicted population size was less than 0.34 log(10)(CFU/mL)
      for all models. The kinetics of inactivation were fitted with modified Weibull
      primary models and the estimated bacterial resistance was then modelled as a
      function of the explanatory factors. The error for the predicted microbial
      population size was less than 0.71 log(10)(CFU/mL) with a median value of less
      than 0.21 for all foods. The model enables the quantification of the increase or
      decrease in the bacterial population for a given formulation or storage
      condition. It might also be used to optimise a food formulation or storage
      condition in the case of a targeted increase or decrease of the bacterial
      population.

PMID- 22036077
TI  - A single method for recovery and concentration of enteric viruses and bacteria
      from fresh-cut vegetables.
AB  - Fresh-cut vegetables are prone to be contaminated with foodborne pathogens during
      growth, harvest, transport and further processing and handling. As most of these
      products are generally eaten raw or mildly treated, there is an increase in the
      number of outbreaks caused by viruses and bacteria associated with fresh
      vegetables. Foodborne pathogens are usually present at very low levels and have
      to be concentrated (i.e. viruses) or enriched (i.e. bacteria) to enhance their
      detection. With this aim, a rapid concentration method has been developed for the
      simultaneous recovery of hepatitis A virus (HAV), norovirus (NV), murine
      norovirus (MNV) as a surrogate for NV, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria
      monocytogenes and Salmonella enterica. Initial experiments focused on evaluating
      the elution conditions suitable for virus release from vegetables. Finally,
      elution with buffered peptone water (BPW), using a Pulsifier, and concentration
      by polyethylene glycol (PEG) precipitation were the methods selected for the
      elution and concentration of both, enteric viruses and bacteria, from three
      different types of fresh-cut vegetables by quantitative PCR (qPCR) using specific
      primers. The average recoveries from inoculated parsley, spinach and salad, were
      ca. 9.2%, 43.5%, and 20.7% for NV, MNV, and HAV, respectively. Detection limits
      were 132 RT-PCR units (PCRU), 1.5 50% tissue culture infectious dose (TCID50),
      and 6.6 TCID50 for NV, MNV, and HAV, respectively. This protocol resulted in
      average recoveries of 57.4%, 64.5% and 64.6% in three vegetables for E. coli
      O157:H7, L. monocytogenes and Salmonella with corresponding detection limits of
      103, 102 and 103 CFU/g, respectively. Based on these results, it can be concluded
      that the procedure herein is suitable to recover, detect and quantify enteric
      viruses and foodborne pathogenic bacteria within 5 h and can be applied for the
      simultaneous detection of both types of foodborne pathogens in fresh-cut
      vegetables.

PMID- 22036079
TI  - Modafinil treatment prevents REM sleep deprivation-induced brain function
      impairment by increasing MMP-9 expression.
AB  - Previous work showed that sleep deprivation (SD) impairs hippocampal-dependent
      cognitive function and synaptic plasticity, and a novel wake-promoting agent
      modafinil prevents SD-induced memory impairment in rat. However, the mechanisms
      by which modafinil prevented REM-SD-induced impairment of brain function remain
      poorly understood. In the present study, rats were sleep-deprived by using the
      modified multiple platform method and brain function was detected. The results
      showed that modafinil treatment prevented REM-SD-induced impairment of cognitive
      function. Modafinil significantly reduced the number of errors compared to
      placebo and upregulated synapsin I expression in the dorsal hippocampal CA3
      region. A synaptic plasticity-related gene, MMP-9 expression was also upregulated
      in modafinil-treated rats. Importantly, downregulation of MMP-9 expression by
      special siRNA decreased synapsin I protein levels and synapse numbers. Therefore,
      we demonstrated that modafinil increased cognition function and synaptic
      plasticity, at least in part by increasing MMP-9 expression in REM-SD rats.

PMID- 22036080
TI  - Lithium, phenserine, memantine and pioglitazone reverse memory deficit and
      restore phospho-GSK3beta decreased in hippocampus in intracerebroventricular
      streptozotocin induced memory deficit model.
AB  - Intracerebroventricular (ICV) streptozotocin (STZ) treated rat has been described
      as a suitable model for sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD). Central application of
      STZ has demonstrated behavioral and neurochemical features that resembled those
      found in human AD. Chronic treatments with antioxidants, acetylcholinesterase
      (AChE) inhibitors, or improving glucose utilization drugs have reported a
      beneficial effect in ICV STZ-treated rats. In the present study the post-training
      administration of a glycogen synthase kinase (GSK3) inhibitor, lithium;
      antidementia drugs: phenserine and memantine, and insulin sensitizer,
      pioglitazone on memory function of ICV STZ-rats was assessed. In these same
      animals the phosphorylated GSK3beta (p-GSK3beta) and total GSK3beta levels were
      determined, and importantly GSK3beta regulates the tau phosphorylation
      responsible for neurofibrillary tangle formation in AD. Wistar rats received ICV
      STZ application (3mg/kg twice) and 2 weeks later short- (STM) and long-term
      memories (LTM) were assessed in an autoshaping learning task. Animals were
      sacrificed immediately following the last autoshaping session, their brains
      removed and dissected. The enzymes were measured in the hippocampus and
      prefrontal cortex (PFC) by western blot. ICV STZ-treated rats showed a memory
      deficit and significantly decreased p-GSK3beta levels, while total GSK3beta did
      not change, in both the hippocampus and PFC. Memory impairment was reversed by
      lithium (100mg/kg), phenserine (1mg/kg), memantine (5mg/kg) and pioglitazone (30
      mg/kg). The p-GSK3beta levels were restored by lithium, phenserine and
      pioglitazone in the hippocampus, and restored by lithium in the PFC. Memantine
      produced no changes in p-GSK3beta levels in neither the hippocampus nor PFC.
      Total GSK3beta levels did not change with either drug. Altogether these results
      show the beneficial effects of drugs with different mechanisms of actions on
      memory impairment induced by ICV STZ, and restored p-GSK3beta levels, a kinase
      key of signaling cascade of insulin receptor.

PMID- 22036081
TI  - Influence of time to achieve substrate distribution equilibrium between brain
      tissue and blood on quantitation of the blood-brain barrier P-glycoprotein
      effect.
AB  - Active efflux transport processes at the blood-brain barrier (BBB), such as P
      glycoprotein (P-gp)-mediated efflux, can limit brain uptake of therapeutics.
      Accurate determination of the consequent impact on brain uptake is assumed to
      require sampling post-attainment of brain-to-blood distribution equilibrium.
      Because this approach is not always feasible, understanding the relationship
      between apparent degree of efflux (e.g., calculated BBB P-gp effect) and the
      fraction of time remaining until distribution equilibrium is achieved (FTDE)
      would be advantageous. This study employed simulation strategies to explore this
      relationship in the simplest relevant system (absence of protein binding,
      saturable uptake, or metabolism at the BBB). Concentration-time profiles were
      simulated with a 4-compartment system (blood, peripheral tissues, BBB endothelium
      and brain parenchyma). A unidirectional endothelium-to-blood rate constant,
      PS(e), represented P-gp-mediated efflux. A parameter space was selected to
      simulate an 18-fold P-gp effect, (K(p,brain) at distribution equilibrium in the
      absence [K(p,brain)=82] vs. presence [K(p,brain)=4.5] of P-gp-mediated flux), as
      observed for paclitaxel in P-gp-deficient vs. P-gp-competent mice. Hypothetical
      compounds with different P-gp effects, peripheral compartment distribution
      kinetics, or times to achieve distribution equilibrium were simulated by
      perturbing the values of relevant model parameters. P-gp effects calculated prior
      to attainment of distribution equilibrium may be substantially erroneous.
      However, reasonably accurate estimates can be obtained relatively early in the
      net distributional phase (under 20% error at FTDE>0.36 or 0.11 for bolus or
      infusion administration, respectively). Potential errors associated with non
      equilibrium calculations are dependent on both P-gp-mediated and P-gp-independent
      components of flux across the BBB.

PMID- 22036082
TI  - Emetine treatment masks initial LTP without affecting long-term stability.
AB  - Applying emetine, a protein synthesis inhibitor, at 20-40MUM for 90-120 min prior
      to LTP induction in hippocampal slices from young rats (2-3 weeks) and washing it
      out afterwards revealed a slowly developing potentiation that reached maximum
      after 20-30 min, distinct from the LTP observed under normal conditions.
      Nevertheless, the later phase of this potentiation was similar to standard LTP as
      judged by experiments lasting up to 8h after induction. Emetine preapplication
      for 3h without subsequent washout resulted in a substantial decay of evoked
      responses. By comparison between test and control pathways, LTP could still be
      assessed in these experiments for up to 4-6h after induction and was found not to
      differ from normal, except for the slow onset. The NMDA-R blocker AP5 fully
      blocked LTP; however, with emetine pretreatment there was an initial depression
      of responses with a gradual recovery during 20-30 min. This depression involved
      not only the field EPSP but also the presynaptic fiber volley. However, when
      using the protein synthesis inhibitors cycloheximide and anisomycin there was
      essentially no such depression. In conclusion, the present results support the
      idea that preexisting proteins are sufficient for inducing stable LTP. Moreover,
      emetine but not anisomycin or cycloheximide impairs presynaptic action
      potentials, leading to an apparent slow onset of LTP. The emetine-dependent
      effect could be due to a characteristic blocking spectrum of the drug, preferred
      targeting of presynaptic compartments or effects unrelated to protein synthesis.

PMID- 22036083
TI  - Craniofacial morphology of Homo floresiensis: description, taxonomic affinities,
      and evolutionary implication.
AB  - This paper describes in detail the external morphology of LB1/1, the nearly
      complete and only known cranium of Homo floresiensis. Comparisons were made with
      a large sample of early groups of the genus Homo to assess primitive, derived,
      and unique craniofacial traits of LB1 and discuss its evolution. Principal
      cranial shape differences between H. floresiensis and Homo sapiens are also
      explored metrically. The LB1 specimen exhibits a marked reductive trend in its
      facial skeleton, which is comparable to the H. sapiens condition and is probably
      associated with reduced masticatory stresses. However, LB1 is craniometrically
      different from H. sapiens showing an extremely small overall cranial size, and
      the combination of a primitive low and anteriorly narrow vault shape, a
      relatively prognathic face, a rounded oval foramen that is greatly separated
      anteriorly from the carotid canal/jugular foramen, and a unique, tall orbital
      shape. Whereas the neurocranium of LB1 is as small as that of some Homo habilis
      specimens, it exhibits laterally expanded parietals, a weak suprameatal crest, a
      moderately flexed occipital, a marked facial reduction, and many other derived
      features that characterize post-habilis Homo. Other craniofacial characteristics
      of LB1 include, for example, a relatively narrow frontal squama with flattened
      right and left sides, a marked frontal keel, posteriorly divergent temporal
      lines, a posteriorly flexed anteromedial corner of the mandibular fossa, a
      bulbous lateral end of the supraorbital torus, and a forward protruding maxillary
      body with a distinct infraorbital sulcus. LB1 is most similar to early Javanese
      Homo erectus from Sangiran and Trinil in these and other aspects. We conclude
      that the craniofacial morphology of LB1 is consistent with the hypothesis that H.
      floresiensis evolved from early Javanese H. erectus with dramatic island
      dwarfism. However, further field discoveries of early hominin skeletal remains
      from Flores and detailed analyses of the finds are needed to understand the
      evolutionary history of this endemic hominin species.

PMID- 22036084
TI  - Chromatographic sample collection from two-phase (gas+liquid) flows.
AB  - A particularly challenging sample presentation in analytical chemistry is a
      flowing stream that consists of both a gas and liquid phase, combined with the
      common situation in which a reliable analysis is needed for both phases,
      separately. In these cases, the vapor and liquid must be physically separated
      (without change to either), before the individual phases can be collected and
      analyzed. It is not possible to analyze two-phase flows otherwise. Although the
      two phases are at equilibrium, it is imperative that no liquid contaminate the
      vapor, and no vapor be entrained in the liquid at a given temperature and
      pressure. In this paper, we describe a simple on-line device that can
      individually separate and collect the vapor and liquid phases of a two-phase
      flow. The apparatus, which we call P(2)SC, uses an adaptation of the branch point
      separator, with vapor collection done downstream in a metal bellows. The liquid
      collection is done in a length of Teflon tube. The separated vapor and liquid
      phases are then easily transferred into any desired analytical instrument with a
      syringe, although any sample introduction method, such as a valve, could be used
      as well. We discuss the application of this device with a stream of thermally
      stressed rocket kerosene.

PMID- 22036085
TI  - Effect of reaction solvent on the preparation of thermo-responsive stationary
      phase through a surface initiated atom transfer radical polymerization.
AB  - Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PIPAAm) brush grafted silica beads, a thermo
      responsive chromatographic stationary phase, were prepared through a surface
      initiated atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) using 2-propanol, N,N
      dimethylformamide (DMF), and water as reaction solvents. The rate of grafting
      PIPAAm on silica bead surfaces was different and found to be dependent on the
      reactivity of reaction solvent. Temperature-dependent elution profiles of
      hydrophobic steroids from the prepared-beads-packed columns were found to be
      different, although the graft amounts of PIPAAm were similar on silica bead
      surfaces. Especially, prepared beads using 2-propanol exhibited a higher
      resolution than those using DMF. Calibration curves using glucose and pullulan
      suggested that beads prepared using DMF prohibited analytes to diffuse into the
      pores. On the contrary, beads prepared using 2-propanol allowed analytes to
      diffuse into the pores. The pore diameter of the prepared beads, measured by N(2)
      adsorption-desorption measurement, suggested that beads using 2-propanol has
      relatively larger pore diameter than those using DMF. Thus, the reaction solvent
      in surfaces-initiated ATRP affected the grafting configuration of PIPAAm on
      porous silica-bead surfaces, leading to the different separation efficiency of
      stationary phase for bioactive compounds.

PMID- 22036086
TI  - Correlations between conformational isomerism and chromatographic
      diastereoselectivity of bis amino amide s-triazine derivatives.
AB  - NMR spectroscopy was used to probe the conformational behavior of diastereomeric
      s-triazine derivatives containing two chiral amino amide substituents, in order
      to shed light onto the mechanism of chromatographic diastereoselectivity.
      Utilizing the amino hydrogen signals in the proton NMR spectrum, the population
      of the conformations caused by rotation about the bond between the amino nitrogen
      and aromatic carbon atoms could be observed. The population distribution between
      the three possible conformations was similar but not identical between the two
      diastereomers, with similar trends being observed for both bis alanine amide and
      bis valine amide derivatives. Based on a simple model in which it is assumed that
      adsorption to the hydrophobic RP-LC stationary phase occurs only for the
      conformations having both amino amide R-groups on the same side of the triazine
      ring plane, the different conformation populations between the two diastereomers
      obtained by NMR was consistent with the observed RP-LC elution order (L-L
      diastereomer followed by L-D). The predicted diastereoselectivity values from NMR
      data were compared to RP-LC diastereoselectivity values obtained using both C18
      and polymeric columns, with both acetonitrile/water and DMSO/water mobile phases.
      Values obtained with the polymeric column were in better agreement with
      calculated values than those obtained with the C18 column, suggesting that the
      simple adsorption model used to calculate the diastereoselectivity is more
      relevant towards a simple hydrophobic polymeric surface rather than a more
      complex C18 stationary phase. This study indicates that proton NMR is a useful
      tool for studying the diastereoselective mechanism of these derivatives, due to
      the relatively slow C-N bond rotation caused by the significant sp(2) character
      of the amino nitrogen atoms.

PMID- 22036087
TI  - Analysis of metallothionein by capillary electrophoresis.
AB  - Metallothioneins (MTs) belong to proteins playing a key role in metal ion
      homeostasis, maintenance of the redox pool and free radical scavenging in both
      prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells. Strong interactions of the MTs with essential
      and non-essential metal ions as well as unique MT structure and behavior under
      various conditions are subjects of numerous studies. Among other analytical
      techniques, capillary electrophoresis (CE) has been proven to be an effective
      tool not only for determination of MT in biological samples, but also for the
      identification of its isoforms and sub-isoforms in various types of samples.
      Moreover, CE has a great potential to investigate MT-metal and MT-protein
      interactions, which has not been fully utilized yet. Thus, it is not surprising
      that numerous studies devoted to the optimization of CE conditions such as
      background electrolyte composition, electrolyte modifiers and/or capillary
      surface modifications have been carried out since MT's discovery in 1957. From
      the MTs' detection point of view, optical detectors including absorbance, laser
      induced fluorescence have been employed. Also mass spectrometric detection
      coupled to the various ionization techniques including inductively coupled plasma
      (ICP) and electrospray ionization (ESI) has been utilized for detail MT
      characterization and sensitive determination. In this paper, articles published
      from eighties to 2011 are reviewed, presenting both optimization of key
      parameters of CE method for MT determination as well as utilization of CE as a
      routine analytical technique for further investigation of complex biological and
      biochemical processes where MT is a key component.

PMID- 22036088
TI  - Presence of chemotherapy-induced toxicity predicts improved survival in patients
      with localised extremity osteosarcoma treated with doxorubicin and cisplatin: a
      report from the European Osteosarcoma Intergroup.
AB  - AIM: Chemotherapy-induced toxicity is an independent prognostic indicator in
      several cancers. We aimed to determine whether toxicity was related to survival
      and histological response in high-grade localised extremity osteosarcoma. We
      undertook a retrospective analysis of patients treated within three consecutive
      randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of the European Osteosarcoma Intergroup.
      METHODS: Between 1982 and 2002, 533 patients were randomised to six cycles of
      doxorubicin 75 mg/m(2) and cisplatin 100 mg/m(2). Toxicity data were collected
      prospectively and graded according to the World Health Organisation (WHO)
      criteria. Standard univariate and multivariate models were constructed to examine
      the relationship between reported toxicity, survival, and histological response.
      RESULTS: Five- and 10-year overall survival was 57% (95% confidence interval (CI)
      52-61%) and 53% (49-58%), respectively. Grades 3-4 oral mucositis (hazard ratio
      (HR) 0.51, 95% CI 0.29-0.91), grades 1-2 nausea/vomiting (HR 0.37, 95% CI 0.16
      0.85), grades 1-2 thrombocytopenia (HR 0.49, 95% CI 0.27-0.87), good histological
      response (HR 0.42, 95% CI 0.27-0.65), and distal tumour site (HR 0.45, 95% CI
      0.28-0.71) were associated with improved survival in multivariate analysis. The
      only factors that were independently associated with histological response were
      older age (odds ratio (OR) 0.18, 95% CI 0.04-0.72) and chondroblastic tumour (OR
      0.28, 95% CI 0.10-0.77), both being associated with a significantly lower chance
      of achieving a good response. CONCLUSION: Chemotherapy-induced toxicity predicts
      survival in patients with localised extremity osteosarcoma. Investigation of the
      pharmacogenomic mechanisms of constitutional chemosensitivity underlying these
      observations will present opportunities for personalising treatment and could
      lead to improved outcomes.

PMID- 22036089
TI  - Establishing an EGFR mutation screening service for non-small cell lung cancer -
      sample quality criteria and candidate histological predictors.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: EGFR screening requires good quality tissue, sensitivity and turn
      around time (TAT). We report our experience of routine screening, describing
      sample type, TAT, specimen quality (cellularity and DNA yield), histopathological
      description, mutation result and clinical outcome. METHODS: Non-small cell lung
      cancer (NSCLC) sections were screened for EGFR mutations (M+) in exons 18-21.
      Clinical, pathological and screening outcome data were collected for year 1 of
      testing. Screening outcome alone was collected for year 2. RESULTS: In year 1,
      152 samples were tested, most (72%) were diagnostic. TAT was 4.9 days
      (95%confidence interval (CI)=4.5-5.5). EGFR-M+ prevalence was 11% and higher
      (20%) among never-smoking women with adenocarcinomas (ADCs), but 30% of mutations
      occurred in current/ex-smoking men. EGFR-M+ tumours were non-mucinous ADCs and
      100% thyroid transcription factor (TTF1+). No mutations were detected in poorly
      differentiated NSCLC-not otherwise specified (NOS). There was a trend for
      improved overall survival (OS) among EGFR-M+ versus EGFR-M- patients (median
      OS=78 versus 17 months). In year 1, test failure rate was 19%, and associated
      with scant cellularity and low DNA concentrations. However 75% of samples with
      poor cellularity but representative of tumour were informative and mutation
      prevalence was 9%. In year 2, 755 samples were tested; mutation prevalence was
      13% and test failure only 5.4%. Although samples with low DNA concentration (<2
      ng/MUL) had more test failures (30% versus 3.9% for [DNA]>2.2 ng/MUL), the
      mutation rate was 9.2%. CONCLUSION: Routine epidermal growth factor receptor
      (EGFR) screening using diagnostic samples is fast and feasible even on samples
      with poor cellularity and DNA content. Mutations tend to occur in better
      differentiated non-mucinous TTF1+ ADCs. Whether these histological criteria may
      be useful to select patients for EGFR testing merits further investigation.

PMID- 22036090
TI  - Evolutionary origin of bipolar disorder-revised: EOBD-R.
AB  - The hypothesis of the evolutionary origin of bipolar disorder (EOBD) synthesized
      ideas about the biological clock and seasonal shifts in mood (Rosenthal, Wehr)
      with theorizing that bipolar disorder descends from a pyknic (compact, cold
      adapted) group (Kretchmer). The hypothesis suggested that bipolar behaviors
      evolved in the northern temperate zone as highly derived adaptations to the
      selective pressures of severe climatic conditions during the Pleistocene. Given
      evidence of Neandertal contributions to the human genome, the hypothesis is
      extended (EOBD-R) to suggest Neandertal as the ancestral source for bipolar
      vulnerability genes (susceptibility alleles). The EOBD-R hypothesis explains and
      integrates existing observations: bipolar disorder has the epidemiology of an
      adaptation; it is correlated with a cold-adapted build, and its moods vary
      according to light and season. Since the hypothesis was first published, data
      consistent with it have continued to appear. Individuals with seasonal affective
      disorder, which is related to bipolar disorder, have been shown to manifest a
      biological signal of season change similar to that found in hibernating animals.
      The involvement of the circadian gene network in the pathophysiology of bipolar
      disorder has been confirmed. Because selective pressures during the Pleistocene
      would have been greatest for women of reproductive age, they are expected to
      manifest winter depression more than males or younger females, which is the case.
      (This sex difference is also found in hibernating mammals.) Because it is
      hypothesized that the evolution of bipolar disorder took place in the northern
      temperate zone during the Pleistocene, it is not expected that individuals of
      African descent, lacking Neandertal genes, will manifest circular bipolar I
      disorder, and in fact, the incidence of bipolar disorder among black individuals
      is less than among whites. A definitive test of the hypothesis is proposed: It is
      predicted that the bipolar and Neandertal genomes will be more similar than the
      modern human and Neandertal genomes, and the modern human and San and Yoruba
      genomes will be more similar than the bipolar and San and Yoruba genomes. Failure
      to confirm these predictions will falsify the EOBD-R hypothesis. The EOBD-R
      hypothesis has important implications in the search for bipolar vulnerability
      genes and our understanding of ourselves and our Neandertal ancestor. At a
      practical level, confirmation of the EOBD-R hypothesis will boost interest and
      research in the prevention and management of bipolar symptoms by manipulation of
      ambient light.

PMID- 22036091
TI  - Might the inability to feel pleasure (anhedonia) explain the symptoms of major
      depression and schizophrenia, including unmotivated anxiety, delusions and
      hallucinations?
AB  - Inability to enjoy normally pleasurable experiences (anhedonia) is a symptom
      common both to major depression and schizophrenia. It also regularly accompanies
      and follows stress, and its presence in the two mental illnesses could depend on
      the fact that both are facilitated and often preceded by stressful events.
      Anhedonia might possibly accompany stress because the loss of the pleasure of
      aiming for a goal and achieving it (including defending oneself and escaping from
      a danger) could lead to immobility, and immobility (playing dead) offers the
      extreme chance of safety when an animal is facing the worst possible stressful
      situation--being seized by a predator--as in this case any movement can further
      stimulate the predator's aggressiveness. Perceiving and connecting sensory
      information also gives pleasure, and this appears to enhance the clarity of
      sensations and is an important factor in learning. We propose that anhedonia, by
      reducing or eliminating the pleasure, might jeopardize the usual appearance of
      the environment, which must not only be clearly perceived but also continuously
      interpreted (for instance a foreshortening, or something far off seen as small,
      must not be seen as a real deformation; the same holds for words, where the
      meaning has to be grasped from the single letters, and so on). Consequently,
      anhedonia could in some cases make the environment's image strange, distorted and
      frightening, and this could cause anxiety, confusion, and give problems in
      contacts with people and things. As correct information about images and sounds
      can inhibit visual and auditory hallucinations (considering them, like delusions,
      as attempts to reconstruct and make sense again of a world that is becoming
      confused and alien), we propose that anhedonia, interfering with the correct
      perceiving and processing of sensations, may facilitate them.

PMID- 22036092
TI  - Dopamine sudden depletion as a model for mixed depression.
AB  - Up to date research on Bipolar Disorders' phenomenology is in keeping with early
      descriptions made by E. Kraepelin regarding the overlap in clinical presentation
      of both manic and depressive symptoms, namely, mixed states. The latter
      constitute a highly prevalent and characteristic clinical presentation of Bipolar
      Disorders' and entail therapeutic difficulties, prognostic implications and
      increased suicidal risk. Notwithstanding, mixed states', more specifically mixed
      depression, have been underestimated and bypassed to the point where currently
      neither diagnostic criteria nor specific therapeutic recommendations are
      provided. In addition to the lack of agreement on nosography and diagnostic
      criteria, mixed depression is usually excluded from Bipolar Disorders'
      neurobiological models. Furthermore, renewed interest in the role of dopamine in
      Bipolar Disorders' physiopathology has left aside hypothesis that may account for
      the aforementioned clinical presentation. Interestingly enough, other syndromes
      arising from sudden dopamine depletion such as neuroleptic dysphoria or
      withdrawal syndromes from dopaminergic drugs, bear remarkable clinical
      similarities with mixed depression. These syndromes have been subject of further
      research and may thus provide a model for mixed states' physiopathology. Indeed,
      this article accounts for clinical similarities between mixed depression,
      neuroleptic induced dysphoria, and other behavioural syndromes arising from
      sudden dopamine depletion. After reviewing neurochemical basis of such syndromes
      we present, to the best of our knowledge, the first neurobiological hypothesis
      for mixed depression. Specifically, such hypothesis regards over activation
      symptoms as auto regulatory attempts to compensate for sudden dopaminergic
      depletion. This hypothesis provides with a beginning step for the neglected
      problem of mixed depression, a non-antithetic link between the dopaminergic
      hypothesis for both manic and depressive symptoms, a plausible explanation
      regarding inter individual variability to mixed depression susceptibility, and
      suggests new approaches for the development of novel treatments in which dopamine
      dysregulation should be targeted.

PMID- 22036093
TI  - Special features of right bundle branch block in patients with arrhythmogenic
      right ventricular cardiomyopathy/dysplasia.
AB  - We searched for special features in patients with complete and incomplete right
      bundle branch block diagnosed as having arrhythmogenic right ventricular
      cardiomyopathy/dysplasia. Whether right bundle branch block is a frequent finding
      in arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy should be studied. The
      question is whether special features exist such as T-wave inversions, localized
      right precordial QRS prolongation and r'/s ratio<1. RESULTS: ARVC could be
      diagnosed according to ISFC/ESC criteria in 374 patients. CRBBB was found in 22
      cases (6%) and iCRBBB was present in 47 cases (12.5%). In CRBBB T wave inversions
      >= V4 was found in 10 cases (n.s.) and r'/s ratio<1 was present in 12 cases
      (p<0.001). In iCRBBB T wave inversions >= V4 was found in 10 cases (n.s.) and ST
      segment elevation in right precordial leads was present in 19 cases (p<0.005). In
      all patients with ARVC localized right precordial QRS prolongation was found.
      Patients with CRBBB have a bad prognosis: 17 of 22 patients developed
      biventricular heart failure requiring heart transplantation and diuretic therapy.
      CONCLUSIONS: CRBBB and iCRBBB are infrequent findings in arrhythmogenic right
      ventricular cardiomyopathy. Complete right bundle branch block is characterized
      by r'/s ratio<1. There are no significant T wave inversions >= V4. Incomplete
      right bundle branch block is characterized by ST segment elevation in right
      precordial leads but not by T wave inversions >= V4.

PMID- 22036094
TI  - New insights into the natural history of asthma: primary prevention on the
      horizon.
AB  - Recent studies of the natural history of asthma have shifted attention toward
      viral respiratory tract illness in early life as a major risk factor associated
      with the development of the most persistent forms of the disease. Although early
      aeroallergen sensitization is strongly associated with chronic asthma, several
      trials in which single-aeroallergen exposure in pregnancy and early childhood was
      successfully accomplished and compared with sham avoidance have failed to show
      any decrease in asthma incidence. New evidence suggests that complex interactions
      occur between viral infection and aeroallergen sensitization in genetically
      susceptible subjects that trigger the immune responses and airway changes that
      are characteristic of persistent asthma. The finding that exposure to bacterial
      products among children raised on farms is associated with diminished asthma
      prevalence during the school years has now been replicated, and experimental
      studies have suggested that these effects are mediated by the activation of
      regulatory T cells in the airway. It is thus plausible to hypothesize that
      primary prevention of asthma could be attained through surrogate therapeutic
      interventions that activate similar mechanisms in young children at high risk for
      asthma.

PMID- 22036096
TI  - A genome-wide meta-analysis of genetic variants associated with allergic rhinitis
      and grass sensitization and their interaction with birth order.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hay fever or seasonal allergic rhinitis (AR) is a chronic disorder
      associated with IgE sensitization to grass. The underlying genetic variants have
      not been studied comprehensively. There is overwhelming evidence that those who
      have older siblings have less AR, although the mechanism for this remains
      unclear. OBJECTIVE: We sought to identify common genetic variant associations
      with prevalent AR and grass sensitization using existing genome-wide association
      study (GWAS) data and to determine whether genetic variants modify the protective
      effect of older siblings. METHOD: Approximately 2.2 million genotyped or imputed
      single nucleotide polymorphisms were investigated in 4 large European adult
      cohorts for AR (3,933 self-reported cases vs 8,965 control subjects) and grass
      sensitization (2,315 cases vs 10,032 control subjects). RESULTS: Three loci
      reached genome-wide significance for either phenotype. The HLA variant rs7775228,
      which cis-regulates HLA-DRB4, was strongly associated with grass sensitization
      and weakly with AR (P(grass) = 1.6 * 10(-9); P(AR) = 8.0 * 10(-3)). Variants in a
      locus near chromosome 11 open reading frame 30 (C11orf30) and leucine-rich repeat
      containing 32 (LRRC32), which was previously associated with atopic dermatitis
      and eczema, were also strongly associated with both phenotypes (rs2155219;
      P(grass) = 9.4 * 10(-9); P(AR) = 3.8 * 10(-8)). The third genome-wide significant
      variant was rs17513503 (P(grass) = 1.2 * 10(-8); PAR = 7.4 * 10(-7)) which was
      located near transmembrane protein 232 (TMEM232) and solute carrier family 25,
      member 46 (SLC25A46). Twelve further loci with suggestive associations were also
      identified. Using a candidate gene approach, where we considered variants within
      164 genes previously thought to be important, we found variants in 3 further
      genes that may be of interest: thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), Toll-like
      receptor 6 (TLR6) and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain containing 1
      (NOD1/CARD4). We found no evidence for variants that modified the effect of birth
      order on either phenotype. CONCLUSIONS: This relatively large meta-analysis of
      GWASs identified few loci associated with AR and grass sensitization. No birth
      order interaction was identified in the current analyses.

PMID- 22036097
TI  - Tissue remodeling in patients with eosinophilic esophagitis: what lies beneath
      the surface?

PMID- 22036098
TI  - Exertional dyspnea and inspiratory stridor of 2 years' duration: a tale of 2
      wheezes.

PMID- 22036099
TI  - [The discovery of insulin: continued controversies after ninety years].

PMID- 22036100
TI  - Differential effects of low-carbohydrate and low-fat diets on inflammation and
      endothelial function in diabetes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To characterize acute (postprandial) and chronic (after a 6-month
      period of weight loss) effects of a low-carbohydrate vs. a low-fat diet on
      subclinical markers of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in adults with type 2
      diabetes. DESIGN: At baseline and 6 months, measures of C-reactive protein (CRP),
      interleukin-6 (IL-6), soluble intercellular adhesion molecule (sICAM) and soluble
      E-selectin were obtained from archived samples (n = 51) of participants
      randomized in a clinical trial comparing a low-carbohydrate and a low-fat diet.
      In a subset of participants (n = 27), postprandial measures of these markers were
      obtained 3 h after a low-carbohydrate or low-fat liquid meal. Endothelial
      function was also measured by reactive hyperemic peripheral arterial tonometry
      during the meal test. Paired t tests and unpaired t tests compared within- and
      between-group changes. RESULTS: There were no significant differences observed in
      postprandial measures of inflammation or endothelial function. After 6 months,
      CRP (mean +/- S.E.) decreased in the low-fat arm from 4.0 +/- 0.77 to 3.0 +/-
      0.77 (P = .01). In the low-carbohydrate arm, sICAM decreased from 234 +/- 22 to
      199 +/- 23 (P = .001), and soluble E-selectin decreased from 93 +/- 10 to 82 +/-
      10 (P = .05.) A significant correlation between change in high-density
      lipoprotein and change in soluble E-selectin (r = -0.33, P = .04) and with the
      change in ICAM (r = -0.43, P = .01) was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Low-carbohydrate
      and low-fat diets both have beneficial effects on CVD markers. There may be
      different mechanisms through which weight loss with these diets potentially
      reduces CVD risk.

PMID- 22036101
TI  - Gold nanoparticles surface-functionalized with paclitaxel drug and biotin
      receptor as theranostic agents for cancer therapy.
AB  - We describe in this study whether the gold nanoparticle (AuNP) surface
      functionalized with PEG, biotin, paclitaxel (PTX) and rhodamine B linked beta
      cyclodextrin (beta-CD) (AuNP-5') can be useful as a theranostic agent for cancer
      therapy without the cytotoxic effect on normal cells. Prior to surface
      functionalizing AuNPs, the cytotoxicity of the nanoparticles was evaluated,
      followed by their cytocompatibility. PTX, an anti-cancer agent, formed inclusion
      complexations with beta-CD conjugated AuNPs, and effectively released from the
      AuNP-2' surface-functionalized with PEG, beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) and
      paclitaxel (PTX) using the intracellular glutathione (GSH) level (10 mm). Two
      types of AuNP-4 surface-functionalized with PEG and rhodamine B linked beta-CD
      and AuNP-5 surface-functionalized PEG, biotin and rhodamine B linked beta-CD were
      used for evaluating their specific interaction on cancer cells such as HeLa, A549
      and MG63. These were also tested against normal NIH3T3 cell, determining that the
      AuNP-5 was more effectively involved with the cancer cells. Confocal laser
      scanning microscopy (CLSM), fluorescence-activated cell-sorting (FACS) and cell
      viability analyses showed that the AuNP-5' plays a significant role in the
      diagnosis and therapy of the cancer cells, and may be used in theranostic agents.

PMID- 22036102
TI  - Regulation of cell proliferation by multi-layered phospholipid polymer hydrogel
      coatings through controlled release of paclitaxel.
AB  - We fabricated multi-layered hydrogels on titanium alloy (Ti) surfaces by applying
      alternating layers of a water-soluble phospholipid polymer (PMBV) and polyvinyl
      alcohol (PVA). This was accomplished by a layer-by-layer (LbL) process that is
      based on the formation of reversible covalent bonds between the boronic acid
      subunits in the PMBV and the hydroxyl groups in the PVA. When placed in an
      aqueous medium, PMBV acquires a polymeric aggregate structure with hydrophobic
      domains that can effectively solubilize hydrophobic molecules such as the
      anticancer drug paclitaxel (PTX) used in this study. The PTX-containing PMBV
      layer acted as a reservoir in the multi-layered hydrogels. To obtain diverse
      release profiles, the PTX was loaded in either the top layer (top-type) or the
      bottom layer (bottom-type) of the hydrogels; additional layers of PMBV and PVA,
      without PTX, functioned as a diffusion-barrier. In cell culture experiments, top
      type hydrogels demonstrated excessive suppression of human epidermal carcinoma
      A431 cell proliferation over 5 days due to the initial high concentration of
      released PTX. However, bottom-type hydrogels were able to maintain a constant
      cell number profile. The release of PTX from multi-layered hydrogels was governed
      by both diffusion through the diffusion-barrier and dissociation of the hydrogel
      through an exchange reaction of phenylboronic acid subunits with the low
      molecular weight D-glucose in the cell culture medium. In the cell culture
      experiments, the cell cycle was arrested in S and G2/M phases, as expected
      following PTX-mediated growth inhibition; control hydrogels did not demonstrate
      any appreciable cell cycle arrest. We concluded that cell proliferation could be
      controlled by the concentration of PTX released from the multi-layered hydrogels
      prepared through the LbL process. This system when used to solubilize bioactive
      agents at an appropriate layer within the hydrogel has potential for localized
      and surface-mediated delivery of bioactive molecules from biomedical devices.

PMID- 22036103
TI  - The impact of causal attributions on diagnosis and successful referral of
      depressed patients in primary care.
AB  - Despite growing concerns of over-treatment, the under-diagnosis and
      undertreatment of major depressive disorders is still prevalent. Causal
      attributions are thought to be involved in help seeking behavior, time to
      diagnosis and the chance for successful referral. Yet, little is known about the
      extent to which these processes are influenced by causal attributions. 120
      patients, involved in the nationwide second Dutch National Survey of General
      Practice (Schellevis, Westert, & Bakker, 2005), with a current DSM-IV diagnosis
      of depression, severe depression or with a depression lasting over six months,
      completed a causal attributions inventory. Demographic and clinical data from the
      survey, and causal attribution scores were used as independent variables in
      association with getting a diagnosis of depression from the general practitioner,
      or being in treatment by a mental health care provider for more than 3 sessions.
      Causal attributions related to intrapsychic fears were significantly associated
      with getting a diagnosis of depression and successful referral. Causal
      attributions related to childhood were also positively associated with successful
      referral. In association models derived from all the demographic and clinical
      data available in the survey, causal attributions substantially contributed to
      the explained variance, 55% and 39% respectively. The findings suggest causal
      attributions have a statistically significant impact on time to diagnosis and the
      chance of successful referral. Using the Causal Attribution Inventory with high
      risk patients in primary care might enhance the chance of detection and
      successful referral of depressed patients. Schellevis, F. G., Westert, G. P., &
      De Bakker, D. H. (2005). The actual role of general practice in the dutch health
      care system. Results of the second dutch national survey of general practice.
      Medizinische Klinik (Munich), 100(10), 656-661.

PMID- 22036104
TI  - Normative values of polysomnographic parameters in childhood and adolescence:
      cardiorespiratory parameters.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To provide normative values for pediatric sleep cardiorespiratory
      parameters following AASM rules, assessing effects of gender, age, and Tanner
      stage. METHODS: One-night polysomnograhy was performed at subjects' habitual
      bedtimes in 16 laboratories on 209 healthy German children, 1-18 years old.
      RESULTS: Normative values of cardiorespiratory parameters in pediatric sleep are
      presented. No obstructive and mixed apneas occurred. Hypopneas were seldom.
      Respiratory frequency and apnea-hypopnea-index decreased with age (p<0.001). In
      all groups central apneas >= 20 s were present but uncommon. Oxygen desaturations
      or respiratory arousals following central apnea were rare. Heart rate showed an
      inverse correlation to age (p<0.001). Heart rate was lower in sleep, lowest in
      stage N. The mean heart rate of females was higher than males (p<0.05). Neither
      Tanner stage nor corresponding age (p<0.05) influenced: mean apnea duration,
      central apnea index >= 20 s, hypopnea index, index of periodic breathing, or
      oxygen saturation nadir. All other parameters except maximal apnea duration and
      central apnea index after movements with oxygen desaturation show dependency on
      both Tanner stage and corresponding age (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Using AASM rules,
      the development of cardiorespiratory parameters in healthy children, ages 1-18 is
      shown. Age-related norms may improve sleep pathology identification.

PMID- 22036105
TI  - Prevalence and clinical characteristics of restless legs syndrome in chronic
      kidney disease patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To clarify the prevalence of restless legs syndrome (RLS) in the
      chronic kidney disease (CKD) population and determine the relationship between
      severity of renal dysfunction and risk of RLS as well as the impact of the
      disorder on mood and sleep disturbance, we conducted a questionnaire survey
      followed by face-to-face interviews with Japanese CKD patients. METHODS: We sent
      a questionnaire battery including demographics items, the National Institutes of
      Health/International RLS Study Group (IRLSSG) consensus questionnaire, the Center
      for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality
      Index to eligible CKD patients (n=514) and age- and sex-matched controls (n=535).
      Structured interviews were performed for the diagnosis of RLS. RESULTS: The
      prevalence of positive RLS in the CKD subjects was significantly higher than that
      in the controls (3.5% vs. 1.5%, p=0.029). The proportion of renal failure (RF) in
      CKD subjects with RLS was significantly higher than in those without RLS, and
      multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that the presence of RLS symptoms
      was associated only with the existence of RF. In addition, the presence of both
      RLS and CKD was significantly associated with the presence of depression and
      sleep disturbance. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of RLS in the CKD population was higher
      than that in the general population and increased with the progression of renal
      dysfunction. Additionally, the existence of RLS might play a role in an increased
      risk for developing depression and sleep disturbance in the CKD population.

PMID- 22036106
TI  - Predictors of adverse outcome in adolescents and adults with isolated left
      ventricular noncompaction.
AB  - Isolated left ventricular noncompaction is a rare form of primary cardiomyopathy.
      Although increasingly diagnosed, data on the outcomes are limited. To define the
      predictors of adverse outcomes, we performed a retrospective analysis of a
      prospectively defined cohort of consecutive patients (age >14 years) diagnosed
      with left ventricular noncompaction at a single center. The baseline
      characteristics included presentation with a cardiovascular complication (i.e.,
      decompensated heart failure, systemic embolic event, or sustained ventricular
      arrhythmia). The primary end point was survival free from cardiovascular death or
      transplantation. The predictors of survival were evaluated using the Kaplan-Meier
      method and Cox proportional hazards analysis. A total of 115 patients were
      included, 77% of whom were symptomatic at diagnosis. Compared to the asymptomatic
      patients, the symptomatic patients were significantly older and had larger left
      ventricular cavities and worse left ventricular ejection fraction. Of the 115
      patients, 49 (43%) presented with a cardiovascular complication. During a median
      follow-up of 2.7 years (range 0.1 to 19.4), none of the asymptomatic patients
      died or underwent transplantation compared to 31% (27 of 88) of the symptomatic
      patients (p = 0.001). The major determinants of cardiovascular death or
      transplantation were presentation with a cardiovascular complication (hazard
      ratio 20.6, 95% confidence interval 4.9 to 87.5, p <0.0001) or New York Heart
      Association class III or greater (hazard ratio 8.8, 95% confidence interval 3.2
      to 24.0, p <0.0001). Left ventricular dilation and systolic dysfunction were less
      strong predictors. In conclusion, in patients with left ventricular
      noncompaction, New York Heart Association class III or greater and cardiovascular
      complications at presentation are strong predictors for adverse outcome.

PMID- 22036107
TI  - Usefulness of immunostaining for plakoglobin as a diagnostic marker of
      arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy.
AB  - The clinical diagnosis of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC)
      is often challenging due to phenotypic variation, reduced/age-related penetrance,
      and lack of a diagnostic test. A single report has suggested quantitative
      myocardial immunoanalysis for the desmosomal protein plakoglobin as a diagnostic
      test with high sensitivity and specificity. We performed immunohistochemistry for
      plakoglobin and a control protein on myocardial biopsies with fibrofatty
      replacements from 50 consecutive, unrelated patients. The clinical, genetic, and
      immunohistochemical data were evaluated by independent observers in a blinded
      manner. The immunohistochemical and clinical diagnoses were compared and the
      sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values calculated. Our analysis showed
      37 samples (74%) with a reduced immunosignal for plakoglobin. Of the 34 patients
      with a clinical diagnosis of ARVC, 29 displayed a reduced plakoglobin signal. Of
      the 14 patients with a clinical diagnosis other than ARVC, 6 displayed a reduced
      signal. Two patients were excluded from further analysis. A sensitivity of 85%, a
      specificity of 57%, a positive predictive value of 83%, and a negative predictive
      value of 62% were found. In conclusion, immunohistochemical analysis for
      plakoglobin, applied as a diagnostic test for ARVC, seems associated with a
      relatively high sensitivity, but limited specificity, and although additional
      validation is required, we advocate caution in basing clinical decision-making on
      the proposed diagnostic test.

PMID- 22036108
TI  - Effect of statins on creatine kinase levels before and after a marathon run.
AB  - We measured the serum levels of myoglobin, total creatine kinase (CK), and the CK
      myocardial (CK-MB), muscle (CK-MM), and brain (CK-BB) isoenzymes in 37 subjects
      treated with statins and 43 nonstatin-treated controls running the 2011 Boston
      Marathon. Venous blood samples were obtained the day before (PRE) and within 1
      hour (FINISH) and 24 hours after (POST) the race. The hematocrit and hemoglobin
      values were used to adjust for changes in the plasma volume. The CK distribution
      was normalized using log transformation before analysis. The exercise-related
      increase in CK 24 hours after exercise, adjusted for changes in plasma volume,
      was greater in the statin users (PRE to POST 133 +/- 15 to 1,104 +/- 150 U/L)
      than in the controls (PRE to POST 125 +/- 12 to 813 +/- 137 U/L; p = 0.03 for
      comparison). The increase in CK-MB 24 hours after exercise was also greater in
      the statin users (PRE to POST 1.1 +/- 3.9 to 8.9 +/- 7.0 U/L) than in the
      controls (PRE to POST 0.0 +/- 0.0 to 4.2 +/- 5.0 U/L; p <0.05 for comparison).
      However, the increases in muscle myoglobin did not differ at any point between
      the 2 groups. Increases in CK at both FINISH and POST race measurements were
      directly related to age in the statin users (r(2) = 0.13 and r(2) = 0.14,
      respectively; p <0.05) but not in the controls (r(2) = 0.02 and r(2) = 0.00,
      respectively; p >0.42), suggesting that susceptibility to exercise-induced muscle
      injury with statins increases with age. In conclusion, our results show that
      statins increase exercise-related muscle injury.

PMID- 22036109
TI  - The rich history of neurosurgery at Evanston Hospital.

PMID- 22036110
TI  - History of Neurosurgery at Evanston Hospital and NorthShore University
      HealthSystems.

PMID- 22036111
TI  - Cranial and spinal trauma: current concepts.

PMID- 22036112
TI  - Malignant gliomas: diagnosis and treatment.

PMID- 22036113
TI  - Neurosurgical treatment of trigeminal neuralgia.

PMID- 22036114
TI  - Cervical spondylosis: an update on pathophysiology, clinical manifestation, and
      management strategies.

PMID- 22036115
TI  - Surgery for degenerative lumbar spine disease.

PMID- 22036116
TI  - Pituitary tumors and transsphenoidal surgery.

PMID- 22036117
TI  - Normal pressure hydrocephalus.

PMID- 22036118
TI  - Cerebral arteriovenous malformations.

PMID- 22036119
TI  - Deep brain stimulation for Parkinson's disease, essential tremor, and dystonia.

PMID- 22036120
TI  - Brain aneurysms: epidemiology, treatment options, and milestones of endovascular
      treatment evolution.

PMID- 22036121
TI  - Study of the inhibition of two human maltase-glucoamylases catalytic domains by
      different alpha-glucosidase inhibitors.
AB  - In humans, both the N-terminal catalytic domain (NtMGAM) and the C-terminal
      catalytic domain (CtMGAM) of small intestinal maltase glucoamylase (MGAM) are
      alpha-glycosidases that catalyze the hydrolysis of alpha-(1->4) glycosidic
      linkages in the process of starch digestion, and are considered to be the main
      therapeutic targets for type 2 diabetes. In this work, recombinant human CtMGAM
      has been cloned for the first time, and this, combined with the expression of
      NtMGAM in Pichia pastoris, made it possible for us to study the catalytic
      mechanism of MGAM in a well-defined system. The enzymatic kinetic assays of the
      two catalytic domains suggest that CtMGAM has the higher affinity for longer
      maltose oligosaccharides. Kinetic studies of commercially-available drugs such as
      1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ), miglitol, voglibose, and acarbose along with a series
      of acarviosine-containing oligosaccharides we isolated from Streptomyces
      coelicoflavus against NtMGAM, CtMGAM, and human pancreatic alpha-amylase (HPA)
      provide us an overall profile of the inhibitory ability of these inhibitors. Of
      all the inhibitors used in this paper, DNJ was the most effective inhibitor
      against MGAM; the K(i) values for the two catalytic domains were 1.41 and 2.04
      MUM for NtMGAM and CtMGAM, respectively. Acarviostatins 2-03 and 3-03 were the
      best inhibitors against HPA with relatively high inhibitory activity against
      CtMGAM. The acarviostatins 2-03 and 3-03 inhibition constants, K(i), for HPA were
      15 and 14.3 nM, and those for CtMGAM were 6.02 and 6.08 MUM, respectively. These
      results suggest that NtMGAM and CtMGAM differ in their substrate specificities
      and inhibitor tolerance despite their structural relationship.

PMID- 22036122
TI  - Interactions of D-cellobiose with p-toluenesulfonic acid in aqueous solution: a
      (13)C NMR study.
AB  - The effects of adding D(2)SO(4), and p-toluenesulfonic acid-d to D-cellobiose
      dissolved in D(2)O were investigated at 23 degrees C by plotting (13)C NMR
      chemical shift changes (Deltadelta) against the acid to D-cellobiose molar ratio.
      (13)C Chemical shifts of all 18 carbon signals from alpha and beta anomers of D
      cellobiose showed gradual decreases due to increasing acidity in aqueous
      D(2)SO(4) medium. The C-1 of the alpha anomer showed a slightly higher response
      to increasing D(+) concentration in the surrounding. In the aqueous p
      toluenesulfonic acid-d medium, C-6' and C-4' carbons of both alpha, and beta
      anomeric forms of D-cellobiose are significantly affected by increasing the
      sulfonic acid concentrations, and this may be due to a 1:1 interaction of p
      toluenesulfonic acid-d with the C-6', C-4' region of the cellobiose molecule.

PMID- 22036123
TI  - Structural characterization of the O-chain polysaccharide from an environmentally
      beneficial bacterium Pseudomonas chlororaphis subsp. aureofaciens strain M71.
AB  - Pseudomonas chlororaphis subsp. aureofaciens strain M71 was isolated from the
      root of a tomato plant and it was able to control in vivo Fusarium oxysporum f.
      sp. radicis-lycopersici responsible for the tomato crown and root rot. Recently,
      strain M71 was evaluated even for its efficacy in controlling Seiridium
      cardinale, the causal agent of bark canker of common cypress (Cupressus
      sempervirens L.). Strain M71 ability to persist on the tomato rhizosphere and on
      the aerial part of cypress plants could be related to the nature of the
      lipopolysaccharides (LPS) present on the outer membrane and in particular to the
      O-specific polysaccharide. A neutral O-specific polysaccharide was obtained by
      mild acid hydrolysis of the lipopolysaccharide from P. chlororaphis subsp.
      aureofaciens strain M71. By means of compositional analyses and NMR spectroscopy,
      the chemical repeating unit of the polymer was identified as the following linear
      trisaccharide.

PMID- 22036124
TI  - Chronic oral anticoagulant therapy in carotid artery stenting: the un-necessity
      of perioperative bridging heparin therapy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Chronic oral anticoagulant therapy (OAT) is of widespread use, and
      usually its management in patients undergoing carotid artery stenting (CAS) is
      through perioperative bridging heparin therapy. Aim of the present study is to
      analyze a single center experience of CAS in patients maintaining OAT without
      perioperative bridging heparin therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective
      evaluation of consecutive patients submitted to CAS was performed. Clinical
      anatomical characteristics and chronic OAT were evaluated to find a correlation
      with stroke, death, myocardial infarction and bleeding from the access site by
      Chi-square, Fisher's tests and regression analysis. RESULTS: 502 CAS were
      performed in a 5-year period. Twelve (2.4%) strokes, 1 (0.2%) death, no
      myocardial infarctions and 4 (0.8%) access site bleeding occurred in the
      perioperative period. In the overall population the presence of type 3 or bovine
      aortic arch was associated with stroke (5.5% vs. 1.5% p=0.02), and preoperative
      neurological ischemic symptoms were correlated with higher incidence of the
      composite event of stroke/death (4.8% vs. 1.4%, p=0.05). Twenty patients (4.0%)
      under chronic OAT were submitted to CAS without perioperative bridging heparin
      therapy with no complications. Overall, patients under OAT had no significantly
      different outcome compared with patients without OAT. CONCLUSIONS: OAT without
      perioperative bridging heparin therapy is safe and effective. This data could be
      useful in the management of patients with chronic OAT submitted to CAS.

PMID- 22036125
TI  - The impact of platelet membrane glycoprotein Ib alpha and Ia/IIa polymorphisms on
      the risk of thrombosis in the antiphospholipid syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pathogenesis of thrombus formation in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)
      is not clear. Platelet membrane glycoprotein (GP) receptors play important roles
      in development of thrombosis. OBJECTIVES: We investigated the association between
      development of thrombosis in APS and polymorphisms of GPIb alpha variable number
      of tandem repeats (VNTR), Kozak, and GPIa C807T. Patients/Methods Sixty patients
      with APS (30 with proven thrombosis and 30 without thrombosis) and 63 controls
      were included. Presence of GPIa C807T polymorphism was determined with real-time
      PCR and GPIb alpha Kozak and VNTR polymorphisms by conventional PCR. RESULTS:
      Frequency of C807T TT genotype was significantly higher in APS with thrombosis
      than APS without thrombosis (p=0.023) and also in APS with multiple thrombi
      compared to APS without thrombi (p=0.023). Frequency of Kozak TC genotype was
      higher in APS with arterial thrombosis compared to APS with venous thrombosis,
      controls, and APS without thrombosis (p=0.03, p=0.0007, and p=0.0024
      respectively). D allele frequency and D allele carrier state for VNTR were
      significantly less in APS than controls (p=0.0018 and p=0.0046 respectively).
      CONCLUSIONS: C807T TT genotype may confer a risk for thrombosis and Kozak TC
      genotype for arterial thrombosis. D allele of VNTR may protect from APS. No
      patients with C807T TT or Kozak TC genotypes carried the protective DD genotype
      of VNTR. These polymorphisms may increase risk for both arterial and venous
      thrombosis. The utility of prophylaxis with anti-platelet drugs in at least a
      subgroup of APS patients should be investigated with clinical trials.

PMID- 22036126
TI  - Reproducibility of echocardiographic diagnosis of left ventricular noncompaction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Left ventricular noncompaction (LVNC) cardiomyopathy is variably
      defined by numerous trabeculations, deep intertrabecular recesses, and
      noncompacted-to-compacted (NC/C) ratio >2. Limited studies exist on the
      reproducibility of diagnosing LVNC. METHODS: Clinical records of patients
      diagnosed with LVNC by echocardiography were reviewed. Blinded review of the
      index echocardiogram for all patients and a 1:1 match without LVNC was performed
      independently by two observers, measuring the number of trabeculations and the
      NC/C ratio. RESULTS: A total of 104 patients with LVNC were included in the
      study, 52 with no congenital heart disease (NCongHD) and 52 with congenital heart
      disease (CongHD). The duration of follow-up was 7.2 years (range, 0.5-23.1 years)
      for NCongHD and 8.2 years (range, 0-33.3 years) for CongHD. Agreement between
      observers in determining zero to three versus more than three trabeculations was
      59% (NCongHD) and 73% (CongHD). Agreement in measuring an NC/C ratio <= 2 versus
      > 2 was 79% (NCongHD) and 74% (CongHD). Agreement with the original reader in
      diagnosing LVNC was 67%. There was no association between the number of
      trabeculations or the NC/C ratio and the likelihood of a major event. Patients
      with moderate or severe left ventricular dysfunction at the time of diagnosis
      were more likely to undergo cardiac transplantation or die compared with those
      with normal or mild dysfunction (NCongHD, 22% vs 0%, P = .01; CongHD, 39% vs 3%,
      P = .001). CONCLUSIONS: The reproducibility of making measurements to diagnose
      LVNC by accepted criteria is poor. Heart transplantation and death are associated
      with significant ventricular dysfunction and not with increased trabeculations or
      NC/C ratios.

PMID- 22036127
TI  - Impact of preoperative anterior leaflet tethering on the recurrence of ischemic
      mitral regurgitation and the lack of left ventricular reverse remodeling after
      restrictive annuloplasty.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this multicenter study was to investigate the impact of
      the preoperative anterior mitral leaflet tethering angle, alpha', on the
      recurrence of mitral regurgitation (MR) and left ventricular (LV) reverse
      remodeling (LVRR) after undersized mitral ring annuloplasty. METHODS: The study
      population consisted of 362 patients, who were divided into two groups by
      baseline alpha': group 1, alpha' < 39.5 degrees  (n = 196), and group 2, alpha'
      >= 39.5 degrees  (n = 166). End points were recurrent MR >= 2+; LVRR, defined as
      a reduction in end-systolic volume index > 15%; and LV geometric reverse
      remodeling, defined as a reduction in systolic sphericity index to a normal value
      of <0.72 in patients with altered baseline geometry. RESULTS: MR occurred in 9.6%
      (n = 19) and 43.3% (n = 72) of the patients in groups 1 and 2, respectively (P <
      .001). LVRR (85.7% vs 22.2%) at follow-up was higher in group 1 (P < .001). On
      multivariate regression analysis, alpha' >= 39.5 degrees  was a strong predictor
      of MR recurrence, lack of LV reverse remodeling and lack of LV geometric reverse
      remodeling (all P values < .001). In contrast, the posterior mitral leaflet
      tethering angle, beta', was not significant (all P values > .05). When we allowed
      for interactions between alpha' and other risk factors, this effect occurred also
      in low-risk subgroups, and it was equivalent or generally attenuated in higher
      risk patients. There were no significant interactions between alpha' and any of
      the covariates (all P values > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Anterior mitral leaflet
      tethering is a powerful predictor of MR recurrence and lack of LVRR after
      undersized mitral ring annuloplasty. Evaluation of leaflet tethering should be
      incorporated into clinical risk assessment and prediction models.

PMID- 22036128
TI  - Enhancing the clinical pathway for patients undergoing axillary lymph node
      dissection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Day-case axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) is not standard
      practice. Here we assess the feasibility of converting this traditional inpatient
      procedure to an outpatient procedure without compromising the quality or
      continuity of patient care, identify barriers to introducing an enhanced clinical
      pathway based on this conversion, and report strategies employed to overcome
      these barriers. METHODS: Consecutive patients (n=282) undergoing ALND alone or
      with a concurrent breast procedure (excluding mastectomy/reconstruction) over a
      12-month period were recorded in a prospective database. Assessed outcomes were
      successful discharge the day of surgery, early postoperative complication rates,
      and readmission rates. RESULTS: From July 2009 to June 2010, 282 ALNDs were
      performed at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. 240 (85.1%) were performed
      as an outpatient procedure and 42 (14.9%) had inpatient ALND. The readmission
      rate was 0.8% (2/240), and the reoperation rate was 0.7% (2/282). Outpatient ALND
      procedure implementation created 240 additional beds over the 12-month study
      period. Identified barriers to implementing this new clinical pathway included
      patient expectations, reducing narcotic administration while optimizing
      postoperative pain control, and facilitating preoperative patient education.
      CONCLUSION: ALND may be safely performed as a day-case procedure. The key to
      successfully implementing ALND as a day-case procedure is a multidisciplinary
      team approach combined with enhanced pre and postoperative patient education. In
      addition, changes in the mindsets of patients and health care providers are
      essential.

PMID- 22036129
TI  - Anticancer drug use in geriatric patients: concerns and challenges.

PMID- 22036130
TI  - National versus international generalizations from cost-effectiveness analyses.

PMID- 22036131
TI  - Predictors of distal radioulnar joint instability in distal radius fractures.
AB  - PURPOSE: A tear of the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) is the most
      frequent soft tissue injury associated with fractures of the distal radius, and
      repair of the deep ligamentous portion of the TFCC is considered when the tear
      contributes to instability of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). The purpose of
      this prospective cohort study was to identify predictors of DRUJ instability
      accompanying unstable distal radius fractures. METHODS: Between 2002 and 2007, we
      prospectively treated 163 consecutive patients with unstable distal radius
      fractures with the volar locking plating system. Complete radioulnar ligament
      tears representing DRUJ instability were present in 11 of 163 distal radius
      fractures. We tested univariate associations between DRUJ instability and
      potential predictors and conducted multivariate analysis to establish independent
      predictors of instability. We applied receiver operating characteristics curves
      within the significant risk factors to determine threshold values. RESULTS: In
      univariate analyses, only the radial and sagittal translation ratios of the
      fracture site were significant predictors of DRUJ instability. Multivariate
      logistic regression analysis confirmed that the radial translation ratio, which
      corresponds to a normalized DRUJ gap, was a significant risk factor. According to
      the receiver operating characteristics curve for the radial translation ratio,
      the area under the curve was 0.89. A cutoff value of 15% for the radial
      translation ratio showed the highest diagnostic accuracy rate. CONCLUSIONS: A
      radiographic finding of a normalized DRUJ gap on posteroanterior views was the
      most important predictor to identify DRUJ instability accompanying unstable
      distal radius fractures. The relative risk of instability increases by 50% when
      the ratio of DRUJ widening increases by 1%.

PMID- 22036132
TI  - Towards a higher impact factor for the Journal of the Chinese Medical
      Association.

PMID- 22036134
TI  - Chromobacterium violaceum infection: a clinical review of an important but
      neglected infection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Increasing reported cases with Chrombacterium violaceum infection has
      been noticed in recent decades. It is noteworthy for its difficult-to-treat
      entity characterized by a high frequency of sepsis, easily distantant metastasis,
      multidrug-resistance, and frequent relapse, and high mortality rate. METHODS: The
      English-language literature was reviewed from 1952 through December 2009 by an
      electronic view via the PubMed and Medline databases and manual searches.
      RESULTS: One hundred and six patients with Chrombacterium violaceum infection
      from the literature were studied. The four leading clinical manifestations
      reviewed in the published literature, in the order of frequency, were fever
      (100%), sepsis (82%), skin lesions (67.9%), and abdominal pain (31.1%). Localized
      abscess was found in 52 patients (49%) and liver was the mostly common involved
      organ. Fifty-six patients (53%) were dead. Almost all of the penicillin,
      ampicillin, and first and second-generation cephalosporins exhibited totally
      resistant to Chrombacterium violaceum. The most important risk factors in
      mortality in 61 patients with Chrombacterium violaceum bacteremia were at a young
      age (p = 0.0789), presence of localized abscess (p = 0.030), shorter clinical
      course (p < 0.001), and inappropriate antimicrobial treatment (p < 0.001). Seven
      patients (6.6%) experienced of relapse or reinfection, with a median interval of
      135 days (range, 4 to 1095 days). CONCLUSIONS: A high index of suspicion for
      Chromobacterium violaceum infection is required along with prompt diagnosis,
      optimal antimicrobial therapy, and adequate therapeutic duration for a successful
      therapy.

PMID- 22036133
TI  - Are we satisfied with the tools for the diagnosis of gonococcal infection in
      females?
AB  - Gonorrhea (Neisseria gonorrhoeae) is a common sexually transmitted infection in
      women, with a heavy burden on female and neonatal health, because sequelae occur,
      such as female infertility, ectopic pregnancy, neonatal ophthalmitis and
      infection, and chronic pelvic pain. Prompt and appropriate antibiotic treatment
      can cure infection and avoid complications. However, adequate treatment is not
      easy, because early and rapid identification of gonorrhea is interfered with by
      many factors, including the complicated mixed microflora of the vagina and
      cervix, non-user-friendly culture systems, and lack of immediate availability of
      results, even with a combination of subjective complaint and high clinical
      suspicion. A PubMed search was conducted using the major headings of "gonorrhoea
      and diagnostic tool" and "Neisseria gonorrhoeae and diagnostic tool", before the
      end of 2010. Recently available methods for the diagnosis of gonorrhea infection
      in women were included, including traditional tools and advanced technology.
      Traditional tools such as microscopic examination and microbial culture have been
      used broadly; unfortunately, they have relatively lower specificity or
      sensitivity, and most importantly, "see-and-treat" is impossible for these
      infected women. Advances in technology, such as antigen detection by immunoassay
      and nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs), have achieved major progress in the
      diagnosis of gonorrhea, because of their accuracy, convenience and time-saving
      aspects. However, NAATs are expensive, making their acceptance impossible in
      developing countries. Detection of pathogens including N. gonorrheae using
      microarray chips is viewed as a possible solution, because it is a relatively
      rapid, easy, inexpensive and sensitive tool, which makes an "identify-and-treat"
      or point-of-care policy possible. A rapid and affordable tool with high
      sensitivity and specificity for detection of gonorrhea in developing countries is
      still not available at the time of writing. To make a point-of-care policy
      possible, advanced technology for aiding diagnosis of gonorrhea is encouraged and
      appreciated.

PMID- 22036136
TI  - Effects of fluid resuscitation on cerebral tissue oxygenation changes in a piglet
      model of hemorrhagic shock.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute blood loss linked to severe hypovolemia and hemorrhagic shock
      is a critical condition in pediatric intensive care. This study was to
      investigate the role of various fluid resuscitation approaches to cerebral tissue
      oxygenation using a piglet model of hemorrhagic shock. METHODS: Thirty piglets
      received blood removal to induce hemorrhagic shock, and then were randomly
      assigned to a control group (no treatment), a control-normal saline (NS) group
      (treated with bolus normal saline 10 mL/kg only), or one of three treatment
      groups treated with 15 mL/kg/dose fluid every 30 min with either whole blood
      (WB), lactated Ringer's solution (LR), or NS in addition to an initial bolus of
      saline. The piglets' physiological profiles, arterial blood gases, and regional
      cerebral oxygen saturation (rScO(2)) levels were recorded, fractional tissue
      oxygen extraction was calculated, and blood hemoglobin levels were measured.
      RESULTS: The results showed that no matter whether treated with only one dose of
      bolus NS (control-NS group) or with extra WB, LR, or NS, all the treated animals
      had a significantly higher survival rate, mean arterial blood pressure (MAP),
      arterial oxygen tension, arterial oxygen saturation, and rScO(2) than the control
      group (p<0.05). Animals treated with WB all survived the full experimental
      period, and their hemoglobin levels, MAP, and rScO(2) were the highest comparing
      to all other groups (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Effective resuscitation using a high
      concentration of inspired oxygen and adequate fluid infusion, either as a single
      dose bolus of NS or combining this with a subsequent transfusion of WB, LR, or
      NS, helped to stabilize the cardiovascular condition of the tested young subjects
      and improved cerebral tissue oxygenation over the emergent first four hours.
      Furthermore, WB was the best fluid choice when used in addition to the bolus NS
      challenge for maintaining better brain tissue oxygenation when treating
      hemorrhagic shock.

PMID- 22036135
TI  - Clinical and biochemical indicators of homeostasis model assessment-estimated
      insulin resistance in postmenopausal women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) is a
      surrogate estimate of directly measured insulin resistance that been robustly
      proven to be associated with diabetes and cardiovascular disease. The purpose of
      this study was to evaluate the use of several simple indicators to identify
      postmenopausal women with insulin resistance estimated by HOMA-IR. METHODS: We
      recruited 262 naturally postmenopausal women without overt diabetes for the
      study. HOMA-IR values were calculated from fasting glucose and insulin levels.
      Multiple linear regression analyses were carried out to detect determinants of
      HOMA-IR. Insulin resistance was conventionally defined as the upper quartile of
      the HOMA-IR values. The diagnostic power of clinical and biochemical markers for
      insulin resistance was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curves.
      RESULTS: Some 90% of the women with HOMA-IR >= 2.8 (75th percentile as cutoff)
      showed abnormal glucose metabolism and 45% of them had silent diabetes (odds
      ratio 6.09, 95% CI 3.17 - 11.73 vs. those with HOMA-IR < 2.8). Results revealed
      that uric acid, body mass index, waist circumference, alanine aminotransferase,
      triglycerides, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were important
      determinants of HOMA-IR in these women. Using uric acid >= 5.0 mg/dL as a cutoff
      point, we could diagnose insulin resistance with 75.4% sensitivity and 73.1%
      specificity. CONCLUSION: Postmenopausal women with HOMA-IR-estimated insulin
      resistance were at high risk of glucose abnormalities in this study. High HOMA-IR
      values were significantly associated with six clinical and biochemical
      indicators. Among these, high serum uric acid levels seemed to be a useful marker
      identifying postmenopausal women with insulin resistance. This study was
      registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00945271.

PMID- 22036137
TI  - Are patients with the symptoms of overactive bladder and urodynamic detrusor
      overactivity different from those with overactive bladder but not detrusor
      overactivity?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to identify the differences between patients
      with overactive bladder (OAB) and detrusor overactivity (DO) and those with OAB
      but without DO. METHODS: We prospectively recruited patients with OAB symptoms
      between December 2008 and September 2009. All patients were required to complete
      a 3-day frequency-volume chart. Symptom severity was evaluated using the
      International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and Overactive Bladder Symptom Score
      (OABSS) questionnaires. All patients also underwent urodynamic studies.
      Demographics, symptom severity, urinary frequency and volume, and urodynamic
      variables of patients with and without DO were compared. RESULTS: Of the 133
      enrolled patients (76 women and 57 men), DO was diagnosed in 80 patients (60.2%).
      All demographic variables were similar among the OAB patients, regardless of DO
      status. Total IPSS and OABSS scores did not differ between the OAB and DO groups.
      However, the nighttime urinary frequency subscore on the OABSS differed
      significantly between OAB patients with DO and without DO (p = 0.048). There were
      no significant differences in terms of urodynamic variables, urinary frequency,
      or urine volume between OAB patients with and without DO. CONCLUSION: Patients
      with OAB symptoms and urodynamic DO show different clinical symptoms than OAB
      patients without DO. Patients with DO experience more frequent nocturnal urinary
      episodes.

PMID- 22036138
TI  - Metallic stent in the treatment of ureteral obstruction: experience of single
      institute.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Resonance((r)) metallic stent has been reported to be sufficient
      for the management of malignant extrinsic ureteral obstructions within a 12-month
      time period. To determine the effectiveness in each specific patient group, we
      report our experience using the Resonance((r)) stent in the treatment of ureteral
      obstructions. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 20 patients (23 stents) who
      successfully received the Resonance((r)) metallic stents and divided them into a
      patent group (n = 19) and an obstructive group (n = 4) according to the treatment
      results. Twenty-one stents were inserted via cystoscopy or ureteroscopy in a
      retrograde fashion. The remaining two were inserted via percutaneous nephrostomy
      in an antegrade manner. Follow-up serum creatinine measurements and sonography
      were performed. The overall ureteral patency rate and the risk of stent failure
      were evaluated. RESULTS: The overall ureteral patency rate was 82.6% (19/23).
      Patients with previous radiotherapy had a 50% (4/8) patency rate which was
      significantly lower than non-radiotherapy patients (100%, 15/15, p = 0.028).
      Malignant obstructions in those other than radiotherapy patients had a 100%
      patency rate (5/5). Benign obstructions in those other than radiotherapy patients
      had a 100% patency rate (10/10). In the radiotherapy patients, the mode of
      therapy did not dominate the stent outcome. CONCLUSION: Patients with ureteral
      obstructions can be treated sufficiently with the Resonance((r)) metallic stent.
      Patients who had gynecological malignancies and received radiotherapy had a
      higher failure rate after Resonance((r)) metallic stent insertion.

PMID- 22036139
TI  - Diagnostic pitfalls of nonsecretory myeloma manifesting as multiple foci of
      periosseous plasmacytomas.
AB  - Nonsecretory myeloma, which comprises 1-5% of all myelomas, is a variant of
      plasma cell myeloma. It is defined as symptomatic myeloma without detectable
      monoclonal immunoglobulin levels on serum or urine immunofixation
      electrophoresis. Here, we report two cases of nonsecretory plasma cell myeloma
      that manifested as multi-foci periosseous plasmacytomas. Due to the inability to
      detect monoclonal immunoglobulin on serum or urine immunofixation electrophoresis
      and the lack of evidence of clonal plasma cells in the bone marrow, it was
      difficult to establish an early, accurate diagnosis. Misdiagnosing or mislabeling
      symptomatic myeloma patients with plasmacytoma results in the delay of their
      systemic treatment. Therefore, comprehensive imaging studies, the detection of
      free light chains, and histopathological confirmation from different sites and
      time points are necessary.

PMID- 22036140
TI  - Melorheostosis of the ulna.
AB  - Melorheostosis is a rare osteosclerotic bone dysplasia. It is usually
      characterized by dull and aching pain, reduced joint motion and contractures.
      Classic radiograph findings are of undulating cortical hyperostosis along the
      length of the bone, simulating a "dripping candlewax appearance". We report two
      cases of melorheostosis of the ulna bone, diagnosed 6 years apart in two
      different females in their early 20s. Both the patients presented with the
      characteristic features of dull and aching pain in the forearm and were treated
      conservatively. However, we misdiagnosed the first case as bone malignancy and
      subjected the patient to a biopsy. For the second case, with hindsight we made
      the correct diagnosis based only on the classic clinical history and radiographs.
      We believe that the discussion of a misdiagnosed case of melorheostosis with
      salient findings may be important for clinicians and orthopedicians in day-to-day
      clinical practice.

PMID- 22036141
TI  - Combination photodynamic therapy and intravitreal bevacizumab used to treat
      circumscribed choroidal hemangioma.
AB  - Circumscribed choroidal hemagioma (CCH) is an ocular tumor that can result in
      decreased vision or blindness. Numerous treatment methods have been reported
      without satisfying results. In recent years, photodynamic therapy (PDT) with
      verteporfin has been used to treat choroidal hemagioma and resolve the associated
      exudative retinal detachment, and the results have been inspiring. Here, we
      report the case of a 36-year-old man with longstanding CCH who suffered from
      blurred vision for 3 years. He underwent PDT with intravenous infusions of
      verteporfin, which was a treatment method based on a modified version of the
      standard macular degeneration PDT protocol, in addition to subsequent
      intravitreal administrations of bevacizumab as adjuvant therapy for macular
      edema. Twelve months after treatment, the CCH tumor remained noticeably shrunken,
      with the complete absorption of the subretinal fluid and the absence of macular
      edema. In terms of treating subretinal fluid retention, this combination
      treatment is a safe, effective, and long-lasting therapy for treating established
      CCH tumors. However, even though the patient's visual field defects improved, the
      patient's visual acuity remained stable at 6/60 without further improvement. Long
      term CCH with prolonged macular edema might have affected the visual prognosis.
      Patients with CCH still require long-term follow-up examinations after receiving
      PDT treatments.

PMID- 22036142
TI  - Transitional cell carcinoma of the ovary.

PMID- 22036144
TI  - [Incontinentia pigmenti. Four patients with different clinical manifestations].
AB  - Incontinentia pigmenti (IP) is a rare neurocutaneous disorder with a frequency of
      1 in 50,000 newborn, and is associated with mutations in IKBKG gene (NEMO) in
      Xq28, inherited as an X-linked dominant trait. Clinical manifestations detected
      since the newborn period are highly variable, with 3 well established sequential
      or overlapped states and each with a characteristic differential diagnosis. With
      PCR+RFLPs, we analyzed the IKBKG gene in 4 patients with different clinical
      manifestations and characteristic skin biopsy. In all 4 patients the same
      deletion of exons 4 to 10 was identified. In female patients in whom the
      dermatological lesions lead to the suspicion of an IP diagnosis, it is important
      to have the complete, multidisciplinary and molecular analysis of their first
      level female relatives. This should give us a clear diagnosis, which is the first
      step to complete genetic counselling.

PMID- 22036145
TI  - [Abdominal rhabdomyosarcoma presenting as a unilateral pleural effusion].

PMID- 22036146
TI  - Allograft cellular bone matrix as an alternative to autograft in hindfoot and
      ankle fusion procedures.
AB  - This report summarizes the radiographic results of Osteocel Plus in 20 hindfoot
      and ankle fusions at a single center. The patient population was 40% female with
      an average age of 57.9 +/- 16.1 years. Average body mass index was 33.8 +/- 9.1.
      Risk factors included 3 smokers and 6 patients with diabetes. Primary surgical
      indications included trauma (50%), Charcot arthropathy (15%), foot drop with
      osteoarthritis (20%), primary osteoarthritis (10%), and total talar extrusion
      (5%). Nine patients had a history of prior hindfoot surgery in the same foot;
      however, only 2 of the cases reported in this series were revisions due to a
      failed prior surgery; the remaining 7 were treated for correction of a traumatic
      deformity (n = 5) or diagnosis at a new site in the same foot (n = 2). Treatment
      included subtalar joint arthrodesis (50%), ankle arthrodesis (40%), triple fusion
      (5%), and tibial-calcaneal-calcaneal-cuboid arthrodesis (5%). Solid fusion was
      observed in 100% of patients by the 6-month evaluation. Average time to fusion
      was 13.5 weeks. Although patients with a prior surgery trended toward a longer
      time to fusion than patients who underwent their first hindfoot and ankle
      procedure (14.4 +/- 5.3 vs. 12.6 +/- 5.7 weeks), the difference was not
      statistically significant (p = .47). There was no evidence of graft rejection or
      failure. This series demonstrates that mesenchymal stem cell-based bone allograft
      is a safe and effective bone-healing material with a high radiographic success
      rate in foot and ankle arthrodeses with successful and timely fusion rates.

PMID- 22036147
TI  - Incorporation of bovine-based structural bone grafts used in reconstructive foot
      surgery.
AB  - Timely incorporation of bone grafts is essential to the structural rigidity in
      most foot and ankle surgeries. Although bovine-based xenografts possess some of
      the key features necessary for foot and ankle surgery, the studies evaluating the
      efficacy of these grafts are limited. The aim of the present study was to
      determine the incorporation rate of bovine-based bone grafts in foot surgery. A
      total of 22 patients who had undergone reconstructive foot surgery using 31
      bovine-based xenografts were identified, and the rate of radiographic
      incorporation of the grafts was evaluated. A survival analysis was used to show
      the trend of the incorporation of the xenografts over time. Of the 21 grafts
      observed for at least 12 weeks, none showed radiographic graft incorporation by
      12 weeks. The analogous numbers for 24, 36, and 48 weeks were 3 (20%) of 15, 4
      (31%) of 13, and 3 (27%) of 11 grafts. A total of 19 (61.29%) of the 31 grafts
      studied were never observed to have incorporated radiographically, for the entire
      observation period. A Kaplan-Meier estimate revealed the median interval to graft
      incorporation was 56 weeks. Compared with previous studies, which investigated
      the incorporation of other types of grafts, such as autograft and allografts, we
      believe that xenografts incorporate more slowly. For this reason, such grafts
      might not be ideal for use in reconstructive foot surgery.

PMID- 22036148
TI  - A study of the dynamics of digital dermatitis in 742 lactating dairy cows.
AB  - Digital dermatitis (DD) is a contagious disease of cattle affecting the skin of
      the claw. The disease presents with a range of severities and can be associated
      with lameness. Information about the disease dynamics of DD is scarce. Parity and
      lactation stage have been identified as risk factors for DD and studies have also
      indicated that not all cows are equal regarding their risk of recurrent disease
      and prospects for cure from DD. The aim of this study was to investigate host
      heterogeneity to DD and to identify disease patterns of DD and factors associated
      with the development and resolution of lesions. In three commercial dairy herds,
      742 lactating cows were observed for DD lesions weekly for 11 or 12 weeks. The
      effects of parity, lactation stage and duration of preceding episode on the
      hazard of transitions between healthy and lesion states were analysed using a
      multilevel multistate discrete-time model. One or more DD lesions were observed
      in 460 cows and lesions were observed in 2426 out of 10,585 observations. In
      total, 1755 uncensored episodes with DD lesions were observed. Early lactation
      was associated with a reduced risk of developing lesions compared with mid and
      late lactation. Lesions that developed in late lactation had a greater likelihood
      of resolution compared with lesions that developed during early lactation. There
      was a reduced risk of lesions developing in parity 3 compared with parity 1 cows,
      but an increased risk of lesions developing in parity 2 compared with parity 1
      cows. In the present study, the mean duration of uncensored DD episodes was 1.7
      weeks indicating that the duration of the majority of DD lesions might be shorter
      than the 42 days reported previously. The transitions between disease states
      suggest that DD is a dynamic disease, and that the early stage lesions are more
      transient than expected from previous studies. We conclude that studies with
      shorter observation intervals than one week are needed to fully understand and
      describe the individual and group dynamics of DD.

PMID- 22036149
TI  - [Surgical anatomy of the lateral ventricles].
AB  - The lateral ventricle is a deep-seated cavity, overlayed by a cortical mantle
      which contains eloquent areas, especially on the dominant hemisphere, and
      surrounded by the optic radiations. The surgical approach requires a thorough
      preoperative reflexion based on magnetic resonance imaging, in order to
      understand the site of origin and the vascular pedicles of the tumor. Surgical
      approaches to the frontal horn, temporal horn and atrium are successively
      described.

PMID- 22036150
TI  - Photofunctional multilayer films by assembling naked silver nanoparticles and a
      tailored nitric oxide photodispenser at water/air interface.
AB  - This contribution reports the design, preparation, and characterization of
      nanostructured hybrid films of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and a tailored nitric
      oxide (NO) photodonor. They were achieved by exploiting effective interfacial
      interactions between an amino-terminated NO photodonor spread onto water surface
      and naked AgNPs dissolved in the water subphase. The morphology, the
      spectroscopic features, and the interaction between the two components in the
      floating films at the air/water interface were inspected by Brewster Angle
      Microscopy, UV-Vis reflection, and polarization-modulation infrared reflection
      absorption spectroscopy. AgNPs and the NO photodonor were successfully
      transferred onto hydrophobized quartz substrates by horizontal lifting deposition
      and the resulting multilayer films were characterized by UV-Vis absorption
      spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. The results
      obtained showed the presence of both isolated AgNPs and assemblies of AgNPs
      having nanodimensional character in the films. The photochemical properties of
      the NO photodonor were well preserved in the hybrid multilayers. In fact, they
      were able to release NO under visible light excitation, as unambiguously
      demonstrated by the direct and in real-time monitoring of this transient species
      using an ultrasensitive electrode, and the transfer of the released NO to a
      protein such as myoglobin.

PMID- 22036151
TI  - Intake of 238U and 232Th through the consumption of foodstuffs by tribal
      populations practicing slash and burn agriculture in an extremely high rainfall
      area.
AB  - The concentration of naturally occurring radionuclides 232Th, 238U was determined
      using Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA) in different food groups
      namely cereals, vegetables, leafy vegetables, roots and tubers cultivated and
      consumed by tribal population residing around the proposed uranium mine. The
      study area is a part of rural area K. P. Mawthabah (Domiasiat) in the west Khasi
      Hills District of Meghalaya, India located in the tropical region of high
      rainfall that remains steeped in tribal tradition without much outside influence.
      Agriculture by Jhum (slash and burn) cultivation and animal husbandry are the
      main occupation of the tribal populations. A total of 89 samples from locally
      grown food products were analyzed. The concentration of 238U and 232Th in the
      soil of the study area was found to vary 1.6-15.5 and 2.0-5.0 times respectively
      to the average mean value observed in India. The estimated daily dietary intake
      of 238U and 232Th were 2.0 MUg d-1 (25 mBq d-1) and 3.4 MUg d-1 (14 mBq d-1) is
      comparable with reported range 0.5-5.0 MUg d-1 and 0.15-3.5 MUg d-1 respectively
      for the Asian population.

PMID- 22036152
TI  - The simulation of long-range transport of 137Cs from East Asia to Japan in 2002
      and 2006.
AB  - To evaluate the quantities of 137Cs from past nuclear tests being transported to
      and deposited in Japan by naturally-occurring phenomena, the authors developed
      long-range transport models for 137Cs considering Asian dust. The simulation
      using these models backed the observed recent increase of 137Cs deposition along
      the coast of the Sea of Japan in early spring. For the sake of public safety, it
      is vital to ascertain whether an increase of radioactive deposition is caused by
      natural phenomena or a nuclear accident. The observations in recent years have
      suggested that dust and soil containing 137Cs is transported from the regions
      around Inner Mongolia to Japan by the wind. In this paper, using observation data
      from the early spring of 2002 and 2006, the authors have found good agreement
      between the simulations and the measurements. The simulations reproduced the
      entrainment of 137Cs and subsequent transport to Japan caused by strong winds
      associated with low pressure areas around the Inner Mongolian grasslands. The
      most likely cause of high-level 137Cs deposition over northern Japan during March
      2002 was 137Cs associated with particles transported at low-altitude (1 km) and
      subjected to precipitation on the 22nd to 24th.

PMID- 22036153
TI  - Derivation of hazardous doses for amphibians acutely exposed to ionising
      radiation.
AB  - Derivation of effect benchmark values for each taxonomic group, which has been
      difficult due to lack of experimental effects data, is required for more adequate
      protection of the environment from ionising radiation. Estimation of effects
      doses from nuclear DNA mass and subsequent species sensitivity distribution (SSD)
      analysis were proposed as a method for such a derivation in acute irradiation
      situations for assumed nuclear accident scenarios. As a case study, 5% hazardous
      doses (HD5s), at which only 5% of species are acutely affected at 50% or higher
      lethality, were estimated on a global scale. After nuclear DNA mass data were
      obtained from a database, 50% lethal doses (LD50s) for 4.8 and 36% of the global
      Anura and Caudata species, respectively, were estimated by correlative equations
      between nuclear DNA mass and LD50s. Differences between estimated and
      experimental LD50s were within a factor of three. The HD5s obtained by the SSD
      analysis of these estimated LD50s data were 5.0 and 3.1 Gy for Anura and Caudata,
      respectively. This approach was also applied to the derivation of regional HD5s.
      The respective HD5s were 6.5 and 3.2 Gy for Anura and Caudata inhabiting Japan.
      This HD5 value for the Japanese Anura was significantly higher than the global
      value, while Caudata had no significant difference in global and Japanese HD5s.
      These results suggest that this approach is also useful for derivation of
      regional benchmark values, some of which are likely different from the global
      values.

PMID- 22036154
TI  - Impact of water quality parameters on the sorption of U(VI) onto hematite.
AB  - In this study, the sorption of U(VI) from aqueous solution on hematite was
      studied as a function of various water quality parameters such as contact time,
      pH, ionic strength, soil humic acid (HA) or fulvic acid (FA), solid content and
      temperature by using a batch technique. The results demonstrated that the
      sorption of U(VI) was strongly dependent on ionic strength at pH<6.0, and outer
      sphere surface complexation may be the main sorption mechanism. The sorption was
      independent of ionic strength at pH>6.0 and the sorption was mainly dominated by
      inner-sphere surface complexation. The presence of HA/FA increases U(VI) sorption
      at low pH, whereas decreases U(VI) sorption at high pH. The thermodynamic
      parameters (DeltaH0, DeltaS0, and DeltaG0) were calculated from the temperature
      dependent sorption isotherms, and the results suggested that U(VI) sorption was a
      spontaneous and endothermic process. The results might be important for the
      application of hematite in U(VI) pollution management.

PMID- 22036155
TI  - Mapping of cosmic radiation dose in Croatia.
AB  - The Earth is continually bombarded by high-energy particles coming from the outer
      space and the sun. These particles, termed cosmic radiation, interact with nuclei
      of atmospheric constituents and decrease in intensity with depth in the
      atmosphere. Measurements of photon and gamma radiation, performed with a
      Radiameter at 1 m above the ground, indicated dose rates of 50-100 nSv/h. The
      neutron dose rate was measured with the CR-39 track etch detector calibrated by
      the CERN-EU high-energy Reference Field (CERF) facility. Correlation between
      neutron dose rates and altitudes at 36 sites was examined in order to obtain a
      significant positive correlation coefficient; the resulting linear regression
      enabled estimation of a neutron dose at particular altitude. The measured neutron
      dose rate in Osijek (altitude of 89 m, latitude of 45.31 degrees  N) was 110
      nSv/h.

PMID- 22036156
TI  - HTO and OBT activity concentrations in soil at the historical atmospheric HT
      release site (Chalk River Laboratories).
AB  - Tritium is routinely released by the Chalk River Laboratories (CRL) nuclear
      facilities. Three International HT release experiments have been conducted at the
      CRL site in the past. The site has not been disturbed since the last historical
      atmospheric testing in 1994 and presents an opportunity to assess the retention
      of tritium in soil. This study is devoted to the measurement of HTO and OBT
      activity concentration profiles in the subsurface 25 cm of soil. In terms of soil
      HTO, there is no evidence from the past HT release experiments that HTO was
      retained. The HTO activity concentration in the soil pore water appears similar
      to concentrations found in background areas in Ontario. In contrast, OBT activity
      concentrations in soil at the same site were significantly higher than HTO
      activity concentrations in soil. Elevated OBT appears to reside in the top layer
      of the soil (0-5 cm). In addition, OBT activity concentrations in the top soil
      layer did not fluctuate much with season, again, quite in contrast with soil HTO.
      This result suggests that OBT activity concentrations retained the signature of
      the historical tritium releases.

PMID- 22036157
TI  - Short- and long-term patterns of 137Cs in fish and other aquatic organisms of
      small forest lakes in southern Finland since the Chernobyl accident.
AB  - We summarize the patterns of 137Cs activity concentrations and transfer into fish
      and other biota in four small forest lakes in southern Finland during a twenty
      year period following the Chernobyl accident in April 1986. The results from
      summer 1986 showed fastest accumulation of 137Cs into planktivorous fishes, i.e.
      along the shortest food chains. Since 1987, the highest annual mean values of
      137Cs have been recorded in fish occupying the highest trophic levels, for perch
      (Perca fluviatilis) 13,600 Bq/kg (ww) and for pike (Esox lucius) 20,700 Bq/kg
      (ww). At the same time, activity concentrations of 137Cs in crustacean
      zooplankton and Asellus aquaticus have ranged between 1000 and 19,500 Bq/kg (dw).
      In 2006, 5-28% of the 1987 137Cs activity concentration levels were still present
      in perch and pike. Since 1989 their 137Cs activity concentrations in oligohumic
      seepage lakes have remained significantly higher than in polyhumic drainage lakes
      due to the increased transfer of 137Cs into fish in the seepage lakes with lower
      electrolyte concentrations, longer water retention times and lower sedimentation
      rate.

PMID- 22036158
TI  - Natural radioactivity levels in topsoil from the Pearl River Delta Zone,
      Guangdong, China.
AB  - Concentrations of the natural radionuclides 238U, 226Ra, 232Th and 40K have been
      measured by gamma-ray spectrometry in 796 topsoil samples from the Pearl River
      Delta Zone (PRDZ) of Guangdong, China. The mean concentrations for 238U, 226Ra,
      232Th and 40K were found to be 140 +/- 37 Bq kg-1, 134 +/- 41 Bq kg-1, 187 +/- 80
      Bq kg-1 and 680 +/- 203 Bq kg-1 dry mass, respectively. These values were all
      higher than the mean values in soil for China and the world. Outdoor air-absorbed
      dose rates, calculated from activity concentrations of 226Ra, 232Th and 40K,
      ranged from 86 to 237 nGy h-1, with a mean value of 165 +/- 46 nGy h-1. The
      corresponding annual outdoor effective dose rate per person was estimated to be
      between 0.11 and 0.29 mSv y-1, with a mean value of 0.20 +/- 0.06 mSv y-1, which
      was also higher than the world mean value of 0.07 mSv y-1. The radium equivalent
      activity (Ra(eq)) and the external hazard index (I(r)) resulted from the natural
      radionuclides in soil, were also calculated and found to vary from 230 to 676 Bq
      kg-1 and from 0.6 to 1.8, respectively. The Ra(eq) and the I(r) in all the
      investigated regions were up to 75% higher than the set limits of 370 Bq kg-1 and
      1.0, respectively.

PMID- 22036159
TI  - Long-distance transport of pertechnetate in the moonflower (Ipomoea alba).
AB  - The first research on the transport of metastable-technetium-99 ((99m)Tc) in the
      form of pertechnetate ((99m)TcO4-) within plants suggested that (99m)TcO4- may be
      mobile in the phloem. In contrast, more recent evidence indicates the anion is
      transported in the xylem. Here we demonstrate that observations of (99m)Tc
      transport in the test subject of these initial investigations, the moonflower
      (Ipomoea alba L.), are incompatible with phloem flow. Rather, the presence of
      only minute amounts of (99m)Tc in typical sinks for phloem solutes and (99m)Tc
      transport out of labeled leaves when shaded but not when illuminated strongly
      suggest that the radionuclide is transported in the xylem. The study increases
      confidence in the identification of (99m)TcO4- as a xylem mobile compound whose
      distribution in plants can be visualized using nuclear medicine scintigraphic
      imaging techniques.

PMID- 22036160
TI  - Using 210Pb measurements to estimate sedimentation rates on river floodplains.
AB  - Growing interest in the dynamics of floodplain evolution and the important role
      of overbank sedimentation on river floodplains as a sediment sink has focused
      attention on the need to document contemporary and recent rates of overbank
      sedimentation. The potential for using the fallout radionuclides 137Cs and excess
      210Pb to estimate medium-term (10-102 years) sedimentation rates on river
      floodplains has attracted increasing attention. Most studies that have
      successfully used fallout radionuclides for this purpose have focused on the use
      of 137Cs. However, the use of excess 210Pb potentially offers a number of
      advantages over 137Cs measurements. Most existing investigations that have used
      excess 210Pb measurements to document sedimentation rates have, however, focused
      on lakes rather than floodplains and the transfer of the approach, and
      particularly the models used to estimate the sedimentation rate, to river
      floodplains involves a number of uncertainties, which require further attention.
      This contribution reports the results of an investigation of overbank
      sedimentation rates on the floodplains of several UK rivers. Sediment cores were
      collected from seven floodplain sites representative of different environmental
      conditions and located in different areas of England and Wales. Measurements of
      excess 210Pb and 137Cs were made on these cores. The 210Pb measurements have been
      used to estimate sedimentation rates and the results obtained by using different
      models have been compared. The 137Cs measurements have also been used to provide
      an essentially independent time marker for validation purposes. In using the
      210Pb measurements, particular attention was directed to the problem of obtaining
      reliable estimates of the supported and excess or unsupported components of the
      total 210Pb activity of sediment samples. Although there was a reasonable degree
      of consistency between the estimates of sedimentation rate provided by the 137Cs
      and excess 210Pb measurements, some differences existed and the various models
      used to interpret excess 210Pb measurements could produce different results. By
      using the 137Cs measurements to provide independent validation of the estimates
      of sedimentation rate provided by the different models used with the excess 210Pb
      measurement it was shown that the CICCS and Composite CRS models appeared to
      generally provide the best results.

PMID- 22036161
TI  - The concentration of free Ca(2+) in the sarcoplasmic reticulum of frog cut twitch
      skeletal muscle fibers estimated with tetramethylmurexide.
AB  - One aim of this article was to determine the resting concentration of free Ca(2+)
      in the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) of frog cut skeletal muscle fibers
      ([Ca(2+)](SR,R)) using the calcium absorbance indicator dye tetramethylmurexide
      (TMX). Another was to determine the ratio of [Ca(2+)](SR,R) to TMX's apparent
      dissociation constant for Ca(2+) (K(app)) in order to establish the capability of
      monitoring [Ca(2+)](SR)(t) during SR Ca(2+) release - a signal needed to
      determine the Ca(2+) permeability of the SR. To reveal the properties of TMX in
      the SR, the surface membrane was rapidly permeabilized with saponin to rapidly
      dissipate myoplasmic TMX. Results indicated that the concentration of Ca-free TMX
      in the SR was 2.8-fold greater than that in the myoplasm apparently due to
      binding of TMX to sites in the SR. Taking into account that such binding might
      influence K(app) as well as a dependence of K(app) on TMX concentration, the
      results indicate an average [Ca(2+)](SR,R) ranging from 0.43 to 1.70mM. The ratio
      [Ca(2+)](SR,R)/K(app) averaged 0.256, a relatively low value which should not
      depend on factors influencing K(app). As a result, the time course of
      [Ca(2+)](SR)(t) in response to electrical stimulation is well determined by, and
      approximately linearly related to, the active TMX absorbance signal.

PMID- 22036162
TI  - Response to "Stereotactic ablative radiotherapy in the framework of classical
      radiobiology: response to Drs. Brown, Diehn, and Loo." (Int J Radiat Oncol Biol
      Phys 2011;79:1599-1600) and "Influence of tumor hypoxia on stereotactic ablative
      radiotherapy (SABR): response to Drs. Mayer and Timmerman." (Int J Radiation
      Oncol Biol Phys 2011;78:1600).

PMID- 22036166
TI  - Response to "Risk of all-cause and prostate cancer-specific mortality after
      brachytherapy in men with small prostate size" (Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys
      2011;79:1318-1322).

PMID- 22036168
TI  - Translational gastrointestinal pharmacology in the 21st century: 'the lesogaberan
      story'.
AB  - The development of the novel gamma-aminobutyric acid type-B receptor (GABAB)
      agonist lesogaberan is presented as an example of a partly successful
      translational strategy in the field of gastroenterology. Data on transient lower
      esophageal sphincter relaxations (TLESRs) and gastroesophageal reflux inhibition
      from preclinical models translated well to clinical studies in healthy volunteers
      and patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Animal models have also
      been used successfully to predict the effect of other target mechanisms on TLESRs
      in humans. However, while translation of physiology to symptomatology in patients
      with GERD was achieved, the effect size was too small to be of clinical
      significance. A deeper understanding of the cause of symptoms in different
      patient categories is therefore required.

PMID- 22036169
TI  - Subcellular signaling in the endothelium: cyclic nucleotides take their place.
AB  - When lecturing on the topic of cellular signaling I have had occasion to ask the
      class for examples of cellular processes NOT impacted by cyclic AMP (cAMP) and am
      struck by how few examples exist. Indeed, studies spanning the past 60 years have
      detailed how this ubiquitous second messenger impacts virtually all cellular
      processes, including intermediary metabolism, contractility, motility,
      proliferation, and gene expression in most mammalian cells. Since the hydrophobic
      cAMP could in principle diffuse rapidly throughout the cell once formed, the
      remarkable spatial and temporal specificity of its numerous actions in cells is
      truly impressive. Herein I introduce the main players involved in coordinating
      actions of cAMP in vascular endothelial cells (VECs), and focus on the increasing
      awareness of the dominant role that cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs),
      the sole cellular enzymes capable of hydrolytically inactivating cAMP, play in
      fostering this specificity.

PMID- 22036170
TI  - Purinergic system, microglia and neuropathic pain.
AB  - Extracellular nucleotides play pivotal roles in the regulation of neuronal and
      glial functions in the nervous system through P2X receptors (P2XRs) and P2Y
      receptors (P2YRs). A growing body of evidence shows that microglia express
      several subtypes of P2XRs and P2YRs, and that these receptors play a key role in
      pain signaling in the spinal cord under pathological conditions, such as
      following peripheral nerve injury (neuropathic pain). Following peripheral nerve
      injury, dorsal horn microglia become activated and show upregulated expression of
      purinergic receptors, and interference with the function or expression of these
      receptors strongly suppresses neuropathic pain. This article highlights recent
      advances that further increase our understanding of the mechanisms by which
      microglial purinergic receptors contribute to the pathogenesis of neuropathic
      pain.

PMID- 22036171
TI  - Mutations in POLR3A and POLR3B encoding RNA Polymerase III subunits cause an
      autosomal-recessive hypomyelinating leukoencephalopathy.
AB  - Congenital hypomyelinating disorders are a heterogeneous group of inherited
      leukoencephalopathies characterized by abnormal myelin formation. We have
      recently reported a hypomyelinating syndrome characterized by diffuse cerebral
      hypomyelination with cerebellar atrophy and hypoplasia of the corpus callosum
      (HCAHC). We performed whole-exome sequencing of three unrelated individuals with
      HCAHC and identified compound heterozygous mutations in POLR3B in two
      individuals. The mutations include a nonsense mutation, a splice-site mutation,
      and two missense mutations at evolutionally conserved amino acids. Using reverse
      transcription-PCR and sequencing, we demonstrated that the splice-site mutation
      caused deletion of exon 18 from POLR3B mRNA and that the transcript harboring the
      nonsense mutation underwent nonsense-mediated mRNA decay. We also identified
      compound heterozygous missense mutations in POLR3A in the remaining individual.
      POLR3A and POLR3B encode the largest and second largest subunits of RNA
      Polymerase III (Pol III), RPC1 and RPC2, respectively. RPC1 and RPC2 together
      form the active center of the polymerase and contribute to the catalytic activity
      of the polymerase. Pol III is involved in the transcription of small noncoding
      RNAs, such as 5S ribosomal RNA and all transfer RNAs (tRNA). We hypothesize that
      perturbation of Pol III target transcription, especially of tRNAs, could be a
      common pathological mechanism underlying POLR3A and POLR3B mutations.

PMID- 22036172
TI  - Recessive mutations in POLR3B, encoding the second largest subunit of Pol III,
      cause a rare hypomyelinating leukodystrophy.
AB  - Mutations in POLR3A encoding the largest subunit of RNA polymerase III (Pol III)
      were found to be responsible for the majority of cases presenting with three
      clinically overlapping hypomyelinating leukodystrophy phenotypes. We uncovered in
      three cases without POLR3A mutation recessive mutations in POLR3B, which codes
      for the second largest subunit of Pol III. Mutations in genes coding for Pol III
      subunits are a major cause of childhood-onset hypomyelinating leukodystrophies
      with prominent cerebellar dysfunction, oligodontia, and hypogonadotropic
      hypogonadism.

PMID- 22036173
TI  - [Imported malaria in adults. Clinical, epidemiological and analytical features].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Up to now, the epidemiological and clinical features of imported
      malaria in Spain have been described in small series from general hospitals.
      Almost all diagnosis had been made based on symptomatic patients. The aim of this
      study has been to determine the epidemiological, clinical and laboratorial
      characteristics of imported malaria in a Reference Unit for Tropical Diseases.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional, observational and
      retrospective study. The series consisted of patients diagnosed of malaria who
      had been attended at the Hospital Carlos III from January 1, 2002 to December 31,
      2007. RESULTS: We identified 484 episodes of malaria, of which 398 cases were
      included in the analysis. Almost 50% of the patients were natives of endemic
      areas, while the rest were native-travelers or travelers. Most cases (88-98%
      according to the group) had not taken malaria chemoprophylaxis correctly when
      indicated. At the time of diagnosis, 30.4% of patients were asymptomatic and
      28.1% of asymptomatic patients had anemia, 19.8% thrombocytopenia, 14%
      leukopenia, 5% hypocholesterolemia, 5% renal failure and 4.1% hypoglycemia. Low
      parasitemia was present in 97.5% of asymptomatic individuals compared to 80.5% of
      the symptomatic patients (P<0.001). DISCUSSION: Absence of chemoprophylaxis (or
      poor compliance) is the main reason for malaria in individuals traveling to
      endemic areas. Malaria must be ruled out in individuals coming from tropical
      countries with compatible symptoms, and it also should be suspected in certain
      groups of asymptomatic individuals with abnormal laboratorial parameters.

PMID- 22036174
TI  - Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) in the gastrointestinal tract of the pheasant
      (Phasianus colchicus).
AB  - The distribution of Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) was investigated in the
      gastrointestinal tract of the pheasant using immunohistochemistry. GLP-1
      immunoreactive cells were common in the small intestine, in the proventriculus
      and in the pancreas. Immunostained cells were not seen in the crop, in the
      gizzard and in the large intestine. Double labelling demonstrated that GLP-1 and
      pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) were occasionally co
      localized only in the duodenal villi. In contrast to what was previously
      described in the chicken and ostrich, we noted GLP-1 positive cells in the
      duodenum. These data were consistent with the presence of proglucagon mRNA in the
      chicken duodenum. Our findings indicate that GLP-1 might have an inhibitory
      effect on gastric and crop emptying and on acid secretion also in the pheasant.
      Moreover, the results of the present research regarding the initial region of the
      small intestine suggest a further direct mechanism of the GLP-1 release during
      the early digestion phase and an enhancement of its incretin role.

PMID- 22036175
TI  - [Massive intestinal ischaemia].

PMID- 22036176
TI  - [Complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy].
AB  - The most frequent complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy are analysed in
      this review. These include, delayed gastric emptying, pancreatic fistula, post
      operative bleeding, and the complications after vascular reconstruction in the
      cases of locally extended pancreatic cancer. For this, randomised prospective
      studies, systematic meta-analyses and clinical guidelines on the definition,
      clinical severity grade and treatment of these complications have been evaluated.

PMID- 22036177
TI  - Dreamed movement elicits activation in the sensorimotor cortex.
AB  - Since the discovery of the close association between rapid eye movement (REM)
      sleep and dreaming, much effort has been devoted to link physiological signatures
      of REM sleep to the contents of associated dreams [1-4]. Due to the impossibility
      of experimentally controlling spontaneous dream activity, however, a direct
      demonstration of dream contents by neuroimaging methods is lacking. By combining
      brain imaging with polysomnography and exploiting the state of "lucid dreaming,"
      we show here that a predefined motor task performed during dreaming elicits
      neuronal activation in the sensorimotor cortex. In lucid dreams, the subject is
      aware of the dreaming state and capable of performing predefined actions while
      all standard polysomnographic criteria of REM sleep are fulfilled [5, 6]. Using
      eye signals as temporal markers, neural activity measured by functional magnetic
      resonance imaging (fMRI) and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) was related to
      dreamed hand movements during lucid REM sleep. Though preliminary, we provide
      first evidence that specific contents of REM-associated dreaming can be
      visualized by neuroimaging.

PMID- 22036178
TI  - Seaweed communities in retreat from ocean warming.
AB  - In recent decades, global climate change [1] has caused profound biological
      changes across the planet [2-6]. However, there is a great disparity in the
      strength of evidence among different ecosystems and between hemispheres: changes
      on land have been well documented through long-term studies, but similar direct
      evidence for impacts of warming is virtually absent from the oceans [3, 7], where
      only a few studies on individual species of intertidal invertebrates, plankton,
      and commercially important fish in the North Atlantic and North Pacific exist.
      This disparity of evidence is precarious for biological conservation because of
      the critical role of the marine realm in regulating the Earth's environmental and
      ecological functions, and the associated socioeconomic well-being of humans [8].
      We interrogated a database of >20,000 herbarium records of macroalgae collected
      in Australia since the 1940s and documented changes in communities and
      geographical distribution limits in both the Indian and Pacific Oceans,
      consistent with rapid warming over the past five decades [9, 10]. We show that
      continued warming might drive potentially hundreds of species toward and beyond
      the edge of the Australian continent where sustained retreat is impossible. The
      potential for global extinctions is profound considering the many endemic
      seaweeds and seaweed-dependent marine organisms in temperate Australia.

PMID- 22036179
TI  - Temporal dynamics of bacterial aging and rejuvenation.
AB  - Single-celled organisms dividing by binary fission were thought not to age [1-4].
      A 2005 study by Stewart et al. [5] reversed the dogma by demonstrating that
      Escherichia coli were susceptible to aging. A follow-up study by Wang et al. [6]
      countered those results by demonstrating that E. coli cells trapped in
      microfluidic devices are able to sustain robust growth without aging. The present
      study reanalyzed these conflicting data by applying a population genetic model
      for aging in bacteria [7]. Our reanalysis showed that in E. coli, as predicted by
      the model, (1) aging and rejuvenation occurred simultaneously in a population;
      (2) lineages receiving sequentially the maternal old pole converged to a stable
      attractor state; (3) lineages receiving sequentially the maternal new pole
      converged to an equivalent but separate attractor state; (4) cells at the old
      pole attractor had a longer doubling time than ones at the new pole attractor;
      and (5) the robust growth state identified by Wang et al. corresponds to our
      predicted attractor for lineages harboring the maternal old pole. Thus, the
      previous data, rather than opposing each other, together provide strong evidence
      for bacterial aging.

PMID- 22036180
TI  - A head view-invariant representation of gaze direction in anterior superior
      temporal sulcus.
AB  - Humans show a remarkable ability to discriminate others' gaze direction, even
      though a given direction can be conveyed by many physically dissimilar
      configurations of different eye positions and head views. For example, eye
      contact can be signaled by a rightward glance in a left-turned head or by direct
      gaze in a front-facing head. Such acute gaze discrimination implies considerable
      perceptual invariance. Previous human research found that superior temporal
      sulcus (STS) responds preferentially to gaze shifts [1], but the underlying
      representation that supports such general responsiveness remains poorly
      understood. Using multivariate pattern analysis (MVPA) of human functional
      magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data, we tested whether STS contains a higher
      order, head view-invariant code for gaze direction. The results revealed a finely
      graded gaze direction code in right anterior STS that was invariant to head view
      and physical image features. Further analyses revealed similar gaze effects in
      left anterior STS and precuneus. Our results suggest that anterior STS codes the
      direction of another's attention regardless of how this information is conveyed
      and demonstrate how high-level face areas carry out fine-grained, perceptually
      relevant discrimination through invariance to other face features.

PMID- 22036181
TI  - A pathway for synapsis initiation during zygotene in Drosophila oocytes.
AB  - Formation of the synaptonemal complex (SC), or synapsis, between homologs in
      meiosis is essential for crossing over and chromosome segregation [1-4]. How SC
      assembly initiates is poorly understood but may have a critical role in ensuring
      synapsis between homologs and regulating double-strand break (DSB) and crossover
      formation. We investigated the genetic requirements for synapsis in Drosophila
      and found that there are three temporally and genetically distinct stages of
      synapsis initiation. In "early zygotene" oocytes, synapsis is only observed at
      the centromeres. We also found that nonhomologous centromeres are clustered
      during this process. In "mid-zygotene" oocytes, SC initiates at several
      euchromatic sites. The centromeric and first euchromatic SC initiation sites
      depend on the cohesion protein ORD. In "late zygotene" oocytes, SC initiates at
      many more sites that depend on the Kleisin-like protein C(2)M. Surprisingly, late
      zygotene synapsis initiation events are independent of the earlier mid-zygotene
      events, whereas both mid and late synapsis initiation events depend on the
      cohesin subunits SMC1 and SMC3. We propose that the enrichment of cohesion
      proteins at specific sites promotes homolog interactions and the initiation of
      euchromatic SC assembly independent of DSBs. Furthermore, the early euchromatic
      SC initiation events at mid-zygotene may be required for DSBs to be repaired as
      crossovers.

PMID- 22036182
TI  - Synaptonemal complex-dependent centromeric clustering and the initiation of
      synapsis in Drosophila oocytes.
AB  - The pairing of homologous chromosomes and the intimate synapsis of the paired
      homologs by the synaptonemal complex (SC) are essential for subsequent meiotic
      processes including recombination and chromosome segregation. Here we show that
      the centromere clustering plays an important role in initiating homolog synapsis
      during meiosis in Drosophila females. Although centromeres are not clustered
      prior to the onset of meiosis, all four pairs of centromeres are actively
      clustered into one or two masses during early meiotic prophase. Within the 16
      cell cyst, centromeric clustering appears to define the first step in the
      initiation of synapsis. Clustering is restricted to the nuclei that form the SC
      and is dependent on all known SC proteins. Surprisingly, both centromeric
      clusters and the SC components associated with them persist long after the
      disassembly of the euchromatic SC at the end of pachytene. The initiation of
      homologous recombination through the formation of programmed double-strand breaks
      (DSBs) is not required for either the formation or the maintenance of the
      centromeric clusters. Our data support a view in which the SC-mediated clustering
      at the centromeres is the initiating event for meiotic synapsis.

PMID- 22036183
TI  - Stimulation of category-selective brain areas modulates ERP to their preferred
      categories.
AB  - Neural selectivity to specific object categories has been demonstrated in
      extrastriate cortex with both functional MRI [1-3] and event-related potential
      (ERP) [4, 5]. Here we tested for a causal relationship between the activation of
      category-selective areas and ERP to their preferred categories.
      Electroencephalogram (EEG) was recorded while participants observed faces and
      headless bodies. Concurrently with EEG recording, we delivered two pulses of
      transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) over the right occipital face area (OFA)
      or extrastriate body area (EBA) at 60 and 100 ms after stimulus onset. Results
      showed a clear dissociation between the stimulated site and the stimulus category
      on ERP modulation: stimulation of the OFA significantly increased the N1
      amplitude to faces but not to bodies, whereas stimulation of the EBA
      significantly increased the N1 amplitude to bodies but not to faces. These
      findings provide the first evidence for a specific and causal link between
      activity in category-selective networks and scalp-recorded ERP to their preferred
      categories. This result also demonstrates that the face and body N1 reflects
      several nonoverlapping neural sources, rather than changes in face-selective
      mechanisms alone. Lastly, because early stimulation (60-100 ms) affected
      selectivity of a later ERP component (150-200 ms), the results could imply a feed
      forward connection between occipital and temporal category-selective areas.

PMID- 22036184
TI  - Optic flow cues guide flight in birds.
AB  - Although considerable effort has been devoted to investigating how birds migrate
      over large distances, surprisingly little is known about how they tackle so
      successfully the moment-to-moment challenges of rapid flight through cluttered
      environments [1]. It has been suggested that birds detect and avoid obstacles [2]
      and control landing maneuvers [3-5] by using cues derived from the image motion
      that is generated in the eyes during flight. Here we investigate the ability of
      budgerigars to fly through narrow passages in a collision-free manner, by filming
      their trajectories during flight in a corridor where the walls are decorated with
      various visual patterns. The results demonstrate, unequivocally and for the first
      time, that birds negotiate narrow gaps safely by balancing the speeds of image
      motion that are experienced by the two eyes and that the speed of flight is
      regulated by monitoring the speed of image motion that is experienced by the two
      eyes. These findings have close parallels with those previously reported for
      flying insects [6-13], suggesting that some principles of visual guidance may be
      shared by all diurnal, flying animals.

PMID- 22036186
TI  - The impact of maxillary advancement on breathing parameters in class III
      patients.

PMID- 22036185
TI  - Phytochrome regulation of cellulose synthesis in Arabidopsis.
AB  - Plant development is highly plastic and dependent on light quantity and quality
      monitored by specific photoreceptors. Although we have a detailed knowledge of
      light signaling pathways, little is known about downstream targets involved in
      growth control. Cell size and shape are in part controlled by cellulose
      microfibrils extruded from large cellulose synthase complexes (CSCs) that migrate
      in the plasma membrane along cortical microtubules. Here we show a role for the
      red/far-red light photoreceptor PHYTOCHROME B (PHYB) in the regulation of
      cellulose synthesis in the growing Arabidopsis hypocotyl. In this organ, CSCs
      contains three distinct cellulose synthase (CESA) isoform classes: nonredundant
      CESA1 and CESA3 and a third class represented by partially redundant CESA2,
      CESA5, and CESA6. Interestingly, in the dark, depending on which CESA subunits
      occupy the third position, CSC velocity is more or less inhibited through an
      interaction with microtubules. Activation of PHYB overrules this inhibition. The
      analysis of cesa5 mutants shows a role for phosphorylation in the control of CSC
      velocity. These results, combined with the cesa5 mutant phenotype, suggest that
      cellulose synthesis is fine tuned through the regulated interaction of CSCs with
      microtubules and that PHYB signaling impinges on this process to maintain cell
      wall strength and growth in changing environments.

PMID- 22036188
TI  - Follicle features in adolescent and young adult women with Hodgkin's disease
      prior to chemotherapy: a preliminary report.
AB  - Treatment of Hodgkin's disease (HD) has improved over the last two decades, but
      infertility is a common side effect of chemotherapy. Men with HD have an
      increased risk of inadequate semen quality and severe damage of fertility before
      treatment. The aim of this study was to investigate the possible association
      between the disease itself and germ-cell damage in female patients before
      treatment for HD. The ovarian cortex from 13 untreated women with HD was
      processed by light and transmission electron microscopy and compared with the
      ovarian cortex from the control group of 13 untreated women without HD.
      Histological examination of fresh ovarian cortex showed that in HD patients,
      follicles presented an unusual presence of clear vacuoles when compared with
      control group (73.7% versus 5.7%). Ultrastructural examination demonstrated that
      the small vacuoles fused into large autophagic vacuoles. The percentage of
      vacuolated follicles was higher in patients with advanced stage and bulky
      disease. In conclusion, this study demonstrates for the first time that
      significant damage to gametes occurs in women with HD. Further investigations are
      required to establish whether the present features should be considered a common
      side effect of HD.

PMID- 22036187
TI  - Dysbalance of cortical inhibition and excitation in abstinent cocaine-dependent
      patients.
AB  - The effects of chronic cocaine dependence on cortical inhibitory/excitatory
      processes are not well characterized. Employing transcranial magnetic stimulation
      measures of motor cortical excitability, we have previously reported an elevation
      of motor threshold (MT) suggesting reduced excitability and an increased long
      interval intracortical facilitation (LICF) suggesting increased excitability. In
      the current study, we used an expanded battery of TMS cortical excitability
      measures to further examine motor cortex excitability in a larger sample of well
      characterized and closely monitored for drug use, abstinent cocaine-dependent
      subjects (N = 52) and healthy controls (N = 42). Furthermore, coil-to-cortex
      distance was assessed in a subsample of both groups. We verified that long
      interval intracortical facilitation (LICF), possibly representing glutamatergic
      cortical neurotransmission, was significantly increased in cocaine-dependent
      patients. Significantly longer cortical silent periods (CSP) and elevated MT were
      also observed while there was no significant abnormality in long-interval
      intracortical inhibition (LICI). Increased LICF and CSP duration suggest
      increased cortical excitability and increased inhibition, respectively, of
      different neurotransmitter systems in cocaine-dependent patients. Increased MT
      might reflect an adaptation to those effects of cocaine abuse that enhance
      cortical excitability. Overall, the data point to the complex nature of chronic
      cocaine dependence on the balance of cortical inhibitory/excitatory mechanisms.

PMID- 22036189
TI  - Quinn's advantage fertilization medium enhances zona pellucida-induced acrosome
      reaction compared with human tubal fluid medium.
AB  - The aim of this study was to compare sperm velocity, hyperactivation, zona
      pellucida (ZP) binding and ZP-induced acrosome reaction (AR) between Quinn's
      advantage fertilization (QAF), human tubal fluid (HTF) and Ham's F10 media. Semen
      samples were obtained from normozoospermic men and motile spermatozoa were
      prepared by gradient centrifugation (PureSperm). Unfertilized oocytes from
      clinical IVF were used for spermatozoa-oocyte interaction tests. Sperm velocity
      and hyperactivation were assessed using a Hamilton-Thorn motility analyser. When
      media were supplemented with human albumin, sperm motility and velocity and sperm
      binding were not significantly different between QAF and HTF. However, ZP-induced
      AR was significantly higher with QAF than HTF (42+/-22 versus 21+/-18,
      P<0.th001). Sperm velocity, hyperactivation and sperm binding were also
      significantly higher in QAF than Ham's F10 media. Supplementation of media with
      either human serum or human albumin showed no difference in effect on all sperm
      test results. In conclusion, QAF medium significantly enhances ZP-induced AR
      which is essential for sperm penetration. Thus QAF appears to be a better medium
      than HTF for sperm fertilizing ability in conventional IVF.

PMID- 22036190
TI  - Glucose/lactate metabolism of cryopreserved intact bovine ovaries as a novel
      quantitative marker to assess tissue cryodamage.
AB  - For some patients, the autotransplantation of a cryopreserved-thawed intact ovary
      might be the best option to preserve their reproductive potential after fertility
      threatening treatment. The best procedure to successfully cryopreserve a human
      ovary without inflicting a devastating level of cryodamage is to date unknown. To
      optimize this procedure, this study developed an assay to monitor the extent of
      cryodamage inflicted on bovine ovarian tissue by different cryopreservation
      protocols. The assay measures glucose and lactate metabolism of ovarian tissue
      fragments in vitro and determines the extent of cryodamage in cryopreserved
      ovaries. This study tested the cryoprotective effect of two different routes of
      administration of the cryoprotectant dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO). The
      cryoprotective effect was assessed in different tissue layers of the ovary,
      namely the cortex, the subcortex and the medulla. Submersion of intact ovaries in
      DMSO prior to freezing-thawing resulted in the complete protection of the
      glucose/lactate metabolism of the cortex, but not of the inner ovarian mass.
      Perfusion without simultaneous submersion, resulted in partial protection of
      cortex, subcortex and medulla, while the combination of submersion and perfusion
      conveyed the highest level of protection for all three ovarian tissue layers.

PMID- 22036191
TI  - [Comparison of hot versus cold biopsy forceps in the diagnosis of endobronchial
      lesions].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Traditionally cold biopsy forceps were used for endobronchial
      biopsy, and recently electrocautery (hot) bronchoscopy biopsy forceps are
      introduced. It is hypothesized that hot biopsy forceps may decrease procedure
      related bleeding and also may decrease the quality of obtained samples. PATIENTS
      AND METHODS: Patients with different indications for endobronchial biopsy during
      fiberoptic bronchoscopy underwent three hot and three cold biopsies with a random
      fashion. All biopsies were obtained with a single biopsy forceps with and without
      the application of an electrocoagulation current, set on soft coagulation mode
      (40W). A four point scale was used for quantification of bleeding. A single
      pathologist blinded to the patients' history was requested to review all samples.
      A three point scale was used to assess electrocoagulation damage. RESULTS: A
      total of 240 biopsies were obtained from 40 patients. Frequency of positive
      concordance between the two methods was 85%. The degree of electrocoagulation
      damage of the samples was as follows: grade 1=52.5%, grade 2=32.5%, and grade
      3=15%. The average bleeding score following hot biopsy was significantly lower
      compared to the cold biopsy (P=.006). The concordance between diagnostic yield of
      hot and cold biopsies was 85%. There was no significant difference between the
      diagnostic yields of two biopsy methods (P=.687). CONCLUSIONS: Hot biopsy forceps
      significantly decreased the procedure related bleeding. The quality of samples
      was not impaired significantly. Regarding low prevalence of bleeding following
      endobronchial biopsy, routine use of hot bronchoscopy forceps is not reasonable.
      However, familiarity of bronchoscopists with this method may improve bronchoscopy
      safety.

PMID- 22036192
TI  - Support for an expanded tripartite influence model with gay men.
AB  - This study investigated whether an expanded tripartite influence model would
      represent gay men's experiences. This model was extended by adding partners and
      gay community involvement as sources of social influence and considering dual
      body image pathways (muscularity and body fat dissatisfaction) to muscularity
      enhancement and disordered eating behaviors. Latent variable structural equation
      modeling analyses upheld this model for 346 gay men. Dual body image pathways to
      body change behaviors were supported, although three unanticipated
      interrelationships emerged, suggesting that muscularity and body fat concerns and
      behaviors may be more integrated for gay men. Internalization of the mesomorphic
      ideal, appearance comparison, muscularity dissatisfaction, and body fat
      dissatisfaction were key mediators in the model. Of the sources of social
      influence, friend and media pressure to be lean, gay community involvement, and
      partner, friend, media, and family pressures to be muscular made incremental
      contributions. Unexpectedly, certain sources were directly connected to body
      change behaviors.

PMID- 22036193
TI  - Evaluation of sentinel surveillance system for monitoring hand, foot and mouth
      disease in Hong Kong.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: A sentinel surveillance system (SSS) was set up in Hong Kong to
      monitor hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) trends. This evaluation assessed the
      performance of the SSS from 2001 to 2009, and aimed to identify areas for
      improvement. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective review using structured guidelines for
      evaluating public health surveillance systems published by the US Centers for
      Disease Control and Prevention. METHODS: The effectiveness of the SSS was
      evaluated using routine service statistics, laboratory surveillance data, and
      results of an acceptability survey conducted among the sentinel doctors. This
      information was used to assess various attributes of the SSS including
      simplicity, flexibility, data quality, usefulness, sensitivity, specificity,
      positive predictive value (PPV), representativeness, timeliness and
      acceptability. RESULTS: The SSS was simple and flexible with high-quality data.
      It correlated well with the laboratory surveillance data (P < 0.001) and
      facilitated early detection of community epidemics. It helped to identify
      seasonal trends and high-risk groups. Specificity was high (83.4-88.5%), while
      sensitivity and PPV were borderline satisfactory (38.4-56.8%). The sentinel
      clinics were representative of the population distribution. The SSS was
      acceptable to the sentinel doctors, but 17.9-28.2% of them had delays in
      reporting. CONCLUSIONS: The SSS is effective for monitoring HFMD trends in Hong
      Kong, and is useful for initiating preventive measures.

PMID- 22036194
TI  - Legal interventions to reduce alcohol-related cancers.
AB  - Research and public policy literature on alcohol-related harm predominantly
      focuses on the impact of alcohol policies over the short term. However, evidence
      on the effect of interventions on long-term, alcohol-related chronic disease,
      including cancers, is growing. The experience from tobacco control supports the
      use of interventions that increase the price of a commodity and restrict its
      availability in order to reduce consumption and realize long-term health gains.
      Meanwhile, the negative involvement of the alcohol industry in alcohol policy
      development is hampering efforts to intervene early and potentially save many
      lives. As the burden of alcohol-related cancers becomes more apparent, effective
      alcohol policies should be introduced sooner rather than later. This paper looks
      at some of the key legal interventions to reduce alcohol consumption, the
      potential for these interventions to reduce the risk of alcohol-related cancers,
      and some of the barriers to implementing these interventions. Examples of law
      reform efforts in Australia, New Zealand and the UK are given, as well as a short
      discussion of global alcohol policy initiatives.

PMID- 22036195
TI  - Evidence for functional trace amine associated receptor-1 in normal and malignant
      B cells.
AB  - Following the observation that dopaminergic components are present in normal and
      malignant B cells, we now provide evidence that they additionally express the
      functionally related trace amine-associated receptor-1 (TAAR1). Immunodetectable
      TAAR1 was found in lines derived from a broad range of B-cell malignancy; and in
      tonsillar B cells, particularly when activated. L3055 Burkitt's lymphoma cells
      were shown to respond to prototypical TAAR1 agonists in cytotoxicity assays with
      features of apoptotic death evident; normal B cells were somewhat less sensitive
      to the agonists. These data raise the possibility that TAAR1 may have therapeutic
      relevance to leukemia, lymphoma, and wider B-cell pathologies.

PMID- 22036196
TI  - A regional flux-based risk assessment approach for multiple contaminated sites on
      groundwater bodies.
AB  - In the context of the Water Framework Directive (EP and CEU, 2000), management
      plans have to be set up to monitor and to maintain water quality in groundwater
      bodies in the EU. In heavily industrialized and urbanized areas, the cumulative
      effect of multiple contaminant sources is likely and has to be evaluated. In
      order to propose adequate measures, the calculated risk should be based on
      criteria reflecting the risk of groundwater quality deterioration, in a
      cumulative manner and at the scale of the entire groundwater body. An integrated
      GIS- and flux-based risk assessment approach for groundwater bodies is described,
      with a regional scale indicator for evaluating the quality status of the
      groundwater body. It is based on the SEQ-ESO currently used in the Walloon Region
      of Belgium which defines, for different water uses and for a detailed list of
      groundwater contaminants, a set of threshold values reflecting the levels of
      water quality and degradation with respect to each contaminant. The methodology
      is illustrated with first results at a regional scale on a groundwater body-scale
      application to a contaminated alluvial aquifer which has been classified to be at
      risk of not reaching a good quality status by 2015. These first results show that
      contaminants resulting from old industrial activities in that area are likely to
      contribute significantly to the degradation of groundwater quality. However,
      further investigations are required on the evaluation of the actual polluting
      pressures before any definitive conclusion be established.

PMID- 22036197
TI  - Modeling cellular processes in 3D.
AB  - Recent advances in photonic imaging and fluorescent protein technology offer
      unprecedented views of molecular space-time dynamics in living cells. At the same
      time, advances in computing hardware and software enable modeling of ever more
      complex systems, from global climate to cell division. As modeling and experiment
      become more closely integrated we must address the issue of modeling cellular
      processes in 3D. Here, we highlight recent advances related to 3D modeling in
      cell biology. While some processes require full 3D analysis, we suggest that
      others are more naturally described in 2D or 1D. Keeping the dimensionality as
      low as possible reduces computational time and makes models more intuitively
      comprehensible; however, the ability to test full 3D models will build greater
      confidence in models generally and remains an important emerging area of cell
      biological modeling.

PMID- 22036198
TI  - Extracellular matrix determinants of proteolytic and non-proteolytic cell
      migration.
AB  - Cell invasion into the 3D extracellular matrix (ECM) is a multistep biophysical
      process involved in inflammation, tissue repair, and metastatic cancer invasion.
      Migrating cells navigate through tissue structures of complex and often varying
      physicochemical properties, including molecular composition, porosity, alignment
      and stiffness, by adopting strategies that involve deformation of the cell and
      engagement of matrix-degrading proteases. We review how the ECM determines
      whether or not pericellular proteolysis is required for cell migration, ranging
      from protease-driven invasion and secondary tissue destruction, to non
      proteolytic, non-destructive movement that solely depends on cell deformability
      and available tissue space. These concepts call for therapeutic targeting of
      proteases to prevent invasion-associated tissue destruction rather than the
      migration process per se.

PMID- 22036199
TI  - Convergent and discriminant validity of attenuated psychosis screening tools.
AB  - Brief self-report questionnaires that assess attenuated psychotic symptoms have
      the potential to screen many people who may benefit from clinical monitoring,
      further evaluation, or early intervention. The extent to which recently developed
      screening instruments demonstrate sound psychometric properties is an important
      issue toward the implementation of these measures in clinical practice. This
      study examines the convergent validity, discriminant validity, and test-retest
      reliability of four recently developed screening instruments. Screening
      instruments were included in an assessment battery and administered to a sample
      of 355 college students. Screening scores support the convergent and discriminant
      validity and the test-retest reliability of these measures.

PMID- 22036201
TI  - Perioperative surgical care bundle reduces pancreaticoduodenectomy wound
      infections.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is a complex surgical procedure with a
      historically high morbidity rate. The goal of this study was to determine if the
      implementation of a 12-measure perioperative surgical care bundle (SCB) was
      successful in reducing infectious and other complications in patients undergoing
      PD compared with a routine preoperative preparation group (RPP). METHODS: In this
      retrospective cohort study utilizing the HPB surgery database at the Thomas
      Jefferson University, we analyzed clinical data from 233 consecutive PDs from
      October 2005 to May 2008 on patients who underwent RPP, and compared them with
      233 consecutive PDs from May 2008 to May 2010 following the implementation of the
      SCB. The SCB was the product of multidisciplinary discussion and extensive
      literature review. RESULTS: The RPP group and the SCB group had similar
      demographic characteristics. The overall rate of postoperative morbidity was
      similar between groups (42.1% versus 37.8%). However, wound infections were
      significantly lower in the SCB group (15.0% versus 7.7%, P = 0.01).The rates of
      other common complications, as well as postoperative hospital length of stay,
      readmissions, and 30-d postoperative mortality were similar between groups.
      CONCLUSIONS: The implementation of a SCB was followed by a significant decline in
      wound infection in patients undergoing PD.

PMID- 22036200
TI  - Selection for tetracycline-resistant Chlamydia suis in treated pigs.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate Chlamydia suis in a pig farm with an
      outbreak of conjunctivitis and diarrhea. Eye swabs and pooled fecal samples were
      investigated for the presence of C. suis by real-time PCR and ArrayTube
      microarray. Samples positive for C. suis by ArrayTube microarray assay were
      further tested for the presence of the tet(C) resistance gene by PCR. In the
      first examination, C. suis was identified in 12 six-week-old pigs showing
      conjunctivitis. Of these, the tet(C) gene-coding region was amplified in one
      pooled fecal sample and one eye swab, respectively. After oral treatment with
      tetracycline, clinical symptoms disappeared. Subsequently, all eye swabs
      investigated from 10 healthy pigs were positive for C. suis and the tet(C) gene
      coding region. The present study reports rapid selection for tetracycline
      resistant C. suis after antibiotic treatment.

PMID- 22036202
TI  - Extracorporeal photopheresis in the treatment of chronic graft-versus-host
      disease. The Hellenic experience: a study by the Hellenic association of
      hematology.
AB  - The Hellenic experience regarding the efficacy of extracorporeal photopheresis
      (ECP) in the treatment of 58 patients with chronic graft-versus-host disease
      (cGVHD) is presented in this article. All 58, except one patient, had failed at
      least one line of immunosuppressive treatment including steroids. Thirty-three
      out of 58 patients showed an objective overall response to ECP in a median time
      of 10 weeks after the onset of treatment. The cumulative incidence of overall
      response was 65.1%. In multivariate analysis, the presence of severe chronic GVHD
      was the only parameter associated with a significantly lower probability of
      response to treatment (RR=0.4, CI 95% 0.2-0.9, p=0.03). Responders to treatment
      with ECP were more likely to discontinue immunosuppression, had a lower
      probability of non-relapse mortality (RR=0.2, CI 95% 0.1-0.5, p=0.002), and a
      higher probability of overall survival (RR=7.8, CI 95% 3-20, p<0.001) in
      comparison with non-responders. Eight out of 58 patients experienced relapse of
      the original disease. The cumulative incidence of relapse in the group of
      responders to ECP was 6%, while it was 25% in the group of non-responders to ECP.
      In multivariate analysis, response to treatment with ECP was the only parameter
      statistically associated with a significantly decreased hazard of relapse
      (RR=0.1, CI 95% 0.1-0.7, p=0.02). ECP should be tested as first-line treatment in
      patients with cGVHD with the aim to minimize the duration of immunosuppression
      and the rate of relapse of the malignant disease.

PMID- 22036203
TI  - Comparison between 155 cases of robotic vs. 150 cases of open surgical staging
      for endometrial cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcomes of 155 cases of endometrial cancer who had
      robot-assisted surgical staging to 150 open cases. METHODS: Retrospective chart
      review of cases of endometrial cancer that underwent staging two different ways
      by two surgeons at an academic institution. RESULTS: Mean age was 62.4 years in
      the robotic arm and 65 (P=0.04) in the open arm. Mean body mass index was 34.5
      Kg/m(2) in the robotic arm and 33 Kg/m(2) in the open arm (P=0.2). Pelvic and
      para-aortic lymph node dissection were performed in 94.8% and 67.7% of the
      robotic cases versus 95.3% and 74% of the open cases, respectively. Mean
      operative time was 127 min in the robotic arm, and 141 min in the open arm
      (P=0.0001). Mean lymph node count was 20.3 in the robotic arm, and 20 in the open
      arm (P=0.567). Mean estimated blood loss was 119 ml in the robotic arm and 185 in
      the open arm (P=0.015). Mean hospital stay was 1.5 days in the robotic arm, and 4
      days in the open arm (P=0.0001). The incidence of postoperative ileus (0.6% vs.
      10.7%, P=0.0001), infections (5.2% vs. 24%, P=0.0001), anemia/transfusion (1.3%
      vs. 7.7%, P=0.005), and cardiopulmonary complications (3.2% vs.14.7%, P=0.003)
      was significantly lower in the robotic arm vs. the open arm. There was one death
      in the robotic arm attributed to pre-existing cardiac condition. CONCLUSION:
      Robotic-assisted staging reaps the benefits of minimally invasive surgery without
      compromising the adequacy of the procedure. Dedication to the technique shortens
      the operative time.

PMID- 22036204
TI  - The effect of junior residents on surgical quality: a study of surgical outcomes
      in breast surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients are often concerned about the participation of junior
      trainees in their operative treatment. Breast-conserving therapy (BCT) for
      nonpalpable breast lesions requires the use of localization devices and carries a
      significant risk for positive margins of excision. It was therefore hypothesized
      that the participation of junior residents in BCT operations for nonpalpable
      breast lesions could result in an increased rate of positive margins of excision.
      METHODS: Retrospective analysis of a prospective database of all patients with
      nonpalpable tumors who underwent BCT from August 1999 to August 2009 was
      performed. Patient and tumor characteristics and factors involved in resection
      were analyzed. A >=2-mm margin of normal breast tissue beyond tumor was
      considered an adequate margin. Chi-square analysis and Student's t test were
      performed to determine relationships between independent variables and margin
      status. RESULTS: Of 308 BCT procedures for nonpalpable tumors, 241 (78%) were
      performed by attending surgeons and junior residents (group 1) and 67 (22%) by
      attending surgeons without resident assistance (group 2). The operations for
      group 1 took significantly longer than the operations for group 2 (mean, 130 vs
      116 min, P = .006). Intraoperative reexcision of margins was performed for 37% of
      group 1 patients and 31% of group 2 patients (P = .249), and reoperation for
      inadequate margins was performed in 11% of group 1 patients and 13% of group 2
      patients (P = .361). CONCLUSIONS: Junior resident participation in BCT procedures
      was not associated with higher rates of inadequate margins of excision. Patients
      can be reassured that junior resident involvement in their BCT operations is safe
      and effective.

PMID- 22036205
TI  - Current surgical approach to Paget's disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Paget's disease constitutes between 1% and 3% of all breast
      malignancies, which makes defining standard surgical therapy difficult. We sought
      to identify preoperative factors that would select patients for successful breast
      conservation. METHODS: Fifty-one patients with Paget's disease underwent surgical
      therapy between October 1998 and January 2010. Clinical presentation of Paget's
      disease, preoperative imaging, pathologic tumor characteristics, as well as
      surgical, radiation, and adjuvant therapies were reviewed. RESULTS: Thirty-seven
      percent underwent breast conservation whereas 63% underwent mastectomy. Twelve
      patients presented with a palpable mass, and all were treated with mastectomy.
      Twenty-two patients underwent a mammogram, identifying extensive abnormality
      requiring mastectomy. Magnetic resonance imaging added to surgical planning in
      52% of patients who participated in the study. None of our patients had a
      local/regional recurrence at 29 months of follow-up evaluation. CONCLUSIONS:
      Paget's disease of the breast can be treated with breast conservation in a
      properly selected subset of patients. Successful breast conservation was achieved
      in patients without a palpable finding, a benign mammogram, and a normal magnetic
      resonance imaging scan.

PMID- 22036206
TI  - Use of computed tomography in the initial evaluation of anterior abdominal stab
      wounds.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to assess the ability of computed
      tomography (CT) to facilitate initial management decisions in patients with
      anterior abdominal stab wounds. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted of
      patients with anterior abdominal stab wounds who underwent CT over 4.5 years. Any
      abnormality suspicious for intra-abdominal injury was considered a positive
      finding on CT. RESULTS: Ninety-eight patients met the study's inclusion criteria.
      Positive findings on CT were noted in 30 patients (31%), leading to operative
      intervention in 67%. Injuries were confirmed in 95% of cases, but only 70% were
      therapeutic. Ten patients had nonoperative management despite positive findings
      on CT, including 5 patients with solid organ injuries. One patient underwent
      operative intervention for clinical deterioration, with negative findings. No
      computed tomographic evidence of injury was noted in the remaining 68 patients
      (69%), but 1 patient was noted to have a splenic injury while undergoing
      operative evaluation of the diaphragm. All remaining patients were treated
      nonoperatively with success. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with anterior abdominal
      stab wounds, CT should be considered to facilitate initial management decisions,
      as it has the ability to delineate abnormalities suspicious for injury.

PMID- 22036207
TI  - Trauma center designation and the decreasing incidence of post-traumatic acute
      respiratory distress syndrome: a potential guidepost for quality improvement.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The incidence of post-traumatic acute respiratory distress syndrome
      (ARDS) is decreasing. We hypothesized that disparities exist in the overall
      incidence and incidence of ARDS over time across different types of trauma
      centers. METHODS: The National Trauma Databank version 7.0 was queried for
      patients admitted to designated trauma centers (I-III) and ventilated at least 48
      hours. Level I university admissions (group 1) were compared with level I
      community and level II/III center admissions (group 2). RESULTS: There were
      43,664 patients with an incidence of ARDS of 5.2% (2,260) overall, 4.1%
      (1,062/25,937) in group 1, and 6.8% (1,198/17,727) in group 2 (P < .001). The
      incidence decreased significantly in group 1 in contrast to group 2 yearly. The
      incidence in level I community centers was marked (608/5,180 [11.7%]) and
      increased significantly over time. On logistic regression, admission to a level I
      university center (.646 [.590-.707],<.001) was independently associated with
      ARDS. CONCLUSIONS: Admission to a level I center may not necessarily confer
      similar results reflecting potential variation in management between centers that
      presumably provide similar service. These investigations may have significance to
      quality improvement.

PMID- 22036208
TI  - Effects of long-term exposure to simazine in real concentrations on common carp
      (Cyprinus carpio L.).
AB  - The effects of a 90 day simazine exposure at concentrations of 0.06 (reported
      concentration in Czech rivers), 1, 2, and 4 MUg L-1 were assessed in one-year-old
      common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.). Its influence on biometric parameters,
      hematology, blood biochemistry, liver biomarkers, and histology was investigated.
      Biometric parameters of common carp exposed to simazine at 0.06 MUg L-1 showed no
      differences from untreated fish. Simazine concentrations of 1, 2, and 4 MUg L-1
      caused significant (p<0.01) increase of hepatosomatic indices relative to
      controls. Hematological profiles showed significant (p<0.01) decrease in
      leukocyte count relative to controls at all concentrations. Biochemical profiles
      of common carp exposed to simazine at all concentrations showed significant
      (p<0.01) increase in activity of alkaline phosphatase. In addition, at
      concentrations of 1 and 2 MUg L-1, there was a significant increase in alanine
      aminotransferase (p<0.05), and, at 4 MUg L-1, a significant increase in total
      protein (p<0.05), albumins (p<0.05), and alanine aminotransferase (p<0.05)
      compared with controls. Renal histology revealed severe hyaline degeneration of
      the epithelial cells of caudal kidney tubules in fish at all exposure levels
      compared to controls. Chronic exposure of common carp to simazine caused
      significant shifts in hematological, biochemical, and biometric profiles, and
      histopathological changes. The results of this study indicate that chronic
      exposure of simazine has altered multiple physiological indices in fish
      hematology and biochemistry, which potentially may be a biomarker of simazine
      toxicity; however, before these parameters are used as special biomarkers for
      monitoring residual simazine in aquatic environment, more detailed experiments in
      laboratory need to be performed in the future.

PMID- 22036209
TI  - Evaluation of tropical water sources and mollusks in southern Brazil using
      microbiological, biochemical, and chemical parameters.
AB  - Florianopolis, a city located in the Santa Catarina State in southern Brazil, is
      the national leading producer of bivalve mollusks. The quality of bivalve
      mollusks is closely related to the sanitary conditions of surrounding waters
      where they are cultivated. Presently, cultivation areas receive large amounts of
      effluents derived mainly from treated and non-treated domestic, rural, and urban
      sewage. This contributes to the contamination of mollusks with trace metals,
      pesticides, other organic compounds, and human pathogens such as viruses,
      bacteria, and protozoan. The aim of this study was to perform a thorough
      diagnosis of the shellfish growing areas in Florianopolis, on the coast of Santa
      Catarina. The contamination levels of seawater, sediments, and oysters were
      evaluated for their microbiological, biochemical, and chemical parameters at five
      sea sites in Florianopolis, namely three regular oyster cultivation areas (Sites
      1, 2, and oyster supplier), a polluted site (Site 3), and a heavily polluted site
      (Site 4). Samples were evaluated at day zero and after 14 days. Seawater and
      sediment samples were collected just once, at the end of the experiment.
      Antioxidant defenses, which may occur in contaminated environments in response to
      the increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by organisms, were
      analyzed in oysters, as well as organic compounds (in oysters and sediment
      samples) and microbiological contamination (in oysters and seawater samples). The
      results showed the presence of the following contaminants: fecal coliforms in
      seawater samples (four sites), human adenovirus (all sites), human noroviruses GI
      and GII (two sites), Hepatitis A viruses (one site), JC Polyomavirus in an oyster
      sample from the oyster supplier, Giardia duodenalis cysts, and Cryptosporidium sp
      oocysts (one site). Among organochlorine pesticides, only DDT
      (dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane) and HCH (hexachlorocyclohexane) were detected
      in some sediment and oysters samples in very low levels; site 4 had the highest
      concentrations of total aliphatic hydrocarbons, PAHs, and linear alkylbenzenes
      (LABs) found either in oysters or in sediment samples. The major concentration of
      fecal sterol coprostanol was found at site 4, followed by site 3. After 14 days
      of allocation in the four selected sites, there was a significant difference in
      the enzymes analyzed at the monitored spots. The detection of different
      contaminants in oysters, seawater, and sediment samples in the present study
      shows the impact untreated or inadequately treated effluents have on coastal
      areas. These results highlight the need for public investment in adequate
      wastewater treatment and adequate treatment of oysters, ensuring safe areas for
      shellfish production as well as healthier bivalve mollusks for consumption.

PMID- 22036210
TI  - Metabolic and electrochemical mechanisms of dimeric naphthoquinones cytotoxicity
      in breast cancer cells.
AB  - Cancer cells reprogram their metabolism due to genetic alteration to compensate
      for increased energy demand and enhanced anabolism, cell proliferation, and
      protection from oxidative damage. Here, we assessed the cytotoxicity of three
      dimeric naphthoquinones against the glycolytic MCF-7 versus the oxidative MDA-453
      breast carcinoma cell lines. Dimeric naphthoquinones 1 and 2 impaired MDA-453,
      but not MCF-7, cell growth at IC(50)=15 MUM. Significant increase in reactive
      oxygen species, decrease in oxygen consumption and ATP production were observed
      in MDA-453 cells but not in MCF-7 cell. These findings suggest that oxidative
      stress and mitochondrial dysfunction are mechanisms by which these agents exert
      their cytotoxic effects. Cyclic voltammetry and semi-empirical molecular orbital
      calculations further characterized the electrochemical behavior of these
      compounds. These results also suggest that dimeric naphthoquinones may be used to
      selectively target cancer cells that depend on oxidative phosphorylation for
      energy production and macromolecular synthesis.

PMID- 22036211
TI  - 1,2-Benzothiazine 1,1-dioxide carboxylate derivatives as novel potent inhibitors
      of aldose reductase.
AB  - Due to the importance of aldose reductase (ALR2) as a potential drug target in
      the treatment of diabetic complications, there are increasing interests in design
      and synthesis of ALR2 inhibitors. Here, we prepared 1,2-benzothiazine 1,1-dioxide
      acetic acid derivatives and investigated their inhibition activity. Most of these
      derivatives were found to be active with IC(50) values ranging from 0.11 MUM to
      10.42 MUM, and compound 8d, 2-[2-(4-bromo-2-fluorobenzyl)-1,1-dioxido-2H-1,2
      benzothiazin-4(3H)-ylidene]acetic acid, showed the most potent inhibition
      activity. Further, SAR and docking studies suggest that in comparison with the
      alpha,beta-unsaturated derivatives, the saturated carboxylic acid derivatives had
      a greater binding affinity with the enzyme and thus an enhanced inhibition
      activity. Therefore, development of more powerful ARIs based on benzothiazine 1,1
      dioxide by stereo-controlled synthesis could be expected.

PMID- 22036212
TI  - Synthesis of 6-(het) ary Xylocydine analogues and evaluating their inhibitory
      activities of CDK1 and CDK2 in vitro.
AB  - A series of purine nucleoside analogues bearing an aryl and hetaryl group in
      position 6 were prepared and their biological activities were assessed by in
      vitro CDK1/Cyclin B1 and CDK2/Cyclin A2 kinase assay. From the synthesized
      chemicals, three Xylocydine derivatives 3h, 3i, and 3j exhibited specific
      inhibitory activities on CDK2/Cyclin A2 with IC(50) values of 4.6, 4.8, and 55
      MUM, respectively. Those three compounds all induced G1/S phase arrest in Human
      epithelial carcinoma cell line (HeLa), and the results suggested they may inhibit
      CDK2 activity in vitro. Furthermore, molecular modeling study, their docking into
      Cyclin Dependant Kinase 2 (CDK2) active site showed high docking scores. Taken
      together, these data suggest that, those three compounds are good inhibitors of
      CDK2 for studying this kinase signal transduction pathway in cell system.

PMID- 22036213
TI  - Tyrphostin-like compounds with ubiquitin modulatory activity as possible
      therapeutic agents for multiple myeloma.
AB  - With the goal of developing small molecules as novel regulators of signal
      transduction and apoptosis, a series of tyrphostin-like compounds were
      synthesized and screened for their activity against MM-1 (multiple myeloma) cells
      and other cell lines representing this malignancy. Synthesis was completed in
      solution-phase initially and then adopted to solid-phase for generating a more
      diverse set of compounds. A positive correlation was noted between compounds
      capable of inducing apoptosis and their modulation of protein ubiquitination.
      Further analysis suggested that ubiquitin modulation occurs through inhibition of
      cellular deubiquitinase activity. Bulky groups on the sidechain near the
      alpha,beta-unsaturated ketone caused a complete loss of activity, whereas
      cyclization on the opposite side was tolerated. Theoretical calculations at the
      B3LYP/LACV3P(**) level were completed on each molecule, and the resulting
      molecular orbitals and Fukui reactivity values for C(beta) carbon were utilized
      in developing a model to explain the compound activity.

PMID- 22036214
TI  - A recurrent mutation in the TGM5 gene in European patients with acral peeling
      skin syndrome.

PMID- 22036217
TI  - Transcatheter closure of ventricular septal defect and atrial septal defect.

PMID- 22036215
TI  - Type I interferon signature is high in lupus and neuromyelitis optica but low in
      multiple sclerosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is characterized by selective inflammation
      of the spinal cord and optic nerves but is distinct from multiple sclerosis (MS).
      Interferon (IFN)-beta mitigates disease activity in MS, but is controversial in
      NMO, with a few reports of disease worsening after IFN-beta therapy in this
      highly active disease. In systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), IFNs adversely
      affect disease activity. This study examines for the first time whether serum IFN
      alpha/beta activity and IFN-beta-induced responses in peripheral blood
      mononuclear cells (MNC) are abnormally elevated in NMO, as they are in SLE, but
      contrast to low levels in MS. METHODS: Serum type I IFN-alpha/beta activity was
      measured by a previously validated bioassay of 3 IFN-stimulated genes (RT-PCR
      sensitivity, 0.1 U/ml) rather than ELISA, which has lower sensitivity and
      specificity for measuring serum IFNs. IFN responses in PBMNC were assessed by in
      vitro IFN-beta-induced activation of phospho-tyrosine-STAT1 and phospho-serine
      STAT1 transcription factors, and MxA proteins using Western blots. RESULTS: Serum
      IFN-alpha/beta activity was highest in SLE patients, followed by healthy subjects
      and NMO, but was surprisingly low in therapy-naive MS. In functional assays in
      vitro, IFN-beta-induced high levels of P-S-STAT1 in NMO and SLE, but not in MS
      and controls. IFN-beta-induced MxA protein levels were elevated in NMO and SLE
      compared to MS. CONCLUSIONS: Serum IFN activity and IFN-beta-induced responses in
      PBMNC are elevated in SLE and NMO patients versus MS. This argues for
      similarities in pathophysiology between NMO and SLE and provides an explanation
      for IFN-induced disease worsening in NMO.

PMID- 22036218
TI  - Neonatal mortality in an urban population in Ibadan, Nigeria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neonatal mortality remains a major contributor to death among
      children younger than 5 years in developing countries. This study was undertaken
      to determine the neonatal mortality rate (NMR), causes of death, and associated
      risk factors among hospital live births in a suburban population in Nigeria.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 1058 consecutive live newborns at Adeoyo
      Maternity Hospital, Ibadan, were enrolled at birth and followed up in their homes
      for 28 days. The causes of death were extracted from hospital records, and verbal
      autopsy was used to determine the causes of death outside the hospital. RESULTS:
      The NMR was 32.1 per 1000 live births. The leading causes of death were severe
      perinatal asphyxia (79.4%), low birth weight (LBW: 55.9%), and infections
      (41.2%). The associated risk factors were lack of antenatal care [relative risk
      (RR)=45.18; 95% confidence interval (CI)=7.80, 261.60]; prolonged rupture of
      membranes (RR=4.47; 95% CI=1.95, 10.25); maternal peripartal fever (RR=5.42; 95%
      CI=2.35, 12.52); prematurity (RR=7.53; 95% CI=4.91, 11.55); and LBW (RR=5.50; 95%
      CI=3.88, 7.80). CONCLUSION: NMR is high among hospital live births in Ibadan.
      There is a need for programs encouraging the use of antenatal care, improving
      skills on neonatal resuscitation and care of LBW infants; as well as
      implementation of community-based newborn survival strategies.

PMID- 22036219
TI  - Common etiologies of neonatal pleural effusion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pleural effusion is rare and includes several disease entities in the
      neonatal period. The aim of this study was to investigate the etiology,
      management, and outcome of neonatal pleural effusions. METHODS: We
      retrospectively collected all neonates who were admitted to the neonatal
      intensive care unit of Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan,
      with discharge diagnosis of pleural effusion, chylothorax, hydrothorax,
      hemothorax, and empyema, from January 1999 to December 2009. The characteristics,
      etiology, management, and outcome were analyzed. RESULTS: There were 21 patients
      identified, 16 males (76%) and 5 females (24%). Eight patients (38%) had primary
      and 13 patients (62%) had secondary etiologies. The etiologies included four
      parapneumonic effusions or empyema (19%); nine chylothorax (42.8%) with four
      congenital and five iatrogenic after thoracic surgery; three percutaneously
      inserted central venous catheter extravasation (14%); one umbilical venous
      catheter extravasation (4.7%); three hydrops fetalis (14%); and one congestive
      heart failure (4.7%). Fifteen patients (71%) needed chest tube placement.
      Conservative management with complete cessation of enteral feedings and use of
      total parenteral nutrition followed with infant formula containing medium-chain
      triglyceride was successful in six of the patients (67%) with chylothorax. There
      were two patients (22%) with chylothorax who received somatostatin
      administration; one was successful and the other one failed. Thoracic duct
      ligation was performed uneventfully in two patients with acquired chylothorax.
      There were three mortalities (14.3%) in this study, which were related to causes
      other than pleural effusion. CONCLUSIONS: Pleural effusions in the neonatal stage
      may result from chylothorax, hydrops fetalis, extravasation of percutaneously
      inserted central venous catheter, parapneumonic effusion, congestive heart
      failure, or other less frequently occurring conditions. Diagnostic chest tap is
      required for subsequent management. Good outcome is the rule except in hydrops
      fetalis, which carries high mortality rate.

PMID- 22036220
TI  - Color Doppler echocardiographic study on the incidence and natural history of
      early-infancy muscular ventricular septal defect.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Most small muscular ventricular septal defect (M-VSD) types have been
      diagnosed using color Doppler echocardiography. The purpose of this study was to
      understand the incidence of small M-VSD in the neonatal period and analyze the
      natural history of these M-VSDs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All individuals in our
      study were neonates delivered at term who had a normal healthy appearance. Each
      accepted neonate had an examination with complete color Doppler echocardiography
      once before discharge. If the examination was confirmed for M-VSD, the study
      participants were then classified according to defect type. Further examination
      was arranged with color Doppler echocardiography at 1 month, 2 months, 4 months,
      6 months, 9 months, and 12 months of age or until there was complete spontaneous
      closure. RESULTS: Among 2891 neonates, we found that 72 (24.9/1000) were
      diagnosed with M-VSD. Among this group, 38 were male and 34 were female. Only six
      infants were lost to follow-up. Fifty-four of the 66 infants (81.8%) had M-VSD
      closed spontaneously at 12 months' follow-up. Significantly, 33 of 37 infants
      (89.2%) with mid-muscular type, the most common type of M-VSD, closed within the
      1(st) year of life compared with apical type (17/24:70.8%). Four of the five
      infants (80%) had anterior type M-VSD closed. Infants with posterior type M-VSD
      were not seen during this study period. CONCLUSION: Although the incidence of M
      VSD was common in the neonatal period, there was also a high rate of spontaneous
      closure. Therefore, comparison of M-VSD appearance with the incidence of
      congenital heart disease in neonates had a decisive influence on analysis.

PMID- 22036221
TI  - Associations of reactive thrombocytosis with clinical characteristics in
      pediatric diseases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Reactive thrombocytosis (RT) in pediatric patients is common, but
      usually without symptoms. The incidence of RT is different depending on age.
      Mostly, we reason that RT is a phenomenon, nevertheless the diagnostic value of
      RT is little known. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the
      association of RT and clinical or laboratory characteristics in pediatric
      diseases. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of pediatric
      patients hospitalized at Wan Fang hospital from January 2002 to July 2009.
      Thrombocytosis was defined as a platelet count more than 500 * 10(9)/L. There
      were 822 patients enrolled to this study. The clinical parameters, including age,
      gender, disease type, and hospitalization days, were investigated. The
      association between RT and clinical manifestations and the relationship of
      leukocytes, hemoglobin, C-reactive protein, and platelet counts were analyzed.
      RESULTS: The overall incidence of RT in hospitalized pediatric patients was 6.3%.
      Infants had a significantly higher incidence (11.3%, p<0.001). Mild RT was found
      in most patients (83.6%). Infections (75.4%) were the most common cause, followed
      by perinatal diseases (11.1%). The relationship of RT and age revealed a positive
      correlation (p=0.045, r=0.70 after adjustment). The degree of RT was an
      independent factor for hospitalization days (p<0.001, r=0.126 after adjustment).
      There was a positive correlation between white blood cell count and platelets
      (p=0.002, r=0.017); on the contrary, the relationship between hemoglobin level
      and platelets was an inverse correlation (p<0.001, r=-0.193). CONCLUSIONS: In
      children, the degree of RT was associated with age, and patients had
      significantly longer hospitalization days in proportion to the increase in
      platelet count. Laboratory association revealed that the degree of RT was
      positively correlated to white cell count and negatively correlated to hemoglobin
      level. Therefore, the degree of RT might be a predictive factor with regard to
      hospitalization days in pediatric diseases.

PMID- 22036222
TI  - Cardiac troponin I release after transcatheter atrial septal defect closure
      correlated with the ratio of the occluder size to body surface area.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiac troponin I (cTnI) is a very specific and sensitive marker of
      myocardial injury. The degree of myocardial injury associated with transcatheter
      atrial septal defect (ASD) closure in children is unknown. METHODS: In a
      longitudinal study on children with ASD, cTnI serum concentrations were measured
      after transcatheter ASD closure. Implantation success, complications, and latest
      patient follow-up were described. RESULTS: We inserted 73 Amplatzer septal
      occluders in 73 patients. Of these, we excluded two patients in whom the device
      embolized to the right ventricle the day after deployment. The median age was 4.5
      years (range, 1.1-18.0) with 20 boys and 51 girls (male:female ratio, 1:2.6). The
      mean ASD size was 17 +/- 7 mm, and device size ranged from 7 mm to 38 mm. The
      Amplatzer size/body surface area ratio was validated by demonstrating positive
      correlation with cTnI elevation. In children who had a successful attempt, 30
      samples had a cTnI value higher than 1.0 MUg/L l at 6 hours after procedure. Six
      patients had a significant release of cTnI greater than normal limits (mean level
      of 1.51 +/- 0.26 MUg/L). CONCLUSION: In our study, transcatheter ASD closure
      induced minor myocardial lesion, the extent of which depended on the ratio of the
      occluder size to body surface area (p<0.05) but not on the patient's weight or
      preprocedural left ventricular ejection fraction.

PMID- 22036223
TI  - Clinical features and treatment responses of children with eosinophilic
      gastroenteritis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clinical features and treatment responses in pediatric patients with
      eosinophilic gastroenteritis are rarely reported. This study aimed to evaluate
      the clinical manifestations and outcome of eosinophilic gastroenteritis in
      children of Asian background. METHODS: Between 1997 and 2009, 14 Taiwanese
      patients (nine boys and five girls), with median age of 8.3 years (range, 1.4
      14.3 years), were diagnosed with eosinophilic gastroenteritis. The diagnosis was
      confirmed by the presence of gastrointestinal symptoms, peripheral eosinophilia,
      and a histology-proved biopsy. The clinical data and responses to medical
      treatment were analyzed. RESULTS: Initial symptoms included abdominal pain (43%),
      anemia (36%), hypoalbuminemia (14%), recurrent vomiting (7%), bloody stool (7%),
      and growth failure (7%). Peripheral eosinophilia was present in 10 patients
      (71.4%) and positive stool occult blood in seven patients (50%). Endoscopic
      examination revealed ulcer disease in four patients (28.6%). The treatment
      included steroid alone, montelukast alone, steroid+montelukast, and
      steroid+montelukast+ketotifen. Among the patients treated with steroid, two (two
      of nine, 22%) had successfully tapered off steroid without recurring symptoms.
      Three patients (three of nine, 33%) had relapses after discontinuing steroid,
      three (three of nine, 33%) still required low-dose steroid, and one lost to
      follow-up. There was no relapse in the four patients treated with montelukast
      alone. CONCLUSIONS: A high percentage of patients presented with gross or occult
      gastrointestinal bleeding with or without abdominal pain. Endoscopic biopsy is
      necessary for diagnosis. Steroid was the mainstay treatment for active diseases;
      montelukast was also effective for the disease or as a maintenance therapy in
      this study.

PMID- 22036224
TI  - Left ventricular false tendons: echocardiographic, morphologic, and
      histopathologic studies and review of the literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Left ventricular false tendons (LVFTs) are fibrous or fibromuscular
      bands stretching across the left ventricle (LV) from the ventricular septum to
      the papillary muscle or LV free wall but not connecting, like the chordae
      tendinae, to the mitral leaflet. LVFTs have become the focus of studies and
      discussions since the advent of echocardiography. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We
      prospectively studied the prevalence of LVFTs by two-dimensional echocardiography
      in 476 infants and children referred to our institute for cardiac evaluation and
      cardiology workup. We also studied the morphology and histopathology of LVFTs in
      68 congenital heart disease specimens and in 20 piglet hearts. The literature was
      reviewed and the clinical significance of LVFTs was discussed. RESULTS: LVFTs of
      varying size and different location were detected in 371 (77.9%) of 476 infants
      and children studied, in 42 (61.8%) of 68 congenital heart disease specimens, and
      in 19 (95.0%) of 20 piglet hearts. Of the 75 LVFTs from the congenital heart
      disease specimens, 33 (44.4%) were fibrous type, measuring less than 1.4mm; 38
      (50.7%) were fibromuscular type, 1.5-2.4mm; and 4 (5.3%) were muscular type,
      2.5mm or more in diameter. Of the 33 LVFTs from the piglet hearts, 23 (69.7%) and
      10 (30.3%) were fibrous and fibromuscular, respectively, and none (0.0%) was
      muscular. CONCLUSIONS: LVFTs were detected partially or completely by modified
      two-dimensional echocardiography in both normal and abnormal hearts. LVFTs is a
      useful anatomical landmark of LV for the differentiation of morphological LV and
      right ventricle in segmental analysis of congenital heart disease. LVFTs are a
      cause of functional murmur. No pressure gradient was noted in the mid-LV or
      outflow tract. LVFTs could be a contributory factor in the generation of
      dysrhythmias during LV catheterization studies. LVFTs were more easily
      identifiable in neonates and young age patients because of a better delineation
      of images in echocardiography.

PMID- 22036225
TI  - Siblings with deletion 22q13.3 and trisomy 15q26 inherited from a maternally
      balanced translocation.
AB  - We describe two siblings with generalized hypotonia, expressive language delay,
      developmental delay, mild facial dysmorphism, and accelerated growth. In
      addition, the male sibling had testis dysgenesis. Cytogenetic evaluation revealed
      an unbalanced maternally inherited translocation t(15;22)(q26;q13.3) resulting in
      partial monosomy 22q and trisomy 15q. The combination of deletion 22q and
      duplication 15q has not been described previously.

PMID- 22036226
TI  - Medulloblastoma presenting with pure word deafness: report of one case and review
      of literature.
AB  - Pure word deafness (PWD) is a rare disorder characterized by impaired verbal
      comprehension sparing discrimination and recognition of nonverbal sounds with
      relatively normal spontaneous speech, writing, and reading comprehension.
      Etiologies of this syndrome are varied, and there are rare reports about brain
      tumor with PWD in children. We report a case of medulloblastoma presented with
      PWD in a 7-year-old girl. She visited our outpatient clinic because of English
      dictation performance deterioration. PWD was diagnosed by the otolaryngologist
      after examinations. Posterior fossa tumor and obstructive hydrocephalus were
      shown in the magnetic resonance imaging of the brain. The diagnosis of
      medulloblastoma was then made by pathology.

PMID- 22036227
TI  - Recurrent bacterial meningitis associated with Mondini dysplasia.
AB  - We reported two cases of recurrent meningitis and both of them had Mondini
      dysplasia, which provides a link between the brain and inner ear and is
      associated with cerebrospinal fluid, otorrhea/rhinorrhea, hearing impairment, and
      recurrent meningitis. Patients who have hearing impairment and recurrent
      meningitis should be evaluated for the possibility of this congenital dysplasia,
      and early diagnosis and prompt surgical intervention may prevent further
      episodes.

PMID- 22036228
TI  - Congenital chylothorax in a late preterm infant and successful treatment with
      octreotide.
AB  - Chylothorax is defined as abnormal accumulation of lymphatic fluid in the pleural
      space and is a rare condition in neonates. Chylothorax causes respiratory and
      nutritional problems and a significant mortality rate. Octreotide is a long
      acting somatostatin analog that can reduce lymphatic fluid production and has
      been used as a new strategy in the treatment of chylothorax. Here, we report a
      premature baby with severe bilateral pleural effusion diagnosed by prenatal
      ultrasound and subsequently confirmed to be congenital chylothorax after birth.
      This newborn baby was initially treated with bilateral chest tube insertion to
      relieve severe respiratory distress. However, the chylothorax recurred after a
      medium-chain-triglyceride-enriched formula was initiated. The accumulation of
      chylothorax diminished after the administration of octreotide. Therefore,
      octreotide may allow the patient to avoid invasive procedures, such as
      reinsertion of chest tubes or surgery.

PMID- 22036229
TI  - Synthesis of lipophilic dimeric C-7/C-7-linked ciprofloxacin and C-6/C-6-linked
      levofloxacin derivatives. Versatile in vitro biological evaluations of monomeric
      and dimeric fluoroquinolone derivatives as potential antitumor, antibacterial or
      antimycobacterial agents.
AB  - The synthesis of C-7/C-7-linked ciprofloxacin (CP) and C-6/C-6-linked
      levofloxacin (LV) derivatives with modulated lipophilicity is described herein.
      The synthesized compounds, along with the monomeric analogs described previously,
      were evaluated in vitro for (i) their growth inhibitory effect against five human
      cancer cell lines, (ii) their antibacterial activity against Gram-positive
      Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus hirae and Gram-negative Escherichia coli
      and Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains and (iii) their antimycobacterial activity.
      The most efficient derivatives as antiproliferative agents (C-7/C-7-linked CP 7e
      and C-6/C-6-linked LV 11f) displayed IC(50) values in the 0.1-8.7 and 0.2-0.7 MUM
      ranges respectively while IC(50) values for parent CP and LV ranged from 89 to
      476 MUM and from 67 to 622 MUM respectively depending on the cell line. A
      specific antibacterial activity against S. aureus was found for the monomeric and
      dimeric derivatives of CP. The most efficient derivative against S. aureus
      (monomeric oxoethyloctanoate CP derivative 3d) displayed MIC <1 nM. Monomeric
      alkanoyloxymethyl LV esters (9a,c,e,f) and C-6/C-6-linked LV derivatives (11f-h)
      were the most efficient derivatives as antimycobacterial agents with MIC and
      IC(50) values in the 2.5-5 MUM and 1.3-<= 2.5 MUM ranges respectively while MIC
      and IC(50) values for parent LV were 2.5 and 0.8 MUM, respectively.

PMID- 22036230
TI  - Optimization of cryopreservation procedures for porcine endothelial progenitor
      cells.
AB  - Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) provide a powerful option for therapeutic use
      in ischemic diseases. The cell therapy-induced vasculogenesis requires sufficient
      homogeneous cells, and cryopreservation is a prerequisite for long-term storage
      and quality assurance of EPCs. The aim of this study was to optimize
      cryopreservation protocols of EPCs derived from porcine bone marrow. Bone marrow
      derived mononuclear cells (MNCs) were isolated by density centrifugation and
      differentiated into EPCs. The first passage EPCs were frozen by using different
      methodologies, and after cryopreservation the thawed cells were cultured to the
      fourth passage. The recovery efficiency and functions of these cells were
      evaluated by determination of cell viability, proliferation and migration. We
      found the optimal conditions for cryopreservation of EPCs as follows: (i) a
      cryopreservation medium consisting of 10% dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) in
      combination with 50% fetal bovine serum (FBS); (ii) using a controlled freezing
      rate at 5 degrees C/min; (iii) at an optimal density of 5*106/ml for
      cryopreserved EPCs; (iv) a storage temperature of -156 degrees C. Under these
      conditions we demonstrated that EPCs could be stored in mechanical freezer for up
      to 18 months after cryopreservation without losing their phenotypic
      characteristics and biological functions.

PMID- 22036231
TI  - Enhanced production of trehalose in Escherichia coli by homologous expression of
      otsBA in the presence of the trehalase inhibitor, validamycin A, at high
      osmolarity.
AB  - Trehalose production in Escherichia coli DH5alpha was explored by overexpressing
      otsBA operon encoding trehalose-6-phosphate synthase and trehalose-6-phosphate
      phosphatase. Production and subsequent degradation of trehalose resulted in low
      production of trehalose in engineered cells overexpressing otsBA, which was
      primarily due to the concomitant expression of endogenous trehalase. Through an
      in vitro enzyme assay and flask cultures of engineered cells, trehalase
      expression was shown to be directly related to the expression of otsBA rather
      than osmotic stress. Validamycin A effectively inhibited E. coli trehalase and
      the intracellular accumulation of trehalose was markedly enhanced in the presence
      of validamycin A at an optimal concentration in the medium. The trehalose
      production was further increased upon growth in a hypertonic medium in the
      presence of validamycin A, with most trehalose accumulating as an intracellular
      product. The highest titer was obtained when otsBA expression was induced by a
      medium-copy vector, ptrc99A, with 0.5mM of isopropyl beta-d-1
      thiogalactopyranoside. Trehalose titer was 1.7 g/L in controlled bioreactor
      cultures using synthetic M9 medium supplemented with 40 g/L glycerol, 0.1mM
      validamycin A, and 300 mM NaCl.

PMID- 22036232
TI  - Pre-ART HIV resistance testing in Africa: are we there yet?

PMID- 22036233
TI  - Effect of pretreatment HIV-1 drug resistance on immunological, virological, and
      drug-resistance outcomes of first-line antiretroviral treatment in sub-Saharan
      Africa: a multicentre cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The effect of pretreatment HIV-1 drug resistance on the response to
      first-line combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) in sub-Saharan Africa has not
      been assessed. We studied pretreatment drug resistance and virological,
      immunological, and drug-resistance treatment outcomes in a large prospective
      cohort. METHODS: HIV-1 infected patients in the PharmAccess African Studies to
      Evaluate Resistance Monitoring (PASER-M) cohort started non-nucleoside reverse
      transcriptase inhibitor-based ART at 13 clinical sites in six countries, from
      2007 to 2009. We used the International Antiviral Society-USA drug resistance
      mutation list and the Stanford algorithm to classify participants into three
      pretreatment drug resistance categories: no pretreatment drug resistance,
      pretreatment drug resistance with fully active ART prescribed, or pretreatment
      drug resistance with reduced susceptibility to at least one prescribed drug. We
      assessed risk factors of virological failure (>=400 copies per mL) and acquired
      drug resistance after 12 months of ART by use of multilevel logistic regression
      with multiple imputations for missing data. CD4 cell count increase was estimated
      with linear mixed models. FINDINGS: Pretreatment drug resistance results were
      available for 2579 (94%) of 2733 participants; 2404 (93%) had no pretreatment
      drug resistance, 123 (5%) had pretreatment drug resistance to at least one
      prescribed drug, and 52 (2%) had pretreatment drug resistance and received fully
      active ART. Compared with participants without pretreatment drug resistance, the
      odds ratio (OR) for virological failure (OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.44-3.14; p<0.0001) and
      acquired drug-resistance (2.30, 1.55-3.40; p<0.0001) was increased in
      participants with pretreatment drug resistance to at least one prescribed drug,
      but not in those with pretreatment drug resistance and fully active ART. CD4
      count increased less in participants with pretreatment drug resistance than in
      those without (35 cells per MUL difference after 12 months; 95% CI 13-58;
      p=0.002). INTERPRETATION: At least three fully active antiretroviral drugs are
      needed to ensure an optimum response to first-line regimens and to prevent
      acquisition of drug resistance. Improved access to alternative combinations of
      antiretroviral drugs in sub-Saharan Africa is warranted. FUNDING: The Netherlands
      Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

PMID- 22036234
TI  - [Spanish registry on heart transplantation. 22nd official report of the Spanish
      Society of Cardiology Working Group on Heart Failure and Heart Transplantation
      (1984-2010)].
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this report is to present the results
      obtained with heart transplantation since this therapeutic modality first began
      to be used in Spain in May 1984. METHODS: A descriptive analysis was performed of
      all heart transplantation performed until December 31, 2010. RESULTS: The total
      number of transplants is 6291. The average clinical profile of the Spanish heart
      transplant patient in 2010 was that of a 53-year-old male diagnosed with
      nonrevascularizable ischemic heart disease accompanied by severely depressed
      ventricular function and poor functional status. The implanted heart was
      typically from a 39-year-old donor who had died from brain hemorrhage. The
      average time on the waiting list was 99 days. Mean survival time has
      progressively increased over the years. Whereas for the overall series, the
      probability of survival at 1, 5, 10, and 15 years was 78%, 67%, 54%, and 40%,
      respectively, over the past 5 years the probability of survival at 1 and 5 years
      was 85% and 73%, respectively. The most frequent cause of death was acute graft
      failure (16.5%), followed by infection (15.9%), the combination of graft vascular
      disease and sudden death (13.7%), tumors (11.9%), and acute rejection (7.8%).
      CONCLUSIONS: The transplantation survival rates obtained in Spain, especially in
      recent years, position heart transplant as the treatment of choice in
      irreversible heart failure patients without other established medical or surgical
      options.

PMID- 22036235
TI  - [Spanish catheter ablation registry. 10th official report of the Spanish Society
      of Cardiology Working Group on Electrophysiology and Arrhythmias (2010)].
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: The findings of the 2010 Spanish Catheter Ablation
      Registry are presented. METHODS: Data were collected in two ways: retrospectively
      using a standardized questionnaire, and prospectively from a central database.
      Each participating center selected its own preferred method of data collection.
      RESULTS: Fifty-seven Spanish centers voluntarily contributed data to the survey.
      A total of 8762 ablation procedures was analyzed, averaging 154 (97) per center.
      The 3 main conditions treated were atrioventricular nodal reentrant tachycardia
      (n=2321; 27%), typical atrial flutter (n=1839; 22%), and accessory pathways
      (n=1738; 20%). Atrial fibrillation was the fourth most common condition treated
      (n=1309; 15%), and reflects mild growth. The overall success rate was 94%, major
      complications occurred in 1.7%, and the overall mortality rate was 0.06%.
      CONCLUSIONS: Data from the 2010 registry show that the number of ablations
      carried out continued to increase and exceeded 8700 ablations for the second
      time. In addition, they show, in general, a higher success rate and a lower
      number of complications. Again, cavotricuspid isthmus ablation for typical atrial
      flutter was the second most common condition treated. The number of catheter
      ablations carried out for ventricular arrhythmias in Spain is growing compared to
      the previous year.

PMID- 22036236
TI  - [Are new myocardial tracking systems of three-dimensional strain a reality in
      daily clinical practice?].

PMID- 22036237
TI  - [Mitral regurgitation in patients with systolic heart failure: more than a
      bystander].

PMID- 22036238
TI  - Validity for use in research on vascular diseases of the SIDIAP (Information
      System for the Development of Research in Primary Care): the EMMA study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES: Information in primary care databases can be useful
      in research, but the validity of these data needs to be evaluated. We sought to
      analyze the validity of the data used in the EMMA study based on data from the
      Information System for the Development of Research in Primary Care. METHODS: We
      compared the prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors observed in EMMA
      hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia (and its treatments), obesity, and
      smoking-with equivalent data from the Registre Gironi del Cor (REGICOR), a
      population-based study that uses standardized methodology, in 2000. We also
      compared the incidence rates of vascular diseases and its association with these
      risk factors in a 5-year follow-up. RESULTS: We analyzed data from 34 823
      participants included in EMMA and 2540 REGICOR2000 study participants aged 35 to
      74. The prevalence of risk factors did not differ significantly between the 2
      studies, except for the prevalence of former smokers in men, which was higher in
      REGICOR2000 (24.7% [95% confidence interval, 23.9%-25.5%] vs 30.1% [95%
      confidence interval, 27.1%-33.1%]), and the proportion of patients with lipid
      lowering and antihypertensive therapy, which was higher in EMMA (46.9% vs 32.7%
      and 8.7% vs 6.3%, respectively). There were no differences between the 2 studies
      when comparing the incidence of vascular diseases (2.1% in both studies in men
      and 1.18% [95% confidence interval, 0.7%-1.7%] in REGICOR2000 vs 0.75% [95%
      confidence interval, 0.64%-0.87%] in EMMA in women) and its association with risk
      factors. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors and their
      association with the incidence of vascular disease observed in the EMMA study are
      consistent with those observed in an epidemiological population-based study with
      a standardized methodology.

PMID- 22036239
TI  - [2011 annual summary. Another meeting with our readers].

PMID- 22036240
TI  - Left ventricular morphology and diastolic function in severe obesity: current
      views.

PMID- 22036241
TI  - Taste disturbance after mastoid surgery: immediate and long-term effects of
      chorda tympani nerve sacrifice.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the immediate and long-term taste effects of chorda
      tympani nerve sacrifice in patients undergoing open cavity mastoidectomy. DESIGN,
      SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A retrospective, questionnaire survey of patients
      receiving follow up and aural toilet following open cavity mastoidectomy, over a
      four-month period. The questionnaire assessed taste disturbance, both immediately
      post-operative and current. Available surgical records were reviewed for chorda
      tympani references. RESULTS: Of 57 patients, six had undergone surgery to both
      ears. Of those who could recall (37/57), 24.3 per cent were aware of taste
      disturbance immediately after surgery, while 8.7 per cent reported current
      disturbance (median post-operative interval, 28.5 years; range, one month to 67
      years). No bilateral surgery patients were aware of taste disturbance.
      CONCLUSION: Mastoidectomy consent procedure emphasises the risk of hearing loss
      and facial nerve injury, yet in open cavity surgery chorda tympani division is
      almost inevitable. Reassuringly, most post-operative taste disturbance resolves,
      and most patients are not aware of long-term disturbance. However, a small
      percentage suffer ongoing taste disturbance; this could be significant for
      professional chefs and wine-tasters. The risk of taste disturbance should be
      addressed in the consent procedure.

PMID- 22036242
TI  - Comparison and critical evaluation of rehabilitation and home-based exercises for
      treating shoulder stiffness: prospective, multicenter study with 148 cases.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The goal of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of
      individual exercises performed as classic rehabilitation or a home program on the
      clinical progression of patients with shoulder stiffness. Based on this
      information, the secondary goal was to develop a new rehabilitation protocol.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective, comparative series included 148 cases of
      shoulder stiffness. There were three treatment groups: T1: classic rehabilitation
      performed below the pain threshold (58 cases); T2: home program with provocation
      above the pain threshold (59 cases); T3: home program supervised by a physical
      therapist (31 cases). The execution, pain level and time spent doing each
      exercise were compiled for each work session - every day for the first 6 weeks,
      then every week up to 3 months. Clinical (Constant score) and range of motion
      evaluations were performed at enrollment, week 6 and month 3.Changes were
      compared between groups; correlation tests were used to analyse the effectiveness
      of each exercise during each session. RESULTS: Other than physical therapy and
      balneotherapy, classic rehabilitation exercises had a negative effect on clinical
      progression during the first 3 to 5 weeks (P<0.05), but this did not hinder the
      occurrence of a slow, continuous clinical improvement (P<0.05). Home programs led
      to rapid functional progression with improvement directly related to the number
      of exercises actually performed (P<0.05), however, pain during the day increased
      and pain at night decreased. Supervision by a physical therapist helped to
      optimize the home program, with the same result at week 6, but a better result at
      month 3 (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the results of this study, a new
      treatment protocol for shoulder stiffness was proposed that combines an intensive
      patient home program with a well-informed physical therapist, who progressively
      adds classic rehabilitation techniques when they provide the best treatment value
      for each exercise. Patient education is the key to treatment success.

PMID- 22036243
TI  - Mosaic osteochondral transplantations in the knee joint, midterm results of the
      SFA multicenter study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: There are several possible options to treat focal articular
      cartilage defects of the knee. The aim of this study was to evaluate the results
      and prognostic factors cartilage defects of the knee treated by autologous
      osteochondral mosaicplasty after more than five years of follow-up. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: One hundred forty-two cases were included in this retrospective
      multicenter study. Etiologies included osteochondral fractures (n=79), and
      osteochondritis dissecans (n=61). Mean age of patients was 31. There was a
      majority of men (76%). Mean BMI was 25 (range: 21-41). Fifty-three percent of the
      knees had a history of surgery. Mean delay between the accident and surgery was
      2.5 years. Mean area of the defect was 2.29 cm(2) (range: 0.3-12.25 cm(2)). The
      depth of the defect was 3 or 4 on the ICRS score in 97% of cases. An additional
      surgical procedure was associated with mosaicplasty in 14% of the cases. The
      follow-up evaluation was based on the Hughston score, the ICRS score, the IKDC
      subjective score, and the IKDC radiological score. Evaluation of control MRI was
      based on a modified MOCART score. RESULTS: The mean follow-up was 96 +/- 28
      months. There were complications in 19 patients. Patients were able to begin
      athletic activities again after a mean 35 weeks. Most patients (81.8%) were
      satisfied or very satisfied. There was a significant improvement (p<0.001) in the
      ICRS, IKDC function and Hughston scores at follow-up. The factors for a good
      prognosis were: male gender, medial femoral condyle defects, osteochondritis
      dissecans, deep, small defects, and the shortest possible delay to surgery.
      Obesity, smoking, work-related accidents, the level of sports practiced, the
      percentage of coverage of the defect, the number of plugs, and associated lesions
      did not have a statistically significant effect on the functional results in the
      final follow-up. DISCUSSION: Autologous osteochondral mosaicplasty seems to be a
      reliable technique in the short and intermediate term. It has the advantage of
      being less expensive than reconstructive techniques, is a one-step surgical
      procedure and results in immediate restoration of cartilage surface.
      Nevertheless, this is a difficult technique, which may result in complications
      and requires articular harvesting. This technique is limited by the size of the
      defect to be treated. The primary indication is deep, small defects on the medial
      femoral condyle.

PMID- 22036244
TI  - Treatment of knee cartilage defect in 2010.
AB  - Treatment of knee cartilage defect, a true challenge, should not only reconstruct
      hyaline cartilage on a long-term basis, but also be able to prevent
      osteoarthritis. Osteochondral knee lesions occur in either traumatic lesions or
      in osteochondritis dissecans (OCD). These lesions can involve all the articular
      surfaces of the knee in its three compartments. In principle, this review article
      covers symptomatic ICRS grade C or D lesions, depth III and IV, excluding
      management of superficial lesions, asymptomatic lesions that are often discovered
      unexpectedly, and kissing lesions, which arise prior to or during osteoarthritis.
      For clarity sake, the international classifications used are reviewed, for both
      functional assessment (ICRS and functional IKDC for osteochondral fractures,
      Hughston for osteochondritis) and morphological lesion evaluations (the ICRS
      macroscopic evaluation for fractures, the Bedouelle or SOFCOT for
      osteochondritis, and MOCART for MRI). The therapeutic armamentarium to treat
      these lesions is vast, but accessibility varies greatly depending on the country
      and the legislation in effect. Many comparative studies have been conducted, but
      they are rarely of high scientific quality; the center effect is nearly constant
      because patients are often referred to certain centers for an expert opinion. The
      indications defined herein use algorithms that take into account the size of the
      cartilage defect and the patient's functional needs for cases of fracture and the
      vitality, stability, and size of the fragment for cases of osteochondritis
      dissecans. Fractures measuring less than 2 cm(2) are treated with either
      microfracturing or mosaic osteochondral grafting, between 2 and 4 cm(2) with
      microfractures covered with a membrane or a culture of second- or third
      generation chondrocytes, and beyond this size, giant lesions are subject to an
      exceptional allografting procedure, harvesting from the posterior condyle, or
      chondrocyte culture on a 3D matrix to restore volume. Cases of stable
      osteochondritis dissecans with closed articular cartilage can be simply monitored
      or treated with perforation in cases of questionable vitality. Cases of open
      joint cartilage are treated with a PLUS fixation if their vitality is preserved;
      if not, they are treated comparably to osteochondral fractures, with the type of
      filling depending on the defect size.

PMID- 22036245
TI  - Pharmacokinetic comparison of a new sustained-release formulation of
      glimepiride/metformin 1/500 mg combination tablet and a sustained-release
      formulation of glimepiride/metformin 2/500 mg combination tablet in healthy
      Korean male volunteers: a randomized, 2-sequence, 2-period, 2-treatment crossover
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The combination of glimepiride and metformin is used for glycemic
      control in patients with diabetes mellitus. A fixed-dose combination of
      glimepiride/metformin 2/500 mg slow-release (SR) formulation was developed to
      improve compliance in polymedicated patients. To accommodate the various dosing
      regimens of glimepiride, a glimepiride/metformin 1/500 mg SR tablet was also
      developed. OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to compare the pharmacokinetic
      properties of SR fixed-dose combinations of glimepiride/metformin 2/500 mg and
      the newly developed glimepiride/metformin 1/500 mg formulation to meet the
      regulatory requirements for marketing in Korea. METHODS: An open-label,
      randomized, 2-treatment, 2-period, 2-sequence crossover study was conducted with
      healthy male volunteers. Eligible subjects were randomly assigned to receive a
      single dose of glimepiride/metformin 1/500 mg SR (test) or glimepiride/metformin
      2/500 mg SR (reference) followed by a 1-week washout period and then
      administration of the alternate treatment. Serial blood samples were collected
      immediately before and after dosing for 30 hours, and plasma concentrations were
      determined by using LC-MS/MS with validated methods. Adverse events were assessed
      by subjects' self-report and interviews addressing general health-related issues.
      Safety profiles were evaluated throughout the study. RESULTS: Thirty-three
      subjects were enrolled (mean [SD] age: 27.9 [4.95] years [range, 21-40 years]).
      Safety profiles were assessed for all 32 subjects who were administered the study
      drugs, and pharmacokinetic characteristics were evaluated in the 30 subjects who
      completed the study. The geometric mean ratios (90% CIs) of test to reference for
      the dose-normalized C(max) and AUC(0-last) of glimepiride were 0.98 (0.90-1.07)
      and 1.06 (0.98-1.14), respectively. In the case of metformin, the geometric mean
      ratios (90% CIs) of test to reference for C(max) and AUC(0-last) were 1.06 (0.98
      1.15) and 1.04 (0.97-1.12), respectively. Nine adverse events were reported.
      Among them, loose stool, abdominal pain, and headache were considered to be
      likely related to the study drug. All reported adverse events were mild in
      intensity. CONCLUSIONS: Dose-proportional characteristics of glimepiride and
      comparable pharmacokinetic properties of metformin were observed between the SR
      fixed-dose combinations of glimepiride/metformin 1/500 mg and 2/500 mg. A single
      dose of either treatment was well tolerated, and the safety profiles of the 2
      treatments were comparable in this small, selected all-male group of healthy
      Korean volunteers.

PMID- 22036246
TI  - Efficacy and safety of prandial premixed therapy using insulin lispro mix 50/50 3
      times daily compared with progressive titration of insulin lispro mix 75/25 or
      biphasic insulin aspart 70/30 twice daily in patients with type 2 diabetes
      mellitus: a randomized, 16-week, open-label study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prandial premixed therapy 3 times daily has been proposed recently
      for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients who fail to achieve glycemic control
      with commonly used premixed insulin analogs, insulin lispro mix 75/25 (LM75/25)
      and biphasic insulin aspart 70/30 (BIAsp70/30) BID. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this
      work was to compare the efficacy and safety of 3-times daily insulin lispro mix
      50/50 (TID group) with progressive titration of twice-daily LM75/25 or BIAsp70/30
      (BID group) administered along with metformin in T2DM patients. METHODS: This was
      an open-label, 16-week, multicenter, randomized, parallel trial. End point
      glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA(1c)) was the primary efficacy measure; HbA(1c)
      reduction from baseline to end point, percentage of patients reaching target
      HbA(1c) (<7.0% and <=6.5%), postprandial blood glucose (BG), and BG excursions
      after lunch were secondary measures. Safety was evaluated by collecting adverse
      events. RESULTS: A total of 302 patients with mean (SD) age 57.7 (9.27) years,
      diabetes duration 11.2 (6.47) years, HbA(1c) 8.5% (1.23), fasting BG 184.0
      (53.04) mg/dL, body weight 86.8 (14.79) kg, body mass index 31.7 (4.23) kg/m(2),
      and daily insulin dose ~48 IU were randomized. No significant difference was
      observed in end point HbA(1c) between the 2 groups. Seven-point BG profiles
      showed lower fasting and postbreakfast BG in the BID group but lower postlunch BG
      in the TID group. Daily insulin dose change was similar in both groups, with more
      weight gain in the TID group (P = 0.0009). Overall hypoglycemic rates were
      similar in both groups, but nocturnal hypoglycemia was more frequent in the BID
      group (P = 0.0063). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with T2DM who have not achieved
      adequate glycemic control with LM75/25 and BiAsp70/30 BID plus metformin and who
      are not candidates for basal bolus therapy, switching either to treatment with
      LM50/50 TID or to progressive titration of premix insulin analogs BID did not
      produce sufficient evidence of a difference of overall glycemic control between
      the 2 treatment groups. Short study duration and less intensive dose adjustments
      might have contributed to these results.

PMID- 22036247
TI  - Ultrasonic transmission through multiple-sublattice subwavelength holes arrays.
AB  - The ultrasonic transmission through plates perforated with 2 * 2 or 3 * 3 square
      array of subwavelength holes per unit cell are studied by numerical simulations.
      Calculations are obtained by means of a theoretical model under the rigid-solid
      assumption. It is demonstrated that when the inter-hole distance within the unit
      cell is reduced, new transmission dips appear resulting from Wood anomalies that
      have influence on the second and the third order Fabry-Perot peak. When the inter
      hole distance within the unit cell is reduced, the transmission spectrum of the
      multiple-sublattice holes arrays tends to the transmission spectrum of a plate
      perforated with only one hole in the unit cell.

PMID- 22036248
TI  - Current practices among allergists on writing self-injectable epinephrine
      prescriptions for immunotherapy patients.

PMID- 22036249
TI  - Predictors of neonatal production of IFN-gamma and relation to later wheeze.

PMID- 22036250
TI  - Antimicrobial therapy of urinary tract infections in children.
AB  - The main objectives in childhood urinary tract infections are rapid recovery from
      complaints, prevention of urosepsis and infection-related complications as well
      as the prevention of renal parenchymal damage. Calculated antibiotic therapy
      should take the local resistance rates of uropathogens into consideration. The
      current situation of bacterial resistances differs from region to region. In
      Escherichia coli, resistance rates against cephalosporins, aminoglycosides,
      nitrofurantoin und chinolones have been relatively low. In contrast, resistance
      rates against ampicillin have increased over the last 20 years. A similar trend
      has been observed for TMP/SMX. The choice of appropriate antibiotics, the
      duration of therapy and the form of application depend on age, severity of
      clinical symptoms and the presence of complicating factors. In early infancy, a
      combination of aminoglycoside/ampicillin or ceftazidime/ampicillin is commonly
      recommended as first-line treatment in pyelonephritis. Pyelonephritis in young
      infants should always be treated in a paediatric clinic. In later infancy and
      childhood, an oral third-generation cephalosporin can be used.

PMID- 22036251
TI  - X-ray microtomography in biology.
AB  - Progress in high-resolution X-ray microtomography has provided us with a
      practical approach to determining three-dimensional (3D) structures of opaque
      samples at micrometer to submicrometer resolution. In this review, we give an
      introduction to hard X-ray microtomography and its application to the
      visualization of 3D structures of biological soft tissues. Practical aspects of
      sample preparation, handling, data collection, 3D reconstruction, and structure
      analysis are described. Furthermore, different sample contrasting methods are
      approached in detail. Examples of microtomographic studies are overviewed to
      present an outline of biological applications of X-ray microtomography. We also
      provide perspectives of biological microtomography as the convergence of sciences
      in X-ray optics, biology, and structural analysis.

PMID- 22036252
TI  - The most accurate approach for intra-articular needle placement in the knee
      joint: a systematic review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Intra-articular needle placement in the knee joint, such as
      injection or aspirations, are commonly used for therapeutic, diagnostic, and
      research purposes. Although several approaches can be used to establish an intra
      articular injection or aspiration of the knee joint, the accuracy differs per
      approach. OBJECTIVE: To summarize the evidence concerning the accuracy of
      different approaches for intra-articular needle placements in the knee.
      Additionally, to assess whether the accuracy of different approaches is related
      to factors such as underlying disease, severity of underlying disease, approach
      related factors, and/or the rate of local reactions. METHODS: The literature was
      systemically reviewed until July 2010. Risk of bias of the included studies was
      assessed by the QUADAS tool. Study characteristics were extracted; accuracy
      results were pooled per approach. RESULTS: Nine studies were included. The
      superolateral approach with the leg in extension was studied most (230
      injections) and resulted in the highest pooled accuracy of 91% (95% CI 84-99%).
      The lateral midpatellar approach, the anterolateral approach, and the
      anteromedial approach resulted in the lowest pooled accuracy rates, 85% (95% CI
      68-100%), 67% (95% CI 43-91%) and 72% (95% CI 65-78%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS:
      The superolateral approach was investigated most and resulted in the highest
      pooled accuracy rate of 91% (95% CI 84-99%). Nevertheless, this approach still
      results in a substantial amount of extra-articular needle placements. Guidance of
      intra-articular needle placements by imaging techniques may enhance the accuracy.
      The costs and extra time associated with these techniques should be taken into
      consideration.

PMID- 22036254
TI  - Interview with Professor George D. Kitas, Chair of Excellence in Rheumatology.

PMID- 22036258
TI  - Influence of size disparity of transplanted hearts on cardiac growth in infants
      and children.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the influence of size disparity of the
      transplanted heart on cardiac growth in infant and child recipients by comparing
      donor body surface area (BSA) and cardiac dimensions during transplantation to
      the corresponding parameters of the recipient over a period of time. METHODS: A
      retrospective review of medical and echocardiographic records of 147 children
      (5.3 +/- 4.0; median, 4.1; range, 1 month-15 years) who underwent orthotopic
      heart transplantation was done. The patients were divided into age groups as
      follows: less than 1 year (n = 23), 1 to 2 years (n = 26), more than 2 to 5 years
      (n = 18), more than 5 to 10 years (n = 27), and more than 10 to 15 years (n =
      53). Donor/recipient BSA ratio was determined during transplantation. Cardiac
      dimensions were measured 30 days after transplantation and compared at 1 year, 2
      to 5 years, and 5 to 10 years after transplantation. RESULTS: There were no
      significant differences in the ventricular end-diastolic diameter, volumes, and
      mass among those with a donor/recipient BSA ratio of less than 0.80, 0.8 to 1.2,
      and more than 1.2 (P = .80, .44, and .48, respectively). In all the cardiac
      dimensions and volumes measured, donor-recipient mismatch did not influence the
      continuous growth of the heart, as indicated by the measured parameters, in
      accordance with the recipients' increase in BSA over time. All calculated Z
      scores at 1 year, 2 to 5 years, and 6 to 10 years after transplantation were
      normal when indexed to BSA. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that despite
      size disparity of a transplanted heart, it undergoes normal growth in diastolic
      dimensions, volumes, and myocardial mass over time as appropriate for body growth
      after cardiac transplantation in infants and children.

PMID- 22036259
TI  - Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting does not preserve renal function better
      than on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting: results of a case-matched study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Controversy exists regarding the perioperative renal effects of off
      pump versus on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. Large case-matched and
      randomized comparisons have shown conflicting results. This study focuses on this
      clinical controversy. METHODS: We studied 5589 consecutive patients from a single
      center who underwent off-pump or on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting between
      2002 and 2010. All preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative data were
      prospectively collected. Patients were matched by using a nearest neighbor
      matching estimation method for average treatment effects, with bias correction
      (Stata 11.2, StataCorp, College Station, Tex). The matching characteristics were
      age, gender, body mass index, hypertension, diabetes, peripheral vascular
      disease, cerebrovascular disease, left ventricular grade, preoperative serum
      creatinine, operative priority, and Cardiac Anesthesia Risk Evaluation score.
      RESULTS: The mean patient age was 64.9 +/- 10.0 years, and 4387 (78.5%) were
      male. Mean calculated preoperative creatinine clearance was 82.0 +/- 32.6 mL/min.
      Perioperative mortality was 1.5% with off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting
      and 1.7% with on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (P = .6). The mean change
      in creatinine clearance, from the preoperative value to the lowest postoperative
      value, was -6.3 +/- 14.1 mL/min with off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting
      versus -5.0 +/- 15.5 mL/min with on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (P =
      .06). After matching, patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass
      grafting had a greater creatinine increase and greater loss of creatinine
      clearance postoperatively compared with patients undergoing on-pump coronary
      artery bypass grafting (both P < .05). Requirements for de novo postoperative
      dialysis were equivalent at 2.6% in off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting
      versus 2.1% in on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (P = .4). Median
      postoperative hospital stay was 8 days in both groups (P = .8). CONCLUSIONS: Off
      pump coronary artery bypass grafting does not preserve renal function to a
      greater extent than on-pump coronary artery bypass grafting. In fact, a trend to
      the reverse exists with no clinically harmful effects.

PMID- 22036260
TI  - Predictive value of near-infrared spectroscopy on neurodevelopmental outcome
      after surgery for congenital heart disease in infancy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between intraoperative regional cerebral
      oxygen saturation (rSO(2)) measured by near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and
      neurodevelopmental outcome in children after cardiac surgery. METHODS: Cross
      sectional neurodevelopmental evaluation at 2 years of age was performed in a
      cohort of young infants who had surgery for congenital heart disease in 2007. The
      third edition of Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development (Bayley-III) was
      used to assess cognitive, language, and motor functioning. Clinical and
      perioperative data were collected, including intraoperative rSO(2) nadir, rSO(2)
      percent decrease from baseline, and cumulative minutes of at least 20%, 30%, and
      40% decrease from baseline. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients without chromosomal
      abnormality were included in analyses. Mean Bayley-III scores fell within 1
      standard deviation of the normative mean. Stepwise regression analyses of patient
      and procedure-related variables, including rSO(2), demonstrated that cognitive
      ability was predicted by length of hospital stay and premature birth (58.1% of
      variance), receptive communication was predicted by length of hospital stay and
      rSO(2) nadir (40.2% of variance), expressive communication was predicted by birth
      weight (26.2% of variance), fine motor functioning was predicted by duration of
      cardiac intensive care unit stay (41.4% of variance), and gross motor functioning
      was predicted by the presence of a significant comorbidity (43.5% of variance).
      CONCLUSIONS: In a contemporary cohort of infants undergoing surgery for
      congenital heart disease, neurodevelopmental outcomes at 2 years of age are
      largely influenced by patient-related characteristics. Although receptive
      communication appears to be influenced by rSO(2) nadir, the predictive value of
      NIRS remains unclear.

PMID- 22036261
TI  - A heart team's perspective on interventional mitral valve repair: percutaneous
      clip implantation as an important adjunct to a surgical mitral valve program for
      treatment of high-risk patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Surgical mitral valve repair carries an elevated perioperative risk in
      the presence of severely reduced ventricular function and relevant comorbidities.
      We sought to assess the feasibility of catheter-based mitral valve repair using a
      clip-based percutaneous edge-to-edge repair system in selected patients at high
      surgical risk with mitral regurgitation grade 3 or worse. METHODS: Between 2002
      and January 2011, 202 consecutive patients without prior mitral valve surgery
      (age 75 +/- 9 years; 63% were male) with symptomatic functional (65%),
      degenerative (27%), or mixed (8%) mitral regurgitation were treated with a
      percutaneous clip system for approximation of the anterior and posterior mitral
      leaflets. Risk for mitral valve surgery was considered high in terms of a mean
      logistic European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation of 44% (range, 21%
      54%). Preprocedural left ventricular ejection fraction was 35% or less in 36% of
      patients. An interdisciplinary heart team of cardiologists and cardiac surgeons
      discussed all patients. RESULTS: Percutaneous clip implantation was successful in
      186 patients (92%). Patients were treated with 1 clip (n = 125; 62%), 2 clips (n
      = 64; 32%), or 3 or more clips (n = 7; 3%). Reduction in mitral regurgitation
      from pre- to postprocedure was significant (P < .0001) and remained stable within
      the first 12 months in the majority of patients. Thirty-day mortality was 3.5%
      (7/202 patients). Hospital stay was 12 +/- 10 days, and median intensive care
      unit stay was 1 day (range, 0-45 days). Eleven patients required surgical valve
      repair/replacement at a median of 38 days (0-468 days) after percutaneous clip
      implantation. CONCLUSIONS: Clip-based percutaneous mitral valve repair is a safe,
      low-risk, and effective therapeutic option in symptomatic patients with a high
      risk for surgery and does not exclude later surgical repair.

PMID- 22036264
TI  - Accumulation and phytotoxicity of microcystin-LR in rice (Oryza sativa).
AB  - Irrigation with eutrophic water containing microcystins-LR (MC-LR) poses a
      potential risk to crops. However, the accumulation of MC-LR in rice grains and
      the mechanism of MC-LR-induced inhibition in rice roots are not understood. In
      this study, we detected the accumulation of MC-LR in rice grains collected from
      Taihu Lake region. MC-LR could accumulate in rice grains, but the risk evaluation
      suggested that MC-LR levels in rice grains from Taihu Lake region may not pose a
      threat to human health currently. In addition, MC-LR with low concentrations did
      not affect the growth of rice roots. However, MC-LR with high concentrations
      impeded the rice root morphogenesis by inhibiting root elongation, crown root
      formation, and lateral root development from primordia. Treatment with high
      concentrations of MC-LR stimulated the production of reactive oxygen species
      (ROS) and inhibited the production of nitric oxide (NO) in rice roots. Exogenous
      NO treatment reversed the inhibition of rice root growth under MC-LR stress.
      These results indicated that ROS and NO played important roles in the development
      of rice roots in responding to MC-LR stress.

PMID- 22036265
TI  - Molecular profiling of marine fauna: integration of omics with environmental
      assessment of the world's oceans.
AB  - Many species that contribute to the commercial and ecological richness of our
      marine ecosystems are harbingers of environmental change. The ability of
      organisms to rapidly detect and respond to changes in the surrounding environment
      represents the foundation for application of molecular profiling technologies
      towards marine sentinel species in an attempt to identify signature profiles that
      may reside within the transcriptome, proteome, or metabolome and that are
      indicative of a particular environmental exposure event. The current review
      highlights recent examples of the biological information obtained for marine
      sentinel teleosts, mammals, and invertebrates. While in its infancy, such basal
      information can provide a systems biology framework in the detection and
      evaluation of environmental chemical contaminant effects on marine fauna.
      Repeated evaluation across different seasons and local marine environs will lead
      to discrimination between signature profiles representing normal variation within
      the complex milieu of environmental factors that trigger biological response in a
      given sentinel species and permit a greater understanding of normal versus
      anthropogenic-associated modulation of biological pathways, which prove
      detrimental to marine fauna. It is anticipated that incorporation of contaminant
      specific molecular signatures into current risk assessment paradigms will lead to
      enhanced wildlife management strategies that minimize the impacts of our
      industrialized society on marine ecosystems.

PMID- 22036266
TI  - Adverse effects of bisphenol A on reproductive physiology in male goldfish at
      environmentally relevant concentrations.
AB  - Alternations of reproductive physiology were studied in the male goldfish
      (Carassius auratus L.) exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations (0.6,
      4.5 and 11.0 MUg/L) of bisphenol A (BPA) at days 10, 20 and 30 after exposure.
      Significant effects of BPA concentration, exposure time and their interactions
      were observed on testosterone (T), 11-ketotestosterone (11-KT) and sperm motility
      and velocity, but gonadosomatic index (GSI), hepatosomatic index (HSI) and 17beta
      estradiol (E(2)) were not affected. Vitellogenin (VTG) was only affected by BPA
      concentration. The T and 11-KT levels were significantly decreased in the BPA
      treated groups after 20 or 30 days. Sperm motility was significantly decreased at
      15, 30, 60 and 90 s post-activation in the BPA-treated groups after 20 or 30
      days. But, significant decrease in sperm velocity was observed at 30, 60 and 90 s
      post-activation in the BPA-treated groups at all exposure times. The VTG was
      significantly increased in the males exposed to 11.0 MUg/L at day 30 after
      exposure. The GSI, HSI and E(2) did not differ between the BPA-treated groups and
      control. The present study shows that the decrease of sperm quality is concurrent
      with the decrease of androgens and increase of VTG. The results suggest adverse
      effects of BPA on sperm motility and velocity via modifications of testicular
      steroidogenesis that might correspond to alternation in sperm maturation.

PMID- 22036267
TI  - Altered transfer of heavy metals from soil to Chinese cabbage with film mulching.
AB  - The influence of film mulching on the migration of metals from soil to cabbage
      was investigated. Following a 50-day growth in field plots mulched or unmulched,
      root-zone soils and Chinese cabbage (Brassica chinensis L.) were sampled for
      metal analysis. Mulching slightly decreased the soil mobile (acid-extractable)
      Cd, but increased its transfer from root to the cabbage parts. As an essential
      element, Cu was readily transferred to the cabbage parts. While mulching
      decreased the soil mobile Zn, reduced soil pH resulted in its enhanced soil-to
      root migration. This, however, did not increase the transfer of Zn within
      cabbage. Although mulching increased the soil mobile Pb by 200%, an increase in
      Pb in cabbage leaves but a decrease in stem result presumably from the enhanced
      foliar uptake of atmospheric Pb. This study suggests that mulching may promote
      the accumulation of toxic metals such as Cd and Pb in cabbage and therefore
      increase crop risks to human health.

PMID- 22036268
TI  - The anti-microbial peptide LL-37 modulates immune responses in the palatine
      tonsils where it is exclusively expressed by neutrophils and a subset of
      dendritic cells.
AB  - Antimicrobial peptides are essential elements of epithelial defense against
      invading micro-organisms. The palatine tonsils are positioned at the entry of the
      airway and the gut and as such are ideally situated to act as immune sentinels in
      the pharynx protecting against microbial invasion. Tonsils express a number of
      antimicrobial peptides including hCAP18/LL-37. Here we clearly define the
      expression of hCAP18/LL-37 in the tonsils showing unequivocally that hCAP18/LL-37
      is mainly expressed by infiltrating neutrophils and follicular CD11c+CD13+HLA-DR+
      dendritic cells, rarely by macrophages, and never by the epithelium itself. To
      explore possible functions for follicle-derived LL-37, we stimulated tonsil
      mononuclear cells with LL-37 in vitro and observed the secretion of the
      proinflammatory cytokines CCL5 and CXCL9, expression of IFN-gamma and MX-1 and
      down-regulation of chemokine receptors CCR4 and CCR6 which are involved in tissue
      selective T cell trafficking. Taken together, these data illustrate new potential
      immunoregulatory functions for hCAP18/LL-37 in the tonsils.

PMID- 22036269
TI  - Immunomodulatory effects of extracorporeal photochemotherapy in systemic
      sclerosis.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and immunomodulatory effects
      of extracorporeal photochemotherapy (ECP) in systemic sclerosis (SSc). We
      enrolled 16 patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc, who received 12 ECP treatments
      in total. After ECP treatments, the dermal thickness reduced and the mobility of
      joints improved. Internal organ involvement did not deteriorate. The percentages
      and numbers of peripheral Th17 cells decreased, the values of Tr1 and Treg cells
      increased, and the suppressor capacity of Treg cells improved. Interestingly, we
      found a positive correlation between the reduction of IL-17 levels and skin
      thickness measured by ultrasound. Moreover, levels of CCL2 and TGF-beta
      decreased, while the concentration of IL-1Ra, IL-10 and HGF elevated during the
      therapy. ECP treatments contribute to the restoration of disproportional
      autoimmune responses and attenuate fibrotic processes, thus decelerate the
      disease progression. Accordingly, ECP can be a useful element of novel treatment
      modalities proposed for SSc.

PMID- 22036270
TI  - Involving people with learning disabilities in nurse education: towards an
      inclusive approach.
AB  - There is limited evidence that explores how to effectively include people with
      learning disabilities in nurse education in the U.K. The majority of reported
      work relates to mental health nursing and social work training (Morgan and Jones,
      2009). This paper specifically reports on the processes and activities undertaken
      by the authors with people with learning disabilities in the development of a new
      BSc learning disability nursing programme, a specific branch of nursing in the
      U.K. In doing so, findings and discussion from two separate projects involving
      students and people with learning disabilities will be integrated into the paper.
      EPICURE (Engagement, Processing, Interpretation, Critique, Usefulness, Relevance
      and Ethics (Stige et al. 2009) is adopted as a qualitative framework throughout
      the paper to evaluate the reported work that took place between September 2006
      and October 2010. Suggestions are therefore made regarding the benefits and
      challenges of striving towards an inclusive approach to user involvement in nurse
      education, with particular reference to learning disability. The work presented
      in the paper demonstrates how through careful involvement of this population,
      deeper learning opportunities for all nursing students can be created.

PMID- 22036271
TI  - Developing a service user facilitated, interactive case study--a reflective and
      evaluative account of a teaching method.
AB  - This article describes the development and ongoing evaluation of a method of
      service user facilitated case study in health and social care education in a U.K.
      University. An action research approach (Norton 2009) has been used in which the
      aim of the work is to improve personal practice with the aim of enhancing the
      student experience. The paper is written from the perspective of the service user
      with support from an academic colleague. The paper describes how a narrative
      monologue, over time is developed into an interactive case study. In draws upon
      literature from service user involvement, case study and pedagogic action
      research. The research group are health and social care students both under and
      post-graduates. Analysis is via a session evaluation form. Thematic analysis
      draws out key themes. Firstly that first person accounts have a reasonance and
      interest with students. Secondly that the built in thinking time helps students
      to develop their reflection and critical thinking skills. Furthermore a theme
      emerges on how the technique supports students with their future careers. Finally
      the author reflects on how the approach enables the development of teaching
      practice and enhanced student learning.

PMID- 22036272
TI  - Promoting information literacy through collaborative service learning in an
      undergraduate research course.
AB  - Information literacy is an important foundation for evidence-based nursing
      practice. Librarians, the experts in information literacy, are important
      collaborators in the process of teaching nursing students information literacy
      skills. In this article we describe a service learning project, offered in a
      third year nursing research course, designed to teach information literacy and to
      enhance students' appreciation of the role of evidence in nursing practice.
      Students worked in groups, and under the guidance of a nursing instructor and
      librarian, to answer a question posed by practice-based partners. Through the
      project students learned essential skills of refining a question, identifying
      systematic search strategies, gleaning essential information from a study and
      using a bibliographic management tool. Evaluation of the project indicated that
      although the project was challenging and labour intensive students felt they
      learned important skills for their future practice. Several recommendations for
      further enhancing the collaboration are made.

PMID- 22036273
TI  - Effect of a video on developing skills in undergraduate nursing students for the
      management of totally implantable central venous access ports.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Handling Totally Implantable Access Ports (TIAP) is a nursing
      procedure that requires skill and knowledge to avoid adverse events. No studies
      addressing this procedure with undergraduate students were identified prior to
      this study. Communication technologies, such as videos, have been increasingly
      adopted in the teaching of nursing and have contributed to the acquisition of
      competencies for clinical performance. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of a
      video on the puncture and heparinization of TIAP in the development of cognitive
      and technical competencies of undergraduate nursing students. METHOD: Quasi
      experimental study with a pretest-posttest design. RESULTS: 24 individuals
      participated in the study. Anxiety scores were kept at levels 1 and 2 in the
      pretest and posttest. In relation to cognitive knowledge concerning the
      procedure, the proportion of correct answers in the pretest was 0.14 (SD=0.12)
      and 0.90 in the posttest (SD=0.05). After watching the video, the average score
      obtained by the participants in the mock session was 27.20. CONCLUSION: The use
      of an educational video with a simulation of puncture and heparinization of TIAP
      proved to be a strategy that increased both cognitive and technical knowledge.
      This strategy is viable in the teaching-learning process and is useful as a
      support tool for professors and for the development of undergraduate nursing
      students.

PMID- 22036274
TI  - Ligament reconstruction of the Trapezial-metacarpal joint for early arthritis: a
      preliminary report.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the results and determine the efficacy of an alternative
      ligament reconstruction technique in patients with a symptomatic trapezial
      metacarpal joint associated with subluxation and early or limited chondral
      damage. METHODS: This retrospective, nonrandomized study was composed of 6
      patients, all women with ages between 31-46 years, treated by arthroscopic
      evaluation and reconstruction of the intermetacarpal and reverse anterior oblique
      ligament of the trapezial-metacarpal joint, using a strip of flexor carpi
      radialis tendon. Evaluation at an average follow-up of 18 months (range,12-28 mo)
      consisted of interview, examination, and computed tomography. RESULTS: The visual
      analog pain score, preoperative rest pain, and activity pain improved
      significantly after surgery. Tip and lateral pinch strength measured 92% compared
      to the contralateral thumb, and computed tomography showed improved alignment of
      all joints. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that ligament reconstruction using
      the technique described reduced pain, increased strength, and improved the
      trapezial-metacarpal joint alignment in patients with early symptomatic trapezial
      metacarpal joint osteoarthritis associated with joint subluxation. TYPE OF
      STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

PMID- 22036275
TI  - Incidence of scaphotrapezial arthritis following volar percutaneous fixation of
      nondisplaced scaphoid waist fractures using a transtrapezial approach.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate whether volar percutaneous screw fixation of scaphoid
      waist fractures via a transtrapezial approach causes degenerative changes at the
      scaphotrapezial (ST) joint at short- to medium-term follow-up. METHODS: A total
      of 34 patients were available for follow-up at a mean of 6.1 years (minimum
      follow-up, 3.7 y) after volar percutaneous fixation of acute scaphoid waist
      fractures via a transtrapezial approach. The clinical follow-up examination
      included assessment of pain using a visual analog scale, range of motion, grip
      strength, and key pinch strength. We obtained radiographs of both hands in 3
      views. We staged degenerative changes at the ST joint according to the modified
      Eaton and Glickel classification. RESULTS: The modified Mayo wrist score showed
      excellent clinical results using the described technique. One patient showed
      asymptomatic unilateral stage 2 osteoarthritic changes at the ST joint. We noted
      6 screw protrusions, which required screw removal in 2 patients, in the early
      stages of use of the transtrapezial technique. One patient was treated surgically
      for a bone cyst. CONCLUSIONS: Volar percutaneous screw fixation of nondisplaced
      scaphoid waist fractures using a transtrapezial approach does not lead to
      symptomatic scaphotrapezial osteoarthritis at short- to medium-term follow-up.
      TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

PMID- 22036276
TI  - Surgical versus nonsurgical treatment of acute minimally displaced and
      undisplaced scaphoid waist fractures: pairwise and network meta-analyses of
      randomized controlled trials.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the effectiveness of surgical treatment for minimally
      displaced and undisplaced scaphoid waist fractures compared with nonsurgical
      intervention through pairwise and network meta-analyses of randomized controlled
      trials. METHODS: We searched several databases from 1990 to 2009 for randomized
      controlled trials that evaluated surgical and nonsurgical treatments of
      undisplaced or minimally displaced scaphoid waist fractures. We based the main
      pairwise meta-analysis comparison on the odds ratio of fracture union between
      patients undergoing surgical versus nonsurgical treatment. We also investigated
      other outcome measures including complications, range of motion, grip strength,
      and osteoarthritis of the scaphotrapeziotrapezoid and radiocarpal joints. We used
      a network meta-analysis to simultaneously synthesize trials making different
      intervention comparisons while modeling different surgical and nonsurgical
      treatments distinctly. RESULTS: Of the 67 articles identified, 6 studies were
      eligible for the primary pairwise meta-analysis, with a total of 363 patients.
      The pooled odds ratio of fracture union between the surgical and nonsurgical
      groups was in favor of surgery but not statistically significant. Surgical
      treatment was associated with a statistically significant elevated risk of
      complication. Range of motion, grip strength, and osteoarthritis of the
      scaphotrapeziotrapezoid and radiocarpal joints did not reach statistical
      significance in the pairwise meta-analyses. The mixed-treatment network meta
      analysis showed that open (Herbert) screw fixation had a probability of 0.73 as
      being the best treatment method compared with percutaneous screw fixation, short
      arm cast, and short thumb spica cast. CONCLUSIONS: Although surgical treatment is
      favored in terms of fracture union in our pairwise meta-analysis, this did not
      reach statistical significance, but was associated with a significantly increased
      risk of complications. The cumulative evidence at present does not support
      routine surgical treatment, and aggressive conservative management should remain
      the mainstay for scaphoid waist fractures. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
      Therapeutic I.

PMID- 22036277
TI  - Foreign-body reaction and osteolysis induced by an intraosseous poly-L-lactic
      Acid suture anchor in the wrist: case report.
AB  - Polyglycolic acid and poly-L-lactic acid have become popular choices for
      bioabsorbable anchor fixation in the hand and wrist. We report a case of
      osteolysis, synovitis, and chondral erosion secondary to a poly-L-lactic acid
      suture anchor in the wrist.

PMID- 22036278
TI  - Subluxation of the distal radioulnar joint as a predictor of foveal triangular
      fibrocartilage complex tears.
AB  - PURPOSE: The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) with its ulnar foveal
      attachment is the primary stabilizer of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). The
      purpose of this study was to describe a technique for measuring the degree of
      subluxation of the DRUJ in wrist magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations to
      predict tears involving the foveal attachment of the TFCC. METHODS: We measured
      DRUJ geometry in wrist MRI examinations of 34 patients who were found to have
      foveal TFCC tears at surgery. We compared the results with DRUJ geometry in 11
      asymptomatic controls. Subluxation of the ulnar head was assessed using
      transaxial MRI images obtained at the level of the DRUJ with the wrist in
      pronation. We quantified subluxation with a line spanning the sigmoid notch of
      the radius and a perpendicular line through the center of curvature of the
      articulating surface of the ulna. We calculated the ratio of the lengths of the
      dorsal and volar segments and normalized it to the center of the sigmoid notch.
      RESULTS: A total of 34 patients with intraoperatively confirmed tears of the
      foveal attachment of the TFCC had a mean dorsal ulnar subluxation measurement of
      16% +/- 4%, whereas the 11 controls had a mean subluxation measurement of 5% +/-
      4%. CONCLUSIONS: The results confirm the hypothesis that subluxation of the ulnar
      head relative to the sigmoid notch of the radius, as assessed by MRI with the
      wrist in pronation, is a predictor of tears of the foveal attachment of the TFCC.
      TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic II.

PMID- 22036279
TI  - Effect of distal radius volar plate position on contact pressure between the
      flexor pollicis longus tendon and the distal plate edge.
AB  - PURPOSE: Some clinical studies have suggested that distal radius plates placed
      distal to the watershed line have the potential to impinge on the traversing
      flexor tendons. However, the validity of this theory remains unclear. The purpose
      of this study was to evaluate the quantitative effect of volar plate position on
      flexor pollicis longus (FPL) tendon friction by measuring the contact pressure
      between the FPL tendon and the distal edge of the locking plate. METHODS: We used
      7 fresh cadaveric upper extremities without wrist osteoarthritis or any
      deformity. External loads of 1.5 and 3.0 kgf were applied to the FPL tendon to
      simulate the pinch function of the thumb. A distal radius volar plate was applied
      to these cadaveric specimens in various positions relative to the watershed line.
      We measured contact pressure between the distal plate edge and the FPL tendon
      using a thin flexible pressure sensor and compared it among various positions of
      the volar plate for wrist extension angles of 0 degrees , 30 degrees , and 60
      degrees  and ulnar deviation angles of 0 degrees  and 20 degrees . RESULTS: Under
      the 30 degrees  or 60 degrees  wrist extension condition, contact pressure
      significantly increased when the distal plate edge was placed distal to the
      watershed line, compared with when it was placed proximal to or at the watershed
      line. CONCLUSIONS: Our quantitative results support the theory that plates placed
      distal to the watershed line have the potential to impinge on the traversing FPL
      tendon, even when a radius fracture heals anatomically. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This
      study clarifies a mechanism of FPL tendon irritation after volar plate fixation
      for distal radius fractures.

PMID- 22036280
TI  - The role of bone allografts in the treatment of angular malunions of the distal
      radius.
AB  - PURPOSE: Two cohorts of patients who had corrective osteotomies and volar
      platings for malunited fractures of the distal radius were compared
      retrospectively to determine whether the time to union and the outcome were
      affected by bone allograft. METHODS: Patients in the first group (n = 14) did not
      receive any bone graft; patients in the second group (n = 14) had allograft bone
      chips following volar plating. Indications for surgery, surgical technique, and
      postoperative rehabilitation were the same in both groups. Volar cortical contact
      was maintained using a volar locking plate in all patients. Radiographic
      parameters of deformity correction, time to union, wrist and forearm range of
      motion, grip strength, patient-rated wrist evaluation and Disabilities of the
      Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire were used to evaluate the outcome before
      and after the surgery. Average follow-up time was 36 weeks. Patients who had
      diabetes, who smoked, who had a body mass index of more than 35, and who required
      lengthening for deformity correction were excluded from the study. RESULTS:
      Osteotomies in both groups healed without loss of surgical correction. Final
      outcome and time to union revealed no significant differences, clinically or
      statistically, between the 2 groups. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and
      Hand score was improved in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: When volar cortical contact
      was maintained using a volar locked plate, bone allograft at the osteotomy site
      did not improve the final outcome. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic
      III.

PMID- 22036281
TI  - Trends in wrist fractures in children and adolescents, 1997-2009.
AB  - PURPOSE: Distal radius and carpal fractures in children and adolescents represent
      approximately 25% of all pediatric fractures. Incidence rates and causes of these
      fractures change over time owing to changes in activities and risk factors. The
      purpose of this study was to examine recent population-based trends in incidence
      and causes of wrist fractures in children and adolescents. METHODS: We obtained
      data from the Dutch Injury Surveillance System of emergency department visits of
      15 geographically distributed hospitals, and from the National Hospital Discharge
      Registry. This included a representative sample of outpatients and inpatients,
      respectively. We calculated incidence rates of wrist fractures per 100,000 person
      years for each year between 1997 and 2009. Using Poisson's regression, we
      analyzed trends for children and adolescents 5 to 9, 10 to 14, and 15 to 19 years
      of age separately for boys and girls. RESULTS: During the study period, incidence
      rates increased significantly in boys and girls 5 to 9 and 10 to 14 years of age,
      with the strongest increase in the age group 10 to 14 years. The observed
      increases were mainly due to increased incidence rates during soccer and
      gymnastics at school. CONCLUSIONS: This population-based study revealed a
      substantial sports-related increase in the incidence rate of wrist fractures in
      boys and girls aged 5 to 9 and 10 to 14 years in the period 1997 to 2009.
      CLINICAL RELEVANCE: With knowledge of the epidemiology of wrist fractures,
      prevention programs can be improved. From this study, we know that the incidence
      rate of wrist fractures in childhood is increasing, mainly as a result of soccer
      and gymnastics at school. Future sport injury research and surveillance data are
      necessary to develop new prevention programs based on identifying and addressing
      specific risk factors, especially in young athletes.

PMID- 22036282
TI  - Oculodentodigital dysplasia: ulnar-sided syndactyly and its associated disorders.
AB  - PURPOSE: Hand surgeons are often the first specialists to see patients with
      oculodentodigital dysplasia (ODDD), when infants with ulnar-sided syndactyly are
      referred. Major associated problems include neurologic, ophthalmologic, dental,
      and other skeletal abnormalities. The purposes of this study were to investigate
      the incidence of the reported associated conditions in the families of our
      patients with ODDD, correlate them with the severity of syndactyly, and provide
      better counseling with more accurate information for these patients and families.
      METHODS: We reviewed medical records from Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for
      Children from 1980 to 2009 to identify patients with ODDD. These patients and
      families were invited to return for a detailed medical and family history and
      physical examination documenting hand, foot, eye, dental, and facial findings.
      RESULTS: A total of 73 pediatric patients from 47 families were diagnosed with
      ODDD, and 38 individuals in 31 families agreed to participate in the study. We
      observed bilateral syndactyly in 32 patients, with symmetric involvement in 31 of
      these. Abnormalities of the shape and size of the middle phalanx of the small
      finger were common. Ophthalmological findings were present in 31 and dental
      abnormalities identified in 33 patients. Neurologic findings likely related to
      ODDD were found in 11 patients. There appeared to be an association between the
      severity of syndactyly and the severity of dental and urologic findings, but not
      ophthalmologic or neurologic findings such as paraparesis or cognitive deficits.
      CONCLUSIONS: We found a 29% incidence of neurologic manifestations in patients
      with ODDD. In addition, associated ophthalmologic, dental, and developmental
      conditions are frequent and a heightened awareness will allow appropriate
      referrals for patients with ulnar-sided syndactyly in ODDD. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL
      OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic IV.

PMID- 22036283
TI  - Functional splinting of upper limb injuries with gauze-based topical negative
      pressure wound therapy.
AB  - Complex hand injuries can be difficult to dress effectively and achieve adequate
      splintage of the hand in a functional position. During the past 7 years, we have
      had a great deal of success with topical negative-pressure dressings in the
      management of complex blast-related extremity war injuries. We have more recently
      changed to using a gauze-based system and have found this particularly useful in
      dressing complex hand injuries. We have been able to use this vacuum dressing
      system to splint the hand in a position of function. This provides an easily
      applied dressing that, through topical negative pressure, promotes wound healing
      and ensures a resting functional position, thus minimizing postoperative
      stiffness. We have not been able to achieve this as efficiently with standard
      dressings and plaster-of-Paris casts. This article details the technique of
      functional splinting of complex hand injuries using a gauze-based, topical
      negative-pressure dressing system.

PMID- 22036284
TI  - Hand injuries in rock climbing.

PMID- 22036285
TI  - The current state of hand transplantation.
AB  - Hand transplantation is the most common form of modern composite tissue
      allotransplantation. Successful application of this technology requires a
      multidisciplinary approach incorporating not only skilled hand surgeons,
      transplant surgeons, and transplant immunologists, but also hand therapists,
      psychiatrists, medical specialists, anesthesiologists, and others. Functional
      outcomes can be life changing for properly selected candidates. Hand
      transplantation is becoming more common, with more centers offering this
      relatively new reconstructive modality. Its success depends on proper patient
      selection, a technically successful operation, postoperative rehabilitation, and
      an immunotherapy protocol that prevents rejection but has minimal or acceptable
      morbidity.

PMID- 22036286
TI  - Ectopic banking of amputated parts: a clinical review.
AB  - Since its first clinical description by Marco Godina in 1986, the technique of
      temporary ectopic banking of amputated parts has been employed in a growing body
      of reported cases. This installment provides a review of the reported cases in
      the international literature to date, focusing on our evolving understanding of
      clinical indications, operative timing, and surgical technical consideration. Two
      illustrative cases are provided to highlight these concepts.

PMID- 22036288
TI  - Purification of a new fungal mannose-specific lectin from Penicillium chrysogenum
      and its aphicidal properties.
AB  - Several Ascomycetes fungi are commonly used in bio-industries and provide
      available industrial residues for lectin extraction to be valuable. A lectin from
      Penicillium chrysogenum, named PeCL, was purified from a fungal culture using gel
      filtration chromatography column. PeCL was found to be a mannose-specific lectin
      by haemagglutination activity towards rabbit erythrocyte cells and was visualised
      on SDS-PAGE gel. Purified PeCL fraction was delivered via artificial diet to
      Myzus persicae aphid and was demonstrated to be aphicidal at 0.1 % with higher
      toxic efficiency than a known mannose-binding lectin Concanavalin A (ConA). A
      fast and efficient way to purify PeCL and a potential use in pest control is
      described.

PMID- 22036287
TI  - Proceedings of the Second International Workshop on Advances in
      Electrocorticography.
AB  - The Second International Workshop on Advances in Electrocorticography (ECoG) was
      convened in San Diego, CA, USA, on November 11-12, 2010. Between this meeting and
      the inaugural 2009 event, a much clearer picture has been emerging of cortical
      ECoG physiology and its relationship to local field potentials and single-cell
      recordings. Innovations in material engineering are advancing the goal of a
      stable long-term recording interface. Continued evolution of ECoG-driven brain
      computer interface technology is determining innovation in neuroprosthetics.
      Improvements in instrumentation and statistical methodologies continue to
      elucidate ECoG correlates of normal human function as well as the ictal state.
      This proceedings document summarizes the current status of this rapidly evolving
      field.

PMID- 22036289
TI  - Phylogeny and intraspecific variation of the extreme xerophile, Xeromyces
      bisporus.
AB  - The filamentous ascomycete Xeromyces bisporus is an extreme xerophile able to
      grow down to a water activity of 0.62. We have inferred the phylogenetic position
      of Xeromyces in relation to other xerophilic and xerotolerant fungi in the order
      Eurotiales. Using nrDNA and betatubulin sequences, we show that it is more
      closely related to the xerophilic foodborne species of the genus Chrysosporium,
      than to the genus Monascus. The taxonomy of X. bisporus and Monascus is
      discussed. Based on physiological, morphological, and phylogenetic
      distinctiveness, we suggest that Xeromyces should be retained as a separate
      genus.

PMID- 22036290
TI  - Purification and partial characterisation of pectin methylesterase produced by
      Fusarium asiaticum.
AB  - Fusarium asiaticum is the predominant causal agent of Fusarium head blight (FHB)
      in China. When grown in liquid cultures containing potato tuber extract as the
      sole carbon source, F. asiaticum (strain 7071) from wheat (China) produced pectin
      methylesterase (PME), polygalacturonase (PG), and pectin lyase (PNL). The
      activity of these pectolytic enzymes was detected by a gel diffusion assay. Three
      forms of PME were identified in a culture filtrate of F. asiaticum. Two forms of
      PME with molecular weights of 31 kDa and 42.5 kDa, as determined by sodium
      dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), were purified
      using a combination of chromatographic techniques. These PMEs did not bind to
      Concanavalin A (Con A), which was confirmed by rechromatography using a Con A
      agarose column. The 31 kDa purified PME was thermostable in a temperature range
      of 25-55  degrees C. The optimal pH for the PME of F. asiaticum was 6.5. This
      research provides the basis for future investigations of pectolytic enzymes from
      F. asiaticum.

PMID- 22036291
TI  - The highly variable mitochondrial small-subunit ribosomal RNA gene of Ophiostoma
      minus.
AB  - Mitochondrial genomes in the true fungi are highly variable both in size and
      organization. Most of this size variation is due to the presence of introns and
      intron-encoded open reading frames (ORFs). The objectives for this work were to
      examine the mitochondrial small-subunit ribosomal RNA (rns) gene of strains of
      Ophiostoma minus for the presence of introns and to characterize such introns and
      their encoded ORFs. DNA sequence analysis showed that among different strains of
      O. minus various rns gene exon/intron configurations can be observed. Based on
      comparative sequence analysis and RNA secondary structure modeling group I
      introns with LAGLIDADG ORFs were uncovered at positions mS569 and mS1224 and
      group II introns were present at positions mS379 and mS952. The mS379 group II
      intron encoded a fragmented reverse transcriptase (RT)-like ORF and the mS952
      group II intron encoded a LAGLIDADG-type ORF. Examples of intron ORF degeneration
      due to frameshift mutations were observed. The mS379 group II intron is the first
      mitochondrial group II intron to have an ORF inserted within domain II, typically
      RT-like ORFs are inserted in domain IV. The evolutionary dynamics of the intron
      encoded ORFs have also been examined.

PMID- 22036292
TI  - Aspergillus niger contains the cryptic phylogenetic species A. awamori.
AB  - Aspergillus section Nigri is an important group of species for food and medical
      mycology, and biotechnology. The Aspergillus niger 'aggregate' represents its
      most complicated taxonomic subgroup containing eight morphologically
      indistinguishable taxa: A. niger, Aspergillus tubingensis, Aspergillus acidus,
      Aspergillus brasiliensis, Aspergillus costaricaensis, Aspergillus lacticoffeatus,
      Aspergillus piperis, and Aspergillus vadensis. Aspergillus awamori, first
      described by Nakazawa, has been compared taxonomically with other black
      aspergilli and recently it has been treated as a synonym of A. niger.
      Phylogenetic analyses of sequences generated from portions of three genes coding
      for the proteins beta-tubulin (benA), calmodulin (CaM), and the translation
      elongation factor-1 alpha (TEF-1alpha) of a population of A. niger strains
      isolated from grapes in Europe revealed the presence of a cryptic phylogenetic
      species within this population, A. awamori. Morphological, physiological,
      ecological and chemical data overlap occurred between A. niger and the cryptic A.
      awamori, however the splitting of these two species was also supported by AFLP
      analysis of the full genome. Isolates in both phylospecies can produce the
      mycotoxins ochratoxin A and fumonisin B2, and they also share the production of
      pyranonigrin A, tensidol B, funalenone, malformins, and naphtho-gamma-pyrones. In
      addition, sequence analysis of four putative A. awamori strains from Japan, used
      in the koji industrial fermentation, revealed that none of these strains belong
      to the A. awamori phylospecies.

PMID- 22036293
TI  - Molecular identification of two strains of Cercospora rodmanii isolated from
      water hyacinth present in Yuriria lagoon, Guanajuato, Mexico and identification
      of new hosts for several other strains.
AB  - Water hyacinth is a beautiful monocotyledon plant that has been dispersed all
      over the world by humans. The plant has been present in Mexico since 1907, and
      many water bodies have become infested with it since then. In 2001, we initiated
      a survey in Yuriria lagoon in southern Guanajuato state to isolate fungi able to
      biocontrol the plant. We isolated 25 morphologically distinct fungal cultures, of
      which two were identified as members of the genus Cercospora. Cercospora species
      are among the most prevalent and destructive of plant pathogens and can be found
      on leaves, pedicels, stems, fruits, and bracts. Only two species of Cercospora,
      Cercospora piaropi, and Cercospora rodmanii, have been described on water
      hyacinth; however, the classification of these species has been controversial.
      Several molecular approaches have been used for Cercospora identification, and
      some candidate genes have been identified for use in Cercospora species
      determination. Although the nrRNA genes alone do not show sufficient resolution
      for species determination, histone H3, translation elongation factor1-alpha, beta
      tubulin, actin, and calmodulin have been shown in previous studies to have an
      adequate number of nucleotide changes to allow species identification. In the
      present study, we used partial sequences of the histone H3, actin, and calmodulin
      genes to identify our two isolates as C. rodmanii. Our two strains are not
      specific to water hyacinth, as they are also pathogenic to beet and sugar beet.
      Similar host ranges were found for C. rodmanii strains isolated from Tabasco in
      Mexico, Zambia, and Brazil, however, the specificity for water hyacinth persists
      in Cercospora piaropi Tharp and C. rodmanii Conway, the latter being the most
      pathogenic.

PMID- 22036294
TI  - Modelling and visualizing morphology in the fungus Alternaria.
AB  - Alternaria is one of the most cosmopolitan fungal genera encountered and impacts
      humans and human activities in areas of material degradation, phytopathology,
      food toxicology, and respiratory disease. Contemporary methods of taxon
      identification rely on assessments of morphology related to sporulation, which
      are critical for accurate diagnostics. However, the morphology of Alternaria is
      quite complex, and precise characterization can be laborious, time-consuming, and
      often restricted to experts in this field. To make morphology characterization
      easier and more broadly accessible, a generalized statistical model was developed
      for the three-dimensional geometric structure of the sporulation apparatus. The
      model is inspired by the widely used grammar-based models for plants, Lindenmayer
      systems, which build structure by repeated application of rules for growth.
      Adjusting the parameters of the underlying probability distributions yields
      variations in the morphology, and thus the approach provides an excellent tool
      for exploring the morphology of Alternaria under different assumptions, as well
      as understanding how it is largely the consequence of local rules for growth.
      Further, different choices of parameters lead to different model groups, which
      can then be visually compared to published descriptions or microscopy images to
      validate parameters for species-specific models. The approach supports automated
      analysis, as the models can be fit to image data using statistical inference, and
      the explicit representation of the geometry allows the accurate computation of
      any morphological quantity. Furthermore, because the model can encode the
      statistical variation of geometric parameters for different species, it will
      allow automated species identification from microscopy images using statistical
      inference. In summary, the approach supports visualization of morphology,
      automated quantification of phenotype structure, and identification based on
      form.

PMID- 22036295
TI  - Differential expression of insect and plant specific adhesin genes, Mad1 and
      Mad2, in Metarhizium robertsii.
AB  - Metarhizium robertsii is an entomopathogenic fungus that is also plant
      rhizosphere competent. Two adhesin-encoding genes, Metarhizium adhesin-like
      protein 1 (Mad1) and Mad2, are involved in insect pathogenesis or plant root
      colonization, respectively. Here we examined the differential expression of the
      Mad genes when grown on a variety of soluble (carbohydrates and plant root
      exudate) and insoluble substrates (locust, tobacco hornworm, and cockroach
      cuticle, chitin, tomato stems, cellulose, and starch) and during insect, Plutella
      xylostella, infection. On insect cuticles Mad1 was up regulated, whereas bean
      root exudate and tomato stems resulted in the up regulation of Mad2. During the
      early stages of insect infection Mad1 was expressed while Mad2 was not expressed
      until fungal hyphae emerged and conidiated on the insect cadaver. The regulation
      of Mad2 was compared to that of other stress-related genes (heat shock protein
      (Hsp)30, Hsp70, and starvation stress gene A (ssgA)). Mad2 was generally up
      regulated by nutrient starvation (similar to ssgA) but not by pH, temperature,
      oxidative or osmotic stresses. Whereas Hsp30 and Hsp70 were generally up
      regulated at 37  degrees C or by oxidative stress even under nutrient enriched
      conditions. We fused the promoter of the Mad2 gene to a marker gene (green
      fluorescent protein (GFP)) and confirmed that Mad2 was up regulated when M.
      robertsii was grown in the presence of nutrient starvation. Examination of the
      promoter region of Mad2 revealed that it possessed two copies of a stress
      response element (STRE) known to be regulated under the general stress-response
      pathway.

PMID- 22036296
TI  - Diversity in the ability of Agaricus bisporus wild isolates to fruit at high
      temperature (25 degrees C).
AB  - The button mushroom Agaricus bisporus commercially cultivated requires 16-19 
      degrees C during the fruiting period. Wild strains are also present in natural
      habitat, and in light of their wide range of geographic distribution reported,
      from boreal region to tropical region, questions on the development adaptation to
      temperature arose. Isolates from various geographic areas were screened for their
      ability to fruit at higher temperature (FHT ability) than commercial cultivars.
      The FHT trait discriminated at the varietal rank. Agaricus bisporus var.
      eurotetrasporus was unable to develop any sporophores whilst A. bisporus var.
      burnettii adapted perfectly to 25  degrees C for fruiting, suggesting that the
      FHT ability is a fixed trait in these varieties. In contrast, FHT ability of A.
      bisporus var. bisporus appeared variable and correlated neither with
      climate/microclimate nor with habitat. However, FHT ability taken as a whole
      appeared higher in North American populations than in European ones. Some A.
      bisporus var. bisporus isolates revealed a good potential for cultivation at 25 
      degrees C.

PMID- 22036297
TI  - Health care professionals' understanding and day-to-day practice of patient
      empowerment in diabetes; time to pause for thought?
AB  - This exploratory study examines what Health Care Professionals (HCPs) working
      with diabetes patients, understand by the term 'empowerment', their attitudes
      towards it and whether they believe they practise in ways consistent with
      empowerment principles. A small sample of diabetes HCPs (N=13), from National
      Health Service (NHS) hospital, walk-in and General Practitioner (GP) clinics in
      South-East England, was interviewed. In-depth semi-structured interviews
      established attitudes towards and use of empowerment in day-to-day practice.
      Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically. There
      was no clear specific understanding of what empowerment is and what it involves,
      although there was broad reporting of factors around education and informed
      choices. Disagreement was evident about the level of freedom patients should have
      in making choices - from leading them to the 'right' choice to an acceptance that
      they may have the right to choose not to be empowered. No consensus emerged on
      what is successful empowerment and how it is measured. The resistance of some
      patients to the process of empowerment in its original definition of active
      partnership in care, was seen as problematic by HCPs. Although empowerment is a
      popular concept in theory, its practical, clinical implementation day to day, can
      be problematic.

PMID- 22036298
TI  - Circus monkeys or change agents? Civil society advocacy for HIV/AIDS in adverse
      policy environments.
AB  - This paper explores the factors enabling and undermining civil society efforts to
      advocate for policy reforms relating to HIV/AIDS and illicit drugs in three
      countries in Eastern Europe and Central Asia: Georgia, Kyrgyzstan and Ukraine. It
      examines how political contexts and civil society actors' strengths and
      weaknesses inhibit or enable advocacy for policy change - issues that are not
      well understood in relation to specific policy areas such as HIV/AIDS, or
      particular regions of the world where national policies are believed to be major
      drivers of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The study is based on in-depth interviews with
      representatives of civil society organizations (CSOs) (n = 49) and national level
      informants including government and development partners (n = 22). Our policy
      analysis identified a culture of fear derived from concerns for personal safety
      but also risk of losing donor largesse. Relations between CSOs and government
      were often acrimonious rather than synergistic, and while we found some evidence
      of CSO collective action, competition for external funding - in particular for
      HIV/AIDS grants from the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria was
      often divisive. Development partners and government tend to construct CSOs as
      service providers rather than advocates. While some advocacy was tolerated by
      governments, CSO participation in the policy process was, ultimately, perceived
      to be tokenistic. This was because there are financial interests in maintaining
      prohibitionist legislation: efforts to change punitive laws directed at the
      behaviors of minority groups such as injecting drug users have had limited
      impact.

PMID- 22036299
TI  - [Optical coherence tomography applied to vessels: a bright future].
AB  - Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) is a new imaging technique recently applied to
      coronary and is based on the diffusion and reflection of an infrared spectrum.
      With a resolution 10 times higher than that of IVUS, it allows an analysis of the
      atherosclerotic plaque and its components, indicating its possible vulnerable
      character, and can identify the culprit lesion and the presence of thrombus in
      the course of acute events. It allows quality control of good apposition of
      stents to the wall and essentially tracks the downstream dissection. In the
      longer term, it evaluates the endothelisation and in-stent restenosis. Its scope
      thus extends to basic research and the pharmaceutical industry where it plays a
      new reference tool in the monitoring of atherosclerotic plaques and stents with
      drug treatment. This invasive imaging technique is limited by its cost and
      artifacts but new generation OCT can better overcome them. The OCT appears as a
      promising intravascular imaging technique whose feasibility and clinical
      applications, however, require confirmation by randomized clinical trials to
      better define its place in the cardiac catheterization lab.

PMID- 22036300
TI  - CaMKII antisense oligodeoxynucleotides protect against ischemia-induced neuronal
      death in the rat hippocampus.
AB  - The present study was performed to investigate the effects of Ca(2+)/calmodulin
      dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) on
      the assembly of the CaMKII.GluR6.PSD-95 signaling module, GluR6 serine
      phosphorylation and c-Jun N-terminal kinase 3 (JNK3) activation. A further aim
      was to determine the neuroprotective mechanism of CaMKII antisense ODNs against
      ischemia-reperfusion (I/R)-induced neuronal death in the rat hippocampus. CaMKII
      antisense ODNs were intracerebroventricularly infused to inhibit CaMKII
      expression once daily for 3 days prior to the induction of ischemia. Transient
      cerebral ischemia (15 min) and reperfusion were induced by four-vessel occlusion
      in Sprague-Dawley rats as an animal model for transient cerebral I/R. The
      expression of related proteins was examined by immunoprecipitation and
      immunoblotting. Neuronal death in the rat hippocampus was detected by histology
      and histochemistry. The results indicate that CaMKII antisense ODNs inhibit
      several of the processes that are normally induced by cerebral I/R, including
      CaMKII expression, increased CaMKII.GluR6.PSD-95 signaling module assembly, GluR6
      serine phosphorylation and JNK3 activation. Alternatively, CaMKII antisense ODNs
      also exhibit a significant neuroprotective role against cerebral I/R-induced cell
      death. These results provide the first evidence that CaMKII antisense ODNs can
      exert neuroprotective effects on cerebral I/R-induced cell death. The possible
      molecular mechanisms underlying this effect include 1) an inhibition of CaMKII
      expression and subsequent suppression of the assembly of the CaMKII.GluR6.PSD-95
      signaling module, 2) GluR6 serine phosphorylation, and 3) reduced JNK3
      activation.

PMID- 22036301
TI  - Improved model reduction and tuning of fractional-order PI(lambda)D(MU)
      controllers for analytical rule extraction with genetic programming.
AB  - Genetic algorithm (GA) has been used in this study for a new approach of
      suboptimal model reduction in the Nyquist plane and optimal time domain tuning of
      proportional-integral-derivative (PID) and fractional-order (FO) PI(lambda)D(MU)
      controllers. Simulation studies show that the new Nyquist-based model reduction
      technique outperforms the conventional H(2)-norm-based reduced parameter modeling
      technique. With the tuned controller parameters and reduced-order model parameter
      dataset, optimum tuning rules have been developed with a test-bench of higher
      order processes via genetic programming (GP). The GP performs a symbolic
      regression on the reduced process parameters to evolve a tuning rule which
      provides the best analytical expression to map the data. The tuning rules are
      developed for a minimum time domain integral performance index described by a
      weighted sum of error index and controller effort. From the reported Pareto
      optimal front of the GP-based optimal rule extraction technique, a trade-off can
      be made between the complexity of the tuning formulae and the control
      performance. The efficacy of the single-gene and multi-gene GP-based tuning rules
      has been compared with the original GA-based control performance for the PID and
      PI(lambda)D(MU) controllers, handling four different classes of representative
      higher-order processes. These rules are very useful for process control
      engineers, as they inherit the power of the GA-based tuning methodology, but can
      be easily calculated without the requirement for running the computationally
      intensive GA every time. Three-dimensional plots of the required variation in
      PID/fractional-order PID (FOPID) controller parameters with reduced process
      parameters have been shown as a guideline for the operator. Parametric robustness
      of the reported GP-based tuning rules has also been shown with credible
      simulation examples.

PMID- 22036302
TI  - How profitable is methamphetamine dealing in Australia?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The illicit drug trade is the largest in value among global illicit
      commodities, at some $320 billion US dollars, according to the UN World Drug
      Report. Endeavours to control such a large illicit market would be enhanced by
      improved understanding of the economics of the trade. However, due to its illicit
      nature many aspects of the illicit drug market are largely unknown. This study
      explored one economic aspect of illicit drug dealing, profitability, with the aim
      of developing a better picture of the financial gains from illicit drug dealing.
      METHODS: Data were obtained from judges sentencing remarks, key informants from
      law enforcement, and other published reports which detail the prices paid for
      methamphetamine in Australia. The financial margins attained from non-crystal
      methamphetamine dealing in Australia were calculated by examining the best fit
      for the relationship between prices and quantities: in this case a power law.
      RESULTS: If it is assumed that a single deal is divided ("cut") between 4 times
      and 20 times before selling to the next customer, the mark-ups can range from 24%
      to 59%. The mark-ups appear low compared with those found in US research, but
      similar to those found in UK research. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the
      first attempt to analyse profitability of methamphetamine dealing in Australia.
      The findings of this study will help in understanding the motivations and
      decisions of drug dealers, and potentially assist drug law enforcement agencies
      to design better strategies to dismantle supply chain linkages which generate
      excessive profits.

PMID- 22036303
TI  - Illicit use of buprenorphine in a community sample of young adult non-medical
      users of pharmaceutical opioids.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is growing evidence about illicit use of buprenorphine in the
      U.S. The study aims to: (1) identify prevalence and predictors of illicit
      buprenorphine use in a community sample of 396 young adult (18-23 years old) non
      medical users of pharmaceutical opioids and (2) describe knowledge, attitudes and
      behaviors linked to illicit buprenorphine use as reported by a qualitative sub
      sample (n=51). METHODS: Participants were recruited using respondent-driven
      sampling. Qualitative interview participants were selected from the larger
      sample. The sample (n=396) was 54% male and 50% white; 7.8% reported lifetime
      illicit use of buprenorphine. RESULTS: Logistic regression analysis results
      indicate that white ethnicity, intranasal inhalation of pharmaceutical opioids,
      symptoms of opioid dependence, and a greater number of pharmaceutical opioids
      used in lifetime were statistically significant predictors of illicit
      buprenorphine use. Qualitative interviews revealed that buprenorphine was more
      commonly used by more experienced users who were introduced to it by their
      "junkie friends." Those who used buprenorphine to self-medicate withdrawal
      referred to it as a "miracle pill." When used to get high, reported experiences
      ranged from "the best high ever" to "puking for days." Participants reported
      using buprenorphine/naloxone orally or by intranasal inhalation. Injection of
      buprenorphine without naloxone was also reported. CONCLUSION: Our findings
      suggest that illicit buprenorphine use is gaining ground primarily among whites
      and those who are more advanced in their drug use careers. Continued monitoring
      is needed to better understand evolving patterns and trends of illicit
      buprenorphine use.

PMID- 22036304
TI  - Functional recovery of untreated human immunodeficiency virus-associated Guillain
      Barre syndrome: a case report.
AB  - HIV-associated Guillain-Barre syndrome is a well-documented phenomenon, typically
      occurring at seroconversion. GBS may result in functional impairment treated with
      a combination of medications, plasmapheresis, and rehabilitation. The quantified
      functional recovery of HIV-associated GBS with or without HIV treatment is not
      well described. Utilizing serial FIM scoring, we describe a patient's recovery
      from HIV-associated GBS after treatment with IVIg and acute inpatient
      rehabilitation without HIV treatment.

PMID- 22036305
TI  - An electrochemical procedure to concentrate 99mTc availed from a zirconium [99Mo]
      molybdate gel generator.
AB  - Successful use of electrochemical method to concentrate (99m)Tc obtained from a
      zirconium molybdate (Zr(99)Mo) gel generator is reported. The process consists of
      electrodeposition of the (99m)Tc in an oxalate bath on a small platinum electrode
      followed by recovery of (99m)Tc in a small volume of normal saline. The overall
      recovery of (99m)Tc was >90% with >99.99% radionuclidic purity and >99%
      radiochemical purity. The compatibility of the product in the preparation of
      (99m)Tc labeled formulations such as (99m)Tc-DMSA and (99m)Tc-EC was found to be
      satisfactory in terms of high labeling yields (>98%).

PMID- 22036306
TI  - Maternal hair testing for the assessment of fetal exposure to drug of abuse
      during early pregnancy: Comparison with testing in placental and fetal remains.
AB  - Drug use by pregnant women in the first trimester of pregnancy and subsequent
      fetal exposure during early gestation can be assessed only by
      repetitive/systematic maternal blood/urine analysis or segmental hair analysis.
      No evidence of any relationship between maternal/fetal exposure during this
      specific period of gestation has been demonstrated to date in a human model.
      METHODS: To clarify drugs toxicokinetics and transplacental passage during early
      pregnancy, the presence of the most widely used recreational drugs of abuse and
      metabolites was investigated in the proximal 4cm hair segments of women
      undergoing voluntary termination of pregnancy (n=280) during the 12th week of
      gestation and the results were compared to those from placenta and fetal tissue
      samples in order to verify whether maternal hair testing can reflect fetal
      exposure and, if so, to what extent. Hair, placenta and fetal remains were
      analyzed by validated gas chromatography mass spectrometry assays. RESULTS:
      Eighty one positive hair samples were identified: 60 were positive for cannabis
      (74.1%), 28 for cocaine (34.6%), 7 for opiates (8.6%), 3 for MDMA (3.7%) and
      18.5% were positive for more than one drug. The positive hair test results were
      confirmed in placenta/fetal tissues in 10 cases out of 60 for cannabis (16. 7%);
      in 7 out of 28 for cocaine (25%); and none for the 6 opiates positive cases and 3
      MDMA cases, respectively. CONCLUSION: Drugs/metabolites in hair of pregnant women
      can be used as biomarkers of past drug use (repetitive or sporadic), although the
      use is not always reflected in fetal/placental tissues. There are several
      possible hypotheses to explain the results: (1) the use occurred before the start
      of pregnancy, (2) past sporadic consumption which could be measured in hair but
      not in fetal and placental remains because of the narrow window of drug detection
      in placental/fetal tissues; (3) the sensitivity of the analytical methods was not
      high enough for the detection of the minute amount of drugs of abuse and
      metabolites which reached these tissues (4) there is a large variability in the
      transplacental passage of drugs of abuse and in the placenta's metabolizing
      capacity.

PMID- 22036307
TI  - Automated fast procedure for the simultaneous extraction of hair sample performed
      with an automated workstation.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Hair testing has a leading role in toxicology practice and even
      more in those aspects tightly linked to the assessment of psychoactive drug use
      and abuse in social life. AIM: The objective of the present study was to develop
      and validate an automated SPE sample-preparation step, suited for GC/MS
      confirmation analysis of basic drugs in hair drug control. The method was studied
      and optimized for quantitative determination and in a second time it was extended
      to real hair samples. The purpose of method validation was to ensure good
      reliability, reproducibility and quickness. METHODS: Janus Automated Workstation
      (PerkinElmer) was employed to perform SPE hair extraction, using 96-well plate
      SPEC MP1 acquired from Varian (Agilent Technologies). After derivatization of
      dried extracts, screening confirmations were performed using gas chromatography
      (GC) followed by mass spectrometry (MS). GC/MS data were validated following
      standard guidelines, but our attention was focused on three headings: samples
      cross-contamination, "memory effect" and extraction recovery. RESULTS: Validation
      requests were fully accomplished and we always obtained best results with the
      automated procedure. For instance, analytes mean recovery was between 70 and 90%
      and data analysis proved that no contamination between samples occurred.
      CONCLUSIONS: The automated workstation has shown good reliability (cross
      contamination and "memory effect" were tested and excluded), effectiveness (no
      false negative was detected), solvent saving (500MUL/sample vs traditionally LLE
      4mL/sample) and quickness (50min for 96 tests cycle).

PMID- 22036308
TI  - Detection and quantification of 11-nor-Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9-carboxylic
      acid in hair by GC/MS/MS in Negative Chemical Ionization mode (NCI) with a simple
      and rapid liquid/liquid extraction.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The fine detection of 11-nor-Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol-9
      carboxylic acid (THCCOOH) in hair matrix remains one of the most important topics
      in hair analysis. This relevance lies in the necessity to obtain evidence of
      effective drug consumption and dispel any doubt of environmental contamination.
      THCCOOH is the highest and mainly represented Delta9-THC metabolite, but its
      concentration in hair is very low. A sensitive method for quantitative
      determination of THCCOOH in hair was developed. As first step, the method was
      tested with different SPE/LLE conditions, but the best results were obtained with
      a simple ad hoc LLE extraction. The final method was fully validated, evaluating
      parameters like extraction recovery, linearity, specificity and sensitivity. More
      than one hundred hair samples were then analyzed with the validated method. Data
      analysis was performed so as to determine respective concentrations of the
      metabolite and active molecule. METHODS: Hair was washed and cut into small
      pieces (2-4mm). Samples (20-50mg) were spiked with deuterated internal standard
      (THC-d(3) and THCCOOH-d(3)) and then hydrolyzed at 90 degrees C in 1mL of 1M NaOH
      for 15min. THC was isolated by a LLE basic extraction with n-hexane:ethyl acetate
      (9:1). Next the aqueous solution was acidified (pH 4) adding concentrated acetic
      acid. THCCOOH was extracted with the same mixture. Dried extracts were
      derivatized with pentafluoropropionic anhydride and hexafluoroisopropanol and
      analyzed by GC/MS/MS (Agilent 7000B triple quadrupole) in NCI mode. RESULTS: The
      linear range of THCCOOH is 0.1-5pg/mg, with good correlation coefficients
      (r(2)>0.9993). This method has great sensitivity (LOD 0.01pg/mg to LOQ
      0.04pg/mg), high recovery, reproducibility and robustness. CONCLUSIONS: Based on
      these results, the method proved to be effective for the rapid determination of
      THC and THCCOOH in hair specimens.

PMID- 22036309
TI  - Practical experiences in application of hair fatty acid ethyl esters and ethyl
      glucuronide for detection of chronic alcohol abuse in forensic cases.
AB  - This article presents results from 1872 hair samples, which were analyzed for
      fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEEs) and ethyl glucuronide (EtG). The results were
      evaluated in the context of self-reported drinking behavior, the use of hair
      cosmetics, the gender of the sample donors and hair sample length. For
      comparison, CDT and GGT in serum were available in 477 and 454 cases,
      respectively. A number of alcohol abstainers or low moderate drinkers and
      excessive drinkers were selected for assessment of cut-offs for FAEEs in the
      proximal 6cm hair segments and for EtG in the proximal 3cm hair segments. Cut-off
      values were assessed by ROC analysis. It was found that the cut-offs of 1.0ng/mg
      FAEE and 30pg/mg EtG presently used for excessive drinking lead to a low portion
      of false positives (4% and 3% respectively) but to a higher portion of false
      negatives (23% and 25% respectively). Comparison of the mean and medium
      concentrations in samples without any reported hair cosmetics (N=1079) and in
      samples with reported use of hair spray (N=79) showed an increase by the factor
      of about two for FAEE but no significant difference for EtG. Mean values of EtG
      were decreased by 80% in bleached samples (N=164) and by 63% in dyed samples
      (N=96). There was no significant effect of bleaching and dyeing on FAEE. Hair gel
      and hair wax, oil or grease showed no significant effect on both FAEE and EtG.
      With respect to gender and investigated hair length ambiguous results were
      obtained because of major differences in the compared subpopulations of male with
      higher alcohol consumption and mainly shorter hair, and less drinking female with
      longer hair. For excessive drinkers FAEEs in the 0-6cm hair segment and EtG in
      the 0-3cm segment decreased with increasing time of reported abstinence before
      sample collection. These drinkers attain the level of teetotalers only after more
      than 10 months of abstinence. In comparison to scalp hair, FAEEs recovered from
      armpit hair and leg hair were lower and from chest hair were higher. EtG in
      armpit hair was lower and in leg hair higher than in scalp hair. It is concluded
      that the combined use of FAEE and EtG essentially increases the accuracy of
      interpretation since both markers complement each other by a different
      sensitivity to sources of error.

PMID- 22036310
TI  - General unknown screening in hair by liquid chromatography-hybrid quadrupole time
      of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS).
AB  - The retrospective investigation of the exposure to toxic substances by general
      unknown screening of hair is still a difficult task because of the large number
      of possible poisons, the low sample amount and the difficult sample matrix. In
      this study the use of liquid chromatography-hybrid quadrupole time-of-flight mass
      spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS) was tested as a promising technique for this purpose.
      In the optimized procedure, 20mg hair were decontaminated with water and acetone
      and two times extracted by 18h incubation with 0.5ml of a mixture of
      methanol/acetonitrile/H(2)O/ammonium formate at 37 degrees C. A mixture of
      deuterated standards from different drug groups was added for quantification and
      method control. The united extracts were evaporated to a residue of 0.5ml and
      5MUl were injected without clean-up for LC-QTOF-MS measurement (instrument
      Agilent 6530) with positive electrospray ionization and in data dependent
      acquisition mode. For peak identification the accurate mass data base and
      spectral library of the authors was used which contains accurate mass CID spectra
      of more than 2500 and theoretically calculated accurate mass data of more than
      7500 toxicologically relevant substances. Validation at the example of 24 illegal
      drugs, their metabolites and benzodiazepines resulted in limits of detection of
      0.003-0.015ng/mg, and limits of quantification of 0.006-0.021ng/mg with good
      accuracy and intra- and interday reproducibility. The matrix effect by ion
      suppression/enhancement was 72-107% for basic drugs and 42-75% for
      benzodiazepines. Yields of the hair extraction above 90% were determined for 59
      drugs or metabolites. The method was applied to hair samples from 30 drug
      fatalities and from 60 death cases with known therapeutic drug intake at life
      time. Altogether 212 substances were identified with a frequency per drug of 1-40
      (mean 4.2) and per case of 2-33 (mean 10.2), between them 35 illegal drug related
      substances and 154 therapeutic drugs. Comparison with the data known from case
      histories and from the analysis of blood, urine and gastric content showed only a
      low agreement, with many unexpected drugs detected and many reported drugs not
      detected in hair. Basic drugs and metabolites such as opioides, cocaine,
      amphetamines, several groups of antidepressants, neuroleptics, beta-blockers or
      the metamizole metabolite noramidopyrine were found with high frequency whereas
      acidic and several neutral drugs such as cannabinoids, salicylic acid,
      furosemide, barbiturates, phenprocoumone or cardiac glycosides could not be
      detected with sufficient sensitivity, mainly because of the low ion yield of
      positive ESI for these compounds. The advantage of a comprehensive acquisition of
      all substances is paid by a lower sensitivity in comparison to targeted screening
      LC-MS/MS procedures. In conclusion, the procedure of sample preparation and LC
      QTOF-MS analysis proved to be a robust and sensitive routine method in which the
      qualitative screening for a wide variety of toxic substances in hair is combined
      with the quantitative determination of selected illegal drugs.

PMID- 22036311
TI  - Behavioural problems in school age children with cerebral palsy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although behavioural problems are frequent in children with Cerebral
      Palsy (CP), the exact nature of these difficulties and their relationship with
      intrinsic or extrinsic factors are just beginning to be explored. AIM: To
      describe and characterize behavioural problems in children with CP and to
      determine the nature of any relationships with child and family characteristics.
      METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, children with CP between 6 and 12 years
      of age were recruited. Children were assessed using the Leiter Intelligence Test,
      the Gross Motor Function Measure, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire
      (SDQ), the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales and questionnaires on demographic
      factors. Parents' level of stress was measured with the Parenting Stress Index.
      RESULTS: Seventy-six parents completed the SDQ. Using the Total Difficulties
      Scores, 39.4% of the sample scored in the borderline to clinically abnormal
      range. Peer problems were the most common (55.3%). High parental stress was
      consistently associated with behavioural difficulties across all domains of the
      SDQ. Not surprisingly, better socialization skills and a lower parental stress
      were correlated with more positive behaviours. CONCLUSION: Behavioural
      difficulties are common in children with CP and appear not to be associated with
      socio-demographic variables and physical and cognitive characteristics. These
      difficulties are an important correlate of parental distress. This study
      emphasizes the need to recognize and address behavioural difficulties that may
      arise so as to optimize the health and well-being of children with CP and their
      families.

PMID- 22036312
TI  - Inefficient splicing of segment 7 and 8 mRNAs is an inherent property of
      influenza virus A/Brevig Mission/1918/1 (H1N1) that causes elevated expression of
      NS1 protein.
AB  - Influenza A virus encodes two segments (7 and 8) that produce mRNAs that can be
      spliced. We have investigated if naturally occurring sequence polymorphisms in
      the influenza A virus family affects splicing of these viral mRNAs, as that could
      potentially alter the NS1/NS2- and/or M1/M2-protein ratios. We compared splicing
      efficiency of segment 7 and 8 mRNAs of A/Brevig Mission/1918/1 (H1N1) and
      A/Netherlands/178/95 (H3N2), as well as various H5N1 avian strains. Results
      revealed that both segment 7 and 8 mRNAs of A/Brevig Mission/1918/1 (H1N1) were
      inefficiently spliced compared to other influenza virus segment 7 and 8 mRNAs.
      This resulted in production of higher levels of functional NS1 protein, which
      could potentially contribute to the pathogenic properties of the A/Brevig
      Mission/1918/1 (H1N1). We also show that A/Brevig Mission/1918/1 (H1N1) segment 8
      mRNAs responded differently to overexpression of SR proteins than
      A/Netherlands/178/95 (H3N2).

PMID- 22036313
TI  - Role of arginine-56 within the structural protein VP3 of foot-and-mouth disease
      virus (FMDV) O1 Campos in virus virulence.
AB  - FMDV O1 subtype undergoes antigenic variation under diverse growth conditions. Of
      particular interest is the amino acid variation observed at position 56 within
      the structural protein VP3. Selective pressures influence whether histidine (H)
      or arginine (R) is present at this position, ultimately influencing in vitro
      plaque morphology and in vivo pathogenesis in cattle. Using reverse genetics
      techniques, we have constructed FMDV type O1 Campos variants differing only at
      VP3 position 56, possessing either an H or R (O1Ca-VP3-56H and O1Ca-VP3-56R,
      respectively), and characterized their in vitro phenotype and virulence in the
      natural host. Both viruses showed similar growth kinetics in vitro. Conversely,
      they had distinct temperature-sensitivity (ts) and displayed significantly
      different pathogenic profiles in cattle and swine. O1Ca-VP3-56H was thermo stable
      and induced typical clinical signs of FMD, whereas O1Ca-VP3-56R presented a ts
      phenotype and was nonpathogenic unless VP3 position 56 reverted in vivo to either
      H or cysteine (C).

PMID- 22036314
TI  - Parameters of donor-recipient size mismatch and survival after bilateral lung
      transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between
      donor-recipient height, gender and predicted estimates of total lung capacity
      (pTLC) mismatches and post-transplant survival. METHODS: The lung transplant
      databases at three programs were reviewed. The pTLC ratios (donor pTLC/recipient
      pTLC) and height ratios (donor height/recipient height) were calculated
      retrospectively. Patients were grouped according to pTLC ratio <=1.0 or >1.0 and
      height ratio <=1.0 or >1.0, and according to gender (mis-)matching. A time-to
      event analysis was performed for risk of death after transplantation conditional
      on 30-day survival using Kaplan-Meier survival and Cox proportional hazard
      models. RESULTS: There were 211 adult bilateral lung transplant recipients who
      qualified for the analysis. Mean follow-up was comparable for all cohorts (range
      2.21 to 3.85 years). In the univariate Cox proportional hazard models, a pTLC
      ratio >1.0 (HR 0.43, p = 0.002) and a height ratio >1.0 (HR 0.61, p = 0.03) were
      associated with better survival, and a female-donor-to-male-recipient gender
      mismatch (F-to-M) was associated with worse survival (HR 2.35, p = 0.01). In the
      multivariate Cox proportional hazard model accounting for F-to-M gender mismatch
      and height ratio >1.0, a pTLC ratio >1.0 remained associated with survival (HR
      0.38, p = 0.015). However, accounting for a pTLC ratio >1.0, a height ratio of
      >1.0 and F-to-M mismatch were not associated with survival. CONCLUSIONS: A pTLC
      ratio >1.0 is associated with improved survival after bilateral lung
      transplantation. The pTLC ratio might better reflect allograft-thorax mismatch
      than the height ratio, as it also accounts for effects of gender on lung and
      thoracic volumes.

PMID- 22036315
TI  - Theoretical investigations of alpha,alpha,alpha-trifluoro-3, -p and o
      nitrotoluene by means of density functional theory.
AB  - This study reports the optimized molecular structures, vibrational frequencies
      including Infrared intensities and Raman activities, corresponding vibrational
      assignments, (1)H and (13)C NMR chemical shifts, the magnitudes of the JCH and
      JCC coupling constants, Ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectra, thermodynamic
      properties and atomic charges of the title compounds, alpha,alpha,alpha-trifluoro
      3, -p and o-nitrotoluene, in the ground state by means of the density functional
      theory (DFT) with the standard B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) method and basis set
      combination for the first time. Theoretical vibrational spectra were interpreted
      by normal coordinate analysis based on scaled density functional force field. The
      results show that the vibrational frequencies and chemical shifts calculated were
      obtained to be in good agreement with the experimental data. Based on the
      comparison between experimental results and theoretical data, the calculation
      level chosen is powerful approach for understanding the identification of all the
      molecules studied. In addition, not only were frontier molecular orbitals (HOMO
      and LUMO), molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) and electrostatic potential
      (ESP) simulated but also the dipole moment, softness, electronegativity, chemical
      hardness, electrophilicity index, transition state and energy band gap values
      were predicted. According to the investigations, all compounds were found to be
      useful to bond metallically and interact intermolecularly; however, the
      thermodynamic properties confirm that the alpha,alpha,alpha-trifluoro-p
      nitrotoluene was more reactive and more polar than the others.

PMID- 22036316
TI  - Metal-enhanced fluorescence exciplex emission.
AB  - In this letter, we report the first observation of metal-enhanced exciplex
      fluorescence, observed from anthracene in the presence of diethylaniline.
      Anthracene in the presence of diethylaniline in close proximity to Silver Island
      Films (SIFs) shows enhanced monomer and exciplex emission as compared to a non
      silvered control sample containing no silver nanoparticles. Our findings suggest
      two complementary methods for the enhancement: (i) surface plasmons can radiate
      coupled monomer and exciplex fluorescence efficiently, and (ii) enhanced
      absorption (enhanced electric near-field) further facilitates enhanced emission.
      Our exciplex studies help us to further understand the complex photophysics of
      the metal-enhanced fluorescence technology.

PMID- 22036317
TI  - Cognitive function in morbidly obese individuals with and without binge eating
      disorder.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Obesity is associated with poorer cognitive function and impulsivity,
      which may contribute to binge eating disorder (BED). The objective of this study
      was to compare cognitive function in morbidly obese individuals with and without
      BED. METHOD: A total of 131 morbidly obese individuals (41 with past or present
      BED, 90 with no BED history) completed a computerized battery of cognitive tests
      including executive, memory, language, and attention. RESULTS: Both groups of
      participants evidenced high rates of cognitive impairment; however, no
      significant differences emerged between persons with and without BED on cognitive
      testing. Comparison of persons without BED, current BED, and past BED also
      yielded no differences. DISCUSSION: In the present sample, morbidly obese
      individuals with and without BED were clinically indistinguishable on tests of
      cognitive function. Our findings suggest that obesity, rather than binge eating,
      may be more directly related to cognition. Future studies should further examine
      this relationship because it might provide greater insight into the neural
      mechanisms for this BED.

PMID- 22036318
TI  - Starvation and emotion regulation in anorexia nervosa.
AB  - Self-starvation, with concomitant weight loss, may serve as a dysfunctional
      behavior to attenuate negative affective states in anorexia nervosa (AN). A total
      of 91 participants composed of patients with acute AN, women recovered from AN,
      clinical controls with either depression or anxiety disorder, and healthy
      controls were tested on a measure of emotion regulation. Patients with acute AN
      as well as recovered patients with AN and clinical controls showed increased
      emotion regulation difficulties as compared with healthy controls. In patients
      with acute AN, a specific association between body weight and emotion regulation
      was found: the lower the body mass index in patients with acute AN, the lesser
      were their difficulties in emotion regulation. This association could only be
      found in the subsample of patients with acute AN but not in the control groups.
      Moreover, there were no confounding effects of depression or duration of illness.
      The findings are consistent with the hypothesis that self-starvation with
      accompanying low body weight serves as a dysfunctional behavior to regulate
      aversive emotions in AN.

PMID- 22036320
TI  - Assessing health in children: national surveys and the role of the laboratory.

PMID- 22036322
TI  - Metabolomics in neonatology and pediatrics.

PMID- 22036323
TI  - Unified prenatal screening for Down's syndrome and pre-eclampsia.

PMID- 22036324
TI  - Fetal scalp blood measurements during labour-lactate or pH?

PMID- 22036325
TI  - Contemporary issues in fetal lung maturity testing.

PMID- 22036326
TI  - Fetal health assessment in utero by laboratory technologies: clinical benefits,
      risks and controversies.

PMID- 22036327
TI  - Neonatal sepsis: a difficult diagnostic challenge.

PMID- 22036328
TI  - Investigations for neonatal hypoglycaemia.

PMID- 22036329
TI  - Future directions in metabolic disease testing.

PMID- 22036330
TI  - Newborn screening from an international perspective--different countries,
      different approaches.

PMID- 22036331
TI  - Role of mutation analysis for the diagnosis of inborn errors of metabolism.

PMID- 22036332
TI  - Selective screening for inborn errors of metabolism--assessment of metabolites in
      body fluids.

PMID- 22036333
TI  - Dried blood spots in the diagnosis of lysosomal storage disorders--possibilities
      for newborn screening and high-risk population screening.

PMID- 22036334
TI  - Reference intervals: the GB data.

PMID- 22036335
TI  - KiGGS-the German survey on children's health as data base for reference
      intervals.

PMID- 22036336
TI  - Closing the gaps in pediatric reference intervals: the CALIPER initiative.

PMID- 22036337
TI  - Critical values for the maternal-fetal unit, fetus, infant, child and adolescent:
      bilirubin reporting practice in North American Children's Hospitals as a paradigm
      for critical value reporting assessment.

PMID- 22036338
TI  - Prenatal and newborn screening for CFTR mutations: the difficulties of
      prediction.

PMID- 22036339
TI  - A continuing role for sweat testing in an era of newborn screening for cystic
      fibrosis.

PMID- 22036340
TI  - Nutrition-related derangements and managements in patients with cystic fibrosis:
      robust challenges for preventing the development of co-morbidities.

PMID- 22036341
TI  - If I'd known I was going to live this long, I'd have taken better care of myself:
      antioxidants and micronutrients in CF.

PMID- 22036342
TI  - Primary immunodeficiencies--the role of the laboratory.

PMID- 22036343
TI  - Development and regulation of immune responses in pre- and postnatal life.

PMID- 22036344
TI  - Multiplex PCR for detection of respiratory viruses: can the laboratory performing
      a respiratory viral panel (RVP) assay trigger better patient care and clinical
      outcomes?

PMID- 22036345
TI  - Diagnosis of congenital renal anomalies in children.

PMID- 22036346
TI  - NGAL--from discovery to a new era of "acute renal disease" diagnosis?

PMID- 22036347
TI  - Cystatin C- and creatinine-based GFR-prediction equations for children and
      adults.

PMID- 22036348
TI  - Renal tubular disorders: from proteins to patients.

PMID- 22036349
TI  - Congenital adrenal hyperplasia.

PMID- 22036350
TI  - Dyslipidemias in children and adolescents.

PMID- 22036351
TI  - Diagnostic pathways in disorders of sex development.

PMID- 22036352
TI  - Molecular diagnosis of genetic deafness.

PMID- 22036353
TI  - Inherited coagulation disorders in children with arterial ischemic stroke and
      transient ischemic attack.

PMID- 22036354
TI  - Next generation sequencing: the technology we need in pediatric laboratories?

PMID- 22036355
TI  - Point-of-care testing: is it a must in pediatrics?

PMID- 22036356
TI  - Metabolomic studies at the start and end of the life cycle.

PMID- 22036449
TI  - Subjective stress factors in centrifuge training for military aircrews.
AB  - This study investigates stress-influence factors perceived by military aircrews
      undergoing centrifuge training, which lowers the incidence of G-induced loss of
      consciousness (G-LOC) for the crews of high-performance combat aircrafts. We used
      questionnaires to assess the subjective stress-influence factors of crews
      undergoing centrifuge training. Professionals in aviation physiology identified
      attributes measuring the perceived stress induced by centrifuge training, which
      were segmented into three constructs by factor analysis, theory lecture,
      centrifuge equipment, and physical fitness. Considerable interpenetration was
      discernible between these factors and military rank, age, length of service,
      flight hours accrued, and type of aircraft piloted. Identifying and quantifying
      the perceived stressors experienced in human-use centrifuge training enables
      aviators, astronauts, and air forces of the world to determine which constructs
      perceptibly increase or alleviate the perceived stress undergone by trainees when
      partaking in centrifuge training.

PMID- 22036450
TI  - Musculoskeletal disorder risk during automotive assembly: current vs. seated.
AB  - Musculoskeletal disorder risk was assessed during automotive assembly processes.
      The risk associated with current assembly processes was compared to using a
      cantilever chair intervention. Spine loads and normalized shoulder muscle
      activity were evaluated during assembly in eight regions of the vehicle. Eight
      interior cabin regions of the vehicle were classified by reach distance, height
      from vehicle floor and front to back. The cantilever chair intervention tool was
      most effective in the far reach regions regardless of the height. In the front
      far reach regions both spine loads and normalized shoulder muscle activity levels
      were reduced. In the middle and close reach regions spine loads were reduced,
      however, shoulder muscle activity was not, thus an additional intervention would
      be necessary to reduce shoulder risk. In the back far reach region, spine loads
      were not significantly different between the current and cantilever chair
      conditions. Thus, the effectiveness of the cantilever chair was dependent on the
      region of the vehicle.

PMID- 22036451
TI  - Tightrope fixation of ankle syndesmosis injuries: clinical outcome, complications
      and technique modification.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ankle syndesmotic injuries are complex and require anatomic reduction
      and fixation. Tightrope fixation is a relatively new technique and we present the
      largest series of syndesmosis fixation using Arthrex TightropeTM (Naples, FL,
      USA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-nine patients with ankle diastasis, treated
      with Arthrex tightropeTM, were reviewed retrospectively, using American
      Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) and Foot and Ankle Disability Index
      (FADI) scores and radiographic parameters for syndesmosis integrity. The
      operative technique was slightly modified by the senior author in 31 cases to
      avoid soft-tissue complications requiring removal of the implant. The aim of this
      study was to assess the rate of hardware removal after tightrope fixation and the
      effect of the author's modification to avoid soft-tissue complications. RESULTS:
      The mean age of patients was 37.7 years. Eighteen were performed with standard
      technique whilst 31 with the modified technique. The mean radiological follow-up
      was 6 months. Final data were collected using a confidential questionnaire and
      FADI score at an average of 24 (12-38) months postoperatively. The average time
      to full weight bearing was 7.7 weeks and to return to normal activities was 11.2
      weeks. Postoperative radiographic measurements demonstrated satisfactory
      reduction of syndesmosis. The Mean AOFAS score was 85.57 (95% confidence interval
      (CI) 77.96-93.18) and the mean FADI score was 81.20 (95% CI 73.86-88.53). There
      were three cases of hardware removal in the standard technique group as compared
      to none in the group with the modified technique. CONCLUSION: Arthrex TightropeTM
      provides an effective method of syndesmosis stabilisation, which obviates the
      need for routine removal of implant and facilitates dynamic stabilisation. The
      results of this study are satisfactory and comparable to previously reported
      studies. We emphasise that surgeons must be aware of the potential risk of soft
      tissue complications and recommend our modified technique. Further long-term
      prospective studies should be carried out to resolve this issue.

PMID- 22036452
TI  - Radiographic follow-up of 84 operatively treated scapula neck and body fractures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Certain scapula fractures may warrant surgical management to restore
      shoulder anatomy and promote optimal function. The purpose of this study is to
      determine the early radiographic follow-up of open reduction internal fixation
      (ORIF) for displaced, scapular fractures involving the glenoid neck and body.
      METHODS: Eighty-four patients with a scapula body or neck fracture (with or
      without articular involvement) underwent ORIF between 2002 and 2010 at a single
      level I trauma centre. This study represents a retrospective review of data
      prospectively collected into a dedicated scapula fracture database. All patients
      met at least one of the following operative criteria: >=20 mm medial/lateral
      (M/L) displacement (lateral border offset), >=45 degrees  of angular deformity on
      a scapular-Y X-ray, the combination of angulation >=30 degrees  plus M/L
      displacement >=15 mm, double disruptions of the superior shoulder suspensory
      complex both displaced >=10 mm, glenopolar angle (GPA) <=22 degrees  and open
      fractures. Eighty-eight percent (74/84) had sufficient follow-up defined as at
      least 6 months. Measured outcomes included rates of scapula union and malunion,
      as well as surgical complications and re-operations. RESULTS: All fractures were
      caused by high-energy trauma with 24 (29%) resulting from motor-vehicle
      collisions. Associated injuries occurred in 94% of patients, most commonly
      involving the chest (70%) and ipsilateral shoulder girdle (43%). Forty-eight
      patients had M/L displacement as an operative indication with a mean displacement
      of 25.7 mm (range=20-40). Thirty-eight (45%) had >=2 operative indications. A
      single surgeon performed ORIF in all patients using a posterior approach. Five
      patients also required an anterior (deltopectoral) approach. The fixation
      strategy included lateral and vertebral border stabilisation with dynamic
      compression and reconstruction plates, respectively. Union was achieved in all
      cases. There were three cases of malunion based on a GPA difference >10 degrees 
      from the uninjured shoulder. Re-operations included removal of hardware (seven
      patients) and manipulation under anaesthesia (three patients). There were no
      infections or wound dehiscence. CONCLUSIONS: ORIF for displaced scapula fractures
      is a relatively safe and effective procedure for restoration of anatomy and
      promotion of union. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic study, level IV.

PMID- 22036453
TI  - Estimating foot inertial parameters: a new regression approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Estimating the inertial parameters for the foot (mass, center of mass
      position and inertia tensor) is important for applications involving the ankle
      joint such as inverse dynamics or stiffness measurement techniques (e.g. Quick
      release). Scaling equations relying on foot length and body mass are widely used.
      However, because of the complex foot geometry, such equations may represent an
      oversimplified solution. Our aim was to evaluate these approaches and propose a
      new method. METHODS: Thirty-four right feet (17 Males, mean age and weight 30
      years, 75 kg; 17 Females, 32 years, 61.5 kg) were reconstructed using a 3D
      surface scanner and used as geometrical references. Associated inertial
      parameters were calculated directly on each reference assuming a uniform density
      distribution and were compared to corresponding scaling and multiple regression
      estimates. Finally, an alternative method, based on multiple non-linear
      regressions, was proposed considering both foot length (L) and ankle width (W).
      FINDINGS: Comparisons showed that reference mass and moments of inertia were
      greater than scaling predictions with mean difference up to 33 and 16% for mass
      and moments of inertia respectively. The maximum standard errors of estimate for
      scaled moments of inertia reached 26%. The alternative solution involving ankle
      width in the equations lowered the gap with reference data (8.7% max standard
      errors of estimate) for both genders. INTERPRETATION: This strategy, requiring
      two simple and accessible measurements, may offer a better practicality/relevance
      compromise for clinical routine use, in regards to existing scaling and
      regression equations.

PMID- 22036454
TI  - [Paget-Schroetter syndrome].

PMID- 22036455
TI  - [Relationship between myocardial modelling and diastolic function in patients
      with essential hypertension].
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To analyze the relationship between sFas and soluble
      TNF receptor 1 (sTNF-R1) with type iii (PIIINP) and i (PINP) amino-terminal
      propeptide procollagens, and diastole in hypertension (HT). PATIENTS AND METHODS:
      A group of 253 Caucasian asymptomatic hypertensive patients (age 60+/-13 years,
      139 males) were studied, in whom a physical examination, laboratory analyses
      (determination of serum PIIINP, PINP, sFas and by radioimmunoassay and ELISA,
      respectively), and echo-Doppler study were performed. RESULTS: Serum PINP and
      PIIINP were increased in left ventricular hypertrophy compared to non-hypertrophy
      [41 (31-52) vs. 35 (28-47) MUg/l, P=.010; and 4.33 (3.71-5.29) vs. 3.98 (3.49
      4.58) MUg/l, P=.005, respectively]. Furthermore, sFas and sTNF-R1 were also
      elevated [1.47 (1.2-1.77) vs. 1.37 (1.1-1.59), P=.012; and 466 (331-657) vs. 317
      (260-427) MUg/l, P<.0001, respectively]. Moreover, serum PIIINP was associated
      with sFas (r=.386, P<.0001) and sTNF-R1 (r=.298, P<.001); PINP was also
      associated with these cytokines (r=0.158, P=.011 and r=.241, P<.0001,
      respectively). Multivariable analyses included sFas (P<.0001) and sTNF-R1
      (P<.0001) as independent factors related with serum PIIINP. Finally, marker
      concentrations were significantly related with left ventricular diastolic
      function parameters. CONCLUSION: Procollagen and anti-apoptotic cytokine levels
      were increased in our hypertrophic patients. Furthermore, sFas and sTNF-R1 are
      independent related factors of serum PIIINP. Diastolic parameters were associated
      with myocardial fibrosis and anti-apoptotic cytokines.

PMID- 22036456
TI  - [Numerical understanding deficit. Mathematics as a problem].

PMID- 22036460
TI  - [Role of ecocardiogram in fever of unknown origin. Towards saturation of
      echocardiogram laboratories? Reply].

PMID- 22036458
TI  - [Inertia and treatment compliance in patients with type 2 diabetes in primary
      care].
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Therapeutic inertia (TI) and therapeutic compliance
      (TC) are 2 important barriers in achieving the therapeutic objectives recommended
      for patients with diabetes mellitus type 2 (DM2). This study analyzes the TI in
      patients with DM2 who do not achieve the glycemic, blood pressure (BP) and LDL
      cholesterol (c-LDL) control goals, the patients' TC and the relationship between
      TI and TC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a descriptive study conducted in a
      Primary Health Care center. We included 320 diabetic patients. Objectives of
      control were HbA1c <= 7%, blood pressure (BP) <= 130/80 mm Hg, c-LDL <= 100
      mg/dl, TI (when the objectives of control were not reached and the professional
      did not change the treatment) and TC (by counting withdrawals of pharmacy
      prescriptions). RESULTS: The objectives of control for HbA1c, BP and c-LDL were
      reached by 66.4, 43.2 and 40.5% of patients, respectively. There was TI in the
      86.4% of patients for c-LDL, in 76.7% for BP and in 40.6% for HbA1c. The
      percentage of therapeutic non-compliance was of 36.1, 37.5 and 32.0% for
      antidiabetic, antihypertensive and lipid lowering drugs, respectively. Elderly
      patients were better compliants. TI and TC were not associated. We did not find
      differences in the level of control, TI, use of drugs and TC by sex. CONCLUSIONS:
      TI and TC play an important role in the non-consecution of the control objectives
      in diabetic patients, especially regarding BP and lipids. TC is not related to
      TI.

PMID- 22036461
TI  - [Adie's pupil].

PMID- 22036462
TI  - [Pseudopapillary solid tumor of the pancreas: report of 6 cases].
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Solid pseudopapillary neoplasms (SPNs) are rare
      tumours of the exocrine pancreas. Although they can develop metastasis, the
      prognosis is good. The aim of this study was to describe the characteristics of
      these tumours attended in our hospital. PATIENTS AND METHOD: All cases of SPN in
      the database of the Pathology Department between 1991 and 2010 were included.
      Age, sex, symptoms, type of surgery, pathologic and immunohistochemical
      characteristics, and clinical evolution were analyzed. RESULTS: Six cases were
      identified; all of them were women with a median age of 27.5 years. One patient
      presented haemoperitoneum, 2 abdominal pain and 3 were diagnosed incidentally.
      The most frequent localization was the pancreatic tail (n=4) and the median size
      was 7.7 cm. Four tumours were benign and 2 carcinomas. One of them had liver and
      lymph node metastases. Ki-67 proliferation index was low (1-3%). After a median
      follow-up of 33.5 months, all patients were alive and without evidence of
      relapse. CONCLUSION: SPNs occur in young women. In most cases surgical resection
      is curative. A low mitotic index confers a good prognosis and a long survival.

PMID- 22036463
TI  - [PFAPA syndrome: study of 10 cases].
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: "PFAPA syndrome" is an autoinflammatory entity
      consisting of periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and cervical
      adenitis. Its etiology is unknown although a dysregulation in the control of the
      autoinflammatory response seems to play a role. Although a genetic origin is
      suspected, no specific mutation has been determined yet. Corticosteroids are the
      mainstay of the treatment during the acute attacks. However, in long-term follow
      up the role of tonsillectomy is controversial. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A
      retrospective study of the pediatric cases diagnosed with the PFAPA syndrome was
      performed in our center during the last 4 years. RESULTS: Ten patients were
      diagnosed with the syndrome who received corticosteroids as the only treatment
      with improvement and favourable prognosis. CONCLUSION: PFAPA syndrome is the most
      common periodic fever disorder described in childhood whose genetic background
      has not been yet clarified. Our contribution with 10 patients further supports
      the common existence of this entity and the need to keep it in mind when having
      recurrent fevers.

PMID- 22036464
TI  - [Treatment of psoriasis with anti-TNF drugs in human immunodeficiency virus
      infected patients].

PMID- 22036465
TI  - Coenzyme Q10 enhances the anticonvulsant effect of phenytoin in pilocarpine
      induced seizures in rats and ameliorates phenytoin-induced cognitive impairment
      and oxidative stress.
AB  - Conventional antiepileptic drugs fail to adequately control seizures and
      predispose to cognitive impairment and oxidative stress with chronic usage in a
      significant proportion of patients with epilepsy. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), an
      antioxidant compound, exhibits a wide range of therapeutic effects that are
      attributed to its potent antioxidant capacity. To evaluate the neuroprotective
      effects of CoQ10 in rats against the observed oxidative stress during seizures
      induced by pilocarpine, and to study its interactions with the conventional
      antiepileptic drug phenytoin, two experiments were performed. Experiment 1 was
      conducted to test the effect of phenytoin, CoQ10, or both on seizure severity and
      oxidative markers in the pilocarpine model of epilepsy. Experiment 2 was
      conducted to test the effect of 2 weeks of chronic treatment with phenytoin,
      CoQ10, or both on oxidative markers and behavioral tests in rats. Overall, CoQ10
      reduced the severity of pilocarpine-induced seizures and the severity of
      oxidative stress. Moreover, it potentiated the antiepileptic effects afforded by
      phenytoin treatment, with the potential safety and efficacy in ameliorating
      oxidative stress and cognitive impairment caused by chronic phenytoin therapy.
      Our findings strongly suggest that CoQ10 can be considered a safe and effective
      adjuvant to phenytoin therapy in epilepsy both to ameliorate seizure severity and
      to protect against seizure-induced oxidative damage by reducing the cognitive
      impairment and oxidative stress associated with chronic use of phenytoin.

PMID- 22036466
TI  - Internalizing disorders and psychosocial functioning in the context of successful
      epilepsy surgery in children: implications for a comprehensive approach and a
      global perspective of treatment.

PMID- 22036467
TI  - [The determinants of under-reporting occupational diseases. The case of
      mesothelioma].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite widespread press coverage of the harm caused by the asbestos,
      40% of mesothelioma patients still do not file claims for compensation as an
      occupational disease. We aimed at studying elements that influence the
      administrative procedure of compensation, in particular social classes and
      instruction level. METHODS: This was a statistical analysis of data from the
      French national survey program of mesothelioma designed to understand social
      determinants of reporting occupational illness. Data from a give administrative
      district were then submitted to a qualitative study using in-depth interviews of
      patients with suspected mesothelioma. Discourse analysis was then applied to the
      corpus of information collected. Content analysis grouped the data into themes.
      RESULTS: The statistical analyses tended to show that the higher the educational
      level, the less often patients filed claims for their occupational disease.
      Manual workers asked for compensation for their disease more often than
      executives. The interviews conducted with suspected mesothelioma patients suggest
      several factors explaining these findings. The process of reporting an
      occupational disease is often initiated by the primary care physician who informs
      the patient about the possible link with a previous occupation, explains the
      procedure and motivate the patient whose main preoccupation is to fight against
      the illness, and less so to become recognized as a victim. In this context, the
      physician plays a fundamental role, independently of the patient's social status.
      CONCLUSION: Those results throw new light on the complexity of the administrative
      procedure for reporting occupational diseases in France and highlights possible
      causes of underdeclaration reporting. Physician awarness of these causes might
      improve identification of links between occupation and disease and the
      transmission of adapted information to all concerned patients in order to fight
      more effectively against the disparities resulting from underreporting.

PMID- 22036468
TI  - Whole grain intake in relation to body weight: from epidemiological evidence to
      clinical trials.
AB  - This viewpoint aims to 1) review the available scientific literature on the
      relationship between whole grain consumption and body weight regulation; 2)
      evaluate the potential mechanisms whereby whole grain intake may help reduce
      overweight and 3) try to understand why epidemiological studies and clinical
      trials provide diverging results on this topic. All the prospective
      epidemiological studies demonstrate that a higher intake of whole grains is
      associated with lower BMI and body weight gain. However, these results do not
      clarify whether whole grain consumption is simply a marker of a healthier
      lifestyle or a factor favoring "per se" lower body weight. Habitual whole grain
      consumption seems to cause lower body weight by multiple mechanisms such as lower
      energy density of whole grain based products, lower glycemic index, fermentation
      of non digestible carbohydrates (satiety signals) and finally by modulating
      intestinal microflora. In contrast with epidemiological evidence, the results of
      few clinical trials do not confirm that a whole grain low-calorie diet is more
      effective in reducing body weight than a refined cereal diet, but their results
      may have been affected by small sample size or short duration of the
      intervention. Therefore, further intervention studies with adequate methodology
      are needed to clarify this question. For the time being, whole grain consumption
      can be recommended as one of the features of the diet that may help control body
      weight but also because is associated with a lower risk to develop type 2
      diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and cancer.

PMID- 22036470
TI  - Bacteroides in the infant gut consume milk oligosaccharides via mucus-utilization
      pathways.
AB  - Newborns are colonized with an intestinal microbiota shortly after birth, but the
      factors governing the retention and abundance of specific microbial lineages are
      unknown. Nursing infants consume human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) that pass
      undigested to the distal gut, where they may be digested by microbes. We
      determined that the prominent neonate gut residents, Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron
      and Bacteroides fragilis, induce the same genes during HMO consumption that are
      used to harvest host mucus glycans, which are structurally similar to HMOs. Lacto
      N-neotetraose, a specific HMO component, selects for HMO-adapted species such as
      Bifidobacterium infantis, which cannot use mucus, and provides a selective
      advantage to B. infantis in vivo when biassociated with B. thetaiotaomicron in
      the gnotobiotic mouse gut. This indicates that the complex oligosaccharide
      mixture within HMOs attracts both mutualistic mucus-adapted species and HMO
      adapted bifidobacteria to the infant intestine that likely facilitate both milk
      and future solid food digestion.

PMID- 22036469
TI  - Low-abundance biofilm species orchestrates inflammatory periodontal disease
      through the commensal microbiota and complement.
AB  - Porphyromonas gingivalis is a low-abundance oral anaerobic bacterium implicated
      in periodontitis, a polymicrobial inflammatory disease, and the associated
      systemic conditions. However, the mechanism by which P. gingivalis contributes to
      inflammation and disease has remained elusive. Here we show that P. gingivalis,
      at very low colonization levels, triggers changes to the amount and composition
      of the oral commensal microbiota leading to inflammatory periodontal bone loss.
      The commensal microbiota and complement were both required for P. gingivalis
      induced bone loss, as germ-free mice or conventionally raised C3a and C5a
      receptor-deficient mice did not develop bone loss after inoculation with P.
      gingivalis. These findings demonstrate that a single, low-abundance species can
      disrupt host-microbial homeostasis to cause inflammatory disease. The
      identification and targeting of similar low-abundance pathogens with community
      wide impact may be important for treating inflammatory diseases of polymicrobial
      etiology.

PMID- 22036472
TI  - To improve maternity care in the United States, think midwives.

PMID- 22036471
TI  - Adsorption of methylene blue from aqueous solution by graphene.
AB  - Graphene was prepared using a modified Hummers' method. The physico-chemical
      properties of graphene were characterized by TEM, BET specific surface area,
      FTIR, Raman and XRD measurements. The effect factors including pH, contact time,
      temperature and dosage on the adsorption properties of methylene blue onto
      graphene were investigated. The experimental data of isotherm followed the
      Langmuir isotherm model better than the Freundlich model. The maximum adsorption
      capacity obtained from Langmuir isotherm equation at 293 K was 153.85 mg/g,
      indicating graphene is a good adsorbent for the adsorption of MB. The kinetic
      study illustrated that the adsorption of methylene blue onto graphene fit the
      pseudo second-order model. The thermodynamic parameters indicated that the
      adsorption of methylene blue onto graphene was an endothermic and spontaneous
      process.

PMID- 22036474
TI  - Induced abortion in Canada 1974-2005: trends over the first generation with legal
      access.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Canadian women currently entering menopause are the first generation
      with access to legal induced abortion throughout their reproductive years. STUDY
      DESIGN: Statistics Canada data from 1974 to 2005 on age-specific abortion and
      first-abortion rates were analyzed to determine the proportion of the cohort
      hypothetically and actually undergoing at least one induced abortion, as well as
      the age-specific trends. RESULTS: Among Canadian women who turned 45 years old in
      2005, 31% had at least one abortion, with a median age at first abortion of 24
      years. Since 1997, age-specific induced abortion rates overall and among
      teenagers have declined significantly, while rates among older women show less
      decline as age increases. Annually from 1974 to 2005, women aged 20-29 years
      account for 52% (SD 1.8%) of all abortions in Canada. CONCLUSIONS: Induced
      abortion is a common procedure experienced by nearly a third of Canadian women
      during their reproductive years. Consistently, half of all women accessing
      abortion are in their twenties. These findings suggest that Canadian women,
      particularly those in their twenties, experience a significant unmet need for
      effective contraception.

PMID- 22036473
TI  - Progestin-only contraception prevents bone loss in postpartum breastfeeding
      women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are an increase in bone loss during the first 6 months
      postpartum and a complete recovery postweaning. A few studies of steroid
      contraceptive use during this period provide some evidence towards protection of
      bone loss with progestin-only contraceptive methods. OBJECTIVE: The study was
      conducted to evaluate forearm bone mineral density (BMD) of breastfeeding
      postpartum women using nonhormonal and progestin-only contraceptive methods.
      STUDY DESIGN: A prospective cohort study of postpartum women had an analysis
      performed at 6 months postpartum correlating BMD with contraceptive use. Forearm
      BMD was measured 7-10 days, 3 months and 6 months postpartum. Eighty-two women
      were analyzed, comparing nonhormonal (54) and progestin-only (28) contraceptive
      methods. Information about breastfeeding duration, amenorrhea and body mass index
      was collected. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics of the study population showed
      no statistical differences between the groups. The median duration of
      breastfeeding for both groups was 183 days. A significant BMD decrease was
      observed for the nonhormonal group (p<.001); however, no statistical difference
      was detected for the progestin-only group. Body mass index, BMD at 7-10 days
      postpartum and total duration of breastfeeding were positively correlated with
      BMD at 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest a preventive effect towards
      postpartum bone loss with progestin-only contraception in breastfeeding women.

PMID- 22036475
TI  - Trigeminal neuralgia related to arteriovenous malformation of the posterior
      fossa: three case reports and a review of the literature.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the rare association of trigeminal neuralgia (TGN) with a
      brain arteriovenous malformation (bAVM) of the posterior fossa. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: This is a report of three patients presenting with TGN due to vascular
      compression by a bAVM of the posterior fossa, with emphasis on clinical
      presentation, diagnostic imaging, management and follow-up. Magnetic resonance
      imaging (MRI) was performed with sequences in thin slices in the same section
      plane using a 3D time of flight (TOF) and axial T2-weighted driven equilibrium
      (DRIVE) of the posterior fossa. RESULTS: No bleeding episodes were documented in
      the three patients. MRI and digital subtraction angiography (DSA) showed a
      posterior fossa bAVM with a nidus surrounding the trigeminal nerve, fed by
      arteries from the carotid and vertebrobasilar systems. Within a few days, medical
      treatment effectively alleviated the symptoms, with no more pain during follow
      ups at 6, 10 and 18months. No invasive treatment was performed because the bAVMs
      were considered to have a low risk of bleeding. CONCLUSION: TGN related to a bAVM
      can mimic classical TGN. MRI and DSA are the imaging methods of choice. Medical
      treatment remains the first line of therapy, but if that fails, multimodal
      invasive treatment may be an alternative for pain relief.

PMID- 22036476
TI  - Simulation of the human TMJ behavior based on interdependent joints topology.
AB  - The temporomandibular joint (TMJ) is one of the most important and complex joints
      of the body and its pathologies affect a great percentage of the human
      population. The simulation of the TMJ behavior during opening, closing and
      chewing movements can be very useful to the understanding of this articulation by
      physicians, helping them to prevent or fix problems due to accidents or diseases.
      This work proposes a model to simulate the human TMJ behavior based on the
      concept of two interdependent joints. The model was conceived using multimodal
      information acquired from CT and MRI images of a live person, as well as motion
      data acquired from this same person with a magnetic motion capture device.
      Simulation of movement of other TMJs, based on different morphology of bones and
      teeth, is obtained by adapting the regular captured motion data through collision
      detection and treatment methods. The proposed model was evaluated through image
      registration techniques by comparing our simulated results with real, captured
      motion data. We also validate the model showing how it can be used to predict TMJ
      behavior in the presence of different--normal or abnormal--bones and teeth
      morphologies.

PMID- 22036478
TI  - Training of child neurologists in the 21st century: overview.

PMID- 22036479
TI  - What the child neurologist should know at the conclusion of training: history
      taking, examination, and formulation (and a few other generalizations).
AB  - Taking of neurological history, performance of neurological examination, and the
      employment of these sets of information to properly formulate a neurological
      question constitute the most fundamantal skills of the neurologist. Intelligent
      facility with these skills must be required of every child neurologist at the
      completion of training. They will subsequently be refined upon the basis of
      experience and wider knowledge of neurology and neuroscience which will improve
      upon the initial level of facility. There are other habits of mind and approach
      that must also be expected to have been awakened and refined by the time that
      formal training has been completed.

PMID- 22036480
TI  - Neurology training for the child neurologist.
AB  - The training of the child neurologist in the fundamentals of neurology is
      discussed. Although the fundamentals of neurology are clearly necessary for the
      practice of child neurology, the breadth of the background necessary for the
      practice of child neurology depend on the interest, enthusiasm, and goals of the
      resident in question. Some of the issues involved in the design and
      implementation of the training curriculum will be considered.

PMID- 22036477
TI  - Maintenance of imaginal disc plasticity and regenerative potential in Drosophila
      by p53.
AB  - Following irradiation (IR), the DNA damage response (DDR) activates p53, which
      triggers death of cells in which repair cannot be completed. Lost tissue is then
      replaced and re-patterned through regeneration. We have examined the role of p53
      in co-regulation of the DDR and tissue regeneration following IR damage in
      Drosophila. We find that after IR, p53 is required for imaginal disc cells to
      repair DNA, and in its absence the damage marker, gamma-H2AX is persistently
      expressed. p53 is also required for the compensatory proliferation and re
      patterning of the damaged discs, and our results indicate that cell death is not
      required to trigger these processes. We identify an IR-induced delay in
      developmental patterning in wing discs that accompanies an animal-wide delay of
      the juvenile-adult transition, and demonstrate that both of these delays require
      p53. In p53 mutants, the lack of developmental delays and of damage resolution
      leads to anueploidy and tissue defects, and ultimately to morphological
      abnormalities and adult inviability. We propose that p53 maintains plasticity of
      imaginal discs by co-regulating the maintenance of genome integrity and disc
      regeneration, and coordinating these processes with the physiology of the animal.
      These findings place p53 in a role as master coordinator of DNA and tissue repair
      following IR.

PMID- 22036481
TI  - Ataxia and the cerebellum.
AB  - Ataxia, an abnormality in the fine control of movement and posture, is a common
      neurologic sign in the pediatric population. While ataxia may be due to lesions
      in a variety of locations throughout the peripheral and central nervous systems,
      it is most commonly due to dysfunction of the cerebellum. It is critically
      important for child neurologists to recognize ataxia and to master its
      differential diagnosis because many of the diseases that induce ataxia in
      children are treatable and may require urgent attention.

PMID- 22036482
TI  - Pediatric patients with cerebral palsy or other developmental disabilities.

PMID- 22036483
TI  - Education of a child neurologist: epilepsy and electroencephalography.
AB  - Epilepsy is one of the most common disorders encountered in pediatric neurology.
      A well-trained child neurologist should have an understanding of the
      neurobiological causes of seizures, classification of seizures and epilepsy,
      etiologic evaluation, and treatment of both seizures and associated comorbid
      conditions. Electroencephalography (EEG) is an important diagnostic test in
      epilepsy, and child neurologists should be knowledgeable in the physiological
      basis of EEG and how to identify normal and abnormal patterns in neonates and
      children.

PMID- 22036484
TI  - A brief synopsis of the "why, what, and how" of teaching ethics to pediatric
      neurology trainees.

PMID- 22036485
TI  - Genetics and child neurology: what every trainee/resident should know.
AB  - The training of residents in child neurology varies from one center to another,
      being influenced to a large extent by the nature and volume of the clinical
      practice at a specific center and the expertise of the faculty. There is no doubt
      that there is an undercurrent of genetics in everything we do as child
      neurologists, sometimes explicit and sometimes implicit. In this article, we
      highlight a fundamental set of concepts, principles, methodologies, and learning
      tools/resources of which every child neurology trainee should have some
      knowledge. We may eventually arrive at a child neurology curriculum that might be
      continuously revised and maintained (perhaps through the Child Neurology Society)
      and serve as a template for individual training programs.

PMID- 22036486
TI  - Headache competencies in child neurology.
AB  - This is a proposal for suggested physician competencies in the diagnosis and
      treatment of children and adolescent patients with headaches. Headaches are
      common in childhood and occur in up to 10% of school-aged children and over 20%
      of female adolescents. Therefore, the appropriate recognition, evaluation, and
      treatment should be a high priority of training and maintenance of certification
      programs.

PMID- 22036487
TI  - Infectious diseases of the nervous system.
AB  - The curriculum for child neurology trainees should include information regarding
      the many infectious and post-infectious disorders that affect the developing
      nervous system. This article provides recommendations regarding the nature of the
      educational content and suggestions how this content can be provided to trainees.

PMID- 22036488
TI  - Noninfectious central nervous system inflammatory disorders.
AB  - Acute central nervous system (CNS) inflammation may occur as a monophasic illness
      or may represent the first attack of a chronic inflammatory disorder, such as
      multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica, or CNS vasculitis. We review essential
      components of the initial assessment, diagnostic workup, acute and chronic
      management strategies, and research issues pertaining to children with CNS
      inflammatory diseases and suggest methods for these competencies to be attained
      during the course of child neurology residency training.

PMID- 22036489
TI  - Inborn errors of metabolism for child neurology residents.
AB  - Inborn errors of metabolism (IEMs) are individually rare, but collectively
      common, and impose a burden on affected individuals, their families and society
      that is disproportionate to their individual incidence and prevalence. Child
      neurologists should be able to recognize the possibility of an IEM as the cause
      of their patients' symptoms and signs, and utilize online and print resources to
      initiate an appropriate work up and referrals. The foundation of this knowledge
      is an understanding of the mechanisms of IEMs, coupled with a practical
      classification of the relevant diseases, and knowledge of the resources available
      to make diagnoses and devise treatment plans. They should also be prepared to
      manage affected children as part of a multidisciplinary team that draws on the
      skills of other professionals and community organizations. Because of rapid
      advances in diagnostic technology and the improving survival of children with
      IEMs, all child neurologists should anticipate caring for children and families
      with IEMs, and must acquire the ability to diagnose and manage these disorders as
      part of their residency training, recognizing that maintenance of this competence
      requires a commitment to life-long learning.

PMID- 22036490
TI  - Educating child neurologists about movement disorders.
AB  - The discipline of childhood movement disorders is an exciting new area of
      specialization within the field of pediatric neurology. Establishing a formal
      educational system is an ongoing challenge that should include the
      standardization of movement definitions, the development of a formal
      classification system for existing disorders, the adequate exposure of trainees
      to both common and rare disorders, and the ongoing formulation of topic
      guidelines and consensus papers. Specific suggestions and recommendations are
      provided for further discussion.

PMID- 22036491
TI  - Child neurologists as evaluators of developmental disorders.
AB  - Child neurologists are required to evaluate and care for an increasing number of
      children with developmental disorders; therefore they need to be familiar with
      the more prevalent ones, in particular the autism spectrum disorders which may
      masquerade as others. Their assessment needs to include a screening mental status
      evaluation and reviewing a recent definitive test of hearing in all children with
      defective speech. Neurologists' responsibility is to make sure that there is no
      likely underlying problem like epilepsy, neurologic, or genetic condition that
      requires specific medical intervention or genetic counseling. They need to
      discuss with the parents how deeply to test for neurologic, neuropsychologic, or
      genetic underlying causes in children with "idiopathic" developmental problem.
      There is no routine work-up, thus neurologists need to be aware of and to protect
      children from many almost certainly uninformative, expensive tests like EEGs,
      brain imaging, metabolic tests, and genetic micro-array unless there is a
      specific indication, or testing is being performed with parents' consent for
      research and paid for by research, not clinical, funds. Child neurologists-in
      training need to have observed psychologic/neuropsychologic testing so that they
      have at least a superficial understanding of the content, indications, and
      limitations of major tests. I do not recommend that child neurologists administer
      standardized tests or questionnaires, but they need to know enough about them to
      be able to judge their appropriateness and review recommendations with parents.
      Neurologists need to protect children from unnecessary testing, ineffective and
      in some cases potentially dangerous exploitative treatments. They must be aware
      of what legitimate therapies are likely to be offered, that early appropriate
      education is most effective long-term because it influences brain development and
      is superior to symptomatic pharmacotherapy. If pills are needed, child
      psychiatrists are likely to be better informed than neurologists and need to be
      consulted whenever medications familiar to neurologists are not adequately
      effective.

PMID- 22036492
TI  - Education of a child neurologist in neonatal neurology.
AB  - The newborn infant and the neonatal intensive care unit are areas in which there
      is great variability in the involvement of child neurology. As preterm birth
      rates continues to rise, with the associated long-term neurologic morbidities,
      and neuroprotective interventions become available for the newborn infant, a
      critical knowledge of neurology in the newborn is required for a well-trained
      child neurologist.

PMID- 22036493
TI  - What the child neurologist should know about neurocutaneous conditions.
AB  - At the completion of the general phase of neurological training, the child
      neurologist cannot be expected to have at the fingertips a comprehensive
      knowledge of the broad field and complex field of neurocutaneous disorders. The
      curiosity to seek out neurocutaneous features, especially where they may be
      relevant to a problem upon which a patient or family is consulting, is to be
      expected. So is acquaintance with clinical findings and neurological
      manifestations of certain conditions that assume particular importance because of
      they are particularly prevlaent or particularly serious.

PMID- 22036494
TI  - Educating the child neurologist about neuroimaging.
AB  - Training in child neurology is becoming increasingly technically oriented.
      Neuroimaging, in particular, has undergone massive expansion over the past few
      decades. By the end of training, it is important for trainees to be reasonably
      adept with magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography scanning, positron
      emission tomography, single-photon emission computed tomography scanning, and
      cranial ultrasound. Trainees should understand the means by which images are
      acquired, the types of image contrast available, the risks inherent to each
      modality, the clinical setting in which a particular imaging method is useful,
      and the fundamentals of image interpretation. Training should include formal
      sessions in imaging basics as well as continuous exposure to imaging throughout
      clinical rotations. Trainees should be encouraged to evaluate all images from
      their patients, forming their own interpretation before reviewing them with
      attending neurologists and/or radiologists.

PMID- 22036495
TI  - Child neurology residency training in neuromuscular disorders.
AB  - The field of pediatric neuromuscular disorders provides rich training experiences
      in child neurology residency programs. Specific learning objectives include
      skills in examination and assessment, familiarity with muscle and nerve studies,
      and indications for biopsies. This review also specifies which neuromuscular
      disorders are most important to cover within the resident's scope of knowledge,
      as well as the relationship of this field to the core competencies of residency
      training. Appropriate settings for inclusion of these skills in child neurology
      residency programs are suggested.

PMID- 22036496
TI  - Neuro-oncology training for the child neurology resident.

PMID- 22036497
TI  - What the child neurologist should know about the visual system.
AB  - The visual system provides an important and highly sensitive opportunity to
      localize and diagnose neurological diseases. Within the context of the enormous
      sybject of neuro-ophthalmology there are fundamentals that should be known at the
      completion of training by the child neurologist. Upon the basis of this
      information the child neurologist may increase and refine sophistication through
      the course of an ensuing career.

PMID- 22036498
TI  - The developing human brain: what the emerging pediatric neurologist needs to
      know.
AB  - The developing human brain is a remarkable tissue. Embryonic and fetal brain
      growth is largely genetically controlled. Environmental factors become
      increasingly important with advancing development. The young pediatric
      neurologist who masters a little fundamental neuroanatomy, developmental
      neuroanatomy, and developmental neuropathology will be able to interpret
      neuroimages and abnormal development because he or she understands the structural
      changes in growth failures, hemorrhages, acquired lesions, white matter
      abnormalities, vascular disease and malformations, ventriculomegaly, tumors,
      infectious disease, common malformations, degenerative and demyelinative
      diseases, toxic, and metabolic diseases.

PMID- 22036499
TI  - Education of the child neurologist: pediatric neurocritical care.
AB  - Neurocritical care (NCC) is now an essential field in child neurology that
      requires dedicated training. NCC applies the basic principles of
      neuroresuscitation to all situations, integrates this with modern technology. and
      emphasizes that brain protection is not limited to the intensive care unit. We
      outline the essential competencies needed and how to obtain these.

PMID- 22036500
TI  - Pediatric residency preceding child neurology training.
AB  - Training in child neurology requires formal training in other aspects of
      pediatrics. This pediatrics training affords the ability to obtain a
      developmentally appropriate history and physical examination at all stages of
      childhood and adolescence and to provide anticipatory guidance to children and
      families of all developmental ages; the ability to identify and respond
      appropriately to emergent, urgent, and/or life-critical need for medical and/or
      psychosocial intervention on behalf of children and/or their families; the
      ability to identify and provide for appropriate medical and psychosocial services
      and supports for children and families affected by chronic and/or fatal diseases;
      and the ability to identify and respond appropriately to nonneurologic
      manifestations of risk factors for or harbingers of neurologic diseases or
      conditions. In this context, it also allows the trainee to hone skills in
      communication, counseling, teaching, and critical thinking, all of which are
      important for the effective practice of child neurology.

PMID- 22036501
TI  - Education of a child neurologist: developmental neuroscience relevant to child
      neurology.
AB  - Developmental neuroscience is increasingly relevant to clinical child neurology,
      and study of advances in neurobiology, neurochemistry and neurogenetics should be
      part of the curriculum of residency training. The profile of synaptic development
      is especially relevant to neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, Fragile X
      syndrome, and early epileptic encephalopathies. This knowledge is increasingly
      being translated into therapies for previously untreatable disorders.

PMID- 22036502
TI  - Training issues pertaining to sleep medicine and child neurology.
AB  - Co-morbid sleep disorders are quite common in Child Neurology. Formal training in
      the field of sleep medicine and routine attention to sleep-wake function in
      clinical practice enhances the ability of the child neurologist to deliver
      comprehensive care.

PMID- 22036503
TI  - Education of the child neurologist: traumatic brain injury.
AB  - As traumatic brain injury is among the most common causes of pediatric mortality
      and neurologic morbidity, the well-trained child neurologist should have a solid
      foundation of the pathogenesis of traumatic brain injury and be competent in the
      acute and chronic management of children and adolescents who experience a
      traumatic brain injury. This article outlines the training goals and core
      knowledge of traumatic brain injury that should be attained by those training in
      child neurology by the completion of their formal training.

PMID- 22036504
TI  - Thymoquinone accelerates new bone formation in the rapid maxillary expansion
      procedure.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of systemic
      thymoquinone (TQ) in a rat rapid maxillary expansion (RME) study. DESIGN: Thirty
      two Wistar albino rats were divided into 4 equal groups: only-expansion (OE),
      expansion plus TQ (TQ1 group, TQ given to the rats during their nursery phase and
      during the expansion and retention period), expansion plus TQ (TQ2 group, TQ
      given to the rats only during the retention period), and control group (no
      procedure done). Expansion appliances were placed on the maxillary incisors of
      all animals for 5days. The appliance was deactivated during the 12day retention
      period. The rats were sacrificed at the end of the retention period.
      Histomorphometric evaluation was carried out in order to compare the number of
      osteoclasts, osteoblasts, and capillaries, as well as the intensities of
      inflammatory cells, and new bone formation amongst the groups. RESULTS: New bone
      formation, number of capillaries and the ratio of intensities of inflammatory
      cells in maxillary sutures was higher in the TQ groups than in the other groups.
      Statistical analysis also demonstrated that osteoblast and osteoclast numbers
      were also highest in the TQ1 group. CONCLUSION: Histomorphometric analysis
      demonstrated that systemic use of thymoquinone may be effective in accelerating
      new bone formation in the RME procedure and that TQ may be beneficial in
      preventing relapse following the RME procedure.

PMID- 22036505
TI  - Cone Beam CT using motion-compensated algebraic reconstruction methods with
      limited data.
AB  - Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) is widely used in radiation therapy for
      verifying treatment areas, since it provides three-dimensional image
      reconstruction of those tumour regions under inspection. However, organ motion is
      problematic during the scanning process, it causes motion artefacts on the CBCT
      image and can lead to mispositioning for the subsequent treatment. Moreover,
      patient dose is also considerable and there is a need for methods which yield
      acceptable image quality with as few X-ray images as possible. Although methods
      have been developed to handle limited projection data, such as the Algebraic
      Reconstruction Technique (ART); Simultaneous ART (SART); and Ordered-Subset SART
      (OS-SART), this study applied motion compensation to these reconstruction
      techniques. Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) of image is calculated to study the
      convergence of reconstructed images compared with the truth image. When motion
      was applied to a phantom and the motion compensation was used to account for the
      motion, the results showed that motion compensation improved the quality of CBCT
      image, when compared to uncompensated images. Furthermore, the experiments
      suggested that minimising phase error, for breathing models, was more important
      than minimising amplitude error.

PMID- 22036506
TI  - The E3 ubiquitin-ligase HACE1 catalyzes the ubiquitylation of active Rac1.
AB  - Rac1 small GTPase controls essential aspects of cell biology and is a direct
      target of numerous bacterial virulence factors. The CNF1 toxin of pathogenic
      Escherichia coli addresses Rac1 to ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS). We report
      the essential role of the tumor suppressor HACE1, a HECT-domain containing E3
      ubiquitin-ligase, in the targeting of Rac1 to UPS. HACE1 binds preferentially GTP
      bound Rac1 and catalyzes its polyubiquitylation. HACE1 expression increases the
      ubiquitylation of Rac1, when the GTPase is activated by point mutations or by the
      GEF-domain of Dbl. RNAi-mediated depletion of HACE1 blocks the ubiquitylation of
      active Rac1 and increases GTP-bound Rac1 cellular levels. HACE1 antagonizes cell
      isotropic spreading, a hallmark of Rac1 activation, and is required for
      endothelial cell monolayer invasion by bacteria. Together, these data establish
      the role of the HACE1 E3 ubiquitin-ligase in controlling Rac1 ubiquitylation and
      activity.

PMID- 22036507
TI  - Outcome and efficacy of a transobturator polypropylene mesh kit in the treatment
      of anterior pelvic organ prolapse.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To report the efficacy and complications of anterior pelvic organ
      prolapse (POP) repair with mesh placed through the transobturator route (Perigee
      system; AMS, Minnetonka, MN, USA). METHODS: In total, 198 women with anterior POP
      grade II or higher according to the POP Quantification (POP-Q) system were
      treated with the Perigee procedure. The primary outcome was defined as anterior
      POP grade I or lower at 12 months' follow-up. The secondary outcomes included the
      incidences of perioperative, mesh-related, short-term, and long-term
      postoperative complications. RESULTS: The cure rate was 92.9% overall and 90.6%
      among women who had previously undergone a hysterectomy or a traditional anterior
      colporrhaphy. The mean POP-Q Aa and Ba values were significantly improved after
      the procedure (Aa 2.2 cm [0.0 to 3.0 cm] versus -2.1cm [-3.0 to -1.2 cm]; Ba -2.5
      cm [-1.0 to 4.2 cm] versus -2.2 cm [-5.5 to -1.0 cm]; P<0.001). Vaginal or
      bladder erosions were observed in 3 patients. Other short- and long-term
      complications were infrequent and not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: The
      Perigee procedure is effective in the treatment of anterior POP and does not have
      serious complications even among women with previous hysterectomy or traditional
      anterior colporrhaphy.

PMID- 22036508
TI  - Fatal mitral valve endocarditis following a Papanicolaou test.

PMID- 22036509
TI  - Characterization of colorectal symptoms in women with vesicovaginal fistulas.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To characterize colorectal symptoms in women with a history of an
      obstetric vesicovaginal fistula (VVF). METHODS: Patients under evaluation with a
      VVF during two 2-week surgical service trips to Evangel Hospital VVF Center in
      Jos, Nigeria, in 2010 were assessed for symptoms of fecal incontinence (FI) using
      the Vaizey and Colorectal-Anal Impact (CRAIQ) questionnaires. Women with
      rectovaginal fistulas were excluded. Each participant's impression of overall
      health was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS) from 0 (poor) to 15
      (excellent). A study nurse translated questionnaires into native languages.
      RESULTS: The mean age of the 83 women included was 29 years. Three women (3.6%)
      reported FI and 42 (50.6%) reported constipation. All of the women with FI
      reported that it affected their quality of life on the CRAIQ. Average VAS score
      was 10.8 overall and 6.8 for women with FI. CONCLUSION: In this population of
      women with VVF but no rectovaginal fistulas, we found a low prevalence of fecal
      incontinence and a high prevalence of constipation. Despite significant pelvic
      floor trauma resulting in VVF, the majority of patients appeared to have an
      intact bowel continence mechanism.

PMID- 22036510
TI  - Pregnancy outcome in early-onset severe pre-eclampsia in Trinidad.

PMID- 22036511
TI  - Attitudes of married women left behind in rural areas of China toward people
      living with HIV/AIDS.

PMID- 22036512
TI  - Puerperal and menstrual bleeding patterns with different types of contraceptive
      device fitted during elective cesarean delivery.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of a copper-containing intrauterine
      contraceptive device (IUCD) and the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system
      (IUS) on puerperal and menstrual bleeding when fitted intraoperatively during
      scheduled elective cesarean. METHODS: Participants were allocated to 3 groups:
      cesarean with no device inserted; IUCD inserted during cesarean; and IUS inserted
      during cesarean. RESULTS: There was significantly shorter and lighter puerperium
      in the IUS group (20.2 +/- 7.7 days and 3.1 +/- 1.6 pads/day) than in the IUCD
      (33.4 +/- 9.5 days and 4.9 +/- 2.4 pads/day) and the control (27.0 +/- 11.4 days
      and 4.9 +/- 2.3 pads/day) groups (P<0.012 and P<0.0001, respectively). At the end
      of puerperium, mean duration of amenorrhea was significantly longer in the IUS
      group than in the IUCD and control groups (P<0.0001). Menstrual periods were
      longer and heavier in the IUCD group than in the control group but the difference
      was not significant (P>0.07). In the IUS group, menstrual periods were
      significantly shorter and lighter than in the other groups (P<0.0001).
      CONCLUSION: Intrauterine system fitting at the time of elective cesarean is
      associated with significant reductions in the duration and amount of puerperal
      blood loss, as well as a high incidence of amenorrhea and lighter periods
      thereafter.

PMID- 22036513
TI  - Clinical outcomes associated with surgical treatment of endometrioma coupled with
      resection of the posterior broad ligament.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate clinical outcomes associated with the resection of both
      endometrioma and posterior broad ligament (PBL) among women with PBL adhesion
      associated with endometrioma. METHODS: Between January 2007 and December 2009 at
      the Villanova Hospital, Florence, Italy, a prospective trial was conducted on 99
      consecutive patients with unilateral or bilateral endometrioma who underwent
      laparoscopic ovarian cystectomy by a stripping technique and homolateral PBL
      resection where PBL adhesion was associated with endometrioma. The prevalence of
      PBL adhesion and endometriosis, the association between PBL endometriosis and
      pain, and the recurrence of endometrioma and pain were evaluated. All data were
      analyzed with Prism software. RESULTS: Among 124 endometriomas treated by
      concomitant PBL resection, the PBL was not affected by adhesions in only 2% of
      patients. PBL endometriosis was superficial in 36 (29.5%) and deep in 86 (70.5%)
      of the histologic preparations; deep endometriosis correlated with preoperative
      pain. At 1-year follow-up, endometrioma had recurred in 7 patients; the main
      symptom reported was mid-cycle pain (24 patients, 24%; P=0.0007). CONCLUSION:
      Ovarian endometriosis was often (98%) associated with PBL endometriosis; deep
      endometriosis of PBL correlated with pain symptoms. Although PBL resection
      increased the incidence of mid-cycle pain, it was associated with low recurrence
      of endometrioma.

PMID- 22036514
TI  - Focus on phosphodiesterase inhibitors for the treatment of erectile dysfunction
      in older men.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDEIs) are the drugs of choice
      for the medical management of erectile dysfunction independent of the etiology of
      the disorder. OBJECTIVE: This review focuses on specific aspects of clinical use
      of PDEIs in older men with erectile dysfunction. METHODS: An electronic search of
      MEDLINE was conducted for articles published between January 1990 and January
      2011 using the terms erectile dysfunction and PDEIs and limited to articles in
      English, humans, and males aged >=45 years. The search was also conducted in
      EMBASE using the same search criteria for literature indexed between 1990 and
      2010. RESULTS: A total of 1341 articles were identified. Of these, ~91 were
      selected for this review. Sildenafil, vardenafil, and tadalafil are considered
      equally effective for erectile dysfunction, but they differ in some ways.
      Tadalafil's 36-hour duration of action allows for repeated sexual intercourse
      without the need to take additional medication in some patients, which is
      distinctly different from the shorter-acting sildenafil and vardenafil. Unlike
      tadalafil, the rate and extent of oral absorption of sildenafil and vardenafil
      are reduced by consumption of high-fat meals. Although headache, flushing, and
      rhinitis occur with all 3 PDEIs, cyanopsia is more common with sildenafil and
      vardenafil, and back pain is more common with tadalafil. Approximately 40% to 50%
      of patients who initially fail to respond to PDEIs can be salvaged with education
      and up-titration of dosing. PDEIs can be used in addition to antihypertensive
      medications in patients with well-controlled essential hypertension without
      producing clinically significant hypotension. Use of PDEIs in patients with
      cardiovascular disease is guided by the recommendations of the Second Princeton
      Consensus Conference. For the management of lower urinary tract symptoms due to
      benign prostatic hyperplasia, PDEIs may reduce obstructive voiding symptoms, but
      they do not increase urinary flow rate. CONCLUSION: PDEIs are effective for
      erectile dysfunction and well tolerated in older men.

PMID- 22036515
TI  - Requirements for immune recognition and processing of factor VIII by antigen
      presenting cells.
AB  - Generation of inhibitory antibodies upon repeated FVIII infusion represents a
      major complication in hemophilia care. Professional antigen presenting cells
      (APCs) are crucial for orchestration of humoral immune responses. APCs are
      capable of internalizing soluble as well as particulate antigens through various
      mechanisms resulting in loading of antigen-derived peptides on MHC class I or II
      for presentation to T cells. This review highlights how FVIII is recognized and
      processed by APCs. The significance and contribution of candidate receptors
      involved in FVIII uptake by APC are discussed. Recent findings defining the
      repertoire of FVIII peptides presented on MHC class II are addressed. Studies in
      murine models of hemophilia A suggest that modulation of APC function can reduce
      inhibitor formation. Based on this we anticipate that modulation of FVIII uptake
      by APCs may yield novel therapeutic approaches for treatment or prevention of
      inhibitor formation in patients with hemophilia A.

PMID- 22036517
TI  - Postoperative pain trajectories in chronic pain patients undergoing surgery: the
      effects of chronic opioid pharmacotherapy on acute pain.
AB  - For 2 weeks following surgery, 55 patients with preexisting chronic pain (CP)
      reported daily postoperative pain with movement and at rest. Of these, 30 CP
      patients used opioid pharmacotherapy for CP management and 25 did not. We modeled
      pain resolution in each patient using a linear fit so that each patient yielded 2
      scores for each pain rating: 1) an intercept, or initial level of pain,
      immediately after surgery; and 2) a slope, or rate of pain resolution. The
      patients not using opioid pharmacotherapy had a mean pain with movement intercept
      of 5.4 and a slope of -.20, while the patients using opioid pharmacotherapy had a
      significantly higher mean intercept of 7.68 (P = .001) and a slope of -.21,
      sustaining higher pain levels over days. The opioid pharmacotherapy patients had
      the same rate of pain resolution as the other CP patients, and both groups
      resolved their pain more slowly than normal surgery patients. Preexisting CP may
      predispose a patient undergoing surgery to a slower rate of postoperative pain
      resolution. Chronic pain patients who use opioids share this predisposition but
      in addition, they are at risk for markedly higher postoperative pain across the
      entire pain resolution trajectory. PERSPECTIVE: This is an observational rather
      than a randomized controlled study, and as such is less definitive. Nonetheless,
      these findings are consistent with those of animal studies showing that prolonged
      exposure to opioids can produce opioid-induced hyperalgesia. Patients with opioid
      pharmacotherapy for chronic pain who undergo surgery merit special attention for
      acute pain management.

PMID- 22036516
TI  - Excess risk of temporomandibular disorder associated with cigarette smoking in
      young adults.
AB  - Evidence suggests that the effect of cigarette smoking on chronic pain is
      stronger in younger than older adults. This case-control study investigated
      whether age modified an effect of smoking on temporomandibular disorder (TMD) in
      299 females aged 18 to 60 years. It also investigated the extent to which this
      relationship was explained by psychological profile, inflammatory response, and
      allergy. Cases were defined using the Research Diagnostic Criteria for
      Temporomandibular Disorders based on clinical examination. Psychological profile
      was evaluated using standardized instruments. Inflammatory response was evaluated
      with 11 cytokines isolated in plasma. History of allergy conditions was self
      reported. Odds ratios (ORs) for the effect of smoking were calculated using
      binary logistic regression. Stratified analyses and the likelihood ratio test
      examined effect modification by smoking. Compared with nonsmokers, ever smokers
      aged <30 years had higher odds of TMD (OR = 4.14, 95% CI: 1.57, 11.35) than older
      adults (OR = 1.23, 95% CI: .55, 2.78) (P (effect modification) = .038).
      Adjustment for psychological profile, cytokines, and history of allergy-like
      conditions attenuated the effect by 45% to statistical nonsignificance. The main
      finding was reproduced with secondary analyses of 2 nationally representative
      surveys of adults conducted in the US and Australia. PERSPECTIVE: This study
      showed that smoking was associated with TMD risk in females, but only in young
      adulthood. It replicated this finding in 2 nationally representative surveys of
      females in the US and Australia. Findings may alert clinicians to recognize that
      smoking is a concern for TMD in younger female patients.

PMID- 22036518
TI  - Twenty-nine cases of invasive aspergillosis in neutropenic patients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Invasive aspergillosis is a life-threatening infectious
      complication in hematological patients undergoing immunosuppressive chemotherapy.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: We report 29 cases of invasive aspergillosis diagnosed in
      the Sousse Farhat Hached hospital Hematology unit, Tunisia, between 2002 and
      2010. RESULTS: The most frequent disease (65.5%) was acute myeloid leukemia. All
      patients were severely neutropenic (<500/mm(3), mean duration=27 days). Pulmonary
      invasive aspergillosis was suggested in 28 (96.5%) cases. The most frequent
      respiratory signs were cough (64.3%), chest pain (53.6%), and hemoptysis (50%).
      The chest X-ray showed suggestive lesions in 60.7% of cases. CT scans revealed
      nodules with cavitation in 65% of cases, a halo sign in 20% of cases, and nodules
      in 15% of cases. Galactomannan antigenemia was positive in 88%, mycological
      examination positive in 51.6%, and seroconversion was noted in 35.7% of the
      cases. Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis was classified, according to EORTC/MSG
      criteria, as probable in 26 cases, possible in one case, and proven in one case.
      Aspergillus flavus was the dominant species in pulmonary invasive aspergillosis
      accounting for 73.7% of isolates. Extrapulmonary involvement was suggested in
      39.3% of cases, the most frequent were sinusitis and brain abscess. Primary
      cutaneous aspergillosis was observed in one case. The overall mortality rate was
      64.2%; the 12-week survival rate was 71.4%. CONCLUSION: Our results are
      correlated to published data. A. flavus was the most frequent species in our
      region.

PMID- 22036520
TI  - Legionella wadsworthii pneumonia: gram stain usefulness.

PMID- 22036521
TI  - Health economic evaluation in complementary medicine: development within the last
      decades concerning local origin and quality.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This evaluation investigates characteristics of health economics
      evaluations in CAM. Particular emphasis is paid to differences regarding
      continental origin and time of publication of investigations. METHODS: Database
      searches to identify potential studies were carried out in Medline (via Pubmed),
      the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials 1st Quarter 2010, the Cochrane
      Database of Systematic Reviews 2005 to January 2010, the Cochrane Methodology
      Register 1st Quarter 2010, the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects 1st
      Quarter 2010, Health Technology Assessment (via OVID) and CAMbase. Data were
      screened, extracted and the methodological quality of the underlying publications
      was assessed. Univariate statistical analyses were carried out and Classification
      and Regression Tree (CART) analysis was performed. RESULTS: One hundred and forty
      three studies were included in this review, 43 of which were randomised trials.
      Of all included studies 56% were carried out in primary care settings and 54%
      chose the perspective of health care provider/health insurance. When the study
      characteristics were stratified for the "year of publication" (before versus
      in/after 2002), locally significant differences were found for study setting (Chi
      square p=0.014) and methodological quality (Mann/Whitney p=0.014). Furthermore,
      studies from America differed from those conducted in Europe with respect to the
      field of CAM (p<0.001, Chi-square). There were also differences in trial settings
      as the majority of European studies was carried out in primary care settings
      (n=54; 70%), whereas American studies had a broader scope with only 24 studies
      (42%) in the field of primary care. The CART analyses confirmed the findings of
      the univariate analysis. CONCLUSION: Differences in healthcare systems were
      mirrored by the observed differences in CAM related health economic evaluations.
      Basic requirements for reporting and conducting clinical trials ought to be met
      in more studies evaluating health economics. Such evaluations need to include
      validated quality of life estimates and preferably report the use of incremental
      cost effectiveness or net health benefit estimates.

PMID- 22036519
TI  - Listeria monocytogenes encephalitis in France.
AB  - PURPOSE: The authors had for aim to describe the characteristics of listeriosis
      encephalitis patients enrolled in a national study. METHODS: Listeria
      monocytogenes was identified as the forth etiology of encephalitis, in a
      prospective study in France, in 2007. We analyzed 12 cases with confirmed
      listeriosis (seven with rhombencephalitis, five with encephalitis) and compared
      them with encephalitis of other etiologies and with listeriosis encephalitis,
      mandatorily notified during the same year. RESULTS: L. monocytogenes strains were
      genoserotyped as IVb (n=6), IIa (n=3), and IIb (n=3). Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
      median protein level was 2.5g/L and the median WBC counts was 367cells/mm(3).
      Among twelve patients, seven patients had ongoing comorbidities. The case
      fatality rate during hospitalization was 50%. Patients presenting with
      listeriosis enrolled in the study did not differ from those reported to the
      mandatory surveillance system according to their demographical characteristics
      and comorbidities. They were older, presented more frequently with cancer, or
      were more often under corticosteroid treatment than patients presenting with
      encephalitis due to other etiologies. CONCLUSIONS: Neurolisteriosis has a poor
      prognosis, thus it should be considered early in patients presenting with
      encephalitis to improve its management.

PMID- 22036522
TI  - The use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in pregnancy: data from the
      Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC).
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To report the frequency of Complementary and Alternative Medicine
      (CAM) use by a population of pregnant women in the UK. DESIGN: Four postal self
      completion questionnaires completed at 8, 12, 18 and 32 weeks' gestation provided
      the source of CAMs used. Questions asked for written descriptions about the use
      of any treatments, pills, medicines, ointments, homeopathic medicines, herbal
      medicines, supplements, drinks and herbal teas. SETTING: An observational,
      population-based, cohort study of parents and children of 14,541 pregnant women
      residing within the former county of Avon in south-west England. Data was
      available for 14,115 women. RESULTS: Over a quarter (26.7%; n=3774) of women had
      used a CAM at least once in pregnancy, the use rising from 6% in the 1st
      trimester to 12.4% in the 2nd to 26.3% in the 3rd. Herbal teas were the most
      commonly reported CAM at any time in pregnancy (17.7%; n=2499) followed by
      homeopathic medicine (14.4%; n=2038) and then herbal medicine (5.8%; n=813). The
      most commonly used herbal product was chamomile used by 14.6% of women, the most
      commonly used homeopathic product was Arnica used by 3.1% of women. Other CAMs
      (osteopathy, aromatherapy, acupuncture/acupressure, Chinese herbal medicine,
      chiropractic, cranial sacral therapy, hypnosis, non-specific massage and
      reflexology) accounted for less than 1% of users. CONCLUSIONS: CAM use in
      pregnancy, where a wide range of CAMs has been assessed, has not been widely
      reported. Studies that have been conducted report varying results to this study
      (26.7%) by between 13.3% and 87% of pregnant women. Survey results will be
      affected by a number of factors namely the inclusion/exclusion of vitamins and
      minerals, the timing of data collection, the country of source, the number of
      women surveyed, and the different selection criteria of either recruiting women
      to the study or of categorising and identifying a CAM treatment or product.

PMID- 22036523
TI  - The effects of Lyprinol((r)) on delayed onset muscle soreness and muscle damage
      in well trained athletes: a double-blind randomised controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to determine if Lyprinol((r)) is effective
      in reducing pain, indicators of inflammation and muscle damage, and in turn
      improving performance in well trained athletes suffering from delayed onset
      muscle soreness (DOMS). DESIGN: A double blind randomised placebo controlled
      trial. SETTING: Twenty well trained male volunteers, matched by VO(2max) were
      randomly assigned to consume 200mg of Lyprinol((r)) or an indistinguishable
      placebo daily for 8 weeks prior to a downhill treadmill running episode designed
      to induce DOMS. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Performance measures (Kin-Com, counter
      movement and squat jump), pain assessments (visual analogue scale, algometer) and
      blood analyses (Interleukin-1, Interleukin-6, Interleukin-10, tumour necrosis
      factor-alpha, C-reactive protein, myoglobin, creatine kinase) were assessed at 7
      time points over 5 days (pre, post, 4, 24, 48, 72 and 96h after the downhill
      run). RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were identified in any
      parameters between the active and placebo groups at any time point. CONCLUSION:
      After 2 months ingestion of Lyprinol((r)) at the currently recommended dosage
      (200mg/day) and a demanding eccentric exercise intervention, Lyprinol((r)) did
      not convincingly affect DOMS and indicators of muscle damage.

PMID- 22036524
TI  - Efficacy of Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine in the management of female
      infertility: a systematic review.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess the effect of Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM) in
      the management of female infertility and on pregnancy rates compared with Western
      Medical (WM) treatment. METHODS: We searched the Medline and Cochrane databases
      and Google Scholar until February 2010 for abstracts in English of studies
      investigating infertility, menstrual health and Traditional Chinese Medicine
      (TCM). We undertook meta-analyses of (non-)randomised controlled trials (RCTs) or
      cohort studies, and compared clinical pregnancy rates achieved with CHM versus WM
      drug treatment or in vitro fertilisation (IVF). In addition, we collated common
      TCM pattern diagnosis in infertility in relation to the quality of the menstrual
      cycle and associated symptoms. RESULTS: Eight RCTs, 13 cohort studies, 3 case
      series and 6 case studies involving 1851 women with infertility were included in
      the systematic review. Meta-analysis of RCTs suggested a 3.5 greater likelihood
      of achieving a pregnancy with CHM therapy over a 4-month period compared with WM
      drug therapy alone (odds ratio=3.5, 95% CI: 2.3, 5.2, p<0.0001, n=1005). Mean
      (SD) pregnancy rates were 60+/-12.5% for CHM compared with 32+/-10% using WM drug
      therapy. Meta-analysis of selected cohort studies (n=616 women) suggested a mean
      clinical pregnancy rate of 50% using CHM compared with IVF (30%) (p<0.0001).
      CONCLUSIONS: Our review suggests that management of female infertility with
      Chinese Herbal Medicine can improve pregnancy rates 2-fold within a 4 month
      period compared with Western Medical fertility drug therapy or IVF. Assessment of
      the quality of the menstrual cycle, integral to TCM diagnosis, appears to be
      fundamental to successful treatment of female infertility.

PMID- 22036525
TI  - The effectiveness of music listening in reducing depressive symptoms in adults: a
      systematic review.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We aim to review trials of the effectiveness of music listening in
      reducing depressive symptoms in adults, and identify areas requiring further
      study. BACKGROUND: Little is known about the efficacy of music listening in the
      mediation of depressive symptoms. METHODS: We systematically search 9 databases
      and reviewed 17 studies included randomized controlled and quasi-experimental
      trails of music listening in reducing depressive symptoms in adults. The Joanna
      Briggs Institute-Meta Analysis of Statistics Assessment and Review Instrument was
      used for quality assessment of included studies. RESULTS: Music listening over a
      period of time helps to reduce depressive symptoms in the adult population. Daily
      intervention does not seem to be superior over weekly intervention and it is
      recommended that music listening session be conducted repeatedly over a time span
      of more than 3weeks to allow an accumulative effect to occur. CONCLUSIONS: All
      types of music can be used as listening material, depending on the preferences of
      the listener. So, it is recommended that the listeners are given choices over the
      kind of music which they listen to. There is a need to conduct more studies,
      which replicate the designs used in the existing studies that met the inclusion
      criteria, on the level of efficacy of music listening on the reduction of
      depressive symptoms for a more accurate meta-analysis of the findings and reflect
      with greater accuracy the significant effects that music has on the level of
      depressive symptoms.

PMID- 22036526
TI  - Comment on the "Assessment of a traditional acupuncture therapy for chronic neck
      pain: a pilot randomized controlled study".

PMID- 22036527
TI  - Phenotypic and genetic diversity among intestinal spirochaetes (genus
      Brachyspira) in free-living wild mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) sampled in
      southern Sweden.
AB  - Brachyspira spp. are anaerobic intestinal spirochaetes that colonize vertebrates.
      Some species cause enteric diseases in pigs, chickens and possibly in humans,
      whereas others display a commensual relationship with their hosts. The aims were
      to investigate the prevalence among colonized free-living wild mallards (Anas
      platyrhynchos) of three enteropathogenic Brachyspira spp., and to describe the
      biodiversity of Brachyspira spp. isolates. Isolates from 150 birds were screened
      by PCR for 3 pathogenic Brachyspira spp., and 35 isolates from 20 mallards, 4
      pigs and 1 chicken were subjected to phenotypic tests, 9 diagnostic PCRs,
      sequencing of the 16S rRNA and NADH oxidase (nox) genes, phylogenetic analysis
      and nox gene restriction enzyme analysis in silico. Of the 150 birds, 47%, 33%
      and 11% were positive by PCR for Brachyspira pilosicoli, Brachyspira intermedia
      and Brachyspira hyodysenteriae, respectively. Thirty-one characterized isolates
      were provisionally identified as B. intermedia, Brachyspira alvinipulli,
      "Brachyspira pulli", or B. pilosicoli, whereas 4 were of indeterminate species
      affiliation. Many isolates were phylogenetically related to isolates from
      livestock. Isolates identified by PCR as B. pilosicoli displayed particularly
      high biodiversity. Up to five different Brachyspira genotypes were found from the
      same bird. Sequencing of amplicons from isolates that displayed ambiguous results
      as judged from PCR and phenotyping showed that several diagnostic PCRs were non
      specific. Nox gene restriction enzyme analysis in silico correctly identified 2
      of 34 characterized isolates. A culture technique based on filtration that
      produced uncontaminated spirochaete isolates was described. The results show that
      mallard intestines support a high degree of biodiversity among Brachyspira spp.

PMID- 22036529
TI  - Long-term age of acquisition effects in famous name processing.
AB  - The age of acquisition (AoA) effect refers to the processing advantage that
      words, objects, and people learnt earlier in life hold over those acquired later.
      We explored the long-term effects of AoA on performance, using naturally
      occurring famous names, acquired by participants cumulatively over three decades.
      We manipulated AoA by selecting celebrities who had first become known to our
      participants in the 1960s, 1970s, or 1980s and explored the effects of age by
      testing participants aged in their 40s, 50s, or 60s. Seventy-two participants
      made push-button 'Yes-No' familiarity decision judgements to the printed names of
      celebrities. We found a significant AoA effect. A linear increase in reaction
      time was uncovered, with the participants being fastest to respond to the 1960s
      celebrities, followed by those from the 1970s, and being slowest to respond to
      celebrities from the 1980s. There was no age * AoA interaction, although the AoA
      effect was most pronounced in the oldest participant group. Our data demonstrate
      the long-term persistent influence of AoA on processing speed. Moreover, they
      indicate that the effects of AoA are much more subtle than simply reflecting a
      difference between the earliest acquired stimuli in a processing domain and all
      later acquired items.

PMID- 22036528
TI  - Galectins: guardians of eutherian pregnancy at the maternal-fetal interface.
AB  - Galectins are multifunctional regulators of fundamental cellular processes. They
      are also involved in innate and adaptive immune responses, and play a functional
      role in immune-endocrine crosstalk. Some galectins have attracted attention in
      the reproductive sciences because they are highly expressed at the maternal-fetal
      interface, their functional significance in eutherian pregnancies has been
      documented, and their dysregulated expression is observed in the 'great
      obstetrical syndromes'. The evolution of these galectins has been linked to the
      emergence of eutherian mammals. Based on published evidence, galectins expressed
      at the maternal-fetal interface may serve as important proteins involved in
      maternal-fetal interactions, and the study of these galectins may facilitate the
      prediction, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of pregnancy complications.

PMID- 22036530
TI  - Immediate effect of nimmo receptor tonus technique on muscle elasticity, pain
      perception, and disability in subjects with chronic low back pain.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Objectives of this study were to (1) quantify the immediate effect of
      Nimmo technique on muscle elasticity, pain perception, and disability and (2)
      evaluate comparative effectiveness of treating all primary and secondary trigger
      points (TrPs) vs primary TrP only. METHODS: Fourteen chronic low back pain
      subjects recruited from a chiropractic college were tested in this within-day
      repeated-measures design study. Gluteus medius containing a prominent TrP was
      indented for 4 sessions using a mechanoacoustic indentor system. A finite element
      optimization method extracted hyperelastic material constants of the gluteus
      medius. Load-deformation response on a standardized block was simulated. Area
      under the load-deformation curve from 0% to 25% deformation (A(FE)) and force at
      25% deformation (F(FE)) were determined. No treatment was applied between the
      first and second sessions. Only the primary TrP in gluteus medius was treated
      between the second and third sessions. Full Nimmo treatment was used between the
      third and fourth sessions requiring treatment of all primary and secondary TrPs.
      The A(FE), F(FE), tissue thickness, subjective pain, and Oswestry Disability
      Index were compared between sessions. RESULTS: After full Nimmo treatment, A(FE)
      and F(FE) were significantly smaller than baseline (P = .021 and .027,
      respectively) and focal TrP treatment only (P = .003 and .001, respectively). The
      changes accompanied concomitant improvement in subjective pain and disability. It
      appears that focal TrP treatment resolves TrP, but full Nimmo treatment further
      reduces electrogenic spasm. CONCLUSIONS: Immediate effect of a single full Nimmo
      treatment appears to reduce muscle tone, subjective pain, and disability and be
      more beneficial than focal TrP treatment.

PMID- 22036531
TI  - Relationship between interpretation and accuracy of the upper limb neurodynamic
      test 1 in carpal tunnel syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This prospective diagnostic test study evaluated the relationship
      between interpretation criteria and accuracy of the Upper Limb Neurodynamic Test
      1 (ULNT1) in the diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome. METHODS: A blind comparison
      with a reference criterion of typical clinical presentation and abnormal median
      nerve conduction was used. All subjects were first tested with nerve conduction
      studies and then with ULNT1. Each examiner was blinded to the results collected
      by the other examiners. RESULTS: We analyzed 47 subjects and 84 limbs.
      Considering ULNT1 as positive in the presence of reproduction of symptoms only in
      the thumb or lateral 2 fingers, we estimated sensitivity to be equal to 40% (95%
      confidence interval [CI], 0.256-0.564), specificity 79.59% (95% CI, 0.664-0.885),
      positive predictive value 58.33% (95% CI, 0.388-0.755), negative predictive value
      65% (95% CI, 0.524-0.758), positive likelihood ratio 1.96 (95% CI, 1.275-3.012),
      and negative likelihood ratio 0.7538 (95% CI, 0.490-1.159). Considering the
      increase of symptoms with contralateral or decrease of symptoms with ipsilateral
      cervical side bending as mandatory positivity criterion, specificity improved,
      but sensitivity decreased. CONCLUSION: Our investigation suggests that the
      reproduction of symptoms in the thumb or lateral 2 fingers of the affected arm
      during ULNT1 has weak diagnostic accuracy for carpal tunnel syndrome.

PMID- 22036532
TI  - Effects of manual therapy on craniofacial pain in patients with chronic
      rhinosinusitis: a case series.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is thought to develop through an
      inadequate drainage of nasal and sinus secretions and perpetuated by local
      mechanical and autonomic nervous system factors. Manual therapy may have an
      effect on these factors providing symptomatic relief of CRS symptoms. The purpose
      of this prospective case series was to report the results of manual therapy on a
      set of patients with craniofacial pain and a diagnosis of CRS. METHODS: Fourteen
      consecutive patients presenting with a primary report of craniofacial pain and a
      diagnosis CRS completed self-report questionnaires including the Sinonasal
      Assessment Questionnaire, Rhinosinusitis Task Force, visual analog scale for
      craniofacial pain, and pressure pain threshold over 4 sinus points on the face.
      Patients were seen once a week for 7 consecutive weeks and completed all outcome
      measures at baseline and subsequent weekly sessions. They received manual therapy
      interventions only on the second, third, and fifth weekly sessions. RESULTS: No
      significant changes in outcome measures were observed from baseline to 1 week,
      where no intervention was applied. Significant improvements were observed on all
      outcome measures (Ps <= .015) for pre- and post-first treatment session, as well
      as from baseline to 7 weeks (Ps < .001). All patients exhibited a significant
      decrease in craniofacial pain and increased pressure pain thresholds and reported
      less severity of their symptoms. CONCLUSION: Patients with craniofacial pain and
      CRS who were treated with manual therapy demonstrated improvements in all outcome
      measures only after each treatment session. Our results suggest that manual
      therapy treatment could be considered as an appropriate alternative treatment of
      CRS.

PMID- 22036533
TI  - Acidic beta-mannanase from Penicillium pinophilum C1: Cloning, characterization
      and assessment of its potential for animal feed application.
AB  - The beta-mannanase gene, man5C1, was cloned from Penicillium pinophilum C1, a
      strain isolated from the acidic wastewater of a tin mine in Yunnan, China, and
      expressed in Pichia pastoris. The sequence analysis displayed the gene consists
      of a 1221-bp open reading frame encoding a protein of 406 amino acids (Man5C1).
      The deduced amino acid sequence of Man5C1 showed the highest homology of 57.8%
      (identity) with a characterized beta-mannanase from Aspergillus aculeatus
      belonging to glycoside hydrolase family 5. The purified rMan5C1 had a high
      specific activity of 1035U mg(-1) towards locust bean gum (LBG) and showed
      highest activity at pH 4.0 and 70 degrees C. rMan5C1 was adaptable to a wide
      range of acidity, retaining >60% of its maximum activity at pH 3.0-7.0. The
      enzyme was stable over a broad pH range (3.0 to 10.0) and exhibited good
      thermostability at 50 degrees C. The K(m) and V(max) values were 5.6 and 4.8mgmL(
      1), and 2785 and 1608MUmolmin(-1)mg(-1), respectively, when LBG and konjac flour
      were used as substrates. The enzyme had strong resistance to most metal ions and
      proteases (pepsin and trypsin), and released 8.96mgg(-1) reducing sugars from LBG
      in the simulated gastric fluid. All these favorable properties make rMan5C1 a
      promising candidate for use in animal feed.

PMID- 22036534
TI  - The impact of rotator cuff tendinopathy on proprioception, measuring force
      sensation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The impact of rotator cuff tendinopathy and related impingement on
      proprioception is not well understood. Numerous quantitative and qualitative
      changes in shoulder muscles have been shown in patients with rotator cuff
      tendinopathy. These findings suggest that control of force might be affected.
      This investigation wants to evaluate force sensation, a submodality of
      proprioception, in patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy. METHODS: Thirty-six
      patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy and 30 matched healthy subjects performed
      force reproduction tests to isometric external and internal rotation to
      investigate how accurately they could reproduce a fixed target (50% MVC).
      Relative error, constant error, and force steadiness were calculated to evaluate
      respectively magnitude of error made during the test, direction of this error
      (overshoot or undershoot), and fluctuations of produced forces. RESULTS: Patients
      significantly overshoot the target (mean, 6.04% of target) while healthy subjects
      underestimate the target (mean, -5.76% of target). Relative error and force
      steadiness are similar in patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy and healthy
      subjects. Force reproduction tests, as executed in this study, were found to be
      highly reliable (ICC 0.849 and 0.909). Errors were significantly larger during
      external rotation tests, compared to internal rotation. CONCLUSION: Patients
      overestimate the target during force reproduction tests. This should be taken
      into account in the rehabilitation of patients with rotator cuff tendinopathy;
      however, precision of force sensation and steadiness of force exertion remains
      unaltered. This might indicate that control of muscle force is preserved.

PMID- 22036535
TI  - Use of an O-arm intraoperative computed tomography scanner for closed reduction
      of posterior sternoclavicular dislocations.

PMID- 22036536
TI  - Reconstruction of massive uncontained glenoid defects using a combined autograft
      allograft construct with reverse shoulder arthroplasty: preliminary results.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This report documents our experiences with a new technique for
      reconstructing massive uncontained defects of the glenoid with reverse total
      shoulder arthroplasty. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We use a modified deltopectoral
      approach to perform the combined allograft-autograft construct glenoid
      reconstruction. We make use of a peripherally seated cortical allograft acting as
      a sleeve bushing to provide a stable ring under compression in which to house
      impacted cancellous autograft centrally for early incorporation and in-growth
      with the long-peg Aequalis (Tornier, Saint-Ismier Cedex, France) reverse total
      shoulder arthroplasty baseplate. RESULTS: Our case series now comprises 10
      patients with postoperative follow-up of up to 36 months. We report the first 5
      patients here, all of whom have more than 12 months of follow-up. Computed
      tomography scanning demonstrates incorporation of the graft as early as 6 months.
      None of these patients have had loosening, implant failures, dislocations,
      periprosthetic fractures, or infections. One patient sustained an acromial stress
      fracture that was successfully treated nonoperatively, and 1 patient has
      nonprogressive grade I notching. CONCLUSION: The hybrid graft glenoid
      reconstruction is a useful and versatile technique in the setting of massive
      uncontained defects of the glenoid and permits the implantation of a reverse
      total shoulder arthroplasty. We believe this technique is reproducible and uses
      materials that are both readily available and familiar.

PMID- 22036537
TI  - In vivo and 3-dimensional functional anatomy of the anterior bundle of the medial
      collateral ligament of the elbow.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although the anterior bundle of the medial collateral ligament (AMCL)
      is a critical stabilizer of the elbow joint, little information exists on in vivo
      and 3-dimensional functional anatomy of the AMCL. The purposes of this study were
      to investigate in vivo changes in the length of the AMCL during elbow flexion and
      to clarify the 3-dimensional functional anatomy of the AMCL. METHODS: We created
      3-dimensional models of the AMCL and bones from computed tomography data of 4
      healthy elbows in 5 different elbow positions. The AMCL was subdivided into 9
      ligaments. We calculated changes in lengths of ligaments during flexion and
      related ligament origins to the axis of rotation of the elbow joint. RESULTS:
      There were 4 uniquely configured isometric ligaments, where their origins aligned
      broadly along the course of the axis of rotation in the coronal plane. The
      medially originating ligaments inserted on the posterior portion of the tubercle
      of the coronoid process, whereas the laterally originating ligaments inserted on
      its anterior portion. There were 5 non-isometric ligaments, 3 of which had
      origins proximal to the axis and became taut only in extension and the other 2
      having origins distal to the axis and becoming taut only in flexion. CONCLUSIONS:
      Isometric ligaments within the AMCL do not originate from a narrow area; rather,
      they originate from a broader area that extends more medially in the coronal
      plane than previously thought, which explains how the AMCL reconciles
      isometricity and robustness. The proximal and distal ligaments act as checkreins
      that work only at the limits of elbow motion.

PMID- 22036538
TI  - Diagnostic accuracy of five orthopedic clinical tests for diagnosis of superior
      labrum anterior posterior (SLAP) lesions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The clinical diagnosis of a superior labral anterior posterior (SLAP)
      tear is extremely challenging. Most studies that advocate selected tests have
      errors in study design or significant bias, or both. The purpose of this study
      was to identify the diagnostic utility of the Active Compression/O'Brien's test,
      Biceps Load II test, Dynamic Labral Shear test (O'Driscoll's test), Speed's test,
      and the Labral Tension test when diagnosing isolated SLAP lesions (SLAP-only) and
      a SLAP lesion with concomitant disorders (eg, rotator cuff tear), as stand-alone
      and clustered tests, with diagnostic confirmation by arthroscopic surgery.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: This diagnostic accuracy study was a case-based, case
      control design that included 87 individuals with variable shoulder pathology.
      RESULTS: Of the 5 tests, only the Biceps Load II test demonstrated utility in
      identifying patients with a SLAP-only lesion, with a positive predictive value of
      26 (95% confidence limits [CL], 18, 31), negative predictive value of 93 (95% CL,
      84, 97), positive likelihood ratio of 1.7 (95% CL, 1.1, 2.6), and negative
      likelihood ratio of 0.39 (95% CL, 0.14, 0.91). No tests demonstrated diagnostic
      utility when diagnosing any SLAP lesion, including those with concomitant
      diagnoses. No clusters demonstrated better diagnostic accuracy than stand-alone
      findings. CONCLUSION: There are a number of potential reasons for the poor
      utility in the 5 test findings. The heterogeneous sample included patients with a
      variety of shoulder disorders. The study was organized using very strict
      methodologic controls that should reduce the risk of bias, which normally
      overinflates the accuracy of a specific tool. The findings may truly reflect the
      stand-alone, diagnostic utility of the 5 tests, suggesting when used alone
      provides little usefulness toward decision making of the diagnostic clinician.

PMID- 22036539
TI  - Arthroscopic treatment of septic arthritis of the elbow.
AB  - HYPOTHESIS: Septic arthritis of the elbow is a serious orthopedic concern
      associated with high morbidity and mortality rates, traditionally treated with
      open exposure of the elbow joint. This study was performed to describe the
      outcome of arthroscopic treatment of septic elbow arthritis. METHODS: From May
      2000 through January 2008, 12 patients with septic elbow arthritis were treated
      arthroscopically at the Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, a large medical
      center. We reviewed the patients' medical records concerning variables such as
      history and clinical findings, previous elbow history, surgical procedure,
      cultured organism, and follow-up. Using the Oxford Elbow Score and the Mayo Elbow
      Score, we examined current level of pain, function, and social-psychological
      aspects. Six patients died before initiation of this study and were therefore
      only studied retrospectively. RESULTS: Septic elbow arthritis without pre
      existing elbow problems shows excellent outcomes after arthroscopic treatment,
      with scores for absence of pain, function, social-psychological well-being, and
      range of motion of 97.9%, 100%, 95.8%, and 100%, respectively. When elbows were
      treated arthroscopically within 2 days after the onset of clinical symptoms
      suggesting bacterial elbow arthritis, maximum scores of 100% were noted for all
      aspects. Positive elbow history before infection and reoperation were associated
      with poor outcome scores, with 62.5%, 85.4%, and 50% for absence of pain,
      function, and social-psychological well-being, respectively. CONCLUSION: Septic
      elbow arthritis occurs often in the debilitated, immunocompromised patient.
      Arthroscopic intervention is a reasonable alternative to open treatment. In this
      small series, the acutely septic elbow was successfully treated in the majority
      of patients, although the overall patient mortality rate remains high.

PMID- 22036540
TI  - Assessment of glenoid inclination on routine clinical radiographs and computed
      tomography examinations of the shoulder.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Accurate assessment of glenoid inclination is of interest for a
      variety of conditions and procedures. The purpose of this study was to develop an
      accurate and reproducible measurement for glenoid inclination on standardized
      anterior-posterior (AP) radiographs and on computed tomography (CT) images.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three consistently identifiable angles were defined: Angle
      alpha by line AB connecting the superior and inferior glenoid tubercle (glenoid
      fossa) and the line identifying the scapular spine; angle beta by line AB and the
      floor of the supraspinatus fossa; angle gamma by line AB and the lateral margin
      of the scapula. Experimental study: these 3 angles were measured in function of
      the scapular position to test their resistance to rotation. Conventional AP
      radiographs and CT scans were acquired in extension/flexion and internal/external
      rotation in a range up to +/-40 degrees . Clinical study: the inter-rater
      reliability of all angles was assessed on AP radiographs and CT scans of 60
      patients (30 with proximal humeral fractures, 30 with osteoarthritis) by 2
      independent observers. RESULTS: The experimental study showed that angle alpha
      and beta have a resistance to rotation of up to +/-20 degrees . The deviation
      from neutral position was not more than +/-10 degrees . The results for the inter
      rater reliability analyzed by Bland-Altman plots for the angle beta fracture
      group were (mean +/- standard deviation) -0.1 +/- 4.2 for radiographs and -0.3 +/
      3.3 for CT scans; and for the osteoarthritis group were -1.2 +/- 3.8 for
      radiographs and -3.0 +/- 3.6 for CT scans. CONCLUSION: Angle beta is the most
      reproducible measurement for glenoid inclination on conventional AP radiographs,
      providing a resistance to positional variability of the scapula and a good inter
      rater reliability.

PMID- 22036541
TI  - Clinical features of partial anterior bursal-sided supraspinatus tendon (PABST)
      lesions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We characterized partial anterior and bursal supraspinatus tendon
      (PABST) lesions and compared their clinical features, postoperative functional
      scores, and healing rate with full-thickness rotator cuff tears (FTRCTs) and
      small FTRCTs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: There were 31 PABST lesions (6.2%), 392
      FTRCTs, and 32 small FTRCTs among 495 shoulders with rotator cuff disorders. The
      mean patient age was 52.7 years in the PABST group, 60.1 years in the FTRCT
      group, and 56.9 years in the small FTRCT group. Functional and clinical variables
      were compared between the groups, and cuff healing was evaluated with computed
      tomography arthrography or ultrasonography. RESULTS: The mean patient age was
      statistically lower, the mean symptom duration was shorter, and trauma was more
      frequent in the PABST group compared with the FTRCT and small FTRCT groups.
      Coronal acromial spurs were found more frequently in the PABST group than in the
      FTRCT group. In all groups, range of motion, visual analog scale for pain, and
      functional scores improved continuously throughout the follow-up. There were 2
      unhealed cuffs (10.5%) in the PABST group, 72 (35.6%) in the FTRCT group (P =
      .146), and 5 (25%) in the small FTRCT group (P = .238). CONCLUSIONS: We
      characterized PABST lesions that may be overlooked because of their peculiar
      location in the far anterolateral insertional section of the supraspinatus tendon
      at the bursal side. PABST lesions usually occur in younger patients, and trauma
      is frequently associated with acute symptom onset. Surgical treatment was
      effective for pain reduction and functional improvement.

PMID- 22036542
TI  - K-wire position in tension-band wiring technique affects stability of wires and
      long-term outcome in surgical treatment of olecranon fractures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tension-band wiring (TBW) has been accepted as the treatment of
      choice for displaced olecranon fractures. The aim of this study was to examine
      the effect of K-wire position on instability of the K-wires in relation to local
      complications and radiological and clinical long-term outcome. METHODS: We
      reviewed the early follow-up of 59 patients (mean age, 60 years) who underwent
      TBW osteosynthesis for displaced olecranon fractures. Follow-up information was
      available from medical records and radiographs. The main outcome measurements
      were proximal migration of the wires, gap, step, range of motion, and
      complications. Long-term follow-up included 21 patients (mean age, 58 years).
      Follow-up was available from a clinical visit and a radiograph. Visual Analogue
      Scale (VAS), Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), Disabilities of the Arm
      Shoulder and Hand (DASH), EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D), and Broberg and Morrey
      osteoarthritis scores were obtained. RESULTS: Seventy-eight percent of the
      patients treated with intramedullary K-wires were found to have instability of K
      wires, compared to 36% in the patients treated with transcortical K-wires.
      Patients with instability of the K-wires tend to develop osteoarthritis more
      often. There is a better functional outcome in patients where the osteosynthetic
      material is removed. CONCLUSION: Instability of K-wires after TBW is more common
      after intramedullary placement of the wires resulting in proximal migration of
      the K-wires and gap appearance. There was a tendency of more osteoarthritis in
      the group of patients where instability of K-wires was identified. We would
      recommend the use of transcortical placed wires, as well as to have a low
      threshold in removing the implants.

PMID- 22036543
TI  - Humeral component retroversion in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: a
      biomechanical study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty offers pain relief and functional
      improvement for patients with rotator cuff-deficient shoulders. The purpose of
      this study was to determine the optimal amount of humeral retroversion for this
      prosthesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six cadaveric shoulders underwent computed
      tomography (CT) imaging and were then dissected of soft tissues, except for their
      tendinous attachments. A reverse total shoulder arthroplasty was implanted in 0
      degrees , 20 degrees , 30 degrees , and 40 degrees  of retroversion, and the
      shoulders were mounted on a simulator to determine the muscle forces required to
      achieve 30 degrees  and 60 degrees  of scaption. CT images were converted into 3
      dimensional models, and the amount of internal and external rotation was
      determined with computer modeling at various scaption angles. RESULTS: No
      differences were found in the forces required for 30 degrees  or 60 degrees  of
      scaption for any muscle, at any retroversion. With increasing retroversion, more
      impingement-free external rotation was obtained, with a concomitant decrease in
      the amount of internal rotation. Above 60 degrees , the humerus was allowed to
      rotate around the glenosphere unencumbered. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing retroversion
      did not affect the muscle force requirements for scaption across the shoulder.
      Placing the humeral component in 0 degrees  to 20 degrees  of retroversion allows
      maximum internal rotation with the arm at the side, a movement that is required
      for daily activities. This limits external rotation with the arm at the side, but
      has no effect on external rotation with the arm elevated.

PMID- 22036544
TI  - Infraspinatus fatigue during resisted arm elevation with isometric contraction:
      an electromyographic study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Various forms of resistance are used in rotator cuff training
      programs. However, the muscular activity of the infraspinatus during arm
      elevation has not been clarified in detail. We aimed to evaluate infraspinatus
      fatigue during resisted arm elevation in various positions. METHODS: The dominant
      (right) shoulders of 39 healthy subjects were examined. Average mean power
      frequency shifts of the infraspinatus and deltoid were evaluated
      electromyographically when the subjects performed isometric contractions
      equivalent to 30% of the maximal voluntary isometric contraction force for 60 s
      during 90 degrees  arm elevation in the sagittal and scapular planes, prone and
      side-lying external rotations, and repeated side-lying external rotation
      exercise. Further, the arm-elevation force was measured before and after the
      repeated external rotation exercise. Analysis of variance and paired t tests were
      used for statistical analyses; differences at P < .05 were considered
      significant. RESULTS: The infraspinatus was fatigued easily during resisted arm
      elevation in the sagittal plane compared with the scapular plane (P < .01).
      Comparisons of sagittal-plane elevation with side-lying and prone external
      rotations revealed no significant differences in the fatigue levels. The arm
      elevation force after the repeated external rotations was significantly decreased
      in the sagittal plane compared with the scapular plane (P < .01). CONCLUSION: In
      clinical settings, this data may be helpful in knowing how to helpful to protect
      the infraspinatus after surgical repair. Therefore, therapeutic exercise regimes
      with resisted arm elevation should avoid infraspinatus overfatigue in the
      sagittal plane in the early postoperative period.

PMID- 22036545
TI  - Moderate to large engaging Hill-Sachs defects: an in vitro biomechanical
      comparison of the remplissage procedure, allograft humeral head reconstruction,
      and partial resurfacing arthroplasty.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The management of engaging Hill-Sachs defects (HSD) is controversial.
      The purpose of this study was to biomechanically compare 3 treatment strategies.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eight specimens were tested on a shoulder simulator. The
      protocol involved testing 2 unrepaired HSD (30% and 45%), which were then treated
      with remplissage, humeral head allograft (HHA), and partial resurfacing
      arthroplasty (PRA). Stability (defect engagement and glenohumeral stiffness) and
      range of motion (ROM) were measured. RESULTS: All 30% and 45% HSDs engaged and
      dislocated. Remplissage and HHA effectively prevented engagement in all
      specimens; however, 62% of PRA engaged. No repair exhibited stiffness
      significantly greater than intact, but 30% and 45% remplissage produced a 74% and
      207% increase, respectively, and were significantly greater than the unrepaired
      states (P <= .047). Stiffness results for HHA and PRA closely matched those of
      intact. In adduction, remplissage reduced internal-external ROM compared with
      both defects (P <= .01), but only 30% remplissage caused a significant decrease
      compared with intact (P = .049). In abduction, all repairs reduced ROM compared
      with HSD (P <= .04), but none compared with intact (P >= 0.05). In extension,
      remplissage had significantly less ROM than either HHA or PRA (P <= .02).
      CONCLUSION: All procedures improved stability; however, unlike remplissage,
      results from HHA and PRA closely resembled intact. Remplissage (30% and 45%)
      improved stability and eliminated engagement but caused reductions in ROM. HHA
      and PRA re-established intact ROM, but PRA could not fully prevent engagement.
      The effects of each technique are not equivalent and further studies are
      required.

PMID- 22036546
TI  - Effect of lateral offset center of rotation in reverse total shoulder
      arthroplasty: a biomechanical study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lateral offset center of rotation (COR) reduces the incidence of
      scapular notching and potentially increases external rotation range of motion
      (ROM) after reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA). The purpose of this study
      was to determine the biomechanical effects of changing COR on abduction and
      external rotation ROM, deltoid abduction force, and joint stability. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: A biomechanical shoulder simulator tested cadaveric shoulders before
      and after rTSA. Spacers shifted the COR laterally from baseline rTSA by 5, 10,
      and 15 mm. Outcome measures of resting abduction and external rotation ROM, and
      abduction and dislocation (lateral and anterior) forces were recorded. RESULTS:
      Resting abduction increased 20 degrees  vs native shoulders and was unaffected by
      COR lateralization. External rotation decreased after rTSA and was unaffected by
      COR lateralization. The deltoid force required for abduction significantly
      decreased 25% from native to baseline rTSA. COR lateralization progressively
      eliminated this mechanical advantage. Lateral dislocation required significantly
      less force than anterior dislocation after rTSA, and both dislocation forces
      increased with lateralization of the COR. CONCLUSION: COR lateralization had no
      influence on ROM (adduction or external rotation) but significantly increased
      abduction and dislocation forces. This suggests the lower incidence of scapular
      notching may not be related to the amount of adduction deficit after lateral
      offset rTSA but may arise from limited impingement of the humeral component on
      the lateral scapula due to a change in joint geometry. Lateralization provides
      the benefit of increased joint stability, but at the cost of increasing deltoid
      abduction forces.

PMID- 22036547
TI  - Functional and radiographic medium-term outcome evaluation of the Humerus Block,
      a minimally invasive operative technique for proximal humeral fractures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Conservative treatment of severe displacement of proximal humeral
      fracture fragments yields bad functional results, but open operative techniques
      have a high risk of avascular necrosis of the humeral head. We performed a medium
      term outcome evaluation of the Humerus Block (Synthes, Oberdorf, Switzerland), a
      minimally invasive technique used in selected patients with proximal humeral
      fractures, to investigate the functional and radiographic outcome. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Of 47 patients operated on with the Humerus Block, 34 with a minimum
      follow-up of 30 months and a mean follow-up of 4 years and 4 months, were invited
      for interview, radiographic evaluation, and functional analysis by the Constant,
      Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and the University of California,
      Los Angeles (UCLA) scorings. Paired t test was used to investigate equivalence of
      the geometric mean scores of the trauma and control arm, for the scores of the
      functional analyses, and for the scores for mobility of the shoulder. RESULTS:
      Scorings and clinical examination showed that 85% of shoulder function and motion
      were preserved compared with the control arm. Radiographic evaluation showed very
      good healing and positioning of the fracture fragments, and only 10% developed
      avascular necrosis of the humeral head. CONCLUSIONS: With very satisfied
      patients; good clinical, functional, and radiographic outcomes; a short hospital
      stay; few complications; a reduced cost of implant; and a low incidence of
      avascular necrosis, this technique is a valuable alternative for operative
      treatment of proximal humeral fractures.

PMID- 22036548
TI  - Massive acromioclavicular ganglionic cyst treated with excision and allograft
      patch of acromioclavicular region.

PMID- 22036549
TI  - Kinematic analysis of dynamic shoulder motion in patients with reverse total
      shoulder arthroplasty.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (rTSA) has been used to treat
      patients with irreparable rotator cuff dysfunction. Despite the proven clinical
      efficacy, there is minimal information regarding the underlying changes to the
      shoulder kinematics associated with this construct. Therefore, we sought to
      examine the kinematics of dynamic shoulder motion in patients with well
      functioning rTSA. METHODS: We tested 12 healthy subjects and 17 patients with
      rTSA. All rTSA patients were able to elevate their arms to at least 90 degrees 
      and received the implant as the primary arthroplasty at least 6 months before
      testing. On average, the rTSA patients elevated their arms to 112 degrees  +/- 12
      degrees  (mean +/- SD) and reported an American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons
      outcome score of 90.6 +/- 6.3. A 3-dimensional electromagnetic motion capture
      device was used to detect the dynamic motion of the trunk, scapula, and humerus
      during bilateral active shoulder elevation along the sagittal, scapular, and
      coronal planes. RESULTS: In both healthy and rTSA shoulders, the majority of the
      humeral-thoracic motion was provided by the glenohumeral motion. Therefore, the
      ratio of glenohumeral to scapulothoracic (ST) motion was always greater than 1.62
      during elevation along the scapular plane. In comparison to healthy subjects,
      however, the contribution of ST motion to overall shoulder motion was
      significantly increased in the rTSA shoulders. This increased contribution was
      noted in all planes of shoulder elevation and was maintained when weights were
      attached to the arm. CONCLUSION: Kinematics of the rTSA shoulders are
      significantly altered, and more ST motion is used to achieve shoulder elevation.

PMID- 22036550
TI  - The effects of pH, bromide and nitrite on halonitromethane and trihalomethane
      formation from amino acids and amino sugars.
AB  - In this study, the effects of pH, bromide and nitrite on the formation of
      halonitromethanes (HNMs) and trihalomethanes (THMs) from eight amino acids
      (glycine, alanine, serine, cysteine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, lysine and
      histidine) and four amino sugars (glucosamine, galactosamine, N-acetylglucosamine
      and N-acetylneuraminic acid) were examined for chlorination and ozonation
      followed by chlorination. During ozonation-chlorination, two amino acids, glycine
      and lysine, exhibited distinctly higher HNM formation than the other compounds.
      The formation of HNMs was higher at pH 8 than 6. Glycine and lysine also produced
      higher levels of THMs than the other compounds at pH 8. The presence of nitrite
      resulted in an increase in HNM formation. The presence of bromide increased the
      HNM formation, especially brominated HNM species. Bromine incorporation factors
      of trihalogenated HNMs were higher than those of THMs. For chlorination alone,
      HNM levels were about the detection limit (4 nM or 0.7 MUg L(-1)) at pH 6 and 8,
      and in the presence of bromide or nitrite. Amino acids and amino sugars tested,
      except glycine and lysine, showed relatively low levels of THM (~15 MUg L(-1))
      formation.

PMID- 22036551
TI  - Peroxymonosulfate-Co(II) oxidation system for the removal of the non-ionic
      surfactant Brij 35 from aqueous solution.
AB  - The non-ionic surfactant Brij 35 was effectively removed from concentrated
      aqueous solution by the peroxymonosulfate/Co(II) system, using oxone
      (2KHSO(5).KHSO(4).K(2)SO(4)) as a source of peroxymonosulfate. At pH=2.3 and
      initial Brij 35 concentration in the range 680-2410 mg L(-1), 86-94% removal was
      achieved after 24 h, using Co(II)=15 MUM and oxone=5.9 mM. The effectiveness of
      removal did not change when initial pH was in the range 2.3-8.2. After five
      subsequent additions of Co(II) and oxone to the solution, COD and TOC removals
      increased up to 64% and 33%, respectively. Radical quenching tests confirmed that
      sulfate radical was the dominant radical species in the system. The main
      identified by-products from surfactant degradation were: (a) low molecular weight
      organic acids; (b) aldehydes and formates with shorter ethoxy chain than Brij 35;
      (c) alcohol ethoxylates carrying hydroxyl groups bonded to ethoxy chain. By
      products identification allowed to hypothesize the pathways of Brij 35
      degradation.

PMID- 22036552
TI  - Bioaccumulation, depuration and biotransformation of 4,4'-dibromodiphenyl ether
      in crucian carp (Carassius auratus).
AB  - Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are extensively used as a class of flame
      retardants and have become ubiquitous environmental pollutants. Significant
      biotransformation of some PBDEs via reductive debromination has been observed.
      However, little is known about the fate of lower brominated BDEs in fish. In this
      study, the tissue distribution, excretion, depuration and biotransformation of
      4,4'-dibromodiphenyl ether (BDE 15) were investigated in crucian carp (Carassius
      auratus) which were exposed to spiked water solution at different concentrations
      for 50d, followed by a 14-d depuration period. Bioaccumulation parameters were
      calculated and the results showed that BDE 15 was mainly concentrated in the gill
      and liver. In particular, five biotransformation products of BDE 15 in carp were
      identified using GC-MS/MS. Besides two debrominated metabolites, three of the
      metabolites were mono-OH-BDE 15, diOH-BDE 15 and bromophenol. Our results
      unequivocally suggested that BDE 15 oxidation did occur via the formation of
      hydroxylated (OH-) metabolites in crucian carp exposed in vivo. These findings
      will be useful for determination of the metabolic pathways of PBDEs in freshwater
      fish, especially about their oxidation metabolism.

PMID- 22036553
TI  - [Management of eyelid tumors: general considerations].
AB  - Despite the fact that the majority of eyelid tumors are benign, proper management
      in daily practice requires detection of the malignant ones. Several clinical
      criteria are usually proposed to support or reject a hypothesis of malignancy;
      however, most are of limited reliability. In any case of doubt, outpatient biopsy
      is recommended, so as to establish the correct diagnosis and formulate the most
      appropriate treatment plan. In all facial malignancies, the first (and absolutely
      mandatory) consideration is control of the cancer. Then, restoration of eyelid
      function can be addressed, in the following order: protection of the globe by
      complete dynamic eyelid closure and opening, visual function (and prevention of
      possible deprivation amblyopia) by insuring a clear visual axis, correction of
      the tear film, efficient lachrymal drainage, and only then the role of the
      eyelids in facial expression and esthetics. For most malignant eyelid tumors, the
      best assurance of complete excision is obtained by extemporaneous examination of
      the resection margins by frozen section (by Mohs' micrographic surgery
      techniques, or a variation thereof). Currently, advancement and transposition
      flaps, possibly in combination with tarso-conjunctival or skin grafts, are the
      most utilised techniques. Despite the lack of histological verification, new
      treatment modalities, including topical chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy and
      cryotherapy, may provide interesting treatment options, particularly in
      collaboration with the dermatologist.

PMID- 22036554
TI  - A breath of fresh air in lung regeneration.
AB  - Enhancing the ability of the lungs to regenerate following injury could
      revolutionize the treatment of a wide range of different diseases. In this issue,
      Kumar et al. (2011) and Ding et al. (2011) dissect the cellular and molecular
      mechanisms of murine lung regeneration following injury and provide insights into
      the basic biology of the organ with implications for development of future
      therapeutic approaches.

PMID- 22036555
TI  - A gutsy way to grow: intestinal stem cells as nutrient sensors.
AB  - Adult tissues can rapidly and reversibly change size to adapt to environmental
      and behavioral influences. In this issue, O'Brien et al. (2011) demonstrate that
      fly intestinal stem cells alter their division patterns in response to food
      availability to drive organ growth.

PMID- 22036556
TI  - You AhR what you eat: linking diet and immunity.
AB  - The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is responsible for the toxic effects of
      environmental pollutants such as dioxin, but little is known about its normal
      physiological functions. Li et al. (2011) now show that specific dietary
      compounds present in cruciferous vegetables act through the AhR to promote
      intestinal immune function, revealing AhR as a critical link between diet and
      immunity.

PMID- 22036557
TI  - Dueling Ca2+ sensors in neurotransmitter release.
AB  - Ca(2+)-triggered neurotransmitter release is characterized by two kinetically
      distinct components: a fast synchronous phase and a slow asynchronous phase. Yao
      et al. (2011) now report that double C2 domain (Doc2) proteins function as high
      affinity Ca(2+) sensors to specifically regulate the asynchronous component of
      neurotransmitter release.

PMID- 22036558
TI  - Two routes for remembering the past.
AB  - Which brain circuits underlie retrieval of distant memories? Goshen et al. (2011)
      use a powerful optogenetic-based approach to reveal the critical contribution of
      the hippocampus to remote memory retrieval. In so doing, they provide new
      evidence toward resolving a long-standing debate in cognitive neuroscience.

PMID- 22036559
TI  - Drop that pipette: science by design.
AB  - An unexpected collaboration between a synthetic biology lab at UCSF and a Palo
      Alto-based design firm is stirring up the way that research is conceived and
      conducted, by integrating innovation and "design thinking" into the scientific
      method.

PMID- 22036560
TI  - The seeds of neurodegeneration: prion-like spreading in ALS.
AB  - Misfolded proteins accumulating in several neurodegenerative diseases (including
      Alzheimer, Parkinson, and Huntington diseases) can cause aggregation of their
      native counterparts through a mechanism similar to the infectious prion protein's
      induction of a pathogenic conformation onto its cellular isoform. Evidence for
      such a prion-like mechanism has now spread to the main misfolded proteins, SOD1
      and TDP-43, implicated in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The major
      neurodegenerative diseases may therefore have mechanistic parallels for non-cell
      autonomous spread of disease within the nervous system.

PMID- 22036561
TI  - Molecular mechanisms of fear learning and memory.
AB  - Pavlovian fear conditioning is a particularly useful behavioral paradigm for
      exploring the molecular mechanisms of learning and memory because a well-defined
      response to a specific environmental stimulus is produced through associative
      learning processes. Synaptic plasticity in the lateral nucleus of the amygdala
      (LA) underlies this form of associative learning. Here, we summarize the
      molecular mechanisms that contribute to this synaptic plasticity in the context
      of auditory fear conditioning, the form of fear conditioning best understood at
      the molecular level. We discuss the neurotransmitter systems and signaling
      cascades that contribute to three phases of auditory fear conditioning:
      acquisition, consolidation, and reconsolidation. These studies suggest that
      multiple intracellular signaling pathways, including those triggered by
      activation of Hebbian processes and neuromodulatory receptors, interact to
      produce neural plasticity in the LA and behavioral fear conditioning.
      Collectively, this body of research illustrates the power of fear conditioning as
      a model system for characterizing the mechanisms of learning and memory in
      mammals and potentially for understanding fear-related disorders, such as PTSD
      and phobias.

PMID- 22036562
TI  - Distal airway stem cells yield alveoli in vitro and during lung regeneration
      following H1N1 influenza infection.
AB  - The extent of lung regeneration following catastrophic damage and the potential
      role of adult stem cells in such a process remains obscure. Sublethal infection
      of mice with an H1N1 influenza virus related to that of the 1918 pandemic
      triggers massive airway damage followed by apparent regeneration. We show here
      that p63-expressing stem cells in the bronchiolar epithelium undergo rapid
      proliferation after infection and radiate to interbronchiolar regions of alveolar
      ablation. Once there, these cells assemble into discrete, Krt5+ pods and initiate
      expression of markers typical of alveoli. Gene expression profiles of these pods
      suggest that they are intermediates in the reconstitution of the alveolar
      capillary network eradicated by viral infection. The dynamics of this p63
      expressing stem cell in lung regeneration mirrors our parallel finding that
      defined pedigrees of human distal airway stem cells assemble alveoli-like
      structures in vitro and suggests new therapeutic avenues to acute and chronic
      airway disease.

PMID- 22036563
TI  - Endothelial-derived angiocrine signals induce and sustain regenerative lung
      alveolarization.
AB  - To identify pathways involved in adult lung regeneration, we employ a unilateral
      pneumonectomy (PNX) model that promotes regenerative alveolarization in the
      remaining intact lung. We show that PNX stimulates pulmonary capillary
      endothelial cells (PCECs) to produce angiocrine growth factors that induce
      proliferation of epithelial progenitor cells supporting alveologenesis.
      Endothelial cells trigger expansion of cocultured epithelial cells, forming three
      dimensional angiospheres reminiscent of alveolar-capillary sacs. After PNX,
      endothelial-specific inducible genetic ablation of Vegfr2 and Fgfr1 in mice
      inhibits production of MMP14, impairing alveolarization. MMP14 promotes expansion
      of epithelial progenitor cells by unmasking cryptic EGF-like ectodomains that
      activate the EGF receptor (EGFR). Consistent with this, neutralization of MMP14
      impairs EGFR-mediated alveolar regeneration, whereas administration of EGF or
      intravascular transplantation of MMP14(+) PCECs into pneumonectomized
      Vegfr2/Fgfr1-deficient mice restores alveologenesis and lung inspiratory volume
      and compliance function. VEGFR2 and FGFR1 activation in PCECs therefore increases
      MMP14-dependent bioavailability of EGFR ligands to initiate and sustain
      alveologenesis.

PMID- 22036564
TI  - The Eph-receptor A7 is a soluble tumor suppressor for follicular lymphoma.
AB  - Insights into cancer genetics can lead to therapeutic opportunities. By cross
      referencing chromosomal changes with an unbiased genetic screen we identify the
      ephrin receptor A7 (EPHA7) as a tumor suppressor in follicular lymphoma (FL).
      EPHA7 is a target of 6q deletions and inactivated in 72% of FLs. Knockdown of
      EPHA7 drives lymphoma development in a murine FL model. In analogy to its
      physiological function in brain development, a soluble splice variant of EPHA7
      (EPHA7(TR)) interferes with another Eph-receptor and blocks oncogenic signals in
      lymphoma cells. Consistent with this drug-like activity, administration of the
      purified EPHA7(TR) protein produces antitumor effects against xenografted human
      lymphomas. Further, by fusing EPHA7(TR) to the anti-CD20 antibody (rituximab) we
      can directly target this tumor suppressor to lymphomas in vivo. Our study attests
      to the power of combining descriptive tumor genomics with functional screens and
      reveals EPHA7(TR) as tumor suppressor with immediate therapeutic potential.

PMID- 22036565
TI  - Master transcription factors determine cell-type-specific responses to TGF-beta
      signaling.
AB  - Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) signaling, mediated through the
      transcription factors Smad2 and Smad3 (Smad2/3), directs different responses in
      different cell types. Here we report that Smad3 co-occupies the genome with cell
      type-specific master transcription factors. Thus, Smad3 occupies the genome with
      Oct4 in embryonic stem cells (ESCs), Myod1 in myotubes, and PU.1 in pro-B cells.
      We find that these master transcription factors are required for Smad3 occupancy
      and that TGF-beta signaling largely affects the genes bound by the master
      transcription factors. Furthermore, we show that induction of Myod1 in nonmuscle
      cells is sufficient to redirect Smad3 to Myod1 sites. We conclude that cell-type
      specific master transcription factors determine the genes bound by Smad2/3 and
      are thus responsible for orchestrating the cell-type-specific effects of TGF-beta
      signaling.

PMID- 22036566
TI  - Lineage regulators direct BMP and Wnt pathways to cell-specific programs during
      differentiation and regeneration.
AB  - BMP and Wnt signaling pathways control essential cellular responses through
      activation of the transcription factors SMAD (BMP) and TCF (Wnt). Here, we show
      that regeneration of hematopoietic lineages following acute injury depends on the
      activation of each of these signaling pathways to induce expression of key blood
      genes. Both SMAD1 and TCF7L2 co-occupy sites with master regulators adjacent to
      hematopoietic genes. In addition, both SMAD1 and TCF7L2 follow the binding of the
      predominant lineage regulator during differentiation from multipotent
      hematopoietic progenitor cells to erythroid cells. Furthermore, induction of the
      myeloid lineage regulator C/EBPalpha in erythroid cells shifts binding of SMAD1
      to sites newly occupied by C/EBPalpha, whereas expression of the erythroid
      regulator GATA1 directs SMAD1 loss on nonerythroid targets. We conclude that the
      regenerative response mediated by BMP and Wnt signaling pathways is coupled with
      the lineage master regulators to control the gene programs defining cellular
      identity.

PMID- 22036567
TI  - Molecular architecture of the transport channel of the nuclear pore complex.
AB  - The nuclear pore complex encloses a central channel for nucleocytoplasmic
      transport, which is thought to consist of three nucleoporins, Nup54, Nup58, and
      Nup62. However, the structure and composition of the channel are elusive. We
      determined the crystal structures of the interacting domains between these
      nucleoporins and pieced together the molecular architecture of the mammalian
      transport channel. Located in the channel midplane is a flexible Nup54?Nup58 ring
      that can undergo large rearrangements yielding diameter changes from ~20 to ~40
      nm. Nup62?Nup54 triple helices project alternately up and down from either side
      of the midplane ring and form nucleoplasmic and cytoplasmic entries. The channel
      consists of as many as 224 copies of the three nucleoporins, amounting to a molar
      mass of 12.3 MDa and contributing 256 phenylalanine-glycine repeat regions. We
      propose that the occupancy of these repeat regions with transport receptors
      modulates ring diameter and transport activity.

PMID- 22036568
TI  - Altered modes of stem cell division drive adaptive intestinal growth.
AB  - Throughout life, adult organs continually adapt to variable environmental
      factors. Adaptive mechanisms must fundamentally differ from homeostatic
      maintenance, but little is known about how physiological factors elicit tissue
      remodeling. Here, we show that specialized stem cell responses underlie the
      adaptive resizing of a mature organ. In the adult Drosophila midgut, intestinal
      stem cells interpret a nutrient cue to "break homeostasis" and drive growth when
      food is abundant. Activated in part by niche production of insulin, stem cells
      direct a growth program through two altered modes of behavior: accelerated
      division rates and predominance of symmetric division fates. Together, these
      altered modes produce a net increase in total intestinal cells, which is reversed
      upon withdrawal of food. Thus, tissue renewal programs are not committed to
      maintain cellular equilibrium; stem cells can remodel organs in response to
      physiological triggers.

PMID- 22036569
TI  - Arc/Arg3.1 regulates an endosomal pathway essential for activity-dependent beta
      amyloid generation.
AB  - Assemblies of beta-amyloid (Abeta) peptides are pathological mediators of
      Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and are produced by the sequential cleavages of amyloid
      precursor protein (APP) by beta-secretase (BACE1) and gamma-secretase. The
      generation of Abeta is coupled to neuronal activity, but the molecular basis is
      unknown. Here, we report that the immediate early gene Arc is required for
      activity-dependent generation of Abeta. Arc is a postsynaptic protein that
      recruits endophilin2/3 and dynamin to early/recycling endosomes that traffic AMPA
      receptors to reduce synaptic strength in both hebbian and non-hebbian forms of
      plasticity. The Arc-endosome also traffics APP and BACE1, and Arc physically
      associates with presenilin1 (PS1) to regulate gamma-secretase trafficking and
      confer activity dependence. Genetic deletion of Arc reduces Abeta load in a
      transgenic mouse model of AD. In concert with the finding that patients with AD
      can express anomalously high levels of Arc, we hypothesize that Arc participates
      in the pathogenesis of AD.

PMID- 22036570
TI  - Motor neuron position and topographic order imposed by beta- and gamma-catenin
      activities.
AB  - Neurons typically settle at positions that match the location of their synaptic
      targets, creating topographic maps. In the spinal cord, the organization of motor
      neurons into discrete clusters is linked to the location of their muscle targets,
      establishing a topographic map of punctate design. To define the significance of
      motor pool organization for neuromuscular map formation, we assessed the role of
      cadherin-catenin signaling in motor neuron positioning and limb muscle
      innervation. We find that joint inactivation of beta- and gamma-catenin scrambles
      motor neuron settling position in the spinal cord but fails to erode the
      predictive link between motor neuron transcriptional identity and muscle target.
      Inactivation of N-cadherin perturbs pool positioning in similar ways, albeit with
      reduced penetrance. These findings reveal that cadherin-catenin signaling directs
      motor pool patterning and imposes topographic order on an underlying identity
      based neural map.

PMID- 22036571
TI  - Patterns of spinal sensory-motor connectivity prescribed by a dorsoventral
      positional template.
AB  - Sensory-motor circuits in the spinal cord are constructed with a fine specificity
      that coordinates motor behavior, but the mechanisms that direct sensory
      connections with their motor neuron partners remain unclear. The dorsoventral
      settling position of motor pools in the spinal cord is known to match the distal
      to-proximal position of their muscle targets in the limb, but the significance of
      invariant motor neuron positioning is unknown. An analysis of sensory-motor
      connectivity patterns in FoxP1 mutant mice, where motor neuron position has been
      scrambled, shows that the final pattern of sensory-motor connections is initiated
      by the projection of sensory axons to discrete dorsoventral domains of the spinal
      cord without regard for motor neuron subtype or, indeed, the presence of motor
      neurons. By implication, the clustering and dorsoventral settling position of
      motor neuron pools serve as a determinant of the pattern of sensory input
      specificity and thus motor coordination.

PMID- 22036574
TI  - SnapShot: Autism and the synapse.

PMID- 22036572
TI  - Doc2 is a Ca2+ sensor required for asynchronous neurotransmitter release.
AB  - Synaptic transmission involves a fast synchronous phase and a slower asynchronous
      phase of neurotransmitter release that are regulated by distinct Ca(2+) sensors.
      Though the Ca(2+) sensor for rapid exocytosis, synaptotagmin I, has been studied
      in depth, the sensor for asynchronous release remains unknown. In a screen for
      neuronal Ca(2+) sensors that respond to changes in [Ca(2+)] with markedly slower
      kinetics than synaptotagmin I, we observed that Doc2--another Ca(2+), SNARE, and
      lipid-binding protein--operates on timescales consistent with asynchronous
      release. Moreover, up- and downregulation of Doc2 expression levels in
      hippocampal neurons increased or decreased, respectively, the slow phase of
      synaptic transmission. Synchronous release, when triggered by single action
      potentials, was unaffected by manipulation of Doc2 but was enhanced during
      repetitive stimulation in Doc2 knockdown neurons, potentially due to greater
      vesicle availability. In summary, we propose that Doc2 is a Ca(2+) sensor that is
      kinetically tuned to regulate asynchronous neurotransmitter release.

PMID- 22036573
TI  - A protein complex network of Drosophila melanogaster.
AB  - Determining the composition of protein complexes is an essential step toward
      understanding the cell as an integrated system. Using coaffinity purification
      coupled to mass spectrometry analysis, we examined protein associations involving
      nearly 5,000 individual, FLAG-HA epitope-tagged Drosophila proteins. Stringent
      analysis of these data, based on a statistical framework designed to define
      individual protein-protein interactions, led to the generation of a Drosophila
      protein interaction map (DPiM) encompassing 556 protein complexes. The high
      quality of the DPiM and its usefulness as a paradigm for metazoan proteomes are
      apparent from the recovery of many known complexes, significant enrichment for
      shared functional attributes, and validation in human cells. The DPiM defines
      potential novel members for several important protein complexes and assigns
      functional links to 586 protein-coding genes lacking previous experimental
      annotation. The DPiM represents, to our knowledge, the largest metazoan protein
      complex map and provides a valuable resource for analysis of protein complex
      evolution.

PMID- 22036575
TI  - Prefrontal activation patterns of automatic and regulated approach-avoidance
      reactions - a functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The present pilot study investigated cortical processes during
      automatic and regulated approach-avoidance reactions for the first time. METHODS
      1: In 15 healthy volunteers, prefrontal activity was measured with functional
      near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) during performance of a joystick version of
      the Approach-Avoidance Task (AAT). In experiment 1, participants approached
      (pulled towards their body) and avoided (pushed away from their body) positive
      and negative pictures. RESULTS 1: Incompatible, regulated reactions (avoid
      positive, approach negative) compared to compatible, automatic reactions
      (approach positive, avoid negative) caused stronger activation in terms of a
      decrease of deoxygenated haemoglobin (HHb) in right dorsolateral prefrontal
      cortex (DLPFC) (i.e., in one of the main instances for behavioural control in
      humans). METHODS 2: In the context of pathologically enhanced approach tendencies
      in addiction disorders and of planned future studies, we presented alcohol and
      non-alcohol pictures in experiment 2. RESULTS 2: Here, left anterior lateral
      orbitofrontal cortex as part of the general reward system processing secondary
      rewards showed stronger activation in terms of increased oxygenated haemoglobin
      (O(2)Hb) during approaching compared to avoiding alcohol pictures. This
      difference was positively correlated with participants' expectation about
      beneficial effects of alcohol in terms of emotional regulation. DISCUSSION:
      Despite some limitations due to the pilot character of the study, our results
      suggest that further combinations of the AAT and functional imaging methods will
      reveal detailed insight into neuronal mechanisms constituting approach-avoidance
      as basic behavioural principles and into specifically altered sub-processes in
      alcohol dependence.

PMID- 22036576
TI  - Dermatologist response rates to a mailed questionnaire: a randomized trial of
      monetary incentives.

PMID- 22036577
TI  - Where is the international variation in the protection of the public? Commentary
      on Cutcliffe and Forster (2010).

PMID- 22036578
TI  - Family caregivers' decision process to institutionalize persons with Parkinson's
      disease: a grounded theory study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Parkinson's disease is a degenerative neurological disorder affecting
      millions. Treatment priorities focus on delaying its progression and resulting
      disability, and helping individuals continue to live at home as long as possible.
      This often requires long-term assistance by family caregivers. AIMS: The purpose
      of the study was to understand (1) family caregivers' experiences in caring for a
      relative with Parkinson's disease, and (2) factors that influenced the decision
      to place the relative in a long-term care facility. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty semi
      structured interviews were conducted with adult family members (17 female, 3
      male) acting as full-time primary caregivers for a relative with Parkinson's
      disease. METHOD: Grounded theory was used to explore the process of healthcare
      decision-making and to illustrate the experiences of caring for persons with
      Parkinson's disease. The interview questions centered on family caregiving
      experiences and on how these caregivers made long-term care decisions on behalf
      of their loved ones. Data were coded and analyzed using dimensional analysis.
      FINDINGS: The caregiving model developed from the data illustrated that
      heightened caregiver strain-a risk factor for institutionalization-results from
      increased caregiving load and increased illness severity over time. Safety
      concerns, falls with severe injury, managing changes in health, and depleted
      support also influenced the decision to institutionalize the relative with
      Parkinson's disease. CONCLUSIONS: Implications from this research suggest the
      need for enhanced communication between providers and caregivers, formalized
      caregiver assessments, improved care coordination and family-centered
      interventions to avoid premature institutionalization.

PMID- 22036579
TI  - Synaptotagmin 1 causes phosphatidyl inositol lipid-dependent actin remodeling in
      cultured non-neuronal and neuronal cells.
AB  - Here we demonstrate that a dramatic actin polymerizing activity caused by ectopic
      expression of the synaptic vesicle protein synaptotagmin 1 that results in
      extensive filopodia formation is due to the presence of a lysine rich sequence
      motif immediately at the cytoplasmic side of the transmembrane domain of the
      protein. This polybasic sequence interacts with anionic phospholipids in vitro,
      and, consequently, the actin remodeling caused by this sequence is interfered
      with by expression of a phosphatidyl inositol (4,5)-bisphosphate (PIP2)-targeted
      phosphatase, suggesting that it intervenes with the function of PIP2-binding
      actin control proteins. The activity drastically alters the behavior of a range
      of cultured cells including the neuroblastoma cell line SH-SY5Y and primary
      cortical mouse neurons, and, since the sequence is conserved also in
      synaptotagmin 2, it may reflect an important fine-tuning role for these two
      proteins during synaptic vesicle fusion and neurotransmitter release.

PMID- 22036580
TI  - The effect of lumbosacral manipulation on corticospinal and spinal reflex
      excitability on asymptomatic participants.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to examine the effects of a high-velocity,
      low-amplitude (HVLA) manipulation to the lumbosacral joint on corticospinal
      excitability, as measured by motor evoked potentials (MEPs) using transcranial
      magnetic stimulation, and spinal reflex excitability, as measured by the Hoffman
      reflex (H-reflex). METHODS: In a randomized, controlled, crossover design, 14
      asymptomatic volunteers (mean age, 23 +/- 5.4 years; 10 men; 4 women) were
      measured for MEPs and H-reflexes immediately before and after a randomly
      allocated intervention. The interventions consisted of HVLA applied bilaterally
      to the lumbosacral joint and a control intervention. Participants returned a week
      later, and the same procedures were performed using the other intervention. Data
      for H-reflex and MEP amplitudes were normalized to the M-wave maximum amplitude
      and analyzed using 2-way analysis of variance with repeated measures. RESULTS: A
      significant interaction of treatment by time was found for MEP (F(1,13) = 4.87, P
      = .04), and post hoc analyses showed that the MEP/M-wave maximum ratio decreased
      significantly in the HVLA treatment (P = .02; effect size, 0.68). For H-reflex,
      there was a significant effect of time (F(1,13) = 8.186, P = .01) and treatment
      and time interaction (F(1,13) = 9.05, P = .01), with post hoc analyses showing
      that H-reflexes were significantly reduced after the HVLA manipulation (P = .004;
      effect size, 0.94). There were no significant changes in MEP latency or silent
      period duration. CONCLUSION: An HVLA manipulation applied to the lumbosacral
      joint produced a significant decrease in corticospinal and spinal reflex
      excitability, and no significant change occurred after the control intervention.
      The changes in H-reflexes were larger than those in MEPs, suggesting a greater
      degree of inhibition at the level of the spinal cord.

PMID- 22036581
TI  - Evaluation of biologic meshes in a porcine model of ventral incisional hernia
      repair.

PMID- 22036583
TI  - Antivenom use for copperhead envenomations.

PMID- 22036587
TI  - Alphabetic letter identification: effects of perceivability, similarity, and
      bias.
AB  - The legibility of the letters in the Latin alphabet has been measured numerous
      times since the beginning of experimental psychology. To identify the theoretical
      mechanisms attributed to letter identification, we report a comprehensive review
      of literature, spanning more than a century. This review revealed that
      identification accuracy has frequently been attributed to a subset of three
      common sources: perceivability, bias, and similarity. However, simultaneous
      estimates of these values have rarely (if ever) been performed. We present the
      results of two new experiments which allow for the simultaneous estimation of
      these factors, and examine how the shape of a visual mask impacts each of them,
      as inferred through a new statistical model. Results showed that the shape and
      identity of the mask impacted the inferred perceivability, bias, and similarity
      space of a letter set, but that there were aspects of similarity that were robust
      to the choice of mask. The results illustrate how the psychological concepts of
      perceivability, bias, and similarity can be estimated simultaneously, and how
      each make powerful contributions to visual letter identification.

PMID- 22036586
TI  - A unified model of mammalian BCL-2 protein family interactions at the
      mitochondria.
AB  - During apoptosis, the BCL-2 protein family controls mitochondrial outer membrane
      permeabilization (MOMP), but the dynamics of this regulation remain
      controversial. We employed chimeric proteins composed of exogenous BH3 domains
      inserted into a tBID backbone that can activate the proapoptotic effectors BAX
      and BAK to permeabilize membranes without being universally sequestered by all
      antiapoptotic BCL-2 proteins. We thus identified two "modes" whereby prosurvival
      BCL-2 proteins can block MOMP, by sequestering direct-activator BH3-only proteins
      ("MODE 1") or by binding active BAX and BAK ("MODE 2"). Notably, we found that
      MODE 1 sequestration is less efficient and more easily derepressed to promote
      MOMP than MODE 2. Further, MODE 2 sequestration prevents mitochondrial fusion. We
      provide a unified model of BCL-2 family function that helps to explain otherwise
      paradoxical observations relating to MOMP, apoptosis, and mitochondrial dynamics.

PMID- 22036588
TI  - Fearful expressions enhance recognition memory: electrophysiological evidence.
AB  - Facial expressions play a key role in affective and social behavior. However, the
      temporal dynamics of the brain responses to emotional faces remain still unclear,
      in particular an open question is at what stage of face processing expressions
      might influence encoding and recognition memory. To try and answer this question
      we recorded the event-related potentials (ERPs) elicited in an old/new
      recognition task. A novel aspect of the present design was that whereas faces
      were presented during the study phase with either a happy, fearful or neutral
      expression, they were always neutral during the memory retrieval task. The ERP
      results showed three main findings: An enhanced early fronto-central positivity
      for faces encoded as fearful, both during the study and the retrieval phase.
      During encoding subsequent memory (Dm effect) was influenced by emotion. At
      retrieval the early components P100 and N170 were modulated by the emotional
      expression of the face at the encoding phase. Finally, the later ERP components
      related to recognition memory were modulated by the previously encoded facial
      expressions. Overall, these results suggest that face recognition is modulated by
      top-down influences from brain areas associated with emotional memory, enhancing
      encoding and retrieval in particular for fearful emotional expressions.

PMID- 22036589
TI  - Finite element analysis of bonded model Class I 'restorations' after shrinkage.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The C-Factor has been used widely to rationalize the changes in
      shrinkage stress occurring at the tooth/resin-composite interfaces.
      Experimentally, such stresses have been measured in a uniaxial direction between
      opposed parallel walls. The situation of adjoining cavity walls has been
      neglected. The aim was to investigate the hypothesis that: within stylized model
      rectangular cavities of constant volume and wall thickness, the interfacial
      shrinkage-stress at the adjoining cavity walls increases steadily as the C-Factor
      increases. METHODS: Eight 3D-FEM restored Class I 'rectangular cavity' models
      were created by MSC.PATRAN/MSC.Marc, r2-2005 and subjected to 1% of shrinkage,
      while maintaining constant both the volume (20 mm(3)) and the wall thickness (2
      mm), but varying the C-Factor (1.9-13.5). An adhesive contact between the
      composite and the teeth was incorporated. Polymerization shrinkage was simulated
      by analogy with thermal contraction. Principal stresses and strains were
      calculated. Peak values of maximum principal (MP) and maximum shear (MS) stresses
      from the different walls were displayed graphically as a function of C-Factor.
      The stress-peak association with C-Factor was evaluated by the Pearson
      correlation between the stress peak and the C-Factor. RESULTS: The hypothesis was
      rejected: there was no clear increase of stress-peaks with C-Factor. The stress
      peaks particularly expressed as MP and MS varied only slightly with increasing C
      Factor. Lower stress-peaks were present at the pulpal floor in comparison to the
      stress at the axial walls. In general, MP and MS were similar when the axial wall
      dimensions were similar. The Pearson coefficient only expressed associations for
      the maximum principal stress at the ZX wall and the Z axis. SIGNIFICANCE:
      Increase of the C-Factor did not lead to increase of the calculated stress-peaks
      in model rectangular Class I cavity walls.

PMID- 22036590
TI  - Repair of silorane composite--using the same substrate or a methacrylate-based
      composite?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to analyze the shear bond strength of aged silorane
      composite repaired with the same substrate or a conventional methacrylate-based
      composite after different mechanical and adhesive surface treatments. METHODS:
      Silorane composite specimens were aged by thermal cycling (5000 cycles, 5-55 
      degrees C) and randomly assigned to different surface treatments (each group
      n=16): diamond bur abrasion, aluminum oxide sandblasting, silica coating, or
      hydrofluoric acid etching. Then, an adhesive system corresponding to the repair
      composite or a combination of silane agent and the respective adhesive was
      applied. Silorane composite or a nanofiller composite were adhered onto the
      conditioned surfaces. In the control group (n=16), silorane composite was adhered
      to fresh substrate (incremental build up). After further thermal cycling, shear
      bond strength was tested and failure modes were assessed. Data were analyzed by
      ANOVA/post hoc tests, Weibull statistics and Chi(2)-test (p<=0.05). RESULTS:
      Incremental shear bond strength (control group: 21.0+/-10.5 MPa) was achieved by
      all groups except those etched with hydrofluoric acid or samples abraded with
      diamond bur and repaired with the nanofiller composite without silane
      application. Generally, the application of the silane agent improved repair bond
      strength of the nanofiller but not of the silorane composite. Cohesive failure
      was observed more frequently than adhesive failure when the silane agent was
      applied or when silorane composite was used for repair. SIGNIFICANCE: Silorane
      composite can be repaired with either the same substrate or a methacrylate-based
      nanofiller composite but requires mechanical surface treatment and--in case of
      the methacrylate-based composite--silanization prior to adhesive application.

PMID- 22036591
TI  - Maternal risk factors for preterm birth: a country-based population analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to identify maternal risk factors for
      spontaneous preterm birth (PTB) compared to delivery at term, in order to
      recognize high risk women and to provide a global overview of the Italian
      situation. STUDY DESIGN: A multicenter, observational and retrospective, cross
      sectional study was designed. The study population comprised 7634 women recruited
      in 9 different University Maternity Hospitals in Italy. The main criteria for
      inclusion were: women having had vaginal preterm or term spontaneous delivery in
      each participating centre during the study period. The records related to
      deliveries occurring between April and December 2008. A multivariable logistic
      regression was employed to identify independent predictors of spontaneous preterm
      birth. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were reported with
      two-tailed probability (p) values. Statistical calculations were carried out
      using SAS version 9.1. A two-tailed p-value of 0.05 was used to define
      statistical significant results. RESULTS: A significant increased risk of PTB was
      found in women with BMI>25 (OR=1.662; 95% CI=1.033-2.676; p-value=0.0365) and in
      women employed in heavy work (OR=1.947; 95% CI=1.182-3.207; p-value=0.0089).
      Moreover there was a significant association between PTB and previous
      reproductive history. In fact a history of previous abortion (OR=1.954; 95%
      CI=1.162-3.285; p-value=0.0116) or previous cesarean section (OR=2.904; 95%
      CI=1.066-7.910; p-value=0.0371) was positively correlated to the increased risk
      of PTB and an important statistically significant association was calculated
      between PTB and previous pre-term delivery (OR=3.412; 95% CI=1.342-8.676; p
      value=0.0099). All the other covariates examined as potential risk factors for
      PTB were not found to be statistically significantly related (p-value>0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: The present study, applied to a substantial sample of Italian
      population, demonstrates that there are peculiar risk factors for spontaneous PTB
      in the Italian population examined. It shows an association between preterm
      delivery and certain maternal factors as: BMI, employment, previous abortions,
      previous PTBs and previous cesarean section.

PMID- 22036592
TI  - Utility of chemical shift and diffusion-weighted imaging in characterization of
      hyperattenuating adrenal lesions at 3.0T.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to evaluate the value of chemical shift
      imaging (CSI) and diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) at 3.0 T MRI in adrenal
      hyperattenuating lesions. METHODS: Fifty-one hyperattenuating adrenal lesions in
      40 patients were evaluated. Signal intensity index (SII), adrenal to spleen ratio
      (ASR) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) were used as quantitative analysis
      parameters. RESULTS: The mean SII, ASR and ADC values were: benign
      pheochromocytomas (n=22), 7.04%; 0.96, 1.15*10(-3) mm(2)/s; lipid-poor adenomas
      (n=18), 33.77%, 0.71, 1.07*10(-3) mm(2)/s; malignant tumors (n=7), 11.24%; 1.00;
      0.92*10(-3) mm(2)/s. There were significant differences between the lipid-poor
      adenomas and nonadenomas for SII and ASR, and there were significant differences
      between the benign and the malignant tumor ADC values. The optimal diagnostic
      threshold point of SII and ASR for lipid-poor adenomas was 11.96%, 0.83, the
      sensitivity and specificity were 88.9%, 97.5% and 97%, 83.3%. The optimal
      diagnostic threshold point of ADC value for benign lesions and malignant tumors
      was 1.04*10(-3) mm(2)/s, the sensitivity and specificity were 61.4% and 85.7%.
      CONCLUSION: Quantitative analysis of chemical shift MRI and DWI can help to
      characterize the hyperattenuating adrenal lesions, especially in
      differentiatiation between the lipid-poor adenomas, the benign pheochromocytomas,
      and the malignant tumors.

PMID- 22036593
TI  - [Treating COPD in chronic patients in a primary-care setting].
AB  - The aging of the populations in Western countries entails an increase in chronic
      diseases, which becomes evident with the triad of age, comorbidities and
      polymedication. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease represents one of the most
      important causes of morbidity and mortality, with a prevalence in Spain of 10.2%
      in the population aged 40 to 80. In recent years, it has come to be defined not
      only as an obstructive pulmonary disease, but also as a systemic disease. Some
      aspects stand out in its management: smoking, the main risk factor, even though
      avoidable, is an important health problem; very important levels of
      underdiagnosis and little diagnostic accuracy, with inadequate use of spirometry;
      chronic patient profile; exacerbations that affect survival and cause repeated
      hospitalizations; mobilization of numerous health-care resources; need to propose
      integral care (health-care education, rehabilitation, promotion of self-care and
      patient involvement in decision-making).

PMID- 22036594
TI  - HPLC-MS method for the simultaneous quantification of the antileukemia drugs
      imatinib, dasatinib and nilotinib in human peripheral blood mononuclear cell
      (PBMC).
AB  - A new method using high performance liquid chromatography coupled with
      electrospray mass spectrometry is described for the quantification of PBMC
      concentration of tyrosine kinase inhibitors imatinib, dasatinib and nilotinib. A
      simple PBMC isolation and extraction procedure were applied on 10-14 mL of blood
      aliquots. Chromatographic separation of drugs and Internal Standard (quinoxaline)
      was achieved with a gradient (acetonitrile and water+formic acid 0.05%) on a C18
      reverse phase analytical column with 25 min of analytical run, at flow rate of
      0.25 mL/min. Mean intra- and inter-day precision for all compounds were 8.76 and
      12.20%; mean accuracy was -3.86%; extraction recovery ranged within 79 and 91%.
      Calibration curves ranged from 50.0 to 0.25 ng. The limit of quantification was
      set at 0.25 ng for all the analyzed drugs. This novel developed methodology
      allows a specific, sensitive and reliable simultaneous intracellular
      determination of the three tyrosine kinase inhibitors imatinib, dasatinib and
      nilotinib in a single chromatographic run, useful for drugs estimation in PBMC of
      patients affected by chronic myeloid leukemia.

PMID- 22036595
TI  - Analysis of clinical samples for early detection of classical swine fever during
      infection with low, moderate, and highly virulent strains in relation to the
      onset of clinical signs.
AB  - Classical swine fever (CSF) is a transboundary viral disease affecting swine. The
      clinical course of disease and the best diagnostic samples for early detection
      were examined using low, moderate, and highly virulent strains of CSFV inoculated
      into 8-12 week old domestic pigs. Clinical signs were monitored and recorded.
      Nasal swabs, tonsil scrapings, blood and tonsils were tested using virus
      isolation, immunohistochemistry, and real-time reverse transcriptase PCR (rRT
      PCR).Severe clinical signs appear 3 days post infection (dpi) with the highly
      virulent strain, correlating with positive tonsil scrapings, tonsil and blood by
      virus isolation and rRT-PCR (83-100%), whereas nasal swabs become comparable by
      5dpi (89-100%). The moderate strain caused less severe clinical signs between 5
      and 7dpi, with tonsil scrapings, tonsil and blood positive by 7dpi (83-100%), and
      nasal swabs were comparable at 10dpi (67-90%). The low virulent strain showed
      mild clinical signs at 7dpi, with blood, tonsil and tonsil scrapings positive by
      virus isolation and rRT-PCR. Except for one sample at 10dpi, nasal swabs remained
      negative throughout the course of infection. This study indicates that
      irrespective of virulence, whole blood and tonsil scrapings are the sample of
      choice for early detection of CSFV in live pigs.

PMID- 22036596
TI  - Efficient generation and rapid isolation via stoplight recombination of Herpes
      simplex viruses expressing model antigenic and immunological epitopes.
AB  - Generation and isolation of recombinant herpesviruses by traditional homologous
      recombination methods can be a tedious, time-consuming process. Therefore, a
      novel stoplight recombination selection method was developed that facilitated
      rapid identification and purification of recombinant viruses expressing fusions
      of immunological epitopes with EGFP. This "traffic-light" approach provided a
      visual indication of the presence and purity of recombinant HSV-1 isolates by
      producing three identifying signals: (1) red fluorescence indicates non
      recombinant viruses that should be avoided; (2) yellow fluorescence indicates
      cells co-infected with non-recombinant and recombinant viruses that are chosen
      with caution; (3) green fluorescence indicates pure recombinant isolates and to
      proceed with preparation of viral stocks. Adaptability of this system was
      demonstrated by creating three recombinant viruses that expressed model
      immunological epitopes. Diagnostic PCR established that the fluorescent stoplight
      indicators were effective at differentiating between the presence of background
      virus contamination and pure recombinant viruses specifying immunological
      epitopes. This enabled isolation of pure recombinant viral stocks that exhibited
      wildtype-like viral replication and cell-to-cell spread following three rounds of
      plaque purification. Expression of specific immunological epitopes was confirmed
      by western analysis, and the utility of these viruses for examining host immune
      responses to HSV-1 was determined by a functional T cell assay.

PMID- 22036597
TI  - Mutations in familial nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy might be associated with
      distinct neurological phenotypes.
AB  - Autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy (ADNFLE) is a rare familial
      seizure disorder caused by mutations in at least two different subunit genes of
      the neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR), CHRNA4 and CHRNB2. ADNFLE
      was initially described as a "pure" seizure disorder with a mostly benign course.
      We have analysed the clinical features of 19 ADNFLE families from 12 countries
      with a total of 150 patients and grouped them with respect to their nAChR
      mutations. These data suggest that certain nAChR mutations might be associated
      with an increased risk for major neurological symptoms such as mental
      retardation, schizophrenia-like symptoms or marked cognitive deficits, but the
      risk for these disorders seems to be low for most other ADNFLE mutations. The
      functional data confirm that the mutations differ from each other with respect to
      the size of their gain-of function effects and other biopharmacological
      characteristics although these functional changes are not predictive for the
      severity of the clinical phenotype.

PMID- 22036598
TI  - Age and gender differences in linkages of sleep with subsequent mortality and
      health among very old Chinese.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Studies suggest that sleep quality and duration are significantly
      associated with mortality risk and health conditions, yet such studies are seldom
      conducted among very old adults. The objective of this study was to examine
      associations between self-reported sleep quality/duration and subsequent
      mortality/health among very old adults in China. A second objective determines
      whether these associations vary by age and gender. METHODS: This study used data
      of the 2005 and 2008 waves from a large, representative survey with a total of
      12,671 individuals in 22 provinces in mainland China, in which 3158 respondents
      were aged 90-99 and 2293 were centenarians. Two self-reported questions about
      sleep quality and duration were examined while adjusting for numerous socio
      demographic, family/social support, health practices, and baseline health
      factors. RESULTS: Hazard regressions showed that, when demographic factors are
      controlled for, Chinese elders who report poor and fair quality of sleep have 26%
      and 10% higher risk of death over the next three years compared to those with
      good sleep quality; those who sleep either 6h or less or 10h or more per day have
      an 18-22% higher mortality risk as compared to those who sleep 8h per day. The
      increased mortality risks of poorer sleep and too short or too long sleep
      duration are larger in men than in women and more robust in the oldest-old than
      in young elders. Logistic regressions show that poor sleep and daily sleep
      durations of 5h or less or 10h or more are also associated with worse health
      three years later. CONCLUSIONS: Poorer sleep quality and too short or too long
      sleep duration are associated with higher subsequent mortality risk and lower
      odds of being in a healthy state among very old Chinese.

PMID- 22036599
TI  - Lacrimal surgery in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

PMID- 22036600
TI  - Familial aggregation of narcolepsy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the familial aggregation of narcolepsy from perspectives
      of clinical symptomatology, polysomnographic data, and human leukocyte antigen
      (HLA) typing. METHODS: This was a Family study at the University-affiliated
      hospital. The participants were narcolepsy probands and their first degree
      relatives, and, also, age and sex matched unrelated healthy controls.
      Interventions were not applicable. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: All study subjects
      underwent structured interviews, overnight polysomnography followed by a multiple
      sleep latency test (MSLT), and HLA typing. Altogether, 33 probands and 81 first
      degree relatives (response rate 65%) were recruited. Among the relatives, 12.3%
      were diagnosed with narcolepsy and 39.5% had narcolepsy spectrum as defined by
      unexplained abnormal MSLT (shortened MSL and SOREMP) results. The relative risk
      of narcolepsy in first degree relatives was 361.8. Familial aggregation of
      narcolepsy symptoms, excessive daytime sleepiness, HLA status, abnormal MSLT, and
      nocturnal polysomnographic findings were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The familial risk
      of narcolepsy among first degree relatives is much higher than previously
      reported. There exists a spectrum of narcolepsy features among relatives, ranging
      from full clinical tetrads to asymptomatic abnormal MSLT findings.

PMID- 22036601
TI  - Sleep duration and emerging cardiometabolic risk markers in adolescents. The
      AFINOS study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the associations between sleep duration and emerging
      inflammatory and endothelial function risk factors in adolescents. METHODS: This
      study included a total of 183 (88 girls) adolescents, aged 13-17 years, without
      diagnosed sleep-related disorders. White blood cell counts, C-reactive protein
      (CRP), complement factors 3 and 4, interleukin-6, adiponectin, leptin, inter
      cellular adhesion molecule 1, vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, E-selectin, l
      selectin, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 were measured. Sleep duration and
      sleep-related disorders were obtained by self-report and moderate-to-vigorous
      physical activity (MVPA) was objectively measured by accelerometer. Body mass
      index (BMI) was calculated from measured height and weight. RESULTS: A
      significant inverse association between sleep duration and CRP (beta=-0.17,
      P=0.024) existed only after controlling for sex, age, and pubertal status. The
      results did not change when MVPA was included into the model. However, the
      association of sleep duration with CRP was slightly attenuated when BMI was
      included in the model, though it remained significant (beta=-0.15, P=0.044).
      CONCLUSION: Short sleep duration during adolescence might play an important and
      independent role in cardiovascular and metabolic diseases through CRP.

PMID- 22036602
TI  - Hierarchy of insomnia criteria based on daytime consequences.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To explore how insomnia symptoms are hierarchically organized in
      individuals reporting daytime consequences of their sleep disturbances. METHODS:
      This is a cross-sectional study conducted in the general population of the states
      of California, New York, and Texas. The sample included 8937 individuals aged 18
      years or older representative of the general population. Telephone interviews on
      sleep habits and disorders were managed with the Sleep-EVAL expert system and
      using DSM-IV and ICSD classifications. Insomnia symptoms and global sleep
      dissatisfaction (GSD) had to occur at least three times per week for at least
      three months. RESULTS: A total of 26.2% of the sample had a GSD. Individuals with
      GSD reported at least one insomnia symptom in 73.1% of the cases. The presence of
      GSD in addition to insomnia symptoms considerably increased the proportion of
      individuals with daytime consequences related to insomnia. In the classification
      trees performed, GSD arrived as the first predictor for daytime consequences
      related to insomnia. The second predictor was nonrestorative sleep followed by
      difficulty resuming sleep and difficulty initiating sleep. CONCLUSIONS:
      Classification trees are a useful way to hierarchically organize symptoms and to
      help diagnostic classifications. In this study, GSD was found to be the foremost
      symptom in identifying individuals with daytime consequences related to insomnia.

PMID- 22036603
TI  - A new means of assessing the quality of life of patients with obstructive sleep
      apnea: the MOSAS questionnaire.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The nightly use of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)
      increases the quality of life of patients affected by obstructive sleep apnea
      syndrome (OSAS). The aim of this study was to develop and validate a
      questionnaire to assess the psychological and physical impact of OSAS and
      adherence to the CPAP device. METHODS: Ninety-six patients underwent a
      polygraphic examination to establish a diagnosis of OSAS. They attended
      educational sessions concerning CPAP and completed the Maugeri Obstructive Sleep
      Apnea Syndrome (MOSAS) questionnaire before the adaptation phase to the device
      and after six months, when the number of hours of CPAP use was documented.
      RESULTS: Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis of MOSAS section A revealed
      two factors with good internal consistency: "Sleep Apnea Psychological Impact"
      (alpha=0.77) and "Sleep Apnea Physical Impact" (alpha=0.75). Structural equation
      modeling confirmed the goodness of fit of the structure to the observed
      (RMSEA=0.034; GFI=0.95; AGFI=0.92; and CFI=0.96). MOSAS section B, which assesses
      the "discomfort and nuisance of CPAP," is mono-factorial with good internal
      consistency (alpha=0.663). The Psychological Impact factor positively correlated
      with the anxiety (r=0.44) and depression scores (r=0.49) and the physical impact
      factor positively correlated with daytime sleepiness (r=0.65). The discomfort and
      nuisance of CPAP negatively correlated with recorded CPAP use after six months
      (r=-0.52). CONCLUSIONS: The statistical quality of MOSAS is good, and it can be
      used to assess the psychological and physical impact of OSAS and subjective
      adherence to a CPAP device.

PMID- 22036604
TI  - Patterns in pharyngeal airflow associated with sleep-disordered breathing.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To establish the feasibility of a noninvasive method to identify
      pharyngeal airflow characteristics in sleep-disordered breathing. METHODS: Four
      patients with sleep-disordered breathing who underwent surgery or used positive
      airway pressure devices and four normal healthy controls were studied. Three
      dimensional CT imaging and computational fluid dynamics modeling with standard
      steady-state numerical formulation were used to characterize pharyngeal airflow
      behavior in normals and pre-and post-treatment in patients. Dynamic flow
      simulations using an unsteady approach were performed in one patient. RESULTS:
      The pre-treatment pharyngeal airway below the minimum cross-sectional area
      obstruction site showed airflow separation. This generated recirculation airflow
      regions and enhanced turbulence zones where vortices developed. This interaction
      induced large fluctuations in airflow variables and increased aerodynamic forces
      acting on the pharyngeal wall. At post-treatment, for the same volumetric flow
      rate, airflow field instabilities vanished and airflow characteristics improved.
      Mean maximum airflow velocity during inspiration reduced from 18.3+/-5.7 m/s pre
      treatment to 6.3+/-4.5 m/s post-treatment (P=0.002), leading to a reduction in
      maximum wall shear stress from 4.8+/-1.7 Pa pre-treatment to 0.9+/-1.0 Pa post
      treatment (P=0.01). The airway resistance improved from 4.3+/-1.4 Pa/L/min at pre
      treatment to 0.7+/-0.7 Pa/L/min at post-treatment (P=0.004). Post-treatment
      airflow characteristics were not different from normal controls (all P >= 0.39).
      CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that pharyngeal airflow variables may be
      derived from CT imaging and computational fluid dynamics modeling, resulting in
      high quality visualizations of airflow characteristics of axial velocity, static
      pressure, and wall shear stress in sleep-disordered breathing.

PMID- 22036605
TI  - Effects of intranasal hypocretin-1 (orexin A) on sleep in narcolepsy with
      cataplexy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The neuropeptides hypocretin-1 and -2 (hcrt-1 and -2, also known as
      orexin A and B) are crucially involved in the regulation of sleep/wake states. On
      the one hand, the sleep-wake disorder narcolepsy can be caused by an hcrt-1
      deficiency. On the other, intracerebral administration of hcrt-1 produces an
      increase in wakefulness at the expense of REM sleep in normal and narcoleptic
      animals. In humans intranasal administration has been shown to effectively
      deliver neuropeptides directly to the central nervous system. We hypothesised
      that the intranasal application of hcrt-1 increases wakefulness and reduces REM
      sleep in the natural human hcrt-1 deficiency narcolepsy with cataplexy. METHODS:
      In this double-blind, random-order crossover, placebo-controlled, within-subject
      design study we administered human recombinant hcrt-1 (435 nmol) intranasally to
      eight subjects with narcolepsy with cataplexy before night sleep, followed by
      standard polysomnography. RESULTS: Although intranasal administration of hcrt-1
      had no statistically significant effect on nocturnal wakefulness, we found that
      it reduced REM sleep quantity, particularly during the second half of the
      recording. Furthermore, intranasal hcrt-1 had a clear REM sleep stabilising
      effect and led to significantly reduced direct wake to REM transitions.
      CONCLUSION: In this pilot study we found, first, evidence that the intranasal
      administration of hcrt-1 has functional effects on sleep in narcolepsy with
      cataplexy. Our results may encourage the use of the intranasal approach in
      further studies on hypocretinergic sleep regulation and might also contribute to
      the future development of a causal treatment for narcolepsy with cataplexy.

PMID- 22036606
TI  - Evidence for complete epistasis of null mutations in murine Fanconi anemia genes
      Fanca and Fancg.
AB  - Fanconi anemia (FA) is a heritable disease characterized by bone marrow failure,
      congenital abnormalities, and cancer predisposition. The 15 identified FA genes
      operate in a molecular pathway to preserve genomic integrity. Within this pathway
      the FA core complex operates as an ubiquitin ligase that activates the complex of
      FANCD2 and FANCI to coordinate DNA repair. The FA core complex is formed by at
      least 12 proteins. However, only the FANCL subunit displays ubiquitin ligase
      activity. FANCA and FANCG are members of the FA core complex for which no other
      functions have been described than to participate in protein interactions. In
      this study we generated mice with combined null alleles for Fanca and Fancg to
      identify extended functions for these genes by characterizing the double mutant
      mice and cells. Double mutant a(-/-)/g(-/-) mice were born at near Mendelian
      frequencies without apparent developmental abnormalities. Histological analysis
      of a(-/-)/g(-/-) mice revealed a Leydig cell hyperplasia and frequent
      vacuolization of Sertoli cells in testes, while ovaries were depleted from
      developing follicles and displayed an interstitial cell hyperplasia. These
      gonadal aberrations were associated with a compromised fertility of a(-/-)/g(-/-)
      males and females. During the first year of life a(-/-)/g(-/-) did not develop
      malignancies or bone marrow failure. At the cellular level a(-/-)/g(-/-), Fanca(
      /-), and Fancg(-/-) cells proved equally compromised in DNA crosslink and
      homology-directed repair. Overall the phenotype of a(-/-)/g(-/-) double knockout
      mice and cells appeared highly similar to the phenotype of Fanca or Fancg single
      knockouts. The lack of an augmented phenotype suggest that null mutations in
      Fanca or Fancg are fully epistatic, making additional important functions outside
      of the FA core complex highly unlikely.

PMID- 22036608
TI  - Harnessing the biosynthetic capacity of marine-derived organisms.

PMID- 22036607
TI  - RAD18-BRCTx interaction is required for efficient repair of UV-induced DNA
      damage.
AB  - BRCA1 carboxyl-terminal (BRCT) motifs are present in a number of proteins
      involved in DNA repair and/or DNA damage signaling pathways. The BRCT domain
      containing protein BRCTx has been shown to interact physically with RAD18, an E3
      ligase involved in postreplication repair and homologous recombination repair.
      However, the physiological relevance of the interaction between RAD18 and BRCTx
      is largely unknown. In this study, we showed that RAD18 interacts with BRCTx in a
      phosphorylation-dependent manner and that this interaction, mediated via highly
      conserved serine residues on the RAD18 C terminus, is required for BRCTx
      accumulation at DNA damage sites. Furthermore, we uncovered critical roles of the
      RAD18-BRCTx module in UV-induced DNA damage repair but not PCNA mono
      ubiquitination or homologous recombination. Thus, our results suggest that RAD18
      has an additional function in the surveillance of the UV-induced DNA damage
      response signal.

PMID- 22036609
TI  - Acne severity grading: determining essential clinical components and features
      using a Delphi consensus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are multiple global scales for acne severity grading but no
      singular standard. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to determine the essential
      clinical components (content items) and features (property-related items) for an
      acne global grading scale for use in research and clinical practice using an
      iterative method, the Delphi process. METHODS: Ten acne experts were invited to
      participate in a Web-based Delphi survey comprising 3 iterative rounds of
      questions. RESULTS: In round 1, the experts identified the following clinical
      components (primary acne lesions, number of lesions, extent, regional
      involvement, secondary lesions, and patient experiences) and features
      (clinimetric properties, ease of use, categorization of severity based on
      photographs or text, and acceptance by all stakeholders). In round 2, consensus
      for inclusion in the scale was established for primary lesions, number, sites,
      and extent; as well as clinimetric properties and ease of use. In round 3,
      consensus for inclusion was further established for categorization and
      acceptance. Patient experiences were excluded and no consensus was achieved for
      secondary lesions. LIMITATIONS: The Delphi panel consisted solely of the United
      States (U.S.)-based acne experts. CONCLUSION: Using an established method for
      achieving consensus, experts in acne vulgaris concluded that an ideal acne global
      grading scale would comprise the essential clinical components of primary acne
      lesions, their quantity, extent, and facial and extrafacial sites of involvement;
      with features of clinimetric properties, categorization, efficiency, and
      acceptance.

PMID- 22036610
TI  - Optimal tattoo removal in a single laser session based on the method of repeated
      exposures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Unwanted tattoos are treated with Q-switched lasers. Despite a series
      of treatments, efficacy is limited. OBJECTIVE: We compared a single Q-switched
      laser treatment pass with 4 treatment passes separated by 20 minutes. METHODS:
      Eighteen tattoos on 12 adults were divided in half and randomized. One half
      received a single treatment pass (the "conventional" method) with a Q-switched
      alexandrite laser (5.5 J/cm(2), 755 nm, 100-nanosecond pulse duration, 3-mm spot
      size), and the other half received 4 treatment passes with an interval of 20
      minutes between passes (the "R20" method). Tattoo lightening was compared 3
      months later, by blinded evaluation of photographs. Biopsy specimens obtained
      before and immediately after treatment on both halves were also compared in
      blinded fashion. RESULTS: Immediate whitening reaction occurred on the first
      treatment pass, with little or no whitening on subsequent passes. Three months
      later, treatment with the R20 method was much more effective than conventional
      single-pass laser treatment (P <.01; all tattoos favored the R20 method). Despite
      greater epidermal injury with the R20 method, neither method caused adverse
      events or scarring. Light microscopy showed greater dispersion of tattoo ink with
      the R20 method. LIMITATIONS: This prospective study involved a small number of
      subjects. CONCLUSIONS: The R20 method is much more effective than conventional
      laser tattoo treatment, removing most tattoos in a single treatment session. New
      laser device technology is not required to practice this method.

PMID- 22036611
TI  - Quantitative analysis predicts the relative therapeutic efficacy of different
      forms of CTLA4Ig.
AB  - Modulating the activities of costimulatory molecules controlling immune responses
      holds considerable promise for immunotherapy. CTLA4Ig (abatacept), a soluble
      version of the T cell-expressed membrane receptor CTLA-4, is approved for the
      treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. Like natural CTLA-4 molecules, CTLA4Ig ligates
      B7-1 and B7-2 on antigen presenting cells, preventing CD28-mediated costimulation
      of T cells. However, CTLA4Ig can also prevent ligation of CTLA-4, potentially
      blocking vital inhibitory signals, thereby augmenting immunity. There have been
      no quantitative analyses of the likely effects of CTLA4Ig on costimulatory
      interactions at the immunological synapse. We present a mathematical model, based
      on rigorous biophysical and expression data, for simulating the effects of
      abatacept and a mutated derivative, LEA29Y, on the synaptic interactions of CD28
      and CTLA-4. The simulations reveal an unexpectedly large window within which
      CD28, but not CTLA-4, ligation is blocked by CTLA4Ig, perhaps explaining the
      efficacy of abatacept at the recommended therapeutic dose (10mg/kg) and its
      relative safety. However, the simulations suggest that the present dosing regimen
      is close to the maximum theoretically safe dose. The simulations also show that,
      within the therapeutic window, LEA29Y enhances the interaction of CTLA-4 with the
      more potent of its two native ligands, B7-1. They also suggest that CTLA-4
      ligation by B7-1 could, in principle, be enhanced by further decreasing the off
      rate of CTLA4Ig for binding to B7-2. Our findings therefore offer molecular
      explanations for why LEA29Y might prove to be more effective than abatacept in a
      clinical setting, and suggest ways in which its therapeutic efficacy could be
      further optimised.

PMID- 22036612
TI  - DNA methylation signatures of the AIRE promoter in thymic epithelial cells,
      thymomas and normal tissues.
AB  - Mutations in the AIRE gene cause autoimmune polyendocrinopathy candidiasis
      ectodermal dystrophy (APECED), which is associated with autoimmunity towards
      several peripheral organs. The AIRE protein is almost exclusively expressed in
      medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTEC) and CpG methylation in the promoter of
      the AIRE gene has been suggested to control its tissue-specific expression
      pattern. We found that in human AIRE-positive medullary and AIRE-negative
      cortical epithelium, the AIRE promoter is hypomethylated, whereas in thymocytes,
      the promoter had high level of CpG methylation. Likewise, in mouse mTECs the AIRE
      promoter was uniformly hypomethylated. In the same vein, the AIRE promoter was
      hypomethylated in AIRE-negative thymic epithelial tumors (thymomas) and in
      several peripheral tissues. Our data are compatible with the notion that promoter
      hypomethylation is necessary but not sufficient for tissue-specific regulation of
      the AIRE gene. In contrast, a positive correlation between AIRE expression and
      histone H3 lysine 4 trimethylation, an active chromatin mark, was found in the
      AIRE promoter in human and mouse TECs.

PMID- 22036613
TI  - Expression profiles of three types of GnRH during sex-change in the protandrous
      cinnamon clownfish, Amphiprion melanopus: Effects of exogenous GnRHs.
AB  - Gonadotropin-releasing hormones (GnRHs) play pivotal roles in the control of
      reproduction and gonadal maturation in teleost fish. Fish have multiple GnRH
      genes that encode structurally distinct peptides. We identified salmon GnRH
      (sGnRH), seabream GnRH (sbGnRH), and chicken GnRH-II (cGnRH-II) by cDNA cloning
      in cinnamon clownfish (Amphiprion melanopus) using reverse transcription-PCR (RT
      PCR) and rapid amplification of cDNA ends-PCR (RACE-PCR). Gene identity was
      confirmed by sequence alignment and subsequent phylogenetic analyses. We also
      investigated GnRH mRNA expression in the gonads by quantitative real time-PCR (Q
      PCR), and measured plasma estradiol-17beta (E(2)) levels in immature fish
      following treatment with the three molecular forms of GnRHs. The expression
      levels of sGnRH, sbGnRH, and cGnRH-II mRNA were higher in mature testes and
      ovaries, as compared to the levels in gonads at earlier stages of maturity. The
      levels of the three prepro-GnRH mRNA species and the plasma E(2) levels increased
      after injection of the three GnRH variants. These findings support the hypothesis
      that GnRH peptides play important roles in the regulation of the hypothalamic
      pituitary-gonadal axis and are probably involved in paracrine control of gonadal
      development and sex change in cinnamon clownfish.

PMID- 22036614
TI  - Pteridine, not carotenoid, pigments underlie the female-specific orange ornament
      of striped plateau lizards (Sceloporus virgatus).
AB  - Indicator models of sexual selection suggest that signal honesty is maintained
      via costs of ornament expression. Carotenoid-based visual signals are a well
      studied example, as carotenoids may be environmentally limited and impact
      signaler health. However, not all bright yellow, orange and red ornaments found
      in vertebrates are carotenoid-based; pteridine pigments may also produce these
      colors. We examine the contribution of carotenoid and pteridine pigments to the
      orange reproductive color of female striped plateau lizards (Sceloporus
      virgatus). This color ornament reliably indicates female mate quality, yet costs
      maintaining signal honesty are currently unknown. Dietary carotenoid
      manipulations did not affect orange color, and orange skin differed from
      surrounding white skin in drosopterin, not carotenoid, content. Further, orange
      color positively correlated with drosopterin, not carotenoid, concentration.
      Drosopterin-based female ornaments avoid the direct trade-offs of using
      carotenoids for ornament production vs egg production, thus may relax counter
      selection against color ornament exaggeration in females. Direct experimentation
      is needed to determine the actual costs of pteridine-based ornaments. Like
      carotenoids, pteridines influence important biological processes, including
      immune and antioxidant function; predation and social costs may also be relevant.

PMID- 22036615
TI  - Impacts of calcium signal transduction on the fermentation production of
      antitumor ganoderic acids by medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum.
AB  - Recently signal transduction engineering of secondary metabolism is receiving
      great interest as a powerful tool towards efficient production of valuable
      secondary metabolites. This work found that the calcineurin-signal transduction
      was significant to triterpene biosynthesis by higher fungus (mushroom). Addition
      of calcium ion (at 10mM) to static liquid cultures of Ganoderma lucidum, a famous
      traditional medicinal mushroom, was proved as a useful strategy to enhance the
      production of antitumor ganoderic acids (GAs), which resulted in 3.7-, 2.6-, 4.5
      , 3.2- and 3.8-fold improvement of total GAs, individual GA-Mk, -T, -S, and -Me,
      respectively. Experiments using Ca2+ sensor inhibitors indicated the involvement
      of calcineurin signal in regulating GAs biosynthesis. Quantitative gene
      transcription analysis revealed that the expression levels of genes of GAs
      biosynthesis and Ca2+ sensor were up-regulated with calcium addition while down
      regulated under the inhibitors addition, suggesting that higher GAs production
      may be resulted from higher expressions of those genes. Based on the results
      obtained, a possible model on the effect of external calcium ion on the GAs
      biosynthesis via calcineurin signal transduction pathway was proposed.

PMID- 22036616
TI  - Effect of sildenafil citrate (Viagra(r)) on trace element concentration in serum
      and brain of rats.
AB  - As a vasodilator with good hemodynamic effects, sildenafil has been successfully
      used in the treatment of patients with pulmonary hypertension and cardiovascular
      diseases. By selectively inhibiting phosphodiestrase type 5 (PDE-5) and thus
      effectively reducing the breakdown of c GMP, sildenafil administration can
      markedly improve the erectile dysfunction. Sildenafil also elevates localized
      cerebral blood flow in rat brain. The objective of the present study was to
      investigate the effect of sildenafil on the level of trace elements (Zinc (Zn),
      copper (Cu), iron (Fe), selenium (Se), cobalt (Co), and chromium (Cr)) in blood
      and brain of rats. Sixteen male albino rats weighing 180-200 g were divided into
      two groups (8 rats/group). Sildenafil (Viagra, Pfizer Inc.) was dissolved in
      saline and administered at a dose of 10mg/kg i.p. (0.5 ml volume) to rats in the
      treated group every 72 h for 12 injections. Rats in the control group were
      administered the same volume of saline as in treated group. All rats were
      sacrificed 24h after the last injection. Blood samples were collected and serum
      was separated and stored at -20 degrees C. Brains were dissected and stored
      frozen until analysis. Trace elements concentrations were determined by flame
      emission atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Results showed that sildenafil
      injection significantly (P<0.05) increased serum and brain Se and Cu
      concentrations. Moreover, sildenafil increased the Cr concentration in the brain
      tissue. It was concluded that sildenafil citrate administration increased serum
      Se and Cu as well as, increased brain Se, Cu, and Cr concentrations in rats.

PMID- 22036617
TI  - Pharmacological relationship between nicotinic and opioid systems in analgesia
      and corticosterone elevation.
AB  - AIMS: Although a pharmacological relationship is known to exist between nicotine
      and morphine, the exact mechanisms are unclear. Here, we investigated crosstalk
      between the endogenous opioid system and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors
      (nAChRs), specifically in nicotine-induced analgesia and activation of the
      hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. MAIN METHODS: Nicotine and morphine
      were administered subcutaneously to mice and the effects of these drugs on
      analgesia and serum corticosterone (SCS) levels were evaluated by the tail-pinch
      method and fluorometric assay, respectively. KEY FINDINGS: Both nicotine and
      morphine produced analgesia and SCS increase after a single injection. Nicotine
      induced analgesia was prevented by both mecamylamine (MEC; 1mg/kg) and naloxone
      (NLX; 1mg/kg), and also by repeated administration of morphine or nicotine.
      Morphine-induced analgesia was prevented by NLX, but not MEC, and by repeated
      administration of morphine, but not nicotine. Conversely, the nicotine-induced
      increase in SCS level was prevented by MEC, but not NLX. Morphine-induced SCS
      increase was prevented by NLX, but not MEC. Moreover, nicotine-induced analgesia
      was suppressed by dihydro-beta-erythroidine (DHbetaE; an antagonist for the
      alpha4beta2 nAChR) or methyllycaconitine (MLA; an antagonist for the alpha7
      nAChR). The nicotine-induced increase in SCS level was suppressed by DHbetaE, but
      not MLA. SIGNIFICANCE: Nicotine-induced analgesia may involve the endogenous
      opioid system through crosstalk with nicotinic pathways. However, the
      relationship between these systems does not extend to cooperative actions in
      nicotine-induced HPA-axis activation.

PMID- 22036618
TI  - Differential effects of systemic interleukin-1beta on gene expression in
      brainstem noradrenergic nuclei.
AB  - AIMS: The cytokine, interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), is known to produce specific
      effects on the neuroendocrine system such as suppression of the reproductive axis
      and stimulation of the stress axis. The mechanism by which IL-1beta produces
      these differential effects is not clear. Since norepinephrine (NE) is involved in
      these effects, we hypothesized that IL-1beta acts on brainstem noradrenergic
      nuclei to affect gene transcription of NE synthesizing enzymes, cytokines and
      associated transcription factors. MAIN METHODS: Adult female Sprague Dawley rats
      in proestrus were divided into two groups. Control animals received PBS-BSA and
      the treatment group received 5 MUg of rat recombinant IL-1beta i.p. at noon. They
      were sacrificed in groups at 1, 3 and 5 pm (n=6/group) for measurement of
      tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) mRNA by qPCR or at 3 pm for mRNA analysis by qPCR
      array. KEY FINDINGS: TH mRNA levels decreased gradually with time in both control
      and IL-1beta-treated rats in the ventrolateral medulla. In the nucleus of
      solitary tract, TH mRNA levels were significantly reduced by IL-1beta treatment
      at 5 pm. In the locus coeruleus, TH mRNA levels increased significantly at 5 pm
      with IL-1beta treatment compared to controls. In the second set of animals
      analyzed by qPCR array, there were several fold increases in the expression of
      certain cytokines, chemokines, and transcription factors in specific
      noradrenergic nuclei. SIGNIFICANCE: Systemic administration of IL-1beta causes
      significant changes in the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase and several
      chemokines in brain stem noradrenergic nuclei, thereby mediating its
      neuroendocrine effects.

PMID- 22036619
TI  - Comparison of the antinociceptive effects of ibuprofen arginate and ibuprofen in
      rat models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain.
AB  - AIMS: Ibuprofen arginate is a highly soluble salt formed by combining racemic
      ibuprofen with the amino acid l-arginine. This formulation is absorbed faster,
      and it is safe and effective in treating many forms of mild to moderate pain. We
      compared the analgesic effect of ibuprofen arginate and conventional ibuprofen in
      rat models of pain. MAIN METHODS: Mechanical and cold allodynia were assessed in
      the chronic constriction injury (CCI) model of neuropathic pain, and mechanical
      allodynia was also examined in capsaicin-injected rats (a model of central
      sensitization). Inflammatory hypersensitivity was assessed with the formalin
      test. Ibuprofen-l-arginine, ibuprofen, l-arginine or saline was administered
      orally on a daily basis after CCI or capsaicin injection, and the von Frey and
      cold plate tests were performed on days 1, 3 and 7 after CCI or capsaicin
      administration. In the formalin-induced inflammatory pain test, the drugs were
      administered 30 min before formalin injection. KEY FINDINGS: Ibuprofen only
      exerts an antinociceptive effect in the formalin model whereas ibuprofen-l
      arginine exerts antinociceptive effects on both mechanical and cold allodynia
      induced by CCI, mechanical allodynia induced by capsaicin injection, and in phase
      2 of the formalin test, exhibiting superior antinociceptive activity to ibuprofen
      in all these tests. l-Arginine only exerted antinociceptive effects on cold
      allodynia in CCI. SIGNIFICANCE: These results demonstrate that ibuprofen arginate
      has stronger antinociceptive effects than ibuprofen in all the models used,
      suggesting it might improve the therapeutic management of neuropathic and
      inflammatory pain.

PMID- 22036620
TI  - Metformin and phenformin block the peripheral antinociception induced by
      diclofenac and indomethacin on the formalin test.
AB  - AIMS: Recent evidence has shown that systemic administration of sulfonylureas and
      biguanides block the diclofenac-induced antinociception, but not the effect
      produced by indomethacin. However, there are no reports about the peripheral
      interaction between analgesics and the biguanides metformin and phenformin.
      Therefore, this work was undertaken to determine whether glibenclamide and
      glipizide and the biguanides metformin and phenformin have any effect on the
      peripheral antinociception induced by diclofenac and indomethacin. MAIN METHODS:
      Diclofenac and indomethacin were administered locally in the formalin-injured rat
      paw, and the antinociceptive effect was evaluated using the 1% formalin test. To
      determine whether peripheral antinociception induced by diclofenac or
      indomethacin was mediated by either the ATP-sensitive K(+) channels or biguanides
      induced mechanisms, the effect of pretreatment with the appropriates vehicles or
      glibenclamide, glipizide, metformin and phenformin on the antinociceptive effect
      induced by local peripheral diclofenac and indomethacin was assessed. KEY
      FINDINGS: Local peripheral injections of diclofenac (50-200 MUg/paw) and
      indomethacin (200-800 MUg/paw) produced a dose-dependent antinociception during
      the second phase of the test. Local pretreatment with glibenclamide, glipizide,
      metformin and phenformin blocked the diclofenac-induced antinociception. On the
      other hand, the pretreatment with glibenclamide and glipizide did not prevent the
      local antinociception produced by indomethacin. Nonetheless, metformin and
      phenformin reversed the local antinociception induced by indomethacin.
      SIGNIFICANCE: Data suggest that diclofenac could activate the K(+) channels and
      biguanides-dependent mechanisms to produce its peripheral antinociceptive effects
      in the formalin test. Likewise, a biguanides-dependent mechanism could be
      activated by indomethacin consecutively to generate its peripheral
      antinociceptive effect.

PMID- 22036621
TI  - The potential of patients' peripheral blood mononuclear cells to differentiate
      into dendritic cells after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
AB  - AIMS: Although hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is a curative
      treatment for many hematological disorders, there is persistent immunosuppression
      in both allogeneic and autologous HSCT. Dendritic cells (DCs) play key roles in
      the immune system. This study investigated whether the DC progenitor cells within
      patients' peripheral blood after HSCT have the potential to differentiate into
      DCs. MAIN METHODS: Twenty-eight patients were included in this study, and
      peripheral blood samples were basically taken before starting the conditioning
      regimen, on the day of transplantation (day 0), and on days +14, +28, +42, +70
      and +170 after transplantation. Immature DCs (iDCs) were induced from adherent
      mononuclear cells by using recombinant human granulocyte-macrophage colony
      stimulating factor plus interleukin-4. KEY FINDINGS: The iDCs expressed cell
      surface antigens such as CD40 and HLA-DR, and they had phagocytotic activity,
      thus showing the characteristics of iDCs. The induction of iDCs was possible from
      day +14 after HSCT. However, there were differences between allogeneic and
      autologous HSCT in the expression of CCR5 in iDCs at day +14 after
      transplantation. Furthermore, the up-regulation of maturation-related antigens by
      maturation stimuli was higher after HSCT compared with before HSCT. SIGNIFICANCE:
      We demonstrated that patients' peripheral blood mononuclear cells have the
      potential to differentiate into DCs beginning on day +14 after HSCT, although
      some differences exist between allogeneic and autologous HSCT and between before
      and after HSCT.

PMID- 22036622
TI  - Protective effect of heme oxygenase-1 induction against hepatic injury in
      alcoholic steatotic liver exposed to cold ischemia/reperfusion.
AB  - AIMS: The purpose of this study was to investigate the cytoprotective role of
      heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) induction in hepatic injury in alcoholic steatotic liver
      exposed to cold ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). MAIN METHODS: Animals were fed an
      ethanol liquid diet or isocaloric control diet for 5 weeks. Isolated perfused rat
      livers were preserved in Histidine-Tryptophan-Ketoglutarate at 4  degrees C.
      After 24 h of storage, livers were subjected to 120 min of reperfusion with Krebs
      Henseleit bicarbonate buffer at 37  degrees C. Animals were pretreated with
      cobalt protoporphyrin (CoPP, 5 mg/kg, i.p.) or zinc protoporphyrin (ZnPP, 25
      mg/kg, i.p.), HO-1 inducer and antagonist, respectively. KEY FINDINGS: In the
      model of ischemia/isolated perfusion, endogenous HO-1 was downregulated in the
      livers fed with ethanol diet (ED I/R). In ED I/R group, portal pressure and
      lactate dehydrogenase release were significantly increased, while bile output and
      hyaluronic acid clearance decreased compared to rats fed on control diet (CD
      I/R). Furthermore, hepatic glutathione content decreased and lipid peroxidation
      increased in the ED I/R group compared to the CD I/R group. These alterations
      were attenuated by upregulation of HO-1 with CoPP pretreatment. SIGNIFICANCE: Our
      results suggest that chronic ethanol consumption aggravates hepatic injury during
      cold I/R and it is likely due to downregulation of endogenous HO-1. Prior
      induction of HO-1 expression may provide a new strategy to protect livers against
      hepatic I/R injury or to increase the donor transplant pool through modulation of
      marginal alcoholic steatotic livers.

PMID- 22036623
TI  - Casted-immobilization downregulates glucocorticoid receptor expression in rat
      slow-twitch soleus muscle.
AB  - AIMS: Glucocorticoids bind to the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and increase
      catabolism of muscle proteins via the ubiquitin-proteasome pathway. Activation of
      beta(2)-adrenergic receptor (beta(2)-AR) in skeletal muscle has been shown to
      induce muscle hypertrophy by promoting muscle protein synthesis and/or
      attenuating protein degradation. The aim of this study was to investigate the
      correlation between disuse-induced muscle atrophy, and expression of GR and
      beta(2)-AR. METHODS: Rats were subjected to casted-immobilization (knee and foot
      arthrodesis), a model for muscle disuse, for 10 days. Fast-twitch (extensor
      digitorum longus: EDL) and slow-twitch (soleus: SOL) muscles were isolated and
      subsequently used for analysis. The expression of GR and beta(2)-AR was analyzed
      by real-time RT-PCR and western blotting. In addition, we analyzed plasma
      catecholamine and corticosterone concentrations by ELISA. KEY FINDINGS: Casted
      immobilization-induced muscle atrophy was much greater in the SOL muscle than in
      the EDL muscle. Casted-immobilization decreased the expression of GR mRNA and
      protein in the SOL muscle but not in the EDL muscle. Although the expression of
      beta(2)-AR protein in the cytosol and membrane-rich fractions was not changed by
      casted-immobilization in either muscle, casted-immobilization decreased the
      expression of beta(2)-AR mRNA in the SOL muscle. Plasma catecholamine and
      corticosterone concentrations, however, were largely unaffected by casted
      immobilization during the experimental period. SIGNIFICANCE: This study provides
      evidence that casted-immobilization-induced muscle disuse downregulates GR
      expression in slow-twitch muscle. These results suggest that muscle disuse
      suppresses glucocorticoid signals, such as muscle protein breakdown and
      transcription of the beta(2)-AR gene, via downregulation of GR expression in slow
      twitch muscle.

PMID- 22036624
TI  - Inhibitory effects of salvianolic acid B on apoptosis of Schwann cells and its
      mechanism induced by intermittent high glucose.
AB  - AIMS: To investigate protective effects of Salvianolic acid B (Sal B) on the
      intermittent high glucose (IHG)-induced oxidative stress, mitochondrial pathway
      activation and Schwann cell (SC) apoptosis in vitro. MAIN METHODS: SCs were
      primarily cultured and exposed to the different conditions. Apoptosis was
      confirmed by the Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end
      labeling (TUNEL) method and concentration of 8-hydroxy-2-deoxy Guanosine (8-OHdG)
      was detected by Elisa. Intracellular ROS generation and mitochondrial
      transmembrane potential (DeltaPsim) were detected by flow cytometry analysis.
      Quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase PCR was performed to analyze the
      expression levels of Bax and BcL-2. Western blot was performed to analyze the
      expression levels of some important transcription factors and proteins. KEY
      FINDINGS: Treatment with Sal B inhibited the IHG-induced oxidative stress by
      reducing ROS production and 8-OHdG levels, mitochondrial depolarization and
      apoptosis in SCs in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, treatment with Sal B
      down-regulated the IHG-induced release of cytochrome c, AIF nuclear translocation
      and Bax expression, but mitigated the IHG-mediated down-regulation of BcL-2
      expression in SCs. In addition, treatment with Sal B attenuated the IHG-induced
      activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3 and minimized the cleavage of PARP in SCs.
      SIGNIFICANCE: Our results indicated that IHG induced SC apoptosis in both caspase
      dependent and caspase-independent pathways by activating the mitochondrial
      pathway. Sal B inhibited the IHG-induced oxidative stress, activation of the
      mitochondrial pathway and apoptosis in SCs.

PMID- 22036625
TI  - NCX1 and NCX3: two new effectors of delayed preconditioning in brain ischemia.
AB  - Substantial evidence has established that a short sub-lethal brain ischemia
      applied before a prolonged harmful ischemic episode confers ischemic
      neuroprotection, a phenomenon named ischemic preconditioning. Na(+)/Ca(2+)
      exchanger (NCX) isoforms, NCX1, NCX2, and NCX3, are plasmamembrane ionic
      transporters widely distributed in the brain, where they are involved in the
      control of Na(+) and Ca(2+) homeostasis and in the progression of stroke damage.
      The objective of this study was to evaluate the role of these three proteins in
      the preconditioning-induced neuroprotection. NCX protein expression was evaluated
      at different time points in the ischemic temporoparietal cortex of rats subjected
      to ischemia alone, to ischemic preconditioning alone, or to ischemic
      preconditioning plus ischemia. NCX1 and NCX3 were up-regulated in those brain
      regions protected by preconditioning treatment. These changes were mediated by p
      AKT, since the p-AKT inhibition prevented the up-regulation of both isoforms. The
      relevant role of NCX1 and NCX3 during preconditioning was further confirmed when
      NCX1 and NCX3 silencing, induced by icv infusion of siRNA, partially reverted the
      preconditioning-induced neuroprotection. The enhancement of NCX1 and NCX3
      expression and activity might represent a reasonable strategy to reduce the
      infarct extension after stroke.

PMID- 22036626
TI  - HIV-1 Tat neurotoxicity: a model of acute and chronic exposure, and
      neuroprotection by gene delivery of antioxidant enzymes.
AB  - HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) is an increasingly common,
      progressive disease characterized by neuronal loss and progressively
      deteriorating CNS function. HIV-1 gene products, particularly gp120 and Tat
      elicit reactive oxygen species (ROS) that lead to oxidant injury and cause neuron
      apoptosis. Understanding of, and developing therapies for, HAND requires
      accessible models of the disease. We have devised experimental approaches to
      studying the acute and chronic effects of Tat on the CNS. We studied acute
      exposure by injecting recombinant Tat protein into the caudate-putamen (CP).
      Ongoing Tat expression, which more closely mimics HIV-1 infection of the brain,
      was studied by delivering Tat-expression over time using an SV40-derived gene
      delivery vector, SV(Tat). Both acute and chronic Tat exposure induced lipid
      peroxidation and neuronal apoptosis. Finally, prior administration of recombinant
      SV40 vectors carrying antioxidant enzymes, copper/zinc superoxide dismutase
      (SOD1) or glutathione peroxidase (GPx1), protected from Tat-induced apoptosis and
      oxidative injury. Thus, injection of recombinant HIV-1 Tat and the expression
      vector, SV(Tat), into the rat CP cause respectively acute or ongoing apoptosis
      and oxidative stress in neurons and may represent useful animal models for
      studying the pathogenesis and, potentially, treatment of HIV-1 Tat-related
      damage.

PMID- 22036627
TI  - Post-discharge follow-up of hospital-associated infections in paediatric patients
      with conventional questionnaires and electronic surveillance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Viral infections are common causes of hospital-associated infections
      (HAIs) in paediatric patients, with most of these infections only becoming
      evident after discharge. AIM: To analyse the benefits and costs of conventional
      and electronic surveillance methods for conducting HAI follow-ups. METHODS: A
      comparison was made between response rate, time required per patient and costs to
      the healthcare system of conventional and electronic surveillance methods (sms, e
      mail, telephone call). FINDINGS: Altogether 1927 patients participated in the
      conventional followed up in 2001-2003, of whom 1175 (61%) returned the
      questionnaire; during the electronic surveillance period in 2005-2007, 2309
      patients were followed-up in hospital, and 1940 of them (84%) returned the post
      discharge information to us. The time needed by HCWs was 33 min per patient in
      the conventional follow-up and 13 min in the electronic follow-up, the total
      costs per patient being ?15.07 and ?13.61 respectively. A decrease of 17.1% in
      annual expenses was achieved with the electronic follow-up. The incidence of HAI
      was 8.4% in the conventional period and 12.2% in the electronic surveillance
      period, most cases becoming symptomatic after hospitalization. CONCLUSION:
      Electronic data collection was a convenient way of implementing a continuous HAI
      follow-up, achieving both a higher participation rate and lower costs.

PMID- 22036628
TI  - Pilot study examining the association between ambulatory activity and falls among
      hospitalized older adults.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the ambulatory activity of older patients who had a
      documented fall during hospitalization for acute illness. DESIGN: A retrospective
      case-control design was used in a pilot study of patients (n=10; >=65y) who had a
      documented fall during their hospital stay and matched controls (n=25) who did
      not fall. SETTING: Acute care medical/surgical unit. PARTICIPANTS: Men and women
      65 years and older who wore a step activity monitor while hospitalized.
      INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Fall incidents during the
      hospital stay were documented by the nurse in a standardized patient safety event
      report in accordance with hospital policy. The number of steps per 24-hour
      interval, time spent walking, and total number of activity episodes were
      determined for patients and controls. RESULTS: On average +/- SD, patients who
      fell took 480.3 +/- 432.2 steps per hospital day, spent 53.8 +/- 36.9 minutes
      walking, and engaged in 25.8 +/- 16.9 episodes of activity. Mean daily steps,
      time spent walking, and number of activity episodes for patients who did not fall
      were 680.1 +/- 876.0, 50.1 +/- 58.6, and 21.6 +/- 23.8, respectively. Logistic
      regression results indicated no association between the fall outcome and mean
      daily steps (odds ratio=.95; 95% confidence interval, 0.84-1.06). CONCLUSIONS:
      Ambulatory activity among patients who fell varied widely. Mean daily steps, time
      spent walking, and number of episodes of activity were comparable with matched
      controls who did not fall. Patient falls were more likely to be associated with
      cognitive and hospital environmental factors than actual amount of walking.

PMID- 22036629
TI  - Manuscript fabrication, image manipulation and plagiarism.

PMID- 22036630
TI  - Spatial analysis of human lens aquaporin-0 post-translational modifications by
      MALDI mass spectrometry tissue profiling.
AB  - Aquaporin-0 (AQP0), the major integral membrane protein in lens fiber cells,
      becomes highly modified with increasing age. The functional consequences of these
      modifications are being revealed, and the next step is to determine how these
      modifications affect the ocular lens, which is directly related to their
      abundances and spatial distributions. The aim of this study was to utilize matrix
      assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) direct tissue profiling methods,
      which produce spatially-resolved protein profiles, to map and quantify AQP0 post
      translational modifications (PTMs). Direct tissue profiling was performed using
      frozen, equatorial human lens sections of various ages prepared by conditions
      optimized for MALDI mass spectrometry profiling of membrane proteins. Modified
      forms of AQP0 were identified and further investigated using liquid
      chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The distributions of
      unmodified, truncated, and oleoylated forms of AQP0 were examined with a maximum
      spatial resolution of 500 MUm. Direct tissue profiling of intact human lens
      sections provided high quality, spatially-resolved, relative quantitative
      information of AQP0 and its modified forms indicating that 50% of AQP0 is
      truncated at a fiber cell age of 24 +/- 1 year in all lenses examined.
      Furthermore, direct tissue profiling also revealed previously unidentified AQP0
      modifications including N-terminal acetylation and carbamylation. N-terminal
      acetylation appears to provide a protective effect against N-terminal truncation.

PMID- 22036631
TI  - Open-angle glaucoma and the risk of erectile dysfunction: a population-based case
      control study.
AB  - PURPOSE: Open-angle glaucoma (OAG) is associated with systemic metabolic and
      cardiovascular disorders, and both share common risk factors with erectile
      dysfunction (ED). However, few studies have investigated the association of ED
      with OAG. This study aimed to estimate the association of ED with prior OAG by
      using a nationwide, population-based data with a retrospective case-control
      cohort design in Taiwan. DESIGN: Age-matched case-control study. PARTICIPANTS AND
      CONTROLS: We identified 4605 patients with ED as the cases and randomly selected
      23 025 subjects as the controls (5 controls to 1 case). METHODS: We used
      conditional logistic regression analysis to estimate the odds ratio and 95%
      confidence interval of having previously been diagnosed with OAG according to the
      presence/absence of ED after adjusting for patient's monthly income, geographical
      location, hypertension, diabetes, coronary heart disease, hyperlipidemia,
      obesity, and alcohol abuse. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We identified OAG cases not
      only based on an International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision,
      Clinical Modification code, but also by the prescription of topical antiglaucoma
      medication. RESULTS: In total, prior OAG was found among 137 subjects (0.5 %); 53
      individuals (1.1% of the ED patients) from the cases and 84 individuals (0.4% of
      patients without ED) from the controls. Conditional logistic regression analysis
      demonstrated that, after adjusting for potential confounders, patients with ED
      were more likely to have prior OAG than controls (odds ratio, 2.85; 95%
      confidence interval, 2.10-4.07). CONCLUSIONS: This study identifies a novel
      association between ED and prior OAG.

PMID- 22036632
TI  - Immediate changes in intraocular pressure after laser peripheral iridotomy in
      primary angle-closure suspects.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the immediate changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) after
      laser peripheral iridotomy in primary angle-closure suspects. DESIGN:
      Prospective, randomized controlled trial (split-body design). PARTICIPANTS: Seven
      hundred thirty-four Chinese people 50 to 70 years of age. METHODS: Primary angle
      closure suspects underwent iridotomy using a neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet
      laser in 1 randomly selected eye, with the fellow eye serving as a control.
      Intraocular pressure was measured using Goldmann applanation tonometry before
      treatment and 1 hour and 2 weeks after treatment. Total energy used and
      complications were recorded. Risk factors for IOP rise after laser peripheral
      iridotomy were investigated. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Intraocular pressure.
      RESULTS: The proportion of treated eyes with an IOP spike (an elevation of >=8
      mmHg more than baseline) at 1 hour and 2 weeks after treatment was 9.8% (95%
      confidence interval [CI], 7.7-12.0) and 0.82% (95% CI, 0.2-1.5), respectively.
      Only 4 (0.54%) of 734 eyes (95% CI, 0.01-1.08) had an immediate posttreatment IOP
      of 30 mmHg or more and needed medical intervention. The average IOP 1 hour after
      treatment was 17.5+/-4.7 mmHg in the treated eyes, as compared with 15.2+/-2.6
      mmHg in controls. At 2 weeks after treatment, these values were 15.6+/-3.4 mmHg
      in treated eyes and 15.1+/-2.7 mmHg in controls (P<0.001). No significant
      difference was detected in the baseline IOP of the treated and untreated eyes.
      Logistic regression showed that the incidence of IOP spike was associated with
      greater laser energy used and shallower central anterior chamber. CONCLUSIONS:
      Laser peripheral iridotomy in primary angle-closure suspects resulted in
      significant IOP rise in 9.8% and 0.82% of cases at 1 hour and 2 weeks,
      respectively. Eyes in which more laser energy and a higher number of laser pulses
      were used and those with shallower central anterior chambers were at increased
      risk for IOP spikes at 1 hour after laser peripheral iridotomy.

PMID- 22036633
TI  - Improved ocular alignment with adjustable sutures in adults undergoing strabismus
      surgery.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess whether outcomes of strabismus surgery are improved by using
      the adjustable suture technique and to determine which subgroups of strabismus
      patients benefit most from the adjustable suture technique. DESIGN: A
      retrospective chart review. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 535 adults who underwent
      strabismus surgery between 1989 and 2010. METHODS: Success was defined as <=10
      prism diopters (PD) for horizontal deviations and <=2 PD for vertical deviations.
      Differences in the proportion of successful strabismus surgery were analyzed
      using a chi-square test with an alpha of 0.05. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Ocular
      alignment in primary position at a 7-day to 12-week follow-up examination.
      RESULTS: A total of 491 patients met the inclusion criteria (nonadjustable
      suture, n = 186; adjustable suture, n = 305). The success rates for the
      nonadjustable and adjustable groups were 61.3% and 74.8%, respectively
      (chi(2)=9.91, P=0.0016). Adjustable suture use was particularly beneficial for
      patients undergoing a reoperation for childhood strabismus (success rate:
      nonadjustable, 42.4%; adjustable, 65.7%; P=0.0268; n = 100). The differences in
      outcomes were not statistically significant for patients with childhood
      strabismus undergoing a primary surgery (nonadjustable, 65.0%; adjustable, 81.4%;
      P=0.1354; n = 90) or with thyroid orbitopathy (nonadjustable, 76.7%; adjustable,
      74.1%; P=0.8204; n = 57). CONCLUSIONS: Strabismus surgery using adjustable
      sutures was associated with improved short-term ocular alignment compared with
      strabismus surgery without the use of adjustable sutures. Adjustable sutures were
      most beneficial for patients undergoing reoperations for childhood strabismus.

PMID- 22036634
TI  - Health-related quality of life of bosutinib (SKI-606) in imatinib-resistant or
      imatinib-intolerant chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia.
AB  - Understanding the impact of second-line tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy on the
      health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of imatinib (IM)-resistant and IM
      intolerant chronic phase chronic myeloid leukemia (CP CML) patients is important
      given the increased survival that comes with therapy. As part of a bosutinib
      single-arm phase 2 trial, 200 IM-resistant and 88 IM-intolerant CP CML patients'
      HRQOL was assessed prior to and throughout treatment with the Functional
      Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Leukemia (FACT-Leu). Little HRQOL impairment was
      demonstrated at baseline. Over the course of 96 weeks on bosutinib therapy,
      patients noted statistically significant and/or clinically meaningful
      improvements on several FACT-Leu scales.

PMID- 22036635
TI  - BCR-ABL1 kinase facilitates localization of acetylated histones 3 and 4 on DNA
      double-strand breaks.
AB  - BCR-ABL1 kinase-positive leukemia cells accumulate high numbers of DNA double
      strand breaks (DSBs) induced by the reactive oxygen species (ROS) or cytotoxic
      agents. To repair these lesions and prevent apoptosis BCR-ABL1 kinase stimulates
      the efficiency of DSB repair in leukemia cells. Histone acetylation-dependent
      chromatin re-modeling plays a crucial role in this process. Here we report that
      leukemia cells expressing BCR-ABL1 kinase displayed an enhanced histone acetylase
      activity (HAT) and reduced histone deacetylase activity (HDAC), which was
      associated with abundant expression of acetylated histones 3 and 4 (Ac-H3 and Ac
      H4, respectively). Moreover, Ac-H3 and Ac-H4 readily co-localized with the
      spontaneous and mitomycin C-induced DSBs in BCR-ABL1-positive leukemia cells
      suggesting that histone acetylation and chromatin re-modeling is important for
      efficient repair of numerous DSBs.

PMID- 22036636
TI  - Effect of ultrasonic excitation on the microtensile bond strength of glass
      ionomer cements to dentin after different water storage times.
AB  - The application of ultrasound waves on glass ionomer cement (GIC) surface can
      accelerate the early setting reaction and improve the mechanical properties of
      the material, resulting in higher resistance to masticatory forces within a short
      period of time and thus increasing the clinical longevity of the GIC restoration.
      In this study, the microtensile bond strength (MUTBS) of two high-viscosity GICs
      (Fuji IX GP and Ketac Molar Easymix) and one resin-modified GIC (RMGIC-Vitremer)
      to dentin was tested after ultrasonic excitation and water storage. GIC blocks
      were built up on coronal dentin either receiving or not receiving a 30-s
      ultrasound application during the material initial setting. After storage in
      water for either 24 h or 30 d, beam-shaped specimens with a cross-sectional area
      of approximately 1.0 mm(2) were cut perpendicular to GIC/dentin interface and
      tested to failure. At 24 h, the ultrasonically set Ketac Molar had significantly
      higher (p < 0.05) MUTBS than the cement set conventionally. Chemically set Ketac
      Molar presented significantly higher MUTBS after the longer water storage (p <
      0.05). The RMGIC presented the highest MUTBS regardless of ultrasonic excitation
      and storage period. In conclusion, ultrasound application to Ketac Molar improved
      its adhesion to dentin, particularly within the first 24 h after setting.
      Clinically, it seems that ultrasonic excitation can contribute to prevent
      retention loss of restoration at early stages of GIC setting reaction.

PMID- 22036637
TI  - Performance assessment of HIFU lesion detection by harmonic motion imaging for
      focused ultrasound (HMIFU): a 3-D finite-element-based framework with
      experimental validation.
AB  - Harmonic motion imaging for focused ultrasound (HMIFU) is a novel high-intensity
      focused ultrasound (HIFU) therapy monitoring method with feasibilities
      demonstrated in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo. Its principle is based on amplitude
      modulated (AM) - harmonic motion imaging (HMI), an oscillatory radiation force
      used for imaging the tissue mechanical response during thermal ablation. In this
      study, a theoretical framework of HMIFU is presented, comprising a customized
      nonlinear wave propagation model, a finite-element (FE) analysis module and an
      image-formation model. The objective of this study is to develop such a framework
      to (1) assess the fundamental performance of HMIFU in detecting HIFU lesions
      based on the change in tissue apparent elasticity, i.e., the increasing Young's
      modulus, and the HIFU lesion size with respect to the HIFU exposure time and (2)
      validate the simulation findings ex vivo. The same HMI and HMIFU parameters as in
      the experimental studies were used, i.e., 4.5-MHz HIFU frequency and 25 Hz AM
      frequency. For a lesion-to-background Young's modulus ratio of 3, 6 and 9, the FE
      and estimated HMI displacement ratios were equal to 1.83, 3.69 and 5.39 and 1.65,
      3.19 and 4.59, respectively. In experiments, the HMI displacement followed a
      similar increasing trend of 1.19, 1.28 and 1.78 at 10-s, 20-s and 30-s HIFU
      exposure, respectively. In addition, moderate agreement in lesion size growth was
      found in both simulations (16.2, 73.1 and 334.7 mm(2)) and experiments (26.2,
      94.2 and 206.2 mm(2)). Therefore, the feasibility of HMIFU for HIFU lesion
      detection based on the underlying tissue elasticity changes was verified through
      the developed theoretical framework, i.e., validation of the fundamental
      performance of the HMIFU system for lesion detection, localization and
      quantification, was demonstrated both theoretically and ex vivo.

PMID- 22036638
TI  - Follow-up of high-intensity focused ultrasound treatment for patients with
      hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - Nonsurgical therapies have become treatment options for hepatocellular carcinoma
      (HCC). This study was to evaluate the efficacy and complications of high
      intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) treatment for patients with HCC. Between May
      2001 and May 2005, 145 patients with HCC were enrolled for treatments using a
      HIFU tumor therapeutic system. Clinical symptoms, hepatic functions and values of
      serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) were tested before and after HIFU treatment. The
      changes in computerized tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI),
      complications and survival time after HIFU were also obtained for further
      analysis. Symptoms improved or pain was relieved in 84.8% of the 145 patients and
      the rate of serum AFP decrease was 71.7%. The size of the target tumor shrank by
      various degrees. The 2-year survival rate was 80% in patients with stage Ib HCC,
      51.4% in stage IIa and 46.5% in stage IIIa. During HIFU treatment, complications
      included body temperature increase and abnormal cardiac rhythm. After HIFU
      procedures, there were skin burns of different grades. In conclusion, HIFU is
      safe and effective for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma; HIFU can improve
      the survival quality of patients with HCC.

PMID- 22036639
TI  - Observations of translation and jetting of ultrasound-activated microbubbles in
      mesenteric microvessels.
AB  - High-speed photomicrography was used to study the translational dynamics of
      single microbubbles in microvessels of ex vivo rat mesenteries. The microbubbles
      were insonated by a single 2 MUs ultrasound pulse with a center frequency of 1
      MHz and peak negative pressures spanning the range of 0.8-4 MPa. The microvessel
      diameters ranged from 10-80 MUm. The high-speed image sequences show evidence of
      ultrasound-activated microbubble translation away from the nearest vessel wall;
      no microbubble showed a net translation toward the nearest vessel wall.
      Microbubble maximum translation displacements exceeded 20 MUm. Microjets with the
      direction of the jets identifiable were also observed; all microjets appear to
      have been directed away from the nearest vessel wall. These observations appear
      to be characteristic of a strong coupling between ultrasound-driven microbubbles
      and compliant microvessels. Although limited to mesenteric tissues, these
      observations provide an important step in understanding the physical interactions
      between microbubbles and microvessels.

PMID- 22036640
TI  - Validity of preoperative ultrasound-guided aspiration in the revision of hip
      prosthesis.
AB  - Preoperative diagnosis of septic loosening hip prosthesis is often challenging.
      Culture test on joint samples obtained during revision surgery is the diagnostic
      gold standard while the role of preoperative hip aspiration is still
      controversial. The aims of this prospective randomized study were to compare the
      sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of preoperative ultrasound-guided and
      fluoroscopic-guided aspiration, and to identify associated laboratory parameters
      or scintigraphy that could help in predicting septic loosing hip prosthesis.
      Sixty patients affected by persistent pain after hip prosthesis randomly received
      fluoroscopic-guided or ultrasound-guided hip aspiration before revision surgery.
      The results of culture tests of joint fluid presurgically and at surgery were
      compared. In addition, associated blood inflammatory markers and scintigraphy
      were evaluated. Ultrasound-guided aspiration showed a better sensitivity (69% vs.
      27%), specificity (94% vs. 75%) and accuracy (83% vs. 40%) than fluoroscopic
      guided aspiration. The combination of ultrasound-guided aspiration and C-reactive
      protein represents the best model to predict septic loosening hip prosthesis
      preoperatively.

PMID- 22036641
TI  - Impact of age, anthropometric data and body composition on calcaneal bone
      characteristics, as measured by quantitative ultrasound (QUS) in an older German
      population.
AB  - The impact of fat-free mass (FFM), fat mass (FM), body mass index (BMI), body
      mass and body height on calcaneal bone characteristics as measured with
      quantitative ultrasound (QUS) was investigated in 137 women and 85 men aged 62-92
      years, considering age, smoking, waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) and physical activity
      level (PAL). In regression analyses using various models, in women, age was a
      negative predictor of speed of sound (SOS), broadband ultrasound attenuation
      (BUA) and stiffness index (SI) and smoking was a negative predictor of SOS;
      positive predictors of SOS, BUA, and SI were BMI, body mass and FFM. In men,
      smoking was a negative predictor and BMI, body mass and FFM were positive
      predictors of BUA and SI. In both sexes, PAL, body height, WHR and FM had no
      effect on QUS parameters. The influence of BMI on calcaneal bone characteristics
      in elderly people depends on FFM rather than on FM.

PMID- 22036642
TI  - Robotic and laparoscopic high extended pelvic lymph node dissection during
      radical cystectomy: technique and outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: With the increasing use of laparoscopic and robotic radical
      cystectomy (RC), there are perceived concerns about the adequacy of lymph node
      dissection (LND). OBJECTIVE: Describe the robotic and laparoscopic technique and
      the short-term outcomes of high extended pelvic LND (PLND) up to the inferior
      mesenteric artery (IMA) during RC. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: From
      January 2007 through September 2009, we performed high extended PLND with
      proximal extent up to the IMA (n=10) or aortic bifurcation (n=5) in 15 patients
      undergoing robotic RC (n=4) or laparoscopic RC (n=11) at two institutions.
      SURGICAL PROCEDURE: We performed robotic extended PLND with the proximal extent
      up to the IMA or aortic bifurcation. The LND was performed starting from the
      right external iliac, obturator, internal iliac, common iliac, preaortic and para
      aortic, precaval, and presacral and then proceeding to the left side. The
      accompanying video highlights our detailed technique. MEASUREMENTS: Median age
      was 69 yr, body mass index was 26, and American Society of Anesthesiologists
      class >= 3 was present in 40% of patients. All urinary diversions, including
      orthotopic neobladder (n=5) and ileal conduit (n=10), were performed
      extracorporeally. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: All 15 procedures were technically
      successful without need for conversion to open surgery. Median operative time was
      6.7h, estimated blood loss was 500 ml, and three patients (21%) required blood
      transfusion. Median nodal yield in the entire cohort was 31 (range: 15-78). The
      IMA group had more nodes retrieved (median: 42.5) compared with the aortic
      bifurcation group (median: 20.5). Histopathology confirmed nodal metastases in
      four patients (27%), including three patients in the IMA group and one patient in
      the aortic bifurcation group. Perioperative complications were recorded in six
      cases (40%). During a median follow-up of 13 mo, no patient developed local or
      systemic recurrence. Limitations of the study include its retrospective design
      and small cohort of patients. CONCLUSIONS: High extended PLND during laparoscopic
      or robotic RC is technically feasible. Longer survival data in a larger cohort of
      patients are necessary to determine the proper place for robotic and laparoscopic
      surgery in patients undergoing RC for high-risk bladder cancer.

PMID- 22036643
TI  - The role of sipuleucel-T in therapy for castration-resistant prostate cancer: a
      critical analysis of the literature.
AB  - CONTEXT: Sipuleucel-T, an autologous antigen-presenting cell vaccine loaded with
      prostate acid phosphatase conjugated with granulocyte-macrophage colony
      stimulating factor (GM-CSF), yielded a survival advantage in men with metastatic
      castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). OBJECTIVE: Critically analyze the
      role of sipuleucel-T in therapy for mCRPC. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A systematic
      review of the literature was performed in June 2011 using Medline and an abstract
      search of major cancer conferences. The search strategy included the terms
      sipuleucel-T, APC-8015, castration-resistant, prostate cancer, and immunotherapy.
      EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: The era of targeted immunotherapy was initiated with the
      regulatory approval in 2010 of sipuleucel-T for asymptomatic and minimally
      symptomatic mCRPC. The median survival was prolonged by 4.1 mo (25.8 vs 21.7 mo;
      hazard ratio: 0.78; 95% confidence interval, 0.61-0.98; p=0.03), coupled with an
      improvement in 3-yr survival (31.7% vs 23.0%). Outcomes were characterized by the
      lack of tumor regression or delay in progression. Further development is
      proceeding in earlier stages of prostate cancer and in the context of a host of
      emerging agents. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of sipuleucel-T, an immunotherapeutic
      agent, to the armamentarium represents a paradigm shift in therapy for mCRPC. The
      rational combination and proper sequencing of sipuleucel-T with other newly
      approved agents (abiraterone acetate, cabazitaxel) and emerging agents (MDV3100,
      TAK-700, ipilimumab) will be important to evaluate.

PMID- 22036644
TI  - Academic ranking score: a publication-based reproducible metric of thought
      leadership in urology.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hospital rankings have become integral to the marketing strategies of
      many health care systems. Methodology used in compiling these lists appears
      highly flawed. OBJECTIVE: To improve on current hospital ranking systems and to
      develop a more meaningful measure of a urology department's contribution to the
      field, we developed an academic ranking score (ARS) based on publicly available
      data. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: An active faculty list was assembled for
      each department. A list of all publications from each department from 2005 to
      2010 was then compiled. Only publications with faculty members as first or last
      author were considered. The ARS was then derived by identifying the number of
      publications within an institution, normalized by the impact factor of the peer
      reviewed journal in which the publication appeared. MEASUREMENTS: The 2010 U.S.
      News & World Report (USNWR) urology list was reranked based on ARS and compared
      with the USNWR rank list. ARS was also calculated for several leading European
      urologic centers. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: A total of 6437 urologic publications
      were indexed to calculate the ARS. Two of the top three programs in the USNWR
      rankings dropped out of the top 10. The top 10 academically ranked programs
      increased or decreased an average of >5 positions (range: 0-17). No correlation
      was seen between programs ranked in the top 10 by USNWR and our objective ARS
      method (Spearman rho: -0.1; p=0.75). Because ARS only includes first- or last
      author publications for faculty with clinical duties, ARS likely excludes basic
      science contributions and contributions from nonclinical faculty. CONCLUSIONS:
      Ranking of urology departments through quantification of each program's recent
      academic contribution, as captured by the ARS, differs substantially from
      rankings developed by USNWR. Integration of such objective measures into an
      overall urology program ranking system would replace current subjective opinions
      marred by historical biases with up-to-date merit-based assessments.

PMID- 22036645
TI  - Perioperative comparison of robotic assisted laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS)
      pyeloplasty versus conventional LESS pyeloplasty.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Conventional laparoendoscopic single-site (C-LESS) pyeloplasty is
      technically challenging due to instrument clashing, loss of triangulation, and
      difficulty sewing. Application of the da Vinci S or Si robotic platforms could
      potentially overcome these challenges. OBJECTIVE: Compare our initial experience
      with robotic assisted laparoendoscopic single-site (R-LESS) pyeloplasty to our
      latter experience with C-LESS pyeloplasty (ie, after the initial 15 patients).
      DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: This single-institution retrospective
      observational cohort study involved consecutive patients who presented with
      symptomatic ureteropelvic junction obstruction and who were deemed suitable for
      single-incision pyeloplasty by the treating surgeon. MEASUREMENTS: Demographic,
      clinical, perioperative, and early postoperative comparative outcomes. RESULTS
      AND LIMITATIONS: Ten patients each underwent R-LESS or C-LESS pyeloplasty by a
      single surgeon between March 2009 and July 2011. For R-LESS and C-LESS groups,
      age, gender distribution, body mass index, proportion of patients with prior
      abdominal surgery, estimated blood loss, and hospital length of stay were
      statistically similar. Mean operative time was significantly longer for R-LESS
      (226 vs 188 min; p=0.007). C-LESS pyeloplasty alone required an accessory port
      for the anastomosis in 10 of 10 cases. Two conversions to standard laparoscopy
      and two postoperative complications occurred in 3 of 10 patients in the C-LESS
      group, compared with no conversions and one postoperative complication in the R
      LESS group (p=0.26). Study limitations are a retrospective design, a modest
      number of patients, and a lack of quantification of subjective outcomes such as
      instrument clashing and maneuverability. CONCLUSIONS: Adaptation of the da Vinci
      Si robotic surgical platform to laparoendoscopic single-site pyeloplasty appears
      to reduce the physical learning curve for this complex procedure. Future
      prospective, comprehensive evaluation of additional outcomes including subjective
      parameters, cosmesis, and longer term functional outcomes will help better define
      its role in minimally invasive dismembered pyeloplasty and better estimate its
      associated learning curve.

PMID- 22036647
TI  - Cell aging-induced methionine oxidation causes an autocrine to paracrine shift of
      the pheromone activity in the protozoan ciliate, Euplotes raikovi.
AB  - Ciliates of the genus Euplotes rely on the autocrine (self) and paracrine (non
      self) activities of their water-borne protein pheromones to control the two
      fundamental phenomena of their life cycle, i.e. vegetative (mitotic) growth and
      sex manifested as cell union in mating pairs. We observed that cell aging
      determines the synthesis of increasing concentrations of pheromones that are
      oxidized at the level of methionine residues which are more exposed on the
      molecular surface. The oxidized form of the E. raikovi pheromone Er-1 was
      purified and its interactions with its source cells were shown no longer to be of
      autocrine type directed to promote cell growth, but changed to interactions of
      the paracrine type directed to induce cell unions in mating pairs of the selfing
      type (i.e. involving genetically identical cells). These pairs generate viable
      offspring, like pairs formed between genetically different cells. It was
      therefore concluded that aging cells may paradoxically gain beneficial effects
      from the synthesis of oxidized forms of their pheromones. By undergoing mating in
      response to the interactions with these forms, they can re-initiate a new life
      cycle and, in fact, rejuvenate.

PMID- 22036648
TI  - Coordinated regulation of caveolin-1 and Rab11a in apical recycling compartments
      of polarized epithelial cells.
AB  - Recent studies have identified caveolin-1, a protein best known for its functions
      in caveolae, in apical endocytic recycling compartments in polarized epithelial
      cells. However, very little is known about the regulation of caveolin-1 in the
      endocytic recycling pathway. To address this question, in the current study we
      compared the relationship between compartments enriched in sub-apical caveolin-1
      and Rab11a, a well-defined marker of apical recycling endosomes, using polarized
      MDCK cells as a model. We show that caveolin-1-containing vesicles define a
      compartment that partially overlaps with Rab11a, and that the distribution of
      subapical caveolin-1 and Rab11a shows a similar dependence on microtubule
      disruption. Mutants of the Rab11a effector, Rab11-FIP2 also altered the
      localization of caveolin-1. These findings indicate that caveolin-1 is
      coordinately regulated with Rab11a within the apical recycling system of
      polarized epithelial cells, suggesting that the two proteins are components of
      the same pathway.

PMID- 22036649
TI  - Chemokines in tumor development and progression.
AB  - Chemokines were originally identified as mediators of the inflammatory process
      and regulators of leukocyte trafficking. Subsequent studies revealed their
      essential roles in leukocyte physiology and pathology. Moreover, chemokines have
      profound effects on other types of cells associated with the inflammatory
      response, such as endothelial cells and fibroblasts. Thus, chemokines are crucial
      for cancer-related inflammation, which can promote tumor development and
      progression. Increasing evidence points to the vital effects of several
      chemokines on the proliferative and invasive properties of tumor cells. The wide
      range of activities of chemokines in tumorigenesis highlights their roles in
      tumor development and progression.

PMID- 22036650
TI  - Increased glyoxalase I levels inhibit accumulation of oxidative stress and an
      advanced glycation end product in mouse mesangial cells cultured in high glucose.
AB  - Chronic high glucose levels lead to the formation of advanced glycation end
      products (AGEs) as well as AGE precursors, such as methylglyoxal (MG) and
      glyoxal, via non-enzymatic glycation reactions in patients with diabetic
      mellitus. Glyoxalase 1 (GLO-1) detoxifies reactive dicarbonyls that form AGEs. To
      investigate the interaction between AGEs and GLO-1 in mesangial cells (MCs) under
      diabetic conditions, AGE levels and markers of oxidative stress were measured in
      GLO-1-overexpressing MCs (GLO-1-MCs) cultured in high glucose. Furthermore, we
      also examined levels of high glucose-induced apoptosis in GLO-1-MCs. In
      glomerular MCs, high glucose levels increased the formation of both MG and
      argpyrimidine (an MG-derived adduct) as well as GLO-1 expression. GLO-1-MCs had
      lower intracellular levels of MG accumulation, 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (an
      oxidative DNA damage marker), 4-hydroxyl-2-nonenal (a lipid peroxidation
      product), and nitrosylated protein (a marker of oxidative-nitrosative stress)
      compared to control cells. Expression of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation
      complexes I, II, and III was also decreased in GLO-1-MCs. Furthermore, fewer GLO
      1-MCs showed evidence of apoptosis as determined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl
      transferase-mediated dUTP nick labeling assay, and activation of both poly (ADP
      ribose) polymerase 1 cleavage and caspase-3 was lower in GLO-1-MCs than in
      control cells cultured in high glucose. These results suggest that GLO-1 plays a
      role in high glucose-mediated signaling by reducing MG accumulation and oxidative
      stress in diabetes mellitus.

PMID- 22036651
TI  - Antiviral interactions of combinations of highly potent 2,4(1H,3H)
      pyrimidinedione congeners and other anti-HIV agents.
AB  - Structure-activity relationship evaluation of seventy-four 2,4(1H,3H)
      pyrimidinedione derivatives identified seven lead compounds based on anti-HIV-1
      potency, extended range of action to include HIV-2, virus entry inhibition,
      reverse transcriptase inhibition, and lack of cytotoxicity to human cells. The
      selected pyrimidinedione congeners are highly active inhibitors of HIV-1 with
      EC(50) values ranging from 0.6 to 2 nM in CEM-SS cells infected with laboratory
      derived viruses, 11-20 nM in fresh human PBMCs infected with subtype B
      (HT/92/599) virus, and 2-7 nM in PBMCs infected with the clinical subtype C
      (ZA/97/003) virus. Combination antiviral assays were performed using the
      laboratory adapted RF strain of HIV-1 in CEM-SS cells and with a clade B and C
      low passage clinical isolate in fresh human peripheral mononuclear cells and the
      compound interactions were analyzed using MacSynergy II. The seven
      pyrimidinedione compounds resulted in additive to synergistic interactions in
      combination with entry and fusion inhibitors, nonnucleoside and nucleoside
      reverse transcriptase inhibitors, and the protease inhibitors. No evidence of
      antagonistic antiviral activity or synergistic cytotoxicity was detected with the
      combinations of compounds tested. The dual mechanism of action of the
      pyrimidinediones resulting in inhibition of both virus entry and reverse
      transcription suggests excellent potential of these lead pyrimidinediones as
      candidates for combination therapy with other approved HIV inhibitors of varying
      mechanism of action.

PMID- 22036652
TI  - Determination of moisture content in relation to thermal behaviour and
      plasticization of Eudragit RLPO.
AB  - Coalescence of polymer particles on thermal treatment plays an important role in
      effective control of drug release from these matrix systems. The water content of
      the polymer may influence coalescence since it is well established that sorbed
      water may act as a plasticizer, or cause other changes in mechanical properties.
      However, these effects depend on the amount and type
      (plasticizing/nonplasticizing) of water present. The purpose of this study was to
      determine the accuracy of different methods used to determine moisture content of
      a polymer (Eudragit RLPO) and to determine the types water present. The polymer
      powder was stored at various relative humidities (33, 56, 75, 94%). Four water
      determination methods, [weight loss on drying, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA),
      differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and Karl Fischer titration (KFT)] were
      utilized to determine moisture content. DSC was used to study the thermal
      behaviour of moist and dry samples. The Gordon-Taylor equation was used to
      calculate the amount of plasticizing water. Scanning electron microscopy was
      employed to examine the morphology of the polymer particles after thermal
      analyses. It is concluded that KFT accurately determines the total water content
      but that the thermal methods underestimate total water content. However KFT does
      not indicate the type of water present. The Gordon-Taylor model suggests that
      only about 25% of the water in the polymer containing 10% water was acting as a
      plasticizer. Complementary methods should be used to measure the water content of
      pharmaceutical polymers.

PMID- 22036653
TI  - Influence of the lactose grade within dry powder formulations of fluticasone
      propionate and terbutaline sulphate.
AB  - Dry powder formulations are often composed of fine drug particles and coarser
      carrier particles, typically alpha-lactose monohydrate. However, the performance
      of a powder formulation may be highly dependent on the lactose quality and
      source. This study investigated the characteristics of lactose that influence the
      drug-to-carrier interaction and the performance of lactose-based dry powder
      inhaler formulations. The selected lactoses differed in the preparation processes
      and the content of fine lactose particles. Efficiency testing was done using
      fluticasone propionate and terbutaline sulphate as model drugs. Inverse gas
      chromatography was used to determine the surface heterogeneity distribution of
      different energy sites of the lactose and to understand the mechanism by which
      the fine carrier particles can improve the performance of dry powder inhalers. To
      assess the adhesion of respirable-sized drug to carrier particles, a simple
      method was developed based on aspiration and considering the whole blend as it is
      used in dry powder inhalers. When the percentage of fine lactose is high, a lower
      quantity of drug adheres to the lactose and/or the adhesion force is also lower.
      This was confirmed by the aerosolization assays done in the TSI (twin stage
      impinger). A correlation was observed between adhesion characteristics and
      inertial impaction. For both drugs, the fine particle fractions were highest in
      blends that present a greater proportion of lactose fine particles. A fairly good
      correlation between the fine particle fractions of both drugs and the peak max
      value and the AUC (area under curve) were found by inverse gas chromatography.
      With higher fine particle fraction values, which correspond to higher content of
      fines, the peak maxima determined by inverse gas chromatography were shifted to
      higher adsorption potentials, which supports the agglomeration hypothesis.

PMID- 22036655
TI  - A woman with headache and ptosis.

PMID- 22036654
TI  - The use of chemical restraints reduces agitation in patients transported by
      emergency medical services.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Agitated patients are the primary source of injury to patients and
      providers during ambulance transport. OBJECTIVE: Our primary hypothesis was that
      the addition of a chemical restraint agent (midazolam) to a restraint protocol
      would reduce agitation to a greater extent than a restraint protocol with
      physical restraint alone. METHODS: The local emergency medical services restraint
      protocol (RP) was implemented on October 1, 2006. It included a form for data
      collection about each restrained patient. On April 1, 2007, chemical restraint
      (CR) using midazolam in addition to physical restraints was made available
      through the RP, and paramedics were educated in its use. Transported patients
      were divided into pre-CR and post-CR. The post-CR group was split into those who
      received and those who did not receive midazolam. Agitation was measured on a
      validated agitation behavior scale with a parametric (Rasch) adjustment. RESULTS:
      There were 96 patients in the pre-CR group and 522 patients in the post-CR group.
      Forty-three percent of the pre-CR group and 49% of the post-CR group had a
      decrease in agitation during transport (NS). Of the 522 in the post-CR group, 110
      were physically restrained and given midazolam (21%) and 412 were physically
      restrained without midazolam (79%). There was a significantly greater decrease in
      agitation scores (-17 +/- 21 vs. -7 +/- 17) in the subjects receiving midazolam
      compared to those who did not. CONCLUSION: If available, CR is used in about 20%
      of restrained patients. When CR is used, there is a decrease in the subject's
      agitation.

PMID- 22036656
TI  - A case of an unusual hernia associated with gastrointestinal bleeding.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleed is a well-known presentation
      to the emergency department (ED) frequently accompanied by hematemesis. We
      describe the case of a patient with abdominal content herniation into the chest
      wall with a recent history of coronary artery bypass graft presenting with acute
      onset of hematemesis. OBJECTIVES: To present an exceedingly rare herniation of
      abdominal contents into the chest wall that was accompanied by hematemesis and to
      present the rare visual findings inherent in this pathology. CASE REPORT: A 65
      year-old man presented to the ED vomiting large amounts of blood upon
      presentation, compromising hemodynamic stability and prompting emergent
      resuscitation. The patient's presentation was complicated by a large 30 * 40-cm
      anterior chest wall mass extending 2 cm inferior to the sternal notch expanding
      with each episode of hematemesis. Computed tomography after stabilization
      revealed a large ventral hernia extending into the chest wall, containing small
      and large bowel. We suspected this large, unusual hernia to be the underlying
      cause of the patient's GI bleeding. CONCLUSION: The emergency physician must be
      able to assess hemodynamic stability of an upper GI bleed and resuscitate the
      unstable patient if warranted. Diagnosis is to be subsequently determined after
      stabilization.

PMID- 22036657
TI  - Development of proteomic tools to study protein adsorption on a biomaterial,
      titanium grafted with poly(sodium styrene sulfonate).
AB  - It is known that protein adsorption is the initial interaction between implanted
      biomaterials and biological environment. Generally, a complex protein layer will
      be formed on material surfaces within a few minutes and the composition of this
      layer at the interface determines the biological response to the implanted
      material, and therefore the long-term compatibility of the biomaterial. Despite
      different techniques exist to observe protein adsorption on biomaterials, none of
      them led to the identification of adsorbed proteins. In this paper, we report a
      chromatographic technique coupled to proteomics to analyse and identify proteins
      from complex biological samples adsorbed on biomaterial surfaces. This approach
      is based on (1) elaboration of the chromatographic support containing the
      biomaterial (2) a chromatography step involving adsorption of proteins on the
      biomaterial (3) the high-resolution separation of eluted proteins by 2-DE gel and
      (4) the identification of proteins by mass spectrometry. Experiments were
      performed with proteins from platelets rich plasma (PRP) adsorbed on a
      biomaterial which consist in titanium bioactivated with PolyNaSS. Our results
      show that chromatographic approach combined to 2-DE gels and mass spectrometry
      provides a powerful tool for the analysis and identification of proteins adsorbed
      on various surfaces.

PMID- 22036658
TI  - Urinary metanephrines by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry: using
      multiple quantification methods to minimize interferences in a high throughput
      method.
AB  - Determination of urinary metanephrines is requested frequently for the
      differential diagnosis and monitoring of pheochromocytoma. Although numerous
      methods have been developed, interferences are common and hinder most available
      assays. This study describes the development, validation and implementation of a
      reliable high-throughput LC-MS/MS method for the measurement of metanephrine and
      normetanephrine in urine. Metanephrine and normetanephrine were isolated from
      urine samples subjected to acid hydrolysis using solid phase extraction on a
      mixed mode cation exchange sorbent in 96-well format. The extracts were injected
      directly onto a Restek perfluorophenyl column and separated isocratically in 0.2%
      formic acid in 5% methanol with a gradient cleanout step to 50% methanol.
      Detection was accomplished using an API 3200 triple quadrupole mass spectrometer
      with electrospray ionization in positive mode. Data were acquired in multiple
      reaction monitoring mode. Three transitions were monitored for metanephrine and
      its deuterated internal standard; two transitions were monitored for
      normetanephrine and its deuterated internal standard. Two quantification methods
      were used to address metanephrine interferences without reducing throughput. The
      method was linear to 15,000 nmol/L. The limits of detection and quantification
      were 2.5 and 10 nmol/L, respectively. Within run, between-day and total
      imprecision values were at or below 1.9%, 2.5% and 2.7% for both analytes. The
      method correlated well with our previously used GC-MS method. Injection-to
      injection time was 6 min. The validated LC-MS/MS method for measurement of
      metanephrine and normetanephrine in urine specimens was placed into service in
      August 2010 and has performed exceptionally well.

PMID- 22036659
TI  - Thermal treatment of the bacteriophage lysate of Klebsiella pneumoniae B5055 as a
      step for the purification of capsular depolymerase enzyme.
AB  - The lytic bacteriophage which produces the hydrolase enzyme capable of
      depolymerizing exopolysaccharide of Klebsiella pneumoniae and of other bacteria
      was isolated earlier. In this study, a simple method of depolymerase purification
      from the phage lysate by dissociating the enzyme from the phage particle was
      developed. The bacteriophage showed a relatively smaller plaque size surrounded
      by a wide halo indicating a depolymerase action on the capsular polysaccharide of
      K. pneumoniae B5055. The depolymerase activity was associated predominantly with
      the phage particles. Different methods have been used by various researchers to
      dissociate the enzyme associated with phage particles either by exposure to
      chemicals or by altering the environmental conditions. In this study, the
      potential application of thermal treatment of the bacteriophage lysate was
      evaluated as a step for the purification of depolymerase in comparison to the
      mild acid treatment method of Rieger et al. (1975). The results showed that the
      relative thermal stability of phage depolymerase at 60 degrees C for 30min was
      the basis for harvesting the enzyme leading to disintegration of all phage
      particles in the lysate. Both thermal and mild acid treatment resulted in
      comparable enzyme levels, however; mild acid treatment appeared to be cumbersome
      and cause chemical contamination.

PMID- 22036660
TI  - Viral elution and concentration method for detection of influenza A viruses in
      mud by real-time RT-PCR.
AB  - The role of environmental reservoirs in avian influenza virus (AIV) transmission
      has been investigated during AIV-associated outbreaks. To date, no method has
      been defined for detection of AIV from mud samples. A procedure using elution and
      polyethylene glycol (PEG) concentration steps was designed to detect AIV by RT
      PCR from 42g of raw mud, corresponding to 30g of the solid fraction of mud. RNA
      was recovered with MagMAX AI/ND Viral RNA Isolation kit (Ambion, Austin, TX).
      Three elution buffers were studied and viral recoveries higher than 29% were
      yielded by elution with a 10% beef extract solution (pH 7). The overall method
      showed that, under some conditions, virus was not detectable in PEG samples,
      whereas viruses were detected in the elution fractions. PCR curves were improved
      significantly by running the amplification reaction with a mixture containing a
      PCR additive for inhibitor removal, such as T4 gene 32 protein (Gp32), although
      PCR inhibitors from mud were removed partially from PEG samples. A theoretical
      detection threshold of 5*10(5) RNA copies of H5N1 virus per 30g of solid mud
      could be obtained by elution. The overall method has proved successful for
      detecting H5N1 virus contamination of mud specimens collected during outbreak
      investigations of avian influenza in Cambodia.

PMID- 22036661
TI  - Is the new seventh AJCC/UICC staging system appropriate for patients with gastric
      cancer?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical usefulness of
      the seventh Union Internationale Contre le Cancer/American Joint Committee on
      Cancer (AJCC/UICC) staging system vs the sixth AJCC/UICC staging system in
      patients with gastric cancer. STUDY DESIGN: Included were 1,799 patients who
      underwent surgery for gastric cancer between January 2001 and June 2005 at the
      National Cancer Center (South Korea). For the sixth and seventh AJCC/UICC staging
      systems, survival outcomes stratified by stage, by T classification, and by N
      classification were summarized using Kaplan-Meier curves and compared
      statistically using a log rank test; survival differences were quantified using
      hazard ratios estimated from a Cox regression model. The 2 systems were compared
      in terms of prognostic performances using the linear trend chi-square test,
      likelihood ratio chi-square test, and Akaike information criterion (AIC) in the
      Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: Significant survival differences between each
      stage were not found using the seventh staging system, especially for stages IB,
      IIA, and IIB (p = 0.14 and p = 0.11). The sixth staging system had higher linear
      trend chi-square score and likelihood ratio chi-square score, which means better
      discriminatory ability, monotonicity, and homogeneity, and had smaller AIC, which
      indicates better optimistic prognostic stratification, especially in the N
      classification. The modified staging system combining the T classification of the
      seventh AJCC/UICC system and the N classification of the sixth system showed
      better prognostic performance compared with each separate version (sixth or
      seventh) of the staging system. CONCLUSIONS: The seventh AJCC/UICC staging system
      is not more clinically useful than the sixth system in surgically treated
      patients with gastric cancer because of an inappropriate N classification. A new
      TNM system is required with a different N classification.

PMID- 22036662
TI  - Laparoscopic distal gastrectomy with an intracorporeal gastroduodenostomy using a
      circular stapler.

PMID- 22036663
TI  - Neuroplastin: cell adhesion molecule and signaling receptor.
AB  - Neuroplastin (Np) is a glycoprotein that belongs to the immunoglobulin
      superfamily of cell adhesion molecules. It exists in two isoforms, Np55 and Np65,
      named according to their apparent molecular weights. Neuroplastins were first
      identified as synapse-specific proteins, but subsequent findings have shown that
      Np65 is indeed expressed only in the brain, whereas Np55 is found in wide range
      of tissues. Since their discovery, the knowledge of Nps expanded, implicating
      them in various processes, including neuronal differentiation and synaptic
      plasticity. Here, we will review the Np structure and mechanisms involved in Np
      signaling and discuss the functions of Nps in the nervous system.

PMID- 22036664
TI  - Landing technique affects knee loading and position during athletic tasks.
AB  - Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries have been reported to occur with the
      ankle in a dorsiflexed position at initial contact. Few studies have attempted to
      quantify the biomechanical parameters related with such landing patterns during
      athletic tasks. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects
      that two landing techniques have in lower extremity biomechanics while performing
      two tasks. DESIGN: Single-group repeated measures design. METHODS: Twenty female
      soccer athletes from a Division I institution performed two landing techniques
      (forefoot and rearfoot) during two unanticipated tasks (sidestep cutting and
      pivot). Repeated measures analyses of variance were conducted to assess
      differences in the kinematic and kinetic parameters between landing techniques
      for each task. RESULTS: The forefoot landing technique had significantly higher
      internal knee adductor moment than the rearfoot for both the pivot and sidestep
      cutting task (p<0.001 and p=0.003, respectively). For the sidestep cutting task,
      participants had increased knee valgus angle with the rearfoot, whereas for the
      pivot they had increased knee valgus with the forefoot landing technique
      (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study highlighted that there are
      inherent differences in biomechanical outcomes between foot-landing techniques.
      The forefoot landing technique increasingly affects knee adduction moment
      loading, which can potentially place a higher strain on the ACL. Essentially, the
      demands of the landing technique on lower extremity biomechanics (e.g., hip and
      knee) are task dependent.

PMID- 22036665
TI  - Recurrence and long-term maternal health risks of hypertensive disorders of
      pregnancy: a population-based study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the recurrence risk of
      hypertensive disorders in subsequent pregnancies and to explore the associations
      among hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and maternal cardiovascular risk factor
      profile and the development of cardiovascular diseases later in life. STUDY
      DESIGN: We used population-based, cross-sectional data from the fourth survey of
      the Tromso Study. RESULTS: Preeclampsia in the first pregnancy increased the risk
      of recurrence in later pregnancies (relative risk, 6.6; 95% confidence interval,
      5.5-7.9) compared with a normotensive first pregnancy. Women with a history of
      preeclampsia or nonproteinuric hypertension had an unfavorable cardiovascular
      risk profile. Hypertension was prevalent in 25% and 28% of the women,
      respectively. The carotid artery intima-media thickness and total carotid plaque
      area were significantly larger in women with previous preeclampsia. CONCLUSION: A
      strong association between hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and an increased
      risk of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases was demonstrated by the
      assessment of risk factors that can be potentially modified.

PMID- 22036666
TI  - Cervical necrotizing fasciitis of odontogenic origin involving the temporal
      region--a case report.
AB  - Necrotizing fasciitis (NF) is a soft-tissue infection, usually polymicrobial,
      that causes necrosis of fascia and subcutaneous tissue while sparing skin and
      muscle. We report a case of cervical NF complicating dental infection in a 50
      year-old woman, who presented with infection involving mucosa of the right
      mandible and temporal muscle, and masticator spaces, requiring extensive surgery
      and antibiotic therapy. Prompt diagnosis and immediate aggressive surgical
      debridement of all compromised tissues are critical to reducing morbidity and
      mortality in these rapidly progressive infections.

PMID- 22036667
TI  - Informed consent and patient registry for the rare disease community: Editorial.

PMID- 22036668
TI  - Multifunctional magnetic-plasmonic nanoparticles for fast concentration and
      sensitive detection of bacteria using SERS.
AB  - Multifunctional magnetic-plasmonic Fe(3)O(4)-Au core-shell nanoparticles (Au
      MNPs) were prepared for simultaneous fast concentration of bacterial cells by
      applying an external point magnetic field, and sensitive detection and
      identification of bacteria using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). We
      demonstrated that a spread of a 10 MUL drop of a mixture of 10(5) cfu/mL bacteria
      and 3 MUg/mL Au-MNPs on a silicon surface can be effectively condensed into a
      highly compact dot within 5 min by applying an external point magnetic field,
      resulting in 60 times more concentrated bacteria in the dot area than on the
      spread area without concentration. Surrounded by dense uniformly packed Au-MNPs,
      bacteria can be sensitively and reproducibly detected directly using SERS. The
      principle component analysis (PCA) showed that three different Gram-negative
      bacterial strains can be clearly differentiated. We also demonstrated that the
      condensed multifunctional Au-MNPs dot can be used as a highly sensitive SERS
      active substrate and a limit of detection better than 0.1 ppb was obtained in
      detection of small molecules such as 4-mercaptopyrine. This novel platform
      significantly simplifies the concentration and detection process, which holds
      great promise for applications in food safety, environmental monitoring, medical
      diagnoses, and chemical and biological threat detections.

PMID- 22036669
TI  - Monitoring extracellular K+ flux with a valinomycin-coated silicon nanowire field
      effect transistor.
AB  - A silicon nanowire field-effect transistor (SiNW-FET) coated with a polyvinyl
      chloride (PVC) membrane containing valinomycin (VAL) was employed as a biosensor
      (referred to as VAL-PVC/SiNW-FET) to detect the K(+)-efflux from live chromaffin
      cells. The detection sensitivity of K(+) with the VAL-PVC/SiNW-FET covers a broad
      range of concentrations from 10(-6) to 10(-2) M. The apparent association
      constants between VAL and Li(+), Na(+), K(+), and Cs(+) in Tris buffer solution
      were determined to be 67+/-42, 120+/-23, 5974+/-115, and 4121+/-140 M(-1),
      respectively. By culturing chromaffin cells on the VAL-PVC/SiNW-FET, the
      conductance was significantly increased by nicotine stimulation in a bath buffer
      without Na(+). The K(+) concentration at the cell surface was determined to be
      ~20 MUM under the stimulation of 5 mM nicotine. These results demonstrate that
      the VAL-PVC/SiNW-FET is sensitive and selective to detect the released K(+) from
      cells and is suitable for applications in cellular recording investigations.

PMID- 22036670
TI  - A comparative transmission electron microscopy study of titanium dioxide and
      carbon black nanoparticles uptake in human lung epithelial and fibroblast cell
      lines.
AB  - Several studies suggest that the biological responses induced by manufactured
      nanoparticles (MNPs) may be linked to their accumulation within cells. However,
      MNP internalisation has not yet been sufficiently characterised. Therefore, the
      aim of this study was to compare the intracellular uptake of three different
      MNPs: two made of carbon black (CB) and one made of titanium dioxide (TiO(2)), in
      16HBE bronchial epithelial cells and MRC5 fibroblasts. Transmission electron
      microscopy was used to evaluate the intracellular accumulation. Different
      parameters were analysed following a time and dose-relationship: localisation of
      MNPs in cells, percentage of cells having accumulated MNPs, number of aggregated
      MNPs in cells, and the size of MNP aggregates in cells. The results showed that
      MNPs were widely and rapidly accumulated in 16HBE cells and MRC5 fibroblasts.
      Moreover, MNPs accumulated chiefly as aggregates in cytosolic vesicles and were
      absent from the mitochondria or nuclei. CB and TiO(2) MNPs had similar
      accumulation patterns. However, TiO(2) aggregates had a higher size than CB
      aggregates. Intracellular MNP accumulation was dissociated from cytotoxicity.
      These results suggest that cellular uptake of MNPs is a common phenomenon
      occurring in various cell types.

PMID- 22036672
TI  - Focal adhesion kinase regulation of endothelial barrier function, apoptosis, and
      neovascularization.

PMID- 22036671
TI  - The interdomain linker region of HIV-1 capsid protein is a critical determinant
      of proper core assembly and stability.
AB  - The HIV-1 capsid protein consists of two independently folded domains connected
      by a flexible peptide linker (residues 146-150), the function of which remains to
      be defined. To investigate the role of this region in virus replication, we made
      alanine or leucine substitutions in each linker residue and two flanking
      residues. Three classes of mutants were identified: (i) S146A and T148A behave
      like wild type (WT); (ii) Y145A, I150A, and L151A are noninfectious, assemble
      unstable cores with aberrant morphology, and synthesize almost no viral DNA; and
      (iii) P147L and S149A display a poorly infectious, attenuated phenotype.
      Infectivity of P147L and S149A is rescued specifically by pseudotyping with
      vesicular stomatitis virus envelope glycoprotein. Moreover, despite having
      unstable cores, these mutants assemble WT-like structures and synthesize viral
      DNA, although less efficiently than WT. Collectively, these findings demonstrate
      that the linker region is essential for proper assembly and stability of cores
      and efficient replication.

PMID- 22036673
TI  - Influence of blood flow on arteriolar wall-to-lumen ratio in the human retinal
      circulation in vivo.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We hypothesized that blood flow impacts on arteriolar wall-to-lumen
      ratio and that vasodilatory capacity is negatively related to arteriolar wall-to
      lumen ratio in the human retinal vascular bed. METHODS: The study cohort
      comprised 141 non-diabetic untreated male patients with (n=52) or without (n=89)
      arterial hypertension but without evidence for cardiovascular disease. Retinal
      capillary blood flow (RCF) before and after exposure to flicker light and to
      infusion of nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor N-monomethyl-L-arginine (L
      NMMA), and parameters of retinal arteriolar morphology, e.g. wall-to-lumen ratio,
      were assessed non-invasively and in vivo by scanning laser Doppler flowmetry.
      RESULTS: The study cohort was grouped according to the median RCF into two
      groups. Patients with RCF above the median revealed lower wall-to-lumen ratio
      (0.30 +/- 0.1 vs 0.34 +/- 0.1 (-), P adjusted=0.023) compared to patients with
      RCF equal or below the median. In addition, RCF was negatively related to wall-to
      lumen ratio independently of cardiovascular risk factors (beta=-0.224, P=0.026).
      In parallel, the decrease of RCF to L-NMMA infusion was greater in patients with
      RCF above the median compared to the counter group (-8.95 +/- 11 vs. 0.35 +/- 15
      (%), P adjusted <0.001). The increase in RCF to flicker light exposure was
      negatively related to wall-to-lumen ratio in hypertensive but not in normotensive
      or all patients (r=-0.292, P=0.047, r=-0.035, P=0.746 and r=-0.126, P=0.144,
      respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In the retinal circulation blood flow impacts on
      arteriolar wall-to-lumen ratio. Basal NO activity might modulate blood flow and
      arteriolar morphological changes. In hypertensive, but not in normotensive
      patients, the vasodilatory capacity is negatively related to arteriolar wall-to
      lumen ratio in the human retinal vascular bed.

PMID- 22036674
TI  - Maxadilan, the Lutzomyia longipalpis vasodilator, drives plasma leakage via PAC1
      CXCR1/2-pathway.
AB  - Experiments were designed to determine if the vasodilatory peptides maxadilan and
      pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating peptide (PACAP-38) may cause plasma
      leakage through activation of leukocytes and to what extent these effects could
      be due to PAC1 and CXCR1/2 receptor stimulation. Intravital microscopy of hamster
      cheek pouches utilizing FITC-dextran and rhodamine, respectively, as plasma and
      leukocyte markers was used to measure arteriolar diameter, plasma leakage and
      leukocyte accumulation in a selected area (5mm(2)) representative of the hamster
      cheek pouch microcirculation. Our studies showed that the sand fly vasodilator
      maxadilan and PACAP-38 induced arteriolar dilation, leukocyte accumulation and
      plasma leakage in postcapillary venules. The recombinant mutant of maxadilan M65
      and an antagonist of CXCR1/2 receptors, reparixin, and an inhibitor of CD11b/CD18
      up-regulation, ropivacaine, inhibited all these effects as induced by maxadilan.
      Dextran sulfate, a complement inhibitor with heparin-like anti-inflammatory
      effects, inhibited plasma leakage and leukocyte accumulation but not arteriolar
      dilation as induced by maxadilan and PACAP-38. In vitro studies with isolated
      human neutrophils showed that maxadilan is a potent stimulator of neutrophil
      migration comparable with fMLP and leukotriene B(4) and that M65 and reparixin
      inhibited such migration. The data suggest that leukocyte accumulation and plasma
      leakage induced by maxadilan involves a mechanism related to PAC1- and CXCR1/2
      receptors on leukocytes and endothelial cells.

PMID- 22036675
TI  - Statistical feature extraction for artifact removal from concurrent fMRI-EEG
      recordings.
AB  - We propose a set of algorithms for sequentially removing artifacts related to MRI
      gradient switching and cardiac pulsations from electroencephalography (EEG) data
      recorded during functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Special emphasis is
      directed upon the use of statistical metrics and methods for the extraction and
      selection of features that characterize gradient and pulse artifacts. To remove
      gradient artifacts, we use channel-wise filtering based on singular value
      decomposition (SVD). To remove pulse artifacts, we first decompose data into
      temporally independent components and then select a compact cluster of components
      that possess sustained high mutual information with the electrocardiogram (ECG).
      After the removal of these components, the time courses of remaining components
      are filtered by SVD to remove the temporal patterns phase-locked to the cardiac
      timing markers derived from the ECG. The filtered component time courses are then
      inversely transformed into multi-channel EEG time series free of pulse artifacts.
      Evaluation based on a large set of simultaneous EEG-fMRI data obtained during a
      variety of behavioral tasks, sensory stimulations and resting conditions showed
      excellent data quality and robust performance attainable with the proposed
      methods. These algorithms have been implemented as a Matlab-based toolbox made
      freely available for public access and research use.

PMID- 22036676
TI  - MRI patterns of atrophy and hypoperfusion associations across brain regions in
      frontotemporal dementia.
AB  - Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) provides various imaging modes to study the
      brain. We tested the benefits of a joint analysis of multimodality MRI data in
      combination with a large-scale analysis that involved simultaneously all image
      voxels using joint independent components analysis (jICA) and compared the
      outcome to results using conventional voxel-by-voxel unimodality tests.
      Specifically, we designed a jICA to decompose multimodality MRI data into
      independent components that explain joint variations between the image modalities
      as well as variations across brain regions. We tested the jICA design on
      structural and perfusion-weighted MRI data from 12 patients diagnosed with
      behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) and 12 cognitively normal
      elderly individuals. While unimodality analyses showed widespread brain atrophy
      and hypoperfusion in the patients, jICA further revealed two significant joint
      components of variations between atrophy and hypoperfusion across brain regions.
      The 1st joint component revealed associated brain atrophy and hypoperfusion
      predominantly in the right brain hemisphere in behavioral variant frontotemporal
      dementia, and the 2nd joint component revealed greater atrophy relative to
      hypoperfusion affecting predominantly the left hemisphere in behavioral variant
      frontotemporal dementia. The patterns are consistent with the clinical symptoms
      of behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia that relate to asymmetric
      compromises of the left and right brain hemispheres. The joint components also
      revealed that that structural alterations can be associated with physiological
      alterations in spatially separated but potentially connected brain regions.
      Finally, jICA outperformed voxel-by-voxel unimodal tests significantly in terms
      of an effect size, separating the behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia
      patients from the controls. Taken together, the results demonstrate the benefit
      of multimodality MRI in conjunction with jICA for mapping neurodegeneration,
      which may lead ultimately to an improved diagnosis of behavioral variant
      frontotemporal dementia and other forms of neurodegenerative diseases.

PMID- 22036677
TI  - Multivariate pattern classification reveals differential brain activation during
      emotional processing in individuals with psychosis proneness.
AB  - Among the general population, individuals with subthreshold psychotic-like
      experiences, or psychosis proneness (PP), can be psychometrically identified and
      are thought to have a 10-fold increased risk of psychosis. They also show
      impairments in measures of emotional functioning parallel to schizophrenia.
      Whilst previous studies have revealed altered brain activation in patients with
      schizophrenia during emotional processing, it is unclear whether these
      alterations are also expressed in individuals with high PP. Here we used Support
      Vector Machine (SVM) to perform multivariate pattern classification based on
      brain activation during emotional processing in 20 individuals with high PP and
      20 comparison subjects (low PP). In addition, we performed a standard univariate
      analysis based on the General Linear Model (GLM) on the same data for comparison.
      The experimental task involved passively viewing negative and neutral pictures
      from the International Affective Picture System (IAPS). SVM allowed
      classification of the two groups with statistically significant accuracy
      (p=0.017) and identified group differences within an emotional circuitry
      including the amygdala, insula, anterior cingulate and medial prefrontal cortex.
      In contrast, the standard univariate analysis did not detect any significant
      between-group differences. Our results reveal a distributed and subtle set of
      alterations in brain function within the emotional circuitry of individuals with
      high PP, providing neurobiological support for the notion of dysfunctional
      emotional circuitry in this group. In addition, these alterations are best
      detected using a multivariate approach rather than standard univariate methods.
      Further application of this approach may aid in characterising people at clinical
      and genetic risk of developing psychosis.

PMID- 22036679
TI  - An alternative approach towards assessing and accounting for individual motion in
      fMRI timeseries.
AB  - Motion is a significant problem for the analysis of functional MRI data. This
      manuscript addresses the question of whether an individualized assessment of
      motion may be informative, and whether it may be beneficial with regard to
      explaining motion-related variance. Two independent datasets are used to explore
      and test this hypothesis, from a total of 21 healthy children, performing either
      no externally-cued task (resting state) or an active listening paradigm (beep
      story). Translations and rotations are combined into one single, individual
      measure of total displacement, which is demonstrated to be substantially
      different between brain regions as a function of their distance from the
      individual origin. An increasing number of covariates leads to a loss of
      detection power, but more so on the first than on the second level, and more so
      in less-powerful designs. Synthetic timeseries are calculated from which the
      direct effects of motion as well as motion*B0 effects can be isolated, allowing
      to extract individual timecourses which reflect both direct and indirect motion
      effects. Including three timecourses from such an individually-derived "motion
      fingerprint" into first-level statistical analyses explains variance to a similar
      degree as the commonly-used approach of including the realignment parameters, and
      performance is statistically equivalent to including the realignment parameters
      on the second level. A more individualized approach to explaining motion-related
      variance may therefore be beneficial, depending on the scenario.

PMID- 22036678
TI  - Spatial homogeneity and task-synchrony of the trial-related hemodynamic signal.
AB  - There is growing evidence that functional brain images in alert task-engaged
      subjects contain task-related but stimulus-independent signals in addition to
      stimulus-evoked responses. It is important to separate these different components
      when analyzing the neuroimaging signal. Using intrinsic-signal optical imaging
      combined with electrophysiology we had earlier reported a particular 'trial
      related signal' in the primary visual cortex (V1) of alert monkeys performing
      periodic fixation tasks. This signal periodically modulated V1 tissue blood
      volume, in time with anticipated trial onsets. Unlike visually evoked blood
      volume changes, however, this signal was present even in total darkness. Further,
      it could not be predicted by concurrently recorded spiking or local field
      potentials. Here we use our earlier recording techniques to analyze the spatial
      distribution of this trial-related signal over our imaged area (10mm square,
      subdivided into a 16*16 grid, i.e. at 625 MUm resolution). We show that the
      signal is spatially coherent and essentially homogeneous over the imaged region
      and fails to be predicted by concurrent electrode recordings even at the
      resolution of a single grid square at the electrode tip. As a corollary we show
      that the signal is critically linked to the animals' engagement in a task. Not
      only does the trial-related signal entrain accurately and precisely to any task
      timing at which the animal was willing to perform; the signal also loses the
      entrained trial-locked pattern dramatically, within a single trial, when the
      animal stops performing correctly. Thus the signal is very unlikely to be an
      ongoing task-independent vascular oscillation. These findings will help
      categorize the likely distinct varieties of non-stimulus-related signals evoked
      during behavioral tasks, and lead to a further understanding of the elements
      comprising the net neuroimaging response.

PMID- 22036680
TI  - Paired pulse depression in the somatosensory cortex: associations between MEG and
      BOLD fMRI.
AB  - Interpretation of the blood oxygen level dependent (BOLD) response measured using
      functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) requires an understanding of the
      underlying neuronal activity. Here we report on a study using both
      magnetoencephalography (MEG) and BOLD fMRI, to measure the brain's functional
      response to electrical stimulation of the median nerve in a paired pulse
      paradigm. Interstimulus Intervals (ISIs) of 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0 s
      are used to investigate how the MEG detected neural response to a second pulse is
      affected by that from a preceding pulse and if these MEG modulations are
      reflected in the BOLD response. We focus on neural oscillatory activity in the
      beta-band (13-30 Hz) and the P35m component of the signal averaged evoked
      response in the sensorimotor cortex. A spatial separation of beta ERD and ERS
      following each pulse is demonstrated suggesting that these two effects arise from
      separate neural generators, with ERS exhibiting a closer spatial relationship
      with the BOLD response. The spatial distribution and extent of BOLD activity were
      unaffected by ISI, but modulations in peak amplitude and latency were observed.
      Non-linearities in both induced oscillatory activity ERS and in the signal
      averaged evoked response are found for ISIs of up to 2s when the signal averaged
      evoked response has returned to baseline, with the P35m component displaying
      paired pulse depression effects. The beta-band ERS magnitude was modulated by
      ISI, however the ERD magnitude was not. These results support the assumption that
      BOLD non-linearity arises not only from a non-linear vascular response to neural
      activity but also a non-linear neural response to the stimulus with ISI up to 2
      s.

PMID- 22036681
TI  - Magnetic susceptibility anisotropy of human brain in vivo and its molecular
      underpinnings.
AB  - Frequency shift of gradient-echo MRI provides valuable information for assessing
      brain tissues. Recent studies suggest that the frequency and susceptibility
      contrast depend on white matter fiber orientation. However, the molecular
      underpinning of the orientation dependence is unclear. In this study, we
      investigated the orientation dependence of susceptibility of human brain in vivo
      and mouse brains ex vivo. The source of susceptibility anisotropy in white matter
      is likely to be myelin as evidenced by the loss of anisotropy in the
      dysmyelinating shiverer mouse brain. A biophysical model is developed to
      investigate the effect of the molecular susceptibility anisotropy of myelin
      components, especially myelin lipids, on the bulk anisotropy observed by MRI.
      This model provides a consistent interpretation of the orientation dependence of
      macroscopic magnetic susceptibility in normal mouse brain ex vivo and human brain
      in vivo and the microscopic origin of anisotropic susceptibility. It is predicted
      by the theoretical model and illustrated by the experimental data that the
      magnetic susceptibility of the white matter is least diamagnetic along the fiber
      direction. This relationship allows an efficient extraction of fiber orientation
      using susceptibility tensor imaging. These results suggest that anisotropy on the
      molecular level can be observed on the macroscopic level when the molecules are
      aligned in a highly ordered manner. Similar to the utilization of magnetic
      susceptibility anisotropy in elucidating molecular structures, imaging magnetic
      susceptibility anisotropy may also provide a useful tool for elucidating the
      microstructure of ordered biological tissues.

PMID- 22036682
TI  - Apparent Fibre Density: a novel measure for the analysis of diffusion-weighted
      magnetic resonance images.
AB  - This article proposes a new measure called Apparent Fibre Density (AFD) for the
      analysis of high angular resolution diffusion-weighted images using higher-order
      information provided by fibre orientation distributions (FODs) computed using
      spherical deconvolution. AFD has the potential to provide specific information
      regarding differences between populations by identifying not only the location,
      but also the orientations along which differences exist. In this work, analytical
      and numerical Monte-Carlo simulations are used to support the use of the FOD
      amplitude as a quantitative measure (i.e. AFD) for population and longitudinal
      analysis. To perform robust voxel-based analysis of AFD, we present and evaluate
      a novel method to modulate the FOD to account for changes in fibre bundle cross
      sectional area that occur during spatial normalisation. We then describe a novel
      approach for statistical analysis of AFD that uses cluster-based inference of
      differences extended throughout space and orientation. Finally, we demonstrate
      the capability of the proposed method by performing voxel-based AFD comparisons
      between a group of Motor Neurone Disease patients and healthy control subjects. A
      significant decrease in AFD was detected along voxels and orientations
      corresponding to both the corticospinal tract and corpus callosal fibres that
      connect the primary motor cortices. In addition to corroborating previous
      findings in MND, this study demonstrates the clear advantage of using this type
      of analysis by identifying differences along single fibre bundles in regions
      containing multiple fibre populations.

PMID- 22036683
TI  - Validation of connectivity-based thalamic segmentation with direct
      electrophysiologic recordings from human sensory thalamus.
AB  - Connectivity-based segmentation has been used to identify functional gray matter
      subregions that are not discernable on conventional magnetic resonance imaging.
      However, the accuracy and reliability of this technique has only been validated
      using indirect means. In order to provide direct electrophysiologic validation of
      connectivity-based thalamic segmentations within human subjects, we assess the
      correlation of atlas-based thalamic anatomy, connectivity-based thalamic maps,
      and somatosensory evoked thalamic potentials in two adults with medication
      refractory epilepsy who were undergoing intracranial EEG monitoring with
      intrathalamic depth and subdural cortical strip electrodes. MRI with atlas
      derived localization was used to delineate the anatomic boundaries of the ventral
      posterolateral (VPL) nucleus of the thalamus. Somatosensory evoked potentials
      with intrathalamic electrodes physiologically identified a discrete region of
      phase reversal in the ventrolateral thalamus. Finally, DTI was obtained so that
      probabilistic tractography and connectivity-based segmentation could be performed
      to correlate the region of thalamus linked to sensory areas of the cortex, namely
      the postcentral gyrus. We independently utilized these three different methods in
      a blinded fashion to localize the "sensory" thalamus, demonstrating a high-degree
      of reproducible correlation between electrophysiologic and connectivity-based
      maps of the thalamus. This study provides direct electrophysiologic validation of
      probabilistic tractography-based thalamic segmentation. Importantly, this study
      provides an electrophysiological basis for using connectivity-based segmentation
      to further study subcortical anatomy and physiology while also providing the
      clinical basis for targeting deep brain nuclei with therapeutic stimulation.
      Finally, these direct recordings from human thalamus confirm early inferences of
      a sensory thalamic component of the N18 waveform in somatosensory evoked
      potentials.

PMID- 22036684
TI  - Cortical current source estimation from electroencephalography in combination
      with near-infrared spectroscopy as a hierarchical prior.
AB  - Previous simulation and experimental studies have demonstrated that the
      application of Variational Bayesian Multimodal EncephaloGraphy (VBMEG) to
      magnetoencephalography (MEG) data can be used to estimate cortical currents with
      high spatio-temporal resolution, by incorporating functional magnetic resonance
      imaging (fMRI) activity as a hierarchical prior. However, the use of combined MEG
      and fMRI is restricted by the high costs involved, a lack of portability and high
      sensitivity to body-motion artifacts. One possible solution for overcoming these
      limitations is to use a combination of electroencephalography (EEG) and near
      infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). This study therefore aimed to extend the possible
      applications of VBMEG to include EEG data with NIRS activity as a hierarchical
      prior. Using computer simulations and real experimental data, we evaluated the
      performance of VBMEG applied to EEG data under different conditions, including
      different numbers of EEG sensors and different prior information. The results
      suggest that VBMEG with NIRS prior performs well, even with as few as 19 EEG
      sensors. These findings indicate the potential value of clinically applying VBMEG
      using a combination of EEG and NIRS.

PMID- 22036685
TI  - Socio-economic and geographic differences in acceptability of community-based
      health insurance.

PMID- 22036686
TI  - Seasonality of medical contacts in school-aged children with asthma: association
      with school holidays.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess the seasonality of medical contacts in children with
      asthma, to compare England with Scotland, and to assess the impact of medication
      compliance on the frequency of medical contacts. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective
      study taken from the General Practice Research Database of daily medical contacts
      from 1999 to 2005 in a population of school-aged (5-16 years) children with a
      diagnosis of asthma, and age- and gender-matched controls. PRIMARY OUTCOME
      MEASURE: All unscheduled medical contacts. Prescription frequency for inhaled
      corticosteroids over the same period was also assessed. RESULTS: Data from 76,924
      children were analyzed. There was an increase in unscheduled medical contacts for
      all children on return to school in September. Unscheduled medical contacts
      occurred almost twice as frequently in children with asthma compared with non
      asthmatic children. The frequency of medical contacts in children with asthma
      could be predicted from the frequency of medical contacts in non-asthmatic
      children. In the 3 months from September to December, unscheduled medical
      contacts were disproportionately greater than would be predicted for children
      with asthma relative to non-asthmatic children in both England and Scotland. The
      rise in medical contacts in Scotland preceded that in England by approximately 14
      days, reflecting the earlier date for returning to school. The number of
      prescriptions for inhaled corticosteroids decreased in August. A higher incidence
      of unscheduled medical contacts was noted during September in those not receiving
      a prescription in August. CONCLUSIONS: Returning to school after the summer break
      is associated with a sharp increase in unscheduled medical contacts in school
      aged children, particularly in those with asthma. This follows a decrease in the
      number of prescriptions for inhaled corticosteroids. It is suggested that at
      least part of the excess numbers of unscheduled contacts in children with asthma
      is because they do not maintain their inhaled corticosteroids over the summer
      holidays.

PMID- 22036687
TI  - Deep brain stimulation of the pedunculopontine tegmental nucleus modulates
      neuronal hyperactivity and enhanced beta oscillatory activity of the subthalamic
      nucleus in the rat 6-hydroxydopamine model.
AB  - Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the pedunculopontine nucleus (PPN) area has been
      introduced as a novel surgical therapy for dopamine refractory gait problems,
      freezing and postural instability in the late stage of Parkinson's disease (PD).
      Lesions of the pedunculopontine tegmental (PPTg) nucleus, the equivalent of the
      PPN in rodents, were shown to reduce the elevated discharge rate of the
      subthalamic nucleus (STN) in the 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) rat model of PD. In
      order to further elucidate the modulatory effect of the PPTg on the STN we
      examined the effect of 25 Hz low frequency PPTg stimulation on neuronal single
      unit activity and oscillatory local field potentials (LFPs) of the STN, and on
      the electrocorticogram (ECoG) of the primary motor cortex region in rats with
      unilateral 6-OHDA induced nigrostriatal lesions. Stimulation of the PPTg reduced
      the enhanced firing rate in the STN, without affecting the firing pattern or
      approximate entropy (ApEn). It also reduced the activity in the beta band (15-30
      Hz) of the STN, which is elevated in 6-OHDA lesioned rats, without affecting beta
      activity in the motor cortex. We showed a modulatory effect of PPTg stimulation
      on altered neuronal STN activity in the PD 6-OHDA rat model, indicating that PPTg
      DBS may alter activity of the basal ganglia circuitry at least partially. It
      remains unclear, however, how these changes are exactly mediated and whether they
      are relevant with regard to the descending PPTg projections in the lower
      brainstem.

PMID- 22036688
TI  - Do we still need to develop new imaging biomarkers of dopamine denervation for
      Parkinson's disease?

PMID- 22036690
TI  - Culturing explanted colon crypts highly improves viability of primary non
      transformed human colon epithelial cells.
AB  - Chemoprotective effects of nutritional compounds are usually studied in cell
      lines. Studies using primary human colon cells have been limited due to the lack
      of established methods regarding their culture. We therefore optimized isolation
      and culture of non-transformed human epithelial cells from individual donors to
      enrich viable cells and sufficient amounts of intact RNA. Isolated epithelial
      cells were seeded in different coated cell culture dishes combined with several
      media (2-24h). To avoid cells from anoikis, also intact colon crypts were
      isolated to maintain cell interactions. These crypts were incubated with gut
      fermentation products (24h) derived from indigestible carbohydrates. In none of
      the coated (fibronectin, laminin) cell culture dishes isolated epithelial cells
      did attach. The number of these cells remaining in suspension, decreased already
      after 2h to 20%. Intact colon crypts cultured as pellets showed a stable
      viability up to 24h (91+/-4%) and were suitable to gain a sufficient quantity of
      RNA. The use of colon crypts with an appropriate cell culture medium could double
      the lifespan of intestinal epithelial cells from 12 up to 24h and represents a
      promising approach to study early events in carcinogenesis and chemoprevention as
      well as other diseases of the colon.

PMID- 22036692
TI  - Intracerebral recordings of the Bereitschaftspotential demonstrate the
      heterogeneity of its components.
AB  - Though consisting of early and late components, the evoked potential preceding a
      voluntary movement (Bereitschaftspotential - BP) is often considered as a unitary
      phenomenon. By analyzing intracerebrally recorded BP we attempted to demonstrate
      that the components are electrophysiological correlates of separate operations.
      The BPs recorded in 42 epilepsy surgery candidates (28 men, 14 women; aged from
      18 to 49 years) during self-paced clenching movements of the hand opposite to the
      explored hemisphere were investigated in the study. Microdeep intracerebral 5 to
      15-contact electrodes were used. The averaged curves were calculated from
      approximately 30 trials in each case. All the records were taken with a binaural
      reference. The total number of explored brain regions was 235; the event-related
      premovement potentials were observed in 121 of them. Three types of premovement
      responses were observed: (i) the BP with both components; (ii) the BP with the
      early component only; and (iii) the BP with the late component only. The
      generators of the early one-component BP were demonstrated in two frontal
      cortical areas (precentral and middle frontal gyri) and in the parietal area
      known to be involved in action planning and decision making (precuneus). Some
      structures generating the early one-component BP were activated during movement;
      the others were without motor responsiveness. The results suggest a separate
      elaboration of functional task items in some and their integration in other brain
      structures, and the existence of volitional mechanisms of different hierarchical
      character.

PMID- 22036689
TI  - Corneal endothelial autocrine trophic factor VIP in a mechanism-based strategy to
      enhance human donor cornea preservation for transplantation.
AB  - Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) are
      identified as autocrines of human corneal endothelial (CE) cells working in
      concert to maintain the differentiated state and promote the survival of the
      corneal endothelium. From VIP gene knockdown study, endogenous VIP is shown to
      maintain the level of the differentiation marker, the adhesion molecule N
      cadherin, CE cell size, shape, and retention, in situ in the human donor
      corneoscleral explants. Exogenous VIP protects the corneal endothelium against
      the killing effect of oxidative stress, in part by upholding ATP levels in CE
      cells dying of oxidative stress-induced injury, allowing them to die of an
      apoptotic death instead of an acute necrotic one. The switch from the acute
      necrosis to the programmed cell death (apoptosis) may have allowed the injured CE
      cell to be rescued by the VIP-upregulated pathways, including those of Bcl-2 and
      N-cadherin, and resulted in long-term CE cell survival. The endogenous VIP in CE
      cells is upregulated by CNTF, which is released by CE cells surviving the
      oxidative stress. The CNTF receptor (CNTFRalpha) is expressed in CE cells in
      human donor corneoscleral explant and gradually becomes lost during corneal
      storage. VIP treatment (10(-8) M, 37  degrees C, 30 min) prior to storage of
      freshly dissected human donor corneoscleral explants increases their CE cell
      CNTFRalpha level and responsiveness to CNTF in upregulating the gap junctional
      protein connexin-43 expression. VIP treatment of both fresh and preserved
      corneoscleral explants reduces CE damage in the corneoscleral explants and in the
      corneal buttons trephined from them. CE cell loss is a critical risk factor in
      corneal graft failure at any time in the life of the graft, which can be as late
      as 5-10 years after an initially successful transplant. A new procedure,
      Descemet's stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK), which is
      superior to the traditional full thickness transplantation in many aspects,
      nevertheless subjects the corneal endothelium to extensive mechanical forces,
      resulting in even more pronounced CE cell loss than the traditional technique.
      Whereas it is known that cells transduce mechanical stress through N-cadherin,
      stimulation of the N-cadherin pathway increases the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2
      expression. Since N-cadherin and Bcl-2 in the corneal endothelium are both
      upregulated by VIP, we aim to strengthen the CE sheet by VIP treatments of the
      corneoscleral explants for full thickness traditional corneal transplantation and
      pre-cut corneas for DSAEK.

PMID- 22036693
TI  - Eye movement evidence for defocused attention in dysphoria--a perceptual span
      analysis.
AB  - The defocused attention hypothesis (von Hecker and Meiser, 2005) assumes that
      negative mood broadens attention, whereas the analytical rumination hypothesis
      (Andrews and Thompson, 2009) suggests a narrowing of the attentional focus with
      depression. We tested these conflicting hypotheses by directly measuring the
      perceptual span in groups of dysphoric and control subjects, using eye tracking.
      In the moving window paradigm, information outside of a variable-width gaze
      contingent window was masked during reading of sentences. In measures of sentence
      reading time and mean fixation duration, dysphoric subjects were more
      pronouncedly affected than controls by a reduced window size. This difference
      supports the defocused attention hypothesis and seems hard to reconcile with a
      narrowing of attentional focus.

PMID- 22036694
TI  - Aneurysm diameter measurement: a challenging and frustrating task.

PMID- 22036695
TI  - Data surveillance in child protection systems development: an Indonesian case
      study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Successful implementation of child protection program interventions
      and child and family welfare services is contingent upon the availability and use
      of good quality information, as emphasized by the recent Convention on the Rights
      of the Child's General Comment 13. Yet, the role of information within child
      protection is not well understood, and ongoing efforts to strengthen child
      protection systems have not systematically examined this critical function.
      Recognizing these shortcomings, the Government of Indonesia and UNICEF
      commissioned a study to identify a "road map" for a national child protection
      information system. METHODS: The used desk review, semi-structured interviews,
      focus groups and site visits to identify existing data collection practices, and
      analyze the appropriateness and efficiency of information management mechanisms
      from the national down to the community level. RESULTS: The results show that the
      prevailing situation in Indonesia is characterized by a lack of accurate
      information on all necessary aspects of child care and protection including
      magnitude of problems, causality analysis and impact of programmatic responses.
      There is no lead actor for child protection at the national level, and there are
      no agreed upon data collection priorities, procedures or methods for a shared
      data collection system. CONCLUSION: The study suggests a need to reframe the
      dominant language from a "child protection information management system" to a
      "child protection surveillance system" to promote clearer data collection
      objectives and activities. Identifying a government ministry to lead child
      protection efforts and to forge closer partnerships among relevant actors will be
      required to support a national surveillance system. Additionally, addressing
      obstacles that limit child protection incident detection at the community level
      is critical. In addition to strengthening Indonesia's system, this study's
      approach and findings have the potential to help to inform ongoing child
      protection system development initiatives in other countries as well.

PMID- 22036696
TI  - Using LOINC to link 10 terminology standards to one unified standard in a
      specialized domain.
AB  - Despite the existence of multiple standards for the coding of biomedical data and
      the known benefits of doing so, there remain a myriad of biomedical information
      domain spaces that are essentially un-coded and unstandardized. Perhaps a worse
      situation is when the same or similar information in a given domain is coded to a
      variety of different standards. Such is the case with cephalometrics -
      standardized measurements of angles and distances between specified landmarks on
      X-ray film used for orthodontic treatment planning and a variety of research
      applications. We describe how we unified the existing cephalometric definitions
      from 10 existing cephalometric standards to one unifying terminology set using an
      existing standard (LOINC). Using our example of an open and web-based orthodontic
      case file system, we describe how this work benefited our project and discuss how
      adopting or expanding established standards can benefit other similar projects in
      specialized domains.

PMID- 22036697
TI  - A preliminary study of the effects of individual patient-level feedback in
      outpatient substance abuse treatment programs.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of feedback provided to
      counselors on the outcomes of patients treated at community-based substance abuse
      treatment programs. A version of the Outcome Questionnaire (OQ-45), adapted to
      include drug and alcohol use, was administered to patients (N = 304) in 3
      substance abuse treatment clinics. Phase I of the study consisted only of
      administration of the assessment instruments. Phase II consisted of providing
      feedback reports to counselors based on the adapted OQ-45 at every treatment
      session up to Session 12. Patients who were found to not be progressing at an
      expectable rate (i.e., "offtrack") were administered a questionnaire that was
      used as a second feedback report for counselors. For offtrack patients, feedback
      compared with no feedback led to significant linear reductions in alcohol use
      throughout treatment and also in OQ-45 total scores and drug use from the point
      of the second feedback instrument to Session 12. The effect for improving mental
      health functioning was evident at only 1 of the 3 clinics. These results suggest
      that a feedback system adapted to the treatment of substance use problems is a
      promising approach that should be tested in a larger randomized trial.

PMID- 22036698
TI  - Longitudinal changes in hippocampal volumes and cognition in remitted geriatric
      depressive disorder.
AB  - Growing evidences suggest that the abnormality of hippocampal volume may occur in
      the process of depression. In this longitudinal study, we calculated the
      hippocampal volume of 14 remitted geriatric depressed (RGD) patients and 19
      healthy participants at baseline and follow-up. We found significant improvement
      of performance in Trail Making Test-A (P=0.038) and Test-B (P=0.032), and the
      right hippocampal volume increased mildly in RGD. However, in RGD patients,
      positive correlations were seen between the changes in right hippocampal volumes
      and Symbol Digit Modality Test scores (r=0.675, P=0.008), and changes in left
      hippocampal volumes and Mini-Mental State Examination scores (r=0.743, P=0.002).
      Our findings suggest that hippocampus related cognitive impairment and previously
      addressed decreased hippocampal volume might represent a state rather than a
      permanent trait of the depressive disorder. The results suggest that hippocampal
      volume may be a useful risk marker for conversion to Alzheimer's disease in RGD
      patients. Additionally, our study indicates that effective antidepressants
      treatment might postpone and even revise the deterioration of hippocampus to some
      degree.

PMID- 22036699
TI  - The effects of gonadectomy on sex- and age-typical responses to novelty and
      ethanol-induced social inhibition in adult male and female Sprague-Dawley rats.
AB  - Sex- and age-typical responses to ethanol and novel stimuli tend to emerge
      postpubertally, suggesting a potential organizational or activational role for
      pubertal hormones in these behaviors. To test this possibility, male and female
      rats were gonadectomized (GX) or received sham gonadectomy (SH) either
      prepubertally on postnatal day (P) 23 (early) or in adulthood on P70 (late).
      Animals were tested as adults for response to novelty and, on the following day,
      challenged with either saline or ethanol (1g/kg) prior to social interaction
      testing with an unfamiliar partner in a familiar setting under low light
      conditions. Gonadectomy did not influence ethanol-induced social inhibition in
      either sex, but instead altered the microstructure of social behavior, with GX
      animals exhibiting proportionally less time in social investigation and
      proportionally more time in contact behavior than SH animals, regardless of age
      of gonadectomy. The early sham surgical manipulation process itself influenced
      social motivation, with early SH surgery eliminating ethanol-induced decreases in
      social preference in both sexes. Response to novelty was unaffected by
      gonadectomy, but was suppressed in early compared to late SH manipulated animals.
      These results suggest that adult-typical responses to ethanol and novelty
      directed behaviors are little influenced by gonadal hormones during puberty or in
      adulthood. However, the experience of surgical manipulation itself during
      development exerts behavioral and pharmacological consequences that last into
      adulthood.

PMID- 22036700
TI  - Social and cognitive processes influencing grammar evolution. Comment on
      'Modelling the cultural evolution of language' by Luc Steels.

PMID- 22036701
TI  - An ecological account of language evolution! Way to go! Commentary on "Modeling
      the cultural evolution of language" by Luc Steels.

PMID- 22036702
TI  - Language origin from simulation of language evolution. Comment on "Modeling the
      cultural evolution of language" by Luc Steels.

PMID- 22036703
TI  - In Silico Linguistics. Comment on "Modeling the cultural evolution of language"
      by Luc Steels.

PMID- 22036704
TI  - Are phylogenetic position, virulence, drug susceptibility and in vivo response to
      treatment in mycobacteria interrelated?
AB  - Phylogenetic analyses on the basis of multiple house-keeping genes and whole
      genome sequences have offered new insights in the phylogeny of the genus
      Mycobacterium. This genus yields obligate pathogens, the M. tuberculosis complex
      and M. leprae, as well as opportunistic pathogens (e.g. M. avium, M.
      intracellulare, M. kansasii, M. marinum, M. malmoense) and saprophytes (e.g. M.
      phlei, M. sphagni, M. gordonae). The most virulent mycobacteria, the M.
      tuberculosis complex, M. leprae and the M. kansasii-M. szulgai-M. marinum-M.
      ulcerans group are phylogenetically related and infections by these organisms are
      better treatable than those caused by less virulent and phylogenetically more
      distantly related Mycobacterium species. The most virulent Mycobacterium species
      are also characterized by high levels of natural drug susceptibility. In this
      paper, we review studies of phylogeny, drug susceptibility, and clinical
      significance to support our hypothesis that drug susceptibility in mycobacteria
      is acquired and reflects the low level of competition in -and adaptation to- a
      closer-to-human (environmental) niche. In turn, mycobacteria that inhabit the
      most competitive environmental niches are the least adapted to humans, thus of
      low clinical significance, but most tolerant to antibiotics derived from microbes
      with which they share their habitat, lowering the chances of cure in case of
      infection.

PMID- 22036705
TI  - Contrasting patterns of population genetic structure of Fasciola hepatica from
      cattle and sheep: implications for the evolution of anthelmintic resistance.
AB  - Twelve polymorphic genetic markers, eight allozymic loci and four
      microsatellites, were used to characterize 20 infrapopulations of Fasciola
      hepatica (all flukes from 10 individual cattle and 10 sheep) from 11 farms in
      Northwest Spain. Results suggest different patterns of population genetic
      structure depending on the host species. Individuals identified as clones were
      much more frequent in sheep. The common presence of clones and its nonrandom
      occurrence among individual hosts suggests clumped transmission of liver flukes
      in sheep. After reducing significant repeated multilocus genotypes to one unique
      copy within infrapopulations, results show relatively high levels of gene
      diversity within infrapopulations from cattle and sheep (0.411 and 0.360 on
      average, respectively). However, parasites of sheep appear to show significantly
      more structured variation at the infrapopulation level (Standardized F(ST)=0.087
      and 0.170 for parasites of cattle and sheep, respectively). Compared to the
      parasites from cattle, results suggest that populations from sheep show lower
      levels of gene flow, higher degree of aggregate transmission, higher probability
      of mating within clones, and lower parasitic load. These differences have
      implications for the evolution of anthelmintic resistance because they affect the
      effective population size and the degree of inbreeding. The development and rapid
      spread of resistance seems likely in the parasites of cattle because populations
      from the study area are characterized by high gene flow. However, results also
      suggest that the efficient selection of a new recessive advantageous mutation
      would be favored in parasites of sheep due to a greater potential for inbreeding.

PMID- 22036706
TI  - The quiet and controversial: Ural family of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
AB  - The absence of lateral gene exchange is a characteristic feature defining the
      genome evolution and clonal population structure of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
      Certain of its lineages have justly attracted more attention due to their global
      dissemination and/or remarkable pathogenic properties. In this critical review, I
      discuss the population structure and genetic geography of the less 'popular' but
      in some aspects no less noteworthy M. tuberculosis lineage, Ural family. Its
      specific signature was initially defined by single copy in MIRU26, and large (>6)
      copy number in MIRU10 loci, and by 43-spoligotyping as absence of signals 29-31
      and 33-36. Here, I suggest to subdivide Ural strains with present and absent
      spoligosignal 2 into primary Ural-1 and secondary Ural-2 sublineages,
      respectively, while 1 copy in MIRU26 is specific of Ural-1. Furthermore, three
      copies were recently described in MIRU10 in Ural-1 strains which highlights a
      high diversity of this locus in Ural genotype. The data on the two Ural
      sublineages were extracted from SpolDB4 database and original publications in
      order to trace their distribution at global and within-country levels.
      Importantly, the rigorous reanalysis suggested the true rate of the Ural genotype
      in the Ural area in Russia to be only 7%. In contrast, the frequencies of the
      Ural sublineages peak elsewhere: in South Ukraine and Georgia/Abkhazia (Ural-1,
      up to 14-19%), and in southwestern Iran (Ural-2, up to 26%). However, as this
      name is used since 2005, it seems most parsimonious to continue its use even if
      misleading. The forest graph was built on the available spoligoprofiles of Ural
      family strains from Eurasia. It helped to suggest routes of their primary
      dispersal that are discussed in the context of the known human migrations also
      influenced by natural barriers. The north/east Pontic area may have been an area
      of origin and primary dispersal of the Ural (Ural-1) genotype in Eurasia, whereas
      political and natural borders may have influenced its subsequent dissemination
      throughout Central Asia. Studies of phenotypic properties in different models,
      comparison with host genetics give evidence that the Ural family strains are not
      associated with increased capacity to acquire drug resistance, pathogenicity or
      transmissibility. Instead since Ural family is rather moderately widespread in
      Eurasia beyond the hypothesized areas of origin, this situation may be a result
      of its low contagiosity as a consequence of long-term co-adaptation with human
      host. Future research should be focused on whole-genome sequencing in order to
      identify Ural-specific SNP and/or deletion, to resolve its phylogenetic and
      phylogeographic uncertainty and to elucidate biological features underlying its
      circulation and co-evolution with the human species.

PMID- 22036707
TI  - Dengue virus surveillance in Singapore reveals high viral diversity through
      multiple introductions and in situ evolution.
AB  - Dengue fever, a vector-borne disease, has caused tremendous burden to countries
      in the tropics and sub tropics. Over the past 20 years, dengue epidemics have
      become more widespread, severe and frequent. This study aims to understand the
      dynamics of dengue viruses in cosmopolitan Singapore. Envelope protein gene
      sequences of all four dengue serotypes (DENV-1-DENV-4) obtained from human sera
      in Singapore (2008-2010) revealed that constant viral introductions and in situ
      evolution contribute to viral diversity in Singapore and play important roles in
      shaping the epidemiology of dengue in the island state. The diversity of dengue
      viruses reported here could be a reflection of the on-going dengue situation in
      the region given Singapore's location in a dengue hyperendemic region and its
      role as the regional hub for travels and trade. Though cosmopolitan genotype of
      DENV-2 has remained as the predominant strain circulating in Singapore, we
      uncovered evidence of in situ evolution which could possibly result in viruses
      with improved fitness. While we have previously shown that a switch in the
      predominant dengue serotype could serve as a warning for an impending outbreak,
      our current data shows that a replacement of a predominant viral clade, even in
      the absence of a switch in predominant serotype, could signal a possible increase
      in dengue transmission. The circulating dengue viruses in Singapore are highly
      diverse, a situation which could offer ample opportunities for selection of
      strains of higher fitness, thus increasing the risk of outbreaks despite a low
      Aedes population.

PMID- 22036708
TI  - Government uses new method to judge performance of hospitals to try to prevent
      "gaming" of system.

PMID- 22036709
TI  - Liberal Democrats end their opposition to health reforms.

PMID- 22036710
TI  - Challenges ahead in signal transduction: MAPK as an example.
AB  - Signal transduction is the process of converting one kind of signal or stimulus
      into another, with the goal of processing external or internal signals into
      diverse functions. In recent years, progress has been made in identifying
      signaling pathways, investigating cross-talk and feedbacks in signaling modules,
      analyzing cell-type specific signaling, and unraveling spatial-temporal aspects,
      such as receptor clustering into micro-domains, dynamic localization, and
      mathematical modeling. Here, we used the receptor/MAPK signaling system as an
      example, and we discuss the current and remaining challenges: the role of
      scaffolds and signaling machines, the importance of concentration and
      competition, the use of structural information, the integration of large-scale
      proteomic datasets, and the future challenge of integrating alternative splicing
      into signaling pathways.

PMID- 22036711
TI  - Maximizing reductant flow into microbial H2 production.
AB  - Developing microbes into a sustainable source of hydrogen gas (H2) will require
      maximizing intracellular reductant flow toward the H2-producing enzymes. Recent
      attempts to increase H2 production in dark fermentative bacteria include
      increasing oxidation of organic substrates through metabolic engineering and
      expression of exogenous hydrogenases. In photofermentative bacteria, H2
      production can be increased by minimizing reductant flow into competing pathways
      such as biomass formation and the Calvin cycle. One method of directing reductant
      toward H2 production being investigated in oxygenic phototrophs, which could
      potentially be applied to other H2-producing organisms, is the tethering of
      electron donors and acceptors, such as hydrogenase and photosystem I, to create
      new intermolecular electron transfer pathways.

PMID- 22036712
TI  - Identification and characterization of novel splice variants of the human EPM2A
      gene mutated in Lafora progressive myoclonus epilepsy.
AB  - The EPM2A gene, defective in the fatal neurodegenerative disorder Lafora disease
      (LD), is known to encode two distinct proteins by differential splicing; a
      phosphatase active cytoplasmic isoform and a phosphatase inactive nuclear
      isoform. We report here the identification of three novel EPM2A splice variants
      with potential to code for five distinct proteins in alternate reading frames.
      These novel isoforms, when ectopically expressed in cell lines, show distinct
      subcellular localization, interact with and serve as substrates of malin
      ubiquitin ligase-the second protein defective in LD. Two phosphatase active
      isoforms interact to form a heterodimeric complex that is inactive as a
      phosphatase in vitro, suggesting an antagonistic function for laforin isoforms if
      expressed endogenously in significant amounts in human tissues. Thus alternative
      splicing could possibly be one of the mechanisms by which EPM2A may regulate the
      cellular functions of the proteins it codes for.

PMID- 22036713
TI  - Options for procedural pain in newborn infants.

PMID- 22036714
TI  - Management of sexually transmitted infections in pubertal children.
AB  - Sexually transmitted infections (STI) comprise a variety of infections
      transmissible through sexual contact. Mutually consenting sexual relationships
      have become commonplace in adolescence and sexual abuse or exploitation awareness
      has risen, resulting in increased presentations of children with sexual health
      concerns. Difficulties persist in diagnosing and managing STIs in children. With
      increased emphasis on paediatrician's involvement in transitional care,
      competence in sexual history taking and clinical presentation recognition remains
      essential. Additionally, an awareness of strengths and limitations of diagnostic
      modalities needs to be present. Furthermore, specific additional issues in this
      age group such as independent consent for diagnosis and treatment, fear of
      pregnancy and privacy and confidentiality concerns should be addressed carefully.
      Failure to address these issues may lead to disengagement with health services
      resulting in potentially adverse short- and long-term health and social
      consequences in young persons. This review aims to provide an overview of an
      approach to diagnosing and managing a pubertal child with an STI and the
      consideration of the unique issues surrounding children's care.

PMID- 22036715
TI  - Successful use of factor VIIa to control life-threatening post-operative
      haemorrhage in a patient on extra-corporeal membrane oxygenation.
AB  - Recombinant Factor VII (Novoseven) is gaining recognition as an established
      treatment option for post-cardiac surgery bleeding. However, little information
      is available on its use in patients being maintained on Extra-Corporeal Membrane
      Oxygenation (ECMO) support, particularly in the adult population. We present the
      first case of the successful use of Factor VIIa to control bleeding in an adult
      patient on ECMO post cardiac surgery.

PMID- 22036716
TI  - Patient acceptance and attitude toward an alternative method of subconjunctival
      injection for the medical treatment of glaucoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: Nonadherence to glaucoma medications may be a major cause of treatment
      failure. We examined the acceptance of glaucoma patients toward a possible new
      route of administering glaucoma medication by subconjunctival injection. PATIENTS
      AND METHODS: Patients were recruited from specialist glaucoma clinics on a
      voluntary basis. Trained interviewers administered a 30-item questionnaire and an
      information sheet with details of an alternative subconjunctival injection route
      involving injections at 3-month intervals. Outcome measures regarding acceptance
      of the new procedure, social situational factors, disease factors, and treatment
      factors were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 151 patients participated in this
      study. Of the 151 patients 112 (74.2%) were willing to have their glaucoma
      medication given by the new method of subconjunctival injection, 101 of 112
      (90.2%) were willing to accept it at the same cost as their present medication,
      and 87 of 101 (86.1%) were willing to accept it even at a higher cost. These
      patients tended to be on a greater number of medications (P=0.006), and
      medicating more frequently in a day (P=0.003). Nine of 10 (90%) patients who were
      admitted to nonadherence were willing to accept subconjunctival injections at 3
      month intervals in place of their topical medication. CONCLUSIONS: Our study
      found that 74% of glaucoma patients were willing to accept an alternative form of
      glaucoma treatment through 3-monthly subconjunctival injections. A large
      proportion of patients who were admitted to nonadherence to topical medication
      were willing to consider this alternative method of medication. Our findings are
      helpful when developing patient-acceptable drug-delivery regimes, which may
      alleviate the need for daily medication.

PMID- 22036717
TI  - Crystal structure of the EphA4 protein tyrosine kinase domain in the apo- and
      dasatinib-bound state.
AB  - The Eph family of receptor tyrosine kinases regulates diverse cellular processes
      while the over-expression of a member of this family, EphA4, has been reported in
      a variety of malignant carcinomas. To gain insight into molecular mechanisms and
      to facilitate structure-based inhibitor design, we solved the crystal structure
      of the native EphA4 kinase domain in both the apo and dasatinib bound forms.
      Analysis of the two structures provides insight into structural features of
      inhibitor binding and revealed a hydrophobic back-pocket in the ATP- binding site
      of EphA4 which was previously unidentified. The structures suggest a route
      towards development of novel and specific inhibitors.

PMID- 22036718
TI  - MicroRNA 506 regulates expression of PPAR alpha in hydroxycamptothecin-resistant
      human colon cancer cells.
AB  - Chemotherapeutic drug resistance remains a major obstacle to the successful
      treatment of colon cancer. Here, we show that 77 differentially expressed miRNAs
      were identified in SW1116/HCPT versus SW1116, and over-expressed miR-506 in
      SW1116/HCPT cells was validated. Then it was indicated that PPARalpha is a common
      target of miR-506 by using a luciferase reporter assay. Our results also
      demonstrated that cytotoxic ability of HCPT requires the concomitant presence of
      PPARalpha, and that loss of PPARalpha expression imparts resistance to HCPTs anti
      tumor effects. All together, our studies indicate that miR-506 over-expression in
      established HCPT-resistant colon cancer cell line confers resistance to HCPT by
      inhibiting PPARalpha expression, then providing a rationale for the development
      of miRNA-based strategies for reversing resistance in HCPT-resistant colon cancer
      cells.

PMID- 22036719
TI  - Differences in regional myocardial perfusion, metabolism, MVO2, and edema after
      coronary sinus machine perfusion preservation of canine hearts.
AB  - Machine perfusion improves solid organ preservation for transplantation. We have
      demonstrated that antegrade perfusion preservation of hearts is superior to cold
      storage but may be limited by aortic valve incompetence. We hypothesized that
      retrograde perfusion (RP) through the coronary sinus may provide more reliable
      perfusate delivery to the heart. This study was designed to determine the optimal
      perfusion parameters and evaluate regional flow after RP of canine hearts. After
      donor cardiectomy, canine hearts (n = 6) were established in a perfusion device
      (LifeCradle, Organ Transport Systems, Inc., Frisco, TX) through a coronary sinus
      catheter. Hearts were perfused at 5 degrees C over flow rates from 10 to 35
      ml/100 g myocardium/min for 20 minutes at each flow rate. Colored microspheres
      were used to quantify tissue perfusion. Oxygen consumption (MVO(2)) and perfusion
      parameters were measured. At end-perfusion, tissue was collected for proton
      magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1)H MRS), microsphere analysis, and
      determination of myocardial edema. MVO(2) increased up to flow rates of 20 ml/100
      g/min. Right ventricular (RV) perfusion was reduced at all flow rates. Increased
      lactate/alanine ratios by (1)H MRS and reduced myocardial water content were
      noted in RV samples. RP results in excellent left ventricular (LV) perfusion. RV
      perfusion is reduced and oxidative metabolism in the right ventricle may not be
      maintained by RP. Further studies to evaluate effects of reduced RV perfusion by
      RP on functional recovery after transplantation are warranted.

PMID- 22036720
TI  - Coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus: a
      comparison between minimized and conventional extracorporeal circulation.
AB  - Diabetes mellitus (DM) is an established independent risk factor for significant
      morbidity and mortality after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). The
      minimized extracorporeal circulation (MECC) allows a reduction of the negative
      effects associated with conventional extracorporeal circulation (CECC). In this
      study, the impact of the MECC on outcome of diabetic patients after CABG was
      assessed. Between January 2002 and December 2009, 1,184 patients with DM
      underwent elective isolated CABG using CECC (54.6%) or MECC (45.4%). All analysis
      was performed retrospectively. The extracorporeal circulation time was
      significantly reduced during MECC procedure. The postoperative increase of
      creatine kinase and lactate levels was significantly weaker in the MECC group (p
      < 0.001). Also, the transfusion requirements were significantly lower (p <
      0.001). Furthermore, MECC patients had lower incidences of postoperative acute
      renal failure and sternal wound infections and shorter ICU and hospital lengths
      of stay (p < 0.05). Moreover, 30-day mortality was significantly reduced in the
      MECC group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, CABG surgery using MECC system is a safe
      alternative in patients with DM. A reduced postoperative mortality and lengths of
      stay, lower transfusion requirements, less renal and myocardial damage, and lower
      incidence of sternal wound infections encourage the usage of MECC system,
      especially in high-risk patients.

PMID- 22036721
TI  - Use of a miniaturized cardiopulmonary bypass circuit in neonates and infants is
      associated with fewer blood product transfusions.
AB  - Miniaturized bypass circuits, including the Kids D100 oxygenator and the D130
      arterial filter, were specially designed to reduce blood transfusions in small
      infants undergoing cardiac surgery. This study compared the number of blood
      product transfusions and short-term outcome between patients younger than 1 year
      undergoing cardiac surgery with a conventional and a miniaturized bypass circuit,
      after controlling for baseline characteristics and surgical complexity by 1:1
      matching. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals for exposure to
      transfusions and to any additional transfusion were estimated from binary and
      polytomous regression models. Of the 804 patients enrolled retrospectively, 246
      were analyzed after matching. The use of the miniaturized circuit required a
      lower priming volume, 265.5 vs. 432.4 mL, p < 0.001, fewer packed red blood cell
      (PRBC) transfusions, 1.4 vs. 2.0 U, p < 0.001, and fewer platelet transfusions on
      the day of surgery, 57.7% vs. 76.4%, p < 0.001. After adjustment for the use of
      antifibrinolytics, the ultrafiltration rate, and the year of surgery, the use of
      the miniaturized circuit was independently related to a reduced risk of
      additional PRBC transfusions, OR 0.04 (0.01, 0.13), and exposure to platelet
      transfusions, OR 0.78 (0.63, 0.96). Short-term outcome was similar.

PMID- 22036722
TI  - Influence of vascular network design on gas transfer in lung assist device
      technology.
AB  - Blood oxygenators are vital for the critically ill, but their use is limited to
      the hospital setting. A portable blood oxygenator or a lung assist device for
      ambulatory or long-term use would greatly benefit patients with chronic lung
      disease. In this work, a biomimetic blood oxygenator system was developed which
      consisted of a microfluidic vascular network covered by a gas permeable silicone
      membrane. This system was used to determine the influence of key microfluidic
      parameters-channel size, oxygen exposure length, and blood shear rate-on blood
      oxygenation and carbon dioxide removal. Total gas transfer increased linearly
      with flow rate, independent of channel size and oxygen exposure length. On
      average, CO(2) transfer was 4.3 times higher than oxygen transfer. Blood oxygen
      saturation was also found to depend on the flow rate per channel but in an
      inverse manner; oxygenation decreased and approached an asymptote as the flow
      rate per channel increased. These relationships can be used to optimize future
      biomimetic vascular networks for specific lung applications: gas transfer for
      carbon dioxide removal in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or
      oxygenation for premature infants requiring complete lung replacement therapy.

PMID- 22036723
TI  - Nitric oxide-generating silicone as a blood-contacting biomaterial.
AB  - Coagulation upon blood-contacting biomaterials remains a problem for short- and
      long-term clinical applications. This study examined the ability of copper(II)
      doped silicone surfaces to generate nitric oxide (NO) and locally inhibit
      coagulation. Silicone was doped with 3-MUm copper [Cu(0)] particles yielding 3 to
      10 weight percent (wt%) Cu in 70-MUm thick Cu/silicone polymeric matrix
      composites (Cu/Si PMCs). At 3, 5, 8, and 10 wt% Cu doping, the surface expression
      of Cu was 12.1% +/- 2.8%, 19.7% +/- 5.4%, 29.0% +/- 3.8%, and 33.8% +/- 6.5%,
      respectively. After oxidizing Cu(0) to Cu(II) by spontaneous corrosion, NO flux,
      J(NO) (mol . cm(-2) . min(-1)), as measured by chemiluminescence, increased with
      surface Cu expression according to the relationship J(NO) = (1.63%SA(Cu) - 0.81)
      * 10(-11), R(2) = 0.98, where %SA(Cu) is the percentage of surface occupied by
      Cu. NO flux at 10 wt% Cu was 5.35 +/- 0.74 * 10(-10) mol . cm(-2) . min(-1). The
      clotting time of sheep blood exposed to these surfaces was 80 +/- 13 seconds with
      pure silicone and 339 +/- 44 seconds when 10 wt% Cu(II) was added. Scanning
      electron microscopies (SEMs) of coatings showed clots occurred away from exposed
      Cu dendrites. In conclusion, Cu/Si PMCs inhibit coagulation in a dose-dependent
      fashion related to the extent of copper exposure on the coated surface.

PMID- 22036724
TI  - Labdanolic acid methyl ester (LAME) exerts anti-inflammatory effects through
      inhibition of TAK-1 activation.
AB  - Labdane derivatives obtained from the diterpenoid labdanediol suppressed NO and
      PGE(2) production in LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages. However, mechanisms
      involved in these inhibitory effects are not elucidated. In this study, we
      investigated the signaling pathways involved in the anti-inflammatory effects of
      labdanolic acid methyl ester (LAME) in peritoneal macrophages and examined its
      therapeutic effect in a mouse endotoxic shock model. LAME reduced the production
      of NO and PGE(2) in LPS-activated macrophages. This effect involved the
      inhibition of NOS-2 and COX-2 gene expression, acting at the transcription level.
      Examination of the effects of the diterpene on NF-kappaB signaling showed that
      LAME inhibits the phosphorylation of IkappaBalpha and IkappaBbeta, preventing
      their degradation and the nuclear translocation of the NF-kappaB p65 subunit.
      Moreover, inhibition of MAPK signaling was also observed. A further experiment
      revealed that LAME inhibited the phosphorylation of transforming growth factor
      beta (TGF-beta)-activated kinase 1 (TAK1), an upstream signaling molecule
      required for IKK and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) activation.
      Inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, TNF-alpha and IP-10 were downregulated in
      the presence of this compound after stimulation with LPS. Additionally, LAME also
      improved survival in a mouse model of endotoxemia and reduced the circulatory
      levels of cytokines (IL-6, TNF-alpha). In conclusion, these results indicate that
      labdane diterpene LAME significantly attenuates the pro-inflammatory response
      induced by LPS both in vivo and in vitro.

PMID- 22036725
TI  - Sulfur mustard primes human neutrophils for increased degranulation and
      stimulates cytokine release via TRPM2/p38 MAPK signaling.
AB  - Sulfur mustard (2,2'-bis-chloroethyl-sulfide; SM) has been a military threat
      since the World War I. The emerging threat of bioterrorism makes SM a major
      threat not only to military but also to civilian world. SM injury elicits an
      inflammatory response characterized by infiltration of neutrophils. Although SM
      was reported to prime neutrophils, the mechanism has not been identified yet. In
      the present study, we investigated the mechanism of SM-induced priming in human
      neutrophils. SM increased [Ca(2+)](i) in human neutrophils in a concentration
      dependent fashion. Transient receptor potential melastatin (TRPM) 2 inhibitors
      (clotrimazole, econazole and flufenamic acid) and silencing of TRPM2 by shRNA
      attenuated SM-induced [Ca(2+)](i) increase. SM primed degranulation of azurophil
      and specific granules in response to activation by fMLP as previously reported.
      SB203580, an inhibitor of p38 MAPK, inhibited SM-induced priming. Neither
      PD98057, an ERK inhibitor, nor SP600215, a JNK inhibitor, inhibited SM-induced
      priming. In addition, SM enhanced phosphorylation of NF-kB p65 and release of TNF
      alpha, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8. SB203580 inhibited SM-induced NF-kB
      phosphorylation and cytokine release. These results suggest the involvement of
      TRPM2/p38 MAPK pathway in SM-induced priming and cytokines release in
      neutrophils.

PMID- 22036726
TI  - Antibacterial agent triclosan suppresses RBL-2H3 mast cell function.
AB  - Triclosan is a broad-spectrum antibacterial agent, which has been shown
      previously to alleviate human allergic skin disease. The purpose of this study
      was to investigate the hypothesis that the mechanism of this action of triclosan
      is, in part, due to effects on mast cell function. Mast cells play important
      roles in allergy, asthma, parasite defense, and carcinogenesis. In response to
      various stimuli, mast cells degranulate, releasing allergic mediators such as
      histamine. In order to investigate the potential anti-inflammatory effect of
      triclosan on mast cells, we monitored the level of degranulation in a mast cell
      model, rat basophilic leukemia cells, clone 2H3. Having functional homology to
      human mast cells, as well as a very well defined signaling pathway leading to
      degranulation, this cell line has been widely used to gain insight into mast-cell
      driven allergic disorders in humans. Using a fluorescent microplate assay, we
      determined that triclosan strongly dampened the release of granules from
      activated rat mast cells starting at 2 MUM treatment, with dose-responsive
      suppression through 30 MUM. These concentrations were found to be non-cytotoxic.
      The inhibition was found to persist when early signaling events (such as IgE
      receptor aggregation and tyrosine phosphorylation) were bypassed by using calcium
      ionophore stimulation, indicating that the target for triclosan in this pathway
      is likely downstream of the calcium signaling event. Triclosan also strongly
      suppressed F-actin remodeling and cell membrane ruffling, a physiological process
      that accompanies degranulation. Our finding that triclosan inhibits mast cell
      function may explain the clinical data mentioned above and supports the use of
      triclosan or a mechanistically similar compound as a topical treatment for
      allergic skin disease, such as eczema.

PMID- 22036727
TI  - Role of the Nrf2-heme oxygenase-1 pathway in silver nanoparticle-mediated
      cytotoxicity.
AB  - Silver nanoparticles (nano-Ag) have been widely used in various commercial
      products including textiles, electronic appliances and biomedical products.
      However, there remains insufficient information on the potential risk of nano-Ag
      to human health and environment. In the current study, we have investigated the
      role of NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) transcription factor in nano-Ag-induced
      cytotoxicity. When Nrf2 expression was blocked using interring RNA expression in
      ovarian carcinoma cell line, nano-Ag treatment showed a substantial decrease in
      cell viability with concomitant increases in apoptosis and DNA damage compared to
      the control cells. Target gene analysis revealed that the expression of heme
      oxygenase-1 (HO-1) was highly elevated by nano-Ag in nonspecific shRNA expressing
      cells, while Nrf2 knockdown cells (NRF2i) did not increase HO-1 expression. The
      role of HO-1 in cytoprotection against nano-Ag was reinforced by results using
      pharmacological inducer of HO-1: cobalt protoporphyrin-mediated HO-1 activation
      in the NRF2i cells prevented nano-Ag-mediated cell death. Similarly,
      pharmacological or genetic inhibition of HO-1 in nonspecific control cells
      exacerbated nano-Ag toxicity. As the upstream signaling mechanism, nano-Ag
      required the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and p38MAPK signaling cascades for
      HO-1 induction. The treatment with either PI3K inhibitor or p38MAPK inhibitor
      suppressed HO-1 induction and intensified nano-Ag-induced cell death. Taken
      together, these results suggest that Nrf2-dependent HO-1 up-regulation plays a
      protective role in nano-Ag-induced DNA damage and consequent cell death. In
      addition, nano-Ag-mediated HO-1 induction is associated with the PI3K and p38MAPK
      signaling pathways.

PMID- 22036728
TI  - Robust edge-directed interpolation of magnetic resonance images.
AB  - Image interpolation is intrinsically a severely under-determined inverse problem.
      Traditional non-adaptive interpolation methods do not account for local image
      statistics around the edges of image structures. In practice, this results in
      artifacts such as jagged edges, blurring and/or edge halos. To overcome this
      shortcoming, edge-directed interpolation has been introduced in different forms.
      One variant, new edge-directed interpolation (NEDI), has successfully exploited
      the 'geometric duality' that links the low-resolution image to its corresponding
      high-resolution image. It has been demonstrated that for scalar images, NEDI is
      able to produce better results than non-adaptive traditional methods, both
      visually and quantitatively. In this work, we return to the root of NEDI as a
      least-squares estimation method of neighborhood patterns and propose a robust
      scheme to improve it. The improvement is twofold: firstly, a robust least-squares
      technique is used to improve NEDI's performance to outliers and noise; secondly,
      the NEDI algorithm is extended with the recently proposed non-local mean
      estimation scheme. Moreover, the edge-directed concept is applied to the
      interpolation of multi-valued diffusion-weighted images. The framework is tested
      on phantom scalar images and real diffusion images, and is shown to achieve
      better results than the non-adaptive methods as well as NEDI, in terms of visual
      quality as well as quantitative measures.

PMID- 22036729
TI  - A new grapevine virus discovered by deep sequencing of virus- and viroid-derived
      small RNAs in Cv Pinot gris.
AB  - Field symptoms of chlorotic mottling and leaf deformations were observed on the
      cv Pinot gris (PG) in the Trentino region (Italy). Extensive assays excluded the
      presence of widely distributed nepo-, ampelo- and vitiviruses. An analysis of
      small RNA populations from two PG grapevines showing or not symptoms was carried
      out by Illumina high throughput sequencing. The study disclosed the virus and
      viroids contents of the two vines that was composed by Grapevine rupestris stem
      pitting-associated virus (GRSPaV), two viroids Hop stunt viroid (HSVd) and
      Grapevine yellow speckle viroid 1 (GYSVd1), the marafiviruses Grapevine rupestris
      vein feathering virus (GRVFV) and Grapevine Syrah virus 1 (GSyV-1), and a
      hitherto unrecorded virus. This virus had a genome organization identical to that
      of Grapevine berry inner necrosis virus (GINV), a trichovirus reported only from
      Japan, with which it grouped in phylogenetic trees constructed with sequences of
      the RdRp domain and the coat protein gene. However, molecular differences with
      GINV are wide enough to warrant classification of the virus in question as a new
      species, for which the provisional name of Grapevine Pinot gris virus (GPGV) is
      proposed. A limited field survey for the presence of GPGV in diseased and
      symptomless plants from three different cultivars did not allow to clearly
      associating the virus to the observed symptoms.

PMID- 22036730
TI  - The rotavirus enterotoxin (NSP4) promotes re-modeling of the intracellular
      microtubule network.
AB  - Expression of the rotavirus enterotoxin (NSP4) in transfected monkey kidney cells
      was found to result in a dramatic re-modeling of the microtubule (MT) network.
      This important centrosome organized cytoskeletal element was dissolved by
      expression of NSP4 and re-formed in a ring array at the periphery of the cell,
      similar to that seen following normal virus infection. Site directed mutagenesis
      of the N-linked glycosylation sites in NSP4 was employed to show that
      glycosylation of NSP4 was not required for it to promote changes in the MT
      network. This result together with experiments using conventional inhibitors
      indicated that NSP4's ability to cause elevation of intracellular calcium levels
      was also not necessary to effect the changes in the MT network. Use of the
      centrosome function inhibitor nocodazole demonstrated that NSP4 based remodeling
      of the MT network was dominant over the normal organizational role of the
      centrosome. Finally the remodeling of the MT network was shown not to be linked
      to cellular apoptosis or necrosis. The potential importance of this newly
      recognised role for NSP4 in the overall process of intracellular pathogenesis by
      rotaviruses is discussed.

PMID- 22036731
TI  - Evidence of two co-circulating genetic lineages of canine distemper virus in
      South America.
AB  - Canine distemper virus (CDV) is the etiological agent of a multisystemic
      infection that affects different species of carnivores and is responsible for one
      of the main diseases suffered by dogs. Recent data have shown a worldwide
      increase in the incidence of the disease, including in vaccinated dog
      populations, which necessitates the analysis of circulating strains. The
      hemagglutinin (H) gene, which encodes the major antigenic viral protein, has been
      widely used to determine the degree of genetic variability and to associate CDVs
      in different worldwide circulating lineages. Here, we obtained the sequence of
      the first full-length H gene of field South American CDV strains and compared it
      with sequences of worldwide circulating field strains and vaccine viruses. In
      South America, we detect two co-circulating lineages with different prevalences:
      the Europe 1 lineage and a new South America 2 lineage. The Europe 1 lineage was
      the most prevalent in South America, and we suggest renaming it the Europe
      1/South America 1 lineage. The South America 2 lineage was found only in
      Argentina and appears related to wild CDV strains. All South American CDV strains
      showed high amino-acid divergence from vaccine strains. This genetic variability
      may be a possible factor leading to the resurgence of distemper cases in
      vaccinated dog populations.

PMID- 22036732
TI  - Successful control of vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium nosocomial
      outbreak in a teaching hospital in China.
AB  - In 2008, a vancomycin-resistant enterococci outbreak occurred across 2 intensive
      care units in our hospital. This outbreak prompted us to implement intensified
      control measures. We describe the molecular epidemiology of the outbreak, as well
      as the intervention strategies that resulted in successful control of the
      outbreak.

PMID- 22036733
TI  - Mesenchymal stem cells from adipose tissue which have been differentiated into
      chondrocytes in three-dimensional culture express lubricin.
AB  - The present study focused on the isolation, cultivation and characterization of
      human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from adipose tissue and on their
      differentiation into chondrocytes through the NH ChondroDiff medium. The main aim
      was to investigate some markers of biomechanical quality of cartilage, such as
      lubricin, and collagen type I and II. Little is known, in fact, about the ability
      of chondrocytes from human MSCs of adipose tissue to generate lubricin in three
      dimensional (3D) culture. Lubricin, a 227.5-kDa mucinous glycoprotein, is known
      to play an important role in articular joint physiology, and the loss of
      accumulation of lubricin is thought to play a role in the pathology of
      osteoarthritis. Adipose tissue is an alternative source for the isolation of
      multipotent MSCs, which allows them to be obtained by a less invasive method and
      in larger quantities than from other sources. These cells can be isolated from
      cosmetic liposuctions in large numbers and easily grown under standard tissue
      culture conditions. 3D chondrocytes were assessed by histology (hematoxylin and
      eosin) and histochemistry (Alcian blue and Safranin-O/fast green staining).
      Collagen type I, II and lubricin expression was determined through
      immunohistochemistry and Western blot. The results showed that, compared with
      control cartilage and monolayer chondrocytes showing just collagen type I,
      chondrocytes from MSCs (CD44-, CD90- and CD105- positive; CD45-, CD14- and CD34
      negative) of adipose tissue grown in nodules were able to express lubricin, and
      collagen type I and II, indicative of hyaline cartilage formation. Based on the
      function of lubricin in the joint cavity and disease and as a potential
      therapeutic agent, our results suggest that MSCs from adipose tissue are a
      promising cell source for tissue engineering of cartilage. Our results suggest
      that chondrocyte nodules producing lubricin could be a novel biotherapeutic
      approach for the treatment of cartilage abnormalities.

PMID- 22036734
TI  - Carbon dots of different composition and surface functionalization: cytotoxicity
      issues relevant to fluorescence cell imaging.
AB  - Nanoscale carbon particles have emerged as versatile precursors for a new class
      of highly fluorescent nanomaterials that resemble semiconductor quantum dots. The
      surface-passivated fluorescent carbon nanoparticles, dubbed 'carbon dots', were
      already demonstrated for their potential optical bioimaging applications in vitro
      and in vivo. In this study, we conducted a systematic cytotoxicity evaluation on
      the carbon dots prepared by various combinations of precursor carbon
      nanoparticles and molecules for the particle surface functionalization. The
      results suggested that the cytotoxicity of carbon dots was dependent on the
      selection of surface passivation molecules. Those dots showing more significant
      cytotoxicity at higher concentrations were also evaluated for their effects on
      the fluorescence imaging of live cells. The implications of the results on the
      eventual use of carbon dots as cell imaging agents are discussed.

PMID- 22036735
TI  - Internet addiction: hours spent online, behaviors and psychological symptoms.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate psychopathological symptoms,
      behaviors and hours spent online in patients with internet addiction disorder
      (IAD) at a new psychiatric service for IAD inside a policlinic. METHOD: Eighty
      six subjects participated in the study. Thirty-three patients asking for
      psychiatric consultation regarding their excessive use of the internet were
      assessed with IAD interview, internet addiction test (IAT), Symptom Checklist-90
      Revised (SCL-90-R) and a brief sociodemographic survey. Moreover, patients had to
      respond to the following question: Over the last month, how much time have you
      spent online per week? At the end of psychiatric assessment, 21 of the 33
      patients satisfied inclusion (IAD interview) and exclusion (psychotic disorders,
      neurocognitive deficits, dementia, serious mental delay, current alcohol or drug
      abuse) criteria. Twenty-one patients of the clinical group were compared with 65
      subjects of a control group who were recruited online using IAT. RESULTS: IAD
      patients showed significantly higher scores on the IAT compared to subjects of
      the control group. Only item 7 (How often do you check your e-mail before
      something else that you need to do?) showed a significant inverse trend. SCL-90-R
      anxiety and depression subscale scores and item 19 (How often do you choose to
      spend more time online over going out with others?) of the IAT were positively
      correlated with number of weekly hours spent online in IAD patients. CONCLUSION:
      Findings suggest that a misuse of internet, characterized by many hours spent
      online avoiding interpersonal relationships with real and known people, could be
      an important criterion in the clinical interview in order to diagnose the IAD.
      The association between the lost interest in communicating with real people and
      psychological symptoms such as anxiety and depression could be relevant to detect
      IAD patients.

PMID- 22036736
TI  - Medication adherence and quality of life among Nigerian outpatients with
      schizophrenia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine medication adherence among
      outpatients with schizophrenia in relation to their subjective quality of life
      and other sociodemographic, clinical and service related factors. METHODS: Three
      hundred and thirteen consecutive outpatient clinic attendees with a Diagnostic
      and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) diagnosis of
      schizophrenia confirmed with the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnosis were
      recruited for the study. Respondents were interviewed using a questionnaire
      evaluating sociodemographic, medication, illness and clinic attendance related
      variables. Medication adherence was assessed using the Morisky medication
      adherence questionnaire. Participants also completed the World Health
      Organization Quality of Life Scale-BREF questionnaire as a measure of their
      subjective quality of life, while severity of illness was measured using the
      Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS). RESULTS: Overall, 40.3% of the respondents
      were medication nonadherent. Medication adherent respondents significantly
      reported their perceived social support as "good" (P=.006), took significantly
      fewer number of medications (P<=.001), had higher medication use recall scores
      (P<=.001), had lower total BPRS scores (P=.001) and were "very satisfied" with
      their outpatient care (P=.002). Independent predictors of medication nonadherence
      were BPRS score [odds ratio (OR)=1.08, 95% confidence interval (95% CI)=1.03
      1.13], outpatient clinic default (OR= 4.97, 95% CI=2.59-9.53) and moderate
      satisfaction with outpatient care (OR=2.78, 95% CI=1.47-5.24). Medication
      nonadherence was significantly associated with lower scores on all domains and
      facets of quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Medication nonadherence is common among
      outpatients with schizophrenia and is associated with poor quality of life.
      Clinicians' awareness of the risk factors for medication nonadherence early in
      patients' management may significantly improve treatment outcomes, including
      patients' quality of life.

PMID- 22036737
TI  - Detoxification of high-dose zolpidem using cross-titration with an adequate
      equivalent dose of diazepam.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There have been numerous case reports of zolpidem abuse and
      dependence in the recent decade, giving rise to a focus on adverse withdrawal
      events such as seizure. No standard detoxification regimen has been proposed to
      date, despite the similarity of effects of zolpidem and benzodiazepines at high
      doses. CASE DESCRIPTIONS: We describe the results, in a 53-year-old female
      patient, of undergoing three different zolpidem detoxification programs.
      CONCLUSIONS: Because of her experiences, we recommend using the cross-titration
      strategy with an adequate equivalent dose of diazepam.

PMID- 22036738
TI  - Anxiety and depression in patients with myocardial infarction: findings from a
      centre in India.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The study was conducted to assess the occurrence of anxiety and
      depression in patients with recent myocardial infarction (MI) and also to assess
      the relationship of these symptoms with other relevant factors and clinical
      outcome. METHODS: A total of 103 patients with recent MI attending the cardiology
      outpatient department (OPD) of a tertiary care centre in India were included. The
      patients were evaluated using Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A), Hamilton
      Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) and Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview
      (MINI), and pertinent demographic and clinical parameters were recorded. The
      patients were followed up at 12 weeks telephonically to ascertain outcome.
      RESULTS: Significant anxiety and depressive symptoms were present in 48.5% and
      25.2% of the sample. Anxiety or depressive disorder diagnosis was present in
      25.2% of the sample. Aspirin use predicted lower anxiety and depressive symptom
      scores. A multivariate linear regression showed that female sex, history of
      angina and use of aspirin independently predicted scores on HAM-A. Diagnosis of
      psychiatric disorder, use of aspirin and increased body mass index also
      independently predicted scores on HAM-D. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need to screen
      for anxiety and depressive symptoms in patients with MI, so that appropriate
      intervention can be incorporated in the management plan.

PMID- 22036739
TI  - The management of pre-eclampsia: what we think we know.
AB  - The focus of this article is to review and challenge some current concepts
      surrounding the diagnosis and management of pre-eclampsia as well as considering
      where our management might head in the future. Pre-eclampsia is a syndrome
      defined by the new onset of hypertension in the 2nd half of pregnancy that is
      generally, but not always, accompanied by proteinuria. Whilst in recent times our
      understanding and management of this condition have improved there are some areas
      where evidence and opinions differ. In this review we will discuss the diagnosis
      of pre-eclampsia and the concept of the 'atypical' presentation. We will outline
      how to identify those women with pre-eclampsia who will have a poorer pregnancy
      outcome. We will address the question of when to deliver and how to treat if we
      decide to prolong the pregnancy. Finally we acknowledge that pre-eclampsia is
      more than a disorder of pregnancy and has lifelong implications for the mother
      and infant.

PMID- 22036741
TI  - More on color blindness.

PMID- 22036742
TI  - Increasing the dynamic range of in situ PLA.

PMID- 22036744
TI  - Taming the isobaric tagging elephant in the room in quantitative proteomics.

PMID- 22036745
TI  - High-throughput stem-cell niches.

PMID- 22036746
TI  - Characterizing RNA dynamics at atomic resolution using solution-state NMR
      spectroscopy.
AB  - Many recently discovered noncoding RNAs do not fold into a single native
      conformation but sample many different conformations along their free-energy
      landscape to carry out their biological function. Here we review solution-state
      NMR techniques that measure the structural, kinetic and thermodynamic
      characteristics of RNA motions spanning picosecond to second timescales at atomic
      resolution, allowing unprecedented insights into the RNA dynamic structure
      landscape. From these studies a basic description of the RNA dynamic structure
      landscape is emerging, bringing new insights into how RNA structures change to
      carry out their function as well as applications in RNA-targeted drug discovery
      and RNA bioengineering.

PMID- 22036748
TI  - GABA-B receptor: possible target for Parkinson's disease therapy.

PMID- 22036749
TI  - The use of NMR spectroscopy for identifying unknown foreign materials after
      aesthetic procedures.

PMID- 22036747
TI  - Spatial and temporal activation of spinal glial cells: role of gliopathy in
      central neuropathic pain following spinal cord injury in rats.
AB  - In the spinal cord, neuron and glial cells actively interact and contribute to
      neurofunction. Surprisingly, both cell types have similar receptors, transporters
      and ion channels and also produce similar neurotransmitters and cytokines. The
      neuroanatomical and neurochemical similarities work synergistically to maintain
      physiological homeostasis in the normal spinal cord. However, in trauma or
      disease states, spinal glia become activated, dorsal horn neurons become
      hyperexcitable contributing to sensitized neuronal-glial circuits. The
      maladaptive spinal circuits directly affect synaptic excitability, including
      activation of intracellular downstream cascades that result in enhanced evoked
      and spontaneous activity in dorsal horn neurons with the result that abnormal
      pain syndromes develop. Recent literature reported that spinal cord injury
      produces glial activation in the dorsal horn; however, the majority of glial
      activation studies after SCI have focused on transient and/or acute time points,
      from a few hours to 1 month, and peri-lesion sites, a few millimeters rostral and
      caudal to the lesion site. In addition, thoracic spinal cord injury produces
      activation of astrocytes and microglia that contributes to dorsal horn neuronal
      hyperexcitability and central neuropathic pain in above-level, at-level and below
      level segments remote from the lesion in the spinal cord. The cellular and
      molecular events of glial activation are not simple events, rather they are the
      consequence of a combination of several neurochemical and neurophysiological
      changes following SCI. The ionic imbalances, neuroinflammation and alterations of
      cell cycle proteins after SCI are predominant components for neuroanatomical and
      neurochemical changes that result in glial activation. More importantly, SCI
      induced release of glutamate, proinflammatory cytokines, ATP, reactive oxygen
      species (ROS) and neurotrophic factors trigger activation of postsynaptic neuron
      and glial cells via their own receptors and channels that, in turn, contribute to
      neuronal-neuronal and neuronal-glial interaction as well as microglia-astrocytic
      interactions. However, a systematic review of temporal and spatial glial
      activation following SCI has not been done. In this review, we describe time and
      regional dependence of glial activation and describe activation mechanisms in
      various SCI models in rats. These data are placed in the broader context of glial
      activation mechanisms and chronic pain states. Our work in the context of work by
      others in SCI models demonstrates that dysfunctional glia, a condition called
      "gliopathy", is a key contributor in the underlying cellular mechanisms
      contributing to neuropathic pain.

PMID- 22036750
TI  - The relationship between adrenocortical function and Hsp70 expression in socially
      isolated Japanese quail.
AB  - Physiological responses to social isolation stress were compared in 56-day-old
      male Japanese quail. Birds were fed pretreated diets for 3 days as follows: (i)
      Basal diet (control); (ii) Basal diet+1500 mg/kg metyrapone (BM); (iii) Basal
      diet+30 mg/kg corticosterone (BCO); (iv) Basal diet+250 mg/kg ascorbic acid (BC);
      (v) Basal diet+250 mg/kg alpha-tocopherol (BE); (vi) Basal diet+250 mg/kg
      ascorbic acid and 250 mg/kg alpha-tocopherol (BCE). The birds were subsequently
      socially isolated in individual opaque brown paper box for 2 hours. Plasma
      corticosterone (CORT) concentration and heart and brain heat shock protein 70
      (Hsp 70) expressions were determined before stress and immediately after stress.
      Two hours of isolation stress elevated CORT concentration significantly in the
      control and BE birds but not in the BC, BCE and BM birds. There was a significant
      reduction in CORT concentration after isolation stress in the BCO group.
      Isolation stress increased Hsp 70 expression in the brain and heart of control
      and BM birds. However, brain and heart Hsp 70 expressions were not significantly
      altered in the isolated BC, BCE and BE birds. Although, the CORT concentration of
      BM birds was not affected by isolation stress, Hsp70 expression in both brain and
      heart were significantly increased. Moreover, exogenous corticosterone
      supplementation did not result in elevation of Hsp 70 expression. It can be
      concluded that, although Hsp 70 induction had not been directly affected by CORT
      concentration, it may be modulated by the HPA axis function via activation of
      ACTH.

PMID- 22036751
TI  - [Identification of preterm labor: the role of the fibronectin and ultrasound
      cervicometry and their association].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the fetal
      fibronetcin (fFN) test and ultrasonographic cervical length measurement used
      alone or in combination with each other in order to further improve the
      identification of patients in preterm labor. METHODS: Prospective multicenter
      observational study on patients between 24 and 32 weeks of gestation with
      symptoms of preterm labor (total patients = 132). The endpoint was the delivery
      at 34 weeks or more. The screening methods used were: the fFN test (group 1), the
      cervical length measurement by transvaginal ultrasound (group 2) or a combination
      of both tests (group 3) according to an established protocol. The statistical
      analysis was performed using the chi2 test using the SPSS software. RESULTS:
      Group 1: positive fFN test in 25.7% of cases, incidence of preterm birth (<34
      weeks) of 18%. Group 2: cervical length <25 mm in 56.2% of cases, incidence of
      preterm birth (<34 weeks) of 18.5%. The negative predictive value is equivalent
      to 99.0% for the fFN test and 95.2% for cervicometry; combined use reaches 100%,
      compared to 54% positive predictive value. CONCLUSION: The identification of
      women at high risk of preterm delivery carried out with the fFN test or with
      transvaginal ultrasound cervicometry is clinically valid. The study also showed
      that the contextual use of biochemical and biophysical tests reaches a high
      negative predictive value (100%), making it a very useful method to identify
      patients truly at risk and to further reduce the incidence of non adequate
      treatment.

PMID- 22036752
TI  - Prenatal diagnosis of congenital rubella infection and ultrasonography: a
      preliminary study.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study was to analyze the role of ultrasonography in the
      prenatal diagnosis of women with confirmed rubella infection in pregnancy.
      METHODS: We performed a retrospective, population-based study on 175 women
      referred to our Centre of Infectious Disease in Pregnancy of AOU Federico II for
      rubella infection, in the period between January 1999 and December 2009. In
      confirmed cases of infection we performed periodic ultrasonographic assessment of
      fetal anatomy looking for prenatal findings of rubeovirus infection. Neonatal
      outcomes were collected. RESULTS: Among 175 women, 48 (27.4%) were confirmed
      cases, in 83 (47.4%) cases rubella infection remain suspected. The remaining 44
      (25.1%) women were excluded to having rubella infection in pregnancy. No defined
      probable cases were found. Among children born to mother with confirmed rubella
      infection, 9 (18.7%) resulted infected by rubella virus. In particular 6 newborns
      (66% of the affected) were asymptomatic, two babies showed incomplete congenital
      rubella syndrome (CRS), due to the presence of deafness in the absence of other
      congenital abnormalities without showing any USG findings. Only one baby showed a
      complete CRS: USG prenatal rubella infection findings were IUGR, polydramnios,
      cardiomegaly, defects of atrial septum, hepatosplenomegaly, ascites, echogenic
      bowel, placentomegaly. USG specificity and sensitivity was 100% and 11%
      respectively. CONCLUSION: USG has an important role in the detection rubella
      intrauterine infection in case of severe abnormalities. The obstetricians should
      understand the limitations of ultrasound in detection of deafness and minor
      abnormalities.

PMID- 22036753
TI  - Prenatal diagnosis of beta-thalassemia: nuchal translucency in affected fetuses.
AB  - AIM: Thalassemia syndromes are a group of blood disorders inherited in autosomal
      recessive manner. Prenatal diagnosis of disease is based on invasive procedures.
      Fetuses affected by homozygous thalassemia are not reported to be anemic. We
      studied their nuchal translucency (NT) measurements to identify as an
      ultrasonographic marker of disease and highlight any correlations. METHODS:
      Between April 2006 and July 2010 NT test was offered to women referred to our
      center for prenatal diagnosis of thalassemia. All the NT tests were performed in
      the time of chorionic villus sampling (CVS), according to the standards of the
      Fetal Medicine Foundation. Measurements of fetuses affected by homozygous
      thalassemia were compared with normal fetuses. RESULTS: A total of 55 fetuses
      were recruited. Of these, 15 were confirmed to be affected by homozygous
      thalassemia and 40 resulted to be carriers of thalassemia trait. Neither abnormal
      karyotype or structural abnormalities were detected and all the NT measurement
      were normal. NT was not different between the affected and normal fetuses.
      CONCLUSION: NT is not a marker of homozygous thalassemia in fetuses at risk.
      Invasive procedures remain the only available methods for diagnosis.

PMID- 22036754
TI  - [Clinical function of estrogen receptors in endometrial cancer].
AB  - Approximately 70-80% of endometrial carcinomas, type I carcinomas, are associated
      with endometrial hyperplasia, hyperestrogenism, and expression of estrogen
      receptor (ER). The aim of this review was to clarify the role of ER in
      endometrial diseases carcinoma. The estrogens exert their effect via two estrogen
      receptor: alpha and beta. The ERs modulate transcriptional process by binding
      directly to the estrogen response elements (ERE) located in the target gene, or
      in non classical mode through protein-protein tethering with other transcription
      factors. There are also orphan receptors (their natural ligands have not been
      identified). Among this group, estrogen receptor-related receptors (ERRs) were
      identified by their sequences similar to those of ERs. Since the ERRs have shown
      a high similarity in DNA binding domain with ERs can interfere with estrogen
      signalling strengthening the hypothesis of an estrogen-ER-ERR crosstalk.
      Recently, the ERs and estrogen enzymes emerge as pharmacological targets in
      different disorders, as well as ERRs, and they may represent the reliable
      biomarkers in endometrial disease.

PMID- 22036755
TI  - [Materno-fetal conflicts and the perinatal Medea syndrome: a cognitive analysis].
AB  - The definition of "maternal-fetal conflict" requires the attribution of a well
      defined subjectivity at the product of conception, and thus, from the medical
      point of view, we need to consider the fetus as a patient. A tangible example of
      conflict in our society is the "Medea syndrome", a framework in which the female
      parent kills her fetus or child to take revenge on the partner. We have produced
      a questionnaire that was administered to 150 women admitted to the Department of
      "Obstetrics and Gynecology" of the "Santa Maria della Misericordia" Hospital, in
      Perugia. The results show the importance of the maternal-fetal conflict in our
      reality through the opinion that women have given in assessing particular
      situations that we have proposed in the questionnaire.

PMID- 22036756
TI  - Fertility preservation for cancer patients. Current options.
AB  - Prevalence of cancer has been increasing in the last years. Fortunately, during
      the last three decades, there has been a tremendous improvement in the success
      rates of cancer treatments and a continual rise in the survival rates. Given the
      improvement in survival rates with cancer treatment and developments in the field
      of reproductive medicine, fertility preservation for female cancer patients has
      become a very sensible issue. Today, several methods are available for preserving
      the reproductive potential of these patients. This review will focus on the
      options for fertility preservation offered to young cancer patients.

PMID- 22036757
TI  - Eating disorders in the twenty-first century.
AB  - The first description of anorexia nervosa appeared in the literature over three
      hundred years ago. Since then, much has been learned about eating disorders,
      including the different presentations, medical complications, prognosis, and
      treatment strategies. In spite of this knowledge, the prevalence of eating
      disorders continues to grow. As well, eating disorders are seen in increasing
      frequency among males, children, and adults, and from all cultures and
      ethnicities. Of particular concern, is that patients with eating disorders often
      first present because of a complication such as amenorrhea, syncope, or abdominal
      pain, without disclosing the eating disorder. Therefore, all physicians should be
      aware of the various presentations of eating disorders, including the medical
      complications and risks, and be able to screen for a possible eating disorder.
      The major medical complications are due to the decreased caloric intake which
      leads to a hypometabolic state. While most complications are reversible with
      recovery, some, such as bone loss, may not be. Of particular concern during
      recovery is the possible development of a refeeding syndrome which occurs as the
      body goes from a catabolic to an anabolic state, causing hypophosphatemia,
      hypocalcemia and hypomagnesemia, which can lead to delirium, coma and death. Of
      further concern is that eating disorders have the highest mortality rate of all
      psychiatric disorders at 5.6% per decade. This article will review the changing
      demographics, medical complications, treatment options, and prognosis of eating
      disorders.

PMID- 22036758
TI  - Heavy menstrual bleeding in adolescents: hormonal or hematologic?
AB  - Adolescence in girls is marked by a host of physical and psychological changes
      including those associated with menstruation. Heavy menstrual bleeding is one of
      the most commonly encountered medical problems during transition from childhood
      to adulthood. Although common, it is likely underreported given that the
      definition is dependent upon personal experience and influenced by their
      perception of "normal". Anovulatory cycles related to an immaturity of the
      hypothalamic pituitary ovarian axis seems to be common, however bleeding
      disorders such as coagulation factor deficiencies including von Willebrand
      disease, and quantitative and qualitative abnormalities of platelets must be
      ruled out. Other medical conditions such as endocrinopathies including diabetes
      mellitus, Cushing syndrome, polycystic ovarian syndrome, hypothyroidism, chronic
      hepatic and renal disease, anatomical uterine anomalies, pregnancy, obesity,
      medications causing hyperprolactinemia must also be considered. Management is
      based on the presence of hemodynamic instability and acuity of presentation.
      Treatment options include the use of combined oral contraceptive pills and
      antifibrinolytic agents; levonorgesterel impregnated intrauterine devices and or
      treatment of the specific underling bleeding disorder or endocrinopathy. Ongoing
      management needs to be accomplished through a multi disciplinary team approach in
      a comprehensive care setting with an adolescent gynecologist, hematologist,
      pediatrician, and nutritionist involved in the program for a better outcome of
      this problem.

PMID- 22036759
TI  - Endometrial seedlings. A survival instinct? Immunomodulation and its role in the
      pathophysiology of endometriosis.
AB  - Endometriosis occurs when ectopic cells from the endometrium implant within the
      peritoneum. It is considered as a disease of multifactorial aetiology and affects
      7-10% of women of reproductive age worldwide. In endometriosis, the immune system
      is thought to be dysfunctional and various studies have shown cytokine imbalance.
      Commonly upregulated cytokines include Tumour necrosis factor-alpha, interferon
      gamma and interleukin-10. Through analysis of the molecular makeup of the
      peritoneal fluid, a change is shown to occur, conferring resistance from
      macrophages and lymphocytes to endometrial cells. This is possibly due to a
      reduced Inter-cellular adhesion molecule-1 synthesis. Survival of ectopic
      endometrial cells also arises through the expression of human leukocyte antigens.
      Apart from the survival of ectopic/eutopic cells in endometriosis, there is
      marked cellular proliferation, which has also been attributed to a change in the
      expression of proteins such as Bcl-2-Associated X protein, B-cell lymphoma-2
      protein, transforming growth factor-beta and the enzyme aromatase. Danazol and
      aromatase inhibitors modulate the immune system, thus allowing partial
      restoration of cytokine levels. Pharmacogenomics may be the way forward in
      developing novel treatment modalities for endometriosis.

PMID- 22036760
TI  - Update in endometriosis and IVF.
AB  - The impact of endometriosis on in vitro fertilization (IVF) has been the subject
      of numerous publications, although a number of critical issues related to the
      management of affected patients remain unsolved. Accurate assessment of the
      effect of this disease on IVF outcome requires an appraisal of the diagnostic
      limitations, the consequences of surgical and hormonal management of
      endometriosis and the potential impact of both disease and IVF on feto-maternal
      well-being. We have addressed all these aspects by attempting an overview of the
      literature of the last decade and we present an update which may be useful
      regarding the treatment options of subfertile women seeking pregnancy.

PMID- 22036761
TI  - The cytotoxic effects of bendamustine in combination with cytarabine in mantle
      cell lymphoma cell lines.
AB  - Bendamustine is clinically useful in mantle-cell lymphoma (MCL). Its favorable
      toxicity profile in-vivo favors its combination with other cytotoxic drugs.
      Cytarabine is a key drug in the treatment of younger patients with MCL. The
      current study investigated the in-vitro cytotoxic effect of bendamustine and
      cytarabine, alone or combined, on two MCL cell lines representing the classic and
      blastoid variant of the lymphoma subtype (JEKO-1 and GRANTA-519). Cell lines were
      exposed to each drug alone, or simultaneously and consecutively to both drugs,
      for different time schedules. Apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry.
      Mitochondrial damage, cell proliferation/metabolic activity, and cell cycle
      analysis were also assessed. The synergistic, additive, or antagonistic effects
      of the drugs were calculated with the combination index (CI) method. Bendamustine
      and cytarabine alone exhibited relevant cytotoxic activity on both cell lines.
      Both drugs induced cell cycle arrest in S phase. Drug combinations were
      associated with significantly higher cytotoxic effects than each drug alone.
      Among the combination schedules, the consecutive incubation of bendamustine
      followed by cytarabine was associated with the lower CI, being 10-100-fold lower
      than with simultaneous incubations. The cytotoxic effect of the consecutive
      combination was prominent on both cell lines, indicating a very strong and highly
      significant synergy in inducing apoptosis. Similar results were obtained
      measuring mitochondrial damage or the decline of the metabolic activity in all
      cell lines. The strong synergistic effect of bendamustine and cytarabine on MCL
      cells provides a rationale for developing schedules combining these agents in the
      treatment of MCL.

PMID- 22036762
TI  - The modifying effect of Xmn1-HBG2 on thalassemic phenotype is associated with its
      linked elements in the beta globin locus control region, including the
      palindromic site at 5'HS4.
AB  - The core sequence of 5'HS4-beta globin locus control region and Xmn1-HBG2 site
      were analyzed and compared among 86 thalassemia patients with homozygous or
      compound heterozygous beta globin gene mutations and 101 normal individuals.
      Frequency of the G allele in the polymorphic palindromic sequence of 5'HS4 (TGGGG
      A/G CCCCA) and positive Xmn1-HBG2 profile was significantly higher in thalassemia
      patients compared to the normal population. Linkage disequilibrium was observed
      between the G allele and positive Xmn1-HBG2 profile in patient population.
      Furthermore, dominance of IVSII-1 in the mutation spectrum of the patients
      enabled us to identify linkage disequilibrium relationships between IVSII-1,
      positive Xmn1-HBG2 and the G allele at 5'HS4. The frequency of milder clinical
      phenotype was significantly higher in patients with GG/++ than cases with AA/--
      genotypic pattern in 5'HS4/Xmn1-HBG2 loci. These data together with biochemical
      evidence suggesting a role for the A/G polymorphism at 5'HS4 palindromic site on
      modifying chromatin structure and in the absence of any evidence from functional
      studies relating the Xmn1-HBG2 site to the increased gamma chain expression,
      suggest that the phenotype modifying role long time assigned to Xmn1-HBG2 is
      possibly played by more functionally potent elements linked to it in LCR.

PMID- 22036763
TI  - Hydrogen peroxide induces Sp1 methylation and thereby suppresses cyclin B1 via
      recruitment of Suv39H1 and HDAC1 in cancer cells.
AB  - Sp1 is an important transcription factor for a number of genes that regulate cell
      growth and survival. Sp1 is an anchor protein that recruits other factors to
      regulate its target genes positively or negatively, but the mechanism of its
      functional switch by which positive or negative coregulators are recruited is not
      clear. In this study, we found that Sp1 could be methylated and that methylation
      was maintained by treatment with pargyline, a lysine-specific demethylase 1
      (LSD1) inhibitor or knock LSD1 down directly. Hydrogen peroxide treatment
      increased the methylation of Sp1 and repressed Sp1 transcriptional activity.
      Investigation of the mechanism by which methylation decreased Sp1 activity found
      that methylation of Sp1 increased the recruitment of Su(var) 3-9 homologue
      1(Suv39H1) and histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) to the cyclin B1 promoter, resulting
      in deacetylation and methylation of histone H3 and subsequent downregulation of
      cyclin B1. Finally, downregulation of cyclin B1 led to cell cycle arrest at the
      G2 phase. These results show that methylation of Sp1 causes it to act as a
      negative regulator by recruiting Suv39H1 and HDAC1 to induce chromatin
      remodeling. This finding that methylation acts as a functional switch provides
      new insight into the modulation of Sp1 transcriptional activity.

PMID- 22036764
TI  - LC-MS method for screening unknown microbial carotenoids and isoprenoid quinones.
AB  - The structure of secondary metabolites from microorganisms provides a useful tool
      for microbial characterization and chemotaxonomic classification. Microbial
      isoprenoid quinones, for example, are well described and used to distinguish
      among photosynthetic microorganism groups. In addition, isoprenoid quinones can
      also be found, together with carotenoids, in non-photosynthetic microorganisms.
      The aim of the present study was to develop a LC-MS/MS method which can analyze
      and identify these microbial isoprenoids. Positive atmospheric pressure chemical
      ionization (APCI) together with collisionally induced dissociation was applied
      for generation of informative fragment spectra by mass spectrometry. Enhanced
      product ion (EPI) scan in a linear ion trap with information dependent data
      acquisition (IDA) enabled generation of MS fragment data even from minor
      isoprenoids. The developed liquid chromatography method enabled separation of
      isoprenoid patterns from their ester derivatives. Discovery and structural
      characterization of isoprenoid quinones and carotenoids were carried out by
      comparing characteristics of fragment spectra from unknown compounds with
      fragment spectra of a range of isoprenoid standard compounds and using published
      data. Throughout the study 17 microorganisms (e.g., Acremonium butyri,
      Arthrobacter spp., Brevibacterium linens, Bullera variabilis, Exophiala
      dermatitidis, Lecythophora hoffmannii, Panthoea agglomerans, Rhodotorula spp.,
      Xanthophyllomyces dendrorhous) were screened and probable structures of
      isoprenoid quinones and carotenoids were suggested. The method lays some
      foundations on the analysis of yet unknown isoprenoids in microorganisms by using
      LCMS/MS techniques.

PMID- 22036765
TI  - Midterm outcome of arthroscopic revision repair of massive and nonmassive rotator
      cuff tears.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the midterm functional outcome
      of arthroscopic revision rotator cuff repair and compare the outcomes of
      nonmassive and massive rotator cuff tears. METHODS: We performed a retrospective
      review of patients over a 10-year period who underwent arthroscopic revision
      rotator cuff repair. The cohort was divided into 2 groups based on tear size
      (nonmassive and massive tears). RESULTS: The cohort consisted of 21 nonmassive
      tears and 53 massive tears with a mean follow-up of 63 months. The 2 groups had
      similar baseline characteristics. In the overall cohort, after arthroscopic
      revision repair, there was a significant reduction in pain (P < .001) and
      increase in active forward elevation (P = .003) and functional outcome by
      American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score (P < .001) and University of
      California, Los Angeles score (P < .001). The rate of patient satisfaction was
      78%. There was no significant difference between the 2 groups (nonmassive v
      massive) in postoperative forward elevation, pain, or functional outcome. A poor
      functional outcome according to the University of California, Los Angeles score
      was associated with female sex (P = .005), preoperative active forward flexion
      below 136 degrees  (P = .004), and preoperative pain score greater than 5 points
      (P = .002). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that arthroscopic
      revision rotator cuff repair is a reasonable treatment option, even in cases of
      massive retears. Tear size does not appear to affect final outcome. This
      technique can yield reliable improvements in active forward elevation and
      functional outcome and a decrease in pain at an acceptably high rate in this
      difficult patient population. Female sex, preoperative forward elevation less
      than 136 degrees , and preoperative pain score greater than 5 points are poor
      prognostic risk factors for obtaining a satisfactory functional outcome with
      arthroscopic revision repair. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic case
      series.

PMID- 22036766
TI  - Aminoguanidine and curcumin attenuated tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha-induced
      oxidative stress, colitis and hepatotoxicity in mice.
AB  - The up regulation of gut mucosal cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF)
      alpha and oxidative stress have been related to inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD)
      such as ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). This study investigated
      an immune-mediated model of colitis. TNF-alpha injected intraperitonally to mice
      induced a dose-dependent recruitment of neutrophils into abdominal mesentery. The
      leukocytes influx induced by TNF-alpha (10 MUg kg(-1) body weight) increased by 3
      fold liver and colon damage scores. TNF-alpha-colitis was characterized by
      hemorrhagic edemas and crypt abscesses massively infiltrated by inflammatory
      cells, namely neutrophils. Moreover, TNF-alpha-toxicity resulted in liver
      steatosis and foci of necrosis infiltrated by Kupffer cells and neutrophils in
      parenchyma and around the centrilobular veins. The involvement of oxidative
      stress was evaluated using aminoguanidine (AG) as selective inhibitor of
      inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and curcumin (Cur), the polyphenolic antioxidant of
      turmeric (Curcuma longa L.). TNF-alpha-toxicity led to significant increase in
      myeloperoxidase (MPO, an index of neutrophils infiltration), nitrites (stable
      nitric oxide metabolites) and malondialdehyde (MDA, a marker of lipid peroxides)
      levels and cell apoptosis in liver and colon. AG and Cur treatments significantly
      attenuated the hallmarks of oxidative stress, neutrophils influx and ROS-related
      cellular and histological damages, in TNF-alpha-treated mice. Taken together, our
      results provide insights into the role of phagocytes-derived oxidants in TNF
      alpha-colitis in mice. Cur and AG, by inhibiting neutrophils priming and
      iNOsynthase could be effective against oxidative bowel damages induced in IBD by
      imbalanced gut immune response.

PMID- 22036767
TI  - Re: personalized medicine and cancer supportive care: appropriate use of colony
      stimulating factor support of chemotherapy.

PMID- 22036768
TI  - Expanding views of presynaptic terminals: new findings from Caenorhabditis
      elegans.
AB  - The unique ability of chemical synapses to transmit information relies on the
      structural organization of presynaptic terminals. Empowered by forward genetics,
      research using Caenorhabditis elegans has continued to make pivotal contributions
      to discover conserved regulators and pathways for presynaptic development. Recent
      advances in microscopy have begun to pave the path for linking molecular dynamics
      with subsynaptic structures. Studies using diverse reporters for synapses further
      broaden the landscape of regulatory mechanisms underlying presynaptic
      differentiation. The identification of novel regulators at transcriptional and
      post-transcriptional levels raises new questions for understanding synapse
      formation at the genomic scale.

PMID- 22036769
TI  - Functional regulation of GABAA receptors in nervous system pathologies.
AB  - Inhibitory neurotransmission is primarily governed by gamma-aminobutyric acid
      (GABA) type A receptors (GABAARs). GABAARs are heteropentameric ligand-gated
      channels formed by the combination of 19 possible subunits. GABAAR subunits are
      subject to multiple types of regulation, impacting the localization, properties,
      and function of assembled receptors. GABAARs mediate both phasic (synaptic) and
      tonic (extrasynaptic) inhibition. While the regulatory mechanisms governing
      synaptic receptors have begun to be defined, little is known about the regulation
      of extrasynaptic receptors. We examine the contributions of GABAARs to the
      pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental disorders, schizophrenia, depression,
      epilepsy, and stroke, with particular focus on extrasynaptic GABAARs. We suggest
      that extrasynaptic GABAARs are attractive targets for the treatment of these
      disorders, and that research should be focused on delineating the mechanisms that
      regulate extrasynaptic GABAARs, promoting new therapeutic approaches.

PMID- 22036770
TI  - Xenoestrogenic chemicals effectively alter sperm functional behavior in mice.
AB  - Xenoestrogenic compounds (XCs) can disrupt endogenous hormone function and affect
      sperm function by binding to receptors on sperm membrane. Albeit spermatozoa are
      potentially a useful model for screening estrogenic activities of endocrine
      disruptors, high-quality in vitro test system that examination of the XCs effects
      on sperm function is required. The objective of this study was to compare the
      effects of XCs (genistein and 4-tert-octylphenol) to those of steroids (estrogen
      and progesterone) and heparin on in vitro capacitation and acrosome reaction (AR)
      in mouse spermatozoa. Mouse spermatozoa were incubated with various
      concentrations (0.001-100 MUM) of each chemical for 15 or 30 min, and then
      capacitation and AR were assessed using chlortetracycline. All chemicals studied
      effectively alter capacitation and/or AR in mouse spermatozoa with different
      manner. Therefore, we believed that our system will provide a good in vitro model
      system to characterize the physiological effect of XCs especially when compared
      with steroids.

PMID- 22036771
TI  - Psychological distress among women with newly diagnosed breast cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: Psychological distress is common in the cancer continuum. Our objectives
      were to determine the prevalence of distress and to investigate the related
      problems and the characteristics of women with breast cancer who experienced
      psychological distress at the time of diagnosis. METHODS: We used cross-sectional
      data from a questionnaire study. Women with newly diagnosed breast cancer were
      consecutively invited to respond before breast surgery. Between October 2008 and
      October 2009, a total of 357 responded out of 426 (84%) invited. Among these, 343
      patients completed the 'distress thermometer' to measure psychological distress
      and the accompanying 'problem list' to identify related problems. Logistic
      regression models with 95% confidence intervals were used to estimate the
      associations between psychological distress, age, social support and domains on
      the problem list. RESULTS: With a cut-off of 3 on the distress thermometer, 77%
      of women with breast cancer reported distress, whereas when the cut-off was 7,
      43% were distressed. The mean distress score was 5.4 (SD, 3.1). The most
      frequently reported problems were worry (77%) and nervousness (71%). Distress was
      significantly associated with the total score and three domains on the problem
      list. Younger women (<50 years) reported higher levels of distress than older (>=
      50 years). We found no significant association between distress and having a
      partner or someone outside the family to rely on. CONCLUSIONS: Distress was
      reported by 77% of patients. Age and problem list were significantly associated
      with distress. No significant association between psychological distress and
      social support was observed.

PMID- 22036772
TI  - Colorectal cancer screening behaviour and associated factors among Chinese aged
      50 and above in Hong Kong - a population-based survey.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study reports the uptake rate of colorectal cancer screening among
      Chinese people aged 50 or above and the identified factors associated with the
      likelihood of undergoing such screening. METHODS: A cross-sectional population
      based telephone survey was conducted in Hong Kong during the period 2 to 28 May
      2007. The survey covered demographics, perceived health status and susceptibility
      to cancer, utilisation of complementary medicine, family history of cancer and
      cancer screening behaviour. RESULTS: The survey was completed by 2004 Hong Kong
      Chinese residents aged 50 or older (response rate = 66.6%). The uptake rate of a
      fecal occult blood test and a colonoscopy was 12% and 19% respectively. Factors
      associated with colorectal cancer screening behaviour included: male
      participants, ex-smokers, with cancer or other serious disease, a family history
      of cancer, perceived health status fair or poor, regular visits to a doctor to
      look after health, and utilisation of complementary medicine. CONCLUSIONS: The
      uptake rate of this study population was low though an increasing trend did
      appear. Heath education and promotion programmes may focus on these identified
      factors to facilitate colorectal cancer screening in a Chinese population.

PMID- 22036773
TI  - Patient's sexuality - a neglected area of cancer nursing?
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to describe nurses' conceptions of
      dialogues about sexuality with cancer patients. METHODS: The study was carried
      out using phenomenographic method. Ten nurses from different care contexts where
      nurses meet cancer patients in various phases of trajectory of care were
      interviewed. RESULTS: The analysis revealed one main category 'We should talk
      about sexuality - but we usually don't' and three descriptive categories
      consisting of nurses' qualitatively different conceptions of talks about
      sexuality: (1) nurses' attitudes, knowledge and skills are impacting, (2)
      patients' sexual problems are the basis for dialogues and (3) the ward
      environment is impacting. The main category was hierarchically ranged and could
      be further understood by the descriptive categories. CONCLUSION: The study showed
      that cancer patients' need of talks about and support regarding sexuality were
      conceived as being low during the whole trajectory of care. Despite this the
      nurses conceived that they should talk about sexuality with the patients, but due
      to own attitudes, knowledge and skills, as well as conditions in the ward
      environment they usually did not. Further studies are needed to clarify how
      cancer patients especially with non-sex specific diagnosis describe their sexual
      problems and needs of support in regard to sexuality. About what, when, how and
      by whom, cancer patients and their partners want information and supportive care
      related to sexuality need to be clarified.

PMID- 22036774
TI  - Pharmacological blockade of corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor 1 (CRH1R)
      reduces voluntary consumption of high alcohol concentrations in non-dependent
      Wistar rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A dysregulation of the corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) system
      has been implicated in the development of excessive alcohol consumption and
      dependence. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether the CRH system
      is also recruited when non-dependent Wistar rats escalate to high alcohol intake
      in the intermittent (alternate days) model of drinking. METHODS: We compared
      intermittent and continuous access to 20% (v/v) alcohol in a two-bottle free
      choice drinking paradigm. Following a total of twenty 24-hour exposures for every
      experimental group, we assessed signs of alcohol withdrawal, including anxiety
      like behavior and sensitivity to stress. The selective CRH1 receptor (CRH1R)
      antagonist antalarmin (0, 10, 20 mg/kg, i.p.) was tested on alcohol consumption.
      RESULTS: Intermittent access to 20% alcohol led non-selected Wistar rats to
      escalate their voluntary intake to a high and stable level, whereas continuously
      exposed animals maintained a lower consumption. These groups did not differ in
      physical withdrawal signs. In addition, no differences were found when anxiogenic
      like behavior was studied, neither under basal conditions or following restraint
      stress. Nevertheless, sensitivity to the treatment with the CRH1R antalarmin was
      observed since a reduction of 20% alcohol intake was found in both groups of
      animals regardless of the regimen of alcohol exposure. In addition, antalarmin
      was effective when injected to animals exposed to intermittent 10% (v/v) alcohol
      whereas it failed to suppress 10% continuous alcohol intake. CONCLUSIONS:
      Pharmacological blockade of CRH1R reduced alcohol drinking when sustained high
      levels of intake were achieved suggesting that the CRH system plays a key role
      when high doses of ethanol are consumed by non-dependent subjects. This supports
      the notion that CRH system not only maintains the dependent state but also
      engages the transition to dependence.

PMID- 22036775
TI  - A new and highly prognostic system to discern T1 bladder cancer substage.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Management of T1 bladder cancer (BCa) is controversial. OBJECTIVE:
      Evaluate the impact of substage on the clinical outcome of T1 BCa. DESIGN,
      SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: The T1 diagnosis of 134 first-diagnosis BCa patients
      from two university hospitals was confirmed. For the T1 substage, we used a new
      system that discerns T1-microinvasive (T1m) and T1-extensive-invasive (T1e)
      tumors. We then determined the invasion of the muscularis mucosae-vascular plexus
      (MM-VP): T1a (invasion above the MM-VP), T1b (invasion in the MM-VP), or T1c
      (invasion beyond the MM-VP). If the MM-VP was not present at the invasion front,
      the case was assigned to T1a or T1c. All patients were initially managed
      conservatively (with bacillus Calmette-Guerin). MEASUREMENTS: Multivariable
      analyses for progression and disease-specific survival (DSS). RESULTS AND
      LIMITATIONS: Median follow-up was 6.4 yr (interquartile range: 3.3-9.2 yr).
      Progression to >= T2 was observed in 40 patients (30%), and 19 patients (14%)
      died of BCa. The MM-VP was not present at the invasion front in 50 patients
      (37%). T1 substage was as follows: 40 T1m and 94 T1e; 81 T1a, 18 T1b, and 35 T1c.
      In multivariable analyses, substage (T1m/T1e) was significant for progression
      (p=0.001) and DSS (p=0.032), whereas substage according to T1a/T1b/T1c was not
      significant. Female gender (p=0.006) and carcinoma in situ (p=0.034) were also
      significant predictors of progression. The main limitation to the study is
      absence of a repeat transurethral resection. CONCLUSIONS: Substage according to
      the new system (T1m and T1e) was user-friendly, possible in 100% of cases, and
      very predictive of T1 BCa behavior. Future studies may ultimately lead to the
      incorporation of this new substaging system in the TNM classification system for
      urinary BCa.

PMID- 22036776
TI  - Efficacy and safety of low doses of onabotulinumtoxinA for the treatment of
      refractory idiopathic overactive bladder: a multicentre, double-blind,
      randomised, placebo-controlled dose-ranging study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the treatment of patients with idiopathic overactive bladder
      (iOAB), high doses of botulinum toxin type A (BoNTA) were often associated with
      complications resulting from high postvoid residuals (PVR), leading to clean
      intermittent catheterisation (CIC) and urinary tract infections (UTI). OBJECTIVE:
      Evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of low doses of onabotulinumtoxinA
      compared to placebo in patients with iOAB. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS:
      Between 2005 and 2009, adults with persistent iOAB were included in a
      prospective, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled comparative trial.
      INTERVENTION: Patients were randomised to undergo a single intradetrusor
      injection procedure of either placebo or onabotulinumtoxinA (50 U, 100 U or 150
      U). MEASUREMENTS: The initial evaluations (ie, clinical and urodynamic variables
      as well as quality of life [QoL]) were repeated at day 8 and months 1, 3, 5, and
      6. RESULTS AND LIMITATIONS: Ninety-nine patients were included in the efficacy
      analysis. Three months after the procedure, we observed>50% improvement versus
      baseline in urgency and urge urinary incontinence (UUI) in 65% and 56% of
      patients who respectively received 100 U (p=0.086) and 150 U (p=0.261) BoNTA
      injections and >75% improvement in 40% of patients of both groups (100 U
      [p=0.058] and 150 U [p=0.022]). Complete continence was observed in 55% and 50%
      patients after 100 U and 150 U BoNTA treatment, respectively, at month 3.
      Frequency symptoms and QoL improved up to the 6-mo visit. We observed only three
      patients with a PVR>200 ml in the 150 U group and a few UTIs. CONCLUSIONS: 100 U
      and 150 U BoNTA injections were well tolerated and have both shown to improve
      symptoms and QoL in patients with iOAB. Nevertheless, 100 U injections showed a
      reasonable efficacy, with a lower risk of high PVR. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00231491.

PMID- 22036777
TI  - Postoperative radiation therapy for pathologically advanced prostate cancer after
      radical prostatectomy.
AB  - CONTEXT: Approximately 15-25% of men who undergo radical prostatectomy for
      localized prostate cancer (PCa) will experience recurrence of their cancer; men
      with poorly differentiated cancer, non-organ-confined disease, and positive
      surgical margins are at the highest risk. OBJECTIVE: Review accumulating evidence
      indicating that postoperative radiotherapy (RT) to the prostate bed favorably
      influences the course of disease in men with adverse pathologic features.
      EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Three phase 3 randomized trials of adjuvant RT versus
      observation have reported improved freedom from biochemical recurrence (BCR) and
      local control: Southwest Oncology Group (SWOG) 8794, European Organization for
      Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) 22911, and the German Cancer Society
      (ARO 96-02). EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: Conflicting evidence from these trials suggests
      that adjuvant RT can have a favorable impact on systemic progression, PCa
      specific mortality, or overall survival. Observational studies have reported
      durable responses to salvage RT in a substantial proportion of high-risk patients
      (provided that it is administered at the earliest evidence of BCR) and reduced
      PCa-specific mortality. There is consensus that the outcome of patients receiving
      postoperative RT is best when the prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level is the
      lowest. However, it is unclear if better outcomes will be achieved administering
      adjuvant RT to all patients at increased risk for recurrent PCa who have an
      undetectable postoperative PSA level compared to close observation and timely
      salvage RT at the earliest indications of BCR. CONCLUSIONS: Given the absence of
      data from randomized trials demonstrating superiority of one approach over the
      other in terms of quantity and quality of life, we advocate multidisciplinary
      input and shared and informed decision making among patients, urologists, and
      radiation oncologists based on the relative advantages and disadvantages of each
      approach.

PMID- 22036778
TI  - Re: Seong Cheol Kim, Cheryn Song, Wansuk Kim, et al. Factors determining
      functional outcomes after radical prostatectomy: robot-assisted versus
      retropubic. Eur Urol 2011;60:413-9.

PMID- 22036779
TI  - Persistent abdominal pain and pyrexia after combined radiofrequency ablation and
      TACE.

PMID- 22036780
TI  - Bleeding duodenal mass.

PMID- 22036781
TI  - Submucosal tumor of cecum?

PMID- 22036782
TI  - An unusual cause of pancreatitis.

PMID- 22036783
TI  - Endoscopic ultrasonography in upper gastrointestinal bleeding: diagnostic
      challenge with therapeutic value.

PMID- 22036784
TI  - Purification and functional inactivation of the fission yeast MCM(MCM-BP)
      complex.
AB  - The MCM (mini-chromosome maintenance) complex is the core of the eukaryotic
      replicative helicase and comprises six proteins, Mcm2-Mcm7. In humans, a variant
      form of the complex has Mcm2 replaced by the MCM-BP protein. Recent results
      suggest that a similar complex exists in fission yeast with an essential role in
      DNA replication and cell cycle progression. Here, we describe the purification
      and subunit composition of the fission yeast MCM(Mcb1) complex. Using newly
      generated temperature-sensitive alleles, we show that loss of MCM(Mcb1) function
      leads to accumulation of DNA damage, checkpoint activation and cell cycle arrest,
      and provide evidence for a role for MCM(Mcb1) in meiosis.

PMID- 22036785
TI  - Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome at the nexus of autoimmune and primary immunodeficiency
      diseases.
AB  - Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome (WAS) is a X-linked primary immunodeficiency disorder
      also marked by a very high (up to 70%) incidence of autoimmunity. Wiskott-Aldrich
      Syndrome arises from mutations in the Wiskott-Aldrich Syndrome protein (WASp), a
      cytoplasmic protein that links signaling by cell surface receptors such as the T
      cell receptor and integrins to actin polymerization. WASp promotes the functions
      of multiple cell types that support immune responses, but also is important for
      the function of regulatory T cells and in TCR-induced apoptosis, two negative
      mechanisms of immune regulation that maintain peripheral immune tolerance. Here
      we review the nature of immune defects and autoimmunity in WAS and WASp deficient
      mice and discuss how this single gene defect can simultaneously impair immune
      responses to pathogens and promote autoimmunity. The myriad cellular immune
      defects found in WAS make this Mendelian syndrome an interesting model for the
      study of more complex immune diseases that arise from the interplay of
      environmental and multiple genetic risk factors.

PMID- 22036786
TI  - PKA-dependent regulation of Cdc25 RasGEF localization in budding yeast.
AB  - In Saccharomyces cerevisiae the Cdc25/Ras/cAMP pathway is involved in cell growth
      and proliferation regulation. Ras proteins are regulated by Ira1/2 GTPase
      activating proteins (GAPs) and Cdc25/Sdc25 guanine nucleotide exchange factors
      (GEFs). Most of cytosolic Cdc25 protein was found on internal membranes in
      exponentially growing cells, while upon incubation in a buffer with no nutrients
      it is re-localized to plasma membrane. The overexpression of Tpk1 PKA catalytic
      subunit also induces Cdc25 export from the nucleus, involving two serine residues
      near the Nuclear Localization Site (NLS): mutation of Ser(825) and Ser(826) to
      glutamate is sufficient to exclude physiologically expressed Cdc25 from the
      nucleus, mimicking Tpk1 overproduction effect. Mutation of these Ser residues to
      Ala abolishes the effect of nuclear export induced by Tpk1 overexpression on a
      Cdc25eGFP fusion. Moreover, mutation of these residues affects PKA-related
      phenotypes such as heat shock resistance, glycogen content and cell volume.

PMID- 22036787
TI  - Plant hemoglobins: important players at the crossroads between oxygen and nitric
      oxide.
AB  - Plant hemoglobins constitute a diverse group of hemeproteins and evolutionarily
      belong to three different classes. Class 1 hemoglobins possess an extremely high
      affinity to oxygen and their main function consists in scavenging of nitric oxide
      (NO) at very low oxygen levels. Class 2 hemoglobins have a lower oxygen affinity
      and they facilitate oxygen supply to developing tissues. Symbiotic hemoglobins in
      nodules have mostly evolved from class 2 hemoglobins. Class 3 hemoglobins are
      truncated and represent a clade with a very low similarity to class 1 and 2
      hemoglobins. They may regulate oxygen delivery at high O(2) concentrations.
      Depending on their physical properties, hemoglobins belong either to
      hexacoordinate non-symbiotic or pentacoordinate symbiotic groups. Plant
      hemoglobins are plausible targets for improving resistance to multiple stresses.

PMID- 22036788
TI  - Association of Mycobacterium tuberculosis genotypes and clinical and
      epidemiological features - a multi-center study in Taiwan.
AB  - Genotypes of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) are related to the geographic
      origin of the patients and population migration. The relationship between
      genotypes of MTB and clinical presentations has mainly focused on transmission of
      multi-drug resistant MTB strain in population. This study aimed to investigate
      the molecular epidemiology and dynamic change of MTB genotypes in Taiwan, and
      their association with clinical presentation among patients with pulmonary
      tuberculosis. A multi-center, two-year study which enrolled 516 patients with 516
      MTB isolates was conducted, including: (1) 254 isolates from northern Taiwan; (2)
      38 isolates from mid-western Taiwan; (3) 211 isolates from southern Taiwan; and
      (4) 13 isolates from the east coast of Taiwan. The isolates were genotyped with
      spoligotyping and standardized 12-loci-MIRU-VNTR method. The results showed
      Beijing/Beijing-like family was the major genotype of MTB in the northern (58%),
      eastern (53%), and southern (33%) regions. The second most widely spread lineage
      were the EAI-Manila (20% in the west and south) and Haarlem family (13-27% in the
      south, west, and east). According to the cluster analysis of 12-MIRU-VNTR
      genotypes, there were differences in distribution of MTB genotype between the
      northern and southern regions, and a temporal relationship between isolation year
      and 12-MIRU-VNTR genotype especially in loci 26 and 39 might exist. Furthermore,
      some patients with cavity lesions on chest films were associated with a cluster
      of Beijing family MTB strains, which can be defined by cluster analysis of 12
      MIRU-VNTR genotype. However, the results of 12-loci-MIRU-VNTR genotyping in a
      longitudinal study should be interpreted with caution due to its short term
      instability. Further investigations of different molecular methodologies are
      necessary.

PMID- 22036789
TI  - Molecular epidemiology and evolutionary dynamics of betanodavirus in southern
      Europe.
AB  - Viral encephalopathy and retinopathy (VER) is one of the most devastating
      diseases for marine aquaculture, and similarly represents a threat to wild fish
      populations because of its high infectivity and broad host range. Betanodavirus,
      the causative agent of VER, is a small non-enveloped virus with a bipartite RNA
      genome comprising the RNA1 and RNA2 segments. We partially sequenced both RNA1
      and RNA2 from 120 viral strains isolated from 2000 to 2009 in six different
      countries in Southern Europe. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the presence of the
      red-spotted grouper nervous necrosis virus (RGNNV) (n=96) and striped jack
      nervous necrosis virus (SJNNV) (n=1) genotypes in Southern Europe, with 23/120
      samples classified as RGNNV/SJNNV reassortants. Viruses sampled from individual
      countries tended to cluster together suggesting a major geographic subdivision
      among betanodaviruses, although some phylogenetic evidence for viral gene flow
      was also obtained. Rates of nucleotide substitution were similar to those
      observed in a broad array of RNA viruses, and revealed a significantly higher
      evolutionary rate in the polymerase compared to the coat protein gene. This may
      reflect temperature adaptation of betanodaviruses, although a site-specific
      analysis of selection pressures identified relatively few selected sites in
      either gene. Overall, our analyses yielded novel data on the evolutionary
      dynamics and phylogeography of betanodaviruses and therein provides a more
      complete understanding of the distribution and evolution of different genotypes
      in Southern Europe.

PMID- 22036790
TI  - Airway obstruction by an aortic false aneurysm.
AB  - Aortic false aneurysms are rare complications of aortic valve replacement and
      cardiac surgical procedures in general. Aortic false aneurysms can also presents
      as a mediastinal mass. A false aneurysm etiology should always be considered in
      mediastinal mass exploration of patients with a cardiac surgery history.
      Although, a computed tomography (CT) scan can detect a mediastinal mass, it can
      equally misdiagnose an aneurysm in the absence of tumour contrast enhancement. We
      present the case of a 60-year-old woman who was hospitalized for a laryngeal
      dyspnea. She had undergone aortic valve replacement 3 years earlier and had no
      other relevant medical history. In the last 3 months, she presented a
      progressively worsening dyspnea and cough. A chest radiograph showed a large mass
      in the superior mediastinum. A contrast-enhanced CT-scan showed an anterior
      mediastinal mass (9 cm * 8 cm * 9 cm) not enhanced by contrast product,
      suggestive of a tissue density tumour. The mass was in fact an aortic false
      aneurysm where the communication with the aorta was too narrow to be filled by
      the contrast product in arterial phase imaging. The aneurysm was excised and
      successfully replaced with a prosthetic graft during deep hypothermic and
      circulatory arrest. In this case report, we discuss the unusual clinical
      presentation of this pseudoaneurysm and the absence of contrast enhancement
      during CT-scan, which could have lead to a catastrophic error.

PMID- 22036791
TI  - [Family satisfaction in intensive care unit: a prospective survey].
AB  - BACKGROUND: To assess family satisfaction in the intensive care unit (ICU) and to
      identify parameters for improvement. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective observational
      monocentric study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred and twenty families were
      given a questionnaire of twenty-four items covering: satisfaction with reception
      and waiting areas, satisfaction with care and satisfaction with
      information/decision-making. Each item was evaluated by families according to
      three levels: high, intermediate, and poor satisfaction. Opinions concerning
      accessibility time, information notice and visitor limitations were also
      gathered. RESULTS: Several factors, such as waiting time, respect of family's
      wishes, visiting hours, lack of social support, and examination's results
      communication were associated with poor level of satisfaction. Twenty-three
      percent of families felt restricted by visitation policy for children and 17 % by
      visitor's number limitation. DISCUSSION: Quality of family reception in the ICU
      needs to be improved concerning waiting time, visiting hours, social and
      emotional support.

PMID- 22036792
TI  - Quantification of iron in the presence of calcium with dual-energy computed
      tomography (DECT) in an ex vivo porcine plaque model.
AB  - Iron deposits secondary to microbleeds often co-exist with calcium in coronary
      plaques. The purpose of this study was to quantify iron in the presence of
      calcium in an ex vivo porcine arterial plaque model using a clinical dual-energy
      CT (DECT) scanner. A material decomposition method to quantify the mass fractions
      of iron and calcium within a mixture using DECT was developed. Mixture solutions
      of known iron and calcium concentrations were prepared to calibrate and validate
      the DECT-based algorithm. Simulated plaques with co-existing iron and calcium
      were created by injecting the mixture solutions into the vessel wall of porcine
      carotid arteries and aortas. These vessel regions were harvested and scanned
      using a clinical DECT system and iron mass fraction was calculated for each
      sample. Iron- and calcium-specific staining was conducted on 5 um thick
      histological sections of vessel samples to confirm the co-existence of iron and
      calcium in the simulated plaques. The proposed algorithm accurately quantified
      iron and calcium amounts in mixture solutions. Maps of iron mass fraction of 60
      artery segments were obtained from CT images at two energies. The sensitivity for
      detecting the presence of iron was 83% and the specificity was 92% using a
      threshold at an iron mass fraction of 0.25%. Histological analysis confirmed the
      co-localization of iron and calcium within the simulated plaques. Iron
      quantification in the presence of calcium was feasible in excised arteries at an
      iron mass fraction of around 1.5% or higher using current clinical DECT scanners.

PMID- 22036793
TI  - A longitudinal study of maternal prenatal, postnatal and concurrent depressive
      symptoms and adolescent well-being.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Maternal depression is known to be a risk for abnormal child
      development. Girls and boys have been found to respond differently to maternal
      depression. Although prenatal and postnatal depression has been widely studied,
      longitudinal studies of adolescent outcome are still rare. METHODS: The original
      sample of 349 mothers in this longitudinal study was collected in 1989-1990 in
      Tampere, Finland. At the latest stage, of the 327 contacted in 2006, 191 mothers
      and 192 adolescents aged 16 to 17 years participated in the study. Maternal
      depressive symptoms were screened using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale
      (EPDS) prenatally, postnatally and at the latest stage. Adolescent outcome was
      examined using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and the Youth Self Report
      (YSR). RESULTS: Maternal concurrent depressive symptoms were associated with
      adolescent behavioral and emotional problems in both genders. Maternal prenatal
      depressive symptoms were associated with Externalizing Problems in the YSR and
      boys' lower Social Competence in both the CBCL and YSR. Maternal postnatal
      depressive symptoms were associated with boys' lower Social Competence both in
      the CBCL and YSR and Externalizing Problems in the YSR. LIMITATIONS: Being a
      longitudinal normal population sample, the number of symptomatic mothers and
      adolescents is relatively small and the number of drop-outs is relatively high.
      Clinical evaluation of mothers and adolescents is also lacking. CONCLUSIONS:
      Maternal prenatal and postnatal depressive symptoms are a risk to adolescent
      boys' wellbeing and concurrent depressive symptoms a risk for both girls' and
      boys' well-being. This long-term influence should be noted when treating women
      with depressive symptoms throughout motherhood.

PMID- 22036794
TI  - Physical function as predictor for the persistence of depressive and anxiety
      disorders.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Depressive and anxiety disorders often involve a chronic course.
      This study examined whether objective physical function is a predictor for the
      persistence of depressive and anxiety disorders. METHOD: The study sample
      consisted of 1206 persons with depressive and anxiety disorders at baseline. Hand
      grip strength and lung function were used as objective physical function
      measurements and were determined at baseline. Outcome variable was a 6-month
      depressive and/or anxiety diagnosis after 2 years of follow-up. RESULTS: Lower
      hand grip strength predicted the persistence of depressive and/or anxiety
      disorders at 2-year follow-up (per SD increase: OR=0.82, CI: 0.69-0.99, p=0.04).
      Associations were consistent for depressive and anxiety disorder persistence.
      Poorer lung function was associated with the persistence of depressive disorders
      (per SD increase: OR=0.83, CI: 0.70-0.98, p=0.03) but not with anxiety disorders.
      LIMITATIONS: Follow-up was limited to 2 years. CONCLUSIONS: Objectively measured
      poorer physical function predicted the persistence of depressive and/or anxiety
      disorders.

PMID- 22036795
TI  - AMPA receptor expression is increased post-mortem samples of the anterior
      cingulate from subjects with major depressive disorder.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Glutamate is thought to be involved in the pathophysiology of major
      depressive disorder and bipolar disorder; however, the molecular changes
      underlying abnormal glutamatergic signalling remain poorly understood. Whilst
      previous studies have suggested that the NMDA receptor may be involved in the
      pathophysiology of mood disorders, it is unclear whether the non-NMDA receptors
      are also involved. Therefore, we sought to examine whether the expression of the
      non-NMDA, ionotropic glutamate receptors, AMPA receptor and kainate receptor, is
      altered in mood disorders. METHODS: We used [3H]AMPA and [3H]kainate to measure
      the levels of AMPA and kainate receptor, respectively, in the anterior cingulate
      (BA 24) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (BA 46) from post-mortem CNS in 10
      subjects with major depressive disorder, 10 subjects with bipolar disorder and 10
      control subjects. RESULTS: A 20.7% to 27.7% increase in [3H]AMPA binding density
      was seen in BA 24 (p<0.05) but not BA 46 (p>0.05) in major depressive disorder
      compared to control levels. [3H]AMPA binding density was not changed in bipolar
      disorder in either BA 24 or BA 46 (p>0.05) compared to controls. [3H]Kainate
      binding was not changed in either BA 24 or BA 46 in either disorder compared to
      controls (p>0.05). LIMITATIONS: Small sample sizes (n=10) were used in this
      study. The subjects were not drug naive. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggests increased
      in AMPA receptor levels in the anterior cingulate are involved in the
      pathophysiology of major depressive disorder. This data has relevance for the
      development of new anti-depressant drugs targeted towards the AMPA receptors.

PMID- 22036796
TI  - The I/D polymorphism of angiotensin-converting enzyme gene in major depressive
      disorder and therapeutic outcome: a case-control study and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism of angiotensin-converting
      enzyme (ACE) gene has been implicated in susceptibility to major depressive
      disorder (MDD) and its treatment response; however, a large number of studies
      have reported inconsistent results. The aim of this study is to examine the role
      of I/D polymorphism of ACE gene in MDD risk and its treatment response by a case
      control study and meta-analysis. METHODS: Three hundred and sixty eight depressed
      patients who met DSM-IV criteria for major depressive disorder and 371 normal
      controls were recruited for the study. We searched Pubmed, Embase, CNKI, Wanfang,
      and Weipu database, covering all papers until March 31, 2011. Statistical
      analysis was performed using the software STATA 10.0. RESULTS: Genotype and
      allele distributions of ACE I/D were not significantly different between case and
      control groups. No significant association with treatment response was
      discovered. A total of 2479 cases and 7744 controls in 15 case-control studies
      were included in this meta-analysis. The results indicated that the D/D
      homozygote carriers had an 18% increased risk of MDD, when compared with the
      homozygotes I/I and heterozygote I/D [odds ratio (OR)=1.18, 95% confidence
      interval (CI):1.04-1.33]. In the subgroup analysis, significant elevated risks
      were associated with D/D homozygote carriers in Caucasians (OR=1.20 and 95% CI:
      1.04-1.38 for D/D vs I/D+I/I) but not in Asians. Moderate trends of an increased
      risk in the D allele carriers from total sample (OR, 1.15; 95% CI: 1.02-1.30) was
      also observed. The D/D homozygote carriers were associated with a 28% increased
      risk of MDD relative to the homozygotes I/I (OR 1.28; 95% CI: 1.11-1.49). In
      subgroup analysis, Caucasians showed significant association (OR 1.30; 95% CI:
      1.09-1.56). No association was found in the Asian groups. No publication bias was
      observed in this meta-analysis by using the Egger method. CONCLUSIONS: The ACE
      I/D polymorphism is not associated with MDD and its treatment response in a
      Chinese case-control study. Meta-analysis evidence suggests that the I/D
      polymorphism of ACE gene may be a risk factor of major depressive disorder in
      Caucasians.

PMID- 22036797
TI  - Protein levels of beta-catenin and activation state of glycogen synthase kinase
      3beta in major depression. A study with postmortem prefrontal cortex.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Wnt/GSK3beta signaling pathway was implicated in mood disorders.
      Beta-catenin is a protein targeted by this signaling axis. We aimed to examine
      whether there is an abnormality in this signaling axis in major depression.
      METHODS: Postmortem brains from 20 depressed and 20 non-depressed subjects were
      used. In both groups, suicide and non-suicide were included in equal number.
      Protein levels of beta-catenin, tGSK3beta and ser(9)-pGSK3beta were determined in
      prefrontal cortex. RESULTS: ANOVA yielded significant variations between groups
      in beta-catenin (F(3,36)=19.5; p<0.001) and pGSK3beta protein (F(3,36)=14.3;
      p<0.001) and in tGSK3beta-to-pGSK3beta ratio (F(3,36)=10.9; p<0.001). Fisher
      tests showed decrease in both groups of MDD and MDD with suicide (MDD+S) for beta
      catenin (p<0.001) and pGSK3beta levels (p<0.001) respectively. The tGSK3beta-to
      pGSK3beta ratio was increased in MDD and MDD+S subjects (p<0.001). A negative
      correlation was observed between beta-catenin levels and the activation state of
      the GSK3beta (r2=0.358; p<0.005). LIMITATIONS: The sample was small and only a
      fraction of s(9)-pGSK3beta, albeit significant, was used and; the mood state at
      the time of death was unknown. CONCLUSIONS: The study observed a dysregulation of
      Wnt/GSK3beta signaling associated with a lifetime of major depression. The study
      may have relevance in further development of drugs based on GSK3beta inhibition.

PMID- 22036798
TI  - The railway suicide death of a famous German football player: impact on the
      subsequent frequency of railway suicide acts in Germany.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The railway suicide of Robert Enke, an internationally respected
      German football goal keeper, sent shockwaves throughout the world of football. We
      analyzed its impact on the frequency of subsequent railway suicide acts (RS).
      METHODS: Two analytic approaches were performed applying German Railway Event
      database Safety (EDS) data: first, an inter-year approach comparing the incidence
      of RS during a predefined "index period" with identical time windows in 2006 to
      2008; second, an intra-year approach comparing the number of RS 28 days before
      and after the incidence. To analyze a possible "compensatory deficit", the number
      of RS in the subsequent first quarter of 2010 was compared with the identical
      time windows in the preceding three years. Incidence ratios with 95% confidence
      intervals were estimated by Poisson regression. Findings were controlled for
      temperature. FINDINGS: Compared to the preceding three years, the incidence ratio
      (IR) of the number of RS in the index period increased by 1.81 (1.48-2.21;
      p<0.001), leading to an overall percentage change of 81% (48-121%; p<0.001).
      Comparing the number of suicides 28 days before and after the incidence revealed
      an even more pronounced increase of IR (2.2; 1.6-3.0). No modifications of these
      associations were observed by daytime, by location of the suicide and fatality.
      No compensatory deficit occurred in the post-acute period. INTERPRETATION: The
      substantial increase of RS in the aftermath of the footballer's suicide death
      brought about copycat behavior in an unforeseen amount, even though the media
      reporting was largely sensitive and preventive measures were taken.

PMID- 22036799
TI  - Depression: point-prevalence and sociodemographic correlates in a Buenos Aires
      community sample.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Since the current epidemiology of depression is not well documented
      in Latin America, we conducted a community-based survey study in Argentina.
      METHODS: The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and a general health questionnaire
      were completed by 1335 adult participants, representing most of the neighborhoods
      of Buenos Aires. RESULTS: Prevalence of high total BDI scores (>=13) indicating
      probable current clinically significant depression was 20.0% (women: 20.6%; men:
      19.6%). Probable depression was associated with being unmarried and older, less
      educated, reporting recent stressors and significant medical illness.
      LIMITATIONS: Sampling was cross-sectional and by convenience; probable depression
      was not verified by clinical assessment. CONCLUSIONS: Within methodological
      limits, probable current clinically significant depression was highly prevalent
      in an urban community sample in Argentina, at rates and with risk factors similar
      to those found in other world regions.

PMID- 22036800
TI  - The psychological costs and benefits of being highly persistent: personality
      profiles distinguish mood disorders from anxiety disorders.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The personality trait of Persistence is highly valued by
      conscientious overachievers, but it has both psychological costs and benefits.
      The interactions among multiple personality factors influencing the development
      of mood and anxiety disorders have been confounded in prior clinical samples, but
      can be disentangled in terms of their underlying brain circuitry and influence on
      perception of emotional stimuli. METHODS: 285 individuals who represented the
      full range of personality variation in a large sample of adult volunteers from
      the general community of Israel were selected for follow-up by psychiatric
      interviews, cognitive testing, and medical examinations. The Temperament and
      Character Inventory (TCI) measured profiles of traits that distinguished
      individuals with diagnoses of mood and/or anxiety disorders using linear
      discriminant analysis and non-linear profile analysis. RESULTS: High Harm
      Avoidance and low Self-directedness strongly distinguished people with mood
      and/or anxiety disorders from those with neither. High Persistence distinguished
      people with only anxiety disorders from those with mood disorders. High
      Persistence was associated with greater health and happiness overall, but also
      led to more negative emotions than in people with low Persistence unless they
      were both unusually tolerant of frustration (i.e., low in Harm Avoidance) and
      self-accepting of personal limitations (i.e. high in Self-directedness).
      LIMITATIONS: Subjects were volunteers over 40 years of age at assessment.
      CONCLUSIONS: People who are highly persistent (i.e., persevering, ambitious,
      perfectionistic) are more likely to have anxiety disorders than mood disorders,
      even when they have other traits increasing risk for both (i.e., high Harm
      Avoidance and low Self-directedness). High Persistence increases both positive
      and negative emotions in most people. However, high Persistence reduces negative
      emotions and increases positive emotions if a person is easy-going (i.e., "happy
      go-lucky" when low in both Harm Avoidance and Self-directedness).

PMID- 22036802
TI  - Predictors of relapse or recurrence in bipolar I disorder.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Bipolar disorder represents a major public health concern and,
      despite treatment, is characterized by recurring episodes of mania, depression,
      or mixed states. Prevention of relapse or recurrence is a primary treatment
      objective in the management of the disorder. The objective of the current study
      was to identify predictors of relapse/recurrence in patients with bipolar I
      disorder treated with olanzapine, lithium, divalproex, or olanzapine plus
      divalproex/lithium. METHODS: Data from four clinical trials studying the efficacy
      of olanzapine compared to placebo and active comparators (lithium, divalproex,
      olanzapine plus divalproex/lithium) for bipolar I disorder were pooled for this
      analysis. Patients achieving remission after pharmacological treatment and
      entering randomized double-blind maintenance phase for 44 to 72 weeks were
      included. Cox Proportional Hazard models and Kaplan-Meier analyses were used to
      determine predictors of relapse/recurrence for the pooled data and within each
      treatment group. RESULTS: A total of 929 patients meeting the criteria for
      remission and followed by maintenance treatment were included in this analysis,
      and 427 patients (46.0%) experienced symptomatic relapse/recurrence during the
      follow-up period. A 21-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-21) total
      score<4, gender, rapid cycling and treatment emerged as significant predictors of
      relapse/recurrence and may be generalized to treatment with olanzapine and to
      some extent to treatment with lithium and divalproex. The results on treatment
      specific predictors of relapse/recurrence are considered to be exploratory and no
      adjustments were made for multiple comparisons. CONCLUSION: The major findings
      from this study suggest that a HAMD-21 total score<4 may be a better predictor of
      maintenance of remission in bipolar I patients than HAMD-21 total score<8. The
      prophylactic effect of olanzapine, lithium, divalproex, olanzapine plus
      divalproex or lithium, and placebo was assessed and baseline predictors of
      relapse/recurrence were identified.

PMID- 22036801
TI  - Remitted major depression is characterized by reward network hyperactivation
      during reward anticipation and hypoactivation during reward outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although functional brain imaging has established that individuals
      with unipolar major depressive disorder (MDD) are characterized by frontostriatal
      dysfunction during reward processing, no research to date has examined the
      chronometry of neural responses to rewards in euthymic individuals with a history
      of MDD. METHOD: A monetary incentive delay task was used during fMRI scanning to
      assess neural responses in frontostriatal reward regions during reward
      anticipation and outcomes in 19 participants with remitted major depressive
      disorder (rMDD) and in 19 matched control participants. RESULTS: During the
      anticipation phase of the task, the rMDD group was characterized by relatively
      greater activation in bilateral anterior cingulate gyrus, in right midfrontal
      gyrus, and in the right cerebellum. During the outcome phase of the task, the
      rMDD group was characterized by relatively decreased activation in bilateral
      orbital frontal cortex, right frontal pole, left insular cortex, and left
      thalamus. Exploratory analyses indicated that activation within a right frontal
      pole cluster that differentiated groups during reward anticipation predicted the
      number of lifetime depressive episodes within the rMDD group. LIMITATIONS:
      Replication with larger samples is needed. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest a double
      dissociation between reward network reactivity and temporal phase of the reward
      response in rMDD, such that rMDD is generally characterized by reward network
      hyperactivation during reward anticipation and reward network hypoactivation
      during reward outcomes. More broadly, these data suggest that aberrant
      frontostriatal response to rewards may potentially represent a trait marker for
      MDD, though future research is needed to evaluate the prospective utility of this
      functional neural endophenotype as a marker of MDD risk.

PMID- 22036803
TI  - Proximal isovelocity surface area variability during systole in dogs with mitral
      valve prolapse.
AB  - The proximal isovelocity surface area (PISA) principles and methodology have been
      described in human and veterinary medicine with special emphasis given to the
      ease and speed for the quantification of mitral regurgitation. Although
      limitations have been described in both human and veterinary medicine, in the
      case of veterinary medicine, clinical examples have not been well defined and in
      some cases have not been individually presented. The objective of this paper is
      to illustrate in a qualitative manner the echocardiographic existence of the
      dynamic behavior and variability of mitral regurgitation in dogs with mitral
      valve prolapse, a factor to be taken into consideration as a limitation inherent
      to the PISA technique.

PMID- 22036804
TI  - External-beam radiation therapy should be given with androgen deprivation
      treatment for intermediate-risk prostate cancer: new confirmatory evidence.

PMID- 22036806
TI  - Cytoplasmic p27Kip1 counteracts the pro-apoptotic function of the open
      conformation of PTEN by retention and destabilization of PTEN outside of the
      nucleus.
AB  - The tumor suppressor activity of p27Kip1 takes place in the cell nucleus by
      inhibitory binding to cyclin/CDK complexes. p27Kip1 can also be localized in the
      cytoplasm, where it has been proposed to have oncogenic properties. Here, we
      describe a novel role for cytoplasmic p27Kip1 which could account for its
      activity as an oncoprotein by negative regulation of the PTEN tumor suppressor.
      p27Kip1 physically interacted with the open conformation of PTEN, which is
      competent to enter the nucleus. In mammalian cells, cytoplasmic p27Kip1 retained
      to nuclear-targeted PTEN in the cytoplasm. This retention was exerted by the C
      terminal p27Kip1 region, and was independent of cyclin/CDK-binding. The nuclear
      accumulation of PTEN triggered by pro-apoptotic TNFalpha treatment was abolished
      by cytoplasmic p27Kip1. Furthermore, conformationally-open PTEN displayed
      diminished protein stability and pro-apoptotic activity in the presence of
      cytoplasmic p27Kip1. Our results support a conformationally-dependent model of
      cytoplasmic retention and negative regulation of the activity of nuclear PTEN by
      oncogenic cytoplasmic p27Kip1, and suggest the existence of reciprocal mechanisms
      to regulate the levels of both p27Kip1 and PTEN.

PMID- 22036805
TI  - The putative tumor suppressor Zc3h12d modulates toll-like receptor signaling in
      macrophages.
AB  - Toll-like receptors (TLR) are pivotal in macrophage activation. The molecular
      mechanisms controlling TLR signaling and macrophage activation are not completely
      understood. Zc3h12d is originally identified as a possible tumor suppressor gene.
      However, its function remains unknown. We here report that Zc3h12d negatively
      regulates TLR signaling and macrophage activation. Zc3h12d was enriched in
      spleen, lung and lymph node. In macrophages, the expression of Zc3h12d was
      remarkably induced by TLR ligands through JNK and NF-kappaB signal pathways. On
      the other hand, overexpression of Zc3h12d significantly inhibited TLR2 and TLR4
      activation-induced JNK, ERK and NF-kappaB signaling as well as macrophage
      inflammation. Similar to Zc3h12a/MCPIP1, Zc3h12d also decreased the global
      cellular protein ubiquitination. These findings suggest that Zc3h12d is a novel
      negative feedback regulator of TLR signaling and macrophage activation and thus
      may play a role in host immunity and inflammatory diseases.

PMID- 22036807
TI  - Endothelial protein C receptor 1651C/G polymorphism and soluble endothelial
      protein C receptor levels in women with idiopathic recurrent miscarriage.
AB  - High levels of soluble endothelial protein C receptor (EPCR) induce coagulation
      dysfunction by inhibiting protein C activation, and activated protein C (APC)
      activity. We tested whether EPCR 1651C/G promoter variant and changes in plasma
      soluble EPCR levels are risk factors for idiopathic recurrent spontaneous
      miscarriage (RSM). A case-control study involving 283 RSM cases and 380 age and
      BMI-matched control women. EPCR 1651C/G genotyping was performed by PCR-RFLP
      method. Plasma-soluble EPCR levels were measured with ELISA. The 1651G allele
      frequency and C/G genotype were significantly higher in RSM cases than controls;
      none of the cases or control participants was a 1651G/G homozygote. Lower soluble
      EPCR levels were seen in RSM cases compared to controls, and higher soluble EPCR
      levels were seen in 1651C/G compared to 1651C/C carriers in cases and controls.
      Lower soluble EPCR levels were seen in cases, both in 1651C/C (P = 0.0046) and
      1651C/G (P = 0.0032) genotype carriers. Multivariate analysis demonstrated strong
      association of EPCR 1651C/G [P = 0.011; adjusted odds ratio (aOR) (95% confidence
      interval [CI] = 3.13 (1.31-7.60)], but not soluble EPCR plasma levels [P = 0.067;
      aOR (95% CI) = 1.01 (1.00-1.10)], with increased RSM risk. In addition, smoking
      was independently associated with increased RSM risk [P = 0.002; aOR (95% CI) =
      2.86 (1.48-5.52)]. EPCR 1651C/G polymorphism and elevated soluble EPCR levels but
      low soluble EPCR levels increase the risk of idiopathic RSM. Replication studies
      on other racial groups, and other EPCR gene variants, are warranted.

PMID- 22036808
TI  - Thrombomodulin as a regulator of the anticoagulant pathway:  implication in the
      development of thrombosis.
AB  - Thrombomodulin is a cell surface-expressed glycoprotein that serves as a cofactor
      for thrombin-mediated activation of protein C (PC), an event further amplified by
      the endothelial cell PC receptor. The PC pathway is a major anticoagulant
      mechanism that downregulates thrombin formation and hedges thrombus formation.
      The objectives of this review were to review recent findings regarding
      thrombomodulin structure, its involvement in the regulation of hemostasis and
      further discuss the implication, if any, of the genetic polymorphisms in the
      thrombomodulin gene in the risk of development of thrombosis. We performed a
      literature search by using electronic bibliographic databases. Although the
      direct evaluation of risk situations associated with thrombomodulin
      mutations/polymorphisms could be of clinical significance, it appears that
      mutations that affect the function of thrombomodulin are rarely associated with
      venous thromboembolism. However, several polymorphisms are reported to be
      associated with increased risk for arterial thrombosis. Additionally studies on
      knock out mice as well studies on humans bearing rare mutations suggest that
      thrombomodulin dysfunction may be implicated in the pathogenesis of myocardial
      infraction.

PMID- 22036809
TI  - Positive and negative Coulomb drag in vertically integrated one-dimensional
      quantum wires.
AB  - Electron interactions in and between wires become increasingly complex and
      important as circuits are scaled to nanometre sizes, or use reduced-dimensional
      conductors such as carbon nanotubes, nanowires and gated high-mobility two
      dimensional electron systems. This is because the screening of the long-range
      Coulomb potential of individual carriers is weakened in these systems, which can
      lead to phenomena such as Coulomb drag, where a current in one wire induces a
      voltage in a second wire through Coulomb interactions alone. Previous experiments
      have demonstrated Coulomb electron drag in wires separated by a soft
      electrostatic barrier of width ?80 nm (ref. 12), which was interpreted as
      resulting entirely from momentum transfer. Here, we measure both positive and
      negative drag between adjacent vertical quantum wires that are separated by ~15
      nm and have independent contacts, which allows their electron densities to be
      tuned independently. We map out the drag signal versus the number of electron sub
      bands occupied in each wire, and interpret the results both in terms of momentum
      transfer and charge-fluctuation induced transport models. For wires of
      significantly different sub-band occupancies, the positive drag effect can be as
      large as 25%.

PMID- 22036810
TI  - Nanoelectronics: a closer look at charge drag.

PMID- 22036811
TI  - Electric-field-induced wetting and dewetting in single hydrophobic nanopores.
AB  - The behaviour of water in nanopores is very different from that of bulk water.
      Close to hydrophobic surfaces, the water density has been found to be lower than
      in the bulk, and if confined in a sufficiently narrow hydrophobic nanopore, water
      can spontaneously evaporate. Molecular dynamics simulations have suggested that a
      nanopore can be switched between dry and wet states by applying an electric
      potential across the nanopore membrane. Nanopores with hydrophobic walls could
      therefore create a gate system for water, and also for ionic and neutral species.
      Here, we show that single hydrophobic nanopores can undergo reversible wetting
      and dewetting due to condensation and evaporation of water inside the pores. The
      reversible process is observed as fluctuations between conducting and non
      conducting ionic states and can be regulated by a transmembrane electric
      potential.

PMID- 22036812
TI  - The communication challenges presented by nanofoods.

PMID- 22036813
TI  - Mixing subattolitre volumes in a quantitative and highly parallel manner with
      soft matter nanofluidics.
AB  - Handling and mixing ultrasmall volumes of reactants in parallel can increase the
      throughput and complexity of screening assays while simultaneously reducing
      reagent consumption. Microfabricated silicon and plastic can provide reliable
      fluidic devices, but cannot typically handle total volumes smaller than ~1 * 10(
      12) l. Self-assembled soft matter nanocontainers can in principle significantly
      improve miniaturization and biocompatibility, but exploiting their full potential
      is a challenge due to their small dimensions. Here, we show that small
      unilamellar lipid vesicles can be used to mix volumes as small as 1 * 10(-19) l
      in a reproducible and highly parallelized fashion. The self-enclosed nanoreactors
      are functionalized with lipids of opposite charge to achieve reliable fusion.
      Single vesicles encapsulating one set of reactants are immobilized on a glass
      surface and then fused with diffusing vesicles of opposite charge that carry a
      complementary set of reactants. We find that ~85% of the ~1 * 10(6) cm(-2)
      surface-tethered nanoreactors undergo non-deterministic fusion, which is leakage
      free in all cases, and the system allows up to three to four consecutive mixing
      events per nanoreactor.

PMID- 22036814
TI  - [Stereotactic and functional neurosurgery: frame-based and frameless].

PMID- 22036815
TI  - [Prolactinoma treatment status in the cabergoline era].
AB  - The aim of our study is to report the most adequate therapy for prolactinoma in
      the cabergoline era. From 2003 to 2009, 27 patients with prolactinoma were
      treated at our hospital. Patients are categorized into 2 groups. The Cabergoline
      Group: Cabergoline was administered for 5 years and discontinued. Using this
      protocol, the case with normal prolactin level in addition to having no visible
      tumor more than 24 months after the discontinuation of cabergoline was judged as
      cured. The Operation Group: Transsphenoidal surgery (TSS) was performed first. In
      the Cabergoline group, 12 cases were cured with 5 years cabergoline treatment
      (Cure) and 6 cases were not cured (Not cure). We compared the pretreatment
      prolactin level, the normalization of the serum level of prolactin, the degree of
      invasiveness on MRI, regression of the tumor during treatment on MRI, max dose of
      cabergoline, degree of pituitary hormone replacement, frequency of pregnancy, and
      follow up periods between the Cabergoline-cure group, the Cabergoline-not-cure
      group, and the Operation group. Normalization rate in serum level of prolactin
      and cure rate were 91% and 63% in the Cabergoline group. Pretreatment prolactine
      level and the frequency of tumor invasiveness on initial MRI were significantly
      higher in the Cabergoline-not-cure group compared to the Cabergoline-cure group.
      All of the five woman accompanied with pregnancy after the treatment belonged to
      the Cabergoline-cure group. In the Operation group, all 4 cases achieved
      normalization of serum prolactin level without visible tumor and with normal
      pituitary function. Cabergoline for prolactinoma is effective, but the cure rate
      by continuous usage of cabergoline for 5 years was 67%. The factors that
      cabergoline and / or TSS can cure prolactinoma are non-invasive tumor and
      prolactin level under 200 ng/mL at pretreatment.

PMID- 22036816
TI  - [Relationship between living arrangements and stroke in Sano-Kosei General
      Hospital].
AB  - We retrospectively reviewed the relationship between living arrangements and
      stroke in Sano-Kosei General Hospital, for the 3-year period from December, 2007
      to November, 2010. The proportion of live-alone among stroke patients was 14.9%
      (131/877). The indirect standardized live-alone ratio (95% confidence interval),
      compared with Sano city's live-alone ratio as a standard group, was 1.34 (1.13
      1.60). Among live-alone patients with stroke, sex ratio showed no significant
      difference (p=0.46). Comparing live-alones with non-live-alones in stroke
      patients, the mean age of live-alones was younger for men, but older for women
      (p<0.001). There was no significant difference between living arrangements and
      diseases risk factors. However, on the point of the mean number of risk factors,
      live-alones tended to have more risk factors than non-live-alones (p=0.032).
      Therefore, living arrangements are considered as an important factor for
      prevention of stroke.

PMID- 22036817
TI  - [Peritoneal catheter placement into the suprahepatic space: a report of 2 cases
      with abdominal complications of ventriculoperitoneal shunts].
AB  - Complications arising from the placement of ventriculoperitoneal shunts are
      common. These complications may be related to a number of causes and present with
      various symptoms. Of these, abdominal complications such as formation of
      intraperitoneal pseudocysts and abdominal abscesses possibly recur, but,
      alternative sites for placing the peritoneal catheter of ventriculoperitoneal
      shunts are limited. We present two cases of ventriculoperitoneal shunt
      malfunctioning due to repeated abdominal complications. The location of the
      peritoneal end of the shunt was successfully revised to the suprahepatic space in
      the peritoneal cavity. We describe the clinical course of these two cases in this
      report, along with a precise technique of placing the peritoneal end of the shunt
      into the suprahepatic space. In addition, we will discuss the validity of this
      space as an alternative site for the placement of the peritoneal end of the
      ventriculoperitoneal shunt.

PMID- 22036818
TI  - [Deep sylvian meningioma without dural attachment: a case report].
AB  - A 34-year-old female presented with an 8-year history of temporal lobe epilepsy.
      Magnetic resonance imaging showed a multilobular, well-demarcated and homogeneous
      tumorous lesion of 5 cm in diameter deep in the left sylvian fissure.
      Intraoperative findings revealed that the tumor was mainly in the left insular
      region without dural attachment and strongly adhered to the left middle cerebral
      artery and its perforators. The histopathological diagnosis was transitional
      meningioma without malignancy. There are few reported cases of deep sylvian
      meningioma without dural attachment. We review the literature and summarize the
      clinicopathological characteristics of this condition.

PMID- 22036819
TI  - [A case of medullomyoblastoma].
AB  - Medullomyoblastoma is a rare histologic variant of medulloblastoma. We report a
      case of medullomyoblastoma occurring in the cerebellar vermis. A 12-year-old girl
      presented with a 3-month history of headache, nausea, vomiting and unsteadiness
      of gait. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a mass lesion in the
      cerebellar vermis. A suboccipital craniectomy was perfomed to remove a tumor.
      Immunohistochemical studies confirmed the presence of both a primitive
      neuroectodermal component and rhabdomyoblastic differentiation, consistent with
      the diagnosis of medullomyoblastoma.

PMID- 22036820
TI  - [A successful treatment for a case of idiopathic syringomyelia with syrinx
      located in the anterior horn].
AB  - Idiopathic syringomyelia not associated with Chiari malformation, tumor, nor
      tetherd cord syndrome has not been frequently reported. So the clinical
      significance and optimum treatment strategy for this disease remains unclear. We
      report a 37-year-old man who was diagnosed as having idiopathic syringomyelia and
      was treated successfully using implantation of a syringo-subarachnoid shunt. The
      patient suffered gradual worsening of sensory disturbance in the upper
      extremities, and Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated a large syrinx located
      in the cervical spinal cord (C2-3), located mainly at the left anterior horn. We
      performed syringo-subarachnoid shunt for syringomyelia under partial
      hemilaminectomy. During the surgery, the spinal cord was markedly rotated and
      dorsal root entry had shifted to the midline because of the large syrinx. In
      order to perform myelotomy at the dorsal root entry zone, we needed additional
      drilling to the medial portion of the lamina. After this procedure, we were able
      to perform implantation of the syringo-subarachnoid shunt safely. After the
      operation, the syrinx collapsed immediately and no neurological deficit was
      observed. The patient was discharged 2 weeks after the operation. Idiopathic
      syringomyelia in which the syrinx has deviated to the anterior horn is rare. In
      those cases, we consider that sufficient hemilaminectomy for the midline should
      be performed.

PMID- 22036821
TI  - [Successful microvascular decompression of the medulla oblongata for a case with
      respiratory failure: case report].
AB  - We report a case of the medulla oblongata syndrome successfully treated by
      microvascular decompression surgery. The patient was a 75-year-old woman and had
      been suffering from gradual progressive dyspnea since July, 2009. Two month
      later, intubation and medial ventilator treatments were began because of severe
      respiratory problems. The central respiratory problems were considered in
      extensive testing by the physician. The head MR imaging showed that the left
      vertebral artery had markedly compressed the medulla oblongata. We thought that
      her respiratory problems were associated with this vertebral artery compression
      of the medulla oblongata. We performed the microvascular decompression surgery by
      left trans-condylar fossa approach. Her hypoventilation graduately improved after
      the surgery and she needed neither ventilator nor oxygen in several months. She
      is able to perform daily activities by herself. We report the case, and discuss
      the cause of respiratory problems especially by compression of the medulla
      oblongata.

PMID- 22036822
TI  - [Intracerebral xanthogranuloma with specific MRI features: a case report].
AB  - We report a case of a 47-year-old male who had a left frontal lobe mass with
      specific magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Four years previous to his admission
      to our hospital, he developed acute myelocytic leukemia and he was implanted with
      peripheral blood stem cell transplantation. One month before his admission, he
      was unable to walk due to right leg motor weakness. MRI revealed a round mass
      lesion at the left frontal lobe. Initial diagnosis was a brain abscess, so he was
      administered some antibacterial drug. However, his neurological symptoms kept
      getting worse with increase of mass size on MRI. T1-weighted MR images showed the
      mass as a low intensity lesion with incomplete ring-like Gd-enhancement. T2
      weighted images showed the mass as a high intensity lesion with many linear
      shadows inside the mass. Diffusion weighted images showed the mass as a low
      intensity lesion. MR spectroscopy revealed an elevation of choline and lactate
      peak. Differential diagnosis was glioma or demyelinating disease. At the
      operation, the mass was light yellow and seen to be rich with vessels. The
      pathological diagnosis was xanthogranuloma in the brain. Postoperative course was
      uneventful. The frontal residual mass lesion decreased in size and Gd
      enhancement.

PMID- 22036823
TI  - [A case of hemifacial spasm in a juglar foramen tumor patient treated by
      microvascular decompression].
AB  - Hemifacial spasm is a movement disorder characterized by involuntary paroxysmal
      chronic contractions of the facial musculature. The usual cause is simple
      vascular compression of the facial nerve, at its root exit zone of the brain
      stem. Previously only a case of hemifacial spasm associated with a juglar foramen
      tumor has been reported in the literature. In this article, we report a case in
      which hemifacial spasm accompanied an ipsilateral juglar foramen tumor in a 62
      year-old woman. The sole use of arterial decompression of the facial nerve at the
      root exit zone resulted in complete resolution of the patient's symptoms.

PMID- 22036824
TI  - [Congenital anomalies in the central nervous system(12) arachnoid cyst].

PMID- 22036825
TI  - Thromboprophylaxis in carriers of antiphospholipid antibodies (APL) without
      previous thrombosis: "Pros" and "Cons".
AB  - The presence of anti-phospholipid (aPL) is necessary but not sufficient to induce
      a thrombotic event. The "second hit" hypothesis suggested that an additional
      trigger may be needed to develop a vascular event in aPL carriers. In this
      article, pro and con of primary thromboprophylaxis in aPL carriers is deeply
      discussed, concluding that univocal data are not available, due to conflicting
      results of available clinical trials. However, in clinical practice the primary
      thromboprophylaxis is not indicated in all unselected asymptomatic aPL carriers,
      and the best strategy begin with the assessment of the peculiar risk profile of
      the subject. Thus, it is mandatory to eliminate modifiable prothrombotic risk
      factors (i.e. smoking, oral contraceptive), to treat the irreversible risk
      factors (i.e. hypertension, diabetes) and to introduce an aggressive prophylaxis
      with subcutaneous LMWH in high-risk situations (i.e. surgical procedures with
      prolonged immobilization). A different evaluation should be addressed to aPL
      carriers with a concomitant autoimmune disease that are considered as an
      additional pro-thrombotic risk factor. Similarly, concomitant positivity for more
      than one anti-phospholipid test confer a stronger risk of developing the
      thrombotic manifestations. Specific trials with larger cohorts of patients are
      needed to better clarify this issue.

PMID- 22036826
TI  - Is fibromyalgia a discrete entity?
AB  - Fibromyalgia (FM) is defined as chronic widespread pain (CWP) with allodynia or
      hyperalgesia to pressure pain, and is classified as one of the largest group of
      soft tissue pain syndromes. Its pathogenesis is not entirely understood, although
      it is currently believed to be the result of a central nervous system (CNS)
      malfunction that increases pain transmission and perception. There are no
      instrumental tests to confirm the diagnosis, but many of the differential
      diagnoses can be excluded by means of an extensive clinical examination and
      patient history. Although fibromyalgia is a recognisable clinical entity, it
      would seem appropriate to consider the entire range of tenderness and distress in
      clinic patients in order to tailor treatment on an individual basis.

PMID- 22036827
TI  - High intensity anticoagulation in the prevention of the recurrence of arterial
      thrombosis in antiphospholipid syndrome: 'PROS' and 'CONS'.
AB  - The use of high intensity anticoagulation in the prevention of recurrence of
      arterial thrombosis related to the Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) is still
      controversial. This paper reports a debate that took place at the CORA meeting
      (Controversies in Rheumatology and Autoimmunity), held in Florence in March 2011.
      Major points of discussion were: 1) the paucity of prospective randomized
      clinical trials; retrospective studies were the main source supporting the use of
      high intensity anticoagulation; 2) heterogeneity in antiphospholipid antibodies
      (aPL) definition, due to the lack of standardization of aPL assays and to the
      failure to distinguish patients with a high risk profile ("triple positive") from
      those a low risk profile; 3) bleeding is a major concern about high intensity
      anticoagulation; however, studies are not concordant in reporting an increased
      risk compared to the standard regimen; 4) practical issues consist of
      difficulties in keeping a stable PT-INR over 3 and the possibility for
      interference by aPL on the thromboplastins used for PT-INR measurement. In
      conclusion, there is currently a lack of consensus on the use of high intensity
      anticoagulation for the secondary prophylaxis of arterial thrombosis. However,
      such a treatment may be particularly recommended in those APS patients who have a
      high risk aPL profile and other concomitant cardiovascular risk factors, provided
      that the potential benefit outweighs the risk of bleeding.

PMID- 22036828
TI  - Macrophages and neutrophils in SLE-An online molecular catalog.
AB  - Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a heterogeneous group of autoimmune
      disorders defined by a consensus of clinical and laboratory criteria. Much of the
      pathophysiology and therapy of SLE has focused on autoimmune B and T cells of the
      adaptive immune system. Recently, focus has shifted to the role of myeloid cells
      like neutrophils and macrophages - part of the innate immune system - in SLE
      pathogenesis. These cells have altered molecular profiles affecting multiple
      pathways, but no salient overview has been undertaken to broadly define and
      categorize this dysregualtion. Here we endeavor to provide this overview and
      build a new freely accessible online resource for this purpose
      (http://www.mohanlab.org/SLE_BASE/myeloid_cells/).

PMID- 22036829
TI  - Rituximab - shadow, illusion or light?
AB  - Rituximab (Rituxan, Mabthera) is a monoclonal therapeutic anti-CD20 antibody
      approved for use in lymphoma and rheumatoid arthritis but not for use in systemic
      lupus erythematosus (SLE). Nonetheless, over the past decade many reports based
      on case series and observational studies have suggested benefits in selected
      groups of SLE patients with this monoclonal. It is also clear that off-label use
      of rituximab in SLE is not uncommon in many countries in the world. However, two
      randomized controlled clinical trials of rituximab failed to demonstrate a
      benefit for this agent, raising important questions on how to assess the
      potential role of rituximab in SLE. In this article I will review the available
      data and provide some comments that may be of use for the practicing clinician.

PMID- 22036830
TI  - Does seronegative antiphospholipid syndrome really exist?
AB  - The diagnosis of seronegative (SN-) antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) has been
      suggested for patients with clinical manifestations indicative of APS but with
      persistently negative results in the commonly used assays to detect anti
      cardiolipin (aCL) antibodies, anti-beta2 Glycoprotein I antibodies (abeta2GPI),
      and lupus anticoagulant (LA). To date the best management of these patients is
      still unclear. New emerging anti-phospholipid (aPL) assays could improve our
      ability in diagnosing APS. However, the availability of aPL assays in routine
      laboratory practice is limited. In fact, even abeta2GPI is routinely tested in
      only a small number of laboratories, and other aPL, such as anti-prothrombin or
      anti-annexin antibodies, in only a few research laboratories. On the other hand
      transient or false negative aPL assay and other genetic or acquired pro
      thrombotic conditions can further complicate this issue. This paper is focused on
      the arguments for and against the diagnosis of SN-APS and is aimed to help the
      clinician when approaching a patient with clinical manifestations consistent with
      APS diagnosis but with negative aPL using the commonly available tests.

PMID- 22036831
TI  - Separating predictable and unpredictable work to manage interruptions and promote
      safe and effective work flow.
AB  - Predictable and unpredictable patient care tasks compete for caregiver time and
      attention, making it difficult for patient care staff to reliably and
      consistently meet patient needs. We have piloted a redesigned care model that
      separates the work of patient care technicians based on task predictability and
      creates role specificity. This care model shows promise in improving the ability
      of staff to reliably complete tasks in a more consistent and timely manner.

PMID- 22036832
TI  - Effectiveness of 2 methods of chlorhexidine bathing.
AB  - The purposes of this study were to examine the impact of chlorhexidine on the
      transmission of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin
      resistant Enterococcus (VRE) on an inpatient oncology unit, compare the cost of 2
      chlorhexidine bath delivery methods, and evaluate nursing time and satisfaction
      to administer the baths. MRSA and VRE transmission rates decreased from those
      during the previous years. Costs associated with bathing increased, but time to
      administer the bath decreased with the chlorhexidine cloths, and nursing staff
      reported satisfaction with their use.

PMID- 22036833
TI  - Uncovering the intimate relationship between lipids, cholesterol and GPCR
      activation.
AB  - The membrane bilayer has a significant influence over the proteins embedded
      within it. G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) form a large group of membrane
      proteins with a vast array of critical functions, and direct and indirect
      interactions with the bilayer are thought to control various essential aspects of
      receptor function. The presence of cholesterol, in particular, has been the focus
      of a number of recent studies, with varying receptor-dependent effects reported.
      However, the possibility of specific cholesterol binding sites on GPCRs remains
      debatable at present. A deeper structural and mechanistic understanding of the
      complex and delicately balanced nature of GPCR-bilayer interactions has only been
      revealed so far in studies with the non-ligand binding, class A GPCR, rhodopsin.
      Further investigations are essential if we are to appreciate fully the role of
      the bilayer composition in GPCR activation and signalling; indeed, recent
      improvements in GPCR expression and purification, along with development of novel
      reconstitution methods should make these types of biophysical investigations much
      more accessible. In this review we highlight the latest research on GPCR-membrane
      interactions and some of the tools available for more detailed studies.

PMID- 22036834
TI  - Porcine circovirus: transcription and DNA replication.
AB  - This review summarizes the molecular studies pertaining to porcine circovirus
      (PCV) transcription and DNA replication. The genome of PCV is circular, single
      stranded DNA and contains 1759-1768 nucleotides. Both the genome-strand (packaged
      in the virus particle) and the complementary-strand (synthesized in the new host)
      encode viral proteins. Among a multitude of RNAs synthesized by alternate
      splicing, only rep and rep' are essential for virus DNA replication via the
      rolling-circle replication (RCR) mechanism. In contrast to other RCR biological
      systems which utilize only one multi-functional protein, Rep, to replicate their
      respective genomes, PCV requires two proteins, Rep and Rep'. During DNA
      synthesis, the PCV origin of DNA replication (Ori), which contains a pair of
      inverted repeats (palindrome), exists in a destabilized four-stranded
      configuration (the melting-pot model) and permits both the palindromic-strand and
      the complementary-strand to serve as templates simultaneously for initiation and
      termination. Inherent in the "melting-pot" model is the template-strand-switching
      mechanism. This mechanism is the basis for the "correction or conversion" of any
      mutated nucleotide sequences engineered into either arm of the palindrome and the
      incorporation of "illegitimate recombination" (addition or deletion of
      nucleotides) events that are commonly observed at the Ori of other RCR biological
      systems during DNA replication.

PMID- 22036835
TI  - Dendritic antioxidants with pyrazole as the core: ability to scavenge radicals
      and to protect DNA.
AB  - Chalcones with or without a para-hydroxyl group were condensed with
      phenylhydrazine-related compounds to form 1,3,5-triphenyl-1H-pyrazole (TPP), 4
      (1,5-diphenyl-1H-pyrazol-3-yl)phenol (APP), 4-(1,3-diphenyl-1H-pyrazol-5
      yl)phenol (BPP), and 4-(3,5-diphenyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)phenol (CPP), in which the
      phenyl group formed a dendritic structure with pyrazole as the core. Thus, the
      aim of this work was to explore the antioxidant capacities of TPP, APP, BPP, and
      CPP in trapping 2,2'-azinobis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) cationic
      radical (ABTS(+*)) and 2,2'-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) and in
      inhibiting Cu(2+)/glutathione (GSH)-, (*)OH-, and 2,2'-azobis(2-amidinopropane
      hydrochloride) (AAPH)-induced oxidation of DNA. TPP can react with ABTS(+*) and
      DPPH, indicating that the N atom in pyrazole possesses radical-scavenging
      ability. Moreover, APP, BPP, and CPP can trap 1.71, 1.81, and 1.58 radicals,
      respectively, in protecting DNA against AAPH-induced oxidation. Thus, the
      combination of pyrazole with a phenyl group exerted antioxidant ability although
      only one phenolic hydroxyl group was involved. However, these compounds showed
      weak protective effect against Cu(2+)/GSH-induced oxidation of DNA and even a pro
      oxidant effect on (*)OH-induced oxidation of DNA.

PMID- 22036836
TI  - Retailer branding of consumer sales promotions. A major development in food
      marketing?
AB  - This article examines retailer branding of consumer price promotions. It
      discusses the mechanics of price promotions, consumers' reactions to them and the
      benefits that accrue to those that use them. It describes how large food
      retailers can now deploy branded price promotion systems that are fundamentally
      different to 'traditional' price promotions in both their mechanics and their
      effects on consumer decision processes. The article describes a field experiment
      that compared the performance of a food retailer's branded price promotion system
      with that of a generic (manufacturer) price promotion. The research involved
      three experiments that covered two food categories (sliced bread and margarine)
      and two levels of discount (10% and 20%). The results indicate that food
      retailers are able to attach powerful brands to their price promotion systems,
      and these brand heuristics can significantly increase consumer purchase intent
      relative to an equivalent generic/manufacturer promotion. This incremental
      heuristic effect was stable in both categories and for both levels of price
      discount studied. These results are consistent with the predictions of
      alternative, non-cognitive and heuristic based models of food consumer choice
      that have been published recently in 'Appetite'.

PMID- 22036837
TI  - Does a population-based multi-factorial lifestyle intervention increase social
      inequality in dietary habits? The Inter99 study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether the effect of an individualised multi-factorial
      lifestyle intervention on dietary habits differs across socioeconomic groups.
      METHODS: The study was an individualised multi-factorial lifestyle intervention
      study with a control group, Inter99 (1999-2006), Copenhagen, Denmark.
      Participants in the intervention group (n=6 091) received lifestyle intervention
      during a five-year period. The control group (n=3 324) was followed by
      questionnaires. Multilevel regression analyses were used, including interaction
      term between intervention effect and socioeconomic position (SEP) and analysed
      separately for men and women. SEP was measured as length of education and
      employment status and dietary habits were measured by a validated food frequency
      questionnaire. RESULTS: Men with a short education improved their dietary habits
      more (net-change [95% confidence interval]) (0.25 points [-0.01;0.52]) than men
      with longer education (0.02 points [-0.09;0.14]), (interaction: p=0.02).
      Furthermore, unemployed women improved their dietary intake more (0.33 points
      [0.05;0.61]) than employed women (0.01 points [-0.10;0.11]), (interaction:
      p=0.03). Similar results were found for fruit intake, whereas no significant
      interactions were found for fish, fat and vegetable intake. CONCLUSIONS:
      Individualised dietary interventions do not increase and may even decrease or
      hinder further widening of the social inequalities in health due to unhealthy
      dietary habits among socially disadvantaged individuals.

PMID- 22036838
TI  - The allometry of CNS size and consequences of miniaturization in orb-weaving and
      cleptoparasitic spiders.
AB  - Allometric studies of the gross neuroanatomy of adults from nine species of
      spiders from six web-weaving families (Orbicularia), and nymphs from six of these
      species, show that very small spiders resemble other small animals in having
      disproportionately larger central nervous systems (CNSs) relative to body mass
      when compared with large-bodied forms. Small spiderlings and minute adult spiders
      have similar relative CNS volumes. The relatively large CNS of a very small
      spider occupies up to 78% of the cephalothorax volume. The CNSs of very small
      spiders extend into their coxae, occupying as much as 26% of the profile area of
      the coxae of an Anapisona simoni spiderling (body mass < 0.005 mg). Such
      modifications occur both in species with minute adults, and in tiny spiderlings
      of species with large-bodied adults. In at least one such species, Leucauge
      mariana, the CNS of the spiderling extends into a prominent ventral bulge of the
      sternum. Tiny spiders also have reduced neuronal cell body diameters. The adults
      of nearly all orbicularian spiders weave prey capture webs, as do the
      spiderlings, beginning with second instar nymphs. Comparable allometric relations
      occur in adults of both orb-weaving and cleptoparasitic species, indicating that
      this behavioral difference is not reflected in differences in gross CNS
      allometry.

PMID- 22036839
TI  - Modified Lund concept versus cerebral perfusion pressure-targeted therapy: a
      randomised controlled study in patients with secondary brain ischaemia.
AB  - PURPOSE: Secondary brain ischaemia (SBI) usually develops after aneurysmal
      subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH) and severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Current
      approaches to managing these conditions are based either on intracranial pressure
      targeted therapy (ICP-targeted) with cerebral microdialysis (CM) monitoring
      according to the modified Lund concept or cerebral perfusion pressure-targeted
      therapy (CPP-targeted). We present a prospective, randomised controlled study
      comparing relative effectiveness of the two management strategies. METHODS: Sixty
      comatose operated patients with SBI following aneurysmal SAH and severe TBI were
      randomised into ICP-targeted therapy with CM monitoring and CPP-targeted therapy
      groups. Mortality rates in both groups were calculated and tissue biochemical
      signs of cerebral ischaemia were analysed using CM. Measured CM data were related
      to outcome (Glasgow Outcome Scale [GOS] score 1, 2 and 3 for poor outcome or GOS
      score 4 and 5 for good outcome). RESULTS: Patients treated with ICP-targeted
      therapy with CM monitoring had significantly lower mortality rate as compared
      with those treated with CPP-targeted therapy (P=0.03). Patients monitored with CM
      who had poor outcome had lower mean values of glucose and higher mean values of
      glycerol and lactate/pyruvate ratio as compared with those who had good outcome
      (glucose: P=0.003; glycerol: P=0.02; lactate/pyruvate ratio: P=0.01). There was
      no difference in the mortality outcome between aneurysmal SAH and severe TBI in
      the two groups (P=0.28 for ICP-targeted therapy with CM monitoring, P=0.36 for
      CPP-targeted therapy). Also, there were no differences in the CM values between
      patients with aneurysmal SAH and severe TBI who underwent ICP-targeted therapy
      (glucose: P=0.23; glycerol: P=0.41; lactate/pyruvate ratio: P=0.40). CONCLUSION:
      The modified Lund concept, directed at bedside real-time monitoring of brain
      biochemistry by CM showed better results compared to CPP-targeted therapy in the
      treatment of comatose patients sustaining SBI after aneurysmal SAH and severe
      TBI.

PMID- 22036840
TI  - Steroidogenic gene expression following D-aspartate treatment in frog testis.
AB  - Previous studies have provided evidence that D-Asp plays a role in steroid
      mediated reproductive biology in amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals. To
      examine the molecular involvement of D-Asp on steroidogenic pathway regulation,
      we analysed the expression of StAR, P450 aromatase and 5alphaRed2 mRNAs in
      Pelophylax esculentus testis, either in relation to the reproductive cycle or D
      Asp treatment. Basal StAR mRNA levels, as well as D-Asp and testosterone
      concentrations, were higher in reproductive than in post-reproductive frogs. D
      Asp treatment increased StAR mRNA expression and immunolocalisation in both the
      reproductive and post-reproductive periods. In control testis, aromatase mRNA
      levels were higher in the post-reproductive period, but following D-Asp
      administration, they increased only in the reproductive period. The level of
      5alphaRed2 mRNA was higher in reproductive frogs than in post-reproductive frogs,
      and it increased after D-Asp treatment only in the post-reproductive phase. Our
      results suggest that, in P. esculentus testis, D-Asp increases StAR mRNA in both
      periods, and P450 aromatase and 5alphaRed2 mRNAs at different points during the
      reproductive cycle.

PMID- 22036841
TI  - Is secretoneurin a new hormone?
AB  - Numerous small potentially bioactive peptides are derived from the selective
      processing of the ~600 amino acid secretogranin II (SgII) precursor, but only the
      31-42 amino acid segment termed secretoneurin (SN) is well-conserved from sharks
      to mammals. Both SNa and SNb paralogs have been identified in some teleosts,
      likely arising as a result of the specific genome duplication event in this
      lineage. Only one copy of the putative lamprey SgII (188 amino acids) could be
      identified which gives rise to a divergent agnathan SN that contains the
      signature YTPQ-X-LA-X(7)-EL sequence typical of the central core of all known SN
      peptides. In rodent models, SN has regulatory effects on neuroinflammation and
      neurotransmitter release, and possesses therapeutic potential for the induction
      of angiogenesis. The wide distribution of SN in neuroendocrine neurons and
      pituitary cells suggests important endocrine roles. The clearest example of the
      endocrine action of SN is the stimulatory effects on pituitary luteinizing
      hormone release from goldfish pituitary and mouse LbetaT2 gonadotroph cells,
      indicative of an important role in reproduction. Several lines of evidence
      suggest that the SN receptor is most likely a G-protein coupled protein.
      Microarray analysis of SN effects on dispersed goldfish pituitary cells in vitro
      reveals novel SN actions that include effects on genes involved in notch
      signaling and the guanylate cyclase pathway. Intracerebroventricular injection of
      SN increases feeding and locomotory behaviors in goldfish. Given that SgII
      appeared early in vertebrate evolution, SN is an old peptide with emerging
      implications as a new multifunctional hormone.

PMID- 22036842
TI  - Osmoreception: perspectives on signal transduction and environmental modulation.
AB  - Osmoregulation is essential to life in vertebrates and osmoreception is a
      fundamental element in osmoregulation. Progress in characterizing the mechanisms
      that mediate osmoreception has been made possible by using a uniquely accessible
      cell model, the prolactin (PRL) cell of the euryhaline tilapia, Oreochromis
      mossambicus. In addition to a brief historical overview, we offer a summary of
      our recent progress on signal transduction and osmosensitivity in the tilapia PRL
      cell model. Prolactin is a central regulator of hydromineral balance in teleosts
      in freshwater (FW). Consistent with its essential role in FW osmoregulation, PRL
      release in tilapia is inversely related to extracellular osmolality, both in vivo
      and in vitro. Osmotically-driven changes in PRL cell volume control PRL release.
      A decrease in extracellular osmolality increases cell volume, leading to a rapid
      influx of Ca(2+) through stretch-activated channels followed by a sharp rise in
      PRL release. Our recent studies also suggest that cAMP is involved in the osmotic
      signal transduction, and that acclimation salinity can modulate PRL cell
      osmosensitivity. Prolactin cells from FW tilapia show a larger rise in PRL
      release after a reduction in medium osmolality than those from SW fish.
      Paradoxically, hyposmotically-induced increase in PRL mRNA was observed only in
      cells from SW fish. Our studies have revealed differences in the abundance of the
      water channel, aquaporin 3 (AQP3), and the stretch activated Ca(2+) channel,
      transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) in PRL cells of FW and SW fish
      that may explain their differing osmosensitivity and osmoreceptive output in
      differing acclimation salinities.

PMID- 22036843
TI  - A catalytic defect in mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I due to a mutation
      in NDUFS2 in a patient with Leigh syndrome.
AB  - In this study, we investigated the pathogenicity of a homozygous Asp446Asn
      mutation in the NDUFS2 gene of a patient with a mitochondrial respiratory chain
      complex I deficiency. The clinical, biochemical, and genetic features of the
      NDUFS2 patient were compared with those of 4 patients with previously identified
      NDUFS2 mutations. All 5 patients presented with Leigh syndrome. In addition, 3
      out of 5 showed hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Complex I amounts in the patient
      carrying the Asp446Asn mutation were normal, while the complex I activity was
      strongly reduced, showing that the NDUFS2 mutation affects complex I enzymatic
      function. By contrast, the 4 other NDUFS2 patients showed both a reduced amount
      and activity of complex I. The enzymatic defect in fibroblasts of the patient
      carrying the Asp446Asn mutation was rescued by transduction of wild type NDUFS2.
      A 3-D model of the catalytic core of complex I showed that the mutated amino acid
      residue resides near the coenzyme Q binding pocket. However, the K(M) of complex
      I for coenzyme Q analogs of the Asp446Asn mutated complex I was similar to the
      K(M) observed in other complex I defects and in controls. We propose that the
      mutation interferes with the reduction of coenzyme Q or with the coupling of
      coenzyme Q reduction with the conformational changes involved in proton pumping
      of complex I.

PMID- 22036844
TI  - Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha regulates prion protein expression to protect
      against neuron cell damage.
AB  - The human prion protein fragment, PrP (106-126), may contain a majority of the
      pathological features associated with the infectious scrapie isoform of PrP,
      known as PrP(Sc). Based on our previous findings that hypoxia protects neuronal
      cells from PrP (106-126)-induced apoptosis and increases cellular prion protein
      (PrP(C)) expression, we hypothesized that hypoxia-related genes, including
      hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1alpha), may regulate PrP(C) expression and
      that these genes may be involved in prion-related neurodegenerative diseases.
      Hypoxic conditions are known to elicit cellular responses designed to improve
      cell survival through adaptive processes. Under normoxic conditions, a
      deferoxamine-mediated elevation of HIF-1alpha produced the same effect as hypoxia
      inhibited neuron cell death. However, under hypoxic conditions, doxorubicin
      suppressed HIF-1alpha attenuated the inhibitory effect on neuron cell death
      mediated by PrP (106-126). Knock-down of HIF-1alpha using lentiviral short
      hairpin (sh) RNA-induced downregulation of PrP(C) mRNA and protein expression
      under hypoxic conditions, and sensitized neuron cells to prion peptide-mediated
      cell death even in hypoxic conditions. In PrP(C) knockout hippocampal neuron
      cells, hypoxia increased the HIF-1alpha protein but the cells did not display the
      inhibitory effect of prion peptide-induced neuron cell death. Adenoviruses
      expressing the full length Prnp gene (Ad-Prnp) were utilized for overexpression
      of the Prnp gene in PrP(C) knockout hippocampal neuron cells. Adenoviral
      transfection of PrP(C) knockout cells with Prnp resulted in the inhibition of
      prion peptide-mediated cell death in these cells. This is the first report
      demonstrating that expression of normal PrP(C) is regulated by HIF-1alpha, and
      PrP(C) overexpression induced by hypoxia plays a pivotal role in hypoxic
      inhibition of prion peptide-induced neuron cell death. These results suggest that
      hypoxia-related genes, including HIF-1alpha, may be involved in the pathogenesis
      of prion-related diseases and as such may be a therapeutic target for prion
      related neurodegenerative diseases.

PMID- 22036845
TI  - Anti-asthmatic effect of ASP3258, a novel phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor.
AB  - ASP3258 is a potent and selective PDE4 inhibitor and exerts a wide-range of anti
      inflammatory effects with low emetic potential, a major adverse effect of PDE4
      inhibitors. Here, we investigated the anti-asthmatic potency of ASP3258 as
      compared with those of two representative PDE4 inhibitors: roflumilast and
      cilomilast. Orally administered ASP3258, roflumilast, and cilomilast all
      inhibited ovalbumin (OVA)-induced eosinophil infiltration into the airway of
      sensitized Brown Norway rats with ED(50) values of 0.81, 0.46, and 4.4 mg/kg,
      respectively. Histological examination also revealed a decreasing trend in
      inflammatory cell infiltration into the lung following ASP3258 administration. In
      vitro investigation of bronchodilatory activities showed that these compounds
      (10(-8)-10(-6) M) concentration-dependently inhibited OVA-induced contraction of
      trachea isolated from sensitized guinea pigs but had no effect on spasmogen
      precontracted tracheal tension prepared from non-sensitized guinea pigs up to 10(
      6) M. In vivo experiments using sensitized guinea pigs showed that these orally
      administered compounds inhibited OVA-induced increases in airway resistance with
      ED(50) values of 2.2, 0.35, and 12 mg/kg, respectively. Further, orally
      administered ASP3258 (0.1 and 1 mg/kg), roflumilast (0.1 and 1 mg/kg), and
      cilomilast (10 mg/kg) significantly suppressed airway hyperresponsiveness caused
      by OVA exposure. ASP3258's potent inhibition of antigen-induced
      bronchoconstriction and airway hyperresponsiveness, two characteristic symptoms
      of bronchial asthma, suggests that this compound will be useful in treating
      asthma.

PMID- 22036846
TI  - Image resampling effects in mammographic image simulation.
AB  - This work describes the theory of resampling effects within the context of image
      simulation for mammographic images. The process of digitization associated with
      using digital imaging technology needs to be correctly addressed in any image
      simulation process. Failure to do so can lead to overblurring in the final
      synthetic image. A method for weighted neighbourhood averaging is described for
      non-integer scaling factors in resampling images. The use of the method is
      demonstrated by comparing simulated and real images of an edge test object
      acquired on two clinical mammography systems. Images were simulated using two
      setups: from idealized images and from images obtained with clinical systems. A
      Gaussian interpolation method is proposed as a single-step solution to modelling
      blurring filters for the simulation process.

PMID- 22036847
TI  - National Society Cardiovascular Journals of Europe: Almanac 2011.

PMID- 22036848
TI  - Pro- or anti-inflammatory properties of the adipokine dipeptidyl peptidase-4?

PMID- 22036849
TI  - Acute pancreatitis: an uncommon but easily treatable cause.

PMID- 22036850
TI  - Adult-onset cerebellar ataxia due to mutations in CABC1/ADCK3.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Inherited ataxias are heterogeneous disorders affecting both children
      and adults. The primary cause can be identified in about half of the patients and
      only very few can receive causative therapy. METHODS: The authors performed
      sequencing of known Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) deficiency genes in 22 patients with
      unexplained recessive or sporadic ataxia. RESULTS: CABC1/ADCK3 mutations were
      detected in four patients and two siblings presenting with cerebellar ataxia,
      epilepsy and muscle symptoms. Spasticity, dystonia, tremor and migraine were
      variably present; cognitive impairment was severe in early childhood cases, but
      was absent in adults. In contrast to previous reports, two of the patients had a
      later-onset, very mild phenotype and remained ambulatory in their late forties.
      Muscle biopsy revealed lipid accumulation, mitochondrial proliferation and
      cytochrome c oxidase-deficient fibres, but no typical ragged red fibres.
      Respiratory-chain enzyme activities and CoQ10 were decreased in severely affected
      patients but remained normal in a mildly affected patient at 46 years of age.
      CONCLUSIONS: These observations highlight the importance of screening for a
      potentially treatable cause, CABC1/ADCK3 mutations, not only in severe childhood
      onset ataxia, but also in patients with mild cerebellar ataxia in adult life.

PMID- 22036853
TI  - Osteopontin is involved in urotensin II-induced migration of rat aortic
      adventitial fibroblasts.
AB  - Recent studies suggest that both osteopontin and urotensin II (UII) play critical
      roles in vascular remodeling. We previously showed that UII could stimulate the
      migration of aortic adventitial fibroblasts. In this study, we examined whether
      osteopontin is involved in UII-induced migration of rat aortic adventitial
      fibroblasts and examined the effects and mechanisms of UII on osteopontin
      expression in adventitial fibroblasts. Migration of adventitial fibroblasts
      induced by UII could be inhibited significantly by osteopontin antisense
      oligonucleotide (P<0.01) but not sense or mismatch oligonucleotides (P>0.05).
      Moreover, UII dose- and time-dependently promoted osteopontin mRNA expression and
      protein secretion in the cells, with maximal effect at 10(-8)mol/l at 3h for mRNA
      expression or at 12h for protein secretion (both P<0.01). Furthermore, the UII
      effects were significantly inhibited by its receptor antagonist SB710411 (10(
      6)mol/l), and Ca(2+) channel blocker nicardipine (10(-5)mol/l), protein kinase C
      (PKC) inhibitor H7 (10(-5)mol/l), calcineurin inhibitor cyclosporine A (10(
      5)mol/l), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor PD98059 (10(-5)mol/l)
      and Rho kinase inhibitor Y-27632 (10(-5)mol/l). Thus, osteopontin is involved in
      the UII-induced migration of adventitial fibroblasts, and UII could upregulate
      osteopontin gene expression and protein synthesis in rat aortic adventitial
      fibroblasts by activating its receptor and the Ca(2+) channel, PKC, calcineurin,
      MAPK and Rho kinase signal transduction pathways.

PMID- 22036854
TI  - Long-term outcome of patients hospitalized in intensive care units with central
      or extrapontine myelinolysis*.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Very few data are available for critically ill patients with central
      or extrapontine myelinolysis and according to available evidence, the prognosis
      seems to be poor. We aimed to describe the baseline characteristics, the
      management, the long-term prognosis, and the prognostic factors in central or
      extrapontine myelinolysis. DESIGN: Retrospective observational study considering
      modified Rankin Scale score >3 or death as an unfavorable outcome. SETTING: Forty
      six French intensive care units. PATIENTS: Thirty-six patients with central or
      extrapontine myelinolysis treated in 2000-2010. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS
      AND MAIN RESULTS: At baseline, 31 (86%) patients were alcoholics and 33 (92%)
      presented with hyponatremia. Mechanical ventilation was required in 32 (89%)
      patients. At 1-yr follow-up, 11 (31%) patients have died, whereas 14 (56%)
      survivors have returned to a Rankin score <= 1. Life-supporting therapies were
      withheld in 11 (31%) patients. Severe cerebral motor disability was the most
      frequently cited reason. However, five of them were still alive at 1 yr with
      Rankin score <= 1 for four of them. We found no statistical difference between
      the 18 (50%) patients with a favorable outcome and the 18 (50%) patients with an
      unfavorable outcome with regard to severity of illness, suggesting that recovery
      is possible and unpredictable on the basis of clinical presentation. Chronic
      alcoholism was less frequent in patients with a favorable outcome as compared
      with patient with an unfavorable outcome (13 [72%] vs. 18 [100%], p = .04).
      CONCLUSIONS: The prognosis of critically ill patients with central or
      extrapontine myelinolysis is better than thus far thought despite initial severe
      clinical manifestations. Regarding the high rate of decisions to withhold life
      supporting therapies, the probability of a favorable outcome might be
      underestimated by intensivists.

PMID- 22036855
TI  - Protective effects of melanocortins on short-term changes in a rat model of
      traumatic brain injury*.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Treatment for traumatic brain injury remains elusive despite
      compelling evidence from animal models for a variety of therapeutic targets.
      Melanocortins have established neuroprotective effects against experimental
      ischemic stroke. We investigated whether melanocortin treatment of traumatic
      brain injury induces neuroprotection and promotes functional recovery. DESIGN:
      Randomized experiment. SETTING: Research laboratory at a university hospital.
      SUBJECTS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 215). INTERVENTIONS: Experimental rat
      model of diffuse traumatic brain injury, the impact-acceleration model.
      MEASUREMENT AND MAIN RESULTS: Brain tissue nitrites, phosphorylation level of
      extracellular signal-regulated kinases, and c-jun N-terminal kinases; and
      expression of active caspase-3, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, BAX, and Bcl-2 as
      well as serum levels of interleukin-6, high mobility group box-1, interleukin-10,
      and brain histologic damage were evaluated 24 or 48 hrs after the insult.
      Sensorimotor orientation and limb use were evaluated at day 7 and learning and
      memory at days 23-30 after injury. Posttraumatic treatment every 12 hrs with the
      melanocortin analog [Nle, D-Phe]-alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (starting 3
      or 6 hrs after injury) inhibited traumatic brain injury-induced upregulation of
      nitric oxide synthesis, phosphorylation level of extracellular signal-regulated
      kinases, phosphorylation level of c-jun N-terminal kinases, and active caspase-3;
      reduced expressions/levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, BAX, interleukin-6,
      and high mobility group box-1; and increased those of Bcl-2 and interleukin-10.
      These molecular changes were associated with a reduction in brain tissue damage,
      as highlighted by histopathological findings and improved functional recovery.
      Pretreatment with the melanocortin MC4 receptor antagonist HS024 abated the
      positive effects of [Nle, D-Phe]-alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our data indicate that melanocortins protect against traumatic brain
      injury, in a broad time window and through activation of MC4 receptors, by
      counteracting the main traumatic brain injury-related mechanisms of damage. These
      findings could have major clinical implications.

PMID- 22036856
TI  - Induced hypothermia is protective in a rat model of pneumococcal pneumonia
      associated with increased adenosine triphosphate availability and turnover*.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of induced hypothermia on bacterial growth,
      lung injury, and mitochondrial function in a rat model of pneumococcal
      pneumosepsis. DESIGN: Animal study. SETTING: University research laboratory.
      SUBJECTS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats. INTERVENTIONS: Subjects were inoculated
      intratracheally with Streptococcus pneumoniae and controls received saline. After
      the development of pneumonia, mechanical ventilation was started with or without
      induced mild hypothermia (32  degrees C). Bacterial growth and inflammatory
      markers were determined in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, blood, and organs.
      Oxidative phosphorylation and adenosine triphosphate contents were measured in
      mitochondria isolated from the liver and soleus muscle. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN
      RESULTS: Inoculation with S. pneumoniae resulted in severe pneumonia with
      bacterial dissemination, distal organ injury, and blunted peripheral oxygen
      consumption on mechanical ventilation. Hypothermia did not affect bacterial
      growth in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and in homogenized lungs compared with
      normothermic controls but was associated with reduced bacterial dissemination to
      the spleen with a trend toward reduced bacterial load in blood and liver.
      Hypothermia reduced lung injury, exemplified by reductions in pulmonary cell
      influx and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid protein levels compared with controls.
      Hypothermia reduced bronchoalveolar lavage fluid levels of interleukin-1beta,
      tended to reduce bronchoalveolar lavage fluid CINC-3 levels, but no effect was
      observed on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid tumor necrosis factor-alpha and
      interleukin-6 levels. Induced hypothermia restored the fall in oxygen consumption
      and adenosine triphosphate levels in the liver, whereas adenosine
      triphosphate/adenosine diphosphate ratios remained low. In muscle, induced
      hypothermia also reversed low oxygen consumption as a result of pneumonia, but
      with an increase in adenosine triphosphate levels, whereas adenosine
      triphosphate/adenosine diphosphate ratios were low. CONCLUSION: Hypothermia did
      not adversely affect bacterial growth, but rather reduced bacterial dissemination
      in a rat model of pneumococcal pneumosepsis. Furthermore, hypothermia reduced
      lung injury associated with restored adenosine triphosphate availability and
      turnover. These findings suggest that hypothermia may reduce organ injury by
      preventing sepsis-related mitochondrial dysfunction.

PMID- 22036857
TI  - Extravascular lung water predicts progression to acute lung injury in patients
      with increased risk*.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To compare the extravascular lung water index and other markers of
      disease severity in patients with acute lung injury vs. patients at risk for
      development of acute lung injury and to determine their ability to predict
      progression to acute lung injury in patients at risk. DESIGN: Extravascular lung
      water index, dead space fraction, PaO2/FIO2, and other markers of disease
      severity were measured prospectively in 29 patients daily for 5 days after
      admission to the intensive care unit. Patients had acute lung injury as defined
      by the American European Consensus Committee criteria or had risk factors for
      development of it. SETTING: The intensive care units of an academic tertiary
      referral hospital. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The mean extravascular lung
      water index on day 1 for patients who progressed to acute lung injury was higher
      than for those who did not (15.5 +/- 7.4 mL/kg vs. 8.7 +/- 2.3 mL/kg; p = .04).
      None of the other physiologic parameters tested discriminated progression to
      acute lung injury to include the mean physiologic dead space (0.61 +/- 0.06] vs.
      0.59 +/- 0.10; p = .67), PaO2/FIO2 ratio (322 +/- 35 vs. 267 +/- 98; p = .15),
      and static lung compliance (30.9 +/- 13.5 vs. 38.5 +/- 11.7; p = .24). An
      extravascular lung water index cutoff value on day 1 of 10 mL/kg had a 63%
      sensitivity, 88% specificity, positive predictive value of 83%, and negative
      predictive value of 70% to predict progression to acute lung injury. There was no
      difference in extravascular lung water index between those who progressed to
      acute lung injury vs. those who had acute lung injury (14.3 +/- 4.7 vs. 15.5 +/-
      7.4; p = .97). CONCLUSIONS: Elevated extravascular lung water index is a feature
      of early acute lung injury and discriminates between those with acute lung injury
      and those without. Furthermore, extravascular lung water index predicts
      progression to acute lung injury in patients with risk factors for development of
      acute lung injury 2.6 +/- 0.3 days before the patients meet American European
      Consensus Committee criteria for it. These 2.6 +/- 0.3 days may then represent
      missed opportunity for therapeutic intervention and improved outcome.

PMID- 22036858
TI  - Deviations from evidence-based clinical management guidelines increase mortality
      in critically injured trauma patients*.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The effect of treatment guidelines on clinical outcomes in general
      and specifically for trauma patients has not been well-studied. We hypothesized
      that better compliance with guidelines would be associated with improved clinical
      outcomes. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, double-blinded, multicentered, placebo
      controlled study of recombinant factor VII in severe trauma that utilized
      guidelines for damage control, transfusions, and mechanical ventilation.
      Vanderbilt Coordinating Center reviewed compliance in near real-time and reported
      deviations classified as minor, moderate, or major to investigators. Multivariate
      regression analysis measured the association between outcomes (30-day and 90-day
      mortality, development of multiple organ failure, ventilator-free days, renal
      failure-free days, and blood products transfused) and compliance with each
      guideline, as well as a composite assessment of overall compliance. SETTING: One
      hundred hospitals in 26 countries. PATIENTS: Blunt and/or penetrating trauma
      patients aged 18-70 yrs who had received 4-8 units of red blood cells for active
      torso and/or proximal lower extremity bleeding despite standard interventions.
      MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: When assessed as composite end point, major
      deviations from guidelines were associated with significantly higher mortality at
      30 and 90 days after injury and fewer renal failure-free days. Moderate
      deviations were associated with a significantly higher risk of multiple organ
      failure and fewer ventilator-free days. Moderate and major deviations from damage
      control and ventilation guidelines were also significantly associated with higher
      risk of death at days 30 and 90. Within the ventilation protocol, noncompliance
      with tidal volume and plateau pressure targets was associated with significantly
      higher mortality at days 30 and 90 and fewer ventilator-free days, whereas
      noncompliance with weaning guideline was only associated with significantly fewer
      ventilator-free days. CONCLUSIONS: : In a clinical trial of trauma patients,
      higher compliance with guidelines for damage control, transfusion, and
      ventilation management is associated with lower mortality and improved outcomes.

PMID- 22036859
TI  - Analysis of risk factors for adverse drug events in critically ill patients*.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: An evaluation of risk factors for adverse drug events in critically
      ill patients has not been previously studied. The purpose of this original study
      was to determine risk factors for adverse drug events in critically ill adult
      patients. DESIGN: This retrospective case-control study includes patients who
      were admitted to the intensive care unit during a 7.5-yr period. SETTING:
      Academic medical center with 647 beds that contains approximately 120 intensive
      care unit beds. PATIENTS: Patients in the case group experienced an adverse drug
      event as documented in the hospital's database. The control group comprised the
      next two patients admitted to the same intensive care unit by the same admitting
      service. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Twenty-nine
      suspected risk factors identified from the literature were evaluated, including
      patient characteristics, drug characteristics, and laboratory values using a
      multiple logistic regression. A sample of 1101 cases and controls (54% male),
      with a mean age of 59.4 +/- 17.5 yrs, were identified. In 367 cases, there was a
      total of 499 documented adverse drug events. Patients with kidney injury,
      thrombocytopenia, and those admitted emergently were 16-times, 3-times, and 2
      times more likely to have an adverse drug event, respectively. Patients who were
      administered intravenous medications had a 3% higher risk of having an adverse
      drug event for each drug dispensed. Overall, the case group received more drugs
      per intensive care unit day and more drugs per intensive care unit stay.
      CONCLUSIONS: Several patient and drug-related characteristics contribute to the
      risk of adverse drug events in critically ill patients. Diligent monitoring of
      factors that can influence the pharmacokinetic properties for existing drug
      therapies is necessary. Drug regimens should be evaluated daily for minimization.
      Based on previous studies, pharmacists as part of the interdisciplinary team
      could help to manage these risks.

PMID- 22036860
TI  - Dopamine versus norepinephrine in the treatment of septic shock: a meta
      analysis*.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: There has long-been controversy about the possible superiority of
      norepinephrine compared to dopamine in the treatment of shock. The objective was
      to evaluate the effects of norepinephrine and dopamine on outcome and adverse
      events in patients with septic shock. DATA SOURCES: A systematic search of the
      MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and CENTRAL databases, and of Google Scholar, up to June
      30, 2011. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: All studies providing information
      on the outcome of patients with septic shock treated with dopamine compared to
      norepinephrine were included. Observational and randomized trials were analyzed
      separately. Because time of outcome assessment varied among trials, we evaluated
      28-day mortality or closest estimate. Heterogeneity among trials was assessed
      using the Cochrane Q homogeneity test. A Forest plot was constructed and the
      aggregate relative risk of death was computed. Potential publication bias was
      evaluated using funnel plots. METHODS AND MAIN RESULTS: We retrieved five
      observational (1,360 patients) and six randomized (1,408 patients) trials,
      totaling 2,768 patients (1,474 who received norepinephrine and 1,294 who received
      dopamine). In observational studies, among which there was significant
      heterogeneity (p < .001), there was no difference in mortality (relative risk,
      1.09; confidence interval, 0.84-1.41; p = .72). A sensitivity analysis identified
      one trial as being responsible for the heterogeneity; after exclusion of that
      trial, no heterogeneity was observed and dopamine administration was associated
      with an increased risk of death (relative risk, 1.23; confidence interval, 1.05
      1.43; p < .01). In randomized trials, for which no heterogeneity or publication
      bias was detected (p = .77), dopamine was associated with an increased risk of
      death (relative risk, 1.12; confidence interval, 1.01-1.20; p = .035). In the two
      trials that reported arrhythmias, these were more frequent with dopamine than
      with norepinephrine (relative risk, 2.34; confidence interval, 1.46-3.77; p =
      .001). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with septic shock, dopamine administration is
      associated with greater mortality and a higher incidence of arrhythmic events
      compared to norepinephrine administration.

PMID- 22036861
TI  - High cholesterol diet increases osteoporosis risk via inhibiting bone formation
      in rats.
AB  - AIM: To investigate the effects of high cholesterol diet on the development of
      osteoporosis and the underlying mechanisms in rats. METHODS: Female Sprague
      Dawley rats were randomly separated into 3 groups: (1) the high cholesterol fed
      rats were fed a high cholesterol diet containing 77% normal diet food, 3%
      cholesterol and 20% lard for 3 months; (2) ovariectomised (OVX) rats were
      bilaterally ovariectomised and fed a standard diet; and (3) the control rats were
      fed the standard diet. Bone mineral density (BMD) of the rats was measured using
      dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Serum levels of oestradiol (E2), osteocalcin
      (BGP) and carboxy-terminal collagen crosslinks (CTX) were measured using ELISA.
      Gene expression profile was determined with microarray. Mouse osteoblast cells
      (MC3T3-E1) were used for in vitro study. Proliferation, differentiation and
      oxidative stress of the osteoblasts were investigated using MTT, qRT-PCR and
      biochemical methods. RESULTS: In high cholesterol fed rats, the femur BMD and
      serum BGP level were significantly reduced, while the CTX level was significantly
      increased. DNA microarray analysis showed that 2290 genes were down-regulated and
      992 genes were up-regulated in this group of rats. Of these genes, 1626 were also
      down-regulated and 1466 were up-regulated in OVX rats. In total, 370 genes were
      up-regulated in both groups, and 976 genes were down-regulated. Some of the down
      regulated genes were found to code for proteins involved in the transforming
      growth factor beta (TGF-beta)/bone morphogenic protein (BMP) and Wnt signaling
      pathways. The up-regulated genes were found to code for IL-6 and Ager with bone
      resorption functions. Treatment of MC3T3-E1 cells with cholesterol (12.5-50
      MUg/mL) inhibited the cell proliferation and differentiation in vitro in a
      concentration-dependent manner. The treatment also concentration-dependently
      reduced the expression of BMP2 and Cbfa1, and increased the oxidative injury in
      MC3T3-E1 cells. CONCLUSION: The results suggest a close correlation between
      hypercholesterolaemia and osteoporosis. High cholesterol diet increases the risk
      of osteoporosis, possible via inhibiting the differentiation and proliferation of
      osteoblasts.

PMID- 22036862
TI  - Tolerance and pharmacokinetics of single-dose intravenous hemoporfin in healthy
      volunteers.
AB  - AIM: To investigate the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of intravenous
      hemoporfin, a novel photosensitive drug for the treatment of port-wine stain
      (PWS), in healthy Chinese volunteers following single-dose administration.
      METHODS: Thirty-six healthy Chinese subjects were enrolled. The subjects were
      administered hemoporfin (2.5, 5, 7.5 or 10 mg/kg) via single-dose intravenous
      infusion. Pharmacokinetics of the drug were studied in the groups with doses of
      2.5, 5 and 7.5 mg/kg, and tolerability was studied in all the 4 groups. Safety
      and tolerance were evaluated by monitoring adverse events and laboratory
      parameters, and pharmacokinetics were assessed by determining hemoporfin content
      with a validated high-performance liquid chromatography with fluorescence
      detection (HPLC/FLD) method. RESULTS: Mild and transient adverse events occurred
      in the trial (n=10), but none were serious, and no subjects were withdrawn from
      the trial. The gastrointestinal tract adverse events, such as nausea, stomach
      upset, abdominal pain and vomiting, were observed in the groups with doses of 7.5
      and 10 mg/kg. Increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) concentration was found in
      3 subjects, and increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) concentration in one
      subject. The half-life of hemoporfin for doses of 2.5, 5, and 7.5 mg/kg was 1.26
      h, 1.31 h, and 1.70 h, respectively. C(max) and AUC increased with dose for
      intravenous single-dose administration of hemoporfin in the 2.5, 5, and 7.5 mg/kg
      groups. Urinary excretion of hemoporfin within 12 h was less than 0.2%.
      CONCLUSION: Hemoporfin is safe and well-tolerated in healthy Chinese volunteers
      at a single intravenous dose of up to 10 mg/kg. It was rapidly cleared from the
      blood and had a short half-life, which insures a short light-avoidance period.

PMID- 22036863
TI  - Integrin activation as an alternative treatment approach for inflammatory
      diseases.

PMID- 22036864
TI  - Cell adhesion, inflammation and therapy: old ideas and a significant step
      forward.

PMID- 22036865
TI  - Oxidized low-density lipoprotein and beta-glycerophosphate synergistically induce
      endothelial progenitor cell ossification.
AB  - AIM: To investigate the ability of ox-LDL to induce ossification of endothelial
      progenitor cells (EPCs) in vitro and explored whether oxidative stress,
      especially hypoxia inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha) and reactive oxygen
      species (ROS), participate in the ossific process. METHODS: Rat bone marrow
      derived endothelial progenitor cells (BMEPCs) were cultured in endothelial growth
      medium supplemented with VEGF (40 ng/mL) and bFGF (10 ng/mL). The cells were
      treated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL, 5 MUg/mL) and/or beta
      glycerophosphate (beta-GP, 10 mmol/L). Calcium content and Von Kossa staining
      were used as the measures of calcium deposition. Ossific gene expression was
      determined using RT-PCR. The expression of osteocalcin (OCN) was detected with
      immunofluorescence. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity was analyzed using
      colorimetric assay. Intercellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured
      with flow cytometry. RESULTS: BMEPCs exhibited a spindle-like shape. The
      percentage of cells that expressed the cell markers of EPCs CD34, CD133 and
      kinase insert domain-containing receptor (KDR) were 46.2%+/-5.8%, 23.5%+/-4.0%
      and 74.3%+/-8.8%, respectively. Among the total cells, 78.3%+/-4.2% were stained
      with endothelial-specific fluorescence. Treatment of BMEPCs with ox-LDL
      significantly promoted calcium deposition, which was further significantly
      enhanced by co-treatment with beta-GP. The same treatments significantly
      increased the gene expression of core-binding factor a-1 (cbfa-1) and OCN, while
      decreased the gene expression of osteoprotegerin (OPG). The treatments also
      significantly enhanced the activity of ALP, but did not affect the number of
      OCN(+) cells. Furthermore, the treatments significantly increased ROS and
      activated the hypoxia inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha). In all these effects,
      ox-LDL acted synergistically with beta-GP. CONCLUSION: Ox-LDL and beta-GP
      synergistically induce ossification of BMEPCs, in which an oxidizing mechanism is
      involved.

PMID- 22036866
TI  - Why do anti-inflammatory therapies fail to improve insulin sensitivity?
AB  - Chronic inflammation occurs in obese conditions in both humans and animals. It
      also contributes to the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes (T2D) through insulin
      resistance, a status in which the body loses its ability to respond to insulin.
      Inflammation impairs insulin signaling through the functional inhibition of IRS-1
      and PPARgamma. Insulin sensitizers (such as rosiglitazone and pioglitazone)
      inhibit inflammation while improving insulin sensitivity. Therefore, anti
      inflammatory agents have been suggested as a treatment strategy for insulin
      resistance. This strategy has been tested in laboratory studies and clinical
      trials for more than 10 years; however, no significant progress has been made in
      any of the model systems. This status has led us to re-evaluate the biological
      significance of chronic inflammation in obesity. Recent studies have consistently
      asserted that obesity-associated inflammation helps to maintain insulin
      sensitivity. Inflammation stimulates local adipose tissue remodeling and promotes
      systemic energy expenditure. We propose that these beneficial activities of
      inflammation provide an underlying mechanism for the failure of anti-inflammatory
      therapy in the treatment of insulin resistance. Current literature will be
      reviewed in this article to present evidence that supports this viewpoint.

PMID- 22036867
TI  - Host immune-related gene responses against highly pathogenic avian influenza
      virus infection in vitro differ among chicken cell lines established from
      different organs.
AB  - Highly pathogenic avian influenza virus (HPAIV) induces acute disease in chickens
      causing high mortality and morbidity and is a major threat to poultry industries
      in Southeast Asian countries. The mechanisms of disease manifestation and host
      innate immune responses against HAPIV in chickens are not well understood. In
      this study, we examined virus replication and host gene expressions in four
      chicken cell lines in vitro to elucidate the impact of host innate immune
      responses against viral replication. It was demonstrated that viral replication
      efficiencies were different depending on the cell line. The viral replication
      appeared to be affected by the basal expression of IFN related genes. The
      expression of immune-related genes against the viral infection also varied in a
      cell line dependent manner. In non-immune derived cell lines, but not in immune
      derived cell lines, the expression of the CCL5 and CCL20 genes were induced by
      HPAIV infection. Reverse genetics HPAIV, with internal genes from avirulent avian
      influenza, reduced virus replication and affected immune-related gene expression
      in a cell line dependent manner. These results suggest the possibility that
      differential immune responses in different cell types in local tissues could
      modulate the consequences of HPAIV infection in chickens.

PMID- 22036868
TI  - Laminitis after 2000 years: adding bricks to our wall of knowledge.

PMID- 22036869
TI  - Serotypes and virulence genes of extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli
      isolates from diseased pigs in China.
AB  - Extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli (ExPEC) isolates were detected in
      315/3127 (10.1%) diseased pigs from 19 provinces of China; the frequency of
      isolation increased from 3.1% in 2004 to 14.6% in 2007. All isolates were
      characterised for O serogroups, haemolysis, phenotypic and genotypic
      antimicrobial resistance, virulence genes and pathogenicity. The most prevalent
      serogroups were O161, O8, O11, O138, O101 and O26; 83/315 (26.3%) isolates were
      haemolytic. Forty percent of isolates in phylogenetic groups B2 and D were highly
      virulent porcine ExPEC strains. Thirty-three putative extraintestinal virulence
      factor genes that are normally associated with human and/or avian ExPEC strains
      were widely present in porcine isolates. These results indicate that ExPEC are
      prevalent in pigs in China and represent a potential public health threat.

PMID- 22036870
TI  - Rhodococcus equi pneumonia in the foal--part 2: diagnostics, treatment and
      disease management.
AB  - Various challenges face clinicians and farm managers in diagnosing, treating and
      preventing Rhodococcus equi pneumonia. The use of ultrasound imaging has aided in
      the early diagnosis of the disease, reducing treatment duration and improving
      therapeutic outcomes. Antimicrobial resistance in R. equi is an emerging issue
      that necessitates prudent antimicrobial therapy of diseased foals. Alternative
      methods of disease transmission, such as contagious foal-to-foal aerosol
      transmission, may need to be addressed to complement dust reduction environmental
      strategies and to minimise the overall risk of exposure of foals to highly
      concentrated inhaled doses of the organism. Effective management of foals and
      land aimed at reducing aerosol exposure to virulent R. equi is likely to yield
      significant reductions in the prevalence and severity of R. equi pneumonia.

PMID- 22036871
TI  - Exercise training improves exercise capacity in adult patients with a systemic
      right ventricle: a randomized clinical trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess whether exercise training in adult patients with a systemic
      right ventricle (RV) improves exercise capacity and quality of life and lowers
      serum N-terminal prohormone brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) levels. DESIGN:
      Multi-centre parallel randomized controlled trial. PARTICIPANTS: Patients with a
      systemic RV due to congenitally or surgically corrected transposition of the
      great arteries. METHODS: Fifty-four adult patients with a systemic RV, were
      randomized using unmarked opaque envelopes to an intervention group (n = 28) with
      three training sessions per week for 10 consecutive weeks, and a control group (n
      = 26). Randomization was stratified by participating centre. At baseline, and
      follow-up, we determined maximal exercise capacity (V'O(2peak)), serum NT-proBNP
      levels, and quality of life by means of the SF-36, and the TAAQOL Congenital
      Heart Disease questionnaires. The final analysis was performed by linear
      regression, taking into account the stratified randomization. RESULTS: Forty-six
      patients were analysed (male 50%, age 32 +/- 11 years, intervention group n = 24,
      control group n = 22). Analysis at 10 weeks showed a significant difference in
      V'O(2peak) (3.4 mL/kg/min, 95% CI: 0.2 to 6.7; P = 0.04) and resting systolic
      blood pressure (-7.6 mmHg, 95% CI: -14.0 to -1.3; P = 0.03) in favour of the
      exercise group. No significant changes were found in serum NT-proBNP levels or
      quality of life in the intervention group or in the control group nor between
      groups. None of the patients in the intervention group had to discontinue the
      training programme due to adverse events. CONCLUSION: In adult patients with a
      systemic RV exercise training improve exercise capacity. We recommend to revise
      restrictive guidelines, and to encourage patients to become physically active. (
      TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study was registered at http://trialregister.nl.
      Identifier: NTR1909.).

PMID- 22036872
TI  - Predictors of in-hospital mortality in elderly patients with acute venous thrombo
      embolism: the SWIss Venous ThromboEmbolism Registry (SWIVTER).
AB  - AIMS: Although acute venous thrombo-embolism (VTE) often afflicts patients with
      advanced age, the predictors of in-hospital mortality for elderly VTE patients
      are unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS: Among 1247 consecutive patients with acute VTE
      from the prospective SWIss Venous ThromboEmbolism Registry (SWIVTER), 644 (52%)
      were elderly (>=65 years of age). In comparison to younger patients, the elderly
      more often had pulmonary embolism (PE) (60 vs. 42%; P< 0.001), cancer (30 vs.
      20%; P< 0.001), chronic lung disease (14 vs. 8%; P= 0.001), and congestive heart
      failure (12 vs. 2%; P< 0.001). Elderly VTE patients were more often hospitalized
      (75 vs. 52%; P< 0.001), and there was no difference in the use of thrombolysis,
      catheter intervention, or surgical embolectomy between the elderly and younger PE
      patients (5 vs. 6%; P= 0.54), despite a trend towards a higher rate of massive PE
      in the elderly (8 vs. 4%; P= 0.07). The overall in-hospital mortality rate was
      6.6% in the elderly vs. 3.2% in the younger VTE patients (P= 0.033). Cancer was
      associated with in-hospital death both in the elderly [hazard ratio (HR) 4.91,
      95% confidence interval (CI) 2.32-10.38; P< 0.001] and in the younger patients
      (HR 4.90, 95% CI 1.37-17.59; P= 0.015); massive PE was a predictor of in-hospital
      death in the elderly only (HR 3.77, 95% CI 1.63-8.74; P= 0.002). CONCLUSION:
      Elderly patients had more serious VTE than younger patients, and massive PE was
      particularly life-threatening in the elderly.

PMID- 22036873
TI  - Evolution of requests to hasten death among patients managed by palliative care
      teams in France: a multicentre cross-sectional survey (DemandE).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Strongly marked ideological positions on the impact of palliative
      care and limited hard data plague the debate on physician-assisted death.
      METHODS: A national cross-sectional study on the requests to hasten death (RHD)
      was conducted among 789 French palliative care organisations. Data were collected
      for all patients with RHD encountered during year 2010. Data on patients'
      characteristics, medical, psychological and social context, symptoms, nature of
      palliative management, patient's evolution and palliative care team's
      interpretation of the request were obtained. FINDINGS: A majority of centres
      responded and 342 teams provided descriptions of 783 RHD, 476 by a patient, 258
      by relatives or close friends and 49 by the nursing staff. Cancer was the most
      frequent pathology (72%) and 68% of the patients had entered terminal stage.
      Patients rarely appeared with uncontrolled pain (3.7%), but had difficulties with
      feeding (65%), moving (54%), excretion (49%), or were cachectic (39%); 31% were
      considered to be anxio-depressive; 79% did not give physical reasons for their
      request; 37% of RHD were maintained and 24% fluctuated despite provision of
      regular follow-up by a palliative care team to 83% of all cases; 68% of patients
      died within a month; the interpretation of RHD by the staff was a wish for relief
      (69%), patient's inextricable situation (44%), actual desire not to continue
      living (36%) or to be helped to die (30%). INTERPRETATION: The large number of
      described cases provides, for the first time, comprehensive hard data on the
      evolution of RHDs in a country that has not legalised euthanasia. Whatever the
      way RHD are expressed, they are frequently maintained despite adequate palliative
      care with suitable control of pain and psychological support by specialists.

PMID- 22036875
TI  - High-frequency stimulation restored motor-evoked potentials to the baseline level
      in the upper extremities but not in the lower extremities under sevoflurane
      anesthesia in spine surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Volatile anesthetics attenuate medium-frequency (250 to 500 Hz) pulse
      train transcranial electrical stimulation (TES) motor-evoked potentials (MEPs)
      better than propofol. High-frequency (1000 Hz) TES may restore hand MEP amplitude
      under volatile anesthesia, but its effect on leg MEPs critical for spine surgery
      monitoring is unknown. METHODS: The effects of sevoflurane and propofol and
      modulation of the stimulation frequencies on MEPs elicited by TES in the anterior
      tibial, abductor hallucis, and abductor pollicic brevis muscles were investigated
      in 31 patients undergoing spine surgery. MEPs elicited by transcranial magnetic
      stimulation were also obtained before the surgeries and compared with the TES
      MEPs. RESULTS: Sevoflurane attenuated the MEP amplitudes significantly. The MEP
      amplitudes increased with the TES frequency in the case of the arms, but not the
      legs, under sevoflurane anesthesia. The MEPs recorded under propofol anesthesia
      did not differ from those elicited by transcranial magnetic stimulation before
      the surgery (control). CONCLUSIONS: Sevoflurane is inadvisable for MEP monitoring
      in the legs during spine surgery as modulation of the TES frequency did not
      eliminate the suppressive effect of sevoflurane on the MEPs in the legs.
      Clinicians should be forewarned of the greater risk of unmonitorable MEPs,
      especially in the legs, under sevoflurane anesthesia.

PMID- 22036874
TI  - Plasma methoxytyramine: a novel biomarker of metastatic pheochromocytoma and
      paraganglioma in relation to established risk factors of tumour size, location
      and SDHB mutation status.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are currently no reliable biomarkers for malignant
      pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs). This study examined whether
      measurements of catecholamines and their metabolites might offer utility for this
      purpose. METHODS: Subjects included 365 patients with PPGLs, including 105 with
      metastases, and a reference population of 846 without the tumour. Eighteen
      catecholamine-related analytes were examined in relation to tumour location, size
      and mutations of succinate dehydrogenase subunit B (SDHB). RESULTS: Receiver
      operating characteristic curves indicated that plasma methoxytyramine, the O
      methylated metabolite of dopamine, provided the most accurate biomarker for
      discriminating patients with and without metastases. Plasma methoxytyramine was
      4.7-fold higher in patients with than without metastases, a difference
      independent of tumour burden and the associated 1.6- to 1.8-fold higher
      concentrations of norepinephrine and normetanephrine. Increased plasma
      methoxytyramine was associated with SDHB mutations and extra-adrenal disease, but
      was also present in patients with metastases without SDHB mutations or those with
      metastases secondary to adrenal tumours. High risk of malignancy associated with
      SDHB mutations reflected large size and extra-adrenal locations of tumours, both
      independent predictors of metastatic disease. A plasma methoxytyramine above
      0.2nmol/L or a tumour diameter above 5cm indicated increased likelihood of
      metastatic spread, particularly when associated with an extra-adrenal location.
      CONCLUSION: Plasma methoxytyramine is a novel biomarker for metastatic PPGLs that
      together with SDHB mutation status, tumour size and location provide useful
      information to assess the likelihood of malignancy and manage affected patients.

PMID- 22036876
TI  - Bilateral Tapia syndrome secondary to oropharyngeal intubation.

PMID- 22036877
TI  - Copper binding traps the folded state of the SCO protein from Bacillus subtilis.
AB  - The SCO protein from the aerobic bacterium Bacillus subtilis (BsSCO) is involved
      in the assembly of the cytochrome c oxidase complex, and specifically with the
      Cu(A) center. BsSCO has been proposed to play various roles in Cu(A) assembly
      including, the direct delivery of copper ions to the Cu(A) site, and/or
      maintaining the appropriate redox state of the cysteine ligands during formation
      of Cu(A). BsSCO binds copper in both Cu(II) and Cu(I) redox states, but has a
      million-fold higher affinity for Cu(II). As a prerequisite to kinetic studies, we
      measured equilibrium stability of oxidized, reduced and Cu(II)-bound BsSCO by
      chemical and thermal induced denaturation. Oxidized and reduced apo-BsSCO exhibit
      two-state behavior in both chemical- and thermal-induced unfolding. However, the
      Cu(II) complex of BsSCO is stable in up to nine molar urea. Thermal or
      guanidinium-induced unfolding of BsSCO-Cu(II) ensues only as the Cu(II) species
      is lost. The effect of copper (II) on the folding of BsSCO is complicated by a
      rapid redox reaction between copper and reduced, denatured BsSCO. When denatured
      apo-BsSCO is refolded in the presence of copper (II) some of the population is
      recovered as the BsSCO-Cu(II) complex and some is oxidized indicating that
      refolding and oxidation are competing processes. The proposed functional roles
      for BsSCO in vivo require that its cysteine residues are reduced and the presence
      of copper during folding may be detrimental to BsSCO attaining its functional
      state.

PMID- 22036878
TI  - Stable assemblies of cationic bilayer fragments and CpG oligonucleotide with
      enhanced immunoadjuvant activity in vivo.
AB  - The cationic lipid dioctadecyldimethylammonium bromide (DODAB) and the CpG
      oligonucleotide (CpG) have been separately used as potent immunoadjuvants driving
      Th1 responses. Here DODAB bilayer fragments (BF) and CpG (5'-TTGACGTTCG-3')
      assemblies have their physical properties and immunoadjuvant activity determined
      using ovalbumin (OVA) as a model antigen. At 0.1 mg/mL OVA, the dependence of
      DODAB BF/OVA size and zeta-potential on time and [DODAB] establishes 0.1 mM DODAB
      as suitable for obtaining stable and cationic DODAB BF/OVA assemblies. At 0.1 mM
      DODAB, 0.1 mg/mL OVA and 0.006 mM CpG, the zeta-potential is zero. At [CpG]>0.006
      mM, good colloidal stability for the anionic assemblies is due to charge
      overcompensation. At 0.020 mM CpG, these DODAB BF/OVA/CpG assemblies are highly
      effective in vivo generating responses similar to those elicited by the stable
      and cationic DODAB BF/OVA. The anti-OVA DTH reaction and the secretion of IFN
      gamma and IL-12 are 6, 42 and 9 times larger for the DODAB BF/OVA/CpG-immunized
      mice than the same responses by OVA-immunized mice, respectively. This work shows
      for the first time that charge of small assemblies is not important to determine
      the immune response.

PMID- 22036879
TI  - Cathepsin B-sensitive polymers for compartment-specific degradation and nucleic
      acid release.
AB  - Degradable cationic polymers are desirable for in vivo nucleic acid delivery
      because they offer significantly decreased toxicity over non-degradable
      counterparts. Peptide linkers provide chemical stability and high specificity for
      particular endopeptidases but have not been extensively studied for nucleic acid
      delivery applications. In this work, enzymatically degradable peptide-HPMA
      copolymers were synthesized by RAFT polymerization of HPMA with methacrylamido
      terminated peptide macromonomers, resulting in polymers with low polydispersity
      and near quantitative incorporation of peptides. Three peptide-HPMA copolymers
      were evaluated: (i) pHCathK(10), containing peptides composed of the linker phe
      lys-phe-leu (FKFL), a substrate of the endosomal/lysosomal endopeptidase
      cathepsin B, connected to oligo-(L)-lysine for nucleic acid binding, (ii)
      pHCath(D)K(10), containing the FKFL linker with oligo-(D)-lysine, and (iii)
      pH(D)Cath(D)K(10), containing all (D) amino acids. Cathepsin B degraded
      copolymers pHCathK(10) and pHCath(D)K(10) within 1 h while no degradation of
      pH(D)Cath(D)K(10) was observed. Polyplexes formed with pHCathK(10) copolymers
      show DNA release by 4 h of treatment with cathepsin B; comparatively, polyplexes
      formed with pHCath(D)K(10) and pH(D)Cath(D)K(10) show no DNA release within 8 h.
      Transfection efficiency in HeLa and NIH/3T3 cells were comparable between the
      copolymers but pHCathK(10) was less toxic. This work demonstrates the successful
      application of peptide linkers for degradable cationic polymers and DNA release.

PMID- 22036880
TI  - Bioreducible polyethylenimine-delivered siRNA targeting human telomerase reverse
      transcriptase inhibits HepG2 cell growth in vitro and in vivo.
AB  - One new siRNA sequence was found efficient for human telomerase reverse
      transcriptase (hTERT) gene silencing in vitro in five types of human cancer
      cells. Then, a biodegradable polyethylenimine containing multiple disulfide bonds
      (SS-PEI) was successfully applied as a potent non-viral carrier for intracellular
      delivery of the hTERT siRNA in vitro and in vivo. The SS-PEI could strongly bind
      siRNA to form nano-sized and positively-charged complexes, but which were readily
      destabilized to sufficiently release siRNA in a reducing environment.
      Transfection experiments showed that the complexes of SS-PEI/hTERT siRNA were
      able to transfect HepG2 cells in vitro, inducing reduced levels of hTERT mRNA and
      hTERT protein, decreased telomerase activity, cell growth inhibition and
      significant cell apoptosis. Besides, treatment with the complexes of SS-PEI/hTERT
      siRNA could inhibit HepG2 tumor growth in a xenograft mouse model. Importantly,
      the SS-PEI revealed relatively low cytotoxicity in vitro and at an appropriate
      dose had no adverse effect on liver and kidney functions in vivo. The results of
      this study indicate that SS-PEI/siRNA-induced hTERT gene silencing provides a
      promising method for human cancer gene therapy.

PMID- 22036881
TI  - Measurement of protein farnesylation and geranylgeranylation in vitro, in
      cultured cells and in biopsies, and the effects of prenyl transferase inhibitors.
AB  - The importance of the post-translational lipid modifications farnesylation and
      geranylgeranylation in protein localization and function coupled with the
      critical role of prenylated proteins in malignant transformation has prompted
      interest in their biology and the development of farnesyl transferase and
      geranylgeranyl transferase inhibitors (FTIs and GGTIs) as chemical probes and
      anticancer agents. The ability to measure protein prenylation before and after
      FTI and GGTI treatment is important to understanding and interpreting the effects
      of these agents on signal transduction pathways and cellular phenotypes, as well
      as to the use of prenylation as a biomarker. Here we describe protocols to
      measure the degree of protein prenylation by farnesyl transferase or
      geranylgeranyl transferase in vitro, in cultured cells and in tumors from animals
      and humans. The assays use [(3)H]farnesyl diphosphate and [(3)H]geranylgeranyl
      diphosphate, electrophoretic mobility shift, membrane association using
      subcellular fractionation or immunofluorescence of intact cells, [(3)H]mevalonic
      acid labeling, followed by immunoprecipitation and SDS-PAGE, and in vitro
      transcription, translation and prenylation in reticulocyte lysates. These
      protocols require from 1 d (enzyme assays) to up to 3 months (autoradiography of
      [(3)H]-labeled proteins).

PMID- 22036882
TI  - Ex vivo time-lapse confocal imaging of the mouse embryo aorta.
AB  - Time-lapse confocal microscopy of mouse embryo slices was developed to access and
      image the living aorta. In this paper, we explain how to label all hematopoietic
      and endothelial cells inside the intact mouse aorta with fluorescent directly
      labeled antibodies. Then we describe the technique to cut nonfixed labeled
      embryos into thick slices that are further imaged by time-lapse confocal imaging.
      This approach allows direct observation of the dynamic cell behavior in the
      living aorta, which was previously inaccessible because of its location deep
      inside the opaque mouse embryo. In particular, this approach is sensitive enough
      to allow the experimenter to witness the transition from endothelial cells into
      hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells in the aorta, the first site of hematopoietic
      stem cell generation during development. The protocol can be applied to observe
      other embryonic sites throughout mouse development. A complete experiment
      requires ~2 d of practical work.

PMID- 22036883
TI  - Optical sensors for measuring dynamic changes of cytosolic metabolite levels in
      yeast.
AB  - Optical sensors allow dynamic quantification of metabolite levels with
      subcellular resolution. Here we describe protocols for analyzing cytosolic
      glucose levels in yeast using genetically encoded Forster resonance energy
      transfer (FRET) sensors. FRET glucose sensors with different glucose affinities
      (K(d)) covering the low nano- to mid- millimolar range can be targeted
      genetically to the cytosol or to subcellular compartments. The sensors detect the
      glucose-induced conformational change in the bacterial periplasmic
      glucose/galactose binding protein MglB using FRET between two fluorescent protein
      variants. Measurements can be performed with a single sensor or multiple sensors
      in parallel. In one approach, cytosolic glucose accumulation is measured in yeast
      cultures in a 96-well plate using a fluorimeter. Upon excitation of the cyan
      fluorescent protein (CFP), emission intensities of CFP and YFP (yellow
      fluorescent protein) are captured before and after glucose addition. FRET sensors
      provide temporally resolved quantitative data of glucose for the compartment of
      interest. In a second approach, reversible changes of cytosolic free glucose are
      measured in individual yeast cells trapped in a microfluidic platform, allowing
      perfusion of different solutions while FRET changes are monitored in a microscope
      setup. By using the microplate fluorimeter protocol, 96 cultures can be measured
      in less than 1 h; analysis of single cells of a single genotype can be completed
      in <2 h. FRET-based analysis has been performed with glucose, maltose, ATP and
      zinc sensors, and it can easily be adapted for high-throughput screening using a
      wide spectrum of sensors.

PMID- 22036884
TI  - Optical sensors for monitoring dynamic changes of intracellular metabolite levels
      in mammalian cells.
AB  - Knowledge of the in vivo levels, distribution and flux of ions and metabolites is
      crucial to our understanding of physiology in both healthy and diseased states.
      The quantitative analysis of the dynamics of ions and metabolites with
      subcellular resolution in vivo poses a major challenge for the analysis of
      metabolic processes. Genetically encoded Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET)
      sensors can be used for real-time in vivo detection of metabolites. FRET sensor
      proteins, for example, for glucose, can be targeted genetically to any cellular
      compartment, or even to subdomains (e.g., a membrane surface), by adding signal
      sequences or fusing the sensors to specific proteins. The sensors can be used for
      analyses in individual mammalian cells in culture, in tissue slices and in intact
      organisms. Applications include gene discovery, high-throughput drug screens or
      systematic analysis of regulatory networks affecting uptake, efflux and
      metabolism. Quantitative analyses obtained with the help of FRET sensors for
      glucose or other ions and metabolites provide valuable data for modeling of flux.
      Here we provide a detailed protocol for monitoring glucose levels in the cytosol
      of mammalian cell cultures through the use of FRET glucose sensors; moreover, the
      protocol can be used for other ions and metabolites and for analyses in other
      organisms, as has been successfully demonstrated in bacteria, yeast and even
      intact plants. The whole procedure typically takes ~4 d including seeding and
      transfection of mammalian cells; the FRET-based analysis of transfected cells
      takes ~5 h.

PMID- 22036885
TI  - Targeting the visceral purinergic system for pain control.
AB  - Experimental evidence is presented to support the hypothesis that purinergic
      mechanosensory transduction can initiate visceral pain in urinary bladder,
      ureter, gut and uterus. In general, physiological reflexes are mediated via P2X3
      and P2X2/3 receptors on low threshold sensory fibres, while these receptors on
      high threshold sensory fibres mediate pain. Potential therapeutic strategies are
      considered for the treatment of visceral pain in such conditions as renal colic,
      interstitial cystitis and inflammatory bowel disease by purinergic agents,
      including P2X3 and P2X2/3 receptor antagonists that are orally bioavailable and
      stable in vivo and agents that modulate ATP release and breakdown.

PMID- 22036886
TI  - Financing and systems barriers to seasonal influenza vaccine delivery in
      community settings.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recommendations for annual seasonal influenza vaccination have
      expanded to now include >300 million children and adults each year. Community
      settings have become increasingly important venues for influenza vaccination. We
      sought to identify barriers to and solutions for expanding influenza vaccination
      in community settings. METHODS: Semi-structured telephone interviews were
      conducted from 01/09 to 06/10 with a range of stakeholders involved in influenza
      vaccination, including health plans, medical services firms, retail based
      clinics, pharmacies, schools, and state and local public health immunization
      programs. Participants (n=65) were asked about barriers and feasible solutions to
      influenza vaccine delivery to children and adults in community settings. Key
      themes were identified through iterative coding using a grounded theory approach.
      RESULTS: Stakeholders identified specific financial barriers to influenza vaccine
      delivery in 3 major areas: purchase and distribution, delivery, and
      reimbursement. Limited purchasing power, the uncertain nature of public demand,
      and unpredictable timing of influenza vaccine supply were important barriers to
      enhance delivery in community settings. Barriers to delivery included
      complexities in running off-site clinics, especially in school settings, the need
      to manage publicly vs. privately purchased vaccines separately, and state-to
      state variability in requirements for credentialing, physician oversight, and
      reporting. Reimbursement barriers included a protracted credentialing process,
      the need to determine insurance eligibility at point-of-service, and lack of a
      billing infrastructure in off-site clinics. Opportunities to mitigate financial
      barriers to influenza vaccine delivery in community settings focused on
      coordination across providers and the role of public health as a "trusted broker"
      to overcome existing challenges. CONCLUSIONS: Financial and systems barriers
      hamper the optimal use of community settings to effectively deliver influenza
      vaccines. Public health partners at the federal, state, and local levels are well
      positioned to facilitate the engagement of all stakeholders in this important and
      complex vaccine delivery system.

PMID- 22036887
TI  - Non-adjuvanted 2009 influenza A (H1N1)v vaccine in pregnant women: the results of
      a French prospective descriptive study.
AB  - In 2009, during the influenza A (H1N1)v pandemic, the French Health authorities
      recommended influenza immunisation for pregnant women because of the higher risk
      of serious influenza outcomes in that population. Thus, the non-adjuvanted
      inactivated influenza vaccine Panenza((r)) was administered to French women from
      the second trimester of pregnancy. Several studies suggest that inactivated
      seasonal influenza vaccines are safe during pregnancy but there are few data
      about the effects of new A (H1N1)vaccines (new antigen) on pregnant women.
      OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present prospective study was to describe pregnancy
      outcomes among women vaccinated with non-adjuvanted influenza vaccines in South
      Western France. METHODS: the study ran from November 2009 to February 2010 and
      included, on a voluntary basis, pregnant women who were vaccinated against A
      (H1N1) influenza in vaccination clinics or maternity wards. RESULTS: 569 pregnant
      women were monitored until delivery. Compared with the general population, the
      risks of maternal conditions, malformations and neonatal conditions were not
      statistically different. CONCLUSION: This study does not reveal any sign of
      safety concerns regarding the effects of the vaccine on pregnancy outcomes.

PMID- 22036888
TI  - Differential acetylcholinesterase inhibition of chlorpyrifos, diazinon and
      parathion in larval zebrafish.
AB  - Zebrafish are increasingly used for developmental neurotoxicity testing because
      early embryonic events are easy to visualize, exposures are done without
      affecting the mother and the rapid development of zebrafish allows for high
      throughput testing. We used zebrafish to examine how exposures to three different
      organophosphorus pesticides (chlorpyrifos, diazinon and parathion) over the first
      five days of embryonic and larval development of zebrafish affected their
      survival, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and behavior. We show that at non
      lethal, equimolar concentrations, chlorpyrifos (CPF) is more effective at
      equimolar concentrations than diazinon (DZN) and parathion (PA) in producing AChE
      inhibition. As concentrations of DZN and PA are raised, lethality occurs before
      they can produce the degree of AChE inhibition observed with CPF at 300 nM.
      Because of its availability outside the mother at the time of fertilization,
      zebrafish provides a complementary model for studying the neurotoxicity of very
      early developmental exposures.

PMID- 22036889
TI  - Long-term mortality in patients diagnosed with Listeria monocytogenes meningitis:
      a Danish nationwide cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the long-term mortality, the causes of death and the
      incidence of cancer in listeria meningitis patients. METHODS: Nationwide,
      population-based cohort study including all adult patients diagnosed with
      listeria meningitis from 1977 to 2006 and alive 1 year after diagnosis, and an
      age-and gender-matched, population control cohort. Kaplan-Meier tables, Cox
      regression analysis and cumulative incidence function were used as outcome
      analyses. RESULTS: We identified 114 listeria meningitis patients and 1026
      population controls. The adjusted mortality rate ratio (MRR) for listeria
      meningitis patients the first 5 years of follow-up was 2.35(95% confidence
      interval (CI) 1.60-3.45) thereafter the MRR was 0.93(95% CI: 0.56-1.55). Listeria
      meningitis patients had an increased risk of death due to cancer the first 5
      years of follow-up, and in the same period patients above 50 years of age had a 2
      fold increased risk of being diagnosed with cancer, thereafter the risks declined
      to that of the background population. CONCLUSIONS: The long-term mortality in
      adult patients diagnosed with listeria meningitis was increased the first 5 years
      of follow-up, mainly due to death from cancer, thereafter the mortality did not
      differ from the background population. To improve survival this patient
      population should be meticulously screened for predisposing conditions, mainly
      underlying malignant diseases.

PMID- 22036890
TI  - Ghrelin is involved in voluntary anorexia in Atlantic salmon raised at elevated
      sea temperatures.
AB  - Due to global and local climate changes, farmed salmon may experience periods of
      elevated sea temperatures. An experiment was conducted to examine endocrine and
      dietary effects of high sea temperatures in adult (2.0 kg) and sexually immature
      Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L. Groups of salmon were exposed to 19  degrees C
      while others were kept as controls at 14  degrees C. The experiment lasted for 56
      days, and fish were given iso-nitrogenous diets with either a normal (335 g kg(
      1); L34) or a lower lipid level (298 g kg(-1); L30). Fish held at 19  degrees C
      had a reduction in the daily feed intake, growth and feed utilization of more
      than 50% compared to the controls. Fish at 19  degrees C retained little ingested
      fat, and high maintenance cost lead to depleted endogenous energy body reserves.
      Circulating ghrelin concentration and stomach ghrelin-1 and hypothalamus growth
      hormone secretagogue receptor 1a-like receptor (GHSR1a-LR) mRNA levels were
      significantly reduced in salmon at 19  degrees C. An increasing number of fish
      kept at 19  degrees C had empty gastrointestinal tract after 21 days (11-67%) and
      56 days (56-100%), with the highest numbers in fish fed the L34 diet. We suggest
      that lower circulating ghrelin during negative energy homeostasis induce down
      regulation of GHSR1a-LR, neuropeptide Y, and anorexigenic factors at
      transcriptional levels in the hypothalamus, which over time lead to a voluntary
      anorexia development in adult salmon held at 19  degrees C. Reduction of feed
      intake and growth may be an important coping strategy for salmon during elevated
      temperatures.

PMID- 22036891
TI  - Host-defense peptides in skin secretions of African clawed frogs (Xenopodinae,
      Pipidae).
AB  - African clawed frogs of the Xenopodinae (Xenopus+Silurana) constitute a well
      defined system in which to study the evolutionary trajectory of duplicated genes
      and are a source of antimicrobial peptides with therapeutic potential.
      Allopolyploidization events within the Xenopodinae have given rise to tetraploid,
      octoploid, and dodecaploid species. The primary structures and distributions of
      host-defense peptides from the tetraploid frogs Xenopus borealis, Xenopus clivii,
      Xenopus laevis, Xenopus muelleri, "X. muelleri West", and Xenopus petersii may be
      compared with those from the octoploid frogs Xenopus amieti and X. andrei.
      Similarly, components in skin secretions from the diploid frog Silurana
      tropicalis may be compared with those from the tetraploid frog Silurana
      paratropicalis. All Xenopus antimicrobial peptides may be classified in the
      magainin, peptide glycine-leucine-amide (PGLa), caerulein-precursor fragment
      (CPF), and xenopsin-precursor fragment (XPF) families. However, the numbers of
      paralogs from the octoploid frogs were not significantly greater than the
      corresponding numbers from the tetraploid frogs. Magainins were not identified in
      skin secretions of Silurana frogs and the multiplicity of the PGLa, CPF, and XPF
      peptides from S. paratropicalis was not greater than that of S. tropicalis. The
      data indicate, therefore, that nonfunctionalization (gene silencing) has been the
      most common fate of antimicrobial peptide genes following polyploidization. While
      some duplicated gene products retain high antimicrobial potency
      (subfunctionalization), the very low activity of others suggests that they may be
      evolving towards a new biological role (neofunctionalization). CPF-AM1 and PGLa
      AM1 from X. amieti show potential for development into anti-infective agents for
      use against antibiotic-resistant gram-negative bacteria.

PMID- 22036892
TI  - Modeling extracellular electrical neural stimulation: from basic understanding to
      MEA-based applications.
AB  - Extracellular electrical stimulation of neural networks has been widely used
      empirically for decades with individual electrodes. Since recently,
      microtechnology provides advanced systems with high-density microelectrode arrays
      (MEAs). Taking the most of these devices for fundamental goals or developing
      neural prosthesis requires a good knowledge of the mechanisms underlying
      electrical stimulation. Here, we review modeling approaches used to determine (1)
      the electric potential field created by a stimulation and (2) the response of an
      excitable cell to an applied field. Computation of the potential field requires
      solving the Poisson equation. While this can be performed analytically in simple
      electrode-neuron configurations, numerical models are required for realistic
      geometries. In these models, special care must be taken to model the potential
      drop at the electrode/tissue interface using appropriate boundary conditions. The
      neural response to the field can then be calculated using compartmentalized cell
      models, by solving a cable equation, the source term of which (called activating
      function) is proportional to the second derivative of the extracellular field
      along the neural arborization. Analytical and numerical solutions to this
      equation are first presented. Then, we discuss the use of approximated solutions
      to intuitively predict the neuronal response: Either the "activating function" or
      the "mirror estimate", depending on the pulse duration and the cell space
      constant. Finally, we address the design of optimal electrode configurations
      allowing the selective activation of neurons near each stimulation site. This can
      be achieved using either multipolar configurations, or the "ground surface"
      configuration, which can be easily integrated in high-density MEAs. Overall,
      models highlighting the mechanisms of electrical microstimulation and improving
      stimulating devices should help understanding the influence of extracellular
      fields on neural elements and developing optimized neural prostheses for
      rehabilitation.

PMID- 22036893
TI  - CONSORT 2010 explanation and elaboration: updated guidelines for reporting
      parallel group randomised trials.
AB  - Overwhelming evidence shows the quality of reporting of randomised controlled
      trials (RCTs) is not optimal. Without transparent reporting, readers cannot judge
      the reliability and validity of trial findings nor extract information for
      systematic reviews. Recent methodological analyses indicate that inadequate
      reporting and design are associated with biased estimates of treatment effects.
      Such systematic error is seriously damaging to RCTs, which are considered the
      gold standard for evaluating interventions because of their ability to minimise
      or avoid bias. A group of scientists and editors developed the CONSORT
      (Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials) statement to improve the quality of
      reporting of RCTs. It was first published in 1996 and updated in 2001. The
      statement consists of a checklist and flow diagram that authors can use for
      reporting an RCT. Many leading medical journals and major international editorial
      groups have endorsed the CONSORT statement. The statement facilitates critical
      appraisal and interpretation of RCTs. During the 2001 CONSORT revision, it became
      clear that explanation and elaboration of the principles underlying the CONSORT
      statement would help investigators and others to write or appraise trial reports.
      A CONSORT explanation and elaboration article was published in 2001 alongside the
      2001 version of the CONSORT statement. After an expert meeting in January 2007,
      the CONSORT statement has been further revised and is published as the CONSORT
      2010 Statement. This update improves the wording and clarity of the previous
      checklist and incorporates recommendations related to topics that have only
      recently received recognition, such as selective outcome reporting bias. This
      explanatory and elaboration document-intended to enhance the use, understanding,
      and dissemination of the CONSORT statement-has also been extensively revised. It
      presents the meaning and rationale for each new and updated checklist item
      providing examples of good reporting and, where possible, references to relevant
      empirical studies. Several examples of flow diagrams are included. The CONSORT
      2010 Statement, this revised explanatory and elaboration document, and the
      associated website (www.consort-statement.org) should be helpful resources to
      improve reporting of randomised trials.

PMID- 22036894
TI  - Clinical implementation of a GPU-based simplified Monte Carlo method for a
      treatment planning system of proton beam therapy.
AB  - We implemented the simplified Monte Carlo (SMC) method on graphics processing
      unit (GPU) architecture under the computer-unified device architecture platform
      developed by NVIDIA. The GPU-based SMC was clinically applied for four patients
      with head and neck, lung, or prostate cancer. The results were compared to those
      obtained by a traditional CPU-based SMC with respect to the computation time and
      discrepancy. In the CPU- and GPU-based SMC calculations, the estimated mean
      statistical errors of the calculated doses in the planning target volume region
      were within 0.5% rms. The dose distributions calculated by the GPU- and CPU-based
      SMCs were similar, within statistical errors. The GPU-based SMC showed 12.30
      16.00 times faster performance than the CPU-based SMC. The computation time per
      beam arrangement using the GPU-based SMC for the clinical cases ranged 9-67 s.
      The results demonstrate the successful application of the GPU-based SMC to a
      clinical proton treatment planning.

PMID- 22036895
TI  - HMGA-targeted phosphorothioate DNA aptamers increase sensitivity to gemcitabine
      chemotherapy in human pancreatic cancer cell lines.
AB  - Elevated high mobility group A (HMGA) protein expression in pancreatic cancer
      cells is correlated with resistance to the chemotherapy agent gemcitabine. Here,
      we demonstrate use of HMGA-targeted AT-rich phosphorothioate DNA (AT-sDNA)
      aptamers to suppress HMGA carcinogenic activity. Cell growth of human pancreatic
      cancer cells (AsPC-1 and Miapaca-2) transfected with AT-sDNA were monitored after
      treatment with gemcitabine. Significant increases in cell death in AT-sDNA
      transfected cells compared to non-AT-rich sDNA treated cells were observed in
      both cell lines. The data indicate the potential use of HMGA targeted DNA
      aptamers to enhance chemotherapy efficacy in pancreatic cancer treatment.

PMID- 22036896
TI  - Systemic use of tumor necrosis factor alpha as an anticancer agent.
AB  - Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) has been discussed as a potential
      anticancer agent for many years, however initial enthusiasm about its clinical
      use as a systemic agent was curbed due to significant toxicities and lack of
      efficacy.  Combination of TNF-alpha with chemotherapy in the setting of
      hyperthermic isolated limb perfusion (ILP), has provided new insights into a
      potential therapeutic role of this agent.  The therapeutic benefit from TNF-alpha
      in ILP is thought to be not only due to its direct anti-proliferative effect, but
      also due to its ability to increase penetration of the chemotherapeutic agents
      into the tumor tissue.  New concepts for the use of TNF-alpha as a facilitator
      rather than as a direct actor are currently being explored with the goal to
      exploit the ability of this agent to increase drug delivery and to simultaneously
      reduce systemic toxicity. This review article provides a comprehensive overview
      on the published previous experience with systemic TNF-alpha.  Data from 18 phase
      I and 10 phase II single agent as well as 18 combination therapy studies
      illustrate previously used treatment and dose schedules, response data as well as
      the most prominently observed adverse effects.  Also discussed, based on recent
      preclinical data, is a potential future role of systemic TNF-alpha in combination
      with liposomal chemotherapy to facilitate increased drug uptake into tumors.

PMID- 22036897
TI  - ABC transporter efflux pumps: a defense mechanism against ivermectin in
      Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus.
AB  - ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters are efflux transporters found in all
      organisms. These proteins are responsible for pumping xenobiotic and endogenous
      metabolites through extra- and intracellular membranes, thereby reducing cellular
      concentrations of toxic compounds. ABC transporters have been associated with
      drug resistance in several nematodes and parasitic arthropods. Here, the ability
      of ABC transporter inhibitors to enhance ivermectin (IVM) sensitivity was tested
      in larvae and adult females of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus. Larvae of
      susceptible and IVM-resistant tick populations were pre-exposed to sub-lethal
      doses of the ABC transporter inhibitors Cyclosporin A (CsA) and MK571, and
      subsequently treated with IVM in a Larval Packet Test (LPT). ABC transporter
      inhibition by both drugs significantly reduced the concentration for 50%
      lethality (LC(50)) values of four IVM-resistant populations but IVM sensitivity
      of a susceptible population remained unchanged. IVM sensitivity in adults was
      assessed through an artificial feeding assay. The addition of CsA to a blood meal
      substantially affected IVM toxicity in adult female ticks from a resistant
      population by reducing oviposition and egg viability, although it did not alter
      IVM toxicity in susceptible females. Three partial nucleotide sequences with
      similarity to ABC transporters were retrieved from the DFCI Boophilus microplus
      Gene Index (http://compbio.dfci.harvard.edu/index.html). Their transcriptional
      levels in the midgut of resistant and susceptible females were determined by
      quantitative PCR, showing that one of these sequences was significantly up
      regulated in IVM-resistant females and suggesting its participation in IVM
      detoxification. We believe this work reports the first known evidence for the
      participation of ABC transporters in IVM resistance in R. microplus.

PMID- 22036900
TI  - Project red and asthmapolis.

PMID- 22036899
TI  - Source of truth: where is it in your documentation?
AB  - In summary, a variety of documentation sources may affect reporting accuracy as
      well as bedside efficiency. the successful process to streamline documentation at
      HealthEast requires clinicians from the bedside, informatics staff, and the
      quality office to ensure an efficient and thoughtful implementation. As hospitals
      begin to address the HITECH guidelines for electronic reporting, current
      documentation infrastructure may provide opportunity for process improvement.
      Where is your source of truth?

PMID- 22036898
TI  - The Mannose Receptor (CD206) is an important pattern recognition receptor (PRR)
      in the detection of the infective stage of the helminth Schistosoma mansoni and
      modulates IFNgamma production.
AB  - In this study, infective larvae of the parasitic helminth Schistosoma mansoni
      were shown to contain a large number of glycosylated components specific for the
      Mannose Receptor (MR; CD206), which is an important pattern recognition receptor
      (PRR) of the innate immune system. MR ligands were particularly rich in
      excretory/secretory (E/S) material released during transformation of cercariae
      into schistosomula, a process critical for infection of the host. E/S material
      from carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFDA-SE)-labelled cercariae
      showed enhanced binding by cells lines that over-express the MR. Conversely,
      uptake was significantly lower by bone marrow-derived macrophages (MPhi) from MR(
      /-) mice, although they were more active as judged by enhanced pro-inflammatory
      cytokine production and CD40 expression. After natural percutaneous infection of
      MR(-/-) mice with CFDA-SE-labelled parasites, there were fewer cells in the skin
      and draining lymph nodes that were CFDA-SE(+) compared with wild-type mice,
      implying reduced uptake and presentation of larval parasite antigen. However,
      antigen-specific proliferation of skin draining lymph node cells was
      significantly enhanced and they secreted markedly elevated levels of IFNgamma but
      decreased levels of IL-4. In conclusion, we show that the MR on mononuclear
      phagocytic cells, which are plentiful in the skin, plays a significant role in
      internalising E/S material released by the invasive stages of the parasite which
      in turn modulates their production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In the absence
      of the MR, antigen-specific CD4(+) cells are Th1 biased, suggesting that ligation
      of the MR by glycosylated E/S material released by schistosome larvae modulates
      the production of CD4(+) cell specific IFNgamma.

PMID- 22036901
TI  - Improving informatics skills for clinicians, new foundation incorporates.

PMID- 22036903
TI  - 2011 Summer Institute in Nursing Informatics.

PMID- 22036904
TI  - AssignFit: a program for simultaneous assignment and structure refinement from
      solid-state NMR spectra.
AB  - AssignFit is a computer program developed within the XPLOR-NIH package for the
      assignment of dipolar coupling (DC) and chemical shift anisotropy (CSA)
      restraints derived from the solid-state NMR spectra of protein samples with
      uniaxial order. The method is based on minimizing the difference between
      experimentally observed solid-state NMR spectra and the frequencies back
      calculated from a structural model. Starting with a structural model and a set of
      DC and CSA restraints grouped only by amino acid type, as would be obtained by
      selective isotopic labeling, AssignFit generates all of the possible assignment
      permutations and calculates the corresponding atomic coordinates oriented in the
      alignment frame, together with the associated set of NMR frequencies, which are
      then compared with the experimental data for best fit. Incorporation of AssignFit
      in a simulated annealing refinement cycle provides an approach for simultaneous
      assignment and structure refinement (SASR) of proteins from solid-state NMR
      orientation restraints. The methods are demonstrated with data from two integral
      membrane proteins, one alpha-helical and one beta-barrel, embedded in
      phospholipid bilayer membranes.

PMID- 22036905
TI  - Promotion of cell proliferation and inhibition of ADCC by cancerous
      immunoglobulin expressed in cancer cell lines.
AB  - To explore the significance of cancerous immunoglobulin (Ig) in cancer cell
      growth, HeLa cervical cancer cells were stably transfected with small interfering
      RNA (siRNA) that specifically, efficiently and consistently silences the
      expression of heavy chain genes of all immunoglobulin isotypes. This stable cell
      line was used to examine cell viability, colony formation and tumor growth in
      athymic nude mice. The results of these experiments indicated that siRNA-mediated
      knockdown of cancerous Ig inhibited cell growth in vitro and suppressed tumor
      cell growth in immune-deficient nude mice in vivo. Similarly, this siRNA also
      inhibited the growth of MGC gastric cancer cells and MCF-7 breast cancer cells.
      Furthermore, the presence of cancerous Ig specifically reduced antibody-dependent
      cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) induced by an anti-human epithelial growth
      factor receptor (EGFR) antibody in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting that the
      cancerous Ig-Fc receptor interaction inhibits natural killer cell (or NK cell)
      effector function. The prevalent expression of Ig in human carcinomas and its
      capacity to promote growth and inhibit immunity might have important implications
      in growth regulation and targeted therapy for human cancers.

PMID- 22036907
TI  - Identification of novel missense mutations of the TGFBR3 gene in Chinese women
      with premature ovarian failure.
AB  - The aim of this study was to assess the association between human transforming
      growth factor beta receptor, type III (TGFBR3) and idiopathic premature ovarian
      failure (POF) in a Chinese population. A total of 112 Chinese women with
      idiopathic POF and 110 normal controls were examined. DNA samples prepared from
      blood leukocytes were used as templates for polymerase-chain reaction
      amplification of DNA fragments from TGFBR3. The gene fragments were sequenced.
      Web-based programs, including PolyPhen, Sorting Intolerant from Tolerant (SIFT),
      Prediction of Pathological Mutations (PMUT), ScanProsite and ClustalW2, were used
      to predict the potential functional and structural impacts of the missense
      variants of TGFBR3. A total of 11 novel variants were identified. Among them, six
      were found only in the POF patients. Two missense variants, p.E459G and p.P825L,
      which are conserved in primates, were predicted to have functional and structural
      impacts on the TGFBR3 protein. The other four variants (c.381+12A>C, c.2431-7A>G,
      p.S172S and p.C220C) were considered benign. However, further functional studies
      are necessary to confirm these findings.

PMID- 22036906
TI  - Guided delivery of adeno-associated viral vectors into the primate brain.
AB  - In this review, we discuss recent developments in the delivery of adeno
      associated virus-based vectors (AAV), particularly with respect to the role of
      axonal transport in vector distribution in the brain. The use of MRI-guidance and
      new stereotactic aiming devices have now established a strong foundation for
      neurological gene therapy to become an accepted procedure in interventional
      neurology.

PMID- 22036908
TI  - Relationships between human sperm protamines, DNA damage and assisted
      reproduction outcomes.
AB  - The exchange of histones with protamines in sperm DNA results in sperm chromatin
      compaction and protection. Variations in sperm protamine expression are
      associated with male infertility. The aim of this study was to investigate
      relationships between DNA fragmentation, sperm protamines and assisted
      reproduction treatment. Semen and spermatozoa prepared by density-gradient
      centrifugation (DGC) from 73 men undergoing IVF and 24 men undergoing
      intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) were included in the study. Nuclear DNA
      fragmentation was assessed using the alkaline Comet assay and protamines were
      separated by acid-urea polyacrylamide gels. Sperm DNA fragmentation and protamine
      content (P1-DNA, P2-DNA, P1+P2-DNA) decreased in spermatozoa after DGC.
      Abnormally high and low P1/P2 ratios were associated with increased sperm DNA
      fragmentation. Couples with idiopathic infertility had abnormally high P1/P2
      ratios. Fertilization rates and embryo quality decreased as sperm DNA
      fragmentation or protamines increased. Sperm DNA fragmentation was lower in
      couples achieving pregnancies after IVF, but not after ICSI. There was no
      correlation between protamine content (P1-DNA, P2-DNA, P1+P2-DNA) or P1/P2 ratios
      and IVF or ICSI pregnancies. Increased sperm DNA fragmentation was associated
      with abnormal protamination and resulted in lower fertilization rates, poorer
      embryo quality and reduced pregnancy rates.

PMID- 22036909
TI  - Development of quantitative computed-tomography-based strength indicators for the
      identification of low bone-strength individuals in a clinical environment.
AB  - The aim of this study was to develop quantitative computed-tomography (QCT)-based
      bone-strength indicators that highly correlate with finite-element (FE)-based
      strength. Transaxial QCT scans were obtained from 36 major, cadaveric, long bones
      (humerus, radius, femur and tibia) from 4 females and 2 males, 53 to 86 years
      old. These images were used to construct the FE models and to develop the QCT
      based bone strength indicators under every-day, simplified loading conditions. We
      have evaluated the performance of area-weighted (AW), density-weighted (DW) and
      modulus-weighted (MW) rigidity measures as well as popular strength indicators
      like section modulus (Z) and stress-strain index (SSI). We have also developed a
      novel strength metric, the centroid deviation, which analyzes the spatial
      distribution of the centroids along the length of the bone. The correlation
      results show that the MW polar moment of inertia and the MW moment of inertia are
      the two top-performers for all bones and loading conditions (average r>0.89). The
      MW centroid deviations correlated highly with the estimated load to fracture for
      all bones under compression (r>0.83), except for the humerus (r=0.67).
      Consistently DW or MW rigidity measures produced a statistically significant
      improvement in capturing bone strength compared to AW rigidity measures. As
      expected, MW rigidity measures showed a higher correlation with the FE-based
      fracture load than the DW rigidity measures; however, the improvement was not
      statistically significant. Through this study we present a short-list of useful
      QCT-based strength parameters that correlate well with FE-based fracture load.
      Although a few parameters perform reasonably well across most bones and loading
      conditions, a judicious assessment of bone strength should include multiple
      parameters evaluated at multiple critical locations in the long bones, with
      attention to the type of loading and bone type.

PMID- 22036910
TI  - Teriparatide and the risk of nonvertebral fractures in women with postmenopausal
      osteoporosis.
AB  - PURPOSE: In the Fracture Prevention Trial, the risks of any nonvertebral fracture
      (relative risk [RR] 0.65, P=0.04) and any fragility nonvertebral fracture (RR
      0.47, P=0.02) were significantly reduced in the teriparatide 20 MUg/day
      (teriparatide) versus placebo group. The purpose of this analysis was to examine
      the efficacy of teriparatide versus placebo on a variety of other nonvertebral
      fracture outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Fracture Prevention Trial was a
      double-blind trial of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis and vertebral
      fractures randomly assigned to teriparatide (N=541) or placebo (N=544)
      administered by daily self-injection for a median of 19 months and a median
      follow-up of 21 months. All patients received calcium and vitamin D
      supplementation. Reports of nonvertebral fractures were collected from patients
      at each visit and confirmed by review of a radiograph or written radiology
      report. Nonvertebral fractures were recorded for the following sites: distal
      radius/wrist, humerus, rib/clavicle, hip, ankle, distal foot, pelvis, or other.
      Pathological fractures and fractures of the face, skull, metacarpals, fingers and
      toes were excluded. Fractures were classified by investigators as fragility or
      traumatic fractures. The three endpoints considered were six nonvertebral sites
      (nonvert-6), a set of common nonvertebral fractures described in a Food and Drug
      Administration Guidance document for the treatment and prevention of
      postmenopausal osteoporosis (FDA), and a European Union major set (major) of
      nonvertebral fractures. RESULTS: For teriparatide versus placebo, the point
      estimates for the RR of nonvert-6 (RR 0.54, P=0.06; fragility RR 0.32, P=0.014),
      FDA (RR 0.60, P=0.15; fragility RR 0.38, P=0.05), and major (RR 0.52, P=0.02;
      fragility RR 0.38, P=0.02) nonvertebral fracture endpoints were smaller than for
      the all nonvertebral fracture endpoint. Lower RRs were observed when the outcomes
      were limited to fragility fractures, and significant reductions in traumatic
      nonvertebral fractures were not observed. CONCLUSION: In the Fracture Prevention
      Trial, the risk reduction for nonvertebral fracture in patients treated with
      teriparatide versus placebo depended on the set of nonvertebral fractures
      included in the analysis; lower RRs were observed for nonvertebral fractures most
      likely to be of osteoporotic origin. No significant reductions in traumatic
      nonvertebral fractures were observed.

PMID- 22036912
TI  - Topically administered Risedronate shows powerful anti-osteoporosis effect in
      ovariectomized mouse model.
AB  - We investigated the therapeutic effect of topical Risedronate (RIS) on a mouse
      model of estrogen-deficient osteoporosis. Fourteen-week-old female mice were
      ovariectomized and assigned to 4 groups: SHAM-operated (SHAM), OVX mice treated
      with vehicle (OVX-V), OVX mice treated with 0.2% RIS (OVX-0.2% RIS), and OVX-mice
      treated with 0.02% RIS (OVX-0.02% RIS). Topical samples containing RIS were
      prepared in 10% (w/w) polyethylene glycol (PEG, MW 400) and 80 MUg of sample was
      spread on the mice's mid-backs every 3 days for 5 weeks. Micro-CT analysis of
      femora demonstrated that OVX-0.2% RIS exhibited a 29% greater bone mineral
      density and 24% greater bone volume fraction than that of OVX-V group.
      Investigation of the trabecular bone in OVX-0.2% RIS revealed a 24% higher bone
      volume (BV/TV), 51% higher trabecular number (Tb.N), and 40% lower trabecular
      separation (Tb.Sp) compared to OVX-V mice. Additionally, bone phenotypes of
      tibiae were further confirmed by histological analysis. OVX-0.2% RIS group
      exhibited a 494% greater BV/TV, 464% less Tb.Sp, 81% greater active osteoclast
      surface (Oc.S/BS) and 26% less osteoclast number (N.Oc/BS) than that of OVX-V
      group. Collectively, these results indicated that topical delivery of RIS has
      powerful pharmaceutical effects on the prevention of osteoporosis and bone
      turnover.

PMID- 22036911
TI  - Altered plasma membrane dynamics of bone morphogenetic protein receptor type Ia
      in a low bone mass mouse model.
AB  - Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are growth factors that initiate
      differentiation of bone marrow stromal cells to osteoblasts and adipocytes, yet
      the mechanism that decides which lineage the cell will follow is unknown. BMP2 is
      linked to the development of osteoporosis and variants of BMP2 gene have been
      reported to increase the development of osteoporosis. Intracellular signaling is
      transduced by BMP receptors (BMPRs) of type I and type II that are
      serine/threonine kinase receptors. The BMP type I a receptor (BMPRIa) is linked
      to osteogenesis and bone mineral density (BMD). BMPRs are localized to caveolae
      enriched with Caveolin1 alpha/beta and Caveolin beta isoforms to facilitate
      signaling. BMP2 binding to caveolae was recently found to be crucial for the
      initiation of the Smad signaling pathway. Here we determined the role of BMP
      receptor localization within caveolae isoforms and aggregation of caveolae as
      well as BMPRIa in bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) on bone mineral density using
      the B6.C3H-6T as a model system. The B6.C3H-6T is a congenic mouse with decreased
      bone mineral density (BMD) with increased marrow adipocytes and decreased
      osteoprogenitor proliferation. C57BL/6J mice served as controls since only a
      segment of Chr6 from the C3H/HeJ mouse was backcrossed to a C57BL/6J background.
      Family of image correlation spectroscopy was used to analyze receptor cluster
      density and co-localization of BMPRIa and caveolae. It was previously shown that
      BMP2 stimulation results in an aggregation of caveolae and BMPRIa. Additionally,
      BMSCs isolated from the B6.C3H-6T mice showed a dispersion of caveolae domains
      compared to C57BL/6J. The aggregation of BMPRIa that is necessary for signaling
      to occur was inhibited in BMSCs isolated from B6.C3H-6T. Additionally, we
      analyzed the co-localization of BMPRIa with caveolin-1 isoforms. There was
      increased percentage of BMPRIa co-localization with caveolae compared to
      C57BL/6J. BMP2 stimulation had no effect on the colocalization of BMPRIa with
      caveolin-1. Disrupting caveolae initiated Smad signaling in the isolated BMSCs
      from B6.C3H-6T. These data suggest that in congenic 6T mice BMP receptors
      aggregation is inhibited causing an inhibition of signaling and reduced bone
      mass.

PMID- 22036913
TI  - Semi-continuous photo-fermentative H2 production by Rhodobacter sphaeroides:
      effect of decanting volume ratio.
AB  - In this study, a semi-continuous operation of photo-fermentative H2-producing
      reactor was attempted at various decanting volume ratios (DVR, decanting volume
      per day/total working volume, %), ranging 30-70%, using Rhodobacter sphaeroides
      KD131. H2 production was not efficient with showing low H2 yields of 0.2 and 0.5
      mol H2/mol succinate(added) at 30% and 40% DVR, respectively. The low performance
      ascribed to the fact that over 70% of substrate electrons were diverted towards
      cell growth under these conditions. Meanwhile, cell growth was limited at
      DVR>=50%; therefore, higher H2 yields (>2.0 mol H2/mol succinateadded) were
      observed. Both the highest H2 yield of 3.7 mol H2/mol succinateadded and
      production rate of 1494 mL H2/L-reactor/d were achieved at 60% DVR. The content
      of soluble microbial products (SMPs) was measured, which accounted for 3-15% of
      substrate electrons. It was found that the largest (65-75%) portion of SMPs
      comprised low molecular-weight (<3 kDa).

PMID- 22036914
TI  - Optimization of a free-fall reactor for the production of fast pyrolysis bio-oil.
AB  - A central composite design of experiments was performed to optimize a free-fall
      reactor for the production of bio-oil from red oak biomass. The effects of four
      experimental variables including heater set-point temperature, biomass particle
      size, sweep gas flow rate and biomass feed rate were studied. Heater set-point
      temperature ranged from 450 to 650  degrees C, average biomass particle size from
      200 to 600 MUm, sweep gas flow rate from 1 to 5 sL/min and biomass feed rate from
      1 to 2 kg/h. Optimal operating conditions yielding over 70 wt.% bio-oil were
      identified at a heater set-point temperature of 575  degrees C, while feeding red
      oak biomass sized less than 300 MUm at 2 kg/h into the 0.021 m diameter, 1.8m
      tall reactor. Sweep gas flow rate did not have significant effect on bio-oil
      yield over the range tested.

PMID- 22036915
TI  - President's perspective: the neurology section's strategic plan-first step.

PMID- 22036916
TI  - Serotonin-2A receptor and catechol-O-methyltransferase polymorphisms in panic
      disorder.
AB  - Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) and serotonin receptor 2A (5HTR2A)
      polymorphisms have been investigated for their possible role in panic disorder
      (PD). The aim of this study was to investigate the genotype distribution of the
      COMT val158met and 5HTR2A 102T/C polymorphisms in PD. COMT val158met is a
      polymorphism at codon 158 that results in variations in COMT enzymatic activity
      with high- (H) and low-activity (L) alleles. The 5HTR2A 102T/C polymorphism
      comprises a T-to-C mutation at position 102. The effects of symptom severity,
      gender, and age of onset were also investigated. The participants were 105
      outpatients with PD and 130 controls. The severity of the symptoms of PD was
      assessed by the Panic and Agoraphobia Scale (PAS). Polymorphisms of the 5HTR2A
      and COMT genes were identified using polymerase chain reaction and restriction
      fragment length polymorphism analysis. A significant relationship was found
      between the COMT Val158Met polymorphism and PD. No significant differences were
      found in genotype distributions or allele frequencies of the 5HTR2A polymorphisms
      between the PD and control groups. There were no significant relationships
      between the COMT and 5HTR2A polymorphisms and age of onset, gender, presence of
      agoraphobia, or PAS scores in the PD group (p>0.05).

PMID- 22036917
TI  - Long-term efficacy and safety of gabapentin enacarbil in Japanese restless legs
      syndrome patients.
AB  - Several short- and long-term studies conducted in Europe/North America have
      demonstrated good efficacy and tolerability of 600-1800 mg gabapentin enacarbil
      (GEn). However, no studies have evaluated the efficacy of long-term treatment
      with GEn in Asian patients. Therefore, the objective of this study was to
      evaluate the efficacy and safety of long-term treatment with GEn in Japanese
      patients with restless legs syndrome (RLS) in a multicenter open-label study. RLS
      patients aged 20-80 years were allocated to receive oral GEn 1200 mg/day for a
      treatment period of 52 weeks. International Restless Legs Syndrome Scale (IRLS)
      score, investigator- and patient-rated Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scores,
      Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) total scores and subscores, and short form
      (SF)-36 subscores were assessed, and adverse events (AEs) were monitored. In 181
      patients (mean age, 54.9+/-12.2 years; BMI, 23.0+/-2.6 kg/m2) IRLS score
      decreased from 24.4+/-0.4 at baseline to 6.3+/-0.6 at week 52, with a reduction
      of -18.0+/-0.6. The IRLS responder rate was 80.3% at week 52. ICGI and PCGI
      responder rates were 87.1% and 87.1%, respectively. PSQI and SF-36 also showed
      significant improvements. AEs were reported in 96.2% of patients but remained
      mild-to-moderate in nearly all the cases. Serious AEs occurred in 1.6%. Dizziness
      and somnolence were noted in 46.2% and 41.2% of patients, respectively, and
      mostly occurred during the first 4 weeks. No episodes of augmentation were
      reported. In conclusion, long-term treatment with GEn improved RLS symptoms as
      well as investigator- and patient-reported outcomes in Japanese patients with
      moderate-to-severe RLS, with an acceptable safety profile. Randomized, double
      blind, placebo/active-controlled trials are desirable to confirm these
      preliminary results.

PMID- 22036918
TI  - Aga1, the first alpha-Galactosidase from the human bacteria Ruminococcus gnavus
      E1, efficiently transcribed in gut conditions.
AB  - Differential gene expression analysis was performed in monoxenic mice colonized
      with Ruminococcus gnavus strain E1, a major endogenous member of the gut
      microbiota. RNA arbitrarily primed-PCR fingerprinting assays allowed to
      specifically detect the in vivo expression of the aga1 gene, which was further
      confirmed by RT-PCR. The aga1 gene encoded a protein of 744 residues with
      calculated molecular mass of 85,207 Da. Aga1 exhibited significant similarity
      with previously characterized alpha-Galactosidases of the GH 36 family. Purified
      recombinant protein demonstrated high catalytic activity (104 +/- 7 U mg(-1)) and
      efficient p-nitrophenyl-alpha-d-galactopyranoside hydrolysis [k(cat)/K(m) =
      35.115 +/- 8.82 s(-1) mM(-1) at 55  degrees C and k(cat)/K(m) = 17.48 +/- 4.25 s(
      1) mM(-1) at 37  degrees C].

PMID- 22036919
TI  - Heading but not path or the tau-equalization strategy is used in the visual
      control of steering toward a goal.
AB  - The visual strategies for the control of steering toward a goal include aligning
      one's instantaneous direction of travel (i.e., heading; J. J. Gibson, 1950) or
      the future path (J. P. Wann & D. K. Swapp, 2000) specified by optic flow with the
      target, equating the time to closure of the target-heading angle with the time to
      passage of the target (tau equalization, B. Fajen, 2001), or using the target
      egocentric direction and steering to center the target in the straight ahead or
      cancel the target optical drift (S. K. Rushton, J. M. Harris, M. Lloyd, & J. P.
      Wann, 1998). Supporting evidences for the use of these strategies in guiding
      steering or walking toward a goal were reported, but no consensus has been
      reached. In this study, by presenting participants with displays in which target
      egocentric direction was fixed and thus unavailable for steering to force
      participants to rely on information from optic flow for the control of self
      motion, we systematically examined the use of the optic flow-based strategies in
      the visual control of steering toward a goal. We found that participants steered
      to align their heading with the target, supporting the use of the heading
      strategy. We found no evidence to support the use of the path or the tau
      equalization strategy in the visual control of steering toward a goal.

PMID- 22036920
TI  - The newly identified anorexigenic adipokine nesfatin-1 in hemodialysis patients:
      Are there associations with food intake, body composition and inflammation?
AB  - Nesfatin-1 is a recently identified anorexigenic peptide that has been implicated
      in appetite regulation, weight loss and/or malnutrition. Anorexia and
      malnutrition are common features of chronic kidney disease (CKD) that predispose
      patients to worse outcomes. However, the reasons for the occurrence of anorexia
      in CKD patients are not fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to
      investigate the association between nesfatin-1 and protein intake and body
      composition in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). Twenty five HD patients
      from a private Clinic in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil were studied and compared with 15
      healthy subjects that were matched for body mass index (BMI), % body fat mass (by
      anthropometrics) and age. Appetite was measured using a specific questionnaire,
      and food intake was evaluated based on 3-day food records. Nesfatin-1 levels were
      measured by ELISA and leptin, TNF-alpha and IL-6 levels were determined by a
      multiplex assay kit. Serum nesfatin-1 levels did not differ between HD patients
      (0.16+/-0.07ng/mL) and healthy subjects (0.17+/-0.10ng/mL). Nesfatin-1 levels
      showed significant negative correlations with protein intake (r=-0.42; p=0.03),
      but did not associate with inflammatory markers or appetite scores. Combining
      patients and controls, we observed positive correlations with BMI (r=0.33;
      p=0.03), % body fat (r=0.35; p=0.03), leptin (r=0.45; p=0.006) and the triceps
      skinfold thickness (r=0.36; p=0.02). In multivariate analysis % body fat was the
      main determinant of nesfatin-1 variance. In conclusion, nesfatin-1 levels did not
      differ between HD patients and healthy subjects and negatively correlated with
      protein intake. This pathway is likely not dysregulated in uremia.

PMID- 22036924
TI  - Human platelet antigen 1a epitopes are dependent on the cation-regulated
      conformation of integrin alpha(IIb)beta(3) (GPIIb/IIIa).
AB  - BACKGROUND: The HPA-1a (Leu(33)) polymorphism of platelet integrin alphaIIbbeta3
      is the target of alloantibodies in 70-80% cases of neonatal alloimmune
      thrombocytopenia (NAIT) in Caucasians and reliable detection of these antibodies
      is essential for appropriate clinical management. However, the ability to detect
      such antibodies is highly variable between laboratories and, in a number of
      clinical cases where there is a HPA-1 genotype mismatch between mother and
      neonate, HPA-1a antibodies are undetectable. Furthermore, some studies have not
      shown a consistent relationship between maternal anti-HPA-1a level and neonatal
      platelet count. Since the integrity and conformation of the alphaIIbbeta3 complex
      are dependent on divalent cations, we investigated whether HPA-1a epitope
      integrity and/or conformation might be affected by the presence of the cation
      chelator EDTA in patient samples or in assay buffers, thus providing a possible
      explanation for the variable sensitivity of current assays. PRINCIPLE FINDINGS:
      Exposure of the alphaIIbbeta3 complex to EDTA resulted in reduced reactivity of
      three anti-HPA-1a mAbs (B2, 19-7 and 23-15). More significantly, cation chelation
      adversely affected detection of polyclonal anti-HPA-1a, not only in the platelet
      immunofluorescence assay, where alloantibody binding was reduced compared to
      control platelets (mean MFI reduction 44.5%, range 17.3-69.7%, n=4), but also in
      the commonly used monoclonal antibody specific immobilisation of platelet
      antigens assay (MAIPA) where both alloantibody and monoclonal capture antibody
      binding were reduced (mean OD reduction 82.8%, range 68.3-96.6%, n=9).
      CONCLUSIONS: These data show that HPA-1a antibodies recognise epitopes on
      alphaIIbbeta3 that are sensitive to EDTA treatment and that cation chelation
      grossly reduces the sensitivity of the MAIPA assay by diminishing not only HPA-1a
      alloantibody binding but also 'capture' monoclonal antibody binding. These
      findings may, in part, explain the current variability in antibody measurement
      and will guide the development of more sensitive tests for anti-integrin
      antibodies in NAIT and other conditions.

PMID- 22036925
TI  - An immunochemical method for detection and analysis of changes in methylome.
AB  - DNA methylation is an important epigenetic modification involved in the ability
      of an organism to respond to stress and adaptation. It has been implicated in
      development, differentiation, oncogenesis, chromatin remodelling, nutrigenomics,
      and appears to play a pivotal role in many regulatory and adaptive functions. It
      is therefore important to analyze the status of DNA methylation and its changes
      under various developmental, carcinogenic, pharmacological, and environmental
      conditions. In this report we describe an immunochemical method for the detection
      of genome wide DNA methylation and its alterations under various conditions along
      with the analysis of DNA methyltransferase activity. The ability of this approach
      to detect and provide a map of methylomic changes in a genome facilitates
      assessment of various agents and conditions which can alter this important
      epigenetic signal. This experimental system permits rapid evaluation of potential
      target genes which would be modulated by DNA methylation changes and thus the
      gene networks that govern the processes.

PMID- 22036926
TI  - Factors affecting the use of a realtime telemetry system in emergency medical
      services.
AB  - We investigated the factors that affected the use of a realtime telemetry system
      (RTS) in emergency ambulances. During the study, a total of 7144 patients were
      transported to a hospital in the city of Wonju via ambulance. In 466 of these
      cases (7%), the Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) used the RTS. Based on the
      Elaboration Likelihood Model, we extracted variables from the run records, such
      as the qualifications of the EMT, level of the patient's consciousness and the
      transport time. The results indicated that EMTs with higher levels of expertise
      were more likely to use the RTS when the level of patient consciousness was low,
      regardless of transport time. Conversely, EMTs with low levels of expertise were
      more likely to use the RTS when the transport time from scene to hospital was
      long and were less likely to use the RTS when the transport time was short. There
      appear to be several ways of improving RTS usage in the pre-hospital situation.

PMID- 22036927
TI  - The added value of video for consultations in telemedicine for minor injuries
      work.
AB  - We examined the decisions made about transfer of patients with minor injuries,
      when telemedicine support was provided to the remote nurses in two different
      ways: the telemedicine doctor either used a video link, or a telephone call with
      viewing of digital X-ray images (a low resolution version of Picture Archiving
      and Communications Systems [PACS]). A quasi-randomized study design was used,
      with a panel of 20 emergency medicine doctors who independently reviewed
      previously-stored consultations using the two modalities. In total, 60 case
      reviews were conducted during five sessions, representing 33 different cases from
      the routine workload of Minor Treatment Centres in Scotland. More experienced
      doctors transferred fewer patients than less experienced doctors. The proportion
      of patients transferred was higher when PACS was used than when video was used in
      most of the cases. A mixed effects logistic regression model was fitted to the
      data. The estimated odds for patient transfer were 56% lower when video was used
      instead of PACS (odds ratio 0.44, 95% confidence interval 0.20, 0.93). Although
      the cost implications are not yet known, video support for local decision-making
      should remain the preferred method of telemedicine for minor injuries work.

PMID- 22036928
TI  - Teleconsultation: changes in technology and costs over a 12-year period.
AB  - In our previous study, in 1997, we evaluated the cost of teleconsultations in a
      primary care centre compared with the cost of the conventional alternative,
      travelling to the hospital. The results showed that teleconsultations were
      cheaper than patient travel when the annual workload was more than 110 patients
      in ophthalmology and 115 patients in dermatology. Using the same method of
      analysis for 2009 data showed that cost savings would occur if the annual
      workload was 20 patients in ophthalmology and 17 patients in dermatology. The
      main differences between the two studies are the reduced cost of the technology
      (which was based on PCs in 2009) and the increased cost of staff. Both studies
      show that teleconsultations can be cost-effective in a relatively small health
      centre. The cost of technology continues to decrease, although the other costs in
      our break-even analysis continue to increase. However, the usability of
      technology continues to improve, and this will make telemedicine a more
      attractive alternative in the future.

PMID- 22036929
TI  - Combined humic acid adsorption and enhanced Fenton processes for the treatment of
      naphthalene dye intermediate wastewater.
AB  - In this work, an humic acid adsorption with an enhanced Fenton oxidation was
      employed to treat the real effluent originating from the 1-diazo-2-naphthol-4
      sulfonic acid (1,2,4-Acid) production plant. In a first step, humic acid with
      MgSO(4) was selected as adsorbent and precipitant for physicochemical
      pretreatment, the synergetic effect had led to 39% of COD removal and 89% of
      colour removal. A multi-staged Fenton oxidation process with inner circulation
      was introduced subsequently. The TOC, COD, 1,2,4-Acid, NH(4)(+)-N, SS and colour
      were reduced from 3024 mg/L, 12,780 mg/L, 9103 mg/L, 110 mg/L, 240 mg/L and
      25,600 (multiple) to 46 mg/L, 210 mg/L, 21 mg/L, 16 mg/L, 3 mg/L and 25 through
      the combined process, respectively. Hydrogen peroxide consumed per kg COD had
      saved up to 36% when two-staged Fenton process with inner circulation (flow-back
      to influent ratio: 3) was applied. Influence of H(2)O(2) concentration, flow-back
      to influent ratio and staged Fenton mode were investigated in detail in order to
      find out the optimal operating parameters. The kinetics of 1,2,4-Acid degradation
      by two-staged Fenton process was investigated. The evolution of the main
      intermediates during the degradation process was conducted using the LC-(ESI)-TOF
      MS technique, and the results showed a staged degradation pathway from the ring
      opening of naphthalene compounds to the formation of benzene compounds and
      carboxyl acids. The combined process had been proved effective in both technical
      and economic aspects.

PMID- 22036930
TI  - Biodegradation of ciprofloxacin in water and soil and its effects on the
      microbial communities.
AB  - While antibiotics are frequently found in the environment, their biodegradability
      and ecotoxicological effects are not well understood. Ciprofloxacin inhibits
      active and growing microorganisms and therefore can represent an important risk
      for the environment, especially for soil microbial ecology and microbial
      ecosystem services. We investigated the biodegradation of (14)C-ciprofloxacin in
      water and soil following OECD tests (301B, 307) to compare its fate in both
      systems. Ciprofloxacin is recalcitrant to biodegradation and transformation in
      the aqueous system. However, some mineralisation was observed in soil. The lower
      bioavailability of ciprofloxacin seems to reduce the compound's toxicity against
      microorganisms and allows its biodegradation. Moreover, ciprofloxacin strongly
      inhibits the microbial activities in both systems. Higher inhibition was observed
      in water than in soil and although its antimicrobial potency is reduced by
      sorption and aging in soil, ciprofloxacin remains biologically active over time.
      Therefore sorption does not completely eliminate the effects of this compound.

PMID- 22036931
TI  - Identification of in vivo protein phosphorylation sites in human pathogen
      Schistosoma japonicum by a phosphoproteomic approach.
AB  - Schistosome is the causative agent of human schistosomiasis and related animal
      disease. Reversible protein phosphorylation plays a key role in signaling
      processing that are vital for a cell and organism. However, it remains to be
      undercharacterized in schistosomes. In the present study, we characterized in
      vivo protein phosphorylation events in different developmental stages
      (schistosomula and adult worms) of Schistosoma japonicum by using microvolume
      immobilized metal-ion affinity chromatography (IMAC) pipette tips coupled to
      nanoLC-ESI-MS/MS. In total, 127 distinct phosphorylation sites were identified in
      92 proteins in S. japonicum. A comparison of the phosphopeptides identified
      between the schistosomula and the adult worms revealed 30 phosphoproteins co
      detected in both of the two worms. These proteins included several signal
      molecules and enzymes such as 14-3-3 protein, cysteine string protein, heat shock
      protein 90, epidermal growth factor receptor pathway substrate 8, proliferation
      associated protein 2G4, peptidyl-prolyl isomerase G, phosphofructokinase and
      thymidylate kinase. Additionally, the phosphorylation sites were examined for
      phosphorylation specific motif and evolutionarily conservation. The study
      represents the first attempt to determine in vivo protein phosphorylation in S.
      japonicum by using a phosphoproteomic approach. The results by providing an
      inventory of phosphorylated proteins may facilitate to further understand the
      mechanisms involved in schistosome development and growth, and then may result in
      the development of novel vaccine candidates and drug targets for schistosomiasis
      control.

PMID- 22036932
TI  - Anterior pelvic soft tissue thickness influences acetabular cup positioning with
      imageless navigation.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to investigate acetabular component position after
      total hip arthroplasty correlating both version and inclination to anterior
      pelvic soft tissue thickness. Thirty patients with a mean age of 66.5 +/- 14 (28
      87) years and an average body mass index of 30.04 +/- 4.6 were included. The same
      surgeon operated on all 30 patients, using an anterolateral approach in a supine
      position and an imageless navigation system. Postoperative assessment of cup
      inclination, cup anteversion, and soft tissue thickness was measured by an
      independent research associate using computed tomographic scans. Pearson's moment
      correlations did not reveal any significant relationships between body mass
      index, soft tissue thickness, final intraoperative, or postoperative cup
      position. Anterior soft tissue thickness had no significant effect on the
      accuracy of acetabular cup positioning.

PMID- 22036933
TI  - Classification and management of the unstable total hip arthroplasty.
AB  - Seventy-five total hip arthroplasty revisions for instability were classified
      into 6 primary etiologies: I, acetabular component malposition; II, femoral
      component malposition; III, abductor deficiency; IV, impingement; V, late wear;
      or VI, unresolved etiology. The most common etiologies were cup malposition (type
      I; 33%) and abductor deficiency (type III; 36%). At a mean of 35.3 months, 11
      redislocations occurred (14.6%). Acetabular revisions were protective against
      redislocation (P < .015). The number of previous operations (P = .0379) and
      previously failed constrained liners (P < .02) were risk factors for failure.
      Tripolar constrained liners demonstrated improved survivorship vs locking ring
      types (P < .02); cemented constrained liners failed more often than modular
      constrained liners (P < .0018). The highest risk of failure was in patients with
      abductor insufficiency with revisions for other etiologies having a success rate
      of 90%.

PMID- 22036934
TI  - Xanthurenic acid is an endogenous substrate for the silkworm cytosolic
      sulfotransferase, bmST1.
AB  - Sulfotransferase enzymes are known to regulate physiologically active substances
      such as steroids and catecholamines in mammals. Although invertebrates also
      express sulfotransferases, their biological function is mostly unclear. In a
      previous study, we reported that 4-nitrocatechol and the gallete ester are
      substrates for the silkworm sulfotransferase bmST1. The K(m) of bmST1 for these
      substrates is high. However, endogenous substrates of bmST1 have not yet been
      determined. We therefore investigated endogenous bmST1 substrates and carried out
      a detailed expression profile analysis of bmST1. We found that xanthurenic acid,
      a tryptophan metabolite, is a possible endogenous substrate of bmST1. The K(m) of
      bmST1 for xanthurenic acid is low, in the MUM range, which is lower than that for
      previously reported substrates. Additionally, xanthurenic acid is a tryptophan
      metabolite that characteristically shows toxicity in vivo. High dose
      administration of xanthurenic acid resulted in inhibition of cuticular
      biosynthesis. The expression of the bmST1 gene reached a maximal level in the
      Malpighian tubule at the 4th molting stage, when amino acid metabolism might be
      activated. Our results suggest that bmST1 plays a role in detoxification of
      xanthurenic acid in the silkworm.

PMID- 22036935
TI  - Events temporarily associated with anti-influenza A (H1N1) vaccination in Mexico.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: In Mexico from December 2009 to June 2010, 45,490,501 doses
      of the vaccine against the influenza virus were administered; 27,048,330 of those
      corresponded to influenza A (H1N1) and 18,442,171 to seasonal influenza.
      Therefore, the assessment of events temporarily associated with vaccination
      (ETAV) is mandatory. METHODS: The database corresponding to the ETAV associated
      with influenza (A [H1N1] and seasonal) immunization reported between December
      2009 and June 2010 was analyzed. Patients who displayed at least one ETAV with
      one of the following schedules were included: A) influenza A (H1N1) vaccine, B)
      seasonal influenza vaccine, C) influenza A (H1N1) vaccine and seasonal influenza
      vaccine. RESULTS: A total of 597 ETAVs were reported. The 20- to 49-year-old age
      group was the most affected one (52.9%). The ETAV notification rate for influenza
      A (H1N1) vaccination was 1.41/100,000 applied doses vs. 0.74/100,000 applied
      doses corresponding to the seasonal influenza vaccination. Fifty seven events
      were considered serious (14 corresponded to Guillain-Barre syndrome) and these
      were considered coincidental unrelated events. CONCLUSIONS: There is no evidence
      of an increased rate of Guillain-Barre Syndrome with respect to the cases
      expected in the general population.

PMID- 22036936
TI  - High level of PTEN expression is associated with low-grade liver metastasis and
      satisfactory patient survival in pancreatic cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: We investigated PTEN expression in primary pancreatic cancer
      and pancreatic cancer liver metastasis in order to evaluate the interrelationship
      between PTEN expression and clinicopathological characteristics of pancreatic
      cancer patients with and without liver metastasis. METHODS: Eighty five primary
      pancreatic cancer specimens without liver metastasis were analyzed as controls.
      Eighty seven pancreatic cancer specimens and homologous liver metastasis
      specimens were investigated immunohistochemically, and the correlation between
      immunohistochemical findings and clinicopathological factors was investigated.
      RESULTS: A strong PTEN expression was observed in 52 (61.2%) specimens from
      patients without liver metastasis. In contrast, only 26 (29.9%) specimens were
      observed in patients with liver metastasis. A strong PTEN expression was
      apparently associated with low-grade lymph node metastasis (p <0.05) and TNM
      stage (p <0.05). PTEN expression in patients without liver metastasis was
      apparently stronger than that with liver metastasis. In addition, among patients
      with liver metastasis, the 5-year survival rate was markedly higher in patients
      with strong PTEN expression compared to those with weak PTEN expression.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that a high level of PTEN expression is
      associated with low-grade liver metastasis and satisfactory patient survival in
      pancreatic cancer. The diagnostic evaluation of PTEN expression may provide
      valuable prognostic information to aid treatment strategies for pancreatic cancer
      patients.

PMID- 22036937
TI  - Emergency departments in The Netherlands.
AB  - Emergency medicine in The Netherlands is faced with an increasing interest by
      politicians and stakeholders in health care. This is due to crowding, increasing
      costs, criticism of the quality of emergency care, restructuring of out-of-hours
      services in primary care and the introduction of a training programme for
      emergency physicians in 2000. A comprehensive search was conducted of published
      research, policy reports and updated Dutch websites on acute care. Publications
      were included in this review if these referred to emergency care, including
      emergency departments (ED), general practitioner (GP) cooperatives and emergency
      medical services in The Netherlands and were written in English or Dutch. The
      literature search identified 14 eligible papers. The manual search identified 11
      additional papers. Seven reports and two PhD theses were also included. Given the
      lack of relevant empirical research the review was liberal in its inclusion, but
      the analysis focused on research when available. ED in The Netherlands are in
      different stages of development. However, it is obvious that the presence of
      emergency physicians is increasing and more ED will be staffed by emergency
      physicians. Although this seems an important step, it does not necessarily imply
      a good position of the emergency physician in the ED. What the characteristics of
      the future patient of the Dutch ED will be is dependent on the development of
      different ED levels of care and GP cooperatives. The lack of empirical research
      also points out the need for research on quality of care in Dutch ED.

PMID- 22036938
TI  - Airway management in unconscious non-trauma patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tracheal intubation is recommended in unconscious trauma patients to
      protect the airway from pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents and also to
      ensure ventilation and oxygenation. Unconsciousness is often defined as a Glasgow
      Coma Scale (GCS) score below 9. In non-trauma patients, however, there are no
      such firm recommendations regarding airway management and the GCS score may be
      less useful. The aim of this study was to describe the authors' experience with
      airway management in unconscious non-trauma patients in the prehospital setting
      with a physician-manned Mobile Emergency Care Unit (MECU). The main focus of the
      study was on the need for subsequent tracheal intubation during hospitalisation
      after initial treatment. METHODS: The study was based on an analysis of data
      prospectively collected from the MECU database in Copenhagen, Denmark. All
      unconscious (GCS scores below 9) non-trauma patients registered in the database
      during 2006 were included. The ambulance patient charts and medical records were
      scrutinised to assess outcome and the need for tracheal intubation during the
      first 24 h after admittance into hospital. RESULTS: A total of 557 unconscious
      non-trauma patients were examined and 129 patients (23%) were tracheally
      intubated by the MECU physician before or during transport to the hospital.
      Intubation was done in most patients with cardiac arrest, severe stroke or
      respiratory failure. Of the remaining 428 patients, 364 (85%) regained
      consciousness before being transported to the hospital, whereas 64 patients
      remained unconscious during transport and 12 (19%) of these were intubated in the
      emergency department. CONCLUSIONS: The majority of unconscious non-trauma
      patients were not intubated in the prehospital setting. Unconscious non-trauma
      patients may not all need tracheal intubation before being transferred to
      hospital.

PMID- 22036939
TI  - Stem cells from foreign body granulation tissue accelerate recovery from acute
      kidney injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In previous studies, we obtained mesenchymal stem cells called
      granulation tissue stem cells (GTSC) from a regenerating granulation tissue
      created by placing a foreign body in the subcutaneous tissue of rats. Here, we
      used GTSC to ameliorate ischemia/reperfusion-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) in
      rats. METHODS: In two groups of Fischer rats, we induced ischemia/reperfusion
      injury. Group 1 (treated rats) received one intravenous injection of GTSC 3 h
      after injury; Group 2 (control rats) received vehicle. Both groups were
      subsequently studied by renal function tests, kidney histology and
      immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: At 24 and 48 h after injury, plasma creatinine and
      blood urea nitrogen were significantly lower in the treated rats as compared to
      control rats. The levels remained low and declined to near baseline levels by Day
      4 in the treated group. At the cortico-medullary region, the treated rats showed
      significantly higher renal tubular cell proliferation and less tubular cell
      apoptosis. Histological analysis of the kidney for tubular dilatation, necrosis,
      congestion and casts was not significantly different in the two groups. To
      understand the mechanism of the GTSC effect, messenger RNA levels of several
      growth and immune modulatory factors were quantified in cultured GTSC and
      compared with those in cultured glomerular epithelial cell (GEC; a non-stem cell
      line). GTSC had 2- to 8-fold higher expression of FGF2, HGF, IGF-1, vascular
      endothelial growth factor (growth factors) and IL-4, IL-6 (anti-inflammatory
      factors) than GEC. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of GTSC accelerates recovery in
      rats with ischemia/reperfusion-induced AKI. This effect may be mediated by the
      paracrine action of growth and immune-suppressive factors secreted by these
      cells.

PMID- 22036940
TI  - Early treatment with everolimus exerts nephroprotective effect in rats with
      adriamycin-induced nephrotic syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is a clinical state characterized by massive
      proteinuria and excessive fluid retention. The effects of early versus late
      treatment with low or high doses of oral everolimus, a mammalian target of
      rapamycin inhibitor, on proteinuria in NS have not been previously described.
      METHODS: The effects of early treatment (2 days prior to NS induction) versus
      late treatment (beginning 2 weeks following the establishment of NS) with a low
      (20 mg/L) or high (100 mg/L) dose of everolimus for 5-7 weeks on proteinuria and
      nephrin/podocin abundance were assessed in male adult SD rats with adriamycin
      induced NS. RESULTS: Adriamycin caused a significant increase in daily and
      cumulative proteinuria throughout the experimental period. Early, and to a lesser
      extent late treatment, with a low dose of everolimus, significantly decreased
      both daily and cumulative proteinuria and improved renal function. The anti
      proteinuric effects of low-dose everolimus were associated with restoration of
      the disruptive glomerular nephrin/podocin abundance. In contrast, administration
      of a high dose of everolimus resulted in a decrease in proteinuria in NS rats,
      subsequently to deterioration of renal function. CONCLUSIONS: Early, and to a
      lesser extent late treatment, with a low but not a high dose of everolimus is
      effective in reducing proteinuria in nephrotic rats. The mechanism may be via
      nephrin/podocin protection.

PMID- 22036941
TI  - Cinacalcet HCl prevents development of parathyroid gland hyperplasia and reverses
      established parathyroid gland hyperplasia in a rodent model of CKD.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Secondary hyperparathyroidism (sHPT) represents an adaptive response
      to progressively impaired control of calcium, phosphorus and vitamin D in chronic
      kidney disease (CKD). It is characterized by parathyroid hyperplasia and
      excessive synthesis and secretion of parathyroid hormone (PTH). Parathyroid
      hyperplasia in uremic rats can be prevented by calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR)
      activation with the calcimimetic cinacalcet (Sensipar(r)/Mimpara(r)); however, it
      is unknown, how long the effects of cinacalcet persist after withdrawal of
      treatment or if cinacalcet is efficacious in uremic rats with established sHPT.
      METHODS: We sought to determine the effect of cinacalcet discontinuation in
      uremic rats and whether cinacalcet was capable of influencing parathyroid
      hyperplasia in animals with established sHPT. RESULTS: Discontinuation of
      cinacalcet resulted in reversal of the beneficial effects on serum PTH and
      parathyroid hyperplasia. In rats with established sHPT, cinacalcet decreased
      serum PTH and mediated regression of parathyroid hyperplasia. The cinacalcet
      mediated decrease in parathyroid gland size was accompanied by increased
      expression of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21. Prevention of cellular
      proliferation with cinacalcet occurred despite increased serum phosphorus and
      decreased serum calcium. CONCLUSIONS: The animal data provided suggest
      established parathyroid hyperplasia can be reversed by modulating CaSR activity
      with cinacalcet and that continued treatment may be necessary to maintain
      reductions in PTH.

PMID- 22036942
TI  - Social adaptability index predicts kidney transplant outcome: a single-center
      retrospective analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Social adaptability index (SAI) is the composite index of
      socioeconomic status based upon employment status, education level, marital
      status, substance abuse and income. It has been used in the past to define
      populations at higher risk for inferior clinical outcomes. The objective of this
      retrospective study was to evaluate the association of the SAI with renal
      transplant outcome. METHODS: We used data from the clinical database at the Beth
      Israel Deaconess Medical Center Transplant Institute, supplemented with data from
      United Network for Organ Sharing for the years 2001-09. The association between
      SAI and graft loss and recipient mortality in renal transplant recipients was
      studied using Cox model in the entire study population as well as in the
      subgroups based on age, race, sex and diabetes status. RESULTS: We analyzed 533
      end-stage renal disease patients (mean age at transplant 50.8 +/- 11.8 years,
      52.2% diabetics, 58.9% males, 71.1% White). Higher SAI on a continuous scale was
      associated with decreased risk of graft loss [hazard ratio (HR) 0.89, P < 0.05,
      per 1 point increment in the SAI] and decreased risk of recipient mortality (HR
      0.84, P < 0.01, per 1 point increment in the SAI). Higher SAI was also
      significantly associated with decreased risk for graft loss/recipient mortality
      in some study subgroups (age 41-65 years, males, non-diabetics). CONCLUSIONS: SAI
      has an association with graft and recipient survival in renal transplant
      recipients. It can be helpful in identifying patients at higher risk for inferior
      transplant outcome as a target population for potential intervention.

PMID- 22036943
TI  - Downregulation of the renal and hepatic hydrogen sulfide (H2S)-producing enzymes
      and capacity in chronic kidney disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress and inflammation are constant features and major
      mediators of progression and cardiovascular complications of chronic kidney
      disease (CKD). Hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) is an endogenous signaling gas, which
      possesses potent anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertensive and other
      regulatory functions. H(2)S is produced by cystathionine beta-synthase (CBS),
      cystathionine gamma-lyase (CSE) and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulphurtransferase (MST).
      Plasma H(2)S is reduced in humans with hypertension, atherosclerosis and end
      stage renal disease (ESRD). Atherosclerosis, hypertension and
      ischemia/reperfusion-induced acute kidney injury are associated with and, in
      part, mediated by diminished tissue H(2)S in experimental animals. Expression of
      the H(2)S-producing enzymes is reduced in the circulating leukocytes of patients
      with ESRD. However, the effect of CKD on expression of H(2)S-producing enzymes in
      the diseased kidney and other tissues is unknown and was studied here. METHODS:
      Subgroups of rats were subjected to 5/6 nephrectomy or sham operation and
      observed for 6-12 weeks. Expression of H(2)S-producing enzymes and H(2)S
      producing capacity was measured in kidney, liver and brain tissues. RESULTS: The
      CKD group exhibited oxidative stress and significant reduction of plasma H(2)S
      concentration. This was associated with marked reduction of H(2)S-producing
      capacity of the kidney and liver, marked downregulation of CBS, CSE and MST in
      the kidney and of CBS and CSE expression in the liver. However, expression of
      H(2)S-producing enzymes in the brain was not significantly altered in CKD rats.
      CONCLUSIONS: CKD is associated with significant reduction in plasma H(2)S
      concentration, diminished remnant kidney and liver tissue H(2)S-producing
      capacity and downregulation of the H(2)S-producing enzymes. Given the potent anti
      oxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective properties of H(2)S, its deficiency
      may contribute to progression of CKD and the associated complications.

PMID- 22036944
TI  - Predictive value of circulating endothelial microparticles for cardiovascular
      mortality in end-stage renal failure: a pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Endothelial dysfunction in cardiovascular (CV) diseases is closely
      associated with increases in plasma level of shed membrane microparticles (MPs)
      of endothelial origin. As arterial damage is a major contributor to CV mortality,
      we examined whether or not increases in endothelial microparticles (EMPs)
      circulating levels could predict outcome in patients with end-stage renal disease
      (ESRD). METHODS: This prospective pilot study conducted in a community hospital
      (median follow-up: 50.5 months), included 81 stable haemodialysed ESRD patients
      (59 +/- 14 years; 63% male). Platelet-free plasma obtained 72 h after last
      dialysis was analysed by flow cytometry, and MPs cellular origin identified as
      endothelial (CD31+CD41-MPs; EMPs), platelets (CD31+CD41+MPs) or erythrocyte
      (CD235a+MPs). The main outcome measures were global and CV mortality (fatal
      myocardial infarction, stroke, acute pulmonary oedema and sudden cardiac death).
      RESULTS: Non-survivors (n = 24) were older (P < 0.001) and characterized by
      higher levels of EMPs (P < 0.01) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (P <
      0.05) and lower diastolic blood pressure (P < 0.001). Kaplan-Meier analysis
      demonstrated significantly higher probability of all-cause (P < 0.001) and CV
      mortality (P < 0.0001) between the lower and upper EMPs tertiles. Multivariate
      Cox regression analysis demonstrated that baseline EMP levels independently
      predicted all-cause [hazard ratio (HR) = 21.7, 95% confidence interval (CI): 4.23
      111.18 per log EMPs/MUL; P = 0.0002] and CV mortality (HR = 20.0, 95% CI: 3.86
      103.5) per log EMPs/MUL; P < 0.0004) after adjustment for confounding factors.
      EMPs baseline level was a stronger predictor of poor outcome than classical risk
      factors. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that increased plasma levels of EMPs
      is a robust independent predictor of severe CV outcome in end-stage renal failure
      patients.

PMID- 22036945
TI  - High-salt diet increases glomerular ACE/ACE2 ratio leading to oxidative stress
      and kidney damage.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Angiotensin II (AngII) contributes to salt-driven kidney damage. In
      this study, we aimed at investigating whether and how the renal damage associated
      with a high-salt diet could result from changes in the ratio between angiotensin
      converting enzyme (ACE) and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). METHODS:
      Forty-eight rats randomly allocated to three different dietary contents of salt
      were studied for 4 weeks after undergoing a left uninephrectomy. We focussed on
      kidney functional, structural and molecular changes. At the same time, we studied
      kidney molecular changes in 20 weeks old Ace2-knockout mice (Ace2KO), with and
      without ACE inhibition. RESULTS: A high salt content diet significantly increased
      the glomerular ACE/ACE2 ratio. This was associated with increased oxidative
      stress. To assess whether these events were related, we measured renal oxidative
      stress in Ace2KO, and found that the absence of ACE2 promoted oxidative stress,
      which could be prevented by ACE inhibition. CONCLUSION: One of the mechanisms by
      which a high-salt diet leads to renal damage seems to be the modulation of the
      ACE/ACE2 ratio which in turn is critical for the cause of oxidative stress,
      through AngII.

PMID- 22036946
TI  - Workplace weight loss program: impact on quality of life.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of a 12-week workplace intervention
      program (WIP) focused on weight loss and reduction of cardiovascular risk factors
      on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and the effect of delivery method on
      outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of data collected in a 12-week trial
      comparing in-person (IP) and Internet-based (IB) intervention to identify the
      impact on HRQOL by utilizing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention HRQOL
      14 questionnaire. RESULTS: Repeated-measure analysis of variance indicated no
      significant intervention effect for HRQOL by group assignment. Within subjects,
      significant main effect was noted for improvement in Summative Index of unhealthy
      days, sleeplessness, and vitality days at weeks 12 and 26. At week 26,
      significant main effect was found for improved mentally unhealthy and depression
      days. CONCLUSIONS: Improvement in HRQOL following a 12-week university-based WIP
      can occur independent of method of delivery (IP vs IB).

PMID- 22036947
TI  - Expression of type I interferon by splenic macrophages suppresses adaptive
      immunity during sepsis.
AB  - Early during Gram-negative sepsis, excessive release of pro-inflammatory
      cytokines can cause septic shock that is often followed by a state of immune
      paralysis characterized by the failure to mount adaptive immunity towards
      secondary microbial infections. Especially, the early mechanisms responsible for
      such immune hypo-responsiveness are unclear. Here, we show that TLR4 is the key
      immune sensing receptor to initiate paralysis of T-cell immunity after bacterial
      sepsis. Downstream of TLR4, signalling through TRIF but not MyD88 impaired the
      development of specific T-cell immunity against secondary infections. We
      identified type I interferon (IFN) released from splenic macrophages as the
      critical factor causing T-cell immune paralysis. Early during sepsis, type I IFN
      acted selectively on dendritic cells (DCs) by impairing antigen presentation and
      secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Our results reveal a novel immune
      regulatory role for type I IFN in the initiation of septic immune paralysis,
      which is distinct from its well-known immune stimulatory effects. Moreover, we
      identify potential molecular targets for therapeutic intervention to overcome
      impairment of T-cell immunity after sepsis.

PMID- 22036950
TI  - Arterial waveform analysis in anesthesia and critical care.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In this review, we describe the basic principles of arterial
      waveform analysis (AWA) to assess cardiac output (CO) and cardiac preload. The
      validity of commercially based hemodynamic monitoring systems is discussed,
      together with their clinical applications and limitations. RECENT FINDINGS:
      Currently, three devices (the FloTrac system, PiCCO monitor, and LiDCO system)
      are available for measurement of AWA-based CO. In addition, dynamic preload
      parameters such as stroke volume variation (SVV) and pulse pressure variation
      (PPV) are determined, which may be useful to predict fluid responsiveness in
      mechanically ventilated patients. SUMMARY: AWA provides a less invasive and easy
      to-use alternative for CO measurement. The validity of AWA devices has been
      verified in a variety of patients and circumstances, but their performance is
      compromised in the presence of hemodynamic instability, cardiac arrhythmias, or
      other factors disturbing the arterial pressure waveform. The definitive role of
      dynamic preload parameters like SVV and PPV is a matter of research. Large trials
      in which the value of early goal-directed therapy using this technology is
      studied in relation to outcome are urgently needed.

PMID- 22036949
TI  - Coreceptor gene imprinting governs thymocyte lineage fate.
AB  - Immature thymocytes are bipotential cells that are signalled during positive
      selection to become either helper- or cytotoxic-lineage T cells. By tracking
      expression of lineage determining transcription factors during positive
      selection, we now report that the Cd8 coreceptor gene locus co-opts any
      coreceptor protein encoded within it to induce thymocytes to express the
      cytotoxic-lineage factor Runx3 and to adopt the cytotoxic-lineage fate, findings
      we refer to as 'coreceptor gene imprinting'. Specifically, encoding CD4 proteins
      in the endogenous Cd8 gene locus caused major histocompatibility complex class II
      specific thymocytes to express Runx3 during positive selection and to
      differentiate into CD4(+) cytotoxic-lineage T cells. Our findings further
      indicate that coreceptor gene imprinting derives from the dynamic regulation of
      specific cis Cd8 gene enhancer elements by positive selection signals in the
      thymus. Thus, for coreceptor-dependent thymocytes, lineage fate is determined by
      Cd4 and Cd8 coreceptor gene loci and not by the specificity of T-cell antigen
      receptor/coreceptor signalling. This study identifies coreceptor gene imprinting
      as a critical determinant of lineage fate determination in the thymus.

PMID- 22036948
TI  - Nitric oxide-induced calcium release via ryanodine receptors regulates neuronal
      function.
AB  - Mobilization of intracellular Ca(2+) stores regulates a multitude of cellular
      functions, but the role of intracellular Ca(2+) release via the ryanodine
      receptor (RyR) in the brain remains incompletely understood. We found that nitric
      oxide (NO) directly activates RyRs, which induce Ca(2+) release from
      intracellular stores of central neurons, and thereby promote prolonged Ca(2+)
      signalling in the brain. Reversible S-nitrosylation of type 1 RyR (RyR1) triggers
      this Ca(2+) release. NO-induced Ca(2+) release (NICR) is evoked by type 1 NO
      synthase-dependent NO production during neural firing, and is essential for
      cerebellar synaptic plasticity. NO production has also been implicated in
      pathological conditions including ischaemic brain injury, and our results suggest
      that NICR is involved in NO-induced neuronal cell death. These findings suggest
      that NICR via RyR1 plays a regulatory role in the physiological and
      pathophysiological functions of the brain.

PMID- 22036951
TI  - Technology, education, training and information systems.

PMID- 22036952
TI  - The gap-junction inhibitor carbenoxolone suppresses the differentiation of Th17
      cells through inhibition of IL-23 expression in antigen presenting cells.
AB  - Carbenoxolone (CBX) is a widely used gap-junction inhibitor. We have previously
      shown that treatment with CBX significantly delayed the onset of experimental
      autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). However, the mechanism by which CBX delays
      the onset of EAE remains to be elucidated. Here, we show that CBX specifically
      inhibits the production of IL-23 by dendritic cells (DCs) and microglia in vitro.
      CBX treatment significantly reduced the population of Th17 cells in EAE mice.
      Furthermore, CBX downregulated the expression of IL-23 p19 via increased
      production of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A). Thus, CBX may be an effective
      therapeutic strategy against Th17-mediated autoimmune diseases, such as multiple
      sclerosis.

PMID- 22036953
TI  - Cerebrospinal fluid levels of CXCL13 are elevated in neuromyelitis optica.
AB  - BACKGROUND: B cells are believed to play an important role in the pathogenesis of
      NMO. Chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 13 (CXCL13), the most potent B-cell
      chemoattractant, is a chemokine which is critical for secondary lymphoid tissue
      development and for B-cell migration. Concentration of CXCL13 in cerebral spinal
      fluid (CSF) is elevated in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). However,
      whether levels of CSF CXCL13 are elevated in NMO patients still remain unknown.
      OBJECTIVE: To measure the CSF concentration of CXCL13 in NMO patients, and to
      determine its relationship with NMO disease activity. METHODS: CSF CXCL13 was
      measured by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in NMO (n=22), MS (n=18)
      patients and controls (CTLs) (n=12). RESULTS: CSF CXCL13 levels in NMO were
      notable higher than MS (p=0.015) and CTLs (p<0.001), and were related to the NMO
      disease activity indicated by relapse rate and Expanded Disability Status Scale
      (EDSS) scores. NMO Patients with the higher relapse rates exhibited the higher
      CXCL13 concentrations in their CSF; and a trend of increased disease disability
      with increased CSF CXCL13 level was revealed. The CSF CXCL13 concentrations
      seemed to associate with CSF white blood cell counting, total protein
      concentration in NMO subgroup, thought did not quite reach statistical
      significance (WBC, p=0.473; TP, p=0.276). CONCLUSIONS: The concentration of CSF
      CXCL13 was elevated in NMO patients, and correlated with NMO activity.

PMID- 22036954
TI  - Immune cell NT-3 expression is associated with brain atrophy in multiple
      sclerosis patients.
AB  - While neurotrophins mediate cell survival and proliferation in the nervous
      system, they are also expressed within peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs)
      of the immunological system. In multiple sclerosis (MS) neurotrophins released
      from PBMCs might play a neuroprotective role, delaying neurodegeneration within
      central nervous system. We aimed for identifying the link between neurotrophins'
      PBMCs expression and brain atrophy markers in relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS)
      patients. We have found that neurotrophin-3 PBMCs concentration is strongly
      correlated with brain-parenchymal fraction and corpus callosum cross-sectional
      area, which are well-established brain atrophy measures. Thus, PBMC-derived
      neurotrophin-3 might exert a direct or indirect neuroprotective effect in MS.

PMID- 22036955
TI  - Informed consent process for patient participation in rare disease registries
      linked to biorepositories.

PMID- 22036956
TI  - [European guidelines for the diagnosis and management of upper urinary tract
      urothelial cell carcinomas: 2011 update. European Association of Urology
      Guideline Group for urothelial cell carcinoma of the upper urinary tract].
AB  - CONTEXT: The European Association of Urology (EAU) Guideline Group for urothelial
      cell carcinoma of the upper urinary tract (UUT-UCC) has prepared new guidelines
      to aid clinicians in assessing the current evidence-based management of UUT-UCC
      and to incorporate present recommendations into daily clinical practice.
      OBJECTIVE: This paper provides a brief overview of the EAU guidelines on UUT-UCC
      as an aid to clinicians in their daily practice. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: The
      recommendations provided in the current guidelines are based on a thorough review
      of available UUT-UCC guidelines and papers identified using a systematic search
      of Medline. Data on urothelial malignancies and UUT-UCCs in the literature were
      searched using Medline with the following keywords: urinary tract cancer,
      urothelial carcinomas, upper urinary tract, carcinoma, transitional cell, renal
      pelvis, ureter, bladder cancer, chemotherapy, nephroureterectomy, adjuvant
      treatment, neoadjuvant treatment, recurrence, risk factors, and survival. A panel
      of experts weighted the references. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: There is a lack of data
      in the current literature to provide strong recommendations due to the rarity of
      the disease. A number of recent multicentre studies are now available, whereas
      earlier publications were based only on limited populations. However, most of
      these studies have been retrospective analyses. The TNM classification 2009 is
      recommended. Recommendations are given for diagnosis as well as for radical and
      conservative treatment; prognostic factors are also discussed. Recommendations
      are provided for patient follow-up after different therapeutic options.
      CONCLUSIONS: These guidelines contain information for the diagnosis and treatment
      of individual patients according to a current standardised approach. When
      determining the optimal treatment regimen, physicians must take into account each
      individual patient's specific clinical characteristics with regard to renal
      function including medical comorbidities; tumour location, grade and stage; and
      molecular marker status.

PMID- 22036957
TI  - Impairments of auditory scene analysis in Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Parsing of sound sources in the auditory environment or 'auditory scene analysis'
      is a computationally demanding cognitive operation that is likely to be
      vulnerable to the neurodegenerative process in Alzheimer's disease. However,
      little information is available concerning auditory scene analysis in Alzheimer's
      disease. Here we undertook a detailed neuropsychological and neuroanatomical
      characterization of auditory scene analysis in a cohort of 21 patients with
      clinically typical Alzheimer's disease versus age-matched healthy control
      subjects. We designed a novel auditory dual stream paradigm based on synthetic
      sound sequences to assess two key generic operations in auditory scene analysis
      (object segregation and grouping) in relation to simpler auditory perceptual,
      task and general neuropsychological factors. In order to assess neuroanatomical
      associations of performance on auditory scene analysis tasks, structural brain
      magnetic resonance imaging data from the patient cohort were analysed using voxel
      based morphometry. Compared with healthy controls, patients with Alzheimer's
      disease had impairments of auditory scene analysis, and segregation and grouping
      operations were comparably affected. Auditory scene analysis impairments in
      Alzheimer's disease were not wholly attributable to simple auditory perceptual or
      task factors; however, the between-group difference relative to healthy controls
      was attenuated after accounting for non-verbal (visuospatial) working memory
      capacity. These findings demonstrate that clinically typical Alzheimer's disease
      is associated with a generic deficit of auditory scene analysis. Neuroanatomical
      associations of auditory scene analysis performance were identified in posterior
      cortical areas including the posterior superior temporal lobes and posterior
      cingulate. This work suggests a basis for understanding a class of clinical
      symptoms in Alzheimer's disease and for delineating cognitive mechanisms that
      mediate auditory scene analysis both in health and in neurodegenerative disease.

PMID- 22036958
TI  - Patterns of spontaneous and head-shaking nystagmus in cerebellar infarction:
      imaging correlations.
AB  - Horizontal head-shaking may induce nystagmus in peripheral as well as central
      vestibular lesions. While the patterns and mechanism of head-shaking nystagmus
      are well established in peripheral vestibulopathy, they require further
      exploration in central vestibular disorders. To define the characteristics and
      mechanism of head-shaking nystagmus in central vestibulopathies, we investigated
      spontaneous nystagmus and head-shaking nystagmus in 72 patients with isolated
      cerebellar infarction. Spontaneous nystagmus was observed in 28 (39%) patients,
      and was mostly ipsilesional when observed in unilateral infarction (15/18, 83%).
      Head-shaking nystagmus developed in 37 (51%) patients, and the horizontal
      component of head-shaking nystagmus was uniformly ipsilesional when induced in
      patients with unilateral infarction. Perverted head-shaking nystagmus occurred in
      23 (23/37, 62%) patients and was mostly downbeat (22/23, 96%). Lesion subtraction
      analyses revealed that damage to the uvula, nodulus and inferior tonsil was
      mostly responsible for generation of head-shaking nystagmus in patients with
      unilateral posterior inferior cerebellar artery infarction. Ipsilesional head
      shaking nystagmus in patients with unilateral cerebellar infarction may be
      explained by unilateral disruption of uvulonodular inhibition over the velocity
      storage. Perverted (downbeat) head-shaking nystagmus may be ascribed to impaired
      control over the spatial orientation of the angular vestibulo-ocular reflex due
      to uvulonodular lesions or a build-up of vertical vestibular asymmetry favouring
      upward bias due to lesions involving the inferior tonsil.

PMID- 22036959
TI  - The 'headache tree' via umbellulone and TRPA1 activates the trigeminovascular
      system.
AB  - The California bay laurel or Umbellularia californica (Hook. & Arn.) Nutt., is
      known as the 'headache tree' because the inhalation of its vapours can cause
      severe headache crises. However, the underlying mechanism of the headache
      precipitating properties of Umbellularia californica is unknown. The monoterpene
      ketone umbellulone, the major volatile constituent of the leaves of Umbellularia
      californica, has irritating properties, and is a reactive molecule that rapidly
      binds thiols. Thus, we hypothesized that umbellulone stimulates the transient
      receptor potential ankyrin 1 channel in a subset of peptidergic, nocioceptive
      neurons, activating the trigeminovascular system via this mechanism. Umbellulone,
      from uM to sub-mM concentrations, selectively stimulated transient receptor
      potential ankyrin 1-expressing HEK293 cells and rat trigeminal ganglion neurons,
      but not untransfected cells or neurons in the presence of the selective transient
      receptor potential ankyrin 1 antagonist, HC-030031. Umbellulone evoked a calcium
      dependent release of calcitonin gene-related peptide from rodent trigeminal nerve
      terminals in the dura mater. In wild-type mice, umbellulone elicited excitation
      of trigeminal neurons and released calcitonin gene-related peptide from sensory
      nerve terminals. These two responses were absent in transient receptor potential
      ankyrin 1 deficient mice. Umbellulone caused nocioceptive behaviour after
      stimulation of trigeminal nerve terminals in wild-type, but not transient
      receptor potential ankyrin 1 deficient mice. Intranasal application or
      intravenous injection of umbellulone increased rat meningeal blood flow in a dose
      dependent manner; a response selectively inhibited by systemic administration of
      transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 or calcitonin gene-related peptide
      receptor antagonists. These data indicate that umbellulone activates, through a
      transient receptor potential ankyrin 1-dependent mechanism, the trigeminovascular
      system, thereby causing nocioceptive responses and calcitonin gene-related
      peptide release. Pharmacokinetics of umbellulone, given by either intravenous or
      intranasal administration, suggest that transient receptor potential ankyrin 1
      stimulation, which eventually results in meningeal vasodilatation, may be
      produced via two different pathways, depending on the dose. Transient receptor
      potential ankyrin 1 activation may either be caused directly by umbellulone,
      which diffuses from the nasal mucosa to perivascular nerve terminals in meningeal
      vessels, or by stimulation of trigeminal endings within the nasal mucosa and
      activation of reflex pathways. Transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 activation
      represents a plausible mechanism for Umbellularia californica-induced headache.
      Present data also strengthen the hypothesis that a series of agents, including
      chlorine, cigarette smoke, formaldehyde and others that are known to be headache
      triggers and recently identified as transient receptor potential ankyrin 1
      agonists, utilize the activation of this channel on trigeminal nerves to produce
      head pain.

PMID- 22036960
TI  - The cerebellar cognitive profile.
AB  - The cerebellar role in non-motor functions is supported by the clinical finding
      that lesions confined to cerebellum produce the cerebellar cognitive affective
      syndrome. Nevertheless, there is no consensus regarding the overall cerebellar
      contribution to cognition. Among other reasons, this deficiency might be
      attributed to the small sample sizes and narrow breadths of existing studies on
      lesions in cerebellar patients, which have focused primarily on a single
      cognitive domain. The aim of this study was to examine the expression of
      cerebellar cognitive affective syndrome with regard to lesion topography in a
      large group of subjects with cerebellar damage. We retrospectively analysed
      charts from patients in the Ataxia Lab of Santa Lucia Foundation between 1997 and
      2007. Of 223 charts, 156 were included in the study, focusing on the importance
      of the cerebellum in cognition and the relevance of lesion topography in defining
      the cognitive domains that have been affected. Vascular topography and the
      involvement of deep cerebellar nuclei were the chief factors that determined the
      cognitive profile. Of the various cognitive domains, the ability to sequence was
      the most adversely affected in nearly all subjects, supporting the hypothesis
      that sequencing is a basic cerebellar operation.

PMID- 22036961
TI  - Assembly factors as a new class of disease genes for mitochondrial complex I
      deficiency: cause, pathology and treatment options.
AB  - Complex I deficiency is the most frequent cause of oxidative phosphorylation
      disorders. The disease features a large diversity of clinical symptoms often
      leading to progressive encephalomyopathies with a fatal outcome. There is
      currently no cure, and although disease-causing mutations have been found in the
      genes encoding complex I subunits, half of the cases remain unexplained. However,
      in the past 5 years a new class of complex I disease genes has emerged with the
      finding of specific assembly factors. So far nine such genes have been described
      and it is believed that in the near future more will be found. In this review, we
      will address whether the functions of these chaperones point towards a general
      molecular mechanism of disease and whether this enables us to design a treatment
      for complex I deficiency.

PMID- 22036962
TI  - Stimulation of the human cortex and the experience of pain: Wilder Penfield's
      observations revisited.
AB  - Thanks to the seminal work of Wilder Graves Penfield (1891-1976) at the Montreal
      Neurological Institute, electrical stimulation is used worldwide to localize the
      epileptogenic cortex and to map the functionally eloquent areas in the context of
      epilepsy surgery or lesion resections. In the functional map of elementary and
      experiential responses he described through >20 years of careful exploration of
      the human cortex via stimulation of the cortical surface, Penfield did not
      identify any 'pain cortical area'. We reinvestigated this issue by analysing
      subjective and videotaped behavioural responses to 4160 cortical stimulations
      using intracerebral electrodes implanted in all cortical lobes that were carried
      out over 12 years during the presurgical evaluation of epilepsy in 164
      consecutive patients. Pain responses were scarce (1.4%) and concentrated in the
      medial part of the parietal operculum and neighbouring posterior insula where
      pain thresholds showed a rostrocaudal decrement. This deep cortical region
      remained largely inaccessible to the intraoperative stimulation of the cortical
      surface carried out by Penfield after resection of the parietal operculum. It
      differs also from primary sensory areas described by Penfield et al. in the sense
      that, with our stimulation paradigm, pain represented only 10% of responses. Like
      Penfield et al., we obtained no pain response anywhere else in the cortex,
      including in regions consistently activated by pain in most functional imaging
      studies, i.e. the first somatosensory area, the lateral part of the secondary
      somatosensory area, anterior and mid-cingulate gyri (mid-cingulate cortex),
      anterior frontal, posterior parietal and supplementary motor areas. The medial
      parietal operculum and posterior insula are thus the only areas where electrical
      stimulation is able to trigger activation of the pain cortical network and thus
      the experience of somatic pain.

PMID- 22036963
TI  - Scope and application of therapeutic apheresis: Experience from a tertiary care
      hospital in North India.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We present here our experience with therapeutic apheresis (TA)
      performed for various indications, clinical response and complications in a
      tertiary care center over last 10 years. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Present study
      is a retrospective analysis of 492 TA procedures performed for 125 patients from
      January 2000 to December 2009. For each patient: age, gender, weight, clinical
      indication, pre-procedure hematological profile and ionized calcium levels were
      recorded. For every procedure following parameters were analyzed: type of venous
      access (central/peripheral), volume of blood and plasma processed, amount of
      anticoagulant used, procedure duration, blood flow rate, type of replacement
      fluid given, response to therapy and adverse reactions. RESULTS: Of 492 TA
      procedures, 68.8% were performed for neurology, 20.8% hematology-oncology, 9.6%
      renal and 0.8% for rheumatology patients. Therapeutic plasma exchanges (n=464;
      94.3%) and therapeutic cytapheresis (n=28; 6.7%) were performed in 113 and 12
      patients, respectively. Majority of patients belonged to ASFA category I and II
      (n=124; 99.2%). The overall response rate was 84%, with encouraging response in
      TTP (100%), aHUS (81.8%) and in neurological disorders (88.4%). Adverse events
      were reported in 52.8% of patients in 14.83% of procedures. CONCLUSION: Our
      results of TPE in neurological disorders and in atypical hemolytic uremic
      syndrome are encouraging and it is a cost effective alternative to IvIg in
      neurological disorders. Currently, there is a need for establishment of an Indian
      apheresis registry to understand the scenario of TA across the country and in the
      expansion of appropriate and applicable indications for TA in our setting.

PMID- 22036965
TI  - Fragrance material review on 2,2-dimethyl-3-phenylpropanol.
AB  - A toxicologic and dermatologic review of 2,2-dimethyl-3-phenylpropanol when used
      as a fragrance ingredient is presented. 2,2-Dimethyl-3-phenylpropanol is a member
      of the fragrance structural group Aryl Alkyl Alcohols and is a primary alcohol.
      The AAAs are a structurally diverse class of fragrance ingredients that includes
      primary, secondary, and tertiary alkyl alcohols covalently bonded to an aryl (Ar)
      group, which may be either a substituted or unsubstituted benzene ring. The
      common structural element for the AAA fragrance ingredients is an alcohol group 
      C-(R1)(R2)OH and generically the AAA fragrances can be represented as an Ar-C
      (R1)(R2)OH or Ar-Alkyl-C-(R1)(R2)OH group. This review contains a detailed
      summary of all available toxicology and dermatology papers that are related to
      this individual fragrance ingredient and is not intended as a stand-alone
      document. Available data for 2,2-dimethyl-3-phenylpropanol were evaluated then
      summarized and includes physical properties, acute toxicity, skin irritation,
      mucous membrane (eye) irritation, skin sensitization, phototoxicity, and
      photoallergy data. A safety assessment of the entire Aryl Alkyl Alcohols will be
      published simultaneously with this document; please refer to Belsito et al.
      (2012) for an overall assessment of the safe use of this material and all Aryl
      Alkyl Alcohols in fragrances.

PMID- 22036964
TI  - Notch signaling proteins HES-1 and Hey-1 bind to insulin degrading enzyme (IDE)
      proximal promoter and repress its transcription and activity: implications for
      cellular Abeta metabolism.
AB  - Cerebral amyloid beta (Abeta) accumulation is pathogenically associated with
      sporadic Alzheimer's disease (SAD). BACE-1 is involved in Abeta generation while
      insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) partakes in Abeta proteolytic clearance.
      Vulnerable regions in AD brains show increased BACE-1 protein levels and
      enzymatic activity while the opposite occurs with IDE. Another common feature in
      SAD brains is Notch1 overexpression. Here we demonstrate an increase in mRNA
      levels of Hey-1, a Notch target gene, and a decrease of IDE transcripts in the
      hippocampus of SAD brains as compared to controls. Transient transfection of
      Notch intracellular domain (NICD) in N2aSW cells, mouse neuroblastoma cells (N2a)
      stably expressing human amyloid precursor protein (APP) Swedish mutation, reduce
      IDE mRNA levels, promoting extracellular Abeta accumulation. Also, NICD, HES-1
      and Hey-1 overexpression result in decreased IDE proximal promoter activity. This
      effect was mediated by 2 functional sites located at -379/-372 and -310-303 from
      the first translation start site in the -575/-19 (556 bp) fragment of IDE
      proximal promoter. By site-directed mutagenesis of the IDE promoter region we
      reverted the inhibitory effect mediated by NICD transfection suggesting that
      these sites are indeed responsible for the Notch-mediated inhibition of the IDE
      gene expression. Intracranial injection of the Notch ligand JAG-1 in Tg2576 mice,
      expressing the Swedish mutation in human APP, induced overexpression of HES-1 and
      Hey-1 and reduction of IDE mRNA levels, respectively. Our results support our
      theory that a Notch-dependent IDE transcriptional modulation may impact on Abeta
      metabolism providing a functional link between Notch signaling and the
      amyloidogenic pathway in SAD.

PMID- 22036966
TI  - Natural polyphenols may ameliorate damage induced by copper overload.
AB  - The effect of the simultaneous exposure to transition metals and natural
      antioxidants frequently present in food is a question that needs further
      investigation. We aimed to explore the possible use of the natural polyphenols
      caffeic acid (CA), resveratrol (RES) and curcumin (CUR) to prevent damages
      induced by copper-overload on cellular molecules in HepG2 and A-549 human cells
      in culture. Exposure to 100MUM/24h copper (Cu) caused extensive pro-oxidative
      damage evidenced by increased TBARS, protein carbonyls and nitrite productions in
      both cell types. Damage was aggravated by simultaneous incubation with 100MUM of
      CA or RES, and it was also reflected in a decrease on cellular viability explored
      by trypan blue dye exclusion test and LDH leakage. Co-incubation with CUR
      produced opposite effects demonstrating a protective action which restored the
      level of biomarkers and cellular viability almost to control values. Thus, while
      CA and RES might aggravate the oxidative/nitrative damage of Cu, CUR should be
      considered as a putative protective agent. These results could stimulate further
      research on the possible use of natural polyphenols as neutralizing substances
      against the transition metal over-exposure in specific populations such as
      professional agrochemical sprayers and women using Cu-intrauterine devices.

PMID- 22036967
TI  - Fragrance material review on beta,beta,3-trimethyl-benzenepropanol.
AB  - A toxicologic and dermatologic review of beta,beta,3-trimethyl-benzenepropanol
      when used as a fragrance ingredient is presented. beta,beta,3-Trimethyl
      benzenepropanol is a member of the fragrance structural group Aryl Alkyl Alcohols
      and is a primary alcohol. The AAAs are a structurally diverse class of fragrance
      ingredients that includes primary, secondary, and tertiary alkyl alcohols
      covalently bonded to an aryl (Ar) group, which may be either a substituted or
      unsubstituted benzene ring. The common structural element for the AAA fragrance
      ingredients is an alcohol group -C-(R1)(R2)OH and generically the AAA fragrances
      can be represented as an Ar-C-(R1)(R2)OH or Ar-Alkyl-C-(R1)(R2)OH group. This
      review contains a detailed summary of all available toxicology and dermatology
      papers that are related to this individual fragrance ingredient and is not
      intended as a stand-alone document. Available data for beta,beta,3-trimethyl
      benzenepropanol were evaluated then summarized and includes physical properties,
      acute toxicity, skin irritation, mucous membrane (eye) irritation, skin
      sensitization, elicitation, phototoxicity, photoallergy, repeated dose, and
      genotoxicity data. A safety assessment of the entire Aryl Alkyl Alcohols will be
      published simultaneously with this document; please refer to Belsito et al.
      (2012) for an overall assessment of the safe use of this material and all Aryl
      Alkyl Alcohols in fragrances.

PMID- 22036968
TI  - Fragrance material review on 2-p-tolylethanol.
AB  - A toxicologic and dermatologic review of 2-p-tolylethanol when used as a
      fragrance ingredient is presented. 2-p-tolylethanol is a member of the fragrance
      structural group Aryl Alkyl Alcohols and is a primary alcohol. The AAAs are a
      structurally diverse class of fragrance ingredients that includes primary,
      secondary, and tertiary alkyl alcohols covalently bonded to an aryl (Ar) group,
      which may be either a substituted or unsubstituted benzene ring. The common
      structural element for the AAA fragrance ingredients is an alcohol group-C
      (R1)(R2)OH and generically the AAA fragrances can be represented as an Ar-C
      (R1)(R2)OH or Ar-Alkyl-C-(R1)(R2)OH group. This review contains a detailed
      summary of all available toxicology and dermatology papers that are related to
      this individual fragrance ingredient and is not intended as a stand-alone
      document. A safety assessment of the entire Aryl Alkyl Alcohols will be published
      simultaneously with this document; please refer to Belsito et al. (2012) for an
      overall assessment of the safe use of this material and all other branched chain
      saturated alcohols in fragrances.

PMID- 22036969
TI  - Fragrance material review on p-alpha,alpha-trimethylbenzyl alcohol.
AB  - A toxicologic and dermatologic review of p-alpha,alpha-trimethylbenzyl alcohol
      when used as a fragrance ingredient is presented. p-alpha,alpha-Trimethylbenzyl
      alcohol is a member of the fragrance structural group Aryl Alkyl Alcohols and is
      a tertiary alcohol. The AAAs are a structurally diverse class of fragrance
      ingredients that includes primary, secondary, and tertiary alkyl alcohols
      covalently bonded to an aryl (Ar) group, which may be either a substituted or
      unsubstituted benzene ring. The common structural element for the AAA fragrance
      ingredients is an alcohol group -C-(R1)(R2)OH and generically the AAA fragrances
      can be represented as an Ar-C-(R1)(R2)OH or Ar-Alkyl-C-(R1)(R2)OH group. This
      review contains a detailed summary of all available toxicology and dermatology
      papers that are related to this individual fragrance ingredient and is not
      intended as a stand-alone document. Available data for p-alpha,alpha
      trimethylbenzyl alcohol were evaluated then summarized and includes physical
      properties, acute toxicity, skin irritation, mucous membrane (eye) irritation,
      skin sensitisation, toxicokinetics, and genotoxicity data. A safety assessment of
      the entire Aryl Alkyl Alcohols will be published simultaneously with this
      document; please refer to Belsito et al. (2012) for an overall assessment of the
      safe use of this material and all Aryl Alkyl Alcohols in fragrances.

PMID- 22036970
TI  - Fragrance material review on 3-methyl-1-phenylbutan-2-ol.
AB  - A toxicologic and dermatologic review of 3-methyl-1-phenylbutan-2-ol when used as
      a fragrance ingredient is presented. 3-Methyl-1-phenylbutan-2-ol is a member of
      the fragrance structural group Aryl Alkyl Alcohols and is a secondary alcohol.
      The AAAs are a structurally diverse class of fragrance ingredients that includes
      primary, secondary, and tertiary alkyl alcohols covalently bonded to an aryl (Ar)
      group, which may be either a substituted or unsubstituted benzene ring. The
      common structural element for the AAA fragrance ingredients is an alcohol group 
      C-(R1)(R2)OH and generically the AAA fragrances can be represented as an Ar-C
      (R1)(R2)OH or Ar-Alkyl-C-(R1)(R2)OH group. This review contains a detailed
      summary of all available toxicology and dermatology papers that are related to
      this individual fragrance ingredient and is not intended as a stand-alone
      document. Available data for 3-methyl-1-phenylbutan-2-ol were evaluated then
      summarized and includes physical properties and mucous membrane (eye) irritation
      data. A safety assessment of the entire Aryl Alkyl Alcohols will be published
      simultaneously with this document; please refer to Belsito et al. (2012) for an
      overall assessment of the safe use of this material and all other branched chain
      saturated alcohols in fragrances.

PMID- 22036971
TI  - Fragrance material review on anisyl alcohol (o-m-p-).
AB  - A toxicologic and dermatologic review of anisyl alcohol (o-m-p-) when used as a
      fragrance ingredient is presented. Anisyl alcohol (o-m-p-) is a member of the
      fragrance structural group Aryl Alkyl Alcohols and is a primary alkyl alcohol.
      The AAAs are a structurally diverse class of fragrance ingredients that includes
      primary, secondary, and tertiary alkyl alcohols covalently bonded to an aryl (Ar)
      group, which may be either a substituted or unsubstituted benzene ring. The
      common structural element for the AAA fragrance ingredients is an alcohol group 
      C-(R1)(R2)OH and generically the AAA fragrances can be represented as an Ar-C
      (R1)(R2)OH or Ar(-)Alkyl-C-(R1)(R2)OH group. This review contains a detailed
      summary of all available toxicology and dermatology papers that are related to
      this individual fragrance ingredient and is not intended as a stand-alone
      document. A safety assessment of the entire Aryl Alkyl Alcohols will be published
      simultaneously with this document; please refer to Belsito et al. (2012) for an
      overall assessment of the safe use of this material and all other branched chain
      saturated alcohols in fragrances.

PMID- 22036972
TI  - Fragrance material review on phenylethyl alcohol.
AB  - A toxicologic and dermatologic review of phenylethyl alcohol when used as a
      fragrance ingredient is presented. Phenylethyl alcohol is a member of the
      fragrance structural group Aryl Alkyl Alcohols and is a primary alcohol. The AAAs
      are a structurally diverse class of fragrance ingredients that includes primary,
      secondary, and tertiary alkyl alcohols covalently bonded to an aryl (Ar) group,
      which may be either a substituted or unsubstituted benzene ring. The common
      structural element for the AAA fragrance ingredients is an alcohol group -C
      (R1)(R2)OH and generically the AAA fragrances can be represented as an Ar-C
      (R1)(R2)OH or Ar-Alkyl-C-(R1)(R2)OH group. This review contains a detailed
      summary of all available toxicology and dermatology papers that are related to
      this individual fragrance ingredient and is not intended as a stand-alone
      document. Available data for phenylethyl alcohol were evaluated then summarized
      and includes physical properties, acute toxicity, skin irritation, mucous
      membrane (eye) irritation, skin sensitization, toxicokinetics, repeated dose,
      reproductive toxicity, genotoxicity, and carcinogenicity data. A safety
      assessment of the entire Aryl Alkyl Alcohols will be published simultaneously
      with this document; please refer to Belsito et al. (2012) for an overall
      assessment of the safe use of this material and all Aryl Alkyl Alcohols in
      fragrances.

PMID- 22036973
TI  - Fragrance material review on benzyl alcohol.
AB  - A toxicologic and dermatologic review of benzyl alcohol when used as a fragrance
      ingredient is presented. Benzyl alcohol is a member of the fragrance structural
      group Aryl Alkyl Alcohols and is a primary alcohol. The AAAs are a structurally
      diverse class of fragrance ingredients that includes primary, secondary, and
      tertiary alkyl alcohols covalently bonded to an aryl (Ar) group, which may be
      either a substituted or unsubstituted benzene ring. The common structural element
      for the AAA fragrance ingredients is an alcohol group -C-(R1)(R2)OH and
      generically the AAA fragrances can be represented as an Ar-C-(R1)(R2)OH or Ar
      Alkyl-C-(R1)(R2)OH group. This review contains a detailed summary of all
      available toxicology and dermatology papers related to this individual fragrance
      ingredient and is not intended as a stand-alone document. Available data for
      benzyl alcohol were evaluated then summarized and includes physical properties,
      acute toxicity, skin irritation, mucous membrane (eye) irritation, skin
      sensitization, elicitation, phototoxicity, photoallergy, toxicokinetics, repeated
      dose, reproductive toxicity, genotoxicity, and carcinogenicity data. A safety
      assessment of the entire Aryl Alkyl Alcohols will be published simultaneously
      with this document; please refer to Belsito et al. (2012) for an overall
      assessment of the safe use of this material and all Aryl Alkyl Alcohols in
      fragrances.

PMID- 22036974
TI  - Protective effects of pine bark extract on developmental toxicity of
      cyclophosphamide in rats.
AB  - This study investigated the protective effects of pine bark extract
      (Pycnogenol(r), PYC) against cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced developmental toxicity
      in rats. A total of 44 mated females were randomly assigned to the following four
      experimental groups: (1) vehicle control, (2) CP, (3) CP&PYC, or (4) PYC. All
      dams were subjected to a Caesarean section on day 20 of gestation, and fetuses
      were examined for morphological abnormalities. Oxidative stress analysis was
      performed on maternal hepatic tissues. CP treatment caused decreased fetal and
      placental weights and increased embryonic resorptions and fetal malformations. In
      addition, an increased malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration and decreased reduced
      glutathione (GSH) content and catalase activity were observed in the hepatic
      tissues. On the contrary, PYC treatment during pregnancy significantly
      ameliorated the CP-induced embryo-fetal developmental toxicity in rats. Moreover,
      MDA and GSH concentrations and catalase activity in hepatic tissues were not
      affected when PYC was administered in conjunction with CP. These results suggest
      that repeated administration of PYC has beneficial effects against CP-induced
      embryo-fetal developmental toxicity in rats, and that the protective effects of
      PYC may be due to both inhibition of lipid peroxidation and increased antioxidant
      activity.

PMID- 22036975
TI  - Fragrance material review on o-tolylethanol.
AB  - A toxicologic and dermatologic review of safety data for o-tolylethanol when used
      as a fragrance ingredient is presented. o-Tolylethanol is a member of the
      fragrance structural group Aryl Alkyl Alcohols and is a primary alcohol. The AAAs
      are a structurally diverse class of fragrance ingredients that includes primary,
      secondary, and tertiary alkyl alcohols covalently bonded to an aryl (Ar) group,
      which may be either a substituted or unsubstituted benzene ring. The common
      structural element for the AAA fragrance ingredients is an alcohol group -C
      (R1)(R2)OH and generically the AAA fragrances can be represented as an Ar-C
      (R1)(R2)OH or Ar-Alkyl-C-(R1)(R2)OH group. This review contains a detailed
      summary of all available toxicology and dermatology papers that are related to
      this individual fragrance ingredient and is not intended as a stand-alone
      document. Available data for o-tolylethanol were evaluated then summarized and
      includes physical properties, skin irritation, and skin sensitisation data. A
      safety assessment of the entire Aryl Alkyl Alcohols will be published
      simultaneously with this document; please refer to Belsito et al. (2012) for an
      overall assessment of the safe use of this material and all Aryl Alkyl Alcohols
      in fragrances.

PMID- 22036976
TI  - Fragrance material review on 2-methyl-4-phenylpentanol.
AB  - A toxicologic and dermatologic review of 2-methyl-4-phenylpentanol when used as a
      fragrance ingredient is presented. 2-Methyl-4-phenylpentanol is a member of the
      fragrance structural group Aryl Alkyl Alcohols and is a primary alcohol. The AAAs
      are a structurally diverse class of fragrance ingredients that includes primary,
      secondary, and tertiary alkyl alcohols covalently bonded to an aryl (Ar) group,
      which may be either a substituted or unsubstituted benzene ring. The common
      structural element for the AAA fragrance ingredients is an alcohol group -C
      (R1)(R2)OH and generically the AAAs fragrances can be represented as an Ar-C
      (R1)(R2)OH or Ar-Alkyl-C-(R1)(R2)OH group. This review contains a detailed
      summary of all available toxicology and dermatology papers that are related to
      this individual fragrance ingredient and is not intended as a stand-alone
      document. Available data for 2-methyl-4-phenylpentanol were evaluated then
      summarized and includes physical properties, acute toxicity, skin irritation,
      mucous membrane (eye) irritation, skin sensitization, repeated dose, and
      genotoxicity data. A safety assessment of the entire Aryl Alkyl Alcohols will be
      published simultaneously with this document; please refer to Belsito et al.
      (2012) for an overall assessment of the safe use of this material and all Aryl
      Alkyl Alcohols in fragrances.

PMID- 22036977
TI  - Fragrance material review on alpha-isobutylphenethyl alcohol.
AB  - A toxicologic and dermatologic review of alpha-isobutylphenethyl alcohol when
      used as a fragrance ingredient is presented. alpha-Isobutylphenethyl alcohol is a
      member of the fragrance structural group Aryl Alkyl Alcohols and is a secondary
      alcohol. The AAAs are a structurally diverse class of fragrance ingredients that
      includes primary, secondary, and tertiary alkyl alcohols covalently bonded to an
      aryl (Ar) group, which may be either a substituted or unsubstituted benzene ring.
      The common structural element for the AAA fragrance ingredients is an alcohol
      group -C-(R1)(R2)OH and generically the AAA fragrances can be represented as an
      Ar-C-(R1)(R2)OH or Ar-Alkyl-C-(R1)(R2)OH group. This review contains a detailed
      summary of all available toxicology and dermatology papers that are related to
      this individual fragrance ingredient and is not intended as a stand-alone
      document. Available data for alpha-isobutylphenethyl alcohol were evaluated then
      summarized and includes physical properties, skin sensitization, and repeated
      dose data. A safety assessment of the entire Aryl Alkyl Alcohols will be
      published simultaneously with this document; please refer to Belsito et al.
      (2012) for an overall assessment of the safe use of this material and all Aryl
      Alkyl Alcohols in fragrances.

PMID- 22036978
TI  - Fragrance material review on 2-(3-methylphenyl) ethanol.
AB  - A toxicologic and dermatologic review of 2-(3-methylphenyl) ethanol when used as
      a fragrance ingredient is presented. 2-(3-Methylphenyl) ethanol is a member of
      the fragrance structural group Aryl Alkyl Alcohols and is a primary alcohol. The
      AAAs are a structurally diverse class of fragrance ingredients that includes
      primary, secondary, and tertiary alkyl alcohols covalently bonded to an aryl (Ar)
      group, which may be either a substituted or unsubstituted benzene ring. The
      common structural element for the AAA fragrance ingredients is an alcohol group 
      C-(R1)(R2)OH and generically the AAA fragrances can be represented as an Ar-C
      (R1)(R2)OH or Ar-Alkyl-C-(R1)(R2)OH group. This review contains a detailed
      summary of all available toxicology and dermatology papers that are related to
      this individual fragrance ingredient and is not intended as a stand-alone
      document. A safety assessment of the entire Aryl Alkyl Alcohols will be published
      simultaneously with this document; please refer to Belsito et al. (2012) for an
      overall assessment of the safe use of this material and all other branched chain
      saturated alcohols in fragrances.

PMID- 22036979
TI  - Caffeic acid attenuates 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced NF
      kappaB and COX-2 expression in mouse skin: abrogation of oxidative stress,
      inflammatory responses and proinflammatory cytokine production.
AB  - Polyphenols are the abundant micronutrient in our diet and attention has been
      given to them for the prevention of degenerative diseases. Since over production
      of ROS and proinflammatory cytokine are often act as the triggers for the
      promotion stage of carcinogenesis by transcriptional up-regulation of nuclear
      factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and cycloxygenage-2 (COX-2). We investigated the
      protective effects of caffeic acid (CA) on 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate
      (TPA) induced oxidative and inflammatory responses, expression of NF-kappaB and
      COX-2 in mouse skin. Animals were given pre-treatment of CA at two different
      doses 10MUmol (D1) and 20MUmol (D2)/0.2ml of acetone 30min prior to each TPA
      (10nmol/0.2ml of acetone) application. Our results show that CA significantly
      inhibit the TPA induced lipid peroxidation (LPO), inflammatory responses, tumor
      necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) release and also found to up regulate GSH
      content and the activity of different antioxidant enzymes. Further, CA was found
      to inhibit the TPA induced expression of NF-kappaB and COX-2. Thus, our results
      suggest that CA attenuates TPA induced tumor promotional triggers possibly by
      inhibition of oxidative and inflammatory responses thereby diminishing the
      expression of NF-kappaB and COX-2.

PMID- 22036980
TI  - Fragrance material review on 2-phenoxyethanol.
AB  - A toxicologic and dermatologic review of 2-phenoxyethanol when used as a
      fragrance ingredient is presented. 2-Phenoxyethanol is a member of the fragrance
      structural group Aryl Alkyl Alcohols and is a primary alcohol. The AAAs are a
      structurally diverse class of fragrance ingredients that includes primary,
      secondary, and tertiary alkyl alcohols covalently bonded to an aryl (Ar) group,
      which may be either a substituted or unsubstituted benzene ring. The common
      structural element for the AAA fragrance ingredients is an alcohol group -C
      (R1)(R2)OH and generically the AAA fragrances can be represented as an Ar-C
      (R1)(R2)OH or Ar-Alkyl-C-(R1)(R2)OH group. This review contains a detailed
      summary of all available toxicology and dermatology papers that are related to
      this individual fragrance ingredient and is not intended as a stand-alone
      document. Available data for 2-phenoxyethanol were evaluated then summarized and
      includes physical properties, acute toxicity, skin irritation, mucous membrane
      (eye) irritation, skin sensitization, elicitation, phototoxicity, photoallergy,
      toxicokinetics, repeated dose, and reproductive toxicity data. A safety
      assessment of the entire Aryl Alkyl Alcohols will be published simultaneously
      with this document; please refer to Belsito et al. (2012) for an overall
      assessment of the safe use of this material and all Aryl Alkyl Alcohols in
      fragrances.

PMID- 22036981
TI  - A hierarchical Bayesian mixture model for repeated dietary records.
AB  - Many dietary consumption variables show strong positive skewness or large
      proportions of zeros. Attempts to normalize such data using transformations such
      as powers and logarithms can be unsuccessful: this results in poor estimates of
      their probability distributions, and hence of the proportions of the population
      whose consumption is beyond recommended limits. As an alternative to such
      transformations, the use of finite mixtures of standard distributions offers
      flexible modeling of data having skewed or multi-modal distributions, such as
      data on dietary consumption. In many dietary studies, individuals are asked to
      report their consumptions on several days. The use of finite-mixture models for
      such repeated data requires generalization to take account of the resulting
      hierarchical structure in the data. We first consider how finite mixture models
      might be extended to data with repeated records, and then apply a Bayesian
      version of one such extension to data on the consumption of retinol (Vitamin A)
      by British adults over 7 consecutive days. We also illustrate how factors such as
      sex and age may be included in the model. The mixture-model approach is found to
      provide better estimates than alternative methods of the probability
      distributions of daily consumptions and of maximum consumption over 7days.

PMID- 22036982
TI  - Fragrance material review on 2-methyl-4-phenyl-2-butanol.
AB  - A toxicologic and dermatologic review of 2-methyl-4-phenyl-2-butanol when used as
      a fragrance ingredient is presented. 2-methyl-4-phenyl-2-butanol is a member of
      the fragrance structural group Aryl Alkyl Alcohols and is a tertiary alcohol. The
      AAAs are a structurally diverse class of fragrance ingredients that includes
      primary, secondary, and tertiary alkyl alcohols covalently bonded to an aryl (Ar)
      group, which may be either a substituted or unsubstituted benzene ring. The
      common structural element for the AAA fragrance ingredients is an alcohol group 
      C-(R1)(R2)OH and generically the AAA fragrances can be represented as an Ar-C
      (R1)(R2)OH or Ar-Alkyl-C-(R1)(R2)OH group. This review contains a detailed
      summary of all available toxicology and dermatology papers that are related to
      this individual fragrance ingredient and is not intended as a stand-alone
      document. Available data for 2-methyl-4-phenyl-2-butanol were evaluated then
      summarized and includes physical properties, acute toxicity, skin irritation, and
      skin sensitization data. A safety assessment of the entire Aryl Alkyl Alcohols
      will be published simultaneously with this document; please refer to Belsito et
      al. (2012) for an overall assessment of the safe use of this material and all
      Aryl Alkyl Alcohols in fragrances. assessment of aryl alkyl alcohols when used as
      fragrance ingredients.

PMID- 22036983
TI  - Fragrance material review on alpha,alpha,4-trimethylphenethyl alcohol.
AB  - A toxicologic and dermatologic review of alpha,alpha,4-trimethylphenethyl alcohol
      when used as a fragrance ingredient is presented. alpha,alpha,4
      Trimethylphenethyl alcohol is a member of the fragrance structural group Aryl
      Alkyl Alcohols and is a tertiary alcohol. The AAAs are a structurally diverse
      class of fragrance ingredients that includes primary, secondary, and tertiary
      alkyl alcohols covalently bonded to an aryl (Ar) group, which may be either a
      substituted or unsubstituted benzene ring. The common structural element for the
      AAA fragrance ingredients is an alcohol group -C-(R1)(R2)OH and generically the
      AAA fragrances can be represented as an Ar-C-(R1)(R2)OH or Ar-Alkyl-C-(R1)(R2)OH
      group. This review contains a detailed summary of all available toxicology and
      dermatology papers that are related to this individual fragrance ingredient and
      is not intended as a stand-alone document. Available data for alpha,alpha,4
      trimethylphenethyl alcohol were evaluated then summarized and includes physical
      properties, skin irritation, mucous membrane (eye) irritation, and skin
      sensitization data. A safety assessment of the entire Aryl Alkyl Alcohols will be
      published simultaneously with this document; please refer to Belsito et al.
      (2012) for an overall assessment of the safe use of this material and all Aryl
      Alkyl Alcohols in fragrances.

PMID- 22036984
TI  - Isolation and identification of alpha-proteobacteria from Culex pipiens (Diptera
      Culicidae) larvae.
AB  - A survey of drainage ditches in suburban areas of La Plata, Buenos Aires
      province, Argentina for pathogens of Culex pipiens larvae was conducted from 2003
      to 2006. C. pipiens larvae of opaque, white color were found in several of those
      field collections. When the white larvae were dissected and observed by phase
      contrast microscopy in wet-mount preparations, the presence of bacteria, located
      in the hemocoel, was recorded. Laboratory experiments were performed to elucidate
      the pathway for transmission of this pathogen. Although approaches involving
      traditional culturing had failed to reveal the identity of the new microorganism
      present, molecular techniques to identify the pathogen in the studies reported
      here were successful. The partial sequence of the 16S-rRNA gene constitutes a
      powerful tool for the detection of new isolates from the hemocoele of C. pipiens
      larvae. These bacteria were characterized as belonging to the genus
      Novispirillum. In spite of the genus's wide distribution in different aquatic
      environments, information related to the parasitic relationship of Novispirillum
      spp. to aquatic insects is scarce, and this association has not been described in
      other mosquito species. This report constitutes the first documentation of
      Novispirillum spp. as a pathogen for mosquito larvae.

PMID- 22036985
TI  - Lack of detection of a putative retrovirus associated with haemic neoplasia in
      the soft shell clam Mya arenaria.
AB  - Haemic neoplasia (HN) is a leukemia-like disease that affects at least 20 species
      of marine bivalves including soft shell clam, Mya arenaria. Since the disease was
      discovered in 1969, the etiology remains unknown. A retroviral etiology has been
      suggested based on the detection of reverse transcriptase activity and electron
      microscopic observation of retroviral-like particles using negative staining. To
      date, however no virus isolate and no retroviral sequence from HN has been
      obtained. Moreover, transmission of the disease by cell-free filtrate from
      affected clams has not been reproduced. In the current study, we reinvestigated
      the association of HN with a putative retrovirus. Sucrose gradient centrifugation
      followed by assessment of reverse transcriptase activity, electrophoretic
      analysis of protein and RNA, and electron microscopic examinations of fractions
      corresponding to retroviral density were employed. Detection of retroviral pol
      sequences using degenerate RT-PCR approaches was also attempted. Our results
      showed visible bands at the expected density of retrovirus in HN-positive and HN
      negative clam tissues and both with reverse transcriptase activity. Electron
      microscopy, RNA analysis, protein analysis, and PCR systems targeting the pol
      gene of retroviruses did not however provide clear evidence supporting presence
      of a retrovirus. We point out that the retrovirus etiology of HN of Mya arenaria
      proposed some 25 years ago should be reconsidered in the absence of a virus
      isolate or virus sequences.

PMID- 22036986
TI  - Lessons from 54 years of pharmaceutical research.

PMID- 22036987
TI  - HPV16 is associated with younger age in women with cervical intraepithelial
      neoplasia grade 2 and 3.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if women with HPV16 positive CIN2 and CIN3 are diagnosed
      at a younger age. METHODS: We conducted a population-based cohort study including
      more than 40,000 women having a liquid based cervical cytology sample taken as
      part of routine screening. HPV analysis was performed using Hybrid Capture 2 and
      LiPAv2. The study population was linked to the Danish Pathology Data Bank to
      retrieve information on subsequent cervical histology. We included HR HPV
      positive CIN2/3 samples, comprising 173 CIN2 and 467 CIN3 lesions. Due to a high
      number of multiple concurrent HPV infections, the causative HPV type was assigned
      to a hierarchically group. RESULTS: In CIN3, the estimated proportion of lesions
      positive for HPV16 was 68.1% among women aged 20 years and decreased to 38.9%
      among women aged 50 years. A decrease in HPV16 positivity with increasing age was
      also observed in CIN2. In a multinomial logistic regression analysis, young age
      was strongly associated with HPV16 positivity in CIN3 lesions (OR=0.46 per 10
      year increase in age, 95% CI: 0.32-0.65). The proportion of HPV16 and/or 18
      positive lesions among women diagnosed with CIN2 and CIN3 below 30 years of age
      was 44% and 75%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: HPV16 positivity was significantly
      associated with younger age at diagnosis of CIN3. In a population vaccinated
      against HPV16 and 18, we will experience a shift to older ages in cervical
      precancerous lesions. These findings may imply that cervical cancer screening
      programs could start at an older age in HPV vaccinated populations.

PMID- 22036988
TI  - Pulmonary delivery of elcatonin using surface-modified liposomes to improve
      systemic absorption: polyvinyl alcohol with a hydrophobic anchor and chitosan
      oligosaccharide as effective surface modifiers.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of surface-modified
      liposomes for pulmonary delivery of a peptide. Chitosan oligosaccharide (oligoCS)
      and polyvinyl alcohol with a hydrophobic anchor (PVA-R) were used as surface
      modifiers. The effect of liposomal surface modification on the behavior of the
      liposomes on pulmonary administration and potential toxicity were evaluated in
      vitro and in vivo. In an association study with A549 cells, PVA-R modification
      reduced interaction with A549 cells, whereas oligoCS modification
      electrostatically enhanced cellular interaction. The therapeutic efficacy of
      elcatonin (eCT) after pulmonary administration to rats was significantly enhanced
      and prolonged for 48 h after separate administration with oligoCS- or PVA-R
      modified liposomes. oligoCS-modified liposomes adhered to lung tissues and caused
      opening of tight junctions, which enhanced eCT absorption. On the other hand, PVA
      R-modified liposomes induced long-term retention of eCT in the lung fluid,
      leading to sustained absorption. Consequently, surface modification of liposomes
      with oligoCS or PVA-R has potential for effective peptide drug delivery through
      pulmonary administration.

PMID- 22036989
TI  - Effect of ultraviolet filters on skin superoxide dismutase activity in hairless
      mice after a single dose of ultraviolet radiation.
AB  - Organic sunscreens may decrease their protective capability and also behave as
      photo-oxidants upon ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure. The present study
      investigated the effect of a cream gel formulation containing the UV filters
      benzophenone-3, octyl methoxycinnamate, and octyl salicylate on skin superoxide
      dismutase (SOD) after a single dose of UVR (2.87 J/cm(2)). The retention of these
      UV filters was first evaluated in vivo using hairless mice to guarantee the
      presence of the filters in the skin layers at the moment of irradiation. The in
      vivo effect of the UV filters on skin SOD was then assayed spectrophotometrically
      via the reduction of cytochrome c. The cream gel formulation promoted the
      penetration of the three UV filters into the epidermis and the dermis at one hour
      post-application. A significant decrease in SOD activity was observed in
      irradiated animals treated with sunscreen formulation. However, no effect on SOD
      activity in skin was observed by the isolated presence of the sunscreens, the
      formulation components, or the exposure to UVR. The sunscreens may have formed
      degradation products under UVR that may have either inhibited the enzyme or
      generated reactive species in the skin.

PMID- 22036990
TI  - Dissolution of a poorly water-soluble drug dry coated with magnesium and sodium
      stearate.
AB  - The purpose of this research was to investigate the influence of dry coating
      micronized cohesive powders of a poorly water-soluble drug, indomethacin with
      force control agents, on its dissolution performance. A dry mechanical fusion
      method (mechanofusion) was used to coat indomethacin powders with magnesium
      stearate (0.25%,1%,5%) and sodium stearate (5%). After mechanofusion,
      significantly increased bulk and tapped densities and decreased intrinsic
      cohesion were observed for all samples. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis
      confirmed that a thicker magnesium stearate surface coating was achieved with
      increasing concentrations of the material. Dissolution was studied using the USP
      paddle method in buffer pH 5.0; several modelling approaches were used to explore
      the dissolution mechanisms. Whilst the bi-exponential equation represented
      dissolution of mechanofused indomethacin powders occurring from dispersed and
      agglomerated particles, it provided unrealistic parameter estimates for the two
      coating materials of contrasting properties. Initial increases in indomethacin
      dissolution were dependent on the concentration of magnesium stearate
      mechanofused onto the drug powders. The dissolution enhancing effect of
      indomethacin powders mechanofused with 5% sodium stearate was attributed to its
      surfactant properties that increased dispersion of indomethacin agglomerates.
      Initial drug release from the coated powders was described by a matrix-diffusion
      system according to the Higuchi model.

PMID- 22036991
TI  - Benzothiazole-containing hydroxamic acids as histone deacetylase inhibitors and
      antitumor agents.
AB  - Data from clinical studies indicate that inhibitors of Class I and Class II
      histone deacetylase (HDAC) enzymes show great promise for the treatment of
      cancer. Zolinza (SAHA, Zolinza) was recently approved by the FDA for the
      treatment of the cutaneous manifestations of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. As a part
      of our ongoing effort to identify novel small molecules to target these important
      enzymes, we have prepared two series of benzothiazole-containing analogues of
      SAHA. It was found that several compounds with 6C-bridge linking benzothiazole
      moiety and hydroxamic functional groups showed good inhibition against HDAC3 and
      4 at as low as 1 MUg/ml and exhibited potent cytotoxicity against five cancer
      cell lines with average IC(50) values of as low as 0.81 MUg/ml, almost equipotent
      to SAHA.

PMID- 22036992
TI  - Diabetic nephropathy-related active cyclic peptides from the roots of
      Brachystemma calycinum.
AB  - Three new cyclic peptides, namely duanbanhuains A-C (1-3), were isolated from the
      roots of Brachystemma calycinum which is a traditional medicine used to treat
      rheumatic diseases. Their structures were identified by means of a suite of MS
      and NMR experiments. These compounds were purposely evaluated for their
      inhibitory effects on the release of MCP-1, IL-6, collagen IV and reactive oxygen
      species (ROS) against high-glucose-stimulated mesangial cells. The results showed
      that compounds 1 and 2 exhibited potent inhibition on the production of IL-6,
      collagen IV and ROS at the concentration of 10 MUM.

PMID- 22036993
TI  - Management of the stiff shoulder. A prospective multicenter comparative study of
      the six main techniques in use: 235 cases.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Stiffness in the shoulder is a frequent symptom associated with a
      number of clinical entities whose management remains inadequately defined.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: This prospective study of 235 cases of stiffness in the
      shoulder compared six therapeutic techniques with a mean follow-up of 13 months
      (range, 3-28 months) (T1: 58 cases, conventional rehabilitation under the pain
      threshold, T2: 59 cases, self-rehabilitation over the pain threshold, T3: 31
      cases, T2 + supervision, T4: 11 cases, T1 + capsular distension, T5: 31 cases, T1
      + locoregional anesthesia, T6: 45 cases, T1 + T5 + capsulotomy). The therapeutic
      power of each technique and its impact on the result were assessed at each self
      rehabilitation and rehabilitation session during the first 6 weeks and then at 3
      months, 6 months, and at the final revision depending on subjective criteria
      (pain, discomfort, and morale) and objective criteria (Constant score,
      goniometric measurements). RESULTS: Conventional rehabilitation (T1) is less
      effective than self-rehabilitation over the pain threshold (T2 & T3) during the
      first 6 weeks (P<0.05). Self-rehabilitation stagnates between the 6th and 12th
      week except when it is supervised by a therapist (T3). Anesthesia (T4) and
      capsular distension (T5) do not lead to significantly different progression
      beyond 6 months. Capsulotomy does not demonstrate greater therapeutic power but
      its failure rate (persisting stiffness at 1 year) is 0% versus 14-17% for the
      other techniques (P<0.05). DISCUSSION: The techniques are complementary and
      therapeutic success stems from an algorithm adapted to the individual patient
      with, over the first 3 months, successive self-rehabilitation and conventional
      rehabilitation, possibly completed by capsular distension or anesthesia between
      the 3rd and 6th months. In case of failure at 6 months, endoscopic capsulotomy
      can be proposed. Therapeutic patient education and active participation are the
      key to treatment success or failure.

PMID- 22036994
TI  - Pain management in the rehabilitation of stiff shoulder: prospective multicenter
      comparative study of 193 cases.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The present study investigated the impact of respecting pain
      threshold on clinical recovery in stiff shoulder. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A
      prospective multicenter comparative study followed up 193 cases of shoulder
      stiffness for a mean 12-month period (range, 8-31 months) after four different
      treatment protocols: (1) conventional sub-pain-threshold rehabilitation (58
      cases); (2) self-rehabilitation exceeding the pain threshold (59 cases); (3)
      supervised suprathreshold rehabilitation (31 cases); and (4) capsulotomy with sub
      threshold rehabilitation (45 cases). Follow-up was daily for the first 6 weeks
      then weekly for the next 6; each session included assessment of the painfulness,
      feasibility and duration of each rehabilitation and self-rehabilitation exercise
      and of pain status, disability and psychological status. The surgeon followed
      patients up at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, 1 year and at last follow-up.
      RESULTS: Sub-threshold rehabilitation provided progressive results, limited in
      time (P<0.05). Suprathreshold self-rehabilitation provided reduced pain (P<0.05)
      as of the first days, with nocturnal pain ceasing after 7 days' rehabilitation in
      43% of cases. Supervision of self-rehabilitation exercises optimized the clinical
      result (P<0.05). Capsulotomy did not influence pain evolution over the first 8
      weeks, but then improved it. Failure (at 1 year, 14-17%; last follow-up, 3.5%)
      correlated directly with the number of exercises performed by the patient
      (P<0.05). DISCUSSION: The dogma of respecting the pain threshold is dated: pain
      inflicted on a passive patient impairs clinical evolution, but pain managed by an
      informed active patient under experienced supervision provides rapid recovery of
      function and pain-free status.

PMID- 22036996
TI  - FMRI using balanced steady-state free precession (SSFP).
AB  - Steady-state free precession (SSFP) is a highly-efficient MRI pulse sequence that
      has been a fairly recent arrival in the functional MRI realm. Several methods for
      using balanced SSFP to detect the BOLD signal have been proposed to date and will
      be discussed in this review. After a brief introduction to the general properties
      of SSFP, this review describes the quite different approaches of transition-band
      and pass-band SSFP in terms of functional contrast mechanism. It then discusses
      the potential advantages of these techniques, followed by their challenges and
      shortcomings. Finally, it gives an overview of some applications considered to
      date and the author's perspective on where these techniques are headed. In the
      spirit of this special issue, the author also includes some of the personal
      history underlying her own explorations in this area.

PMID- 22036995
TI  - Spiral imaging in fMRI.
AB  - T2*-weighted Blood Oxygen Level Dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance
      imaging (fMRI) requires efficient acquisition methods in order to fully sample
      the brain in a several second time period. The most widely used approach is Echo
      Planar Imaging (EPI), which utilizes a Cartesian trajectory to cover k-space.
      This trajectory is subject to ghosts from off-resonance and gradient
      imperfections and is intrinsically sensitive to cardiac-induced pulsatile motion
      from substantial first- and higher order moments of the gradient waveform near
      the k-space origin. In addition, only the readout direction gradient contributes
      significant energy to the trajectory. By contrast, the spiral method samples k
      space with an Archimedean or similar trajectory that begins at the k-space center
      and spirals to the edge (spiral-out), or its reverse, ending at the origin
      (spiral-in). Spiral methods have reduced sensitivity to motion, shorter readout
      times, improved signal recovery in most frontal and parietal brain regions, and
      exhibit blurring artifacts instead of ghosts or geometric distortion. Methods
      combining spiral-in and spiral-out trajectories have further advantages in terms
      of diminished susceptibility-induced signal dropout and increased BOLD signal. In
      measurements of temporal signal to noise ratio measured in 8 subjects, spiral
      in/out exhibited significant increases over EPI in voxel volumes recovered in
      frontal and whole brain regions (18% and 10%, respectively).

PMID- 22036997
TI  - High resolution MR anatomy of the subthalamic nucleus: imaging at 9.4 T with
      histological validation.
AB  - Using conventional MRI the subthalamic nucleus (STN) is not clearly defined. Our
      objective was to define the anatomy of the STN using 9.4 T MRI of post mortem
      tissue with histological validation. Spin-echo (SE) and 3D gradient-echo (GE)
      images were obtained at 9.4 T in 8 post mortem tissue blocks and compared
      directly with corresponding histological slides prepared with Luxol Fast
      Blue/Cresyl Violet (LFB/CV) in 4 cases and Perl stain in 3. The variability of
      the STN anatomy was studied using internal reference points. The anatomy of the
      STN and surrounding structures was demonstrated in all three anatomical planes
      using 9.4 T MR images in concordance with LFB/CV stained histological sections.
      Signal hypointensity was seen in 6/8 cases in the anterior and medial STN that
      corresponded with regions of more intense Perl staining. There was significant
      variability in the volume, shape and location of the borders of the STN. Using
      9.4 T MRI, the internal signal characteristics and borders of the STN are clearly
      defined and significant anatomical variability is apparent. Direct visualisation
      of the STN is possible using high field MRI and this is particularly relevant,
      given its anatomical variability, for planning deep brain stimulation.

PMID- 22036998
TI  - Towards source volume estimation of interictal spikes in focal epilepsy using
      magnetoencephalography.
AB  - Interictal spikes are a hallmark of cortical epileptogenicity; their spatial
      distribution in the cortex defines the so-called 'irritative' zone or spiking
      volume (SV). Delineating the SV precisely is a challenge during the presurgical
      evaluation of patients with epilepsy. Magnetoencephalography (MEG) recordings
      enable determination of the brain sources of epileptic spikes using source
      localization procedures. Most previous clinical MEG studies have relied on dipole
      modeling of epileptic spikes, which does not permit a volumetric estimation of
      the spiking cortex. In the present study, we propose a new source modeling
      procedure, Volumetric Imaging of Epileptic Spikes (VIES). In VIES, the SV is
      identified as the 3D region where sources of the high frequency activities (>20
      Hz) associated with epileptic spikes are distributed. We localized these sources
      using a beamforming approach (DICS, Dynamic Imaging of Coherent Neural Sources).
      To determine the optimal parameters and accuracy of the method, we compared the
      SV obtained by VIES with the SV defined by the invasive gold standard,
      intracranial stereotactic EEG recordings (SEEG), in 21 patients with focal
      epilepsy. Using rigorous validation criteria based on the exact anatomical
      location of SEEG contacts, we found that the overall sensitivity of VIES for
      detecting spiking SEEG contacts was 76% and its specificity for correctly
      identifying non-spiking SEEG contacts was 67%, indicating a good agreement
      between VIES and SEEG. Moreover, we found that classical dipole clustering was
      not informative in 9/21 patients, while VIES enable to delineate the SV in all
      patients. For the 12 patients having a SV delineated both with VIES and dipole
      clustering, VIES method had higher sensitivity and lower specificity. This proof
      of-concept study shows that VIES is a promising approach to non-invasive
      estimation of the SV in focal epilepsy.

PMID- 22036999
TI  - Quantification of the cortical contribution to the NIRS signal over the motor
      cortex using concurrent NIRS-fMRI measurements.
AB  - Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) measures the functional hemodynamic response
      occurring at the surface of the cortex. Large pial veins are located above the
      surface of the cerebral cortex. Following activation, these veins exhibit
      oxygenation changes but their volume likely stays constant. The back-reflection
      geometry of the NIRS measurement renders the signal very sensitive to these
      superficial pial veins. As such, the measured NIRS signal contains contributions
      from both the cortical region as well as the pial vasculature. In this work, the
      cortical contribution to the NIRS signal was investigated using (1) Monte Carlo
      simulations over a realistic geometry constructed from anatomical and vascular
      MRI and (2) multimodal NIRS-BOLD recordings during motor stimulation. A good
      agreement was found between the simulations and the modeling analysis of in vivo
      measurements. Our results suggest that the cortical contribution to the
      deoxyhemoglobin signal change (DeltaHbR) is equal to 16-22% of the cortical
      contribution to the total hemoglobin signal change (DeltaHbT). Similarly, the
      cortical contribution of the oxyhemoglobin signal change (DeltaHbO) is equal to
      73-79% of the cortical contribution to the DeltaHbT signal. These results suggest
      that DeltaHbT is far less sensitive to pial vein contamination and therefore, it
      is likely that the DeltaHbT signal provides better spatial specificity and should
      be used instead of DeltaHbO or DeltaHbR to map cerebral activity with NIRS. While
      different stimuli will result in different pial vein contributions, our finger
      tapping results do reveal the importance of considering the pial contribution.

PMID- 22037000
TI  - Processing of unattended facial emotions: a visual mismatch negativity study.
AB  - Facial emotions express our internal states and are fundamental in social
      interactions. Here we explore whether the repetition of unattended facial
      emotions builds up a predictive representation of frequently encountered emotions
      in the visual system. Participants (n=24) were presented peripherally with facial
      stimuli expressing emotions while they performed a visual detection task
      presented in the center of the visual field. Facial stimuli consisted of four
      faces of different identity, but expressed the same emotion (happy or fearful).
      Facial stimuli were presented in blocks of oddball sequence (standard emotion:
      p=0.9, deviant emotion: p=0.1). Event-related potentials (ERPs) to the same
      emotions were compared when the emotions were deviant and standard, respectively.
      We found visual mismatch negativity (vMMN) responses to unattended deviant
      emotions in the 170-360 ms post-stimulus range over bilateral occipito-temporal
      sites. Our results demonstrate that information about the emotional content of
      unattended faces presented at the periphery of the visual field is rapidly
      processed and stored in a predictive memory representation by the visual system.
      We also found evidence that differential processing of deviant fearful faces
      starts already at 70-120 ms after stimulus onset. This finding shows a
      'negativity bias' under unattended conditions. Differential processing of fearful
      deviants were more pronounced in the right hemisphere in the 195-275 ms and 360
      390 ms intervals, whereas processing of happy deviants evoked larger differential
      response in the left hemisphere in the 360-390 ms range, indicating differential
      hemispheric specialization for automatic processing of positive and negative
      affect.

PMID- 22037001
TI  - Early electrophysiological indices of illusory contour processing within the
      lateral occipital complex are virtually impervious to manipulations of illusion
      strength.
AB  - The visual system can automatically interpolate or "fill-in" the boundaries of
      objects when inputs are fragmented or incomplete. A canonical class of visual
      stimuli known as illusory-contour (IC) stimuli has been extensively used to study
      this contour interpolation process. Visual evoked potential (VEP) studies have
      identified a neural signature of these boundary completion processes, the so
      called IC-effect, which typically onsets at 90-110 ms and is generated within the
      lateral occipital complex (LOC). Here we set out to determine the delimiting
      factors of automatic boundary completion with the use of illusory contour stimuli
      and high-density scalp recordings of brain activity. Retinal eccentricity, ratio
      of real to illusory contours (i.e. support ratio), and inducer diameter were each
      varied parametrically, and any resulting effects on the amplitude and latency of
      the IC-effect were examined. Somewhat surprisingly, the amplitude of the IC
      effect was found to be impervious to all changes in these stimulus parameters,
      manipulations that are known to impact perceived illusion strength. Thus, this
      automatic stage of object processing appears to be a binary process in which, so
      long as minimal conditions are met, contours are automatically completed. At the
      same time, the latency of the IC-effect was found to vary inversely with support
      ratio, likely reflecting the additional time necessary to interpolate across the
      relatively longer induced boundaries of the implied object. These data are
      interpreted in the context of a two stage object-recognition model that parses
      processing into an early automatic perceptual stage that is followed by a more
      effortful conceptual processing stage.

PMID- 22037002
TI  - The development of event-related fMRI designs.
AB  - The diversity of experimental designs that can be used with functional magnetic
      resonance imaging (fMRI) has played a key role in its widespread application to
      studies of human cognition. This flexibility is possible because the fMRI
      response to external stimuli is remarkably well approximated as the response of a
      linear time variant system. The experimental demonstration of this property
      provided the foundation for the development of event-related designs, in which
      the fMRI response is modeled as the linear summation of the hemodynamic response
      to discrete events. Building upon prior work from the fields of engineering,
      neuroscience, and statistics, researchers in the field have created a rich
      collection of event-related designs and developed a rigorous theoretical
      framework for characterizing and optimizing the performance of designs. Ongoing
      challenges include the optimization of designs in the presence of experimental
      constraints and the development of more time-efficient optimization algorithms.

PMID- 22037003
TI  - Future therapeutics for osteoarthritis.
AB  - Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disease of the joints that affects several million
      individuals worldwide. This disease, which involves mainly the diarthrodial
      joints, is chronic and develops slowly over decades, making it very difficult to
      precisely identify the different etiological and risk factors that influence its
      onset. At present, most therapies for OA are symptomatic. This review will focus
      on new OA therapeutics in development that are directed toward pain relief as
      well as others with the potential to reduce or stop the progression of the
      disease (DMOADs). This article is part of a Special Issue entitled
      "Osteoarthritis".

PMID- 22037004
TI  - Yellow-bellied marmots (Marmota flaviventris) preserve bone strength and
      microstructure during hibernation.
AB  - Reduced skeletal loading typically results in decreased bone strength and
      increased fracture risk for humans and many other animals. Previous studies have
      shown bears are able to prevent bone loss during the disuse that occurs during
      hibernation. Studies with smaller hibernators, which arouse intermittently during
      hibernation, show that they may lose bone at the microstructural level. These
      small hibernators, like bats and squirrels, do not utilize intracortical
      remodeling. However, slightly larger mammals like marmots do. In this study we
      examined the effects of hibernation on bone structural, mineral, and mechanical
      properties in yellow-bellied marmots (Marmota flaviventris). This was done by
      comparing cortical bone properties in femurs and trabecular bone properties in
      tibias from marmots killed before hibernation (fall) and after hibernation
      (spring). Age data were not available for this study; however, based on femur
      length the post-hibernation marmots were larger than the pre-hibernation marmots.
      Thus, cross-sectional properties were normalized by allometric functions of bone
      length for comparisons between pre- and post-hibernation. Cortical thickness and
      normalized cortical area were higher in post-hibernation samples; no other
      normalized cross-sectional properties were different. No cortical bone
      microstructural loss was evident in osteocyte lacunar measurements, intracortical
      porosity, or intracortical remodeling cavity density. Osteocyte lacunar area,
      porosity, and density were surprisingly lower in post-hibernation samples.
      Trabecular bone volume fraction was not different between pre- and post
      hibernation. Measures of both trabecular and cortical bone mineral content were
      higher in post-hibernation samples. Three-point bending failure load, failure
      energy, elastic energy, ultimate stress, and yield stress were all higher in post
      hibernation samples. These results support the idea that, like bears, marmots are
      able to prevent disuse osteoporosis during hibernation, thus preventing increased
      fracture risk and promoting survival of the extreme environmental conditions that
      occur in hibernation.

PMID- 22037005
TI  - Crystal structure of the VapBC toxin-antitoxin complex from Shigella flexneri
      reveals a hetero-octameric DNA-binding assembly.
AB  - Toxin-antitoxin (TA) loci are common in archaea and prokaryotes and allow cells
      to rapidly adapt to changing environmental conditions through release of active
      regulators of metabolism. Many toxins are endonucleases that target cellular mRNA
      and tRNAs, while the antitoxins tightly wrap around the toxins to inhibit them
      under normal circumstances. The antitoxins also bind to operators in the promoter
      regions of the cognate TA operon and thereby regulate transcription. For enteric
      vapBC TA loci, the VapC toxins specifically cleave tRNA(fMet) and thus down
      regulate protein synthesis. Here, we describe the crystal structure of the intact
      Shigella flexneri VapBC TA complex, determined to 2.7 A resolution. Both in
      solution and in the crystal structure, four molecules of each protein combine to
      form a large and globular hetero-octameric assembly with SpoVT/AbrB-type DNA
      binding domains at each end and a total molecular mass of about 100 kDa. The
      structure gives new insights into the inhibition of VapC toxins by VapB and
      provides the molecular basis for understanding transcriptional regulation through
      VapB dimerization.

PMID- 22037006
TI  - Emotion regulation predicts pain and functioning in children with juvenile
      idiopathic arthritis: an electronic diary study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study utilized e-diaries to evaluate whether components of
      emotion regulation predict daily pain and function in children with juvenile
      idiopathic arthritis (JIA). METHODS: 43 children ages 8-17 years and their
      caregivers provided baseline reports of child emotion regulation. Children then
      completed thrice daily e-diary assessments of emotion, pain, and activity
      involvement for 28 days. E-diary ratings of negative and positive emotions were
      used to calculate emotion variability and to infer adaptive emotion modulation
      following periods of high or low emotion intensity. Hierarchical linear models
      were used to evaluate how emotion regulation related to pain and function.
      RESULTS: The attenuation of negative emotion following a period of high negative
      emotion predicted reduced pain; greater variability of negative emotion predicted
      higher pain and increased activity limitation. Indices of positive emotion
      regulation also significantly predicted pain. CONCLUSIONS: Components of emotion
      regulation as captured by e-diaries predict important health outcomes in children
      with JIA.

PMID- 22037007
TI  - Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in palliative care patients.

PMID- 22037008
TI  - Moderation of distress-induced eating by emotional eating scores.
AB  - Earlier studies assessing the possible moderator effect of self-reported
      emotional eating on the relation between stress and actual food intake have
      obtained mixed results. The null findings in some of these studies might be
      attributed to misclassification of participants due to the use of the median
      splits and/or insufficient participants with extreme scores. The objective of the
      two current studies was to test whether it is possible to predict distress
      induced eating with a self-report emotional eating scale by using extreme
      scorers. In study 1 (n=45) we used a between-subjects design and emotional eating
      was assessed after food intake during a negative or a neutral mood (induced by a
      movie). In study 2 (n=47) we used a within-subjects design and emotional eating
      was assessed well before food intake, which occurred after a control or stress
      task (Trier Social Stress Task). The main outcome measure was actual food intake.
      In both studies self-reported emotional eating significantly moderated the
      relation between distress and food intake. As expected, low emotional eaters ate
      less during the sad movie or after stress than during the neutral movie or after
      the control task, whereas high emotional eaters ate more. No such moderator
      effect was found for emotional eating in the entire sample (n=124) of study 1
      using the median-split procedure or the full range of emotional eating scores. We
      conclude that it is possible to predict distress-induced food intake using self
      reports of emotional eating provided that the participants have sufficiently
      extreme emotional eating scores.

PMID- 22037009
TI  - A proteasome-dependent, TAP-independent pathway for cross-presentation of
      phagocytosed antigen.
AB  - Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I cross-presentation is thought to
      involve two pathways, one of which depends on both the TAP transporters and the
      proteasome and the other on neither. We found that preincubation of TAP-deficient
      dendritic cells at low temperature increases the density of MHC class I at the
      surface and fully restores cross-presentation of phagocytosed antigen, but not of
      soluble antigen internalized through receptors. Restoration of cross-presentation
      by TAP-deficient cells requires antigen degradation by the proteasome. Thus, TAP
      might mainly be required for recycling cell surface class I molecules during
      cross-presentation of phagocytosed antigens. Furthermore, phagosomes-but not
      endosomes-seem to have a TAP-independent mechanism to import peptides generated
      by cytosolic proteasome complexes.

PMID- 22037010
TI  - Regulation of muscle protein synthesis in humans.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Investigations into the regulation of muscle protein synthesis
      (MPS) are a cornerstone of understanding the control of muscle mass. Rates of MPS
      are finely tuned according to levels of activity, nutrient availability and
      health status. For instance, rates of MPS are positively regulated by exercise
      and nutrition, and negatively regulated by inactivity (e.g. disuse), ageing (i.e.
      sarcopenia) and in muscle-wasting related diseases (e.g. cancer). RECENT
      FINDINGS: Skeletal muscles display a high degree of intrinsic regulation.
      Increases in MPS after exercise occur independently of the systemic milieu for
      example growth hormone/testosterone concentrations. In the absence of exercise,
      increases in MPS after feeding are of finite duration despite enduring precursor
      availability; that is muscles can sense they are 'full'. Intriguingly, exercise
      delays this 'muscle-full' response to allow for building and repair. In contrast,
      muscle-wasting conditions exhibit a premature 'muscle-full' response to nutrition
      and exercise (i.e. anabolic resistance), which may cause atrophy. Observations of
      'dissociations' between MPS and anabolic signalling pathways have cast doubt on
      how much we understand of the molecular regulation of human MPS. SUMMARY:
      Anabolic and anticatabolic interventions in health and disease should be aimed at
      manipulating the 'muscle-full' set point to maximize muscle
      maintenance/hypertrophy.

PMID- 22037011
TI  - Arginases and arginine deficiency syndromes.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Many physiologic and pathophysiologic processes are modulated
      by arginine availability, which can be regulated by arginase. An understanding of
      the conditions that result in elevated arginase activity as well as the
      consequences of arginine deficiency is essential for design of effective
      nutritional support for disease. This review will emphasize recent findings
      regarding effects of plasma arginase and arginine deficiencies in disease. RECENT
      FINDINGS: Elevations in plasma arginase, derived primarily from hemolysis of red
      blood cells or liver damage, that are associated with arginine deficiency have
      been identified in an increasing number of diseases and conditions. Arginine
      insufficiency not only can activate a stress kinase pathway that impairs function
      of T lymphocytes but it also can inhibit the mitogen-activated protein kinase
      signaling pathway required for macrophage production of cytokines in response to
      bacterial endotoxin/lipopolysaccharide. SUMMARY: There are at least two broad
      categories of arginine deficiency syndromes, involving either T-cell dysfunction
      or endothelial dysfunction, depending on the disease context in which arginine
      deficiency occurs. There is limited information regarding the safety and efficacy
      of supplementation with arginine or its precursor citrulline in ameliorating
      arginine deficiency in specific diseases, indicating the need for further
      studies.

PMID- 22037012
TI  - Rethinking dietary cholesterol.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The perceived notion that dietary cholesterol is associated
      with increased risk for coronary heart disease (CHD) has led to dietary
      recommendations of no more than 300  mg/day for healthy populations in the USA.
      This study will review the recent evidence that challenges the current dietary
      restrictions regarding cholesterol while it presents some beneficial effects of
      eggs (an icon for dietary cholesterol) in healthy individuals. RECENT FINDINGS:
      The European countries, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Korea and India among
      others do not have an upper limit for cholesterol intake in their dietary
      guidelines. Further, existing epidemiological data have clearly demonstrated that
      dietary cholesterol is not correlated with increased risk for CHD. Although
      numerous clinical studies have shown that dietary cholesterol challenges may
      increase plasma LDL cholesterol in certain individuals, who are more sensitive to
      dietary cholesterol (about one-quarter of the population), HDL cholesterol also
      rises resulting in the maintenance of the LDL/HDL cholesterol ratio, a key marker
      of CHD risk. SUMMARY: The lines of evidence coming from current epidemiological
      studies and from clinical interventions utilizing different types of cholesterol
      challenges support the notion that the recommendations limiting dietary
      cholesterol should be reconsidered.

PMID- 22037013
TI  - Leucine as a pharmaconutrient in health and disease.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Amino acids do not merely represent precursors for de-novo
      protein synthesis, but also function as nutritional signals regulating various
      metabolic processes. In fact, ample evidence has been generated to show that
      various tissues respond to changes in amino acid availability via signal
      transduction pathways that are also regulated by hormones such as insulin,
      glucagon, and insulin-like growth factor 1. RECENT FINDINGS: Amino acids, and
      leucine in particular, can act as strong insulin secretagogues when administered
      in combination with carbohydrate. Leucine administration can be applied
      effectively to improve postprandial glycemic control. Furthermore, amino acids
      have been shown to stimulate mRNA translation, thereby increasing muscle protein
      synthesis and stimulating net protein accretion in an insulin-independent manner.
      These anabolic properties of amino acids have been mainly attributed to the
      essential amino acids, and leucine in particular. In accordance, the recent in
      vivo human studies show that leucine ingestion can augment the blunted muscle
      protein synthetic response to protein or amino acid ingestion in elderly men.
      SUMMARY: Leucine has been proposed as a promising pharmaconutrient in the
      prevention and treatment of sarcopenia and/or type 2 diabetes. Though there are
      numerous applications for the proposed benefits of leucine in health and disease,
      the recent long-term nutritional intervention studies do not confirm the clinical
      efficacy of leucine as a pharmaconutrient.

PMID- 22037014
TI  - Mini nutritional assessment.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To summarize recent evidences and advances on the
      implementation and the use of the Mini Nutritional Assessment (MNA). RECENT
      FINDINGS: Despite being introduced and validated for clinical use about 20 years
      ago, the MNA has recently received new attention in order to more widely
      disseminate among healthcare professionals the practice of a systematic
      nutritional screening and assessment of the old patient. Particularly, the
      structure has been implemented to face the difficulties in having the patients
      contributing to the assessment and to reduce further the time required to
      complete the evaluation. Recent data also confirm that in older populations
      prevalence of malnutrition by this tool is associated with the level of
      dependence. The rationale of nutritional assessment is to identify patients
      candidate to nutritional support. However, the sensitivity of the MNA is still
      debated because it has been associated with a high-risk 'overdiagnosis' and the
      advantages of a positive screening need to be assessed both in terms of outcome
      and money saving. SUMMARY: The MNA is a simple and highly sensitive tool for
      nutritional screening and assessment. The large mass of data collected and the
      diffusion among healthcare professionals clearly support its use. However, the
      cost-effectiveness of interventions based on its scoring deserves investigation.

PMID- 22037018
TI  - Attentional biases in chronic pain: do they exist and does it really matter?

PMID- 22037017
TI  - Domain coupling in GPCRs: the engine for induced conformational changes.
AB  - Recent solved structures of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) provide insights
      into variation of the structure and molecular mechanisms of GPCR activation. In
      this review, we provide evidence for the emerging paradigm of domain coupling
      facilitated by intrinsic disorder of the ligand-free state in GPCRs. The
      structure-function and dynamic studies suggest that ligand-bound GPCRs exhibit
      multiple active conformations in initiating cellular signals. Long-range
      intramolecular and intermolecular interactions at distant sites on the same
      receptor are crucial factors that modulate signaling function of GPCRs. Positive
      or negative coupling between the extracellular, the transmembrane and the
      intracellular domains facilitates cooperativity of activating 'switches' as
      requirements for the functional plasticity of GPCRs. Awareness that allosteric
      ligands robustly affect domain coupling provides a novel mechanistic basis for
      rational drug development, small molecule antagonism and GPCR regulation by
      classical as well as nonclassical modes.

PMID- 22037019
TI  - Modulation of mitochondrial respiratory capacity by carrier-mediated transfer of
      RNA in vivo.
AB  - Genetic dysfunction of mitochondria is pathological, but an effective method of
      nucleic acid delivery to mitochondria in vivo is lacking. Injection into rodents
      of tagged polycistronic RNAs (pcRNAs) encoding parts of the organelle genome and
      bound to a carrier complex, resulted in rapid uptake and concentration of the RNA
      in many tissues. The delivered RNA was localized to mitochondria. A pan-genomic
      cocktail of pcRNAs restored mRNA levels, stimulated mitochondrial translation and
      respiratory capacity of skeletal muscle of middle-aged and old rats. Thus, the
      carrier-based protocol may be suitable for delivery of functional RNAs to
      mitochondria in vivo.

PMID- 22037020
TI  - [Heart failure secondary to atrial tachycardia in the early phase of heart
      transplantation. Usefulness of the electrophysiological study].

PMID- 22037021
TI  - Extracellular HspBP1 inhibits formation of a cytotoxic Tag7-Hsp70 complex in
      vitro and in human serum.
AB  - Tag7 (PGRP-S) was described as an innate immunity protein. Earlier we have shown
      that Tag7 forms with Hsp70 a stable complex with cytotoxic and antitumor
      activity. The same complex is formed in and secreted by cytotoxic T-lymphocytes.
      We have also found that Hsp-binding protein HspBP1 incapacitates the Tag7-Hsp70
      complex. Here we have studied the interaction of extracellular Tag7 and HspBP1.
      We have shown that HspBP1 binds Tag7 in the conditioned medium of tumor CSML0
      cells, thereby preventing formation of the cytotoxic Tag7-Hsp70 complex. We have
      also found that Tag7, if present in serum (in every third donor on average), is
      always in complex with HspBP1. This may be a protective measure against
      indiscriminate attack of the cytotoxic complex on normal cells.

PMID- 22037022
TI  - Targeting the mitochondrial pathway to induce apoptosis/necrosis through ROS by a
      newly developed Schiff's base to overcome MDR in cancer.
AB  - Multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer, a major obstacle to successful application
      of cancer chemotherapy, is often characterized by over-expression of multidrug
      resistance-related proteins such as MRP1, P-gp or elevated glutathione (GSH)
      level. Efflux of drugs by functional P-gp, MRP1 and elevated GSH level can confer
      resistance to apoptosis induced by a range of different stimuli. Therefore, it is
      necessary to develop new cell death inducers with relatively lower toxicity
      toward non-malignant cells that can overcome MDR by induction of apoptotic or non
      apoptotic cell death pathways. Herein we report the synthesis and spectroscopic
      characterization of a GSH depleting, redox active Schiff's base, viz., potassium
      N-(2-hydroxy-3-methoxy-benzaldehyde)-alaninate (PHMBA). Cytotoxic potential of
      PHMBA has been studied in doxorubicin-resistant and -sensitive T lymphoblastic
      leukemia cells and Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells. PHMBA kills both the
      cell types irrespective of their drug-resistance phenotype following
      apoptotic/necrotic pathways. Moreover, PHMBA-induced cell death is associated
      with oxidative stress mediated mitochondrial pathway as the H(2)O(2) inhibitor
      PEG-Catalase abrogated PHMBA-induced apoptosis/necrosis. PHMBA induces anti-tumor
      activity in both doxorubicin-sensitive and -resistant EAC-tumor-bearing Swiss
      albino mice. The non-toxicity of PHMBA was also confirmed through cytotoxicity
      studies on normal cell lines like PBMC, NIH3T3 and Chang Liver. To summarise, our
      data provide compelling rationale for future clinical use of this redox active
      Schiff's base in treatment of cancer patients irrespective of their drug
      resistance status.

PMID- 22037023
TI  - Methods to produce and safely work with large numbers of Toxoplasma gondii
      oocysts and bradyzoite cysts.
AB  - Two major obstacles to conducting studies with Toxoplasma gondii oocysts are the
      difficulty in reliably producing large numbers of this life stage and safety
      concerns because the oocyst is the most environmentally resistant stage of this
      zoonotic organism. Oocyst production requires oral infection of the definitive
      feline host with adequate numbers of T. gondii organisms to obtain unsporulated
      oocysts that are shed in the feces for 3-10 days after infection. Since the most
      successful and common mode of experimental infection of kittens with T. gondii is
      by ingestion of bradyzoite tissue cysts, the first step in successful oocyst
      production is to ensure a high bradyzoite tissue cyst burden in the brains of
      mice that can be used for the oral inoculum. We compared two methods for
      producing bradyzoite brain cysts in mice, by infecting them either orally or
      subcutaneously with oocysts. In both cases, oocysts derived from a low passage T.
      gondii Type II strain (M4) were used to infect eight-ten week-old Swiss Webster
      mice. First the number of bradyzoite cysts that were purified from infected mouse
      brains was compared. Then to evaluate the effect of the route of oocyst
      inoculation on tissue cyst distribution in mice, a second group of mice was
      infected with oocysts by one of each route and tissues were examined by
      histology. In separate experiments, brains from infected mice were used to infect
      kittens for oocyst production. Greater than 1.3 billion oocysts were isolated
      from the feces of two infected kittens in the first production and greater than
      1.8 billion oocysts from three kittens in the second production. Our results
      demonstrate that oral delivery of oocysts to mice results in both higher cyst
      loads in the brain and greater cyst burdens in other tissues examined as compared
      to those of mice that received the same number of oocysts subcutaneously. The
      ultimate goal in producing large numbers of oocysts in kittens is to generate
      adequate amounts of starting material for oocyst studies. Given the potential
      risks of working with live oocysts in the laboratory, we also tested a method of
      oocyst inactivation by freeze-thaw treatment. This procedure proved to completely
      inactivate oocysts without evidence of significant alteration of the oocyst
      molecular integrity.

PMID- 22037024
TI  - Enhancing liver mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation capacity in obese mice
      improves insulin sensitivity independently of hepatic steatosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Despite major public health concern, therapy for non-alcoholic
      fatty liver, the liver manifestation of the metabolic syndrome often associated
      with insulin resistance (IR), remains elusive. Strategies aiming to decrease
      liver lipogenesis effectively corrected hepatic steatosis and IR in obese
      animals. However, they also indirectly increased mitochondrial long-chain fatty
      acid oxidation (mFAO) by decreasing malonyl-CoA, a lipogenic intermediate, which
      is the allosteric inhibitor of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1A), the key
      enzyme of mFAO. We thus addressed whether enhancing hepatic mFAO capacity,
      through a direct modulation of liver CPT1A/malonyl-CoA partnership, can reverse
      an already established hepatic steatosis and IR in obese mice. METHODS:
      Adenovirus-mediated liver expression of a malonyl-CoA-insensitive CPT1A (CPT1mt)
      in high-fat/high-sucrose (HF/HS) diet-induced or genetically (ob/ob) obese mice
      was followed by metabolic and physiological investigations. RESULTS: In
      association with increased hepatic mFAO capacity, liver CPT1mt expression
      improved glucose tolerance and insulin response to a glucose load in HF/HS and
      ob/ob mice, showing increased insulin sensitivity, and corrected IR in ob/ob
      mice. Surprisingly, hepatic steatosis was not affected in CPT1mt-expressing obese
      mice, indicating a clear dissociation between hepatic steatosis and IR. Moreover,
      liver CPT1mt expression rescued HF/HS-induced impaired hepatic insulin signaling
      at the level of IRS-1, IRS-2, Akt, and GSK-3beta, most likely through the
      observed decrease in the HF/HS-induced accumulation of lipotoxic lipids,
      oxidative stress, and JNK activation. CONCLUSIONS: Enhancing hepatic mFAO
      capacity is sufficient to reverse a state of IR and glucose intolerance in obese
      mice independently of hepatic steatosis.

PMID- 22037025
TI  - PPARalpha is down-regulated following liver transplantation in mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Graft dysfunction is one of the major complications after
      liver transplantation, but its precise mechanism remains unclear. Since steatotic
      liver grafts are susceptible to post-transplant dysfunction, and peroxisome
      proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) alpha plays an important role in the
      maintenance of hepatic lipid homeostasis, we examined the role of PPARalpha in
      liver transplantation. METHODS: Livers were harvested from Sv/129 wild-type
      (Ppara(+/+)) mice and PPARalpha-null (Ppara(-/-)) mice and transplanted
      orthotopically into syngeneic Ppara(+/+) mice. RESULTS: Hepatocellular damage was
      unexpectedly milder in transplanted Ppara(-/-) livers compared with Ppara(+/+)
      ones. This was likely due to decreased lipid peroxides in the Ppara(-/-) livers,
      as revealed by the lower levels of fatty acid oxidation (FAO) enzymes, which are
      major sources of reactive oxygen species. Hepatic PPARalpha and its target genes,
      such as FAO enzymes and pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase 4, were strongly down
      regulated after transplantation, which was associated with increases in hepatic
      tumor necrosis factor-alpha expression and nuclear factor-kappaB activity.
      Inhibiting post-transplant PPARalpha down-regulation by clofibrate treatment
      markedly augmented oxidative stress and hepatocellular injury. CONCLUSIONS: Down
      regulation of PPARalpha seemed to be an adaptive response to metabolic
      alterations following liver transplantation. These results provide novel
      information to the understanding of the pathogenesis of early post-transplant
      events.

PMID- 22037026
TI  - Clinical pharmacology as a cornerstone of orphan drug development.
AB  - A recent US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advisory committee meeting
      highlighted the potential of clinical pharmacology to overcome challenges in
      orphan drug development.

PMID- 22037027
TI  - Accelerated approval dust begins to settle.

PMID- 22037028
TI  - Buy buy bispecific antibodies.

PMID- 22037031
TI  - David Urdal. Interview with Asher Mullard.

PMID- 22037032
TI  - The depression market.

PMID- 22037033
TI  - Vemurafenib.
AB  - In August 2011 vemurafenib (Zelboraf; Daiichi Sankyo/Roche), an inhibitor of BRAF
      kinase, was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the
      treatment of patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma with the
      BRAF(V600E) mutation.

PMID- 22037034
TI  - Vaccines: Protecting against tuberculosis.

PMID- 22037035
TI  - Cancer: Oncolytic poxvirus homes in on cancer cells.

PMID- 22037036
TI  - Inflammatory diseases: Stopping monocytes in their tracks.

PMID- 22037040
TI  - Quantifying factors for the success of stratified medicine.
AB  - Co-developing a drug with a diagnostic to create a stratified medicine - a
      therapy that is targeted to a specific patient population on the basis of a
      clinical characteristic such as a biomarker that predicts treatment response -
      presents challenges for product developers, regulators, payers and physicians.
      With the aim of developing a shared framework and tools for addressing these
      challenges, here we present an analysis using data from case studies in oncology
      and Alzheimer's disease, coupled with integrated computational modelling of
      clinical outcomes and developer economic value, to quantify the effects of
      decisions related to key issues such as the design of clinical trials. This
      illustrates how such analyses can aid the coordination of diagnostic and drug
      development, and the selection of optimal development and commercialization
      strategies. It also illustrates the impact of the interplay of these factors on
      the economic feasibility of stratified medicine, which has important implications
      for public policy makers.

PMID- 22037042
TI  - Striatal inhibition of calpains prevents levodopa-induced neurochemical changes
      and abnormal involuntary movements in the hemiparkinsonian rat model.
AB  - Pharmacological dopamine replacement with l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (L-DOPA)
      remains the most effective approach to treat the motor symptoms of Parkinson's
      disease (PD). However, as the disease progresses, the therapeutic response to L
      DOPA gradually becomes erratic and is associated with the emergence of dyskinesia
      in the majority of patients. The pathogenesis of L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia (LID)
      is still unknown. In the current study, using the 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)
      lesioned rat model of PD, we demonstrated that the calcium-dependent proteins
      calpains and cdk5 of the striatum play a critical role in the behavioral and
      molecular changes evoked by L-DOPA therapy. We first confirmed that L-DOPA
      reversed PD symptoms, assessed by the cylinder, stepping and vibrissae-elicited
      reaching tests in this animal model, and elicited robust abnormal involuntary
      movements (AIMs) reminiscent of LID. Interestingly, intrastriatal infusion of the
      calpains inhibitor MDL28170, and to a lower extent the cdk5 inhibitor
      roscovitine, reduced the severity and amplitude of AIMs without affecting L
      DOPA's antiparkinsonian effects. Notably, the calpains and cdk5 inhibitors
      totally reversed the striatal molecular changes attributed to L-DOPA therapy,
      such as ERK1/2 and dynamin phosphorylation. Another fascinating observation was
      that L-DOPA therapy, in combination with intrastriatal infusion of MDL28170,
      augmented tyrosine hydroxylase levels in the striatum of lesioned rats without
      affecting the number of dopaminergic cells in the substantia nigra. These
      findings disclose a novel mechanism underlying the maladaptive alterations
      induced by L-DOPA therapy in the 6-OHDA rat model of PD.

PMID- 22037043
TI  - Fatal fulminant primary hepatitis B virus infections with G1896A precore viral
      mutants in southeastern France.
AB  - Fulminant hepatitis has been shown to occur in about 1% of acute hepatitis B
      virus (HBV) infections, and its mortality rate is nearly 70%. Specific HBV
      genotypic features have been pointed out in fulminant acute hepatitis B
      worldwide, but these associations remain controversial. We describe all four
      primary HBV infections diagnosed in 2008 in our institution in Marseille,
      southeastern France, including two fatal cases. HBV genotypes were D or E.
      Precore G1896A HBV mutants were detected in both fatal fulminant primary HBV
      infections. Hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) were
      negative in two and three cases, respectively, despite HBV DNA detection. Primary
      HBV infection remains a cause of death in France. The impact of the precore
      G1896A mutation on the severity of AHB deserves to be assessed in larger studies
      in this country.

PMID- 22037041
TI  - Rapamycin passes the torch: a new generation of mTOR inhibitors.
AB  - Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is an atypical protein kinase that controls
      growth and metabolism in response to nutrients, growth factors and cellular
      energy levels, and it is frequently dysregulated in cancer and metabolic
      disorders. Rapamycin is an allosteric inhibitor of mTOR, and was approved as an
      immuno-suppressant in 1999. In recent years, interest has focused on its
      potential as an anticancer drug. However, the performance of rapamycin and its
      analogues (rapalogues) has been undistinguished despite isolated successes in
      subsets of cancer, suggesting that the full therapeutic potential of targeting
      mTOR has yet to be exploited. A new generation of ATP-competitive inhibitors that
      directly target the mTOR catalytic site display potent and comprehensive mTOR
      inhibition and are in early clinical trials.

PMID- 22037044
TI  - New Markov-Shannon Entropy models to assess connectivity quality in complex
      networks: from molecular to cellular pathway, Parasite-Host, Neural, Industry,
      and Legal-Social networks.
AB  - Graph and Complex Network theory is expanding its application to different levels
      of matter organization such as molecular, biological, technological, and social
      networks. A network is a set of items, usually called nodes, with connections
      between them, which are called links or edges. There are many different
      experimental and/or theoretical methods to assign node-node links depending on
      the type of network we want to construct. Unfortunately, the use of a method for
      experimental reevaluation of the entire network is very expensive in terms of
      time and resources; thus the development of cheaper theoretical methods is of
      major importance. In addition, different methods to link nodes in the same type
      of network are not totally accurate in such a way that they do not always
      coincide. In this sense, the development of computational methods useful to
      evaluate connectivity quality in complex networks (a posteriori of network
      assemble) is a goal of major interest. In this work, we report for the first time
      a new method to calculate numerical quality scores S(L(ij)) for network links
      L(ij) (connectivity) based on the Markov-Shannon Entropy indices of order k-th
      (theta(k)) for network nodes. The algorithm may be summarized as follows: (i)
      first, the theta(k)(j) values are calculated for all j-th nodes in a complex
      network already constructed; (ii) A Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA) is used to
      seek a linear equation that discriminates connected or linked (L(ij)=1) pairs of
      nodes experimentally confirmed from non-linked ones (L(ij)=0); (iii) the new
      model is validated with external series of pairs of nodes; (iv) the equation
      obtained is used to re-evaluate the connectivity quality of the network,
      connecting/disconnecting nodes based on the quality scores calculated with the
      new connectivity function. This method was used to study different types of large
      networks. The linear models obtained produced the following results in terms of
      overall accuracy for network reconstruction: Metabolic networks (72.3%), Parasite
      Host networks (93.3%), CoCoMac brain cortex co-activation network (89.6%), NW
      Spain fasciolosis spreading network (97.2%), Spanish financial law network
      (89.9%) and World trade network for Intelligent & Active Food Packaging (92.8%).
      In order to seek these models, we studied an average of 55,388 pairs of nodes in
      each model and a total of 332,326 pairs of nodes in all models. Finally, this
      method was used to solve a more complicated problem. A model was developed to
      score the connectivity quality in the Drug-Target network of US FDA approved
      drugs. In this last model the theta(k) values were calculated for three types of
      molecular networks representing different levels of organization: drug molecular
      graphs (atom-atom bonds), protein residue networks (amino acid interactions), and
      drug-target network (compound-protein binding). The overall accuracy of this
      model was 76.3%. This work opens a new door to the computational reevaluation of
      network connectivity quality (collation) for complex systems in molecular,
      biomedical, technological, and legal-social sciences as well as in world trade
      and industry.

PMID- 22037045
TI  - Stable trimorphic coexistence in a lattice model of spatial competition with two
      site types.
AB  - I examine the effect of exogenous spatial heterogeneity on the coexistence of
      competing species using a simple model of non-hierarchical competition for site
      occupancy on a lattice. The sites on the lattice are divided into two types
      representing two different habitats or spatial resources. The model features no
      temporal variability, hierarchical competition, type-dependent interactions or
      other features traditionally known to support more competing species than there
      are resources. Nonetheless, stable coexistence of two habitat specialists and a
      generalist is observed in this model for a range of parameter values. In the
      spatially implicit mean field approximation of the model, such coexistence is
      shown to be impossible, demonstrating that it indeed arises from the explicit
      spatial structure.

PMID- 22037046
TI  - Multi-kernel transfer learning based on Chou's PseAAC formulation for protein
      submitochondria localization.
AB  - Protein sub-organelle localization, e.g. submitochondria, seems more challenging
      than general protein subcellular localization, because the determination of
      protein's micro-level localization within organelle by fluorescent imaging
      technique would face up with more difficulties. Up to present, there are far few
      computational methods for protein submitochondria localization, and the existing
      sequence-based predictive models demonstrate moderate or unsatisfactory
      performance. Recent researches have demonstrated that gene ontology (GO) is a
      convincingly effective protein feature for protein subcellular localization.
      However, the GO information may not be available for novel proteins or sparsely
      annotated protein subfamilies. In allusion to the problem, we transfer the
      homology's GO information to the target protein and propose a multi-kernel
      transfer learning model for protein submitochondria localization (MK-TLM), which
      substantially extends our previously published work (gene ontology based transfer
      learning model for protein subcellular localization, GO-TLM). To reduce the risk
      of performance overestimation, we conduct a more comprehensive survey of the
      model performance in optimistic case, moderate case and pessimistic case
      according to the abundance of target protein's GO information. The experiments on
      submitochondria benchmark datasets show that MK-TLM significantly outperforms the
      baseline models, and demonstrates excellent performance for novel mitochondria
      proteins and those mitochondria proteins that belong to the subfamily we know
      little about.

PMID- 22037047
TI  - (2-Benzyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-pyrido[4,3-b]indol-8-yl)-acetic acid: an aldose
      reductase inhibitor and antioxidant of zwitterionic nature.
AB  - Novel carboxymethylated pyridoindoles, characterized by antioxidant activity
      combined with the ability to inhibit aldose reductase, represent an example of a
      multitarget approach to the treatment of diabetic complications - severe diabetes
      related health disorders of multifunctional nature. One of the novel
      carboxymethylated pyridoindoles, (2-benzyl-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-pyrido[4,3
      b]indol-8-yl)-acetic acid (compound 1), was found to inhibit aldose reductase
      with the IC(50) value 18.2 +/- 1.2 MUM. Owing to aldose reductase pharmacophore
      requirements for an acidic proton, most aldose reductase inhibitors contain an
      acetic acid moiety, ionized at physiological pH, resulting in poor
      bioavailability of the drugs. The presence of a basicity center at the tertiary
      nitrogen of the carboxymethylated pyridoindoles, in addition to the acidic
      carboxylic function, predisposes these compounds to form double-charged
      zwitterionic species. The zwitterionic nature of compound 1 may remarkably affect
      its pH-lipophilicity profile allowing for increased membrane penetration in the
      pH region around its isoelectric point, which lies close to the physiological pH
      7.4. In the first part of this study, the presence of zwitterionic species was
      experimentally proved by the concentration-dependent effect of sodium 1
      hexanesulphonate on the distribution profile of compound 1. Then a series of
      experiments was performed in the cellular system of isolated erythrocytes in
      vitro. Isolated rat erythrocytes exposed to peroxyl radicals, generated in the
      solution by decomposition of the hydrophilic azoinitiator AAPH or intracellularly
      by decay of lipophilic t-BuOOH, underwent progressive hemolysis. The onset of the
      hemolysis was shifted from the starting zero point by the time interval assigned
      as a lag period. In the presence of compound 1 the lag period was significantly
      prolonged. Finally, under conditions of a short-term experiment in STZ-diabetic
      rats in vivo, increase in sorbitol levels in erythrocytes was recorded. Compound
      1 administered in the dose 50mg/kg/day (i.g.) significantly decreased the
      sorbitol level in the erythrocytes. To conclude, the physico-chemical proof of
      the zwitterionic nature of compound 1 was established and the results obtained in
      isolated red blood cells indicated good cellular availability of the compound. In
      addition, in diabetic rats, sorbitol accumulation in red blood cells was
      significantly inhibited by compound 1 administered intra-gastrically, suggesting
      its ready uptake into the central compartment. The zwitterionic principle thus
      may have significant consequences for increased bioavailability of drugs bearing
      an acidic function.

PMID- 22037048
TI  - Synthesis of deguelin-biotin conjugates and investigation into deguelin's
      interactions.
AB  - Deguelin, a rotenoid, has emerged as an attractive pharmacophore for
      chemoprevention showing in vivo activity in several xenografts. Recently, several
      lines of evidence have suggested its mode of action may involve inhibition of
      HSP90, however binding in a different mode than known pharmacophores. To further
      probe the target of deguelin and related rotenoids, several biotin conjugates
      were prepared. None of the conjugates showed significant affinity for HSP90,
      however two conjugates showed a strong cellular co-localization with
      mitochondria, consistent with binding to mitochondrial complex 1. Contrarily to
      rotenone, deguelin and tephrosin were not found to inhibit tubulin polymerization
      demonstrating a dramatic pharmacological difference between these closely related
      rotenoids.

PMID- 22037050
TI  - Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of cycloalkyl arylpyrimidines (CAPYs)
      as HIV-1 NNRTIs.
AB  - A series of 18 cycloalkyl arylpyrimidines (CAPYs) were designed from lead
      compounds diarylpyrimidines (DAPYs), synthesized and evaluated for in vitro anti
      HIV activity. Among them, the compound 1p displayed potent anti-HIV-1 activity
      against WT HIV-1 with an EC(50) value of 0.055 MUM and a selectivity index (SI)
      >7290. The preliminary structure-activity relationship (SAR) of this new series
      of compounds was also investigated, which enriched the SAR of diarylpyrimidines
      (DAPYs).

PMID- 22037049
TI  - Trace amine-associated receptor 1 is a stereoselective binding site for compounds
      in the amphetamine class.
AB  - The demonstrated ability of amphetamine to functionally activate the rat trace
      amine associated receptor 1 (rTAAR1) and the subsequent reports of amphetamine
      activation of TAAR1 in rhesus monkey mouse, human, and human-rat chimeric TAAR1
      expressing cell lines has led to speculation as to the role of this receptor in
      the central nervous system (CNS) responses associated with amphetamine and its
      analogs. The agonist potencies of ten pairs of enantiomeric amphetamines,
      including several with known CNS activity, at primate TAAR1 stably expressed in
      RD-HGA16 cells, robustly indicate the S-configuration to be associated with
      higher potency. Moreover, the rank order of potency to activate TAAR1 parallels
      the stimulant action reported by humans for the specific amphetamines. Taken
      together, these data suggest that TAAR1 is a stereoselective binding site for
      amphetamine and that activation of TAAR1 is involved in the modulation of the
      stimulant properties of amphetamine and its congeners. In addition, the observed
      parallel between hTAAR1 and rhTAAR1 responses supports the rhesus monkey as a
      highly translational model for developing novel TAAR1-directed compounds as
      therapeutics for amphetamine-related addictions.

PMID- 22037051
TI  - Establishment of a novel objective and quantitative method to assess pain-related
      behavior in monosodium iodoacetate-induced osteoarthritis in rat knee.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Pain in osteoarthritis (OA) patients can be present at rest but
      typically worsens with movement of the affected joint. However, useful assessment
      methods of movement-induced pain in animal models are limited. Here, we describe
      the reduction of spontaneous activity in a rat model of OA as an objective and
      quantifiable behavioral pain that can predict the analgesic activity of a variety
      of agents following single-dose administration. METHODS: OA was induced in male
      Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats by intra-articular injection of monoiodoacetate (MIA),
      and the joint degeneration was assessed with histologic and radiographic
      analyses. Spontaneous activities were measured in nonhabituated rats using
      standard, photocell-based monitor systems in the dark. To investigate the
      potential of the OA model to predict analgesic activity, a number of nonsteroidal
      anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and atypical analgesic drugs were used. RESULTS:
      Biphasic reduction of total distance and number of rears was observed during the
      course of experiment after administering 1mg and 0.3mg of MIA, respectively. We
      found that number of rears was the most sensitive to MIA-induce OA and displayed
      the greatest percentage decrease in activity. Joint degeneration was observed
      with decreased bone mineral density and loss of articular cartilage 28days post
      MIA injection. Appropriate dosage of opioids reversed MIA-induced decrease of
      number of rears indicating that reduction of this vertical spontaneous activity
      reflects pain-associated behavior. As high-doses of opioids reduced spontaneous
      activity, the sedative effect can be distinguished from the analgesic effect.
      Analgesic treatment indicates the coexistence of an inflammatory pain state
      (early phase) sensitive to NSAIDs and a non-inflammatory pain state (late phase)
      resistant to NSAID treatment. DISCUSSION: This study indicates that unlike
      standard measures of analgesia such as alteration in thermal or mechanical
      sensitivity, measurement of spontaneous activity is a validated method for
      measuring the effects of analgesics in rats with OA knee joints. Moreover, the
      animals require no habituation, and thus behavioral observation subjectivity is
      eliminated.

PMID- 22037052
TI  - Eritrean and Sudanese migrants presenting with malaria in Israel.
AB  - In Israel, a malaria-free country, we have noticed lately an increase of hospital
      admissions with malaria, parallel to the rise in the number of Eritrean and
      Sudanese migrants. Eritrea and Sudan are malaria-endemic countries; Plasmodium
      falciparum accounts for 85-90% and Plasmodium vivax accounts for 10-15% of
      malaria species in these areas. We aimed to describe the features of malaria in
      this migrant population by conducting a retrospective descriptive study of
      Eritrean and Sudanese migrants admitted with malaria during 1/2009-4/2010.
      Patient files were reviewed for demographics, clinical data, laboratory tests,
      treatment and outcome. 101 patients (mean age 24.9 (SD 5.6) years; 86.1% males)
      with malaria were identified. 87.1% were infected with P. vivax, 6% with P.
      falciparum, and 6.9% had both. All presented with pyrexia. None had respiratory
      or cerebral complications. Mean length of hospitalization was 2.49 (SD 1.5) days.
      No treatment failures or complications were observed. We conclude that in
      countries with waves of migrants from malaria-endemic areas, onset of fever
      should raise suspicion of malaria. Contrary to the known dominance of P.
      falciparum among malaria species in Eritrea and Sudan, the vast majority of
      migrants presented with P. vivax. The region of P. vivax acquisition remains
      unclear.

PMID- 22037053
TI  - Travel clinic communication and non-adherence to malaria chemoprophylaxis.
AB  - Many travellers fail to take malaria chemoprophylaxis, despite receiving pre
      travel advice. This study examined whether non-adherence could be predicted from
      verbal communication in the pre-travel consultation, and whether non-adherence
      was related to the quality of clinician-traveller communication. The
      consultations of one hundred and thirty consecutive travellers at a UK travel
      clinic were audiotaped and a follow-up telephone interview was used to assess
      adherence to malaria chemoprophylaxis. Experienced travel clinic staff were asked
      to predict adherence and rate the quality of communication from eighteen
      transcripts of consultations (nine good and nine poor adherence). Clinic staff
      predicted adherence to malaria chemoprophylaxis significantly better than chance.
      Poor adherence was related to poor quality communication. Clinic staff provided
      criteria for good quality clinician-traveller communication. It is concluded that
      predictors of non-adherence can be identified during the pre-travel consultation.
      Clinic staff could employ specific communication strategies to improve the
      effectiveness of consultations.

PMID- 22037054
TI  - Anti-ferroelectric polarization transitions in quantum-dot-quantum-well arrays.
AB  - With the improvement in fabrication techniques it is now possible to produce atom
      like  semiconductor structures with unique electronic properties. This makes
      possible periodic arrays of nanostructures in which the Coulomb interaction,
      polarizability and tunneling may all be varied. This theoretical study
      investigates the collective properties of 2D arrays and 3D face-centered cubic
      lattices of singly charged nanospherical shells, sometimes called 'quantum dot
      quantum wells' or 'core-shell quantum dots'. We find that, for square arrays, the
      classical ground state is an Ising anti-ferroelectric (AFE), while the quantum
      ground state undergoes a transition from a uniform state to an AFE. The
      triangular lattice, in contrast, displays properties characteristic of
      frustration. Three-dimensional face-centered cubic lattices polarize in planes,
      with each layer alternating in direction. We discuss the possible experimental
      signals of these transitions.

PMID- 22037055
TI  - Can genetic risk information for age-related macular degeneration influence
      motivation to stop smoking? A pilot study.
AB  - AIMS: Smoking can increase the risk of macular degeneration and this is more than
      additive if a person also has a genetic risk. The purpose of this study was to
      examine whether knowledge of genetic risk for age-related macular degeneration
      (AMD) could influence motivation to quit smoking. METHODS: A questionnaire-based
      study of hypothetical case scenarios given to 49 smokers without AMD.
      Participants were randomly allocated to a generic risk, high genetic risk, or low
      genetic risk of developing AMD scenario. RESULTS: Forty-seven percent knew of the
      link between smoking and eye disease. In all, 76%, 67%, and 46% for the high
      risk, generic, and low risk groups, respectively, would rethink quitting (P for
      trend = 0.082). In all, 67%, 40%, and 38.5%, respectively, would be likely, very
      likely, or would definitely quit in the following month (P for trend = 0.023).
      Few participants (<16% of any group) were very likely to or would definitely
      attend a quit smoking session with no difference across groups. In all, 75.5% of
      participants would consider taking a genetic test for AMD. CONCLUSION: In this
      pilot study, a trend was seen for the group given high genetic risk information
      to be more likely to quit than the generic or low genetic risk groups.
      Participants were willing to take a genetic test but further work is needed to
      address the cost benefits of routine genetic testing for risk of AMD. More
      generic risk information should be given to the public, and health warnings on
      cigarette packets that 'smoking causes blindness' is a good way to achieve this.

PMID- 22037056
TI  - A step-by-step guide to systematically identify all relevant animal studies.
AB  - Before starting a new animal experiment, thorough analysis of previously
      performed experiments is essential from a scientific as well as from an ethical
      point of view. The method that is most suitable to carry out such a thorough
      analysis of the literature is a systematic review (SR). An essential first step
      in an SR is to search and find all potentially relevant studies. It is important
      to include all available evidence in an SR to minimize bias and reduce hampered
      interpretation of experimental outcomes. Despite the recent development of search
      filters to find animal studies in PubMed and EMBASE, searching for all available
      animal studies remains a challenge. Available guidelines from the clinical field
      cannot be copied directly to the situation within animal research, and although
      there are plenty of books and courses on searching the literature, there is no
      compact guide available to search and find relevant animal studies. Therefore, in
      order to facilitate a structured, thorough and transparent search for animal
      studies (in both preclinical and fundamental science), an easy-to-use, step-by
      step guide was prepared and optimized using feedback from scientists in the field
      of animal experimentation. The step-by-step guide will assist scientists in
      performing a comprehensive literature search and, consequently, improve the
      scientific quality of the resulting review and prevent unnecessary animal use in
      the future.

PMID- 22037057
TI  - Coping with parvovirus infections in mice: health surveillance and control.
AB  - Parvoviruses of mice, minute virus of mice (MVM) and mouse parvovirus (MPV), are
      challenging pathogens to eradicate from laboratory animal facilities. Due to the
      impediment on rodent-based research, recent studies have focused on the
      assessment of re-derivation techniques and parvoviral potential to induce
      persistent infections. Summarizing recent data, this review gives an overview on
      studies associated with parvoviral impact on research, diagnostic methods,
      parvoviral persistence and re-derivation techniques, demonstrating the complex
      nature of parvovirus infection in mice and unfolding the challenge of controlling
      parvovirus infections in laboratory animal facilities.

PMID- 22037058
TI  - Effects of endokinin A/B, endokinin C/D, and endomorphin-1 on the regulation of
      mean arterial blood pressure in rats.
AB  - Endokinins are four novel human tachykinins, including endokinins A (EKA), B
      (EKB), C (EKC), and D (EKD). Endokinin A/B (EKA/B) is the common C-terminal
      decapeptide in EKA and EKB, while endokinin C/D (EKC/D) is the common C-terminal
      duodecapeptide in EKC and EKD. In this study, we attempted to investigate the
      interactions between EKA/B, EKC/D, and endomorphin-1 (EM-1) on the depressor
      effect at peripheral level. The effects of EKA/B produced a U-shaped curve. The
      maximal effect was caused by 10 nmol/kg. EKC/D and EM-1 showed a dose-dependent
      relationship. Co-administration of EKA/B (0.1, 1, 10 nmol/kg) with EM-1 produced
      effects similar to those of EKA/B alone but slightly lower. Co-injection of EKA/B
      (100 nmol/kg) with EM-1 caused an effect stronger than any separate injection. Co
      administration of EKC/D (10 nmol/kg) with EM-1 (30 nmol/kg) caused a depressor
      effect, which was one of the tradeoffs of EM-1 and EKC/D. Mechanism studies
      showed that SR140333B could block the depressor effects of EKA/B, EKC/D, EM-1,
      EKA/B+EM-1, and EKC/D+EM-1; SR48968C could block EM-1, EKA/B, EKC/D, and EKC/D+EM
      1 and partially block EKA/B+EM-1; SR142801 could block EM-1, EKC/D, and EKC/D+EM
      1 and partially block EKA/B and EKA/B+EM-1; naloxone could block EM-1, EKC/D, and
      EKC/D+EM-1 and partially block EKA/B and EKA/B+EM-1. Pretreatment with NG-nitro-l
      arginine methyl ester partially decreased depressor intensity and half-recovery
      time of EKA/B and EKC/D.

PMID- 22037059
TI  - Differential detection of Trichinella papuae, T. spiralis and T. pseudospiralis
      by real-time fluorescence resonance energy transfer PCR and melting curve
      analysis.
AB  - Trichinellosis caused by nematodes of Trichinella spp. is a zoonotic foodborne
      disease. Three Trichinella species of the parasite including Trichinella
      spiralis, Trichinella papuae and Trichinella pseudospiralis, have been etiologic
      agents of human trichinellosis in Thailand. Definite diagnosis of this
      helminthiasis is based on a finding of the Trichinella larva (e) in a muscle
      biopsy. The parasite species or genotype can be determined using molecular
      methods, e.g., polymerase chain reaction (PCR). This study has utilized real-time
      fluorescence resonance energy transfer PCR (real-time FRET PCR) and a melting
      curve analysis for the differential diagnosis of trichinellosis. Three common
      Trichinella species in Thailand were studied using one set of primers and
      fluorophore-labeled hybridization probes specific for the small subunit of the
      mitochondrial ribosomal RNA gene. Using fewer than 35 cycles as the cut-off for
      positivity and using different melting temperatures (T(m)), this assay detected
      T. spiralis, T. papuae and T. pseudospiralis in muscle tissue and found the mean
      T(m) +/- SD values to be 51.79 +/- 0.06, 66.09 +/- 0.46 and 51.46 +/- 0.09,
      respectively. The analytical sensitivity of the technique enabled the detection
      of a single Trichinella larva of each species, and the detection limit for the
      target DNA sequence was 16 copies of positive control plasmid. A test of the
      technique's analytical specificity showed no fluorescence signal for a panel of
      19 non-Trichinella parasites or for human and mouse genomic DNA. Due to the
      sensitivity and specificity of the detection of these Trichinella species, as
      well as the fast and high-throughput nature of these tools, this method has
      application potential in differentiating non-encapsulated larvae of T. papuae
      from T. spiralis and T. pseudospiralis in tissues of infected humans and animals.

PMID- 22037060
TI  - Neutrophil dynamics in response to chemotherapy and G-CSF.
AB  - We have used a mathematical model of the combined dynamics of the hematopoietic
      stem cells and the differentiated neutrophil progeny to examine the effects of
      periodic chemotherapy in generating neutropenia, and the corresponding response
      of this system to granulocyte colony stimulating factor given to counteract the
      neutropenia. We find that there is a significant period of chemotherapy delivery
      that induces resonance in the system (at a period twice the average neutrophil
      lifespan from commitment to death) and a corresponding neutropenia suggesting
      that myelosuppressive protocols should avoid this period to minimize
      hematopoietic damage. The response to G-CSF is highly variable.

PMID- 22037061
TI  - Elastic and viscoelastic properties of a type I collagen fiber.
AB  - A new mathematical model is presented to describe the elastic and viscoelastic
      properties of a single collagen fiber. The model is formulated by accounting for
      the mechanical contribution of the collagen fiber's main constituents: the
      microfibrils, the interfibrillar matrix and crosslinks. The collagen fiber is
      modeled as a linear elastic spring, which represents the mechanical contribution
      of the microfibrils, and an arrangement in parallel of elastic springs and
      viscous dashpots, which represent the mechanical contributions of the crosslinks
      and interfibrillar matrix, respectively. The linear elastic spring and the
      arrangement in parallel of elastic springs and viscous dashpots are then
      connected in series. The crosslinks are assumed to gradually break under strain
      and, consequently, the interfibrillar is assumed to change its viscous
      properties. Incremental stress relaxation tests are conducted on dry collagen
      fibers reconstituted from rat tail tendons to determine their elastic and
      viscoelastic properties. The elastic and total stress-strain curves and the
      stress relaxation at different levels of strain collected by performing these
      tests are then used to estimate the parameters of the model and evaluate its
      predictive capabilities.

PMID- 22037062
TI  - Prediction of protein-protein interaction sites using patch-based residue
      characterization.
AB  - Identifying protein-protein interaction sites provides important clues to the
      function of a protein and is becoming increasingly relevant in topics such as
      systems biology and drug discovery. Using a patch-based model for residue
      characterization, we trained random forest classifiers for residue-based
      interface prediction, which was followed by a clustering procedure to produce
      patches for patch-based interface prediction. For residue-based interface
      prediction, our method achieves a specificity rate of 0.7 and a sensitivity rate
      of 0.78. For patch-based interface prediction, a success rate of 0.80 is
      achieved. Based on same datasets, we also compare it with several published
      methods. The results show that our method is a successful predictor for residue
      based and patch-based interface prediction.

PMID- 22037063
TI  - Evolution of cooperation facilitated by reinforcement learning with adaptive
      aspiration levels.
AB  - Repeated interaction between individuals is the main mechanism for maintaining
      cooperation in social dilemma situations. Variants of tit-for-tat (repeating the
      previous action of the opponent) and the win-stay lose-shift strategy are known
      as strong competitors in iterated social dilemma games. On the other hand, real
      repeated interaction generally allows plasticity (i.e., learning) of individuals
      based on the experience of the past. Although plasticity is relevant to various
      biological phenomena, its role in repeated social dilemma games is relatively
      unexplored. In particular, if experience-based learning plays a key role in
      promotion and maintenance of cooperation, learners should evolve in the contest
      with nonlearners under selection pressure. By modeling players using a simple
      reinforcement learning model, we numerically show that learning enables the
      evolution of cooperation. We also show that numerically estimated adaptive
      dynamics appositely predict the outcome of evolutionary simulations. The analysis
      of the adaptive dynamics enables us to capture the obtained results as an
      affirmative example of the Baldwin effect, where learning accelerates the
      evolution to optimality.

PMID- 22037064
TI  - Probable autoimmune causal relationship between periodontitis and Hashimotos
      thyroidits: a systemic review.
AB  - Periodontitis is a multifactorial disease with microbial dental plaque as the
      initiator of periodontal disease. However, the manifestation and progression of
      the disease is influenced by a wide variety of determinants and factors. The
      strongest type of causal relationship is the association of systemic and
      periodontal disease. Hashimotos thyroiditis has also been considered as one of
      the causes of periodontal disease. As a matter of fact, on an autoimmune basis,
      in Hashimotos disease and periodontal disease, we have made an attempt to derive
      the common mechanisms, with an evidence base. The need for this kind of review
      was due to the fact that the outcome of periodontal therapy did not give the
      expected results in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Hence, a possible link
      between Hashimotos thyroiditis and periodontitis was considered.

PMID- 22037065
TI  - Classification and management challenges of otitis media in a resource-poor
      country.
AB  - The clinical features and sequelae of otitis media (OM) vary depending on the
      duration, severity and progression of the disease. As a result, opinions on the
      modes of classification and management protocols have differed over the years.
      The need to critically appraise these opinions according to the peculiarities of
      each region is imperative. This work was aimed at reviewing the world literature
      on the subject and also highlights the limitations in management in our region. A
      wide literature search was conducted using the following search engines: PubMed,
      AJOL and University of Toronto Library. Also incorporated were essential
      materials obtained from the authors' clinical practices. The search engines
      returned 22,903 related articles on OM. Further filtration yielded 88 articles on
      "classification and management" and these were obtained in full and thoroughly
      read. Extracted materials for review spanned between 1980 and 2008. OM is
      prevalent the world over with potentially severe complications if inadequately
      managed, especially in the developing countries. It is of note that in the
      developing countries, poverty, ignorance, dearth of specialists and limited
      access to medical care amongst others conspire to worsen the course and
      complications of OM.

PMID- 22037066
TI  - The status of tuberculosis infection control measures in health care facilities
      rendering joint TB/HIV services in "German Leprosy and Tuberculosis Relief
      Association" supported states in Nigeria.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the status of tuberculosis (TB) infection control practice
      in health care facilities implementing joint TB/HIV activities. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: A descriptive survey triangulating self-administered questionnaire
      (facility survey to Infection Control Officer, individual health worker to
      general health workers), review of facility case notes and participant
      observation techniques was carried out. Twelve health facilities from southern
      Nigeria were assessed. RESULTS: (1) Administrative and work practice control
      measure: Only 1 (8.3%) facility had a documented TB Infection control policy; 2
      (16.7%) facilities had Infection Control Committee; 5 (41.7%) facilities had
      Infection Control Officer; 2 (16.7%) asked questions at the health records about
      cough; 1 (8.3%) facility had health workers intermittently checking for patients
      with cough in the waiting hall; and 2 (16.7%) facilities had Infection Control
      Officers who have attended some training on infection control. No facility had
      Information, Education and Communication (IEC) materials reminding patients and
      health workers of the possibility of TB transmission in the health care setting.
      While 86.4% of TB patients were screened for HIV, only 54.7% of HIV patients were
      tested for TB. (2) Environmental control measures: All the waiting halls were
      well ventilated. Though 66.7% of the consulting rooms were well ventilated, 25%
      of them were over crowded; 58.3% of the facilities managed sputum smear positive
      TB patients in the same ward with HIV-positive and other vulnerable patients; no
      facility had air cleaners. CONCLUSION: Implementation of the different aspects of
      the administrative control and work practice component of TB infection control
      measure range from 8.3% to 41.7% of the facilities. Urgent measures should be
      taken to reverse this trend in the face of TB burden due to HIV.

PMID- 22037067
TI  - Pregnant Nigerian women's view of cesarean section.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Cesarean section (C/S) is still being perceived as an abnormal means
      of delivery by many antenatal women in Nigeria. This study aims to determine the
      perceptions of antenatal clients in the southeastern Nigeria on C/S. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: The study was conducted using a structured questionnaire
      administered to 300 consenting pregnant clients attending the antenatal clinic.
      The data were analyzed and presented in a simple frequency table. RESULTS: The
      average C/S rate in the hospital was 16.6%. Only 4 (1.4%) viewed C/S as very good
      and elected to undergo C/S. Thirty-four (12.3%) considered C/S as bad and would
      reluctantly undergo the procedure. Two hundred and twenty-five (81.2%) would
      accept C/S if their life or that of their fetus is in great danger. CONCLUSION:
      This study affirms previous suspicion that a significant proportion of antenatal
      clients are averse to C/S and the negative cultural perception of the people to
      C/S reinforced this aversion.

PMID- 22037068
TI  - Retrobulbar versus subconjunctival anesthesia for cataract surgery.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To compare the effectiveness, in terms of pain relief and akinesia of
      retrobulbar and subconjunctival an aesthesia during cataract surgery and also to
      compare the degree of postoperative ptosis associated with each technique.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Consecutive adult patients undergoing cataract surgery
      between March and June 2008 at the Guinness Eye Center Onitsha, were randomized
      into retrobulbar and subconjunctival an aesthesia by simple random sampling.
      Patients' subjective perception of pain was graded into none, mild, moderate and
      severe; eyeball movement during surgery was graded into none, slight, moderate
      excessive. Two weeks after surgery, the palpebral fissure width was measured with
      the metre rule to determine the degree of post-operative ptosis. RESULTS: Of the
      90 patients studied, 55 (61.1%) patients had subconjunctival an anesthesia while
      35(38.9%) had retrobulbar injection. In the retrobulbar injection group 25
      (71.4%) patients had none or mild pains compared to 44 (80.0%) in the
      subconjunctival injection group; while 10 (28.6%) patients in the retrobulbar
      group experienced moderate to severe pains, 11 (20%) patients in the
      subconjunctival group had moderate pains and none experienced severe pains. But
      the difference in the degree of pain perception between the 2 groups is not
      statistically significant (chi2 = 0.01; df - 1; P>0.05 ). In the retrobulbar
      injection group, there was none or slight movement of the globe in 30 (85.7%)
      patients compared to 49 (89.1%) patients in the subconjunctival group. While 5
      (14.3%) patients in the retrobulbar injection group had moderate globe movement,
      no patient in this group had excessive movement. In the subconjunctival injection
      group, 5 (9.1%) patients had moderate movement and 1 (1.8%) patient had excessive
      eyeball movement. The difference in the movement of the eyeball between the
      retrobulbar and the subconjunctival injections group was not significant (chi2 =
      0.004; df - 1; P>0.05 ). In the retrobulbar injection group, the palpebral
      fissure width was within >= 10mm in 18 (51.0%) patients compared with 29 (53.0%)
      patients in the subconjunctival group. This difference was not statistically
      significant (chi2 = 0.0006; df - 1; P>0.05 ). CONCLUSIONS: Both retrobulbar and
      subconjunctival an aesthetic techniques are effective and safe for cataract
      surgery although the pain experience may be slightly more for patients being
      operated upon under retrobulbar anaesthesia.

PMID- 22037069
TI  - The lumbosacral radiographs in the initial screening of low back pain - is one
      view enough?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Radiological imaging is mandatory, when investigating patients with
      low back pain (LBP). A minimum of three plain radiographic views of lumbosacral
      spine are routinely requested for by the attending clinicians. OBJECTIVE: This
      study is therefore carried out to determine if only one view will be sufficient
      in the initial screening of patients with low back pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      The antero-posterior (AP) and lateral plain radiographs of patients referred to
      the radiology department on account of low back pains in an eighteen month period
      (June 2007 to November 2008) were reported by two certified radiologists. The
      findings were subjected to statistical analysis. The Kappa agreement for the two
      independent reports was between 0.602 and 0.908. RESULTS: The radiographs for 638
      patients were reviewed. 365 (57.2%) were females and 273 (42.8%) were males. The
      age ranged from 20 years to 85 years with a mean of 56.4 years. Within the age
      group of 20-69 years, females were found to significantly present earlier than
      men with LBP (P< 0.041). The AP view had a significantly higher rate of reported
      normal findings that the lateral view (P<0.000). Osteophytic outgrowth was the
      commonest finding in both views although the rate of detection was higher on the
      lateral view, as with the other abnormal findings. CONCLUSION: This study shows
      that the lateral radiographs show significantly more findings than AP on plain
      radiographs. It is therefore recommended that lateral radiograph is adequate in
      the initial screening of patients with low back pain.

PMID- 22037070
TI  - Prevalence of dermatological lesions in hospitalized children at the University
      College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Skin disorders constitute a significant proportion of consultations in
      children's clinics; however, there is a paucity of data on the prevalence of
      dermatological lesions in hospitalized children in Nigeria. This study determines
      the prevalence of dermatological lesions in hospitalized children. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 402 children aged three months to twelve
      years admitted in the Pediatric wards of the University College Hospital, Ibadan,
      were enrolled over a six-month period. Examination of the skin and its appendages
      was done for each patient. Data on the socioeconomic status, hygiene, and health
      related factors were also obtained using a structured questionnaire. RESULTS:
      Over 96% of the children had at least one identifiable skin lesion. The five
      leading skin lesions were post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (49.5%), BCG scar
      (28.4%), Mongolian spots (27.1%), junctional melanocytic nevi (20.1%), and
      cafiota-au-lait macules (18.4%). The leading infectious skin disease was pyoderma
      (13.4%), followed by tinea capitis (6.7%). Scarification marks (P=0.001), tinea
      capitis (P=0.014), plantar fissuring (P=0.001), and impetigo (P=0.016) were
      associated with low socioeconomic classes, while the presence of BCG scar (50.0%)
      was associated with the high socioeconomic class. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows
      that dermatologic lesions are common in hospitalized children. Identifying them
      will provide an opportunity for pediatricians to educate parents on the various
      causes as well as prevention of lesions.

PMID- 22037071
TI  - Periapical granuloma associated with extracted teeth.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This article aims to determine the incidence of periapical granuloma
      from extracted teeth and correlate the clinical diagnoses with the
      histopathological types of periapical granuloma. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Over a
      period of eight months, a prospective study designed as a routine biopsy of
      recoverable periapical tissues obtained from patients who had single tooth
      extraction was carried out. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-six patients
      participated in the study, with 75 (55.1%) histopathologically diagnosed
      periradicular lesions. There were 23 (16.9%) cases of periapical granuloma, with
      a male to female ratio of 2: 1. The lesion presented mostly between the third and
      fourth decades of life (n=9, 6.6%). Clinically diagnosed acute apical
      periodontitis was significantly associated with periapical granuloma, with
      predominantly foamy macrophages and lymphocytes (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Periapical
      granuloma appears to be a less common periapical lesion in this study compared to
      the previous reports. In contrast to reports that relate to an acute flare of the
      lesion with abundant neutrophilic infiltration, this study has shown marked foamy
      macrophages and lymphocytes at the acute phase, which are significantly
      associated with the clinical diagnosis of acute apical periodontitis. We
      recommend the classification of periapical granuloma into early, intermediate,
      and late stages of the lesion, based on the associated inflammatory cells.

PMID- 22037072
TI  - Extrapulmonary tuberculosis: fine needle aspiration cytology diagnosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The increasing prevalence of extrapulmonary manifestation of
      tuberculosis with the HIV scourge is a cause for concern. OBJECTIVE: To determine
      the role of fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) in the diagnosis of
      extrapulmonary tuberculosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This is a consecutive 9-year
      analysis of patients with peripheral lymphadenopathy. All the patients had fine
      needle aspiration. Smears were made, fixed in 95% alcohol and stained with
      hematoxylin and eosin and Zeihl Neelsen stains. RESULTS: 48 patients, 31 males
      and 17 females, were analyzed. The mean age was 27.9 years. Aspirates were mainly
      from cervical lymph nodes. Four patients were HIV 1 seropositive.
      Macroscopically, 23 (48%) of the aspirates were purulent and 7 (14.6%) had
      caseous material. Microscopy showed granular eosinophilic material (caseation),
      multinucleated giant cells, epithelioid cells, neutrophils and lymphocytes.
      Staining for acid-fast bacilli was positive in 23 (48%) cases. CONCLUSION: Early
      diagnosis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis in a resource-limited setting can be
      achieved with fine needle aspiration cytology technique (FNAC). This will ensure
      prompt treatment and thus reduce attendant morbidity and mortality.

PMID- 22037073
TI  - Prevalence of hypertension amongst persons with diabetes mellitus in Benin City,
      Nigeria.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of hypertension amongst persons with
      diabetes mellitus (DM) in Benin city. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four hundred and
      fifty diabetic subjects were evaluated for hypertension by measuring their blood
      pressure using a sphygmomanometer at the diabetes clinics of the University of
      Benin Teaching Hospital and Central Hospital, both in Benin City, Nigeria. Other
      data obtained included age, sex, type of DM, weight, height, body mass index and
      waist hip ratio. RESULTS: Two hundred and forty-four out of 450 subjects had
      hypertension, thus giving a prevalence rate of 54.2%. 124 males (50.8%) were
      hypertensive compared with 120 (49.2%) females, but this difference was not
      significant (chi2 = 0.1, df = 1, P > 0.05). Thirteen (22.4%) of the 58 Type 1
      subjects had hypertension, while 231 (58.9%) of the Type 2 subjects had
      hypertension, and this difference was statistically significant (chi2 = 27, df =
      1, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Hypertension is prevalent in persons with DM. Studies
      have shown that adequate control of the blood pressure reduces the microvascular
      and macrovascular complications of DM. DM care providers must prescribe
      appropriate antihypertensive therapy to control hypertension in persons with DM.

PMID- 22037074
TI  - Knowledge and behavior towards voluntary blood donation among students of a
      tertiary institution in Nigeria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Blood donation is the only way of acquiring blood to meet emergency
      requirements in cases of road traffic accidents, complications of pregnancy and
      childbirth, various anemic disorders and surgical emergencies among others.
      Globally, 80 million units of blood are donated each year, but only two million
      units are donated in sub-Saharan Africa where the need is enormous. The objective
      of this study was to determine the behavior of the students of a tertiary
      institution in Nigeria towards voluntary blood donation. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      This is a descriptive cross-sectional study, which involved students of a
      tertiary institution in Nigeria. A multistage sampling technique was employed in
      selecting the participants for this study. A semi-structured self-administered
      questionnaire was used to collect information on socio-demographic
      characteristics, knowledge, attitude and factors affecting voluntary blood
      donation. The data obtained were analyzed using EPI-INFO 2005 software Version
      3.3.2. RESULTS: Less than two-thirds (61%) of total respondents had good
      knowledge of blood donation. More than three quarters (85%) of the respondents
      had never donated blood. Of the 15% that had donated, only 3% donated
      voluntarily. Among those that had ever donated, males (57%) were more than
      females. Many of the donors donated for relatives (57%). The majority of the
      respondents were compelled to donate because of emergency situations (75%). The
      reasons why many did not donate were lack of opportunity (45%) due to tight
      lecture schedule and inadequate knowledge (24%). Gift items such as hematinics, T
      shirts and wrist bands (29%) would motivate respondents to donate. CONCLUSION:
      The Students' Union body and other Organizations in the University should include
      a blood donation drive in their monthly/annual activities. The University
      authorities, the University health service centre and the Hematology Department
      of the Teaching hospital should collaborate in promoting voluntary blood donation
      among the students.

PMID- 22037075
TI  - The state of occupational radiation protection and monitoring in public and
      private X-ray facilities in Edo state, Nigeria.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To find out the state of radiation protection and monitoring
      practices of the public and private X-ray centres in Edo state. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Survey visits were made to all the functional X-ray facilities in Edo
      state and the available facilities identified, staff interviewed and collected
      data analyzed. RESULT: There are 18 functional X-ray facilities comprising 10
      (55.56%) publicly owned and eight (44.44%) privately owned. Only two (20%) of the
      public and five (62.5%) of the private X-ray units have personnel and
      environmental monitoring. All the X-ray centers in both public and private
      hospitals have effective lead aprons. All the public (100%) and only four (50%)
      of the private centers have gonadal shield although none is using them on a
      routine basis. Qualified radiographers are available only in five (50%) of the
      public and six (75%) of the private centers. Only three (30%) of the public X-ray
      centers have the services of radiologists. Among the private X-ray units, five
      (62.5%) have radiologist while three (37.5%) have no radiologist. Only one (10%)
      of the public centers and one (12.5%) private X-ray centre have a purpose-built
      adequately designed X-ray unit with barium plasters and lead lining of walls and
      doors. There is also only limited lead lining of doors and walls in three (37.5%)
      private units while no lead lining or barium plasters are used in five (62.5%) of
      the private units. No X-ray unit in Edo state uses digital radiography or
      computerized information system. This means that lost hard copy must be repeated,
      leading to more radiation to patients and staff. CONCLUSIONS: There are
      inadequate radiation protection and monitoring practices in most of the
      functional X-ray facilities in Edo state with only five (62.5%) of the private
      and two (20%) of the public X-ray units monitored. There is poor adherence to the
      advice of the medical physicists due to the cost implications of the
      implementation.

PMID- 22037076
TI  - Contents and readability of currently used surgical/procedure informed consent
      forms in Nigerian tertiary health institutions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Surgical informed consent forms should have evidence that their use
      will enhance a shared decision-making which is the fundamental objective of
      informed consent in clinical practice. In the absence of any guideline in Nigeria
      on the content and language of informed consent forms, we sort to examine the
      surgical and procedure consent forms used by Federal tertiary health institutions
      in Nigeria, to know whether they fulfill the basic elements of informed consent.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: The surgical and procedure informed consent forms of 33
      tertiary health institutions in Nigeria were assessed for their readability and
      contents. Adequacy of their content was evaluated based on provision for 28
      content items identified as necessary information to be provided in a good
      consent form. The potential of the forms to be comprehended were assessed with
      Flesch readability formula. RESULTS: The contents of majority of the forms were
      scant. None of the forms made provision for documentation of the patient's
      permission for blood transfusion, tissue disposal, awareness of the risks of not
      undergoing the prescribed treatment, and the risk of anesthesia. Risk disclosures
      were only mentioned in specific terms in 11.4% of the forms. Less than 10% of the
      forms made provisions for an interpreter, signature of anesthetists, alternative
      to the procedure to be mentioned, and answering of the patient's questions. The
      Flesch reading ease scores of the forms ranged from 34.1 (Difficult) to 67.5
      (Standard), with a mean score of 55.2 (Fairly difficult level). Field evaluation
      of the forms show that they shall be partly understood by 13- to 15-year-old
      patients with basic education but are best understood by literate adult patients.
      CONCLUSION: The content of majority of the informed consent forms used in
      Nigerian tertiary health institutions are poor and their readability scores are
      not better than those used in developed parts of the world. Health Institutions
      in Nigeria should revise their informed consent forms to improve their contents
      and do a usability trial on the sample forms before deployment in order to ensure
      that they are comprehensible for their patient population.

PMID- 22037077
TI  - Millennium development goals-knowledge and attainability as perceived by doctors:
      a case study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To audit the knowledge of doctors and evaluate their disposition
      toward the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Semi-structured questionnaires requesting information about knowledge of
      the acronym "MDGs" were administered on willing doctors at three tertiary health
      centers: University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Federal Medical Centre, Bida,
      and Federal Medical Centre, Yola. Data were analyzed using frequency tables and
      simple statistical methods. RESULTS: One hundred and eighty-three doctors
      participated in the study, comprising 65 (35.5%) from Bida, 18 (9.8%) from Yola,
      and 100 (54.7%) from Ilorin, with a male to female ratio of 2:1 (P < 0.05).
      Thirty-nine respondents (21.3%) had no fore kowledge of MDG (P < 0.05). Only 77
      (42.1%) of the respondents who had fore knowledge of "MDG" knew the number of
      goals to be eight (P < 0.05). Among those who had fore knowledge of MDG, only 34
      comprising 15 (10.4%, Bida), 1 (0.7%, Yola), and 18 (12.5%, Ilorin) could
      correctly list a minimum of four of the MDGs (P < 0.05). Only 12 (8.3%) of the
      respondents believed that the MDGs are very achievable. CONCLUSION: There is an
      absolute need for more elaborate publicity on the MDGs among doctors as they are
      key players if attaining the MDGs is to be a reality.

PMID- 22037078
TI  - Fetal macrosomia: obstetric outcome of 311 cases in UNTH, Enugu, Nigeria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In modern obstetrics, fetal macrosomia is a major contributor to
      obstetric morbidity. It is an important cause of perinatal morbidity and
      mortality. AIM: This study aims to determine the maternal characteristics, fetal
      and neonatal complications associated with fetal macrosomia, and its contribution
      to obstetric morbidity in Enugu, Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a 3
      year retrospective study carried out from 1 st January 2005 to 31 st December
      2007. RESULTS: There were a total of 434 cases of fetal macrosomia out of 5,365
      deliveries. The incidence of fetal macrosomia was 8.1%. Only 311 case notes
      (71.6%) were available for analysis. Statistical analysis showed that mothers of
      macrosomic newborns were older (30.6 +/- 5.6 vs. 27.4 +/- 4.74; P = 0.001),
      higher parity (4.1 +/- 2.7 vs. 2.5 +/- 1.07; P = 0.001), and weighed more at term
      (89.13 +/- 6.17 kg vs. 71.43 +/- 5.27 kg; P = 0.002). The study group had more
      mothers with previous history of macrosomic babies (39.5% vs. 12.5%), diabetes
      (3.2% vs. 1%), significant higher cesarian section rate (27.3% vs. 11.9%, P =
      0.001), and operative vaginal delivery (3.6% vs. 1%; P = 0.001) compared with the
      control. There was male dominance in the study group compared with the control
      (63% vs. 56.3%; P = 0.001), higher risk of fetal asphyxia (P = 0.001), and
      greater mean birth weight (3.6 +/- 1.2 kg vs. 3.2 +/- 0.6 kg; P = 0.002). There
      were 7 (2.3%) cases of shoulder dystocia in the macrosomic group and none in the
      non-macrosomic group. The stillbirth rate (3.2/1000) was the same in both study
      group and control. This was not statistically significant (P = 0.124).
      CONCLUSION: The precise determination of fetal weight is only done at delivery.
      Clinical and ultrasound determination of fetal weight are highly imprecise
      especially at the third trimester. The route of delivery should therefore be
      individualized.

PMID- 22037079
TI  - Age-related macular degeneration in Onitsha, Nigeria.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence, pattern and ocular morbidity associated
      with age-related macular degeneration (AMD) at the Guinness Eye Center Onitsha
      Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The case files of all new patients aged 50 years
      and above seen between January 1997 and December 2004 were reviewed. The files of
      patients with AMD were further studied. Information on age, gender, occupation,
      duration of symptoms, type of maculopathy, visual acuity, ocular and systemic co
      morbidities were abstracted into a standard proforma and analyzed using the chi
      square test, student t-test and confidence interval estimation. RESULTS: Two
      hundred and fifty-six of 7966 (3.2%) new patients had AMD; M:F = 2:3; 60 -79 year
      age group constitute 70% of the cases. Non-neovascular AMD occurred in 210 (82%)
      patients with 182 (71.1%) having early AMD and 28 (10.9%) geographic atrophy.
      Neovascular AMD occurred in 46 (18%) patients. AMD was bilateral in 221 (86.3%)
      patients. Most patients presented late. Systemic co-morbidities were hypertension
      and diabetes; the main ocular co-morbidities were cataract and glaucoma. Thirty
      four (13.3%) patients were bilaterally blind and 130 (50.8%) had bilateral visual
      impairment. Of the blind patients 13(38.3%) had neovascular AMD and 6 (17.7%) had
      geographic atrophy. This makes AMD the cause of blindness in 7.4% of the
      patients. An affected eye was more likely to have low vision than an unaffected
      eye (95%CI: 0.07, 0.21; P<0.05); persons aged 70 years and above were more likely
      to be blind (chi2 - 7.26, df -1; P<0.05); females were also more likely to be
      blind than males (t - 2.857, df - 8; P<0.05) and neovascular AMD significantly
      causes more blindness than the non-neovascular type (95% CI: 0.11, 0.37; P<0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: AMD was the main cause of blindness in 7.4% of the patients.
      Treatment facilities including low vision aids for AMD patients should be
      provided in eye hospitals in Nigeria. Health education of the public highlighting
      the risk factors for AMD should be mounted as part of Vision 2020 programme in
      Nigeria. A community based study is required to fully define the epidemiologic
      characteristics of AMD in Nigerians.

PMID- 22037080
TI  - Immunohistochemical detection of Her-2/neu overexpression in breast carcinoma in
      Nigerians: a 5-year retrospective study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the pattern of Her-2/neu status among breast carcinoma in
      the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City, Nigeria. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Immunohistochemical staining for Her-2/neu was performed on 10% formalin
      fixed, paraffin-embedded primary carcinoma of the breast from 83 patients,
      between 2003 and 2007 using anti-Her-2/neu rabbit polyclonal antibody
      (DakoCytomation, CA, USA) and reactivity detected by an avidin-biotin
      immunoperoxidase method. The clinicopathologic parameters analyzed were patients'
      age, histological types, and tumor grade. The Her-2/neu Dako scoring system was
      used. RESULTS: During the 5-year period, 83 histologically confirmed cases of
      invasive breast carcinoma were assessed for Her-2/neu status. These included 67
      (80.7%) cases of invasive ductal carcinoma, nine cases of invasive lobular
      carcinoma (10.8%), three cases of medullary carcinoma (3.6%), two cases of
      papillary carcinoma (2.4%), and a case each of mucinous and clear cell carcinoma
      (1.2%). Mean age of patients was 48.9 +/- 13.6 years with an age range of 25 to
      83 years. Only nine (10.8%) cases showed immunopositivity for Her-2/neu. Seven of
      these were cases of invasive ductal carcinoma, while two were invasive lobular
      carcinoma. Tumors were predominantly high grade with grade III, II, and I
      accounting for 42, 28, and 13 cases, respectively. There was no significant
      correlation between patient age, the various histological types, tumor grade, and
      Her-2/neu positivity. CONCLUSIONS: This study indicates that Her-2/neu may not be
      useful in defining the prognosis of breast cancer in this environment.
      Nevertheless, it highlights the need for routine immunostaining for Her-2/neu
      before institution of trastuzumab (Herceptin) therapy.

PMID- 22037081
TI  - Knowledge of HIV/AIDS among secondary school adolescents in Osun state, Nigeria.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to assess the knowledge of secondary
      school pupils in Osun state about HIV/AIDS and the sources of their information.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multistage random sampling technique was used to select
      592 secondary school pupils from 5 local government areas of Osun state, Nigeria.
      A self-administered questionnaire was used which composed of questions on their
      knowledge and sources of information about HIV/AIDS. RESULTS: About half believed
      that HIV can be contracted via mosquito bites and 53.7% believed via kissing.
      Half of the respondents agreed that a person who looks healthy can be infected
      and possess the ability to describe the look of an infected person. Majority
      (92.6%) claimed to have heard about HIV/AIDS prior to the study. More than half
      (67.8%) agreed that HIV/AIDS is a life-threatening disease, 29.4% said there is a
      cure for AIDS, and 77.6% thought that the government is doing enough to deal with
      the disease. The most important sources of HIV/AIDS information among the
      respondents were the media and the least important sources of information were
      the traditional healers (35.3%). CONCLUSION: This study revealed a high-level
      misconception among secondary school pupils in Osun state, Nigeria. Mass media
      was the major source of information with doubtful effectiveness evidenced by
      obvious erroneous beliefs. An improved multisectorial approach in HIV/AIDS
      education with greater participation of school and public libraries is advised.

PMID- 22037082
TI  - Outcome of twin deliveries at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital: a 5
      year review.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The objectives of the study were to determine the outcome of twin
      births at the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital (UMTH), Maiduguri, in
      terms of morbidity and mortality and to recommend possible measures to curtail or
      reduce some of the preventable complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is a 5
      year retrospective study, from January 2000 to December 2004, of twin births at
      the UMTH. RESULTS: There were 196 twin deliveries in 8431 total deliveries, with
      a twin incidence of 2.3%. Dizygotic twins accounted for 63.4%. The increasing
      maternal age and positive family history of multiple pregnancies were associated
      with the increasing twinning rate. The main complications encountered were
      preterm labor, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and cord prolapse. The perinatal
      mortality rate of 107.5/1000 births was higher than that observed for singleton
      pregnancies in the same institution. Similarly, there was a higher Cesarian
      section rate of 24.7% compared to singletons within the same period. There were
      significantly higher perinatal mortality rates among the preterm (P = 0.000002)
      and low-birth-weight (P = 0.000004) fetuses. CONCLUSION: Considering that fetal
      prematurity and low birth weight, sequelae to preterm labor, are the commonest
      causes of perinatal death in this study, efforts should be geared during the
      antenatal period toward the prevention of a premature birth.

PMID- 22037083
TI  - Prevalence of oral mucosal lesions from birth to two years.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence of lesions
      of the oral mucosa from birth to two years in Turkish pediatric patients .
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 299 infants from newborn to two years of age
      were evaluated from the Outpatient Clinics of the Pediatric Department, in the
      Fatih University Hospital, Ankara, Turkey. The mucosal lesions were documented.
      The data were presented as percentages and for categorical comparisons Chi-square
      or Fisher's Exact test were used. A P-value less than 0.05 was considered
      statistically significant. RESULTS: Of the 299 infants, mucosal lesions were seen
      in only 65 (21.27%). In the study, the most common lesions were candidiasis
      (10.70%), Ebstein's pearls (2.68%), and geographic tongue (2.68%). The frequency
      of children with mucosal alterations was higher in the group of children from two
      to twelve months. CONCLUSIONS: Although the lesions that were found the most in
      our study were benign lesions, unrelated to systemic diseases, we still believe
      that oral mucosal lesions can be a sign of a systemic or dermatological disease
      in infants, which affects the oral feeding of the infants. Routine examination of
      the oral mucosa should be a part of the pediatric examination.

PMID- 22037084
TI  - Pattern and determinants of blood transfusion in a Nigerian neonatal unit.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the pattern and determinants of blood transfusion in a
      Nigerian neonatal unit. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Newborn babies who required blood
      transfusions between January and December, 2008, were studied. The sex, age, and
      weight at the first transfusion, clinical conditions, indications for
      transfusion, and the outcome were analyzed with bivariate and multivariate
      methods. RESULTS: A total of 402 neonates were hospitalized and 112 (27.9%) had
      blood transfusion; 61.9% had exchange transfusion, 66.1% had red cell
      transfusion, and 8% had plasma transfusion. There were 251 transfusions with a
      rate of 4.8 transfusions per week. Blood transfusions were done for severe
      jaundice (55.4%), severe anemia (40.2%), and bleeding disorders (4.4%). Weight <
      2.5 kg, outside delivery, and jaundice were independent determinants of neonatal
      transfusion. CONCLUSION: The blood transfusion rate in this facility was
      remarkably high. Improved standard of newborn care and infrastructural support
      are required to reduce the transfusion rate.

PMID- 22037085
TI  - Prognosis and outcome of acute stroke in the University College Hospital Ibadan,
      Nigeria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many factors influence the outcome of acute stroke, the third leading
      cause of morbidity and mortality globally. OBJECTIVE: To identify the
      determinants of outcome of acute stroke. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospectively
      study of 66 adult patients who presented to the medical emergency unit of
      University College Hospital (U.C.H), Ibadan, in coma from acute stroke, from
      August 2004 to March 2005, was undertaken after obtaining ethical clearance and
      written consent of the patients' relations. RESULT: Acute stroke constituted 33%
      of medical coma, 3.2% of hospital emergencies, 1.0% of total hospital admissions,
      and 7.3% of medical deaths during the study period. The stroke subtypes were
      intracerebral hemorrhage (78.8%) and large cerebral infarction (21.2%) with
      respective case fatalities of 69.7% and 13.6% at 4 weeks. Males constituted 75.8%
      of the patient population with sex-specific mortality of 68.2%. The highest age
      specific mortality of 65.2% was in the 40-59 years group. The common risk factors
      were systemic hypertension, obesity, alcohol/substance abuse, and diabetes
      mellitus. Co-morbidities included aspiration pneumonia, recurrent seizures,
      hyperglycemia, and sepsis. CONCLUSION: Age above 39 years, male gender, systemic
      hypertension, early onset of coma after stroke, and presence of co-morbidities
      were associated with poor stroke outcome.

PMID- 22037086
TI  - A histopathological study of carcinoma of the prostate in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence of prostate cancer in Port Harcourt and
      the surrounding towns whose residents patronize the University of Port Harcourt
      Teaching Hospital for tertiary health care, histologically characterize the
      patterns of these cancers, and grade them according to the Gleason scheme.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Blocks and slides of prostate specimens received at the
      Department of Anatomical Pathology, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital
      between January 1997 and December 2006 were retrospectively selected for this
      study. The slides were studied using a binocular Olympus light microscope.
      Patients' age at presentation, presenting symptoms, and clinical diagnosis were
      sorted out from the request cards and the department's archival register.
      RESULTS: Carcinoma was diagnosed in 198 specimens (37.4%) of the 529 cases
      reviewed. Of these, 164 (82.8%) were clinical carcinoma (having been found in
      clinically suspected carcinoma cases for which trucut biopsies were undertaken),
      while 34 (17.2%) were incidental carcinoma cases (being found in prostatectomy
      biopsy cases of patients clinically diagnosed with nodular hyperplasia). All of
      the clinical carcinomas were adenocarcinomas predominantly moderately
      differentiated and of large acinar pattern. Also, all of the incidental
      carcinomas were adenocarcinomas predominantly well differentiated and of large
      acinar pattern. The Gleason scores (GSs) were varied but predominantly of high
      values, particularly with clinical carcinoma cases. The age range was 42 to 90
      years and the mean was 70 years with a peak of 70 to 79 years. CONCLUSION: The
      incidence of prostate cancer in Port Harcourt is high relative to other Nigerian
      centers where similar studies have been carried out and compares well with the
      high incidence found among African American men. Histologically, all cases are
      acinar adenocarcinomas. Most patients present late with high GS carcinoma and
      therefore have poor prognosis. There is a need for enlightenment of the male
      populace on the high incidence of this deadly disease as well as for screening to
      reduce the number of patients presenting late and therefore improve prognosis.

PMID- 22037087
TI  - Caring for patients with brain tumor: the patient and care giver perspectives.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with brain tumors form a heterogeneous group in terms of
      clinical presentation and pathology. However, the impact of the disease on
      patients' families is often more homogenous and frequently quite profound. A
      considerable body of literature is available on the management of brain tumors
      and recently, the National Institute for Clinical Excellence has developed
      guidelines on the care of brain tumor patients that should improve the overall
      outcome for the patient from both the disease and psychological aspects.
      OBJECTIVES: An increasing number of studies have attempted to address the impact
      of the disease on the care givers and relatives of these patients, but few have
      considered the problem simultaneously from both the patient's and care giver's
      perspective. In this study, we analyzed the psychosocial and general health of
      brain tumor patients and related this to the care givers. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      This is a questionnaire-based postal survey of 168 patients and their relatives.
      We examined how the health and psychological well-being of the caregiver may
      affect the quality of care. RESULTS: There is significant physical, social, and
      psychosocial morbidity associated with caring for brain tumor patients. Patients
      worry about their care givers and this constitutes additional stress for the
      patient. CONCLUSIONS: No constructive and lasting improvement can be made to the
      quality of life of patients with brain tumor until the health and welfare of
      their care givers are factored into the care package. With better service to the
      patient, it is hoped that the burden of care will lighten for the care givers.

PMID- 22037088
TI  - Oxyphil cell adenoma in a Nigerian: case report and review of the literature.
AB  - Oncocytomas of the lacrimal gland are rare tumors. We report the first documented
      case in Nigeria. This was an interventional case report. A complete
      ophthalmologic and systemic examination with available pertinent investigations
      was done, followed by a modified exentheration and histopathologic examination. A
      60-year-old Nigerian housewife was evaluated for a slow-growing, right upper lid
      mass associated with visual lesion in the ipsilateral eye. Plain skull x-rays
      revealed a soft tissue in the right eye orbit without any bony extension. A
      modified exentheration was done. Histopathology showed sheets of oxyphil cells in
      the lacrimal gland. Although rare, more cases of oncocytomas may exist than are
      reported in the literature.

PMID- 22037089
TI  - Dysmenorrhea due to a rare mullerian anomaly.
AB  - Mullerian duct anomalies may produce reproductive failure like abortion and
      preterm birth, or obstetric problems like malpresentation, retained placenta,
      etc., or they may be asymptomatic. Unicornuate uterus with a noncommunicating
      functional rudimentary horn is a type of mullerian anomaly that results in
      obstruction to menstrual blood flow, leading to endometriosis and dysmenorrhea.
      Though the majority of cases of dysmenorrhea in adolescents are primary in nature
      and require only reassurance and symptomatic management, it is important to be
      aware of rare causes such as mullerian anomalies so that these cases can be
      properly managed. Hence, we present this case report, with interesting
      illustrations, so as to increase awareness regarding these anomalies.

PMID- 22037090
TI  - Success of nephron-sparing surgery in the treatment of localized renal cell
      carcinoma.
AB  - Advancement in imaging techniques has now made it possible for small renal tumors
      to be detected incidentally. This has led to the use of minimally invasive
      techniques for treatment of these cases. A 33-year-old woman was diagnosed to
      have a small renal mass after routine abdominal ultrasonography for epigastric
      discomfort. Computed tomography scan was used to characterize the mass, and an
      elective partial nephrectomy was successfully carried out. The procedure is safe,
      less morbid, and has good oncological outcome.

PMID- 22037091
TI  - Ultrafast tracking of sound location changes as revealed by human auditory evoked
      potentials.
AB  - The rapid discrimination of auditory location information enables grouping and
      selectively attending to specific sound sources. The typical indicator of
      auditory change detection is the mismatch negativity (MMN) occurring at a latency
      of about 100-250 ms. However, recent studies have revealed the existence of
      earlier markers of frequency deviance detection in the middle-latency response
      (MLR). Here, we measured the MLR and MMN to changes in sound location. Clicks
      were presented in either the left or right hemifields during oddball (rare 30
      degrees -shifts in location), reversed oddball, and control (sounds occurring
      equiprobably from five locations) conditions. Clicks at deviant locations
      elicited an MMN and an enhanced Na component of the MLR peaking at 20 ms compared
      to clicks at standard or control locations. Whereas MMN was not significantly
      lateralized, the Na effect showed a contralateral dominance. These findings
      indicate that, also for sound location changes, early detection processes exist
      upstream of MMN.

PMID- 22037092
TI  - Clinical psychopharmacology of borderline personality disorder: an update on the
      available evidence in light of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
      Disorders - 5.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Clinical considerations for evidence-based treatment of
      borderline personality disorder (BPD) are outlined in the context of the best
      available evidence, discussed with reference to BPD traits currently identified
      in the upcoming Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders - 5 (DSM-5)
      revision. The DSM-5 will highlight refractory affective, interpersonal, and
      identity symptoms in BPD as potential treatment targets. In addition to providing
      a framework for clinical decision-making, future research strategies will also
      focus on neurotransmitter systems of greater relevance to understanding overall
      personality functioning. RECENT FINDINGS: Although only a few randomized
      controlled trials of psychopharmacological treatments for BPD have been published
      recently, several meta-analyses and systematic reviews converge on the consensus
      effectiveness of lamotrigine, topiramate, valproate, aripiprazole, olanzapine,
      and omega-3 fatty acid supplementation. Stronger evidence exists for treating
      disinhibition and antagonism than negative affectivity, particularly
      interpersonal facets of such traits. In addition, basic research suggests a
      future role for modifying glutamatergic, opioid, and oxytocinergic
      neurotransmitter systems to treat BPD. SUMMARY: Clinicians should utilize omega
      3, anticonvulsants, and atypical antipsychotic agents in treating specific DSM-5
      BPD traits, notably disinhibition, antagonism, and some aspects of negative
      affectivity. Future research will focus on normalizing opioid and oxytocin
      dysregulation, as an adjunct to evidence-based psychotherapy, in an effort to
      improve interpersonal functioning.

PMID- 22037093
TI  - [Spontaneous visits to the emergency service and hepatology day hospital by
      patients with liver cirrhosis].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Because of the current overload of emergency services, new units,
      such as day units, have had to be created. Liver cirrhosis (LC) is a chronic
      disease with frequent decompensations requiring medical attention. The aim of
      this study was to compare differences between emergency consultations in a
      hepatology day hospital (HDH) and in an emergency service (ES) among patients
      with LC. METHODS AND MATERIAL: We performed an observational prospective study.
      All patients with LC attending the HDH or ES from September 2007 to August 2008
      were asked to complete a questionnaire. Demographic, clinical, and radiological
      variables were collected. RESULTS: There were 743 consultations, of which 62%
      involved the HDH. The mean age was 65+/-12 years, and the male/female ratio was
      2:3. The most frequent diagnosis in the ES was hepatic encephalopathy (26.2% ES
      versus 6% HDH, p<0.001) followed by upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage (17.7% ES
      versus 0.6% HDH, p<0.001), while the most frequent diagnosis in the HDH was
      ascites (66.2% HDH versus 22.7% ES, p<0.001). The tests performed were as
      follows: blood analysis: 95% ES versus 60% HDH (p<0.01); radiology: 71% ES versus
      11% HDH (p<0.01) and paracentesis: 51% ES versus 74% HDH (p<0.01). The mean
      length of stay in the ES was 21.3+/-121.5 hours compared with 3.3+/-2.4 hours in
      the HDH (p<0.001). A total of 53% of patients attended in the ES were
      hospitalized compared with 12% of those attended in the HDH (p<0.05). CONCLUSION:
      Patients with LC preferentially attend the HDH, where fewer tests are performed
      and the length of stay is shorter. The care provided in the HDH is appropriate
      and efficient.

PMID- 22037094
TI  - The role of pharmacotherapy in the prevention and treatment of paediatric
      metabolic syndrome--Implications for long-term health: part of a series on
      Pediatric Pharmacology, guest edited by Gianvincenzo Zuccotti, Emilio Clementi,
      and Massimo Molteni.
AB  - The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is defined as a clustering of risk factors
      predisposing to the future development of cardiovascular disease and Type 2
      diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Its clinical relevance, above and beyond recognition
      and treatment of each of the component parts, is still hotly debated--especially
      within paediatric medicine. Prevention and treatment strategies for adult MetS
      focus on weight management, as obesity and insulin resistance are known to be at
      the central axis of the definition, alongside pharmacotherapy of integrally
      linked conditions such as hypertension and dyslipidaemia. In children and
      adolescents, however, opportunities for pharmacotherapy are currently limited and
      interventions aimed at weight management remain the sole treatment paradigm in
      the majority of cases. This is primarily due to a lack of long-term data relating
      to the degree of cardiovascular disease and T2DM risk from paediatric MetS, as
      well as concerns relating to safety and side effect profiles of currently
      available pharmacotherapies in those who are still growing and developing.
      Coupled with continuing concern about the recently recognised adverse effects of
      past and proposed anti-obesity drugs, this indicates that a new era of
      pharmacotherapy for paediatric MetS is unlikely to be imminent. In fact, the
      overall paucity of effective current interventions for paediatric MetS is
      concerning, especially given the fact that approximately 25-33% of all obese
      paediatric patients likely harbour the condition. It is therefore essential at
      the present time to concentrate efforts on properly testing the safety and
      efficacy of currently available products in well-constructed randomised
      controlled trials in obese adolescents. However, not all obese children and
      adolescents appear equally at-risk of long-term, weight-related morbidity and a
      change in emphasis is possibly warranted--one that moves away from simple weight
      reduction for all and more to a model of reducing long-term risk of
      cardiovascular disease and T2DM in those at greatest metabolic risk.

PMID- 22037095
TI  - Time course of strength and echo intensity recovery after resistance exercise in
      women.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to evaluate the time course responses of strength,
      delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), muscle thickness (MT), circumference
      (CIRC), and ultrasonography echo intensity (EI) after a traditional hypertrophic
      isoinertial resistance training session in young women. Ten (22.0 +/- 3.2 years)
      healthy, untrained volunteers participated in the study. The resistance exercise
      session consisted of 4 sets of 10 repetitions at 80% of 1 repetition maximum
      (1RM) of the dominant arm elbow flexors. Maximum isometric elbow flexion peak
      torque (PT) at 90 degrees , MT, and EI were recorded for both arms at baseline
      (PRE), immediately after exercise (0 hours) and at 24, 48, and 72 hours after
      exercise. Comparisons were made using a 2 * 5 mixed factor analysis of variance.
      There was a significant (p < 0.05) loss in PT and increase in MT at 0, 24, 48,
      and 72 hours. In contrast, EI increased only after 24, 48, and 72 hours, not at 0
      hours. There were no significant changes in PT, DOMS, MT, and EI in the
      nondominant (control) arm after the exercise protocol. Our data suggest that
      after 4 sets of 80% of 1RM of unilateral elbow flexion resistance exercise,
      nonresistance trained women need >72 hours to fully recover muscle strength, MT,
      CIRC, and EI. Furthermore, the EI appears to be a sensitive and reliable method
      to assess MD.

PMID- 22037096
TI  - Effects of various warm-up devices and rest period lengths on batting velocity
      and acceleration of intercollegiate baseball players.
AB  - It is common among competitive baseball players to swing bats while in the
      batter's box in an attempt to improve their batting performance. Players use bats
      of different weights during this time, and only a few studies have evaluated the
      optimal bat weight to increase performance. Previous studies have not
      investigated the optimal rest period after a warm-up with bats of varying
      weights. Therefore, we tested the peak bat velocity of 16 National Collegiate
      Athletic Association Division II intercollegiate baseball players at 1, 2, 4, and
      8 minutes, after warming up with bats of 5 different weights. Measured variables
      were peak bat velocity at peak acceleration (PVPA), peak bat velocity of the
      swing (PV), peak bat acceleration (PA), and time to reach peak acceleration (TPA)
      using a chronograph, which measured the batting velocity in real time every 10
      milliseconds throughout the swing. A repeated measure analysis of variance was
      run to assess group, time, and group by time interactions. If any main effects
      were found, a Tukey post hoc was employed to locate differences. There were
      significant (p <= 0.05) time effects for PVPA, PV, and PA but not for TPA. The
      PVPA, PV, and PA all increased over time, peaking from 4 to 8 minutes. There were
      no significant differences in any of the variables among the 5 bat weights used
      in the warm-up (p > 0.05). However, there were significant differences in PVPA,
      PV, and PA after 2, 4, and 8 minutes of rest compared with the preexperimental
      warm-up and 1-minute post-warm-up. From a practical standpoint, batters should
      warm up early and quickly in the batter's box to maximize the amount of recovery
      time before they swing at the plate. In addition, batters may want to take their
      time getting ready at the plate or take some pitches while at-bat in an attempt
      to maximize performance. Alternatively, the data imply that pitchers should throw
      their fastest pitch near the beginning of the at-bat to correspond with the
      potentially slower bat speeds of the batter.

PMID- 22037097
TI  - Enhancing the examiner's resisting force improves the validity of manual muscle
      strength measurements: application to knee extensors and flexors.
AB  - The purposes of this study were to test whether an examiner's strength may affect
      the validity of the knee muscle strength measurements using a hand-held
      dynamometer (HHD) and whether enhancing the forces applied by an examiner using a
      resistance-enhanced dynamometer (RED) would improve measurement validity. Twenty
      five young male volunteers (mean [+/-SD] age: 22.5 +/- 1.7 years) without a
      history of injury to the test limb and 6 male and 6 female experienced examiners
      participated in this study. Maximum resisting forces of the knee flexors and
      extensors were measured using RED, HHD, and a dynamometer (Kin-Com). For all
      testing conditions, poor to moderate associations were found between the HHD and
      Kin-Com, whereas there was a good to excellent relationship between RED and Kin
      Com. The systematic variations between RED and Kin-Com were also smaller than
      those between HHD and Kin-Com. The force values measured by RED were very close
      to those measured by Kin-Com. An examiner's strength affects the validity of the
      measurements using HHD. Enhancing the forces applied by the examiner to the
      tested segment using RED appeared to improve the validity of muscle strength
      measurements.

PMID- 22037099
TI  - A survey for the evaluation of the training period of cardiology specialists in
      Turkey.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate postgraduate training period, social life and problems of
      cardiology residents in Turkey by using a questionnaire form and to compare with
      the core curriculum of European Society of Cardiology for general cardiology.
      METHODS: Overall, 529 residents of cardiology ages in range of 24-35 years (mean
      age: 26.5+/-2.0 years, 81.4% male) participated as volunteers in this cross
      sectional survey study. An 86-item questionnaire form was used to evaluate the
      education process, capacity of knowledge and skill and social effectiveness level
      of participants. The questionnaire were composed both closed- and open-ended
      questions. The questionnaire form was filled in with the face-to-face
      communication method. The data of survey were compared with the core curriculum
      of European Society of Cardiology for general cardiology training period. Chi
      square or Fischer exact test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The
      participants were working in various university hospitals (70.3%) and training
      research (state) hospitals in 31 different provinces in Turkey (40.8% in Marmara
      region). They visited 40+/-10 outpatients and 10+/-5 hospitalized pts daily in
      the clinics. The 3-5 residents worked at the clinic on night shifts and mostly
      (89%) 8 or more night shifts per month were held in their first training years.
      During first three-years of training 76% of residents have performed
      echocardiography, 40.8%-transesophageal echocardiography and 10% - intraoperative
      echocardiography. The 84.3% of them evaluated exercise tests, 76.4%-Holter
      electrocardiography and 53.3%-tilt-table tests. The rate of residents working in
      coronary angiography laboratories was 54.3%. The 53.7% of residents performed
      coronary angiography and 64%-only in the 4th year of their training. The number
      of coronary angiography performance was under expected when compared with
      European Society of Cardiology curriculum. The 18.5% of residents were
      participated as assistant researcher in an international multi-center study and
      only 10% had an article published in national journals (4.3% published in Science
      Citation Index). The 30.6% considered the cardiology training period in their
      centers to be insufficient, whereas 37.4% found it partially sufficient and 31.9%
      sufficient. Only 32.9% of participants could dedicate time for social activities.
      CONCLUSION: According to the referred core curriculum of ESC for general
      cardiology the training of cardiology residents in non-invasive applications is
      adequate however coronary angiography applications are slightly insufficient in
      Turkey. In addition, the number of publications per capita is quiet low.

PMID- 22037100
TI  - Diagnostic accuracy and clinical utility of echocardiographic indices for
      detecting left ventricular diastolic dysfunction in patients with coronary artery
      disease and normal ejection fraction.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of present study was to assess the clinical utility and
      diagnostic accuracy of diastolic dysfunction criteria that were recommended in
      current American Society of Echocardiography and European Association of
      Echocardiography recommendations for prediction of increased LVEDP (>16 mmHg) in
      patients with coronary artery disease and normal EF. METHODS: Forty-five
      consecutive patients (mean age=61.5+/-10.3 years) referred for cardiac
      catheterization were enrolled in this prospective study. All patients underwent
      transthoracic echocardiography and tissue Doppler imaging within 24 hours before
      cardiac catheterization. Patients were divided into 2 groups according to left
      ventricular end diastolic pressure (LVEDP) (LVEDP>16 mmHg, n=23; LVEDP<=16 mmHg,
      n=22). Receiver operating characteristics curve analyses were performed and
      sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value
      were calculated for indices to detect high LVEDP. RESULTS: Among the indices,
      left atrial volume index (LAVI) >=34 ml/m2 (sensitivity=60.0% and
      specificity=90.0%) and ratio of transmitral to septal annular velocities during
      early filling (septal E/e' ratio) >=15 (sensitivity=30.4% and specificity=95.5%)
      had more reasonable sensitivity and specificity. Receiver operating
      characteristics curve analysis revealed that best predictors of high LVEDP were
      septal E/e' [area under curve (AUC)=0.694, standard error (SE)=0.66, p=0.01] and
      LAVI (AUC=0.669, SE=0.63, p=0.045]. There were statistically significant
      correlations between LVEDP and septal E/e' (r=0.541, p=0.001) and LAVI (r=0.461,
      p=0.002). A proposed algorithm consisting LAVI >=34 ml/m2 and septal E/e' >8
      could determine diastolic dysfunction with a 95.6% sensitivity and 54.5%
      specificity. CONCLUSION: Septal E/e' (>=15) and LAVI (>= 34 ml/m2) were the
      better predictors of the increased LVEDP than the other echocardiographic
      parameters. There were statistically significant moderate positive correlations
      of LVEDP with septal E/ e' and LAVI. Combination of LAVI and septal E/e' is
      useful to detect diastolic dysfunction.

PMID- 22037101
TI  - Implications of tilt-table induced faint time in patients with reflex syncope.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine whether patients who faint
      earlier in the course of a tilt table study represent a separate population with
      a poorer prognosis or different pathophysiology. We analyzed differences across
      patients with different syncopal times on the tilt-table study to answer this
      question. METHODS: This was a retrospective, approved, chart review. From our
      database of over 6000 patients, we identified 1222 patients with syncope. After
      excluding patients with orthostatic hypotension, postural tachycardia syndrome
      and diabetes, we were left with 131 patients with pure reflex syncope. We divided
      fainters into an early (<20 minutes) and late (>20 minutes) faint times. Along
      with the tilt table test all patients underwent heart rate response for deep
      breathing, Valsalva maneuver and quantitative sudomotor axon reflex tests.
      RESULTS: By 10 minutes in the tilt study, only 18% of subjects had fainted, 65%
      by 20 minutes, 92% by 30 minutes and 96% by 35 minutes. Age was evenly
      distributed across all syncopal times. Neither the 14 abnormal cardiac responses
      to deep breathing nor the 20 abnormal Valsalva maneuvers, nor the 28 abnormal
      axon reflex responses clustered with an early or late faint time. CONCLUSION: A
      10-minute tilt will miss 82% of syncopal episodes, while a 30- minute tilt
      increases the yield 10-fold, missing only 8%. Patients with early faint times did
      not differ from patients with late fainting times with regard to age or autonomic
      test abnormalities. Timing of syncope during the tilt table test does not
      associated with more severe dysautonomia. A prospective study is needed to
      confirm these observations.

PMID- 22037102
TI  - Relationship of brain natriuretic peptide with metabolic syndrome parameters: an
      observational study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Metabolic syndrome (MS) was independently associated with increased
      risk of incident heart failure and coronary artery disease. In this study, we
      sought to identify whether there is an association between metabolic syndrome
      components and left ventricular diastolic functions and brain natriuretic peptide
      (BNP) levels. METHODS: This study is a cross-sectional, observational study. Two
      hundred consecutive patients with MS were selected to form the study population.
      Echocardiographic parameters and BNP were determined. Mann-Whitney U test and
      Kruskal-Wallis test were used to compare BNP levels in categorical variables.
      Spearman rank correlation analysis was used to investigate the correlation
      between BNP level and other numerical variables. Linear regression analysis was
      used to find the variables affecting the BNP level. RESULTS: BNP level was higher
      in females than males [11.14 (0.12-87) vs 7.49 (0.01-99) pg/dl, p=0.04]. None of
      the MS parameters affects the BNP level in MS patients. MS criteria number that
      the patient had was not related to BNP level. Sixty seven percent of patients had
      left ventricular (LV) diastolic dysfunction. BNP was independent from LV
      diastolic function. Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that having
      diabetes mellitus increases BNP level by 7.73 unit (beta=7.73, 95% CI - 2.321 -
      13.149, p=0.006). CONCLUSION: None of the MS parameters affects the BNP level in
      MS patients. Diastolic dysfunction existence did not affect the BNP level of MS
      patients. There is an association between diabetes mellitus and BNP, independent
      of left ventricle diastolic functions.

PMID- 22037103
TI  - Relationship between heart-type fatty acid-binding protein levels and coronary
      artery disease in exercise stress testing: an observational study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Although, there has been great improvement on the diagnosis and early
      treatment of acute coronary syndromes, especially in terms of myocardial damage
      biochemical markers, we do not have a specific marker yet, for using the
      diagnosis of stable coronary artery disease (CAD). This study aimed to evaluate
      the relationship between CAD and the changes of heart-type fatty acid binding
      protein (H-FABP) levels before and after exercise stress testing (EST). METHODS:
      A total of 47 patients were enrolled in this observational study. Of 47 patients,
      21 had normal coronary anatomy; the remaining 26 patients had coronary lesions
      over 70% in at least one major coronary artery. All patients performed EST. Along
      with this, H-FABP levels before EST and at peak exercise, 1st hour, 3rd hour
      (3h), were measured in all patients. Differences among the measurements were
      evaluated through the Friedman test and Wilcoxon test, and the Bonferroni
      correction was applied to determine which measurement caused the difference.
      RESULTS: Contrary to expectations, the means of the H-FABP values measured at
      particular intervals for each group tended to decline from the basal level to the
      3h level. When the difference between the 3h measurement and the basal level was
      compared in each group, the decreasing was statistically significant in both
      groups (p<0.05). A statistically significant decrease at the 3h measurement
      compared to the basal level in the CAD group was more apparent than in the
      control group (2.790+/-2.569 ng/ml vs. 0.837+/-2.070 ng/ml, p=0.009). CONCLUSION:
      We found that H-FABP levels did not increase during EST and contrary to
      expectation, were inclined to decrease. We thought that decreasing H-FABP levels
      likely resulted from exercise-induced proteinuria.

PMID- 22037104
TI  - From whole blood to component therapy: the economic, supply/demand need for
      implementation of component therapy in sub-Saharan Africa.
AB  - Blood may be transfused as whole blood or as one of its components. Because
      patients seldom require all of the components of whole blood, it makes sense to
      transfuse only that portion needed by the patient for a specific condition or
      disease. This treatment, known as "blood component therapy", allows several
      patients to benefit from one unit of donated whole blood. Blood components
      include red blood cells, plasma, platelets, and cryoprecipitate. A considerable
      literature has accumulated over the past decade indicating that leukocytes
      present in allogeneic cellular blood components, intended for transfusion, are
      associated with adverse effects to the recipient. These include the development
      of febrile transfusion reactions, graft-versus-host disease, alloimmunization to
      leukocyte antigens, and the immunomodulatory effects that might influence the
      prognosis of patients with a malignancy. Moreover, it has become evident that
      such leukocytes may be the vector of infectious agents such as cytomegalovirus
      (CMV), Human T-Lymphotrophic Virus 1/11 (HTLV-I/II), and Epstein Barr (EBV) as
      well as other viruses. Effective stewardship of blood ensuring that several
      patients potentially benefit from components derived from one unit of donated
      whole blood is important for economic, supply/demand reasons and to protect the
      national inventory at times of national blood shortage. Blood safety in
      developing countries can be improved by more appropriate use of blood components
      rather than whole blood transfusion and the provision of alternatives such as
      oral and intravenous iron, erythropoietin, saline and colloids. This will
      facilitate the optimal use of the limited blood supply. Political will and open
      mindedness to innovative ways to improve supply, appropriateness, optimal use and
      safety of blood from all types of donors are essential to promote more evidence
      based approaches to blood transfusion practice in sub-Saharan Africa.

PMID- 22037106
TI  - In vitro and in vivo assessment of targeting lipid-based nanoparticles to the
      epidermal growth factor-receptor (EGFR) using a novel Heptameric ZEGFR domain.
AB  - Lipid-based oil-filled nanoparticles (NPs) with a high concentration of surface
      chelated nickel (Ni-NPs) were successfully prepared using a Brij 78-NTA-Ni
      conjugate synthesized with Brij 78 (Polyoxyethylene (20) stearyl ether) and
      nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA). The facile incorporation of the Brij 78-NTA-Ni
      conjugate into the NP formulation allowed up to 90% Ni incorporation, which was a
      significant improvement over the previously used standard agent DOGS-NTA-Ni which
      led to ~6% Ni incorporation. The Ni-NPs were targeted to the highly epidermal
      growth factor receptor (EGFR)-overexpressing epidermoid carcinoma cells A431.
      This was accomplished using a novel high affinity histidine*6-tagged EGFR-binding
      Z domain (heptameric Z(EGFR) domain). In vitro cell uptake studies showed
      enhanced internalization (up to 90%) of the targeted Ni-NPs in A431 cells with
      only <=10% internalization of the untargeted Ni-NPs. ICP-MS analysis used to
      quantify the amount of Ni in the cells were in close agreement with flow
      cytometry studies, which showed a dose dependent increase in the amount of Ni
      with the targeted Ni-NPs. Cell uptake competition studies showed that
      internalization of the targeted Ni-NPs within the cells was competed off with
      free heptameric Z(EGFR) domain at concentrations of 8.75ng/mL or higher. In vivo
      studies were carried out in nude mice bearing A431 tumors to determine the
      biodistribution and intracellular delivery. Near Infrared (NIR) optical imaging
      studies using Alexa750-labeled heptameric Z(EGFR) domain showed localization of
      19% of the total detected fluorescence intensity in the tumor tissue, 28% in the
      liver and 42% in the kidneys 16h post i.v. injection. ICP-MS analysis showed
      almost a two-fold increase in the amount of intracellular Ni with the targeted Ni
      NPs. These new Ni-NPs could be a very useful tool for targeting and drug delivery
      to a wide range of EGFR positive cancers.

PMID- 22037107
TI  - Low melting point amphiphilic microspheres for delivery of bone morphogenetic
      protein-6 and transforming growth factor-beta3 in a hydrogel matrix.
AB  - Low melting-point poly(1,3-trimethylene carbonate-co-epsilon-caprolactone)-b
      poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(1,3-trimethylene carbonate-co-epsilon-caprolactone),
      P(TMC-CL)(2)-PEG, was employed to fabricate microspheres for sustained growth
      factor delivery in a photocrosslinked N-methacrylate glycol chitosan hydrogel
      matrix. The P(TMC-CL)(2)-PEG had a melting range such that it was solid at 10
      degrees C, yet liquid with a low degree of crystallinity at 37 degrees C. The in
      vitro degradation of P(TMC-CL)(2)-PEG microspheres was slow, regardless of the
      triblock copolymer molecular weight and so did not influence protein release. The
      size of protein loaded P(TMC-CL)(2)-PEG microspheres manufactured using a low
      temperature electrospray technique was between 65 and 85MUm. Initial formulation
      work was done with the model protein lysozyme, co-lyophilized with trehalose and
      encapsulated as approximately 2MUm particles within P(TMC-CL)(2)-PEG
      microspheres. This work indicated a sustained release could be achieved with high
      trehalose content (90% w/w) in the particles. Under these conditions, the release
      rate of bone morphogenetic protein-6 was more sustained than that of the
      excipient bovine serum albumin (BSA) and closely followed that of lysozyme. On
      the other hand, transforming growth factor-beta3 and the stabilizing agent BSA
      generated similar release profiles. This difference in release was proposed to be
      linked to the protein isoelectric point, with positively charged proteins
      possibly being more strongly adsorbed to the P(TMC-CL)(2)-PEG. Both growth
      factors were released in highly bioactive form, indicating the potential of the
      release approach.

PMID- 22037112
TI  - Association of a single nucleotide polymorphism in pregnancy-associated plasma
      protein-A2 with developmental dysplasia of the hip: a case-control study.
AB  - Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH), previously known as congenital hip
      dislocation, is a frequently disabling condition characterized by premature
      arthritis in later life. Genetic influence on DDH has been long known, but is
      still poorly understood. Previously, we have performed a genome-wide linkage scan
      with Affymetrix 10K genechip for a four-generation Chinese family, which included
      19 healthy members and five patients with DDH. Parametric and nonparametric
      multipoint linkage analyses were carried out with Genespring GT v.2.0 software,
      and the logarithm of odds (LOD) score and nonparametric linkage (NPL) score were
      calculated. For parametric linkage analysis, an assuming autosomal recessive
      trait was used with full penetrance, and Affymetrix "Asian" allele frequencies.
      The NPL score of 2.698 (P=0.0156) and LOD score of 2.119 (theta=0) were obtained
      on chromosome 1q25.2a for one marker (rs726252). The single nucleotide
      polymorphism (SNP) rs726252 locates in the region of fifth intron of pregnancy
      associated plasma protein-A2 (PAPPA2). Although neither LOD nor NPL scores of
      rs726252 has exceeded 3.0, several researches have demonstrated that PAPPA2 have
      important consequences for the development of the fetus and normal postnatal
      growth. To further evaluate this possible association, in the present study, we
      examined the genetic association of rs726252 in PAPPA2 gene with sporadic DDH in
      Han Chinese population using case-control study, including 310 patients with
      sporadic DDH and 487 control subjects, and found a significant association
      between PAPPA2 and DDH.

PMID- 22037113
TI  - [Technical evaluation of nested PCR for the diagnosis of experimental
      sporotrichosis].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sporotrichosis caused by the dimorphic fungus Sporothrix schenckii
      can presents in a variety of clinical forms. Routine diagnosis is made by
      mycology and serology studies. Few investigations have been focused on the
      evaluation of the molecular diagnosis. AIM: To determine the value of the nested
      PCR technique for the diagnosis of experimental sporotrichosis in organs of mice,
      and to compare the results with the established laboratory diagnostic procedures.
      METHODS: BALB/c mice were inoculated with growing concentrations of the 2
      morphological phases of the fungus. The infected animals were sacrificed one
      month later and specimens from liver, spleen, lung and testicle were obtained to
      perform wet mount, culture and molecular diagnosis by the nested PCR technique.
      Blood samples were obtained for determination of specific antibodies against S.
      schenckii by the double immunodiffusion procedure. RESULTS: The pathogenicity
      observed with the different concentrations of the fungus inoculated and its
      isolation by culture, showed scarce differences in the study of specimens from
      organs infected with the 2 morphological phases of S. schenckii. Specimens from
      organs of mice inoculated with the mycelial phase when studied by wet mount and
      culture, showed a higher positivity (100 and 37.5%) than those from mice
      inoculated with the yeast phase (73 and 2%). However, diagnosis by the nested PCR
      molecular technique applied to the latter specimens showed a higher percentage of
      positivity (75%) and 43% of positive results coming from animals infected with
      the mycelial phase. Specific antibody detection was positive in 100% all groups
      of infected mice. CONCLUSIONS: In the study of experimental sporotrichosis in
      mice, the culture, as well as the antibody detection, was an effective diagnostic
      procedure, while the nested PCR and microscopic studies had a lower diagnostic
      value.

PMID- 22037114
TI  - [Relevant aspects of the Hcp100 molecular marker of Histoplasma capsulatum and
      its potential therapeutic use in histoplasmosis].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fungal pathogens have developed strategies, involving genes
      expression that favors their persistence and multiplication in the host. The
      absence of molecules encoded by these genes could interfere with the growth and
      death of these fungi. In the past, a coactivator protein coding gene (Hcp100) of
      the fungus Histoplasma capsulatum was reported, which is overexpressed after 1h
      of contact between fungal yeast-cells and murine macrophages. The product of this
      gene, a protein of 100 kDa (Hcp100) of H. capsulatum, is probably a regulatory
      protein involved in the processes required for fungal adaptation and its survival
      in the intracellular hostile conditions of the macrophages. A 210-bp fragment of
      the Hcp100 marker has proved to be an excellent tool for H. capsulatum molecular
      detection in clinical samples. The potential use of this gene as a therapeutic
      target in Plasmodium falciparum has been explored through the inhibition of both,
      the gene and the protein p100 of the parasite, by blocking its growth. METHODS:
      Based on the above mentioned antecedents, we believe that the Hcp100 has an
      important role in the development and maintenance of the H. capsulatum yeast
      cells within macrophages. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: To study the probable function
      of Hcp100 in the yeast-phase of this fungal pathogen is relevant to understand
      its activity and to propose it as a therapeutic target for histoplasmosis
      treatment.

PMID- 22037115
TI  - Early treatment in early undifferentiated arthritis.
AB  - The early diagnosis of new-onset rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has become a major
      objective for rheumatologists in order to identify a management strategy able to
      change the natural history of the disease and to prevent joint damage and
      functional impairment. Emergent evidence emphasizes the benefits of early
      aggressive therapy of RA. By the nineties, early arthritis cohorts have been
      collected throughout the world with the aim to increase the early referral of
      patients with early onset disease by the general practitioners and to collect
      data on the development of full-blown RA. The frequency of undifferentiated
      arthritis (UA) ranged from 23% to 81% in these early cohorts with most of them
      reporting a rate of 30%. The transition rate from UA to RA was between 13% and
      54%. A percentage of 20-60% of patients with UA had a self-limiting disease. Our
      article deals with the controversy existing in the management of UA. Should every
      patient with UA be treated? Could patients with a favorable disease course be
      exposed to unnecessary risk with initiation of aggressive therapy with synthetic
      disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) or biologic agents? The pros and
      cons of treating patients with UA are examined.

PMID- 22037116
TI  - Vaccination of patients with auto-immune inflammatory rheumatic diseases requires
      careful benefit-risk assessment.
AB  - Will vaccination raise the incidence of autoimmune diseases, what is the impact
      of increasingly crowded vaccination schedules, the vaccination in age groups and
      the risk of coincidental temporal association? All these issues are still under
      debate. However, for the time being, to avoid confusion in the medical community
      and the media, we have to adhere to guidelines established consensually by
      experts while ensuring a strict surveillance and reporting possible side effects.
      Recommendation for vaccination in patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic
      diseases (AIIRD) based on the currently available evidence and expert opinion
      were recently formulated by an EULAR task force. Major recommendations for AIIRD
      include: i) vaccination should ideally be administered during stable disease; ii)
      influenza vaccination and pneumococcal vaccination should be strongly considered;
      iii) vaccination can be administered during the use of DMARDs and TNF-inhibitors,
      but before starting rituximab; iv) live attenuated vaccines should be avoided
      whenever possible in immunosuppressed patients; v) BCG vaccination is not
      recommended.

PMID- 22037117
TI  - To switch or not to switch after a poor response to a TNFalpha blocker? It is not
      only a matter of ACR20 OR ACR50.
AB  - The introduction in the therapeutic armamentarium of TNF inhibitors (TNFi) has
      greatly advanced the chance of obtaining a control of clinical manifestations and
      of structural damage progression in an important proportion of patients with
      rheumatoid arthritis (RA) Methotrexate (MTX)-poor responders. However not more
      than 50% of TNFi treated patients can reach relevant clinical benefits. Therefore
      the unmet medical question is: should we continue the therapeutic approach with a
      second or a third TNFi, or should we use other drugs, and change the mode of
      action of the second drug? These are practical issues that still do not have a
      definite answer. The real problem is that up to this moment no real biomarker is
      available to make the appropriate choice. The only clear-cut biomarker is
      represented by the positivity of rheumatoid factor (RF) or anti citrullinated
      peptide autoantibodies (ACPA). Seropositive patients seem to respond better than
      seronegative ones to B cell depletion therapy (Rituximab). This paper discusses
      the pros and cons of switching or swapping in RA patients poorly responder to the
      first TNFi.

PMID- 22037118
TI  - Toxicity of crude oil and pyrene to the embryos of beach spawning capelin
      (Mallotus villosus).
AB  - Due to a northward shift in oil and gas activities, there is an increasing need
      to understand the potential anthropogenic impacts of oil-related compounds on sub
      Arctic and Arctic organisms, particularly those in coastal habitats. Capelin
      (Mallotus villosus), a key fish species in the Barents Sea ecosystem, undertakes
      aggregated spawning at both intertidal and subtidal coastal localities in
      northern Norway. To investigate the sensitivity of capelin embryos to oil
      compounds, newly fertilized capelin eggs were collected from a spawning beach and
      exposed until hatch (32 days) to either the water soluble fraction of crude oil
      or the single PAH compound, pyrene. Threshold levels for egg mortality,
      development and hatching success were determined. Concentrations of 40 MUg/L
      crude oil (?26 PAHs) and 55 MUg/L pyrene significantly increased embryonic
      mortality rates and decreased hatching success, compared with controls,
      indicating that a potential oil spill in the vicinity of capelin spawning grounds
      may cause significant impacts. No significant incidence of adverse effects such
      as yolk sac oedema, pericardia oedema, haemorrhages, craniofacial abnormalities,
      premature hatch or inhibited growth was observed. Histological studies of hatched
      larvae did not reveal specific sublethal effects in tissues and organs.
      Developmental delays and subsequent embryo death were noticed at the period of
      eye pigmentation in affected groups. Early life-history stages of capelin are
      sensitive indicators of PAH impacts, but the mechanisms responsible for the toxic
      effects require further investigation.

PMID- 22037119
TI  - Altered neurophysiologic response to intermittent theta burst stimulation in
      Tourette syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The motor system in Tourette syndrome has been found to be abnormal
      in previous fine-motor and neurophysiologic studies. OBJECTIVE: This novel pilot
      study uses repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation as a method to
      characterize the neurophysiology of the motor system in Tourette syndrome.
      METHOD: We investigated the modulation of cortical excitability in adult Tourette
      syndrome patients by measuring motor-evoked potential amplitudes before and after
      applying intermittent theta burst transcranial magnetic stimulation. RESULTS:
      Motor-evoked potential amplitude changes over 1 and 10 minutes after intermittent
      theta burst transcranial magnetic stimulation were greater in 11 healthy controls
      than 10 adult patients with Tourette syndrome (P = 0.004). CONCLUSIONS: This
      altered neurophysiologic response to intermittent theta burst stimulation may
      contribute to the understanding of motor cortical mechanisms in Tourette
      syndrome.

PMID- 22037120
TI  - Efficacy and safety of bifocal tDCS as an interventional treatment for refractory
      schizophrenia.

PMID- 22037121
TI  - Lack of clinically detectable acute changes on autonomic or thermoregulatory
      functions in healthy subjects after transcranial direct current stimulation
      (tDCS).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neuromodulatory techniques, such as transcranial magnetic stimulation
      (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), have been increasingly
      studied as possible treatments for many neurological and psychiatric disorders.
      tDCS is capable of inducing changes in regional cerebral blood flow in both
      cortical and subcortical structures, as shown by positron emission tomography
      studies, and might conceivably affect hypothalamic and autonomic nervous system
      functions. However, it remains unknown whether acute changes in autonomic or
      hypothalamic functions may be triggered by conventional tDCS protocols.
      OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS: To verify whether tDCS, when performed with a bipolar
      cephalic montage, is capable of inducing acute changes in autonomic or
      hypothalamic functions in healthy subjects. METHODS: Fifty healthy volunteers
      were studied. tDCS was performed with the anode over the C3 position and the
      cathode over the right supraorbital region. Subjects received either real or sham
      tDCS. Parameters assessed before and after a 20-minute session included blood
      pressure, tympanic thermometry, hand skin temperature, heart rate and ventilatory
      rate. Plasma concentrations of cortisol were also measured in a sub-set of 10
      participants. RESULTS: A repeated-measures, mixed-design ANOVA showed significant
      changes in hand skin temperature (P = .005) and cortisol levels (P < .001) after
      both real and sham stimulation. There were no statistically significant changes
      in any of the other measurements. CONCLUSIONS: The changes in hand temperature
      and cortisol levels, having occurred in both the sham and experimental groups,
      probably reflect a non-specific stress response to a new procedure. There were no
      significant changes in autonomic functions, ventilation rate or core body
      temperature that can be attributed to conventional tDCS applied to healthy
      volunteers.

PMID- 22037122
TI  - The relationship between TMS measures of functional properties and DTI measures
      of microstructure of the corticospinal tract.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recently, a link between resting motor threshold (RMT) and local
      tissue microstructure, as indexed by fractional anisotropy (FA), was demonstrated
      in large parts of white matter. However, regions showing such correlations were
      generally found outside of the corticospinal tract (CST). Therefore, the question
      arises whether other electrophysiologic measurements could be more locally
      related to microstructural properties of the CST. In this study, we explored the
      relationship between such measurements and regional FA in a group of healthy
      volunteers. OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesized that RMT might be more related
      to an overall susceptibility of white matter to TMS, whereas other
      electrophysiologic markers might be more specifically related to properties of
      the CST only. METHODS: Thirty-seven subjects were included. We studied RMT,
      active motor threshold (AMT), intensity to evoke a motor-evoked potential (MEP)
      of 1 mV (S1mV), MEP input-output curve (IO-curve), and central motor conduction
      time (CMCT) using transcranial magnetic stimulation, and FA of the corticospinal
      tract using diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging. We performed voxel-wise
      and TBSS correlation analysis between these electrophysiologic measurements and
      FA. In addition, we tested for significant correlation between these parameters
      and mean diffusivity (MD). RESULTS: On voxel-wise analysis, we did not detect
      significant correlations between any electrophysiologic parameter (RMT, AMT,
      S1mV, IO curve slope, CMCT) and FA. With TBSS, we detected correlations between
      FA and bilateral AMT, as well as left-hemispheric S1mV, but these correlations
      were found in locations unlikely to contribute to motor pathways. CONCLUSIONS:
      Although a relationship between structure and function has been shown in many
      other regions of the brain, it seems to be much more challenging to demonstrate
      such a relationship in the CST of healthy subjects.

PMID- 22037123
TI  - A practical guide to the use of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in
      the treatment of depression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is currently
      emerging as a new treatment for patients with mood disorders. Research into the
      use of rTMS for the treatment of patients with depression has been conducted now
      for a period of greater than 15 years and a considerable body of knowledge has
      accumulated informing its use. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper was to review the
      use of various rTMS techniques for the treatment of depression and to provide
      practical suggestions to address the common issues encountered in the prescribing
      and administration of rTMS treatment. METHODS: These suggestions have been
      informed both by a review of the relevant literature and the experience of the
      authors in the treatment of many patients with depression with rTMS over a period
      of 10 years. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: High-frequency rTMS applied to the left
      dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, using a set of parameters very similar to those
      originally described in the mid-1990s, is an effective treatment for patients
      with major depressive disorder. Other forms of stimulation, such as low-frequency
      stimulation applied to the right prefrontal cortex and bilateral approaches, may
      prove valuable but require evaluation in larger trials. Significant benefit
      appears likely to accumulate through the use of methods that involve a more
      reliable targeting of prefrontal brain regions. Suggestions are also made around
      the use of rTMS treatment as a maintenance therapy and in specific illness
      subgroups.

PMID- 22037124
TI  - Improved receptive and expressive language abilities in nonfluent aphasic stroke
      patients after application of rTMS: an open protocol case series.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been
      identified as a potentially valuable tool for the rehabilitation of language
      impairment after left hemisphere (LH) stroke, in populations of persons with
      chronic aphasia. Applied to a homologue to Broca's area, rTMS is posited to
      modulate bilateral language networks, promoting measurable behavioral language
      change, in accordance with theories of transcallosal disinhibition arising from
      the damaged LH. OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS: The current investigation is an open-label
      study, presenting detailed case and group presentations on a population of seven
      nonfluent aphasic participants. Behavioral language performance is presented on
      expressive and receptive language measures up to 8 months after a 10-day protocol
      of 1 Hz stimulation. This research aims to provide longitudinal behavioral
      language outcomes for persons with aphasia, subsequent to rTMS and supplement
      previous studies to inform the clinical efficacy of rTMS. RESULTS: In accordance
      with previous investigations, significant improvements in picture naming,
      spontaneous elicited speech and auditory comprehension were found. Time of
      testing was identified as a significant main effect. Significant improvements in
      picture naming accuracy and decreases in picture naming latency were also
      identified. The results demonstrate sustained language improvements up to 8
      months subsequent to TMS application. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this
      investigation are consistent with the findings of previous research studies,
      reporting behavioral language changes after rTMS in nonfluent aphasia. Additional
      evidence is provided to demonstrate that rTMS may facilitate retrieval mechanisms
      involved in picture naming.

PMID- 22037125
TI  - A case report of daily left prefrontal repetitive transcranial magnetic
      stimulation (rTMS) as an adjunctive treatment for Alzheimer disease.

PMID- 22037127
TI  - Brain blood-flow change with acute vagus nerve stimulation in treatment
      refractory major depressive disorder.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Existing neuroimaging studies of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) in
      treatment resistant major depression (TRMD) suggest that many brain regions (eg,
      prefrontal cortex, thalamus, cingulate cortex, insular cortex) associated with
      mood disorders undergo alterations in blood flow/metabolism.
      OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS: Positron emission tomography (PET oxygen-15 labeled water
      or PET [(15)O] H(2)O) was used to identify changes in regional cerebral blood
      flow (rCBF) in response to immediate VNS in 13 subjects with TRMD. We
      hypothesized rCBF changes along the afferent pathway of the vagus and in regions
      associated with depression (eg, orbitofrontal cortex, amygdala, insular cortex).
      METHODS: Six 90-second PET [(15)O] H(2)O scans were performed on 13 subjects in a
      VNS off-on sequence. After normalization for global uptake and realignment to
      standard atlas space, statistical t images (P < .005) were used to evaluate rCBF
      change. RESULTS: VNS induced significant rCBF decreases in the left and right
      lateral orbitofrontal cortex and left inferior temporal lobe. Significant
      increases were found in the right dorsal anterior cingulate, left posterior limb
      of the internal capsule/medial putamen, the right superior temporal gyrus, and
      the left cerebellar body. Post hoc analysis found small-to-moderate correlations
      between baseline acute change in rCBF and antidepressant response after 12 months
      of VNS. CONCLUSIONS: Regions undergoing rCBF change in response to acute VNS are
      consistent with the known afferent pathway of the vagus nerve and models of brain
      network in depression. Larger studies assessing the correlation between acute
      stimulation patterns and antidepressant outcomes with VNS are needed.

PMID- 22037126
TI  - Clinical research with transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS): challenges
      and future directions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is a neuromodulatory
      technique that delivers low-intensity, direct current to cortical areas
      facilitating or inhibiting spontaneous neuronal activity. In the past 10 years,
      tDCS physiologic mechanisms of action have been intensively investigated giving
      support for the investigation of its applications in clinical neuropsychiatry and
      rehabilitation. However, new methodologic, ethical, and regulatory issues emerge
      when translating the findings of preclinical and phase I studies into phase II
      and III clinical studies. The aim of this comprehensive review is to discuss the
      key challenges of this process and possible methods to address them. METHODS: We
      convened a workgroup of researchers in the field to review, discuss, and provide
      updates and key challenges of tDCS use in clinical research. MAIN
      FINDINGS/DISCUSSION: We reviewed several basic and clinical studies in the field
      and identified potential limitations, taking into account the particularities of
      the technique. We review and discuss the findings into four topics: (1)
      mechanisms of action of tDCS, parameters of use and computer-based human brain
      modeling investigating electric current fields and magnitude induced by tDCS; (2)
      methodologic aspects related to the clinical research of tDCS as divided
      according to study phase (ie, preclinical, phase I, phase II, and phase III
      studies); (3) ethical and regulatory concerns; and (4) future directions
      regarding novel approaches, novel devices, and future studies involving tDCS.
      Finally, we propose some alternative methods to facilitate clinical research on
      tDCS.

PMID- 22037128
TI  - Differences in the experience of active and sham transcranial direct current
      stimulation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A limited number of studies have shown that modulation of cortical
      excitability using transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is safe and
      tolerable. Few have directly evaluated whether sham and active stimulation are
      indistinguishable. OBJECTIVE: We aimed to demonstrate tDCS safety and
      tolerability in a large cohort, and to compare the occurrence and severity of
      side effects between sham and active stimulation sessions. METHODS: One hundred
      thirty-one healthy subjects undergoing 277 tDCS sessions rated on a 1 to 5 scale
      the perception of side effects during and after stimulation. Proportions of
      active and sham sessions associated with side effects were compared using Fisher
      exact test, and distributions of severity ratings were compared using the Kruskal
      Wallis test. RESULTS: No serious adverse effects occurred. Side effects most
      commonly reported were tingling (76%), itching (68%), burning (54%), and pain
      (25%). Side effect severity was mild, with fewer than 2% of responses indicating
      a severity > 3 on all questions except tingling (15%), itching (20%), burning
      (7%), pain (5%), and fatigue (3%) during stimulation. Rates of sensory side
      effects were statistically significantly higher in active stimulation sessions
      compared with sham sessions. No other stimulation parameters had a statistically
      significant impact on side effect occurrence. CONCLUSIONS: TDCS is a safe well
      tolerated technique with no evidence of risk for serious adverse effects. Sensory
      side effects are common, but the severity is typically low. Because sensory side
      effects are more frequent and more severe in active compared with sham tDCS, the
      current method of sham stimulation may not be an adequate control condition for
      some studies.

PMID- 22037129
TI  - The number of full-sine cycles per pulse influences the efficacy of multicycle
      transcranial magnetic stimulation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that the efficacy of transcranial
      magnetic stimulation (TMS) to excite corticospinal neurons depends on pulse
      waveform. OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESES: In this study, we examined whether the
      effectiveness of polyphasic TMS can be increased by using a pulse profile that
      consists of multiple sine cycles. METHODS: In eight subjects, single-pulse TMS
      was applied to the left primary motor hand area through a round coil attached to
      a stimulator device that generated polyphasic pulses consisting of one to six
      full-sine cycles with a cycle length of 86 MUs. In different blocks, we varied
      the number of sine cycles per pulse and recorded the motor-evoked potential (MEP)
      from the right first dorsal interosseus muscle. For each stimulus type, we
      determined resting motor threshold (RMT), stimulus-response curve (SRC), and mean
      MEP amplitude evoked at maximal stimulator output to assess the efficacy of
      stimulation. RESULTS: Multicycle pulses were more effective than a single full
      sine cycle in exciting corticospinal neurons. TMS with multicycle pulses resulted
      in lower RMT, larger MEP amplitudes at maximal stimulator output and a steeper
      slope of the SRC relative to a TMS pulse consisting of a single-sine cycle. The
      increase in efficacy was already evident when two full-sine cycles were used and
      did not increase further by adding more cycles to the TMS pulse. CONCLUSIONS:
      Increasing the number of full-sine cycles per pulse can improve the efficacy of
      TMS to excite corticospinal neurons, but there is no simple linear relationship
      between the number of cycles and TMS efficacy.

PMID- 22037130
TI  - Can repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation prolong the antidepressant
      effects of sleep deprivation?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) has been proposed
      for stabilizing the antidepressant effect of sleep deprivation (SD) by preventing
      the relapse after a night of recovery sleep. In this study, we aimed to replicate
      these data coming from a small pilot study in a larger patient sample. METHODS:
      Thirty-seven patients were randomly assigned to receive either active or sham
      rTMS on four consecutive days after one night of SD. The majority of the
      participants had experienced an antidepressant effect of SD in the past. At each
      rTMS session 1000 stimuli were applied over the left dorsolateral prefrontal
      cortex at 10 Hz with an intensity of 110% resting motor threshold. For sham
      stimulation, a sham-coil system was used. Treatment effects were assessed with a
      modified version of the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and a self-report well
      being scale (BfS) before SD, after SD, during rTMS and 3 days after rTMS.
      RESULTS: SD led to a highly significant reduction of depressive symptoms in the
      whole group as reflected by a mean Hamilton Depression Rating Scales score
      reduction of 56% (with omission of sleep items). In both the active and the sham
      stimulated group, the symptom reduction remained stable for the whole observation
      period. No difference between active and sham rTMS was observed. CONCLUSIONS: SD
      is capable of inducing pronounced antidepressant effects. In contrast to a
      previous study, active rTMS was not superior to sham rTMS in stabilizing the
      antidepressant effects of SD, which was mainly due to a pronounced effect in the
      sham group in this study population.

PMID- 22037131
TI  - Neurophysiological investigation of congenital mirror movements in a patient with
      agenesis of the corpus callosum.
AB  - We describe a patient with complete agenesis of the corpus callosum and
      congenital mirror movements in which primary motor cortex (M1) excitability of
      both hemispheres was assessed with transcranial magnetic stimulation. Voluntary
      contraction of the index finger was associated with bilateral electromyographic
      activity in the first dorsal interosseus muscle. Motor-evoked potentials of
      identical latencies were produced bilaterally after unilateral M1 stimulation.
      Measures of intracortical inhibition and facilitation were within normal limits
      bilaterally although a shorter contralateral silent period was found for both
      hemispheres. Taken together, the current data suggest a pattern of M1
      excitability very similar to that found in patients with congenital mirror
      movements and no other motor abnormality.

PMID- 22037132
TI  - Episode length and mixed features as predictors of ECT nonresponse in patients
      with medication-resistant major depression.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to ascertain predictors of nonresponse to
      electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) in a large sample of major depressive patients
      resistant to pharmacologic treatment. METHODS: A total of 208 depressive patients
      (31 with major depression [UP], 101 with bipolar disorder II [BP II], and 76 with
      bipolar disorder I [BP I] according to DSM-IV criteria) were included in the
      study and treated with bilateral ECT on a twice-a-week schedule. The patients
      were assessed before (baseline) and a week after the ECT course (final score)
      using the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression-17 items (HAM-D-17), the Young
      Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), and the
      Clinical Global Improvement (CGI). Responders were defined as those patients with
      a reduction of at least 50% in HAM-D-17 score and a rating of 2 ("much improved")
      or 1 ("very much improved") in the CGI-Improvement subscale. RESULTS: At the end
      of the ECT course, 152 patients (64%) were classified as responders and 56
      patients (36%) were classified as nonresponders. On backward stepwise logistic
      regression, bipolar subtype (odds ratio [OR]=17.85; 95% confidence level
      [CL]=1.786-178.407), higher mean baseline YMRS scores (OR=1.094; 95% CL=1.025
      1.166), lower mean baseline HAM-D-17 scores (OR=0.928; 95% CL=0.860-1.002), and
      length of current episode (OR=1.047; 95% CL=1.009-1.086) were identified as
      statistically significant predictors of nonresponse. CONCLUSIONS: ECT was an
      effective treatment for approximately two-thirds of the patients with medication
      resistant depression who were included in this study. ECT nonresponse was
      associated with bipolar subtype, presence of manic symptoms during depression,
      slightly less severe depressive symptomatology, and protracted duration of the
      episode.

PMID- 22037133
TI  - Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) improves movement-related
      cortical potentials in autism spectrum disorders.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Motor impairments are common in autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
      Electrophysiologic studies reveal abnormalities in the preparation of movement;
      repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) to key motor cortical sites
      may therefore be a useful technique for improving motor function in ASD.
      OBJECTIVE: To examine whether rTMS can improve electrophysiologic and behavioral
      indices of motor activity. METHODS: Eleven participants with ASD completed three
      sessions in which they were administered one of three rTMS conditions (left M1,
      supplementary motor area [SMA], sham) at 1 Hz for 15 minutes. Movement-related
      cortical potentials (MRCPs) were assessed before and after rTMS. RESULTS: rTMS to
      the SMA was associated with a gradient increase to the early component of MRCPs,
      whereas rTMS to left M1 produced a stronger gradient in the late component.
      CONCLUSIONS: rTMS appears to improve movement-related electrophysiologic activity
      in ASD, perhaps through an influence on cortical inhibitory processes.

PMID- 22037134
TI  - The effect of right vagus nerve stimulation on focal cerebral ischemia: an
      experimental study in the rat.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of vagus nerve
      stimulation (VNS) on infarct size after transient and after permanent focal
      cerebral ischemia in rats and to test the hypothesis that VNS-induced
      neuroprotection is due to changes in cerebral blood flow. METHODS: Ischemia was
      produced by either temporary proximal middle cerebral artery occlusion (TMCAO) or
      permanent distal middle cerebral artery occlusion (PMCAO). Stimulating electrodes
      were implanted on the cervical part of the right vagus nerve, and electrical
      stimulation was initiated 30 minutes after the induction of ischemia and
      delivered for 30 seconds every 5 minutes for 1 hour. All the procedures were
      duplicated but no stimulus was delivered in control groups. Cerebral blood flow
      in the MCA territory was continuously monitored with laser speckle contrast
      imaging. A neurologic evaluation was undertaken after 24 hours of ischemia, and
      animals were euthanized and neuronal damage evaluated. RESULTS: Ischemic lesion
      volume was smaller in VNS-treated animals in both the temporary and permanent
      ischemic groups (P<.01). VNS-treated animals in TMCAO had better functional
      scores at 24 hours as compared with control animals (P<.01), but there were no
      statistically significant differences in the neurobehavioral scores in PMCAO
      (P=.089). Cerebral blood flow changes in the MCA territory during ischemia did
      not differ between the VNS-treated animals and control animals in either group.
      CONCLUSIONS: VNS offers neuroprotection against stroke in both temporary and
      permanent ischemia. Although the precise mechanism of this effect remains to be
      determined, alterations in cerebral blood flow do not appear to play a role. VNS
      could readily be translated to clinical practice.

PMID- 22037135
TI  - Time course and duration of changes in Kv7.2 and Kv11.1 mRNA expression in the
      hippocampus and piriform cortex following electroconvulsive stimulations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A minimum of six electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) treatments has to be
      delivered to achieve sustained improvement in major depression. However, the
      mechanisms of the therapeutic actions of ECT are still debated. OBJECTIVE: We
      aimed to study the time course and duration of increased Kv7.2 and Kv11.1 mRNA
      expression in the hippocampus and piriform cortex (Pir) after electroconvulsive
      stimulation (ECS). METHODS: Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats received three ECS per
      week over 1, 2, or 3 weeks and were decapitated 3 days after the last stimulus.
      Additional groups of rats receiving nine ECS were sacrificed 7 or 28 days after
      the last ECS. In situ hybridization was used to measure Kv channel mRNA
      expression after ECS. RESULTS: Kv7.2 mRNA was increased in the hippocampus and
      Pir 3 days after both six and nine, but not after three ECS. This was also seen
      for Kv11.1 mRNA in Pir. These changes lasted for at least 7 days. CONCLUSIONS:
      These results indicate that the changes in Kv7.2 and Kv11.1 channels may
      contribute to the therapeutic effect of ECT. However, further research needs to
      be undertaken in this area to extend these findings.

PMID- 22037136
TI  - Transient increase of plasma concentrations of amyloid beta peptides after
      electroconvulsive therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is applied to effectively treat
      depressive episodes, and it can be considered an ideal model of generalized
      seizures induced and performed under precisely controllable conditions.
      OBJECTIVE: We hypothesize that ECT causes a transiently increased blood-brain
      barrier permeability. METHODS: We measured plasma concentrations of amyloid beta
      (Abeta) peptides: 1-42, 1-40, x-42, and x-40 before ECT, within 30 minutes after
      2, and 24 hours after ECT treatment in 33-36 sessions of n=13 different patients.
      RESULTS: We observed a significant increase of the plasma concentrations of all
      four peptides within 30 minutes after the ECT, followed by the normalization of
      the peptides concentrations 2 hours after the ECT. CONCLUSION: Different
      physiologic phenomena may be responsible for the transient increase of the Abeta
      peptides concentrations in plasma shortly after ECT session, and further studies
      are necessary to explain these mechanisms. For example, decreased integrity of
      the blood-brain barrier permeability, an increased release from neurons due to
      their activation or increased release from peripheral sources, like thrombocytes
      or muscles, or a combination of different factors must be taken into
      consideration.

PMID- 22037137
TI  - Cognitive behavioral therapy-related increases in cortical inhibition in
      problematic perfectionists.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several lines of evidence suggest that cognitive behavioral therapy
      (CBT) is an effective treatment for depression and anxiety disorders. Evidence
      suggests that the therapeutic effects of CBT are related to neurophysiologic
      changes in the cortex, particularly gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) potentiation.
      Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) represents a noninvasive method of
      measuring cortical inhibition, which is a neurophysiologic mechanism associated
      with the pathophysiology of several psychiatric disorders. OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS:
      To demonstrate the effectiveness of a 12-week CBT intervention compared with a
      wait list control group measuring cortical inhibition in participants with
      pathologic perfectionism. Participants within the CBT group would demonstrate
      increases in cortical inhibition and improvements on clinical outcomes relative
      to the wait list control group. METHODS: Twenty-four right-handed perfectionists
      were randomly assigned to a 12-week CBT intervention or a wait list control
      group. Cortical inhibition was measured at pre- and postintervention with TMS
      paradigms specifically short-interval cortical inhibition and the cortical silent
      period, which index GABAA and GABAB receptor-mediated inhibitory
      neurotransmission, respectively. RESULTS: The CBT group demonstrated a
      significant potentiation of the cortical silent period when compared with the
      wait list control group. The CBT group demonstrated a decrease in anxiety
      sensitivity and automatic thoughts relative to the control group. CONCLUSIONS:
      These findings demonstrate that CBT tailored for perfectionism is accompanied by
      an increase in cortical inhibition of the motor cortex and positive changes on
      clinical outcomes. These findings provide compelling evidence for an association
      between positive CBT effects and a potentiation of GABAergic inhibitory
      neurotransmission.

PMID- 22037138
TI  - The involvement of posterior parietal cortex and frontal eye fields in spatially
      primed visual search.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Right posterior parietal cortex (rPPC) and frontal eye fields (FEF)
      are known to be involved in processing visuospatial attention. However, the
      functional involvement of these areas in spatial priming in complex conjunction
      visual search has yet to be determined. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine
      the roles of rPPC and bilateral FEF in conjunction search when spatial ambiguity
      was reduced by priming the target location. METHODS: Participants completed a
      conjunction search task whereby the target location was random or else repeated
      from the previous trial. Transcranial magnetic stimulation was delivered to each
      one of the three sites of interest at a time, and task performance was compared
      with a sham condition. RESULTS: Spatial priming occurred for all conditions:
      search times were faster for primed relative to nonprimed trials. When the target
      appeared at a nonprimed location, stimulation over any of the three sites
      increased reaction times relative to the sham condition. However, when the target
      location was repeated, reaction time was only significantly increased by
      stimulation over the right FEF. CONCLUSIONS: rPPC and left FEF are only involved
      when the target location is random, suggesting that these areas are essential for
      resolving spatial ambiguity to localize targets. Conversely, right FEF
      contributes equally to visual search regardless of spatial priming. We propose
      that right FEF has a role in the integration of bottom up saliency and top down
      expectancy signals and is the node at which rPPC and/or left FEF is either
      recruited or not.

PMID- 22037139
TI  - Daily transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) leads to greater increases
      in cortical excitability than second daily transcranial direct current
      stimulation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Evidence from recent clinical trials suggests that transcranial
      direct current stimulation (tDCS) may have potential in treating neuropsychiatric
      disorders. However, the optimal frequency at which tDCS sessions should be
      administered is unknown. OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS: This study investigated the
      effects of daily or second daily tDCS sessions on motor cortical excitability,
      over a 5-day period. METHODS: Twelve healthy volunteers received daily or second
      daily sessions of tDCS to the left primary motor cortex over the study period, in
      a randomized, intraindividual crossover design. Motor cortical excitability was
      assessed before and after tDCS at each session through responses to transcranial
      magnetic stimulation. RESULTS: Over a fixed 5-day period, tDCS induced greater
      increases in MEP amplitude when given daily rather than second daily. Analyses
      showed that this difference reflected greater cumulative effects between sessions
      rather than a greater response to each individual tDCS session. CONCLUSIONS:
      These results demonstrate that in the motor cortex of healthy volunteers, tDCS
      alters cortical excitability more effectively when given daily rather than second
      daily over a 5-day period.

PMID- 22037140
TI  - Novel attempts to optimize vagus nerve stimulation parameters on serotonin
      neuronal firing activity in the rat brain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is indicated for treatment-resistant
      epilepsy and depression. Electrophysiologic recordings in the rat brain have
      shown that VNS promptly increases the firing rate of NE neurons and subsequently
      that of 5-HT neurons. Thus far, it appears that the standard stimulation
      parameters currently used in depressed patients produce an optimal activation of
      5-HT neurons. OBJECTIVE/HYPOTHESIS: This study was therefore aimed at
      investigating additional alterations of stimulation parameters to optimize VNS
      efficacy to further increase 5-HT neuronal activity. METHODS: Rats were implanted
      with a VNS device and stimulated for 14 days using standard (0.25 mA/20 Hz/500
      microseconds/30 seconds ON-5 minutes OFF, continuously) or various stimulation
      parameters: extension of the OFF period (30 seconds ON every 10 to 30 minutes),
      the OFF and ON periods, discontinuous stimulation (12 hours per day using
      standard parameters), and burst stimulation modes. Rat dorsal raphe 5-HT neurons
      were recorded under chloral hydrate anesthesia. RESULTS: Both 12-hour stimulation
      periods for 14 days, and the 30-second stimulation every 10 or 15 minutes
      significantly increased the firing activity of 5-HT neurons to the same extent as
      standard parameters while the 30-minute intervals were ineffective. Stimulations
      in a burst mode and the pseudo-one-pulse stimulations also significantly
      increased 5-HT neuronal activity. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that less
      stimulation is sufficient to achieve the same VNS efficacy on 5-HT neuronal
      firing. These data may be relevant for patients using VNS because these new
      parameters could minimize or prevent side effects and increase battery life of
      the stimulator.

PMID- 22037141
TI  - Effects of repeated electroconvulsive shock on methamphetamine-induced behavioral
      abnormalities in mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Methamphetamine abuse and addiction can lead to impaired cognition
      and psychosis, and there is no effective treatment for methamphetamine-induced
      mental illnesses. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to test whether repeated
      electroconvulsive shock (ECS) treatment has a therapeutic effect on
      methamphetamine-induced abnormal behavior in mice. METHODS: To test the effects
      of ECS on methamphetamine-induced psychosis, ICR mice were randomly assigned to
      administration with either chronic methamphetamine or saline injection, and then
      both groups underwent post-treatment with either six once-daily ECS treatments or
      parallel sham controls. Prepulse inhibition (PPI), the novel object recognition
      test (NORT) and behavioral sensitization were performed for behavioral evaluation
      between the groups. To test the effects of ECS on methamphetamine addiction,
      methamphetamine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP) was examined after ECS
      and drug-primed reinstatement in the other set of experiments. RESULTS: The
      animals receiving repeated ECS following pretreatment with methamphetamine showed
      significant improvement in PPI and NORT, but not in behavioral sensitization. In
      the CPP study, the ECS-treated animals achieved extinction of place preference,
      but relapsed after a low-dose reinstatement of methamphetamine. CONCLUSIONS: The
      results indicated that repeated ECS treatments can ameliorate impairment to the
      sensorimotor gating and recognition memory elicited by methamphetamine, and
      temporarily suppress the reinforcement induced by methamphetamine in mice. Our
      findings suggest electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) may have potential applications
      with regard to the treatment of methamphetamine psychosis and addiction.

PMID- 22037142
TI  - Epidural electrical stimulation to improve chronic poststroke aphasia: a 5-year
      follow-up.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Aphasia is an incapacitating deficit experienced by almost 25% of
      patients after a left hemispheric ischemic stroke. Spontaneous recovery is
      considered to be limited to a period of 3 to 6 months. Although speech therapy
      performed during the first weeks may speed up this process and enhance its
      outcome, beyond this period it fails to change the global prognosis. OBJECTIVE:
      We report a case of an unusual recovery of nonfluent chronic poststroke aphasia
      subsequent to extradural cortical stimulation. METHODS: A right-handed woman
      experienced aphasia and drug-resistant central poststroke facial pain after a
      left superficial Sylvian ischemic stroke at the age of 58 years old. Four years
      after the stroke, the patient was included in a clinical trial to establish the
      efficiency of epidural electric stimulation on neuropathic pain. As an
      improvement in her language performance was noted, a speech evaluation was added
      to the initial protocol to quantify the benefit. Twelve months after the surgical
      implantation, pain and language performance were assessed in a double-blind
      manner during two consecutive 1-month periods when the stimulator was randomly
      enabled or disabled. The same evaluation was performed after 5 years of
      stimulation. RESULTS: Eventually, epidural electric stimulation significantly and
      sustainably improved her lexical access and speech fluency. CONCLUSIONS: Cortical
      stimulation may offer a new approach for the treatment of late chronic poststroke
      aphasia.

PMID- 22037143
TI  - Secondary procedures after infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysms endovascular
      repair with second-generation endografts.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To study the incidence, the types, and the results of secondary
      procedures performed after endovascular treatment of infrarenal abdominal aortic
      aneurysm (AAA). To compare the population of patients who underwent secondary
      procedure (P2) with the population of those who did not require it. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: Between 1998 and 2008, this study included all the patients electively
      treated for AAA with stentgrafts that were still available on the market on
      January 1, 2009. Data were prospectively collected and retrospectively analyzed.
      The postoperative follow-up included at least a systematic computed tomography
      scan at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months and then every year. P2 were defined as any
      additionnal procedures performed to treat aneurysm related complications after
      initial stentgraft implantation. RESULTS: We studied 162 patients with a mean 40
      +/- 31 months' follow-up. In 32 patients (19.7%), there were 46 P2, 3 of them
      were surgical conversion and 1 with endovascular conversion. Thirty-nine P2 were
      scheduled, and seven were performed in emergency. Nine patients underwent more
      than one P2. P2 was indicated for type II endoleak in 17 cases, 13 of them with a
      diameter increase; for type I endoleak in 10 cases; for AAA rupture in 3 cases;
      for occlusion or stentgraft stenosis in 13 cases; and for 1 type III endoleak, 1
      endotension, and 1 femoro-femoral crossover bypass infection. Two ruptures
      occurred in patients who had undergone P2. The immediate technical success was
      89.1%. At 30 days, morbidity was 10.9%, and there was no mortality. Survival
      rates at 3 and 5 years were respectively 85.2% and 71.9% in patients with
      secondary procedure and 70.6% and 47.5% in the others (p = 0.046). CONCLUSIONS:
      In patients treated for AAA with second generation stentgrafts, in the long term,
      secondary procedure rate was 19.7%. Survival rate for patients who underwent a
      secondary procedure was better, which was probably related to the fact that they
      were younger at the time of stentgraft implantation. Large AAA diameter was a
      secondary-procedure risk factor.

PMID- 22037144
TI  - Mixing in age-structured population models of infectious diseases.
AB  - Infectious diseases are controlled by reducing pathogen replication within or
      transmission between hosts. Models can reliably evaluate alternative strategies
      for curtailing transmission, but only if interpersonal mixing is represented
      realistically. Compartmental modelers commonly use convex combinations of
      contacts within and among groups of similarly aged individuals, respectively
      termed preferential and proportionate mixing. Recently published face-to-face
      conversation and time-use studies suggest that parents and children and co
      workers also mix preferentially. As indirect effects arise from the off-diagonal
      elements of mixing matrices, these observations are exceedingly important.
      Accordingly, we refined the formula published by Jacquez et al. [19] to account
      for these newly-observed patterns and estimated age-specific fractions of
      contacts with each preferred group. As the ages of contemporaries need not be
      identical nor those of parents and children to differ by exactly the generation
      time, we also estimated the variances of the Gaussian distributions with which we
      replaced the Kronecker delta commonly used in theoretical studies. Our formulae
      reproduce observed patterns and can be used, given contacts, to estimate
      probabilities of infection on contact, infection rates, and reproduction numbers.
      As examples, we illustrate these calculations for influenza based on "attack
      rates" from a prospective household study during the 1957 pandemic and for
      varicella based on cumulative incidence estimated from a cross-sectional
      serological survey conducted from 1988-94, together with contact rates from the
      several face-to-face conversation and time-use studies. Susceptibility to
      infection on contact generally declines with age, but may be elevated among
      adolescents and adults with young children.

PMID- 22037145
TI  - Interaction of the full-length Bax protein with biomimetic mitochondrial
      liposomes: a small-angle neutron scattering and fluorescence study.
AB  - In response to apoptotic stimuli, the pro-apoptotic protein Bax inserts in the
      outer mitochondrial membrane, resulting in the formation of pores and the release
      of several mitochondrial components, and sealing the cell's fate. To study the
      binding of Bax to membranes, we used an in vitro system consisting of 50nm
      diameter liposomes prepared with a lipid composition mimicking that of
      mitochondrial membranes in which recombinant purified full-length Bax was
      inserted via activation with purified tBid. We detected the association of the
      protein with the membrane using fluorescence fluctuation methods, and found that
      it could well be described by an equilibrium between soluble and membrane-bound
      Bax and that at a high protein-to-liposome ratio the binding seemed to saturate
      at about 15 Bax proteins per 50nm diameter liposome. We then obtained structural
      data for samples in this saturated binding regime using small-angle neutron
      scattering under different contrast matching conditions. Utilizing a simple model
      to fit the neutron data, we observed that a significant amount of the protein
      mass protrudes above the membrane, in contrast to the conjecture that all of the
      membrane-associated Bax states are umbrella-like. Upon protein binding, we also
      observed a thinning of the lipid bilayer accompanied by an increase in liposome
      radius, an effect reminiscent of the action of antimicrobial peptides on
      membranes.

PMID- 22037146
TI  - Eicosapentaenoic acid plays a role in stabilizing dynamic membrane structure in
      the deep-sea piezophile Shewanella violacea: a study employing high-pressure time
      resolved fluorescence anisotropy measurement.
AB  - Shewanella violacea DSS12 is a psychrophilic piezophile that optimally grows at
      30MPa. It contains a substantial amount of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) in the
      membrane. Despite evidence linking increased fatty acid unsaturation and
      bacterial growth under high pressure, little is known of how the physicochemical
      properties of the membrane are modulated by unsaturated fatty acids in vivo. By
      means of the newly developed system performing time-resolved fluorescence
      anisotropy measurement under high pressure (HP-TRFAM), we demonstrate that the
      membrane of S. violacea is highly ordered at 0.1MPa and 10 degrees C with the
      order parameter S of 0.9, and the rotational diffusion coefficient D(w) of
      5.4MUs(-1) for 1-[4-(trimethylamino)pheny]-6-phenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene in the
      membrane. Deletion of pfaA encoding the omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid
      synthase caused disorder of the membrane and enhanced the rotational motion of
      acyl chains, in concert with a 2-fold increase in the palmitoleic acid level.
      While the wild-type membrane was unperturbed over a wide range of pressures with
      respect to relatively small effects of pressure on S and D(w), the DeltapfaA
      membrane was disturbed judging from the degree of increased S and decreased D(w).
      These results suggest that EPA prevents the membrane from becoming hyperfluid and
      maintains membrane stability against significant changes in pressure. Our results
      counter the generally accepted concept that greater fluidity is a membrane
      characteristic of microorganisms that inhabit cold, high-pressure environments.
      We suggest that retaining a certain level of membrane physical properties under
      high pressure is more important than conferring membrane fluidity alone.

PMID- 22037147
TI  - Concepts of healthful food among low-income African American women.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Describe beliefs about what makes foods healthful among low-income
      African American women. METHODS: In one-on-one interviews, 28 low-income African
      American mothers viewed 30 pairs of familiar foods and explained which food in
      the pair was more healthful and why. Responses were grouped into codes describing
      concepts of food healthfulness. RESULTS: Nutrient content, physical effects of
      food, and food categories were used to judge the healthfulness of foods. Fruits,
      vegetables, and dairy foods were considered the most healthful and starchy foods
      the least healthful because they were believed to cause weight gain. Beliefs
      about which foods contain which nutrients and which foods have particular
      physical effects varied widely across participants. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS:
      Participants demonstrated awareness of which foods are healthful but lacked
      understanding of why those foods are more healthful than others. Knowledge about
      the health effects of foods may be necessary to motivate individuals to choose
      healthful foods.

PMID- 22037148
TI  - Analysis of microRNA expression profiling identifies miR-155 and miR-155* as
      potential diagnostic markers for active tuberculosis: a preliminary study.
AB  - To explore biologic behaviors and disease relevance of microRNAs (miRNAs) in the
      development of active tuberculosis (ATB), we investigated the expression profile
      of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) purified protein derivative (PPD)-induced
      miRNAs to determine the specific miRNAs involved in the pathogenesis of ATB. The
      expression profile of miRNA under PPD challenge was first measured using
      microarray analysis in peripheral blood mononuclear cells isolated from ATB
      patients and healthy controls (HC). The remarkably reactive miRNAs were then
      validated in a larger cohort by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction
      (qRT-PCR). The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to
      evaluate the diagnostic value of the determined PPD-responsive miRNAs. The
      potential targets for those miRNAs were also predicted by computational programs.
      Fourteen of 866 human miRNAs exhibited at least 1.8-fold difference in the ratio
      of expression level before and after stimulation with PPD between the ATB and HC
      groups. The qRT-PCR study validated the findings from microarray-based screening,
      in which miR-155 exhibited a fold change of 1.4 in the HC group and 3.7 in the
      ATB group upon PPD stimulation (p < 0.0001); miR-155* exhibited a fold change of
      1.9 in the HC and 4.6 in the ATB group (p < 0.005). In ROC plots, the area under
      the curve was 0.8972 for miR-155 and 0.7945 for miR-155*. The background
      expression of these 2 microRNAs exhibited no differences between the ATB and HC
      groups. miR-155 and miR-155* exhibited characteristic expression by TB-specific
      antigen, suggesting that they can be potential diagnostic markers under the
      challenge of specific MTB antigens.

PMID- 22037149
TI  - The role of the gut/brain axis in modulating food intake.
AB  - Peptide hormones released from the gastrointestinal tract communicate information
      about the current state of energy balance to the brain. These hormones regulate
      appetite and energy expenditure via the vagus nerve or by acting on key brain
      regions implicated in energy homeostasis such as the hypothalamus and brainstem.
      This review gives an overview of the main gut hormones implicated in the
      regulation of food intake. Research in this area has provided novel targets for
      the pharmacological treatment of obesity. This article is part of a Special Issue
      entitled 'Central Control Food Intake'

PMID- 22037150
TI  - Chemical burns--an historical comparison and review of the literature.
AB  - Chemical burns represent a small proportion of cutaneous burn with an incidence
      of up to 10.7%, but have been reported to account for up to 30% of all burn
      deaths. A review of the literature shows incidences ranging from 2.4% to 10.7%,
      with a substantial predominance in males. Adult patients with a burn referred to
      our Regional Burns Centre, over an eight-year period, were identified. 185
      chemical burns were recorded (7.9%). The mean age of patient was 40 years (range
      16-81 years) and male to female ratio was 6.4:1. Over three-quarters of chemical
      injuries occurred in the domestic or industrial setting. Acids caused 26% of all
      chemical burns and alkalis caused 55%. A previous study from the same centre
      highlights a change in the demographics of chemical burn over the last 25 years.
      The proportion of chemical burns has risen from 2.7% to 7.9%. Chemical burns
      occurring in an industrial setting, have dropped, whilst the number of domestic
      chemical burns has increased by over three times. This change reflects the
      improved industrial health and safety policy in recent years. The move from the
      industrial setting to the domestic has implications for future regulations.

PMID- 22037151
TI  - Substrate stiffness regulates the proliferation, migration, and differentiation
      of epidermal cells.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the role of substrate stiffness on the
      proliferation, migration, and differentiation of epidermal cells. To investigate
      the effects of substrate stiffness on wound healing, epidermal cells were chosen
      and inoculated on silicone substrate with different values of Young's modulus of
      elasticity. The cell growth curve, MTT method, and cell cycle detection were used
      to investigate proliferation, and the scratch test was used to investigate cell
      migration. Fluorescence flow cytometry was used to study epidermal cell
      differentiation. The proliferation and migration of epidermal cells favoured
      stiffer surfaces. A highly stiff surface stimulated epidermal cell proliferation
      and migration and increased re-epithelialisation, but inhibited differentiation.
      The candidate pathways mediating epidermal cell proliferation and migration are
      linked to cell anchoring to substrates by integrin-mediated focal adhesion.

PMID- 22037152
TI  - The effect of valproic acid in alleviating early death in burn shock.
AB  - The aim of this study was to examine whether administration of valproic acid
      (VPA) improves blood circulation and survival after lethal burn shock. Forty
      adult male Beagle dogs underwent a 50% TBSA full-thickness flame injury. In the
      first 24 h after burn, animals were randomly divided into four groups: NR group
      received no treatment. VPA group and 2M2P(2-methyl-2-pentenoic acid) group
      received either VPA or 2M2P (100 mg of the either drug in 20 mL of normal saline)
      intravenously. VR group received intravenous infusion of lactated Ringer's
      solution according to Parkland formula. In the second 24 h after burn the animals
      of all groups received delayed IV fluid resuscitation. Hemodynamic variables and
      biochemical parameters were determined with animals in the conscious and
      cooperative state. From 4 h after burn on, the levels of mean arterial pressure,
      cardiac index, plasma volume and intestinal mucosal blood perfusion in VPA group
      were significantly higher, and the levels of parameters of organ function and
      serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha were lower than those in NR group and 2M2P
      group (all P<0.05). Survival at 72 h after burn was in following order: VR
      (100%)>VPA (60%)>2M2P (30%)>NR (10%). Our results showed that histone deacetylace
      inhibitor (HDACI) valproic acid significantly improved hemodynamics, intestinal
      perfusion, and the survival rate after lethal burn shock. The mechanism may be
      attributable partly to the lowering of the level of proinflammatory factors,
      ameriolation of vasopermeability-induced visceral edema, reduction of blood
      volume loss, and protection of vital organs through inhibition of histone
      deacetylase activity of cell of vital organs.

PMID- 22037153
TI  - PCT as a diagnostic and prognostic tool in burn patients. Whether time course has
      a role in monitoring sepsis treatment.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic and prognostic performance of inflammatory
      markers for septic and non septic (localized) bacterial infections in patients
      with severe burn. METHODS AND RESULTS: Data of 145 patients were prospectively
      included in this study. Serum procalcitonin and other inflammatory markers were
      measured within 24 h after burn and daily thereafter. Maximum procalcitonin
      (p=0.004) was independent predictors of outcome in logistic regression analysis.
      PCT thresholds of 1.5 ng/ml, 0.52 ng/ml and 0.56 ng/ml had adequate sensitivity
      and specificity to diagnose sepsis, respiratory tract and wound infections
      respectively. A threshold value of 7.8 ng/ml in PCT concentration on day 3 was
      associated with the effectiveness of the sepsis treatment with an AUC of 0.86
      (95% CI 0.69-1.03, p=0.002). C-reactive protein levels and WBCs showed no
      significant change over the first 3 days in the patients with successfully
      treated sepsis (p=0.93). CONCLUSION: The maximum procalcitonin level has
      prognostic value in burn patients. PCT can be used as a diagnostic tool in
      patients with infectious complications with or without bacteremia during ICU
      stay. Daily consecutive PCT measurements may be a valuable tool in monitoring the
      effectiveness of antibiotic therapy in burn ICU patients.

PMID- 22037155
TI  - Cerebrovascular autoregulation among very low birth weight infants.

PMID- 22037156
TI  - Use of propranolol for treatment of hemangiomas in PHACE syndrome.
AB  - We report the case of a 29-week preterm infant with PHACE (posterior fossa
      malformations, hemangionas, arterial anomalies, cardiac anomalies, eye anomalies)
      syndrome. PHACE syndrome is a neurocutaneous disorder with large facial segmental
      hemangionas associated with anomalies of the brain, eye, heart and aorta. The
      hemangiomas in our patient were problematic, distorting the airway and
      interfering with respirations to the point of requiring mechanical ventilation.
      Consultation with several different centers with medical expertize in treatment
      of congenital hemangiomas revealed different views on the best management
      strategy. In this infant, the hemangiomas progressed with failure to involute
      despite currently recommended therapy including corticosteroids and vincristine.
      Therefore, the infant was treated with propranolol and had significant regression
      of the hemangiomas. The use of propranolol for the treatment of infantile
      hemangiomas is reviewed.

PMID- 22037157
TI  - Familial recurrence of congenital heart diseases.
AB  - Familial recurrence of congenital heart disease (CHD), in particular, d
      transposition of great arteries (d-TGA) is rare. However, there have been several
      reports in the literature of sibling recurrence of total anomalous pulmonary
      venous return (TAPVR). This is the first case report in the literature,
      describing mother to offspring recurrence of d-TGA. We describe two cases of non
      syndromic CHD with mother to offspring and sibling recurrence. The first case is
      an antenatally diagnosed d-TGA on fetal echocardiogram at 25 weeks of gestational
      age in the offspring of a 30-year-old mother with d-TGA. The second case is a
      sibling reoccurrence of TAPVR diagnosed antenatally at 30 weeks of gestational
      age, with supradiaphragmatic TAPVR on fetal echocardiogram in a mother, whose
      first child was diagnosed with infradiaphragmatic TAPVR in infancy.

PMID- 22037158
TI  - The evolution of neonatal resuscitation training.

PMID- 22037159
TI  - Pumped shot noise in adiabatically modulated graphene-based double-barrier
      structures.
AB  - Quantum pumping processes are accompanied by considerable quantum noise. Based on
      the scattering approach, we investigated the pumped shot noise properties in
      adiabatically modulated graphene-based double-barrier structures. It is found
      that compared with the Poisson processes, the pumped shot noise is dramatically
      enhanced where the dc pumped current changes flow direction, which demonstrates
      the effect of the Klein paradox.

PMID- 22037160
TI  - Oncogene- and tumor suppressor gene-mediated suppression of cellular senescence.
AB  - Data accumulating during the last two decades suggest that tumorigenesis is held
      in check by two major intrinsic failsafe mechanisms; apoptosis and cellular
      senescence. While apoptosis is a programmed cell death process, cellular
      senescence, which is the focus of this article, is defined as irreversible cell
      cycle arrest. This process is triggered either by telomere erosion or by acute
      stress signals including oncogenic stress induced by overactive oncogenes or
      underactive tumor suppressor genes. The outcome of this is often replication
      overload and oxidative stress resulting in DNA damage. Oncogenic stress induces
      at least three intrinsic pathways, p16/pRb-, Arf/p53/p21- and the DNA damage
      response (DDR)-pathways, that induce premature senescence if the stress exceeds a
      threshold level. Oncogene-induced senescence (OIS) is frequently observed in
      premalignant lesions both in animal tumor models and in human patients but is
      essentially absent in advanced cancers, suggesting that malignant tumor cells
      have found ways to bypass or escape senescence. This review focuses on cell
      autonomous mechanism by which certain oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes and
      components of the DDR/DNA-repair machinery suppress senescence - mechanisms that
      are exploited by tumor cells to evade senescence and continue to multiply. In
      this way, tumor cells become addicted to the continuous activity of senescence
      suppressor proteins. However, some senescence pathways, although under
      suppression, may remain intact and can be re-established if senescence suppressor
      proteins are inactivated or if senescence inducers are reactivated. This can
      hopefully form the basis for a "pro-senescence therapy" strategy to combat cancer
      in the future.

PMID- 22037161
TI  - The results of reverse-flow island flaps in pulp reconstruction.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to retrospectively review the results of
      homodigital reverseflow proximal or middle phalanx dorsal skin island flaps.
      METHODS: We reviewed the overall results of 67 dorsal skin flap reconstructions
      performed on 61 proximal phalanxes and 6 middle phalanxes at our hospital during
      an 11 year period. The results were evaluated with static two point
      discrimination, Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test, occurrence of nail
      deformities, loss of interphalangeal joint motion, scar appearance of flap donor
      area, the incidence of vascular insufficiency in postoperative period, and
      subjective evaluation of patient satisfaction. RESULTS: The highest incidence of
      defect types were palmar oblique pulp defects in 18 patients (26.8%), transverse
      pulp defects in 16 patients (23.8%), and hemipulp oblique amputations in 11
      patients (16.4%). Crush injuries were the cause of injury in 66% of patients. The
      average followup time was 40 months and long-term results were available in 21
      patients. Total necrosis of flap in one patient (1.4%), superficial epidermolysis
      in 4 patients (5.9%), and nail deformity in 4 patients (5.9%) were seen.
      According to Semmes-Weinstein monofilament test results, protective sensation was
      achieved in 76% of patients. Static two point discrimination data showed variable
      distribution between 2 mm and 11 mm. The subjective patient satisfaction level
      was 95%. CONCLUSION: Homodigital reverse-flow proximal or middle phalanx dorsal
      skin island flaps give satisfactory cosmetic and sensorial results outside the
      pinch area, even if the dorsal branch of the digital nerve is not included.

PMID- 22037162
TI  - [Resources and models for diabetic foot care in Catalonia (Spain): a descriptive
      study on areas of improvement].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To identify areas of improvement in diabetic foot care as regards the
      availability of materials and specialties in primary and secondary care. To
      determine the model of care for surgical centres and hospitals caring for
      diabetic foot problems and their relation to amputations. DESIGN: Cross-sectional
      study SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Random sample of 36 basic health areas (BHA) and
      all hospital surgery centres in Catalonia (Spain). MEASUREMENTS: Information was
      collected by structured interview of managers of each centre on: availability of
      specialists, material off-loading and examination. The models were established
      according to the classification of Van Acker, and amputations from hospital
      discharge records. RESULTS: An endocrinologist was available in 36.1% [confidence
      interval (CI) 95%:19.0-53.2] of the BHA and 11.1% [95% CI: 3.1-26.1] had a
      podiatrist,100% [95% CI: 90.3-100.0] had Doppler, 91.7% [95% CI:77.5-98.2] a
      monofilament, 5.6% [95% CI: 0.7-18.7] a quantitative tuning fork, 11.1% [95%
      CI:3,1-26, 1] material off-loading, and 8.3% [95% CI: 1.8 - 22.5] a specialist
      reference centre. A total of 85 surgical centres and hospitals dealt with these
      problems: 11(13.0%) excellent model, 29 (34.1%) intermediate and 45 (52.9%)
      basic/insufficient. Centres with a basic model/insufficient performed 12.5% of
      the amputation, intermediate models, 56.4%, and 31.1% in excellent models.
      CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of ABS with materials, specialists and/or specialist
      reference centres was low. The basic/insufficient model was the most common among
      surgical/hospital centres. Most amputations were performed in centres with
      excellent and intermediate model; nevertheless, a considerable percentage was
      performed in centres with basic/insufficient models.

PMID- 22037163
TI  - Improving global maternal health:  progress, challenges, and promise.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review discusses the unprecedented global commitment to
      improve maternal health and scientific advancements in the field achieved during
      the last year. RECENT FINDINGS: Achievements at political, scientific, and
      programmatic levels targeted at improving maternal health, especially in low
      resource settings, are described. Remaining challenges are discussed and the most
      promising areas of research and practice aimed at addressing these challenges are
      identified. SUMMARY: For the first time in decades, it is evident that progress
      in reducing mortality on a global scale is possible. Results showing increases in
      coverage of key maternal health interventions and the establishment of a system
      for promoting accountability are key determinants of that progress.

PMID- 22037164
TI  - Partial breast radiation for early-stage breast cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review is to provide an update on the current status of
      partial breast irradiation (PBI) for women presenting with early-stage breast
      cancer, as an alternate radiation technique to fractionated, whole breast
      radiation, following conservation surgery. As more women are asking for and
      receiving this treatment, both on and off protocols, understanding recent
      additions to the literature is important to physicians caring for this patient
      population. RECENT FINDINGS: Newly published retrospective studies, with follow
      up times out to 10 years and the status of both recently completed and still open
      large prospective phase III trials will be covered, with emphasis on unexpected
      side effects reported, and some hypothesis-generating radiobiology observations.
      A recent consensus treatment guideline for PBI use is also discussed. SUMMARY:
      Selected retrospective studies continue to report outcomes matching those
      achieved with whole breast radiation; however, results from large prospective
      randomized trials comparing PBI to whole breast radiation have been reported only
      with short follow-up times, or in two studies, are still pending. A recent
      consensus guideline is useful at present in selecting patients for discussion of
      this treatment.

PMID- 22037165
TI  - Screening mammography in women less than age 50 years.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: For women aged 40-49 years, to describe the benefits and harms
      of performing screening mammography, accuracy of digital mammography, and new
      evidence on the effectiveness of risk-based screening. RECENT FINDINGS: New data
      support a 15% reduction in breast cancer mortality for women aged 40-49 years
      after 10 years of screening; however, the absolute benefit is small and not
      outweighed by important harms. Digital mammography is more sensitive, but less
      specific than film mammography in women aged 40-49 years. Risk-based screening
      that identifies and screens women aged 40-49 years with breast cancer risk
      similar to an average-risk woman aged 50-59 years results in similar benefits and
      harms of screening these high-risk women as screening average-risk 50-year-old
      women. SUMMARY: Practitioners should discuss with women aged 40-49 years the
      benefits and harms of undergoing screening mammography before offering them
      screening. If women elect to undergo screening mammography, they should undergo
      biennial screening with digital mammography. Targeting screening for those women
      aged 40-49 years with risk factors that substantially increase the risk of breast
      cancer, such as high breast density, family history of breast cancer, and history
      of benign breast biopsy, could maximize the benefits and minimizes the harms of
      screening this age group.

PMID- 22037166
TI  - Short fusion strategy for Lenke type 1 thoracic curve using pedicle screw
      fixation.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective case-control study OBJECTIVE: Short fusion using
      pedicle screws (PSs) with an attempt to attain maximum correction of the main
      thoracic curve was conducted for patients with a Lenke type 1 curve, to prevent
      postoperative left shoulder elevation. The outcomes were compared with those of
      conventional surgery. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Excessive correction of the
      main thoracic curve by PSs causes problematic left shoulder elevation even in a
      Lenke type 1 curve. METHODS: Thirty-eight patients (3 male, 35 female, mean age
      16.2 years, mean follow-up 24 mo) with Lenke type 1 curve underwent posterior
      corrective surgery using PSs. The upper instrumented vertebra was 1 level below
      the end vertebra in 14 patients (short, S group), and it was at the end vertebra
      in 24 patients (conventional, C group). There was no difference in the
      preoperative Cobb angle (51.8 vs. 58.0) or curve flexibility (49.7 vs. 46.1)
      between the 2 groups. Radiographic results, perioperative data, and scoliosis
      research society 22 scores were compared between the 2 groups. RESULTS: The
      postoperative Cobb angle of the main curve after surgery was 13.2+/-5.7 degrees
      in the S group and 10.6+/-7.3 degrees in the C group (not significant). The
      clavicle angle was -2.1+/-2.8 degrees versus -2.7+/-2.6 degrees before surgery
      (not significant), and 0.8+/-2.3 versus 3.8+/-2.4 after surgery (P<0.05). The
      number of fused vertebrae, mean surgical time, and estimated blood loss were
      significantly lower in the S group than in the C group. The scoliosis research
      society 22 score at follow-up was not different between the 2 groups.
      CONCLUSIONS: The short fusion strategy for a Lenke type 1 curve can produce
      equivalent correction of the main curve and clinical outcomes to conventional
      fusion strategy with less surgical time and blood loss, while maintaining better
      shoulder balance.

PMID- 22037167
TI  - The influence of thoracic inlet alignment on the craniocervical sagittal balance
      in asymptomatic adults.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: A prospective radiographic study. OBJECTIVES: To analyze the
      relationship between craniocervical sagittal balance and thoracic inlet (TI)
      alignment and to present the parameters that would help predict physiological
      lordosis of the cervical spine. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: The physiological
      cervical lordosis (CL) and related factors has not been clearly defined yet. No
      studies have reported correlations between TI alignment and sagittal balance of
      the cervical spine. METHODS: Cervical spine lateral radiograph of 77 asymptomatic
      adult volunteers (aged between 21 and 50 y) were taken to analyze the following
      parameters. (1) Thoracic inlet parameters: thoracic inlet angle (TIA), T1 slope,
      neck tilting (NT); (2) cervical spine parameters: C0-2 angle, C2-7 angle, % ratio
      of (C0-2/C0-7 angle), (C2-7/C0-7 angle), and cervical tilting; (3) cranial
      parameters: C0 angle, cranial offset, and cranial tilting. Statistical analysis
      was performed using the Pearson correlation coefficients and multiple regression
      analysis. RESULTS: The mean TIA, T1 slope, NT were 69.5, 25.7, and 43.7,
      respectively. The mean C0-2 angle, C2-7 angle, C0 angle, cranial offset, cervical
      tilting, and cranial tilting were -22.4 degrees, -9.9 degrees, -9.3 degrees, 20.9
      mm, 18 degrees, and 7.7 degrees, respectively. The ratio of C0-2:C2-7 angle was
      maintained as 77:23% and cervical tilting:cranial tilting was 70.2:29.8%. A
      significant correlation was found between TIA and T1 slope (r=0.694), T1 slope
      and C2-7 angle (r=-0.624), C2-7 angle and C0-2 angle (r=-0.547), C0-2 angle and
      cranial offset (r=-0.406). CONCLUSIONS: The thoracic inlet alignment had
      significant correlations with craniocervical sagittal balance. To preserve
      physiological NT around 44 degrees, large TIA increased T1 slope and CL and vice
      versa. TIA and T1 slope could be used as parameters to predict physiological
      alignment of the cervical spine. The results of this study may serve as baseline
      data for the evaluation of sagittal balance or planning of a fusion angle in the
      cervical spine.

PMID- 22037168
TI  - The roles of activin A and its binding protein, follistatin, in inflammation and
      tissue repair.
AB  - Activin A, a member of the transforming growth factor-beta superfamily of
      cytokines, is a critical controller of inflammation, immunity and fibrosis. It is
      rapidly released into the blood following a lipopolysaccharide challenge in
      experimental animals, through activation of the Toll-like receptor 4 signalling
      pathway. Blocking activin action by pre-treatment with its binding protein,
      follistatin, modifies the inflammatory cytokine cascade, and reduces the severity
      of the subsequent inflammatory response and mortality. Likewise, high serum
      levels of activin A are predictive of death in patients with septicaemia.
      However, activin A has complex immunomodulatory actions. It is produced by
      inflammatory macrophages, but can regulate either pro- or anti-inflammatory
      responses in these cells, depending on their prior activation status. Activin A
      is also produced by Th2 cells, and stimulates antibody production by B cells and
      the development of regulatory T cells. Production of activin A during
      inflammatory responses stimulates fibrosis and tissue remodelling, and
      follistatin inhibits these actions of activin A. The modulation of activin by
      follistatin may represent an important therapeutic target for the modulation and
      amelioration of inflammatory and fibrotic disorders.

PMID- 22037169
TI  - Molecular bases of endometrial cancer: new roles for new actors in the diagnosis
      and the therapy of the disease.
AB  - Endometrial carcinoma (EC) is the most commonly diagnosed gynecologic malignancy
      in the western world. The majority of these cancers are curable, but a subset
      about 15-20% of endometrial tumors exhibits an aggressive phenotype. Based on
      clinic-pathological and molecular characteristics, EC has been classified into
      two groups: Type I estrogen-dependent adenocarcinomas, which have a good
      prognosis and an endometrioid histology, and Type II or non-estrogen-dependent EC
      associated with poor prognosis and non-endometrioid histology. EC develops as a
      result of a stepwise accumulation of alterations that seem to be specific of each
      histological type. However, more knowledge is needed to better understand the
      differences in the biology and the clinical outcome of EC. We would like to
      highlight the need to explore new potential biomarkers of EC as a tool for the
      detection and monitoring of aggressive endometrial tumors that, at the same time,
      will allow us to develop novel and more selective molecular targeted therapies
      against EC.

PMID- 22037171
TI  - The mitochondrial transcription and packaging factor Tfam imposes a U-turn on
      mitochondrial DNA.
AB  - Tfam (transcription factor A, mitochondrial), a DNA-binding protein with tandem
      high-mobility group (HMG)-box domains, has a central role in the expression,
      maintenance and organization of the mitochondrial genome. It activates
      transcription from mitochondrial promoters and organizes the mitochondrial genome
      into nucleoids. Using X-ray crystallography, we show that human Tfam forces
      promoter DNA to undergo a U-turn, reversing the direction of the DNA helix. Each
      HMG-box domain wedges into the DNA minor groove to generate two kinks on one face
      of the DNA. On the opposite face, a positively charged alpha-helix serves as a
      platform to facilitate DNA bending. The structural principles underlying DNA
      bending converge with those of the unrelated HU family proteins, which have
      analogous architectural roles in organizing bacterial nucleoids. The functional
      importance of this extreme DNA bending is promoter specific and seems to be
      related to the orientation of Tfam on the promoters.

PMID- 22037170
TI  - An asymmetric interface between the regulatory and core particles of the
      proteasome.
AB  - The Saccharomyces cerevisiae proteasome comprises a 19-subunit regulatory
      particle and a 28-subunit core particle. To be degraded, substrates must cross
      the core particle-regulatory particle interface, a site for complex
      conformational changes and regulatory events. This interface includes two aligned
      heteromeric rings, one formed by the six ATPase (Rpt) subunits of the regulatory
      particle and the other by the seven alpha subunits of the core particle. The Rpt
      C termini bind to intersubunit cavities in the alpha-ring, thus directing core
      particle gating and proteasome assembly. We mapped the Rpt C termini to the alpha
      subunit pockets, using a cross-linking approach that revealed an unexpected
      asymmetry: one side of the ring shows 1:1 contacts of Rpt2-alpha4, Rpt6-alpha3
      and Rpt3-alpha2, whereas on the opposite side, the Rpt1, Rpt4 and Rpt5 tails each
      cross-link to multiple alpha pockets. Rpt-core particle cross-links are all
      sensitive to nucleotides, implying that ATP hydrolysis drives dynamic alterations
      at the core particle-regulatory particle interface.

PMID- 22037172
TI  - Human mitochondrial transcription factor A induces a U-turn structure in the
      light strand promoter.
AB  - Human mitochondrial transcription factor A, TFAM, is essential for mitochondrial
      DNA packaging and maintenance and also has a crucial role in transcription.
      Crystallographic analysis of TFAM in complex with an oligonucleotide containing
      the mitochondrial light strand promoter (LSP) revealed two high-mobility group
      (HMG) protein domains that, through different DNA recognition properties,
      intercalate residues at two inverted DNA motifs. This induced an overall DNA bend
      of ~180 degrees , stabilized by the interdomain linker. This U-turn allows the
      TFAM C-terminal tail, which recruits the transcription machinery, to approach the
      initiation site, despite contacting a distant DNA sequence. We also ascertained
      that structured protein regions contacting DNA in the crystal were highly
      flexible in solution in the absence of DNA. Our data suggest that TFAM bends LSP
      to create an optimal DNA arrangement for transcriptional initiation while
      facilitating DNA compaction elsewhere in the genome.

PMID- 22037173
TI  - The effect of epsilon-aminocaproyl-S-benzyl-L-cysteine on the t-PA activity of
      human saliva.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this work was to study the effect of the synthetic
      antifibrinolytics: epsilon-aminocaproic acid (EACA), tranexamic acid (AMCHA) and
      epsilon-aminocaproyl-S-benzyl-L-cysteine (H-EACA-S-Bzl-L-Cys-OH) on the
      fibrinolytic activity of saliva in order to obtain new data on the activity of
      saliva tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Saliva samples
      were obtained from healthy volunteers. Saliva, precipitate and supernatant were
      tested 1hr, 4 hrs and 6hrs after collection. The effect of the synthetic
      antifibrinolytics was examined with the use of the clot lysis time determination.
      RESULTS: All examined compounds inhibited the fibrinolytic activity of saliva 1hr
      after collection. H-EACA-S-Bzl-L-Cys-OH was the most active inhibitor. After 6
      hours in room temperature only this compound showed a certain possibility to
      prolong the clot lysis time. CONCLUSIONS: The obtained results may indicate the
      possibility of the difference in specificity between the activities of t-PA of
      saliva and recombinant tissue plasminogen activator activities. It may explain
      the unexpected high inhibitory activity of H-EACA-S-Bzl-L-Cys-OH in our study.

PMID- 22037174
TI  - Value of gastrin-17 in detecting antral atrophy.
AB  - PURPOSE: Decreased plasma gastrin-17 (G-17), particularly after protein
      stimulation, is indicative of atrophy in the antral stomach mucosa. Available
      data on the value of this biomarker is inconclusive. Our study was aimed to
      evaluate the performance of the G-17 test in Caucasian and Asian patients for
      antral atrophy evaluation either in fasting state or after protein stimulation.
      MATERIAL/METHODS: 241 dyspeptic patients aged 55 and above from Latvia (125),
      Lithuania (76) and Taiwan (40) were enrolled. G-17 levels were detected in plasma
      samples obtained either during fasting or after a protein-rich test meal. Levels
      <1 pmol/L at fast and <5 pmol/L after stimulation were considered indicative of
      atrophy. RESULTS: The sensitivity of the test was 15.8%, its specificity 88.7%,
      and the overall accuracy 83% in the fasting state, and 36.8, 86.5, and 82.6%,
      respectively, after stimulation. In the Caucasian subgroup, the corresponding
      figures were 15.4, 91.5, and 86.6% in the fasting state and 30.8, 92.6, 88.6%
      after stimulation; but for the Asian subgroup the corresponding figures were
      16.7, 73.5, and 65% (fasting) and 50, 52.9, and 52.5% (stimulated). CONCLUSIONS:
      The performance of G-17 was better after protein stimulation. G-17 was highly
      specific in the Caucasian, but not in the Asian subgroups. Still the low test
      sensitivity either at fast or following protein stimulation does not allow us to
      recommend it for wide screening purpose to diagnose antral atrophy.

PMID- 22037175
TI  - Comparison of the long-term effectiveness of physiotherapy programs with low
      level laser therapy and pulsed magnetic field in patients with carpal tunnel
      syndrome.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to compare the long term effects of low - level
      laser therapy (LLLT) and pulsed magnetic field (PMF) in the rehabilitation of
      patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS). METHODS: The study included 38
      patients with idiopathic CTS, confirmed by electroneurographic (ENG) examination.
      All patients were randomly assigned to 2 groups: group L (18 patients) treated
      with LLLT and group M (20 patients) with PMF therapy. Clinical assessment,
      including day and night pain, the presence of paresthesia, functional tests
      (Phalen, Tinel, armband tests) and pain severity according to the Visual Analogue
      Scale (VAS) was conducted before treatment, after the first series of 10
      sessions, after a two-week break, after the second series of 10 sessions and six
      months after the last series. RESULTS: After LLLT a significant reduction of day
      and night pain was observed at each stage of treatment and 6 months after the
      last series (p<0.05). However, in group M, a significant reduction of both day
      and night pain was demonstrated only after the second series (p<0.05). A
      reduction of the incidence of Phalen's symptoms were noticed in both groups,
      however, only in group L the improvement was significant (p<0.05). In groups L
      and M a significant reduction of pain intensity was observed at every stage of
      treatment (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Although after LLL as well as PMF therapy
      clinical improvement was observed, the most significant differences were
      registered after the second series and persisted for up to 6 months in both
      groups.

PMID- 22037176
TI  - Predictive models for subtypes of autism spectrum disorder based on single
      nucleotide polymorphisms and magnetic resonance imaging.
AB  - PURPOSE: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, of
      which Asperger syndrome and high-functioning autism are subtypes. Our goal is: 1)
      to determine whether a diagnostic model based on single-nucleotide polymorphisms
      (SNPs), brain regional thickness measurements, or brain regional volume
      measurements can distinguish Asperger syndrome from high-functioning autism; and
      2) to compare the SNP, thickness, and volume-based diagnostic models. MATERIAL
      AND METHODS: Our study included 18 children with ASD: 13 subjects with high
      functioning autism and 5 subjects with Asperger syndrome. For each child, we
      obtained 25 SNPs for 8 ASD-related genes; we also computed regional cortical
      thicknesses and volumes for 66 brain structures, based on structural magnetic
      resonance (MR) examination. To generate diagnostic models, we employed five
      machine-learning techniques: decision stump, alternating decision trees, multi
      class alternating decision trees, logistic model trees, and support vector
      machines. RESULTS: For SNP-based classification, three decision-tree-based models
      performed better than the other two machine-learning models. The performance
      metrics for three decision-tree-based models were similar: decision stump was
      modestly better than the other two methods, with accuracy = 90%, sensitivity =
      0.95 and specificity = 0.75. All thickness and volume-based diagnostic models
      performed poorly. The SNP-based diagnostic models were superior to those based on
      thickness and volume. For SNP-based classification, rs878960 in GABRB3 (gamma
      aminobutyric acid A receptor, beta 3) was selected by all tree-based models.
      CONCLUSION: Our analysis demonstrated that SNP-based classification was more
      accurate than morphometry-based classification in ASD subtype classification.
      Also, we found that one SNP--rs878960 in GABRB3--distinguishes Asperger syndrome
      from high-functioning autism.

PMID- 22037177
TI  - Blocking the PI3K/AKT and MEK/ERK signaling pathways can overcome gefitinib
      resistance in non-small cell lung cancer cell lines.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of gefitinib (EGFR-TKI), LY294002 (PI3K
      inhibitor) and U0126 (MEK inhibitor) on proliferation and apoptosis in five non
      small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines (PC9, PC9/AB2, H1975, H1299 and A549).
      METHODS: The inhibitory rates of cells were tested by MTT and apoptosis was
      detected through flow cytometry when treated with gefitinib, LY294002 and U0126.
      RESULTS: The sensitivity to gefitinib was different in different cell lines,
      which was associated with EGFR mutation type. The cells with EGFR mutation were
      more sensitive than those with EGFR wild-type, except PC9/AB2 cells. LY294002 and
      U0126 can inhibit cell proliferation and promote apoptosis in all five cell
      lines. The sensitivity to gefitinib was restored partially in the resistant cell
      lines by combining gefitinib with LY294002 or U0126. The effects on cell
      proliferation and apoptosis were stronger in cells with EGFR mutation when
      PI3K/AKT pathway was blocked, however, for cells with EGFR wild-type, the effects
      were stronger when the MEK pathway was blocked. When the PI3K and MEK pathways
      were blocked together, proliferation inhibition and apoptosis level in NSCLC
      cells was similar to that in cells treated with EGFR TKI. There were some
      differences according to EGFR mutation type, suggesting that EGFR mutations may
      result in alterations of downstream signaling pathways. CONCLUSION: The
      sensitivity of gefitinib resistant cell lines can be restored partially when the
      two downstream signaling pathways are blocked. However, these cells were still
      drug resistant, suggesting that the activation of PI3K and MEK pathways is not
      the only mechanism of EGFR-resistance.

PMID- 22037178
TI  - Association of the ADRA1A gene and the severity of metabolic abnormalities in
      patients with schizophrenia.
AB  - Patients with schizophrenia have a higher risk of developing metabolic
      abnormalities and their associated diseases. Some studies found that the
      accumulative number of metabolic syndrome components was associated with the
      severity of metabolic abnormalities. The purpose of this study was to examine the
      roles of the ADRA1A, ADRA2A, ADRB3, and 5HT2A genes in the risk of having more
      severe metabolic abnormalities among patients with schizophrenia. We studied a
      sample of 232 chronic inpatients with schizophrenia (120 males and 112 females)
      to explore the associations between the four candidate genes and the severity of
      metabolic syndrome by accumulative number of the components. Four single
      nucleotide polymorphisms in the candidate genes were genotyped, including the
      Arg347Cys in ADRA1A, the C1291G in ADRA2A, the Try64Arg in ADRB3, and the T102C
      in 5HT2A. An association between the accumulative number of metabolic syndrome
      components and the ADRA1A gene was found after adjusting age, sex, and other
      related variables (p-value=0.036). Presence of the Arg347 allele in the ADRA1A
      gene is a risk factor for having more severe metabolic abnormalities. These
      findings suggest a medical attention of closely monitoring metabolic risks for
      schizophrenia patients with high-risk genotypes.

PMID- 22037179
TI  - Cell cycle regulators interact with pathways that modulate microtubule stability
      in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
AB  - The integrity of mitosis is dependent upon strict regulation of microtubule
      stability and dynamics. Although much information has been accumulated on
      regulators of the microtubule cytoskeleton, our knowledge of the specific
      pathways involved is still limited. Here we designed genetic screens to identify
      regulators of microtubule stability that are dispensable in the wild type yet
      become essential under microtubule-disrupting conditions. We found that the
      transcriptional cofactor Swi6p and activator Swi4p, as well as the G(2)/M
      specific cyclin Clb2p, are required in a microtubule-destabilizing environment.
      Swi6p and Swi4p can combine as a transcriptional complex, called the SBF complex
      (SBF for Swi4/6 cell cycle box [SCB]-binding factor) that is functionally
      homologous to the metazoan DP1/2-E2F complex and that controls the G(1)/S
      transition through the genes it regulates. We show that Swi6p's contribution to
      microtubule stability can be either dependent or independent of the SBF complex.
      The SBF-dependent pathway requires downregulation of SBF complex levels and may
      thereby reroute the transcriptional program in favor of greater microtubule
      stability. This pathway can be triggered by overexpression of Fcp1p, a
      phosphatase in the general transcription machinery, or by expression of an allele
      of SWI6 that is associated with reduced transcription from SBF-controlled
      promoters. The SBF-independent pathway is activated by a constitutively nuclear
      allele of Swi6p. Our results introduce novel roles in microtubule stability for
      genes whose participation in the process may be masked under normal conditions
      yet nonetheless acquire a dominant role when microtubule stability is
      compromised.

PMID- 22037180
TI  - Efg1 Controls caspofungin-induced cell aggregation of Candida albicans through
      the adhesin Als1.
AB  - Echinocandin drugs such as caspofungin (CASP), micafungin, and anidulafungin
      inhibit fungal cell wall biogenesis by blocking Fks1-mediated beta-glucan
      deposition into the cell surface. Candins have become suitable drugs to treat
      life-threatening diseases caused by several fungal species, including Candida
      albicans, that are pathogenic for humans. Here, we present the discovery of a
      novel CASP-induced flocculation phenotype of C. albicans, which formed large cell
      aggregates in the presence of CASP. High concentrations of sugars such as mannose
      or glucose inhibit CASP-induced flocculation and improve survival of C. albicans
      cells exposed to CASP. Notably, exposure of C. albicans cells to CASP triggers
      Efg1-dependent expression of the adhesin ALS1 and induces invasive growth on agar
      plates. Indeed, cells lacking either Efg1 or Als1 show strongly diminished CASP
      induced flocculation, and the absence of Efg1 leads to marked CASP
      hypersensitivity. On the other hand, CASP-induced invasive growth is enhanced in
      cells lacking Efg1. Hence, CASP stress drives an Efg1-dependent response,
      indicating that this multifunctional transcriptional regulator, which is
      otherwise involved in filamentation, white-to-opaque switching, and virulence,
      also modulates cell wall remodeling upon CASP challenge. Taken together, our data
      suggest that CASP-induced cell wall damage activates Efg1 in parallel with the
      known cell integrity stress signaling pathway to coordinate cell wall remodeling.

PMID- 22037181
TI  - Structural correlates of cytoplasmic and chloroplast lipid body synthesis in
      Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and stimulation of lipid body production with acetate
      boost.
AB  - Light microscopy and deep-etch electron microscopy were used to visualize
      triacylglyceride (TAG)-filled lipid bodies (LBs) of the green eukaryotic soil
      alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, a model organism for biodiesel production. Cells
      growing in nitrogen-replete media contain small cytoplasmic lipid bodies (alpha
      cyto-LBs) and small chloroplast plastoglobules. When starved for N, beta-cyto-LB
      formation is massively stimulated. beta-Cyto-LBs are intimately associated with
      both the endoplasmic reticulum membrane and the outer membrane of the chloroplast
      envelope, suggesting a model for the active participation of both organelles in
      beta-cyto-LB biosynthesis and packaging. When sta6 mutant cells, blocked in
      starch biosynthesis, are N starved, they produce beta-cyto-LBs and also
      chloroplast LBs (cpst-LBs) that are at least 10 times larger than plastoglobules
      and eventually engorge the chloroplast stroma. Production of beta-cyto-LBs and
      cpst-LBs under the conditions we used is dependent on exogenous 20 mM acetate. We
      propose that the greater TAG yields reported for N-starved sta6 cells can be
      attributed to the strain's ability to produce cpst-LBs, a capacity that is lost
      when the mutant is complemented by a STA6 transgene. Provision of a 20 mM acetate
      "boost" during N starvation generates sta6 cells that become so engorged with LBs
      at the expense of cytoplasm and most organelles-that they float on water even
      when centrifuged. This property could be a desirable feature for algal harvesting
      during biodiesel production.

PMID- 22037182
TI  - Mechanism of the binding of Z-L-tryptophan and Z-L-phenylalanine to thermolysin
      and stromelysin-1 in aqueous solutions.
AB  - The chemical shift of the carboxylate carbon of Z-tryptophan is increased from
      179.85 to 182.82 ppm and 182.87 ppm on binding to thermolysin and stromelysin-1
      respectively. The chemical shift of Z-phenylalanine is also increased from 179.5
      ppm to 182.9 ppm on binding to thermolysin. From pH studies we conclude that the
      pK(a) of the inhibitor carboxylate group is lowered by at least 1.5 pK(a) units
      when it binds to either enzyme. The signal at ~183 ppm is no longer observed when
      the active site zinc atom of thermolysin or stromelysin-1 is replaced by cobalt.
      We estimate that the distance of the carboxylate carbon of Z-[1-(13)C]-L
      tryptophan is <=3.71A from the active site cobalt atom of thermolysin. We
      conclude that the side chain of Z-[1-(13)C]-L-tryptophan is not bound in the
      S(2)' subsite of thermolysin. As the chemical shifts of the carboxylate carbons
      of the bound inhibitors are all ~183 ppm we conclude that they are all bound in a
      similar way most probably with the inhibitor carboxylate group directly
      coordinated to the active site zinc atom. Our spectrophotometric results confirm
      that the active site zinc atom is tetrahedrally coordinated when the inhibitors Z
      tryptophan or Z-phenylalanine are bound to thermolysin.

PMID- 22037183
TI  - Differences in folate-protein interactions result in differing inhibition of
      native rat liver and recombinant glycine N-methyltransferase by 5
      methyltetrahydrofolate.
AB  - Glycine N-methyltransferase (GNMT) is a key regulatory enzyme in methyl group
      metabolism. In mammalian liver it reduces S-adenosylmethionine levels by using it
      to methylate glycine, producing N-methylglycine (sarcosine) and S
      adenosylhomocysteine. GNMT is inhibited by binding two molecules of 5
      methyltetrahydrofolate (mono- or polyglutamate forms) per tetramer of the active
      enzyme. Inhibition is sensitive to the status of the N-terminal valine of GNMT
      and to polyglutamation of the folate inhibitor. It is inhibited by pentaglutamate
      form more efficiently compared to monoglutamate form. The native rat liver GNMT
      contains an acetylated N-terminal valine and is inhibited much more efficiently
      compared to the recombinant protein expressed in E. coli where the N-terminus is
      not acetylated. In this work we used a protein crystallography approach to
      evaluate the structural basis for these differences. We show that in the folate
      GNMT complexes with the native enzyme, two folate molecules establish three and
      four hydrogen bonds with the protein. In the folate-recombinant GNMT complex only
      one hydrogen bond is established. This difference results in more effective
      inhibition by folate of the native liver GNMT activity compared to the
      recombinant enzyme.

PMID- 22037184
TI  - Phosphodiesterases and subcellular compartmentalized cAMP signaling in the
      cardiovascular system.
AB  - Phosphodiesterases are key enzymes in the cAMP signaling cascade. They convert
      cAMP in its inactive form 5'-AMP and critically regulate the intensity and the
      duration of cAMP-mediated signals. Multiple isoforms exist that possess different
      intracellular distributions, different affinities for cAMP, and different
      catalytic and regulatory properties. This complex repertoire of enzymes provides
      a multiplicity of ways to modulate cAMP levels, to integrate more signaling
      pathways, and to respond to the specific needs of the cell within distinct
      subcellular domains. In this review we summarize key findings on
      phosphodiesterase compartmentalization in the cardiovascular system.

PMID- 22037185
TI  - Isolation, bulk cultivation, and characterization of coronary microvascular
      pericytes: the second most frequent myocardial cell type in vitro.
AB  - Densely arranged pericytes engird the endothelial tube of all coronary
      microvessels. Since the experimental access to these abundant cells in situ is
      difficult, a prerequisite for broader investigation is the availability of
      sufficient numbers of fully differentiated pericytes in homogenous culture. To
      reach this goal, we applied strictly standardized cell isolation techniques,
      optimized culture methods and specific histological staining. Approximately 1,000
      fold enriched pericytes were proteolytically detached from highly purified
      coronary microvascular networks (density gradient centrifugation) of eight
      mammalian species including human. Addition of species-autologous fetal or
      neonatal serum (10-20% vol/vol) was a precondition for longer term survival of
      homogenous pericyte cultures. This ensured optimal growth (doubling time <14 h)
      and full expression of pericyte-specific markers. In 3-mo, 10(10) pericytes (15
      g) could be cultivated from 1 bovine heart. Pericytes could be stored in liquid
      N(2), recultured, and passaged repeatedly without loss of typical features. In
      cocultures with EC or vascular smooth muscle cells, pericytes transferred
      fluorescent calcein to each other and to EC via their antler-like extensions,
      organized angiogenetic sprouting of vessels, and rapidly activated coagulation
      factors X and II via tissue factor and prothrombinase. The interconnected
      pericytes of the coronary system are functionally closely correlated with the
      vascular endothelium and may play key roles in the adjustment of local blood
      flow, the regulation of angiogenic processes, and the induction of procoagulatory
      processes. Their successful bulk cultivation enables direct experimental access
      under defined in vitro conditions and the isolation of pericyte specific antigens
      for the production of specific antibodies.

PMID- 22037186
TI  - Calcium homeostasis in vascular smooth muscle cells is altered in type 2 diabetes
      by Bcl-2 protein modulation of InsP3R calcium release channels.
AB  - This study examines the extent to which the antiapoptotic Bcl-2 proteins Bcl-2
      and Bcl-x(L) contribute to diabetic Ca(2+) dysregulation and vessel contractility
      in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) through their interaction with inositol
      1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (InsP(3)R) intracellular Ca(2+) release channels.
      Measurements of intracellular ([Ca(2+)](i)) and sarcoplasmic reticulum
      ([Ca(2+)](SR)) calcium concentrations were made in primary cells isolated from
      diabetic (db/db) and nondiabetic (db/m) mice. In addition, [Ca(2+)](i) and
      constriction were recorded simultaneously in isolated intact arteries. Protein
      expression levels of Bcl-x(L) but not Bcl-2 were elevated in VSMCs isolated from
      db/db compared with db/m age-matched controls. In single cells, InsP(3)-evoked
      [Ca(2+)](i) signaling was enhanced in VSMCs from db/db mice compared with db/m.
      This was attributed to alterations in the intrinsic properties of the InsP(3)R
      itself because there were no differences between db/db and db/m in the steady
      state [Ca(2+)](SR) or InsP(3)R expression levels. Moreover, in permeabilized
      cells the rate of InsP(3)R-dependent SR Ca(2+) release was increased in db/db
      compared with db/m VSMCs. The enhanced InsP(3)-dependent SR Ca(2+) release was
      attenuated by the Bcl-2 protein inhibitor ABT-737 only in diabetic cells.
      Application of ABT-737 similarly attenuated enhanced agonist-induced [Ca(2+)](i)
      signaling only in intact aortic and mesenteric db/db vessels. In contrast, ABT
      737 had no effect on agonist-evoked contractility in either db/db or db/m
      vessels. Taken together, the data suggest that in type 2 diabetes the mechanism
      for [Ca(2+)](i) dysregulation in VSMCs involves Bcl-2 protein-dependent increases
      in InsP(3)R excitability and that dysregulated [Ca(2+)](i) signaling does not
      appear to contribute to increased vessel reactivity.

PMID- 22037187
TI  - Contribution of myocardium overlying the anterolateral papillary muscle to left
      ventricular deformation.
AB  - Previous studies of transmural left ventricular (LV) strains suggested that the
      myocardium overlying the papillary muscle displays decreased deformation relative
      to the anterior LV free wall or significant regional heterogeneity. These
      comparisons, however, were made using different hearts. We sought to extend these
      studies by examining three equatorial LV regions in the same heart during the
      same heartbeat. Therefore, deformation was analyzed from transmural beadsets
      placed in the equatorial LV myocardium overlying the anterolateral papillary
      muscle (PAP), as well as adjacent equatorial LV regions located more anteriorly
      (ANT) and laterally (LAT). We found that the magnitudes of LAT normal
      longitudinal and radial strains, as well as major principal strains, were less
      than ANT, while those of PAP were intermediate. Subepicardial and midwall
      myofiber angles of LAT, PAP, and ANT were not significantly different, but PAP
      subendocardial myofiber angles were significantly higher (more longitudinal as
      opposed to circumferential orientation). Subepicardial and midwall myofiber
      strains of ANT, PAP, and LAT were not significantly different, but PAP
      subendocardial myofiber strains were less. Transmural gradients in
      circumferential and radial normal strains, and major principal strains, were
      observed in each region. The two main findings of this study were as follows: 1)
      PAP strains are largely consistent with adjacent LV equatorial free wall regions,
      and 2) there is a gradient of strains across the anterolateral equatorial left
      ventricle despite similarities in myofiber angles and strains. These findings
      point to graduated equatorial LV heterogeneity and suggest that regional
      differences in myofiber coupling may constitute the basis for such heterogeneity.

PMID- 22037188
TI  - The story so far: post-translational regulation of peroxisome proliferator
      activated receptors by ubiquitination and SUMOylation.
AB  - Many studies have implicated the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor
      (PPAR) family of nuclear receptor transcription factors in regulating cardiac
      substrate metabolism and ATP generation. Recently, evidence from a variety of
      cell culture and organ systems has implicated ubiquitin and small ubiquitin-like
      modifier (SUMO) conjugation as post-translational modifications that regulate the
      activity of PPAR transcription factors and their coreceptors/coactivators. Here
      we introduce the ubiquitin and SUMO conjugation systems and extensively review
      how they have been shown to regulate all three PPAR isoforms (PPARalpha,
      PPARbeta/delta, and PPARgamma) in addition to the retinoid X receptor and
      PPARgamma coactivator-1alpha subunits of the larger PPAR transcription factor
      complex. We then present how the specific ubiquitin (E3) ligases have been
      implicated and review emerging evidence that post-translational modifications of
      PPARs with ubiquitin and/or SUMO may play a role in cardiac disease. Because PPAR
      activity is perturbed in a variety of forms of heart disease and specific
      proteins regulate this process (E3 ligases), this may be a fruitful area of
      investigation with respect to finding new therapeutic targets.

PMID- 22037189
TI  - Regional skeletal muscle remodeling and mitochondrial dysfunction in right
      ventricular heart failure.
AB  - Exercise intolerance is a cardinal symptom of right ventricular heart failure (RV
      HF) and skeletal muscle adaptations play a role in this limitation. We determined
      regional remodeling of muscle structure and mitochondrial function in a rat model
      of RV HF induced by monocrotaline injection (MCT; 60 mg.kg(-1); n = 11). Serial
      sections of the plantaris were stained for fiber type, succinate dehydrogenase
      (SDH) activity and capillaries. Mitochondrial function was assessed in
      permeabilized fibers using respirometry, and isolated complex activity by blue
      native gel electrophoresis (BN PAGE). All measurements were compared with saline
      injected control animals (CON; n = 12). Overall fiber cross-sectional area was
      smaller in MCT than CON: 1,843 +/- 114 vs. 2,322 +/- 120 MUm(2) (P = 0.009).
      Capillary-to-fiber ratio was lower in MCT in the oxidative plantaris region (1.65
      +/- 0.09 vs. 1.93 +/- 0.07; P = 0.03), but not in the glycolytic region. SDH
      activity (P = 0.048) and maximal respiratory rate (P = 0.012) were each ~15%
      lower in all fibers in MCT. ADP sensitivity was reduced in both skeletal muscle
      regions in MCT (P = 0.032), but normalized by rotenone. A 20% lower complex I/IV
      activity in MCT was confirmed by BN PAGE. MCT-treatment was associated with lower
      mitochondrial volume density (lower SDH activity), quality (lower complex I
      activity), and fewer capillaries per fiber area in oxidative skeletal muscle.
      These features are consistent with structural and functional remodeling of the
      determinants of oxygen supply potential and utilization that may contribute to
      exercise intolerance and reduced quality of life in patients with RV HF.

PMID- 22037190
TI  - Incoherent oscillations of respiratory sinus arrhythmia during acute mental
      stress in humans.
AB  - Respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) has been widely used as a measure of the
      cardiac vagal control in response to stress. However, RSA seems not to be a
      generalized indicator because of its dependency on respiratory parameter and
      individual variations of RSA amplitude (A(RSA)). We hypothesized that phase-lag
      variations between RSA and respiration may serve as a normalized index of the
      degree of mental stress. Twenty healthy volunteers performed mental arithmetic
      task (ART) after 5 min of resting control followed by 5 min of recovery.
      Breathing pattern, beat-to-beat R-R intervals, and blood pressure (BP) were
      determined using inductance plethysmography, electrocardiography, and a Finapres
      device, respectively. The analytic signals of breathing and RSA were obtained by
      Hilbert transform and the degree of phase synchronization (lambda) was
      quantified. With the use of spectral analysis, heart rate variability (HRV) was
      estimated for the low-frequency (LF) and high-frequency (HF) bands. A steady
      state 3-min resting period (REST), the first 3 min (ART1), and the last 3 min
      (ART2) of the ART period (ranged from 6- to 19 min) and the last 3 min of the
      recovery period (RCV) were analyzed separately. Heart rate, systolic BP, and
      breathing frequency (f(R)) increased and lambda, A(RSA), and HF power decreased
      from REST to ART (P < 0.01). The lambda was correlated with normalized A(RSA) and
      the HF power. The decrease in lambda could not be explained solely by the
      increase in f(R). We conclude that mental stress exerts an influence on RSA
      oscillations, inducing incoherent phase lag with respect to breathing, in
      addition to a decrease in RSA.

PMID- 22037191
TI  - p21-activated kinase improves cardiac contractility during ischemia-reperfusion
      concomitant with changes in troponin-T and myosin light chain 2 phosphorylation.
AB  - p21-activated kinase 1 (Pak1) is a serine/threonine kinase that activates protein
      phosphatase 2a, resulting in the dephosphorylation of cardiac proteins and
      increased myofilament Ca(2+) sensitivity. Emerging evidence indirectly indicates
      a role for Pak1 in ischemia-reperfusion (I/R), but direct evidence is lacking. We
      hypothesize that activation of the Pak1 signaling pathway is a cardioprotective
      mechanism that prevents or reverses the detrimental effects of ischemic injury by
      inducing posttranslational modifications in myofilament proteins that ultimately
      improve cardiac contractility following ischemic insult. In the present study, we
      subjected ex vivo hearts from wild-type (WT) and Pak1-knockout (KO) mice to 20
      min of global cardiac ischemia followed by 30 min of reperfusion. In the absence
      of Pak1, there was an exacerbation of the increased end-diastolic pressure and
      reduced left ventricular developed pressure occurring after I/R injury. ProQ
      analysis revealed an increase in troponin-T phosphorylation at baseline in Pak1
      KO hearts compared with WT. Significantly decreased myosin light chain 2 (MLC2)
      phosphorylation in Pak1-KO hearts compared with WT after I/R injury was confirmed
      by Western immunoblotting. These data indicate that Pak1-KO hearts have reduced
      recovery of myocardial performance after global I/R injury concomitant with
      changes in troponin-T and MLC2 phosphorylation. Finally, a protein-protein
      association between Pak1 and MLC2, and Pak1 and troponin-T, was determined by
      coimmunoprecipitation. Thus, results of our study provide a basis for targeting a
      novel pathway, including Pak1, in the therapies for patients with ischemic
      events.

PMID- 22037192
TI  - The role of dynamic instability and wavelength in arrhythmia maintenance as
      revealed by panoramic imaging with blebbistatin vs. 2,3-butanedione monoxime.
AB  - Unlike other excitation-contraction uncouplers, blebbistatin has few
      electrophysiological side effects and has gained increasing acceptance as an
      excitation-contraction uncoupler in optical mapping experiments. However, the
      possible role of blebbistatin in ventricular arrhythmia has hitherto been
      unknown. Furthermore, experiments with blebbistatin and 2,3-butanedione monoxime
      (BDM) offer an opportunity to assess the contribution of dynamic instability and
      wavelength of impulse propagation to the induction and maintenance of ventricular
      arrhythmia. Recordings of monophasic action potentials were used to assess
      effects of blebbistatin in Langendorff-perfused rabbit hearts (n = 5).
      Additionally, panoramic optical mapping experiments were conducted in rabbit
      hearts (n = 7) that were sequentially perfused with BDM, then washed out, and
      subsequently perfused with blebbistatin. The susceptibility to arrhythmia was
      investigated using a shock-on-T protocol. We found that 1) application of
      blebbistatin did not change action potential duration (APD) restitution; 2) in
      contrast to blebbistatin, BDM flattened APD restitution curve and reduced the
      wavelength; and 3) incidence of sustained arrhythmia was much lower under
      blebbistatin than under BDM (2/123 vs. 23/99). While arrhythmias under BDM were
      able to stabilize, the arrhythmias under blebbistatin were unstable and
      terminated spontaneously. In conclusion, the lower susceptibility to arrhythmia
      under blebbistatin than under BDM indicates that blebbistatin has less effects on
      arrhythmia dynamics. A steep restitution slope under blebbistatin is associated
      with higher dynamic instability, manifested by the higher incidence of not only
      wave breaks but also wave extinctions. This relatively high dynamic instability
      leads to the self-termination of arrhythmia because of the sufficiently long
      wavelength under blebbistatin.

PMID- 22037193
TI  - Optical mapping of cryoinjured rat myocardium grafted with mesenchymal stem
      cells.
AB  - Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been shown to improve cardiac
      electrophysiology when administered in the setting of acute myocardial
      infarction. However, the electrophysiological phenotype of MSCs in situ is not
      clear. We hypothesize that MSCs delivered intramyocardially to cryoinjured
      myocardium can engraft, but will not actively generate, action potentials.
      Cryoinjury-induced scar was created on the left ventricular epicardial surface of
      adult rat hearts. Within 30 min, hearts were injected with saline (sham, n = 11)
      or bone marrow-derived MSCs (2 * 10(6)) labeled with 1,1'-dioctadecyl-3,3,3,3'
      tetramethylindocarbocyanine percholate (DiI; n = 16). At 3 wk, optical mapping
      and cell isolation were used to measure optical action potentials and calcium
      transients, respectively. Histological analysis confirmed subepicardial scar
      thickness and the presence of DiI-positive cells that express connexin-43.
      Optical action potential amplitude within the scar at MSC-positive sites (53.8 +/
      14.3%) was larger compared with sites devoid of MSCs (35.3 +/- 14.2%, P < 0.05)
      and sites within the scar of shams (33.5 +/- 6.9%, P < 0.05). Evidence of
      simultaneous action potential upstroke, the loss of action potential activity
      following ablation of adjacent viable myocardium, and no rapid calcium transient
      response in isolated DiI+ cells suggest that the electrophysiological influence
      of engrafted MSCs is electrotonic. MSCs can engraft when directly injected into a
      cryoinjury and are associated with evidence of action potential activity.
      However, our results suggest that this activity is not due to generation of
      action potentials, but rather passive influence coupled from neighboring viable
      myocardium.

PMID- 22037194
TI  - Effects of cyclooxygenase inhibition on cardiovascular function in a
      hypercholesterolemic swine model of chronic ischemia.
AB  - The cardiovascular effects of cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibition remain
      controversial, especially in the setting of cardiovascular comorbidities. We
      examined the effects of nonselective and selective COX inhibition on
      cardiovascular function in a hypercholesterolemic swine model of chronic
      ischemia. Twenty-four intact male Yorkshire swine underwent left circumflex
      ameroid constrictor placement and were subsequently given either no drug (HCC; n
      = 8), a nonselective COX inhibitor (440 mg/day naproxen; HCNS; n = 8), or a
      selective COX-2 inhibitor (200 mg/day celecoxib; HCCX; n = 8). After 7 wk,
      myocardial functional was measured and myocardium from the nonischemic ventricle
      and ischemic area-at-risk (AAR) were analyzed. Regional function as measured by
      segmental shortening was improved in the AAR of HCCX compared with HCC. There was
      no significant difference in perfusion to the nonischemic ventricle between
      groups, but myocardial perfusion in the AAR was significantly improved in the
      HCCX group compared with controls at rest and during pacing. Endothelium
      dependent microvessel relaxation was diminished by ischemia in HCC animals, but
      both naproxen and celecoxib improved vessel relaxation in the AAR compared with
      controls, and also decreased the vasoconstrictive response to serotonin.
      Thromboxane levels in the AAR were decreased in both HCNS and HCCX compared with
      HCC, whereas prostacyclin levels were decreased only in HCNS, corresponding to a
      decrease in prostacyclin synthase expression. Chronic ischemia increased
      apoptosis in Troponin T negative cells and intramyocardial fibrosis, both of
      which were reduced by celecoxib administration in the AAR. Capillary density was
      decreased in both the HCNS and HCCX groups. Protein oxidative stress was
      decreased in both HCNS and HCCX, whereas lipid oxidative stress was decreased
      only in the HCCX group. Thus nonselective and especially selective COX inhibition
      may have beneficial myocardial effects in the setting of hypercholesterolemia and
      chronic ischemia. Whether these effects modulate cardiovascular risk in patients
      taking these drugs remains to be seen, but evidence to date suggests that they do
      not.

PMID- 22037196
TI  - Spectrographic analyses reveal signals of individuality and kinship in the
      ultrasonic courtship vocalizations of wild house mice.
AB  - Male house mice produce ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) during courtship;
      however, it is unclear why males produce USVs and what information their calls
      communicate. In laboratory mice, male USVs are attractive to females [1,2]. They
      appear to facilitate mating and coordinate copulation behavior [3,4] perhaps
      because USVs provide information about males' quality or compatibility. In our
      studies on wild house mice (Mus musculus musculus), we found that females can
      discriminate the USVs of unrelated males versus siblings [5]. In this study we
      conducted spectrographic and temporal analyses on recordings of courtship USVs of
      wild males. We found evidence that males' vocalizations contain signatures of
      individuality and kinship. The individuality of males' USVs could be due to
      differences in the filter function of the vocal tract or differences of the vocal
      apparatus, which might directly influence the temporal and spectral features of
      vocalizations. Further studies are needed to determine the consistency of
      individual USVs over longer periods of time and across contexts, and whether the
      familial effects we found are due to genetic relatedness, social learning
      (imprinting), or both.

PMID- 22037195
TI  - Cardiomyocyte deletion of mitofusin-1 leads to mitochondrial fragmentation and
      improves tolerance to ROS-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death.
AB  - Molecular studies examining the impact of mitochondrial morphology on the
      mammalian heart have previously focused on dynamin related protein-1 (Drp-1) and
      mitofusin-2 (Mfn-2), while the role of the other mitofusin isoform, Mfn-1, has
      remained largely unexplored. In the present study, we report the generation and
      initial characterization of cardiomyocyte-specific Mfn-1 knockout (Mfn-1 KO)
      mice. Using electron microscopic analysis, we detect a greater prevalence of
      small, spherical mitochondria in Mfn-1 KO hearts, indicating that the absence of
      Mfn-1 causes a profound shift in the mitochondrial fusion/fission balance.
      Nevertheless, Mfn-1 KO mice exhibit normal left-ventricular function, and
      isolated Mfn-1 KO heart mitochondria display a normal respiratory repertoire. Mfn
      1 KO myocytes are protected from mitochondrial depolarization and exhibit
      improved viability when challenged with reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the form
      of hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)). Furthermore, in vitro studies detect a blunted
      response of KO mitochondria to undergo peroxide-induced mitochondrial
      permeability transition pore opening. These data suggest that Mfn-1 deletion
      confers protection against ROS-induced mitochondrial dysfunction. Collectively,
      we suggest that mitochondrial fragmentation in myocytes is not sufficient to
      induce heart dysfunction or trigger cardiomyocyte death. Additionally, our data
      suggest that endogenous levels of Mfn-1 can attenuate myocyte viability in the
      face of an imminent ROS overload, an effect that could be associated with the
      ability of Mfn-1 to remodel the outer mitochondrial membrane.

PMID- 22037197
TI  - Behavioural and physiological effects of population density on domesticated Zebra
      Finches (Taeniopygia guttata) held in aviaries.
AB  - Zebra Finches (Taeniopygia guttata) are highly social and monogamous birds that
      display relatively low levels of aggression and coordinate group life mainly by
      means of vocal communication. In the wild, small groups may congregate to larger
      flocks of up to 150-350 birds. Little is known, however, about possible effects
      of population density on development in captivity. Investigating density effects
      on physiology and behaviour might be helpful in identifying optimal group size,
      in order to optimise Zebra Finch wellbeing. A direct effect of population density
      on development and reproduction was found: birds in lower density conditions
      produced significantly more and larger (body mass, tarsus length) surviving
      offspring than birds in high density conditions. Furthermore, offspring in low
      density aviaries produced slightly longer song motifs and more different
      syllables than their tutors, whereas offspring in high density aviaries produced
      shorter motifs and a smaller or similar number of different syllables than their
      tutors. Aggression levels within the populations were low throughout the
      experiment, but the number of aggressive interactions was significantly higher in
      high density aviaries. Baseline corticosterone levels did not differ
      significantly between high- and low density aviaries for either adult or
      offspring birds. On day 15 post hatching, brood size and baseline corticosterone
      levels were positively correlated. On days 60 and 100 post hatching this
      correlation was no longer present. The results of this study prove that
      population density affects various aspects of Zebra Finch development, with birds
      living in low population density conditions having an advantage over those living
      under higher population density conditions.

PMID- 22037198
TI  - Prenatal stress produces sex differences in nest odor preference.
AB  - Prenatal stress (PS) and early postnatal environment may alter maternal care.
      Infant rats learn to identify their mother through the association between
      maternal care and familiar odors. Female Wistar rats were exposed to restraint
      stress for 30 min, 4 sessions per day, in the last 7 days of pregnancy. At birth,
      pups were cross-fostered and assigned to the following groups: prenatal non
      stressed mothers raising non-stressed pups (NS:NS), prenatal stressed mothers
      raising non-stressed pups (S:NS), prenatal non-stressed mothers raising stressed
      pups (NS:S), prenatal stressed mothers raising stressed pups (S:S). Maternal
      behaviors were assessed during 6 postpartum days. On postnatal day (PND) 7, the
      behavior of male and female pups was analyzed in the odor preference test; and
      noradrenaline (NA) activity in olfactory bulb (OB) was measured. The results
      showed that restraint stress increased plasma levels of corticosterone on
      gestational day 15. After parturition, PS reduced maternal care, decreasing
      licking the pups and increasing frequency outside the nest. Female pups from the
      NS:S, S:NS, S:S groups and male pups from the S:S group showed no nest odor
      preference. Thus, at day 7, female pups that were submitted to perinatal
      interventions showed more impairment in the nest odor preference test than male
      pups. No changes were detected in the NA activity in the OB. In conclusion,
      repeated restraint stress during the last week of gestation reduces maternal care
      and reduces preference for a familiar odor in rat pups in a sex-specific manner.

PMID- 22037199
TI  - Posttransplant sCD30 as a biomarker to predict kidney graft outcome.
AB  - In current clinical praxis, monitoring of immunosuppressive agents in organ
      transplantation is restricted to measurement of drug blood levels and does not
      consider the drug's variable effect on the individual patient's immune system.
      Establishment of biological markers that measure the biological effect of
      immunosuppressive drugs is desirable and would enable the identification of
      patients who are at risk of developing rejection, or patients who are suitable
      for minimization or weaning of immunosuppressive therapy. Several studies
      demonstrated that the technically simple posttransplant measurement in serum of
      the T cell activation marker soluble CD30 (sCD30) allows prediction of subsequent
      graft loss in kidney transplant recipients. sCD30 is a relatively large molecule
      and therefore an attractive biological marker which is resistant to repeated
      thawing cycles and temperature differences and easily determined using commercial
      ELISA. Whether sCD30-based prospective adjustment of immunosuppressive therapy
      can prevent irreversible graft damage and improve long-term graft outcome awaits
      evaluation in randomized controlled trials.

PMID- 22037200
TI  - Infestation of Mauritia flexuosa palms by triatomines (Hemiptera: Reduviidae),
      vectors of Trypanosoma cruzi and Trypanosoma rangeli in the Brazilian savanna.
AB  - To determine the infestation and trypanosome infection of triatomines captured in
      Mauritia flexuosa palm trees across its geographic distribution in the Brazilian
      savanna (Cerrado), we sampled 42 localities in eight states and in the Federal
      District, Brazil, between July 2005 and January 2010. Overall, 2154 specimens of
      the species Rhodnius neglectus, Psammolestes tertius, Triatoma sordida, and
      Microtriatoma borbai, were collected. Among the 341 palms sampled, 182 (53.3%)
      were infested with R. neglectus, which resulted in the capture of 1639 specimens
      (9.0 insects per infested palm). P. tertius occurred in 26 palms (8%), which
      resulted in the capture of 484 specimens (19 insects per infested palm). T.
      sordida (n=30) and M. borbai (n=1) occurred in only one location. From 537 R.
      neglectus examined, 44 were infected (8%) with Trypanosoma rangeli and/or
      Trypanosoma cruzi (Tc Id). M. flexuosa was previously recognized as a suitable
      breeding ecotope for R. neglectus in the Brazilian states of Minas Gerais, Goias,
      Tocantins and the Federal District. Our results expand this distribution to other
      states (Sao Paulo, Bahia, Mato Grosso, Maranhao and Piaui), and also show that
      this particular palm tree harbors other triatomine species. Finally, we show that
      R. neglectus plays an important role in maintaining the enzootic circulation of
      T. cruzi and T. rangeli in the Brazilian savanna.

PMID- 22037201
TI  - Characterization of two mutations, M287L and Q266I, in the alpha1 glycine
      receptor subunit that modify sensitivity to alcohols.
AB  - Glycine receptors (GlyRs) are inhibitory ligand-gated ion channels. Ethanol
      potentiates glycine activation of the GlyR, and putative binding sites for
      alcohol are located in the transmembrane (TM) domains between and within
      subunits. To alter alcohol sensitivity of GlyR, we introduced two mutations in
      the GlyR alpha1 subunit, M287L (TM3) and Q266I (TM2). After expression in Xenopus
      laevis oocytes, both mutants showed a reduction in glycine sensitivity and
      glycine-induced maximal currents. Activation by taurine, another endogenous
      agonist, was almost abolished in the M287L GlyR. The ethanol potentiation of
      glycine currents was reduced in the M287L GlyR and eliminated in Q266I.
      Physiological levels of zinc (100 nM) potentiate glycine responses in wild-type
      GlyR and also enhance the ethanol potentiation of glycine responses. Although
      zinc potentiation of glycine responses was unchanged in both mutants, zinc
      enhancement of ethanol potentiation of glycine responses was absent in M287L
      GlyRs. The Q266I mutation decreased conductance but increased mean open time
      (effects not seen in M287L). Two lines of knockin mice bearing these mutations
      were developed. Survival of homozygous knockin mice was impaired, probably as a
      consequence of impaired glycinergic transmission. Glycine showed a decreased
      capacity for displacing strychnine binding in heterozygous knockin mice.
      Electrophysiology in isolated neurons of brain stem showed decreased glycine
      mediated currents and decreased ethanol potentiation in homozygous knockin mice.
      Molecular models of the wild-type and mutant GlyRs show a smaller water-filled
      cavity within the TM domains of the Q266I alpha1 subunit. The behavioral
      characterization of these knockin mice is presented in a companion article (J
      Pharmacol Exp Ther 340:317-329, 2012).

PMID- 22037202
TI  - Behavioral characterization of knockin mice with mutations M287L and Q266I in the
      glycine receptor alpha1 subunit.
AB  - We used behavioral pharmacology to characterize heterozygous knockin mice with
      mutations (Q266I or M287L) in the alpha1 subunit of the glycine receptor (GlyR)
      (J Pharmacol Exp Ther 340:304-316, 2012). These mutations were designed to reduce
      (M287L) or eliminate (Q266I) ethanol potentiation of GlyR function. We asked
      which behavioral effects of ethanol would be reduced more in the Q266I mutant
      than the M287L and found rotarod ataxia to be the behavior that fulfilled this
      criterion. Compared with controls, the mutant mice also differed in ethanol
      consumption, ethanol-stimulated startle response, signs of acute physical
      dependence, and duration of loss of righting response produced by ethanol,
      butanol, ketamine, pentobarbital, and flurazepam. Some of these behavioral
      changes were mimicked in wild-type mice by acute injections of low, subconvulsive
      doses of strychnine. Both mutants showed increased acoustic startle response and
      increased sensitivity to strychnine seizures. Thus, in addition to reducing
      ethanol action on the GlyRs, these mutations reduced glycinergic inhibition,
      which may also alter sensitivity to GABAergic drugs.

PMID- 22037203
TI  - Behavioral characterization of the alarm reaction and anxiolytic-like effect of
      acute treatment with fluoxetine in piaucu fish.
AB  - In Ostariophysan fish, the detection of the alarm substance liberated into the
      water as a consequence of an attack by a predator elicits an alarm reaction or
      anti-predatory behavior. In this study, experiments were performed to: (i)
      describe and quantitatively characterize the behavioral and ventilatory responses
      in piaucu fish (Leporinus macrocephalus), individually and as part of a school,
      to conspecific alarm substance (CAS) and; (ii) test the effect of acute
      fluoxetine treatment on alarm reaction. Histological analysis revealed the
      presence of club cells in the intermediate and superficial layers of the
      epidermis. The predominant behavioral response to CAS was freezing for fish held
      individually, characterized by the cessation of the swimming activity as the
      animal settles to a bottom corner of the aquarium. Fish exposed to CAS showed
      decrease in the mean ventilatory frequency (approximately 13%) relative to
      control. In schools, CAS elicited a biphasic response that was characterized by
      erratic movements followed by increased school cohesion and immobility, reflected
      as an increased school cohesion (65.5% vs. -5.8% for controls) and in the number
      of animals near the bottom of the aquarium (42.0% vs. 6.5% for controls). Animals
      treated with single i.p. injections of fluoxetine (10 MUg/g b.w.) did not exhibit
      alarm behavior following CAS stimulation. These results show that an alarm
      pheromone system is present in piaucu fish, evidenced by the presence of
      epidermal club cells and an alarm reaction induced by CAS and consequently of a
      chemosensory system to transmit the appropriate information to neural structures
      responsible for initiating anti-predator behavioral responses. In addition,
      fluoxetine treatment caused an anxiolytic-like effect following CAS exposure.
      Thus, the alarm reaction in piaucu can be a useful model for neuroethological and
      pharmacological studies of anxiety-related states.

PMID- 22037205
TI  - Epilepsy awareness in a Jamaican community: driven to change!
AB  - There are relatively few published studies on epilepsy-related knowledge,
      attitudes, and practices (KAP) from developing countries and none from Jamaica. A
      questionnaire-based, cross-sectional study of 320 individuals was performed in a
      small community in Kingston. Residents and employees were comparable in age, sex,
      and personal and family history of epilepsy, but differed in attained education
      and occupation. Persons with postsecondary education were less likely to believe
      that epilepsy is a mental disorder (9% vs 24.8%, P<0.001), is due to demonic
      possession (8% vs 18.2%, P<0.01), or is contagious (2.5% vs 23%, P<0.001).
      Overall, 73% felt that people with epilepsy should not drive. The results of this
      Jamaican KAP study differ from those in other developing countries. There appears
      to be less societal stigma in Jamaica; however, there is widespread reluctance to
      allow PWE to drive. This represents a substantial challenge to the current
      initiative to change existing driving regulations that currently bar people with
      epilepsy from driving.

PMID- 22037204
TI  - Vaccine induced antibodies to the first variable loop of human immunodeficiency
      virus type 1 gp120, mediate antibody-dependent virus inhibition in macaques.
AB  - The role of antibodies directed against the hyper variable envelope region V1 of
      human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), has not been thoroughly studied. We
      show that a vaccine able to elicit strain-specific non-neutralizing antibodies to
      this region of gp120 is associated with control of highly pathogenic chimeric
      SHIV(89.6P) replication in rhesus macaques. The vaccinated animal that had the
      highest titers of antibodies to the amino terminus portion of V1, prior to
      challenge, had secondary antibody responses that mediated cell killing by
      antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), as early as 2 weeks after
      infection and inhibited viral replication by antibody-dependent cell-mediated
      virus inhibition (ADCVI), by 4 weeks after infection. There was a significant
      inverse correlation between virus level and binding antibody titers to the
      envelope protein, (R=-0.83, p=0.015), and ADCVI (R=-0.84 p=0.044). Genotyping of
      plasma virus demonstrated in vivo selection of three SHIV(89.6P) variants with
      changes in potential N-linked glycosylation sites in V1. We found a significant
      inverse correlation between virus levels and titers of antibodies that mediated
      ADCVI against all the identified V1 virus variants. A significant inverse
      correlation was also found between neutralizing antibody titers to SHIV(89.6) and
      virus levels (R=-0.72 p=0.0050). However, passive inoculation of purified
      immunoglobulin from animal M316, the macaque that best controlled virus, to a
      naive macaque, resulted in a low serum neutralizing antibodies and low ADCVI
      activity that failed to protect from SHIV(89.6P) challenge. Collectively, while
      our data suggest that anti-envelope antibodies with neutralizing and non
      neutralizing Fc(R-dependent activities may be important in the control of SHIV
      replication, they also demonstrate that low levels of these antibodies alone are
      not sufficient to protect from infection.

PMID- 22037206
TI  - Comparison of gamma-ray coincidence and low-background gamma-ray singles
      spectrometry.
AB  - Aerosol samples have been studied under different background conditions using
      gamma-ray coincidence and low-background gamma-ray singles spectrometric
      techniques with High-Purity Germanium detectors. Conventional low-background
      gamma-ray singles counting is a competitive technique when compared to the gamma
      gamma coincidence approach in elevated background conditions. However,
      measurement of gamma-gamma coincidences can clearly make the identification of
      different nuclides more reliable and efficient than using singles spectrometry
      alone. The optimum solution would be a low-background counting station capable of
      both singles and gamma-gamma coincidence spectrometry.

PMID- 22037208
TI  - A few good genes: simple, biologically motivated signatures for cancer prognosis.

PMID- 22037207
TI  - SOX10 regulates expression of the SH3-domain kinase binding protein 1 (Sh3kbp1)
      locus in Schwann cells via an alternative promoter.
AB  - The transcription factor SOX10 has essential roles in neural crest-derived cell
      populations, including myelinating Schwann cells-specialized glial cells
      responsible for ensheathing axons in the peripheral nervous system. Importantly,
      SOX10 directly regulates the expression of genes essential for proper myelin
      function. To date, only a handful of SOX10 target loci have been characterized in
      Schwann cells. Addressing this lack of knowledge will provide a better
      understanding of Schwann cell biology and candidate loci for relevant diseases
      such as demyelinating peripheral neuropathies. We have identified a highly
      conserved SOX10 binding site within an alternative promoter at the SH3-domain
      kinase binding protein 1 (Sh3kbp1) locus. The genomic segment identified at
      Sh3kbp1 binds to SOX10 and displays strong promoter activity in Schwann cells in
      vitro and in vivo. Mutation of the SOX10 binding site ablates promoter activity,
      and ectopic expression of SOX10 in SOX10-negative cells promotes the expression
      of endogenous Sh3kbp1. Combined, these data reveal Sh3kbp1 as a novel target of
      SOX10 and raise important questions regarding the function of SH3KBP1 isoforms in
      Schwann cells.

PMID- 22037209
TI  - Systems biology of epistasis: shedding light on genetic interaction network
      "hubs".

PMID- 22037210
TI  - Polypyrimidine tract-binding protein regulates the cell cycle through IRES
      dependent translation of CDK11(p58) in mouse embryonic stem cells.
AB  - Polypyrimidine tract-binding protein (PTB/PTBP1/hnRNP I) is a member of the
      heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein family that binds specifically to
      pyrimidine-rich sequences of RNAs. Although PTB is a multifunctional protein
      involved in RNA processing and internal ribosome entry site (IRES)-dependent
      translation, the role of PTB in early mouse development is unclear. Ptb knockout
      mice exhibit embryonic lethality shortly after implantation and Ptb-/- embryonic
      stem (ES) cells have a severe proliferation defect that includes a prolonged G2/M
      phase. The present study shows that PTB promotes M phase progression by the
      direct repression of CDK11(p58) IRES activity in ES cells. The protein expression
      and IRES activity of CDK11(p58) in Ptb-/- ES cells is higher than that of wild
      type ES cells, indicating that PTB is involved in the repression of CDK11(p58)
      expression through IRES-dependent translation in ES cells. Interestingly,
      CDK11(p58) IRES activity is activated by upstream of N-Ras (UNR) in 293T and
      NIH3T3 cells, whereas UNR is not present in the Cdk11 mRNA-protein complex in ES
      cells. In addition, PTB interacts directly with the IRES region of CDK11(p58) in
      ES cells. These results suggest that PTB regulates the precise expression of
      CDK11(p58) through direct interaction with CDK11(p58) IRES and promotes M phase
      progression in ES cells.

PMID- 22037213
TI  - Primary cerebral lymphoma with spontaneous remission.

PMID- 22037211
TI  - Closed MAD2 (C-MAD2) is selectively incorporated into the mitotic checkpoint
      complex (MCC).
AB  - The mitotic checkpoint is a specialized signal transduction pathway that monitors
      kinetochore-microtubule attachment to achieve faithful chromosome segregation.
      MAD2 is an evolutionarily conserved mitotic checkpoint protein that exists in
      open (O) and closed (C) conformations. The increase of intracellular C-MAD2 level
      during mitosis, through O->C-MAD2 conversion as catalyzed by unattached
      kinetochores, is a critical signaling event for the mitotic checkpoint. However,
      it remains controversial whether MAD2 is an integral component of the effector of
      the mitotic checkpoint--the Mitotic Checkpoint Complex (MCC). We show here that
      endogenous human MCC is assembled by first forming a BUBR1:BUB3:CDC20 complex in
      G2 and then selectively incorporating C-MAD2 during mitosis. Nevertheless, MCC
      can be induced to form in G1/S cells by expressing a C-conformation locked MAD2
      mutant, indicating intracellular level of C-MAD2 as a major limiting factor for
      MCC assembly. In addition, a recombinant MCC containing C-MAD2 exhibits effective
      inhibitory activity towards APC/C isolated from mitotic HeLa cells, while a
      recombinant BUBR1:BUB3:CDC20 ternary complex is ineffective at comparable
      concentrations despite association with APC/C. These results help establish a
      direct connection between a major signal transducer (C-MAD2) and the potent
      effector (MCC) of the mitotic checkpoint, and provide novel insights into protein
      protein interactions during assembly of a functional MCC.

PMID- 22037214
TI  - The apelin/APJ system induces maturation of the tumor vasculature and improves
      the efficiency of immune therapy.
AB  - Immature and unstable tumor vasculature provides an aberrant tumor
      microenvironment and leads to resistance of tumors to conventional therapy.
      Hence, normalization of tumor vessels has been reported to improve the effect of
      immuno-, chemo- and radiation therapy. However, the humoral factors, which can
      effectively induce maturation of tumor vasculature, have not been elucidated. In
      this study, we found that the novel peptide apelin and its receptor APJ can
      induce the morphological and functional maturation of blood vessels in tumors.
      This apelin-induced tumor vascular maturation enhances the efficacy of cancer
      dendritic cell-based immunotherapy and significantly suppresses tumor growth by
      promoting the infiltration of invariant natural killer T cells into the central
      region of the tumor and thereby robustly inducing apoptosis of tumor cells.
      Additionally, we showed APJ expression to be enhanced in the tumor endothelium in
      comparison with normal-state endothelial cells. These findings provide a new
      target for tumor vascular-specific maturation, which is expected to improve the
      efficacy of conventional cancer therapies.

PMID- 22037215
TI  - Inhibiting PI3K reduces mammary tumor growth and induces hyperglycemia in a mouse
      model of insulin resistance and hyperinsulinemia.
AB  - Women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are at a greater risk of developing
      and dying from breast cancer than women without T2DM. Insulin resistance and
      hyperinsulinemia underlie the pathogenesis of T2DM. In the MKR mouse model of
      insulin resistance, we have previously shown increased activation of the
      phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mTOR pathway in association with
      accelerated mammary tumor growth. In this study, we demonstrate that inhibiting
      PI3K with the oral pan-class I PI3K inhibitor, NVP-BKM120 reduced the growth of
      Met-1 and MCNeuA mammary tumor orthografts in the MKR mouse. NVP-BKM120 treatment
      decreased phosphorylation of Akt and S6 ribosomal protein (S6rp); no change in
      Erk1/2 phosphorylation was seen. Hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia and greater
      hyperinsulinemia developed in the MKR mice treated with NVP-BKM120. We previously
      reported reduced tumor growth using intraperitoneal rapamycin in the MKR mouse,
      with the development of hyperglycemia and hypertriglyceridemia. Therefore, we
      examined whether the oral PI3K/mTOR inhibitor NVP-BEZ235 augmented the tumor
      suppressing effects of PI3K inhibition. We also investigated the effect of
      targeted PI3K/mTOR inhibition on PI3K/Akt/mTOR and Erk1/2 signaling, and the
      potential effects on glycemia. NVP-BEZ235 suppressed the growth of Met-1 and
      MCNeuA tumor orthografts, and decreased Akt and S6rp phosphorylation, despite
      increased Erk1/2 phosphorylation in Met-1 orthografts of MKR mice. Less marked
      hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia developed with NVP-BEZ235 than NVP-BKM120.
      Overall, the results of this study demonstrated that inhibiting PI3K/Akt/mTOR
      signaling with the oral agents NVP-BKM120 and NVP-BEZ235 decreased mammary tumor
      growth in the hyperinsulinemic MKR mouse. Inhibiting PI3K alone led to more
      severe metabolic derangement than inhibiting both PI3K and mTOR. Therefore, PI3K
      may be an important target for the treatment of breast cancer in women with
      insulin resistance. Monitoring for hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia should be
      considered when using these agents in humans, given the metabolic changes
      detected in this study.

PMID- 22037216
TI  - TGF-beta drives epithelial-mesenchymal transition through deltaEF1-mediated
      downregulation of ESRP.
AB  - Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a crucial event in wound healing,
      tissue repair and cancer progression in adult tissues. We have recently shown
      that transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta-induced EMT involves isoform switching
      of fibroblast growth factor receptors by alternative splicing. We performed a
      microarray-based analysis at single exon level to elucidate changes in splicing
      variants generated during TGF-beta-induced EMT, and found that TGF-beta induces
      broad alteration of splicing patterns by downregulating epithelial splicing
      regulatory proteins (ESRPs). This was achieved by TGF-beta-mediated upregulation
      of deltaEF1 family proteins, deltaEF1 and SIP1. deltaEF1 and SIP1 each remarkably
      repressed ESRP2 transcription through binding to the ESRP2 promoter in NMuMG
      cells. Silencing of both deltaEF1 and SIP1, but not either alone, abolished the
      TGF-beta-induced ESRP repression. The expression profiles of ESRPs were inversely
      related to those of deltaEF1 and SIP in human breast cancer cell lines and
      primary tumor specimens. Further, overexpression of ESRPs in TGF-beta-treated
      cells resulted in restoration of the epithelial splicing profiles as well as
      attenuation of certain phenotypes of EMT. Therefore, deltaEF1 family proteins
      repress the expression of ESRPs to regulate alternative splicing during TGF-beta
      induced EMT and the progression of breast cancers.

PMID- 22037217
TI  - Loss of TGF-beta signaling and PTEN promotes head and neck squamous cell
      carcinoma through cellular senescence evasion and cancer-related inflammation.
AB  - The molecular mechanisms that contribute to the initiation and progression of
      head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) have not been completely
      delineated. Our observations indicate that defects in the transforming growth
      factor-beta and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways are common in human HNSCCs.
      Conditional activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway due to Pten deletion in the mouse
      head and neck epithelia gives rise to hyperproliferation, but only a few lesions
      progress to HNSCC. However, Pten-deficient mice developed full-penetrance HNSCC
      in combination with type I TGF-beta receptor (Tgfbr1) deletion. Molecular
      analysis revealed enhanced cell proliferation, decreased apoptosis, and increased
      expression of CCND1 in the basal layer of the head and neck epithelia, as well as
      in the tumors of Tgfbr1/Pten double conditional knockout (2cKO) mice.
      Furthermore, neoplastic transformation involves senescence evasion, and is
      associated with an increased number of putative cancer stem cells. In addition,
      the nuclear factor-kappaB pathway activation, myeloid-derived suppressor cell
      infiltration, angiogenesis and immune suppression in the tumor microenvironment,
      all of which are characteristics of human HNSCCs, contribute significantly to
      head and neck carcinogenesis in 2cKO mice. These tumors display pathology and
      multiple molecular alterations resembling human HNSCCs. This suggests that the
      Tgfbr1/Pten 2cKO mouse model is suitable for preclinical intervention, and that
      it has significant implications in the development of diagnostic cancer
      biomarkers and effective strategies for prevention and treatment of HNSCCs.

PMID- 22037219
TI  - Advances in management of low-risk febrile neutropenia.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To describe and discuss the most recent advances in the
      management of low-risk febrile neutropenia in children with cancer. RECENT
      FINDINGS: Several risk stratification tools for children with febrile neutropenia
      have been developed, although none of these tools have been directly compared and
      few have been validated in independent populations. However, there is good
      evidence that, for pediatric patients with febrile neutropenia at low risk for
      severe infection, outpatient management is a well tolerated and efficacious
      alternative to inpatient care. Moreover, major progress has been made in
      obtaining and understanding perceived quality of life and preferences for
      outpatient management in pediatric cancer patients. Many parents prefer inpatient
      management although child quality of life is, in general, anticipated to be
      higher with outpatient intravenous therapy. Finally, outpatient strategies are
      more cost-effective as compared with traditional management in hospital. SUMMARY:
      Outpatient management is a well tolerated and cost-effective strategy for low
      risk febrile neutropenia in children with cancer, although parental preferences
      are highly variable for outpatient versus inpatient management. Future research
      should examine the effectiveness of outpatient strategies through conduct of
      large cohort studies. Other future work could focus on development of decision
      aids and other tools to facilitate ambulatory approaches.

PMID- 22037218
TI  - Racial differences in the association between carotid plaque and aortic and
      coronary artery calcification among women transitioning through menopause.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Carotid atherosclerosis is a marker for atherosclerotic disease in
      other vascular beds; however, racial differences in this association have not
      been fully examined. The purpose of this report was to evaluate racial
      differences in the relationship between carotid plaque and calcification in the
      aorta and coronary arteries among women transitioning through menopause. METHODS:
      A total of 540 African American and white women with a median age of 50 years
      were evaluated from the Study of Women's Health Across the Nation. Carotid plaque
      (none vs. any) was assessed with B-mode ultrasound, and aortic calcification (AC;
      0, >0-100, and >100) and coronary artery calcification (CAC; 0, >0-10, and >10)
      were assessed with CT. RESULTS: For the total cohort, higher prevalence of plaque
      was significantly associated with higher levels of AC but not CAC. The
      interaction of race and carotid plaque was significant in models with AC and CAC
      as dependent variables (P = 0.03 and 0.002, respectively). Among African
      Americans, there was an inverse relationship, although not significant, between
      carotid plaque and high AC (>100; odds ratio [OR], 0.75; 95% CI, 0.10-5.48) and
      between plaque and high CAC (>10; OR, 0.20; 95% CI, 0.03-1.52) in fully adjusted
      models. In contrast, for whites, significant positive associations existed
      between carotid plaque and high AC (OR, 4.12; 95% CI, 1.29-13.13) and borderline
      associations for high CAC (OR, 1.83; 95% CI, 0.66-5.19). CONCLUSIONS: This study
      demonstrates that the presence of carotid plaque seemed to be a marker for AC and
      potentially CAC in white women, but not African American middle-aged women,
      during the menopausal transition.

PMID- 22037220
TI  - Behavioral interventions in children and adolescents with autism spectrum
      disorder:  a review of recent findings.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The study provides an overview of recent studies on behavioral
      interventions for children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
      RECENT FINDINGS: Recent reviews of the effectiveness of early intensive
      behavioral intervention (EIBI) conclude that EIBI can improve language and
      cognitive skills. The first randomized controlled trial (RCT) of a comprehensive
      early intervention for toddlers with ASD demonstrated gains in language,
      cognitive abilities, and adaptive behavior. Targeted, brief behavioral
      interventions are efficacious for improving social communication in young
      children with ASD. Parents can be taught to deliver behavioral interventions,
      which are associated with improvements in parent-child interaction; effects on
      child outcome, however, have been mixed. Several studies show that social skills
      interventions are efficacious for improving peer relationships and social
      competence. Behavioral interventions are also effective for reducing anxiety
      symptoms and aggression. Medication combined with behavioral intervention was
      found to be more effective for reducing aggression than medication alone.
      SUMMARY: Behavioral interventions are effective for improving language, cognitive
      abilities, adaptive behavior, and social skills, and reducing anxiety and
      aggression. Medication combined with behavioral intervention appears to be more
      effective for reducing aggressive behavior than medication alone.

PMID- 22037221
TI  - High-pressure crystal structure of elastically isotropic CaTiO3 perovskite under
      hydrostatic and non-hydrostatic conditions.
AB  - The structural evolution of orthorhombic CaTiO3 perovskite has been studied using
      high-pressure single-crystal x-ray diffraction under hydrostatic conditions up to
      8.1 GPa and under a non-hydrostatic stress field formed in a diamond anvil cell
      (DAC) up to 4.7 GPa. Under hydrostatic conditions, the TiO6 octahedra become more
      tilted and distorted with increasing pressure, similar to other 2:4 perovskites.
      Under non-hydrostatic conditions, the experiments do not show any apparent
      difference in the internal structural variation from hydrostatic conditions and
      no additional tilts and distortions in the TiO6 octahedra are observed, even
      though the lattice itself becomes distorted due to the non-hydrostatic stress.
      The similarity between the hydrostatic and non-hydrostatic cases can be ascribed
      to the fact that CaTiO3 perovskite is nearly elastically isotropic and, as a
      consequence, its deviatoric unit-cell volume strain produced by the non
      hydrostatic stress is very small; in other words, the additional octahedral tilts
      relevant to the extra unit-cell volume associated with the deviatoric unit-cell
      volume strain may be totally neglected. This study further addresses the role
      that three factors--the elastic properties, the crystal orientation and the
      pressure medium--have on the structural evolution of an orthorhombic perovskite
      loaded in a DAC under non-hydrostatic conditions. The influence of these factors
      can be clearly visualized by plotting the three-dimensional distribution of the
      deviatoric unit-cell volume strain in relation to the cylindrical axis of the DAC
      and indicates that, if the elasticity of a perovskite is nearly isotropic as it
      is for CaTiO3, the other two factors become relatively insignificant.

PMID- 22037223
TI  - Ultrasound-guided cannulation of the great saphenous vein at the ankle in
      infants.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The establishment of peripheral venous access in infants is the most
      common invasive technique in paediatric anaesthesia. Venous puncture can be
      challenging due to the small size of vessels in this patient population. The
      present study was designed to investigate the practicability of ultrasound-guided
      vascular access to the great saphenous vein (GSV) at the level of the medial
      malleolus in infants <= 12 months. METHODS: Ninety consecutive infants <= 12
      months undergoing elective surgery were included in this prospective study and
      divided into two age groups (0-6 and 7-12 months). After anaesthesia induction
      with sevoflurane, an ultrasound investigation of both GSVs at the level of the
      medial malleoli was performed. Subsequently, venous access in one GSV was
      established under direct ultrasound control. Anatomical ultrasound data and
      success rates of venous accesses were analysed. RESULTS: While not deeper
      relative to the skin, the GSV was significantly larger in older infants. The
      success rate in infants <= 6 months was 96%, whereas in older infants, the
      success rate was 100%. The overall success rate in all infants was 98%.
      CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound facilitates venous puncture of the GSV in the vast
      majority of infants <= 12 months. Direct visualization via ultrasound is a
      promising technique for the establishment of venous access in the GSV at the
      level of the medial malleolus in infants.

PMID- 22037222
TI  - What comes first? The dynamics of cerebral oxygenation and blood flow in response
      to changes in arterial pressure and intracranial pressure after head injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Brain tissue partial oxygen pressure (Pbt(O(2))) and near-infrared
      spectroscopy (NIRS) are novel methods to evaluate cerebral oxygenation. We
      studied the response patterns of Pbt(O(2)), NIRS, and cerebral blood flow
      velocity (CBFV) to changes in arterial pressure (AP) and intracranial pressure
      (ICP). METHODS: Digital recordings of multimodal brain monitoring from 42 head
      injured patients were retrospectively analysed. Response latencies and patterns
      of Pbt(O(2)), NIRS-derived parameters [tissue oxygenation index (TOI) and total
      haemoglobin index (THI)], and CBFV reactions to fluctuations of AP and ICP were
      studied. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-one events were identified. In reaction
      to alterations of AP, ICP reacted first [4.3 s; inter-quartile range (IQR) -4.9
      to 22.0 s, followed by NIRS-derived parameters and CBFV (10.9 s; IQR: -5.9 to
      39.6 s, 12.1 s; IQR: -3.0 to 49.1 s, 14.7 s; IQR: -8.8 to 52.3 s for THI, CBFV,
      and TOI, respectively), with Pbt(O(2)) reacting last (39.6 s; IQR: 16.4 to 66.0
      s). The differences in reaction time between NIRS parameters and Pbt(O(2)) were
      significant (P<0.001). Similarly when reactions to ICP changes were analysed,
      NIRS parameters preceded Pbt(O(2)) (7.1 s; IQR: -8.8 to 195.0 s, 18.1 s; IQR: 
      20.6 to 80.7 s, 22.9 s; IQR: 11.0 to 53.0 s for THI, TOI, and Pbt(O(2)),
      respectively). Two main patterns of responses to AP changes were identified. With
      preserved cerebrovascular reactivity, TOI and Pbt(O(2)) followed the direction of
      AP. With impaired cerebrovascular reactivity, TOI and Pbt(O(2)) decreased while
      AP and ICP increased. In 77% of events, the direction of TOI changes was
      concordant with Pbt(O(2)). CONCLUSIONS: NIRS and transcranial Doppler signals
      reacted first to AP and ICP changes. The reaction of Pbt(O(2)) is delayed. The
      results imply that the analysed modalities monitor different stages of cerebral
      oxygenation.

PMID- 22037224
TI  - Multicentre cohort study of red blood cell use for revision hip arthroplasty and
      factors associated with greater risk of allogeneic blood transfusion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Revision hip arthroplasty (RHA) is associated with high rates of
      allogeneic blood transfusion (ABT). We aimed to determine factors associated with
      ABT in patients undergoing RHA in Scottish hospitals, with particular focus on
      perioperative cell salvage (PCS). METHODS: A prospective observational cohort
      study of RHA procedures performed in 11 hospitals over 7 months was performed. We
      recorded predefined patient, surgery-related, and blood conservation factors that
      may influence perioperative ABT, together with postoperative haemoglobin (Hb)
      data and ABTs to day 7. We explored factors with strongest independent
      association with ABT during the perioperative period using multiple regression
      analysis. RESULTS: Two hundred and ten cases were studied, of whom 58% received
      ABTs (mean 1.8 units), most of which (52%) occurred on the day of surgery. Eighty
      eight (42%) patients received PCS, of whom 68 had red cells re-infused [mean re
      infusion volume 312 ml (1st, 3rd quartile: 260, 363 ml)]. In unadjusted
      comparisons, patients receiving PCS had lower intraoperative (9% vs 40%) and
      total (55% vs 63%) exposure to ABTs. The mean (95% confidence interval) theatre
      blood loss was 1013 (899-1128) ml and was higher for combined femoral/acetabular
      revision and femoral revision than other categories. The mean postoperative Hb
      transfusion trigger was 80 g litre(-1). In multivariable models, preoperative Hb
      [odds ratio (OR) 0.35; P<0.001], patient weight (OR 0.96; P=0.004), operating
      theatre blood loss (OR 1.002; P<0.001), and re-infusion of PCS blood (OR 0.31;
      P=0.02) were independent predictors of ABT exposure. CONCLUSIONS: PCS is an
      effective blood conservation strategy for RHA, especially for patients with
      preoperative anaemia, low body weight, or both.

PMID- 22037225
TI  - Simulating face-to-face tracheal intubation of a trapped patient: a randomized
      comparison of the LMA Fastrach&trade;, the GlideScope&trade;, and the
      Airtraq&trade; laryngoscope.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We undertook a prospective randomized comparison of the LMA
      FastrachTM, AirtraqTM laryngoscope, and GlideScopeTM used for face-to-face
      tracheal intubation simulated to mimic an entrapped patient. METHODS: Thirty
      senior emergency medicine physicians were trained in the use of the LMA
      FastrachTM, GlideScopeTM, and AirtraqTM laryngoscope with a standard airway
      trainer manikin (control). Participants were then asked to perform tracheal
      intubation in two difficult situations simulated on a difficult airway management
      manikin wearing a cervical collar. In Situation 1, the manikin was in the supine
      position with a difficult airway caused by stiffening the cervical spine. In
      Situation 2, the manikin was positioned to simulate face-to-face tracheal
      intubation. We measured intubation times, success rates for tracheal intubation,
      and the difficulty of tracheal intubation. Values are means (sd). RESULTS: In
      control and Situation 1, tracheal intubation details were similar. In Situation
      2, face-to-face tracheal intubation success rate was increased with the AirtraqTM
      (100%), when compared with that of the GlideScopeTM (70%, P<0.05) and LMA
      FastrachTM (83%, P<0.05). Face-to-face tracheal intubation was less difficult
      (visual analogue scale: 0-100) with the AirtraqTM 11 (6) when compared with the
      GlideScopeTM [33 (14) s, P<0.01)] and LMA FastrachTM [22 (21) s, P<0.01]. The
      face-to-face tracheal intubation time was shorter with the AirtraqTM 14 (6) s
      than with the GlideScopeTM [27 (18) s, P<0.01] and FastrachTM [28 (10) s,
      P<0.01]. CONCLUSIONS: The AirtraqTM laryngoscope was superior to both the
      GlideScopeTM and LMA FastrachTM during simulated face-to-face difficult tracheal
      intubation.

PMID- 22037226
TI  - Entecavir plus tenofovir combination as rescue therapy in pre-treated chronic
      hepatitis B patients: an international multicenter cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Long-term viral suppression is a major goal to prevent disease
      progression in patients with HBV. Aim of this study was to investigate the
      efficacy and safety of entecavir plus tenofovir combination in 57 CHB partial
      responders or multidrug resistant patients. METHODS: Investigator-initiated open
      label cohort study. Quantitative HBV-DNA measurement and resistance testing (line
      probe-assays and direct-sequencing) at baseline and every 3 months. RESULTS:
      Fifty seven patients (37 HBeAg+), median age 45 years, previously treated with a
      median of three lines of antiviral therapy (range 1-6), 24/57 with advanced liver
      disease, were included. Median ALT at baseline was 1.0 ULN (range 0.3-22) and HBV
      DNA 1.5 * 10(4)IU/ml (range 500-1 * 10(11)IU/ml). Median treatment duration of
      combination therapy was 21 months. HBV-DNA level dropped 3 logs (median, range 0
      8 log; p<0.0001), 51/57 patients became HBV-DNA undetectable, median after 6
      months (95% CI, 4.6-7). The probability for HBV DNA suppression was not reduced
      in patients with adefovir or entecavir resistance or in patients with advanced
      liver disease. Viral suppression led to decline in ALT (median 0.7 ULN; range 0.2
      2.4; p=0.001). Five patients lost HBeAg (after 15, 18, 20, 21, and 27 months,
      respectively), one patient showed HBs-seroconversion. Patients with advanced
      disease did not show clinical decompensation, two patients with cirrhosis and
      undetectable HBV DNA developed HCCs. No death, newly induced renal impairment or
      lactic acidosis were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Rescue therapy with entecavir and
      tenofovir in CHB patients harboring viral resistance patterns or showing only
      partial antiviral responses to preceding therapies was efficient, safe, and well
      tolerated in patients with and without advanced liver disease (249).

PMID- 22037227
TI  - p53, a novel regulator of lipid metabolism pathways.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: In this study we aimed at characterizing the regulation of
      hepatic metabolic pathways by the p53 transcription factor. METHODS: Analysis of
      gene expression following alteration of p53 status in several human- and mouse
      derived cells using microarray analysis, quantitative real-time PCR, chromatin
      immunoprecipitation, and reporter gene assays. A functional assay was performed
      to determine lipid transfer activity. RESULTS: We identified a novel role for the
      p53 protein in regulating lipid and lipoprotein metabolism, a process not yet
      conceived as related to p53, which is known mainly for its tumor suppressive
      functions. We revealed a group of 341 genes whose expression was induced by p53
      in the liver-derived cell line HepG2. Twenty of these genes encode proteins
      involved in many aspects of lipid homeostasis. The mode of regulation of three
      representative genes (Pltp, Abca12, and Cel) was further characterized. In
      addition to HepG2, the genes were induced following activation of p53 in human
      primary hepatic cells isolated from liver donors. p53-dependent regulation of
      these genes was evident in other cell types namely Hep3B cells, mouse
      hepatocytes, and fibroblasts. Furthermore, p53 was found to bind to the genes'
      promoters in designated p53 responsive elements and thereby increase
      transcription. Importantly, p53 augmented the activity of secreted PLTP, which
      plays a major role in lipoprotein biology and atherosclerosis pathology.
      CONCLUSIONS: These findings expose another facet of p53 functions unrelated to
      tumor suppression and render it a novel regulator of hepatic lipid metabolism and
      consequently of systemic lipid homeostasis and atherosclerosis development.

PMID- 22037228
TI  - Effects of clonidine on bilateral pain behaviors and inflammatory response in
      rats under the state of neuropathic pain.
AB  - This study was conducted to investigate the effects of clonidine on bilateral
      pain behaviors and inflammatory responses in neuropathic pain induced by partial
      sciatic nerve ligation (PSNL), and to better understand whether the
      antinociception of clonidine was related to alpha(2)-adrenoceptor mechanisms.
      Rats were divided randomly into five groups: sham-operation with saline, i.p.;
      PSNL with clonidine (0.2mg/kg) or saline, i.p.; PSNL with yohimbine (2mg/kg)
      followed by clonidine (0.2mg/kg), i.p.; and PSNL with naloxone (0.3mg/kg)
      followed by clonidine (0.2mg/kg), i.p. On post-operative days 1, 3, 7, 14, and
      21, both ipsilateral and contralateral pain behaviors were measured. In rats
      receiving antagonists, bilateral behavioral changes were measured on day 14.
      Bilateral paw pressure threshold and paw withdrawal latencies were measured, and
      the extent of glial activation was dertermined by measuring macrophage antigen
      complex-1 (Mac-1) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Additionally, the
      levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin (IL)-6 were
      determined. PSNL induced bilateral behavioral hyperalgesia, with the ipsilateral
      level displaying a higher extent of behavior changes than the contralateral side.
      In addition, the glial activation markers and cytokine production were augmented
      bilaterally. Clonidine caused significant attenuation of bilateral mechanical
      allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia, accompanied by inhibition of glial activation
      and the expression of cytokines. The effects of clonidine were blocked by the
      alpha(2)-adrenoceptor antagonist yohimbine and partially reversed by the MU
      opioid receptor antagonist naloxone. These data suggest that the bilateral
      antinoceptive effects of clonidine might mediate through immunomodulation by
      acting on alpha(2)-adrenoceptor in rats undergoing neuropathic pain.

PMID- 22037229
TI  - Permanent expression of midbrain dopaminergic neurons traits in differentiated
      amniotic epithelial cells.
AB  - Amniotic epithelial cells (AECs) have been the subject of interest due to their
      stem cells characteristics. Pluripotency, lack of teratoma formation, low
      immunogenicity and no ethical issues make them an alternative source of stem
      cells for generation of dopaminergic neurons in vitro. AECs may differentiate
      into midbrain dopaminergic neurons in the presence of induction factors which
      trigger pathway naturally occurring in the mesencephalon during embryogenesis. In
      this study, we examined whether FGF8 and Sonic hedgehog (Shh) can induce AECs to
      express permanently midbrain dopaminergic neurons traits. We found that fresh
      isolated AECs temporarily expressed some neural markers which decreased 7 days
      after culture. Co-treatment of cells with FGF8 and Shh had synergistic effect on
      expression of TH, DAT, Pax2, Lmx1b and En1. Shh ceased differentiation in
      dopaminergic state and decreased DbetaH. HPLC analysis revealed that dopamine was
      released into the medium upon depolarization, indicating that functional
      dopaminergic neurons were present in the culture. These results demonstrate that
      AECs have capability to differentiate into dopaminergic neurons and can be a
      candidate for cell replacement therapy of Parkinson's disease.

PMID- 22037230
TI  - Proteomics in asthma and COPD phenotypes and endotypes for biomarker discovery
      and improved understanding of disease entities.
AB  - The application of proteomics to respiratory diseases, such as asthma and COPD,
      has been limited compared to other fields, like cancer. Both asthma and COPD are
      recognised to be multi-factorial and complex diseases, both consisting of
      clusters of multiple disease phenotypes. The complexity of these diseases
      combined with the inaccessibility and invasiveness of disease relevant samples
      have provided a hurdle to the progress of respiratory proteomics. Advances in
      proteomic instrumentation and methodology have led to the possibility to identify
      proteomes in much smaller quantities of biological material. This review focuses
      on the efforts in respiratory proteomics in relation to asthma and COPD, and the
      importance of identifying subgroups of disease entities to establish appropriate
      biomarkers, and to enhance the understanding of underlying mechanisms in each
      subgroup. Careful phenotype characterisation of patient subpopulations is
      required to make improvement in the field of heterogeneous diseases such as
      asthma and COPD, and the clusters of phenotypes are likely to encompass subgroups
      of disease with distinct molecular mechanisms; endotypes. The utilisation of
      modern advanced proteomics in endotypes of asthma and COPD will likely contribute
      to the increased understanding of disease mechanisms, establishment of biomarkers
      for these endotypes and improved patient care.

PMID- 22037231
TI  - Harry Belafonte and the secret proteome of coconut milk.
AB  - The proteome of coconut milk has been extensively mapped via capture at three pH
      values with combinatorial peptide ligand libraries (CPLL). A grand total of 307
      unique gene products could be listed, 200 discovered via CPLL capture, 137
      detected in the control, untreated material and 30 species in common between the
      two sets of data. This is by far the most extensive mapping of coconut milk, in
      which, up to the present, only a dozen proteins were known, those belonging to
      the high- to very-high abundance class. The database of coconut contains only 106
      proteins: of those, only six are listed in our table. The vast majority of the
      classified proteins, thus, has been identified only by homologies with sequences
      deposited in the general viridiplantae database. This unique set of data could be
      the starting point for nutritionists and researchers involved in nutraceutics for
      enucleating some proteins responsible for some of the unique beneficial health
      effects attributed to coconut milk.

PMID- 22037232
TI  - Analysis of proteomic changes in roots of soybean seedlings during recovery after
      flooding.
AB  - A proteomic approach was used to identify proteins involved in post-flooding
      recovery in soybean roots. Two-day-old soybean seedlings were flooded with water
      for up to 3 days. After the flooding treatment, seedlings were grown until 7 days
      after sowing and root proteins were then extracted and separated using two
      dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2-DE). Comparative analysis of 2
      D gels of control and 3 day flooding-experienced soybean root samples revealed 70
      differentially expressed protein spots, from which 80 proteins were identified.
      Many of the differentially expressed proteins are involved in protein
      destination/storage and metabolic processes. Clustering analysis based on the
      expression profiles of the 70 differentially expressed protein spots revealed
      that 3 days of flooding causes significant changes in protein expression, even
      during post-flooding recovery. Three days of flooding resulted in downregulation
      of ion transport-related proteins and upregulation of proteins involved in
      cytoskeletal reorganization, cell expansion, and programmed cell death.
      Furthermore, 7 proteins involved in cell wall modification and S
      adenosylmethionine synthesis were identified in roots from seedlings recovering
      from 1 day of flooding. These results suggest that alteration of cell structure
      through changes in cell wall metabolism and cytoskeletal organization may be
      involved in post-flooding recovery processes in soybean seedlings.

PMID- 22037233
TI  - Intracordal injections with allogenic cartilage in a canine paralyzed vocal fold
      model: long-term results.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether detergent treated allogenic cartilage can be used
      as a substitute for autologous cartilage in a canine paralyzed vocal fold model.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twelve canines underwent a right recurrent laryngeal nerve
      resection with injections of allogenic auricular cartilage (harvested 7 days
      prior, treated with detergent, and minced), with a hyaluronic acid hydrogel (0.2
      mL) into the right thyroarytenoid muscle, and with a pressure syringe under
      direct laryngoscopy. Two animals were sacrificed and larynges removed at each
      time point: 1-, 3-, 6-, 12-, 18-, and 24-months post injection. Hematoxylin-eosin
      and immunohistochemistry for expression of major histocompatibility complex-II
      (MHC-II) antigen was measured to assess histomorphology and gross volume and loss
      of antigenicity of the injected allogenic cartilage. RESULTS: Injected allogenic
      cartilage maintained its position and volume in the vocalis muscle throughout 24
      months. Cartilage was characterized with empty lacunae indicating possible loss
      of viability. Fibrotic changes were noted in the surrounding cartilage. MCH-II
      antigen was not identified in the perichondrium and/or cartilage. Inflammatory
      reaction, granuloma, or foreign body reaction was not observed at any time point.
      CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary results suggest that allogenic auricular cartilage
      grafts treated with detergent are well tolerated and may be an effective material
      for volumetric augmentation in the paralyzed vocal fold.

PMID- 22037234
TI  - Nitric oxide synthase is not expressed, nor up-regulated in response to cold
      acclimation in liver or muscle of threespine stickleback (Gasterosteus
      aculeatus).
AB  - There are three isoforms of the enzyme nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in mammals:
      endothelial NOS (eNOS), inducible NOS (iNOS) and neuronal NOS (nNOS). All three
      isoforms oxidize arginine to citrulline in a reaction producing nitric oxide
      (NO), which regulates multiple signaling pathways and physiological functions in
      mammals. Less is known about NOS in fishes, in which the existence of eNOS is
      controversial. Nevertheless, multiple adjustments occur during cold acclimation
      of fishes, several of which are known to be mediated by eNOS and NO in mammals,
      including mitochondrial biogenesis, vasodilation and angiogenesis. We
      hypothesized that if NOS was present, and NO stimulated these pathways in fishes,
      then the activity of NOS would increase during cold acclimation. To test this
      hypothesis, we measured the activity and mRNA levels of NOS in three tissues
      (liver, oxidative muscle, glycolytic muscle) known to undergo mitochondrial
      biogenesis and/or angiogenesis. Measurements were made in the threespine
      stickleback, Gasterosteus aculeatus acclimated to either warm (20 degrees C) or
      cold (8 degrees C) temperature for 9weeks. Cold-acclimated fish were harvested on
      days 1-3, and at weeks 1, 4 and 9 at 8 degrees C, while warm-acclimated fish were
      harvested on day 0 and after 9 weeks at 20 degrees C. Transcript levels of NOS
      were quantified using quantitative real-time PCR, and NOS activity was measured
      using a radiochemical assay, which detected the rate of catabolism of (14)C
      labeled arginine. Neither NOS activity nor transcripts were detected in oxidative
      muscle or glycolytic muscle of warm- or cold-acclimated stickleback, although
      transcript levels of nNOS and NOS activity were detected in brain. Arginine
      catabolism was detected in liver of animals held at 10 degrees C and 20 degrees C
      for 9weeks, but was due to arginase activity, rather than NOS. Consistent with
      this, NOS transcripts were undetectable in liver. The absence of NOS in liver and
      muscles of stickleback indicates that signaling molecules other than NO likely
      mediate physiological changes during cold acclimation in stickleback.

PMID- 22037236
TI  - Fragrance material review on 2-benzylheptanol.
AB  - A toxicologic and dermatologic review of 2-benzylheptanol when used as a
      fragrance ingredient is presented. 2-Benzylheptanol is a member of the fragrance
      structural group Aryl Alkyl Alcohols and is a primary alcohol. The AAAs are a
      structurally diverse class of fragrance ingredients that includes primary,
      secondary, and tertiary alkyl alcohols covalently bonded to an aryl (Ar) group,
      which may be either a substituted or unsubstituted benzene ring. The common
      structural element for the AAA fragrance ingredients is an alcohol group -C
      (R1)(R2)OH and generically the AAA fragrances can be represented as an Ar-C
      (R1)(R2)OH or Ar-Alkyl-C-(R1)(R2)OH group. This review contains a detailed
      summary of all available toxicology and dermatology papers that are related to
      this individual fragrance ingredient and is not intended as a stand-alone
      document. A safety assessment of the entire Aryl Alkyl Alcohols will be published
      simultaneously with this document; please refer to Belsito et al., 2012 for an
      overall assessment of the safe use of this material and all other branched chain
      saturated alcohols in fragrances.

PMID- 22037235
TI  - Negative regulation of Yap during neuronal differentiation.
AB  - Regulated proliferation and cell cycle exit are essential aspects of
      neurogenesis. The Yap transcriptional coactivator controls proliferation in a
      variety of tissues during development, and this activity is negatively regulated
      by kinases in the Hippo signaling pathway. We find that Yap is expressed in
      mitotic mouse retinal progenitors and it is downregulated during neuronal
      differentiation. Forced expression of Yap prolongs proliferation in the postnatal
      mouse retina, whereas inhibition of Yap by RNA interference (RNAi) decreases
      proliferation and increases differentiation. We show Yap is subject to post
      translational inhibition in the retina, and also downregulated at the level of
      mRNA expression. Using a cell culture model, we find that expression of the
      proneural basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factors Neurog2 or Ascl1
      downregulates Yap mRNA levels, and simultaneously inhibits Yap protein via
      activation of the Lats1 and/or Lats2 kinases. Conversely, overexpression of Yap
      prevents proneural bHLH proteins from initiating cell cycle exit. We propose that
      mutual inhibition between proneural bHLH proteins and Yap is an important
      regulator of proliferation and cell cycle exit during mammalian neurogenesis.

PMID- 22037237
TI  - Comparative evaluation of the hypolipidemic effects of hydroxyethyl
      methylcellulose (HEMC) and hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) in high fat-fed
      mice.
AB  - The effect of hydroxyethyl methylcellulose (HEMC), in comparison with
      hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC), on the body weight and lipid metabolism in
      mice fed with high fat diet was investigated. The animals were given normal
      control diet (NC group), high fat diet (HF group), or high fat diet supplemented
      with either HEMC (HF+HEMC group) or HPMC (HF+HPMC group) for 6weeks. At the end
      of the experimental period, both HF+HEMC and HF+HPMC groups showed reduced body
      weight, body fat, plasma triglyceride and total cholesterol contents, atherogenic
      index and free fatty acid level, and increased HDL-cholesterol concentration
      relative to the HF group. The hypolipidemic effect was partly due to the
      inhibition of lipogenesis and regulation of adipokine production. These findings
      demonstrate that compared with HPMC, HEMC was similarly effective in improving
      the lipid metabolism under high fat diet condition and may be useful in the
      prevention and treatment of high fat diet-induced hyperlipidemia.

PMID- 22037238
TI  - Harmaline and harmalol inhibit the carcinogen-activating enzyme CYP1A1 via
      transcriptional and posttranslational mechanisms.
AB  - Dioxins are known to cause several human cancers through activation of the aryl
      hydrocarbon receptor (AhR). Harmaline and harmalol are dihydro-beta-carboline
      compounds present in several medicinal plants such as Peganum harmala. We have
      previously demonstrated the ability of P. harmala extract to inhibit TCDD
      mediated induction of Cyp1a1 in murine hepatoma Hepa 1c1c7 cells. Therefore, the
      aim of this study is to examine the effect of harmaline and its main metabolite,
      harmalol, on dioxin-mediated induction of CYP1A1 in human hepatoma HepG2 cells.
      Our results showed that harmaline and harmalol at concentrations of (0.5-12.5MUM)
      significantly inhibited the dioxin-induced CYP1A1 at mRNA, protein and activity
      levels in a concentration-dependent manner. The role of AhR was determined by the
      inhibition of the TCDD-mediated induction of AhR-dependent luciferase activity
      and the AhR/ARNT/XRE formation by both harmaline and harmalol. In addition,
      harmaline significantly displaced [(3)H]TCDD in the competitive ligand binding
      assay. At posttranslational level, both harmaline and harmalol decreased the
      protein stability of CYP1A1, suggesting that posttranslational modifications are
      involved. Moreover, the posttranslational modifications of harmaline and harmalol
      involve ubiquitin-proteasomal pathway and direct inhibitory effects of both
      compounds on CYP1A1 enzyme. These data suggest that harmaline and harmalol are
      promising agents for preventing dioxin-mediated effects.

PMID- 22037239
TI  - Antidepressant prescribing patterns in the nursing home: second-generation issues
      revisited.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The object of this study was to provide an updated evaluation of
      the quality of antidepressant management and prescribing patterns in nursing
      homes in the context of organizational and resident factors. DESIGN: Pearson
      correlation and chi-square analyses were conducted using information gathered
      from random nursing home charts. SETTING: Nursing home facilities in and around
      the Louisville, KY, metropolitan area (n = 10). PARTICIPANTS: Chart reviews were
      randomly chosen for 20% of long term care resident records in participating homes
      (n = 209). MEASUREMENTS: Demographic information, documentation of depression
      diagnoses, and antidepressant prescribing patterns were evaluated using the
      Quality of Depression Management and Antidepressant Prescribing rating scale and
      information found in the Minimum Data Set 2.0. RESULTS: Of the sample, 59.8% was
      prescribed antidepressants at the time of the chart review; 205 chart reviews
      indicated the absence or presence of a depression diagnosis. For those with
      documented depression diagnoses (n = 126), nearly one-quarter were not prescribed
      antidepressants. Of 79 chart reviews indicating no depression diagnosis, nearly a
      third were receiving an antidepressant. Documentation related to changes in
      dosing, the presence or absence of side effects, or reasons for continuation were
      suboptimal. CONCLUSION: Discrepancy between antidepressant prescribing and the
      presence/absence of depression diagnoses continue to exist for nursing home
      residents. The quality of antidepressant documentation in nursing home charts
      continues to be inadequate. Future research should aim to explore possible
      solutions to these discrepancies and deficiencies in documentation.

PMID- 22037240
TI  - Do SSRIs play a role in decreasing bone mineral density?
AB  - Osteoporosis is expected to increase as our population pyramid shifts toward old
      age. It is associated with increased risk of fractures, leading to complications
      of limitation of ambulation, loss of independence, and chronic pain. Depression
      is also a common occurrence in the elderly population. Currently, up to 35% of
      residents in long term care may experience either major depression or clinically
      significant depressive symptoms. Selective serotonin receptor inhibitors
      constitute 62% of all antidepressant drug prescribing. Recently, serotonin
      transporters have been described in bone, raising the question of whether
      medications that block serotonin reuptake could affect bone metabolism and
      ultimately affect osteoporosis-related fractures. Current evidence suggests that
      depression, particularly in the setting of selective serotonin receptor
      inhibitors use, should be considered as an addition to the list of risk factors
      prompting clinicians to evaluate bone health status.

PMID- 22037241
TI  - Nursing's central role in the care of individuals with cancer: 1900-1940.
AB  - PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To document the central role of nursing care in the continuum
      of cancer awareness, treatment, and palliation from 1900-1940. DATA SOURCES:
      Primary sources were student nurses' lecture notes, hospitals' annual reports and
      other literature, and published materials of the period. DATA SYNTHESIS:
      Throughout the years reviewed, the warning signs of many types of cancer were
      included in nurses' education. Nurses were integral to the care and well-being of
      individuals diagnosed with cancer. CONCLUSIONS: In the first four decades of the
      20th century, nursing care of individuals with cancer became increasingly
      technical and specialized. This article documents the nursing care that was
      practiced at the time. The issue of concealment of a cancer diagnosis affected
      nurses' care. Nurses were seen by the American Society for the Control of Cancer
      as key players in the public's awareness of cancer. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: The
      care, skill, and knowledge of nurses were central to patients coping with a
      cancer diagnosis.

PMID- 22037242
TI  - Driving forces that transformed the care of individuals with cancer from 1900
      1940.
AB  - PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To identify driving forces that established the groundwork
      for a more dedicated approach to health care for individuals with cancer in the
      early 20th century. DATA SOURCES: Letters, books, and journal articles published
      in the early 20th century, as well as materials and communications from several
      archival sources. DATA SYNTHESIS: The increasing incidence of cancer cases and
      the building of cancer hospitals were among the dramatic forces in the late 19th
      century that contributed to the transformation of the clinical care of
      individuals with advanced cancer. Historical research provided evidence for the
      early development of the specialization of oncology nursing. CONCLUSIONS: In the
      late 19th and early 20th centuries, the stigma attached to cancer contributed to
      delays in diagnosis. The great majority of patients were diagnosed with advanced
      diseases that were incurable. Providing care to patients with cancer was a
      problem in hospitals and homes. Radical surgeries and the therapeutic use of
      radium placed unique demands on patients, their family caregivers, and nurses.
      Nurses adopted new roles and provided detailed bedside care routines; educated
      patients, families, and the public; published journal articles and textbooks; and
      advocated for change. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Early leaders provided the
      vision, established the foundation, and cultivated the passion for the emergence
      of specialized nurses to provide individualized care to patients with cancer.
      Oncology nurses and nurse leaders are needed to sustain the continual
      transformation of the specialty so that the individualized needs of patients with
      cancer are met.

PMID- 22037243
TI  - Cancer nursing: the modern era.
AB  - PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To identify critical elements of the major shift in cancer
      nursing practice, education, and the expectations of professional nursing
      immediately following World War II that were precursors of contemporary oncology
      nursing preparation and practice. DATA SOURCES: General healthcare, medical, and
      nursing literature, particularly in the American Journal of Nursing, published
      after World War II and before the inception of the Oncology Nursing Society
      (ONS); archival materials in the collection of ONS; nursing history literature;
      and personal communications. DATA SYNTHESIS: Nurses in a wide variety of practice
      settings with varied levels of experience, including staff nurses, homecare
      nurses, and high-level leaders and decision makers of the time, were responsible
      for bringing attention to and addressing the challenges and joys of cancer
      nursing. CONCLUSIONS: Professional nursing in general and cancer nursing in
      particular underwent significant changes and a distinct paradigm shift in cancer
      nursing education and practice in the period of time surrounding World War II,
      which promoted the advancement of cancer nursing. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: This
      historical review provides lessons for contemporary cancer nursing clinicians,
      executives, researchers, and educators with regard to imagining ways to approach
      issues, the necessity of collaboration and public-private partnerships, and
      maintaining the passion for this increasingly complex nursing specialty.

PMID- 22037244
TI  - Adjuvant radiotherapy on older and oldest breast cancer patients after
      conservative surgery: a retrospective analysis.
AB  - Purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of adjuvant radiotherapy, in
      terms of feasibility and activity, in women aged >= 75 years with early (stage)
      breast cancer. From January 2000 to December 2007, 131 consecutive patients aged
      75 years or older received adjuvant radiotherapy after breast conserving surgery.
      Eighty-two patients received radiotherapy in combination with 5 years of hormone
      therapy with tamoxifen or aromatase inhibitor. Thirty out of 131 received
      chemotherapy. Variables considered were age, stage, co-morbidity, performance
      status, radiation dose (boost), hormone therapy and chemotherapy. The mean age
      was 78.3 years (range 75-88 years). A total of 19.1% of the patients had no co
      morbidity, 57.38% mild, 19.8% moderate, and 3.8% had severe co-morbidities. All
      patients but one completed the planned radiation schedule. At a median follow-up
      of 56 months, the 5-year overall survival rate was 78.8%. There was a better
      survival for patients with no or mild co-morbidities (p<0.0001). The disease-free
      survival at 5 years was 89.6%. No difference in acute and late toxicity rates was
      found between patients with different ACE-27 (Adult Comorbidity Evaluation-27)
      indexes and for different age. We conclude that compliance with adjuvant
      radiotherapy is good and rate of toxicity is acceptable in elderly patients.
      Patients with no or mild co-morbidities have a significantly better survival.
      Increasing severity of co-morbidity may sufficiently shorten remaining life
      expectancy to cancel gains with adjuvant radiotherapy. Further prospective trials
      are needed to confirm these results.

PMID- 22037245
TI  - Drug-using behaviors of the elderly living in nursing homes and community
      dwellings in Manisa, Turkey.
AB  - AIM: The study aimed to investigate drug-taking behaviors of the elderly living
      in a nursing home or community dwelling and to determine the factors affecting
      their behaviors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted
      on the elderly living at homes (n=106) or in nursing homes (n=220) in the city
      center of Manisa located in the Aegean region of Turkey. The study data were
      collected between February 2011 and May 2011. For data collection, three survey
      forms were used: the socio-demographic questionnaire, the standardized mini
      mental test and the questionnaire which enquires drug-using behavior. The data
      were evaluated with SPSS for 15.00 Windows statistical package program. Data
      descriptive statistics were evaluated with the chi-square test, Student's t-test
      and logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The mean age of the whole group was
      73.4+/-6.3 (65-94). In the study group, the mean numbers of chronic diseases and
      medications used were 1.2+/-0.9 (0-5) and 2.6+/-1.8 (0-10), respectively.
      According to the survey results, those living in nursing homes, males and those
      with education higher than primary school education displayed better drug-taking
      behaviors than those living at home, females and those with less than primary
      school education, respectively. CONCLUSION: The appropriate use of medicine is a
      major problem in old age. Living at home or in a nursing home, gender and
      education are important factors affecting the correct use of medicine in old age.

PMID- 22037246
TI  - Effects of resveratrol on HepG2 cells as revealed by (1)H-NMR based metabolic
      profiling.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Resveratrol, a polyphenol found in plant products, has been shown to
      regulate many cellular processes and to display multiple protective and
      therapeutic effects. Several in vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated the
      influence of resveratrol on multiple intracellular targets that may regulate
      metabolic homeostasis. METHODS: We analysed the metabolic modifications induced
      by resveratrol treatment in a human hepatoblastoma line, HepG2 cells, using a
      (1)H-NMR spectroscopy-based metabolomics approach that allows the simultaneous
      screening of multiple metabolic pathways. RESULTS: Results demonstrated that
      cells cultured in the presence or absence of resveratrol displayed different
      metabolic profiles: the treatment induced a decreased utilisation of glucose and
      amino acids for purposes of energy production and synthesis associated to a
      decreased release of lactate in the culture medium and an increase in succinate
      utilisation. At the same time, resveratrol treatment slowed the cell cycle in the
      S phase without inducing apoptosis, and increased Sirt1 expression, also
      affecting its intracellular localisation. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that the
      metabolomic analysis of the exometabolome of resveratrol-treated HepG2 cells
      indicates a metabolic switch from glucose and amino acid utilisation to fat
      utilisation for the production of energy, and seem in agreement with an effect
      mediated via AMPK- and Sirt1-activation. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: NMR-based
      metabolomics has been applied in a hepatocyte cell culture model in relation to
      resveratrol treatment; such an approach could be transferred to evaluate the
      effects of nutritional compounds with health impact.

PMID- 22037247
TI  - In vivo measurement of muscle output in intact Drosophila.
AB  - We describe our methods for analysing muscle function in a whole intact small
      insect, taking advantage of a simple flexible optical beam to produce an
      inexpensive transducer with wide application. We review our previous data
      measuring the response to a single action potential driven muscle twitch to
      explore jumping behaviour in Drosophila melanogaster. In the fruitfly, where the
      sophisticated and powerful genetic toolbox is being widely employed to
      investigate neuromuscular function, we further demonstrate the use of the
      apparatus to analyse in detail, within whole flies, neuronal and muscle mutations
      affecting activation of muscle contraction in the jump muscle. We have now
      extended the use of the apparatus to record the muscle forces during larval and
      other aspects of adult locomotion. The robustness, simplicity and versatility of
      the apparatus are key to these measurements.

PMID- 22037248
TI  - Determination of deoxynivalenol in cereals by immunoaffinity clean-up and ultra
      high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.
AB  - An immunoaffinity column (IAC) was prepared with a new deoxynivalenol (DON)
      monoclonal antibody and used as a clean-up tool before ultra-high performance
      liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) analysis of DON in
      cereals. The developed IAC clean-up method showed high recoveries for DON. They
      ranged from 61% to 103% in wheat, rice, and millet with intra-day and inter-day
      variations below 19% and 17%, respectively. The column capacity was 2.86MUg DON
      per mL of gel, and it maintained above 0.68MUg/mL of gel after 10 cycles of usage
      at 2 days intervals. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification
      (LOQ) were 0.3 and 0.8MUg/kg, respectively. Twenty-one out of 40 analyzed
      commercial cereal samples were positive at DON concentrations from 7 to
      534MUg/kg.

PMID- 22037249
TI  - Functional inhibition of transitory proteins by intrabody-mediated retention in
      the endoplasmatic reticulum.
AB  - Intrabodies are recombinantly expressed intracellular antibody fragments that can
      be used to specifically bind and inhibit the function of cellular proteins of
      interest. Intrabodies can be targeted to various cell compartments by attaching
      an appropriate localization peptide sequence to them. An efficient strategy with
      a high success rate is to anchor intrabodies in the endoplasmatic reticulum where
      they can inhibit transitory target proteins by binding and preventing them to
      reach their site of action. Intrabodies can be assembled from antibody gene
      fragments from various sources into dedicated expression vectors. Conventionally,
      antibody cDNA sequences are derived from selected hybridoma cell clones that
      express antibodies with the desired specificity. Alternatively, appropriate
      clones can be isolated by affinity selection from an antibody in vitro display
      library. Here an evaluation of endoplasmatic reticulum targeted intrabodies with
      respect to other knockdown approaches is given and the characteristics of various
      intrabody expression vectors are discussed. A step by step protocol is provided
      that was repeatedly used to construct intrabodies derived from diverse antibody
      isotypes producing hybridoma cell clones. The inactivation of the cell surface
      receptor neural cell adhesion molecule (NCAM) by a highly efficacious novel
      endoplasmatic reticulum-anchored intrabody is demonstrated.

PMID- 22037250
TI  - Oxidative metabolism of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and biologically active
      oxygenated metabolites of DHEA and epiandrosterone (EpiA)--recent reports.
AB  - Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a multifunctional steroid with a broad range of
      biological effects in humans and animals. DHEA can be converted to multiple
      oxygenated metabolites in the brain and peripheral tissues. The mechanisms by
      which DHEA exerts its effects are not well understood. However, evidence that the
      effects of DHEA are mediated by its oxygenated metabolites has accumulated. This
      paper will review the panel of oxygenated DHEA metabolites (7, 16 and 17
      hydroxylated derivatives) including a number of 5alpha-androstane derivatives,
      such as epiandrosterone (EpiA) metabolites. The most important aspects of the
      oxidative metabolism of DHEA in the liver, intestine and brain are described.
      Then, this article reviews the reported biological effects of oxygenated DHEA
      metabolites from recent findings with a specific focus on cancer, inflammatory
      and immune processes, osteoporosis, thermogenesis, adipogenesis, the
      cardiovascular system, the brain and the estrogen and androgen receptors.

PMID- 22037251
TI  - Host-derived MCP-1 and MIP-1alpha regulate protective anti-tumor immunity to
      localized and metastatic B16 melanoma.
AB  - Leukocytic infiltration into malignant melanoma lesions is tightly regulated by
      chemokines. To assess the role of the CC chemokines monocyte chemotactic protein
      1 (MCP-1/chemokine ligand 2) and macrophage inflammatory protein-1alpha (MIP
      1alpha/chemokine ligand 3) in this process, s.c. primary and metastatic B16 F10
      melanoma tumor growth levels were examined in mice lacking MCP-1 or MIP-1alpha.
      Primary s.c. B16 F10 melanoma growth was augmented by loss of MCP-1 or MIP
      1alpha. Similarly, lung metastasis was enhanced by the deficiency of MCP-1 or MIP
      1alpha. Enhanced tumor outgrowth was associated with decreased percentages of
      infiltrating CD4(+) T cells, CD8(+) T cells, and natural killer cells. In the
      absence of MCP-1 or MIP-1alpha, melanoma outgrowth was correlated with reduced
      local expression of interferon-gamma, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and
      transforming growth factor-beta. Among these cytokines, reduced expression levels
      of interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor-alpha on leukocytes from the spleen
      were associated with the development of lung metastasis in chemokine-deficient
      mice. The local s.c. administration of these four cytokines significantly
      augmented another chemokine's expression and suppressed primary melanoma growth
      in mice deficient for MCP-1 or MIP-1alpha. The s.c. injection of MCP-1 or MIP
      1alpha significantly inhibited the primary tumor growth in wild-type mice. These
      results indicate that host-derived MCP-1 and MIP-1alpha regulate protective anti
      tumor immunity to B16 F10 melanoma by promoting lymphocyte infiltration into the
      tumor and subsequent cytokine production.

PMID- 22037252
TI  - Design, synthesis and antiepileptic properties of novel 1-(substituted
      benzylidene)-3-(1-(morpholino/piperidino methyl)-2,3-dioxoindolin-5-yl)urea
      derivatives.
AB  - Twenty new 1-(substituted benzylidene)-3-(1-(morpholino/piperidino methyl)-2,3
      dioxoindolin-5-yl) urea derivatives were designed and synthesized. Antiepileptic
      screening was performed using MES and scPTZ seizures tests. The neurotoxicity was
      determined by rotorod test. In the preliminary screening, compounds 5c, 5g, 5j
      and 5n were found active in MES model, while 5o showed significant antiepileptic
      activity in scPTZ model. Further all these five compounds were administered
      orally to rats, 5c, 5g and 5n showed better activity than Phenytoin in oral
      route. Among these compounds 5c revealed protection in MES at a dose of 30 mg/kg
      and 100 mg/kg 0.5 h and 4 h after i.p. administration respectively. This molecule
      provided also protection in the scPTZ at a dose of 300 mg/kg in both time
      intervals.

PMID- 22037253
TI  - Triazole ring-opening leads to the discovery of potent nonsteroidal 17beta
      hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 inhibitors.
AB  - 17beta-Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (17beta-HSD2) catalyzes the oxidation
      of the highly potent steroids: the estrogen estradiol (E2) and the androgen
      testosterone (T) to the less active estrone and androstenedione, respectively.
      Inhibition of this enzyme may help maintain the local E2 level in bone tissue
      when the circulating E2 level drops and is therefore a novel and promising
      approach for the treatment of osteoporosis. In this work, a series of new
      nonsteroidal and achiral 17beta-HSD2 inhibitors, namely N-benzyl-diphenyl-3(or 4)
      carboxamide and N-benzyl-5-phenyl-thiophene-2-carboxamide was designed and the
      compounds were synthesized in a two to three steps reaction. A small library was
      built applying parallel synthesis. Highly potent 17beta-HSD2 inhibitors could be
      identified in the thiophene-2-carboxamide class with IC(50) in the low nanomolar
      range. These compounds also showed a good selectivity profile toward 17beta-HSD1
      and toward the estrogen receptors alpha and beta. The most interesting 17beta
      HSD2 inhibitor identified in this study is the 5-(2-fluoro-3-methoxyphenyl)-N-(3
      hydroxybenzyl)-N-methylthiophene-2-carboxamide 6w displaying an IC(50) of 61 nM
      and a selectivity factor of 73 toward 17beta-HSD1.

PMID- 22037254
TI  - Morgana and melusin: two fairies chaperoning signal transduction.
AB  - Chaperones and scaffold proteins are key elements involved in controlling the
      assembly of molecular complexes required for coordinated signal transduction.
      Here we describe morgana and melusin, two phylogenetically conserved chaperones
      that cooperate with Hsp90 and regulate signal transduction in important
      physiopathological processes. While morgana is ubiquitously expressed, melusin
      expression is restricted to striated muscles. Despite high sequence homology, the
      two chaperones have distinct functions. Morgana controls genomic stability by
      regulating the centrosome cycle via ROCKII kinase. Melusin, however, organizes
      ERK signal transduction in cardiomyocytes and regulates cardiac compensatory
      hypertrophy in response to different stress stimuli.

PMID- 22037255
TI  - Prevalence, frequency, and initiation of hookah tobacco smoking among first-year
      female college students: a one-year longitudinal study.
AB  - Hookah tobacco smoking has become increasingly prevalent among college students,
      but little is known about frequency of use or patterns of use over time,
      including during the transition to college. The goals of this longitudinal cohort
      study were to assess the: (a) lifetime prevalence, (b) current prevalence, (c)
      frequency of use, and (d) pattern of initiation of hookah tobacco smoking among
      female students during the first year of college. First-year female college
      students (N=483) at a large private university in upstate New York completed 13
      monthly online surveys about their hookah tobacco use from August 2009 to August
      2010. Lifetime prevalence of hookah use increased from 29% at college entry to
      45% at one-year follow-up. The highest rates of hookah initiation occurred in the
      first two months of students' first semester of college. Current (past 30 days)
      hookah use ranged from 5% to 13% during the year after college entry. On average,
      hookah users reported smoking hookah two days per month. Hookah tobacco use is
      common among female college students. The transition to college is a vulnerable
      time for hookah initiation. Preventive efforts should begin in high school and
      continue through college, with a focus on students' first few months on campus.

PMID- 22037256
TI  - N-terminal PAX8 polyclonal antibody shows cross-reactivity with N-terminal region
      of PAX5 and is responsible for reports of PAX8 positivity in malignant lymphomas.
AB  - Recently, reports using immunohistochemistry and a polyclonal antibody directed
      against the N-terminal region of PAX8 describe PAX8 expression in malignant
      lymphomas. As the N-terminal regions of PAX family members, including the B-cell
      transcription factor PAX5, have high sequence homology, we investigated PAX8
      positivity in malignant lymphomas. Comparative sequence analysis between the N-
      and C-terminal regions of PAX8 and PAX5 proteins confirmed homologies of 70% and
      39%, respectively. We then compared the results using N-terminal (high homology)
      and C-terminal (lower homology) anti-PAX8 antibodies to assess PAX8 expression in
      reactive tissues, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and classical Hodgkin lymphoma,
      using routine immunohistochemical methods. Expression of PAX8 was also assessed
      in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and classical Hodgkin lymphoma cell lines using
      real-time qRT-PCR methods. Our results show that reactive and neoplastic B-cells
      are positive for PAX8 using the N-terminal antibody, but negative for PAX8 when
      the C-terminal antibody was used. PAX8 mRNA levels were not detected in any of
      the B-cell lymphoma cell lines studied. These results indicate that benign and
      malignant B-cells do not express PAX8. We conclude that positivity for PAX8
      reported by others in B-cell lymphomas is likely due to cross-reactivity between
      the N-terminal regions of PAX8 and PAX5, due to the high sequence homology of
      these two regions.

PMID- 22037257
TI  - Distinct patterns of promoter CpG island methylation of breast cancer subtypes
      are associated with stem cell phenotypes.
AB  - Although DNA methylation profiles in breast cancer have been connected to breast
      cancer molecular subtype, there have been no studies of the association of DNA
      methylation with stem cell phenotype. This study was designed to evaluate the
      promoter CpG island methylation of 15 genes in relation to breast cancer subtype,
      and to investigate whether the patterns of CpG island methylation in each subtype
      are associated with their cancer stem cell phenotype represented by CD44+/CD24-
      and ALDH1 expression. We performed MethyLight analysis of the methylation status
      of 15 promoter CpG island loci involved in breast cancer progression (APC, DLEC1,
      GRIN2B, GSTP1, HOXA1, HOXA10, IGF2, MT1G, RARB, RASSF1A, RUNX3, SCGB3A1, SFRP1,
      SFRP4, and TMEFF2) and determined cancer stem cell phenotype by CD44/CD24 and
      ALDH1 immunohistochemistry in 36 luminal A, 33 luminal B, 30 luminal-HER2, 40
      HER2 enriched, and 40 basal-like subtypes of breast cancer. The number of CpG
      island loci methylated differed significantly between subtypes, and was highest
      in the luminal-HER2 subtype and lowest in the basal-like subtype. Methylation
      frequencies and levels in 12 of the 15 genes differed significantly between
      subtypes, and the basal-like subtype had significantly lower methylation
      frequencies and levels in nine of the genes than the other subtypes. CD44+/CD24-
      and ALDH1+ putative stem cell populations were most enriched in the basal-like
      subtype. Methylation of promoter CpG islands was significantly lower in
      CD44+/CD24-cell (+) tumors than in CD44+/CD24-cell (-) tumors, even within the
      basal-like subtype. ALDH1 (+) tumors were also less methylated than ALDH1 (-)
      tumors. Our findings showed that promoter CpG island methylation was different in
      relation to breast cancer subtype and stem cell phenotype of tumor, suggesting
      that breast cancers have distinct patterns of CpG island methylation according to
      molecular subtypes and these are associated with different stem cell phenotypes
      of the tumor.

PMID- 22037259
TI  - Chemotherapy-related leiomyopathy: a suggested morphological explanation for the
      intestinal dysmotility affecting patients treated with anthracyclines.
AB  - Anthracycline, used in oncological chemotherapy, has one well-known side effect:
      cardiotoxicity. Another is abnormal intestinal motility such as constipation and
      ileus, the pathogenesis of which, to our knowledge, has not been morphologically
      investigated. We conducted a study in search of morphological evidence that might
      shed some light on the pathogenesis of the motility dysfunction. Autopsies
      performed between 2002 and 2007 were reviewed to select cases of children who had
      received anthracycline therapy for various neoplasms. The seven patients found
      had leukemias, lymphomas, or renal solid tumors. They all suffered from
      constipation or intestinal dysmotility, and no case of anthracyclin-treated
      neoplasia without the side effect was found in the files. Tissue samples from the
      heart, gastrointestinal tract, uterus, urinary bladder, and skeletal muscles were
      examined by light and electron microscopy. As described by others, the myocardium
      of all anthracycline-treated patients showed loss of myofilaments, fibrosis,
      mitochondrial proliferation, and pools of accumulated Z-band material. In the
      gastrointestinal tract and other smooth muscle-endowed organs such as muscular
      blood vessels, bladder and uterus, the muscularis displayed hyalinization and
      disorganization, including loss of myofilaments and moderate-severe fibrosis.
      This study illustrates changes in the smooth muscle, and that of the
      gastrointestinal tracts and their vessels in particular, in patients treated with
      anthracycline, who had experienced motility dysfunction associated with their
      chemotherapy, suggesting that, in addition to the heart, anthracycline may also
      damage smooth muscle fibers and thus be instrumental in the pathogenesis of the
      side effects.

PMID- 22037258
TI  - The distribution of immunomodulatory cells in the lungs of patients with
      idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
AB  - We have characterized the immune system involvement in the disease processes of
      idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in novel ways. To do so, we analyzed lung tissue
      from 21 cases of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis and 21 (non-fibrotic, non
      cancerous) controls for immune cell and inflammation-related markers. The
      immunohistochemical analysis of the tissue was grouped by patterns of severity in
      disease pathology. There were significantly greater numbers of CD68(+) and
      CD80(+) cells and significantly fewer CD3(+), CD4(+), and CD45RO(+) cells in
      areas of relatively (histologically) normal lung in biopsy samples from
      idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients compared with controls. In zones of active
      disease, characterized by epithelial cell regeneration and fibrosis, there were
      significantly more cells expressing CD4, CD8, CD20, CD68, CD80, chemokine
      receptor 6 (CCR6), S100, IL-17, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and retinoic acid
      related orphan receptors compared with histologically normal lung areas from
      idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis patients. Inflammation was implicated in these
      active regions by the cells that expressed retinoid orphan receptor-alpha, -beta,
      and -gamma, CCR6, and IL-17. The regenerating epithelial cells predominantly
      expressed these pro-inflammatory molecules, as evidenced by co-expression
      analyses with epithelial cytokeratins. Macrophages in pseudo-alveoli and CD3(+) T
      cells in the fibrotic interstitium also expressed IL-17. Co-expression of IL-17
      with retinoid orphan receptors and epithelial cytoskeletal proteins, CD68, and
      CD3 in epithelial cells, macrophages, and T-cells, respectively, confirmed the
      production of IL-17 by these cell types. There was little staining for forkhead
      box p3, CD56, or CD34 in any idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis lung regions. The
      fibrotic regions had fewer immune cells overall. In summary, our study shows
      participation of innate and adaptive mononuclear cells in active-disease regions
      of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis lung, where the regenerating epithelial cells
      appear to propagate inflammation. The regenerative mechanisms become skewed to
      ultimately result in lethal, fibrotic restriction of lung function.

PMID- 22037260
TI  - Molecular heterogeneity of TFE3 activation in renal cell carcinomas.
AB  - Renal cell carcinomas associated with Xp11.2 translocations have recently been
      identified as a distinct biological entity. The translocation results in the
      fusion of the transcription factor TFE3 to one of several different fusion
      partners including PRCC, PSF, NONO, ASPL or CTLC with consecutive overexpression
      of the chimeric protein. As the true frequency of these neoplasms as well as the
      biological properties of TFE3 activation in renal cell carcinomas are largely
      unknown, we have examined TFE3 expression as well as the underlying genetic
      alterations in a large, hospital-based series of renal cell carcinomas with long
      term follow-up information. Out of a total of 876 tumours, TFE3 translocations
      were detected in five cases (0.6%). Three additional cases were identified in a
      second series of cases comprising of renal cell carcinomas developing in patients
      before the age of 50. However, using immunohistochemistry, 9% of all renal cell
      carcinomas showed some degree of TFE3 reactivity. Interestingly, these cases were
      associated with high nuclear grade, greater tumour extent and metastatic disease
      as well as an unfavourable patient outcome on uni- and multivariate analysis.
      Fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) revealed TFE3 amplifications as an
      additional, novel mechanism leading to increased TFE3 expression levels. In
      conclusion, our data show that Xp11 translocation renal cell carcinomas are
      uncommon tumours accounting for <1% of adult renal cell carcinomas and that the
      diagnosis of Xp11 translocation renal cell carcinomas needs to be verified using
      molecular techniques. In turn, TFE3 overexpressing tumours show an aggressive
      behaviour and Xp11 translocation is only one of several possible underlying
      genomic alterations.

PMID- 22037261
TI  - Mesotheliomas with crystalloid structures: report of nine cases, including one
      with oncocytic features.
AB  - Although the presence of crystalloids has historically been of largely academic
      interest or simply an intriguing curiosity, these structures have occasionally
      been useful in the differential diagnosis of some tumors. Crystalloids have only
      rarely been reported in mesotheliomas, and their presence in these tumors has not
      been sufficiently investigated, nor has their potential value as an
      ultrastructural marker for mesothelioma been established. The finding of a case
      of mesothelioma in which the vast majority of the neoplastic cells contained
      intracytoplasmic crystalloids prompted a search for these structures in 69
      consecutive cases of mesothelioma (59 epithelioid, 7 sarcomatoid, 3 mixed
      epithelioid sarcomatoid). Crystalloids were found in 9 (15%) of the 59
      epithelioid mesotheliomas, indicating that these structures are not as rare as
      had been thought. That these inclusions were demonstrated in tumors exhibiting
      diverse histological patterns and were not confined to a single subtype of
      epithelioid mesothelioma indicates that, because of their unique morphology, when
      present, they can assist in the diagnosis of these tumors. In addition, oncocytic
      features were also seen in one of the cases with crystalloid inclusions.
      Pathologists should be aware of the fact that, even though uncommon,
      mesotheliomas can present oncocytic morphology and, therefore, these tumors
      should be included in the differential diagnosis of those neoplasms that display
      similar morphological features, and which can metastasize to the serosal
      membranes. To my knowledge, an oncocytic mesothelioma has not previously been
      reported.

PMID- 22037262
TI  - C4d/CD34 double-immunofluorescence staining of renal allograft biopsies for
      assessing peritubular capillary C4d positivity.
AB  - Immunofluorescence detection of the complement split product C4d along
      peritubular capillaries in renal allograft biopsies is the mainstay for the
      diagnosis of antibody-mediated rejection. The extent of peritubular capillary C4d
      positivity may have significant clinical ramifications; however, peritubular
      capillary density in the renal cortex is often difficult to assess with single
      channel immunofluorescence. In this study, we report a C4d/CD34 double
      immunofluorescence staining protocol for renal allograft frozen sections that
      allows rapid and sensitive detection of C4d positivity, as well as improved
      accuracy in estimating the C4d-positive fraction of peritubular capillaries. In
      addition, this method aids in determining whether C4d-positive structures
      correspond to peritubular capillaries or whether they represent common mimics of
      peritubular capillaries such as tubular basement membranes. C4d/CD34 double
      immunofluorescence provides rapid, convenient, and low-cost implementation for
      laboratories currently utilizing single-channel C4d immunofluorescence.

PMID- 22037263
TI  - Histone deacetylase 1 and 2 in mesenchymal tumors.
AB  - Histone deacetylases (HDACs) have a critical role in epigenetic gene silencing,
      rendering a compact chromatin structure by removing acetyl groups from lysine
      residues within the tails of core histones, thereby repressing gene expression.
      Epigenetic transcriptional dysregulation is an important oncogenic mechanism in
      some sarcomas associated with translocations, for which antitumor activity by
      HDAC inhibitors has been shown in preclinical studies. Nevertheless, the
      expression of the protein targets of these drugs has not yet been broadly
      surveyed in this neoplasia. In this study, we assess the expression of HDAC1 and
      2 by immunohistochemistry in a tissue microarray series of 1332 cases,
      representing 44 categories of malignant and borderline mesenchymal tumors. HDAC2
      was the more highly expressed isoform, and was more strongly expressed in
      translocation-associated sarcomas than in other mesenchymal tumors or normal
      tissues. HDAC1, in contrast, displayed lower expression in translocation
      associated sarcomas than in other mesenchymal tumors or in normal tissues. These
      results indicate that HDAC1 and HDAC2 are differentially expressed in mesenchymal
      neoplasms, and suggest that HDAC2 is the isoform more likely contributing to the
      pathogenesis of many translocation-associated sarcomas and to their response to
      HDAC inhibitors.

PMID- 22037264
TI  - Factors that influence primary cilium length.
AB  - Almost all mammalian cells carry one primary cilium that functions as a biosensor
      for chemical and mechanical stimuli. Genetic damages that compromise cilia
      formation or function cause a spectrum of disorders referred to as ciliapathies.
      Recent studies have demonstrated that some pharmacological agents and
      extracellular environmental changes can alter primary cilium length. Renal injury
      is a well-known example of an environmental insult that triggers cilia length
      modification. Lithium treatment causes primary cilia to extend in several cell
      types including neuronal cells;this phenomenon is likely independent of glycogen
      synthase kinase-3beta inhibition. In renal epithelial cell lines, deflection of
      the primary cilia by fluid shear shortens them by reducing the intracellular
      cyclic AMP level, leading to a subsequent decrease in mechanosensitivity to fluid
      shear. Primary cilium length is also influenced by the dynamics of actin
      filaments and microtubules through the levels of soluble tubulin in the cytosol
      available for primary cilia extension. Thus, mammalian cells can adapt to the
      extracellular environment by modulating the primary cilium length, and this
      feedback system utilizing primary cilia might exist throughout the mammalian
      body. Further investigation is required concerning the precise molecular
      mechanisms underlying the control of primary cilium length in response to
      environmental factors.

PMID- 22037265
TI  - Radiofrequency ablation of lung cancer at Okayama University Hospital: a review
      of 10 years of experience.
AB  - The application of radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of lung cancer by
      our group at Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and
      Pharmaceutical Sciences began in June 2001, and in the present report, we review
      our 10-year experience with this treatment modality at Okayama University
      Hospital. The local efficacy of radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of lung
      cancer depends on tumor size and the type of electrode used, but not on tumor
      type. An important factor for the prevention of local failure may be the
      acquisition of an adequate ablative margin. The combination of embolization and
      radiation therapy enhances the local efficacy. Local failure may be salvaged by
      repeating the radiofrequency ablation, particularly in small tumors. Survival
      rates after radiofrequency ablation are quite promising for patients with
      clinical stage I non-small cell lung cancer and pulmonary metastasis from
      colorectal cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, and renal cell carcinoma. The
      complications caused by radiofrequency ablation can be treated conservatively in
      the majority of cases. However, attention should be paid to rare but serious
      complications. This review shows that radiofrequency ablation is a promising
      treatment for patients with lung cancer.

PMID- 22037266
TI  - Quantitative analysis of DNA degradation in the dead body.
AB  - Postmortem degradation of DNA was quantitatively estimated. Brain, liver, kidney
      and muscle samples were obtained from sacrificed rats left at 20C or 4C. The
      quantity of DNA was measured by real-time PCR using a primer set for a sequence
      in the Rsrc 1 gene. When the quantity of amplified DNA using 10ng Human Genomic
      DNA was defined as 100 RFU, the quantities in the brain, liver, kidney and
      skeletal muscle (each 2MUg of dry weight) on the day of sacrifice were 253+/-11,
      338+/-22, 556+/-14 and 531+/-12 Relative Fluorescence Units (RFU), respectively
      (mean+/-S.E., n=5). The quantity of amplified DNA decreased to below 10 RFU in 1
      3 weeks in the liver, kidney and skeletal muscle at 20C, while that in the brain
      was more than 10 RFU for six weeks, demonstrating the usefulness of the brain as
      a sample for DNA analysis of decaying corpses. It was suggested that quantifying
      the amplified DNA in the brain at 20C and in the liver at 4C as well as the ratio
      of the quantity of amplified DNA in the liver to the brain at 4C might be useful
      for diagnosing time of death. This study provides the first quantitative analysis
      of the postmortem progress of DNA degradation in the corpse.

PMID- 22037267
TI  - Sex difference of in-hospital mortality in patients with acute myocardial
      infarction.
AB  - Factors contributing to the sex difference of in-hospital mortality after acute
      myocardial infarction (MI) are still unknown. We compared the clinical
      characteristics on admission and in-hospital outcome of consecutive 1,354
      patients with acute MI between the 2 sexes. Age on admission was about 7 years
      older in women than in men. In-hospital death was significantly more frequent in
      women. Pulmonary congestion and hypertension were more likely in women with
      higher serum levels of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol. A higher prevalence
      of current smoking and inferior wall involvement and lower serum HDL cholesterol
      level were observed in man. After adjusting for age, adverse in-hospital
      mortality for women was observed in both younger and older patients. Multivariate
      logistic regression analysis demonstrated that age, location of infarction,
      recanalization and serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration were independent
      predictors for in-hospital mortality for overall patients, while age and
      recanalization were independent predictors for male gender, and pulmonary
      congestion and serum CRP concentration were independent predictors for female
      gender. In-hospital outcome after acute MI was worse in women. A multivariate
      logistic regression model revealed that the sexually different factors affected
      in-hospital mortality in females.

PMID- 22037268
TI  - Single nucleotide polymorphism WRN Leu1074Phe is associated with prostate cancer
      susceptibility in Chinese subjects.
AB  - Deficiencies in the human DNA repair gene WRN are the cause of Werner syndrome, a
      rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by premature aging and a
      predisposition to cancer. This study evaluated the association of WRN Leu1074Phe
      (rs1801195), a common missense single nucleotide polymorphism in WRN, with
      prostate cancer susceptibility in Chinese subjects. One hundred and forty-seven
      prostate cancer patients and 111 male cancer-free control subjects from 3
      university hospitals in China were included. Blood samples were obtained from
      each subject, and the single nucleotide polymorphism WRN Leu1074Phe was genotyped
      by using a Snapshot assay. The results showed that WRN Leu1074Phe was associated
      with the risk of prostate cancer in Chinese men and that the TG/GG genotype
      displayed a decreased prevalence of prostate cancer compared with the TT genotype
      (OR=0.58, 95%CI:0.35-0.97, p=0.039). Through stratified analysis, more
      significant associations were revealed for the TG/GG genotype in the subgroup
      with diagnosis age <= 72 yr (OR=0.27, 95%CI:0.12-0.61, p=0.002) and in patients
      with localized diseases (OR=0.36, 95%CI:0.19-0.70, p=0.003). However, no
      statistically significant difference was found in the subgroup with age >72 yr or
      in patients with advanced diseases. We concluded that the genetic variant
      Leu1074Phe in the DNA repair gene WRN might play a role in the risk of prostate
      cancer in Chinese subjects.

PMID- 22037269
TI  - Covert laparoscopic cholecystectomy:a new minimally invasive technique.
AB  - To further improve our developed transumbilical endoscopic surgery (TUES), we
      developed a completely covert laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). Twelve cases of
      LC were recruited for this new approach. First, a 10-mm trocar was placed above
      the umbilicus for inserting the laparoscope. Two 5-mm trocars were then placed
      near the right and left ends of the superior margin of the suprapubic hair. After
      the 5-mm 30 degrees  laparoscope was shifted to the left suprapubic trocar, the
      harmonic scalper, electric hook, and grasper were inserted either through the 10
      mm umbilical trocar or through the right suprapubic trocar. All gallbladders were
      successfully removed without intraoperative complications. The mean operating
      time was 28.5 +/- 5.7 min (range 20-45 min). All patients felt well after surgery
      and did not need postoperative analgesia. They resumed free oral intake 6h after
      the procedure. All patients were satisfied with the appearance of the incisions,
      which were completely hidden in the umbilicus and suprapubic hair. The approach
      we developed has overcome both external instrument interference around the
      umbilicus and the loss of triangulation in the operative field. It is relatively
      simpler than a typical TUES and offers better cosmetic results.

PMID- 22037270
TI  - Risk factors for infection in patients with remitted rheumatic diseases treated
      with glucocorticoids.
AB  - It is well known that infection is one of the major causes of morbidity and
      mortality in rheumatic disease patients treated with high-dose glucocorticoids,
      especially in the early phase after achievement of disease remission. The aim of
      this study was to identify the risk factors for infection, with a focus on the
      dose of glucocorticoids administered, following the achievement of disease
      remission in rheumatic diseases patients. We retrospectively analyzed the medical
      records of rheumatic disease patients who had been treated with glucocorticoids.
      The primary endpoint was the incidence rate of infection during a period from 1
      to 2 months after the commencement of treatment. From April 2006 to March 2010,
      19 of 92 patients suffered from infection during the observation period. Age ? 65
      yrs, presence of interstitial pneumonia, diagnosis of systemic vasculitis and
      serum creatinine level ? 2.0 mg/dl were found to be univariate predictors for
      infection. However, only the presence of interstitial pneumonia was an
      independent risk factor for infection (HR=4.50, 95%CI=1.65 to 14.44) by the Cox
      proportional hazard model. Even after achievement of clinical remission, careful
      observation is needed for patients with interstitial pneumonia, more so than for
      those receiving high-dose glucocorticoids.

PMID- 22037271
TI  - Monitoring twenty-six chronic myeloid leukemia patients by BCR-ABL mRNA level in
      bone marrow:a single hospital experience.
AB  - Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is caused by the BCR-ABL oncogene. The
      Philadelphia chromosome (Ph) from a reciprocal translocation, t(9;22) (q34;q11)
      causes a fusion gene, BCR-ABL, that encodes a constitutively active tyrosine
      kinase. Treatment of CML by imatinib is effective to control the tyrosyl
      phosphorylation of the protein related to the cell signaling. BCR-ABL mRNA is
      overexpressed in the minimal residual disease (MRD), known as an early sign of
      relapse. Between December 2005 and June 2008, we measured BCR-ABL mRNA levels in
      the bone marrow (BM) from patients by quantitative real-time polymerase chain
      reaction (RQ-PCR) in Aomori Prefectural Central Hospital. Eighty-six samples from
      26 patients were collected. Among the 26 CML patients, 11 patients (42%) were in
      the pretreatment group. Seven (64%) of the 11 patients achieved complete
      molecular response (CMR). In the post-treatment group consisting of the remaining
      15 patients, 9 (60%) patients achieved CMR. The patients receiving imatinib at a
      dose over 300 mg per day required 13 (6-77) months [median (range)] to achieve
      CMR. On the other hand, the patients receiving a dose below 300 mg per day
      required 29.5 (11-84) months [median (range)]. When BCR-ABL mRNA was detected
      during the treatment course of patients with CMR, careful observation of BCR-ABL
      mRNA was useful for tracking the clinical course of patients. In conclusion, the
      BCR-ABL mRNA level was useful for monitoring the clinical course in 26 patients
      with CML.

PMID- 22037272
TI  - Retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy for treatment of a case of left single ectopic
      ureter accompanied by dysplastic kidney.
AB  - We report the case of a 7-year-old girl with a single ectopic ureter who was
      treated with retroperitoneoscopic nephrectomy for a chief complaint of urinary
      incontinence. Preoperative CT showed a contrasted dysplastic kidney of 1cm in the
      renal fossa and a left ureteral opening into the vagina. Retroperitoneoscopic
      left nephrectomy was conducted with opening of the lateroconal fascia to enable
      identification of the dysplastic kidney. No intraoperative complications were
      encountered. Urinary incontinence improved immediately after surgery. This case
      shows that a retroperitoneal approach can be used in nephrectomy if the position
      of the kidney can be determined preoperatively.

PMID- 22037273
TI  - A case of renal transcatheter arterial embolization with ethanol in autosomal
      dominant polycystic kidney disease for volume reduction.
AB  - We report herein the case of a 76-year-old woman with autosomal dominant
      polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) and chronic renal failure resulting in
      intractable abdominal distension and anorexia. Computed tomography (CT) showed
      enlarged and cystic kidneys. We performed transcatheter arterial embolization
      (TAE) for renal arteries with ethanol. Absolute ethanol with iodinated contrast
      medium or Lipiodol was delivered into both renal arteries. The patient's low
      grade fever subsided in 5 days, and no other complication occurred. The sensation
      of abdominal distension diminished approximately 1 month after embolization. A
      progressive decrease in kidney size was observed soon after embolization. The
      percentage of the decrement of kidney size was approximately 50% after 17 months.
      These results indicate that renal TAE with ethanol is a safe, cost-effective, and
      minimally invasive technique to reduce kidney size in symptomatic ADPKD patients.

PMID- 22037275
TI  - Multidsciplinary heart failure management and end of life care.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: There has been much improvement in the treatment of heart
      failure over the past decade through the implementation of a multidisciplinary
      team approach to disease management focused on optimizing medication, the
      application of device-based therapy, surgical intervention and in promoting the
      education of patients and carers in self-management. This multidisciplinary
      strategy has now been extended to try and improve the care of those with advanced
      heart failure in the latter phases of the disease trajectory nearing the end of
      their lives. RECENT FINDINGS: A growing consensus has emerged in the literature
      that confirms the need to extend multidisciplinary management beyond the early
      targets of reducing heart failure-related mortality and morbidity to address the
      significant care needs of those who decline due to the often inexorable
      progression of this syndrome. Multidisciplinary management facilitates the
      development of a comprehensive care plan that is specifically tailored to
      accommodate the requirements of individual patients and their families and
      fosters a collaborative approach to care to optimize symptom management, avoid
      potential treatments conflicts, and to fulfil their supportive care needs.
      Partnership working between the three principal clinical disciplines of
      cardiology, specialist palliative care and general practice is central to this
      process and promotes coordinated care across hospital, hospice and community
      based services. SUMMARY: Advanced heart failure management has improved over
      time; however, the incorporation of a multidisciplinary care model appears to
      offer significant promise in dealing with complex care needs of heart failure
      patients towards the end of life. Delivery of this practice requires the
      development of bespoke care structures that are relevant to the spectrum of
      healthcare service environments.

PMID- 22037276
TI  - Improved prediction of all-cause mortality by a combination of serum total
      testosterone and insulin-like growth factor I in adult men.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Lower levels of anabolic hormones in older age are well documented.
      Several studies suggested that low insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) or
      testosterone levels were related to increased mortality. The aim of the present
      study was to investigate the combined influence of low IGF-I and low testosterone
      on all-cause mortality in men. METHODS AND RESULTS: From two German prospective
      cohort studies, the DETECT study and SHIP, 3942 men were available for analyses.
      During 21,838 person-years of follow-up, 8.4% (n=330) of men died. Cox model
      analyses with age as timescale and adjusted for potential confounders revealed
      that men with levels below the 10th percentile of at least one hormone [hazard
      ratio (HR) 1.38 (95% confidence-interval (CI) 1.06-1.78), p=0.02] and two
      hormones [HR 2.88 (95% CI 1.32-6.29), p<0.01] showed a higher risk of all-cause
      mortality compared to men with non-low hormones. The associations became non
      significant by using the 20th percentile as cut-off showing that the specificity
      increased with lower cut-offs for decreased hormone levels. The inclusion of both
      IGF-I and total testosterone in a mortality prediction model with common risk
      factors resulted in a significant integrated discrimination improvement of 0.5%
      (95% CI 0.3-0.7%, p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Our results prove that multiple anabolic
      deficiencies have a higher impact on mortality than a single anabolic deficiency
      and suggest that assessment of more than one anabolic hormone as a biomarker
      improve the prediction of all-cause mortality.

PMID- 22037277
TI  - Ten new withanolides from Physalis peruviana.
AB  - Ten new withanolides, including four perulactone-type withanolides, perulactones
      E-H (1-4), three 28-hydroxy-withanolides, withaperuvins I-K (5-7), and three
      other withanolides, withaperuvins L-N (8-10), together with six known compounds
      (11-16) were isolated from the aerial parts of Physalis peruviana. The structures
      of these compounds were elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic
      analyses (1D and 2D NMR, IR, HR-MS) and chemical methods.

PMID- 22037278
TI  - Physical properties of SrSn(4) single crystals.
AB  - We present detailed thermodynamic and transport measurements on single crystals
      of the recently discovered binary intermetallic superconductor, SrSn(4). We find
      this material to be a slightly anisotropic three-dimensional, strongly coupled,
      possibly multiband, superconductor. Hydrostatic pressure causes a decrease in the
      superconducting transition temperature at the rate of ~ - 0.068 K kbar(-1). Band
      structure calculations are consistent with experimental data on the Sommerfeld
      coefficient and upper superconducting critical field anisotropy, and suggest a
      complex, multi-sheet Fermi surface formed by four bands.

PMID- 22037279
TI  - Internal jugular vein duplication: a further truncular malformation in a patient
      with multiple sclerosis.
AB  - Different internal jugular vein (IJV) abnormalities can be found in patients with
      multiple sclerosis (MS): stenoses, complete occlusion, distortions and
      intraluminal structures, such as membranes, webs and inverted valves. IJV
      duplication is a very rare phenomenon. We report a case of right IJV duplication
      as an incidental finding during IJV morphological and haemodynamic assessment in
      a patient with MS. A 55-year-old female patient was admitted to our Institute for
      IJV and vertebral veins morphological and haemodynamic assessment. During the
      last seven years she had been treated for MS. Colour Doppler ultrasonography in
      our patient did not reveal IJV or vertebral veins stenoses or abnormal valves,
      but instead right IJV duplication. This finding was confirmed using multislice
      computed tomography angiography and by selective phlebography. In conclusion, to
      our knowledge, a case of IJV duplication in a patient with MS has not been
      described yet. This further venous malformation can be assessed by the means of
      Doppler ultrasounds.

PMID- 22037280
TI  - Preoperative determination of anatomic variations of the small saphenous vein for
      varicose vein surgery by three-dimensional computed tomography venography.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To define the anatomical variations of small saphenous vein (SSV) for
      varicose vein (VV) surgery by three-dimensional computed tomography venography
      (3D-CTV) and to analyse the impact of this preoperative evaluation on surgical
      outcomes. METHODS: A total of 120 consecutive limbs with SSV insufficiency having
      undergone VV surgery from January 2005 until December 2007 were enrolled. The
      medical records and images were analysed retrospectively. RESULTS: The
      relationship between SSV and gastrocnemial vein (GNV) were categorized into two:
      (a) SSV and GNV drained to popliteal vein (PV) separately (100 limbs, 87%) and
      (b) SSV and GNV made common channel which drained to PV (15 limbs, 13%).
      Saphenopopliteal junction morphology was normal (75 limbs), severe tortuosity
      near PV (19 limbs), ampullary ectasia (4 limbs) and duplicated drainage to PV (2
      limbs). No recurrence of VV was noted. CONCLUSIONS: CTV can provide thorough
      preoperative anatomic information of the SSV variations and reduce the recurrence
      of VV.

PMID- 22037281
TI  - Is endovenous laser ablation possible while taking warfarin?
AB  - PURPOSE: The subgroup of patients with venous ulcers requiring anticoagulation
      for co-morbid conditions has traditionally created a therapeutic dilemma.
      Perioperative management of anticoagulation can be costly and increase the risk
      of surgical complications. This group of patients is often elderly and shows poor
      compliance with compression hosiery. The aim of this study was to investigate the
      outcome of endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) of the great saphenous vein (GSV) in
      patients remaining on therapeutic anticoagulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen
      consecutive patients (CEAP [clinical, aetiological, anatomical and pathological
      elements] classification 5 or 6) were treated with standard GSV EVLA using
      tumescent anaesthesia and a diode 1470-nm radial laser fibre while maintaining
      international normalized ratio at therapeutic levels. Clinical and duplex follow
      up at six weeks and three, six and 12 months were performed. RESULTS: The GSV was
      successfully occluded in 14/15 (93%) of patients. The remaining patient had a
      second successful treatment three months later. No significant complications
      requiring intervention were encountered. CONCLUSION: EVLA using the diode 1470-nm
      radial fibre is efficacious with minimal complications in patients
      therapeutically anticoagulated. This treatment should be added to the
      armamentarium in this problematic patient group.

PMID- 22037282
TI  - Chemerin induces CCL2 and TLR4 in synovial fibroblasts of patients with
      rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Chemerin stimulates migration of leukocytes to sites of
      inflammation and also increases inflammatory signaling in chondrocytes suggesting
      a function of chemerin in joint inflammation. Synovial fibroblasts (SF) are
      critically involved in synovitis and subsequent cartilage destruction. Here, we
      analyzed whether synovial fibroblasts express chemerin and its receptor CMKLR1.
      Further, the role of chemerin in synovial fibroblast chemotaxis, proliferation,
      insulin response and release of inflammatory proteins was studied. METHODS:
      Synovial tissue sections were labeled with chemerin antibody and chemerin was
      measured in synovial fluid by ELISA. Chemerin mRNA and protein as well as CMKLR1
      expression were determined in SFs from patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and
      rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Effects of chemerin on cytokines, chemokines and
      matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), and on proliferation, migration and insulin
      signaling were analyzed appropriately. RESULTS: SFs expressed CMKLR1 and chemerin
      mRNA, and chemerin protein was found in cell supernatants of synovial
      fibroblasts. Immunohistochemistry detected chemerin in synovial tissue
      predominantly localized within the lining layer. Chemerin was present in synovial
      fluids of RA, OA and psoriatic arthritis patients in similar concentrations.
      Chemerin neither increased IL-6 levels nor MMP-2 or -9 activity in SFs. Also, it
      did not act as a chemoattractant for these cells. With respect to intracellular
      signaling, neither basal nor insulin-mediated phosphorylation of Akt was
      affected. However, chemerin significantly increased TLR4 mRNA and synthesis of
      CCL2 in SFs while CCL4 and -5 were not altered. Cell proliferation of SFs,
      however, was modestly reduced by chemerin. CONCLUSIONS: These data show that
      human SFs express both chemerin and its receptor. As chemerin enhanced expression
      of TLR4 and induced release of CCL2 in SFs, a role of this protein in innate
      immune system-associated joint inflammation is proposed.

PMID- 22037283
TI  - Small volume resuscitation with 7.5% hypertonic saline, hydroxyethyl starch
      130/0.4 solution and hypertonic sodium chloride hydroxyethyl starch 40 injection
      reduced lung injury in endotoxin shock rats: comparison with saline.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of small volume
      resuscitation with 7.5% hypertonic sodium chloride (HSS), hydroxyethyl starch
      130/0.4 solution (HES), and hypertonic sodium chloride hydroxyethyl starch 40
      injection (HSH) on endotoxin shock rat lung. METHODS: Thirty Sprague-Dawley (SD)
      rats were divided randomly into 5 groups ,Group C (negative control group), Group
      E (lipopolysaccharide, LPS +4 ml/kg saline), Group HSS (LPS +4 ml/kg HSS), Group
      HES (LPS +4 ml/kg HES) and Group HSH (LPS +4 ml/kg HSH). Endotoxin shock model of
      rat was produced by injection with LPS. Then small volume resuscitation with
      different fluids was implemented in each group, respectively. RESULTS: Compared
      to Group C(negative control group), lung injury in the other four groups was
      increased. Compared to Group E(LPS +4 ml/kg normal saline), lung injury of Group
      HSS(LPS +4 ml/kg HSS), HES(LPS +4 ml/kg HES), and HSH (LPS +4 ml/kg HSH)was
      lessened. Compared to Group C, oxygenation index in Groups E, HSS, HES, and HSH
      were decreased (P < 0.01). Compared to Group E, oxygenation indexes in Groups
      HSS, HES, and HSH were significantly increased (P < 0.01). Data of tumor necrosis
      factor (TNF)-alpha of lung tissue had similar results. However, protein
      concentration of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S)
      concentration indicated contrary results. CONCLUSION: Small volume resuscitation
      with 7.5% hypertonic sodium chloride, hydroxyethyl starch 130/0.4 solution, and
      hypertonic sodium chloride hydroxyethyl starch 40 injection could lessen lung
      injury caused by lipopolysaccharide. And this effect had relation to change of
      TNF-alpha and H(2)S.

PMID- 22037284
TI  - Management of dominant upper extremity injuries: a survey of practice patterns.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Internet survey. PURPOSE: To describe current practice patterns in
      hand therapy to 1) gain insights into beliefs of certified hand therapists (CHTs)
      related to initiating a hand dominance transfer, 2) describe CHTs' clinical
      decision-making strategies, and 3) describe research priorities related to hand
      dominance transfer in hand therapy. PARTICIPANTS: Five hundred sixty-three
      members of the American Society of Hand Therapists. METHODS: The online Internet
      survey contained 30 questions related to four categories: 1) demographics of
      clinicians, 2) beliefs about hand dominance transfer, 3) clinical strategies and
      decision making, and 4) a research agenda related to hand dominance transfer.
      Data were sorted, compiled, and analyzed descriptively. RESULTS: Respondents were
      primarily occupational therapists working as full-time staff therapists treating
      between nine and 15 patients per day with orthopedic injuries to the dominant
      upper extremity caused by trauma. The overwhelming majority of respondents
      (92.7%) believed that motivation is a factor in the success of the hand dominance
      transfer. Most respondents (83%) do not directly initiate a hand dominance
      transfer. The number one reason (64%) for not initiating a dominance transfer is
      that CHTs believe that their patients will regain full recovery of injured hand
      over time. If a transfer is initiated, the number one task addressed is
      handwriting (62%); the most commonly recommended piece of adaptive equipment was
      the handsfree can opener (63.8%); 72% educate on the risk of overuse injury to
      the noninjured (intact) limb. Most respondents agreed or strongly agreed that
      more research needs to be done related to hand dominance transfer, specifically
      related to return to work rates, interventions using virtual reality, and
      assessments using neuroimaging technologies. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3b.

PMID- 22037285
TI  - L-pGlu-(2-propyl)-L-His-L-ProNH2 attenuates 4-aminopyridine-induced epileptiform
      activity and sodium current: a possible action of new thyrotropin-releasing
      hormone analog for its anticonvulsant potential.
AB  - L-PGlu-(2-propyl)-L-His-L-ProNH2 (NP-647) is a CNS active thyrotropin-releasing
      hormone (TRH) analog with potential application in various CNS disorders
      including seizures. In the present study, mechanism of action for protective
      effect of NP-647 was explored by studying role of NP-647 on epileptiform activity
      and sodium channels by using patch-clamp methods. Epileptiform activity was
      induced in subicular pyramidal neurons of hippocampal slice of rat by perfusing 4
      aminopyridine (4-AP) containing Mg+2-free normal artificial cerebrospinal fluid
      (nACSF). Increase in mean firing frequency was observed after perfusion of 4-AP
      and zero Mg+2 (2.10+/-0.47 Hz) as compared with nACSF (0.12+/-0.08 Hz). A
      significant decrease in mean firing frequency (0.61+/-0.22 Hz), mean frequency of
      epileptiform events (0.03+/-0.02 Hz vs. 0.22+/-0.05 Hz of 4-AP+0 Mg), and average
      number of action potentials in paroxysmal depolarization shift-burst (2.54+/-1.21
      Hz vs. 8.16+/-0.88 Hz of 4-AP+0 Mg) was observed. A significant reduction in peak
      dV/dt (246+/-19 mV ms-1 vs. 297+/-18 mV ms-1 of 4-AP+0 Mg) and increase (1.332+/
      0.018 ms vs. 1.292+/-0.019 ms of 4-AP+0 Mg) in time required to reach maximum
      depolarization were observed indicating role of sodium channels. Concentration
      dependent depression of sodium current was observed after exposure to dorsal root
      ganglion neurons to NP-647. NP-647 at different concentrations (1, 3, and 10 MUM)
      depressed sodium current (15+/-0.5%, 50+/-2.6%, and 75+/-0.7%, respectively).
      However, NP-647 did not show change in the peak sodium current in CNa18 cells.
      Results of present study demonstrated potential of NP-647 in the inhibition of
      epileptiform activity by inhibiting sodium channels indirectly.

PMID- 22037286
TI  - The role of eIF5A in protein synthesis.

PMID- 22037287
TI  - Pleomorphic lobular carcinoma in situ: treatment options for a new pathologic
      entity.

PMID- 22037288
TI  - NAC transcription factors in plant abiotic stress responses.
AB  - Abiotic stresses such as drought and high salinity adversely affect the growth
      and productivity of plants, including crops. The development of stress-tolerant
      crops will be greatly advantageous for modern agriculture in areas that are prone
      to such stresses. In recent years, several advances have been made towards
      identifying potential stress related genes which are capable of increasing the
      tolerance of plants to abiotic stress. NAC proteins are plant-specific
      transcription factors and more than 100 NAC genes have been identified in
      Arabidopsis and rice to date. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that the six major
      groups were already established at least in an ancient moss lineage. NAC
      transcription factors have a variety of important functions not only in plant
      development but also in abiotic stress responses. Stress-inducible NAC genes have
      been shown to be involved in abiotic stress tolerance. Transgenic Arabidopsis and
      rice plants overexpressing stress-responsive NAC (SNAC) genes have exhibited
      improved drought tolerance. These studies indicate that SNAC factors have
      important roles for the control of abiotic stress tolerance and that their
      overexpression can improve stress tolerance via biotechnological approaches.
      Although these transcription factors can bind to the same core NAC recognition
      sequence, recent studies have demonstrated that the effects of NAC factors for
      growth are different. Moreover, the NAC proteins are capable of functioning as
      homo- or hetero-dimer forms. Thus, SNAC factors can be useful for improving
      stress tolerance in transgenic plants, although the mechanism for mediating the
      stress tolerance of these homologous factors is complex in plants. Recent studies
      also suggest that crosstalk may exist between stress responses and plant growth.
      This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Plant gene regulation in
      response to abiotic stress.

PMID- 22037289
TI  - Validation of surface plasmon resonance screening of a diverse chemical library
      for the discovery of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1b binders.
AB  - We investigated the suitability of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) for providing
      quantitative binding information from direct screening of a chemical library on
      protein tyrosine phosphatase 1b (PTP1B). The experimental design was established
      from simulations to detect binding with K(D) < 10-4 M. The 1120 compounds (cpds)
      were injected sequentially at concentrations [C(cpd)] of 0.5 or 10 MUM over
      various target surfaces. An optimized evaluation procedure was applied. More than
      90% of cpds showed no detectable signal in four screens. The 30 highest
      responders at C(cpd)=10 MUM, of which 25 were selected in at least one of three
      screens at C(cpd)=0.5 MUM, contained 22 promiscuous binders and 8 potential PTP1B
      specific binders with K(D) ~10-5 M. Inhibition of PTP1B activity was assayed and
      confirmed for 6 of these, including sanguinarine, a known PTP1B inhibitor. C(cpd)
      dependence studies fully confirmed screening conclusions. The quantitative
      consistency of SPR data led us to propose a structure-activity relationship (SAR)
      model for developing selective PTP1B inhibitors based on the ranking of 10
      arylbutylpiperidine analogs.

PMID- 22037290
TI  - Domain-based assays of individual antibody concentrations in an oligoclonal
      combination targeting a single protein.
AB  - Quantitation of individual monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) within a combined
      antibody drug product is required for preclinical and clinical drug development,
      including pharmacokinetic (PK), toxicology, stability, and biochemical
      characterization studies of such drugs. We have developed an antitoxin, XOMA 3AB,
      consisting of three recombinant mAbs that potently neutralize the known subtypes
      of type A botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT/A). The three mAbs bind nonoverlapping
      BoNT/A epitopes with high affinity. XOMA 3AB is being developed as a treatment
      for botulism resulting from BoNT/A. To develop antibody-specific assays, we
      cloned, expressed, and purified BoNT/A domains from Escherichia coli. Each mAb
      bound only to its specific domain with affinity comparable to the binding to
      holotoxin. mAb-specific domains were used to develop an enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for characterization of the integrity and binding
      activity of the three mAbs in the drug product. An electrochemiluminescence
      bridging assay that is robust to interference from components in serum was also
      developed, and we demonstrate that it can be used for PK assays. This type of
      antigen engineering to generate mAb-specific domains is a general method allowing
      quantitation and characterization of individual mAbs in a mAb cocktail that binds
      the same protein and is superior to anti-idiotype approaches.

PMID- 22037291
TI  - One-step casting of Laemmli discontinued sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide
      gel electrophoresis gel.
AB  - A modified Laemmli sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS
      PAGE) protocol is described. The new method saves 30 min for gel casting without
      loss of the resolution power of Laemmli gel. In this method, both the upper and
      lower gels can be cast at the same time because the lower gel contains 10%
      glycerol, which generates higher density in the lower gel than in the upper gel.

PMID- 22037292
TI  - Assay of acetylcholinesterase activity by potentiometric monitoring of
      acetylcholine.
AB  - An acetylcholine-selective electrode based on a plasticized polymeric membrane
      has been developed. The electrode exhibited good selectivity for acetylcholine
      (ACh) over choline and some common ions, low drift, and a fast response to ACh.
      The response was linear over an ACh concentration range of 1*10(-6) to 1*10(-3) M
      with a slope of 59.1+/-0.1 and a detection limit of 1.5*10(-7)+/-1.2*10(-8) M.
      The electrode was used to monitor enzymatic ACh hydrolysis catalyzed by
      acetylcholinesterase (AChE) at different substrate and enzyme concentrations. A
      kinetic data analysis permitted the determination of the Michaelis-Menten
      constant of the enzymatic hydrolysis and AChE activity in the range of 2*10(-5)
      to 3.8*10(-1)U ml(-1).

PMID- 22037293
TI  - A spectrophotometric assay for the detection of fungal peroxygenases.
AB  - Rapid and simple spectrophotometric methods are required for the unambiguous
      detection of recently discovered fungal peroxygenases in vivo and in vitro. This
      paper describes a peroxygenase-specific assay using 5-nitro-1,3-benzodioxole as
      substrate. The product, 4-nitrocatechol, produces a yellow color at pH 7, which
      can be followed over time at 425 nm (epsilon(425)=9,700 M(-1) cm(-1)), and a red
      color when adjusted to pH >12, which can be measured in form of an end-point
      determination at 514 nm (epsilon(514)=11,400 M(-1) cm(-1)). The assay is suitable
      for detecting peroxygenase activities in complex growth media and environmental
      samples as well as for high-throughput screenings.

PMID- 22037294
TI  - Capillary electrophoresis-laser-induced fluorescence (CE-LIF) assay for
      measurement of intracellular D-serine and serine racemase activity.
AB  - An enantioselective capillary electrophoresis-laser-induced fluorescence (CE-LIF)
      method for the analysis of D-serine (D-Ser) in cellular matrices has been
      developed. The assay involves derivatization with FITC followed by CE-LIF using
      0.5 mM hydroxyl propyl-beta-cyclodextrin in borate buffer [80 mM, pH 9.3]. The
      method was able to resolve D-Ser and L-Ser with an enantioselectivity (alpha) of
      1.03 and a resolution (R(s)) of 1.37. Linearity was established from 0.25 to
      100.00 MUM. The assay was also able to enantioselectively resolve 6 additional
      amino acid racemates. The method was applied to the determination of
      intracellular D-Ser concentrations in PC-12, C6, 1312N1, and HepG2 cell lines.
      This method was used to determine the concentration-dependent increases in D-Ser
      and associated EC50 values produced by L-Ser and the concentration-dependent
      decreases in d-Ser and associated IC50 values produced by glycine, a competitive
      inhibitor of serine racemase (SR). Western blot analysis determined that the PC
      12 and C6 cell lines contained monomeric and dimeric forms of SR while the 1321N1
      and HepG2 cells contained only the monomeric form. Although the SR dimer has been
      identified as the active form of the enzyme, all four of the tested cell lines
      expressed enzymatically active SR.

PMID- 22037295
TI  - Determination of estrogens in human urine by high-performance liquid
      chromatography/diode array detection with ultrasound-assisted cloud-point
      extraction.
AB  - A novel and efficient analytical methodology is proposed for extracting and
      preconcentrating three kinds of estrogens (17beta-estradiol (betaE2), estrone
      (E1), and diethylstilbestrol (DES)) in human urine prior to high-performance
      liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. It is based on the induction of micellar
      organized medium by using a nonionic surfactant (Tergitol TMN-6) to extract the
      target estrogens. Ultrasound was applied to enhance the extraction efficiency.
      Parameters affecting the extraction of target analytes including the
      concentration of surfactant, temperature, extraction time, sample pH, ionic
      strength, and centrifuging time were investigated. Under the optimum conditions,
      the linear range of betaE2, E1, and DES was from 5.0 to 1000 ng/ml. All
      correlation coefficients of the calibration curves were higher than 0.997. The
      relative standard deviations (RSD, n=5) were 2.36-5.27% and the limits of
      detection (LOD) were 0.1, 0.2, and 0.1 ng/ml for betaE2, E1, and DES in human
      urine, respectively. The results indicated that the method was successfully
      applied for analyzing betaE2, E1, and DES in human urine.

PMID- 22037297
TI  - Operating on a stretcher: a cost analysis.

PMID- 22037296
TI  - Masticatory performance in older subjects with varying degrees of tooth loss.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to establish the factors influencing
      the masticatory performance of older subjects with varying degrees of tooth loss
      and associated numbers of posterior occlusal contacts. METHODS: The subjects
      consisted of 1274 independently living people aged 60 years and over. Individuals
      with partially or fully edentulous arches without a denture replacement or those
      having any symptoms related to an oral problem were excluded from the study
      participants. Masticatory performance, maximal occlusal force and stimulated
      whole saliva were measured. Subjects were grouped into three categories by
      posterior occlusal contact, according to the Eichner Index. Group A had contacts
      in four support zones; group B had one to three zones of contact or contact in
      the anterior region only; and group C had no support zones at all, although a few
      teeth could still remain. RESULTS: The masticatory performance in groups B and C
      was found to be 81% and 50% of that of group A, respectively. The multiple linear
      regression analysis showed that in all the groups, occlusal force was
      significantly associated with masticatory performance. In groups A and B, the
      number of residual teeth was significantly associated with masticatory
      performance, whereas in group C, it had no significant relationship with
      masticatory performance. Salivary flow rate had a significant correlation with
      masticatory performance only in group C. CONCLUSIONS: Declines in occlusal
      contact, occlusal force and salivary flow appear to be associated with reduction
      of masticatory performance in older adults. However, the crucial factors for
      masticatory performance varied, depending on the phase of occlusal collapse.

PMID- 22037298
TI  - Three-dimensional quantitative comparative analysis of trapezial-metacarpal joint
      surface curvatures in human populations.
AB  - PURPOSE: Trapezial-metacarpal (TM) joint surfaces appear to be shallower in Asian
      than in white postmortem specimens, and the frequency of TM osteoarthritis seems
      to be substantially lower in Asian TM joints. This study tested the hypothesis
      that there are significant differences among human populations in TM joint
      surface curvature and that populations of Asian descent have less curvature than
      those of recent European descent. METHODS: The sample included trapeziums and
      first metacarpals from skeletons of 80 individuals of recent European and Asian
      descent and from skeletons of 34 African and 9 Australian aboriginal individuals.
      We scanned the surfaces using a laser digitizer to generate 3-dimensional models
      of each articular surface. We calculated dorsovolar, radioulnar, and root mean
      square curvatures by fitting modeled quadric surfaces to the TM joint surfaces.
      We tested pairwise comparisons of mean curvatures between populations for
      statistical significance using a standard resampling method (ie, bootstrapping).
      We also made pairwise comparisons of mean curvatures between males and females
      for a combined African and European sample. RESULTS: Mean dorsovolar metacarpal
      curvature was significantly higher in the European sample than in the Asian,
      African, and Australian samples. Mean root mean square curvature of the trapezial
      surface was significantly higher in the European sample than in the Asian sample.
      The European sample had the highest root mean square and dorsovolar trapezial
      curvatures of all the populations. We found no significant differences between
      male and female specimens. CONCLUSIONS: A tendency toward higher mean dorsovolar
      curvature of both the metacarpal and trapezial surface in the European sample may
      help to explain the higher frequency of TM osteoarthritis reported in Europeans.
      CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The greater TM curvatures affect basal thumb joint mechanics
      in thumb opposition and therefore may be a factor in the development of
      osteoarthritis at this joint in Europeans.

PMID- 22037299
TI  - Non-locked and locked plating technology for hand fractures.

PMID- 22037300
TI  - Epitendinous suture techniques in extensor tendon repairs--an experimental
      evaluation.
AB  - PURPOSE: The tension-band principle might be relevant to extensor tendon repairs,
      and a dorsal-only Silfverskiold epitendinous repair is stronger and stiffer than
      more conventional techniques in vitro. We aimed to evaluate the strength and
      stiffness of the strongest epitendinous sutures described, using an in vitro
      model that subjects the repair to angular force over a pulley, thereby creating a
      tension-band model. METHODS: Silfverskiold dorsal-only epitendinous extensor
      tendon repairs in porcine foot tendons (n = 8) were compared to reverse (buried)
      Silfverskiold (n = 8), Halsted (n = 8), and interrupted horizontal mattress (IHM)
      repairs (n = 6) in vitro with a tensiometer around a 45 degrees  pulley. Thirty
      tendons total were tested to assess the force required for 2-mm gapping and
      ultimate tensile strength. RESULTS: The IHM repair had a significantly higher
      ultimate tensile strength (43 N; SD, 10 N) than the other repairs, which had
      strengths between 27 N (SD, 4 N) and 31 N (SD, 7 N). The IHM was also
      significantly more resistant to gapping than the Silfverskiold and Halsted
      repairs. CONCLUSIONS: Interlocking horizontal mattress, dorsal-only extensor
      tendon repairs were significantly stronger and more resistant to gapping than
      Silfverskiold and Halsted repairs. Other repairs were still strong and resistant
      to gapping in comparison to previously published data for conventional repairs.
      CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The IHM is a relatively difficult technique to perform, and
      it remains to be seen whether the additional strength translates to clinical
      benefits over the easier Silfverskiold technique.

PMID- 22037301
TI  - Osteoporosis and upper extremity fragility fractures.

PMID- 22037303
TI  - Metacontrast masking with texture-defined second-order stimuli.
AB  - We examine metacontrast masking with texture-defined second-order stimuli. Our
      results reveal that (1) the monotonic type A as well as the nonmonotonic (U
      shaped) type B metacontrast effect, which has been extensively examined with
      first-order luminance-defined stimuli, can be obtained with texture-defined
      second-order stimuli; and (2) while variations of luminance contrast are known to
      affect the magnitude of metacontrast with first-order stimuli, neither the size
      nor orientation contrast between texture elements defining the second-order
      stimuli have a significant impact on the magnitude or shape of metacontrast.
      These findings bear on theories of metacontrast masking by showing that the
      mechanism giving rise to nonmonotonic masking effects can operate beyond the
      level of first-order stimulus processing.

PMID- 22037304
TI  - The role of local features in shape discrimination of contour- and surface
      defined radial frequency patterns at low contrast.
AB  - Shape processing involves a progression from local to global analysis. A key
      aspect of this is the binding of distributed local features into an overall form
      followed by the extraction of the shape independently of its local contrast and
      spatial scales, so enabling the shape to be encoded based on its proportions
      without reference to its exact size or retinal location. Here we use contour- and
      surface-defined radial frequency (RF) patterns in a shape discrimination task,
      previously thought to reflect a global processing stage that has reached contrast
      and scale invariance. We compare performance across different spatial scales for
      a wide range of RF patterns (contour spatial frequencies of 0.7-10.0cpd, pattern
      radii of 0.5-10.5 degrees ), and sharp- and smooth-edged surface-RF patterns, all
      at low contrast (5* detection threshold). We show that shape discrimination
      thresholds for RF patterns have a complex series of dependencies on stimulus size
      (radius), contour spatial frequency (thickness) and contrast, with no scale
      invariance. Our results are at odds with earlier work showing no effect of radius
      and spatial frequency on discrimination thresholds. We show that this discrepancy
      can be accounted for by a differential effect of contrast on shape
      discrimination, with shape invariance only stabilizing at higher contrasts (10
      20* threshold).

PMID- 22037302
TI  - The 26S proteasome complex: an attractive target for cancer therapy.
AB  - The 26S proteasome complex engages in an ATP-dependent proteolytic degradation of
      a variety of oncoproteins, transcription factors, cell cycle specific cyclins,
      cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors, ornithine decarboxylase, and other key
      regulatory cellular proteins. Thus, the proteasome regulates either directly or
      indirectly many important cellular processes. Altered regulation of these
      cellular events is linked to the development of cancer. Therefore, the proteasome
      has become an attractive target for the treatment of numerous cancers. Several
      proteasome inhibitors that target the proteolytic active sites of the 26S
      proteasome complex have been developed and tested for anti-tumor activities.
      These proteasome inhibitors have displayed impressive anti-tumor functions by
      inducing apoptosis in different tumor types. Further, the proteasome inhibitors
      have been shown to induce cell cycle arrest, and inhibit angiogenesis, cell-cell
      adhesion, cell migration, immune and inflammatory responses, and DNA repair
      response. A number of proteasome inhibitors are now in clinical trials to treat
      multiple myeloma and solid tumors. Many other proteasome inhibitors with
      different efficiencies are being developed and tested for anti-tumor activities.
      Several proteasome inhibitors currently in clinical trials have shown
      significantly improved anti-tumor activities when combined with other drugs such
      as histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors, Akt (protein kinase B) inhibitors, DNA
      damaging agents, Hsp90 (heat shock protein 90) inhibitors, and lenalidomide. The
      proteasome inhibitor bortezomib is now in the clinic to treat multiple myeloma
      and mantle cell lymphoma. Here, we discuss the 26S proteasome complex in
      carcinogenesis and different proteasome inhibitors with their potential
      therapeutic applications in treatment of numerous cancers.

PMID- 22037305
TI  - TRP channel gene expression in the mouse retina.
AB  - In order to identify candidate cation channels important for retinal physiology,
      28 TRP channel genes were surveyed for expression in the mouse retina.
      Transcripts for all TRP channels were detected by RT-PCR and sequencing. Northern
      blotting revealed that mRNAs for 12 TRP channel genes are enriched in the retina.
      The strongest signals were observed for TRPC1, TRPC3, TRPM1, TRPM3, and TRPML1,
      and clear signals were obtained for TRPC4, TRPM7, TRPP2, TRPV2, and TRPV4. In
      situ hybridization and immunofluorescence revealed widespread expression
      throughout multiple retinal layers for TRPC1, TRPC3, TRPC4, TRPML1, PKD1, and
      TRPP2. Striking localization of enhanced mRNA expression was observed for TRPC1
      in the photoreceptor inner segment layer, for TRPM1 in the inner nuclear layer
      (INL), for TRPM3 in the INL, and for TRPML1 in the outer plexiform and nuclear
      layers. Strong immunofluorescence signal in cone outer segments was observed for
      TRPM7 and TRPP2. TRPC5 immunostaining was largely confined to INL cells
      immediately adjacent to the inner plexiform layer. TRPV2 antibodies stained
      photoreceptor axons in the outer plexiform layer. Expression of TRPM1 splice
      variants was strong in the ciliary body, whereas TRPM3 was strongly expressed in
      the retinal pigmented epithelium.

PMID- 22037306
TI  - Learning to be fast: gain accuracy with speed.
AB  - Our recent neurophysiological findings provided evidence for collinear
      facilitation in detecting low-contrast Gabor patches (GPs) and for the
      abolishment of these collinear interactions by backward masking (BM) (Sterkin et
      al., 2008; Sterkin, Yehezkel, Bonneh, et al., 2009). We suggested that the
      suppression induced by the BM eliminates the collinear facilitation. Moreover,
      our recent study showed that training on a BM task overcomes the BM effect,
      hence, improves the processing speed (Polat, 2009). Here we applied training on
      detecting a target that is followed by BM in order to study whether reinforced
      facilitatory interactions can overcome the suppressive effects induced by BM.
      Event-Related Potentials (ERPs) were recorded before and after ten training
      sessions performed on different days. Low-contrast, foveal target GP was
      simultaneously flanked by two collinear high-contrast GPs. In the BM task,
      another identical mask was presented at different time-intervals (ISIs). Before
      training, BM induced suppression of target detection, at the ISI of 50 ms, in
      agreement with earlier behavioral findings. This ISI coincides with the active
      time-window of lateral interactions. After training, our results show a
      remarkable improvement in all behavioral measurements, including percent of
      correct responses, sensitivity (d'), reaction time (RT) and the decision
      criterion for this ISI. The ERP results show that before training,BM attenuated
      the physiological markers of facilitation at the same ISI of 50 ms, measured as
      the amplitude of the negative N1 peak (latency of 260 ms). After the training,
      the sensory representation, reflected by P1 peak, has not changed, consistent
      with the unchanged physical parameters of the stimulus. Instead, the shorter
      latency (by 20 ms, latency of 240 ms) and the increased amplitude of N1 represent
      the development of faster and stronger facilitatory lateral interactions between
      the target and the collinear flankers. Thus, previously effective backward
      masking became ineffective in disrupting the collinear facilitation. Moreover, a
      high-amplitude late peak (P4, latency of 610-630 ms) was not affected by
      training, however its high correlation with RT (95%) before training was
      significantly decreased (to 76%), consistent with a lower-level representation of
      a trained skill. We suggest that perceptual learning that strengthens collinear
      facilitation results in a faster processing speed.

PMID- 22037307
TI  - Control of Drosophila endocycles by E2F and CRL4(CDT2).
AB  - Endocycles are variant cell cycles comprised of DNA synthesis (S)- and gap (G)
      phases but lacking mitosis. Such cycles facilitate post-mitotic growth in many
      invertebrate and plant cells, and are so ubiquitous that they may account for up
      to half the world's biomass. DNA replication in endocycling Drosophila cells is
      triggered by cyclin E/cyclin dependent kinase 2 (CYCE/CDK2), but this kinase must
      be inactivated during each G-phase to allow the assembly of pre-Replication
      Complexes (preRCs) for the next S-phase. How CYCE/CDK2 is periodically silenced
      to allow re-replication has not been established. Here, using genetic tests in
      parallel with computational modelling, we show that the endocycles of Drosophila
      are driven by a molecular oscillator in which the E2F1 transcription factor
      promotes CycE expression and S-phase initiation, S-phase then activates the
      CRL4(CDT2) ubiquitin ligase, and this in turn mediates the destruction of E2F1
      (ref. 7). We propose that it is the transient loss of E2F1 during S phases that
      creates the window of low Cdk activity required for preRC formation. In support
      of this model overexpressed E2F1 accelerated endocycling, whereas a stabilized
      variant of E2F1 blocked endocycling by deregulating target genes, including CycE,
      as well as Cdk1 and mitotic cyclins. Moreover, we find that altering cell growth
      by changing nutrition or target of rapamycin (TOR) signalling impacts E2F1
      translation, thereby making endocycle progression growth-dependent. Many of the
      regulatory interactions essential to this novel cell cycle oscillator are
      conserved in animals and plants, indicating that elements of this mechanism act
      in most growth-dependent cell cycles.

PMID- 22037308
TI  - Ecology drives a global network of gene exchange connecting the human microbiome.
AB  - Horizontal gene transfer (HGT), the acquisition of genetic material from non
      parental lineages, is known to be important in bacterial evolution. In
      particular, HGT provides rapid access to genetic innovations, allowing traits
      such as virulence, antibiotic resistance and xenobiotic metabolism to spread
      through the human microbiome. Recent anecdotal studies providing snapshots of
      active gene flow on the human body have highlighted the need to determine the
      frequency of such recent transfers and the forces that govern these events. Here
      we report the discovery and characterization of a vast, human-associated network
      of gene exchange, large enough to directly compare the principal forces shaping
      HGT. We show that this network of 10,770 unique, recently transferred (more than
      99% nucleotide identity) genes found in 2,235 full bacterial genomes, is shaped
      principally by ecology rather than geography or phylogeny, with most gene
      exchange occurring between isolates from ecologically similar, but geographically
      separated, environments. For example, we observe 25-fold more HGT between human
      associated bacteria than among ecologically diverse non-human isolates (P = 3.0 *
      10(-270)). We show that within the human microbiome this ecological architecture
      continues across multiple spatial scales, functional classes and ecological
      niches with transfer further enriched among bacteria that inhabit the same body
      site, have the same oxygen tolerance or have the same ability to cause disease.
      This structure offers a window into the molecular traits that define ecological
      niches, insight that we use to uncover sources of antibiotic resistance and
      identify genes associated with the pathology of meningitis and other diseases.

PMID- 22037309
TI  - Somatic retrotransposition alters the genetic landscape of the human brain.
AB  - Retrotransposons are mobile genetic elements that use a germline 'copy-and-paste'
      mechanism to spread throughout metazoan genomes. At least 50 per cent of the
      human genome is derived from retrotransposons, with three active families (L1,
      Alu and SVA) associated with insertional mutagenesis and disease. Epigenetic and
      post-transcriptional suppression block retrotransposition in somatic cells,
      excluding early embryo development and some malignancies. Recent reports of L1
      expression and copy number variation in the human brain suggest that L1
      mobilization may also occur during later development. However, the corresponding
      integration sites have not been mapped. Here we apply a high-throughput method to
      identify numerous L1, Alu and SVA germline mutations, as well as 7,743 putative
      somatic L1 insertions, in the hippocampus and caudate nucleus of three
      individuals. Surprisingly, we also found 13,692 somatic Alu insertions and 1,350
      SVA insertions. Our results demonstrate that retrotransposons mobilize to protein
      coding genes differentially expressed and active in the brain. Thus, somatic
      genome mosaicism driven by retrotransposition may reshape the genetic circuitry
      that underpins normal and abnormal neurobiological processes.

PMID- 22037310
TI  - Atomic-resolution dynamics on the surface of amyloid-beta protofibrils probed by
      solution NMR.
AB  - Exchange dynamics between molecules free in solution and bound to the surface of
      a large supramolecular structure, a polymer, a membrane or solid support are
      important in many phenomena in biology and materials science. Here we present a
      novel and generally applicable solution NMR technique, known as dark-state
      exchange saturation transfer (DEST), to probe such exchange phenomena with atomic
      resolution. This is illustrated by the exchange reaction between amyloid-beta
      (Abeta) monomers and polydisperse, NMR-invisible ('dark') protofibrils, a process
      of significant interest because the accumulation of toxic, aggregated forms of
      Abeta, from small oligomers to very large assemblies, has been implicated in the
      aetiology of Alzheimer's disease. The (15)N-DEST experiment imprints with single
      residue-resolution dynamic information on the protofibril-bound species in the
      form of (15)N transverse relaxation rates ((15)N-R(2)) and exchange kinetics
      between monomers and protofibrils onto the easily observed two-dimensional (1)H
      (15)N correlation spectrum of the monomer. The exchanging species on the
      protofibril surface comprise an ensemble of sparsely populated states where each
      residue is either tethered to (through other residues) or in direct contact with
      the surface. The first eight residues exist predominantly in a mobile tethered
      state, whereas the largely hydrophobic central region and part of the carboxy (C)
      terminal hydrophobic region are in direct contact with the protofibril surface
      for a significant proportion of the time. The C-terminal residues of both Abeta40
      and Abeta42 display lower affinity for the protofibril surface, indicating that
      they are likely to be surface exposed rather than buried as in structures of
      Abeta fibrils, and might therefore comprise the critical nucleus for fibril
      formation. The  values, however, are significantly larger for the C-terminal
      residues of Abeta42 than Abeta40, which might explain the former's higher
      propensity for rapid aggregation and fibril formation.

PMID- 22037311
TI  - Mapping intact protein isoforms in discovery mode using top-down proteomics.
AB  - A full description of the human proteome relies on the challenging task of
      detecting mature and changing forms of protein molecules in the body. Large-scale
      proteome analysis has routinely involved digesting intact proteins followed by
      inferred protein identification using mass spectrometry. This 'bottom-up' process
      affords a high number of identifications (not always unique to a single gene).
      However, complications arise from incomplete or ambiguous characterization of
      alternative splice forms, diverse modifications (for example, acetylation and
      methylation) and endogenous protein cleavages, especially when combinations of
      these create complex patterns of intact protein isoforms and species. 'Top-down'
      interrogation of whole proteins can overcome these problems for individual
      proteins, but has not been achieved on a proteome scale owing to the lack of
      intact protein fractionation methods that are well integrated with tandem mass
      spectrometry. Here we show, using a new four-dimensional separation system,
      identification of 1,043 gene products from human cells that are dispersed into
      more than 3,000 protein species created by post-translational modification (PTM),
      RNA splicing and proteolysis. The overall system produced greater than 20-fold
      increases in both separation power and proteome coverage, enabling the
      identification of proteins up to 105 kDa and those with up to 11 transmembrane
      helices. Many previously undetected isoforms of endogenous human proteins were
      mapped, including changes in multiply modified species in response to accelerated
      cellular ageing (senescence) induced by DNA damage. Integrated with the latest
      version of the Swiss-Prot database, the data provide precise correlations to
      individual genes and proof-of-concept for large-scale interrogation of whole
      protein molecules. The technology promises to improve the link between proteomics
      data and complex phenotypes in basic biology and disease research.

PMID- 22037312
TI  - Chitinase from Bacillus licheniformis DSM13: expression in Lactobacillus
      plantarum WCFS1 and biochemical characterisation.
AB  - The gene chi, coding for a GH18 chitinase from the Gram-positive bacterium
      Bacillus licheniformis DSM13 (ATCC 14580), was cloned into the inducible
      lactobacillal expression vectors pSIP403 and pSIP409, derived from the sakacin-P
      operon of Lactobacillus sakei, and expressed in the host strain Lactobacillus
      plantarum WCFS1. Both the complete chi gene including the original bacillal
      signal sequence as well as the mature chi gene were compared, however, no
      extracellular chitinase activity was detected with any of the constructs. The
      chitinase gene was expressed intracellularly as an active enzyme with these
      different systems, at levels of approximately 5mg of recombinant protein per
      litre of cultivation medium. Results obtained for the two different expression
      vectors that only differ in the promoter sequence were well comparable. To
      further verify the suitability of this expression system, recombinant, His-tagged
      chitinase Chi was purified from cell extracts of L. plantarum and characterised.
      The monomeric 65-kDa enzyme can degrade both chitin and chitosan, and shows
      properties that are very similar to those reported for the native chitinase
      purified from other B. licheniformis isolates. It shows good thermostability
      (half lives of stability of 20 and 8.4 days at 37 and 50 degrees C,
      respectively), and good stability in the pH range of 5-10. The results presented
      lead the way to overproduction of chitinase in a food-grade system, which is of
      interest for the food and feed industry.

PMID- 22037313
TI  - WIP1 enhances tumor formation in a sonic hedgehog-dependent model of
      medulloblastoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A significant number of medulloblastomas (MBs) originate from
      abnormal activation of the sonic hedgehog/patched (SHH/PTC) signaling pathway.
      Although p53 deficiency enhances tumor formation in mice, inactivation of the p53
      gene is seen in a minority of MBs. Wild-type p53-induced phosphatase 1 (WIP1)
      downregulates p53 expression and has been shown to be overexpressed in MBs.
      OBJECTIVE: We tested the hypothesis that overexpression of WIP1 enhances tumor
      formation in an SHH-dependent model of MB. METHODS: We used the RCAS/Ntv-a system
      to study the effect of WIP1 in vitro and in vivo. We transfected A375-TVA cells
      with RCAS-WIP1 and then exposed these cells to cisplatin to determine the effect
      on p53 expression. We modeled ectopic WIP1 expression independently and in
      combination with SHH in the cerebella of newborn mice to assess the effect on
      tumor formation. Mice were observed for 12 weeks or until neurological symptoms
      developed. The brains were examined for tumor formation. RESULTS: A375-TVA cells
      infected with RCAS-WIP1 demonstrated reduced p53 expression after exposure to
      cisplatin compared with controls. We detected tumors in 12 of 35 mice (34%)
      injected with RCAS-WIP1 and RCAS-SHH. Tumors were detected in 3 of 40 mice (8%)
      injected with RCAS-SHH alone. The difference in tumor formation rates was
      significant (chi(2) test, P = < .01). Tumors did not form in mice injected with
      RCAS-WIP1 alone. CONCLUSION: We show that ectopic expression of WIP1 cooperates
      with SHH to enhance formation of MB, although it is insufficient to induce tumors
      independently. Our results verify the role of WIP1 in MB formation and provide a
      crucial link to the inactivation of p53 in MBs.

PMID- 22037314
TI  - Sex disparities in postoperative outcomes after neurosurgical intervention:
      findings from the UMEND project.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Little is known about the relationship between sex and the risk of
      complications after neurosurgical intervention. Improved understanding of this
      relationship may assist clinicians in advising patients of the risks and benefits
      of neurosurgical intervention and managing their patients after surgery.
      OBJECTIVE: To determine the independent relationship between sex and morbidity
      after neurosurgical intervention. METHODS: Data were collected for 918
      neurosurgical cases at the University of Michigan Hospitals. Bivariate chi(2)
      tests and analysis of variance were used to assess relationships between sex,
      demographics, case type, medical comorbidities, postoperative complication risk,
      and postoperative hospital and intensive care unit stay. We fit a multivariable
      logistic regression model of 30-day complication risk by sex adjusted for
      potential confounders and used multifactor analysis of variance to assess the
      relationship between sex and hospital as well as intensive care unit stay,
      adjusted for potential confounders. RESULTS: The percentages of patients
      experiencing complications within 30 days of surgery were 20.3% for male and
      11.3% for female patients. In multivariable regression models, male sex predicted
      postoperative complications compared with female sex (odds ratio: 2.0, 95%
      confidence interval: 1.4-3.0). By multifactor analysis of variance, male sex was
      associated with longer hospital stay (P < .01), but was not associated with
      neurosurgical intensive care unit stay. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest male sex
      is an independent predictor of postoperative complication risk and increased
      hospital stay after neurosurgical intervention. This finding may be used
      clinically to help identify those patients at increased risk of a complicated
      recovery. Future research might consider mechanisms relating sex and
      postoperative outcomes.

PMID- 22037315
TI  - Digitoxin and a synthetic monosaccharide analog inhibit cell viability in lung
      cancer cells.
AB  - Mechanisms of digitoxin-inhibited cell growth and induced apoptosis in human non
      small cell lung cancer (NCI-H460) cells remain unclear. Understanding how
      digitoxin or derivate analogs induce their cytotoxic effect below therapeutically
      relevant concentrations will help in designing and developing novel, safer and
      more effective anti-cancer drugs. In this study, NCI-H460 cells were treated with
      digitoxin and a synthetic analog D6-MA to determine their anti-cancer activity.
      Different concentrations of digitoxin and D6-MA were used and the subsequent
      changes in cell morphology, viability, cell cycle, and protein expressions were
      determined. Digitoxin and D6-MA induced dose-dependent apoptotic morphologic
      changes in NCI-H460 cells via caspase-9 cleavage, with D6-MA possessing 5-fold
      greater potency than digitoxin. In comparison, non-tumorigenic immortalized
      bronchial and small airway epithelial cells displayed significantly less
      apoptotic sensitivity compared to NCI-H460 cells suggesting that both digitoxin
      and D6-MA were selective for NSCLC. Furthermore, NCI-H460 cells arrested in
      G(2)/M phase following digitoxin and D6-MA treatment. Post-treatment evaluation
      of key G2/M checkpoint regulatory proteins identified down-regulation of cyclin
      B1/cdc2 complex and survivin. Additionally, Chk1/2 and p53 related proteins
      experienced down-regulation suggesting a p53-independent cell cycle arrest
      mechanism. In summary, digitoxin and D6-MA exert anti-cancer effects on NCI-H460
      cells through apoptosis or cell cycle arrest, with D6-MA showing at least 5-fold
      greater potency relative to digitoxin.

PMID- 22037316
TI  - A phase II evaluation of lapatinib in the treatment of persistent or recurrent
      epithelial ovarian or primary peritoneal carcinoma: a gynecologic oncology group
      study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Activation and dimerization of the ERBB family play a role in the
      pathogenesis and progression of ovarian cancer. We conducted a phase II trial to
      evaluate the activity and tolerability of lapatinib in patients with recurrent or
      persistent epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) and to explore the clinical value of
      expression levels of epidermal growth factor receptors (EGFR), phosphorylated
      EGFR, HER-2/neu, and Ki-67, and the presence of EGFR mutations. METHODS: Eligible
      patients had recurrent or persistent EOC or primary peritoneal carcinoma,
      measurable disease, and up to 2 prior chemotherapy regimens for recurrent
      disease. Patients were treated with lapatinib 1500 mg/day. The primary endpoint
      of efficacy was 6-month progression free survival (PFS). RESULTS: Twenty-five of
      28 patients were eligible and evaluable for analysis of efficacy and toxicity.
      Two (8.0%) were alive and progression-free at 6 months. No objective responses
      were observed. There were 1 grade 4 toxicity (fatigue) and few grade 3
      toxicities. Associations between Ki-67 with prior platinum-free interval, PFS,
      and a polymorphism in EGFR were suggested. CONCLUSIONS: Lapatinib has minimal
      activity in recurrent ovarian cancer. Ki-67 expression may be associated with
      prior PFS and a polymorphism in EGFR exon 20 (2361G>A, Q787Q).

PMID- 22037317
TI  - Expression of the opioid growth factor-opioid growth factor receptor axis in
      human ovarian cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The opioid growth factor (OGF) and its receptor (OGFr), serve as
      inhibitory axis regulating cell proliferation in normal cells and cancer. We
      investigated the presence and relative expression of OGF and OGFr in normal human
      ovarian surface epithelial (HOSE) cells, benign ovarian cysts, and ovarian
      cancers. METHODS: Surgical samples of 16 patients with ovarian cancer and 27
      patients with ovarian benign cysts were obtained intraoperatively. HOSE were
      collected by scraping the surface of normal ovaries of 10 post menopausal women
      undergoing hysterectomy and oophorectomy. Semiquantitative immunohistochemistry
      was used to assess the presence, distribution, and levels of OGF and OGFr.
      Receptor binding assays measured binding capacity and affinity of OGFr for
      radiolabeled OGF. RESULTS: OGF and OGFr were present in HOSE cells, ovarian
      cysts, and ovarian cancers. Compared to HOSE cells, OGF and OGFr protein levels
      were reduced 29% and 34% (p<0.001), respectively, in ovarian cysts, and decreased
      58% and 48% (p<0.001), respectively, in ovarian cancers. Binding assays revealed
      5.4 fold fewer OGFr binding sites in cancers than cysts (p<0.05). Levels of OGF
      and OGFr were comparable in primary, metastatic, or recurrent ovarian cancers.
      CONCLUSION: We have shown that a native opioid pathway, the OGF-OGFr axis, is
      present in human ovarian cancer. Importantly, the expression of OGF and OGFr is
      diminished in human ovarian cancer. As OGF and OGFr normally function in
      maintaining cell proliferation, therapy to harness OGF/OGFr function could
      provide a useful biologic-based treatment for human ovarian cancer.

PMID- 22037319
TI  - Dispersion and damping of zone-boundary magnons in the noncentrosymmetric
      superconductor CePt3Si.
AB  - Inelastic neutron scattering (INS) is employed to study damped spin-wave
      excitations in the noncentrosymmetric heavy-fermion superconductor CePt3Si along
      the antiferromagnetic Brillouin zone boundary in the low-temperature magnetically
      ordered state. Measurements along the (1/2 1/2 L) and (H H 1/2 - H) reciprocal
      space directions reveal deviations in the spin-wave dispersion from the
      previously reported model. The broad asymmetric shape of the peaks in energy
      signifies strong spin-wave damping by interactions with the particle-hole
      continuum. Their energy width exhibits no evident anomalies as a function of
      momentum along the (1/2 1/2 L) direction which could be attributed to Fermi
      surface nesting effects, implying the absence of pronounced commensurate nesting
      vectors at the magnetic zone boundary. In agreement with a previous study, we
      find no signatures of the superconducting transition in the magnetic excitation
      spectrum, such as a magnetic resonant mode or a superconducting spin gap, either
      at the magnetic ordering wavevector (0 0 1/2) or at the zone boundary. However,
      the low superconducting transition temperature in this material still leaves the
      possibility of such features being weak and therefore hidden below the incoherent
      background at energies ? 0.1 meV, precluding their detection by INS.

PMID- 22037318
TI  - Correlation of serum HE4 with tumor size and myometrial invasion in endometrial
      cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the utility of serum (HE4) as a marker for high risk
      disease in patients with endometrial cancer (EC). METHODS: Preoperative serum HE4
      levels were measured from a cohort of 75 patients surgically treated for EC.
      Cases were compared to matched controls without a history of cancer. HE4 levels
      were analyzed as a function of primary tumor diameter, grade, stage and
      histological subtype. Wilcoxon rank-sum test, ROC curve, Spearman rank
      correlation coefficient and contingency tables were used for statistical
      analyses. RESULTS: Stage distribution was as follows: 49 stage I, 2 stage II, 20
      stage III, 4 stage IV. Type I EC was present in 54 patients, type II in 21.
      Median HE4 was significantly elevated in both types I and II EC compared to
      controls (P<0.001 and P=0.019, respectively). There was significant correlation
      between type I EC, median HE4, deep myometrial invasion (MI) (>50%, P<0.001) and
      primary tumor diameter (PTD) (>2 cm, P=0.002). Low risk patients (type I, MI <=
      50% and PTD <= 2 cm) had significantly lower median HE4 compared to all other
      type I EC patients (P<0.01). In comparison to prior investigations, HE4 (cutoff
      of 8 mfi) was more sensitive than CA125 in detecting advanced stage disease.
      CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that HE4 is elevated in a high proportion of EC
      patients, is correlated with PTD and MI, and is more sensitive than CA125 in EC.
      These observations suggest potential utility of HE4 in the preoperative
      prediction of high risk disease and the necessity for definitive surgical
      staging.

PMID- 22037320
TI  - Is robotic surgery cost-effective:  yes.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: With the expanding use of new technology in the treatment of
      clinically localized prostate cancer (PCa), the financial burden on the
      healthcare system and the individual has been important. Robotics offer many
      potential advantages to the surgeon and the patient. We assessed the potential
      cost-effectiveness of robotics in urological surgery and performed a comparative
      cost analysis with respect to other potential treatment modalities. RECENT
      FINDINGS: The direct and indirect costs of purchasing, maintaining, and operating
      the robot must be compared to alternatives in treatment of localized PCa. Some
      expanding technologies including intensity-modulated radiation therapy are
      significantly more expensive than robotic surgery. Furthermore, the benefits of
      robotics including decreased length of stay and return to work are considerable
      and must be measured when evaluating its cost-effectiveness. SUMMARY: Robot
      assisted laparoscopic surgery comes at a high cost but can become cost-effective
      in mostly high-volume centers with high-volume surgeons. The device when utilized
      to its maximum potential and with eventual market-driven competition can become
      affordable.

PMID- 22037322
TI  - Community resilience and health: the role of bonding, bridging, and linking
      aspects of social capital.
AB  - The current study draws on data from the 2007 and 2009 Citizenship Survey
      collected in England (n=17,572) to explore the role of social capital in building
      community resilience and health, using the bonding, bridging, and linking social
      capital framework of Szreter and Woolcock (2004). The results show that the
      indicators of the different types of social capital are only weakly interrelated,
      suggesting that they capture different aspects of the social environment. In line
      with the expectations, most indicators of bonding, bridging, and linking social
      capital were significantly associated with neighbourhood deprivation and self
      reported health. In particular bonding and bridging social cohesion, civic
      participation, heterogeneous socio-economic relationships, and political efficacy
      and trust appeared important for community health after controlling for
      neighbourhood deprivation. However, no support was found for the hypothesis that
      the different aspects help buffer against the detrimental influences of
      neighbourhood deprivation.

PMID- 22037321
TI  - Developing a successful robotics program.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Advancements in the robotic surgical technology have
      revolutionized the standard of care for many surgical procedures. The purpose of
      this review is to evaluate the important considerations in developing a new
      robotics program at a given healthcare institution. RECENT FINDINGS: Patients'
      interest in robotic-assisted surgery has and continues to grow because of
      improved outcomes and decreased periods of hospitalization. Resulting market
      forces have created a solid foundation for the implementation of robotic surgery
      into surgical practice. Given proper surgeon experience and an efficient system,
      robotic-assisted procedures have been cost comparable to open surgical
      alternatives. Surgeon training and experience is closely linked to the efficiency
      of a new robotics program. Formally trained robotic surgeons have better patient
      outcomes and shorter operative times. Training in robotics has shown no negative
      impact on patient outcomes or mentor learning curves. SUMMARY: Individual
      economic factors of local healthcare settings must be evaluated when planning for
      a new robotics program. The high cost of the robotic surgical platform is best
      offset with a large surgical volume. A mature, experienced surgeon is integral to
      the success of a new robotics program.

PMID- 22037323
TI  - Can we trust your data?

PMID- 22037324
TI  - Reader poses questions regarding article's methodology.

PMID- 22037326
TI  - A specialist breast care nurse role for women with metastatic breast cancer:
      enhancing supportive care.

PMID- 22037327
TI  - Managing families with a hereditary cancer syndrome.

PMID- 22037328
TI  - Fatigue and physical performance in children and adolescents receiving
      chemotherapy.
AB  - PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To examine the relationship between physical performance and
      fatigue in child and adolescent cohorts during the first three cycles of
      chemotherapy. DESIGN: Prospective, observational design. SETTING: Two pediatric
      cancer centers in the upper Midwest region of the United States. SAMPLE: 16
      children and 14 adolescents newly diagnosed with cancer. METHODS: Standardized
      instruments were administered during the first and third cycles of chemotherapy.
      Instruments included physical performance tests (Timed Up and Down Stairs [TUDS]
      and the 6-Minute Walk Test [6MWT]) and a self-report fatigue scale. MAIN RESEARCH
      VARIABLES: Fatigue and physical performance. FINDINGS: In the child cohort,
      physical performance appeared to improve and fatigue diminished from cycle 1 to 3
      of chemotherapy. When time on TUDS decreased, fatigue tended to decrease; when
      6MWT distance increased, fatigue decreased. In the adolescent cohort, fatigue
      seemed to decrease but physical performance measures evidenced little change.
      Correlations between changes in the physical performance variables and fatigue
      were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Fatigue may decrease early in treatment as
      disease symptoms resolve. Fatigue in the child cohort was related to physical
      performance, which is consistent with previous studies that defined fatigue in
      children as primarily a physical sensation. Findings in the adolescent cohort
      support research that defined adolescent fatigue as more complex with mental,
      emotional, and physical components. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Knowing how fatigue
      relates to physical performance in children and adolescents informs the nurse in
      educating patients and families about symptom management.

PMID- 22037329
TI  - Implementation of an evidence-based order set to impact initial antibiotic time
      intervals in adult febrile neutropenia.
AB  - PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of the implementation of a
      standardized order set on the time interval in initiation of antibiotic therapy
      for adult patients with cancer and febrile neutropenia. DESIGN: Practice change.
      SETTING: The oncology unit of an urban hospital in the south-eastern United
      States. SAMPLE: Adult patients with cancer and febrile neutropenia admitted six
      months prior to (n = 30) or during the three months following (n = 23)
      implementation of the order set. METHODS: Literature regarding febrile
      neutropenia, use of order sets, and change process was reviewed. In addition, a
      retrospective and concurrent chart review was conducted for adult patients
      admitted with febrile neutropenia. Time intervals were analyzed using SPSS(r)
      software, version 18. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES: Initial antibiotic times, order
      set use, and length of stay. FINDINGS: An overall reduction in time intervals for
      initiation of antibiotic therapy was observed for presentation (t = 2.25; degrees
      of freedom [df] = 37; p = 0.031) and order (t = 2.67; df = 40.17; p = 0.012) to
      antibiotic administration, with an order-set usage of 31% in the inpatient unit
      and 71% in the emergency department. CONCLUSIONS: Findings in the presence of low
      order-set usage suggest that staff education and placement of the order-set
      antibiotics in unit-based medication dispensing machines helped reduce time
      intervals for initial antibiotic therapy. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: The use of an
      evidence-based approach to nursing care is essential to achieving the best
      outcomes for patients with febrile neutropenia. Incorporation of current evidence
      into an order set to guide clinical practice and comprehensive nurse, pharmacy,
      and physician education are needed for the successful implementation of evidence
      based practice changes.

PMID- 22037330
TI  - Symptom clusters and quality of life in older adult breast cancer survivors.
AB  - PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To identify symptom clusters in older adult breast cancer
      survivors (ages 65-97 years) and examine whether symptom clusters are related to
      demographic, health, and quality-of-life variables. DESIGN: Factor analysis to
      identify possible symptom clusters. The resulting clusters then were correlated
      with quality-of-life measures. SETTING: Phone interviews between the participants
      and a trained research nurse. SAMPLE: 192 breast cancer survivors (X age = 70).
      METHODS: This was a secondary data analysis of the baseline measures of
      demographics, health history, symptom bother, and physical, mental, and
      existential dimensions of quality of life. Exploratory and confirmatory factor
      analyses were conducted as well as multiple indicator multiple cause modeling and
      partial correlation analyses to assess the relationships among clusters and
      demographic, health history, and quality-of-life measures. MAIN RESEARCH
      VARIABLES: Self-reported symptom bother, demographics such as age and education
      level, health history, and quality of life. FINDINGS: Seven clinically distinct
      symptom clusters tapping 36 different symptoms in older adult breast cancer
      survivors were found. These symptom clusters were significantly related to
      multiple dimensions of quality of life. CONCLUSIONS: Older adult breast cancer
      survivors experience multiple concurrent symptoms that appear to cluster.
      Identifying symptom clusters helps to elucidate possible intersymptom
      relationships which may lead to the design of more effective symptom management
      interventions for older adult breast cancer survivors. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING:
      Older adult breast cancer survivors should be assessed for a wide variety of
      symptoms if clinicians hope to identify and understand intersymptom
      relationships. Such assessment would enable more comprehensive symptom
      management.

PMID- 22037331
TI  - Engaging in medical vigilance: understanding the personal meaning of breast
      surveillance.
AB  - PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To explore how women with a hereditary risk of breast cancer
      experience living with and managing that risk through surveillance. RESEARCH
      APPROACH: Hermeneutic phenomenology guided the qualitative research design.
      SETTING: The Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered online organization.
      PARTICIPANTS: 9 women undergoing breast surveillance for hereditary breast cancer
      risk recruited through purposive sampling. METHODOLOGIC APPROACH: Data were
      collected through semistructured interviews lasting about an hour. A team
      approach guided data analysis of transcribed interview text based on a modified
      Diekelman, Allen, and Tanner method. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES: Lived experience
      and personal meaning of hereditary breast cancer risk and surveillance. FINDINGS:
      Hereditary risk of breast cancer involves a change in one's view of life and
      necessitates engaging in medical vigilance, often making these women feel ill
      when they are otherwise healthy. Most have personal family experiences of cancer
      and value surveillance, although they live with the "what if" of a cancer
      diagnosis when waiting for surveillance results. All women discussed a need for
      accurate information, support, and guidance from healthcare providers.
      CONCLUSIONS: Women became their own experts at living with and managing
      hereditary breast cancer risk. Experiences and interactions within the healthcare
      system influenced the meaning of breast surveillance. INTERPRETATION: Nurses
      should be aware of the high level of knowledge among women living with hereditary
      risk and respect their knowledge by providing accurate and informed care. That
      can occur only through proper education of nurses and all healthcare
      professionals working with women at risk for hereditary breast cancer so that
      they understand current standards of care and how hereditary breast cancer risk
      is defined and managed.

PMID- 22037332
TI  - Ovarian cancer survivors: qualitative analysis of the symptom of sexuality.
AB  - PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To better understand treatment-induced changes in sexuality
      from the patient perspective, to learn how women manage these changes in
      sexuality, and to identify what information they want from nurses about this
      symptom. RESEARCH APPROACH: Qualitative descriptive methods. SETTING: An
      outpatient gynecologic clinic in an urban area in the southeastern United States
      served as the recruitment site for patients. PARTICIPANTS: Eight women, ages 33
      69, receiving first-line treatment for ovarian cancer participated in individual
      interviews. Five women, ages 40-75, participated in a focus group and their
      status ranged from newly diagnosed to terminally ill from ovarian cancer.
      METHODOLOGIC APPROACH: Both individual interviews and a focus group were
      conducted. Content analysis was used to identify themes that described the
      experience of women as they became aware of changes in their sexuality.
      Triangulation of approach, the researchers, and theory allowed for a rich
      description of the symptom experience. FINDINGS: Regardless of age, women
      reported that ovarian cancer treatment had a detrimental impact on their
      sexuality and that the changes made them feel "no longer whole." Mechanical
      changes caused by surgery coupled with hormonal changes added to the intensity
      and dimension of the symptom experience. Physiologic, psychological, and social
      factors also impacted how this symptom was experienced. CONCLUSIONS: Regardless
      of age or relationship status, sexuality is altered by the diagnosis and
      treatment of ovarian cancer. INTERPRETATION: Nurses have an obligation to educate
      women with ovarian cancer about anticipated changes in their sexuality that may
      come from treatment.

PMID- 22037333
TI  - Nurses' perceptions of educational gaps in delivering end-of-life care.
AB  - PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To assess end-of-life (EOL) care core competencies deemed
      most important with corresponding educational needs from oncology nurses and to
      describe the characteristics of the respondents that are associated with
      selection of the top-ranked core competencies. DESIGN: Descriptive, cross
      sectional study. SETTING: Mailed and online surveys. SAMPLE: 714 members of the
      Oncology Nursing Society from Georgia, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
      METHODS: Responses to a mailed or e-mailed researcher-developed questionnaire
      during a six-month period were collated and analyzed. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES:
      Ranking of EOL care core competencies and perceived gaps in EOL continuing
      education. FINDINGS: Almost all of the respondents indicated that EOL care was a
      part of their practice and that continuing education was important, but more than
      half of the respondents had fewer than two hours of continuing education
      regarding EOL care in the past two years. Twenty-five percent of the respondents
      do not believe they are adequately prepared to effectively care for a dying
      patient. Symptom management was the top-rated core competency, consistent across
      age, education level, practice role, and practice setting. How to talk to
      patients and families about dying and what comprises palliative care also was
      selected frequently. CONCLUSIONS: Symptom management is the number one core
      competency, and the quantity and quality of EOL continuing education is
      inadequate. Educational gaps exist in EOL nursing care. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING:
      Assessing what nurses believe to be leading EOL core competencies is useful in
      improving educational curricula along with considering characteristics of nurses
      when planning EOL educational programs.

PMID- 22037334
TI  - Nurses' use of hazardous drug-handling precautions and awareness of national
      safety guidelines.
AB  - PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To determine patterns of personal protective equipment (PPE)
      used by oncology nurses while handling hazardous drugs (HDs) and to assess
      knowledge of the 2004 National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
      (NIOSH) Alert and its effect on precaution use. DESIGN: Descriptive,
      correlational. SETTING: The Oncology Nursing Society 31st Annual Congress in
      Boston, MA, in 2006. SAMPLE: 330 nurses who prepared and/or administered
      chemotherapy. METHODS: Nurses described HD safe-handling precaution use by self
      report survey. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES: The availability and use of biologic
      safety cabinets and PPE. FINDINGS: Respondents were well educated (57% had a
      bachelor's degree or more), experienced (X = 19, SD = 10.2 years in nursing and X
      = 12, SD = 7.9 years in oncology), and certified (70%; majority OCN(r)). Forty
      seven percent of respondents were aware of the NIOSH Alert. Thirty-five percent
      of all participants and 93% of nurses in private practice settings reported
      preparing chemotherapy. Glove use (95%-100%) was higher than that reported in
      earlier studies, and gown use for drug preparation (65%), drug administration
      (50%), and handling excretions (23%) have remained unchanged. Double-gloving was
      rare (11%-18%). Nurses in private practices were less likely to have chemotherapy
      designated PPE available, use PPE, and use spill kits for HD spills. CONCLUSIONS:
      Nurses have adopted glove use for HD handling; however, gown use remains
      comparatively low. Chemotherapy-designated PPE is not always provided by
      employers. Nurses lack awareness of current safety guidelines. IMPLICATIONS FOR
      NURSING: Nurses must know about the risks of HD exposure and ways to reduce
      exposure. Employers must provide appropriate PPE and encourage its use.
      Alternative methods of disseminating safety recommendations are needed.

PMID- 22037335
TI  - Measuring oncology nurses' psychosocial care practices and needs: results of an
      Oncology Nursing Society psychosocial survey.
AB  - PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To develop and implement a survey of Oncology Nursing Society
      (ONS) members focused on their current practices and needs in relation to
      providing psychosocial care. DESIGN: Descriptive, cross-sectional. SETTING: Web
      based survey of ONS members. SAMPLE: An invitation was e-mailed to 11,171 ONS
      members. Of those, 623 followed the link to the electronic survey and 64% of
      those (n = 401) completed the survey. METHODS: An ONS Psychosocial Project Team
      was convened in 2009. One of the team's goals was to develop a survey to assess
      members' needs. The final survey consisted of 24 items, including five items
      related to demographic characteristics. Response formats included Likert-type
      scale, yes and no, and open-ended questions. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES:
      Psychosocial care practices, education, and research. FINDINGS: Psychosocial
      concerns are assessed using a variety of methods. Nurse perceptions regarding
      primary responsibility for providing psychosocial services differ by group.
      Barriers to the provision of psychosocial care exist at the individual,
      institutional, and community levels. CONCLUSIONS: Although nurses assess
      patients' psychosocial needs, multiple barriers still exist related to
      interdisciplinary communication; knowledge of the Institute of Medicine's
      recommendations; and resources at the individual, institutional, and community
      levels. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: The survey results were presented to the ONS
      Board of Directors, along with a three-year plan that included recommendations
      for future development of advocacy, practice, education, and research
      initiatives. Additional work is needed to effectively support RNs in their
      provision of psychosocial care to patients and families.

PMID- 22037336
TI  - Oncology update.

PMID- 22037338
TI  - Comparison of breast cancer risk estimations, risk perception, and screening
      behaviors in obese rural Korean women.
AB  - PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To assess three breast cancer risk assessment tools in obese
      rural Korean women. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey design. SETTING: Community
      settings in the rural region of northeastern South Korea. SAMPLE: A nested cohort
      sample of 64 severely obese women aged 40-60 years from the Korean Genomic
      Regional Cohort registry. METHODS: The Breast Cancer Risk Assessment Tool of the
      National Cancer Institute (BCRAT-NCI), Breast Cancer Risk Appraisal for Korean
      Women (BCRA-K), and Estimation of Individualized Probabilities of Developing
      Breast Cancer for Korean Women (EIPDBC-K) were used for interview data.
      Mammography, women's perceptions, and screening behaviors also were analyzed.
      MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES: Breast cancer risk assessment, mammography findings,
      women's perceptions of breast cancer risk, and breast cancer screening behaviors.
      FINDINGS: A total of 5 (BCRAT-NCI), 19 (BCRA-K), and 43 (EIPDBC-K) women were at
      higher (above average or high) risk for breast cancer. The BCRA-K (r = 0.28, p <
      0.05) and EIPDBC-K (r = 0.43, p < 0.001) correlated with mammography findings.
      However, the BCRAT-NCI correlated only with the BCRA-K. Women's breast self
      examination (chi2 = 4.77, p < 0.05) and mammography findings (chi2 = 5.22, p <
      0.05) differed according to their risk perception. CONCLUSIONS: Risk assessment
      by the BCRA-K and EIPDBC-K was related to mammography findings. Women's
      perception of breast cancer risk influenced their screening behaviors. When
      choosing a risk assessment tool, healthcare professionals should consider the
      ethnic and cultural backgrounds of the target population. IMPLICATIONS FOR
      NURSING: Healthcare professionals should use appropriate risk assessment tools in
      breast cancer education and counseling to help women understand their risk
      factors and adopt proper health behaviors.

PMID- 22037339
TI  - What do nurses want to learn from death education? A survey of their needs.
AB  - PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To identify what nurses want to know most about death
      education and to obtain baseline data to improve nurses' training and education.
      DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey. SETTING: Seven hospitals in Shanghai, China.
      SAMPLE: 617 RNs. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey using a self-report
      questionnaire was administered to a purposive sample of RNs. The data were
      analyzed with SAS(r) statistical software, version 9.1.3. MAIN RESEARCH
      VARIABLES: Nurses' content needs in death education and the characteristics
      associated with those needs. FINDINGS: Eight dimensions of needs were extracted
      by factor analysis from the results. The dimension of managing issues associated
      with death and dying had the highest score (X = 4.13), whereas issues associated
      with funeral planning had the lowest score (X = 3.51). The multiple linear
      regression analysis showed that three factors may have influenced the nurses'
      needs in death education: educational background, previous training about death
      education, and hospital size. CONCLUSIONS: Nurses had high levels of need in the
      content of death education, particularly regarding knowledge and skills in coping
      with death and dying patients (e.g., caring for patients and their families
      physically and psychologically). IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Educators and
      administrators should strive to provide high-quality training for nurses and
      consider the roles of culture, religion, and sociodemographic characteristics
      when designing death education programs.

PMID- 22037340
TI  - Gender and ethnic differences in colorectal cancer screening embarrassment and
      physician gender preferences.
AB  - PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To examine colorectal cancer (CRC) screening embarrassment
      among men and women from three ethnic groups and the associated physician gender
      preference by patient gender and ethnicity. DESIGN: Cross-sectional, purposive
      sampling. SETTING: Urban community in Brooklyn, NY. SAMPLE: A purpose-derived,
      convenience sample of 245 European American, African American, and immigrant
      Jamaican men and women (aged 45-70 years) living in Brooklyn, NY. METHODS:
      Participants provided demographics and completed a comprehensive measure of CRC
      screening embarrassment. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES: Participant gender and
      ethnicity, physician gender, and CRC screening embarrassment regarding feces or
      the rectum and unwanted physical intimacy. FINDINGS: As predicted, men and women
      both reported reduced fecal and rectal embarrassment and intimacy concern
      regarding same-gender physicians. As expected, Jamaicans reported greater
      embarrassment regarding feces or the rectum compared to European Americans and
      African Americans; however, in contrast to expectations, women reported less
      embarrassment than men. Interactions indicated that rectal and fecal
      embarrassment was particularly high among Jamaican men. CONCLUSIONS: Men and
      women have a preference for same-gender physicians, and embarrassment regarding
      feces and the rectum shows the most consistent ethnic and gender variation.
      IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Discussing embarrassment and its causes, as well as
      providing an opportunity to choose a same-gender physician, may be promising
      strategies to reduce or manage embarrassment and increase CRC screening
      attendance.

PMID- 22037341
TI  - Evaluation of a comprehensive rehabilitation program for post-treatment patients
      with cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of a rehabilitation program on
      quality of life, fatigue, fear of movement (kinesiophobia), distress, anxiety,
      depression, and physical condition. DESIGN: Pretest/post-test. SETTING: An
      outpatient rehabilitation setting in the Oncology Centre at the University
      Hospital Brussels in Belgium. SAMPLE: 36 patients who had completed cancer
      treatment with a curative potential. METHODS: Participants completed a
      questionnaire and underwent a physical test at baseline and at the end of the
      program. The measurement instruments used included the European Organisation for
      Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality-of-Life Questionnaire-Core 30,
      Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Fatigue, Hospital Anxiety and Depression
      Scale, RAND-36, Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, Distress Barometer, and Tecumseh
      Step Test. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES: Quality of life, fatigue, kinesiophobia,
      distress, anxiety, depression, and physical condition. FINDINGS: Significant
      improvement was observed in quality of life (p < 0.001), physical condition (p =
      0.007), fatigue (p = 0.01), and depression (p = 0.012). In contrast,
      kinesiophobia (p = 0.229), distress (p = 0.344), and anxiety (p = 0.101) did not
      change significantly. CONCLUSIONS: A general and significant improvement in all
      aspects affecting quality of life and rehabilitation was observed, but less so
      for aspects that might be influenced by prognostic concerns. The relative
      contribution of the program versus spontaneous recovery and long-term impact need
      to be determined further in a prospective randomized study. IMPLICATIONS FOR
      NURSING: Multidisciplinary rehabilitation should become part of the total care
      plan for patients with cancer.

PMID- 22037342
TI  - A symptom cluster and sentinel symptom experienced by women with lung cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To determine the symptom experience and a sentinel symptom
      and to describe the relationship of participant characteristics with symptom
      clusters. DESIGN: Prospective, correlational study. SETTING: Clinical sites in
      five U.S. states. SAMPLE: 196 women six months to five years after non-small cell
      lung cancer diagnosis. METHODS: Symptoms were measured during the past day and
      past four weeks. Symptom clusters were described using a novel dummy coding
      approach. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES: Symptom occurrence and severity, demographic
      and clinical characteristics, health status factors, and meaning of illness.
      FINDINGS: About 98% of women experienced three or more symptoms in the past day.
      The most common symptoms reported by more than 80% of the women were fatigue,
      shortness of breath, anorexia, cough, and pain, with fatigue and shortness of
      breath rated as most severe. Sleep problems, concentration problems, and weight
      loss also were reported during the past four weeks. A five-symptom cluster
      including fatigue, shortness of breath, cough, pain, and anorexia was reported by
      64% of women. Pain was identified as a sentinel symptom for that cluster.
      CONCLUSIONS: Most women experienced at least three symptoms in the past day, and
      a five-symptom cluster occurred frequently and continued post-treatment.
      IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Women who participated in the study were, on average,
      two years postdiagnosis, but most experienced three or more symptoms well past
      treatment; therefore, vigilant ongoing clinical assessment of these women is
      essential. A co-occurring sentinel symptom used as a clinical indicator for the
      presence of a symptom cluster may be useful for clinical assessment.

PMID- 22037343
TI  - Improving the safety of chemotherapy administration: an oncology nurse-led
      failure mode and effects analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To assess and improve the safety of hospital-based adult
      chemotherapy administration. DESIGN: Prospective, systems-focused clinical risk
      assessment. SETTING: An adult inpatient and outpatient oncology unit in a large
      urban hospital in the United Kingdom. SAMPLE: 8-person nurse-led
      multidisciplinary team, which included managerial staff and patient safety
      researchers. METHODS: Failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA), a prospective,
      systems-focused risk assessment methodology, was undertaken in biweekly team
      meetings and included mapping the chemotherapy administration process,
      identifying and numerically prioritizing potential errors (failure modes) for
      each process step, and generating remedial strategies to counteract them. MAIN
      RESEARCH VARIABLES: The analysis aimed to identify chemotherapy administration
      failure modes and to generate remedial strategies to address them. User feedback
      on the FMEA process also was collected. FINDINGS: Several specific chemotherapy
      failure modes were identified, the majority of which had not previously been
      recognized, and several novel strategies to counteract them were generated. Many
      of the strategies were specific, environment-focused actions, which are simple,
      quick, and inexpensive to implement; however, more substantive, longer-term
      initiatives also were generated. User feedback generally was very positive, and
      the process of undertaking the analysis improved multidisciplinary teamwork and
      communication. CONCLUSIONS: Although time and resource intensive, FMEA is a
      useful safety improvement tool. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Nurses should be aware
      of and informed about FMEA as a tool they can use in partnership with management
      and other disciplines to proactively and collectively improve the safety of high
      risk oncology procedures such as chemotherapy administration.

PMID- 22037344
TI  - Fatigue in young survivors of extracranial childhood cancer: a Finnish nationwide
      survey.
AB  - PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES: To evaluate self-reports of fatigue by young cancer survivors
      (aged 11-18 years), to compare young survivors' fatigue scores with the scores of
      a healthy control group and of the parent proxy evaluation, and to analyze
      whether demographic or disease-related factors are associated with young
      survivors' fatigue. DESIGN: Cross-sectional quantitative study. SETTING: An urban
      hospital in southwestern Finland. SAMPLE: 384 survivors diagnosed with an
      extracranial malignancy at age 16 or younger, who have survived four or more
      years postdiagnosis, and who are free of cancer. General matched population
      controls were randomly selected from the Finnish Population Registry. METHODS:
      Demographic data and a self-report written fatigue questionnaire. MAIN RESEARCH
      VARIABLES: Total fatigue (TF), general fatigue (GF), sleep or rest fatigue (SF),
      and cognitive fatigue. FINDINGS: The control populations reported significantly
      more issues with TF, GF, and SF than did the survivor population. In survivors,
      older age, the need for remedial education at school, and a sarcoma diagnosis
      were associated with increasing fatigue, whereas female gender, better school
      grades, and greater health-related quality-of-life (HRQOL) scores were associated
      with lower fatigue. The study variables explained 49%-65% of the variation in
      fatigue scores. CONCLUSIONS: Although survivors and their matched controls seem
      to have similar fatigue, subgroups of survivors do experience excessive fatigue,
      which may have an impact on their HRQOL. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: This study
      increases the knowledge about fatigue levels of young survivors of extracranial
      malignancies and identifies the need for instruments specifically designed to
      assess fatigue in this population. The healthcare team should pay attention to
      the fatigue level of young survivors, particularly SF.

PMID- 22037346
TI  - [Pulmonary embolism and internal medicine].

PMID- 22037345
TI  - Parts plus pipes: synthetic biology approaches to metabolic engineering.
AB  - Synthetic biologists combine modular biological "parts" to create higher-order
      devices. Metabolic engineers construct biological "pipes" by optimizing the
      microbial conversion of basic substrates to desired compounds. Many scientists
      work at the intersection of these two philosophies, employing synthetic devices
      to enhance metabolic engineering efforts. These integrated approaches promise to
      do more than simply improve product yields; they can expand the array of products
      that are tractable to produce biologically. In this review, we explore the
      application of synthetic biology techniques to next-generation metabolic
      engineering challenges, as well as the emerging engineering principles for
      biological design.

PMID- 22037347
TI  - [Gene therapy and rare diseases].

PMID- 22037348
TI  - Coronary and microvascular thrombolysis with guided diagnostic ultrasound and
      microbubbles in acute ST segment elevation myocardial infarction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: During a microbubble infusion, guided high-mechanical index impulses
      from a diagnostic two-dimensional transducer improve microvascular recanalization
      in acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. The purpose of this study
      was to further elucidate the mechanism of improved microvascular flow in normal
      and hyperlipidemic atherosclerotic pigs. METHODS: In 14 otherwise normal pigs,
      acute left anterior descending thrombotic coronary occlusions were created. Pigs
      subsequently received aspirin, heparin, and half-dose fibrinolytic agent
      (tenecteplase or tissue plasminogen activator), followed by randomization to
      either no additional treatment (group I) or a continuous infusion of nontargeted
      microbubbles and guided high-mechanical index impulses from a three-dimensional
      transducer (group II). Epicardial recanalization rates, ST-segment resolution,
      microsphere-derived myocardial blood flow, and ultimate infarct size using
      myocardial contrast echocardiography were compared. The same coronary thrombosis
      was created in a set of 12 hypercholesterolemic pigs, which were then treated
      with the same pharmacologic and ultrasound regimen (group III, n = 6) or the
      pharmacologic regimen alone (group IV, n = 6). RESULTS: Epicardial recanalization
      rates in groups I and II were the same (29%), but peri-infarct myocardial blood
      flow and ultimate infarct size improved after treatment in group II (P < .01 vs
      group I). In group III, epicardial recanalization was 100% (vs. 50% in group IV),
      and there were significant reductions in ultimate infarct size (P = .02 compared
      with group IV). CONCLUSIONS: Guided high-mechanical index impulses from a
      diagnostic transducer and nontargeted microbubbles improve peri-infarct
      microvascular flow in acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction, even when
      epicardial recanalization does not occur.

PMID- 22037349
TI  - Inverse relation of body weight and weight change with mortality and morbidity in
      patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular co-morbidity: an analysis of the
      PROactive study population.
AB  - CONTEXT: Although weight reduction is a recommended goal in type 2 diabetes
      mellitus (T2DM), weight loss is linked to impaired survival in patients with some
      chronic cardiovascular diseases. OBJECTIVE: To assess the association of weight
      and weight change with mortality and non-fatal cardiovascular outcomes
      (hospitalisation, myocardial infarction and stroke) in T2DM patients with
      cardiovascular co-morbidity and the effect of pioglitazone-induced weight change
      on mortality. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: We assessed in a post hoc analysis body
      weight and weight change in relation to outcome in 5202 patients from the
      PROactive trial population who had T2DM and evidence of pre-existing
      cardiovascular disease. Patients were randomized to treatment with pioglitazone
      or placebo in addition to their concomitant glucose-lowering and cardiovascular
      medication. Mean follow up was 34.5 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The impact of
      body weight and body weight change on all-cause mortality, cardiovascular
      mortality, on non-fatal cardiovascular events and on hospitalisation. RESULTS:
      The lowest mortality was seen in patients with BMI 30-35 kg/m(2) at baseline. In
      comparison to this (reference group), patients in the placebo group with BMI <22
      kg/m(2) (Hazard Ratio (95% confidence intervals) 2.96 [1.27 to 6.86]; P=0.012)
      and BMI 22 to 25 kg/m(2) (HR 1.88 [1.11 to 3.21]; P=0.019) had a higher all-cause
      mortality. Weight loss was associated with increased total mortality (HR per 1%
      body weight: 1.13 [1.11 to 1.16]; P<0.0001), with increased cardiovascular
      mortality, all-cause hospitalisation and the composite of death, myocardial
      infarction and stroke. Weight loss of >=7.5% body weight (seen in 18.3% of
      patients) was the strongest cut-point to predict impaired survival (multivariable
      adjusted HR 4.42 [3.30 to 5.94]. Weight gain was not associated with increased
      mortality. Weight gain in patients treated with pioglitazone (mean+4.0+/-6.1 kg)
      predicted a better prognosis (HR per 1% weight gain: 0.96 [0.92 to 1.00] P=0.037)
      compared to patients without weight gain. CONCLUSION: Among patients with T2DM
      and cardiovascular co-morbidity, overweight and obese patients had a lower
      mortality compared to patients with normal weight. Weight loss but not weight
      gain was associated with increased mortality and morbidity. There may be an
      "obesity paradox" in patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular risk. The
      original PROactive trial is registered as an International Standard Randomized
      Controlled Trial (Number ISRCTN NCT00174993).

PMID- 22037350
TI  - Neuronal activity and axonal sprouting differentially regulate CNTF and CNTF
      receptor complex in the rat supraoptic nucleus.
AB  - We demonstrated previously that the hypothalamic supraoptic nucleus (SON)
      undergoes a robust axonal sprouting response following unilateral transection of
      the hypothalamo-neurohypophysial tract. Concomitant with this response is an
      increase in ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) and CNTF receptor alpha
      (CNTFRalpha) expression in the contralateral non-uninjured SON from which the
      axonal outgrowth occurs. While these findings suggest that CNTF may act as a
      growth factor in support of neuronal plasticity in the SON, it remained to be
      determined if the observed increase in neurotrophin expression was related to the
      sprouting response per se or more generally to the increased neurosecretory
      activity associated with the post-lesion response. Therefore we used
      immunocytochemistry and Western blot analysis to examine the expression of CNTF
      and the components of the CNTF receptor complex in sprouting versus osmotically
      stimulated SON. Western blot analysis revealed a significant increase in CNTF,
      CNTFRalpha, and gp130, but not LIFRbeta, protein levels in the sprouting SON at
      10days post lesion in the absence of neuronal loss. In contrast, osmotic
      stimulation of neurosecretory activity in the absence of injury resulted in a
      significant decrease in CNTF protein levels with no change in CNTFRalpha, gp130,
      or LIFRbeta protein levels. Immunocytochemical analysis further demonstrated
      gp130 localization on magnocellular neurons and astrocytes while the LIFRbeta
      receptor was found only on astrocytes in the SON. These results are consistent
      with the hypothesis that increased CNTF and CNTFR complex in the sprouting,
      metabolically active SON are related directly to the sprouting response and not
      the increase in neurosecretory activity.

PMID- 22037351
TI  - Perturbation of 14q32 miRNAs-cMYC gene network in osteosarcoma.
AB  - Osteosarcoma (OS) is the common histological form of primary bone cancer and one
      of the leading aggressive cancers in children under age fifteen. Although several
      genetic predisposing conditions have been associated with OS the understanding of
      its molecular etiology is limited. Here, we show that microRNAs (miRNAs) at the
      chr.14q32 locus are significantly downregulated in osteosarcoma compared to
      normal bone tissues. Bioinformatic predictions identified that a subset of 14q32
      miRNAs (miR-382, miR-369-3p, miR-544 and miR-134) could potentially target cMYC
      transcript. The physical interaction between these 14q32 miRNAs and cMYC was
      validated using reporter assays. Further, restoring expression of these four
      14q32 miRNAs decreased cMYC levels and induced apoptosis in Saos2 cells. We also
      show that exogenous expression of 14q32 miRNAs in Saos2 cells significantly
      downregulated miR-17-92, a transcriptional target of cMYC. The pro-apoptotic
      effect of 14q32 miRNAs in Saos2 cells was rescued either by overexpression of
      cMYC cDNA without the 3'UTR or with miR-17-92 cluster. Further, array comparative
      genomic hybridization studies showed no DNA copy number changes at 14q32 locus in
      OS patient samples suggesting that downregulation of 14q32 miRNAs are not due to
      deletion at this locus. Together, our data support a model where the deregulation
      of a network involving 14q32 miRNAs, cMYC and miR-17-92 miRNAs could contribute
      to osteosarcoma pathogenesis.

PMID- 22037352
TI  - Prevalence of antibodies against seasonal influenza A and B viruses during the
      2009-2010 and 2010-2011 influenza seasons in residents of Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
AB  - Seroprevalence of antibodies against influenza viruses from 1000 people between
      the ages of 0 to 90 years of age (100 samples for each decade of life) in the
      Pittsburgh, PA, USA was measured. One year removed from the outbreak of novel
      H1N1 influenza into the human population in the Northern Hemisphere and following
      the emergence of a new H3N2 influenza isolate, sera was collected to determine
      the hemagglutination-inhibition antibodies against influenza A/H1N1, A/H3N2, and
      B viruses representative of viruses in the vaccine used for the 2010-2011
      influenza season. The seroprevalence of antibodies to influenza virus,
      A/California/7/2009 (H1N1), increased from the previously reported November 2009
      samples and the samples collected at the end of the 2010 influenza season (June
      2010) during the 2010-2011 season in all age groups, but people the under the age
      of 20 had the highest rise in the number of positive samples. The number of
      individuals positive for H1N1 stayed the same through the entire influenza
      season. In contrast, there were little to no positive serum samples against the
      H3N2 virus, A/Perth/16/2009, from samples collected during the 2009-2010
      influenza season, however, titers against these viruses rose significantly during
      the early months of the 2010-2011 season with the highest number of positive
      samples detected in the very young and very old populations. However, these
      titers waned by May, 2011 in those over the age of 40. There was a rise in adults
      to the B/Brisbane/60/2008 influenza virus in adults in samples collected in
      October, 2010, but these titers quickly declined. The highest titers to B
      influenza were detected in people between the ages of 10-30 years of age. These
      findings may have implications for the development of vaccination strategies
      aiming at the protection against seasonal and/or pandemic influenza virus
      infection and pre-pandemic preparedness activities.

PMID- 22037353
TI  - Homozygous M694V as a risk factor for amyloidosis in Turkish FMF patients.
AB  - Secondary amyloidosis is the most severe complication of familial Mediterranean
      fever (FMF). Since the M694V mutation was associated with clinical severity, it
      was expected to be associated with amyloidosis as well. However, a number of
      contradicting reports have been published, especially pertinent to Turkish
      patients nearly 10years ago. The aim of this study was to analyze recent data
      regarding the association between M694V mutation and amyloidosis among FMF
      patients in Turkey. We conducted a comprehensive review of the literature
      regarding the role of M694V mutation in the development of amyloidosis secondary
      to FMF. Twenty-seven papers from 20 centers including 3505 Turkish subjects were
      reviewed. Four-hundred patients had amyloidosis and homozygous M694V was detected
      in 189 (47%) of the 400 amyloidotic patients which was significantly higher than
      that in the FMF patients not developing amyloidosis (p<0.0001). In the presented
      analysis we were able to reach a patient number of 400 which is much higher than
      all those published hitherto. Our findings confirmed that homozygous M694V is
      associated with amyloidosis in the Turkish population as well similar to Armenia,
      Israel, and Arabian countries. The necessity to treat asymptomatic or mildly
      symptomatic FMF patients with this genotype, even in countries where amyloidosis
      is rare, should be considered carefully.

PMID- 22037354
TI  - Efficacy of therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombus:
      chemoembolization and stent combined with iodine-125 seed.
AB  - The purpose of this study is to analyze the safety and clinical efficacy of
      transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with portal vein stent
      and 125I implantation for the treatment of portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) in
      hepatocellular carcinoma. Fifty-six patients from our department diagnosed with
      advanced hepatocellular carcinoma with PVTT between January 2008 and December 30,
      2010 were divided into two groups. Patients in Group A were treated with TACE and
      portal vein stent; patients in Group B were treated with TACE, portal vein stent
      and 125I implantation. The success rate of TACE with portal vein stent and 125I
      implantation was 100%, with no severe surgery-related complications. After an 8
      mo follow-up, the total clinical benefit rates were 56.7 and 88.5% for Groups A
      and B, respectively (p < 0.05). The median survival times (mOS) for the two
      groups were 5.7 and 8.9 mo, respectively (p < 0.05). The median time of
      progression (mTTP) of the two groups were 5.3 and 7.9 mo, respectively (p <
      0.05). The 2, 6, 8, 12 and 18 mo patency rates in Group A were 100, 93.3, 83.3,
      53.3 and 36.6%. Those in Group B were 100, 100, 92.3, 84.6 and 80.7%. The 2, 6
      and 8 mo patency rates showed no statistical differences (p > 0.05), but the 12
      and 18 mo rates did (p < 0.05). Our results suggest that TACE combined with
      portal vein stent and 125I implantation are both safe and effective, and 125I
      implantation can further postpone the restenosis of the portal vein effectively.

PMID- 22037355
TI  - Nitric oxide converts fatty acid alkoxyl radicals into fatty acid allyl radicals.
AB  - Nitric oxide (()NO) is thought to react with fatty acid alkoxyl radical, which is
      generated from fatty acid hydroperoxide via one-electron reduction. However,
      detail in the reaction remains obscure. In the present study, we examined the
      reaction of nitric oxide with fatty acid alkoxyl radical generated in the
      lipoxygenase/linoleate/13-hydroperoxyoctadecadienoate (13-HpODE) system under
      anaerobic conditions via HPLC equipped with mass spectrometry and photodiode
      array detections. In this reaction system, nitric oxide can scavenge linoleate
      alkoxyl radical, producing 13-ONO-9Z,11E-ODE. However, instead of 13-ONO-9Z,11E
      ODE, 13-NO-9E,11E-ODE and 9-NO-10E,12E-ODE were alternatively detected in the
      reaction solution. To explain this contradiction, we proposed a mechanism as
      follows: (1) 13-ONO-9E/11Z-ODE undergoes homolytic cleavage at >CHONO bond into
      the linoleate allyl radical and nitrogen dioxide, (2) the allyl radical undergoes
      resonance stabilization into the E/E-form, and (3) nitric oxide scavenges the E/E
      pentadiene radical at C9 or C13 position. Consequently, we concluded that nitric
      oxide immediately converts fatty acid alkoxyl radical into allyl radical.

PMID- 22037356
TI  - Allostery and the dynamic oligomerization of porphobilinogen synthase.
AB  - The structural basis for allosteric regulation of porphobilinogen synthase (PBGS)
      is modulation of a quaternary structure equilibrium between octamer and hexamer
      (via dimers), which is represented schematically as 8mer <=> 2mer <=> 2mer*<=>
      6mer*. The "*" represents a reorientation between two domains of each subunit
      that occurs in the dissociated state because it is sterically forbidden in the
      larger multimers. Allosteric effectors of PBGS are both intrinsic and extrinsic
      and are phylogenetically variable. In some species this equilibrium is modulated
      intrinsically by magnesium which binds at a site specific to the 8mer. In other
      species this equilibrium is modulated intrinsically by pH with the guanidinium
      group of an arginine being spatially equivalent to the allosteric magnesium ion.
      In humans, disease associated variants all shift the equilibrium toward the 6mer*
      relative to wild type. The 6mer* has a surface cavity that is not present in the
      8mer and is proposed as a small molecule allosteric binding site. In silico and
      in vitro approaches have revealed species-specific allosteric PBGS inhibitors
      that stabilize the 6mer*. Some of these inhibitors are drugs in clinical use
      leading to the hypothesis that extrinsic allosteric inhibition of human PBGS
      could be a mechanism for drug side effects.

PMID- 22037357
TI  - Surfactant protein B inhibits secretory phospholipase A2 hydrolysis of surfactant
      phospholipids.
AB  - Hydrolysis of surfactant phospholipids (PL) by secretory phospholipases A(2)
      (sPLA(2)) contributes to surfactant damage in inflammatory airway diseases such
      as acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome. We and others have
      reported that each sPLA(2) exhibits specificity in hydrolyzing different PLs in
      pulmonary surfactant and that the presence of hydrophilic surfactant protein A
      (SP-A) alters sPLA(2)-mediated hydrolysis. This report tests the hypothesis that
      hydrophobic SP-B also inhibits sPLA(2)-mediated surfactant hydrolysis. Three
      surfactant preparations were used containing varied amounts of SP-B and
      radiolabeled tracers of phosphatidylcholine (PC) or phosphatidylglycerol (PG): 1)
      washed ovine surfactant (OS) (pre- and postorganic extraction) compared with
      Survanta (protein poor), 2) Survanta supplemented with purified bovine SP-B (1
      5%, wt/wt), and 3) a mixture of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC), 1
      palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-phosphatidylcholine (POPC), and 1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl
      phosphatidylglycerol (POPG) (DPPC:POPC:POPG, 40:40:20) prepared as vesicles and
      monomolecular films in the presence or absence of SP-B. Hydrolysis of PG and PC
      by Group IB sPLA(2) (PLA2G1A) was significantly lower in the extracted OS, which
      contains SP-B, compared with Survanta (P = 0.005), which is SP-B poor. Hydrolysis
      of PG and PC in nonextracted OS, which contains all SPs, was lower than both
      Survanta and extracted OS. When Survanta was supplemented with 1% SP-B, PG and PC
      hydrolysis by PLA2G1B was significantly lower (P < 0.001) than in Survanta alone.
      When supplemented into pure lipid vesicles and monomolecular films composed of PG
      and PC mixtures, SP-B also inhibited hydrolysis by both PLA2G1B and Group IIA
      sPLA2 (PLA2G2A). In films, PLA2G1B hydrolyzed surfactant PL monolayers at surface
      pressures <=30 mN/m (P < 0.01), and SP-B lowered the surface pressure range at
      which hydrolysis can occur. These results suggest the hydrophobic SP, SP-B,
      protects alveolar surfactant PL from hydrolysis mediated by multiple sPLA(2) in
      both vesicles (alveolar subphase) and monomolecular films (air-liquid interface).

PMID- 22037358
TI  - PTEN inhibition improves wound healing in lung epithelia through changes in
      cellular mechanics that enhance migration.
AB  - The phosphoinositide-3 kinase/Akt pathway is a vital survival axis in lung
      epithelia. We previously reported that inhibition of phosphatase and tensin
      homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN), a major suppressor of this pathway,
      results in enhanced wound repair following injury. However, the precise cellular
      and biomechanical mechanisms responsible for increased wound repair during PTEN
      inhibition are not yet well established. Using primary human lung epithelia and a
      related lung epithelial cell line, we first determined whether changes in
      migration or proliferation account for wound closure. Strikingly, we observed
      that cell migration accounts for the majority of wound recovery following PTEN
      inhibition in conjunction with activation of the Akt and ERK signaling pathways.
      We then used fluorescence and atomic force microscopy to investigate how PTEN
      inhibition alters the cytoskeletal and mechanical properties of the epithelial
      cell. PTEN inhibition did not significantly alter cytoskeletal structure but did
      result in large spatial variations in cell stiffness and in particular a decrease
      in cell stiffness near the wound edge. Biomechanical changes, as well as
      migration rates, were mediated by both the Akt and ERK pathways. Our results
      indicate that PTEN inhibition rapidly alters biochemical signaling events that in
      turn provoke alterations in biomechanical properties that enhance cell migration.
      Specifically, the reduced stiffness of PTEN-inhibited cells promotes larger
      deformations, resulting in a more migratory phenotype. We therefore conclude that
      increased wound closure consequent to PTEN inhibition occurs through enhancement
      of cell migration that is due to specific changes in the biomechanical properties
      of the cell.

PMID- 22037359
TI  - Distribution and surfactant association of carcinoembryonic cell adhesion
      molecule 6 in human lung.
AB  - Carcinoembryonic cell adhesion molecule 6 (CEACAM6) is a glycosylated,
      glycophosphatidylinositol-anchored protein expressed in epithelial cells of
      various primate tissues. It binds gram-negative bacteria and is overexpressed in
      human cancers. CEACAM6 is associated with lamellar bodies of cultured type II
      cells of human fetal lung and protects surfactant function in vitro. In this
      study, we characterized CEACAM6 expression in vivo in human lung. CEACAM6 was
      present in lung lavage of premature infants at birth and increased progressively
      in intubated infants with lung disease. Of surfactant-associated CEACAM6, ~80%
      was the fully glycosylated, 90-kDa form that contains the
      glycophosphatidylinositol anchor, and the concentration (3.9% of phospholipid for
      adult lung) was comparable to that for surfactant proteins (SP)-A/B/C. We
      examined the affinity of CEACAM6 by purification of surfactant on density
      gradient centrifugation; concentrations of CEACAM6 and SP-B per phospholipid were
      unchanged, whereas levels of total protein and SP-A decreased by 60%. CEACAM6
      mRNA content decreased progressively from upper trachea to peripheral fetal lung,
      whereas protein levels were similar in all regions of adult lung, suggesting
      proximal-to-distal developmental expression in lung epithelium. In adult lung,
      most type I cells and ~50% of type II cells were immunopositive. We conclude that
      CEACAM6 is expressed by alveolar and airway epithelial cells of human lung and is
      secreted into lung-lining fluid, where fully glycosylated protein binds to
      surfactant. Production appears to be upregulated during neonatal lung disease,
      perhaps related to roles of CEACAM6 in surfactant function, cell proliferation,
      and innate immune defense.

PMID- 22037360
TI  - Collinear facilitation and suppression at the periphery.
AB  - Collinear facilitation is a common phenomenon in the fovea, but it has been
      recently challenged at the human periphery. Since physiological studies show that
      facilitation is found at the periphery but only from outside the receptive field,
      our hypothesis was that facilitation at the periphery exists but from larger
      target-flanker separations than the fovea. Here, we applied a recent paradigm
      (Polat & Sagi, 2007) to probe facilitation at the periphery. We used a Yes/No
      detection task by measuring the false-positive reports (false-alarm, pfa) and hit
      rate (phit) for a low-contrast Gabor target (between two flankers) that appeared
      randomly at the fovea or at the periphery (2 degrees  or 4 degrees ) to the right
      or left side. We used different target-flanker separations and orientations at
      the fovea and at the periphery. Importantly, we found that phit is affected by
      the target-flanker separations and orientations. Short distances show a
      suppression effect, but the range of suppression increases with increasing
      eccentricity. A facilitation effect was found for collinear configuration outside
      of the suppression range. A similar effect was found for the decisional criterion
      (Cr), which was correlated with suppression (positive) and facilitation
      (negative). All together, our results indicate that facilitation exists at the
      periphery when the target-flanker distance is properly scaled. Thus, our results
      indicate that collinear facilitation is a common phenomenon that exists in both
      the periphery and fovea. The suppression range indicates that the perceptual
      receptive field increases with increasing eccentricity. Our results provide a
      working hypothesis that explains the functional differences found between the
      fovea and the periphery. This supports the basic phenomena underlying visual
      perception, such as collinear facilitation, visual crowding, and backward
      masking.

PMID- 22037361
TI  - The effect of distractors on saccades and adaptation of saccades in strabismus.
AB  - This paper reports two experiments to determine the contribution of the
      suppressing eye to the generation of saccadic eye movements in constant
      strabismus. Eye movements were recorded using a Skalar infra-red recorder.
      Experiment 1 tested six participants with constant strabismus, pathological
      suppression and no clinically demonstrable binocular single vision (BSV). We
      explored the effect of visual distractors presented monocularly (to either the
      fixing eye or the strabismic eye) and binocularly, on saccade latency and
      accuracy. Saccade latency significantly increased when distractors were presented
      to the strabismic eye compared to the no distractor condition. In all
      participants the effect on latency, with distractors presented to the strabismic
      eye, was maximum when distractors were presented towards the location of the
      anatomical fovea. Saccade accuracy was reduced with ipsilateral distractors to
      the target when presented binocularly or monocularly to the fixing eye but not
      affected by distractors presented to the strabismic eye. Experiment 2
      investigated fast disconjugate saccade adaptations in six participants with
      constant strabismus, pathological suppression and no clinically demonstrable BSV
      and for comparison 8 with normal bifoveal BSV. Saccade disconjugacy was induced
      using an electronic feedback system in which the calibrated eye movement position
      signal could be scaled by a factor (the feedback gain) to move the target visible
      to one eye during binocular viewing. In all BSV participants and 3 of 6
      participants with constant strabismus, saccadic adaptation occurred rapidly such
      that under conditions of visual feedback saccades became increasingly
      disconjugate. These disconjugacies persisted when normal viewing conditions were
      restored. The presence of an adaptive mechanism to adjust the binocular co
      ordination of saccades in the presence of constant strabismus with suppression
      and no clinically demonstrable BSV has been demonstrated. Mechanisms that might
      explain such results are discussed.

PMID- 22037362
TI  - Infants' responsiveness to lightness changes on a dynamic three-dimensional
      surface.
AB  - In a looking-time study, 24 infants 6 months of age were presented with
      continuously folding and unfolding patterns of stripes. The luminances in the
      dynamic lightness constancy pattern were changed in such way that adults
      attribute them to changes of the various regions' orientation relative to the
      light source (lightness constancy display). The "reversed" lightness constancy
      stimulus consisted of a continuously folding and unfolding pattern, in which the
      luminance changes were not consistent with a striped surface illuminated from one
      side. The only difference between the animations was the relationship between the
      change in surface orientation and the change of luminances. The infants looked
      significantly longer at the reversed lightness constancy animation than at the
      lightness constancy display. This finding suggests that the infants detected the
      violation of the lightness constancy rules in the reversed lightness constancy
      stimulus. The infants were also presented with control animations to rule out the
      possibility that looking preferences were based on low-level properties of the
      display.

PMID- 22037363
TI  - Neural correlates of the multiple-object tracking deficit in amblyopia.
AB  - Deficits in multiple-object tracking have previously been reported in both the
      amblyopic and the clinically unaffected fellow eye of patients with amblyopia. We
      examined the neural correlates of this deficit using functional MRI. Attentive
      tracking of 1, 2 or 4 moving targets was compared to passive viewing and to
      baseline fixation in an amblyopic group and an age-matched control group in six
      regions of interest: V1, middle temporal complex (MT+), superior parietal lobule
      (SPL), frontal eye fields (FEF), anterior intraparietal sulcus (IPS), and
      posterior IPS. Activation in all regions of interest, except V1, increased with
      attentional load in both groups. MT+ was less active in both eyes of the
      amblyopic group relative to controls for passive viewing and each of the tracking
      conditions. Anterior IPS and FEF were less active with amblyopic eye viewing when
      tracking four targets. These results implicate both the low-level passive and
      high-level active motion systems in the multiple-object tracking deficit in
      amblyopia.

PMID- 22037364
TI  - A Magnetic change.

PMID- 22037365
TI  - "Injecting" fun into yearly competencies.

PMID- 22037366
TI  - Safe patient handling: is your facility ready for a culture change?

PMID- 22037367
TI  - Preventing heel pressure ulcers: economic and legal implications.

PMID- 22037368
TI  - Transforming nursing practice through technology and informatics.

PMID- 22037370
TI  - The plus of 65+.

PMID- 22037371
TI  - Achieving accountability... it's all about you!

PMID- 22037372
TI  - Interview with an informaticist.

PMID- 22037373
TI  - Realizing efficiencies with bar code medication administration.

PMID- 22037374
TI  - Focusing on core values, educational excellence.

PMID- 22037375
TI  - Membrane active antitumor activity of NK-18, a mammalian NK-lysin-derived
      cationic antimicrobial peptide.
AB  - As the increasing emergence of multi-drug resistant tumor cells, there is an
      urgent need for developing new chemotherapeutic agents. NK-lysin was a novel
      effector of cytotoxic T cells and natural killer (NK) cells and had broad
      antimicrobial activity. In this study, we developed a core region of NK-lysin
      termed NK-18, and studied its antitumor activity and possible action mode. Our
      results showed that NK-18 (with 18 amino acids) possesses potent antitumor
      activity against bladder and prostate cancer cells by disrupting the integrity of
      cell membrane, but has negligible hemolysis activity against mouse erythrocytes.
      In addition, CD spectra was employed to study its conformation in membrane
      mimicking environment. NK-18 takes a standard alpha-helical conformation in
      membrane mimicking environment, which could be accounted for its more potent
      antitumor activity compared with its low alpha-helical content homologous
      derivatives. These findings together with its shorter amino acid sequence and
      lower synthesis cost suggest that NK-18 could present an alternative therapeutic
      strategy to cancer chemotherapy and play a promising role in fighting the multi
      drug resistant tumors.

PMID- 22037376
TI  - Field performance of engineered male mosquitoes.
AB  - Dengue is the most medically important arthropod-borne viral disease, with 50-100
      million cases reported annually worldwide. As no licensed vaccine or dedicated
      therapy exists for dengue, the most promising strategies to control the disease
      involve targeting the predominant mosquito vector, Aedes aegypti. However, the
      current methods to do this are inadequate. Various approaches involving
      genetically engineered mosquitoes have been proposed, including the release of
      transgenic sterile males. However, the ability of laboratory-reared, engineered
      male mosquitoes to effectively compete with wild males in terms of finding and
      mating with wild females, which is critical to the success of these strategies,
      has remained untested. We report data from the first open-field trial involving a
      strain of engineered mosquito. We demonstrated that genetically modified male
      mosquitoes, released across 10 hectares for a 4-week period, mated successfully
      with wild females and fertilized their eggs. These findings suggest the
      feasibility of this technology to control dengue by suppressing field populations
      of A. aegypti.

PMID- 22037377
TI  - Comprehensive assay of kinase catalytic activity reveals features of kinase
      inhibitor selectivity.
AB  - Small-molecule protein kinase inhibitors are widely used to elucidate cellular
      signaling pathways and are promising therapeutic agents. Owing to evolutionary
      conservation of the ATP-binding site, most kinase inhibitors that target this
      site promiscuously inhibit multiple kinases. Interpretation of experiments that
      use these compounds is confounded by a lack of data on the comprehensive kinase
      selectivity of most inhibitors. Here we used functional assays to profile the
      activity of 178 commercially available kinase inhibitors against a panel of 300
      recombinant protein kinases. Quantitative analysis revealed complex and often
      unexpected interactions between protein kinases and kinase inhibitors, with a
      wide spectrum of promiscuity. Many off-target interactions occur with seemingly
      unrelated kinases, revealing how large-scale profiling can identify multitargeted
      inhibitors of specific, diverse kinases. The results have implications for drug
      development and provide a resource for selecting compounds to elucidate kinase
      function and for interpreting the results of experiments involving kinase
      inhibitors.

PMID- 22037378
TI  - Comprehensive analysis of kinase inhibitor selectivity.
AB  - We tested the interaction of 72 kinase inhibitors with 442 kinases covering >80%
      of the human catalytic protein kinome. Our data show that, as a class, type II
      inhibitors are more selective than type I inhibitors, but that there are
      important exceptions to this trend. The data further illustrate that selective
      inhibitors have been developed against the majority of kinases targeted by the
      compounds tested. Analysis of the interaction patterns reveals a class of 'group
      selective' inhibitors broadly active against a single subfamily of kinases, but
      selective outside that subfamily. The data set suggests compounds to use as tools
      to study kinases for which no dedicated inhibitors exist. It also provides a
      foundation for further exploring kinase inhibitor biology and toxicity, as well
      as for studying the structural basis of the observed interaction patterns. Our
      findings will help to realize the direct enabling potential of genomics for drug
      development and basic research about cellular signaling.

PMID- 22037379
TI  - Characteristics associated with the initiation of radiation therapy after breast
      conserving surgery among African American and white women diagnosed with early
      stage breast cancer in Maryland, 2000-2006.
AB  - PURPOSE: Socioeconomic status appears to be an important independent barrier to
      breast cancer care, irrespective of insurance inequalities. Receiving radiation
      therapy (RT) reduces local recurrence and mortality in patients receiving breast
      conserving surgery (BCS). We investigated racial and socioeconomic determinants
      of RT initiation after BCS in Maryland. METHODS: Maryland Cancer Registry breast
      cancer data for the diagnosis years 2000 through 2006 were analyzed for
      characteristics associated with receipt of RT after BCS. We used generalized
      regression models to estimate RT initiation among low-income patients, adjusting
      for racial, demographic, and clinical covariates. RESULTS: Low-income women were
      more likely to be African American; older; uninsured or to use Medicare,
      Medicaid, or Maryland breast cancer insurance; and have tumors that were estrogen
      receptor and progesterone-receptor negative. Among low-income women, those at
      risk of not initiating RT after BCS were more likely to be African American, be
      older than 80 years of age, and have tumors >2 cm. CONCLUSIONS: Socioeconomic
      disparities were identified in the initiation of RT after BCS in Maryland from
      2000 to 2006. In addition, racial disparities in RT after BCS were apparent for
      women diagnosed from 2000 to 2003. Additional research is needed to investigate
      uptake of prescribed treatments after BCS and develop strategies for reducing
      barriers to obtaining treatments among patients at risk for incomplete cancer
      care.

PMID- 22037381
TI  - Antidepressant use and cognitive deficits in older men: addressing confounding by
      indications with different methods.
AB  - PURPOSE: Antidepressant use has been associated with cognitive impairment in
      older persons. We sought to examine whether this association might reflect an
      indication bias. METHODS: A total of 544 community-dwelling hypertensive men aged
      >=65 years completed the Hopkins Verbal Learning Test at baseline and 1 year.
      Antidepressant medications were ascertained by the use of medical records.
      Potential confounding by indications was examined by adjusting for depression
      related diagnoses and severity of depression symptoms using multiple linear
      regression, a propensity score, and a structural equation model (SEM). RESULTS:
      Before adjusting for the indications, a one unit cumulative exposure to
      antidepressants was associated with -1.00 (95% confidence interval [CI], -1.94, 
      0.06) point lower HVLT score. After adjusting for the indications using multiple
      linear regression or a propensity score, the association diminished to -0.48 (95%
      CI, -0.62, 1.58) and -0.58 (95% CI, -0.60, 1.58), respectively. The most clinical
      interpretable empirical SEM with adequate fit involves both direct and indirect
      paths of the two indications. Depression-related diagnoses and depression
      symptoms significantly predict antidepressant use (p < .05). Their total
      standardized path coefficients on Hopkins Verbal Learning Test score were twice
      (0.073) or as large (0.034) as the antidepressant use (0.035). CONCLUSION: The
      apparent association between antidepressant use and memory deficit in older
      persons may be confounded by indications. SEM offers a heuristic empirical method
      for examining confounding by indications but not quantitatively superior bias
      reduction compared with conventional methods.

PMID- 22037382
TI  - Gene expression specificity of the mussel antifungal mytimycin (MytM).
AB  - We previously reported the nucleotide sequences and diversity of mytimycin (MytM)
      from the Mediterranean mussel, Mytilus galloprovincialis. Using real-time PCR (q
      PCR), we observed that the MytM gene was mainly expressed in circulating
      hemocytes and to a less extent in the mantle. In vivo challenge with bacteria or
      with the yeast, Candida albicans, did not increase the expression as measured by
      q-PCR in hemocytes. By contrast, injection of the filamentous fungus, Fusarium
      oxysporum, induced a sudden and strong increase of expression at 9h p.i.
      (stimulation index of 25.7 +/- 2.1). Optimum stimulating dose was 10(4) spores of
      F. oxysporum per mussel. In the same samples, AMP mytilin and myticin showed no
      stimulation. Consequently, we hypothesized the existence of 2 different signal
      transduction pathways, one activated by bacteria and yeast, the other triggered
      by filamentous fungi. A second challenge performed with F. oxysporum 24 h after
      the first challenge induced an increase of MytM gene expression (stimulation
      index of 3.5 +/- 1.7). However, this second increase was significantly lower than
      the first, suggesting less efficient response rather than significant protection.

PMID- 22037380
TI  - Risk of breast cancer in families with cleft lip and palate.
AB  - PURPOSE: To test whether female subjects in families with cleft lip and/or palate
      (CL/P) have an increased risk of breast cancer. METHODS: By using the Danish
      Facial Cleft Registry, we identified female subjects with CL/P, mothers of
      children with CL/P, and sisters to CL/P cases for the Danish birth cohorts 1911
      1975. These subjects were compared with a 5% random sample of these cohorts
      regarding the incidence and age of onset for breast cancer registered in the
      Danish Hospital Discharge Register 1977-2005. RESULTS: Examining 48,404 person
      years for 1809 female CL/P cases (49 breast cancer cases) and 212,795 person
      years for 7935 female relatives (188 breast cancer cases), we found no increased
      breast cancer risk for either CL/P cases (hazard ratio [HR], 1.23; 95% confidence
      interval (CI), 0.92-1.63), mothers of children with CL/P (HR, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.80
      1.08), or sisters of CL/P cases (HR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.55-1.60), nor was there any
      significant differences in age of onset. CONCLUSION: Both epidemiological and
      genetic studies have suggested common etiological factors for breast cancer and
      CL/P. However, in this population-based study we were not able to confirm a
      general increase in the risk of breast cancer among female subjects in families
      with CL/P.

PMID- 22037383
TI  - Electron spin resonance investigation of ultra-small double walled carbon
      nanotubes embedded in zeolite nanochannels.
AB  - We report on the low temperature electron spin resonance (ESR) properties of
      ultra-small (0.45 nm) double walled carbon nanotubes (DWCNTs) embedded in zeolite
      nanochannels. An isotropic ESR signal is observed at g(c) = 2.002 77 with the
      spin density (S = 1/2) ~ 10(19) g(-1),  which is suggested to originate from the
      carbon related point defects in the DWCNTs.  Measurements of the ESR line width
      and signal intensity as a function of temperature indicate that the spins are of
      a localized nature as opposed to the conduction type electrons observed in large
      diameter CNTs. The results are consistent with the suggestion that electrons are
      trapped at interstitial defects. The observed linear frequency dependence of the
      ESR line width of embedded DWCNTs points to 'strain' as the prime source of
      broadening. By contrast, the study of free standing DWCNTs shows the presence of
      a distinctly superlinear frequency dependence of the signal width at low
      temperatures. The possible origin of the frequency dependence is discussed.

PMID- 22037387
TI  - Cardiac magnetic resonance in myocarditis. What we know and what we have to
      learn.

PMID- 22037386
TI  - Role of cardiac troponin in the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction in
      comatose patients resuscitated from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Troponin is a major diagnostic criterion of acute myocardial
      infarction (AMI) but in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients, its
      diagnostic value may be altered by cardiopulmonary resuscitation. METHODS: Single
      centre study assessing the diagnostic characteristics of troponin for AMI
      diagnosis in consecutive patients resuscitated from OHCA between 2002 and 2008
      with coronary angiogram (CA) performed on admission. Patients with obvious non
      cardiac cause of OHCA, unsustained or absent return of spontaneous circulation
      were excluded. AMI was defined on CA by the presence of acute occlusion or
      critical stenosis with intracoronary fresh thrombus easily crossed by an
      angioplasty wire. Troponin concentration was recorded once on admission and once
      6-12h after the OHCA. RESULTS: A total of 163 patients aged 56 (median) years
      (interquartile range (IQR) 48-65) was included, all comatose. Most prevalent
      initial OHCA rhythms were ventricular fibrillation (49%) and asystole (41%). AMI
      was diagnosed on coronary angiogram in 37% of the patients. Median troponin
      concentration on admission was 1.7 (0.3-10)ngml(-1) and sensitivity for AMI
      diagnosis was 72% and specificity 75% for a 2.5ngml(-1) cut-off. A combined
      criterion comprising ST elevation and troponin >2.5ngml(-1) had a sensitivity of
      93% and specificity of 64%. Six to twelve hours after the OHCA, median troponin
      concentration was 7.6ngml(-1) (1.4-47.5), sensitivity was 84% and specificity 84%
      for a 14.5ngml(-1) cut-off. CONCLUSION: Troponin I has a good diagnostic value
      for AMI diagnosis in OHCA patients. In combination with ST elevation, troponin I
      on admission achieves a very high sensitivity.

PMID- 22037388
TI  - Additive value of severe diastolic dysfunction and contractile reserve in the
      identification of responders to cardiac resynchronization therapy.
AB  - AIM: The identification of responders remains challenging in cardiac
      resynchronization therapy (CRT). In this study we assessed the role of myocardial
      contractile reserve (CR) during dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) and
      resting severe diastolic dysfunction for identifying responders to CRT. METHODS
      AND RESULTS: Sixty-nine patients (59% with ischaemic aetiology, ejection
      fraction: 26 +/- 5%) referred for CRT underwent high-dose DSE. Contractile
      reserve was evaluated using a pressure-volume relationship, defined as systolic
      cuff pressure/end-systolic volume index difference between rest and peak DSE. We
      defined severe diastolic dysfunction as the presence of restrictive patterns
      and/or E/E' > 15. We divided the patients into four groups as follows: presence
      (CR+) or absence (CR-) of myocardial CR and presence (Diast+) or absence (Diast-)
      of severe diastolic dysfunction. Patients with CR+ Diast- showed higher
      percentage of clinical responders (91 vs. 46%, P= 0.002) and echocardiographic
      responders (90 vs. 25%, P= 0.001) to CRT, compared with patients with CR- Diast+.
      By log-rank analysis, event-free survival was significantly poorer in patients
      with CR- Diast+ (log rank = 18.36, P= 0.0004). CONCLUSION: Heart failure patients
      with severe diastolic dysfunction and absence of myocardial CR during DSE had a
      poorer clinical and echocardiographic response to CRT. The associated evaluations
      of diastolic function and CR had an additive value in the identification of
      responders to CRT.

PMID- 22037389
TI  - Link between decisions regarding resuscitation and preferences for quality over
      length of life with heart failure.
AB  - AIMS: Survival preferences, ascertained from time-trade-off utilities, have not
      been studied in heart failure patients who designate a 'do not resuscitate' (DNR)
      status. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the association of
      heart failure patients' resuscitation preferences with survival preferences and
      mortality in the ESCAPE trial. METHODS AND RESULTS: We analysed the association
      of resuscitation orders at 1 month with time-trade-off utilities and 6-month
      mortality. There were 26 and 349 patients with a DNR order and Full Code order,
      respectively. DNR patients were older, had more coronary artery disease,
      hypertension, renal impairment, and poorer exercise capacity than Full Code
      patients. DNR patients also experienced longer hospitalization and higher 6-month
      mortality. In multivariate analysis, DNR preference was associated with 10-fold
      higher odds of willingness to trade survival time (lower time-trade-off utility)
      in favour of improved quality of life [odds ratio 10.33, 95% confidence interval
      (CI) 1.65-64.80]. DNR preference was the best predictor of mortality (chi(2)
      26.12, P < 0.0001, hazard ratio 6.88, 95% CI 3.28-14.41), despite adjustment for
      known predictors including brain natriuretic peptide. CONCLUSIONS: Heart failure
      patients' requests to forego resuscitation may signify more than simply 'what-if'
      directives for emergency care. DNR decisions may reflect preferences for
      intervention to enhance quality rather than prolong survival, which is
      particularly important as these patients have high early mortality.

PMID- 22037391
TI  - Characterization of a secreted macrophage migration inhibitory factor homologue
      of the parasitic nematode Strongyloides acting at the parasite-host cell
      interface.
AB  - Strongyloidiasis is a tropical parasitosis characterized by an alternation
      between free-living and parasitic stages, and by long-term infection via
      autoinfection. Since invasion and evasion processes of helminth parasites are
      substantially attained by the involvement of excretory-secretory products, we
      identified and characterized the 13.5 kDa macrophage migration inhibitory factor
      (MIF)-like protein in Strongyloides ratti. Sra-MIF is mainly secreted from the
      infective stage larvae (iL3), while the transcript was found at lower levels in
      parasitic and free-living females. Sequence analysis of the full-length cDNA
      showed the highest homology to the human pathogen Strongyloides stercoralis, and
      both are related to the MIF type-2. Unlike other mif genes, the Sra-mif includes
      no intron. The protein was recombinantly expressed in Escherichia coli and
      purified. Sra-MIF exhibited no in vitro tautomerase activity. The exposure of Sra
      MIF to the host immune system is confirmed by high IgG reactivities found in the
      hosts' sera following infection or immunization. Flow cytometric analysis
      indicated the binding of Sra-MIF to the monocytes/macrophage lineage but not to
      peripheral lymphocytes. After exposure to Sra-MIF, monocytes released IL-10 but
      not TNF-alpha suggesting the involvement of the secreted parasite MIF in host
      immune responses.

PMID- 22037390
TI  - Mitochondrial abnormality in sensory, but not motor, axons in paclitaxel-evoked
      painful peripheral neuropathy in the rat.
AB  - The dose-limiting side effect of the anti-neoplastic agent, paclitaxel, is a
      chronic distal symmetrical peripheral neuropathy that produces sensory
      dysfunction (hypoesthesia and neuropathic pain) but little or no distal motor
      dysfunction. Similar peripheral neuropathies are seen with chemotherapeutics in
      the vinca alkaloid, platinum-complex, and proteasome inhibitor classes. Studies
      in rats suggest that the cause is a mitotoxic effect on axonal mitochondria. If
      so, then the absence of motor dysfunction may be due to mitotoxicity that affects
      sensory axons but spares motor axons. To investigate this, paclitaxel exposure
      levels in the dorsal root, ventral root, dorsal root ganglion, peripheral nerve,
      and spinal cord were measured, and the ultrastructure and the respiratory
      function of mitochondria in dorsal roots and ventral roots were compared. Sensory
      and motor axons in the roots and nerve had comparably low exposure to paclitaxel
      and exposure in the spinal cord was negligible. However, sensory neurons in the
      dorsal root ganglion had a very high and remarkably persistent (up to 10 days or
      more after the last injection) exposure to paclitaxel. Paclitaxel evoked a
      significant increase in the incidence of swollen and vacuolated mitochondria in
      the myelinated and unmyelinated sensory axons of the dorsal root (as seen
      previously in the peripheral nerve) but not in the motor axons of the ventral
      root. Stimulated mitochondrial respiration in the dorsal root was significantly
      depressed in paclitaxel-treated animals examined 2-4 weeks after the last
      injection, whereas respiration in the ventral root was normal. We conclude that
      the absence of motor dysfunction in paclitaxel-evoked peripheral neuropathy may
      be due to the absence of a mitotoxic effect in motor neuron axons, whereas the
      sensory dysfunction may be due to a mitotoxic effect resulting from the primary
      afferent neuron's cell body being exposed to high and persistent levels of
      paclitaxel.

PMID- 22037392
TI  - Relationship of biosecuriy practices with the use of antibiotics for the
      treatment of infectious disease on U.S. equine operations.
AB  - This study is the first report estimating, on a national basis, the use of
      various biosecurity practices, singly and in combination, on U.S. equine
      operations. Use of biosecurity practices is described for operations by risk
      level, based on reported exposure of resident horses to outside horses during the
      previous 12 months. In addition, the association between use of various
      biosecurity practices and use of antibiotics to treat infectious disease in both
      adult equids and foals is reported. The comparison of these study findings with
      previously reported data in the literature is limited by the fact that few
      estimates of biosecurity practice use on equine operations have been reported and
      none has been published on a national basis beyond those in the National Animal
      Health Monitoring System (NAHMS) equine reports. A total of 78.5% of operations
      had some risk of exposure of resident horses to outside horses between summer
      2004 and the time of the interview in summer 2005. For the majority of
      biosecurity practices, there was a significant (p<0.05) difference between
      different exposure risk levels in the percentage of operations using the
      practice. A higher percentage of high- and medium-risk operations implemented a
      combination of 4 or more biosecurity practices compared to low-risk operations.
      There was less use of antibiotics to treat infectious disease in adult horses on
      operations that required those who visit the operation to use separate equipment,
      change clothes/overalls, disinfect boots and equipment, or park vehicles away
      from animals than on those that did not. None of the other biosecurity practices
      were associated with use of antibiotics in adult horses and none of the
      biosecurity practices included in this study was associated with use of
      antibiotics in foals. For adults the use of antibiotics for infectious disease
      increased with decreasing herd size; this trend was reversed for antibiotic use
      in foals. The effect of exposure risk level was different for adults and foals.
      For adults, antibiotic use was lower for operations at higher risk; for foals,
      antibiotic use was higher for operations at higher risk.

PMID- 22037393
TI  - Diversity, biology and evolution of IncQ-family plasmids.
AB  - Plasmids of IncQ-family are distinguished by having a unique strand-displacement
      mechanism of replication that is capable of functioning in a wide variety of
      bacterial hosts. In addition, these plasmids are highly mobilizable and therefore
      very promiscuous. Common features of the replicons have been used to identify
      IncQ-family plasmids in DNA sequence databases and in this way several unstudied
      plasmids have been compared to more well-studied IncQ plasmids. We propose that
      IncQ plasmids can be divided into four subgroups based on a number of mutually
      supportive criteria. The most important of these are the amino acid sequences of
      their three essential replication proteins and the observation that the replicon
      of each subgroup has become fused to four different lineages of mobilization
      genes. This review of IncQ-family plasmid diversity has highlighted several
      events in the evolution of these plasmids and raised several questions for
      further research.

PMID- 22037394
TI  - Kinetics of phyllosemiquinone oxidation in the Photosystem I reaction centre of
      Acaryochloris marina.
AB  - Light-induced electron transfer reactions in the chlorophyll a/d-binding
      Photosystem I reaction centre of Acaryochloris marina were investigated in whole
      cells by pump-probe optical spectroscopy with a temporal resolution of ~5ns at
      room temperature. It is shown that phyllosemiquinone, the secondary electron
      transfer acceptor anion, is oxidised with bi-phasic kinetics characterised by
      lifetimes of 88+/-6ns and 345+/-10ns. These lifetimes, particularly the former,
      are significantly slower than those reported for chlorophyll a-binding
      Photosystem I, which typically range in the 5-30ns and 200-300ns intervals. The
      possible mechanism of electron transfer reactions in the chlorophyll a/d-binding
      Photosystem I and the slower oxidation kinetics of the secondary acceptors are
      discussed.

PMID- 22037395
TI  - Two functional sites of phosphatidylglycerol for regulation of reaction of
      plastoquinone Q(B) in photosystem II.
AB  - Functional roles of an anionic lipid phosphatidylglycerol (PG) were studied in
      pgsA-gene-inactivated and cdsA-gene-inactivated/phycobilisome-less mutant cells
      of a cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, which can grow only in PG
      supplemented media. 1) A few days of PG depletion suppressed oxygen evolution of
      mutant cells supported by p-benzoquinone (BQ). The suppression was recovered
      slowly in a week after PG re-addition. Measurements of fluorescence yield
      indicated the enhanced sensitivity of Q(B) to the inactivation by BQ. It is
      assumed that the loss of low-affinity PG (PG(L)) enhances the affinity for BQ
      that inactivates Q(B). 2) Oxygen evolution without BQ, supported by the
      endogenous electron acceptors, was slowly suppressed due to the direct
      inactivation of Q(B) during 10 days of PG depletion, and was recovered rapidly
      within 10h upon the PG re-addition. It is concluded that the loss of high
      affinity PG (PG(H)) displaces Q(B) directly. 3) Electron microscopy images of PG
      depleted cells showed the specific suppression of division of mutant cells, which
      had developed thylakoid membranes attaching phycobilisomes (PBS). 4) Although the
      PG-depletion for 14 days decreased the chlorophyll/PBS ratio to about 1/4,
      flourescence spectra/lifetimes were not modified indicating the flexible energy
      transfer from PBS to different numbers of PSII. Longer PG-depletion enhanced
      allophycocyanin fluorescence at 683nm with a long 1.2ns lifetime indicating the
      suppression of energy transfer from PBS to PSII. 5) Action sites of PG(H), PG(L)
      and other PG molecules on PSII structure are discussed.

PMID- 22037396
TI  - Mephedrone, a new designer drug of abuse, produces acute hemodynamic effects in
      the rat.
AB  - Mephedrone (4-methylmethcathinone) is a new and popular drug of abuse widely
      available on the Internet and still legal in some parts of the world. Clinical
      reports are now emerging suggesting that the drug displays sympathomimetic
      toxicity on the cardiovascular system but no studies have yet explored its
      cardiovascular effects. Therefore we examined the effects of mephedrone on the
      cardiovascular system using a combination of in vitro electrophysiology and in
      vivo hemodynamic and echocardiographic measurements. Patch clamp studies revealed
      that mephedrone, up to 30 MUM, had little effect on the major voltage-dependent
      ion channels of the heart or on action potentials recorded in guinea pig
      myocytes. Subcutaneous administration of mephedrone (3 and 15 mg/kg) to conscious
      telemetry-implanted rats produced dose-dependent increases in heart rate and
      blood pressure which persisted after pre-treatment with reserpine.
      Echocardiographic analysis demonstrated that intravenous injection of mephedrone
      (0.3 and 1mg/kg) increased cardiac function, including cardiac output, ejection
      fraction, and stroke volume, similar to methamphetamine (0.3mg/kg). We conclude
      that mephedrone is not directly pro-arrhythmic, but induces substantial increases
      in heart rate, blood pressure and cardiac contractility and this activity
      contributes to the cardiovascular toxicity in people who abuse the drug.

PMID- 22037397
TI  - N-vinylpyrrolidone dimer, a novel formulation excipient, causes hepatic and
      thyroid hypertrophy through the induction of hepatic microsomal enzymes in rats.
AB  - N-vinylpyrrolidone dimer (VPD) is a novel experimental formulation excipient
      intended for preclinical toxicology studies. In a previous 4-week toxicity study,
      VPD induced dose-dependent hepatocellular and thyroid gland hypertrophy in
      Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. The objectives of the current investigation were to
      define the underlying molecular mechanisms of these changes. Two separate studies
      were conducted using male SD rats, daily doses of 300, 1000 or 3,000 mg/kg of
      VPD, and a positive control (phenobarbital at 75 mg/kg/day): (1) a 28-day study
      to monitor thyroid hormone levels after 7 and 28 days of dosing; (2) a 5-day
      study to evaluate hepatic and thyroid gland transcriptomic changes, as well as
      hepatic UGT activity levels. At VPD dosages of 300 mg/kg/day and higher, 2-fold
      increases of serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels were observed in male
      SD rats after 28 days of dosing, while serum thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine
      (T3) levels were unchanged. Liver UGT enzyme activity levels were increased in
      VPD-treated rats after 5 days. In addition, in the 5-day study, VPD caused
      increased hepatic mRNA levels of a panel of drug metabolizing enzymes (DMEs) and
      transporters, including Cyp3a1, Cyp2b1, Ugt 2b1, and Abcc3. Similar patterns of
      induction were observed in primary rat hepatocytes exposed to VPD. Transcriptomic
      changes in the thyroid gland were identified for genes involved in thyroid
      hormone biosynthesis and in the FAK, PTEN, and Wnt/beta-catenin signaling
      pathways. Collectively, these data indicate that VPD acts as an inducer of
      hepatic DMEs in SD rats and that this likely leads to enhanced peripheral
      metabolism of T3/T4, resulting in a feedback response characterized by increased
      serum TSH levels, and thyroid gland hypertrophy and hyperplasia.

PMID- 22037398
TI  - Activation of DNA damage response pathways in human mesenchymal stem cells
      exposed to cisplatin or gamma-irradiation.
AB  - DNA damaging agents are widely used in treatment of hematogical malignancies and
      solid tumors. While effects on hematopoietic stem cells have been characterized,
      less is known about the DNA damage response in human mesenchymal stem cells
      (hMSCs) in the bone marrow stroma, progenitors of osteoblasts, chondrocytes and
      adipocytes. To elucidate the response of undifferentiated hMSCs to gamma
      irradiation and cisplatin, key DNA damage responses have been characterised in
      hMSCs from normal adult donors. Cisplatin and gamma-irradiation activated the DNA
      damage response in hMSCs, including induction of p53 and p21, and activation of
      PI3 kinase-related protein kinase (PIKK)-dependent phosphorylation of histone
      H2AX on serine 139, and replication protein A2 on serine4/serine8. Chemical
      inhibition of ATM or DNA-PK reduced DNA damage-induced phosphorylation of H2AX,
      indicating a role for both PIKKs in the response of hMSCs to DNA damage.
      Consistent with repair of DNA strand breaks, gamma-H2AX staining decreased by 24
      hours following gamma-irradiation. gamma-Irradiation arrested hMSCs in the G 1
      phase of the cell cycle, while cisplatin induced S-phase arrest, mediated in part
      by the ATR/Chk1 checkpoint pathway. In hMSCs isolated from a chronic lymphocytic
      leukemia (CLL) patient, p53 and p21 were induced by cisplatin and gamma
      irradiation, while RPA2 was phosphorylated on serine4/8 in particular following
      cisplatin. Compared to peripheral blood lymphocytes or the leukemia cell line
      K562, both normal hMSCs and CLL-derived hMSCs were more resistant to cisplatin
      and gamma-irradiation. These results provide insights into key pathways mediating
      the response of bone marrow-derived hMSCs to DNA damaging agents used in cancer
      treatment.

PMID- 22037399
TI  - Archaeosortases and exosortases are widely distributed systems linking membrane
      transit with posttranslational modification.
AB  - Multiple new prokaryotic C-terminal protein-sorting signals were found that
      reprise the tripartite architecture shared by LPXTG and PEP-CTERM: motif, TM
      helix, basic cluster. Defining hidden Markov models were constructed for all. PGF
      CTERM occurs in 29 archaeal species, some of which have more than 50 proteins
      that share the domain. PGF-CTERM proteins include the major cell surface protein
      in Halobacterium, a glycoprotein with a partially characterized
      diphytanylglyceryl phosphate linkage near its C terminus. Comparative genomics
      identifies a distant exosortase homolog, designated archaeosortase A (ArtA), as
      the likely protein-processing enzyme for PGF-CTERM. Proteomics suggests that the
      PGF-CTERM region is removed. Additional systems include VPXXXP
      CTERM/archeaosortase B in two of the same archaea and PEF-CTERM/archaeosortase C
      in four others. Bacterial exosortases often fall into subfamilies that partner
      with very different cohorts of extracellular polymeric substance biosynthesis
      proteins; several species have multiple systems. Variant systems include the
      VPDSG-CTERM/exosortase C system unique to certain members of the phylum
      Verrucomicrobia, VPLPA-CTERM/exosortase D in several alpha- and
      deltaproteobacterial species, and a dedicated (single-target) VPEID
      CTERM/exosortase E system in alphaproteobacteria. Exosortase-related families
      XrtF in the class Flavobacteria and XrtG in Gram-positive bacteria mark
      distinctive conserved gene neighborhoods. A picture emerges of an ancient and now
      well-differentiated superfamily of deeply membrane-embedded protein-processing
      enzymes. Their target proteins are destined to transit cellular membranes during
      their biosynthesis, during which most undergo additional posttranslational
      modifications such as glycosylation.

PMID- 22037400
TI  - Comprehensive transcriptome analysis of the periodontopathogenic bacterium
      Porphyromonas gingivalis W83.
AB  - High-density tiling microarray and RNA sequencing technologies were used to
      analyze the transcriptome of the periodontopathogenic bacterium Porphyromonas
      gingivalis. The compiled P. gingivalis transcriptome profiles were based on total
      RNA samples isolated from three different laboratory culturing conditions, and
      the strand-specific transcription profiles generated covered the entire genome,
      including both protein coding and noncoding regions. The transcription profiles
      revealed various operon structures, 5'- and 3'-end untranslated regions (UTRs),
      differential expression patterns, and many novel, not-yet-annotated transcripts
      within intergenic and antisense regions. Further transcriptome analysis
      identified the majority of the genes as being expressed within operons and most
      5' and 3' ends to be protruding UTRs, of which several 3' UTRs were extended to
      overlap genes carried on the opposite/antisense strand. Extensive antisense RNAs
      were detected opposite most insertion sequence (IS) elements. Pairwise
      comparative analyses were also performed among transcriptome profiles of the
      three culture conditions, and differentially expressed genes and metabolic
      pathways were identified. With the growing realization that noncoding RNAs play
      important biological functions, the discovery of novel RNAs and the comprehensive
      transcriptome profiles compiled in this study may provide a foundation to further
      understand the gene regulation and virulence mechanisms in P. gingivalis. The
      transcriptome profiles can be viewed at and downloaded from the Microbial
      Transcriptome Database website, http://bioinformatics.forsyth.org/mtd.

PMID- 22037401
TI  - Translational repression of NhaR, a novel pathway for multi-tier regulation of
      biofilm circuitry by CsrA.
AB  - The RNA binding protein CsrA (RsmA) represses biofilm formation in several
      proteobacterial species. In Escherichia coli, it represses the production of the
      polysaccharide adhesin poly-beta-1,6-N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (PGA) by binding to
      the pgaABCD mRNA leader, inhibiting pgaA translation, and destabilizing this
      transcript. In addition, CsrA represses genes responsible for the synthesis of
      cyclic di-GMP, an activator of PGA production. Here we determined that CsrA also
      represses NhaR, a LysR-type transcriptional regulator which responds to elevated
      [Na(+)] and alkaline pH and activates the transcription of the pgaABCD operon.
      Gel shift studies revealed that CsrA binds at two sites in the 5' untranslated
      segment of nhaR, one of which overlaps the Shine-Dalgarno sequence. An epitope
      tagged NhaR protein, expressed from the nhaR chromosomal locus, and an nhaR
      posttranscriptional reporter fusion (PlacUV5-nhaR'-'lacZ) both showed robust
      repression by CsrA. Northern blotting revealed a complex transcription pattern
      for the nhaAR locus. Nevertheless, CsrA did not repress nhaR mRNA levels.
      Toeprinting assays showed that CsrA competes effectively with the ribosome for
      binding to the translation initiation region of nhaR. Together, these findings
      indicate that CsrA blocks nhaR translation. Epistasis studies with a pgaA-lacZ
      transcriptional fusion confirmed a model in which CsrA indirectly represses
      pgaABCD transcription via NhaR. We conclude that CsrA regulates the horizontally
      acquired pgaABCD operon and PGA biosynthesis at multiple levels. Furthermore,
      nhaR repression exemplifies an expanding role for CsrA as a global regulator of
      stress response systems.

PMID- 22037402
TI  - Characterization of type II and III restriction-modification systems from
      Bacillus cereus strains ATCC 10987 and ATCC 14579.
AB  - The genomes of two Bacillus cereus strains (ATCC 10987 and ATCC 14579) have been
      sequenced. Here, we report the specificities of type II/III restriction (R) and
      modification (M) enzymes. Found in the ATCC 10987 strain, BceSI is a restriction
      endonuclease (REase) with the recognition and cut site CGAAG 24-25/27-28. BceSII
      is an isoschizomer of AvaII (G/GWCC). BceSIII cleaves at ACGGC 12/14. The BceSIII
      C terminus resembles the catalytic domains of AlwI, MlyI, and Nt.BstNBI. BceSIV
      is composed of two subunits and cleaves on both sides of GCWGC. BceSIV activity
      is strongly stimulated by the addition of cofactor ATP or GTP. The large subunit
      (R1) of BceSIV contains conserved motifs of NTPases and DNA helicases. The R1
      subunit has no endonuclease activity by itself; it strongly stimulates REase
      activity when in complex with the R2 subunit. BceSIV was demonstrated to
      hydrolyze GTP and ATP in vitro. BceSIV is similar to CglI (GCSGC), and homologs
      of R1 are found in 11 sequenced bacterial genomes, where they are paired with
      specificity subunits. In addition, homologs of the BceSIV R1-R2 fusion are found
      in many sequenced microbial genomes. An orphan methylase, M.BceSV, was found to
      modify GCNGC, GGCC, CCGG, GGNNCC, and GCGC sites. A ParB-methylase fusion protein
      appears to nick DNA nonspecifically. The ATCC 14579 genome encodes an active
      enzyme Bce14579I (GCWGC). BceSIV and Bce14579I belong to the phospholipase D
      (PLD) family of endonucleases that are widely distributed among Bacteria and
      Archaea. A survey of type II and III restriction-modification (R-M) system genes
      is presented from sequenced B. cereus, Bacillus anthracis, and Bacillus
      thuringiensis strains.

PMID- 22037403
TI  - Substitutions in the BamA beta-barrel domain overcome the conditional lethal
      phenotype of a DeltabamB DeltabamE strain of Escherichia coli.
AB  - BamA interacts with the BamBCDE lipoproteins, and together they constitute the
      essential beta-barrel assembly machine (BAM) of Escherichia coli. The
      simultaneous absence of BamB and BamE confers a conditional lethal phenotype and
      a severe beta-barrel outer membrane protein (OMP) biogenesis defect. Without BamB
      and BamE, wild-type BamA levels are significantly reduced, and the folding of the
      BamA beta-barrel, as assessed by the heat-modifiability assay, is drastically
      compromised. Single-amino-acid substitutions in the beta-barrel domain of BamA
      improve both bacterial growth and OMP biogenesis in a bamB bamE mutant and
      restore BamA levels close to the BamB(+) BamE(+) level. The substitutions alter
      BamA beta-barrel folding, and folding in the mutants becomes independent of BamB
      and BamE. Remarkably, BamA beta-barrel alterations also improve OMP biogenesis in
      cells lacking the major periplasmic chaperone, SurA, which, together with BamB,
      is thought to facilitate the transfer of partially folded OMPs to the soluble
      POTRA (polypeptide-transport-associated) domain of BamA. Unlike the bamB bamE
      mutant background, the absence of BamB or SurA does not affect BamA beta-barrel
      folding. Thus, substitutions in the outer membrane-embedded BamA beta-barrel
      domain overcome OMP biogenesis defects that occur at the POTRA domain of BamA in
      the periplasm. Based on the structure of FhaC, the altered BamA residues are
      predicted to lie on a highly conserved loop that folds inside the beta-barrel and
      in regions pointing outside the beta-barrel, suggesting that they influence BamA
      function by both direct and indirect mechanisms.

PMID- 22037404
TI  - Dimerization of the bacterial biotin carboxylase subunit is required for acetyl
      coenzyme A carboxylase activity in vivo.
AB  - Acetyl coenzyme A (acteyl-CoA) carboxylase (ACC) is the first committed enzyme of
      the fatty acid synthesis pathway. Escherichia coli ACC is composed of four
      different proteins. The first enzymatic activity of the ACC complex, biotin
      carboxylase (BC), catalyzes the carboxylation of the protein-bound biotin moiety
      of another subunit with bicarbonate in an ATP-dependent reaction. Although BC is
      found as a dimer in cell extracts and the carboxylase activities of the two
      subunits of the dimer are interdependent, mutant BC proteins deficient in
      dimerization are reported to retain appreciable activity in vitro (Y. Shen, C. Y.
      Chou, G. G. Chang, and L. Tong, Mol. Cell 22:807-818, 2006). However, in vivo BC
      must interact with the other proteins of the complex, and thus studies of the
      isolated BC may not reflect the intracellular function of the enzyme. We have
      tested the abilities of three BC mutant proteins deficient in dimerization to
      support growth and report that the two BC proteins most deficient in dimerization
      fail to support growth unless expressed at high levels. In contrast, the wild
      type protein supports growth at low expression levels. We conclude that BC must
      be dimeric to fulfill its physiological function.

PMID- 22037405
TI  - [Treatment perspectives].
AB  - Celiac disease (CD) is a chronic inflammatory enteropathy caused by the ingestion
      of gluten. A safe and efficient but unpleasant treatment exists for CD in form of
      a strict gluten-free diet. Thus, there is a need for new treatment strategies,
      which are based on the improved and advanced understanding of the pathophysiology
      of CD. The first strategy consists in reducing or even eliminating major
      antigenic motifs in gluten, responsible for the inflammatory reaction. The use of
      less immunogenic wheat was suggested but this seems rather difficult to realize.
      However, a complete digestion of the immunogenic parts of gluten looks very
      promising. This can be obtained by the use of polymers, capable to sequester
      gluten proteins or even better via the exogenous administration of propyl
      endopeptidases, with two different enzymes under development. Another approach
      could be the use of inhibitors of tissue transglutaminase, a strategy which is
      under clinical investigation. Alternatively, inhibition of the site of liaison of
      immunostimulatory peptides with HLA molecules was suggested and is also under
      investigation in vivo. For patients suffering from refractory sprue, the
      inhibition of IL15 might be of therapeutic interest with the hope to improve the
      fatal outcome of many of these patients. However, the ultimate treatment approach
      is in form of prevention and the role of infectious agents, such as Rotavirus, in
      disease onset has to be considered.

PMID- 22037406
TI  - The effects of chronic administration of tranylcypromine and rimonabant on
      behaviour and protein expression in brain regions of the rat.
AB  - Recent findings indicate that CB1 receptor blockade might be relevant to the
      action of antidepressant drugs as inhibition of endocannabinoid function can
      increase synaptic availability of neurotransmitters; an effect also seen with
      chronic antidepressant drug treatment. Chronic treatments with established
      antidepressants also lead to raised brain BDNF levels. The aim of this study was
      to compare the effects of rimonabant (an inverse agonist/antagonist of CB1
      receptors) with those of the antidepressant tranylcypromine (TCP), on behaviour
      and expression of BDNF/CREB signalling pathways in rat brain. Daily (i.p.)
      injections of vehicle or TCP (10 mg/kg) or rimonabant (2 mg/kg) were given for 14
      days. Locomotor activity (LMA) and a conditional emotional response (CER) were
      measured in addition to levels of BDNF and CREB/phospho-CREB, using
      immunoblotting, in the frontal cortex, hippocampus, striatum and cerebellum. The
      velocity of movement was increased significantly on the 3rd, but not 9th, day of
      TCP treatment versus vehicle-treated rats (p<0.05) while rimonabant had no
      effect. There were no significant changes in grooming or freezing behaviours
      after rimonabant or TCP compared to vehicle-treated rats. Rearing was
      significantly reduced by TCP treatment on the 3rd, but not 9th, day of treatment
      (p<0.001) while rimonabant had no effect. BDNF levels were significantly
      increased in the frontal cortex after TCP (p<0.05) but not by rimonabant. Neither
      TCP nor rimonabant significantly affected CREB or p-CREB expression. In
      conclusion, chronic administration of TCP to rats increased BDNF expression in
      the frontal cortex but no similar effect was observed with rimonabant indicating
      that rimonabant does not show antidepressant drug-like responses after chronic
      treatment.

PMID- 22037407
TI  - Quetiapine improves response inhibition in alcohol dependent patients: a placebo
      controlled pilot study.
AB  - RATIONALE: Quetiapine has been shown to be a promising medication for the
      treatment of alcoholism. As an atypical antipsychotic medication with antagonist
      activity at D1 and D2, 5-HT(1A) and 5-HT(2A), H(1) and alpha1 and alpha2
      receptors, quetiapine has been found to decrease impulsivity in other psychiatric
      disorders but its effects on impulsivity have not been studied in alcohol
      dependent patients. OBJECTIVE: This study seeks to test the effects of quetiapine
      on a specific dimension of impulsivity, namely response inhibition. This pilot
      study seeks to further elucidate the mechanisms of action of quetiapine for
      alcohol use disorders. METHOD: A total of 20 non-treatment seeking alcohol
      dependent individuals were randomized to one of the following conditions in a
      double-blind, placebo-controlled design: (1) quetiapine (400 mg/day); or (2)
      matched placebo. Participants completed two counterbalanced intravenous placebo
      alcohol administration sessions as well as behavioral measure of response
      inhibition (i.e. stop signal task) pre and post placebo-alcohol administration
      sessions. RESULTS: Analyses revealed a significant effect of quetiapine in
      improving response inhibition as measured by the stop signal task. These results
      provide preliminary evidence suggesting that quetiapine improves response
      inhibition in alcohol dependent patients, as compared to placebo. CONCLUSION:
      This pilot study contributes a novel putative mechanism of action of quetiapine
      in alcoholism, namely an improvement in response inhibition.

PMID- 22037408
TI  - Running wheel activity protects against increased seizure susceptibility in
      ethanol withdrawn male rats.
AB  - Ethanol withdrawal is a dysphoric condition that arises from termination of
      ethanol intake by dependent individuals. Common withdrawal symptoms include
      anxiety, increased reactivity to stimuli and increased seizure susceptibility as
      well as the risk of increased seizure severity. We use an animal model of
      dependence and withdrawal to study withdrawal behaviors and potential underlying
      neurobiological mechanisms. For a number of years, we have quantified
      pentylenetetrazol seizure thresholds as an assessment of ethanol withdrawal at
      both one day and three days of withdrawal. Typically, we see a significant
      decrease in seizure threshold (increased sensitivity to seizure induction) that
      persists through three days of withdrawal for male rats. Increasing evidence
      indicates that voluntary exercise affords protection against various challenges
      to physical and psychological health, including ethanol-related challenges.
      Therefore, the current study investigated the effect of voluntary wheel running
      on seizure susceptibility following chronic ethanol administration and
      withdrawal. We found that voluntary wheel running attenuated the increased
      sensitivity to pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures observed with ethanol
      withdrawal, at both the one-day and three-day time points. This result was
      especially interesting as animals with access to the running wheels consumed more
      of the ethanol-containing diet. These findings showed that chronic voluntary
      wheel running reduces the severity of ethanol withdrawal in our animal model and
      suggest that exercise-based interventions may have some utility in the clinical
      management of heavy drinking and alcohol withdrawal.

PMID- 22037409
TI  - Effect of ketamine on exploratory behaviour in BALB/C and C57BL/6 mice.
AB  - In this study, we evaluated the effect of ketamine on exploratory locomotion
      behaviours in the Balb/c and C57BL/6 strains of mice, which differ in their
      locomotion behaviours. Intraperitoneal administration of ketamine at three
      different doses (1, 5 or 10 mg/kg, 0.1 ml/10 gr body weight) was performed on
      adult male Balb/c and C57BL/6 mice. The same volume of saline was applied to the
      control group. The open-field and elevated plus maze apparatus were used to
      evaluate exploratory locomotion. In the open-field test, Balb/c mice less spend
      time in the centre of the field and was decreased locomotor activity compared to
      C57BL/6 mice (p<0.01). Ketamine treatment of Balb/c mice at 10 mg/kg dose caused
      an increase in locomotor activity and an increase in the amount of time spent in
      the centre in the open-field test, compared to the control group (p<0.05). In
      C57BL/6 mice, ketamine treatment (1 and 10 mg/kg) decreased locomotor activity
      (p<0.05). In C57BL/6 mice, the three different doses of ketamine application each
      caused a decrease in the frequency of centre crossing (p<0.001) and the spent
      time in the centre (p<0.05). In the elevated plus maze, the number of open-arm
      entries, the percentage of open-arm time and total arm entries were decreased in
      Balb/c mice compared to C57BL/6 mice (p<0.001). Ketamine treatment of Balb/c mice
      at 10 mg/kg dose caused an increase in the open-arm activity (p<0.001). Ketamine
      application (10 mg/kg) decreased the open-arm activity in C57BL/6 mice (p<0.05).
      A subanaesthetic dose of ketamine increased exploratory locomotion in Balb/c
      mice. In contrast, a subanaesthetic dose of ketamine decreased exploratory
      locomotion in C57BL/6 mice. In conclusion, hereditary factors may play an
      important role in ketamine-induced responses.

PMID- 22037410
TI  - The novel adenosine A2A antagonist Lu AA47070 reverses the motor and motivational
      effects produced by dopamine D2 receptor blockade.
AB  - Dopamine D2 and adenosine A(2A) receptors interact to regulate aspects of motor
      and motivational function, and it has been suggested that adenosine A(2A)
      antagonists could be useful for the treatment of parkinsonism and depression. The
      present experiments were performed to characterize the effects of Lu AA47070,
      which is a phosphonooxymethylene prodrug of a potent and selective adenosine
      A(2A) receptor antagonist, for its ability to reverse the motor and motivational
      effects of D2 antagonism. In the first group of studies, Lu AA47070 (3.75-30
      mg/kg IP) was assessed for its ability to reverse the effects of the D2 receptor
      antagonist pimozide (1.0 mg/kg IP) using several measures of motor impairment,
      including catalepsy, locomotion, and tremulous jaw movements, which is a rodent
      model of parkinsonian tremor. Lu AA47070 produced a significant reversal of the
      effects of pimozide on all three measures of parkinsonian motor impairment. In
      addition, Lu AA47070 was able to reverse the effects of a low dose of the D2
      antagonist haloperidol on a concurrent lever pressing/chow feeding task that is
      used as a measure of effort-related choice behavior. The ability of Lu AA47070 to
      reverse the effects of D2 receptor blockade suggests that this compound could
      have potential utility as a treatment for parkinsonism, and for some of the
      motivational symptoms of depression.

PMID- 22037411
TI  - Behavioral deficits and cellular damage following developmental ethanol exposure
      in rats are attenuated by CP-101,606, an NMDAR antagonist with unique NR2B
      specificity.
AB  - NMDAR-mediated excitotoxicity has been implicated in some of the impairments
      following fetal ethanol exposure. Previous studies suggest that both neuronal
      cell death and some of the behavioral deficits can be reduced by NMDAR antagonism
      during withdrawal, including antagonism of a subpopulation of receptors
      containing NR2B subunits. To further investigate NR2B involvement, we selected a
      compound, CP-101,606 (CP) which binds selectively to NR2B/2B stoichiometries, for
      both in vitro and in vivo analyses. For the in vitro study, hippocampal explants
      were exposed to ethanol for 10 days and then 24 h following removal of ethanol,
      cellular damage was quantified via propidium iodide fluorescence. In vitro
      ethanol withdrawal-associated neurotoxicity was prevented by CP (10 and 25 nM).
      In vivo ethanol exposure was administered on PNDs 1-7 with CP administered 21 h
      following cessation. Activity (PNDs 20-21), motor skills (PNDs 31-33), and maze
      navigation (PNDs 43-44) were all susceptible to ethanol insult; treatment with CP
      (15 mg/kg) rescued these deficits. Our findings show that CP-101,606, a drug that
      blocks the NR2B/2B receptor, can reduce some of the damaging effects of "3rd
      trimester" alcohol exposure in our rodent model. Further work is clearly
      warranted on the neuroprotective potential of this drug in the developing brain.

PMID- 22037412
TI  - Give the gift of presence at the speed of life.

PMID- 22037413
TI  - The recycling endosome and its role in neurological disorders.
AB  - The recycling endosome (RE) is an organelle in the endocytic pathway where plasma
      membranes (proteins and lipids) internalized by endocytosis are processed back to
      the cell surface for reuse. Endocytic recycling is the primary way for the cell
      to maintain constituents of the plasma membrane (Griffiths et al., 1989), i.e.,
      to maintain the abundance of receptors and transporters on cell surfaces.
      Membrane traffic through the RE is crucial for several key cellular processes
      including cytokinesis and cell migration. In polarized cells, including neurons,
      the RE is vital for the generation and maintenance of the polarity of the plasma
      membrane. Many RE dependent cargo molecules are known to be important for
      neuronal function and there is evidence that improper function of key proteins in
      RE-associated pathways may contribute to the pathogenesis of neurological
      disorders, including Huntington's disease. The function of the RE in neurons is
      poorly understood. Therefore, there is need to understand how membrane dynamics
      in RE-associated pathways are affected or participate in the development or
      progression of neurological diseases. This review summarizes advances in
      understanding endocytic recycling associated with the RE, challenges in
      elucidating molecular mechanisms underlying RE function, and evidence for RE
      dysfunction in neurological disorders.

PMID- 22037414
TI  - Caspase 8 inhibits programmed necrosis by processing CYLD.
AB  - Caspase 8 initiates apoptosis downstream of TNF death receptors by undergoing
      autocleavage and processing the executioner caspase 3 (ref. 1). However, the
      dominant function of caspase 8 is to transmit a pro-survival signal that
      suppresses programmed necrosis (or necroptosis) mediated by RIPK1 and RIPK3 (refs
      2-6) during embryogenesis and haematopoiesis(7-9). Suppression of necrotic cell
      death by caspase 8 requires its catalytic activity but not the autocleavage
      essential for apoptosis(10); however, the key substrate processed by caspase 8 to
      block necrosis has been elusive. A key substrate must meet three criteria: it
      must be essential for programmed necrosis; it must be cleaved by caspase 8 in
      situations where caspase 8 is blocking necrosis; and mutation of the caspase 8
      processing site on the substrate should convert a pro-survival response to
      necrotic death without the need for caspase 8 inhibition. We now identify CYLD as
      a substrate for caspase 8 that satisfies these criteria. Following TNF
      stimulation, caspase 8 cleaves CYLD to generate a survival signal. In contrast,
      loss of caspase 8 prevented CYLD degradation, resulting in necrotic death. A CYLD
      substitution mutation at Asp 215 that cannot be cleaved by caspase 8 switches
      cell survival to necrotic cell death in response to TNF.

PMID- 22037415
TI  - Raising the bar for breast health care in the United States.

PMID- 22037416
TI  - A burst of plant NADPH oxidases.
AB  - Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are highly reactive molecules able to damage
      cellular components but they also act as cell signalling elements. ROS are
      produced by many different enzymatic systems. Plant NADPH oxidases, also known as
      respiratory burst oxidase homologues (RBOHs), are the most thoroughly studied
      enzymatic ROS-generating systems and our understanding of their involvement in
      various plant processes has increased considerably in recent years. In this
      review we discuss their roles as ROS producers during cell growth, plant
      development and plant response to abiotic environmental constraints and biotic
      interactions, both pathogenic and symbiotic. This broad range of functions
      suggests that RBOHs may serve as important molecular 'hubs' during ROS-mediated
      signalling in plants.

PMID- 22037417
TI  - Ab initio study of magnetoelectricity in Fe/BaTiO3: the effects of n-doped
      perovskite interfaces.
AB  - On the basis of ab initio calculations we study the interfacial magnetoelectric
      effect in a prototypical biferroic Fe(L)/XO2/BaO/BaTiO3(001) (X = Ti, V, Co),
      with an Fe thickness L <= 2 monolayers. We anticipate that the use of the n-type
      perovskite termination instead of nominally neutral TiO2 may enhance
      magnetoelectricity in the system when its magnetization is robustly changed by
      substrate-polarization reversal.

PMID- 22037418
TI  - Sleep spindle-related reactivation of category-specific cortical regions after
      learning face-scene associations.
AB  - Newly acquired declarative memory traces are believed to be reactivated during
      NonREM sleep to promote their hippocampo-neocortical transfer for long-term
      storage. Yet it remains a major challenge to unravel the underlying neuronal
      mechanisms. Using simultaneous electroencephalography (EEG) and functional
      magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) recordings in humans, we show that sleep
      spindles play a key role in the reactivation of memory-related neocortical
      representations. On separate days, participants either learned face-scene
      associations or performed a visuomotor control task. Spindle-coupled reactivation
      of brain regions representing the specific task stimuli was traced during
      subsequent NonREM sleep with EEG-informed fMRI. Relative to the control task,
      learning face-scene associations triggered a stronger combined activation of
      neocortical and hippocampal regions during subsequent sleep. Notably,
      reactivation did not only occur in temporal synchrony with spindle events but was
      tuned by ongoing variations in spindle amplitude. These learning-related
      increases in spindle-coupled neocortical activity were topographically specific
      because reactivation was restricted to the face- and scene-selective visual
      cortical areas previously activated during pre-sleep learning. Spindle-coupled
      hippocampal activation was stronger the better the participant had performed at
      prior learning. These results are in agreement with the notion that sleep
      spindles orchestrate the reactivation of new hippocampal-neocortical memories
      during sleep.

PMID- 22037421
TI  - The serendipitous discovery of the brain's default network.
AB  - One of the most unexpected findings by functional neuroimaging has been the
      discovery of the brain's default network - a set of brain regions that is
      spontaneously active during passive moments. The default network's discovery was
      a fortunate accident that occurred due to the inclusion of rest control
      conditions in early PET and functional MRI studies. At first, the network was
      ignored. Later, its presence was shunned as evidence of an experimental confound.
      Finally, it emerged as a mainstream target of focused study. Here, I describe a
      personal perspective of the default network's serendipitous discovery.

PMID- 22037420
TI  - The problem of low variance voxels in statistical parametric mapping; a new hat
      avoids a 'haircut'.
AB  - Statistical parametric mapping (SPM) locates significant clusters based on a
      ratio of signal to noise (a 'contrast' of the parameters divided by its standard
      error) meaning that very low noise regions, for example outside the brain, can
      attain artefactually high statistical values. Similarly, the commonly applied
      preprocessing step of Gaussian spatial smoothing can shift the peak statistical
      significance away from the peak of the contrast and towards regions of lower
      variance. These problems have previously been identified in positron emission
      tomography (PET) (Reimold et al., 2006) and voxel-based morphometry (VBM) (Acosta
      Cabronero et al., 2008), but can also appear in functional magnetic resonance
      imaging (fMRI) studies. Additionally, for source-reconstructed magneto- and
      electro-encephalography (M/EEG), the problems are particularly severe because
      sparsity-favouring priors constrain meaningfully large signal and variance to a
      small set of compactly supported regions within the brain. (Acosta-Cabronero et
      al., 2008) suggested adding noise to background voxels (the 'haircut'),
      effectively increasing their noise variance, but at the cost of contaminating
      neighbouring regions with the added noise once smoothed. Following theory and
      simulations, we propose to modify--directly and solely--the noise variance
      estimate, and investigate this solution on real imaging data from a range of
      modalities.

PMID- 22037422
TI  - Chemical constituents of Kigelia pinnata twigs and their GLUT4 translocation
      modulatory effect in skeletal muscle cells.
AB  - Phytochemical investigation of the ethanolic extract of twigs of Kigelia pinnata
      DC. afforded one new iridoid 7-hydroxy eucommiol (1), and nine known compounds (2
      10). The structure of compounds was elucidated by extensive spectroscopic
      methods, including 1D, 2D NMR experiments and MS analysis. All these compounds
      were evaluated for GLUT4 translocation modulatory effect in skeletal muscle
      cells. Four of the tested compounds 1, 5, 6 and 7 showed significant stimulation
      of GLUT4 translocation to cell surface in skeletal muscle cells without any
      adverse effect on cell viability. Effect of these four compounds was
      concentration-dependent and comparable to standard drug rosiglitazone. These
      findings indicate that constituents of K. pinnata may provide leads for the
      therapeutics for insulin resistance and diabetes.

PMID- 22037423
TI  - Differential regulation of PML-RARalpha stability by the ubiquitin ligases
      SIAH1/SIAH2 and TRIAD1.
AB  - The ubiquitin proteasome system plays an important role in normal and malignant
      hematopoiesis and relies on the concerted action of three enzyme families. The E2
      ubiquitin conjugase UBCH8 (ubiquitin conjugating enzyme [human] 8) cooperates
      with the E3 ubiquitin ligases SIAH1 and SIAH2 (seven in absentia homolog 1/2) to
      mediate the proteasomal degradation of oncoproteins. One such protein is the
      leukemia fusion protein PML-RARalpha (promyelocytic leukemia-retinoic acid
      receptoralpha) that is associated with acute promyelocytic leukemia. A limited
      number of UBCH8 interaction partners that participate in the UBCH8-dependent
      depletion of cancer-relevant proteins are known. We report here that TRIAD1 (two
      RING fingers and DRIL [double RING finger linked] 1), an E3 ubiquitin ligase
      relevant for the clonogenic growth of myloid progenitors, binds UBCH8 as well as
      PML-RARalpha. Moreover, there is concurrent induction of TRIAD1 and UBCH8 upon
      combinatorial treatment of acute promyelocytic leukemia cells with the pro
      apoptotic epigenetic modulator valproic acid and the differentiation inducing
      agent all-trans retinoic acid. However, in sharp contrast to SIAH1/SIAH2 and
      UBCH8, TRIAD1 binding to PML-RARalpha has no effect on its turnover. In summary,
      our data exclude TRIAD1 as crucial regulator of the leukemic determinant PML
      RARalpha, but highlight the prominence of the UBCH8/SIAH axis in PML-RARalpha
      degradation.

PMID- 22037424
TI  - Serotonin modulates hepatic 6-phosphofructo-1-kinase in an insulin synergistic
      manner.
AB  - Human and rat hepatic tissue express many serotonin (5-HT) receptor subtypes,
      such as 5-HT(1B), 5-HT(2A), 5-HT(2B) and 5-HT(7) receptors, which mediate diverse
      effects. 5-HT is known to regulate several key aspects of liver biology including
      hepatic blood flow, innervations and wound healing. 5-HT is also known to enhance
      net glucose uptake during glucose infusion in fasted dogs, but little is known
      about the ability of 5-HT to control hepatic glucose metabolism, especially
      glycolysis. This study addresses the potential of 5-HT to regulate PFK activity
      and the mechanisms related to the enzyme activity. Based on our results, we are
      the first to provide evidence that 5-HT up-regulates PFK in mouse hepatic tissue.
      Activation of the enzyme occurs through the 5-HT(2A) receptor and phospholipase C
      (PLC), resulting in PFK intracellular redistribution and favoring PFK association
      to the cytoskeletal f-actin-enriched fractions. Interestingly, 5-HT and insulin
      act in a synergistic manner, likely because of the ability of insulin to increase
      fructose-2,6-bisphosphate because the presence of this PFK allosteric regulator
      enhances the 5-HT effect on the enzyme activity. Together, these data demonstrate
      the ability of 5-HT to control hepatic glycolysis and present clues about the
      mechanisms involved in these processes, which may be important in understanding
      the action of 5-HT during the hepatic wound healing process.

PMID- 22037425
TI  - Hypersensitivity of A8344G MERRF mutated cybrid cells to staurosporine-induced
      cell death is mediated by calcium-dependent activation of calpains.
AB  - Mutations in the mitochondrial DNA can lead to the development of mitochondrial
      diseases such as Myoclonic Epilepsy with Ragged Red Fibers (MERRF) or
      Mitochondrial Encephalomyopathy, Lactic Acidosis and Stroke-like episodes
      (MELAS). We first show that human 143B-derived cybrid cells harboring either the
      A8344G (MERRF) or the A3243G (MELAS) mutation, are more prone to undergo
      apoptosis then their wild-type counterpart, when challenged with various
      apoptotic inducers such as staurosporine, etoposide and TRAIL. In addition,
      investigating the mechanisms underlying A8344G cybrid cells hypersensitivity to
      staurosporine-induced cell death, we found that staurosporine treatment activates
      caspases independently of cytochrome c release in both wild-type and mutated
      cells. Caspases are activated, at least partly, through the activation of calcium
      dependent calpain proteases, a pathway that is more strongly activated in mutated
      cybrid cells than in wild-type cells exposed to staurosporine. These results
      suggest that calcium homeostasis perturbation induced by mitochondrial
      dysfunction could predispose cells to apoptosis, a process that could take part
      into the progressive cell degeneration observed in MERRF syndrome, and more
      generally in mitochondrial diseases.

PMID- 22037426
TI  - Distinctive endoscopic ultrasound features of isolated pancreatic tuberculosis
      and requirements for biliary stenting.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: There are insufficient data about the appearance of isolated
      pancreatic tuberculosis on endoscopic ultrasound (EUS). The safety and efficacy
      of antitubercular therapy (ATT) in patients with pancreatic tuberculosis with
      cholestasis are also relatively unknown. METHODS: We evaluated 6 patients with
      isolated pancreatic head tuberculosis retrospectively and compared their EUS
      findings with those of 25 patients with pancreatic head adenocarcinoma. RESULTS:
      There was no difference in the EUS appearance between the 2 diseases. The mean
      diameter of the common bile duct was significantly greater in patients with
      pancreatic adenocarcinoma. The pancreatic duct was dilated in 20 of 25 patients
      with pancreatic adenocarcinoma (80%), whereas it was dilated in only 1 of 6
      patients with pancreatic tuberculosis (16.6%) (P < .05). All 6 patients with
      pancreatic tuberculosis had a resolution of their cholestatic symptoms within 4
      weeks of starting ATT alone. None of these patients required biliary stenting.
      CONCLUSIONS: None of the EUS features of a mass lesion caused by pancreatic
      tuberculosis are distinctive. Once diagnosed, these patients can be successfully
      treated with ATT without needing biliary stenting.

PMID- 22037427
TI  - Synchronous facing submucosal tumors of the duodenum in neurofibromatosis type 1.

PMID- 22037428
TI  - Cat scratch colon.

PMID- 22037429
TI  - Risk for colorectal neoplasia in patients with colonic Crohn's disease and
      concomitant primary sclerosing cholangitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Patients with ulcerative colitis and concomitant primary
      sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) have a greater risk of developing colorectal
      dysplasia or invasive cancer than patients with only ulcerative colitis.
      Therefore, annual surveillance colonoscopies are recommended. We investigated
      whether primary sclerosing cholangitis is also a risk factor for colorectal
      dysplasia or cancer in patients with Crohn's disease of the colon. METHODS: We
      performed a retrospective review of data from a tertiary care hospital on 166
      patients with PSC and inflammatory bowel disease; 120 had concomitant ulcerative
      colitis, 35 had Crohn's disease, and 11 had indeterminate colitis. The controls
      comprised 114 patients with colonic involvement of Crohn's disease and 102
      patients with ulcerative colitis. The main outcome parameter was the development
      of colorectal cancer or intraepithelial neoplasia. RESULTS: Only 1 patient with
      colonic Crohn's disease and concomitant PSC developed dysplasia in an adenomatous
      polyp during a median follow-up of 10 years (range, 7-16 years). In contrast, 2
      cancers and 8 cases of colorectal dysplasia were diagnosed in patients with
      ulcerative colitis and PSC during a median follow up of 11 years (range, 8-16
      years); the crude annual incidence of dysplasia or colorectal cancer was 1 in 150
      patients with ulcerative colitis. Among patients with colonic Crohn's disease
      without PSC, 2 developed colorectal cancer during follow-up. The presence of PSC
      did not increase the risk of developing colorectal dysplasia in patients with
      Crohn's disease (P = 1.00). CONCLUSIONS: PSC does not seem to increase the risk
      for dysplasia of the colon in patients with colonic Crohn's disease.

PMID- 22037430
TI  - Spontaneous submucosal esophageal hematoma: a cause of severe thoracic back pain.

PMID- 22037431
TI  - Colonic mantle cell lymphoma.

PMID- 22037432
TI  - Evaluation of cirrhosis with an elevated ferritin.

PMID- 22037433
TI  - [HBV and pregnancy].
AB  - The clinical course of HBV infection in pregnant women does not usually differ
      from the course in non-pregnant women. Hepatitis flare rarely occurs during
      pregnancy, but it is frequent after delivery. HBV carrier status is associated
      with a higher incidence of gestational diabetes mellitus, pre-term labour and
      miscarriage. In the case of HBV-infected women wishing to become pregnant, the
      therapy could be delayed after delivery if the liver disease is mild, while if
      the woman has a moderate/severe liver disease, or becomes pregnant while on
      treatment, the potential risks of the antivirals have to be compared with the
      risks of hepatitis flares with progression to hepatic decompensation without
      treatment. The availability of highly effective passive-active immunoprophylaxis
      of the neonate using hepatitis B immune globulin and hepatitis B vaccine has
      considerably reduced the incidence of the vertical transmission of HBV infection,
      but a residual risk exists in cases of high maternal HBV-DNA levels: in such
      cases, the administration of anti-viral therapy during the third trimester of
      pregnancy may further reduce the risk of neonatal infection.

PMID- 22037434
TI  - [Loa loa filariasis in Italy: review of the literature with a clinical report].
AB  - We present the case of an asymptomatic Loa loa disease in a 28-year-old Nigerian
      man living in Italy for 5 years. The man was admitted to our clinic for an
      occasional identification of hypereosinophilia (white blood cell count 5440/mmc,
      eosinophil 42%) and the presence of microfilaria at an hemoscopic evaluation. The
      diagnosis was made by testing the diurnal peripheral blood that showed a
      parasitaemia of 7000 microfilia/mL. The patient was treated with ivermectin 12 mg
      on the first day followed by albendazole 400 mg every 12 hours for 21 days with a
      reduction but no negativization of the parasitaemia and no collateral effect.
      Filariasis should be considered in all patients who come from or have stayed in
      endemic areas or who present alterations in the leukocyte formula, including
      hypereosinophilia, or some unexplainable allergic disorders. The lab diagnosis
      can be conducted through a hemoscopic test or directly with the identification of
      the adult worm, whereas the parasitaemia can be evaluated only through a
      hemoscopic test. The therapy can be non-conclusive or carried out with difficulty
      as finding diethylcarbamazine may be a hard task or potentially fatal
      anaphylactic reactions may occur.

PMID- 22037435
TI  - [Which screening for Leishmania infantum in asymptomatic blood donors?].
AB  - Leishmaniasis is a protozoan infection endemic in Italy with a greatly
      underestimated prevalence. The recent documentation of parasitaemia in blood
      donors is a cause of concern for blood safety. Because there is no screening
      against leishmania, we performed a study to assess the presence of protozoa in
      blood donors of Siena district (Tuscany) during the seasonal activity of the
      vector. From June to October 2007, 162 patients were screened for Leishmania
      infantum by indirect immunofluorescence serology (IFAT) and PCR for kinetoplast
      (kDNA). No subject was positive for antibodies, while 11 samples (6.8%) were
      positive for kDNA. A second PCR (nested-PCR) was negative for all kDNA positive
      individuals and other subjects for a total of 55 samples (33% of total subjects).
      The sequence analysis of three samples positive for kDNA was compatible with
      mitochondrial DNA. Through the techniques used, we were unable to confirm the
      presence of leishmania in the blood of the subjects studied. The choice of the
      diagnostic protocol in blood donors remains an open issue as molecular analysis
      (kDNA) seems to suggest, in our experience, limits of specificity.

PMID- 22037436
TI  - [Aetiology of intestinal parasites in a sample of students from Mozambique].
AB  - The purpose of this survey is to assess the prevalence of intestinal parasites in
      a population of Mozambican students. Ninety five faecal samples were collected at
      the three schools in Marrere, Mozambique, for a period of about one week.
      Observations of fresh and Giemsa-stained samples were performed at the laboratory
      of the Geral de Marrere Hospital; observation after concentration (FEA) was
      performed later at the Microbiology Laboratory of the S. Maria Nuova Hospital
      (Reggio Emilia, Italy). The results show a high rate of intestinal parasites
      among the subjects examined, supported mainly by helminths (Strongyloides
      stercoralis and Ancylostoma/Necator americanus), and protozoa (Dientamoeba
      fragilis and Giardia intestinalis). Analysis of data shows that the search for
      pathogenic parasites with the formalin-ethyl acetate (FEA) stool concentration
      technique shows higher sensitivity than the observation of fresh samples (60% vs
      30%) and in some cases allows the presence of a second or third parasite to be
      detected. The high rate of parasitosis in endemic areas underlines the importance
      of lending greater attention to immigrant patients in Italy, due also to the fact
      that parasitosis is often found in asymptomatic forms.

PMID- 22037437
TI  - Socio-economic modelling of rotavirus vaccination in Castilla y Leon, Spain.
AB  - Rotavirus is one of the main causes of acute gastroenteritis in infants and young
      children. Furthermore, rotavirus is the leading cause of hospitalization and
      death from acute gastroenteritis among infants and young children worldwide.
      Although death due to rotavirus is rare in industrialized regions such as Spain,
      the rotavirus disease burden and its economic impact is severe. This study aims
      to assess systematic vaccination against rotavirus economically and socially in a
      Spanish region. Economic cost-effectiveness and cost-benefit assessment through a
      choice tree was designed. We estimated health provider costs, economic costs and
      quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) lost due to rotavirus infections. The study
      includes a fictitious cohort of 100,000 children from Castilla y Leon who were
      also administered the rotavirus vaccine together with diphtheria and tetanus
      toxoids and pertussis (DTP) . The study adopted a society and health care system
      perspective. A sensitivity analysis was developed to assess the uncertainty of
      some variables. According to the estimated incidence rate for children in
      Castilla y Leon, rotavirus immunization is projected to prevent 45% of cases with
      RotaTeq and 57% with Rotarix. The respective cost per QALY is about Euro 75,000
      and 50,000 from the perspective of the health care system. Routine infant
      vaccination in Castilla y Leon using either rotavirus vaccine is not profitable
      from the payer's perspective and is not cost-effective under basic case
      assumptions unless the vaccine is available at a lower cost.

PMID- 22037439
TI  - Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PCP) misdiagnosed as pandemic influenza H1N1 in
      a renal transplant patient.
AB  - Respiratory infections are of particular concern in transplant patients. However,
      there is a significant overlap in the symptoms caused by different pathogens.
      Here, we report a case of Pneumocystis jiroveci pneumonia (PCP) in a renal
      transplant patient which was initially misdiagnosed as pandemic influenza H1N1.
      The patient did not improve under oseltamivir treatment and bronchoscopy was
      performed five days later after hospitalization. PCP was diagnosed by
      microscoping evaluation of bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid. Besides, BAL and
      serum of the patient yielded a large amount of 1,3-beta-D-glucan, a cellwall
      compotent of medically important mycoses including P. jiroveci. The patient was
      successfully treated with intravenous trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. Due to the
      lack of sensitivity of influenza case definitions, the attending physicians
      should be careful about alternative diagnoses particularly in transplant patients
      with severe respiratory infections.

PMID- 22037438
TI  - [HPV-related diseases and screening program in male partners].
AB  - HPV is a sexually transmitted virus. The main risk factor for infection of the
      female population is the heterosexual transmission with partners who are infected
      with human papilloma virus (HPV). HPV infection is very common in sexually active
      males, and it is the most common STDs. In our experience the prevalence of
      infection is just under 50%. There are careful and well-established procedures
      that are applied to women with HPV; on the contrary, with regard to male
      population, there is, often, less focus and less sensitivity during both
      diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. The objectives of this study respond to
      two specific questions: 1. Is it useful to control male partner? 2. What tests
      are advisable and necessary for a proper definition of the problem? In this study
      160 male patients, partners of patients with HPV infection, were examined by
      peniscopia, the search for HPV-DNA and biopsy of the penis. The study results
      show that the percentage of HPV infection of the male partners of women with HPV
      infection is quite high, ranging from 47 to 49% in relation to the methods used.
      The prevalence of patients with high-risk virus which stands at over 60%.
      Moreover, from 17.5% to 40.5%, we observed an infection with multiple genotypes
      of which is known as a hazard factor of aggravation and persistence of HPV
      infection. In conclusion, HPV-related diseases is a clinical infection of the
      couple and it is obvious that to the couple should be given great attention. For
      an important and effective prevention of transmission of HPV from the male
      subject to viruses to woman, and for the prevention ping-pong effect, it is
      essential to submit all the male partners of women infected with HPV peniscopia,
      HPV tests, and possibly a biopsy of the penis.

PMID- 22037440
TI  - Unsuspected giant hydatid cyst of the liver in an 87-year-old woman.
AB  - Hydatid cystic disease from Echinococcus granulosus is described in some
      Brazilian as well as Italian areas. Liver hydatidosis is the most common
      presentation, which may evolve without symptoms. The authors describe an 87-year
      old woman with an unsuspected giant hydatid cyst of the liver and emphasize the
      diagnostic challenges, mainly involving patients from non-endemic regions.

PMID- 22037441
TI  - [Streptococcus gordonii extensive multiple subcutanoeus abscesses].
AB  - We describe extensive multiple subcutaneous abscesses involving the peri-scapular
      region, the right posterior and lateral peri-trochanteric area and ipsilateral
      thigh occurring in a 66-years-old woman. Streptococcus gordonii was identified as
      the unique pathogen. Despite this microrganism is generally considered not
      pathogenic, it has been previously described as responsible for two cases of
      peritonitis and one case of endocarditis. The patient has been treated with
      immediate surgical incision and drainage and was cured after two months of
      antibiotic therapy, medications and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.

PMID- 22037442
TI  - Epidemic waves of the Black Death in the Byzantine Empire (1347-1453 AD).
AB  - The lack of valid demographic data and the literary ambiguities of the Byzantine
      chroniclers raise questions about the actual size and mortality rate of the Black
      Death in the Byzantine Empire. This study presents for the first time a
      quantitative overview of the Black Death in Byzantium for the period 1347-1453.
      Our data were obtained from descriptions of the plague, by prominent Byzantine
      historians and scholars, grouped by time of appearance and geographical spread.
      During the period 1347-1453, a total of 61 plague reports were noted, which can
      be distinguished in nine major epidemic waves, 11 local outbreaks and 16 disease
      free periods. The capital Constantinople and the Venetian colonies of the Ionian
      and Aegean Sea were the areas most affected by the plague. The epidemic waves of
      the Black Death in Byzantium had a total average duration of 3.2 years.
      Scientific ignorance of the nature of the disease, a turbulent period of warfare
      and an organized maritime network seem to have contributed to the spread of the
      disease. Employing quantitative analysis, our multidisciplinary study sheds light
      from various standpoints on the evolution and dynamic of the plague in the South
      eastern Mediterranean during the 14th and 15th centuries, despite the lack of
      sound morbidity and mortality data.

PMID- 22037443
TI  - Oxidized phospholipid based pH sensitive micelles for delivery of anthracyclines
      to resistant leukemia cells in vitro.
AB  - A self-assembled micelle drug delivery system was constructed with an oxidized
      phospholipid for anthracycline anti-cancer drug delivery. An oxidized
      phospholipid, 1-palmitoyl-2-azelaoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (PazPC), was
      chosen to fabricate micelles via both electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions
      for delivery of doxorubicin (DOX) and idarubicin (IDA). The formation of ion-pair
      complexes between PazPC and DOX was first investigated under different pH
      conditions. Drug-loaded PazPC micelles at a 5:1 molar ratio of lipid/drug at pH
      7.0 were then prepared by the solvent evaporation method. The empty and drug
      loaded PazPC micelles exhibited a small particle size (~10 nm) and high
      encapsulation efficiency. In vitro stability and release profile indicated that
      the micelles were stable at physiological conditions, but exhibited pH-sensitive
      behavior with accelerated release of DOX or IDA in an acidic endosome
      environment. Finally, in vitro uptake and cytotoxicity were evaluated for
      leukemia P388 and its resistant subline P388/ADR. The drug-loaded PazPC micelles
      enhanced drug uptake and exhibited higher cytotoxicity in both leukemia cells in
      comparison to free drugs. In conclusion, we developed a novel pH sensitive
      oxidized phospholipid-based micellar formulation which could potentially be
      useful in delivering anthracycline anti-cancer drugs and provide a novel strategy
      for increasing the therapeutic index while overcoming multidrug resistance for
      leukemia treatment.

PMID- 22037444
TI  - Effect of fatty acids on the transdermal delivery of donepezil: in vitro and in
      vivo evaluation.
AB  - The effect of fatty acids on the skin permeation of donepezil base (DPB) and its
      hydrochloride salt (DPH) were studied in vitro using hairless mouse and human
      cadaver skin. DPB and DPH were solubilized in propylene glycol (PG) containing 1%
      (w/v) fatty acid, after which the in vitro permeation through hairless mouse skin
      and human cadaver skin were evaluated using Keshary-Chien diffusion cells. The
      optimized formulation obtained from the in vitro study was then tested in rats
      for an in vivo pharmacokinetic study. The relative in vitro skin permeation rate
      of donepezil (DP) through the hairless mouse skin showed a parabolic relationship
      with increased carbon length of the fatty acid enhancers. Among the fatty acids
      tested, oleic acid for DPB and palmitoleic acid for DPH showed the highest
      enhancing effect, respectively. Both the permeation rates of DPB and DPH
      evaluated in human cadaver skin were in good correlation with those in hairless
      mouse skin, regardless of the presence of fatty acids. This suggests that the
      mouse skin model serves as a useful in vitro system that satisfactorily
      represents the characteristics of the human skin. Moreover, based on the in vitro
      results, the optimal formulation that could maintain the human plasma
      concentration of 50 ng/mL was determined to be 10mg DP with 1% (w/v) enhancer.
      When the DP transdermal formulations were applied to the abdominal skin of rats
      (2.14 cm(2)), the C(ss) was maintained for 48 h, among which the highest value of
      52.21 +/- 2.09 ng/mL was achieved with the DPB formulation using oleic acid.
      These results showed that fatty acids could enhance the transdermal delivery of
      DP and suggested the feasibility of developing a novel transdermal delivery
      system for clinical use.

PMID- 22037419
TI  - Detecting global and local hippocampal shape changes in Alzheimer's disease using
      statistical shape models.
AB  - The hippocampus is affected at an early stage in the development of Alzheimer's
      disease (AD). With the use of structural magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, we can
      investigate the effect of AD on the morphology of the hippocampus. The
      hippocampal shape variations among a population can be usually described using
      statistical shape models (SSMs). Conventional SSMs model the modes of variations
      among the population via principal component analysis (PCA). Although these modes
      are representative of variations within the training data, they are not
      necessarily discriminative on labeled data or relevant to the differences between
      the subpopulations. We use the shape descriptors from SSM as features to classify
      AD from normal control (NC) cases. In this study, a Hotelling's T2 test is
      performed to select a subset of landmarks which are used in PCA. The resulting
      variation modes are used as predictors of AD from NC. The discrimination ability
      of these predictors is evaluated in terms of their classification performances
      with bagged support vector machines (SVMs). Restricting the model to landmarks
      with better separation between AD and NC increases the discrimination power of
      SSM. The predictors extracted on the subregions also showed stronger correlation
      with the memory-related measurements such as Logical Memory, Auditory Verbal
      Learning Test (AVLT) and the memory subscores of Alzheimer Disease Assessment
      Scale (ADAS).

PMID- 22037445
TI  - Optimized dextran-polyethylenimine conjugates are efficient non-viral vectors
      with reduced cytotoxicity when used in serum containing environments.
AB  - Polyethylenimine (PEI) is a cationic polymer that is an efficient transfection
      reagent marred by high toxicity and a susceptibility to aggregate in the presence
      of serum. Dextran is a biodegradable natural polysaccharide that can be used to
      reduce the toxicity of PEI and increase its stability in the presence of serum.
      In this study, small branched PEI units (800/2000 Da) were attached to dextran
      (Dex; 15/100-200 kDa) to form dextran-polyethylenimine (Dex-PEI) conjugates. The
      Dex-PEI conjugates were then tested as a gene carrier in the model HEK293 cell
      line. Dex-PEI conjugates displayed significantly lower cytotoxicity than PEI
      (25k). Both Dex-PEI and PEI efficiently delivered firefly luciferase encoded
      plasmid DNA (pDNA) to the HEK293 cells. Dex-PEI resulted in moderately lower
      transfection efficiencies than PEI 25k when the transfection was carried out in
      media without serum for 4h. However, in the presence of serum, which more
      accurately predicts the anticipated environment of non-viral vectors in vivo, Dex
      PEI and unmodified PEI generated similar transfection efficiencies when incubated
      with the cells for 4h. When the incubation time of the vectors was increased to
      48h, significantly higher transfection efficiencies were generated by Dex-PEI in
      comparison to PEI. Turbidity measurements showed that complexes formed between
      plasmid DNA and unmodified PEI were more susceptible to aggregation in serum
      containing media than complexes formed from pDNA and Dex-PEI. Dex-PEI conjugates
      are therefore believed to have greater potential for translational applications
      because of lower cytotoxicity characteristics and improved stability in serum
      containing environments.

PMID- 22037446
TI  - Optimization of rapamycin-loaded acetalated dextran microparticles for
      immunosuppression.
AB  - Immunosuppressive drugs can treat autoimmune disorders and limit rejection with
      organ transplants. However, delivering immunosuppressants like rapamycin
      systemically can have harmful side-effects. We aim to potentially reduce these
      toxic side-effects by encapsulating rapamycin in a polymeric microparticle to
      passively target phagocytes, the cells integral in immunosuppression. Acetalated
      dextran (Ac-DEX) is a recently described, biocompatible polymer which undergoes
      tunable burst degradation at the acidic conditions present in the phagosome (pH
      5) but slower degradation at extracellular conditions (pH 7.4), thereby making it
      an ideal candidate for immune applications. Rapamycin-loaded microparticles were
      fabricated from Ac-DEX through a single emulsion (water/oil) technique. Optimized
      microparticles were determined by varying the chemical and physical parameters
      during particle synthesis. Microparticles synthesized from Ac-DEX with a
      molecular weight of 71 k had higher encapsulation efficiency of rapamycin and
      slower overall degradation than microparticles synthesized from 10k Ac-DEX. To
      evaluate the ability of rapamycin-loaded Ac-DEX microparticles to reduce a pro
      inflammatory response, they were incubated with lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW
      macrophages. RAW macrophages treated with rapamycin-loaded microparticles
      exhibited reduced nitric oxide production and favorable cell viability. Overall,
      we have shown optimization of immunosuppressive rapamycin-loaded microparticles
      using the novel polymer Ac-DEX. These particles will be advantageous for future
      applications in immune suppression therapies.

PMID- 22037448
TI  - Histamine increases the level of IFNgamma produced by HIV-1 specific CTLs and
      this production depends on total IgE level.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) population remains a global
      concern whose treatment is effective, though not yet optimal. Immune based
      therapies have thus far been disappointing and still need to be explored further.
      Based on published data suggesting that the functions of cytotoxic CD8+ T
      lymphocytes (CTL) can be improved by histamine, we investigated the effect of
      histamine in vitro on HIV-1 specific CD8+ T lymphocytes in HIV+ subjects.
      RESULTS: 60 HIV+ subjects were included in the study. We evaluated CTL function
      by IFNgamma (interferon gamma) production (using the enzyme-linked immunospot
      assay (Elispot), BD Bioscience). Changes in the production of IFNgamma after
      incubation with histamine were compared with the levels of total IgE
      (immunoglobulin E, measured using a Dade Behring analyzer), because histamine is
      endogenously released through IgE. Activation of HIV-specific CTL by histamine
      occurs via H2R (histamine receptors). Thus we attempted to block this activation
      using cimetidine (antagonist H2R). CONCLUSIONS: We found an increase in IFNgamma
      production after the activation of HIV-1 specific CD8+ T lymphocytes by histamine
      (this elevation was blocked by cimetidine), furthermore, we demonstrated a
      negative correlation between the production of IFNgamma and levels of total IgE.

PMID- 22037447
TI  - Tannate complexes of antihistaminic drug: sustained release and taste masking
      approaches.
AB  - The aim of this investigation was to evaluate the complexation potential of
      brompheniramine maleate (BPM) and tannic acid (TA) for sustained release and
      taste masking effects. The complexes (1:1-1:7 TA to BPM ratio) were prepared by
      the solvent evaporation method using methanol, phosphate buffer pH 6.8 or 0.1N
      HCl as common solvents. The complexes were characterized microscopically by
      scanning electron microscopy (SEM), chemically by Fourier transform infrared
      (FTIR) and solid-state NMR (SSNMR), thermally by differential scanning
      calorimetry (DSC), for crystallinity by powder X-ray powder diffraction (PXRD),
      for organoleptic evaluation by electronic tongue (e-tongue), and for solubility
      in 0.1N HCl and phosphate buffer pH 6.8. The dissolution studies were carried out
      using the USP II method at 50 rpm in 500 ml of dissolution media (0.1N HCl or
      phosphate buffer pH 6.8). SEM images revealed that the morphology of complexes
      were completely different from the individual components, and all complexes had
      the same morphological characteristics, irrespective of the solvent used for
      their preparation, pH or ratio of BPM and TA. The FTIR spectra showed the
      presence of chemical interactions between the TA and BPM. DSC, PXRD and SSNMR
      indicated that the drug lost its crystalline nature by formation of the complex.
      Complexation has significantly reduced the solubility of BPM and sustained the
      drug release up to 24h in phosphate buffer pH 6.8 media. The bitter taste of the
      BPM was completely masked which was indicated by Euclidean distance values which
      was far from the drug but near to its placebo in the complexes in all ratios
      studied. The taste masked complexes can be potentially developed as suitable
      dosage forms for pediatric use. In summary, complexation of BPM and TA
      effectively sustained the dissolution and masked the bitter taste of drug for the
      development of suitable dosage forms for pediatric use.

PMID- 22037449
TI  - Drug withdrawal-induced depression: serotonergic and plasticity changes in animal
      models.
AB  - This review discusses recent research of mood disorders associated with the
      cessation of psychoactive substances, with an emphasis on preclinical studies
      that have been published in the last decade. Animal models exhibiting anhedonic
      and depressive-like behaviours associated with drug withdrawal have been used to
      study the neurobiology of mood disorders and have culminated in the
      identification of novel targets for the treatment of depressive-like symptoms.
      This review will introduce the behavioural as well as the neurochemical and
      plasticity changes in depressed patients and several animal models of depression.
      Following, we provide a more in-depth discussion of the role of serotonergic
      neurotransmission and Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis regulation as
      well as the neurogenic changes occurring after chronic drug intake focusing on
      the withdrawal associated depression. Although we mainly focus on animal data,
      some relevant human studies are also discussed. Establishing the commonalities of
      depression and drug-seeking behaviour will allow us to elucidate the factors
      driving the high co-morbidity between mood disorders and drug dependence.

PMID- 22037450
TI  - Molecular mechanisms of temperature-dependent sex determination in the context of
      ecological developmental biology.
AB  - Temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD) is a prime example of phenotypic
      plasticity in that gonadal sex is determined by the temperature of the incubating
      egg. In the red-eared slider turtle (Trachemys scripta), the effect of
      temperature can be overridden by exogenous ligands, i.e., sex steroid hormones
      and steroid metabolism enzyme inhibitors, during the temperature-sensitive period
      (TSP) of development. Precisely how the physical signal of temperature is
      transduced into a biological signal that ultimately results in sex determination
      remains unknown. In this review, we discuss the sex determining pathway
      underlying TSD by focusing on two candidate sex determining genes, Forkhead box
      protein L2 (FoxL2) and Doublesex mab3- related transcription factor 1 (Dmrt1).
      They appear to be involved in transducing the environmental temperature signal
      into a biological signal that subsequently determines gonadal sex. FoxL2 and
      Dmrt1 exhibit gonad-typical patterns of expression in response to temperature
      during the TSP in the red-eared slider turtle. Further, the biologically active
      ligands regulate the expression of FoxL2 and Dmrt1 during development to modify
      gonad trajectory. The precise regulatory mechanisms of expression of these genes
      by temperature or exogenous ligands are not clear. However, the environment often
      influences developmental gene expression by altering the epigenetic status in
      regulatory regions. Here, we will discuss if the regulation of FoxL2 and Dmrt1
      expression by environment is mediated through epigenetic mechanisms during
      development in species with TSD.

PMID- 22037451
TI  - Re: Mannion CJ, Kanatas A, Telfer MR. One dog bite too far [Br. J. Oral
      Maxillofac. Surg. 49 (2011) 159, doi:10.1016/j.bjoms.2010.12.008].

PMID- 22037452
TI  - 17beta-Estradiol attenuates saturated fatty acid diet-induced liver injury in
      ovariectomized mice by up-regulating hepatic senescence marker protein-30.
AB  - Senescence marker protein-30 (SMP30) plays an important role in intracellular
      Ca(2+) homeostasis. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects
      of estrogens on liver apoptotic damage and changes in SMP30 expression induced by
      a high saturated fatty acid diet (HSFD). Ovariectomized mice (OVX) and sham
      operated mice (SHAM) were randomly divided into five groups: SHAM fed a normal
      diet (SHAM/ND), SHAM fed HSFD (SHAM/HSFD), OVX fed ND (OVX/ND), OVX fed HSFD
      (OVX/HSFD) and OVX fed HSFD with 17beta-estradiol (E2) supplementation using an
      implanted slow-release pellet (OVX/HSFD+E2). After 8 weeks, markers of
      endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and apoptosis, and levels of tumor necrosis
      factor-alpha (TNFalpha and SMP30 expression were investigated. Compared with
      SHAM/ND, OVX/HSFD mice showed significantly increased spliced X-box protein-1 (s
      XBP1), phosphorylated eukaryotic initiation factor-2alpha (p-eIF2alpha), glucose
      regulated protein 78 (GPR78), C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), cytosolic
      cytochrome c, caspase-3 activity, and TNFalpha, and significantly decreased
      SMP30. These differences in OVX/HSFD mice were restored to the levels of SHAM/ND
      mice by E2 supplementation. These results suggest that E2 supplementation
      attenuates HSFD-induced liver apoptotic death in ovariectomized mice by up
      regulating SMP30.

PMID- 22037453
TI  - Genetic induction of phosphate toxicity significantly reduces the survival of
      hypercholesterolemic obese mice.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The adverse effects of metabolic disorders in obesity have been
      extensively studied; however, the pathologic effects of hyperphosphatemia or
      phosphate toxicity in obesity have not been studied in similar depth and detail,
      chiefly because such an association is thought to be uncommon. Studies have
      established that the incidence of obesity-associated nephropathy is increasing.
      Because hyperphosphatemia is a major consequence of renal impairment, this study
      determines the in vivo effects of hyperphosphatemia in obesity. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: We genetically induced hyperphosphatemia in leptin-deficient obese
      (ob/ob) mice by generating ob/ob and klotho double knockout [ob/ob-klotho(-/-)]
      mice. As a control, we made ob/ob mice with hypophosphatemia by generating ob/ob
      and 1-alpha hydroxylase double knockout [ob/ob-1alpha(OH)ase(-/-)] mice. Compared
      to the wild-type mice, all three obese background mice, namely ob/ob, ob/ob
      klotho(-/-), and ob/ob-1alpha(OH)ase(-/-) mice developed hypercholesterolemia. In
      addition, the hyperphosphatemic, ob/ob-klotho(-/-) genetic background induced
      generalized tissue atrophy and widespread soft-tissue and vascular
      calcifications, which led to a shorter lifespan; no such changes were observed in
      the hypophosphatemic, ob/ob-1alpha(OH)ase(-/-) mice. Significantly, in contrast
      to the reduced survival of the ob/ob-klotho(-/-) mice, lowering serum phosphate
      levels in ob/ob-1alpha(OH)ase(-/-) mice showed no such compromised survival,
      despite both mice being hypercholesterolemic. CONCLUSION: These genetic
      manipulation studies suggest phosphate toxicity is an important risk factor in
      obesity that can adversely affect survival.

PMID- 22037455
TI  - Live-cell real-time imaging reveals role of mitochondria in cell-to-cell
      transmission of HIV-1.
AB  - We used live-cell, real-time fluorescence imaging of co-cultures of HIV-1
      infected T cells and uninfected target cells to examine the action of
      mitochondria during cell-to-cell transmission of the virus. We find that
      mitochondria of HIV infected cells enter uninfected target cells and advance
      viral spread. We show that human mitochondria serve as viral reservoirs and
      carriers and that they can move between cells. This was confirmed by our results
      that purified mitochondria from HIV infected cells are infectious, and that
      mitochondrial inhibitors block HIV transmission. Viral infection and replication
      in the target cells were verified by syncytial formation and HIV-1 core protein
      p24 production. Our results offer new insights into the cellular mechanisms of
      viral transmission and identify mitochondria as new host targets for viral
      infection.

PMID- 22037454
TI  - Proteomic identification of dysferlin-interacting protein complexes in human
      vascular endothelium.
AB  - Dysferlin is a membrane-anchored protein known to facilitate membrane repair in
      skeletal muscles following mechanical injury. Mutations of dysferlin gene impair
      sarcolemma integrity, a hallmark of certain forms of muscular dystrophy in
      patients. Dysferlin contains seven calcium-dependent C2 binding domains, which
      are required to promote fusion of intracellular membrane vesicles. Emerging
      evidence reveal the unexpected expression of dysferlin in non-muscle, non
      mechanically active tissues, such as endothelial cells, which cast doubts over
      the belief that ferlin proteins act exclusively as membrane repair proteins. We
      and others have shown that deficient trafficking of membrane bound proteins in
      dysferlin-deficient cells, suggesting that dysferlin might mediate trafficking of
      client proteins. Herein, we describe the intracellular trafficking and movement
      of GFP-dysferlin positive vesicles in unfixed reconstituted cells using live
      microscopy. By performing GST pull-down assays followed by mass spectrometry, we
      identified dysferlin binding protein complexes in human vascular endothelial
      cells. Together, our data further support the claims that dysferlin not only
      mediates membrane repair but also trafficking of client proteins, ultimately,
      help bridging dysferlinopathies to aberrant membrane signaling.

PMID- 22037456
TI  - TGF-beta-stimulated aberrant expression of class III beta-tubulin via the ERK
      signaling pathway in cultured retinal pigment epithelial cells.
AB  - The class III beta-tubulin isotype (beta(III)) is expressed exclusively by
      neurons within the normal human retina and is not present in normal retinal
      pigment epithelial (RPE) cells in situ or in the early phase of primary cultures.
      However, aberrant expression of class III beta-tubulin has been observed in
      passaged RPE cells and RPE cells with dedifferentiated morphology in pathologic
      epiretinal membranes from idiopathic macular pucker, proliferative
      vitreoretinopathy (PVR) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR).
      Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) has been implicated in
      dedifferentiation of RPE cells and has a critical role in the development of
      proliferative vitreoretinal diseases. Here, we investigated the potential effects
      of TGF-beta on the aberrant expression of class III beta-tubulin and the
      intracellular signaling pathway mediating these changes. TGF-beta-induced
      aberrant expression and O-linked-beta-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNac) modification
      of class III beta-tubulin in cultured RPE cells as determined using Western
      blotting, RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry. TGF-beta also stimulated
      phosphorylation of ERK. TGF-beta-induced aberrant expression of class III beta
      tubulin was significantly reduced by pretreatment with U0126, an inhibitor of ERK
      phosphorylation. Our findings indicate that TGF-beta stimulated aberrant
      expression of class III beta-tubulin via activation of the ERK signaling pathway.
      These data demonstrate that mature RPE cells have the capacity to express a
      neuron-associated gene in response to TGF-beta stimulation and provide useful
      information towards understanding the pathogenesis of proliferative vitreoretinal
      diseases.

PMID- 22037457
TI  - Protein tyrosine phosphatase CD45 as a molecular biosensor of hydrogen peroxide
      generation in cell culture media.
AB  - We have designed a useful method of assessing reactive oxygen species generation
      in biological fluids. The novel assay utilizes tyrosine phosphatase CD45 as a
      biosensor of oxidative stress. Applying this new method, we examined oxygen
      species generation in the following cell culture media: RPMI 1640, DMEM, DMEM
      enriched with pyruvate and MEM. We discovered that the media (especially RPMI
      1640) significantly reduced the activity of protein tyrosine phosphatase. The
      media-caused inactivation of CD45 was reversible after treatment with
      dithiothreitol being a powerful reducing agent. Interestingly, the media
      supplemented with catalase did not exhibit any inhibitory effect on CD45 activity
      which suggests a hydrogen peroxide-mediated mechanism of the enzyme inactivation.
      In addition to that, we assessed the impact of oxidative stress level on the
      activity of CD45 as measured in Jurkat cells cultured in RPMI 1640 either exposed
      or not exposed to the light of laminar flow cabinet fluorescent lamp. We found
      that Jurkat cells that were exposed to light displayed ca. 20% lower activity of
      CD45 than the cells protected against the light. The obtained results indicate
      that production of hydrogen peroxide in the medium leading to inhibition of CD45
      was light-dependent, and that careful protection of cell culture media from the
      light may help to prevent the artifact in cell studies. Hydrogen peroxide,
      responsible for CD45 inactivation, can be generated in cell culture media after
      exposition to light due to photoreactive amino acids present in the media.

PMID- 22037458
TI  - Binding of abscisic acid to human LANCL2.
AB  - The phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) is the central regulator of abiotic stress
      in plants and plays important roles during plant growth and development. In
      animal cells, ABA was shown to be an endogenous hormone, acting as a stress
      signal and stimulating cell functions involved in inflammatory responses and in
      insulin release. Recently, we demonstrated that Lanthionine synthetase component
      C-like protein 2 (LANCL2) is required for ABA binding to the plasmamembrane of
      granulocytes and for the activation of the signaling pathway triggered by ABA in
      human granulocytes and in rat insulinoma cells. In order to investigate whether
      ABA activates LANCL2 via direct interaction, we performed specific binding
      studies on human LANCL2 recombinant protein using different experimental
      approaches (saturation binding, scintillation proximity assays, dot blot
      experiments and affinity chromatography). Altogether, results indicate that human
      recombinant LANCL2 binds ABA directly and provide the first demonstration of ABA
      binding to a mammalian ABA receptor.

PMID- 22037459
TI  - The presence of centrioles and centrosomes in ovarian mature cystic teratoma
      cells suggests human parthenotes developed in vitro can differentiate into mature
      cells without a sperm centriole.
AB  - In most animals, somatic cell centrosomes are inherited from the centriole of the
      fertilizing spermatozoa. The oocyte centriole degenerates during oogenesis, and
      completely disappears in metaphase II. Therefore, the embryos generated by in
      vitro parthenogenesis are supposed to develop without any centrioles. Exceptional
      acentriolar and/or acentrosomal developments are possible in mice and in some
      experimental cells; however, in most animals, the full developmental potential of
      parthenogenetic cells in vitro and the fate of their centrioles/centrosomes are
      not clearly understood. To predict the future of in vitro human parthenogenesis,
      we explored the centrioles/centrosomes in ovarian mature cystic teratoma cells by
      immunofluorescent staining and transmission electron microscopy. We confirmed the
      presence of centrioles and centrosomes in these well-known parthenogenetic
      ovarian tumor cells. Our findings clearly demonstrate that, even without a sperm
      centriole, parthenotes that develop from activated oocytes can produce their own
      centrioles/centrosomes, and can even develop into the well-differentiated mature
      tissue.

PMID- 22037460
TI  - Oct4-related cytokine effects regulate tumorigenic properties of colorectal
      cancer cells.
AB  - Oct4, a member of the POU-domain transcription factor family, has been implicated
      in the cancer stem cell (CSC)-like properties of various cancers. However, the
      precise role of Oct4 in colorectal CSC initiation remains uncertain. Numerous
      studies have demonstrated a strong link between inflammation and tumorigenesis in
      colorectal cancers. In this study, we demonstrated that Oct4 overexpression
      enhances CSC-like properties of colorectal cancer cells (CRCs), including sphere
      formation, cell colony formation, cell migration, invasiveness, and drug
      resistance. In addition, putative CSC markers, stemness genes, drug-resistant
      genes, as well as interleukin (IL)-8 and IL-32 were upregulated. Microarray-based
      bioinformatics of CRCs showed higher expression levels of embryonic stem cell
      specific genes in cells that overexpressed Oct4. Neutralization of either IL-8 or
      IL-32 with specific antibodies partially blocked the tumorigenic effects induced
      by either Oct4 overexpression or by the addition of conditioned media from Oct4
      overexpressing CRCs. In addition, the presence of Oct4-overexpressing CRCs
      enhanced the tumorigenic potential of parental CRCs in vivo. In summary, these
      data suggest that IL-8 and IL-32 play a role in regulating the CSC-like
      properties that promote tumorigenesis of CRCs in both autocrine and paracrine
      manners.

PMID- 22037462
TI  - Adaptor protein containing PH domain, PTB domain and leucine zipper (APPL1)
      regulates the protein level of EGFR by modulating its trafficking.
AB  - The EGFR-mediated signaling pathway regulates multiple biological processes such
      as cell proliferation, survival and differentiation. Previously APPL1 (adaptor
      protein containing PH domain, PTB domain and leucine zipper 1) has been reported
      to function as a downstream effector of EGF-initiated signaling. Here we
      demonstrate that APPL1 regulates EGFR protein levels in response to EGF
      stimulation. Overexpression of APPL1 enhances EGFR stabilization while APPL1
      depletion by siRNA reduces EGFR protein levels. APPL1 depletion accelerates EGFR
      internalization and movement of EGF/EGFR from cell surface to the perinuclear
      region in response to EGF treatment. Conversely, overexpression of APPL1
      decelerates EGFR internalization and translocation of EGF/EGFR to the perinuclear
      region. Furthermore, APPL1 depletion enhances the activity of Rab5 which is
      involved in internalization and trafficking of EGFR and inhibition of Rab5 in
      APPL1-depleted cells restored EGFR levels. Consistently, APPL1 depletion reduced
      activation of Akt, the downstream signaling effector of EGFR and this is restored
      by inhibition of Rab5. These findings suggest that APPL1 is required for EGFR
      signaling by regulation of EGFR stabilities through inhibition of Rab5.

PMID- 22037461
TI  - Proteomic analysis of lipid raft-enriched membranes isolated from internal
      organelles.
AB  - The mitochondria-associated membrane (MAM) is a sub-region of the endoplasmic
      reticulum (ER) that facilitates crosstalk between the ER and mitochondria. The
      MAM actively influences vital cellular processes including Ca(2+) signaling and
      protein folding. Detergent-resistant microdomains (DRMs) may localize proteins to
      the mitochondria/MAM interface to coordinate these events. However, the protein
      composition of DRMs isolated from this region is not known. Lipid-raft enriched
      DRMs were isolated from a combined mitochondria/MAM sample and analyzed using two
      dimensional reversed-phased tandem mass spectrometry. Strict post-acquisition
      filtering of the acquired data led to the confident identification 250 DRM
      proteins. The majority (58%) of the identified proteins are bona fide
      mitochondrial or ER proteins according to Gene Ontology annotation. Additionally,
      74% of the proteins have previously been noted as MAM-resident or -associated
      proteins. Furthermore, ~20% of the identified proteins have a documented
      association with lipid rafts. Most importantly, known internal LR marker proteins
      (inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor type 3, erlin-2, and voltage-dependent
      anion channel 1) were detected as well as most of the components of the
      mitochondrial/MAM-localized Ca(2+) signaling complex. Our study provides the
      basis for future work probing how the protein activities at the mitochondrion/MAM
      interface are dependent upon the integrity of these internal lipid-raft-like
      domains.

PMID- 22037463
TI  - Hypoxia induced expression of histone lysine demethylases: implications in oxygen
      dependent retinal neovascular diseases.
AB  - Hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) plays a critical role in cellular adaptation to
      hypoxia by regulating the expression of essential genes. Pathological activation
      of this pathway leads to the expression of pro-angiogenic factors during the
      neovascularization in cancer and retinal diseases. Little is known about the
      epigenetic regulations during HIF-mediated transcription and activation of pro
      angiogenic genes in oxygen-dependent retinal diseases. Here, we show that hypoxia
      induces the expression of a number of histone lysine demethylases (KDMs) in
      retinal pigment epithelial cells. Moreover, we show that the expression of pro
      angiogenic genes (ADM, GDF15, HMOX1, SERPE1 and SERPB8) is dependent on KDMs
      under hypoxic conditions. Further, treating the cells with a general KDM
      inhibitor blocks the expression of these pro-angiogenic genes. Results from these
      studies identify a new layer of epigenetic transcription regulation under hypoxic
      conditions and suggest that specific inhibitors of KDMs such as JMJD1A can be a
      new therapeutic approach to treat diseases caused by the hypoxia induced
      neovascularization in cancer and retinal diseases.

PMID- 22037464
TI  - Transcriptional up-regulation of RhoE by hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1
      promotes epithelial to mesenchymal transition of gastric cancer cells during
      hypoxia.
AB  - Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key process that drives cancer
      invasion. Recently, hypoxia has been reported to induce EMT, accompanied by
      cytoskeleton remodeling. As RhoE is a key regulator in cytoskeleton formation, we
      hypothesized that RhoE may play a role in hypoxia-induced EMT. For the first
      time, we report that RhoE protein levels increase in gastric cancer cells under
      hypoxic conditions. Rigorous analysis revealed that RhoE up-regulation is at the
      transcriptional levels and requires hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1alpha
      induction, and that HIF-1alpha binds a hypoxia-responsive element (HRE) on the
      RhoE promoter. Additionally, we discovered that hypoxia or overexpression of RhoE
      in normoxia up-regulates the mesenchymal marker Vimentin, down-regulates the
      epithelial marker E-cadherin, and significantly increases cell invasion in vitro.
      Silencing of HIF-1alpha or RhoE by specific siRNAs rescued these hypoxia-induced
      effects. Ectopic expression of RhoE also induced up-regulation of MMP2/MMP-9 in
      gastric cancer cells. This study identifies RhoE as a direct target for HIF-1 in
      gastric cancer cells. In addition, RhoE up-regulation represents a pivotal
      cellular adaptive response to hypoxia with implications in gastric cancer cell
      EMT and invasion. We propose that RhoE-targeted therapy might inhibit the high
      invasive potential of gastric cancer cells in hypoxic regions.

PMID- 22037465
TI  - Epigenetic regulation of reproductive development and the emergence of apomixis
      in angiosperms.
AB  - Apomictic plants reproduce asexually through seeds by avoiding both meiosis and
      fertilization. While apomixis is genetically controlled, individual loci
      contributing to its expression have yet to be identified. Here, we review recent
      results indicating that RNA-dependent DNA methylation pathways acting during
      female reproduction are essential for proper reproductive development in plants,
      and may represent key regulators of the differentiation between apomictic and
      sexual reproduction.

PMID- 22037466
TI  - Subterranean space exploration: the development of root system architecture.
AB  - The colonisation of terrestrial environments offered plants a host of advantages.
      It also presented them with major challenges. The foremost amongst these, the
      dichotomous nature of terrestrial environments, was clearly successfully met by
      the development of an integrated but divergent root-shoot structure. Whereas they
      share many similarities, roots and shoots evolved specialist functions in line
      with their principle roles and their growth environment. In this review, we
      discuss a number of areas where recent discoveries, principally in Arabidopsis,
      are shedding light on the mechanisms that enable the successful colonisation of
      the soil environment.

PMID- 22037467
TI  - Structure of Fab fragment of malaria transmission blocking antibody 2A8 against
      P. vivax P25 protein.
AB  - Understanding the structural basis of recognition between antigen and antibody
      requires the structural comparison of free and complexed components. Previously,
      we have reported the crystal structure of the complex between Fab fragment of
      murine monoclonal antibody 2A8 (Fab2A8) and Plasmodium vivax P25 protein (Pvs25)
      at 3.2 A resolution. We report here the crystallization and X-ray structure of
      native Fab2A8 at 4.0 A resolution. The 2A8 antibody generated against Pvs25
      prevents the formation of P. vivax oocysts in the mosquito, when assayed in
      membrane feeding experiment. Comparison of native Fab2A8 structure with antigen
      bound Fab2A8 structure indicates the significant conformational changes in CDR-H1
      and CDR-H3 regions of V(H) domain and CDR-L3 region of V(L) domain of Fab2A8.
      Upon complex formation, the relative orientation between V(L) and V(H) domains of
      Fab2A8 is conserved, while significant differences are observed in elbow angles
      of heavy and light chains. The combing site residues of complexed Fab2A8
      exhibited the reduced temperature factor compared to native Fab2A8, suggesting a
      loss of conformational entropy upon antigen binding.

PMID- 22037468
TI  - Coaggregation of amyloid fibrils for the preparation of stable and immobilized
      enzymes.
AB  - Highly stable enzyme coaggregates were developed using amyloid fibrils as support
      materials. Amyloid fibril formation was induced by ionic liquids, and
      immobilization was done by the coaggregation of enzymes and amyloid fibrils
      followed by chemical cross-linking. Transmission and scanning electron microscopy
      studies were carried out to characterize the coaggregates. The amyloid fibril
      linked enzymes showed significantly increased stability against various
      deactivating conditions. In addition, a high level of reusability was clearly
      observed. This study clearly demonstrated that amyloid fibrils can be used as
      biomaterials for enzyme immobilization and that amyloid fibril-linked enzyme
      coaggregates have good potential for industrial applications.

PMID- 22037469
TI  - Cofactor mobility determines reaction outcome in the IMPDH and GMPR (beta-alpha)8
      barrel enzymes.
AB  - Inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) and guanosine monophosphate reductase
      (GMPR) belong to the same structural family, share a common set of catalytic
      residues and bind the same ligands. The structural and mechanistic features that
      determine reaction outcome in the IMPDH and GMPR family have not been identified.
      Here we show that the GMPR reaction uses the same intermediate E-XMP* as IMPDH,
      but in this reaction the intermediate reacts with ammonia instead of water. A
      single crystal structure of human GMPR type 2 with IMP and NADPH fortuitously
      captures three different states, each of which mimics a distinct step in the
      catalytic cycle of GMPR. The cofactor is found in two conformations: an 'in'
      conformation poised for hydride transfer and an 'out' conformation in which the
      cofactor is 6 A from IMP. Mutagenesis along with substrate and cofactor analog
      experiments demonstrate that the out conformation is required for the deamination
      of GMP. Remarkably, the cofactor is part of the catalytic machinery that
      activates ammonia.

PMID- 22037470
TI  - Identifying polyglutamine protein species in situ that best predict
      neurodegeneration.
AB  - Polyglutamine (polyQ) stretches exceeding a threshold length confer a toxic
      function to proteins that contain them and cause at least nine neurological
      disorders. The basis for this toxicity threshold is unclear. Although polyQ
      expansions render proteins prone to aggregate into inclusion bodies, this may be
      a neuronal coping response to more toxic forms of polyQ. The exact structure of
      these more toxic forms is unknown. Here we show that the monoclonal antibody
      3B5H10 recognizes a species of polyQ protein in situ that strongly predicts
      neuronal death. The epitope selectively appears among some of the many low
      molecular-weight conformational states assumed by expanded polyQ and disappears
      in higher-molecular-weight aggregated forms, such as inclusion bodies. These
      results suggest that protein monomers and possibly small oligomers containing
      expanded polyQ stretches can adopt a conformation that is recognized by 3B5H10
      and is toxic or closely related to a toxic species.

PMID- 22037471
TI  - A de novo peptide hexamer with a mutable channel.
AB  - The design of new proteins that expand the repertoire of natural protein
      structures represents a formidable challenge. Success in this area would increase
      understanding of protein structure and present new scaffolds that could be
      exploited in biotechnology and synthetic biology. Here we describe the design,
      characterization and X-ray crystal structure of a new coiled-coil protein. The de
      novo sequence forms a stand-alone, parallel, six-helix bundle with a channel
      running through it. Although lined exclusively by hydrophobic leucine and
      isoleucine side chains, the 6-A channel is permeable to water. One layer of
      leucine residues within the channel is mutable, accepting polar aspartic acid and
      histidine side chains, which leads to subdivision and organization of solvent
      within the lumen. Moreover, these mutants can be combined to form a stable and
      unique (Asp-His)(3) heterohexamer. These new structures provide a basis for
      engineering de novo proteins with new functions.

PMID- 22037472
TI  - Genetic and functional studies implicate HIF1alpha as a 14q kidney cancer
      suppressor gene.
AB  - Kidney cancers often delete chromosome 3p, spanning the VHL tumor suppressor
      gene, and chromosome 14q, which presumably harbors >= 1 tumor suppressor genes.
      pVHL inhibits the hypoxia-inducible transcription factor (HIF), and HIF2alpha is
      a kidney cancer oncoprotein. In this article, we identify focal, homozygous
      deletions of the HIF1alpha locus on 14q in clear cell renal carcinoma cell lines.
      Wild-type HIF1alpha suppresses renal carcinoma growth, but the products of these
      altered loci do not. Conversely, downregulation of HIF1alpha in HIF1alpha
      proficient lines promotes tumor growth. HIF1alpha activity is diminished in 14q
      deleted kidney cancers, and all somatic HIF1alpha mutations identified in kidney
      cancers tested to date are loss of function. Therefore, HIF1alpha has the
      credentials of a kidney cancer suppressor gene. SIGNIFICANCE: Deletion of 14q is
      a frequent event in clear cell renal carcinoma and portends a poor prognosis. In
      this study, we provide genetic and functional evidence that HIF1alpha is a target
      of 14q loss in kidney cancer.

PMID- 22037473
TI  - Evolutionary history of a widespread Indo-Pacific goby: the role of Pleistocene
      sea-level changes on demographic contraction/expansion dynamics.
AB  - Compared to endemics, widespread species are of particular interest to retrace
      recent evolutionary history. These species have a large population size which
      provides a clearer genetic signature of past events. Moreover, their wide
      geographic range increases the potential occurrence of evolutionary events
      (expansion, divergence, etc.). Here, we used several coalescent-based methods to
      disentangle the evolutionary history of a widespread amphidromous goby
      (Sicyopterus lagocephalus), in the light of sea-level variations during the
      Pleistocene. Using 75 samples recovered from three biogeographic regions (Western
      Indian Ocean, Melanesia and Polynesia), we analysed a portion of the cytochromeb
      gene and confirmed three major haplogroups, each specific to a region.
      Furthermore, we found that: (1) the Melanesian haplogroup was the oldest while
      the two peripheral regions hosted daughter haplogroups; (2) two centrifugal
      colonisation events occurred from Melanesia to the periphery, each synchronised
      with periods of strong paleo-ENSO episodes; (3) the demographic contraction
      expansion events were linked to Pleistocene sea-level changes; (4) Melanesia and
      Polynesia acted as efficient refuges during the Last Glacial Maximum. These
      results highlight the importance of studying widespread species to better
      understand the role of climate changes and paleo-oceanography on the evolution of
      biodiversity.

PMID- 22037474
TI  - Preparation and optimization of PMAA-chitosan-PEG nanoparticles for oral drug
      delivery.
AB  - The objective of this study was to develop pH sensitive polymethacrylic acid
      chitosan-polyethylene glycol (PCP) nanoparticles. This was achieved by dispersion
      polymerization of methacrylic acid (MAA), polyethylene glycol (PEG) and different
      chitosan (CS) grades in the presence of cross linking agent ethylene
      dimethacrylate (EDMA) and polymer initiator potassium persulphate. Method
      development was carried out by varying formulation parameters such as type of CS,
      ratio of PEG to CS, quantity of solvent and polymer initiator. Metoprolol (MTP)
      tartrate was incorporated into the nanoparticles (NPs) as a model drug. Laser
      diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron
      microscopy (TEM) studies revealed that the NPs were spherical with smooth
      surfaces ranging in size from 190 to 450 nm. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and
      differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) findings showed the presence of amorphous
      MTP in PCP NPs. The MTP loading of PCP and glycol chitosan (GC) NPs varied from
      10 to 45% depending on the CS grade while both types of NPs showed excellent
      binding efficiency on mucin from porcine stomach. The in vitro dissolution study
      showed pH dependent release profiles suggesting that the PCP NPs system have
      great potential for oral controlled drug delivery as an alternative to
      conventional dosage forms.

PMID- 22037475
TI  - Implications of the alpha dispersion for studies on interaction of tobacco smoke-
      corneal tissue.
AB  - In this work, we have carried out a dielectric study to determine the effect of
      tobacco smoke on the rat corneal function. Measurements were performed over the
      frequency range of 500 Hz-100 kHz in air and at the temperature of 35 degrees C.
      The frequency dependencies of the loss tangent for both healthy and smoky cornea
      exhibit two peaks with different width occurring as a narrow at 2 kHz and a broad
      at around 16 kHz. The distribution parameter alpha at 2 kHz has a value of about
      0.3, which increases to 0.6 at 16 kHz. The magnitude of the permittivity
      decrement at 2 and 16 kHz is about two and four times higher, respectively, for
      the smoky cornea than that for the healthy one. These dielectric studies indicate
      that the present method is useful in detection of the effect of tobacco smoke
      exposure on the corneal behavior.

PMID- 22037476
TI  - Bilirubin adsorption properties of water-soluble adsorbents with different
      cyclodextrin cavities in plasma dialysis system.
AB  - In this study, we explored the use of alpha-, beta- or gamma-cyclodextrin (CD)
      grafted polyethyleneimine (PEI) as water-soluble adsorbent for removing excess
      plasma bilirubin. To evaluate the bilirubin-binding capacity of these adsorbents,
      bovine serum albumin (BSA) solution or plasma with high level of bilirubin were
      dialyzed against CD-PEI-spiked dialysate. In BSA solution with an initial
      biliurbin concentration of 171.5mg/L, alpha-CD-PEI, beta-CD-PEI and gamma-CD-PEI
      achieved adsorption capacities of 2.5, 5.8 and 3.8 mg/g, respectively. In a
      plasma dialysis system, 45.6% of bilirubin (260 mg/L) was removed from 200 mL
      plasma by 1L dialysate spiked with 10mg/mL beta-CD-PEI, which was significantly
      higher than that removed by the same volume of BSA-spiked dialysate (P<0.05),
      demonstrating the strong bilirubin-binding ability of beta-CD-PEI. The key
      feature of bilirubin adsorption was related to the CD functional group, not the
      PEI matrix. Subsequent molecular docking study indicated that the size of CD
      cavity could affect the affinity energy of CD-bilirubin complex. The cavity of
      beta-CD was most suitable for accommodating the pyrrole rings of bilirubin. The
      inclusion complex of bilirubin and beta-CD in the molar ratio of 1:2 was more
      logical in terms of affinity energy. All the results demonstrated the potential
      of beta-CD-PEI (water-soluble adsorbent) as an effective agent for removing of
      bilirubin from plasma in dialysis system.

PMID- 22037478
TI  - TBHP-mediated oxidative thiolation of an sp3 C-H bond adjacent to a nitrogen atom
      in an amide.
AB  - The first example of molecular sieve-promoted TBHP-mediated direct oxidative
      thiolation of an sp(3) C-H bond adjacent to a nitrogen atom with disulfides under
      metal-free conditions, which allows for preparation of numerous S,N-containing
      compounds, is presented. Moreover, diverse benzothiazoles and a fipronil analog
      can be synthesized through this strategy.

PMID- 22037477
TI  - Effects of middle-ear disorders on power reflectance measured in cadaveric ear
      canals.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Reflectance measured in the ear canal offers a noninvasive method to
      monitor the acoustic properties of the middle ear, and few systematic
      measurements exist on the effects of various middle-ear disorders on the
      reflectance. This work uses a human cadaver-ear preparation and a mathematical
      middle-ear model to both measure and predict how power reflectance R is affected
      by the middle-ear disorders of static middle-ear pressures, middle-ear fluid,
      fixed stapes, disarticulated incudostapedial joint, and tympanic-membrane
      perforations. DESIGN: R was calculated from ear-canal pressure measurements made
      on human-cadaver ears in the normal condition and five states: (1) positive and
      negative pressure in the middle-ear cavity, (2) fluid-filled middle ear, (3)
      stapes fixed with dental cement, (4) incudostapedial joint disarticulated, and
      (5) tympanic-membrane perforations. The middle-ear model of Kringlebotn (1988)
      was modified to represent the middle-ear disorders. Model predictions are
      compared with measurements. RESULTS: For a given disorder, the general trends of
      the measurements and model were similar. The changes from normal in R, induced by
      the simulated disorder, generally depend on frequency and the extent of the
      disorder (except for the disarticulation). Systematic changes in middle-ear
      static pressure (up to 6300 daPa) resulted in systematic increases in R. These
      affects were most pronounced for frequencies up to 1000 to 2000 Hz. Above about
      2000 Hz there were some asymmetries in behavior between negative and positive
      pressures. Results with fluid in the middle-ear air space were highly dependent
      on the percentage of the air space that was filled. Changes in R were minimal
      when a smaller fraction of the air space was filled with fluid, and as the air
      space was filled with more saline, R increased at most frequencies. Fixation of
      the stapes generally resulted in a relatively small low-frequency increase in R.
      Disarticulation of the incus with the stapes led to a consistent low-frequency
      decrease in R with a distinctive minimum below 1000 Hz. Perforations of the
      tympanic membrane resulted in a decrease in R for frequencies up to about 2000
      Hz; at these lower frequencies, smaller perforations led to larger changes from
      normal when compared with larger perforations. CONCLUSIONS: These preliminary
      measurements help assess the utility of power reflectance as a diagnostic tool
      for middle-ear disorders. In particular, the measurements document (1) the
      frequency ranges for which the changes are largest and (2) the extent of the
      changes from normal for a spectrum of middle-ear disorders.

PMID- 22037479
TI  - Evolution from a localized to an intermediate valence regime in Ce2Cu(2
      x)Ni(x)In.
AB  - Polycrystalline samples of the solid solution Ce2Cu(2-x)Ni(x)In were studied by
      means of x-ray powder diffraction, magnetic susceptibility and electrical
      resistivity measurements performed in a wide temperature range. Partial
      substitution of copper atoms by nickel atoms results in a quasi-linear decrease
      of the lattice parameters and the unit cell volume of the system. The lattice
      compression leads to an increase in the exchange integral and yields a reversal
      in the order of the magnetic 4f(1) and nonmagnetic 4f(0) states, being in line
      with the Doniach phase diagram. In the localized regime, where an interplay of
      the Kondo scattering and the crystalline electric field effect occurs, the rise
      in the hybridization strength is accompanied by a relative reduction in the
      scattering conduction electrons on excited crystal field levels.

PMID- 22037480
TI  - A comprehensive analysis of fifteen genes of steviol glycosides biosynthesis
      pathway in Stevia rebaudiana (Bertoni).
AB  - Stevia [Stevia rebuaidana (Bertoni); family: Asteraceae] is known to yield
      diterpenoid steviol glycosides (SGs), which are about 300 times sweeter than
      sugar. The present work analyzed the expression of various genes of the SGs
      biosynthesis pathway in different organs of the plant in relation to the SGs
      content. Of the various genes of the pathway, SrDXS, SrDXR, SrCPPS, SrKS, SrKO
      and three glucosyltransferases namely SrUGT85C2, SrUGT74G1 and SrUGT76G1 were
      reported from stevia. Here, we report cloning of seven additional full-length
      cDNA sequences namely, SrMCT, SrCMK, SrMDS, SrHDS, SrHDR, SrIDI and SrGGDPS
      followed by expression analysis of all the fifteen genes vis-a-vis SGs content
      analysis. SGs content was highest in the leaf at 3rd node position (node position
      with reference to the apical leaf as the first leaf) as compared to the leaves at
      other node positions. Except for SrDXR and SrKO, gene expression was maximum in
      leaf at 1st node and minimum in leaf at 5th node. The expression of SrKO was
      highest in leaf at 3rd node while in case of SrDXR expression showed an increase
      up to 3rd leaf and decrease thereafter. SGs accumulated maximum in leaf tissue
      followed by stem and root, and similar was the pattern of expression of all the
      fifteen genes. The genes responded to the modulators of the terpenopids
      biosynthesis. Gibberellin (GA(3)) treatment up-regulated the expression of SrMCT,
      SrCMK, SrMDS and SrUGT74G1, whereas methyl jasmonate and kinetin treatment down
      regulated the expression of all the fifteen genes of the pathway.

PMID- 22037481
TI  - Identification and functional characterization of novel compound heterozygotic
      mutations in the TECTA gene.
AB  - Mutations of the TECTA gene, which encodes alpha-tectorin, are associated with
      both dominant (DFNA8/A12) and recessive (DFNB 21) modes of inherited nonsyndromic
      sensorineural hearing loss, respectively. Although clinical data and genetic
      analysis for TECTA gene have been reported from different groups, there is no
      report that compound heterozygous mutations in the TECTA gene result in
      nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss. Here, we identified a missense mutation
      (p.C1691F) and a splicing mutation (c.6162+3insT), one in each TECTA allele, in
      the patient with hearing loss. Also, we demonstrated that the splicing mutation
      results in the abnormal skipping of an exon, which leads to a truncated protein
      as determined by exon-trapping analysis. To the best of our knowledge, this is
      the first report of an in vitro functional study of splice site mutations in the
      TECTA gene.

PMID- 22037482
TI  - Molecular mining of GGAA tagged transcripts and their expression in water buffalo
      Bubalus bubalis.
AB  - Repeat sequences are involved in regulation of gene expression both at the
      transcriptional and translational level. In the mammalian genomes, tri- and
      tetranucleotide repeats like ATA, AATA, GGAA and GAAA have been associated with
      diseases. In silico analysis of (GGAA)5 distribution across the species showed
      maximum number of this repeat in the mouse transcriptome compared to that in
      other species. Following this, we conducted minisatellite associated sequence
      amplification (MASA) to explore the buffalo's transcriptome using cDNA from
      different tissues and an oligo based on (GGAA)5 repeats. MASA uncovered twenty
      six mRNA transcripts showing homology to known genes in the database. qPCR
      studies showed the highest expression of twelve transcripts in the spleen. A
      transcript, pLRC107 with its partial sequence of 203 nucleotides showed sequence
      variation at several positions in spleen as compared to other four tissues
      examined. Transcript pLRC100 was found to represent the partial coding sequence
      of Bos taurus HECT {(homologous to E6-associated protein (UBE3A) carboxyl
      terminus domain) and RCC1 (CHC1)-like domain (RLD) 1}, mRNA. We ascertained full
      length coding sequence of HECT gene and localized the same on buffalo chromosome
      10 employing FISH. This gene was found to be conserved across the species.
      Another gene LRP8 uncovered in the process showed copy number variation between
      buffalo males (4-9) and females (34-54). The MASA approach enabled us to identify
      several genes in Bubalus bubalis without screening an entire cDNA library. The
      highest expression of 12 mRNA transcripts in spleen suggests their likely
      involvement with immuno transaction. A comprehensive knowledge of the repeat
      tagged transcriptomes is envisaged to help in understanding their significance in
      genome organization and evolution forming rich basis of functional and
      comparative genomics.

PMID- 22037483
TI  - Up-regulation of osteopontin expression by aryl hydrocarbon receptor via both
      ligand-dependent and ligand-independent pathways in lung cancer.
AB  - The secreted glycol-phosphoprotein OPN not only plays important roles in immune
      responses and tissue remodeling but is also intimately involved in tumorigenesis.
      It is up-regulated in various cancers and correlated with poor prognosis. It is
      evident by enhancing growth and migration of cancer cells. However, the
      mechanisms that participate in up-regulation of OPN in lung cancer are largely
      unknown. Up-regulation of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a transcription factor
      activated by xenobiotics, has been observed in lung cancer as well as
      premalignant lesions. In this study we demonstrated that AhR positively regulates
      OPN expression in lung cancer. We observed positive correlation of OPN and AhR
      expression in lung cancer specimen. Knockdown or overexpression of AhR exhibited
      down- or up-regulation of OPN expression in lung cancer cells. We identified an
      OPN promoter region between positions -268 and +435 that was activated by both
      ligand-independent and ligand-activated AhR. However, this region does not
      contain AhR response element/dioxin response element (DRE/XRE). Further
      truncations and internal deletions of the promoter revealed that the ligand
      independent and ligand-activated AhR function through different regions of OPN
      promoter. The region between -268 and -100 was required for ligand-independent
      AhR activity. This region contains several cis-elements including AP2, C/EBP, SP1
      and AP1 sites. On the other hand, the ligand-activated AhR up-regulates OPN
      activity through two regions of OPN promoter; one contains NFkappaB site at +137
      and the other is between positions -100 and +126. This study suggested that both
      overexpression of un-induced AhR (in cases of non-smokers with high level of AhR)
      and ligand-activated AhR (such as smokers) contribute to up-regulation of OPN
      that in turn leads to lung tumorigenesis.

PMID- 22037485
TI  - nanog 5'-upstream sequence, DNA methylation, and expression in gametes and early
      embryo reveal striking differences between teleosts and mammals.
AB  - The nanog gene plays a major role in vertebrate development and was only recently
      discovered in teleosts. In order to gain new insight into its regulation in
      gametes and early embryo in teleost fish, the present study aimed at
      characterizing nanog upstream sequence features and DNA methylation, as well as
      early embryonic expression pattern in a Cyprinid fish, the goldfish. Using an in
      silico approach, we were able to demonstrate that despite the existence of
      conserved regulatory motifs in the promoter region of the nanog gene, specific
      features known to play a major role in the regulation of Nanog in mammals were
      missing in teleosts. The analysis of CpG sites in the upstream region of the
      nanog genes in goldfish revealed a significant DNA methylation state in oocytes
      while a hypomethylated state was observed in sperm. Using both quantitative PCR
      and whole mount in situ hybridization, we were able to clearly demonstrate the
      maternal inheritance of the nanog transcript in goldfish. Corresponding mRNA
      levels subsequently decreased during early gastrulation. Together, our results
      reveal striking differences in expression and DNA methylation patterns in gametes
      and during early development and in upstream region features between teleosts and
      mammals that are consistent with the hypothesis of a rapid evolution of the Nanog
      gene in vertebrates, at least in some lineages.

PMID- 22037484
TI  - Identification and functional characterization of the human EXT1 promoter region.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mutations in Exostosin-1 (EXT1) or Exostosin-2 (EXT2) cause the
      autosomal dominant disorder multiple osteochondromas (MO). This disease is mainly
      characterized by the appearance of multiple cartilage-capped protuberances
      arising from children's metaphyses and is known to display clinical inter- and
      intrafamilial variations. EXT1 and EXT2 are both tumor suppressor genes encoding
      proteins that function as glycosyltransferases, catalyzing the biosynthesis of
      heparan sulfate. At present, however, very little is known about the regulation
      of these genes. Two of the most intriguing questions concerning the pathogenesis
      of MO are how disruption of a ubiquitously expressed gene causes this cartilage
      specific disease and how the clinical intrafamilial variation can be explained.
      Since mutations in the EXT1 gene are responsible for ~65% of the MO families with
      known causal mutation, our aim was to isolate and characterize the EXT1 promoter
      region to elucidate the transcriptional regulation of this tumor suppressor gene.
      METHODS: In the present study, luciferase reporter gene assays were used to
      experimentally confirm the in silico predicted EXT1 core promoter region.
      Subsequently, we evaluated the effect of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP's)
      on EXT1 promoter activity and transcription factor binding using luciferase
      assays, electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA), and enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Finally, a genotype-phenotype study was performed
      with the aim to identify one or more genetic modifiers influencing the clinical
      expression of MO. RESULTS: Transient transfection of HEK293 cells with a series
      of luciferase reporter constructs mapped the EXT1 core promoter at approximately 
      917 bp upstream of the EXT1 start codon, within a 123 bp region. This region is
      conserved in mammals and located within a CpG-island containing a CAAT- and a GT
      box. A polymorphic G/C-SNP at -1158 bp (rs34016643) was demonstrated to be
      located in a USF1 transcription factor binding site, which is lost with the
      presence of the C-allele resulting in a ~56% increase in EXT1 promoter activity.
      A genotype-phenotype study was suggestive for association of the C-allele with
      shorter stature, but also with a smaller number of osteochondromas. CONCLUSIONS:
      We provide for the first time insight into the molecular regulation of EXT1.
      Although a larger patient population will be necessary for statistical
      significance, our data suggest the polymorphism rs34016643, in close proximity of
      the EXT1 promoter, to be a potential regulatory SNP, which could be a primary
      modifier that might explain part of the clinical variation observed in MO
      patients.

PMID- 22037486
TI  - Microdeletion and microduplication 17q21.31 plus an additional CNV, in patients
      with intellectual disability, identified by array-CGH.
AB  - The recognition of the 17q21.31 microdeletion and microduplication syndrome has
      been facilitated by high resolution oligonucleotide array comparative genome
      hybridization technology (aCGH). Molecular analysis of the 17q21.31
      microdeletion/duplication syndrome demonstrated a critical region involving at
      least six genes, including STH and MAPT. The 17q21.31 microdeletion syndrome has
      an incidence of 1 in 16,000 births, while the microduplication 17q21.31 has been
      reported so far in only five patients. In general, phenotypes associated with
      17q21.31 microduplication seem to be milder than those associated with the
      microdeletion. Here, we present four patients who have been referred for genetic
      evaluation by clinical geneticists due to developmental delay and minor
      congenital abnormalities. Previous standard karyotypes were negative, while aCGH
      analysis revealed three patients with 17q21.31 microdeletion and one with the
      respective microduplication, being the sixth reported case so far. Most
      importantly one of the microdeletion cases involves only partial MAPT gene
      deletion while leaving the STH gene intact. Two of our patients, one with the
      17q21.31 microdeletion and another with the respective microduplication, carried
      additional clinically relevant microdeletions (del Xq21.31 and del 15q11.2,
      respectively), possibly modifying their phenotype.

PMID- 22037487
TI  - Identification and characterization of splicing variants of PLEKHA5 (Plekha5)
      during brain development.
AB  - PLEKHA5 (pleckstrin homology domain-containing protein family A, member 5)
      belongs to the PLEKHA family (PLEKHA1-6); however, the properties of this protein
      remain poorly characterized. We have identified and characterized two forms of
      PLEKHA5 mRNA. The long form of PLEKHA5 (L-PLEKHA5) contains 32 exons, encodes
      1282 amino acids, and is specifically expressed in the brain; the short form of
      PLEKHA5 (S-PLEKHA5) is generated by alternative splicing of L-PLEKHA5, contains
      26 exons, encodes 1116 amino acids, and is ubiquitously expressed. Both forms of
      the protein contain putative Trp-Trp (WW) and pleckstrin homology (PH) domains
      and are located mainly in the cytosol. Developmental and age-dependent expression
      studies in the mouse brain have shown that Plekha5 is the most abundantly
      expressed protein at E13.5 with S-Plekha5 dominancy. L-Plekha5 levels increased
      gradually with the decrease in total Plekha5 levels; moreover, L-Plekha5 became
      the dominant protein at E17.5, maintaining its dominance throughout adulthood.
      Protein-lipid overlay assays have indicated that the PH domain of PLEKHA5
      specifically interacts with PI3P, PI4P, PI5P, and PI(3,5)P2. These results
      suggest that the S- to L-conversion of PLEKHA5 (Plekha5) may play an important
      role in brain development through association with specific phosphoinositides.

PMID- 22037488
TI  - The life cycle of Asymphylodora perccotti sp. n. (Trematoda: Lissorchiidae) in
      the Russian Southern Far East.
AB  - Specimens of Asymphylodora perccotti sp. n. (Trematoda: Lissorchidae) were found
      in the esophagus of the freshwater fish Perccottus glenii (Odobantidae) taken
      from the Bolshaya Ussurka River Basin (Primorsky Region, Russian Southern Far
      East). The first intermediate host of this trematode is a gastropod,
      Parafossarulus manchouricus, and the secondary hosts are the same mollusk and
      Boreoelona ussuriensis. Specimens of the new species are similar to A. amnicolae
      identified by Stunkard in 1959, but the mature worms have larger suckers and
      shorter ceca. The cercariae of these species are distinguished by body, suckers
      and pharynx size. These organs in A. perccotti sp. n. are more than one-third
      larger than what is observed in A. amnicolae. In addition, the new species lacks
      the capacity for progenesis. Finally, the new species is unusual in that it
      resides in the fish esophagus instead of the intestine, as is common for most
      Asymphylodora species. Partial ribosomal DNA sequences and phylogenetic
      reconstruction sequence data indicate that these worms represent a new digenean
      species.

PMID- 22037489
TI  - Mutual cancellation between tones presented by air conduction, by bone conduction
      and by non-osseous (soft tissue) bone conduction.
AB  - Auditory sensation can be elicited not only by air conducted (AC) sound or bone
      conducted (BC) sound, but also by stimulation of soft tissue (STC) sites on the
      head and neck relatively distant from deeply underlying bone. Tone stimulation by
      paired combinations of AC with BC (mastoid) and/or with soft tissue conduction
      produce the same pitch sensation, mutual masking and beats. The present study was
      designed to determine whether they can also cancel each other. The study was
      conducted on ten normal hearing subjects. Tones at 2 kHz were presented in paired
      combinations by AC (insert earphone), by BC (bone vibrator) at the mastoid, and
      by the same bone vibrator to several STC sites; e.g. the neck, the sterno-cleido
      mastoid muscle, the eye, and under the chin, shifting the phases between the
      pairs. Subjects reported changes in loudness and cancellation. The phase for
      cancellation differed across subjects. Neck muscle manipulations (changes in head
      position) led to alterations in the phase at which cancellation was reported.
      Cancellation was also achieved between pairs of tones to two STC sites. The
      differing phases for cancellation across subjects and the change in phase
      accompanying different head positions may be due to the different acoustic
      impedances of the several tissues in the head and neck. A major component of
      auditory stimulation by STC may not induce actual skull bone vibrations and may
      not involve bulk fluid volume displacements.

PMID- 22037490
TI  - GFR prediction from cystatin C and creatinine in children: effect of including
      body cell mass.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Aiming to develop a more accurate cystatin C-based model for
      estimation of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in children, we hypothesized that
      inclusion of body cell mass (BCM) would increase the accuracy of the GFR estimate
      in comparison to a well-established GFR reference method. STUDY DESIGN:
      Diagnostic test accuracy study. SETTINGS & PARTICIPANTS: 119 children (mean age,
      8.8; range, 2.3-14.9 years) referred for GFR measurement by chromium 51
      ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid ((51)Cr-EDTA) clearance (mean GFR, 98; range,
      13.7-147.4 mL/min/1.73 m(2)). INDEX TEST: GFR estimations by the 2 prediction
      models resulting from theoretical considerations corroborated by forward stepwise
      variable selection: GFR (mL/min) = 0.542 * (BCM/SCysC)(0.40) * (height *
      BSA/SCr)(0.65) and GFR (mL/min) = 0.426 * (weight/SCysC)(0.39) * (height *
      BSA/SCr)(0.64), where SCysC is serum cystatin C level, BSA is body surface area,
      and SCr is serum creatinine level. The accuracy and precision of these models
      were compared with 7 previously published prediction models using random
      subsampling cross-validation. Local constants and coefficients were calculated
      for all models. Root mean square error, R(2), and percentage of predictions
      within +/-10% and +/-30% of the reference GFR were calculated for all models.
      Based on 1,000 runs of the cross-validation procedure, median values and 2.5th
      and 97.5th quantiles of the validation parameters were calculated. REFERENCE
      TEST: GFR measurement by (51)Cr-EDTA clearance. RESULTS: The BCM model predicted
      98% within +/-30% of reference GFR and 66% within +/-10%, which was higher than
      for any other model. The weight model predicted 97.5% within +/-30% of reference
      GFR and 62% within +/-10%. The BCM model had the highest R(2) and the smallest
      root mean square error. LIMITATIONS: Included only 9 children with GFR <60
      mL/min/1.73 m(2). Lack of independent validation cohort. CONCLUSIONS: The novel
      BCM model predicts GFR with higher accuracy than previously published models. The
      weight model is almost as accurate as the BCM model and allows for GFR estimation
      without knowledge of BCM. However, endogenous methods are still not sufficiently
      accurate to replace exogenous markers when GFR must be determined with high
      accuracy.

PMID- 22037491
TI  - Complications following 573 percutaneous renal radiofrequency and cryoablation
      procedures.
AB  - PURPOSE: To review complications related to percutaneous renal tumor ablation.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Prospectively collected data related to renal
      radiofrequency (RF) ablation and cryoablation procedures performed from May 2000
      through November 2010 were reviewed. This included 573 renal ablation procedures
      performed in 533 patients to treat 633 tumors. A total of 254 RF ablation and 311
      cryoablation procedures were performed; eight patients underwent simultaneous RF
      ablation and cryoablation. The mean age of patients at the time of the procedure
      was 70 years (range, 24-93 y), and 382 of 573 procedures (67%) were performed in
      male patients. Complications were recorded according to the Clavien-Dindo
      classification scheme. Duration of hospitalization was also documented. RESULTS:
      Of the 573 procedures, 63 produced complications (11.0% overall complication
      rate). There were 66 reported complications, of which 38 (6.6% of total
      procedures) were Clavien-Dindo grade II-IV major complications; there were no
      deaths. Major complication rates did not differ statistically (P = .15) between
      cryoablation (7.7%; 24 of 311) and RF ablation (4.7%; 12 of 254). Of the
      complications related to cryoablation, bleeding and hematuria were most common.
      Bleeding during cryoablation was associated with advanced age, increased tumor
      size, increased number of cryoprobes, and central position (P < .05). Of those
      treated with RF ablation, nerve and urothelial injury were most common. Mean
      hospitalization duration was 1 day for RF ablation and cryoablation. CONCLUSIONS:
      Complications related to percutaneous renal ablation are infrequent. Recognition
      of potential complications and associated risk factors can allow optimization of
      periprocedural care.

PMID- 22037492
TI  - Bacterial inclusion bodies: making gold from waste.
AB  - Many protein species produced in recombinant bacteria aggregate as insoluble
      protein clusters named inclusion bodies (IBs). IBs are discarded from further
      processing or are eventually used as a pure protein source for in vitro
      refolding. Although usually considered as waste byproducts of protein production,
      recent insights into the physiology of recombinant bacteria and the molecular
      architecture of IBs have revealed that these protein particles are unexpected
      functional materials. In this Opinion article, we present the relevant mechanical
      properties of IBs and discuss the ways in which they can be explored as
      biocompatible nanostructured materials, mainly, but not exclusively, in
      biocatalysis and tissue engineering.

PMID- 22037493
TI  - Current needs and future directions of occupational safety and heath in a
      globalized world.
AB  - This summary provides a synopsis of talks included in a symposium entitled
      "Current Needs and Future Directions of Occupational Safety and Heath in a
      Globalized World". The purpose of the symposium was to (1) highlight national and
      international agencies with occupational health related activities; (2) address
      electronic (e-)waste issues in developing countries where exposures are secondary
      to the handling and scavenging of scrap; and (3) discuss the effects of hazardous
      materials, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) and tobacco smoke on
      child intelligence quotient (IQ) in developing countries.

PMID- 22037494
TI  - Effects of methylmercury on the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines from
      primary microglial cells and astrocytes.
AB  - Glial cells, including oligodendrocytes, astrocytes and microglia are important
      to proper central nervous system (CNS) function. Deregulation or changes to CNS
      populations of astrocytes and microglia in particular are expected to play a role
      in many neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic
      lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Previous studies have
      reported methylmercury (MeHg) induced changes in glial cell function; however,
      the effects of MeHg on these cells remains poorly understood. This study aims to
      examine the effect of MeHg on the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines from
      microglia and astrocytes. The impact of the microglia/astrocyte ratio on cytokine
      secretion was also examined. Microglia and astrocytes were cultured from the
      brains of neo-natal BALB/C mice and dosed with MeHg (0-1 MUM) and stimulated with
      PAM(3)CSK(4) (PAM(3)), a toll-like receptor (TLR) ligand. After this, the
      secretion of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and
      interleukin-1-beta (IL-1beta) was measured by ELISA. MeHg reduced the secretion
      of IL-6 in a dose dependant manner but did not effect the secretion of TNF-alpha.
      No change in IL-1beta was observed in any treatments, indicating that PAM(3)
      cannot induce the secretion of this cytokine from glial cells. Additionally, the
      ratio of microglia/astrocyte had an effect on the secretion of IL-6 but not TNF
      alpha. These results indicate that MeHg can modify the response of glial cells
      and the interactions with astrocytes can affect the response of the microglia
      cells in culture. These results are significant in understanding the potential
      relationship with MeHg and neurodegenerative diseases and for the interpretation
      of results of future in vitro studies using monoculture.

PMID- 22037495
TI  - Structural organization of intercellular channels II. Amino terminal domain of
      the connexins: sequence, functional roles, and structure.
AB  - The amino terminal domain (NT) of the connexins consists of their first 22-23
      amino acids. Site-directed mutagenesis studies have demonstrated that NT amino
      acids are determinants of gap junction channel properties including unitary
      conductance, permeability/selectivity, and gating in response to transjunctional
      voltage. The importance of this region has also been emphasized by the
      identification of multiple disease-associated connexin mutants affecting amino
      acid residues in the NT region. The first part of the NT is alpha-helical. The
      structure of the Cx26 gap junction channel shows that the NT alpha-helix
      localizes within the channel, and lines the wall of the pore. Interactions of the
      amino acid residues in the NT with those in the transmembrane helices may be
      critical for holding the channel open. The predicted sites of these interactions
      and the applicability of the Cx26 structure to the NT of other connexins are
      considered. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: The Communicating
      junctions, composition, structure and characteristics.

PMID- 22037496
TI  - 5-hmC-mediated epigenetic dynamics during postnatal neurodevelopment and aging.
AB  - DNA methylation dynamics influence brain function and are altered in neurological
      disorders. 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5-hmC), a DNA base that is derived from 5
      methylcytosine, accounts for ~40% of modified cytosine in the brain and has been
      implicated in DNA methylation-related plasticity. We mapped 5-hmC genome-wide in
      mouse hippocampus and cerebellum at three different ages, which allowed us to
      assess its stability and dynamic regulation during postnatal neurodevelopment
      through adulthood. We found developmentally programmed acquisition of 5-hmC in
      neuronal cells. Epigenomic localization of 5-hmC-regulated regions revealed
      stable and dynamically modified loci during neurodevelopment and aging. By
      profiling 5-hmC in human cerebellum, we found conserved genomic features of 5
      hmC. Finally, we found that 5-hmC levels were inversely correlated with methyl
      CpG-binding protein 2 dosage, a protein encoded by a gene in which mutations
      cause Rett syndrome. These data suggest that 5-hmC-mediated epigenetic
      modification is critical in neurodevelopment and diseases.

PMID- 22037497
TI  - The conundrums of understanding genetic risks for autism spectrum disorders.
AB  - Recent advances in the genetics of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are offering
      new valuable insights into molecular and cellular mechanisms of pathology. At the
      same time, the emerging data challenge long-standing diagnostic conventions and
      the notion of phenotypic specificity. This review addresses the particular issues
      that attend gene discovery in neuropsychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders
      and ASDs in particular, summarizes recent findings in human genetics broadly that
      are driving the reevaluation of the conventional wisdom regarding the allelic
      architecture of common psychiatric conditions, reviews selected discoveries in
      ASDs and their relevance to models of pathology, highlights the conceptual and
      practical issues raised by the observation of a convergence of ASD genetic risks
      with distinct psychiatric disorders, and considers the important interplay of
      studies of neurobiology and genetics in clarifying and extending our
      understanding of social disability syndromes.

PMID- 22037498
TI  - Double dissociation of value computations in orbitofrontal and anterior cingulate
      neurons.
AB  - Damage to prefrontal cortex (PFC) impairs decision-making, but the underlying
      value computations that might cause such impairments remain unclear. Here we
      report that value computations are doubly dissociable among PFC neurons. Although
      many PFC neurons encoded chosen value, they used opponent encoding schemes such
      that averaging the neuronal population extinguished value coding. However, a
      special population of neurons in anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), but not in
      orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), multiplexed chosen value across decision parameters
      using a unified encoding scheme and encoded reward prediction errors. In
      contrast, neurons in OFC, but not ACC, encoded chosen value relative to the
      recent history of choice values. Together, these results suggest complementary
      valuation processes across PFC areas: OFC neurons dynamically evaluate current
      choices relative to recent choice values, whereas ACC neurons encode choice
      predictions and prediction errors using a common valuation currency reflecting
      the integration of multiple decision parameters.

PMID- 22037499
TI  - Modulation of dADAR-dependent RNA editing by the Drosophila fragile X mental
      retardation protein.
AB  - Loss of FMR1 gene function results in fragile X syndrome, the most common
      heritable form of intellectual disability. The protein encoded by this locus
      (FMRP) is an RNA-binding protein that is thought to primarily act as a
      translational regulator; however, recent studies have implicated FMRP in other
      mechanisms of gene regulation. We found that the Drosophila fragile X homolog
      (dFMR1) biochemically interacted with the adenosine-to-inosine RNA-editing enzyme
      dADAR. Adar and Fmr1 mutant larvae exhibited distinct morphological neuromuscular
      junction (NMJ) defects. Epistasis experiments based on these phenotypic
      differences revealed that Adar acts downstream of Fmr1 and that dFMR1 modulates
      dADAR activity. Furthermore, sequence analyses revealed that a loss or
      overexpression of dFMR1 affects editing efficiency on certain dADAR targets with
      defined roles in synaptic transmission. These results link dFMR1 with the RNA
      editing pathway and suggest that proper NMJ synaptic architecture requires
      modulation of dADAR activity by dFMR1.

PMID- 22037500
TI  - Drug-induced GABA transporter currents enhance GABA release to induce opioid
      withdrawal behaviors.
AB  - Neurotransmitter transporters can affect neuronal excitability indirectly via
      modulation of neurotransmitter concentrations or directly via transporter
      currents. A physiological or pathophysiological role for transporter currents has
      not been described. We found that GABA transporter 1 (GAT-1) cation currents
      directly increased GABAergic neuronal excitability and synaptic GABA release in
      the periaqueductal gray (PAG) during opioid withdrawal in rodents. In contrast,
      GAT-1 did not indirectly alter GABA receptor responses via modulation of
      extracellular GABA concentrations. Notably, we found that GAT-1-induced increases
      in GABAergic activity contributed to many PAG-mediated signs of opioid
      withdrawal. Together, these data support the hypothesis that GAT-1 activity
      directly produces opioid withdrawal signs through direct hyperexcitation of
      GABAergic PAG neurons and nerve terminals, which presumably enhances GABAergic
      inhibition of PAG output neurons. These data provide, to the best of our
      knowledge, the first evidence that dysregulation of a neurotransmitter
      transporter current is important for the maladaptive plasticity that underlies
      opiate withdrawal.

PMID- 22037502
TI  - Rat detrusor overactivity induced by chronic spinalization can be abolished by a
      transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) antagonist.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of a transient receptor potential vanilloid 1
      (TRPV1) antagonist GRC 6211 on neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) of spinal
      origin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cystometries under urethane anaesthesia were
      obtained in 14 chronic spinalized rats to confirm NDO. Two groups were created.
      In the first one (n=10), GRC 6211 (0.01, 0.1 and 1mg/kg weight) was administered
      via the duodenum in cumulative doses and cystometries performed 150 min after the
      administration of each dose of the drug. In the second group (n=4), used as
      control, the animals were submitted to cystometries during 12 hours, without
      administration of GRC 6211. Frequency and amplitude of bladder contractions were
      recorded in both groups. RESULTS: The mean (+/-SDev) bladder detrusor muscle
      contraction frequency of spinalized rats was 0.7+/-0.27 contractions/min. GRC
      6211 produced a significant dose-dependent effect, with the frequency diminished
      to 0.53+/-0.23, 0.40+/-0.20 and 0.20+/-0.13 contractions/min, respectively. The
      mean (+/- SDev) amplitude of bladder contractions was 48.4+/-4.4 cmH(2)O. After
      administration of 0.01 mg/kg, 0.1mg/kg and 1mg/kg of GRC 6211, the amplitude
      decreased to 47.1+/-4.3, 45.6+/-5.6 and 40.2+/-4.1 cm H(2)O respectively. The
      effect was significant at 0.1 and 1mg/kg doses. Cystometries performed in the
      control group of spinalized rats showed no evidence of detrusor fatigue caused by
      the urethane anaesthesia and long duration of the experiment. CONCLUSION: TRPV1
      antagonists may be very effective in reducing NDO of spinal origin. This finding
      may have profound implications for the pathogenesis and future treatment options
      of patients with spinal NDO.

PMID- 22037501
TI  - Expectancy-related changes in firing of dopamine neurons depend on orbitofrontal
      cortex.
AB  - The orbitofrontal cortex has been hypothesized to carry information regarding the
      value of expected rewards. Such information is essential for associative
      learning, which relies on comparisons between expected and obtained reward for
      generating instructive error signals. These error signals are thought to be
      conveyed by dopamine neurons. To test whether orbitofrontal cortex contributes to
      these error signals, we recorded from dopamine neurons in orbitofrontal-lesioned
      rats performing a reward learning task. Lesions caused marked changes in
      dopaminergic error signaling. However, the effect of lesions was not consistent
      with a simple loss of information regarding expected value. Instead, without
      orbitofrontal input, dopaminergic error signals failed to reflect internal
      information about the impending response that distinguished externally similar
      states leading to differently valued future rewards. These results are consistent
      with current conceptualizations of orbitofrontal cortex as supporting model-based
      behavior and suggest an unexpected role for this information in dopaminergic
      error signaling.

PMID- 22037503
TI  - Differential regulation of voltage-gated Ca2+ currents and metabotropic glutamate
      receptor activity by measles virus infection in rat cortical neurons.
AB  - Measles virus (MV) infection may lead to severe chronic CNS disease processes,
      including MV-induced encephalitis. Because the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration
      ([Ca(2+)](i)) is a major determinant of the (patho-)physiological state in all
      cells we asked whether important Ca(2+) conducting pathways are affected by MV
      infection in cultured cortical rat neurons. Patch-clamp measurements revealed a
      decrease in voltage-gated Ca(2+) currents during MV-infection, while voltage
      gated K(+) currents and NMDA-evoked currents were unaffected. Calcium-imaging
      experiments using 50mM extracellular KCl showed reduced [Ca(2+)](i) increases in
      MV-infected neurons, confirming a decreased activity of voltage-gated Ca(2+)
      channels. In contrast, the group-I metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR)
      agonist DHPG evoked changes in [Ca(2+)](i) that were increased in MV-infected
      cells. Our results show that MV infection conversely regulates Ca(2+) signals
      induced by group-I mGluRs and by voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels, suggesting that
      these physiological impairments may contribute to an altered function of cortical
      neurons during MV-induced encephalitis.

PMID- 22037504
TI  - Hoffmann reflex in a rat bipedal walking model.
AB  - The rat bipedal walking model (RBWM) refers to rats that acquired anatomical and
      functional characteristics for bipedal walking after the completion of a long
      term motor training program. We recorded the Hoffmann reflex (H-reflex) of the
      forelimb and hindlimb in RBWM and control (not trained, normal) rats to evaluate
      the effects of bipedal walking on central nervous system (CNS) activity. The H
      reflex recorded from the hindlimbs of the RBWM was significantly inhibited
      compared with that in the control. Furthermore, the inhibition of the H-reflex
      recorded from both forelimbs and hindlimbs by paired pulse stimulation tended to
      be enhanced in RBWM. These results indicate that bipedal walking or bipedal
      walking training cause functional changes in spinal reflex pathways in the CNS.

PMID- 22037505
TI  - Connexin-deficiency affects expression levels of glial glutamate transporters
      within the cerebrum.
AB  - The glial glutamate transporter subtypes, GLT-1/EAAT-2 and GLAST/EAAT-1 clear the
      bulk of extracellular glutamate and are severely dysregulated in various acute
      and chronic brain diseases. Despite the previous identification of several
      extracellular factors modulating glial glutamate transporter expression, our
      knowledge of the regulatory network controlling glial glutamate transport in
      health and disease still remains incomplete. In studies with cultured cortical
      astrocytes, we previously obtained evidence that glial glutamate transporter
      expression is also affected by gap junctions/connexins. To assess whether gap
      junctions would likewise control the in vivo expression of glial glutamate
      transporters, we have now assessed their expression levels in brains of
      conditional Cx43 knockout mice, total Cx30 knockouts, as well as Cx43/Cx30 double
      knockouts. We found that either knocking out Cx30, Cx43, or both increases GLT
      1/EAAT-2 protein levels in the cerebral cortex to a similar extent. By contrast,
      GLAST/EAAT-1 protein levels maximally increased in cerebral cortices of Cx30/Cx43
      double knockouts, implying that gap junctions differentially affect the
      expression of GLT-1/EAAT-2 and GLAST/EAAT-1. Quantitative PCR analysis further
      revealed that increases in glial glutamate transporter expression are brought
      about by transcriptional and translational/posttranslational processes. Moreover,
      GLT-1/EAAT-2- and GLAST/EAAT-1 protein levels remained unchanged in the
      hippocampi of Cx43/Cx30 double knockouts when compared to Cx43fl/fl controls,
      indicating brain region-specific effects of gap junctions on glial glutamate
      transport. Since astrocytic gap junction coupling is affected in various forms of
      brain injuries, our findings point to gap junctions/connexins as important
      regulators of glial glutamate turnover in the diseased cerebral cortex.

PMID- 22037506
TI  - PITX3 polymorphism is not associated with Parkinson's disease in a Chinese
      population.
AB  - Several studies have indicated that three PITX3 single nucleotide polymorphisms
      (SNPs), rs2281983, rs4919621 and rs3758549, are likely to be associated with
      Parkinson's disease (PD) in Caucasians. Some studies also suggested an age-of
      onset effect. We recently reported that allele and genotype frequencies did not
      differ between late-onset PD (LOPD) patients and controls for all three SNPs. To
      extend the analysis to early-onset PD (EOPD) patients, and to test whether an age
      of-onset effect exists in Chinese, we genotyped these SNPs in 290 Chinese EOPD
      patients using a ligase detection reaction (LDR). For all three SNPs, allele and
      genotype frequencies did not differ between total PD patients and controls,
      between LOPD patients and controls, between EOPD patients and controls, or
      between LOPD and EOPD patients. Our results suggest that these PITX3 SNPs do not
      contribute to the risk of developing PD in EOPD or LOPD in Chinese.

PMID- 22037507
TI  - Do antidepressants improve recovery from neurologic illness?

PMID- 22037508
TI  - Development of immunoassays for anti-electronegative LDL autoantibodies and
      immune complexes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Electronegative low-density lipoprotein (LDL-) promotes
      atherosclerosis through inflammatory and immunologic mechanisms that lead to the
      production of anti-LDL(-) autoantibodies and to the subsequent formation of
      immune complexes (IC) and macrophage foam cells. We described the development and
      validation of an ELISA for the quantification of free anti-LDL(-) autoantibodies
      and an ELISA for the quantification of IC consisting of LDL(-)-bound IgG in human
      plasma. METHODS: LDL(-) purified from human plasma, and anti-LDL(-) monoclonal
      antibody Fab fragments were adsorbed onto ELISA plates to capture anti-LDL(-)
      autoantibodies and IC-LDL(-), respectively. The performance characteristics of
      both ELISAs, including the limits of detection and quantification, accuracy and
      inter- and intra-assay precision were evaluated. Linearity, interference and
      stability tests were also performed. RESULTS: The calibration range of the anti
      LDL(-) assay was 0.004-0.125 mU/l and plasma demonstrated a dilutional linearity
      when diluted 1:100, 1:200, 1:400 and 1:800. The calibration range of the IC-LDL(
      ) assay was 0.06-4 U/l, and plasma demonstrated a dilutional linearity when
      diluted 1:12.5, 1:25, 1:50 and 1:100. Both ELISAs showed intra- and inter-assay
      precision and recovery within the required limits for immunoassays. CONCLUSION:
      These ELISAs can be used in clinical studies and for the biochemical
      investigation of atherosclerosis. In addition, they will enable the comprehensive
      evaluation of the importance of bound or free autoantibodies against LDL(-) in
      this disease.

PMID- 22037509
TI  - Mutated citrullinated vimentin antibodies in rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common inflammatory systemic autoimmune
      disease, primarily affecting the peripheral joints. The past decade has been
      marked with revolutionary changes both in the therapeutic and diagnostic
      perspectives of RA. The discovery of an RA-specific citrullination-driven immune
      reaction gave a substantial contribution in the diagnostic approach to RA.
      Efforts directed towards the identification of the antigenic target specifically
      recognized by these autoantibodies resulted in the identification of vimentin in
      citrullinated form as the potential native antigen, among other proteins.
      Furthermore, it was found that the mutation of vimentin represents an independent
      trigger of antigenic properties, in addition to citrullination. As a result of
      this discovery, a commercial ELISA using mutated citrullinated vimentin (MCV) was
      developed. Increasingly, data now support the use of anti-MCV in RA diagnosis and
      prognosis for errosion. This review summarizes the research to date on the use of
      anti-MCV in RA diagnosis and prognosis and its potential use as a therapeutic
      marker. The pathologic role of these antibodies in RA disease is also discussed.

PMID- 22037510
TI  - A comparative study of serum and synovial fluid lipoprotein levels in patients
      with various arthritides.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate apolipoprotein (apo) A-I, apo B,
      lipoprotein (Lp) (a), HDL-cholesterol (C), LDL-C, triglycerides (TG) and total
      cholesterol (TC) values in the serum and synovial fluid (SF) of untreated
      rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA), and osteoarthritis (OA)
      patients. METHODS: Paired SF and serum samples were collected simultaneously from
      14 patients with RA, 14 with PsA, and 16 with OA and tested for apo A-I, apo B,
      HDL-C, LDL-C, Lp(a), TC and TG. Serum C reactive protein (CRP) and amyloid A
      (SAA) levels were also determined. RESULTS: The inflammatory arthritis patients
      had higher SF lipid levels with the exception of HDL. Reflecting increased
      synovial permeability, the lipid SF/serum ratio was always higher in RA and PsA
      with respect to OA patients. The positive correlation between serum and SF apo A
      I, apo B, HDL-C, TG, and Lp(a) levels confirmed that there is lipoprotein
      diffusion into the SF. RA and PsA patients had lower concentrations of all serum
      lipids except for Lp(a) with respect to OA patients. The levels in the RA
      patients were similar to those in healthy matched controls, while the PsA
      patients had significantly lower apo A-I and HDL levels and higher apo B and LDL
      values. CONCLUSIONS: Lipid diffusion into the joint cavity, which largely depends
      on the degree of inflammation, may contribute to modulating local inflammatory
      processes.

PMID- 22037511
TI  - Pharmacogenetic biomarkers: cytochrome P450 3A5.
AB  - The immunosuppressive drugs used for solid organ transplantation all have a
      narrow therapeutic index with wide variation between individuals in the blood
      concentration achieved by a given dose. Therapeutic drug monitoring is employed
      routinely but may not allow optimisation of drug exposure during the critical
      period two to three days following transplantation. A key factor in the inter
      individual variability for tacrolimus, and probably sirolimus, is whether an
      individual is genetically predicted to express the drug metabolising enzyme
      cytochrome P450 3A5 (CYP3A5). Individuals predicted to express CYP3A5 by
      possession of at least one wild-type CYP3A5*1 allele require 1.5-2 times higher
      doses of tacrolimus to achieve target blood concentrations than individuals
      homozygous for the CYP3A5*3 allele who are functional non-expressers of CYP3A5.
      Planning the initial tacrolimus dose based on the CYP3A5 genotype has been shown
      to allow more rapid achievement of target blood concentrations after
      transplantation than a standard dose given to all patients. However, it remains
      to be demonstrated that use of this approach as an adjunct to therapeutic drug
      monitoring can reduce either efficacy failure (transplant rejection) or toxicity.
      Use of a pharmacogenetic approach to dosing sirolimus awaits testing and it is
      unlikely to be useful for ciclosporin or everolimus.

PMID- 22037512
TI  - Independent association of TG/HDL-C with urinary albumin excretion in
      normotensive subjects in a rural Korean population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The ratio of triglycerides (TG, mg/dl) to high-density lipoprotein
      cholesterol (HDL-C, mg/dl) is a reliable indicator of insulin resistance and
      atherosclerotic diseases in some ethnic groups. This study is performed to
      examine the association between TG/HDL-C and albuminuria. METHODS: This cross
      sectional study included 9094 adult subjects (4091 men, 5003 women) who were
      enrolled in the Korean Genomic Rural Cohort (KGRC) and aged 40 years or more.
      Albuminuria was defined as a urine albumin/creatinine ratio >= 30 mg/g.
      Participants were categorized into TG/HDL-C quartile. RESULTS: Compared to the
      lowest TG/HDL-C quartile (<1.94 in men, <1.71 in women), the odds ratios (ORs)
      for albuminuria in participants who were categorized in the highest TG/HDL-C
      quartile (>= 4.98 in men, >= 4.20 in women) were 1.30 (95% CI: 0.97-1.75) and
      1.36 (1.03-1.79) in men and women, respectively, when adjusted for blood pressure
      and other covariates. In normotensive men and women, the ORs for albuminuria in
      the highest TG/HDL-C quartile were 1.58 (1.04-2.39) and 1.68 (1.15-2.45),
      respectively, even after fully adjusted. In contrast, TG/HDL-C was not associated
      with albuminuria in hypertensive subjects. CONCLUSIONS: TG/HDL-C was
      independently associated with increased prevalence of albuminuria in normotensive
      rural Korean subjects aged 40 years or more in KGRC.

PMID- 22037513
TI  - Polyphenols activate Nrf2 in astrocytes via H2O2, semiquinones, and quinones.
AB  - Polyphenols, which occur both in edible plants and in foodstuff, have been
      reported to exert a wide range of health effects; however, the mechanism of
      action of these molecules is not fully understood. One important cellular pathway
      affected by polyphenols is the activation of the transcription factor Nrf2 via
      the electrophile response element, which mediates generation of phase 2
      detoxifying enzymes. Our study found that Nrf2 nuclear translocation and the
      activity of NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1) were increased significantly
      after treatment of astrocytes with tert-butylhydroquinone (tBHQ), resveratrol, or
      curcumin, at 20-50MUM. Incubation of tBHQ, resveratrol, and curcumin in the
      growth medium in the absence of astrocytes caused the accumulation of H(2)O(2).
      Treatment of cells with either glutathione or metmyoglobin was found to decrease
      Nrf2 translocation and NQO1 activity induced by polyphenols by up to 40 and 60%,
      respectively. Addition of both glutathione and metmyoglobin to growth medium
      decreased Nrf2 translocation and NQO1 activity by up to 100 and 80%,
      respectively. In conclusion, because metmyoglobin, in the presence of polyphenols
      and glutathione, is known to interact with H(2)O(2), semiquinones, and quinones,
      the up-regulation of the antioxidant defense of the cells through activation of
      the Nrf2 transcription factor, paradoxically, occurs via the generation of
      H(2)O(2) and polyphenol-oxidized species generated from the exogenous
      microenvironment of the cells.

PMID- 22037514
TI  - Inflammation-related gene expression by lipid oxidation-derived products in the
      progression of atherosclerosis.
AB  - Vascular areas of atherosclerotic development persist in a state of inflammation,
      and any further inflammatory stimulus in the subintimal area elicits a
      proatherogenic response; this alters the behavior of the artery wall cells and
      recruits further inflammatory cells. In association with the inflammatory
      response, oxidative events are also involved in the development of
      atherosclerotic plaques. It is now unanimously recognized that lipid oxidation
      derived products are key players in the initiation and progression of
      atherosclerotic lesions. Oxidized lipids, derived from oxidatively modified low
      density lipoproteins (LDLs), which accumulate in the intima, strongly modulate
      inflammation-related gene expression, through involvement of various signaling
      pathways. In addition, considerable evidence supports a proatherogenic role of a
      large group of potent bioactive lipids called eicosanoids, which derive from
      oxidation of arachidonic acid, a component of membrane phospholipids. Of note,
      LDL lipid oxidation products might regulate eicosanoid production, modulating the
      enzymatic degradation of arachidonic acid by cyclooxygenases and lipoxygenases;
      these enzymes might also directly contribute to LDL oxidation. This review
      provides a comprehensive overview of current knowledge on signal transduction
      pathways and inflammatory gene expression, modulated by lipid oxidation-derived
      products, in the progression of atherosclerosis.

PMID- 22037515
TI  - Nitroglycerin drives endothelial nitric oxide synthase activation via the
      phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B pathway.
AB  - Nitroglycerin (GTN) has been clinically used to treat angina pectoris and acute
      heart episodes for over 100 years. The effects of GTN have long been recognized
      and active research has contributed to the unraveling of numerous metabolic
      routes capable of converting GTN to the potent vasoactive messenger nitric oxide.
      Recently, the mechanism by which minute doses of GTN elicit robust
      pharmacological responses was revisited and eNOS activation was implicated as an
      important route mediating vasodilation induced by low GTN doses (1-50nM). Here,
      we demonstrate that at such concentrations the pharmacologic effects of
      nitroglycerin are largely dependent on the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase,
      Akt/PKB, and phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN)
      signal transduction axis. Furthermore, we demonstrate that nitroglycerin
      dependent accumulation of 3,4,5-InsP(3), probably because of inhibition of PTEN,
      is important for eNOS activation, conferring a mechanistic basis for GTN
      pharmacological action at pharmacologically relevant doses.

PMID- 22037516
TI  - Inhibition of mTOR by rapamycin in the amygdala or hippocampus impairs formation
      and reconsolidation of inhibitory avoidance memory.
AB  - Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), a central regulator of protein synthesis in
      neurons, has been implicated in synaptic plasticity and memory. Here we show that
      mTOR inhibition by rapamycin in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) or dorsal
      hippocampus (DH) impairs both formation and reconsolidation of memory for
      inhibitory avoidance (IA) in rats. Male Wistar rats received bilateral infusions
      of vehicle or rapamycin into the BLA or DH before or after IA training or
      retrieval. Memory retention was tested at different time points after drug
      infusion. Rapamycin impaired long-term IA retention when given before or
      immediately after training or retrieval into the BLA. When infused into the DH,
      rapamycin produced memory impairment when given before training or immediately
      after retrieval. The impairing effects of post-retrieval rapamycin required
      memory retrieval and were not reversed by a reminder shock. The results provide
      the first evidence that mTOR in the BLA and DH might play a role in IA memory
      reconsolidation.

PMID- 22037517
TI  - Prevalence and factors associated with medication compliance in Indian patients
      suffering from mental disorders.
AB  - The overall prevalence of non-adherence among patients with mental disorders in
      our study was 38%. However, 50% of the non-adherents were suffering from
      schizophrenia. Younger patients with good social support had good adherence
      whereas those with more severe illnesses and who were sedated were associated
      with non-adherence.

PMID- 22037518
TI  - Plea for greater use of spinal anaesthesia in developing countries.
AB  - When it is indicated for surgical procedures below the umbilicus in our low
      resource countries, spinal anaesthesia has many advantages: it is simple, cheap,
      safe and easy to learn and carry out. It reduces nursing load and the risk of
      aspiration pneumonitis as well as overall postoperative mortality and morbidity.
      We prospectively carried out a study of 419 patients operated under spinal
      anaesthesia during our normal surgical activities. Despite the materials and
      conditions that were not always those recommended in the published literature, we
      had very satisfactory results with: (1) a high patient acceptance rate (93.9%);
      (2) relatively rare adverse effects - the most frequent being hypotension and
      vomiting each observed in seven (1.67%) patients. We had two cases (0.48%) of the
      rare cauda equina syndrome. In poor-resource countries, the culture of spinal
      anaesthesia should be better developed and encouraged by the training
      institutions.

PMID- 22037519
TI  - The 'hit by a stick' disease: an epidemiologic study of the causes of trauma in a
      non-profit hospital in rural Ethiopia.
AB  - Traumatic injuries are one of the leading causes of death and disability
      worldwide and represent a very important public health problem in countries like
      Ethiopia, where there are insufficient centres of trauma care and where an
      interest in prevention has only relatively recently been awakened. The aim of
      this study was to investigate the causes of trauma at St Luke Catholic Hospital.
      We conducted a one-year retrospective study on 2969 patients who suffered from
      trauma. Every traumatized patient was classified by age, sex, cause and site of
      the trauma. The admission rate and hospital stays were also analysed. The most
      common causes of injury were: interpersonal conflict (32.2%); falling (15.1%);
      and road traffic incidents (RTIs; 14%). Men (71.7%) and young adults (37.6%;
      range 15-29 years) were the most affected, while head and neck were the most
      affected sites (33%). Half of the 377 admitted patients stay in hospital for more
      than a week. The 'hit by a stick' disease can be reduced with appropriate public
      health campaigns on trauma prevention. This is a priority in trauma prevention,
      especially in the rural areas.

PMID- 22037520
TI  - Palatal ulceration as the first sign of pulmonary tuberculosis: a case report.
AB  - Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the leading casues of morbidity and death in a number
      of countries worldwide. A healthy 42-year-old patient presented with a chronic
      palatal ulcer that was not responsive to routine antibiotic treatment. A biopsy
      and further systemic investigation revealed a diagnosis of TB. An eight-month
      extended course of oral rifampin and isoniazid was instituted successfully
      resulting in complete resolution of symptoms. It is important that clinicians be
      aware that chronic oral ulcerations may be the first sign of systemic disease. A
      biopsy should therefore be mandatory for any chronic oral ulcer not responsive to
      conventional treatment.

PMID- 22037521
TI  - Synthesis of diaryl ketones via a phosphine-free Fukuyama reaction.
AB  - The synthesis of unsymmetrical diaryl ketones via the Fukuyama coupling of
      thioesters and organozinc reagents is described. Typically, the synthesis of
      diaryl ketones using this methodology provides low yields. The simple complex,
      Pd(dba)(2), was found to convert a variety of aryl thioesters to diaryl ketones
      in good yields.

PMID- 22037522
TI  - Body appearance and quality of life in adult patients with adolescent idiopathic
      scoliosis treated with a brace or under observation alone during adolescence.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: The Scoliosis Research Society (SRS) brace study (published in the
      JBJS-A, 1995) was comprised of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis with
      moderate curve sizes (25 degrees -35 degrees ). Forty observed and 37 braced
      patients (77% of the original group) attended a follow-up, a mean of 16 years
      after onset of maturity. OBJECTIVE: To analyze whether the subjectively evaluated
      present body appearance affects outcome as measured by quality of life in adult
      patients, previously treated by observation alone (nonbraced) or with a brace
      during adolescence. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Few reports exist where validated
      outcome measures for body appearance have been used. METHODS: Two quality-of-life
      questionnaires, the Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22) questionnaire and the
      36-Item Short-Form Survey Instrument (SF-36), were answered. The patient's
      opinion on body appearance was evaluated pictorially (i.e., sketches) using the
      spinal appearance questionnaire, in which 7 aspects of asymmetry are graded.
      These scores were compared with curve sizes, scoliometer measurements for grading
      trunk asymmetry, and quality-of-life measures. RESULTS: At follow-up, both groups
      were similar in terms of age (mean = 32 years) and curve size (mean = 35 degrees
      ). Distortion was inversely related to SRS-22 total score and
      satisfaction/dissatisfaction with management subscore, but not related to the SRS
      22 function subscore. No difference was found between the groups in terms of
      trunk rotation, where the means were 10.7 degrees  and 10.8 degrees  for the
      nonbraced and braced patients, respectively. The nonbraced patients estimated
      that their body appearance was significantly less distorted than the braced
      patients (mean = 12.9 and 15.0, respectively; P = 0.0028). CONCLUSION: Patients
      who experienced less body asymmetry were more satisfied with treatment and had a
      better quality of life. In spite of similar curve sizes and trunk rotation in
      both groups, the nonbraced patients felt that their body appearance was less
      distorted than that of the braced patients.

PMID- 22037523
TI  - Development of a French-Canadian version of the Oswestry Disability Index: cross
      cultural adaptation and validation.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Cross-cultural translation and psychometric testing. OBJECTIVE: To
      translate, culturally adapt, and validate the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI)
      version 2.0 for the French-Canadian population. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Many
      authors have recommended the administration of standardized instruments, rather
      than the creation of new scales, and advocate the adaptation of validated
      questionnaires in other languages. The application of these scales in different
      countries and by cultural groups necessitates cross-cultural adaptation. Many
      scales evaluate the functional incapacity resulting from low back pain. The ODI
      is among the most commonly used for this purpose. METHODS: The French-Canadian
      ODI (ODI-FC) was developed by cross-cultural adaptation following internationally
      recommended methodology: forward translation, back translation, expert committee
      revision, and clinical evaluation of the prefinal version. Psychometric testing
      was performed on 72 patients with chronic low back pain. The subjects were
      recruited from a physiatry department in a university hospital and from a private
      practice physiatry clinic. They came from the Montreal area. The psychometric
      testing included internal consistency (Cronbach alpha), test-retest reliability
      (intraclass correlation coefficient) with a time interval set at 48 hours, and
      construct validity, comparing the ODI-FC with the Roland-Morris Disability
      Questionnaire and the Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale (Pearson correlation
      coefficient). RESULTS: In 44.4% of the subjects, the average duration of low-back
      pain varied between 1 and 5 years. Average score for the ODI-FC was 29.2. Good
      internal consistency was found (Cronbach alpha = 0.88). Reliability was
      excellent, with intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.92 (95% confidence
      interval, 0.87-0.95). Construct validity results revealed excellent correlations
      between the ODI and the Quebec Back Pain Disability Scale (r = 0.90) and between
      the ODI and the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (r = 0.84). CONCLUSION:
      Cross-cultural translation and adaptation of the ODI-FC were successful.
      Psychometric testing determined that the instrument was homogeneous, reliable,
      and valid. It could be employed in future clinical trials in Canada and possibly
      in other French-speaking countries.

PMID- 22037524
TI  - The Dysphagia Short Questionnaire: an instrument for evaluation of dysphagia: a
      validation study with 12 months' follow-up after anterior cervical spine surgery.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical validation study of questionnaire to assess
      dysphagia. OBJECTIVE: To test validity and reliability of Dysphagia Short
      Questionnaire (DSQ), and also to determine levels of dysphagia over time after
      anterior cervical spine surgery (ACSS). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Dysphagia is
      common after ACSS but reports on the incidence vary widely between 1% and 79%,
      indicating an evaluation problem. Several tools for evaluation of dysphagia exist
      but common features are that they are cumbersome to use and usually are designed
      for patients with neurological or malignant diseases in the neck region. Others
      are not validated, for example, the Bazaz score. There is, thus, a need for a
      more adapted tool to evaluate dysphagia in patients undergoing ACSS. METHODS: The
      DSQ was constructed in collaboration with a group of ear-nose-and-throat
      specialists. In a first validation study, 45 patients with stationary dysphagia
      for various reasons completed the DSQ twice 2 weeks apart, the M.D. Anderson
      Dysphagia Inventory (MDADI), the Bazaz score, and a quality-of-life score, the EQ
      5D. To evaluate the utility of the DSQ, a second validation study was performed,
      where 111 subjects undergoing ACSS for degenerative disk disease completed the
      form preoperatively and at 4 weeks, 3 months, and 1 year after surgery. RESULTS:
      In the first study, the DSQ correlated to MDADI (r = 0.59) and showed good
      reproducibility. The Bazaz score did not correlate to the DSQ, the MDADI, or the
      EQ-5 D. In the second study, dysphagia was present in a few patients already
      preoperatively. At 4 weeks, 85% of the patients reported dysphagia. The level had
      dropped significantly at 3 months and had returned to baseline levels at 1 year.
      CONCLUSION: We consider the DSQ to be a validated tool for the assessment of
      dysphagia in ACSS patients. Dysphagia after ACSS for cervical spondylosis is
      common but the symptoms on a group level are not very severe and are also
      temporary.

PMID- 22037525
TI  - Primary pyogenic infection of the spine in intravenous drug users: a prospective
      observational study.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: A prospective comparative analysis of surgically-treated
      nontuberculous primary pyogenic infection of the spine (PPIS). OBJECTIVE: To
      evaluate and compare the demographics, presentation, treatment and outcomes of
      surgically-treated PPIS between intravenous drug users (IVDU) and non-IVDU
      patients. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: This is the first prospective cohort
      comparative analysis of the clinical outcomes of surgically-treated PPIS between
      IVDU and non-IVDU populations. This is also the largest cohort of consecutive
      surgically-treated PPIS in a population of IVDU. METHODS: Data on all patients
      with PPIS presenting to a quaternary referral center during a 4-year period from
      2004 were collected in a prospectively maintained customized database. RESULTS:
      During the study period there were 102 patients treated for PPIS of which 51 were
      IVDU. Of this IVDU group, the mean age was 43 years (range: 25-57). Twenty-three
      had human immunodeficiency virus, 43 had hepatitis C, and 13 had hepatitis B. All
      were using cocaine, 26 were also using heroin and 44 were using at least 3
      recreational drugs. Thirty patients presented with axial pain of a mean duration
      of 51 days (range: 3-120 days). Of the IVDU patients with neurological deficit on
      presentation, the mean American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) motor score was
      58.6. The most common ASIA motor levels involved were C4 and C5. Mean duration of
      neurological symptoms was 7 days (range: 1-60 days). Twenty-six were already
      receiving i.v. antibiotics for known spinal infection and 33 patients had an
      identifiable organism on blood cultures (19 methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus
      aureus, 9 methicillin-resistant S. aureus). Forty-four of the 51 IVDU patients
      were treated surgically. Thirty-four of the 44 surgically treated cases involved
      the cervical spine. Twenty-two had a posterior approach alone, 13 had anterior
      only while 9 required combined anterior and posterior approaches at the index
      surgery. Seven required early revision for hardware failure (none of whom has
      combined approach) and 2 developed a postoperative surgical site infection (SSI).
      Thirty-seven of the 51 IVDU patients were apprehended at least once using illicit
      drugs while in hospital. Mean duration of antibiotic treatment after surgery was
      62 days. At discharge, 28 of 44 patients had neurological improvement (mean = 20
      ASIA points, range: 1-55), 11 had neurological deterioration during treatment
      (mean = 13, range = 1-50), and 5 were unchanged. Among the IVDUs there were no in
      hospital deaths. At 2 years after index admission 13 IVDU patients were dead, and
      none were attending for follow-up despite all efforts to locate the patients. In
      the non-IVDU group, the mean age of the 51 patients was 56 years (range 25-83).
      Thirty-four patients presented with axial pain with a mean duration of 105 days
      (range 2-365). Mean ASIA motor score of patients with neurological deficit on
      admission was 74. Most common ASIA level was T12. Mean duration of neurological
      symptoms was 12 days (range 1-84). Thirteen patients were receiving i.v.
      antibiotics for known spinal infection and 20 patients had an identifiable
      organism on blood culture (30% methicillin-sensitive S. aureus, 50% methicillin
      resistant S. aureus). Forty-four of these 51 non-IVDU patients were treated
      surgically. Thirty-five of the 44 surgically-treated cases involved the thoracic
      or lumbar spines. Twenty-nine had a posterior approach alone, 3 had anterior
      alone while 12 required combined approaches. No early hardware failures were seen
      in the non-IVDU group while 4 developed SSI. Mean duration of antibiotic
      treatment after surgery was 45 days. At discharge 21 patients had neurological
      improvement (mean 9 ASIA points, range: 1-17). Five had neurologic deterioration
      with a mean motor loss of 16 points (10-23). There were 4 in-hospital deaths
      among the non-IVDU group. At 2 years after index admission, 19 patients were dead
      and the remainder were all available for follow-up. CONCLUSION: There are
      significant differences in demographics, presentation, treatment and outcomes of
      primary spinal pyogenic infection between a population of IVDU and a comparable
      cohort of non-IVDU. The IVDU group presents with cervical quadriplegia while it
      is the thoracolumbar spine that is almost exclusively involved in the non-IVDU
      group. Among the IVDUs, surgical management is complex with a high incidence of
      early hardware failure. SSI is significantly more common among non-IVDU.
      Significant neurological improvement can be expected in the majority of IVDU
      patients with a high mortality rate among the non-IVDU. IVDU are unreliable
      patients and in-hospital, in-halo incarceration is recommended where possible.

PMID- 22037526
TI  - Morbid obesity increases cost and complication rates in spinal arthrodesis.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective cross-sectional study of all spinal fusions in
      California from 2003 to 2007. OBJECTIVE: This study analyzes whether morbid
      obesity alters rates of complications and charges in patients undergoing spinal
      fusion. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Prior studies of obesity have focused on
      lumbar fusion; some identified increases in wound complications. However, these
      studies typically do not account for comorbidities, do not examine nonlumbar
      fusions, and usually are small single institution series. METHODS: Our study used
      the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project's California State Inpatient
      Databases (CA-SID) to identify normal weight and morbidly obese patients admitted
      in California between 2003 and 2007 for 4 types of spinal fusion: anterior
      cervical fusion (International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision,
      Clinical Modification [ICD-9-CM] procedure code 810.2), posterior cervical fusion
      (810.3), anterior lumbar fusion (810.6), and posterior lumbar fusion (810.8).
      Demographic, comorbidity, and complications data were collected. Primary outcome
      was in-hospital complication; secondary outcomes were total cost, length of stay,
      and in-hospital mortality. Multivariate logistic regression was performed.
      RESULTS: In total 84,607 admissions were identified, of which 1455 were morbidly
      obese. Morbid obesity was associated with 97% higher in-hospital complication
      rates (13.6% vs. 6.9%), sustained across nearly all complication types (cardiac,
      renal, pulmonary, wound complications, among others). Mortality among the
      morbidly obese was slightly higher (0.41 vs. 0.13, P < 0.01) as were average
      hospital costs ($108,604 vs. $84,861, P < 0.0001). Length of stay was longer as
      well (4.8 d vs. 3.5 d, P < 0.0001). All effects were less pronounced in posterior
      cervical fusions. On multivariate analysis, morbid obesity was the most
      significant predictor of complications in the anterior cervical and posterior
      lumbar fusion groups (more than age, demography, and other comorbidity).
      CONCLUSION: Morbid obesity seems to increase the risk of multiple complication
      types in spinal fusion surgery, most particularly in anterior cervical and
      posterior lumbar approaches.

PMID- 22037527
TI  - Use and outcomes of wound drain in spinal fusion for adolescent idiopathic
      scoliosis.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: A multicenter retrospective analysis. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate
      outcomes of closed-suction wound drainage after posterior spinal fusion with
      instrumentation for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and to identify surgeon
      patterns of drain use in this cohort. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: There is little
      evidence on the use of drains in spinal surgery, particularly for repair of
      adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Studies on hip and knee arthroplasty suggest no
      advantage to draining. There are few published reports on surgeon technique and
      rationale for drain use in spinal surgery. METHODS: Patients were divided into
      drain and no drain cohorts and followed for 2 years. Primary outcome was
      complication rate. A separate survey was conducted from surgeons in the Spinal
      Deformity Study Group to evaluate drain practice patterns. RESULTS: There were
      324 drained and 176 undrained patients. Complication rate did not differ between
      the drain and no drain cohorts in any of the 4 categories (wound infection,
      neural injury, other infection, and other complication) at any time (all P >
      0.1). More drained patients received postoperative transfusions compared with
      those without a drain (43% vs. 22%, P < 0.001). Of the 50 surgeons in the group,
      36 used drains. Half of these did so out of habit. Surgeons tended to place deep
      drains with bulb suction, without drain manipulation. Half removed drains on the
      basis of output, whereas half removed them after 1 to 3 days. CONCLUSION: More
      patients tended to receive wound drains than not receive wound drains. Drains did
      not impact complication rate and drained patients received more blood product.
      There are no universal criteria for draining and practice patterns vary widely.

PMID- 22037528
TI  - Retrospective computed tomography scan analysis of percutaneously inserted
      pedicle screws for posterior transpedicular stabilization of the thoracic and
      lumbar spine: accuracy and complication rates.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective clinical data analysis. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the
      misplacement rate and related clinical complications of percutaneous pedicle
      screw insertion in the thoracic and lumbar spine. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA:
      Percutaneous insertion of cannulated pedicle screws has been developed as a
      minimally invasive alternative to the open technique during instrumented fusion
      procedures of the thoraco-lumbar spine. The reported rate of screw misplacement
      using open techniques is well described, however data is lacking on the exact
      failure rate of the percutaneous technique. METHODS: A total of 424
      percutaneously inserted pedicle screws from 2007 to 2010 were analyzed in 88
      patients, from a single surgeon series (RJM). Axial reformatted computer
      tomographic images were examined by 2 independent observers and individual and
      consensus interpretation was obtained for each screw position. A simple grading
      system was used for assessment of screw accuracy--Grade 0: screw within cortex of
      pedicle; Grade 1: screw thread breach of wall of pedicle <2 mm; Grade 2:
      significant breach >2 mm with no neurological compromise; Grade 3: complication
      including pedicle fracture, anterior breach with neuro-vascular compromise, and
      lateral or medial breach with neurological sequelae. RESULTS: The indications for
      percutaneous pedicle screw insertion include: degenerative (78%), trauma (13%),
      tumour (8%), and infection (1%). Pedicle screws were inserted into level T4 to
      S1. The most common levels performed include L4 and L5 with the most common
      indication for surgery being an L4/5 spondylolisthesis. 383 out of 424 screws
      (90.3%) were placed in the cortical shell of the pedicle (Grade 0). Forty-one
      screws (9.7%) were misplaced from T4 to S1. Of these, the majority were Grade 1
      pedicle violations (24 screws; 5.7%), with 15 Grade 2 violations (3.5%) and 2
      Grade 3 violations (0.5%). Of the 2 Grade 3 pedicle violations, both were pedicle
      fractures but only 1 had associated neurological deficit (L4 radiculopathy
      postoperatively). CONCLUSION: Percutaneous insertion of cannulated pedicle screws
      in the thoracic and lumbar spine is an acceptable technique with a low
      complication rate in experienced hands. The overall rate of perforation is below
      the higher rates reported in the literature for the open technique. Complication
      rates including pedicle fracture were low.

PMID- 22037529
TI  - Tissue engineering of the intervertebral disc with cultured nucleus pulposus
      cells using atelocollagen scaffold and growth factors.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: In vitro experiment using rabbit nucleus pulposus (NP) cells seeded
      in atelocollagen scaffolds under the stimulation of growth factors. OBJECTIVE: To
      demonstrate the effect of anabolic growth factors in rabbit NP cells cultured in
      atelocollagen type I and type II. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Atelocollagen
      provides intervertebral disc (IVD) cells for a biocompatible environment to
      produce extracellular matrix. IVD cells with exogenous transforming growth factor
      beta 1 (TGF-beta1) and bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) also render an
      increase in matrix synthesis. However, the effect of anabolic growth factors in
      NP cells cultured in atelocollagens was not elucidated before. METHODS: Rabbit NP
      cell was harvested, enzymatically digested, and cultured. The NP cells were
      seeded to atelocollagen type I and type II scaffolds, and then cultures were
      exposed to TGF-beta1 (10 ng/mL) and/or BMP-2 (100 ng/mL). DNA synthesis was
      measured using [4H]-thymidine incorporation. Newly synthesized proteoglycan was
      measured using [35S]-sulfate incorporation. Reverse transcription-polymerase
      chain reactions (RT-PCRs) for mRNA expression of aggrecan, collagen type I,
      collagen type II, and osteocalcin were performed. RESULTS: Rabbit NP cells
      cultured in atelocollagen type I scaffold showed an increase (1.7 to 2.4-fold) in
      DNA synthesis in response to TGF-beta1 and/or BMP-2 (P < 0.05), whereas NP
      cultures in atelocollagen type II demonstrated a 30% increase in DNA synthesis
      only with combination of both growth factors compared with control (P < 0.05).
      Rabbit NP cells in atelocollagen type II scaffold with TGF-beta1 and combination
      of both growth factors exhibited robust 5.3- and 5.4-fold increases in
      proteoglycan synthesis (P < 0.05), whereas any cultures in atelocollagen type I
      failed to show any significant increase compared with control. Rabbit NP cells in
      atelocollagen type I and type II scaffolds with TGF-beta1 and/or BMP-2
      demonstrated the upregulation of aggrecan, collagen type I, and collagen type II
      mRNA expression compared with saline control (P < 0.05). The response in
      transcriptional level was more robust in atelocollagen type II than in type I. In
      any event, there is no recognizable expression of osteocalcin (P < 0.05).
      CONCLUSION: NP cells in atelocollagens under the stimulation of TGF-beta1 and BMP
      2 exhibited anabolic responses in transcriptional and translational levels.
      Hence, such an approach can provide a suitable engineered tissue for IVD
      regeneration with potential for robust refurbishment of matrix.

PMID- 22037530
TI  - The effect of anterior-posterior shear on the wear of CHARITE total disc
      replacement.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: An in vitro study of the wear rates of the CHARITE lumbar total
      disc replacement (TDR). OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of anterior
      posterior shear on the in vitro wear rates of the CHARITE lumbar TDR. SUMMARY OF
      BACKGROUND DATA: Current standards prescribe only 4-degrees of freedom (DOF)
      inputs for evaluating the in vitro wear of TDRs, despite the functional spinal
      unit incorporating 6 DOF. Anterior-posterior shear has been highlighted as a
      significant load, particularly in the lumbar spine. A previous study investigated
      the effect of an anterior-posterior shear on the ProDisc-L, finding that wear
      rates were not significantly different from 4-DOF wear tests. METHODS: Six
      CHARITE lumbar discs were mounted in a 5 active DOF spine wear simulator and
      tested under 4-DOF (ISO18192) conditions. Six further CHARITE lumbar discs were
      tested under 5-DOF conditions, consisting of 4-DOF conditions plus an anterior
      posterior shear displacement of +2/-1.5 mm. The displacement was decreased and
      then increased by a factor of 2 to investigate the effect of the magnitude of
      displacement. Micro-computed tomographic scans of the discs were taken before and
      after wear testing, and the height loss of the discs was calculated. These were
      compared with the same measurements taken from explanted CHARITE discs, micro
      computed tomography scanned at another institution. RESULTS: Wear rates for 4 DOF
      (12.2 +/- 1.0 mg/MC) were not significantly different from 4-DOF tests on the
      ProDisc-L. Wear rates were significantly increased (P < 0.01) for "standard" 5
      DOF conditions (22.3 +/- 2.0 mg/MC), decreased 5 DOF (24.3 +/- 4.9 mg/MC), and
      increased 5 DOF (29.1 +/- 7.6 mg/MC). The height loss of the explants and in
      vitro tested discs were not significantly different (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The
      addition of anterior-posterior shear to wear testing inputs of the CHARITE lumbar
      TDR increases the wear rate significantly, which is in direct contrast to the
      previous 5-DOF testing on the ProDisc. This study highlights the importance of
      clinically relevant testing regimens, and that test inputs may be different for
      dissimilar design philosophies.

PMID- 22037531
TI  - Unanticipated revision surgery in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study
      was to share our experience in the surgical treatment of adolescent idiopathic
      scoliosis (AIS), specifically the rate of revision surgeries and their
      indications. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Minimizing AIS surgical morbidity
      includes prevention of short- and long-term complications that could require an
      unanticipated revision. There have been an increasing number of reports about
      revision rates and their causes in AIS. This study summarizes the experience of a
      large patient population treated by a single surgeon in a single institution.
      METHODS: All patients who underwent surgical treatment for AIS between 10 and 20
      years of age during 1983 to 2005 were reviewed. All revision surgeries performed
      during the same period were searched. The indications for revision and type of
      procedure performed were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 502 patients with AIS
      underwent spinal fusion with instrumentation at an average age of 14.3 years at
      initial surgery. In 485 patients, the surgery consisted of posterior-only spinal
      fusion. A total of 24 revision surgeries were performed for 23 patients (4.9%;
      cumulative probability of revision = 8%). The primary indications for revision
      were residual rib deformity (n = 8), instrumentation dislodgement (n = 4),
      compensatory curve progression (n = 3), junctional kyphosis (n = 3), and
      symptomatic implants (n = 3). One patient had a late infection. There was 1 case
      of pseudoarthrosis. One patient requested scar revision. There were no cases of
      neurological deficit. CONCLUSION: In this single-surgeon series, revision after
      the index spinal fusion was required for a relatively low proportion of patients.
      The main indications for revision were residual rib deformity, hook dislodgment,
      and progression of the unfused compensatory curve.

PMID- 22037532
TI  - Are antifibrinolytics helpful in decreasing blood loss and transfusions during
      spinal fusion surgery in children with cerebral palsy scoliosis?
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Therapeutic comparative study. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety
      and efficacy of antifibrinolytic (AF) agents in reducing blood loss and
      transfusions during posterior spinal fusion (PSF) in children with cerebral palsy
      (CP) scoliosis. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Scoliosis surgery in CP children is
      associated with substantial blood loss. Few reports on the role of AFs exist.
      METHODS: A multicenter, retrospective review of a prospectively collected
      database of 84 consecutively enrolled patients with CF (age < 18 years) with
      spinal deformity who underwent PSF and instrumentation. The use of AFs,
      tranexamic acid (TXA), epsilon-aminocaproic acid (EACA), or none was based on the
      surgeon preference. Estimated blood loss (EBL), transfusion requirements, and
      length of stay were recorded. Analysis was performed with the independent-samples
      t test and 1-way analysis of variance with post hoc Bonferroni analysis. RESULTS:
      The average age at the time of surgery was 14.4 +/- 2.6 years. The groups were
      well matched in preoperative major deformity, age, levels fused, and operating
      time. Forty-four patients received AFs (30 TXA and 14 EACA), and 40 received no
      antifibrinolytics (NAF). The EBL averaged 1684 mL for the AFs group and 2685 mL
      for the NAF group (P = 0.002). There was more cell salvage transfusion in the NAF
      group. No significant differences were found in total transfusion requirements.
      There was a trend for decreased hospital stay in the AFs group. No adverse
      effects were seen. On comparison of the 3 groups (NAF, TXA, and EACA), a
      significant difference was observed between the TXA and the other groups with
      respect to EBL and cell salvage transfusion. CONCLUSION: AFs significantly
      reduced intraoperative EBL associated with PSF, with no adverse effects; however,
      we could not demonstrate significant differences in total transfusion, except in
      cell salvage. TXA was more effective than EACA in decreasing the EBL and cell
      salvage transfusion.

PMID- 22037533
TI  - Chondrosarcoma of the mobile spine: a review of 21 cases treated at a single
      center.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of
      modern surgical and aggressive radiation techniques on outcome in patients with
      spinal chondrosarcoma. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Chondrosarcoma of the spine
      presents a difficult surgical challenge. Surgical excision is considered the
      standard of care, yet complete excision is not always feasible, and rates of
      local control and survival are inferior to those reported for the extremities.
      METHODS: We performed a retrospective review of cases of chondrosarcoma involving
      the spine above the sacrum treated surgically at our institution between 1984 and
      2006. Medical charts, radiology reports, pathology reports, and operative notes
      were reviewed for all patients. Available imaging studies were also reviewed. The
      Student t test and Fisher exact test were used to compare baseline differences
      between groups. Survivorship analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier
      methodology. Overall survival was calculated on the basis of en bloc resection,
      margins, local recurrence, and metastasis. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients were
      treated surgically for chondrosarcoma of the mobile spine. Twenty of the 21
      patients were also treated with radiation with a mean dose of 71 Gy (range, 53
      83). The average overall survival for all patients in our series was 120.5 months
      (SE = 32.9; range, 8.5-298.9 months). The 1- and 5-year survival rates for all
      patients were 90% and 61%, respectively. Patients treated with en bloc resection
      had a better overall survival (198 months: SE = 24.5; range, 24-224.7 months)
      than those who underwent intralesional excision (77 months: SE = 27.3; range, 8.5
      298.9 months) (P = 0.05). Five (24%) patients developed local recurrence and 9
      (43%) developed metastasis. All recurrences occurred in patients who underwent
      intralesional resection. Metastasis, high-grade tumor, and positive surgical
      margins were associated with worse overall survival (P < 0.001, 0.02, and 0.04,
      respectively). CONCLUSION: In this series, en bloc resection, the absence of
      metastasis, low-grade tumors, and negative margins were associated with improved
      overall survival. The aggressive use of sophisticated surgical and radiation
      techniques appears to confer an advantage to patients, decreasing local
      recurrence and increasing overall survival, even following incomplete surgical
      resection.

PMID- 22037534
TI  - Long-term clinical outcomes of surgery for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis 21 to
      41 years later.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: A case control study. OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical outcome
      of middle-aged patients surgically treated for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
      and to compare their outcomes with assessments of age- and sex-matched healthy
      controls. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Several long-term follow-up studies have
      been published on the clinical outcomes of surgical treatment for adolescent
      idiopathic scoliosis in patients who have reached their 20s or 30s. However,
      clinical outcomes in patients who have reached middle age remain unknown.
      METHODS: This study included 256 patients surgically treated for adolescent
      idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) between 1968 and 1988. The Scoliosis Research Society
      Patient Questionnaire (SRS-22) and Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RDQ)
      were used for evaluating long-term clinical outcomes. Sixty-six (25.8%; 62
      females, 4 males; mean age, 46.0 years [range 34-56]) of the 256 patients
      responded to the questionnaires. The mean follow-up period was 31.5 (range 21-41)
      years. Seventy-six healthy age- and sex-matched individuals with neither a
      history of spinal surgery nor scoliosis were selected as a control (CTR) group.
      RESULTS: On the basis of the SRS-22 responses, AIS patients had significantly
      decreased function (AIS: 4.3 +/- 0.6, CTR: 4.7 +/- 0.5, P < 0.01) and decreased
      self-image (AIS: 3.0 +/- 0.8, CTR: 3.7 +/- 0.5, P < 0.01) in comparison with the
      controls, but the 2 groups were similar with respect to pain (AIS: 4.3 +/- 0.6,
      CTR: 4.2 +/- 0.5, P = 0.14) and mental health (AIS: 3.9 +/- 0.9, CTR: 3.7 +/-
      0.7, P = 0.14). The RDQ responses indicated that low back pain was not
      significantly increased in the AIS group compared with the CTR group (AIS: 1.8 +/
      3.5, CTR: 1.4 +/- 3.1, P = 0.36). CONCLUSION: Surgery had no demonstrable
      adverse effects on pain or mental health in these middle-aged AIS patients 21-41
      years after surgery, although the AIS patients did have significantly lower
      function and lower self-image than the controls.

PMID- 22037535
TI  - A meta-analysis of comparative outcomes following cervical arthroplasty or
      anterior cervical fusion: results from 4 prospective multicenter randomized
      clinical trials and up to 1226 patients.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Meta-analysis of 4 prospective randomized controlled Food and Drug
      Administration (FDA) Investigational Device Exemption (IDE) clinical trials.
      OBJECTIVE: To maximize the information available from 4 IDE studies by analyzing
      the combined outcomes of cervical arthroplasty versus fusion at 24-month follow
      up. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: To date, 4 randomized clinical trials have been
      completed in the United States under FDA IDE protocols to study cervical
      arthroplasty. Each trial reported arthroplasty to be at least as successful as
      fusion controls based on noninferiority trial designs. However, sample sizes in
      any given trial may not be sufficient to demonstrate superiority of treatment
      effect. Meta-analysis enables pooling of results from comparable trials, which
      may lead to more precise and statistically significant estimates of treatment
      effect. METHODS: Four cervical arthroplasty randomized clinical trials with
      comparable enrollment criteria and outcome measures were conducted independently
      by 3 separate sponsors to study the following devices: Bryan, Prestige, ProDisc
      C, and PCM cervical disc replacements. A total of 1608 patients were treated
      across 98 investigative sites. Data were available for 1352 treated patients, of
      which 1226 were evaluable at 24 months. Assessments included clinical success
      definitions based on neck disability index, maintenance or improvement of
      neurological status, subsequent surgery or intervention at the index level
      (survivorship), and a composite score comprising these as well as serious device
      related adverse events. Trial endpoint comparisons were made at 24 months
      postoperatively. For each endpoint, a random-effects meta-analysis was performed
      to compare the success rates of cervical arthroplasty with anterior cervical
      discectomy and fusion (ACDF). Also, supportive frequentist and bayesian analyses
      were performed. RESULTS: The pooled primary overall success results indicated a
      statistically significant treatment effect favoring arthroplasty compared with
      ACDF. Overall success was achieved by 77.6% of the arthroplasty patients and by
      70.8% of the ACDF patients (pooled odds ratio [OR]: 0.699, 95% confidence
      interval [CI]: 0.539-0.908, P = 0.007). The results of the individual
      subcomponent meta-analyses, all of which favored arthroplasty, were neck
      disability index success (OR: 0.786, 95% CI: 0.589-1.050, P = 0.103),
      neurological status (OR: 0.552, 95% CI: 0.364-0.835, P = 0.005), and survivorship
      (OR: 0.510, 95% CI: 0.275-0.946, P = 0.033). Only the survivorship endpoint
      suggested low heterogeneity. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that cervical
      arthroplasty is superior to ACDF in overall success, neurological success, and
      survivorship outcomes at 24 months postoperatively.

PMID- 22037536
TI  - Magnetic properties of multiferroics-semiconductors Eu(1-x)Ce(x)Mn2O5.
AB  - Studies of magnetization, magnetoresistance, and magnetic oscillations in
      semiconductor-multiferroics Eu(1-x)Ce(x)Mn2O5 (x = 0.2-0.25) (ECMO) at
      temperatures ranging from 5 to 350 K in magnetic fields up to 6 T are presented.
      It is shown that phase separation and charge carrier self-organization in the
      crystals give rise to a layered superstructure perpendicular to the c axis. An
      effect of magnetic field cycling on the superstructure, magnetization, and
      magnetoresistance is demonstrated. X-ray diffraction studies of ECMO
      demonstrating the effect of magnetic field on the superstructure are presented.
      The de Haas-van Alphen magnetization oscillations in high magnetic fields and the
      temperature-induced magnetic oscillations in a fixed magnetic field are observed
      at low temperatures. Below 10 K the quantum corrections to magnetization due to
      the weak charge carrier localization in 2D superlattice layers occur. It is shown
      that at all the temperatures the Eu(1-x)Ce(x)Mn2O5 magnetic state is dictated by
      superparamagnetism of isolated ferromagnetic domains.

PMID- 22037537
TI  - Universal prevention is associated with lower prevalence of fetal alcohol
      spectrum disorders in Northern Cape, South Africa: a multicentre before-after
      study.
AB  - AIMS: Prevalence of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs) is remarkably high
      in several provinces of South Africa; yet population-level knowledge of the harms
      of maternal drinking remains low. In two heavily affected areas, we assessed
      effectiveness of interventions to heighten awareness of these harms and to alter
      social norms about drinking in pregnancy. METHODS: FASD prevalence, maternal
      knowledge and drinking behaviours were investigated in two Northern Cape Province
      towns, before and after interventions which included highlighting FASD using
      local media and health promotion talks at health facilities. Independently, two
      dysmorphologists and a neuropsychometrist examined children at 9 and 18 months.
      RESULTS: Pre-intervention maternal knowledge of alcohol harms was low and FASD
      prevalence 8.9% (72/809). Interventions reached high coverage and knowledge
      levels increased substantially. FASD prevalence was 5.7% post-intervention
      (43/751; P = 0.02); 0.73 lower odds, controlling for maternal age and ethnicity
      (95% confidence interval = 0.58-0.90). No change was detected in more severe FASD
      forms, but in the whole population, median dysmorphology scores reduced from 4
      [inter-quartile range (IQR) = 2-7] to 3 (IQR = 1-6; P = 0.002). CONCLUSION: This,
      the first prevention study using FASD outcomes, suggests that universal
      prevention might reduce FASD by ~30% and have population-level effects. This
      supports intensifying universal interventions where knowledge of harms of
      maternal drinking is low. These efforts need to be accompanied by alcohol
      dependence treatment to lower more severe FASD forms.

PMID- 22037538
TI  - Regulation of coronary resistance vessel tone in response to exercise.
AB  - Exercise is a primary stimulus for increased myocardial oxygen demand. The ~6
      fold increase in oxygen demand of the left ventricle during heavy exercise is met
      principally by augmenting coronary blood flow (~5-fold), as hemoglobin
      concentration and oxygen extraction (which is already ~70% at rest) increase only
      modestly in most species. As a result, coronary blood flow is tightly coupled to
      myocardial oxygen consumption over a wide range of physical activity. This tight
      coupling has been proposed to depend on periarteriolar oxygen tension, signals
      released from cardiomyocytes and the endothelium as well as neurohumoral
      influences, but the contribution of each of these regulatory pathways, and their
      interactions, to exercise hyperemia in the heart remain incompletely understood.
      In humans, nitric oxide, adenosine and K(ATP) channels each appear to contribute
      to resting coronary resistance vessel tone, but evidence for a critical
      contribution to exercise hyperemia is lacking. In dogs K(ATP)-channel activation
      together with adenosine and nitric oxide contribute to exercise hyperemia in a
      non-linear redundant fashion. In contrast, in swine nitric oxide, adenosine and
      K(ATP) channels contribute to resting coronary resistance vessel tone control in
      a linear additive manner, but do not appear to be mandatory for exercise
      hyperemia. Rather, exercise hyperemia in swine appears to involve beta-adrenergic
      activation in conjunction with exercise-induced blunting of an endothelin
      mediated vasoconstrictor influence. In view of these remarkable species
      differences in coronary vasomotor control during exercise, future studies are
      required to determine the system of vasodilator components that mediate exercise
      hyperemia in humans. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Coronary
      Blood Flow".

PMID- 22037539
TI  - A multi-CRD C-type lectin with broad recognition spectrum and cellular adhesion
      from Argopectenirradians.
AB  - C-type lectins are a superfamily of Ca(2+)-dependent carbohydrate-recognition
      proteins which play significant roles as pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) in
      the innate immunity. In this study, a novel C-type lectin with four dissimilar
      carbohydrate-recognition domains (CRDs) was identified from Argopectenirradians
      (designated as AiCTL-9). The full-length cDNA of AiCTL-9 was of 2291 bp with an
      open reading frame of 1827 bp encoding a polypeptide of 608 amino acids with a
      signal sequence and four CRDs. The motifs determining carbohydrate binding
      specificity in each CRD of AiCTL-9 were different, and they were YPT in CRD1, EPD
      in CRD2, EPN in CRD3 and QPN in CRD4, respectively. All the four CRDs shared the
      similar potential tertiary structure of a typical double-loop structure with
      Ca(2+)-binding site 2 in the long loop region and two conserved disulfide bridges
      at the bases of the loops. The mRNA transcripts of AiCTL-9 were mainly detected
      in hepatopancreas as well as gonad, and also marginally detectable in mantle,
      adductor, gill and hemocytes. Its relative expression level in hemocytes was
      significantly up-regulated after the challenges of fungi PichiapastorisGS115
      (P<0.05), Gram-positive bacteria Micrococcusluteus (P<0.05) and Gram-negative
      bacteria Vibrioanguillarum (P<0.01). The recombinant AiCTL-9 (rAiCTL-9) could
      bind various PAMPs, including LPS, PGN, mannan and glucan, and also displayed
      agglutinating activity to fungi P. pastorisGS115, Gram-positive bacteria
      Bacillussubtilis and Gram-negative bacteria EscherichiacoliTOP10F' as well as V.
      anguillarum in a Ca(2+) dependent manner. Moreover, rAiCTL-9 could initiate the
      cellular adhesion of hemocytes and enhance their encapsulation invitro. All these
      results implied that AiCTL-9 was a novel PRR involved in immune response of
      scallop against a large number of pathogens by recognizing different PAMPs and
      enhancing scallop hemocytes encapsulation.

PMID- 22037540
TI  - A graphene oxide platform for the assay of biomolecules based on
      chemiluminescence resonance energy transfer.
AB  - The bifunctionality of graphene oxide (GO) that can highly adsorb single-stranded
      DNA (ssDNA) and effectively quench the emission of organic dyes is reasonably
      utilized in a chemiluminescence resonance energy transfer (CRET) system,
      achieving sensitive and selective detection of DNA (H1V1) and protein (thrombin),
      respectively.

PMID- 22037541
TI  - Cardiac resynchronization therapy after coronary sinus lead extraction:
      feasibility and mid-term outcome of transvenous reimplantation in a tertiary
      referral centre.
AB  - AIMS: Few data are available on cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) after
      coronary sinus (CS) lead extraction. We aimed to evaluate the feasibility and mid
      term outcome of transvenous CS lead reimplantation in a tertiary referral centre.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: We enrolled all patients who were referred to our hospital
      for CS lead removal from December 2000 through to May 2009 and were transvenously
      reimplanted with a CRT system before June 2009. One-year follow-up was performed
      to evaluate the incidence of infections, malfunctions, and mortality. We studied
      113 consecutive patients undergoing successful CS lead extraction; 90 patients
      (75 male, mean age 69.2, range 35-84) underwent CS lead reimplantation (success
      rate: 95.6%; right-sided approach: 64.4%). In these patients, cardiac device
      infection was the usual indication for extraction (74.4%) and the subsequent
      reimplantation was performed after a median time of 3 days. The coronary sinus
      lead was usually positioned in the left ventricular (LV) postero-lateral region
      (62.2%); two procedures were required in two cases (2.2%). Balloon angioplasty
      was necessary for two patients (failure in one), whereas for the others we used a
      conventional implant technique. During follow-up, we observed four cases (4.4%)
      of local infection and six cases (6.7%) of system malfunction, requiring
      reintervention (two cases during the same hospitalization). One-year mortality
      was 5.5%. CONCLUSION: Left ventricular lead reimplantation is in our experience
      an effective and safe procedure, also in the case of right-sided approach. During
      follow-up, 1-year mortality was particularly low, whereas overall infection rate
      was higher than first implant procedures.

PMID- 22037542
TI  - Analysis of J waves during myocardial ischaemia.
AB  - AIMS: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between J-wave
      dynamics and arrhythmias during myocardial ischaemia in patients with vasospastic
      angina (VSA). METHODS AND RESULTS: Sixty-seven consecutive patients diagnosed
      with VSA by a provocation test for coronary spasm were grouped according to
      whether they had a J wave in the baseline electrocardiograms or not (VSA-JW
      group, n = 14; VSA-non-JW group: n = 53). We retrospectively studied the
      associations between J-wave and ST-segment dynamics and induced ventricular
      fibrillations (VFs) during coronary spasm.  In the VSA-JW group, 7 of the 14
      patients showed changes in J-wave morphology and/or gains in J-wave voltage,
      followed by VF in 4 patients. Compared with patients without VF, the four
      patients with VF showed similar maximal voltage in the baseline J waves but a
      higher voltage during induced coronary spasms (0.57 +/- 0.49 vs. 0.30 +/- 0.11
      mV; P = 0.011). In three patients with VF, J waves progressively increased and
      were accompanied by the characteristic coved-type or lambda-shaped ST-segment
      elevations. In the VSA-non-JW group, only four patients showed new appearances of
      J waves during coronary spasms and another patient without a distinct J wave
      developed VF. Ventricular fibrillations were induced more frequently in the VSA
      JW group than in the VSA-non-JW group [4/14 (29%) vs. 1/53 (2%); P = 0.012].
      CONCLUSION: J-wave augmentations were caused by myocardial ischaemia during
      coronary spasms. The presence and augmentation of J waves, especially prominent J
      waves with the characteristic ST-elevation patterns, were associated with VF.

PMID- 22037543
TI  - Correlation, accuracy, precision and practicability of perioperative measurement
      of sublingual temperature in comparison with tympanic membrane temperature in
      awake and anaesthetised patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The prevention of inadvertent perioperative hypothermia
      requires precise, reliable and practical methods of temperature measurement in
      both awake and anaesthetised patients. Different methods and sites of monitoring
      have been evaluated, but many are imprecise, unusable in awake patients,
      difficult to apply or too invasive, especially for minor surgery. The aim of this
      study was to evaluate the performance of perioperative sublingual and tympanic
      temperature measurement in awake and anaesthetised patients. METHODS: We enrolled
      171 patients, aged 18-75 years, scheduled for surgery with duration less than 1 h
      under general anaesthesia. Spearman's rank correlation and Bland-Altman analysis
      for assessment of correlation, accuracy and precision of both methods were
      determined analysing 171 independent paired values at three different measurement
      times. RESULTS: Sublingual temperatures were significantly higher than tympanic
      temperatures by 0.1-0.2 degrees C. The coefficient of determination (r) of both
      methods was between 0.50 and 0.59, and Bland-Altman analysis revealed a bias (SD)
      of between -0.09 (0.21) and -0.15 (0.24) degrees C. CONCLUSION: The accuracy and
      precision of sublingual temperature measurement were adequate for clinical use,
      and there was a high correlation with tympanic temperature monitoring. Sublingual
      temperature measurement has been demonstrated as a good and practical modality
      for perioperative temperature monitoring in both awake and anaesthetised
      patients.

PMID- 22037545
TI  - ECG changes during in-situ hypothermic liver resections.

PMID- 22037547
TI  - Partial-post Laplace barriers for virtual confinement, stable displacement, and
      >5 cm s(-1) electrowetting transport.
AB  - Laplace barriers composed of full-posts or ridges have been previously reported
      as a mechanism for virtual fluid confinement, but with unstable displacement
      (capillary fingering or fluid trapping, respectively). A new platform of 'partial
      posts' eliminates the disadvantages of full-posts or ridges, while providing ~60
      80% open channel area for rapid electrowetting fluid transport (>5 cm s(-1)). The
      fluid mechanics of partial-post Laplace barriers are far more complex than
      previous Laplace barriers as it involves two mechanisms: fluid can first begin to
      propagate either between, or under, the partial-posts. Careful design of channel
      and partial-post geometries is required, else one mechanism will dominate over
      the other. The physics and performance of partial-post Laplace barriers are
      verified using theoretical equations, experimental results, and dynamic numerical
      modeling.

PMID- 22037546
TI  - Susceptibility to oxidative stress and modulated expression of antioxidant genes
      in the copper-exposed polychaete Perinereis nuntia.
AB  - To identify and evaluate potentially useful biomarkers for oxidative stress as
      early warning indices in the polychaete, Perinereis nuntia, we exposed P. nuntia
      to copper (Cu) and measured several biomarker enzymes (glutathione S-transferase;
      GST, glutathione peroxidase; GPx, Metallothionein-like protein; MTLPs, and
      catalase; CAT) and genes (Pn-GSTs, Pn-CAT, and Pn-MT) with a cellular oxidative
      index, reactive oxygen species (ROS) level. Accumulated Cu concentrations in P.
      nuntia increased in a time-dependent manner. Intracellular ROS reached high
      levels 6h after exposure in P. nuntia with an increase of GST activity and
      glutathione (GSH) content. Particularly, GSH in polychaetes showed a positive
      correlation with Cu contents accumulated in P. nuntia. Messenger RNA expressions
      of GST sigma and GST omega showed relatively high expressions at 50 MUg/L of Cu
      exposure, even though the moderate increase of rest of GST isoforms was also
      observed. Also regarding long-term exposure, we reared P. nuntia in sediments for
      15 days, and found that there was an obvious increase of Pn-GSTs, Pn-CAT, and Pn
      MT genes with elevated concentrations of Cu and Cd in polychaete body, compared
      to initial levels, suggesting that P. nuntia in sediment was affected by metals
      as well as by other organic pollutants to induce oxidative stress genes and
      enzymes. These findings suggest that oxidative stress is a potential modulator of
      defense system of P. nuntia. Several potential biomarker genes are available as
      early warning signals for environmental biomonitoring.

PMID- 22037548
TI  - Positive Borrelia burgdorferi serology secondary to intravenous immunoglobulin
      therapy.

PMID- 22037549
TI  - MicroRNA changes in human arterial endothelial cells with senescence: relation to
      apoptosis, eNOS and inflammation.
AB  - A senescent phenotype in endothelial cells is associated with increased
      apoptosis, reduced endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and inflammation,
      which are implicated in arterial dysfunction and disease in humans. We tested the
      hypothesis that changes in microRNAs are associated with a senescent phenotype in
      human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC). Compared with early-passage HAEC, late
      passage HAEC had a reduced proliferation rate and increased staining for
      senescence-associated beta-galactosidase and the tumor suppressor p16(INK4a).
      Late-passage senescent HAEC had reduced expression of proliferation
      stimulating/apoptosis-suppressing miR-21, miR-214 and miR-92 and increased
      expression of tumor suppressors and apoptotic markers. eNOS-suppressing miR-221
      and miR-222 were increased and eNOS protein and eNOS activation (phosphorylation
      at serine1177) were lower in senescent HAEC. Caveolin-1 inhibiting miR-133a was
      reduced and caveolin-1, a negative regulator of eNOS activity, was elevated in
      senescent HAEC. Inflammation-repressing miR-126 was reduced and inflammation
      stimulating miR-125b was increased, whereas inflammatory proteins were greater in
      senescent HAEC. Development of a senescent arterial endothelial cell phenotype
      featuring reduced cell proliferation, enhanced apoptosis and inflammation and
      reduced eNOS is associated with changes in miRNAs linked to the regulation of
      these processes. Our results support the hypothesis that miRNAs could play a
      critical role in arterial endothelial cell senescence.

PMID- 22037550
TI  - Interleukin-17A stimulates cardiac fibroblast proliferation and migration via
      negative regulation of the dual-specificity phosphatase MKP-1/DUSP-1.
AB  - The dual-specificity mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphatase-1 (MKP
      1) inactivates MAP kinases by dephosphorylation. Here we show that the
      proinflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-17A induces adult mouse primary cardiac
      fibroblast (CF) proliferation and migration via IL-17 receptor A//IL-17 receptor
      C-dependent MKP-1 suppression, and activation of p38 MAPK and ERK1/2. IL-17A
      mediated p38 MAPK and ERK1/2 activation is inhibited by MKP-1 overexpression, but
      prolonged by MKP-1 knockdown. IL-17A induced miR-101 expression via PI3K/Akt, and
      miR-101 inhibitor reversed MKP-1 down regulation. Importantly, MKP-1 knockdown,
      pharmacological inhibition of p38 MAPK and ERK1/2, or overexpression of dominant
      negative MEK1, each markedly attenuated IL-17A-mediated CF proliferation and
      migration. Similarly, IL-17F and IL-17A/F heterodimer that also signal via IL
      17RA/IL-17RC, stimulated CF proliferation and migration. These results indicate
      that IL-17A stimulates CF proliferation and migration via Akt/miR-101/MKP-1
      dependent p38 MAPK and ERK1/2 activation. These studies support a potential role
      for IL-17 in cardiac fibrosis and adverse myocardial remodeling.

PMID- 22037551
TI  - A genome-wide association study identifies new susceptibility loci for non-cardia
      gastric cancer at 3q13.31 and 5p13.1.
AB  - Gastric cancer, including the cardia and non-cardia types, is the second leading
      cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. To identify genetic risk variants for
      non-cardia gastric cancer, we performed a genome-wide association study in 3,279
      individuals (1,006 with non-cardia gastric cancer and 2,273 controls) of Chinese
      descent. We replicated significant associations in an additional 6,897 subjects
      (3,288 with non-cardia gastric cancer and 3,609 controls). We identified two new
      susceptibility loci for non-cardia gastric cancer at 5p13.1 (rs13361707 in the
      region including PTGER4 and PRKAA1; odds ratio (OR) = 1.41; P = 7.6 * 10(-29))
      and 3q13.31 (rs9841504 in ZBTB20; OR = 0.76; P = 1.7 * 10(-9)). Imputation
      analyses also confirmed previously reported associations of rs2294008 and
      rs2976392 on 8q24, rs4072037 on 1q22 and rs13042395 on 20p13 with non-cardia
      gastric cancer susceptibility in the Han Chinese population.

PMID- 22037552
TI  - Genome-wide association study identifies a susceptibility locus for schizophrenia
      in Han Chinese at 11p11.2.
AB  - To identify susceptibility loci for schizophrenia, we performed a two-stage
      genome-wide association study (GWAS) of schizophrenia in the Han Chinese
      population (GWAS: 746 individuals with schizophrenia and 1,599 healthy controls;
      validation: 4,027 individuals with schizophrenia and 5,603 healthy controls). We
      identified two susceptibility loci for schizophrenia at 6p21-p22.1 (rs1233710 in
      an intron of ZKSCAN4, P(combined) = 4.76 * 10(-11), odds ratio (OR) = 0.79;
      rs1635 in an exon of NKAPL, P(combined) = 6.91 * 10(-12), OR = 0.78; rs2142731 in
      an intron of PGBD1, P(combined) = 5.14 * 10(-10), OR = 0.79) and 11p11.2
      (rs11038167 near the 5' UTR of TSPAN18, P(combined) = 1.09 * 10(-11), OR = 1.29;
      rs11038172, P(combined) = 7.21 * 10(-10), OR = 1.25; rs835784, P(combined) = 2.73
      * 10(-11), OR = 1.27). These results add to previous evidence of susceptibility
      loci for schizophrenia at 6p21-p22.1 in the Han Chinese population. We found that
      NKAPL and ZKSCAN4 were expressed in postnatal day 0 (P0) mouse brain. These
      findings may lead to new insights into the pathogenesis of schizophrenia.

PMID- 22037553
TI  - A common variant at the TERT-CLPTM1L locus is associated with estrogen receptor
      negative breast cancer.
AB  - Estrogen receptor (ER)-negative breast cancer shows a higher incidence in women
      of African ancestry compared to women of European ancestry. In search of common
      risk alleles for ER-negative breast cancer, we combined genome-wide association
      study (GWAS) data from women of African ancestry (1,004 ER-negative cases and
      2,745 controls) and European ancestry (1,718 ER-negative cases and 3,670
      controls), with replication testing conducted in an additional 2,292 ER-negative
      cases and 16,901 controls of European ancestry. We identified a common risk
      variant for ER-negative breast cancer at the TERT-CLPTM1L locus on chromosome
      5p15 (rs10069690: per-allele odds ratio (OR) = 1.18 per allele, P = 1.0 * 10(
      10)). The variant was also significantly associated with triple-negative (ER
      negative, progesterone receptor (PR)-negative and human epidermal growth factor-2
      (HER2)-negative) breast cancer (OR = 1.25, P = 1.1 * 10(-9)), particularly in
      younger women (<50 years of age) (OR = 1.48, P = 1.9 * 10(-9)). Our results
      identify a genetic locus associated with estrogen receptor negative breast cancer
      subtypes in multiple populations.

PMID- 22037554
TI  - Exome sequencing identifies frequent mutation of ARID1A in molecular subtypes of
      gastric cancer.
AB  - Gastric cancer is a heterogeneous disease with multiple environmental etiologies
      and alternative pathways of carcinogenesis. Beyond mutations in TP53, alterations
      in other genes or pathways account for only small subsets of the disease. We
      performed exome sequencing of 22 gastric cancer samples and identified previously
      unreported mutated genes and pathway alterations; in particular, we found genes
      involved in chromatin modification to be commonly mutated. A downstream
      validation study confirmed frequent inactivating mutations or protein deficiency
      of ARID1A, which encodes a member of the SWI-SNF chromatin remodeling family, in
      83% of gastric cancers with microsatellite instability (MSI), 73% of those with
      Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and 11% of those that were not infected with
      EBV and microsatellite stable (MSS). The mutation spectrum for ARID1A differs
      between molecular subtypes of gastric cancer, and mutation prevalence is
      negatively associated with mutations in TP53. Clinically, ARID1A alterations were
      associated with better prognosis in a stage-independent manner. These results
      reveal the genomic landscape, and highlight the importance of chromatin
      remodeling, in the molecular taxonomy of gastric cancer.

PMID- 22037556
TI  - The unusual importance of activity coefficients for micelle solutions illustrated
      by an osmometry study of aqueous sodium decanoate and aqueous sodium decanoate +
      sodium chloride solutions.
AB  - Freezing-point and vapor-pressure osmometry data are reported for aqueous sodium
      decanoate (NaD) solutions and aqueous NaD + NaCl solutions. The derived osmotic
      coefficients are analyzed with a mass-action model based on the micelle formation
      reaction qNa(+) + nD(-) = (Na(q)D(n))(q-n) and Guggenheim equations for the
      micelle and ionic activity coefficients. Stoichiometric activity coefficients of
      the NaD and NaCl components and the equilibrium constant for micelle formation
      are evaluated. Illustrating the remarkable but not widely appreciated nonideal
      behavior of ionic surfactant solutions, the micelle activity coefficient drops to
      astonishingly low values, below 10(-7) (relative to unity for ideal solutions).
      The activity coefficients of the Na(+) and D(-) ions, raised to large powers of q
      and n, reduce calculated extents of micelle formation by up to 15 orders of
      magnitude. Activity coefficients, frequently omitted from the Gibbs equation, are
      found to increase the calculated surface excess concentration of NaD by up to an
      order of magnitude. Inflection points in the extent of micelle formation, used to
      calculate critical micelle concentration (cmc) lowering caused by added salt,
      provide unexpected thermodynamic evidence for the elusive second cmc.

PMID- 22037555
TI  - Common variants on 8p12 and 1q24.2 confer risk of schizophrenia.
AB  - Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder affecting ~1% of the world population,
      with heritability of up to 80%. To identify new common genetic risk factors, we
      performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in the Han Chinese population.
      The discovery sample set consisted of 3,750 individuals with schizophrenia and
      6,468 healthy controls (1,578 cases and 1,592 controls from northern Han Chinese,
      1,238 cases and 2,856 controls from central Han Chinese, and 934 cases and 2,020
      controls from the southern Han Chinese). We further analyzed the strongest
      association signals in an additional independent cohort of 4,383 cases and 4,539
      controls from the Han Chinese population. Meta-analysis identified common SNPs
      that associated with schizophrenia with genome-wide significance on 8p12
      (rs16887244, P = 1.27 * 10(-10)) and 1q24.2 (rs10489202, P = 9.50 * 10(-9)). Our
      findings provide new insights into the pathogenesis of schizophrenia.

PMID- 22037557
TI  - Listeriosis: An emerging public health problem especially among the elderly.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To analyze the incidence trend of listeriosis, its present
      epidemiology and the potential benefit of aminoglycosides during the last two
      decades. METHODS: We reviewed all cases of invasive listeriosis detected during a
      22-year period in a large tertiary hospital. Two equal periods of 11 years were
      compared. RESULTS: We detected 111 cases of listeriosis (32 during the first 11
      year period and 79 during the second). Incidence of listeriosis increased
      significantly (from 4.66/10(6) inhabitants to 10.39/10(6) inhabitants; P = .001).
      In the second period, there were more patients >65 years (21.9%-45.6%; P = .02)
      and with no significant underlying diseases (0 vs. 16.5%; P = .02). Comparing
      clinical presentations between the two periods, primary bacteremia increased
      (40.6% vs. 55.7%), while central nervous system infections decreased (34.4% vs.
      27.8%). Cotrimoxazole (SXT) use increased significantly in the second period
      (from 6.3% to 40.5%, P = .001) while the administration of aminoglycosides
      decreased (from 40.6% to 21.5%, P = .04). The use of combination therapy did not
      have any impact on mortality, however it did increase toxicity. CONCLUSIONS:
      Listeriosis should be considered an emerging health problem, especially among the
      elderly, including those with no underlying medical conditions. The use of
      aminoglycosides does not seem to be justified according to our data.

PMID- 22037558
TI  - Depressive symptoms during adolescence: comparison between epidemiological and
      high risk sampling.
AB  - PURPOSE: Both epidemiological (unselected) and high risk (screening on known risk
      criteria) samplings have been used to investigate the course of affective
      disorders. Selecting individuals on multiple risk criteria may create a sample
      not comparable to individuals with similar risk criteria within the general
      population. This study compared depressive symptoms across the two sampling
      methods to test this possibility. METHODS: The high risk Cambridge Hormones and
      Moods Project (CHAMP) screened and recruited adolescents aged 12 to 16. A total
      of 905 (710 high risk) individuals participated and were reassessed at three
      follow-ups. The ROOTS epidemiological sample consisted of 1,208 14-year-olds
      reassessed at 15.5 and 17 years. The risk profile for CHAMP was recreated in the
      ROOTS study. Both samples completed the Moods and Feelings Questionnaire, a self
      report measure of current depressive symptoms. RESULTS: Comparing individuals
      with the same high risk profiles across the CHAMP and ROOTS studies revealed no
      significant differences in mean depression scores. Combining the samples revealed
      that for females, mean depression scores were maintained from 12 to 15 years then
      declined by 17 years. For males, scores declined from 12 throughout adolescence.
      High risk status led to consistently higher levels of depressive symptoms in
      female adolescents but result in little change within male adolescents.
      CONCLUSIONS: The high risk design recruited adolescents with a depression
      symptoms profile comparable to the general population for both sexes. High risk
      status may alter the trajectory of depressive symptoms in female adolescents
      only. Males may be less sensitive to recent adversity.

PMID- 22037559
TI  - Oral opioid analgesics vs. spinal steroid injections in the treatment of low back
      pain syndromes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the outcomes related to
      analgesia, function, mortality, and adverse effects of oral opioid analgesics and
      spinal steroid injections on low back pain syndromes. DESIGN: Databases including
      Medline, EMBASE, PubMed, and Cochrane Library were searched in September 2009
      using combinations of terms related to spinal pain and its treatment. A
      systematic review was performed of randomized controlled trials that enrolled
      patients with low back pain syndromes and that evaluated patient outcomes after
      intervention using either oral opioids or spinal steroid injections. RESULTS:
      Eight high-quality and ten moderate-quality randomized controlled trials were
      identified. One high-quality study on oral opioid therapy showed significant
      improvements in pain relief and patient function. Those on spinal steroid
      injections had a decreased Visual Analog Scale pain score by 7.18 (95% confidence
      interval, 2.21-12.1) points more than the control group at 1 mo or less and by
      0.429 (95% confidence interval, -4.41 to 5.27) points at 1-3 mos. At more than 6
      mos, there was no significant benefit: 0.930 (95% confidence interval, -5.03 to
      6.89). Spinal steroids decreased the Oswestry Disability Index by 3.53 (95%
      confidence interval, 0.480-6.57) at 1 mo or less, by -0.281 (95% confidence
      interval, -3.18 to 2.62) at 1-3 mos, by -11.0 (95% confidence interval, -14.8 to 
      7.16) at 3-6 mos, and by -0.205 (95% confidence interval, -3.50 to 3.09) compared
      with the control group at 6 mos or more, suggesting that there was improvement in
      function. All-cause mortality was low in our analysis of patients attending
      specialty clinics. It was difficult to assess the adverse effects of opioid
      therapy because they influenced up to 28% of patients to withdraw from the
      original studies. In terms of spinal steroid injections, headache appeared to be
      the most common adverse effect. However, there was no significantly increased
      risk of headaches associated with spinal steroids compared with control
      injections: odds ratio, 1.29 (95% confidence interval, 0.69-2.39). CONCLUSIONS:
      Oral opioid therapy may be helpful for the treatment of low back pain, but it is
      unclear from the high-quality literature whether there are limitations from
      adverse effects. Spinal steroid injections are beneficial for low back pain and
      disability in the short-term. The high dropout rates caused by insufficient pain
      relief and adverse effects suggest that opioids may not be as effective as spinal
      steroid injections. There is more high-quality literature to support the use of
      spinal steroid injections compared with oral opioids in this condition.

PMID- 22037560
TI  - [Management of bleeding disorders in intensive care medicine].
AB  - Bleeding disorders are frequent in intensive care medicine, the most common form
      being acquired. Trauma, gastrointestinal bleeding, liver failure, hematologic
      malignancies, and adverse drug reactions play an important role. Moderate to
      severe hereditary bleeding disorders are usually known prior to the acute disease
      state, while mild hereditary forms may manifest for the first time in association
      with the acute stress condition. Generally, proper history taking and structured
      observation are decisive in order to conduct an appropriate diagnostic workup and
      initiate logical hemostatic management. One cannot always wait for laboratory
      results during continuous blood loss or conditions such as hypothermia and
      acidosis. In such cases, pathophysiological extrapolation of expected hemostatic
      disturbances is essential for timely hemostatic management.

PMID- 22037561
TI  - [Supplemental parenteral nutrition. Friend or foe? The EPaNIC study].

PMID- 22037562
TI  - Pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of ribavirin in hemodialysis-dependent
      patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study describes the pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability of
      ribavirin in hemodialysis-dependent patients. METHODS: Six adult patients (4
      male, 2 female) were recruited from a hemodialysis clinic where they were
      receiving regular hemodialysis sessions. Patients received a single oral 400-mg
      dose of ribavirin (2 * 200-mg capsules) after an overnight fast. A 4-h
      hemodialysis session was performed between 6 and 10 h post-dose. Plasma and
      urinary concentrations of ribavirin were determined using validated high
      performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometric methods. RESULTS:
      Single oral doses of ribavirin 400 mg were safe and well tolerated in this
      population. Urinary excretion of ribavirin over 48 h was minimal (0.6 mg:
      approximately 0.14% of the dose). The mean amount removed during the 4-h
      hemodialysis session (9.6 mg) represented approximately 2.4% of the dose.
      CONCLUSIONS: Ribavirin hemodialysis clearance (CLhd = 74.5 ml/min) represented
      approximately 50% of the renal clearance (CLr) measured in subjects with normal
      renal function (CLr = 129 ml/min).

PMID- 22037563
TI  - Pharmacokinetics of the local anesthetic ropivacaine after transversus abdominis
      plane block in healthy volunteers.
AB  - PURPOSE: The transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is a regional anesthetic
      technique used for pain control following abdominal surgical procedures. While a
      minimum of systemic side effects is usually expected after local anesthesia, it
      is unknown to which extent systemic absorption and redistribution to the
      abdominal wall contributes to the effects of anesthetics. The aim of this study
      was to determine concentration-time profiles of ropivacaine after the injection
      of 150 mg of ropivacaine into the lateral abdominal wall in various compartments.
      METHODS: The microdialysis technique was used to measure ropivacaine in plasma as
      well as at abdominal wall sites cranial from the injection site (below the 12th
      rip) and caudal from the injection site (cranial from the iliac crest) and in the
      skeletal muscle tissue of the contra lateral thigh of eight healthy volunteers.
      RESULTS: The mean exposure to ropivacaine measured as the area under the
      concentration-time curve was significantly higher at the two abdominal sites
      (240.9 +/- 409.1  and 86.18 +/- 133.50 MUg h/mL, respectively) than in plasma
      (5.1 +/- 1.0 MUg h/mL) or in peripheral tissue (1.1 +/- 1.2 MUg h/mL). While the
      high mean concentrations of ropivacaine measured at the abdominal wall sites
      support the topical concept of the TAP block, the observed variability was
      striking. CONCLUSIONS: While the systemic pharmacokinetics was comparable between
      subjects, the local distribution of ropivacaine was highly variable after TAP
      block.

PMID- 22037564
TI  - Risk of caffeine toxicity associated with the use of 'legal highs' (novel
      psychoactive substances).
AB  - PURPOSE: Caffeine has desired stimulant effects similar to but weaker than both
      classical recreational drugs and novel psychoactive substances. This study was
      undertaken to determine the caffeine content of a sample of novel psychoactive
      substances, and we discuss the implications for the management of acute
      recreational drug toxicity. METHODS: Six novel psychoactive products ('legal
      highs') that were not declared to contain caffeine were purchased from different
      Internet suppliers; one additional product was supplied by the UK police force.
      Analysis of these products was undertaken using infrared spectroscopy (IR), gas
      chromatography with mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography with
      tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) to identify the active ingredient(s) and
      measure the caffeine content of the product. RESULTS: All seven products, which
      weighed approximately 1 g each, contained only caffeine as the active
      pharmacological compound. There was significant variation in the percentage
      caffeine content (<2 to 96%), with four powders containing very significant
      caffeine contents of 87-96%. CONCLUSION: This study shows that individuals are at
      risk of significant caffeine toxicity related to the high caffeine content of
      some novel psychoactive substances. Clinicians, including clinical
      pharmacologists, need to be aware of this to ensure that the management of acute
      recreational drug toxicity is appropriate and that over-correction of any
      hypokalaemia does not occur.

PMID- 22037566
TI  - Spinal epidural hematoma:  not always an obvious diagnosis.
AB  - Spinal epidural hematoma (SEH) is a rare neurosurgical emergency. SEH is
      characterized by an archetypal clinical presentation including abrupt spinal pain
      followed more or less rapidly by various degrees of neurological deficit. The
      diagnosis of SEH, often based on a clinical presumption, represents a clinical
      challenge. Several reports have outlined missed or delayed diagnosis due to
      unusual and confusing onsets or unawareness of this diagnosis by physicians.
      Therefore, physicians should keep in mind the possibility of SEH in their
      differential diagnosis when confronted with patients complaining of sudden onset
      of acute spinal pain with or without neurological sign, because the impact of a
      delayed diagnosis can be disabling catastrophic neurological sequelae. We suggest
      that SEH is a dynamic disease, which occurs in patients with an abnormal
      vasculature structural degenerative change. The bleeding is probably of
      multifactorial origin incriminating veins as well as arteries. Therefore, we
      proposed a classification of SEH, according to the most probable etiology
      whatever the associated factors, in six groups: spontaneous, secondary,
      iatrogenic, traumatic, recurrent, and idiopathic SEH.

PMID- 22037567
TI  - Polyprenylated isoflavanone and isoflavonoids from Ormosia henryi and their
      cytotoxicity and anti-oxidation activity.
AB  - A rare naturally-occurring polyprenylated isoflavanone, designated ormosinol (1),
      and a new isoflavonoid glycoside, named ormosinoside (2), along with 21 known
      compounds were isolated from the root bark of Ormosia henryi Prain. The
      structures of compounds 1 and 2 were determined as 5,7,2',4'-tetrahydroxyl-6,8,5'
      tri-(gamma,gamma-dimethylallyl)isoflavanone and isoprunetin-7-O-beta-D
      xylopyranosyl-(1 -> 6)-beta-D-glucopyranoside on the basis of a combination of 1D
      , 2D-NMR and mass spectroscopic measurements. Compound 1 showed significant anti
      oxidation activity against DPPH radicals (IC(50) 28.5 MUM) and cancer cell line
      (A549, LAC, and HepG2) growth inhibitory activity with IC(50) ranging from 4.25
      to 7.09 MUM, while compound 2 found to be inactive to both testing systems.

PMID- 22037568
TI  - A new alkaloid from Fritillaria ussuriensis Maxim.
AB  - Pingbeimunone A (1), a new compound, together with the known ussuriedine (2),
      benzo[7,8]fluoreno[2,1-b]quinolizine cevane-3,6,16,20-tetrol (3), ebeiedinone
      (4), pingbeimine C (5) and verticine (6) were isolated from Fritillaria
      ussuriensis. The structure was elucidated on the basis of spectral analysis (IR,
      NMR and MS spectroscopy). In addition, their AChE inhibitory activities were also
      tested.

PMID- 22037569
TI  - Characterization of a highly polymeric proanthocyanidin fraction from persimmon
      pulp with strong Chinese cobra PLA2 inhibition effects.
AB  - Persimmon proanthocyanidin was fractionated on Toyopearl TSK-HW-50-F to yield a
      fraction with strong inhibition on the catalytic activity and edema-inducing
      activity and lethality of Chinese cobra PLA(2). Thiolysis suggested that the
      terminal units included C, EGCG and myricetin, and epicatechin, epigallocatechin,
      (epi)gallocatechin-3-O-gallate, and (epi)catechin-3-O-gallate occurred as
      extender units. The mean degree of polymerization was 23.7. MALDI TOF/MS, thioly
      HPLC, FTIR and circular dichroism (CD) analyses showed that the fraction had high
      prodelphinidin content (55%) and a very high degree of 3-O-galloylation (92%). A
      type linkage is dominant in it and it had 4beta linkage of the flavanyl
      substituent and 4R absolute configuration.

PMID- 22037570
TI  - Dispensable role for 4-1BB and 4-1BBL in development of vaccinia virus-specific
      CD8 T cells.
AB  - CD8 T cells are strongly induced in response to certain strains of vaccinia virus
      (VACV) and the generation of this population is tightly regulated by two Tumor
      Necrosis Factor (TNF)/TNFR superfamily members, OX40 (CD134) and CD27. In this
      study, we examined the role of another member of the TNFR superfamily, 4-1BB
      (CD137, TNFRSF9), and its ligand (4-1BBL, CD137L, TNFSF9), that have been
      described to control the generation of memory CD8 T cell populations elicited by
      other viruses such as influenza. Expression of 4-1BB and 4-1BBL was observed in
      wild-type mice during the primary infection, but we found that both 4-1BB and 4
      1BBL deficient mice generated normal numbers of VACV-specific effector CD8 T
      cells that produced IFN-gamma and TNF. Additionally, CD8 T cells deficient in 4
      1BB were able to expand and persist comparably to wild-type T cells in response
      to VACV infection. Furthermore, the knockout mice also showed no defect in
      development of VACV-specific CD8 memory T cell populations. Lastly, showing
      alternate control mechanisms were not active in the gene-deficient environments
      that masked any activity, blocking 4-1BB/4-1BBL interactions using neutralizing
      antibody also had no effect on the number of VACV-specific memory CD8 T cells
      induced. Thus, our data demonstrate that 4-1BB and 4-1BBL do not play a strong or
      dominant role in driving the generation of high frequencies of VACV-specific CD8
      T cells.

PMID- 22037571
TI  - Establishment and characterization of a murine model for allergic asthma using
      allergen-specific IgE monoclonal antibody to study pathological roles of IgE.
AB  - Allergen-specific IgE has long been regarded as a major molecular component of
      allergic asthma. Although IgE plays a central role in the early asthmatic
      response, its roles in the chronic phase, such as the late asthmatic response,
      airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), and airway remodeling (goblet cell hyperplasia
      and subepithelial fibrosis) have not yet been defined well. In this study, we
      investigated the hypothesis that chronic responses could be induced by IgE
      dependent mechanisms. BALB/c mice passively sensitized with an ovalbumin (OVA)
      specific IgE monoclonal antibody (mAb) were repeatedly challenged with
      intratracheal administration of OVA. The first challenge induced early phase
      airway narrowing without any late response, but the fourth challenge caused not
      only an early but also a late phase response, AHR, and goblet cell hyperplasia.
      Macrophages, lymphocytes and neutrophils, but not eosinophils, were significantly
      increased in the lung 24h after the fourth challenge. Interestingly, levels of
      OVA-specific IgG1 in serum increased by multiple antigen challenges. A C3a
      receptor antagonist inhibited the late asthmatic response, AHR, and infiltration
      by neutrophils. In contrast, no late response, goblet cell hyperplasia,
      inflammatory cells, or production of IgG1 was observed in severe combined
      immunodeficient mice. On the other hand, seven challenges in BALB/c mice induced
      subepithelial fibrosis associated with infiltration by eosinophils. In
      conclusion, the allergic asthmatic responses induced by passive sensitization
      with IgE mAb can provide a useful model system to study the pathological roles of
      IgE in acute and chronic phases of allergic asthma.

PMID- 22037572
TI  - Control of postoperative pain with a wearable continuously operating pulsed
      radiofrequency energy device: a preliminary study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pulsed radiofrequency energy (PRFE) has long been reported to have a
      therapeutic effect on postoperative pain. In this study, a portable, wearable,
      low-energy-emitting PRFE therapy device was used to determine the control of
      postoperative pain after breast augmentation surgery. METHODS: The study enrolled
      18 healthy women who underwent breast augmentation purely for aesthetic
      considerations. Postoperative pain after surgery was assessed with a 0- to 10
      point visual analog scale (VAS). Baseline pain scores were taken at completion of
      the operation, and the patients were randomly assigned coded PRFE devices that
      were either active or placebo devices. For 7 days, VAS scores were recorded twice
      daily (a.m. and p.m.). Medication use also was logged for 7 days. The PRFE
      devices were left in place and in continuous operation for the 7 days of the
      study. RESULTS: All the patients tolerated the PRFE therapy well, and no side
      effects were reported. The VAS scores for the active group were significantly
      lower on postoperative day 1. By day 7, the baseline VAS remaining in the active
      group was 7.9% versus 38% in the placebo group. Together with lower VAS scores,
      narcotic pain medication use was lower in the patient group that received PRFE
      therapy. CONCLUSION: Postoperative pain is significantly lower with PRFE therapy.
      According to the findings, PRFE therapy in this form is an excellent, safe, drug
      free method of postoperative pain control.

PMID- 22037573
TI  - Transaxillary muscle-splitting breast augmentation: experience with 160 cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Muscle-splitting breast augmentation, initially described by Baxter
      and later popularized by Khan, has proved to be an effective technique in terms
      of implant coverage, bypassing, and even solving of some issues associated with
      the dual-plane technique. A muscle-splitting breast augmentation technique
      recently has been used in combination with mastopexy. However, no reports have
      described muscle-splitting techniques accomplished by the transaxillary route.
      METHODS: A prospective study was conducted to evaluate the outcomes and
      complications of a novel approach to a specific breast augmentation technique. A
      total of 160 patients underwent bilateral transaxillary muscle-splitting breast
      augmentation between October 2007 and July 2010. All the patients were treated on
      an outpatient basis and received epidural anesthesia. Soft, round, textured,
      cohesive gel implants ranging in size from 200 to 350 ml were used. RESULTS: All
      the patients recovered quickly. To date, no infection, capsular contracture,
      rippling, double-bubble deformity, muscle contracture-associated deformities, or
      implant migration has occurred. Four patients (2.5%) experienced hematomas, all
      of which resolved before discharge. All the patients were discharged less than 24
      h postoperatively and had an aesthetically natural result. CONCLUSION:
      Transaxillary muscle-splitting breast augmentation, a novel approach to a
      technique that has been described previously, provides consistent, satisfactory
      results and good reproducibility. This new approach provides an excellent
      anatomic final appearance with no risk of displacement, rippling, double-bubble
      deformity, or contracture-associated deformities. Furthermore, this technique
      avoids any visible scars on the breast and features a low complication rate.

PMID- 22037574
TI  - Geometric incision design for reduction nippleplasty.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nipple hypertrophy is a frequently encountered problem in Asian
      women. It may be congenital or caused by hormones, breast feeding, or gestation.
      The hypertrophy has been linked primarily to aesthetics. The nipples of Asian
      women usually are 6-10 mm in diameter and 5-8 mm in height, and women with
      nipples larger than 1.5 cm in diameter or height frequently ask for reduction
      nippleplasty. METHODS: Women with nipple hypertrophy seeking reductive surgery at
      the authors' hospital between 2004 and 2009 were considered for nippleplasty. A
      new design consisting of three dermal flaps and sparing of the central column was
      used. This design can reduce the diameter, height, and most importantly, the
      basal shape of the nipple without compromising neurovascular supply and
      functions. RESULTS: During the aforementioned period, 86 nipples of 43 patients
      were corrected with this method. All the patients were satisfied with the
      aesthetic results, preserved lactation, and sensory function. No major
      complications such as necrosis, infection, or numbness of the nipple occurred.
      CONCLUSIONS: This reduction nippleplasty method can be applied for all types of
      nipple hypertrophy to create a new nipple of the desired height and diameter
      without significant complications.

PMID- 22037575
TI  - Long-term complications of polyethylene glycol injection to the face.
AB  - Currently, filling, smoothing, or recontouring the face through the use of
      injectable fillers is one of the most popular forms of cosmetic surgery. Because
      these materials promise a more youthful appearance without anesthesia in a
      noninvasive way, various fillers have been used widely in different parts of the
      world. However, most of these fillers have not been approved by the Food and Drug
      Administration, and their applications might cause unpleasant disfiguring
      complications. This report describes a case of foreign body granuloma in the
      cheeks secondary to polyethylene glycol injection and shows the possible
      complications associated with the use of facial fillers.

PMID- 22037576
TI  - Force via integrins but not E-cadherin decreases Oct3/4 expression in embryonic
      stem cells.
AB  - Increasing evidence suggests that mechanical factors play a critical role in fate
      decisions of stem cells. Recently we have demonstrated that a local force applied
      via Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) peptides coated magnetic beads to mouse embryonic stem (ES)
      cells increases cell spreading and cell stiffness and decreases Oct3/4 (Pou5f1)
      gene expression. However, it is not clear whether the effects of the applied
      stress on these functions of ES cells can be extended to natural extracellular
      matrix proteins or cell-cell adhesion molecules. Here we show that a local cyclic
      shear force applied via fibronectin or laminin to integrin receptors increased
      cell spreading and stiffness, downregulated Oct3/4 gene expression, and decreased
      cell proliferation rate. In contrast, the same cyclic force applied via cell-cell
      adhesion molecule E-cadherin (Cdh1) had no effects on cell spreading, Oct3/4 gene
      expression, and the self-renewal of mouse ES cells, but induced significant cell
      stiffening. Our findings demonstrate that biological responses of ES cells to
      force applied via integrins are different from those to force via E-cadherin,
      suggesting that mechanical forces might play different roles in different force
      transduction pathways to shape early embryogenesis.

PMID- 22037577
TI  - Novel regulatory role for Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus-encoded vFLIP
      in chemosensitization to bleomycin.
AB  - Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV/HHV-8) is associated with
      malignancy. KSHV-derived vFLIP is structurally related to cellular FLIP and binds
      to NEMO/IkappaB kinase (IKKgamma) to activate NF-kappaB signaling. NF-kappaB
      activation is postulated to confer chemoresistance to various anticancer drugs.
      However, here we showed that vFLIP expression uniquely sensitized HEK293 cells to
      bleomycin and its derivatives. Chemosensitization to bleomycin by vFLIP
      accompanied accumulation of gamma-H2AX and G2/M-arrest of cells, while bleomycin
      induced DNA damage checkpoints, such as phosphorylation of Chk2 and foci
      formation of Rad51, were similarly detected in both parental and vFLIP-expressing
      cells, suggesting that primary DNA damage was not affected by vFLIP.
      Paradoxically, while NF-kappaB activity was little affected by bleomycin
      treatment, vFLIP-stimulated NF-kappaB activity was suppressed by it.
      Additionally, cAMP-response element (CRE)- and p53-dependent transcriptional
      reporter activity was negatively regulated by vFLIP in the presence of bleomycin.
      Interestingly, a negative regulatory phosphatase essential for G2 checkpoint
      recovery and for dephosphorylation of gamma-H2AX, Wip1/PPM1D, whose gene promoter
      is regulated by p53, CRE and NF-kappaB, was selectively downregulated in vFLIP
      expressing cells after bleomycin treatment. These results suggest that vFLIP
      mediated transcriptional regulation such as Wip1/PPM1D repression is involved in
      chemosensitization to bleomycin.

PMID- 22037578
TI  - Haploinsufficient and predominant expression of multiple endocrine neoplasia type
      1 (MEN1)-related genes, MLL, p27Kip1 and p18Ink4C in endocrine organs.
AB  - Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is a rare autosomal dominantly
      inherited syndrome characterized by parathyroid, gastro-entero-pancreatic and
      anterior pituitary tumors. Although the tissue selectivity of tumors in specific
      endocrine organs is the very essence of MEN1, the mechanisms underlying the
      tissue-selectivity of tumors remain unknown. The product of the Men1 gene, menin,
      and mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) have been found to cooperatively regulate
      p27(Kip1)/CDKN1B (p27) and p18(Ink4C)/CDKN2C (p18) genes. However, there are no
      reports on the tissue distribution of these MEN1-related genes. We investigated
      the expression of these genes in the endocrine and non-endocrine organs of wild
      type, Men1 knockout and MLL knockout mice. Men1 mRNA was expressed at a similar
      level in endocrine and non-endocrine organs. However, MLL, p27 and p18 mRNAs were
      predominantly expressed in the endocrine organs. Notably, p27 and MLL mRNAs were
      expressed in the pituitary gland at levels approximately 12- and 17-fold higher
      than those in the liver. The heterozygotes of Men1 knockout mice the levels of
      MLL, p27 and p18 mRNAs did not differ from those in the wild-type mice. In
      contrast, heterozygotes of MLL knockout mice showed significant reductions in p27
      mRNA as well as protein levels in the pituitary and p27 and p18 in the pancreatic
      islets, but not in the liver. This study demonstrated for the first time the
      predominant expression MEN1-related genes, particularly MLL and p27, in the
      endocrine organs, and a tissue-specific haploinsuffiency of MLL, but not menin,
      may lead to a decrease in levels of p27 and p18 mRNAs in endocrine organs. These
      findings may provide basic information for understanding the mechanisms of tissue
      selectivity of the tumorigenesis in patients with MEN1.

PMID- 22037579
TI  - Transient expression of a viral histone H4 inhibits expression of cellular and
      humoral immune-associated genes in Tribolium castaneum.
AB  - A viral histone H4 is encoded in a polydnavirus called Cotesia plutellae
      bracovirus (CpBV), which is symbiotic to an endoparasitoid wasp, C. plutellae.
      Compared to general histone H4s, the viral H4 possesses an extra N-terminal tail
      containing 38 amino acid residues, which has been presumed to control host gene
      expression in an epigenetic mode. To analyze the epigenetic control activity of
      CpBV-H4 on expression of immune-associated genes, it was transiently expressed in
      larvae of Tribolium castaneum that had been annotated in the immune genes from a
      full genome sequence. Subsequent alteration of gene expression pattern was
      compared with that of its mutant form deleting N-terminal tail (truncated CpBV
      H4). In response to bacterial challenge, T. castaneum induces expression of 13
      antimicrobial peptide (AMP) genes. When CpBV-H4 was expressed, the larvae failed
      to express 12 inducible AMP genes. By contrast, when truncated CpBV-H4 was
      transiently expressed, all AMP genes were expressed. Hemocyte nodule formation
      was significantly impaired by expression of CpBV-H4, in which expressions of
      tyrosine hydroxylase and dihydroxyphenylalanine decarboxylase were suppressed.
      However, expression of truncated CpBV-H4 did not give any significant adverse
      effect on the cellular immunity. The immunosuppression of CpBV-H4 was further
      supported by its activity of enhancing bacterial pathogenicity of an
      entomopathogenic bacterium, Xenorhabdus nematophila, against larvae transiently
      expressing CpBV-H4. These results suggest that CpBV-H4 suppresses both humoral
      and cellular immune responses of T. castaneum by altering a normal epigenetic
      control of immune-associated gene expression.

PMID- 22037581
TI  - New functional poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone) based (co)polymers via photoinitiated
      cobalt-mediated radical polymerization.
AB  - The photoinitiated cobalt-mediated radical polymerization enables the synthesis
      of novel alpha-functional and alpha,omega-telechelic polymers. In combination
      with ring-opening polymerization, it also produces new amphiphilic copolymers
      which self-assemble into flower-like vesicles in water.

PMID- 22037580
TI  - The plant limonoid 7-oxo-deacetoxygedunin inhibits RANKL-induced
      osteoclastogenesis by suppressing activation of the NF-kappaB and MAPK pathways.
AB  - Osteoclasts together with osteoblasts play pivotal roles in bone remodeling.
      Aberrations in osteoclast differentiation and activity contribute to osteopenic
      disease. Osteoclasts differentiate from monocyte/macrophage progenitors, a
      process that is initiated by the interaction between receptor activator of NF
      kappaB (RANK) and its ligand, RANKL. In this study, we identified 7-oxo-7
      deacetoxygedunin (7-OG), a gedunin type limonoid from seeds of the mangrove
      Xylocarpus moluccensis, as a potent inhibitor of osteoclastogenesis.
      Additionally, 7-OG showed strong anti-osteoclastogenic activity with low
      cytotoxicity against the monocyte/macrophage progenitor cell line, RAW264.7. The
      IC50 for anti-osteoclastogenic activity was 4.14MUM. Treatment with 7-OG
      completely abolished the appearance of multinucleated giant cells with tartrate
      resistant acid phosphatase activity in RAW264.7 cells stimulated with RANKL. When
      the expression of genes related to osteoclastogenesis was investigated, a
      complete downregulation of NFATc1 and cathepsin K and a delayed downregulation of
      irf8 were observed upon 7-OG treatment in the presence of RANKL. Furthermore,
      treatment with this limonoid suppressed RANKL-induced activation of p38, MAPK and
      Erk and nuclear localization of NF-kappaB p65. Taken together, we present
      evidence indicating a plant limonoid as a novel osteoclastogenic inhibitor that
      could be used for osteoporosis and related conditions.

PMID- 22037582
TI  - Crystal structure of human prostate-specific antigen in a sandwich antibody
      complex.
AB  - Human prostate-specific antigen (PSA or human kallikrein-related peptidase 3)
      present in small quantities in the sera of healthy men becomes elevated in
      prostate cancer (PCa) and other prostate disorders. The ability to identify the
      free PSA fraction associated with PCa could increase the reliability of the PSA
      diagnostic test. Here we present the crystal structure of human PSA from seminal
      fluid in a sandwich complex with two monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). MAb 5D5A5
      captures total PSA with exceptionally high affinity, and mAb 5D3D11 selectively
      discriminates between free PSA subforms that are more abundant in sera from
      patients with PCa. Although the antigen is not of seric origin, several insights
      into cancer diagnosis can be discerned from this complex. MAb 5D3D11 recognizes a
      PSA conformation different from that previously reported. Interacting with the
      kallikrein loop, the PSA N-linked glycan attached to asparagine 61 is an
      uncommonly complex sialated triantennary chain. O-linked glycosylation is
      observed at threonine 125. The description of how PSA subforms in prostatic fluid
      can be discriminated using pairs of antibodies is a first step in the design of
      new strategies that are capable of real discrimination among PSA subforms, which
      will lead to the formulation of more reliable diagnostic tests. In a companion
      article [Muller, B. H., Savatier, A., L'Hostis, G., Costa, N., Bossus, M.,
      Michel, S., et al. (2011). In vitro affinity maturation of an anti-PSA antibody
      for prostate cancer diagnostic assay. J. Mol. Biol.], we describe engineering
      efforts to improve the affinity of mAb 5D3D11, a first step towards such goal.

PMID- 22037584
TI  - Barriers and silencers: a theoretical toolkit for control and containment of
      nucleosome-based epigenetic states.
AB  - Positive feedback in nucleosome modification has been proposed to allow large
      chromatin regions to exist stably and heritably in distinct expression states.
      However, modeling has shown that such epigenetic bistability requires that
      modifying enzymes recruited by nucleosomes are active on distant nucleosomes,
      potentially allowing uncontrollable spreading of modification. By modeling the
      silencing of mating-type loci in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we show that a
      modification reaction that combines a long-range component and a locally acting
      component can provide bistability and can be blocked by simple barriers that
      interrupt the nucleosome chain. We find that robust containment of the silenced
      region could be achieved by the presence of a number of weak simple barriers in
      the surrounding chromatin and a limited capacity of the positive feedback
      reaction. In addition, we show that the state of the silenced region can be
      regulated by silencer elements acting only on neighboring nucleosomes. Thus, a
      relatively simple set of nucleosome-modifying enzymes and recognition domains is
      all that is needed to make chromatin-based epigenetics useful and safe.

PMID- 22037583
TI  - The scope of phage display for membrane proteins.
AB  - Numerous examples of phage display applied to soluble proteins demonstrate the
      power of the technique for protein engineering, affinity reagent discovery and
      structure-function studies. Recent reports have expanded phage display to include
      membrane proteins (MPs). The scope and limitations of MP display remain
      undefined. Therefore, we report data from the phage display of representative
      types of membrane-associated proteins including plasma, nuclear, peripheral,
      single and multipass. The peripheral MP neuromodulin displays robustly with
      packaging by conventional M13-KO7 helper phage. The monotopic MP Nogo-66 can also
      display on the phage surface, if packaged by the modified M13-KO7(+) helper
      phage. The modified phage coat of KO7(+) can better mimic the zwitterionic
      character of the plasma membrane. Four examples of putatively alpha-helical,
      integral MPs failed to express as fusions to an anchoring phage coat protein and
      therefore did not display on the phage surface. However, the beta-barrel MPs ShuA
      (Shigella heme uptake A) and MOMP (major outer membrane protein), which pass
      through the membrane 22 and 16 times, respectively, can display surprisingly well
      on the surfaces of both conventional and KO7(+) phages. The results provide a
      guide for protein engineering and large-scale mutagenesis enabled by the phage
      display of MPs.

PMID- 22037586
TI  - Molecular dynamics simulations of the effect of the G-protein and diffusible
      ligands on the beta2-adrenergic receptor.
AB  - G-protein-coupled receptors have extraordinary therapeutic potential as targets
      for a broad spectrum of diseases. Understanding their function at the molecular
      level is therefore essential. A variety of crystal structures have made the
      investigation of the inactive receptor state possible. Recently released X-ray
      structures of opsin and the beta(2)-adrenergic receptor (beta(2)AR) have provided
      insight into the active receptor state. In addition, we have contributed to the
      crystal structure of an irreversible agonist-beta(2) adrenoceptor complex. These
      extensive studies and biophysical investigations have revealed that agonist
      binding leads to a low-affinity conformation of the active state that is
      suggested to facilitate G-protein binding. The high-affinity receptor state,
      which promotes signal transduction, is only formed in the presence of both
      agonist and G-protein. Despite numerous crystal structures, it is not yet clear
      how ligands tune receptor dynamics and G-protein binding. We have now used
      molecular dynamics simulations to elucidate the distinct impact of agonist and
      inverse agonist on receptor conformation and G-protein binding by investigating
      the influence of the ligands on the structure and dynamics of a complex composed
      of beta(2)AR and the C-terminal end of the Galpha(s) subunit (GalphaCT). The
      simulations clearly showed that the agonist isoprenaline and the inverse agonist
      carazolol influence the ligand-binding site and the interaction between beta(2)AR
      and GalphaCT differently. Isoprenaline induced an inward motion of helix 5,
      whereas carazolol blocked the rearrangement of the extracellular part of the
      receptor. Moreover, in the presence of isoprenaline, beta(2)AR and GalphaCT form
      a stable interaction that is destabilized by carazolol.

PMID- 22037585
TI  - Structural basis for myopathic defects engendered by alterations in the myosin
      rod.
AB  - While mutations in the myosin subfragment 1 motor domain can directly disrupt the
      generation and transmission of force along myofibrils and lead to myopathy, the
      mechanism whereby mutations in the myosin rod influences mechanical function is
      less clear. Here, we used a combination of various imaging techniques and
      molecular dynamics simulations to test the hypothesis that perturbations in the
      myosin rod can disturb normal sarcomeric uniformity and, like motor domain
      lesions, would influence force production and propagation. We show that
      disrupting the rod can alter its nanomechanical properties and, in vivo, can
      drive asymmetric myofilament and sarcomere formation. Our imaging results
      indicate that myosin rod mutations likely disturb production and/or propagation
      of contractile force. This provides a unifying theory where common pathological
      cascades accompany both myosin motor and specific rod domain mutations. Finally,
      we suggest that sarcomeric inhomogeneity, caused by asymmetric thick filaments,
      could be a useful index of myopathic dysfunction.

PMID- 22037587
TI  - The field and temperature dependence of the magnetic and structural properties of
      the shape memory compound Ni(1.84)Mn(1.64)In(0.52).
AB  - Magnetization and high resolution neutron powder diffraction measurements have
      been made on the magnetic shape memory alloy Ni(1.84)Mn(1.64)In(0.52). The
      compound undergoes a broad structural phase transition, which on heating starts
      at ~150 K and finishes at ~215 K. On cooling there is a ~20 K hysteresis. The
      high temperature parent phase is cubic (a = 5.988 A) with the L2(1) structure in
      which the excess Mn atoms occupy the vacancies on the Ni and In sites. The
      magnetic moment is located mainly on the Mn atoms with the same magnitude on both
      the 4a (Mn) and 4b (In) sites. The low temperature martensite is monoclinic with
      parameters a = 4.405(2), b = 5.553(2), c = 12.950(2) A, beta = 86.47(10) degrees 
      and space group P2/m. The magnetic properties of the martensitic phase are
      complex and indicate metamagnetic behaviour.

PMID- 22037588
TI  - Abnormal mitochondrial dynamics and synaptic degeneration as early events in
      Alzheimer's disease: implications to mitochondria-targeted antioxidant
      therapeutics.
AB  - Synaptic pathology and mitochondrial oxidative damage are early events in
      Alzheimer's disease (AD) progression. Loss of synapses and synaptic damage are
      the best correlates of cognitive deficits found in AD patients. Recent research
      on amyloid beta (Abeta) and mitochondria in AD revealed that Abeta accumulates in
      synapses and synaptic mitochondria, leading to abnormal mitochondrial dynamics
      and synaptic degeneration in AD neurons. Further, recent studies using live-cell
      imaging and primary neurons from amyloid beta precursor protein (AbetaPP)
      transgenic mice revealed reduced mitochondrial mass, defective axonal transport
      of mitochondria and synaptic degeneration, indicating that Abeta is responsible
      for mitochondrial and synaptic deficiencies. Tremendous progress has been made in
      studying antioxidant approaches in mouse models of AD and clinical trials of AD
      patients. This article highlights the recent developments made in Abeta-induced
      abnormal mitochondrial dynamics, defective mitochondrial biogenesis, impaired
      axonal transport and synaptic deficiencies in AD. This article also focuses on
      mitochondrial approaches in treating AD, and also discusses latest research on
      mitochondria-targeted antioxidants in AD. This article is part of a Special Issue
      entitled: Antioxidants and Antioxidant Treatment in Disease.

PMID- 22037589
TI  - Compromised mitochondrial complex II in models of Machado-Joseph disease.
AB  - Machado-Joseph disease (MJD), also known as Spinocerebellar Ataxia type 3, is an
      inherited dominant autosomal neurodegenerative disorder. An expansion of Cytosine
      Adenine-Guanine (CAG) repeats in the ATXN3 gene is translated as an expanded
      polyglutamine domain in the disease protein, ataxin-3. Selective
      neurodegeneration in MJD is evident in several subcortical brain regions
      including the cerebellum. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been proposed as a
      mechanism of neurodegeneration in polyglutamine disorders. In this study, we used
      different cell models and transgenic mice to assess the importance of
      mitochondria on cytotoxicity observed in MJD. Transiently transfected HEK cell
      lines with expanded (Q84) ataxin-3 exhibited a higher susceptibility to 3
      nitropropionic acid (3-NP), an irreversible inhibitor of mitochondrial complex
      II. Increased susceptibility to 3-NP was also detected in stably transfected PC6
      3 cells that inducibly express expanded (Q108) ataxin-3 in a tetracycline
      regulated manner. Moreover, cerebellar granule cells from MJD transgenic mice
      were more sensitive to 3-NP inhibition than wild-type cerebellar neurons. PC6-3
      (Q108) cells differentiated into a neuronal-like phenotype with nerve growth
      factor (NGF) exhibited a significant decrease in mitochondrial complex II
      activity. Mitochondria from MJD transgenic mouse model and lymphoblast cell lines
      derived from MJD patients also showed a trend toward reduced complex II activity.
      Our results suggest that mitochondrial complex II activity is moderately
      compromised in MJD, which may designate a common feature in polyglutamine
      toxicity.

PMID- 22037592
TI  - Acrolein hydrogenation on Pt(211) and Au(211) surfaces: a density functional
      theory study.
AB  - Partial hydrogenation of acrolein, the simplest alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehyde,
      is not only a model system to understand the selectivity in heterogeneous
      catalysis, but also technologically an important reaction. In this work, the
      reaction on Pt(211) and Au(211) surfaces is thoroughly investigated using density
      functional theory calculations. The formation routes of three partial
      hydrogenation products, namely propenol, propanal and enol, on both metals are
      studied. It is found that the pathway to produce enol is kinetically favoured on
      Pt while on Au the route of forming propenol is preferred. Our calculations also
      show that the propanal formation follows an indirect pathway on Pt(211). An
      energy decomposition method to analyze the barrier is utilized to understand the
      selectivities at Pt(211) and Au(211), which reveals that the interaction energies
      between the reactants involved in the transition states play a key role in
      determining the selectivity difference.

PMID- 22037591
TI  - Two-dimensional paper networks: programmable fluidic disconnects for multi-step
      processes in shaped paper.
AB  - Most laboratory assays take advantage of multi-step protocols to achieve high
      performance, but conventional paper-based tests (e.g., lateral flow tests) are
      generally limited to assays that can be carried out in a single fluidic step. We
      have developed two-dimensional paper networks (2DPNs) that use materials from
      lateral flow tests but reconfigure them to enable programming of multi-step
      reagent delivery sequences. The 2DPN uses multiple converging fluid inlets to
      control the arrival time of each fluid to a detection zone or reaction zone, and
      it requires a method to disconnect each fluid source in a corresponding timed
      sequence. Here, we present a method that allows programmed disconnection of fluid
      sources required for multi-step delivery. A 2DPN with legs of different lengths
      is inserted into a shared buffer well, and the dropping fluid surface disconnects
      each leg at in a programmable sequence. This approach could enable multi-step
      laboratory assays to be converted into simple point-of-care devices that have
      high performance yet remain easy to use.

PMID- 22037590
TI  - Canine epilepsy genetics.
AB  - There has been much interest in utilizing the dog as a genetic model for common
      human diseases. Both dogs and humans suffer from naturally occurring epilepsies
      that share many clinical characteristics. Investigations of inherited human
      epilepsies have led to the discovery of several mutated genes involved in this
      disease; however, the vast majority of human epilepsies remain unexplained. Mouse
      models of epilepsy exist, including single-gene spontaneous and knockout models,
      but, similar to humans, other, polygenic models have been more difficult to
      discern. This appears to also be the case in canine epilepsy genetics. There are
      two forms of canine epilepsies for which gene mutations have been described to
      date: the progressive myoclonic epilepsies (PMEs) and idiopathic epilepsy (IE).
      Gene discovery in the PMEs has been more successful, with eight known genes; six
      of these are orthologous to corresponding human disorders, while two are novel
      genes that can now be used as candidates for human studies. Only one IE gene has
      been described in dogs, an LGI2 mutation in Lagotto Romagnolos with a focal,
      juvenile remitting epilepsy. This gene is also a novel candidate for human
      remitting childhood epilepsy studies. The majority of studies of dog breeds with
      IE, however, have either failed to identify any genes or loci of interest, or, as
      in complex mouse and human IEs, have identified multiple QTLs. There is still
      tremendous promise in the ongoing canine epilepsy studies, but if canine IEs
      prove to be as genetically complex as human and murine IEs, then deciphering the
      bases of these canine epilepsies will continue to be challenging.

PMID- 22037593
TI  - Effect of physician collaboration network on hospitalization cost and readmission
      rate.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies have documented the effect of collaboration among
      physicians on the effectiveness in delivering health services and in producing
      better patient outcomes. However, there is no systematic empirical study
      suggesting the underlying relationship between the collaboration network of
      physicians and its effect on hospitalization cost and readmission rate. In this
      study, we explore the effect of different attributes (i.e. degree centrality,
      betweenness centrality, network density and network distance) of physician
      collaboration network (PCN) on hospitalization cost and readmission rate. METHOD:
      We analyse health insurance claim data set of total hip replacement (THR)
      patients to construct PCN and to test the effect of its network attributes on
      hospitalization cost and readmission rate. We consider patient age as moderating
      factor, which could affect the relation of the PCN attributes with
      hospitalization cost and readmission rate. RESULTS: We find that degree
      centrality (i.e. level of involvement) and network density (i.e. level of
      connectedness) of PCN are negatively correlated with hospitalization cost and
      readmission rate. In contrast, betweenness centrality (i.e. capacity to control
      the flow of information) is found positively correlated with hospitalization cost
      and readmission rate. Distance (i.e. embeddedness of actors in a network) is
      found positively correlated with hospitalization cost but negatively correlated
      with readmission rate. We do not notice any significant impact of patient age on
      the relation of PCN attributes with hospitalization cost and readmission rate.
      CONCLUSION: The results show that the structure of PCNs is related to indicators
      of hospital costs and quality (readmission). In their respective hospitals,
      health-care managers or administrators may follow our research findings to reduce
      cost and improve quality.

PMID- 22037594
TI  - Classifying heterogeneity of spontaneous up-states: a method for revealing
      variations in firing probability, engaged neurons and Fano factor.
AB  - The dynamics of spontaneous and sensory-evoked up-states have been recently
      compared, in multi-site recordings in vivo and found to have similarities and
      differences. Also in vitro, this is evident because we here describe a novel
      computational method to classify into statistically different states the
      spontaneous reverberating activity recorded from long-term (12-18 days-in vitro)
      cultured cortical neurons (from 60-site multi-electrode arrays, MEA). State
      classification was performed by spike number time histograms (SNTH, or other
      burst features) of excitatory and inhibitory neuron clusters and revealed that in
      novel identified states the number of engaged neurons or up-state duration can
      change. To improve the characterization of each state we also computed the firing
      spike histograms (FSH) which revealed a new facet of the firing probability of
      clusters. In exemplary functional experiments we show that: (i) up to 6-7 states
      can be safely categorized during several hours of recordings without observing
      spike rate changes, (ii) they disappear after a short pharmacological stimulation
      being replaced with novel states active and living up to 6-8 h, (iii) antagonists
      in the nM range can split the activity of a homogeneous network into the
      chronological coexistence of 2 states, one completely different and one not
      significantly different from control state. In conclusion, we believe that this
      novel procedure better characterizes the number of functional states of a network
      and opens up the possibility of predicting the elementary "vocabulary" used by
      small networks of neurons.

PMID- 22037595
TI  - Performance comparison of extracellular spike sorting algorithms for single
      channel recordings.
AB  - Proper classification of action potentials from extracellular recordings is
      essential for making an accurate study of neuronal behavior. Many spike sorting
      algorithms have been presented in the technical literature. However, no
      comparative analysis has hitherto been performed. In our study, three widely-used
      publicly-available spike sorting algorithms (WaveClus, KlustaKwik, OSort) were
      compared with regard to their parameter settings. The algorithms were evaluated
      using 112 artificial signals (publicly available online) with 2-9 different
      neurons and varying noise levels between 0.00 and 0.60. An optimization technique
      based on Adjusted Mutual Information was employed to find near-optimal parameter
      settings for a given artificial signal and algorithm. All three algorithms
      performed significantly better (p<0.01) with optimized parameters than with the
      default ones. WaveClus was the most accurate spike sorting algorithm, receiving
      the best evaluation score for 60% of all signals. OSort operated at almost five
      times the speed of the other algorithms. In terms of accuracy, OSort performed
      significantly less well (p<0.01) than WaveClus for signals with a noise level in
      the range 0.15-0.30. KlustaKwik achieved similar scores to WaveClus for signals
      with low noise level 0.00-0.15 and was worse otherwise. In conclusion, none of
      the three compared algorithms was optimal in general. The accuracy of the
      algorithms depended on proper choice of the algorithm parameters and also on
      specific properties of the examined signal.

PMID- 22037596
TI  - Sources of stress for family members of nursing home residents with advanced
      dementia.
AB  - The sources of stress for families of nursing home (NH) residents with advanced
      dementia have not been well described. Semistructured interviews were conducted
      with 16 family members previously enrolled in the Choices, Attitudes, and
      Strategies for Care of Advanced Dementia at the End-of-Life study, a prospective
      cohort of 323 NH residents with advanced dementia and their family members.
      Questions were asked pertaining to the experience of having a family member in
      the NH, communication with health-care professionals, surrogate decision making,
      emotional distress, and recommendations for improvement in care. Transcripts were
      analyzed using the constant comparative method. The majority of the participants
      were women (63%), children of the resident (94%), and white (94%). The average
      age was 62 years. Four themes emerged: (1) inadequate resident personal care,
      resulting in family member vigilance and participation in care; (2) stress at the
      time of NH admission; (3) lack of communication with NH physicians; and (4)
      challenges of surrogate decision making, including the need for education to
      support advance care planning and end-of-life decisions. Our results support the
      provision of emotional support to families upon resident admission, education
      regarding prognosis to guide decision making, improved resident care, and greater
      communication with health care professionals.

PMID- 22037597
TI  - The influence of chronic stress on dementia-related diagnostic change in older
      adults.
AB  - Increased susceptibility of the aging brain to both chronic stress and incipient
      dementia-related neuropathology may accelerate cognitive decline. We investigated
      associations between chronic stress and diagnostic change in 62 individuals (mean
      age, 78.7 y) participating in an Alzheimer disease research center longitudinal
      study. The subjects, diagnosed at baseline as cognitively normal (CN) or with
      mild cognitive impairment (MCI), were followed for an average of 2.5 years.
      Senior neurologists, blind to detailed measures of stress and cognition, assigned
      diagnoses annually. Logistic regression analyses assessed the accuracy with which
      measures of stress (event-based ratings, cortisol levels) predicted the
      conversion to MCI and dementia. Eleven individuals with MCI at baseline received
      a dementia diagnosis during follow-up. Sixteen converted from cognitively normal
      to MCI. Prolonged, highly stressful experiences were associated with conversion
      from MCI to dementia. The cortisol awakening response, with age and education,
      was associated with a diagnostic change to MCI. Cortisol measures were not
      associated with the progression from MCI to dementia, and there was no
      association between stressful experiences and the change to MCI. Mechanisms
      associated with the transition from normal cognition to MCI may differ from those
      associated with a diagnostic change to dementia. These findings could facilitate
      the identification of interventional strategies to reduce the risk of decline at
      different stages of susceptibility.

PMID- 22037598
TI  - Agreement on diagnosis among patients, companions, and professionals after a
      dementia evaluation.
AB  - A diagnosis of dementia is challenging to deliver and to hear; yet, agreement on
      diagnosis is essential for effective treatment for dementia. We examined
      consensus on the results of an evaluation of dementia in 90 patients assessed at
      an Alzheimer's Disease Research Center. Diagnostic impressions were obtained from
      5 sources: (1) the physician's chart; (2) the patient who was evaluated; (3) a
      companion present at the evaluation; (4) a diagnostic summary written by a nurse
      present during the evaluation; and (5) raters who watched a video of the
      diagnostic disclosure conversation. Overall, diagnostic consensus was only
      moderate. Patients and companions exhibited just fair agreement with one another.
      Agreement was better between physicians and companions compared with that between
      physicians and patients, although it was imperfect between physicians and video
      raters and the written summary. Agreement among sources varied by dementia
      severity, with the lowest agreement occurring in instances of very mild dementia.
      This study documents discrepancies that can arise in diagnostic communication,
      which could influence adjustment to a diagnosis of dementia and decisions
      regarding future planning and care.

PMID- 22037599
TI  - Alpha-synuclein in the cerebrospinal fluid differentiates synucleinopathies
      (Parkinson Disease, dementia with Lewy bodies, multiple system atrophy) from
      Alzheimer disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We examined the utility of quantification of alpha-synuclein (SNCA)
      in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to differentiate patients with Alzheimer disease
      (AD), dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), Parkinson disease (PD), and multiple
      system atrophy (MSA). METHODS: Thirty-seven patients were divided into 4 age
      matched and sex-matched clinical groups: AD (n = 9), DLB (n = 6), PD (n = 11),
      and MSA (n = 11). Eleven subjects served as neurological disease controls. The
      total of 48 subjects included 27 men and 21 women, aged 66.5 +/- 11.4 years. We
      performed a solid-phase sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, which enables
      the sensitive quantification of CSF SNCA. RESULTS: In comparison with controls,
      CSF SNCA levels in AD were significantly higher (P < 0.05). CSF SNCA levels in PD
      (P < 0.001), DLB (P < 0.01), and MSA (P < 0.05) were all significantly lower than
      those in AD. However, CSF SNCA levels did not differ significantly among the 3
      synucleinopathies. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study suggest that
      quantification of CSF SNCA helps in the differentiation of synucleinopathies (PD,
      DLB, and MSA) from AD. However, CSF SNCA levels did not differ significantly
      among the 3 synucleinopathies.

PMID- 22037600
TI  - The IkappaB kinase complex regulates the stability of cytokine-encoding mRNA
      induced by TLR-IL-1R by controlling degradation of regnase-1.
AB  - Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling activates the inhibitor of transcription
      factor NF-kappaB (IkappaB) kinase (IKK) complex, which governs NF-kappaB-mediated
      transcription during inflammation. The RNase regnase-1 serves a critical role in
      preventing autoimmunity by controlling the stability of mRNAs that encode
      cytokines. Here we show that the IKK complex controlled the stability of mRNA for
      interleukin 6 (IL-6) by phosphorylating regnase-1 in response to stimulation via
      the IL-1 receptor (IL-1R) or TLR. Phosphorylated regnase-1 underwent
      ubiquitination and degradation. Regnase-1 was reexpressed in IL-1R- or TLR
      activated cells after a period of lower expression. Regnase-1 mRNA was negatively
      regulated by regnase-1 itself via a stem-loop region present in the regnase-1 3'
      untranslated region. Our data demonstrate that the IKK complex phosphorylates not
      only IkappaBalpha, thereby activating transcription, but also regnase-1, thereby
      releasing a 'brake' on IL-6 mRNA expression.

PMID- 22037601
TI  - Invariant natural killer T cells recognize lipid self antigen induced by
      microbial danger signals.
AB  - Invariant natural killer T cells (iNKT cells) have a prominent role during
      infection and other inflammatory processes, and these cells can be activated
      through their T cell antigen receptors by microbial lipid antigens. However,
      increasing evidence shows that they are also activated in situations in which
      foreign lipid antigens would not be present, which suggests a role for lipid self
      antigen. We found that an abundant endogenous lipid, beta-D
      glucopyranosylceramide (beta-GlcCer), was a potent iNKT cell self antigen in
      mouse and human and that its activity depended on the composition of the N-acyl
      chain. Furthermore, beta-GlcCer accumulated during infection and in response to
      Toll-like receptor agonists, contributing to iNKT cell activation. Thus, we
      propose that recognition of beta-GlcCer by the invariant T cell antigen receptor
      translates innate danger signals into iNKT cell activation.

PMID- 22037602
TI  - A platelet-mediated system for shuttling blood-borne bacteria to CD8alpha+
      dendritic cells depends on glycoprotein GPIb and complement C3.
AB  - The acquisition of pathogen-derived antigen by dendritic cells (DCs) is a key
      event in the generation of cytotoxic CD8(+) T cell responses. In mice, the
      intracellular bacterium Listeria monocytogenes is directed from the blood to
      splenic CD8alpha(+) DCs. We report that L. monocytogenes rapidly associated with
      platelets in the bloodstream in a manner dependent on GPIb and complement C3.
      Platelet association targeted a small but immunologically important portion of L.
      monocytogenes to splenic CD8alpha(+) DCs, diverting bacteria from swift clearance
      by other, less immunogenic phagocytes. Thus, an effective balance is established
      between maintaining sterility of the circulation and induction of antibacterial
      immunity by DCs. Other gram-positive bacteria also were rapidly tagged by
      platelets, revealing a broadly active shuttling mechanism for systemic bacteria.

PMID- 22037604
TI  - Drosophila basement membrane collagen col4a1 mutations cause severe myopathy.
AB  - Recent data from clinical and mammalian genetic studies indicate that COL4A1
      mutations manifest with basement membrane defects that result in muscle weakness,
      cramps, contractures, dystrophy and atrophy. In-depth studies of mutant COL4A1
      associated muscle phenotype, however, are lacking and significant details of the
      muscle-specific pathomechanisms remain unknown. In this study, we have used a
      comprehensive set of Drosophila col4a1 and col4a2 mutants and a series of genetic
      and mutational analyses, gene, protein expression, and immunohistochemistry
      experiments in order to establish a Drosophila model and address some of these
      questions. The Drosophila genome contains two type IV collagen genes, col4a1 and
      col4a2. Mutant heterozygotes of either gene are viable and fertile, whereas
      homozygotes are lethal. In complementation analysis of all known mutants of the
      locus and a complementation matrix derived from these data we have identified the
      dominant lesions within the col4a1, but not within the col4a2 gene. Expression of
      a col4a1 transgene partially rescued the dominant and recessive mutant col4a1
      alleles but not the col4a2 mutations that were all recessive. Partial
      complementation suggested that col4a1 gene mutations have strong antimorph effect
      likely due to the incorporation of the mutant protein into the triple helix. In
      col4a1 mutants, morphological changes of the oviduct muscle included severe
      myopathy with centronuclear myofibers leading to gradual development of female
      sterility. In larval body wall muscles ultrastructural changes included
      disturbance of A and I bands between persisting Z bands. In the most severely
      affected DTS-L3 mutant, we have identified four missense mutations within the
      coding region of the col4a1 gene two of which affected the Y within the Gly-X-Y
      unit and a 3' UTR point mutation. In conclusion, our Drosophila mutant series may
      serve as an effective model to uncover the mechanisms by which COL4A1 mutations
      result in compromised myofiber-basement membrane interactions and aberrant muscle
      function.

PMID- 22037603
TI  - Epigenetic repression of the Igk locus by STAT5-mediated recruitment of the
      histone methyltransferase Ezh2.
AB  - During B lymphopoiesis, recombination of the locus encoding the immunoglobulin
      kappa-chain complex (Igk) requires expression of the precursor to the B cell
      antigen receptor (pre-BCR) and escape from signaling via the interleukin 7
      receptor (IL-7R). By activating the transcription factor STAT5, IL-7R signaling
      maintains proliferation and represses Igk germline transcription by unknown
      mechanisms. We demonstrate that a STAT5 tetramer bound the Igk intronic enhancer
      (E(kappai)), which led to recruitment of the histone methyltransferase Ezh2. Ezh2
      marked trimethylation of histone H3 at Lys27 (H3K27me3) throughout the kappa
      chain joining region (J(kappa)) to the kappa-chain constant region (C(kappa)). In
      the absence of Ezh2, IL-7 failed to repress Igk germline transcription. H3K27me3
      modifications were lost after termination of IL-7R-STAT5 signaling, and the
      transcription factor E2A bound E(kappai), which resulted in acquisition of
      H3K4me1 and acetylated histone H4 (H4Ac). Genome-wide analyses showed a STAT5
      tetrameric binding motif associated with transcriptional repression. Our data
      demonstrate how IL-7R signaling represses Igk germline transcription and provide
      a general model for STAT5-mediated epigenetic transcriptional repression.

PMID- 22037605
TI  - An improved counterselection cassette for use in Haemophilus influenzae.
AB  - Counterselectable cassettes are extremely useful in molecular biology and allow
      for the creation of unmarked deletion mutants or the introduction of point
      mutations. I have constructed an inducible sacB cassette, using the tetracycline
      repressor. When used in tandem with a kanamycin-resistance marker, the cassette
      was successful in creating unmarked mutants in Haemophilus influenzae. The
      inducible nature of the cassette avoids some of the common problems associated
      with the utilization of sacB in counterselection.

PMID- 22037606
TI  - Characterization of heat shock protein 70 in the red claw crayfish (Cherax
      quadricarinatus): evidence for its role in regulating spermatogenesis.
AB  - Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) is a member of molecular chaperones and is
      important for reproductive biological processes in eukaryotes. In this regard, a
      full length HSP70 comprised of 2366 nucleotides from the red claw crayfish Cherax
      quadricarinatus (CqHSP70) was characterized, which with an open-reading frame of
      1959 bp encoded 652 amino acid residues. Its mRNA transcript expression in the
      testes was measured by real-time quantitative PCR. CqHSP70 mRNA transcripts were
      detected in all organs especially high in the testes. Furthermore, the greatest
      transcript levels were found during the spermatogonial preparation phase, while
      the lowest levels were found during the resting stage of the reproductive cycle.
      In addition, its distribution in the testes was determined by Western blot and
      immunohistochemistry. Western blot results revealed a single immunoreactive band
      with an estimated molecular mass of 70 kDa in different phases of testes
      development. The strongest immunolabeling positive signal was found in
      spermatogonia, with lower positive staining in secondary spermatocytes, and weak
      or absent level in the mature sperm. Interestingly, CqHSP70 was mainly located in
      the cytoplasm of sperm cells. Thus, our results indicate that CqHSP70 is an
      essential protein in spermatogenesis, with a crucial reproductive function during
      sperm maturation in invertebrates.

PMID- 22037607
TI  - Core promoter STRs: novel mechanism for inter-individual variation in gene
      expression in humans.
AB  - In a genome-scale analysis of the composition of core promoter sequences, we have
      recently shown that approximately 25% of the human protein-coding genes have at
      least one short tandem repeat (STR) of 3-repeats in their core promoters (i.e.
      the interval between -120 to +1). Through their nucleosome processing effect, GA
      repeats play a crucial role in the regulation of gene transcription. In this
      study, we chose the human SRY (sex determining region Y)-box 5 (SOX5) gene as a
      prototype of the GA-rich core promoters to investigate the role of core promoter
      GA-STRs in gene expression. The human SOX5 gene is indispensable for diverse
      embryonic developmental processes, ranging from oligodendrocyte development and
      corticogenesis to chondrogenesis, and regulation of the cell cycle. Whereas the
      absolute ratio of 99% of the genes range between 0.2 and 2, the composition of
      the core promoter of the two most ubiquitously expressed mRNAs of the human SOX5
      gene (transcripts ID: ENST00000451604 and ENST00000309359) is exceptionally rich
      in purine nucleotides (purine/pyrimidine ratio: 61.5). Indeed, this core promoter
      is an island of four tandem GA-STRs, and lacks the known TATA and TATA-less
      elements for gene transcription. Evolutionary conservation of this region between
      human and mouse (75% homology) supports important functional role for this
      promoter. In this study, we show that this nucleotide composition is indeed a
      potent promoter (p<1*10(-10)), and different haplotypes across the region result
      in significant difference in gene expression (p<1*10(-6)). To our knowledge, this
      is the first report of functional STRs in a human gene core promoter. Based on
      our search on the core promoters of the entire human protein-coding genes
      annotated in the GeneCards database (19,927genes) for the presence of pure GA
      STRs, 429 genes contain at least one GA(3)-repeat in their core promoter. Core
      promoters with pure GA-STRs of GA(4) and above were observed in 61 genes. Our
      data unravel a novel mechanism for inter-individual variation in gene expression
      and complex traits/phenotypes through core promoter GA-STRs.

PMID- 22037608
TI  - Characterisation of the gene cluster for l-rhamnose catabolism in the yeast
      Scheffersomyces (Pichia) stipitis.
AB  - In Scheffersomyces (Pichia) stipitis and related fungal species the genes for L
      rhamnose catabolism RHA1, LRA2, LRA3 and LRA4 but not LADH are clustered. We find
      that located next to the cluster is a transcription factor, TRC1, which is
      conserved among related species. Our transcriptome analysis shows that all the
      catabolic genes and all genes of the cluster are up-regulated on L-rhamnose.
      Among genes that were also up-regulated on L-rhamnose were two transcription
      factors including the TRC1. In addition, in 16 out of the 32 analysed fungal
      species only RHA1, LRA2 and LRA3 are physically clustered. The clustering of
      RHA1, LRA3 and TRC1 is also conserved in species not closely related to S.
      stipitis. Since the LRA4 is often not part of the cluster and it has several
      paralogues in L-rhamnose utilising yeasts we analysed the function of one of the
      paralogues, LRA41 by heterologous expression and biochemical characterization.
      Lra41p has similar catalytic properties as the Lra4p but the transcript was not
      up-regulated on L-rhamnose. The RHA1, LRA2, LRA4 and LADH genes were previously
      characterised in S. stipitis. We expressed the L-rhamnonate dehydratase, Lra3p,
      in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, estimated the kinetic constants of the protein and
      showed that it indeed has activity with L-rhamnonate.

PMID- 22037609
TI  - Comparative expression analysis in mature gonads, liver and brain of turbot
      (Scophthalmus maximus) by cDNA-AFLPS.
AB  - Turbot is one of the most important farmed fish in Europe. This species exhibits
      a considerable sexual dimorphism in growth and sexual maturity that makes the all
      female production recommended for turbot farming. Our knowledge about the genetic
      basis of sex determination and the molecular regulation of gonad differentiation
      in this species is still limited. Our goal was to identify and compare gene
      expression and functions between testes and ovaries in adults in order to
      ascertain the relationship between the genes that could be involved in the gonad
      differentiation or related to the sex determination system. The identification of
      differentially expressed sex related genes is an initial step towards
      understanding the molecular mechanisms of gonad differentiation. For this, we
      carried out a transcriptome analysis based on cDNA-AFLP technique which allowed
      us to obtain an initial frame on sex-specific gene expression that will
      facilitate further analysis especially along the critical gonad differentiating
      period. With the aim of widening the study on sex-biased gene expression we
      reproduced the same experiments in two somatic tissues: liver and brain. We have
      selected the liver because it is the most analyzed one regarding sexual dimorphic
      gene expression and due to its importance in steroid hormones metabolism and the
      brain because the functional relationship between brain and gonad is documented.
      We found slight but important differences between sexes which deserve further
      investigation.

PMID- 22037610
TI  - Biochemistry and biology of the inducible multifunctional transcription factor
      TFII-I: 10 years later.
AB  - Exactly twenty years ago TFII-I was discovered as a biochemical entity that was
      able to bind to and function via a core promoter element called the Initiator
      (Inr). Since then several different properties of this signal-induced
      multifunctional factor were discovered. Here I update these ever expanding
      functions of TFII-I--focusing primarily on the last ten years since the first
      review appeared in this journal.

PMID- 22037611
TI  - Evolution of prokaryotic homologues of the eukaryotic SEFIR protein domain.
AB  - SEF/IL17 receptor (SEFIR) domains are mainly found in IL17 receptors (IL17Rs) and
      their adaptor proteins CIKS (connection to IKK and SAPK/JNK), which exert a host
      defense role in numbers of infectious diseases and promote inflammatory pathology
      in autoimmunity. Exploring the evolutionary pathway of SEFIR domains will provide
      further insight into their functions. Here, we have identified 84 SEFIR domain
      containing proteins from more than 1400 prokaryotic genomes. As most SEFIR domain
      containing bacterial genomes possess a single SEFIR encoding gene and the SEFIR
      protein domain forms homodimeric complexes like the Toll/IL1 receptor (TIR)
      domain, the single bacterial SEFIR proteins may receive binding partners from
      other organisms. Through comparative and phylogenetic sequence analyses, we show
      that bacterial SEFIR domain is more similar to that of vertebrate CIKS than
      IL17R, and it possibly emerges via a lateral gene transfer (LGT) from animals. In
      addition, our secondary and three-dimensional structural predictions of SEFIR
      domains reveal that human and pathogenic bacterial SEFIR domains share similar
      structural and electrostatic features. Our findings provide important clues for
      further experimental researches on determining the functions of SEFIR proteins in
      pathogenic prokaryotes.

PMID- 22037612
TI  - Convenient and mild synthesis of nitroarenes by metal-free nitration of
      arylboronic acids.
AB  - A novel methodology for the direct nitration of arylboronic acids has been
      developed. By using inexpensive tert-butyl nitrite various aromatic nitro
      compounds are produced in moderate to good yields (45-87%) without the need of
      any catalyst.

PMID- 22037613
TI  - First results from conservation studies of chlorophyllous spores of the Royal
      fern (Osmunda regalis, Osmundaceae).
AB  - Pteridophytes spore banks are a promising ex situ conservation tool used to
      increase the chances of survival of ferns, in fact that large quantities of
      germplasm with high genetic variation can be conserved in a small space with low
      economic and technical costs. However, methods to maintain the viability of
      chlorophyllous spores during storage are less understood. The aim of this study
      was to investigate the influence of long term storage on the viability of Royal
      Fern spores, which were stored under different conditions derived from various
      combinations of temperature and degrees of hydration. Survival and germination
      tests were performed after 1 and 28 months of storage. Our results showed the
      highest survival percentages for spores stored under Normal humidity at subzero
      temperatures (T=?-20 degrees C). These spores received no pre-treatment,
      dehydration, or cryoprotectants, which resulted in fast germination and
      gametophyte development which seemed to be stimulated by low temperatures.

PMID- 22037614
TI  - A comparison of approaches for estimating relative impacts of nonnative fishes.
AB  - Lack of standard methods for quantifying impact has hindered risk assessments of
      high-impact invaders. To understand methodological strengths and weaknesses, we
      compared five approaches (in parentheses) for quantifying impact of nonnative
      fishes: reviewing documented impacts in a large-scale database (review);
      surveying fish biologists regarding three categories of impact (socioeconomic,
      ecological, abundance); and estimating frequency of occurrence from existing
      collection records (collection). In addition, we compared game and nongame
      biologists' ratings of game and nongame species. Although mean species ratings
      were generally correlated among approaches, we documented important
      discrepancies. The review approach required little effort but often inaccurately
      estimated impact in our study region (Mid-Atlantic United States). Game fishes
      received lower ratings from the socioeconomic approach, which yielded the
      greatest consistency among respondents. The ecological approach exhibited lower
      respondent bias but was sensitive to pre-existing perceptions of high-impact
      invaders. The abundance approach provided the least-biased assessment of region
      specific impact but did not account for differences in per-capita effects among
      species. The collection approach required the most effort and did not provide
      reliable estimates of impact. Multiple approaches to assessing a species' impact
      are instructive, but impact ratings must be interpreted in the context of
      methodological strengths and weaknesses and key management issues. A combination
      of our ecological and abundance approaches may be most appropriate for assessing
      ecological impact, whereas our socioeconomic approach is more useful for
      understanding social dimensions. These approaches are readily transferrable to
      other regions and taxa; if refined, they can help standardize the assessment of
      impacts of nonnative species.

PMID- 22037615
TI  - Suitability analysis for greenway planning in China: an example of Chongming
      Island.
AB  - Suitability analysis for greenway planning was developed in the Western culture.
      When applying a suitability analysis to a very different sociocultural context
      such as China, it is necessary to identify what hinders or promotes it. Through
      an example of Chongming Island, this article demonstrates how to apply a
      suitability analysis for greenway planning in China. Furthermore, it argues that
      obstacles including a lack of data, peculiarity of capability scores within land
      use and a neglect of scientific group involvement are encountered in the process
      of applying suitability methods in Chongming or China. Early and sustained
      attention to such impediments could improve the success of suitability assessment
      in China. These research results are helpful for the planning and implementation
      of Chongming greenways.

PMID- 22037616
TI  - Estimating the cumulative ecological effect of local scale landscape changes in
      south Florida.
AB  - Ecosystem restoration in south Florida is a state and national priority centered
      on the Everglades wetlands. However, urban development pressures affect the
      restoration potential and remaining habitat functions of the natural undeveloped
      areas. Land use (LU) planning often focuses at the local level, but a better
      understanding of the cumulative effects of small projects at the landscape level
      is needed to support ecosystem restoration and preservation. The South Florida
      Ecosystem Portfolio Model (SFL EPM) is a regional LU planning tool developed to
      help stakeholders visualize LU scenario evaluation and improve communication
      about regional effects of LU decisions. One component of the SFL EPM is
      ecological value (EV), which is evaluated through modeled ecological criteria
      related to ecosystem services using metrics for (1) biodiversity potential, (2)
      threatened and endangered species, (3) rare and unique habitats, (4) landscape
      pattern and fragmentation, (5) water quality buffer potential, and (6) ecological
      restoration potential. In this article, we demonstrate the calculation of EV
      using two case studies: (1) assessing altered EV in the Biscayne Gateway area by
      comparing 2004 LU to potential LU in 2025 and 2050, and (2) the cumulative impact
      of adding limestone mines south of Miami. Our analyses spatially convey changing
      regional EV resulting from conversion of local natural and agricultural areas to
      urban, industrial, or extractive use. Different simulated local LU scenarios may
      result in different alterations in calculated regional EV. These case studies
      demonstrate methods that may facilitate evaluation of potential future LU
      patterns and incorporate EV into decision making.

PMID- 22037617
TI  - Evaluation of progress in achieving TMDL mandated nitrogen reductions in the
      Neuse River basin, North Carolina.
AB  - Management efforts to control excess algal growth in the Neuse River and Estuary,
      North Carolina began in the 1980s, with an initial focus on phosphorus (P) input
      reduction. However, continued water quality problems in the 1990s led to
      development of a Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL) for nitrogen (N) in 1999 to
      improve conditions in N-sensitive estuarine waters. Evaluation of the
      effectiveness of management actions implemented in the Neuse River basin is a
      challenging endeavor due to natural variations in N export associated with
      climate. A simplified approach is presented that allows evaluation of trends in
      flow-normalized nutrient loading to provide feedback on effectiveness of
      implemented actions to reduce N loading to estuarine waters. The approach is
      applied to five watershed locations, including the headwaters of the Neuse
      Estuary. Decreases in nitrate + nitrite (NO(3)-N) concentrations occurred
      throughout the basin and were largest just downstream of the Raleigh metropolitan
      area. Conversely, concentrations of total Kjeldahl N (TKN) increased at many
      stations, particularly under high flow conditions. This indicates a relative
      increase in organic N (Org-N) inputs since the mid-1990s. Overall, patterns in
      different N fractions at watershed stations indicate both partial success in
      reducing N inputs and ongoing challenges for N loading under high flow
      conditions. In downstream waters, NO(3)-N concentrations decreased concurrent
      with TMDL implementation in the upper portion of the estuary but not in the
      middle and lower reaches. The lack of progress in the middle and lower reaches of
      the estuary may, at least in part, be affected by remineralization of settled
      particle-bound N deposited under high river flows.

PMID- 22037618
TI  - Livelihood sustainability and community based co-management of forest resources
      in China: changes and improvement.
AB  - Community-based co-management (CBCM) has been applied in some communities near
      natural reserves in China. This paper uses Gansu Baishuijiang National Natural
      Reserve in China as a case study for livelihood improvements under CBCM projects.
      We demonstrate change from 2006 to 2010 in five classes of livelihood capital
      (social, human, natural, physical and financial capitals), illustrating the
      effectiveness of CBCM projects. Specifically, there are increases in mean family
      income and improvements in forest conservation. However, some problems in the
      design and implementation of CBCM projects remain, including the complicated
      social and political relationship between government and community, social
      exclusion and uneven application of benefits within communities, and the lack of
      integration of indigenous cultures and traditional beliefs. Attention for special
      groups in community and improving the design of CBCM Projects. Study shows that
      under the cooperation of government, CBCM projects and local community residents,
      the harmonious development of sustainable livelihood improvement and forest
      resources conservation will be an important trend in the future.

PMID- 22037619
TI  - Protection of porcine islet xenografts in mice using sertoli cells and monoclonal
      antibodies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To remedy the shortage of human donor islets, xenotransplantation of
      neonatal porcine islets (NPI) provides an attractive alternative source of donor
      tissue so long as graft rejection can be circumvented. Thus, in this study, we
      sought to determine whether cotransplantation of NPI with Sertoli cells (SC)
      combined with a short-course treatment of monoclonal antibody (mAb) could provide
      long-term islet xenograft survival. METHODS: NPI alone or NPI cotransplanted with
      neonatal porcine SC were transplanted into diabetic C57BL/6 mice. These mice were
      left untreated or were treated with a short course of antileukocyte function
      associated antigen-1 (LFA-1), anti-CD154, or anti-CD45RB mAb. Blood glucose
      levels were monitored twice a week to assess graft function. At more than 100
      days posttransplantation or on the day of rejection, graft-bearing kidneys were
      collected for characterization using immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: None of the
      untreated control mice transplanted with NPI alone (0/5) or NPI cotransplanted
      with SC (0/8) achieved normoglycemia. However, of the mice receiving NPI alone, 3
      of 7 treated with anti-LFA-1 mAb, 2 of 7 treated with anti-CD154 mAb, and 1 of 7
      treated with anti-CD45RB mAb achieved long-term graft survival (>100 days). These
      proportions improved considerably when NPI were cotransplanted with SC, as 15 of
      15 mice treated with anti-LFA-1 mAb, 7 of 8 mice treated with anti-CD154 mAb, and
      4 of 9 mice treated with anti-CD45RB mAb achieved long-term graft survival.
      CONCLUSIONS: These results show that transient administration of anti-LFA-1 mAb
      or anti-CD154 mAb is efficacious in prolonging NPI xenograft survival when islets
      are cotransplanted with SC. Interleukin-4 and Serpina3n may be important
      mediators of protection observed in this model.

PMID- 22037620
TI  - [Intramedullary nailing of proximal tibia fractures].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Restoration of axis, length, and rotation of the lower leg. Sufficient
      primary stability of the osteosynthesis for early functional aftercare.
      Maintaining mobility of knee joint. Bone healing in closed and open fractures.
      INDICATIONS: Closed and open isolated proximal tibia and lower leg fractures (AO
      42). Extraarticular fractures of the proximal tibia (AO 41 A2/A3). Intraarticular
      fractures of the proximal tibia (AO 41 C1/C2) in combination with other implants.
      Segmental tibia fractures (AO 42 C1/C2) with short proximal fragment. Comminuted
      tibia shaft fractures (AO 42 C3) with short proximal fragment. CONTRAINDICATIONS:
      Very poor general condition (e.g., bedridden). Flexion of knee less than 90
      degrees . Infection in the nail's and bolt's insertion area. Infection of the
      tibia intramedullary canal. Complex fractures of the tibia plateau (AO 41 C3).
      Open physis. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Closed reduction of the fracture. If necessary,
      use of reduction clamps through additional stab incisions or open surgical
      procedures. In some cases, additional osteosynthesis procedures are necessary
      (e.g., compression screws). Positioning of the patient on a radiolucent table or
      a traction table. Opening of the proximal tibia in line with the medullary canal.
      Cannulated or noncannulated insertion of the nail with or without reaming of the
      medullary canal. Control of axis, length, and rotation of the lower leg. Triple
      proximal interlocking in three different planes with the targeting device. Double
      distal interlocking. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Immediate mobilization of the knee
      joint. Depending on the type of fracture, mobilization with 20 kg partial weight
      bearing or pain-dependent full weight bearing with crutches. X-ray controls after
      3, 6, and 12 weeks and increase of weight bearing depending on the fracture
      status. RESULTS: In a prospective multicenter study on the stabilization of tibia
      fractures with the Expert Tibial Nail, 22 patients with proximal third tibia
      fractures were documented. Seventeen patients could be reviewed clinically and
      radiologically after 1 year. A non-union was registered in 1 patient (5.9%), a
      malalignment in any plane above 5 degrees  in 3 fractures (17.6%).

PMID- 22037621
TI  - [Elastic stable intramedullary nailing after corrective osteotomy of symptomatic
      malunited midshaft clavicular fractures].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To restore alignment and length of the clavicle, to relieve typical
      symptoms of malunion, and to improve functional outcome and aesthetic results.
      INDICATIONS: Symptomatic malunion after clavicular fractures, including local
      pain and tenderness, weakness and rapid fatigability of the shoulder girdle
      muscles, impairment of overhead mobility, numbness, parasthesia, and pain of the
      arm and fingers during overhead movements due to brachial plexus irritation
      (thoracic outlet syndrome), and dissatisfaction with the appearance of the
      shoulder girdle. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Atrophic nonunions, osteoporosis,
      asymptomatic malunion. SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: A 5-cm skin incision is made above the
      deformity of the malunited clavicle. The osteotomy plane is determined under
      fluoroscopic guidance, within the callus separating the two original main
      fracture fragments. Under fluoroscopic guidance, the medullary canal is reopened
      on both sides with a 2.7 mm drill bit. Afterwards a 1.5 cm skin incision is made
      just above the sternal end of the clavicle. The anterior cortex is drilled and a
      titanium nail (diameter 2.5 mm) is introduced. Under rotational movement, the
      nail is advanced to the osteotomy site. The nail is inserted into the lateral
      fragment. Then the inserted nail is cut back as far as possible on the medial
      entry point. Wound closure. POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: No immobilization, movement
      not restricted. Patients are encouraged to use the arm in daily activities. Heavy
      weight bearing is not allowed until osseus consolidation. RESULTS: In 5 patients
      (3 men, 2 women) with a mean age of 34 years (range, 23-44 years) with
      symptomatic malunion after clavicular fractures, a corrective osteotomy and
      elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) was performed. After 6 months (mean
      4.4 months), all osteotomies were healed and the nails were removed. There were
      no complications. At final follow-up (12 months), the DASH and Constant scores
      were significantly improved compared to preoperative values. Patients were
      significantly more satisfied with the appearance of the shoulder girdle and
      overall outcome.

PMID- 22037622
TI  - [Stabilization of inter- and subtrochanteric femoral fractures with the
      PFNAlpha(r)].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Intramedullary nail system fixation of inter- and subtrochanteric
      femoral fractures allows early weight-bearing, especially in osteoporotic bone.
      Restoration of anatomical shape and early return to function of the injured leg.
      INDICATIONS: All inter- and subtrochanteric fractures of AO type 31-A without
      limitation. CONTRAINDICATIONS: Open physes and unsuitable femoral shaft anatomy
      (increased anterior bow of femoral shaft or malunion after femoral fracture).
      SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: If possible closed, otherwise open fracture reduction on a
      fracture table and unreamed intramedullary nailing. Fixation of the fracture by
      insertion of a helical blade via a guide wire in the head-neck fragment of the
      femur. Option of static or dynamic locking at the femoral diaphysis.
      POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Early mobilization immediately the day after surgery
      with full weight-bearing and use of assistive device, as tolerated. Thrombosis
      prophylaxis for 6 weeks with fondaparinux, rivaroxaban or a low molecular weight
      heparin (LMWH), alternatively oral anticoagulation. RESULTS: Between April 2004
      and June 2005, the AO multicenter study at 11 European trauma centers included
      313 patients (mean age 80.6 years, 77% women, 23% men) with 315 unstable
      trochanteric fractures treated with a Peroximal Femoral Nail Antirotation(r)
      (PFNAlpha(r)) device for consecutive follow-up [24]. In 82%, the fractures were
      31-A2, while in 18% the fractures were 31-A3. Average operation time for A2
      fractures was 56 min and 66 min for A3 fractures. Average duration of hospital
      stay in the trauma center was 12 days. Surgical reduction and fracture fixation
      that permitted full weight-bearing immediately after operation was achieved in
      72% of cases. Of 165 complications, 46 were surgery-related with unplanned
      revision surgery in 28 cases (including 7 femur fractures and 4 acetabular
      penetrations). Follow-up for more than 1 year was possible in 56% of patients.
      After 1 year, 89% of the fractures were consolidated. The highest complication
      rate was found in fractures type 31-A2.3 and in patients older than 90 years. The
      recorded number of implant-related complications (14.6%) is comparable to the
      results of other intramedullary and extramedullary implants.

PMID- 22037623
TI  - Gold and iron oxide hybrid nanocomposite materials.
AB  - This critical review provides an overview of current research activities that
      focused on the synthesis and application of multi-functional gold and iron oxide
      (Au-Fe(x)O(y)) hybrid nanoparticles and nanocomposites. An introduction of
      synthetic strategies that have been developed for generating Au-Fe(x)O(y)
      nanocomposites with different nanostructures is presented. Surface
      functionalisation and bioconjugation of these hybrid nanoparticles and
      nanocomposites are also reviewed. A variety of applications such as theranostics,
      gene delivery, biosensing, cell sorting, bio-separation, and catalysis is
      discussed and highlighted. Finally, future trends and perspectives of these
      sophisticated nanocomposites are outlined. Underpinning the fundamental
      requirements for effectively forming Au-Fe(x)O(y) hybrid nanocomposite materials
      would shed light on future development of nanotheranostics, nanomedicines, and
      chemical technologies. It would be interesting to investigate such multi
      component composite nanomaterials with different novel morphologies in the near
      future to advance chemistry, biology, medicine, and engineering multi
      disciplinary research (120 references).

PMID- 22037624
TI  - Potential role for alternatively activated macrophages in the secondary bacterial
      infection during recovery from influenza.
AB  - PURPOSE: Secondary bacterial infections are a common complication of influenza.
      Innate immune host defenses appear to be impaired following influenza, leading to
      susceptibility to subsequent bacterial infections. Alternatively activated
      macrophages (AAM) in the lungs may play a critical role in eliciting the
      hypersusceptibility to secondary bacterial pneumonia. METHODS: C57BL6 mice were
      challenged with sublethal doses of the mouse-adapted A/PR/8/34 (PR8) influenza
      virus or saline and allowed to recover. At complete recovery (day 14), mice were
      re-challenged with sublethal doses of Streptococcus pneumoniae serotype 3 (Sp3).
      RESULTS: PR8-recovered mice developed a rapidly fatal pulmonary infection to a
      100-fold sublethal pneumococcal challenge, whereas PR8-naive mice demonstrated no
      mortality or illness. The cytokines which induce AAM (IL-4 and IL-13) and the
      expression of genes associated with AAM (Arginase-1, FIZZ1, and YM1) were
      elevated after PR8 infection. Flow cytometry suggests that alveolar macrophages
      demonstrate the AAM-phenotype, as indicated by MGL-1 and MHCII expression, in
      response to PR8 infection. Recovery from PR8 was associated with blunted cytokine
      responses to TLR ligands. CONCLUSIONS: The mechanisms of immune regulation during
      recovery from influenza are being elucidated. We provide evidence that pulmonary
      AAM are induced during influenza infection and may contribute to the elicitation
      of hypersusceptibility to a secondary bacterial infection.

PMID- 22037625
TI  - Expression of bleomycin hydrolase in keratinization disorders.
AB  - A neutral cysteine protease, bleomycin hydrolase (BH), is widely expressed in
      mammalian tissues, with the skin seeming to contain the highest level. Our
      previous study revealed that BH transcription is modulated both during
      differentiation and by cytokines. However, BH involvement in keratinization
      disorder is not well known. In the present study, we performed
      immunohistochemical studies of BH and other serine/cysteine proteases in human
      normal skin and lesional skin with keratinization disorders. BH-positive cells
      were detected in granular layers of orthokeratotic and hyperkeratotic skin
      diseases, such as erythrokeratoderma and lichen planus. In parakeratotic skin
      diseases with porokeratosis, pityriasis rubra pilaris and psoriasis, BH staining
      was decreased in lesional skins compared to that in normal skin. Similar results
      were obtained for cysteine proteases, caspase-14 and calpain I. On the other
      hand, cells positive for serine proteases kallikrein 5 and 7 were increased in
      parakeratotic and inflammatory skin diseases, such as psoriasis. Semi
      quantification analysis revealed that BH- and caspase-14-positive staining had
      higher intensity than those of the other proteases in normal epidermis. As BH is
      the major citrulline aminopeptidase in normal granular layer, the alternation
      would have a significant effect on terminal differentiation processes, such as
      aberrant processing of deiminated peptides. Therefore, BH may play an important
      role during the late stage of epidermal differentiation.

PMID- 22037626
TI  - Osteopontin, a protein with cytokine-like properties: a possible involvement in
      pemphigus vulgaris.
AB  - Pemphigus is an autoimmune blistering disease characterized by severe and chronic
      course, histopathologically characterized by infiltration of a large quantity of
      eosinophils, neutrophils, and activated Th1 and Th2 cells around the blister.
      Polarization of Th cells to Th1 or Th2 phenotypes, a critical aspect of cell
      mediated immunity, is influenced by production of early cytokines, including
      osteopontin. To determine the involvement of osteopontin in pemphigus vulgaris
      patients in active stage of the disease, auto-antibodies to desmoglein-1 and
      desmoglein-3 and plasmatic osteopontin levels were examined by ELISA tests. In
      this work, significant plasmatic level of osteopontin in PV patients with active
      stage of disease were found particularly in those patients with both skin and
      oral pemphigus. OPN might drive the immune responses playing an important role in
      pemphigus onset.

PMID- 22037627
TI  - A putative in vitro organotypic model of molting with human skin explants.
AB  - We report finding a simple method to partially reproduce the characteristic
      process of molting that takes place in invertebrates using human skin explants in
      vitro. In this method, human skin explants discarded from regular plastic surgery
      procedures were kept, submersed, in regular growth medium for 10 days at 4
      degrees C. After that period, the skin explants were cultured at the air-liquid
      interface for another 10 days. Histological analysis of the skin revealed the
      formation of one full epidermal structure and an additional intermediate
      epidermal structure containing a putative stratum corneum, superimposed one of
      top of the other, in which we consider an equivalent model of "molting" or
      "ecdysis". Basic analysis of cell proliferation and differentiation of the
      explants at different stages of the process are briefly presented. We believe
      this model can be used in the study of certain human skin diseases as well as in
      comparative animal physiology.

PMID- 22037628
TI  - Chromosome recombination.

PMID- 22037629
TI  - Assessing the endosulfan contamination in an unconfined aquifer.
AB  - Groundwater samples were analyzed in order to elucidate the fate of endosulfan in
      the soil and its release mechanism into water of an unconfined aquifer. Residual
      alfa endosulfan was determined in all the wells; however, beta endosulfan was
      below 0.001 MUg/L. Maximum adsorption rates of alfa and beta endosulfan were 91%
      86% on the topsoil; 87%-91% on the subsoil, respectively. About 13%-23%
      desorption rate on the topsoil and subsoil exhibited the probability of
      endosulfan movement in the soil. The study showed that a hydrophobic-moderately
      persistent pesticide can reach to groundwater despite the high clay content of
      soil.

PMID- 22037630
TI  - Presence of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in top soils from rural
      terrains in Mexico City.
AB  - A soil survey was carried out to determine the levels and sources and
      concentrations of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in 2 semi-rural terrains in
      Mexico City (Tlahuac and Milpa Alta) during 2008-2009. PAH determination was made
      by Soxhlet extraction and chromatographic clean-up with final analysis by gas
      chromatography with a flame ionization detector. The concentrations in Tlahuac
      were 9.13 mg/kg (dry season) and 11.22 mg/kg (wet season) and in Milpa Alta were
      11.43 mg/kg (dry season) and 35.77 mg/kg (wet season). The variation of total PAH
      concentrations are due to environmental and anthropogenic conditions within
      Mexico City and also the addition of compost to the soils. According to Mexican
      regulations BaP, DaA, BbF and Ind were within the permissible limit (2 mg/kg) for
      agricultural and residential soils and BkF was close to the limit (8 mg/kg). The
      total PAH concentrations do however surpass the permissible European limit of
      1,000 MUg/kg and there is probably some risk to human health, in spite of
      measures aimed at decreasing contamination in Mexico City. Long term monitoring
      of soils will be necessary.

PMID- 22037631
TI  - Environmental fate of polyhexamethylene biguanide.
AB  - Polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMB) is used as a bacteriocidal agent in a variety
      of applications from medical devices to pools, but is highly toxic to some
      aquatic species. The stability of PHMB in various environmental matrices was
      examined. 80% of PHMB was present in fortified creek samples after 20 days, but
      bound immediately to soils with the exception of sandy soil. PHMB was absorbed to
      below detectable levels by weathered concrete within 12 h. In addition, one over
      the counter wound care product containing PHMB was evaluated to assess
      environmental leaching; detectable levels (20 MUg/mL) were still present after 1
      week.

PMID- 22037632
TI  - Mercury and cadmium contamination in traffic soil of Beijing, China.
AB  - The concentrations of mercury and cadmium in surface soil along the three ring
      road with high traffic density from Beijing, China, were investigated. The
      concentrations of cadmium and mercury in urban soils were in the range of 0.086
      1.59 and 0.16-3.68 mg kg(-1), which exceeded the upper limits of potential toxic
      elements concentration for agricultural soils of China (PTE-MPC). The metal
      elements of cadmium and mercury showed similar spatial distribution and seasonal
      variations. Concentrations of cadmium and mercury in surface soil along the three
      ring road were significantly higher than previous reported values, which was
      attributed to the increased traffic density in Beijing. Results from this study
      demonstrated that the soil of the three ring road had endured severe cadmium and
      mercury pollution.

PMID- 22037633
TI  - Flexible ureterorenoscopy versus miniaturized PNL for solitary renal calculi of
      10-30 mm size.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The value of flexible ureterorenoscopy (fURS) and miniaturized PNL
      (mPNL) for larger renal calculi is under discussion. This non-randomized
      prospective study aimed to evaluate fURS and mPNL for solitary renal stones of 10
      30 mm size. MATERIALS AND METHODS: fURS was carried out in 21 patients with last
      generation 7.5F endoscopes. Ureteral access sheaths were used in 19 patients. For
      mPNL, an 18F modified Amplatz sheath with a 14F nephroscope were used (n = 25).
      The procedure was performed either tubeless with an antegrade stent or a
      nephrostomy. Outcome and complications of both procedures were assessed. RESULTS:
      Patients' demographics and stone sizes were comparable (18 +/- 5 vs. 19 +/- 4 mm,
      P = 0.08). Patients in the fURS group had a higher mean BMI (31 vs. 27, P <
      0.05). Total OR time was significantly longer for fURS (106 +/- 51 vs. 59 +/- 19
      min., P < 0.001). More patients were stone-free after one single percutaneous
      treatment, while 2nd-stage treatments with fURS were common (total procedures
      1.04 vs. 1.52, P < 0.001; immediate stone-free rate (SFR) 96% vs. 71.5%, P <
      0.001). SFR after 4 weeks was 100% (mPNL) and 85.8% (fURS) (P < 0.01). Minor
      complications as classified by Clavien I or II occurred in 16 and 23.8%, mPNL and
      fURS, respectively, P = 0.13). No major complications (Clavien III-V) occured in
      both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our series supports both the concept of either
      percutaneous or retrograde endoscopic treatment for renal calculi with both
      modalities offering excellent safety. However, while for fURS, a significantly
      higher rate of 2nd-stage procedures was necessary, and mPNL led to faster and
      higher SFR without increasing complication rate.

PMID- 22037634
TI  - Impact of ureteral stenting prior to ureterorenoscopy on stone-free rates and
      complications.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To date, only few studies have evaluated the impact of ureteral
      stenting prior to ureterorenoscopy. This study is to clarify the role of
      preoperative ureteral stenting in the treatment for ureteral stones. METHODS: We
      retrospectively reviewed 550 ureterorenoscopies from 1998 to 2008. Patients were
      classified into two groups depending on whether they had a stent placed before
      URS. Baseline characteristics of patients and stone properties, stone-free rates,
      complications, and operation times were compared between both groups. Subanalysis
      was performed regarding stone localization. We retrospectively reviewed data from
      patient documentation, X-ray imagery, intravenous urography, and operation
      reports. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics of patients were similar in both
      groups. The majority of patients underwent stent placement before the
      ureteroscopic stone treatment (88.4%). The mean operation time in the prestented
      group was longer (43.3 vs. 38.4 min). Stone-free rate of patients with stent was
      72.2%, compared to 59.4% without preoperative stenting. The rate of minor
      complications was 4.7% with stent versus 9.4% without stent, major complications
      0.6% versus 1.6%, respectively. Patients with distal ureter stones had similar
      stone-free rates regardless of a stent placement (90.1% with stent vs. 87.6%
      without), and no difference in complication rates was observed (3.5% with stent
      vs. 3.1% without), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Stent placement prior to
      ureteroscopic stone treatment in distal ureter is not reasonable and does not
      considerably improve stone-free rates.

PMID- 22037636
TI  - April pain: aftermath of a colleague's suicide.

PMID- 22037635
TI  - Case scenario:  opioid association with serotonin syndrome: implications to the
      practitioners.

PMID- 22037637
TI  - Simulation-based assessment of pediatric anesthesia skills.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Assessment of pediatric anesthesia trainees is complicated by the
      random nature of adverse patient events and the vagaries of clinical exposure.
      However, assessment is critical to improve patient safety. In previous studies, a
      multiple scenario assessment provided reliable and valid measures of the
      abilities of anesthesia residents. The purpose of this study was to develop a set
      of relevant simulated pediatric perioperative scenarios and to determine their
      effectiveness in the assessment of anesthesia residents and pediatric anesthesia
      fellows. METHODS: Ten simulation scenarios were designed to reflect situations
      encountered in perioperative pediatric anesthesia care. Anesthesiology residents
      and fellows consented to participate and were debriefed after each scenario. Two
      pediatric anesthesiologists scored each scenario by key action checklist. The
      psychometric properties (reliability, validity) of the scores were studied.
      RESULTS: Thirty-five anesthesiology residents and pediatric anesthesia fellows
      participated. The participants with greater experience administering pediatric
      anesthetics generally outperformed those with less experience. Score variance
      attributable to raters was low, yielding a high interrater reliability.
      CONCLUSIONS: A multiple-scenario, simulation-based assessment of pediatric
      perioperative care was designed and administered to residents and fellows. The
      scores obtained from the assessment indicated the content was relevant and that
      raters could reliably score the scenarios. Participants with more training
      achieved higher scores, but there was a wide range of ability among subjects.
      This method has the potential to contribute to pediatric anesthesia performance
      assessment, but additional measures of validity including correlations with more
      direct measures of clinical performance are needed to establish the utility of
      this approach.

PMID- 22037638
TI  - Lipid resuscitation of bupivacaine toxicity: long-chain triglyceride emulsion
      provides benefits over long- and medium-chain triglyceride emulsion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The superiority of Intralipid, a long-chain triglyceride (LCT)
      emulsion versus Lipovenoes, a long- and medium-chain triglyceride (LCT/MCT)
      emulsion, in reversing local anesthetic-induced cardiac arrest is poorly defined
      and needs to be determined. METHODS: The study included two parts: in experiment
      A, bupivacaine (20 mg/kg) was injected to produce asystole. Either Intralipid 20%
      (LCT group, n = 30) or Lipovenoes 20% (LCT/MCT group, n = 30) with epinephrine
      was infused immediately. Return of spontaneous circulation and recurrence of
      asystole after resuscitation were recorded. In experiment B, 80 rats using the
      same model and resuscitation protocol were divided into 10 groups: LCT0, LCT15,
      LCT30, LCT60, and LCT120 and LCT/MCT0, LCT/MCT15, LCT/MCT30, LCT/MCT60, and
      LCT/MCT120 (n = 8 each; the subscripts represent respective observation period).
      LCT15-LCT120 and LCT/MCT15-LCT/MCT120 groups received Intralipid 20% or
      Lipovenoes 20%, respectively. Plasma and myocardial bupivacaine and triglyceride
      concentrations, as well as myocardial bioenergetics, were determined. RESULTS: In
      experiment A, 24 rats in LCT group and 23 in LCT/MCT group achieved return of
      spontaneous circulation (P = 0.754); among them, 2 (8.3%) and 8 (34.8%) rats
      suffered a repeated asystole, respectively (P = 0.027). In experiment B, plasma
      and myocardial bupivacaine concentrations in LCT15 and LCT60 groups were lower
      than LCT/MCT15 and LCT/MCT60 groups, respectively. Furthermore, the plasma
      bupivacaine level in LCT/MCT60 group was higher than LCT/MCT30 group (P = 0.003).
      CONCLUSIONS: LCT emulsion may be superior to LCT/MCT emulsion in treating
      bupivacaine-related cardiotoxicity as it was associated with fewer recurrences of
      asystole after resuscitation and lower myocardial bupivacaine concentrations.

PMID- 22037639
TI  - Metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 antagonism with fenobam: examination of
      analgesic tolerance and side effect profile in mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 noncompetitive antagonist
      fenobam is analgesic in rodents. Future development of fenobam as an analgesic in
      humans will require a favorable long-term treatment profile and a lack of
      significant deleterious side effects. This study aimed to determine whether
      tolerance to fenobam's analgesic effects developed over 14 days and to assess for
      side effects in mice. METHODS: Mouse models of pain, locomotor behavior, and
      coordination were used. Fenobam or vehicle (n = 8 or 11 per group) was
      administered for 14 days, and analgesic tolerance to fenobam was assessed using
      the formalin test. Histopathologic examination, hematology, and clinical
      chemistry analysis after 14-day fenobam administration were also assessed (n = 12
      or 9). The effects of fenobam on locomotor activity were assessed in the open
      field and elevated zero maze (n = 8 or 7). Coordination was assessed using ledge
      crossing and vertical pole descent tasks (n = 11 or 10). RESULTS: Tolerance to
      fenobam's analgesic effect did not develop after 14 days. Chronic fenobam
      administration resulted in statistically significantly less weight gain compared
      with vehicle control subjects, but did not cause any physiologically or
      statistically significant hematologic abnormalities, altered organ function, or
      abnormal histopathology of the liver, brain, or testes. Fenobam administration
      resulted in a metabotropic glutamate receptor 5-dependent increase in exploratory
      behavior but does not impair motor coordination at analgesic doses. CONCLUSIONS:
      Analgesic tolerance to repeat fenobam dosing does not develop. Chronic dosing of
      up to 14 days is well tolerated. Fenobam represents a promising candidate for the
      treatment of human pain conditions.

PMID- 22037640
TI  - Buprenorphine metabolites, buprenorphine-3-glucuronide and norbuprenorphine-3
      glucuronide, are biologically active.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The long-lasting high-affinity opioid buprenorphine has complex
      pharmacology, including ceiling effects with respect to analgesia and respiratory
      depression. Plasma concentrations of the major buprenorphine metabolites
      norbuprenorphine, buprenorphine-3-glucuronide, and norbuprenorphine-3-glucuronide
      approximate or exceed those of the parent drug. Buprenorphine glucuronide
      metabolites pharmacology is undefined. This investigation determined binding and
      pharmacologic activity of the two glucuronide metabolites, and in comparison with
      buprenorphine and norbuprenorphine. METHODS: Competitive inhibition of
      radioligand binding to human MU, kappa, and delta opioid and nociceptin receptors
      was used to determine glucuronide binding affinities for these receptors. Common
      opiate effects were assessed in vivo in SwissWebster mice. Antinociception was
      assessed using a tail-flick assay, respiratory effects were measured using
      unrestrained whole-body plethysmography, and sedation was assessed by inhibition
      of locomotion measured by open-field testing. RESULTS: Buprenorphine-3
      glucuronide had high affinity for human MU (Ki [inhibition constant] = 4.9 +/-
      2.7 pM), delta (Ki = 270 +/- 0.4 nM), and nociceptin (Ki = 36 +/- 0.3 MUM) but
      not kappa receptors. Norbuprenorphine-3-glucuronide had affinity for human kappa
      (Ki = 300 +/- 0.5 nM) and nociceptin (Ki = 18 +/- 0.2 MUM) but not MU or delta
      receptors. At the dose tested, buprenorphine-3-glucuronide had a small
      antinociceptive effect. Neither glucuronide had significant effects on
      respiratory rate, but norbuprenorphine-3-glucuronide decreased tidal volume.
      Norbuprenorphine-3-glucuronide also caused sedation. CONCLUSIONS: Both
      glucuronide metabolites of buprenorphine are biologically active at doses
      relevant to metabolite exposures, which occur after buprenorphine. Activity of
      the glucuronides may contribute to the overall pharmacology of buprenorphine.

PMID- 22037641
TI  - Perioperative pharmacokinetics of methadone in adolescents.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Methadone is frequently administered to adults experiencing
      anesthesia and receiving pain treatment. Methadone pharmacokinetics in adults are
      well characterized, including the perioperative period. Methadone is also used in
      children. There is, however, no information on methadone pharmacokinetics in
      children of any age. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the
      pharmacokinetics of intravenous methadone in children undergoing surgery.
      Perioperative opioid-sparing effects were also assessed. METHODS: Eligible
      subjects were children 5-18 yr undergoing general anesthesia and surgery, with an
      anticipated postoperative inpatient stay exceeding 3 days. Three groups of 10 to
      11 patients each received intravenous methadone hydrochloride after anesthetic
      induction in ascending dose groups of 0.1, 0.2, and 0.3 mg/kg (up to 20 mg).
      Anesthetic care was not otherwise changed. Venous blood was obtained for 4 days,
      for stereoselective determination of methadone and metabolites. Pain assessments
      were made each morning. Daily and total opioid consumption was determined.
      Perioperative opioid consumption and pain was determined in a second cohort,
      which was matched to age, sex, race, ethnicity, surgical procedure, and length of
      stay, but not receiving methadone. RESULTS: The final methadone study cohort was
      31 adolescents (14 +/- 2 yr, range 10-18) undergoing major spine surgery for a
      diagnosis of scoliosis. Methadone pharmacokinetics were linear over the dose
      range 0.1-0.3 mg/kg. Disposition was stereoselective. Methadone administration
      did not dose-dependently affect postoperative pain scores, and did not dose
      dependently decrease daily or total postoperative opioid consumption in spinal
      fusion patients. CONCLUSIONS: Methadone enantiomer disposition in adolescents
      undergoing surgery was similar to that in healthy adults.

PMID- 22037643
TI  - Microfabricated multiple field of view imaging flow cytometry.
AB  - The combination of microscopy and flow cytometry enables image based screening of
      large collections of cells. Despite the proposition more than thirty years ago,
      adding high resolution wide-field imaging to flow cytometers remains challenging.
      The velocity of cells in flow cytometry can surpass a meter per second, requiring
      either sub-microsecond exposure times or other sophisticated photodetection
      techniques. Instead of faster detectors and brighter sources, we demonstrate that
      by imaging multiple channels simultaneously, a high throughput can be maintained
      with a flow velocity reduced in proportion to the degree of parallelization. The
      multi-field of view imaging flow cytometer (MIFC) is implemented with parallel
      arrays of microfluidic channels and diffractive lenses that produce sixteen wide
      field images with a magnification of 45 and submicron resolution. Using this
      device, we have imaged latex beads, red blood cells, and acute myeloid leukemia
      cells at rates of 2,000-20,000 per second.

PMID- 22037642
TI  - Relationship between bispectral index values and volatile anesthetic
      concentrations during the maintenance phase of anesthesia in the B-Unaware trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hypnotic depth during anesthesia affects electroencephalography
      waveforms and electroencephalogram-derived indices, such as the bispectral index
      (BIS). Titrating anesthetic administration against the BIS assumes reliable
      relationships between BIS values, electroencephalogram waveforms, and effect site
      concentration, beyond loss of responsiveness. Associations among BIS, end-tidal
      anesthetic concentrations (ETAC), and patient characteristics were examined
      during anesthetic maintenance, using B-Unaware trial data. METHODS:
      Pharmacokinetically stable ETAC epochs during intraoperative anesthetic
      maintenance were analyzed. A generalized estimating equation determined
      independent relationships among BIS, ETAC (in age-adjusted minimum alveolar
      concentration equivalents), patient characteristics, and 1-yr mortality. Further
      individual and population characteristics were explored graphically. RESULTS: A
      total of 3,347,523 data points from 1,100 patients were analyzed over an ETAC
      range from 0.42 to 1.51 age-adjusted minimum alveolar concentration. A
      generalized estimating equation yielded a best predictive equation: BIS = 62.9
      1.6 (if age younger than 60 yr) -1.6 (if female) -2.5 (if American Society of
      Anesthesiologists physical status more than 3) -2.6 (if deceased at 1 yr) -2.5
      (if N2O was not used) -1.4 (if midazolam dose more than 2 mg) -1.3 (if opioid
      dose more than 50 morphine equivalents) -15.4 * age-adjusted minimum alveolar
      concentration. Although a population relationship between ETAC and BIS was
      apparent, interindividual variability in the strength and reliability of this
      relationship was large. Decreases in BIS with increasing ETAC were not reliably
      observed. Individual-patient linear regression yielded a median slope of -8 BIS/1
      age-adjusted minimum alveolar concentration (interquartile range -30, 0) and a
      median correlation coefficient of -0.16 (interquartile range -0.031, -0.50).
      CONCLUSIONS: Independent of pharmacokinetic confounding, BIS frequently
      correlates poorly with ETAC, is often insensitive to clinically significant
      changes in ETAC, and is vulnerable to interindividual variability. BIS is
      therefore incapable of finely guiding volatile anesthetic titration during
      anesthetic maintenance.

PMID- 22037644
TI  - Metabolic network analysis of perfused livers under fed and fasted states:
      incorporating thermodynamic and futile-cycle-associated regulatory constraints.
AB  - Isolated liver perfusion systems have been extensively used to characterize
      intrinsic metabolic changes in liver under various conditions, including systemic
      injury, hepatotoxin exposure, and warm ischemia. Most of these studies were
      performed utilizing fasted animals prior to perfusion so that a simplified
      metabolic network could be used in order to determine intracellular fluxes.
      However, fasting induced metabolic alterations might interfere with disease
      related changes. Therefore, there is a need to develop a "unified" metabolic flux
      analysis approach that could be similarly applied to both fed and fasted states.
      In this study we explored a methodology based on elementary mode analysis in
      order to determine intracellular fluxes and active pathways simultaneously. In
      order to decrease the solution space, thermodynamic constraints, and enzymatic
      regulatory properties for the formation of futile cycles were further considered
      in the model, resulting in a mixed integer quadratic programming problem. Given
      the published experimental observations describing the perfused livers under fed
      and fasted states, the proposed approach successfully determined that
      gluconeogenesis, glycogenolysis and fatty acid oxidation were active in both
      states. However, fasting increased the fluxes in gluconeogenic reactions whereas
      it decreased fluxes associated with glycogenolysis, TCA cycle, fatty acid
      oxidation and electron transport reactions. This analysis further identified that
      more pathways were found to be active in fed state while their weight values were
      relatively lower compared to fasted state. Glucose, lactate, glutamine, glutamate
      and ketone bodies were also found to be important external metabolites whose
      extracellular fluxes should be used in the hepatic metabolic network analysis. In
      conclusion, the mathematical formulation explored in this study is an attractive
      tool to analyze the metabolic network of perfused livers under various disease
      conditions. This approach could be simultaneously applied to both fasted and fed
      data sets.

PMID- 22037645
TI  - Interleukin-6 enhances insulin secretion by increasing glucagon-like peptide-1
      secretion from L cells and alpha cells.
AB  - Exercise, obesity and type 2 diabetes are associated with elevated plasma
      concentrations of interleukin-6 (IL-6). Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a
      hormone that induces insulin secretion. Here we show that administration of IL-6
      or elevated IL-6 concentrations in response to exercise stimulate GLP-1 secretion
      from intestinal L cells and pancreatic alpha cells, improving insulin secretion
      and glycemia. IL-6 increased GLP-1 production from alpha cells through increased
      proglucagon (which is encoded by GCG) and prohormone convertase 1/3 expression.
      In models of type 2 diabetes, the beneficial effects of IL-6 were maintained, and
      IL-6 neutralization resulted in further elevation of glycemia and reduced
      pancreatic GLP-1. Hence, IL-6 mediates crosstalk between insulin-sensitive
      tissues, intestinal L cells and pancreatic islets to adapt to changes in insulin
      demand. This previously unidentified endocrine loop implicates IL-6 in the
      regulation of insulin secretion and suggests that drugs modulating this loop may
      be useful in type 2 diabetes.

PMID- 22037646
TI  - Adipocytes promote ovarian cancer metastasis and provide energy for rapid tumor
      growth.
AB  - Intra-abdominal tumors, such as ovarian cancer, have a clear predilection for
      metastasis to the omentum, an organ primarily composed of adipocytes. Currently,
      it is unclear why tumor cells preferentially home to and proliferate in the
      omentum, yet omental metastases typically represent the largest tumor in the
      abdominal cavities of women with ovarian cancer. We show here that primary human
      omental adipocytes promote homing, migration and invasion of ovarian cancer
      cells, and that adipokines including interleukin-8 (IL-8) mediate these
      activities. Adipocyte-ovarian cancer cell coculture led to the direct transfer of
      lipids from adipocytes to ovarian cancer cells and promoted in vitro and in vivo
      tumor growth. Furthermore, coculture induced lipolysis in adipocytes and beta
      oxidation in cancer cells, suggesting adipocytes act as an energy source for the
      cancer cells. A protein array identified upregulation of fatty acid-binding
      protein 4 (FABP4, also known as aP2) in omental metastases as compared to primary
      ovarian tumors, and FABP4 expression was detected in ovarian cancer cells at the
      adipocyte-tumor cell interface. FABP4 deficiency substantially impaired
      metastatic tumor growth in mice, indicating that FABP4 has a key role in ovarian
      cancer metastasis. These data indicate adipocytes provide fatty acids for rapid
      tumor growth, identifying lipid metabolism and transport as new targets for the
      treatment of cancers where adipocytes are a major component of the
      microenvironment.

PMID- 22037647
TI  - Registered nurse retention strategies in nursing homes: a two-factor perspective.
AB  - BACKGROUND: As the American population ages and the proportion of individuals
      over the age of 65 expands, the demand for high-quality nursing home care will
      increase. However, nursing workforce instability threatens care quality and
      sustainability in this sector. Despite increasing attention to nursing home staff
      turnover, far less is known about registered nurse (RN) retention. PURPOSE: In
      this study, the relationships between retention strategies, employee benefits,
      features of the practice environment, and RN retention were explored. Further,
      the utility of Herzberg's two-factor theory of motivation as a framework for
      nursing home retention studies was evaluated. METHODOLOGY: This study was a
      secondary analysis of the nationally representative 2004 National Nursing Home
      Survey. The final sample of 1,174 participating nursing homes were either
      certified by Medicare or Medicaid or licensed by state agencies. We used a
      weighted multinomial logistic regression using an incremental approach to model
      the relationships. FINDINGS: Although most nursing homes offered some combination
      of retention programs, the majority of strategies did not have a significant
      association with the level of RN retention reported by facilities. Director of
      nursing tenure and other extrinsic factors had the strongest association with RN
      retention in adjusted analyses. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: To improve RN retention,
      organizations may benefit greatly from stabilizing nursing home leadership,
      especially the director of nursing position. Second, managers of facilities with
      poor retention may consider adding career ladders for advancement, awarding
      attendance, and improving employee benefits. As a behavioral outcome of
      motivation and satisfaction, retention was not explained as expected using
      Herzberg's two-factor theory.

PMID- 22037648
TI  - Investigating the impact of spatial priors on the performance of model-based IVUS
      elastography.
AB  - This paper describes methods that provide pre-requisite information for computing
      circumferential stress in modulus elastograms recovered from vascular tissue
      information that could help cardiologists detect life-threatening plaques and
      predict their propensity to rupture. The modulus recovery process is an ill-posed
      problem; therefore, additional information is needed to provide useful
      elastograms. In this work, prior geometrical information was used to impose hard
      or soft constraints on the reconstruction process. We conducted simulation and
      phantom studies to evaluate and compare modulus elastograms computed with soft
      and hard constraints versus those computed without any prior information. The
      results revealed that (1) the contrast-to-noise ratio of modulus elastograms
      achieved using the soft prior and hard prior reconstruction methods exceeded
      those computed without any prior information; (2) the soft prior and hard prior
      reconstruction methods could tolerate up to 8% measurement noise, and (3) the
      performance of soft and hard prior modulus elastograms degraded when incomplete
      spatial priors were employed. This work demonstrates that including spatial
      priors in the reconstruction process should improve the performance of model
      based elastography, and the soft prior approach should enhance the robustness of
      the reconstruction process to errors in the geometrical information.

PMID- 22037649
TI  - Radiochemotherapy with temozolomide for patients with glioblastoma. Prognostic
      factors and long-term outcome of unselected patients from a single institution.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The objective of this retrospective analysis was to assess long-term
      outcome and prognostic factors of unselected patients treated for glioblastoma
      (GB) at a single center with surgery, standard radiotherapy (RT), and concomitant
      temozolomide (TMZ). From 1999-2005, the institutional protocol included surgery
      and RT with TMZ. From 2005 on, adjuvant TMZ was routinely added. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: Between April 1999 and September 2009, 181 patients with GB were treated
      with RT (60 Gy in 30 fractions) and concomitant TMZ (75 mg/m2/day throughout RT).
      Biopsy only had been performed in 53 patients (29.3%), 128 patients (70.7%) had
      undergone resection, which was complete based on postoperative MRI in 51 patients
      (28.2%). Adjuvant TMZ was applied in 67 of 181 patients (37%). RESULTS: Median
      overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were 15.0 (95% CI, 13.1
      16.8) and 7.2 months (95% CI, 5.9-8.5), respectively. After complete resection,
      partial/subtotal resection and biopsy, median OS was 23.20, 14.75, and 7.89
      months (p<0.001), respectively. In multivariate Cox proportional hazards
      regression models, extent of resection (p<0.0001), Karnofsky's performance score
      (p<0.0001) and adjuvant TMZ (p=0.001) were significant independent prognostic
      factors for OS. RT with concomitant TMZ was well tolerated in the majority of
      patients and could be completed as scheduled in 146 patients (80.7%), while 11
      patients (6.1%) discontinued RT. Another 35 patients (19.3%) interrupted
      concomitant chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: RT with concomitant TMZ is a feasible
      regimen with acceptable toxicity in routine practice. Our data are compatible
      with a beneficial effect of adjuvant TMZ on OS and PFS.

PMID- 22037650
TI  - PET-guided dose escalation tomotherapy in malignant pleural mesothelioma.
AB  - PURPOSE: To test the feasibility of salvage radiotherapy using PET-guided helical
      tomotherapy in patients with progressive malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM).
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: A group of 12 consecutive MPM patients was treated with 56
      Gy/25 fractions to the planning target volume (PTV); FDG-PET/CT simulation was
      always performed to include all positive lymph nodes and MPM infiltrations.
      Subsequently, a second group of 12 consecutive patients was treated with the same
      dose to the whole pleura adding a simultaneous integrated boost of 62.5 Gy to the
      FDG-PET/CT positive areas (BTV). RESULTS: Good dosimetric results were obtained
      in both groups. No grade 3 (RTOG/EORTC) acute or late toxicities were reported in
      the first group, while 3 cases of grade 3 late pneumonitis were registered in the
      second group: the duration of symptoms was 2-10 weeks. Median overall survival
      was 8 months (1.2-50.5 months) and 20 months (4.3-33.8 months) from the beginning
      of radiotherapy, for groups I and II, respectively (p=0.19). A significant impact
      on local relapse from radiotherapy was seen (median time to local relapse: 8 vs
      17 months; 1-year local relapse-free rate: 16% vs 81%, p=0.003). CONCLUSIONS: The
      results of this pilot study support the planning of a phase III study of combined
      sequential chemoradiotherapy with dose escalation to BTV in patients not able to
      undergo resection.

PMID- 22037651
TI  - Curative treatment for central nervous system medulloepithelioma despite residual
      disease after resection. Report of two cases treated according to the GPHO
      Protocol HIT 2000 and review of the literature.
AB  - Medulloepithelioma of the central nervous system (CNS) is an uncommon primitive
      neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) usually occurring in early childhood. It is
      characterized by highly malignant behavior with a propensity for progression,
      recurrence, and dissemination despite intensive therapy. Due to its rarity, the
      optimal management is still unknown. However, gross total resection (GTR) has
      been considered crucial to achieve cure. In this article, the authors report on 2
      cases of CNS medulloepithelioma in which long-term survival (more than 6 years)
      could be achieved despite evidence of, or suspected postoperative residual
      disease with an otherwise dismal prognosis.The patients were treated according to
      different strata of the protocol for primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNET) of
      the German-Austrian multicenter trial of the German Society for Pediatric
      Oncology and Hematology (GPOH) for childhood brain tumors (HIT 2000). Treatment
      included postoperative hyperfractionated radiotherapy of the craniospinal axis
      followed by a boost to the tumor site in combination with chemotherapy. A review
      of the 2 reported and 37 previously published cases confirmed GTR and older age
      as positive prognostic factors.

PMID- 22037652
TI  - Comparison of different adjuvant radiotherapy approaches in childhood
      bladder/prostate rhabdomyosarcoma treated with conservative surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Multimodality treatment approaches provide high local
      control and satisfying overall survival (OS) for children with localized bladder
      and/or prostate rhabdomyosarcoma (BP-RMS). However, current strategies including
      surgery and conventional radiotherapy are compromised by high rates of long-term
      genitourinary adverse effects. Therefore, a planning study combining organ
      preserving surgery with three different innovative adjuvant radiotherapy
      approaches was performed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A case of a 21-month-old boy with
      BP-RMS treated with polychemotherapy according to the CWS 2002-P protocol,
      prostatectomy, partial cystectomy, and adjuvant high dose rate brachytherapy (HDR
      BT) was used to perform a planning study comparing HDR-BT with intensity
      modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and intensity-modulated proton therapy (IMPT)
      planning. RESULTS: All modalities provide good coverage of the target volume and
      spare critical normal tissues. Rectum doses could be reduced by 2/3 using IMPT
      and by 1/3 using BT compared to IMRT. In terms of sparing the pelvis growth
      plates, BT and IMPT are also superior to IMRT. CONCLUSION: All modalities provide
      good sparing of normal tissue. BT and IMPT are superior to IMRT with regard to
      doses on rectum and growth plates. BT is equivalent to IMPT in adequately
      selected tumors.

PMID- 22037653
TI  - [Survey of potential improvements during the course of the radiotherapy treatment
      -a patient questionnaire].
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND: In the context of quality assurance, increasing
      demands are placed on the whole radiotherapy treatment process. The patients
      directly concerned generally do not realize most aspects of the quality assurance
      program (e.g., additional safety checks) during their daily therapy. It was the
      aim of this study to systematically ask patients about potential improvements
      during the course of radiotherapy treatment from their own perspective. PATIENTS
      AND METHODS: In the defined time span (1 month), 624 radiotherapy patients (600
      questionnaires were returned, 96.2%) were interviewed using a questionnaire newly
      developed to inquire about several aspects of their treatment. Furthermore, they
      were asked for their specific needs and suggestions for improvements that could
      be made during the course of radiotherapy treatment. RESULTS: Overall, the
      patients were satisfied with the course of their radiotherapy treatment and with
      patient care. As an example, about 90% agreed with the statement: "My first
      contact with the radiation oncology unit proceeded with kindness and competence
      so that I was given the impression that I will be well cared for in this clinic."
      Considering the organization of the course of radiotherapy, a large majority of
      patients attached great value to set appointments for the therapy fractions. A
      main point of criticism was waiting times or delays caused by servicing or
      machine failures. Small, low cost improvements as music in the therapy room were
      considered as important as expensive measures (e.g., daylight in the therapy
      room). The patients emphasized the importance of staff friendliness. CONCLUSION:
      The situation of radiotherapy patients was, in general, satisfactory. Future
      improvements can be mainly expected from smooth organisation of both planning and
      treatment which can be achieved by electronic scheduling systems. Many results of
      the survey could be easily implemented in daily practice. In matters of
      organization radiation oncology with its complex procedures can be used as a
      model for other clinical departments.

PMID- 22037654
TI  - Dose escalation of radiotherapy for metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC) in
      patients with relatively favorable survival prognosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Local control of metastatic spinal cord compression
      (MSCC) is particularly important for long-term survivors. Radiotherapy alone is
      the most common treatment for MSCC. The most frequently used schedule world wide
      is 30 Gy/10 fractions. This study investigated whether patients with favorable
      survival prognoses benefit from a dose escalation beyond 30 Gy. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: Data from 191 patients treated with 30 Gy/10 fractions were matched to
      191 patients (1:1) receiving higher doses (37.5 Gy/15 fractions or 40 Gy/20
      fractions). All patients had favorable survival prognoses based on a validated
      scoring system and were matched for age, gender, tumor type, performance status,
      number of involved vertebrae, visceral or other bone metastases, interval from
      tumor diagnosis to radiotherapy, ambulatory status, and time developing motor
      deficits. Both groups were compared for local control, progression-free survival,
      overall survival, and functional outcome. RESULTS: Local control rates at 2 years
      were 71% after 30 Gy and 92% after higher doses (p=0.012). Two-year progression
      free survival rates were 68% and 90%, respectively (p=0.013). Two-year overall
      survival rates were 53% and 68%, respectively (p=0.032). Results maintained
      significance in the multivariate analyses (Cox proportional hazards model;
      stratified model) with respect to local control (p=0.011; p=0.012), progression
      free survival (p=0.010; p=0.018), and overall survival (p=0.014; p=0.015).
      Functional outcome was similar in both groups. Motor function improved in 40% of
      patients after 30 Gy and 41% after higher doses (p=0.98). CONCLUSION: Escalation
      of the radiation dose beyond 30 Gy resulted in significantly better local
      control, progression-free survival, and overall survival in patients with
      favorable survival prognoses.

PMID- 22037655
TI  - Dysphagia. Impact on quality of life after radio(chemo)therapy of head and neck
      cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the past, xerostomia was considered one of the most important
      determining factors of quality of life (QoL) after radiotherapy (RT) of the head
      and neck region. In addition, more recent studies have shown that RT-induced
      dysphagia has an essential influence on the QoL. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between
      September 2005 and August 2007, 35 patients with locally advanced squamous cell
      carcinoma of the head and neck region were included in the prospective study.
      Patients were treated by IMAT (intensity-modulated arc therapy) or IMRT
      (intensity-modulated radiotherapy) planned on 3D imaging. A total of 28 patients
      (80%) received concomitant chemotherapy. The evaluation of QoL (EORTC QLQ-C30,
      H&N C-35) and toxicities (CTC 2.0) were assessed at the beginning of, during, and
      after RT as well as up to 12 months after the end of therapy. RESULTS: At the end
      of therapy, 86% of the patients experienced difficulties in swallowing (62% CTC
      II-III degrees ). Twelve months after the end of treatment, 15% still suffered
      from dysphagia CTC II-III degrees . Concomitant chemotherapy exacerbated the
      incidence and gravity of dysphagia, resulting in increasing dietary problems. QoL
      (EORTC) was significantly affected by dysphagia. In particular, the global state
      of health and QoL were influenced at the end of treatment (p=0.033) and at a
      later stage (p=0.050). CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest that more
      emphasis should be placed on structured clinical diagnostics, therapy, and
      rehabilitation of deglutition problems. This means in particular to not only
      spare the parotids while planning the irradiation, but also to take into
      consideration the important structures for deglutition, like the retropharyngeal
      muscles.

PMID- 22037656
TI  - Imaging of female pelvic malignancies regarding MRI, CT, and PET/CT: Part 2.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compose diagnostic standard operating procedures for both clinical
      and imaging assessment for vulvar and vaginal cancer, for vaginal sarcoma, and
      for ovarian cancer. METHODS: The literature was reviewed for diagnosing the above
      mentioned malignancies in the female pelvis. Special focus herein lies in tumor
      representation in MRI, followed by the evaluation of CT and PET/CT for this
      topic. CONCLUSION: MRI is a useful additional diagnostic complement but by no
      means replaces established methods of gynecologic diagnostics and ultrasound. In
      fact, MRI is only implemented in the guidelines for vulvar cancer. According to
      the current literature, CT is still the cross-sectional imaging modality of
      choice for evaluating ovarian cancer. PET/CT appears to have advantages for
      staging and follow-up in sarcomas and cancers of the ovaries.

PMID- 22037657
TI  - Letter to the Editor on: A. Siegmann et al. Dose escalation for patients with
      decreasing PSA during radiotherapy for elevated PSA after radical prostatectomy
      improves biochemical progression-free survival. Results of a retrospective study.
      In: Strahlenther Onkol 2011;187:467-72 (No. 8) (DOI 10.1007/s00066-011-2229-3).
      P. Ghadjar, D. Zwahlen, D.M. Aebersold: Selection bias is not a good reason for
      dose intensification in patients with PSA recurrence after radical prostatectomy.

PMID- 22037658
TI  - Pancreatic adenocarcinoma with multiple eosinophilic extracellular deposits
      consistent with noncalcified psammoma bodies.

PMID- 22037659
TI  - In situ high pressure study of ZIF-8 by FTIR spectroscopy.
AB  - ZIF-8 as a promising storage material was investigated at high pressures up to
      ~39 GPa by in situ FTIR spectroscopy for the first time. Structural modifications
      are found to be reversible in a low-pressure region but irreversible in a high
      pressure region. Overall, the ZIF-8 framework exhibits an unusual chemical
      stability even under extreme compression.

PMID- 22037660
TI  - Characterization of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) in rainwater
      using fluorescence spectrophotometry.
AB  - The fluorescence excitation-emission matrix of Chromophoric dissolved organic
      matter (CDOM) samples from rainwater collected at Rameswaram, Tamilnadu, India
      are analysed. Total five peaks were observed for humic/marine and protein likes
      substances respectively. The peak A and C intensities varies form 1.98 +/- 0.28
      and 0.97 +/- 0.11 QSU respectively represents humic like substances. The peak B
      and T intensities varies from 3.94 +/- 0.75 and 7.42 +/- 1.43 QSU showed
      association of protein like substances whereas peak M intensities varies from
      1.92 +/- 0.37 QSU indicates marine contribution. Among the fluorophores, the
      following sequence were observed as T > B > A > M > C which indicates dominance
      of Tryptophan like substances in rainwater. The average peak T/C ratios was
      observed as 7.88 +/- 2.2 indicates microbial contamination by Tryptophan-like
      substances with the high biological activity and low volatility.

PMID- 22037661
TI  - Trace elements in tissues of wild carnivores and omnivores in Croatia.
AB  - The differences in metal exposure (As, Cd, Cu, Pb and Hg) in the muscle, liver
      and kidney tissues of brown bears (Ursus arctos), grey wolfs (Canis lupus),
      Eurasian lynxs (Lynx lynx), Eurasian badgers (Meles meles) and pine martens
      (Martes martes) from Croatia were observed. The highest mean Cd levels were found
      in kidney and liver of Eurasian badger (3.05 and 0.537 mg/kg). The highest Cu
      concentrations (mg/kg) measured in liver tissue were obtained in order: Eurasian
      badger (15.2) > brown bear (12.1) > pine marten (10.3) > Eurasian lynx (8.43) >
      grey wolf (6.44). Result presented that Eurasian badger accumulated the highest
      levels of elements: As, Cu and Pb in muscle; As, Cd, Cu and Pb in liver; Cd and
      Pb in kidney. Kidney of pine marten accumulated the highest concentrations of As,
      Cu and Hg. Omnivorous species observed present an important bioindicator for the
      accumulation of toxic elements indicating an enhanced vulnerability for response
      to ecological changes in forested terrain. Generally, element concentrations
      found in five species observed were lower in comparison to levels reported in
      previous studies and below levels related to toxicosis in mammals.

PMID- 22037662
TI  - Selective and non-selective intrauterine growth restriction in twin pregnancies:
      high-risk factors and perinatal outcome.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the high-risk factors and perinatal outcome in selective
      intrauterine growth restriction (sIUGR) and non-selective IUGR (non-sIUGR) in
      twins. METHODS: In total, 336 pairs of twins were enrolled from December 2003 to
      2009. According to the birth weight, 295 pairs of twins were divided into sIUGR,
      non-sIUGR and normal growth groups. Maternal characteristics, complications,
      chorionicity, zygosity and perinatal outcomes were analyzed among the three
      groups. RESULTS: The overall IUGR incidence (including sIUGR and non-sIUGR) in
      twin pregnancies was 23.2%. The sIUGR incidence was ten times greater than that
      of non-sIUGR. Monochorionicity and monozygosity were risk factors for overall
      IUGR, especially for the sIUGR (P < 0.01). Pre-eclampsia was more common in sIUGR
      than in the normal growth group (P < 0.05). Both the sIUGR and non-sIUGR groups
      had more intrauterine fetal death and neonatal death than the normal growth group
      (P < 0.01). The sIUGR group had more brain injury than the normal growth group (P
      < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Monochorionicity, monozygosity, pre-eclampsia were high-risk
      factors for IUGR in twins. Perinatal death was more prevalent in the non-sIUGR
      group, and neonatal brain damage was more prevalent in the sIUGR group.

PMID- 22037663
TI  - DNA in a modern world.

PMID- 22037664
TI  - Virtual intergovernmental linkage through the Environmental Information Exchange
      Network.
AB  - Over the past decade the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the
      states have partnered in developing a web-based information sharing initiative
      that provides state environmental agencies easy access to federal environmental
      monitoring data and to the environmental data of other states, and gives the EPA
      access to data from state sources. The Environmental Information Exchange Network
      (EIEN) has established basic data exchange nodes in each of the states. Using
      multiple regression analysis we investigate the factors that account for the
      number and development stage of the data exchanges in which the states
      participate as of 2009. Overall, we find that administrative factors, especially
      the EPA's grant program, are more important than political or environmental
      conditions. Participation in the exchanges is important not only as a way to
      reduce costs for data reporting and communication, but also as a precursor to
      greater eventual interstate environmental collaboration. Though clear evidence of
      a transition to collaboration is not yet seen here, there are some indications it
      may emerge in time.

PMID- 22037665
TI  - Effects of intravenous iron saccharate on improving severe anemia in rheumatoid
      arthritis patients.
AB  - Anemia in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is multifactorial. Iron deficiency, either
      definite or relative (defect in iron utilization), exists in RA patients with
      anemia. Intravenous iron therapy is indicated in severe and symptomatic cases or
      those with conditions precluding use of oral iron, but its safety and long-term
      efficacy have not been well-established. Forty severe anemic (hemoglobin < 9
      g/dL) RA patients with or without demonstrable bone marrow iron stain were
      enrolled in this study. Fractionated administration of intravenous iron
      saccharate was undertaken and the median follow-up time was 1 year. All patients
      exhibited significant elevations of hemoglobin 3 months after treatment, which
      were more pronounced in the nonstainable iron marrow subjects {median
      (interquartile range): 3.8 (2.9-4.8) g/dL versus 2.9 (2.0-3.0) g/dL, p < 0.01}.
      Thereafter, hemoglobin remained at a plateau level that lasted during the
      observation period. Throughout the whole course, none of the cases exhibited side
      effects or flare up of disease activities. The use of intravenous iron
      saccharate, preferably administrated in a fractionated way, is effective in the
      correction of severe anemia in RA patients, especially those with nonstainable
      iron marrow.

PMID- 22037666
TI  - Molecular characterization and tandem mass spectrometry of the lectin extracted
      from the seeds of Dioclea sclerocarpa Ducke.
AB  - Lectin from the seeds of Dioclea sclerocarpa (DSL) was purified in a single step
      by affinity chromatography on a Sephadex G-50 column. The primary sequence, as
      determined by tandem mass spectrometry, revealed a protein with 237 amino acids
      and 81% of identity with ConA. DSL has a molecular mass of 25,606 Da. The beta
      and gamma chains weigh 12,873 Da and 12,752 Da, respectively. DSL hemagglutinated
      rabbit erythrocytes (both native and treated with proteolytic enzymes), showing
      stability even after one hour of exposure to a specific pH range. The
      hemagglutinating activity of DSL was optimal between pH 6.0 and 8.0, but was
      inhibited after incubation with D-galactose and D-glucose. The pure protein
      possesses a molecular mass of 25 kDa by SDS-PAGE and 25,606 Da by mass
      spectrometry. The secondary structure content was estimated using the software
      SELCON3. The results indicate that b-sheet secondary structures are predominant
      in DSL (approximately 42.3% antiparallel b-sheet and 6.7% parallel b-sheet). In
      addition to the b-sheet, the predicted secondary structure of DSL features 4.1% a
      helices, 15.8% turns and 31.3% other contributions. Upon thermal denaturation,
      evaluated by measuring changes in ellipticity at 218 nm induced by a temperature
      increase from 20  degrees C to 98  degrees C, DSL displayed cooperative sigmoidal
      behavior with transition midpoint at 84  degrees C and permitted the observation
      of two-state model (native and denatured).

PMID- 22037667
TI  - Phytoceramide shows neuroprotection and ameliorates scopolamine-induced memory
      impairment.
AB  - The function and the role phytoceramide (PCER) and phytosphingosine (PSO) in the
      central nervous system has not been well studied. This study was aimed at
      investigating the possible roles of PCER and PSO in glutamate-induced
      neurotoxicity in cultured neuronal cells and memory function in mice.
      Phytoceramide showed neuro-protective activity in the glutamate-induced toxicity
      in cultured cortical neuronal cells. Neither phytosphingosine nor
      tetraacetylphytosphingosine (TAPS) showed neuroproective effects in neuronal
      cells. PCER (50 mg/kg, p.o.) recovered the scopolamine-induced reduction in step
      through latency in the passive avoidance test; however, PSO did not modulate
      memory function on this task. The ameliorating effects of PCER on spatial memory
      were confirmed by the Morris water maze test. In conclusion, through behavioral
      and neurochemical experimental results, it was demonstrated that central
      administration of PCER produces amelioration of memory impairment. These results
      suggest that PCER plays an important role in neuroprotection and memory
      enhancement and PCER could be a potential new therapeutic agent for the treatment
      of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease.

PMID- 22037668
TI  - Retrieving microcatheters from Onyx casts in a series of brain arteriovenous
      malformations: a technical report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: To date, the "monorail snare technique" for the retrieval of
      entombed microcatheter tips during Onyx(TM) (ev3, Irvine, CA) embolisation of
      brain arteriovenous malformations (BAVM) has not been described. We report our
      experiences and some technical aspects in using this technique for the retrieval
      of entombed Marathon(TM) microcatheter (ev3, Plymouth, MN) tips during Onyx
      embolisation of BAVM treatment. METHODS: Onyx was used in the embolisation of 11
      patients using 25 feeders over 14 sessions. The 'monorail snare technique' was
      employed for 14 feeders. Each time, an Amplatz 4 mm Gooseneck Microsnare(TM)
      (ev3, Plymouth, MN) was loaded into an Excelsior 1018(TM) microcatheter (Boston
      Scientific, Natick, MA). The Marathon microcatheter was cut just distal to the
      hub, and the Amplatz/Excelsior combination was introduced along the length of the
      Marathon microcatheter towards its distal end, as far as possible. The embedded
      catheter was ensnared and both catheters were pulled free. RESULTS: Microcatheter
      tip removal was successful in all cases, except for one microcatheter tip
      becoming detached and needing no further intervention. There were no
      complications as a direct result of the snare technique. CONCLUSIONS: The
      monorail snare technique is a safe and easy technique for retrieving Onyx-encased
      microcatheter tips in the treatment of BAVM.

PMID- 22037669
TI  - Stone handling behavior in rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta), a behavioral
      propensity for solitary object play shared with Japanese macaques.
AB  - Stone handling (SH) behavior was systematically studied in a captive troop of
      rhesus macaques housed at the Primate Research Institute of Kyoto University, and
      compared with the results of long-term studies of this behavior in Japanese
      macaques, to evaluate the similarities of SH behavior in these two closely
      related species. Similar to Japanese macaques, rhesus macaques showed age-related
      differences in SH. Young animals were more active and displayed more SH patterns
      and bouts than did adults. Furthermore, the young displayed SH at a higher
      frequency and their bouts were of a shorter duration, compared to adults. Young
      adults were more active and displayed more patterns than did older adults. On the
      other hand, older adults were more conservative and displayed fewer patterns, and
      engaged in them for longer durations. All individuals displayed SH more
      frequently in relaxed environmental and social conditions. While lacking an
      apparent immediate adaptive value, practice of the behavior has been proposed to
      have long-term functional value for neural and cognitive development in the young
      and for the maintenance or repair of neuro-pathways in aging macaques that
      habitually perform the behavior. The results presented here are consistent with
      what we know about Japanese macaque SH. Given the uniformity of SH behavioral
      parameters and these two macaque species' close phylogenetic relatedness, we
      propose that a similar functional and adaptive value for SH can be inferred for
      rhesus macaques.

PMID- 22037670
TI  - Fate of the teratogenic and carcinogenic ochratoxin A in human perfused placenta.
AB  - Ochratoxin A (OTA) is one of the most frequent mycotoxins detected in human blood
      worldwide. Apart from its well known nephrotoxicity, OTA-induced teratogenicity
      and carcinogenicity proven in animals are potential effects also in humans.
      Pregnant women have been exposed to this food contaminant via dietary exposure in
      a continuous and widespread manner. Although the transplacental transfer of OTA
      has been demonstrated in laboratory animals and the presence of OTA in human
      fetal samples has been reported, little is known about the role of human placenta
      in OTA toxicokinetics. In this study, human perfused placenta was used to reveal
      the actual placental toxicokinetics of OTA using concentrations found in serum of
      pregnant women. Moreover, the effect of protein concentration and biological
      significance of placental transporters on the OTA transfer in human placenta were
      also determined. Our study is the first to pursue the transfer of OTA through
      perfused human placenta. The transfer of OTA through term human placenta was
      barely detectable in all perfusions. Inhibitors of neither ABCG2 nor ABCC2
      increased the transport of OTA to fetal circulation in placental perfusion, and
      thus these transporters apparently do not have biological significance in
      inhibiting transplacental transfer of OTA. Human albumin has inhibited OTA
      transfer through a tight monolayer of BeWo b30 cells. Finding from this study
      clearly contradict the existing epidemiological studies reporting higher OTA
      levels in fetal than in maternal circulation in vivo.

PMID- 22037671
TI  - Optical negative refraction by four-wave mixing in thin metallic nanostructures.
AB  - The law of refraction first derived by Snellius and later introduced as the
      Huygens-Fermat principle, states that the incidence and refracted angles of a
      light wave at the interface of two different materials are related to the ratio
      of the refractive indices in each medium. Whereas all natural materials have a
      positive refractive index and therefore exhibit refraction in the positive
      direction, artificially engineered negative index metamaterials have been shown
      capable of bending light waves negatively. Such a negative refractive index is
      the key to achieving a perfect lens that is capable of imaging well below the
      diffraction limit. However, negative index metamaterials are typically lossy,
      narrow band, and require complicated fabrication processes. Recently, an
      alternative approach to obtain negative refraction from a very thin nonlinear
      film has been proposed and experimentally demonstrated in the microwave region.
      However, such approaches use phase conjugation, which makes optical
      implementations difficult. Here, we report a simple but different scheme to
      demonstrate experimentally nonlinear negative refraction at optical frequencies
      using four-wave mixing in nanostructured metal films. The refractive index can be
      designed at will by simply tuning the wavelengths of the interacting waves, which
      could have potential impact on many important applications, such as superlens
      imaging.

PMID- 22037672
TI  - Treatment of pediatric urolithiasis: how small is "small enough"?

PMID- 22037673
TI  - MRI driven magnetic microswimmers.
AB  - Capsule endoscopy is a promising technique for diagnosing diseases in the
      digestive system. Here we design and characterize a miniature swimming mechanism
      that uses the magnetic fields of the MRI for both propulsion and wireless
      powering of the capsule. Our method uses both the static and the radio frequency
      (RF) magnetic fields inherently available in MRI to generate a propulsive force.
      Our study focuses on the evaluation of the propulsive force for different
      swimming tails and experimental estimation of the parameters that influence its
      magnitude. We have found that an approximately 20 mm long, 5 mm wide swimming
      tail is capable of producing 0.21 mN propulsive force in water when driven by a
      20 Hz signal providing 0.85 mW power and the tail located within the homogeneous
      field of a 3 T MRI scanner. We also analyze the parallel operation of the
      swimming mechanism and the scanner imaging. We characterize the size of artifacts
      caused by the propulsion system. We show that while the magnetic micro swimmer is
      propelling the capsule endoscope, the operator can locate the capsule on the
      image of an interventional scene without being obscured by significant artifacts.
      Although this swimming method does not scale down favorably, the high magnetic
      field of the MRI allows self propulsion speed on the order of several millimeter
      per second and can propel an endoscopic capsule in the stomach.

PMID- 22037674
TI  - Hydrophilic interaction and reversed-phase ultraperformance liquid chromatography
      TOF-MS for serum metabonomic analysis of myocardial infarction in rats and its
      applications.
AB  - An ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry-based
      metabonomic approach, which utilizes both reversed-performance (RP)
      chromatography and hydrophilic interaction chromatography (HILIC) separations,
      has been developed to characterize the global serum metabolic profile associated
      with myocardial infarction (MI). The HILIC was found necessary for a
      comprehensive serum metabonomic profiling, providing complementary information to
      RP chromatography. By combining with partial least squares discriminant analysis,
      21 potential biomarkers in rat serum were identified. To further elucidate the
      pathophysiology of MI, related metabolic pathways have been studied. It was found
      that MI was closely related to disturbed sphingolipid metabolism, phospholipid
      catabolism, fatty acid transportation and metabolism, tryptophan metabolism,
      branched-chain amino acids metabolism, phenylalanine metabolism, and arginine and
      proline metabolism. With the presented metabonomic method, we systematically
      analyzed the therapeutic effects of Traditional Chinese Medicine Sini decoction
      (SND). The results demonstrated that SND administration could provide
      satisfactory effects on MI through partially regulating the perturbed metabolic
      pathways.

PMID- 22037675
TI  - The functional relationship between ectodermal and mesodermal segmentation in the
      crustacean, Parhyale hawaiensis.
AB  - In arthropods, annelids and chordates, segmentation of the body axis encompasses
      both ectodermal and mesodermal derivatives. In vertebrates, trunk mesoderm
      segments autonomously and induces segmental arrangement of the ectoderm-derived
      nervous system. In contrast, in the arthropod Drosophila melanogaster, the
      ectoderm segments autonomously and mesoderm segmentation is at least partially
      dependent on the ectoderm. While segmentation has been proposed to be a feature
      of the common ancestor of vertebrates and arthropods, considering vertebrates and
      Drosophila alone, it is impossible to conclude whether the ancestral primary
      segmented tissue was the ectoderm or the mesoderm. Furthermore, much of
      Drosophila segmentation occurs before gastrulation and thus may not accurately
      represent the mechanisms of segmentation in all arthropods. To better understand
      the relationship between segmented germ layers in arthropods, we asked whether
      segmentation is an intrinsic property of the ectoderm and/or the mesoderm in the
      crustacean Parhyale hawaiensis by ablating either the ectoderm or the mesoderm
      and then assaying for segmentation in the remaining tissue layer. We found that
      the ectoderm segments autonomously. However, mesoderm segmentation requires at
      least a permissive signal from the ectoderm. Although mesodermal stem cells
      undergo normal rounds of division in the absence of ectoderm, they do not migrate
      properly in respect to migration direction and distance. In addition, their
      progeny neither divide nor express the mesoderm segmentation markers Ph-twist and
      Ph-Even-skipped. As segmentation is ectoderm-dependent in both Parhyale and
      holometabola insects, we hypothesize that segmentation is primarily a property of
      the ectoderm in pancrustacea.

PMID- 22037677
TI  - Shot sequencing based on biological equivalent dose considerations for multiple
      isocenter Gamma Knife radiosurgery.
AB  - Rapid delivery of multiple shots or isocenters is one of the hallmarks of Gamma
      Knife radiosurgery. In this study, we investigated whether the temporal order of
      shots delivered with Gamma Knife Perfexion would significantly influence the
      biological equivalent dose for complex multi-isocenter treatments. Twenty single
      target cases were selected for analysis. For each case, 3D dose matrices of
      individual shots were extracted and single-fraction equivalent uniform dose
      (sEUD) values were determined for all possible shot delivery sequences,
      corresponding to different patterns of temporal dose delivery within the target.
      We found significant variations in the sEUD values among these sequences
      exceeding 15% for certain cases. However, the sequences for the actual treatment
      delivery were found to agree (<3%) and to correlate (R2 = 0.98) excellently with
      the sequences yielding the maximum sEUD values for all studied cases. This result
      is applicable for both fast and slow growing tumors with alpha/beta values of 2
      to 20 according to the linear-quadratic model. In conclusion, despite large
      potential variations in different shot sequences for multi-isocenter Gamma Knife
      treatments, current clinical delivery sequences exhibited consistent biological
      target dosing that approached that maximally achievable for all studied cases.

PMID- 22037676
TI  - Intramuscular adipose is derived from a non-Pax3 lineage and required for
      efficient regeneration of skeletal muscles.
AB  - Ectopic accumulation of adipose in the skeletal muscle is associated with muscle
      wasting, insulin resistance and diabetes. However, the developmental origin of
      postnatal intramuscular adipose and its interaction with muscle tissue are
      unclear. We report here that compared to the fast EDL muscles, slow SOL muscles
      are more enriched with adipogenic progenitors and have higher propensity to form
      adipose. Using Cre/LoxP mediated lineage tracing in mice, we show that
      intramuscular adipose in both EDL and SOL muscles is exclusively derived from a
      Pax3(-) non-myogenic lineage. In contrast, inter-scapular brown adipose is
      derived from the Pax3(+) lineage. To dissect the interaction between adipose and
      skeletal muscle tissues, we used Myf5-Cre and aP2-Cre mice in combination with
      ROSA26-iDTR mice to genetically ablate myogenic and adipogenic cell lineages,
      respectively. Whereas ablation of the myogenic cell lineage facilitated
      adipogenic differentiation, ablation of the adipogenic cell lineage surprisingly
      impaired the regeneration of acutely injured skeletal muscles. These results
      reveal striking heterogeneity of tissue-specific adipose and a previously
      unappreciated role of intramuscular adipose in skeletal muscle regeneration.

PMID- 22037678
TI  - Accumulation of chromium and lead in bryophytes and pteridophytes in a stream
      affected by tannery wastewater.
AB  - The concentrations of Cr and Pb were determined in bryophytes and pteridophytes
      sampled in a stream near a tannery in Guarapuava, southern Brazil. The
      concentrations of Cr and Pb were measured by cathodic and anodic voltammetry,
      respectively. These plants were used to evaluate the spatial distribution of
      elements in the examined stream, and contained elevated levels of Cr (0.71-24.07
      MUg/g) and Pb (4.33-24.20 MUg/g). Chromium levels in plants near the tannery
      greatly exceeded background levels, indicating a severe to extreme degree of
      contamination with this metal. Lead levels were elevated to a lesser degree,
      indicating slight to moderate contamination for most plants collected near the
      tannery.

PMID- 22037679
TI  - Isomeric Fe(II) MOFs: from a diamond-framework spin-crossover material to a 2D
      hard magnet.
AB  - Two Fe(II) coordination polymers formed from isomeric ligands give a diamond-like
      3D network exhibiting a gradual SCO and a 2D hard magnet with a large coercive
      field.

PMID- 22037680
TI  - Local and remote cellular responses following a surgical lesion in the Cebus
      apella cerebral cortex.
AB  - Distribution of bromodeoxyuridine immunoreactive (BrdU-IR) cell nuclei was
      analyzed at proximal and remote cortical sites in adult Cebus apella monkeys
      after a programmed surgical lesion placed either in the prefrontal or in the
      striate cerebral cortex. Increased GFAP-IR and vimentin-IR astrocytes, as well as
      IsolectinB4 labeled microglial cells, were observed both at lesional and
      perilesional areas. After injury at either location, the BrdU nuclear
      incorporation spread to supragranular layers in remote cortical areas
      functionally related to the injured cortex, probably due to involvement of
      degenerated cortico-cortical association fibers. Double labeling with Ki-67
      suggested that remote BrdU-IR nuclei belong to proliferating cells, but the cell
      type remains to be determined, since these nuclei did not correspond to NeuN,
      MAP2, GFAP, Vimentin and isolectinB4 labeled cells. This remote effect should be
      incorporated to current clinical and experimental appraisal of cortical lesions.

PMID- 22037681
TI  - An integrated air quality forecast system for a metropolitan area.
AB  - Air quality forecasting is an important issue in environmental research, due to
      the effects that air pollutants have on population health. To deal with this
      topic, in this work an integrated modelling system has been developed to forecast
      daily maximum eight hours ozone concentrations and daily mean PM10
      concentrations, up to two days in advance, over an urban area. The presented
      approach involves two steps. In the first step, artificial neural networks are
      identified and applied to get point-wise forecasting. In the second step, the
      forecasts obtained at the monitoring station locations are spatially interpolated
      all over the domain using the cokriging technique, which allows to improve the
      spatial interpolation in the absence of densely sampled data. The integrated
      modelling system has been then applied to a case study over Northern Italy,
      performing a validation over space and time for the year 2004 and analyzing if
      the limit values for the protection of human health set by the European
      Commission are respected. The presented approach represents a fast and reliable
      way to provide decision makers and the general public with air quality
      forecasting, and to support prevention and precautionary measures.

PMID- 22037682
TI  - A review of the problematic adhesion prophylaxis in gynaecological surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adhesions lead to considerable patient morbidity and are a mounting
      burden on surgeons and the health care system alike. Although adhesion formation
      is the most frequent complication in abdominal and pelvic surgery, many surgeons
      are still not aware of the extent of the problem. To provide the best care for
      their patients, surgeons should consistently inform themselves of anti-adhesion
      strategies and include these methods in their daily routine. METHODS: Searches
      were conducted in PubMed and The Cochrane Library to identify relevant
      literature. FINDINGS: Various complications are associated with adhesion
      formation, including small bowel obstruction, infertility and chronic pelvic
      pain. Increasingly, an understanding of adhesion formation as a complex process
      influenced by many different factors has led to various conceivable anti-adhesion
      strategies. At present, a number of different anti-adhesion agents are available.
      Although some agents have proved effective in reducing adhesion formation in
      randomised controlled trials, none of them can completely prevent adhesion
      formation. CONCLUSION: To fulfil our duty to provide best possible care for our
      patients, it is now time to regard adhesions as the most common complication in
      surgery. Further research is needed to fully understand adhesion formation and to
      develop new strategies for adhesion prevention. Large clinical efficacy trials of
      anti-adhesion agents will make it easier for surgeons to decide which agent to
      use in daily routine.

PMID- 22037683
TI  - Placental alpha microglobulin-1 (AmniSure((r)) test) for detection of premature
      rupture of fetal membranes.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to detect the accuracy of the placental alpha
      microglobulin-1 (PAMG-1) (AmniSure((r)) test) to diagnose premature rupture of
      the fetal membranes (PROM). STUDY DESIGN: This comparative prospective study was
      carried out over 2 years in Al-Rashid Maternity Hospital, Kuwait from January
      2006 till January 2008. PATIENTS AND METHODS: One hundred and fifty (150)
      pregnant women after 37 weeks gestation were included in this study for induction
      of labor and divided into two groups according to the presence or absence of
      PROM; 75 patients with PROM were included in group I and 75 patients without PROM
      were included in group II as controls. Patients with multiple pregnancies or
      fetal distress or vaginal bleeding or preterm labor or chorioamnionitis were
      excluded from this study. Trans-abdominal ultrasound was done to detect the
      gestational age and the amniotic fluid index (AFI <=5 cm in PROM) followed by
      sterile speculum examination to detect amniotic fluid pooling from the cervical
      canal and for the collection of samples. RESULTS: In this study, the sensitivity
      and the specificity of PAMG-1 to diagnose PROM were 97.33 and 98.67%,
      respectively, compared with 84% sensitivity and 78.67% specificity for Ferning
      test and 86.67% sensitivity and 81.33% specificity for Nitrazine test. The
      positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of PAMG-1
      were 98.64 and 97.37%, respectively, compared with 79.74% PPV and 83.1% NPV for
      Ferning test and 82.28% PPV and 85.91% NPV for Nitrazine test. PAMG-1 was
      accurate (98%) for detection of PROM than Ferning (81.33%) or Nitrazine (84.0%)
      tests. CONCLUSION: Detection of the PAMG-1 in the vaginal fluid using
      AmniSure((r)) test is an accurate method to diagnose rupture of the fetal
      membranes, with high sensitivity, specificity, negative and positive predictive
      values.

PMID- 22037684
TI  - First report of reproductive assistance in a woman affected by May-Hegglin
      anomaly.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report the first case of fertility treatment in a patient with May
      Hegglin anomaly, a rare hematological disorder inherited as an autosomal dominant
      trait. METHOD: We present a case report of a 40-year-old nulliparous patient with
      May-Hegglin anomaly who underwent her first ICSI cycle with transfer of three
      fresh embryos. RESULTS: Prophylactic platelet transfusion obtained by single
      donor apheresis was performed 1 h before the oocyte pick up. No complications
      were reported. No pregnancy was obtained. CONCLUSIONS: We report about the
      possibility to assist women affected by May-Hegglin anomaly requiring
      reproductive assistance. However, a multidisciplinary team composed of
      gynecologists and hematologists should follow such patients carefully, in order
      to carry out a complete clinical evaluation and to prevent the potential risks of
      bleeding. Clinicians must be vigilant in their presentation of risks, benefits,
      and alternatives.

PMID- 22037685
TI  - Antiproliferative activity of lignans against the breast carcinoma cell lines MCF
      7 and BT 20.
AB  - PURPOSE: Phytoestrogens are plant-derived, non-steroidal phytochemicals with
      anticarcinogenic potential. The major structural classes are the isoflavones and
      lignans. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of the plant-derived
      lignans secoisolariciresinol and matairesinol with the human lignans enterodiol
      and enterolactone as well as with 17beta estradiol and tamoxifen on cell
      proliferation of breast carcinoma cell lines. METHODS: The influence of the
      lignans, 17beta estradiol and tamoxifen on cell proliferation was determined
      using the BrdU test in MCF 7 and BT 20 cell lines. RESULTS: Enterodiol and
      enterolactone induced a stronger inhibition of cell growth in MCF 7 and BT 20
      cells than secoisolariciresinol and matairesinol. The inhibition effects were
      less expressed in the BT 20 than in the MCF 7 cells. CONCLUSIONS: The human
      lignans enterodiol and enterolactone are more biologically active than their
      precursors secoisolariciresinol and matairesinol, and may be defined as the real
      drugs in cancer prevention.

PMID- 22037686
TI  - Skin closure with subcuticular absorbable staples after cesarean section is
      associated with decreased analgesic use.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine if skin closure with subcuticular absorbable staples at the
      time of cesarean section is associated with decreased in-hospital analgesic use
      compared to skin closure with surgical steel staples. METHODS: A retrospective
      cohort study was performed between 1 January 2005 and 31 December 2008 comparing
      in-hospital analgesic use after cesarean section between patients ,who underwent
      skin closure with surgical steel staples and subcuticular absorbable polyglycolic
      acid staples. RESULTS: Eighty-nine subjects were included in the absorbable
      staple cohort and 95 were included in the steel staple group. There was a 1.5
      fold decrease in ketorolac use (p < 0.0001) and a trend toward decreased
      ibuprofen use in the absorbable staple cohort (p = 0.06). There was no difference
      in hydrocodone/acetaminophen use between groups (p = 0.89). CONCLUSIONS: Our
      results suggest that the use of subcuticular absorbable staples for skin closure
      at the time of cesarean section may lead to less in-hospital analgesic use, and
      thereby positively impact a patient's post-operative course. In addition, while
      reduced analgesic use may represent a small cost savings for each individual
      patient, there is the potential for significant savings when one considers the
      large number of cesarean sections performed in the US annually. Prospective
      studies will be required to assess the full impact of the use of this new skin
      closure technology.

PMID- 22037687
TI  - Distinct but overlapping neural networks subserve depression and insecure
      attachment.
AB  - Insecure attachment has been linked to depression and to outcome in
      psychotherapy. The neural mechanisms subserving the relationship between
      attachment security and depression are not well understood. We have developed a
      method to examine attachment-related brain activity in depression. Twenty-eight
      women, half depressed, viewed images of their mother, a female friend, and female
      strangers during fMRI scanning. The effects of depression and insecure attachment
      were determined with whole-brain multiple linear regression of blood-oxygen-level
      dependent response against subjects' Beck Depression Inventory and Adult
      Attachment Interview (AAI) coherence of mind scores. Interaction effects were
      analyzed with ANOVA. Activity associated with depression and with insecure
      attachment was found in the cortico-striato-thalamic circuits of affect
      regulation. For early attachment (mother-friend contrast), depression scores
      correlated with activation of cortical and sub-cortical components of these
      circuits, while attachment insecurity correlated with sub-cortical activity in
      the same circuitry. Depression and attachment insecurity correlated with both
      cortical and sub-cortical activities for mother-stranger, and areas of overlap
      and of enhancing interactions between depression and insecure attachment were
      found. For late attachment (friend-stranger contrast), only cortical effects were
      found. Depression and attachment insecurity may be subserved by similar but
      distinct components of affect regulating circuits. Their interactions may explain
      the greater difficulty of treating depression in insecurely attached patients and
      suggest a contributing role for insecure attachment in depression. Further,
      differential sub-cortical vs cortical encoding of early vs late attachment
      suggests a top-down model of late attachment, potentially relevant to
      psychotherapeutic outcome.

PMID- 22037688
TI  - Breakdown in the brain network subserving moral judgment in criminal psychopathy.
AB  - Neuroimaging research has demonstrated the involvement of a well-defined brain
      network in the mediation of moral judgment in normal population, and has
      suggested the inappropriate network use in criminal psychopathy. We used
      functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to prove that alterations in the
      brain network subserving moral judgment in criminal psychopaths are not limited
      to the inadequate network use during moral judgment, but that a primary network
      breakdown would exist with dysfunctional alterations outside moral dilemma
      situations. A total of 22 criminal psychopathic men and 22 control subjects were
      assessed and fMRI maps were generated to identify (i) brain response to moral
      dilemmas, (ii) task-induced deactivation of the network during a conventional
      cognitive task and (iii) the strength of functional connectivity within the
      network during resting-state. The obtained functional brain maps indeed confirmed
      that the network subserving moral judgment is underactive in psychopathic
      individuals during moral dilemma situations, but the data also provided evidence
      of a baseline network alteration outside moral contexts with a functional
      disconnection between emotional and cognitive elements that jointly construct
      moral judgment. The finding may have significant social implications if
      considering psychopathic behavior to be a result of a primary breakdown in basic
      brain systems.

PMID- 22037689
TI  - Oxytocin decreases handgrip force in reaction to infant crying in females without
      harsh parenting experiences.
AB  - Infant crying can elicit sensitive caregiving as well as hostility and harsh
      parenting responses. In the current study (N = 42 females) with a double-blind
      experimental design, we tested the effect of intranasal oxytocin administration
      on the use of excessive force using a hand-grip dynamometer during listening to
      infant cry sounds. Participants' experiences with harsh parental discipline
      during childhood were found to moderate the effect of oxytocin administration on
      the use of excessive force. Participants' whose parents did not discipline them
      harshly used less excessive force in the oxytocin condition, but for participants
      who were disciplined harshly there was no difference between the oxytocin and
      placebo condition. Such effects were not found during listening to infant
      laughter. We conclude that early caregiving experiences constitute an important
      moderator of the prosocial and/or stress-reducing effects of oxytocin. Oxytocin
      administration may increase trust and cooperation in individuals with supportive
      backgrounds, but not generate this effect in individuals who as a consequence of
      unfavorable early caregiving experiences may have a bias toward negative
      interpretation of social cues.

PMID- 22037690
TI  - Duct-to-duct biliary reconstruction during complex hepatectomy: a useful
      technique in selected cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Roux-en-Y anastomosis is the standard of care for biliary
      reconstruction. Yet, a direct bilio-biliary anastomosis preserves the normal
      sphincter mechanism and endoscopic access to the biliary tree for diagnostic and
      therapeutic purposes. Duct-to-duct biliary reconstruction is widely used in liver
      transplantation. The objective of this study was to analyze the feasibility and
      results of duct-to-duct biliary reconstruction in the setting of complex hepatic
      resection with limited biliary confluence involvement. METHODS: We identified
      patients from our prospectively maintained database that underwent major hepatic
      resection and bile duct resection with a concomitant direct duct-to-duct biliary
      anastomosis. Postoperative oncological and functional biliary outcomes were
      analyzed. RESULTS: Ten patients were studied. In 9 cases, a biliary stent was
      left in place to decompress the anastomosis. Two patients developed a biliary
      fistula: one resolved spontaneously and the other required percutaneous drainage
      and an endoscopic biliary stent. This latter patient (the only nonstented
      patient) also developed a biliary stricture that was treated endoscopically. With
      a mean follow-up of 22 months, no other biliary-related complications were
      recorded. No patients had a recurrence at the biliary reconstruction site only.
      In the setting of multifocal hepatic recurrence presenting with jaundice, two
      patients were palliated by interventional endoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: For hepatectomy
      requiring a short resection of the bile duct or for high bile duct injury during
      complex hepatectomy, a tension-free, well-vascularized duct-to-duct
      reconstruction over a stent is a suitable option that offers good oncological
      clearance of the bile duct and satisfactory functional results.

PMID- 22037691
TI  - Accuracy of axillary ultrasound in the diagnosis of nodal metastasis in invasive
      breast cancer: a review.
AB  - Axillary lymph node status is the most important prognostic factor in early-stage
      breast cancer. Sentinel lymph node biopsy is used to determine the need for
      axillary node dissection. This technique incurs cost associated with radio
      isotope administration and use of the operating room. Accordingly, there is a
      need to preoperatively identify patients with nodal metastases who can proceed
      directly to axillary dissection. Axillary ultrasound has increasingly been used
      to determine nodal status prior to surgery. It has been shown to be a sensitive
      and specific modality in the detection of nodal metastases. When combined with
      fine-needle aspiration, the specificity of this modality significantly increases.
      Here we present a current review of the usefulness of preoperative axillary
      ultrasound in early and locally advanced breast cancer patients with and without
      fine-needle aspiration biopsy. Based on this review, we estimate the proportion
      of patients that can be spared a sentinel lymph node biopsy and the concomitant
      benefit of axillary ultrasound in terms of cost.

PMID- 22037692
TI  - Impact of advanced age on outcomes following damage control interventions for
      trauma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Damage control (DC) strategy has significantly contributed to
      mortality reduction in massively bleeding and critically injured trauma victims.
      However, there is a lack of literature validating the effectiveness of this
      approach in the elderly population. METHODS: The trauma registry of a Level I
      trauma center was utilized to identify all severely injured patients [Injury
      Severity Score (ISS) >=16] from January 1996 to December 2007 who underwent
      initial DC procedures. Patients with a head Abbreviated Injury Scale (AIS) >=3
      were excluded from the analysis. Demographics, clinical and physiological
      parameters, and in-hospital outcome measures were compared between elderly (>=55
      years) and younger (<55 years) patient cohorts subjected to DC procedures.
      RESULTS: Overall, 158 patients met the inclusion criteria. Among them, 34
      patients (21.5%) were aged >=55 years (range 55-85 years) and 124 patients
      (78.5%) were <55 years old (range 16-54 years). The overall in-hospital mortality
      rate was 10.1% (n = 16) with a significantly higher mortality rate for elderly
      patients than for younger patients: 29.4% vs. 4.8%; adjusted P = 0.001; adjusted
      odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) 7.09 (2.30-21.74). When
      stratified by DC subgroups, the case-fatality rate was significantly higher for
      the elderly patients who underwent extremity DC procedures [19.2% vs. 3.2%;
      adjusted P = 0.032; adjusted OR with 95% CI 5.95 (1.16-30.30)] and DC laparotomy
      [55.6% vs. 7.1%; P = 0.005; OR and 95% CI 16.25 (2.32-114.06)]. Both cohorts
      required massive transfusion during the initial 24 h of admission (18.9 +/- 2.9
      vs. 15.1 +/- 1.6 units of packed red blood cells; P = 0.290). Nevertheless, there
      were no statistically significant differences between the two groups regarding
      hospital and surgical intensive care unit lengths of stay or major in-hospital
      complications. CONCLUSIONS: The mortality rate for elderly trauma patients
      undergoing DC is excessive at 29%. Despite the significant burden of injury and
      the massive transfusion requirement, most of the elderly patients subjected to DC
      survived and experienced in-hospital morbidity measures comparable to those of
      the younger patients. Our results provide further support for damage control
      intervention in severely injured elderly patients.

PMID- 22037693
TI  - Targeting angiogenesis in gastroesophageal cancer: industry-sponsored trials are
      not the answer.

PMID- 22037694
TI  - Transgenic nematodes as biosensors for metal stress in soil pore water samples.
AB  - Caenorhabditis elegans strains carrying stress-reporter green fluorescent protein
      transgenes were used to explore patterns of response to metals. Multiple stress
      pathways were induced at high doses by most metals tested, including members of
      the heat shock, oxidative stress, metallothionein (mtl) and xenobiotic response
      gene families. A mathematical model (to be published separately) of the gene
      regulatory circuit controlling mtl production predicted that chemically similar
      divalent metals (classic inducers) should show additive effects on mtl gene
      induction, whereas chemically dissimilar metals should show interference. These
      predictions were verified experimentally; thus cadmium and mercury showed
      additive effects, whereas ferric iron (a weak inducer) significantly reduced the
      effect of mercury. We applied a similar battery of tests to diluted samples of
      soil pore water extracted centrifugally after mixing 20% w/w ultrapure water with
      air-dried soil from an abandoned lead/zinc mine in the Murcia region of Spain. In
      addition, metal contents of both soil and soil pore water were determined by ICP
      MS, and simplified mixtures of soluble metal salts were tested at equivalent
      final concentrations. The effects of extracted soil pore water (after tenfold
      dilution) were closely mimicked by mixtures of its principal component ions, and
      even by the single most prevalent contaminant (zinc) alone, though other metals
      modulated its effects both positively and negatively. In general, mixtures
      containing similar (divalent) metal ions exhibited mainly additive effects,
      whereas admixture of dissimilar (e.g. trivalent) ions often resulted in
      interference, reducing overall levels of stress-gene induction. These findings
      were also consistent with model predictions.

PMID- 22037695
TI  - Fundulus heteroclitus adapted to PAHs are cross-resistant to multiple
      insecticides.
AB  - Atlantic killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) from the Atlantic Wood Superfund site
      on the Elizabeth River (ER), VA are dramatically resistant to the acute toxicity
      and teratogenesis caused by polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). To
      understand the consequences of adaptation to chronic PAH pollution, we have
      attempted to further define the chemical tolerance associated with this
      resistance. An important component of the PAH adaptation of ER fish is the
      dramatic down-regulation of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) pathway,
      resulting in decreased cytochrome p450 (CYP) 1 activity. Herein, we compared the
      susceptibility to several insecticides of ER fish to that of reference site
      (King's Creek; KC) fish; use of these chemicals as probes of the resistance will
      help to demonstrate if the contaminant adaptation exhibited by ER fish is broad
      or narrow and AHR-focused. We hypothesized that ER fish would be less susceptible
      to the organophosphate chlorpyrifos (activated by CYP) and more susceptible to
      the pyrethroid permethrin (detoxified by CYP). Comparison of acute toxicity in 5
      day-old larvae supported this hypothesis for chlorpyrifos. As expected, chemical
      up-regulation of CYP by co-exposure to beta-naphthoflavone (BNF) enhanced the
      susceptibility of KC but it did not affect ER larvae. Unexpectedly, ER larvae
      were much less susceptible to permethrin than KC larvae. However, co-exposure to
      BNF greatly decreased the susceptibility of KC larvae, indicating that metabolism
      of permethrin by CYP was protective. Additionally, fish from each population were
      compared for susceptibility to the carbamate carbaryl, an acute neurotoxicant and
      weak AHR agonist that induces teratogenesis similar to that caused by PAHs. ER
      embryos and larvae were less susceptible than KC fish. These results suggest that
      the adaptive phenotype of ER fish is multi-faceted and that aspects other than
      CYP response are likely to greatly affect their response to contaminants.

PMID- 22037696
TI  - Burst firing transitions in two-compartment pyramidal neuron induced by the
      perturbation of membrane capacitance.
AB  - Neuronal membrane capacitance C (m) is one of the prominent factors in action
      potential initiation and propagation and then influences the firing patterns of
      neurons. Exploring the roles that C (m) plays in different firing patterns can
      facilitate the understanding of how different factors might influence neuronal
      firing behaviors. However, the impacts of variations in C (m) on neuronal firing
      patterns have been only partly explored until now. In this study, the influence
      of C (m) on burst firing behaviors of a two-compartment pyramidal neuron
      (including somatic compartment and dendritic compartment) was investigated by
      means of computer simulation, the value of C (m) in each compartment was denoted
      as C (m,s) and C (m,d), respectively. Two cases were considered, in the first
      case, we let C (m,s) =C (m,d), and then changed them simultaneously. While in the
      second case, we assumed C (m,s) ?C (m,d), and then changed them, respectively.
      From the simulation results obtained from these two cases, it was found that the
      variation of C (m) in the somatic compartment and the dendritic compartment show
      much difference, simulated results obtained from the variation of C (m,d) have
      much more similarities than that of C (m,s) when comparing with the results
      obtained in the first case under which C (m,s) =C (m,d). These different effects
      of C (m,s) and C (m,d) on neuronal firing behaviors may result from the different
      topology and functional roles of soma and dendrites. Numerical results
      demonstrated in this paper may give us some inspiration in understanding the
      possible roles of C (m) in burst firing patterns, especially their transitions in
      compartmental neurons.

PMID- 22037697
TI  - Cardiac fibrillation risk of TASER X-26 dart mode application.
AB  - In view of reported fatalities there are still controversial discussions on
      whether electronic stun law enforcement weapons can cause cardiac fibrillation.
      Experimental data are contradictory. Simplified theoretical estimations led to a
      negligible low risk of 8.10(-7). With a detailed numerical-anatomical model of an
      adult man (NORMAN) cardiac exposure to Taser X26 high-tension pulses was
      quantitatively assessed and the fibrillation risk estimated by accounting for its
      dependence on excited volume based on 3D cardiac exposure patterns. For distance
      mode and worst case dart hits it could be demonstrated that cardiac exposure can
      reach the 30% fibrillation risk level. Risk reduces considerably if direct
      current flow across the heart is prevented. The overall fibrillation risk of
      Taser application is further reduced by the limited probability of critical hits.
      However, in agreement with experimental findings it is demonstrated that cardiac
      fibrillation risk of Taser X26 dart mode application is small, however, not
      negligible.

PMID- 22037698
TI  - A chimeric chromosome in the ciliate oxytricha resulting from duplication.
AB  - In a process similar to exon splicing, ciliates use DNA splicing to produce a new
      somatic macronuclear genome from their germline micronuclear genome after sexual
      reproduction. This extra layer of DNA rearrangement permits novel mechanisms to
      create genetic complexity during both evolution and development. Here we describe
      a chimeric macronuclear chromosome in Oxytricha trifallax constructed from two
      smaller macronuclear chromosomes. To determine how the chimera was generated, we
      cloned and sequenced the corresponding germline loci. The chimera derives from a
      novel locus in the micronucleus that arose by partial duplication of the loci for
      the two smaller chromosomes. This suggests that an exon shuffling-like process,
      which we call MDS shuffling, enables ciliates to generate novel genetic material
      and gene products using different combinations of genomic DNA segments.

PMID- 22037699
TI  - Supramolecular hydrogelators of N-terminated dipeptides selectively inhibit
      cancer cells.
AB  - Consisting of N-terminated diphenylalanine, a new type of supramolecular
      hydrogelators forms hydrogels within a narrow pH window (pH 5.0 to 6.0) and
      selectively inhibits growth of HeLa cells, which provides important and useful
      insights for designing molecular nanofibers as potential nanomedicines.

PMID- 22037700
TI  - Activation of cord blood myeloid dendritic cells by Trypanosoma cruzi and
      parasite-specific antibodies, proliferation of CD8+ T cells, and production of
      IFN-gamma.
AB  - We previously reported that Trypanosoma cruzi, the agent of Chagas disease,
      induces in congenitally infected fetuses a strong, adult-like parasite-specific
      CD8(+) T cell response producing IFN-gamma (Hermann et al. in Blood 100:2153
      2158, 2002). This suggests that the parasite is able to overcome the immaturity
      of neonatal antigen presenting cells, an issue which has not been previously
      addressed. We therefore investigated in vitro the ability of T. cruzi to activate
      cord blood DCs and compared its effect to that on adult cells. We show that T.
      cruzi induces phenotypic maturation of cord blood CD11c(+) myeloid DCs (mDCs), by
      enhancing surface expression of CD40, CD80, and CD83, and that parasite-specific
      IgG purified from cord blood of neonates born to T. cruzi-infected mothers
      amplify such expression. CD83, considered as the best marker of mature DCs,
      reaches higher level on cord blood than on adult mDCs. Allo-stimulation
      experiments showed that T. cruzi-activated cord blood mononuclear cells enriched
      in DCs (eDCs) stimulate proliferation of cord blood and adult CD3(+) T cells to a
      similar extent. Of note, T. cruzi-activated eDCs from cord blood trigger more
      potent proliferation of CD8(+) than CD8(-) (mainly CD4(+)) adult T cells, a
      feature not observed with adult eDCs. T cell proliferation is associated with IFN
      gamma release and down-regulation of IL-13 production. These data show that T.
      cruzi potently activates human cord blood mDCs and endows eDCs to trigger CD8(+)
      T cell proliferation and favor type 1 immune response. Interestingly, maternal
      antibodies can strengthen the development of mature DCs that might contribute to
      overcome the immunological immaturity associated with early life.

PMID- 22037701
TI  - Skin conductance for monitoring of acute pain in adult postoperative patients:
      influence of electrode surface area and sampling time.
AB  - Aim of this prospective randomized study was to determine the influence of the
      electrode surface area and sampling time on the accuracy of the number of
      fluctuations in skin conductance per second to distinguish different states of
      acute pain. These methodological issues have been previously suggested as an
      explanation for contradictory data related to the accuracy of the skin
      conductance monitor. A total of 541 pain ratings on a numeric rating scale (0-10)
      were obtained from 120 adult postoperative patients. The number of fluctuations
      in skin conductance per second was recorded using two different electrode types
      (surface area 254 vs. 474 mm(2)) and sampling times (7.5 vs. 30 s). A longer
      sampling time did result in higher values for the number of fluctuations in skin
      conductance per second, though without improving its accuracy to distinguish
      different states of pain. However, the latter was found improved when the smaller
      surface area electrodes were used. A combination of small surface area electrodes
      and a 30 s sampling time resulted in the highest area under the curve in the
      receiver operating curve analysis of the method to identify states of moderate to
      severe pain (numeric rating scale > 3): 0.68 vs. e.g. 0.55 [data from all
      patients combined]). We conclude that the type of electrodes used but only to a
      lesser degree the sampling time influence the accuracy of the number of
      fluctuations in skin conductance per second to identify states of moderate or
      severe postoperative pain.

PMID- 22037702
TI  - Yeast one-hybrid assays for gene-centered human gene regulatory network mapping.
AB  - Gateway-compatible yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) assays provide a convenient gene
      centered (DNA to protein) approach to identify transcription factors that can
      bind a DNA sequence of interest. We present Y1H resources, including clones for
      988 of 1,434 (69%) predicted human transcription factors, that can be used to
      detect both known and new interactions between human DNA regions and
      transcription factors.

PMID- 22037703
TI  - Automated protein-DNA interaction screening of Drosophila regulatory elements.
AB  - Drosophila melanogaster has one of the best characterized metazoan genomes in
      terms of functionally annotated regulatory elements. To explore how these
      elements contribute to gene regulation, we need convenient tools to identify the
      proteins that bind to them. Here we describe the development and validation of a
      high-throughput yeast one-hybrid platform, which enables screening of DNA
      elements versus an array of full-length, sequence-verified clones containing over
      85% of predicted Drosophila transcription factors. Using six well-characterized
      regulatory elements, we identified 33 transcription factor-DNA interactions of
      which 27 were previously unidentified. To simultaneously validate these
      interactions and locate the binding sites of involved transcription factors, we
      implemented a powerful microfluidics-based approach that enabled us to retrieve
      DNA-occupancy data for each transcription factor throughout the respective target
      DNA elements. Finally, we biologically validated several interactions and
      identified two new regulators of sine oculis gene expression and hence eye
      development.

PMID- 22037704
TI  - Visualizing mechanical tension across membrane receptors with a fluorescent
      sensor.
AB  - We report a fluorescence-based turn-on sensor for mapping the mechanical strain
      exerted by specific cell-surface proteins in living cells. The sensor generates
      force maps with high spatial and temporal resolution using conventional
      fluorescence microscopy. We demonstrate the approach by mapping mechanical forces
      during the early stages of regulatory endocytosis of the ligand-activated
      epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR).

PMID- 22037705
TI  - Enhanced yeast one-hybrid assays for high-throughput gene-centered regulatory
      network mapping.
AB  - A major challenge in systems biology is to understand the gene regulatory
      networks that drive development, physiology and pathology. Interactions between
      transcription factors and regulatory genomic regions provide the first level of
      gene control. Gateway-compatible yeast one-hybrid (Y1H) assays present a
      convenient method to identify and characterize the repertoire of transcription
      factors that can bind a DNA sequence of interest. To delineate genome-scale
      regulatory networks, however, large sets of DNA fragments need to be processed at
      high throughput and high coverage. Here we present enhanced Y1H (eY1H) assays
      that use a robotic mating platform with a set of improved Y1H reagents and
      automated readout quantification. We demonstrate that eY1H assays provide
      excellent coverage and identify interacting transcription factors for multiple
      DNA fragments in a short time. eY1H assays will be an important tool for mapping
      gene regulatory networks in Caenorhabditis elegans and other model organisms as
      well as in humans.

PMID- 22037706
TI  - Enhanced Y1H assays for Arabidopsis.
AB  - We present an Arabidopsis thaliana full-length transcription factor resource of
      92% of root stele-expressed transcription factors and 74.5% of root-expressed
      transcription factors. We demonstrate its use with enhanced yeast one-hybrid
      (eY1H) screening for rapid, systematic mapping of plant transcription factor
      promoter interactions. We identified 158 interactions with 13 stele-expressed
      promoters, many of which occur physically or are regulatory in planta.

PMID- 22037708
TI  - A new flow control technique using diluted epinephrine in the N-butyl-2
      cyanoacrylate embolization of visceral artery pseudoaneurysms secondary to
      chronic pancreatitis.
AB  - Although n-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate (NBCA) has been used as an effective liquid
      embolization material, its indication for pseudoaneurysms has seemingly been
      limited because of the technical difficulties of using NBCA, such as reflux to
      the parent artery and causing significant infarction. Thus, considerable skill in
      using NBCA or a device to control blood flow during its polymerization is
      required to achieve embolization without severe complications. We report our new
      technique for controlling blood flow using diluted epinephrine in transcatheter
      arterial NBCA embolization of five pseudoaneurysms in four cases secondary to
      hemosuccus pancreaticus.

PMID- 22037707
TI  - Fabry disease, enzyme replacement therapy and the significance of antibody
      responses.
AB  - Fabry disease is an X-linked disorder caused by a deficiency of alpha
      galactosidase A. This leads to a progressive accumulation of
      globotriaosylceramide in tissues throughout the body. Cardiac, renal and
      neurological manifestations are common and life expectancy is significantly
      reduced relative to the general population. Management of Fabry disease involves
      the administration of intravenous enzyme replacement therapy (ERT). Two forms -
      agalsidase alfa and agalsidase beta - have been licensed in certain jurisdictions
      and are generally well tolerated; however, some patients develop antibodies to
      the infused enzyme, which may impair the efficacy and safety of treatment.
      Agalsidase alfa and agalsidase beta are produced in different systems; this leads
      to certain differences in post-translational modification that may affect
      immunogenicity. Immunoglobulin (Ig) G antibodies have frequently been reported in
      patients with Fabry disease receiving ERT; IgG responses are reported in a
      greater proportion of patients receiving agalsidase beta than in patients
      receiving agalsidase alfa. IgE antibodies are less common than IgG antibodies,
      and have not been observed in patients receiving agalsidase alfa. However, these
      data are difficult to interpret due to methodological differences in the
      assessment of seropositivity, and in the doses of enzyme used. The clinical
      impact of the development of IgG antibodies to ERT in patients with Fabry disease
      remains unclear, due to lack of data and to the marked heterogeneity of patients
      both in terms of disease manifestations and response to therapy. Further studies
      that examine the development of antibodies in patients with Fabry disease and the
      potential impact of such antibodies on the outcome of ERT are necessary.

PMID- 22037709
TI  - Hepatic toxicity after radioembolization of the liver using (90)Y-microspheres:
      sequential lobar versus whole liver approach.
AB  - PURPOSE: (90)Y-radioembolization (RE) is a promising technique for delivering
      high doses of radiation to liver tumors but may result in compromise of liver
      function. To gain further perspective, we evaluated the toxicity rates of
      sequential lobar versus "whole liver" (90)Y-radioembolization. METHODS: Thirty
      four patients with liver malignancy in noncirrhotic livers were included; (90)Y
      radioembolization was performed as either whole liver or sequential lobar
      treatment in 17 patients each. Standard clinical and liver specific laboratory
      parameters as well as MR imaging before treatment and at follow-up (6 and 12
      weeks) after radioembolization were evaluated for toxicity using the Common
      Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE). Volumetry of the liver, tumor,
      and spleen and measurement of portal vein diameter also were performed. RESULTS:
      Three months after whole liver RE, 14 liver-related grade 3/4 events were
      recorded versus 2 events after sequential lobar treatment (P < 0.05). Three
      patients treated with whole liver RE suffered from radioembolization-induced
      liver disease (REILD). Pathological increases in bilirubin at 3 months were
      observed for the whole liver group only (52.3 vs. 18.7 MUmol/l, P = 0.012). Total
      liver volume did not change significantly in either group, but shrinkage of the
      initially treated hepatic lobe with compensatory hypertrophy of the subsequently
      treated lobe was observed in the sequential lobar group (P < 0.05). Portal vein
      diameter increased significantly in whole liver-treated patients only (+17% vs.
      +6.6%, P = 0.043). CONCLUSIONS: Noncirrhotic patients undergoing sequential lobar
      radioembolization had less hepatic toxicity compared to whole liver embolization.
      The sequential approach should be the preferred strategy.

PMID- 22037710
TI  - Scanned proton radiotherapy for mobile targets-the effectiveness of re-scanning
      in the context of different treatment planning approaches and for different
      motion characteristics.
AB  - The most advanced delivery technique for proton radiotherapy is active spot
      scanning. So far, predominantly static targets have been treated with active spot
      scanning, since mobile targets in combination with dynamic treatment delivery can
      lead to interplay effects, causing inhomogeneous dose distributions. One way to
      mitigate motion effects is re-scanning. In this study we investigate the
      effectiveness of re-scanning in relation to different plan parameters (number of
      fields, field directions, number of re-scans) as well as in respect to different
      motion parameters (motion amplitude, motion starting phase). A systematic study
      was performed for three liver patients, for which ten different plans have been
      calculated, respectively. The treatment plans were evaluated for three different
      scenarios (static, motion/single-scan-delivery, motion/re-scanned-delivery). The
      choice of motion parameters was based on an evaluation of the 4D CT data sets of
      the three patients. It is shown that the effect of motion/re-scanning per
      fraction is largest the fewer fields per plan are used and the more the field
      direction differs from the main motion direction. For amplitudes up to 6 mm, re
      scanning may not be required if multiple fields are used, since only dose
      blurring effects appear that cannot be compensated by re-scanning. For larger
      motion amplitudes two planning strategies are proposed.

PMID- 22037711
TI  - Successful pulmonary valvuloplasty in combined pulmonary valve stenosis and
      selective left pulmonary artery ectasia.

PMID- 22037712
TI  - Polypoid atrial myxoma.
AB  - Myxomas are by far the most common tumours of the heart. A 75-year-old man with
      no notable medical history presented with a 2-month progressive weight loss and
      dyspnoea on exertion. Physical examination revealed an opening snap and a
      diastolic decrescendo murmur at the apex. Transthoracic echocardiography showed a
      large, 85 * 30  mm, mobile, polypoid mass arising from the atrial fossa ovalis
      and protruding into the left ventricle during diastole. Irregular shape,
      multilobated surface and soft-tissue echogenicity were consistent with
      emboligenic myxoma. Surgical inspection confirmed a reddish gelatinous myxoma
      with villous, friable, thrombus-like surface prone to embolize. The mass was
      successfully removed and the histologic report confirmed the diagnosis.At 3-year
      follow-up, the patient is asymptomatic and no further mass has been detected. The
      case confirms that echocardiography remains a primary tool for the assessment of
      cardiac masses, providing morphological clues to define the potential risk of
      complications such as valve obstruction and systemic embolization.

PMID- 22037713
TI  - Is cardiac rehabilitation still relevant in the new millennium?
AB  - Cardiac rehabilitation is an evidence-based intervention which has evolved over
      time and incorporates physical, psycho-social and educational components with the
      aim of improving the patients' functioning following a cardiac event. The
      evidence base for cardiac rehabilitation following acute myocardial infarction
      has been growing over the past half a century. Individual randomized control
      trials were small and, therefore, mortality outcomes usually failed to reach
      significance; however, meta-analyses have proven consistently that participation
      in cardiac rehabilitation following a myocardial infarction is associated with a
      significant improvement in mortality. In the era of revascularization and
      improved drug therapies, observational studies still provide evidence that
      independent of other treatments, cardiac rehabilitation is a life-saving measure.
      Although early studies often only studied young males, more contemporary data
      include patients from all sectors of society and have found that groups such as
      women, the elderly and those with heart failure appear to have greater mortality
      benefits compared with the traditional young male cohort. Uptake remains a
      problem and one challenge for the future is ensuring improved uptake on to good
      quality rehabilitation programmes and demonstrating these positive effects.

PMID- 22037714
TI  - Expression of genes related to multiple drug resistance and apoptosis in acute
      leukemia: response to induction chemotherapy.
AB  - Resistance to chemotherapy is a major impediment to the successful treatment of
      acute leukemia (AL). Expression of genes involved in drug resistance and
      apoptosis may be responsible for this. This study aimed to investigate the
      expression of drug resistance (MDR1, MRP1, LRP, BCRP, GSTP1, DHFR) and apoptotic
      genes (p53, BCL-2, Survivin) in adult acute leukemias and compare them with
      clinical and hematological findings and response to induction chemotherapy.
      Eighty-five patients with AL [45 with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) and 40 with
      acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)] were used as a study group. Real-time PCR
      results showed that expression level of MDR1 was significantly higher in AML
      whereas expression of DHFR, BCRP and Survivin was significantly higher in ALL
      patients. In AML, significant correlation was observed between LRP and MRP1
      (r(s)=0.44, p=0.016), LRP and DHFR (r(s)=0.41, p=0.02), MDR1 and BCL-2
      (r(s)=0.38, p=0.03). Expression of GSTP1 and LRP correlated with high white blood
      count (p=0.03 and p=0.03) and BCL-2 with high peripheral blast count (p=0.009).
      MDR1 expression was significantly associated with the expression of immature stem
      cell marker CD34 (p=0.002). In ALL, significant association was found between LRP
      gene and female sex (p<0.0001), LRP and B-ALL patients (p=0.04) and LRP and
      BCR/ABL positive patients (p=0.004). High expression of MDR1 and BCL-2 in AML and
      MRP1 gene in ALL was associated with response to induction chemotherapy (p=0.001,
      p=0.02 and p=0.007 respectively). These results showed the potential clinical
      relevance of MDR1, MRP1 and BCL-2 in adult patients with acute leukemia in the
      context of induction chemotherapy.

PMID- 22037715
TI  - The diazofluorene antitumor antibiotics: structural elucidation, biosynthetic,
      synthetic, and chemical biological studies.
AB  - This review presents a comprehensive survey of all aspects of the kinamycins and
      lomaiviticins, potent antiproliferative antimicrobial metabolites isolated from
      various strains of Streptomyces and Salinispora. The kinamycins and lomaiviticins
      contain a diazotetrahydrobenzo[b]fluorene (diazofluorene) functional group, which
      is unique among known natural products. This review begins with an account of the
      studies leading to the final (correct) structure determination of the kinamycins,
      which were originally proposed to contain an N-cyano carbazole function. This is
      followed by a discussion of biosynthetic studies, which established the
      polyketide nature of the kinamycins. Descriptions of four completed syntheses of
      various kinamycins, synthetic studies toward the lomaiviticins, syntheses of the
      carbohydrates of the lomaiviticins, and syntheses of structurally-related
      metabolites, are then presented. A survey of chemical biological investigations,
      including in vitro reactivity studies, which indicate that the kinamycins and
      lomaiviticins may form reactive ortho-quinone methide or free radical
      intermediates in vivo, is presented. Finally, a selection of structurally-related
      metabolites are described.

PMID- 22037716
TI  - Soluble triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells in severe acute
      pancreatitis: a biological marker of infected necrosis.
AB  - PURPOSE: The diagnosis and treatment of secondary infection of pancreatic
      necrotic tissue remain a major challenge. The level of soluble triggering
      receptor expressed on myeloid cells (sTREM-1) in fine needle aspiration (FNA)
      fluid may be a good marker of infected necrosis. METHODS: Patients with a
      clinical suspicion of secondary infection of necrotic tissue were enrolled. The
      serum levels of C-reactive protein, amylase, procalcitonin (PCT), and sTREM-1 and
      the fluid levels of sTREM-1, PCT, interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor
      alpha (TNF-alpha), and amylase were examined. When infected necrosis was defined,
      the first step was percutaneous or endoscopic drainage. If there was no
      improvement after 72 h, an open necrosectomy was performed. RESULTS: In 30
      patients with suspected infection, 18 patients were diagnosed as having secondary
      infection of necrotic tissue. The levels of sTREM-1 and PCT in FNA fluid were
      found to have the closest correlation with the diagnosis of infected necrosis
      [sTREM-1: area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) 0.972; 95%
      confidence interval (95%CI) 0.837-1.000; PCT: AUC 0.903; 95%CI 0.670-0.990, P >
      0.05]. A fluid sTREM-1 cutoff value of 285.6 pg/ml had a sensitivity of 94.4% and
      a specificity of 91.7%. In a multiple logistic regression analysis, an sTREM-1
      level of more than 285 pg/ml and a PCT level of more than 2.0 ng/ml in FNA fluid
      were independent predictors of infected necrosis. CONCLUSIONS: The fluid level of
      sTREM-1 will help in the rapid and accurate diagnosis of secondary infection of
      necrotic tissue in patients with severe acute pancreatitis (SAP).

PMID- 22037717
TI  - [Preoperative risk evaluation from the perspective of anaesthesiology].
AB  - Medical and technical progress together with demographic changes has led to a
      more complex perioperative care for patients. Accordingly, an optimal
      preoperative assessment in particular an adequate risk evaluation is more
      important than ever. A recently published joint recommendation of the German
      Society of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, the German Society of
      Surgery and the German Society of Internal Medicine aims to reduce considerable
      uncertainties in the preoperative risk evaluation especially with regard
      to"technical tests" by providing transparent and comprehensive arrangements.
      Consequently, routine screening will be abandoned in favour of targeted  patient
      and operation-oriented individual risk assessment. This approach will change the
      preoperative risk evaluation in a scientific, organisational and economic way.
      The following article on preoperative risk evaluation is based on the valuable
      and helpful recommendation and aims to provide additional important aspects from
      the perspective of anaesthesiologists.

PMID- 22037718
TI  - The comparison of bacteremia and amount of bleeding during septoplasty.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the amount of
      bleeding and bacteremia during nasal septal surgery. Seventy-one patients
      undergoing septoplasty were enrolled in the present study. The amount of bleeding
      was measured and recorded for each patient. Preoperative and postoperative blood
      cultures were collected immediately after the induction of anesthesia and 20 min
      after the operation, respectively. While none of the blood cultures taken
      preoperatively were positive for any organism, the cultures obtained
      postoperatively were positive in 9 (12.7%) of 71 patients who underwent
      septoplasty, and bacteremia was more frequent among those with a greater amount
      of bleeding during the surgery. The results of this study suggest that although
      bacteremia had no clinical consequences for patients, patients with more bleeding
      have an increased risk of developing bacteremia which may cause complications in
      higher risk individuals.

PMID- 22037719
TI  - Audio-vestibular evaluation in patients with essential tremor.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate audio-vestibular function in patients
      with essential tremor. Twenty-three patients with essential tremor (46 ears) and
      21 health control subjects (42 ears) were included in the present study. Patients
      and comparison subjects were matched for age and gender. All patient and control
      subjects underwent pure tone audiometric test, tympanogram, transient-evoked
      otoacoustic emissions and auditory brainstem response. Vestibular system was
      evaluated by bitermal caloric test. Comparison of variables between the groups
      was performed. Investigation of the relationship between parameters about ET
      disease and hearing levels were also studied. Pure tone thresholds significantly
      differed between patients and controls in 250 and 500 Hz frequencies (p < 0.05).
      There was no statistically significant difference in 1,000, 2,000, 4,000, and
      6,000 Hz frequencies in essential tremor patients in comparison to the control
      subjects. A correlation between tremor severity and audiometric scores in low
      frequencies was not found. In addition, statistical analysis did not demonstrate
      a correlation between audiometric scores and tremor duration. The otoacoustic
      emission responses were found significantly different in patient and control
      group. The latencies of waves I, V and I-V inter-peak latencies on the ABR were
      not different between the groups. Our findings indicated that, abnormalities are
      due to cochlea rather than the retro cochlear pathology which is responsible for
      hearing loss associated with essential tremor.

PMID- 22037720
TI  - Who ends up having tonsillectomy after peritonsillar infection?
AB  - We wanted to explore how many patients will undergo tonsillectomy during the
      first 5 years after peritonsillar abscess or peritonsillar cellulitis, and why.
      In addition we sought predictive factors as to who would benefit from
      tonsillectomy. Medical records of 809 patients with peritonsillar infection (ICD
      10 J36) aged over six were analyzed, and data on the history of tonsil infections
      and differences in treatment were collected. Data on patients who underwent
      tonsillectomy during the next 5 years were compared with data on patients needing
      no tonsillectomy. An abscess or planned interval tonsillectomy was performed on
      159 patients. Of the conservatively treated 7- to 16.9-year-old patients, 42.5%
      required surgery later, of those aged 17-29.9 years, 31.3%, and those over 30,
      13.2% (p < 0.001). Previous tonsillar infections led to increased (p = 0.067)
      probability of delayed tonsillectomy. Re-opening of the abscess cavity at the
      polyclinics, use of broad-spectrum antibiotics in the acute phase of infection,
      or being an outpatient or inpatient had no influence on the probability of later
      surgery. Overall one-fourth of the patients with peritonsillar infection
      underwent tonsillectomy during the next 5 years, even without being originally
      planned. Young age and previous tonsillar infections caused increased probability
      of delayed tonsillectomy.

PMID- 22037721
TI  - The relationship between the Epworth Sleepiness Scale and polysomnographic
      parameters in obstructive sleep apnea patients.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the subjective
      Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and objective polysomnographic parameters that was
      compared in dichotomized groups of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) patients with
      and without excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). A retrospective review of the 96
      consecutive snoring patients suspected of OSA due to upper airway problems was
      performed. ESS score was assessed and EDS was considered present when the ESS
      score was >10. Polysomnography was performed for each patient. Comparisons of
      polysomnographic parameters between both groups of patients were performed using
      Mann-Whitney U-tests. The Pearson's correlation coefficient was calculated. EDS
      patients showed significantly greater body mass index (BMI), AHI and ODI, higher
      percentage of snoring time, a longer time length of SpO(2) < 90% and lower
      minimum SpO(2) compared to no EDS patients. There was no statistical difference
      in other sleep parameters. A positive correlation between the ESS score and BMI,
      percentage of snoring time, minimum SpO(2) and time length of SpO(2) < 90% was
      identified. Despite many controversies, our conclusion is that apnea/hypoxemia
      has considerable coherence to account for the EDS measured by ESS in OSA
      patients.

PMID- 22037722
TI  - Efficacy of a topical suspension of bacterial antigens for the management of
      chronic suppurative otitis media.
AB  - The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of a topical
      suspension of bacterial antigens for the management of chronic suppurative otitis
      media (CSOM). Two-hundred ten patients with CSOM were enrolled in this study. The
      patients were divided into two numerically equal groups and randomized to receive
      a topical suspension of bacterial antigens, Lantigen B (group A), or placebo
      (group B), according to the following protocol: 5 drops thrice a day for 12
      consecutive weeks in the external acoustic duct. The topical suspension of
      bacterial antigens and placebo were administered by identical, anonymous
      dispensers in order to maintain double-blind conditions. Before, at the end and 3
      months, and after the end of the treatment, all patients who entered in the study
      underwent pure tone audiometry, microscopic examination of ears, microbiological
      examination of the ear swab, aural suctioning and subjective assessment of
      symptoms by visual analog scale. In group A, we saw a statistically significant
      improvement in the different items measured. A topical suspension of bacterial
      antigens was significantly more effective than placebo in the treatment of CSOM.

PMID- 22037723
TI  - Prevalence of GBJ2 mutations in patients with severe to profound congenital
      nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss in Bulgarian population.
AB  - Objective of the study is to assess the prevalence of Connexin 26 (GJB2) mutation
      in patients with congenital nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss in Bulgarian
      population. Study design is done prospectively. Patient inclusion criteria for
      this study were diagnosis of congenital nonsyndromic hearing loss, and absence of
      potential sibling relationships between patients included in the study
      (anamnestic pedigree for at least three generations). Patients were excluded from
      the study group if one of the following conditions were present: secondary
      hearing loss (cytomegalovirus, rubella, meningo-encephalitis, mastoiditis, other
      infections, posterior fossa tumors, etc.), exposure to drugs or other prenatal or
      perinatal etiology of deafness, and congenital syndromic hearing loss. Genomic
      DNA samples from whole blood were tested with sequence analysis for mutations in
      the coding region of the GJB2. Results state that 51 patients were analyzed for
      GJB2 mutations. Twenty of the patients (39%) with mutant alleles were homozygous
      for the c.35delG mutation (c.35delG/c.35delG) and four patients (8%) presented as
      heterozygotes (c.35delG/WT). In one patient, who carried a heterozygous mutation
      c.35delG, a second mutation was found-312del114. Additionally, in two other
      patients were discovered the mutations Trp24X (W24X) and, respectively,
      Arg127His(R127H), both in heterozygous states. From the whole study group there
      was only one patient with compound heterozygous genotype
      p.Leu90Pro(L90P)/p.Ile121Asn. The latter one has never been reported in the
      literature so far. In conclusion, this study determines the importance of
      connexin 26 mutations in Bulgarian children with severe to profound congenital
      nonsyndromic sensorineural hearing loss, the prevalence of the different mutation
      variants and their relationship with the ethnical background of the patients. In
      addition, we report for the first time a novel mutation in the GJB2 gene.

PMID- 22037724
TI  - [Recommendations for acute treatment for chemical and thermal burns of eyes and
      lids].
AB  - With these recommendations the authors want to improve the acute therapy of eye
      burns based on the literature and clinical experience. Due to the lack of studies
      with high evidential value we base these recommendations on the results of
      experimental work and reports of successfully treated eye burns. A development of
      this document by systematic research is necessary. Despite the limited knowledge,
      the collated facts are the current state of the art of treatment according to the
      knowledge and research of the authors. The most important clinical recommendation
      is to rinse a chemically or thermally burnt eye as soon and as extensively as
      possible. Any delay worsens the prognosis. Substances on the market for first aid
      have different levels of clinical evidence. Thus saline and amphoteric
      diphoterine have been evaluated in a prospective clinical study showing an
      advantage for the amphoter. Water, borate buffer, phosphate buffers and
      derivatives have never been proven to work in clinical applications.
      Nevertheless, they are recommended. Within experimental work in vitro we could
      show the value of polyvalent decontamination. Side-effects of phosphate buffers
      have been demonstrated in retrospective clinical and prospective experimental
      studies so that even in cases of beneficial effects on pH we cannot recommend
      these substances which propagate corneal calcification. Special types of burns,
      such as hydrofluoric acid need special treatment but as clinical studies are
      lacking only experimental data can offer suitable recommendations.

PMID- 22037725
TI  - [Chemical and thermal eye burns. Conservative and surgical options of a stage
      dependent therapy].
AB  - The basic principles of first aid for chemical and thermal burns are discussed.
      In the acute phase the primary goal of all measurements is the prevention or
      limitation of tissue destruction. The further therapeutic care is focused on the
      modulation of the inflammatory response, the prevention of a bacterial infection
      and secondary glaucoma and the stimulation of wound healing. The individual
      concept of measures to be taken is recruited from the careful identification of
      necrotic tissue, the eye burn classification of severity and on the basis of all
      described medical and surgical therapy options. In the case of severe and very
      severe ocular burns a comprehensive surgical reconstruction is included. All
      outpatient departments and eye clinics taking part on the treatment have to
      ensure a standardized complete and scientifically valid therapy regime to restore
      vision.

PMID- 22037726
TI  - [Late complications after chemical burns of the ocular surface. Surgical
      strategies for ocular surface reconstruction].
AB  - Severe chemical burns of the ocular surface frequently result in long-standing
      and ongoing disorders of the conjunctiva and the cornea including conjunctival
      scarring with shortening of the fornix, cicatricial entropion, complications
      caused by trichiasis and scarring or chronic ulceration of the cornea. Advanced
      destruction of limbal stem cells leads to limbal stem cell deficiency with
      conjunctivalization of the cornea. Surgical therapy aims at the correction of
      malpositioning of the lids, the reconstruction of the conjunctiva and the fornix
      utilizing applicable tissue grafts and the reestablishment of a stable, avascular
      and transparent corneal epithelium by e.g. transplantation of epithelial stem
      cells. Progressive corneal ulcerations unresponsive to medical therapy can be
      treated by amniotic membrane transplantation, corneal transplantation or by
      conjunctival covering depending on the extent of damaged tissue. The surgical
      therapy of patients after severe chemical burns of the ocular surface is
      generally performed in specialized centers and occasionally requires a
      multidisciplinary approach.

PMID- 22037728
TI  - [Ocular findings in hematological diseases].
AB  - Hematological diseases can lead to ocular manifestations in up to 90% of patients
      and sometimes the ophthalmological findings are the presenting symptom of the
      disease. The ocular manifestation is often asymptomatic. The diagnosis can be
      difficult especially when the ocular manifestation represents the first symptoms.
      In most cases the conjunctiva and retina are involved and are particularly found
      in patients with anemia, leukemia, Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma,
      myeloproliferative and myelodysplastic syndromes and coagulopathies. Even
      opportunistic infections in cases of hematological diseases can lead to ocular
      manifestations. For unexplained retinal alterations with hemorrhage and cotton
      wool spots an underlying hematological disease should be excluded.

PMID- 22037729
TI  - Techno-economical efficiency and productivity change of wastewater treatment
      plants: the role of internal and external factors.
AB  - Efficiency and productivity are important measures for identifying best practice
      in businesses and optimising resource-use. This study analyses how these two
      measures change across the period 2003-2008 for 196 wastewater treatment plants
      (WWTPs) in Spain, by using the benchmarking methods of Data Envelopment Analysis
      and the Malmquist Productivity Index. To identify which variables contribute to
      the sustainability of the WWTPs, differences in efficiency scores and
      productivity indices for external factors are also investigated. Our results
      indicate that both efficiency and productivity decreased over the five years. We
      verify that the productivity drop is primarily explained by technical change.
      Furthermore, certain external variables affected WWTP efficiency, including plant
      size, treatment technology and energy consumption. However, plants with low
      energy consumption are the only ones which improve their productivity. Finally,
      the benchmarking analyses proved to be useful as management tools in the
      wastewater sector, by providing vital information for improving the
      sustainability of plants.

PMID- 22037730
TI  - Amphiphilic alpha-helical potential: a putative folding motif adding few
      constraints to protein evolution.
AB  - Evidence from a number of studies indicates that protein folding is dictated not
      only by factors stabilizing the native state, but also by potentially independent
      factors that create folding pathways. How natural selection might cope
      simultaneously with two independent factors was addressed in this study within
      the framework of the "Lim-model" of protein folding, which postulates that the
      early stages of folding of all globular proteins, regardless of their native
      structure, are directed at least in part by potential to form amphiphilic alpha
      helices. For this purpose, the amphiphilic alpha-helical potential in randomly
      ordered amino acid sequences and the conservation in phylogeny of amphiphilic
      alpha-helical potential within various proteins were assessed. These analyses
      revealed that amphiphilic alpha-helical potential is a common occurrence in
      random sequences, and that the presence of amphiphilic alpha-helical potential is
      present but not conserved in phylogeny within a given protein. The results
      suggest that the rapid formation of molten globules and the variable behavior of
      those globules depending on the protein may be a fundamental property of polymers
      of naturally occurring amino acids more so than a trait that must be derived or
      maintained by natural selection. Further, the results point toward the utility of
      randomly occurring process in protein function and evolution, and suggest that
      the formation of efficient pathways that determine early processes in protein
      folding, unlike the formation of stable, native protein structure, does not
      present a substantial hurdle during the evolution of amino acid sequences.

PMID- 22037731
TI  - Remote ischemic preconditioning protects neurocognitive function of rats
      following cerebral hypoperfusion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Protection of remote ischemic preconditioning on neurocognitive
      function caused by bilateral common carotid artery occlusion has been
      investigated in rats. MATERIAL/METHODS: Thirty-six male Sprague-Dawley rats were
      divided into 3 groups - control group (Group C, n=12), bilateral carotid arteries
      occlusion group (Group B, n=12) and remote ischemic precondition group (Group P,
      n=12). In Group P, remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) was performed on the
      right femoral artery with 3 cycles (10 min) of occlusion/perfusion. After 3
      cycles of preconditioning, bilateral carotid arteries were occluded immediately
      for 60 min. In Group B, ischemic insults were conducted without RIPC. Sham
      surgeries were performed in Group C. Evaluation of memory and learning capacity
      was performed on days 5-8 after surgery by Morris water maze testing of spatial
      learning capacity (n=6 for each group). Apoptosis of cells in the hippocampus
      region was determined by TUNEL tests and Bcl-2 at this region was determined by
      ELISA 24 h and 9 days after vessel occlusion (n=6 for each group). RESULTS:
      Neurocognitive tests showed that latency time was significantly longer in Group B
      than in Group P on day 7 (p=0.016) and day 8 (p=0.036). Moreover, frequency of
      platform crossings was significant less in group B than in the other 2 groups on
      day 9. Bcl-2 level was significantly increased in the hippocampal region of rats
      in Group P on days 1 and 9 after vessel occlusion. TUNEL test showed that
      apoptosis could be observed at 24 h after occlusion in Group B, but not in Group
      P and Group C. No apoptosis was observed on day 9. CONCLUSIONS: Our results
      suggest that RIPC can protect neurocognitive function of rats after bilateral
      carotid occlusions, and that Bcl-2 may play an important role in this protective
      effect.

PMID- 22037732
TI  - Neurotrophin-3 gene transduction of mouse neural stem cells promotes
      proliferation and neuronal differentiation in organotypic hippocampal slice
      cultures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The transplantation of neural stem cells (NSCs) has been accepted as
      a promising therapeutic strategy for central nervous system disorders. However,
      the beneficial effect of NSC transplantation upon functional recovery is limited
      due to the unfavorable microenvironment (niche) at the site of trauma or
      degenerative disease in the brain. Combination of transplantation of NSCs with
      neurotrophins may overcome the hurdles of impaired cell survival and neuronal
      differentiation. MATERIAL/METHODS: In the current study, the neurotrophin-3 (NT
      3) gene was transduced into cultured mouse embryonic cortical NSCs via an AAV
      vector (NSC-NT-3). The effect of NT-3 over-expression on cell proliferation and
      differentiation in NSCs was observed by immunohistochemistry, cell culture and
      organotypic hippocampal slice cultures.<br /> RESULTS: The characteristics of
      self-renewal and multiple differentiation of NSCs were well-preserved. Cells in
      the NSC-NT-3 group proliferated faster and differentiated into more beta-tubulin
      III-positive neurons compared to the control group in vitro. Furthermore, cells
      in the NSC-NT-3 group survived in a significantly higher percentage and undertook
      neuronal differentiation preferably in organotypic hippocampal slice cultures.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the transduction of NT-3 into NSCs could
      effectively promote NSCs survival, proliferation, and neuronal differentiation in
      vitro without change of the stemness of NSCs. This work also offers evidence to
      better understand the safety and efficiency of combined treatment with NT-3 and
      NSCs for the central nervous system disorders.

PMID- 22037733
TI  - Nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA) inhibits ritonavir-induced endothelial
      dysfunction in porcine pulmonary arteries.
AB  - BACKGROUND: HIV infection and treatment with highly active antiretroviral therapy
      (HAART) including HIV protease inhibitor ritonavir (RTV) have been associated
      with endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular disease including pulmonary
      arterial hypertension. The objective of this study was to determine if
      nordihydroguaiaretic acid (NDGA), a natural herbal antioxidant found in the
      creosote bush Larrea tridentate, can protect vascular tissues against RTV-induced
      vascular injury. MATERIAL/METHODS: Fresh porcine pulmonary artery (PA) rings were
      treated with a clinically relevant concentration of RTV (15 umol/L) with or
      without NDGA for 24 hours, and then subjected to myograph analysis for vasomotor
      reactivity. Expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in both
      treated PA rings and human pulmonary artery endothelial cells (HPAECs) was
      analyzed by real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry. Oxidative stress levels were
      analyzed with the lucigenin-enhanced chemiluminescence and glutathione assay.
      RESULTS: In response to bradykinin at 10-10 mol/L, RTV-treated PA rings showed a
      39% reduction in endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation compared with the control
      vessels (P<0.05); when co-cultured with NDGA (1.75 or 3.50 umol/L), the
      relaxation increased by 25% and 48%, respectively. RTV also decreased the maximal
      contraction and endothelium-independent vasorelaxation in RTV-treated vessels,
      while NDGA improved these vasomotor responses. In addition, treatment of RTV
      significantly decreased eNOS mRNA levels in both porcine PAs and HPAECs, and
      reduced eNOS immunoreactivity in porcine PAs, while NDGA significantly inhibited
      this effect of RTV. Furthermore, NDGA significantly blocked RTV-induced increase
      of superoxide anion in the PA rings and inhibited RTV-induced decrease of
      glutathione in HPAECs. CONCLUSIONS: NDGA effectively inhibits the detrimental
      effects of HIV protease inhibitor RTV on vasomotor functions in porcine PAs. NDGA
      also blocks RTV-induced decrease of eNOS expression and increase of oxidative
      stress in both porcine PAs and HPAECs. This study may provide valuable
      information for the development of effective strategies for the prevention and
      treatment of HAART-associated cardiovascular complications.

PMID- 22037734
TI  - Effects of early administration of a novel anticholinergic drug on acute
      respiratory distress syndrome induced by sepsis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is the inflammatory
      disorder of the lung most commonly caused by sepsis. It was hypothesized that
      treating the lung with penehyclidine hydrochloride (PHC), a new type of
      hyoscyamus drug, early in the development of sepsis could diminish the lung
      dysfunction. MATERIAL/METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups: 1)
      a control group; 2) a sham-operated group; 3) a cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)
      group; 4) a PHC-treated group. One hour after CLP surgery, rats were either
      untreated or treated with PHC via intraperitoneal injection. Lung wet/dry weight
      ratio, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), serum tumor necrosis factor (TNF
      alpha), interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 10 (IL-10), total nitrite/nitrate
      (NOx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA) in lung tissues, and
      pulmonary functions were examined 24 hour after surgery. Another 60 rats were
      randomly assigned to 4 equal groups to observe survival status 96 hours after
      surgery. RESULTS: Treatment of PHC markedly decreased TNF-alpha, IL-6, NOx, SOD,
      MDA content, protein concentration in BALF, and lung wet/dry weight ratio and
      enhanced SOD activity (p<0.05), which are indicative of PHC-induced suppression
      in the pathogenesis of ARDS caused by sepsis. In comparison to group CLP/saline,
      plasma IL-10 level markedly increased in group CLP/PHC. In PHC-treated groups,
      the administered PHC had a significant protective effect on the lung dysfunction
      induced by sepsis. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that administration of PHC at the
      time of a systemic insult can protect the lung from the damaging effects of
      sepsis.

PMID- 22037735
TI  - Proanthocyanidin prevents myocardial ischemic injury in adult rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Proanthocyanidin is a bioflavonoid known to have protective effect
      against oxidative injury. We investigated the cardioprotective effect of
      proanthocyanidin. MATERIAL/METHODS: Thirty-two Rattus Norvegicus rats were
      categorized equally as the control group (CG), proanthocyanidin group (PCG),
      ischemia group (IG) and proanthocyanidin-treated group (PCT). Rats in CG and IG
      were fed standard rat food and PCG and PCT were fed standard rat food plus
      proanthocyanidin (100 mg/kg/day twice a day by oral gavage) for 3 weeks. In CG
      and PCG the myocardial samples were prepared immediately, and in IG and PCT
      hearts were placed in transport solution and kept at 4 degrees C for 5 hours,
      then prepared for evaluation. Malondialdehyde (MDA) level, superoxide dismutase
      (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities were measured.
      RESULTS: MDA levels were significantly higher in IG and PCT than in CG and PCG.
      The activity of SOD was significantly lower in IG and higher in PCG than in the
      other groups. The activity of GPx was significantly lower in IG than in the other
      groups. The activities of CAT were significantly lower in IG and PCT than in the
      other groups and were significantly lower in IG than PCT. Histopathologic
      evaluation revealed normal findings in CG and PCG. While ischemic injury was
      observed in IG, the content of muscle fibers was better preserved in PCT.
      CONCLUSIONS: Proanthocyanidin may have a protective effect on myocardial ischemic
      injury.

PMID- 22037736
TI  - Cardiomyopathy in the mouse model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy caused by
      disordered secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic neuromuscular disorder
      that affects skeletal muscles and cardiac muscle tissue. In some cases,
      myocardial injury secondary to hypoxia can lead to dilative cardiomyopathy (DCM).
      A genetic defect in the dystrophin gene may increase the susceptibility of
      myocardium to hypoxia. Available data suggest that this may be caused by impaired
      secretion of NO, which is bound with secretion of VEGF-A. MATERIAL/METHODS: Male
      mice C57BI/10ScSn mdx (animal model of DMD) and healthy mice C57BI/10ScSn were
      exposed to hypobaric hypoxia in low-pressure chambers. Their hearts were
      harvested immediately after and 1, 3, 7, and 21 days after exposure to hypoxia.
      Normobaric mice were used as controls. The expression of VEGF-A in myocardium and
      cardiac vessel walls was evaluated using immunohistochemistry, Western blotting,
      and in situ hybridization. RESULTS: VEGF-A expression in myocardium and vessel
      walls of healthy mice peaked 24 hours after exposure to hypoxia. The expression
      of VEGF-A in vessel walls was similar in dystrophic and healthy mice; however,
      VEGF-A expression in the myocardium of dystrophic mice was impaired, peaking
      around day 7. In the heart, the total level of VEGF depends on VEGF expression in
      myocardium, not in vessel endothelium, and our research demonstrates that the
      expression of VEGF is dystrophin-dependent. CONCLUSIONS: Disordered secretion of
      VEGF-A in hypoxic myocardium caused the total level of this factor to be impaired
      in the heart. This factor, which in normal situations protect against hypoxia,
      promotes the gradual progression of cardiomyopathy.

PMID- 22037737
TI  - Activity of ozonated water and ozone against Staphylococcus aureus and
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilms.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The known bactericidal properties of ozone have not been checked in
      relation to its action on bacterial biofilms. This is especially true of ozonated
      fluids. The aim of this study was to investigate the bactericidal activity of
      ozonated water and that of a mixture of ozone and oxygen against biofilms.
      MATERIAL/METHODS: Eighteen clinical strains of Staphylococcus aureus and
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa exhibiting various levels of antibiotic sensitivity were
      investigated. Bacteria were cultured in biofilm form on polystyrene titration
      plates for periods of 2 to 72 hours. The biofilms formed in this way were exposed
      to in statu nascendi ozonated water produced in a prototype device that had been
      tested in clinical conditions, or to a mixture of oxygen and ozone generated in
      the same device. Live cells in the biofilm were stained with a 3-(4,5
      dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium (MTT) bromide solution. The degree
      of reduction of viable bacteria following ozone exposure was determined. RESULTS:
      Ozonated water was found to be an effective bactericidal agent against biofilms
      after as little as 30 seconds of exposure, while the bactericidal activity of the
      ozone-oxygen solution was much lower. Prolongation of the duration of biofilm
      exposure to the gaseous disinfectant to 40 minutes led to a reduction in the
      viable cell count, which nevertheless remained high. CONCLUSIONS: Unlike the
      ozone-oxygen mixture, ozonated water effectively destroys bacterial biofilms in
      vitro.<br />

PMID- 22037738
TI  - Postcardiac injury syndrome.
AB  - A 58-year-old man had undergone 2-vessel off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery
      (OPCAB), 1 month before he was admitted into the hospital with cardiac tamponade
      due to pericarditis. Postcardiac injury syndrome (PCIS) was diagnosed. In spite
      of receiving anti-inflammatory treatment, the patient developed relapsing PCIS.

PMID- 22037739
TI  - Latent cytomegalovirus infection is an independent risk factor for late graft
      failure in renal transplant recipients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a risk factor for rejection and mortality
      soon after renal transplantation. Little is known about its consequences longer
      after transplantation. We prospectively investigated whether latent CMV infection
      is a risk factor for graft failure and mortality long after transplantation.
      MATERIAL/METHODS: Our study included 606 renal transplant recipients (RTR) with a
      functioning graft for >1 year. CMV serology was determined using ELISA. RTRs were
      divided into CMV-seronegative and latent CMV (seropositive + seroconverted).
      RESULTS: We measured CMV IgG at 6.0 [2.6-11.4] years post-transplant. During
      follow-up (7.0 [6.2-7.5] years), 54 (9%) RTRs experienced graft failure and 137
      (23%) RTRs died. Risk for graft failure and mortality was significantly higher in
      RTRs with latent CMV compared to CMV-seronegative RTRs (HR=3.1, P=0.005 and
      HR=2.0, P=0.002, respectively). After adjustment for potential confounders,
      latent CMV infection remained an independent risk factor for graft failure
      (HR=4.6, P=0.001), but not for mortality (HR=1.4, P=0.2). CONCLUSIONS: Latent CMV
      is an independent risk factor for graft failure long after renal transplantation
      and carries a higher risk for graft failure than for mortality. These findings
      confirm the notion that latent CMV can be harmful in transplanted kidneys.

PMID- 22037740
TI  - Determination of CA-125 levels in the serum, cervical and vaginal secretions, and
      endometrium in Chinese women with precancerous disease or endometrial cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Serum CA-125 has been used as a biomarker of gynecological tumors. In
      this study, we investigated the CA-125 levels in cervical and vaginal secretions
      from Chinese patients with endometrial polyps, hyperplasia and carcinoma in
      comparison with those in endometrium and serum. MATERIAL/METHODS: An electro
      chemiluminescent immunoassay was utilized to determine the levels of CA-125 in 51
      healthy Chinese women and 97 patients with polyps, hyperplasia or endometrial
      cancer. An immunohistochemistry method was used to detect endometrial CA-125
      expression in 242 subjects. RESULTS: Our study demonstrated that serum CA-125
      levels were much lower than those in cervical and vaginal secretions in healthy
      and diseased women. The levels of CA-125 in serum, and cervical and vaginal
      secretions were significantly increased in complex hyperplasia and endometrial
      cancer. The increase of CA-125 content in serum, cervical and vaginal secretions
      was lesser significant in grade 3 cancer than that in grade 1 and 2 cancer.
      Generally, serum CA-125 levels correlated with those in cervical and vaginal
      secretions and CA-125 content in cervical secretion correlated with that in
      vaginal secretion. There was only a weak CA-125 expression in normal endometrium
      and simple endometrial hyperplasia. There was a significant difference in CA-125
      expression among patients with pathological grade 1, 2 and 3 of endometrial
      carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS: Endo.metrial CA-125 expression together with its levels
      in the serum and cervical and vaginal secretions can be used as a potential
      biomarker in the diagnosis of precancerous diseases and endometrial carcinoma.

PMID- 22037741
TI  - Value of C-telopeptide-cross-linked Type I collagen, osteocalcin, bone-specific
      alkaline phosphatase and procollagen Type I N-terminal propeptide in the
      diagnosis and prognosis of bone metastasis in patients with malignant tumors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Studies show markers of bone turnover can help the clinician in the
      diagnosis and follow-up of bone metastases. The present study aimed to
      investigate the value of biochemical markers of bone turnover in the diagnosis
      and prognosis of bone metastases of malignant tumors. MATERIAL/METHODS: The serum
      levels of C-Telopeptide-Cross-Linked Type I Collagen (CTx), Procollagen Type I N
      Terminal Propeptide (PINP), Bone-Specific Alkaline Phosphatase (B-ALP) and
      Osteocalcin (OST) in patients with bone metastases and control subjects were
      measured using radioimmunoassay and immunochemiluminescent assay. RESULTS: The
      levels of CTx, PINP, B-ALP and OST in the metastasis group were significantly
      higher than those in both control groups and correlated with the number of bone
      metastatic sites. The levels of these markers were higher in prostate cancer
      patients with bone metastasis. The CTX of >426 ng/ml had the highest sensitivity
      and NPV, and PINP of >51.21 ng/ml had the highest specificity and PPV in healthy
      subjects. In addition, CTX of >547 ng/ml had the highest sensitivity and OST of
      >20.34 ng/ml the highest specificity in the non-metastasis group. Furthermore,
      both B-ALP of >15.55 ng/ml had relatively high negative predictive value and
      positive predictive value. CONCLUSIONS: Biochemical markers of bone turnover,
      including CTx, PINP, B-ALP and OST, play important roles in the diagnosis and
      prognosis of metastatic bone cancer. CTX had a high sensitivity, and PINP had a
      high specificity in predicting bone metastasis. B-ALP is an ideal biochemical
      marker of bone turnover for metastatic bone cancer.

PMID- 22037742
TI  - Post-prandial endothelial dysfunction is ameliorated following weight loss in
      obese premenopausal women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Endothelial dysfunction and postprandial hyperglycemia represent
      independent risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Obesity is connected with
      endothelial impairments; however, it is unclear whether weight loss can modify
      endothelial function during the postprandial period. The aim of this study was to
      evaluate endothelial response (post-ischemic forearm blood flow, PIFBF) in a
      fasted state and following ingestion of 75 g glucose before and after very low
      caloric diet (VLCD). MATERIAL/METHODS: 40 obese premenopausal women (age 39.6 +/-
      7.8 years, BMI 34.3 +/- 3.2 kg/m2) participated in 4-week very low caloric diet
      (VLCD, 800 kcal/day). Before and after VLCD, the baseline blood flow and PIFBF
      were measured using a mercury strain gauge plethysmography in fasting state as
      well as 1 hour after ingestion of 75 g glucose. RESULTS: Dietary intervention
      resulted in a 7% weight loss (p<0.05) and a decrease in insulin resistance index
      HOMA-IR (2.44 +/- 1.25 vs. 1.66 +/- 0.81, p<0.05). Before VLCD intervention,
      PIFBF following oral glucose challenge decreased by 8.2 +/- 9.1 ml/min/100 g
      tissue, while after weight loss identical stimulus increased PIFBF by 4.2 +/- 8.9
      ml/min/100 g tissue (p<0.05). Plasma ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 decreased by 8% and 10%,
      respectively, throughout the study. CONCLUSIONS: Postprandial endothelial
      dysfunction is ameliorated following weight loss in obese women. This finding
      demonstrates the beneficial effects of weight reduction on atherosclerosis risk.

PMID- 22037743
TI  - Adult tibial shaft fractures - different patterns, various treatments and
      complications.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tibial Fractures constitute a large number of emergency operations in
      most trauma centers. There are different approaches for tibial fractures. To our
      knowledge, there is insufficient evidence to consider post-operative
      complications in relation to both surgical methods and the types of fractures.
      Our purpose is to report our experience regarding the efficacy and complications
      associated with diverse surgical methods of different patterns of tibial shaft
      fractures in adults. MATERIAL/METHODS: We studied 387 adult patients. The
      patients' information was registered from the charts and after examination. The
      methods used were intramedullary interlocking nails, simple intramedullary rods,
      plating and external fixation. Early and late complications were recorded and by
      applying the DELPHI method different treatments were compared. Finally, the
      safest mode of treatment is proposed. RESULTS: In the intramedullary interlocking
      nails method the most noticeable complication was delayed union and the highest
      rate of complications was seen in open oblique fractures. In the simple
      intramedullary rods method the most frequent complication was pain, and in the
      with butterfly fractures the complications were the most. In the plating method
      the most frequent complication was pain, and most of the complications were seen
      in open comminuted fractures. Finally, in the external fixation method the most
      frequent complication was non-union and complications were the highest in the
      patients with oblique, comminuted and segmented fractures. CONCLUSIONS: The
      proposed method to treat transverse, oblique and butterfly fractures is simple
      intramedullary rods; whereas intramedullary interlocking nails is the better
      method for comminuted, segmented and spiral fractures.

PMID- 22037744
TI  - The importance of the presence of aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in sulcus
      gingivalis of patients with cardiovascular diseases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Over-replication of periodontal pathogens in the periodontium induces
      production of proinflammatory cytokines and C-reactive protein that can stimulate
      systemic inflammatory status and can initiate atherosclerosis and its
      consequences. In our pilot study we examined whether periodontal status and serum
      levels of interleukin-6 and C-reactive protein are associated with the presence
      of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans in the periodontium of patients with
      cardiovascular diseases (CVD). MATERIAL/METHODS: We randomly selected 38 of 166
      outpatients with CVD, of which 21 patients had chronic ischemic heart disease
      (IHD) only and 17 had both IHD and essential hypertension (HT). The presence of
      Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (A.a.) in the periodontium evaluated by PCR
      was compared with the values of periodontal indices, namely probe depth (PD) and
      Community Periodontal Index of Treatment Need (CPITN), as well as with
      interleukin-6 (IL-6) and CRP serum levels. RESULTS: When comparing A.a.-positive
      and A.a.-negative groups of patients, no statistically significant differences
      were noticed as to the age and values of PD and CPITN, respectively. However, the
      proportion of CRP and IL-6 positive values was significantly higher (p <= 0.001)
      among A.a.-positive than in A.a.-negative patients. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of
      A.a. in patients with CVD may be associated with significantly higher serum
      levels of some proinflammatory markers.

PMID- 22037746
TI  - Usefulness of marking alkaline phosphatase and C-reactive protein in monitoring
      the risk of preterm delivery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this paper is to compare the effectiveness of use of
      alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in marking and
      monitoring the risk of preterm delivery due to infection. MATERIAL/METHODS: The
      study involved 83 patients assigned to groups: Group I (n=43) consisted of
      patients hospitalized for symptoms of preterm delivery, and Group II (control
      group n=40) consisted of patients controlled or hospitalized delivering on time
      without complications, whose pregnancy had a physiological course. All patients
      had a single marking of ALP and CRP levels in serum performed. RESULTS: CRP
      levels were within the range 7 mg/l to 94 mg/l in the study group, and 4.83 mg/l
      to 90 mg/l in the control group. The level of ALP in the study group ranged from
      139 u/l to 368 u/l and from 218 u/l to 321 u/l in the control group. In more than
      half of women (72.1%) from study group, CRP level exceeded 7 mg/l; in the control
      group, the CRP level exceeded 7 mg/l in 35% of cases. Significantly higher levels
      of CRP (above 20 mg/l) and ALP (above 300 u/l) were found in the 18 patients from
      the study group compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Although an increase
      in the level of ALP in serum cannot be an absolute and sole marker of the risk of
      preterm delivery, it can be used in conjunction with a significantly elevated CRP
      level.

PMID- 22037745
TI  - Alteration of antioxidant defense status precedes humoral immune response
      abnormalities in macrosomia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate whether the anomalies affecting the
      antioxidant and humoral immune defenses could start at birth and to check whether
      the decrease in antioxidant defenses may precede the immune abnormalities in
      macrosomic newborns. MATERIAL/METHODS: Thirty macrosomic and 30 sex-matched
      control newborns were recruited for a retrospective case-control study at the
      Maghnia Maternity Hospital of Tlemcen Department (Algeria). RESULTS: The serum
      IgG levels were similar in both groups. However, plasma ORAC, albumin, vitamin E,
      SOD, CAT and GSH-Px levels were significantly decreased in macrosomic as compared
      to control newborns, yet no difference was observed after adjustment for weight.
      Additionally, serum concentrations of complement C3, MDA and XO were
      significantly higher in macrosomic as compared to controls before adjustment for
      weight. Moreover, macrosomia was significantly associated with high levels of
      complement C3 (OR=8, p=0.002); whereas no association with those of IgG was
      observed (OR<1, p>0.05). Furthermore, macrosomia was significantly associated
      with low levels of ORAC (OR=4.96, p=0.027), vitamin E (OR=4.5, p=0.018), SOD
      (OR=6.88, p=0.020) and CAT (OR=5.67, p=0.017), and with high levels of MDA
      (OR=10.29, p=0.005). CONCLUSIONS: Abnormalities of the humoral defense system in
      excessive weight could be preceded by alterations of the anti-oxidative defense
      and by inflammatory response and activation of innate immunity at birth.
      Additionally, excessive weight could be a potential factor contributing to
      decreased anti-oxidative capacity and increased oxidative stress.

PMID- 22037747
TI  - An observational study on the epidemiological and mycological profile of
      Candidemia in ICU patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aimed to analyze the epidemiological and mycological
      profile of candidemia in intensive care unit (ICU) patients attending a tertiary
      care teaching hospital in the Himalayan region of northern India.
      MATERIAL/METHODS: A 15-bed medico-surgical ICU and a 5-bed pediatric ICU. Ninety
      one consecutively admitted ICU patients were screened for the presence of
      candidemia by performing blood cultures at periodic intervals. RESULTS: The
      recovered Candida isolates were speciated and subjected to antifungal
      susceptibility testing using standard procedures. Forty-one of the recruited
      patients (45%) were found to be candidemic, with the majority of patients being
      in the extremes of age (13 neonates and 15 >65 years of age). Four risk factors
      were found to be significantly associated with the occurrence of candidemia in
      our patients - a period of hospitalization exceeding 7 days (p=0.0008), previous
      use of antibiotics (p=0.001), presence of chronic renal failure (p=0.003), and
      ongoing cancer chemotherapy (p= 0.041). Ninety-six Candida isolates were
      recovered from the 41 culture-positive patients, with Candida albicans being the
      commonest isolate recovered (n=75, 78.1%), followed by Candida tropicalis (n=15,
      16%), and Candida glabrata (n=6, 6.5%). Fluconazole resistance was observed among
      26% of all Candida isolates and 17.3% of C. albicans isolates. CONCLUSIONS:
      Contrary to the majority of recent reports, species shift towards non-albicans
      candidemia has not been observed in our center, though the prevalence of azole
      resistance is alarmingly high even among the C. albicans isolates.

PMID- 22037748
TI  - The relationship of pathological gambling to criminality behavior in a sample of
      Polish male offenders.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Severe problem gambling is most often related to income producing
      offences such as larceny and embezzlement. In addition, the high rate of relapse
      to gambling problems and the link between gambling debts and crime have clinical,
      forensic and penitentiary implications. Considering the data from the literature
      presented here I decided to form and empirically verify a hypothesis that
      incarcerated men with a diagnosis of pathological gambling are characterized by
      psychopathic personality disorders, alcohol problems and criminality.
      MATERIAL/METHODS: The groups of participants encompassed 90 men 26-52 years of
      age, serving a criminal sentence. All participants had to fulfil the following
      clinical criteria: a) be interviewed by a psychiatrist and diagnosed with
      pathological gambling and/or antisocial personality disorders b) obtain a result
      in the PCL-R test; c) estimate the relationship between gambling problems and
      crime. Taking into consideration the abovementioned criteria three patient test
      groups were formed: Group 1, which included those for whom gambling had led to
      crime; Group 2, where gambling was a part of a criminal lifestyle, and Group 3,
      in which the mutual relationship between gambling and crime was unclear. RESULTS:
      The participants were diagnosed as pathological gamblers (DSM-IV-TR, ICD-10) and
      psychopaths (PCL-R). Those tested differed with regard to the intensification of
      the personality disturbance tested, the co-occurrence of other disturbances,
      particularly psychoactive addictions, the motivations for taking up gambling, and
      the type of criminal activity.<br /> CONCLUSIONS: The hypothesis was confirmed
      that incarcerated men with a diagnosis of pathological gambling are characterized
      by psychopathic personality disorders, alcohol problems and criminality.

PMID- 22037749
TI  - Rituximab associated neutropenia: description of three cases and an insight into
      the underlying pathogenesis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To describe Rituximab associated neutropenia (RAN), and to explore
      its underlying mechanism. CASE REPORT: We describe three patients with RAN. The
      effect of patient's plasma on colony forming unit, Granulocyte-Monocyte (CFU-GM)
      was measured by the addition of plasma to the culture of a healthy bone-marrow.
      Repeated tests were performed after recovery of white count. In the leukopenic
      period the patient's plasma inhibited CFU growth completely. Control plasma did
      not have such an effect. Addition of patient's cell supernatant to bone marrow
      cells did not change the number of CFU. The same effect was demonstrated in
      normal control. After recovery the patient's plasma did not inhibit colony
      formation, similar to control. CONCLUSIONS: RAN is a clinically significant side
      effect. It may take place during treatment or several months afterwards.
      Circulating antibodies in the plasma may be responsible for this unique BM
      toxicity.

PMID- 22037750
TI  - Salvage of a femoral nonunion after primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of bone: a
      case report and literature review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: With the advent of superb microsurgery techniques and advanced
      stabilization instruments, recent decades have seen great progress in treating
      nonunions secondary to traumatic fractures. However, those nonunions that are
      secondary to primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of bone and often related to
      irradiation still remain a challenging problem. The condition could be more
      perplexing when bone healing abilities are greatly compromised and reliable
      stabilization is difficult. CASE REPORT: We performed an operation using free
      vascularized fibular graft in combination with a locking plate on a 47-year-old
      female patient who had suffered from a three-year femoral nonunion after courses
      of radiochemotherapy for the treatment of primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of bone,
      a spontaneous femoral shaft fracture, an intramedullary nailing, and some
      nonoperative interventions in sequence. Primary union of the graft was obtained
      at 9 months without wound infection. No recurrence of lymphoma occurred in the 61
      month follow-up, nor did a stress fracture or failure of fixation. Limb salvage
      was achieved and the range of motion of the adjacent joints was acceptable.
      CONCLUSIONS: Free vascularized fibular graft in combination with a locking plate
      can effectively enhance bone union in compromised bone and soft tissue milieu.
      More cases have yet to be further investigated.

PMID- 22037751
TI  - Clinical factors increasing radiation doses to patients undergoing long-lasting
      procedures: abdominal stent-graft implantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An important negative factor of EVAR is the radiation acquired during
      long-lasting procedures. The aim of the study was to document the radiation doses
      of EVAR and to discuss potential reasons for prolongation of radiological
      procedures. MATERIAL/METHODS: Dose-area product (DAP) (Gy cm2) and air kerma (AK)
      (Gy) obtained during EVAR from 92 patients were analyzed retrospectively in
      regards to body mass index (BMI), angulations of aneurysm neck, length of
      aneurysm neck and occurrence of tortuosity of iliac arteries. RESULTS: Total AK
      for fluoroscopy differed significantly between normal BMI (373 mGy) and BMI 25
      29.9 (1125 mGy) or BMI >30 (1085 mGy). Iliac artery tortuosities >45 degrees  and
      short aneurysm necks caused higher doses of total AK (1097 mGy and 1228 mGy,
      respectively) than iliac artery tortuosities <45 degrees  and long aneurysm necks
      (605 mGy and 720 mGy, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The main factors contributing
      to a high radiation dose being acquired by patients during EVAR are: BMI >25,
      tortuosity of iliac arteries >45 degrees  and short aneurysm necks.

PMID- 22037752
TI  - Epidural and opioid analgesia following the Nuss procedure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Parents have the right to decide on behalf of their children and deny
      consent to regional anaesthesia. The investigators decided to investigate quality
      of postoperative analgesia in adolescents undergoing epidural and opioid
      analgesia following the Nuss procedure. material/methods: The study subjects were
      61 adolescents aged 11-18 years who underwent pectus excavatum repair with the
      Nuss procedure. Patients were divided into epidural (n=41) and opioid (n=20)
      groups, depending on their parents' consent to epidural catheter insertion.
      Intraoperatively, 0.5% epidural ropivacaine with fentanyl or intermittent
      intravenous injections of fentanyl were used. Postoperative analgesia was
      achieved with either epidural infusion of 0.1% ropivacaine with fentanyl, or
      subcutaneous morphine via an intraoperatively inserted "butterfly" cannula.
      Additionally, both groups received metamizol and paracetamol. Primary outcome
      variables were postoperative pain scores (Numeric Rating Scale and Prince Henry
      Hospital Pain Score). Secondary outcome variables included hemodynamic
      parameters, additional analgesia and side effects. RESULTS: Heart rate and blood
      pressure values in the postoperative period were significantly higher in the
      opioid group. Pain scores requiring intervention were noted almost exclusively in
      the opioid group. CONCLUSIONS: Denial of parental consent to epidural analgesia
      following the Nuss procedure results in significantly worse control of
      postoperative pain. Our data may be useful when discussing with parents the
      available anaesthetic techniques for exceptionally painful procedures.

PMID- 22037753
TI  - Waist circumference, ghrelin and selected adipose tissue-derived adipokines as
      predictors of insulin resistance in obese patients: preliminary results.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to estimate the association between
      anthropometric obesity parameters, serum concentrations of ghrelin, resistin,
      leptin, adiponectin and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA-IR) in obese non
      diabetic insulin-sensitive and insulin-resistant patients. MATERIAL/METHODS:
      Study subjects included 37 obese (body mass index [BMI] >= 30 kg/m2) out-clinic
      patients aged 25 to 66 years. Insulin resistance was evaluated by HOMA-IR. Serum
      fasting concentrations of glucose, insulin, ghrelin, adiponectin, resistin and
      leptin were measured by using the ELISA method. Body weight, waist and hip
      circumferences were measured to calculate BMI and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) values
      for all the patients. According to HOMA-IR, patients were divided into two
      groups: A, insulin sensitive (n=19); and B, insulin resistant (n=18). RESULTS:
      Patients with insulin resistance have greater mean waist circumference (WC)
      higher mean serum insulin level and leptin concentration, but lower
      concentrations of adiponectin and ghrelin. In the insulin-sensitive patient group
      we observed positive correlations between BMI and HOMA-IR, WC and HOMA-IR, and
      adiponectin and leptin, and negative correlations between ghrelin and HOMA-IR, WC
      and adiponectin, and WHR and adiponectin. In the insulin-resistant group, there
      was a positive correlation between resistin and ghrelin and a negative
      correlation between WHR and leptin. CONCLUSIONS: Waist circumference,
      adiponectin, leptin and ghrelin are associated with insulin resistance and may be
      predictors of this pathology.

PMID- 22037754
TI  - Therapeutic applications of mesenchymal stroma cells in pediatric diseases:
      current aspects and future perspectives.
AB  - Mesenchymal stem cells or stroma cells (MSCs) were recently proven to play
      various therapeutic roles when used in clinical trials to control various
      inflammatory, neoplastic and immunologic diseases in children. Clinical trials
      show some promising results, particularly in diseases where conventional therapy
      is still ineffective. However, experimental studies sometimes show conflicting
      results. This review aims to assess the current therapeutic role of MSCs in the
      control of several pediatric diseases and elaborate on their future applications
      by reviewing published studies. A review of published studies on this subject
      based on Pubmed and Medical Subject Heading databases, with search for all
      relevant articles focusing on results of clinical trials to evaluate the clinical
      applications of MSCs. The review includes documentation of positive as well as
      negative applications of MSCs focused on pediatric diseases. MSCs have important
      immunosuppressive and antifibrotic effects that need to be employed to help
      patients with diseases for which no conventional management has proven to be
      effective. They may be also be used as an adjuvant to conventional therapeutic
      modalities to consolidate recovery. This review sheds light on the significance
      of the use of MSCs for the treatment of various pediatric diseases and focuses on
      promising applications. Most of the reported studies agree about the favorable
      use of MSCs in various diseases; however, more clinical trials, involving larger
      numbers of patients, need to be conducted in order to refine the outcome of the
      therapeutic methods and establish standardized protocols.

PMID- 22037755
TI  - Erythropoietin update 2011.
AB  - Traditionally, erythropoietin (EPO) is described as a hematopoietic cytokine,
      regulating proliferation and differentiation and survival of the erythroid
      progenitors. The recent finding of new sites of EPO production and the wide
      spread distribution of EPO receptors (EPO-R) on endothelial cells,
      cardiomyocytes, renal cells as well as the central and peripheral nervous system
      raised the possibility that EPO may exert pleiotropic actions on several targets.
      Indeed studies (mainly preclinical) have documented protective, non
      hematopoietic, abilities of EPO in a variety of tissue. However, the data
      obtained from clinical studies are more skeptical about these properties. This
      article provides a comprehensive overview of EPO and its derivatives.

PMID- 22037756
TI  - Cultural, social and personal ways of experiencing love - an analysis of the
      perception of subjectivity.
AB  - This article is based on analysis of 4 couple's personal and public documents, in
      order to integrate personal choices, values and ideas with cultural
      representations and social attitudes. Moreover, being based on Italian sources
      from the nineteenth century, the study offers an historical insight on the
      Italian nation-building process and its political and social foundations. This
      study is based on archival and printed primary sources from: Gianna Maffei and
      Ercole Trotti Mosti (Museo Centrale del Risorgimento - Roma - MCRR); Augusto
      Pierantoni and Grazia Mancini (Museo Centrale del Risorgimento - Roma); Luigi
      Majno and Ersilia Bronzini (Archivio Unione Femminile Nazionale - Milano);
      Angiolo Orvieto and Laura Cantoni (Archivio Contemporaneo Bonsanti del Gabinetto
      Vieuesseux - Firenze - ACGV). This study reflects on love as a political and
      moral issue, by linking the personal sphere of subjectivity to the public
      dimension of the political community. An extensive understanding of the role
      played by the perception and the expression of sentiments can be considered as
      the central issue of this analysis.

PMID- 22037757
TI  - What dose of intravenous immunoglobulin should be administered in Kawasaki
      disease with suspected systemic capillary leak syndrome? Comment on: shock: an
      unusual presentation of Kawasaki disease (Eur J Pediatr. 2011 Jul; 170(7):941-3).

PMID- 22037758
TI  - The role of enzyme replacement therapy in severe Hunter syndrome-an expert panel
      consensus.
AB  - Intravenous enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with idursulfase for Hunter syndrome
      has not been demonstrated to and is not predicted to cross the blood-brain
      barrier. Nearly all published experience with ERT with idursulfase has therefore
      been in patients without cognitive impairment (attenuated phenotype). Little
      formal guidance is available on the issues surrounding ERT in cognitively
      impaired patients with the severe phenotype. An expert panel was therefore
      convened to provide guidance on these issues. The clinical experience of the
      panel with 66 patients suggests that somatic improvements (e.g., reduction in
      liver volume, increased mobility, and reduction in frequency of respiratory
      infections) may occur in most severe patients. Cognitive benefits have not been
      seen. It was agreed that, in general, severe patients are candidates for at least
      a 6-12-month trial of ERT, excluding patients who are severely neurologically
      impaired, those in a vegetative state, or those who have a condition that may
      lead to near-term death. It is imperative that the treating physician discuss the
      goals of treatment, methods of assessment of response, and criteria for
      discontinuation of treatment with the family before ERT is initiated. CONCLUSION:
      The decision to initiate ERT in severe Hunter syndrome should be made by the
      physician and parents and must be based on realistic expectations of benefits and
      risks, with the understanding that ERT may be withdrawn in the absence of
      demonstrable benefits.

PMID- 22037759
TI  - Ciliary ultrastructural abnormalities in Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in 22
      pediatric patients.
AB  - Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) is characterized by ciliary ultrastructural
      abnormalities that cause abnormal mucociliary function leading to refractory or
      persistent pneumonia. Herein, we analyzed ciliary ultrastructural defects in 22
      children with MPP and determined the association of these defects with prognosis.
      Ciliary ultrastructural abnormalities occurred in all patients. Ciliated cells
      with loss of cilia occurred in 15. Cytoplasmic blebbing occurred in eight.
      Ambiguity of the "9 + 2" microtubule array occurred in six. Transposition or
      disarray of the peripheral microtubules occurred in five. Compound cilia occurred
      in three. Central complex defects occurred in three. Squamous metaplasia occurred
      in two. Compound cilia with multiple axonemes within a single outer sheath
      occurred in one. Multiple abnormalities occurred in 14. The recovery time in
      patients with multiple abnormalities was longer than that in patients with single
      abnormality. Patients with central complex defects required more than 1 month to
      recover. In conclusion, ciliated cells with loss of cilia, cytoplasmic blebbing,
      and ambiguity of the "9 + 2" microtubule array were the most commonly encountered
      abnormal findings in MPP. Multiple abnormalities, especially those associated
      with central complex defects, may indicate an unfavorable prognosis.

PMID- 22037760
TI  - A role for SMN exon 7 splicing in the selective vulnerability of motor neurons in
      spinal muscular atrophy.
AB  - Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an inherited motor neuron disease caused by
      homozygous loss of the Survival Motor Neuron 1 (SMN1) gene. In the absence of
      SMN1, inefficient inclusion of exon 7 in transcripts from the nearly identical
      SMN2 gene results in ubiquitous SMN decrease but selective motor neuron
      degeneration. Here we investigated whether cell type-specific differences in the
      efficiency of exon 7 splicing contribute to the vulnerability of SMA motor
      neurons. We show that normal motor neurons express markedly lower levels of full
      length SMN mRNA from SMN2 than do other cells in the spinal cord. This is due to
      inefficient exon 7 splicing that is intrinsic to motor neurons under normal
      conditions. We also find that SMN depletion in mammalian cells decreases exon 7
      inclusion through a negative feedback loop affecting the splicing of its own
      mRNA. This mechanism is active in vivo and further decreases the efficiency of
      exon 7 inclusion specifically in motor neurons of severe-SMA mice. Consistent
      with expression of lower levels of full-length SMN, we find that SMN-dependent
      downstream molecular defects are exacerbated in SMA motor neurons. These findings
      suggest a mechanism to explain the selective vulnerability of motor neurons to
      loss of SMN1.

PMID- 22037761
TI  - Two-step engulfment of apoptotic cells.
AB  - Apoptotic cells expose phosphatidylserine on their surface as an "eat me" signal,
      and macrophages respond by engulfing them. Although several molecules that
      specifically bind phosphatidylserine have been identified, the molecular
      mechanism that triggers engulfment remains elusive. Here, using a mouse pro-B
      cell line, Ba/F3, that grows in suspension, we reconstituted the engulfment of
      apoptotic cells. The parental Ba/F3 cells did not engulf apoptotic cells. Ba/F3
      transformants expressing T cell immunoglobulin- and mucin-domain-containing
      molecule 4 (Tim4), a type I membrane protein that specifically binds
      phosphatidylserine, efficiently bound apoptotic cells in a phosphatidylserine
      dependent manner but did not engulf them. However, Ba/F3 transformants expressing
      both Tim4 and the integrin alpha(v)beta(3) complex bound to and engulfed
      apoptotic cells in the presence of milk fat globule epidermal growth factor
      factor VIII (MFG-E8), a secreted protein that can bind phosphatidylserine and
      integrin alpha(v)beta(3). These results indicate that the engulfment of apoptotic
      cells proceeds in two steps: Tim4 tethers apoptotic cells, and the integrin
      alpha(v)beta(3) complex mediates engulfment in coordination with MFG-E8. A
      similar two-step engulfment of apoptotic cells was observed with mouse resident
      peritoneal macrophages. Furthermore, the Tim4/integrin-mediated engulfment by the
      Ba/F3 cells was enhanced in cells expressing Rac1 and Rab5, suggesting that this
      system well reproduces the engulfment of apoptotic cells by macrophages.

PMID- 22037762
TI  - Notch signaling in Sertoli cells regulates cyclical gene expression of Hes1 but
      is dispensable for mouse spermatogenesis.
AB  - Mammalian spermatogenesis is a highly regulated system dedicated to the
      continuous production of spermatozoa from spermatogonial stem cells, and the
      process largely depends on microenvironments created by Sertoli cells, unique
      somatic cells that reside within a seminiferous tubule. Spermatogenesis
      progresses with a cyclical program known as the "seminiferous epithelial cycle,"
      which is accompanied with cyclical gene expression changes in Sertoli cells.
      However, it is unclear how the cyclicity in Sertoli cells is regulated. Here, we
      report that Notch signaling, which is known to play an important role for germ
      cell development in Drosophila and Caenorhabditis elegans, is cyclically
      activated in Sertoli cells and regulates stage-dependent gene expression of Hes1.
      To elucidate the regulatory mechanism of stage-dependent Hes1 expression and the
      role of Notch signaling in mouse spermatogenesis, we inactivated Notch signaling
      in Sertoli cells by deleting protein O-fucosyltransferase 1 (Pofut1), using the
      cre-loxP system, and found that stage-dependent Hes1 expression was dependent on
      the activation of Notch signaling. Unexpectedly, however, spermatogenesis
      proceeded normally. Our results thus indicate that Notch signaling regulates
      cyclical gene expression in Sertoli cells but is dispensable for mouse
      spermatogenesis. This highlights the evolutionary divergences in regulation of
      germ cell development.

PMID- 22037763
TI  - Cross talk between immunoglobulin heavy-chain transcription and RNA surveillance
      during B cell development.
AB  - Immunoglobulin (Ig) genes naturally acquire frequent premature termination codons
      during the error-prone V(D)J recombination process. Although B cell
      differentiation is linked to the expression of productive Ig alleles, the
      transcriptional status of nonfunctionally recombined alleles remains unclear.
      Here, we tracked transcription and posttranscriptional regulation for both Ig
      heavy-chain (IgH) alleles in mice carrying a nonfunctional knock-in allele. We
      show that productively and nonproductively VDJ-rearranged alleles are transcribed
      throughout B cell development, carry similar active chromatin marks, and even
      display equivalent RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) loading after B cell stimulation.
      Hence, these results challenge the idea that the repositioning of one allele to
      heterochromatin could promote the silencing of nonproductive alleles.
      Interestingly, the efficiency of downstream RNA surveillance mechanisms
      fluctuates according to B cell activation and terminal differentiation: unspliced
      nonfunctional transcripts accumulate in primary B cells, while B cell activation
      promotes IgH transcription, RNA splicing, and nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD).
      Altogether, IgH transcription and RNA splicing rates determine by which RNA
      surveillance mechanisms a B cell can get rid of nonproductive IgH mRNAs.

PMID- 22037764
TI  - Localization of HET-S to the cell periphery, not to [Het-s] aggregates, is
      associated with [Het-s]-HET-S toxicity.
AB  - Prion diseases are associated with accumulation of the amyloid form of the prion
      protein, but the mechanisms of toxicity are unknown. Amyloid toxicity is also
      associated with fungal prions. In Podospora anserina, the simultaneous presence
      of [Het-s] prion and its allelic protein HET-S causes cell death in a self
      /nonself-discrimination process. Here, using the prion form of a fragment of HET
      s ([PrD(157)(+)]), we show that [Het-s]-HET-S toxicity can be faithfully
      recapitulated in yeast. Overexpression of Hsp40 chaperone, Sis1, rescues this
      toxicity by curing cells of [PrD(157)(+)]. We find no evidence for toxic
      [PrD(157)(+)] conformers in the presence of HET-S. Instead, [PrD(157)(+)] appears
      to seed HET-S to accumulate at the cell periphery and to form aggregates distinct
      from visible [PrD(157)(+)] aggregates. Furthermore, HET-S mutants that cause HET
      S to be sequestered into [PrD(157)(+)] prion aggregates are not toxic. The
      localization of HET-S at the cell periphery and its association with cell death
      was also observed in the native host Podospora anserina. Thus, upon interaction
      with [Het-s], HET-S localizes to the cell periphery, and this relocalization,
      rather than the formation of mixed HET-s/HET-S aggregates, is associated with
      toxicity.

PMID- 22037765
TI  - Loss of Akt1 in mice increases energy expenditure and protects against diet
      induced obesity.
AB  - Akt is encoded by a gene family for which each isoform serves distinct but
      overlapping functions. Based on the phenotypes of the germ line gene disruptions,
      Akt1 has been associated with control of growth, whereas Akt2 has been linked to
      metabolic regulation. Here we show that Akt1 serves an unexpected role in the
      regulation of energy metabolism, as mice deficient for Akt1 exhibit protection
      from diet-induced obesity and its associated insulin resistance. Although
      skeletal muscle contributes most of the resting and exercising energy
      expenditure, muscle-specific deletion of Akt1 does not recapitulate the
      phenotype, indicating that the role of Akt1 in skeletal muscle is cell
      nonautonomous. These data indicate a previously unknown function of Akt1 in
      energy metabolism and provide a novel target for treatment of obesity.

PMID- 22037766
TI  - Mink1 regulates beta-catenin-independent Wnt signaling via Prickle
      phosphorylation.
AB  - beta-Catenin-independent Wnt signaling pathways have been implicated in the
      regulation of planar cell polarity (PCP) and convergent extension (CE) cell
      movements. Prickle, one of the core proteins of these pathways, is known to
      asymmetrically localize proximally at the adherens junction of Drosophila
      melanogaster wing cells and to locally accumulate within plasma membrane
      subdomains in cells undergoing CE movements during vertebrate development. Using
      mass spectrometry, we have identified the Ste20 kinase Mink1 as a Prickle
      associated protein and found that they genetically interact during the
      establishment of PCP in the Drosophila eye and CE in Xenopus laevis embryos. We
      show that Mink1 phosphorylates Prickle on a conserved threonine residue and
      regulates its Rab5-dependent endosomal trafficking, a process required for the
      localized plasma membrane accumulation and function of Prickle. Mink1 also was
      found to be important for the clustering of Vangl within plasma membrane puncta.
      Our results provide a link between Mink and the Vangl-Prickle complex and
      highlight the importance of Prickle phosphorylation and endosomal trafficking for
      its function during Wnt-PCP signaling.

PMID- 22037767
TI  - Ku regulates signaling to DNA damage response pathways through the Ku70 von
      Willebrand A domain.
AB  - The Ku heterodimer (Ku70/Ku80) is a main component of the nonhomologous end
      joining (NHEJ) pathway that repairs DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs). Ku binds the
      broken DNA end and recruits other proteins to facilitate the processing and
      ligation of the broken end. While Ku interacts with many proteins involved in DNA
      damage/repair-related functions, few interactions have been mapped to the N
      terminal von Willebrand A (vWA) domain, a predicted protein interaction domain.
      The mutagenesis of Ku70 vWA domain S155/D156 unexpectedly increased cell survival
      following ionizing radiation (IR) treatment. DNA repair appeared unaffected, but
      defects in the activation of apoptosis and alterations in the DNA damage
      signaling response were identified. In particular, Ku70 S155A/D156A affected the
      IR-induced transcriptional response of several activating transcription factor 2
      (ATF2)-regulated genes involved in apoptosis regulation. ATF2 phosphorylation and
      recruitment to DNA damage-induced foci was increased in Ku70-deficient cells,
      suggesting that Ku represses ATF2 activation. Ku70 S155A/D156A substitutions
      further enhanced this repression. S155A substitution alone was sufficient to
      confer enhanced survival, whereas alteration to a phosphomimetic residue (S155D)
      reversed this effect, suggesting that S155 is a phosphorylation site. Thus, these
      findings infer that Ku links signals from the DNA repair machinery to DNA damage
      signaling regulators that control apoptotic pathways.

PMID- 22037768
TI  - The small heat shock protein ODF1/HSPB10 is essential for tight linkage of sperm
      head to tail and male fertility in mice.
AB  - Sperm motility and hence male fertility strictly depends on proper development of
      the sperm tail and its tight anchorage to the head. The main protein of sperm
      tail outer dense fibers, ODF1/HSPB10, belongs to the family of small heat shock
      proteins that function as molecular chaperones. However, the impact of ODF1 on
      sperm tail formation and motility and on male fecundity is unknown. We therefore
      generated mutant mice in which the Odf1 gene was disrupted. Heterozygous mutant
      male mice are fertile while sperm motility is reduced, but Odf1-deficient male
      mice are infertile due to the detachment of the sperm head. Although headless
      tails are somehow motile, transmission electron microscopy revealed disturbed
      organization of the mitochondrial sheath, as well as of the outer dense fibers.
      Our results thus suggest that ODF1, besides being involved in the correct
      arrangement of mitochondrial sheath and outer dense fibers, is essential for
      rigid junction of sperm head and tail. Loss of function of ODF1, therefore, might
      account for some of the cases of human infertility with decapitated sperm heads.
      In addition, since sperm motility is already affected in heterozygous mice,
      impairment of ODF1 might even account for some cases of reduced fertility in male
      patients.

PMID- 22037769
TI  - Identification of a Src tyrosine kinase/SIAH2 E3 ubiquitin ligase pathway that
      regulates C/EBPdelta expression and contributes to transformation of breast tumor
      cells.
AB  - The transcription factor CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein delta (C/EBPdelta, CEBPD)
      is a tumor suppressor that is downregulated during breast cancer progression but
      may also promote metastasis. Here, we have investigated the mechanism(s)
      regulating C/EBPdelta expression and its role in human breast cancer cells. We
      describe a novel pathway by which the tyrosine kinase Src downregulates
      C/EBPdelta through the SIAH2 E3 ubiquitin ligase. Src phosphorylates SIAH2 in
      vitro and leads to tyrosine phosphorylation and activation of SIAH2 in breast
      tumor cell lines. SIAH2 interacts with C/EBPdelta, but not C/EBPbeta, and
      promotes its polyubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. Src/SIAH2-mediated
      inhibition of C/EBPdelta expression supports elevated cyclin D1 levels,
      phosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein (Rb), motility, invasive properties,
      and survival of transformed cells. Pharmacological inhibition of Src family
      kinases by SKI-606 (bosutinib) induces C/EBPdelta expression in an SIAH2
      dependent manner, which is necessary for "therapeutic" responses to SKI-606 in
      vitro. Ectopic expression of degradation-resistant mutants of C/EBPdelta, which
      do not interact with SIAH2 and/or cannot be polyubiquitinated, prevents full
      transformation of MCF-10A cells by activated Src (Src truncated at amino acid 531
      [Src-531]) in vitro. These data reveal that C/EBPdelta expression can be
      regulated at the protein level by oncogenic Src kinase signals through SIAH2,
      thus contributing to breast epithelial cell transformation.

PMID- 22037770
TI  - Does change in cannabis use in established psychosis affect clinical outcome?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cannabis use has been identified as a potent predictor of the earlier
      onset of psychosis, but meta-analysis has not indicated that it has a clear
      effect in established psychosis. AIM: To assess the association between cannabis
      and outcomes, including whether change in cannabis use affects symptoms and
      functioning, in a large sample of people with established nonaffective psychosis
      and comorbid substance misuse. METHODS: One hundred and sixty participants whose
      substance use included cannabis were compared with other substance users (n =
      167) on baseline demographic, clinical, and substance use variables. The cannabis
      using subgroup was examined prospectively with repeated measures of substance use
      and psychopathology at baseline, 12 months, and 24 months. We used generalized
      estimating equation models to estimate the effects of cannabis dose on subsequent
      clinical outcomes and whether change in cannabis use was associated with change
      in outcomes. RESULTS: Cannabis users showed cross-sectional differences from
      other substances users but not in terms of positive symptoms. Second, cannabis
      dose was not associated with subsequent severity of positive symptoms and change
      in cannabis dose did not predict change in positive symptom severity, even when
      patients became abstinent. However, greater cannabis exposure was associated with
      worse functioning, albeit with a small effect size. CONCLUSIONS: We did not find
      evidence of an association between cannabis dose and psychotic symptoms, although
      greater cannabis dose was associated with worse psychosocial functioning, albeit
      with small effect size. It would seem that within this population, not everyone
      will demonstrate durable symptomatic improvements from reducing cannabis.

PMID- 22037771
TI  - Niacin: the evidence, clinical use, and future directions.
AB  - The use of FDA-approved niacin (nicotinic acid or vitamin B3) formulations at
      therapeutic doses, alone or in combination with statins or other lipid therapies,
      is safe, improves multiple lipid parameters, and reduces atherosclerosis
      progression. Niacin is unique as the most potent available lipid therapy to
      increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and it significantly reduces
      lipoprotein(a). Through its action on the GPR109A receptor, niacin may also exert
      beneficial pleiotropic effects independent of changes in lipid levels, such as
      improving endothelial function and attenuating vascular inflammation. Studies
      evaluating the impact of niacin in statin-naive patients on cardiovascular
      outcomes, or alone and in combination with statins or other lipid therapies on
      atherosclerosis progression, have been universally favorable. However, the
      widespread use of niacin to treat residual lipid abnormalities such as low HDL
      cholesterol, when used in combination with statins among patients achieving very
      low (<75 mg/dL) low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, is currently not
      supported by clinical outcome trials.

PMID- 22037772
TI  - Lipid effects of antihypertensive medications.
AB  - Thiazide diuretics and beta-blockers are first-line therapies for hypertension
      unless there are compelling indications for other drug classes. Diuretics and
      beta-blockers, however, may worsen dyslipidemia and glucose tolerance whereas
      antihypertensive agents in other drug classes may have neutral or beneficial
      effects. Initial clinical trials of antihypertensive regimens suggested that
      blood pressure lowering was the most important aspect of therapy and that the
      adverse effects on lipids and glucose tolerance did not impact clinical outcomes.
      Newer trials, however, question this finding and implicate these pleotropic
      effects as contributing to the results of the trials. Patients with
      cardiometabolic risk factors may have compelling indications for agents that
      inhibit the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, relegating diuretics and beta
      blockers to third-line therapy.

PMID- 22037773
TI  - A comparative study of two different methods of sample preparation for positive
      blood cultures for the rapid identification of bacteria using MALDI-TOF MS.
AB  - Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry
      (MALDI-TOF MS) has lately been implemented as a solid technology for rapid
      microorganism identification in microbiology laboratories. This study compares
      two methods for bacterial separation from 85 positive blood culture before MALDI
      TOF MS: (1) a conventional method that we used in our laboratory to prepare
      bacteria for susceptibility testing and (2) a new commercialized technique
      (Sepsityper). There were no significant differences in the identification of Gram
      negative bacilli regardless of the bacterial separation method used. However,
      identification was greater for Gram-positive cocci when the Sepsityper method was
      used (84.15% vs. 100% in the identification to a genus level in staphylococci and
      57.14% vs. 85.71% in the identification to a genus level of enterococci with the
      in-house and Sepsityper methods, respectively). Therefore, the Sepsityper method
      to prepare bacteria from a positive blood culture is more adequate for the
      further identification of Gram-positive cocci by MALDI-TOF MS.

PMID- 22037774
TI  - Performance of the GenoType(r) MTBDRPlus assay in routine settings: a multicenter
      study.
AB  - Former Soviet Union countries including the Baltic States (Latvia, Lithuania, and
      Estonia) are hot spots for an emerging epidemic of drug resistant tuberculosis
      (TB). As a part of the development of a co-ordinated network of centers for
      diagnostic trials across Eastern Europe we conducted a retrospective multicenter
      analysis of the performance of the GenoType(r) MTBDRPlus assay for TB
      identification and susceptibility to isoniazid (INH) and rifampicin (RIF) in
      routine settings. A total of 1,045 primary samples, 1045 TB cultures derived from
      these specimens and 306 separate M. tuberculosis isolates tested in 2007-2010 at
      four participating sites (Tartu, Estonia; Riga, Latvia; Vilnius, Lithuania; and
      Samara, Russian Federation) were included in the analysis. The pooled sensitivity
      and specificity values for RIF and INH were 95.3% and 95.5%, 89.9 and 87.1%,
      respectively; there were no statistically significant variations in performance
      across sites. The proportion of multidrug resistant (MDR) strains in the
      collections ranged from 21.8% (in Estonia) to 55.9% (in Russia). In a routine non
      trial context, the assay reliably detected both rifampicin and isoniazid
      resistance. The absence of statistically significant differences between sites
      suggested that the comparable performance obtained using these assays has helped
      demonstrate the formation of a successful diagnostic trial network.

PMID- 22037775
TI  - A survey on the use of gentamicin in infective endocarditis.
AB  - US and European guidelines recommend a daily divided gentamicin dose (3 mg/kg in
      two or three equally divided doses) for the treatment of infective endocarditis
      caused by staphylococci or enterococci, but once-daily dosing (3 mg/kg/day) is
      recommended for streptococcal endocarditis. However, studies have recommended the
      use of higher doses of gentamicin (4 or >=5 mg/kg/day) administered once-daily. A
      survey was conducted in France by mailing a questionnaire to the 595 members of
      the French Infectious Disease Society regarding their gentamicin prescription
      patterns in infective endocarditis, focusing on the dosing regimen. The survey
      was answered by 137 physicians (23%). The proportions of physicians following
      guideline-based regimens were similar for each organism (30.9%, 38.8%, and 39.4%
      for staphylococci, enterococci, and streptococci, respectively [p=0.26]). In
      contrast, the proportions of physicians following literature-based regimens were
      significantly different for each organism (59.6%, 42.5%, and 27.7% for
      staphylococci, enterococci, and streptococci, respectively [p<0.001]). The number
      of years practicing and the type of practice (university vs. non-university
      hospital) did not influence the gentamicin dose or regimen. Although adherence to
      published guidelines for gentamicin administration in patients with infective
      endocarditis was poor, a large proportion of physicians who did not follow those
      guidelines used literature-based regimens.

PMID- 22037776
TI  - The metal-carbonyl...pi(aryl) interaction as a supramolecular synthon for the
      stabilisation of transition metal carbonyl crystal structures.
AB  - M-carbonyl(lone pair)...pi(aryl) interactions provide stability to their
      transition metal crystal structures. This supramolecular synthon usually leads to
      zero- or one-dimensional aggregation patterns; a rare example of a three
      dimensional architecture based on the M-CO(lone pair)...pi(aryl) synthon has also
      been revealed.

PMID- 22037777
TI  - Dorsal iliac dimensions in elderly females: anatomical considerations in two bolt
      iliac foundation construct.
AB  - PURPOSE: To detect the presence of differences in transverse dimensions in the
      female iliac blades in comparison to normal population groups. METHODS: The
      present study measures the transverse dimensions of female iliac blades from
      cadavers and dried bone specimens from women in the age group 50-70 years and
      compares with similar measurements taken from adult male dried hip bones. Five
      transverse dimensions were recorded in each iliac bone at equidistant positions
      twice. Once, the dimensions were measured along the upper segment and then along
      the lower segment of the bone. Both segments corresponded approximately to the
      directions of placement of screws in the two bolt iliac foundation. Hemi-pelvises
      from cadavers were sectioned vertically at equidistant planes and the sections
      were directly measured for the thickness at the cut surfaces in the two segments
      along the probable route of screw placement. RESULTS: The lower segments were
      thicker and bulkier along the greater part of their length than the upper ones.
      The differences of dimensions between the two sides from the same individual and
      between the two groups were negligible and statistically insignificant. Thickness
      at the dorsal aspect of the hip-bone (ilium) in elderly females was comparable to
      male ones. CONCLUSION: Measurements along the path of screw placements for a two
      bolt pelvic foundation in elderly females were found to be comparable with
      dimensions observed in the other samples used in the study.

PMID- 22037778
TI  - Anatomical bases of endoscopic tarsal tunnel release: anatomical and ultra
      sonographic study with a preliminary clinical report.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of our study is to present the anatomical bases of a new
      technique for endoscopic tarsal release and to report the preliminary clinical
      outcome for this technique. METHOD: Anatomical study The technique was performed
      on 12 intact adult lower limb specimens. The location of portals was evaluated as
      well as the integrity of the neurovascular bundle. Ultra-sonographic study A
      prospective case control study was done on 10 patients (11 feet) and 14 normal
      volunteers (28 feet). Three parameters were measured; the thickness of flexor
      retinaculum, the nerve cross-section area and the depth of tarsal tunnel.
      Clinical study Seven patients with idiopathic proximal Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
      (TTS) were treated by endoscopic TTR using a modified trocar cannula and dilator
      system. Preoperative and postoperative evaluation was done by
      electrophysiological studies and ultra-sonography. Evaluation was done using
      Takakura's rating scale. RESULTS: Anatomical study The proximal and distal
      portals were located at 13 mm (+/-1.59 STD) and 17.91 mm (+/-1.44 STD) from the
      proximal and distal borders of FR, respectively. There was intact neurovascular
      bundle in all specimens. Ultra-sonographic study There was statistically
      significant difference in the mean nerve cross-sectional area and the thickness
      of the FR between the control group and the patients group (P < 0.05). Clinical
      study The mean TRS improved from 2.28 +/- 1.11 STD preoperatively to 8.43 +/-
      0.97 at 2 years follow-up. The overall good to excellent results was 85.7%.
      CONCLUSION: Based on this preliminary clinical study, endoscopic tarsal tunnel
      release by the technique described could obtain excellent to good results in
      85.7% of patients with idiopathic proximal tarsal tunnel. The anatomical study
      proved the safety of the technique on the neurovascular structures. Ultra
      sonography was an effective tool for preoperative diagnosis and postoperative
      follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Case series study, Level IV.

PMID- 22037780
TI  - A systematic review of breast cancer incidence risk prediction models with meta
      analysis of their performance.
AB  - A risk prediction model is a statistical tool for estimating the probability that
      a currently healthy individual with specific risk factors will develop a
      condition in the future such as breast cancer. Reliably accurate prediction
      models can inform future disease burdens, health policies and individual
      decisions. Breast cancer prediction models containing modifiable risk factors,
      such as alcohol consumption, BMI or weight, condom use, exogenous hormone use and
      physical activity, are of particular interest to women who might be considering
      how to reduce their risk of breast cancer and clinicians developing health
      policies to reduce population incidence rates. We performed a systematic review
      to identify and evaluate the performance of prediction models for breast cancer
      that contain modifiable factors. A protocol was developed and a sensitive search
      in databases including MEDLINE and EMBASE was conducted in June 2010. Extensive
      use was made of reference lists. Included were any articles proposing or
      validating a breast cancer prediction model in a general female population, with
      no language restrictions. Duplicate data extraction and quality assessment were
      conducted. Results were summarised qualitatively, and where possible meta
      analysis of model performance statistics was undertaken. The systematic review
      found 17 breast cancer models, each containing a different but often overlapping
      set of modifiable and other risk factors, combined with an estimated baseline
      risk that was also often different. Quality of reporting was generally poor, with
      characteristics of included participants and fitted model results often missing.
      Only four models received independent validation in external data, most notably
      the 'Gail 2' model with 12 validations. None of the models demonstrated
      consistently outstanding ability to accurately discriminate between those who did
      and those who did not develop breast cancer. For example, random-effects meta
      analyses of the performance of the 'Gail 2' model showed the average C statistic
      was 0.63 (95% CI 0.59-0.67), and the expected/observed ratio of events varied
      considerably across studies (95% prediction interval for E/O ratio when the model
      was applied in practice was 0.75-1.19). There is a need for models with better
      predictive performance but, given the large amount of work already conducted,
      further improvement of existing models based on conventional risk factors is
      perhaps unlikely. Research to identify new risk factors with large additionally
      predictive ability is therefore needed, alongside clearer reporting and continual
      validation of new models as they develop.

PMID- 22037779
TI  - Life stage differences in mammary gland gene expression profile in non-human
      primates.
AB  - Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy of women in the developed world.
      To better understand its pathogenesis, knowledge of normal breast development is
      crucial, as BC is the result of disregulation of physiologic processes. The aim
      of this study was to investigate the impact of reproductive life stages on the
      transcriptional profile of the mammary gland in a primate model. Comparative
      transcriptomic analyses were carried out using breast tissues from 28 female
      cynomolgus macaques (Macaca fascicularis) at the following life stages:
      prepubertal (n = 5), adolescent (n = 4), adult luteal (n = 5), pregnant (n = 6),
      lactating (n = 3), and postmenopausal (n = 5). Mammary gland RNA was hybridized
      to Affymetrix GeneChip((r)) Rhesus Macaque Genome Arrays. Differential gene
      expression was analyzed using ANOVA and cluster analysis. Hierarchical cluster
      analysis revealed distinct separation of life stage groups. More than 2,225
      differentially expressed mRNAs were identified. Gene families or pathways that
      changed across life stages included those related to estrogen and androgen (ESR1,
      PGR, TFF1, GREB1, AR, 17HSDB2, 17HSDB7, STS, HSD11B1, AKR1C4), prolactin (PRLR,
      ELF5, STAT5, CSN1S1), insulin-like growth factor signaling (IGF1, IGFBP1,
      IGFBP5), extracellular matrix (POSTN, TGFB1, COL5A2, COL12A1, FOXC1, LAMC1,
      PDGFRA, TGFB2), and differentiation (CD24, CD29, CD44, CD61, ALDH1, BRCA1, FOXA1,
      POSTN, DICER1, LIG4, KLF4, NOTCH2, RIF1, BMPR1A, TGFB2). Pregnancy and lactation
      displayed distinct patterns of gene expression. ESR1 and IGF1 were significantly
      higher in the adolescent compared to the adult animals, whereas differentiation
      pathways were overrepresented in adult animals and pregnancy-associated life
      stages. Few individual genes were distinctly different in postmenopausal animals.
      Our data demonstrate characteristic patterns of gene expression during breast
      development. Several of the pathways activated during pubertal development have
      been implicated in cancer development and metastasis, supporting the idea that
      other developmental markers may have application as biomarkers for BC.

PMID- 22037781
TI  - Lipidomic approach to identify patterns in phospholipid profiles and define class
      differences in mammary epithelial and breast cancer cells.
AB  - Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women. Altered
      cellular functions of cancer cells lead to uncontrolled cellular growth and
      morphological changes. Cellular biomembranes are intimately involved in the
      regulation of cell signaling; however, they remain largely understudied.
      Phospholipids (PLs) are the main constituents of biological membranes and play
      important functional, structural and metabolic roles. The aim of this study was
      to establish if patterns in the PL profiles of mammary epithelial cells and
      breast cancer cells differ in relation to degree of differentiation and
      metastatic potential. For this purpose, PLs were analyzed using a lipidomic
      approach. In brief, PLs were extracted using Bligh and Dyer method, followed by a
      separation of PL classes by thin layer chromatography, and subsequent analysis by
      mass spectrometry (MS). Differences and similarities were found in the relative
      levels of PL content between mammary epithelial and breast cancer cells and
      between breast cancer cells with different levels of aggressiveness. When
      compared to the total PL content, phosphatidylcholine levels were reduced and
      lysophosphatydilcholines increased in the more aggressive cancer cells; while
      phosphatidylserine levels remained unchanged. MS analysis showed alterations in
      the classes of phosphatidylcholine, lysophosphatidylcholine, sphingomyelin, and
      phosphatidylinositides. In particular, the phosphatidylinositides, which are
      signaling molecules that affect proliferation, survival, and migration, showed
      dramatic alterations in their profile, where an increase of phosphatdylinositides
      saturated fatty acids chains and a decrease in C20 fatty acids in cancer cells
      compared with mammary epithelial cells was observed. At present, information
      about PL changes in cancer progression is lacking. Therefore, these data will be
      useful as a starting point to define possible PLs with prospective as biomarkers
      and disclose metabolic pathways with potential for therapy.

PMID- 22037782
TI  - Resolution of extensive leptomeningeal metastasis and clinical spinal cord
      compression from breast cancer using weekly docetaxel chemotherapy.
AB  - Metastatic breast cancer to the leptomeninges is a late event in the disease
      course and is associated with significant morbidity and a grave prognosis.
      Treatment typically involves direct intrathecal injection of chemotherapy into
      the cerebrospinal fluid compartment since systemic chemotherapy penetrates poorly
      to the central nervous system. Here we report an interesting clinical observation
      involving a patient presenting with leptomeningeal spread of breast cancer
      causing extensive spinal cord compression with obliteration of the subarachnoid
      space, thus precluding the use of direct intrathecal chemotherapy. We
      administered systemic chemotherapy using weekly docetaxel with complete
      radiographic resolution of her disease and recovery from clinical spinal cord
      compression. While this is a single clinical observation, weekly administration
      of docetaxel in this circumstance may have been associated with improved drug
      "escape" into the central nervous system and better antitumor effect. Because
      leptomeningeal disease is typically a late event in metastatic breast cancer,
      resistance to therapeutic intervention may reflect intrinsically resistant
      disease in the setting of extensive prior therapy rather than a routine problem
      with systemic drug delivery to the CNS. Studying patterns of disease relapse in
      patients who had received adjuvant weekly taxanes may provide insights into this
      hypothesis.

PMID- 22037783
TI  - Prognostic impact of polymorphisms in the MYBL2 interacting genes in breast
      cancer.
AB  - MYBL2 is a transcription factor, which regulates the expression of genes involved
      in cancer progression. In this study, we investigated whether putative functional
      variants in genes regulating MYBL2 (E2F1, E2F3 and E2F4) or in genes, which are
      regulated by MYBL2 (BCL2, BIRC5, COL1A1, COL1A2, COL5A2, ERBB2, CLU, LIN9 and
      TOP2A) affect breast cancer (BC) susceptibility and clinical outcome. Twenty
      eight SNPs were genotyped in a population-based series of 782 Swedish BC cases
      and 1,559 matched controls. BC-specific survival analysis of BIRC5 suggested that
      carriers of the minor allele of rs8073069 and rs1042489 have a worse survival
      compared with the major homozygotes (HR 2.46, 95% CI 1.39-4.36 and HR 1.81, 95%
      CI 1.01-3.25, respectively). The poor survival was observed especially in women
      with aggressive tumours. Multivariate analysis supported the role of rs8073069 as
      an independent prognostic marker. For BCL2, minor allele carriers of rs1564483
      were more likely to have hormone receptor-positive tumours than the major
      homozygotes. Another SNP in BCL2, rs4987852, was associated with tumour stages II
      IV and histologic grade 3. In CLU, the minor allele carriers of rs9331888 were
      more likely to have tumours with regional lymph node metastasis and stages II-IV
      than the major homozygotes. In conclusion, our study suggests a role of genetic
      variation in BIRC5, BCL2 and CLU as progression and prognostic markers for BC,
      supporting previous studies based on the expression of the genes.

PMID- 22037784
TI  - The postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy-related breast cancer risk is
      decreased in women carrying the CYP2C19*17 variant.

PMID- 22037785
TI  - Clinician awareness and knowledge of breast cancer-related lymphedema in a large,
      integrated health care delivery setting.
AB  - Breast cancer survivors have reported dissatisfaction regarding their education
      on risk of breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL) from clinicians. We describe
      clinician knowledge and treatment referral of patients with BCRL among active
      oncologists, surgeons, and primary care physicians in the Kaiser Permanente
      Northern California Medical Care Program. A total of 887 oncologists, surgeons,
      and primary care clinicians completed a 10-minute web survey from May 2, 2010 to
      December 31, 2010 on BCRL knowledge, education, and referral patterns. A
      knowledge score of BCRL was calculated based on clinician responses.
      Multivariable regression models were used to determine the associations of
      selected covariates with BCRL knowledge score and clinician referral,
      respectively. Compared with primary care clinicians, oncologists had the highest
      mean score followed closely by surgeons (P < 0.0001). In multivariable analyses,
      being female, an oncologist or surgeon, and recently receiving BCRL materials
      were each significantly associated with higher BCRL knowledge scores. About 44%
      of clinicians (n = 381) indicated they had ever made a BCRL referral (100%
      oncologists, 79% surgeons, and 36% primary care clinicians). Clinicians with a
      higher knowledge score were more likely to make referrals. In stratified analyses
      by specialty, the significant associated factors remained for primary care but
      became non-significant for oncology and surgery. These results can inform
      educational interventions to strengthen clinician knowledge of the clinical
      management of BCRL, especially among primary care clinicians. With the growing
      number of breast cancer survivors, increasing clinician education about BCRL
      across all specialties is warranted.

PMID- 22037786
TI  - Regarding "Co-expression of SNAIL and TWIST determines prognosis in estrogen
      receptor-positive early breast cancer patients".

PMID- 22037787
TI  - Predictive value of neoadjuvant chemotherapy failure in breast cancer using FDG
      PET after the first course.
AB  - The aim of this study was to prospectively evaluate the predictive value of (18)F
      fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) to detect the absence
      of pathological response to preoperative chemotherapy in patients (pts) with
      breast cancer. 63 consecutive pts with non-metastatic, non-inflammatory breast
      cancer, eligible for neoadjuvant chemotherapy (3 FEC 100 followed by 3 Docetaxel)
      were enrolled. FDG-PET was performed just before the first as well as before the
      second course. Metabolic activity (tumour FDG uptake) was measured by
      standardised uptake value (SUV(max)). Pts were classified as non-responders (NR)
      when the decrease of SUV(max) in the primary tumour was less than 15% at the time
      of the second PET (EORTC 1999 criteria). The metabolic response in FDG-PET was
      correlated with WHO criteria (clinical evaluation and ultrasound and/or
      mammography) evaluated after three cycles, pathological complete response (pCR)
      after surgery (according to Sataloff classification) and 4-year relapse-free
      survival (RFS). The mean SUV(max) decrease according to histological response was
      -52 +/- 21% in case of pCR (Sataloff A) and 25 +/- 34% in other cases (Sataloff B
      + C + D). Out of the 16 pts with no PET response (SUV decrease less than 15%),
      only one had a clinical response after the third cycle, and no pCR was observed.
      The 4-year RFS rate was significantly longer for metabolic responders than for NR
      (respectively, 85 vs. 44%; P = 0.01). This prospective study shows that a
      decrease in the SUV of less than 15% after the first chemotherapy course is a
      very potent predictor for failure of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, especially of pCR.
      It is interesting to note that this was shown despite the fact that the
      chemotherapy regimen was changed after the third course.

PMID- 22037788
TI  - Folate intake and breast cancer mortality in a cohort of Swedish women.
AB  - Folate may influence breast cancer development and progression through its role
      in one-carbon metabolism. However, epidemiologic data on the relation between
      folate and breast cancer survival are limited. We investigated whether dietary
      folate intake was associated with survival in 3,116 women diagnosed with breast
      cancer in the population-based Swedish Mammography Cohort. Participants completed
      a 67-item food frequency questionnaire in 1987. Cox proportional hazard models
      were used to calculate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs)
      for death from breast cancer and death from any cause. During 25,716 person-years
      of follow-up from 1987 to 2008, there were 852 deaths with 381 breast cancer
      deaths. Dietary folate intake was inversely associated with breast cancer and
      overall mortality. Women in the highest quartile of folate intake had a
      multivariable HR (95% CI) of death from breast cancer of 0.78 (0.58-1.03)
      compared to those in the lowest quartile (P (trend) = 0.03). The corresponding HR
      (95% CI) for death from any cause was 0.79 (0.66-0.96; P (trend) = 0.004). The
      protective association between dietary folate intake and breast cancer death was
      strongest among those with ER-negative tumors (HR = 0.42; 95% = CI 0.22-0.79; P
      (trend) = 0.01) comparing the highest to lowest quartile. Our findings suggest
      that folate intake before breast cancer diagnosis may improve breast cancer and
      overall survival. While these findings need to be confirmed in future studies,
      they do offer assurance that dietary folate intake at the levels observed in our
      population does not unfavorably affect survival after breast cancer.

PMID- 22037789
TI  - Cycling of rare earth elements in the atmosphere in central Tokyo.
AB  - Concentrations of 14 rare earth elements (REEs) in six size classes of airborne
      particulate matter (APM) (<0.43, 0.43-0.65, 0.65-1.1, 1.1-2.1, 2.1-11, and >11
      MUm) and in two different phases (suspended particulate and dissolved) in
      rainwater were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP
      MS). Positive Eu and Tb anomalies were observed in size-classified APM. These
      anomalies may be due to large emissions of Eu and Tb to the atmosphere resulting
      from the recent change in Japan from the use of cathode-ray tubes to plasma
      displays in television sets (Eu and Tb) and from the widespread use of magneto
      optical disks (Tb). The light REEs were enriched in fine APM particles (diameter
      < 1.1 MUm). Because compositions of La/Ce/Sm in fine APM (diameter < 1.1 MUm)
      were similar to those in automobile catalyst, the light REE enrichment was
      attributed to automobile emissions. In contrast, the REE distribution pattern in
      the suspended particulate phase in rainwater was similar to that in coarse APM
      (diameter > 2.1 MUm), and a positive Tb anomaly was observed, suggesting that
      coarse particles easily become trapped in rain droplets. A negative Eu anomaly
      was observed in the dissolved phase in rainwater, but not in APM or in the
      suspended particulate phase in rainwater. Unlike other REEs, Eu can exist as both
      bivalent and trivalent ions in nature, and Eu-selective dissolution from or
      adsorption onto the trapped particles of Eu might account for the negative
      anomaly. These results show that atmospheric REE cycling is affected by the
      physico-chemical properties of APM.

PMID- 22037790
TI  - Monte Carlo verification of polymer gel dosimetry applied to radionuclide
      therapy: a phantom study.
AB  - This study evaluates the dosimetric performance of the polymer gel dosimeter
      'Methacrylic and Ascorbic acid in Gelatin, initiated by Copper' and its
      suitability for quality assurance and analysis of I-131-targeted radionuclide
      therapy dosimetry. Four batches of gel were manufactured in-house and sets of
      calibration vials and phantoms were created containing different concentrations
      of I-131-doped gel. Multiple dose measurements were made up to 700 h post
      preparation and compared to equivalent Monte Carlo simulations. In addition to
      uniformly filled phantoms the cross-dose distribution from a hot insert to a
      surrounding phantom was measured. In this example comparisons were made with both
      Monte Carlo and a clinical scintigraphic dosimetry method. Dose-response curves
      generated from the calibration data followed a sigmoid function. The gels
      appeared to be stable over many weeks of internal irradiation with a delay in gel
      response observed at 29 h post preparation. This was attributed to chemical
      inhibitors and slow reaction rates of long-chain radical species. For this
      reason, phantom measurements were only made after 190 h of irradiation. For
      uniformly filled phantoms of I-131 the accuracy of dose measurements agreed to
      within 10% when compared to Monte Carlo simulations. A radial cross-dose
      distribution measured using the gel dosimeter compared well to that calculated
      with Monte Carlo. Small inhomogeneities were observed in the dosimeter attributed
      to non-uniform mixing of monomer during preparation. However, they were not
      detrimental to this study where the quantitative accuracy and spatial resolution
      of polymer gel dosimetry were far superior to that calculated using scintigraphy.
      The difference between Monte Carlo and gel measurements was of the order of a few
      cGy, whilst with the scintigraphic method differences of up to 8 Gy were
      observed. A manipulation technique is also presented which allows 3D
      scintigraphic dosimetry measurements to be compared to polymer gel dosimetry
      measurements without generating misleading errors due to the limited spatial
      resolution.

PMID- 22037791
TI  - Female sex pheromone of the Gelechiid moth Scrobipalpa salinella (Zeller).
AB  - The sex pheromone system of Scrobipalpa salinella (Zeller), an important pest of
      the halophyte Salicornia europaea in the tidal salt marshes, was studied. Z3
      12:OAc and Z5-12:OAc were identified from both female pheromone glands and female
      emissions, but in quite different ratios. Field trapping tests demonstrated that
      Z3-12:OAc and Z5-12:OAc are essential for optimal attraction of male moths, and a
      100:5 blend found in gland extracts is significantly more attractive to males
      than a 100:50 ratio similar to that found in SPME samples. Small amounts of E3
      12:OAc and Z5-14:OAc also were present in pheromone gland extracts. A blend of E3
      12:OAc with Z3-12:OAc attracted a few males, but was not as attractive as the
      binary blend of Z3-12:OAc and Z5-12:OAc. Moreover, addition of E3-12:OAc did not
      affect captures of males to the primary binary blend. Another glandular
      component, Z5-14:OAc, had no behavioral activity in field bioassays. Therefore, a
      synthetic mixture of Z3-12:OAc and Z5-12:OAc in a 100:5 ratio can be used as an
      effective tool for monitoring and control of this species.

PMID- 22037792
TI  - Gelatinase activity of matrix metalloproteinases during first-line chemotherapy
      in lung adenocarcinoma patients: an initial approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine if gelatinase activity of
      plasma matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) can be used as a method to assess
      chemotherapy response and cancer progression in primary lung adenocarcinoma
      patients. METHODS: A group of 28 patients was divided according to risk factor as
      follows: lung cancer associated with wood smoke exposure (LCW), lung cancer in
      tobacco smokers (LCT), and patients with no association to a known risk factor
      (LCN). Plasma gelatinase activity was measured by zymography and radiolabeled
      gelatin degradation. RESULTS: The chemotherapy response was better in the LCW
      group (25%) compared with the LCT (7.1%) patients (P = 0.039). MMP gelatinase
      activity was increased in all lung cancer subjects. Patients with progression of
      the disease had a significant increase in gelatinase activity compared with
      subjects, with a response to treatment (330.3 +/- 44.4 and 64.9 +/- 8.5 MUg of
      degraded gelatin/mg of incubated plasma protein, respectively, P = 2.972 * 10(
      5)). Zymography assay revealed that the increase in gelatinase activity
      corresponded mainly to MMP-2. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with progression of lung
      adenocarcinoma, mainly from the LCT group, had an increase in gelatinase activity
      compared with subjects that responded to chemotherapy. Therefore, plasma
      gelatinase activity, particularly MMP-2 enzymatic activity, could be used as a
      way to assess lung adenocarcinoma progression as well as an indicator for the use
      of MMP-2 inhibitors.

PMID- 22037794
TI  - Diffuse lung disease in neurofibromatosis.
AB  - Prevalence, characteristics and the very existence of neurofibromatosis
      associated diffuse lung disease remain unclear, mostly because the few studies
      that looked at pulmonary involvement in such patients used chest X-ray as
      diagnostic mean. We report on the clinical, functional and HRCT findings in a
      patient with neurofibromatosis-associated diffuse lung disease and provide a
      short literature review.

PMID- 22037793
TI  - Role of thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor in allergic bronchial asthma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bronchial asthma is an inflammatory disease of the airways. Thrombin
      activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) is a carboxypeptidase that besides
      inhibiting fibrinolysis, also regulates inflammatory processes. The only
      validated substrate known for TAFI is fibrin. In the present study we evaluated
      the role of TAFI in bronchial asthma by comparing the development of allergic
      bronchial asthma between wild-type (WT) and TAFI-deficient mice (KO). METHODS:
      Asthmatic inflammation was induced by sensitization and challenge with ovalbumin
      in WT (WT/OVA) and TAFI KO (KO/OVA) mice. WT mice (WT/SAL) and TAFI KO (KO/SAL)
      were used as controls. Cytokines, markers of inflammation, and coagulation were
      measured in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). RESULTS: Airway
      hyperresponsiveness was worse in KO/OVA mice than in WT/OVA mice or control mice.
      Markers of lung injury were significantly increased in BALF from KO/OVA mice
      compared to WT/OVA mice. Airway hyperresponsiveness and the BALF concentrations
      of IL-5 and osteopontin were significantly increased in KO/OVA mice compared to
      WT/OVA mice. Treatment of WT/OVA and KO/OVA mice with a C5a receptor antagonist
      significantly decreased hyperresponsiveness along with the BALF concentrations of
      total protein and C5a compared to untreated asthmatic mice. CONCLUSION: The
      results of this study suggest that TAFI plays a protective role in the
      pathogenesis of allergic inflammation probably by inhibiting the complement
      system.

PMID- 22037795
TI  - The contribution of endobronchial ultrasound-guided forceps biopsy in the
      diagnostic workup of unexplained mediastinal and hilar lymphadenopathy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration
      (EBUS-TBNA) provides material for the cytological diagnostic workup. To improve
      the evaluation of unexplained intrathoracic lymphadenopathy, the availability of
      material for histological evaluation would be desirable. For this purpose, the
      technique of endobronchial ultrasound-guided mediastinal forceps biopsy (EBUS
      guided forceps biopsy) is a potentially good candidate. The aim of the present
      study was, using simple methodology, to establish the additional diagnostic yield
      provided by supplemental EBUS-guided forceps biopsy in comparison with EBUS-TBNA
      alone. METHODS: The data of 50 consecutive patients with mediastinal, lobar, and
      hilar space-consuming lesions were analyzed. In all patients, immediately
      following EBUS-TBNA with a 22-gauge needle, a 21-gauge forceps was introduced
      through the opening created in the bronchial wall and an EBUS-guided forceps
      biopsy performed. The improvement in the diagnostic yield was determined. The
      diagnostic yield of the EBUS-guided forceps biopsy in relation to the size of the
      biopsy specimen and that of the EBUS-TBNA in relation to the cell-block technique
      were determined. RESULTS: Combining the techniques increased the diagnostic
      sensitivity of the EBUS-TBNA from 50.0 to 82.0%. EBUS-guided forceps biopsies
      measuring >= 3 mm enabled a specific diagnosis to be established more often than
      did forceps biopsies <3 mm (90.9% vs. 57.1%). A cell block was prepared in 29
      patients. In this case, EBUS-TBNA provided a higher diagnostic yield (65.5% vs.
      28.6%) compared to cytology alone. CONCLUSION: EBUS-guided forceps biopsy should
      be employed for the bronchoscopic diagnosis of intrathoracic lymphadenopathy of
      unknown etiology.

PMID- 22037796
TI  - STrengthening the reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology-Molecular
      Epidemiology (STROBE-ME): an extension of the STROBE statement.
AB  - Advances in laboratory techniques have led to a rapidly increasing use of
      biomarkers in epidemiological studies. Biomarkers of internal dose, early
      biological change, susceptibility, and clinical outcomes are used as proxies for
      investigating the interactions between external and/or endogenous agents and the
      body components or processes. The need for improved reporting of scientific
      research led to influential statements of recommendations such as STrengthening
      Reporting of Observational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) statement. The STROBE
      initiative established in 2004 aimed to provide guidance on how to report
      observational research. Its guidelines provide a user-friendly checklist of 22
      items to be reported in epidemiological studies, with items specific to the three
      main study designs: cohort studies, case-control studies and cross-sectional
      studies. The present STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in
      Epidemiology-Molecular Epidemiology (STROBE-ME) initiative builds on the STROBE
      Statement implementing 9 existing items of STROBE and providing 17 additional
      items to the 22 items of STROBE checklist. The additions relate to the use of
      biomarkers in epidemiological studies, concerning collection, handling and
      storage of biological samples; laboratory methods, validity and reliability of
      biomarkers; specificities of study design; and ethical considerations. The STROBE
      ME recommendations are intended to complement the STROBE recommendations.

PMID- 22037797
TI  - Simple and accurate alignment of toric intraocular lenses and evaluation of their
      rotation errors using anterior segment optical coherence tomography.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe a new method of alignment of toric intraocular lenses (IOLs)
      and evaluation of their rotation errors using anterior segment optical coherence
      tomography (AS-OCT). METHODS: Twenty-nine eyes of 22 patients who had cataract
      extraction and implantation of an acrylic toric IOL were included. The new AS-OCT
      method was used for the alignment of toric IOLs and evaluation of their rotation
      errors. These rotation errors were evaluated and compared with those measured
      using the internal map of a wavefront aberrometer. RESULTS: The mean rotation
      error +/- standard deviation (SD) of the toric IOLs evaluated by AS-OCT was 3.2
      +/- 2.2 degrees  and 3.2 +/- 2.4 degrees  at 1 week and 1 month after surgery,
      respectively. The mean difference in the reference axis between the visits was
      1.8 +/- 2.1 degrees . The mean difference between the rotation errors of the
      alignment axes measured by AS-OCT and the internal map was 2.5 +/- 1.9 degrees 
      (P = 0.037). CONCLUSION: The current method is clinically useful not only for the
      accurate alignment of toric IOLs but also for evaluating their rotation errors.

PMID- 22037798
TI  - Neurexins and neuroligins: recent insights from invertebrates.
AB  - During brain development, each neuron must find and synapse with the correct pre-
      and postsynaptic partners. The complexity of these connections and the relatively
      large distances some neurons must send their axons to find the correct partners
      makes studying brain development one of the most challenging, and yet fascinating
      disciplines in biology. Furthermore, once the initial connections have been made,
      the neurons constantly remodel their dendritic and axonal arbours in response to
      changing demands. Neurexin and neuroligin are two cell adhesion molecules
      identified as important regulators of this process. The importance of these genes
      in the development and modulation of synaptic connectivity is emphasised by the
      observation that mutations in these genes in humans have been associated with
      cognitive disorders such as Autism spectrum disorders, Tourette syndrome and
      Schizophrenia. The present review will discuss recent advances in our
      understanding of the role of these genes in synaptic development and modulation,
      and in particular, we will focus on recent work in invertebrate models, and how
      these results relate to studies in mammals.

PMID- 22037799
TI  - Valproic acid sensitizes human glioma cells for temozolomide and gamma-radiation.
AB  - Temozolomide (TMZ) is given in addition to radiotherapy in glioma patients, but
      its interaction with the commonly prescribed antiepileptic drug valproic acid
      (VPA) is largely unknown. Induction of DNA demethylation by VPA could potentially
      induce expression of the O(6)-methylguanine-DNA-methyltransferase (MGMT) protein,
      causing resistance to TMZ and thereby antagonizing its effect. Therefore, this
      study investigates the interaction between VPA, TMZ, and gamma-radiation. Two
      glioma cell lines were used that differ in TMZ sensitivity caused by the absence
      (D384) or presence (T98) of the MGMT protein. VPA was administered before (24/48
      h) or after (24 h) single doses of gamma-radiation; or, after 24 h, VPA treatment
      was accompanied by a single dose of TMZ for another 24 h. For trimodal treatment
      the combination of VPA and TMZ was followed by single doses of gamma-radiation.
      In both cell lines VPA caused enhancement of the radiation response after
      preincubation (DMF(0.2) 1.4 and 1.5) but not after postirradiation (DMF(0.2) 1.1
      and 1.0). The combination of VPA and TMZ caused enhanced cytotoxicity (DMF(0.2)
      1.7) in both the TMZ-sensitive cell line (D384) and the TMZ-resistant cell line
      (T98). The combination of VPA and TMZ caused a significant radiation enhancement
      (DMF(0.2) 1.9 and 1.6) that was slightly more effective than that of VPA alone.
      VPA does not antagonize the cytotoxic effects of TMZ. Preincubation with VPA
      enhances the effect of both gamma-radiation and TMZ, in both a TMZ-sensitive and
      a TMZ-resistant human glioma cell line. VPA combined with TMZ may lead to further
      enhancement of the radiation response.

PMID- 22037800
TI  - Tumorigenesis and prognostic role of hepatoma-derived growth factor in human
      gliomas.
AB  - Hepatoma-derived growth factor (HDGF) is a neurotrophic factor found in mouse
      spinal cord and hippocampal neurons. In various malignant tumors, the role of
      HDGF in tumor progression and its use as a diagnostic biomarker or therapeutic
      target have been extensively explored. However, the prognostic function and
      mitogenic role of HDGF in gliomagenesis are yet to be verified. In this study, we
      found a significant incidence of HDGF prevalence between the different
      pathological types and stages of glioma in 105 patients. We also found a
      prognostic significance in 41 glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) patients, with
      prevalence of nuclear HDGF predicting short survival of patients with GBM after
      surgery. To delineate the mitogenic role of HDGF in gliomagenesis, an adenoviral
      expressed HDGF small interfering RNA (Ad-HDGF siRNA) was used to knock down
      expression of nuclear HDGF. After knocking down nuclear HDGF expression in human
      GBM cells, cell growth and cell invasion and induction on apoptosis by caspase-3
      activation were significantly inhibited. We conclude that HDGF is a mitogenic
      growth factor in glioma progression and can be a useful prognostic marker for GBM
      and therapeutic target for clinical management of glioma in the future.

PMID- 22037801
TI  - Primary central nervous system post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorders
      following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
AB  - Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a serious complication
      after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Extra nodal
      involvement is common in PTLD, but isolated involvement of the central nervous
      system (CNS) is extremely rare. Given the rarity of primary CNS-PTLD there is no
      consensus on optimal treatment. We report a patient who developed Epstein-Barr
      virus related primary CNS-PTLD following allogeneic HSCT who was treated with the
      monoclonal anti-CD20 antibody rituximab and reduction of immunosuppression. In
      addition, we review the literature and discuss treatment options for patients
      with primary CNS-PTLD following allogeneic HSCT.

PMID- 22037802
TI  - Twenty years of socio-economic inequalities in type 2 diabetes mellitus
      prevalence in Spain, 1987-2006.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To analyse trends in socio-economic inequalities in the prevalence of
      diabetes among men and women aged >=35 years in Spain during the period 1987
      2006. METHODS: We analysed trends in the age-standardized prevalence of self
      reported diabetes and obesity in relation to level of education using data from
      the Spanish National Health Survey for the years 1987, 1993, 1995, 1997, 2001,
      2003 and 2006 (86 345 individuals aged >=35 years). To assess the relationship
      between education level and diabetes and obesity, we computed the Slope Index of
      Inequality and the Relative Index of Inequality (RII) for each year. Additional
      models were fit to take into account mediator variables in socio-economic
      position (SEP) diabetes inequalities. RESULTS: The prevalence of self-reported
      diabetes was higher among persons of low educational level, increasing more
      rapidly over time among people with lower education level (5.0-12.6% in men, and
      8.4-13.1% in women between 1987 and 2006) than among those with higher education
      level (6.3-8.7% in men and 3.8-4.0% in women). Relative inequalities showed a
      weak tendency to increase. In women, the RII of self-reported diabetes increased
      from 3.04 (1.95-4.74) in 1987 to 4.28 (2.98-6.13) in 2006, while in men were
      constant since 1993. Trends in SEP inequalities in diabetes prevalence were
      attenuated when mediator variables were taken into account in women but not in
      men. CONCLUSION: SEP inequalities in diabetes existed >20 years ago and have
      increased, especially among women. These patterns may be explained by trends in
      health behaviours and obesity, but only to a limited extent.

PMID- 22037803
TI  - Limitations to functioning and independent living after the onset of coronary
      heart disease: what is the role of lifestyle factors and obesity?
AB  - BACKGROUND: People with coronary disease have a higher risk of functional
      limitations than their same-age counterparts without disease. This study examined
      prospectively the extent to which functioning and independent living among
      individuals with coronary disease in early old age are associated with lifestyle
      factors before and after disease onset. METHODS: Participants were 986 British
      civil servants (657 men and 329 women aged 35-55 years), who were free of
      coronary disease at study entry in 1985-88 but developed disease during 21 years
      follow-up (the Whitehall II study). Lifestyle factors (obesity, smoking, alcohol,
      diet and physical activity) were measured at baseline and follow-up in 2007-09.
      Post-disease limitations to functioning were measured in 2006-09 at mean age is
      68 years using activities of daily living scales. RESULTS: Low physical activity
      and being overweight [body mass index (BMI) >=25] before and after disease onset
      were associated with having one or more limitations in activities of daily living
      among coronary patients [age-, sex- and socio-economic position adjusted odds
      ratios for pre-disease inactivity and obesity 1.53 [95% confidence interval (95%
      CI) 0.99-2.35] and 2.53 (95% CI 1.53-4.18), respectively]. A decrease in physical
      activity [odds ratio (OR): 2.42, 95% CI 1.59-3.68] and an increase of >5 U in BMI
      (OR: 2.05, 95% CI 1.34-3.13) were also related to limitations in activities of
      daily living after disease onset. These relationships were not accounted for by
      measured co-morbidities. No robust associations were observed for smoking,
      alcohol use and diet. CONCLUSION: Physical activity and weight control across the
      adult life course are associated with fewer limitations to functioning and
      independent living after the onset of coronary disease.

PMID- 22037805
TI  - Size distribution and seasonal variation of airborne particulate matter in five
      areas in Istanbul, Turkey.
AB  - GOAL, SCOPE, AND BACKGROUND: Many studies have focused on measuring fine and
      course particulate matter (PM) in urban and rural sites around the world. The aim
      of this research is to gain information on the size distribution of particles.
      The physical characteristics of PM in the urban air of Istanbul were determined.
      METHODS: PM sampling was carried out at five stations (Avcilar, Besiktas, Kilyos,
      Rasathane, and Goztepe) over a period of 2 years. PM filter samples were
      collected for eight different size ranges (<0.43, 0.43-1, 1-1.7, 1.7-2.6, 2.6
      3.5, 3.5-5.2, 5.2-6.5, 6.5-8, and >8 MUm) using a Cascade Impactor. The size
      distributions of the PM samples were determined. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The mean
      total PM concentrations were 48.6 +/- 34.0, 34.8 +/- 11.6, 28.6 +/- 13.6, 21.5 +/
      9.1, and 16.8 +/- 5.1 MUg/m(3) for the Goztepe, Besiktas, Avcilar, Rasathane,
      and Kilyos stations, respectively. The total PM concentrations were found to be
      1.2-1.5 times higher in the fall and winter than in the spring and summer, except
      for at the station in Avcilar. The PM concentrations in Avcilar did not exhibit
      seasonal variations. This is thought to result from the intense industrial
      activity in the area. PM(2.6) (below 2.6 MUm particles) comprised up to 62% of
      the total amount of PM in samples collected at the Goztepe, Besiktas, and
      Rasathane stations during the fall and winter. PM(1) was determined to be
      approximately 45% of the total, corresponding to 57% of the amount of PM(2.5). A
      multi-modal PM size distribution was observed. The lowest Mass Median Aerodynamic
      Diameter (MMAD) values observed in Avcilar, Besiktas, Rasathane, and Goztepe were
      4.2, 3.9, 2.9, and 3.5 MUm, respectively, and were observed during the season of
      active household heating. No difference was measured in the MMAD values (5.2 MUm)
      between the seasons of heating and non-heating in Kilyos.

PMID- 22037806
TI  - Identification and evaluation of air-pollution-tolerant plants around lignite
      based thermal power station for greenbelt development.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Thermal power plants emit various gaseous and particulate
      pollutants into the atmosphere. It is well known that trees help to reduce air
      pollution. Development of a greenbelt with suitable plant species around the
      source of emission will mitigate the air pollution. Selection of suitable plant
      species for a greenbelt is very important. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Present study
      evaluates different plant species around Neyveli thermal power plant by
      calculating the Air Pollution Tolerance Index (APTI) which is based on their
      significant biochemical parameters. Also Anticipated Performance Index (API) was
      calculated for these plant species by combining APTI values with other socio
      economic and biological parameters. DISCUSSION: Based on these indices, the most
      appropriate plant species were identified for the development of a greenbelt
      around the thermal power plant to mitigate air pollution. Among the 30 different
      plant species evaluated, Mangifere indica L. was identified as keystone species
      which is coming under the excellent category. CONCLUSION: Ambient air quality
      parameters were correlated with the biochemical characteristics of plant leaves
      and significant changes were observed in the plants biochemical characteristics
      due to the air pollution stress.

PMID- 22037807
TI  - Multiple functionalization of fluorescent nanoparticles for specific biolabeling
      and drug delivery of dopamine.
AB  - The development of fluorescent biolabels for specific targeting and controlled
      drug release is of paramount importance in biological applications due to their
      potential in the generation of novel tools for simultaneous diagnosis and
      treatment of diseases. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter involved in several
      neurological diseases, such as Parkinson's disease and attention deficit
      hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and the controlled delivery of its agonists
      already proved to have beneficial effects both in vitro and in vivo. Here, we
      report the synthesis and multiple functionalization of highly fluorescent
      CdSe/CdS quantum rods for specific biolabeling and controlled drug release. After
      being transferred into aqueous media, the nanocrystals were made highly
      biocompatible through PEG conjugation and covered by a carbohydrate shell, which
      allowed specific GLUT-1 recognition. Controlled attachment of dopamine through an
      ester bond also allowed hydrolysis by esterases, yielding a smart nanotool for
      specific biolabeling and controlled drug release.

PMID- 22037808
TI  - Chronic Achilles tendon rupture reconstruction using a free semitendinosus tendon
      graft transfer.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the outcomes following
      reconstruction of the chronic Achilles tendon ruptures with large gaps (>6 cm)
      using free semitendinosus tendon graft transfer. METHODS: There were 11
      consecutive patients underwent the above-mentioned surgical technique for the
      treatment of chronically ruptured Achilles tendon contributed in current study
      and were followed up prospectively for a mean of 25 +/- 3 months. The
      intraoperative tendon defect was greater than 6 cm in all of the patients.
      Functional and clinical assessment was performed using The American Orthopaedic
      Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) and Achilles Tendon Rupture Score (ATRS). RESULTS:
      The average AOFAS and ATRS improved significantly from 70 +/- 5 and 32 +/- 6
      preoperatively, to 92 +/- 5 and 89 +/- 4 points post-operatively (P = 0.001). The
      range of dorsiflexion was significantly limited on the operated side (13 +/- 4
      degrees  vs. 17 +/- 4 degrees ) (P = 0.04). All patients were able to stand on
      the tiptoe of injured leg, and no patient walked with a visible limp. Post
      operative complications included one patient with symptomatic DVT and 2 patients
      with superficial infection treated nonoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: The technique
      offers good clinical and functional outcomes and is safe. Reconstruction of the
      chronic Achilles tendon ruptures with free semitendinosus tendon graft in
      patients with defects greater than 6 cm is recommended. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

PMID- 22037809
TI  - Non-surgical management of early knee osteoarthritis.
AB  - Conservative approach is usually the first choice for the management of the knee
      degeneration processes, especially in the phase of the disease recognized as
      early osteoarthritis (OA) with no clear lesions or associated abnormalities
      requiring to be addressed surgically. A wide spectrum of treatments is available,
      from non-pharmacological modalities to dietary supplements and pharmacological
      therapies, as well as minimally invasive procedures involving injections of
      various substances aiming to restore joint homeostasis and provide clinical
      improvement and possibly a disease-modifying effect. Numerous pharmaceuticals
      have been proposed, but since no therapy has shown all the characteristic of an
      ideal treatment, and side effects have been reported at both systemic and local
      level, the use of pharmacological agents should be considered with caution by
      assessing the risk/benefit ratio of the drugs prescribed. Both patients and
      physicians should have realistic outcome goals in pharmacological treatment,
      which should be considered together with other conservative measures. A
      combination of these therapeutic options is a more preferable scenario, in
      particular considering the evidence available for non-pharmacological management.
      In fact, exercise is an effective conservative approach, even if long-term
      effectiveness and optimal dose and administration modalities still need to be
      clarified. Finally, physical therapies are emerging as viable treatment options,
      and novel biological approaches are under study. Further studies to increase the
      limited medical evidence on conservative treatments, optimizing results,
      application modalities, indications, and focusing on early OA will be necessary
      in the future. Level of evidence  IV.

PMID- 22037811
TI  - Muscle strength and functional performance in patients at high risk of knee
      osteoarthritis: a follow-up study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate whether changes from 2 to 4 years post arthroscopic
      partial meniscectomy (APM) in mechanical muscle function and objectively measured
      function differ between the operated and contra-lateral leg of APM patients or
      compared with controls. METHODS: Twenty-two patients (age 46.6 +/- 5.0, BMI 24.7
      +/- 2.9) and 25 controls (age 46.4 +/- 5.2, BMI 25.1 +/- 4.6) previously examined
      at ~2 years post APM were examined again at ~4 years post surgery for maximal
      knee extensor/flexor voluntary contraction (MVC) and rapid force capacity.
      Functional performance was assessed by the distance achieved during a one-leg hop
      test and the maximum number of knee bends performed in 30 s. The Knee Injury and
      Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) was used to evaluate self-reported outcomes.
      RESULTS: Overall changes from 2 to 4 years post APM did not differ in maximal
      muscle strength, rapid force capacity, and functional performance between the
      operated and contra-lateral leg of patients or control legs. However, secondary
      analysis showed a difference in change in knee extensor MVC resulting in a 6%
      difference between the operated and contra-lateral leg of patients at follow-up.
      CONCLUSIONS: No differences in longitudinal changes were observed from 2 to 4
      years post APM between patients and controls. The secondary finding of
      differential changes over time in knee extensor MVC between the operated and
      contra-lateral leg partly confirm our hypothesis that differences in muscle
      strength may evolve from 2 to 4 years post APM. This differential change may
      represent an initial sign of an evolving lower limb muscle asymmetry, which may
      play a role in the development of knee OA. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

PMID- 22037812
TI  - Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) morphological analysis of knee
      cartilage in healthy and anterior cruciate ligament-injured knees.
AB  - PURPOSE: To analyze the morphological change in the cartilage of the knee after
      anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury by comparing with that of the intact
      contralateral knee. METHODS: A total of 22 participants (12 male and 10 female
      patients) who had unilateral ACL injury underwent MRI scan of both the injured
      and intact contralateral knees. Sagittal plane images were segmented using a
      modeling software to determine cartilage volume and cartilage thickness in each
      part of the knee cartilage that were compared between the ACL-injured and the
      intact contralateral knees. Furthermore, the male and female patients' data were
      analyzed in subgroups. RESULTS: The ACL-injured knees had statistically
      significant lower total knee cartilage volume than the intact contralateral knees
      (P = 0.0020), but had similar mean thickness of total knee cartilage (not
      significant: n.s.). In the male subgroup, there was no significant difference in
      cartilage volume and thickness between normal and ACL-injured knees. In the
      female subgroup, the ACL-injured knees demonstrated statistically significant
      difference in total knee cartilage volume (P = 0.0004) and thickness (P = 0.0024)
      compared with the normal knees. The percentage change in the cartilage thickness
      in women was significantly greater than that in men. CONCLUSION: Cartilage volume
      was significantly smaller in the ACL-injured knees than in the contralateral
      intact knees in this cohort. Women tended to display greater cartilage volume and
      thickness change after ACL injury than men. These findings indicated that women
      might be more susceptible to cartilage alteration after ACL injuries. LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: III.

PMID- 22037813
TI  - The effect of local anesthetic and corticosteroid combinations on chondrocyte
      viability.
AB  - PURPOSE: Local anesthetic and corticosteroid combination injections are often
      used in clinical practice, however research investigating the chondrotoxic
      properties of these combinations is minimal. The goal of this study was to
      evaluate the effect of single injection doses of 1% lidocaine or 0.25%
      bupivacaine in combination with single injection doses of dexamethasone sodium
      phosphate (Decadron), methylprednisolone acetate (Depo-Medrol), betamethasone
      sodium phosphate and betamethasone acetate (Celestone Soluspan), or triamcinolone
      acetonide (Kenalog) on human chondrocyte viability. METHODS: All treatment
      conditions were delivered to human chondrocytes in vitro for the medication's
      respective average duration of action using a bioreactor containing a continuous
      infusion pump constructed to mimic joint fluid metabolism. A two-color
      fluorescence assay was used to evaluate cell viability. A mixed-effects
      regression model was used to evaluate the mean differences in cell viability
      between treatment groups. RESULTS: At 14 days, a single injection dose of 1%
      lidocaine or 0.25% bupivacaine in combination with betamethasone sodium phosphate
      and betamethasone acetate solution illustrated significant chondrotoxicity when
      compared with the local anesthetics alone (P < 0.01). Methylprednisolone acetate
      and Triamcinolone acetonide both showed significant evidence of chondrotoxicity
      (P = 0.013; P = 0.016, respectively) when used in combination with 1% lidocaine
      compared with lidocaine alone, but showed no significant chondrotoxicity in
      combination with 0.25% bupivacaine (P's = n.s.). CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians should
      use caution when injecting 1% lidocaine or 0.25% bupivacaine in conjunction with
      betamethasone sodium phosphate and betamethasone acetate solution due to its
      pronounced chondrotoxic effect in this study. 1% lidocaine used in combination
      with methylprednisolone acetate or triamcinolone acetonide also led to
      significant chondrotoxicity.

PMID- 22037814
TI  - Effect of tracer dose on left ventricular mechanical dyssynchrony indices by
      phase analysis of gated single photon emission computed tomography myocardial
      perfusion imaging.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are limited data on the effect of tracer dose on the
      reproducibility and accuracy of left ventricular (LV) mechanical dyssynchrony
      indices by phase analysis of gated single photon emission computed tomography
      (SPECT) myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI). METHODS AND RESULTS: We measured LV
      dyssynchrony in 54 patients with normal LV ejection and perfusion (group 1) and
      54 age and gender matched patients with LV ejection <35% (group 2) using phase
      analysis of gated SPECT MPI from stress (high dose) and rest (low dose) studies
      with 2 software programs: Corridor4DM (4DM) and Emory Cardiac Toolbox (ECTb).
      Although the correlation between rest- and stress-derived standard deviation was
      good (R = 0.76, P < .0001, with both software programs), there was considerable
      variability between the measurements (P < .0001 by paired t test). In addition,
      the rest standard deviation was significantly higher than stress in group 1 (10.2
      degrees  +/- 4.6 degrees  vs 6.1 degrees  +/- 2.5 degrees , and 12.2 degrees  +/-
      6.4 degrees  vs 7.9 degrees  +/- 4.6 degrees , with 4DM and ECTb, respectively, P
      < .0001 for both) and group 2 patients (44.0 degrees  +/- 18.0 degrees  vs 35.9
      degrees  +/- 21.0 degrees  and 47.3 degrees  +/- 19.2 degrees  vs 38.8 degrees 
      +/- 19.8 degrees , with 4DM and ECTb, P = .03 and .02, respectively). Similarly,
      the rest standard deviations were higher than the stress values irrespective of
      the type of stress test (i.e., exercise vs pharmacological), and the body mass
      index. Finally, using rest-derived dyssynchrony indices was associated with 9%
      13% and 22%-26% false positive rate of significant mechanical dyssynchrony using
      different cut-off values for groups 1 and 2, respectively. CONCLUSION: LV
      mechanical dyssynchrony indices by phase analysis have more variation and are
      significantly higher if derived from rest gated SPECT images obtained with low
      dose tracer.

PMID- 22037815
TI  - The cherished doctor-patient relationship: a personal reflection.

PMID- 22037816
TI  - [Congenital self-healing Langerhans cell histiocytosis].
AB  - A male infant, born at term after an uncomplicated pregnancy, presented with
      multiple red-brown papules and nodules spread over his body. The infant's general
      condition was not affected and there was no systemic involvement. After only 6
      weeks the lesions had healed completely without recurrence. Based on histological
      and immunohistochemical findings, the clinical appearance and the self-healing
      course, the diagnosis of congenital self-healing Langerhans cell histiocytosis
      was established.

PMID- 22037817
TI  - [Fungal nail infections--an update: Part 1--Prevalence, epidemiology,
      predisposing conditions, and differential diagnosis].
AB  - Onychomycosis describes a chronic fungal infection of the nails most frequently
      caused by dermatophytes, primarily Trichophyton rubrum. In addition, yeasts (e.
      g. Candida parapsilosis), more rarely molds (Scopulariopsis brevicaulis), play a
      role as causative agents of onychomycosis. However, in every case it has to be
      decided if these yeasts and molds are contaminants, or if they are growing
      secondarily on pathological altered nails. The point prevalence of onychomycosis
      in Germany is 12.4%, as demonstrated within the "Foot-Check-Study", which was a
      part of the European Achilles project. Although, onychomycosis is rarely
      diagnosed in children and teens, now an increase of fungal nail infections has
      been observed in childhood. More and more, diabetes mellitus becomes important as
      significant disposing factor both for tinea pedis and onychomycosis. By
      implication, the onychomycosis represents an independent and important predictor
      for development of diabetic foot syndrome and foot ulcer. When considering
      onychomycosis, a number of infectious and non-infectious nail changes must be
      excluded. While psoriasis of the nails does not represent a specific risk factor
      for onychomycosis, yeasts and molds are increasing isolated from patients with
      psoriatic nail involvement. In most cases this represents secondary growth of
      fungi on psoriatic nails. Recently, stigmatization and impairment of quality of
      life due to the onychomycosis has been proven.

PMID- 22037818
TI  - [Fungal nail infections - an update. Part 2 - From the causative agent to
      diagnosis - conventional and molecular procedures].
AB  - Trichophyton (T.) rubrum is the most frequently isolated dermatophyte in
      onychomycosis, both in Germany and worldwide. T. interdigitale (formerly T.
      mentagrophytes var. interdigitale) follows in second place. A further however
      rarely isolated dermatophyte in onychomycosis is Epidermophyton floccosum.
      Candida parapsilosis, Candida guilliermondii, and Candida albicans, followed by
      Trichosporon spp. are the most important yeasts which are found in onychomycosis.
      The molds most often responsible include Scopulariopsis brevicaulis, and several
      Aspergillus species, e. g. Aspergillus versicolor, and Fusarium spp. These so
      called non-dermatophyte molds (NDM) are increasingly isolated as emerging
      pathogens in onychomycosis. The diagnosis of onychomycosis should be verified in
      the mycology laboratory. Conventional diagnostic methods include the direct
      examination, ideally using fluorescence staining with Calcofluor(r) or
      Blancophor(r), and culture. However, new molecular biological methods primarily
      employing the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for direct detection of
      dermatophyte DNA in skin scrapings and nail samples have been introduced into
      routine mycological  diagnostics. The diagnostic sensitivity is higher when both
      conventional and molecular procedures are combined.

PMID- 22037819
TI  - Environmental fate of fungicides in surface waters of a horticultural-production
      catchment in southeastern Australia.
AB  - Fungicides are regularly applied in horticultural production systems and may
      migrate off-site, potentially posing an ecological risk to surface waterways.
      However, few studies have investigated the fate of fungicides in horticultural
      catchments. This study investigated the presence of 24 fungicides at 18 sites
      during a 5-month period within a horticultural catchment in southeastern
      Australia. Seventeen of the 24 fungicides were detected in the waterways, with
      fungicides detected in 63% of spot water samples, 44% of surface sediment
      samples, and 44% of the passive sampler systems deployed. One third of the water
      samples contained residues of two or more fungicides. Myclobutanil,
      trifloxystrobin, pyrimethanil, difenoconazole, and metalaxyl were the fungicides
      most frequently detected, being present in 16-38% of the spot water samples.
      Iprodione, myclobutanil, pyrimethanil, cyproconazole, trifloxystrobin, and
      fenarimol were found at the highest concentrations in the water samples (> 0.2
      MUg/l). Relatively high concentrations of myclobutanil and pyrimethanil (>= 120
      MUg/kg dry weight) were detected in the sediment samples. Generally the
      concentrations of the fungicides detected were several orders of magnitude lower
      than reported ecotoxicological effect values, suggesting that concentrations of
      individual fungicides in the catchment were unlikely to pose an ecological risk.
      However, there is little information on the effects of fungicides, especially
      fungi and microbes, on aquatic ecosystems. There is also little known about the
      combined effects of simultaneous low-level exposure of multiple fungicides to
      aquatic organisms. Further research is required to adequately assess the risk of
      fungicides in aquatic environments.

PMID- 22037820
TI  - Predicting the toxicity of permethrin to Daphnia magna in water using SPME
      fibers.
AB  - Multiple factors can influence bioavailability, which can make predictions of
      toxicity in natural systems difficult. The current study examined the potential
      use of solid-phase microextraction fibers as a matrix-independent approach to
      predict the toxicity of permethrin to Daphnia magna across various water sources,
      including a laboratory reconstituted water, two natural waters, and a modified
      natural water. Water source strongly affected the toxicity of permethrin as well
      as the concentration-response relationships. Although permethrin concentrations
      in the water were predictive of toxicity to D. magna for individual water
      sources, there was no relationship between permethrin concentrations among water
      sources and mortality. This indicated that compositional differences among water
      sources can greatly influence toxicity, suggesting that benchmarks established
      using reconstituted water may be overly conservative for some natural waters. In
      addition, although permethrin tissue residues were predictive of mortality for
      individual waters, the correlation among waters was not as clear. Finally, both
      48-h and equilibrium-based SPME fiber concentrations adequately predicted
      toxicity independent of water properties. This demonstrated that bioavailability
      based estimates provided a more accurate prediction of toxicity than water
      concentrations and that SPME fibers could be used in environmental monitoring as
      a rapid and accurate means of predicting toxicity in natural waters.

PMID- 22037821
TI  - Morphological assessments on the arteries of the superior renal segment.
AB  - The study was performed on 461 renal arteries in order to assess some
      morphological aspects regarding the arteries that supply the superior renal
      segment using as study methods: dissection, injection of contrast medium,
      injection of plastic followed by corrosion together with the examination of MRI
      and renal angiographies (simple and angio CT). The posterior arteries of the
      superior renal segment originate mostly from the posterior terminal branch of the
      renal artery as 1-3 arterial branches. In only 42 cases, we found posterior
      branches that do not participate in the supply of the superior renal pole. In 190
      cases, the anterior arteries of the superior segment originated from the anterior
      division of the renal artery and in 73 cases directly from the trunk of the renal
      artery. 34 cases were assessed as a terminal division of the renal artery, while
      the origin from the posterior division of the renal artery was encountered in 18
      cases. In 138 cases, the artery of the superior segment originated from a
      supplementary renal artery, double (118 cases) or triple (20 cases); in this
      situation, from the polar artery started the inferior suprarenal artery, except
      five cases where it originated from the aorta. Of the total of 461 samples, in
      244 cases the renal approach was performed above the renal hilum, as proper
      superior polar arteries and in 217 cases the artery entered through the upper
      part of the hilum as an apical artery. The morphology of the arteries of the
      superior renal segment shows a significant degree of variability mostly in what
      concerns the anterior ones. Frequently we encountered a clear delimitation of the
      superior renal segment (in 61% of the cases), a situation that allows a
      relatively facile nephrectomy.

PMID- 22037822
TI  - Empirical therapy with ceftazidime combined with levofloxacin or once-daily
      amikacin for febrile neutropenia in patients with neoplasia: a prospective
      comparative study.
AB  - Combination antimicrobial therapy represents common practice in the treatment of
      febrile neutropenia aiming to broaden the antimicrobial spectrum against Gram
      negative pathogens. We did a prospective, non-randomized, comparative study to
      evaluate ceftazidime plus either levofloxacin or once-daily amikacin as empirical
      regimens for febrile neutropenia in patients with solid tumor or hematopoietic
      neoplasm in a region of high baseline resistance prevalence. We included 285
      febrile neutropenic episodes in 235 individual patients. One hundred forty-eight
      cases received levofloxacin and 137 received amikacin, both in combination with
      ceftazidime. More cases in the levofloxacin than the amikacin group had
      underlying hematological malignancy; most other characteristics of the two groups
      were well balanced. Nephrotoxicity requiring treatment discontinuation occurred
      in one case in the amikacin group. No difference in clinical success (79.7% vs.
      80.3%, p>0.99) or all-cause mortality (12.8% vs. 11.7%, p=0.86) was noted between
      the levofloxacin and the amikacin groups, even after adjustment for the
      independent predictor variables for each endpoint. Sepsis at presentation,
      presence of localizing symptoms/signs of infection, and isolation of a non
      susceptible Gram-negative pathogen independently predicted both clinical success
      and all-cause mortality. Additionally, underlying solid tumor independently
      predicted clinical success, while poor prognosis of the underlying neoplasia and
      skin/soft tissue infection independently predicted mortality. Ceftazidime plus
      levofloxacin had similar effectiveness to ceftazidime plus amikacin as empirical
      regimens for febrile neutropenia. Nephrotoxicity with once-daily amikacin was
      minimal. Inappropriate empirical therapy was associated with worse prognosis.

PMID- 22037823
TI  - Insights into Candida tropicalis nosocomial infections and virulence factors.
AB  - Candida tropicalis is considered the first or the second non-Candida albicans
      Candida (NCAC) species most frequently isolated from candidosis, mainly in
      patients admitted in intensive care units (ICUs), especially with cancer,
      requiring prolonged catheterization, or receiving broad-spectrum antibiotics. The
      proportion of candiduria and candidemia caused by C. tropicalis varies widely
      with geographical area and patient group. Actually, in certain countries, C.
      tropicalis is more prevalent, even compared with C. albicans or other NCAC
      species. Although prophylactic treatments with fluconazole cause a decrease in
      the frequency of candidosis caused by C. tropicalis, it is increasingly showing a
      moderate level of fluconazole resistance. The propensity of C. tropicalis for
      dissemination and the high mortality associated with its infections might be
      strongly related to the potential of virulence factors exhibited by this species,
      such as adhesion to different host surfaces, biofilm formation, infection and
      dissemination, and enzymes secretion. Therefore, the aim of this review is to
      outline the present knowledge on all the above-mentioned C. tropicalis virulence
      traits.

PMID- 22037824
TI  - Gestational diabetes: implications for cardiovascular health.
AB  - Gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is a pregnancy complication that is becoming
      more prevalent with recent population trends in obesity and advancing maternal
      age. A diagnosis of GDM not only increases risk for maternal and fetal
      complications during pregnancy, but also significantly increases a woman's risk
      of both type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the
      postpartum. Even women with milder forms of abnormal glucose homeostasis during
      pregnancy, specifically gestational impaired glucose tolerance, are at increased
      risk, justifying the recent recommendation to tighten the diagnostic criteria for
      GDM, thus implicating many more women. Risk factors that increase risk for future
      CVD among women with a history of GDM include postpartum progression to T2DM;
      metabolic syndrome; obesity; hypertension; and altered levels of circulating
      inflammatory markers, specifically, adiponectin, C-reactive protein, and tumor
      necrosis factor-alpha. Medical therapies such as metformin that prevent
      progression to T2DM may prove to be our primary defense against earlier CVD among
      women with GDM.

PMID- 22037825
TI  - Molecular differentiation of Culicoides biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae)
      from the subgenus Culicoides Latreille in Denmark.
AB  - Identification of Culicoides biting midges to species has attracted attention due
      to the recent outbreak of bluetongue disease in Northern Europe. Identification
      of Culicoides to species level has been based on morphological characters and is
      difficult as several species belonging to species complexes are hard to
      distinguish. We evaluated the use of the mitochondrial DNA cytochrome oxidase I
      gene (COI) barcode region in the identification of species within the subgenus
      Culicoides. COI barcode sequence divergence within species was <1%, whereas it
      ranged from 12.5% to 19.8% between subgenus Culicoides species. The divergence of
      subgenus Culicoides species to C. nubeculosus from the subgenus Monoculicoides
      ranged from 24.4% to 26.1%. Specimens were differentiated into eight unique
      clusters, including the four common Palaearctic species Culicoides punctatus,
      Culicoides pulicaris, Culicoides impunctatus, and Culicoides grisescens.
      Additionally, this study confirms the existence of Culicoides halophilus as a
      valid taxon and presents the first Culicoides deltus barcode sequences. Three
      additional groups of specimens were identified: Culicoides dk1 with a COI barcode
      diverging by 14.3% to 17.2% from other subgenus Culicoides species and Culicoides
      Kalix and Culicoides dk3, which diverged by 5.9% from each other and showed 12.5%
      to 17.6% divergence in COI barcode to subgenus Culicoides specimens.

PMID- 22037826
TI  - In vitro amoebicidal activities of Teucrium polium and T. chamaedrys on
      Acanthamoeba castellanii trophozoites and cysts.
AB  - Amoebic keratitis is difficult to treat without total efficacy in some patients
      because of cysts, which are less susceptible than trophozoites to the usual
      treatments. The aim of this study is to evaluate the in vitro amoebicidal
      activity of the methanolic extracts of Teucrium polium and Teucrium chamaedrys.
      In the presence of methanolic extracts (ranging from 1.0 to 32.0 mg/ml), numbers
      of the viable Acanthamoeba castellani trophozoites and cysts were decreased
      during the experimental process. Both extracts showed time- and dose-dependent
      amoebicidal action on the trophozoites and cysts. Among the extracts tested, T.
      chamaedrys showed the strongest amoebicidal effect on the trophozoites. In the
      presence of 16 mg/ml or above extract concentrations, no viable trophozoites were
      observed within 48 h. In the case of T. polium, no viable trophozoites were
      observed within 48 h at 32 mg/ml concentration. As expected, cysts were found
      more resistant to the extracts than the trophozoites.

PMID- 22037827
TI  - In vitro antileishmanial and antitrypanosomal activities of five medicinal plants
      from Burkina Faso.
AB  - After ethnobotanical surveys in central and western regions of Burkina Faso, five
      plants namely Lantana ukambensis (Verbenaceae), Xeoderris sthulmannii (Fabaceae),
      Parinari curatellifollia (Chrysobalanaceae), Ozoroa insignis (Anacardiaceae), and
      Ficus platyphylla (Moraceae) were selected for their traditional use in the
      treatment of parasitic diseases and cancer. Our previous studies have focused on
      the phytochemical, genotoxicity, antioxidant, and antiproliferative activities of
      these plants. In this study, the methanol extract of each plant was tested to
      reveal probable antileishmanial and antitrypanosomal activities. Colorimetric and
      spectrophotometric methods were used for the detection of antileishmanial and
      antitrypanosomal activities. Leishmania donovani (LV9 WT) and Trypanosoma brucei
      brucei GVR 35 were used to test the antileishmanial and antitrypanosomal
      activities, respectively. All extracts of tested plants showed a significant
      antitrypanosomal activity with minimum lethal concentrations between 1.5 and 25
      MUg/ml, the L. ukambensis extract being the most active. In the antileishmanial
      test, only the extract from L. ukambensis showed significant activity with an
      inhibitory concentration (IC(50)) of 6.9 MUg/ml. The results of this study
      contribute to the promotion of traditional medicine products and are preliminary
      for the isolation of new natural molecules for the treatment of leishmaniasis and
      trypanosomiasis.

PMID- 22037828
TI  - Polymorphisms in cycloxygenase-2 gene and breast cancer prognosis: association
      between PTGS2 haplotypes and histopathological features.
AB  - Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) overexpression is associated with worse prognosis in
      breast cancer. COX-2 is encoded by a polymorphic gene, called PTGS2, and its
      expression may be genetically influenced. In this article, we investigate the
      association between PTGS2 haplotypes and histopathological parameters with
      prognostic value on the clinical outcome of breast cancer. The study involved 606
      women under current treatment for non-metastatic breast cancer. Patients were
      genotyped for rs689465, rs689466, rs20417, and rs5275, and their haplotypes were
      inferred. The distribution of PTGS2 genotypes and haplotypes was evaluated
      according to histopathological categorical groups used for prognostic
      determination of low/intermediate versus high risk of tumor recurrence. Our
      results indicate positive associations between variant genotypes of rs689465 and
      estrogen receptor negativity (OR: 1.59, 95% CI: 1.04-2.44, P: 0.02) or HER2
      positivity (OR: 1.79, 95% CI: 1.00-3.18, P: 0.03), and between variant genotypes
      of rs20417 and estrogen receptor negativity (OR: 1.75, 95% CI: 1.15-2.57, P:
      0.005), progesterone receptor negativity (OR: 1.56, 95% CI: 1.09-2.22, P: 0.01)
      or HER2 positivity (OR: 1.80, 95% CI: 1.04-3.13, P: 0.02). In contrast, variant
      genotypes of rs689466 are negatively associated with estrogen receptor negativity
      (OR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.33-0.98, P: 0.03). A total of eight haplotypes were
      inferred, and there was a significant difference in their distribution as a
      function of tumor size (P: 0.011), estrogen receptor status (P: 0.018), and HER2
      status (P: 0.025). PTGS2 haplotype *7 (formed by rs689465G, rs689466A, rs20417C,
      and rs5275T) is positively associated with higher tumor size (OR: 3.72, 95% CI:
      1.19-11.22, P: 0.006), estrogen receptor negativity (OR: 2.43, 95% CI: 0.97-5.98,
      P: 0.032), progesterone receptor negativity (OR: 2.58, 95% CI: 1.05-6.39, P:
      0.02), and HER2 positivity (OR: 4.17, 95% CI: 1.19-14.44, P: 0.007). Our results
      suggest that PTGS2 haplotype *7 may contribute to higher growth of untreated
      breast cancer and that PTGS2 haplotypes need to be considered in the
      characterization of breast cancer prognosis.

PMID- 22037829
TI  - The association between mammographic density measures and aspirin or other NSAID
      use.
AB  - There is evidence that aspirin use reduces the risk of breast cancer. Increased
      mammographic density is known to be associated with increased breast cancer risk.
      Little is known about the association between mammographic density and aspirin or
      other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) use, but it is possible that
      the association between aspirin use and breast cancer risk might be due to the
      effect of aspirin on mammographic density. Multiple linear regression was used to
      investigate the association between measures of mammographic density and the use,
      frequency, and duration of aspirin and other NSAIDs such as paracetamol
      (acetaminophen), arthritis medication, and other over-the-counter or doctor
      prescribed pain medications in 3286 women from the Australian Mammographic
      Density Twins and Sisters Study and the Genes Behind Endometriosis Study. We
      found no association between either dense area or percent dense area with any of
      the NSAIDs examined (all P > 0.06). If aspirin is reducing the breast cancer risk
      in women, it is likely doing so via a different pathway other than mammographic
      density measures that predict breast cancer risk.

PMID- 22037830
TI  - Preprocedural planning with prospectively triggered multidetector row CT
      angiography prior to bronchial artery embolization in cystic fibrosis patients
      with massive hemoptysis.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine if
      electrocardiographically synchronized, prospectively triggered multidetector row
      computed tomography (ECG-MDR-CT) angiography of the aorta can accurately predict
      the location of ectopic bronchial arteries in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF)
      with massive hemoptysis prior to bronchial artery embolization (BAE). DESIGN AND
      SETTING: The study was a prospective, observational study from September 1, 2009
      to June 30, 2011, conducted at a university hospital with an adult CF center.
      PATIENTS: The study included adult CF patients with massive hemoptysis. RESULTS:
      A total of four adult patients (mean [+/- SD] age = 31.5 +/- 7.9 years) with CF
      and massive hemoptysis underwent ECG-MDR-CT angiography. The location of the
      bleeding source was predicted in each case based on lung pathology observed on
      ECG-MDR-CT angiography. All four patients eventually required BAE without the
      need for conventional aortograms since the locations of the bronchial arteries
      were determined prior to the procedure. Review of lung pathology and arterial
      networks from the ECG-MDR-CT angiography data limited the number of selective
      catheterizations necessary to complete the procedures. BAE resulted in complete
      resolution of hemoptysis in three patients and successful mitigation of the
      bleeding in the fourth patient until lung transplantation was performed 1 week
      later. CONCLUSIONS: ECG-MDR-CT angiography accurately depicted bronchial artery
      anatomy in CF patients with massive hemoptysis and provided excellent
      preprocedural planning for BAE. The information provided by ECG-MDR-CT
      angiography of the aorta prior to conventional angiography decreased the BAE
      radiation dose and contrast volume and likely reduced table time.

PMID- 22037831
TI  - Structural colored fiber fabricated by a facile colloid self-assembly method in
      micro-space.
AB  - Structural colored fiber was fabricated by an isothermal heating evaporation
      induced self-assembly method. Under ambient white light illumination, the fibers
      appear colored due to optical reflectance, which is determined by the lattice
      constants of the photonic crystals. By controlling the size and layers of the
      silica nanospheres, the fiber color can be changed.

PMID- 22037832
TI  - The role of intermolecular interactions in solid state fluorescent conjugated
      polymer chemosensors.
AB  - A functionalized fluorescent conjugated polymer, tolylterpyridine poly(p
      phenyleneethynylene-thienyleneethynylene (ttp-PPETE), was designed and
      synthesized to detect trace amounts of toxic transition metal pollutants in
      ground water. Photophysical studies in tetrahydrofuran (THF) successfully
      demonstrated this polymer as a selective and sensitive chemosensor for Ni(2+) and
      Co(2+) in aqueous solution. Solid state composites of these chemosensors have now
      been prepared which can be modified to provide for inexpensive and portable field
      based chemical detection. A solid composite of ttp-PPETE, blended with poly
      (methyl methacrylate) shows UV-vis absorption and fluorescence emission spectra
      which are red- shifted when compared to solution phase spectra, suggesting an
      increase in conjugation in the solid state. An additional absorption peak, not
      present in solution, is also observed in the solid state. The presence of this
      new peak provides evidence of interacting FCP chains in the solid state.
      Concentration dependent experiments were done on the solid composite showing red
      shifted emission peaks accompanied by a significant reduction in the fluorescent
      quantum yield. These observations are consistent with the formation of aggregated
      polymer species in the solid state. Intermolecular interactions of this type can
      be manipulated in the design of sensitive and selective solid state fluorescent
      conjugated polymer sensors.

PMID- 22037833
TI  - Studies on curcumin and curcuminoids. XLVI. Photophysical properties of
      dimethoxycurcumin and bis-dehydroxycurcumin.
AB  - The steady-state absorption and fluorescence, as well as the time-resolved
      fluorescence properties of dimethoxycurcumin and bis-dehydroxycurcumin dissolved
      in several solvents differing in polarity and H-bonding capability are presented.
      The singlet oxygen generation efficiency of the two compounds relative to
      curcumin is estimated. The photodegradation quantum yield of the former compound
      in acetonitrile and methanol is determined. The dimethoxycurcumin and bis
      dehydroxycurcumin decay mechanisms from the S (1) state are discussed and
      compared with those of curcumin, dicinnamoylmethane and bis-demethoxycurcumin.

PMID- 22037834
TI  - Field comparison of three inhalable samplers (IOM, PGP-GSP 3.5 and Button) for
      welding fumes.
AB  - Inhalable sampler efficiency depends on the aerodynamic size of the airborne
      particles to be sampled and the wind speed. The aim of this study was to compare
      the behaviour of three personal inhalable samplers for welding fumes generated by
      Manual Metal Arc (MMA) and Metal Active Gas (MAG) processes. The selected
      samplers were the ones available in Spain when the study began: IOM, PGP-GSP 3.5
      (GSP) and Button. Sampling was carried out in a welding training center that
      provided a homogeneous workplace environment. The static sampling assembly used
      allowed the placement of 12 samplers and 2 cascade impactors simultaneously. 183
      samples were collected throughout 2009 and 2010. The range of welding fumes' mass
      concentrations was from 2 mg m(-3) to 5 mg m(-3). The pooled variation
      coefficients for the three inhalable samplers were less than or equal to 3.0%.
      Welding particle size distribution was characterized by a bimodal log-normal
      distribution, with MMADs of 0.7 MUm and 8.2 MUm. For these welding aerosols, the
      Button and the GSP samplers showed a similar performance (P = 0.598). The mean
      mass concentration ratio was 1.00 +/- 0.01. The IOM sampler showed a different
      performance (P < 0.001). The mean mass concentration ratios were 0.90 +/- 0.01
      for Button/IOM and 0.92 +/- 0.02 for GSP/IOM. This information is useful to
      consider the measurements accomplished by the IOM, GSP or Button samplers
      together, in order to assess the exposure at workplaces over time or to study
      exposure levels in a specific industrial activity, as welding operations.

PMID- 22037835
TI  - [Orbital pain from a cranio-maxillofacial surgery perspective].
AB  - Orbital pain can be provoked by diseases of the orbital skeleton as well as the
      maxillary sinus. Infections of the maxillary sinus caused by dental infections
      (e.g. periodontitis) or root canal treatment represent the majority of these
      cases followed by injuries of the orbital skeleton. An appropriate medical
      history usually provides indications for the further diagnostic procedure. In
      rare cases diseases of the facial skeleton as well as Wegener's granulomatosis
      can also cause orbital pain. In contrast temporomandibular disorders (TMD) may
      cause motility disorders and alterations in binocular vision but are not
      responsible for orbital pain.

PMID- 22037836
TI  - [Two-wall decompression without resection of the medial wall. Effect on squint
      angle].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Postoperative new onset diplopia can be a disadvantage for surgical
      orbital decompression in patients with exophthalmos in thyroid eye disease. The
      various modifications of decompression (number and combination of walls) differ
      in their influence on the postoperative squint angle. We report on postoperative
      diplopia in a modified 2 wall decompression strategy (lateral wall and floor).
      METHODS: This study was a retrospective analysis of 36 consecutive 2-wall
      decompressions performed between 2006-2010 in 24 patients with 6 months of stable
      exophthalmos in thyroid eye disease after medical therapy and radiotherapy. The
      preoperative and postoperative squint angle in prism cover test (PCT), motility,
      induction of diplopia, reduction of exophthalmos, visual acuity and complications
      were evaluated. RESULTS: In all 36 decompressions the postoperative squint angle
      was equal to or less than before surgery. In 8 eyes additional squint surgery was
      performed. The mean reduction in exopthalmos was 4.3 mm. CONCLUSIONS: An adverse
      effect of decompression on the postoperative squint angle was not evident in this
      study. New induction of diplopia was not observed at all. One possible
      explanation is the preservation of the medial wall.

PMID- 22037837
TI  - [Arguments for prophylactic therapy of ocular hypertension].
AB  - Increased intraocular pressure is currently the only manipulable risk factor for
      glaucoma. In ocular hypertension the intraocular pressure is increased but the
      optic nerve head and visual field are thought to show no damage. Classification
      into glaucoma by means of the optic nerve head is often possible only over a
      period of time because there is a large overlap between the already pathological
      and still normal findings. In the Ocular Hypertension Treatment Study (OHTS) the
      effectiveness of prophylactic treatment was demonstrated. In the OHTS and the
      European Glaucoma Prevention Study (EGPS) risk factors have been identified, such
      as increased intraocular pressure, size of the excavation of the optic nerve
      head, decreased central corneal thickness, increased pattern standard deviation
      in the visual field and age. Before treatment of ocular hypertension is initiated
      these risk factors and the patient's personal situation should be considered. The
      higher the intraocular pressure, the smaller the central corneal thickness and
      the larger the excavation of the optic nerve and the younger the patient, the
      earlier treatment should be started.

PMID- 22037838
TI  - [Preparation of the amniotic membrane with the waterjet].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ex vivo culturing of limbal stem cells on human amniotic membranes
      can be accelerated if all amniotic epithelial cells have been removed beforehand.
      A common application of acellular amniotic membranes is their use in cultivating
      autologous oral mucosal epithelial cells for transplantation in cases of
      bilateral stem cell insufficiency. Amniotic epithelial cells can be eliminated
      with enzymatic-chemical or mechanical methods or with a combination of both.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: The efficacy of a waterjet cutter to eliminate amniotic
      epithelial cells from the amniotic membrane was investigated. Deep frozen
      placentas from healthy mothers were defrosted and a well-defined surface of the
      amniotic membrane (d = 15 mm) was treated with the waterjet in a standardized
      way. The waterjet used two different nozzles (pin-point and narrow stream
      nozzles). The applied system pressures with the pin-point stream nozzle (aperture
      120 MUm) were 30, 40 and 50 bar and the narrow stream nozzle was operated with
      pressures of 70, 80 and 90 bar on the amniotic membrane. A total number of 42
      tissue samples were examined with an optical microscope using native trypan blue
      staining. For each type of nozzle and each application pressure two amnion
      samples were examined with a scanning electron microscope to analyze the efficacy
      of the mechanical epithelial cell elimination from the amniotic membrane. After
      medical imaging and histopathological examination the efficacy was graded using
      the following scale: 0 = no amniotic epithelial cells, 1 = no cells, low amounts
      of cell debris, 2 = single amniotic epithelial cells, large amounts of cell
      debris, 3 = loose cell layer, 4 = continuous sheet of epithelial cells. RESULTS:
      To eliminate epithelial cells from the surface of the amniotic membrane with the
      waterjet pinpoint stream nozzle (aperture: 120 MUm) an application pressure of 30
      50 bar was needed. The use of the narrow stream nozzle required a pressure of 70
      90 bar. CONCLUSIONS: The preparation of amniotic membranes with the waterjet
      represents a precise option to mechanically eliminate amniotic epithelial cells
      from the amniotic membrane. The use of a waterjet cutter as an exclusively
      mechanical method without enzymatic-chemical substances may be a benefit, as
      cytotoxic effects on culturing limbal stem cells caused by chemical substances
      are not present.

PMID- 22037839
TI  - Hypothyroid states mitigate the diabetes-induced reduction of calbindin D-28k,
      calretinin, and parvalbumin immunoreactivity in type 2 diabetic rats.
AB  - In this study, we investigated the differences in calbindin D-28k (CB),
      calretinin, (CR) and parvalbumin (PV) immunoreactivity in the hippocampus of
      Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats and Zucker lean control (ZLC) rats. In addition,
      we observed the effects of hypothyroidism on the levels of immunoreactivity of
      these proteins in ZDF rats. For this study, 7-week-old ZDF rats were used, and
      methimazole treatment was continued for 5 weeks to induce hypothyroidism. The
      animals were sacrificed at 12 weeks of age. ZDF rats showed increased blood
      glucose levels compared to those in ZLC rats. Methimazole intervention
      significantly reduced total and free T3 levels, and it ameliorated the increase
      of blood glucose levels in ZDF rats. In ZLC rats, CB, CR, and PV immunoreactivity
      was detected in regions of the hippocampus proper. In vehicle-treated ZDF rats,
      CB, CR, and PV immunoreactivity was significantly decreased in the hippocampus.
      However, in the methimazole-treated rats, CB, CR, and PV immunoreactivity was
      significantly increased compared to that in the vehicle-treated rats. These
      results suggest that hypothyroidism ameliorated the diabetes-induced reduction of
      CB, CR, and PV immunoreactivity in the hippocampus.

PMID- 22037840
TI  - Increased immunoreactivities of cleaved alphaII-spectrin and cleaved caspase-3 in
      the aged dog spinal cord.
AB  - The activation of caspase-3 is considered to be a reliable marker for apoptotic
      cell death, and a 120-kDa fragment of alphaII-spectrin is generated by caspase-3
      mediated cleavage of this structural protein. In the present study, we compared
      cleaved alphaII-spectrin (120-kDa) and cleaved caspase-3-immunoreactive cells and
      their protein levels in the cervical (C5-C6) and lumbar (L3-L4) levels of the
      spinal cord in adult (1-2 year-old) and aged (10-12 year-old) dogs (German
      shepherds). Weak cleaved alphaII-spectrin and cleaved caspase-3 immunoreactivity
      was found in neurons of the adult group; however, their immunoreactivity was
      distinctively increased in the neuronal cytoplasm in the aged group compared to
      those in the adult group, although the distribution pattern of their neurons was
      similar between the adult and age group. In addition, cleaved alphaII-spectrin
      and cleaved caspase-3 levels in the aged spinal cord were markedly increased
      compared to those in the adult group. These findings suggest that the increases
      of cleaved alphaII-spectrin and cleaved caspase-3 immunoreactivity may be related
      to aging of the spinal cord in dogs.

PMID- 22037841
TI  - Effects of sensitive to apoptosis gene protein on cell proliferation, neuroblast
      differentiation, and oxidative stress in the mouse dentate gyrus.
AB  - Sensitive to apoptosis gene (SAG) protein is a redox-inducible protein that
      protects cells against apoptosis induced by redox agents. In this study, we
      observed effects of SAG on cell proliferation and neuroblast differentiation in
      the mouse hippocampal dentate gyrus (DG) using Ki67 and doublecortin (DCX),
      respectively. For easy penetration into neurons, Tat-SAG expression vector was
      constructed by ligation with SAG and expression vector, Tat, in-frame with six
      histidine open-reading frames to generate the expression vector, and cloned into
      E. coli DH5alpha cells. One or 5 mg/kg Tat-SAG fusion protein (Tat-SAG) was
      intraperitoneally administered to mice once a day for 3 weeks. The administration
      of Tat-SAG significantly increased the number of 5-bromodeoxyuridine positive
      cells, Ki67 positive cells and DCX immunoreactive neuroblast in the mouse DG:
      Especially, in the 5 mg/kg Tat-SAG-treated mice, DCX positive neuroblasts showed
      a well-developed arborization of tertiary dendrites in the DG. On the other hand,
      we examined that the administration of Tat-SAG significantly reduced the DNA
      damage and lipid peroxidation judging from 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine and 4
      hydroxynonenal immunohistochemistry: The decrease was much more distinct in the 5
      mg/kg Tat-SAG-treated mice than 1 mg/kg Tat-SAG-treated mice. This result
      suggests that SAG significantly increases cell proliferation, neuroblast
      differentiation and oxidative stress in normal states.

PMID- 22037842
TI  - Phospho-Rb mediating cell cycle reentry induces early apoptosis following oxygen
      glucose deprivation in rat cortical neurons.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between cell cycle
      reentry and apoptosis in cultured cortical neurons following oxygen-glucose
      deprivation (OGD). We found that the percentage of neurons with BrdU uptake,
      TUNEL staining, and colocalized BrdU uptake and TUNEL staining was increased
      relative to control 6, 12 and 24 h after 1 h of OGD. The number of neurons with
      colocalized BrdU and TUNEL staining was decreased relative to the number of TUNEL
      positive neurons at 24 h. The expression of phosphorylated retinoblastoma protein
      (phospho-Rb) was significantly increased 6, 12 and 24 h after OGD, parallel with
      the changes in BrdU uptake. Phospho-Rb and TUNEL staining were colocalized in
      neurons 6 and 12 h after OGD. This colocalization was strikingly decreased 24 h
      after OGD. Treatment with the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor roscovitine (100
      MUM) decreased the expression of phospho-Rb and reduced neuronal apoptosis in
      vitro. These results demonstrated that attempted cell cycle reentry with
      phosphorylation of Rb induce early apoptosis in neurons after OGD and there must
      be other mechanisms involved in the later stages of neuronal apoptosis besides
      cell cycle reentry. Phosphoralated Rb may be an important factor which closely
      associates aberrant cell cycle reentry with the early stages of neuronal
      apoptosis following ischemia/hypoxia in vitro, and pharmacological interventions
      for neuroprotection may be useful directed at this keypoint.

PMID- 22037844
TI  - Trends over time in the size and quality of randomised controlled trials of
      interventions for chronic low-back pain.
AB  - PURPOSE: Previous reviews of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) for low-back
      pain (LBP) have failed to identify any positive trend in study quality with more
      recent years of publication. This study aimed to identify and describe trends
      over time in the study design characteristics and risk of bias in chronic LBP
      trials performed over the past 30 years. METHODS: One fifty-seven randomised
      trials of interventions for chronic LBP were extracted from recently published
      systematic reviews. The reviews included RCTs on physical and rehabilitation
      interventions, injection therapy and denervation procedures, complementary and
      alternative therapies and pharmacological interventions for chronic LBP. Study
      level data were extracted and analysed for trends associated with year of
      publication. RESULTS: Overall, the mean sample size in the RCTs was 141 (median
      70; range 17-3093). There was a slight increase in the median number of risk of
      bias criteria fulfilled from trials published prior to 1995 to those published
      after 1996. The analysis showed that in more recent years RCTs of medical
      interventions were more likely to be successfully blinded than RCTs of non
      medical interventions. CONCLUSIONS: The continuing uncertainty regarding the
      efficacy of many interventions for chronic LBP again stresses the need for large
      RCTs with low risk of bias. Further research is needed into specific risks of
      bias within the RCTs for chronic LBP and the effect they have on the plausibility
      of the results.

PMID- 22037846
TI  - Psychological essentialist reasoning and perspective taking during reading: a
      donkey is not a zebra, but a plate can be a clock.
AB  - In an eyetracking study, we examined whether readers use psychological
      essentialist reasoning and perspective taking online. Stories were presented in
      which an animal or an artifact was transformed into another animal (e.g., a
      donkey into a zebra) or artifact (e.g., a plate into a clock). According to
      psychological essentialism, the essence of the animal did not change in these
      stories, while the transformed artifact would be thought to have changed
      categories. We found evidence that readers use this kind of reasoning online:
      When reference was made to the transformed animal, the nontransformed term
      ("donkey") was preferred, but the opposite held for the transformed artifact
      ("clock" was read faster than "plate"). The immediacy of the effect suggests that
      this kind of reasoning is employed automatically. Perspective taking was examined
      within the same stories by the introduction of a novel story character. This
      character, who was naive about the transformation, commented on the transformed
      animal or artifact. If the reader were to take this character's perspective
      immediately and exclusively for reference solving, then only the transformed term
      ("zebra" or "clock") would be felicitous. However, the results suggested that
      while this character's perspective could be taken into account, it seems
      difficult to completely discard one's own perspective at the same time.

PMID- 22037845
TI  - Epidemiological characteristics of adult SCIWORA in Tianjin, China: a preliminary
      study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The epidemiology of spinal cord injury without radiographic
      abnormality (SCIWORA) is less frequently reported in adults as compared with
      children. The annual incidence of SCIWORA was approximately 5.74% per million in
      Tianjin from 2004 to 2008. Importantly, the epidemiological characteristics of
      adult SCIWORA may be different from that in children. The aim of this study was
      to evaluate the radiological-clinical data of patients with adult SCIWORA, and to
      relatively analyze the epidemiological features. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Inpatients with cervical SCIWORA who were 16 and above in Tianjin were admitted
      in municipal hospitals in Tianjin from 2004 to 2008; all the patients received
      MRI scanning in sagittal and axial views. Epidemiological characteristics, such
      as injury origin, injury level or severity, neurological scale and MRI feature
      were acquired. RESULTS: In total, 203 patients were enrolled. The average age
      among the adult groups was 55.9 years (men 55.8 years, women 53.6 years). SCIWORA
      occurred more commonly in adults in the 46-60 age group, and falls were the
      leading cause of injury (52.2%), followed by vehicular injury (28.6%). The most
      predominantly affected level was C4/5 (48.7%), followed by C5/6 (30.5%) and C3/4
      (12.8%), respectively. The occurrence of central cord syndrome (50.2%) with
      posterior longitudinal ligament tear (43.8%) was relatively higher than other
      injury patterns. CONCLUSION: It is clear that adult cervical SCIWORA is different
      from that in the pediatric group. Our study highlights the epidemiological
      properties of adult SCIWORA in Tianjin, China. Differing from other reports,
      particularly epidemiology study, we represent the first report regarding adult
      SCIWORA from China. As the geriatric population increases, it is very important
      to set up an individualized evaluation system based on a nationally scaled
      epidemiological database. The results from our study will be useful in assisting
      in the creation of such a database.

PMID- 22037847
TI  - A novel metabolite of antituberculosis therapy demonstrates host activation of
      isoniazid and formation of the isoniazid-NAD+ adduct.
AB  - One of the most effective and widely used antituberculosis (anti-TB) drugs is
      isoniazid (INH), a prodrug activated via oxidation that forms an adduct with
      NAD(+) to inhibit NADH-dependent targets of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, such as
      enoyl-acyl carrier protein reductase (InhA). The metabolic by-products and
      potentially toxic intermediates resulting from INH therapy have been identified
      through a large body of work. However, an INH-NAD adduct or structures related to
      this adduct have not been identified in specimens from human TB patients or
      animal models of TB. Analyses by mass spectrometry of urine collected from TB
      patients in a study conducted by the NIAID-funded Tuberculosis Research Unit
      identified 4-isonicotinoylnicotinamide (C(12)H(9)N(3)O(2)) as a novel metabolite
      of INH therapy. This compound was formed by M. tuberculosis strains in a KatG
      dependent manner but could also be produced by mice treated with INH independent
      of an M. tuberculosis infection. Thus, the 4-isonicotinoylnicotinamide observed
      in human urine samples is likely derived from the degradation of oxidized INH-NAD
      adducts and provides direct evidence of host INH activation.

PMID- 22037848
TI  - F18, a novel small-molecule nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor,
      inhibits HIV-1 replication using distinct binding motifs as demonstrated by
      resistance selection and docking analysis.
AB  - Nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) are one of the key
      components of antiretroviral therapy drug regimen against human immunodeficiency
      virus type 1 (HIV-1) replication. We previously described a newly synthesized
      small molecule, 10-chloromethyl-11-demethyl-12-oxo-calanolide A (F18), a (+)
      calanolide A analog, as a novel anti-HIV-1 NNRTI (H. Xue et al., J. Med. Chem.
      53:1397-1401, 2010). Here, we further investigated its antiviral range, drug
      resistance profile, and underlying mechanism of action. F18 consistently
      displayed potent activity against primary HIV-1 isolates, including various
      subtypes of group M, circulating recombinant form (CRF) 01_AE, and laboratory
      adapted drug-resistant viruses. Moreover, F18 displayed distinct profiles against
      17 NNRTI-resistant pseudoviruses, with an excellent potency especially against
      one of the most prevalent strains with the Y181C mutation (50% effective
      concentration, 1.0 nM), which was in stark contrast to the extensively used
      NNRTIs nevirapine and efavirenz. Moreover, we induced F18-resistant viruses by in
      vitro serial passages and found that the mutation L100I appeared to be the
      dominant contributor to F18 resistance, further suggesting a binding motif
      different from that of nevirapine and efavirenz. F18 was nonantagonistic when
      used in combination with other antiretrovirals against both wild-type and drug
      resistant viruses in infected peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Interestingly,
      F18 displayed a highly synergistic antiviral effect with nevirapine against
      nevirapine-resistant virus (Y181C). Furthermore, in silico docking analysis
      suggested that F18 may bind to the HIV-1 reverse transcriptase differently from
      other NNRTIs. This study presents F18 as a new potential drug for clinical use
      and also presents a new mechanism-based design for future NNRTI.

PMID- 22037849
TI  - An enlarged, adaptable active site in CYP164 family P450 enzymes, the sole P450
      in Mycobacterium leprae.
AB  - CYP164 family P450 enzymes are found in only a subset of mycobacteria and include
      CYP164A1, which is the sole P450 found in Mycobacterium leprae, the causative
      agent of leprosy. This has previously led to interest in this enzyme as a
      potential drug target. Here we describe the first crystal structure of a CYP164
      enzyme, CYP164A2 from Mycobacterium smegmatis. CYP164A2 has a distinctive,
      enlarged hydrophobic active site that extends above the porphyrin ring toward the
      access channels. Unusually, we find that CYP164A2 can simultaneously bind two
      econazole molecules in different regions of the enlarged active site and is
      accompanied by the rearrangement and ordering of the BC loop. The primary
      location is through a classic interaction of the azole group with the porphyrin
      iron. The second econazole molecule is bound to a unique site and is linked to a
      tetracoordinated metal ion complexed to one of the heme carboxylates and to the
      side chains of His 105 and His 364. All of these features are preserved in the
      closely homologous M. leprae CYP164A1. The computational docking of azole
      compounds to a homology model of CYP164A1 suggests that these compounds will form
      effective inhibitors and is supported by the correlation of parallel docking with
      experimental binding studies of CYP164A2. The binding of econazole to CYP164A2
      occurs primarily through the high-spin "open" conformation of the enzyme (K(d)
      [dissociation constant] of 0.1 MUM), with binding to the low-spin "closed" form
      being significantly hindered (K(d) of 338 MUM). These studies support previous
      suggestions that azole derivatives may provide an effective strategy to improve
      the treatment of leprosy.

PMID- 22037850
TI  - Molecular dynamics approaches estimate the binding energy of HIV-1 integrase
      inhibitors and correlate with in vitro activity.
AB  - The design of novel integrase (IN) inhibitors has been aided by recent crystal
      structures revealing the binding mode of these compounds with a full-length
      prototype foamy virus (PFV) IN and synthetic viral DNA ends. Earlier docking
      studies relied on incomplete structures and did not include the contribution of
      the viral DNA to inhibitor binding. Using the structure of PFV IN as the starting
      point, we generated a model of the corresponding HIV-1 complex and developed a
      molecular dynamics (MD)-based approach that correlates with the in vitro
      activities of novel compounds. Four well-characterized compounds (raltegravir,
      elvitegravir, MK-0536, and dolutegravir) were used as a training set, and the
      data for their in vitro activity against the Y143R, N155H, and G140S/Q148H
      mutants were used in addition to the wild-type (WT) IN data. Three additional
      compounds were docked into the IN-DNA complex model and subjected to MD
      simulations. All three gave interaction potentials within 1 standard deviation of
      values estimated from the training set, and the most active compound was
      identified. Additional MD analysis of the raltegravir- and dolutegravir-bound
      complexes gave internal and interaction energy values that closely match the
      experimental binding energy of a compound related to raltegravir that has similar
      activity. These approaches can be used to gain a deeper understanding of the
      interactions of the inhibitors with the HIV-1 intasome and to identify promising
      scaffolds for novel integrase inhibitors, in particular, compounds that retain
      activity against a range of drug-resistant mutants, making it possible to
      streamline synthesis and testing.

PMID- 22037851
TI  - In vitro and in vivo trypanocidal synergistic activity of N-butyl-1-(4
      dimethylamino)phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-beta-carboline-3-carboxamide associated
      with benznidazole.
AB  - American trypanosomiasis, or Chagas' disease, is caused by Trypanosoma cruzi and
      affects around 15 million people throughout the American continent. The available
      treatment is based on two nitroheterocyclic drugs, nifurtimox and benznidazole,
      both only partially effective and toxic. In this context, new drugs must be
      found. In our previous work, the tetrahydro-beta-carboline compound N-butyl-1-(4
      dimethylamino)phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-beta-carboline-3-carboxamide, named C4,
      showed a potent in vitro trypanocidal effect. The goal of this study was to
      evaluate the in vitro and in vivo trypanocidal effects of the compound C4
      associated with other drugs (benznidazole, ketoconazole, and amphotericin B). For
      this, we used the checkerboard technique to analyze the effect of combinations of
      C4 reference drugs. C4 was assayed in a murine model alone as well as in
      association with benznidazole. We also evaluated the parasitemia, mortality,
      weight, and presence of amastigote nests in cardiac tissue. A synergic effect of
      C4 plus benznidazole against epimastigote and trypomastigote forms was observed
      in vitro, and in the murine model, we observed a substantial reduction in
      parasitemia levels and lowered mortality rates. These findings encourage
      supplementary investigations of carboline compounds as potential new trypanocidal
      drugs.

PMID- 22037852
TI  - Activation of benznidazole by trypanosomal type I nitroreductases results in
      glyoxal formation.
AB  - Benznidazole, a 2-nitroimidazole, is the front-line treatment used against
      American trypanosomiasis, a parasitic infection caused by Trypanosoma cruzi.
      Despite nearly 40 years of use, the trypanocidal activity of this prodrug is not
      fully understood. It has been proposed that benznidazole activation leads to the
      formation of reductive metabolites that can cause a series of deleterious
      effects, including DNA damage and thiol depletion. Here, we show that the key
      step in benznidazole activation involves an NADH-dependent trypanosomal type I
      nitroreductase. This catalyzes an oxygen-insensitive reaction with the
      interaction of enzyme, reductant, and prodrug occurring through a ping-pong
      mechanism. Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) analysis of the
      resultant metabolites identified 4,5-dihydro-4,5-dihydroxyimidazole as the major
      product of a reductive pathway proceeding through hydroxylamine and hydroxy
      intermediates. The breakdown of this product released the reactive dialdehyde
      glyoxal, which, in the presence of guanosine, generated guanosine-glyoxal
      adducts. These experiments indicate that the reduction of benznidazole by type I
      nitroreductase activity leads to the formation of highly reactive metabolites and
      that the expression of this enzyme is key to the trypanocidal properties
      displayed by the prodrug.

PMID- 22037853
TI  - Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic model for gentamicin and its adaptive resistance
      with predictions of dosing schedules in newborn infants.
AB  - Gentamicin is commonly used in the management of neonatal infections. Development
      of adaptive resistance is typical for aminoglycosides and reduces the
      antibacterial effect. There is, however, a lack of understanding of how this
      phenomenon influences the effect of different dosing schedules. The aim was to
      develop a pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PKPD) model that describes the time
      course of the bactericidal activity of gentamicin and its adaptive resistance and
      to investigate different dosing schedules in preterm and term newborn infants
      based on the developed model. In vitro time-kill curve experiments were conducted
      on a strain of Escherichia coli (MIC of 2 mg/liter). The gentamicin exposure was
      either constant (0.125 to 16 mg/liter) or dynamic (simulated concentration-time
      profiles in a kinetic system with peak concentrations of 2.0, 3.9, 7.8, and 16
      mg/liter given as single doses or as repeated doses every 6, 12, or 24 h).
      Semimechanistic PKPD models were fitted to the bacterial counts in the NONMEM
      (nonlinear mixed effects modeling) program. A model with compartments for growing
      and resting bacteria, with a function allowing the maximal bacterial killing of
      gentamicin to reduce with exposure, characterized both the fast bactericidal
      effect and the adaptive resistance. Despite a lower peak concentration, preterm
      neonates were predicted to have a higher bacterial killing effect than term
      neonates for the same per-kg dose because of gentamicin's longer half-life. The
      model supported an extended dosing interval of gentamicin in preterm neonates,
      and for all neonates, dosing intervals of 36 to 48 h were as effective as a 24-h
      dosing interval for the same total dose.

PMID- 22037854
TI  - Antibiotic modulation of the plasminogen binding ability of viridans group
      streptococci.
AB  - The ability of viridans group streptococci to bind human plasminogen and its
      subsequent activation into plasmin may contribute to the pathogenesis of
      infective endocarditis (IE) by leading to a decreased stability of the
      streptococcal vegetation and facilitating dehiscence of emboli. At levels greater
      than or equal to their MICs, penicillin, vancomycin, and linezolid are
      efficacious in the treatment of streptococcal endocarditis. However, at sub-MICs,
      antibiotics can modulate the expression of bacterial genes, including virulence
      associated genes, which can have counterproductive effects on the treatment of
      endocarditis. The effects of 1/8* and 1/4* MICs of penicillin, vancomycin, and
      linezolid on the plasminogen binding ability of IE isolates Streptococcus mitis
      881/956, Streptococcus oralis 12601, and Streptococcus sanguinis 12403 were
      assessed phenotypically and the expression of plasminogen receptors alpha-enolase
      and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase of S. oralis 12601 when exposed to
      1/4* MIC of penicillin, was analyzed through quantitative reverse transcription
      (qRT)-PCR. The plasminogen binding ability of S. mitis 881/956 and S. sanguinis
      12403 remained unaffected by exposure to sub-MICs of all of the antibiotics
      tested, while that of S. oralis 12601 was significantly enhanced by all of the
      antibiotics tested at sub-MICs. qRT-PCR analysis of S. oralis 12601 demonstrated
      an upregulation of the eno and gapdh genes, indicating an overexpression of
      plasminogen receptors. These findings suggest that for some endocarditis
      isolates, the effect of antibiotic sub-MICs, in addition to a reduced
      antibacterial effect, may influence the clinical response to nonsurgical therapy.
      It remains difficult to accurately predict isolate responses to sub-MIC
      antimicrobials since there appears to be interspecies variation.

PMID- 22037855
TI  - Prevalence of and risk factors for syphilis in Brazilian armed forces conscripts.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to describe the prevalence of syphilis by
      geographical region and the frequency of behaviours and symptoms related to
      sexually transmitted diseases (STD). METHODS: A cross-sectional study was
      performed with Brazilian conscripts in 2007. They answered a self-administered
      questionnaire on demographic issues, sexual practices, condom use and STD
      symptoms. They had a blood sample collected for a syphilis test. RESULTS: A total
      of 35 460 conscripts answered the questionnaire and 75.5% reported previous
      sexual intercourse. Overall syphilis prevalence was 0.53% (95% CI 0.45% to
      0.61%). By geographical region: northern (0.85%), northeast (0.82%), midwest
      (0.49%), southeast (0.34%) and southern region (0.26%). The final logistic
      regression model showed an association among having had syphilis and being 17
      years old (OR 1.3; 95% CI 1.05 to 1.73), having up to 8 years of schooling (OR
      1.5; 95% CI 1.03 to 2.22), living in the northern/northeast region (OR 1.2; 95%
      CI 1.04 to 1.36), being men who have sex with men (OR 4.5; 95% CI 2.59 to 7.81),
      reporting a previous history of STD (OR 2.7; 95% CI 1.03 to 6.99) and genital
      ulcers (OR 2.6; 95% CI 1.59 to 4.26). CONCLUSIONS: Addressing young people at the
      time of military enlistment may be a good time to consider new strategies for
      accessing and counselling this population, thus allowing the implementation of a
      more appropriate healthcare policy.

PMID- 22037856
TI  - Clinicohematological profile and platelet trends in children with dengue during
      2010 epidemic in north India.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the clinicohematological profile and the platelet trends in
      children presenting with dengue infection during the 2010 dengue epidemic in
      north India and to compare the it with previous epidemics. METHODS: This
      retrospective study was carried out in a tertiary care hospital of North India.
      Of the 219 children admitted from August 2010 through November 2010 with
      suspected dengue infection, 135 were IgM positive and were included in the final
      analysis. RESULTS: These children were further categorized as dengue fever (8%),
      dengue hemorrhagic fever (51%) and dengue shock syndrome (42%). The mean age (+/-
      SD) of children were 8.3 +/- 3.5 y with male: female ratio 1.32. Mean duration of
      fever (+/-SD) was 6.3 d +/- 3.7 d. The clinical features included fever (100%),
      headache (63%), abdominal pain (71%), petechia (35.5%), rash (26.6%) and bleeding
      manifestations (48.8%). On examination, Hess test (33.3%), signs of fluid
      retention (23%), pallor (13.3%),signs of circulatory failure (43%), hepatomegaly
      (31.1%) and splenomegaly (27%) were positive. Laboratory investigations revealed
      mean (+/-SD) hemoglobin 11.5 g/dl (+/-1.7), hematocrit 36.1(+/-5.5), leucocyte
      count 7,551/mm(3) and platelet count 38,800 mm(3) on day of admission. A total of
      92.6% of children had thrombocytopenia and 19.2% had abnormal leucocyte count.
      Deranged liver function tests were observed in 48 children. The mean (+/-SD) of
      hospitalization and platelet recovery were 4.2 +/- 2.3 d and 3.6 +/- 1.3 d
      respectively and did not vary according to disease category (P > 0.05). Bleeding
      manifestations were not related to platelet count (P > 0.05). There was no
      statistical difference in the demographic, clinical or laboratory observations
      according to disease category (P > 0.05). A total of 24 children had evidence of
      other co-infections and four had atypical complications. Dengue 2 virus was the
      strain reported in most of the cases. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed shift to
      higher age of presentation, more number of dengue hemorrhagic fever and
      associated co-infections in children. The complications and mortality was low and
      platelet recovery time was not influenced by disease category.

PMID- 22037857
TI  - Incidence of Vesicobullous and Erosive Disorders of Neonates: Where and How Much
      to Worry?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyse the incidence of dermatoses in neonates, stress the
      importance of simple noninvasive diagnostic procedures with perspective to actual
      need of active intervention. METHODS: Forty four neonates with vesicobullous
      lesions in Departments of Dermatology and Pediatrics were evaluated with respect
      to diagnosis, required treatments and follow ups. RESULTS: Of the total 44
      neonates, 29 were boys and 15 girls. Low birth weight (weight at birth less than
      2,500 g as per WHO criteria) was seen in 19 neonates. Of the infectious
      dermatoses, most common were pyodermas. Four cases (9%) were diagnosed to be of
      staphylococcal pyoderma and impetigo and two cases each of Group A Streptococcal
      impetigo and neonatal tinea faciei (4.5% each), one case each of neonatal
      candidiasis, neonatal varicella/chickenpox and scabies (2.3% each) were seen. Of
      the transient skin lesions, erythema toxicum neonatorum was commonest of all,
      being seen in 18 neonates (41%), followed by four cases (9%) of miliaria
      crystallina, three cases of neonatal acne (6.8%) and two cases of sucking
      blisters (4.5%) and one case each of transient neonatal pustular melanosis,
      epidermolysis bullosa simplex, incontinentia pigmentii, eosinophilic pustular
      folliculitis, pemphigus vulgaris and neonatal herpes simplex (2.3% each) were
      enrolled in this study (Fig. 1). Fig. 1 Piechart showing percentage and number of
      neonates with different diagnostic profiles in the study CONCLUSIONS: Certain
      specific considerations have to be born in mind while evaluating and managing
      neonatal dermatoses. Care has to be instituted to identify accurately infectious
      diseases and distinguish them from benign transient neonatal dermatoses. Some
      disorders first manifesting during the neonatal period may also represent
      harbingers of potential problems during adulthood. Finally, treatment modalities
      are instituted taking in account the actual diagnosis and judging if the
      treatment really is required or not.

PMID- 22037858
TI  - Current concepts in growth hormone therapy.

PMID- 22037859
TI  - Growth hormone deficiency: optimizing therapy and new issues.
AB  - Growth Hormone Deficiency (GHD) with low circulating IGF1 requires replacement
      therapy. Paradoxically, it remains a controversial issue in a large part of
      patients, those considered as having isolated GHD of the idiopathic milder form.
      Challenges remain in this area in spite of intensive and sometimes controversial
      studies. This is true for the diagnosis of the milder forms (also called partial
      GHD), for the assessment of the growth response and the evaluation of final
      height benefit. In addition the cost-benefit issue should not be ignored.
      Therefore, the author tried to review data relevant to the evaluation of GH
      secretion which even now remains largely arbitrary. The growth response, which is
      the primary therapeutic goal in these children should also be carefully discussed
      as reported in recent papers. Focusing on individual responses should help
      adjusting individual dosage within the standard recommended doses, but one should
      also remember that there are no long term safety data for non conventional high
      rhGH doses. More studies are needed. Response to treatment during the first year
      may in the future help select the patients who are prone to the benefit of long
      term rhGH therapy. Basic rules for indication and progression of treatment are
      proposed in children with various forms of GHD. It is also remarkable that the
      present safety data are all coming from several post-marketing studies. This
      means that long term independent studies are now required as recombinant growth
      hormone remains the most appropriate and efficient therapy when permanent GH
      deficiency is fully documented.

PMID- 22037860
TI  - Frank-Ter Haar syndrome in a newborn.
AB  - Frank-Ter Haar syndrome is an unusual type of skeletal dysplasia with
      megalocornea and developmental delay. It is usually transmitted as autosomal
      recessive disorder. Only a few cases have been reported in the literature and
      none from India. The authors report a case with other unusual features and a
      short review of the condition.

PMID- 22037861
TI  - Change in drinking water quality from source to point-of-use and storage: a case
      study from Guwahati, India.
AB  - To ascertain the quality of drinking water being supplied and maintained at
      Guwahati, the study was conducted on the status of water supply in city through
      surveillance of drinking water quality for consecutive 7 days at various
      treatment stages, distribution network and consumer ends. The performance of five
      water treatment plants (WTPs), viz. Panbazar WTP, Satpukhuri WTP, Kamakhya WTP,
      PHED WTP and Hegrabari WTP were assessed for summer, piost-post-monsoon and
      winter seasons. No significant change in raw water quality was observed on day-to
      day basis. Residual chlorine was found in the range of nil to 0.2 mg/L in the
      treated water. During post-monsoon, winter, and summer seasons the thermotolerent
      TC and FC counts ranged between Nil to 168 CFU/100 ml and Nil to 84 CFU/100 ml;
      Nil to 3356 CFU/100 ml and Nil to 152 CFU/100 ml; and Nil to 960 CFU/100 ml and
      Nil to 108 CFU/100 ml respectively. There was variation in bacterial counts among
      the different service reservoirs and consumer ends, which may be attributed to
      the general management practices for maintenance of service reservoirs and the
      possibility of enroute contamination. Evaluation of the raw water quality
      indicate that the water is suitable for drinking after conventional treatment
      followed by disinfection. The finished water quality meets the level of standards
      described as per Bureau of Indian Standard specifications (BIS:10500 1991) for
      potability in terms of its physico-chemical characteristics.

PMID- 22037862
TI  - Microbial preference for different size classes of organic carbon: a study from
      Antarctic snow.
AB  - Significance of carbon cycling in polar ecosystems is well recognized. Yet,
      bacteria in surface snow have received less attention in terms of their potential
      in carbon cycling. Here, we present results on carbon utilization by bacterial
      communities in three surface snow samples from Antarctica collected along a
      coastal to inland transect. Microcosm studies were conducted over 8 days at 5 +/-
      1 degrees C to study carbon metabolism in different combinations of added low
      molecular weight (LMW (glucose, <1 kDa)) and high molecular weight (HMW (starch,
      >1 kDa)) substrates (final 20 ppm). The total organic carbon (TOC) in the snow
      samples decreased with time at rates ranging from non-detectable to 1.4 ppm day(
      1) with rates highest in snow samples from inland region. In addition, carbon
      utilization studies were also carried out with bacterial isolates LH1, LH2, and
      LH4 belonging to the genus Cellulosimicrobium, Bacillus, and Ralstonia,
      respectively, isolated from the snow samples. Studies with strain LH2 in
      different amendments of glucose and starch showed that TOC decreased with time in
      all amendments at a rate of 0.9-1.5 ppm day(-1) with highest rates of 1.4-1.5 ppm
      day(-1) in amendments containing a higher proportion of starch. The bacterial
      isolates were also studied to determine their ability to utilize other LMW and
      HMW compounds. They utilized diverse substrates like carbohydrates, amino acids,
      amines, amides, complex polymers, etc., of molecular mass <100 Da, 100-500 Da,
      >500 Da-1 kDa, and >1 kDa preferring (up to 31 times) substrates with mass of >1
      kDa than <1 kDa. The ability of bacteria in snow to utilize diverse LMW and HMW
      substrates indicates that they could be important in the uptake of similar
      compounds in snow and therefore potentially govern snow chemistry.

PMID- 22037863
TI  - An observational study of the carrying capacity of suspended sediment during a
      storm event.
AB  - We measured the in situ suspended sediment concentration (SSC) and hydrodynamics
      (waves, currents, and sea level) concurrently during a storm event using self
      recording instruments at offshore of the Shandong Peninsula in the Yellow Sea. We
      analyzed the temporal variation in suspended sediment carrying capacity and its
      correlation with wave, current, and water-level conditions. There was about 40%
      increase in SSC during the storm event. A 3-4-h lag was observed between the peak
      of wave height and SSC. The SSC increased in a fluctuating pattern up to the peak
      then decreased rapidly. This process was positively correlated with wave height
      and duration. The maximum SSC was 524.3 mg/l, which is about 10 times of that
      under normal weather conditions. This peak was observed after of a series of 1.8
      m waves. The increased suspended sediments were the fine particles resuspended by
      the storm waves from seabed near the observation spot and transported by
      northward ebb currents from Shidao Bay.

PMID- 22037864
TI  - Development of a mass-producible on-chip plasmonic nanohole array biosensor.
AB  - We have developed a polymer film based plasmonic device whose optical properties
      are tuned for measuring biological samples. The device has a circular nanohole
      array structure fabricated with a nanoimprint technique using a UV curable
      polymer, and then gold thin film is deposited by electron beam deposition.
      Therefore, the device is mass-producible, which is also very important for
      bioaffinity sensors. First the gold film thickness and hole depth were optimized
      to obtain the maximum dip shift for the reflection spectra. The dip shift is
      equivalent to the sensitivity to refractive index changes at the plasmonic device
      surface. We also calculated the variation in reflection spectra by changing the
      above conditions using the finite-difference time domain method, and we obtained
      agreement between the theoretical and experimental curves. The nanohole
      periodicity was adjusted from 400 to 900 nm to make it possible to perform
      measurements in the visible wavelength region to measure the aqueous samples with
      less optical absorption. The tuned bottom filled gold nanohole array was
      incorporated in a microfluidic device covered with a PDMS based microchannel that
      was 2 mm wide and 20 MUm deep. As a proof of concept, the device was used to
      detect TNF-alpha by employing a direct immunochemical reaction on the plasmonic
      array, and a detection limit of 21 ng mL(-1) was obtained by amplification with
      colloidal gold labeling instead of enzymatic amplification.

PMID- 22037865
TI  - Effect of calorie restriction and refeeding on skin wound healing in the rat.
AB  - Calorie restriction (CR) is a reliable anti-aging intervention that attenuates
      the onset of a number of age-related diseases, reduces oxidative damage, and
      maintains function during aging. In the current study, we assessed the effects of
      CR and other feeding regimens on wound healing in 7-month-old Fischer-344 rats
      from a larger cohort of rats that had been fed either ad libitum (AL) or 40%
      calorie restricted based on AL consumption. Rats were assigned to one of three
      diet groups that received three skin punch wounds along the dorsal interscapular
      region (12-mm diameter near the front limbs) of the back as follows: (1) CR (n =
      8) were wounded and maintained on CR until they healed, (2) AL (n = 5) were
      wounded and maintained on AL until wound closure was completed, and (3) CR rats
      were refed (RF, n = 9) AL for 48 h prior to wounding and maintained on AL until
      they healed. We observed that young rats on CR healed more slowly while CR rats
      refed for 48 h prior to wounding healed as fast as AL fed rats, similar to a
      study reported in aged CR and RF mice (Reed et al. 1996). Our data suggest that
      CR subjects, regardless of age, fail to heal well and that provision of increased
      nutrition to CR subjects prior to wounding enhances the healing process.

PMID- 22037867
TI  - Short-term nanostructural effects of high radiofrequency treatment on the skin
      tissues of rabbits.
AB  - The aim of this study is to quantitatively investigate the short-term effects of
      RF tissue-tightening treatment in in vivo rabbit dermal collagen fibrils. These
      effects were measured at different energy levels and at varying pass procedures
      on the nanostructural response level using histology and AFM analysis. Each
      rabbit was divided into one of seven experimental groups, which included the
      following: control group, and six RF group according to RF energy (20 W and 40 W)
      and three RF pass procedures. The progressive changes in the diameter and D
      periodicity of rabbit dermal collagen fibrils were investigated in detail over a
      7-day post-treatment period. The dermal tissues treated with the RF tissue
      tightening device showed more prominent inflammatory responses with inflammatory
      cell ingrowth compared to the control. This effect showed more prominent with the
      passage of day after treatment. Although an increase in the diameter and D
      periodicity of dermal collagen fibrils was identified immediately after the RF
      treatment, a decrease in the morphology of dermal collagen fibrils continued
      until post-operative day 7. Furthermore, RF treatment led to the loss of distinct
      borders. Increases in RF energy with the same pass procedure, as well as an
      increase in the number of RF passes, increased the occurrence of irreversible
      collagen fibril injury. A multiple-pass treatment at low energy rather than a
      single-pass treatment at high energy showed a large amount of collagen fibrils
      contraction at the nanostructural level.

PMID- 22037868
TI  - PAX3-FOXO1 induces cannabinoid receptor 1 to enhance cell invasion and
      metastasis.
AB  - Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (ARMS) is a muscle-derived childhood tumor
      characterized by production of oncogenic PAX3/7-FOXO1 chimeric transcription
      factors. While downstream targets of the PAX3-FOXO1 oncoprotein in ARMS have been
      defined, the functional relevance of these targets is unclear. Here, we show that
      upregulation of the cannabinoid receptor 1 (Cnr1/Cb1) by PAX3-FOXO1 in mouse
      primary myoblasts and ARMS cell lines, contributes to PAX3-FOXO1 phenotypes, both
      in vivo and in vitro. In primary myoblasts, Cnr1 was dispensable for PAX3-FOXO1
      to mediate cell proliferation, differentiation, or transformation; however, Cnr1
      function was essential to increase the invasive capacity conferred by PAX3-FOXO1
      overexpression in these cells. Genetic or pharmacologic abrogation of Cnr1
      inhibited the enhanced basement membrane invasion induced by PAX3-FOXO1. Cnr1
      loss by either route also dramatically reduced lung metastasis formation. Taken
      together, our findings strongly implicate Cnr1 as a novel tractable target to
      inhibit ARMS invasion and metastasis.

PMID- 22037866
TI  - Genes and the ageing muscle: a review on genetic association studies.
AB  - Western populations are living longer. Ageing decline in muscle mass and strength
      (i.e. sarcopenia) is becoming a growing public health problem, as it contributes
      to the decreased capacity for independent living. It is thus important to
      determine those genetic factors that interact with ageing and thus modulate
      functional capacity and skeletal muscle phenotypes in older people. It would be
      also clinically relevant to identify 'unfavourable' genotypes associated with
      accelerated sarcopenia. In this review, we summarized published information on
      the potential associations between some genetic polymorphisms and muscle
      phenotypes in older people. A special emphasis was placed on those candidate
      polymorphisms that have been more extensively studied, i.e. angiotensin
      converting enzyme (ACE) gene I/D, alpha-actinin-3 (ACTN3) R577X, and myostatin
      (MSTN) K153R, among others. Although previous heritability studies have indicated
      that there is an important genetic contribution to individual variability in
      muscle phenotypes among old people, published data on specific gene variants are
      controversial. The ACTN3 R577X polymorphism could influence muscle function in
      old women, yet there is controversy with regards to which allele (R or X) might
      play a 'favourable' role. Though more research is needed, up-to-date MSTN
      genotype is possibly the strongest candidate to explain variance among muscle
      phenotypes in the elderly. Future studies should take into account the
      association between muscle phenotypes in this population and complex gene-gene
      and gene-environment interactions.

PMID- 22037869
TI  - Phosphorylation of carbonic anhydrase IX controls its ability to mediate
      extracellular acidification in hypoxic tumors.
AB  - In the hypoxic regions of a tumor, carbonic anhydrase IX (CA IX) is an important
      transmembrane component of the pH regulatory machinery that participates in
      bicarbonate transport. Because tumor pH has implications for growth, invasion,
      and therapy, determining the basis for the contributions of CA IX to the hypoxic
      tumor microenvironment could lead to new fundamental and practical insights.
      Here, we report that Thr443 phosphorylation at the intracellular domain of CA IX
      by protein kinase A (PKA) is critical for its activation in hypoxic cells, with
      the fullest activity of CA IX also requiring dephosphorylation of Ser448. PKA is
      activated by cAMP, which is elevated by hypoxia, and we found that attenuating
      PKA in cells disrupted CA IX-mediated extracellular acidification. Moreover,
      following hypoxia induction, CA IX colocalized with the sodium-bicarbonate
      cotransporter and other PKA substrates in the leading edge membranes of migrating
      tumor cells, in support of the concept that bicarbonate metabolism is spatially
      regulated at cell surface sites with high local ion transport and pH control.
      Using chimeric CA IX proteins containing heterologous catalytic domains derived
      from related CA enzymes, we showed that CA IX activity was modulated chiefly by
      the intracellular domain where Thr443 is located. Our findings indicate that CA
      IX is a pivotal mediator of the hypoxia-cAMP-PKA axis, which regulates pH in the
      hypoxic tumor microenvironment.

PMID- 22037870
TI  - The LMP7-K allele of the immunoproteasome exhibits reduced transcript stability
      and predicts high risk of colon cancer.
AB  - Destruction of cancer cells by cytotoxic T lymphocytes depends on immunogenic
      tumor peptides generated by proteasomes and presented by human leukocyte antigen
      (HLA) molecules. Functional differences arising from alleles of immunoproteasome
      subunits have not been recognized so far. We analyzed the genetic polymorphism of
      the immunoproteasome subunits LMP2 and LMP7 and of the transporters associated
      with antigen processing (TAP1 and TAP2) in two independently collected panels of
      colorectal carcinoma patients (N(1) = 112, N(2) = 62; controls, N = 165). High
      risk of colon cancer was associated with the LMP7-K/Q genotype (OR = 8.10, P =
      1.10 * 10(-11)) and low risk with the LMP7-Q/Q genotype (OR = 0.10, P = 5.97 *
      10(-13)). The basis for these distinct associations of LMP7 genotypes was
      functionally assessed by IFN-gamma stimulation of colon carcinoma cell lines (N =
      10), followed by analyses of mRNA expression of HLA class I, TAP1, TAP2, and
      LMP7, with real-time PCR. Whereas induction of HLA-B, TAP1, and TAP2 was
      comparable in all cell lines, transcript amounts of LMP7-Q increased 10-fold, but
      of LMP7-K only 3.8-fold. This correlated with a reduced transcript stability of
      LMP7-K (t(1/2) ~ 7 minutes) compared with LMP7-Q (t(1/2) ~ 33 minutes). In
      addition, LMP7-Q/Q colon carcinoma cells increased (the peptide based) HLA class
      I surface expression significantly after IFN-gamma stimulation, whereas LMP7-Q/K
      and LMP7-K/K carcinoma cells showed minimal (<20%) changes. These results suggest
      that the presence of LMP7-K can reduce the formation of immunoproteasomes and
      thus peptide processing, followed by reduced peptide-HLA presentation, a crucial
      factor in the immune response against cancer.

PMID- 22037871
TI  - Egfl7 promotes tumor escape from immunity by repressing endothelial cell
      activation.
AB  - Downregulating the leukocyte adhesion molecules expressed by endothelial cells
      that line tumor blood vessels can limit the entry of immune effector cells into
      the tumor mass, thereby contributing to tumoral immune escape. Egfl7 (also known
      as VE-statin) is a secreted protein specifically expressed by endothelial cells
      in normal tissues and by cancer cells in various human tumors. High levels of
      Egfl7 correlate with higher tumor grade and poorer prognosis. Here we show that
      expression of Egfl7 in breast and lung carcinoma cells accelerates tumor growth
      and metastasis in immunocompetent mice but not in immunodeficient mice. Tumors
      expressing Egfl7 were infiltrated relatively poorly by immune cells and were
      characterized by reduced levels of immunostimulatory cytokines [IFN-gamma,
      interleukin-12 (IL-12)] and fewer endothelial adhesion molecules [intercellular
      adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1)]. In
      vitro studies revealed that Egfl7 inhibited the expression of leukocyte adhesion
      molecules by endothelial cells, preventing lymphocyte adhesion. In contrast,
      Egfl7 did not exert any effects on immune cell activation. Human breast cancer
      lesions expressing high levels of Egfl7 also expressed less ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 in
      their blood vessels, also indicating an inverse correlation between expression
      levels of Egfl7 and IFN-gamma. Thus, Egfl7 expression in tumors promotes tumor
      progression by reducing the expression of endothelial molecules that mediate
      immune cell infiltration. Our findings highlight a novel mechanism through which
      tumors escape immune control.

PMID- 22037872
TI  - Lysosomal transmembrane protein LAPTM4B promotes autophagy and tolerance to
      metabolic stress in cancer cells.
AB  - Amplification of chromosome 8q22, which includes the gene for lysosomal
      associated transmembrane protein LAPTM4B, has been linked to de novo
      anthracycline resistance in primary breast cancers with poor prognosis. LAPTM4B
      overexpression can induce cytosolic retention of anthracyclines and decrease drug
      induced DNA damage. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that LAPTM4B may
      contribute to tumor cell growth or survival in the absence of a chemotherapeutic
      exposure. In mammary cells, LAPTM4B protein was localized in lysosomes where its
      depletion increased membrane permeability, pH, cathepsin release, and cellular
      apoptosis. Loss of LAPTM4B also inhibited later stages of autophagy by blocking
      maturation of the autophagosome, thereby rendering cells more sensitive to
      nutrient deprivation or hypoxia. Conversely, enforced overexpression of LAPTM4B
      promoted autophagic flux and cell survival during in vitro starvation and
      stimulated more rapid tumor growth in vivo. Together, our results indicate that
      LAPTM4B is required for lysosome homeostasis, acidification, and function, and
      that LAPTM4B renders tumor cells resistant to lysosome-mediated cell death
      triggered by environmental and genotoxic stresses.

PMID- 22037874
TI  - Variations in HSPA1B at 6p21.3 are associated with lung cancer risk and prognosis
      in Chinese populations.
AB  - The heat shock protein Hsp70 is crucial for regulating cellular homeostasis in
      stressed cells. Although the tumorigenic potential and prognostic applications of
      Hsp70 have been widely investigated, it remains unclear whether genetic
      variations of the human isoforms HSPA1L, HSPA1A, and HSPA1B are associated with
      cancer risk and prognosis. In this study, we genotyped six tagSNPs in these genes
      in 1,152 paired patients with lung cancer and controls, and then validated the
      results in additional cohorts of 1,781 patients with lung cancer and 1,038
      controls. In addition, we evaluated the associations of these tagSNPs with
      survival in 330 patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with
      additional validation in another 331 patients with advanced NSCLC. Functions of
      the risk variants identified were investigated using cell-based reporter assays.
      We found that the HSPA1B rs6457452T allele was associated with increased lung
      cancer risk compared with the rs6457452C allele in both data sets and also pooled
      analysis (adjusted OR = 1.41; P = 2.8 * 10(-5)). The HSPA1B rs2763979TT genotype
      conferred poor survival outcomes for patients with advanced NSCLC in two
      independent cohorts and pooled analysis [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) = 1.80, 1.61,
      and 1.66; P = 0.013, 0.036, and 0.002, respectively]. Lastly, we also found that
      the rs2763979T and rs6457452T alleles were each sufficient to reduce expression
      of transcriptional reporter constructs, when compared with the rs2763979C and
      rs6457452C alleles, respectively. Taken together, our findings define that
      functional HSPA1B variants are associated with lung cancer risk and survival.
      These Hsp70 genetic variants may offer useful biomarkers to predict lung cancer
      risk and prognosis.

PMID- 22037873
TI  - Autophagy enhanced by microtubule- and mitochondrion-associated MAP1S suppresses
      genome instability and hepatocarcinogenesis.
AB  - Dysfunctional autophagy is associated with tumorigenesis; however, the
      relationship between the two processes remains unclear. In the present study, we
      showed that MAP1S levels immediately become elevated in response to
      diethylnitrosamine-induced or genome instability-driven metabolic stress in a
      murine model of hepatocarcinoma. Upregulation of MAP1S enhanced autophagy to
      remove aggresomes and dysfunctional organelles that trigger DNA double-strand
      breaks and genome instability. The early accumulation of an unstable genome
      before signs of tumorigenesis indicated that genome instability caused
      tumorigenesis. After tumorigenesis, tumor development triggered the activation of
      autophagy to reduce genome instability in tumor foci. We, therefore, conclude
      that an increase in MAP1S levels triggers autophagy to suppress genome
      instability such that both the incidence of diethylnitrosamine-induced
      hepatocarcinogenesis and malignant progression are suppressed. Taken together,
      the data establish a link between MAP1S-enhanced autophagy and suppression of
      genomic instability and tumorigenesis.

PMID- 22037875
TI  - Cyclin D3 compensates for the loss of cyclin D1 during ErbB2-induced mammary
      tumor initiation and progression.
AB  - Cyclin D1 regulates cell proliferation and is a candidate molecular target for
      breast cancer therapy. This study addresses whether Cyclin D1 is indispensable
      for ErbB2-associated mammary tumor initiation and progression using a breast
      cancer model in which this cell-cycle regulator can be genetically ablated prior
      to or after neoplastic transformation. Deficiency in Cyclin D1 delayed tumor
      onset but did not prevent the occurrence of mammary cancer in mice overexpressing
      wild-type ErbB2. The lack of Cyclin D1 was associated with a compensatory
      upregulation of Cyclin D3, which explains why the targeted downregulation of
      Cyclin D1 in established mammary tumors had no effect on cancer cell
      proliferation. Cyclin D1 and D3 are overexpressed in human breast cancer cell
      lines and primary invasive breast cancers, and Cyclin D3 frequently exceeded the
      expression of Cyclin D1 in ErbB2-positive cases. The simultaneous inhibition of
      both cyclins in mammary tumor cells reduced cancer cell proliferation in vitro
      and decreased the tumor burden in vivo. Collectively, the results of this study
      suggest that only the combined inhibition of Cyclin D1 and D3 might be a suitable
      strategy for breast cancer prevention and therapy.

PMID- 22037876
TI  - Apoptosis inhibitor ARC promotes breast tumorigenesis, metastasis, and
      chemoresistance.
AB  - Apoptosis repressor with caspase recruitment domain (ARC) inhibits both death
      receptor- and mitochondrial/ER-mediated pathways of apoptosis. Although expressed
      mainly in terminally differentiated cells, ARC is markedly upregulated in a
      variety of human cancers, where its potential contributions have not yet been
      defined. In this study, we provide evidence of multiple critical pathophysiologic
      functions for ARC in breast carcinogenesis. In the polyoma middle T-antigen
      (PyMT) transgenic mouse model of breast cancer, in which endogenous ARC is
      strongly upregulated, deletion of the ARC-encoding gene nol3 decreased primary
      tumor burden without affecting tumor onset or multiplicity. More notably, ARC
      deficiency also limited tumor cell invasion and the number of circulating cancer
      cells, markedly reducing the number of lung metastases. Conversely, ectopic
      overexpression of ARC in a PyMT-derived metastatic breast cancer cell line
      increased invasion in vitro and lung metastasis in vivo. We confirmed these
      results in a humanized orthotopic model based on MDA-MB-231-derived LM2
      metastatic breast cancer cells, in which RNAi-mediated knockdown of ARC levels
      was shown to reduce tumor volume, local invasion, and lung metastases. Lastly, we
      found that endogenous levels of ARC conferred chemoresistance in primary tumors
      and invading cell populations. Our results establish that ARC promotes breast
      carcinogenesis by driving primary tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis as well
      as by promoting chemoresistance in invasive cells.

PMID- 22037878
TI  - Thrombospondin-1 triggers cell migration and development of advanced prostate
      tumors.
AB  - The antitumor effects of pharmacologic inhibitors of angiogenesis are hampered in
      patients by the rapid development of tumor resistance, notably through increased
      invasiveness and accelerated metastasis. Here, we reevaluated the role of the
      endogenous antiangiogenic thrombospondin 1 (TSP1) in prostate carcinomas in which
      angiogenesis is an active process. In xenografted tumors, we observed that TSP1
      altogether inhibited angiogenesis and fostered tumor development. Our results
      show that TSP1 is a potent stimulator of prostate tumor cell migration. This
      effect required CD36, which also mediates TSP1 antiangiogenic activity, and was
      mimicked by an antiangiogenic TSP1-derived peptide. As suspected for
      pharmacologic inhibitors of angiogenesis, the TSP1 capacities to increase hypoxia
      and to trigger cell migration are thus inherently linked. Importantly, although
      antiangiogenic TSP1 increases hypoxia in vivo, our data show that, in turn,
      hypoxia induced TSP1, thus generating a vicious circle in prostate tumors. In
      radical prostatectomy specimens, we found TSP1 expression significantly
      associated with invasive tumors and with tumors which eventually recurred. TSP1
      may thus help select patients at risk of prostate-specific antigen relapse.
      Together, the data suggest that intratumor disruption of the hypoxic cycle
      through TSP1 silencing will limit tumor invasion.

PMID- 22037879
TI  - Pharmacokinetics, metabolism and excretion of [(14)C]-lenalidomide following oral
      administration in healthy male subjects.
AB  - PURPOSE: Assessment of the absorption, metabolism and excretion of [(14)C]
      lenalidomide in healthy male subjects following a single oral dose. METHODS: Six
      healthy male subjects were administered a single 25 mg oral suspension dose of
      [(14)C]-lenalidomide. Blood (plasma), semen and excreta were collected. Mass
      balance assessments were done by radioactivity measurements. Metabolite profiling
      and quantitation were accomplished using liquid chromatography with mass
      spectrometric and radiochemical detection. RESULTS: [(14)C]-Lenalidomide was
      rapidly absorbed (T (max) 0.77-1.0 h), and the levels declined with a terminal
      half-life of approximately 3 h, with similar profiles for total blood and plasma
      radioactivity as well as plasma lenalidomide. The whole blood to plasma
      radioactivity exposure levels were comparable, suggesting equal distribution
      between plasma and blood cells. On average, 94% of the administered radioactivity
      was recovered within 10 days, with >88% recovered within 24 h. Urinary excretion
      was the primary route of elimination (90% of radioactive dose), with minor
      amounts excreted in feces (4%). Semen contained a small amount of the radioactive
      dose (0.0062%). Lenalidomide was the primary radioactive component in plasma (92%
      of the [(14)C]-area under the concentration-time curve) and urine (>90% of the
      radioactivity in urine). The remaining radioactivity was composed of primarily
      two metabolites: 5-hydroxy-lenalidomide and N-acetyl-lenalidomide, each
      accounting for less than 5% of the total radioactivity as well as lenalidomide
      levels in plasma and excreta. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, following oral
      administration, lenalidomide is highly absorbed and bioavailable, metabolized
      minimally, and eliminated predominantly via urinary excretion in the unchanged
      form in humans.

PMID- 22037877
TI  - Genome-wide high-density SNP linkage search for glioma susceptibility loci:
      results from the Gliogene Consortium.
AB  - Gliomas, which generally have a poor prognosis, are the most common primary
      malignant brain tumors in adults. Recent genome-wide association studies have
      shown that inherited susceptibility plays a role in the development of glioma.
      Although first-degree relatives of patients exhibit a two-fold increased risk of
      glioma, the search for susceptibility loci in familial forms of the disease has
      been challenging because the disease is relatively rare, fatal, and
      heterogeneous, making it difficult to collect sufficient biosamples from families
      for statistical power. To address this challenge, the Genetic Epidemiology of
      Glioma International Consortium (Gliogene) was formed to collect DNA samples from
      families with two or more cases of histologically confirmed glioma. In this
      study, we present results obtained from 46 U.S. families in which multipoint
      linkage analyses were undertaken using nonparametric (model-free) methods. After
      removal of high linkage disequilibrium single-nucleotide polymorphism, we
      obtained a maximum nonparametric linkage score (NPL) of 3.39 (P = 0.0005) at
      17q12-21.32 and the Z-score of 4.20 (P = 0.000007). To replicate our findings, we
      genotyped 29 independent U.S. families and obtained a maximum NPL score of 1.26
      (P = 0.008) and the Z-score of 1.47 (P = 0.035). Accounting for the genetic
      heterogeneity using the ordered subset analysis approach, the combined analyses
      of 75 families resulted in a maximum NPL score of 3.81 (P = 0.00001). The genomic
      regions we have implicated in this study may offer novel insights into glioma
      susceptibility, focusing future work to identify genes that cause familial
      glioma.

PMID- 22037880
TI  - ABT-263 sensitizes TRAIL-resistant hepatocarcinoma cells by downregulating the
      Bcl-2 family of anti-apoptotic protein.
AB  - PURPOSE: Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a
      promising anticancer agent due to its selective cytotoxicity to transformed
      cells. However, most human hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) develop resistance to
      TRAIL. Thus, there is an urgent need to investigate the molecular targets and the
      underlying mechanisms that may be involved in overriding the resistance of tumor
      cells to TRAIL. METHODS: Cell viability analysis was performed in HCC cells after
      treatment with TRAIL and/or ABT-263. Flow cytometry was used to assess apoptosis.
      The expression of caspases and members of the Bcl-2 family was examined through
      immunoblot analysis. Finally, the viability of cancer cells transfected with a
      plasmid containing HBx (hepatitis B virus X protein) following treatment with
      TRAIL was also measured. RESULTS: In this study, we demonstrate that ABT-263, a
      potent and orally bioavailable inhibitor of the Bcl-2 family, was able to reverse
      the resistance of hepatocarcinoma cell lines to TRAIL-induced apoptosis, while
      sparing normal liver cells. The molecular mechanism of the reversal in resistance
      may be attributed to the inhibition by ABT-263 of anti-apoptosis proteins of the
      Bcl-2 family. In addition, we determined that HBx was able to sensitize TRAIL
      resistant hepatocarcinoma Huh7 cells. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide a novel
      insight into the clinical application of TRAIL-induced apoptosis of HCC cells.

PMID- 22037881
TI  - Intrapleural paclitaxel for malignant pleural effusion from ovarian and breast
      cancer: a phase II study with pharmacokinetic analysis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Malignant pleural effusion (MPE) is a frequent complication in many
      types of tumors diminishing the patient's ability to perform activities. Despite
      various studies on talc treatment, some doubts about its safety and effectiveness
      remain, so the search for a more ideal intrapleural agent continues. We analyzed
      the effectiveness and safety of intrapleural paclitaxel in ovarian and breast
      cancer patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The primary endpoint was overall response
      rate (ORR); secondary objectives included time to progression (TTP), overall
      survival (OS) and safety of intrapleural paclitaxel. Pharmacokinetics of the drug
      was also analyzed. After drainage of pleural effusion and lung re-expansion,
      paclitaxel 120 mg/m(2) diluted in normal saline was infused through a preinserted
      catheter which was immediately closed and reopened 24 h later. Blood and pleural
      fluid samples were collected 1, 4 and 24 h after the end of paclitaxel
      instillation. When MPE was less than 200 ml/24 h the catheter was removed. Chest
      radiographs were performed at the beginning of intrapleural paclitaxel, at 1 and
      2 months later or with clinical deterioration. RESULTS: We enrolled 18 patients
      with recurrent MPE: 11 with ovarian cancer and 7 with breast cancer. ORR was
      77.8% at 1 month and 88.8%. at 2 months. Median TTP was 5.5 months (CI 95% 0.9
      10.1) and median OS was 8.9 months (CI 95% 0.1-17.6). Patients achieving a
      complete response obtained a statistically significant longer survival than did
      patients with partial response or progressive disease. Chest pain, fever, and
      dyspnea were the most frequent side effects. Intrapleural paclitaxel
      concentrations were very high (mean +/- SD = 478 +/- 187 mg/l) and declined
      slowly (mean 24 h reduction ~30%). Detectable but low taxol plasma levels were
      found in most patients (mean +/- SD = 0.045 +/- 0.073 mg/l). CONCLUSION:
      Intrapleural paclitaxel is a safe and effective palliative treatment for MPE from
      breast and ovarian cancers and may be integrated with systemic chemotherapy.

PMID- 22037882
TI  - Clinical trial design in brain metastasis: approaches for a unique patient
      population.
AB  - Clinical trials in brain metastases present challenges and opportunities unique
      to this patient population. With the increase in awareness and screening for
      brain metastases, smaller and often asymptomatic lesions are detected, creating
      the opportunity for trials of pre-irradiation chemotherapy. The goal of earlier
      intervention is advanced by studies to prevent brain metastases in high-risk
      populations. Sequencing of systemic chemotherapy with experimental chemotherapy
      in the context of a clinical trial requires collaboration between the
      investigators and the treating medical oncologists beginning ideally during
      design of the study. Adaptive randomization improves the efficiency of randomized
      trials in the brain metastasis population. Finally, collaborative efforts between
      patients and physicians with the support from patient advocacy groups will help
      advance the quality and the clinical trial options for patients with brain
      metastases.

PMID- 22037883
TI  - [Lymphomatoid papulosis in a 2 1/2-year-old boy].
AB  - Lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) is a rare cutaneous lymphoproliferative disorder
      that has malignant histologic features and a benign clinical course. LyP is
      classified according to the WHO/EORTC classification for cutaneous lymphoma as a
      CD30-positive lymphoproliferative disorder. Few previous reports have detailed
      features of LyP in pediatric and adolescent patients, but LyP very rarely
      presents in early childhood. A 2 1/2-year-old boy presented with a 1-year history
      of recurrent papular and nodular lesions on the face and trunk. Clinical and
      histopathologic criteria lead to the diagnosis lymphomatoid papulosis.

PMID- 22037884
TI  - [Plexiform fibrohistiocytic tumor].
AB  - Plexiform fibrohistiocytic tumor is a rare soft-tissue tumor with intermediate
      malignancy. It has a predilection for girls and young women. A 6-year-old girl
      presented with an indolent nodule in the right axilla first noticed six months
      earlier. Clinical and histopathological criteria led to the diagnosis plexiform
      fibrohistiocytic tumor. As relapses may occur and some cases of metastasis have
      been  reported, lesions should be excised.  Long-term follow-up is required to
      promptly identify any local recurrence as well as nodal and pulmonary metastases.

PMID- 22037885
TI  - Comparison of long-term clinical outcomes and costs between video-assisted
      thoracoscopic surgery and transcatheter amplatzer occlusion of the patent ductus
      arteriosus.
AB  - The current study was designed to compare long-term clinical outcomes and costs
      between video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) and transcatheter Amplatzer
      occlusion (TAO). This study enrolled 294 patients with isolated patent ductus
      arteriosus (PDA) from April 2002 to April 2007, and 290 of these patients were
      followed up until April 2010. Of the 294 patients, 196 underwent VATS and 98
      accepted TAO for PDA closure. The two groups were similar in terms of
      demographics and preoperative clinical characteristics. No cardiac deaths
      occurred in either group. All the patients in the VATS group had successful PDA
      closure, and 94 patients (94/98, 95.9%) in the TAO group had successful PDA
      occlusion. The incidence of acute procedure-related complications recorded was
      1.5% in the VATS group compared with 10.2% in TAO group (P < 0.05). The cost per
      patient was $1,309.40 +/- $312.20 in the VATS group and $3,415.80 +/- $637.30 in
      the TAO group (P < 0.05). There were no cardiac deaths or newly occurring
      arrhythmias in either group during the fellow-up period. Up to the latest follow
      up, no late recanalization or residual shunting was documented, and heart
      structure returned to normal level in the VATS group. However, residual shunting
      was detected in four more TAO patients. This study confirmed the long-term safety
      and efficacy of VATS clipping of PDA. Compared with TAO, PDA interrupted with
      VATS can achieve both excellent clinical results and satisfying cost
      effectiveness. The cost for VATS is only a little more than one third the cost
      for TAO.

PMID- 22037886
TI  - Distribution and health-risk of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soils at a
      coking plant.
AB  - Nineteen soil samples were collected in and around Songshan coking plant in
      Guangdong province of China and analyzed for eighteen polycyclic aromatic
      hydrocarbons (PAHs) by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The total
      concentration of PAHs ranged from 2.36 to 1146.39 mg kg(-1) dry weight, varying
      significantly among the sampling sites, most individual PAHs were correlated with
      each other. A cluster analysis was performed to examine the correlation of PAH
      distribution, five groups were observed with sample types in the coking plant. 2
      3 ring PAHs were predominant in group I and II, while 4-5 ring PAHs showed great
      abundance in group III, IV and V, which contributed to the distance from the
      emission sources in the coking plant and the behaviors of particle-bound and
      gaseous PAHs. The ratios of Flu : (Flu + Pyr), BaA : (BaA + Chr), InP : (InP +
      BgP) and Ant : (Ant + Phen) ratios were 0.51-0.87, 0.16-0.89, 0.47-0.68 and 0.03
      0.60, respectively. The total index of all studied soils was > 6, indicating that
      the source of the PAHs in coking plant soils were from the pyrolysis processes.
      Health risk assessments were carried out by dermal PAH exposure data to quantify
      cancer risk. The resultant lifetime exposure levels due to TEQ(BaP) desorbed onto
      skin for workers ranged from 2.25 * 10(-7) to 7.86 * 10(-5) mg kg(-1) per day,
      and the estimated cancer risks were between 8.45 * 10(-6) and 2.94 * 10(-3),
      indicating that the dermal exposures of PAHs to coking workers might be
      acceptable in most soil sites.

PMID- 22037887
TI  - The future of health IT innovation and informatics: a report from AMIA's 2010
      policy meeting.
AB  - While much attention has been paid to the short-term impact that widespread
      adoption of health information technology (health IT) will have on the healthcare
      system, there is a corresponding need to look at the long-term effects that
      extant policies may have on health IT system resilience, innovation, and related
      ethical, social/legal issues. The American Medical Informatics Association's 2010
      Health Policy Conference was convened to further the national discourse on the
      issues surrounding these longer-term considerations. Conference participants self
      selected into three broad categories: resilience in healthcare and health IT;
      ethical, legal, and social challenges; and innovation, adoption, and
      sustainability. The discussions about problem areas lead to findings focusing on
      the lack of encouragement for long-term IT innovation that may result from
      current health IT policies; the potential impact of uneven adoption of health IT
      based on the exclusions of the current financial incentives; the weaknesses of
      contingency and risk mitigation planning that threaten system resilience; and
      evolving standards developed in response to challenges relating to the security,
      integrity, and availability of electronic health information. This paper
      discusses these findings and also offers recommendations that address the
      interwoven topics of innovation, resilience, and adoption. The goal of this paper
      is to encourage public and private sector organizations that have a role in
      shaping health information policy to increase attention to developing a national
      strategy that assures that health IT innovation and resilience are not impeded by
      shorter-term efforts to implement current approaches emphasizing adoption and
      meaningful use of electronic health records.

PMID- 22037888
TI  - Provider and pharmacist responses to warfarin drug-drug interaction alerts: a
      study of healthcare downstream of CPOE alerts.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To categorize the appropriateness of provider and pharmacist responses
      to warfarin critical drug-drug interaction (cDDI) alerts, assess responses and
      actions to the cDDI, and determine the occurrence of warfarin adverse drug events
      (ADE) after alerts. DESIGN: An 18-month, retrospective study of acute care
      admissions at a single Veterans Affairs medical center using computerized
      provider order entry (CPOE). MEASUREMENTS: Patients included had at least one
      warfarin cDDI alert. Chart reviews included baseline laboratory values and
      demographics, provider actions, patient outcomes, and associated factors,
      including other interacting medications and number of simultaneously processed
      alerts. RESULTS: 137 admissions were included (133 unique patients). Amiodarone,
      vitamin E in a multivitamin, sulfamethoxazole, and levothyroxine accounted for
      75% of warfarin cDDI. Provider responses were clinically appropriate in 19.7% of
      admissions and pharmacist responses were appropriate in 9.5% of admissions. There
      were 50 ADE (36.6% of admissions) with warfarin; 80% were rated as having no or
      mild clinical effect. An increased number of non-critical alerts at the time of
      the reference cDDI alert was the only variable associated with an inappropriate
      provider response (p=0.01). LIMITATIONS: This study was limited by being a
      retrospective review and the possibility of confounding variables, such as other
      interacting medications. CONCLUSION: The large number of CPOE alerts may lead to
      inappropriate responses by providers and pharmacists. The high rate of ADE
      suggests a need for improved medication management systems for patients on
      warfarin. This study highlights the possibility of alert fatigue contributing to
      the high prevalence of inappropriate alert over-ride text responses.

PMID- 22037889
TI  - Medication administration quality and health information technology: a national
      study of US hospitals.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the use of computerized physician order entry
      (CPOE) and electronic medication administration records (eMAR) is associated with
      better quality of medication administration at medium-to-large acute-care
      hospitals. DATA/STUDY SETTING: A retrospective cross-sectional analysis of data
      from three sources: CPOE/eMAR usage from HIMSS Analytics (2010), medication
      quality scores from CMS Hospital Compare (2010), and hospital characteristics
      from CMS Acute Inpatient Prospective Payment System (2009). The analysis focused
      on 11 quality indicators (January-December 2009) at 2603 medium-to-large (>= 100
      beds), non-federal acute-care hospitals measuring proportion of eligible patients
      given (or prescribed) recommended medications for conditions, including acute
      myocardial infarction, heart failure, and pneumonia, and surgical care
      improvement. Using technology adoption by 2008 as reference, hospitals were
      coded: (1) eMAR-only adopters (n=986); (2) CPOE-only adopters (n=115); and (3)
      adopters of both technologies (n=804); with non-adopters of both technologies as
      reference group (n=698). Hospitals were also coded for duration of use in 2-year
      increments since technology adoption. Hospital characteristics, historical
      measure-specific patient volume, and propensity scores for technology adoption
      were used to control for confounding factors. The analysis was performed using a
      generalized linear model (logit link and binomial family). PRINCIPAL FINDINGS:
      Relative to non-adopters of both eMAR and CPOE, the odds of adherence to all
      measures (except one) were higher by 14-29% for eMAR-only hospitals and by 13-38%
      for hospitals with both technologies, translating to a marginal increase of 0.4
      2.0 percentage points. Further, each additional 2 years of technology use was
      associated with 6-15% higher odds of compliance on all medication measures for
      eMAR-only hospitals and users of both technologies. CONCLUSIONS: Implementation
      and duration of use of health information technologies are associated with
      improved adherence to medication guidelines at US hospitals. The benefits are
      evident for adoption of eMAR systems alone and in combination with CPOE.

PMID- 22037890
TI  - Direct2Experts: a pilot national network to demonstrate interoperability among
      research-networking platforms.
AB  - Research-networking tools use data-mining and social networking to enable
      expertise discovery, matchmaking and collaboration, which are important facets of
      team science and translational research. Several commercial and academic
      platforms have been built, and many institutions have deployed these products to
      help their investigators find local collaborators. Recent studies, though, have
      shown the growing importance of multiuniversity teams in science. Unfortunately,
      the lack of a standard data-exchange model and resistance of universities to
      share information about their faculty have presented barriers to forming an
      institutionally supported national network. This case report describes an
      initiative, which, in only 6 months, achieved interoperability among seven major
      research-networking products at 28 universities by taking an approach that
      focused on addressing institutional concerns and encouraging their participation.
      With this necessary groundwork in place, the second phase of this effort can
      begin, which will expand the network's functionality and focus on the end users.

PMID- 22037891
TI  - Implementation of an innovative, integrated electronic medical record (EMR) and
      public health information exchange for HIV/AIDS.
AB  - Louisiana is severely affected by HIV/AIDS, ranking fifth in AIDS rates in the
      USA. The Louisiana Public Health Information Exchange (LaPHIE) is a novel, secure
      bi-directional public health information exchange, linking statewide public
      health surveillance data with electronic medical record data. LaPHIE alerts
      medical providers when individuals with HIV/AIDS who have not received HIV care
      for >12 months are seen at any ambulatory or inpatient facility in an integrated
      delivery network. Between 2/1/2009 and 1/31/2011, 488 alerts identified 345 HIV
      positive patients. Of those identified, 82% had at least one CD4 or HIV viral
      load test over the study follow-up period. LaPHIE is an innovative use of health
      information exchange based on surveillance data and real time clinical messaging,
      facilitating rapid provider notification of those in need of treatment. LaPHIE
      successfully reduces critical missed opportunities to intervene with individuals
      not in care, leveraging information historically collected solely for public
      health purposes, not health care delivery, to improve public health.

PMID- 22037892
TI  - Utility of gene-specific algorithms for predicting pathogenicity of uncertain
      gene variants.
AB  - The rapid advance of gene sequencing technologies has produced an unprecedented
      rate of discovery of genome variation in humans. A growing number of
      authoritative clinical repositories archive gene variants and disease phenotypes,
      yet there are currently many more gene variants that lack clear annotation or
      disease association. To date, there has been very limited coverage of gene
      specific predictors in the literature. Here the evaluation is presented of "gene
      specific" predictor models based on a naive Bayesian classifier for 20 gene
      disease datasets, containing 3986 variants with clinically characterized patient
      conditions. The utility of gene-specific prediction is then compared with "all
      gene" generalized prediction and also with existing popular predictors. Gene
      specific computational prediction models derived from clinically curated gene
      variant disease datasets often outperform established generalized algorithms for
      novel and uncertain gene variants.

PMID- 22037893
TI  - Validation of a common data model for active safety surveillance research.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Systematic analysis of observational medical databases for active
      safety surveillance is hindered by the variation in data models and coding
      systems. Data analysts often find robust clinical data models difficult to
      understand and ill suited to support their analytic approaches. Further, some
      models do not facilitate the computations required for systematic analysis across
      many interventions and outcomes for large datasets. Translating the data from
      these idiosyncratic data models to a common data model (CDM) could facilitate
      both the analysts' understanding and the suitability for large-scale systematic
      analysis. In addition to facilitating analysis, a suitable CDM has to faithfully
      represent the source observational database. Before beginning to use the
      Observational Medical Outcomes Partnership (OMOP) CDM and a related dictionary of
      standardized terminologies for a study of large-scale systematic active safety
      surveillance, the authors validated the model's suitability for this use by
      example. VALIDATION BY EXAMPLE: To validate the OMOP CDM, the model was
      instantiated into a relational database, data from 10 different observational
      healthcare databases were loaded into separate instances, a comprehensive array
      of analytic methods that operate on the data model was created, and these methods
      were executed against the databases to measure performance. CONCLUSION: There was
      acceptable representation of the data from 10 observational databases in the OMOP
      CDM using the standardized terminologies selected, and a range of analytic
      methods was developed and executed with sufficient performance to be useful for
      active safety surveillance.

PMID- 22037894
TI  - Autologous chondrocyte implantation for the treatment of chondral and
      osteochondral defects of the talus: a meta-analysis of available evidence.
AB  - PURPOSE: While autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI) has become an
      established surgical treatment for cartilage defects of the knee, only little is
      known about the clinical outcome following ACI for chondral or osteochondral
      lesion of the ankle. To evaluate efficiency and effectiveness of ACI for talar
      lesions was aim of the present meta-analysis. METHODS: An OVID-based literature
      search was performed to identify any published clinical studies on autologous
      chondrocyte implantation (ACI) for the treatment of pathologies of the ankle
      including the following databases: MEDLINE, MEDLINE preprints, EMBASE, CINAHL,
      Life Science Citations, British National Library of Health, and Cochrane Central
      Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL). Literature search period was from the
      beginning of 1994 to February 2011. Of 54 studies that were identified, a total
      of 16 studies met the inclusion criteria of the present meta-analysis. Those
      studies were systematically evaluated. RESULTS: All studies identified
      represented case series (EBM Leven IV). 213 cases with various treatment for
      osteochondral and chondral defects with a mean size of 2.3 cm(2) (+/-0.6) have
      been reported. A total of 9 different scores have been used as outcome
      parameters. Mean study size was 13 patients (SD 10; range 2-46) with a mean
      follow-up of 32 +/- 27 months (range 6-120). Mean Coleman Methodology Score was
      65 (SD 11) points. Overall clinical success rate was 89.9%. CONCLUSIONS: Evidence
      concerning the use of ACI for osteochondral and chondral defects of the talus is
      still elusive. Although clinical outcome as described in the studies available
      seems promising--with regard to a lack of controlled studies--a superiority or
      inferiority to other techniques such as osteochondral transplantation or
      microfracturing cannot be estimated.

PMID- 22037895
TI  - Talking about disability in prenatal genetic counseling: a report of two
      interactive workshops.
AB  - Women are commonly offered testing in pregnancy to determine the health of their
      baby. An important component of informed decision-making about prenatal testing
      is provision of relevant, accurate, meaningful information concerning the
      conditions that are being tested for--many of which, such as Down syndrome, are
      associated with a varying degree of physical and intellectual disability. A range
      of health professionals, including genetic counselors, may provide information
      and support throughout the testing process, but available data suggest that
      discussion of disability is frequently absent or limited. To investigate genetic
      counselors' perceptions of this situation and identify potential barriers to
      discussion we facilitated interactive workshops at the 2007 National Society of
      Genetic Counselors Annual Education Conference (NSGC) and the 2008 European
      Meeting on Psychosocial Aspects of Genetics (EMPAG). Working groups identified
      relevant psychosocial issues and impediments to discussion (NSGC) or used a two
      part scenario to promote discussion (EMPAG) and reported findings in notes and a
      closing plenary discussion. Inductive content analysis revealed that participants
      considered informed decision making to be a major reason for presenting
      information about disabilities in prenatal genetic counseling and endorsed the
      value of including information about daily life with Down syndrome and other
      disabilities. However, they identified three broad types of impediments to such
      discussion: counseling issues concerning the most appropriate manner to discuss
      disability under the complex circumstances of prenatal genetic counseling, less
      than optimal training and experience in addressing these issues, and perceived
      limitations in the participants' knowledge and understanding of life with
      disability. Our analysis of the responses from the workshop participants and
      additional thoughts on these issues have led us to develop recommendations for
      further research, training and clinical practice.

PMID- 22037896
TI  - Disability advocacy and reproductive choice: engaging with the expressivist
      objection.
AB  - This professional issues paper outlines the experience and value of engagement
      with disability advocates, philosophy scholars and bioethicists for spirited
      debate of issues such as modern eugenics, the expressivist objection and
      reproductive choice. This process for one group of individuals, undoubtedly
      prompted deeper examination and questioning of some long held personal and
      professional views, for all participants. For this author, engagement in the
      "Disability Rights-Genetic Counseling Interest Group" over a full year resulted
      in several positive changes in genetic counselling practice as well as the
      development of meaningful, robust philosophical defence of the dual roles in
      genetic counseling; advocacy for those with disabilities, and facilitation of a
      full range of reproductive choices.

PMID- 22037897
TI  - Effects of a documentary film on public stigma related to mental illness among
      genetic counselors.
AB  - Many people, including genetic counselors, have been found to hold stigmatizing
      attitudes towards people with mental illnesses. We aimed to determine whether
      these attitudes could be changed by exposing genetic counselors and genetic
      counseling students to a documentary film about people with mental illness. We
      screened the documentary at the 2010 North American conferences for genetic
      counselors. Immediately before (T1), immediately after (T2), and one month after
      (T3) watching the documentary, participants self-rated their comfort with asking
      patients about mental illness, and they completed scales measuring two aspects of
      stigma: stereotype endorsement, and desire for social distance. A total of 87 T1
      and T2 questionnaires, and 39 T3 questionnaires were returned. At T2 and T3,
      34.5% and 48.7% respectively reported feeling more comfortable to ask patients
      about mental illness. Scores on the social distance and stereotype endorsement
      scales decreased significantly from T1 to T2, but returned to initial levels at
      T3. The findings suggest the documentary increased genetic counselors' and
      genetic counseling students' comfort with asking about mental illness and
      temporarily decreased their stigmatizing attitudes.

PMID- 22037898
TI  - Commentary: how individual and profession-level factors influence discussion of
      disability in prenatal genetic counseling.
AB  - Hodgson and Weil (Journal of Genetic Counseling, 2011) reports on two interactive
      workshops in which genetic counselors identified a broad set of counseling issues
      that may be impediments to promoting an adequate discussion of disability in
      prenatal genetic counseling. The present commentary discusses two factors that we
      infer underlie these counseling issues. First, countertransference concerning
      disability, which is normal and expected, may influence genetic counselors'
      decisions about raising and exploring the complex topic of disability in prenatal
      genetic counseling. Second, the limited involvement of the profession of genetic
      counseling in the complex social and ethical issues of disability provide little
      guidance to the individual genetic counselor with respect to discussing
      disability in prenatal diagnosis counseling. We suggest both factors must be
      acknowledged and addressed in order to adequately implement the recommendations
      presented in Hodgson and Weil (Journal of Genetic Counseling, 2011) as well as
      other efforts to increase discussion of disability in prenatal diagnosis
      counseling in the service of informed decision making.

PMID- 22037899
TI  - Information related to prenatal genetic counseling: interpretation by
      adolescents, effects on risk perception and ethical implications.
AB  - Being raised in the genomic era may not only increase knowledge of available
      genetic testing but may also have an impact on how genetic information is
      perceived. However, little is known about how current adolescents react to the
      language commonly used by health care professionals providing prenatal
      counseling. In addition, as risk communication is related to numbers and figures,
      having different educational backgrounds may be associated with variability in
      risk perceptions. In order to investigate these issues, a previously developed
      questionnaire studying different ways of being told about hypothetical anomalies
      in a baby and corresponding risks (Abramsky and Fletcher Prenatal Diagnosis
      22(13):1188-1194, 2002) was administered to high-school students in Sweden. A
      total of 344 questionnaires were completed by students belonging to a natural
      science or a social science program. The data show that teenage participants
      found technical jargon and words such as rare and abnormal more worrying than the
      presented comparison terms. Negative framing effects and perception differences
      related to numeric risk formats were also present. Additionally, participants'
      gender and educational program did not seem to have an effect on risk assessment.
      In addition to reporting the questionnaire results, we discuss the ethical
      implications of the data based on the norm of non-directiveness and make some
      recommendations for practice. In general, genetic counselors should be aware that
      the language used within clinical services can be influential on this group of
      upcoming counselees.

PMID- 22037900
TI  - Laser desorption/ionization on the layer of graphene nanoparticles coupled with
      mass spectrometry for characterization of polymers.
AB  - A novel method for the characterization of polymers by laser
      desorption/ionization on the layer of graphene nanoparticles coupled with time-of
      flight mass spectrometry was demonstrated. Various polymers including
      polypropylene glycol, polystyrene and polymethyl methacrylate with average
      molecular weights from 425 to 3500 Da were analyzed.

PMID- 22037901
TI  - The survival of metallic residues from gunshot wounds in cremated bone: a
      radiological study.
AB  - In literature, many studies have been performed in order to investigate the
      presence of GSR ("gunshot residue") and metallic residues in general with
      radiological techniques on several types of material, but the survival of
      metallic residues on charred samples has never been systematically performed. In
      this study, 31 adult bovine ribs underwent a shooting test. Every rib was shot
      with a single bullet, at a near-contact shooting distance, using two kinds of
      projectile: 17 samples were shot with a full metal-jacketed bullet and the
      remaining 14 with an unjacketed bullet. After the shooting test, every rib
      underwent a "charring cycle" in an electric oven up to 800 degrees C. Every
      sample underwent radiological investigation with conventional radiography, before
      and after the burning process, to evaluate any changes in number and distribution
      of metallic residues. Radiographs showed survival of radiopaque residues in every
      sample, even after the charring process, especially when the bullet used was of
      the unjacketed type.

PMID- 22037902
TI  - Epigenetics DNA methylation in the core ataxin-2 gene promoter: novel
      physiological and pathological implications.
AB  - Pathogenic CAG (cytosine-adenine-guanine) expansions beyond certain thresholds in
      the ataxin-2 (ATXN2) gene cause spinocerebellar ataxia type 2 (SCA2) and were
      shown to contribute to Parkinson disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and
      frontotemporal lobar degeneration. Regulation of ATXN2 gene expression and the
      function of the protein product are not known. SCA2 exhibits an inverse
      correlation between the size of the CAG repeat and the age at disease onset.
      However, a wide range of age at onset are typically observed, with CAG repeat
      number alone explaining only partly this variability. In this study, we explored
      the hypothesis that ATXN2 levels could be controlled by DNA methylation and that
      the derangement of this control may lead to escalation of disease severity and
      influencing the age at onset. We found that CpG methylation in human ATXN2 gene
      promoter is associated with pathogenic CAG expansions in SCA2 patients. Different
      levels of methylation in a SCA2 pedigree without an intergenerational CAG repeat
      instability caused the disease anticipation in a SCA2 family. DNA methylation
      also influenced the disease onset in SCA2 homozygotes and SCA3 patients. In
      conclusion, our study points to a novel regulatory mechanism of ATXN2 expression
      involving an epigenetic event resulting in differential disease course in SCA2
      patients.

PMID- 22037904
TI  - Mammography capacity and appointment wait times: barriers to breast cancer
      screening.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of mammography capacity on appointment wait
      times. METHODS: We surveyed by telephone all mammography facilities federally
      certified in 2008 in California, Connecticut, Georgia, Iowa, New Mexico, and New
      York using a simulated patient format. County-level mammography capacity, defined
      as the number of mammography machines per 10,000 women aged 40 and older, was
      estimated from FDA facility certification records and US Census data. RESULTS:
      1,614 (86%) of 1,882 mammography facilities completed the survey. Time until next
      available screening mammogram appointment was <1 week at 55% of facilities, 1-4
      weeks at 34% of facilities, and >1 month at 11% of facilities. Facilities in
      counties with lower capacity had longer wait times, and a one-unit increase in
      county capacity was associated with 21% lower odds of a facility reporting a wait
      time >1 month (p < 0.01). There was no association between wait time and the
      availability of evening or weekend appointments or digital mammography.
      CONCLUSION: Lower mammography capacity is associated with longer wait times for
      screening mammograms. IMPACT: Enhancement of mammography resources in areas with
      limited capacity may reduce wait times for screening mammogram appointments,
      thereby increasing access to services and rates of breast cancer screening.

PMID- 22037903
TI  - Genetic variants associated with the white blood cell count in 13,923 subjects in
      the eMERGE Network.
AB  - White blood cell count (WBC) is unique among identified inflammatory predictors
      of chronic disease in that it is routinely measured in asymptomatic patients in
      the course of routine patient care. We led a genome-wide association analysis to
      identify variants associated with WBC levels in 13,923 subjects in the electronic
      Medical Records and Genomics (eMERGE) Network. We identified two regions of
      interest that were each unique to subjects of genetically determined ancestry to
      the African continent (AA) or to the European continent (EA). WBC varies among
      different ancestry groups. Despite being ancestry specific, these regions were
      identifiable in the combined analysis. In AA subjects, the region surrounding the
      Duffy antigen/chemokine receptor gene (DARC) on 1q21 exhibited significant
      association (p value = 6.71e-55). These results validate the previously reported
      association between WBC and of the regulatory variant rs2814778 in the promoter
      region, which causes the Duffy negative phenotype (Fy-/-). A second missense
      variant (rs12075) is responsible for the two principal antigens, Fya and Fyb of
      the Duffy blood group system. The two variants, consisting of four alleles, act
      in concert to produce five antigens and subsequent phenotypes. We were able to
      identify the marginal and novel interaction effects of these two variants on WBC.
      In the EA subjects, we identified significantly associated SNPs tagging three
      separate genes in the 17q21 region: (1) GSDMA, (2) MED24, and (3) PSMD3. Variants
      in this region have been reported to be associated with WBC, neutrophil count,
      and inflammatory diseases including asthma and Crohn's disease.

PMID- 22037905
TI  - The association of cigarette smoking with gastric cancer: the multiethnic cohort
      study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to investigate the association of cigarette
      smoking with gastric cancer. METHODS: Over 215,000 men and women, representing
      five ethnic groups (African Americans, Japanese Americans, Latino Americans,
      Native Hawaiians, and Whites), completed a mailed questionnaire, 1993-1996. After
      an average follow-up of 7.3 years, 454 men and 242 women were diagnosed with
      gastric adenocarcinoma. Cox proportional hazard models were used to calculate
      multivariate-adjusted hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS:
      Current cigarette smokers had elevated hazard ratios compared with never smokers
      among men (HR = 1.98; 95% CI 1.46-2.70) and women (HR = 1.78; 95% CI 1.23-2.57).
      This positive association was consistent across all five ethnicities. Former
      smokers had an elevated risk among men, but not among women. There was a
      significant trend by intensity (cigarettes per day) and duration (years) of
      smoking among all current smokers. After separation by anatomic location of their
      tumor, ever smokers had a higher risk for gastric cardia cancer (HR = 2.86; 95%
      CI 1.66-4.93) than for distal gastric cancer (HR = 1.52; 95% CI 1.25-1.86) among
      men and women combined. Analysis by histologic tumor type showed a stronger
      association between current smoking and the intestinal type. CONCLUSIONS:
      Overall, this study shows an association of current cigarette smoking with
      gastric cancer in both sexes, consistency of this effect across five ethnic
      groups, evidence for a dose-response effect of smoking in both sexes, a stronger
      effect for cardia than for distal gastric cancer, and a stronger association for
      intestinal than for diffuse gastric cancer.

PMID- 22037907
TI  - Factors associated with mortality after breast cancer metastasis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is generally accepted that patients with breast cancer metastases
      have very poor survival. Metastatic breast cancer patients can be considered a
      heterogeneous population with a varied clinical course, which underscores the
      need for accurate prediction of survival based on prognostic factors. The purpose
      of the present study was to identify factors related to survival in breast cancer
      patients after diagnosis with metastatic disease. POPULATIONS AND METHODS: A
      total of 557 patients with breast cancer metastasis diagnosis seen at one large
      urban practice have been followed up between 1 January, 1999 and 30 June, 2010.
      Demographic, tumor characteristics, clinical factors as predictors of survival
      were analyzed using log-rank test and Cox regression model. RESULTS: The median
      survival length was 39 months (range 1-138 months) with 154 (27.7%) alive and 403
      (72.3%) dead at the end of follow-up period. This study demonstrated that a
      history of hypertension, ER/PR status, HER2 status, metastasis-free interval,
      metastatic location (including brain, bone and liver), and BMI at diagnosis with
      metastatic breast cancer were the most relevant prognostic factors for survival
      after metastatic disease diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Findings of this study may form a
      foundation for the growing corpus of knowledge explaining the outcome differences
      in treatment of patients with metastatic breast cancer, potentially helping to
      create tailored counseling and personalized treatment approaches for this
      vulnerable group.

PMID- 22037908
TI  - Hormone therapy and ovarian borderline tumors: a national cohort study.
AB  - PURPOSE: Little is known about the influence of postmenopausal hormone therapy on
      the risk of ovarian borderline tumors. We aimed at assessing the influence of
      different hormone therapies on this risk. METHODS: A total of 909,875 Danish
      women 50-79 years old without previous hormone-sensitive cancers or bilateral
      oophorectomy were followed in this nationwide cohort study 1995-2005. The
      National Register of Medicinal Product Statistics provided exposure information
      on all women who redeemed prescriptions on hormone therapy. The National Cancer
      and Pathology Register provided data on borderline ovarian tumors. Information on
      confounding factors was available from other national registers. Poisson
      regression analyses provided risk estimates with hormone exposures as time
      dependent covariates. RESULTS: In an average of 8.0 years of follow-up, 703
      incident ovarian borderline tumors were detected. Compared with never users,
      hormone use for more than 4 years increased the risk of borderline tumors:
      relative risk (RR) 1.40; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.09-1.81. Combined
      estrogen and progestin therapy for more than 4 years increased the risk: RR 1.49
      (1.10-2.01), with no difference between cyclic and continuous combined therapy (p
      = 0.83); RR 1.56 (1.08-2.25) and 1.45 (0.87-2.43), respectively. The RR with
      estrogen therapy did not differ significantly from RR with combined therapy (p =
      0.58): RR 1.27 (0.82-1.98). Disregarding the type of hormone therapy, hormone use
      for 4 years or less did not increase the risk of borderline tumors. CONCLUSIONS:
      Combined hormone therapy for more than 4 years increases the risk of ovarian
      borderline tumors.

PMID- 22037906
TI  - Diet and the risk of head and neck cancer: a pooled analysis in the INHANCE
      consortium.
AB  - We investigated the association between diet and head and neck cancer (HNC) risk
      using data from the International Head and Neck Cancer Epidemiology (INHANCE)
      consortium. The INHANCE pooled data included 22 case-control studies with 14,520
      cases and 22,737 controls. Center-specific quartiles among the controls were used
      for food groups, and frequencies per week were used for single food items. A
      dietary pattern score combining high fruit and vegetable intake and low red meat
      intake was created. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for the
      dietary items on the risk of HNC were estimated with a two-stage random-effects
      logistic regression model. An inverse association was observed for higher
      frequency intake of fruit (4th vs. 1st quartile OR = 0.52, 95% CI = 0.43-0.62, p
      (trend) < 0.01) and vegetables (OR = 0.66, 95% CI = 0.49-0.90, p (trend) = 0.01).
      Intake of red meat (OR = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.13-1.74, p (trend) = 0.13) and
      processed meat (OR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.14-1.65, p (trend) < 0.01) was positively
      associated with HNC risk. Higher dietary pattern scores, reflecting high
      fruit/vegetable and low red meat intake, were associated with reduced HNC risk
      (per score increment OR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.84-0.97).

PMID- 22037909
TI  - Occupational risks and lung cancer burden for Chinese men: a population-based
      case-referent study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We aimed to fill in the gap of knowledge on the lung cancer burden
      resulting from occupational exposures among Chinese men through a population
      based case-referent study. METHODS: Detailed information on lifestyle and full
      occupational histories of 1,208 male lung cancer incident cases and 1,069 age
      matched male community referents were obtained through interviews during 2004
      2006. The associations between lung cancer risk and exposures to specific or
      group of agents that were confirmed or suspected occupational carcinogens were
      analyzed. RESULTS: After adjustment of smoking and other potential confounding
      factors, significant odds ratio of lung cancer was observed for workers employed
      in major industrial divisions of "construction" (1.37, 95% CI: 1.00-1.89) and
      "financing, insurance, real estate, and business services" (0.48, 95% CI: 0.23
      0.97), as well as in the occupational groups of "bricklayers, carpenters, and
      other construction workers" (1.49, 95% CI: 1.07-2.06). Significantly elevated
      odds ratios were found for occupational exposures to silica dust (1.75, 95% CI:
      1.16-2.62), welding fumes (1.74, 95% CI: 1.13-2.68), diesel exhaust (2.18, 95%
      CI: 1.23-3.84), and man-made mineral fibers (7.45, 95% CI: 1.63-34.00), while a
      significantly reduced risk (OR = 0.67, 95% CI: 0.47-0.95) was linked to cotton
      dust. The population attributable fraction of lung cancer was 3.2% (95% CI: 0.1
      7.3%) for construction workers and 9.5% (95% CI: 4.8-15.1%) for the four
      significant specific exposures. CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicates that previous
      exposure to occupational carcinogens remains an important determinant of lung
      cancer burden for Hong Kong Chinese men. However, results obtained from this
      study should be confirmed by future analyses based on job exposure matrix.

PMID- 22037910
TI  - Manipulations of spinal cord excitability evoke developmentally-dependent
      compensatory changes in the lamprey spinal cord.
AB  - We have examined homeostatic or compensatory plasticity evoked by tonic changes
      in spinal cord excitability in the lamprey, a model system for investigating
      spinal cord function. In larval animals, reducing excitability by incubating in
      tetrodotoxin or the glutamate receptor antagonists CNQX or CNQX/AP5 for 20-48 h
      resulted in a diverse set of cellular and synaptic changes that together were
      consistent with an increase in spinal cord excitability. Similar changes occurred
      to a tonic increase in excitation evoked by incubating in high potassium
      physiological solution (i.e. responses were unidirectional). We also examined
      developmental influences on these effects. In animals developing from the larval
      to adult form effects were reduced or absent, suggesting that at this stage the
      spinal cord was more tolerant of changes in activity levels. Responses had
      returned in adult animals, but they were now bi-directional (i.e. opposite
      effects were evoked by an increase or decrease in excitability). The spinal cord
      can thus monitor and adapt cellular and synaptic properties to tonic changes in
      excitability levels. This should be considered in analyses of spinal cord
      plasticity and injury.

PMID- 22037912
TI  - Tail position affects the body temperature of rats during cold exposure in a low
      energy state.
AB  - Rats place their tails underneath their body trunks when cold (tail-hiding
      behavior). The aim of the present study was to determine whether this behavior is
      necessary to maintain body temperature. Male Wistar rats were divided into 'fed'
      and '42-h fasting' groups. A one-piece tail holder (8.4 cm in length) that
      prevented the tail-hiding behavior or a three-piece tail holder (2.8 cm in
      length) that allowed for the tail-hiding behavior was attached to the tails of
      the rats. The rats were exposed to 27 degrees C for 180 min or to 20 degrees C
      for 90 min followed by 15 degrees C for 90 min with continuous body temperature
      and oxygen consumption measurements. Body temperature decreased by -1.0 +/- 0.1
      degrees C at 15 degrees C only in the rats that prevented tail-hiding behavior of
      the 42-h fasting group, and oxygen consumption increased at 15 degrees C in all
      animals. Oxygen consumption was not different between the rats that prevented
      tail-hiding behavior and the rats that allowed the behavior in the fed and 42-h
      fasting groups under ambient conditions. These results show that the tail-hiding
      behavior is involved in thermoregulation in the cold in fasting rats.

PMID- 22037913
TI  - Specialized brain regions and sensory inputs that control locomotion in leeches.
AB  - Locomotor systems are often controlled by specialized cephalic neurons and
      undergo modulation by sensory inputs. In many species, dedicated brain regions
      initiate and maintain behavior and set the duration and frequency of the
      locomotor episode. In the leech, removing the entire head brain enhances
      swimming, but the individual roles of its components, the supra- and
      subesophageal ganglia, in the control of locomotion are unknown. Here we describe
      the influence of these two structures and that of the tail brain on rhythmic
      swimming in isolated nerve cord preparations and in nearly intact leeches
      suspended in an aqueous, "swim-enhancing" environment. We found that, in isolated
      preparations, swim episode duration and swim burst frequency are greatly
      increased when the supraesophageal ganglion is removed, but the subesophageal
      ganglion is intact. The prolonged swim durations observed with the anterior-most
      ganglion removed were abolished by removal of the tail ganglion. Experiments on
      the nearly intact leeches show that, in these preparations, the subesophageal
      ganglion acts to decrease cycle period but, unexpectedly, also decreases swim
      duration. These results suggest that the supraesophageal ganglion is the primary
      structure that constrains leech swimming; however, the control of swim duration
      in the leech is complex, especially in the intact animal.

PMID- 22037914
TI  - 'Null method' determination of drug biophase concentration.
AB  - PK/PD modeling is enhanced by improvements in the accuracy of its metrics. For
      PK/PD modeling of drugs and biologics that interact with enzymes or receptors,
      the equilibrium constant of the interaction can provide critical insight.
      Methodologies such as radioliogand binding and isolated tissue preparations can
      provide estimates of the equilibrium constants (as the dissociation constant, K
      value) for drugs and endogenous ligands that interact with specific enzymes and
      receptors. However, an impediment to further precision for PK/PD modeling is that
      it remains a problem to convert the concentration of drug in bulk solution (A)
      into an estimate of receptor occupation, since A is not necessarily the
      concentration (C) of drug in the biophase that yields fractional binding from the
      law of mass action, viz., C/(C + K). In most experimental studies A is much
      larger than K, so the use of administered instead of biophase concentration gives
      fractional occupancies very close to unity. We here provide a simple way to
      obtain an estimate of the factor that converts the total drug concentration into
      the biophase concentration in isolated tissue preparation. Our approach is an
      extension of the now classic 'null method' introduced and applied by Furchgott to
      determination of drug-receptor dissociation constants.

PMID- 22037916
TI  - Mitral valve annuloplasty: a quantitative clinical and mechanical comparison of
      different annuloplasty devices.
AB  - Mitral valve annuloplasty is a common surgical technique used in the repair of a
      leaking valve by implanting an annuloplasty device. To enhance repair durability,
      these devices are designed to increase leaflet coaptation, while preserving the
      native annular shape and motion; however, the precise impact of device
      implantation on annular deformation, strain, and curvature is unknown. In this
      article, we quantify how three frequently used devices significantly impair
      native annular dynamics. In controlled in vivo experiments, we surgically
      implanted 11 flexible-incomplete, 11 semi-rigid-complete, and 12 rigid-complete
      devices around the mitral annuli of 34 sheep, each tagged with 16 equally spaced
      tantalum markers. We recorded four-dimensional marker coordinates using biplane
      videofluoroscopy, first with device and then without, which were used to create
      mathematical models using piecewise cubic splines. Clinical metrics
      (characteristic anatomical distances) revealed significant global reduction in
      annular dynamics upon device implantation. Mechanical metrics (strain and
      curvature fields) explained this reduction via a local loss of anterior dilation
      and posterior contraction. Overall, all three devices unfavorably caused
      reduction in annular dynamics. The flexible-incomplete device, however, preserved
      native annular dynamics to a larger extent than the complete devices.
      Heterogeneous strain and curvature profiles suggest the need for heterogeneous
      support, which may spawn more rational design of annuloplasty devices using
      design concepts of functionally graded materials.

PMID- 22037917
TI  - Lung metastases in metastatic gastric cancer: pattern of lung metastases and
      clinical outcome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are only limited data regarding pulmonary metastasis from
      gastric cancer. Therefore, we analyzed large series of gastric cancer with
      pulmonary metastasis and analyzed their clinical characteristics and treatment
      outcome to enhance perception of metastatic gastric cancer. METHODS: Of 20,187
      advanced gastric cancer patients treated between 1995 and 2007, 193 (0.96%) were
      identified to have pulmonary metastasis from gastric cancer. The pulmonary
      lesions were detected at chest computed tomography (CT) scan or plain chest X-ray
      and/or abdominal pelvic CT scan covering the lower part of the lungs, and were
      divided into three patterns: lymphangitic, hematogenous, and pleural. RESULTS:
      The most frequently observed pattern of lung metastasis was hematogenous
      metastasis (52.3%) followed by pleural (35.2%) and lymphangitic (26.4%). Patients
      who had hematogenous pulmonary metastasis were significantly associated with
      hepatic metastasis (p = 0.004) and male sex (p = 0.012). Patients with
      lymphangitic metastasis were significantly associated with concomitant bone (p =
      0.010) and bone marrow (p = 0.029) metastasis. In case of pleural metastasis, it
      was positively correlated with gastrectomy history (p = 0.015) and the presence
      of peritoneal metastasis (p = 0.020). After a median follow-up duration of 87 (9
      162) months, the median survival after diagnosis of pulmonary metastasis was 4 (0
      67) months. CONCLUSION: The most frequently observed pattern of lung metastasis
      was hematogenous metastasis (52.3%) followed by pleural (35.2%) and lymphangitic
      (26.4%) in gastric cancer patients. Among gastric cancer patients with lung
      metastases, patients with pleural metastasis or lymphangitic metastasis had
      shorter survival with 1.5-2-fold increased risk of deaths.

PMID- 22037918
TI  - Who's funny: gender stereotypes, humor production, and memory bias.
AB  - It has often been asserted, by both men and women, that men are funnier. We
      explored two possible explanations for such a view, first testing whether men,
      when instructed to be as funny as possible, write funnier cartoon captions than
      do women, and second examining whether there is a tendency to falsely remember
      funny things as having been produced by men. A total of 32 participants, half
      from each gender, wrote captions for 20 cartoons. Raters then indicated the humor
      success of these captions. Raters of both genders found the captions written by
      males funnier, though this preference was significantly stronger among the male
      raters. In the second experiment, male and female participants were presented
      with the funniest and least funny captions from the first experiment, along with
      the caption author's gender. On a memory test, both females and males
      disproportionately misattributed the humorous captions to males and the
      nonhumorous captions to females. Men might think men are funnier because they
      actually find them so, but though women rated the captions written by males
      slightly higher, our data suggest that they may regard men as funnier more
      because they falsely attribute funny things to them.

PMID- 22037919
TI  - Enhancing visuospatial performance through video game training to increase
      learning in visuospatial science domains.
AB  - Although previous research has demonstrated that performance on visuospatial
      assessments can be enhanced through relevant experience, an unaddressed question
      is whether such experience also produces a similar increase in target domains
      (such as science learning) where visuospatial abilities are directly relevant for
      performance. In the present study, participants completed either spatial or
      nonspatial training via interaction with video games and were then asked to read
      and learn about the geologic topic of plate tectonics. Results replicate the
      benefit of playing appropriate video games in enhancing visuospatial performance
      and demonstrate that this facilitation also manifests itself in learning science
      topics that are visuospatial in nature. This novel result suggests that
      visuospatial training not only can impact performance on measures of spatial
      functioning, but also can affect performance in content areas in which these
      abilities are utilized.

PMID- 22037920
TI  - Changes of cortico-muscular coherence: an early marker of healthy aging?
AB  - Cortico-muscular coherence (CMC) at beta frequency (13-30 Hz) occurs particularly
      during weak to moderate isometric contraction. It is a well-established measure
      of communication between the primary motor cortex (M1) and corresponding muscles
      revealing information about the integrity of the pyramidal system. Although the
      slowing of brain and muscle dynamics during healthy aging has been evidenced,
      functional communication as determined by CMC has not been investigated so far.
      Since decline of motor functions at higher age is likely to be associated with
      CMC changes, the present study aims at shedding light on the functionality of the
      motor system from a functional interaction perspective. To this end, CMC was
      investigated in 27 healthy subjects aging between 22 and 77 years during
      isometric contraction of their right forearm. Neuromagnetic activity was measured
      using whole-head magnetoencephalography (MEG). Muscle activity was measured by
      means of surface electromyography (EMG) of the right extensor digitorum communis
      (EDC) muscle. Additionally, MEG-EMG phase lags were calculated in order to
      estimate conducting time. The analysis revealed CMC and M1 power amplitudes to be
      increased with age accompanied by slowing of M1, EMG, and CMC. Frequency changes
      were particularly found in subjects aged above 40 years suggesting that at this
      middle age, neurophysiological changes occur, possibly reflecting an early
      neurophysiological marker of seniority. Since MEG-EMG phase lags did not vary
      with age, changes cannot be explained by alterations of nerve conduction. We
      argue that the M1 power amplitude increase and the shift towards lower
      frequencies might represent a neurophysiological marker of healthy aging which is
      possibly compensated by increased CMC amplitude.

PMID- 22037921
TI  - Intimate partner violence and mental health effects: a population-based study
      among married women in Karachi, Pakistan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is recognized all over the world for
      its association with mental health problems in women. In Pakistan, such violence
      occurs commonly, but detailed information on mental health effects is scarce. The
      purpose of this study is to focused on married couples in urban Karachi to
      investigate mental health effects associated with physical, sexual and
      psychological violence perpetrated by husbands towards wives. Disclosure rates
      and health care-seeking behaviour were also investigated. METHOD: This cross
      sectional study involved 759 women between the ages of 25 and 60 years, selected
      using a multi-stage random sampling technique. The women were interviewed by
      trained community midwives using a structured questionnaire. RESULTS: In the
      total population of women, mental symptoms were prevalent. Women subjected to any
      form of violence reported, however, considerably poorer mental health than
      unexposed women. A statistically significant difference for almost all of the
      studied health parameters persisted even after controlling for socio-demographic
      factors. The strongest associations were found for suicidal thoughts and physical
      violence (OR 4.41; 3.18-6.12), sexual abuse (OR 4.39; 3.17-6.07) and
      psychological abuse (OR 5.17; 3.28-8.15). The interviews revealed that only 27%
      of the women subjected to violence had disclosed this to anyone, in most cases to
      their parents. CONCLUSION: The findings in this study highlight that the violence
      women have to face contributes to the development of multiple forms of
      psychological stress and serious mental health problems. Women's restrictive life
      circumstances seriously hamper women's empowerment. Reliable health surveillance
      system and health care services are needed to serve abused women. Policy
      initiatives focused on IPV and gender inequality in Pakistan should be initiated.

PMID- 22037922
TI  - Feasibility of biweekly combination chemotherapy with capecitabine, irinotecan,
      and oxaliplatin in patients with metastatic solid tumors: results of a two-step
      phase I trial: XELIRI and XELIRINOX.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Biweekly schedule of capecitabine combined with irinotecan (XELIRI),
      consecutively with irinotecan and oxaliplatin (XELIRINOX), was evaluated in
      patients with metastatic cancer from any solid tumors. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In
      this two-step phase I trial, seventeen and eleven patients were enrolled in the
      XELIRI and XELIRINOX stages, respectively. RESULTS: In XELIRI, a total of 136
      chemotherapy cycles were administered with a median number of 8 cycles per
      patient (2-16). Main dose-limiting toxicities (DLT) were grade 3-4 neutropenia,
      with one toxicity-related death. Maximum tolerated dose (MTD) for capecitabine
      combined with 180 mg/m(2) of irinotecan was 3,500 mg/m(2)/day. In XELIRINOX,
      capecitabine starting dose was 2,500 mg/m(2)/day. Fifty-eight chemotherapy cycles
      were administered with a median of 4 cycles per patient (1-16). DLT included 3
      grade 4 neutropenia, associated with 1 grade 3 diarrhea, and 1 grade 4
      pneumopathy leading to patient death. MTD for capecitabine with 180 mg/m(2) of
      irinotecan and 85 mg/m(2) of oxaliplatin was 3,000 mg/m(2)/day. The recommended
      doses for capecitabine were 3,000 and 2,500 mg/m(2)/day D1-D7 in combination with
      180 mg/m(2) of irinotecan in XELIRI, plus 85 mg/m(2) of oxaliplatin in XELIRINOX
      (D1 = D14), respectively. CONCLUSION: XELIRI and XELIRINOX regimens are feasible
      and warrant further investigation in combination with targeted therapy in
      metastatic colorectal cancer patients.

PMID- 22037923
TI  - Ridaforolimus for patients with progressive or recurrent malignant glioma: a
      perisurgical, sequential, ascending-dose trial.
AB  - PURPOSE: This perisurgical phase 1 study evaluated the pharmacokinetics,
      pharmacodynamics, and safety of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)
      inhibitor ridaforolimus in patients (N = 10) with progressive or recurrent
      primary grade IV malignant glioma, who failed standard therapy. The primary
      objective of the study was to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) of
      ridaforolimus. METHODS: Treatment was administered intravenously at doses of 12.5
      mg (N = 7) or 15 mg (N = 3) once daily for 4 days prior to surgical resection,
      then resumed for 5 consecutive days every 2 weeks until disease progression or
      unacceptable toxicity, following a postsurgical recovery period. RESULTS: The MTD
      was not determined because the trial was suspended early due to slower than
      expected patient accrual and postsurgical drug administration challenges.
      Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analyses showed that ridaforolimus
      concentrations declined slowly during the 24-h dosing interval and remained
      detectable for 10 days after the last infusion in whole blood samples. In
      peripheral blood mononuclear cells, median levels of the mTOR downstream effector
      p4E-BP1 were reduced by >80% compared with baseline by 4 h after dosing. Resected
      brain specimens showed reduced levels of pS6, another mTOR downstream effector,
      while nuclear staining for p27(kip1), a protein that functions as a cell cycle
      inhibitor, increased after treatment. No dose-limiting toxicities were observed,
      and the reported adverse events were consistent with the previously established
      safety profile for ridaforolimus. One of 3 patients evaluable for efficacy had
      stable disease as best response. CONCLUSION: Results suggest that ridaforolimus
      can cross the blood-brain barrier in areas of tumor involvement, and may inhibit
      mTOR activity in advanced gliomas based on decreased pS6 levels. This
      perisurgical trial design should serve as a template for evaluating intratumoral
      pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of other targeted agents in this patient
      population.

PMID- 22037924
TI  - The role of lapatinib in the preoperative therapy of breast cancer.
AB  - Preoperative or neoadjuvant chemotherapy is a well-established modality in the
      treatment of nonmetastatic breast cancer. Patients initially considered
      inoperable may be able to achieve operable status after preoperative chemotherapy
      and patients initially considered not to be candidates for breast conservation
      may convert to breast conservation status. Human epidermal growth factor receptor
      2 (Her2)-positive tumors have been shown to have a more aggressive course
      including early local relapse and metastasis when compared to Her2-negative
      breast cancers, but the optimal use of Her2-targeted agents is constantly
      evolving as new agents become available. Preoperative studies allow us to quickly
      assess the activity of new agents and combinations for particular biological
      subsets of breast cancer.

PMID- 22037925
TI  - Involvement of PI3K, GSK-3beta and PPARgamma in the antidepressant-like effect of
      folic acid in the forced swimming test in mice.
AB  - Preclinical and clinical studies indicate that deficiency in folic acid plays a
      role in the pathophysiology of depression. Considering that alterations in the
      signaling pathways that regulate neuroplasticity and cellular survival are
      implicated in depressive disorders, the present study investigated the
      involvement of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), glycogen synthase kinase-3
      (GSK-3beta), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARgamma) in
      the antidepressant-like effect of folic acid in the forced swimming test (FST).
      The intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) pre-treatment of mice with LY294002 (10
      nmol/site, a PI3K inhibitor) or GW-9662 (1 ug/site, a PPARgamma antagonist)
      prevented the antidepressant-like effect of folic acid (50 mg/kg, p.o.) in the
      FST. In addition, the administration of subeffective doses of the selective GSK
      3beta inhibitor, AR-A014418 (3 mg/kg, i.p.), a non-selective GSK-3beta inhibitor,
      lithium chloride (10 mg/kg, p.o) or a PPARgamma agonist, rosiglitazone (1
      ug/site, i.c.v.) in combination with a subeffective dose of folic acid (10 mg/kg,
      p.o.) significantly reduced the immobility time in the FST as compared with
      either drug alone, without altering the locomotor activity. These results
      indicate that the antidepressant-like effect of folic acid in the FST might be
      dependent on inhibition of GSK-3beta and activation of PPARgamma, reinforcing the
      notion that these are important targets for antidepressant activity.

PMID- 22037926
TI  - Effects of production intensity and production strategies in commercial Atlantic
      salmon smolt (Salmo salar L.) production on subsequent performance in the early
      sea stage.
AB  - A data set from commercial Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.) producers on
      production intensity and production strategies in smolt tanks (N = 63-94) was
      obtained during 1999-2006. The effects of production intensity on subsequent fish
      mortality and growth during the early sea phase (90 days) were examined by
      principal component analysis and subsequent generalized linear model analysis.
      Levels of accumulated metabolites (CO(2), total ammonia nitrogen and NH(3)), and
      information provided by producers (production density (kg fish m(3-1)), specific
      water use (l kg fish(-1) min(-1)) and oxygen drop (mg l(-1)) from tank inlet to
      tank outlet), were used as predictor variables. In addition, several other
      welfare relevant variables such as disease history, temperature during freshwater
      and sea stage; season (S1) or off-season (S0) smolt production; and the use of
      seawater addition during the freshwater stage were analyzed. No strong intensity
      effects on mortality or growth were found. CO(2) levels alone (P < 0.001, R(2) =
      0.16), and in combination with specific water use (R(2) = 0.20), had the
      strongest effect on mortality. In both cases, mortality decreased with increasing
      density. For growth, the intensity model with the most support (R(2) = 0.17) was
      O(2) drop, density and their interaction effects, resulting in the best growth at
      low and high intensity, and poorer growth at intermediate levels. Documented
      viral disease outbreaks (infectious pancreatic necrosis and two cases of pancreas
      disease) in the sea phase resulted in significantly higher mortalities at 90 days
      compared with undiagnosed smolt groups, although mortalities were highly variable
      in both categories. The temperature difference between the freshwater stage and
      seawater had a small, but significant, effect on growth with the best growth in
      groups stocked to warmer seawater (P = 0.04, R(2) = 0.06). S0 and S1 smolt groups
      did not differ significantly in growth, but the mortality was significantly (P =
      0.02) higher in S1 groups. Seawater addition as a categorical variable had no
      significant effects, but when analyzed within the seawater addition group,
      intermediate salinities (15-25 ppt) gave the best results on growth (p = 0.04,
      R(2) = 0.15). Production intensity had small explanatory power on subsequent
      seawater performance in the analyzed smolt groups. If anything, the analysis
      shows a beneficial effect of intensive production strategies on subsequent
      performance. Analysis of the various production strategies indicates better
      survival of S0 compared with S1 smolt groups, improved growth when stocked in
      seawater warmer than freshwater, and a negative effect of viral disease outbreaks
      on survival. The results clearly demonstrate the difficulty of extrapolating
      results from experimental work on fish welfare and production intensity variables
      to commercial production. On the other hand, the presented results may simply
      demonstrate that the traditional fish welfare criteria growth and mortality may
      not suffice to evaluate welfare consequences of suboptimal water quality or
      production strategies in the aquaculture industry.

PMID- 22037927
TI  - [Inferior vestibular neuritis: diagnosis using VEMP].
AB  - Vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (VEMP) are a new method to establish the
      functional status of the otolith organs. The sacculocollic reflex of the cervical
      VEMP to air conduction (AC) reflects predominantly saccular function due to
      saccular afferents to the inferior vestibular nerve. We describe a case of
      inferior vestibular neuritis as a rare differential diagnosis of vestibular
      neuritis. Clinical signs were a normal caloric response, unilaterally absent AC
      cVEMPs and bilaterally preserved ocular VEMPs (AC oVEMPs).

PMID- 22037928
TI  - [Idiopathic facial palsy during pregnancy].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Idiopathic facial (Bell's) palsy occurring during pregnancy or post
      partum is a rare disease. Reports regarding incidence, prognosis and associated
      risk factors are still inconsistent. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a
      retrospective analysis of patients presenting with idiopathic facial palsy who
      had been treated in cooperation between obstetric and otorhinolaryngological
      departments (tertiary referral centers). The time of onset of paralysis, grading
      according to House and Brackman, treatment modalities and results were analyzed
      for the years 1999-2010. RESULTS: The incidence of Bell's palsy in pregnancy was
      56 in 100,000 live births. Preeclampsia was reported in one case only. Therapy
      included prednisolone, methylprednisolone and/or pentoxifylline (up to 2005). All
      results were favorable (House-Brackman 1-2). CONCLUSION: The incidence of Bell's
      palsy in pregnancy within our cohort is not increased with regard to the
      international reports. Early treatment with corticosteroids in consultation with
      the treating obstetrician is indicated in both pregnant and post-partum patients
      to achieve optimal results.

PMID- 22037929
TI  - [Psychometric instruments for the diagnosis of tinnitus].
AB  - Tinnitus is a very complex phenomenon with various mechanisms of origin.
      Multimodal and interdisciplinary treatment is the most effective form of
      treatment for patients with chronic tinnitus. In order to assess existing
      comorbidity in tinnitus patients as well as to treat the patients individually, a
      comprehensive and differentiated diagnosis is needed. Since standardized
      guidelines for the use of relevant instruments in the diagnosis of tinnitus have
      been lacking hitherto, we present here psychometric questionnaires which have
      already been used effectively in the research, diagnosis and therapy of tinnitus
      in the present article. The questionnaires measure the severity of tinnitus,
      depression and anxiety, the perceived stress, personal resources as well as the
      quality of life of patients.

PMID- 22037930
TI  - Precervical myositis ossificans in an infant secondary to child abuse.
AB  - We present a 10-week-old girl with myositis ossificans circumscripta (MO) of the
      neck secondary to nonaccidental trauma. This condition is rarely seen in infants;
      furthermore, the majority of MO lesions develop in the extremities rather than
      the head and neck region. We will detail the US-guided biopsy technique used in
      our case, in addition to discussing the characteristic imaging and pathological
      findings of MO to assist in the diagnosis and successful treatment of this
      condition.

PMID- 22037931
TI  - Pre- and postoperative imaging and interventions for the meso-Rex bypass in
      children and young adults.
AB  - The meso-Rex bypass is a physiological and anatomical bypass procedure for relief
      of extrahepatic portal vein obstruction and restoration of mesenteric venous
      return to the liver. Most patients who are candidates for the bypass are children
      or young adults with portal hypertension and hypersplenism secondary to cavernous
      transformation of the portal vein. Most frequently, the bypass utilizes an
      autologous venous graft to connect the intrahepatic left portal vein to the
      infrapancreatic superior mesenteric vein (SMV) re-establishing first-pass portal
      perfusion. We describe the preoperative imaging of the 92 bypass candidates, the
      surgical anatomy as reflected in postoperative imaging, and the imaging of bypass
      complications at our institution.Preoperative imaging with US, CT and MR is
      directed to demonstrate patency and size of the left portal vein and SMV, to
      define the extent of cavernous transformation and splanchnic collaterals, and to
      assess for any associated abdominal vascular or solid organ abnormalities.
      Postoperative imaging is aimed at diagnosing meso-Rex bypass stenosis or
      occlusion and the interventional management of these complications.

PMID- 22037932
TI  - Fetal demise on MRI.

PMID- 22037934
TI  - Impact of FDG-PET/CT in the management of lymphoma.
AB  - Since the introduction of (67)Gallium-citrate 30 years ago, nuclear medicine has
      played an important role in the evaluation of malignant lymphoma. During that
      time, several radiotracers were evaluated as potential alternatives for the
      diagnosis of lymphoma, but the introduction of (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose PET (FDG
      PET) marked a major turning point. FDG-PET took over most of the role of gallium,
      and is now an essential tool in the diagnosis of lymphoma. FDG-PET is
      increasingly being used for assessment of the tumor staging prior to treatment,
      for evaluating the response to treatment, and for monitoring the early reactions
      to therapy to predict the final outcome. FDG-PET has been shown to have more
      accurate diagnostic capability than conventional CT and MRI for distinguishing
      the tumor necrosis and residual masses frequently seen after therapy in lymphoma
      patients without any clinical and biochemical manifestation. Malignant lymphoma
      is the first disease for which FDG-PET was adopted as a tool for response
      assessment in the international standard criteria. However, lymphoma does not
      always display a clear high uptake, and there are some pitfalls in assessing the
      response to therapy. This review will highlight the most important applications
      of FDG-PET in lymphoma, focusing on the advantages and pitfalls of this imaging,
      and past and ongoing efforts to standardize the use of FDG-PET, particularly in
      response to assessment and therapy monitoring.

PMID- 22037935
TI  - Reclassification of SIDS cases--a need for adjustment of the San Diego
      classification?
AB  - A study was undertaken reclassifying cases of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
      taken from two geographically separate locations utilizing the San Diego
      definition with subclassifications. One hundred twenty-eight infant cases were
      examined from files at Forensic Science South Australia in Adelaide, SA,
      Australia over a 7.5-year period from July 1999 to January 2007. Thirty-one cases
      (24%) had initially been diagnosed as SIDS and 30 (23%) as undetermined while 67
      (52%) had an explainable cause of death. After reclassification, the number of
      SIDS cases had increased to 49 of the 128 cases, now representing 38% of the
      cases; category IB SIDS constituted 10 (20%) and II SIDS 39 (80%) of the SIDS
      cases. No cases were classified as IA SIDS. Two hundred eighteen infant cases
      were identified from the files of the Department of Forensic Medicine, Aarhus
      University, Denmark over a 16-year period from 1992 to 2007. Eighty-two (38%)
      were originally diagnosed as SIDS, 128 (59%) with identifiable causes of death,
      and 8 (4%) as unexplained. After review, 77 (35%) cases were reclassified as
      SIDS, a decrease of 6%. Twenty (26%) infants were classified as category IB SIDS
      and 57 (74%) as II SIDS. None of the cases met the criteria for IA SIDS. Problems
      arose in assessing cases with failure to thrive, fever, and possible asphyxia.
      Modifications to the San Diego subclassifications might improve the consistency
      of categorizing these cases.

PMID- 22037937
TI  - Synthesis and characterization of a template-assembled synthetic U-quartet.
AB  - A lipophilic cavitand containing four triazole-linked uridine residues has been
      synthesized and characterized. Spectral evidence suggests a quartet arrangement
      of the uracil residues at both ambient and low temperatures. Treatment of the
      compound with Sr(2+) yields a homodimeric complex as evidenced by NMR
      spectroscopy.

PMID- 22037936
TI  - Neural correlates of pathological gamblers preference for immediate rewards
      during the iowa gambling task: an fMRI study.
AB  - The Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) involves exploratory learning via rewards and
      penalties, where most advantageous task performance requires subjects to forego
      potential large immediate rewards for small longer-term rewards to avoid larger
      punishments. Pathological gambling (PG) subjects perform worse on the IGT
      compared to controls, relating to their persistence at high risk decisions
      involving the continued choice of potential large immediate rewards despite
      experiencing larger punishments. We wished to determine if neural processing of
      risk and reward within striatal and frontal cortex is associated with this
      behaviour observed in PG. Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was used
      to assess brain activity in response to a computerized version of the IGT.
      Thirteen male PG subjects with no active comorbidities were compared to 13
      demographically matched control subjects. In agreement with previous behavioural
      studies, PG subjects performed worse on the IGT and made more high-risk choices
      compared to controls, particularly after experiencing wins and losses. During
      high-risk gambling decisions, fMRI demonstrated that PG subjects exhibited
      relatively increased frontal lobe and basal ganglia activation, particularly
      involving the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), caudate and amygdala. Increased
      activation of regions encompassing the extended reward pathway in PG subjects
      during high risk choices suggests that the persistence of PG may be due to the
      increased salience of immediate and greater potential monetary rewards relative
      to lower monetary rewards or potential future losses. Whether this over
      activation of the reward pathway is associated with the development of PG
      warrants further investigation.

PMID- 22037938
TI  - Uterine prolapse complicating pregnancy and labor: a case report and literature
      review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Uterine and cervical prolapse is a rare occurrence in pregnancy. It
      can be associated with minor cervical desiccation and ulceration to devastating
      maternal fatalities. The scope of complications includes urinary retention,
      preterm labor, premature delivery, fetal demise, maternal sepsis, and urinary
      retention. METHODS: We present a case of a lady, who developed uterine and
      cervical prolapse during pregnancy and the issues surrounding her antenatal and
      intrapartum management. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: This case report highlights the
      effectiveness of a Gellhorn pessary for uterine prolapse in pregnancy.

PMID- 22037939
TI  - Postoperative tetanus after laparoscopic obturator hernia repair for strangulated
      ileus: report of a case.
AB  - This report presents the case of an 84-year-old woman who developed tetanus 3
      days after the resection of a gangrenous small intestine caused by obturator
      hernia incarceration. The diagnosis of tetanus was clinically made after the
      appearance of generalized spastic contractions with opisthotonus. Clostridium
      tetani organisms residing in the gastrointestinal tract were presumed to have
      been endogenously inoculated into the strangulated intestine, where it produced
      tetanospasmin, causing tetanus. The patient successfully recovered after
      aggressive intensive care. There have been 16 case reports of tetanus occurring
      after gastrointestinal surgical procedures. Primary care physicians should thus
      be aware of the fact that, although extremely rare, C. tetani residing in the
      gastrointestinal tract can provide a possible endogenous source of tetanus
      infection.

PMID- 22037941
TI  - The thromboxane synthase and receptor signaling pathway in cancer: an emerging
      paradigm in cancer progression and metastasis.
AB  - Thromboxane A(2) (TXA(2)) is a biologically active metabolite of arachidonic acid
      formed by the action of the terminal synthase, thromboxane A(2) synthase
      (TXA(2)S), on prostaglandin endoperoxide (PGH(2)). TXA(2) is responsible for
      multiple biological processes through its cell surface receptor, the T-prostanoid
      (TP) receptor. Thromboxane A(2) synthase and TP are the two necessary components
      for the functioning of this potent bioactive lipid. Thromboxane A(2) is widely
      implicated in a range of cardiovascular diseases, owing to its acute and chronic
      effects in promoting platelet aggregation, vasoconstriction, and proliferation.
      In recent years, additional functional roles for both TXA(2)S and TP in cancer
      progression have been indicated. Increased cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expression has
      been described in a variety of human cancers, which has focused attention on
      TXA(2) as a downstream metabolite of the COX-2-derived PGH(2). Several studies
      suggest potential involvement of TXA(2)S and TP in tumor progression, especially
      tumor cell proliferation, migration, and invasion that are key steps in cancer
      progression. In addition, the regulation of neovascularization by TP has been
      identified as a potent source of control during oncogenesis. There have been
      several recent reviews of TXA(2)S and TP but thus far none have discussed its
      role in cancer progression and metastasis in depth. This review will focus on
      some of the more recent findings and advances with a significant emphasis on
      understanding the functional role of TXA(2)S and TP in cancer progression and
      metastasis.

PMID- 22037944
TI  - Strategies for improving documentation and reducing medication errors related to
      drug allergy.
AB  - New technologies like computerized physician order entry systems, that includes a
      support alert for drug allergies, can be an effective tool to prevent medical
      errors related to drug hypersensitivity most of them caused by lack of
      documentation and information.

PMID- 22037942
TI  - Dissecting the role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-beta/delta
      (PPARbeta/delta) in colon, breast, and lung carcinogenesis.
AB  - Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-beta/delta (PPARbeta/delta) is a
      promising drug target since its agonists increase serum high-density lipoprotein;
      decrease low-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, and insulin associated with
      metabolic syndrome; improve insulin sensitivity; and decrease high fat diet
      induced obesity. PPARbeta/delta agonists also promote terminal differentiation
      and elicit anti-inflammatory activities in many cell types. However, it remains
      to be determined whether PPARbeta/delta agonists can be developed as therapeutics
      because there are reports showing either pro- or anti-carcinogenic effects of
      PPARbeta/delta in cancer models. This review examines studies reporting the role
      of PPARbeta/delta in colon, breast, and lung cancers. The prevailing evidence
      would suggest that targeting PPARbeta/delta is not only safe but could have anti
      carcinogenic protective effects.

PMID- 22037943
TI  - 15-Lipoxygenase-1 as a tumor suppressor gene in colon cancer: is the verdict in?
AB  - 15-Lipoxygenase-1 (15-LOX-1) is an inducible and highly regulated enzyme in
      normal human cells that plays a key role in the production of lipid signaling
      mediators, such as 13-hydroxyoctadecadienoic acid (13-HODE) from linoleic acid.
      15-LOX-1 significantly contributes to the resolution of inflammation and to the
      terminal differentiation of normal cells. 15-LOX-1 is downregulated in human
      colorectal polyps and cancers. Emerging data support a tumor suppressor role for
      15-LOX-1, especially in colon cancer. These data indicate that 15-LOX-1 promotes
      various anti-tumorigenic events, including cell differentiation and apoptosis,
      and inhibits chronic inflammation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. The
      transcriptional repression of 15-LOX-1 in colon cancer cells is complex and
      involves multiple mechanisms (e.g., histone methylation, transcriptional
      repressor binding). Re-expression of 15-LOX-1 in colon cancer cells can function
      as an important therapeutic mechanism and could be further exploited to develop
      novel treatment approaches for this common cancer.

PMID- 22037945
TI  - Changes in cardiac structure and function in rats immunized by angiotensin type 1
      receptor peptides.
AB  - Angiotensin II (Ang II) is known to induce cardiomyocyte hypertrophy by
      activating the Ang II type 1 (AT1) receptor. Some studies have demonstrated that
      the autoantibodies against angiotensin AT1 receptor (AT1-AAs) cause functional
      effects, which is similar to those observed for the natural agonist Ang II. In
      this study, we investigated the effects of AT1-AAs on cardiomyocytes' structure
      and function. Male Wistar rats were immunized with synthetic peptides
      corresponding to the second extracellular loop of AT1 receptor and Freund's
      adjuvant. The titers of AT1-AAs in rat serum were detected by enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay every week. Hemodynamic analysis and heart weight (HW)
      indices were measured on the 4th and 8th months after initial immunization,
      respectively. Cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes were used to observe the
      hypertrophic effects of AT1-AAs. Results showed that systolic blood pressure and
      heart rate were significantly increased, the titers of AT1-AAs were also
      increased after 4 weeks of initial immunization. Compared with control group, the
      HW/body weight (BW) and left ventricular weight/BW of immunized rats were
      increased significantly and cardiac function was enhanced compensatively. The
      cultured neonatal rat cardiomyocytes respond to AT1-AAs stimulation with
      increased (3)H-leucine incorporation and cell surface area in a dose-dependent
      manner. These results suggest that the AT1-AAs have an agonist effect similar to
      Ang II in hypertrophy of cardiomyocytes in vivo and in vitro. AT1-AAs are
      involved in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases and hypertension.

PMID- 22037946
TI  - Identification of succinic semialdehyde reductases from Geobacter: expression,
      purification, crystallization, preliminary functional, and crystallographic
      analysis.
AB  - Succinic semialdehyde reductase (SSAR) is an important enzyme involved in gamma
      aminobutyrate (GABA) metabolism. By converting succinic semialdehyde (SSA) to
      gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB), the SSAR facilitates an alternative pathway for GABA
      degradation. In this study, we identified SSARs from Geobacter sulfurreducens and
      Geobacter metallireducens (GsSSAR and GmSSAR, respectively). The enzymes were
      over-expressed in Escherichia coli and purified to near homogeneity. Both GsSSAR
      and GmSSAR showed the activity of reducing SSA using nicotinamide adenine
      dinucleotide phosphate as a co-factor. The oligomeric sizes of GsSSAR and GmSSAR,
      as determined by analytical size exclusion chromatography, suggest that the
      enzymes presumably exist as tetramers in solution. The recombinant GsSSAR and
      GmSSAR crystallized in the presence of NADP(+), and the resulting crystals
      diffracted to 1.89 A (GsSSAR) and 2.25 A (GmSSAR) resolution. The GsSSAR and
      GmSSAR crystals belong to the space groups P2(1)22(1) (a= 99.61 A, b= 147.49 A,
      c= 182.47 A) and P1 (a= 75.97 A, b= 79.14 A, c= 95.47 A, alpha = 82.15 degrees ,
      beta = 88.80 degrees , gamma = 87.66 degrees ), respectively. Preliminary
      crystallographic data analysis suggests the presence of eight protein monomers in
      the asymmetric units for both GsSSAR and GmSSAR.

PMID- 22037947
TI  - Fibrinogen as a key regulator of inflammation in disease.
AB  - The interaction of coagulation factors with the perivascular environment affects
      the development of disease in ways that extend beyond their traditional roles in
      the acute hemostatic cascade. Key molecular players of the coagulation cascade
      like tissue factor, thrombin, and fibrinogen are epidemiologically and
      mechanistically linked with diseases with an inflammatory component. Moreover,
      the identification of novel molecular mechanisms linking coagulation and
      inflammation has highlighted factors of the coagulation cascade as new targets
      for therapeutic intervention in a wide range of inflammatory human diseases. In
      particular, a proinflammatory role for fibrinogen has been reported in vascular
      wall disease, stroke, spinal cord injury, brain trauma, multiple sclerosis,
      Alzheimer's disease, rheumatoid arthritis, bacterial infection, colitis, lung and
      kidney fibrosis, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and several types of cancer.
      Genetic and pharmacologic studies have unraveled pivotal roles for fibrinogen in
      determining the extent of local or systemic inflammation. As cellular and
      molecular mechanisms for fibrinogen functions in tissues are identified, the role
      of fibrinogen is evolving from a marker of vascular rapture to a multi-faceted
      signaling molecule with a wide spectrum of functions that can tip the balance
      between hemostasis and thrombosis, coagulation and fibrosis, protection from
      infection and extensive inflammation, and eventually life and death. This review
      will discuss some of the main molecular links between coagulation and
      inflammation and will focus on the role of fibrinogen in inflammatory disease
      highlighting its unique structural properties, cellular targets, and signal
      transduction pathways that make it a potent proinflammatory mediator and a
      potential therapeutic target.

PMID- 22037950
TI  - Stroke and Fabry disease.
AB  - Fabry disease (FD) is a rare inherited disorder of the metabolism, associated
      with renal, cardiac, and cerebrovascular complications. Ischemic and hemorrhagic
      stroke in FD present with a similar proportion to that observed in the general
      population, but usually at an early age. Ischemic stroke may result from cardiac
      embolism, large and small vessel disease, while hemorrhagic stroke is usually
      attributed to hypertension. Deposition of glycosphingolipids in endothelial cells
      results in a specific FD vasculopathy that contributes to the different vascular
      phenotypes. Neuroimaging features of cerebrovascular involvement in FD include
      white matter lesions, dolichoectasia, and the "pulvinar sign", a T1 MRI
      hyperintensity of the posterior thalamus. The role of enzymatic replacement
      therapy in the prevention of stroke remains to be established, but its
      utilization should be considered in FD stroke patients, for prevention of renal
      and cardiac complications, together with general prevention measures. Enzymatic
      replacement therapy increased our awareness of FD, underlining the importance of
      incomplete phenotypes in specific settings such as stroke. An overview of studies
      on the prevalence of FD in stroke patients is presented. Available data suggest
      that prevalence of FD is similar to some of the rare causes of stroke usually
      considered, and that classic features of the disease may be absent or more
      subtle. Moreover, FD should be considered in both cryptogenic and all-cause
      stroke. The role of FD in stroke on a multifactorial basis and the identification
      of a putative "stroke variant" are questions that need to be further elucidated
      in future studies.

PMID- 22037951
TI  - Stroke: new TIA definition, new anticoagulation, no stenting.

PMID- 22037949
TI  - Metabolic oligosaccharide engineering: implications for selectin-mediated
      adhesion and leukocyte extravasation.
AB  - Metabolic oligosaccharide engineering is an emerging technology wherein non
      natural monosaccharide analogs are exogenously supplied to living cells and are
      biosynthetically incorporated into cell surface glycans. A recently reported
      application of this methodology employs fluorinated analogs of ManNAc, GlcNAc,
      and GalNAc to modulate selectin-mediated adhesion associated with leukocyte
      extravasation and cancer cell metastasis. This monograph outlines possible
      mechanisms underlying the altered adhesion observed in analog-treated cells;
      these range from the most straightforward explanation (e.g., structural changes
      to the selectin ligands ablate interaction with their receptors) to the
      alternative mechanism where the analogs inhibit or otherwise perturb ligand
      production to more indirect mechanisms (e.g., changes to the biophysical
      properties of the selectin binding partner, the nanoenviroment of the binding
      partners, or the entire cell surface).

PMID- 22037948
TI  - Immunopathogenesis of Staphylococcus aureus pulmonary infection.
AB  - Staphylococcus aureus is a common human pathogen highly evolved as both a
      component of the commensal flora and as a major cause of invasive infection.
      Severe respiratory infection due to staphylococci has been increasing due to the
      prevalence of more virulent USA300 CA-MRSA strains in the general population. The
      ability of S. aureus to adapt to the milieu of the respiratory tract has
      facilitated its emergence as a respiratory pathogen. Its metabolic versatility,
      the ability to scavenge iron, coordinate gene expression, and the horizontal
      acquisition of useful genetic elements have all contributed to its success as a
      component of the respiratory flora, in hospitalized patients, as a complication
      of influenza and in normal hosts. The expression of surface adhesins facilitates
      its persistence in the airways. In addition, the highly sophisticated
      interactions of the multiple S. aureus virulence factors, particularly the alpha
      hemolysin and protein A, with diverse immune effectors in the lung such as
      ADAM10, TNFR1, EGFR, immunoglobulin, and complement all contribute to the
      pathogenesis of staphylococcal pneumonia.

PMID- 22037953
TI  - Judgment of FLAIR signal change in DWI-FLAIR mismatch determination is a
      challenge to clinicians.

PMID- 22037954
TI  - Perrault syndrome: further evidence for genetic heterogeneity.

PMID- 22037956
TI  - Hereditary neuropathy with liability to pressure palsy combined with suspected
      schwannomas of the peroneal and radial nerves.

PMID- 22037955
TI  - Recent advances in the diagnosis and treatment of balance disorders.
AB  - Here we summarize the recent progress made in the diagnosis and treatment of
      balance and gait disorders. Focusing on work published in the Journal of
      Neurology in 2010 and 2011, we have found evidence for the following clinically
      relevant statements: (1) the exclusion of stroke in acute vestibular syndromes is
      based on the bedside clinical findings; (2) the risk of developing secondary
      somatoform vertigo is predictable; it is especially high in patients with
      vestibular migraine; (3) postural imbalance and falls in Parkinson syndromes are
      related to dysfunction of the cholinergic midbrain thalamic axis; (4)
      aminopyridines improve a variety of cerebellar parameters including central
      nystagmus and gait variability.

PMID- 22037957
TI  - Pure left hippocampal stroke: a transient global amnesia-plus syndrome.

PMID- 22037958
TI  - Executive dysfunction in frontotemporal dementia is related to abnormalities in
      frontal white matter tracts.
AB  - Cognitive deficits in behavioral-variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) and AD
      are linked to frontal and temporal lobe gray matter (GM) pathology. The aim of
      this study was to assess the relative contribution of white (WM) and GM
      abnormalities to cognitive dysfunction in bvFTD and AD. Fractional anisotropy
      (FA) for the corpus callosum, cingulum (Cg), and uncinate fasciculus (Unc) was
      determined in 17 bvFTD and 10 AD patients who underwent neuropsychological
      testing. Regressions were performed to assess the relative contribution of WM and
      GM abnormalities to cognitive deficits. Multiple regression analysis revealed
      that in bvFTD, the left anterior Cg FA was related to executive function, the
      right anterior Cg FA to visual-spatial attention and working memory, the right
      posterior Cg to visual-constructional abilities and the left Unc FA to Modified
      Trails Errors. After adding corresponding GM volumes, the left anterior Cg FA,
      the right anterior cingulate FA, the right posterior cingulate FA and the left
      uncinate FA remained significant predictors of the cognitive tasks. In the AD
      group, the left posterior Cg FA and right descending Cg FA were related to visual
      recall performance but did not remain significant predictors when GM volumes were
      added to the regression. These results suggest that reduced integrity of specific
      WM tracts contribute to cognitive deficits observed in bvFTD after accounting for
      GM atrophy. In AD, memory impairment was related to WM tract injury but this
      relationship was no longer observed when GM volumes were included.

PMID- 22037959
TI  - Updates in the management of the overactive bladder in patients with
      myelomeningocele.
AB  - Overactive bladder secondary to myelomeningocele provides a unique management
      problem to the health care provider. A randomized prospective trial has called
      into question the standard postnatal treatment closure of myelomeningocele, with
      antenatal closure acting as an acceptable alternative, although caution for
      maternal and fetal risks must be further delineated. While traditional techniques
      such as the Mitrofanoff procedure have become standard of care in allowing
      patient independence from care providers, modifications of the technique in
      addition to assimilation of minimally invasive approaches have further improved
      quality-of-life measurements for this patient population. Intravesical botulinum
      toxin injection therapy has provided acceptable outcomes, albeit transiently, in
      terms of improving bladder compliance and decreasing bladder pressures. Bladder
      neck revision, both endoscopically and surgically, have shown promise with
      minimal upper tract deterioration. Nerve rerouting for neurogenic bladder is a
      novel, albeit unproven, approach, its use remaining experimental at this point.
      Utilization of the multitude of emerging techniques will serve to optimize
      treatment in this otherwise complicated patient population, although
      consideration of the long-term consequence of each therapy has yet to be
      elucidated.

PMID- 22037960
TI  - Heme breakdown and ischemia/reperfusion injury in grafted liver during living
      donor liver transplantation.
AB  - Living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) requires ischemia/reperfusion (I/R),
      which can cause early graft injury. However, the detailed mechanism of I/R injury
      remains unknown. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is a rate-limiting enzyme in heme
      catabolism and results in the production of iron, carbon monoxide (CO), and
      biliverdin IXalpha. Furthermore, in animals, HO-1 has a protective effect against
      oxidative stress associated with I/R injury. However, in humans, the molecular
      mechanism and clinical significance of HO-1 remain unclear. We previously
      demonstrated that exhaled CO levels increase during LDLT, and postulated that
      this may indicate I/R injury. In this study, we elucidate the origin of increased
      exhaled CO levels and the role of HO-1 in I/R injury during LDLT. We studied 29
      LDLT donors and recipients each. For investigation of HO-1 gene expression by
      polymerase chain reaction and HO-1 localization by immunohistological staining,
      liver biopsies from the grafted liver were conducted twice, once before and once
      after I/R. Exhaled CO levels and HO-1 gene expression levels significantly
      increased after I/R. In addition, HO-1 levels significantly increased after I/R
      in Kupffer cells. Furthermore, we found a significant positive correlation
      between exhaled CO levels and HO-1 gene expression levels. These results
      indicated that increased heme breakdown in the grafted liver is the source of
      increased exhaled CO levels. We also found a significant relationship between HO
      1 gene expression levels and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels; i.e., the
      higher the HO-1 gene expression levels, the higher the ALT levels. These results
      suggest that HO-1-mediated heme breakdown is caused by I/R during LDLT, since it
      is associated with increased exhaled CO levels and liver damage.

PMID- 22037961
TI  - Dominant black-capped chickadees pay no maintenance energy costs for their
      wintering status and are not better at enduring cold than subordinate
      individuals.
AB  - Winter requires physiological adjustments in northern resident passerines. Cold
      acclimatization is generally associated with an increase in physiological
      maintenance costs, measured as basal metabolic rate (BMR), and cold endurance,
      reflected by summit metabolic rate (M(sum)). However, several northern species
      also form social groups in winter and a bird's hierarchical position may
      influence the size of its metabolically active organs as well as its BMR. Winter
      metabolic performance in these species may therefore reflect a complex set of
      adjustments to both seasonal climatic variations and social environment. We
      studied the effect of social status on parameters of cold acclimatization (body
      mass, size of fat reserves and pectoral muscles, BMR and M(sum)) in free-living
      black-capped chickadees (Poecile atricapillus). Birds that were structurally
      large and heavy for their body size, mostly dominant individuals, carried more
      fat reserves and had larger pectoral muscles. However, social status had little
      effect on metabolic performance in the cold. Indeed, M(sum) was independent of
      social rank while mass-corrected BMR was slightly lower in dominant individuals,
      likely due to a statistical dilution effect caused by large metabolically
      inactive fat reserves. BMR and M(sum), whether considered in terms of whole
      animal values, corrected for body mass or body size were nevertheless correlated,
      suggesting a functional link between these metabolic components. Our results
      therefore indicate that the energy cost of social dominance is not a generalized
      phenomenon in small wintering birds.

PMID- 22037962
TI  - Outcomes management: incorporating and sustaining processes critical to using
      outcome data to guide practice improvement.
AB  - An outcomes management system (OMS) greatly facilitates an organization or state
      achieving requirements regarding accountability and use of empirically based
      interventions. A case example of the authors' experience with a successful and
      enduring OMS is presented, followed by a review of the literature and a proposed
      model delineating the key components and benefits of an OMS. Building capacity to
      measure performance requires embedding utilization of youth-specific, clinically
      meaningful outcome data into the organization's processes and structures. An OMS
      measures outcomes associated with services, facilitates implementation of
      evidence-based practices, informs case decision making, enables better and more
      efficient clinical management, and provides aggregated information used to
      improve services. A case-specific supervisory model based on instantaneously
      available information, including progress to date, helps maximize consumer
      outcomes. Continuous quality improvement activities, which are databased and goal
      oriented, become a positive change management tool. This paper describes
      organizational processes that facilitate the development of a highly functional
      OMS.

PMID- 22037963
TI  - Neighborhood contexts and the mediating role of neighborhood social cohesion on
      health and psychological distress among Hispanic and non-Hispanic residents.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neighborhood social cohesion (NSC) may contribute to understanding
      how neighborhood contexts influence the physical and mental health of residents.
      PURPOSE: We examined the relation of NSC to self-rated mental and physical health
      and evaluated the mediating role of NSC on relations between neighborhood
      socioeconomic status, ethnic composition, and health. METHODS: A sample of 3,098
      Hispanic and non-Hispanic residents within 597 census tracts in metropolitan
      Phoenix, Arizona rated their health, psychological distress, and their
      perceptions of NSC. Census tract estimates provided neighborhood contextual
      measures. RESULTS: Neighborhood social cohesion was significantly related to
      better physical and mental health. Both individually rated NSC and neighborhood
      level NSC mediated relations between neighborhood contexts and health outcomes.
      Substantive findings were consistent across Hispanic and non-Hispanic residents.
      CONCLUSIONS: The findings have implications for improving ethnic and
      socioeconomic disparities in physical and mental health through attention to
      social cohesion among neighborhood residents.

PMID- 22037964
TI  - Adherence to risk factor management instructions after acute myocardial
      infarction: the role of emotional support and depressive symptoms.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Emotional support and depression may influence adherence to risk
      factor management instructions after acute myocardial infarction (AMI), but their
      role requires further investigation. PURPOSE: To examine the longitudinal
      association between perceived emotional support and risk factor management
      adherence and assess depressive symptoms as a moderator of this association.
      METHODS: Among 2,202 AMI patients, we assessed adherence to risk factor
      management instructions over the first recovery year. Modified Poisson mixed
      effects regression evaluated associations, with adjustment for demographic and
      clinical factors. RESULTS: Patients with low baseline support had greater risk of
      poor adherence over the first year than patients with high baseline support
      (relative risk [RR] = 1.20, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02-1.43). In
      stratified analyses, low support remained a significant predictor of poor
      adherence for non-depressed (RR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.23-1.61) but not depressed (RR
      = 1.01, 95% CI = 0.78-1.30) patients (p for interaction < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS:
      Low emotional support is associated with poor risk factor management adherence
      after AMI. This relationship is moderated by depression, with a significant
      relationship observed only among non-depressed patients.

PMID- 22037965
TI  - Cancer distress reduction with a couple-based skills training: a randomized
      controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are few interventions for couples facing cancer. PURPOSE: This
      study aims to investigate the utility of providing dyadic skills to these
      couples. METHODS: Woman recently diagnosed with breast or gynecological cancer
      and their partners were randomly assigned to either a couple-skills intervention
      (Side by Side) or to cancer education (Couples Control Program). Assessments with
      self-report and behavioral observation of both partners were conducted four times
      over 16 months. RESULTS: Multilevel analyses of data from 72 participating
      couples suggest that females receiving Side by Side showed larger reductions in
      fear of progression, and couples reported less avoidance in dealing with the
      cancer, more posttraumatic growth, and better relationship skills relative to the
      Couples Control Program. All differences favoring Side by Side disappeared by 16
      months after the diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Short-term changes in functioning may be
      improved by enhancing couples' dyadic skills during acute medical treatment of
      the disease.

PMID- 22037967
TI  - Mercury emission and dispersion models from soils contaminated by cinnabar mining
      and metallurgy.
AB  - The laboratory flux measurement system (LFMS) and dispersion models were used to
      investigate the kinetics of mercury emission flux (MEF) from contaminated soils.
      Representative soil samples with respect to total Hg concentration (26-9770 MUg
      g(-1)) surrounding a decommissioned mercury-mining area (Las Cuevas Mine), and a
      former mercury smelter (Cerco Metalurgico de Almadenejos), in the Almaden mercury
      mining district (South Central Spain), were collected. Altogether, 14 samples
      were analyzed to determine the variation in mercury emission flux (MEF) versus
      distance from the sources, regulating two major environmental parameters
      comprising soil temperature and solar radiation. In addition, the fraction of the
      water-soluble mercury in these samples was determined in order to assess how MEF
      from soil is related to the mercury in the aqueous soil phase. Measured MEFs
      ranged from less than 140 to over 10,000 ng m(-2) h(-1), with the highest
      emissions from contaminated soils adjacent to point sources. A significant
      decrease of MEF was then observed with increasing distance from these sites.
      Strong positive effects of both temperature and solar radiation on MEF was
      observed. Moreover, MEF was found to occur more easily in soils with higher
      proportions of soluble mercury compared to soils where cinnabar prevails. Based
      on the calculated Hg emission rates and with the support of geographical
      information system (GIS) tools and ISC AERMOD software, dispersion models for
      atmospheric mercury were implemented. In this way, the gaseous mercury plume
      generated by the soil-originated emissions at different seasons was modeled.
      Modeling efforts revealed that much higher emissions and larger mercury plumes
      are generated in dry and warm periods (summer), while the plume is smaller and
      associated with lower concentrations of atmospheric mercury during colder periods
      with higher wind activity (fall). Based on the calculated emissions and the model
      implementation, yearly emissions from the "Cerco Metalurgico de Almadenejos"
      decommissioned metallurgical precinct were estimated at 16.4 kg Hg y(-1), with
      significant differences between seasons.

PMID- 22037968
TI  - [Prevalence of abnormal mucosal findings in patients in HNO practices].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To date, no secondary prevention program is in place for patients
      carrying an increased risk for developing head and neck cancer (HNSCC). In terms
      of successful, long-term curative therapy and increased quality of life, it would
      be useful to detect such diseases at an early stage. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A
      total of 370 patients with at least one risk factor such as "smoking", "alcohol",
      or "reflux disease" and without any symptoms were examined during a 1-year period
      using standard HNO methods (e. g. endoscopy) for suspicious alterations of the
      mucosa of the upper aerodigestive tract. RESULTS: In 13 (3.5%) of all 370 cases a
      biopsy was taken for further diagnosis. Squamous cell carcinoma was found in
      eight cases, while one further patient was suffering from non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
      CONCLUSIONS: It is simple and safe to examine patients at risk of developing
      HNSCC by standard HNO methods. The rate of detected carcinomas is much higher
      than in former investigations, likely because our survey focused only on patients
      with specific risk factors.

PMID- 22037969
TI  - [Falls and fall risk factors. Are they relevant in ENT outpatient medical care?].
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The risk of falling increases with age. The problem of
      falls in medical care constantly rises in priority due to demographic changes in
      Germany. Therefore, the risk of falling should be assessed in all patients. The
      present study was intended to evaluate the frequency of falls in daily ENT
      outpatient medical care and the importance of risk factors. PATIENTS/METHODS: A
      multicentre study was performed in six outpatient facilities based on a survey of
      falls and fall risk factors in patients living at home (n = 673) aged 60 years
      and older. RESULTS: Falls are a frequent problem in the elderly. A total of 23%
      had one and 13.7% more than one fall within the previous year. Of these, 15%
      suffered injury, while only 13% used some form of fall prevention. Joint pain and
      problems of the hip and lower extremities (42.6%), abnormal gait (41.3%),
      dizziness and balance disorders (38%) as well as impaired activities of daily
      living (35%) are the most common risk factors for falls and multiple falls in all
      age groups. Impaired hearing is a fall risk factor in elderly patients.
      CONCLUSIONS: Falls are a frequent problem in patients in ENT outpatient medical
      care. Fall prevention is advisable in the context of an interdisciplinary
      approach.

PMID- 22037970
TI  - Deletion of estrogen receptor beta accelerates early stage of bone healing in a
      mouse osteotomy model.
AB  - This study examined the role of estrogen receptor (ER) beta during mouse femoral
      fracture healing by employing ER knockout (KO) mice. The fracture healing in KO
      mice was enhanced in the early stage of neovascularization and the middle stage
      of endochondral ossification. INTRODUCTION: This study was conducted to examine
      the role of ER beta during fracture healing. METHODS: Female ERbeta knockout (KO)
      mice (18 weeks old) and age-matched female wild-type (WT) mice underwent open
      osteotomy on the right femur. They were sacrificed at 1, 2, 4 and 6 weeks post
      fracture. The sera and callus samples were subjected to the following analyses:
      micro-computed tomography (CT)-based angiography, micro-CT evaluation,
      histological examination, histomorphometry examination, real-time polymerase
      chain reaction (PCR) analysis, biochemical marker, and mechanical testing.
      RESULTS: Micro-CT-based angiography showed that the total vessel volume at the
      fracture site was larger in the KO group than the WT group at 1 and 2 weeks post
      fracture. Micro-CT analysis revealed that the callus volume was significantly
      higher in the KO group from week 2 to week 4 post-fracture when compared with the
      WT group consistent with the histological data. Analysis of biochemical markers
      indicated that circulating P1NP levels in the KO mice were significantly higher
      than in the WT mice from week 2 to week 4 and that temporal expression of
      circulating C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) levels was also
      higher in the KO mice than in the WT mice. These results were consistent with
      quantitative real-time PCR analysis. The ultimate load, stiffness, and energy to
      failure were significantly higher in the KO mice than in the WT mice at week 4.
      CONCLUSIONS: The fracture healing in KO mice was enhanced in the early stage of
      neovascularization and the middle stage of endochondral ossification, but not by
      the end of healing. Blockade of ERbeta can be considered as another therapeutic
      strategy for osteoporotic fracture and non-union fracture.

PMID- 22037971
TI  - The influence of participation in Better Bones and BalanceTM on skeletal health:
      evaluation of a community-based exercise program to reduce fall and fracture
      risk.
AB  - Older women participating in Better Bones and BalanceTM (BBB) had similar bone
      mass at the hip compared to a sample of low active/sedentary controls. However,
      both groups had higher than expected hip BMD, despite higher risk for
      osteoporosis among BBB participants. INTRODUCTION: BBB is a community-based fall
      and fracture risk reduction program shown to reduce bone loss at the hip in older
      women under controlled laboratory conditions. Whether bone benefits are derived
      from BBB as delivered in the community setting is unknown. The purpose of this
      study is to evaluate the relationship between community-based BBB participation
      and parameters of skeletal health in postmenopausal women. METHODS: Women were
      recruited from BBB classes (n=69) and compared to low active/sedentary controls
      (n=46); total sample aged 69 + 7.7 years. Bone mineral density (BMD) of the hip
      and spine was measured using DXA; hip bone structure [cross-sectional area, cross
      sectional moment of inertia] at the narrow neck and intertrochanter were derived
      using hip structural analysis software. Diet, physical activity, and health
      history were assessed by questionnaires. Group differences in bone outcomes were
      determined using ANCOVA controlling for age and body mass. RESULTS: While
      controls were heavier and exhibited greater total body BMD compared to BBB
      participants (p<0.05), there were no differences between groups in hip or spine
      BMD or bone structural outcomes (p>0.05) despite BBB participants reporting more
      frequent prior diagnoses of or risk factors for osteoporosis compared to
      controls. Both controls and BBB participants had higher than average T-scores at
      the hip (p<0.05) when compared to an age-matched cohort from NHANES. CONCLUSIONS:
      These data suggest that participation in BBB may not result in direct benefits to
      bone. However long-term participation may be associated with other positive
      outcomes.

PMID- 22037972
TI  - Quantitative ultrasound of the heel and fracture risk assessment: an updated meta
      analysis.
AB  - Meta-analysis of prospective studies shows that quantitative ultrasound of the
      heel using validated devices predicts risk of different types of fracture with
      similar performance across different devices and in elderly men and women. These
      predictions are independent of the risk estimates from hip DXA measures.
      INTRODUCTION: Clinical utilisation of heel quantitative ultrasound (QUS) depends
      on its power to predict clinical fractures. This is particularly important in
      settings that have no access to DXA-derived bone density measurements. We aimed
      to assess the predictive power of heel QUS for fractures using a meta-analysis
      approach. METHODS: We conducted an inverse variance random effects meta-analysis
      of prospective studies with heel QUS measures at baseline and fracture outcomes
      in their follow-up. Relative risks (RR) per standard deviation (SD) of different
      QUS parameters (broadband ultrasound attenuation [BUA], speed of sound [SOS],
      stiffness index [SI], and quantitative ultrasound index [QUI]) for various
      fracture outcomes (hip, vertebral, any clinical, any osteoporotic and major
      osteoporotic fractures) were reported based on study questions. RESULTS: Twenty
      one studies including 55,164 women and 13,742 men were included in the meta
      analysis with a total follow-up of 279,124 person-years. All four QUS parameters
      were associated with risk of different fracture. For instance, RR of hip fracture
      for 1 SD decrease of BUA was 1.69 (95% CI 1.43-2.00), SOS was 1.96 (95% CI 1.64
      2.34), SI was 2.26 (95%CI 1.71-2.99) and QUI was 1.99 (95% CI 1.49-2.67). There
      was marked heterogeneity among studies on hip and any clinical fractures but no
      evidence of publication bias amongst them. Validated devices from different
      manufacturers predicted fracture risks with similar performance (meta-regression
      p values > 0.05 for difference of devices). QUS measures predicted fracture with
      a similar performance in men and women. Meta-analysis of studies with QUS
      measures adjusted for hip BMD showed a significant and independent association
      with fracture risk (RR/SD for BUA = 1.34 [95%CI 1.22-1.49]). CONCLUSIONS: This
      study confirms that heel QUS, using validated devices, predicts risk of different
      fracture outcomes in elderly men and women. Further research is needed for more
      widespread utilisation of the heel QUS in clinical settings across the world.

PMID- 22037974
TI  - Efficient and versatile synthesis of star polymers in water and their use as
      emulsifiers.
AB  - Core cross-linked star polymers of low polydispersity were efficiently prepared
      in high yield by RAFT-mediated emulsion and dispersion polymerizations in water
      at high solid content. These star polymers were demonstrated to be effective
      emulsifiers, and the emulsion was successfully used as template to fabricate
      polymer particles.

PMID- 22037975
TI  - Challenging the myth of urban regeneration: raising the profile of problem
      gambling with a media campaign.
AB  - This paper is an examination of discourses challenging the myth of 'gambling' as
      a form of urban regeneration in Great Britain. The focus is primarily on the
      Daily Mail, which has continually waged a successful media campaign to "Kill the
      Casino Bill" and constructed a powerful public condemnation of gambling as
      regenerative. From an analysis of 156 gambling articles from January 2004 to
      December 2010 common and recurring themes emerged to dismiss gambling as a form
      of regeneration. These were gambling as immoral, criminal and pathological. These
      helped shaped discourses around which the debate on gambling was framed and
      structured.

PMID- 22037976
TI  - Imageability estimates for 3,000 disyllabic words.
AB  - We provide imageability estimates for 3,000 disyllabic words (as supplementary
      materials that may be downloaded with the article from www.springerlink.com ).
      Imageability is a widely studied lexical variable believed to influence semantic
      and memory processes (see, e.g., Paivio, 1971). In addition, imageability
      influences basic word recognition processes (Plaut, McClelland, Seidenberg, &
      Patterson, 1996). In fact, neuroimaging studies have suggested that reading high-
      and low-imageable words elicits distinct neural activation patterns for the two
      types e.g., Bedny & Thompson-Schill (Brain and Language 98:127-139, 2006; Graves,
      Binder, Desai, Conant, & Seidenberg NeuroImage 53:638-646, 2010). Despite the
      usefulness of this variable, imageability estimates have not been available for
      large sets of words. Furthermore, recent megastudies of word processing e.g.,
      Balota et al. (Behavior Research Methods 39:445-459, 2007) have expanded the
      number of words that interested researchers can select according to other lexical
      characteristics (e.g., average naming latencies, lexical decision times, etc.).
      However, the dearth of imageability estimates (as well as those of other lexical
      characteristics) limits the items that researchers can include in their
      experiments. Thus, these imageability estimates for disyllabic words expand the
      number of words available for investigations of word processing, which should be
      useful for researchers interested in the influences of imageability both as an
      input and as an outcome variable.

PMID- 22037977
TI  - Arduino: a low-cost multipurpose lab equipment.
AB  - Typical experiments in psychological and neurophysiological settings often
      require the accurate control of multiple input and output signals. These signals
      are often generated or recorded via computer software and/or external dedicated
      hardware. Dedicated hardware is usually very expensive and requires additional
      software to control its behavior. In the present article, I present some accuracy
      tests on a low-cost and open-source I/O board (Arduino family) that may be useful
      in many lab environments. One of the strengths of Arduinos is the possibility
      they afford to load the experimental script on the board's memory and let it run
      without interfacing with computers or external software, thus granting complete
      independence, portability, and accuracy. Furthermore, a large community has
      arisen around the Arduino idea and offers many hardware add-ons and hundreds of
      free scripts for different projects. Accuracy tests show that Arduino boards may
      be an inexpensive tool for many psychological and neurophysiological labs.

PMID- 22037978
TI  - The expression pattern of ADP-ribosyltransferase 3 in rat traumatic brain injury.
AB  - Mammalian ecto ADP-ribosyltransferases (ARTs) can regulate the biological
      functions of various types of cells by catalyzing the transfer of single ADP
      ribose moiety from NAD+ to a specific amino acid in a target protein. ART3 is a
      member of the known ART family which is involved in cell division, DNA-repair and
      the regulation of the inflammatory response. To elucidate the expression,
      cellular localization and possible functions of ART3 in central nervous system
      (CNS) lesion and repair, we performed an acute traumatic brain injury model in
      adult rats. Western blot analysis showed that the expression of ART3 in
      ipsilateral brain cortex increased, then reached a peak at day 3 after traumatic
      brain injury (TBI), and gradually declined during the following days. But in the
      contralateral brain cortex, no obvious alterations were observed.
      Immunohistochemistry revealed the highly significant accumulation of ART3 at the
      ipsilateral brain in comparison to contralateral cerebral cortex. Double
      immunofluorescence labeling suggested that ART3 was localized mainly in the
      plasmalemma of neurons, but not in astrocytes or microglias within 3 mm from the
      lesion site at day 3 post-injury. In addition, we detected the expression
      profiles of caspase-3 and growth associated protein 43 (GAP-43) whose changes
      were correlated with the expression profiles of ART3 in this TBI model. Besides,
      co-localization of ART3/active caspase-3 and ART3/GAP43 were detected in NeuN
      positive cells, respectively. Moreover, Pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells were
      treated with H2O2 to establish an apoptosis model. The results showed that the
      expression of ART3 was increased in the concentration and time dependence way. To
      further examine the involvement of ART3 in apoptosis of PC12, 3-Methoxybenzamide
      was used in flow cytometry analysis of apoptotic cells stained with Annexin V and
      PI. The experimental group in which 3-Methoxybenzamide used had a relative low
      level of apoptotic index compared with the untreated group. Together with
      previous reports, we hypothesize that ART3 may play important roles in CNS
      pathophysiology after TBI and further research is needed to have a good
      understanding of its function and mechanism.

PMID- 22037979
TI  - Intravenous tissue plasminogen activator treatment for ischemic stroke in
      dabigatran-treated patients.

PMID- 22037980
TI  - Chemokines as markers of local inflammation and angiogenesis in patients with
      chronic subdural hematoma: a prospective study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The goal of this study was to investigate the chemokines CCL2, CXCL8,
      CXCL9 and CXCL10 as markers of the inflammatory responses in chronic subdural
      hematoma (CSDH). METHODS: Samples of peripheral venous blood and CSDH fluid
      (obtained during surgery) in 76 adult patients were prospectively analyzed.
      Chemokine values were assessed by a Multiplex antibody bead kit. RESULTS: We
      found significantly higher levels of chemokines CCL2, CXCL8, CXCL9 and CXCL10 in
      hematoma fluid compared with serum. CONCLUSIONS: Chemokines are elevated in the
      hematoma cavity of patients with CSDH. It is likely that these signaling
      modulators play an important role in promoting local inflammation. Furthermore,
      biological activity of CCL2 and CXCL8 may promote neovascularization within the
      outer CSDH membrane, and a compensatory angiostatic activity of CXCL9 and CXCL10
      may contribute to repairing this disorder. This phenomenon was restricted to the
      hematoma site, and the systemic chemokine levels might not reflect local immune
      responses.

PMID- 22037981
TI  - Pregnancy and childbirth after microsurgery for lumbar disc herniation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The influence of previous lumbar discectomy on pregnancy and
      childbirth has not been extensively studied. This study reports the course of
      pregnancies after lumbar discectomy. METHOD: Twenty-six 31.5 +/- 3.6-year-old
      patients who had delivered 39 children were included. All patients underwent
      lumbar microsurgical discectomy prior to childbirth. Demographic and surgical
      data were collected from hospital records and patient questionnaires. The
      presence and course of low back pain (LBP) and radiculopathy signs were noted.
      FINDINGS: Mean latency between surgery and childbirth was 42.5 +/- 34.8 months.
      Delivery was at gestational week 36 to 42, and the average weight of the newborn
      was 3,390 +/- 0.490 g. Prevalence and new onset of symptoms during pregnancy was
      as follows: low back pain, 76% and 60%; leg pain 37% and 18%; motor deficits 13%
      and 6%; and sensory deficits 39% and 19%, respectively. No recurrent lumbar disc
      herniation was diagnosed within 6 months after pregnancy. Patients suffering from
      radicular pain during pregnancy were at risk of persistence of symptoms 6 months
      after delivery. Three patients had had surgery because of recurrent lumbar disc
      herniation during the follow-up of 7.73 +/- 2.66 years. CONCLUSIONS: The
      incidence of radicular pain during pregnancy after microsurgical discectomy for
      lumbar disc herniation was 18%. The incidence and prevalence of LBP are among the
      highest reported in the literature. The incidence of low back pain and
      radiculopathy signs does not change significantly with subsequent pregnancies.
      The operation rate for recurrent lumbar disc herniation or adjacent level disease
      after pregnancy seems not to be higher than the overall rate reported in the
      literature.

PMID- 22037982
TI  - Clinical relevance of blast-related traumatic brain injury.

PMID- 22037983
TI  - Fracture through the apex of a delta tibia (minor tibial duplication) following
      minor injury.
AB  - Delta tibia (also known as minor tibial duplication) is a rare variant of
      congenital anterolateral tibial bowing. It is not associated with
      neurofibromatosis or pseudarthrosis in which there are characteristic changes on
      the lateral radiograph. This deformity is not thought to be prone to fracture. We
      describe a child with this deformity, who during a 4-year period sustained two
      separate fractures following relatively minor trauma. In both circumstances, the
      injury healed well with no evidence of pseudarthrosis formation.

PMID- 22037984
TI  - Guidelines on the ethics of clinical research in anesthesia.

PMID- 22037985
TI  - Alternative site for median nerve blockade allowing early functional
      rehabilitation after hand surgery.
AB  - PURPOSE: In this report we describe an alternative approach to catheter placement
      for continuous selective median nerve blockade. It spared the finger movements
      and therefore allowed early postoperative rehabilitation in a patient who
      underwent surgical repair of the index finger flexor tendon. CLINICAL FEATURES: A
      patient with a complicated history of traumatic index finger flexor tendon
      rupture, surgical repair, failed rehabilitation due to poor postoperative pain
      control, adhesion formation, and subsequent rerupture due to tenolysis was
      admitted for reconstructive surgery. This time, a continuous regional block was
      used. Although the insertion of a catheter at the wrist level would have spared
      the anterior interosseous branch of the median nerve and preserved finger
      movements, a more distant site had to be chosen to avoid proximity to the
      surgical wound. Therefore, under combined ultrasonography and neurostimulation
      guidance, the catheter was inserted in the proximal one-third of the patient's
      forearm distal to the branching-off point of the anterior interosseous nerve.
      Continuous ropivacaine infusion was initiated and maintained until being stopped
      on the afternoon of the third postoperative day, providing good analgesia without
      interfering with postoperative physiotherapy, which was successfully completed
      during this hospitalization. CONCLUSION: Placement of a catheter for continuous
      median nerve blockade in the proximal one-third of the forearm for effective
      postoperative pain-free rehabilitation after hand surgery should be considered in
      cases in which the surgical incision extends toward the patient's wrist. The
      block site can be readily identified by a combined use of ultrasonography and
      neurostimulation guidance.

PMID- 22037986
TI  - Extubation of a difficult airway after thyroidectomy: use of a flexible
      bronchoscope via the LMA-ClassicTM.
AB  - PURPOSE: We report an extubation strategy for a patient scheduled for
      thyroidectomy who had several factors indicating that it would be a difficult
      extubation. CLINICAL FEATURES: A 75-yr-old man with thyroid cancer presented for
      total thyroidectomy. He had anatomical features predictive of a difficult upper
      airway. Therefore, his trachea was intubated while he was awake using a flexible
      bronchoscope. The tumour had invaded the trachea, necessitating total
      thyroidectomy, 3-cm tracheal resection, and primary tracheal anastomosis. The
      left recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) was inherently involved in the tumour and
      sacrificed. A "guardian suture" placed between the chin and the chest maintained
      the head and neck in flexion, thereby avoiding traction on the tracheal
      anastomosis. Immediate postoperative extubation was desirable, given the new
      tracheal anastomosis; however, complicating factors included left RLN paralysis,
      tracheal anastomosis, potential for tracheomalacia or supraglottic airway
      swelling, and the guardian suture preventing neck extension. In addition, there
      were anatomical features raising the suspicion of difficult reintubation should
      it be necessary. With the patient deeply anesthetized, the endotracheal tube was
      removed and replaced with the Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA)-ClassicTM as a bridging
      device to facilitate bronchoscopic examination. It allowed us to visualize the
      tracheal repair, tracheal movement, vocal cord function, and supraglottic
      structures. The patient emerged from anesthesia and was extubated uneventfully.
      CONCLUSION: We describe a viable extubation strategy used in a patient after
      complex thyroid surgery involving tracheal resection. By using the LMA-ClassicTM
      as a bridging device and to facilitate bronchoscopic examination, we were able to
      address the above concerns and safely manage the extubation phase in this
      patient.

PMID- 22037987
TI  - Development of a pharmacist collaborative care program for pulmonary arterial
      hypertension.
AB  - Patients with Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH) require multidisciplinary
      care. Involving pharmacists in PAH multidisciplinary care teams may enhance
      patient education and improve medication use. We describe the implementation of a
      Pharmacist Collaborative Care Program (PCCP) in a PAH referral centre in
      Grenoble, France. Initiated in 2007, the PCCP program includes a pharmacist
      intervention whose goals are educational, psychosocial, and technical. During
      patient interviews, pharmacists make an 'educational diagnosis' and provide a
      patient-specific education session. Patient skills are evaluated at the end of
      the session. Pharmacists provide feedback to nurses and physicians through a
      standardized report form and discussion during medical rounds and PAH group
      meetings. Pharmacists re-evaluate patients' skills every 3-6 months during
      multidisciplinary clinical evaluations. The PCCP program for PAH is an
      established practice in Grenoble and may inform future patient education programs
      involving pharmacists in France, where legislation has recently been passed to
      standardize patient education.

PMID- 22037988
TI  - Pleomorphic basal cell carcinoma of the eyelid with true ductular
      differentiation.

PMID- 22037989
TI  - Writing out prescriptions: hyperrealism and the chemical regulation of mood.
AB  - Using contemporary literary sources, we explore the powerful ideological
      framework that normalises prescription dependency as part of everyday life,
      focusing upon the treatment of mood disorders. Through a literary critical
      methodology, we read novels by American hyperrealists such as Bret Easton Ellis,
      David Foster Wallace and Rick Moody as symptomatic of prescription culture.
      Though we argue that these writers brilliantly understand the dangers of mood
      medication, they do not escape its logic, rather, 'writing it out' as they write
      against it. Indeed, we propose that their novels bear ironic similarities to
      medical texts such as the British National Formulary, usually seen as a neutral
      handbook for physicians' guidance in prescribing. We explicate their method as
      that of deconstruction, which, in contrast to more obvious critiques of chemical
      treatment, such as therapy, neither analyses nor cures. Though this method
      underplays the possibility of pragmatic and political resistance exemplified by
      alternative formularies such as the long-established feminist health manual Our
      Bodies, Ourselves, we argue that its very ambiguity uniquely exposes the complex
      determinisms associated with prescribed medication. We thus propose the value of
      drawing on deconstructive literature to better understand 'health' interventions
      such as prescription drugs for the regulation of mood.

PMID- 22037991
TI  - Assessing habitat quality of farm-dwelling house sparrows in different
      agricultural landscapes.
AB  - Having historically been abundant throughout Europe, the house sparrow (Passer
      domesticus) has in recent decades suffered severe population declines in many
      urban and rural areas. The decline in rural environments is believed to be caused
      by agricultural intensification, which has resulted in landscape simplification.
      We used giving-up densities (GUDs) of house sparrows feeding in artificial food
      patches placed in farmlands of southern Sweden to determine habitat quality
      during the breeding season at two different spatial scales: the landscape and the
      patch scale. At the landscape scale, GUDs were lower on farms in homogeneous
      landscapes dominated by crop production compared to more heterogeneous landscapes
      with mixed farming or animal husbandry. At the patch level, feeding patches with
      a higher predation risk (caused by fitting a wall to the patch to obstruct
      vigilance) had higher GUDs. In addition, GUDs were positively related to
      population size, which strongly implies that GUDs reflect habitat quality.
      However, the increase followed different patterns in homogeneous and
      heterogeneous landscapes, indicating differing population limiting mechanisms in
      these two environments. We found no effect of the interaction between patch type
      and landscape type, suggesting that predation risk was similar in both landscape
      types. Thus, our study suggests that simplified landscapes constitute a poorer
      feeding environment for house sparrows during breeding, that the population
      regulating mechanisms in the landscapes differ, but that predation risk is the
      same across the landscape types.

PMID- 22037992
TI  - Irreversibility of a bad start: early exposure to osmotic stress limits growth
      and adaptive developmental plasticity.
AB  - Harsh environments experienced early in development have immediate effects and
      potentially long-lasting consequences throughout ontogeny. We examined how
      salinity fluctuations affected survival, growth and development of Fejervarya
      limnocharis tadpoles. Specifically, we tested whether initial salinity effects on
      growth and rates of development were reversible and whether they affected the
      tadpoles' ability to adaptively accelerate development in response to
      deteriorating conditions later in development. Tadpoles were initially assigned
      to either low or high salinity, and then some were switched between salinity
      levels upon reaching either Gosner stage 30 (early switch) or 38 (late switch).
      All tadpoles initially experiencing low salinity survived whereas those initially
      experiencing high salinity had poor survival, even if switched to low salinity.
      Growth and developmental rates of tadpoles initially assigned to high salinity
      did not increase after osmotic stress release. Initial low salinity conditions
      allowed tadpoles to attain a fast pace of development even if exposed to high
      salinity afterwards. Tadpoles experiencing high salinity only late in development
      metamorphosed faster and at a smaller size, indicating an adaptive acceleration
      of development to avoid osmotic stress. Nonetheless, early exposure to high
      salinity precluded adaptive acceleration of development, always causing delayed
      metamorphosis relative to those in initially low salinity. Our results thus show
      that stressful environments experienced early in development can critically
      impact life history traits, having long-lasting or irreversible effects, and
      restricting their ability to produce adaptive plastic responses.

PMID- 22037993
TI  - A meta-analysis of plant physiological and growth responses to temperature and
      elevated CO(2).
AB  - Atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO(2)) and global mean temperature are expected to be
      significantly higher by the end of the 21st century. Elevated CO(2) (eCO(2)) and
      higher temperature each affect plant physiology and growth, but their interactive
      effects have not been reviewed statistically with respect to higher chronic mean
      temperatures and abrupt heat stress. In this meta-analysis, we examined the
      effect of CO(2) on the physiology and growth of plants subjected to different
      temperature treatments. The CO(2) treatments were categorized into ambient (<400
      ppm) or elevated (>560 ppm) levels, while temperature treatments were categorized
      into ambient temperature (AT), elevated temperature (ET; AT + 1.4-6 degrees C),
      or heat stress (HS; AT + >8 degrees C). Plant species were grouped according to
      photosynthetic pathways (C(3), C(4)), functional types (legumes, non-legumes),
      growth forms (herbaceous, woody), and economic purposes (crop, non-crop). eCO(2)
      enhanced net photosynthesis at AT, ET, and HS in C(3) species (especially at the
      HS level), but in C(4) species, it had no effect at AT, a positive effect at ET,
      and a negative effect at HS. The positive effect of eCO(2) on net photosynthesis
      was greater for legumes than for non-legumes at HS, for non-crops than crops at
      ET, and for woody than herbaceous species at ET and HS. Total (W (T)) and above-
      (W (AG)) and below-ground (W (BG)) biomass were increased by eCO(2) for most
      species groups at all temperatures, except for C(4) species and W (BG) of legumes
      at HS. Hence, eCO(2) * heat effects on growth were often not explained by effects
      on net photosynthesis. Overall, the results show that eCO(2) effects on plant
      physiology and growth vary under different temperature regimes, among functional
      groups and photosynthetic pathways, and among response variables. These findings
      have important implications for biomass accumulation and ecosystem functioning in
      the future when the CO(2) level is higher and climate extremes, such as heat
      waves, become more frequent.

PMID- 22037994
TI  - CT of the adrenal gland: the many faces of adrenal hemorrhage.
AB  - Adrenal hemorrhage is rarely suspected clinically, exhibits no specific clinical
      symptoms or laboratory findings, and yet is immediately life-threatening when
      bilateral. Recognition of adrenal hematomas is complicated by the variable
      appearance of these lesions. We survey the ways in which adrenal hematomas can
      appear on CT and provide strategies for differentiating hematomas from other
      adrenal pathologies.

PMID- 22037995
TI  - Development of an ICT-based ratiometric fluorescent hypochlorite probe suitable
      for living cell imaging.
AB  - We have judiciously constructed a novel ICT-based ratiometric OCl(-) probe
      capable of ratiometric imaging in the live cells based on the new OCl(-)-promoted
      de-diaminomaleonitrile reaction.

PMID- 22037996
TI  - Explaining the motherhood wage penalty during the early occupational career.
AB  - Prior research shows that mothers earn lower hourly wages than women without
      children, and that this maternal wage penalty cannot be fully explained by
      differences between mothers and other women in work experience and job
      characteristics. This research examines whether the residual motherhood wage
      penalty results from differences between mothers and other women in the
      accumulation of work interruptions and breaks in schooling. Using longitudinal
      data for 486 women followed from ages 19 to 31 in the Minnesota Youth Development
      Study, we find that accumulated months not in the labor force and not enrolled in
      school explain the residual pay gap between mothers and other women.

PMID- 22037997
TI  - Treatment of ocular myasthenia gravis.
AB  - OPINION STATEMENT: Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disorder that is
      characterized by variable weakness and fatigability. Often, MG presents with only
      ocular symptoms such as ptosis and diplopia. Treatment of ocular MG is aimed at
      relieving the symptoms of ptosis and diplopia, as well as preventing the
      development of generalized MG symptoms. Immune suppression with steroids is often
      the main therapy. Steroid doses must be increased slowly because of a risk of
      precipitating myasthenic crisis. After achieving the highest target dose,
      steroids are then slowly tapered down to the lowest effective dose. Often,
      acetylcholinesterase inhibitors such as pyridostigmine and neostigmine are also
      employed to help control symptoms. When steroids are contraindicated,
      acetylcholinesterase inhibitors can be tried as the primary therapy. Steroid
      sparing agents such as azathioprine and mycophenolate may also have a role in
      treating ocular MG. Other treatments for MG include plasmapheresis, intravenous
      immunoglobulin, and other immunosuppressive agents, but these are rarely required
      for ocular MG. Patients should also be evaluated for thymoma. Thymoma should be
      resected surgically. Ocular MG without thymoma is not usually treated with
      thymectomy. Topical agents may be useful as additional therapy for mild or
      moderate ptosis. Nonpharmacologic treatments include occlusive devices, prisms,
      eyelid supports, contact lenses, and (in long-standing, stable cases) strabismus
      surgery or eyelid elevation surgery.

PMID- 22037998
TI  - Treatment of vision loss in giant cell arteritis.
AB  - OPINION STATEMENT: If giant cell arteritis is suspected as a cause of visual
      loss, emergent management is necessary. Clinical suspicion should prompt the
      practitioner to obtain laboratory studies and initiate treatment prior to
      establishing the diagnosis. The evaluation includes immediate erythrocyte
      sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and complete blood count
      (CBC). Treatment begins with high-dose intravenous corticosteroids. We recommend
      intravenous methylprednisolone (250 mg every 6 h) for 3 to 5 days. During that
      time, a temporal artery biopsy should be performed for pathologic diagnosis. We
      also begin daily adjunctive aspirin orally. After the initial bolus of
      intravenous corticosteroids, therapy transitions to oral prednisone administered
      at 1 mg/kg per day until the activity of the disease process attenuates, as
      demonstrated by improvement in systemic symptoms and normalization of both ESR
      and CRP. This change usually occurs in the first 3 to 4 weeks. The patient should
      be followed closely, with therapy tapered as guided by systemic symptoms, ESR,
      and CRP. To maximize the use of remaining vision, appropriate patients should be
      referred to specialists for help with low-vision therapies, assistive devices,
      and precautions to protect the better-seeing eye.

PMID- 22037999
TI  - Darwin and his pigeons. The analogy between artificial  and natural selection
      revisited.
AB  - The analogy between artificial selection of domestic varieties and natural
      selection in nature was a vital element of Darwin's argument in his Origin of
      Species. Ever since, the image of breeders creating new varieties by artificial
      selection has served as a convincing illustration of how the theory works. In
      this paper I argue that we need to reconsider our understanding of Darwin's
      analogy. Contrary to what is often assumed, nineteenth-century animal breeding
      practices constituted a highly controversial field that was fraught with
      difficulties. It was only with considerable effort that Darwin forged his
      analogy, and he only succeeded by downplaying the importance of two other
      breeding techniques - crossing of varieties and inbreeding - that many breeders
      deemed essential to obtain new varieties. Part of the explanation for Darwin's
      gloss on breeding practices, I shall argue, was that the methods of his main
      informants, the breeders of fancy pigeons, were not representative of what went
      on in the breeding world at large. Darwin seems to have been eager to take the
      pigeon fanciers at their word, however, as it was only their methods that
      provided him with the perfect analogy with natural selection. Thus while his
      studies of domestic varieties were important for the development of the concept
      of natural selection, the reverse was also true: Darwin's comprehension of
      breeding practices was moulded by his understanding of the working of natural
      selection in nature. Historical studies of domestic breeding practices in the
      eighteenth and nineteenth century confirm that, besides selection, the techniques
      of inbreeding and crossing were much more important than Darwin's interpretation
      allowed for. And they still are today. This calls for a reconsideration of the
      pedagogic use of Darwin's analogy too.

PMID- 22038000
TI  - Classification of breast lesions based on a dual S-shaped logistic model in
      dynamic contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging.
AB  - This study proposes a novel dual S-shaped logistic model for automatically
      quantifying the characteristic kinetic curves of breast lesions and for
      distinguishing malignant from benign breast tumors on dynamic contrast enhanced
      (DCE) magnetic resonance (MR) images. D(alpha,beta) is the diagnostic parameter
      derived from the logistic model. Significant differences were found in
      D(alpha,beta) between the malignant benign groups. Fisher's Linear Discriminant
      analysis correctly classified more than 90% of the benign and malignant kinetic
      breast data using the derived diagnostic parameter (D(alpha,beta)). Receiver
      operating characteristic curve analysis of the derived diagnostic parameter
      (D(alpha,beta)) indicated high sensitivity and specificity to differentiate
      malignancy from benignancy. The dual S-shaped logistic model was effectively used
      to fit the kinetic curves of breast lesions in DCE-MR. Separation between benign
      and malignant breast lesions was achieved with sufficient accuracy by using the
      derived diagnostic parameter D(alpha,beta) as the lesion's feature. The proposed
      method therefore has the potential for computer-aided diagnosis in breast tumors.

PMID- 22038001
TI  - Dynamic expression of the LAP family of genes during early development of Xenopus
      tropicalis.
AB  - The leucine-rich repeats and PDZ (LAP) family of genes are crucial for the
      maintenance of cell polarity as well as for epithelial homeostasis and tumor
      suppression in both vertebrates and invertebrates. Four members of this gene
      family are known: densin, erbin, scribble and lano. Here, we identified the four
      members of the LAP gene family in Xenopus tropicalis and studied their expression
      patterns during embryonic development. The Xenopus LAP proteins show a conserved
      domain structure that is similar to their homologs in other vertebrates. In
      Xenopus embryos, these genes were detected in animal cap cells at the early
      gastrula stage. At later stages of development, they were widely expressed in
      epithelial tissues that are highly polar in nature, including the neural
      epithelia, optic and otic vesicles, and in the pronephros. These data suggest
      that the roles of the Xenopus LAP genes in the control of cell polarity and
      morphogenesis are conserved during early development. Erbin and lano show similar
      expression patterns in the developing head, suggesting potential functional
      interactions between the two molecules in vivo.

PMID- 22038002
TI  - Effects of fasting and refeeding on expression of MAFbx and MuRF1 in chick
      skeletal muscle.
AB  - The present study investigated the effects of fasting and refeeding on the
      expression of proteasome-related genes and their downstream targets in the
      skeletal muscles of chicks. Seven-day-old chicks were fasted for 24 or 48 h and
      then refed for 4 h. The expression levels of MAFbx and MuRF1, which function as
      E3 ligases in the ubiquitin-proteasome system, were investigated at the mRNA and
      protein levels. MAFbx and MuRF1 expression were increased by fasting and these
      increases were downregulated by refeeding. The expression of the target proteins
      of these E3 ligases, MyoD and M-CK, was also analyzed. The levels of these
      proteins were downregulated by fasting, and these decreases were rescued by
      refeeding. The results of this study indicate that fasting stimulates MAFbx and
      MuRF1 expression in chicks, possibly leading to increased degradation of their
      corresponding target proteins.

PMID- 22038003
TI  - Inhibition of adipogenic differentiation by myostatin is alleviated by arginine
      supplementation in porcine-muscle-derived mesenchymal stem cells.
AB  - Porcine mesenchymal stem cells in postnatal muscle have been demonstrated to
      differentiate into adipocytes. This increases adipocyte number and lipid
      accumulation, and is thought to be the origin of intramuscular fat. In this
      study, the effects of myostatin and arginine on adipogenic differentiation in
      mesenchymal stem cells derived from porcine muscle (pMDSCs) were investigated in
      vitro. Intracellular triglyceride levels were reduced by exogenous myostatin and
      increased by arginine supplementation or myostatin antibody (P<0.01). The
      inhibition of lipid accumulation by myostatin in pMDSCs was alleviated by
      arginine supplementation (P<0.01). Expression patterns of adipogenic
      transcription factors showed that exogenous myostatin suppressed PPARgamma2 and
      aP2 expression (P<0.01), while supplemental arginine or myostatin antibody
      promoted ADD1 expression (P<0.01). Furthermore, compared with the addition of
      either myostatin protein or antibody alone, ADD1 and PPARdelta expression were
      promoted by the combination of arginine and myostatin (P<0.01), and arginine
      combined with myostatin antibody promoted the expression of ADD1, PPARdelta,
      C/EBPalpha, PPARgamma2 and LPL in pMDSCs (P<0.05). These results suggest that
      myostatin inhibits adipogenesis in pMDSCs, and that this can be alleviated by
      arginine supplementation, at least in part, through promoting ADD1 and PPARdelta
      expression.

PMID- 22038004
TI  - Mitogenomic analysis of the genus Panthera.
AB  - The complete sequences of the mitochondrial DNA genomes of Panthera tigris,
      Panthera pardus, and Panthera uncia were determined using the polymerase chain
      reaction method. The lengths of the complete mitochondrial DNA sequences of the
      three species were 16990, 16964, and 16773 bp, respectively. Each of the three
      mitochondrial DNA genomes included 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA, two rRNA,
      one O(L)R, and one control region. The structures of the genomes were highly
      similar to those of Felis catus, Acinonyx jubatus, and Neofelis nebulosa. The
      phylogenies of the genus Panthera were inferred from two combined mitochondrial
      sequence data sets and the complete mitochondrial genome sequences, by MP
      (maximum parsimony), ML (maximum likelihood), and Bayesian analysis. The results
      showed that Panthera was composed of Panthera leo, P. uncia, P. pardus, Panthera
      onca, P. tigris, and N. nebulosa, which was included as the most basal member.
      The phylogeny within Panthera genus was N. nebulosa (P. tigris (P. onca (P.
      pardus, (P. leo, P. uncia)))). The divergence times for Panthera genus were
      estimated based on the ML branch lengths and four well-established calibration
      points. The results showed that at about 11.3 MYA, the Panthera genus separated
      from other felid species and then evolved into the several species of the genus.
      In detail, N. nebulosa was estimated to be founded about 8.66 MYA, P. tigris
      about 6.55 MYA, P. uncia about 4.63 MYA, and P. pardus about 4.35 MYA. All these
      estimated times were older than those estimated from the fossil records. The
      divergence event, evolutionary process, speciation, and distribution pattern of
      P. uncia, a species endemic to the central Asia with core habitats on the Qinghai
      Tibetan Plateau and surrounding highlands, mostly correlated with the geological
      tectonic events and intensive climate shifts that happened at 8, 3.6, 2.5, and
      1.7 MYA on the plateau during the late Cenozoic period.

PMID- 22038005
TI  - Characteristics of the phytoplankton community and bioaccumulation of heavy
      metals during algal blooms in Xiangjiang River (Hunan, China).
AB  - The frequency of algal blooms has increased in the mid and downstream reaches of
      the Xiangjiang River (Hunan, China), one of the most heavily polluted rivers in
      China. We identified the bloom-forming species in a bloom that occurred mid-late
      September 2010. In addition, we determined the extent of metal bioaccumulation in
      the algae and measured the toxicity of the algae using a mouse bioassay. Water
      samples were collected at upstream (Yongzhou), midstream (Hengyang), and
      downstream (Zhuzhou, Xiangtan, and Changsha) sites. The dominant species was
      Aulacoseira granulata, formerly known as Melosira granulata. The heaviest bloom
      occurred at Xiangtan and Changsha, where the number of A. granulata peaked at
      1.3*10(5) filaments L(-1) and chlorophyll a at 0.04 mg L(-1). Concentrations of
      Al, Fe, and Mn were 4.4*10(3), 768.4, and 138.7 mg kg(-1) dry weight in the
      phytoplankton. The bioaccumulation factor was 4.0*10(5), 7.7*10(5), and
      3.2*10(3), respectively. The heavy metal Pb had the greatest tendency to
      bioaccumulate among the highly toxic heavy metals, with a concentration of 19.2
      mg kg(-1) dry weight and bioaccumulation factor of 9.6*10(3). The mouse bioassay
      suggested the bloom was toxic. The LD(50) was 384 mg kg(-1) and all surviving
      mice lost weight during the first 72 h after exposure. Our results demonstrate
      that blooms of A. granulata in rivers contaminated with heavy metals pose a
      threat to freshwater ecosystems and human health. Thus, measures should be taken
      to control eutrophication and heavy metal pollution in such rivers.

PMID- 22038006
TI  - Evaluation of upper limb muscle fatigue based on surface electromyography.
AB  - Fatigue is believed to be a major contributory factor to occupational injuries in
      machine operators. The development of accurate and usable techniques to measure
      operator fatigue is therefore important. In this study, we used a novel method
      based on surface electromyography (sEMG) of the biceps brachii and the Borg scale
      to evaluate local muscle fatigue in the upper limb after isometric muscle action.
      Thirteen young males performed isometric actions with the upper limb at different
      force levels. sEMG activities of the biceps brachii were recorded during the
      actions. Borg scales were used to evaluate the subjective sensation of local
      fatigue of the biceps brachii after the actions. sEMG activities were analyzed
      using the one-third band octave method, and an equation to determine the degree
      of fatigue was derived based on the relationship between the variable and the
      Borg scale. The results showed that the relationship could be expressed by a
      conic curve, and could be used to evaluate muscle fatigue during machine
      operation.

PMID- 22038007
TI  - High-performance single-chip exon capture allows accurate whole exome sequencing
      using the Illumina Genome Analyzer.
AB  - Here we present an adaptation of NimbleGen 2.1M-probe array sequence capture for
      whole exome sequencing using the Illumina Genome Analyzer (GA) platform. The
      protocol involves two-stage library construction. The specificity of exome
      enrichment was approximately 80% with 95.6% even coverage of the 34 Mb target
      region at an average sequencing depth of 33-fold. Comparison of our results with
      whole genome shot-gun resequencing results showed that the exome SNP calls gave
      only 0.97% false positive and 6.27% false negative variants. Our protocol is also
      well suited for use with whole genome amplified DNA. The results presented here
      indicate that there is a promising future for large-scale population genomics and
      medical studies using a whole exome sequencing approach.

PMID- 22038008
TI  - Accurate assessment of antibiotic susceptibility and screening resistant strains
      of a bacterial population by linear gradient plate.
AB  - The dynamics of a bacterial population exposed to the minimum inhibitory
      concentration (MIC) of an antibiotic is an important issue in pharmacological
      research. Therefore, a novel antibiotic susceptibility test is urgently needed
      that can both precisely determine the MIC and accurately select antibiotic
      resistant strains from clinical bacterial populations. For this purpose, we
      developed a method based on Fick's laws of diffusion using agar plates containing
      a linear gradient of antibiotic. The gradient plate contained two layers. The
      bottom layer consisted of 15 mL agar containing the appropriate concentration of
      enrofloxacin and allowed to harden in the form of a wedge with the plate slanted
      such that the entire bottom was just covered. The upper layer consisted of 15 mL
      plain nutrient agar added with the plate held in the horizontal position. After
      allowing vertical diffusion of the drug from the bottom agar layer for 12 h, the
      enrofloxacin concentration was diluted in proportion to the ratio of the agar
      layer thicknesses. The uniform linear concentration gradient was verified by
      measuring the enrofloxacin concentration on the agar surface. When heavy
      bacterial suspensions were spread on the agar surface and incubated for more than
      12 h, only resistant cells were able to form colonies beyond the boundary of
      confluent growth of susceptible cells. In this way, the true MIC of enrofloxacin
      was determined. The MICs obtained using this linear gradient plate were
      consistent with those obtained using conventional antibiotic susceptibility
      tests. Discrete colonies were then spread onto a gradient plate with higher
      antibiotic concentrations; the boundary line increased significantly, and gene
      mutations conferring resistance were identified. This new method enables the
      rapid identification of resistant strains in the bacterial population. Use of the
      linear gradient plate can easily identify the precise MIC and reveal the dynamic
      differentiation of bacteria near the MIC. This method allows the study of genetic
      and physiological characteristics of individual strains, and may be useful for
      early warning of antibiotic resistance that may occur after use of certain
      antimicrobial agents, and guide clinical treatment.

PMID- 22038009
TI  - Meditation promotes insightful problem-solving by keeping people in a mindful and
      alert conscious state.
AB  - Although previous studies have shown that sleep can inspire insight, it is still
      unclear whether meditation can promote insight. Meditation differs from other
      types of passive rest such as relaxation and sleep because it requires full
      consciousness and mindfulness of targets such as one's breathing. Forty-eight
      university students without meditation experience were recruited to learn a
      simple meditation technique. They were given a list of 10 insight problems to
      solve (the pre-test session). In this study, we focused on the unsolved problems
      and examined if they could be successfully solved after a 20 min rest interval
      with or without meditation. Results showed that relative to the control group
      that listened to Chinese or English words and made a language judgment, the
      groups who learned meditation successfully solved significantly more failed
      problems from the pre-test session, providing direct evidence for the role of
      meditation in promoting insight. Further analysis showed that maintaining a
      mindful and alert state during meditation (raising a hand to report every 10 deep
      breaths compared to every 100 deep breaths) resulted in more insight regarding
      the failed items from the pre-test session. This implies that it was watchfulness
      in meditation, rather than relaxation, that actually contributed to insight.
      Consistently, in the meditation session or control task, the percentage of alpha
      waves-a brain index of mental relaxation-was negatively correlated with insight.
      These results suggest a meditation-based insight-promoting mechanism different
      from that involved in passive rest such as relaxation and sleep.

PMID- 22038010
TI  - Nasopharyngeal carcinoma: advances in genomics and molecular genetics.

PMID- 22038011
TI  - Inflammation, lipid metabolism dysfunction, and hypertension: active research
      fields in atherosclerosis-related cardiovascular disease in China.

PMID- 22038013
TI  - Multi-focal EBV-mucocutaneous ulcer heralding late-onset T-cell immunodeficiency
      in a woman with lupus erythematosus.

PMID- 22038014
TI  - Motor disability in the setting of oral anticoagulant therapy.

PMID- 22038015
TI  - Discrepancy in EBV-DNA load between peripheral blood and cerebrospinal fluid in a
      patient with isolated CNS post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder.
AB  - Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) is a fatal complication of
      allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) that is caused by
      reactivation of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). A successful approach, monitoring EBV
      DNA load in peripheral blood (PB) accompanied by preemptive rituximab therapy,
      has recently been reported. Here, we describe a 29-year-old woman who developed
      isolated central nervous system (CNS) PTLD. She received HSCT against acute
      myelogenous leukemia from a related human leukocyte antigen-haploidentical donor,
      following a conditioning regimen that included antithymocyte globulin. Tacrolimus
      and methylprednisolone were given as prophylaxis for graft-versus-host disease.
      On day +172, the patient's consciousness deteriorated. Magnetic resonance imaging
      showed six ring-enhanced lesions in the cerebral hemispheres. These tumors were
      diagnosed, via a craniotomy and tumorectomy, as PTLD. EBV-DNA load was elevated
      in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) but not detected in PB. She was treated with
      whole-brain irradiation and rituximab, and achieved partial remission of the
      tumors. This case serves as a reminder that vigilance is required regarding the
      development of isolated CNS PTLD; it is worth examining EBV-DNA replication in
      CSF for diagnosis even when the EBV-DNA load is negative in PB.

PMID- 22038016
TI  - MK886 inhibits the proliferation of HL-60 leukemia cells by suppressing the
      expression of mPGES-1 and reducing prostaglandin E2 synthesis.
AB  - Microsomal prostaglandin E synthase-1 (mPGES-1), an inducible enzyme that
      specifically catalyzes the conversion of prostaglandin H2 (PGH2) to prostaglandin
      E2 (PGE2), has been reported to be over-expressed in a variety of solid tumor
      cells and tissues, but not in normal tissues. Its association with leukemia,
      however, has not been fully investigated. Our study revealed, for the first time,
      that mPGES-1 is over-expressed in human acute myeloid leukemia HL-60 cells.
      Cytotoxicity assays and flow cytometry showed that MK886, an inhibitor of mPGES
      1, inhibits proliferation of HL-60 cells and induces apoptosis in a dose- and
      time-dependent manner, which may result from down-regulation of mPGES-1
      expression and PGE2 synthesis. Evaluation of mediators of apoptotic signaling
      revealed up-regulation of BAX expression and caspase-3 activity, as well as
      significant decreases in Bcl2 and P-Akt. We conclude that MK886 reduces the
      viability of leukemia HL-60 cells by reducing mPGES-1 expression and PGE2
      synthesis in a dose-dependent manner, which strongly suggests that mPGES-1
      inhibitors should be considered as promising candidates for leukemia treatment.

PMID- 22038017
TI  - Interlaboratory evaluation of trace element determination in workplace air filter
      samples by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.
AB  - Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is becoming more widely
      used for trace elemental analysis in the occupational hygiene field, and
      consequently new ICP-MS international standard procedures have been promulgated
      by ASTM International and ISO. However, there is a dearth of interlaboratory
      performance data for this analytical methodology. In an effort to fill this data
      void, an interlaboratory evaluation of ICP-MS for determining trace elements in
      workplace air samples was conducted, towards fulfillment of method validation
      requirements for international voluntary consensus standard test methods. The
      study was performed in accordance with applicable statistical procedures for
      investigating interlaboratory precision. The evaluation was carried out using
      certified 37-mm diameter mixed-cellulose ester (MCE) filters that were fortified
      with 21 elements of concern in occupational hygiene. Elements were spiked at
      levels ranging from 0.025 to 10 MUg filter(-1), with three different filter
      loadings denoted "Low", "Medium" and "High". Participating laboratories were
      recruited from a pool of over fifty invitees; ultimately twenty laboratories from
      Europe, North America and Asia submitted results. Triplicates of each certified
      filter with elemental contents at three different levels, plus media blanks
      spiked with reagent, were conveyed to each volunteer laboratory. Each participant
      was also provided a copy of the test method which each participant was asked to
      follow; spiking levels were unknown to the participants. The laboratories were
      requested to prepare the filters by one of three sample preparation procedures,
      i.e., hotplate digestion, microwave digestion or hot block extraction, which were
      described in the test method. Participants were then asked to analyze aliquots of
      the prepared samples by ICP-MS, and to report their data in units of MUg filter(
      1). Most interlaboratory precision estimates were acceptable for medium- and high
      level spikes (RSD <25%), but generally yielded greater uncertainties than were
      anticipated at the outset of the study.

PMID- 22038018
TI  - Cyclooxygenase-dependent signaling is causally linked to non-melanoma skin
      carcinogenesis: pharmacological, genetic, and clinical evidence.
AB  - Cyclooxygenase (COX)-derived prostaglandins (PGs) exhibit manifold functions in
      acute and chronic skin inflammation induced by a number of physical (ultraviolet
      (UV) light, wounding) and chemical (12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate (TPA),
      arachidonic acid) noxious stimuli. Depending on the challenge and the context,
      constitutively expressed COX-1 or the transiently induced COX-2 isoform are of
      relevance. Moreover, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of skin is a prominent example
      of epithelial neoplasia that consistently overexpresses COX-2 in the parenchyme
      and the mesenchyme of premalignant and malignant lesions, while COX-1 expression
      remains unaltered. Pharmacological, clinical, and experimental animal studies as
      well as a few epidemiological studies document the importance of PG signaling in
      non-melanoma skin cancer including SCC and basal cell carcinoma (BCC) in humans
      and mice. Increased levels of PGE(2) and PGF(2alpha) in premalignant and/or
      malignant epithelial skin cancers are due to the constitutive upregulation of
      enzymes involved in PG biosynthesis, such as COX-2, and downregulation of the
      tumor suppressor gene 15-hydroxy-prostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH), which is
      involved in the inactivation of PG, thus counteracting the activities of COX.
      Most remarkably, genetic studies show that mice which are deficient in COX-2 or
      COX-1 are protected from the development of SCC when applying the multi-stage
      chemical carcinogenesis protocol. Conversely, the forced overexpression of COX-2
      in the proliferative basal compartment of the stratified skin epidermis results
      in spontaneous hyperplasia and dysplasia in transgenic mice and furthermore a
      sensitization for cancer development by conferring an auto-promoted skin
      phenotype. In multi-stage carcinogenesis, it also becomes clear that aberrant COX
      2 overexpression and activity are causally involved in tumor promotion and tumor
      progression rather than initiation. In contrast, using as inducer of
      carcinogenesis the complete carcinogen UV B light, depletion of COX-2 but not of
      COX-1 makes mouse skin resistant for SCC, indicating that here, only COX-2 is
      essential. Depending on the type of challenge, COX-2-dependent signaling
      contributes to the pre-invasive growth of the skin epidermis by a delayed onset
      of terminal differentiation, or stimulation of hyperproliferation and survival.
      With respect to BCC, the genetic ablation of COX-2 but also of COX-1 leads to a
      strongly reduced tumor burden in the skin of Patched (Ptch)1(+/-) mice, which due
      to the deletion of a Ptch1 allele, spontaneously develop BCC resembling human
      familial basal cell nevus syndrome and sporadic BCC. Nonsteroidal anti
      inflammatory drugs and the COX-2-selective inhibitors (COXibs) exhibit impressive
      efficacy inhibiting tumor burden in various mouse models of SCC and BCC. Most
      importantly, in humans the interruption of COX-2 signaling is an effective
      strategy to treat and chemo-prevent non-melanoma skin cancer in individuals who
      are at high risk for the disease. However, any potential beneficial effect of
      this medicine has to be balanced against the adverse effects that are known to be
      associated with these drugs in a subset of patients.

PMID- 22038020
TI  - The inhibitory effect and the molecular mechanism of glabridin on RANKL-induced
      osteoclastogenesis in RAW264.7 cells.
AB  - Osteoblastic bone formation and osteoclastic bone resorption are in balance to
      maintain a constant, homeostatically controlled amount of bone. Excessive bone
      resorption by osteoclasts is involved in the pathogenesis of bone-related
      disorders. In the present study, we evaluated the inhibitory effects of
      glabridin, a flavonoid purified from licorice root, on the receptor activator of
      nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclast differentiation and its
      molecular mechanisms in murine osteoclast progenitor RAW264.7 cells. Glabridin
      significantly inhibited RANKL-induced tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)
      activity, the formation of multinucleated osteoclasts and resorption-pit
      formation. In mechanistic studies of the anti-osteoclastogenic potential of
      glabridin, we found that glabridin inhibited RANKL-induced expression of c-Fos
      and subsequent expression of NFATc1, which is a master regulator of
      osteoclastogenesis. Interestingly, glabridin inhibited the RANKL-induced
      expression of signaling molecules (TRAF6, GAB2, ERK2, JNK1 and MKK7) and
      osteoclast survival-related signaling pathways such as c-Src, PI3K and Akt2.
      Glabridin also inhibited the bone resorptive activity of mature osteoclasts by
      inhibiting osteoclast-associated genes (cathepsin K, MMP-9, CAII, TCIRG1, OSTM1
      and CLCN7). Taken together, our data suggest that glabridin holds great promise
      for use in preventing osteoclastogenesis by inhibiting RANKL-induced activation
      of signaling molecules and subsequent transcription factors in osteoclast
      precursors and these findings may be useful for evaluating treatment options in
      bone-destructive diseases.

PMID- 22038019
TI  - Cannabinoids, endocannabinoids, and cancer.
AB  - The endocannabinoid system consists of an array of endogenously produced
      bioactive lipids that activate cannabinoid receptors. Although the primary focus
      of endocannabinoid biology has been on neurological and psychiatric effects,
      recent work has revealed several important interactions between the
      endocannabinoid system and cancer. Several different types of cancer have
      abnormal regulation of the endocannabinoid system that contributes to cancer
      progression and correlates to clinical outcomes. Modulation of the
      endocannabinoid system by pharmacological agents in various cancer types reveals
      that it can mediate antiproliferative and apoptotic effects by both cannabinoid
      receptor-dependent and -independent pathways. Selective agonists and antagonists
      of the cannabinoid receptors, inhibitors of endocannabinoid hydrolysis, and
      cannabinoid analogs have been utilized to probe the pathways involved in the
      effects of the endocannabinoid system on cancer cell apoptosis, proliferation,
      migration, adhesion, and invasion. The antiproliferative and apoptotic effects
      produced by some of these pharmacological probes reveal that the endocannabinoid
      system is a promising new target for the development of novel chemotherapeutics
      to treat cancer.

PMID- 22038021
TI  - Molecular characterization and mRNA expression of carbamoyl phosphate synthetase
      III in the liver of the African lungfish, Protopterus annectens, during
      aestivation or exposure to ammonia.
AB  - This study aimed to obtain the full sequence of carbamoyl phosphate synthetase
      III (cps III) from, and to determine the mRNA expression of cps III in, the liver
      of P. annectens during aestivation in air, hypoxia or mud, or exposure to
      environmental ammonia (100 mmol l(-1) NH(4)Cl). The complete coding cDNA sequence
      of cps III from the liver of P. annectens consisted of 4530 bp, which coded for
      1,510 amino acids with an estimated molecular mass of 166.1 kDa. The Cps III of
      P. annectens consisted of a mitochondrial targeting sequence of 44 amino acid
      residues, a GAT domain spanning from tyrosine 45 to isoleucine 414, and a
      methylglyoxal synthase-like domain spanning from valine 433 to arginine 1513. Two
      cysteine residues (cysteine 1337 and cysteine 1347) that are characteristic of N
      acetylglutamate dependency were also present. The critical Cys-His-Glu catalytic
      triad (cysteine 301, histidine 385 and glutamate 387) together with methionine
      302 and glutamine 305 affirmed that P. annectens expressed Cps III and not Cps I.
      A comparison of the translated amino acid sequence of Cps III from P. annectens
      with CPS sequences from other animals revealed that it shared the highest
      similarity with elasmobranch Cps III. A phylogenetic analysis indicates that P.
      annectens CPS III could have evolved from Cps III of elasmobranchs. Indeed, Cps
      III from P. annectens used mainly glutamine as the substrate, and its activity
      decreased significantly when glutamine and ammonia were included together in the
      assay system. There were significant increases (9- to 12-fold) in the mRNA
      expression of cps III in the liver of fish during the induction phase (days 3 and
      6) of aestivation in air. Aestivation in hypoxia or in mud had a delayed effect
      on the increase in the mRNA expression of cps III, which extended beyond the
      induction phase of aestivation, reiterating the importance of differentiating
      effects that are intrinsic to aestivation from those intrinsic to hypoxia.
      Furthermore, results from this study confirmed that environmental ammonia
      exposure led to a significant increase in the mRNA expression of cps III in the
      liver of P. annectens, alluding to the important functional role of urea not only
      as a product of ammonia detoxification but also as a putative internal cue for
      aestivation.

PMID- 22038025
TI  - Diversity and abundance of the rumen and fecal methanogens in Altay sheep native
      to Xinjiang and the influence of diversity on methane emissions.
AB  - This study aims to investigate the influence of diet roughage proportion on the
      methanogenic communities from the rumen and fecal samples in Altay local sheep
      native to Xinjiang and better understand the association of methanogenic
      diversity or abundance with methane emissions of the ruminants. In this study,
      the high roughage diet was found to cause more methane emissions for either
      maintenance or ad-lib group, but the total methanogenic abundance was not
      influenced by roughage proportion and showed no significant difference between
      groups. Furthermore, the denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis was conducted to
      reveal the difference in methanogenic diversity. Phylogenetic analysis showed
      that the sequences obtained were divided into three groups, affiliated to the
      genus of Methanobrevibacter, Methanocorpusculum and an unidentified methanogenic
      like group. Of these sequences, the predominant diversity from the genus of
      Methanobrevibacter and the unidentified methanogenic-like archaeons in the rumen
      was found to be significantly induced by the high roughage diet, implying that
      the variation of diversity at the species or strain level might have an effect on
      methane emissions from the rumen. Further analysis showed that five methangenic
      sequences from the rumen were possibly associated with the differential methane
      emissions.

PMID- 22038026
TI  - The Paenibacillus polymyxa species is abundant among hydrogen-producing
      facultative anaerobic bacteria in Lake Averno sediment.
AB  - Lake Averno sediment was used to isolate the facultative anaerobic bacteria
      having the potential for H(2) production. Twenty-five out of 35 isolates
      recovered from the sediment sample produced hydrogen under anaerobic conditions
      from glucose with yields ranging from 0.1 to 0.49 mol H(2)/mol glucose.
      Identification based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis revealed that most of
      them belong to the Firmicutes group, with a prevalence of the Paenibacillus
      polymyxa species. Seven distinct genomic fingerprints among the 11 P. polymyxa
      isolates were obtained using the random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD)
      technique. Glucose fermentation by P. polymyxa isolates was investigated. Glucose
      was totally consumed after 3 days of fermentation. The fermentation products were
      hydrogen (0.18-0.47 mol H(2)/mol glucose), ethanol (0.1-0.5 mol ethanol/mol
      glucose), and 2,3-butanediol (0.1 mol 2,3-butanediol/mol glucose). Lower amounts
      of acetic, butyric, formic, lactic, and propionic acids were detected. All
      metabolic data concerning P. polymyxa isolates were analyzed by cluster analysis
      to reveal similarities and/or differences with clustering based on RAPD profiles.
      Despite the high metabolic similarity among almost all P. paenibacillus isolates,
      results of cluster analyses of metabolic and genetic data do not match
      completely.

PMID- 22038028
TI  - Macrocorticotropinoma shrinkage and control of hypercortisolism under long-term
      cabergoline therapy: case report.
AB  - Cushing's disease is the result of chronic overproduction of ACTH by a pituitary
      tumor. Although the optimal treatment is surgical removal of the adenoma, medical
      treatment might be an option in selected cases. A 40-year old woman with
      Cushing's disease was treated with cabergoline, a neuromodulatory drug, for a
      corticotrophic macroadenoma. Treatment was initiated at a weekly dose of 0.5 mg
      and then, on the basis of the evolution of UFC values, adjusted until it reached
      6 mg/week. With cabergoline treatment the patient was asymptomatic, the pituitary
      adenoma showed a significant shrinkage on MRI and urinary cortisol excretion
      remained within the normal range during 7 years. We show the effectiveness of
      cabergoline in maintaining long-term biochemical control of hypercortisolism with
      significant reduction and stabilization of macroadenoma volume in a patient with
      Cushing's disease.

PMID- 22038027
TI  - Characterization of Epstein-Barr virus gp350/220 gene variants in virus isolates
      from gastric carcinoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
AB  - To characterize the sequence variation of the gp350/220 and explore its potential
      association with EBV-associated tumors, the gp350/220 gene was sequenced from 41
      EBV-associated gastric carcinoma (EBVaGC) and 81 nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC)
      biopsies as well as 35 throat washing (TW) samples from healthy donors.
      Preferential linkages between variants of the N-terminus of gp350/220 and EBNA3C
      variants were detected, and type A/BLLF1-a was the dominant variant in this
      study. The dominant variant in the C-terminal region of gp350/220 was 9P. The
      similar distribution of gp350/220 variants in NPC, EBVaGC and healthy donors
      suggest that gp350/220 variations are geographically restricted rather than tumor
      specific polymorphisms.

PMID- 22038029
TI  - Isolated GHD: investigation and implication of JAK/STAT related genes before and
      after rhGH treatment.
AB  - Isolated GH deficiency (IGHD) is a rare disorder that occurs as an idiopathic
      form in most cases. The pathway JAK/STAT promotes cellular growth and it could be
      implicated in this condition. In order to characterize IGHD in the pediatric
      population and identify genes differently expressed before and after GH therapy,
      we performed a quantitative evaluation of 84 genes related to the JAK/STAT
      pathway which, by promoting cellular growth. RT(2) Profiler PCR Array and the
      other/subsequent evaluations were performed in three children with severe IGHD
      before and after 6 months of GH therapy and in three matched normal children.
      Gene profiling was modified by the IGHD status and the GH therapy, with a
      modulation of GHR and some inflammatory genes such as CRP. We found a
      heterozygous nonsense mutation R43X in the GHR gene in two out of three IGHD
      subjects, despite a good response to therapy. After therapy cardiovascular
      markers linked to genes as IL6, IL8 and TNF-alpha displayed a trend toward
      reduction. Pre- and post therapy status differently affects gene expression.
      Mutational screening of GHR may be useful in investigating IGHD's etiology. Genes
      linked to inflammation suggest to evaluate cardiovascular risks also in pediatric
      IGHD subjects.

PMID- 22038030
TI  - The metabolic consequences of thyroxine replacement in adult hypopituitary
      patients.
AB  - The metabolic consequences of thyroxine replacement in patients with central
      hypothyroidism (CH) need to be evaluated. The aim was to examine the outcome of
      thyroxine replacement in CH. Adult hypopituitary patients (n = 1595) with and
      without CH from KIMS (Pfizer International Metabolic Database) were studied
      before and after 2 years of GH replacement. CH patients (CH, n = 1080) were
      compared with TSH sufficient patients (TSHsuff n = 515) as one group and divided
      by thyroxine dose/kg/day into tertiles (CHlow-mid-high). Anthropometry, fasting
      glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), blood pressure, lipids, IGF-I SDS,
      quality of life and morbidity were studied. Analyses were standardized for
      gender, age, number and types of pituitary insufficiencies, stimulated GH peak,
      age at GH deficiency onset, aetiologies and, when appropriate, for weight and GH
      dose. At baseline, TSHsuff patients did not differ from CH or CHmid in any
      outcome. CHlow (<= 1.18 MUg thyroxine/kg/day) had increased weight, BMI and
      larger waist circumference (WC), CHhigh (>= 1.58 MUg thyroxine/kg/day) had lower
      weight, BMI, WC and IGF-I than TSHsuff and compared to their predicted weights,
      BMIs and WCs. For every 0.1 MUg/kg/day increase of thyroxine dose, body weight
      decreased 1.0 kg, BMI 0.3 kg/m(2), and WC 0.65 cm. The GH sensitivity of the CH
      group was higher (0.76 +/- 0.56 SDS/mg GH) than that of TSHsuff patients (0.58 +/
      0.64 SDS/mg GH), P < 0.001. The middle thyroxine dose (1.19-1.57 MUg/kg/day)
      seems to be the most physiological. This is equivalent to 70, 100, 125 MUg
      thyroxine/day for hypopituitary patients of 50, 70 or 90 kg weight, respectively.

PMID- 22038031
TI  - Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) results in low prevalence of neuro
      endocrine dysfunction and NOT deficiency.
AB  - Neuro-endocrine deficiencies have been argued to be common sequelae after
      aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH). As this, however, does not resemble
      our clinical experience, we studied the incidence of neuro-endocrine and
      neuropsychological deficits after aSAH. Twenty-six patients (20 females) were
      prospectively screened for neuro-endocrine and neuropsychological deficits 3, 6
      and 12 months after aSAH. GH, IGF-1, prolactin, LH, FSH, estradiol, testosterone,
      ACTH as well as cortisol during ACTH-stimulation were assessed.
      Neuropsychological analysis covered verbal comprehension, short term and working
      memory, visuospatial construction, figural memory, psychomotor speed, attention,
      and concentration. During the study period 5 individuals demonstrated neuro
      endocrine dysfunction. Hypogonadotrophic hypogonadism resolved spontaneously in 2
      patients and central hypothyroidism in one of these patients during the study.
      After 12 months three patients presented low IGF-1 levels. 73.9% of our cohort
      was affected by neuropsychological deficits during follow-up. At 3, 6 and 12
      months the prevalences were 56.5, 52.6 and 42.1%, respectively. Interestingly,
      all patients with neuro-endocrine dysfunction presented impaired clinical outcome
      with a GOS 4 at some time point of the study (GOS 4 vs. 5, 45.5% vs. 0, P =
      0.007). We found a low prevalence of neuro-endocrine and a high prevalence of
      neuropsychological deficits in patients 3, 6 and 12 months after aSAH without
      significant interrelation. Spontaneous recovery of neuro-endocrine alterations
      most likely presents an adaption to or dysfunction after severe illness. This
      hypothesis is strengthened by the fact that only patients with inferior clinical
      outcome after aSAH as assessed by GOS demonstrated neuro-endocrine dysfunction.

PMID- 22038032
TI  - The anterior skull base nasal inventory (ASK nasal inventory): a clinical tool
      for evaluating rhinological outcomes after endonasal surgery for pituitary and
      cranial base lesions.
AB  - The goal of this project was to develop a prospectively-validated, site-specific
      patient quality of life survey for assessing nasal outcomes following endonasal
      pituitary and skull base surgery. (ClinicalTrials.gov #NCT01322945) An 9-item
      patient survey (the ASK Nasal Inventory) focusing on the most common
      postoperative complaints, such as crusting, sinusitis, pain, and ease of
      breathing, was developed by the anterior skull base team at the Barrow
      Neurological Institute. Content was validated in structured patient interviews
      and by four subject matter experts. This survey was self-administered before and
      3 months after surgery to 94 patients (52 endonasal surgery and 42 controls)
      between October 2010 and June 2011. Standard methods for psychometric evaluation
      were applied. Cronbach's alpha was 0.83 indicating good internal consistency.
      Test-retest reliability was excellent in both groups (r = 0.87 and 0.95; P <
      0.001). Discriminant validity was determined by comparing mean scores at 3 months
      in the endonasal and control groups and the difference was significant (13.5 vs.
      17.2, P = 0.001). Standardized response mean was 0.17 suggesting that the scale
      was sensitive to clinical change. Concurrent validity was determined by mean ASK
      Nasal score for each level of self-reported overall functioning at 3 months (P =
      0.001). Preliminary psychometric evaluation of the performance of the ASK Nasal
      Inventory suggests that it meets criteria as a clinical and research instrument
      in endonasal surgery. This study also suggests modifications to the instrument,
      which will serve as key quality of life endpoint in an ongoing multicenter nasal
      outcomes study.

PMID- 22038033
TI  - Endoscopic endonasal compared with microscopic transsphenoidal and open
      transcranial resection of giant pituitary adenomas.
AB  - Giant (>4 cm) pituitary macroadenomas often require surgery to decompress the
      optic nerves. Compared with traditional open or transsphenoidal microscopic
      methods, the extended endoscopic endonasal transsphenoidal approach offers the
      potential for aggressive resection via a minimal access corridor. We conducted a
      systematic review of the literature to further our understanding of the role of
      endoscopy in the management of these challenging lesions. MEDLINE search of the
      modern literature (1995-2010) to identify surgical series for pediatric and adult
      pituitary adenomas >4 cm in maximal diameter. Patient and tumor characteristics,
      resection, morbidity and visual outcome were compared by approach. Chi-square and
      Fisher's exact tests with post-hoc Bonferroni analysis were used for statistical
      analyses. Sixteen studies (478 patients) were included. Compared with the open
      cohort, the endoscopic cohort had higher rates of gross total resection (47.2%
      vs. 9.6%; P < 0.003) and improved visual outcome (91.1% vs. 45.7%; P < 0.003).
      The microscopic transsphenoidal cohort had lower rate of total resection and
      worse visual outcomes than the endoscopic group. There were no instances of
      postoperative CSF leak reported in the endoscopic group. The transcranial group
      had a higher rate perioperative mortality compared to the transsphenoidal group
      (P = 0.004). In select cases, the endoscopic endonasal approach is safe and
      effective for the treatment of giant pituitary adenomas, with the potential for
      gross total resection and improved visual outcome. CSF leak, which is a major
      limitation of the endonasal approach, may be avoided using meticulous multi-layer
      closure and vascularised nasoseptal flaps.

PMID- 22038036
TI  - Host identity impacts rhizosphere fungal communities associated with three alpine
      plant species.
AB  - Fungal diversity and composition are still relatively unknown in many ecosystems;
      however, host identity and environmental conditions are hypothesized to influence
      fungal community assembly. To test these hypotheses, we characterized the
      richness, diversity, and composition of rhizosphere fungi colonizing three alpine
      plant species, Taraxacum ceratophorum, Taraxacum officinale, and Polemonium
      viscosum. Roots were collected from open meadow and willow understory habitats at
      treeline on Pennsylvania Mountain, Colorado, USA. Fungal small subunit ribosomal
      DNA was sequenced using fungal-specific primers, sample-specific DNA tags, and
      454 pyrosequencing. We classified operational taxonomic units (OTUs) as
      arbuscular mycorrhizal (AMF) or non-arbuscular mycorrhizal (non-AMF) fungi and
      then tested whether habitat or host identity influenced these fungal communities.
      Approximately 14% of the sequences represented AMF taxa (44 OTUs) with the
      majority belonging to Glomus groups A and B. Non-AMF sequences represented 186
      OTUs belonging to Ascomycota (58%), Basidiomycota (26%), Zygomycota (14%), and
      Chytridiomycota (2%) phyla. Total AMF and non-AMF richness were similar between
      habitats but varied among host species. AMF richness and diversity per root
      sample also varied among host species and were highest in T. ceratophorum
      compared with T. officinale and P. viscosum. In contrast, non-AMF richness and
      diversity per root sample were similar among host species except in the willow
      understory where diversity was reduced in T. officinale. Fungal community
      composition was influenced by host identity but not habitat. Specifically, T.
      officinale hosted a different AMF community than T. ceratophorum and P. viscosum
      while P. viscosum hosted a different non-AMF community than T. ceratophorum and
      T. officinale. Our results suggest that host identity has a stronger effect on
      rhizosphere fungi than habitat. Furthermore, although host identity influenced
      both AMF and non-AMF, this effect was stronger for the mutualistic AMF community.

PMID- 22038035
TI  - The bacterial community associated with the marine polychaete Ophelina sp.1
      (Annelida: Opheliidae) is altered by copper and zinc contamination in sediments.
AB  - Tolerant species of polychaete worms can survive in polluted environments using
      various resistance mechanisms. One aspect of resistance not often studied in
      polychaetes is their association with symbiotic bacteria, some of which have
      resistance to metals and may help the organism to survive. We used "next
      generation" 454 sequencing of bacterial 16S rRNA sequences associated with
      polychaetes from a copper- and zinc-polluted harbor and from a reference site to
      determine bacterial community structure. We found changes in the bacteria at the
      polluted site, including increases in the abundance of bacteria from the order
      Alteromonadales. These changes in the bacteria associated with polychaetes may be
      relatively easy to detect and could be a useful indicator of metal pollution.

PMID- 22038037
TI  - Osmotic shock augments ethanol stress in Saccharomyces cerevisiae MTCC 2918.
AB  - Yeast cells sense and respond to hypertonicity. Saccharomyces cerevisiae MTCC
      2918 was tested for its metabolic status in 1 M NaCl by cell viability analysis,
      intracellular glycerol content and total antioxidant capacity. Yeast cell
      viability was maximum in 1 M NaCl and 24 h addition of 1 M NaCl was effective in
      induction of hyperosmolarity. Increased glycerol contents in cells treated with
      salt indicated adaptation to osmotic stress with a maximum of 240.87 +/- 0.38
      mg/g dry weight (DW) at 72 h. The total antioxidant status with 1 M NaCl was 9.29
      +/- 0.39 mM/g DW at 96 h reflecting free radical quenching to overcome stress
      with increasing growth period. Considering that pre-adaptation to one type of
      stress evoked a protective response to other stress factors, we have attempted
      the cross adaptation of osmotic shock to high ethanol concentrations. In effect,
      we observed that osmotic shock lowered the cell survival by augmentation of cell
      toxicity by ethanol due to stress induction during exponential phase. Glycerol
      accumulation to an order of 470.27 +/- 0.53 mg/g DW at 48 h in 1 M NaCl and 12%
      ethanol indicated that both stresses culminated in membrane disruption further
      leading to cell burst and contributed to the stress overload.

PMID- 22038034
TI  - The effect of resource islands on abundance and diversity of bacteria in arid
      soils.
AB  - Bacteria and nutrients were determined in upper soil samples collected underneath
      and between canopies of the dominant perennial in each of three sites along a
      steep precipitation gradient ranging from the Negev desert in the south of Israel
      to a Mediterranean forest in the north. Bacterial abundance, monitored by
      phospholipid fatty acid analysis, was significantly higher under the shrub canopy
      (compared to barren soils) in the arid and semi-arid sites but not in the
      Mediterranean soils. Bacterial community composition, determined using terminal
      restriction fragment length polymorphism and clone libraries, differed according
      to the sample's origin. Closer examination revealed that in the arid and semi
      arid sites, alpha-Proteobacteria are more abundant under the shrub canopy, while
      barren soils are characterized by a higher abundance of Actinobacteria. The
      bacterial communities in the Mediterranean soils were similar in both patch
      types. These results correspond to the hypothesis of "resource islands",
      suggesting that shrub canopies provide a resource haven in low-resource
      landscapes. Yet, a survey of the physicochemical parameters of inter- and under
      shrub soils could not attribute the changes in bacterial diversity to soil
      moisture, organic matter, or essential macronutrients. We suggest that in the
      nutrient-poor soils of the arid and semi-arid sites, bacteria occupying the soil
      under the shrub canopy may have longer growth periods under favorable conditions,
      resulting in their increased biomass and altered community composition.

PMID- 22038038
TI  - Construction of gene library of 20 kb DNAs from parasporal crystal in Bacillus
      thuringiensis Strain 4.0718: phylogenetic analysis and molecular docking.
AB  - The 20 kb DNAs are associated with crystals in many subspecies of Bacillus
      thuringiensis. We isolated 20 kb DNAs from crystals of B. thuringiensis strain
      4.0718, then constructed a gene library using DNA fragments of Sau3AI partial
      digestion and pbluescriptIISK(+) vector. We screened out 440 recombinants,
      yielding a genomic coverage of ten and including 99% sequence of DNA which
      achieved the required theoretical value to construct the gene library. Through
      NCBI Blast and homology analysis, the sequencing results proved that the DNA came
      from the chromosome of B. thuringiensis. Moreover, we have completed the multiple
      alignment of homologous ropB protein sequences and phylogenetic analysis using
      bioinformatic software. For further investigation of the interactions between 20
      kb DNAs and protoxins, molecular docking has also been done.

PMID- 22038039
TI  - Photosensitizer-doped conjugated polymer nanoparticles for simultaneous two
      photon imaging and two-photon photodynamic therapy in living cells.
AB  - Photosensitizer doped conjugated polymer nanoparticles have been prepared by
      incorporating polyoxyethylene nonylphenylether (CO-520) into the nanoparticles
      using a re-precipitation method. The conjugated polymer, poly[9,9
      dibromohexylfluorene-2,7-ylenethylene-alt-1,4-(2,5-dimethoxy)phenylene] (PFEMO),
      was used as the host matrix to disperse tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP) and an energy
      donor to enhance the two-photon excitation properties of TPP. These CO-520
      incorporated, TPP-doped PFEMO nanoparticles are stable and have low cytotoxicity
      in the dark. The TPP emission of the nanoparticles was found to be enhanced by
      about 20 times by PFEMO under two-photon excitation. The nanoparticles showed
      significantly enhanced two-photon excitation singlet oxygen generation efficiency
      and two-photon photodynamic therapy activity in cancer cells. These composite
      nanoparticles display features required for ideal photosensitizers, such as low
      cytotoxicity in the dark and efficient two-photon photodynamic activity under
      laser radiation. In addition, these novel nano-photosensitizers allow
      simultaneous in vivo monitoring by two-photon fluorescence imaging during two
      photon photodynamic treatment. These photosensitizer-doped conjugated polymer
      nanoparticles can act as novel photosensitizing agents for two-photon
      photodynamic therapy and related applications.

PMID- 22038040
TI  - Shh signaling is essential for rugae morphogenesis in mice.
AB  - Palatal ridges, or rugae palatinae, are corrugated structures observed in the
      hard palate region. They are found in most mammalian species, but their number
      and arrangement are species-specific. Nine palatal rugae are found in the mouse
      secondary palate. Previous studies have shown that epithelial Shh signaling in
      the palatal ridge plays an important role during rugae development. Moreover, Wnt
      family members, including LEF1, play a functional role in orofacial
      morphogenesis. To explore the function of Shh during rugae development, we
      utilized the maternal transfer of 5E1 (anti-Shh antibody) to mouse embryos. 5E1
      induced abnormal rugae patterning characterized by a spotted shape of palatal
      ridge rather than a stripe. The expression patterns of Shh and Shh-related genes,
      Sostdc1, Lef1 and Ptch1, were disrupted following 5E1 injection. Moreover, rugae
      specific cell proliferation and inter-rugae-specific apoptosis were affected by
      inhibition of Shh signaling. We hypothesize that the altered gene expression
      patterns and the change in molecular events caused by the inhibition of Shh
      signaling may have induced abnormal rugae patterning. Furthermore, we propose a
      reaction-diffusion model generated by Wnt, Shh and Sostdc1 signaling. In this
      study, we show that Sostdc1, a secreted inhibitor of the Wnt pathway, is a
      downstream target of Shh and hypothesize that the interaction of Wnt, Shh and
      Sostdc1 is a pivotal mechanism controlling the spatial patterning of palatal
      rugae.

PMID- 22038041
TI  - Evaluation of CAG repeat length of androgen receptor expressing cells in human
      testes showing different pictures of spermatogenic impairment.
AB  - The androgen receptor (AR) is a ligand-activated transcriptional factor with
      crucial importance for spermatogenesis. Its transactivation domain consists of a
      polymorphic sequence of 9-36 cytosin-adenin-guanin (CAG) repeats. Within the
      physiological range an increased CAG repeat length is assumed to correlate with
      the reduced androgen sensitivity resulting in impaired spermatogenesis. In 33
      testes of 32 patients showing different histological pictures ranging from normal
      spermatogenesis, hypospermatogenesis to severe spermatogenetic impairment such as
      maturation arrest, Sertoli cell only Syndrome (SCO) and mixed atrophy, CAG repeat
      length was assessed in lymphocyte DNA, DNA/mRNA from testis homogenate and in
      mRNA of AR expressing Sertoli cells within the seminiferous tubules, and
      interstitial Leydig cells collected by the laser-assisted cell picking. The
      latter examination was performed to detect a possible somatic mosaicism of CAG
      repeat length in different testicular cell populations. CAG repeat lengths varied
      from 12 to 27 repeats, i.e., within the physiological range. We found deviating
      CAG repeat numbers in different fractions of AR expressing Sertoli and Leydig
      cells indicating tissue heterogeneity. We did not find a correlation of CAG
      repeat length to testicular histology or AR expression, and testosterone or
      luteinizing hormone levels even in biopsies showing mixed atrophy. Additionally,
      we evaluated the expression pattern of the AR-dependent gene androgen binding
      protein (ABP), and did not find a correlation to CAG repeat, but a significant
      reduction of ABP mRNA related to severe spermatogenic impairment in the
      monomorphic histologies. These data suggest other factors than CAG repeat to be
      responsible for severe spermatogenic impairment including mixed atrophy.

PMID- 22038042
TI  - Dictyostelium puromycin-sensitive aminopeptidase A is a nucleoplasmic
      nucleomorphin-binding protein that relocates to the cytoplasm during mitosis.
AB  - Nucleomorphin (NumA1) is a nucleolar/nucleoplasmic protein linked to cell cycle
      in Dictyostelium. It interacts with puromycin-sensitive aminopeptidase A (PsaA)
      which in other organisms is a Zn(2+)-metallopeptidase thought to be involved in
      cell cycle progression and is involved in several human diseases. Here, we have
      shown that Dictyostelium PsaA contains domains characteristic of the M1 family of
      Zn(2+)-metallopeptidases: a GAMEN motif and a Zn(2+)-binding domain. PsaA
      colocalized with NumA1 in the nucleoplasm in vegetative cells and was also
      present to a lesser extent in the cytoplasm. The same localization pattern was
      observed in cells from slugs, however, in fruiting bodies PsaA was only detected
      in spore nuclei. During mitosis PsaA redistributed mainly throughout the
      cytoplasm. It possesses a functional nuclear localization signal ((680)RKRF(683))
      necessary for nuclear entry. To our knowledge, this is the first nuclear
      localization signal identified in a Psa from any organism. Treatment with Ca(2+)
      chelators or calmodulin antagonists indicated that neither Ca(2+) nor calmodulin
      is involved in PsaA localization. These results are interpreted in terms of the
      inter-relationship between NumA1 and PsaA in cell function in Dictyostelium.

PMID- 22038043
TI  - Evaluation of myelin sheath and collagen reorganization pattern in a model of
      peripheral nerve regeneration using an integrated histochemical approach.
AB  - Peripheral nerves are complex histological structures that can be affected by a
      variety of conditions with different degree of axonal degeneration and
      demyelination. For the study of peripheral nerve regeneration in pathology and
      tissue engineering, it is necessary to evaluate the regeneration, remyelination
      and extracellular matrix reorganization of the neural tissue. Currently,
      different histochemical techniques must be used in parallel, and a correlation
      among their findings should be further performed. In this work, we describe a new
      histochemical method for myelin and collagen fibers based on luxol fast blue and
      picrosirius methods, for the evaluation of the morphology, the myelin sheath and
      the collagen fiber reorganization using a model of peripheral nerve regeneration.
      Whole brain, normal sciatic nerve and regenerating peripheral nerve samples were
      fixed in 10% neutral buffered formalin and paraffin-embedded, for the performance
      of the hematoxylin-eosin stain, the Luxol fast blue method and the new
      histochemical method for myelin and collagen. The results of this technique
      revealed that this new histochemical method allowed us to properly evaluate
      histological patterns, and simultaneously observe the histochemical reaction for
      myelin sheath and collagen fibers in normal tissue, and during the regeneration
      process. In conclusion, this new method combines morphological and histochemical
      properties that allowed us to determine with high accuracy the degree of
      remyelination and collagen fibers reorganization. For all these reasons, we
      hypothesize that this new histochemical method could be useful in pathology and
      tissue engineering.

PMID- 22038044
TI  - Expression of DDX25 in nuage components of mammalian spermatogenic cells:
      immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopic study.
AB  - The localization of DDX25/GRTH and gonadotropin-stimulated RNA helicase was
      studied in the spermatogenic cells of rat, mouse, and guinea pig by
      immunofluorescence and immunoelectron microscopy (IEM). Immunofluorescence
      studies identified four kinds of granular staining: (1) fine particles observed
      in meiotic cells; (2) small granules associated with a mitochondrial marker,
      appearing in pachytene spermatocytes after stage V; (3) short strands lacking the
      mitochondrial marker in late spermatocytes; and, (4) large irregularly shaped
      granules in round spermatids. IEM identified DDX25 signals in nine compartments:
      (1) fine dense particles in the meiotic cells; (2) intermitochondrial cement; (3)
      loose aggregates of 70-90 nm particles; (4) chromatoid bodies; (5) late
      chromatoid bodies; (6) satellite bodies; (7) granulated bodies; (8) mitochondria
      associated granules; and, (9) reticulated bodies. Compartments (1) to (6) were
      previously classified into nuage while (7) to (9) were classified as nuage
      components by the present study. The results suggest that DDX25 functions in
      these nine compartments.

PMID- 22038045
TI  - Reproductive decision-making and periconception practices among HIV-positive men
      and women attending HIV services in Durban, South Africa.
AB  - Understanding reproductive decisions and periconception behavior among HIV
      discordant couples is important for designing risk reduction interventions for
      couples who choose to conceive. In-depth interviews were conducted to explore
      reproductive decision-making and periconception practices among HIV-positive
      women with recent pregnancy (n = 30), and HIV-positive men (n = 20), all
      reporting partners of negative or unknown HIV-status, and attending HIV services
      in Durban, South Africa. Transcripts were coded for categories and emergent
      themes. Participants expressed strong reasons for having children, but rarely
      knew how to reduce periconception HIV transmission. Pregnancy planning occurred
      on a spectrum ranging from explicitly intended to explicitly unintended, with
      many falling in between the two extremes. Male fertility desire and
      misunderstanding serodiscordance contributed to HIV risk behavior. Participants
      expressed openness to healthcare worker advice for safer conception and modified
      risk behavior post-conception, suggesting the feasibility of safer conception
      interventions which may target both men and women and include serodiscordance
      counseling and promotion of contraception.

PMID- 22038046
TI  - Off the beaten paths: alternative and crosstalk regulation of Rho GTPases.
AB  - Rho proteins are small GTPases of the Ras superfamily that regulate a wide
      variety of biological processes, ranging from gene expression to cell migration.
      Mechanistically, the major Rho GTPases function as molecular switches cycling
      between an inactive GDP-bound and an active GTP-bound conformation, although
      several Rho proteins spontaneously exchange nucleotides or are simply devoid of
      GTPase activity. For over a decade, RhoGEFs and RhoGAPs have been established as
      the mainstream regulators of Rho proteins, respectively flipping the switch on or
      off. However, regulation by GEFs and GAPs leaves several fundamental questions on
      the operation of the Rho switch unanswered, indicating that the regulation of Rho
      proteins does not rely exclusively on RhoGEFs and RhoGAPs. Recent evidence indeed
      suggests that Rho GTPases are finely tuned by multiple alternative regulatory
      mechanisms, including post-translational modifications and protein degradation,
      as well as crosstalk mechanisms between Rho proteins. Here we review these
      alternative mechanisms and discuss how they alter Rho protein function and
      signaling. We also envision how the classic binary Rho switch may indeed function
      more like a switchboard with multiple switches and dials that can all contribute
      to the regulation of Rho protein function.

PMID- 22038047
TI  - Caveolin-1 is essential for metformin inhibitory effect on IGF1 action in non
      small-cell lung cancer cells.
AB  - Metformin causes an AMP/ATP ratio increase and AMP-activated protein kinase
      (AMPK) activation. Since caveolin-1 (Cav-1) plays a role in AMPK activation and
      energy balance, we investigated whether Cav-1 could participate in metformin's
      inhibitory effect on IGF1 signaling. The effect of metformin was studied in two
      non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines, Calu-1 and Calu-6, expressing
      higher and lower amounts of Cav-1, respectively. In Calu-1, but not in Calu-6
      cells, metformin reduced phosphorylation of type 1 insulin-like growth factor
      receptor (IGF-IR) substrates Akt and Forkhead transcription factor 3a (FOXO3a),
      inhibited IGF1-dependent FOXO3a nuclear exit, and decreased IGF1-dependent cell
      proliferation. Here, we show that sensitivity of NSCLC cells to metformin was
      dependent on Cav-1 expression and that metformin required Cav-1 to induce AMPK
      phosphorylation and AMP/ATP ratio increase. Cav-1 silencing in Calu-1 and
      overexpression in Calu-6 reduced and improved, respectively, the inhibitory
      effect of metformin on IGF1-dependent Akt phosphorylation. Prolonged metformin
      treatment in Calu-6 cells induced a dose-dependent expression increase of Cav-1
      and OCT1, a metformin transporter. Cav-1 and OCT1 expression was associated with
      the antiproliferative effect of metformin in Calu-6 cells (IC(50)=18 mM). In
      summary, these data suggest that Cav-1 is required for metformin action in NSCLC
      cells.

PMID- 22038048
TI  - Down-regulation of glutatione S-transferase alpha 4 (hGSTA4) in the muscle of
      thermally injured patients is indicative of susceptibility to bacterial
      infection.
AB  - Patients with severe burns are highly susceptible to bacterial infection. While
      immunosuppression facilitates infection, the contribution of soft tissues to
      infection beyond providing a portal for bacterial entry remains unclear. We
      showed previously that glutathione S-transferase S1 (gstS1), an enzyme with
      conjugating activity against the lipid peroxidation byproduct 4-hydroxynonenal
      (4HNE), is important for resistance against wound infection in Drosophila muscle.
      The importance of the mammalian functional counterpart of GstS1 in the context of
      wounds and infection has not been investigated. Here we demonstrate that the
      presence of a burn wound dramatically affects expression of both human (hGSTA4)
      and mouse (mGsta4) 4HNE scavengers. hGSTA4 is down-regulated significantly within
      1 wk of thermal burn injury in the muscle and fat tissues of patients from the
      large-scale collaborative Inflammation and the Host Response to Injury
      multicentered study. Similarly, mGsta4, the murine GST with the highest catalytic
      efficiency for 4HNE, is down-regulated to approximately half of normal levels in
      mouse muscle immediately postburn. Consequently, 4HNE protein adducts are
      increased 4- to 5-fold in mouse muscle postburn. Using an open wound infection
      model, we show that deletion of mGsta4 renders mice more susceptible to infection
      with the prevalent wound pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa, while muscle hGSTA4
      expression negatively correlates with burn wound infection episodes per patient.
      Our data suggest that hGSTA4 down-regulation and the concomitant increase in 4HNE
      adducts in human muscle are indicative of susceptibility to infection in
      individuals with severely thermal injuries.

PMID- 22038049
TI  - Neuritogenesis: the prion protein controls beta1 integrin signaling activity.
AB  - Cytoskeleton modifications are required for neuronal stem cells to acquire
      neuronal polarization. Little is known, however, about mechanisms that
      orchestrate cytoskeleton remodeling along neuritogenesis. Here, we show that the
      silencing of the cellular prion protein (PrP(C)) impairs the initial sprouting of
      neurites upon induction of differentiation of the 1C11 neuroectodermal cell line,
      indicating that PrP(C) is necessary to neuritogenesis. Such PrP(C) function
      relies on its capacity to negatively regulate the clustering, activation, and
      signaling activity of beta1 integrins at the plasma membrane. beta1 Integrin
      aggregation caused by PrP(C) depletion triggers overactivation of the RhoA-Rho
      kinase-LIMK-cofilin pathway, which, in turn, alters the turnover of focal
      adhesions, increases the stability of actin microfilaments, and in fine impairs
      neurite formation. Inhibition of Rho kinases is sufficient to compensate for the
      lack of PrP(C) and to restore neurite sprouting. We also observe an increased
      secretion of fibronectin in the surrounding milieu of PrP(C)-depleted 1C11 cells,
      which likely self-sustains beta1 integrin signaling overactivation and
      contributes to neuritogenesis defect. Our overall data reveal that PrP(C)
      contributes to the acquisition of neuronal polarization by modulating beta1
      integrin activity, cell interaction with fibronectin, and cytoskeleton dynamics.

PMID- 22038050
TI  - Dietary fructose inhibits lactation-induced adaptations in rat 1,25-(OH)2D3
      synthesis and calcium transport.
AB  - We recently showed that excessive fructose consumption, already associated with
      numerous metabolic abnormalities, reduces rates of intestinal Ca(2+) transport.
      Using a rat lactation model with increased Ca(2+) requirements, we tested the
      hypothesis that mechanisms underlying these inhibitory effects of fructose
      involve reductions in renal synthesis of 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3). Pregnant and virgin
      (control) rats were fed isocaloric fructose or, as controls, glucose, and starch
      diets from d 2 of gestation to the end of lactation. Compared to virgins,
      lactating dams fed glucose or starch had higher rates of intestinal transcellular
      Ca(2+) transport, elevated intestinal and renal expression of Ca(2+) channels,
      Ca(2+)-binding proteins, and CaATPases, as well as increased levels of 25
      (OH)D(3) and 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3). Fructose consumption prevented almost all of these
      lactation-induced increases, and reduced vitamin D receptor binding to promoter
      regions of Ca(2+) channels and binding proteins. Changes in 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3)
      level were tightly correlated with alterations in expression of 1alpha
      hydroxylase but not with levels of parathyroid hormone and of 24-hydroxylase.
      Bone mineral density, content, and mechanical strength each decreased with
      lactation, but then fructose exacerbated these effects. When Ca(2+) requirements
      increase during lactation or similar physiologically challenging conditions,
      excessive fructose consumption may perturb Ca(2+) homeostasis because of fructose
      induced reductions in synthesis of 1,25-(OH)(2)D(3).

PMID- 22038053
TI  - An unusual complication related to acupuncture point catgut embedding treatment
      of obesity.
AB  - Treatment of obesity by embedding catgut in acupuncture points has a satisfactory
      therapeutic effect in many patients. Even though results of its effectiveness are
      mixed, serious complications are rarely reported with this Chinese traditional
      therapy. Here an unusual complication of the treatment is reported: multiple
      tender subcutaneous nodules developed where the catgut was embedded over the
      lower abdomen and both medial thighs 1 month after treatment. Clinicians should
      be alert to this possible cause of a rather strange presenting physical sign.

PMID- 22038052
TI  - Allele-specific siRNA knockdown as a personalized treatment strategy for vascular
      Ehlers-Danlos syndrome in human fibroblasts.
AB  - The vascular type of the Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (vEDS) is caused by dominant
      negative mutations in the procollagen type III (COL3A1) gene. Patients with this
      autosomal dominant disorder have a shortened life expectancy due to complications
      from ruptured vessels or hollow organs. We tested the effectiveness of allele
      specific RNA interference (RNAi) to reduce the mutated phenotype in fibroblasts.
      Small-interfering RNAs (siRNAs) discriminating between wild-type and mutant
      COL3A1 allele were identified by a luciferase reporter gene assay and in primary
      fibroblasts from a normal donor and a patient with vEDS. The best discriminative
      siRNA with the mutation at position 10 resulted in >90% silencing of the mutant
      allele without affecting the wild-type allele. Transmission and immunogold
      electron microscopy of extracted extracellular matrices from untreated
      fibroblasts of the patient with vEDS revealed structurally abnormal fibrils.
      After siRNA treatment, collagen fibrils became similar to fibrils from
      fibroblasts of normal and COL3A1 haploinsufficient donors. In addition, it was
      shown that expression of mutated COL3A1 activates the unfolded protein response
      and that reduction of the amount of mutated protein by siRNA reduces cellular
      stress. Taken together, the results provide evidence that allele-specific siRNAs
      are able to reduce negative effects of mutated COL3A1 proteins. Thus, the
      application of allele-specific RNAi may be a promising direction for future
      personalized therapies to reduce the severity of vEDS.

PMID- 22038051
TI  - Peptides derived from the prohormone proNPQ/spexin are potent central modulators
      of cardiovascular and renal function and nociception.
AB  - Computational methods have led two groups to predict the endogenous presence of a
      highly conserved, amidated, 14-aa neuropeptide called either spexin or NPQ.
      NPQ/spexin is part of a larger prohormone that contains 3 sets of RR residues,
      suggesting that it could yield more than one bioactive peptide; however, no in
      vivo activity has been demonstrated for any peptide processed from this
      precursor. Here we demonstrate biological activity for two peptides present
      within proNPQ/spexin. NPQ/spexin (NWTPQAMLYLKGAQ-NH(2)) and NPQ 53-70
      (FISDQSRRKDLSDRPLPE) have differing renal and cardiovascular effects when
      administered intracerebroventricularly or intravenously into rats.
      Intracerebroventricular injection of NPQ/spexin produced a 13 +/- 2 mmHg increase
      in mean arterial pressure, a 38 +/- 8 bpm decrease in heart rate, and a profound
      decrease in urine flow rate. Intracerebroventricular administration of NPQ 53-70
      produced a 26 +/- 9 bpm decrease in heart rate with no change in mean arterial
      pressure, and a marked increase in urine flow rate. Intraventricular NPQ/spexin
      and NPQ 53-70 also produced antinociceptive activity in the warm water tail
      withdrawal assay in mice (ED(50)<30 and 10 nmol for NPQ/spexin and NPQ 53-70,
      respectively). We conclude that newly identified peptides derived from the
      NPQ/spexin precursor contribute to CNS-mediated control of arterial blood
      pressure and salt and water balance and modulate nociceptive responses.

PMID- 22038054
TI  - Infantile colic: exploring the potential role of maternal acupuncture.
AB  - Lack of knowledge about the pathophysiology of infantile colic limits the
      development of effective drugs and treatment modalities including acupuncture.
      Acupuncture research has targeted the baby without considering the mother.
      However, the pathophysiological clues indicate that infantile colic is a shared
      pathology between the mother and the baby, especially in the case of
      breastfeeding mothers. A new theory proposed in this paper involves levels of the
      cytokine tumour necrosis factor alpha in the mother's milk and its influences on
      melatonin and serotonin metabolism in the baby as major components of the
      pathophysiology of infantile colic. These can be normalised by applying
      acupuncture to the breastfeeding mother alone or also to the baby.

PMID- 22038055
TI  - The role of glutamate dehydrogenase in mammalian ammonia metabolism.
AB  - Glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) catalyzes the reversible inter-conversion of
      glutamate to alpha-ketoglutarate and ammonia. High levels of GDH activity is
      found in mammalian liver, kidney, brain, and pancreas. In the liver, GDH reaction
      appears to be close-to-equilibrium, providing the appropriate ratio of ammonia
      and amino acids for urea synthesis in periportal hepatocytes. In addition, GDH
      produces glutamate for glutamine synthesis in a small rim of pericentral
      hepatocytes. Hence, hepatic GDH can be either a source for ammonia or an ammonia
      scavenger. In the kidney, GDH function produces ammonia from glutamate to control
      acidosis. In the human, the presence of two differentially regulated isoforms
      (hGDH1 and hGDH2) suggests a complex role for GDH in ammonia homeostasis. Whereas
      hGDH1 is sensitive to GTP inhibition, hGDH2 has dissociated its function from GTP
      control. Furthermore, hGDH2 shows a lower optimal pH than hGDH1. The hGDH2 enzyme
      is selectively expressed in human astrocytes and Sertoli cells, probably
      facilitating metabolic recycling processes essential for their supportive role.
      Here, we report that hGDH2 is also expressed in the epithelial cells lining the
      convoluted tubules of the renal cortex. As hGDH2 functions more efficiently under
      acidotic conditions without the operation of the GTP energy switch, its presence
      in the kidney may increase the efficacy of the organ to maintain acid base
      equilibrium.

PMID- 22038056
TI  - Novel role of NADPH oxidase in ischemic myocardium: a study with Nox2 knockout
      mice.
AB  - Several potential sources of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells exist. One
      source is NADPH oxidase, which is especially important for superoxide radical
      production. Nox2 is a primary regulatory subunit of NADPH oxidase. In the present
      study, we examined the role of ROS and NADPH oxidase in ischemic preconditioning
      (IP)-mediated cardioprotection by using Nox2(-/-) mice. Both wild-type (WT) and
      Nox2(-/-) mice were subjected to either 30 min of ischemia followed by 2 h of
      reperfusion (IR) or IP prior to 30 min ischemia and 2 h of reperfusion. Reduction
      in left ventricular developed pressure (60.1 versus 63 mmHg), dp/dt (max) (893
      versus 1,027 mmHg/s), and aortic flow (0.9 versus 1.8 ml/min) was observed in
      Nox2(-/-)IPIR compared to WTIPIR along with increased infarct size (33% versus
      22%) and apoptosis after 120 min of reperfusion. Differentially regulated genes
      were demonstrated by comparing gene expression in WTIPIR versus Nox2(-/-) IPIR
      hearts. Selected differentially regulated genes such as beta-catenin, SRPK3,
      ERDR1, ACIN1, Syntaxin-8, and STC1 were validated by real-time PCR. Taken
      together, this is the first report identifying important, differentially
      expressed genes during ischemic preconditioning in Nox2(-/-) mice by using
      microarray analysis.

PMID- 22038057
TI  - Palladium doping of magic gold cluster Au38(SC2H4Ph)24: formation of
      Pd2Au36(SC2H4Ph)24 with higher stability than Au38(SC2H4Ph)24.
AB  - A phenylethanethiolate-protected Pd(2)Au(36)(SC(2)H(4)Ph)(24) cluster, which is a
      two-Pd atom-doped cluster of the well studied magic gold cluster
      Au(38)(SC(2)H(4)Ph)(24), was synthesized in high purity and its stability was
      investigated. The results demonstrate that Pd(2)Au(36)(SC(2)H(4)Ph)(24) is more
      stable than Au(38)(SC(2)H(4)Ph)(24) against degradation in solution and core
      etching by thiols.

PMID- 22038058
TI  - Dietary protein restriction impairs growth, immunity, and disease resistance in
      southern leopard frog tadpoles.
AB  - The immune system is a necessary, but potentially costly, defense against
      infectious diseases. When nutrition is limited, immune activity may consume a
      significant amount of an organism's energy budget. Levels of dietary protein
      affect immune system function; high levels can enhance disease resistance. We
      exposed southern leopard frog [Lithobates sphenocephalus (=Rana sphenocephala)]
      tadpoles to high and low protein diets crossed with the presence or absence of
      the pathogenic amphibian chytrid fungus (Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis; Bd) and
      quantified: (1) tadpole resistance to Bd; (2) tadpole skin-swelling in response
      to phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) injection (a measure of the T cell-mediated response
      of the immune system); (3) bacterial killing ability (BKA) of tadpole blood (a
      measure of the complement-mediated cytotoxicity of the innate immune system); and
      (4) tadpole growth and development. Tadpoles raised on a low-protein diet were
      smaller and less developed than tadpoles on a high-protein diet. When controlled
      for developmental stage, tadpoles raised on a low-protein diet had reduced PHA
      and BKA responses relative to tadpoles on a high-protein diet, but these immune
      responses were independent of Bd exposure. High dietary protein significantly
      increased resistance to Bd. Our results support the general hypothesis that host
      condition can strongly affect disease resistance; in particular, fluctuations in
      dietary protein availability may change how diseases affect populations in the
      field.

PMID- 22038059
TI  - Effects of herbivory, nutrients, and reef protection on algal proliferation and
      coral growth on a tropical reef.
AB  - Maintaining coral reef resilience against increasing anthropogenic disturbance is
      critical for effective reef management. Resilience is partially determined by how
      processes, such as herbivory and nutrient supply, affect coral recovery versus
      macroalgal proliferation following disturbances. However, the relative effects of
      herbivory versus nutrient enrichment on algal proliferation remain debated. Here,
      we manipulated herbivory and nutrients on a coral-dominated reef protected from
      fishing, and on an adjacent macroalgal-dominated reef subject to fishing and
      riverine discharge, over 152 days. On both reefs, herbivore exclusion increased
      total and upright macroalgal cover by 9-46 times, upright macroalgal biomass by
      23-84 times, and cyanobacteria cover by 0-27 times, but decreased cover of
      encrusting coralline algae by 46-100% and short turf algae by 14-39%. In
      contrast, nutrient enrichment had no effect on algal proliferation, but
      suppressed cover of total macroalgae (by 33-42%) and cyanobacteria (by 71% on the
      protected reef) when herbivores were excluded. Herbivore exclusion, but not
      nutrient enrichment, also increased sediment accumulation, suggesting a strong
      link between herbivory, macroalgal growth, and sediment retention. Growth rates
      of the corals Porites cylindrica and Acropora millepora were 30-35% greater on
      the protected versus fished reef, but nutrient and herbivore manipulations within
      a site did not affect coral growth. Cumulatively, these data suggest that
      herbivory rather than eutrophication plays the dominant role in mediating
      macroalgal proliferation, that macroalgae trap sediments that may further
      suppress herbivory and enhance macroalgal dominance, and that corals are
      relatively resistant to damage from some macroalgae but are significantly
      impacted by ambient reef condition.

PMID- 22038060
TI  - Ontogenetic changes in leaf traits of tropical rainforest trees differing in
      juvenile light requirement.
AB  - Relationships between leaf traits and the gap dependence for regeneration, and
      ontogenetic changes therein, were investigated in juvenile and adult tropical
      rainforest tree species. The juveniles of the 17 species included in the study
      were grown in high light, similar to the exposed crowns of the adult trees. The
      traits were structural, biomechanical, chemical and photosynthetic. With
      increasing species gap dependence, leaf mass per area (LMA) decreased only
      slightly in juveniles and remained constant in adults, whereas punch strength
      together with tissue density decreased, and photosynthetic capacity and
      chlorophyll increased. Contrary to what has been mostly found in evergreen
      tropical rainforest, the trade-off between investment in longevity and in
      productivity was evident at an essentially constant LMA. Of the traits pertaining
      to the chloroplast level, photosynthetic capacity per unit chlorophyll increased
      with gap dependence, but the chlorophyll a/b ratio showed no relationship. Adults
      had a twofold higher LMA, but leaf strength was on average only about 50% larger.
      Leaf tissue density, and chlorophyll and leaf N per area were also higher,
      whereas chlorophyll and leaf N per unit dry mass were lower. Ranking of the
      species, relationships between traits and with the gap dependence of the species
      were similar for juveniles and adults. However, the magnitudes of most
      ontogenetic changes were not clearly related to a species' gap dependence. The
      adaptive value of the leaf traits for juveniles and adults is discussed.

PMID- 22038061
TI  - Unravelling the limits to tree height: a major role for water and nutrient trade
      offs.
AB  - Competition for light has driven forest trees to grow exceedingly tall, but the
      lack of a single universal limit to tree height indicates multiple interacting
      environmental limitations. Because soil nutrient availability is determined by
      both nutrient concentrations and soil water, water and nutrient availabilities
      may interact in determining realised nutrient availability and consequently tree
      height. In SW Australia, which is characterised by nutrient impoverished soils
      that support some of the world's tallest forests, total [P] and water
      availability were independently correlated with tree height (r = 0.42 and 0.39,
      respectively). However, interactions between water availability and each of total
      [P], pH and [Mg] contributed to a multiple linear regression model of tree height
      (r = 0.72). A boosted regression tree model showed that maximum tree height was
      correlated with water availability (24%), followed by soil properties including
      total P (11%), Mg (10%) and total N (9%), amongst others, and that there was an
      interaction between water availability and total [P] in determining maximum tree
      height. These interactions indicated a trade-off between water and P availability
      in determining maximum tree height in SW Australia. This is enabled by a species
      assemblage capable of growing tall and surviving (some) disturbances. The
      mechanism for this trade-off is suggested to be through water enabling mass-flow
      and diffusive mobility of P, particularly of relatively mobile organic P,
      although water interactions with microbial activity could also play a role.

PMID- 22038062
TI  - Case-based knowledge and ethics education: improving learning and transfer
      through emotionally rich cases.
AB  - Case-based instruction is a stable feature of ethics education, however, little
      is known about the attributes of the cases that make them effective. Emotions are
      an inherent part of ethical decision-making and one source of information
      actively stored in case-based knowledge, making them an attribute of cases that
      likely facilitates case-based learning. Emotions also make cases more realistic,
      an essential component for effective case-based instruction. The purpose of this
      study was to investigate the influence of emotional case content, and
      complementary socio-relational case content, on case-based knowledge acquisition
      and transfer on future ethical decision-making tasks. Study findings suggest that
      emotional case content stimulates retention of cases and facilitates transfer of
      ethical decision-making principles demonstrated in cases.

PMID- 22038063
TI  - The ethical dilemma of embryonic stem cell research.
AB  - To determine the knowledge, attitude, and ethical concerns of medical students
      and graduates with regard to Embryonic Stem Cell (ESC) research. This
      questionnaire based descriptive study was conducted at the Civil Hospital Karachi
      (CHK), Pakistan from February to July 2008. A well structured questionnaire was
      administered to medical students and graduate doctors, which included their
      demographic profile as well as questions in line with the study objective.
      Informed consent was taken and full confidentiality was assured to the
      participants. Data were entered in a Statistical Package for Social Sciences
      (SPSS version.12) and analyzed. A total of 204 male and 216 female medical
      students and doctors were administered questionnaires out of which 105 males
      (51.4%) and 108 females (50%) were aware of the embryonic stem cell research and
      its ethical implications. Forty percent males and 47% of females were of the
      opinion that life begins at conception. Forty-six percent males and 39% females
      were in favor of stem cell research while only 31% males and 28% females
      supported the ESC research. Less than 1/3 of students supported using frozen
      embryos for research purposes while more than 2/3 indicated that they were
      unlikely to support abortion for stem cell research purposes. The majority of the
      students were in favor of stem cell research with some reservations regarding ESC
      research. A sizeable number of students withheld their views, reflecting their
      poor understanding of medical ethics. The result of the study indicates a need
      for incorporating bioethics into the medical curriculum.

PMID- 22038064
TI  - The role of PAI-1 and adiponectin on the inflammatory state and energy balance in
      obese adolescents with metabolic syndrome.
AB  - Obesity is a chronic inflammatory disease and is considered a risk factor for
      metabolic syndrome. In this study, 57 obese adolescents with and without
      metabolic syndrome underwent 1 year of weight loss therapy. At baseline, the
      metabolic syndrome (MS) patients presented higher values of PAI-1 than the non
      metabolic syndrome patients (n-MS). After therapy, significant improvements in
      anthropometrics and biochemical, inflammatory, and neuroendocrine variables were
      observed in both groups. However, the n-MS group presented better results than
      the MS group. Indeed, we found positive correlations in both groups between PAI-1
      and neuropeptide Y (NPY) and between PAI-1 and NPY/AgRP. Inflammatory biomarkers
      may thus play a role in energy balance. The clinical trial registration number is
      NCT01358773.

PMID- 22038065
TI  - Chlorophyll revisited: anti-inflammatory activities of chlorophyll a and
      inhibition of expression of TNF-alpha gene by the same.
AB  - In view of the folklore use of green leaves to treat inflammation, the anti
      inflammatory property of chlorophylls and their degradation products were
      studied. Chlorophyll a and pheophytin a (magnesium-free chlorophyll a) from fresh
      leaves showed potent anti-inflammatory activity against carrageenan-induced paw
      edema in mice and formalin-induced paw edema in rats. Chlorophyll a inhibited
      bacterial lipopolysaccharide-induced TNF-alpha (a pro-inflammatory cytokine) gene
      expression in HEK293 cells, but it did not influence the expression of inducible
      nitric acid synthase and cyclooxygenase-2 genes. Chlorophyll b only marginally
      inhibited both inflammation and TNF-alpha gene expression. But both chlorophyll a
      and chlorophyll b showed the same level of marginal inhibition on 12-O
      tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate-induced NF-kappaB activation. Chlorophylls and
      pheophytins showed in vitro anti-oxidant activity. The study shows that
      chlorophyll a and its degradation products are valuable and abundantly available
      anti-inflammatory agents and promising for the development of phytomedicine or
      conventional medicine to treat inflammation and related diseases.

PMID- 22038066
TI  - Circadian variation of cell proliferation in HTR-8/SVneo cell line.
AB  - Circadian clock controls several physiological processes such as cell
      proliferation. Extravillous trophoblast proliferation is a tightly regulated
      function playing a fundamental role in maternal vessel remodeling. We recently
      demonstrated that clock genes Per2 and Dec1 as well as the clock-controlled genes
      Dbp and Vegf are rhythmically expressed in human extravillous trophoblast-derived
      HTR-8/SVneo cells. Analyzing the time course of HTR-8/SVneo cell proliferation, a
      circadian variation in cell number was found. Moreover, we showed a rhythmic
      expression of mRNAs for Wee1 and stathmin, two genes involved in cell cycle
      progression. We suggest that circadian clockwork may orchestrate the
      functionality of the several factors involved in the control of human trophoblast
      functions that are fundamental for a successfully pregnancy outcome.

PMID- 22038068
TI  - Glomerular hemophagocytic macrophages in a patient with proteinuria and clinical
      and laboratory features of hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH).
AB  - Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a heterogeneous disorder
      characterized by excessive activation and proliferation of nonmalignant
      histiocytes, which are commonly found in bone marrow, lymph nodes, spleen and
      liver in affected patients. Here, we report the presence of glomerular
      macrophages, including one showing erythrophagocytosis, on renal biopsy in a 25
      year-old patient with clinical presentation and laboratory changes consistent
      with HLH. The clinical course was marked by persistent fever for 2 months,
      pleural and pericardial effusion, splenomegaly, lymphadenopathy, pancytopenia,
      cardiac arrhythmias, multiple organ dysfunction, and proteinuria, with demise
      after a 2-month hospitalization. Positive assay for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV),
      marked hyperferritinemia, hypofibrinogenemia, hypertriglyceridemia, elevated anti
      nuclear antibody, proteinuria, and decreased circulating NK cells by flow
      cytometry were compatible with the diagnosis of HLH. We suggest that the
      glomerular hemophagocytic macrophages, which have not heretofore been described
      in the kidney of a patient with HLH, may have contributed to renal dysfunction
      manifest as proteinuria.

PMID- 22038067
TI  - BnRCH gene inhibits cell growth of Hela cells through increasing the G2 phase of
      cell cycle.
AB  - The ubiquitin-proteasome pathway (UPP) is an important protein degradation system
      universally existing in eukaryotic organisms from yeast to human. In this system,
      hundreds of E3 ubiquitin-protein ligases are most important because they provide
      the substrate specificity and control many cellular processes. UPP has been found
      to be relevant to cancer development. BnRCH, the protein product from a novel
      gene isolated from Brassica napus, also has E3 ubiquitin-protein ligase activity.
      In order to exploit its potential use, human cervical carcinoma cell Hela (Hela
      cells) was transiently and stably transfected with BnRCH. The experimental
      results demonstrated: (1) in Hela cells, BnRCH inhibited the cell growth of Hela
      cells and increased their sensitivity to the anti-cancer chemotherapeutic drug
      cisplatin; and (2) the growth inhibition effect of BnRCH in Hela cells was found
      due to G2 phase cell cycle arrest with the transcriptional up-regulation of p21
      (waf1/cip1), rather than apoptosis. This research suggests BnRCH has potential
      use in cancer therapy.

PMID- 22038069
TI  - Entrapment of Lactobacillus acidophilus into alginate beads for the effective
      treatment of cold restraint stress induced gastric ulcer.
AB  - Lactobacillus acidophilus (LAB) loaded alginate floating beads (FBs) were
      developed with an intent to (i) preserve their viability during manufacture and
      upon exposure to adverse physiological conditions existing in the stomach, (ii)
      achieve an increased stay of the system in the stomach for improved
      pharmacodynamics and to provide for their effective establishment within the
      gastric mucosa. In vitro characterization of developed beads was performed in
      terms of entrapment efficiency, buoyancy, and surface as well as cross sectional
      morphology and viability studies of LAB in a gastric environment. The developed
      system was evaluated and was found to be significantly better in an experimental
      model of cold restraint stress (CRS) induced gastric ulcer model in terms of
      ulcer index, hemorrhagic streak length, histopathological and biochemical markers
      and their cross talk with reactive oxygen/nitrogen species. The present study
      emphasizes the advantages and future potential of probiotic loaded FBs in gastric
      disorders.

PMID- 22038070
TI  - Cervical cancer screening among immigrant Hispanics: an analysis by country of
      origin.
AB  - As the largest and most diverse ethnic minority population in the U.S., it is
      important to examine differences in and correlates of Pap test adherence among
      Hispanics by country of origin. The data for these analyses are baseline
      responses from a Randomized Controlled Trial. Bivariate and multivariable
      logistic regression models were conducted among Hispanic immigrant women who
      identified as Mexican, Puerto Rican, Dominican, or Central/South American (n =
      1,305). There were significant differences in Pap test adherence: Dominicans
      (81.6%), Mexicans (77.5%), Central/South Americans (71.2%), and Puerto Ricans
      (69.3%). In multivariable analyses, there were different correlates of Pap test
      adherence for each country of origin. For example, marriage status (P = .0001)
      and younger age (P = .006) were positively associated with adherence among
      Mexican women. This research provides insight into the variability that exists
      among Hispanics and can help improve understanding of important determinants that
      may influence Pap test screening among diverse Hispanics.

PMID- 22038071
TI  - Risk factors associated with hepatitis C virus infection in an urban population
      of the State of Mexico.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine the seroprevalence anti-hepatitis C virus
      (HCV) antibodies and risk factors associated with patients attending primary-care
      clinics in the State of Mexico. A cross-sectional, prospective study was
      conducted on 10,524 consenting patients with history of at least one risk factor
      for HCV. Antibodies were detected by immunoassay, third-generation ELISA; RT-PCR
      was carried out to confirm HCV infection. The seroprevalence of HCV antibodies
      was 1.2% (128). The most common risk factor was blood transfusion prior to 1993
      (56.3%), followed by family history of cirrhosis 29 (22.7%); tattoos and/or
      piercings, 28 (21.9%); high-risk sexual practices, 4 (3.1%); healthcare work, 8
      (6.3%); and intravenous drug use, 1 (8%). RT-PCR was performed on samples from 83
      patients. Forty-five were considered positive. Genotype 1a was the most prevalent
      (37.7%).

PMID- 22038072
TI  - A new satellite RNA is associated with natural infections of cucumber mosaic
      virus in succulent snap bean.
AB  - Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) was consistently recovered from symptomatic snap bean
      plants during surveys conducted in 2007 and 2008 in central Wisconsin. A large
      proportion of these CMV-infected plants contained a single-stranded linear RNA
      molecule consisting of 339 nucleotides and sharing 90-94% sequence identity with
      other satellite (sat) RNAs of CMV. Comparison of this satRNA sequence with
      currently available CMV satRNA sequences suggests this to be a novel satRNA.

PMID- 22038073
TI  - Genomic sequence of infectious hypodermal and hematopoietic necrosis virus
      (IHHNV) KLV-2010-01 originating from the first Korean outbreak in cultured
      Litopenaeus vannamei.
AB  - Due to the need to track and monitor genetic diversity, the genome of the
      infectious hypodermal and hematopoietic necrosis virus (IHHNV) strain KLV-2010-01
      in cultured Litopenaeus vannamei shrimp that originated from the first Korean
      outbreak in 2010 was sequenced and analyzed. The genome, with a length of 3914
      nucleotides, was sequenced from the Korean IHHNV. The genome encoded three large
      and overlapping open reading frames: ORF1 (NS-1) of 2001 bp, ORF2 (NS-2) of 1092
      bp and ORF3 (capsid protein) of 990 bp. The overall organization, size and
      predicted amino acid sequence of the three ORFs in Korean IHHNV were highly
      similar to those of members of the infectious IHHNV group, and the most closely
      related strains were IHHNVs described from Ecuador and Hawaii. Additionally,
      phylogenetic analysis showed that the Korean IHHNV was clustered with lineage III
      in the infectious IHHNV group and was most similar to IHHNV isolates from
      Ecuador, China and Taiwan.

PMID- 22038074
TI  - Differentiation of infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) genome segment B of
      very virulent and classical lineage by RT-PCR amplification and restriction
      enzyme analysis.
AB  - Molecular characterization of IBDV usually relies on the analysis of segment A of
      the bi-segmented, double-stranded RNA genome. Although segments B of classical
      and very virulent IBDVs differ significantly, re-assortment of genome segments
      does occur, and molecular epidemiological studies demand the analysis of both
      segments. An RT-PCR and restriction enzyme analysis for molecular discrimination
      between genome segment B of classical and very virulent IBDVs is described.
      Tested on eight IBDV strains/isolates, the protocol successfully identified very
      virulent and classical IBDVs as well as a segment reassortant. This approach is a
      valuable tool for molecular epidemiological studies on IBDV.

PMID- 22038075
TI  - Synthesis of chiral hybrid nanotubes of magnetite nanoparticles and conducting
      polymers.
AB  - New chiral magnetite nanoparticles with a polymerizable group produced polymer
      composite films on an electrode surface and the hybrid nanotubes of magnetite
      nanoparticles and polythiophene from their template-based electropolymerization.

PMID- 22038076
TI  - Conformation specificity and arene binding in a peptide composed only of Lys,
      Ile, Ala and Gly.
AB  - The first life on Earth is believed to have been based on RNA, but might have
      taken advantage of amino acids and short peptides which form readily under
      conditions like those of the primitive Earth. We have shown that simple peptides
      adopt specifically folded four-helix bundle structures that can recognize and
      cleave RNA. Here, to explore the limits of conformational specificity, we
      characterize a simpler peptide composed of just Lys, Ile, Ala, and Gly called
      KIA7I. Using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and molecular dynamics
      (MD) simulations, we find kinks in the helices of KIA7I and multiple C-terminal
      conformations. These results suggest that the C-terminal Ile residue does not
      completely occupy the hydrophobic pocket that is filled by aromatic side-chains
      in well-folded KIA7 variants. The capacity of arenes to fill this cavity was
      tested. Using NMR, we show that benzene and phenol can bind KIA7I, but do not
      bind the well-folded variant KIA7W or hen egg white lysozyme. Benzene also binds
      Abeta(1-40), a mostly disordered polypeptide implicated in Alzheimer's disease. 8
      Anilinonaphthalene-1-sulfonate (ANS) fluorescence is further enhanced in the
      presence of both KIA7I and arenes relative to KIA7I alone. This ANS fluorescence
      enhancement is stronger for smaller and less polar arenes and less ordered KIA
      variants. These results suggest that arenes are not confined to the pocket, but
      penetrate and loosen the hydrophobic core of KIA7I.

PMID- 22038077
TI  - Depth-sensing analysis of cytoskeleton organization based on AFM data.
AB  - Atomic force microscopy is a common technique used to determine the elastic
      properties of living cells. It furnishes the relative Young's modulus, which is
      typically determined for indentation depths within the range 300-500 nm. Here, we
      present the results of depth-sensing analysis of the mechanical properties of
      living fibroblasts measured under physiological conditions. Distributions of the
      Young's moduli were obtained for all studied cells and for every cell. The
      results show that for small indentation depths, histograms of the relative values
      of the Young's modulus described the regions rich in the network of actin
      filaments. For large indentation depths, the overall stiffness of a whole cell
      was obtained, which was accompanied by a decrease of the modulus value. In
      conclusion, the results enable us to describe the non-homogeneity of the cell
      cytoskeleton, particularly, its contribution linked to actin filaments located
      beneath the cell membrane. Preliminary results showing a potential application to
      improve the detection of cancerous cells, have been presented for melanoma cell
      lines.

PMID- 22038078
TI  - Age cohort differences in the effects of gay-related stigma, anxiety and
      identification with the gay community on sexual risk and substance use.
AB  - Different cohorts of gay/bisexual men experience unique developmental factors
      given their distinct socio-historical contexts. This study examined the
      moderating effects of age on three psychosocial predictors of HIV risk behavior
      and substance use. Analyses drew on data from a study of substance using HIV
      negative and unknown status gay/bisexual men (N= 302) at risk for HIV infection.
      Anxiety was a strong independent predictor of sexual risk and substance use, and
      its effects on the sex risk outcomes were moderated by age, such that older and
      more anxious participants had more frequent instances of sexual risk.
      Identification with the gay community protected against HIV risk, and its effects
      on sex risk outcomes were moderated by age, such that younger participants who
      identified with the gay community reported less sexual risk. Understanding HIV
      risk within socio-historical contexts is essential in tailoring prevention by
      taking into account recipients' ages.

PMID- 22038079
TI  - Efficacy of an intervention for families living with HIV in Thailand: a
      randomized controlled trial.
AB  - This study evaluates the efficacy of an intervention for persons living with HIV
      (PLH) and their family members in Thailand. A randomized controlled trial of 813
      PLH and family members was carried out at four district hospitals in Thailand.
      Participants completed Computer Assisted Personal Interview assessments at
      baseline, 6, 12, 18, and 24 months. The primary outcome was quality of life
      (QoL); other measures included depressive symptoms and family functioning.
      Relative to the standard care condition, the intervention group reported
      significantly improved QoL at 6 months (P = 0.0014). When the intervention
      efficacy was stratified by baseline depressive symptoms (low vs. high),
      intervention efficacy was observed only among those with low depressive symptoms.
      Study findings suggest that the intervention was more efficacious for
      participants with less depressive symptoms and better family functioning.
      Extensive interventions may be optimal for those who have the capacity to learn
      the tools and skills.

PMID- 22038080
TI  - Risk for Heterosexual HIV Transmission Among Non-Injecting Female Partners of
      Injection Drug Users in Estonia.
AB  - The HIV epidemic in Estonia, as with other eastern European countries, is
      currently concentrated among injection drug users (IDUs). Non-IDUs who have IDU
      sex partners could serve as a potential bridge in an expanding epidemic. We
      applied HIV transmission modelling to data collected from non-IDU/IDU
      heterosexual couples in Kohtla-Jarve, Estonia to estimate HIV risk from IDUs to
      their sex partners based on self-reported sexual behaviors shared by the couple.
      IDUs and their current main non-injecting sex partners were recruited for an
      interviewer-administered survey and HIV testing. Bernoulli modelling techniques
      were applied to estimate the risk of HIV transmission (incidence) among HIV
      negative non-injecting female partners of male IDUs. The estimated HIV incidence
      in this population of non-injecting women with only main sexual partners in the
      last 6 months ranged from 3.24 to 4.94 HIV seroconversions per 100 person years
      depending on the value used in the models for the per act transmission rate
      during acute stage infection. Non-IDUs who have IDU sex partners are at high risk
      for HIV and could serve as a potential bridge to a more generalized epidemic.
      Whether this might lead to an expansion of the HIV epidemic beyond core groups in
      Estonia or other Eastern European countries warrants closer study.

PMID- 22038081
TI  - Correlates of staying safe behaviors among long-term injection drug users:
      psychometric evaluation of the staying safe questionnaire.
AB  - We report on psychometric properties of a new questionnaire to study long-term
      strategies, practices and tactics that may help injection drug users (IDUs) avoid
      infection with HIV and hepatitis C. Sixty-two long-term IDUs were interviewed in
      New York City in 2009. Five scales based on a total of 47 items were formed
      covering the following domains: stigma avoidance, withdrawal prevention, homeless
      safety, embedding safety within a network of users, and access to
      resources/social support. All scales (alpha >= .79) except one (alpha = .61) were
      highly internally consistent. Seven single-item measures related to drug use
      reduction and injection practices were also analyzed. All variables were
      classified as either belonging to a group of symbiotic processes that are not
      directly focused upon disease prevention but nonetheless lead to risk reduction
      indirectly or as variables describing prevention tactics in risky situations.
      Symbiotic processes can be conceived of as unintentional facilitators of safe
      behaviors. Associations among variables offer suggestions for potential
      interventions. These Staying Safe variables can be used as predictors of risk
      behaviors and/or biological outcomes.

PMID- 22038082
TI  - Parole officer-parolee relationships and HIV risk behaviors during community
      supervision.
AB  - We tested if good parole officer (PO)-parolee relationships reduce HIV risk
      behaviors during parole, as they do for risk of rearrest. Analyses used data from
      374 parolees enrolled in a randomized clinical trial. Past month HIV risk
      behaviors were assessed by interview at baseline, 3- and 9-months after parole
      initiation. The Working Alliance Inventory and the Dual-Role Relationships
      Inventory measured PO relationship. Gender-stratified multivariate regressions
      tested associations of PO-parolee relationship with sex with multiple partners,
      unprotected sex with risky partner(s), and drug injection. Women parolees (n =
      65) who reported better PO relationship characteristics were less likely to
      report having multiple sex partners [adjusted odds ratio: 0.82 (0.69, 0.98) at 3
      months, 0.89 (0.80, 0.99) at 9-months], and, among those reporting multiple sex
      partners, had fewer partners on average [adjusted relative risk 0.98 (0.96,
      0.99)]. These effects were not found among men. PO-parolee relationship quality
      can influence sexual risk behaviors among women parolees.

PMID- 22038083
TI  - Mathematical studies on the sterile insect technique for the Chikungunya disease
      and Aedes albopictus.
AB  - Chikungunya is an arthropod-borne disease caused by the Asian tiger mosquito,
      Aedes albopictus. It can be an important burden to public health and a great
      cause of morbidity and, sometimes, mortality. Understanding if and when disease
      control measures should be taken is key to curtail its spread. Dumont and
      Chiroleu (Math Biosc Eng 7(2):315-348, 2010) showed that the use of chemical
      control tools such as adulticide and larvicide, and mechanical control, which
      consists of reducing the breeding sites, would have been useful to control the
      explosive 2006 epidemic in Reunion Island. Despite this, chemical control tools
      cannot be of long-time use, because they can induce mosquito resistance, and are
      detrimental to the biodiversity. It is therefore necessary to develop and test
      new control tools that are more sustainable, with the same efficacy (if
      possible). Mathematical models of sterile insect technique (SIT) to prevent,
      reduce, eliminate or stop an epidemic of Chikungunya are formulated and analysed.
      In particular, we propose a new model that considers pulsed periodic releases,
      which leads to a hybrid dynamical system. This pulsed SIT model is coupled with
      the human population at different epidemiological states in order to assess its
      efficacy. Numerical simulations for the pulsed SIT, using an appropriate
      numerical scheme are provided. Analytical and numerical results indicate that
      pulsed SIT with small and frequent releases can be an alternative to chemical
      control tools, but only if it is used or applied early after the beginning of the
      epidemic or as a preventive tool.

PMID- 22038084
TI  - Global dynamics of a reaction and diffusion model for Lyme disease.
AB  - This paper is devoted to the mathematical analysis of a reaction and diffusion
      model for Lyme disease. In the case of a bounded spatial habitat, we obtain the
      global stability of either disease-free or endemic steady state in terms of the
      basic reproduction number R0. In the case of an unbounded spatial habitat, we
      establish the existence of the spreading speed of the disease and its coincidence
      with the minimal wave speed for traveling fronts. Our analytic results show that
      R0 is a threshold value for the global dynamics and that the spreading speed is
      linearly determinate.

PMID- 22038085
TI  - Longitudinal evidence for the association between work-related physical exposures
      and neck and/or shoulder complaints: a systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Most existing reviews focus on evidence for the association between
      neck and/or shoulder complaints and physical exposures at the workplace gathered
      from cross-sectional studies. In comparison, this review summarizes existing
      evidence from longitudinal studies only. METHODS: A systematic literature
      research was conducted in Medline and EMBASE (1975-2009), and all studies were
      scanned by at least two researchers according to strict inclusion criteria.
      Levels of evidence were assigned according to the number of studies reporting
      similar findings, and according to the methodological quality of the included
      studies. RESULTS: Altogether 21 longitudinal studies (19 high-quality studies)
      met the inclusion criteria and were included in this review. In comparison with
      former reviews, we found strong evidence for an association between shoulder
      complaints and manual material handling (MMH) (range between Odds Ratio (OR) 1.4
      and 4.9), vibration (range between OR 1.6 and OR 2.5), trunk flexion or rotation
      (range between OR 1.8 and OR 5.1), and working with hands above shoulder level
      (range between OR 1.1 and OR 1.8). Apart from that, the included studies
      confirmed existing knowledge on the association between physical exposures at the
      workplace and neck and/or shoulder complaints. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis of
      longitudinal studies allowed for new evidence with regard to four cause-effect
      chains between physical exposures at work and the development of shoulder, neck
      and neck/shoulder complaints. As outcome variables varied greatly among the
      included studies, harmonization in studies on musculoskeletal research is
      desirable.

PMID- 22038086
TI  - Burnout and effort-reward imbalance improvement for teachers by a manual-based
      group program.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We developed a manual-based psychological group program aimed at
      teachers and focussing on their professional relationships. The intervention
      comprised ten sessions over a 10-month period. The aim of the program was to
      strengthen teachers' health. We investigated whether the effects of our
      intervention, during which the MBI and ERI were applied, result in general
      alleviation of occupational stress experienced by teachers. METHODS: This is a
      randomized controlled trial. All teachers (N = 2,484) of two school types
      (grammar schools and secondary modern schools) in 3 districts of southwestern
      Germany were invited to take part in our program. All teachers declaring their
      interest (N = 337) in the intervention were included in the project. They were
      randomly assigned to either the intervention group (N = 171) or to the control
      group (N = 166). RESULTS: We found that teachers who participated in at least 50%
      of the program benefited from this short intervention. Significant improvement
      was achieved on the two MBI scales, Emotional Exhaustion and Personal
      Accomplishment, as well as on the ERI subscale Appreciation. CONCLUSION:
      Teachers' occupational stress level may be decreased by taking part in a short
      manual-based psychological group intervention that focuses on more effective
      handling of interpersonal problems in school. Therefore, teachers should receive
      support and guidance in developing the appropriate skills necessary to cope with
      stress appropriately.

PMID- 22038087
TI  - Simulation of urinary excretion of 1-hydroxypyrene in various scenarios of
      exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with a generic, cross-chemical
      predictive PBTK-model.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: A physiologically based toxicokinetic (PBTK) model can predict
      blood and urine concentrations, given a certain exposure scenario of inhalation,
      dermal and/or oral exposure. The recently developed PBTK-model IndusChemFate is a
      unified model that mimics the uptake, distribution, metabolism and elimination of
      a chemical in a reference human of 70 kg. Prediction of the uptake by inhalation
      is governed by pulmonary exchange to blood. Oral uptake is simulated as a bolus
      dose that is taken up at a first-order rate. Dermal uptake is estimated by the
      use of a novel dermal physiologically based module that considers dermal
      deposition rate and duration of deposition. Moreover, evaporation during skin
      contact is fully accounted for and related to the volatility of the substance.
      Partitioning of the chemical and metabolite(s) over blood and tissues is
      estimated by a Quantitative Structure-Property Relationship (QSPR) algorithm. The
      aim of this study was to test the generic PBTK-model by comparing measured
      urinary levels of 1-hydroxypyrene in various inhalation and dermal exposure
      scenarios with the result of model simulations. EXPERIMENTAL: In the last three
      decades, numerous biomonitoring studies of PAH-exposed humans were published that
      used the bioindicator 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OH-pyrene) in urine. Longitudinal
      studies that encompass both dosimetry and biomonitoring with repeated sampling in
      time were selected to test the accuracy of the PBTK-model by comparing the
      reported concentrations of 1-OHP in urine with the model-predicted values. Two
      controlled human volunteer studies and three field studies of workers exposed to
      polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) were included. RESULTS: The urinary pyrene
      metabolite levels of a controlled human inhalation study, a transdermal uptake
      study of bitumen fume, efficacy of respirator use in electrode paste workers,
      cokery workers in shale oil industry and a longitudinal study of five coke
      liquefaction workers were compared to the PBTK-predicted values. The simulations
      showed that the model-predicted concentrations of urinary pyrene and metabolites
      over time, as well as peak-concentrations and total excreted amount in different
      exposure scenarios of inhalation and transdermal exposure were in all comparisons
      within an order of magnitude. The model predicts that only a very small fraction
      is excreted in urine as parent pyrene and as free 1-OH-pyrene. The predominant
      urinary metabolite is 1-OH-pyrene-glucuronide. Enterohepatic circulation of 1-OH
      pyrene-glucuronide seems the reason of the delayed release from the body.
      CONCLUSIONS: It appeared that urinary excretion of pyrene and pyrene-metabolites
      in humans is predictable with the PBTK-model. The model outcomes have a
      satisfying accuracy for early testing, in so-called 1st tier simulations and in
      range finding. This newly developed generic PBTK-model IndusChemFate is a tool
      that can be used to do early explorations of the significance of uptake of pyrene
      in the human body following industrial or environmental exposure scenarios. And
      it can be used to optimize the sampling time and urine sampling frequency of a
      biomonitoring program.

PMID- 22038088
TI  - Working conditions of female part-time and full-time teachers in relation to
      health status.
AB  - PURPOSE: Teacher's volume of employment and health status are controversially
      discussed in the current literature. This study focused on female teachers with
      part-time versus full-time jobs in association with working conditions and health
      status depending on age. METHOD: A sample of 263 part-time and 367 full-time
      female teachers (average age 46.7 +/- 7.8 vs. 46.0 +/- 6.3) participated in an
      occupational health screening. Specific work conditions, stressors (job history
      questionnaire) and effort-reward-imbalance ratio (ERI-Q) were measured and their
      relationships to mental and physical health were analysed. Health status was
      quantified by complaints (BFB questionnaire), general mental health status (GHQ
      12) and cardiovascular risk factors. RESULTS: On average, teachers in part-time
      positions reported 36 and in full-time positions 42 h per week. The effort-reward
      ratios were significantly associated with the volume of employment. Teachers in
      part-time jobs had only a slightly lower ERI-ratio. There were no differences
      between full-time and part-time teachers regarding health status. Eighteen
      percentage of both groups reported impaired mental health (GHQ >= 5), 48% of part
      time teachers and 53% of full-time teachers suffered from high blood pressure.
      Low physical fitness was observed in 12% of part-time and 6% of full-time
      teachers. In this study, neither the volume of employment nor working conditions
      were found to be significantly correlated with health status. CONCLUSION: Part
      time and full-time employment status did not appear to influence health in the
      teaching profession. Although there are differences in quantitative working
      demands, while the health status does not differ between both teacher groups.

PMID- 22038089
TI  - Neuromotor function in ship welders after cessation of manganese exposure.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to investigate whether previous long
      term exposure to manganese (Mn) via inhalation of welding fumes can cause
      persistent impairment in neuromotor function even long after cessation of
      exposure. METHODS: Quantitative tests of tremor, motor speed, manual dexterity,
      diadochokinesis, eye-hand coordination and postural stability were administered
      to 17 retired ship welders (mean age 69 years), with mean exposure time 28 years.
      The welders' exposure had ceased on average 18 years before the study. A
      cumulative exposure index (CEI) was calculated for each of the former welders.
      The welders were compared with 21 referents from the same shipyards (mean age was
      66 years). RESULTS: Former welders performed less well than referents in the
      grooved pegboard test, and poorer performance was associated with CEI. The
      performance in most of the other neurobehavioral tests was similar between
      groups, but the welders tended to perform slightly better than the referents in
      tests demanding hand steadiness. The latter finding may be due to a training
      effect from their former working tasks or selection bias into or out of this
      occupation. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study of welders with previous welding
      fume exposure, former welders and referents performed similarly in most of the
      neurobehavioral tests. Previous adverse effects on the neuromotor system might
      have ceased, and decreased neuromotor function due to normal aging processes in
      both groups might have disguised any slight effect of previous Mn exposure. The
      poorer performance in the grooved pegboard test among welders may indicate an
      adverse effect on motor function of long-term exposure to Mn, but this finding
      has to be confirmed by other studies.

PMID- 22038090
TI  - The relative contribution of work exposure, leisure time exposure, and individual
      characteristics in the onset of arm-wrist-hand and neck-shoulder symptoms among
      office workers.
AB  - PURPOSE: To identify the risk factors for the onset of arm-wrist-hand and neck
      shoulder symptoms among office workers and to estimate the relative contribution
      of these risk factors by calculating Population Attributable Fractions (PAFs).
      METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted among 1951 office workers with
      a follow-up duration of 2 years. Data on self-reported risk factors were
      collected at baseline and after 1 year of follow-up. Every 3 months, the
      occurrence of upper extremity symptoms was assessed using questionnaires. PAFs
      for individual risk factors were estimated based on Rate ratios (RRs) obtained
      from Poisson regression using Generalized Estimation Equations. RESULTS: Previous
      disabling symptoms were identified as the most important risk factor for the
      onset of arm-wrist-hand and neck-shoulder symptoms. Modifiable risk factors for
      arm-wrist-hand symptoms with relatively large PAFs were: at least 4 h per day of
      self-reported computer use at work, high level of overcommitment, and low task
      variation and for neck-shoulder symptoms: supporting the arms during keyboard use
      and at least 4 h per day of self-reported mouse use at work. Compared to having 0
      or 1 risk factor, the RR for arm-wrist-hand symptoms increased to 6.2 (95% CI 3.7
      10.5) for having 5-7 potentially modifiable risk factors and for neck-shoulder
      symptoms to 3.0 (95% CI 2.1-4.4) for having 4 or 5 potentially modifiable risk
      factors. CONCLUSION: Preventive interventions at the population level should be
      aimed at changing modifiable risk factors with large PAFs. At the individual
      level, preventive interventions should be aimed at changing multiple modifiable
      risk factors simultaneously.

PMID- 22038091
TI  - Characterization of an inositol 1,3,4-trisphosphate 5/6-kinase gene that is
      essential for drought and salt stress responses in rice.
AB  - Drought and salt stresses are major limiting factors for crop production. To
      identify critical genes for stress resistance in rice (Oryza sativa L.), we
      screened T-DNA mutants and identified a drought- and salt-hypersensitive mutant
      dsm3. The mutant phenotype was caused by a T-DNA insertion in a gene encoding a
      putative inositol 1,3,4-trisphosphate 5/6-kinase previously named OsITPK2 with
      unknown function. Under drought stress conditions, the mutant had significantly
      less accumulation of osmolytes such as proline and soluble sugar and showed
      significantly reduced root volume, spikelet fertility, biomass, and grain yield;
      however, malondialdehyde level was increased in the mutant. Interestingly,
      overexpression of DSM3 (OsITPK2) in rice resulted in drought- and salt
      hypersensitive phenotypes and physiological changes similar to those in the
      mutant. Inositol trisphosphate (IP3) level was decreased in the overexpressors
      under normal condition and drought stress. A few genes related to osmotic
      adjustment and reactive oxygen species scavenging were down-regulated in the
      mutant and overexpression lines. The expression level of DSM3 promoter-driven
      beta-glucuronidase (GUS) reporter gene in rice was induced by drought, salt and
      abscisic acid. Protoplast transient expression assay indicated that DSM3 is an
      endoplasmic reticulum protein. Sequence analysis revealed six putative ITPKs in
      rice. Transcript level analysis of OsITPK genes revealed that they had different
      tempo-spatial expression patterns, and the responses of DSM3 to abiotic stresses,
      including drought, salinity, cold, and high temperature, were distinct from the
      other five members in rice. These results together suggest that DSM3/OsITPK2 is
      an important member of the OsITPK family for stress responses, and an optimal
      expression level is essential for drought and salt tolerance in rice.

PMID- 22038092
TI  - Analysis of raphidophyte assimilatory nitrate reductase reveals unique domain
      architecture incorporating a 2/2 hemoglobin.
AB  - Eukaryotic assimilatory nitrate reductase (NR) is a multi-domain protein that
      catalyzes the rate-limiting step in nitrate assimilation. This protein is highly
      conserved and has been extensively characterized in plants and algae. Here, we
      report hybrid NRs (NR2-2/2HbN) identified in two microalgal species, Heterosigma
      akashiwo and Chattonella subsalsa, with a 2/2 hemoglobin (2/2Hb) inserted into
      the hinge 2 region of a prototypical NR. 2/2Hbs are a class of single-domain heme
      proteins found in bacteria, ciliates, algae and plants. Sequence analysis
      indicates that the C-terminal FAD/NADH reductase domain of NR2-2/2HbN retains
      identity with eukaryotic NR, suggesting that the 2/2Hb domain was inserted
      interior to the existing NR domain architecture. Phylogenetic analysis supports
      the placement of the 2/2Hb domain of NR2-2/2HbN within group I (N-type) 2/2Hbs
      with high similarity to mycobacterial 2/2HbNs, known to convert nitric oxide to
      nitrate. Experimental data confirms that H. akashiwo is capable of metabolizing
      nitric oxide and shows that HaNR2-2/2HbN expression increases in response to
      nitric oxide addition. Here, we propose a mechanism for the dual function of NR2
      2/2HbN in which nitrate reduction and nitric oxide dioxygenase reactions are
      cooperative, such that conversion of nitric oxide to nitrate is followed by
      reduction of nitrate for assimilation as cellular nitrogen.

PMID- 22038093
TI  - Plant MCM proteins: role in DNA replication and beyond.
AB  - Mini-chromosome maintenance (MCM) proteins form heterohexameric complex (MCM2-7)
      to serve as licensing factor for DNA replication to make sure that genomic DNA is
      replicated completely and accurately once during S phase in a single cell cycle.
      MCMs were initially identified in yeast for their role in plasmid replication or
      cell cycle progression. Each of six MCM contains highly conserved sequence called
      "MCM box", which contains two ATPase consensus Walker A and Walker B motifs.
      Studies on MCM proteins showed that (a) the replication origins are licensed by
      stable binding of MCM2-7 to form pre-RC (pre-replicative complex) during G1 phase
      of the cell cycle, (b) the activation of MCM proteins by CDKs (cyclin-dependent
      kinases) and DDKs (Dbf4-dependent kinases) and their helicase activity are
      important for pre-RC to initiate the DNA replication, and (c) the release of MCMs
      from chromatin renders the origins "unlicensed". DNA replication licensing in
      plant is, in general, less characterized. The MCMs have been reported from
      Arabidopsis, maize, tobacco, pea and rice, where they are found to be highly
      expressed in dividing tissues such as shoot apex and root tips, localized in
      nucleus and cytosol and play important role in DNA replication, megagametophyte
      and embryo development. The identification of six MCM coding genes from pea and
      Arabidopsis suggest six distinct classes of MCM protein in higher plant, and the
      conserved function right across the eukaryotes. This overview of MCMs contains an
      emphasis on MCMs from plants and the novel role of MCM6 in abiotic stress
      tolerance.

PMID- 22038094
TI  - Wood identification with PCR targeting noncoding chloroplast DNA.
AB  - Wood identification is extremely important in the modern forest industry. It also
      has significant applications in forensics, as well as in archeology and
      ecological research. In this study, five universal primer pairs amplifying
      chloroplast noncoding sequences of 300-1,200 bp were designed. Sequencing these
      amplicons in combination can lead to reliable identification of logs and wood
      products to cultivar, ecotype, or even the falling population. These primer pairs
      work on both gymnosperms and angiosperm trees. They also are potentially
      applicable to accurately identify shrubs and herbaceous species. In addition, a
      wood DNA purification method is proposed in which N-phenacylthiazolium bromide
      (PTB) is used to increase the quality and quantity of extracted DNA. This method
      was first validated using air-dried timber disks from three different tree
      species that were felled 4 years ago. The sapwood and outer heartwood provided
      the best locations for DNA extraction. The method was also successfully applied
      to extract DNA from the recalcitrant processed white oak wood, randomly selected
      staves of wine barrels. The single nucleotide polymorphism detected on the oak
      DNA sequences showed correlation to their geographical origins.

PMID- 22038095
TI  - Colistin A and colistin B among inhibitory substances of Paenibacillus polymyxa
      JB05-01-1.
AB  - Recently, we isolated and reported the antagonism of Paenibacillus polymyxa JB05
      01-1 (P. polymyxa JB05-01-1) against Gram-negative bacteria. Here, we provide
      more insights and attribute the abovementioned antagonism to the production of
      colistins A and B, which were purified by Amberlite column exchange, C18 column
      hydrophobicity, superdex 75 16/60 gel filtration chromatography connected to fast
      protein liquid chromatography and identified by MALDI TOF/TOF, and manual
      nanospray analysis. The amount of colistin A and colistin B recovered from 500 ml
      of culture supernatant was about 0.05 mg. The specific activity and the average
      recovery of the eluted substances were 5,120 AU/mg and 1.1%, respectively. The
      minimal inhibitory concentrations of the purified colistins against Escherichia
      coli O157:H7 and Pseudomonas fluorescens LRC R73 were 0.13 and 0.62 MUg/ml,
      respectively.

PMID- 22038096
TI  - Simvastatin suppresses apoptosis in vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques through
      regulating the expression of p(53), Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL.
AB  - PURPOSE: Simvastatin, a 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase
      inhibitor, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that are independent
      of lipid-lowering abilities. This experiment was carried out to explore the
      effects of simvastatin on apoptosis in vulnerable atherosclerotic plaques of apoE
      deficient mice. METHODS AND RESULTS: Eight weeks-old apoE(-/-) mice were fed a
      Western-type diet. Vulnerable atherosclerotic lesions were formed in the
      branchiocephalic artery at the age of 30-weeks, before simvastatin administration
      for 8 weeks. Simvastatin did neither affect the levels of plasma glucose and
      lipids, nor the size of atherosclerotic lesions. Analysis of plaque composition
      showed that simvastatin decreased the area of lipid core and increased the
      amounts of macrophages and smooth muscle cells in atherosclerotic plaques of
      apoE(-/-) mice. In addition, simvastatin down-regulated the expression of
      vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) by both inhibition of nuclear factor
      kappa B (NF-kB) activation and suppression of the expression of the receptor for
      advanced glycation end products (RAGE). Moreover, we found that simvastatin
      administration led to reduced TUNEL-positive cells in the aortic root lesions,
      accompanied by up-regulation of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL expression, and decreased P(53)
      expression as shown by Western blot. CONCLUSION: In the present study, we show
      novel data to suggest that simvastatin could suppress apoptosis in vulnerable
      atherosclerotic plaques of apoE(-/-) mice by regulating the expression of
      apoptosis-related proteins, such as p(53), Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL.

PMID- 22038098
TI  - Efficient hydrogenation of biomass-derived cyclic di-esters to 1,2-diols.
AB  - The unprecedented homogeneous hydrogenation of cyclic di-esters, in particular
      biomass-derived glycolide and lactide, to the corresponding 1,2-diols is
      catalyzed by Ru(II) PNN (1) and Ru(II) CNN (2) pincer complexes under mild
      hydrogen pressure and (in the case of 1) neutral conditions. No racemization was
      observed when a chiral di-ester was used.

PMID- 22038097
TI  - SIRT1 is required for long-term growth of human mesenchymal stem cells.
AB  - Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have therapeutic potential because of their
      ability to self-renew and differentiate into multiple tissues. However,
      senescence often occurs in MSCs when they are cultured in vitro and the molecular
      mechanisms underlying this effect remain unclear. In this study, we found that
      NAD-dependent protein deacetylase SIRT1 is differentially expressed in both human
      bone marrow-derived MSCs (B-MSCs) and adipose tissue-derived MSCs after
      increasing passages of cell culture. Using lentiviral shRNA we demonstrated that
      selective knockdown of SIRT1 in human MSCs at early passage slows down cell
      growth and accelerates cellular senescence. Conversely, overexpression of SIRT1
      delays senescence in B-MSCs that have undergone prolonged in vitro culturing and
      the cells do not lose adipogenic and osteogenic potential. In addition, we found
      that the delayed accumulation of the protein p16 is involved in the effect of
      SIRT1. However, resveratrol, which has been used as an activator of SIRT1
      deacetylase activity, only transiently promotes proliferation of B-MSCs. Our
      findings will help us understand the role of SIRT1 in the aging of normal diploid
      cells and may contribute to the prevention of human MSCs senescence thus
      benefiting MSCs-based tissue engineering and therapies.

PMID- 22038099
TI  - Implementing biosecurity education: approaches, resources and programmes.
AB  - This paper aims to present possible approaches, resources and programmes to
      introduce the topic of biosecurity to life scientists and engineers at the higher
      education level. Firstly, we summarise key findings from a number of
      international surveys on biosecurity education that have been carried out in the
      United States, Europe, Israel and the Asia-Pacific region. Secondly, we describe
      the development of our openly-accessible education resource, illustrating the
      scope and content of these materials. Thirdly, we report on actual cases of
      biosecurity education that have been implemented. These include achievements in
      and lessons derived from the implementation of biosecurity education at the
      National Defense Medical College in Japan. These experiences are followed by
      presentation of the expert-level "Train-the-Trainer" programmes subsequently
      launched by the University of Bradford in the United Kingdom. These examples will
      help readers to understand how educators can enhance their own understanding
      about biosecurity issues and how they can then disseminate their knowledge
      through development of their own customised, relevantly-targeted and stage
      tailored education programmes within their own life science communities. By
      providing these examples, we argue that education for life scientists, policy
      makers and other stakeholders about social responsibility on dual-use issues is
      easily achievable and need not be expensive, time-consuming or over-burdening. We
      suggest that recurring classes or courses be held at appropriate times during
      educational programmes to accommodate the developing expertise and advancing
      learning stages of students. 

PMID- 22038100
TI  - Delivery by Cesarean section and early childhood respiratory symptoms and
      disorders: the Norwegian mother and child cohort study.
AB  - Studies have indicated that children delivered by cesarean section are at an
      increased risk of developing wheezing and asthma. This could be the result of an
      altered immune system development due to delayed gut colonization or of increased
      neonatal respiratory morbidity. The authors examined the associations between
      delivery by cesarean section and the development of wheezing, asthma, and
      recurrent lower respiratory tract infections in children up to 36 months of age
      among 37,171 children in the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study. Generalized
      linear models were used in the multivariable analysis. Children delivered by
      cesarean section had an increased likelihood of current asthma at 36 months of
      age (relative risk = 1.17, 95% confidence interval: 1.03, 1.32), and the
      association was stronger among children of nonatopic mothers (relative risk =
      1.33, 95% confidence interval: 1.12, 1.58). No increased risk of wheezing or
      recurrent lower respiratory tract infections was seen among children delivered by
      cesarean section. Findings were similar among children delivered by acute and
      elective cesarean section. In conclusion, children delivered by cesarean section
      may have an increased risk of current asthma at 36 months, but residual
      confounding cannot be excluded. In future prospective studies, investigators
      should reexamine this association in different age groups.

PMID- 22038101
TI  - The association between living through a prolonged economic depression and the
      male:female birth ratio--a longitudinal study from Cuba, 1960-2008.
AB  - The Trivers-Willard hypothesis suggests that populations respond to scarcity by
      decreasing the ratio of males to females at livebirth. Cuba experienced an
      extreme economic depression in the 1990s called the "special period." Using time
      series analysis, the authors studied the impact of this event on the male:female
      sex ratio at birth in Cuba from 1960 to 2008. From 1990 to 1993, the per capita
      gross domestic product in Cuba decreased by 36%. By use of a definition of the
      special period from 1991 to 1998, there was a prolonged increase in the
      male:female ratio of livebirths during this period of economic depression (P <
      0.001), from 1.06 at baseline to a peak of 1.18. This association persisted when
      using alternative definitions of the duration of economic depression in
      sensitivity analyses. Once the period of economic depression was over, the
      male:female ratio returned to the baseline value. These data suggest that, in
      Cuba, contrary to the Trivers-Willard hypothesis, the human population responded
      to conditions of scarcity by increasing the ratio of males to females at
      livebirth. These data may be relevant in the modeling of demographic projections
      in countries that experience prolonged economic depression and in understanding
      adaptive human reproductive responses to environmental change.

PMID- 22038103
TI  - Invited commentary: Natural versus unnatural sex ratios--a quandary of modern
      times.
AB  - The typical dilemma with sex-ratio findings is that when they are real, they
      aren't interesting, and when they are interesting, they aren't real. In this
      issue of the Journal, Fernandez et al. (Am J Epidemiol. 2011;174(12):1327-1331)
      describe a deviation of the sex ratio that is apparently both large and real.
      There was a temporary but distinct spike in the proportion of boys born in Cuba
      around the time of the collapse of the national economy during the 1990s.
      Although an excess of boys does not fit the prevailing biologic theory regarding
      maternal stress and the sex ratio, the data are consistent with results from the
      Dutch famine (where population-level deprivation was even more extreme). A new
      quandary arises in the modern era with interpretation of the sex ratio: If the
      decision to abort a pregnancy is influenced by the sex of the fetus, a change in
      the behavior of even a small proportion of women could influence the sex ratio at
      birth. The possible role of sex selection in the Cuban context is discussed.

PMID- 22038104
TI  - Assessment of differential item functioning in the experiences of discrimination
      index: the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study.
AB  - The psychometric properties of instruments used to measure self-reported
      experiences of discrimination in epidemiologic studies are rarely assessed,
      especially regarding construct validity. The authors used 2000-2001 data from the
      Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study to examine
      differential item functioning (DIF) in 2 versions of the Experiences of
      Discrimination (EOD) Index, an index measuring self-reported experiences of
      racial/ethnic and gender discrimination. DIF may confound interpretation of
      subgroup differences. Large DIF was observed for 2 of 7 racial/ethnic
      discrimination items: White participants reported more racial/ethnic
      discrimination for the "at school" item, and black participants reported more
      racial/ethnic discrimination for the "getting housing" item. The large DIF by
      race/ethnicity in the index for racial/ethnic discrimination probably reflects
      item impact and is the result of valid group differences between blacks and
      whites regarding their respective experiences of discrimination. The authors also
      observed large DIF by race/ethnicity for 3 of 7 gender discrimination items. This
      is more likely to have been due to item bias. Users of the EOD Index must
      consider the advantages and disadvantages of DIF adjustment (omitting items,
      constructing separate measures, and retaining items). The EOD Index has
      substantial usefulness as an instrument that can assess self-reported experiences
      of discrimination.

PMID- 22038105
TI  - Work-related violence and incident use of psychotropics.
AB  - Although the mental health consequences of domestic violence are well documented,
      empirical evidence is scarce regarding the mental health effects of violence in
      the workplace. Most studies have used data from small occupation-specific
      samples, limiting their generalizability. This article examines whether direct
      exposure to work-related violence is associated with clinically pertinent mental
      health problems, measured by purchases of psychotropics (antidepressants,
      anxiolytics, hypnotics), in a cross-occupational sample of 15,246 Danish
      employees free from using psychotropics at baseline. Self-reported data on work
      related violence were merged with other data on purchases of medications through
      a national registry to estimate cause-specific hazard ratios during 3.6 years
      (1,325 days) of follow-up in the years 1996-2008. Outcomes were examined as
      competing risks, and analyses were adjusted for gender, age, cohabitation,
      education, income, social support from colleagues, social support from
      supervisor, and influence and quantitative demands at work. Work-related violence
      was associated with purchasing antidepressants alone (hazard ratio = 1.38, 95%
      confidence interval: 1.09, 1.75) or in combination with anxiolytics (hazard ratio
      = 1.74, 95% confidence interval: 1.13, 2.70) but not with purchasing anxiolytics
      or hypnotics only. The frequency of violent episodes and risk of caseness were
      unrelated. Work-related violence is associated with increased risk of clinically
      pertinent mental health problems. Reducing levels of work-related violence may
      help to prevent mental disorders in the working population.

PMID- 22038106
TI  - Relation of plasma catecholamine levels with pulse wave velocity in hypertensive
      patients compared with normotensive subjects.
AB  - Although the circadian variation of catecholamine has been reported, that of the
      pulse wave velocity (PWV) has not. Brachial ankle (ba) PWV is associated with
      well-established indices of central stiffness. It is not known whether arterial
      stiffness is associated with catecholamine. The aim of the present study was to
      evaluate the changes in baPWV and those on the plasma epinephrine and
      norepinephrine levels in the morning and evening in hypertensive patients (HPs)
      and normotensive subjects (NSs). The baPWV and blood pressure (BP) were measured
      in 14 NSs (14 males, 39 +/- 5 years) and 10 HPs (9 males and 1 female, 55 +/- 13
      years) at 06:00 h, noon, 18:00 h, and midnight, respectively. The plasma
      epinephrine and norepinephrine levels were measured in 14 NSs and 5 HPs at 06:00
      h and 18:00 h, respectively. There was no significant difference in BPs at 06:00
      h, noon, 18:00 h, and midnight in either NSs or HPs. The baPWV at 06:00 h was
      significantly lower than that at noon, 18:00 h, and midnight in NSs (P = 0.01,
      0.04, and 0.0008, respectively). The plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine levels
      at 06:00 h were markedly lower than those at 18:00 h in NSs (P = 0.002 and 0.003,
      respectively). There were no significant changes in the baPWV of HPs at 06:00 h,
      noon, 18:00 h, or midnight. The plasma epinephrine and norepinephrine levels at
      06:00 h were notably lower than those at 18:00 h in HPs (P = 0.004 and 0.01,
      respectively). Only NSs showed a significant reduction in the baPWV with a
      decrease in the plasma catecholamine levels in the morning, suggesting that the
      baPWV of NSs may be correlated with the variation of the plasma catecholamine
      levels.

PMID- 22038107
TI  - A novel atherogenic epitope from Mycobacterium tuberculosis heat shock protein 65
      enhances atherosclerosis in rabbit and LDL receptor-deficient mice.
AB  - Previous studies have established that Mycobacterium tuberculosis heat shock
      protein 65 (mHSP65) plays an important role in immune-associated diseases as an
      autoimmune factor. Some overlapping epitopes of mHSP65 may serve as initiators of
      both atherosclerosis and other autoimmune-associated diseases. In the present
      study, atherosclerosis was significantly enhanced in high-cholesterol diet (HCD)
      fed New Zealand white rabbits immunized with mHSP65(91-105) compared with PBS
      immunized or BSA-immunized rabbits. Immunizing wild-type C57BL/6J mice with
      mHSP65(91-105) induced the aortic endothelial injury. Although western blot
      demonstrated that specific antibodies against mHSP65(91-105) can cross-react with
      recombinant human heat shock protein 60, specific antibodies against mHSP65(91
      105) had no direct effects on HUVECs in vitro. Laser scanning confocal microscopy
      showed that mHSP65(91-105) localized in the cytoplasm of HUVECs, even when HUVECs
      were heat shocked at 42 degrees C. mHSP65(91-105)-specific splenic cells secreted
      more IFN-gamma than controls. Also, adoptive transfer of mHSP65(91-105)-specific
      splenic cells can accelerate atherosclerosis in ldlr( -/- ) mice. We can conclude
      that the (auto)immune response to mHSP65(91-105) accelerates atherosclerosis in
      animal models, and that the response of Th1 plays an important role in this
      progress.

PMID- 22038108
TI  - Effects of erythropoietin on angiogenesis after myocardial infarction in porcine.
AB  - Erythropoietin (EPO) has recently been shown to confer cardioprotective effects
      via angiogenesis and antiapoptosis. The administration of EPO after myocardial
      infarction (MI) reduces infarct size and improves cardiac function in small
      animals. The purpose of this study is to investigate the protective effects of
      EPO in porcine MI. Each animal in the EPO group received four injections of
      recombinant human EPO (rhEPO; 6000 U per injection) at 2-day intervals, starting
      after coronary occlusion. Animals in the control group received saline. Left
      ventriculography was performed just after coronary occlusion and at 28 days. Time
      course changes in serum levels of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF),
      hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and fibroblast growth factor (FGF) were measured.
      The number of vessels was calculated, and the mRNA expressions of VEGF and
      insulin-like growth factor (IGF) were examined. Left ventricular function was
      similar between the groups. The numbers of cells positive for anti-alpha-smooth
      muscle actin, von Willebrand factor, and c-kit were significantly higher in the
      EPO group than in the controls (P < 0.05). The EPO group exhibited significantly
      higher HGF and FGF concentrations (P < 0.05) and higher expression of VEGF and
      IGF mRNA (P < 0.05) compared with the controls. In conclusion, EPO accelerates
      angiogenesis via the upregulation of systemic levels such as HGF and FGF, and the
      local expression of VEGF and IGF, in porcine MI.

PMID- 22038109
TI  - Assessment of optimum stent deployment by stent boost imaging: comparison with
      intravascular ultrasound.
AB  - Stent boost (SB) imaging is an enhancement of the radiologic edge of the stent by
      digital management of regular X-ray images. The purpose of the present study was
      to validate SB imaging by comparison with the anatomical standard using
      intravascular ultrasound (IVUS). We investigated SB and IVUS after stent
      implantation in 68 arteries in 60 patients. Based on those findings, we added
      high-pressure dilatation in four patients and another stent implantation in four
      patients. We defined the SB criteria for adequate stent deployment as: complete
      stent expansion, stent minimum diameter >=70% of reference diameter, and stent
      minimum diameter >=2.0 mm; and IVUS criteria for adequate stent deployment as:
      minimal stent area >=5.0 mm(2). If the reference vessel was <2.8 mm, adequate
      stent deployment was defined as minimum stent area >=4.5 mm(2). IVUS findings
      indicated inadequate stent deployment in 21/72 observations (29%). Seven SB
      images showed inadequate stent expansion. SB predicted inadequate findings of
      IVUS with 100% specificity, 33% sensitivity, and 81% agreement. Although the
      sensitivity of SB image for adequate stent deployment is low, the specificity is
      sufficiently high for it to be the first-line for monitoring just after stent
      implantation in centers where IVUS is not used routinely.

PMID- 22038110
TI  - Vaccination against pandemic H1N1 (2009) in patients after allogeneic
      hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: a retrospective analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: Limited data are available on immunologic responses to primary pandemic
      H1N1 (2009) vaccination in recipients of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell
      transplantation (HSCT) recipients. In 2009 serologic responses to either pandemic
      H1N1 (2009) vaccine (n = 36) or pandemic H1N1 (2009) infection (n = 2) were
      studied in 38 HSCT recipients. METHODS: Responses were measured with a standard
      hemagglutination-inhibition assay. Fourteen patients had active chronic graft
      versus-host disease (cGvHD) at the time of vaccination/infection and seven
      patients had cGvHD in remission; 11 patients had no immunosuppressive therapy,
      and 27 patients were on immunosuppressive therapy. Nineteen patients (53%)
      responded to pandemic H1N1 (2009) vaccination. Two patients had pandemic H1N1
      (2009) infection without prior vaccination, and one patient had severe pandemic
      H1N1 (2009) infection with acute respiratory distress syndrome despite prior
      single vaccination. RESULTS: Non-responders to pandemic H1N1 (2009) vaccination
      more often had cGvHD (65 vs. 53%) and received second- or third-line therapy (53
      vs. 11%), while responders mostly had first-line therapy for cGvHD. While vaccine
      responders had no or single agent immunosuppressive therapy, non-responders
      frequently received moderate or intense immunosuppressive therapy. All vaccine
      recipients previously treated with rituximab were non-responders. CONCLUSIONS: In
      summary, the overall response to pandemic H1N1 (2009) vaccination in HSCT
      recipients was modest. Patients receiving combined immunosuppressive therapy for
      steroid-refractory cGvHD barely responded to pandemic H1N1 (2009) vaccination.

PMID- 22038111
TI  - Mycobacterium szulgai: an unusual cause of disseminated mycobacterial infections.

PMID- 22038112
TI  - Molecular epidemiology and the clinical significance of Acinetobacter baumannii
      complex isolated from cerebrospinal fluid in neurosurgical intensive care unit
      patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study was intended to investigate the clinical significance and
      molecular epidemiology of Acinetobacter baumannii complex (ABC) isolated from
      cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in neurosurgical intensive care unit (NSICU) patients,
      particularly comparing isolates from healthcare workers' (HCW) hands. METHODS: We
      retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 30 patients with CSF cultures
      positive for ABC seen at our NSICU from the date it first opened, January 2007,
      to September 2010. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) typing was performed
      on 68 strains isolated from 32 patients' CSF and 36 HCWs' hands. RESULTS: ABC
      isolates were considered to be clinically significant in 21 (70.0%) patients but
      insignificant in the other nine (30.0%) patients. The prolonged (>7 days) use of
      cephalosporins was more common in patients with clinically significant ABC
      isolates (p = 0.049). Multiple drug resistance (MDR) was observed in 12 (57.1%)
      clinically significant isolates. Empirical antimicrobial therapies were not
      appropriate for nine of these 21 patients (42.8%). Mortality was significantly
      higher in the clinically significant group than in the clinically insignificant
      group (18/21 vs. 3/9; p = 0.008). Fifty-three isolates (77.9%) were grouped into
      15 clusters, three of which contained possibly related isolates from patients'
      CSF and staff members' hands. CONCLUSIONS: The fact that ABC isolates grown from
      CSF cultures do not always exhibit infection and have high multiple antibiotic
      resistance, including to carbapenems, should be borne in mind when planning
      treatment for these patients. In addition, HCWs' hands may play a significant
      role in transmission to patients, and compliance with infection control
      procedures, especially hand washing, must be enhanced in order to avoid ABC
      infections.

PMID- 22038113
TI  - Rhizobium radiobacter bacteremia in a neonate.
AB  - Rhizobium radiobacter bacteremia is an infrequent cause of human infection. We
      report a rare manifestation of R. radiobacter infection in which bacteremia
      occurred in a newborn infant without other risk factors.

PMID- 22038114
TI  - Readability of patient-reported outcome questionnaires for use with persons with
      swallowing disorders.
AB  - The purposes of this study were to examine the readability of published patient
      related outcome (PRO) questionnaires for persons with swallowing problems, and to
      compare the readability results to existing data about average reading levels of
      English-speaking adults living in the United States. A search was conducted to
      identify published PRO questionnaires related to swallowing problems that
      traditionally are completed by patients in a self-administered format. Reading
      grade levels were analyzed separately for four different swallowing-related PRO
      questionnaires using the Flesch Reading Ease, FOG, and FORCAST formulas as
      computed by a readability calculations software package. Descriptive statistics
      were also computed across the questionnaires. The results of this study
      demonstrate that all four PRO questionnaires exceeded the fifth- to sixth-grade
      reading levels recommended by health literacy experts regardless of the formula
      applied. In the demand for standardization of swallowing-related quality-of-life
      assessment tools, developers should consider readability as another testable
      construct, since poor readability may affect validity, reliability, and
      sensitivity. The swallowing clinician should consider the average reading level
      needed to understand a particular PRO questionnaire when administering it to a
      patient or his or her proxy. Developers of PRO questionnaires should consider the
      reading level of respondents and include information about this when reporting
      psychometric data.

PMID- 22038115
TI  - Identification of GABRA1 and LAMA2 as new DNA methylation markers in colorectal
      cancer.
AB  - Aberrant methylation of CpG islands in the promoter region of genes is a common
      epigenetic phenomenon found in early cancers. Therefore conducting genome-scale
      methylation studies will enhance our understanding of the epigenetic etiology
      behind carcinogenesis by providing reliable biomarkers for early detection of
      cancer. To discover novel hypermethylated genes in colorectal cancer by genome
      wide search, we first defined a subset of genes epigenetically reactivated in
      colon cancer cells after treatment with a demethylating agent. Next, we
      identified another subset of genes with relatively down-regulated expression
      patterns in colorectal primary tumors when compared with normal appearing
      adjacent regions. Among 29 genes obtained by cross-comparison of the two gene
      sets, we subsequently selected, through stepwise subtraction processes, two novel
      genes, GABRA1 and LAMA2, as methylation targets in colorectal cancer. For
      clinical validation pyrosequencing was used to assess methylation in 134 matched
      tissue samples from CRC patients. Aberrant methylation at target CpG sites in
      GABRA1 and LAMA2 was observed with high frequency in tumor tissues (92.5% and
      80.6%, respectively), while less frequently in matched tumor-adjacent normal
      tissues (33.6% for GABRA1 and 13.4% for LAMA2). Methylation levels in primary
      tumors were not significantly correlated with clinico-pathological features
      including age, sex, survival and TNM stage. Additionally, we found that ectopic
      overexpression of GABRA1 in colon cancer cell lines resulted in strong inhibition
      of cell growth. These results suggest that two novel hypermethylated genes in
      colorectal cancer, GABRA1 and LAMA2, may have roles in colorectal tumorigenesis
      and could be potential biomarkers for the screening and the detection of
      colorectal cancer in clinical practice.

PMID- 22038116
TI  - C-reactive protein and nitric oxide levels in ischemic stroke and its subtypes:
      correlation with clinical outcome.
AB  - Studies in different populations have shown that ischemic stroke can trigger an
      acute phase response resulting in a rise of plasma concentration of C-reactive
      protein (CRP). However, there are very limited studies on CRP and first ischemic
      stroke divided into subtypes. High levels of CRP may also be associated with poor
      outcome. The present study was taken up to investigate the prognostic value of
      CRP within 24 h of onset of ischemic stroke. Five hundred and eighty one patients
      with first stroke and 575 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were involved in
      the study. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels were estimated, and
      follow-up interviews were conducted with patients at 3, 6, and 12 months post
      event to determine stroke outcome. In addition to this plasma, NO( x ) (nitrate
      and nitrite) was measured to detect the serum NO (an important biomarker of
      inflammation and oxidative stress) levels in ischemic stroke patients and
      controls. The relationship between CRP value and poor outcome (>2 on modified
      Rankin Scale Score and <5 on an extended Glasgow outcome scale) was studied.
      There was a significant association between elevated levels of CRP and NO with
      the disease. A stepwise multiple logistic regression analysis confirmed these
      findings after adjustment for potential confounders [adjusted odds ratio = 2.890,
      95% CI (1.603-5.011) with p < 0.01 and adjusted odds ratio = 2.364, 95% CI (1.312
      3.998) with p < 0.01 for hsCRP and NO, respectively]. After adjustment of
      potential confounders, patients with high CRP levels had a significant increased
      risk of poor outcome [adjusted odds ratio = 3.50, 95% CI (1.312-6.365) and p <
      0.001]. Elevated levels of hsCRP associated significantly with all stroke
      subtypes classified according to Trial of ORG 10172 in Acute Stroke Treatment
      classification except for lacunar stroke and stroke of other determined etiology.
      In conclusion, hsCRP and NO levels predict the incidence of ischemic stroke and
      hsCRP is an independent prognostic factor of poor outcome at 3 months.

PMID- 22038117
TI  - Engineering aspects of biological ion channels--from biosensors to computational
      models for permeation.
AB  - This paper presents two important engineering aspects of biological ion channels
      how to build sensors out of gramicidin channels and how to construct
      computational models for ion channel permeation. We describe our recent research
      in these areas, potential challenges and possible solutions.

PMID- 22038118
TI  - Co-expression of VpROMT gene from Chinese wild Vitis pseudoreticulata with VpSTS
      in tobacco plants and its effects on the accumulation of pterostilbene.
AB  - Plant secondary metabolites, such as stilbenes, have fungicidal potential and
      have been found in several plant species. Stilbenes in grapevine, such as
      resveratrol and pterostilbene, have recently attracted much attention, they are
      not only helping the plant to fight against pathogen attack, but they are also
      being widely used as ingredients of fungicide, anti-inflammatory drugs,
      antioxidant, and anti-infective agents. However, resveratrol O-methyltransferase
      gene, related with the synthesis of pterostilbene from resveratrol, has not been
      characterized effectively from Chinese wild Vitis pseudoreticulata. In this
      study, a candidate of resveratrol O-methyltransferase gene designated as VpROMT
      was isolated from a powdery mildew-resistant Chinese wild V. pseudoreticulata
      'Baihe-35-1', and characterization studies were performed. Expression studies
      showed that VpROMT was predominantly expressed in developing roots yet not found
      in the leaves, stems, nor tendrils when the plants are not challenged. Results of
      qRT-PCR showed that VpROMT was rapidly induced by Erysiphe necator in V.
      pseudoreticulata and by methyl-jasmonate, UV-irradiation in suspension culture
      cells of Vitis romanetii. The expression level varies in different tissues of
      grapevine, which MeJA and UV-C treatment significantly upregulated the expression
      of VpROMT gene while UV-B treatment failed to. Co-expression of VpROMT and
      grapevine stilbene synthase (VpSTS) gene leads to the accumulation of
      pterostilbene in leaves of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) indicating that VpROMT was
      able to catalyze the biosynthesis of pterostilbene from resveratrol in over
      expression transgenic tobacco plants.

PMID- 22038120
TI  - Limitations of conventional inhibitor classifications.
AB  - Enzyme inhibitors are usually classified as competitive, non-competitive or mixed
      non-competitive. Each of these designations has a serious limitation in that it
      only describes an extreme of inhibitory behaviour. The non-competitive inhibition
      equation only considers an approach to complete inhibition of the catalytic
      turnover rate, while the competitive inhibition equation predicts an infinite
      increase in the Michaelis-Menten constant (decrease in enzyme affinity for
      substrate), resulting from increased inhibitor concentration. Both of these
      models exclude the possibility of a finite inhibitor-induced change in the
      kinetic parameters of the enzyme they are affecting. They also exclude the
      possibility of an inhibitor affecting both the substrate affinity and the
      catalytic turnover at the same time. Mixed non-competitive inhibition describes a
      hybrid form of inhibition displaying some characteristics of both competitive and
      non-competitive inhibition. It also suffers from an inability to describe finite
      changes in activity and to describe concomitant changes in substrate affinity and
      catalytic turnover. Two inhibitor binding constants are invoked in this equation,
      suggesting that such inhibitors interact with the enzyme in two completely
      independent manners. From these considerations, it is suggested here that
      conventional equations do not adequately describe observed kinetic data due to a
      lack of distinction between the mass action binding term describing inhibitor
      enzyme association and the terms representing the actual effect of the inhibitor
      on the enzyme. Herein we describe an alternate approach for representing enzyme
      activity modulation based on a re-examination of conventional inhibition
      equations. The arguments presented are illustrated using the known competitive
      inhibition of Kallikrein with benzamidine.

PMID- 22038119
TI  - Functions of the Arabidopsis kinesin superfamily of microtubule-based motor
      proteins.
AB  - Plants possess a large number of microtubule-based kinesin motor proteins. While
      the kinesin-2, 3, 9, and 11 families are absent from land plants, the kinesin-7
      and 14 families are greatly expanded. In addition, some kinesins are specifically
      present only in land plants. The distinctive inventory of plant kinesins suggests
      that kinesins have evolved to perform specialized functions in plants. Plants
      assemble unique microtubule arrays during their cell cycle, including the
      interphase cortical microtubule array, preprophase band, anastral spindle and
      phragmoplast. In this review, we explore the functions of plant kinesins from a
      microtubule array viewpoint, focusing mainly on Arabidopsis kinesins. We
      emphasize the conserved and novel functions of plant kinesins in the organization
      and function of the different microtubule arrays.

PMID- 22038121
TI  - Bio-protective effects of homologous disaccharides on biological macromolecules.
AB  - In this contribution the effects of the homologous disaccharides trehalose and
      sucrose on both water and hydrated lysozyme dynamics are considered by
      determining the mean square displacement (MSD) from elastic incoherent neutron
      scattering (EINS) experiments. The self-distribution function (SDF) procedure is
      applied to the data collected, by use of IN13 and IN10 spectrometers (Institute
      Laue Langevin, France), on trehalose and sucrose aqueous mixtures (at a
      concentration corresponding to 19 water molecules per disaccharide molecule), and
      on dry and hydrated (H(2)O and D(2)O) lysozyme also in the presence of the
      disaccharides. As a result, above the glass transition temperature of water, the
      MSD of the water-trehalose system is lower than that of the water-sucrose system.
      This result suggests that the hydrogen-bond network of the water-trehalose system
      is stronger than that of the water-sucrose system. Furthermore, by taking into
      account instrumental resolution effects it was found that the system relaxation
      time of the water-trehalose system is longer than that of the water-sucrose
      system, and the system relaxation time of the protein in a hydrated environment
      in the presence of disaccharides increases sensitively. These results explain the
      higher bioprotectant effectiveness of trehalose. Finally, the partial MSDs of
      sucrose/water and trehalose/water have been evaluated. It clearly emerges from
      the analysis that these are almost equivalent in the low-Q domain (0-1.7 A(-1))
      but differ substantially in the high-Q range (1.7-4 A(-1)). These findings reveal
      that the lower structural sensitivity of trehalose to thermal changes is
      connected with the local spatial scale.

PMID- 22038122
TI  - Adhesion and stress relaxation forces between melanoma and cerebral endothelial
      cells.
AB  - Mechanical parameters play a crucial role in proper cellular functions. This
      article examines the process of the appearance and breaking of adhesion forces
      during contact between the confluent cerebral endothelial cell layer and a
      melanoma cell attached to a tipless cantilever. This adhesion is the initial
      phase of melanoma transmigration through the endothelial cell layer. Taking the
      force measurement, if the contact was prolonged for several seconds, a decrease
      in the load force was observed, which corresponds to stress relaxation of the
      cells. The dependence of adhesion force and stress relaxation on dwell time
      showed a saturation-like behavior. These stress relaxation curves could be fitted
      with the sum of two exponentials, suggesting that two independent processes take
      place simultaneously. The breakup of the adhesion during the retraction of the
      cantilever with the attached melanoma cell is not continuous but shows jumps.
      Between living endothelial and melanoma cells, a minimum jump size of about 20 pN
      could be determined. The minimum jump is independent of the dwell time and load
      force. It seems to be the elementary binding force between these two cell types.
      In case of fixed endothelial cells, the adhesion force was strongly decreased and
      the jumps disappeared, whereas the stress relaxation did not show considerable
      change upon fixation.

PMID- 22038123
TI  - Acoustic levitation: recent developments and emerging opportunities in
      biomaterials research.
AB  - Containerless sample environments (levitation) are useful for study of
      nucleation, supercooling, and vitrification and for synthesis of new materials,
      often with non-equilibrium structures. Elimination of extrinsic nucleation by
      container walls extends access to supercooled and supersaturated liquids under
      high-purity conditions. Acoustic levitation is well suited to the study of
      liquids including aqueous solutions, organics, soft materials, polymers, and
      pharmaceuticals at around room temperature. This article briefly reviews recent
      developments and applications of acoustic levitation in materials R&D. Examples
      of experiments yielding amorphous pharmaceutical materials are presented. The
      implementation and results of experiments on supercooled and supersaturated
      liquids using an acoustic levitator at a high-energy X-ray beamline are
      described.

PMID- 22038124
TI  - Genotyping of Haemophilus influenzae type b in pre-vaccination era.
AB  - Identification of Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) in asymptomatic carriers is
      critical to control the spread of disease. This study was conducted between
      January 2008 and August 2011 as part of a birth cohort study in Sado Island,
      Japan, to elucidate the prevalence of Hib and its clones in a specific region.
      Nasopharyngeal cultures were obtained from 349 subjects at 4-, 7-, 10-, 18-, and
      36-month health checkups and analyzed for H. influenzae. The Hib and nontypeable
      H. influenzae detection rates ranged from 0 to 1.5% (12 isolates) and from 7.9 to
      32.9%, respectively. Twelve pediatric patients diagnosed with invasive or non
      invasive Hib infections during the study period were also enrolled. The Hib
      isolates were analyzed for carriage of the beta-lactamase gene and ftsI
      mutations, and multilocus sequence type (MLST, ST type). Of the 24 Hib isolates,
      18 (75%) were ST54, 5 (21%) were ST190, and 1 isolate (4%) was ST95. All of the
      ST190 isolates were genetically beta-lactamase-negative ampicillin-susceptible
      isolates, while all but one of the ST54 isolates were genetically beta-lactamase
      positive amoxicillin/clavulanic acid-resistant isolates. The geographic
      distribution of Hib isolates in the study period was scattered. There were 2 day
      care cases and 1 family case of Hib infection. The ST54 and ST190 strains
      circulated in Sado Island and were detected in both asymptomatic carriers and
      patients. We note that surveillance of healthy subjects to identify Hib carriers
      is important to understand the transmission of Hib.

PMID- 22038125
TI  - Vigorous cleaning and adequate ventilation are necessary to control an outbreak
      in a neonatal intensive care unit.
AB  - An outbreak of Bacillus cereus (B. cereus) bacteremia occurred in our neonatal
      intensive care unit (NICU) in July 2005. Many strains of B. cereus were cultured
      from patient specimens, as well as from environmental samples such as the
      surfaces of instruments and air in the NICU. Some of these strains were analyzed
      by pulsed field gel electrophoresis, and several were confirmed to be identical.
      We speculated that the bacterial load in the environment had initially increased
      and then possibly spread throughout the NICU facility via the airflow of the
      ventilation system. For this reason, besides maintaining standard precautions, we
      performed a vigorous clean of the NICU, and covered the vents to prevent dust
      falling from them. These protective measures ended the outbreak. In the hospital
      environment, adequate ventilation is important, especially in single-occupancy
      isolation rooms and operating theaters. However, the criteria for the adequate
      ventilation of multioccupancy rooms for acute care environments such as the NICU
      have not yet been defined. We need to pay more attention to these environmental
      factors in order to avoid cross contamination and infectious outbreaks.

PMID- 22038126
TI  - Health care access and utilization among US-born and foreign-born Asian
      Americans.
AB  - Despite efforts to eliminate inequality in health and health care, disparities in
      health care access and utilization persist in the United States. The purpose of
      this study was to compare the access to care and use of health care services of
      US-born and foreign-born Asian Americans. We used aggregated data from the
      National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) from 2003 to 2005, including 2,500
      participants who identified themselves as Asian. Associations between country of
      birth and reported access and utilization of care in the previous 12 months were
      examined. After controlling for covariates, being foreign-born was negatively
      related to indicators of access to care, including health insurance (OR = 0.29,
      95%CI = 0.18-0.48), routine care access (OR = 0.52, 95%CI = 0.36-0.75), and sick
      care access [OR = 0.67, 95%CI = 0.47-0.96)]. Being foreign-born was also
      negatively related to all indicators of health care utilization (office visit: OR
      = 0.58, 95%CI = 0.41-0.81; seen/talked to a general doctor: OR = 0.69, 95%CI =
      0.52-0.90; seen/talked to a specialist: OR = 0.42, 95%CI = 0.28-0.63) but ER
      visit (OR = 0.84, 95%CI = 0.59-1.20). There are substantial differences by
      country of birth in health care access and utilization among Asian Americans. Our
      findings emphasize the need for developing culturally sensitive health services
      and intervention programs for Asian communities.

PMID- 22038127
TI  - A novel function of Streptomyces integration host factor (sIHF) in the control of
      antibiotic production and sporulation in Streptomyces coelicolor.
AB  - Bacterial integration host factors (IHFs) play important roles in site-specific
      recombination, DNA replication, transcription, genome organization and bacterial
      pathogenesis. In Streptomyces coelicolor, there are three putative IHFs: SCO1480,
      SCO2950 and SCO5556. SCO1480 or Streptomyces IHF (sIHF) was previously identified
      as a transcription factor that binds to the promoter region of redD, the pathway
      specific regulatory gene for the undecylprodigiosin biosynthetic gene cluster.
      Here we show that production of the pigmented antibiotics actinorhodin and
      undecylprodigiosin is strongly enhanced in sihf null mutants, while sporulation
      was strongly inhibited, with an on average 25% increase in spore size.
      Furthermore, the sihf mutant spores showed strongly reduced viability, with high
      sensitivity to heat and live/dead staining revealing a high proportion of empty
      spores, while enhanced expression of sIHF increased viability. This suggests a
      major role for sIHF in controlling viability, perhaps via the control of DNA
      replication and/or segregation. Proteomic analysis of the sihf null mutant
      identified several differentially expressed transcriptional regulators,
      indicating that sIHF may have an extensive response regulon. These data
      surprisingly reveal that a basic architectural element conserved in many
      actinobacteria such as mycobacteria, corynebacteria, streptomycetes and
      rhodococci may act as a global regulator of secondary metabolism and cell
      development.

PMID- 22038128
TI  - Compositions of microbial communities associated with oil and water in a
      mesothermic oil field.
AB  - Samples of produced water and oil obtained from the Enermark field (near Medicine
      Hat, Alberta, Canada) were separated into oil and aqueous phases first
      gravitationally and then through centrifugation at 20 degrees C in an atmosphere
      of 90% N(2) and 10% CO(2). Biomass that remained associated with oil after
      gravitational separation (1*g) was dislodged by centrifugation at 25,000*g. DNA
      was isolated from the aqueous and oil-associated biomass fractions and subjected
      to polymerase chain reaction amplification with primers targeting bacterial and
      archaeal 16S rRNA genes. DNA pyrosequencing and bioinformatics tools were used to
      characterize the resulting 16S rRNA gene amplicons. The oil-associated microbial
      community was less diverse than that of the aqueous phase and had consistently
      higher representation of hydrogenotrophs (methanogens of the genera Methanolobus
      and Methanobacterium and acetogens of the genus Acetobacterium), indicating the
      oil phase to be a primary source of hydrogen. Many known hydrocarbon degraders
      were also found to be oil-attached, e.g. representatives of the
      gammaproteobacterial genus Thalassolituus, the actinobacterial genus Rhodococcus
      and the alphaproteobacterial genera Sphingomonas, Brevundimonas and Stappia. In
      contrast, all eight representatives of genera of the Deltaproteobacteria
      identified were found to be associated with the aqueous phase, likely because
      their preferred growth substrates are mostly water-soluble. Hence, oil attachment
      was seen for genera acting on substrates found primarily in the oil phase.

PMID- 22038129
TI  - Isolation and characterization of culturable endophytic actinobacteria associated
      with Artemisia annua L.
AB  - Endophytic actinobacteria isolated from Artemisia annua were characterized and
      evaluated for their bioactivities. A total of 228 isolates representing at least
      19 different genera of actinobacteria were obtained and several of them seemed to
      be novel taxa. An evaluation of antimicrobial activity showed that more isolates
      possessed activity towards plant pathogens than activity against other pathogenic
      bacteria or yeasts. High frequencies of PCR amplification were obtained for type
      I polyketide synthases (PKS-I, 21.1%), type II polyketide synthases (PKS-II,
      45.2%) and nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPS, 32.5%). The results of
      herbicidal activity screening indicated that 19 out of 117 samples of
      fermentation broths completely inhibited the germination of Echinochloa
      crusgalli. This study indicated that endophytic actinobacteria associated with A.
      annua are abundant and have potentially beneficial and diverse bioactivities
      which should be pursued for their biotechnical promise.

PMID- 22038130
TI  - Survival and biofilm formation by Group B streptococci in simulated vaginal fluid
      at different pHs.
AB  - The Group B Streptococcus (GBS, Streptococcus agalactiae) is an important cause
      of neonatal and maternal infection. GBS is a commensal organism of the lower
      gastrointestinal and vaginal tract. A frequent mode of neonatal infection is
      vertical transmission from pregnant women to their foetus or neonate. The aim of
      this study was to evaluate the survival and biofilm production of 10 GBS strains
      in simulated vaginal fluid at pH 4.2, 5.5 and 6.5. GBS survived longer at higher
      pH than at normal vaginal pH. At pH 4.2, with the exception of two isolates that
      were recovered up to 48 and 72 h, viable GBS numbers declined below the limit of
      detection by 24 h. At higher pH, GBS survived between 3 and 15 days. All isolates
      investigated were biofilm producers but biofilm production was greater in
      tryptone soy broth compared to simulated vaginal fluid. The quantity of biofilm
      produced increased with the rise in the pH. This study suggests that high vaginal
      pH may influence both GBS survival and biofilm production and thus could be a
      risk factor for GBS infection.

PMID- 22038131
TI  - [HPV-induced diseases of the female genital tract].

PMID- 22038132
TI  - [HPV-associated carcinomas of the female genital tract. Molecular mechanisms of
      development].
AB  - Infections with human papillomaviruses (HPV) are a common occurrence in both men
      and women. In contrast HPV-associated neoplasias are relatively rare and occur
      only in certain areas of the body. The virus has obviously developed efficient
      mechanisms for its persistence without inducing too much damage to the host. The
      formation of neoplasia seems to be more an exception. Epigenetic mechanisms play
      an important role in the regulation of viral gene expression. Investigations have
      indicated that exactly the transition from the permissive infection stage to a
      transformation stage, where neoplastic alterations can occur due to expression of
      the viral oncogenes, is associated with certain methylation patterns of the viral
      genome which promote the expression of the oncogenes E6 and E7. The transforming
      stage is seen as the actual carcinogenic event and can be immunohistochemically
      detected by the biomarker p16(INK4a).

PMID- 22038134
TI  - [Computer-assisted diagnostics in cervical cytology].
AB  - Computer assistance has the ability to reduce screening errors. In cervical
      cytology only two systems are available: BD FocalPointTM (BD) utilizes algorithms
      for image recognition to analyze thin-layer specimens (Surepath) and conventional
      slides. The ThinPrep(r) imaging system (Hologic) is based on the densitometric
      measurement of nuclei and requires a thin-layer preparation. The BD FocalPointTM
      system assigns specimens according to declining probability of an abnormality to
      one of six groups. A further option is location-guided screening (LGS) where the
      15 fields of view which are most relevant are presented on a computerized
      microscope. Several studies indicate that this mode is at least equivalent to
      manual screening with conventional and surepath (SP) slides. For the ThinPrep(r)
      imaging system which only uses the LGS mode the majority of available studies
      found a significantly higher sensitivity for histologically confirmed grade 2
      cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN 2 +). However, most were retrospective or
      parallel studies. Both systems allow a significantly higher productivity but
      require a higher technical expenditure.

PMID- 22038135
TI  - [Diagnosis and differential diagnosis of cervical adenocarcinoma].
AB  - This overview summarizes pathogenetic and practical aspects of (sub
      )classification of cervical glandular (pre-)neoplasias and, inter alia, calls
      into question the usefulness of grading. In the context of the differential
      diagnosis of benign "imitations", the phenotypic variability of glandular
      precancerous lesions and carcinomas is described as well as the use of special
      tests to distinguish them. With regard to carcinomas, the differential diagnosis
      of well-differentiated neoplasias is addressed including "minimal deviation"
      adenocarcinoma (MDA, malignant adenoma), carcinomas with endometrioid or
      villoglandular morphology, and mesonephric hyper- and neoplasias. Furthermore,
      knowledge of HPV-negative glandular (pre-)neoplasias is covered including
      "gastric-type" adenocarcinomas and diagnostic algorithms for discriminating
      between primary and secondary cervical adenocarcinomas. Finally, comments are
      offered on the difficulties in recognizing early invasive adenocarcinomas,
      especially also the pitfalls inherent in determining the depth of invasion.

PMID- 22038133
TI  - [HPV-associated alterations of the vulva and vagina. Morphology and molecular
      pathology].
AB  - Non-neoplastic HPV-induced alterations of the vulva and vagina are frequent. The
      traditional three-tier grading system of vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN)
      will be replaced by the definition of usual and simplex type of VIN. The usual
      type is characterized by a strong association to high-risk HPV infections, the
      occurrence at younger age and multifocality, mostly associated with non
      keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma. The differentiated (or simplex) type is
      rare and shows an association to older age and p53 alterations and is typically
      diagnosed co-incidentally with keratinizing squamous cell carcinoma. Vaginal
      intraepithelial neoplasia (VAIN) is still graded into VAIN 1-3 where VAIN 1 and 2
      are mostly associated with low-risk HPV infections and a high spontaneous
      regression rate whereas VAIN 3 represents a high-risk HPV-associated lesion with
      capable progression into (micro-)invasive carcinoma. The differential diagnosis
      between a non-neoplastic condylomatous lesion and VIN common type and VAIN may be
      aided by p16 immunohistochemistry. The HPV-associated invasive vulvo-vaginal
      cancers are verrucous carcinoma (low-risk HPV) and the high-risk HPV-induced (non
      keratinizing) squamous cell carcinoma (NOS), the condylomatous (warty) carcinoma
      and the very rare vaginal squamo-transitional carcinoma.

PMID- 22038137
TI  - Electronic effects in 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions of N-alkyl and N-benzyl
      nitrones with dipolarophiles.
AB  - 1,3-Dipolar cycloadditions afforded fast access to isoxazolidines bearing N-alkyl
      or N-benzyl substituents. The electronic properties of the substituents in the
      nitrones define the activity of the dipoles and modulate diastereoselectivity in
      the non-catalyzed reactions. Using a chiral one-point binding ruthenium Lewis
      acid catalyst, products were obtained in good yields and with excellent regio-,
      diastereo-, and enantioselectivity.

PMID- 22038138
TI  - The rice bright green leaf (bgl) locus encodes OsRopGEF10, which activates the
      development of small cuticular papillae on leaf surfaces.
AB  - Development of specialized epidermal cells and structures plays a key role in
      plant tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. In the paddy field, the bright
      green leaf (bgl) mutants of rice (Oryza sativa) exhibit a luminous green color
      that is clearly distinguishable from the normal green of wild-type plants.
      Transmission and scanning electron microscopy revealed that small cuticular
      papillae (or small papillae; SP), nipple-like structures, are absent on the
      adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces of bgl mutants, leading to more direct
      reflection and less diffusion of green light. Map-based cloning revealed that the
      bgl locus encodes OsRopGEF10, one of eleven OsRopGEFs in rice. RopGEFs (guanine
      nucleotide exchange factors for Rop) activate Rop/Rac GTPases, acting as
      molecular switches in eukaryotic signal transduction by replacing the bound GDP
      (inactive form) with GTP (active form) in response to external or internal cues.
      In agreement with the timing of SP initiation on the leaf epidermis, OsRopGEF10
      is most strongly expressed in newly developing leaves before emergence from the
      leaf sheath. In yeast two-hybrid assays, OsRopGEF10 interacts with OsRac1, one of
      seven OsRac proteins; consistent with this, both proteins are localized in the
      plasma membrane. These results suggest that OsRopGEF10 activates OsRac1 to turn
      on the molecular signaling pathway for SP development. Together, our findings
      provide new insights into the molecular genetic mechanism of SP formation during
      early leaf morphogenesis.

PMID- 22038139
TI  - Screening of repeated dose toxicity data present in SCC(NF)P/SCCS safety
      evaluations of cosmetic ingredients.
AB  - Alternative methods, replacing animal testing, are urgently needed in view of the
      European regulatory changes in the field of cosmetic products and their
      ingredients. In this context, a joint research initiative called SEURAT was
      recently raised by the European Commission and COLIPA, representing the European
      cosmetics industry, with the overall goal of developing an animal-free repeated
      dose toxicity testing strategy for human safety assessment purposes. Although
      cosmetic ingredients are usually harmless for the consumer, one of the initial
      tasks of this research consortium included the identification of organs that
      could potentially be affected by cosmetic ingredients upon systemic exposure. The
      strategy that was followed hereof is described in the present paper and relies on
      the systematic evaluation, by using a self-generated electronic databank, of
      published reports issued by the scientific committee of DG SANCO responsible for
      the safety of cosmetic ingredients. By screening of the repeated dose toxicity
      studies present in these reports, it was found that the liver is potentially the
      most frequently targeted organ by cosmetic ingredients when orally administered
      to experimental animals, followed by the kidney and the spleen. Combined listing
      of altered morphological, histopathological, and biochemical parameters
      subsequently indicated the possible occurrence of hepatotoxicity, including
      steatosis and cholestasis, triggered by a limited number of cosmetic compounds.
      These findings are not only of relevance for the in vitro modeling efforts and
      choice of compounds to be tested in the SEURAT project cluster, but also
      demonstrate the importance of using previously generated toxicological data
      through an electronic databank for addressing specific questions regarding the
      safety evaluation of cosmetic ingredients.

PMID- 22038140
TI  - Effect of ziram on natural killer, lymphokine-activated killer, and cytotoxic T
      lymphocyte activity.
AB  - Ziram is a carbamate pesticide, which is widely used throughout the world as a
      fungicide in agriculture and as an accelerating agent in latex production. In the
      present study, we investigated the effect of ziram at 0.031-4 MUM in vitro on
      human natural killer (NK) and lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) and murine
      cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) activity and found that it significantly inhibited
      all three activities in a concentration-dependent manner. To explore the
      mechanism of ziram-induced inhibition of NK activity, NK-92MI cells, a human NK
      cell line, were used. We previously confirmed that NK-92MI cells express CD56,
      perforin, granzyme (Gr) A, GrB, Gr3/K, and granulysin and are highly cytotoxic to
      K562 cells in the chromium release assay. NK-92MI cells were treated with ziram
      at 0.125-4 MUM for 4 or 16 h at 37 degrees C in vitro. Then, intracellular levels
      of perforin, GrA, GrB, Gr3/K, and granulysin were determined by flow cytometry.
      It was found that ziram significantly reduced Gr3/K, granulysin, perforin, GrA,
      and GrB levels. The extent of the decrease differed among the proteins, and the
      order was as follows: Gr3/K > granulysin > perforin, GrA, and GrB. Taken
      together, these findings suggest the ziram-induced inhibition of NK, LAK, and CTL
      activities to be at least partially mediated by decreases in the intracellular
      levels of Gr3/K, granulysin, perforin, GrA, and GrB.

PMID- 22038141
TI  - Pitavastatin, a new HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, induces phototoxicity in human
      keratinocytes NCTC-2544 through the formation of benzophenanthridine-like
      photoproducts.
AB  - This study reports the results of an investigation of the phototoxicity mechanism
      induced by pitavastatin and its photoproducts, namely 6-cyclopropyl-10-fluoro-7,8
      dihydrobenzo[k]phenanthridine (PP3) and 6-cyclopropyl-10
      fluorobenzo[k]phenanthridine (PP4). The phototoxicity was tested in human
      keratinocytes cell lines NCTC-2544, and the results proved that under the same
      conditions, all three compounds exhibited phototoxic effects in the model tested.
      The reduction in cell viability was found to be both concentration- and UVA dose
      dependent. A point of note is that both the photoproducts produced a dramatic
      decrease in cell viability with GI(50) values one order of magnitude lower
      compared to the parent compound. In particular, the fully aromatic derivative
      (PP4) showed the highest antiproliferative activity. Flow cytometric analysis
      indicated that pitavastatin and the photoproduct PP4 principally induced
      necrosis, as revealed by the large appearance of propidium iodide-positive cells
      and also confirmed by the rapid drop in cellular ATP levels. Further studies
      committed to better understanding of photoinduced cell death mechanism(s)
      revealed that neither pitavastatin nor PP4 induced mitochondrial depolarization
      or lysosomal damage, but, interestingly, extensive cell lipid membrane
      peroxidation along with a significant oxidation of model proteins occurred,
      suggesting that pitavastatin and PP4 exert their phototoxic effect mainly in the
      cellular membranes. The present results suggest that the phototoxicity of
      pitavastatin may be mediated by the formation of benzophenanthridine-like
      photoproducts that appear to have high potential as photosensitizers.

PMID- 22038142
TI  - [On the track of the immune system (Nobel Prize)].

PMID- 22038143
TI  - Evaluation of carotid wave intensity in firefighters following firefighting.
AB  - Sudden cardiac events are the leading cause of line-of-duty firefighter deaths,
      but little information exists elucidating the physiologic responses. Wave
      intensity (WI) is a new hemodynamic index that provides information about the
      dynamic behavior of the heart and the vascular system and their interaction. The
      larger first peak wave (W1) occurs during early systole and is associated with
      cardiac contractility. The second smaller peak (W2) follows a period of
      relatively little net wave (NA) production and may be caused by reflected waves
      from the brain. This study aimed at determining arterial WI changes in response
      to live firefighting activities. We examined the WI of 39 firefighters (2
      females) with a mean age of 28 +/- 1 years and BMI of 26.6 +/- 0.7 kg m(-2) at
      rest, and immediately after 3 h of live firefighting drills. WI was assessed on
      the right common carotid artery using an Aloka high-resolution ultrasound. The
      magnitude of the W1 decreased significantly from 15,925 +/- 1,341 to 11,540 +/-
      886 mmHg m s(-3), p < 0.05. The magnitude of W2 remained unchanged (W2: from
      2,080 +/- 200 to 2,144 +/- 358 mmHg m s(-3)). Net NA decreased from 53 +/- 5 to
      40 +/- 4 mmHg m s(-2). In conclusions, our data suggest that left ventricular
      function and arterial-ventricular coupling decreased following live firefighting,
      and this may be related to the documented increase in risk of clinical events
      during and after firefighting activities.

PMID- 22038144
TI  - Effect of heavy strength training on muscle thickness, strength, jump
      performance, and endurance performance in well-trained Nordic Combined athletes.
AB  - The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effect of supplemental
      heavy strength training on muscle thickness and determinants of performance in
      well-trained Nordic Combined athletes. Seventeen well-trained Nordic Combined
      athletes were assigned to either usual training supplemented with heavy strength
      training (STR; n = 8) or to usual training without heavy strength training (CON;
      n = 9). The strength training performed by STR consisted of one lower-body
      exercise and two upper-body exercises [3-5 repetition maximum (RM) sets of 3-8
      repetitions], which were performed twice a week for 12 weeks. Architectural
      changes in m. vastus lateralis, 1RM in squat and seated pull-down, squat jump
      (SJ) height, maximal oxygen consumption (VO(2max)), work economy during
      submaximal treadmill skate rollerskiing, and performance in a 7.5-km rollerski
      time trial were measured before and after the intervention. STR increased 1RM in
      squat and seated pull-down, muscle thickness, and SJ performance more than CON (p
      < 0.05). There was no difference between groups in change in work economy. The
      two groups showed no changes in total body mass, VO(2max), or time-trial
      performance. In conclusion, 12 weeks of supplemental strength training improved
      determinants of performance in Nordic Combined by improving the athletes'
      strength and vertical jump ability without increasing total body mass or
      compromising the development of VO(2max).

PMID- 22038145
TI  - Human cardiac autonomic responses to head-up tilting during 72-h starvation.
AB  - Starvation may change autonomic nervous system activity and sensitivity such that
      a greater vagal withdrawal may occur during a sympathetic challenge. Six healthy
      humans endured a 3-day, water-only fast, during which participants were subjected
      to passive 80 degrees  head-up tilt testing twice on each day (a.m. and p.m.).
      Heart rate, heart rate variability (HRV), ventilation [Formula: see text], and
      respiration ([Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]) were recorded during
      supine rest and head-up tilting. On Day 1 (a.m.), supine heart rate was 46.0 +/-
      3.3 beats min(-1), increasing to 51.6 +/- 7.4 beats min(-1) on Day 3 (p.m.). On
      Day 1 (a.m.), supine high frequency HRV was 57.9 +/- 31.6(NU), increasing to 69.5
      +/- 21.3(NU) on Day 3 (p.m.). Tilt-induced increases in heart rate were greater
      following starvation (10.5 +/- 7.8 vs. 16.1 +/- 8.6 beats min(-1)), and tilt
      induced decreases in high frequency HRV were greater following starvation (-4.1
      +/- 27.7 vs. -28.0 +/- 20.8(NU)). Supine V'CO(2) remained unchanged, whereas
      V'O(2) increased and respiratory exchange ratio decreased (0.91 +/- 0.10 vs. 0.80
      +/- 0.05). Greater vagal withdrawal and elevated heart rate induced by head-up
      tilting during starvation may indicate increased autonomic sensitivity.

PMID- 22038146
TI  - Incline plyometrics-induced improvement of jumping performance.
AB  - The aim of this study was to examine the effects of incline plyometrics training
      on muscle activation and architecture during vertical jumping and maximum
      strength. Twenty male participants were divided in two training groups which
      followed after a 4 week training program. The incline plyometrics group (n = 10)
      trained by performing consecutive jumps on an inclined surface (15 degrees )
      while the plane plyometrics (PP) group (n = 10) performed the same jumps on a
      plane surface. Both groups trained four times per week and performed 8 sets of 10
      jumps in each session. Subjects performed squat jumps, counter movement jumps and
      drop jumps (DJ) prior to and immediately after the training period, while the
      electromyographic activity of the medial gastrocnemius (MGAS) and tibialis
      anterior muscles and the architecture of MGAS were recorded. Maximal isokinetic
      and isometric strength of the plantar flexors were performed. Analysis of
      variance showed that only the IP group improved fast DJ height performance by
      17.4 and 14.4% (20 and 40 cm, p < 0.05). This was accompanied by a significantly
      higher MGAS activity during the propulsion phase (24% from 20 cm and 50% from 40
      cm, p < 0.05) of the DJ and a longer working fascicle length (5.08%, p < 0.05)
      compared with the PP group. There were no significant changes in isokinetic and
      isometric strength of the plantar flexors after training for both groups. The
      increase of jumping performance, after incline plyometrics should be taken into
      consideration by coaches, when they apply hopping exercise to improve
      explosiveness of the plantar flexors.

PMID- 22038147
TI  - Cycling exercise-induced myofiber transitions in skeletal muscle depend on basal
      fiber type distribution.
AB  - The link between specific changes in myofiber type proportions and modulation of
      training in human skeletal muscle has yet to be unraveled. We investigated
      whether a defined increase in training volume induces a corresponding change of
      myofiber shifting in human skeletal muscle with distinct basal myofiber
      distribution. Twenty-one male cyclists (Age 26 +/- 4 years) with different
      performance levels were exposed to increased cycling training volume with reduced
      power output for 3 months. Biopsies were taken from vastus lateralis muscle PRE
      POST and the proportions of type I, IIa, IIx and IIc myofibers were determined.
      Total training time did not correlate to the degree of fiber type shifting of any
      type. In the entire sample of subjects, the proportion of type I myofibers tended
      to increase (P = 0.14) while IIa fibers decreased significantly (P < 0.05).
      Subgroups of subjects possessing higher (HPS) and lower proportions (LPS) of type
      I myofibers at baseline showed a distinct pattern in changing myofiber
      distribution. Subjects in HPS offered no change in myofiber proportions of any
      type. In contrast, subjects in LPS showed marked increases in type I (P = 0.06)
      and a significant reduction in IIa myofibers (P = 0.01). An inverse correlation
      between baseline proportion of type I and IIa myofibers and its change was
      observed. We conclude that individual myofiber composition constitutes a
      modulating factor for exercise-induced changes in its distribution. This might be
      influenced by altered demands of myofiber recruitment in relation to the
      intensity of muscle contraction but also by its relative abundance in contracting
      muscle.

PMID- 22038148
TI  - Vascular inflammation and blood pressure response to acute exercise.
AB  - Exaggerated blood pressure (BP) response to exercise is a strong predictor of
      cardiovascular disease, although the mechanisms remain unknown. The purpose was
      to examine the association between systemic markers of vascular inflammation and
      exercise blood pressure (BP) responses. Participants were 191 healthy men and
      women (aged 45-59 years). Blood pressure was measured at baseline and during 8
      min of steady state cycling ergometry exercise (at 50 W). Markers of vascular
      inflammation (fibrinogen, von Willebrand factor antigen, tumour necrosis factor
      alpha, interleukin-6 [IL-6], C-reactive protein [CRP]) were measured at baseline
      together with other traditional risk factors including central adiposity,
      smoking, alcohol, and habitual physical activity. CRP (beta = 0.30, p < 0.001),
      IL-6 (beta = 0.25, p = 0.001), and fibrinogen (beta = 0.14, p = 0.04) were
      associated with exercise systolic BP. The association with CRP remained
      significant after adjustment for age, sex, resting BP, and other risk factors.
      Other independent predictors of exercise BP included resting BP, female gender,
      waist-hip ratio, lower employment grade, and low physical activity level. In
      summary, central adiposity and vascular inflammatory processes may underlie
      exaggerated BP responses to acute exercise.

PMID- 22038149
TI  - Epileptogenic brain lesions in children: the added-value of combined diffusion
      imaging and proton MR spectroscopy to the presurgical differential diagnosis.
AB  - PURPOSE: Focal cortical dysplasia (FCD), dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumors
      (DNTs), and gangliogliomas (GGs) share many clinical features, and the
      presurgical differential diagnosis of these lesions using conventional magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) is challenging in some cases. The purpose of this work
      was thus to evaluate the capacity of diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and proton
      magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) to distinguish each lesion from the others.
      METHODS: Seventeen children (mean age 9.0 +/- 4.7 years), who had been referred
      for epilepsy associated with a brain tumor and operated, were selected.
      Preoperative MRI examinations were performed on a 1.5 T system and included
      anatomical images [T2-weighted, fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) and
      T1 pre- and post-injection images] as well as DWI and MRS [echo time (TE) = 30
      and 135 ms]. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values were calculated in the
      lesion and healthy control. MRS relative quantification consisted in normalizing
      each metabolite by the sum (S) of all metabolites (S(TE=135 ms) = NAA+Cr+Cho;
      S(TE=30 ms) = NAA+Cr+Cho+Glx+mI). Univariate and multivariate analyses were
      performed in order to determine which criteria could differentiate the different
      epileptogenic brain lesions. RESULTS: When taken alone, none of the MRI
      parameters was able to distinguish each disease from the others. Conventional MRI
      failed classifying two patients. When adding ADC to the linear discriminant
      analysis (LDA), one patient was still misclassified. Complete separation of the
      three groups was possible when combining conventional MRI, diffusion, and MRS
      either at long or short TE. CONCLUSION: This study shows the added-value of
      multimodal MRI and MRS in the presurgical diagnosis of epileptogenic brain
      lesions in children.

PMID- 22038150
TI  - Recurrent orbitofrontal cholesterol granuloma in pediatric patient: case report
      and review of the literature.
AB  - Orbitofrontal cholesterol granuloma is a rare entity which typically involves the
      lateral part of the supraorbital ridge. It causes progressive expansion and
      erosion of the inner and outer tables of the frontal bone. We describe a case of
      recurrent orbitofrontal cholesterol granuloma in a 17-year-old girl. In June 2002
      this patient had originally presented to an eye clinic with a small palpable mass
      in the right superolateral orbit, limitation on upgaze, and progressive
      proptosis. MRI of the orbit revealed an intraorbital extraconal mass with smooth
      border, high signal on both T1- and T2-weighted magnetic resonance images. She
      underwent an anterior orbitotomy via a subbrow incision. The lesion was removed
      completely, and histopathological examination confirmed a cholesterol granuloma.
      She remained asymptomatic until her presentation in August 2005. On second
      admission (3 years later), she complained of a tender palpable mass in the
      superolateral aspect of the right orbit. Her right eye was 4 mm proptosed and 4
      mm inferomedially displaced with limited elevation. The rest of the examination
      was normal. MRI of the orbit showed a large intraorbital but extraconal mass with
      smooth border, high signal on both T1- and T2-weighted images without enhancement
      after gadolinium injection. She underwent complete surgical excision by means of
      a bicoronal approach. Histopathological diagnosis revealed cholesterol granuloma.
      No recurrence of the lesion has been observed during the last 6 years following
      the second operation.

PMID- 22038151
TI  - A newborn with respiratory distress and hydrocephalus caused by a giant mature
      teratoma.

PMID- 22038152
TI  - A new form of herniation: the Chiari V malformation.

PMID- 22038153
TI  - The measurement of CSF flow through the aqueduct in normal and hydrocephalic
      children: from where does it come, to where does it go?
AB  - PURPOSE: Despite 100 years of study, the theories of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
      formation and absorption remain controversial. Measuring CSF flow through the
      aqueduct using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides a unique insight into
      the physiology of CSF hydrodynamics. The published data in adults tend to refute
      rather than support the prevailing theories of CSF flow. There are limited data
      regarding this metric in children. This paper seeks to measure the aqueduct flow
      in normal and hydrocephalic children to help formulate a more complete theory of
      CSF flow. METHODS: Twenty-four children with communicating hydrocephalus aged
      from 4 months to 16 years underwent MRI flow quantification of the aqueduct
      measuring the net flow. The patients were compared to 19 controls. RESULTS: The
      controls revealed two different flow patterns: (1) an infantile pattern
      characterized by flow directed into the ventricular system and (2) a mature
      pattern with flow directed out of the ventricles, similar to the published
      findings in adults. In infants with communicating hydrocephalus, the aqueduct
      flow changed direction but was of similar magnitude compared with the controls (p
      = 0.001). In the older hydrocephalic children, the flow was elevated 7-fold, but
      the direction was unchanged compared to the controls (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS:
      There is an abrupt change in the aqueduct CSF flow pattern at the age of 2 years
      from an infantile pattern to a mature pattern. These findings together with the
      findings in hydrocephalic children do not support the current theories of CSF
      hydrodynamics. A new theory of CSF circulation based on capillary absorption is
      presented.

PMID- 22038154
TI  - The importance of MTHFR polymorphisms in pediatric cerebral stroke.

PMID- 22038155
TI  - Early endoscopy-assisted treatment of multiple-suture craniosynostosis.
AB  - AIMS: Endoscopy-assisted treatment of craniosynostosis constitutes a novel
      modality for management of complex craniosynostoses. In this work, the authors
      aimed to assess the safety and advantages of performing these techniques in
      patients under 4 months of age. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Our study group comprised
      patients aged 4 months or younger with multiple-suture craniosynostosis
      undergoing endoscopy-assisted cranial remodeling. RESULTS: Between March 2007 and
      June 2011, we treated seven patients with combined affected sutures, five with
      unclassified nonsyndromic craniosynostosis, one with Muenke's and another with
      Crouzon's syndromes. One child with a cloverleaf skull had a family history of
      craniosynostosis. Mean age at diagnosis was 35.3 days (1-90 days). The most
      frequent combinations of involved sutures were sagittal and bicoronal suture (n =
      3) and bilateral coronal suture (n = 3). Mean age at treatment was 62.8 days (13
      109 days). Blood transfusion was required in only two patients. The mean length
      of hospital stay was 2.3 days (2-4 days). Mean follow-up period was 20.14 months
      (7-46 months). No patient presented ventriculomegaly or Chiari I malformation in
      follow-up studies, and only one showed a vertical disposition of the posterior
      fossa. No patient presented complications related to the procedures. A good
      result (Barlett I) was observed at 3- and 6-month follow-up visits. Four patients
      followed up for more than 1 year did not develop craniolacunae. CONCLUSION:
      Endoscopy-assisted surgery for correction of craniosynostosis in children under 4
      months represents a valid and safe management option. Early treatment may
      contribute to prevent the development of associated ventriculomegaly and Chiari I
      malformation.

PMID- 22038156
TI  - A sustainable byproduct catalyzed domino strategy: facile synthesis of alpha
      formyloxy and acetoxy ketones via iodination/nucleophilic
      substitution/hydrolyzation/oxidation sequences.
AB  - The sustainable byproduct catalyzed domino strategy has been performed for the
      facile synthesis of alpha-formyloxy and acetoxy ketones via
      iodination/nucleophilic substitution/hydrolyzation/oxidation sequences from
      simple and readily available aromatic ketones/unsaturated methyl ketones.

PMID- 22038157
TI  - Trace amine associated receptor 1 signaling in activated lymphocytes.
AB  - Although most research to date on Trace Amine Associated Receptor 1 (TAAR1) has
      focused on its role in the brain, it has been recognized since its discovery in
      2001 that TAAR1 mRNA is expressed in peripheral tissues as well, suggesting that
      this receptor may play a role in non-neurological pathways. This study reports
      TAAR1 expression, signaling and functionality in rhesus monkey lymphocytes. We
      detected a high level of TAAR1 protein in immortalized rhesus monkey B cell lines
      and a significant upregulation of TAAR1 protein expression in rhesus monkey
      lymphocytes following PHA treatment. Through screening a wide range of signaling
      pathways for their upregulation following TAAR1 activation by its potent agonist
      methamphetamine, we identified two transcription factors, CREB and NFAT, which
      are commonly associated with immune activation. Furthermore, we observed a TAAR1
      dependent phosphorylation of PKA and PKC following treatment with methamphetamine
      in transfected HEK293 cells, immortalized rhesus monkey B cells and PHA-activated
      rhesus monkey lymphocytes. Accordingly, the high levels of TAAR1 that we observed
      on lymphocytes are inducible and fully functional, capable of transmitting a
      signal likely via PKA and PKC activation following ligand binding. More
      importantly, an increase in TAAR1 receptor expression is concomitant with
      lymphocyte immune activation, suggesting a possible role for TAAR1 in the
      generation or regulation of an immune response. TAAR1 is emerging as a potential
      therapeutic target, with regard to its ability to modulate brain monoamines. The
      current data raises the possibility that TAAR1-targeted drugs may also alter
      immune function.

PMID- 22038159
TI  - Evaluation of CXCL10 as a novel serum marker for predicting liver metastasis and
      prognosis in colorectal cancer.
AB  - The aim of this study was to identify novel and reliable serum markers related to
      the prognosis of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients and to assess the association
      between selected markers and clinical outcome. We performed experiments using
      cytokine arrays to investigate the cytokine profiles in serum from stage IV CRC
      patients, compared with those of stage I patients. Serum CXCL10 was measured
      using an ELISA in 218 CRC patients and 17 normal volunteers to clarify the
      association of CXCL10 with clinical outcome. The mean serum CXCL10 concentration
      in CRC patients was significantly higher compared to that in normal volunteers.
      Serum CXCL10 levels increased significantly in accordance with the progression of
      UICC stage classification. Serum CXCL10 was significantly associated with high
      pathological T stage, the presence of vascular invasion and distant metastasis.
      Elevated serum CXCL10 levels were significantly associated with poor survival in
      all stages or in stage I-III with curative patients, respectively, and were an
      independent marker in predicting liver metastasis. Immunohistochemical analysis
      showed that CXCL10 was expressed in cancer cells at primary tumor and liver
      metastases sites, and in normal liver tissue surrounding metastatic cancer cells.
      Comprehensive analysis using cytokine arrays identified the novel serum prognosis
      marker CXCL10. Preoperative high serum levels of CXCL10 were associated with poor
      prognosis and liver metastasis in CRC.

PMID- 22038158
TI  - [(11)C]DAC-PET for noninvasively monitoring neuroinflammation and
      immunosuppressive therapy efficacy in rat experimental autoimmune
      encephalomyelitis model.
AB  - Neuroimaging measures have potential for monitoring neuroinflammation to guide
      treatment before the occurrence of significant functional impairment or
      irreversible neuronal damage in multiple sclerosis (MS). N-Benzyl-N-methyl-2-(7
      [(11)C]methyl-8-oxo-2-phenyl-7,8-dihydro-9H-purin-9-yl) acetamide ([(11)C]DAC), a
      new developed positron emission tomography (PET) probe for translocator protein
      18 kDa (TSPO), has been adopted to evaluate the neuroinflammation and treatment
      effects of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of
      MS. [(11)C]DAC-PET enabled visualization of neuroinflammation lesion of EAE by
      tracing TSPO expression in the spinal cords; the maximal uptake value reached in
      day 11 and 20 EAE rats with profound inflammatory cell infiltration compared with
      control, day 0 and 60 EAE rats. Biodistribution studies and in vitro
      autoradiography confirmed these in vivo imaging results. Doubling
      immunohistochemical studies showed the infiltration and expansion of CD4+ T cells
      and CD11b+ microglia; CD68+ macrophages were responsible for the increased TSPO
      levels visualized by [(11)C]DAC-PET. Furthermore, mRNA level analysis of the
      cytokines by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT
      PCR) revealed that TSPO+/CD4 T cells, TSPO+ microglia and TSPO+ macrophages in
      EAE spinal cords were activated and secreted multiple proinflammation cytokines
      to mediate inflammation lesions of EAE. EAE rats treated with an
      immunosuppressive agent: 2-amino-2-[2-(4-octylphenyl)ethyl] propane-1,3
      diolhydrochloride (FTY720), which exhibited an absence of inflammatory cell
      infiltrates, displaying a faint radioactive signal compared with the high
      accumulation of untreated EAE rats. These results indicated that [(11)C] DAC-PET
      imaging is a sensitive tool for noninvasively monitoring the neuroinflammation
      response and evaluating therapeutic interventions in EAE.

PMID- 22038160
TI  - Single-port-access, hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery for benign large adnexal
      tumors versus single-port pure laparoscopic surgery for adnexal tumors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Single-port-access hand-assisted laparoscopic surgery (SPA-HALS) is a
      method intended to provide surgical outcomes with advantages similar to those of
      SPA-pure laparoscopic surgery (SPA-PLS) for patients with benign large adnexal
      tumors and to reduce the spillage of tumor contents. This study aimed to assess
      the feasibility and methodology of SPA-HALS for benign large adnexal tumors and
      to compare the surgical outcomes of SPA-HALS and SPA-PLS performed by a single
      surgeon (H.-J. R.). METHODS: Between March 2009 and February 2011, 139 patients
      underwent SPA adnexal surgery. The SPA-PLS procedure was performed for 96
      candidates for conventional laparoscopic adnexal surgery, whereas SPA-HALS was
      performed for 43 patients with large adnexal tumors. The patient demographics and
      surgical outcomes of these two groups were compared. RESULTS: The median adnexal
      tumor size was larger in the patients who underwent SPA-HALS than in those who
      underwent SPA-PLS (10.9 vs. 6.3 cm; p < 0.001). Spillage occurred for four
      patients in the SPA-HALS group (10.3%) compared with 33 patients in the SPA-PLS
      group (31.3%) (p = 0.005). The relative risk of spillage was 4.43 times higher in
      the SPA-PLS than in the SPA-HALS group (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.45
      13.53). Adnexa-conserving surgery was significantly more frequent in the SPA-HALS
      group than in the SPA-PLS group (76.7% vs. 43.8%; p < 0.001). Additional
      procedures were less frequent in the SPA-HALS group (16.3% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.043).
      The median estimated blood loss was significantly lower in the SPA-HALS group (50
      vs. 105 ml; p = 0.001). The two groups did not differ significantly in median
      operation time (75 vs. 70 min), complication rate (0% vs. 3.1%), or postoperative
      hospital stay (2 vs. 2 days). CONCLUSION: The findings showed that SPA-HALS
      extracorporeal adnexal surgery allows for thorough evaluation of peritoneal
      structure and complete surgery of benign large adnexal tumors while retaining the
      advantages of SPA adnexal surgery. Furthermore, this technique may reduce the
      intraperitoneal spillage rate for benign large adnexal tumors.

PMID- 22038161
TI  - Using National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) data for risk
      adjustment to compare Clavien 4 and 5 complications in open and laparoscopic
      colectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic colectomy has been associated with fewer postoperative
      complications than open colectomy. However, it is unclear whether this is true
      for the most severe complications typically requiring treatment in an intensive
      care unit (ICU). The authors hypothesized that laparoscopic colectomy patients
      have fewer of the most severe complications even after adjustment for comorbidity
      risk. METHODS: Using the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP)
      public use files for 2005-2008, the authors identified all laparoscopic (n =
      12,455) and open (n = 33,190) colectomies by current procedural terminology (CPT)
      code. Using the Clavien classification for postoperative complications, they
      identified NSQIP data points most consistent with Clavien grade 4 complications
      requiring ICU care (postoperative septic shock, postoperative dialysis, pulmonary
      embolism, myocardial infarction, cardiac arrest, prolonged ventilatory
      requirements, need for reintubation) or grade 5 complication (mortality).
      Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. Odds ratios were
      calculated to compare laparoscopic and open colectomy regarding the probability
      of having any Clavien class 4 or 5 complication. Logistic regression was
      performed to account for the effect of preoperative conditions (American Society
      of Anesthesiology class, wound class, gender, preoperative functional status,
      preoperative albumin level, azotemia, thrombocytopenia, emergency case, and age
      >70 years) on complications. RESULTS: The univariate odds ratio showed a 2.27- to
      5.52-fold greater likelihood that a patient would have a complication requiring
      ICU admission if open rather than laparoscopic surgery was performed (p < 0.001).
      Multivariate logistic regression accounting for preoperative comorbidities that
      might affect outcome showed persistence of an increase in complications, with an
      odds ratio range of 1.63 to 2.21. CONCLUSION: Evaluation of the NSQIP database
      demonstrated that laparoscopic colectomy confers an independent protective effect
      on the frequency of ICU-level (Clavien grade 4) complications and mortality. The
      protective effect remained evident after correction for preoperative conditions
      that might have affected outcome.

PMID- 22038162
TI  - Minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy: an analysis of results and a
      revision of indications.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The first report of minimally invasive video-assisted thyroidectomy
      (MIVAT) was published in 1999, and the indications were progressively
      implemented: from cytologically undetermined thyroid nodules to intermediate-risk
      differentiated thyroid cancers. The aim of this study was to review the entire
      series of patients who underwent a MIVAT, critically analyzing its indications
      and contraindications and trying to figure out how the indications might be
      extended. METHODS: From 1998 to 2009, a total of 1,946 patients (1,659 females,
      287 males; mean age = 40.2 years) underwent MIVAT in our department. Inclusion
      criteria were benign thyroid nodules <35 mm, malignant nodules <20 mm, and an
      ultrasonographically estimated thyroid volume (ETV) <25 cc. The presence of
      suspicious or metastatic lymph nodes and the presence of severe thyroiditis were
      considered a contraindication for MIVAT. RESULTS: A total thyroidectomy was
      performed in 1,435 patients (72.3%). A total lobectomy was performed in 511 cases
      (26.3%), and a central neck node sampling was associated with total thyroidectomy
      in 104 cases. Final histology revealed benign disease in 979 cases (51.5%) and a
      malignancy was diagnosed in 915 cases (48.5%). Unexpected thyroiditis was found
      on final histology in 17.9% of the patients with benign disease and 30.9% of
      patients with malignancy. The incidence of thyroiditis was significantly
      different in these two populations (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Our data confirm the
      validity of the traditional indications for MIVAT: low-risk differentiated
      thyroid cancer (DTC), cytologically undetermined nodules, and small-volume benign
      thyroid disease. The indications may be further and safely extended to those
      patients with associated thyroiditis and those with intermediate-risk DTC. MIVAT
      can be proposed on a much larger scale than it was at its onset and cannot be
      considered an option for only a limited number of patients.

PMID- 22038163
TI  - CO2 pneumoperitoneum impact on early liver and lung cytokine expression in a rat
      model of abdominal sepsis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Experimental evidence suggests that laparoscopy could have reduced
      inflammatory sequelae compared with laparotomy following abdominal surgery for
      peritonitis. The aim of the present study is to investigate the possible
      beneficial effects of CO(2) insufflation on liver and lung expression of
      proinflammatory cytokines during sepsis. METHODS: Cecal ligation and puncture
      (CLP) was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats, and 6 h later rats were randomly
      subjected to CO(2) pneumoperitoneum (5-7 mmHg) or to laparotomy for 1 h. At the
      end of the CO(2) pneumoperitoneum or laparotomy procedures, animals were
      sacrificed, and liver and lung were removed and stored for molecular and
      histological analysis. RESULTS: Liver and lung expression of proinflammatory
      cytokines was significantly reduced in animals subjected to CO(2)
      pneumoperitoneum compared with laparotomy. In particular, tumor necrosis factor
      alpha (TNF-alpha) protein expression was significantly reduced (p < 0.05)
      following CO(2) pneumoperitoneum compared with laparotomy procedures. Interleukin
      (IL)-6 protein expression was accordingly, markedly reduced (p < 0.05) following
      CO(2) pneumoperitoneum. Histological analysis showed a reduced inflammatory
      infiltrate in liver and lung from animals subjected to CO(2) pneumoperitoneum
      compared with laparotomy. CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the hypothesis that
      laparoscopic procedures reduce the inflammatory cascade, following peritoneal
      sepsis, via reduced expression of proinflammatory cytokines.

PMID- 22038164
TI  - Resection and radiofrequency ablation in the treatment of hepatocellular
      carcinoma: a single-center experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We have been utilizing both resection and laparoscopic radiofrequency
      ablation (RFA) to treat hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The aim of this study is
      to describe patient characteristics and outcome for each treatment modality from
      a single institution. METHODS: Medical records of HCC patients who underwent
      resection (n = 92) or laparoscopic (RFA) (n = 92) between 1997 and 2010 were
      reviewed. Univariate Kaplan-Meier and multivariate Cox proportional-hazards model
      were used to analyze survival. RESULTS: Patients with normal liver function and
      larger tumors were resected, and those with liver dysfunction, portal
      hypertension, and multiple tumors were ablated. Tumor size was larger in the
      Resection group, whereas number of tumors was higher in the RFA group. Child
      class and Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging were more advanced in the
      RFA group. Hospital stay was longer, and morbidity and mortality higher in the
      Resection versus the RFA group. There was no difference in disease-free survival,
      but the 5-year actual survival was significantly higher (40% versus 21%) in the
      Resection group. On univariate analysis, number of tumors, tumor size, platelet
      count, BCLC stage, Child class, and type of surgery were predictors of overall
      survival. On multivariate analysis, Child class and number of tumors were
      independent predictors of overall survival. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this
      is the largest North American series reporting on RFA and resection for HCC from
      a single institution. Herein, we describe the perioperative and oncologic
      outcomes to be expected when these modalities are used in a certain treatment
      algorithm.

PMID- 22038165
TI  - Laparoscopic rectal resection for severe endometriosis of the mid and low rectum:
      technique and operative results.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although several studies have shown that laparoscopic resection is
      safe and feasible in bowel endometriosis, limited data are available on the
      specific treatment for endometriosis of the rectum. The aim of this study is to
      describe operative and postoperative outcomes after laparoscopic resection of the
      mid/low rectum for endometriosis. METHODS: Between 2002 and 2010, 750 patients
      (median age 33 years) underwent laparoscopic resection of the mid/low rectum for
      deep infiltrating endometriosis at a single institution. All operations were
      performed with a standardized technique by a single surgeon. RESULTS: Median
      operative time was 255 min, and median blood loss 150 ml. Of patients, 7%
      required blood transfusions. Laparotomic conversion rate was 1.6%. Mechanical low
      and very low colorectal anastomoses were carried out in 92.5 and 7.5% of
      patients, respectively. Temporary ileostomy rate was 14.5%. Median length of stay
      was 8 days. Overall surgical morbidity was 9% with no mortality. Rates of
      anastomotic leak, rectovaginal fistula, and intraabdominal bleeding were 3, 2,
      and 1.2%. Forty patients (5.5%) required reoperation. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic
      resection of the mid/low rectum for endometriosis can be performed safely with
      acceptable rates of morbidity/reoperation and with low rates of specific
      complications, including anastomotic leak and rectovaginal fistula. The very high
      surgical volume of the operating surgeon is probably one of the most important
      factors in order to maximize postoperative outcomes.

PMID- 22038166
TI  - The enhanced view-totally extraperitoneal technique for repair of inguinal
      hernia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The totally extraperitoneal (TEP) approach for repair of inguinal
      hernia is the preferred technique since it does not penetrate the peritoneal
      cavity, thus avoiding potential intraperitoneal complications. The TEP technique
      allows for regional or even local plus sedative anesthesia, and it gives us an
      incomparable view of the inguinal region and hernias exactly where they
      originate. Part of the difficulty with the TEP technique is the limited space it
      provides for dissection. METHODS: We describe a modification of the classical TEP
      approach which overcomes this limitation: the e-TEP technique. Since October 2010
      we have performed 36 e-TEP procedures. Many of these were in difficult cases such
      as inguinoscrotal and incarcerated hernias and patients with previous radical
      prostatectomy. We present an initial evaluation of this group of patients.
      RESULTS: Results in terms of pain and time off work were the same as with the
      classical technique. The average operating time was 38 min. This is longer than
      usual, probably due to the complexity of the cases performed and the time spent
      in documenting the technique for educational purposes. The peritoneum was often
      accidentally opened and air leaked into the peritoneal cavity without interfering
      with the completion of the surgery. We had two small seromas and one case of skin
      sloughing at the umbilical wound in a case of umbilical and bilateral inguinal
      hernias. We have had no recurrences, but follow-up has been short. CONCLUSIONS:
      Our initial experience with the e-TEP technique has been satisfactory. We have
      had no conversions in spite of the difficult cases selected. There were no major
      complications, and functional results were excellent. We believe this
      modification has a place in the armamentarium for hernia repair.

PMID- 22038167
TI  - How does the robot affect outcomes? A retrospective review of open, laparoscopic,
      and robotic Heller myotomy for achalasia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Robotic techniques are routinely used in urological and gynecological
      procedures; however, their role in general surgical procedures is limited. A
      robotic technique has been successfully adopted for a minimally invasive Heller
      myotomy procedure for achalasia. This study aims to compare perioperative
      outcomes following open, laparoscopic, and robotic Heller myotomy. METHODS: This
      study is a multicenter, retrospective analysis utilizing a large administrative
      database. The University Health System Consortium (UHC) is an alliance between
      academic medical centers and affiliate hospitals. The UHC database was accessed
      using International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical
      Modification codes and analyzed. RESULTS: 2,683 patients with achalasia underwent
      Heller myotomy between October 2007 and June 2011. Myotomy was performed by open
      surgery (OM) in 418 patients, by laparoscopic approach (LM) in 2,116, and by
      robotic approach (RM) in 149. Comparison between LM and RM groups demonstrated no
      significant difference in mortality (0.14 vs. 0.0%; P = 1), morbidity (5.19 vs.
      4.02%; P = 0.7), intensive care unit (ICU) admission (6.62 vs. 3.36%; P = 0.12),
      length of stay (LOS) (2.70 +/- 3.87 days vs. 2.42 +/- 2.69 days; P = 0.34), or 30
      day readmission (1.41 vs. 2.84%; P = 0.27). However, hospital costs were
      significantly lower for the LM group (US $7,441 +/- 7,897 vs. US $9,415 +/-
      5,515; P = 0.0028). Comparison between OM and RM demonstrated significant lower
      morbidity (9.08 vs. 4.02%; P = 0.02), ICU admission rate (14.01 vs. 3.36%, P =
      0.0002), and LOS (4.42 +/- 5.25 days vs. 2.42 +/- 2.69 days; P = 0.0001).
      CONCLUSIONS: The perioperative outcomes are superior in LM and RM groups when
      compared with OM. The outcomes for the LM and RM group are comparable, with the
      robotic group having slightly improved results, although with increased costs. We
      conclude that robotic surgery is equivalent in safety and efficacy to
      laparoscopic Heller myotomy, and feel that the increased cost should come down as
      surgeons and manufacturers work together on cost reduction strategies.

PMID- 22038168
TI  - Should SAGES advance minimally invasive surgery in space?

PMID- 22038169
TI  - Adult esophagogastric junction distensibility during general anesthesia assessed
      with an endoscopic functional luminal imaging probe (EndoFLIP(r)).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Increased esophagogastric junction distensibility occurs with
      esophageal reflux. The EndoFLIP((r)) is now available as a clinical tool to
      measure this. Control data for patients without reflux has to date only been
      available for a handful of patients evaluated under sedation during endoscopy.
      This study explores the baseline data for patients who undergo laparoscopy using
      general anesthesia with pneumoperitoneum. METHODS: Patients who require surgery
      in the absence of a history of esophageal reflux underwent EndoFLIP((r))
      evaluation of pressure, cross-sectional area, and distensibility with bag fills
      of 30 and 40 ml. This was performed after induction of anesthesia, during
      pneumoperitoneum, and just before extubation. RESULTS: Baseline levels were
      established and were noted to be significantly affected by the impact of
      pneumoperitoneum, with negligible effects from general anesthesia, patient
      gender, age, body mass index, or muscle relaxation. CONCLUSIONS: These data
      provide a guide for more accurate intraoperative EndoFLIP((r)) calibration of
      crural hiatal repair during surgery.

PMID- 22038170
TI  - Induction of primitive pigment cell differentiation by visible light (helium-neon
      laser): a photoacceptor-specific response not replicable by UVB irradiation.
AB  - Solar lights encompass ultraviolet (UV), visible, and infrared spectrum. Most
      previous studies focused on the harmful UV effects, and the biologic effects of
      lights at other spectrums remained unclear. Recently, lights at visible region
      have been used for regenerative purposes. Using the process of vitiligo
      repigmentation as a research model, we focused on elucidating the pro
      differentiation effects induced by visible light. We first showed that helium
      neon (He-Ne) laser (632.8 nm) irradiation stimulated differentiation of primitive
      pigment cells, an effect not replicable by UVB treatment even at high and
      damaging doses. In addition, significant increases of mitochondrial DNA copy
      number and the regulatory genes for mitochondrial biogenesis were induced by He
      Ne laser irradiation. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that He-Ne laser initiated
      mitochondrial retrograde signaling via a Ca(2+)-dependent cascade. The impact on
      cytochrome c oxidase within the mitochondria is responsible for the efficacy of
      He-Ne laser in promoting melanoblast differentiation. Taken together, we propose
      that visible lights from the sun provide important environmental cues for the
      relatively quiescent stem or primitive cells to differentiate. In addition, our
      results also indicate that visible light may be used for regenerative medical
      purposes involving stem cells.

PMID- 22038171
TI  - A novel hybrid promoter responsive to pathophysiological and pharmacological
      regulation.
AB  - The aim of this study was to construct a promoter containing DNA motifs for an
      endogenous transcription factor associated with inflammation along with motifs
      for pharmacological regulation factors. We demonstrate in transfected cells that
      expression of a gene of interest is induced by hypoxic conditions or through
      pharmacological induction, and also show pharmacological repression. In vivo
      studies utilised electroporation of plasmid to mouse paws, a delivery method
      shown to be effective by bioluminescence imaging. For gene therapy, the promoter
      was used to drive expression of IL-1Ra in a paw inflammation model with
      therapeutic effect observed which was further enhanced when the promoter was
      additionally induced with a pharmacological activator. One of the most important
      observations from this study was that promoter induction by hypoxia or
      inflammation could be prevented by the pharmacological repressor in the absence
      of doxycycline. These studies demonstrate that hybrid promoters enable
      pharmacological adjustment to the pathophysiological level of gene expression
      and, importantly, that they allow termination of gene expression even in the
      presence of pathophysiological stimuli.

PMID- 22038172
TI  - Does lateral release change patellofemoral forces and pressures?: a pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: One complication of TKA is postoperative anterior knee pain.
      Balancing retinacular tissue tension to improve patellar tracking is essential in
      preventing pain. Lateral release might help balance tension although the
      quantitative changes in patellofemoral force and pressure differentials after
      lateral release are unknown. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We asked if there are
      differences in patellofemoral forces and pressures for knees resurfaced with
      standard and gender-specific components and whether lateral release changes these
      differentials. METHODS: We studied six fresh-frozen cadaver knees with native
      knees and knees that had TKAs with patellofemoral resurfacing using traditional
      and gender-specific components. The knees were taken through passive ROM, and the
      means for medial and lateral peak pressure and maximum force were calculated
      before and after a lateral release was performed. RESULTS: In traditional
      resurfaced knees, lateral peak pressure was greater than medial peak pressure by
      727.6 +/- 550.0 kPa and lateral maximum force was greater than medial maximum
      force by 29.6 +/- 15.9 N. Lateral release decreased the pressure (71.4 +/- 826.0
      kPa) and force (10.0 +/- 32.1 N) differentials in the traditional but not in the
      gender-specific design. In gender-specific resurfaced knees, lateral peak
      pressure was greater than medial peak pressure by 158.7 +/- 360.0 kPa and lateral
      maximum force was greater than medial maximum force by 15.5 +/- 10.4 N. Lateral
      release increased the pressure (285.7 +/- 565.0 kPa) and force (16.8 +/- 10.8 N)
      differentials. CONCLUSIONS: Our preliminary data suggest lateral release is more
      effective in reducing peak pressure and maximum force differentials in knees
      resurfaced with traditional standard components than with gender-specific
      components. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The lateral release technique might help with
      tissue balancing when using standard components in TKA.

PMID- 22038173
TI  - Unicompartmental versus total knee arthroplasty database analysis: is there a
      winner?
AB  - BACKGROUND: TKA and unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA) are both utilized to
      treat unicompartmental knee arthrosis. While some surgeons assume UKA provides
      better function than TKA, this assumption is based on greater final outcome
      scores rather than on change in scores and many patients with UKA have higher
      preoperative scores. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We therefore asked whether TKA would
      demonstrate (1) better change in clinical outcome scores from preoperative to
      postoperative states and (2) better survivorship than UKA. METHODS: We evaluated
      4087 patients with 5606 TKAs and 179 patients with 279 UKAs performed between
      1978 and 2009. Patients with TKA were older and heavier than patients with UKA
      (mean age, 68 versus 66 years; mean BMI, 32 versus 29). We compared preoperative,
      latest postoperative, and change in Knee Society Clinical Rating System (KSCRS),
      SF-12, and WOMAC scores. Minimum followup was 2 years (UKA: mean, 7 years; range,
      2.0-23 years; TKA: mean, 6.5 years; range, 2.0-33 years). Preoperative outcome
      measure scores (WOMAC, SF-12, KSCRS) were higher in the UKA group. RESULTS:
      Patients with UKA had higher postoperative KSCRS and SF-12 mental scores. Changes
      in score for all WOMAC domains were similar between groups. Total KSCRS changes
      in score were similar between groups, although patients with TKA had higher knee
      scores (49 versus 43) but lower function scores than UKA (21 versus 26).
      Cumulative revision rate was higher for UKA than for TKA (13% versus 7%). Kaplan
      Meier survivorship at 5 and 10 years was 95% and 90%, respectively, for UKA and
      98% and 95%, respectively, for TKA. CONCLUSIONS: While patients with UKA had
      higher pre- and postoperative scores than patients with TKA, the changes in
      scores were similar in both groups and survival appeared higher in patients with
      TKA.

PMID- 22038174
TI  - The Frank Stinchfield Award: Dislocation in revision THA: do large heads (36 and
      40 mm) result in reduced dislocation rates in a randomized clinical trial?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dislocation after revision THA is a common complication. Large heads
      have the potential to decrease dislocation rate, but it is unclear whether they
      do so in revision THA. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We therefore determined whether a
      large femoral head (36 and 40 mm) resulted in a decreased dislocation rate
      compared to a standard head (32 mm). METHODS: We randomized 184 patients
      undergoing revision THA to receive either a 32-mm head (92 patients) or 36- and
      40-mm head (92 patients) and stratified patients by surgeon. The two groups had
      similar baseline demographics. The primary end point was dislocation. Quality-of
      life (QOL) measures were WOMAC and SF-36. The mean followup for dislocation was 5
      years (range, 2-7 years); the mean followup for QOL was 2.2 years (range, 1.6-4
      years). RESULTS: In the 36- and 40-mm head group, the dislocation rate was 1.1%
      (one of 92) versus 8.7% (eight of 92) for the 32-mm head. There was no difference
      in QOL outcomes between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our observations confirm a
      large femoral head (36 or 40 mm) reduces dislocation rates in patients undergoing
      revision THA at short-term followup. We now routinely use large heads with a
      highly crosslinked polyethylene acetabular liner in all revision THAs. LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: Level I, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete
      description of levels of evidence.

PMID- 22038175
TI  - MHC class II genes in the European badger (Meles meles): characterization,
      patterns of variation, and transcription analysis.
AB  - The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) comprises many genes, some of which
      are polymorphic with numerous alleles. Sequence variation among alleles is most
      pronounced in exon 2 of the class II genes, which encodes the alpha1 and beta1
      domains that form the antigen-binding site (ABS) for the presentation of
      peptides. The MHC thus plays an important role in pathogen defense. European
      badgers (Meles meles) are a good species in which to study the MHC, as they
      harbor a variety of pathogens. We present the first characterization of MHC class
      II genes, isolated from genomic DNA (gDNA) and complementary DNA (cDNA), in the
      European badger. Examination of seven individuals revealed four DRB, two DQB, two
      DQA, and two DRA putatively functional gDNA sequences. All of these sequences,
      except DRA, exhibited high variability in exon 2; DRB had the highest
      variability. The ABS codons demonstrated high variability, due potentially to
      balancing selection, while non-ABS codons had lower variability. Positively
      selected sites were detected in DRB and DQA. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated
      trans-species polymorphism of class II genes. Comparison with cDNA from whole
      blood revealed that only DRB had a transcription pattern reflecting the alleles
      that were present in the gDNA, while the other three genes had disparities
      between gDNA and cDNA. Only one sequence was transcribed, even though two gDNA
      sequences were present, from each of both DQB and DRA. Our characterization of
      badger MHC sequences forms a basis for further studies of MHC variability, mate
      choice, and pathogen resistance in this, and other, species.

PMID- 22038176
TI  - In memoriam. Donald Wayne Bailey 1926-2010.

PMID- 22038177
TI  - A call to arms for systematists: revitalising the purpose and practises
      underpinning the description of novel microbial taxa.
AB  - Prokaryotic systematics is a fundamentally important discipline that provides a
      framework for the activities of all microbiologists. Here we propose that the
      field has become mired in a sea of perceived rules and regulations, many of which
      stipulate what is considered 'sufficient' for the phenotypic characterisation of
      novel prokaryotic taxa. Importantly, we argue also that the principles and
      practise of prokaryotic systematics have not yet fully embraced the revolution in
      biological understanding that has occurred through the availability of huge
      numbers of whole genome sequences. We therefore propose that a significant
      reappraisal of the procedures used to describe novel prokaryotic taxa is needed,
      including the likely introduction of new publication formats. Urgent action is
      needed to revitalise the practise of prokaryotic systematics in order to maintain
      this discipline as an attractive career choice for twenty first century life
      scientists.

PMID- 22038178
TI  - Role of conserved active site tryptophan-101 in functional activity and stability
      of phosphoserine aminotransferase from an enteric human parasite.
AB  - Site-directed mutagenesis study was performed to elucidate the role of conserved
      tryptophan-101 present at the active site of phosphoserine aminotransferase from
      an enteric human parasite Entamoeba histolytica. Fluorescence resonance energy
      transfer and molecular dynamic simulation show that the indole ring of Trp101
      stacks with the cofactor PLP. Loss of enzymatic activity and PLP polarization
      values suggest that Trp101 plays a major role in maintaining a defined PLP
      microenvironment essentially required for optimal enzymatic activity. Studies on
      W101F, W101H and W101A mutants show that only the indole ring of the conserved
      Trp101 forms most favorable stacking interaction with the pyridine ring of the
      cofactor PLP. Protein stability was compromised on substitution of Trp101 with
      Phe/His/Ala amino acids. A difference in conformational free energy of 1.65 kcal
      mol(-1) was observed between WT-protein and W101A mutant.

PMID- 22038179
TI  - Design, synthesis and biological activity of new neurohypophyseal hormones
      analogues conformationally restricted in the N-terminal part of the molecule.
      Highly potent OT receptor antagonists.
AB  - In this study we present the synthesis and some pharmacological properties of
      fourteen new analogues of neurohypophyseal hormones conformationally restricted
      in the N-terminal part of the molecule. All new peptides were substituted at
      position 2 with cis-1-amino-4-phenylcyclohexane-1-carboxylic acid (cis-Apc).
      Moreover, one of the new analogues: [cis-Apc(2), Val(4)]AVP was also prepared in
      N-acylated forms with various bulky acyl groups. All the peptides were tested for
      pressor, antidiuretic, and in vitro uterotonic activities. We also determined the
      binding affinity of the selected compounds to human OT receptor. Our results
      showed that introduction of cis -Apc(2) in position 2 of either AVP or OT
      resulted in analogues with high antioxytocin potency. Two of the new compounds,
      [Mpa(1),cis-Apc(2)]AVP and [Mpa(1),cis-Apc(2),Val(4)]AVP, were exceptionally
      potent antiuterotonic agents (pA(2) = 8.46 and 8.40, respectively) and exhibited
      higher affinities for the human OT receptor than Atosiban (K (i) values 5.4 and
      9.1 nM). Moreover, we have demonstrated for the first time that N -terminal
      acylation of AVP analogue can improve its selectivity. Using this approach, we
      obtained compound Aba[cis-Apc(2),Val(4)]AVP (XI) which turned out to be a
      moderately potent and exceptionally selective OT antagonist (pA(2) = 7.26).

PMID- 22038180
TI  - Anti-tissue transglutaminase antibodies activate intracellular tissue
      transglutaminase by modulating cytosolic Ca2+ homeostasis.
AB  - Anti-tissue transglutaminase (tTG) antibodies are specifically produced in the
      small-intestinal mucosa of celiac disease (CD) patients. It is now recognized
      that these antibodies, acting on cell-surface tTG, may play an active role in CD
      pathogenesis triggering an intracellular response via the activation of different
      signal transduction pathways. In this study, we report that anti-tTG antibodies,
      both commercial and from a CD patient, induce a rapid Ca(2+) mobilization from
      intracellular stores in Caco-2 cells. We characterized the mechanism of Ca(2+)
      release using thapsigargin and carbonylcyanide-p-trifluoromethoxyphenylhydrazone,
      which are able to deplete specifically endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria of
      Ca(2+), respectively. Our data highlight that both pathways of calcium release
      were involved, thus indicating that the spectrum of cellular responses downstream
      can be very wide. In addition, we demonstrate that the increased Ca(2+) level in
      the cells evoked by anti-tTG antibodies was sufficient to activate tTG, which is
      normally present as a latent protein due to the presence of low Ca(2+) and to the
      inhibitory effect of GTP/GDP. Herein, we discuss the importance of intracellular
      tTG activation as central in the context of CD pathogenesis.

PMID- 22038181
TI  - Lasiocepsin, a novel cyclic antimicrobial peptide from the venom of eusocial bee
      Lasioglossum laticeps (Hymenoptera: Halictidae).
AB  - In the venom of eusocial bee Lasioglossum laticeps, we identified a novel unique
      antimicrobial peptide named lasiocepsin consisting of 27 amino acid residues and
      two disulfide bridges. After identifying its primary structure, we synthesized
      lasiocepsin by solid-phase peptide synthesis using two different approaches for
      oxidative folding. The oxidative folding of fully deprotected linear peptide
      resulted in a mixture of three products differing in the pattern of disulfide
      bridges. Regioselective disulfide bond formation significantly improved the yield
      of desired product. The synthetic lasiocepsin possessed antimicrobial activity
      against both Gram-positive and -negative bacteria, antifungal activity against
      Candida albicans, and no hemolytic activity against human erythrocytes. We
      synthesized two lasiocepsin analogs cyclized through one native disulfide bridge
      in different positions and having the remaining two cysteines substituted by
      alanines. The analog cyclized through a Cys8-Cys25 disulfide bridge showed
      reduced antimicrobial activity compared to the native peptide while the second
      one (Cys17-Cys27) was almost inactive. Linear lasiocepsin having all four
      cysteine residues substituted by alanines or alkylated was also inactive. That
      was in contrast to the linear lasiocepsin with all four cysteine residues non
      paired, which exhibited remarkable antimicrobial activity. The shortening of
      lasiocepsin by several amino acid residues either from the N- or C-terminal
      resulted in significant loss of antimicrobial activity. Study of Bacillus
      subtilis cells treated by lasiocepsin using transmission electron microscopy
      showed leakage of bacterial content mainly from the holes localized at the ends
      of the bacterial cells.

PMID- 22038182
TI  - Heterologous expression and characterization of the hydrophobin HFBI in Pichia
      pastoris and evaluation of its contribution to the food industry.
AB  - The class II hydrophobin HFBI from Trichoderma reesei was heterologously
      expressed by Pichia pastoris using pPIC9 vector under the control of the promoter
      AOX1. The recombinant HFBI (rHFBI) was purified by ultrafiltration and reverse
      phase high performance liquid chromatography. Tricine-SDS-PAGE and Western
      blotting demonstrated that rHFBI with the expected molecular weight of 7.5 kDa
      was secreted into the culture medium. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and water
      contact angle measurements indicated that rHFBI could lead to the conversion of
      the wettability of the hydrophobic siliconized glass and hydrophilic mica
      surfaces relying on the self-assembly membrane on hydrophobic/hydrophilic
      interfaces. It was demonstrated that rHFBI had the ability to stabilize oil
      droplets, which was far excess of the class I hydrophobin HGFI heterologously
      expressed in P. pastoris (rHGFI) and the typical food emulsifier sodium
      caseinate. In gushing experiments, it was shown that rHFBI was a strong gushing
      inducer in beer, whereas rHGFI did not display any signs of gushing. This
      provided the potential of rHFBI to be used as a novel emulsifying agent and a
      predictor of gushing risk.

PMID- 22038183
TI  - C3-triiodocyclotriveratrylene as a key intermediate to fluorescent probes:
      application to selective choline recognition.
AB  - A new strategy to obtain fluorescent cyclotriveratrylene (CTV) probes is
      proposed. The key intermediate, a triiodo CTV, is prepared in 3 steps with 47%
      overall yield. The whole synthesis requires only one purification step. The
      potential of this triiodo CTV as an intermediate is illustrated through the
      synthesis of a fluorescent phosphorylated probe that is able to bind choline and
      acetylcholine in pseudo-physiological conditions, with selectivity towards
      choline. As a consequence, this intermediate should allow us to rapidly form a
      library of probes in order to highlight the most promising ones.

PMID- 22038184
TI  - Oxygen evolution from single- and multiple-turnover light pulses: temporal
      kinetics of electron transport through PSII in sunflower leaves.
AB  - Oxygen evolution per single-turnover flash (STF) or multiple-turnover pulse (MTP)
      was measured with a zirconium O(2) analyzer from sunflower leaves at 22  degrees
      C. STF were generated by Xe arc lamp, MTP by red LED light of up to 18000 MUmol
      quanta m(-2) s(-1). Ambient O(2) concentration was 10-30 ppm, STF and MTP were
      superimposed on far-red background light in order to oxidize plastoquinone (PQ)
      and randomize S-states. Electron (e(-)) flow was calculated as 4 times O(2)
      evolution. Q (A) -> Q (B) electron transport was investigated firing double STF
      with a delay of 0 to 2 ms between the two. Total O(2) evolution per two flashes
      equaled to that from a single flash when the delay was zero and doubled when the
      delay exceeded 2 ms. This trend was fitted with two exponentials with time
      constants of 0.25 and 0.95 ms, equal amplitudes. Illumination with MTP of
      increasing length resulted in increasing O(2) evolution per pulse, which was
      differentiated with an aim to find the time course of O(2) evolution with sub
      millisecond resolution. At the highest pulse intensity of 2.9 photons ms(-1) per
      PSII, 3 e(-) initially accumulated inside PSII and the catalytic rate of PQ
      reduction was determined from the throughput rate of the fourth and fifth e(-). A
      light response curve for the reduction of completely oxidized PQ was a
      rectangular hyperbola with the initial slope of 1.2 PSII quanta per e(-) and V
      (m) of 0.6 e(-) ms(-1) per PSII. When PQ was gradually reduced during longer MTP,
      V (m) decreased proportionally with the fraction of oxidized PQ. It is suggested
      that the linear kinetics with respect to PQ are apparent, caused by strong
      product inhibition due to about equal binding constants of PQ and PQH(2) to the Q
      (B) site. The strong product inhibition is an appropriate mechanism for down
      regulation of PSII electron transport in accordance with rate of PQH(2) oxidation
      by cytochrome b(6)f.

PMID- 22038185
TI  - Comparison of inhibitors of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAS) and
      combination therapy of steroids plus RAS inhibitors for patients with advanced
      immunoglobulin A nephropathy and impaired renal function.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The adaptation of steroid therapy and the effect of renin-angiotensin
      aldosterone system inhibitors (RASIs) for advanced immunoglobulin A nephropathy
      (IgAN) patients with impaired renal function are still controversial. METHODS: We
      divided 63 IgAN patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of
      <60 ml/min/1.73 m(2) and proteinuria >= 0.5 g/day into two groups: the RASI group
      (RASI, n = 33), treated with RASIs alone; and the combination group (COMBI, n =
      30), treated with corticosteroids and RASIs. We analyzed the clinical and
      histological background, renal survival rate, and the risk factors for
      progression. RESULTS: Renal function (mean eGFR: COMBI 46.4 vs. RASI 47.0
      ml/min/1.73 m(2)), the amount of proteinuria (median: COMBI 1.39 vs. RASI 1.17
      g/g creatinine) and histological backgrounds were not significantly different
      between the groups, but urinary red blood cells (U-RBCs) were significantly
      higher in the COMBI group than in the RASI group (median: COMBI 30.0 vs. RASI
      10.0 counts/high-power field, P = 0.0171). The serial change in proteinuria did
      not differ until 5 years after treatment, but U-RBCs were significantly decreased
      in both groups (P < 0.0001), and eGFR was significantly decreased in the RASI
      group (P < 0.001) but not in the COMBI group. The results for each year after
      treatment did not differ significantly between both groups. The renal survival
      rate was not significantly different between the groups. There was no independent
      risk factor for progression by Cox regression analysis. CONCLUSION: Combination
      therapy with steroids and RASIs was not superior to monotherapy with RASIs for
      advanced IgAN with impaired renal function.

PMID- 22038186
TI  - Cerebral hemorrhage due to internal jugular vein stenosis in a hemodialysis
      patient.
AB  - A 53 year old female with ESRD on hemodialysis presented with headache, vomiting,
      and lethargy that had started 2 h prior to presentation. Magnetic resonance
      imaging revealed parenchymal hemorrhage in the temporal, occipital, and
      cerebellar white matter. Magnetic resonance venography disclosed hypoplastic
      transverse sinus. On cerebral angiogram there was no evidence of cerebral
      aneurysm, vasculitis or vascular malformation. Angiogram demonstrated a high
      grade stenosis was present in the left internal jugular vein (IJV) just below the
      anastomosis of the graft. There was retrograde high flow in the left IJV above
      the anastomosis of the graft, which fills a small left transverse venous sinus.
      There was also filling of the multiple abnormally enlarged leptomeningeal veins
      over the surface of the left cerebral and left cerebellar hemispheres. Retrograde
      blood flow was due to IJV stenosis which led to cerebral venous hypertension and
      intraparenchymal brain hemorrhage. She then underwent occlusion of her left
      brachiojugular dialysis graft. Thereafter, her mental status markedly improved
      and her headache resolved. Since IJV stenosis and hypoplastic transverse sinuses
      are not rare, patients with jugular grafts should probably be closely watched for
      symptoms of increased intracranial pressure. As awareness of vein preservation in
      CKD patients grows, the prevalence of CVS would probably decline in future.

PMID- 22038187
TI  - Gamma Knife radiosurgery as a treatment modality for low-grade pediatric
      brainstem gliomas: report of two cases.

PMID- 22038188
TI  - Fear not the IME.

PMID- 22038189
TI  - A bright future for JMT.

PMID- 22038190
TI  - 3D inverted colloidal crystals in realistic cell migration assays for drug
      screening applications.
AB  - Screening drugs for their specific impact on cell mechanics, in addition to
      targeting adhesion and proteolysis, will be important for successfully moderating
      migration in infiltrative disorders including cancer metastasis. We present 3D
      inverted colloidal crystals made of hydrogel as a realistic cell migration assay,
      where the geometry and stiffness can be set independently to mimic the tissue
      requirements in question. We show the utility of this 3D assay for drug screening
      purposes, specifically in contrast to conventional 2D migration studies, by
      surveying the effects of commonly used cytoskeletal toxins that impact cell
      mechanics. This assay allows studying large cell numbers for good statistics but
      at single-cell resolution.

PMID- 22038191
TI  - The efficacy of phonophoresis on electrophysiological studies of the patients
      with carpal tunnel syndrome.
AB  - To investigate the efficacy of phonophoresis with nonsteroid anti-inflammatory
      drugs (P-NSAID) and corticosteroids (P-CS) in the treatment for carpal tunnel
      syndrome (CTS) and to compare the efficacy of phonophoresis with local CS
      injection (LCSI) and splinting with a 3-month follow-up. 84 hands of 51 patients
      with CTS were treated by applying LCSI, P-CS, P-NSAID, and wrist splinting.
      Electrophysiological studies, grip strength, hand dexterity, and sensory recovery
      of the first three digits were assessed. Duruoz hand index (DHI) was used to
      assess the functional hand disability. For clinical evaluation, we used Phalen
      and Tinnel signs. Pain intensity was evaluated by visual analog scale. The LCIS
      group showed a significant improvement in pain relief and DHI, but this group had
      significant deterioration in the results of monofilament and pegboard tests. The
      P-CS group showed improvement in sensory nerve conduction velocity, distal
      latency, grip strength, and DHI parameters. There was a significant improvement
      in grip strength, pegboard test, and pain intensity in the P-NSAID group. There
      was improvement only in pain intensity in the splinting group. We identified
      marked improvement in the electrophysiological studies in the P-CS group.
      Splinting had no effect on hand functions, disability, and electrophysiological
      studies.

PMID- 22038192
TI  - Determining the effectiveness of various treatment modalities in carpal tunnel
      syndrome by ultrasonography and comparing ultrasonographic findings with other
      outcomes.
AB  - Firstly, we aimed to determine the effectiveness of various treatment modalities
      using ultrasonography (US), and secondly, we aimed to assess the correlations
      between the ultrasonographic findings and electrophysiological tests, symptom
      severity, functional status and physical findings. 74 hands of 47 patients with
      carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) were randomly treated by applying wrist splinting
      alone in the neutral position (23 hands), phonophoresis with corticosteroid (PCS)
      (28 hands) and phonophoresis with non-steroid anti-inflamatory drug (PNSAI) (23
      hands). The cross-sectional area (CSA) of the median nerve (MN) was determined by
      ultrasound on the initial and at the 3 months after treatment. MN conduction
      studies were performed on the initial visit and 3 months after treatment. The
      patients completed the Boston symptom severity questionnaire. For clinical
      evaluation, we used Phalen's and Tinel's signs. We could find reduction in CSA of
      MN in PCS group (P < 0.001). The CSA of MN was inversely correlated with motor
      sensory and median nerve conduction velocity (NCV) (r = 0.421, r = 0.213,
      respectively). Statistically significant correlations were not detected between
      ultrasonographic parameters and clinical evaluation parameters (P > 0.05) and
      also between ultrasonographic parameters and BQ scores (P > 0.05). Although there
      was some improvement in clinical parameters, ultrasonographic parameters did not
      change in P-NSAI group. CONCLUSION: The most effective treatment modality was P
      CS according to ultrasonographic and other findings. Although there were inverse
      correlations between the CSA of MN and sensory and motor MN conduction velocity,
      no relationship was found between symptom severity, functional status and US
      findings or electrophysiological studies.

PMID- 22038193
TI  - Seroprevalence and specificity of NMO-IgG (anti-aquaporin 4 antibodies) in
      patients with neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus.
AB  - Neuropsychiatric manifestations are present in 30-40% of patients with systemic
      lupus erythematosus (SLE). Recently, antibodies to aquaporin-4 (termed AQP4-Ab,
      or NMO-IgG), a water channel protein, were reported to be present in a subset of
      patients with SLE and neurological involvement. To evaluate the syndrome
      specificity and prevalence of serum NMO-IgG/anti-AQP4 antibodies in patients with
      neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE). Sera of 76 patients with
      SLE and neurological symptoms, 50 of whom met the ACR case definitions of NPSLE,
      were tested for AQP4-Ab in an indirect immunofluorescence assay employing HEK293
      cells transfected with recombinant human AQP4. Only one of the examined sera was
      positive for NMO-IgG/AQP4-Ab. This patient suffered from TM, ranging over two
      vertebral segments on spinal MRI. None of the 75 NPSLE without TM was found to be
      seropositive for NMO-IgG/AQP4-Ab. NMO-IgG/AQP4-Ab in NPSLE were present only in a
      patient with TM and were not detectable in NPSLE patients with other neurological
      manifestations. Testing for NMO-IgG/AQP4-Ab positivity should be considered in
      patients presenting with SLE and TM. Non-longitudinally extensive lesions do no
      not exclude NMO-IgG/AQP4-Ab in patients presenting with SLE and TM.

PMID- 22038194
TI  - Just add tetrazole: 5-(2-pyrrolo)tetrazoles are simple, highly potent anion
      recognition elements.
AB  - We report a novel pyrrolo-tetrazole motif that encodes anion binding orders of
      magnitude stronger than closely related systems and suggests the general utility
      of amide-tetrazole exchanges for creating simple, high-affinity anion binders.

PMID- 22038195
TI  - DigiSwitch: a device to allow older adults to monitor and direct the collection
      and transmission of health information collected at home.
AB  - Home monitoring represents an appealing alternative for older adults considering
      out-of-home long term care and an avenue for informal caregivers and health care
      providers to gain decision-critical information about an older adults' health and
      well-being. However, privacy concerns about having 24/7 monitoring, especially
      video monitoring, in the home environment have been cited as a major barrier in
      the design of home monitoring systems. In this paper we describe the design and
      evaluation of "DigiSwitch", a medical system designed to allow older adults to
      view information as it is collected about them and temporarily cease transmission
      of data for privacy reasons. Results from a series of iterative user studies
      suggest that control over the transmission of monitoring data from the home is
      helpful for maintaining user privacy. The studies demonstrate that older adults
      are able to use the DigiSwitch system to monitor and direct the collection and
      transmission of health information in their homes, providing these participants
      with a way to simultaneously maintain privacy and benefit from home monitoring
      technology.

PMID- 22038196
TI  - Comparison of epitope specificity of anti-heat shock protein 60/65 IgG type
      antibodies in the sera of healthy subjects, patients with coronary heart disease
      and inflammatory bowel disease.
AB  - Previously, we reported on the presence of antibodies to linear epitopes of human
      and mycobacterial 60 kD heat shock proteins (HSP) in the sera of healthy blood
      donors. Since many recent findings indicate that the levels of these antibodies
      may be altered in coronary heart disease (CHD) and also inflammatory bowel
      diseases (IBD), it seemed worthwhile to compare the epitope specificity of the
      anti-HSP60 and anti-HSP65 antibodies in the sera of patients with these diseases
      to those in healthy subjects. The multipin enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
      method was applied with a large overlapping set of synthetic 10-mer peptides
      covering selected regions of human HSP60 and Mycobacterium bovis HSP65. Sera of
      12 healthy persons (HP), 14 CHD, and 14 IBD patients with the same concentration
      of total anti-HSP60 and HSP65 IgG antibodies were tested. We have identified CHD
      specific epitopes in the equatorial domain of the HSP60 protein but in neither
      region of the HSP65 molecule, indicating that the formation of anti-HSP60
      antibodies is not or only partially due to the cross-reaction between human HSP60
      and bacterial HSP65. IBD-specific epitopes were found in many regions of the
      HSP60 and in even more regions of the HSP65 molecule including an IBD-specific T
      cell epitope in region X as well. These findings indicate that the epitope
      specificity of the anti-human and anti-mycobacterial HSP60 antibodies associated
      with various diseases is different.

PMID- 22038197
TI  - Molecular and functional characterization of the only known hemiascomycete
      ortholog of the carboxyl terminus of Hsc70-interacting protein CHIP in the yeast
      Yarrowia lipolytica.
AB  - The carboxyl terminus of Hsc70-interacting protein (CHIP) is an Hsp70 co
      chaperone and a U-box ubiquitin ligase that plays a crucial role in protein
      quality control in higher eukaryotes. The yeast Yarrowia lipolytica is the only
      known hemiascomycete where a CHIP ortholog is found. Here, we characterize Y.
      lipolytica's CHIP ortholog (Yl.Chn1p) and document its interactions with
      components of the protein quality control machinery. We show that Yl.Chn1p is non
      essential unless Y. lipolytica is severely stressed. We sought for genetic
      interactions among key components of the Y. lipolytica protein quality control
      arsenal, including members of the Ssa-family of Hsp70 molecular chaperones, the
      Yl.Bag1p Hsp70 nucleotide exchange factor, the Yl.Chn1p and Yl.Ufd2p U-box
      ubiquitin ligases, the Yl.Doa10p and Yl.Hrd1p RING-finger ubiquitin ligases, and
      the Yl.Hsp104p disaggregating molecular chaperone. Remarkably, no synthetic
      phenotypes were observed among null alleles of the corresponding genes in most
      cases, suggesting that overlapping pathways efficiently act to enable Y.
      lipolytica cells to survive under harsh conditions. Yl.Chn1p interacts with
      mammalian and Saccharomyces cerevisiae members of the Hsp70 family in vitro, and
      these interactions are differently regulated by Hsp70 co-chaperones. We
      demonstrate notably that Yl.Chn1p/Ssa1p interaction is Fes1p-dependent and the
      formation of an Yl.Chn1p/Ssa1p/Sse1p ternary complex. Finally, we show that,
      similar to Sse1p, Yl.Chn1p can act as a "holdase" to prevent the aggregation of a
      heat-denatured protein.

PMID- 22038198
TI  - Increased levels of calcitonin gene-related peptide in serum accelerate fracture
      healing following traumatic brain injury.
AB  - The mechanisms responsible for the phenomenon of an accelerated speed of fracture
      healing in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) remain unclear. The present
      study was performed to test the hypothesis that TBI causes changes in calcitonin
      gene-related peptide (CGRP) levels in sera that enhance fracture healing. A
      standard closed femoral fracture was produced in rats, which were subjected to
      additional closed head trauma. The fracture healing was assessed 4 and 8 weeks
      later using micro-CT. Sera, brain tissues and muscles surrounding the fracture
      sites collected at 24, 48, 72 and 168 h after injury were used to detect the
      expression of CGRP using ELISA, immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR. Micro-CT
      demonstrated that fracture healing and mineralization in the TBI-fracture group
      occurred earlier compared to the fracture-only group. ELISA analysis revealed a
      high concentration of CGRP in the TBI-fracture group (P<0.05), and
      immunohistochemistry assay and RT-PCR analysis revealed a significant increase in
      CGRP in the brain and muscle of the TBI-fracture group at 168 h after fracture
      (P<0.001). Our results indicate that the mechanism for the enhancement of
      fracture-healing secondary to traumatic brain injury is correlated to the high
      levels of CGRP, which may be released from the brain tissue into the serum.

PMID- 22038199
TI  - My child has smelly urine.

PMID- 22038201
TI  - B-type natriuretic peptides are reliable markers of cardiac strain in CKD
      pediatric patients.
AB  - Myocardial damage and strain are common in children with chronic renal failure.
      The most prevalent pathologies, as defined by echocardiography, are left
      ventricular hypertrophy (LVH), diastolic and systolic dysfunction, and altered LV
      geometry. Troponin I and T, as well as B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and its
      cleavage fragment NT-proBNP, are known to be good markers of myocardial damage
      and stress, respectively, in the general adult population and among those with
      chronic kidney disease (CKD). In this study we measured the levels of troponins I
      and T, BNP, and NT-proBNP in a group of children and young adults with CKD stages
      3-5 and determined their respective correlations with echocardiographic and
      laboratory abnormalities. BNP and NT-proBNP levels and their log values
      correlated well with the following parameters: diastolic blood pressure,
      estimated glomerular filtration rate, time-averaged hemoglobin levels, and LV
      mass. Both BNP and NT-proBNP levels, but not those of either troponin, were found
      to be reliable surrogate markers of strained hearts, defined as having LVH or
      diastolic or systolic dysfunction, in the pediatric CKD stages 3-4 group. The log
      NT-proBNP value was also found to be a good marker of cardiac strain in the CKD
      stage 5 group of patients. Serum BNP and NT-proBNP threshold concentrations of 43
      and 529 pg/ml, respectively, were found to have the best sensitivity and
      specificity in predicting strained hearts. Based on these findings, we conclude
      that both BNP and NT-proBNP levels, but not those of troponins I and T, can serve
      as inexpensive, simple, and reliable markers of stressed hearts in the pediatric
      CKD patient population.

PMID- 22038202
TI  - Nephrotic syndrome presenting in a patient with primary Sjogren's syndrome:
      questions.

PMID- 22038205
TI  - Clofibrate-induced reduction of plasma branched-chain amino acid concentrations
      impairs glucose tolerance in rats.
AB  - It has been reported that branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) administration
      stimulates glucose uptake into muscles and whole body glucose oxidation in rats.
      The authors examined the effect of decreased plasma BCAA concentrations induced
      by clofibrate treatment on glucose tolerance in rats. Since clofibrate, a drug
      for hyperlipidemia (high serum triglyceride concentration), is a potent inhibitor
      of the branched-chain alpha-keto acid dehydrogenase kinase, clofibrate treatment
      (0.2 g/kg body weight) activated the hepatic branched-chain alpha-keto acid
      dehydrogenase complex, resulting in decreased plasma BCAA concentrations by 30%
      to 50% from the normal level. An intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test was
      conducted after clofibrate administration, and the results showed that peak
      plasma glucose concentration and the area under the curve of glucose
      concentration during the intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test were
      significantly higher in clofibrate-treated rats than in control rats. This
      impaired glucose tolerance in the clofibrate-treated rats was ameliorated by
      administration of BCAAs (0.45 g/kg body weight, leucine:isoleucine:valine =
      2:1:1), which kept plasma BCAA concentrations at normal levels during the
      intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test. These results suggest that plasma BCAAs
      play an important role in maintaining normal glucose tolerance in rats.

PMID- 22038204
TI  - Increased urinary calcium excretion caused by ceftriaxone: possible association
      with urolithiasis.
AB  - The administration of ceftriaxone is known to be associated with biliary
      pseudolithiasis, although the development of urolithiasis has only rarely been
      reported. We treated a young male with bacterial meningitis complicated by
      urinary precipitates composed of ceftriaxone-calcium salt, which prompted us to
      study whether ceftriaxone administration predisposes children to the formation of
      urinary precipitates. The case-control study reported here included 83 children
      with bacterial pneumonia aged from 3 months to 8.9 years. The children were
      divided into one group of 43 children who received ceftriaxone (group A) and a
      second group of 40 children who received amoxicillin (group B). Paired samples of
      serum and urine before and after treatment were obtained from the patients in
      each group. There were no significant differences in demographic characteristics
      and blood biochemistry between the groups. However, the mean urinary calcium to
      creatinine ratio (uCa/Cr; mg/mg) was significantly higher in group A patients
      than in group B patients after treatment (0.19 vs. 0.09, respectively; p <
      0.001), and analysis of the paired urine samples revealed that the uCa/Cr
      significantly increased after treatment only in group A patients(p < 0.001).
      There was a weak but non-significant relationship between the dose of ceftriaxone
      and the uCa/Cr in group A (p = 0.10, r = 0.24). Our results are the first to
      demonstrate that ceftriaxone has the potential to significantly increase urinary
      excretion of calcium, which may be linked to ceftriaxone-related urolithiasis or
      sludge. We therefore suggest that it is worthwhile monitoring the uCa/Cr levels
      in patients on ceftriaxone as they may be at greater risk for developing large
      stones and renal damage.

PMID- 22038206
TI  - Acrodermatitis enteropathica during adequate enteral nutrition.
AB  - Acrodermatitis enteropathica is a rare skin disorder of zinc deficiency. This
      case report describes a 91-year-old female nursing home resident who presented
      with a skin eruption resembling acrodermatitis enteropathica while receiving
      adequate enteral nutrition (EN) via a percutaneous gastrostomy tube. A low zinc
      level of 36 mcg/dL confirmed zinc deficiency, and treatment with oral zinc
      sulfate 220 mg 3 times a day resulted in rapid resolution of the skin lesions.
      This case supports the notion of close monitoring of patients on long-term EN for
      clinical manifestations of zinc deficiency, especially in the presence of an
      unexplained skin rash. Although micronutrient deficiencies are more prevalent in
      underdeveloped countries and with patients receiving parenteral nutrition, these
      deficiencies should be kept in mind for patients in developed countries as well
      as patients receiving EN.

PMID- 22038207
TI  - Prophylactic and therapeutic effects of a subcutaneous injection of sesame oil
      against iron-induced acute renal injury in mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Iron intoxication causes acute nephrotoxicity in animals and humans.
      Sesame oil, a healthful food, increases resistance to lipid peroxidation and
      protects against multiple organ injury in various animal models. The authors
      examined the prophylactic and therapeutic effects of a subcutaneous injection of
      sesame oil against iron-induced acute renal injury in mice. METHODS: Iron
      intoxication in mice was induced with an intraperitoneal injection (2 mg/kg) of
      ferric-nitrilotriacetate (Fe-NTA). Various doses of sesame oil (0, 1, 2, and 4
      mL/kg, subcutaneously) were given immediately after (prophylactic) or 30 minutes
      after (therapeutic) the Fe-NTA injection. Renal injury was assessed by the rise
      in serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (CRE) levels 3 hours after the
      Fe-NTA injection. RESULTS: One hour after the Fe-NTA injection, serum BUN and CRE
      levels were significantly higher in Fe-NTA-treated mice than in saline-treated
      controls; 3 and 6 hours after the Fe-NTA injection, they were dose-dependently
      and significantly lower in all sesame oil-treated groups than in the group
      treated only with Fe-NTA and saline. CONCLUSION: A subcutaneous injection of
      sesame oil had both prophylactic and therapeutic effects against iron-induced
      acute renal injury in mice.

PMID- 22038208
TI  - Impact of feeding strategies on the frequency and clearance of acid and nonacid
      gastroesophageal reflux events in dysphagic neonates.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Feeding difficulties and gastroesophageal reflux (GER) are common
      problems in neonates. The authors hypothesize that GER could be influenced by
      feeding mechanics by evaluating the effects of feeding volumes, feeding
      durations, feeding flow rates, and caloric density on the chemical composition
      and clearance of GER in dysphagic neonates. METHODS: Symptomatic dysphagic
      neonates (n = 35) underwent evaluation for suspected GER using pH-impedance
      methods. RESULTS: The proportions of acid and nonacid GER were different during
      the first, second, and third postprandial hours (P < .0001). Prolonged feeding
      duration was significantly associated with decreased total, nonacid GER and BCT
      (P < .03). Significant positive correlations (P < .05) were detected between
      feeding flow rate vs frequency of total, nonacid GER and BCT. Significant
      positive correlation (P = .002) was noted between feeding volume and BCT. BCT
      decreased with each hourly interval (analysis of variance [ANOVA] P < .05);
      however, ACT increased with each hourly interval (ANOVA P = .05). Comparison
      between BCT and ACT at each postprandial hour is remarkable for longer ACT during
      the second and third hours after the initiation of feed (P <= .001). No
      significant correlation was noted between the milk types (breast milk or formula)
      or caloric density with regard to the GER characteristics. Oral-fed infants had
      more GER events than gavage-fed infants. CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged feeding durations
      and slower flow rates are associated with decreased frequency of GER.
      Modification of feeding duration and flow rate can be a useful adjunct to
      ameliorate GER in dysphagic neonates.

PMID- 22038209
TI  - The effect of early enteral nutrition on hyperthermic intraoperative
      intraperitoneal chemotherapy-induced mucosal permeability following gastrectomy.
AB  - AIM: To investigate (1) the effect of hyperthermic intraoperative intraperitoneal
      chemotherapy (HIIC) on intestinal permeability of patients with advanced gastric
      cancer and (2) the protective effect of postoperative enteral nutrition (EN) on
      patients. METHODS: All patients were divided randomly into 3 groups: the EN
      group, treated with EN during postoperative period; the EN+HIIC group, treated
      with HIIC and postoperative EN; and the PN+HIIC group, treated with HIIC and
      postoperative parenteral nutrition. The lactulose/mannitol (L/M) ratio was used
      to evaluate the permeability of intestinal mucous. RESULTS: Compared with the
      ratio of L/M on the day before operation (POD-1), the ratio of L/M on POD+3
      increased significantly in all 3 groups (P < .0001) and then decreased gradually.
      The L/M ratio of the EN and EN+HIIC groups recovered to the baseline on POD+12.
      In contrast, the PN+HIIC group still had an elevated L/M ratio until POD+12. The
      ratios of L/M in the EN+HIIC group on POD+7 and POD+12 were significantly
      different from those of the PN+HIIC group (0.0855 +/- 0.0462 vs 0.1298 +/- 0.063,
      P = .007; 0.0336 +/- 0.0235 vs 0.0616 +/- 0.0430, P = .038, respectively).
      CONCLUSION: Gastric cancer radical resection resulted in a significant increase
      in intestinal permeability. HIIC aggravated the injury of intestinal mucous
      permeability, which could be reversed by EN.

PMID- 22038210
TI  - Docosahexaenoic acid and arachidonic acid prevent essential fatty acid deficiency
      and hepatic steatosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Essential fatty acids are important for growth, development, and
      physiologic function. alpha-Linolenic acid and linoleic acid are the precursors
      of docosahexaenoic and arachidonic acid, respectively, and have traditionally
      been considered the essential fatty acids. However, the authors hypothesized that
      docosahexaenoic acid and arachidonic acid can function as the essential fatty
      acids. METHODS: Using a murine model of essential fatty acid deficiency and
      consequent hepatic steatosis, the authors provided mice with varying amounts of
      docosahexaenoic and arachidonic acids to determine whether exclusive
      supplementation of docosahexaenoic and arachidonic acids could prevent essential
      fatty acid deficiency and inhibit or attenuate hepatic steatosis. RESULTS: Mice
      supplemented with docosahexaenoic and arachidonic acids at 2.1% or 4.2% of their
      calories for 19 days had normal liver histology and no biochemical evidence of
      essential fatty acid deficiency, which persisted when observed after 9 weeks.
      CONCLUSION: Supplementation of sufficient amounts of docosahexaenoic and
      arachidonic acids alone without alpha-linolenic and linoleic acids meets
      essential fatty acid requirements and prevents hepatic steatosis in a murine
      model.

PMID- 22038211
TI  - Eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid synergistically attenuate bile
      acid-induced hepatocellular apoptosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clinical studies have demonstrated improvement of parenteral
      nutrition (PN)-associated liver disease (PNALD) with omega3 polyunsaturated fatty
      acid (omega3PUFA) supplementation containing eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and
      docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Experiments were designed to test the following
      hypotheses: (1) therapeutic effects of omega3PUFA are due to attenuation of
      cellular apoptosis induced by hydrophobic bile acid exposure, which occurs in
      cholestasis, and (2) attenuation of apoptosis by EPA and DHA is additive or
      synergistic. METHODS: Cultured HepG2 cells were treated with 50-200 uM
      chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) in the presence and absence of EPA, DHA, or EPA +
      DHA. Apoptosis was evaluated using cell staining with fluorescence microscopy and
      the Apo-ONE Homogeneous Caspase-3/7 assay. Specific apoptotic mediators were
      evaluated with quantitative RT-PCR. RESULTS: Treatment with EPA alone and DHA
      alone resulted in 22% and 9% attenuation of caspase-3/7 activity, respectively.
      Caspase-3/7 activity was attenuated by 52% when cells were treated with a
      combination of EPA and DHA (P = .0034). Treatment with EPA alone, DHA alone, and
      the combination of EPA and DHA all resulted in equal attenuation of apoptotic
      mediator gene expression. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of EPA and DHA resulted in
      a synergistic attenuation of bile acid-induced hepatocellular apoptosis, as
      assessed by caspase-3/7 activity, compared to EPA and DHA separately. The
      combination of EPA and DHA did not result in a synergistic attenuation of the
      upregulation of Fas or TRAIL-R2. These data suggest that EPA and DHA may be
      working via multiple intracellular pathways to attenuate bile acid-induced
      apoptosis.

PMID- 22038213
TI  - CD163 and its role in inflammation.
AB  - Mononuclear phagocytes represent a heterogeneous population of cells with
      individual subpopulations exerting different pro- or anti-inflammatory functions.
      CD163 is a monocyte/macrophage specific marker expressed predominantly on cells
      which possess strong anti-inflammatory potential. The expression of CD163 is
      strongly induced by anti-inflammatory mediators such as glucocorticoids and
      interleukin-10, while being inhibited by pro-inflammatory mediators such as
      interferon-gamma. CD163-expressing mononuclear phagocytes, as well as soluble
      CD163, may both take part in downregulating an inflammatory response. It seems,
      therefore, that CD163 may be an interesting target for therapeutic modulation of
      the inflammatory response.

PMID- 22038214
TI  - Stem cells and skin regeneration.
AB  - Stem cells represent a great hope for regenerative medicine. In adult life, stem
      cell deposits are kept in organ niches; the need for tissue or organ regeneration
      mobilizes stem cells via the SDF-1-CXCR4 regulation axis. Constant regeneration
      of the skin is achieved due to stem cell differentiation within the epidermis and
      the hair follicle; thus, skin may serve as an excellent source of stem cells.
      This is of paramount importance in the treatment of chronic skin wounds and
      burns.

PMID- 22038215
TI  - Different expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in selected nonmelanocytic human
      cutaneous lesions.
AB  - The aim of our study was to elucidate the possible involvement of COX-2 in the
      development and/or progression of nonmelanocytic skin lesions. To evaluate the
      usefulness of that enzyme as a potential molecular marker, we examined the
      intensity and spatial distribution of COX-2 expression in selected types of such
      tumors using the same immunohistochemical procedure as in our earlier studies of
      melanocytic cancers. We examined 20 benign epithelial lesions, 11 precancerous
      lesions, 21 basal cell carcinomas (BCC), 14 squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) and
      eight fibromas. The levels of COX-2 expression detected in benign lesions and in
      normal skin were comparable. Elevated expression of this protein may play a role
      in the development of SCC, as indicated by strong immunostaining both in SCCs and
      precancerous lesions. Significantly stronger staining in SCCs compared to BCCs
      may indicate a role of COX-2 in cancer malignancy and serve as an indicator
      useful for differential diagnostics of the two types of cancer. Strong staining
      in all skin layers of SCC may help in detecting cancer cells infiltrating
      surrounding skin layers.

PMID- 22038216
TI  - Expression of COX-2 and Bcl-2 in primary fallopian tube carcinoma: correlations
      with clinicopathologic features.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of COX-2 and Bcl-2 in
      primary fallopian tube carcinoma (PFTC), as well as their correlations with
      clinicopathologic features. We studied a cohort of 33 patients with a
      pathological diagnosis of PFTC. Thirty normal tubal tissues used for controls
      were obtained from patients diagnosed with uterine myomas. Expression analysis
      for COX-2 and Bcl-2 was performed using the immunohistochemical technique. The
      rate of preoperative diagnosis was 18.2%. With a median survival of 61.0 months
      (95% CI: 43.2 to 78.8 months), the estimated five-year overall survival rate in
      the 33 patients was 39.0%. Increased expression of COX-2 and Bcl-2 was observed
      in tumor specimens compared to normal controls (p = 0.026; p = 0.003). The
      expression rate of COX-2 in node-positive tumors was significantly higher than
      that of node-negative tumors (p = 0.024). Moreover, the expression rate of COX-2
      was statistically significantly higher in patients with infiltration through the
      serosa (p = 0.019). Positive significant associations were observed between Bcl-2
      staining index and FIGO stage (p = 0.015), and between Bcl-2 staining and lymph
      node metastasis (p = 0.010). There was a significant correlation between COX-2
      expression and Bcl-2 staining index (r = 0.517, p = 0.002). We conclude that COX
      2 and Bcl-2 may potentially be useful prognostic markers for PFTC. The exact
      molecular mechanism for correlations between COX-2 and Bcl-2 remains to be
      elucidated.

PMID- 22038217
TI  - Processes of apoptosis and cell proliferation in uterine myomas originating from
      reproductive and perimenopausal women.
AB  - We studied uterine myomas originating from females of reproductive age and from
      females of perimenopausal age. Uterine myomas represent benign tumors of the
      myometrium, and they develop frequently in women of reproductive age. The
      frequency of uterine myomas increases with age until women reach the menopause.
      The study included patients with a myomatous uterus, in the reproductive age or
      peri-menopausal age, independently evaluating small and large myomas. Myometrial
      alterations in their direct vicinity were evaluated independently of the myomas.
      The study included evaluation of immunolocalization of two index proteins which
      participate in myoma cells growth control: Ki-67 nuclear antigen and caspase 3.
      In women of reproductive age, both in small and large myomas, elevated
      immunostaining of Ki-67 was noted in parallel to low levels of caspase 3
      staining, which indicated the ongoing process of proliferation. In women of peri
      menopausal age with small or large myomas, no Ki-67 immunostaining was detected,
      while staining of caspase 3 manifested low levels. Proliferation in reproductive
      age women myomas is higher than in the peri-menopausal age.

PMID- 22038218
TI  - The expression profile of Fc receptor-like Y in B lymphocytes with hepatitis B
      virus induced diseases.
AB  - The Fc Receptor-like Y (FcRY) molecule is preferentially expressed by B
      lymphocytes and has recently been considered as a potential therapeutic target
      for B cell malignancies. In this study, we investigated the correlation between
      FcRY expression profile, B lymphocytes population and different HBV infection
      disease status. The FcRY expression level on B lymphocytes and the number of B
      lymphocytes population from peripheral blood in 27 healthy controls (HC) and 65
      patients with HBV-induced diseases, including chronic hepatitis B (CHB), liver
      cirrhosis (LC) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), were analyzed using
      quantitative real-time PCR and flow cytometry. The results showed the level of
      FcRY expression and frequency of germinal center (GC) B lymphocytes from
      peripheral blood were significantly correlated with the HBV-related disease
      status, which was highest in HCC and LC patients, lowest in healthy donors, and
      in the middle in patients with CHB. Our study indicates that there is a
      significant correlation between FcRY expression profile, B lymphocytes population
      and HBV-induced diseases. However, the roles of FcRY and B lymphocytes in HBV
      induced diseases are unclear and need further investigation.

PMID- 22038219
TI  - Expression of pattern recognition receptors in liver biopsy specimens of children
      chronically infected with HBV and HCV.
AB  - Pattern recognition receptors (PRRs) constitute a pivotal arm of innate immunity.
      Their distribution is widespread and not limited to cells of the immune system.
      Following our previous findings concerning the expression of Toll-like receptors
      (TLRs) 2, 3 and 4 in chronic viral hepatitis C of children, we wished to search
      for other PRRs, including other TLRs, NOD-like receptors (NLRs) and RIG-1-like
      helicase receptors (RLR) in infected hepatocytes. Liver biopsy fragments from ten
      children with chronic hepatitis B and C were used and two others in which
      hepatotropic virus infection was excluded. Frozen sections of liver samples were
      subjected to ABC immunohistochemistry (IHC) following incubation with a set of
      antibodies. Results of IHC findings were screened for correlation with
      clinical/laboratory data of patients. It was found that several PRRs could be
      shown in affected hepatocytes, but the incidence was higher in hepatitis C than
      in B. In hepatitis C, TLR1, 2, 4, NALP and RIG-1 helicase showed the most marked
      expression. In hepatitis B, TLR1, 3, 9, NOD1 and NALP expression were the most
      conspicuous. Expression PRRs in liver from hepatitis of unknown origin was much
      lower. It was also the case in cytospins from human hepatoma cell line. Several
      correlations between PRRs expression and clinical findings in patients could be
      shown by statistical exploration. In conclusion, this data suggests some role for
      PRRs in the pathogenesis of chronic viral hepatitis.

PMID- 22038220
TI  - Lobular neoplasia found on breast biopsy: marker of increased risk of malignancy
      or direct pre-cancerous lesion?
AB  - The aim of this study was to compare the imaging symptoms and microscopic
      findings in females with lobular neoplasia (LN) found on biopsy. 1,478 women who
      underwent primary open biopsy or surgical excision after percutaneous biopsy were
      reviewed. In 24 of them (1.6%), LN was found. In four patients, excisional biopsy
      with hook-wire localization was done primarily due to the radial scar. In 20
      females, surgical excision of BIRADS 4 lesion was performed because of the
      presence of LN in specimens from the vacuum-assisted or core-needle percutaneous
      biopsy. Postoperative pathologic findings were compared to the radiological
      symptoms. In 13 women, LN did not produce any radiological symptoms and was an
      additional histologic finding existing near the other lesion: fibroadenoma and
      radial scar. In none of these lesions was an invasive cancer noticed. In one
      single patient, ductal carcinoma in situ was observed in the other segment of the
      breast. Invasive ductal cancer developed in the contralateral breast in one
      patient. In 11 patients, LN was diagnosed due to radiological symptoms produced
      by itself. In this group, the invasive lobular cancer was found in seven lesions
      (64%). Our finding suggests that LN producing suspicious radiological symptoms
      can be a different biologic type of this lesion when compared asymptomatic LN
      diagnosed which is usually found on biopsy as additional microscopic pathology.
      Symptomatic LN is probably associated with a higher potential of malignant
      transformation.

PMID- 22038221
TI  - Comparing the content of lipids derived from the eye lenses of various species.
AB  - The lipid content in the eye lens was analyzed and compared among various species
      in this study. The eye lens lipids of the following species were investigated:
      cow, horse, duck, and freshwater trout. Additionally, the lipids derived from
      cataractous bovine lens and from cataractous human eye lens lipoprotein complexes
      were analyzed. The following lipid classes were detected in clear lenses:
      cholesterol, sphingomyelin, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidyletanolamine, and
      phosphatidylserine. In cataractous bovine lens and in lipoprotein complexes from
      human nuclear cataract, phosphatidyloinositol and phosphatidyloglycerol were
      detected. Cholesterol and sphingomyelin, essential for hypothetical formation of
      cholesterol-rich domains, were the most abundant lipids in the lenses of all
      investigated species. These two components of eye lens lipid fraction were
      analyzed quantitatively using thin layer chromatography and spectrophotometric
      assay; the other lipids were identified qualitatively using thin layer
      chromatography.

PMID- 22038222
TI  - Different distribution of c-kit positive interstitial cells of Cajal-like in
      children's urinary bladders.
AB  - We describe the presence of c-kit positive interstitial cells of Cajal-like (ICCs
      like) in the walls of the urinary bladders of children. An immunohistochemical
      study of specimens, obtained at autopsy from either the trigonum (Group A) or the
      corpus (Group B), was performed using antibodies against c-kit (CD 117).
      Histological morphometry of the immunoexpression of c-kit positive ICCs-like was
      performed by means of image analysis system. The c-kit positive ICCs-like were
      identified by their morphology and counted in the vesical muscle layer in ten
      adjacent high power fields, each of 0.0479 mm(2). The areas of the epithelial and
      subepithelial layers containing c-kit positive mast cells (rounded body with no
      dendritic processes) were neglected. The results were expressed as the number of
      ICCs-like cells per mm(2). Differences between groups were tested using unpaired
      Student's t-test preceded by evaluation of normality and Levene's test. Results
      were considered statistically significant if p < 0.05. In Group A, the mean
      number of ICCs-like cells was statistically significantly higher (41.5
      cells/mm(2)) than in Group B (30.4 cells/mm(2)), p < 0.05. ICCs-like cells were
      found within the smooth muscle layer of the urinary bladder. There was a
      different distribution of these cells in particular parts of the bladder, which
      was probably due to the different roles of the trigonum and the corpus in the
      bladders of children.

PMID- 22038223
TI  - The activity of a new 2-amino-1,3,4-thiadiazole derivative 4ClABT in cancer and
      normal cells.
AB  - The 2-amino-5-(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-1,3,4-thiadiazole set are well known
      compounds with interesting in vitro and in vivo anti-cancer profiles. The aim of
      this study was an in vitro evaluation of the anti-cancer activity of a new
      synthesized aminothiadiazole derivative 2-(3-chlorophenyloamino)-5-(2,4
      dihydroxyphenyl)- -1,3,4-thiadiazole 4ClABT. The effect on tumor cell
      proliferation, motility and morphology, DNA synthesis as well as the influence on
      normal cells was assessed. The antiproliferative activity of 4ClABT in tumor
      cells derived from peripheral cancers including breast carcinoma (T47D), colon
      carcinoma (HT-29), thyroid carcinoma (FTC-238), teratoma (P19), and T-cell
      leukemia (Jurkat E6.1), as well as cancers of the nervous system including
      rhabdomyosarcoma/medulloblastoma (TE671), brain astrocytoma (MOGGCCM) and glioma
      (C6) was studied by means of MTT assay. DNA synthesis level was determined in
      BrdU ELISA test. Wound assay model was applied for tumor cell motility
      assessment. Morphological changes induced by 4ClABT in cancer and normal cells
      were analyzed in HE staining specimens. Moreover, the influence of 4ClABT on
      normal cells including skin fibroblasts (HSF), hepatocytes (Fao), astroglia and
      neurons was studied by means of LDH assay. The tested compound inhibited the
      proliferation of tumor cells in dose-dependent fashion. The anti-cancer effect
      was attributed to decreased DNA synthesis, prominent changes in tumor cell
      morphology as well as reduced cell motility. In antiproliferative concentrations,
      4ClABT was not toxic to normal cells. Our study showed prominent anti-cancer
      effects of the tested aminothiadiazole derivative in the absence of toxicity in
      normal cells. The obtained results confirmed the promising anti-cancer profile of
      previously tested 2-(monohalogenphenylamino)- -5-(2,4-dihydroxyphenyl)-1,3,4
      thiadiazole derivatives (ClABT - chlorophenyl derivative, FABT and 3FABT -
      fluorophenyl derivatives and 4BrABT - bromophenyl derivative). The molecular
      mechanisms and the in vivo activity of aminothiadiazole derivatives will be the
      subject of further studies.

PMID- 22038224
TI  - p21 WAF1 and hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced premature senescence of H9c2
      cardiomyocytes.
AB  - We have previously reported on hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced premature senescence
      in neonatal rat cardiomyocytes. In this research, we investigated the effects of
      p21(WAF1) (p21) in hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced senescence, using H9c2 cells. A
      plasmid overexpressing wild type p21(WAF1) and a plasmid expressing small hairpin
      RNA (shRNA) targeting p21(WAF1) were constructed, and transfected into H9c2 cells
      to control the p21 expression. Hypoxia/reoxygenation conditions were 1% O2 and 5%
      CO(2), balancing the incubator chamber with N(2) for 6 h (hypoxia 6 h), then 21%
      oxygen for 8 h (reoxygenation 8 h). Cell cycle was examined using flow cytometry.
      Senescence was assessed using beta-galactosidase staining. The expression of p53,
      p21, p16(INK4a), and cyclin D1 was assayed using Western blotting. At hypoxia 6
      h, cells overexpressing p21 had a larger G1 distribution, stronger beta
      galactosidase activity, and lower cyclin D1 expression compared to control cells,
      while the opposite results and higher p53 expression were obtained in p21
      knockdown cells. At reoxygenation 8 h, p21-silenced cells had a smaller
      percentage of G1 cells, weaker beta-galactosidase activity and lower 16(INK4a)
      expression, and higher cyclin D1 expression, but the overexpression group showed
      no difference. Taken together, this data implies that p21(WAF1) is important for
      the hypoxia phase, but not the reoxygenation phase, in the H9c2 senescence
      process.

PMID- 22038225
TI  - Comparative analysis of biological profiles of benign prostate hyperplasia and
      prostate cancer as potential diagnostic, prognostic and predictive indicators.
AB  - The prognosis in prostate cancer depends on several clinical-morphological
      factors, such as Gleason score, pTNM and preoperative PSA level. Reliable
      biological markers are being sought to supplement clinical-morphological data in
      order to better predict prognosis and to select an individualized therapeutic
      option. The aim of this study was a comparative analysis of the expression of
      biological markers, such as Hif-1alpha, bcl-2, p53, Ki-67, cyclin D1 and CD44 in
      BPH and prostate cancer, as well as examining their association with standard
      prognostic factors in prostate cancer. The immunohistochemical analysis was made
      on 82 formalin-fixed, paraffin- embedded tissue blocks: 43 prostate cancer
      specimens derived from patients who had undergone radical resection, and 39
      prostate bioptates derived from patients with BPH. A positive correlation was
      demonstrated between Gleason score and the expression of both Hif-1alpha (R =
      0.32, p < 0.05) and Ki-67 (R = 0.30, p < 0.05). Additionally, a negative
      correlation was demonstrated between tumor stage (pTNM) and bcl-2 expression (R =
      -0.35, p < 0.05). Hif-1alpha as a hypoxia marker and Ki-67 as a proliferation
      marker, both correlated with Gleason score, may constitute important additional
      prognostic indicators in prostate cancer patients.

PMID- 22038226
TI  - Immunodetection of aquaporin 5 in sheep salivary glands related to pasture
      vegetative cycle.
AB  - Mammalian aquaporins (AQPs) are a family of at least 13 integral membrane
      proteins expressed in various epithelia, where they function as channels to
      permeate water and small solutes. AQP5 is widely expressed in the exocrine gland
      where it is likely involved in providing an appropriate amount of fluid to be
      secreted with granular contents. As regards AQP5 expression in the salivary
      glands, literature is lacking concerning domestic animal species. This study was
      chiefly aimed at immunohistochemically investigating the presence and
      localization of AQP5 in sheep mandibular and parotid glands. In addition, AQP5
      immunoreactivity was comparatively evaluated in animals fed with forage
      containing different amounts of water related to the pasture vegetative cycle, in
      order to shed light on the possible response of the gland to environmental
      modifications. Moderate AQP5-immunoreactivity was shown at the level of the
      lateral surface of mandibular serous demilune cells, not affected by the pasture
      vegetative cycle or water content. On the contrary, the parotid gland arcinar
      cells showed AQP5-immunoreactivity at the level of apical and lateral plasma
      membrane, which was slight to very strong, according to the pasture vegetative
      development and interannual climatic variations. AQP5 expression is likely due to
      its involvement in providing appropriate saliva fluidity. Indeed, the lowest AQP5
      immunoreactivity was noticed when food water content increased.

PMID- 22038227
TI  - Decreased serum level of IL-12 in the course of ischemia and reperfusion during
      abdominal aortic surgery.
AB  - Ischemic-reperfusion injury (IRI) is defined as tissue damage, organ dysfunction
      or failure developed in the course of inflammatory response following ischemia
      and reperfusion (IR). Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair required IR of
      distal parts of the body carries a risk of organ injury and postoperative
      mortality of between 4% and 12%. The aim of this study was the evaluation of IL
      12 serum level during AAA repair in relation to IR. Blood samples were taken
      before surgery (Preop), before aortic unclamping (Pre-X(off)), 90 min after
      unclamping (90 min-X(off)) and 24 h after surgery (Postop) from 37 AAA patients;
      and before surgery (Preop), at 90 min of surgery (90 min-surg), at 180 min of
      surgery (180 min-surg) and 24 h after operation (stop) from ten patients
      scheduled for elective surgery of lumbar discopathy (SC); and once from ten
      healthy controls. IL-12 was measured using the ELISA technique. Preoperative IL
      12 was higher in AAA (0.21 pg/ml) and SC (0.31 pg/ml) patients than in controls
      (0.05 pg/ml). A significant decrease in IL-12 (0.09 pg/ml) was observed at 90 min
      X(off) in comparison to the preoperative value in AAA but not in the SC group. 24
      h after surgery, IL-12 levels were still low in the AAA group (0.13 pg/ml), and
      nonsignificantly surpassed the preoperative value in the SC group (0.36 pg/ml).
      We conclude that operative injury was associated with increased IL-12 levels, and
      IR with decreased IL-12 levels. Diminished IL-12 during AAA repair might be
      associated with a higher risk of postoperative complications, but this needs
      further evaluation.

PMID- 22038228
TI  - Nephrotic syndrome unfavorable course correlates with downregulation of podocyte
      vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-2.
AB  - Idiopathic nephrotic syndrome (INS) in children is most commonly caused by
      primary glomerulopathies. Morphological lesions observed in INS might be
      secondary to inflammatory factors of mainly extra-renal origin. The vascular
      endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family is regarded as playing a crucial role in
      this pathomechanism. The aim of the present work was to analyze the possible
      relation between VEGF-C and VEGF receptor (VEGFR)-2 expressions at electron
      microscopy level in different INS cases. The study group comprised 18 children
      with minimal change disease (MCD), 30 patients diagnosed with diffuse mesangial
      proliferation (DMP) and 11 subjects with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis
      (FSGS). An indirect immunohistochemical assay employing monoclonal anti-VEGF-C
      and anti-VEGFR-2 antibodies was applied in the study. The immunohistochemical
      expression of VEGF-C within podocyte cytoplasm was significantly increased in DMP
      subjects who were resistant to steroids and in all FSGS patients compared to MCD
      children and controls (p < 0.05). VEGF-C over-expression in these cases was
      followed by downregulation of VEGFR-2. Nephrotic syndrome progression correlates
      with the downregulation of podocyte VEGFR-2. For this reason, decreased VEGFR-2
      expression in the podocyte processes of children with idiopathic nephrotic
      syndrome might be regarded as a potent factor of unfavorable prognosis.

PMID- 22038229
TI  - Participation of mast cells in chronic otitis media.
AB  - In the pathogenesis of chronic otitis media (COM), much attention is paid to the
      molecular mechanisms of local inflammatory reactions in which mast cells (MCs)
      may be involved due to their role not only in allergic but also inflammatory
      processes. The aim of this study was to assess the density of mast cells in
      chronic otitis media in relationship to different clinical courses of COM,
      bacterial infections and types of disease. The MCs expression was measured
      immunohistochemically in paraffin-embedded granulation tissue specimens taken
      during surgery, by staining with a monoclonal antibody against tryptase. The
      density of tryptase-positive mast cells was lower in tissue samples from the
      group with a good clinical course than in those from the group with poor healing
      and recurrence (p = 0.006). There were no differences between the groups of
      patients with granulomatous and cholesteatomatous chronic otitis media (p = 0.66)
      or between the groups of patients with and without bacterial infection (p =
      0.30), although the density of mast cells was lower for those with Pseudomonas
      aeruginosa/Proteus sp./ /Staphylococcus MRSA infection. In conclusion, the
      expression of mast cells in chronic otitis media granulation tissue was found to
      differ depending on the clinical course of the disease, but not on bacterial
      infection or type of COM. This may suggest that mast cells contribute to the
      maintenance of the inflammatory process, but not to antibacterial defense in
      chronic otitis media.

PMID- 22038230
TI  - Reproductive biology of the endangered percid Zingel asper in captivity: a
      histological description of the male reproductive cycle.
AB  - The endemic Rhodanian percid Zingel asper (Linnaeus, 1758), is usually found
      throughout the Rhone basin, but this fish is now in sharp decline. Understanding
      its reproductive physiology is important so as to be able to artificially control
      its reproduction with a view to re-introducing it. This study was carried out on
      a population obtained by artificial fertilization and bred in external tanks.
      Fishes were observed from the juvenile stages through to adulthood. Patterns of
      testicular development were defined from histological observations. Testes of Z.
      asper were paired, elongated and fusiform dorsocaudal organs. The two lobes of
      each gonad joined together to form a duct that extended to the urogenital
      papillae. They showed a lobular structure. The testicular lobules were of the
      unrestricted spermatogonial type. Up to 10 months-old, most of the males were
      immature: their testes showed only type A spermatogonia. The appearance of type B
      spermatogonia in the lobules of a testis indicated the beginning of
      spermatogenesis in 10 months-old fish. Spermiogenesis occurred 24 months after
      the fertilization and, in 26 months-old fish, the cyst opened and released
      spermatozoa into the lumen of lobules. The spermiation belonged to a cystic type.
      During the third year, histological observations pointed to the same evolution of
      adult gonads as during the second year. Sexual maturity was reached in captive Z.
      asper after two years. The spawning occurred in May in the breeding conditions.

PMID- 22038231
TI  - Influence of myocardial infarction on changes in the expression of angiotensin
      type 1 receptor in the rat prostate.
AB  - Angiotensin II (AngII) is the biologically active peptide of the renin
      angiotensin system (RAS). Tissue- based, local RAS has been identified in the
      prostate, testis, epididymis and coagulating glands. Experimental and clinical
      studies have consistently shown that myocardial infarction (MI) is associated
      with activation of the systemic RAS with increased concentration of angiotensin
      peptides in the blood and changes in expression of angiotensin receptors (AT).
      Changes in angiotensin receptors in the renal and cardiovascular system after MI
      are well recognized, but the effects of MI influence on changes in other tissue
      like the prostate gland are unknown. In the present study, we investigated the
      effect of myocardial infarction on angiotensin receptor protein and mRNA
      expression in the rat prostate gland. MI model was established in Wistar rats by
      ligating the left coronary artery (modified Selye method). The levels of AT1a-b
      and AT2 receptor mRNAs and proteins were measured in the rat prostate. Our study
      demonstrates tissue-specific changes in AT1a-b and AT2 receptor expression after
      myocardial infarction. The results show that MI has a strong influence on the
      expression of angiotensin receptor type AT1 in the prostate at the protein and
      mRNA level.

PMID- 22038232
TI  - The influence of caffeine on the biomechanical properties of bone tissue during
      pregnancy in a population of rats.
AB  - The influence of pregnancy on bone tissue metabolism is not completely
      understood. Caffeine also has a potentially negative influence on bones. The aim
      of this study was the evaluation of changes in the bones of pregnant rats under
      the influence of caffeine. The experiment was carried out on Wistar rats. The
      evaluation of rats' bone tissue quality was performed based on bone density
      measurements and resistance examinations. It analyzed the impact of caffeine on
      the degree of bone tissue mineralization and the composition of the bones. The
      mean value of pelvises 'wet' and 'dry' densities in a group of pregnant rats with
      caffeine intake was lower compared to the control group. The deformation in
      maximal load point of the femur shaft in the experimental group was significantly
      higher than in the control group. In the experimental group, the percentage of
      water in the bones was significantly higher, while the content of inorganic phase
      was significantly lower compared to the control group. The changes of
      biomechanical parameters in the group of pregnant rats with caffeine intake
      indicate its negative influence on the bone. Our results show higher
      plasticization of the bone shafts of the animals under the influence of caffeine.
      Higher deformation of bone shafts may have an effect on the statics of the
      skeleton. The administration of caffeine significantly affected the quantitative
      composition of the bone.

PMID- 22038233
TI  - Induction of monocyte antitumor response by human cancer cells transduced with
      TNF-GFP fusion gene: possible implications for immunotherapy of cancer.
AB  - This study was undertaken to determine how human pancreatic cancer (HPC-4) cells
      transduced with the TNF-GFP fusion gene (TLG) alter the antitumor response of
      human monocytes in vitro and whether they could act as an antitumor vaccine. In
      our model, HPC-4 cells were transduced with retroviral vector harboring TLG gene
      and designated as HPC-4(TLG). The TLG protein expression was confirmed by Western
      blot and flow cytometry analysis. Monocytes were co-cultured with transduced and
      control HPC-4 cells. The secretion of TNF, IL-10 and IL-12 was measured by ELISA.
      The cytotoxicity of monocytes against HPC-4 cells was determined by MTT test. The
      results show that the HPC-4(TLG) cells expressed membrane-bound, intracellular
      and secretory TLG protein. When cultured with HPC-4(TLG) cells, monocytes
      released a higher amount of TNF, but IL-10 and IL-12 secretion was inhibited. The
      pre-exposure of monocytes to HPC-4(TLG), but not to HPC-4, cells did not decrease
      TNF nor increase IL-10 production, thus not leading to monocyte deactivation.
      Also, the antitumor cytotoxicity of monocytes stimulated with HPC-4(TLG) was not
      downregulated, which occurred when non-transduced HPC-4 cells were used. In
      conclusion, compared to parental HPC-4 cells, TLG gene transduced HPC-4 cells
      induced stronger antitumor response of monocytes in vitro and prevented
      deactivation of monocytes.

PMID- 22038234
TI  - Expression of estrogen receptors in the pelvic floor of pre- and post-menopausal
      women presenting pelvic organ prolapse.
AB  - The precise role of estrogen in the pathogenesis of pelvic organ prolapse (POP)
      is still unclear, while the results concerning the effect of selective estrogen
      receptor modulators on pelvic organ prolapse are contradictory. Our aim was to
      test whether alteration in the expression of estrogen receptors in the pelvic
      floor of pre- and post-menopausal women is related to genital prolapse status.
      The mRNA levels of ERalpha and ERbeta in 60 biopsy specimens were measured.
      Significantly higher expression of ERalpha and higher ERalpha/ERbeta ratio were
      demonstrated in post-menopausal women compared to pre-menopausal women. Higher
      expression of ERalpha and higher ERalpha/ERbeta ratio were detected in all
      studied groups with POP, thus it did not reach significance in the post
      menopausal group. Pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women presenting pelvic
      organ prolapse had no difference in the ERalpha expression. Our preliminary study
      may indicate that pelvic organ prolapse is associated with higher expression of
      ERalpha/ERbeta in the pelvic floor of both pre- and post-menopausal women; thus
      not reaching statistical significance in the post-menopausal women was probably
      due to the group's size. We believe that the inevitable changes in the estrogen
      receptor expression over women's different lifetimes may affect the risk of
      genital prolapse progression, and might contribute to the further search for
      appropriate selective estrogen receptor modulators as a treatment for women with
      pelvic organ prolapse.

PMID- 22038235
TI  - Phosphorylated ERK5/BMK1 transiently accumulates within division spindles in
      mouse oocytes and preimplantation embryos.
AB  - MAP kinases of the ERK family play important roles in oocyte maturation,
      fertilization, and early embryo development. The role of the signaling pathway
      involving ERK5 MAP kinase during meiotic and mitotic M-phase of the cell cycle is
      not well known. Here, we studied the localization of the phosphorylated, and thus
      potentially activated, form of ERK5 in mouse maturing oocytes and mitotically
      dividing early embryos. We show that phosphorylation/dephosphorylation, i.e.
      likely activation/inactivation of ERK5, correlates with M-phase progression.
      Phosphorylated form of ERK5 accumulates in division spindle of both meiotic and
      mitotic cells, and precisely co-localizes with spindle microtubules at metaphase.
      This localization changes drastically in the anaphase, when phospho-ERK5
      completely disappears from microtubules and transits to the cytoplasmic granular,
      vesicle-like structures. In telophase oocytes it becomes incorporated into the
      midbody. Dynamic changes in the localization of phospho-ERK5 suggests that it may
      play an important role both in meiotic and mitotic division.

PMID- 22038236
TI  - [Acute traumatic and especially neglected traumatic hip dislocations are very
      rare in children].
AB  - We report about the first hip arthroscopies of extracapsular neglected hip
      dislocations with concomitant injuries in two children (2 and 4 years old). The
      major problem of traumatic hip dislocation is avascular necrosis. Further
      problems are possible concomitant injuries. It is important not to cause further
      damage by therapeutic procedures. In a 4-year-old child the hip could be reduced
      under visualization and in a 2-year-old child with epiphyseal fracture the extent
      of the operation could be reduced. In both children large avulsion injuries of
      the ligamentum capitis femoris could be resected via hip arthroscopy. Hip
      arthroscopy can reduce surgical morbidity considerably and can possibly
      contribute to prevention of the feared avascular necrosis of the femoral head.

PMID- 22038237
TI  - Increase of CGRP-containing nerve fibers in the rat periodontal ligament after
      luxation.
AB  - The distribution of calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) was examined in the
      periodontal ligament (PDL) after experimental luxation injury of the rat first
      molar tooth. The luxational injury increased the number of CGRP-immunoreactive
      (IR) nerve fibers. At 3-7 days, numerous CGRP-IR nerve fibers appeared throughout
      the injured PDL. These nerve fibers terminated as free nerve endings within
      resorption cavities. Immunohistochemistry for receptor activity modifying protein
      1 (RAMP1) also demonstrated that the subunit of CGRP receptor was expressed by
      periodontal cells adjacent to the alveolar bone in the intact and injured PDL.
      RAMP1-IR cells were divided into two types; small cells with single nucleus and
      large cells with 2-6 nuclei. After the luxational injury, both types of RAMP1-IR
      cells abundantly appeared within resorption cavities. As a result, the treatment
      increased the number of large RAMP1-IR cells at 3-7 days and small RAMP1-IR cells
      at 7 days. In addition, a double immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated that
      CGRP-IR nerve fibers were seen away from RAMP1-IR cells in the intact PDL. After
      the traumatic injury, however, CGRP-IR nerve fibers appeared in the close
      vicinity of small and large RAMP1-IR cells at 5-7 days. The morphology and
      distribution of RAMP1-IR cells suggest that they contain osteoblasts and
      osteoclasts. By affecting osteoclasts and osteoblasts, CGRP may have effects on
      bone remodeling in the luxated PDL.

PMID- 22038238
TI  - Optimization of enzymatic hydrolysis conditions for the production of antioxidant
      peptides from muscles of Nemipterus japonicus and Exocoetus volitans using
      response surface methodology.
AB  - In the present study, protein of muscles of commercially important marine fishes
      Nemipterus japonicus and Exocoetus volitans were extracted by trypsin and their
      hydrolysis conditions viz., temperature, time, and enzyme to substrate
      concentration on degree of hydrolysis were studied by response surface
      methodology. The optimum values for N. japonicus was found as temperature, 30
      degrees C, hydrolysis time of 100 min an enzyme/substrate concentration of 1.59%
      whereas, for E. volitans muscle protein, optimum hydrolysis conditions were
      temperature, 30 degrees C, hydrolysis time of 115 min and enzyme/substrate
      concentration of 1.67%. Furthermore, amino acid sequence of antioxidant peptides
      derived after chromatographic purification was identified by ESI-MS/MS. The
      analysis of peptides showed sequences as Glu-Ser-Asp-Arg-Pro (620.3 Da) and Gly
      Trp-Met-Gly-Cys-Trp (747.3) for N. japonicus and E. volitans muscle,
      respectively. The peptides contained important antioxidant amino acids and acted
      as good antioxidant peptides to scavenge free radicals.

PMID- 22038239
TI  - A fully automated human knee 3D MRI bone segmentation using the ray casting
      technique.
AB  - This study aimed at developing a fully automated bone segmentation method for the
      human knee (femur and tibia) from magnetic resonance (MR) images. MR imaging was
      acquired on a whole body 1.5T scanner with a gradient echo fat suppressed
      sequence using an extremity coil. The method was based on the Ray Casting
      technique which relies on the decomposition of the MR images into multiple
      surface layers to localize the boundaries of the bones and several partial
      segmentation objects being automatically merged to obtain the final complete
      segmentation of the bones. Validation analyses were performed on 161 MR images
      from knee osteoarthritis patients, comparing the developed fully automated to a
      validated semi-automated segmentation method, using the average surface distance
      (ASD), volume correlation coefficient, and Dice similarity coefficient (DSC). For
      both femur and tibia, respectively, data showed excellent bone surface ASD (0.50
      +/- 0.12 mm; 0.37 +/- 0.09 mm), average oriented distance between bone surfaces
      within the cartilage domain (0.02 +/- 0.07 mm; -0.05 +/- 0.10 mm), and bone
      volume DSC (0.94 +/- 0.05; 0.92 +/- 0.07). This newly developed fully automated
      bone segmentation method will enable large scale studies to be conducted within
      shorter time durations, as well as increase stability in the reading of
      pathological bone.

PMID- 22038241
TI  - Biomechanical analysis of the effects of medial meniscectomy on degenerative
      osteoarthritis.
AB  - To investigate the effects of meniscectomy on degenerative osteoarthritis, a
      three-dimensional (3D) finite element (FE) model of the human lower limb is
      constructed from a combination of magnetic resonance (MR) images and computed
      tomographic (CT) images that can provide anatomically suitable boundary
      conditions for a knee joint. Four cases, i.e., the intact meniscus, and the
      partial, sub-total, and total meniscectomy of the medial meniscus are modeled and
      simulated. We consider that the cartilage-to-cartilage contact area and the peak
      contact pressure in the meniscus may be significant parameters in evaluating
      degenerative osteoarthritis. Partial meniscectomy can be regarded as a better
      treatment than sub-total/total meniscectomy, and a high possibility of
      degenerative osteoarthritis is anticipated after total meniscectomy. Moreover,
      medial meniscectomy has the potential to bring about degenerative osteoarthritis
      in both the medial compartment and the lateral compartment of a knee joint.

PMID- 22038240
TI  - Development of a comprehensive musculoskeletal model of the shoulder and elbow.
AB  - The Delft Shoulder and Elbow Model (DSEM), a musculoskeletal model of the
      shoulder and elbow has been extensively developed since its introduction in 1994.
      Extensions cover both model structures and anatomical data focusing on the
      addition of an elbow part and muscle architecture parameters. The model was also
      extended with a new inverse-dynamics optimization cost function and combined
      inverse-forward-dynamics models. This study is an update on the developments of
      the model over the last decade including a qualitative validation of the
      different simulation architectures available in the DSEM. To validate the model,
      a dynamic forward flexion motion was performed by one subject, of which the
      motion data and surface EMG-signals of 12 superficial muscles were measured.
      Patterns of the model-predicted relative muscle forces were compared with their
      normalized EMG-signals. Results showed relatively good agreement between forces
      and EMG (mean correlation coefficient of 0.66). However, for some cases, no force
      was predicted while EMG activity had been measured (false-negatives). The DSEM
      has been used and has the potential to be used in a variety of clinical and
      biomechanical applications.

PMID- 22038242
TI  - Validation of the H2S method to detect bacteria of fecal origin by cultured and
      molecular methods.
AB  - Using biochemical and molecular methods, this research determined whether or not
      the H(2)S test did correctly identify sewage-contaminated waters by being the
      first to use culturing and molecular methods to identify the types and numbers of
      fecal indicator organisms, pathogens, and other microbes present in sewage
      samples with positive H(2)S test results. For the culture-based method, samples
      were analyzed for the presence of fecal bacteria by spread plating the sewage
      sample onto differential and selective media for Aeromonas spp., Escherichia
      coli, sulfite-reducing clostridia, H(2)S-producing bacteria, and
      Salmonella/Shigella spp. The isolates were then: (1) tested to determine whether
      they were H(2)S-producing organisms and (2) identified to the genus and species
      level using biochemical methods. The molecular method used to characterize the
      microbial populations of select samples was terminal restriction fragment length
      polymorphisms. These experiments on sewage provided evidence that positive H(2)S
      tests consistently contained fecal bacteria and pathogens. There were strong
      relationships of agreement between the organisms identified by both methods
      tested. This study is an important advance in microbial water quality detection
      since it is focused on the evaluation of a novel, low-cost, water microbiology
      test that has the potential to provide millions of people worldwide access to
      water quality detection technology. Of prime consideration in evaluating water
      quality tests is the determination of the test's accuracy and specificity, and
      this article is a fundamental step in providing that information.

PMID- 22038243
TI  - Alginate beads provide a beneficial physical barrier against native
      microorganisms in wastewater treated with immobilized bacteria and microalgae.
AB  - When the freshwater microalga Chlorella sorokiniana and the plant growth
      promoting bacterium Azospirillum brasilense were deployed as free suspensions in
      unsterile, municipal wastewater for tertiary wastewater treatment, their
      population was significantly lower compared with their populations in sterile
      wastewater. At the same time, the numbers of natural microfauna and wastewater
      bacteria increased. Immobilization of C. sorokiniana and A. brasilense in small
      (2-4 mm in diameter), polymer Ca-alginate beads significantly enhanced their
      populations when these beads were suspended in normal wastewater. All microbial
      populations within and on the surface of the beads were evaluated by quantitative
      fluorescence in situ hybridization combined with scanning electron microscopy and
      direct measurements. Submerging immobilizing beads in wastewater created the
      following sequence of events: (a) a biofilm composed of wastewater bacteria and
      A. brasilense was created on the surface of the beads, (b) the bead inhibited
      penetration of outside organisms into the beads, (c) the bead inhibited
      liberation of the immobilized microorganisms into the wastewater, and (d)
      permitted an uninterrupted reduction of ammonium and phosphorus from the
      wastewater. This study demonstrated that wastewater microbial populations are
      responsible for decreasing populations of biological agents used for wastewater
      treatment and immobilization in alginate beads provided a protective environment
      for these agents to carry out uninterrupted tertiary wastewater treatment.

PMID- 22038244
TI  - Peculiarities of Pycnoporus species for applications in biotechnology.
AB  - The genus Pycnoporus forms a cosmopolitan group of four species belonging to the
      polyporoid white-rot fungi, the most representative group of homobasidiomycetes
      causing wood decay. Pycnoporus fungi are listed as food- and cosmetic-grade
      microorganisms and emerged in the early 1990s as a genus whose biochemistry,
      biodegradation and biotechnological properties have since been progressively
      detailed. First highlighted for their original metabolic pathways involved in the
      functionalization of plant cell wall aromatic compounds to yield high-value
      molecules, e.g. aromas and antioxidants, the Pycnoporus species were later
      explored for their potential to produce various enzymes of industrial interest,
      such as hydrolases and oxidases. However, the most noteworthy feature of the
      genus Pycnoporus is its ability to overproduce high redox potential laccase-a
      multi-copper extracellular phenoloxidase-as the predominant ligninolytic enzyme.
      A major potential use of the Pycnoporus fungi is thus to harness their laccases
      for various applications such as the bioconversion of agricultural by-products
      and raw plant materials into valuable products, the biopulping and biobleaching
      of paper pulp and the biodegradation of organopollutants, xenobiotics and
      industrial contaminants. All the studies performed in the last decade show the
      genus Pycnoporus to be a strong contender for white biotechnology. In this
      review, we describe the properties of Pycnoporus fungi in relation to their
      biotechnological applications and potential.

PMID- 22038246
TI  - Bioconversion of D-galactose to D-tagatose: continuous packed bed reaction with
      an immobilized thermostable L-arabinose isomerase and efficient purification by
      selective microbial degradation.
AB  - The continuous enzymatic conversion of D-galactose to D-tagatose with an
      immobilized thermostable L-arabinose isomerase in packed-bed reactor and a novel
      method for D-tagatose purification were studied. L-arabinose isomerase from
      Thermoanaerobacter mathranii (TMAI) was recombinantly overexpressed and
      immobilized in calcium alginate. The effects of pH and temperature on D-tagatose
      production reaction catalyzed by free and immobilized TMAI were investigated. The
      optimal condition for free enzyme was pH 8.0, 60 degrees C, 5 mM MnCl(2).
      However, that for immobilized enzyme was pH 7.5, 75 degrees C, 5 mM MnCl(2). In
      addition, the catalytic activity of immobilized enzyme at high temperature and
      low pH was significantly improved compared with free enzyme. The optimum reaction
      yield with immobilized TMAI increased by four percentage points to 43.9% compared
      with that of free TMAI. The highest productivity of 10 g/L h was achieved with
      the yield of 23.3%. Continuous production was performed at 70 degrees C; after
      168 h, the reaction yield was still above 30%. The resultant syrup was then
      incubated with Saccharomyces cerevisiae L1 cells. The selective degradation of D
      galactose was achieved, obtaining D-tagatose with the purity above 95%. The
      established production and separation methods further potentiate the industrial
      production of D-tagatose via bioconversion and biopurification processes.

PMID- 22038245
TI  - Identification and immunological characteristics of chaperonin GroEL in
      Riemerella anatipestifer.
AB  - Riemerella anatipestifer (RA) infections cause major economic losses in the duck
      industry. In this study, an immunogenic protein, chaperonin GroEL (GroEL), was
      identified from the outer membrane of RA strain WJ4 by immunoproteomic assay
      based on matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time of flight mass
      spectrometry. The complete sequence of the encoding gene, chaperonin groEL
      (groEL) was amplified and determined to be 1,629 base pairs in length. groEL was
      then cloned into expression vector pGEX-6P-1, and the expression of the
      recombinant GroEL (rGroEL) in Escherichia coli strain BL21 was confirmed by
      sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blotting
      analysis. Immunization assay showed that ducklings or rabbits immunized with
      purified rGroEL generated 53- or 160-fold more anti-GroEL antibodies than those
      with no immunization. Importantly, bactericidal assay showed that rabbit anti
      GroEL serum killed 30.0-57.3% of bacteria representing different serotypes, while
      rabbit anti-bacterin serum killing activity exhibits large serotype-dependent
      variations between 0.2% and 63.6%. Animal challenge experiment showed that
      ducklings immunized with rGroEL were 50%, 37.5%, and 37.5% protected from the
      challenge with RA strains WJ4 (serotype 1), Th4 (serotype 2), and YXb-2 (serotype
      10), respectively. In addition, groEL from 34 additional RA strains was amplified
      by polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and products from nine were sequenced. groEL
      is highly conserved among RA strains, as the DNA sequence identity was over 97.5%
      between WJ4 and the nine additional strains. Our results suggest that GroEL may
      be a good candidate for new RA vaccine development.

PMID- 22038247
TI  - Bioluminescence and its application in the monitoring of antimicrobial
      photodynamic therapy.
AB  - Light output from bioluminescent microorganisms is a highly sensitive reporter of
      their metabolic activity and therefore can be used to monitor in real time the
      effects of antimicrobials. Antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (aPDT) is receiving
      considerable attention for its potentialities as a new antimicrobial treatment
      modality. This therapy combines oxygen, a nontoxic photoactive photosensitizer,
      and visible light to generate reactive oxygen species (singlet oxygen and free
      radicals) that efficiently destroy microorganisms. To monitor this
      photoinactivation process, faster methods are required instead of laborious
      conventional plating and overnight incubation procedures. The bioluminescence
      method is a very interesting approach to achieve this goal. This review covers
      recent developments on the use of microbial bioluminescence in aPDT in the
      clinical and environmental areas.

PMID- 22038248
TI  - Bioremediation of beta-cypermethrin and 3-phenoxybenzaldehyde contaminated soils
      using Streptomyces aureus HP-S-01.
AB  - Using laboratory and field experiments, the ability of Streptomyces aureus HP-S
      01 to eliminate beta-cypermethrin (beta-CP) and its metabolite 3
      phenoxybenzaldehyde (3-PBA) in soils was investigated. In the laboratory, 80.5%
      and 73.1% of the initial dose of beta-CP and 3-PBA (50 mg kg(-1)) was removed in
      sterilized soils within 10 days, respectively, while in the same period,
      disappearance rate of beta-CP and 3-PBA in non-sterilized soils was higher and
      reached 87.8% and 79.3%, respectively. Furthermore, the disappearance process
      followed the first-order kinetics and the half-life (T (1/2)) for beta-CP and 3
      PBA reduced by 20.3-52.9 and 133.7-186.8 days, respectively, as compared to the
      controls. The addition of sucrose to the soils enhanced the ability of strain HP
      S-01 to eliminate beta-CP and 3-PBA. Similar results were observed in the field
      experiments. The introduced strain HP-S-01 quickly adapted to the environment and
      rapidly removed beta-CP and 3-PBA without any lag phases in the field
      experiments. Compared with the controls, 47.9% and 67.0% of applied dose of beta
      CP and 3-PBA was removed from the soils without extra carbon sources and 52.5%
      and 73.3% of beta-CP and 3-PBA was eliminated in soils supplemented with sucrose
      within 10 days, respectively. Analysis of beta-CP degradation products in soil
      indicated that the tested strain transform beta-CP to 3-PBA and alpha-hydroxy-3
      phenoxy-benzeneacetonitrile. However, both intermediates were transient and they
      disappeared after 10 days. Therefore, the selected actinomyces strain HP-S-01 is
      suitable for the efficient and rapid bioremediation of beta-CP contaminated
      soils.

PMID- 22038249
TI  - Effect of substrate and IPTG concentrations on the burden to growth of
      Escherichia coli on glycerol due to the expression of Lac proteins.
AB  - Expression of proteins unneeded for growth diverts cellular resources from making
      necessary protein and leads to a reduction in the growth rate of an organism.
      This reduction in growth rate is termed as cost. Cost plays an important role in
      determining the selected expression of a protein in a particular environment.
      Characterization of cost is important in biotechnology industries where
      microorganisms are used to produce foreign proteins. We have used the lactose
      system in Escherichia coli to quantify the cost of growth on glycerol in the
      presence of isopropyl-beta-D-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG), an inducer of the
      lactose system. The effect of the concentration of the carbon source, glycerol,
      and the inducer of Lac enzymes, IPTG, is studied. The results show that the cost
      is dependent on the glycerol concentration with a decreasing trend with
      increasing concentration of glycerol. Also as expected, the cost increases and
      saturates at a higher concentration of IPTG. The studies also demonstrate that
      the cost is higher in early exponential phase relative to late exponential phase
      during the growth as has been reported in the literature. Hill equation fit
      yielded a typical Monod-type expression for growth on glycerol with and without
      IPTG. An apparent half-saturation constant was defined which was used to
      characterize the burden on growth due to protein expression.

PMID- 22038250
TI  - Synthesis of novel 2,8-disubstituted indolo[3,2-b]carbazoles.
AB  - A new synthetic pathway towards 2,8-difunctionalised indolo[3,2-b]carbazoles was
      investigated. The presented method offers a short and high yielding route towards
      2,8-dibromo-5,11-dihexyl-6,12-diphenyl-indolo[3,2-b]carbazole. It is demonstrated
      that the latter compound is a versatile building block, enabling the synthesis of
      a number of previously unreported 5,11-dialkyl-6,12-diphenyl-indolo[3,2
      b]carbazoles in moderate to good yields, using Suzuki and Sonogashira cross
      coupling reaction. Furthermore it is shown that 2,8-dibromo-5,11-dihexyl-6,12
      diphenyl-indolo[3,2-b]carbazole can be easily formylated, giving rise to the 2,8
      diformyl-5,11-dihexyl-6,12-diphenyl-indolo-[3,2-b]carbazole. The latter compound
      was successfully subjected to condensation reactions.

PMID- 22038251
TI  - Whole genome sequencing of multiple Leishmania donovani clinical isolates
      provides insights into population structure and mechanisms of drug resistance.
AB  - Visceral leishmaniasis is a potentially fatal disease endemic to large parts of
      Asia and Africa, primarily caused by the protozoan parasite Leishmania donovani.
      Here, we report a high-quality reference genome sequence for a strain of L.
      donovani from Nepal, and use this sequence to study variation in a set of 16
      related clinical lines, isolated from visceral leishmaniasis patients from the
      same region, which also differ in their response to in vitro drug susceptibility.
      We show that whole-genome sequence data reveals genetic structure within these
      lines not shown by multilocus typing, and suggests that drug resistance has
      emerged multiple times in this closely related set of lines. Sequence comparisons
      with other Leishmania species and analysis of single-nucleotide diversity within
      our sample showed evidence of selection acting in a range of surface- and
      transport-related genes, including genes associated with drug resistance. Against
      a background of relative genetic homogeneity, we found extensive variation in
      chromosome copy number between our lines. Other forms of structural variation
      were significantly associated with drug resistance, notably including gene dosage
      and the copy number of an experimentally verified circular episome present in all
      lines and described here for the first time. This study provides a basis for more
      powerful molecular profiling of visceral leishmaniasis, providing additional
      power to track the drug resistance and epidemiology of an important human
      pathogen.

PMID- 22038253
TI  - Predictors of boys' ADHD symptoms from early to middle childhood: the role of
      father-child and mother-child interactions.
AB  - This prospective 3 year longitudinal study investigated preschool paternal and
      maternal parenting predictors of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder(ADHD)
      in a community sample of 93 school-age boys. Participants were recruited on the
      basis of inattention-hyperactivity at age 4 and fathers and mothers were observed
      interacting with their sons. Teachers, fathers, and mothers reported children's
      ADHD symptoms and impairment. Results from dimensional analysis showed that less
      observed paternal sensitivity and maternal positive regard predicted higher
      levels of inattentiveness in middle childhood, and that intrusive paternal
      behavior was predictive of hyperactive-impulsive behavior at school. In
      categorical analysis, less maternal warmth and sensitivity were predictive of
      later ADHD. These predictions held after statistical adjustment for the effects
      of preschool ADHD behaviors and conduct problems. At follow-up, parents of boys
      with ADHD reported more negative child-parent relationship perceptions than
      comparison parents. Findings highlight the importance of examining responsive
      parenting behaviors of both fathers and mothers in relation to multi-informant
      ratings of ADHD symptoms.

PMID- 22038252
TI  - Chromosome and gene copy number variation allow major structural change between
      species and strains of Leishmania.
AB  - Leishmania parasites cause a spectrum of clinical pathology in humans ranging
      from disfiguring cutaneous lesions to fatal visceral leishmaniasis. We have
      generated a reference genome for Leishmania mexicana and refined the reference
      genomes for Leishmania major, Leishmania infantum, and Leishmania braziliensis.
      This has allowed the identification of a remarkably low number of genes or
      paralog groups (2, 14, 19, and 67, respectively) unique to one species. These
      were found to be conserved in additional isolates of the same species. We have
      predicted allelic variation and find that in these isolates, L. major and L.
      infantum have a surprisingly low number of predicted heterozygous SNPs compared
      with L. braziliensis and L. mexicana. We used short read coverage to infer ploidy
      and gene copy numbers, identifying large copy number variations between species,
      with 200 tandem gene arrays in L. major and 132 in L. mexicana. Chromosome copy
      number also varied significantly between species, with nine supernumerary
      chromosomes in L. infantum, four in L. mexicana, two in L. braziliensis, and one
      in L. major. A significant bias against gene arrays on supernumerary chromosomes
      was shown to exist, indicating that duplication events occur more frequently on
      disomic chromosomes. Taken together, our data demonstrate that there is little
      variation in unique gene content across Leishmania species, but large-scale
      genetic heterogeneity can result through gene amplification on disomic
      chromosomes and variation in chromosome number. Increased gene copy number due to
      chromosome amplification may contribute to alterations in gene expression in
      response to environmental conditions in the host, providing a genetic basis for
      disease tropism.

PMID- 22038254
TI  - A method to investigate the diffusion properties of nuclear calcium.
AB  - Modeling biophysical processes in general requires knowledge about underlying
      biological parameters. The quality of simulation results is strongly influenced
      by the accuracy of these parameters, hence the identification of parameter values
      that the model includes is a major part of simulating biophysical processes. In
      many cases, secondary data can be gathered by experimental setups, which are
      exploitable by mathematical inverse modeling techniques. Here we describe a
      method for parameter identification of diffusion properties of calcium in the
      nuclei of rat hippocampal neurons. The method is based on a Gauss-Newton method
      for solving a least-squares minimization problem and was formulated in such a way
      that it is ideally implementable in the simulation platform uG. Making use of
      independently published space- and time-dependent calcium imaging data, generated
      from laser-assisted calcium uncaging experiments, here we could identify the
      diffusion properties of nuclear calcium and were able to validate a previously
      published model that describes nuclear calcium dynamics as a diffusion process.

PMID- 22038257
TI  - The role of the kidney in salt-sensitive hypertension.
AB  - Primary hypertension is one of the leading risk factors for cardiovascular
      disease. Although the pathogenesis is not completely understood, an imbalance of
      sodium and chloride homeostasis seems to be relevant both in the induction and in
      the maintenance of salt-sensitive hypertension. Besides individual renal
      phenotypes, salt intake is one of the most important environmental determinants
      of this condition. The Milan hypertensive strain (MHS) of rats is an interesting
      model to investigate the molecular mechanisms underling the development of salt
      sensitive hypertension. In young MHS rats, hypertension is anticipated by a phase
      of increased salt reabsorption localized along the medullary thick ascending limb
      associated with the up-regulation of the apical sodium-potassium-chloride
      cotransporter (NKCC2). Later, the frank hypertensive status of adult MHS rats is
      accompanied by the activation of the luminal and basal lateral transporters of
      sodium chloride (NaCl) in the distal convoluted tubule (DCT). Several lines of
      evidence have proven the key role of DCT in the maintenance of hypertension in
      MHS rats; more importantly, hypertensive patients carrying a mutation of alpha
      adducin (resembling the MHS model) have a high sensitivity to thiazides,
      suggesting that the Na(+)-Cl(-) cotransporter also plays a pivotal role in
      humans.

PMID- 22038256
TI  - Serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible kinase 1 in the regulation of renal and
      extrarenal potassium transport.
AB  - Serum- and glucocorticoid inducible-kinase 1 (SGK1) is an early gene
      transcriptionally upregulated by cell stress such as cell shrinkage and hypoxia
      and several hormones including gluco- and mineralocorticoids. It is activated by
      insulin and growth factors. SGK1 is a powerful regulator of a wide variety of
      channels and transporters. The present review describes the role of SGK1 in the
      regulation of potassium (K(+)) channels, K(+) transporters and K(+) homeostasis.
      SGK1-regulated K(+) channels include renal outer medullary K+ channel, Kv1.3,
      Kv1.5, KCNE1/KCNQ1, KCNQ4 and, via regulation of calcium (Ca(2+)) entry, Ca(2+)
      sensitive K(+) channels. SGK1-sensitive transporters include sodium-potassium
      chloride cotransporter 2 and sodium/potassium-adenosine triphosphatase. SGK1
      dependent regulation of K(+) channels and K(+) transport contributes to the
      stimulation of renal K(+) excretion following high K(+) intake, to insulin
      induced cellular K(+) uptake and hypokalemia, to inhibition of insulin release by
      glucocorticoids, to stimulation of mast cell degranulation and gastric acid
      secretion, and to cardiac repolarization. Thus, SGK1 has a profound effect on
      K(+) homeostasis and on a multitude of K(+)-sensitive cellular functions.

PMID- 22038258
TI  - Claudins and renal salt transport.
AB  - Tight junctions (TJs) are the most apical component of junctional complexes and
      regulate the movement of electrolytes and solutes by the paracellular pathway
      across epithelia. The defining ultrastructural features of TJs are strands of
      transmembrane protein particles that adhere to similar strands on adjacent cells.
      These strands are mainly composed of linearly polymerized integral membrane
      proteins called claudins. Claudins comprise a multigene family consisting of more
      than 20 members in mammals. Recent work has shown that claudins form barriers,
      determined by the paracellular electrical resistance and charge selectivity, and
      pores in the TJ strands. The paracellular pathways in renal tubular epithelia
      such as the proximal tubule, which reabsorbs the largest fraction of filtered
      NaCl and water, are important routes for the transport of electrolytes and water.
      Their transport characteristics vary among different nephron segments. Multiple
      claudins are expressed at TJs of individual nephron segments in a nephron segment
      specific manner. Among them, claudin-2 is highly expressed at TJs of proximal
      tubules, which are leaky epithelia. Overexpression and knockdown of claudin-2 in
      epithelial cell lines, and knockout of the claudin-2 gene in mice, have
      demonstrated that claudin-2 forms high-conductance cation-selective pores in the
      proximal tubule. Here, we review the renal physiology of paracellular transport
      and the physiological roles of claudins in kidney function, especially claudin-2
      and proximal tubule paracellular NaCl transport.

PMID- 22038259
TI  - Towards developing new strategies to reduce the adverse side-effects of
      nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
AB  - The antipyretic and analgesic actions of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
      (NSAIDs) are caused by the inhibition of prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)), thromboxane
      A(2) and prostacyclin (PGI(2)) production. Accumulating evidence suggests that
      the inhibition of PGE(2) production can cause adverse side-effects of NSAIDs on
      fluid and blood pressure regulation, such as hypertension and edema formation.
      Since both cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and COX-2 isoforms contribute to the production
      of PGE(2), selective COX-2 inhibitors are not free of these adverse side-effects
      although they may be less severe. Four subtypes of PGE(2) receptors have been
      identified. The antipyretic action of blunted PGE(2) production is mediated
      predominantly by a reduced input to the prostaglandin E receptor 3 (EP(3))
      pathway, whereas the analgesic action is mediated predominantly by a reduced
      input to the EP(1) pathway and perhaps by contributions from the other EP
      receptors. Accordingly, some of the adverse side-effects might be moderated by
      combined use of NSAIDs with selective EP(2) or EP(4) agonists that do not block
      the antipyretic or analgesic actions of NSAIDs that are mediated by reduced
      activation of EP(1) or EP(3) receptors. Moreover, EP(2) receptor-deficient mice
      had salt-sensitive hypertension and EP(4) receptor blockade moderated salt and
      water excretion and both EP(2) and EP(4) agonists had renoprotective effects.
      This suggests that strategies to maintain activation of EP(2) and EP(4) receptors
      during NSAID administration may not only reduce adverse effects but might confer
      additional benefits. In conclusion, enhancing EP(2) and EP(4) receptor activity
      by administration of selective agonists during the administration of NSAIDs has
      the potential to permit treating fever, inflammation and pain but with marginal
      adverse effects on fluid or blood pressure regulation.

PMID- 22038260
TI  - Cardiorenal connection in chronic kidney disease.
AB  - Chronic kidney disease (CKD), as defined by reduced glomerular filtration rate
      (<60 ml/min/1.73 m(2)) and/or the presence of renal damage for >3 months, is a
      significant threat for public health in modern societies. Recent epidemiological
      studies have demonstrated that CKD is a significant risk for cardiovascular
      events independently of classical risk factors such as hypertension, dyslipidemia
      and diabetes. The mechanisms by which CKD increases the risk of cardiovascular
      events are currently under intensive investigation. Among various components of
      CKD, microalbuminuria is of particular interest, because it is a significant risk
      factor not only in diabetic and hypertensive subjects but also in the general
      population. Microalbuminuria is also closely associated with salt sensitivity of
      blood pressure, and the salt sensitivity is an independent risk factor for
      cardiovascular disease even in normotensive subjects. Several factors are likely
      to be involved in such associations, including the renin-angiotensin system
      (RAS), oxidative stress and inflammation. In addition, there may be more specific
      hemodynamic mechanisms in the kidney and other vital organs underlying these
      associations. This review describes 'the strain vessel hypothesis' as a possible
      mechanism for cerebrocardiorenal connections. In addition we discuss the
      significance of underlying diseases as cardiovascular risks of CKD as well as the
      role of RAS inhibition in the management of CKD patients.

PMID- 22038261
TI  - Renal outer medullary potassium channel knockout models reveal thick ascending
      limb function and dysfunction.
AB  - The renal outer medullary potassium channel (ROMK) is an adenosine triphosphate
      sensitive inward-rectifier potassium channel (Kir1.1 or KCNJ1) highly expressed
      in the cortical and medullary thick ascending limbs (TAL), connecting segment
      (CNT) and cortical collecting duct (CCD) in the mammalian kidney, where it serves
      to recycle potassium (K(+)) across the apical membrane in TAL and to secrete K(+)
      in the CNT and CCD. ROMK channel mutations cause type II Bartter's syndrome with
      salt wasting and dehydration, and ROMK knockout mice display a similar phenotype
      of Bartter's syndrome in humans. Studies from ROMK null mice indicate that ROMK
      is required to form both the small-conductance (30pS, SK) K channels and the 70pS
      (IK) K channels in the TAL. The availability of ROMK(-/-) mice has made it
      possible to study electrolyte transport along the nephron in order to understand
      the TAL function under physiological conditions and the compensatory mechanisms
      of salt and water transport under the conditions of TAL dysfunction. This review
      summarizes previous progress in the study of K(+) channel activity in the TAL and
      CCD, ion transporter expression and activities along the nephron, and renal
      functions under physiological and pathophysiological conditions using ROMK(-/-)
      mice.

PMID- 22038262
TI  - Regulation and dysregulation of epithelial Na+ channels.
AB  - Epithelial Na(+) channels (ENaC) form a highly regulated pathway for the
      reabsorption of Na(+) from urine. This regulation can take place at a number of
      different levels, including synthesis of channel protein, trafficking of the
      protein between the surface and internal membranes, proteolytic cleavage and
      channel gating. This article reviews the role of these different modes of
      regulation under physiological conditions and considers the possible
      contributions of dysregulation of these processes in disease states, particularly
      hypertension.

PMID- 22038263
TI  - The roles of V1a vasopressin receptors in blood pressure homeostasis: a review of
      studies on V1a receptor knockout mice.
AB  - A prompt rise in blood pressure occurs when arginine-vasopressin is administered
      in quantities adequate to activate vascular V1a subtype vasopressin receptors.
      However, it has been controversial whether the endogenous vasopressin-V1a system
      contributes to the maintenance of basal blood pressure during normal development
      and aging. Mutant mice lacking the V1a receptor gene (V1a(-/-)) show
      significantly lower blood pressure compared to control mice, without a notable
      change in heart rate. In V1a(-/-) mice, arterial baroreceptor reflexes were
      attenuated due to malfunctioning baroreflex center, and the mice's circulating
      blood volume was significantly reduced. In line with this reduction in
      circulating blood volume, adrenocortical hormone release was attenuated; plasma
      aldosterone levels were reduced and adrenocorticotropic hormone-stimulated
      corticosteroid release was attenuated. In addition, V1a receptor expression was
      detected in macula densa cells of the kidneys, which may have facilitated renin
      production from the juxtaglomerular cells. Deletion of the V1a receptor appears
      to impact the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. Studies on V1a(-/-) mice
      revealed that non-vascular V1a receptors in the central nervous system and
      peripheral tissues play critical roles in the maintenance of blood pressure
      homeostasis.

PMID- 22038264
TI  - Proteolytic activation of the epithelial sodium channel and therapeutic
      application of a serine protease inhibitor for the treatment of salt-sensitive
      hypertension.
AB  - Proteases are involved in numerous essential biological processes including blood
      clotting, controlled cell death, and tissue differentiation. Prostasin, a
      glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored serine protease, has been identified as a
      potential regulator of the epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) function in the
      kidney, lung, and airways. ENaC is composed of three homologous subunits alpha,
      beta, and, gamma. The dual cleavage of alpha subunit by furin and gamma subunit
      by prostasin and furin releases inhibitory segments from ENaC, leading to the
      channel activation. Protease nexin-1, an endogenous prostasin inhibitor, inhibits
      ENaC activity through the suppression of prostasin activity, strongly suggesting
      the possibility that a coordinated regulation of serine proteases and serine
      protease inhibitors plays a key role in the sodium handling in the kidney.
      Camostat mesilate (CM), a synthetic serine protease inhibitor, reduced prostasin
      activity and subsequently decreased ENaC current. Oral administration of CM to
      Dahl salt-sensitive rats resulted in a significant decrease in blood pressure
      with an elevation of the urinary sodium/potassium ratio. These findings suggest
      that synthetic serine protease inhibitors such as CM might represent a new class
      of antihypertensive drugs in patients with salt-sensitive hypertension.

PMID- 22038265
TI  - Recent advances in renal urate transport: characterization of candidate
      transporters indicated by genome-wide association studies.
AB  - Humans have higher serum uric acid levels than other mammalian species owing to
      the genetic silencing of the hepatic enzyme uricase that metabolizes uric acid
      into allantoin. Urate (the ionized form of uric acid) is generated from purine
      metabolism and it may provide antioxidant defense in the human body. Despite its
      potential advantage, sustained hyperuricemia has pathogenetic causes in gout and
      renal diseases, and putative roles in hypertension and cardiovascular diseases.
      Since the kidney plays a dominant role in maintaining plasma urate levels through
      the excretion process, it is important to understand the molecular mechanism of
      renal urate handling. Although the molecular identification of a kidney-specific
      urate/anion exchanger URAT1 in 2002 paved the way for successive identification
      of several urate transport-related proteins, the entire picture of effective
      renal urate handling in humans has not yet been clarified. Recently, several
      genome-wide association studies identified a substantial association between uric
      acid concentration and single nucleotide polymorphisms in at least ten genetic
      loci including eight transporter-coding genes. In 2008, we functionally
      characterized the facilitatory glucose transporter family member SLC2A9 (GLUT9),
      one of the candidate genes for urate handling, as a voltage-driven urate
      transporter URATv1 at the basolateral side of renal proximal tubules that
      comprises the main route of the urate reabsorption pathway, in tandem with URAT1
      at the apical side. In this review, recent findings concerning these candidate
      molecules are presented.

PMID- 22038266
TI  - Anti-PF4/heparin antibodies are associated with arteriovenous fistula thrombosis
      in non-diabetic hemodialysis patients.
AB  - AIM: Anti-platelet factor 4/heparin complex antibodies (anti-PF4/heparin Ab) have
      been found to cause heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), a clinical syndrome
      thrombocytopenia and thrombosis. There is still controversy as to whether the
      presence of anti-PF4/heparin antibodies in hemodialysis patients augments clot
      formation in access fistula thrombosis, peripheral artery disease (PAD), and
      coronary heart disease (CHD). METHODS: We enrolled 111 non-diabetic hemodialysis
      patients without liver cirrhosis and without an ankle-brachial index (ABI) >=1.3
      (arterial calcification). ABI measurements were performed and patients with an
      ABI <=0.9 were defined as having PAD and included in the PAD group. ELISA was
      used for determination of anti-PF4/heparin Ab. Correlation factors include PAD,
      native arteriovenous fistula (AVF) thrombosis, platelet count, and CHD. RESULTS:
      Thirty-seven of 111 patients (33.3%) presented with anti-PF4/heparin Ab. Thirty
      eight of 111 patients (34%) had PAD; fourteen of these patients (36.8%) and 23/73
      of patients without PAD (31.5%) were anti-PF4/heparin Ab-positive (P = 0.57).
      Fifty-two of 111 patients (46.8%) had AVF thrombosis; twenty-three of these
      patients (44.2%) and 14/59 of patients without AVF thrombosis (23.7%) were anti
      PF4/heparin Ab-positive (P = 0.02). The odds ratio for AVF thrombosis was 2.55
      (95% CI 1.14-5.71) for anti-PF4/heparin Ab-positive patients. Thirty-two of 111
      patients (28.8%) had thrombocytopenia (platelet count <140 * 10(3)/MUL); eleven
      of these patients (34.3%) and 26/79 patients without thrombocytopenia (32.9%)
      were anti-PF4/heparin Ab-positive (P = 0.88). Ten of 111 patients (9%) had CHD;
      two of these patients (20%) and 35/101 patients without CHD (34.6%) were anti
      PF4/heparin Ab-positive (P = 0.49). CONCLUSIONS: We found that anti-PF4/heparin
      Ab may contribute to an increased risk of AVF thrombosis in non-diabetic
      hemodialysis patients.

PMID- 22038267
TI  - Evaluation of iodide and iodate for adsorption-desorption characteristics and
      bioavailability in three types of soil.
AB  - Adsorption-desorption of iodine in two forms, viz., iodide (I(-)) and iodate (IO
      (3) (-) ), in three types of soil were investigated. The soils were: red soil
      developed on Quaternary red earths (REQ)- clayey, kaolintic thermic plinthite
      Aquult, Inceptisol soil (IS) and alluvial soil (AS)-Fluvio-marine yellow loamy
      soil. The isothermal curves of iodine adsorption on soils were described by
      Langmuir and Freundlich equation, and the maximum adsorption values (y (m)) were
      obtained from the simple Langmuir model. As compared with the iodide, the iodate
      was adsorbed in higher amounts by the soils tested. Among three soils, the REQ
      soil adsorbed more iodine (I(-) and IO (3) (-) ) than the IS and AS. The
      distribution coefficient (K (d)) of iodine in the soils decreased exponentially
      with increasing iodine loading concentration. Desorption of iodine in soil was
      increased correspondingly with increasing adsorption values. The REQ soil had a
      greater affinity for iodine than the IS and AS at the same iodine loadings. In
      the pot experiment cultivated with pakchoi (Brassica chinensis L.) and added with
      two exogenous iodine sources, the iodide form was quickly taken up by pakchoi and
      caused more toxicity to the vegetable. The rate of iodine loss from soil was
      higher for iodide form as compared with the iodate. The iodine bioavailability
      was the highest but the persistence was the weakest in AS among the three soils
      tested, and the REQ soil showed just the opposite trend to that of the AS soil.
      This study is of theoretical importance to understand the relationship between
      iodine adsorption-desorption characteristics and their bioavailability in
      different soils and it also has practical implications for seeking effective
      alternatives of iodine biofortification to prevent iodine deficiency disorders.

PMID- 22038268
TI  - Preventive effects of supplemental selenium and selenium plus iodine on bone and
      cartilage development in rats fed with diet from Kashin-Beck disease endemic
      area.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of supplemental selenium
      and selenium plus iodine on bone and growth plate cartilage histology and serum
      biochemistic parameters in rats. Ninety-six Wistar rats were randomly divided
      into the following four groups: group A, the rats fed with normal diet; group B,
      fed with diet from Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) endemic area; group C, fed with diet
      from KBD endemic area supplemented with selenium; and group D, fed with diet from
      KBD endemic area supplemented with selenium and iodine. After 4, 8, and 12 weeks,
      bone and cartilage samples were collected from the rats and were examined for
      morphological changes in the tibial growth zone and for changes in the plate
      cartilage and metaphysic. Compared to the rats fed with diet from the KBD endemic
      area, the rats fed with the supplemental selenium or selenium plus iodine
      exhibited diminished necrosis of the chondrocytes in the growth plate. In the
      groups of rats receiving supplemental selenium and selenium plus iodine, the bone
      volume/tissue volume ratio (BV/TV), the trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), and the
      trabecular number were increased, while the trabecular separation was decreased.
      In the 12th week of the experiment, BV/TV and Tb.Th were significantly increased
      in the selenium plus iodine group compared to the selenium group. It is concluded
      that feeding the diet from the KBD endemic area caused necrosis of chondrocytes
      and dysfunctions of bone development similar to the pathological changes that are
      seen in KBD. Selenium and iodine protected chondrocytes in growth plate and
      promoted the formation of trabecular bone. The effects of selenium plus iodine on
      bone formation were more obvious than those of selenium alone.

PMID- 22038269
TI  - Effects of actinomycin D and cycloheximide on zinc status in marginally zinc
      deficient rats.
AB  - During deficient zinc intake, rats are liable to suffer zinc deficiency under the
      following conditions: higher protein diet, diet containing higher quality (higher
      nutritive value) protein, and higher dietary intake. This suggests that a higher
      protein nutritional status (rapid increase in body protein) in rats leads to a
      lower zinc nutritional status (higher zinc requirement). In contrast, it is
      expected that a lower protein nutritional status (lowered body protein
      biosynthesis) is not liable to result in a lower zinc nutritional status.
      Therefore, the effects of protein biosynthesis inhibitors on zinc status were
      studied. Actinomycin D and cycloheximide were administered to rats under a
      marginally zinc-deficient condition. The growth of rats was depressed and serum
      and femur zinc concentrations were increased by administration of protein
      biosynthesis inhibitors. The carcasses of rats administered protein synthesis
      inhibitors had a higher zinc/protein ratio than those of the respective pair-fed
      (calorically equivalent to the zinc-deficient group) rats. Results suggest that
      zinc deficiency in rats is mainly alleviated by decreased food intake with
      administration of protein synthesis inhibitors. Furthermore, protein biosynthesis
      inhibition alone alleviated zinc deficiency.

PMID- 22038270
TI  - Remission and recovery and their predictors in schizophrenia spectrum disorder:
      results from a 1-year follow-up naturalistic trial.
AB  - Remission and recovery are major outcome goals in schizophrenia yet their
      predictors have not been studied in detail. Therefore, 186 patients were examined
      regarding remission and recovery including their potential sociodemographic and
      clinical predictors 1 year after discharge. Remission was defined according to
      the consensus remission criteria and recovery following the definition by
      Liberman et al. (2002). Of the 186 patients 54% achieved remission and 26%
      recovery at the 1-year follow-up. The remission status at discharge was found to
      significantly influence remission and recovery at follow-up. A higher SOFAS score
      (P = 0.0002) as well as a positive attitude towards treatment at discharge (P =
      0.0038) were identified to be significant predictors of remission at 1-year
      follow-up. Having a job (P = <0.0001) and being without pharmacological treatment
      at follow-up (P = 0.0113) were found to be significantly predictive of recovery.
      Our results underline the need to implement more specific treatment strategies to
      improve long-term outcome.

PMID- 22038271
TI  - Factors involved in making decisions to prescribe medications for psychiatric
      disorders by psychiatrists: a survey study.
AB  - The objective of this study is to understand psychiatrist's decisions to
      prescribe psychiatric medications. A survey questionnaire was prepared consisting
      of 15 factors. Each factor had a five-point Likert scale, rating the importance
      of each factor in making decisions to prescribe medications. Twenty-six
      psychiatrists at a state psychiatric hospital completed the questionnaire. The
      data analysis involved the frequencies of responses for each factor being
      compared using Chi square goodness-of-fit tests with null hypothesis that the
      response distribution will be centered around average score of three on the
      Likert scale. All the participants rated patient's symptom, severity, and
      diagnosis as the most important. This was followed by the patient's past
      experience with medications, then medication side effects, concurrent physical
      health problems, and medication interactions. Psychiatrist's experience with
      medications rated as more important than evidence from clinical trials. Finally,
      psychiatrists integrate evidence from research findings with personal experience,
      patient preferences, and clinical context in making decisions in prescribing
      medications for psychiatric disorders.

PMID- 22038272
TI  - Learning communities, social networks, and dark matter.

PMID- 22038273
TI  - Spontaneous self-assembly of a giant spherical metal-oxide Keplerate: addition of
      one building block induces "immediate" formation of the complementary one from a
      constitutional dynamic library.
AB  - The addition of dinuclear {Mo(2)} units to a dynamic library containing
      molybdates results in the spontaneous self-assembly of a giant spherical metal
      oxide species of the type {(Mo)Mo(5)}(12){Mo(2)}(30) while the required
      pentagonal {(Mo)Mo(5)} building blocks are "immediately" formed.

PMID- 22038274
TI  - The role of cremaster muscle in testicular descent in humans and animal models.
AB  - Testicular descent is a complex developmental process involving anatomical and
      hormonal regulation. The gubernaculum undergoes a "swelling reaction" during the
      transabdominal phase and is mainly under the control of Insulin-Like Peptide 3
      (INSL-3) and Mullerian Inhibitory Substance/Anti-Mullerian Hormone (MIS/AMH). The
      second phase of testicular descent is regulated by androgens and calcitonin gene
      related peptide (CGRP) release from the sensory nucleus of the genitofemoral
      nerve (GFN). In rodents, the active proliferation of the gubernacular tip and
      cremaster muscle, its rhythmic contraction, as well as the chemotactic gradient
      provided by the CGRP result in eventual migration of the testis into the scrotum.
      This review illustrates the structural aspects and hormonal control of cremaster
      muscle development to better understand the mechanism of testicular descent in
      normal rodents and humans, compared to diseased rodent models. The analysis
      showed the cremaster muscle is formed from mesenchymal differentiation of the
      gubernacular tip and is not a direct passive extension of internal oblique
      muscle. Cremaster muscle matures slower than other body muscles, and the
      persistence of immature myogenic proteins seen in cardiac muscle allows rhythmic
      contraction to guide the testis into the scrotum. Finally, remodelling of the
      cremaster muscle enables gubernacular eversion. Further understanding of the
      molecular regulators governing the structural and hormonal changes in the
      cremaster muscle may lead to new advances in the treatment of undescended testes.

PMID- 22038275
TI  - [Human beings in pain :  A philosophical approach].
AB  - The philosophical discussion of the phenomenon of pain can help to increase the
      understanding of human beings in pain and to accompany them in such an
      experience. Pain affects a human being who has a body. The "I" of this human
      being cannot escape into painlessness. The pain imposes itself upon the human
      being who will try to withdraw from the pain but to withdraw from pain remains
      impossible because the human being cannot split himself up and therefore cannot
      establish a part of himself where his identity is not affected by pain.The pain
      shows how the experience of being in a body is connected to the experience of
      having an identity. Pain reduces the ability to act and narrows the possibility
      to interact with others; it affects the manner how the human is still or no
      longer able to address himself to others. In the reduction of his existence a
      human being experiences a basic condition of his existence: He is vulnerable.

PMID- 22038276
TI  - Incidence and clinical features of hyperimmunoglobulinemia D and periodic fever
      syndrome (HIDS) and spectrum of mevalonate kinase (MVK) mutations in German
      children.
AB  - Autoinflammatory diseases (AIDs) are characterized by recurrent, self-limiting
      systemic inflammation. Disorders include hereditary recurrent fever (HRF)
      syndromes such as hyperimmunoglobulinemia D and periodic fever syndrome (HIDS).
      To determine the incidence of HIDS and report clinical and genetic
      characteristics together with the underlying MVK genotypes in German children, a
      prospective active surveillance was conducted in Germany during a period of 3
      years. Monthly inquiries were sent to 370 children's hospitals by the German
      Paediatric Surveillance Unit (Clinic-ESPED, n1) and to two laboratories
      (Laboratory-ESPED, n2) performing genetic analyses. Inclusion criteria were a MVK
      mutation-positive patient <=16 years of age with more than three self-limiting
      episodes of fever >38.5 degrees C associated with increased inflammation markers.
      Clinical, epidemiological, and genetic data were assessed via questionnaires.
      Eight out of 16 patients were identified in Clinic-ESPED (n1) and 15 of 16 in
      Laboratory-ESPED (n2). Clinical and laboratory surveys overlapped in 7 of 16
      cases. Incidence of HIDS was estimated to be 0.39 (95% CI: 0.22, 0.64) per 10(6)
      person-years. HIDS symptoms generally started in infancy with recurrent fever
      episodes lasting 3-12 (median, 4.5) days and recurring every 1-12 weeks. Fever
      was accompanied by abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, cervical lymphadenopathy,
      and sometimes by headache, skin and joint symptoms. The patients carried 11
      different MVK mutations mostly in compound heterozygosity (75%, 12 out of 16).
      The most frequent mutation was p.Val377Ile (81%, 13 out of 16). In Germany, the
      incidence of HIDS is very low with 0.39 per 10(6) person-years.

PMID- 22038277
TI  - Quality of life in patients with fibromyalgia: validation and psychometric
      properties of the German Quality of Life Scale (QOLS-G).
AB  - Our objectives were to translate the Quality of Life Scale (QOLS) into German and
      to evaluate its reliability and validity for the use in patients with
      fibromyalgia (FMS). Together with German versions of the Fibromyalgia Impact
      Questionnaire (FIQ), the SF-36, a tender point count (TPC) and other
      questionnaires, we administered the QOLS to 146 patients with FMS. Patients were
      asked about the severity of pain today (VAS) and the duration of symptoms. Test
      retest reliability was assessed using Spearman's correlations. Internal
      consistency was evaluated with Cronbach's alpha. Construct validity of the QOLS
      was evaluated by correlating the QOLS with the FIQ, the SF-36, the Beck
      Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Symptom Checklist (SCL-90-R) as well as with
      the pain variables. An exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was also conducted. Mean
      age was 53.1 years. Means were for pain today 6.8 and for duration of symptoms
      11.8 years. Test-retest reliability for the total QOLS was rho = .91. Internal
      consistency was alpha = .90. Low-to-moderate correlations were obtained between
      the QOLS and the total FIQ (rho = -.42), the SF-36 (e.g. physical functioning rho
      = .37; mental health rho = .56) as well as the pain variables (VAS rho = -.11 ns;
      TPC rho = -.20). Psychological variables were moderately to substantially
      correlated with the QOLS (e.g. BDI rho = -.61). An EFA suggested a three-factor
      solution. The QOLS-G is a reliable and valid instrument for measuring quality of
      life in German patients with FMS.

PMID- 22038278
TI  - Validity of global physical and emotional SUDS.
AB  - Despite the wide-spread use of Subjective Units of Discomfort Scales, or SUDS, to
      measure anxiety to specific stimuli, little information has been published on the
      validity of such scales and even less on their use as global measures of
      emotional and physical discomfort. Data was examined for 182 consecutive
      admissions to a psychology clinic to determine the relationship of self-rating of
      emotional and physical discomfort to one another and of the emotional self-rating
      to the clinician rating of general functioning (GAF). As expected, patients'
      ratings of their emotional discomfort were significantly higher than ratings of
      their physical discomfort (t = 9.077, p < .001). Emotional SUDS were
      significantly and negatively related to clinicians' GAF ratings (r = - 0.439, p <
      .001), indicating that the two ratings measured related global constructs. Data
      for the 53 patients who also completed the MMPI-2 was drawn from the larger
      sample to determine the nature of the relationship between SUDS and two measures
      of general emotional distress, with patients' SUDS significantly related to both
      the A scale (r = 0.351, p < .05) and the neurotic index (r = 0.366, p < .01).
      Finally, there was a significant decrease in the emotional SUDS (t = 4.686, p <
      .001) but not the physical SUDS (t = 0.788, p = .434) after 3 months of
      psychotherapy. The data supports SUDS as global measures of both physical and
      emotional discomfort.

PMID- 22038279
TI  - The biological characteristics of glioma stem cells in human glioma cell line
      SHG44.
AB  - Gliomas are the most common tumors of the central nervous system (CNS) and a
      frequent cause of death. The treatment of malignant gliomas is often palliative
      due to their high recurrence rate. A growing body of evidence suggests that
      glioma may arise from cancer stem cells (CSC) correlated with neural stem cells
      (NSC), with the capacity for self-renewal and multipotency. CSCs have been
      isolated from human gliomas and numerous other solid tumors. It is assumed that a
      number of established malignant cell lines also contain a rare subpopulation of
      stem cells. This study was designed to investigate the proportion of CSCs in the
      human glioma cell line SHG44 and to study the limitations of CD133
      immunophenotyping in glioma stem cell research. SHG44 cells were cultured in both
      serum-containing and serum-free medium. The similar shape in growth curves (in
      the exponential growth phase) revealed that most cells participated in the
      population amplification. Time gradient BrdU labeling and monoclonal assay
      revealed that almost every single cell participated in the division growth
      (98.82%) and possessed the ability to form clones (96.19%). No significant
      difference was found in the proportions of CD133+ cells in the serum-containing
      and serum-free groups (38.25%/37.92%). In addition, no significant difference was
      noted in the proportions of CD133+ cells among monoclones selected randomly in
      the serum-containing group. These results suggested that CD133- cells generate
      CD133+ cells and have the ability to form clones. Thus, we concluded that most
      SHG44 cells were CSCs and serum-free medium was not necessary for the generation
      of CSCs. In this line, CD133- cells also possessed clonogenic, self-renewal
      capacities and were also CSCs.

PMID- 22038280
TI  - High-resolution cantilever biosensor resonating at air-liquid in a microchannel.
AB  - We have developed a highly mass-sensitive cantilever resonating at the interface
      of air and liquid. The cantilever is applicable as a biosensor by measuring its
      resonance frequency shift associated with the selective trapping of target
      molecules. One surface of the cantilever facing to the liquid is functionalized
      for label-free detection, while the opposite side is exposed to air to improve
      the resonance characteristics, such as the quality factor. The quality factor at
      resonance is 15, which is 50% higher than the same cantilever in liquid. The beam
      was excited through the photothermal effect of a power modulated laser and
      detected by laser Doppler velocimetry. Due to the proposed configuration, the
      signal-to-noise-ratio is 5.7 times larger than the completely submerged case. A
      micro-slit around the cantilever separates the air and liquid phases at a
      meniscus. We analyzed the cantilever motion including the meniscus membrane, and
      examined the effect of surface tension by applying various solutions. A slit
      width of 6 MUm was found to give the best performance within the few prototypes.
      We measured the covalent immobilization of antibody molecules on a cantilever
      surface for three different concentrations: 20, 40, and 80 MUg ml(-1). The
      kinetics measured by both resonance frequency shift of the cantilever and
      fluorescent intensity showed good agreement.

PMID- 22038281
TI  - Ankle post-traumatic osteoarthritis: a CT arthrography study in patients with bi-
      and trimalleolar fractures.
AB  - PURPOSE: To detect radiographically occult cartilage lesions using CT
      arthrography (CTa) in patients with malleolar fractures treated with open
      reduction internal fixation and to correlate the lesions with the functional
      outcome score. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one patients (13 men and 8 women,
      mean age 35 years, range 16-55) underwent ankle CTa after a mean postoperative
      period of 565 days (range 271-756). CTa images were analyzed by two radiologists.
      Articular surface post-traumatic collapse and subsequent cartilage defects or
      erosions were recorded in millimeters and in a binary mode (i.e., present if >50%
      of cartilage thickness) respectively. The functional outcome was assessed using
      the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score by two orthopaedic
      surgeons. The statistical analysis correlated the AOFAS score with both imaging
      parameters and was performed with ANOVA using the MedCalc statistical package,
      version 11.3. RESULTS: Of the total of 12 articular surface steps recorded, 2/12
      (16.67%) were anterolateral, 4/12 (33.33%) posterolateral, 5/12 (41.67%)
      anteromedial, and 1/12(8.33%) posteromedial. Of the total of 42 cartilage
      lesions, 7/42 (16.67%) were anterolateral, 14/42 (33.33%) posterolateral, 12/42
      (28.57%) anteromedial, and 9/42 (21.43%) posteromedial. The mean AOFAS score was
      8.67 (range 5.95-9.70). There was no statistically significant correlation
      between the AOFAS score and the post-traumatic internal derangement of the ankle
      joint (p = 0.524). CONCLUSION: CTa detects radiographically silent cartilage
      lesions in patients with fractures of the ankle joint. There is no correlation of
      the extent of lesions and the patient's AOFAS score.

PMID- 22038282
TI  - A quantitative method for detection of spliced X-box binding protein-1 (XBP1)
      mRNA as a measure of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress.
AB  - Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is increasingly recognized as an important
      mechanism in a wide range of diseases including cystic fibrosis, alpha-1
      antitrypsin deficiency, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, there is
      an increased need for reliable and quantitative markers for detection of ER
      stress in human tissues and cells. Accumulation of unfolded or misfolded proteins
      in the endoplasmic reticulum can cause ER stress, which leads to the activation
      of the unfolded protein response (UPR). UPR signaling involves splicing of X-box
      binding protein-1 (XBP1) mRNA, which is frequently used as a marker for ER
      stress. In most studies, the splicing of the XBP1 mRNA is visualized by gel
      electrophoresis which is laborious and difficult to quantify. In the present
      study, we have developed and validated a quantitative real-time RT-PCR method to
      detect the spliced form of XBP1 mRNA.

PMID- 22038283
TI  - Neighborhood urban form, social environment, and depression.
AB  - We examined whether neighborhood urban form, along with the social environment,
      was associated with depressive symptoms in a sample of Miami residents. Using a
      validated measure of depressive symptoms, we found that living in neighborhoods
      with higher housing density was associated with fewer symptoms. A larger acreage
      of green spaces was also linked to fewer depressive symptoms but did not reach
      significance in the full model. Our results suggest that how residents use the
      environment matters. Living in neighborhoods with a higher density of auto
      commuters relative to land area, an indicator of chronic noise exposure, was
      associated with more symptoms.

PMID- 22038284
TI  - Stability of monocentric and dicentric ring minichromosomes in Arabidopsis.
AB  - A dicentric ring minichromosome (minidelta) was identified in transgenic
      Arabidopsis thaliana and added to a wild type as a supernumerary chromosome. This
      line is relatively stable and has been maintained for generations,
      notwithstanding its ring and dicentric structure. To determine the mechanism for
      stable transmission of minidelta, the structure and behavior of two new types of
      ring minichromosomes (minidelta1 and minidelta1-1) derived from minidelta were
      investigated. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis revealed that
      minidelta1 is dicentric just like minidelta, whereas minidelta1-1 is monocentric.
      The estimated sizes of minidelta1 and minidelta1-1 were 3.8~5.0 and 1.7 Mb,
      respectively. The sizes of the two centromeres on minidelta1 were identical (ca.
      270 kb) and similar to that of minidelta1-1 (ca. 250 kb). Minidelta1 was
      relatively stable during mitosis and meiosis, as is minidelta, whereas minidelta1
      1 was unstable during mitosis, and the number of minichromosomes per cell varied.
      This possibly resulted from misdivision caused by a short centromere on
      monocentric minidelta1-1. Transmission through the female was quite limited for
      all three ring minichromosomes (0-3.2%), whereas that through the male was
      relatively high (15.4-27.3%) compared with that of other supernumerary
      chromosomes in Arabidopsis. Ring structure without telomeres itself seems not to
      limit the female transmission.

PMID- 22038285
TI  - Small but mighty: the evolutionary dynamics of W and Y sex chromosomes.
AB  - Although sex chromosomes have been the focus of a great deal of scientific
      scrutiny, most interest has centred on understanding the evolution and relative
      importance of X and Z chromosomes. By contrast, the sex-limited W and Y
      chromosomes have received far less attention, both because of their generally
      degenerate nature and the difficulty in studying non-recombining and often highly
      heterochromatic genomic regions. However, recent theory and empirical evidence
      suggest that the W and Y chromosomes play a far more important role in sex
      specific fitness traits than would be expected based on their size alone, and
      this importance may explain the persistence of some Y and W chromosomes in the
      face of powerful degradative forces. In addition to their role in fertility and
      fecundity, the sex-limited nature of these genomic regions results in unique
      evolutionary forces acting on Y and W chromosomes, implicating them as
      potentially major contributors to sexual selection and speciation. Recent
      empirical studies have borne out these predictions and revealed that some W and Y
      chromosomes play a vital role in key sex-specific evolutionary processes.

PMID- 22038286
TI  - Characteristics of bone turnover, bone mass and bone strength in Spontaneously
      Diabetic Torii-Lepr fa rats.
AB  - The Spontaneously Diabetic Torii-Lepr (fa) (SDT-fa/fa) rat is a new model of
      obese type 2 diabetes. The SDT-fa/fa rat shows obesity and hyperglycemia at a
      young age compared to the Spontaneously Diabetic Torii (SDT-+/+) rat; however,
      bone abnormalities in the SDT-fa/fa rat have not been investigated. The objective
      of the present study was to investigate the effects of obese type 2 diabetes on
      bone turnover, bone mass, and bone strength in the SDT-fa/fa rat. Sprague-Dawley
      rats were used as control animals, and SDT-+/+ rats were used as non-obese type 2
      diabetic rats. Serum osteocalcin and urine deoxypyridinoline levels were
      decreased in SDT-fa/fa rats compared to control rats at a young age. SDT-fa/fa
      rats showed decreases in bone mineral density and bone mineral content of the
      whole tibia, and shortening of the tibia and femur compared to control and SDT
      +/+ rats. Deterioration in bone geometrical properties of the femur midshaft such
      as cortical thickness and minimum moment of inertia, was observed in SDT-fa/fa
      rats compared to control and SDT-+/+ rats. Furthermore, trabecular bone volume of
      the distal femur was decreased in SDT-fa/fa rats compared to control rats. These
      negative effects on bone in SDT-fa/fa rats caused severe decreases in maximum
      load, stiffness, and energy absorption of the femur. In addition, serum levels of
      homocysteine, a candidate for bone fragility markers, were elevated in SDT-fa/fa
      rats compared to control and SDT-+/+ rats. In conclusion, the SDT-fa/fa rat may
      be a useful model to investigate bone abnormalities in obese type 2 diabetes.

PMID- 22038287
TI  - Temperature limits trail following behaviour through pheromone decay in ants.
AB  - In Mediterranean habitats, temperature affects both ant foraging behaviour and
      community structure. Many studies have shown that dominant species often forage
      at lower temperature than subordinates. Yet, the factors that constrain dominant
      species foraging activity in hot environments are still elusive. We used the
      dominant ant Tapinoma nigerrimum as a model species to test the hypothesis that
      high temperatures hinder trail following behaviour by accelerating pheromone
      degradation. First, field observations showed that high temperatures (> 30
      degrees C) reduce the foraging activity of T. nigerrimum independently of the
      daily and seasonal rhythms of this species. Second, we isolated the effect of
      high temperatures on pheromone trail efficacy from its effect on worker
      physiology. A marked substrate was heated during 10 min (five temperature
      treatments from 25 degrees C to 60 degrees C), cooled down to 25 degrees C, and
      offered in a test choice to workers. At hot temperature treatments (>40 degrees
      C), workers did not discriminate the previously marked substrate. High
      temperatures appeared therefore to accelerate pheromone degradation. Third, we
      assessed the pheromone decay dynamics by a mechanistic model fitted with Bayesian
      inference. The model predicted ant choice through the evolution of pheromone
      concentration on trails as a function of both temperature and time since
      pheromone deposition. Overall, our results highlighted that the effect of high
      temperatures on recruitment intensity was partly due to pheromone evaporation. In
      the Mediterranean ant communities, this might affect dominant species relying on
      chemical recruitment, more than subordinate ant species, less dependent on
      chemical communication and less sensitive to high temperatures.

PMID- 22038288
TI  - Invertebrate models of lysosomal storage disease: what have we learned so far?
AB  - The lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) collectively account for death in 1 in
      8,000 children. Although some forms are treatable, they are essentially incurable
      and usually are lethal in the first decade of life. The most intractable forms of
      LSD are those with neuronal involvement. In an effort to identify the
      pathological signaling driving pathology in the LSDs, invertebrate models have
      been developed. In this review, we outline our current understanding of LSDs and
      recent findings using invertebrate models. We outline strategies and pitfalls for
      the development of such models. Available models of LSD in Drosophila and
      Caenorhabditis elegans are uncovering roles for LSD-related proteins with
      previously unknown function using both gain-of-function and loss-of-function
      strategies. These models of LSD in Drosophila and C. elegans have identified
      potential pathogenic signaling cascades that are proving critical to our
      understanding of these lethal diseases.

PMID- 22038289
TI  - Emotion, intent and voluntary movement in children with autism. An example: the
      goal directed locomotion.
AB  - This article focuses on the impact of intentionality on goal directed locomotion
      in healthy and autistic children. Closely linked with emotions and motivation, it
      is directly connected with movement planning. Is planning only preserved when the
      goal of the action appears motivating for healthy and autistic children? Is
      movement programming similar for autistic and healthy children, and does it vary
      according to the emotional valence of the object? Moving in a straight line,
      twenty autistic and healthy children had to retrieve a positive or aversive
      emotional valence object. The results suggest planning and programming are
      preserved in an emotionally positive situation. However, in an aversive
      situation, autistic children appear to have a deficit in terms of planning and
      sometimes programming.

PMID- 22038290
TI  - Detecting autism spectrum disorders in the general practitioner's practice.
AB  - It takes considerable time before Autism Spectrum Disorders are diagnosed.
      Validated diagnostic instruments are available, but not applicable to primary
      healthcare. By means of a case-control study we investigated whether there were
      differences in presented complaints and referral patterns between children with
      ASD (n = 49) and a control group of children without ASD (n = 81). Children with
      ASD were often presented as crybabies and often showed feeding problems. They
      visited the GP's surgery more often with anxiety disorders, enuresis, and
      sleeping disorders. They were referred more often to physiotherapists and speech
      therapists and had tympanostomy tubes and tonsillectomies more often. Depression
      in the parents of children with ASD was remarkably prevalent.

PMID- 22038292
TI  - Long-term two-dimensional pixel stability of EPIDs used for regular linear
      accelerator quality assurance.
AB  - The long-term stability of three clinical electronic portal imaging devices
      (EPIDs) was studied to determine if longer times between calibrations can be
      justified. This would make alternatives to flood-field calibration of EPIDs
      clinically feasible, allowing for more effective use of EPIDs for dosimetry.
      Images were acquired monthly for each EPID as part of regular clinical quality
      assurance over a time period of approximately 3 years. The images were analysed
      to determine (1) the long-term stability of the EPID positioning system, (2) the
      dose response of the central pixels and (3) the long term stability of each pixel
      in the imager. The position of the EPID was found to be very repeatable with
      variations less than 0.3 pixels (0.27 mm) for all imagers (1 standard deviation).
      The central axis dose response was found to reliably track ion chamber
      measurements to better than 0.5%. The mean variation in pixel response (1
      standard deviation), averaged over all pixels in the EPID, was found to be at
      most 0.6% for the three EPIDs studied over the entire period. More than 99% of
      pixels in each EPID showed less than 1% variation. Since the EPID response was
      found to be very stable over long periods of time, an annual calibration should
      be sufficient in most cases. More complex dosimetric calibrations should be
      clinically feasible.

PMID- 22038291
TI  - Differentiating high-functioning autism and social phobia.
AB  - Both high-functioning autism (HFA) and social phobia (SP) involve profound social
      interaction deficits. Although these disorders share some similar symptoms, they
      are conceptualized as distinct. Because both HFA and SP are defined behaviorally,
      the degree of overlap between the two disorders may result in misinterpretation
      of symptoms. However, the deficits in each disorder differ, particularly in areas
      of social interaction, emotion recognition and expression, and communication.
      This paper reviews the literature that informs our current understanding of the
      behavioral overlaps and differences in HFA and SP. The review also addresses the
      implications of our current knowledge of these two disorders for differential
      diagnosis, treatment, and future research. Interdisciplinary, developmentally
      oriented research may help extend current approaches to HFA and SP.

PMID- 22038293
TI  - Status of robotic assistance--a less traumatic and more accurate minimally
      invasive surgery?
AB  - PURPOSE: Robotic assistance is considered one innovation within abdominal surgery
      over the past decade that has the potential to compensate for the drawbacks of
      conventional laparoscopy, such as limited degree of freedom, 2D vision, fulcrum,
      and pivoting effect. Robotic systems provide corresponding solutions as 3D view,
      intuitive motion and enable additional degrees of freedom. This review provides
      an overview of the history of medical robotics, experimental studies, clinical
      state-of-the-art and economic impact. METHODS: The Medline database was searched
      for the terms "robot, telemanipulat, and laparoscop." A total of 2,573 references
      were found. All references were considered for information on robotic assistance
      in advanced laparoscopy. Further references were obtained through cross
      referencing the bibliography cited in each work. RESULTS: In experimental
      studies, current robotic systems showed superior handling and ergonomics compared
      to conventional laparoscopic techniques. In gynecology especially for
      hysterectomy and in urology especially for prostatectomy, two procedures formerly
      performed via an open approach, the robot enables a laparoscopic approach. This
      results in reduced need for pain medication, less blood loss, and shorter
      hospital stay. Within abdominal surgery, clinical studies were generally unable
      to prove a benefit of the robot. While the benefit still remains open to
      discussion, robotic systems are spreading and are available worldwide in tertiary
      centers. CONCLUSION: Robotic assistance will remain an intensively discussed
      subject since clinical benefits for most procedures have not yet been proven. The
      most promising procedures are those in which the robot enables a laparoscopic
      approach where open surgery is usually required.

PMID- 22038294
TI  - Predictors and outcome of early recurrence after resection of hepatic metastases
      from colorectal cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate the risk factors for early recurrence in
      patients who had undergone curative resection of colorectal liver metastases
      (CRLM) and to evaluate the outcome after recurrence. METHODS: A total of 119
      patients were divided into 2 groups: an early recurrence group (n = 54) who had
      recurrence within 2 years of curative resection of CRLM and a 2-year recurrence
      free group (n = 65) who remained disease-free for at least 2 years following
      surgery. RESULTS: During the initial 5-year period after surgery, 4 out of 65
      patients (6%) in the 2-year recurrence-free group and 29 out of 54 patients (54%)
      in the early recurrence group died. Multivariate analysis showed that
      postoperative morbidity was an independent predictor of early recurrence after
      curative resection of CRLM. CONCLUSIONS: Early recurrence is the leading cause of
      death within 5 years after curative resection of CRLM. Postoperative morbidity
      increases the risk of early recurrence in these patients. A reduction in
      perioperative morbidity may, therefore, improve the outcome of curative
      resection, as well as reducing medical costs.

PMID- 22038296
TI  - Impact of smoking on disease phenotype and postoperative outcomes for Crohn's
      disease patients undergoing surgery.
AB  - AIM: Whether smoking affects disease distribution, phenotype, and perioperative
      outcomes for Crohn's disease (CD) patients undergoing surgery is not well
      characterized. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of smoking on
      disease phenotype and postoperative outcomes for CD patients undergoing surgery
      METHODS: Prospectively collected data of CD patients undergoing colorectal
      resection were evaluated. CD patients who were current smokers (CS) were compared
      to nonsmokers (NS) and ex-smokers (ES) for disease phenotype, anatomic site
      involved, procedures performed, postoperative outcomes, and quality of life using
      the Cleveland Global Quality of Life instrument (CGQL). RESULTS: Of 691 patients
      with a diagnosis of CD requiring surgery 314 were classified as CS, 330 as NS,
      and 47 as ES. CS and ES in comparison to NS were significantly older at diagnosis
      of Crohn's disease (mean, 29.3 vs. 29.2 vs. 26.3 years) (P = 0.001) and older at
      the time of primary surgery (mean, 42.9 vs. 48.4 vs. 39 years) (P = 0.001) with a
      greater frequency of diabetes. In all groups requiring surgery, there was a
      significant change in disease phenotype from the time of diagnosis to surgical
      intervention. The predominant phenotype at diagnosis was inflammatory which
      changed to stricturing and penetrating as the dominant phenotypes at time of
      surgery. All groups had a significant improvement in CGQL scores post-surgery
      with the greatest benefit observed in NS. Postoperative complications and 30-day
      readmission rates were similar between all groups. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of
      this study show that in patients with CD, disease phenotype changes over time.
      This occurs independent of smoking. Smoking does not appear to predispose to
      complications for CD patients undergoing surgery. CS and ES have a persistently
      reduced quality of life in comparison to NS post-surgery.

PMID- 22038295
TI  - Preoperative short-term parenteral administration of polyunsaturated fatty acids
      ameliorates intestinal inflammation and postoperative ileus in rodents.
AB  - PURPOSE: Abdominal surgery results in an inflammation of the intestinal
      muscularis externa (ME), subsequently leading to postoperative ileus (POI).
      Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are known to modulate inflammation. The aim of
      this study was to analyze the effect of preoperative parenteral administration of
      marine (n-3) or soybean (n-6) PUFA lipid emulsions (PUFA-LE) on POI and tissue
      fatty acid profiles. METHODS: Rodents underwent intestinal manipulation (IM)
      after 5 days of parenteral administration of 10-mL/kg body weight saline, (n-3),
      or (n-6) PUFA-LE. Sham animals received saline treatment without IM. In rats,
      postoperative inflammation was quantified by ME neutrophil levels and NO
      production in organ culture, and ME function was determined by an in vitro
      contractility measurement. Additionally, in vivo gastrointestinal transit (GIT)
      was analyzed in mice. Lipopolysaccharide-induced IL-6 expression of rat bone
      marrow-derived mononuclear cells and ME was analyzed. Fatty acids were measured
      by gas chromatography in rat blood, bone marrow cells, and ME. RESULTS: The (n-3)
      PUFA-LE reduced neutrophil levels and NO production after IM and improved in
      vitro jejunal contractility and GIT time. The (n-6) PUFA-LE significantly reduced
      postoperative inflammation and tended to improve intestinal motility (P < 0.06).
      Interestingly, (n-6) PUFA-LE significantly reduced the levels of arachidonic acid
      in ME (-63%), while (n-3) PUFA-LE reduced arachidonic acid (-20%) and
      additionally raised EPA (+550%). CONCLUSION: Short-term preoperative parenteral
      administration of (n-3) or (n-6) PUFA-LE significantly alters tissue-specific
      fatty acid profiles. Preoperative parenteral PUFA-LE supplementation, preferably
      by marine (n-3) PUFA, ameliorates postoperative intestinal inflammation and
      dysmotility and could be a promising therapeutic option in POI prophylaxis.

PMID- 22038298
TI  - Ruthenium-catalysed oxidative synthesis of heterocycles from alcohols.
AB  - Ruthenium-catalysed hydrogen transfer has been successfully used for the
      conversion of alcohols into either 2,3-dihydroquinazolines or quinazolines. The
      choice of reaction conditions allows for the selective formation of either
      heterocycle and the methodology can also be applied to the sulfonamide analogue.

PMID- 22038297
TI  - Workplace-based work disability prevention interventions for workers with common
      mental health conditions: a review of the literature.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: To summarize evidence on workplace-based work disability prevention
      (WDP) interventions in workers with common mental health conditions (CMHCs).
      Primary outcomes of interest were work absence duration and work functioning;
      secondary outcomes were quality of life, and economic costs. METHODS: We
      conducted a systematic literature search in 5 electronic databases (MEDLINE,
      EMBASE, CINAHL, PsychINFO, Web of Science) for studies published from 2007 to
      2009. Two reviewers screened for studies: (1) Targeting workers with CMHCs absent
      from, or struggling at, work; (2) evaluating workplace-based WDP interventions;
      (3) assessing our primary outcome(s); and (4) with controlled trials. Quality
      assessment (using 29 criteria) was performed by two reviewers. RESULTS: Our
      search yielded 671 abstracts: 8 eligible studies and of sufficient quality. We
      identified three main intervention elements: (a) Facilitation of access to
      clinical treatment; (b) Workplace-based high-intensity psychological
      intervention; and (c) Facilitation of navigation through the disability
      management system. Moderate evidence was found that facilitation of treatment
      improved work functioning, quality of life and economic outcomes, with limited
      evidence for work absence duration. Moderate evidence was found that
      psychological interventions, primarily cognitive-behavioral therapy, improved
      work functioning, quality of life, and economic outcomes. Moderate evidence
      indicated that facilitation of navigation through the disability management
      system improved work absence duration. CONCLUSIONS: Workplace-based interventions
      could improve work disability outcomes for workers with CMHCs. Facilitation of
      access to clinical treatment, and workplace-based high-intensity psychological
      intervention were most effective in improving work functioning and quality of
      life, and in reducing costs.

PMID- 22038299
TI  - A multi-component domino reaction for the direct access to polyfunctionalized
      indoles via intermolecular allylic esterification and indolation.
AB  - A novel multi-component reaction for the synthesis of polyfunctionalized indoles
      and bis-indoles has been established. The reaction pathways were controlled by
      varying enamines with different substitution patterns to give polyfunctionalized
      indoles and bis-indoles selectively. The reaction proceeds at a fast speed within
      15-30 min with water as the major byproduct, which makes work-up convenient.

PMID- 22038301
TI  - Neovascularization and hematopoietic stem cells.
AB  - Vasculogenesis and angiogenesis are the major forms of blood vessel formation.
      Angiogenesis is the process where new vessels grow from pre-existing blood
      vessels, and is very important in the functional recovery of pathological
      conditions, such as wound healing and ischemic heart diseases. The development of
      better animal model and imaging technologies in past decades has greatly enriched
      our understanding on vasculogenesis and angiogenesis processes. Hypoxia turned
      out to be an important driving force for angiogenesis in various ischemic
      conditions. It stimulates expression of many growth factors like vascular
      endothelial growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor, insulin-like growth
      factor, and fibroblast growth factor, which play critical role in induction of
      angiogenesis. Other cellular components like monocytes, T cells, neutrophils, and
      platelets also play significant role in induction and regulation of angiogenesis.
      Various stem/progenitor cells also being recruited to the ischemic sites play
      crucial role in the angiogenesis process. Pre-clinical studies showed that
      stem/progenitor cells with/without combination of growth factors induce
      neovascularization in the ischemic tissues in various animal models. In this
      review, we will discuss about the fundamental factors that regulate the
      angiogenesis process and the use of stem cells as therapeutic regime for the
      treatment of ischemic diseases. 

PMID- 22038300
TI  - Homocysteine-induced apoptosis in endothelial cells coincides with nuclear NOX2
      and peri-nuclear NOX4 activity.
AB  - Apoptosis of endothelial cells related to homocysteine (Hcy) has been reported in
      several studies. In this study, we evaluated whether reactive oxygen species
      (ROS)-producing signaling pathways contribute to Hcy-induced apoptosis induction,
      with specific emphasis on NADPH oxidases. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells
      were incubated with 0.01-2.5 mM Hcy. We determined the effect of Hcy on caspase-3
      activity, annexin V positivity, intracellular NOX1, NOX2, NOX4, and p47(phox)
      expression and localization, nuclear nitrotyrosine accumulation, and
      mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsi m). Hcy induced caspase-3 activity and
      apoptosis; this effect was concentration dependent and maximal after 6-h exposure
      to 2.5 mM Hcy. It was accompanied by a significant increase in DeltaPsi m.
      Cysteine was inactive on these parameters excluding a reactive thiol group
      effect. Hcy induced an increase in cellular NOX2, p47(phox), and NOX4, but not
      that of NOX1. 3D digital imaging microscopy followed by image deconvolution
      analysis showed nuclear accumulation of NOX2 and p47(phox) in endothelial cells
      exposed to Hcy, but not in control cells, which coincided with accumulation of
      nuclear nitrotyrosine residues. Furthermore, Hcy enhanced peri-nuclear
      localization of NOX4 coinciding with accumulation of peri-nuclear nitrotyrosine
      residues, a reflection of local ROS production. p47(phox) was also increased in
      the peri-nuclear region. The Hcy-induced increase in caspase-3 activity was
      prevented by DPI and apocynin, suggesting involvement of NOX activity. The data
      presented in this article reveal accumulation of nuclear NOX2 and peri-nuclear
      NOX4 accumulation as potential source of ROS production in Hcy-induced apoptosis
      in endothelial cells. 

PMID- 22038302
TI  - The prooxidant action of dietary antioxidants leading to cellular DNA breakage
      and anticancer effects: implications for chemotherapeutic action against cancer.
AB  - Plant-derived dietary antioxidants have attracted considerable interest in recent
      past for their ability to induce apoptosis and regression of tumors in animal
      models. While it is believed that the antioxidant properties of these agents may
      contribute to lowering the risk of cancer induction by impeding oxidative injury
      to DNA, it could not account for apoptosis induction and chemotherapeutic
      observations. In this article, we show that dietary antioxidants can
      alternatively switch to a prooxidant action in the presence of transition metals
      such as copper. Such a prooxidant action leads to strand breaks in cellular DNA
      and growth inhibition in cancer cells. Further, the cellular DNA breakage and
      anticancer effects were found to be significantly enhanced in the presence of
      copper ions. Moreover, inhibition of antioxidant-induced DNA strand breaks and
      oxidative stress by Cu(I)-specific chelators bathocuproine and neocuproine
      demonstrated the role of endogenous copper in the induction of the prooxidant
      mechanism. Since it is well established that tissue, cellular, and serum copper
      levels are considerably elevated in various malignancies, such a prooxidant
      cytotoxic mechanism better explains the anticancer activity of dietary
      antioxidants against cancer cells. 

PMID- 22038303
TI  - Apoptosis of Dalton's lymphoma due to in vivo treatment with emodin is associated
      with modulations of hydrogen peroxide metabolizing antioxidant enzymes.
AB  - The evolving concept of pro-oxidative mechanism-based antitumor activity of
      emodin (1,3,8-trihydroxy-6-methyl anthraquinone), derived mainly from in vitro
      studies, needs to be defined for in vivo tumor models. The present article
      describes apoptosis and regression of Dalton's lymphoma (DL) in mice by emodin
      vis a vis modulations of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) metabolizing antioxidant
      enzymes in the tumor cells in vivo. A non-toxic dose (40 mg/kg bw) of emodin,
      given intraperitoneally to the DL bearing mice daily up to 12th post DL
      transplantation day, caused a significant decline (P < 0.05) in the number of
      viable DL cells and could significantly increase life span of the DL mice (P <
      0.01). A significant decline in Bcl2/Bax ratio consistent with the release of
      mitochondrial cytochrome c release in DL cells from emodin-treated DL mice
      suggested that emodin could induce mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis in the DL
      cells in vivo. Apoptosis of DL cells by emodin was further confirmed by the
      appearance of smaller DNA fragments on DNA ladder analysis. Over activation of
      both, the Cu-Zn-superoxide dismutases (SOD1) and Mn-SOD (SOD2), has been found
      correlated with the tumor suppression. Emodin caused significant increases in the
      expression and activity of SOD1 and SOD2 in the DL cells. H2O2 produced by SODs
      is degraded by catalase and glutathione peroxidase in the cells. Both these
      enzymes were observed to be declined significantly with a concomitant increment
      in H2O2 concentration (P < 0.01) in the DL cells from emodin-treated DL mice. It
      is concluded that emodin is able to induce mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis in
      the DL cells in vivo via reciprocal modulations of H2O2 producing and degrading
      antioxidant enzymes. 

PMID- 22038304
TI  - Piperine attenuates cardiovascular, liver and metabolic changes in high
      carbohydrate, high fat-fed rats.
AB  - Black pepper is used worldwide to enhance food flavor. We investigated dietary
      supplementation with piperine, the active principle of black pepper, to high
      carbohydrate, high fat (HCHF) diet-fed rats as a model of human metabolic
      syndrome. Rats were fed with either HCHF diet (carbohydrate, 52%; fat, 24%; 25%
      fructose in drinking water) or cornstarch (CS) diet for a total of 16 weeks.
      Diets of the treatment groups (CS + piperine and HCHF + piperine) were
      supplemented with piperine for the last 8 weeks of this protocol. After 16 weeks,
      rats fed with HCHF diet developed hypertension, elevated oxidative stress and
      inflammation-induced cardiac changes (infiltration of inflammatory cells in
      heart, increase in count and degranulation of mast cells in heart, cardiac
      fibrosis and increase in ventricular stiffness), reduced responsiveness of aortic
      rings, impaired glucose tolerance, abdominal obesity together with liver
      fibrosis, fat deposition and increased plasma liver enzymes. Supplementation with
      piperine (375 mg/kg food; approximately 30 mg/kg/day) in HCHF-fed rats normalized
      blood pressure, improved glucose tolerance and reactivity of aortic rings,
      reduced plasma parameters of oxidative stress and inflammation, attenuated
      cardiac and hepatic inflammatory cell infiltration and fibrosis and improved
      liver function. These changes clearly suggest that piperine reduces symptoms of
      human metabolic syndrome in HCHF-fed rats by reducing inflammation and oxidative
      stress. 

PMID- 22038305
TI  - Gender differences in colorectal cancer during the past 20 years in Taiwan.
AB  - PURPOSE: Gender differences in colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence have been
      previously reported. We designed this population-based study to determine if this
      gender difference was restricted to specific patient subgroups. METHODS: Using
      the Taiwan Cancer Registry database, we identified a total of 124,314 CRCs
      registered from 1988 to 2007. We compared the incidence of CRCs by gender in all
      CRCs, in colon and rectal cancers considered separately, and in right-sided
      versus left-sided colon cancers. RESULTS: In individuals aged 50 years and older,
      the incidence of CRCs was lower in females compared with males. For right-sided
      colon cancers, the incidence in both genders was similar. Because the proportion
      of right-sided colon cancer accounted for only one fourth of the total CRCs, its
      influence on the incidence of total CRCs is reduced. CONCLUSIONS: Although the
      incidence of total CRCs is male dominant, the actual gender difference in CRC
      incidence in Taiwan is limited to the left side of the colon.

PMID- 22038306
TI  - Quality of surgical care, local recurrence, and survival in patients with low-
      and midrectal cancers following multimodal therapy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the quality of surgical care and outcome following multimodal
      treatment for low- and midrectal cancers, focusing on differences between low
      anterior and abdominoperineal resections. METHODS: From 1999 to 2007, 179
      patients underwent low anterior resection (LAR), abdominoperineal resection
      (APR), or proctocolectomy for low- or midrectal cancers. Preoperative
      (chemo)radiotherapy was given according to local guidelines and adjuvant
      postoperative chemotherapy in stage III disease. Outcome together with clinical
      and histopathological data were analyzed in relation to the type of surgery
      performed. RESULTS: The postoperative mortality was 2.2%; morbidity, 39.6%;
      reoperation rate, 8.4%; and readmission rate, 16.0%. Involved circumferential
      resection margin (CRM <= 1 mm) rate was 4.5% (APR 9.1% vs. LAR 2.6%, p = 0.046).
      Intraoperative bowel perforation occurred in 5.5% of APRs. Anastomotic leak rate
      was 15.3%. The 5-year overall survival of the 179 patients was 68.5 %; disease
      specific survival, 82.2%; and local recurrence rate, 6.3%. The overall, disease
      specific, and disease-free survival rates in the 162 patients treated for cure
      were 73.1%, 84.6%, and 78.3%, and local recurrence rate was 4.4% with no
      significant differences between LAR and APR. CRM was the only independent
      predictor of local recurrence and CRM, tumor stage, and level independent
      predictors of disease-free survival. CONCLUSIONS: Quality of surgical care was in
      line with the current international standards. CRM was an independent predictor
      for local recurrence and CRM, tumor stage, and level independent prognostic
      factors for disease-free survival. Neither the type of surgery (LAR vs. APR) nor
      the surgical approach (laparoscopic vs. open) influenced the oncologic outcome.

PMID- 22038307
TI  - The peripheral zone of the prostate is more prone to tumor development than the
      transitional zone: is the ETS family the key?
AB  - Predisposition to develop prostate cancer (PCA) varies among the prostate zones,
      with the peripheral zone (PZ) more prone to tumor development than the
      transitional zone (TZ). In view of the fact that molecular differences between
      the zones may explain this difference, combined with the findings that
      translocations between TMPRSS2 and several ETS members are frequently observed in
      PCA, we hypothesized that the ETS family may be crucial to explaining this
      difference. Normal tissues from the PZ and the TZ of 20 PCA patients were laser
      microdissected to separate glands from stroma. Two oligo microarrays were
      performed in order to investigate the variation in ETS family gene expression
      between the glands and the stroma of the two zones. The ETS members, ELF-3, ELF
      5, ERG, ETV-1, ETV-4, ETV-5, ETV-7 and FEV, were found to be differentially
      expressed. A striking observation was that ERG and ETV-1 were found to be up
      regulated in the glands of the PZ compared to the TZ, particularly when
      considering that ERG and ETV-1 fusions account for 50-80% and 20% of PCA
      occurrences, respectively. These results indicate that the glands and stroma of
      the two zones display distinct molecular differences and zonal-specific
      expression of ETS members. Furthermore, ETS members up-regulated in PCA are
      already overexpressed in the normal PZ, suggesting that these members play a role
      in the development and progression of PCA.

PMID- 22038309
TI  - Prophylactic decompression and bone grafting for small asymptomatic osteonecrotic
      lesions of the femoral head.
AB  - Core decompression and grafting has been shown to relieve pain and possibly
      prevent disease progression in patients with symptomatic osteonecrosis (ON) of
      the hip. However, there is a lack of evidence regarding the management of the
      asymptomatic hip with femoral head ON. The purpose of this study was to evaluate
      the outcome of core decompression in the asymptomatic hip with ON. We
      prospectively followed 37 consecutive patients with MRI confirmed ON of the hips
      that underwent simultaneous bilateral core decompression and bone grafting. Prior
      to surgery, only one of the hips was symptomatic, and the main indication for
      surgical decompression of the asymptomatic side was to prevent disease
      progression. No hip on the asymptomatic side was staged greater than Steinberg
      IIB classification. Serial radiographs were followed for evidence of disease
      progression. Six patients were lost to follow-up prior to two years. The
      remaining 31 patients were followed for an average of 32.6 months. There were 20
      men and 11 women with an average age of 40.6 years. Ten patients with
      asymptomatic hips at the time of surgical decompression had disease progression
      requiring THA. The mean time to arthroplasty in this group was 15.1 months.
      Meanwhile, 13 symptomatic hips at the initial surgery progressed to THA at an
      average of 12.9 months following core decompression. The proportion of hips
      requiring conversion to THA was similar between the two groups (p=0.30), and the
      rate of progression to THA was not significantly faster compared to patients with
      symptomatic hips who subsequently required THA (p=0.18). Core decompression for
      asymptomatic ON of the femoral head is unpredictable. Based on our results,
      asymptomatic ON lesions particularly in the setting of bilateral disease should
      be closely observed and surgery reserved for when symptoms arise.

PMID- 22038310
TI  - The effects of femoral derotation osteotomy in cerebral palsy: a kinematic and
      kinetic study.
AB  - We attempted to quantify the effects of isolated femoral derotation osteotomies
      using clinical evaluation and gait analysis (kinematics and kinetics) in patients
      with cerebral palsy (CP). Twelve children with CP were evaluated before and 10
      months after isolated femoral derotation osteotomy, and 15 healthy children were
      evaluated as controls. There were significant improvements on clinical
      examination. A better position of the hip and ankle in the transverse plane was
      evident and significant changes occurred in terms of hip and ankle kinetics after
      surgery. Improvements in kinematics and hip and ankle power are very important
      biomechanically. The correction of lever arm dysfunction and more physiological
      hip and ankle power generation result in an improvement in terms of energy
      consumption, leading to a more functional and economic gait pattern.

PMID- 22038311
TI  - The diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography in
      gluteal tendon tears--a systematic review.
AB  - Gluteal tendon tears are one of the many pathologies causing pain around the
      greater trochanter that are often labelled as trochanteric bursitis. We
      systematically reviewed the peer-reviewed literature to establish the accuracy of
      magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasonography in the diagnosis of gluteal tendon
      tears in patients with persistent lateral hip pain or Greater Trochanteric Pain
      Syndrome (GTPS). 7 studies met the inclusion criteria, comparing either imaging
      modality with a reference standard of surgical findings. Included studies were
      assessed for methodological quality using the QUADAS checklist. MRI had
      sensitivity of 33-100%, specificity of 92-100%, positive predictive value of 71
      100% and negative predictive value of 50%. False-positives were common. High
      signal located superior to the trochanter had a stronger association with tears.
      Ultrasonography had a sensitivity of 79-100% and positive predictive value of 95
      100%. The amount and quality of literature on the subject is limited and further
      well-designed studies are required to establish the optimum diagnostic strategy
      in this condition. Ultrasonography may prove to be the investigation of choice,
      despite requiring a skilled practitioner. The orthopaedic surgeon should liaise
      with an experienced musculoskeletal radiologist to best investigate and diagnose
      gluteal tendon tears in the clinical picture of GTPS.

PMID- 22038312
TI  - Dose verification of IMRT by use of a COMPASS transmission detector.
AB  - Our purpose in this study was to evaluate the fundamental accuracy of
      reconstructed dose distributions from the COMPASS system using specific MLC test
      patterns and complicated IMRT neck plans. The COMPASS-reconstructed dose
      distributions were compared with those measured with EPID, MapCHECK, and EDR2
      film and as well as Monte Carlo-calculated dose profiles with use of square-wave
      chart patterns of 20-, 10-, and 5-mm gaps and step and pyramid patterns.
      Additionally, the COMPASS dose distributions for clinical IMRT neck plans were
      tested. The COMPASS dose profiles were almost in agreement with the Monte Carlo
      calculated dose profiles and point doses measured with MapCHECK for 20- and 10-mm
      gap patterns. The dose profile for a 5-mm gap pattern showed a narrow width due
      to the detector size in the penumbra region. For step and pyramid patterns,
      COMPASS agreed with MapCHECK and Monte Carlo calculation, except for EDR2 film.
      The COMPASS and MapCHECK dose distributions agreed with that of a treatment
      planning system by gamma analysis (criteria; 3 mm/3%). In comparisons of clinical
      IMRT neck dose distributions, COMPASS was measured with almost the same accuracy
      as MapCHECK, but slight deviations were found for large IMRT fields. These
      deviations could be minimized by improvement of the beam model of the COMPASS
      system. The COMPASS system can be expected to be used for traditional QA methods
      in clinical routine with the same accuracy as a MapCHECK diode detector.

PMID- 22038313
TI  - Correction of liver displacement due to irregular respiration for SPECT images
      obtained using a multiple short-time acquisition with breath-holding technique.
AB  - Recently, a new method for acquiring single photon emission computed tomography
      (SPECT) data during breath-holding with a high-speed rotation (HSR-SPECT)
      technique was applied to hepatic-function scintigraphy. This technique can
      suppress motion artifact caused by respiration. However, it is challenging to
      apply this technique to patients with respiratory problems. Our purpose in this
      study was to analyze projection data and correct liver displacement due to
      irregular respiration during technetium-99m-diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid
      galactosyl human serum albumin ((99m)Tc-GSA) liver SPECT scans. We calculated
      cross-correlation functions (CCFs) for both intra- and inter-projections to
      correct irregular projections by shifting them in the longitudinal direction
      enough to maximize the CCFs. We integrated all of the shifted projections and
      created a synthesis projection which was used to reconstruct SPECT images. To
      confirm the effectiveness of our method, we did both a phantom study and a
      clinical retrospective review. In the phantom study, blurring artifacts due to
      displacement were reduced using our method. Post-processing using our method
      showed improvements in the normalized mean square error values ranging from 0.18
      to 0.06. Furthermore, our method showed no disadvantage or miss-correction if we
      applied our method to data without displacement. In the clinical review, our
      method improved the image clarity for patients who could not repeat consistent
      respiration. In both the phantom simulation and the clinical application, the
      results showed the usefulness of our method. The efficiency of our method has the
      potential to reduce the displacement problem caused by respiration and provides
      excellent matching SPECT/CT fusion images.

PMID- 22038314
TI  - Multiplexing superparamagnetic beads driven by multi-frequency ratchets.
AB  - Here, we explore the single particle dynamics of superparamagnetic beads exposed
      to multifrequency ratchets. Through a combination of theory, simulation, and
      experiment, we determine the important tuning parameters that can be used to
      implement multiplexed separation of polydisperse colloidal mixtures. In
      particular, our results demonstrate that the ratio of driving frequencies
      controls the transition between open and closed trajectories that allow particles
      to be transported across a substrate. We also demonstrate that the phase
      difference between the two frequencies controls not only the direction of motion
      but also which particles are allowed to move within a polydisperse mixture. These
      results represent a fundamentally different approach to colloidal separation than
      the previous methods which are based on controlling transitions between phase
      locked and phase-slipping regimes, and have a higher degree of multiplexing
      capabilities that can benefit the fields of biological separation and sensing as
      well as provide crucial insights into general ratchet behavior.

PMID- 22038315
TI  - Acute effects of a single warm-water bath on serum adiponectin and leptin levels
      in healthy men: a pilot study.
AB  - To preliminarily assess the acute effects of a single warm-water bath (WWB) on
      serum adipokine activity, we measured serum adiponectin, leptin and other
      metabolic profiles before, immediately after and 30 minutes after WWB in seven
      healthy male volunteers (mean age, 39.7 +/- 6.0 years; mean body mass index, 21.6
      +/- 1.8 kg/m(2)). The subjects were immersed in tap water at 41 degrees C for 10
      minutes. Two weeks later, the same subjects underwent a single WWB with a bath
      additive that included inorganic salts and carbon dioxide (WWB with ISCO(2)) by
      the same protocol as for the first WWB. Leptin levels significantly increased
      immediately after WWB with tap water and ISCO(2) (both P < 0.05), and remained
      significantly higher than those at baseline even 30 minutes after WWB with tap
      water (P < 0.05). Adiponectin levels showed a slight, but not significant,
      increase both immediately after and 30 minutes after WWB with tap water or
      ISCO(2). Some parameters, such as serum total cholesterol, red blood cell count,
      hemoglobin and hematocrit significantly increased immediately after WWB with tap
      water or ISCO(2) (all P < 0.05), but they all returned to the baseline levels 30
      minutes after bathing under both conditions. The sublingual temperature rose
      significantly after 10 minutes of WWB with tap water (0.96 +/- 0.16 degrees C
      relative to baseline, P < 0.01) and after the same duration of WWB with ISCO(2)
      (1.24 +/- 0.34 degrees C relative to baseline, P < 0.01). These findings suggest
      that a single WWB at 41 degrees C for 10 minutes may modulate leptin and
      adiponectin profiles in healthy men.

PMID- 22038316
TI  - The role of resistin in Behcet's disease: a Turkish experiment.
AB  - The objective of this study was to assess the role of resistin, a proinflammatory
      cytokine potentially involved in Behcet's disease (BD), and to determine its
      relationship with tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), another important
      inflammatory cytokine known to be involved in BD. Forty-five persons diagnosed
      with BD were enrolled into this study, 25 of whom were being followed or had
      recently been diagnosed with clinically active BD, whereas the remaining 20 were
      previously diagnosed and had clinically inactive BD for the previous 3 months.
      Thirty persons were recruited as a healthy control group. Patients' C-reactive
      protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), resistin, and TNF-alpha
      levels were determined with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Resistin
      and TNF-alpha levels were significantly higher in patients with BD (p < 0.05 and
      p < 0.05) than in the control group. The major interest of this study was to
      investigate the role of resistin in patients with BD. An elevated resistin level
      was associated with activation of BD. Elevated TNF-alpha and resistin levels
      could be determined simultaneously, and the presence of these two cytokines
      together suggests that resistin plays an important role in the pathogenesis and
      activation of BD.

PMID- 22038317
TI  - The role of biologics in treatment of ANCA-associated vasculitis.
AB  - The vast majority of patients with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody
      associated vasculitis (AAV) who receive conventional treatment with
      glucocorticoids and cyclophosphamide experience frequent relapses and treatment
      related side-effects. Increasing knowledge of the pathogenesis of AAV has
      permitted the development of targeted therapies against tumour necrosis factor
      (TNF)-alpha and T and B lymphocytes. Therapy with TNF-alpha blocking drugs has so
      far proved disappointing, and this approach is not recommended. B cell depletion
      using rituximab is effective for remission induction, especially in refractory
      patients. The long-term side-effects and the best method of using rituximab to
      maintain remission are still to be determined.

PMID- 22038319
TI  - Bullying and peer victimisation in adolescent girls with Attention
      Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.
AB  - Emerging evidence suggests that adolescent girls with Attention
      Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) are more socially impaired compared with
      their peers; however, research has yet to elucidate the nature of this
      impairment. We investigated overt (e.g., physical, such as hitting or kicking or
      verbal, such as teasing and taunting) and relational (e.g., social manipulation,
      such as social exclusion) bullying and victimisation in adolescent girls with and
      without ADHD. Adolescent girls (mean age = 15.11) with (n = 22) and without (n =
      20) ADHD and their primary caregivers completed measures of overt/relational
      bullying and victimisation and social impairment. Adolescent girls with ADHD
      experienced more social problems and more relational and overt victimisation than
      adolescent girls without ADHD. Although adolescent girls with ADHD engaged in
      more overt and relational bullying than adolescent girls without ADHD, this
      difference was not statistically significant. Oppositional Defiant Disorder
      symptoms appeared to be more strongly related to bullying behaviour, while
      victimisation appeared to be more strongly related to ADHD.

PMID- 22038320
TI  - National park development in China: conservation or commercialization?
AB  - The rapid development of parks and ecotourism in China has attracted worldwide
      attention, not only for the beauty of the landscape that the parks are protecting
      but also for their abundant and often unique biodiversity. However, in some
      areas, the development of ecotourism has actually led to the degradation of local
      ecological, economic, and social systems. Using National Forest Parks for
      demonstration, this article analyzes the current political, institutional, legal,
      environmental, and economic issues concerning National Parks in China, and
      examines their potential future development. Although the intention of National
      Park systems in China is to raise environmental quality, and to protect
      biodiversity and social livelihoods, their success has varied. Future success
      will be measured by their capacity to reduce poverty, to promote long-term
      rehabilitation of wildlife habitats, and to simultaneously protect Chinese
      culture and biodiversity.

PMID- 22038321
TI  - Luminescent lanthanide-binding peptides: sensitising the excited states of
      Eu(III) and Tb(III) with a 1,8-naphthalimide-based antenna.
AB  - The investigation into the luminescence properties of a lanthanide-binding
      peptide, derived from the Ca-binding loop of the parvalbumin, and modified by
      incorporating a 1,8-naphthalimide (Naph) chromophore at the N-terminus is
      described. Here, the Naph is used as a sensitising antenna, which can be excited
      at lower energy than classical aromatic amino acids, such as tryptophan (the
      dodecapeptide of which was also synthesised and studied herein). The syntheses of
      the Naph antenna, its solid phase incorporation into the dodecapeptide, and the
      NMR investigation into the formation of the corresponding lanthanide complexes in
      solution is presented. We also show that this Naph antenna can be successfully
      employed to sensitize the excited states of both europium and terbium ions, the
      results of which was used to determined the stability constants of their
      formation complexes, and we demonstrated that our peptide 'loop' can selectively
      bind these lanthanide ions over Ca(II).

PMID- 22038322
TI  - Sleep and cardiovascular regulation.
AB  - Normal sleep has a profound effect on the cardiovascular system, reducing
      cardiovascular activity throughout non-rapid eye movement sleep; changes that are
      modified and augmented by circadian system influence. There is also evidence that
      sleep-initiated changes in autonomic balance may in turn modify the development
      of sleep within a night, particularly the development of slow wave sleep. It is
      assumed that the cardiovascular changes that accompany sleep reflect a functional
      aspect of sleep, although the precise functional role has not been agreed upon.
      Nevertheless, there is good evidence that the cardiovascular changes that occur
      during normal sleep are beneficial for the cardiovascular system. Arousals from
      sleep, which are common even in normal sleep, are associated with a surge in
      activity in cardiorespiratory systems, with marked effects on the sleep-related
      pattern of cardiovascular activity when they occur frequently. Despite the
      importance of this aspect of sleep, controversy remains as to both the nature of
      the activation response and the circumstances under which it is elicited. The
      concept that sleep-related changes in cardiovascular activity are beneficial
      leads to the corollary that sleep disturbance would result in adverse
      cardiovascular consequences. While there is strong empirical evidence for such a
      relationship, it remains unclear whether this is a direct effect or, as has been
      suggested recently, the effect of disturbed sleep is mediated via stress-related
      modification of neuroendocrine systems.

PMID- 22038324
TI  - A 2,2',6,6'-tetraphosphinobiphenyl.
AB  - The first example of a 2,2',6,6'-tetraphosphinobiphenyl was prepared and used as
      a ligand in a dinuclear palladium(II) complex. The close proximity of the two
      complex fragments induces a coupling pathway allowing the allosteric
      communication between the two palladium complex fragments.

PMID- 22038323
TI  - Umbellulone modulates TRP channels.
AB  - Inhalation of umbellulone (UMB), the offensive principle of the so-called
      "headache tree" (California bay laurel, Umbellularia californica Nutt.), causes a
      painful cold sensation. We therefore studied the action of UMB and some
      derivatives devoid of thiol-trapping properties on the "cold" transient receptor
      potential cation channels TRPA1 and TRPM8. UMB activated TRPA1 in a dose
      dependent manner that was attenuated by cysteine-to-serine isosteric mutation in
      TRPA1 (C622S), while channel block was observed at higher concentration. However,
      although activation by mustard oil was completely prevented in these mutants, UMB
      still retained activating properties, indicating that it acts on TRPA1 only as a
      partial electrophilic agonist. UMB also activated TRPM8, but to a lower extent
      than TRPA1. Removing Michael acceptor properties of UMB (reduction or
      nucleophilic trapping) was detrimental for the activation of TRPA1, but increased
      the blocking potency. This was, however, attenuated by acetylation of the
      hydroxylated analogs. All UMB derivatives, except the acetylated derivatives,
      were also TRPM8 activators. They acted, however, in a bimodal manner, inhibiting
      the channel more potently than UMB, and with tetrahydro-UMB being the most potent
      TRPM8 activator. In conclusion, UMB is a bimodal activator of TRPA1 and a weak
      activator of TRPM8. Non-electrophilic derivatives of UMB are better TRPM8
      activators than the natural product and also potent blockers of this channel as
      well as of TRPA1. The lack of effects of the acetylated UMB derivatives suggests
      that steric hindrance may prevent access to the recognition site for the bicyclic
      monoterpene pharmacophore on TRPA1 and TRPM8.

PMID- 22038325
TI  - Phenolic compounds in wheat grain cultivars.
AB  - Three hydroxybenzoic acids: p-hydroxybenzoic acid, vanillic acid and syringic
      acid; six hydroxycinnamic acids: p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid and four ferulic
      acid derivatives and a flavonoid (apigenin) were identified and quantified in 34
      accessions corresponding to 19 cultivars of wheat applying HPLC coupled to diode
      array detector. Considerable differences between the wheat cultivars were
      observed in the phenolic contents. Some cultivars (Colorado, Del Pais, Barbilla,
      Jallado, Raspinegro Canario and Plaganudo) could be selected according to the
      high levels of phenolic compounds. Ferulic acid was the major phenolic acid
      compound followed by syringic and p-hydroxybenzoic acids. The proportion of
      ferulic acid present as dimeric forms ranged from 4.2 to 8.6% across all of the
      wheat cultivars analyzed. Apigenin, p-hydroxybenzoic and syringic acids did not
      show significant correlations. Many correlations between the determined
      hydroxycinnamic acids were observed. The ferulic acid and all the ferulic acid
      derivatives showed highly significant correlations, suggesting that the
      concentrations of diferulic acids depend on the concentration of ferulic acid.

PMID- 22038326
TI  - Neural basis of singing in crickets: central pattern generation in abdominal
      ganglia.
AB  - The neural mechanisms underlying cricket singing behavior have been the focus of
      several studies, but the central pattern generator (CPG) for singing has not been
      localized conclusively. To test if the abdominal ganglia contribute to the
      singing motor pattern and to analyze if parts of the singing CPG are located in
      these ganglia, we systematically truncated the abdominal nerve cord of fictively
      singing crickets while recording the singing motor pattern from a front-wing
      nerve. Severing the connectives anywhere between terminal ganglion and abdominal
      ganglion A3 did not preclude singing, although the motor pattern became more
      variable and failure-prone as more ganglia were disconnected. Singing terminated
      immediately and permanently after transecting the connectives between the
      metathoracic ganglion complex and the first unfused abdominal ganglion A3. The
      contribution of abdominal ganglia for singing pattern generation was confirmed by
      intracellular interneuron recordings and current injections. During fictive
      singing, an ascending interneuron with its soma and dendrite in A3 depolarized
      rhythmically. It spiked 10 ms before the wing-opener activity and hyperpolarized
      in phase with the wing-closer activity. Depolarizing current injection elicited
      rhythmic membrane potential oscillations and spike bursts that elicited
      additional syllables and reliably reset the ongoing chirp rhythm. Our results
      disclose that the abdominal ganglion A3 is directly involved in generating the
      singing motor pattern, whereas the more posterior ganglia seem to provide only
      stabilizing feedback to the CPG circuit. Localizing the singing CPG in the
      anterior abdominal neuromeres now allows analyzing its circuitry at the level of
      identified interneurons in subsequent studies.

PMID- 22038327
TI  - Extending the latent variable model for extra correlated longitudinal dichotomous
      responses.
AB  - Since generalized nonlinear mixed-effects modeling methodology of ordered
      categorical data became available in the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD)
      literature over a decade ago, pharmacometricians have been increasingly
      performing exposure-response analyses of such data to inform drug development.
      Also, as experiences with and scrutiny of these data have increased,
      pharmacometricians have noted fewer transitions (or greater correlations) between
      response values than predicted by the model. In this paper, we build on the
      latent variable (LV) approach, which is convenient for incorporating
      pharmacological concepts such as pharmacodynamic onset of drug effect, and
      present a PK/PD methodology which we term the multivariate latent variable (MLV)
      approach. This approach uses correlations between the latent residuals (LR) to
      address extra correlation or a fewer number of transitions, relative to if the LR
      were independent. Four approximation methods for handling dichotomous MLV data
      are formulated and then evaluated for accuracy and computation time using
      simulation studies. Some analytical results for models linear in the subject
      specific random effects are also presented, and these provide insight into
      modeling such repeated measures data. Also, a case study previously analyzed
      using the LV approach is revisited using one of the MLV approximation methods and
      the results are discussed. Overall, consideration of the simulation and
      analytical results lead us to some conclusions we feel are applicable to many of
      the models and situations frequently encountered in analysis of such data: the
      MLV approach is a flexible method that can handle many different extra correlated
      data structures and therefore can more accurately predict the number of
      transitions between response values; incorrect modeling of the population
      covariances by implementing an LV model when extra correlation exists is not
      likely to (and in many cases does not) influence accuracy of the population
      (marginal) mean predictions; adequate prediction of the population mean
      probabilities achieves adequate predictions of the population variances,
      regardless of the correct specification of the population covariances--that is,
      if the LV model accurately predicts the means in the presence of extra
      correlation, it will accurately predict the variances; the between subject random
      effects component to the model describe the marginal covariances in responses-
      not the marginal variances as with continuous-type data. From these conclusions
      we make a general statement that it may not be necessary to model the extra
      correlation in every case using the MLV model, which requires technical
      implementation with currently available commercially or publically available
      software. The LV model may be sufficient for answering many of the typical
      questions arising during drug development. The MLV approach should be considered
      however if prediction or simulation of individual level data is an objective of
      the analysis.

PMID- 22038328
TI  - Highly-integrated lab-on-chip system for point-of-care multiparameter analysis.
AB  - A novel innovative approach towards a marketable lab-on-chip system for point-of
      care in vitro diagnostics is reported. In a consortium of seven Fraunhofer
      Institutes a lab-on-chip system called "Fraunhofer ivD-platform" has been
      established which opens up the possibility for an on-site analysis at low costs.
      The system features a high degree of modularity and integration. Modularity
      allows the adaption of common and established assay types of various formats.
      Integration lets the system move from the laboratory to the point-of-need. By
      making use of the microarray format the lab-on-chip system also addresses new
      trends in biomedicine. Research topics such as personalized medicine or companion
      diagnostics show that multiparameter analyses are an added value for diagnostics,
      therapy as well as therapy control. These goals are addressed with a low-cost and
      self-contained cartridge, since reagents, microfluidic actuators and various
      sensors are integrated within the cartridge. In combination with a fully
      automated instrumentation (read-out and processing unit) a diagnostic assay can
      be performed in about 15 min. Via a user-friendly interface the read-out unit
      itself performs the assay protocol, data acquisition and data analysis. So far,
      example assays for nucleic acids (detection of different pathogens) and protein
      markers (such as CRP and PSA) have been established using an electrochemical read
      out based on redoxcycling or an optical read-out based on total internal
      reflectance fluorescence (TIRF). It could be shown that the assay performance
      within the cartridge is similar to that found for the same assay in a microtiter
      plate. Furthermore, recent developments are the integration of sample preparation
      and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) on-chip. Hence, the instrument is capable of
      providing heating-and-cooling cycles necessary for DNA-amplification. In addition
      to scientific aspects also the production of such a lab-on-chip system was part
      of the development since this heavily affects the success of a later market
      launch. In summary, the Fraunhofer ivD-platform covers the whole value chain
      ranging from microfluidics, material and polymer sciences, assay and sensor
      development to the production and assembly design. In this consortium the gap
      between diagnostic needs and available technologies can be closed.

PMID- 22038329
TI  - Diffusion-weighted MRI: a useful technique to discriminate benign versus
      malignant ovarian surface epithelial tumors with solid and cystic components.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate differences in apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values
      for the solid component of benign and malignant ovarian surface epithelial tumors
      with the goal of differentiating benign versus malignant ovarian tumors
      preoperatively. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 127 patients with 131 pelvic
      masses identified by ultrasound between January 2006 and January 2011 were
      enrolled in this study. 46 patients were diagnosed with benign tumors, and 85
      patients were diagnosed with malignant pathologies. For all of the patients,
      routine spin-echo MRI and diffusion-weighted imaging were performed. ADC values
      were determined for all of the masses, and the mean ADC values for the benign and
      malignant tumors were analyzed using Student's t test. A P value <0.05 was
      considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Mean ADC values associated with
      malignant ovarian surface epithelial tumors were significantly lower than the
      mean ADC values of the benign tumors. In addition, the range of ADC values
      associated with a 95% confidence interval did not overlap between the two groups.
      ROC analysis indicated that a cutoff ADC value of 1.25 * 10(-3) mm(2)/s was
      associated with 90.1% sensitivity and 89.9% specificity. CONCLUSION: ADC values
      determined from 1.5 T MR DWI of benign and malignant ovarian masses were found to
      be significantly different.

PMID- 22038330
TI  - High-risk prostate cancer: value of multi-modality 3T MRI-guided biopsies after
      previous negative biopsies.
AB  - Transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy is the gold standard for prostate cancer
      detection. The latter detection rates of random systematic TRUS-guided biopsy do
      not exceed 44%. As a consequence other biopsy methods have been explored. One of
      these methods is MR-guided biopsy (MRGB), which revealed detection rates of 38
      59% after previous negative TRUSGB sessions. For this reason MRGB will probably
      become more and more applied in daily practice.

PMID- 22038331
TI  - Uneven haustra on CT colonography: a clue for the detection of transperitoneal
      invasion from gastric cancer.
AB  - Two patients with gastric carcinoma underwent CT colonography (CTC) for
      preoperative work-up. Although no obvious peritoneal nodules were seen on axial
      CT images, colonic wall deformities were noted on three-dimensional (3D) air
      images. Multiplanar-reformatted images revealed corresponding colonic wall
      thickening at the deformities, and in addition, dense cordlike structures
      connecting the primary gastric cancer and colonic wall thickening were also
      observed. In one patient, cordlike indurations consistent with peritoneal
      invasion were found to connect the primary gastric cancer, gastrocolic ligament,
      and transverse mesocolon during exploratory surgery, and in the other, colonic
      scars consistent with peritoneal invasion after chemotherapy were observed. These
      observations suggest that CTC could be of potential use for the differentiation
      of transperitoneal colonic invasion and gastric cancer.

PMID- 22038333
TI  - Global solutions to the challenges of setting up and managing a stem cell
      laboratory.

PMID- 22038332
TI  - Ca2+ activated K channels-new tools to induce cardiac commitment from pluripotent
      stem cells in mice and men.

PMID- 22038334
TI  - Cost comparison of online haemodiafiltration with high-flux haemodialysis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Haemodiafiltration increases convective clearances, and online
      haemodiafiltration (OL-HDF) was introduced to reduce costs of producing large
      volumes of ultrapure water. Previous reports have suggested that OL-HDF may be a
      cost-saving therapy by reducing recombinant human erythropoietin requirements and
      those for other medications. We therefore costed OL-HDF with high-flux
      haemodialysis. METHODS: Thirty-four patients dialysing (Tue/Thu/Sat) switched to
      OL-HDF, and 44 dialysing (Mon/Wed/Fri) remained on high-flux haemodialysis (HD)
      in a satellite dialysis centre. They were then prospectively followed for 12
      months. RESULTS: Depending upon whether blood lines with a cuvette for measuring
      relative blood volume were used, OL-HDF was either slightly more expensive per
      session, by L1.16, as the cost of the reinfusion line outweighed any potential
      savings in 0.9% saline usage, or cheaper by L0.78 if standard blood lines were
      used. Although there were initial increased costs for more frequent testing of
      dialysis machine water quality. It could be argued that similar water quality is
      required for high-flux haemodialysis using dialysers with increased internal
      filtration. There was no cost saving in terms of recombinant human erythropoietin
      prescription, but whereas weekly phosphate binder costs increased in the high
      flux haemodialysis cohort from L3.8 (range 1.9-14.8) to L5.0 (range 1.9-21.3;
      p=0.01), costs did not change with OL-HDF (L3.8, range 1.9-11.9). CONCLUSION:
      Depending upon the choice of blood lines, OL-HDF was either a slightly more
      expensive or a cheaper treatment per session compared with high-flux
      haemodialysis in our centre. Treatment with OL-HDF also led to modest cost
      savings on phosphate binders.

PMID- 22038335
TI  - C-reactive protein as a predictor of cardiovascular events in elderly patients
      with chronic kidney disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Few studies have evaluated the relationship between high-sensitivity
      C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and vascular events in the elderly with chronic
      kidney disease (CKD). METHODS: The association of hs-CRP with vascular events was
      examined according to CKD status in 3,166 participants of the Intervention
      Project on Cerebrovascular Diseases and Dementia in the Community of Ebersberg,
      Bavaria (INVADE study). CKD was defined as a creatinine clearance <60 ml/min
      estimated by the Cockcroft-Gault formula. hs-CRP was used as a binary variable >
      or <2.1 mg/L (median value). Vascular events were defined as a composite of
      myocardial infarction, stroke and vascular death. RESULTS: After 4 years of
      follow-up, 204 participants (6.4%) experienced a major cardiovascular event. High
      hs-CRP levels and CKD at baseline were associated with a greater risk of vascular
      events. Compared with patients with low hs-CRP and non-CKD, the adjusted hazard
      ratio (95% confidence interval) for vascular events was 1.42 (1.11-2.21) for low
      hs-CRP and CKD, 1.57 (1.21-2.34) for high hs-CRP and non-CKD and 1.93 (1.45-2.89)
      for high hs-CRP and CKD. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that high hs-CRP
      levels provide prognostic information in patients with CKD.

PMID- 22038336
TI  - Effect of early conversion from CNI to sirolimus on outcomes in kidney transplant
      recipients with allograft dysfunction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Studies evaluating the effect of conversion from calcineurin
      inhibitor (CNI) to sirolimus (SRL) in renal transplant recipients (RTRs) have
      shown conflicting results, and only few short-term uncontrolled studies are
      available in patients with chronic allograft dysfunction. This is the first
      controlled study to evaluate long-term survival and both renal and cardiac
      outcomes in nondiabetic RTRs with allograft dysfunction who were converted from
      CNI to SRL. METHODS: We evaluated 13 RTRs with biopsy-proven allograft
      dysfunction who underwent early conversion from CNI to SRL, and 26 controls with
      normal graft function taking CNI. All continued both steroids and mycophenolate
      mofetil. SRL was titrated to trough levels of 4-8 ng/mL. Outcome measures
      included 3-year event-free survival, acute rejection rate and 3-year changes in
      Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) Study equation estimated glomerular
      filtration rate (eGFR) and left ventricular mass index (LVMi) as assessed by
      echocardiography. RESULTS: Compared with controls, patients on SRL showed better
      3-year event-free survival (p=0.024; log-rank test), significant eGFR increase
      (+5.5 +/- 8.9 vs, -6.4 +/- 14.7 ml/min per 1.73 m2, p=0.011), LVMi regression (
      9.0 +/- 7.6 g/m(2.7) vs. 1.0 +/- 10.1 g/m(2.7), p=0.0038) and similar acute
      rejection rate. Three-year change in eGFR was the only significant predictor of
      event-free survival by Cox regression analysis (hazard ratio = 0.96; 95%
      confidence interval, 0.93-0.99; p=0.017), whereas SRL was the strongest predictor
      of both eGFR increase (beta coefficient, 0.342; p=0.01) and LVM reduction (beta
      coefficient, -0.609; p=0.0001) by multivariate regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS:
      Conversion from CNI to SRL in RTRs with allograft dysfunction proved to be
      associated with better survival, improved renal graft function and regression of
      cardiac hypertrophy.

PMID- 22038337
TI  - A population-based approach for the definition of chronic kidney disease: the CKD
      Prognosis Consortium.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) foundation
      promoted the establishment of the Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) Prognosis
      Consortium to meta-analyze the association of estimated glomerular filtration
      rate (eGFR) and albuminuria with incidence of various outcomes in samples of
      general populations from all over the world. METHODS: Variables in meta-analysis
      included eGFR by the Modification of Diet in Renal Disease (MDRD) Study equation,
      the urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (uACR) as index of albuminuria, together
      with proteinuria at dipstick urinalysis and classical markers of cardiovascular
      risk. Overall, 105,872 participants had uACR measurements, and 1,128,310
      participants had dipstick measurements. RESULTS: The association with mortality
      was continuous over the whole range of uACR/proteinuria and J-shaped for eGFR
      which was associated with an excess risk for values <75 and >=120 ml/min per 1.73
      m2. Results were similar for the association of eGFR or uACR/proteinuria with
      renal failure. The associations of eGFR and uACR/proteinuria with death or renal
      failure were independent of each other. Findings were consistent across
      population samples from North America, Asia, Oceania and Europe, as well as in
      individuals with age <65 years and individuals with age >=65 years. CONCLUSIONS:
      Data support the threshold of 60 ml/min for CKD definition but suggest that eGFR
      in the range 60-74 ml/min could represent the early stages of CKD. This first set
      of results of the CKD Prognosis Consortium represents an important step in the
      evidence-based definition of CKD. Conclusions should be reevaluated with eGFR
      calculation by equations less biased for normal-high eGFR.

PMID- 22038338
TI  - Internet training to respond to aggressive resident behaviors.
AB  - PURPOSE: This research evaluated an individualized Internet training designed to
      teach nurse aides (NAs) strategies to prevent or, if necessary, react to resident
      aggression in ways that are safe for the resident as well as the caregiver.
      DESIGN AND METHODS: A randomized treatment and control design was implemented,
      with baseline, 1-, and 2-month assessments for 158 NAs. The training involved 2
      weekly visits. The Internet intervention was a behaviorally focused and video
      based training that included content on skills for safely dealing with physical
      aggression. Measures included video situation testing and assessment of
      psychosocial constructs associated with behavior change. RESULTS: Analysis of
      covariance showed positive results for knowledge, attitudes, self-efficacy, and
      empathy, with medium-large effect sizes maintained after 2 months. The training
      was well received by participants. IMPLICATIONS: Internet training is a viable
      approach to shape appropriate NA reactions to aggressive resident behaviors. This
      format has future potential because it offers fidelity of presentation and
      automated documentation, with minimal supervision.

PMID- 22038339
TI  - International spotlight: Israel.
AB  - The State of Israel provides significant opportunities to study social processes
      that can enhance our understanding of the aging experience. It has high life
      expectancy and rapid growth of its older population. With an older cohort that is
      composed largely of former immigrants and includes a minority Arab population,
      Israel provides much diversity for gerontological study. Among the unique issues
      facing older Israelis are the aging of Holocaust survivors, modernization in the
      Arab sector, and privatization in the kibbutzim. New legislation related to
      pensions and universal health care is expected to affect aging processes. The
      development of "supportive communities" offers a new service model. The article
      notes 2 longitudinal studies of importance-the Israeli component of the Survey of
      Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe and the Jerusalem Longitudinal Cohort
      Study.

PMID- 22038340
TI  - Cancer mortality among atomic bomb survivors exposed as children.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To compare cancer mortality among A-bomb survivors exposed as
      children with cancer mortality among an unexposed control group (the entire
      population of Japan, JPCG). METHODS: The subjects were the Hiroshima and Nagasaki
      A-bomb survivor groups (0-14 years of age in 1945) reported in life span study
      report 12 (follow-up years were from 1950 to 1990), and a control group
      consisting of the JPCG. We estimated the expected number of deaths due to all
      causes and cancers of various causes among the exposed survivors who died in the
      follow-up interval, if they had died with the same mortality as the JPCG (0-14
      years of age in 1945). We calculated the standardized mortality ratio (SMR) of A
      bomb survivors in comparison with the JPCG. RESULTS: SMRs were significantly
      higher in exposed boys overall for all deaths, all cancers, leukemia, and liver
      cancer, and for exposed girls overall for all cancers, solid cancers, liver
      cancer, and breast cancer. In boys, SMRs were significantly higher for all deaths
      and liver cancer even in those exposed to very low doses, and for all cancers,
      solid cancers, and liver cancer in those exposed to low doses. In girls, SMRs
      were significantly higher for liver cancer and uterine cancer in those exposed to
      low doses, and for leukemia, solid cancers, stomach cancer, and breast cancer in
      those exposed to high doses. CONCLUSIONS: We calculated the SMRs for the A-bomb
      survivors versus JPCG in childhood and compared them with a true non-exposed
      group. A notable result was that SMRs in boys exposed to low doses were
      significantly higher for solid cancer.

PMID- 22038341
TI  - Advantages of statistical analysis of giant vesicle flickering for bending
      elasticity measurements.
AB  - We show how to greatly improve precision when determining bending elasticity of
      giant unilamellar vesicles. Taking advantage of the well-known quasi-spherical
      model of liposome flickering, we analyze the full probability distributions of
      the configurational fluctuations instead of limiting the analysis to the second
      moment measurements only as usually done in previously published works. This
      leads to objective criteria to reject vesicles that do not behave according to
      the model. As a result, the confidence in the bending elasticity determination of
      individual vesicles that fit the model is improved and, consequently, the
      reproducibility of this measurement for a given membrane system. This approach
      uncovers new possibilities for bending elasticity studies like detection of
      minute influences by solutes in the buffer or into the membrane. In the same way,
      we are now able to detect the inhomogeneous behavior of giant vesicle systems
      such as the hazardous production of peroxide in bilayers containing fluorescent
      dyes.

PMID- 22038342
TI  - HepG2 cells infected with Klebsiella pneumoniae show DNA laddering at apoptotic
      and necrotic stages.
AB  - Virulent Klebasiella pneumoniae (KP) inflicts severe liver abscesses in infected
      patients. This study investigated how the bacterial infection affected cell
      survival at the molecular level, in a cultured cell model. A strain of KP highly
      virulent in mice was isolated from a patient with liver abscess, and was used to
      infect HepG2 cells. The infected cells were examined for their viability, DNA
      fragmentation, and proteins involved in apoptosis or necrosis. We found that the
      infection decreased the viability of HepG2 cells at 4 hours (h) to 12 h post
      infection (pi). DNA ladders appeared 6-16 h pi and flow cytometry analysis showed
      apoptosis at 3-5 h pi, secondary necrosis at 6-9 h pi and primary necrosis at 8-9
      h pi. Cleavages of Caspase 7, Caspase 9, alpha-Fodrin, and PARP were evident at 2
      4 h pi. At 7 h pi, we observed the following: increased nuclear AIF, the release
      from mitochondria of cytosolic Apaf-1 and Cyt c, increased DFF40 expression,
      decreased DFF45, decreased BcL-xL and the release of Endo G from mitochondria to
      nucleus. Cellular ATP concentration decreased at 4-8 h pi, accompanied by
      increased Calpain-2 expression. In summary, infected HepG2 cells underwent
      apoptosis early after infection and progressed to secondary necrosis and primary
      necrosis. Nuclear fragmentation corresponded to Caspase 7 activation and the
      appearance of Endo G and DFF40 in the nucleus, with a concomitant decrease in
      DFF45. Mitochondrial release of Cyt c together with activation of Caspase 9 and
      Apaf-1 in cytosol was also observed. Early-hour cleavage of poly(ATP-ribose)
      polymerase (PARP) followed by the later activation of PARP corresponded to the
      appearance of DNA laddering, and the depletion of cellular ATP was associated
      with the appearance of necrosis.

PMID- 22038343
TI  - Prevalence and clinical correlates of tic disorders in a community sample of
      school-age children.
AB  - To examine the prevalence, clinical characteristics and course of children with
      tics identified in a community sample. This was a three-stage study. At the age
      of 9 to 11, parents of 8,244 children born at Aarhus University Hospital Skejby
      between January 1990 and April 1992 were invited to complete a screening
      questionnaire about tics. One year later participating parents completed the
      Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). From December 2004 to June 2005,
      when the cohort was 13-15 years of age, parents of the children who screened
      positive for tics were interviewed in detail about tic disorders. The prevalence
      of Tourette Syndrome (TS) was 0.6 and 0.6% of chronic motor tics (CMT).
      Approximately one-third of those with a chronic tic disorder [CTD (TS and CMT)]
      reported remission of tics by age 13-15. On the parent-rated SDQ children with a
      CTD were five times more likely (OR = 5.0, 95% CI = 2.6-9.2) to fall into the
      clinical range of hyperactivity, twice as likely (OR = 2.2, 95% CI = 2.1-7.5) to
      exhibit disruptive and defiant behavior and over four times more likely to have
      emotional difficulties (OR = 4.7, 95% CI = 2.5-8.6) compared to children without
      tic disorders. Children with hyperactivity and CTD were more impaired than
      subjects with CTD only. Children with CTD and hyperactivity show greater symptom
      severity across several domains of behavior and overall impairment. In the
      absence of hyperactivity, children with CTD are at increased risk for emotional
      difficulties, but not disruptive behavior problems.

PMID- 22038344
TI  - "Better the devil you know": a preliminary study of the differential modulating
      effects of reputation on reward processing for boys with and without
      externalizing behavior problems.
AB  - Very little is known about the neurobiological correlates of reward processing
      during social decision-making in the developing brain and whether prior social
      and moral information (reputations) modulates reward responses in youth as has
      been demonstrated in adults. Moreover, although externalizing behavior problems
      in youth are associated with deficits in reward processing and social cognition,
      a real-life social interaction paradigm using functional neuroimaging (fMRI) has
      not yet been applied to probe reward processing in such youth. Functional
      neuroimaging was used to examine the neural correlates of reward-related decision
      making during a trust task in two samples of age-matched 11 to 16-year-old boys:
      with (n = 10) and without (n = 10) externalizing behavior problems. The task
      required subjects to decide whether to share or keep monetary rewards from
      partners they themselves identified during a real-life peer sociometric procedure
      as interpersonally aggressive or kind (vs. neutral). Results supported the notion
      that prior social and moral information (reputations) modulated reward responses
      in the adolescent brain. Moreover, boys with externalizing problems showed
      differential activation in the bilateral insula during the decision phase of the
      game as well as the caudate and anterior insula during the outcome phase of the
      game. Similar activation in adolescents in response to reward related stimuli as
      found in adults suggests some developmental continuity in corticostriatal
      circuits. Group differences are interpreted with caution given the small group
      sizes in the current study. Notwithstanding this limitation, the study provides
      preliminary evidence for anomalous reward responses in boys with externalizing
      behavior problems, thereby providing a possible biological correlate of well
      established social-cognitive and reward-related theories of externalizing
      behavior disorders.

PMID- 22038345
TI  - The cross-talk between ROS and p38MAPKalpha in the Ex Vivo expanded human
      umbilical cord blood CD133(+) cells.
AB  - This study investigated the correlation between and compared the effects of
      reactive oxygen species (ROS) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase alpha
      (p38MAPKalpha) in the ex vivo expanded umbilical cord blood (hUCB) CD133(+)
      cells. hUCB CD133(+) cells were cultured in the hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs)
      culture medium with N-acetylcysteine (NAC, an anti-oxidant), p38MAPKalpha
      specific inhibitor (SB203580) or their combination. The levels of ROS and
      expression of phosphorylated p38MAPKalpha (p-p38) in CD133(+) cells were flow
      cytometrically detected. The efficacy of ex vivo expansion was evaluated by the
      density of CD133(+) cell sub-group colony-forming cells (CFC) and cobblestone
      area-forming cells (CAFC) assay. Our results showed decreased ROS levels in NAC,
      SB203580, and their combination treatment groups were almost 37%, 48%, and 85%,
      respectively. Furthermore, SB203580 abrogated the activation of p38MAPKalpha more
      obviously than NAC. Moreover, the CD133(+) cells in SB203580 treatment group had
      a 21.93+/-1.36-fold increase, and 14.50+/-1.19-fold increase in NAC treatment
      group, but only 10.13+/-0.57-fold increase in control group. In addition,
      SB203580 treatment led a higher level increase in the number of CFU and CAFC than
      NAC did. These findings suggested that, in expanded CD133(+) cells, ROS activates
      p38MAPKalpha, which, in turn, induces ROS production, and p38MAPKalpha might be
      the most suitable regulator in ROS-p38MAPKalpha pathway for the promotion of HSCs
      ex vivo expansion.

PMID- 22038346
TI  - P-450-dependent epoxygenase pathway of arachidonic acid is involved in myeloma
      induced angiogenesis of endothelial cells.
AB  - P-450-dependent epoxygenase pathway of arachidonic acid and the products of
      epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EETs) have been demonstrated to be involved in
      angiogenesis and tumor progression. This study examined the expression of EETs
      and the role of the pathway in the angiogenesis of multiple myeloma (MM). MM cell
      lines of U266 and RPMI8226 were cultured, and the EETs levels (11, 12-EET and 14,
      15-EET) in the supernatant were determined by ELISA. Human umbilical vein
      endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cultured and used for analysis of the
      angiogenesis activity of the two MM cell lines, which was examined both in vitro
      and in vivo by employing MTT, chemotaxis, tube formation and matrigel plug
      assays. 11, 12-EET and 14, 15-EET were found in the supernatant of the cultured
      MM cells. The levels of the two EETs in the supernatant of U266 cells were
      significantly higher than those in the RPMI8226 cell supernatant (P<0.05), and
      the levels paralleled the respective angiogenesis activity of the two different
      MM cell lines. 17-octadecynoic acid (17-ODYA), as a specific inhibitor of P450
      enzyme, suppressed HUVECs proliferation and tube formation induced by MM cells.
      Furthermore, 17-ODYA decreased the EET levels in the supernatant of MM cells.
      These results suggest that EETs may play an important role in the angiogenesis of
      MM, and the inhibitor 17-ODYA suppresses this effect.

PMID- 22038347
TI  - The elevated expression of osteopontin and NF-kappaB in human aortic aneurysms
      and its implication.
AB  - The expression and significance of osteopontin (OPN) and NF-kappaB in patients
      with thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) were
      investigated. Thirteen TAA specimens, 20 AAA specimens and 6 normal aortic
      specimens were collected. The expression of OPN, nuclear factor-kappaB P65 (NF
      kappaB P65), urokinase plasminogen activator (uPA), matrix metalloproteinase-2
      (MMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) were detected by using
      immunohistochemistry and Western blotting was employed to determine the
      expression of OPN and NF-kappaB P65. Immunohistochemical results showed that the
      expression of OPN, NF-kappaB P65, uPA, MMP-2 and MMP-9 was positive in all TAA
      and AAA specimens and negative in normal specimens, with the difference being
      statistically significant (P<0.05). There was no difference in the expression
      between TAA and AAA specimens (P>0.05). Correlation analysis revealed that there
      existed a positive correlation between the expression of OPN and that of NF
      kappaB P65, uPA, MMP-2 and MMP-9 and between the expression of NF-kappaB P65 and
      that of uPA, MMP-2, MMP-9 (P<0.05). Western blotting demonstrated that OPN and NF
      kappaB P65 were positive in AAA and TAA specimens, and negative in normal
      specimens with the differences being statistically significant (P<0.05). There
      were no statistically significant differences in the expression of OPN and NF
      kappaB P65 between AAA and TAA specimens (P>0.05). It was concluded that OPN and
      NF-kappaB P65 were involved in the pathogenesis of TAA and AAA. OPN can up
      regulate the expression of MMP and uPA via NF-kappaB signaling pathway thereby
      accelerating the degradation of extracellular matrix and playing an important
      role in the pathogenesis and development of TAA and AAA.

PMID- 22038348
TI  - TMTP1, a novel tumor-homing peptide, specifically targets hematological
      malignancies and their metastases.
AB  - TMTP1, a 5-amino acid peptide NVVRQ, obtained by using the flagella peptide
      library screening in our previous studies, can be used for the labeling of
      malignant in situ and metastatic lesions, and even micro-metastases. In this
      study, TMTP1 was assessed for its ability to specifically target the malignant
      hematopoietic cells and metastatic lesions of hematological malignancies. FITC
      TMTP1 was chemically synthesized. Immunofluorescence assay and competitive test
      were carried out to determine the specific binding capacity of TMTPl to
      hematological malignant cell lines, including HL60, k562, SHI-1, Jurkat, Raji, El
      4 and umbilical cord blood mononuclear cells. Mononuclear cells were isolated
      from the bone marrow of healthy subjects and patients with chronic myeloid
      leukemia. Then the cells were co-cultured with TMTP1 or scrambled peptides and
      the binding and affinity of TMTP1 peptide to the primary cells of hematological
      malignancies were flow cytometrically analyzed. The binding specificity of TMTP1
      to target hematological malignancies was measured in vivo by intravenous
      injection of FITC-conjugated TMTP1 into El-4 lymphoma-bearing mice. The results
      showed that TMTP1 specifically bound to the cells of a series of hematological
      malignancies, including HL60, k562, Jurkat, Raji, El-4 and chronic myeloid
      leukemia primary cells but not to bone marrow mononuclear cells from healthy
      subjects. By contrast, TMTP1 could bind to the metastatic foci of lymphoma
      originating from the EL-4 cell line while the scrambled peptide failed to do so.
      Moreover, the occult metastases could be identified, with high specificity, by
      detecting FITC-TMTP1. We are led to conclude that TMTP1, as a novel tumor-homing
      peptide, can serve as a marker for primary malignant and metastatic lesions for
      the early diagnosis of hematological malignances and a carrier of anticancer
      drugs for cancer treatment.

PMID- 22038349
TI  - Comparative study on the efficacy of tiotropium bromide inhalation and oral
      doxofylline treatment of moderate to severe stable chronic obstructive pulmonary
      disease.
AB  - This study compared the efficacy and safety of tiotropium bromide inhalation
      powder (spiriva) and doxofylline oral tablet (doxofylline) in the treatment of
      chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A multi-center, randomized, double
      blind, double-dummy, parallel-controlled study involved 127 eligible stable
      moderate to severe COPD patients treated with inhaled tiotropium dry powder (18
      MUg/day) or oral doxofylline tablets (0.2 g/time, 2 times a day) for 12 and 24
      weeks. Before and after treatment for 12 weeks and 24 weeks, respectively,
      pulmonary function, 6-min walking distance and dyspnea index were recorded. The
      results showed that in both tiotropium group and doxofylline groups, after 12
      week treatment, FEV(1), FEV(1)/FVC% and 6-min walk distance were significantly
      higher than those before the medication, while dyspnea index decreased as
      compared with that before treatment. After 24-week treatment, a slight
      improvement in the measures was observed as compared with that of 12-weeks
      treatment, but the difference was not statistically significant. With both 12
      week and 24-week treatment, the effect of tiotropium was slightly better than
      that of doxofylline tablets, with the difference being statistically
      insignificant. The major adverse events in the tiotropium group and doxofylline
      group were observed in 9 cases (9.9%) and 12 cases (12.9%), respectively, and no
      statistically significant difference was found between them. We are led to
      conclude that both tiotropium at 18 MUg a day and doxofylline tablets at 0.2
      g/day (two times a day) are effective and safe for the treatment of COPD.

PMID- 22038350
TI  - Effects of exogenous VEGF(165)b on invasion and migration of human lung
      adenocarcinoma A549 cells.
AB  - Vascular endothelial growth factor 165 (VEGF(165))-mediated autocrine stimulation
      of tumor cells enhances the progression to a malignant phenotype. VEGF(165)b
      competes with VEGF(165) and binds to vascular endothelial growth factor receptor
      (VEGFR), resulting in inhibition of downstream signal transduction pathways. This
      study was designed to investigate the role of VEGF(165)b in the migration and
      invasion of human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cells. The full-length of VEGF(165)b
      was constructed and cloned into an expression plasmid (pVEGF(165)b), and then
      transfected into A549 cells. Dimethylthiazolyl- 1 -2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium
      bromide (MTT) assay was used to detect the effect of VEGF(165)b on proliferation
      of transfected cells. Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)
      was employed to examine the effect of VEGF(165)b on the expression of VEGF(165)
      in transfected cells. Wound-healing assays were used to investigate the effect of
      VEGF(165)b on migration of transfected cells. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMPs)
      activity assay and in vitro invasion assay were used to determine the role of
      VEGF(165)b in invasion of transfected cells. There was no significant change in
      proliferation of A549 cells after transfection of pVEGF(165)b, but the expression
      of VEGF(165), migration and invasion in A549 cells were inhibited. Furthermore,
      exogenous VEGF(165)b inhibited the activity of MMP9 in the supernatant of A549
      cells and the subsequent invasion capacity of those cells. We therefore conclude
      that exogenous VEGF(165)b can inhibit the expression of VEGF(165), as well as the
      migration and invasion of A549 cells, but has no effect on the proliferation of
      A549 cells.

PMID- 22038351
TI  - Interleukin-10 is expressed in HepG2.2.15 cells and regulated by STAT1 pathway.
AB  - This study investigated the expression profiles of IL-10 gene in three human
      hepatoma cell lines including Huh7, HepG2, and HepG2 transfected with a plasmid
      containing hepatitis B virus (HBV) named HepG2.2.15. RT-PCR analysis demonstrated
      that IL-10 message RNA was absent in HepG2 and Huh7 cells, whereas it was present
      in HepG2.2.15 cells, which was consistent with ELISA result. Furthermore, except
      for lamivudine other antiviral treatments did not significantly decrease the HBV
      DNA level in HepG2.2.15 cells, while they had different effects on the expression
      of IL-10 protein, although stimulation by LPS had no significant effect. In
      addition, except for poly(I:C), the other treatments decreased the expression of
      IL-10 protein to different degrees, but had no significant effects on the
      expression of NF-kappaB and MyD88. Meanwhile, all treatments we used had effect
      on the expression of STAT1. In conclusion, IL-10 was expressed in HepG2.2.15
      cells and STAT1 pathway might be involved in the regulation of IL-10 expression
      in HepG2.2.15 cells, but it was not the sole pathway, the exact mechanism
      warrants further study.

PMID- 22038352
TI  - Effects of hydrogen sulfide on a rat model of sepsis-associated encephalopathy.
AB  - To investigate the interaction and involvement of sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS), a
      H(2)S donor, on hippocampus of rats suffering from sepsis-associated
      encephalopathy, rats were subjected to cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced
      sepsis. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups:
      Sham group, CLP group, CLP+NaHS group and CLP+aminooxyacetic acid (AOAA, an
      inhibitor of H(2)S formation) group. The four groups were observed at 3, 6, 9, 12
      h after treatment. We examined hippocampal H(2)S synthesis and the expression of
      cystathionine-beta-synthetase (CBS), a major enzyme involved in the H(2)S
      synthesis in hippocampus. CBS expression was detected by reverse transcription
      polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The concentrations of inflammatory cytokines
      (TNF-alpha, IL-1beta) were determined in hippocampus by using enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Neuronal damage was studied by histological
      examination of hippocampus. In CLP group, H(2)S synthesis was significantly
      increased in hippocampus compared with sham group and it peaked 3 h after CLP
      (P<0.05). Sepsis also resulted in a significantly upregulated CBS mRNA in
      hippocampus. The levels of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta in the hippocampus were
      substantially elevated at each time point of measurement (P<0.05), and they also
      reached a peak value at about 3 h. Administration of NaHS significantly
      aggravated sepsis-associated hippocampus inflammation, as evidenced by TNF-alpha
      and IL-1beta activity and histological changes in hippocampus. In septic rats
      pretreated with AOAA, sepsis-associated hippocampus inflammation was reduced. It
      is concluded that the rats subjected to sepsis may suffer from brain injury and
      elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines are responsible for the process. Furthermore,
      administration of H(2)S can increase injurious effects and treatment with AOAA
      can protect the brain from injury.

PMID- 22038353
TI  - Are surgical indications of Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer staging classification
      justified?
AB  - Liver resection is the most effective treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma
      (HCC). The Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) staging system is commonly
      accepted as a guideline for HCC treatment, but it only recommends liver resection
      for the patients with HCC at stage 0 to A1. The surgical indications of the BCLC
      staging system need to be re-evaluated. 120 HCC patients undergoing curative
      liver resection were retrospectively stratified to the BCLC staging system, and
      the survival of the patients at stages A, B and C was analyzed. The justification
      of the BCLC staging system was re-evaluated. Fifty-two patients were classified
      at stage A, 51 at stage B and 17 at stage C respectively. The hospital mortality
      of this cohort was zero and the morbidity was 24.1%. The 1-, 2-, 3-year overall
      survival rate of this cohort was 81.6%, 68.3%, and 57.5% respectively. There was
      no significant difference in the survival rate between the patients at stage A
      and B (P>0.05). If the treatment guidelines of BCLC staging system were followed,
      the majority of the patients at stages A and B (77.7%, 80/103) would not have
      been treated surgically. Our data suggest that the surgical indications of the
      BCLC staging system are not justified for HCC treatment. More studies may be
      needed as for how to further broaden the surgical indications of the BCLC staging
      system in the future.

PMID- 22038354
TI  - Up-regulation of Tim-3 expression contributes to development of burn-induced T
      cell immune suppression in mice.
AB  - T cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain 3 (Tim-3) is well known to negatively
      regulate T cells responses, but its role in burn-induced T cells immune
      suppression remains unclear. In the present study, in order to identify the
      relationship between Tim-3 expression and post-burn T cells immune suppression,
      C57BL/6 mice were subjected to burn injury or sham injury, and the liver and
      spleen were harvested at the day 1 after operation. The expression level of Tim-3
      on hepatic or splenic T cells and the functional properties of Tim-3(+) T cells
      were evaluated. It was found burn injury induced dramatically elevated Tim-3
      expression on both hepatic and splenic CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells in contrast with
      the post-burn depletion of T cells. Furthermore, Tim-3 expression was correlated
      with the suppressive phenotype of T cells following burn injury, including
      increased expression of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, decreased expression of
      pro-inflammatory cytokines IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha, reduced T cell proliferation
      and elevated co-expression of Tim-3 and PD-1. Moreover, Tim-3(+) T cells subsets
      were more prone to spontaneous apoptosis than Tim-3(-) T cells subsets. Our
      findings reinforce the idea that the up-regulated expression of Tim-3 on T cells
      after burn injury plays an important role in the development and maintenance of
      burn-induced T cell immune suppression.

PMID- 22038355
TI  - Neuroprotection of erythropoietin and methylprednisolone against spinal cord
      ischemia-reperfusion injury.
AB  - Recent research based on various animal models has shown the neuroprotective
      effects of erythropoietin (EPO). However, few studies have examined such effects
      of EPO in the clinic. In this study we enrolled patients with spinal cord
      ischemia-reperfusion (I-R) injury to investigate the clinical application of EPO
      and methylprednisolone (MP) for the neuroprotection against spinal cord I-R
      injury. Retrospective analysis of 63 cases of spinal cord I-R injury was
      performed. The Frankel neurological performance scale was used to evaluate the
      neurological function after spinal cord injury (SCI), including 12 cases of scale
      B, 30 cases of scale C, and 21 cases of scale D. These cases were divided into 2
      groups: group A (27 cases) got treatment with both EPO and MP; group B (36 cases)
      got treatment with MP only. The neurological function of patients after treatment
      was evaluated by American Spinal Cord Injury Association (ASIA) index score, and
      activity of daily living (ADL) of the patients was also recorded. All patients
      got follow-up and the follow-up period ranged from 24 to 39 months (mean 26
      months). There was no significance difference in neurological function between
      groups A and B before the treatment (P>0.05). However, the neurological function
      and ADL scores were significantly improved 1 week, 1 year or 2 years after the
      treatment compared to those before the treatment (P<0.05), and the improvement
      was more significant in group A than in group B (P<0.05). It is suggested that
      the clinical application of EPO and MP provides the neuroprotection against
      spinal cord I-R injury.

PMID- 22038357
TI  - Components in melanoma cytoplasm might induce murine BMSCs transformation and
      expression of Melan-A.
AB  - This study explored the possibility that the components in melanoma cytoplasm
      induce murine BMSCs transformation and expression of Melan-A by morphologically
      observing the changes of BMSCs and immunocytochemically detecting Melan-A in the
      cells after culturing BMSCs in medium containing melanoma cytoplasm components
      (MCC). MCC of B16 melanoma cells was prepared and BMSCs were cultured and induced
      by adding the MCC into culture medium. The cells were morphologically observed
      and Melan-A was immunohistochemically detected to confirm BMSCs transformation.
      MCC-induced BMSCs underwent morphological changes. A number of melanin granules
      appeared in the cytoplasm of the cells and some were released into surrounding
      areas. Several cells that might come from one cell formed a cluster, and their
      granules, together with those secreted by other induced BMSCs, formed a so-called
      "sphere-formed structure". The induced BMSCs expressed Melan-A. We are led to
      conclude that there might be some factors in the cytoplasm of melanoma cells that
      might induce BMSCs transformation toward melanogenic cell, or even melanoma.

PMID- 22038356
TI  - Specific inhibitory protein Dkk-1 blocking Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway
      improve protectives effect on the extracellular matrix.
AB  - The present study examined the role of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway in the
      degeneration of nucleus pulposus cells and the protective effect of DKK1 on
      nucleus pulposus cells. The model of nucleus pulposus cell degeneration was
      induced by intra-disc injection of TNF-alpha, and the expression of beta-catenin
      protein was detected by Western blotting. The cultured rabbit nucleus pulposus
      cells were divided into 4 groups. In group A, the cells were cultured with normal
      medium and served as control group. In group B, the cells were cultured with TNF
      alpha and acted as degeneration group. In group C, the cells were cultured with
      TNF-alpha and transfected with Adv-eGFP and was used as fluorescence control
      group. In group D, the cells were cultured with TNF-alpha and transfected with
      Adv-hDKK1-eGFP, serving as intervention group. The expression of type II
      collagen, proteoglycan, beta-catenin, and MMP-13 in each group was detected by
      immunocytochemistry and RT-PCR. The result showed that TNF-alpha increased the
      expression of beta-catenin and MMP-13, and significantly inhibited the synthesis
      of type II collagen and proteoglycan, which resulted in the degeneration of
      nucleus pulposus cells. This effect could be obviously reversed by DKK1. We are
      led to concluded that TNF-alpha could activate the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling
      pathway, and increase the expression of MMP-13, thereby resulting in disc
      degeneration. Specifically blocking Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway by DKK-1
      could protect the normal metabolism of intervertebral disc tissue. The Wnt
      pathway plays an important role in the progression of the intervertebral disc
      degeneration.

PMID- 22038358
TI  - Effect of over-expressed LRIG3 on cell cycle and survival of glioma cells.
AB  - This study examined the effects of over-expression of leucine-rich repeats and
      immunoglobulin-like domains 3 (LRIG3) on the cell cycle and survival of human
      glioma cell line U87 and U251 and explored the possible mechanisms. The LRIG3
      gene was transduced into U87 and U251 cells respectively by using lentivirus and
      the transduced cells were selected by puromycin. The changes in LRIG3 mRNA and
      protein levels were measured by RT-PCR and Western blotting. The apoptosis rate
      was detected by Annexin V-FITC/PI double labeling and the cell cycle was flow
      cytometrically analyzed. Compared with control cells, LRIG3 mRNA expression in
      U251 and U87 cells transduced with pLVX-DsRed-LRIG3-Monomer-N1 were increased by
      77.6% and 129.7%, and LRIG3 protein expression was raised by 141.3% and 322.7%,
      respectively. Cell cycle analysis showed that LRIG3 over-expression increased the
      percentage of cells at G(0)/G(1) phase (P<0.01). Over-expressed LRIG3 could
      significantly promote the apoptosis of U87 and U251 cells (P<0.05). These
      findings suggest that the over-expression of LRIG3 could arrest the cell cycle in
      G(0)/G(1) phase, and promote apoptosis of U87 and U251 cells.

PMID- 22038359
TI  - Antilithic effects of extracts from Urtica dentata hand on calcium oxalate
      urinary stones in rats.
AB  - This study examined the potential antilithic effects of a traditional Chinese
      medicine Urtica dentata Hand (UDH) in experimental rats and screened the optimal
      extract of UDH as a possible therapeutic agent for kidney stones. The rat model
      of urinary calcium oxalate stones was induced by intragastric (i.g.)
      administration of 2 mL of 1.25% ethylene glycol (EG) and 1% ammonium chloride
      (AC) for 28 days and was confirmed by Color Doppler ultrasound imaging. The rats
      in different experimental groups were then intragastrically given petroleum ether
      extract (PEE), N-butanol extract (NBE), aqueous extract (AqE) of UDH, Jieshitong
      (positive control drug), and saline, respectively. Treatment with NBE
      significantly reduced the elevated levels of urinary calcium, uric acid,
      phosphate, as well as increased urinary output. Accordingly, the increased
      calcium, oxalate levels and the number of calcium oxalate crystals deposits were
      remarkably reverted in the renal tissue of NBE-treated rats. In addition, NBE
      also prevented the impairment of renal function to decrease the contents of blood
      urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine. Taken together, these data suggest that NBE
      of UDH has a beneficial effect on calcium oxalate urinary stones in rats by
      flushing the stones out and protecting renal function.

PMID- 22038360
TI  - Design and efficacy of surgery for horizontal idiopathic nystagmus with abnormal
      head posture and strabismus.
AB  - The design and efficacy of surgery for horizontal idiopathic nystagmus (HIN) with
      abnormal head posture and strabismus were investigated. Different surgical
      procedures were selected according to the angle of head turn in 44 cases of HIN
      with abnormal head posture and strabismus. For patients with a head turn of 15
      degrees  or less, the Anderson procedure was used; the yoke muscles were recessed
      upon slow-phase. For patients with a head turn between 15 degrees  and 25 degrees
      , the surgery was designed as a Kestenbaum 5-4-4-5 procedure. For patients with a
      head turn of 25 degrees  or more, the surgery was designed as a Parks 5-8-6-7
      procedure. The surgery to correct the abnormal head posture was performed on the
      fixating eye while that to correct the deviation was then performed on the non
      fixating eye at the same time. The amount of surgery of the horizontal rectus
      muscles on the non-fixating eye was sum of the angle of head turn and the degree
      of deviation, which was calculated as follows: recession/resection amount of
      medial and lateral rectis / 2*5 =angle of head turn +/- degree of deviation. The
      results showed as follows: (1) Visual acuity: the visual acuity in the primary
      ocular position increased two lines or more in 35 patients, accounting for
      79.55%. Nine patients had no or only one-line improvement, accounting for 20.45%
      of the entire study population; (2) The degree of deviation in the primary ocular
      position: 37 cases had a normal primary ocular position or the degree of
      deviation <= 8(delta) after surgery, accounting for 84.09%. Six patients had a
      residual degree of deviation of 8(delta)-15(delta), accounting for 13.64%. One
      patient had a residual degree of deviation >20(delta), accounting for 2.27% of
      the patients examined; (3) Abnormal head posture: 34 patients had a normal head
      posture or a head turn of less than 5 degrees , accounting for 72.27%. Eight
      patients had a residual head turn of 5 degrees -15 degrees , accounting for
      18.18%. Two patients had a head turn of 15 degrees -25 degrees , accounting for
      4.55%. It was concluded that different surgical procedures based on the angle of
      head turn and the relationship between deviation and null zone can eliminate
      anomalous head posture, correct deviation, and improve vision acuity in the
      primary ocular position.

PMID- 22038361
TI  - Muscarinic acetylcholine receptor subtype expression in type vestibular hair
      cells of guinea pigs.
AB  - Recent studies have demonstrated that five subtypes (M1-M5) of muscarinic
      acetylcholine receptor (mAChR) are expressed in the vestibular periphery.
      However, the exact cellular location of the mAChRs is not clear. In this study,
      we investigated whether there is the expression of M1-M5 muscarinic receptor mRNA
      in isolated type II vestibular hair cells of guinea pig by using single-cell RT
      PCR. In vestibular end-organ, cDNA of the expected size was obtained by RT-PCR.
      Moreover, mRNA was identified by RT-PCR from individually isolated type II
      vestibular hair cells (single-cell RT-PCR). Sequence analysis confirmed that the
      products were M1-M5 mAChR. These results demonstrated that M1-M5 mAChR was
      expressed in the type II vestibular hair cells of the guinea pig, which lends
      further support for the role of M1-M5 mAChR as a mediator of efferent cholinergic
      signalling pathway in vestibular hair cells.

PMID- 22038363
TI  - A novel technique for the preparation of (125)I-5-trimethylstannyl-1-(2-deoxy-2
      fluoro-beta-D-arabino-furanosyl) uracil [correction of urail] and its
      biodistribution pattern in Kunming mice.
AB  - In this study, a novel technique for the preparation of (125)I-5-trimethylstannyl
      1-(2-deoxy-2-fluoro-beta-D-arabinofuranosyl) urail (FIAU) was developed, (125)I
      FIAU biodistribution profile was detected in Kunming mice and the possibility of
      using FTAU radio-labeling for reporter gene imaging was explored. 5
      trimethylstannyl-1-(2-deoxy-2-fluoro-beta-D-arabinofuranosyl) urail (FTAU) was
      labeled with radioiodine ((125)I). A rotary evaporation method was used to remove
      excess methanol. The reactant was purified through a Sep-Pak C18 reversal phase
      column. The radiochemical purity and in vivo stability were determined using
      silica gel thin layer chromatography (TLC). The biodistribution of (125)I-FIAU in
      Kunming mice was also detected. The results showed that (125)I-FIAU could be
      radiolabeled effectively with FTAU, with mean labeling rate being (81+/-0.38)% (n
      =5). The mean radiochemical purity of (98.01+/-0.40)% (n=5) was achieved after a
      reversal phase Sep-park column purification. (125)I-FIAU was stable when
      incubated in normal human serum or in saline at 37 degrees C, with a
      radiochemical purity >96% during a 0.5-24 h time period. Biological experiments
      exhibited rapid clearance of (125)I-FIAU from the blood pool. (125)I-FIAU was
      mostly excreted by kidneys. (125)I-FIAU in myocardium dropped conspicuously after
      8 h and there was hardly retention at 24 h. We were led to concluded that the new
      method of radioiodinization of FTAU for the preparation of (125)I-FIAU is easy,
      highly effective and stable in vivo. The biodistribution of (125)I-FIAU in
      Kunming mice showed it can serve as an imaging probe for myocardial reporter
      genes.

PMID- 22038362
TI  - Non-invasive prenatal diagnosis of trisomy 21 by dosage ratio of fetal chromosome
      specific epigenetic markers in maternal plasma.
AB  - This study examined the methylation difference in AIRE and RASSF1A between
      maternal and placental DNA, and the implication of this difference in the
      identification of free fetal DNA in maternal plasma and in prenatal diagnosis of
      trisomy 21. Maternal plasma samples were collected from 388 singleton
      pregnancies, and placental or chorionic villus tissues from 112 of them.
      Methylation-specific PCR (MSP) and methylation-sensitive restriction enzyme
      digestion followed by fluorescent quantitative PCR (MSRE + PCR) were employed to
      detect the maternal-fetal methylation difference in AIRE and RASSF1A. Diagnosis
      of trisomy 21 was established according to the ratio of fetal-specific AIRE to
      RASSF1A in maternal plasma. Both methods confirmed that AIRE and RASSF1A were
      hypomethylated in maternal blood cells but hypermethylated in placental or
      chorionic villus tissues. Moreover, the differential methylation for each locus
      could be seen during the whole pregnant period. The positive rates of fetal AIRE
      and RASSF1A in maternal plasma were found to be 78.1% and 82.1% by MSP and 94.8%
      and 96.9% by MSRE + PCR. MSRE + PCR was superior to MSP in the identification of
      fetal-specific hypermethylated sequences (P<0.05). Based on the data from 266
      euploidy pregnancies, the 95% reference interval of the fetal AIRE/RASSF1A ratio
      in maternal plasma was 0.33-1.77, which was taken as the reference value for
      determining the numbers of fetal chromosome 21 in 102 pregnancies. The accuracy
      rate in 98 euploidy pregnancies was 96.9% (95/98). Three of the four trisomy 21
      pregnancies were confirmed with this method. It was concluded that
      hypermethylated AIRE and RASSF1A may serve as fetal-specific markers for the
      identification of fetal DNA in maternal plasma and may be used for noninvasive
      prenatal diagnosis of trisomy 21.

PMID- 22038364
TI  - An open CAM system for dentistry on the basis of China-made 5-axis simultaneous
      contouring CNC machine tool and industrial CAM software.
AB  - China-made 5-axis simultaneous contouring CNC machine tool and domestically
      developed industrial computer-aided manufacture (CAM) technology were used for
      full crown fabrication and measurement of crown accuracy, with an attempt to
      establish an open CAM system for dental processing and to promote the
      introduction of domestic dental computer-aided design (CAD)/CAM system.
      Commercially available scanning equipment was used to make a basic digital tooth
      model after preparation of crown, and CAD software that comes with the scanning
      device was employed to design the crown by using domestic industrial CAM software
      to process the crown data in order to generate a solid model for machining
      purpose, and then China-made 5-axis simultaneous contouring CNC machine tool was
      used to complete machining of the whole crown and the internal accuracy of the
      crown internal was measured by using 3D-MicroCT. The results showed that China
      made 5-axis simultaneous contouring CNC machine tool in combination with domestic
      industrial CAM technology can be used for crown making and the crown was well
      positioned in die. The internal accuracy was successfully measured by using 3D
      MicroCT. It is concluded that an open CAM system for dentistry on the basis of
      China-made 5-axis simultaneous contouring CNC machine tool and domestic
      industrial CAM software has been established, and development of the system will
      promote the introduction of domestically-produced dental CAD/CAM system.

PMID- 22038365
TI  - Correlation study on expression of GST-pi protein in brain tissue and peripheral
      blood of epilepsy rats induced by pilocarpine.
AB  - Previous studies have suggested that glutathione-S-transferase pi (GST-pi) over
      expression in the brain tissue is associated with refractory epilepsy. However,
      whether the change in GST-pi level in the peripheral blood is in line with that
      in brain tissue remains unknown. This study examined the correlation between GST
      pi in brain tissue and that in peripheral blood in rat models of pilocarpine
      induced refractory epilepsy. The animals were divided into drug-resistant group
      and drug-responsive group according to the response to anti-epileptic drugs. GST
      pi expression in brain tissue was immunohistochemically determined, while the
      expression of GST-pi in peripheral blood was analyzed by Western blotting. In the
      hippocampus and cortex, GST-pi was mainly found in the cytoplasm and membrane of
      neurons, and the GST-pi expression level was higher in drug-resistant group than
      in the drug-responsive group and saline control group (P<0.05). Moreover, there
      was no significant difference between responders and saline control animals
      (P>0.05). The change in expression of GST-pi in peripheral blood showed the same
      pattern as that in brain tissues, suggesting GST-pi might contribute to drug
      resistance in epilepsy. Importantly, the GST-pi over-expression in peripheral
      blood could be used as a marker for resistance to anti-epileptic agents.

PMID- 22038366
TI  - A meta-analysis of the biomarkers associated with coronary artery lesions
      secondary to Kawasaki disease in Chinese children.
AB  - The biomarkers associated with coronary artery lesions (CAL) secondary to
      Kawasaki disease (KD) in Chinese children were investigated by using Meta
      analysis. We searched documents published from January 1997 to December 2009 from
      medical electronic databases. According to inclusion and exclusion criteria,
      eligible full-text papers were identified. We conducted a comprehensive
      quantitative analysis by using Stata10.0 statistical software package to assess
      the heterogeneity among the documents, calculated the summary effect and analyze
      publication bias and sensitivity. A total of 92 documents and 16 biomarkers were
      identified. All documents were case-control studies, and included 2398 patients
      in CAL group and 5932 patients in non-CAL (NCAL) group. The Meta-analysis showed
      that the levels of platelet count, platelet hematocrit (PCT), neutrophils count,
      platelet distribution width (PDW), mean platelet volume (MPV), erythrocyte
      sedimentation rate (ESR), cardiac troponin I (cTnI), and endothelin-1 (ET-1) in
      CAL group were significantly higher than those in NCAL group, and serum albumin
      (Alb) and hemoglobin (Hb) levels were significantly lower in CAL group (all
      P<0.05). White blood cell (WBC) count, serum sodium, matrix metalloproteinase 9
      (MMP-9), total cholesterol (TC), hematocrit (HCT) and CD3+T lymphocytes
      percentage had no statistically significant difference between the two groups. In
      conclusion, our results indicated that the 10 biomarkers including platelet
      count, neutrophils count, PCT, PDW, MPV, ESR, cTnI, ET-1, Alb and Hb were
      associated with CAL, and may be involved in the pathogenesis of CAL. The
      biomarkers of WBC count, serum sodium, MMP-9, TC, HCT, and CD3+T lymphocytes
      percentage bore no relationship with the development of CAL among Chinese
      children with KD.

PMID- 22038367
TI  - Correlation analysis on total lymphocyte count and CD4 count in HIV-infected
      patients: a retrospective evaluation.
AB  - CD4 count is the standard method for determining eligibility for highly active
      antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and monitoring HIV/AIDS disease progression, but
      it is not widely available in resource-limited settings. This study examined the
      correlation between total lymphocyte count (TLC) and CD4 count of HIV-infected
      patients before and after HAART, and assessed the thresholds of TLC for making
      decisions about the initiation and for monitoring HAART. A retrospective study
      was performed, and 665 HIV-infected patients with TLC and CD4 count from four
      counties (Shangcai, Queshan, Shenqiu and Weishi) were included in the study.
      Pearson correlation and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) were used. TLC
      and CD4 count after HAART was significantly increased as compared with pre-HAART
      (P<0.01). An overall positive correlation was noted between TLC and CD4 count
      (pre-HAART, r=0.73, P=0.0001; follow-up HAART, r=0.56, P=0.0001). The ROC curve
      between TLC and CD4 count showed that TLC <= 1200 cells/mm(3) could predict CD4 <
      200 cells/mm(3) with a sensitivity of 71.12%, specificity of 66.35% at pre-HAART.
      After 12-month HAART, the optimum prediction for CD4 count < 200 cells/mm3 was a
      TLC <= 1300 cells/mm(3), with a sensitivity of 63.27%, and a specificity of
      74.84%. Further finding indicated that TLC change was positively correlated to
      CD4 change (r=0.77, P=0.0001) at the time point of 12-month treatment, and the
      best prediction point of TLC change for CD4 increasing was 135 cells/mm(3). TLC
      and its change can be used as a surrogate marker for CD4 count and its change of
      HIV-infected individuals for making decisions about the initiation and for
      monitoring HAART in resource-limited settings.

PMID- 22038368
TI  - Clinical and histopathological review of 229 cases of ranula.
AB  - The purpose of this paper was to evaluate the relationship between the thrombosis
      and secretory duct dilation, lesion size, clinical types, nature (primary or
      recurrent) and duration of illness in the development of ranula. A total of 229
      cases of sublingual gland cysts were treated with surgical resection from Jan.
      1990 to Feb. 2010. The patients' data were investigated on histopathological
      findings, size of ranula, the clinical types, nature of ranula (primary or
      recurrent) and duration of illness. Sections from the paraffin-embedded blocks
      were HE-stained. CK expression was immunohistochemically detected. Among 229
      cases the incidence of venous thrombosis was 58.52%. The incidence of venous
      thrombosis with or without duct dilation was 73.25% and 26.39% respectively, with
      a significant difference between the two groups (P<0.005). The incidence of
      venous thrombosis of ranulas with diameter larger or less than 3 cm was 72.22%
      and 46.28% (P<0.005). The incidence of venous thrombosis of oral ranula, plunging
      ranula and mixed ranula was 49.37%, 77.19% and 85.71% respectively, with a
      significant difference found between oral and plunging or mixed ranula (P<0.01).
      The incidence of venous thrombosis in ranula patients with duration of illness
      longer or less than 3 months was 69.77% and 51.75% (P<0.01). The incidence of
      venous thrombosis with recurrent and primary ranulas was 51.85% and 64.85%,
      without a significant difference noted between them (P>0.05). It is concluded
      that the formation of venous thrombosis was related to the dilation of secretory
      duct, lesion size, clinical types, duration of lesion but formation of venous
      thrombosis was not related to the nature (primary or recurrent) of ranulas.

PMID- 22038369
TI  - Intense association of non-culturable endophytic bacteria with antibiotic
      cleansed in vitro watermelon and their activation in degenerating cultures.
AB  - The study was undertaken with a view to unravel the source of bacterial colony
      growth observed in a section of micropropagated triploid watermelon cultures that
      were supposedly cleansed of the associated endophytic bacteria through antibiotic
      treatment, and thereafter maintained under stringent sterility checks to prevent
      lateral intrusion of contaminants. Five different bacteria were retrieved from
      colony growth-displaying watermelon cultures that were previously treated with
      gentamycin and five isolates from cefazolin-treated stocks with the organisms
      showing tolerance to the respective antibiotic. These watermelon cultures were in
      degeneration phase (over 6 months after the previous sub-culturing), while the
      actively maintained counterpart stocks appeared healthy with no colony growth on
      different bacteriological media during tissue-screenings. The latter cultures,
      however, revealed abundant motile, tetrazolium-stained bacterial cells in
      microscopy, suggesting tissue colonization by non-culturable endophytes. PCR
      screening on healthy cultures endorsed tissue colonization by different bacterial
      phylogenic groups. A few organisms could be activated to cultivation from healthy
      watermelon stocks through host tissue extract supplementation, which also
      enhanced the growth of all the organisms. The study indicated that a fraction of
      antibiotic-tolerant bacteria survived intra-tissue in non-culturable form during
      the preceding cleansing activity, multiplied to substantial numbers thereafter,
      and turned cultivable in degenerating cultures contributed by tissue breakdown
      products. This study brings out the existence of a deep endophyte association in
      tissue cultures which is not easily dissociable. It also signifies the utility of
      in vitro system for investigations into plant-endophyte association and to bring
      normally non-culturable novel organisms to cultivation facilitating their future
      exploitation.

PMID- 22038370
TI  - An ethylene response factor (ERF5) promoting adaptation to drought and salt
      tolerance in tomato.
AB  - A novel member of the AP2/ERF transcription factor family, SlERF5, was identified
      from a tomato mature leaf cDNA library screen. The complete DNA sequence of
      SlERF5 encodes a putative 244-amino acid DNA-binding protein which most likely
      acts as a transcriptional regulator and is a member of the ethylene responsive
      factor (ERF) superfamily. Analysis of the deduced SlERF5 protein sequence showed
      that it contained an ERF domain and belonged to the class III group of ERFs
      proteins. Expression of SlERF5 was induced by abiotic stress, such as high
      salinity, drought, flooding, wounding and cold temperatures. Over-expression of
      SlERF5 in transgenic tomato plants resulted in high tolerance to drought and salt
      stress and increased levels of relative water content compared with wild-type
      plants. This study indicates that SlERF5 is mainly involved in the responses to
      abiotic stress in tomato.

PMID- 22038371
TI  - Metabolite profiling of the moss Physcomitrella patens reveals evolutionary
      conservation of osmoprotective substances.
AB  - The moss Physcomitrella patens is suitable for systems biology studies, as it can
      be grown axenically under standardised conditions in plain mineral medium and
      comprises only few cell types. We report on metabolite profiling of two major P.
      patens tissues, filamentous protonema and leafy gametophores, from different
      culture conditions. A total of 96 compounds were detected, 21 of them as yet
      unknown in public databases. Protonema and gametophores had distinct metabolic
      profiles, especially with regard to saccharides, sugar derivates, amino acids,
      lignin precursors and nitrogen-rich storage compounds. A hydroponic culture was
      established for P. patens, and was used to apply drought stress under
      physiological conditions. This treatment led to accumulation of osmoprotectants,
      such as altrose, maltitol, ascorbic acid and proline. Thus, these osmoprotectants
      are not unique to seed plants but have evolved at an early phase of the
      colonization of land by plants.

PMID- 22038372
TI  - Genistein downregulates presenilin 1 and ubiquilin 1 expression.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine the effects of several food ingredients
      and chemical inhibitors on the expression of presenilin, a molecule involved in
      gamma-secretase activity and the generation of amyloid-beta peptide in
      Alzheimer's disease. Western blotting revealed the downregulation of presenilin 1
      protein expression by stimulation with genistein in vitro, while the effects on
      presenilin 1 gene expression examined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain
      reaction (RT-PCR) were unaltered in Daudi cells. Genistein likely downregulates
      presenilin via the inhibition of ubiquilin 1 expression in lymphoid cells. Our
      findings provide new insights that may help to establish preventive strategies
      against Alzheimer's disease.

PMID- 22038373
TI  - The impact of self-stigma and mutual help programs on the quality of life of
      people with serious mental illnesses.
AB  - Mutual help programs (MHPs) are informal services developed and operated by
      people with serious mental illnesses for peers with these illnesses. We expect
      MHPs to have positive effects on quality of life and inverse associations with
      self-stigma. We hypothesize group identification and social support to be key
      ingredients that lead to MHPs benefits and hence to also be significant
      correlates. Eighty-five people with serious mental illness reported current and
      past MHP experience and completed self-report measures of quality of life, self
      stigma, group identification, and social support. Self-stigma was shown to be a
      significant and large correlate of quality of life. Satisfaction with current and
      past MHP participation was also associated with quality of life. Group
      identification and satisfaction with one's support network were significantly and
      largely associated with MHP satisfaction. MHPs are a specific example of the
      broader category of consumer operated services which also include drop-in centers
      and education-for-advocacy programs. Findings about group identification will
      inform ongoing development of MHPs and consumer operated services, as well as
      evaluation of these programs.

PMID- 22038374
TI  - Lay diagnoses and views on causes, coping strategies, and treatment for
      schizophrenia.
AB  - We aimed to clarify the relationship between lay diagnoses and perspectives on
      schizophrenia regarding causes, coping strategies, treatments, prognosis with and
      without the help of specialists. Our study sample was 500 adults in Japan.
      Participants read a vignette that depicted moderate to severe schizophrenic
      symptoms and yielded lay diagnoses. They also expressed their perspectives on the
      cause of the status in the vignette and coping strategies. We examined the
      relationship between lay diagnoses and the perspectives. Participants labeled the
      vignette as 'stress' held low expectations for the effectiveness of mental health
      professionals and psychiatric treatment. To enhance mental health literacy, it is
      important to help people distinguish a mental illness from mere stress. Lay
      diagnoses do not necessary have to be detailed, as long as people recognize a
      situation as an illness.

PMID- 22038375
TI  - Case-control study of the relationship of functioning to suicide in a community
      based sample of individuals with schizophrenia in China.
AB  - Suicide is a leading cause of premature death among people with schizophrenia.
      Some studies indicate that increased difficulties in functioning are associated
      with suicidality in persons with schizophrenia. We conducted a secondary analysis
      of 74 suicides (cases) and 24 accidental deaths (controls) among persons with
      schizophrenia identified in a national psychological autopsy study in China.
      Between cases and controls, we compared the effect of schizophrenia on work,
      daily activities, emotions, social relationships and self-care at the time the
      illness was most severe. There was no difference in the overall maximum
      dysfunction associated with the illness between groups. None of the 5 measures
      (work, activities, emotions, relationships, self-care) were different between the
      two groups. This study of individuals with DSM-IV schizophrenia who died by
      suicide in a non-western culture only partially supports findings from clinical
      studies in western cultures.

PMID- 22038376
TI  - Uptake of Web-based clinical resources from the MacArthur Initiative on
      Depression and Primary Care.
AB  - This study assessed the usability and desired enhancements for the MacArthur
      Foundation's Depression and Primary Care (MDPC) Web site to determine if
      resources for integrated depression care that are disseminated through the Web
      site are incorporated into routine clinical care. Since its launch in 2003, more
      than 20,000 users registered as members of the MDPC website to read and download
      depression care resources. Subjects were randomly selected from MDPC Web site
      users who had previously downloaded the depression toolkit. Web-based survey,
      which was administered anonymously, included the following domains: (1) socio
      demographic data, (2) confidence in managing depression (3) Web site content and
      design features, (4) desired enhancements to Web site and content, (5) use of
      resources downloaded from the Web site, and (6) importance of depression care
      resources. Of the 3,478 randomly selected participants, 666 (19.1%) responded.
      Web site content was rated "good" or "excellent" for screening and diagnosis
      (84.3%), treatment (69.8%), patient education (66.2%), and care management
      (66.9%). The Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) was rated "very useful" by
      68.3%; 47.1% reported using it in at least 25% of encounters with patients who
      are depressed. PHQ-9 use was significantly associated with higher self-confidence
      in managing depression (P = 0.05). Evidence-based resources for depression care
      can be disseminated effectively through a dedicated Web site and may help
      clinicians incorporate effective care models into routine practice.

PMID- 22038377
TI  - Doping awareness, views, and experience: a comparison between general
      practitioners and pharmacists.
AB  - PURPOSE: Information about doping awareness among medical professionals is
      scarce. We evaluated the attitudes, level of knowledge and experience among
      general practitioners (GPs) and pharmacists (Ps) with regard to doping. METHODS:
      In a cross-sectional national survey a 59-item self-administered questionnaire
      was sent to a representative random sample of 645 GPs and 330 Ps. RESULTS:
      Overall, 204/975 (133 GPs, 71 Ps) questionnaires were returned and available for
      analysis. Fewer than half (39% GPs vs. 48% Ps, P = 0.702) of respondents were
      familiar with the formal definition of doping. The abbreviation WADA was
      correctly interpreted by 42% (33% vs. 59%, P = 0.003), and 65% knew that the
      European Commission has the legislation to fight against doping. More GPs (69%
      vs. 31%, P = 0.005) agreed to have a role to play in doping prevention, similar
      proportions considering themselves to have sufficient knowledge of prevention
      initiatives (65% vs. 35%, P = 0.369). Overall, 12% of respondents (8.7% GPs,
      19.3% Ps) reported being directly confronted with a request for prescription of
      doping agents in the previous 12 months (mainly stimulants, anabolic agents,
      hormones, corticosteroids). CONCLUSIONS: GPs and Ps are frequently exposed to
      questions about and requests for doping agents. They have acceptable level of
      general knowledge but are in need for more specific information on prohibited
      substances and legislature.

PMID- 22038378
TI  - [Consensus diagnosis and therapy of soft tissue sarcoma].
AB  - Soft tissue sarcomas are heterogeneous tumours and relatively uncommon. There
      have been advances over the past years concerning pathology, clinical behaviour,
      diagnosis strategies and the treatment. To summarize these advances as well as
      making it public is one of the goals of the following consensus guidelines. But
      why do we need special guidelines for Austria? There are international guidelines
      published by the European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO) and the National
      Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). The cause is that we need an explanation of
      the matrix the ESMO and the NCCN gave according to our clinical practice, the
      local requirements and facilities in Austria. The following recommendations were
      drawn up following a consensus meeting of sarcoma specialists from the three high
      volume centres located at the medical universities in Austria. All fields of
      involved physicians from diagnosis to therapy worked together to know that soft
      tissue sarcomas are an interdisciplinary challenge and multimodal treatment is
      essential. For this reason, these guidelines not only explain but also give the
      state of the art and clear recommendations. One of the most important guidelines
      is that any patient with a suspected soft tissue sarcoma should be referred to
      one of the three university centres and managed by a specialist sarcoma
      multidisciplinary team. We hope that the consensus is helpful for the clinical
      practice and improves the quality of care for patients with soft tissue sarcomas
      in Austria.

PMID- 22038379
TI  - Biliary cystadenoma: short- and long-term outcome after radical hepatic
      resection.
AB  - The intrahepatic biliary cystadenoma is a rare benign tumor of the liver,
      originating from an intrahepatic bile duct: it becomes symptomatic only when it
      causes obstruction of the bile duct itself. Regardless of the various diagnostic
      modalities available, it is difficult to distinguish preoperatively the
      cystadenoma both from a simple liver cyst, and from a cystic carcinoma of the
      bile duct. An incomplete surgical removal of the cyst often results in a higher
      risk of size increase and recurrence, even considering that the lesion may
      degenerate into a cystadenocarcinoma. Between January 2004 and May 2011, 1,173
      liver resections were carried out at the Hepatobiliary Surgery Unit of San
      Raffaele Hospital: 12 of these were performed for cystadenoma. Forty-six patients
      underwent laparoscopic liver cysts deroofing: definitive histological examination
      in six of these patients revealed instead the diagnosis of cystadenoma. In 50% of
      cases, the diagnosis of cystadenoma was therefore acquired as a result of an
      incidental finding. The patients were all female, median age 45 years. The liver
      resection included six cases of left hepatectomy, three left lobectomies, and
      three of the right hepatectomy. The operations were performed by laparotomy, with
      the exception of two left lobectomies completed laparoscopically. In all cases,
      the postoperative course was without major complications. The resection was
      radical in all cases and the median hospital stay was 5 days. At a median follow
      up of 16 months (range 7-30), all patients are alive and disease free. Biliary
      cystadenomas can easily be misunderstood and interpreted as simple hepatic cysts.
      Radical surgical resection is necessary and provides good short- and long-term
      outcomes.

PMID- 22038380
TI  - Presence of supercooling-facilitating (anti-ice nucleation) hydrolyzable tannins
      in deep supercooling xylem parenchyma cells in Cercidiphyllum japonicum.
AB  - Xylem parenchyma cells (XPCs) in trees adapt to subzero temperatures by deep
      supercooling. Our previous study indicated the possibility of the presence of
      diverse kinds of supercooling-facilitating (SCF; anti-ice nucleation) substances
      in XPCs of katsura tree (Cercidiphyllum japonicum), all of which might have an
      important role in deep supercooling of XPCs. In the previous study, a few kinds
      of SCF flavonol glycosides were identified. Thus, in the present study, we tried
      to identify other kinds of SCF substances in XPCs of katsura tree. SCF substances
      were purified from xylem extracts by silica gel column chromatography and
      Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography. Then, four SCF substances isolated were
      identified by UV, mass and nuclear magnetic resonance analyses. The results
      showed that the four kinds of hydrolyzable gallotannins, 2,2',5-tri-O-galloyl
      alpha,beta-D-hamamelose (trigalloyl Ham or kurigalin), 1,2,6-tri-O-galloyl-beta-D
      glucopyranoside (trigalloyl Glc), 1,2,3,6-tetra-O-galloyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside
      (tetragalloyl Glc) and 1,2,3,4,6-penta-O-galloyl-beta-D-glucopyranoside
      (pentagalloyl Glc), in XPCs exhibited supercooling capabilities in the range of
      1.5-4.5 degrees C, at a concentration of 1 mg mL-1. These SCF substances,
      including flavonol glycosides and hydrolyzable gallotannins, may contribute to
      the supercooling in XPCs of katsura tree.

PMID- 22038381
TI  - Comparison of chromosomal abnormality rates in ICSI for non-male factor and
      spontaneous conception.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare cytogenetic data of first-trimester missed abortions in
      intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) for non-male factor-mediated and
      spontaneous pregnancies. METHODS: Using karyotype analysis, we conducted a
      retrospective cohort trial of missed abortions following ICSI for non-male factor
      and spontaneous pregnancies. Patients experienced missed abortions during the
      first 12 weeks of pregnancy. Dilation and curettage procedure was performed
      followed by cytogenetic evaluations. Two patient groups were created: ICSI (n =
      71) and spontaneous pregnancies (n = 81). At least 20 GTG-banded metaphases were
      analyzed in each case for cytogenetic analyses. Statistical analyses were
      performed using NCSS 2007 Statistical Program software. The significance level
      and confidence interval for all analyses were set to p < 0.05 and a 95%
      confidence interval, respectively. RESULTS: A total of 49.3% (75/152) of the
      miscarriages were cytogenetically abnormal among the patients. We detected
      cytogenetically abnormalities in 47.9% (34/71) of the ICSI group and 50.6%
      (41/81) of the control group, which were not statistically significant
      differences (p=NS). The sex chromosome abnormalities were similar between the
      ICSI and control groups (p=NS). The most prevalent abnormalities that were
      observed in the ICSI and control groups with first-trimester pregnancy loss were
      trisomy (n = 42; 27.6%), Turner syndrome (45, X0, n = 13; 8.6%), triploidy (n =
      13; 8.6%), 48 chromosomes (n = 5; 3.3%), and mixed chromosomal abnormalities (n =
      3; 1.2%). In addition, the karyotypes were similar between the ICSI and control
      groups (p=NS). We observed increases in fetal aneuploidy rates with increased
      maternal age (<30 years = 23.9% vs. 31-34 years = 37.0% vs. 35-39 years = 82.9%
      vs. >39 years = 90.9%). However, the observed increases in fetal aneuploidy rates
      were not statistically significant (p=NS). CONCLUSION: The aneuploidy rates and
      sex chromosome anomalies following ICSI for non-male factor were similar to those
      following natural conception.

PMID- 22038382
TI  - Novel iron-sulfur containing NADPH-reductase from Nocardia farcinica IFM10152 and
      fusion construction with CYP51 lanosterol demethylase.
AB  - CYP51, a sterol 14alpha-demethylase, is one of the key enzymes involved in sterol
      biosynthesis and requires electrons transferred from its redox partners. A unique
      CYP51 from Nocardia farcinica IFM10152 forms a distinct cluster with iron-sulfur
      containing NADPH-P450 reductase (FprD) downstream of CYP51. Previously, sequence
      alignment of nine reductases from N. farcinica revealed that FprC, FprD, and FprH
      have an additional sequence at their N-termini that has very high identity with
      iron-sulfur clustered ferredoxin G (FdxG). To construct an artificial self
      sufficient cytochrome P450 monooxygenase (CYP) with only FprD, CYP51, and iron
      sulfur containing FprD were fused together with designed linker sequences. CYP51
      FprD fusion enzymes showed distinct spectral properties of both flavoprotein and
      CYP. CYP51-FprD F1 and F2 in recombinant Escherichia coli BL21(DE3) catalyzed
      demethylation of lanosterol more efficiently, with k(cat) /K(m) values of 96.91
      and 105.79 nmol/min/nmol, respectively, which are about 35-fold higher compared
      to those of CYP51 and FprD alone.

PMID- 22038383
TI  - [Assessment of psychological consequences of trauma].
AB  - After accidents psychological consequences are often asserted. This may be due to
      the traumatic experience itself, the experience of severe physical injury or to
      the experience of a traumatic hospital treatment. The pivotal point of the
      medicolegal assessment is the evidence of primary mental or physical damage that
      has to be documented beyond a reasonable doubt in all areas of law. A medicolegal
      assessment in five steps is proposed.

PMID- 22038384
TI  - [Personalized psychiatry and psychotherapy. Realistic hope for the future or
      fiction?].

PMID- 22038385
TI  - [Neuroimaging markers: their role for differential diagnosis and therapeutic
      decisions in personalized psychiatry].
AB  - In the context of personalized psychiatry there is growing interest in the
      development of neuroimaging markers for differential diagnosis and individualized
      therapy of mental disorders. This article reports on new neuroimaging markers for
      the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and particularly recent multi-functional
      magnetic resonance imaging (m-fMRI) studies in patients with schizophrenic and
      affective psychoses. Using experimental key paradigms for targeted assessment of
      pathophysiologically relevant neurofunctional systems, these studies reveal both
      differences and commonalities between the diagnostic categories. In addition, the
      article outlines research strategies for further development of the
      classification of major psychoses on the basis of a more precise characterization
      of the neurofunctional and pathophysiological phenotype. Multivariate approaches
      may help to identify more complex neuroimaging markers relevant for diagnosis
      and/or prognosis. Finally, some examples will be presented for the use of
      neuroimaging markers in the individualized choice of therapy.

PMID- 22038386
TI  - [Multiple sclerosis management system 3D. Moving from documentation towards
      management of patients].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The increasing therapeutic options for relapsing-remitting multiple
      sclerosis require a specific treatment and risk management to recognize the
      individual response as well as potential side effects. To switch from pure MS
      documentation to MS management by implementing a new multiple sclerosis
      management and documentation tool may be of importance. METHOD: This article
      presents the novel computer-based patient management system "multiple sclerosis
      management system 3D" (MSDS 3D). RESULTS: MSDS 3D allows documentation and
      visualization of visit schedules and mandatory examinations via defined study
      modules by integration of data input from patients, attending physicians and MS
      nurses. It provides forms for the documentation of patient visits as well as
      clinical and diagnostic findings. Information is collected via interactive touch
      screens. A specific module which is part of MSDS 3D's current version allows the
      monthly monitoring of patients under treatment with natalizumab. A checklist
      covering clinical signs of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) and a
      detailed questionnaire about the handling of natalizumab in practice have
      additionally been added. DISCUSSION: The MS patient management system MSDS 3D has
      successfully been implemented and is currently being evaluated in a multi-centre
      setting. Advanced assessment of patient data may allow improvements in clinical
      practice and research work. The addition of a checklist and a questionnaire into
      the natalizumab module may support the recognition of PML during its early,
      treatable course.

PMID- 22038387
TI  - [Alemtuzumab: a further option for treatment of multiple sclerosis].
AB  - Alemtuzumab is a humanized monoclonal therapeutic antibody that targets the CD52
      antigen which s expressed on most cells of the lymphoid lineage, exclusive of
      precursors. Alemtuzumab rapidly depletes CD52(+) cells from the peripheral blood.
      This depletion is long-lasting, and cells repopulate in a specific pattern with B
      cells and regulatory T cells peaking first. Alemtuzumab was examined for clinical
      utility in two open-labelled intervention trials in multiple sclerosis (MS).
      Because of very promising results its clinical efficacy was further explored in a
      clinical phase-II trial using s.c. interferon beta-1a as the active comparator.
      Severe or opportunistic infections were surprisingly rare given the long-term
      lymphopenia. However, up to 30% of patients developed some antibody-mediated
      autoimmunity. The thyroid gland was the most frequently affected organ. Immune
      mediated thrombocytopenic purpura and Goodpasture's syndrome were additionally
      observed. This review summarizes the pre-clinical and clinical development of
      alemtuzumab and discusses potential modes of action as well as the pathogenetic
      link to the treatment emergent autoimmune phenomena.

PMID- 22038388
TI  - [Therapeutic strategies in stroke aftercare. Contents and effects].
AB  - No generally accepted guidelines for stroke aftercare exist in Germany. This
      literature review summarizes the current evidence regarding the content and the
      effectiveness of aftercare strategies (exercise therapy, physiotherapy,
      occupational therapy) and their specific dose (intensity, duration, frequency).
      Exercise therapy (inter alia physiotherapy, resistance, endurance and gait
      training) has been shown to be effective for improving physical performance
      (strength, cardiopulmonary fitness, motor function) resulting in beneficial
      effects on gait, mobility and activities of daily living (ADL). As for the
      restoration of ADL and the resumption of social and leisure activities
      occupational therapy proved to be particularly effective. More research is needed
      to identify the specific effects of different aftercare strategies and their dose
      response relationship to provide physicians a better foundation for therapy
      prescriptions.

PMID- 22038389
TI  - Clinical feasibility study for detection of myocardial oedema by a cine SSFP
      sequence in comparison to a conventional T2-weighted sequence.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) T2-imaging is oedema
      sensitive and can detect increased myocardial water content to potentially
      distinguish acute from chronic myocardial infarction (AMI/CMI). Currently applied
      conventional black-blood T2-weighted-turbo-spin-echo (T2-BB-TSE)-sequences cause
      various artefacts which limit their image quality and possibly hamper their
      interpretation. Image contrast of conventional cine steady-state free precession
      (SSFP)-sequences partly consists of T2 oedema-sensitive information. We therefore
      sought to prospectively evaluate SSFP cine-imaging to detect myocardial oedema
      and differentiate AMI from CMI. METHODS: We examined 60 patients with AMI, 30
      patients with CMI and 30 healthy volunteers using a 1.5 Tesla-MR whole body
      scanner. In a blinded fashion, myocardial oedema was assessed with T2-BB-TSE and
      SSFP-sequences, late gadolinium contrast-enhanced (LGE) CMR images being deemed
      as the standard reference for identification of infarcted myocardium. Assessment
      of presence of CMR detectable myocardial oedema was performed visually and
      quantitatively. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The
      contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) in AMI patients was significantly higher (SSFP
      STEMI and SSFP-NSTEMI: 19 +/- 12 and 20 +/- 14; T2-BB-TSE STEMI and T2-BB-TSE
      NSTEMI: 33 +/- 16 and 31 +/- 13) than in CMI for both MR-sequences (SSFP-STEMI
      and NSTEMI: 3.5 +/- 1.5 and T2-BB-TSE:9.3 +/- 9.6, p for all <0.001). By visual
      analysis, SSFP images achieved a sensitivity of 96%, a specificity of 87%,
      positive and negative predictive values of 95 and 92% when compared to the
      existence of gadolinium contrast-enhanced scar imaging. Similarly, for T2-BB-TSE,
      sensitivity and specificity were 93 and 83% with positive and negative predictive
      values of 92 and 90%. Inter-observer variability was 0.90 for SSFP and 0.83 for
      T2-BB-TSE images. CONCLUSION: A standard clinical SSFP sequence is not inferior
      to T2-BB-TSE for the detection of myocardial oedema and can be used to reliably
      distinguish AMI from CMI. Especially in patients with insufficient T2-BB-TSE
      image quality, the SSFP sequence may be an alternative for the detection of
      myocardial oedema.

PMID- 22038390
TI  - The interference of introversion-extraversion and depressive symptomatology with
      reasoning performance: a behavioural study.
AB  - The objective of this study was to investigate the link between the Eysenck
      Personality Questionnaire (EPQ) scores and depressive symptomatology with
      reasoning performance induced by a task including valid and invalid Aristotelian
      syllogisms. The EPQ and the Zung Depressive Scale (ZDS) were completed by 48
      healthy subjects (27 male, 21 female) aged 33.5 +/- 9.0 years. Additionally, the
      subjects engaged into two reasoning tasks (valid vs. invalid syllogisms).
      Analysis showed that the judgment of invalid syllogisms is a more difficult task
      than of valid judgments (65.1% vs. 74.6% of correct judgments respectively, p <
      0.01). In both conditions, the subjects' degree of confidence is significantly
      higher when they make a correct judgment than when they make an incorrect
      judgment (83.8 +/- 11.2 vs. 75.3 +/- 17.3, p < 0.01). Subjects with extraversion
      as measured by EPQ and high sexual desire as rated by the relative ZDS subscale
      are more prone to make incorrect judgments in the valid syllogisms, while, at the
      same time, they are more confident in their responses. The effects of
      extraversion/introversion and sexual desire on the outcome measures of the valid
      condition are not commutative but additive. These findings indicate that
      extraversion/introversion and sexual desire variations may have a detrimental
      effect in the reasoning performance.

PMID- 22038391
TI  - Design, synthesis, and application of tartaric acid derived N-spiro quaternary
      ammonium salts as chiral phase-transfer catalysts.
AB  - A novel class of tartaric acid-derived N-spiro quaternary ammonium salts was
      synthesised starting from known TADDOLs. These compounds were found to catalyse
      the asymmetric alpha-alkylation of glycine Schiff bases with high
      enantioselectivities and in good yields.

PMID- 22038392
TI  - Quality of life of community-residing persons with dementia based on self-rated
      and caregiver-rated measures.
AB  - PURPOSE: To identify correlates of self-rated and caregiver-rated quality of life
      (QOL) in community-residing persons with dementia (PWD) for intervention
      development. METHODS: Cross-sectional data of 254 PWD and their caregivers
      participating in a clinical trial were derived from in-home assessments. Self
      rated QOL was measured with the Quality of Life-Alzheimer Disease (QOL-AD) scale,
      and caregiver-rated QOL was measured using the QOL-AD and Alzheimer Disease
      Related Quality of Life (ADRQL) scales. Multivariate modeling identified
      correlates of the PWD' QOL. RESULTS: Self-rated QOL was related significantly to
      participant race, unmet needs, depression, and total medications. Caregiver-rated
      QOL-AD scores were significantly associated with participant function, unmet
      needs, depression, and health problems and with caregiver burden and self-rated
      health. Significant correlates of ADRQL scores included neuropsychiatric symptom
      severity, functional and cognitive impairment, and caregiver burden and
      depression. CONCLUSIONS: Correlates of QOL in community-residing PWD depend on
      who rates the PWD's QOL and which measure is used. Addressing health problems,
      medication use, and dementia-related unmet needs, reducing functional dependency,
      and treating neuropsychiatric symptoms in PWD, while reducing caregiver burden
      and depression, may maximize QOL in those with dementia.

PMID- 22038393
TI  - The impact of denial on health-related quality of life in patients with HIV.
AB  - BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of
      denial coping on quality of life (QOL) over time among individuals living with
      HIV, as denial has been understudied as a coping strategy within the literature
      on HIV/AIDS. METHODS: In a sample of 65 adult men and women, we used multilevel
      linear modeling to test trajectories of change in physical and mental health
      related QOL across baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months, including denial as a predictor
      and gender as a moderator. RESULTS: The use of denial coping was associated with
      lower physical and mental health-related QOL at baseline. Denial coping predicted
      an increase in QOL over time, though QOL remained low in those who practiced
      denial coping. Men's baseline mental health-related QOL was more negatively
      affected by denial coping than women's. Women tended to increase in QOL more
      slowly over time compared to men. CONCLUSION: Reliance on denial as a coping
      strategy is associated with poorer physical and mental health-related QOL in an
      HIV-positive population, though participants who engaged in denial also displayed
      more rapid improvement in their QOL over time. Men and women displayed different
      rates of improvement in QOL, indicating a need for gender-based treatment
      approaches. Future research should examine the complex role of denial on change
      in QOL.

PMID- 22038394
TI  - Association between adherence to physical activity guidelines and health-related
      quality of life among individuals with physician-diagnosed arthritis.
AB  - PURPOSE: To examine the association between adherence to physical activity
      guidelines and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among individuals with
      arthritis. METHODS: A cross-sectional sample with 33,071 US adults, 45 years or
      older with physician-diagnosed arthritis was obtained from 2007 Behavioral Risk
      Factor Surveillance System survey. We conducted negative binomial regression
      analysis to examine HRQOL as a function of adherence to physical activity
      guidelines controlling for physicians' recommendations for physical activity,
      age, sex, race, education, marital status, employment, annual income, health
      insurance, personal physician, emotional support, body mass index, activity
      limitations, health status, and co-morbidities based on Behavioral Model of
      Health Services Utilization. RESULTS: Descriptive statistics showed that 60%
      adults with arthritis did not adhere to physical activity guidelines, mean
      physically and mentally unhealthy days were 7.7 and 4.4 days, respectively.
      Results from negative binomial regression indicated that individuals who did not
      adhere to physical activity guidelines had 1.14 days more physically unhealthy
      days and 1.12 days more mentally unhealthy days than those who adhered
      controlling for covariates. CONCLUSIONS: Adherence to physical activity is
      important to improve HRQOL for individuals with arthritis. However, adherence is
      low among this population. Interventions are required to engage individuals with
      arthritis in physical activity.

PMID- 22038395
TI  - Donna Lamping (1953-2011).

PMID- 22038396
TI  - Mental quality of life in chronic fatigue is associated with an accommodative
      coping style and neuroticism: a path analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: An accommodative coping style (e.g. acceptance) is related to a better
      mental health-related quality of life (MHQL) in patients with chronic fatigue
      syndrome (CFS). We want to explore whether neuroticism is predictive for this
      coping style and MHQL. Secondly we want to explore the relation between
      acceptance and physical health-related quality of life (PHQL) and expect that
      illness-related variables such as fatigue severity and duration are related to
      PHQL. METHOD: In this cross-sectional study, 117 patients with chronic fatigue
      syndrome from an outpatient internal medicine clinic completed self-report
      questionnaires on quality of life (SF-36), acceptance (ICQ), personality traits
      (NEO-FFI) and fatigue severity (CIS). RESULTS: Regression analyses showed that
      neuroticism and acceptance are predictors of MHQL (38% of the variance was
      explained). The path analysis showed that acceptance mediates between neuroticism
      and MHQL and that PHQL is related to MHQL. PHQL is related to fatigue severity
      and duration, but not to neuroticism and acceptance. CONCLUSION: Stimulating an
      'accepting accommodative coping style' within the treatment for CFS is important
      in improving mental quality of life. Our results suggest that neuroticism may be
      negatively related to acceptance and MHQL. This findings support the idea that a
      psychological diagnostic workout with special attention to personality traits in
      relation to their coping style is recommended in order to choose the most
      appropriate therapeutic approach in this population.

PMID- 22038397
TI  - Characteristics and quality of pediatric cost-utility analyses.
AB  - PURPOSE: Measuring utility for cost-utility analysis (CUA) is challenging in
      children. The objectives were to characterize pediatric CUAs, appraise their
      quality, and identify determinants of higher quality. METHODS: Descriptive data
      were imported from the PEDE database for 305 pediatric CUAs published from 1997
      to 2009, and quality was rated using the Pediatric Quality Appraisal
      Questionnaire (PQAQ) in 213 studies. The impact on quality of publication year,
      journal type, and whether utility was measured was analyzed using multiple
      regression. RESULTS: CUAs increased over time and the largest proportion was from
      North America (38%). Children aged 1-12 years (39%) and preventative
      interventions (51%) were studied most frequently. Whereas a societal perspective
      was most common in papers published before 2007 (49%), a third-party payer
      perspective was subsequently most frequent (63%). Utility was measured
      prospectively in 8% of studies. Domains that demonstrated the poorest quality
      were Perspective, Costs and resource use, Outcomes, Analysis, Incremental
      analysis and Conflict of interest. Quality increased significantly over time for
      most domains and was greater in studies published in methods/health economic
      journals. CONCLUSIONS: The quality of pediatric CUAs is increasing. Few studies
      ascertain utility prospectively, suggesting the need for better instruments for
      pediatric health state valuation and measurement.

PMID- 22038398
TI  - Roles of the PI3K/Akt pathway and autophagy in TLR3 signaling-induced apoptosis
      and growth arrest of human prostate cancer cells.
AB  - Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are widely expressed in immune cells and play a
      crucial role in many aspects of the immune response. Although some types of TLRs
      are also expressed in cancer cells, the effects and mechanisms of TLR signaling
      in cancer cells have not yet been fully elucidated. In the present study, we
      analyzed the effects of polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid [poly(I:C)], a TLR3
      ligand, on three TLR3-expressing human prostate cancer cell lines (LNCaP, PC3,
      and DU145). We then further characterized the underlying mechanisms, focusing on
      the poly(I:C)-sensitive LNCaP cell line. Poly(I:C) significantly reduced the
      viability of LNCaP cells TLR3 and endosome dependently. One mechanism for the
      antitumor effect was caspase-dependent apoptosis, and another mechanism was
      poly(I:C)-induced growth arrest. Cell survival and proliferation of LNCaP cells
      depended on the PI3K/Akt pathway, and PI3K/Akt inhibitors induced apoptosis and
      growth arrest similar to poly(I:C) treatment. Additionally, poly(I:C) treatment
      caused dephosphorylation of Akt in LNCaP cells, but transduction of the
      constitutively active form of Akt rendered LNCaP cells resistant to poly(I:C).
      Immunoblot analysis of proliferation- and apoptosis-related molecules in
      poly(I:C)-treated LNCaP cells revealed participation of cyclinD1, c-Myc, p53, and
      NOXA. Interestingly, poly(I:C) treatment of LNCaP cells was accompanied by
      autophagy, which was cytoprotective toward poly(I:C)-induced apoptosis. Together,
      these findings indicate that TLR3 signaling triggers apoptosis and growth arrest
      of LNCaP cells partially through inactivation of the PI3K/Akt pathway and that
      treatment-associated autophagy plays a cytoprotective role.

PMID- 22038400
TI  - (-)-Epigallocatechin-3-gallate protects against neuronal cell death and improves
      cerebral function after traumatic brain injury in rats.
AB  - A major component of green tea, a widely consumed beverage, is (-)
      epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), which has strong antioxidant properties. Our
      previous study has indicated that free radical production following rat traumatic
      brain injury (TBI) induces neural degeneration. In this study, we investigated
      the effects of EGCG on cerebral function and morphology following TBI. Six-week
      old male Wistar rats that had access to normal drinking water, or water
      containing 0.1% (w/v) EGCG ad libitum, received TBI with a pneumatic controlled
      injury device at 10 weeks of age. Immunohistochemistry and lipid peroxidation
      studies revealed that at 1, 3 and 7 days post-TBI, the number of 8-hydroxy-2'
      deoxyguanosine-, 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal- and single-stranded DNA (ssDNA)-positive
      cells, and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) around the damaged area after TBI,
      significantly decreased in the EGCG treatment group compared with the water group
      (P < 0.05). Most ssDNA-positive cells in the water group co-localized with
      neuronal cells. However, in the EGCG treatment group, few ssDNA-positive cells co
      localized with neurons. In addition, there was a significant increase in the
      number of surviving neuronal cells and an improvement in cerebral dysfunction
      after TBI in the EGCG treatment group compared with the water group (P < 0.05).
      These results indicate that consumption of water containing EGCG pre- and post
      TBI inhibits free radical-induced neuronal degeneration and apoptotic cell death
      around the damaged area, resulting in the improvement of cerebral function
      following TBI. In summary, consumption of green tea may be an effective therapy
      for TBI patients.

PMID- 22038401
TI  - Mass sensors with mechanical traps for weighing single cells in different fluids.
AB  - We present two methods by which single cells can be mechanically trapped and
      continuously monitored within the suspended microchannel resonator (SMR) mass
      sensor. Since the fluid surrounding the trapped cell can be quickly and
      completely replaced on demand, our methods are well suited for measuring changes
      in cell size and growth in response to drugs or other chemical stimuli. We
      validate our methods by measuring the density of single polystyrene beads and
      Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast cells with a precision of approximately 10(-3) g
      cm(-3), and by monitoring the growth of single mouse lymphoblast cells before and
      after drug treatment.

PMID- 22038402
TI  - Static versus dynamic gerbil tympanic membrane elasticity: derivation of the
      complex modulus.
AB  - An accurate estimation of tympanic membrane stiffness is important for realistic
      modelling of middle ear mechanics. Tympanic membrane stiffness has been
      investigated extensively under either quasi-static or dynamic loading conditions.
      It is known that biological tissues are sensitive to strain rate. Therefore, in
      this work, the mechanical behaviour of the tympanic membrane was studied under
      both quasi-static and dynamic loading conditions. Experiments were performed on
      the pars tensa of four gerbil tympanic membranes. A custom-built indentation
      apparatus was used to perform in situ tissue indentations and testing was done
      applying both quasi-static and dynamic sinusoidal indentations up to 8.2 Hz. The
      unloaded shape of the tympanic membrane was measured and used to create specimen
      specific finite element models to simulate the experiments. The frequency
      dependent Young's modulus of each specimen was then estimated by an inverse
      analysis in which the error between experimental and simulated indentation data
      was optimised for each indentation frequency separately. Using an 8 MUm central
      region thickness, we found Young's moduli between 71 and 106 MPa (n = 4) at 0.2
      Hz indentation frequency. A standard linear viscoelastic model and a viscoelastic
      model with a continuous relaxation spectrum were used to derive a complex modulus
      in the frequency domain. Due to experimental limitations, the indentation
      frequency upper limit was 8.2 Hz. The average relative modulus increase in this
      domain was 14% and the increase was the strongest below 6 Hz.

PMID- 22038403
TI  - The response of T cells to interleukin-6 is differentially regulated by the
      microenvironment of the rheumatoid synovial fluid and tissue.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a proinflammatory cytokine with regulatory
      effects on the survival and differentiation of T cells. It exerts its biologic
      function in 2 ways: by directly binding to the IL-6 receptor (IL-6R; CD126) or
      via trans-signaling, in which soluble IL-6R/IL-6 complexes bind to the signaling
      component CD130. This study was undertaken to assess the expression and
      regulation of CD126 and CD130 and determine how these affect the response of CD4+
      T cells to IL-6 in the joints of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
      METHODS: Flow cytometry and immunofluorescence microscopy were used to determine
      the expression, function, and regulation of CD126 and CD130 in CD4+ T cells from
      the peripheral blood (PB), synovial fluid (SF), and synovial tissue of RA
      patients. RESULTS: Compared to the findings in RA PB, CD4+ T cells in the SF and
      synovial tissue expressed low levels of CD126. In contrast, whereas CD4+ T cell
      expression of CD130 was minimal in the SF, its level in the synovial tissue was
      high. Consistent with this phenotype, synovial tissue T cells responded to trans
      signaling by soluble IL-6R/IL-6 complexes, whereas no response was evident in
      CD4+ T cells from the SF. Down-regulation of both receptor components in SF T
      cells could be explained by exposure to high levels of IL-6. Increased levels of
      CD130 messenger RNA and protein in synovial tissue CD4+ T cells suggested that
      CD130 is up-regulated locally. Among a range of cytokines tested, only IL-10
      induced CD130 expression in T cells. CONCLUSION: The inflamed microenvironment in
      the synovial tissue maintains responsiveness to IL-6 trans-signaling through the
      up-regulation of CD130 expression in CD4+ T cells, and this process may be driven
      by IL-10.

PMID- 22038404
TI  - Molecular signature of a public clonotypic autoantibody in primary Sjogren's
      syndrome: a "forbidden" clone in systemic autoimmunity.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to determine the molecular characteristics
      of clonotypic autoantibodies in the sera of patients with primary Sjogren's
      syndrome (SS). This characterization is hampered by the presence of mixed anti
      Ro/La specificities that may conceal clonotypic species. In order to narrow
      clonotypic diversity, a positive selection step was performed on a peg-like
      determinant of Ro 60 (termed Ro 60-peg) prior to analysis of the autoantibody
      proteome. METHODS: Monospecific anti-Ro 60-peg IgG were isolated by affinity
      purification from the sera of 7 patients with primary SS and anti-Ro/La and
      subjected to 2-dimensional gel electrophoresis and high-resolution orbitrap mass
      spectrometric sequencing. V regions of heavy and light chains were analyzed by
      combined database and de novo amino acid sequencing. RESULTS: Proteomic analysis
      revealed a Ro 60-peg-specific IgG1kappa-restricted monoclonal autoantibody that
      was present in the sera of all patients and specified by a V(H) 3-23 heavy chain
      paired with a V(kappa) 3-20 light chain. The public anti-Ro 60-peg clonotype was
      specified further by common mutations in the heavy-chain and light-chain
      complementarity-determining regions. Titers and relative affinities of clonotypic
      IgG did not vary over the course of the disease. CONCLUSION: The expression of a
      Ro 60-reactive public B cell clonotype in a subset of patients with primary SS as
      a long-lived, class-switched circulating autoantibody implies a common breach of
      B cell tolerance checkpoints in these patients. The unique heavy chain/light
      chain signature opens the possibility of tracking the development of a
      "forbidden" clone against a bona fide systemic autoantigen in human disease.

PMID- 22038405
TI  - Copy number variations of interleukin-17F, interleukin-21, and interleukin-22 are
      associated with systemic lupus erythematosus.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) represents the classic prototype of
      systemic autoimmune disease. The identification of the Th17 cell subset has
      provided new understanding regarding the underlying mechanisms of autoimmunity.
      Copy number variations (CNVS) have been discovered to have phenotypic
      consequences and are associated with various types of diseases. We undertook this
      study to explore a possible association between CNVS of Th17 cell-related genes
      and the risk of SLE. METHODS: We extracted genomic DNA and RNA from 938 SLE
      patients and 1,017 healthy controls. We examined CNVS of Th17 cell-related genes,
      including retinoic acid receptor-related orphan nuclear receptor gammat, STAT-3,
      interleukin-6 (IL-6), transforming growth factor beta, tumor necrosis factor
      alpha, IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-21, IL-22, IL-23A, CCL20, and CCR6, and levels of
      messenger RNA (mRNA) for IL-17F, IL-21, and IL-22. RESULTS: Genotype and allele
      frequencies for copy number amplifications of IL-17F, IL-21, and IL-22 were found
      to be significantly higher in SLE patients than in healthy controls. CNVS of IL
      17F, IL-21, and IL-22 had no synergistic contribution to SLE. The mRNA expression
      of IL-17F, IL-21, and IL-22 in the samples with >2 copies of DNA was
      significantly higher than that in those with 2 copies of DNA. CONCLUSION: Our
      findings indicate that CNVS of IL-17F, IL-21, and IL-22 are associated with the
      risk of SLE.

PMID- 22038406
TI  - Primary central nervous system vasculitis presenting with intracranial
      hemorrhage.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe a subset of cases in a large retrospectively identified
      cohort of patients with primary central nervous system vasculitis (PCNSV) who
      present with intracranial hemorrhage. METHODS: The study consisted of a cohort of
      131 consecutive patients with PCNSV who were seen at the Mayo Clinic over a 25
      year period from 1983 to 2007. The diagnosis of PCNSV was based on findings of
      brain or spinal cord biopsy, cerebral angiography, or both. Intracranial
      hemorrhage at presentation was defined as the presence of intracerebral or
      subarachnoid hemorrhage on computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging
      (MRI) of the brain within 3 months of the date of PCNSV diagnosis. The clinical,
      laboratory, radiologic, and pathologic findings, therapy, and outcomes in
      patients presenting with intracranial hemorrhage were compared with those without
      intracranial hemorrhage. RESULTS: Sixteen patients (12.2%) had evidence of
      intracranial hemorrhage at or near the time of diagnosis. Twelve patients had
      intracerebral hemorrhage, and 4 had subarachnoid hemorrhage. Twelve patients were
      diagnosed by findings on angiography and 4 by findings on CNS biopsy. Compared
      with the 115 patients without intracranial hemorrhage, the 16 patients presenting
      with intracranial hemorrhage were more frequently women, less frequently had
      altered cognition, a persistent neurologic deficit, or stroke at presentation,
      less frequently had MRI evidence of cerebral infarctions, and less frequently
      needed therapy at last followup. A necrotizing histopathologic pattern of
      vasculitis was observed in 3 of the 4 patients with positive biopsy findings
      (75%). CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that intracranial hemorrhage may not be
      an infrequent occurrence in early PCNSV. Necrotizing vasculitis may be a
      predominant histopathologic pattern.

PMID- 22038407
TI  - Clinical images: cutaneous necrotizing vasculitis in a patient with lepromatous
      leprosy.

PMID- 22038411
TI  - Applications of plant viruses in bionanotechnology.
AB  - The capsids of most plant viruses are simple and robust structures consisting of
      multiple copies of one or a few types of protein subunit arranged with either
      icosahedral or helical symmetry. In many cases, capsids can be produced in large
      quantities either by the infection of plants or by the expression of the
      subunit(s) in a variety of heterologous systems. In view of their relative
      simplicity, stability and ease of production, plant virus particles or virus-like
      particles (VLPs) have attracted attention as potential reagents for applications
      in bionanotechnology. As a result, plant virus particles have been subjected to
      both genetic and chemical modification, have been used to encapsulate foreign
      material and have, themselves, been incorporated into supramolecular structures. 

PMID- 22038410
TI  - Sexual, behavioral, and quality of life characteristics of healthy weight,
      overweight, and obese gay and bisexual men: findings from a prospective cohort
      study.
AB  - While there have been attempts to explore the association of obesity and risky
      sexual behaviors among gay men, findings have been conflicting. Using a
      prospective cohort of gay and bisexual men residing in Pittsburgh, we performed a
      semi-parametric, group-based analysis to identify distinct groups of trajectories
      in body mass index slopes over time from 1999 to 2007 and then correlated these
      trajectories with a number of psychosocial and behavioral factors, including
      sexual behaviors. We found many men were either overweight (41.2%) or obese
      (10.9%) in 1999 and remained stable at these levels over time, in contrast to
      recent increasing trends in the general population. Correlates of obesity in our
      study replicated findings from the general population. However, we found no
      significant association between obesity and sexual risk-taking behaviors, as
      suggested from several cross-sectional studies of gay men. While there was not a
      significant association between obesity and sexual risk-taking behaviors, we
      found high prevalence of overweight and obesity in this population. Gay and
      bisexual men's health researchers and practitioners need to look beyond HIV and
      STI prevention and also address a broader range of health concerns important to
      this population.

PMID- 22038412
TI  - Virus-derived ssDNA vectors for the expression of foreign proteins in plants.
AB  - Plant viruses with ssRNA genomes provide a unique opportunity for generating
      expression vehicles for biopharming in plants, as constructs containing only the
      replication origin, with the replication-associated protein (Rep) gene provided
      in cis or in trans, can be replicationally amplified in vivo by several orders of
      magnitude, with significant accompanying increases in transcription and
      expression of gene(s) of interest. Appropriate replicating vectors or replicons
      may be derived from several different generic geminiviruses (family
      Geminiviridae) or nanoviruses (family Nanoviridae), for potential expression of a
      wide range of single or even multiple products in a wide range of plant families.
      The use of vacuum or other infiltration of whole plants by Agrobacterium
      tumefaciens suspensions has allowed the development of a set of expression
      vectors that rival the deconstructed RNA virus vectors in their yield and
      application, with some potential advantages over the latter that still need to be
      explored. Several modern applications of ssDNA plant vectors and their future
      potential will be discussed. 

PMID- 22038414
TI  - Bariatric surgery outcomes in the elderly: an ACS NSQIP study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Mortality and complications following bariatric surgery occur at
      acceptable rates, but its safety in the elderly population is unknown. We
      hypothesized that short-term operative outcomes in bariatric surgery patients
      >=65 years would be comparable to younger persons. METHODS: Patients with a body
      mass index >=35 kg/m(2) who underwent bariatric surgery in the 2005-2009 American
      College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program were
      identified. Controlling for confounders, multivariate regression was used to
      predict the impact of age on mortality, major events and prolonged length of stay
      at 30 days. RESULTS: We identified 48,378 patients who underwent bariatric
      procedures between 2005 and 2009. Multivariate regression analysis demonstrated
      advancing age trended towards predicting mortality, but was not statistically
      significant. Additionally, patients >=65 years did not experience higher risk of
      major complications for either open or laparoscopic procedures. However, patients
      age >=65 years were more likely to experience prolonged length of stay for both
      open and laparoscopic procedures. CONCLUSION: This multi-hospital study
      demonstrates older age predicts short-term prolonged length of stay but not major
      events following bariatric surgery. Older age trends toward predicting mortality,
      but it is not statistically significant.

PMID- 22038415
TI  - Tanshinone IIA induces growth inhibition and apoptosis in gastric cancer in vitro
      and in vivo.
AB  - As a phytochemical derived from the roots of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge,
      Tanshinone IIA has been reported to possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
      activity. Studies in breast, colon, prostate and lung cancer indicate that
      Tanshinone IIA may exhibit a promising antitumor activity. However, systemic
      studies of the cytotoxic effects of Tanshinone IIA on gastric cancer have not
      been described. The present study offers a comprehensive evaluation of the
      antitumor effects of Tanshinone IIA in gastric cancer cells in vitro and in a
      mouse xenograft model. Cell viability and apoptosis in vitro were evaluated
      through the MTT assay and flow cytometry analysis. The results indicate that
      Tanshinone IIA can induce gastric cancer cell growth inhibition and apoptosis in
      a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, we investigated the
      mechanism of the apoptotic effects induced by Tanshinone IIA. We found that
      Tanshinone IIA can not only cause cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase, but also
      trigger the intrinsic apoptotic signaling pathway. The results suggest that
      Tanshinone IIA may serve as an effective adjunctive reagent in the treatment of
      gastric cancer.

PMID- 22038416
TI  - Carboxylator: incorporating solvent-accessible surface area for identifying
      protein carboxylation sites.
AB  - In proteins, glutamate (Glu) residues are transformed into gamma-carboxyglutamate
      (Gla) residues in a process called carboxylation. The process of protein
      carboxylation catalyzed by gamma-glutamyl carboxylase is deemed to be important
      due to its involvement in biological processes such as blood clotting cascade and
      bone growth. There is an increasing interest within the scientific community to
      identify protein carboxylation sites. However, experimental identification of
      carboxylation sites via mass spectrometry-based methods is observed to be
      expensive, time-consuming, and labor-intensive. Thus, we were motivated to design
      a computational method for identifying protein carboxylation sites. This work
      aims to investigate the protein carboxylation by considering the composition of
      amino acids that surround modification sites. With the implication of a modified
      residue prefers to be accessible on the surface of a protein, the solvent
      accessible surface area (ASA) around carboxylation sites is also investigated.
      Radial basis function network is then employed to build a predictive model using
      various features for identifying carboxylation sites. Based on a five-fold cross
      validation evaluation, a predictive model trained using the combined features of
      amino acid sequence (AA20D), amino acid composition, and ASA, yields the highest
      accuracy at 0.874. Furthermore, an independent test done involving data not
      included in the cross-validation process indicates that in silico identification
      is a feasible means of preliminary analysis. Additionally, the predictive method
      presented in this work is implemented as Carboxylator (
      http://csb.cse.yzu.edu.tw/Carboxylator/ ), a web-based tool for identifying
      carboxylated proteins with modification sites in order to help users in
      investigating gamma-glutamyl carboxylation.

PMID- 22038417
TI  - Microscopy and proteomic analysis of the non-host resistance of Oryza sativa to
      the wheat leaf rust fungus, Puccinia triticina f. sp. tritici.
AB  - Rice (Oryza sativa) cv. Nipponbare expresses non-host resistance (NHR) to the
      wheat leaf rust fungus, Puccinia triticina f. sp. tritici (Ptt). When the leaves
      of cv. Nipponbare were inoculated with Ptt, approx 93% of the urediniospores
      germinated on the leaf surface, but only 10% of the germinated spores formed
      appressoria over the stomata at one day post inoculation (1 dpi). Hydrogen
      peroxide (H(2)O(2)) accumulated in host cells around the appressoria at 3 dpi.
      Approx. 3% of the appressoria produced short hyphae inside the leaf, and
      fluorescence was observed in tissue invaded by the hyphae by 7 dpi. At 22 dpi,
      0.2% of the sites with appressoria formed branching infection hypha in mesophyll
      cells, but no substomatal vesicles, haustorial mother cells or haustoria were
      observed. Proteins were extracted from leaves 3 dpi and analyzed by two
      dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE). A total 33 spots were reproducibly up
      regulated and 9 were down-regulated by infection compared to the water inoculated
      control. Of these, 30 were identified by MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry. The
      identified proteins participate in defense/stress responses, energy/carbohydrate
      metabolism, oxidation-reduction processes, protein
      folding/turnover/cleavage/degradation, signal transduction and cell death
      regulation. The results indicates that NHR of rice to Ptt is consistent with a
      shift in protein and energy metabolism, increased antimicrobial activities,
      possibly including phytoalexin accumulation and cell wall reinforcement,
      increased cell repair, antioxidive and detoxification reactions, and enhanced
      prevention of plant cell death. Nearly half of the up-regulated identified
      proteins were associated with chloroplast and mitochondrial physiology suggesting
      important roles for these organelles during NHR.

PMID- 22038418
TI  - [Intestinal microbiota as regulator of the immune system].
AB  - The intestinal microbiota contributes to the regulation of the intestinal immune
      system and protection against intestinal infections. Recent studies revealed that
      the locally restricted intestinal microbiota affects systemic immunity and
      influences the induction of autoimmunity.

PMID- 22038419
TI  - Algal diversity in flowing waters at an acidic mine drainage "barrens" in central
      Pennsylvania, USA.
AB  - Microscopic investigations were undertaken to decipher the diversity in the lotic
      algal communities from acidic waters (pH 2.4-3.2) flowing overland in sheets and
      channels at an acid mine drainage (AMD) barrens near Kylertown, PA, USA.
      Microscopic observations, supplemented with taxonomic keys, aided in
      identification of the dominant algae, and measurement of carbon from adjacent
      soils was undertaken. The unicellular protist Euglena sp. was most abundant in
      slower flowing waters (i.e., pool near point of emergence and surficial flow
      sheets), while Ulothrix sp. was most abundant in faster flowing water from the
      central stream channel. A diverse range of unicellular microalgae such as
      Chlorella, Cylindrocystis, Botryococcus, and Navicula and several filamentous
      forms identified as Microspora, Cladophora, and Binuclearia were also recorded.
      The observed high algal diversity may be related to the long duration of AMD flow
      at this site which has led to the development of adapted algal communities. The
      comparatively higher carbon content in soil materials adjacent to slower flowing
      water sampling locations provides evidence for the important role of algae as
      primary producers in this extreme environment.

PMID- 22038420
TI  - A qualitative analysis of barriers, challenges, and successes in meeting the
      needs of Hurricane Katrina evacuee families.
AB  - Hurricane Katrina caused many individuals to evacuate to towns and cities
      throughout the United States. Psychological First Aid (PFA) is a treatment
      program designed to help clinicians and other disaster relief workers address the
      needs of adults, youth, and families immediately following disasters. We
      conducted focus groups with disaster relief and evacuee service providers in the
      Kansas City Metro Area as an exploratory study to identify their perceptions of
      the needs of evacuees. Participants identified a number of mental health needs,
      as well as displacement-related challenges, including loss of social support,
      material loss, unemployment, and other stressful life events that were secondary
      to the hurricane. Many of these needs are consistent with principles presented in
      the PFA manual. We also found that service providers faced unique challenges when
      attempting to assist evacuees. We discuss implications of these findings for
      treatment programs and provide suggestions for addressing barriers to care.

PMID- 22038421
TI  - Neuroleptic malignant syndrome during multiple antipsychotic therapy.

PMID- 22038422
TI  - Consultation liaison psychiatry in Africa -- essential service or unaffordable
      luxury?

PMID- 22038423
TI  - HIV as an index stressor for PTSD: challenges and pitfalls in applying DSM
      criteria.

PMID- 22038424
TI  - Dynamic psychiatry and the psychodynamic formulation.
AB  - This article aims to describe the difference between descriptive and dynamic
      psychiatry. As part of the latter every psychiatrist should be able to construct
      a psychodynamic formulation. A psychodynamic formulation, an indication of
      psychological mindedness, helps the psychiatrist to recognize the unique,
      personal aspects of the illness and the life of the patient. The formulation
      furthermore helps with the initial orientation towards the patient: it
      anticipates and predicts how the patient might interact with the psychiatrist and
      how defenses and underlying conflicts will manifest themselves in treatment. The
      formulation can therefore be very useful in the treatment of any patient, since
      it can help to understand and manage the patient's attitude towards being
      prescribed medication, as well as compliance and prognosis and serve as an
      initial guide in the psychotherapy. The psychodynamic formulation is
      unfortunately seldom incorporated in the psychiatric presentation of patients;
      guidelines are therefore given to especially help psychiatric trainees with the
      construction of such a formulation.

PMID- 22038425
TI  - Culture-bound syndromes and the neglect of cultural factors in psychopathologies
      among Africans.
AB  - One of the major problems in psychiatric practice worldwide is inability to reach
      a consensus as regards a globally acceptable classificatory system for the
      different psychopathologies. Consequently, apart from the WHO's International
      Classification of Diseases (ICD) that is expected to be universally applicable
      there are regional-based classificatory systems in some parts of the world. In
      Africa, a number of culture bound syndromes (CBS) have been described which have
      not been given international recognition. The possible consequences of this non
      recognition are highlighted in this paper. Unfortunately there are serious
      constraints such as the relatively small number of psychiatrists on the
      continent, and inadequate funding for mental health research, which militate
      against producing an African classificatory system. Nevertheless, it is proposed
      that reports of African psychiatrists emanating from their research and clinical
      experience should be accorded adequate recognition in the WHO so as to assign
      these CBS their rightful placement in the International classificatory system.

PMID- 22038426
TI  - Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder symptom self-report among medical
      students in Eldoret, Kenya.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To determine the prevalence of self-reported attention deficit
      hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms among medical students in Eldoret, Kenya.
      METHODS: A cross-sectional descriptive study of all medical students who gave
      consent to participate in the study. Undertaken at Moi University's School of
      Medicine in Eldoret, Kenya. Comprising two hundred and fifty three (253)
      undergraduate medical students, with a mean age of 23.7 years (19-42, s.d. 4.1),
      of whom 51% were female. Measuring ADHD symptomatology using the Adult ADHD Self
      Report Scale (ASRS v1.1). RESULTS: The prevalence rate of self-reported ADHD
      symptoms using the ASRS screener was 23.7%. This was significantly associated
      with being in the age-group 17-20 years compared (p<0.05). The prevalence rate
      was higher among females (25.6%) than among males (21.8%), but this difference
      was not statistically significant. Preclinical students had a higher prevalence
      rate of ADHD symptoms (28.7%) compared to clinical students (19.6%), but this was
      also not statistically significant. Using a modification of the ASRS full symptom
      checklist to approximate a Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders,
      4th edition, text revision (DSM-IV-TR) ADHD diagnosis yielded a 'possible ADHD'
      prevalence rate of 8.7%. Of these, the inattentive type was the most common
      (40.9%). CONCLUSION: The prevalence rate of self-reported ADHD symptoms among
      medical students in Eldoret is very high and possibly interferes with the
      students' social and academic functioning. Further studies are suggested to
      generate information on the real ADHD prevalence in the general population and in
      special populations such as schools and colleges.

PMID- 22038427
TI  - Attitudes of primary health care providers towards people with mental illness:
      evidence from two districts in Zambia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore health care providers' attitudes
      towards people with mental illness within two districts in Zambia. It sought to
      document types of attitudes of primary health care providers towards people
      suffering from mental illness and possible predictors of such attitudes. This
      study offers insights into how health care providers regard people with mental
      illness that may be helpful in designing appropriate training or re-training
      programs in Zambia and other low-income African countries. METHOD: Using a pilot
      tested structured questionnaire, data were collected from a total of 111
      respondents from health facilities in the two purposively selected districts in
      Zambia that the Ministry of Health has earmarked as pilot districts for
      integrating mental health into primary health care. RESULTS: There are widespread
      stigmatizing and discriminatory attitudes among primary health care providers
      toward mental illness and those who suffer from it. These findings confirm and
      add weight to the results from the few other studies which have been conducted in
      Africa that have challenged the notion that stigma and discrimination of mental
      illness is less severe in African countries. CONCLUSION: There is an urgent need
      to start developing more effective awareness-raising, training and education
      programmes amongst health care providers. This will only be possible if there is
      increased consensus, commitment and political will within government to place
      mental health on the national agenda and secure funding for the sector. These
      steps are essential if the country is improve the recognition, diagnosis and
      treatment of mental disorders, and realize the ideals enshrined in the
      progressive health reforms undertaken over the last decade.

PMID- 22038428
TI  - Developmental delay of infants and young children with and without fetal alcohol
      spectrum disorder in the Northern Cape Province, South Africa.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the extent and nature of developmental delay at different
      stages in childhood in a community in South Africa, with a known high rate of
      Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD). METHOD: cohort of infants, clinically
      examined for FASD at two time periods, 7-12 months (N= 392; 45 FASD) and 17-21
      months of age (N = 83, 35 FASD) were assessed using the Griffiths Mental
      Developmental Scales (GMDS). RESULTS: Infants and children with FASD perform
      worse than their Non-FASD counterparts over all scales and total developmental
      quotients. Mean quotients for both groups decline between assessments across
      subscales with a particularly marked decline in the hearing and language scale at
      Time 2 (scores dropping from 110.6 to 83.1 in the Non-FASD group and 106.3 to
      72.7 in the FASD group; P = 0.004). By early childhood the developmental gap
      between the groups widens with low maternal education, maternal depression, high
      parity and previous loss of sibling/s influencing development during early
      childhood. CONCLUSION: The FASD group show more evidence of developmental delay
      over both time points compared to their Non-FASD counterparts. Demographic and
      socio-economic factors further impact early childhood. These findings are
      important in setting up primary level psycho-educational and national prevention
      programmes especially in periurban communities with a focus on early childhood
      development and FASD.

PMID- 22038429
TI  - Prevalence and correlates of psychiatric morbidity among caregivers of children
      and adolescents with neuropsychiatric disorders in Nigeria.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To screen for psychiatric morbidity among caregivers of patients
      attending a child and adolescent psychiatric clinic. METHOD: A total of 155
      patients and their caregivers were consecutively recruited over a 1 month period.
      Sociodemographic and clinical information on patients was obtained either from
      the hospital records or from the caregiver. Scoring on the Children's Global
      Assessment Scale (CGAS) was done by clinicians. The caregivers were administered
      a sociodemographic questionnaire, GHQ-12, Zarit Burden interview, and the
      Columbia Impairment Scale. RESULTS: Most caregivers observed in this study were
      females (80.5%) with mothers of the patients accounting for 78% of all the
      caregivers. A higher percentage of the patients were males (52.8%). Among the
      caregivers, 39.4% had GHQ Scores of 3 and above. Factors associated with
      psychiatric morbidity among caregivers include the high level of subjective
      burden of care, low level of functioning, high degree of impairment and low level
      of education among patients. CONCLUSION: The study reveals a high level of
      psychiatric morbidity among the carers of children and adolescents with mental
      health problems.

PMID- 22038430
TI  - The neural correlates of intimate partner violence in women.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine hippocampal volume and white matter tracts in women with
      and without intimate partner violence (IPV). METHOD: Nineteen women with IPV
      exposure in the last year, and 21 women without IPV exposure in the last year
      underwent structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) including diffusion tensor
      imaging (DTI) sequences. Additional data on alcohol use and presence of
      psychiatric disorder was collected. Differences in fractional anisotropy (FA)
      between the two groups were examined, using a statistical model that included
      demographic measures, alcohol use and psychiatric disorder. RESULTS: IPV subjects
      did not demonstrate significantly different hippocampal volumes compared to
      subjects without recent IPV. FA was, however, significantly reduced in the body
      of the corpus callosum of IPV subjects. Adjusting for age, alcohol use, smoking
      and psychiatric diagnosis did not change the significance of the result.
      CONCLUSION: Data on hippocampal volume in IPV are inconsistent, perhaps
      reflecting the fact that multiple factors influence this measure. Reduced FA in
      the body of the corpus callosum in IPV suggests altered integrity of this white
      matter tract; additional work is needed to address the underlying mechanisms and
      clinical correlates of this finding.

PMID- 22038431
TI  - Dexamethasone induced psychosis presenting with catatonic features.

PMID- 22038432
TI  - Tracking the legal status of a cohort of inpatients on discharge from a 72-hour
      assessment unit.

PMID- 22038433
TI  - Development and characterization of japonica rice lines carrying the brown
      planthopper-resistance genes BPH12 and BPH6.
AB  - The brown planthopper (Nilaparvata lugens Stal; BPH) has become a severe
      constraint on rice production. Identification and pyramiding BPH-resistance genes
      is an economical and effective solution to increase the resistance level of rice
      varieties. All the BPH-resistance genes identified to date have been from indica
      rice or wild species. The BPH12 gene in the indica rice accession B14 is derived
      from the wild species Oryza latifolia. Using an F(2) population from a cross
      between the indica cultivar 93-11 and B14, we mapped the BPH12 gene to a 1.9-cM
      region on chromosome 4, flanked by the markers RM16459 and RM1305. In this
      population, BPH12 appeared to be partially dominant and explained 73.8% of the
      phenotypic variance in BPH resistance. A near-isogenic line (NIL) containing the
      BPH12 locus in the background of the susceptible japonica variety Nipponbare was
      developed and crossed with a NIL carrying BPH6 to generate a pyramid line (PYL)
      with both genes. BPH insects showed significant differences in non-preference in
      comparisons between the lines harboring resistance genes (NILs and PYL) and
      Nipponbare. BPH growth and development were inhibited and survival rates were
      lower on the NIL-BPH12 and NIL-BPH6 plants compared to the recurrent parent
      Nipponbare. PYL-BPH6 + BPH12 exhibited 46.4, 26.8 and 72.1% reductions in
      population growth rates (PGR) compared to NIL-BPH12, NIL-BPH6 and Nipponbare,
      respectively. Furthermore, insect survival rates were the lowest on the PYL-BPH6
      + BPH12 plants. These results demonstrated that pyramiding different BPH
      resistance genes resulted in stronger antixenotic and antibiotic effects on the
      BPH insects. This gene pyramiding strategy should be of great benefit for the
      breeding of BPH-resistant japonica rice varieties.

PMID- 22038434
TI  - Fine mapping and analysis of a candidate gene in tomato accession PI128216
      conferring hypersensitive resistance to bacterial spot race T3.
AB  - Bacterial spot caused by Xanthomonas euvesicatoria, X. vesicatoria, X. perforans
      and X. gardneri is one of the most destructive diseases in tomatoes (Solanum
      lycopersicum L.) growing in tropical and subtropical regions. Exploring
      resistance genes from diverse germplasm and incorporating them into cultivated
      varieties are critical for controlling this disease. The S. pimpinellifolium
      accession PI128216 was reported to carry the Rx4 gene on chromosome 11 conferring
      hypersensitivity and field resistance to race T3. To facilitate the use of marker
      assisted selection in breeding and map-based cloning of the gene, an F(2)
      population derived from a cross between the susceptible variety OH88119 and the
      resistant accession PI128216 was created for fine mapping of the Rx4 gene. Using
      18 markers developed through various approaches, we mapped the gene to a 45.1-kb
      region between two markers pcc17 and pcc14 on chromosome 11. A NBS-LRR class of
      resistance gene was identified as the candidate for the Rx4 gene based on
      annotation results from the International Tomato Annotation Group. Comparison of
      the genomic DNA sequences of the Rx4 alleles in PI128216 and OH88119 revealed a 6
      bp insertion/deletion (InDel) and eight SNPs. The InDel marker was successfully
      used to distinguish resistance and susceptibility in 12 tomato lines. These
      results will facilitate cloning the Rx4 gene and provide a useful tool for marker
      assisted selection of this gene in tomato breeding programs.

PMID- 22038435
TI  - Molecular mapping of Rym17, a dominant and rym18 a recessive barley yellow mosaic
      virus (BaYMV) resistance genes derived from Hordeum vulgare L.
AB  - PK23-2, a line of six-rowed barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) originating from
      Pakistan, has resistance to Japanese strains I and III of the barley yellow
      mosaic virus (BaYMV). To identify the source of resistance in this line,
      reciprocal crosses were made between the susceptible cultivar Daisen-gold and
      PK23-2. Genetic analyses in the F(1) generation, F(2) generation, and a doubled
      haploid population (DH45) derived from the F(1) revealed that PK23-2 harbors one
      dominant and one recessive resistance genes. A linkage map was constructed using
      61 lines of DH45 and 127 DNA markers; this map covered 1268.8 cM in 10 linkage
      groups. One QTL having a LOD score of 4.07 and explaining 26.8% of the phenotypic
      variance explained (PVE) for resistance to BaYMV was detected at DNA marker
      ABG070 on chromosome 3H. Another QTL having a LOD score of 3.53 and PVE of 27.2%
      was located at marker Bmag0490 on chromosome 4H. The resistance gene on
      chromosome 3H, here named Rym17, showed dominant inheritance, whereas the gene on
      chromosome 4H, here named rym18, showed recessive inheritance in F(1) populations
      derived from crosses between several resistant lines of DH45 and Daisen-gold. The
      BaYMV recessive resistance genes rym1, rym3, and rym5, found in Japanese barley
      germplasm, were not allelic to rym18. These results revealed that PK23-2 harbors
      two previously unidentified resistance genes, Rym17 on 3H and rym18 on 4H; Rym17
      is the first dominant BaYMV resistance gene to be identified in primary gene
      pool. These new genes, particularly dominant Rym17, represent a potentially
      valuable genetic resource against BaYMV disease.

PMID- 22038436
TI  - The role of empowerment in youth development: a study of sociopolitical control
      as mediator of ecological systems' influence on developmental outcomes.
AB  - Empowerment has become an influential concept and theoretical framework for
      social policy and practice. Still, relatively little is known about the roles
      that empowerment plays in the ecology of human development, particularly among
      young people. This article reports results of a study of psychological
      empowerment among young people, using data from 629 high school students (65.8%
      female; 96.5% non-white). Using a path analysis, we examined the role of
      perceived sociopolitical control--an indicator of the intrapersonal component of
      psychological empowerment--as a mediator between ecological support systems and
      developmental outcomes. Findings confirmed that social support in family, peer,
      and school settings, and family cohesion positively predict self-esteem and
      perceived school importance, which, in turn, have protective effects on
      psychological symptoms, violent behaviors and substance use. Sociopolitical
      control was found to mediate the relationships between ecological supports and
      risk factors and developmental outcomes, leading to the conclusion that perceived
      efficacy in the sociopolitical domain, and youth empowerment, more generally,
      should be considered as core elements of the ecology of human development. Policy
      and practice aimed at promoting positive developmental outcomes and preventing
      risk behaviors should take their relationship to sociopolitical control into
      account.

PMID- 22038437
TI  - Analysis of ankle-hindfoot stability in patients with ankle instability and
      normals.
AB  - PURPOSE: We devised a testing apparatus for in vivo analysis of ankle stability.
      The purpose of the study was to test the reliability of this apparatus and to
      determine the stability pattern of the ankle-hindfoot complex in healthy,
      asymptomatic volunteers and in patients with ankle instability. METHODS: Ten
      healthy individuals were studied, and testing was repeated on the same day and
      different days. Three patients with symptomatic, unstable ankles were also tested
      on both involved and uninvolved sides. Constant inversion torque was applied,
      then internal rotation torque, while moving the ankle throughout the range of
      sagittal motion. Three-dimensional kinematics of the ankle-hindfoot complex were
      measured by an electromagnetic tracking system. RESULTS: Measurements were
      repeatable, with intraclass correlation coefficients 0.9 or better. Variability
      was observed among controls, but motion curve patterns were consistent. Motion
      curve slopes were sensitive in differentiating between unstable and stable
      ankles. CONCLUSIONS: Most previous reports are in vitro studies conducted with
      the ankle in one position, manual stress applied, or joint positions estimated
      with planar radiographs. Our study indicated that more accurate diagnosis of
      severity of ankle ligament injuries may be possible.

PMID- 22038438
TI  - Soft tissue balance using the tibia first gap technique with navigation system in
      cruciate-retaining total knee arthroplasty.
AB  - PURPOSE: The procedures of bone cut and soft tissue balancing in total knee
      arthroplasty (TKA) are usually performed using the measured resection technique
      or the gap technique; however, the superiority of these techniques is
      controversial. An increase of extension gap after resection of the femoral
      posterior condyle and a difference between gaps before and after femoral
      component placement have been reported. We therefore postulated that the use of
      the tibia first gap technique might have an advantage in avoiding the mismatch
      before and after resection of the femoral posterior condyle and femoral component
      placement. METHODS: We performed cruciate-retaining TKAs for 60 varus type
      osteoarthritic patients with tibia first gap technique using a CT-free navigation
      system. A TKA tensor designed to facilitate soft tissue balance measurements
      throughout the range of motion with a reduced and repaired patello-femoral joint
      was used to assess soft tissue balance (joint gap and varus ligament balance) at
      extension and flexion between the basic value after tibial cut and the final
      value following femoral cut and with the femoral component in place. RESULTS:
      Whereas varus ligament balance at flexion showed significant decrease in the
      final value at flexion due to the amount of femoral rotation, the basic value of
      the joint gap before femoral osteotomy reflected the final value following
      femoral cut and with the femoral component in place. CONCLUSION: The tibia first
      gap technique may have the advantage that surgeons can predict final soft tissue
      balance before femoral osteotomies.

PMID- 22038439
TI  - Revision total hip arthroplasty using a cementless tapered revision stem in
      patients with a mean age of 82 years.
AB  - PURPOSE: A tapered straight cementless stem was used for revision in a group of
      old and very old patients. We wanted to know whether the use of this implant
      could achieve satisfactory results despite age and osteoporosis. METHODS: We
      retrospectively analysed data of 77 elderly patients (77 hips) who underwent
      revision in cemented and uncemented primary total hip arthroplasties (THA). The
      patients had a mean age of 82.2 years (range, 75-92 years) at revision surgery.
      They were monitored for a mean follow up of 7.1 years (range, 5.0-10.2 years).
      During the minimum follow-up period 11 patients died of unrelated causes, leaving
      66 patients (66 hips) for evaluation. RESULTS: During the period of study three
      stems failed due to aseptic loosening, three hips dislocated and were
      successfully treated by closed reduction and bracing. No infection, osteolysis or
      significant stress shielding around the stems was observed. The survivorship at
      an average of 7.1-year follow-up was 95.5%. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate
      that this stem is an excellent alternative in revision THA in patients of 75
      years or older.

PMID- 22038440
TI  - Magnetic resonance evaluation of tubercular lesion in spine.
AB  - PURPOSE: Information on Magnetic Resonance (MR) features of active and healed
      lesions in tuberculosis (TB) spine are lacking. We evaluated MRI findings in
      active and healed proven TB spine to establish the diagnostic features. MATERIALS
      AND METHOD: Forty-nine consecutive spinal TB patients (20 male; 29 female)
      diagnosed clinicoradiologically and/or on histopathology, Fine Needle Aspiration
      Cytology (FNAC), bacteriology, or Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) were enrolled.
      Pretreatment MR scans were reviewed for diagnostic features, and eight-month
      follow-up MR scans were reviewed for healing changes. RESULTS: Cervical spine (n
      = 6), dorsal spine (n = 14), and lumbar spine (n = 29) were affected. Fourteen
      had paraplegia. Mean vertebrae involved were 2.61 on X-ray with a total of 128
      vertebrae (VB) and 3.2 on MRI (range, 2-15) with 161 VB. The lesions were more
      extensive on MRI (34.7%) than appreciated on X-ray. The disc was preserved
      partially or fully in 88.2% of instances. End plate erosions (159/161 VB), lost
      VB height (94/161), exudative lesion (158/161), granular lesion (3/161), pre and
      paravertebral collections (49/49 cases), marrow oedema (161/161), discitis (98%),
      epidural involvement (107/161), epidural spread (100/161), and subligamentous
      spread (156/161) were observed. Canal encroachment (10-90%) was seen in 37 cases.
      Mean motor and sensory scores with greater than 50% canal encroachment were
      87/100 and 156/168, respectively. Cord oedema was observed in 11 cases (eight
      with neural deficit and three cases without). Cord atrophy was seen in one case
      each before and after treatment. A total of 83% of patients had a combination of
      paravertebral collections, marrow oedema, subligamentous and epidural extension,
      endplate erosions and discitis. On healing (n = 20), complete resolution of
      marrow oedema and collections, fatty replacement of bone marrow and resolution of
      cord signal intensity were observed. CONCLUSION: The marrow oedema, preservation
      of disc space, subligamentous extension of abscess, septate paravertebral
      abscess, epidural extension, endplate erosions and discitis were consistently
      observed in 83% cases of TB spine on MRI.

PMID- 22038441
TI  - Wide resection of sacral chordoma via a posterior approach.
AB  - PURPOSE: The study was carried out to report the results of wide resection in
      sacral chordoma using a posterior approach and gauze packing technique. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: The study was carried out between 1990 and 2002; there were 21
      patients who underwent the operation. Fourteen patients were male and seven were
      female. Their ages ranged between 29 and 75 years. Most of the patients presented
      with sacral mass, pain and neurological deficit. Total sacrectomy and bone
      reconstruction were carried out in 12 patients. Subtotal sacrectomy was carried
      out in the remaining nine patients. All patients were followed up for at least
      seven years. RESULTS: All survived after the operation. Operative time ranged
      between five and ten hours. All patients needed blood transfusion which ranged
      between four and 11 units. After the operation, all patients had a certain degree
      of bowel and bladder dysfunction. Five patients had local complications including
      infection in three patients with wound disruption and two patients with a seroma.
      During the follow-up, three patients (14%) had tumour recurrence and one of the
      patients expired. The remaining 18 patients were still tumour-free at the seven
      year follow-up. CONCLUSION: Wide resection via the posterior approach and gauze
      packing technique could be used for management of sacral chordoma with acceptable
      results.

PMID- 22038442
TI  - Heat distribution of polymerisation temperature of bone cement on the spinal
      canal during vertebroplasty.
AB  - PURPOSE: In the last 15 years, vertebroplasty and kyphoplasty have become
      established operative procedures for treating osteoporotic vertebral-body
      fractures and vertebral bodies afflicted with metastases. These procedures are
      quickly performed with few personnel and material resources and have a low rate
      of complications. However, cases of neurological impairment are reported in the
      scientific literature. We analysed whether potentially harmful heat is
      radiated/conducted by the polymerisation temperature of polymethylmethacrylate
      (PMMA) bone cement in the spinal canal. METHODS: We performed vertebroplasty on
      25 vertebral bodies and measured the temperature distribution during
      polymerisation of bone cement within the spinal canal using heat probes placed in
      the respective areas. The vertebral bodies were located in a circulating water
      bath at 37 degrees C. RESULTS: During polymerisation of the bone cement, a
      temperature rise was measured. The peak temperature was reached after few
      minutes. Temperature curves differed; a maximum temperature of up to 43.16
      degrees C was detected for a few seconds only. CONCLUSION: When vertebroplasty is
      performed correctly, there is no temperature development that could eventually
      damage the spinal cord or spinal nerves.

PMID- 22038443
TI  - Hip flexor muscle fatigue in patients with symptomatic femoroacetabular
      impingement.
AB  - PURPOSE: Patients with symptomatic femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) have
      considerable hip muscle weakness, in particular, hip flexion and hip adduction.
      In addition, they experience disabilities while performing prolonged dynamic
      tasks. It was therefore postulated that, besides hip flexor muscle weakness,
      patients with symptomatic FAI would show greater hip flexor fatigue compared with
      healthy controls. METHODS: Hip flexor fatigue was evaluated in two different
      experiments. Fifteen patients with symptomatic FAI and 15 age-matched healthy
      controls were tested in each experiment. In the first one, changes in hip flexor
      torque fluctuations and electromyographic (EMG) activity were measured during a
      sustained submaximal isometric contraction. In the second experiment, hip flexor
      torque decline was measured during a series of 20 maximal dynamic contractions.
      RESULTS: Patients with FAI exhibited hip flexor weakness under both isometric (P
      = 0.02) and isokinetic conditions (P = 0.03). Fatigue-induced changes in
      isometric hip flexor torque fluctuations, EMG root mean square and median
      frequency did not differ significantly between patients and controls (P > 0.05).
      Similarly, isokinetic hip flexor torque decline was comparable in patients with
      FAI and controls (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: None of the hip flexor fatigue outcomes
      considered here differed between patients with symptomatic FAI and controls.
      Therefore, the disabilities that patients experience while performing prolonged
      dynamic tasks do not seem to be caused by exaggerated hip flexor muscle fatigue.

PMID- 22038444
TI  - Lumbar paraspinal compartment syndrome.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to systematically review the available evidence on
      lumbar paraspinal compartment syndrome with specific reference to patient
      demographics, aetiology, types, diagnosis, clinical features, and treatment. This
      was an Institutional Review Board-exempt study performed at a Level 1 trauma
      center. A PubMed search was conducted with the title query: lumbar paraspinal
      compartment syndrome. Eleven articles met our search criteria. Three of the
      patients with acute paraspinal compartmental syndrome treated with fasciotomy had
      a full recovery and were able to resume skiing after four months. The aetiology
      of the onset of lumbar paraspinal compartment syndrome is broadly divided into
      acute and chronic. Lumbar paraspinal compartment syndrome is one of the causes of
      back pain with diagnostic clinical features which should be considered in the
      differential diagnosis of a patient with low back pain. Prospective multicentre
      trials may provide the surgeon with more insight into the diagnosis and
      management of lumbar paraspinal compartment syndrome.

PMID- 22038445
TI  - Percutaneous reduction and leverage fixation using K-wires in paediatric
      angulated radial neck fractures.
AB  - PURPOSE: We evaluated the usefulness of percutaneous reduction and leverage
      fixation using K-wires in children with radial neck fractures. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Between 2006 and 2008, we evaluated 13 paediatric patients with radial
      neck fractures who had been observed for at least two years and underwent
      percutaneous reduction and leverage fixation using K-wires. We measured radial
      angulation and radial translation using preoperative, postoperative and final
      follow-up radiographs, and we clinically investigated range of motion and
      carrying angle according to Steele's grading system. RESULTS: Excellent clinical
      results were achieved in 11 (84.6%) patients, good results in one (7.6%) and fair
      results in one (7.6%). There were no poor results. The patient in whom fair
      results were achieved also had an olecranon fracture, which was treated
      conservatively. Complications such as nonunion, infection, iatrogenic nerve
      injury and periarticular ossification were minimal. Radioulnar synostosis was
      absent between the radial neck fracture and the greenstick fracture of the
      olecranon. Growth arrest in the proximal radial epiphysis was also absent.
      CONCLUSION: Percutaneous reduction and leverage fixation using K-wires in
      children with radial neck fractures is a recommended surgical treatment that can
      achieve recovery of normal radial angulation and elbow motion.

PMID- 22038446
TI  - The influence of low molecular weight heparin on the expression of osteogenic
      growth factors in human fracture healing.
AB  - PURPOSE: Anticoagulant therapy with low molecular weight heparins (LMWH) and
      mechanical compression is considered the gold standard for the prevention of
      thrombosis. However, evidence exists that LMWHs impair bone metabolism. The aim
      of this study was therefore to analyse alterations in the expression of M-CSF,
      VEGF and TGF-beta1 after treatment with enoxaparin in patients with long bone
      fracture to investigate the effect of LMWH on human fracture healing. METHODS: A
      total of 81 patients with long bone fractures were included in the study and
      divided into two groups. One group comprised patients who received enoxaparin and
      the other group, patients who did not receive enoxaparin postoperatively. Growth
      factor levels were analysed in patients' serum and different groups were
      retrospectively compared. RESULTS: M-CSF serum concentrations were found to be
      significantly higher only at 48 weeks after surgery in enoxaparin. Mean overall
      VEGF serum concentration was higher in patients with enoxaparin. TGF-beta1 serum
      concentrations were higher at 48 weeks after surgery in patients with enoxaparin.
      CONCLUSION: This is the first comparative systemic measurement of M-CSF, VEGF and
      TGF-beta1 serum levels in patients with and without enoxaparin after long bone
      fracture. Significant differences of the expression of the growth factors after
      enoxaparin therapy were only observed at week 48 after surgery for M-CSF and TGF
      beta1.

PMID- 22038447
TI  - The creation of transgenic pigs expressing human proteins using BAC-derived, full
      length genes and intracytoplasmic sperm injection-mediated gene transfer.
AB  - In most transgenic (Tg) animals created to date, a transgene consisting of the
      minimum promoter region linked to a cDNA has been used. However, transgenes on
      small plasmids are susceptible to the position effect, increasing the difficulty
      of controlling transgene expression. In this study, we attempted to create Tg
      pigs by intracytoplasmic sperm injection-mediated gene transfer (ICSI-MGT) using
      two large genomic transgenes derived from a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC)
      containing the full genomic region encoding two human proteins, type I collagen
      and albumin. The production efficiencies (Tg piglets/live offspring) of type I
      collagen and albumin Tg pigs were 11.8% (6/51) and 18.2% (2/11), respectively. In
      all of the Tg pigs examined by real-time PCR analysis, tissue-specific expression
      of the transgene was confirmed (type I collagen: skin, tendon, vessels,
      genitalia; albumin: liver). The production of human proteins derived from BAC
      transgenes was also confirmed. Fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis
      indicated that the BAC transgenes transferred into porcine oocytes by ICSI-MGT
      were integrated into single or multiple sites on the host chromosomes. These data
      demonstrate that Tg pigs expressing human proteins in a tissue-specific manner
      can be created using a BAC transgenic construct and the ICSI-MGT method.

PMID- 22038448
TI  - Metabolic syndrome in mice induced by expressing a transcriptional activator in
      adipose tissue.
AB  - Metabolic syndrome is a combination of medical disorders that increases the risk
      of developing cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Constitutive overexpression of
      11beta-HSD1 in adipose tissue in mice leads to metabolic syndrome. In the process
      of generating transgenic mice overexpressing 11beta-HSD1 in an inducible manner,
      we found a metabolic syndrome phenotype in control, transgenic mice, expressing
      the reverse tetracycline-transactivator (rtTA) in adipose tissue. The control
      mice exhibited all four sequelae of metabolic syndrome (visceral obesity, insulin
      resistance, dyslipidemia, and hypertension), a pro-inflammatory state and marked
      hepatic steatosis. Gene expression profiling of the adipose tissue, muscle and
      liver of these mice revealed changes in expression of genes involved in lipid
      metabolism, insulin resistance, and inflammation. Transient transfection of rtTA,
      but not tTS, into 3T3-L1 cells resulted in lipid accumulation. We conclude that
      expression of rtTA in adipose tissue causes metabolic syndrome in mice.

PMID- 22038449
TI  - Characterization of grape Gibberellin Insensitive1 mutant alleles in transgenic
      Arabidopsis.
AB  - We generated 12 different mutations in the grape Gibberellin Insensitive1
      (VvGAI1) sequences, transformed them into Arabidopsis under the control of 35S,
      Arabidopsis GAI or grape GAI1 promoter, and evaluated the impact of these mutant
      alleles on plant growth and development. These VvGAI1 sequence variants included
      some mimics of the known GAI-like mutant alleles discovered in grape, wheat,
      barley, corn, Brassica, and Arabidopsis. In general, plant height and related
      traits such as length of internodes and inflorescences were significantly reduced
      for most of the mutant alleles studied, regardless of which promoter was used.
      Interestingly, the numbers of rosette leaves and lateral branches were generally
      reduced when a 35S promoter was used to express the mutant alleles, but increased
      when an Arabidopsis or grape GAI promoter was used. Furthermore, the 35S plants
      often displayed curly and small leaves. In contrast, the leaves of the plants
      carrying mutant alleles controlled by a GAI promoter were of variable size, dark
      green and rarely curly. In addition, when certain VvGAI1 mutant alleles were
      under the control of the grape GAI1 promoter, the number of pods on
      inflorescences was significantly increased, but some of the pods produced few
      seeds due to partial sterility. On the basis of the systematic evaluation of
      various VvGAI1 mutant alleles in Arabidopsis, we concluded that the VvGAI1 mutant
      alleles mimicking the GAI or GAI-like mutant variants discovered in wheat, barley
      and Brassica could potentially be useful for the improvement of grapevine plant
      architecture.

PMID- 22038450
TI  - Over-expression of OSRIP18 increases drought and salt tolerance in transgenic
      rice plants.
AB  - Both drought and high salinity stresses are major abiotic factors that limit the
      yield of agricultural crops. Transgenic techniques have been regarded as
      effective ways to improve crops in their tolerance to these abiotic stresses.
      Functional characterization of genes is the prerequisite to identify candidates
      for such improvement. Here, we have investigated the biological functions of an
      Oryza sativa Ribosome-inactivating protein gene 18 (OSRIP18) by ectopically
      expressing this gene under the control of CaMV 35S promoter in the rice genome.
      We have generated 11 independent transgenic rice plants and all of them showed
      significantly increased tolerance to drought and high salinity stresses. Global
      gene expression changes by Microarray analysis showed that more than 100 probe
      sets were detected with up-regulated expression abundance while signals from only
      three probe sets were down-regulated after over-expression of OSRIP18. Most of
      them were not regulated by drought or high salinity stresses. Our data suggested
      that the increased tolerance to these abiotic stresses in transgenic plants might
      be due to up-regulation of some stress-dependent/independent genes and OSRIP18
      may be potentially useful in further improving plant tolerance to various abiotic
      stresses by over-expression.

PMID- 22038451
TI  - Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas: assessment of malignant potential.
AB  - Pheochromocytomas and paragangliomas (PPGLs) are rare catecholamine-secreting
      tumors which arise from the adrenal glands or sympathetic neuronal tissue.
      Malignant transformation of these tumors occurs in a significant proportion and
      may therefore lower overall survival rates. In patients with PPGLs it is
      impossible to identify malignant disease without the presence of metastatic
      disease, something which can occur as long as 20 years after initial surgery.
      Early identification of malignant disease would necessitate a more aggressive
      treatment approach, something which may result in better disease outcome. We have
      therefore reviewed possible predictors of malignancy and current developments in
      order to help clinicians to swiftly assess malignant potential in patients with
      PPGLs. Currently, there is no absolute marker which can objectively reflect
      malignant potential. Tumor size is the most reliable predictor and should
      therefore be used as the baseline characteristic. The combination of various
      clinical markers (extra-adrenal disease and post-operative hypertension),
      biochemical markers (high dopamine, high norepinephrine and epinephrine to total
      catecholamine ratio) and/or histological markers (SNAIL, microRNAs and/or
      microarray results) can raise or lower the suspicion of malignancy. Furthermore,
      we discuss how clinical markers may affect biochemical results linked to
      malignancy, how biochemical results may distinguish hereditary syndromes, the
      role of imaging in determining malignant potential and tumor detection, and
      recent results of proposed histological markers.

PMID- 22038452
TI  - Serum AMH concentration as a marker evaluating gonadal function in boys operated
      on for unilateral cryptorchidism between 1st and 4th year of life.
AB  - The aim of this study was to measure the serum AMH (anti-Mullerian hormone)
      concentrations in a group of boys with or without cryptorchidism, evaluation of
      karyotypes, testicular position, morphology, and major length of the undescended
      testes. Fifty boys who were 1-4 years old (median = 2.4 years) with unilateral
      cryptorchidism were evaluated. All of them underwent orchidopexy in 2010. Prior
      to the procedure, all of the subjects had undergone karyotyping to exclude
      chromosomal abnormalities. Fifty healthy boys within the same age range (median =
      2.1 years) admitted for planned inguinal hernia repair in 2010, served as
      controls. Blood samples were collected, while obtaining blood for standard
      laboratory tests routinely performed before the surgeries. Medians of AMH in boys
      with cryptorchidism were lower than in boys with inguinal hernia and differed
      significantly between two groups. Undescended testes were generally found in
      superficial inguinal pouch (n = 46), in two cases were noted to be in the
      external ring of the inguinal canal, and in another two instances, in the
      abdominal cavity. The major lengths of the undescended testes were smaller in
      comparison to the testes positioned normally (mean of 1 cm vs. a mean of 1.5 cm,
      respectively). In nine of the cases, the testes had turgor deficit, a drop shape,
      with epididymides that were small, dysplastic, and separated from the testis. The
      authors found that AMH was lower in boys with unilateral cryptorchidism (also
      found to have smaller testis) when compared with the control group.

PMID- 22038453
TI  - The use of combination therapy in the treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis.
AB  - In recent years, there has been growing interest in the potential use of
      combination therapy in the management of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women.
      Possible regimens include sequential or combined use of anti-resorptive drugs or
      combinations of anabolic and anti-resorptive agents, given concurrently or in
      sequence. Combined therapy with anti-resorptive drugs usually produces greater
      increases in bone mineral density (BMD) than monotherapy but there is no evidence
      that this results in greater anti-fracture efficacy. The use of bisphosphonates
      before strontium ranelate or PTH peptides blunts the BMD response. Combined PTH
      and anti-resorptive therapy results in more rapid gains in spine BMD and a
      greater increase in hip BMD than PTH monotherapy in the first year of treatment
      but greater gains in both spine and hip BMD are seen with PTH monotherapy than
      combined therapy after 2 years of treatment. Anti-resorptive therapy after PTH
      therapy maintains or increases the gains in BMD. Further research is required to
      establish the cost-effectiveness and safety of combined and sequential regimens.

PMID- 22038454
TI  - Filial caregivers; diasporic Chinese compared with homeland and hostland
      caregivers.
AB  - This paper examines the distinctiveness and similarities of diasporic Chinese
      Canadian caregivers to older adults compared with Hong Kong Chinese and Caucasian
      Canadian caregivers. Particular interest lies in whether filial responsibility,
      actual caregiving behaviours, health and a variety of structural characteristics
      cluster in ways that suggest these three groups of filial caregivers are
      distinctive. Data were collected using face-to-face interviews. The findings
      suggest that the caregivers participating in this study cluster into types that
      roughly approximate their original cultural groupings. Interestingly, however,
      the diasporic or immigrant Chinese appear more similar to homeland (Hong Kong)
      than hostland (in this instance Caucasian) Canadian caregivers - all diasporic
      Chinese were originally, or their ancestors were, from Hong Kong. Chinese
      Canadians are not necessarily in the middle in terms of caregiving behaviours,
      but rather show variability depending on the behaviour examined. In addition,
      these findings confirm past research that Western culture does not have clear and
      explicit norms of filial responsibility to the same extent as does Chinese
      culture.

PMID- 22038455
TI  - Culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) families dealing with dementia: an
      examination of the experiences and perceptions of multicultural community link
      workers.
AB  - Dementia is a chronic illness involving increasing levels of care, often provided
      by family members, particularly in culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD)
      communities. Multicultural community link workers are often the primary service
      providers assisting families to access health and welfare services and as such
      have extensive experience of, and possess in-depth knowledge about, CALD family
      care-giving for dementia. While research has been undertaken on dementia in CALD
      communities, this research has not focused on the experiences and perceptions of
      these multicultural workers with regards to CALD family care-giving. In response
      to this gap in the research, this paper presents the results of an empirical
      investigation of multicultural workers' perspectives with regard to the cultural
      traditions informing CALD family care-giving, CALD families' understandings of
      the term 'carer' and family arrangements regarding care. Due to their close
      relationship and knowledge of families, multicultural workers can offer an
      important perspective that is invaluable in informing the provision of carer
      education and support within CALD communities.

PMID- 22038456
TI  - Gene expression signatures and ex vivo drug sensitivity profiles in children with
      acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Causes of treatment failure in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
      are still poorly understood. Microarray technology gives new possibilities for
      the analysis of the biology of leukemias. We hypothesize that drug sensitivity in
      pediatric ALL is driven by specific molecular mechanisms that correlate with gene
      expression profiles assessed by microarray analysis. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the
      study was to determine the ex vivo resistance profiles of 20 antileukemic drugs
      and gene expression profiles, with relation to response to initial therapy.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: Lymphoblasts were analyzed after bone marrow biopsy was
      obtained from 56 patients. The profile of in vitro resistance to drugs was
      determined in the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazoliumbromide
      (MTT) cytotoxicity assay. High-quality total RNA was prepared and hybridized to
      oligonucleotide arrays HG-U133A 2.0 Chip (Affymetrix). The expression of selected
      genes was tested by qualitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction
      (qRT-PCR). RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The exposure of leukemic blasts to drugs
      initiates a complex cellular response, which reflects global changes in gene
      expression. Changes in the expression of several genes are highly correlated with
      drug resistance.

PMID- 22038457
TI  - Stathmin expression in glioma-derived microvascular endothelial cells: a novel
      therapeutic target.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to investigate stathmin expression and its
      mechanisms of action in GDMEC. Microvascular endothelial cells were isolated from
      human gliomas (n=68) and normal brain specimans (n=20), and purified by magnetic
      beads coated with anti-CD105 antibody. The expression of stathmin mRNA and
      protein were detected by RT-PCR and western blotting, respectively. Stathmin
      expression was silenced by application of specific siRNA in high grade GDMEC. The
      proliferation, apoptosis and invasion behavior of GDMEC were investigated. The
      stathmin positive rate of endothelial cells in normal brain, grade I-II glioma
      and grade III-IV glioma was 20, 66 and 95.5%, respectively (P<0.05). When cells
      were treated with siRNA to silence stathmin, cell viability was reduced, the
      apoptosis rate increased and the migration of vascular endothelial cells was
      suppressed significantly (P<0.05). Down-regulation of stathmin suppressed
      neoangiogenesis of glioma and provides a potential target for glioma treatment.

PMID- 22038458
TI  - Ab initio and DFT study of luminescent cyclometalated N-heterocyclic carbene
      organogold(III) complexes.
AB  - The structures of versatile N-heterocyclic carbene-containing Au(III) complexes
      in the ground and low-lying excited states have been optimized at the B3LYP
      functional and the single-excitation configuration interaction (CIS) method,
      respectively. The spectral properties are predicted with time-dependent density
      functional theory (TDDFT). In addition, the charge transport quality has been
      estimated approximately by the predicted reorganization energy (lambda). As
      revealed from the calculations, the introduction of methyl has a bigger influence
      on the spectral properties than phenyl. Furthermore, we find that changing the
      auxiliary ligand could tune the charge transfer properties.

PMID- 22038459
TI  - Pharmacophore modeling, molecular docking, QSAR, and in silico ADMET studies of
      gallic acid derivatives for immunomodulatory activity.
AB  - Immunomodulation refers to an alteration in the immune response due to the
      intrusion of foreign molecules into the body. In the present communication, QSAR
      and docking studies of gallic acid derivatives were performed in relation to
      their immunomodulatory activities. Screening through the use of a QSAR model
      suggested that the compounds G-4, G-7, G-9, G-10, G-12, and G-13 possess
      immunomodulatory activity. Activity was predicted using a statistical model
      developed by the forward stepwise multiple linear regression method. The
      correlation coefficient (r(2)) and the prediction accuracy (rCV(2)) of the QSAR
      model were 0.99 and 0.96, respectively. The QSAR study indicated that chemical
      descriptors-dipole moment, steric energy, amide group count, lambda(max) (UV
      visible) and molar refractivity-are well correlated with activity, while
      decreases in the dipole moment, steric energy, and molar refractivity were
      negatively correlated. A molecular docking study showed that the compounds had
      high binding affinities for the INFalpha-2, IL-6, and IL-4 receptors. Binding
      site residues formed H-bonds with the designed gallic acid derivatives G-3, G-4,
      G-5, G-6, G-7, and G-10. Moreover, based on screening for oral bioavailability,
      in silico ADME, and toxicity risk assessment, we concluded that compound G-7
      exhibits marked immunomodulatory activity, comparable to levamisole.

PMID- 22038460
TI  - Metastable region of phase diagram: optimum parameter range for processing
      ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene blends.
AB  - Numerous studies suggest that two-phase morphology and thick interface are
      separately beneficial to the viscosity reduction and mechanical property
      maintainence of the matrix when normal molecular weight polymer (NMWP) is used
      for modification of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE).
      Nevertheless, it is very difficult to obtain a UHMWPE/NMWP blend which may
      demonstrate both two-phase morphology and thick interface. In this work,
      dissipative particle dynamics simulations and Flory-Huggins theory are applied in
      predicting the optimum NMWP and the corresponding conditions, wherein the melt
      flowability of UHMWPE can be improved while its mechanical properties can also be
      retained. As is indicated by dissipative particle dynamics simulations and phase
      diagram calculated from Flory-Huggins theory, too small Flory-Huggins interaction
      parameter (chi) and molecular chain length of NMWP (N(NMWP)) may lead to the
      formation of a homogeneous phase, whereas very large interfacial tension and thin
      interfaces might also appear when parameters N(NMWP) and chi are too large. When
      these parameters are located in the metastable region of the phase diagram,
      however, two-phase morphology occurs and interfaces of the blends are extremely
      thick. Therefore, metastable state is found to be advisable for both the
      viscosity reduction and mechanical property improvement of the UHMWPE/NMWP
      blends.

PMID- 22038461
TI  - The importance of secondary structure in determining CO2-protein binding
      patterns.
AB  - One potential means to decrease the level of atmospheric carbon dioxide is
      through the utilization of protein-CO(2) interactions. A recent bioinformatics
      analysis [Cundari TR et al. (2009) J Chem Inf Model 49:2111-2115] of these
      interactions revealed a marked disparity in CO(2) affinity between alpha-helices
      and beta-sheets. In order to understand this difference, a series of molecular
      dynamics simulations was performed on polypeptide model systems. Numerous factors
      that may influence CO(2) affinity were systematically investigated, including the
      specific location of the amino acids within the secondary structural elements
      (SSEs), the partial charges on CO(2), chemical modifications made to the protein
      backbone, the inclusion of singly, doubly, and many functionalized residues, and
      the effect of solvent water. The differing abilities of the secondary structure
      types to participate in hydrogen bonding along the backbone were identified as
      being a crucial influence on CO(2) affinity; the lesser role of polypeptide-CO(2)
      electrostatic interactions was also noted. The effect of incorporating
      functionalized amino acid side chains, such as those possessed by Arg and His, on
      the affinity differs between the two structure types, and also strongly depends
      on the number included and the distance between them. The inclusion of explicit
      water molecules was found to attenuate all interactions, but did not change the
      overall trends in CO(2) affinity. Collectively, these results highlight the role
      of the backbone atoms in binding the CO(2) ligand, which will have important
      implications for efforts to ameliorate atmospheric carbon dioxide through the use
      of natural, designed, and modified proteins.

PMID- 22038462
TI  - Coffee does not modify postprandial glycaemic and insulinaemic responses induced
      by carbohydrates.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Strong epidemiological evidence suggests that coffee consumption is
      associated with lower risk of type 2 diabetes. In postprandial studies, however,
      caffeine consumption has been associated with impaired glucose regulation. AIM OF
      THE STUDY: To study the acute effects of coffee and caffeine-containing soft
      drinks on glycaemic and insulinaemic responses. DESIGN: Twelve healthy volunteers
      were served each test food once and the reference glucose solution twice,
      containing 50 g of available carbohydrates, after an overnight fast at 1-week
      intervals in a random order. Capillary blood samples were drawn at 15-30 min
      intervals for 2 h after each study meal. The incremental areas under the curve
      (IAUC), glycaemic index (GI) and insulinaemic index (II), were calculated to
      estimate the glycaemic and insulinaemic responses. RESULTS: Glucose and insulin
      responses of coffees with glucose containing 150 or 300 mg of caffeine did not
      differ from responses of pure glucose solution; the GIs were 104 and 103, and the
      IIs were 89 and 92, respectively. When a bun or sucrose and milk were consumed
      together with coffee, lower GI values and insulin responses were observed,
      reflecting the carbohydrate quality and protein content of the accompaniments.
      Sucrose-sweetened cola produced a high GI value of 90 and an II of 61.
      CONCLUSIONS: Coffee does not modify glycaemic and insulinaemic responses when
      ingested with a carbohydrate source. Therefore, there is no need to avoid coffee
      as a choice of beverage in GI testing.

PMID- 22038463
TI  - Moderate physical training attenuates muscle-specific effects on fibre type
      composition in adult rats submitted to a perinatal maternal low-protein diet.
AB  - AIM: To verify whether moderate physical training affects the muscle fibre
      composition of adult rats subjected to a low protein diet during the perinatal
      period. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were divided into two groups according to their
      mother's diet during gestation and lactation: control (17% casein, C) and low
      protein (8% casein, LP). On postnatal day 60, half of each group was submitted to
      moderate physical training (8 weeks, 5 days/week(-1), 60 min/day(-1), at 70% of
      VO(2max), T) or not. After the physical training period, soleus and extensor
      digitorum longus (EDL) muscles were removed. Myofibrillar ATPase staining was
      used to classify muscle fibres as type I, IIa, IIb, and intermediate. RESULTS: In
      the EDL muscle, LP rats showed no changes in the fibre type proportion. Both the
      C + T and LP + T groups showed a higher percentage of fibres of type IIa, and a
      lower proportion of fibres of type IIb. In the soleus muscle, LP animals showed a
      reduction in the proportion of fibre types I and intermediate. C + T rats showed
      an increase in the fibre type I and IIa. In the LP + T rats, the proportions of
      the fibre types remained similar to control rats. CONCLUSIONS: Moderate physical
      training acts as a positive environmental stimulus that reverts the effects of a
      perinatal low-protein diet on the proportion of fibre types in skeletal muscle.

PMID- 22038464
TI  - Moderate effects of apple juice consumption on obesity-related markers in obese
      men: impact of diet-gene interaction on body fat content.
AB  - PURPOSE: The effect of polyphenol-rich cloudy apple juice (CloA) consumption on
      plasma parameters related to the obesity phenotype and potential effects of
      interactions between CloA and allelic variants in obesity candidate genes were
      assessed in obese men. METHODS: In this controlled, randomized, and parallel
      study, n = 68, non-smoking, non-diabetic men with a BMI >=27 kg/m(2) received 750
      mL/day CloA (802.5 mg polyphenols) or 750 mL/day control beverage (CB, isocaloric
      equivalent to CloA) for 4 weeks. Further, study participants were genotyped for
      single-nucleotide polymorphisms in PPARgamma (rs1801282), UCP3 (rs1800849), IL-6
      (rs1800795), FABP2 (rs1799883), INSIG2 (rs7566605), and PGC1 (rs8192678) genes.
      At the beginning and at the end of intervention plasma lipids, distinct
      adipokines and cytokines as well as anthropometric parameters were determined.
      RESULTS: CloA compared to CB had no significant effect on plasma lipids, plasma
      adipokine and cytokine levels, BMI, and waist circumference. However, CloA
      consumption significantly reduced percent body fat compared to CB (? % body fat:
      CloA: -1.0 +/- 1.3 vs. CB: -0.2 +/- 0.9, p < 0.05). The IL-6-174 G/C polymorphism
      showed an interaction with body fat reduction induced by CloA. Solely in C/C, but
      not in G/C or G/G variants, a significant reduction in body fat after 4 weeks of
      CloA intervention was detectable. CONCLUSION: The observed diet-gene interaction
      might be a first indication for the impact of individual genetic background on
      CloA-mediated bioactivity on obesity-associated comorbidities.

PMID- 22038465
TI  - Plasma ochratoxin A levels, food consumption, and risk biomarkers of a
      representative sample of men and women from the Molise region in Italy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin present in food that can be found
      in human blood, due to its long half-life. Plasma OTA detection represents a good
      parameter for evaluating the exposure at the population level. PURPOSE: The
      relation between plasma OTA levels, dietary habits, and specific disease risk
      biomarkers (body mass index (BMI), C-reactive protein (CRP), and cardiovascular
      risk score) was investigated. METHODS: The study involved 327 subjects (150 men
      and 177 women) aged between 38 and 48 years. Food consumption was evaluated by
      means of the EPIC questionnaire; plasma OTA was measured by HPLC; CRP was
      determined in fresh serum samples by a latex particle-enhanced
      immunoturbidimetric assay. RESULTS: OTA was detected in 99.1% of plasma samples
      (LOD 25 ng/L); the mean +/- SD value was 0.229 +/- 0.238 ng/mL. However, only
      5.2% of samples exceeded 500 ng/L, considered the threshold for a possible
      pathogenic activity. The estimated mean daily dietary intake of OTA resulted
      0.452 +/- 0.468 ng/kg body weight (bw)/day, markedly lower than the tolerable
      daily intake set by EFSA (17.1 ng/kg bw/day). Processed and mutton/lamb meat were
      found to contribute most to plasma OTA variance. Nevertheless, cereals, wine,
      beer, and jam/honey consumption correlated positively with OTA levels. Plasma OTA
      showed a significant positive association with CRP and cardiovascular risk score
      (beta = 0.20 +/- 0.08; P = 0.015 and beta = 0.25 +/- 0.08; P = 0.001,
      respectively); however, the association was present in men but not in women.
      CONCLUSIONS: Even if the hypothesis of a possible hepatic toxicity of OTA in
      humans is yet to be verified, the positive association between plasma OTA and CRP
      may indicate a possible role of OTA in inflammation status and consequently in
      the genesis of cardiovascular diseases and cancer.

PMID- 22038466
TI  - Update in geriatric medicine.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: With an aging population, internists will provide care to a growing
      number of older adults, a population at risk of developing multiple chronic
      medical conditions and geriatric syndromes. For this update in geriatric
      medicine, we highlight recent key articles focused on preventive strategies and
      lifestyle changes that reduce the burden of disease and functional decline in
      older adults. METHODS: We identified English-language articles published between
      March 1, 2010 and March 31, 2011 by review of the contents of major
      geriatrics/general medicine journals and journal watch services including: New
      England Journal of Medicine, Annals of Internal Medicine, Journal of the American
      Medical Association, Lancet, Archives of Internal Medicine, British Medical
      Journal, Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, and the Journals of
      Gerontology. We also reviewed updates to the Cochrane database of systematic
      reviews and articles highlighted by the ACP Journal Club and Journal Watch.
      Inclusion criteria included (1) randomized controlled trials, (2) conditions
      exclusive or common to older adults, and (3) commonly seen in generalist
      practices. After abstract review, each author selected five articles, and these
      were reviewed again by all authors. Through multiple discussions, consensus was
      reached on the final articles selected for inclusion based on their quality and
      potential to improve the health of older patients cared for by generalists.

PMID- 22038467
TI  - In harm's way.

PMID- 22038468
TI  - Smoking cessation interventions for patients with depression: a systematic review
      and meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We conducted a systematic literature review of smoking cessation
      interventions for patients with histories of depressive disorders or current
      significant depressive symptoms. We examined the comparative effectiveness of
      smoking cessation strategies on abstinence rates, differential effects of
      cessation strategies by depression status (i.e., history positive vs. current
      depression), and differential effects by gender. DATA SOURCES: Peer-reviewed
      literature in MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO, and Cochrane Library. STUDY ELIGIBILITY
      CRITERIA, PARTICIPANTS, AND INTERVENTIONS: Randomized controlled trials or
      secondary analysis of RCT data comparing two or more smoking cessation
      interventions or intervention to control, and reporting cessation outcomes in
      adults with depression. STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS METHODS: Two trained
      researchers screened articles for inclusion. When possible, we estimated pooled
      risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals by using a random effects model with
      the Mantel-Haenszel method. We synthesized other studies qualitatively. We
      classified each intervention as antidepressants, nicotine replacement therapy
      (NRT), brief smoking cessation counseling, smoking cessation behavioral
      counseling, or behavioral mood management. RESULTS: We identified 16 unique RCTs,
      of which, only three trials recruited participants with current depression. Meta
      analysis demonstrated a small, positive effect of adding behavioral mood
      management (RR = 1.41, 95% CI 1.01-1.96). All included antidepressant trials
      showed small, positive effects, but risk ratio summary was not significant (RR =
      1.31, 95% CI 0.73-2.34). Three NRT trials demonstrated small, positive effects on
      smoking cessation rates. We found insufficient evidence to examine gender and
      depression status moderator effects. LIMITATIONS: Few RCTs exist that test
      smoking cessation interventions among adults with depression. To make meaningful
      comparisons, we created broad intervention categories that contained
      heterogeneity. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS OF KEY FINDINGS: Few trials enrolled
      smokers with current depression. Most of data identified were from subgroup
      analyses of patients history-positive for depression. However, several promising
      interventions exist. Healthcare providers should consider encouraging their
      patients with significant depressive symptoms or depression histories to seek
      smoking cessation services that include NRT and behavioral mood management.

PMID- 22038469
TI  - Missed opportunities for advance care planning communication during outpatient
      clinic visits.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Early provider-patient communication about future care is critical
      for patients with heart failure (HF); however, advance care planning (ACP)
      discussions are often avoided or occur too late to usefully inform care over the
      course of the disease. OBJECTIVE: To identify opportunities for physicians to
      engage in ACP discussions and to characterize physicians' responses to these
      opportunities. DESIGN: Qualitative study of audio-recorded outpatient clinic
      visits. PARTICIPANTS: Fifty-two patients >= 65 years recently hospitalized for HF
      with one or more post-discharge follow-up outpatient visits, and their physicians
      (n = 44), at two Veterans Affairs Medical Centers. APPROACH: Using content
      analysis methods, we analyzed and coded transcripts of outpatient follow-up
      visits for 1) patient statements pertaining to their future health or their
      future physical, psychosocial and spiritual/existential care needs, and 2)
      subsequent physician responses to patient statements, using an iterative
      consensus-based coding process. RESULTS: In 13 of 71 consultations, patients
      expressed concerns, questions, and thoughts regarding their future care that gave
      providers opportunities to engage in an ACP discussion. The majority of these
      opportunities (84%) were missed by physicians. Instead, physicians responded by
      terminating the conversation, hedging their responses, denying the patient's
      expressed emotion, or inadequately acknowledging the sentiment underlying the
      patient's statement. CONCLUSIONS: Physicians often missed the opportunity to
      engage in ACP despite openers patients provided that could have prompted such
      discussions. Communication training efforts should focus on helping physicians
      identify patient openers and providing a toolbox to encourage appropriate
      physician responses; in order to successfully leverage opportunities to engage in
      ACP discussions.

PMID- 22038470
TI  - Characterization of MRFAP1 turnover and interactions downstream of the NEDD8
      pathway.
AB  - The NEDD8-Cullin E3 ligase pathway plays an important role in protein
      homeostasis, in particular the degradation of cell cycle regulators and
      transcriptional control networks. To characterize NEDD8-cullin target proteins,
      we performed a quantitative proteomic analysis of cells treated with MLN4924, a
      small molecule inhibitor of the NEDD8 conjugation pathway. MRFAP1 and its
      interaction partner, MORF4L1, were among the most up-regulated proteins after
      NEDD8 inhibition in multiple human cell lines. We show that MRFAP1 has a fast
      turnover rate in the absence of MLN4924 and is degraded via the ubiquitin
      proteasome system. The increased abundance of MRFAP1 after MLN4924 treatment
      results from a decreased rate of degradation. Characterization of the binding
      partners of both MRFAP1 and MORF4L1 revealed a complex protein-protein
      interaction network. MRFAP1 bound to a number of E3 ubiquitin ligases, including
      CUL4B, but not to components of the NuA4 complex, including MRGBP, which bound to
      MORF4L1. These data indicate that MRFAP1 may regulate the ability of MORF4L1 to
      interact with chromatin-modifying enzymes by binding to MORF4L1 in a mutually
      exclusive manner with MRGBP. Analysis of MRFAP1 expression in human tissues by
      immunostaining with a MRFAP1-specific antibody revealed that it was detectable in
      only a small number of tissues, in particular testis and brain. Strikingly,
      analysis of the seminiferous tubules of the testis showed the highest nuclear
      staining in the spermatogonia and much weaker staining in the spermatocytes and
      spermatids. MRGBP was inversely correlated with MRFAP1 expression in these cell
      types, consistent with an exchange of MORF4L1 interaction partners as cells
      progress through meiosis in the testis. These data highlight an important new arm
      of the NEDD8-cullin pathway.

PMID- 22038471
TI  - Additive effect of TAp63 deficiency on the adrenocortical dysplasia (acd)
      phenotype.
AB  - Adrenocortical dysplasia (acd) is a spontaneous autosomal recessive mouse
      mutation exhibiting caudal truncation, vertebral segmentation defects,
      hydronephrosis, limb hypoplasia, and perinatal lethality. Acd encodes TPP1, a
      component of the shelterin complex that maintains telomere integrity, and
      consequently acd mutant mice have telomere dysfunction and genomic instability.
      We previously showed that apoptosis is the primary mechanism causing the acd
      skeletal phenotype, and that p53 deficiency rescues the skeletal defects of the
      acd phenotype but has no effect on the perinatal lethality. The Trp63 gene
      encodes multiple isoforms, which play a role in proliferation, apoptosis, and
      stem/progenitor cell maintenance. Different p63 isoforms exhibit both
      proapoptotic (TAp63) and antiapoptotic (DeltaNp63) functions. We hypothesized
      that deficiency of proapoptotic TAp63 isoforms might rescue the acd skeletal
      phenotype, similar to our previous observations with deficiency of p53. Mice
      heterozygous for a null allele of TAp63 were crossed to heterozygous acd mice to
      determine the effect of TAp63 deficiency on the acd mutant phenotype. In contrast
      to our results with the acd * p53 cross, skeletal anomalies were not rescued by
      deficiency of TAp63. In fact, the limb and vertebral anomalies observed in double
      mutant embryos were more severe than those of embryos with the acd mutation
      alone, demonstrating a dose-dependent effect. These studies suggest that TAp63
      isoforms do not facilitate p53-like apoptosis during development in response to
      acd-mediated telomere dysfunction and are consistent with the proposed roles of
      TAp63 in maintaining genomic stability.

PMID- 22038472
TI  - Anxiety and perceptual-motor performance: toward an integrated model of concepts,
      mechanisms, and processes.
AB  - Under anxiety, people sometimes perform poorly. This concerns cognitive
      performance (e.g., taking an important exam) as well as perceptual-motor
      performance (e.g., picking up a cup from a table). There is still much debate
      about how anxiety affects perceptual-motor performance. In the current paper we
      review the experimental literature on anxiety and perceptual-motor performance,
      thereby focusing on how anxiety affects the perception, selection, and
      realization of action possibilities. Based on this review we discuss the merits
      of two opposing theoretical explanations and build on existing frameworks of
      anxiety and cognitive performance to develop an integrated model that explains
      the various ways in which anxiety may specifically affect perceptual-motor
      performance. This model distinguishes between positive and negative effects of
      anxiety and, moving beyond previous approaches, recognizes three operational
      levels (i.e., attentional, interpretational, and behavioral) at which anxiety may
      affect different aspects of goal-directed action. Finally, predictions are
      formulated and directions for future research suggested.

PMID- 22038473
TI  - Physicochemical characterization and water vapor sorption of organic solution
      advanced spray-dried inhalable trehalose microparticles and nanoparticles for
      targeted dry powder pulmonary inhalation delivery.
AB  - Novel advanced spray-dried inhalable trehalose microparticulate/nanoparticulate
      powders with low water content were successfully produced by organic solution
      advanced spray drying from dilute solution under various spray-drying conditions.
      Laser diffraction was used to determine the volumetric particle size and size
      distribution. Particle morphology and surface morphology was imaged and examined
      by scanning electron microscopy. Hot-stage microscopy was used to visualize the
      presence/absence of birefringency before and following particle engineering
      design pharmaceutical processing, as well as phase transition behavior upon
      heating. Water content in the solid state was quantified by Karl Fisher (KF)
      coulometric titration. Solid-state phase transitions and degree of molecular
      order were examined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and powder X-ray
      diffraction, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy showed a correlation
      between particle morphology, surface morphology, and spray drying pump rate. All
      advanced spray-dried microparticulate/nanoparticulate trehalose powders were in
      the respirable size range and exhibited a unimodal distribution. All spray-dried
      powders had very low water content, as quantified by KF. The absence of
      crystallinity in spray-dried particles was reflected in the powder X-ray
      diffractograms and confirmed by thermal analysis. DSC thermal analysis indicated
      that the novel advanced spray-dried inhalable trehalose microparticles and
      nanoparticles exhibited a clear glass transition (T(g)). This is consistent with
      the formation of the amorphous glassy state. Spray-dried amorphous glassy
      trehalose inhalable microparticles and nanoparticles exhibited vapor-induced
      (lyotropic) phase transitions with varying levels of relative humidity as
      measured by gravimetric vapor sorption at 25 degrees C and 37 degrees C.

PMID- 22038474
TI  - Once daily, high-dose mesalazine controlled-release tablet for colonic delivery:
      optimization of formulation variables using Box-Behnken design.
AB  - The aim of this work was to statistically optimize a novel high-dose, mesalazine
      colonic delivery matrix system, potentially suitable for once daily
      administration, using simple wet granulation method. A hydrophobic-hydrophilic
      polymeric blend was used to manipulate drug release. A three-factor, three-level
      Box-Behnken design was used to construct polynomial models correlating the
      dependent and independent variables. Independent formulation variables were the
      percentages of the hydrophilic polymer Carbopol(r) 940, hydrophobic polymer
      Eudragit(r) RS, and the superdisintegrant croscarmellose sodium. The cumulative
      percentages of drug released at 6, 10, and 14 h were selected as dependent
      variables and restricted to 7.5-22.5% (Y(1)), 42.5-57.5 % (Y(2)), and 72.5-87.5%
      (Y(3)), respectively. A second-order polynomial equation fitted to the data was
      used to optimize the independent formulation variables. Based on Box-Behnken
      experimental design, different mesalazine release profiles were obtained. The
      optimized formulation containing 5.72% Carbopol(r), 9.77% Eudragit(r) RS, and
      1.45% croscarmellose sodium was prepared according to the software determined
      levels. It provided a release profile which was very close to the targeted
      release profile, where the calculated values of f(1) and f(2) were 8.47 and
      67.70, respectively, and followed zero-order release kinetics.

PMID- 22038475
TI  - Development, optimization, and anti-diabetic activity of gliclazide-loaded
      alginate-methyl cellulose mucoadhesive microcapsules.
AB  - The purpose of this work was to develop and optimize gliclazide-loaded alginate
      methyl cellulose mucoadhesive microcapsules by ionotropic gelation using central
      composite design. The effect of formulation parameters like polymer blend ratio
      and cross-linker (CaCl(2)) concentration on properties of gliclazide-loaded
      alginate-methyl cellulose microcapsules like drug encapsulation efficiency and
      drug release were optimized. The optimized microcapsules were subjected to
      swelling, mucoadhesive, and in vivo studies. The observed responses coincided
      well with the predicted values from the optimization technique. The optimized
      microcapsules showed high drug encapsulation efficiency (83.57 +/- 2.59% to 85.52
      +/- 3.07%) with low T(50%) (time for 50% drug release, 5.68 +/- 0.09 to 5.83 +/-
      0.11 h). The in vitro drug release pattern from optimized microcapsules was found
      to be controlled-release pattern (zero order) with case II transport release
      mechanism. Particle sizes of these optimized microcapsules were 0.767 +/- 0.085
      to 0.937 +/- 0.086 mm. These microcapsules also exhibited good mucoadhesive
      properties. The in vivo studies on alloxan-induced diabetic rats indicated the
      significant hypoglycemic effect that was observed 12 h after oral administration
      of optimized mucoadhesive microcapsules. The developed and optimized alginate
      methyl cellulose microcapsules are suitable for prolonged systemic absorption of
      gliclazide to maintain lower blood glucose level and improved patient compliance.

PMID- 22038476
TI  - Investigation of PLLA/PCL blends and paclitaxel release profiles.
AB  - Blends of poly (L-lactide) (PLLA) and poly (epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) with and
      without paclitaxel were prepared via solution casting. DSC analysis as well as
      SEM analysis of the PLLA/PCL blend solution cast films showed that these blends
      are all phase separated.%PLLA crystallinity was found to increase with increasing
      PCL content (up till 15 wt.%). The PCL phase is found to homogeneously disperse
      in the PLLA matrix as spherical domains where the pore diameters of the PCL
      domains significantly increased with increasing PCL content. The degradation
      profiles matched with the slower degrading component PCL rather than PLLA and
      also increasing PCL content of the blends increased the degradation rate
      relatively. The increased crystallinity of the PLLA phase with increasing PCL
      contents confirmed that the degradation occurred through PCL phase. Cell
      proliferation on PLLA/PCL blends showed that all these blends were suitable for
      the support of cellular growth. Apoptosis assay with the paclitaxel-loaded
      PLLA/PCL blends showed an increase in cell death throughout 7 days of incubation
      where the cell death was increased with increasing PCL contents. This was
      attributed to the faster release of paclitaxel which was at least partially
      affected by the faster degradation rate at increasing PCL contents. The
      paclitaxel release was shown to be degradation controlled in the initial stages
      followed by a faster diffusion-controlled release in the later stages. These
      polymer blends were found to be very suitable paclitaxel release agents for which
      the paclitaxel release times can be altered with the composition of the blend and
      the film thickness.

PMID- 22038477
TI  - Antitumor effects of hyaluronic acid inhibitor 4-methylumbelliferone in an
      orthotopic hepatocellular carcinoma model in mice.
AB  - Liver cirrhosis is characterized by an excessive accumulation of extracellular
      matrix components, including hyaluronan (HA). In addition, cirrhosis is
      considered a pre-neoplastic disease for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Altered
      HA biosynthesis is associated with cancer progression but its role in HCC is
      unknown. 4-Methylumbelliferone (4-MU), an orally available agent, is an HA
      synthesis inhibitor with anticancer properties. In this work, we used an
      orthotopic Hepa129 HCC model established in fibrotic livers induced by
      thioacetamide. We evaluated 4-MU effects on HCC cells and hepatic stellate cells
      (HSCs) in vitro by proliferation, apoptosis and cytotoxicity assays; tumor growth
      and fibrogenesis were also analyzed in vivo. Our results showed that treatment of
      HCC cells with 4-MU significantly reduced tumor cell proliferation and induced
      apoptosis, while primary cultured hepatocytes remained unaffected. 4-MU therapy
      reduced hepatic and systemic levels of HA. Tumors systemically treated with 4-MU
      showed the extensive areas of necrosis, inflammatory infiltrate and 2-3-fold
      reduced number of tumor satellites. No signs of toxicity were observed after 4-MU
      therapy. Animals treated with 4-MU developed a reduced fibrosis degree compared
      with controls (F1-2 vs F2-3, respectively). Importantly, 4-MU induced the
      apoptosis of HSCs in vitro and decreased the amount of activated HSCs in vivo. In
      conclusion, our results suggest a role for 4-MU as an anticancer agent for HCC
      associated with advanced fibrosis.

PMID- 22038478
TI  - Differential expression of disialic acids in the cerebellum of senile mice.
AB  - It is known that disialic acids (diSia) are present in the mammalian brain.
      However, the precise anatomical distribution and the chronology of its expression
      along life are not well studied yet. It is accepted that the transfer of diSia in
      the brain is mediated mainly by the enzyme ST8Sia III (alpha2,8-sialyltransferase
      III). We studied the expression of diSia glycoepitopes and of the ST8Sia III gene
      in different structures of the mouse brain at different postnatal stages by
      immunohistochemistry and real-time polymerase chain reaction, respectively.
      C57BL/6 mice of different stages were used. Samples of hippocampus, olfactory
      bulb, cortex and cerebellum were processed for studies of molecular biology and
      immunohistochemistry. Histological analysis revealed an important decrease in
      diSia labeling in the senile cerebellum compared with other structures and stages
      (P ? 0.001). In concordance with these results, a significant decrease in ST8Sia
      III gene expression was found in the cerebellum of senile animals (P < 0.001).
      These results suggest that diSia are constantly expressed but with differential
      expression in various areas of the mouse central nervous system. On the other
      hand, the concordance in the decreased expression of ST8Sia III and the diSia
      epitope in the cerebellum of senile animals suggest a role of diSia in this
      structure or, inversely, an influence of aging on the expression of diSia in the
      cerebellum. Further research in that direction could elucidate the roles of diSia
      in brain function in health and disease.

PMID- 22038479
TI  - Isomeric analysis of oligomannosidic N-glycans and their dolichol-linked
      precursors.
AB  - Oligomannosidic (OM) N-glycans occur as a mixture of isomers, which at early
      stages of glycosidase trimming also comprise structures with one to three glucose
      residues. A complementary set of isomers is generated during the biosynthesis of
      the lipid-linked precursor. Here, we demonstrate the remarkable capacity of
      liquid chromatography (LC) with porous graphitic carbon and mass spectrometric
      detection for the determination of OM isomers. Protein-linked N-glycans were
      released enzymatically from samples with known isomer composition such as kidney
      bean proteins and ribonuclease B. Lipid-linked oligosaccharides were obtained by
      a direct mild acid hydrolysis of microsomes thus avoiding biphasic partitioning.
      A parallel analysis of pyridylaminated glycans by amide-silica and reversed-phase
      high-performance LC, the application of branch-specific alpha-mannosidases and
      work with ALG mutant plants led to the assignment of the relative retention times
      of the isomers occurring during the degradation of the Glc(3)Man(9)GlcNAc(2)
      precursor oligosaccharide to Man(5)GlcNAc(2) and beyond. A tightly woven net of
      evidence supports these assignments. Noteworthy, this isomer assignment happens
      in the course of a comprehensive analysis of all types of a sample's N-glycans.

PMID- 22038480
TI  - Evaluation of immunostimulatory effect of the arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea. L)
      in vitro and in vivo.
AB  - Arrowroot (Maranta arundinacea. L) is an underutilized local crop potentially to
      be developed as carbohydrate source and functional food in Indonesia. The
      objectives of this research are to evaluate the immunostimulatory effects of
      arrowroot extracts in vitro by using animal cell culture techniques, and in vivo
      by using BALB/c mice. The arrowroot tuber extracts were prepared by heat
      treatment at 121  degrees C for 20 min in distilled water. The IgM production
      stimulatory activity of arrowroot tuber extracts against human hybridoma HB4C5
      cells and mouse splenocytes was assessed. The result indicated that the arrowroot
      tuber extract stimulated IgM production by HB4C5 cells and immunoglobulin (IgG,
      IgA and IgM) production by splenocytes in vitro. In addition, the arrowroot tuber
      extracts strongly enhanced interferon gamma production by splenocytes. In vivo
      study indicated that the diet containing arrowroot extracts increased the serum
      IgG, IgA and IgM levels in mice. These results revealed that the arrowroot tuber
      extracts have immunostimulatory effects in vivo as well as in vitro.

PMID- 22038481
TI  - Unmet needs and distress in people with inoperable lung cancer at the
      commencement of treatment.
AB  - PURPOSE: People with lung cancer report a higher burden of unmet needs,
      specifically psychological and daily living unmet needs. They experience more
      psychological distress and more physical hardship than other tumour sites. This
      study examined the levels of unmet need and psychological distress in inoperable
      lung cancer patients at the start of treatment. METHODS: A cross-section survey
      methodology was employed using baseline data from a randomised controlled trial
      designed to evaluate a supportive care intervention. Eligible lung cancer
      patients were approached to participate at the start of treatment. Consenting
      patients completed questionnaires prior to or just after the commencement of
      treatment. Reliable and valid measures included Needs Assessment for Advanced
      Lung Cancer Patients, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and Brief Distress
      Thermometer. RESULTS: Of the 108 patients participating, the top unmet need was
      'Dealing with concerns about your family's fears and worries' (62%); with the
      next four also coming from the psychological/emotional domain, but, on average,
      most needs related to medical communication. Thirty two percent of patients
      reported clinical or subclinical anxiety and 19% reported HADS scores suggestive
      of clinical or subclinical depression. Moreover, 39.8% of the sample reported
      distress above the cut-off on the distress thermometer and this was associated
      with higher needs for each need subscale (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: People with
      lung cancer have high levels of unmet needs especially regarding
      psychological/emotional or medical communication. People with lung cancer who are
      classified as distressed have more unmet needs.

PMID- 22038482
TI  - Psychometric validation and reliability analysis of a Spanish version of the
      patient satisfaction with cancer-related care measure: a patient navigation
      research program study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patient satisfaction (PS), a key measure of quality of cancer care,
      is a core study outcome of the multi-site National Cancer Institute-funded
      Patient Navigation Research Program. Despite large numbers of underserved
      monolingual Spanish speakers (MSS) residing in USA, there is no validated Spanish
      measure of PS that spans the whole spectrum of cancer-related care. The present
      study reports on the validation of the Patient Satisfaction with Cancer Care
      (PSCC) measure for Spanish (PSCC-Sp) speakers receiving diagnostic and
      therapeutic cancer-related care. METHODS: Original PSCC items were professionally
      translated and back translated to ensure cultural appropriateness,
      meaningfulness, and equivalence. Then, the resulting 18-item PSCC-Sp measure was
      administered to 285 MSS. We evaluated latent structure and internal consistency
      of the PSCC-Sp using principal components analysis (PCA) and Cronbach coefficient
      alpha (alpha). We used correlation analyses to demonstrate divergence and
      convergence of the PSCC-Sp with a Spanish version of the Patient Satisfaction
      with Interpersonal Relationship with Navigator (PSN-I-Sp) measure and patients'
      demographics. RESULTS: The PCA revealed a coherent set of items that explicates
      47% of the variance in PS. Reliability assessment demonstrated that the PSCC-Sp
      had high internal consistency (alpha = 0.92). The PSCC-Sp demonstrated good face
      validity and convergent and divergent validities as indicated by moderate
      correlations with the PSN-I-Sp (p = 0.003) and nonsignificant correlations with
      marital status and household income (all p(s) > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The PSCC-Sp is
      a valid and reliable measure of PS and should be tested in other MSS populations.

PMID- 22038483
TI  - Ahnak1 is a tuneable modulator of cardiac Ca(v)1.2 calcium channel activity.
AB  - Ahnak1 has been implicated in the beta-adrenergic regulation of the cardiac L
      type Ca(2+) channel current (I (CaL)) by its binding to the regulatory Cavbeta(2)
      subunit. In this study, we addressed the question whether ahnak1/Cavbeta(2)
      interactions are essential or redundant for beta-adrenergic stimulation of I
      (CaL). Three naturally occurring ahnak1 variants (V5075 M, G5242R, and T5796 M)
      identified by genetic screening of cardiomyopathy patients did essentially not
      influence the in vitro Cavbeta(2) interaction as assessed by recombinant
      proteins. But, we observed a robust increase in Cavbeta(2) binding by mutating
      Ala at position 4984 to Pro which creates a PxxP consensus motif in the ahnak1
      protein fragment. Surface plasmon resonance measurements revealed that this
      mutation introduced an additional Cavbeta(2) binding site. The functionality of
      A4984P was supported by the specific action of the Pro-containing ahnak1-derived
      peptide (P4984) in beta-adrenergic regulation of I (CaL). Patch clamp recordings
      on cardiomyocytes showed that intracellular perfusion of P4984 markedly reduced I
      (CaL) response to the beta-adrenergic agonist, isoprenaline, while the Ala
      containing counterpart failed to affect I (CaL). Interestingly, I (CaL) of ahnak1
      deficient cardiomyocytes was not affected by peptide application. Moreover, I
      (CaL) of ahnak1-deficient cardiomyocytes showed intact beta-adrenergic
      responsiveness. Similarly isolated ahnak1-deficient mouse hearts responded
      normally to adrenergic challenge. Our results indicate that ahnak1 is not
      essential for beta-adrenergic up-regulation of I (CaL) and cardiac contractility
      in mice. But, tuning ahnak1/Cavbeta(2) interaction provides a tool for modulating
      the beta-adrenergic response of I (CaL).

PMID- 22038484
TI  - Obesity and blood pressure levels of adolescents in Abeokuta, Nigeria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We determined the prevalence of general and central obesity and their
      relationship with blood pressure levels among adolescents in Abeokuta, Nigeria.
      METHODS: We selected 423 adolescents from seven schools in Abeokuta, Nigeria,
      using a multistage random-sampling technique. Body mass index (BMI), waist
      circumference (WC) and blood pressures were measured. RESULTS: Twenty-one (5%)
      children had general obesity and 109 (24.5%) had central obesity. Of those with
      general obesity, 20 (95.1%) children were centrally obese. With simple linear
      regression analysis, BMI and WC explained 10.7 and 8.4%, respectively of the
      variance in systolic blood pressure (SBP), and 3.6 and 2.7%, respectively of the
      variance in diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Following logistic regression
      analysis, BMI was the major factor determining SBP levels (OR 0.8, 95% CI: 0.65
      0.99, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: BMI remains an important anthropometric screening
      tool for high blood pressure in Nigerian adolescents.

PMID- 22038485
TI  - A new broccoli * broccoli immortal mapping population and framework genetic map:
      tools for breeders and complex trait analysis.
AB  - A unique broccoli * broccoli doubled haploid (DH) population has been created
      from the F(1) of a cross between two DH broccoli lines derived from cultivars
      Green Duke and Marathon. We genotyped 154 individuals from this population with
      simple sequence repeat and amplified fragment length polymorphism markers to
      create a B. oleracea L. var. italica 'intra-crop' specific framework linkage map.
      The map is composed of nine linkage groups with a total length of 946.7 cM.
      Previous published B. oleracea maps have been constructed using diverse crosses
      between morphotypes of B. oleracea; this map therefore represents a useful
      breeding resource for the dissection of broccoli specific traits. Phenotype data
      have been collected from the population over five growing seasons; the framework
      linkage map has been used to locate quantitative trait loci for agronomically
      important broccoli traits including head weight (saleable yield), head diameter,
      stalk diameter, weight loss and relative weight loss during storage, as well as
      traits for broccoli leaf architecture. This population and associated linkage map
      will aid breeders to directly map agronomically important traits for the
      improvement of elite broccoli cultivars.

PMID- 22038486
TI  - Genetic mapping of the Leptosphaeria maculans avirulence gene corresponding to
      the LepR1 resistance gene of Brassica napus.
AB  - AvrLepR1 of the fungal pathogen Leptosphaeria maculans is the avirulence gene
      that corresponds to Brassica LepR1, a plant gene controlling dominant, race
      specific resistance to this pathogen. An in vitro cross between the virulent L.
      maculans isolate, 87-41, and the avirulent isolate, 99-56, was performed in order
      to map the AvrLepR1 gene. The disease reactions of the 94 of the resulting F(1)
      progenies were tested on the canola line ddm-12-6s-1, which carries LepR1. There
      were 44 avirulent progenies and 50 virulent progenies suggesting a 1:1
      segregation ratio and that the avirulence of 99-56 on ddm-12-6s-1 is controlled
      by a single gene. Tetrad analysis also indicated a 1:1 segregation ratio. The
      AvrLepR1 gene was positioned on a genetic map of L. maculans relative to 259
      sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) markers, two cloned avirulence
      genes (AvrLm1 and AvrLm4-7) and the mating type locus (MAT1). The genetic map
      consisted of 36 linkage groups, ranging in size from 13.1 to 163.7 cM, and
      spanned a total of 2,076.4 cM. The AvrLepR1 locus was mapped to linkage group 4,
      in the 13.1 cM interval flanked by the SRAP markers SBG49-110 and FT161-223. The
      AvrLm4-7 locus was also positioned on linkage group 4, close to but distinct from
      the AvrLepR1 locus, in the 5.4 cM interval flanked by FT161-223 and P1314-300.
      This work will make possible the further characterization and map-based cloning
      of AvrLepR1. A combination of genetic mapping and pathogenicity tests
      demonstrated that AvrLepR1 is different from each of the L. maculans avirulence
      genes that have been characterized previously.

PMID- 22038487
TI  - Fine genetic mapping of greenbug aphid-resistance gene Gb3 in Aegilops tauschii.
AB  - The greenbug, Schizaphis graminum (Rondani), is an important aphid pest of small
      grain crops especially wheat (Triticum aestivum L., 2n = 6x = 42, genomes AABBDD)
      in many parts of the world. The greenbug-resistance gene Gb3 originated from
      Aegilops tauschii Coss. (2n = 2x = 14, genome D(t)D(t)) has shown consistent and
      durable resistance against prevailing greenbug biotypes in wheat fields. We
      previously mapped Gb3 in a recombination-rich, telomeric bin of wheat chromosome
      arm 7DL. In this study, high-resolution genetic mapping was carried out using an
      F(2:3) segregating population derived from two Ae. tauschii accessions, the
      resistant PI 268210 (original donor of Gb3 in the hexaploid wheat germplasm line
      'Largo') and susceptible AL8/78. Molecular markers were developed by exploring
      bin-mapped wheat RFLPs, SSRs, ESTs and the Ae. tauschii physical map (BAC
      contigs). Wheat EST and Ae. tauschii BAC end sequences located in the deletion
      bin 7DL3-0.82-1.00 were used to design STS (sequence tagged site) or CAPS
      (Cleaved Amplified Polymorphic Sequence) markers. Forty-five PCR-based markers
      were developed and mapped to the chromosomal region spanning the Gb3 locus. The
      greenbug-resistance gene Gb3 now was delimited in an interval of 1.1 cM by two
      molecular markers (HI067J6-R and HI009B3-R). This localized high-resolution
      genetic map with markers closely linked to Gb3 lays a solid foundation for map
      based cloning of Gb3 and marker-assisted selection of this gene in wheat
      breeding.

PMID- 22038489
TI  - Single-stage posterior instrumentation and anterior debridement for active
      tuberculosis of the thoracic and lumbar spine with kyphotic deformity.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to validate the efficacy and safety of
      single-stage posterior instrumentation and anterior debridement for treatment of
      active spinal tuberculosis with kyphotic deformity. METHOD: From January 2005 to
      January 2009, 13 males and 24 females were enrolled in this retrospective study.
      All patients underwent single-stage posterior instrumentation and fusion,
      combined with anterior radical debridement and bone grafting. Clinical and
      radiographic results were analysed. RESULTS: Patients were followed-up for 33.6
      months on average. Bony fusion was achieved at six- to nine-month follow-up in
      all patients. The respective average kyphosis at the pre-operative and the last
      follow-up was 53.5 degrees  and 12.6 degrees , with a mean correction of 40.9
      degrees  (78.5%). Neurologic recovery averaged 1.5 grades on the Frankel scale.
      No recurrence of tuberculosis or instrumentation failure occurred. CONCLUSION:
      Single-stage posterior instrumentation and anterior debridement with fusion was
      demonstrated to be a safe and effective method to achieve spinal decompression
      and kyphosis correction in patients with Pott's disease.

PMID- 22038488
TI  - Development and characterization of genomic and expressed SSRs for levant cotton
      (Gossypium herbaceum L.).
AB  - Four microsatellite-enriched genomic libraries for CA(15), GA(15), AAG(8) and
      ATG(8) repeats and transcriptome sequences of five cDNA libraries of Gossypium
      herbaceum were explored to develop simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. A total
      of 428 unique clones from repeat enriched genomic libraries were mined for 584
      genomic SSRs (gSSRs). In addition, 99,780 unigenes from transcriptome sequencing
      were explored for 8,900 SSR containing sequences with 12,471 expressed SSRs. The
      present study adds 1,970 expressed SSRs and 263 gSSRs to the public domain for
      the use of genetic studies of cotton. When 150 gSSRs and 50 expressed SSRs were
      tested on a panel of four species of cotton, 68 gSSRs and 12 expressed SSRs
      revealed polymorphism. These 200 SSRs were further deployed on 15 genotypes of
      levant cotton for the genetic diversity assessment. This is the first report on
      the successful use of repeat enriched genomic library and expressed sequence
      database for microsatellite markers development in G. herbaceum.

PMID- 22038490
TI  - Two types of partial fertility in a diploid population of the fern Thelypteris
      decursive-pinnata (Thelypteridaceae).
AB  - Two types of abnormal sporophytes were observed in a population of diploid
      Thelypteris decursive-pinnata. Most sporophytes in this population exhibited
      regular chromosome pairing, resulting in the formation of 30 bivalents in meiosis
      I; however, they produced abortive spores to various degrees. Some formed large
      globose spores at low frequencies, most likely to be unreduced diplospores. The
      other type of abnormal sporophyte underwent synaptic failure to form 60
      univalents at meiosis I, but produced fertile spores, mostly large globose ones
      at low frequencies. The globose spores were considered unreduced diplospores
      because the gametophytes arising from them produced tetraploid sporophytes by
      gametophytic selfing. One tetraploid formed only univalents at meiosis I.
      Allozyme variation was not detected in this population, although neighboring
      ordinary diploid populations exhibited it to a certain degree. The sympatric
      occurrence and allozyme uniformity of the two groups suggest that both are
      offspring of a founder sporophyte, which may have possessed two types of mutated
      recessive genes responsible for the spore sterility and the synaptic failure in
      meiosis. Unreduced spores formed by these two types may play an important role in
      the polyploid speciation of this species.

PMID- 22038491
TI  - Lamb survival analysis from birth to weaning in Iranian Kermani sheep.
AB  - Survival records from 1,763 Kermani lambs born between 1996 and 2004 from 294
      ewes and 81 rams were used to determine genetic and non-genetic factors affecting
      lamb survival. Traits included were lamb survival across five periods from birth
      to 7, 14, 56, 70, and 90 days of age. Traits were analyzed under Weibull
      proportional hazard sire models. Several binary analyses were also conducted
      using animal models. Statistical models included the fixed class effects of sex
      of lamb, month and year of birth, a covariate effect of birth weight, and random
      genetic effects of both sire (in survival analyses) and animal (in binary
      analyses). The average survival to 90 days of age was 94.8%. Hazard rates ranged
      from 1.00 (birth to 90 days of age) to 1.73 (birth to 7 days of age) between the
      two sexes indicating that male lambs were at higher risk of mortality than
      females (P < 0.01). This study also revealed a curvilinear relationship between
      lamb survival and lamb birth weight, suggesting that viability and birth weight
      could be considered simultaneously in the selection programs to obtain optimal
      birth weight in Kermani lambs. Estimates of heritabilities from survival analyses
      were medium and ranged from 0.23 to 0.29. In addition, heritability estimates
      obtained from binary analyses were low and varied from 0.04 to 0.09. The results
      of this study suggest that progress in survival traits could be possible through
      managerial strategies and genetic selection.

PMID- 22038492
TI  - Assessment of long-term efficacy and safety of metyrapone monotherapy in a
      patient with ACTH-independent macronodular adrenal hyperplasia.

PMID- 22038494
TI  - Retraction note: Isolation and characterization of goat retinal microvascular
      endothelial cells.

PMID- 22038493
TI  - High tie in anterior resection for rectal cancer confers no increased risk of
      anastomotic leakage.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is controversial whether division of the inferior mesenteric
      artery close to the aorta influences the risk of anastomotic leakage, especially
      in the elderly and unfit. This population-based study was carried out to evaluate
      the independent association between a high arterial ligation and anastomotic
      leakage in anterior resection for rectal cancer. METHODS: All patients who had
      anterior resection for rectal cancer from 2007 to 2009 inclusive were identified
      in the Swedish Colorectal Cancer Registry. The association between high tie and
      anastomotic leakage was evaluated in a logistic regression model, with adjustment
      for confounders. Stratification was performed for co-morbidity as judged by the
      American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification. RESULTS: Symptomatic
      anastomotic leakage occurred in 81 (9.9 per cent) of 818 patients with a high tie
      and 108 (9.8 per cent) of 1101 without. Overall, the use of a high tie was not
      associated with a higher risk of anastomotic leakage (odds ratio (OR) 1.00, 95
      per cent confidence interval 0.72 to 1.39). There was no increased risk in
      patients classifed as ASA grade I or II (OR 0.97, 0.69 to 1.35), or in those
      graded ASA III or IV (OR 1.26, 0.58 to 2.75). CONCLUSION: In the present
      population-based setting, use of a high tie was not associated with an increased
      rate of symptomatic anastomotic leakage.

PMID- 22038495
TI  - Acute myocardial infarction in streptozotocin-induced hyperglycaemic rats:
      protection by a carbon monoxide-releasing molecule (CORM-3).
AB  - Here, we have studied the effects of a carbon monoxide-releasing molecule (CORM
      3, tricarbonylchloro(glycinato)ruthenium(II)) on acute myocardial
      ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in hyperglycaemic streptozotocin-treated rats
      (STZ rats). Occlusion of the left descending coronary artery for 25 min followed
      by a 2-h reperfusion in STZ-induced hyperglycaemic rats was used as the model.
      CORM-3 and its inactive counterpart (iCORM-3) were administered 1 h prior to
      ischemia. The parameters measured included myocardial infarct size (IS) and a
      selection of inflammatory, oxidative markers and endothelial progenitor cells
      (CD34+ and CD117/c-kit+. In STZ-induced hyperglycaemic rats, occlusion of the
      left descending coronary artery caused injury of the myocardial tissue with an IS
      of ~70%, expressed as fraction of the area at risk. Given intraperitoneally 1 h
      prior to ischemia, CORM-3 (2-8 mg/kg) afforded significant dose-dependent cardio
      protection. Specifically, pre-treatment with CORM-3 reduced infarct size by 14 +/
      0.6%, 34 +/- 1% and 53 +/- 1.6% for doses of 2, 4 and 8 mg/kg, respectively. A
      negative control (iCORM-3) failed to prevent the cardiac damage induced by I/R.
      CORM-3 pre-treatment augmented cardiac heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) protein levels and
      was associated with an increased number of CD34+- and CD117/c-kit+-positive
      immunostaining. Modulation of these markers was associated with augmented cardiac
      eNOS expression and levels of the cytokines TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta. CORM-3
      afforded significant cardio-protection against acute myocardial infarction in STZ
      induced hyperglycaemic rats through liberation of small amounts of CO. Of
      interest, CORM-3 promoted recruitment of the endogenous endothelial progenitor
      cells within the myocardium, possibly through modulation of cardiac HO-1 and eNOS
      expression and/or function.

PMID- 22038496
TI  - Flow visualization for different port angles of a pulsatile ventricular assist
      device.
AB  - The "washout effect" inside a blood pump may depend in part on the configuration
      of the blood pump, including its "port angle." The port angle, which is primarily
      decided based on anatomical considerations, may also be important from the
      rheological viewpoint. In our department, a next-generation diaphragm-type blood
      pump is being developed. In this study, we examined the influence of the port
      angle on flow conditions inside our new blood pump. Acrylic resin mock pumps with
      three different port angles (0 degrees , 30 degrees , and 45 degrees ) were
      prepared for flow visualization. Mechanical monoleaflet valves were mounted on
      the inlet and outlet ports of the mock pumps. Flow conditions within the mock
      pumps were visualized by means of particle image velocimetry during a half
      stroke. As a result, a high flow velocity region was seen along the main circular
      flow from the inlet to the outlet port. This circular flow was almost uniform and
      parallel to the plane of the diaphragm-housing junction (DhJ) when viewed from
      the inlet and outlet sides. Moreover, the proportion of high flow velocity
      vectors in the plane in the vicinity of the DhJ decreased as the degree of the
      port angle increased. In conclusion, we found that the flow behavior in the plane
      in the vicinity of the DhJ changed with the port angle, and that a port angle of
      0 degrees  may be suitable for our diaphragm-type blood pump in view of the
      washout effect.

PMID- 22038497
TI  - Effect of tart cherry juice (Prunus cerasus) on melatonin levels and enhanced
      sleep quality.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tart Montmorency cherries have been reported to contain high levels
      of phytochemicals including melatonin, a molecule critical in regulating the
      sleep-wake cycle in humans. PURPOSE: The aim of our investigation was to
      ascertain whether ingestion of a tart cherry juice concentrate would increase the
      urinary melatonin levels in healthy adults and improve sleep quality. METHODS: In
      a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover design, 20 volunteers
      consumed either a placebo or tart cherry juice concentrate for 7 days. Measures
      of sleep quality recorded by actigraphy and subjective sleep questionnaires were
      completed. Sequential urine samples over 48 h were collected and urinary 6
      sulfatoxymelatonin (major metabolite of melatonin) determined; cosinor analysis
      was used to determine melatonin circadian rhythm (mesor, acrophase and
      amplitude). In addition, total urinary melatonin content was determined over the
      sampled period. Trial differences were determined using a repeated measures
      ANOVA. RESULTS: Total melatonin content was significantly elevated (P < 0.05) in
      the cherry juice group, whilst no differences were shown between baseline and
      placebo trials. There were significant increases in time in bed, total sleep time
      and sleep efficiency total (P < 0.05) with cherry juice supplementation. Although
      there was no difference in timing of the melatonin circardian rhythm, there was a
      trend to a higher mesor and amplitude. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that
      consumption of a tart cherry juice concentrate provides an increase in exogenous
      melatonin that is beneficial in improving sleep duration and quality in healthy
      men and women and might be of benefit in managing disturbed sleep.

PMID- 22038498
TI  - Shared environmental contributions to substance use.
AB  - The current study examined the association between substance use in the household
      during childhood, parental attitudes towards substance use and lifetime substance
      use in males. Subjects included 1081 monozygotic and 707 dizygotic twins from the
      Virginia Adult Twin Study of Psychiatric and Substance Use Disorders.
      Retrospective reports of substance use and features of the family environment
      (adult household substance use and parental attitudes towards substance use) were
      obtained using a life history interview. A trivariate Cholesky decomposition was
      conducted using the program Mx to decompose common shared environmental variance.
      Findings suggest that family environmental factors accounted for a large
      proportion of the shared environmental effects for illicit drug use. Results
      illustrate an important way of extending behavior genetic research to reveal
      specific etiological environmental mechanisms.

PMID- 22038499
TI  - Diagnostic study and meta-analysis of C-reactive protein as a predictor of
      postoperative inflammatory complications after pancreatic surgery.
AB  - PURPOSE: Although C-reactive protein (CRP) can be measured by a standard blood
      test, its diagnostic value for distinguishing patients with inflammatory
      complications after pancreatic surgery from patients with normal postoperative
      inflammatory responses has not been adequately investigated. This study aimed to
      assess the diagnostic accuracy of CRP levels for the occurrence of postoperative
      inflammatory complications after pancreatic surgery. METHODS: Clinical data and
      CRP levels measured in 280 patients after pancreatic surgeries (performed between
      1998 and 2010) until postoperative day 10 (POD 10) were retrospectively analyzed.
      Using the receiver operating characteristic method, diagnostic accuracy was
      evaluated by an area under the curve (AUC) analysis. Furthermore, the results of
      the present study were compared to previously published reports by applying
      diagnostic meta-analysis techniques. RESULTS: The 30-day mortality rate was 3.9%
      (95% CI 2.1-7.0%). Inflammatory complications occurred in 153 of 280 patients
      (54.6%; 95% CI 48.8-60.4%). On POD 4, the AUC was 0.67 (95% CI 0.58-0.76). The
      highest diagnostic accuracy was observed on POD 7 (AUC 0.77; 95% CI 0.68-0.85).
      In a diagnostic meta-analysis that included two additional studies, the
      diagnostic sensitivity on POD 4 was 0.63 (95% CI 0.50-0.76), and the specificity
      was 0.79 (95% CI 0.71-0.88). The highest sensitivity occurred on POD 6 (0.75; 95%
      CI 0.68-0.82). Considerable statistical heterogeneity was observed in the
      analysis of PODs 3, 4 and 5. CONCLUSION: According to this limited evidence, CRP
      levels had a low to moderate diagnostic accuracy. Large, blinded studies are
      warranted for a more precise estimation of CRP's diagnostic value.

PMID- 22038500
TI  - Evaluation of effects of a novel endoscopically applied radiofrequency ablation
      biliary catheter using an ex-vivo pig liver.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The effects of ablation with various settings of powers and times
      using a newly developed radiofrequency (RF) ablation device, the HabibTM EndoHPB
      catheter, are not well known. In the present study, we examined the effects of a
      novel RF ablation catheter using resected fresh pig livers and evaluated the
      macro- and microscopic effects of RF ablation under various conditions. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: The RF application was performed step by step at 5, 10, 15, and 20 W
      power and 60, 90, 120 s, respectively. Macroscopic and microscopic findings of
      the ablation area were evaluated at each setting. RESULTS: The mean lengths of
      the short axis of the ablation area at 10 W and 60, 90 and 120 s were 8.0 +/-
      1.0, 8.3 +/- 1.2, and 9.7 +/- 0.6 mm, respectively. The mean lengths of the long
      axis at 10 W power and 60, 90 and 120 s were 20.3 +/- 0.6, 21.3 +/- 1.6, and 28.3
      +/- 2.1 mm, respectively. Although the lengths of the short and long axes at 5
      and 10 W increased gradually with power, there were no obvious differences in
      either short or long axis lengths between 15 and 20 W. Of all the settings, only
      at 5 W and 60 and 90 s did the long axis of the ablation show separate areas
      around the 2 ring electrodes. CONCLUSIONS: Although other sequelae including
      hemorrhage, pancreatitis, acute inflammatory changes, perforation and late
      fibrosis could not be investigated in our ex-vivo pig model, our study clarified
      the relationship between ablation powers and times and the effects concerning
      depth and longitudinal spread of ablation. Although the clinical ablation setting
      at 7-10 W power and 2 min is suitable, ultimately the ablation power and time
      should be adjusted according to the size of masses using examples from the
      present results.

PMID- 22038501
TI  - Standard versus extended lymphadenectomy in radical pancreatoduodenectomy for
      ductal adenocarcinoma of the head of the pancreas: long-term results of a
      Japanese multicenter randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The value of pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) with extended lymphadenectomy
      for pancreatic cancer has been evaluated by many retrospective studies and 3
      randomized controlled trials (RCT). However, the protocols used and the results
      found in the 3 RCTs were diverse. Therefore, a multicenter RCT was proposed in
      1998 to evaluate the primary end point of long-term survival and the secondary
      end points of morbidity, mortality and quality of life of patients undergoing
      standard versus extended lymphadenectomy in radical PD for pancreatic cancer.
      METHODS: From March 2000 to May 2003, 112 patients with potentially curable
      pancreatic head cancer were enrolled and intraoperatively randomized to a
      standard or extended lymphadenectomy group. No resected patients received any
      adjuvant treatments. RESULTS: A hundred and one eligible patients were analyzed.
      Demographic and histopathological characteristics of the two groups were similar.
      The mean operating time, intraoperative blood loss and number of retrieved lymph
      nodes were greater in the extended group, but the other operative results were
      comparable. CONCLUSIONS: Although this multicenter RCT was conducted in a strict
      setting, extended lymphadenectomy in radical PD did not benefit long-term
      survival in patients with resectable pancreatic head cancer and led to levels of
      morbidity, mortality and quality of life comparable to those found after standard
      lymphadenectomy.

PMID- 22038502
TI  - Angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma: pleomorphic variant associated with
      multiplication of EWSR1-CREB1 fusion gene.
AB  - Angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma (AFH) is a rare soft tissue tumor which
      exceptionally occurs in visceral organs or bones. Histologically this is a bland,
      monomorphic tumor and only occasionally shows pleomorphism. Vast majority of the
      soft tissue cases share the same translocation and the resulting EWSR1-CREB1 gene
      fusion as background pathogenetic alteration. Here we report a 10-year-old boy
      with subcutaneous tumor of the right shoulder. Histological, immunohistochemical
      and FISH analyses of the case revealed pleomorphic phenotype, characteristic
      immunophenotype and multiplication of the EWSR1-CREB1 fusion gene in the nuclei
      of the tumor cells. The possible explanation of the fusion gene multiplication,
      its relation to the morphology and the clinical outcome are discussed in the
      context of the published literature.

PMID- 22038503
TI  - An L1-regularized logistic model for detecting short-term neuronal interactions.
AB  - Interactions among neurons are a key component of neural signal processing. Rich
      neural data sets potentially containing evidence of interactions can now be
      collected readily in the laboratory, but existing analysis methods are often not
      sufficiently sensitive and specific to reveal these interactions. Generalized
      linear models offer a platform for analyzing multi-electrode recordings of
      neuronal spike train data. Here we suggest an L(1)-regularized logistic
      regression model (L(1)L method) to detect short-term (order of 3 ms) neuronal
      interactions. We estimate the parameters in this model using a coordinate descent
      algorithm, and determine the optimal tuning parameter using a Bayesian
      Information Criterion. Simulation studies show that in general the L(1)L method
      has better sensitivities and specificities than those of the traditional shuffle
      corrected cross-correlogram (covariogram) method. The L(1)L method is able to
      detect excitatory interactions with both high sensitivity and specificity with
      reasonably large recordings, even when the magnitude of the interactions is
      small; similar results hold for inhibition given sufficiently high baseline
      firing rates. Our study also suggests that the false positives can be further
      removed by thresholding, because their magnitudes are typically smaller than true
      interactions. Simulations also show that the L(1)L method is somewhat robust to
      partially observed networks. We apply the method to multi-electrode recordings
      collected in the monkey dorsal premotor cortex (PMd) while the animal prepares to
      make reaching arm movements. The results show that some neurons interact
      differently depending on task conditions. The stronger interactions detected with
      our L(1)L method were also visible using the covariogram method.

PMID- 22038504
TI  - Modulation of neurotransmitter release in orexin/hypocretin-2 receptor knockout
      mice: a microdialysis study.
AB  - Orexinergic neurons are discretely localized within the lateral hypothalamus and
      have widespread projections to the whole brain. Here, the role of
      orexin/hypocretin-2 receptors (OX2) in modulating extracellular concentrations of
      neurotransmitters was evaluated in the hypothalamus and the prefrontal cortex
      (PFC) of OX2 knockout (KO) mice by using a microdialysis technique. In the
      hypothalamus, basal concentrations of norephinephrine (NE), acetylcholine (ACh),
      and histamine (Hist) were significantly higher in KO mice, whereas KCl perfusion
      (147 mM) resulted in significantly lesser increases in NE, ACh, and Hist release
      in KO compared with wild-type (WT) mice. No differences in basal concentrations
      or evoked release of serotonin (5-HT) or dopamine (DA) were found in the
      hypothalamus between genotypes. In the PFC, no differences in the basal
      concentrations of the studied neurotransmitters were found between genotypes.
      After KCl perfusion, significantly higher increases in NE, 5-HT, and DA release
      were found in KO compared with WT mice. No differences in the evoked release of
      ACh and Hist in the PFC were found between genotypes. The present results
      demonstrate that genetic deletion of OX2 receptors differentially modulates
      extracellular concentrations of distinct neurotransmitters in the somatodendritic
      region vs. a nerve terminal region of the orexinergic neurons. In the
      hypothalamus, an inhibitory role of the OX2 receptors in modulating basal
      concentrations of NE, ACh, and Hist was revealed, which probably accounts for the
      reduced responsiveness to KCl as well. In the PFC, the evoked release of the
      monoamines NE, 5-HT, and DA seems to be controlled negatively by OX2 receptors.

PMID- 22038505
TI  - Effects of a Lactobacillus reuteri BR11 mutant deficient in the cystine-transport
      system in a rat model of inflammatory bowel disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic inflammatory disorder
      of the gastrointestinal tract associated with altered composition of the gut
      microbiota. Lactobacillus reuteri BR11 (BR11) has recently been reported to
      reduce the severity of experimental IBD because of its probiotic properties
      possibly attributed to a mechanism of thiol production via its unique
      cysteine/cystine-transport system. AIM: We compared BR11 and a BR11 mutant
      deficient in the cystine-uptake system (PNG201), for their capacity to reduce the
      severity of experimental colitis. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 8 per
      group) were gavaged (1 ml/day) with skim milk, BR11 or PNG201 (1 * 10(9) CFU/ml)
      for 12 days. Rats consumed either water or 2% dextran sulfate sodium in drinking
      water from days 6 to 12 to induce colitis. Metabolism data, disease activity
      index, intestinal mucin profile, and histological analyses were assessed and
      compared by ANOVA. RESULTS: Assessed histologically, DSS administration resulted
      in significant colonic deterioration, including loss of crypt area and increased
      damage severity. BR11 administration only partially alleviated the DSS effects,
      with a minor improvement in crypt area (P < 0.05). Administration of the PNG201
      mutant strain to colitic animals failed to achieve significance (P > 0.05)
      against the DSS control for any of the end-points. However, the mutant strain
      induced significantly greater (P < 0.05) histological severity compared with BR11
      treated colitic animals, indicative of possible exacerbation of colitis.
      CONCLUSIONS: The cystine-uptake system only minimally affects the biological
      effects of BR11, as evidenced by histological and macroscopic colitic changes.

PMID- 22038506
TI  - Reduced high-mobility group box 1 expression induced by RNA interference inhibits
      the bioactivity of hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HCCLM3.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Increased expression of high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) has been
      observed in many tumor types, but the role of HMGB1 in hepatocellular carcinoma
      (HCC) is unknown. AIMS: To examine the effects of RNA interference HMGB1 on the
      bioactivity of HCC cell line HCCLM3. METHODS: We synthesized three specific small
      interfering RNAs of HMGB1 (HMGB1-siRNAs) and transfected these into HCCLM3 cells
      by use of Lipofectamine 2000. RT-PCR and Western blot were performed to determine
      the effects of HMGB1-siRNAs on HMGB1 expression and to detect NF-kappaB/p65 and
      VEGF-C expression after transfection of HMGB1-siRNAs into HCCLM3. In vitro
      proliferation was assessed by MTT assay. Migration and invasive ability were
      determined by use of the Transwell assay. Apoptosis was demonstrated by flow
      cytometry. RESULTS: RT-PCR and Western blotting showed that all three specific
      HMGB1-siRNAs significantly inhibited HMGB1 expression, with inhibition by HMGB1
      siRNA-1 being highest (70-80%). MTT assay demonstrated that the growth of cells
      transfected with HMGB1-siRNA-1 was significantly lower than that of control cells
      (P < 0.01). The Transwell assay showed that cell migration and invasion were
      significantly inhibited in HMGB1 knockdown cells compared with control cells (P <
      0.01). FCM revealed that apoptosis was significantly increased in HMGB1-siRNA-1
      transfected cells compared with control cells (P < 0.01). Expression of NF
      kappaB/p65 and VEGF-C was inhibited in HCCLM3 cells transfected with HMGB1-siRNA
      1 compared with control cells (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Downregulation of HMGB1
      could obviously inhibit the growth of HCCLM3 cells, and their migration and
      invasion ability. HMGB1 may serve as a potential target for treatment of HCC.

PMID- 22038507
TI  - Glutamine and whey protein improve intestinal permeability and morphology in
      patients with Crohn's disease: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Increased intestinal permeability (IP) has been implicated in the
      etiopathogenesis, disease activity and relapse of Crohn's disease (CD).
      Glutamine, the major fuel for the enterocytes, may improve IP. AIM: We evaluated
      the effect of oral glutamine on IP and intestinal morphology in patients with CD.
      METHODS: In a randomized controlled trial, consecutive patients with CD in
      remission phase with an abnormal IP were randomized to a glutamine group (GG) or
      active control group (ACG) and were given oral glutamine or whey protein,
      respectively, as 0.5 g/kg ideal body weight/day for 2 months. IP was assessed by
      the lactulose mannitol excretion ratio (LMR) in urine, and morphometry was
      performed by computerized image analysis system. RESULTS: Patients (age 34.5 +/-
      10.5 years; 20 males) were assigned to the GG (n = 15) or ACG (n = 15). Fourteen
      patients in each group completed the trial. The LMR [median (range)] in GG and
      ACG at 2 months was 0.029 (0.006-0.090) and 0.033 (0.009-0.077), respectively,
      with P = 0.6133. IP normalized in 8 (57.1%) patients in each group (P = 1.000).
      The villous crypt ratio (VCR) [mean (SD)] in GG and ACG at 2 months was 2.68
      (1.02) and 2.49 (0.67), respectively, (P = 0.347). At the end of 2 months LMR
      improved significantly in GG from 0.071 (0.041-0.254) to 0.029 (0.006-0.090) (P =
      0.0012) and in ACG from 0.067 (0.040-0.136) to 0.033 (0.009-0.077) (P = 0.0063).
      VCR improved in the GG from 2.33 (0.77) to 2.68 (1.02) (P = 0.001), and in ACG
      from 2.26 (0.57) to 2.49 (0.67) (P = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Intestinal permeability
      and morphology improved significantly in both glutamine and ACG.

PMID- 22038508
TI  - Clinicopathologic features of advanced gallbladder cancer associated with
      adenomyomatosis.
AB  - Adenomyomatosis of the gallbladder has not been considered to have malignant
      potential, but gross features of adenomyomatosis are sometimes encountered in
      gallbladders resected under a diagnosis of gallbladder carcinoma. The purpose of
      this study was to determine the clinicopathologic features and survival rates in
      cases of gallbladder cancer with gross features of adenomyomatosis. The study
      subjects were 97 surgically treated gallbladder carcinoma patients. Only
      gallbladder showing typical gross features of adenomyomatosis was judged as
      adenomyomatosis-positive gallbladder cancer. In terms of gross findings, 25 cases
      (25.8%) were classified as adenomyomatosis-positive. The status of
      adenomyomatosis was significantly associated with the T stage (P=0.0004), lymph
      node (LN) metastasis (P<0.0001), distant metastasis (P=0.008), and stage
      (P=0.0005). In the adenomyomatosis-positive group, 16 of the 25 cases (64.0%)
      were classified as segmental type and 9 cases (36.0%) were classified as fundal
      type. No diffuse-type cases were present in this series. The status of
      adenomyomatosis correlated significantly with survival (P=0.0007). However, the
      multivariate analysis of significant variables identified from the univariate
      analysis identified only T stage (P=0.0178) and LN metastasis (P=0.0048) as
      independent prognostic factors. Subset analysis with T stage according to the
      status of adenomyomatosis showed no significant impact on survival. These results
      indicate that adenomyomatosis-positive gallbladder cancer is more often diagnosed
      clinically in the advanced stages. Since preceding adenomyomatosis may prevent
      the early detection of gallbladder cancer, the usefulness of preventive
      cholecystectomy in cases of asymptomatic adenomyomatosis should be considered.

PMID- 22038509
TI  - Frequency and clinical significance of placental histological lesions in an
      unselected population at or near term.
AB  - Associations between specific placental histological abnormalities and obstetric
      outcomes are reported. However, most data are based either on high-risk cases or
      relate to case-control studies selected from those with abnormal placental
      histology findings, with the unavoidable biases that these approaches entail.
      This study reports the frequency of the several common, objective and predefined
      histological abnormalities of the placenta as identified by pathologists blinded
      to all clinical information. A total 1,153 women were recruited from an
      unselected population delivering at 34-43 weeks. Histological findings in common
      obstetric outcome groups were compared to those of the unselected population, and
      odds ratios and predictive values were calculated. Normal histological findings
      were present in 72.1% of pregnancies with normal outcomes and in 79.1%, 66.6%,
      80%, and 74.8% of pregnancies affected by pre-eclampsia (PET), pregnancy-induced
      hypertension (PIH), gestational diabetes (GDM), and small for gestational age
      (SGA), respectively. Chronic placental underperfusion was seen more frequently in
      PIH (odds ratio (OR) 2) and SGA (OR 1.4), while villitis of unknown aetiology was
      observed more commonly in cases with PIH (OR 3.2). Fetal thrombotic vasculopathy
      was twice as common in cases with GDM whilst massive perivillous fibrin
      deposition was much more frequent in those with PET (OR 20.2) and SGA (OR 8.9).
      Chorangiomata were 13 times more common in pregnancies with PET. However, in all
      cases, positive predictive values were low, with the majority of cases with
      histological abnormalities being associated with normal outcome. At term,
      specific placental histological lesions are significantly more common in
      complicated pregnancies, but the clinical significance of such lesions in a
      specific case remains uncertain, since the majority will be identified from
      clinically uncomplicated normal pregnancies.

PMID- 22038510
TI  - StavroX--a software for analyzing crosslinked products in protein interaction
      studies.
AB  - Chemical crosslinking in combination with mass spectrometry has matured into an
      alternative approach to derive low-resolution structural information of proteins
      and protein complexes. Yet, one of the major drawbacks of this strategy remains
      the lack of software that is able to handle the large MS datasets that are
      created after chemical crosslinking and enzymatic digestion of the crosslinking
      reaction mixtures. Here, we describe a software, termed StavroX, which has been
      specifically designed for analyzing highly complex crosslinking datasets. The
      StavroX software was evaluated for three diverse biological systems: (1) the
      complex between calmodulin and a peptide derived from Munc13, (2) an N-terminal
      beta-laminin fragment, and (3) the complex between guanylyl cyclase activating
      protein-2 and a peptide derived from retinal guanylyl cyclase. We show that the
      StavroX software is advantageous for analyzing crosslinked products due to its
      easy-to-use graphical user interface and the highly automated analysis of mass
      spectrometry (MS) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) data resulting in short
      times for analysis. StavroX is expected to give a further push to the chemical
      crosslinking approach as a routine technique for protein interaction studies.

PMID- 22038511
TI  - Methods and value of home uroflowmetry in the assessment of men with lower
      urinary tract symptoms: a literature review.
AB  - AIMS: Uroflowmetry is a key clinical assessment for men with LUTS. Home
      uroflowmetry is a convenient way to obtain multiple flow readings and has the
      potential to combat problems inherent to clinic-based measurements. We reviewed
      current evidence regarding the technology and value of multiple and home
      uroflowmetry. METHODS: We searched PubMed and Embase from January 1988 to
      February 2011 using a predetermined strategy. Reference lists from retrieved
      articles were scanned and additional papers screened for relevance. Proceedings
      of the annual meetings of the International Continence Society since 2008 were
      also searched. Relevant guidelines were obtained from the UK NHS Evidence
      repository. RESULTS: Eight studies described five simple, low-cost instruments
      giving multiple representative estimates of Q(max) but not a complete flow curve.
      A further eight studies described home use of four sophisticated, electronic
      flowmeters similar to clinic-based equipment. The above methods were assessed
      against ICS recommendations for uroflowmetry and the results of several studies
      investigating variability of flow parameters such as Q(max) were presented.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our findings illustrate the gulf between low-cost methods of
      obtaining average or peak flow measurements and precise, expensive devices with
      the capabilities of clinic flowmeters. Further studies are required to confirm
      the statistical benefit of averaging multiple values of Q(max) and to investigate
      the diagnostic and predictive value of flow variables other than Q(max) that can
      be derived from multiple recordings.

PMID- 22038512
TI  - Image data sharing for biomedical research--meeting HIPAA requirements for De
      identification.
AB  - Data sharing is increasingly recognized as critical to cross-disciplinary
      research and to assuring scientific validity. Despite National Institutes of
      Health and National Science Foundation policies encouraging data sharing by
      grantees, little data sharing of clinical data has in fact occurred. A principal
      reason often given is the potential of inadvertent violation of the Health
      Insurance Portability and Accountability Act privacy regulations. While
      regulations specify the components of private health information that should be
      protected, there are no commonly accepted methods to de-identify clinical data
      objects such as images. This leads institutions to take conservative risk-averse
      positions on data sharing. In imaging trials, where images are coded according to
      the Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) standard, the
      complexity of the data objects and the flexibility of the DICOM standard have
      made it especially difficult to meet privacy protection objectives. The recent
      release of DICOM Supplement 142 on image de-identification has removed much of
      this impediment. This article describes the development of an open-source
      software suite that implements DICOM Supplement 142 as part of the National
      Biomedical Imaging Archive (NBIA). It also describes the lessons learned by the
      authors as NBIA has acquired more than 20 image collections encompassing over 30
      million images.

PMID- 22038513
TI  - Influence of radiology report format on reading time and comprehension.
AB  - This study examined whether radiology report format influences reading time and
      comprehension of information. Three reports were reformatted to conventional free
      text, structured text organized by organ system, and hierarchical structured text
      organized by clinical significance. Five attending radiologists, five radiology
      residents, five internal medicine attendings, and five internal medicine
      residents read the reports and answered a series of questions about them. Reading
      was timed and participants reported reading preferences. For reading time, there
      was no significant effect for format, but there was for attending versus
      resident, and radiology versus internal medicine. For percent correct scores,
      there was no significant effect for report format or for attending versus
      resident, but there was for radiology versus internal medicine with the
      radiologists scoring better overall. Report format does not appear to impact
      viewing time or percent correct answers, but there are differences in both for
      specialty and level of experience. There were also differences between the four
      groups of participants with respect to what they focus on in a radiology report
      and how they read reports (skim versus read in detail). There may not be a "one
      size-fits-all" radiology report format as individual preferences differ widely.

PMID- 22038514
TI  - Automated detection of critical results in radiology reports.
AB  - The goal of this study was to develop and validate text-mining algorithms to
      automatically identify radiology reports containing critical results including
      tension or increasing/new large pneumothorax, acute pulmonary embolism, acute
      cholecystitis, acute appendicitis, ectopic pregnancy, scrotal torsion,
      unexplained free intraperitoneal air, new or increasing intracranial hemorrhage,
      and malpositioned tubes and lines. The algorithms were developed using rule-based
      approaches and designed to search for common words and phrases in radiology
      reports that indicate critical results. Certain text-mining features were
      utilized such as wildcards, stemming, negation detection, proximity matching, and
      expanded searches with applicable synonyms. To further improve accuracy, the
      algorithms utilized modality and exam-specific queries, searched under the
      "Impression" field of the radiology report, and excluded reports with a low level
      of diagnostic certainty. Algorithm accuracy was determined using precision,
      recall, and F-measure using human review as the reference standard. The overall
      accuracy (F-measure) of the algorithms ranged from 81% to 100%, with a mean
      precision and recall of 96% and 91%, respectively. These algorithms can be
      applied to radiology report databases for quality assurance and accreditation,
      integrated with existing dashboards for display and monitoring, and ported to
      other institutions for their own use.

PMID- 22038515
TI  - Ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 is required for pancreatic beta cell survival
      and function in lipotoxic conditions.
AB  - AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL1) is associated with
      neurodegenerative diseases and has been suggested to have roles in pancreatic
      beta cells. Our proteomic analysis revealed that UCHL1 was the most increased
      protein in MIN6 cells exposed to palmitate. The present study used a genetic loss
      of-function model to test the hypothesis that UCHL1 is required for normal beta
      cell function and fate under lipotoxic conditions. METHODS: Human islets, mouse
      islets and MIN6 cells were used to analyse UCHL1 protein levels and regulation of
      UCHL1 by palmitate. The levels of free mono-ubiquitin and poly-ubiquitinated
      proteins were assessed. Gracile axonal dystrophy (GAD) mutant mice lacking UCHL1
      were fed a normal or lipotoxic high-fat diet. Glucose tolerance, insulin
      tolerance and insulin secretion were assessed in vivo. Beta cell death and
      proliferation were assessed by TUNEL and proliferating cell nuclear antigen
      (PCNA) staining. Insulin secretion, calcium signalling, endoplasmic reticulum
      (ER) stress, apoptosis and SNARE protein levels were assessed in vitro. RESULTS:
      UCHL1 protein, which was highly specific to beta cells, was increased by
      palmitate at basal glucose, but not in the context of hyperglycaemia associated
      with frank diabetes. Although islet development and function were initially
      normal in Uchl1 (-/-) mice, a 4-week high-fat diet caused glucose intolerance and
      impaired insulin secretion. Uchl1 (-/-) mice had increased ER stress and beta
      cell apoptosis. The levels of SNARE proteins were dysregulated in Uchl1 (-/-)
      islets. Palmitate-stimulated vesicle-associated membrane protein 2 (VAMP2)
      ubiquitination was modulated by a chemical UCHL1 inhibitor.
      CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Together, these data suggest that UCHL1 has essential
      functional and anti-apoptotic roles in beta cells under stress conditions
      associated with lipotoxicity.

PMID- 22038516
TI  - cJUN N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation mediates islet amyloid-induced beta cell
      apoptosis in cultured human islet amyloid polypeptide transgenic mouse islets.
AB  - AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Aggregation of human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) as islet
      amyloid is associated with increased beta cell apoptosis and reduced beta cell
      mass in type 2 diabetes. Islet amyloid formation induces oxidative stress, which
      contributes to beta cell apoptosis. The cJUN N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway is a
      critical mediator of beta cell apoptosis in response to stress stimuli including
      oxidative stress and exogenous application of hIAPP. We determined whether
      amyloid formation by endogenous hIAPP mediates beta cell apoptosis through JNK
      activation and downstream signalling pathways. METHODS: hIAPP transgenic and non
      transgenic mouse islets were cultured for up to 144 h in 16.7 mmol/l glucose to
      induce islet amyloid in the presence or absence of the amyloid inhibitor Congo
      Red or a cell-permeable JNK inhibitor. Amyloid, beta cell apoptosis, JNK
      signalling and activation of downstream targets in the intrinsic and extrinsic
      apoptotic pathways were measured. RESULTS: JNK activation occurred with islet
      amyloid formation in hIAPP transgenic islets after 48 and 144 h in culture.
      Neither high glucose nor the hIAPP transgene alone was sufficient to activate JNK
      independent of islet amyloid. Inhibition of islet amyloid formation with Congo
      Red reduced beta cell apoptosis and partially decreased JNK activation. JNK
      inhibitor treatment reduced beta cell apoptosis without affecting islet amyloid.
      Islet amyloid increased mRNA levels of markers of the extrinsic (Fas, Fadd) and
      intrinsic (Bim [also known as Bcl2l11]) apoptotic pathways, caspase 3 and the
      anti-apoptotic molecule Bclxl (also known as Bcl2l1) in a JNK-dependent manner.
      CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Islet amyloid formation induces JNK activation, which
      upregulates predominantly pro-apoptotic signals in both extrinsic and intrinsic
      pathways, resulting in beta cell apoptosis.

PMID- 22038517
TI  - A metabolomic study of low estimated GFR in non-proteinuric type 2 diabetes
      mellitus.
AB  - AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: We carried out a urinary metabolomic study to gain insight into
      low estimated GFR (eGFR) in patients with non-proteinuric type 2 diabetes.
      METHODS: Patients were identified as being non-proteinuric using multiple
      urinalyses. Cases (n = 44) with low eGFR and controls (n = 46) had eGFR values
      <60 and >=60 ml min(-1) 1.73 m(-2), respectively, as calculated using the
      Modification of Diet in Renal Disease formula. Urine samples were analysed by
      liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) and GC/MS. False discovery rates
      were used to adjust for multiple hypotheses testing, and selection of metabolites
      that best predicted low eGFR status was achieved using least absolute shrinkage
      and selection operator logistic regression. RESULTS: Eleven GC/MS metabolites
      were strongly associated with low eGFR after correction for multiple hypotheses
      testing (smallest adjusted p value = 2.62 * 10(-14), largest adjusted p value =
      3.84 * 10(-2)). In regression analysis, octanol, oxalic acid, phosphoric acid,
      benzamide, creatinine, 3,5-dimethoxymandelic amide and N-acetylglutamine were
      selected as the best subset for prediction and allowed excellent classification
      of low eGFR (AUC = 0.996). In LC/MS, 19 metabolites remained significant after
      multiple hypotheses testing had been taken into account (smallest adjusted p
      value = 2.04 * 10(-4), largest adjusted p value = 4.48 * 10(-2)), and several
      metabolites showed stronger evidence of association relative to the uraemic
      toxin, indoxyl sulphate (adjusted p value = 3.03 * 10(-2)). The potential effect
      of confounding on the association between metabolites was excluded.
      CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Our study has yielded substantial new insight into
      low eGFR and provided a collection of potential urinary biomarkers for its
      detection.

PMID- 22038518
TI  - Coupling factor 6-induced activation of ecto-F1F(o) complex induces insulin
      resistance, mild glucose intolerance and elevated blood pressure in mice.
AB  - AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Despite advances in pharmacological treatments, diabetes with
      hypertension continues to be a major public health problem with high morbidity
      and mortality rates. We recently identified a circulating peptide coupling factor
      6 (CF6), which binds to the plasma membrane ATP synthase (ecto-F(1)F(o) complex),
      resulting in intracellular acidosis. We investigated whether overexpression of
      CF6 contributes to diabetes and hypertension by intracellular acidosis. METHODS:
      Transgenic mice overexpressing CF6 (also known as ATP5J) were generated, and
      physiological, biochemical and molecular biology studies were performed. RESULTS:
      CF6 overexpression elicited a sustained decrease in intracellular pH in tissues
      (aorta, kidney, skeletal muscle and liver, with the exception of adipose tissue)
      that express its receptor, the beta-subunit of ecto-F(1)F(o) complex. Consistent
      with the receptor distribution, phospho-insulin receptor beta, phosphoinositide 3
      kinase activity and the phospho-Akt1:total Akt1 ratio were all decreased in the
      skeletal muscle and the liver in transgenic compared with wild-type mice,
      resulting in a decrease of plasma membrane-bound GLUT4 and an increase in hepatic
      glucose production. Under a high-sucrose diet, transgenic mice had insulin
      resistance and mild glucose intolerance; under a high-salt diet, they had
      elevated blood pressure with increased renal RAS-related C3 botulinum substrate 1
      (RAC1)-GTP, which is an activator of mineralocorticoid receptor.
      CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Through its action on the beta-subunit of ecto
      F(1)F(o) complex, which results in intracellular acidosis, CF6 plays a crucial
      role in the development of insulin resistance and hypertension. This finding
      might advance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying diabetes and
      hypertension, possibly also providing a novel therapeutic target against
      cardiovascular disease.

PMID- 22038519
TI  - Immunohistochemical characterisation of cells co-producing insulin and glucagon
      in the developing human pancreas.
AB  - AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: In adult human islets, insulin and glucagon production is
      largely restricted to individual cell populations. The production of these
      hormones is less segregated during development and during the differentiation of
      human pluripotent stem cells towards pancreatic lineages. We therefore sought to
      characterise the transcription factor profile of these cells that co-produce
      insulin and glucagon in the developing human pancreas, and thus to gain insight
      into their potential fate during normal pancreas development. METHODS: An
      immunohistochemical analysis was performed on human pancreas sections from fetal
      donors aged 9 to 21 weeks and from adult donors between the ages of 17 and 55
      years. RESULTS: Endocrine cells were observed within the pancreas at all ages
      examined, with cells co-producing insulin and glucagon observed as early as 9
      weeks of fetal age. The population of cells that co-produce insulin and glucagon
      generally decreased in prevalence with age, with negligible numbers in adult
      pancreas. From 9 to 16 weeks, the population of glucagon-only cells increased,
      while the insulin-only cells decreased in abundance. Cells that co-produced
      insulin and glucagon also produced the alpha cell transcription factor,
      aristaless related homeobox (ARX), and lacked the beta cell transcription factors
      pancreatic and duodenal homeobox 1 (PDX1), NK6 homeobox 1 (NKX6.1) and v-maf
      musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene homologue A (MAFA).
      CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Our results indicate that cells co-producing insulin
      and glucagon in the developing human pancreas share a transcription factor
      profile that is similar to that of mature alpha cells and suggest that some
      maturing alpha cells briefly exhibit ectopic insulin expression. Thus cells that
      co-produce insulin and glucagon may represent a transient cell population, which
      gives rise to mature alpha cells.

PMID- 22038521
TI  - Remembering our classics: then and now.

PMID- 22038520
TI  - Cellular characterisation of the GCKR P446L variant associated with type 2
      diabetes risk.
AB  - AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Translation of genetic association signals into molecular
      mechanisms for diabetes has been slow. The glucokinase regulatory protein (GKRP;
      gene symbol GCKR) P446L variant, associated with inverse modulation of glucose-
      and lipid-related traits, has been shown to alter the kinetics of glucokinase
      (GCK) inhibition. As GCK inhibition is associated with nuclear sequestration, we
      aimed to determine whether this variant also alters the direct interaction
      between GKRP and GCK and their intracellular localisation. METHODS: Fluorescently
      tagged rat and human wild-type (WT)- or P446L-GCKR and GCK were transiently
      transfected into HeLa cells and mouse primary hepatocytes. Whole-cell and nuclear
      fluorescence was quantified in individual cells exposed to low- or high-glucose
      conditions (5.5 or 25 mmol/l glucose, respectively). Interaction between GCK and
      GKRP was measured by sensitised emission-based fluorescence resonance energy
      transfer (FRET) efficiency. RESULTS: P446L-GKRP had a decreased degree of nuclear
      localisation, ability to sequester GCK and direct interaction with GCK as
      measured by FRET compared with WT-GKRP. Decreased interaction was observed
      between WT-GKRP and GCK at high compared with low glucose, but not between P446L
      GKRP and GCK. Rat WT-GKRP and P446L-GKRP behaved quite differently: both variants
      responded to high glucose by diminished sequestration of GCK but showed no effect
      of the P446L variant on nuclear localisation or GCK sequestration.
      CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Our study suggests the common human P446L-GKRP
      variant protein results in elevated hepatic glucose uptake and disposal by
      increasing active cytosolic GCK. This would increase hepatic lipid biosynthesis
      but decrease fasting plasma glucose concentrations and provides a potential
      mechanism for the protective effect of this allele on type 2 diabetes risk.

PMID- 22038522
TI  - Common genetic variants differentially influence the transition from clinically
      defined states of fasting glucose metabolism.
AB  - AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Common genetic variants have been associated with type 2
      diabetes. We hypothesised that a subset of these variants may have different
      effects on the transition from normal fasting glucose (NFG) to impaired fasting
      glucose (IFG) than on that from IFG to diabetes. METHODS: We identified 16 type 2
      diabetes risk variants from the Illumina Broad Candidate-gene Association
      Resource (CARe) array genotyped in 26,576 CARe participants. Participants were
      categorised at baseline as NFG, IFG or type 2 diabetic (n = 16,465, 8,017 or
      2,291, respectively). Using Cox proportional hazards and likelihood ratio tests
      (LRTs), we compared rates of progression by genotype for 4,909 (NFG to IFG) and
      1,518 (IFG to type 2 diabetes) individuals, respectively. We then performed
      multinomial regression analyses at baseline, comparing the risk of assignment to
      the NFG, IFG or diabetes groups by genotype. RESULTS: The rate of progression
      from NFG to IFG was significantly greater in participants carrying the risk
      allele at MTNR1B (p = 1 * 10(-4)), nominally greater at GCK and SLC30A8 (p <
      0.05) and nominally smaller at IGF2BP2 (p = 0.01) than the rate of progression
      from IFG to diabetes by the LRT. Results of the baseline, multinomial regression
      model were consistent with these findings. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Common
      genetic risk variants at GCK, SLC30A8, IGF2BP2 and MTNR1B influence to different
      extents the development of IFG and the transition from IFG to type 2 diabetes.
      Our findings may have implications for understanding the genetic contribution of
      these variants to the development of IFG and type 2 diabetes.

PMID- 22038524
TI  - Antidepressant drug use and future diabetes risk.

PMID- 22038525
TI  - Brain biochemistry in autopsied patients with essential tremor.
AB  - The pathology of essential tremor is increasingly being studied; however, there
      are limited studies of biochemical changes in this condition. We studied several
      candidate biochemical/anatomical systems in the brain stem, striatum, and
      cerebellum of 23 essential tremor subjects who came to autopsy, comparing them
      with a control population. Striatal tyrosine hydroxylase, a marker of
      dopaminergic neurons, was 91.7 +/- 113.2 versus 96.4 +/- 102.7 ng/mg (not
      significant) in cases and controls, respectively. Locus coeruleus dopamine beta
      hydroxylase, a marker of noradrenergic neurons, was not significantly different
      between the essential tremor and control groups. Parvalbumin, a marker of
      GABAergic neurons, was 199.3 +/- 42.0 versus 251.4 +/- 74.8 ng/mg (P = .025) in
      the pons in the region of the locus coeruleus of essential tremor subjects versus
      controls, whereas there was no difference in cerebellar parvalbumin. These
      results are supportive of a possible role for reduced GABAergic function in the
      locus coeruleus in essential tremor. The hypothesis that essential tremor
      represents early Parkinson's disease was not supported, as striatal dopaminergic
      markers were not reduced compared with control subjects.

PMID- 22038526
TI  - Estimation of cumulative incidence functions when the lifetime distributions are
      uniformly stochastically ordered.
AB  - In the competing risks problem an important role is played by the cumulative
      incidence function (CIF), whose value at time t is the probability of failure by
      time t from a particular type of risk in the presence of other risks. Assume that
      the lifetime distributions of two populations are uniformly stochastically
      ordered. Since this ordering may not hold for the empiricals due to sampling
      variability, it is natural to estimate these distributions under this constraint.
      This will in turn affect the estimation of the CIFs. This article considers this
      estimation problem. We do not assume that the risk sets in the two populations
      are related, give consistent estimators of all the CIFs and study the weak
      convergence of the resulting processes. We also report the results of a
      simulation study that show that our restricted estimators outperform the
      unrestricted ones in terms of mean square error. A real life example is used to
      illustrate our theoretical results.

PMID- 22038527
TI  - Human immune system mice: current potential and limitations for translational
      research on human antibody responses.
AB  - It has recently become possible to generate chimeric mice durably engrafted with
      many components of the human immune system (HIS mice). We have characterized the
      maturation and function of the B cell compartment of HIS mice. The antibody
      response of HIS mice to T cell-dependent B cell antigens is limited, and
      contributing factors may be the general immaturity of the B cell compartment,
      infrequent helper T cells selected on human MHC class II antigens, and incomplete
      reconstitution of secondary lymphoid organs and their microenvironments. In
      contrast, HIS mice generate protective antibody responses to the bacterium
      Borrelia hermsii, which acts as a T cell-independent antigen in mice, but do not
      respond to purified polysaccharide antigens (PPS). We speculate that the anti-B.
      hermsii response of HIS mice is derived from an abundant B cell subset that may
      be analogous to B1 B cells in mice. We suggest that failure of HIS mice to
      respond to PPS is due to the lack of a B cell subset that may originate from
      adult bone marrow and is highly dependent on human interleukin-7 for development.

PMID- 22038528
TI  - Impaired clearance of apoptotic cells in germinal centers: implications for loss
      of B cell tolerance and induction of autoimmunity.
AB  - Germinal centers (GCs) comprise lymphoid microenvironments where antigen
      stimulated B cells undergo rapid proliferation and somatic hypermutation (SHM),
      resulting in the generation of B cells with high affinity for antigen. However,
      this process also generates B cell clones with low antigen affinity and with the
      potential for autoreactivity. It has been suggested that GC B cells with low
      antigen affinity and autoreactivity are eliminated via apoptosis and are rapidly
      cleared by tingible body macrophages (TBMphis). Inefficient clearance of
      apoptotic cells (ACs) results in autoimmunity that is thought to be mediated by
      various intracellular molecules possessing danger-associated molecular patterns
      (DAMPs), including nuclear self-Ags. DAMPs can be released from ACs undergoing
      "secondary necrosis" due to a disruption in AC clearance within GCs. This review
      discusses the role and mechanisms associated with impaired clearance of ACs in
      GCs in loss of B cell tolerance leading to autoantibody production and the
      development of autoimmunity.

PMID- 22038529
TI  - RIP1-mediated regulation of lymphocyte survival and death responses.
AB  - RIP1 is an adaptor serine/threonine kinase associated with the signaling complex
      of death receptors (DRs) including Fas, TNFR1, and TRAIL-Rs which can initiate
      apoptosis. While DRs are dispensable throughout development, RIP1 deletion
      results in perinatal lethality. The developmental defect caused by absence of
      RIP1 remains unexplained. In previous studies, RIP1-deficient hematopoietic
      progenitors failed to reconstitute the T cell compartment and our recent data
      indicate a new role for RIP1 in TCR-induced activation of the pro-survival NF
      kappaB pathway. Here, we show that RIP1 is also critical for B cell development.
      In addition, RIP1(-/-) B cells stimulated through LPS/TLR4 are impaired in NF
      kappaB activation but have no major defect in the Akt pathway. Recently, RIP1 has
      also emerged as a critical player in necrosis-like death, necroptosis, in various
      cell lines. We have demonstrated that RIP1 deficiency can reverse the embryonic
      and T cell proliferation defects in mice lacking FADD, a caspase adaptor protein,
      which indicates a potential role for RIP1 in mediating in vivo necroptosis. We
      provide an overview and discussion of the accumulating data revealing insights
      into the diverse functions of RIP1 in survival and death signaling in
      lymphocytes.

PMID- 22038531
TI  - Long-term follow-up of prophylactic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator-only
      therapy: comparison of ischemic and nonischemic heart disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The benefits of primary prophylactic implantable cardioverter
      defibrillators (ICDs) are actually debated, as some drawbacks become more
      apparent and as the natural history of cardiac disease seems to improve.
      Therefore, contemporary follow-up data of non-trial populations treated according
      to current guidelines remain necessary. The aim of this study was to evaluate
      mortality and the occurrence of ICD interventions in patients with coronary
      artery disease (CAD) and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) who received in the recent
      era a primary prophylactic ICD without resynchronization therapy. HYPOTHESIS:
      Survival and event-free rates from appropriate ICD therapy are different between
      ischemic and nonischemic ICD patients. METHODS: Prospective cohort study of 427
      consecutive primary prevention ICD patients with ischemic or nonischemic heart
      disease, excluding patients with resynchronization. RESULTS: Ischemic heart
      disease was present in 290 patients (68%), nonischemic heart disease in 137
      patients (32%). During a median follow-up of 31 months (interquartile range [IQR]
      15-45 months), 30 patients (7%) died. Mortality was not different in both disease
      categories. The incidence of appropriate ICD interventions was similar in CAD and
      DCM (23% vs 21%). Appropriate ICD intervention occurred more frequently in
      patients with atrial fibrillation (29% vs 19%). Inappropriate ICD intervention
      occurred in 11% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: The clinical course of ischemic and
      nonischemic heart disease patients treated with a primary prophylactic ICD is
      similar with respect to mortality and to appropriate and inappropriate ICD
      interventions, in spite of a younger age at baseline of the DCM patients.

PMID- 22038530
TI  - GUCY2C-targeted cancer immunotherapy: past, present and future.
AB  - For the last decade, we have focused on guanylyl cyclase C (GUCY2C) as a
      potentially ideal target antigen for colorectal cancer immunotherapy. GUCY2C is
      expressed only in intestinal epithelial cells and by nearly 100% of colorectal
      cancers. We have developed and tested a recombinant adenoviral vector possessing
      GUCY2C (Ad5-GUCY2C) as a candidate vaccine for colorectal cancer patients. Murine
      studies have revealed that this vaccine is safe and effective against GUCY2C
      expressing targets, and Ad5-GUCY2C is poised for phase I clinical testing in
      colorectal cancer patients with minimal residual disease. Moreover, we are
      developing second-generation GUCY2C-targeted therapeutics, including the use of
      chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-expressing T cells, for treatment of patients
      with advanced colorectal cancer for whom Ad5-GUCY2C immunization is not
      appropriate. Thus, a family of GUCY2C-targeted immunotherapeutics may bridge the
      gap in effective treatments for the 500,000 patients worldwide who die annually
      from colorectal cancer.

PMID- 22038532
TI  - Randomized clinical trial of a brief psychological intervention to increase
      walking in patients with intermittent claudication.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Increased walking is often recommended for patients with intermittent
      claudication (IC). Current methods to increase walking in these patients increase
      capability but not daily behaviour. This trial assessed whether a brief
      psychological intervention could increase daily walking at 4 months. METHODS:
      This randomized, single-centre, parallel-group trial was conducted between April
      2008 and July 2010. Patients newly diagnosed with IC were randomly assigned into
      two groups. All clinical staff involved in patient management were blinded to
      allocation. The control group received usual care plus researcher contact, and
      the treatment group received usual care and a brief psychological intervention to
      modify illness and walking beliefs and to develop a personalized walking action
      plan. The psychological intervention was delivered in two 1-h sessions in
      participants' homes. The primary outcome was daily steps measured by pedometer 4
      months later. Analyses were by intention to treat. RESULTS: Of 109 patients
      screened, 72 were eligible for inclusion; 58 patients consented to participate
      and were randomly allocated to usual care (30) or brief psychological
      intervention (28). All 58 participants were included in the analysis of the
      primary outcome. Compared with controls at 4-month follow-up, participants who
      received the psychological intervention walked a mean of 1575.63 (95 per cent
      confidence interval 731.97 to 2419.29) more steps per day. There were no adverse
      events. CONCLUSION: A brief psychological intervention significantly increased
      daily walking in patients with IC at 4 months. This study provided support for a
      potentially new direction in the treatment of IC. REGISTRATION NUMBER:
      ISRCTN28051878 (http://www.controlled-trials.com).

PMID- 22038533
TI  - Evolution of lipid profiles after bariatric surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The most commonly encountered dyslipidemia in obese individuals is
      characterized by a cluster of interrelated plasma lipid and lipoprotein
      abnormalities including hypertriglyceridemia, low HDL cholesterol values, and
      increased small, dense LDL cholesterol particles. The aim of this study was to
      assess the changes in lipid profiles at baseline (pre-operatively) and at follow
      up (6, 12, and 18 months) after a laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (LRYGBP).
      A retrospective observational study was performed involving all patients who
      consecutively underwent a LRYGBP between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2009.
      Fasting lipids sub-fractions (total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL
      cholesterol, and triglycerides) were measured and HOMA-IR calculated pre
      operatively and at follow-up post-LRYGBP. Pearson's correlation coefficients were
      used to assess the relationship between excess weight loss (EWL) and lipid sub
      fractions. ANOVA was used to assess the differences between each lipid sub
      fraction at various time-points. METHODS: One hundred twenty eight (N = 128)
      medical charts were reviewed, and those containing data on lipid fractions at the
      three follow-up time-points were analyzed. One hundred fourteen patients (N =
      114), 84 of whom were women (73.7%), were finally included in the study. RESULTS:
      Total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, and HOMA-IR were significantly
      reduced after LRYGBP (P < 0.0005 for all). Inversely, HDL cholesterol disclosed a
      significant rise (P < 0.0005). Noteworthy significant associations between lipid
      subfractions and EWL were detected overall (P < 0.0005 for all). A gender effect
      was found since female patients displayed a milder association than male patients
      (P < 0.0005). CONCLUSIONS: LRYGBP-induced weight loss improves the lipid profile
      while reducing insulin resistance, with male patients showing a better profile
      than female patients.

PMID- 22038523
TI  - Design, history and results of the Thiazolidinedione Intervention with vitamin D
      Evaluation (TIDE) randomised controlled trial.
AB  - AIMS/OBJECTIVE: Conflicting data regarding cardiovascular effects of
      thiazolidinediones (TZDs) and extra-skeletal effects of vitamin D supported the
      need for a definitive trial. The Thiazolidinedione Intervention with vitamin D
      Evaluation (TIDE) trial aimed to assess the effects of TZDs (rosiglitazone and
      pioglitazone) on cardiovascular outcomes and the effects of vitamin D
      (cholecalciferol) on cancers and mortality. METHODS: A large multicentre 3 * 2
      factorial double-blind placebo-controlled randomised trial recruited from
      outpatient primary care and specialty clinics in 33 countries. From June 2009 to
      July 2010, 1,332 people with type 2 diabetes and other cardiovascular risk
      factors aged >= 50 years whose HbA(1c) was 6.5-9.5% (48-80 mmol/mol) when using
      two or fewer glucose-lowering drugs were randomised by a central computer system
      to placebo (n = 541), rosiglitazone 4-8 mg/day (n = 399) or pioglitazone 30-45
      mg/day (n = 392); 1,221 participants were randomised to placebo (n = 614) or
      vitamin D 1,000 IU/day (n = 607). Participants and all study personnel were blind
      to treatment allocation. The primary outcome for the TZD arm was the composite of
      myocardial infarction, stroke or cardiovascular death, and for the vitamin D arm
      it was cancer or all-cause death. All randomised participants were included in
      the primary analysis. RESULTS: From the study design, 16,000 people were to be
      followed for approximately 5.5 years. However, the trial was stopped prematurely
      because of regulatory concerns after a mean of 162 days without consideration of
      the accrued data. In the TZD arm, the cardiovascular outcome occurred in five
      participants (0.9%) in the placebo groups and three participants (0.4%) in the
      TZD groups (two allocated to pioglitazone, one to rosiglitazone). In the vitamin
      D arm, the primary outcome occurred in three participants (0.5%) in the placebo
      group and in two participants (0.3%) receiving vitamin D. Adverse events were
      comparable in all groups. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Uncertainty persists
      regarding the clinically relevant risks and benefits of TZDs and vitamin D
      because of the early cancellation of this comprehensive trial.

PMID- 22038534
TI  - Effects of alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonists on antipsychotic
      efficacy in a preclinical mouse model of psychosis.
AB  - RATIONALE: Antipsychotics normalize responses in the DBA/2 mouse model of
      prepulse inhibition (PPI), a preclinical model of sensorimotor gating deficits.
      The alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) as a molecular target is
      considered an attractive approach for improvement of cognitive deficits in
      schizophrenia (CDS). Assessment of clinical efficacy of novel agents in CDS
      involves treating patients already on antipsychotic medications. OBJECTIVE: We
      evaluated the effects of the combination of alpha7 nAChR agonists ABT-107 (0.1
      10.0 mg/kg i.p.), A-582941 (0.04-4.0 mg/kg i.p.), and PNU282987 (1.0-10.0 mg/kg
      i.p.) with risperidone (0.1-1.0 mg/kg i.p.) or haloperidol (0.3-3.0 mg/kg i.p.),
      representative atypical and typical antipsychotic agents in the DBA/2 mouse PPI
      model. The same alpha7 agonists were given alone or in combination with a dose of
      antipsychotic medication that induces a minimal level of catalepsy in rats, an
      assay with predictive validity for the induction of extrapyramidal symptoms.
      RESULTS: The alpha7 nAChR agonists ABT-107, A-582941, and PNU282987 had no effect
      in DBA/2 mouse PPI when given alone yet increased the effects of haloperidol and
      risperidone. The alpha7 nAChR agonists did not cause catalepsy in rats, nor did
      they enhance antipsychotic-induced catalepsy. CONCLUSIONS: When given in
      combination with either a typical or atypical antipsychotic, alpha7 nAChR
      agonists did not impair efficacy in the DBA/2 J mouse PPI model. The efficacy but
      not the motoric side effects of antipsychotics was enhanced, suggesting that
      adjunctive therapy of alpha7 nAChR agonists not only could be useful for the
      treatment of cognitive deficits associated with schizophrenia but also could
      enhance the efficacy against positive symptoms.

PMID- 22038536
TI  - Nicotine differentially modulates antisaccade performance in healthy male non
      smoking volunteers stratified for low and high accuracy.
AB  - RATIONALE: Nicotinergic agents are currently examined as possible pro-cognitive
      drugs for a variety of clinical conditions marked by cognitive deficits, such as
      attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or schizophrenia. The response to
      acute nicotine is heterogeneous across subjects and samples; however, only a few
      reliable predictors of response have been identified. OBJECTIVES: We tested the
      hypothesis that baseline performance level in cognitive control may be a
      predictor of the cognitive effects of nicotine. METHODS: We tested 28 healthy
      Caucasian, male, non-smoking volunteers with the antisaccade task, an oculomotor
      measure of cognitive control. Participants were given a 7-mg nicotine patch in a
      double-blind, placebo-controlled, counterbalanced, within-subjects design.
      Subjects were stratified into high and low performers based on their antisaccade
      error rate in the placebo condition (median split). RESULTS: Nicotine tended to
      reduce response time variability of prosaccade latency (p = 0.06). There was no
      main effect of nicotine on antisaccade error rate (p = 0.31). However, nicotine
      significantly reduced antisaccade error rate in the low-accuracy probands while
      leaving performance of the high-accuracy probands unaffected (interaction, p <
      0.05). Furthermore, we found a nicotine-induced reduction of response time
      variability of antisaccade latency at one target location in the low-performing
      group (interaction, p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The present results demonstrate the
      importance of baseline performance differences for the effectiveness of
      pharmacological enhancement of cognitive control. More generally, the results
      suggest that stimulation of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor system might be
      an effective way of improving cognition in people with poor cognitive
      performance, such as patients with ADHD or schizophrenia.

PMID- 22038535
TI  - Acute elevations of brain kynurenic acid impair cognitive flexibility:
      normalization by the alpha7 positive modulator galantamine.
AB  - RATIONALE: Cognitive deficits represent a core symptom cluster in schizophrenia
      (SZ) that is predictive of outcome but not effectively treated by current
      antipsychotics. Thus, there is a need for validated animal models for testing
      potential pro-cognitive drugs. OBJECTIVE: As kynurenic acid levels are increased
      in prefrontal cortex (PFC) of individuals with SZ, we acutely increased brain
      levels of this astrocyte-derived, negative modulator of alpha7 nicotinic
      acetylcholine receptors (alpha7nAChRs) by administration of its bioprecursor
      kynurenine and measured the effects on extracellular kynurenic acid and glutamate
      levels in PFC and also performance in a set-shifting task. RESULTS: Injections of
      kynurenine (100 mg/kg, i.p.) increased extracellular kynurenic acid (1,500%) and
      decreased glutamate levels (30%) in PFC. Kynurenine also produced selective
      deficits in set-shifting. Saline- and kynurenine-treated rats similarly acquired
      the compound discrimination and intra-dimensional shift (saline, 7.0 and 6.3
      trials, respectively; kynurenine, 8.0 and 6.7). Both groups required more trials
      to acquire the initial reversal (saline, 15.3; kynurenine, 22.2). Only kynurenine
      treated rats were impaired in acquiring the extra-dimensional shift (saline, 8.2;
      kynurenine, 21.3). These deficits were normalized by administering the
      alpha7nAChR positive allosteric modulator galantamine (3.0 mg/kg, i.p) prior to
      kynurenine, as trials were comparable between galantamine + kynurenine (7.8) and
      controls (8.2). Bilateral local perfusion of the PFC with galantamine (5.0 MUM)
      also attenuated kynurenine-induced deficits. CONCLUSIONS: These results validate
      the use of animals with elevated brain kynurenic acid levels in SZ research and
      support studies of drugs that normalize brain kynurenic acid levels and/or
      positively modulate alpha7nAChRs as pro-cognitive treatments for SZ.

PMID- 22038537
TI  - MDMA induces Per1, Per2 and c-fos gene expression in rat suprachiasmatic nuclei.
AB  - RATIONALE: +/-3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, 'ecstasy') is a
      psychoactive drug that has marked effects on the serotonergic system.
      Serotonergic agonists are known to interact with the circadian pacemaker located
      in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN). OBJECTIVES: Given changes reported in the
      behavioral activity rhythm following MDMA treatment, the effects of MDMA on core
      clock gene (Per1, Per2) and c-fos expression were evaluated. METHODS: Male Long
      Evans rats (n = 72) were injected once with MDMA (5 mg/kg i.p.) or saline either
      at the middle of their 'rest' phase (Zeitgeber Time: ZT6) or the middle of their
      'active' phase (Zeitgeber Time: ZT16) and killed at 30, 60, or 120 min
      posttreatment for gene expression analysis in the SCN using PCR. Behavioral
      rhythms of a separate group of rats (n = 20) were measured following treatment at
      ZT16 while they were held in constant darkness for 10 days posttreatment.
      RESULTS: At ZT6, c-fos mRNA was significantly induced 120 min post-MDMA treatment
      but there were no significant changes in Per1 or Per2 mRNA expression. At ZT16,
      there were significant inductions of c-fos mRNA (30 and 60 min) and Per1 and Per2
      mRNA (both 60 min) post-MDMA treatment. However, no differences in behavioral
      activity patterns were noted following MDMA treatment at ZT16. CONCLUSIONS: These
      data provide evidence that MDMA has time of day dependent actions on SCN
      functioning, as evident from its induction of core clock genes that are important
      for generating and maintaining circadian rhythmicity.

PMID- 22038539
TI  - A mechanism of immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM)-like
      sequences in the capsid protein VP2 in viral growth and pathogenesis of
      Coxsackievirus B3.
AB  - Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) is an RNA virus that mainly causes myocarditis. We have
      reported previously that immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM)
      like sequences are contained in the capsid protein VP2 of CVB3. The substitution
      of two tyrosines for phenylalanines in the ITAM-like region causes attenuation of
      CVB3, possibly via defective viral assembly. In this study, we found that Syk, a
      downstream molecule of ITAM, interacts with the wild-type (WT) CVB3 VP0 protein,
      but not with the mutant CVB3 VP0 (called YYFF), and that an inhibitor of Syk
      reduced the growth of CVB3. The WT CVB3 activated nuclear factor kappa B (NF
      kappaB), a protein activated by ITAM, and eventually induced the production of
      interleukin-6 (IL-6)-one of the proinflammatory cytokines induced by NF-kappaB-in
      macrophages. However, the YYFF form did not. In addition, viral VP2 protein may
      be dependent on the phosphorylation of an ITAM-like region that affected the
      activation of NF-kappaB. Taken together, these results suggest that the ITAM-like
      sequences in CVB3 VP2 can not only affect viral structure but also act as signals
      in pathogenesis.

PMID- 22038540
TI  - Germline SMARCB1 mutation predisposes to multiple meningiomas and schwannomas
      with preferential location of cranial meningiomas at the falx cerebri.
AB  - Schwannomatosis is a rare hereditary cancer syndrome in which patients develop
      multiple non-vestibular schwannomas. The chromatin remodelling gene SMARCB1 (also
      known as INI1, hSNF5, and BAF47) has been identified as a schwannomatosis
      predisposing gene, being involved in a subset of sporadic and familial cases.
      Recent studies have shown that SMARCB1 may also be involved in the development of
      multiple meningiomas. Previously, we demonstrated that the SMARCB1 exon 2
      missense mutation c.143 C > T segregates with the presence of meningiomas in five
      members of a large family with multiple meningiomas and schwannomas. We extended
      our genetic analyses by screening 44 additional at-risk family members and
      identified 13 new carriers. Eleven of these were subjected to magnetic resonance
      imaging (MRI) of brain and spine. In addition, we analyzed four meningiomas and
      two schwannomas from family members for the presence of schwannomatosis-specific
      changes. We found in each tumor retention of the SMARCB1 exon 2 mutation,
      acquisition of an independent neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) gene mutation, and
      loss of heterozygosity at SMARCB1 and NF2 by loss of the wild-type copy of both
      genes. The MRI scans revealed one or more falx meningiomas in seven of 11 (64%)
      newly identified SMARCB1 mutation carriers. We conclude that the SMARCB1 exon 2
      missense mutation in this family predisposes to the development of meningiomas as
      well as schwannomas, occurring via the same genetic pathways, and that this
      mutation preferentially induces cranial meningiomas located at the falx cerebri.

PMID- 22038538
TI  - The function of alpha-2-adrenoceptors in the rat locus coeruleus is preserved in
      the chronic constriction injury model of neuropathic pain.
AB  - RATIONALE: Peripheral neuropathic pain is a chronic condition that may produce
      plastic changes in several brain regions. The noradrenergic locus coeruleus (LC)
      is a crucial component of ascending and descending pain pathways, both of which
      are frequently compromised after nerve injury. OBJECTIVES: The objective of the
      study was to examine whether chronic constriction injury (CCI), a model of
      neuropathic pain, alters noradrenergic activity in the rat LC. METHODS: Activity
      in the LC was assessed by electrophysiology and microdialysis, while protein
      expression was monitored in western blots and by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS:
      The pain threshold had dropped in injured rats 7 days after inducing neuropathy.
      While alpha-2-adrenoceptors mediate activity in the LC and in its terminal areas,
      no alterations in either spontaneous neuronal activity or extracellular
      noradrenaline levels were observed following CCI. Moreover, alpha-2-adrenoceptor
      activity in the LC of CCI rats remained unchanged after systemic administration
      of UK14,304, RX821002 or desipramine. Accordingly, extracellular noradrenaline
      levels in the LC were similar in CCI and control animals following local
      administration of clonidine or RX821002. In addition, there were no changes in
      the expression of the alpha-2-adrenoceptors, Galphai/z subunits or the regulators
      of G-protein signaling. However, pERK1/2 (phosphorylated extracellular signal
      regulated kinases 1/2) expression augmented in the spinal cord,
      paragigantocellularis nucleus (PGi) and dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) following CCI.
      CONCLUSIONS: Neuropathic pain is not accompanied by modifications in tonic LC
      activity after the onset of pain. This may indicate that the signals from the PGi
      and DRN, the excitatory and inhibitory afferents of the LC, cancel one another
      out.

PMID- 22038541
TI  - The safety of fetal exposure to proton-pump inhibitors during pregnancy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Proton-pump inhibitors (PPIs) are often needed in pregnancy due to
      the high rates of acid reflux. Previous studies did not include medical pregnancy
      terminations data, which may cause a bias toward the null hypothesis. We assessed
      the fetal safety of PPIs following exposure during gestation including data from
      medical pregnancy terminations. METHODS: A unified computerized database was
      created by linking a computerized database of medications dispensed from 1998 to
      2009 to all women registered in "Clalit" HMO, southern district of Israel, with
      computerized databases containing maternal and infant hospitalization records
      from the district hospital. Rates of congenital malformations in PPIs exposed and
      unexposed pregnancies, as well as other adverse fetal effects were compared.
      Medical pregnancy termination data were included in the analysis. RESULTS: A
      total of 114,960 (75%) infants were born during the study period to women
      registered at "Clalit," 110,783 of them were singleton pregnancies; 1,239 women
      had medical pregnancy terminations, of which 468 were performed due to fetal
      malformations. A total of 1,186 infants and abortuses had been exposed to PPIs
      during the first trimester of pregnancy. Exposure to PPIs was not associated with
      an increased risk of congenital malformations (adjusted OR 1.06; 95% CI = 0.84
      1.33). Similarly, exposure to PPIs during the third trimester of pregnancy was
      not associated with increased risk of perinatal mortality, premature delivery,
      low birth weight, or low Apgar scores. CONCLUSIONS: Intrauterine exposure to PPIs
      was not associated with increased risk for congenital malformations, perinatal
      mortality, or morbidity. These results are strengthened with the inclusion of
      data from medical pregnancy terminations.

PMID- 22038542
TI  - Gastrointestinal dysmotility.

PMID- 22038543
TI  - The evolution of infrahissian conduction time in myotonic dystrophy patients:
      clinical implications.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Myotonic dystrophy (MD1) is a hereditary autosomal dominant disease
      with variable penetrance. Cardiac conduction disturbances are frequent and may be
      responsible for sudden death, but its progression was heretofore unknown. AIMS:
      The aim of the study was to analyse the natural history of infrahissian
      conduction time in patients with a normal first electrophysiological test, and to
      identify the predictive value of the clinical and ECG factors accompanying an
      alteration of infrahissian conduction. METHODS: Among 127 consecutive screened MD
      patients, 25 were enrolled and underwent a second electrophysiological testing.
      The second electrophysiological test was carried out on patients showing new
      symptoms, new atrioventricular conduction disturbances on ECG, or significant
      modifications of signal-averaged (SA)-ECG, and on asymptomatic patients with a
      follow-up of at least 60 months since the first electrophysiological test.
      RESULTS: Among the 25 patients, four had new clinical symptoms, four others
      developed new atrioventricular conduction abnormalities on ECG and six had
      significant modifications of the SA-ECG. The mean His-ventricle (HV) interval
      increased significantly between the two electrophysiological studies (initial HV
      interval 52.1 ms+/-1.6 ms, final HV interval 61.4 ms+/-2.2 ms, p<0.005), with a
      mean increase of 1.2 ms/year. The five patients with HV interval of 70 ms or
      greater were implanted with a prophylactic dual-chamber pacemaker. Modifications
      of resting ECG and SA-ECG were strongly associated with HV interval prolongation.
      CONCLUSION: In patients with a normal initial electrophysiological study,
      modifications on the resting ECG and/or SA-ECG, on annual check-up, were
      associated with an alteration of infrahissian conduction.

PMID- 22038544
TI  - Use of cystatin C levels in estimating renal function and prognosis in patients
      with chronic systolic heart failure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Estimates of glomerular filtration rate (GFR), including creatinine
      and creatinine based formulae, are inaccurate in extremes of GFR and
      substantially biased in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). OBJECTIVE: To
      investigate whether serum cystatin C levels would be a better, more accurate and
      simple alternative for estimation of GFR and prognosis in CHF. DESIGN: Cohort
      study. SETTING: Chronic heart failure. PATIENTS, INTERVENTIONS AND MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURE: In 102 CHF patients, the correlation between GFR as estimated by (125)I
      iothalamate clearance (GFR(IOTH)), the modification of diet in renal disease
      formula (GFR(MDRD)) and cystatin C was investigated. The combined endpoint
      consisted of the first occurrence of all cause mortality, heart transplantation
      or admission for CHF within 24 months. RESULTS: Mean age was 58+/-12 years; 77%
      were male. Mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 28+/-9%. Mean GFR(IOTH)
      was 75+/-27 ml/min/1.73 m(2), while median cystatin C levels were 0.80 (0.69
      1.02) mg/l. GFR(IOTH) was strongly correlated with all renal function estimates,
      including 1/cystatin C (r=0.867, p<0.001). GFR(IOTH) was better predicted by
      1/cystatin C compared to 1/serum creatinine (z=3.12, p=0.002), but equally
      predicted compared to GFR(MDRD) (z=0.92, p=0.356). Serum 1/cystatin C was a
      strong independent predictor of prognosis (HR: 2.27 per SD increase, 95% CI 1.12
      to 4.63), comparable to GFR(MDRD). CONCLUSIONS: Cystatin C is an accurate and
      easy estimate of renal function with prognostic properties superior to serum
      creatinine and similar to creatinine based formulae in patients with CHF.

PMID- 22038545
TI  - Fas/FasL-mediated apoptosis and inflammation are key features of acute human
      spinal cord injury: implications for translational, clinical application.
AB  - The Fas/FasL system plays an important role in apoptosis, the inflammatory
      response and gliosis in a variety of neurologic disorders. A better understanding
      of these mechanisms could lead to effective therapeutic strategies following
      spinal cord injury (SCI). We explored these mechanisms by examining molecular
      changes in postmortem human spinal cord tissue from cases with acute and chronic
      SCI. Complementary studies were conducted using the in vivo FejotaTM clip
      compression model of SCI in Fas-deficient B6.MRL-Fas-lpr (lpr) and wild-type (Wt)
      mice to test Fas-mediated apoptosis, inflammation, gliosis and axonal
      degeneration by immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, gelatin zymography and
      ELISA with Mouse 32-plex cytokine/chemokine panel bead immunoassay. We report
      novel evidence that shows that Fas-mediated apoptosis of neurons and
      oligodendrocytes occurred in the injury epicenter in all cases of acute and
      subacute SCI and not in chronic SCI or in control cases. We also found
      significantly reduced apoptosis, expression of GFAP, NF-kappaB, p-IKappaB and
      iba1, increased number of CD4 positive T cells and MMP2 expression and reduced
      neurological dysfunction in lpr mice when compared with Wt mice after SCI. We
      found dramatically reduced inflammation and cytokines and chemokine expression in
      B6.MRL-Fas-lpr mice compared to Wt mice after SCI. In conclusion, we report
      multiple lines of evidence that Fas/FasL activation plays a pivotal role in
      mediating apoptosis, the inflammatory response and neurodegeneration after SCI,
      providing a compelling rationale for therapeutically targeting Fas in human SCI.

PMID- 22038546
TI  - Indigo biosynthesis by Comamonas sp. MQ.
AB  - An indigo-producing strain was isolated from activated sludge and identified as
      Comamonas sp. based on 16S rRNA analysis. It produced indigo at 26.5 mg/l with a
      conversion of indole to indigo of 47%. Indole at 50 mg/l plus 200 mg
      naphthalene/l gave 32.2 mg indigo/l with a 58% conversion. A pathway for indigo
      formation is proposed. This is the first study of indigo biosynthesis by
      Comamonas sp.

PMID- 22038547
TI  - Cloning, expression, and identification of a novel class IIa bacteriocin in the
      Escherichia coli cell-free protein expression system.
AB  - The NB-C1 gene, acquired from the result of data mining of the lactic acid
      bacteria genome, is a novel potential class IIa bacteriocin gene with the
      characteristic YGNGVxC cluster. To produce soluble NB-C1 efficiently and overcome
      issues of protein toxicity, we adopted a GFP fusion strategy using an Escherichia
      coli cell-free protein expression system. We constructed the expression vector
      pIVEX2.4d-GFP-NB-C1, which was expressed in both the batch mode and the
      continuous exchange cell-free (CECF) systems. The amount of soluble fusion
      protein achieved from the CECF system (2.2 mg/ml) was approximately three times
      higher than that in the batch mode (0.73 mg/ml). The soluble fusion protein was
      purified via one-step Ni-NTA affinity chromatography, with a concentration of
      0.26 mg/ml and a purity of 95%. The purified NB-C1 showed strong antimicrobial
      activity against the indicator bacteria Listeria monocytogenes.

PMID- 22038548
TI  - Selection of Saccharomyces pastorianus variants with improved fermentation
      performance under very high gravity wort conditions.
AB  - Saccharomyces pastorianus FBY0095 was mutated and variants were selected for
      efficient very high gravity brewing using 15% (w/v) maltose and 15% (w/v)
      ethanol. Two useful variants were obtained of which one (L6) had growth, wort
      consumption and ethanol production rates of 0.036, 1.13 and 0.49 g l(-1) h(-1),
      respectively. The corresponding results for the wild type were 0.028, 0.98 and
      0.4 g l(-1) h(-1), respectively. The vitality of the variant (expressed as
      acidification power) was 2.5 while that of the wild type was 2.3. There was also
      an obvious improvement on flavor of resulting beer when using L6 and the other
      variant.

PMID- 22038549
TI  - Polyarginine peptide IND-1 enhances recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein
      2 yield in mammalian cells.
AB  - To improve recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) yield, cell
      lines stably expressing hBMP2 were cultured in the presence of polyarginine
      peptide IND-1 and showed up to 6-fold increase in the yield of mature BMP-2.
      Repeated addition of IND-1 to cell cultures consistently improved BMP-2 yields
      over 53 days without affecting cell growth and viability. Investigation of its
      mechanism of action showed that IND-1 inhibited pro-protein convertase (PC)
      activity when incubated with cell lysates. However, when intact cells were
      cultured with IND-1, no change in cellular PC activity was observed. Furthermore,
      knockdown of furin (a prototypical member of the PCs) in cells did not affect
      their BMP-2 yields, suggesting furin/PC inhibition is unlikely the mechanism by
      which IND-1 enhances BMP-2 yields. IND-1 as a medium additive thus enhances BMP-2
      production in mammalian cell expression systems.

PMID- 22038550
TI  - Foam mitigation and exploitation in biosurfactant production.
AB  - Biosurfactants could potentially outperform traditional surfactants in many
      applications whilst being more sustainable to source, manufacture, use and
      dispose of. However, currently available fermentation production methods are too
      inefficient to manufacture biosurfactants for these high volume markets. Foaming
      in an inherent issue with biosurfactant production and adds significantly to the
      cost of production using traditional unit operations. This review illustrates how
      the application of process engineering has enabled nuisance foaming to be
      transformed into a cost saving feature of the production system. The scope of
      biosurfactants and their application is discussed and the fundamentals of foam
      generation and control are reviewed. The range of specific phenomena associated
      with the interaction of foams with bioproducts is assessed. Finally, recent work
      which has aimed at taking advantage of some of these phenomena in order to
      intensify the biosurfactant production process is discussed in detail.

PMID- 22038551
TI  - Recovery and purification of intracellular polyhydroxyalkanoates from recombinant
      Cupriavidus necator using water and ethanol.
AB  - A new halogen-free and environmental-friendly method using water and ethanol is
      developed as an alternative for the recovery of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) from
      recombinant Cupriavidus necator in comparison to the established chloroform
      extraction method. After optimisation, our results showed that the halogen-free
      method produced a PHA with 81% purity and 96% recovery yield, in comparison to
      the chloroform extraction system which resulted in a highly pure PHA with 95%
      yield. Although the purity of the PHA using the new method is lower, the
      molecular weight of the extracted PHA is not compromised. This new method can be
      further developed as an alternative and more environmental-friendly method for
      industrial application.

PMID- 22038552
TI  - Association of gastric acid and mucus secretion level with low-dose aspirin
      induced gastropathy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Low-dose aspirin is known to cause upper gastrointestinal
      complications. The mechanism by which the aspirin disrupts gastric mucosal
      integrity remains to be clarified. In this study we investigated the temporal
      association of gastric secretory parameters (acid and mucus) with aspirin-induced
      gastropathy. METHODS: In 42 long-term low-dose aspirin-takers and the same number
      of sex- and age-matched controls, pentagastrin-stimulated gastric juice was
      collected for 10 min during endoscopic examination. The collected gastric juice
      was divided and half was submitted to analysis for gastric acid (mEq/10 min) and
      the other half was analyzed for mucin (mg hexose/10 min) output. The grade of
      gastric mucosal injury was assessed endoscopically according to the modified
      Lanza score, and a score of more than 4 was defined as the presence of severe
      gastropathy. RESULTS: While gastric acid secretion did not differ significantly
      between aspirin-takers and controls, gastric mucus secretion, in terms of mucin
      output, was significantly increased in aspirin-takers compared to controls (4.1
      (SD 4.8) vs. 2.3 (1.4) mg hexose/10 min, P < 0.05). Consequently, the acid/mucin
      ratio was significantly decreased in aspirin-takers compared to controls (1.2
      (1.0) vs. 1.7 (1.4), P < 0.05). In the subanalysis of 25 aspirin-takers without
      severe gastropathy, gastric mucus secretion was increased and the acid/mucus
      ratio was decreased compared with controls, but there was no such association in
      the remaining 17 aspirin-takers with severe gastropathy. CONCLUSION: Overall,
      gastric mucus secretion is increased in aspirin-takers, suggesting a functional
      adaptive response to long-term administration of the drug. However, it is
      possible that the adaptive response is impaired in some aspirin takers, who might
      be susceptible to severe upper gastrointestinal complication.

PMID- 22038553
TI  - Impedance-pH reflux patterns can differentiate non-erosive reflux disease from
      functional heartburn patients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Symptom association is important to distinguish non-erosive reflux
      disease [NERD; abnormal oesophageal acid exposure time (AET) and/or positive
      symptom association] from functional heartburn (FH; normal AET and negative
      symptom association). Asymptomatic patients during reflux monitoring are
      challenging as symptom association cannot be assessed. AIM: To evaluate whether
      impedance-pH reflux patterns are useful to differentiate NERD from FH. METHODS:
      Endoscopy-negative reflux patients underwent impedance-pH off-therapy.
      Oesophageal AET, characteristics of reflux episodes and symptom association
      probability (SAP) were measured. Twenty patients asymptomatic during the first
      test repeated a second examination. RESULTS: Of 329 patients, 130 (40%) were pH
      POS, 120 (36%) pH-NEG/SAP+ (hypersensitive oesophagus = HO) and 79 (24%) pH
      NEG/SAP- (FH). Total and acid reflux episodes were significantly higher (p <
      0.01) in pH-POS compared to pH-NEG/SAP+, pH-NEG/SAP- and healthy volunteers
      (HVs). Patients pH-NEG/SAP+ had a significantly increased number of weakly acidic
      reflux episodes compared to pH-POS, pH-NEG/SAP- and HVs (p < 0.01). The rate of
      proximal reflux episodes in pH-POS (50%) and pH-NEG/SAP+ (47%) was higher (p <
      0.01) than in pH-NEG/SAP- (33%) and HVs (33%). Measuring AET, number of reflux
      episodes and percentage of proximal reflux events permits to identify FH in 70%
      of cases and HO in 80% of cases who repeated the examination. CONCLUSION: In
      patients with normal AET and SAP+, increased number of weakly acidic reflux and
      higher rate of proximal reflux are the main discriminant features. There is large
      overlap between FH and HVs. These differences can be of help in diagnosing
      patients with normal oesophageal acid exposure who fail to have symptoms during
      MII-pH testing.

PMID- 22038554
TI  - Geranylgeranylacetone has anti-hepatitis C virus activity via activation of mTOR
      in human hepatoma cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Geranylgeranylacetone (GGA), an isoprenoid compound which includes
      retinoids, has been used orally as an anti-ulcer drug in Japan. GGA acts as a
      potent inducer of anti-viral gene expression by stimulating ISGF3 formation in
      human hepatoma cells. This drug has few side effects and reinforces the effect of
      IFN when administered in combination with peg-IFN and ribavirin. This study
      verified the anti-HCV activity of GGA in a replicon system. In addition,
      mechanisms of anti-HCV activity were examined in the replicon cells. METHODS: OR6
      cells stably harboring the full-length genotype 1 replicon containing the Renilla
      luciferase gene, ORN/C-5B/KE, were used to examine the influence of the anti-HCV
      effect of GGA. After treatment, the cells were harvested with Renilla lysis
      reagent and then subjected to a luciferase assay according to the manufacturer's
      protocol. RESULT: The results showed that GGA had anti-HCV activity. GGA induced
      anti-HCV replicon activity in a time- and dose-dependent manner. GGA did not
      activate the tyrosine 701 and serine 727 on STAT-1, and did not induce HSP-70 in
      OR6 cells. The anti-HCV effect depended on the GGA induced mTOR activity, not
      STAT-1 activity and PKR. An additive effect was observed with a combination of
      IFN and GGA. CONCLUSIONS: GGA has mTOR dependent anti-HCV activity. There is a
      possibility that the GGA anti-HCV activity can be complimented by IFN. It will be
      necessary to examine the clinical effectiveness of the combination of GGA and IFN
      for HCV patients in the future.

PMID- 22038556
TI  - Dendritic, nanosized building block for siloxane-based materials: a
      spherosilicate dendrimer.
AB  - A spherosilicate dendrimer (DMS-1) with closely spaced reaction sites (Si-H
      groups) on the dendrimer surface has been synthesized by stepwise silylation of
      double-four-ring silicate with chlorotriethoxysilane (ClSi(OEt)(3)) and
      subsequently with chlorodimethylsilane (ClSiHMe(2)). DMS-1 consists of a maximum
      of 40 Si atoms in the interior frameworks and 24 reactive Si-H groups on the
      surface. Because DMS-1 is spherical and about 1.5 nm in diameter, it can be
      regarded as the smallest well-defined silica-based nanoparticle. DMS-1 also forms
      molecular crystals and is soluble in typical organic solvents. A molecularly
      ordered silica-based hybrid can be prepared by heating a cast film of DMS-1 at
      180  degrees C for 5 days. The surface of DMS-1 can be modified by
      hydrosilylation with 1-hexadecene, triethoxyvinylsilane, and allylic-terminated
      tetraethylene glycol monomethyl ether. More than 20 Si-H groups out of 24 react
      with these reagents. The solubilities of the products depend on the modification.
      DMS-1 is not only a building block for nanohybrids, but also the smallest and
      most precisely designed siloxane-based nanoparticle.

PMID- 22038555
TI  - The efficacy and safety of terlipressin and albumin in patients with type 1
      hepatorenal syndrome: a multicenter, open-label, explorative study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Treatment with terlipressin and albumin has been reported recently to
      be effective in improving renal function in the treatment of cirrhotic patients
      with hepatorenal syndrome (HRS). The aim of this prospective, multicenter study
      was to investigate the efficacy and safety of treatment with terlipressin and
      albumin in Japanese cirrhotic patients with type 1 HRS. METHODS: Eight cirrhotic
      patients with type 1 HRS were included in the study. Terlipressin (2.8 +/- 0.4
      mg/day) and albumin (25.7 +/- 2.8 g/day) were given simultaneously for 6.3 +/-
      4.2 days. RESULTS: Urine volume was significantly increased (p < 0.05) at the end
      of treatment compared with baseline. Serum creatinine levels were significantly
      decreased from 2.84 +/- 0.45 to 1.08 +/- 0.33 mg/dl (-61.9 +/- 9.9%, p < 0.05)
      after terlipressin and albumin administration. Creatinine clearance was
      significantly increased (p < 0.05) after treatment. Plasma renin activity and
      norepinephrine were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) after therapy. Six of the
      8 patients (75%) showed a complete response (reduction of serum creatinine to 1.5
      mg/dl or less). The cumulative probabilities of survival at 4 and 12 weeks were
      63 and 13%, respectively. Complication of congestive heart failure possibly
      related to this regimen was seen in 1 patient, but ischemic adverse events were
      not observed during the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with terlipressin and
      albumin improves renal function in cirrhotic patients with type 1 HRS. However,
      the survival of cirrhotic patients with type 1 HRS remains poor, although it may
      be improved by this specific therapy.

PMID- 22038557
TI  - Is Barthel Index a relevant measure for measuring prevalence of urinary
      incontinence in stroke patients?
AB  - AIMS: To compare the prevalence of urinary incontinence (UI) measured by Barthel
      Index and the Danish Prostate Symptom Score (DAN-PSS-1) questionnaire in stroke
      patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional, hospital based survey was initiated whereby
      407 stroke patients, average age 67 (SD 12) years with a mean interval of 101
      days since onset of last stroke at inclusion. The stroke patients self-reported
      the prevalence of UI by Barthel Index and the DAN-PSS-1 questionnaire. RESULTS:
      The prevalence of UI was 10.5% measured by the Barthel Index and 49% by the DAN
      PSS-1 questionnaire. Furthermore, the DAN-PSS-1 questionnaire distinguished
      between types of UI (38% urge UI, 28% stress UI, and 14% other UI). There were
      significantly fewer stroke patients who reported UI by the Barthel Index compared
      to the DAN-PSS questionnaire in term of urge UI (P < 0.001), stress UI (P <
      0.001), and other UI (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results showed that DAN-PSS-1
      questionnaire contains more specific UI information compared to the Barthel
      Index. Fewer stroke patients reported UI by the Barthel Index compared to the DAN
      PSS-1 questionnaire and moreover the DAN-PSS-1 questionnaire enables
      identification of different UI-types. The Barthel Index is not sensitive to the
      UI prevalence; instead the authors suggest using a more specific instrument such
      as the DAN-PSS-1 questionnaire.

PMID- 22038559
TI  - Distress from voluntary refusal of food and fluids to hasten death: what is the
      role of continuous deep sedation?
AB  - In assisted dying, the end-of-life trajectory is shortened to relieve unbearable
      suffering. Unbearable suffering is defined broadly enough to include cognitive
      (early dementia), psychosocial or existential distress. It can include old-age
      afflictions that are neither life-threatening nor fatal in the "vulnerable
      elderly". The voluntary refusal of food and fluids (VRFF) combined with
      continuous deep sedation (CDS) for assisted dying is legal. Scientific
      understanding of awareness of internal and external nociceptive stimuli under CDS
      is rudimentary. CDS may blunt the wakefulness component of human consciousness
      without eradicating internal affective awareness of thirst and hunger. Patients
      may suffer because of the slow dying process following dehydration and
      starvation. The difficulty to adequately control distress, without bringing the
      dying process to a rapid conclusion by lethal pharmacological interventions, can
      cause feelings of guilt among hospice and medical staff. Furthermore, the double
      effect principle is not applicable in these situations because the primary
      objective of VRFF is to hasten death. Legal and societal debate should focus on
      sharpening the boundaries between assisted dying and palliative care. This
      separation is necessary to: 1) uphold trust in the patient-phyician relationship,
      and 2) preserve integrity and ethics of the medical profession.

PMID- 22038560
TI  - Elderly patients' and residents' perceptions of 'the good nurse': a literature
      review.
AB  - This article describes the findings of a mixed method literature review that
      examined the perceptions of elderly patients and residents of a good nurse in
      nursing homes, hospitals and home care. According to elderly patients and
      residents, good nurses are individuals who have the necessary technical and
      psychosocial skills to care for patients. They are at their disposal, promptly
      recognising the patients' needs. Good nurses like their job and are sincere and
      affectionate. They are understanding and caring. They do not hesitate to enter
      into a trust-based relationship with their patients. Knowing and understanding
      how elderly patients and nursing home residents perceive 'the good nurse' is
      crucial for providing quality care and for promoting better patient outcomes in
      geriatric care.

PMID- 22038561
TI  - Early in vivo changes in calcium ions, oxidative stress markers, and ion channel
      immunoreactivity following partial injury to the optic nerve.
AB  - CNS injury is often localized but can be followed by more widespread secondary
      degenerative events that usually result in greater functional loss. Using a
      partial transection model in rat optic nerve (ON). we recently demonstrated in
      vivo increases in the oxidative stress-associated enzyme MnSOD 5 min after
      injury. However, mechanisms by which early oxidative stress spreads remain
      unclear. In the present study, we assessed ion distributions, additional
      oxidative stress indicators, and ion channel immunoreactivity in ON in the first
      24 hr after partial transection. Using nanoscale secondary ion mass spectroscopy
      (NanoSIMS), we demonstrate changes in the distribution pattern of Ca ions
      following partial ON transection. Regions of elevated Ca ions in normal ON in
      vivo rapidly decrease following partial ON transection, but there is an
      increasingly punctate distribution at 5 min and 24 hr after injury. We also show
      rapid decreases in catalase activity and later increases in immunoreactivity of
      the advanced glycation end product carboxymethyl lysine in astrocytes. Increased
      oxidative stress in astrocytes is accompanied by significantly increased
      immunoreactivity of the AMPA receptor subunit GluR1 and aquaporin 4 (AQP4). Taken
      together, the results indicate that Ca ion changes and oxidative stress are early
      events following partial ON injury that are associated with changes in GluR1 AMPA
      receptor subunits and altered ionic balance resulting from increased AQP4.

PMID- 22038562
TI  - The association of lipoprotein lipase PvuII polymorphism and niacin intake in the
      prevalence of metabolic syndrome: a KMSRI-Seoul study.
AB  - Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) polymorphism correlated with LPL activity is associated
      with plasma lipid and lipoprotein levels. We aimed to investigate the frequency
      of LPL PvuII polymorphism and effects of LPL PvuII polymorphism and niacin intake
      on the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) in Koreans. Lifestyle
      questionnaires, anthropometry, and dietary records were completed, and LPL PvuII
      polymorphism, LPL mass, and lipid profiles were determined in 548 Koreans
      (MetSyn: 278, Non-MetSyn: 270). The MetSyn group showed a significantly lower
      frequency of P1P1 (wild type) and a higher frequency of P1P2 (hetero type) than
      the non-MetSyn group. The P2P2 (mutant type) group significantly showed lower
      levels of HDLc and LPL mass and a higher level of TG than the P1P1 group. As
      niacin intake increased, LPL mass decreased in the P2P2 group (r (2) = 0.07). In
      particular, the lowest niacin intake group (<=14.82 mg/day) increased more than 3
      times with regard to a higher risk of MetSyn than the others in the P2P2 mutant
      groups. However, the MetSyn risk declined 74% at the optimal levels of niacin
      intake (14.83-17.80 mg/day) in the P2P2 group compared to those of the P1 allele
      group. The findings indicate that optimal levels of niacin intake effectively
      decreased Korean MetSyn prevalence in the P2P2 mutant group.

PMID- 22038563
TI  - Large eddy simulation of mechanical mixing in anaerobic digesters.
AB  - A comprehensive study of anaerobic digestion requires an advanced turbulence
      model technique to accurately predict mixing flow patterns because the digestion
      process that involves mass transfer between anaerobes and their substrates is
      primarily dependent on detailed information about the fine structure of
      turbulence in the digesters. This study presents a large eddy simulation (LES) of
      mechanical agitation of non-Newtonian fluids in anaerobic digesters, in which the
      sliding mesh method is used to characterize the impeller rotation. The three
      subgrid scale (SGS) models investigated are: (i) Smagorinsky-Lilly model, (ii)
      wall-adapting local eddy-viscosity model, and (iii) kinetic energy transport
      (KET) model. The simulation results show that the three SGS models produce very
      similar flow fields. A comparison of the simulated and measured axial velocities
      indicates that the LES profile shapes are in general agreement with the
      experimental data but they differ markedly in velocity magnitudes. A check of
      impeller power and flow numbers demonstrates that all the SGS models give
      excellent predictions, with the KET model performing the best. Moreover, the
      performance of six Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes turbulence models are assessed
      and compared with the LES results.

PMID- 22038564
TI  - Genetic diagnosis of neuroacanthocytosis disorders using exome sequencing.
AB  - Neuroacanthocytoses are neurodegenerative disorders marked by phenotypic and
      genetic heterogeneity. There are several associated genetic loci, and many
      defects, including gene deletions and insertions, and missense, nonsense, and
      splicing mutations, have been found spread over hundreds of kilobases of genomic
      DNA. In some cases, specific diagnosis is unclear, particularly in the early
      stages of disease or when there is an atypical presentation. Determination of the
      precise genetic defect allows assignment of the diagnosis and permits carrier
      detection and genetic counseling. The objective of this report was to utilize
      exome sequencing for genetic diagnosis in the neuroacanthocytosis syndromes.
      Genomic DNA from 2 patients with clinical features of chorea-acanthocytosis was
      subjected to targeted exon capture. Captured DNA was subjected to ultrahigh
      throughput next-generation sequencing. Sequencing data were assembled, filtered
      against known human variant genetic databases, and results were analyzed. Both
      patients were compound heterozygotes for mutations in the VPS13A gene, the gene
      associated with chorea-acanthocytosis. Patient 1 had a 4-bp deletion that removes
      the 5' donor splice site of exon 58 and a nucleotide substitution that disrupts
      the 5' donor splice site of exon 70. Patient 2 had a dinucleotide deletion in
      exon 16 and a dinucleotide insertion in exon 33. No mutations were identified in
      the XK, PANK2, or JPH3 gene loci. Exome sequencing is a valuable diagnostic tool
      in the neuroacanthocytosis syndromes. These studies may provide a better
      understanding of the function of the associated proteins and provide insight into
      the pathogenesis of these disorders.

PMID- 22038565
TI  - Sources of education about breastfeeding and breast pump use: what effect do they
      have on breastfeeding duration? An analysis of the Infant Feeding Practices
      Survey II.
AB  - To examine the association between breastfeeding duration and sources of
      education about breastfeeding and breast pumps. We analyzed data from the Infant
      Feeding Practices Survey II (n = 2,586), a national longitudinal consumer-based
      study. We used chi(2) and ANOVA to contrast categorical and continuous variables,
      respectively, and logistic regression to model the association between
      breastfeeding duration and sources of education about breastfeeding and breast
      pump use. In unadjusted results, multiple sources of breastfeeding and breast
      pump education were significantly associated with breastfeeding duration.
      However, in multivariable logistic regression models, there was a negative
      association between longer breastfeeding duration and receiving breast pump
      education from a physician/physician assistant (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.36-0.93); and a
      positive association between longer breastfeeding duration and receiving
      breastfeeding education from classes/support group (OR: 1.85, 95% CI: 1.24-2.76)
      and receiving breast pump education from friends/relatives (OR: 1.70, 95% CI:
      1.13-2.55). Although healthcare providers such as physicians and nurses have
      regular contact with women, the only statistically significant association
      between breastfeeding and breast pump education from healthcare providers and
      longer breastfeeding duration was a negative one. This likely reflects time and
      resource limitations of clinical practice, but may also indicate a need for more
      consistent training for healthcare providers who provide breastfeeding and breast
      pump education. Social supports, such as education from classes/support groups
      and friends/relatives demonstrated positive associations with longer
      breastfeeding duration. This emphasizes the importance of fostering a positive
      sphere of influence around breastfeeding women. Future work should also
      investigate alternative levers of action, such as policies affecting insurance
      coverage of breast pumps.

PMID- 22038566
TI  - A comprehensive study of autonomic dysfunction in the fibromyalgia patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The hypothesis of autonomic nervous system involvement in
      pathophysiology in the patients with fibromyalgia has been addressed and tested
      time and again but the existing reports are both contradictory and inconclusive.
      A complete knowledge of the degree of autonomic dysfunction in fibromyalgia
      patients would be more substantial. We conducted a comprehensive non-invasive
      study to investigate the complete autonomic profile of female patients with
      fibromyalgia. METHOD: An autonomic function test using a standard battery and
      heart rate variability analysis in the 42 fibromyalgia patients as well as 42 age
      matched healthy controls was performed. Both autonomic activity (tone) and
      reactivity were measured. Autonomic tone (both time and frequency domain
      parameters) was measured using heart rate variability (HRV) analysis. Autonomic
      reactivity was measured using a standard battery of autonomic function tests.
      RESULTS: Resting blood pressure (both systolic and diastolic) was significantly
      higher in the fibromyalgia patients than controls. The time domain variables and
      HF% as recorded by HRV were significantly lower in the patients than the
      controls. The autonomic reactivity for sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous
      system was found to be within normal limits. INTERPRETATION: The cardiac
      autonomic function is normal and the autonomic reflex arc seems to be intact in
      the patients with fibromyalgia.

PMID- 22038567
TI  - Mental health of Special Forces personnel deployed in battle.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the mental health problems of Special Forces with regular
      forces engaged in combat in the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN). METHODS: A population-based
      descriptive study was carried out to compare the mental health problems of
      Special Forces with regular forces in the Sri Lanka Navy (SLN) deployed in combat
      areas for at least 1 year. Participants were selected by simple random sampling.
      The outcome measures were common mental disorder measured using the General
      Health Questionnaire, PTSD, fatigue, multiple physical symptoms and hazardous
      alcohol use. RESULTS: Overall exposure to potentially traumatic events was high
      in both groups, with Special Forces experiencing significantly more traumatic
      events. More than 80% of the Special Forces had experiences of discharging
      weapons in direct combat, engaging in combat with enemy vessels and seeing the
      dead or wounded. Special Forces had significantly less common mental disorders,
      fatigue and fair or poor general health than regular forces. Fair or poor general
      health (21.1%) and fatigue (18.4%) were the commonest problems in the regular
      forces. Hazardous drinking was the commonest mental health problem among the
      Special Forces (17%). Prevalence of PTSD was 1.9% in the Special Forces and 2.9%
      among the regular forces. Exposure to traumatic events and problems with family
      life were identified as risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Elite troops suffered less
      negative mental health consequences than regular forces despite higher combat
      exposure. Comradeship and unit cohesion protected Special Forces from negative
      mental health outcome of combat.

PMID- 22038569
TI  - Integrated continuous flow polymerase chain reaction and micro-capillary
      electrophoresis system with bioaffinity preconcentration.
AB  - An integrated and modular DNA analysis system is reported that consists of two
      modules: (i) A continuous flow polymerase chain reaction (CFPCR) module
      fabricated in a high T(g) (150 degrees C) polycarbonate substrate in which
      selected gene fragments were amplified using biotin and fluorescently labeled
      primers accomplished by continuously shuttling small packets of PCR reagents and
      template through isothermal zones as opposed to heating and cooling large thermal
      masses typically performed in batch-type thermal reactors. (ii) MUCE (micro
      capillary electrophoresis) module fabricated in poly(methylmethacrylate) (PMMA),
      which utilized a bioaffinity selection and purification bed (2.9  MUL) to
      preconcentrate and purify the PCR products generated from the CFPCR module prior
      to electrophoretic sorting. Biotin-labeled CFPCR products were hydrostatically
      pumped through the streptavidin-modified bed, where they were extracted onto the
      surface of micropillars. The affinity bed was also fabricated in PMMA and was
      populated with an array of microposts (50  MUm width; 100  MUm height) yielding a
      total surface area of ~117  mm(2). This solid-phase extraction (SPE) process
      demonstrated high selectivity for biotinylated amplicons and utilized the strong
      streptavidin/biotin interaction (K(d) = 10(-15)  M) to generate high recoveries.
      The SPE selected CFPCR products were thermally denatured and single-stranded DNA
      released for injection into a 7-cm-long MUCE channel for size-based separations
      and fluorescence detection. The utility of the system was demonstrated using Alu
      DNA typing for gender and ethnicity determinations as a model. Compared with the
      traditional cross-T injection procedure typically used for MUCE, the affinity pre
      concentration and injection procedure generated signal enhancements of 17- to 40
      fold, critical for CFPCR thermal cyclers due to Taylor dispersion associated with
      their operation.

PMID- 22038568
TI  - Impact of pre-enlistment antisocial behaviour on behavioural outcomes among U.K.
      military personnel.
AB  - PURPOSE: Concern has been raised over alleged increases in antisocial behaviour
      by military personnel returning from the deployment in Iraq and Afghanistan. U.S.
      based research has shown that post-deployment violence is related not only to
      combat experience, but also to pre-enlistment antisocial behaviour (ASB). This
      study aimed to examine the association between pre-enlistment ASB and later
      behavioural outcomes, including aggression, in a large randomly selected U.K.
      military cohort. METHODS: Baseline data from a cohort study of 10,272 U.K.
      military personnel in service at the time of the Iraq war in 2003 were analysed.
      The associations between pre-enlistment ASB and a range of socio-demographic and
      military variables were examined as potential confounders. Logistic regression
      analyses were performed to examine the relationship between pre-enlistment ASB
      and military behavioural outcomes such as severe alcohol use, violence/aggression
      and risk-taking behaviour, controlling for confounders. RESULTS: 18.1% were
      defined as having displayed pre-enlistment ASB. Pre-enlistment ASB was
      significantly associated with factors such as younger age, low educational
      achievement, male gender, non-officer rank, Army personnel, being a regular,
      increasing time spent on the deployment and having a combat role. Pre-enlistment
      ASB was associated with increased risk of negative behavioural outcomes (severe
      alcohol misuse, outbursts of anger or irritability, fighting or assaultative
      behaviour and risk-taking behaviour), after controlling for confounders,
      suggesting that such background information may identify individuals who are more
      vulnerable to subsequent behavioural disturbance. CONCLUSION: The results of this
      study suggest that those already demonstrating ASB prior to joining the military
      are more likely to continue on this trajectory, thus emphasising the importance
      of considering pre-enlistment behaviour when exploring the aetiology of
      aggression in military personnel.

PMID- 22038570
TI  - Evaluation of biological effects of nanomaterials. Part I. Cyto- and genotoxicity
      of nanosilver composites applied in textile technologies.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the cyto- and genotoxicity
      of nanocomposites (NCs) and generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) as a
      result of particle-cell interactions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Titanium dioxide
      (TiO(2)-Ag) and ion-exchange resin (Res-Ag), both coated with silver (Ag), were
      examined. The murine macrophage J774A.1 cells were incubated in vitro with NC at
      different concentrations for 24 h. Cytotoxicity was analyzed by the
      methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide reduction test (MTT reduction test).
      ROS generation was assessed by incubation of cells with
      dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCF) and flow cytometry. DNA damage was
      detected by comet assay and included single-strand breaks (SSB), alkali-labile
      sites (ALS) and oxidative DNA damage after formamidopyrimidine glycosylase (FPG)
      treatment. The tail moment was used as an indicator of DNA damage. RESULTS:
      TiO(2)-Ag was not cytotoxic up to 200 MUg/ml, whereas IC(50) for Res-Ag was found
      to be 23 MUg/ml. Intracellular ROS levels were elevated after 4 h of exposure to
      Res-Ag at the concentration of 50 MUg/ml. Both types of NC induced fragmentation
      of DNA strands, but only one of the composites caused damage to purine bases.
      TiO(2)-Ag induced SSB of DNA at concentrations of 10 and 5 MUg/ml. For Res-Ag, a
      concentration-dependent increase in tail moments was observed. CONCLUSIONS:
      Silver-coated nanocomposites (both TiO(2)-Ag and Res-Ag) may cause genotoxic
      effects in murine macrophages J774A.1. Res-Ag increased generation of ROS which
      suggested that toxicity of Res-Ag in murine macrophages is likely to be mediated
      through oxidative stress. This paper will support industry and regulators alike
      in the assessment of hazards and risks and methods for their mitigation at the
      earliest possible stage in material and product development.

PMID- 22038571
TI  - Does exercise improve weight loss after bariatric surgery? A systematic review.
AB  - Bariatric surgery leads to significant weight loss in the obese patient. Exercise
      has been shown to improve weight loss and body composition in non-surgical weight
      loss programmes. The role of exercise to improve weight loss following bariatric
      surgery is unclear. The objective of this review is to systematically appraise
      the evidence regarding exercise for weight loss in the treatment of obesity in
      bariatric surgery patients. MEDLINE, AMED, CINAHL, EBM Reviews (Cochrane
      Database, Cochrane Clinical Trials Register) were searched, obesity-related
      journals were hand-searched and reference lists checked. Studies containing post
      surgical patients and exercise were included with the primary outcome of interest
      being weight loss. A literature search identified 17 publications exploring
      exercise in bariatric surgery patients. All studies were observational; there
      were no intervention studies found. The most commonly used instruments to measure
      activity level were questionnaires followed by telephone interview, surgeon
      reporting and clinical notes. There was a positive relationship between increased
      exercise and weight loss after surgery in 15 studies. Meta-analysis demonstrated
      in patients participating in exercise a standardised mean of 3.62 kg (CI = 1.28,
      5.96) greater weight loss compared to the minimal exercise groups. Observational
      studies suggest that exercise is associated with greater weight loss following
      bariatric surgery. Randomised controlled trials are required to further examine
      this relationship.

PMID- 22038572
TI  - Only C-reactive protein, but not TNF-alpha or IL6, reflects the improvement in
      inflammation after bariatric surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Increased C-reactive protein (CRP) levels strongly predict
      inflammatory diseases such as obesity and tissue damage. We wanted to study the
      CRP in plasma and tissue in morbidly obese patients before and after surgery and
      relate it with the expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor
      alpha (TNF-alpha) in tissues. METHODS: We analyzed CRP concentration in plasma,
      adipose and liver, and the expression of IL-6 and TNF-alpha, in those tissues, in
      34 morbidly obese patients before and 1, 6 and 12 months after gastric bypass.
      RESULTS: Morbidly obese had a greater amount of CRP in plasma (3 times) and
      tissues (21, 5 and 7 times more in liver, subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) and
      visceral adipose tissue (VAT), respectively) than control subjects. The
      expression of IL-6 in SAT showed a similar profile to plasma and SAT CRP in both
      obese patients and after weight loss, despite no significant correlation was
      found. We were only able to detect IL-6 in the liver of a subset of patients. The
      expression of TNF-alpha after surgery showed a no significant slight tendency to
      decrease in SAT with weight loss, but in the liver, we did not observe any
      change. CONCLUSION: IL-6 in SAT, but not in liver, seems to be more closely
      related to plasma and tissue CRP than TNF-alpha in both obese patients and after
      weight loss. Plasma CRP protein perfectly reflects the decrease in inflammation
      and improves with weight loss in the tissues.

PMID- 22038573
TI  - Chemical phenotypes of P2X2 purinoreceptor immunoreactive cell bodies in the area
      postrema.
AB  - Purines such as adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) act as extracellular messengers
      through specific purinergic receptors. Three different classes of purinergic
      receptors have been identified and termed P1, P2X, and P2Y. The purinergic
      receptor subunit P2X2 is a ligand-gated ion channel that is widely expressed by
      neurons in the CNS. In the brainstem medulla oblongata, the ionotropic P2X2
      receptor (P2X2R) is enriched in the area postrema (AP). Two different antisera to
      P2X2R were used to determine the chemical nature of P2X2R immunoreactive cell
      bodies in the rat AP, an area lacking a blood-brain barrier. Subcellularly, P2X2R
      immunoreactivity was located to the periphery of individual cell bodies. The
      majority of P2X2R-immunoreactive cells were shown to contain tyrosine hydroxylase
      (TH) (63.5 +/- 7.7%) and dopamine beta-hydroxylase (61.5 +/- 5.1%).
      Phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase (PNMT)-containing cells were not detected
      in the AP, supporting a noradrenergic nature of P2X2R cells in the AP. There were
      no P2X2R-immunoreactive cells in the AP that contained the GABA-synthesizing
      enzyme glutamic acid decarboxylase 65. Only single vesicular glutamate
      transporter 2-immunoreactive cell bodies that were not P2X2R-positive were
      demonstrated in the AP. Some P2X2R-positive cells in the AP were immunoreactive
      for the neuropeptides substance P and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating
      polypeptide, whereas dynorphin-, enkephalin-, or cholecystokinin-positive cells
      were not P2X2R-immunoreactive. Presence of P2X2R in a majority of noradrenergic
      cells of the AP implies that ATP may have a regulatory action on neuronal
      noradrenaline release from the AP, a circumventricular organ with a strategic
      position enabling interactions between circulating substances and the central
      nervous system.

PMID- 22038574
TI  - The impact of commercially available purinergic ligands on purinergic signalling
      research.
AB  - Due to the extremely wide-spread expression of purinergic receptors, purinergic
      signalling has been implicated in numerous physiological and pathophysiological
      areas. To better understand the involvement of purinergic receptors in such
      areas, the researcher's requirement for diverse and varied purinergic receptor
      ligands has greatly increased. This has generated increased commercial
      opportunities for life science suppliers, and ultimately, has led to a rapid
      expansion in the number of commercially available purinergic receptor ligands.
      The wide-spread availability of ligands to researchers has greatly benefited the
      scientific community, nurturing the rapid and continued expansion of the
      purinergic signalling field.

PMID- 22038575
TI  - Electroretinogram findings in unilateral optic neuritis.
AB  - To report the electrophysiological findings in patients with unilateral optic
      neuritis (ON), with particular reference to the electroretinogram (ERG). A
      retrospective analysis of full-field ERG, pattern ERG (PERG) and pattern visual
      evoked potential findings from 46 patients with clinical and electrophysiological
      findings in keeping with unilateral ON. ISCEV standard ERGs did not significantly
      differ between the optic neuritis and fellow eyes, nor between patients with and
      without MS. Differences were present in the N95 component of the PERG, which was
      significantly lower in the affected eye, and the pattern reversal visual evoked
      potential, which showed significantly longer peak time (latency) in the affected
      eye. In addition, there was a significant difference between patients with and
      without multiple sclerosis (MS). No significant inter-ocular asymmetry in ISCEV
      standard ERGs was present in these cases of unilateral optic neuritis, either as
      a clinically isolated syndrome or as part of multiple sclerosis. All ERGs
      recorded were normal.

PMID- 22038576
TI  - ISCEV standard for clinical multifocal electroretinography (mfERG) (2011
      edition).
AB  - The clinical multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) is an electrophysiological test
      of local retinal function. With this technique, many local ERG responses are
      recorded quasi-simultaneously from the cone-driven retina under light-adapted
      conditions. This document, from the International Society for Clinical
      Electrophysiology of Vision (ISCEV: www.iscev.org ), replaces the ISCEV
      guidelines for the mfERG published in 2007. Standards for performance of the
      basic clinical mfERG test with a stimulus array of 61 or 103 hexagons, as well as
      for reporting the results, are specified.

PMID- 22038577
TI  - Haloperidol dosing strategies in the treatment of delirium in the critically ill.
AB  - Delirium is the most common mental disturbance in critically-ill patients and
      results in significant morbidity and mortality. Haloperidol is a preferred agent
      for the treatment of delirium in this population because of its rapid onset of
      action and lack of hemodynamic effects. Despite its widespread use in the
      critical care setting, most of the relevant data are obtained from case series or
      extrapolated from non-critically-ill populations. This review provides an
      overview of haloperidol pharmacokinetics and a comprehensive summary of the
      evidence for various haloperidol dosing regimens in the treatment of delirium in
      critically-ill patients. A comprehensive literature search was conducted in
      Medline, Embase, and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts with "haloperidol",
      "delirium", "agitation", "critically-ill", and "intensive care" as keywords.
      Studies involving haloperidol for delirium prophylaxis, non-critical care
      settings, and terminally-ill subjects were excluded. Eleven studies were
      identified: four with intermittent IV haloperidol, four with continuous IV
      infusion haloperidol, two with oral/enteral haloperidol, and one with IM
      haloperidol. All of the case reports, case series, and descriptive studies have
      shown a benefit with haloperidol, but publication bias is likely present. Only
      three studies were controlled studies, but all had small sample sizes and
      methodological flaws. Randomized, double-blind, active-comparator trials of
      haloperidol with allocation concealment are needed. Subsequent research should
      focus on using validated delirium screening and assessment scales for more
      objective identification and measurement of delirium outcomes.

PMID- 22038578
TI  - Fever control in the NICU: is there still a simpler and cheaper solution?

PMID- 22038579
TI  - Systematic review and meta-analysis of the use of lightweight versus heavyweight
      mesh in open inguinal hernia repair.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was systematically to analyse published
      randomized trials comparing lightweight mesh (LWM) with heavyweight mesh (HWM) in
      open inguinal hernia repair. METHODS: Randomized trials on LWM versus HWM were
      selected from the standard electronic databases. Reported outcomes were analysed
      systematically using RevMan. Pooled risk ratios were calculated for categorical
      outcomes, and mean differences for secondary continuous outcomes, using the fixed
      effects and random-effects models for meta-analysis. RESULTS: Nine randomized
      trials containing 2310 patients were included. There was significant
      heterogeneity among trials. There was no difference in duration of operation,
      postoperative pain, recurrence rate, testicular atrophy and time to return to
      work between LWM and HWM groups. The two mesh types had a similar risk of
      perioperative complications, but LWM was associated with a reduced risk of
      developing chronic groin pain (risk ratio (RR) 0.61, 95 per cent confidence
      interval 0.50 to 0.74) and a reduced risk of developing other groin symptoms,
      such as stiffness and foreign body sensations (RR 0.64, 0.50 to 0.81).
      CONCLUSION: The use of LWM for open inguinal hernia repair was not associated
      with an increased risk of hernia recurrence. LWM reduced the incidence of chronic
      groin pain as well as the risk of developing other groin symptoms.

PMID- 22038580
TI  - Nanoparticles in aquatic systems.
AB  - Nanoparticles (NP) are ubiquitous in environmental and technical aquatic systems.
      Understanding the role and the fate of NP in these systems is an
      interdisciplinary challenge requiring innovative experimental, theoretical and
      analytical approaches and critical reflection of classical concepts. This
      contribution critically reviews the outstanding properties of NP and the
      resulting consequences for their behaviour in environmental and technical aquatic
      systems considering natural NP which are mostly geogenic or biogeogenic, and
      engineered NP. Owing to the severe lack of data on the occurrence of NP in
      environmental aquatic systems, it is a key task of researchers to further develop
      analytical methods for the sensitive detection of NP directly in aqueous samples.
      There is urgent need for standardisation of analytical methods for detection and
      characterisation of NP, and for toxicity tests to assess possible adverse effects
      of NP. In this context, NP reference materials have to be defined as a common
      fundament for research in this field.

PMID- 22038581
TI  - Ambient aerosols and human health: working towards a combined analytical and
      toxicological approach.

PMID- 22038582
TI  - Purge and trap with monolithic sorbent for gas chromatographic analysis of
      pesticides in honey.
AB  - Polydivinylbenzene (P-DVB) and silica monolithic materials were synthesised in
      capillaries and then used to adsorb nine organonitrogen pesticides extracted from
      honey. After adsorption, each monolith-capillary was connected to a gas
      chromatograph (GC) with nitrogen-phosphorous detector (NPD). The silica monolith
      gave better peak shape and intensity than the P-DVB monolith. Formulation of
      silica monolith with tetramethoxysilane (TMOS) as a sole initiator provided
      better separation and higher peak intensity, compared to those with
      methyltrimethoxysilane (MTMS) and (3:1) TMOS/MTMS initiators. The optimum
      internal diameter and length of silica monolith-capillary were 0.25 mm and 5 cm,
      respectively. The purge and trap conditions were optimised by purging with
      nitrogen and heating the honey sample solution at 100  degrees C for 60 min.
      Recovery of the method was in a range of 84.95-99.71% and the detection limits of
      the pesticides determined by using GC-NPD and GC-mass spectrometric detector
      (MSD) ranged between 0.36-1.75 and 0.13-0.25 ng g(-1), respectively.

PMID- 22038583
TI  - Phosphorylation site localization in peptides by MALDI MS/MS and the Mascot Delta
      Score.
AB  - Owing to its broad biological significance, the large-scale analysis of protein
      phosphorylation is more and more getting into the focus of proteomic research.
      Thousands of phosphopeptides can nowadays be identified using state-of-the-art
      tandem mass spectrometers in conjunction with sequence database searching, but
      localizing the phosphate group to a particular amino acid in the peptide sequence
      is often still difficult. Using 180 individually synthesized phosphopeptides with
      precisely known phosphorylation sites (p-sites), we have assessed the merits of
      the Mascot Delta Score (MD score) for the assignment of phosphorylation sites
      from tandem mass spectra (MS/MS) generated on four different matrix-assisted
      laser desorption ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometers including tandem time-of
      flight (TOF/TOF), quadrupole time-of-flight, and ion trap mass analyzers. The
      results show that phosphorylation site identification is generally possible with
      false localization rates of about 10%. However, a comparison to previous work
      also revealed that phosphorylation site determination by MALDI MS/MS is less
      accurate than by ESI-MS/MS particularly if several and/or adjacent possible
      phosphorylation acceptor sites exist in a peptide sequence. We are making the
      tandem MS spectra and phosphopeptide collection available to the community so
      that scientists may adapt the MD scores reported here to their analytical
      environment and so that informatics developers may integrate the MD score into
      proteomic data analysis pipelines.

PMID- 22038584
TI  - Flow injection analysis of volatile phenols in environmental water samples using
      CdTe/ZnSe nanocrystals as a fluorescent probe.
AB  - On the basis of flow injection analysis technology, a simple, accurate, and
      sensitive method has been developed for the determination of volatile phenols in
      environmental water samples by using CdTe/ZnSe nanocrystals as a fluorescent
      probe. The influences of coexisting metal ions and volatile phenol substitutes
      were also investigated. The method developed for analysis of volatile phenols
      displayed very good linearity in the range from 1.0 * 10(-8) to 4.0 * 10(-7) g L(
      1), with a correlation coefficient greater than 0.995 and a detection limit down
      to 2.7 * 10(-9) g L(-1) (signal-to-noise ratio 3). The proposed method was
      successfully applied to determine the content of volatile phenols in
      environmental water samples, and the quantitative recoveries were 93.4-106.1%. A
      possible reaction mechanism for the quenching of fluorescence is discussed using
      UV-vis absorption spectra, fluorescence spectra, and time-resolved luminescence
      spectra of volatile phenols obtained by titrating a CdTe/ZnSe nanocrystal aqueous
      solution and zeta potential data.

PMID- 22038585
TI  - A CMOS image sensor to recognize the cardiovascular disease markers troponin I
      and C-reactive protein.
AB  - A complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor was utilized to
      detect the interaction of cardiovascular disease markers, troponin I and C
      reactive protein. Each marker with its respective antibodies was adsorbed to an
      indium nanoparticle (InNP)-coated glass substrate. Dielectric layers of antigens
      and antibodies bound onto and interacted on conducting InNPs. Normal room light
      passed through these protein-layer-bound substrates and hit the CMOS image sensor
      surface, and the number of photons was detected and converted into digital form.
      We tested this approach for real-time monitoring of cardiac disease markers based
      on photon count, demonstrating its low cost and its capacity to detect antigens
      with high sensitivity at picogram per milliliter concentration.

PMID- 22038586
TI  - Forensic analysis of Salvia divinorum using multivariate statistical procedures.
      Part I: discrimination from related Salvia species.
AB  - Salvia divinorum is a hallucinogenic herb that is internationally regulated. In
      this study, salvinorin A, the active compound in S. divinorum, was extracted from
      S. divinorum plant leaves using a 5-min extraction with dichloromethane. Four
      additional Salvia species (Salvia officinalis, Salvia guaranitica, Salvia
      splendens, and Salvia nemorosa) were extracted using this procedure, and all
      extracts were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Differentiation
      of S. divinorum from other Salvia species was successful based on visual
      assessment of the resulting chromatograms. To provide a more objective
      comparison, the total ion chromatograms (TICs) were subjected to principal
      components analysis (PCA). Prior to PCA, the TICs were subjected to a series of
      data pretreatment procedures to minimize non-chemical sources of variance in the
      data set. Successful discrimination of S. divinorum from the other four Salvia
      species was possible based on visual assessment of the PCA scores plot. To
      provide a numerical assessment of the discrimination, a series of statistical
      procedures such as Euclidean distance measurement, hierarchical cluster analysis,
      Student's t tests, Wilcoxon rank-sum tests, and Pearson product moment
      correlation were also applied to the PCA scores. The statistical procedures were
      then compared to determine the advantages and disadvantages for forensic
      applications.

PMID- 22038587
TI  - Synchrotron radiation Fourier-transform infrared and Raman microspectroscopy
      study showing an increased frequency of creatine inclusions in the rat
      hippocampal formation following pilocarpine-induced seizures.
AB  - In the present work, synchrotron radiation Fourier-transform infrared (SRFTIR)
      and Raman microspectroscopies were used to evaluate a possible role of creatine
      in the pathogenesis and progress of pilocarpine-evoked seizures and seizure
      induced neurodegenerative changes in the rat hippocampal tissue. The main goal of
      this study was to identify creatine deposits within the examined brain area, to
      analyze their frequency in epileptic animals and naive controls and to examine
      correlations between the number of inclusions in the hippocampal formation of
      epileptic rats and the quantitative parameters describing animal behavior during
      6-h observation period after pilocarpine injection. The presence of creatine in
      the brain tissue was confirmed based on the vibrational bands specific for this
      compound in the infrared and Raman spectra. These were the bands occurring at the
      wavenumbers around 2800, 1621, 1398, and 1304 cm(-1) in IR spectra and around
      1056, 908 and 834 cm(-1) in the Raman spectra. Creatine was detected in eight of
      ten analyzed epileptic samples and in only one of six controls under the study.
      The number of deposits in epileptic animals varied from 1 to 100 and a relative
      majority of inclusions were detected in the area of the Dentate Gyrus and in the
      multiform hippocampal layer. Moreover, the number of creatine inclusions was
      positively correlated with the total time of seizure activity.

PMID- 22038588
TI  - Quantitative determination of taurine and related biomarkers in urine by liquid
      chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.
AB  - Current urinary bladder cancer diagnosis is commonly based on a biopsy obtained
      during cystoscopy. This invasive method causes discomfort and pain in patients.
      Recently, taurine and several other compounds such as L-phenylalanine and
      hippuric acid in urine were found to be indicators of bladder cancer. However,
      because of a lack of sensitive and accurate analytical techniques, it is
      impossible to detect these compounds in urine at low levels. In this study, using
      liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), a noninvasive method
      was developed to separate and detect these compounds in urine. (15)N(2)-L
      glutamine was used as the internal standard, and creatinine acted as an indicator
      for urine dilution. A phenyl-hexyl column was used for the separation at an
      isocratic condition of 0.2% formic acid in water and 0.2% formic acid in
      methanol. Analytes were detected in multiple-reaction monitoring with positive
      ionization mode. The limit of detection range is 0.18-6 nM and the limit of
      quantitation ranges from 0.6 to 17.6 nM. The parameters affecting separation and
      quantification were also investigated and optimized. Proper clinical validation
      of these biomarkers can be done using this reliable, fast, and simple method.
      Furthermore, with simple modifications, this method could be applied to other
      physiological fluids and other types of diseases.

PMID- 22038589
TI  - The aromatic peroxygenase from Marasmius rutola--a new enzyme for biosensor
      applications.
AB  - The aromatic peroxygenase (APO; EC 1.11.2.1) from the agraric basidomycete
      Marasmius rotula (MroAPO) immobilized at the chitosan-capped gold-nanoparticle
      modified glassy carbon electrode displayed a pair of redox peaks with a midpoint
      potential of -278.5 mV vs. AgCl/AgCl (1 M KCl) for the Fe(2+)/Fe(3+) redox couple
      of the heme-thiolate-containing protein. MroAPO oxidizes aromatic substrates such
      as aniline, p-aminophenol, hydroquinone, resorcinol, catechol, and paracetamol by
      means of hydrogen peroxide. The substrate spectrum overlaps with those of
      cytochrome P450s and plant peroxidases which are relevant in environmental
      analysis and drug monitoring. In M. rotula peroxygenase-based enzyme electrodes,
      the signal is generated by the reduction of electrode-active reaction products
      (e.g., p-benzoquinone and p-quinoneimine) with electro-enzymatic recycling of the
      analyte. In these enzyme electrodes, the signal reflects the conversion of all
      substrates thus representing an overall parameter in complex media. The
      performance of these sensors and their further development are discussed.

PMID- 22038590
TI  - Tunable fragmentation of organic molecules in laser ablation glow discharge time
      of-flight mass spectrometry.
AB  - A DC-pulsed glow discharge (GD) has distinct temporal regimes which are
      characterized by "softer" or "harder" ionization of analytes introduced into the
      discharge. It is thus possible to obtain both molecular weight and structural
      fragment information from the same spectra. In order to extend the capabilities
      of this technique a laser ablation (LA) sampling system was coupled to a DC
      pulsed GD and to a time-of-flight (TOF) mass spectrometer (MS) for characterizing
      organic samples such as oleic acid, reserpine, two different peptides, and a
      polymer. Both hard and soft ionization regimes were studied. These LAGD-TOFMS
      results were compared to matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI)
      spectra using the same compounds (i.e., analytes, concentration, and matrix). It
      was found that LAGD offers tunable ionization and provides a reduced matrix
      dependence. However, the sensitivity achieved by the prototype LAGD-TOFMS was
      significantly lower when compared with commercially available MALDI-TOFMS
      instrumentation. Since LAGD-TOFMS is rather new, some technical details to
      increase its sensitivity are discussed.

PMID- 22038591
TI  - Dual-polarization interferometry for quantification of small molecules using
      aptamers.
AB  - An interferometry-based method was developed for detection of a small molecule,
      argininamide. The quantification of argininamide was demonstrated using aptamers
      immobilized on silicone oxynitride sensor surface via avidin-biotin binding. The
      aptamers formed a thin film over avidin layer corresponding to a thickness of 1.2
      nm, consistent with a molecular positioning of multipoint attachment to the
      surface. The binding of argininamide did not cause any significant changes in the
      thickness of the aptamer film, suggesting that the specific binding did not
      affect the overall conformation of the aptamer molecules after adaptive
      rearrangement of aptamer molecules. However, the binding results in clearly
      detectable changes in mass calculated from multiple parameters determined by mass
      deposition and structural changes. The limit of detection of the developed sensor
      was determined to be 5 MUM. The sensor can monitor real-time changes in
      argininamide concentrations with high reliability and sensitivity. The model
      system demonstrated that a combined measurement considering structural and mass
      changes through interferometry-based techniques can overcome one of the major
      problems associated with real-time monitoring of small mass analytes.

PMID- 22038592
TI  - Preparing a metal-ion chelated immobilized enzyme reactor based on the
      polyacrylamide monolith grafted with polyethylenimine for a facile regeneration
      and high throughput tryptic digestion in proteomics.
AB  - Initially, a poly (glycidyl methacrylate-co-acrylamide-co-methylenebisacrylamide)
      monolith was prepared in the 100 MUm i.d. capillary, and then was grafted with
      polyethylenimine (Mw, ~25,000) for adsorbing Cu(2+), followed by chelating
      trypsin. As a result, efficient digestion for BSA (100 ng/MUL) was completed
      within 50 s via such immobilized enzyme reactor (IMER); yielding 47% sequence
      coverage by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time of flight mass
      spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) analysis. Compared with the conventional method for
      preparing the metal-ion chelated IMER, the regeneration of such IMER can be
      achieved facilely by the respective 30 min desorption and re-adsorption of
      trypsin, and 51% sequence coverage was obtained for 50 s BSA digestion after
      regeneration. BSA down to femtomole was also efficiently digested by the prepared
      regenerable IMER. Meanwhile, after the consecutive digestion of myoglobin and
      BSA, there was not any mutual interference for both during MALDI-TOF MS
      identification, indicating the low nonspecific adsorption of such regenerable
      IMER. To test the applicability of regenerable IMER for complex sample profiling,
      proteins (150 ng) extracted from Escherichia coli were digested within 80 s by
      the regenerable IMER and further analyzed by nanoreversed phase liquid
      chromatography-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry successfully, showing
      its practicability for the high throughput analysis of complex samples.

PMID- 22038593
TI  - Hypomethylation of the thymosin beta(10) gene is not associated with its
      overexpression in non-small cell lung cancer.
AB  - Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide and is
      usually associated with a late diagnosis and a poor prognosis. Thymosin beta(10)
      (TMSB10) is a monomeric actin sequestering protein that regulates actin
      cytoskeleton organization. The aberrant TMSB10 expression has been implicated in
      the pathogenesis of human cancers. However, its role in carcinogenesis is still
      controversial. To better understand the role of TMSB10 in lung tumorigenesis and
      its regulatory mechanism, we examined the methylation status and expression of
      the TMSB10 gene in non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs) using methylation
      specific PCR (MSP) and immunohistochemistry (IHC), respectively. MSP analysis
      showed that the TMSB10 promoter was already unmethylated in most tumor tissues
      and became demethylated in 20 (14.4%) of the 139 NSCLCs. TMSB10 hypomethylation
      was not significantly correlated with the clinicopathological features. IHC
      showed that the TMSB10 protein was strongly expressed in the cytoplasm of
      malignant cells and its overexpression was detected in 50.0% of the tumor tissues
      compared to normal tissues. TMSB10 overexpression was frequently observed in
      sqaumous cell carcinomas compared to adenocarcinomas with border line
      significance (P = 0.072). However, TMSB10 methylation status was not linked to
      its overexpression. Collectively, these results suggest that TMSB10
      hypomethylation may be a frequent event in NSCLCs, but it may not be a common
      mechanism underlying TMSB10 overexpression. However, further studies with large
      numbers of patients are needed to confirm our findings.

PMID- 22038594
TI  - Novel GFP expression using a short N-terminal polypeptide through the defined
      twin-arginine translocation (Tat) pathway.
AB  - Escherichia coli is frequently used as a convenient host organism for soluble
      recombinant protein expression. However, additional strategies are needed for
      proteins with complex folding characteristics. Here, we suggested that the
      acidic, neutral, and alkaline isoelectric point (pI) range curves correspond to
      the channels of the E. coli type-II cytoplasmic membrane translocation
      (periplasmic translocation) pathways of twin-arginine translocation (Tat), Yid,
      and general secretory pathway (Sec), respectively, for unfolded and folded target
      proteins by examining the characteristic pI values of the N-termini of the signal
      sequences or the leader sequences, matching with the known diameter of the
      translocation channels, and analyzing the N-terminal pI value of the signal
      sequences of the Tat substrates. To confirm these proposed translocation
      pathways, we investigated the soluble expression of the folded green fluorescent
      protein (GFP) with short N-terminal polypeptides exhibiting pI and hydrophilicity
      separately or collectively. This, in turn, revealed the existence of an anchor
      function with a specific directionality based on the N-terminal pI value (termed
      as N-terminal pI-specific directionality) and distinguished the presence of the
      E. coli type-II cytoplasmic membrane translocation pathways of Tat, Yid, and Sec
      for the unfolded and folded target proteins. We concluded that the pI value and
      hydrophilicity of the short N-terminal polypeptide, and the total translational
      efficiency of the target proteins based on the DeltaGRNA value of the N-terminal
      coding regions are important factors for promoting more efficient translocation
      (secretion) through the largest diameter of the Tat channel. These results show
      that the short N-terminal polypeptide could substitute for the Tat signal
      sequence with improved efficiency.

PMID- 22038595
TI  - Canal wall thickness after preparation with NiTi rotary files.
AB  - Root canal preparation is the most important phase of endodontic procedure and it
      consists of adequate canal space cleaning and shaping. In recent years, rotary
      instruments and techniques have gained importance because of the great efficacy,
      speed, and safety of the preparation procedure. AIM: The aim of this research was
      to investigate measurement of maximal and minimal residual dentine thickness
      (RDT) and canal diameter after the canal preparation with different NiTi rotary
      files. METHODS: The research has been conducted on extracted human teeth in vitro
      conditions. The teeth have been divided in seven groups (20 teeth per group)
      depending on the kind of instruments used for root canal preparation: ProTaper,
      GT, ProFile, K-3, FlexMaster, hand ProTaper, and hand GT. The canals have been
      shaped in a crown-down manner and irrigated with 5.25% sodium hypochlorite. The
      roots of the teeth have been cut 1 and 3 mm from the apex. Apical preparation
      quality has been assessed under the polarized light microscope. RESULTS: The
      maximal residual dentine thickness at distance 1 mm from apex, ranged from 1.16
      to 1.45 mm, and at distance 3 mm from apex, from 1.44 to 1.84 mm. The minimal
      dentine thickness at distance 1 mm from apex ranged from 0.52 to 0.73 mm, and at
      distance 3 mm from apex, from 0.66 to 0.83 mm. The canal diameters after
      preparation at distance 1 mm from apex ranged from 0.42 to 0.49 mm, and at
      distance 3 mm from apex, from 0.53 to 0.63 mm. CONCLUSIONS: There was no
      significant difference neither in maximal and minimal RDT, nor in canal diameters
      shaped with different NiTi instruments tested. All tested NiTi files have
      accomplished good quality preparation of apical root canal parts.

PMID- 22038596
TI  - Chromium-silicon multiple bonds: the chemistry of terminal N-heterocyclic-carbene
      stabilized halosilylidyne ligands.
AB  - An efficient method for the synthesis of the first N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC)
      stabilized halosilylidyne complexes is reported that starts from SiBr(4). In the
      first step, SiBr(4) was treated with one equivalent of the N-heterocyclic carbene
      1,3-bis[2,6-bis(isopropyl)phenyl]imidazolidin-2-ylidene (SIdipp) to give the 4,5
      dihydroimidazolium salt [SiBr(3)(SIdipp)]Br (1-Br), which then was reduced with
      potassium graphite to afford the silicon(II) dibromide-NHC adduct
      SiBr(2)(SIdipp)(2-Br) in good yields. Heating 2-Br with Li[CpCr(CO)(3)] afforded
      the complex [Cp(CO)(2)Cr=SiBr(SIdipp)] (3-Br) upon elimination of CO. Complex 3
      Br features a trigonal-planar-coordinated silicon center and a very short Cr?Si
      double bond. Similarly, the reaction of SiCl(2)(SIdipp) (2-Cl) with
      Li[CpCr(CO)(3)] gave the analogous chloro derivative [Cp(CO)(2)Cr=SiCl(SIdipp)]
      (3-Cl). Complex 3-Br undergoes an NHC exchange with 1,3-dihydro-4,5-dimethyl-1,3
      bis(isopropyl)-2H-imidazol-2-ylidene (IMe(2)iPr(2)) to give the complex
      [Cp(CO)(2)CrSiBr(IMe(2)iPr(2))(2)] (4-Br). Compound 4-Br features a distorted
      tetrahedral four-coordinate silicon center. Bromide abstraction occurs readily
      from 4-Br with Li[B(C(6)F(5))(4)] to give the putative silylidene complex salt
      [Cp(CO)(2)Cr=Si(IMe(2)iPr(2))(2)][B(C(6)F(5))(4)], which irreversibly dimerizes
      by means of an Si-promoted electrophilic activation of one carbonyl oxygen atom
      to yield the dinuclear siloxycarbyne complex [Cp(CO)Cr{(MU
      CO)Si(IMe(2)iPr(2))(2)}(2-)Cr(CO)Cp][B(C(6)F(5))(4)](2) (5). All compounds were
      fully characterized, and the molecular structures of 2-Br-5-Br were determined by
      single-crystal X-ray diffraction. DFT calculations of 3-Br and 3-Cl and their
      carbene dissociation products [Cp(CO)(2)Cr=Si-X] (X=Cl, Br) were carried out, and
      the electronic structures of 3-Br, 3-Cl and [Cp(CO)(2)Cr=Si-X] were analyzed by
      the natural bond orbital method in combination with natural resonance theory.

PMID- 22038597
TI  - High-sensitivity stable-isotope probing by a quantitative terminal restriction
      fragment length polymorphism protocol.
AB  - Stable-isotope probing (SIP) has proved a valuable cultivation-independent tool
      for linking specific microbial populations to selected functions in various
      natural and engineered systems. However, application of SIP to microbial
      populations with relatively minor buoyant density increases, such as populations
      that utilize compounds as a nitrogen source, results in reduced resolution of
      labeled populations. We therefore developed a tandem quantitative PCR (qPCR)
      TRFLP (terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism) protocol that improves
      resolution of detection by quantifying specific taxonomic groups in gradient
      fractions. This method combines well-controlled amplification with TRFLP analysis
      to quantify relative taxon abundance in amplicon pools of FAM-labeled PCR
      products, using the intercalating dye EvaGreen to monitor amplification. Method
      accuracy was evaluated using mixtures of cloned 16S rRNA genes, DNA extracted
      from low- and high-G+C bacterial isolates (Escherichia coli, Rhodococcus,
      Variovorax, and Microbacterium), and DNA from soil microcosms amended with known
      amounts of genomic DNA from bacterial isolates. Improved resolution of minor
      shifts in buoyant density relative to TRFLP analysis alone was confirmed using
      well-controlled SIP analyses.

PMID- 22038598
TI  - Macrophyte species drive the variation of bacterioplankton community composition
      in a shallow freshwater lake.
AB  - Macrophytes play an important role in structuring aquatic ecosystems. In this
      study, we explored whether macrophyte species are involved in determining the
      bacterioplankton community composition (BCC) in shallow freshwater lakes. The BCC
      in field areas dominated by different macrophyte species in Taihu Lake, a large,
      shallow freshwater lake, was investigated over a 1-year period. Subsequently,
      microcosm experiments were conducted to determine if single species of different
      types of macrophytes in an isolated environment would alter the BCC. Denaturing
      gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE), followed by cloning and sequence analysis of
      selected samples, was employed to analyze the BCC. The DGGE results of the field
      investigations indicated that the BCC changed significantly from season to season
      and that the presence of different macrophyte species resulted in lower BCC
      similarities in the summer and fall. LIBSHUFF analysis of selected clone
      libraries from the summer demonstrated different BCCs in the water column
      surrounding different macrophytes. Relative to the field observations, the
      microcosm studies indicated that the BCC differed more pronouncedly when
      associated with different species of macrophytes, which was also supported by
      LIBSHUFF analysis of the selected clone libraries. Overall, this study suggested
      that macrophyte species might be an important factor in determining the
      composition of bacterial communities in this shallow freshwater lake and that the
      species-specific influence of macrophytes on BCC is variable with the season and
      distance.

PMID- 22038599
TI  - Roles of diet and the acid tolerance response in survival of common Salmonella
      serotypes in feces of finishing pigs.
AB  - The persistence of Salmonella in the environment is an important factor
      influencing the transmission of infection in pig production. This study evaluated
      the effects of acid tolerance response (ATR), organic acid supplementation, and
      physical properties of feed on the survival of a five-strain Salmonella mixture
      in porcine feces held at 4 and 22 degrees C for 88 days. Acid-adapted or non-acid
      adapted nalidixic acid-resistant Salmonella strains were used to inoculate feces
      of pigs fed four different diets, which consisted of a nonpelleted, finely ground
      meal feed or a finely ground, pelleted feed that was left unsupplemented or was
      supplemented with K-diformate. Organic acid supplementation and physical
      properties of feed markedly influenced Salmonella survival, but the effects were
      highly dependent on storage temperature; survival was unaffected by ATR. The most
      pronounced effects were observed at 22 degrees C, a temperature similar to that
      of finishing pig houses. The supplementation of meal diets with K-diformate
      significantly reduced the duration of survival (P < 0.1) and increased rates of
      decline (P < 0.0001) of salmonellae in feces compared to survival in feces of
      pigs fed unsupplemented meal. The pelleting of feed, compared to feeding meal,
      significantly reduced (P < 0.1) the duration of survival in feces held at 22
      degrees C. Only minor effects of feed form and acid supplementation on survivor
      numbers were observed at 4 degrees C. Differences in the fecal survival of
      Salmonella could not be related to diet-induced changes in fecal physiochemical
      parameters. The predominant survival of S. enterica serovar Typhimurium DT193 and
      serotype 4,[5],12:i:- in porcine feces demonstrates the superior ability of these
      serotypes to survive in this environment. Fecal survival and transmission of
      Salmonella in pig herds may be reduced by dietary approaches, but effects are
      highly dependent on environmental temperature.

PMID- 22038600
TI  - Prevalence of Ca2+-ATPase-mediated carbonate dissolution among cyanobacterial
      euendoliths.
AB  - Recent physiological work has shown that the filamentous euendolithic
      cyanobacterium Mastigocoleus testarum (strain BC008) is able to bore into solid
      carbonates using Ca2+-ATPases to take up Ca2+ from the medium at the excavation
      front, promoting dissolution of CaCO3 there. It is not known, however, if this is
      a widespread mechanism or, rather, a unique capability of this model strain. To
      test this, we undertook a survey of multispecies euendolithic microbial
      assemblages infesting natural carbonate substrates in marine coastal waters of
      the Caribbean, Mediterranean, South Pacific, and Sea of Cortez. Microscopic
      examination revealed the presence of complex assemblages of euendoliths,
      encompassing 3 out of the 5 major cyanobacterial orders. 16S rRNA gene clone
      libraries detected even greater diversity, particularly among the thin
      filamentous forms, and allowed us to categorize the endoliths in our samples into
      8 distinct phylogenetic clades. Using real-time Ca2+ imaging under a confocal
      laser scanning microscope, we could show that all communities displayed light
      dependent formation of Ca2+-supersaturated zones in and around boreholes, a
      staple of actively boring phototrophs. In 3 out of 4 samples, boring activity was
      sensitive to at least one of two inhibitors of Ca2+-ATPase transporters
      (thapsigargin or tert-butylhydroquinone), indicating that the Ca2+-ATPase
      mechanism is widespread among cyanobacterial euendoliths but perhaps not
      universal. Function-community structure correlations point to one particular
      clade of baeocyte-forming euendoliths as the potential exception.

PMID- 22038601
TI  - Heme-biosynthetic porphobilinogen deaminase protects Aspergillus nidulans from
      nitrosative stress.
AB  - Microorganisms have developed mechanisms to combat reactive nitrogen species
      (RNS); however, only a few of the fungal genes involved have been characterized.
      Here we screened RNS-resistant Aspergillus nidulans strains from fungal
      transformants obtained by introducing a genomic DNA library constructed in a
      multicopy vector. We found that the AN0121.3 gene (hemC) encodes a protein
      similar to the heme biosynthesis enzyme porphobilinogen deaminase (PBG-D) and
      facilitates RNS-tolerant fungal growth. The overproduction of PBG-D in A.
      nidulans promoted RNS tolerance, whereas PBG-D repression caused growth that was
      hypersensitive to RNS. PBG-D levels were comparable to those of cellular
      protoheme synthesis as well as flavohemoglobin (FHb; encoded by fhbA and fhbB)
      and nitrite reductase (NiR; encoded by niiA) activities. Both FHb and NiR are
      hemoproteins that consume nitric oxide and nitrite, respectively, and we found
      that they are required for maximal growth in the presence of RNS. The
      transcription of hemC was upregulated by RNS. These results demonstrated that PBG
      D is a novel NO-tolerant protein that modulates the reduction of environmental NO
      and nitrite levels by FHb and NiR.

PMID- 22038602
TI  - Bacteriocin production: a probiotic trait?
AB  - Bacteriocins are an abundant and diverse group of ribosomally synthesized
      antimicrobial peptides produced by bacteria and archaea. Traditionally,
      bacteriocin production has been considered an important trait in the selection of
      probiotic strains, but until recently, few studies have definitively demonstrated
      the impact of bacteriocin production on the ability of a strain to compete within
      complex microbial communities and/or positively influence the health of the host.
      Although research in this area is still in its infancy, there is intriguing
      evidence to suggest that bacteriocins may function in a number of ways within the
      gastrointestinal tract. Bacteriocins may facilitate the introduction of a
      producer into an established niche, directly inhibit the invasion of competing
      strains or pathogens, or modulate the composition of the microbiota and influence
      the host immune system. Here we review the role of bacteriocin production in
      complex microbial communities and their potential to enhance human health.

PMID- 22038603
TI  - Growth rate-dependent control in Enterococcus faecalis: effects on the
      transcriptome and proteome, and strong regulation of lactate dehydrogenase.
AB  - Enterococcus faecalis V583 was grown in a glucose-limited chemostat at three
      different growth rates (0.05, 0.15, and 0.4 h-1). The fermentation pattern
      changed with growth rate, from a mostly homolactic profile at a high growth rate
      to a fermentation dominated by formate, acetate, and ethanol production at a low
      growth rate. A number of amino acids were consumed at the lower growth rates but
      not by fast-growing cells. The change in metabolic profile was caused mainly by
      decreased flux through lactate dehydrogenase. The transcription of ldh-1,
      encoding the principal lactate dehydrogenase, showed very strong growth rate
      dependence and differed by three orders of magnitude between the highest and the
      lowest growth rates. Despite the increase in ldh-1 transcript, the content of the
      Ldh-1 protein was the same under all conditions. Using microarrays and
      quantitative PCR, the levels of 227 gene transcripts were found to be affected by
      the growth rate, and 56 differentially expressed proteins were found by proteomic
      analyses. Few genes or proteins showed a growth rate-dependent increase or
      decrease in expression across the whole range of conditions, and many showed a
      maximum or minimum at the middle growth rate (i.e., 0.15 h-1). For many gene
      products, a discrepancy between transcriptomic and proteomic data were seen,
      indicating posttranscriptional regulation of expression.

PMID- 22038604
TI  - Genome sequences and characterization of the related Gordonia phages GTE5 and
      GRU1 and their use as potential biocontrol agents.
AB  - Activated sludge plants suffer frequently from the operational problem of stable
      foam formation on aerobic reactor surfaces, which can be difficult to prevent.
      Many foams are stabilized by mycolic acid-containing Actinobacteria, the
      mycolata. The in situ biocontrol of foaming using phages is an attractive
      strategy. We describe two polyvalent phages, GTE5 and GRU1, targeting Gordonia
      terrae and Gordonia rubrupertincta, respectively, isolated from activated sludge.
      Phage GRU1 also propagates on Nocardia nova. Both phages belong to the family
      Siphoviridae and have similar-size icosahedral heads that encapsulate double
      stranded DNA genomes (~65 kb). Their genome sequences are similar to each other
      but markedly different from those of other sequenced phages. Both are arranged in
      a modular fashion. These phages can reduce or eliminate foam formation by their
      host cells under laboratory conditions.

PMID- 22038605
TI  - Endosymbiont transmission mode in bacterial leaf nodulation as revealed by a
      population genetic study of Psychotria leptophylla.
AB  - Leaf-nodulated plants are colonized by vertically inherited bacterial
      endosymbionts, which maintain symbioses throughout host generations. The
      permanent character of the interaction implies phylogenetic congruence between
      the host and the endosymbiont. However, the present population genetic study of
      Psychotria leptophylla provides evidence for a mixed symbiont transmission
      involving both vertical inheritance and horizontal transfers from the
      environment.

PMID- 22038606
TI  - Iron transformations induced by an acid-tolerant Desulfosporosinus species.
AB  - The mineralogical transformations of Fe phases induced by an acid-tolerant,
      Fe(III)- and sulfate-reducing bacterium, Desulfosporosinus sp. strain GBSRB4.2
      were evaluated under geochemical conditions associated with acid mine drainage
      impacted systems (i.e., low pH and high Fe concentrations). X-ray powder
      diffractometry coupled with magnetic analysis by first-order reversal curve
      diagrams were used to evaluate mineral phases produced by GBSRB4.2 in media
      containing different ratios of Fe(II) and Fe(III). In medium containing Fe
      predominately in the +II oxidation state, ferrimagnetic, single-domain greigite
      (Fe3S4) was formed, but the addition of Fe(III) inhibited greigite formation. In
      media that contained abundant Fe(III) [as schwertmannite; Fe8O8(OH)6SO4 . nH2O],
      the activities of strain GBSRB4.2 enhanced the transformation of schwertmannite
      to goethite (alpha-FeOOH), due to the increased pH and Fe(II) concentrations that
      resulted from the activities of GBSRB4.2.

PMID- 22038607
TI  - When second best is good enough: another probabilistic look at saturation
      mutagenesis.
AB  - We developed new criteria for determining the library size in a saturation
      mutagenesis experiment. When the number of all possible distinct variants is
      large, any of the top-performing variants (e.g., any of the top three) is likely
      to meet the design requirements, so the probability that the library contains at
      least one of them is a sensible criterion for determining the library size. By
      using a criterion of this type, one may significantly reduce the library size and
      thus save costs and labor while minimally compromising the quality of the best
      variant discovered. We present the probabilistic tools underlying these criteria
      and use them to compare the efficiencies of four randomization schemes: NNN,
      which uses all 64 codons; NNB, which uses 48 codons; NNK, which uses 32 codons;
      and MAX, which assigns equal probabilities to each of the 20 amino acids. MAX was
      found to be the most efficient randomization scheme and NNN the least efficient.
      TopLib, a computer program for carrying out the related calculations, is
      available through a user-friendly Web server.

PMID- 22038608
TI  - Adhesive bond stiffness of Staphylococcus aureus with and without proteins that
      bind to an adsorbed fibronectin film.
AB  - Staphylococcus aureus is known to cause biomaterial-associated infections of
      implants and devices once it has breached the skin and mucosal barriers. Adhesion
      is the initial step in the development of a biomaterial-associated infection, and
      strategies to prevent staphylococcal adhesion and thus biomaterial-associated
      infections require understanding of the adhesive bond. The aim of this study was
      to compare the adhesive bond stiffnesses of two S. aureus strains with and
      without fibronectin-binding proteins (FnBPs) adhering to a fibronectin-coated
      quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) sensor surface on the basis of a coupled-
      resonance model. Both fibronectin adsorption and staphylococcal adhesion were
      accompanied by negative frequency shifts, regardless of the absence or presence
      of FnBPs on the staphylococcal cell surfaces. This is the opposite of the
      positive frequency shifts often observed for other bacterial strains adhering to
      bare sensor surfaces. Most likely, adhering staphylococci sink into and deform
      the adsorbed protein layer, creating stiff binding with the sensor surface due to
      an increased bacterium-substratum contact area. S. aureus 8325-4 possesses FnBPs
      and yields less negative frequency shifts (Deltaf) that are further away from the
      zero-crossing frequency than S. aureus DU5883. This suggests that FnBPs on S.
      aureus 8325-4 create a stiffer bond to the fibronectin coating than has been
      observed for S. aureus DU5883. Due to a limited window of observation, as defined
      by the available resonance frequencies in QCM, we could not determine exact
      stiffness values.

PMID- 22038609
TI  - Bacterial cell surface damage due to centrifugal compaction.
AB  - Centrifugal damage has been known to alter bacterial cell surface properties and
      interior structures, including DNA. Very few studies exist on bacterial damage
      caused by centrifugation because of the difficulty in relating centrifugation
      speed and container geometry to the damage caused. Here, we provide a simple,
      versatile method of analysis for describing the compaction of bacteria during
      centrifugation based on a proposed centrifugation coefficient, C. Values of C can
      be related to different bacterial cell surface properties. Changing the geometry
      of the centrifugation container or centrifugation speeds changed the value of C
      significantly. Initial deposition rates of Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 12600 to a
      glass surface decayed exponentially from 4,217 to 1,478 cm-2 s-1 with increasing
      C, while the proportion of staphylococci with a zeta potential of around -15 mV
      decreased from 97 to 58%. These surface-sensitive parameters were used
      independently to derive a critical centrifugation coefficient (0.040), above
      which centrifugation was considered to impact the outcome of surface-sensitive
      experiments due to cell surface damage. The critical centrifugation coefficient
      could successfully predict staphylococcal cell surface damage, i.e., a
      significant change in initial deposition rate or zeta potential distribution, in
      84% of all cases included here, whereas the centrifugation speed could predict
      damage in only 58% of all cases. Moreover, controlling the centrifugation
      coefficient within narrow limits over a series of experiments yielded 43% smaller
      standard deviations in initial staphylococcal deposition rates than with
      centrifugation at fixed speeds for replicate experiments.

PMID- 22038610
TI  - Engineering of bacterial methyl ketone synthesis for biofuels.
AB  - We have engineered Escherichia coli to overproduce saturated and monounsaturated
      aliphatic methyl ketones in the C11 to C15 (diesel) range; this group of methyl
      ketones includes 2-undecanone and 2-tridecanone, which are of importance to the
      flavor and fragrance industry and also have favorable cetane numbers (as we
      report here). We describe specific improvements that resulted in a 700-fold
      enhancement in methyl ketone titer relative to that of a fatty acid-overproducing
      E. coli strain, including the following: (i) overproduction of beta-ketoacyl
      coenzyme A (CoA) thioesters achieved by modification of the beta-oxidation
      pathway (specifically, overexpression of a heterologous acyl-CoA oxidase and
      native FadB and chromosomal deletion of fadA) and (ii) overexpression of a native
      thioesterase (FadM). FadM was previously associated with oleic acid degradation,
      not methyl ketone synthesis, but outperformed a recently identified methyl ketone
      synthase (Solanum habrochaites MKS2 [ShMKS2], a thioesterase from wild tomato) in
      beta-ketoacyl-CoA-overproducing strains tested. Whole-genome transcriptional
      (microarray) studies led to the discovery that FadM is a valuable catalyst for
      enhancing methyl ketone production. The use of a two-phase system with decane
      enhanced methyl ketone production by 4- to 7-fold in addition to increases from
      genetic modifications.

PMID- 22038611
TI  - Comparison of assays for sensitive and reproducible detection of cell culture
      infectious Cryptosporidium parvum and Cryptosporidium hominis in drinking water.
AB  - This study compared the three most commonly used assays for detecting
      Cryptosporidium sp. infections in cell culture: immunofluorescent antibody and
      microscopy assay (IFA), PCR targeting Cryptosporidium sp.-specific DNA, and
      reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) targeting Cryptosporidium sp.-specific mRNA.
      Monolayers of HCT-8 cells, grown in 8-well chamber slides or 96-well plates, were
      inoculated with a variety of viable and inactivated oocysts to assess assay
      performance. All assays detected infection with low doses of flow cytometry
      enumerated Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts, including infection with one oocyst
      and three oocysts. All methods also detected infection with Cryptosporidium
      hominis. The RT-PCR assay, IFA, and PCR assay detected infection in 23%, 25%, and
      51% of monolayers inoculated with three C. parvum oocysts and 10%, 9%, and 16% of
      monolayers inoculated with one oocyst, respectively. The PCR assay was the most
      sensitive, but it had the highest frequency of false positives with mock-infected
      cells and inactivated oocysts. IFA was the only infection detection assay that
      did not produce false positives with mock-infected monolayers. IFA was also the
      only assay that detected infections in all experiments with spiked oocysts
      recovered from Envirochek capsules following filtration of 1,000 liters of
      treated water. Consequently, cell culture with IFA detection is the most
      appropriate method for routine and sensitive detection of infectious
      Cryptosporidium parvum and Cryptosporidium hominis in drinking water.

PMID- 22038612
TI  - Effect of honey on Streptococcus mutans growth and biofilm formation.
AB  - Because of the tradition of using honey as an antimicrobial medicament, we
      investigated the effect of natural honey (NH) on Streptococcus mutans growth,
      viability, and biofilm formation compared to that of an artificial honey (AH). AH
      contained the sugars at the concentrations reported for NH. NH and AH
      concentrations were obtained by serial dilution with tryptic soy broth (TSB).
      Several concentrations of NH and AH were tested for inhibition of bacterial
      growth, viability, and biofilm formation after inoculation with S. mutans UA159
      in 96-well microtiter plates to obtain absorbance and CFU values. Overall, NH
      supported significantly less (P < 0.05) bacterial growth than AH at 25 and 12.5%
      concentrations. At 50 and 25% concentrations, both honey groups provided
      significantly less bacterial growth and biofilm formation than the TSB control.
      For bacterial viability, the results for all honey concentrations except 50% NH
      were not significantly different from those for the TSB control. NH was able to
      decrease the maximum velocity of S. mutans growth compared to AH. In summary, NH
      demonstrated more inhibition of bacterial growth, viability, and biofilm
      formation than AH. This study highlights the potential antibacterial properties
      of NH and could suggest that the antimicrobial mechanism of NH is not solely due
      to its high sugar content.

PMID- 22038613
TI  - Immobilisation of laccase on Eupergit supports and its application for the
      removal of endocrine disrupting chemicals in a packed-bed reactor.
AB  - Laccase from Myceliophthora thermophila was covalently immobilised on Eupergit C
      and Eupergit C 250L yielding specific activities of up to 17 and 80 U/g,
      respectively. Due to its superior activity, Eupergit C 250L was chosen for
      further research. The somewhat lower catalytic efficiency (based on the ratio
      between the turnover number and the Michaelis constant, k(cat)/K(M)) of the
      immobilised enzyme in comparison with that of the free enzyme was balanced by its
      increased stability and broader operational window related to temperature and pH.
      The feasibility of the immobilised laccase was tested by using a packed bed
      reactor (PBR) operating in consecutive cycles for the removal of Acid Green 27
      dye as model substrate. High degrees of elimination were achieved (88, 79, 69 and
      57% in 4 consecutive cycles), while the levels of adsorption on the support
      varied from 18 to 6%, proving that dye removal took place mainly due to the
      action of the enzyme. Finally, a continuous PBR with the solid biocatalyst was
      applied for the treatment of a solution containing the following endocrine
      disrupting chemicals: estrone (E1), 17beta-estradiol (E2) and 17alpha
      ethinylestradiol (EE2). At steady-state operation, E1 was degraded by 65% and E2
      and EE2 were removed up to 80% and only limited adsorption of these compounds on
      the support, between 12 and 22%, was detected. In addition, a 79% decrease in
      estrogenic activity was detected in the effluent of the enzymatic reactor while
      only 14% was attained by inactivated laccase.

PMID- 22038614
TI  - Lidocaine treatment during synapse reformation periods permanently inhibits NGF
      induced excitation in an identified reconstructed synapse of Lymnaea stagnalis.
AB  - PURPOSE: Nerve growth factor (NGF) has been reported to affect synaptic
      transmission and cause neuropathic pain. In contrast, lidocaine has been used to
      reduce neuropathic pain; however, the effect of NGF and lidocaine on spontaneous
      transmitter release and synapse excitation has not been fully defined. Therefore,
      the effect of NGF and lidocaine on nerve regeneration, synapse reformation, and
      subsequent spontaneous transmitter release was investigated. We used Lymnaea
      stagnalis soma-soma-identified synaptic reconstruction to demonstrate that a
      transient increase in both frequency and amplitude of spontaneous events of
      miniature endplate potentials (MEPPs) occurs following NGF treatment and a short
      burst of action potentials in the presynaptic cell; in addition, the effect of
      lidocaine on NGF-induced synapse reformation was investigated. METHODS: Using a
      cell culture and electrophysiological and FM-143 imaging techniques for
      exocytosis on unequivocally identified presynaptic visceral dorsal 4 (VD4) and
      postsynaptic somata left pedal (LPeE) neurons from the mollusc Lymnaea stagnalis,
      the effects of NGF and lidocaine on nerve regeneration, synapse reformation, and
      its electrophysiological spontaneous synaptic transmission between cultured
      neurons were described. RESULTS: NGF increased axonal growth, frequency, and
      amplitudes of MEPPs. Lidocaine exposure during synapse reformation periods was
      drastically and permanently reduced axonal growth and the incidence of synapse
      excitation by NGF. CONCLUSION: NGF increased amplitudes and frequencies of MEPPs
      and induced synaptic excitation by increasing axonal growth and exocytosis.
      Lidocaine exposure during synapse reformation periods permanently suppressed NGF
      induced excitation by suppressing axonal growth and exocytosis of presynaptic
      neurons in the identified reconstructed synapse of L. stagnalis.

PMID- 22038615
TI  - Clinical dose of lidocaine destroys the cell membrane and induces both necrosis
      and apoptosis in an identified Lymnaea neuron.
AB  - PURPOSE: Although lidocaine-induced cell toxicity has been reported, its
      mechanism is unclear. Cell size, morphological change, and membrane resistance
      are related to homeostasis and damage to the cell membrane; however, the effects
      of lidocaine on these factors are unclear. Using an identified LPeD1 neuron from
      Lymnaea stagnalis, we sought to determine how lidocaine affects these factors and
      how lidocaine is related to damage of the cell membrane. METHODS: Cell size and
      morphological form were measured by a micrograph and imaging analysis system.
      Membrane potential and survival rate were obtained by intracellular recording.
      Membrane resistance and capacitance were measured by whole-cell patch clamp.
      Phosphatidyl serine and nucleic acid were double stained and simultaneously
      measured by annexin V and propidium iodide. RESULTS: Lidocaine at a clinical dose
      (5-20 mM) induced morphological change (bulla and bleb) in the neuron and
      increased cell size in a concentration-dependent manner. Membrane potential was
      depolarized in a concentration-dependent manner. At perfusion of more than 5 mM
      lidocaine, the depolarized membrane potential was irreversible. Lidocaine
      decreased membrane resistance and increased membrane capacitance in a
      concentration-dependent manner. Both phosphatidyl serine and nucleic acid were
      stained under lidocaine exposure in a concentration-dependent manner.
      CONCLUSIONS: A clinical dose of lidocaine greater than 5 mM destroys the cell
      membrane and induces both necrosis and apoptosis in an identified Lymnaea neuron.

PMID- 22038616
TI  - Nystagmus caused by epidural fentanyl.
AB  - Anesthesiologists commonly use opioids for pain control in the operating room and
      postanesthesia care unit, and are constantly vigilant in looking for possible
      adverse outcomes. Therefore, common complications such as nausea, vomiting, and
      pruritus are well known. However, neurologic complications after opioid
      administration are relatively rare except for reduced consciousness, for example
      drowsiness or sedation. We recently experienced a case in which a 73-year-old
      woman presented predominantly vertical nystagmus as a neurological complication
      after epidural administration of fentanyl. A few previous reports on opioids as
      causative agents for nystagmus have all after use of epidural morphine, and there
      are yet no publications reporting epidural fentanyl as the cause of nystagmus.
      Physicians should keep in mind that epidural fentanyl could cause the nystagmus
      as a neurological complication even though it is used within conventional dosage
      ranges, although this is very rare. Also, when a patient develops nystagmus after
      epidural fentanyl, it could be a benign side effect caused by epidural fentanyl
      as we have experienced, but it could also be a sign of serious central nervous
      system lesions especially in patients with underlying risk factors such as old
      age, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and cerebrovascular disease, and thus
      special attention should be paid to this.

PMID- 22038617
TI  - Cardiac arrest after spinal anesthesia in a patient with neurally mediated
      syncope.
AB  - We present the case of cardiac arrest in a patient with neurally mediated syncope
      (NMS). A 66-year-old male patient was scheduled to undergo right inguinal
      hernioplasty. He had a history of syncope, which occurred a few times a year in
      childhood and once a year recently. One minute after the second spinal injection,
      cardiac arrest (asystole) developed. Sinus rhythm was restored by cardiac massage
      and intravenous administration of atropine and ephedrine. The operation was
      cancelled. The patient was diagnosed as NMS by a cardiologist. Four months later,
      right inguinal hernioplasty was performed, uneventfully, under general
      anesthesia. High sympathetic blockade due to spinal anesthesia and transient
      withdrawal of sympathetic tone and increase in vagal discharge due to NMS could
      be the main causes of the cardiac arrest. If the patient has any possibility of
      NMS, anesthesiologists should consider the possibility of cardiac arrest after
      spinal anesthesia.

PMID- 22038618
TI  - The antinociceptive effect of intrathecal tramadol in rats: the role of alpha 2
      adrenoceptors in the spinal cord.
AB  - PURPOSES: The alpha 2 (alpha(2))-adrenoceptor is highly important in the
      antinociception of tramadol administered systemically and intrathecally. However,
      it is unclear whether tramadol at the spinal level exerts an antinociceptive
      effect by directly binding with alpha(2)-adrenoceptors in the spinal cord. This
      study was conducted to investigate the relationship between alpha(2)
      adrenoceptors and the antinociception of tramadol at the spinal level. METHODS:
      The rat formalin test was designed to determine whether the intrathecal alpha(2)
      adrenoceptor antagonist yohimbine could reverse the antinociceptive effect of
      intrathecal tramadol. The binding affinity of tramadol for alpha(2)-adrenoceptors
      in the spinal cord was determined by radioligand binding assay using the labeled
      alpha(2)-adrenoceptor antagonist [(3)H]-yohimbine. RESULTS: The nociceptive test
      showed that intrathecal tramadol induced significant antinociception whereas
      pretreatment with intrathecal yohimbine partially reversed this antinociception.
      Scatchard analysis of the binding data showed [(3)H]-yohimbine had high affinity
      (K(d) = 1.79 nM: ) for the alpha(2)-adrenoceptor in the rat spinal cord, and that
      tramadol inhibited specific binding of [(3)H]-yohimbine with the spinal cord
      membranes with a high affinity constant (K(i) = 34.14 MUM: ) and an IC50 of 68.25
      MUM: , which indicated that tramadol was much less potent than [(3)H]-yohimbine
      at binding with alpha(2)-adrenoceptors of the spinal cord. CONCLUSION: The
      results suggested that, with very weak binding affinity for alpha(2)
      adrenoceptors, the antinociception of intrathecal tramadol is partially related
      to alpha(2)-adrenoceptors, and its intrathecal antinociception may mainly involve
      its indirect activation of alpha(2)-adrenoceptors in the spinal cord.

PMID- 22038619
TI  - Spontaneous brain activity changes in children with primary monosymptomatic
      nocturnal enuresis: a resting-state fMRI study.
AB  - Primary monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (PMNE) is a common disorder in school
      aged children. However, little is known about resting-state neural function in
      individuals with PMNE. In this work, resting-state functional magnetic resonance
      imaging (fMRI) was used to investigate changes in spontaneous brain activity in
      children with PMNE. We analyzed resting-state fMRI data using statistical
      parametric mapping (SPM) and a resting-state fMRI data analysis toolkit (REST).
      Regional homogeneity (ReHo) and amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF)
      values were calculated to analyze spontaneous brain activity in 16 children with
      PMNE and 16 healthy controls. Children with PMNE exhibited significant
      differences in ALFF or ReHo in the left inferior frontal gyrus, medial frontal
      gyrus (Brodmann area, BA 10), and left midbrain. Abnormalities in BA 10 and the
      inferior frontal gyrus may affect children's decision-making with regard to
      voiding; abnormalities in the midbrain in PMNE children may influence the
      internal signal transmission in their bladder control network. Our data indicate
      that, in children with PMNE, several brain areas related to the micturate control
      network undergo developmental delay.

PMID- 22038620
TI  - Trilineage myelodysplasia and hemophagocytosis associated with systemic lupus
      erythematosus.

PMID- 22038622
TI  - Surface instability of a thin electrolyte film undergoing coupled electroosmotic
      and electrophoretic flows in a microfluidic channel.
AB  - We consider the stability of a thin liquid film with a free charged surface
      resting on a solid charged substrate by performing a general Orr-Sommerfeld (O-S)
      analysis complemented by a long-wave (LW) analysis. An externally applied field
      generates an electroosmotic flow (EOF) near the solid substrate and an
      electrophoretic flow (EPF) at the free surface. The EPF retards the EOF when both
      the surfaces have the same sign of the potential and can even lead to the flow
      reversal in a part of the film. In conjunction with the hydrodynamic stress, the
      Maxwell stress is also considered in the problem formulation. The electrokinetic
      potential at the liquid-air and solid-liquid interfaces is modelled by the
      Poisson-Boltzmann equation with the Debye-Huckel approximation. The O-S analysis
      shows a finite-wavenumber shear mode of instability when the inertial forces are
      strong and an LW interfacial mode of instability in the regime where the viscous
      force dominates. Interestingly, both the modes are found to form beyond a
      critical flow rate. The shear (interfacial) mode is found to be dominant when the
      film is thick (thin), the electric field applied is strong (weak), and the zeta
      potentials on the liquid-air and solid-liquid interfaces are high (small). The LW
      analysis predicts the presence of the interfacial mode, but fails to capture the
      shear mode. The change in the propagation direction of the interfacial mode with
      the zeta-potential is predicted by both O-S and LW analyses. The parametric range
      in which the LW analysis is valid is thus demonstrated.

PMID- 22038621
TI  - Three-dimensional deuterium-carbon correlation experiments for high-resolution
      solid-state MAS NMR spectroscopy of large proteins.
AB  - Well-resolved (2)H-(13)C correlation spectra, reminiscent of (1)H-(13)C
      correlations, are obtained for perdeuterated ubiquitin and for perdeuterated
      outer-membrane protein G (OmpG) from E. coli by exploiting the favorable lifetime
      of (2)H double-quantum (DQ) states. Sufficient signal-to-noise was achieved due
      to the short deuterium T (1), allowing for high repetition rates and enabling 3D
      experiments with a (2)H-(13)C transfer step in a reasonable time. Well-resolved
      3D (2)H(DQ)-(13)C-(13)C correlations of ubiquitin and OmpG were recorded within
      3.5 days each. An essentially complete assignment of (2)H(DQalpha) shifts and of
      a substantial fraction of (2)H(DQbeta) shifts were obtained for ubiquitin. In the
      case of OmpG, (2)H(DQalpha) and (2)H(DQbeta) chemical shifts of a considerable
      number of threonine, serine and leucine residues were assigned. This approach
      provides the basis for a general heteronuclear 3D MAS NMR assignment concept
      utilizing pulse sequences with (2)H(DQ)-(13)C transfer steps and evolution of
      deuterium double-quantum chemical shifts.

PMID- 22038623
TI  - Pacing to reduce refractory angina in patients with severe coronary artery
      disease: a crossover pilot trial.
AB  - Biventricular pacing (BiV) has been shown to reduce wall stress and workload in
      regions near the pacing sites. This trial investigated if BiV near the ischemic
      region would reduce chest pain in patients with refractory angina due to severe
      coronary artery disease (CAD). Eleven patients were implanted with BiV devices
      with leads positioned at or adjacent to their ischemic regions as detected by
      single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and randomized to either
      pacing turned ON or OFF for 3 months, and then crossed over for 3 months. With
      pacing turned ON, a Dynamic atrioventricular (AV) delay was set for approximately
      90% and 70% of the intrinsic AV delay at the resting heart rate and at the onset
      of symptoms, respectively. One patient was excluded from the analysis due to a
      large amount of RV pacing during the OFF periods (24-64%) and due to an inability
      to properly deliver therapy because of an excessive number of ventricular
      premature complexes. Overall, with the device ON vs. OFF, the number of angina
      episodes (0.8 +/- 0.4 vs. 1.2 +/- 0.7 per week, P = 0.03) and amount of
      nitroglycerin used (0.2 +/- 0.1 vs. 1.0 +/- 0.7 per week, P = 0.11) was lower
      with BiV pacing. Furthermore, the treadmill exercise time to symptoms trended
      higher (427 +/- 65 vs. 408 +/- 64 s, P = 0.19), and the sum of fluorodeoxyglucose
      positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) scores trended lower (7.9 +/- 3.5 vs. 12.0
      +/- 4.0, P = 0.11) with the device ON vs. OFF. Nevertheless, there were no
      significant differences in SPECT myocardial perfusion scores, left ventricle
      ejection fraction, wall motion score index, and quality of life scores with
      device programmed ON vs. OFF (all P > 0.05). In conclusion, this pilot study
      demonstrated that BiV-P at or near the ischemic region was feasible and
      associated with significant reductions in angina in patients with severe CAD.
      Adequately powered prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings.

PMID- 22038624
TI  - The calcium-sensing receptor promotes adipocyte differentiation and adipogenesis
      through PPARgamma pathway.
AB  - Adipocyte differentiation and adipogenesis are closely related to obesity and
      obesity-induced metabolic disorders. The calcium-sensing receptor (CaSR) has been
      reported to play an antilipolytic role in human adipocyte and regulate cell
      differentiation in many tissues. However, the effects of CaSR on adipocyte
      differentiation and adipogenesis have not been clarified. In the study, we
      observed that activation of CaSR significantly promoted adipocyte differentiation
      and adipogenesis in human SW872 adipocytes. Gene expression analysis revealed
      that the CaSR activation increased the transcription factor proliferator
      activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) and its downstream genes including CCAAT
      element binding protein alpha (C/EBPalpha), adipose fatty acid-binding protein
      (aP2), and lipoprotein lipase. The activity of glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase
      was also increased after the stimulation of CaSR. In addition, levels of cyclic
      AMP and calcium which have been shown to regulate PPARgamma gene expression were
      significantly affected by the activation of CaSR. These effects could be
      suppressed by CaSR small interfering RNA (CaSR-siRNA). In conclusion, our
      findings suggest that activation of CaSR promotes differentiation and
      adipogenesis in adipocytes, which might be achieved by upregulating PPARgamma and
      its downstream gene expressions. Therefore, CaSR in adipocytes may be involved in
      the pathogenesis of obesity by promoting adipocyte differentiation and
      adipogenesis.

PMID- 22038625
TI  - Arginine decreases peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma activity via
      c-Jun.
AB  - We have previously shown in the post ischemic gut that enteral arginine enhanced
      injury and inflammation via c-Jun/AP-1 and abrogated peroxisome proliferator
      activated receptor (PPAR) gamma activity. In the current study, we investigated
      the mechanism by which arginine inhibited PPARgamma in vitro in rat small bowel
      epithelial IEC-6 cells. Arginine repressed PPARgamma transcriptional activity in
      a time and dose-dependent fashion. Furthermore, downregulation of PPARgamma by
      arginine involved phosphorylation of c-Jun that occurred before to changes in
      PPARgamma transcriptional activity. Silencing of c-Jun increased PPARgamma beyond
      that of nonsilenced cells and was not mitigated by arginine. Using a series of
      blocking studies, we found no relationship between arginine and the ligand
      dependent binding site of PPARgamma. In conclusion, arginine decreased PPARgamma
      transcriptional activity in small bowel intestinal epithelial cells. These
      changes are due, in part, to phosphorylation of c-Jun and may explain the
      deleterious effects of enteral arginine in the post ischemic gut.

PMID- 22038626
TI  - NOTCH1 regulates migration and invasion of skin cancer cells by E-cadherin
      repression.
AB  - NOTCH1 is a regulator that functions not only in tissue development, but also in
      cancer pathogenesis. We hypothesized that NOTCH1 is involved in skin cancer cell
      migration and invasion through regulation of E-cadherin and its transcription
      factor, Snail. Here, using immunofluorescence and western blots, we show that
      NOTCH1 is upregulated in skin cancer tissue on skin. Inhibition or activation of
      NOTCH1 altered expression of E-cadherin and Snail in the skin cancer cell line
      A431. Our results suggest that this effect is through changing DNA methylation
      levels of the E-cadherin gene promoter. Activation and inhibition of NOTCH1 also
      altered the behavior of A431 cells in migration and invasion assays in vitro. Our
      results suggest NOTCH1 is a potential target for discovery of new drug to inhibit
      skin cancer metastasis.

PMID- 22038627
TI  - The non-receptor tyrosine kinase c-Src mediates the PDGF-induced association
      between Furin and pro-MT1-MMP in HPAC pancreatic cells.
AB  - Furin is a member of the proprotein convertase family, which is capable of
      cleaving the precursors of a wide variety of substrates including membrane-type 1
      matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP) proenzyme. c-Src is activated by growth
      factors, and has been linked with a poor prognosis in pancreatic cancer (PCa).
      Both c-Src and Furin play crucial roles in tumorigenesis, and the mechanism
      controlling their association is not understood. Modulation of the association
      between Furin and pro-MT1-MMP by c-Src inhibitor PP2 was evaluated by western
      blotting, assay of in vitro enzyme, co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP), and confocal
      immunofluorescence microscopy. Human platelet-derived growth factor BB (PDGF-BB)
      activated c-Src and induced c-Src-dependent association of Furin with pro-MT1-MMP
      in HPAC pancreatic cancer cells. Co-IP and confocal immunofluorescence assays
      revealed that c-Src interacts with Furin in vivo. The SH2 domain appeared to be
      important for c-Src interaction with Furin. In addition, we showed that Furin
      protein is tyrosine phosphorylated. Association between Furin and MT1-MMP is
      regulated by the tyrosine kinase c-Src.

PMID- 22038628
TI  - Claudin-5 participates in the regulation of endothelial cell motility.
AB  - A key step in metastasis is the interaction and penetration of the vascular
      endothelium by cancer cells. Tight Junctions (TJ) are located between the cancer
      epithelial cells and between the endothelial cells functioning in an adhesive
      manner. They represent a critical barrier which the cancer cells must overcome in
      order to penetrate and initiate metastasis. Claudin-5 is a protein member of the
      Claudin family, a group of TJ proteins expressed in both endothelial and
      epithelial cells. This study examined in vitro the effect of altering levels of
      expression of Claudin-5 in HECV cells. Insertion of Claudin-5 gene in HECV cells
      resulted in cells that were significantly less motile and less adhesive to matrix
      (P < 0.001). These cells also exhibited a significant decreased in the angiogenic
      potential (P < 0.001). Results also revealed a link between Claudin-5 and cell
      motility. Furthermore, a possible link between Claudin-5 and N-WASP, and Claudin
      5 and ROCK was demonstrated when interactions between these proteins were seen in
      the cell line. Moreover, followed by treatment of N-WASP inhibitor (Wiskostatin)
      and ROCK inhibitor (Y-27632), cell motility and angiogenic potential were
      assessed in response to the inhibitors. Results showed that the knockdown of
      Claudin-5 in HECV cells masked their response to both N-WASP and ROCK inhibitors.
      In conclusion, this study portrays a new and interesting role for Claudin-5 in
      cell motility involving the N-WASP and ROCK signalling cascade which is beyond
      the primarily role of Claudin-5 in keeping the cell barrier tight as it was
      originally reported.

PMID- 22038629
TI  - Regional differences in sexually dimorphic protein expression in the
      spontaneously hypertensive rat (SHR).
AB  - Hypertension is sexually dimorphic and modified by removal of endogenous sex
      steroids. This study tested the hypothesis that endogenous gonadal hormones exert
      differential effects on protein expression in the kidney and mesentery of SHR. At
      ~5 weeks of age male and female SHR underwent sham operation, orchidectomy, or
      ovariectomy (OVX). At 20-23 weeks of age, mean arterial pressure (MAP) was
      measured in conscious rats. The mesenteric arterial tree and kidneys were
      collected, processed for Western blots, and probed for Cu Zn superoxide dismutase
      (SOD1), soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH), and Alpha 2A adrenergic receptor (A2AR)
      expression. MAP was unaffected by ovariectomy (Sham 164 +/- 4: Ovariecttomy 159
      +/- 3 mm Hg). MAP was reduced by orchidectomy (Sham 189 +/- 5:Orchidectomy 167 +/
      2 mm Hg). In mesenteric artery, SOD1 expression was greater in male versus
      female SHR. Orchidectomy increased while ovariectomy decreased SOD1 expression.
      The kidney exhibited a different pattern of response. SOD1 expression was reduced
      in male compared to female SHR but gonadectomy had no effect. sEH expression was
      not significantly different among the groups in mesenteric artery. In kidney, sEH
      expression was greater in males compared to females. Ovariectomy but not
      orchidectomy increased sEH expression. A2AR expression was greater in female than
      male SHR in mesentery artery and kidney. Gonadectomy had no effect in either
      tissue. We conclude that sexually dimorphic hypertension is associated with
      regionally specific changes in expression of three key proteins involved in blood
      pressure control. These data suggest that broad spectrum inhibition or
      stimulation of these systems may not be the best approach for hypertension
      treatment. Instead regionally targeted manipulation of these systems should be
      investigated.

PMID- 22038631
TI  - [Imaging in the emergency room].
AB  - In order to reduce mortality in severely injured patients, a rapid radiologic
      diagnosis is essential. Sonography plays a role only as a focused assessment with
      sonography for trauma (FAST) to clarify free intraperitoneal fluid immediately on
      admittance. Today, whole-body multislice helical computed tomography (CT) has
      become increasingly important as a diagnostic tool. Based on the results of the
      CT scan, patients can be referred for laparotomy or safely classified for "wait
      and see" treatment. Although the reduction in injury-related mortality would
      outweigh the risk of radiation dose, the indiscriminate use of CT for patients
      with minor injuries is not justified and must be avoided.

PMID- 22038632
TI  - [Triple rule-out computed tomography in emergency departments].
AB  - In the emergency department patients with chest pain play an important role
      because the underlying and concealed diseases can be life-threatening. The
      complaints are often nonspecific and patients also have different risk profiles.
      In patients in the emergency department with nonspecific chest pain a"1-stop
      strategy" for elucidation of the three main organs lung, hear and aorta with the
      4 main differential diagnoses (aortic dissection, ruptured aortic aneurysm,
      pulmonary embolism and coronary heart disease) is desirable. Technical advances
      in computed tomography (CT) in recent years make this approach technically
      possible. In modern emergency departments CT equipment is becoming more and more
      common in order to rapidly examine trauma patients. A meaningful patient
      selection and preparation are, however, necessary to avoid unnecessary exposure
      of patients to contrast media and radiation. In this way it is possible to reduce
      the rate of overlooked diseases or false diagnoses.

PMID- 22038633
TI  - [Thoracic radiology in the intensive care unit].
AB  - The clinical evaluation of the intensive care unit patient is based upon multiple
      parameters, including portable chest x-ray examination. Knowledge of the methods,
      capabilities, and limitations is prerequisite for a legally correct and medically
      reasonable approach. This report provides basic knowledge about pleural und
      pulmonary pathologies, e.g., pneumothorax, pleural effusion, atelectasis,
      aspiration, pneumonia, lung edema, and acute respiratory distress syndrome.

PMID- 22038634
TI  - [Radiology in pediatric intensive care units].
AB  - The role of diagnostic imaging in pediatric intensive care units (PICU) includes
      primary diagnosis, monitoring of the patient's progress, and the assessment of
      interventional procedures. Images should be acquired in the PICU, not only to
      minimize the time interval between image acquisition and image interpretation but
      also in order to avoid unnecessary and maybe harmful transportation of the
      patient. Portable, optimized equipment is warranted. Most images are acquired as
      conventional X-ray examinations. Thorough consideration of radiation protection
      based on optimized equipment also includes the protection of relatives and other
      children in the PICU room. Ultrasound is an expanding imaging modality adjunct or
      as alternative to conventional X-ray examinations, which allows the generation of
      functional information (color-coded duplex, elastography). Fluoroscopy, computed
      tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging are available as advanced diagnostic
      modalities in special circumstances, but require transportation of the patient.

PMID- 22038635
TI  - [Acute kidney injury after cardiac surgery : early diagnosis with neutrophil
      gelatinase-associated lipocalin].
AB  - In current clinical practice, the diagnosis of acute kidney injury (AKI) is based
      on markers of renal function, e.g., an increase in serum creatinine or a decrease
      in urine output. Biomarkers for the early detection of structural renal damage
      are still not available. This dilemma may have considerably contributed to the
      delayed development of effective therapies and poor prognosis for the affected
      patients. The measurement of novel renal damage biomarkers, such as neutrophil
      gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), enables a 24 to 48-hour earlier diagnosis
      of AKI after cardiac surgical procedures. Based on the presence of a biomarker,
      potentially effective treatments may be initiated or nephrotoxins withdrawn. In
      addition, NGAL may also provide valuable information for patient management.
      Currently, no clear NGAL cut-off has been established, thus, impeding its
      clinical implementation. Prior to a change of guidelines, multicenter randomized
      studies, using NGAL as an entry criterion, should prove a benefit for the
      patients or a favorable cost-benefit ratio.

PMID- 22038636
TI  - [Patients with minor injuries in a Berlin inner-city emergency room : substance
      misuse, residential area, and sociodemographics].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this post hoc study was to evaluate the association of
      substance use disorders (SUD) and residential neighborhood affiliation in a group
      of patients with minor injuries presenting to an inner-city emergency room (ER)
      in Berlin. METHODS: A total of 2,716 patients with minor injuries presenting to
      the ER were evaluated concerning alcohol use disorders (AUDIT, cut-off: males 8
      points, females 5 points), smoking status, and illicit drug use in the past year.
      Information about residential area (zip code) and sociodemographics (paper-pencil
      questionnaire) were also obtained. RESULTS: With respect to residential area,
      significant differences concerning SUD were identified: from the perspective of
      the inner-city ER, living close to the ER was associated with substance misuse.
      Here, alcohol use disorders (AUD), smokers, and illicit drug use were found more
      frequently compared to patients living in the periphery of the city. In addition,
      patients living close to the ER were more often unemployed, had a lower income,
      or were students. CONCLUSION: There are differences in SUD with respect to
      residential area. However, in order to be able to draw reliable conclusions, an
      approach collecting representative data at the city district level as well as
      using a multicenter approach at the city ER level is necessary.

PMID- 22038637
TI  - [Prophylactic intraaortic balloon pumping in high-risk cardiac surgery patients].
AB  - BACKGROUND: We examined the impact of prophylactic IABP insertion in EuroSCORE
      stratified high-risk cardiac surgery patients with a score >=8. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: A randomized trial with 104 patients either without prophylactic IABP
      insertion (group A, n=52) or with IABP (group B, n=52) was conducted. The primary
      endpoint was 30-day mortality. RESULTS: The median age of the patients was 74
      years and 43% of participants were females. The 30-day mortality did not differ
      between group A (17.3%) and group B (13.4%; p=0.78). The median hospital stay was
      14 days in both groups. Intra- and postoperative IABP support was required by 13
      patients (21%) in group A. The median ventilation time (14 hours versus 13
      hours), median catecholamine dose, frequency of dialysis-dependent acute renal
      failure (28% versus 18%), cardiac indices, and frequency of a low cardiac output
      syndrome (26% versus 25%) did not significantly differ between groups.
      CONCLUSION: Prophylactic preoperative IABP insertion in EuroSCORE-stratified high
      risk patients is not associated with decreased 30-day mortality.

PMID- 22038638
TI  - Successful bridge to recovery using a microaxial blood pump in a patient with
      electrical storm and cardiogenic shock.
AB  - A 59-year-old patient with dilated cardiomyopathy and incessant ventricular
      tachycardia leading to progressive cardiogenic shock is presented. Due to
      hemodynamic instability, high dose catecholamines were required in addition to
      the implantation of an intraaortic balloon pump (IABP), which, however, appeared
      to further augment the frequency and duration of ventricular tachycardias. The
      implantation of a microaxial blood pump allowed catecholamine administration to
      be terminated, thereby, ending this vicious circle of catecholamine-driven
      electrical storm. Within 5 days, the patient was hemodynamically stabilized and
      kidney and liver function recovered with the support of intensive antiarrhythmic
      therapy (amiodarone, mexiletine, sotalol). During a 24-month follow-up, the
      patient had no further ICD shocks and no rehospitalization was required for
      treatment of congestive heart failure.

PMID- 22038639
TI  - [Ethical aspects in end-of-life care].
AB  - Therapy decisions in the care of critically ill and dying patients in intensive
      care and emergency medicine must reflect probably conflicting issues of medical
      indications, ethics and law. This is of particular relevance when treatment
      preferences of patients are not known or are in contrast to those of the carers.
      Difficulties regarding prognostication or with determining the beginning of an
      irreversible dying process may also lead to treatment situations that need
      ethical reflection. It is recommended to tackle medico-ethical issues by
      discussion of the meaning of relevant terms and medico-ethical principles,
      analyzing the professional self-image in intensive care and emergency medicine,
      consideration of options of palliative medicine and by use of an ethics case
      consultation.

PMID- 22038642
TI  - Chiral Bronsted acid catalyzed stereoselective addition of azlactones to 3
      vinylindoles for facile access to enantioenriched tryptophan derivatives.
AB  - Syn-gled out: The syn diastereo- and enantioselective addition of azlactones to 3
      vinylindoles was accomplished by using a chiral, binapthol-derived, Bronsted acid
      catalyst (see scheme). This method enables facile access to tryptophan
      derivatives with adjacent quaternary and tertiary stereogenic centers, which are
      potentially useful for the synthesis of peptidomimetics.

PMID- 22038641
TI  - Lessons from the past: opportunities to improve childhood cancer survivor care
      through outcomes investigations of historical therapeutic approaches for
      pediatric hematological malignancies.
AB  - Investigations of long-term outcomes have been instrumental in designing safer
      and more effective contemporary therapies for pediatric hematological
      malignancies. Despite the significant therapeutic changes that have occurred over
      the last five decades, therapy modifications largely represent refinements of
      treatment protocols using agents and modalities that have been available for more
      than 30 years. This review summarizes major trends in the evolution of treatment
      of pediatric hematological malignancies since 1960 to support the relevance of
      the study of late effects of historical therapeutic approaches to the design and
      evaluation of contemporary treatment protocols and the follow-up of present-day
      survivors.

PMID- 22038643
TI  - Effects of TRPV4 cation channel activation on the primary bladder afferent
      activities of the rat.
AB  - AIMS: Transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) may affect afferent
      pathways innervating the bladder. We investigated the effects of GSK1016790A
      (GSK) and RN1734, a TRPV4 agonist and antagonist, respectively, and P2X
      purinoceptor antagonists (TNP-ATP and PPADS) on cystometry (CMG), and the effect
      of GSK on single afferent fiber activities (SAAs) of the rat bladder and its
      relationship with capsaicin (Cap)-sensitivity. METHODS: Conscious female Sprague
      Dawley rats were used for CMG measurements. In SAA measurements, under urethane
      anesthesia, SAA was identified by electrical stimulation of the pelvic nerve and
      by bladder distention. Cystometric parameters were measured before and after
      intravesical drug instillation. In SAA measurements, response with saline
      instillation served as baseline. Then, GSK was instilled three times, and finally
      Cap was instilled to investigate the relationship with Cap-sensitivity. RESULTS:
      Intravesical GSK-instillation transiently decreased bladder capacity and voided
      volume, which were counteracted by RN1734, TNP-ATP, and PPADS. In SAA
      measurements, Adelta-fibers (n = 7) were not affected by either GSK or Cap. Based
      on the Cap-sensitivity, C-fibers could be divided into two subtypes: Cap
      insensitive (n = 14) and Cap-sensitive (n = 8). In the Cap-insensitive C-fibers,
      GSK significantly increased the SAAs during the first instillation, but the
      increase attenuated with time, whereas GSK did not significantly affect the Cap
      sensitive C-fibers. CONCLUSIONS: The present results suggest that activation of
      TRPV4 in the bladder, probably urothelium, facilitates the micturition reflex by
      activation of the mechanosensitive, Cap-insensitive C-fibers of the primary
      bladder afferents in rats.

PMID- 22038644
TI  - Systematic review of services providing information and/or advice to people with
      dementia and/or their caregivers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Information is a key part of service provision to people with
      dementia and their carers, but there is no systematic review of the evidence.
      This study aimed to determine whether information services confer significant
      benefit for quality of life, neuropsychiatric symptoms and carer burden. METHOD:
      A systematic review of intervention studies in people with dementia was carried
      out, focussing predominantly on the provision of information and/or advice.
      RESULTS: Thirteen randomised controlled trials were identified. Two of the three
      studies measuring quality of life indicated benefit. Significant benefits were
      also evident for neuropsychiatric symptoms (points difference, -1.48; confidence
      interval, -2.11 to 0.86), but not carer burden. Most interventions included other
      key elements such as skills training, telephone support and direct help to
      navigate the medical and care system. CONCLUSION: There is some support for the
      value of information services, but studies are needed to determine the specific
      elements that are effective.

PMID- 22038645
TI  - Siderophore production by actinomycetes isolates from two soil sites in Western
      Australia.
AB  - The actinomycetes are metabolically flexible soil micro-organisms capable of
      producing a range of compounds of interest, including siderophores. Siderophore
      production by actinomycetes sampled from two distinct and separate geographical
      sites in Western Australia were investigated and found to be generally similar in
      the total percentage of siderophore producers found. The only notable difference
      was the proportion of isolates producing catechol siderophores with only 3% found
      in site 1 (from the north-west of Western Australia and reportedly containing 40%
      magnetite) and 17% in site 2 (a commercial stone fruit orchard in the hills east
      of Perth with a soil base ranging from sandy loam to laterite). Further detailed
      characterization of isolates of interest identified a Streptomyces that produced
      extracellularly excreted enterobactin, the characteristic Enterobacteriaceae
      siderophore, and also revealed some of the conditions required for enterobactin
      production. Carriage of the entF gene, which codes for the synthetase responsible
      for the final assembly of the tri-cyclic structure of enterobactin, was confirmed
      by PCR in this isolate. Another separate Streptomyces produced a compound that
      matched the UV/VIS spectra of heterobactin, a siderophore previously only
      described in Rhodococcus and Nocardia.

PMID- 22038646
TI  - The use of selective immunosuppressive therapy on myelodysplastic syndromes in
      targeted populations results in good response rates and avoids treatment-related
      disease progression.
AB  - To determine the treatment response and disease progression in strictly selected
      patients with myelodysplastic syndrome undergoing immunosuppressive therapy
      (IST), patients were required to have an international prognostic scoring system
      [corrected] (IPSS) score <= 1.0 and at least one of the following conditions: (1)
      expression of the HLA-DR15 allele, (2) bone marrow (BM) cellularity of less than
      30%, and (3) abnormal immune index of BM T-lymphocytes.The exclusion criteria
      were as follows: (1) >= 5% marrow myeloblasts, (2) poor karyotype, and (3)
      diagnosis of concurrent nonhematological malignancy. Patients received
      antithymocyte globulin followed by cyclosporine A (CsA) or CsA alone for at least
      3 months. Seventy-one cases were analyzed. The total response rate was 77.5%
      (55/71 cases) with 11 complete responses. The response rate was positively
      correlated with the number of recruitment criteria met. Patients with an abnormal
      CD8, an abnormal CD4, or both had similar response rates. Patients who responded
      to treatment had significantly lower Th1 and Tc1 levels after treatment (P < 0.01
      and P < 0.001, respectively), and six of eight patients with abnormal chromosomes
      did not show obviously abnormal clonal expansion when reassessed after IST.
      During the median observation period of 24 months, only two cases exhibited
      disease progression. At the median observation of 24 months, 35 of 55 responders
      (63.6%) maintained a hematological response, and 60 of 71 patients (84.5%) were
      still alive. The strictly selective use of IST may yield high response rates and
      can avoid treatment-related acute myeloid leukemia transformation. IST
      significantly reduces Th1 and Tc1 levels without causing malignant clonal
      expansion.

PMID- 22038647
TI  - Uncovering symmetry-breaking vector and reliability order for assigning secondary
      structures of proteins from atomic NMR chemical shifts in amino acids.
AB  - Unravelling the complex correlation between chemical shifts of (13) C (alpha),
      (13) C (beta), (13) C', (1) H (alpha), (15) N, (1) H ( N ) atoms in amino acids
      of proteins from NMR experiment and local structural environments of amino acids
      facilitates the assignment of secondary structures of proteins. This is an
      important impetus for both determining the three-dimensional structure and
      understanding the biological function of proteins. The previous empirical
      correlation scores which relate chemical shifts of (13) C (alpha), (13) C (beta),
      (13) C', (1) H (alpha), (15) N, (1) H ( N ) atoms to secondary structures
      resulted in progresses toward assigning secondary structures of proteins.
      However, the physical-mathematical framework for these was elusive partly due to
      both the limited and orthogonal exploration of higher-dimensional chemical shifts
      of hetero-nucleus and the lack of physical-mathematical understanding underlying
      those correlation scores. Here we present a simple multi-dimensional hetero
      nuclear chemical shift score function (MDHN-CSSF) which captures systematically
      the salient feature of such complex correlations without any references to a
      random coil state of proteins. We uncover the symmetry-breaking vector and its
      reliability order not only for distinguishing different secondary structures of
      proteins but also for capturing the delicate sensitivity interplayed among
      chemical shifts of (13) C (alpha), (13) C (beta), (13) C', (1) H (alpha), (15) N,
      (1) H ( N ) atoms simultaneously, which then provides a straightforward framework
      toward assigning secondary structures of proteins. MDHN-CSSF could correctly
      assign secondary structures of training (validating) proteins with the favourable
      (comparable) Q3 scores in comparison with those from the previous correlation
      scores. MDHN-CSSF provides a simple and robust strategy for the systematic
      assignment of secondary structures of proteins and would facilitate the de novo
      determination of three-dimensional structures of proteins.

PMID- 22038648
TI  - Speeding up direct (15)N detection: hCaN 2D NMR experiment.
AB  - Experiments detecting low gyromagnetic nuclei have recently been proposed to
      utilize the relatively slow relaxation properties of these nuclei in comparison
      to (1)H. Here we present a new type of (15)N direct-detection experiment. Like
      the previously proposed CaN experiment (Takeuchi et al. in J Biomol NMR 47:271
      282, 2010), the hCaN experiment described here sequentially connects amide (15)N
      resonances, but utilizes the initial high polarization and the faster recovery of
      the (1)H nucleus to shorten the recycling delay. This allows recording 2D (15)N
      detected NMR experiments on proteins within a few hours, while still obtaining
      superior resolution for (13)C and (15)N, establishing sequential assignments
      through prolines, and at conditions where amide protons exchange rapidly. The
      experiments are demonstrated on various biomolecules, including the small
      globular protein GB1, the 22 kDa HEAT2 domain of eIF4G, and an unstructured
      polypeptide fragment of NFAT1, which contains many SerPro sequence repeats.

PMID- 22038650
TI  - Transanal specimen extraction in robotic rectal cancer surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to identify the benefits of robotic
      transanal specimen extraction (RTSE) compared with minilaparotomy specimen
      extraction (MSE). METHODS: Patients who underwent totally robotic surgery with
      curative intent for treatment of adenocarcinoma of the rectum below 12 cm from
      the anal verge were selected from the authors' database. Patients were divided
      into RTSE and MSE groups according to the method of specimen delivery.
      Clinicopathological features and perioperative surgical outcomes were compared
      between the two groups. RESULTS: There were 53 patients in the RTSE group and 66
      in the MSE group. No differences were observed in overall complications.
      Postoperative recovery was faster in the RTSE group in terms of resumption of a
      soft diet (mean(s.d.) 3.5(1.5) versus 4.6(1.7) days; P < 0.001) and length of
      hospital stay (9.0(4.8) versus 11.3(5.3) days; P = 0.016). Pain scores on a
      visual analogue scale were significantly lower in the RTSE group than in the MSE
      group from day 2 to day 5 after surgery (P = 0.021 to P < 0.001). CONCLUSION:
      RTSE in robotic rectal cancer surgery was associated with less pain and a faster
      recovery than MSE.

PMID- 22038649
TI  - Asymmetry of (13)C labeled 3-pyruvate affords improved site specific labeling of
      RNA for NMR spectroscopy.
AB  - Selective isotopic labeling provides an unparalleled window within which to study
      the structure and dynamics of RNAs by high resolution NMR spectroscopy. Unlike
      commonly used carbon sources, the asymmetry of (13)C-labeled pyruvate provides
      selective labeling in both the ribose and base moieties of nucleotides using E.
      coli variants, that until now were not feasible. Here we show that an E. coli
      mutant strain that lacks succinate and malate dehydrogenases (DL323) and grown on
      [3-(13)C]-pyruvate affords ribonucleotides with site specific labeling at C5'
      (~95%) and C1' (~42%) and minimal enrichment elsewhere in the ribose ring.
      Enrichment is also achieved at purine C2 and C8 (~95%) and pyrimidine C5 (~100%)
      positions with minimal labeling at pyrimidine C6 and purine C5 positions. These
      labeling patterns contrast with those obtained with DL323 E. coli grown on [1, 3
      (13)C]-glycerol for which the ribose ring is labeled in all but the C4' carbon
      position, leading to multiplet splitting of the C1', C2' and C3' carbon atoms.
      The usefulness of these labeling patterns is demonstrated with a 27-nt RNA
      fragment derived from the 30S ribosomal subunit. Removal of the strong magnetic
      coupling within the ribose and base leads to increased sensitivity, substantial
      simplification of NMR spectra, and more precise and accurate dynamic parameters
      derived from NMR relaxation measurements. Thus these new labels offer valuable
      probes for characterizing the structure and dynamics of RNA that were previously
      limited by the constraint of uniformly labeled nucleotides.

PMID- 22038653
TI  - Patient autonomy and choice in healthcare: self-testing devices as a case in
      point.
AB  - This paper aims to critique the phenomenon of advanced patient autonomy and
      choice in healthcare within the specific context of self-testing devices. A
      growing number of self-testing medical devices are currently available for home
      use. The premise underpinning many of these devices is that they assist
      individuals to be more autonomous in the assessment and management of their
      health. Increased patient autonomy is assumed to be a good thing. We take issue
      with this assumption and argue that self-testing provides a specific example how
      increased patient autonomy and choice within healthcare might not best serve the
      patient population. We propose that current interpretations of autonomy in
      healthcare are based on negative accounts of liberty to the detriment of a more
      relational understanding. We also propose that Kantian philosophy is often
      applied to the healthcare arena in an inappropriate manner. We draw on the
      philosophical literature and examples from the self-testing process to support
      these claims. We conclude by offering an alternative account of autonomy based on
      the interrelated concepts of relationality, care and responsibility.

PMID- 22038655
TI  - Conformationally stabilized catalysts by fluorine insertion: tool for
      enantioselectivity improvement.

PMID- 22038654
TI  - Hydrogel design for supporting neurite outgrowth and promoting gene delivery to
      maximize neurite extension.
AB  - Hydrogels capable of gene delivery provide a combinatorial approach for nerve
      regeneration, with the hydrogel supporting neurite outgrowth and gene delivery
      inducing the expression of inductive factors. This report investigates the design
      of hydrogels that balance the requirements for supporting neurite growth with
      those requirements for promoting gene delivery. Enzymatically-degradable PEG
      hydrogels encapsulating dorsal root ganglia explants, fibroblasts, and lipoplexes
      encoding nerve growth factor were gelled within channels that can physically
      guide neurite outgrowth. Transfection of fibroblasts increased with increasing
      concentration of Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) cell adhesion sites and decreasing PEG
      content. The neurite length increased with increasing RGD concentration within
      10% PEG hydrogels, yet was maximal within 7.5% PEG hydrogels at intermediate RGD
      levels. Delivering lipoplexes within the gel produced longer neurites than
      culture in NGF-supplemented media or co-culture with cells exposed to DNA prior
      to encapsulation. Hydrogels designed to support neurite outgrowth and deliver
      gene therapy vectors locally may ultimately be employed to address multiple
      barriers that limit regeneration.

PMID- 22038656
TI  - A woman with low HDL cholesterol and corneal opacity.

PMID- 22038658
TI  - Pneumobilia in chest radiograph.

PMID- 22038659
TI  - Optical fibre gratings as tools for chemical and biochemical sensing.
AB  - Optical fibre gratings have recently been suggested as optical platforms for
      chemical and biochemical sensing. On the basis of the measurement of refractive
      index changes induced by a chemical and biochemical interaction in the
      transmission spectrum along the fibres, they are proposed as a possible
      alternative to the other label-free optical approaches, such as surface plasmon
      resonance and optical resonators. The combination of the use of optical fibres
      with the fact that the signal modulation is spectrally encoded offers
      multiplexing and remote measurement capabilities which the other technology
      platforms are not able to or can hardly offer. The fundamentals of the different
      types of optical fibre gratings are described and the performances of the
      chemical and biochemical sensors based on this approach are reviewed. Advantages
      and limitations of optical fibre gratings are considered, with a look at new
      perspectives for their utilization in the field.

PMID- 22038660
TI  - Condensation cascades and methylgroup transfer reactions during the formation of
      arsane, methyl- and dimethylarsane by aqueous borohydride and (methyl) arsenates.
AB  - The formation of volatile products during the reaction of As(III: ), As(V: ),
      MeAsO(OH)(2), and Me(2)AsO(OH) with aqueous NaBH(4) has been investigated, and
      the formation of arsanes, diarsanes, and triarsanes has been detected. The
      presence of triarsanes is reported here for the first time. Diarsanes and
      triarsanes are likely formed in condensation cascade reactions, whereas
      trimethylarsane arises via the transfer of a methyl group. The formation of
      volatile by-products is considerably reduced by increasing the acidity of the
      medium and the concentration of NaBH(4) or by the addition of thiols, such as
      cysteine. A reaction scheme is proposed which reconciles the evidence reported
      herein and elsewhere in the literature that is valid for both analytical (trace
      analysis) and non-analytical reaction conditions.

PMID- 22038661
TI  - Overexpression of NTPDase2 in gliomas promotes systemic inflammation and
      pulmonary injury.
AB  - Gliomas are the most common and devastating type of primary brain tumor. Many non
      neoplastic cells, including immune cells, comprise the tumor microenvironment
      where they create a milieu that appears to dictate cancer development. ATP and
      the phosphohydrolytic products ADP and adenosine by activating P2 and P1
      receptors may participate in these interactions among malignant and immune cells.
      Purinergic receptor-mediated cell communication is closely regulated by
      ectonucleotidases, such as by members of the ectonucleoside triphosphate
      diphosphohydrolase (E-NTPDase) family, which hydrolyze extracellular nucleotides.
      We have shown that gliomas, unlike astrocytes, exhibit low NTPDase activity.
      Furthermore, ATP induces glioma cell proliferation and the co-administration of
      apyrase decreases progression of injected cells in vivo. We have previously shown
      that NTPDase2 reconstitution dramatically increases tumor growth in vivo. Here we
      evaluated whether NTPDase2 reconstitution to gliomas modulates systemic
      inflammatory responses. We observed that NTPDase2 overexpression modulated pro
      inflammatory cytokine production and platelet reactivity. Additionally,
      pathological alterations in the lungs were observed in rats bearing these tumors.
      Our results suggest that disruption of purinergic signaling via ADP accumulation
      creates an inflammatory state that may promote tumor spread and dictate clinical
      progression.

PMID- 22038662
TI  - Sorafenib exposure decreases over time in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intra-patient variability in sorafenib pharmacokinetics has been
      poorly investigated to date. We hypothesized that sorafenib clearance could
      decrease over time, as seen with imatinib. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sorafenib plasma
      concentrations were determined by liquid chromatography, every 2 weeks, in
      consecutive hepatocellular carcinoma patients treated with sorafenib. Sorafenib
      dose-normalized area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) was determined from
      a population pharmacokinetics model, and its kinetics was analyzed in order to
      identify possible alterations of exposure over time. RESULTS: Fifteen
      hepatocellular carcinoma patients with Child-Pugh A cirrhosis, in whom sorafenib
      dosing remained unchanged from initiation of treatment to disease progression,
      were eligible for this analysis. Sorafenib AUC significantly decreased over time:
      the median AUC during the third month of treatment was lower than that observed
      after one month of treatment (43.0 vs. 60.3 mg/L.h, p = 0.008). Most importantly,
      median sorafenib AUC at the time of progression was almost two-fold lower than
      that observed after one month of therapy (33.2 vs. 60.3 mg/L.h, p = 0.007). These
      findings suggest an induction of expression of efflux transporters in the gut
      wall, or an induction of sorafenib metabolism. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with
      progressive disease in whom exposure markedly decreased from baseline, sorafenib
      dose escalation could be considered, aiming to restore an adequate drug exposure
      and possibly anti-tumor activity.

PMID- 22038663
TI  - A three-dimensional highly interconnected composite oxygen reduction reaction
      electrocatalyst prepared from a core-shell precursor.

PMID- 22038664
TI  - Histology, histochemistry and stereology of the adipose fin of Prochilodus
      lineatus.
AB  - The adipose fin is small, nonpared, and usually located medially between the
      dorsal and caudal fin. Its taxonomic occurrence is very restrict; thus, it
      represents an important trace for taxon distinction. As it does not play a known
      vital physiological roll and it is easily removed, it is commonly used in marking
      and recapture studies. The present study characterizes the adipose fin of
      Prochilodus lineatus, as it is poorly explored by the literature. The adipose fin
      consists basically of a loose connective core, covered by a stratified epithelium
      supported by collagen fibers. At the epithelium, pigmented cells and alarm
      substance cells are found. Despite the name, adipocytes or lipid droplets are not
      observed on the structure of the fin.

PMID- 22038665
TI  - Algorithmic modeling of the irrelevant sound effect (ISE) by the hearing
      sensation fluctuation strength.
AB  - Background sounds, such as narration, music with prominent staccato passages, and
      office noise impair verbal short-term memory even when these sounds are
      irrelevant. This irrelevant sound effect (ISE) is evoked by so-called changing
      state sounds that are characterized by a distinct temporal structure with varying
      successive auditory-perceptive tokens. However, because of the absence of an
      appropriate psychoacoustically based instrumental measure, the disturbing impact
      of a given speech or nonspeech sound could not be predicted until now, but
      necessitated behavioral testing. Our database for parametric modeling of the ISE
      included approximately 40 background sounds (e.g., speech, music, tone sequences,
      office noise, traffic noise) and corresponding performance data that was
      collected from 70 behavioral measurements of verbal short-term memory. The
      hearing sensation fluctuation strength was chosen to model the ISE and describes
      the percept of fluctuations when listening to slowly modulated sounds (f(mod) <
      20 Hz). On the basis of the fluctuation strength of background sounds, the
      algorithm estimated behavioral performance data in 63 of 70 cases within the
      interquartile ranges. In particular, all real-world sounds were modeled
      adequately, whereas the algorithm overestimated the (non-)disturbance impact of
      synthetic steady-state sounds that were constituted by a repeated vowel or tone.
      Implications of the algorithm's strengths and prediction errors are discussed.

PMID- 22038666
TI  - Voluntary triggering of the first target attenuates the attentional blink.
AB  - The term attentional blink (AB) refers to a failure in identifying the second of
      two targets, separated by less than 500 ms, embedded in a rapid succession of
      nontargets. To examine whether the expectation of the onset of the first target
      affects the AB, we compared the magnitudes of the AB deficit when participants
      triggered the appearance of the first target and when the target was presented
      automatically at some time point, as in traditional AB studies. In Experiment 1,
      the first target appeared immediately after a participant's voluntary keypress,
      revealing that the accuracy for identifying the first target increased and that
      the AB deficit was attenuated. In Experiment 2, the temporal delay between a
      voluntary keypress and the first-target presentation was manipulated. The results
      showed that both targets could be reported accurately only when the first target
      was presented within 300 ms after the action. In Experiment 3, we ruled out an
      alternative explanation that would attribute the facilitation effect to mere
      physical movement, by examining the accuracy of target identification when
      participants voluntarily pressed a key but that action was unrelated to the onset
      of the first target. Taken together, the results suggest that voluntary action to
      trigger the onset of a visual target facilitates processing and reduces the
      subsequent AB deficit when the target appears within 300 ms of the action.

PMID- 22038667
TI  - The involvement of bottom-up saliency processing in endogenous inhibition of
      return.
AB  - Participants are faster at detecting a visual target when it appears at a cued,
      as compared with an uncued, location. In general, a reversal of this cost-benefit
      pattern is observed after exogenous cuing when the cue-target interval exceeds
      approximately 250 ms (inhibition of return [IOR]), and not after endogenous
      cuing. We suggest that, usually, no IOR is found with endogenous cues because no
      bottom-up saliency-based orienting processes are claimed. Therefore, we developed
      an endogenous feature-based split-cue task to allow for endogenous saliency-based
      orienting. IOR was observed in the saliency-driven endogenous cuing condition,
      and not in the control condition that prevented saliency-based orienting. These
      results suggest that usage of saliency-based orienting processes in either
      endogenous or exogenous orienting warrants the appearance of IOR.

PMID- 22038668
TI  - Leptomeningeal Carcinomatosis in Esophageal Cancer: Case Report and Review of
      Literature.

PMID- 22038669
TI  - Audit of management of gallbladder cancer in a Nigerian tertiary health facility.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gallbladder cancer is a rare malignancy with a variable incidence
      worldwide. It ranks number eight among all gastrointestinal cancer seen in
      Nigeria. It is associated with high mortality and morbidity because it is usually
      diagnosed very late. Adequate surgical resection is the only modality with hope
      of cure. This requires advanced surgical skills which is quite rare in most
      developing countries like Nigeria. In this current work, we audit the management
      and outcome of gallbladder cancer in our hospital, highlighting peculiarity
      associated with our setting. PATIENTS AND METHOD: Consecutive patients managed as
      cases of gallbladder cancer at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals
      Complex, Ile-Ife, Nigeria between January 1990 and December 2010 were studied
      retrospectively. Patient demographics, disease and treatment-related variables,
      and outcomes were analyzed by SPSS version 16.0. RESULTS: Thirty-one cases of
      gallbladder cancer were diagnosed over the 21-year period, and this accounts for
      about 0.3% of all cancer cases seen in our hospital. The median age of this
      patient cohort was 58 years (range 28 to 79 years). Seventeen (54.8%) patients
      were age below 60 while 14 (45.2%) were age 60 and above. Twenty-seven patients
      (87.1%) were female and four (12.9%) were male, with a male to female ratio
      approximately 1:7. Over 80% of the patients presented with a triad of upper
      abdominal pain, weight loss, and jaundice. Majority (67.7%) of the patients were
      diagnosed intraoperatively. Only four patients underwent complete resection as
      they had radical cholecystectomy including regional lymph node dissection and
      wedge resection of the gallbladder fossa of the liver. The stages of the resected
      patients were T3 in three patients and T2 in one. Overall 1- and 5-year survival
      rates for our entire patient cohort were 32% and 10%, respectively. CONCLUSION:
      In conclusion, this study showed that preoperative diagnosis of gallbladder
      cancer could be challenging in our environment. A triad of upper abdominal pain,
      jaundice, and weight loss with judicious use of available radiological modality
      will increase the chances of making the preoperative diagnosis of the cancer. It
      also showed that good outcome can be obtained when radical surgery is offered to
      these few patients within the limitation of resources in few patients with
      resectable tumor.

PMID- 22038670
TI  - Nipple- or skin-sparing mastectomy and immediate breast reconstruction by the
      "moving window" operation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Endoscope-assisted skin-sparing mastectomy (SSM) or nipple-sparing
      mastectomy (NSM) has been developed to minimize the skin incision and to improve
      the cosmetic outcome of reconstructed breast for patients with breast cancer.
      However, this procedure can be performed without using endoscopic instruments.
      METHODS: We have performed SSM or NSM via a small periareolar incision with
      axillary incision using wound retractors without disposable endoscopic
      instruments. After the entire breast tissue was removed, immediate breast
      reconstruction (IBR) using tissue expanders was performed through the axillary
      incision. RESULTS: Twelve patients (13 cases: 1 patient had synchronous bilateral
      primary cancer) underwent NSM, and 8 had SSM because of involvement of the nipple
      areola complex. IBR was performed with tissue expanders in 18 patients, while 2
      patients refused to have IBR because of small breast size. When 3 patients with
      synchronous or metachronous bilateral breast cancer were excluded, the average
      length of surgery was 267 min in 15 patients who underwent SSM or NSM followed by
      IBR with implants, while it was only 120 min in 2 patients who underwent NSM
      alone. Average blood loss was 135 mL (range 40-350 mL). CONCLUSION: We have
      described a novel technique using the wound retractor for SSM or NSM followed by
      IBR in treating breast cancer patients. This technique can minimize skin
      incisions without using disposable endoscopic instruments and improve the
      cosmetic outcome of the reconstructed breast.

PMID- 22038671
TI  - An osteogenesis imperfecta case with breast cancer.
AB  - Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a rare connective tissue disease characterized by
      abnormalities of type 1 collagen and an increased risk of bone fractures. Several
      OI cases with malignancies have been reported. Herein, we describe an OI case
      with breast cancer. A 36-year-old premenopausal woman with OI was admitted to our
      hospital for evaluation of a right breast lump. We diagnosed right breast cancer
      with axillary and parasternal lymph node metastasis (T2N3M0 stage IIIC). The
      tumor had increased in size and tumor markers were elevated after 10 months of
      hormone therapy. We performed a right mastectomy and axillary dissection. She
      subsequently received adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy. She is currently
      taking trastuzumab and tamoxifen. Anesthesia is challenging in OI patients
      because of difficulty with airway control and intubation. We performed the
      mastectomy in this case without difficulty by working in cooperation with
      experienced anesthesiologists, orthopedists, and other medical personnel. Some OI
      patients reportedly have severe 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) toxicity related to
      dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) deficiency. DPD is the main enzyme involved
      in the catabolism of 5-FU. Our present case also had low DPD activity and we thus
      chose epirubicin and cyclophosphamide for chemotherapy. Our search of the
      literature yielded only two OI cases with breast cancer as of April 2011. To our
      knowledge, this is the first case reported in Japan.

PMID- 22038672
TI  - Paradigm shift in axilla surgery for breast cancer patients treated with sentinel
      node biopsy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sentinel node biopsy (SNB) is a standard technique for the diagnosis
      of regional lymph node metastases in clinically node-negative breast cancer
      patients. In the case of pathologically negative sentinel lymph nodes (SLN),
      axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) can be avoided. METHODS: Recent clinical
      studies on SNB in breast cancer were reviewed regarding the pathological and
      molecular diagnosis of SLN, the tools used to predict non-SLN metastases, the
      prognostic significance of isolated tumor cells (ITC) and micrometastases (MIC),
      and axilla surgery. RESULTS: ITC or MIC in SLN was associated with worse survival
      in patients treated with SNB alone or SNB followed by ALND. However, this effect
      was limited and adjuvant therapy improved survival. If T1 and one SLN-positive
      breast cancer patients are treated with whole-breast irradiation and adjuvant
      therapy, additional ALND may not be necessary. CONCLUSIONS: SNB without ALND can
      be adopted for patients with a small number of SLN metastases. Although the lack
      of apparent regional lymph node recurrence, similar to tumor dormancy, cannot be
      fully explained, ALND should be performed in cases that are highly suspected to
      be non-SLN metastases.

PMID- 22038673
TI  - Microfluidic devices with disposable enzyme electrode for electrochemical
      monitoring of glucose concentrations.
AB  - This article describes the fabrication of tube-like microchannels made of UV
      curable polymer on a glass substrate and the device assembling with a disposable
      enzyme-working electrode for high-sensitivity electrochemical detection. While
      both reference and counter electrodes are patterned on the surface of the glass
      substrate, the working electrode is flipped on the top of the channel with an
      open access, providing a face-to-face probing configuration. When the enzyme
      electrode is contaminated or degraded, it can be easily replaced by a new one,
      keeping the main body of the device and the detection schema unchanged. Using
      glucose oxidase-coated gold electrodes, we were able to determine a linear
      amperometry response to the glucose concentrations in the range of 2-16  mM. By
      replacing the as-prepared working electrode by the one after thermal treatments,
      we showed a much more degraded enzyme electrode activity, enabling efficient
      determination of the electrode quality as well as the whole process optimization.

PMID- 22038675
TI  - Systematic review of psychosocial morbidities among bereaved parents of children
      with cancer.
AB  - The objective of this review was to comprehensively summarize existing studies
      utilizing validated instruments to measure psychosocial outcomes among bereaved
      parents of children with cancer. This population has increased risks of anxiety,
      depression, prolonged grief, and poor quality of life. Parental morbidity is
      associated with psychiatric co-morbidities, prior loss, economic hardship,
      duration, and intensity of child's cancer-therapy, perceptions of medical care,
      child's quality of life, preparedness for and location of the child's death.
      Rigorous, prospective research is needed to identify risk-groups, define
      outcomes, and design interventions which will improve parental outcomes after the
      death of a child due to cancer.

PMID- 22038674
TI  - Demographic correlates of DSM-IV major depressive disorder among older African
      Americans, Black Caribbeans, and non-Hispanic Whites: results from the National
      Survey of American Life.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine the demographic correlates of lifetime and 12-month
      prevalence of major depressive disorder (MDD) among older African Americans,
      Black Caribbeans, and non-Hispanic Whites. METHODS: Data are from adults aged 55
      years and older (n = 1439) recruited to the National Survey of American Life
      (NSAL; 2001-2003). The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual Version IV World Mental
      Health Composite International Diagnostic Interview was used to assess the 12
      month and lifetime MDD. Weighted logistic regression was used to model
      demographic correlates of MDD. RESULTS: The population prevalence of lifetime and
      12-month MDD were 11.2% and 4.1%, respectively. Bivariate analyses revealed that
      younger respondents and those with greater disability had a higher prevalence of
      both lifetime and 12-month MDD compared with those who were older and who had
      lower disability. Multivariable logistic regressions controlling for demographic
      characteristics revealed that non-Hispanic Whites had the greatest odds of
      lifetime MDD (OR = 2.27, 95% CI = 1.32, 3.93). Women had significantly greater
      odds of lifetime MDD compared with men (OR = 2.49, 95% CI = 1.14, 5.41); there
      were no gender differences in 12-month MDD. Other significant predictors of MDD
      were marital status and region of residence. CONCLUSIONS: The distribution,
      correlates, and nature of associations with MDD vary as a function of whether we
      examined lifetime vs. 12-month MDD. Future work should account for within group
      differences among older adults with depression. Understanding MDD correlates and
      the nature of intergroup diversity can inform the identification of particularly
      vulnerable subgroups as well as appropriate treatment approaches.

PMID- 22038676
TI  - Cyclic thrombocytopenia associated with marked rebound thrombocytosis and
      fluctuating levels of endogenous thrombopoietin and reticulated platelets: a case
      report.

PMID- 22038678
TI  - Compound toxicity screening and structure-activity relationship modeling in
      Escherichia coli.
AB  - Synthetic biology and metabolic engineering are used to develop new strategies
      for producing valuable compounds ranging from therapeutics to biofuels in
      engineered microorganisms. When developing methods for high-titer production
      cells, toxicity is an important element to consider. Indeed the production rate
      can be limited due to toxic intermediates or accumulation of byproducts of the
      heterologous biosynthetic pathway of interest. Conversely, highly toxic molecules
      are desired when designing antimicrobials. Compound toxicity in bacteria plays a
      major role in metabolic engineering as well as in the development of new
      antibacterial agents. Here, we screened a diversified chemical library of 166
      compounds for toxicity in Escherichia coli. The dataset was built using a
      clustering algorithm maximizing the chemical diversity in the library. The
      resulting assay data was used to develop a toxicity predictor that we used to
      assess the toxicity of metabolites throughout the metabolome. This new tool for
      predicting toxicity can thus be used for fine-tuning heterologous expression and
      can be integrated in a computational-framework for metabolic pathway design. Many
      structure-activity relationship tools have been developed for toxicology studies
      in eukaryotes [Valerio (2009), Toxicol Appl Pharmacol, 241(3): 356-370], however,
      to the best of our knowledge we present here the first E. coli toxicity
      prediction web server based on QSAR models (EcoliTox server:
      http://www.issb.genopole.fr/~faulon/EcoliTox.php).

PMID- 22038679
TI  - A chronological history of the International Conference on Cryptococcus and
      Cryptococcosis (ICCC), an invaluable forum for growth of the cryptococcal
      research field and clinical practice.
AB  - Cryptococcologists meet every 3 years to present their new research data and
      discuss the current state of cryptococcosis therapy at the International
      Conference on Cryptococcus and Cryptococcosis (ICCC). The ICCC has served as a
      unique forum where mycologists could interact and share their research data in a
      setting exclusively devoted to the study of Cryptococcus and cryptococcosis. This
      article presents an historical perspective on the ICCC meetings, beginning with
      the first ICCC that was held in Jerusalem, Israel in 1989. Subsequent ICCC
      meetings have grown, in terms of attendance and submitted abstracts. The history
      of the ICCC serves as a testimony to the remarkable progress that has been made
      in our basic understanding of the molecular biology, biochemistry, ecology, and
      taxonomy of Cryptococcus as well as the epidemiology, immunology, clinical
      manifestations, and treatment for cryptococcosis.

PMID- 22038677
TI  - Primary immunodeficiency diseases associated with neurologic manifestations.
AB  - Primary immunodeficiency diseases (PID) are a heterogeneous group of inherited
      disorders of the immune system, predisposing individuals to recurrent infections,
      allergy, autoimmunity, and malignancies. A considerable number of these
      conditions have been found to be also associated with neurologic signs and
      symptoms. These manifestations are considered core features of some
      immunodeficiency syndromes, such as ataxia-telangiectasia and purine nucleoside
      phosphorylase deficiency, or occur less prominently in some others. Diverse
      pathological mechanisms including defective responses to DNA damage, metabolic
      errors, and autoimmune phenomena have been associated with neurologic
      abnormalities; however, several issues remain to be elucidated. Greater awareness
      of these associated features and gaining a better understanding of the
      contributing mechanisms will lead to prompt diagnosis and treatment and possibly
      development of novel preventive and therapeutic strategies. In this review, we
      aim to provide a brief description of the clinical and genetic characteristics of
      PID associated with neurologic complications.

PMID- 22038680
TI  - Rectal balloon training as add-on therapy to pelvic floor muscle training in
      adults with fecal incontinence: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - AIMS: Fecal incontinence (FI) is embarrassing, resulting in poor quality of life.
      Rectal sensation may be more important than sphincter strength to relieve
      symptoms. A single-blind, randomized controlled trial among adults with FI
      compared the effectiveness of rectal balloon training (RBT) and pelvic floor
      muscle training (PFMT) versus PFMT alone. METHODS: We randomized 80 patients,
      recruited from the Maastricht University Medical Centre. Primary outcome was
      based on the Vaizey score. Secondary outcomes were the Fecal Incontinence Quality
      of Life Scale (FIQL), 9-point global perceived effect (GPE) score, anorectal
      manometry, rectal distension volumes, and thresholds of anorectal sensation.
      Analyses were by intention-to-treat. RESULTS: Forty patients were assigned to
      combined RBT with PFMT and 40 to PFMT alone. Adding RBT did not result in a
      significant improvement in the Vaizey score [mean difference: -1.19; 95%
      confidence interval (CI): -3.79 to 1.42; P = 0.37]. Secondary outcomes favoring
      RBT were: Lifestyle subscale of the FIQL (0.37; 95% CI: 0.02-0.73; P = 0.04), GPE
      (-1.01; 95% CI: -1.75 to -0.27; P = 0.008), maximum tolerable volume (49.35; 95%
      CI: 13.26-85.44; P = 0.009), and external anal sphincter fatigue (0.65; 95% CI:
      0.26-1.04; P = 0.001). Overall, 50% of patients were considered improved
      according to the estimated minimally important change (Vaizey change >=-5).
      CONCLUSIONS: RBT with PFMT was equally effective as PFMT alone. Secondary
      outcomes show beneficial effects of RBT on urgency control, GPE, and lifestyle
      adaptations. Characteristics of patients who benefit most from RBT remain to be
      confirmed.

PMID- 22038681
TI  - Suboptimal responses in chronic myeloid leukemia: implications and management
      strategies.
AB  - The high response rates and increased survival associated with imatinib therapy
      prompted a paradigm shift in the management of chronic myeloid leukemia. However,
      25% to 30% of imatinib-treated patients develop drug resistance or intolerance,
      increasing the risk of disease progression and poor prognosis. In 2006, the
      European LeukemiaNet proposed criteria to identify patients with a suboptimal
      response to, or failure associated with, imatinib; these recommendations were
      updated in 2009. Suboptimal responders represent a unique treatment challenge.
      Although they may respond to continued imatinib therapy, their long-term outcomes
      may not be as favorable as those for optimally responding patients. Validation
      studies demonstrated that suboptimal responders are a heterogeneous group, and
      that the prognostic implications of suboptimal response vary by time point. There
      are few data derived from clinical trials to guide therapeutic decisions for
      these patients. Clinical trials are currently underway to assess the efficacy of
      newer tyrosine kinase inhibitors in this setting. Identification of suboptimal
      responders or patients failing treatment using hematologic, cytogenetic, and
      molecular techniques allows physicians to alter therapy earlier in the treatment
      course to improve long-term outcomes.

PMID- 22038682
TI  - Asymmetric synthesis of chiral 1,3-diaminopropanols: bisoxazolidine-catalyzed C-C
      bond formation with alpha-keto amides.

PMID- 22038684
TI  - Docosahexaenoic acid: a natural powerful adjuvant that improves efficacy for
      anticancer treatment with no adverse effects.
AB  - Epidemiological studies have linked fish oil consumption to a decreased incidence
      of cancer. The anticancer effects of fish oil are mostly attributed to its
      content of omega-3 fatty acids: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic
      acid (DHA). However, DHA, because of its unique effect of altering membrane
      composition, is often regarded as the major omega-3 fatty acid involved in
      anticancer activity. Although use of DHA as an anticancer drug to prevent or
      treat human cancer in clinical settings has not yet been well established, recent
      studies suggest that DHA can be very effective as an adjuvant with other
      anticancer agents. In this article, we present studies that show the role of DHA
      in improving anticancer drug efficacy. Several in vitro and animal studies
      suggest that combining DHA with other anticancer agents often improves efficacy
      of anticancer drugs and also reduces therapy-associated side effects.
      Incorporation of DHA in cellular membranes improves drug uptake, whereas
      increased lipid peroxidation is another mechanism for DHA-mediated enhanced
      efficacy of anticancer drugs. In addition, several intracellular targets
      including cyclooxygenase-2, nuclear factor kappa B, peroxisome proliferator
      activated receptor gamma, mitogen-activated protein kinase, AKT, and BCL-2/BAX
      are found to play an important role in DHA-mediated additive or synergistic
      interaction with anticancer drugs. The data suggest that DHA is a safe, natural
      compound that can greatly improve the anticancer properties of anticancer drugs.
      Use of DHA with anticancer treatments provides an avenue to therapeutic
      improvement that involves less risk or side effects for patients and reduced
      regulatory burden for implementation.

PMID- 22038683
TI  - Restless legs syndrome: a comprehensive overview on its epidemiology, risk
      factors, and treatment.
AB  - PURPOSES: Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is underdiagnosed and poorly understood by
      clinicians and the general public alike; accordingly, a broad literature review
      with information most relevant to general practice is needed to help dispel
      misconceptions and improve level of care. METHODS: Specifically, this review
      comprehensively provides an epidemiological analysis of RLS and examines the risk
      factors and treatment options for RLS by compiling the findings of past RLS
      studies. These RLS studies were identified through a retrospective PubMed search.
      The epidemiological analysis was conducted by calculating a weighted mean average
      of all the relevant general population RLS prevalence studies, separated into
      geographical/racial categories. RESULTS: A comprehensive analysis of RLS
      epidemiological studies finds the prevalence rate of RLS to be 5-15% in the
      general population with 2.5% of adults having symptoms severe enough to require
      medical intervention. Some of the risk factors for RLS include female gender,
      pregnancy, low iron levels, lower socioeconomic status, poor health, elderly age,
      comorbidity with Parkinson's disease, positive family history of RLS, and
      comorbidity with psychiatric disorders. A wide array of treatment options exist
      for RLS including pharmacological and nonpharmacologic interventions.
      CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians' understanding of RLS enigma has recently improved due to
      the increased intensity of RLS research over the past decade. This review
      summarizes the current findings in the RLS field as well as providing guidelines
      for future RLS-related research.

PMID- 22038685
TI  - Influence of side chain length on fluorescence intensity of ROMP-based polymeric
      nanoparticles and their tumor specificity in in-vivo tumor imaging.
AB  - In this study, amphiphilic brush-like copolymers conjugated with short alkyl or
      long polymeric chains of various lengths are synthesized using ring-opening
      metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of substituted norbornadiene monomers followed
      by chemical transformations. These amphiphilic copolymers form spherical self
      assemblies in aqueous media with diameters of 132-244 nm. The low critical
      aggregation concentration of these assemblies (2.5 * 10(-3) -1.4 * 10(-5)  g/L)
      indicates that they are quite stable in dilute conditions. An appropriate length
      of polymer side chain that conjugates the polymer backbone with a hydrophobic ICG
      (indocyanine green) moiety enhanced the fluorescence intensities of these self
      assemblies in aqueous solution as well as in tumor-bearing mice. A longer side
      chain conjugated with tumor targeting agents could significantly affect the tumor
      specificity of self-assemblies to a greater extent. The self-assemblies bearing
      hydrophilic tumor targeting agents, such as a glucosamine molecule and a cyclic
      RGD (arginine-glycine-asparatic acid) peptide, accumulated in tumor tissues with
      high selectivity, while those having a hydrophobic targeting agent, such as
      folate moieties, accumulated in tumor sites with low selectivity. The results
      demonstrated here unambiguously indicate that the fluorescence intensity and
      tumor specificity of self-assemblies are strongly affected by the length of side
      chains that conjugate with dyes and targeting agents.

PMID- 22038686
TI  - Identification of C18 intermediates formed during stearidonic acid
      biohydrogenation by rumen microorganisms in vitro.
AB  - In vitro batch incubations were used to study the rumen biohydrogenation of
      unsaturated fatty acids. An earlier study using increasing supplementation levels
      of stearidonic acid (18:4n-3), revealed that the rumen microbial population
      extensively biohydrogenates 18:4n-3 after 72 h of in vitro incubation, though
      several intermediates formed were not completely characterized. Therefore, in the
      present study, samples were reanalyzed in order to identify the 18:2, 18:3 and
      18:4 biohydrogenation intermediates of 18:4n-3. Gas-liquid chromatography coupled
      to mass spectrometry was used to characterize these intermediates. The
      acetonitrile chemical ionization mass spectrometry of the fatty acid methyl
      esters derivatives enabled the discrimination of fatty acids as non-conjugated or
      conjugated biohydrogenation intermediates. In addition, the acetonitrile covalent
      adduct chemical ionization tandem mass spectrometry yielded prominent ions
      indicative of the double bond position of the major 18:3 isomers, i.e.
      Delta5,11,15 18:3. Furthermore, the 4,4-dimethyloxazoline derivatives prepared
      from the fatty acid methyl esters enabled the structure of novel 18:2, 18:3 and
      18:4 biohydrogenation intermediates to be elucidated. The intermediates
      accumulated in the fermentation media after 72 h of incubation of 18:4n-3 suggest
      that similar to the biohydrogenation pathways of linoleic (18:2n-6) and alpha
      linolenic (18:3n-3) acids, the pathway of the 18:4n-3 also proceeds with the
      formation of conjugated fatty acids followed by hydrogenation, although no
      conjugated dienes were found. The formation of the novel biohydrogenation
      intermediates of 18:4n-3 seems to follow an uncommon isomerization pattern with
      distinct double bond migrations.

PMID- 22038688
TI  - Microcrustaceans escape behavior as an early bioindicator of copper, chromium and
      endosulfan toxicity.
AB  - The purpose of this work was to experimentally analyze the impact of copper,
      chromium and a commercial pesticide with endosulfan on the escape behavior of two
      copepods (Notodiaptomus conifer, Argyrodiaptomus falcifer) and three cladocerans
      (Daphnia magna, Pseudosida variabilis and Ceriodaphnia dubia). The experimental
      assays were carried out using a novel hydraulic devise designed to mimic three
      speed predator capture behavior. Two concentrations, one "high" and one "low",
      were employed and the exposure time was 15 (+/-5) minutes. With two exceptions,
      the species exposed to heavy metals manifested higher ability to escape than
      controls. Both concentrations of the pesticide reduced the escape ability of
      cladocerans but copepods responded, in general, in a similar manner as for heavy
      metals. The immediate apparent advantage of low and early toxic effects is
      discussed and the high sensitivity of the escape behavior suggests that it could
      be a complementary endpoint to be used in future ecotoxicological tests.

PMID- 22038687
TI  - Niemann-Pick C2 protein expression regulates lithogenic diet-induced gallstone
      formation and dietary cholesterol metabolism in mice.
AB  - Niemann-Pick C2 protein (NPC2) is a lysosomal soluble protein that is highly
      expressed in the liver; it binds to cholesterol and is involved in intracellular
      cholesterol trafficking, allowing the exit of lysosomal cholesterol obtained via
      the lipoprotein endocytic pathway. Thus, this protein may play an important role
      in controlling hepatic cholesterol transport and metabolism. The aim of this work
      was to study the relevance of NPC2 protein expression in hepatic cholesterol
      metabolism, biliary lipid secretion and gallstone formation by comparing NPC2
      hypomorph [NPC2 (h/h)] and wild-type mice fed control, 2% cholesterol, and
      lithogenic diets. NPC2 (h/h) mice exhibited resistance to a diet-induced increase
      in plasma cholesterol levels. When consuming the chow diet, we observed increased
      biliary cholesterol and phospholipid secretions in NPC2 (h/h) mice. When fed the
      2% cholesterol diet, NPC2 (h/h) mice exhibited low and high gallbladder bile
      cholesterol and phospholipid concentrations, respectively. NPC2 (h/h) mice fed
      with the lithogenic diet showed reduced biliary cholesterol secretion,
      gallbladder bile cholesterol saturation, and cholesterol crystal and gallstone
      formation. This work indicates that hepatic NPC2 expression is an important
      factor in the regulation of diet-derived cholesterol metabolism and disposal as
      well as in diet-induced cholesterol gallstone formation in mice.

PMID- 22038689
TI  - Homeostatic regulation of elemental stoichiometry by Lemna gibba L. G3 when
      nutrient interact with toxic metals.
AB  - We investigated responses of Lemna gibba L. to exposure to UO(2)(2+) and AsO(4)(3
      ) under variable PO(4)(3-) concentration. Total plant phosphorus (P(tot)) in L.
      gibba and accumulation of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in the media were
      quantified and tested for correlation with plant yield and initial concentrations
      of PO(4)(3-), UO(2)(2+) and AsO(4)(3-). The accumulation of DOC in medium was
      high under low PO(4)(3-) supply and increased loading of either UO(2)(2+) or
      AsO(4)(3-). The P(tot) was low in high initial concentration of UO(2)(2+) and
      AsO(4)(3-) as well under acute low PO(4)(3-) supply. The DOC accumulation
      correlated negatively to the P(tot). This reveals interaction between PO(4)(3-)
      and UO(2)(2+) or AsO(4)(3-) in the medium interferes with the uptake process of
      PO(4) (3-). Hence, the DOC accumulation is exudation of low molecular weight
      organic substance by L. gibba in response to the reduced P(tot): biomass ratio
      (carbon in the yield) due to delimited acquisition of phosphorus from the medium.
      It is a homeostatic regulation of the stoichiometry, which is disturbed during
      the interaction between PO(4)(3-) and UO(2)(2+) or AsO(4)(3-). Further
      investigations are necessary to relate these interactions to traditional resource
      stoichiometry elements of C, N, and P.

PMID- 22038690
TI  - Molecular design to improve the performance of donor-pi acceptor near-IR organic
      dye-sensitized solar cells.

PMID- 22038691
TI  - Intronic tandem repeat in the serotonin transporter gene in Old World monkeys: a
      new transcriptional regulator?
AB  - The serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) is heavily involved in the regulation of
      social behaviour of primates. Old World monkeys (e.g. macaques, baboons) have
      been used to study interactions between variation in the SLC6A4 gene and
      behaviour. Correlations of variation at one polymorphism located in the promoter
      region (known as 5HTTLPR) and variation at SLC6A4 expression levels, serotonin
      turnover and behaviour has been widely studied. In Old World monkeys, the third
      intron of the SLC6A4 gene also presents a tandem repeat, which sequence varies
      across species by a few point substitutions. We predict that in these species,
      this repeated region also acts as transcriptional regulatory domain and that
      sequence variation at this polymorphic locus might result in differential levels
      of expression in gene-environment interactions. For testing these hypotheses, the
      tandem repeat of Mandrillus sphinx and Cercopithecus aethiops from the third
      intron were cloned into a reporter gene vector and delivered to either primary
      cultures of rat neonate frontal cortex or the human cell line (JAr) to analyse
      their transcriptional activities. These repeated sequences supported
      significantly different levels of gene expression only when delivered into
      frontal cortex cultures. Furthermore, we tested in silico if such substitutions
      could have an effect on their binding profile to RNA- and DNA-binding proteins
      and on splicing. Taken together our results suggest that the tandem repeat in the
      third intron of the SLC6A4 gene of Old World monkeys could constitute a second
      transcriptional regulator as suggested for the 5HTTLPR and therefore contribute
      to diversification of serotonin-related behaviour in these primates.

PMID- 22038692
TI  - MRT letter: Contrast-enhanced computed tomographic imaging of soft callus
      formation in fracture healing.
AB  - Formation of a cartilaginous soft callus at the site of a bone fracture is a
      pivotal stage in the healing process. Noninvasive, or even nondestructive,
      imaging of soft callus formation can be an important tool in experimental and pre
      clinical studies of fracture repair. However, the low X-ray attenuation of
      cartilage renders the soft callus nearly invisible in radiographs. This study
      utilized a recently developed, cationic, iodinated contrast agent in conjunction
      with micro-computed tomography to identify cartilage in fracture calluses in the
      femora of C57BL/6J and C3H/HeJ mice. Fracture calluses were scanned before and
      after incubation in the contrast agent. The set of pre-incubation images was
      registered against and then subtracted from the set of post-incubation images,
      resulting in a three-dimensional map of the locations of cartilage in the callus,
      as labeled by the contrast agent. This map was then compared to histology from a
      previous study. The results showed that the locations where the contrast agent
      collected in relatively high concentrations were similar to those of the
      cartilage. The contrast agent also identified a significant difference between
      the two strains of mice in the percentage of the callus occupied by cartilage,
      indicating that this method of contrast-enhanced computed tomography may be an
      effective technique for nondestructive, early evaluation of fracture healing.

PMID- 22038693
TI  - Posterior fossa syndrome in an adult patient following surgical evacuation of an
      intracerebellar haematoma.
AB  - The posterior fossa syndrome (PFS) consists of transient cerebellar mutism,
      cognitive symptoms and neurobehavioural abnormalities that typically develop in
      children following posterior fossa tumour resection. Although PFS has been
      documented in more than 350 paediatric cases, reports of adult patients with a
      vascular aetiology are extremely rare. In addition, the pathophysiological
      substrate of the syndrome remains unclear. We report an adult patient with PFS
      after surgical evacuation of a cerebellar bleeding. After 45 days of (akinetic)
      mutism, the patient's cognitive and behavioural profile closely resembled the
      "cerebellar cognitive-affective syndrome". A quantified SPECT study showed
      perfusional deficits in the anatomoclinically suspected supratentorial areas,
      subserving language dynamics, executive functioning, spatial cognition and
      affective regulation. We hypothesize that cerebello-cerebral diaschisis might be
      an important pathophysiological mechanism underlying akinetic mutism, cognitive
      deficits and behavioural-affective changes in adult patients with PFS.

PMID- 22038694
TI  - Fabrication optimization of a miniaturized array device for cell-free protein
      synthesis.
AB  - Cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) is an attractive alternative to cell-based
      protein expression systems because of its advantages including speed, simplicity,
      and adaptability to various formats. However, two major obstacles exist that have
      been preventing it from being widely used. One is high cost and the other is low
      protein synthesis yield. We report here a miniaturized CFPS device that addresses
      these challenges. The cost saving was achieved by miniaturization, which reduced
      the reagent consumption by two orders of magnitude. The protein synthesis yield
      was enhanced by prolonging CFPS reactions through continuous supply of reactants
      (e.g. nutrients and energy components). The reactants were contained in a feeding
      solution, which was replenished through a nanoporous membrane and microchannel.
      The design of the miniaturized device was optimized by running continuous
      exchange CFPS in devices with a variation in the type of membrane, the size of
      the exchange interface, and the volume ratio of the reaction solution to the
      feeding solution. The effects of these design variations on the protein synthesis
      yield have been studied. Furthermore, the design was expanded into a 96-unit
      device that can produce a large number of proteins simultaneously, enabling high
      throughput proteomics applications.

PMID- 22038696
TI  - The limits of narrative: provocations for the medical humanities.
AB  - This paper aims to (re)ignite debate about the role of narrative in the medical
      humanities. It begins with a critical review of the ways in which narrative has
      been mobilised by humanities and social science scholars to understand the
      experience of health and illness. I highlight seven dangers or blind spots in the
      dominant medical humanities approach to narrative, including the frequently
      unexamined assumption that all human beings are 'naturally narrative'. I then
      explore this assumption further through an analysis of philosopher Galen
      Strawson's influential article 'Against Narrativity'. Strawson rejects the
      descriptive claim that "human beings typically see or live or experience their
      lives as a narrative" and the normative claim that "a richly Narrative outlook is
      essential to a well-lived life, to true or full personhood". His work has been
      taken up across a range of disciplines, but its implications in the context of
      health and illness have not yet been sufficiently discussed. This article argues
      that 'Against Narrativity' can and should stimulate robust debate within the
      medical humanities regarding the limits of narrative, and concludes by discussing
      a range of possibilities for venturing 'beyond narrative'.

PMID- 22038697
TI  - The linear interaction energy method for the prediction of protein stability
      changes upon mutation.
AB  - The coupling of protein energetics and sequence changes is a critical aspect of
      computational protein design, as well as for the understanding of protein
      evolution, human disease, and drug resistance. To study the molecular basis for
      this coupling, computational tools must be sufficiently accurate and
      computationally inexpensive enough to handle large amounts of sequence data. We
      have developed a computational approach based on the linear interaction energy
      (LIE) approximation to predict the changes in the free-energy of the native state
      induced by a single mutation. This approach was applied to a set of 822 mutations
      in 10 proteins which resulted in an average unsigned error of 0.82 kcal/mol and a
      correlation coefficient of 0.72 between the calculated and experimental
      DeltaDeltaG values. The method is able to accurately identify destabilizing hot
      spot mutations; however, it has difficulty in distinguishing between stabilizing
      and destabilizing mutations because of the distribution of stability changes for
      the set of mutations used to parameterize the model. In addition, the model also
      performs quite well in initial tests on a small set of double mutations. On the
      basis of these promising results, we can begin to examine the relationship
      between protein stability and fitness, correlated mutations, and drug resistance.

PMID- 22038698
TI  - Risk-adapted therapy for infantile myofibromatosis in children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Infantile myofibromatosis is characterized by proliferation of benign
      fibrous tumors arising in skin, subcutaneous tissue, muscle, or bone. Solitary
      and multicentric forms are described. Few reports are available in the pediatric
      population. PROCEDURE: To improve the knowledge of this rare tumor in infants,
      the authors present a series of all cases of infantile myofibromatosis treated in
      their institution over a 9-year period in order to propose treatment guidelines
      based on their experience and a review of the literature. RESULTS: The authors
      report a series of 9 cases, 8 solitary forms and 1 multicentric form with
      visceral involvement treated from 2000 to 2009. Median age was 10 months (range:
      2 days-14 years). Six patients with solitary forms underwent primary surgical
      resection leading to remission. Only biopsy was performed in 1 case, followed by
      tumor regression with no recurrence. The last patient with a solitary form was
      treated by chemotherapy and then surgery allowing remission. The patient with a
      multicentric form presented complete regression of tumors after 1 year of
      vinblastine and methotrexate combination chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Infantile
      myofibromatosis is a rare soft tissue tumor mainly concerning infants. Surgery is
      the treatment of choice for solitary forms when excision is possible. Close
      follow-up may be proposed in the case of inoperable sites. In multicentric life
      threatening forms, chemotherapy promotes tumor regression and the vinblastine and
      methotrexate combination is effective with few long-term adverse effects.

PMID- 22038700
TI  - Synergistic palladium-catalyzed C(sp3)-H activation/C(sp3)-O bond formation: a
      direct, step-economical route to benzolactones.

PMID- 22038699
TI  - Cytochrome c dissolved in 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride type ionic liquid
      undergoes a quasi-reversible redox reaction up to 140 degrees C.
AB  - Solubility of cytochrome c, a typical heme protein, in a various ionic liquids
      has been analyzed. The solubility has been discussed with polarity parameters of
      the ionic liquids. Both hydrogen bond basicity and dipolarity/polarizability of
      the ionic liquids were confirmed to be influential factors to control the
      solubilization of cytochrome c. Polar ionic liquids such as 1-butyl-3
      methylimidazolium chloride and 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride solubilized
      cytochrome c at 80 degrees C, and the dissolved cytochrome c was found to keep
      its redox activity in these ionic liquids. The redox response of the dissolved
      cytochrome c was detected in 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride up to 140
      degrees C.

PMID- 22038701
TI  - Myeloid neoplasms with isolated isochromosome 17q represent a clinicopathologic
      entity associated with myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative features, a high risk
      of leukemic transformation, and wild-type TP53.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Isolated isochromosome (17q) is a rare cytogenetic abnormality in
      Philadelphia chromosome-negative myeloid neoplasms, usually myelodysplastic
      and/or myeloproliferative neoplasms (MDS/MPN). De novo acute myeloid leukemia
      (AML) with isochromosome 17q has rarely been reported. The frequency of genetic
      mutations is unknown. METHODS: The authors assessed clinicopathologic,
      immunophenotypic, and molecular genetic features of 22 myeloid neoplasms with
      isolated isochromosome 17q. RESULTS: Fourteen patients presented as MDS/MPN; 8 as
      de novo AML. Most presented with leukocytosis, anemia, thrombocytopenia, and
      splenomegaly. Morphologically, all showed myelodysplastic and myeloproliferative
      features, including pseudo-Pelger-Huet-like neutrophils, micromegakaryocytic
      hyperplasia, hypercellularity, fibrosis, and osteosclerosis. Blasts were
      increased (median, 40% in de novo AML; 9% in MDS/MPN). Immunohistochemical
      assessment of proliferation and apoptosis rates in AML were similar to a matched
      group without isochromosome 17q. In most patients, isochromosome 17q occurred at
      time of blast transformation or disease progression. DNA sequencing revealed no
      mutation in the uninvolved TP53 allele. Mutational analyses showed rare mutations
      in NRAS (3 of 10), FLT3 (2 of 16), and JAK2 (1 of 18), and no mutations in NPM1
      (0 of 15), KIT (0 of 4), and CEBPA (0 of 4). The median overall survival was 14.5
      months for de novo AML, and 11.0 months for MDS/MPN. With a median follow-up of
      8.5 months (range, 1.5-107 months), 15 died of disease, 6 had persistent disease,
      and 1 was in remission after bone marrow transplantation. CONCLUSIONS: The
      authors conclude that myeloid neoplasms with isolated isochromosome 17q represent
      a distinct clinicopathologic entity with myelodysplastic and myeloproliferative
      features, high risk of leukemic transformation, and wild-type TP53.

PMID- 22038702
TI  - Is HbA2 level a reliable diagnostic measurement for beta-thalassemia trait in
      people with iron deficiency?

PMID- 22038703
TI  - A real-world study of patients with type 2 diabetes initiating basal insulins via
      disposable pens.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Real-world data comparing outcomes of type 2 diabetes mellitus
      (T2DM) patients initiating different insulin regimens can help with treatment
      decisions and patient management. Clinical and economic outcomes following
      initiation with insulin glargine disposable pen (GLA-P) or insulin detemir
      disposable pen (DET-P) in T2DM patients were compared over 1-year follow-up.
      METHODS: This retrospective cohort analysis was conducted on data in a US
      national managed care claims database (July 2006 to September 2010) from patients
      initiating insulin treatment with GLA-P or DET-P. Treatment persistence,
      adherence, glycated hemoglobin (A1C), hypoglycemic events, and healthcare costs
      during follow-up were compared. RESULTS: In all, 1682 patients were identified;
      1016 (60.4%) started using GLA-P, 666 (39.6%) started using DET-P. After 1:1
      propensity score matching, each cohort comprised 640 patients. Patients
      initiating GLA-P were significantly more likely to persist and adhere to
      treatment, and used a lower daily consumption dose. Over the last quarter of
      follow-up, fewer GLA-P users switched to DET-P compared with those switching from
      DET-P to GLA-P. GLA-P was associated with lower A1C levels and higher reduction
      of A1C levels from baseline, with no significant difference in the number of
      patients having hypoglycemic events. Patients in both cohorts had similar total
      and diabetes-related healthcare costs, but healthcare costs were lower in the GLA
      P cohort for each 1% reduction in A1C from baseline. CONCLUSION: This real-world
      study demonstrates that patients initiating GLA-P were more likely to persist
      with and adhere to treatment, with better glycemic control and similar overall
      hypoglycemia rate at no increase in healthcare cost.

PMID- 22038704
TI  - Electrophysiological correlates of exemplar-specific processes in implicit and
      explicit memory.
AB  - The present ERP study investigated the retrieval of task-irrelevant exemplar
      specific information under implicit and explicit memory conditions. Subjects
      completed either an indirect memory test (a natural/artificial judgment) or a
      direct recognition memory test. Both test groups were presented with new items,
      identical repetitions, and perceptually different but conceptually similar
      exemplars of previously seen study objects. Implicit and explicit memory
      retrieval elicited clearly dissociable ERP components that were differentially
      affected by exemplar changes from study to test. In the indirect test, identical
      repetitions, but not different exemplars, elicited a significant ERP repetition
      priming effect. In contrast, both types of repeated objects gave rise to a
      reliable old/new effect in the direct test. The results corroborate that implicit
      and explicit memory fall back on distinct cognitive representation and, more
      importantly, indicate that these representations differ in the type of stimulus
      information stored. Implicit retrieval entailed obligatory access to exemplar
      specific perceptual information, despite its being task irrelevant. In contrast,
      explicit retrieval proved to be more flexible with conceptual and perceptual
      information accessed according to task demands.

PMID- 22038705
TI  - Social deviance activates the brain's error-monitoring system.
AB  - Social psychologists have long noted the tendency for human behavior to conform
      to social group norms. This study examined whether feedback indicating that
      participants had deviated from group norms would elicit a neural signal
      previously shown to be elicited by errors and monetary losses. While
      electroencephalograms were recorded, participants (N = 30) rated the
      attractiveness of 120 faces and received feedback giving the purported average
      rating made by a group of peers. The feedback was manipulated so that group
      ratings either were the same as a participant's rating or deviated by 1, 2, or 3
      points. Feedback indicating deviance from the group norm elicited a feedback
      related negativity, a brainwave signal known to be elicited by objective
      performance errors and losses. The results imply that the brain treats deviance
      from social norms as an error.

PMID- 22038706
TI  - Authenticity affects the recognition of emotions in speech: behavioral and fMRI
      evidence.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to determine how authenticity of emotion
      expression in speech modulates activity in the neuronal substrates involved in
      emotion recognition. Within an fMRI paradigm, participants judged either the
      authenticity (authentic or play acted) or emotional content (anger, fear, joy, or
      sadness) of recordings of spontaneous emotions and reenactments by professional
      actors. When contrasting between task types, active judgment of authenticity,
      more than active judgment of emotion, indicated potential involvement of the
      theory of mind (ToM) network (medial prefrontal cortex, temporoparietal cortex,
      retrosplenium) as well as areas involved in working memory and decision making
      (BA 47). Subsequently, trials with authentic recordings were contrasted with
      those of reenactments to determine the modulatory effects of authenticity.
      Authentic recordings were found to enhance activity in part of the ToM network
      (medial prefrontal cortex). This effect of authenticity suggests that individuals
      integrate recollections of their own experiences more for judgments involving
      authentic stimuli than for those involving play-acted stimuli. The behavioral and
      functional results show that authenticity of emotional prosody is an important
      property influencing human responses to such stimuli, with implications for
      studies using play-acted emotions.

PMID- 22038707
TI  - Integration of microchip electrophoresis with electrochemical detection using an
      epoxy-based molding method to embed multiple electrode materials.
AB  - This paper describes the use of epoxy-encapsulated electrodes to integrate
      microchip-based electrophoresis with electrochemical detection. Devices with
      various electrode combinations can easily be developed. This includes a palladium
      decoupler with a downstream working electrode material of either gold,
      mercury/gold, platinum, glassy carbon, or a carbon fiber bundle. Additional
      device components such as the platinum wires for the electrophoresis separation
      and the counter electrode for detection can also be integrated into the epoxy
      base. The effect of the decoupler configuration was studied in terms of the
      separation performance, detector noise, and the ability to analyze samples of a
      high ionic strength. The ability of both glassy carbon and carbon fiber bundle
      electrodes to analyze a complex mixture was demonstrated. It was also shown that
      a PDMS-based valving microchip can be used along with the epoxy-embedded
      electrodes to integrate microdialysis sampling with microchip electrophoresis and
      electrochemical detection, with the microdialysis tubing also being embedded in
      the epoxy substrate. This approach enables one to vary the detection electrode
      material as desired in a manner where the electrodes can be polished and modified
      as is done with electrochemical flow cells used in liquid chromatography.

PMID- 22038708
TI  - Temporal and spatial expression of CCN3 during retina development.
AB  - NOV/CCN3 is one of the founding members of the CCN (Cyr61 CTGF NOV) family. In
      the avian retina, CCN3 expression is mostly located within the central region of
      the inner nuclear layer. As retinal development progresses and this retinal layer
      differentiates and matures, CCN3 expression forms a dorsal-ventral and a central
      peripheral gradient. CCN3 is produced by two glial cell types, peripapillary
      cells and Muller cells, as well as by horizontal, amacrine, and bipolar
      interneurons. In retinal neurons and Muller cell cultures, CCN3 expression is
      induced by activated BMP signaling, whereas Notch signaling decreases CCN3 mRNA
      and protein levels in Muller cells and has no effect in retinal neurons. In
      Muller cells, the CCN3 expression detected may thus result from a balance between
      the Notch and BMP signaling pathways.

PMID- 22038709
TI  - High dose trans-10,cis-12 CLA increases lean body mass in hamsters, but elevates
      levels of plasma lipids and liver enzyme biomarkers.
AB  - The current study examined the efficacy of graded doses of c9,t11 and t10,c12 CLA
      isomers on body composition, energy expenditure, hepatic and serum lipid liver
      biomarkers in hamsters. Animals (n = 105) were randomized to seven treatments
      (control, 1, 2, 3% of c9,t11; 1, 2, 3% of t10,c12) for 28 days. After 28 days
      treatment, 1-3% of t10,c12 lowered (p < 0.05) body fat mass compared to the
      control group. The 1-3% t10,c12 and 3% c9,t11 fed groups showed higher (p < 0.05)
      lean mass compared to other groups. We observed unfavorable changes in plasma
      total cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol levels in animals fed with 3% t10,c12
      CLA isomers. The 2%, 3% t10,c12 groups presented elevated (p < 0.05) ALT levels.
      The present data suggest that a diet enriched with more than 2% t10, c12 led to
      liver malfunction and poses unfavorable changes on plasma lipid profiles. The 1%
      t10,c12 CLA lowered (p < 0.05) body fat mass and increased (p < 0.05) lean body
      mass. The c9,t11 CLA has less potent actions than t10,c12 CLA. We conclude that
      the actions of CLA on energy and lipid metabolism are form and dose dependent in
      the hamster model.

PMID- 22038710
TI  - Effect of oral intake of winged bean extract on a skin lichenification model:
      evaluation by microarray analysis.
AB  - Winged bean (WB), Psophocarpus tetragonolobus, is a tropical legume, the
      potential of which is not fully understood. We found that 5-week oral
      administration of a WB seed extract inhibited wrinkle formation induced by
      repeated tape stripping (TS) as a model of lichenification in human chronic
      eczematous dermatitis. To elucidate the mechanism of the effect of WB on this
      model, we applied microarray analysis. Hierarchical clustering revealed that each
      experimental group formed a distinct cluster, suggesting the presence of a
      distinct gene expression profile among the three groups of non-TS, TS, and TS
      with oral administration of WB extract (TS/WB). Gene ontology analysis showed
      that several gene groups with keratinization and mitosis were significantly
      upregulated by TS, while other groups with ATP synthesis and glycolysis were
      significantly downregulated by TS/WB. Moreover, WB extract influenced a number of
      genes related to epidermal differentiation and inflammation. This suggests that
      these changes inhibited wrinkle formation by TS.

PMID- 22038711
TI  - Thermally stable AgI quantum-dot-based room-temperature fast ionic conductors.
AB  - AgI quantum dot (QD)-based room-temperature fast ionic conductors are prepared
      via an aqueous route. New phase behavior and good performance are found in this
      material. This is a prototype of quantum dot-ionics.

PMID- 22038712
TI  - Two classes of movements in motor control.
AB  - This work investigated whether fundamental differences emerged between segments
      of complex movement sequences performed at different instructed speeds. To this
      end, we tested 5 novices and 1 karate expert as they performed beginner's martial
      arts routines. We found that if one blindly took these segments and separated
      them according to the variability of trajectory parameters, one could
      unambiguously group two classes of movements between the same two space regions:
      one type that remained quite conserved despite speed changes and another type
      that changed with speed level. These groups corresponded to functionally
      different movements (strike segments explicitly directed to a set of goals and
      spontaneously retracting segments supplementing the goals). The curvature of the
      goal-directed segments remained quite conserved despite speed changes, yet the
      supplemental movements spanned families of trajectories with different curvature
      according to the speed. Likewise, the values of the hand's peak velocity across
      trials were more variable in supplemental segments, and for each participant,
      there were different statistical signatures of variability between the two
      movement classes. This dichotomy between coexisting movement classes of our
      natural actions calls for a theoretical characterization. The present
      experimental results strongly suggest that two separate sets of principles may
      govern these movement classes in complex natural behaviors, since under different
      dynamics the hand did not describe a unique family of trajectories between the
      same two points in the 3D space.

PMID- 22038713
TI  - Cortical responses to the mirror box illusion: a high-resolution EEG study.
AB  - The mirror box illusion has proven a helpful therapy in pathologies such as
      phantom limb pain, and although the effect has been suggested to be a result of
      the interaction between pain, vision, touch, and proprioception, the mechanisms
      are still unknown. Multichannel (124) brain responses were investigated in
      healthy men (N = 11) and women (N = 14) during the mirror box illusion. Tactile
      somatosensory evoked potentials were recorded from the right thumb during two
      control conditions and two illusions: (control 1) no mirror: looking at the
      physical right thumb during stimulation, (control 2) no mirror: looking at the
      physical left thumb during stimulation, (illusion 1) mirror: the illusion that
      both thumbs were stimulated, and (illusion 2) mirror: the illusion that none of
      the thumbs were stimulated. In men, a significant medial shift in the y
      coordinate of the N70 dipole in illusion 2 (P = 0.021) was found when compared
      with illusion 1. No dipole shift was found for women. Additionally, men showed
      higher prevalence of P180 cingulate cortex activation during illusion 2 when
      compared with control 1 and 2 (P = 0.002). During illusion 2, the degree of
      conformity with the statement "The hand in the mirror feels like my other hand"
      was negatively correlated with the N70 x coordinate for men and positively
      correlated with the N70 z coordinate for women. In conclusion, short-term
      cortical plasticity can be induced by a mismatch between visual input and
      location of tactile stimulation in men. The present study suggests that gender
      differences exist in the perception of the mirror box illusion.

PMID- 22038714
TI  - Dissociation of brain areas associated with force production and stabilization
      during manipulation of unstable objects.
AB  - Multifinger dexterous manipulation of unstable or deformable objects requires
      control of both direction and magnitude of fingertip force vectors. Our aim was
      to study the neuroanatomical correlates of these two distinct control functions.
      Brain activity was measured using functional magnetic resonance imaging while 16
      male subjects (age: 26-42, M = 32, SD +/- 4 years) compressed four springs
      representing a 2 * 2 factorial design with two levels of force and instability
      requirements. Significant activations associated with higher instability were
      located bilaterally in the precentral gyri, the postcentral gyrus, and the
      cerebellum. In the main effect for high force, activity was found in areas
      located in the primary motor regions contralateral to the active hand and
      bilaterally in the cerebellum. An overlap in activation between the two main
      effects was found bilaterally in the cerebellum (lobule VI). This study not only
      confirms a recently described bilateral fronto-parieto-cerebellar network for
      manipulation of increasingly unstable objects, but critically extends our
      understanding by describing its differentiated modulation with both force
      magnitude and instability requirements. Our results, therefore, expose a
      previously unrecognized and context-sensitive system of brain regions that enable
      dexterous manipulation for different force magnitude and instability requirements
      of the task.

PMID- 22038716
TI  - Post-exercise depression in corticomotor excitability after dynamic movement: a
      general property of fatiguing and non-fatiguing exercise.
AB  - Transcranial magnetic stimulation has been used to study changes in central
      excitability associated with motor tasks. Recently, we reported that a finger
      flexion-extension task performed at a maximal voluntary rate (MVR) could not be
      sustained and that this was not due to muscle fatigue, but was more likely a
      breakdown in central motor control. To determine the central changes that
      accompany this type of movement task, we tracked motor-evoked potential (MEP)
      amplitude from the first dorsal interosseous (FDI) and abductor pollicis brevis
      (APB) muscles of the dominant hand in normal subjects for 20 min after a 10 sec
      index finger flexion-extension task performed at MVR and at a moderate
      sustainable rate (MSR) and half the MSR (MSR(/2)). The FDI MEP amplitude was
      reduced for up to 6-8 min after each of the tasks but there was a greater and
      longer-lasting reduction after the MSR and MSR(/2) tasks compared to the MVR
      task. There was a similar reduction in the amplitude of the FDI MEP after a 10
      sec cyclic index finger abduction-adduction task when the FDI was acting as the
      prime mover. The amplitude of the MEP recorded from the inactive APB was also
      reduced after the flexion-extension tasks, but to a lesser degree and for a
      shorter duration. Measurements of short-interval cortical inhibition revealed an
      increase in inhibition after all of the finger flexion-extension tasks, with the
      MSR task being associated with the greatest degree of inhibition. These findings
      indicate that a demanding MVR finger movement task is followed by a period of
      reduced corticomotor excitability and increased intracortical inhibition.
      However, these changes also occur with and are greater with slower rates of
      movement and are not specific for motor demand, but may be indicative of adaptive
      changes in the central motor pathway after a period of repetitive movement.

PMID- 22038715
TI  - Caenorhabditis elegans as a model organism to study APP function.
AB  - The brains of Alzheimer's disease patients show an increased number of senile
      plaques compared with normal patients. The major component of the plaques is the
      beta-amyloid peptide, a cleavage product of the amyloid precursor protein (APP).
      Although the processing of APP has been well-described, the physiological
      functions of APP and its cleavage products remain unclear. This article reviews
      the multifunctional roles of an APP orthologue, the C. elegans APL-1.
      Understanding the function of APL-1 may provide insights into the functions and
      signaling pathways of human APP. In addition, the physiological effects of
      introducing human beta-amyloid peptide into C. elegans are also reviewed. The C.
      elegans system provides a powerful genetic model to identify genes regulating the
      molecular mechanisms underlying intracellular beta-amyloid peptide accumulation.

PMID- 22038717
TI  - Continuation tapping to triggered melodies: motor resonance effects of melodic
      motion.
AB  - Common Coding theory predicts that perceived action should resonate in produced
      action to which it bears some resemblance. Here we show that the qualities of
      motion commonly attributed to melodies are instantiated in motor plans that
      control timed movements. Participants attempted to tap a steady beat. Each tap
      triggered a sounded tone, and successive tones were systematically varied in
      pitch to form short melodies. Tapping behavior was monitored with motion capture.
      Although instructed to ignore them, triggered tones systematically affected
      timing and finger movement. When slower melodic motion was implied by a contour
      change or a smaller pitch displacement, the interval-tap interval (ITI) was
      longer. When faster melodic motion was implied by a preserved pitch contour or a
      larger pitch displacement, ITI was shorter. Kinematic recordings suggested that
      ITI Error arose from an initial failure to disambiguate perception (i.e.,
      velocity implied by melodic motion) from action (i.e., finger velocity [FV]).
      Early in the tap trajectory, slower FV was associated with longer ITI and faster
      FV was associated with shorter ITI. These associations were reversed near mid
      trajectory, suggesting a transition from execution of motor planning to online
      control (Glover et al. in Exp Brain Res 154:103-108, 2004).

PMID- 22038719
TI  - Motor synergies for dampening hand vibration during human walking.
AB  - This study investigated the motion required to carry a cup filled with water
      without spilling it, which is a common human dexterous task. This task requires
      the individual to dampen hand vibration while walking. We hypothesize that a
      reduction in hand jerk and a constant cup angle are required to achieve this
      task. We measured movements while human subjects carried a cup with water (WW
      task) and with stones (WS task) using a three-dimensional position measurement
      system and then analyzed joint coordination. We empirically confirmed that the
      value of hand jerk and the variance in cup angle in the WW task were smaller than
      those in the WS task. We used uncontrolled manifold (UCM) analysis to quantify
      joint coordination corresponding to the motor synergy required to reduce the hand
      jerk and variance of the cup angle. UCM components, which did not affect the hand
      jerk and cup angle, were larger than orthogonal components, which directly
      affected the hand jerk and cup angle in the WW task. These results suggest that
      there is a coordinated control mechanism that reduces hand jerk and maintains a
      constant cup angle when carrying a cup filled with water without spilling it. In
      addition, we suggest that humans adopt a flexible and coordinated control
      strategy of allowing variance independent of the variables that should be
      controlled to achieve this dexterous task.

PMID- 22038718
TI  - Multiple neural representations of object-directed action in an imitative
      context.
AB  - Object-directed action consists of aspects that range from low-level kinematic
      patterns to high-level action goals. Although previous studies have suggested
      that the human mirror neuron system (MNS) is involved in understanding or
      imitating an observed action, it is unclear precisely which levels of action
      representation are reflected in MNS activity. In this study, we used an imitation
      matching task, which is previously used in behavioral experiments for infants,
      and fMRI to reveal the neural basis for imitation of multiple representations of
      observed actions. In our experiment, two video footages showing a pen being
      grasped and placed into one of two cups were sequentially presented. The
      participants judged whether an actor's action in the first movie was correctly
      imitated by an imitator in the second movie, regarding the following four
      aspects: action goal, a means of manipulation, an effector used, and movement
      trajectory. Although identical sets of stimuli were presented, different brain
      regions were activated, depending on the matching judgments made by subjects
      between the two actions. The current study indicates that distinct brain regions
      are involved in recognition of multiple aspects of transitive actions, which is
      largely consistent with a visuomotor circuit of action production by the
      observer.

PMID- 22038720
TI  - Importance of binocular vision in foot placement accuracy when stepping onto a
      floor-based target during gait initiation.
AB  - This study investigated the importance of binocular vision to foot placement
      accuracy when stepping onto a floor-based target during gait initiation. Starting
      from stationary, participants placed alternate feet onto targets sequentially
      positioned along a straight travel path with the added constraint that the
      initial target (target 1) could move in the medio-lateral (M-L) direction.
      Repeated trials when target 1 remained stationary or moved laterally at the
      instant of lead-limb toe-off (TO) or 200 ms after TO (early swing) were
      undertaken under binocular and monocular viewing. Catch trials when target 1
      shifted medially were also undertaken. Foot-reach kinematics, foot trajectory
      corrections and foot placement accuracy for the step onto target 1 were
      determined via 3D motion analyses. Peak foot-reach velocity and initial foot
      reach duration were unaffected by vision condition but terminal foot-reach
      duration was prolonged under monocular conditions (p = 0.002). Foot trajectory
      alteration onsets were unaffected by vision condition, but onsets occurred sooner
      when the target shifted in early swing compared to at TO (p = 0.033). M-L foot
      placement accuracy decreased (p = 0.025) and variability increased (p = 0.05)
      under monocular conditions, particularly when stepping onto the moving target.
      There was no difference between vision conditions in A-P foot placement accuracy.
      Results indicate that monocular vision provides sufficient information to
      determine stepping distance and correctly transport the foot towards the target
      but binocular vision is required to attain a precise M-L foot placement;
      particularly so when stepping onto a moving target. These findings are in
      agreement with those found in the reaching and grasping literature, indicating
      that binocular vision is important for end-point precision.

PMID- 22038721
TI  - Getting a grip on illusions: replicating Stottinger et al [Exp Brain Res (2010)
      202:79-88] results with 3-D objects.
AB  - Studies using visual illusions to demonstrate a dissociation within the visual
      system can provide relevant and decisive data only if certain methodological
      points are taken into account. Although, our previous work (Stottinger et al. in
      Exp Brain Res 202:88-97, 2010) followed these points, the task made use of only 2
      D stimuli which may raise doubts concerning the nature of grasping in that
      experiment. We therefore replicated the study using a 3-D version of the empty
      space illusion. Consistent with the earlier study, that used 2-D stimuli, we
      found that grip aperture followed actual target size independent of illusory
      effects, while perceived length, as indicated by finger-thumb span, clearly was
      subject to the illusion. Therefore, the prior results cannot be due to the use of
      2-D stimuli. Together, these two studies provide clear evidence for the
      perception versus action hypothesis.

PMID- 22038722
TI  - Expression of high-molecular-mass neurofilament protein in horse (Equus caballus)
      spinal ganglion neurons.
AB  - Spinal ganglion (SG) neurons are subdivided, on the basis of their cytoplasmic
      aspect at light and electron microscopy, into dark (D) and light (L) neurons.
      Numerous efforts have been made to find specific markers able to identify D and L
      neuronal cytotypes. The isolectin B4 (IB4), utilized to identify nonpeptidergic D
      neurons in mice, unfortunately, has not proved as effective in other species. The
      200-kDa neurofilament protein (NF200) is considered as a typical marker of L
      neurons in the rat, cat, and chick. The aim of this study was to analyze the
      histological, morphometric, and neurochemical characteristic of NF200
      immunoreactive (IR) horse SG neurons, to better characterize them morphologically
      and functionally. NF200-IR neurons showed two levels (strong and weak) of
      staining intensity. Most (84%) strongly stained NF200-IR neurons corresponded to
      L neurons, and showed similar bimodality as in the size distribution study, which
      seems to indicate a third population of neurons, in addition to the two
      populations (small and large) previously identified. In triple-staining
      experiments where NF200 was colocalized with IB4, substance P (SP), and neuronal
      nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) neuronal markers, most NF200-IR neurons were single
      stained. On the contrary, most IB4-, SP-, and nNOS-stained neurons were triple
      labeled and almost equally subdivided between strong and weak NF200-IR with the
      latter being always smaller in size than strong NF200-IR neurons. In conclusion,
      horse SG neurons display significant morphometric and neurochemical differences
      compared with those of rodents.

PMID- 22038723
TI  - Clinicopathological significance and prognostic value of Xeroderma pigmentosum
      complementary group C (XPC) expression in sporadic breast cancer patients.
AB  - Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women worldwide, and the
      incidence of breast cancer is increasing in the developing world. Estrogen
      exposure is a major risk factor for breast cancer, and estrogen oxidative
      metabolites have been implicated in chemical carcinogenesis. Xeroderma
      pigmentosum complementary group C (XPC) plays an important and multifaceted role
      in cell protection from oxidative DNA damage. Thus, XPC inactivation may be
      involved in the early stage of breast cancer. The aim of this study was to
      investigate the expression of XPC protein in sporadic breast cancer tissues and
      determine whether XPC expression influences breast cancer malignancy and clinical
      outcome. Fifteen cases of adjacent non-tumor breast tissue, 28 cases of
      fibroadenomas and 235 cases of breast carcinomas were examined by
      immunohistochemistry using polyclonal antibody to XPC. Both cytoplasmic and
      nuclear expression level of XPC were downregulated in breast carcinoma when
      compared to non-tumor tissues (P < 0.05). The nuclear expression level of XPC was
      significantly associated with expression of BCL2 (r = 0.231, P = 0.033) and p53
      (r = 0.205, P = 0.011), and nuclear expression of XPC was significantly
      associated with patients' age (P = 0.024). Neither cytoplasmic nor nuclear
      expression level of XPC had impact on patients' survival in the whole samples.
      However, XPC expression was correlated with adverse survival in HER2-positive,
      but not HER2-negative, tumors, as demonstrated by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Our
      results suggested that the XPC protein is involved in the occurrence and
      progression of breast cancer.

PMID- 22038724
TI  - Analysis of the specific pathways and networks of prostate cancer for gene
      expression profiles in the Chinese population.
AB  - The global physiological function of specifically expressed genes of prostate
      cancer in Chinese patients is unclear. This study aims to determine the genome
      wide expression of genes related to prostate cancer in the Chinese population.
      Genes that were differentially expressed in prostate cancer were identified using
      DNA microarray technology. Expressions were validated by using real-time PCR. The
      identified genes were analyzed using the ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) to
      investigate the gene ontology, functional pathway and network. A total of 1,444
      genes (Fold time >= 1.5; P <= 0.05) were differentially expressed in prostate
      primary tumor tissue compared with benign tissue. IPA revealed a unique landscape
      where inductions of certain pathways were involved in Cell Cycle Regulation and
      proliferation. Network analysis not only confirmed that protein interactions lead
      to the deregulation of DNA Replication, Recombination and Repair, Cellular
      Compromise and Cell Cycle, Genetic Disorders and Connective Tissue Disorders, but
      it was also observed that many of the genes regulated by Myc contributed to the
      modulation of lipid Metabolism and Nucleic Acid Metabolism. Both pathway and
      network analysis exhibited some remarkable characteristics of prostate cancer for
      Chinese patients, which showed profound differences from that of other non
      Chinese populations. These differences may provide new insights into the
      molecular cascade of prostate cancer that occurs in Chinese patients.

PMID- 22038725
TI  - Characterization of ABL exon 7 deletion by molecular genetic and bioinformatic
      methods reveals no association with imatinib resistance in chronic myeloid
      leukemia.
AB  - In chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), the best characterized imatinib resistance
      mechanisms are BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase domain mutations and clonal evolution, but
      recently alternative splicing of BCR-ABL was also proposed as a mechanism for
      imatinib resistance. Among recently reported BCR-ABL splice variants, exon 7
      deletion (Deltaexon7) was characterized in this study. The frequency of
      Deltaexon7 was investigated in 30 healthy controls and in 76 CML patients at
      different time points of the disease course by four different molecular genetic
      methods (direct sequencing, fragment analysis, allele-specific and quantitative
      PCR). The functionality and viability of the variant protein was tested by
      bioinformatic prediction. The Deltaexon7 was abundantly detected with similar
      frequency in healthy controls, in imatinib naive and resistant CML patients on
      BCR-ABL and also on the nontranslocated ABL. The detection rate of Deltaexon7
      (varying between 17 and 100%) was highly dependent on the expression levels of
      BCR-ABL or ABL and the sensitivity of detection method. According to secondary
      structure prediction by bioinformatic methods, the exon 7 deleted mRNA is a
      target for nonsense-mediated decay, and the translated protein is likely to be
      nonfunctional and unstable. Taken together all the above observations, we
      concluded that Deltaexon7 is a common splice variant not associating with
      imatinib resistance.

PMID- 22038726
TI  - Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma: the effect of initial treatment and
      microvascular density in 31 patients.
AB  - The objectives of this study are to explore the clinical features and treatment
      outcomes and to investigate the correlation between microvessel density (MVD) and
      survival in patients with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL). We
      retrospectively analyzed clinical and follow-up data of 31 patients treated in
      two hospitals during 1995-2009 histologically proven AITL. We also assessed MVD
      in the lump of 31 previously untreated patients using alpha-CD34
      immunohistochemical staining. The median age of the 31 patients was 48 years,
      eighty percent of the patients were in an advanced stage. 67.7% of them had B
      symptoms, with the follow-up of 2-13 years, the 5-year overall survival rate was
      25.8%. The response rates (RR) of CHOP group and COP (cyclophosphamide,
      vincristine and prednisolone) group are 76.5 and 75%, respectively, which is no
      significant difference (P=0.894). RR did not differ whether chemotherapy regimens
      contained anthracycline or not. The 3-year PFS rate for patients who received COP
      and CHOP regimen was 25.4 and 35.3% (P=0.562), while 5-year OS rates were 25.0
      and 29.4%, respectively (P=0.667). The median PFS for patients with high MVD and
      low MVD were 15.1 and 30.0 months (P=0.048), while the median OS were 20 and 45
      months, respectively (P=0.038). Patients who were sensitive to initial
      chemotherapy COP regimen have the similar therapeutic effect to CHOP regimen.
      Patients with high MVD measured in the microenvironment had worse PFS and OS than
      AITL patients with low expression.

PMID- 22038727
TI  - Compensatory and non-compensatory effects on protein expression following BCL-2
      suppression by antisense oligonucleotides.
AB  - Antisense oligonucleotides (oligos) have been employed against in vivo and in
      vitro prostate cancer models targeting growth regulatory proteins. In LNCaP
      cells, we evaluated both monospecific and bispecific oligos that targeted and
      comparably suppressed the expression of bcl-2, an apoptosis inhibitory protein.
      Cells compensated with both suppressed caspase-3 (an apoptosis promoter)
      activity, and an enhancement of both androgen receptor (AR) and p300 expression.
      This suggests that a progression to increased androgen sensitivity accompanies
      bcl-2 suppression, in this tumor line. To further evaluate mechanisms of
      adaptation, we now evaluate the effects upon the expression of insulin-like
      growth factor (IGF1) and another AR coactivator, IL-4, thought to increase
      prostate cancer growth. IGF1 expression was not significantly altered suggesting
      this pathway need not be regulated when bcl-2 directed gene therapy is employed.
      In contrast to increased AR and p300 expression that compensated for bcl-2
      suppression, the AR coactivator IL-4 expression was not increased, suggesting no
      role in any increased androgen sensitivity.

PMID- 22038728
TI  - The early addition of arsenic trioxide versus high-dose arabinoside is more
      effective and safe as consolidation chemotherapy for risk-tailored patients with
      acute promyelocytic leukemia: multicenter experience.
AB  - The purpose of the study was to evaluate event-free survival (EFS), overall
      survival (OS) and safety for early addition of arsenic trioxide (As(2)O(3)) as
      frontline consolidation therapy compared to high-dose arabinoside (HiDAC) in
      adult patients with de novo acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). 271 patients
      (aged 17-65 years) received consolidation therapy containing As(2)O(3) (two 21
      day courses) or HiDAC regimen. EFS at 5 years was 75% versus 54% (P < 0.001), and
      OS at 5 years was 83% versus 71% (P = 0.002) in As(2)O(3) and HiDAC treatment
      arms. 139 patients treated with As(2)O(3), EFS at 5 years reached 79% versus 56%
      (P = 0.014), but OS at 5 years was 77% versus 84% (P = 0.32) in low-risk (WBC <=
      10 * 10(9)/L) and high-risk (WBC > 10 * 10(9)/L) cohorts. Further, patients
      treated with As(2)O(3) rarely incurred agranulocytosis (1.4%, P < 0.001), or
      severe infection (0.7%, P < 0.001). It is still very well tolerated compared to
      HiDAC. We confirmed that As(2)O(3) as a first-line consolidation regimen provided
      significant benefits of OS to patients with APL. The As(2)O(3) regimen made low
      risk patients gain more EFS benefits than high-risk group. The high-risk cohort
      receiving As(2)O(3) overcame the negative impact, yielding OS similar to that for
      with the low-risk patients treated with As(2)O(3).

PMID- 22038729
TI  - Bladder mechanoreceptor changes after artificial bladder outlet obstruction in
      the anesthetized rat.
AB  - AIMS: Experimental animal models of bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) have
      reproduced several features of BOO in man, i.e., detrusor hypertrophy,
      instability, frequency, and residual urine. This study was focused on the
      mechanisms underlying the development of residual urine in patient with benign
      prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) by examining changes in tension sensitivity of
      bladder mechanoreceptors in rat model. METHODS: Female adult Sprague-Dawley rats
      including 12 BOO and 17 sham operated rats were used in this study.
      Cystometrograms together with the bladder afferent activity were recorded.
      Tension sensitivity of the afferents was determined by plotting the normalized
      afferent response against the contraction evoked bladder pressure at different
      volumes. Degree of obstruction was assessed by the wet weight of the bladder at
      the end of the experiment. RESULTS: The bladder weight, maximal bladder capacity,
      micturition threshold volume, peak contraction force, and volume at peak
      contraction force were all significantly increased in obstructed animals. The
      threshold volume for afferent activation was increased (mean 0.60 ml compared to
      0.15 ml in controls; P < 0.001), positively correlated with the bladder weight (r
      = 0.74). The tension sensitivity of the bladder mechanoreceptors and the slope of
      their normalized pressure-response functions were significantly lower at the
      comparable volumes in the obstructed animals. CONCLUSIONS: Rats with BOO had
      bladder mechanoreceptors with higher threshold volumes and lower tension
      sensitivity. Such changes would result in a weaker afferent drive of the
      micturition reflex. Similar changes may contribute to the development of residual
      urine and retention in patients with BOO.

PMID- 22038730
TI  - Pediatric venous thromboembolism in the United States: a tertiary care
      complication of chronic diseases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pediatric venous thromboembolism (VTE) is an increasingly common
      problem. We hypothesized that VTE occurs most commonly in tertiary care settings
      and that the pattern of associated illnesses may have changed from earlier
      reports. METHODS: The Kids' Inpatient Database 2006 was utilized to identify
      children <= 18 years old with in-hospital VTE. Children were identified by the
      presence of thrombosis specific ICD-9-CM diagnosis or procedure codes. Remaining
      ICD-9-CM codes were utilized to categorize patients by acute or chronic illness.
      The incidence of in-hospital VTE by hospital type, age, gender, race, and
      disposition were estimated. RESULTS: Over 4,500 children met the inclusion
      criteria (188/100,000 discharges). Most VTE discharges (67.5%) were from
      children's hospitals (RR 5.09; 95% CI 4.76; 5.44). Underlying chronic illnesses
      were associated with most VTE (76.2%), most commonly: cardiovascular (18.4%),
      malignancy (15.7%), and neuromuscular disease (9.9%). VTE not associated with
      chronic illness were most often idiopathic (12.6%), followed by infections
      (9.5%), and trauma (9.1%). The greatest proportions of children with VTE were
      infants (23.1%) and adolescents (37.8%). However, when standardized against the
      entire database of discharges, infants were least likely to develop VTE (RR 0.48;
      95% CI 0.43; 0.52), while adolescents were at highest risk (RR 1.89; 95% CI 1.73;
      2.07). Hospitalizations ending with death were more likely to include VTE (RR
      6.16; 95% CI 5.32; 7.13). CONCLUSIONS: Pediatric VTE is most commonly seen in
      tertiary care. Adolescents are at greatest risk to develop in-hospital VTE.
      Patients whose hospitalization ended with death are at much greater risk to
      develop VTE.

PMID- 22038731
TI  - PresCont: predicting protein-protein interfaces utilizing four residue
      properties.
AB  - An important task of computational biology is to identify those parts of a
      polypeptide chain, which are involved in interactions with other proteins. For
      this purpose, we have developed the program PresCont, which predicts in a robust
      manner amino acids that constitute protein-protein interfaces (PPIs). PresCont
      reaches state-of-the-art classification quality on the basis of only four residue
      properties that can be readily deduced from the 3D structure of an individual
      protein and a multiple sequence alignment (MSA) composed of homologs. The core of
      PresCont is a support vector machine, which assesses solvent-accessible surface
      area, hydrophobicity, conservation, and the local environment of each amino acid
      on the protein surface. For training and performance testing, we compiled three
      nonoverlapping datasets consisting of permanently formed or transient complexes,
      respectively. A comparison with SPPIDER, ProMate, and meta-PPISP showed that
      PresCont compares favorably with these highly sophisticated programs, and that
      its prediction quality is less dependent on the type of protein complex being
      considered. This balance is due to a mutual compensation of classification
      weaknesses observed for individual properties: For PPIs of permanent complexes,
      solvent-accessible surface and hydrophobicity contribute most to classification
      quality, for PPIs of transient complexes, the assessment of the local environment
      is most significant. Moreover, we show that for permanent complexes a
      segmentation of PPIs into core and rim residues has only a moderate influence on
      prediction quality. PresCont is available as a web service at http://www
      bioinf.uni-regensburg.de/.

PMID- 22038732
TI  - Enhanced recovery of antitumor ganoderic acid T from Ganoderma lucidum mycelia by
      novel chemical conversion strategy.
AB  - The removal of analog impurities with a very small sample size presents a major
      challenge in the purification of high-valued biochemicals such as those derived
      from fermentation or herbs. Ganoderic acid T (GA-T), an antitumor drug candidate,
      is very difficult to purify from the mycelia of medicinal mushroom Ganoderma
      lucidum due to co-purifying analog impurities. A novel pretreatment process with
      three consecutive chemical conversion steps, namely hydrolysis-acetylation
      hydrolysis, was developed to convert two key analog impurities (7-O-ethyl GA-O
      and GA-Mk) to GA-T. It increased the GA-T amount in the 100 g dried mycelia from
      the initial 0.444 g to 1.621 g after the pretreatment, representing an apparent
      yield of 365% for the pretreatment. If the yield basis were the initial GA-T
      amount plus the GA-T amount from 100% conversion of 7-O-ethyl GA-O and GA-Mk in
      the crude extract, the yield, termed adjusted yield for the pretreatment in this
      work, would still reach 90.8%. Furthermore, the subsequent RP-HPLC purification
      was considerably enhanced due to the conversion of the analog impurities. This
      game-changer strategy achieved a daily GA-T throughput of 2.9 g with 95% purity
      (mass based). Even at the laboratory scale, it is now possible to produce a
      sufficient amount of GA-T for small-scale pharmacological and clinical
      evaluations. The approach of converting analog impurities that are otherwise
      difficult to remove to the product in a bioseparation process may be useful to
      achieve enhanced recovery of other medicinally useful natural products.

PMID- 22038733
TI  - Unintended benefit of anabolic steroid use in hemophilia B leiden.

PMID- 22038734
TI  - Catalytic degenerate and nondegenerate oxygen atom transfers employing N2O and
      CO2 and a M(II)/M(IV) cycle mediated by Group 6 M(IV) terminal oxo complexes.

PMID- 22038735
TI  - A topological method for global optimization of clusters: application to (TiO2)n
      (n = 1-6).
AB  - A new topological method is presented to generate the isomer structures of
      compound clusters with well defined covalent bonds. This method, combined with
      density functional theory, has been used to perform global optimization of
      (TiO(2))(n) (n = 1-6) clusters. Our comprehensive search not only reproduces all
      of the known lowest-energy structures reported in previous works but also reveals
      some new low-energy structures. Some energetically unfavorable motifs that induce
      energy penalties are obtained and discussed. Based on the ground state structures
      of the anionic (TiO(2))(n). clusters, the electron affinities and photoelectron
      spectra are simulated and compared with available experimental data.

PMID- 22038736
TI  - Genetic polymorphisms in obesity-related genes and endometrial cancer risk.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Obesity is associated with circulating levels of adiponectin and
      leptin and endometrial cancer risk. Little is known about whether single
      nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the genes that encode adiponectin (ADIPOQ),
      leptin (LEP), adiponectin receptor 1 (ADIPOR1), adiponectin receptor 2 (ADIPOR2),
      and leptin receptor (LEPR) are associated with endometrial cancer. METHODS: The
      authors selected 87 tagging SNPs to capture common genetic variants in these 5
      genes. These SNPs were evaluated in 1028 endometrial cancer cases and 1932
      community controls recruited from Chinese women. Logistic regression models were
      used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs).
      RESULTS: Three of the 10 SNPs evaluated in the ADIPOQ gene were significantly
      associated with reduced cancer risk. The OR for women homozygous for the minor
      allele (A/A) for rs3774262 was 0.68 (95% CI, 0.48-0.97) compared with women
      homozygous for the major allele (G/G). Similar results were found for SNPs
      rs1063539 and rs12629945 in ADIPOQ, which were in linkage disequilibrium with
      rs3774262. These associations became nonsignificant after Bonferroni correction
      was applied. Controls with the minor allele A at rs3774262 had lower weight,
      smaller waist and hip circumferences, and lower body mass index than controls
      with the major allele G (all P < .05). Women homozygous for the minor allele
      (T/T) of rs2071045 in the LEP gene also had significantly lower risk (OR, 0.70;
      95% CI, 0.54-0.90) than women homozygous for the major allele (C/C). No other
      SNPs in the LEP, ADIPOR1, ADIPOR2, or LEPR genes were found to be associated with
      cancer risk. CONCLUSIONS: Although a chance finding cannot be ruled out, the
      consistency of findings for gene-endometrial cancer risk and gene-obesity
      measurements suggests that genetic polymorphisms in the ADIPOQ gene may play a
      role in endometrial cancer development.

PMID- 22038737
TI  - Differential reinforcement and resistance to change of divided-attention
      performance.
AB  - Behavioral momentum theory provides a framework for understanding how conditions
      of reinforcement influence instrumental response strength under conditions of
      disruption (i.e., resistance to change). The present experiment examined
      resistance to change of divided-attention performance when different overall
      probabilities of reinforcement were arranged across two components of a multiple
      schedule. Pigeons responded in a delayed-matching-to-sample procedure with
      compound samples (color + line orientation) and element comparisons (two colors
      or two line orientations). Reinforcement ratios of 1:9, 1:1, and 9:1 for accurate
      matches on the two types of comparison trials were examined across conditions
      using reinforcement probabilities (color/lines) of .9/.1, .5/.5, and .1/.9 in the
      rich component and .18/.02, .1/.1, and .02/.18 in the lean component. Relative
      accuracy with color and line comparisons was an orderly function of relative
      reinforcement, but this relation did not depend on the overall rate of
      reinforcement between components. The resistance to change of divided-attention
      performance was greater for both trial types in the rich component with
      presession feeding and extinction, but not with decreases in sample duration.
      These findings suggest promise for the applicability of quantitative models of
      operant behavior to divided-attention performance, but they highlight the need to
      further explore conditions impacting the resistance to change of attending.

PMID- 22038738
TI  - Human nonverbal discrimination of relative and absolute number.
AB  - The nonverbal discrimination of relative and absolute number of sequential visual
      stimuli was investigated with humans in bisection, reproduction, and report
      tasks. Participants viewed a sequence of 40 red and black objects on each trial,
      randomly intermixed, and had to identify the number of red objects, which varied
      from 1 to 20. To prevent the use of a verbal-counting strategy, participants were
      required to name the objects as they appeared. The characteristics of human
      performance resembled those of pigeons in analogous procedures (Tan & Grace
      Learning and Behavior 38:408-417, 2010; Tan, Grace, Holland, & McLean Journal of
      Experimental Psychology 33:409-427, 2007): Average response number increased
      systematically with sample number, and bisection points were located at the
      arithmetic, not the geometric, mean. Additionally, in both the reproduction and
      report tasks, coefficients of variation decreased for values less than 6 but
      increased or remained constant for larger values, suggesting that different
      representations were used for small and large numbers.

PMID- 22038739
TI  - Effects of down-regulation of microRNA-23a on TNF-alpha-induced endothelial cell
      apoptosis through caspase-dependent pathways.
AB  - AIMS: Endothelial cell injury induced by inflammatory factors plays a critical
      role in the pathogenesis of numerous vascular diseases. MicroRNAs are well known
      to be implicated in cell proliferation and apoptosis in inflammatory responses;
      however, it remains to be determined whether microRNAs are associated with tumour
      necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha-mediated endothelial cell injury. The aim of the
      present study was to investigate the role of microRNAs in TNF-alpha-induced
      endothelial cell apoptosis. METHODS AND RESULTS: Microarrays were used to analyse
      the global expression of microRNAs in TNF-alpha-stimulated human primary
      endothelial cells. Expression profiles of the microRNAs were verified using qRT
      PCR. After TNF-alpha treatment, 12 miRNAs were dramatically up-regulated and nine
      were down-regulated. LNA-anti-miR-23a and pre-miR-23a were found to modulate one
      of the markedly down-regulated miRNAs, miR-23a, which could in turn increase or
      attenuate TNF-alpha-induced endothelial cell apoptosis. Bioinformatics analysis
      suggested that caspase-7 and serine/threonine kinase 4 are potential targets of
      miR-23a. LNA-anti-miR-23a enhanced but pre-miR-23a inhibited the activation of
      caspase-7, serine/threonine kinase 4, and its related signalling caspase-3 after
      TNF-alpha treatment; however, neither pre-miR-23a nor LNA-anti-miR-23a had an
      effect on TNF-alpha-induced Bcl-2 activation. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest
      that miR-23a may be involved in TNF-alpha-induced endothelial cell apoptosis
      through regulation of the caspase-7 and serine/threonine kinase 4-caspase-3
      pathways.

PMID- 22038740
TI  - Role of microRNAs in the reperfused myocardium towards post-infarct remodelling.
AB  - Myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced remodelling generally includes
      cell death (necrosis and apoptosis), myocyte hypertrophy, angiogenesis, cardiac
      fibrosis, and myocardial dysfunction. It is becoming increasingly clear that
      microRNAs (miRNAs or miRs), a group of highly conserved small (~18-24 nucleotide)
      non-coding RNAs, fulfil specific functions in the reperfused myocardium towards
      post-infarct remodelling. While miR-21, -133, -150, -195, and -214 regulate
      cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, miR-1/-133 and miR-208 have been elucidated to
      influence myocardial contractile function. In addition, miR-21, -24, -133, -210, 
      494, and -499 appear to protect myocytes against I/R-induced apoptosis, whereas
      miR-1, -29, -199a, and -320 promote apoptosis. Myocardial fibrosis can be
      regulated by the miR-29 family and miR-21. Moreover, miR-126 and miR-210 augment
      I/R-induced angiogenesis, but miR-24, -92a, and -320 suppress post-infarct
      neoangiogenesis. In this review, we summarize the latest advances in the
      identification of myocardial ischaemia-associated miRNAs and their functional
      significance in the modulation of I/R-triggered remodelling. Controversial
      effects of some miRNAs in post-infarct remodelling will be also discussed.

PMID- 22038741
TI  - PI3Kgamma inhibition reduces blood pressure by a vasorelaxant Akt/L-type calcium
      channel mechanism.
AB  - AIMS: The lipid and protein kinase phosphoinositide 3-kinase gamma (PI3Kgamma) is
      abundantly expressed in inflammatory cells and in the cardiovascular tissue. In
      recent years, its role in inflammation and in cardiac function and remodelling
      has been unravelled, highlighting the beneficial effects of its pharmacological
      inhibition. Furthermore, a role for PI3Kgamma in the regulation of vascular tone
      has been emphasized. However, the impact of this signalling in the control of
      blood pressure is still poorly understood. Our study investigated the effect of a
      selective inhibition of PI3Kgamma, obtained by using two independent small
      molecules, on blood pressure. Moreover, we dissected the molecular mechanisms
      involved in control of contraction of resistance arteries by PI3Kgamma. METHODS
      AND RESULTS: We showed that inhibition of PI3Kgamma reduced blood pressure in
      normotensive and hypertensive mice in a concentration-dependent fashion. This
      effect was dependent on enhanced vasodilatation, documented in vivo by decreased
      peripheral vascular resistance, and ex vivo by vasorelaxing effects on isolated
      resistance vessels. The vasorelaxation induced by PI3Kgamma inhibition relied on
      blunted pressure-induced Akt phosphorylation and a myogenic contractile response.
      Molecular insights revealed that PI3Kgamma inhibition affected smooth muscle L
      type calcium channel current density and calcium influx by impairing plasma
      membrane translocation of the alpha1C L-type calcium channel subunit responsible
      for channel open-state probability. CONCLUSION: Overall our findings suggest that
      PI3Kgamma inhibition could be a novel tool to modulate calcium influx in vascular
      smooth muscle cells, thus relaxing resistance arteries and lowering blood
      pressure.

PMID- 22038742
TI  - Enhanced cardiac PI3Kalpha signalling mitigates arrhythmogenic electrical
      remodelling in pathological hypertrophy and heart failure.
AB  - AIMS: Cardiac hypertrophy and heart failure are associated with QT prolongation
      and lethal ventricular arrhythmias resulting from decreased K(+) current
      densities and impaired repolarization. Recent studies in mouse models of
      physiological cardiac hypertrophy revealed that increased phosphoinositide-3
      kinase-alpha (PI3Kalpha) signalling results in the up-regulation of K(+) channels
      and the normalization of ventricular repolarization. The experiments here were
      undertaken to test the hypothesis that increased PI3Kalpha signalling will
      counteract the adverse electrophysiological remodelling associated with
      pathological hypertrophy and heart failure. METHODS AND RESULTS: In contrast to
      wild-type mice, left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy, induced by transverse aortic
      constriction (TAC), did not result in prolongation of ventricular action
      potentials or QT intervals in mice with cardiac-specific expression of
      constitutively active PI3Kalpha (caPI3Kalpha). Indeed, repolarizing K(+) currents
      and K(+) channel subunit transcripts were increased in caPI3Kalpha + TAC LV
      myocytes in proportion to the TAC-induced cellular hypertrophy. Congestive heart
      failure in a transgenic model of dilated cardiomyopathy model is accompanied by
      prolonged QT intervals and ventricular action potentials, reduced K(+) currents
      and K(+) channel transcripts. Increased PI3Kalpha signalling, but not renin
      angiotensin system blockade, in this model also results in increased K(+)
      currents and improved ventricular repolarization. CONCLUSION: In the setting of
      pathological hypertrophy or heart failure, enhanced PI3Kalpha signalling results
      in the up-regulation of K(+) channel subunits, normalization of K(+) current
      densities and preserved ventricular function. Augmentation of PI3Kalpha
      signalling, therefore, may be a useful and unique strategy to protect against the
      increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias and sudden death associated with
      cardiomyopathy.

PMID- 22038743
TI  - Changes in Notch signaling coordinates maintenance and differentiation of the
      Drosophila larval optic lobe neuroepithelia.
AB  - A dynamic balance between stem cell maintenance and differentiation paces
      generation of post-mitotic progeny during normal development and maintenance of
      homeostasis. Recent studies show that Notch plays a key role in regulating the
      identity of neuroepithelial stem cells, which generate terminally differentiated
      neurons that populate the adult optic lobe via the intermediate progenitor cell
      type called neuroblast. Thus, understanding how Notch controls neuroepithelial
      cell maintenance and neuroblast formation will provide critical insight into the
      intricate regulation of stem cell function during tissue morphogenesis. Here, we
      showed that a low level of Notch signaling functions to maintain the
      neuroepithelial cell identity by suppressing the expression of pointedP1 gene
      through the transcriptional repressor Anterior open. Increased Notch signaling,
      which coincides with transient cell cycle arrest but precedes the expression of
      PointedP1 in cells near the medial edge of neuroepithelia, defines transitioning
      neuroepithelial cells that are in the process of acquiring the neuroblast
      identity. Transient up-regulation of Notch signaling in transitioning
      neuroepithelial cells decreases their sensitivity to PointedP1 and prevents them
      from becoming converted into neuroblasts prematurely. Down-regulation of Notch
      signaling combined with a high level of PointedP1 trigger a synchronous
      conversion from transitioning neuroepithelial cells to immature neuroblasts at
      the medial edge of neuroepithelia. Thus, changes in Notch signaling orchestrate a
      dynamic balance between maintenance and conversion of neuroepithelial cells
      during optic lobe neurogenesis.

PMID- 22038745
TI  - The age of risk: risk perception and determination following the Mental Health
      Act 2007.
AB  - Reforms to the mental health law framework for England and Wales, which were
      introduced by the Mental Health Act 2007, are now having a practical effect on
      day-to-day mental health decision-making. The 2007 Act amends the Mental Health
      Act 1983, which governs the compulsory hospitalisation and treatment of people
      with mental disorder; and represents the culmination of a protracted and
      controversial reform process which has spanned much of the last 15 years. One of
      the key foci in the 2007 Act is the question of the risk posed by the patient,
      primarily to others; a result of both the social and political impetus behind the
      reform process and mounting public anxiety at the management of the mentally
      disordered. The new Act seeks, as with past legislation, to find the elusive
      balance between protecting and facilitating the individual's autonomy while also
      providing an effective framework for the wider public right to protection. The
      2007 Act solidifies the dominance of risk by providing a legitimating framework
      in which risk can be assessed, monitored, and managed. This attitudinal change is
      demonstrated by the gradual and almost insidious adoption of risk terminology
      within the practical decision-making setting and the increasing use of risk
      assessment and management tools. This article is informed by an empirical study
      which examined individual professional and institutional responses to the mental
      health legislation in relation to risk. It examines whether the amended
      legislative framework amplifies risk as an increasingly dominant concern within
      decision-making. The paper then goes on to consider how decision-makers use risk
      to assist with their daily roles. Extrapolated from data obtained through the
      study, several models of risk determination are then discussed. Finally, some
      thought is given to whether the extension of the risk concept has the potential
      to become more fundamental within the organisation and legitimisation of mental
      health care.

PMID- 22038744
TI  - Subtrochanteric fractures in bisphosphonate-naive patients: results from the
      HORIZON-recurrent fracture trial.
AB  - Our purpose was to characterize the risks of osteoporosis-related subtrochanteric
      fractures in bisphosphonate-naive individuals. Baseline characteristics of
      patients enrolled in the HORIZON-Recurrent Fracture Trial with a study-qualifying
      hip fracture were examined, comparing those who sustained incident
      subtrochanteric fractures with those sustaining other hip fractures. Subjects
      were bisphosphonate-naive or had a bisphosphonate washout period of 6-24 months
      and subsequently received an annual infusion of zoledronic acid 5 mg or placebo
      after low-trauma hip-fracture repair. In total, 2,127 men and women were
      included. Of the qualifying hip fractures, 5.2% were subtrochanteric, 54.8%
      femoral neck, 33.0% intertrochanteric, and 7.1% other (generally complex
      fractures of mixed type). Significant baseline (pre-hip fracture) differences
      were seen between index hip-fracture types, with the percentage of patients with
      extreme mobility problems being twofold higher in patients with index
      subtrochanteric fracture (9.9%) compared to other patients. The distribution of
      hip-fracture types was similar between the treatment groups at baseline. No
      patients with index subtrochanteric fractures and six patients with other
      qualifying hip fractures reported prior bisphosphonate use. Only one further
      subtrochanteric fracture occurred in each treatment group over an average 2-year
      patient follow-up. Subtrochanteric fractures are not uncommon in bisphosphonate
      naive patients. Extreme difficulties with mobility may be a unique risk factor
      predisposing to development of incident subtrochanteric fractures rather than
      other types of hip fracture. In patients with recent hip fracture who received
      zoledronic acid therapy, the incidence of new subtrochanteric fractures was too
      small to draw any meaningful conclusions.

PMID- 22038746
TI  - Detention and treatment down under: human rights and mental health laws in
      Australia and New Zealand.
AB  - Mental health law reform in recent decades has drawn on the international human
      rights movement. The entering into force of the Convention on the Rights of
      Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) on May 3 2008 has been hailed by some as
      signalling a new era in relation to how domestic mental health laws should be
      reformed. Both Australia and New Zealand have ratified the CRPD and Australia has
      acceded to its Optional Protocol. New Zealand and the Australian Capital
      Territory and Victoria have statutory bills of rights which have an interpretive
      effect, but are unable to render other statutes invalid. Drawing on the results
      of interviews conducted with fifty-two representatives of consumer and carer
      organisations, lawyers, and mental health professionals across Australia and New
      Zealand, this paper examines the current thinking on human rights and mental
      health laws in these countries and outlines what changes, if any, may be brought
      to domestic legislation in light of the Convention.

PMID- 22038747
TI  - Anti-social behaviour in a large Irish teaching hospital.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anti-social behaviour affects staff physically and psychologically
      and has financial implications. More information on its occurrence is required
      for effective risk management. AIMS: We undertook to audit the complete dataset
      on anti-social behaviour in an urban Irish hospital. METHODS: Data, collected
      from computerised incident reports between January 2005 and December 2008, were
      analysed with respect to date, location, incident type, person affected, type and
      severity of injury. RESULTS: There were 3,727 incidents over 4 years, with
      numbers rising annually at the approximate rate of 20%. Most involved nursing
      staff. Incidents occurred primarily on medical and surgical wards and were
      usually classified as minor. Physical or verbal assaults were most frequently
      reported. CONCLUSION: Anti-social behaviour appears to be increasing. Certain
      wards and categories of healthcare professionals are at particular risk. More
      research is required to explain factors leading to such behaviour and optimum
      strategies for its active management.

PMID- 22038748
TI  - Guidelines reduce time to consultation for a liaison psychiatry service in an
      Irish teaching hospital.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Timeliness of response from referral to consultation is necessary to
      provide best standards of care to inpatients in the general hospital setting.
      AIMS: To measure the length of time from referral to consultation in a liaison
      psychiatry service, and improve service delivery by introducing guidelines for
      time to consultation. METHODS: Time to consultation was measured on all patients
      presenting to a liaison psychiatry consultation service over an initial 6-month
      period, with subsequent repeat measurement following the introduction of
      guidelines. RESULTS: There were significant reductions for time to consultation
      in the service for the second cycle of the audit (chi(2) = 43.84, P < 0.001), and
      targets based on international standards were achieved. CONCLUSIONS: Introduction
      of guidelines for time to consultation, may improve response times, leading to
      improved quality of service for inpatient consultation services.

PMID- 22038749
TI  - Rapid, early and sustained virological responses in a cohort of Irish patients
      treated with pegylated interferon and ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C virus
      infection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The response to the treatment with pegylated interferon (PEG IFN)
      alpha combined with ribavirin in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection varies
      with some patients having a rapid or early response which is not sustained. AIMS:
      To investigate the rates of rapid virological response (RVR), early virological
      response (EVR) and sustained virological response (SVR) in an Irish cohort of HCV
      infected patients receiving IFN-alpha/ribavirin. METHODS: Rates of RVR, EVR and
      SVR were examined in 123 patients undergoing standard treatment for chronic HCV
      infection between 2001 and 2007 at a Dublin Teaching Hospital. RESULTS: The rates
      of RVR, EVR and SVR in genotype 1 patients were 48, 68 and 50%, while in genotype
      2/3 patients they were 87, 93 and 87%, respectively. The positive predictive
      values (PPV) of RVR for SVR in genotype 1 and genotype 2/3 patients were 90 and
      92.4%, respectively. CONCLUSION: The rates of response to PEG     IFN
      alpha/ribavirin in Irish patients are consistent with other international
      reports. We support the regular monitoring of rapid and early virological
      response as a standard of care in treating chronic hepatitis C patients.

PMID- 22038750
TI  - Initial experience of double-layer tension free reconstruction of abdominal wall
      defects with porcine acellular dermal collagen implant and polypropylene mesh.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND AIM: Various techniques have been proposed for the repair of
      abdominal wall defects (AWD) with varying rates of success. Despite the
      development of new materials and modifications of surgical technique, no single
      approach has emerged as the optimum way to close large AWD. We report a method
      for repairing large incisional and recurrent abdominal wall hernias using a
      double-mesh technique. The defect is closed using an underlay biological implant
      and an onlay synthetic mesh, which is 'quilted' to the underlying abdominal wall
      and biological implant. The current study reports our initial experience with
      this approach in ten consecutive patients operated on for large AWD. METHODS: In
      this prospective observational study the following data were collected: age,
      gender, previous surgery, co-morbidities, situation and size of the defect,
      antibiotic therapy, hospital stay, postoperative complications and bacteriology
      in case of infection. The patients were reviewed at 1, 3 and 6 months, and 1-year
      postsurgery. RESULTS: Overall all ten AWD of >= 75 cm(2) were reconstructed
      successfully using the quilting technique. Median age of patients was 61 years
      (range 47-73 years); male:female ratio was 3:2 and median weight was 107.5 kg.
      Two patients developed a wound infection and were treated successfully with
      antibiotics. At median follow-up of 15.5 months (range 6-29 months) there was no
      case of recurrence. CONCLUSION: The use of double-layer of porcine acellular
      dermal collagen implant and polypropylene mesh in reconstruction of AWD can be
      considered a safe and effective treatment. The early short-term results are
      encouraging with few complications.

PMID- 22038751
TI  - Insulin.

PMID- 22038752
TI  - An analysis of vascular surgery in elderly patients to determine whether age
      affects treatment strategy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The incidence of arterial disease increases with age. Increasing life
      expectancy in the western world will intensify demands on vascular surgeons with
      regard to increasing caseload, expanding patient selection criteria, and more
      complex and minimally-invasive treatment options. We analysed our arterial cases
      over the past 31 years (n = 6,144) and compared our methods of intervention and
      complication rates in the elderly population (>75) with the younger cohort, in
      order to determine whether age should influence our management strategies.
      METHODS: Data were collected prospectively on all arterial cases from 1978 to
      2009. Methods of intervention and corresponding complication rates in the over
      and under 75-year-old cohorts were analyzed utilizing Fisher's exact test to
      calculate two-sided p values, relative risks and 95% confidence intervals.
      RESULTS: Endovascular management has evolved to become the first line approach
      for all arterial cases (except carotid disease). Age was a significant risk
      factor for death and MI for the open procedures of AAA repair (p = 0.049 and p =
      0.007, respectively), aorto-bifemoral reconstruction (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.006)
      and lower limb bypass (p = 0.01 and p < 0.001). For endovascular procedures, age
      did not impact on MI rate for EVAR (p = 0.78) or death rates for EVAR (p = 0.46),
      iliac angioplasty (p = 0.62) or lower limb angioplasty (p = 0.29). CONCLUSION: A
      paradigm shift has occurred towards endovascular management of aortic, iliac and
      femoral arterial disease. Whilst patient age >75 significantly impacts on
      complication rates from index open vascular procedures, age does not impact upon
      complication rates of corresponding endovascular procedures. We, therefore,
      recommend an endovascular approach be adopted as first line for all patients,
      regardless of patient age.

PMID- 22038753
TI  - Results availability from clinical research of female urinary incontinence.
AB  - AIMS: To ascertain possible publication bias by examining the completeness and
      publication of studies on nonsurgical treatments for female urinary incontinence
      (UI). METHODS: We analyzed information about studies from several trial
      registries through May 2010. We searched Medline using study registration
      identifiers to determine publication status, and compared percentages of
      completed and published studies by study and subject characteristics. RESULTS:
      Among the 166 closed studies, we found 120 completed (73%), 12 terminated (7%), 3
      withdrawn (2%), and 4 (2%) that provided no reasons for noncompletion. Only 17%
      of closed registered studies (28/166 studies) were published in peer-reviewed
      journals; publication that did occur was an average of 2.2 years after study
      completion. The proportion of studies published did not increase over time.
      Studies sponsored by industry were published less often than those funded by NIH
      (OR = 0.04; 95%CI: 0.004-0.38). Drug studies were published less often than
      studies of other interventions (OR = 0.22; 95%CI: 0.05-0.96). Of the 166 closed
      studies, 7 (4%) posted results on the ClinicalTrials.gov website. Of Phases III
      and IV trials, 7% and 3% posted results, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The absence
      of results from a substantial proportion of conducted studies suggests that
      treatment decisions for women with UI are based on selected rather than
      comprehensive evidence of benefits and harms. Regulatory policy for clinical
      research should guarantee availability of the outcomes for the public,
      clinicians, and policymakers.

PMID- 22038754
TI  - Assembly of graphene oxide-enzyme conjugates through hydrophobic interaction.
AB  - Biochemical and biomedical applications of graphene oxide (GO) critically rely on
      the interaction of biomolecules with it. It has been previously reported that the
      biological activity of the GO-enzyme conjugate decreases due to electrostatic
      interaction between the enzymes and GO. Herein, the immobilization of horseradish
      peroxidase (HRP) and oxalate oxidase (OxOx) on chemically reduced graphene oxide
      (CRGO) are reported. The enzymes can be adsorbed onto CRGO directly with a
      tenfold higher enzyme loading than that on GO, and maximum enzyme loadings reach
      1.3 and 12 mg mg(-1)  for HRP and OxOx, respectively. Significantly, the more
      CRGO is reduced, the higher the enzyme loading. The CRGO-HRP conjugates also
      exhibit higher enzyme activity and stability than GO-HRP. Excellent properties of
      the CRGO-enzyme conjugates are attributed to hydrophobic interaction between the
      enzymes and the CRGO. The hydrophobic interaction mode of the CRGO-enzyme
      conjugates can be applied to other hydrophobic proteins, and thus could
      dramatically improve the performance of immobilized proteins. The results
      indicate that CRGO is a potential substrate for efficient enzyme immobilization,
      and is an ideal candidate as a macromolecule carrier and biosensor.

PMID- 22038755
TI  - MRT letter: Expression of ATP sensor protein in Caenorhabditis elegans.
AB  - Adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) is the major energy currency and is involved in
      many biological processes. The ATP-monitoring system for cells in animals can be
      helpful to study the relationship between energy metabolism and biological
      processes. The fluorescent ATP biosensor ATeam (ATP indicator based on Epsilon
      subunit for Analytical Measurements), which has been reported to monitor ATP
      levels in cultured cells on the basis of fluorescence resonance energy transfer
      (FRET), was introduced into nematodes by microinjection and UV-irradiation
      method. To confirm whether ATeam functions as an ATP sensor in nematode cells,
      the authors measured FRET of ATeam in cells of transgenic nematode. The ATeam was
      expressed in target cells in nematode. In vulva cells, ATP levels in the cytosol
      were higher than those in mitochondria. ATeam also sensed ATP level change in
      cultured cells from the transgenic nematode. These experiments indicated that
      ATeam is available for detection of changes in ATP levels in nematode cells.

PMID- 22038757
TI  - Mild isolated craniosynostosis due to a novel FGFR3 mutation, p.Ala334Thr.
AB  - Craniosynostosis is the premature fusion of one or more sutures of the skull,
      which can be syndromic or isolated. Mutations in FGFR1, FGFR2, or FGFR3, among
      others, are often responsible for these syndromic cases. The associated of FGFR3
      mutations with craniosynostosis has been restricted to three mutations, the
      common p.Pro250Arg in Muenke syndrome, p.Ala391Glu in Crouzon syndrome with
      acanthosis nigricans, and p.Pro250Leu identified in a family with isolated
      craniosynostosis. Other FGFR3 mutations result in various skeletal dysplasias:
      achondroplasia, hypochondroplasia, and thanatophoric dysplasia. Here, we report a
      novel mutation in exon 8 (IIIc) of FGFR3, p.Ala334Thr, in a young boy with mild
      craniosynostosis. The mutation segregated with mild craniosynostosis in the
      family and was absent in 188 normal controls. Alanine 334 is evolutionarily
      conserved in vertebrates and is located at the amino terminus of the betaF loop
      in the FGFR3c isoform. The mutation is predicted to alter the protein tertiary
      structure which may impair its binding to its ligand, FGF1. The identification of
      a mutation in these clinically heterogeneous disorders can aid recurrence risk
      assessments. Although the implementation of a stepwise screening strategy is
      useful in diagnostics, mutations in unscreened regions of genes associated with
      craniosynostosis may explain a small proportion of craniosynostosis cases.

PMID- 22038756
TI  - Adipokines: biofactors from white adipose tissue. A complex hub among
      inflammation, metabolism, and immunity.
AB  - Until the identification of leptin, the first adipokine discovered in 1994,
      adipose tissue was considered only as an energy storage tissue. However, it is
      now clear that adipose tissue is an endocrine/paracrine/autocrine organ, which
      plays a relevant role in physiopathology of several inflammatory diseases.
      Actually, it is mainly involved not only in the low-grade inflammatory status in
      obesity but also in other relevant inflammatory conditions and autoimmune
      disorders. In this review article, we discuss the main biological activities of
      leptin, adiponectin, lipocalin-2, resistin, and visfatin, as well as their
      contributions to certain inflammatory conditions.

PMID- 22038758
TI  - The interprotein scoring noises in glide docking scores.
AB  - Small molecule drugs are rarely selective enough to interact solely with their
      designated targets. Unintended "off-target" interactions often lead to side
      effects, but also serendipitously lead to new therapeutic uses. Identification of
      the off-targets of a compound is therefore of significant value to the evaluation
      of its developmental potential. In computational biology, the strategy of
      "reverse docking" has been introduced to predict the targets of a compound, which
      uses a compound to virtually screen a library of proteins, reversing the bait and
      prey in "normal" docking screenings. The present study shows that, in reverse
      docking, additional optimization of the scoring function may help to improve the
      target prediction accuracy. In a case study with the Glide scores, we found that
      only 57% of the ligand-protein relationships could be correctly identified in a
      library of 58 complexes whose crystal binding conformations were all able to be
      accurately reproduced. This was likely a result of the constant over- or under
      estimation of the scores for specific proteins. In other words, there were
      interprotein noises in the Glide scores. Introducing a correction term based on
      protein characteristics improved the target-prediction accuracy by 27% (57-72%).
      It is our hope that this focused discussion on the Glide scores would invite
      further efforts to characterize and normalize this type of interprotein noises in
      all docking scores, so that better target prediction accuracy can be achieved
      with the strategy of reverse docking.

PMID- 22038759
TI  - 'Upcycling' organic waste in a world of thinly distributed resources.

PMID- 22038760
TI  - Clinical relevance of murine double minute 2 single nucleotide polymorphisms 309
      in familial myeloproliferative neoplasm.

PMID- 22038762
TI  - Dinucleating naphthyridine-based ligand for assembly of bridged dicopper(I)
      centers: three-center two-electron bonding involving an acetonitrile donor.

PMID- 22038761
TI  - Castration-resistant prostate cancer: many treatments, many options, many
      challenges ahead.
AB  - Although the long natural history of prostate cancer presents challenges in the
      development of novel therapeutics, major contributions have been observed
      recently. A better understanding of the long-term complications of androgen
      deprivation has changed the initial approach to most patients with advanced
      disease. Specifically, recognition of the limitations of prostate-specific
      antigen has driven the pursuit of new tools capable of becoming true surrogates
      for disease outcome. Understanding the molecular biology of castration-resistant
      prostate cancer (CRPC) has led to a dramatic paradigm shift in the treatment of
      patients with metastatic disease where the androgen receptor becomes a central
      therapeutic target. Specific adrenal inhibitors and engineered super androgen
      receptor inhibitors have become the most promising agents in the disease. Novel
      immune therapies have been shown to improve survival in selected patients with
      castration-resistant disease despite the inability to impact traditional markers
      of response. Similarly, agents such as cabazitaxel and abiraterone acetate have
      demonstrated clinical benefit are now a standard of care in docetaxel-refractory
      metastatic CRPC patients. All these changes have occurred in a relatively short
      period and are likely to change the prostate cancer treatment paradigm. This
      review summarizes the current management of CRPC and discusses potential future
      directions.

PMID- 22038763
TI  - Metabolic profiling of beta-cryptoxanthin and its fatty acid esters by
      supercritical fluid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass
      spectrometry.
AB  - In this study, a high-throughput and high-sensitivity profiling system for beta
      cryptoxanthin (betaCX) and beta-cryptoxanthin fatty acid ester (betaCXFA) was
      constructed by supercritical fluid chromatography (SFC) coupled with triple
      quadrupole mass spectrometry (QqQMS). betaCX and nine betaCXFAs were successfully
      separated within 20 min using a column packed with octadecylsilyl-bonded silica
      particles. The limit of detection was 540 fmol for the free form and 32-130 fmol
      for the esterified forms. These results demonstrate that both the throughput and
      the sensitivity of this SFC-QqQMS system are considerably higher than those of
      conventional methods. When this system was applied for the analysis of Citrus
      unshiu, betaCX and five betaCXFAs were directly detected with much simpler sample
      pre-preparation. The analysis of other citrus fruits indicated that the betaCXFA
      profiles varied with their breed variety. Furthermore, gas chromatography-mass
      spectrometry was used to analyze total fatty acid profiles in C. unshiu, and the
      results revealed that the profiles of fatty acids located in betaCXFA were
      distinct. This is the first report on the analysis of betaCX and its fatty acid
      derivatives by SFC-QqQMS. The profiling system developed in this study will be a
      powerful tool for investigating xanthophyll fatty acid esters.

PMID- 22038764
TI  - Genomics really gets personal: how exome and whole genome sequencing challenge
      the ethical framework of human genetics research.
AB  - Exome sequencing (ES) and whole genome sequencing (WGS) putatively identify all
      adverse functional alleles of protein-coding genes. Accordingly, while ES/WGS are
      transformative new tools for gene discovery in human and medical genetics
      research, they also generate new manifestations of ethical issues related to the
      consent process, data sharing, and return of results. These manifestations have
      yet to be comprehensively framed, due in part to the rapidity with which new
      technologies for ES/WGS are being applied and because of a lack of empirical data
      to provide guidance. Accordingly, researchers, funding agencies, and policy
      makers have largely dealt with these issues intuitively. We explain how use of
      ES/WGS challenges: (i) models under which informed consent is typically obtained;
      (ii) how harms associated with data sharing are considered; and (iii) the nature
      of obligations surrounding unanticipated findings. We provide broad guidance
      about interim ways to contend with these issues and make broad recommendations
      for areas for novel resource and policy development.

PMID- 22038765
TI  - Correlation of right frontal hypoperfusion and urinary dysfunction in iNPH: a
      SPECT study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To elucidate the pathophysiology of urinary dysfunction in idiopathic
      normal-pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH) by single-photon emission computed
      tomography (SPECT) and statistical brain mapping. METHODS: Urinary symptoms were
      observed and N-isopropyl-p-[(123)I]-iodoamphetamine (IMP)-SPECT imaging was
      performed in 97 patients with clinico-radiologically definite iNPH. The patients
      included 56 men and 41 women; mean age, 74 years. The statistical difference in
      normalized mean tracer counts was calculated and visualized between patients with
      urinary dysfunction of severer degrees (>grade 2/4) and milder degrees (<grade
      1/4) according to the urinary subscales of the iNPH grading scales. RESULTS:
      There was a significant decrease in tracer activity in the right-side-dominant
      bilateral frontal cortex and the left inferior temporal gyrus in the severe
      urinary dysfunction group (P < 0.05). In order to minimize the effects of gait
      and cognitive dysfunction, we performed similar analysis among subjects with
      little or no such dysfunction, and obtained the same results (P < 0.05) as
      described above. CONCLUSIONS: Urinary dysfunction was found to be closely related
      with right frontal hypoperfusion in iNPH using [(123) I]-IMP SPECT. This right
      frontal area is one of the critical areas for regulating micturition. While
      secondary incontinence can result from gait disturbance or dementia, there may
      also be a neurogenic mechanism underlying urinary dysfunction, which is a
      significant burden in patients with iNPH and their caregivers.

PMID- 22038766
TI  - Mutational analysis of m-values as a strategy to identify cold-resistant
      substructures of the protein ensemble.
AB  - Characterizing the native ensemble of protein is an important yet difficult
      objective of structural biology. The structural dynamics of protein
      macromolecules play key roles in biological function, but the short lifetimes and
      low population of near-native states of the protein ensemble limit their ability
      to be studied directly. In part to address such issues, it was shown recently
      that the cooperative substructures that populate a protein ensemble could be
      ascertained by NMR methods performed at very cold temperatures. What is presented
      here is an argument that these same substructures can also be determined by
      denaturant-induced unfolding studies performed on protein at room temperature.
      Data supporting this argument are given for Staphylococcal nuclease, chymotrypsin
      inhibitor 2, and ubiquitin. The observation of an agreement between the
      thermodynamics of the protein ensemble simulated under very cold temperatures to
      the apparent sensitivity of the ensemble to chemical denaturants at room
      temperature also suggests that the overall structural-thermodynamic character of
      an ensemble is surprisingly robust and preserved even in the presence of strong
      denaturing conditions.

PMID- 22038768
TI  - The Weald of Kent: Darwin hesitated to Ussher in a better date.

PMID- 22038769
TI  - Female contributions to the peaceful nature of bonobo society.
AB  - Although chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) and bonobos (Pan paniscus) are closely
      related, females of the two species show surprisingly large differences in many
      behavioral aspects. While female chimpanzees tend to range alone or in small
      parties during non-estrous periods, female bonobos aggregate even more often than
      do males. Female chimpanzees do not have frequent social interactions with other
      females, whereas female bonobos maintain close social associations with one
      another. Although the ranging patterns of chimpanzee parties are generally led by
      males, female bonobos often take the initiative in ranging behavior. While female
      chimpanzees usually do not exhibit estrus during postpartum amenorrhea or
      pregnancy, female bonobos exhibit a prolonged pseudo-estrus during such non
      conceptive periods. Studies of these two species have also shown great
      differences in agonistic behaviors performed by males. Male chimpanzees
      frequently fight with other males to compete for estrous females, but male
      bonobos seldom do so. While there are many records of infanticide by male
      chimpanzees, there is no confirmed record of such an event among bonobos. Several
      cases of within-group killing among adult male chimpanzees have been reported,
      but there is no such record for bonobos. While intergroup conflicts among
      chimpanzees sometimes involve killing members of the other group, intergroup
      conflicts among bonobos are considerably more moderate. In some cases, bonobos
      from two different groups may even range together for several days while engaging
      in various peaceful interactions. I will address two important questions that
      arise from these comparisons, exploring why females of such closely related
      species show such clear differences in behavior and whether or not the behavioral
      characteristics of female bonobos contribute to the peaceful nature of bonobo
      society.

PMID- 22038770
TI  - Understanding dimorphism as a function of changes in male and female traits.
AB  - I once received a review of a manuscript that took exception to the analysis of
      sexual dimorphism because the phenomenon is reified from independent changes in
      male and female characters. The reviewer was both right and wrong. Sexual
      dimorphism, a difference between males and females of a species in any
      anatomical, physiological, or behavioral character, is real in the sense that it
      reflects some underlying difference between the sexes. The fact that the
      magnitude of these differences varies among species in a measurable and constant
      way suggests that the phenomenon has a biological basis. But it is also true that
      dimorphism is a product of independent changes in male and female traits. It is
      becoming more and more apparent that a complete understanding of the phenomenon
      of sexual dimorphism can be achieved only by understanding variation in the
      factors that affect both male and female traits, and the potentially different
      responses to those factors in each sex.

PMID- 22038771
TI  - Inulin stimulates phagocytosis of PMA-treated THP-1 macrophages by involvement of
      PI3-kinases and MAP kinases.
AB  - Inulin is a polysaccharide that enhances various immune responses, mainly to T
      and B cells, natural killer cells, and macrophages in vivo and in vitro. Previous
      reports describe that inulin activates macrophages indirectly by affecting the
      alternative complement pathway. In this study, we examined the direct effect of
      inulin on PMA-treated THP-1 macrophages. Inulin treatment did not stimulate the
      proliferation of THP-1 macrophages at all. However, inulin treatment
      significantly increased phagocytosis of the polystyrene beads without the
      influence of serum. Doses of around 1 mg/mL had the maximal effect, and
      significant progression of phagocytosis occurred at times treated over 6 h.
      Inulin augmented phagocytosis not only with polystyrene beads but also with
      apoptotic cancer cells. The inulin-induced phagocytosis uptake was suppressed in
      Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 mutated C3H/HeJ mice peritoneal macrophages. Moreover,
      inulin-induced THP-1 macrophage TNF-alpha secretion was inhibited using a
      blocking antibody specific to TLR4, suggesting that TLR4 is involved in the
      binding of inulin to macrophages. Furthermore, we used specific kinase inhibitors
      to assess the involvement of inulin-induced phagocytosis and revealed that
      phosphoinositide 3-kinase and mitogen-activated protein kinase, especially p38,
      participated in phagocytosis. These results suggest that inulin affects
      macrophages directly by involving the TLR4 signaling pathway and stimulating
      phagocytosis for enhancing immunomodulation.

PMID- 22038772
TI  - A strange case of ingrowing toe nails.

PMID- 22038773
TI  - Patterns of care and treatment outcomes for elderly women with cervical cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is common in the elderly. The authors examined the
      patterns of care, treatment, and outcomes of elderly women with cervical cancer.
      METHODS: Women with cervical cancer diagnosed between 1988 and 2005 and
      registered in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database were
      analyzed. Patients were stratified by age: <50, 50 to 59, 60 to 69, 70 to 79, and
      >=80 years. Multivariate logistic regression models were constructed to examine
      treatment; cancer-specific survival was examined using Cox proportional hazards
      models. RESULTS: A total of 28,902 women were identified, including 2543 women 70
      to 79 years old and 1364 >=80 years. For women with early stage (IB1-IIA) tumors,
      primary surgery was performed in 82.0% of women <50 years old compared with 54.5%
      of those 70 to 79 years old and 33.2% of those >=80 years old (P < .0001). For
      women treated surgically, lymphadenectomy was performed in 66.8% of women <50
      years old versus 9.1% of patients >=80 years old (P < .0001). Compared with
      patients <50 years old, those >80 years old were less likely to undergo radical
      hysterectomy (odds ratio [OR], 0.10; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.07-0.14) and
      lymphadenectomy (OR, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.08-0.16) and to receive adjuvant radiation
      therapy (OR, 0.06; 95% CI, 0.01-0.35). Among women with stage IIB-IVA disease,
      use of brachytherapy declined with age (P < .0001). For women with stage IB1-IIA
      tumors, the hazard ratio for death from cancer was 1.35 (95% CI, 1.16-1.58) for
      women 70 to 79 years old and 2.08 (95% CI, 1.72-2.48) for those >=80 years old
      compared with younger women. CONCLUSIONS: Elderly women with cervical cancer are
      less likely to undergo surgery, receive adjuvant radiation, and receive
      brachytherapy. After adjusting for treatment disparities, cancer-specific
      mortality is higher in older women.

PMID- 22038775
TI  - Induced-fit binding of a polyproline helix by a beta-hairpin peptide.

PMID- 22038776
TI  - The level of cortical afferent inhibition in acute stroke correlates with long
      term functional recovery in humans.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Using transcranial magnetic stimulation, we investigated
      short-interval intracortical inhibition and short-latency afferent inhibition in
      acute ischemic stroke. METHODS: We evaluated short-interval intracortical
      inhibition and short-latency afferent inhibition in the affected hemisphere and
      unaffected hemisphere in 16 patients and correlated electrophysiological
      parameters with outcome at 6 months. RESULTS: Affected hemisphere short-latency
      afferent inhibition was significantly reduced in patients, and short-latency
      afferent inhibition level correlated with functional outcome. CONCLUSIONS:
      Reduced afferent inhibition in acute stroke correlates with long-term recovery.

PMID- 22038777
TI  - Human pluripotent stem cells for disease modelling and drug screening.
AB  - Considerable hope surrounds the use of disease-specific pluripotent stem cells to
      generate models of human disease allowing exploration of pathological mechanisms
      and search for new treatments. Disease-specific human embryonic stem cells were
      the first to provide a useful source for studying certain disease states. The
      recent demonstration that human somatic cells, derived from readily accessible
      tissue such as skin or blood, can be converted to embryonic-like induced
      pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) has opened new perspectives for modelling and
      understanding a larger number of human pathologies. In this review, we examine
      the opportunities and challenges for the use of disease-specific pluripotent stem
      cells in disease modelling and drug screening. Progress in these areas will
      substantially accelerate effective application of disease-specific human
      pluripotent stem cells for drug screening.

PMID- 22038778
TI  - An efficient combination of supercritical fluid extraction and high-speed counter
      current chromatography to extract and purify (E)- and (Z)-diastereomers of alpha
      asarone and beta-asarone from Acorus tatarinowii Schott.
AB  - In this study, supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) was used to extract essential
      oil from Acorus tatarinowii Schott under the pressure of 25 MPa and temperature
      of 35 degrees C. Two (E)- and (Z)-diastereomers of alpha-asarone and beta-asarone
      were separated and purified by high-speed counter-current chromatography (HSCCC)
      with a two-phase solvent system composed of n-hexane-ethyl acetate-methanol-water
      (1:0.2:1:0.3, v/v). The separation yielded a total of 39 mg of alpha-asarone and
      463 mg of beta-asarone from 1.0 g of essential oil in one-step separation with
      the purity of 98.9 and 99.1%, respectively, as determined by HPLC. The chemical
      structures of these compounds were identified by EI-MS, (1)H-, and (13)C-NMR.

PMID- 22038779
TI  - Evidence of central modulation of bladder compliance during filling phase.
AB  - AIMS: Bladder compliance is one expression of the pressure and volume
      relationship as the bladder fills. In addition to passive elements, autonomous
      micromotional detrusor activity contributes to this relationship. In the mouse
      cystometric model, compliance pressure contributes to voiding expulsive pressure.
      During attempts to isolate the detrusor contractile component of this filling
      pressurization, we found that compliance reversibly diminishes under conditions
      which remove central control from the micturition cycle. METHODS: Ten mature
      female mice underwent constant infusion pressure/flow cystometry under urethane
      anesthesia, and five awake mature female mice underwent constant infusion
      pressure cystometry. Following baseline cystometry, all mice were anesthetized
      with isoflurane to abolish the micturition reflex, and cystometry conducted with
      manual emptying of the bladders. Animals were then allowed to recover from
      isoflurane to re-establish the micturition reflex, and cystometry again
      conducted. The urethane group was also studied immediately post-mortem. Repeated
      measures comparisons of cystometric parameters were made across conditions.
      RESULTS: Compliance reversibly decreased in all mice with the abolishment of
      micturition responses by isoflurane anesthesia. A similar decrease was observed
      immediately post-mortem in the urethaned mice. Bladder filling and voiding were
      not different between the intact micturition segments of the testing.
      CONCLUSIONS: Enhanced compliance in mice with intact micturition responses
      suggests that autonomous micromotional activity is suppressed by central
      processes during normal filling. Since afferent activity during filling is also
      determined by the relationship between bladder pressure and volume, a feed
      forward afferent signal conditioning mechanism may exist, creating novel
      therapeutic targets for urinary dysfunctions.

PMID- 22038780
TI  - Developmental plasticity and the origin of novel forms: unveiling cryptic genetic
      variation via "use and disuse".
AB  - Natural selection eliminates phenotypic variation from populations, generation
      after generation-an observation that haunted Darwin. So, how does new phenotypic
      variation arise, and is it always random with respect to fitness? Repeated
      behavioral responses to a novel environment-particularly those that are learned
      are typically advantageous. If those behaviors yield more extreme or novel
      morphological variants via developmental plasticity, then previously cryptic
      genetic variation may be exposed to natural selection. Significantly, because the
      mean phenotypic effect of "use and disuse" is also typically favorable,
      previously cryptic genetic variation can be transformed into phenotypic variation
      that is both visible to selection and biased in an adaptive direction. Therefore,
      use-induced developmental plasticity in a very real sense "creates" new
      phenotypic variation that is nonrandom with respect to fitness, in contrast to
      the random phenotypic effects of mutation, recombination, and "direct effects" of
      environment (stress, nutrition). I offer here (a) a brief review of the immense
      literature on the effects of "use and disuse" on morphology, (b) a simple yet
      general model illustrating how cryptic genetic variation may be exposed to
      selection by developmentally plastic responses that alter trait performance in
      response to "use and disuse," and (c) a more detailed model of a positive
      feedback loop between learning (handed behavior) and morphological plasticity
      (use-induced morphological asymmetry) that may rapidly generate novel phenotypic
      variation and facilitate the evolution of conspicuous morphological asymmetries.
      Evidence from several sources suggests that handed behaviors played an important
      role both in the origin of novel forms (asymmetries) and in their subsequent
      evolution.

PMID- 22038781
TI  - On the use of distance constraints in protein-protein docking computations.
AB  - Protein-protein docking (PPD) is a computational process that predicts the
      structure of a complex of two interacting proteins from their unbound structures.
      The accuracy of PPD predictions is low, but can be greatly enhanced if
      experimentally determined distance data are available for incorporation into the
      prediction. However, the specific effects of distance constraints on PPD
      predictions are largely uncharacterized. In this study, we systematically
      simulated the effects of using distance constraints both on a new distance
      constraint-driven PPD approach, called DPPD, and also, by re-ranking, on a well
      established grid-based global search approach. Our results for a PPD benchmark
      dataset of 84 protein complexes of known structures showed that near 100% docking
      success rates could be obtained when the number of distance constraints exceeded
      six, the degrees of freedom of the system, but the success rate was significantly
      reduced by long distance constraints, large binding-induced conformational
      changes, and large errors in the distance data. Our results also showed that,
      under most conditions simulated, even two or three distance constraints were
      sufficient to achieve a much better success rate than those using a sophisticated
      physicochemical function to re-rank the results of the global search. Our study
      provides guidelines for the practical incorporation of experimental distance data
      to aid PPD predictions.

PMID- 22038782
TI  - Xanthoangelols isolated from Angelica keiskei inhibit inflammatory-induced
      plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1) production.
AB  - The folk medicine Angelica keiskei (Ashitaba) exhibits antitumor, antioxidant and
      antidiabetic activities and it has recently attracted attention as a health food.
      Ashitaba is thought to have antithrombotic properties, but this has not yet been
      scientifically proven. The elevation of plasma plasminogen activator inhibitor 1
      (PAI-1), an inhibitor of fibrinolysis results in a predisposition to the risk of
      thrombosis. The present study showed that Ashitaba exudates injected
      intraperitoneally and orally administered over long-term suppressed the
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced PAI-1 increase in mouse plasma. We also found
      that xanthoangelol, xanthoangelols B and D, the components of Ashitaba exudates,
      significantly inhibited TNFalpha-induced PAI-1 production from human umbilical
      vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). These findings suggest that Ashitaba can
      decrease elevated PAI-1 production, and that daily consumption of Ashitaba
      product might maintain anticoagulant status by inhibiting elevations in PAI-1
      under inflammatory conditions.

PMID- 22038783
TI  - Brain plasticity for verbal and visual memories in patients with mesial temporal
      lobe epilepsy and hippocampal sclerosis: an fMRI study.
AB  - We aimed to identify the brain areas involved in verbal and visual memory
      processing in normal controls and patients with unilateral mesial temporal lobe
      epilepsy (MTLE) associated with unilateral hippocampal sclerosis (HS) by means of
      functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). The sample comprised nine normal
      controls, eight patients with right MTLE, and nine patients with left MTLE. All
      subjects underwent fMRI with verbal and visual memory paradigms, consisting of
      encoding and immediate recall of 17 abstract words and 17 abstract drawings. A
      complex network including parietal, temporal, and frontal cortices seems to be
      involved in verbal memory encoding and retrieval in normal controls. Although
      similar areas of activation were identified in both patient groups, the extension
      of such activations was larger in the left-HS group. Patients with left HS also
      tended to exhibit more bilateral or right lateralized encoding related
      activations. This finding suggests a functional reorganization of verbal memory
      processing areas in these patients due to the failure of left MTL system. As
      regards visual memory encoding and retrieval, our findings support the hypothesis
      of a more diffuse and bilateral representation of this cognitive function in the
      brain. Compared to normal controls, encoding in the left-HS group recruited more
      widespread cortical areas, which were even more widespread in the right-HS group
      probably to compensate for their right mesial temporal dysfunction. In contrast,
      the right-HS group exhibited fewer activated areas during immediate recall than
      the other two groups, probably related to their greater difficulty in dealing
      with visual memory content.

PMID- 22038784
TI  - Hemoptysis after orthopedic surgery in an adolescent boy.
AB  - In children, post-obstructive pulmonary edema is a rare condition, caused by a
      sudden change in upper airway patency. It causes dyspnea, tachypnea, hypoxemia,
      and at times hemoptysis and respiratory insufficiency. It occurs as a
      complication in the immediate post-operative period. Pediatricians should be
      aware of this clinical entity.

PMID- 22038785
TI  - Parapodial glandular organs in Spiophanes (Polychaeta: Spionidae)-studies on
      their functional anatomy and ultrastructure.
AB  - Parapodial glandular organs (PGOs) of Spiophanes (Polychaeta: Spionidae) were
      studied using light and electron microscopy. These organs are found in parapodia
      of the mid body region, starting on chaetiger 5 and terminating with the
      appearance of neuropodial hooks (chaetiger 14 or 15 in adult individuals). Large
      PGOs in anterior chaetigers display different species-specific types of openings
      whereas small PGOs in posterior parapodia of the mid body region always open in a
      simple vertical slit. Each PGO is composed of three main complexes: (1) the
      glandular sac with several distinct epithelia of secretory cells and secretory
      cell complexes and the reservoir filled with fibrous material, (2) the gland
      associated chaetal complex (including the region of chaetoblasts and follicle
      cells, follicular canals, two chaetal collector canals, the combined conducting
      canal, the chaetal spreader including the opening of the glandular organ with
      associated type-1 secretory cells, and the gland-associated chaetae), and (3) a
      bilayered musculature surrounding the gland. A considerable number of different
      cell types are involved in the secretory activity, in the guidance of the gland
      associated chaetae, and in the final expulsion of the fibrous secretion at the
      opening slit. Among these different cell types the type-5 secretory cells of the
      proximal glandular complex with their cup-shaped microvilli emanating thick
      microfibrils into the lumen of the glandular sac are most conspicuous. Secretory
      cells with cup-shaped microvilli being involved in the production of beta-chitin
      microfibrils have so far only been reported from some representatives of the deep
      sea inhabiting Siboglinidae (Polychaeta). We suggest that the gland-associated
      chaetae emerging from inside the PGOs of Spiophanes are typical annelid chaetae
      formed by chaetoblasts and follicle cells. Functional morphology implies the
      crucial role of PGOs in tube construction. Furthermore, the PGOs are discussed in
      consideration of phylogenetic aspects.

PMID- 22038786
TI  - Ruthenium nanoparticles stabilized by N-heterocyclic carbenes: ligand location
      and influence on reactivity.

PMID- 22038787
TI  - Graft copolymer composed of cationic backbone and bottle brush-like side chains
      as a physically adsorbed coating for protein separation by capillary
      electrophoresis.
AB  - To stabilize electroosmotic flow (EOF) and suppress protein adsorption onto the
      silica capillary inner wall, a cationic hydroxyethylcellulose-graft-poly
      (poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate) (cat-HEC-g-PPEGMA) graft
      copolymer composed of cationic backbone and bottle brush-like side chains was
      synthesized for the first time and used as a novel physically adsorbed coating
      for protein separation by capillary electrophoresis. Reversed (anodal) and very
      stable EOF was obtained in cat-HEC-g-PPEGMA-coated capillary at pH 2.2-7.8. The
      effects of degree of cationization, PEGMA grafting ratio, PEGMA molecular mass,
      and buffer pH on the separation of basic proteins were investigated. A systematic
      comparative study of protein separation in bare and HEC-coated capillaries and in
      cat-HEC-g-PPEGMA-coated capillary was also performed. The basic proteins can be
      well separated in cat-HEC-g-PPEGMA-coated capillary over the pH range of 2.8-6.8
      with good repeatability and high separation efficiency, because the coating
      combines good protein-resistant property of bottle brush-like PPEGMA side chains
      with excellent coating ability of cat-HEC backbone. Besides its success in
      separation of basic proteins, the cat-HEC-g-PPEGMA coating was also superior in
      the fast separation of other protein samples, such as protein mixture, egg white,
      and saliva, which indicates that it is a promising coating for further proteomics
      analysis.

PMID- 22038788
TI  - Opening the door for hepatitis C virus infection in genetically humanized mice.

PMID- 22038789
TI  - The long and the short of interferon-gamma-inducible protein 10 in hepatitis C
      virus infection.

PMID- 22038790
TI  - Exhausted or just sleeping: awakening virus-specific responses in chronic
      hepatitis C virus infection.

PMID- 22038791
TI  - Boceprevir (Victrelis) for HCV: V is for victory and very complex.

PMID- 22038792
TI  - Tamsulosin reduces nighttime urine production in benign prostatic hyperplasia
      patients with nocturnal polyuria: a prospective open-label long-term study using
      frequency-volume chart.
AB  - AIMS: The effects of tamsulosin treatment on changes in frequency-volume chart
      (FVC) data, especially nighttime urine production, over time were assessed, and
      the mechanisms underlying the improvement of nocturia in benign prostatic
      hyperplasia (BPH) patients with nocturnal polyuria (NP) are discussed. METHODS: A
      total of 104 patients with lower urinary tract symptoms secondary to BPH were
      enrolled. After enrollment in the study, the patients were treated with
      tamsulosin (0.2 mg) once daily. Visits were scheduled every 4 weeks until week 12
      (month 3) after study entry, and then every 12 weeks subsequently. All patients
      completed the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), quality of life (QOL)
      index, and 3-day FVC, and underwent uroflowmetry at enrollment and on each visit.
      RESULTS: Eighty-two patients (mean age: 70.9 +/- 7.1 years) were analyzed for 24
      months after treatment. Patients were divided into two groups, NP and nonNP,
      based on FVC outcome. The IPSS, QOL index, and maximum flow rate improved during
      the 24-month period after treatment in both groups. Mean daytime urine volume
      significantly increased in the NP group, but no changes were detected in the
      nonNP group. Mean nighttime urine frequency significantly decreased in the NP
      group over a 24-month period, and was associated with a significant decrease in
      nighttime urine volume that was not found in the nonNP group. Maximum voided
      volume increased most months after treatment in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The
      present long-term prospective study using FVC demonstrated that tamsulosin
      reduced nighttime urine production in BPH patients with NP.

PMID- 22038793
TI  - Barriers and potential solutions toward optimal prophylaxis against deep vein
      thrombosis for hospitalized medical patients: a survey of healthcare
      professionals.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) prophylaxis remains underused in
      hospitalized medical patients despite strong recommendations that at-risk
      patients should receive prophylaxis. To understand this gap between knowledge and
      practice, we surveyed clinicians' perceptions about the importance of DVT
      prophylaxis, barriers to guideline implementation, and interventions to optimize
      prophylaxis. METHODS: Paper- and electronic mail-based surveys were sent to 1553
      internists, nurses, pharmacists, and physiotherapists in Ontario, Canada.
      Responses were scored on 7-point Likert scales. An important barrier to optimal
      DVT prophylaxis was 1 with a mean score >=5, and interventions with high
      potential success or feasibility were those with mean scores >=5. RESULTS: DVT
      prophylaxis was perceived as important by all clinician groups but this did not
      appear to translate into knowledge about underutilization of current DVT
      prophylaxis strategies. Physicians and pharmacists recognized the underuse of DVT
      prophylaxis in medical patients, while nurses and physiotherapists tended to
      perceive prophylaxis strategies as appropriate. Lack of clear indications and
      contraindications for prophylaxis and concerns about bleeding risks were
      perceived as important barriers. Preprinted orders were considered the most
      potentially successful and feasible way to optimize prophylaxis. CONCLUSIONS: A
      considerable barrier to optimal DVT prophylaxis utilization may be that those
      healthcare providers best able to conduct a daily assessment of patients' need
      for prophylaxis underrecognize the problem that prophylaxis is underutilized in
      this population. Interventions to bridge the gap between knowledge and practice
      should consider preprinted orders outlining DVT risk factors, and educating front
      line care providers prior to implementation of a top-down approach.

PMID- 22038794
TI  - hCINAP is an atypical mammalian nuclear adenylate kinase with an ATPase motif:
      structural and functional studies.
AB  - Human coilin interacting nuclear ATPase protein (hCINAP) directly interacts with
      coilin, a marker protein of Cajal Bodies (CBs), nuclear organelles involved in
      the maturation of small nuclear ribonucleoproteins UsnRNPs and snoRNPs. hCINAP
      has previously been designated as an adenylate kinase (AK6), but is very atypical
      as it exhibits unusually broad substrate specificity, structural features
      characteristic of ATPase/GTPase proteins (Walker motifs A and B) and also
      intrinsic ATPase activity. Despite its intriguing structure, unique properties
      and cellular localization, the enzymatic mechanism and biological function of
      hCINAP have remained poorly characterized. Here, we offer the first high
      resolution structure of hCINAP in complex with the substrate ADP (and dADP), the
      structure of hCINAP with a sulfate ion bound at the AMP binding site, and the
      structure of the ternary complex hCINAP-Mg(2+) ADP-Pi. Induced fit docking
      calculations are used to predict the structure of the hCINAP-Mg(2+) ATP-AMP
      ternary complex. Structural analysis suggested a functional role for His79 in the
      Walker B motif. Kinetic analysis of mutant hCINAP-H79G indicates that His79
      affects both AK and ATPase catalytic efficiency and induces homodimer formation.
      Finally, we show that in vivo expression of hCINAP-H79G in human cells is toxic
      and drastically deregulates the number and appearance of CBs in the cell nucleus.
      Our findings suggest that hCINAP may not simply regulate nucleotide homeostasis,
      but may have broader functionality, including control of CB assembly and
      disassembly in the nucleus of human cells.

PMID- 22038795
TI  - Continuous versus intermittent inhaled corticosteroid (budesonide) for mild
      persistent asthma in children--not too much, not too little.

PMID- 22038796
TI  - A brief review of coarse-grained and other computational studies of molecularly
      imprinted polymers.
AB  - Molecular imprinting is an established method for the creation of artificial
      recognition sites in synthetic materials through polymerization and cross-linking
      in the presence of template molecules. Removal of the templates leaves cavities
      that are complementary to the template molecules in size, shape, and
      functionality. In recent years, various theoretical and computational models have
      been developed as tools to aid in the design of molecularly imprinted polymers
      (MIPs) or to provide insight into the features that determine MIP performance.
      These studies can be grouped into two general approaches-screening for possible
      functional monomers for particular templates and macromolecular models focusing
      on the structural characterization of the imprinted material. In this review, we
      pay special attention to coarse-grained models that characterize the functional
      heterogeneity in imprinted pores, but also cover recent advances in atomistic and
      first principle studies. We offer a critical assessment of the potential impact
      of the various models towards improving the state-of-the-art of molecular
      imprinting.

PMID- 22038797
TI  - Survey of the 2009 commercial optical biosensor literature.
AB  - We took a different approach to reviewing the commercial biosensor literature
      this year by inviting 22 biosensor users to serve as a review committee. They set
      the criteria for what to expect in a publication and ultimately decided to use a
      pass/fail system for selecting which papers to include in this year's reference
      list. Of the 1514 publications in 2009 that reported using commercially available
      optical biosensor technology, only 20% passed their cutoff. The most common
      criticism the reviewers had with the literature was that "the biosensor
      experiments could have been done better." They selected 10 papers to highlight
      good experimental technique, data presentation, and unique applications of the
      technology. This communal review process was educational for everyone involved
      and one we will not soon forget.

PMID- 22038798
TI  - Molecular imprinting in monolayer surfaces.
AB  - A comprehensive report on molecularly imprinted monolayers (MIMs) is presented,
      but does not include bulk-polymer thin film coatings on surfaces, inorganic
      surface imprinting, polymer grafting and layer-by-layer methods. Due to
      difficulties in imprinting large molecules and obtaining fast binding responses
      with traditional network polymer materials, MIMs have been developed with the aim
      of enhancing mass-transfer of analytes in imprinted materials. Three approaches
      to MIM fabrication have been developed with respect to the formation of the pre
      organized template-matrix complex. In the first approach, the molecular binding
      sites are formed in a monolayer on a glass or gold surface. The second approach
      uses a template-macromolecule complex to form binding sites in the solution phase
      that are immobilized onto a surface; and the third approach transfers an
      imprinted Langmuir film onto a gold surface. Mass transfer in these MIMs in most
      cases is on the order of minutes, and both small and large molecules (proteins)
      have been imprinted.

PMID- 22038799
TI  - Oxidoreductase activity of multifunctional monoclonal antibody B13-DE1.
AB  - The monoclonal antibody B13-DE1 binds fluorescein, several fluorescein
      derivatives, and three peptide mimotopes. Our results revealed that this antibody
      also catalyzed the redox reaction of resazurin to resorufin, which are both
      structurally related to fluorescein. By using sodium sulfite as a reducing agent,
      the antibody B13-DE1 lowered the activation energy of this reaction. The
      Michaelis-Menten constant and turnover number of the catalyzed reaction were
      determined as 4.2 umol/l and 0.0056 s(-1) , respectively. Because the results
      showed that fluorescein inhibited the catalytic activity of the antibody, we
      assume that the antigen-binding site and the catalytic active site are identical.

PMID- 22038800
TI  - Identification and evaluation of inhibitors of the EhGEF1 protein from Entamoeba
      histolytica.
AB  - The Dbl family of guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) is made up of a vast
      array of members that participate in the activation of the Rho family of small
      GTPases. Dbl-family proteins promote the exchange of guanosine
      diphosphate/guanosine triphosphate (GDP/GTP) in their target molecules, resulting
      in the activation of a variety of signaling pathways involved in diverse cellular
      events, such as actin-cytoskeleton remodeling, cellular invasion, cell movement,
      and other functions. It has been reported that members of the Dbl family have
      important roles in several cellular events in Entamoeba histolytica. These
      include activation of the actin cytoskeleton, cytokinesis, capping, uroid
      formation, cellular proliferation, erythrophagocytosis, cell migration, and
      chemotaxis. Here, we report the identification and testing of inhibitors of the
      E. histolytica guanine nucleotide exchange factor 1 (EhGEF1) protein (the
      research compounds 2BYRF, 2BY05, 2BYT6, 2BYLX, and 2BYPD), which decreased the in
      vitro ability of the protein to exchange GDP/GTP at its target GTPases, EhRacG
      and EhRho1, by 14.9-85.2%. Interestingly, the drug 1,1'-(1,2-phenylene)-bis-(1H
      pyrrole-2,5-dione), which completely inhibits the GEF activity of the Trio
      protein in human cells, decreases the GEF activity of the EhGEF1 protein on the
      EhRacG and EhRho1 GTPases by 55.7% and 3.2%, respectively. The identification and
      evaluation of such inhibitors opens up the possibility of obtaining a new
      pharmacological tool to study the function of amoeba GEF proteins, their roles in
      various Rho GTPase-mediated signaling pathways, and the repercussions of
      modulating their activities with respect to several mechanisms related to E.
      histolytica pathogenesis.

PMID- 22038801
TI  - Exploring variation in binding of Protein A and Protein G to immunoglobulin type
      G by isothermal titration calorimetry.
AB  - Bacterial Protein A (PrtA) and Protein G (PrtG) are widely used for affinity
      purification of antibodies. An understanding of how PrtA and PrtG bind to
      different isotypes of immunoglobulin type G (IgG) and to their corresponding Fc
      fragments is essential for the development of PrtA and PrtG mimetic ligands and
      for the establishment of generic processes for the purification of various
      antibodies. In this paper, the interactions between the two IgG-binding proteins
      and IgG of two different subclasses, IgG1 and IgG4, as well as their analogous Fc
      fragments have been studied by isothermal titration calorimetry. The results
      indicate that both protein ligands bind IgG and Fc fragments strongly with Ka
      values in the range of 10(7) -10(8) M(-1) and for both ligands, the interaction
      with both IgG isotypes is enthalpically driven though entropically unfavorable.
      Moreover, variation in the standard entropic and standard enthalpic contribution
      to binding between the two isotypes as well as between IgG and Fc fragment
      implies that the specific interaction with PrtA varies according to IgG isotype.
      In contrast to PrtA, PrtG bound to F(ab')(2) fragment with a Ka value of 5.1 *
      10(5) M(-1) ; thus underscoring the usefulness of PrtA as a preferred ligand for
      generic antibody purification processes.

PMID- 22038802
TI  - Label-free detection of enhanced saccharide binding at pH 7.4 to nanoparticulate
      benzoboroxole based receptor units.
AB  - Nanoparticles modified with either 6-amino-1-hydroxy-2,1-benzoxaborolane (3
      aminobenzoboroxole) or 3-aminophenylboronic acid were prepared by nucleophilic
      substitution of a styrene-co-DVB-co-vinylbenzylchloride latex (25 nm). Isothermal
      titration calorimetry (ITC) was used as a label-free detection method for the
      analysis of the binding between monosaccharides and these two differently
      derivatized nanoparticle systems at pH 7.4. Because ITC reveals, thermodynamical
      parameters such as the changes in enthalpy DeltaH, free energy DeltaG, and
      entropy DeltaS, possible explanations for the higher binding constants can be
      derived in terms of entropy and enthalpy changes. In case of the modified
      nanoparticles, the free energy of binding is dominated by the entropy term. This
      shows that interfacial effects, besides the intrinsic affinity, lead to a higher
      binding constant compared with the free ligand. The highest binding constant was
      found for fructose binding to the benzoboroxole modified nanoparticles: Its value
      of 1150 M(-1) is twice as high as for the free benzoboroxole and five times as
      high as with phenylboronic acid or 3-aminophenylboronic acid. In contrast to the
      binding of fructose to free boronic acids, which is an enthalpically driven
      process, the binding of fructose to the modified nanoparticles is dominated by
      the positive entropy term.

PMID- 22038803
TI  - Affinity and catalytic heterogeneity and metal-dependence of polyclonal myelin
      basic protein-hydrolyzing IgGs from sera of patients with systemic lupus
      erythematosus.
AB  - It was shown using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) that titers of
      antibodies against human myelin basic protein (hMBP) in systemic lupus
      erythematosus (SLE) patients 4.2-fold higher than in healthy individuals, but 2.1
      fold lower than in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Approximately 86%
      electrophoretically and immunologically homogeneous SLE immunoglobulin Gs (IgGs)
      purified using several affinity resins including Sepharose with immobilized hMBP
      specifically hydrolyze only hMBP but not many other tested proteins. Several
      rigid criteria were applied to show that the hMBP-hydrolyzing activity is an
      intrinsic property of SLE IgGs but not from healthy donors. In contrast to MS
      IgGs, abzymes from SLE patients are more sensitive to ethylenediaminetetraacetic
      acid and less sensitive to specific inhibitors of serine-like proteases. We
      present the first evidence demonstrating a significant diversity of different
      fractions of SLE IgGs in their affinity for hMBP-Sepharose, the ability of IgGs
      to hydrolyze hMBP at different optimal pHs (5-10) and be activated by different
      metal ions: Ca(2+) > Mg(2+) >= Co(2+) >= Fe(2+) >= Ni(2+) >= Zn(2+) >= Cu(2+) >=
      Mn(2+) . Combinations of Ca(2+) + Mg(2+) and Ca(2+) + Co(2) lead to a significant
      increase in the antibody proteolytic activity as compared with Ca(2+) , Co(2+) ,
      or Mg(2+) ions taken separately. Our findings suggest that the immune systems of
      individual SLE similar to MS patients can generate a variety of anti-hMBP abzymes
      with different catalytic properties, which can attack hMBP of myelin-proteolipid
      shell of axons and play an important role in pathogenesis not only MS but also
      SLE patients.

PMID- 22038804
TI  - Study of specific interaction between nucleotides and dye support by nuclear
      magnetic resonance.
AB  - The binding between four matrices (beaded cellulose, cellulose acetate, cellulose
      triacetate and Sepharose CL-6B) and beaded cellulose derivatized with a
      thiacarbocyanine dye with 5'-mononucleotides is investigated by Saturation
      Transfer Difference Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (STD-NMR) technique. This
      procedure intends to identify unspecific interactions between 5'-mononucleotides
      and matrices commonly used in affinity chromatography systems and also clarify
      the contribution of a thiacarbocyanine dye immobilized onto cellulose beads in a
      biorecognition process. The differences between non-derivatized and derivatized
      beaded cellulose evidence the contribution of thiacarbocyanine dye in the
      observed interaction. STD-NMR experiments show that Sepharose CL- 6B interact
      less with the 5'-mononucleotides comparatively with beaded cellulose. Indeed,
      beaded cellulose shows nonspecific interactions with almost all 5'
      mononucleotides that compromises the specificity of the interaction between the
      thiacarbocyanine dye immobilized with the 5'-mononucleotides. The cellulose
      matrices where the hydroxyl groups are replaced by acetate and triacetate groups
      do not exhibit binding response to the 5'- mononucleotides, whereas the
      thiacarbocyanine dye contribution is evidenced by the reinforcement of the
      interactions with the sugar moiety of 5'-GMP and 5'-UMP and with base of 5'-AMP,
      5'-CMP and 5'-TMP. This screening of the nucleotide atoms involved in the binding
      to the supports can be very useful in chromatography evaluations in which dye
      affinity chromatography supports may be used, such as purification of nucleic
      acids.

PMID- 22038805
TI  - Structural analysis of zinc-finger (TTK) + [Cu(BPA)]2+ /[Cu(IDB)]2+ + DNA
      complexes: an investigation by molecular dynamics simulation.
AB  - In the present study, the molecular dynamics simulation technique is employed to
      investigate the hydrogen abstraction possibility from sugar of DNA in two
      designed complexes of copper-based chemical nuclease [Cu(BPA)](2+) bis(2
      pyridylmethyl) amine (BPA) or [Cu(IDB)](2+) N,N-bis(2-benzimidazolylmethyl) amine
      (IDB) bound to the zinc finger protein Tramtrack (TTK). The simulated results
      show that each of the designed complexes can form a stable conformation within 30
      ns of simulation time with the substrate OOH(-) and an 18-base pair (bp) DNA
      segment and is located in the major groove of the DNA segment. The active
      terminal O atom of the OOH(-) substrate is found in close proximity to the target
      C2'H, C3'H, C4'H or C5'H proton of the DNA in TTK + [Cu(BPA)OOH](+) + DNA or TTK
      + [Cu(IDB)OOH](+) + DNA complex, which is crucial to propose the hydrogen
      abstraction possibility that is responsible for the DNA cleavage. The positions
      of copper-based chemical nucleases bound to TTK may substantially influence the
      hydrogen abstraction possibility. The structures and sizes of ligands in copper
      based nucleases are also found to have influence on the order of difficulty of
      the hydrogen abstraction from the sugars of DNA.

PMID- 22038806
TI  - Aromatic side-chain cluster of biotin binding site of avidin allows circular
      dichroism spectroscopic investigation of its ligand binding properties.
AB  - Promiscuous ligand binding by hen egg-white avidin has been demonstrated and
      studied by using circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy complemented by molecular
      docking calculations. It has been shown that the biotin-binding pocket of avidin
      is able to accommodate a wide variety of chemical compounds including therapeutic
      drugs (e.g., thalidomide, NSAIDs, antihistamines), natural compounds (bilirubin,
      myristic acid), and synthetic agents (xanthenone dyes). The cluster of aromatic
      residues located at the biotin-binding pocket renders the intrinsic CD spectrum
      of avidin sensitive to ligand binding that results in the increase of the
      vibronic components of the (1) L(b) transition of the Trp residues. Extrinsic
      (induced) CD bands measured with chemically diverse avidin ligands are generated
      by intramolecular coupled oscillator (e.g., bilirubin) or by intermolecular
      ligand-Trp exciton coupling mechanism [e.g., 2-(4'-hydroxyazobenzene)-benzoic
      acid (HABA)]. Among the compounds of which avidin-binding affinity constants have
      been calculated, two novel high-affinity ligands, flufenamic acid and an enzyme
      inhibitor thiazole derivative have been identified (K(d) ~ 1 MUM). Avidin binding
      mode of the ligand molecules has been discussed in the light of docking results.
      The induced CD profile of the thiazole derivative has been correlated with the
      stereochemistry of its docked conformation. The important role in the ligand
      binding of a polar side-chain cluster at the bottom of the biotin-binding cavity
      as well as the analogous avidin-binding mode of HABA and fenamic acid type NSAIDs
      have been proposed.

PMID- 22038807
TI  - Structural and thermodynamic consequences of the replacement of zinc with
      environmental metals on estrogen receptor alpha-DNA interactions.
AB  - Estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) acts as a transcription factor by virtue of the
      ability of its DNA-binding (DB) domain, comprised of a tandem pair of zinc
      fingers, to recognize the estrogen response element within the promoters of
      target genes. Herein, using an array of biophysical methods, we probe the
      structural consequences of the replacement of zinc within the DB domain of
      ERalpha with various environmental metals and their effects on the thermodynamics
      of binding to DNA. Our data reveal that whereas the DB domain reconstituted with
      divalent ions of zinc, cadmium, mercury, and cobalt binds to DNA with affinities
      in the nanomolar range, divalent ions of barium, copper, iron, lead, manganese,
      nickel, and tin are unable to regenerate DB domain with DNA-binding potential,
      although they can compete with zinc for coordinating the cysteine ligands within
      the zinc fingers. We also show that the metal-free DB domain is a homodimer in
      solution and that the binding of various metals only results in subtle secondary
      and tertiary structural changes, implying that metal coordination may only be
      essential for binding to DNA. Collectively, our findings provide mechanistic
      insights into how environmental metals may modulate the physiological function of
      a key nuclear receptor involved in mediating a plethora of cellular functions
      central to human health and disease.

PMID- 22038808
TI  - Polyamide recognition-mass spectrometry for distinguishing hairpin DNA from coil
      DNA.
AB  - The discrimination between hairpin DNA and coil DNA has been well achieved
      through polyamides as probes by electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectrometry.
      ESI mass spectra showed that polyamides bind to hairpin DNA with high
      selectivity, and almost no binding with coil DNA. In addition, the noncovalent
      interaction between polyamides and hairpin DNA was also studied; the results show
      that hairpin DNA with longer stem and polyamides with more heterocycles have
      higher binding affinity and stability in gas phase.

PMID- 22038809
TI  - Interaction of reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide with an antifreeze
      protein from Dendroides canadensis: mechanistic implication of antifreeze
      activity enhancement.
AB  - Antifreeze proteins (AFPs) found in many organisms can noncolligatively lower the
      freezing point of water without altering the melting point. The difference
      between the depressed freezing point and the melting point, termed thermal
      hysteresis (TH), is usually a measure of the antifreeze activity of AFPs. Certain
      low molecular mass molecules and proteins can further enhance the antifreeze
      activity of AFPs. Interaction between an enhancer and arginine is known to play
      an important role in enhancing the antifreeze activity of an AFP from the beetle
      Dendroides canadensis (DAFP-1). Here, we examined the enhancement effects of
      several prevalent phosphate-containing coenzymes on the antifreeze activity of
      DAFP-1. beta-Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (reduced) (NADH) is identified as
      the most efficient enhancer of DAFP-1, which increases the antifreeze activity of
      DAFP-1 by around 10 times. Examination of the enhancement abilities of a series
      of NADH analogs and various molecular fragments of NADH reveals that the
      modifications of nicotinamide generate a series of highly efficient enhancers,
      though none as effective as NADH itself, and the whole molecular structure of
      NADH is necessary for its highly efficient enhancement effect. We also
      demonstrated a 1:1 binding between DAFP-1 and NADH. The binding was characterized
      by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using the gel filtration method
      of Hummel and Dreyer. The data analysis suggests binding between DAFP-1 and NADH
      with a dissociation constant in the micromolar range. Interactions between DAFP-1
      and NADH are discussed along with molecular mechanisms of enhancer action.

PMID- 22038810
TI  - Determinants of sweetness in proteins: a topological approach.
AB  - Sweet taste in mammals is accounted for by a single receptor that shares homology
      with a metabotropic glutamate receptor. Most sweeteners are small molecular
      weight molecules that interact with small cavities in the so-called Venus Flytrap
      domains of the sweet receptor. The mechanism of action of larger molecules such
      as sweet proteins is, however, more difficult to interpret. The first and still
      the only general mechanism proposed for the action of sweet proteins, the "wedge
      model," hypothesizes that proteins bind to an external binding site of the active
      conformation of the sweet receptor. Here, I have extended the concept that
      inspired the wedge model using a combination of structural analysis,
      bioinformatics tools, and a relatively large dataset of mutations of the two most
      extensively studied sweet proteins, monellin and brazzein. I show here that it is
      possible to single out, among the ensemble yielded by low-resolution docking, a
      unique complex that satisfies simple topological constraints. These models of the
      complexes of monellin and brazzein are fully consistent with experimental
      evidence, thus providing predicting power for further validation of the wedge
      model.

PMID- 22038811
TI  - Modelling the interaction between the p53 DNA-binding domain and the p28 peptide
      fragment of Azurin.
AB  - Recent experimental data reveal that the peptide fragment of Azurin called p28,
      constituted by the amino acid residues from 50 to 77 of the whole protein,
      retains both the Azurin cellular penetration ability and antiproliferative
      activity. p28 is hypothesized to act by stabilizing the well-known tumour
      suppressor p53 via a pathway independent from the oncogene Mdm2, which is the
      main p53 down-regulator, with its anticancer potentiality being probably
      connected with the binding of its amino acid residues 11 to 18 to p53. However,
      the p28 mode of action has not been completely elucidated yet, mostly because the
      details of the p28 interaction with p53 are still unknown. In the present study,
      computational docking modelling supported by cluster analysis, molecular dynamics
      simulations and binding free energy calculations have been performed to model the
      interaction between the DNA-binding domain (DBD) of p53 and the p28 fragment.
      Since the folding state of p28 when interacting with p53 inside the cell is not
      known, both the folded and the unfolded structures of this peptide have been
      taken into consideration. In both the cases, we have found that p28 is able to
      form with DBD a complex characterized by favourable negative binding free energy,
      high shape complementarity, and the presence of several hydrogen bonds at the
      interface. These results suggest that p28 might exert its anticancer action by
      hampering the binding of ubiquitin ligases to DBD, susceptible to promoting the
      p53 proteasomal degradation.

PMID- 22038812
TI  - Open-ITC: an alternate computational approach to analyze the isothermal titration
      calorimetry data of complex binding mechanisms.
AB  - Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) is an important technique used in
      quantitatively analyzing the global mechanism of protein-protein or protein
      ligand interactions through thermodynamic measurements. Among different binding
      mechanisms, the parallel and ligand induced protein oligomerization mechanisms
      are technically difficult to analyze compared with a sequential binding
      mechanism. Here, we present a methodology implemented as a program "Open-ITC"
      that eliminates the need for exact analytical expressions for free ligand
      concentrations [L] and mole fractions of bound ligand theta that are required for
      the thermogram analysis. Adopting a genetic algorithm-based optimization, the
      thermodynamic parameters are determined, and its standard error is evaluated at
      the global minimum by calculating the Jacobian matrix. This approach yielded a
      statistically consistent result for a single-site and a two-site binding protein
      ligand system. Further, a comparative simulation of a two-step sequential, a
      parallel, and a ligand induced oligomerization model revealed that their
      mechanistic differences are discernable in ITC thermograms, only if the first
      binding step is weaker compared with the second binding step (K(1) <K(2)). We
      find this to be valid even for the cases where the enthalpies of each of the
      binding process did not vary significantly.

PMID- 22038813
TI  - Catalytic antibodies from HIV-infected patients specifically hydrolyzing viral
      integrase suppress the enzyme catalytic activities.
AB  - Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 integrase (IN) catalyzes integration of a DNA
      copy of the viral genome into the host genome. It was shown previously that IN
      preincubation with various oligodeoxynucleotides (ODNs) induces formation of
      dimers and oligomers of different gyration radii; only specific ODNs stimulate
      the formation of catalytically active dimers. Here we have shown that
      preincubation of IN with specific and nonspecific ODNs leads to a significant and
      comparable decrease in its hydrolysis by chymotrypsin, while nonspecific ODNs
      protect the enzyme from the hydrolysis by trypsin worse than specific ODNs; all
      ODNs had little effect on the IN hydrolysis by proteinase K. In contrast to
      canonical proteweases, IgGs from HIV-infected patients specifically hydrolyze
      only IN. While d(pT)(n) markedly decreased the IgG-dependent hydrolysis of IN,
      d(pA)(n) and d(pA)(n) *d(pT)(n) demonstrated no detectable protective effect. The
      best protection from the hydrolysis by IgGs was observed for specific single- and
      especially double-stranded ODNs. Although IN was considerably protected by
      specific ODNs, proteolytic IgGs and IgMs significantly suppressed both 3'
      processing and integration reaction catalyzed by IN. Since anti-IN IgGs and IgMs
      can efficiently hydrolyze IN, a positive role of abzymes in counteracting the
      infection cannot be excluded.

PMID- 22038814
TI  - Molecular battle between host and bacterium: recognition in innate immunity.
AB  - During infection, our innate immune system is the first line of defense and has
      evolved to clear invading bacteria immediately. To do so, recognition is the key
      element. However, how does the innate immune system distinguish self from
      nonself, and how does it recognize all bacteria (estimated to be far over a
      million species)? The answer lies in the recognition of evolutionary conserved
      structures. In this review, we approach this phenomenon from the bacterial
      perspective. What are the evolutionary conserved structures in bacteria, and what
      strategies are there in the human innate immune system to sense these structures?
      We illustrate most examples both at the functional as well as at the molecular
      level. Furthermore, we highlight how pathogenic bacteria can evade this
      recognition to survive better in the human host which in turn can result in life
      threatening diseases.

PMID- 22038815
TI  - Structural refinement of protein A mimetic peptide.
AB  - A novel dendrimeric peptide ligand dubbed D-PAM-Phi was designed to achieve a
      high capacity for human IgG through the decoration of the D-PAM scaffold. The
      design criteria based on the introduction of small hydrophobic groups on the D
      PAM structure were supported by the recently published solid-state structure of D
      PAM complexed to the Fc fragment of a recombinant human IgG1 and by molecular
      dynamic simulations that provided information on the mode of binding of
      phenylacetyl-D-PAM (D-PAM-Phi). D-PAM-Phi was immobilised on an activated solid
      support and compared with the parent D-PAM affinity matrix. The newly obtained
      affinity sorbent was evaluated for its capacity to selectively capture polyclonal
      human IgG; the binding capacity was approximately 10 mg/ml, an almost 10-fold
      enhancement with respect to the D-PAM-functionalised matrices without the
      specificity of binding being reduced. The new ligand was also effective in the
      capturing of recombinant humanised IgG1 from a clarified cell culture
      supernatant. Under a typical laboratory-scale affinity chromatography assembly
      and preliminarily optimised binding conditions, the affinity purification of
      humanised IgG1 from culture supernatants rendered the desired product, with
      purity higher than 90%. The results suggest that the application of the
      computational approach on the structure of the D-PAM-Fc complex may be very
      valuable in the development of novel lead molecules for the downstream processing
      of human or humanised antibodies used in therapy.

PMID- 22038816
TI  - Structure and elasticity of desmin protofibrils explored with scanning force
      microscopy.
AB  - Desmin filaments form the intermediate filament system of muscle cells where they
      play important role in maintaining mechanical integrity and elasticity. Although
      the importance of desmin elasticity and assembly-disassembly dynamics in cellular
      mechanics is being increasingly recognized, the molecular basis of neither
      desmin's elasticity nor its disassembly pathway is well understood. In the
      present work, we explored the topographical structure of purified and
      reconstituted desmin filaments by using scanning force microscopy. With the
      addition of divalent cation chelators ethyleneglycoltetraacetic acid or
      ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid, the filaments disassembled on a time scale of
      hours to days into stable, thin fibrillar components with variable (up to
      micrometer) length, smooth surface and uniform thickness, which are identified as
      protofibrils. Desmin protofibrils appear as elastic structures with a persistence
      length of 51.5 nm, and their Young's modulus (10.6 MPa) far exceeds that of the
      mature filament (3.7 MPa). Protofibrillar bundling within the desmin filament
      results in high longitudinal tensile strength at a large bending flexibility. The
      stability of protofibrils suggests that desmin may disassemble along a pathway
      quite distinct from its assembly.

PMID- 22038817
TI  - Unbinding forces of single pertussis toxin-antibody complexes measured by atomic
      force spectroscopy correlate with their dissociation rates determined by surface
      plasmon resonance.
AB  - An inactivated form of pertussis toxin (PTX) is the primary component of
      currently available acellular vaccines against Bordetella pertussis, the
      causative agent of whooping cough. The PTX analyzed here is purified at
      industrial scale and is subsequently inactivated using glutaraldehyde. The
      influence of this treatment on antibody recognition is of crucial importance and
      is analyzed in this study. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) experiments using PTX
      and its inactivated form (toxoid) with 10 different monoclonal antibodies were
      conducted. PTX was found to recognize the antibodies with an average affinity of
      1.34 +/- 0.50 nM, and chemical inactivation caused only a modest decrease in
      affinity by a factor of approximately 4.5. However, glutaraldehyde treatment had
      contrary effects on the kinetic association constant k(a) and the dissociation
      constant k(d) . A significant reduction in k(a) was observed, whereas the
      dissociation of the toxoid from the bound antibody occurred slower than PTX.
      These data indicate that the chemical inactivation of PTX not only reduces the
      velocity of antibody recognition but also stabilizes the interaction with
      antibodies as shown by a reduction in k(d) . The same interactions were also
      studied by dynamic force spectroscopy (DFS). Data reveal a correlation between
      the k(d) values determined by SPR and the mean unbinding force as measured by
      DFS. The unbinding forces of one complex were determined as a function of the
      loading rate to directly estimate the k(d) value. Several interactions were
      impossible to be analyzed using SPR because of ultratight binding. Using DFS, the
      unbinding forces of these interactions were determined, which in turn could be
      used to estimate k(d) values. The use of DFS as a technique to study ultratight
      binding is discussed.

PMID- 22038818
TI  - Current practices for describing the performance of molecularly imprinted
      polymers can be misleading and may be hampering the development of the field.
AB  - A contributing factor to the labored advance of molecularly imprinting as a
      viable commercial solution to molecular recognition needs is the absence of a
      standard and robust method for assessing and reporting on molecular imprinted
      polymer (MIP) performance. The diversity and at times inappropriateness of MIP
      performance indicators means that the usefulness of the literature back
      catalogue, for predicting, elucidating or understanding patterns in MIP efficacy,
      remains largely inaccessible. We hereby put forward the case that the simple
      binding isotherm is the most versatile and useful method of assessing and
      reporting MIP function, allowing direct comparison between polymers prepared and
      evaluated in different studies. In this study we describe how to correctly plot
      and interpret a bound / free isotherm and show how such plots can be readily used
      to predict outcomes, retro-analyze data and optimize experimental design. We
      propose that by adopting the use of correctly constructed isotherms as the
      primary form of data representation researchers will enable inter-laboratory
      comparisons, promote good experimental design and encourage a greater collective
      understanding of molecular imprinting.

PMID- 22038819
TI  - Preparation and evaluation of a molecularly imprinted polymer for the selective
      recognition of testosterone--application to molecularly imprinted sorbent assays.
AB  - Biomimetic testosterone receptors were synthesized via molecular imprinting for
      use as antibody mimics in immunoassays. As evaluated by radioligand binding
      assays, imprinted polymers prepared in acetonitrile were very specific for
      testosterone because the nonimprinted control polymers bound virtually no
      radiolabeled testosterone. The polymers present an appreciable affinity, with
      association constants of K(a) = 3.3 x 10(7) M(- 1) (high-affinity binding sites).
      The binding characteristics of the polymers were also evaluated in aqueous
      environment to study their viabilities as alternatives to antibodies in
      molecularly imprinted sorbent assays. Compared with the testosterone-specific
      antibodies present in commercial kits, our molecularly imprinted polymers are
      somewhat less sensitive but show a high selectivity.

PMID- 22038821
TI  - Nestin- and doublecortin-positive cells reside in adult spinal cord meninges and
      participate in injury-induced parenchymal reaction.
AB  - Adult spinal cord has little regenerative potential, thus limiting patient
      recovery following injury. In this study, we describe a new population of cells
      resident in the adult rat spinal cord meninges that express the neural
      stem/precursor markers nestin and doublecortin. Furthermore, from dissociated
      meningeal tissue a neural stem cell population was cultured in vitro and
      subsequently shown to differentiate into functional neurons or mature
      oligodendrocytes. Proliferation rate and number of nestin- and doublecortin
      positive cells increased in vivo in meninges following spinal cord injury. By
      using a lentivirus-labeling approach, we show that meningeal cells, including
      nestin- and doublecortin-positive cells, migrate in the spinal cord parenchyma
      and contribute to the glial scar formation. Our data emphasize the multiple roles
      of meninges in the reaction of the parenchyma to trauma and indicate for the
      first time that spinal cord meninges are potential niches harboring
      stem/precursor cells that can be activated by injury. Meninges may be considered
      as a new source of adult stem/precursor cells to be further tested for use in
      regenerative medicine applied to neurological disorders, including repair from
      spinal cord injury.

PMID- 22038822
TI  - Hyaluronic acid is radioprotective in the intestine through a TLR4 and COX-2
      mediated mechanism.
AB  - The intestinal epithelium is sensitive to radiation injury. Damage to the
      intestinal epithelium is dose limiting in radiation therapy of abdominal cancers.
      There is a need for agents that can be given before radiation therapy to protect
      the intestinal epithelium. C57BL6 mice were subjected to 12 Gy of total body
      radiation. Some mice received intraperitoneal hyaluronic acid (HA) before
      radiation. Mice were killed 6 h after radiation to assess radiation-induced
      apoptosis in the intestine; other mice were killed at 84 h to assess crypt
      survival. Total body radiation (12 Gy) resulted in increased expression of HA
      synthases and HA in the intestine and increased plasma HA (5-fold).
      Intraperitoneal injection of HA (30 mg/kg) before radiation resulted in a 1.8
      fold increase in intestinal crypt survival and a decrease in radiation-induced
      apoptosis. The radioprotective effects of HA were not seen in Toll-like receptor
      4 (TLR4)- or cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)-deficient mice. Intraperitoneal injection
      of HA induced a 1.5-fold increase in intestinal COX-2 expression, a 1.5-fold
      increase in intestinal PGE2, and the migration of COX-2-expressing mesenchymal
      stem cells from the lamina propria in the villi to the lamina propria near the
      crypt. We conclude that 1) radiation induces increased HA expression through
      inducing HA synthases, 2) intraperitoneal HA given before radiation reduces
      radiation-induced apoptosis and increases crypt survival, and 3) these
      radioprotective effects are mediated through TLR4, COX-2, and the migration of
      COX-2-expressing mesenchymal stem cells.

PMID- 22038823
TI  - Insulin inhibits hepatocyte iNOS expression induced by cytokines by an Akt
      dependent mechanism.
AB  - Hepatocyte inducible nitric oxide synthese (iNOS) expression is a tightly
      controlled pathway that mediates hepatic inflammation and hepatocyte injury in a
      variety of disease states. We have shown that cyclic adenosine monophosphate
      (cAMP) regulates cytokine-induced hepatocyte iNOS expression through mechanisms
      that involve protein kinase B/Akt. We hypothesized that insulin, which activates
      Akt signaling in hepatocytes, as well as signaling through p38 and MAPK p42/p44,
      would regulate iNOS expression during inflammation. In primary rat hepatocytes,
      insulin inhibited cytokine-stimulated nitrite accumulation and iNOS expression in
      a dose-dependent manner. Inhibition of MAPK p42/p44 with PD98059 had no effect on
      iNOS activation, whereas SB203580 to block p38 reversed insulin's inhibitory
      effect. However, insulin did not increase p38 activation and inhibition of p38
      signaling with a dominant negative p38 plasmid had no effect on cytokine- or
      insulin-mediated effects on iNOS. We found that SB203580 blocked insulin-induced
      Akt activation. Inhibition of Akt signaling with LY294002 or a dominant negative
      Akt plasmid increased cytokine-stimulated nitrite production and iNOS protein
      expression and blocked the inhibitory effects of insulin. NF-kappaB induces iNOS
      expression and can be regulated by Akt, but insulin had no effect on cytokine
      mediated IkappaBalpha levels or NF-kappaB p65 translocation. Our data demonstrate
      that insulin inhibits cytokine-stimulated hepatocyte iNOS expression and does so
      through effects on Akt-mediated signaling.

PMID- 22038824
TI  - SIRT1 inhibits the mouse intestinal motility and epithelial proliferation.
AB  - Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), a NAD(+)-dependent histone deacetylase, is involved in a wide
      array of cellular processes including glucose homeostasis, energy metabolism,
      proliferation and apoptosis, and immune response. However, it is unknown whether
      SIRT1 plays any physiological role in the regulation of intestinal homeostasis
      and motility. Thus the aim was to define SIRT1 expression and function in the
      gastrointestinal (GI) tract under physiological conditions. Forty 12-14-wk-old
      SIRT1 knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice were fasted 21 h and/or refed 3 h.
      Fasted mice were injected intraperitoneally with bromodeoxyuridine (120 mg/kg
      body wt) 2 h before euthanasia. SIRT1 protein was localized to gastric and
      intestinal epithelial nuclei and was responsive to the nutritional status. SIRT1
      was required for intestinal epithelial homeostasis. The SIRT1 KO mice showed
      enhanced crypt proliferation and suppressed villous apoptosis, resulting in
      increased intestinal villous height. In the SIRT1 KO intestine, the abundance of
      Forkhead box protein O1 and p53 protein decreased, whereas the subcellular
      localization of beta-catenin protein accumulated mainly in the crypts. The SIRT1
      KO mice showed accelerated gastric emptying rate with increased abundance of
      ghrelin mRNA and protein in the stomach. Moreover, the SIRT1 KO mouse intestine
      showed enhanced ex vivo spontaneous contraction. We concluded that, SIRT1 plays a
      critical role in the control of intestinal homeostasis (by promoting apoptosis
      and inhibiting proliferation) and gastrointestinal motility (by reducing gastric
      emptying and intestinal contractile activity), implicating a novel role for
      SIRT1.

PMID- 22038825
TI  - Prophylactic and therapeutic benefits of COX-2 inhibitor on motility dysfunction
      in bowel obstruction: roles of PGE2 and EP receptors.
AB  - We reported previously that mechanical stretch in rat colonic obstruction induces
      cyclooxygenase (COX)-2 expression in smooth muscle cells. The aims of the present
      study were to investigate whether in vivo treatment with COX-2 inhibitor has
      prophylactic and therapeutic effects on motility dysfunction in colon
      obstruction, and if so what are the underlying mechanisms. Partial colon
      obstruction was induced with a silicon band in the distal colon of 6-8-wk-old
      Sprague-Dawley rats; obstruction was maintained for 3 days or 7 days. Daily
      administration of COX-2 inhibitor NS-398 (5 mg/kg) or vehicle was started before
      or after the induction of obstruction to study its prophylactic and therapeutic
      effects, respectively. The smooth muscle contractility was significantly
      suppressed, and colonic transit rate was slower in colonic obstruction.
      Prophylactic treatment with NS-398 significantly prevented the impairments of
      colonic transit and smooth muscle contractility and attenuated fecal collection
      in the occluded colons. When NS-398 was administered therapeutically 3 days after
      the initiation of obstruction, the muscle contractility and colonic transit still
      improved on day 7. Obstruction led to marked increase of COX-2 expression and
      prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) synthesis. Exogenous PGE(2) decreased colonic smooth
      muscle contractility. All four PGE(2) E-prostanoid receptor types (EP1 to EP4)
      were detected in rat colonic muscularis externa. Treatments with EP1 and EP3
      antagonists suppressed muscle contractility in control tissue but did not improve
      contractility in obstruction tissue. On the contrary, the EP2 and EP4 antagonists
      did not affect control tissue but significantly restored muscle contractility in
      obstruction. We concluded that our study shows that COX-2 inhibitor has
      prophylactic and therapeutic benefits for motility dysfunction in bowel
      obstruction. PGE(2) and its receptors EP2 and EP4 are involved in the motility
      dysfunction in obstruction, whereas EP1 and EP3 mediate PGE(2) regulation of
      colonic smooth muscle contractile function in normal state.

PMID- 22038826
TI  - Curcumin inhibits interferon-gamma signaling in colonic epithelial cells.
AB  - Curcumin (diferulolylmethane) is an anti-inflammatory phenolic compound found
      effective in preclinical models of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) and in
      ulcerative colitis patients. Pharmacokinetics of curcumin and its poor systemic
      bioavailability suggest that it targets preferentially intestinal epithelial
      cells. The intestinal epithelium, an essential component of the gut innate
      defense mechanisms, is profoundly affected by IFN-gamma, which can disrupt the
      epithelial barrier function, prevent epithelial cell migration and wound healing,
      and prime epithelial cells to express major histocompatibility complex class II
      (MHC-II) molecules and to serve as nonprofessional antigen-presenting cells. In
      this report we demonstrate that curcumin inhibits IFN-gamma signaling in human
      and mouse colonocytes. Curcumin inhibited IFN-gamma-induced gene transcription,
      including CII-TA, MHC-II genes (HLA-DRalpha, HLA-DPalpha1, HLA-DRbeta1), and T
      cell chemokines (CXCL9, 10, and 11). Acutely, curcumin inhibited Stat1 binding to
      the GAS cis-element, prevented Stat1 nuclear translocation, and reduced Jak1
      phosphorylation and phosphorylation of Stat1 at Tyr(701). Longer exposure to
      curcumin led to endocytic internalization of IFNgammaRalpha followed by lysosomal
      fusion and degradation. In summary, curcumin acts as an IFN-gamma signaling
      inhibitor in colonocytes with biphasic mechanisms of action, a phenomenon that
      may partially account for the beneficial effects of curcumin in experimental
      colitis and in human IBD.

PMID- 22038827
TI  - The role of mechanical forces and adenosine in the regulation of intestinal
      enterochromaffin cell serotonin secretion.
AB  - Enterochromaffin (EC) cells of the diffuse neuroendocrine cell system secrete
      serotonin (5-HT) with activation of gut motility, secretion, and pain. These
      cells express adenosine (ADORA) receptors and are considered to function as
      mechanosensors. Physiological pathways mediating mechanosensitivity and adenosine
      responsiveness remain to be fully elucidated, as do their roles in inflammatory
      bowel disease (IBD) and neoplasia. Pure (98-99%) FACS-sorted normal and IBD human
      EC cells and neoplastic EC cells (KRJ-I) were studied. IBD-EC cells and KRJ-I
      overexpressed ADORA2B. NECA, a general ADORA receptor agonist, stimulated,
      whereas the A2B receptor antagonist MRS1754 inhibited, 5-HT release (EC50 = 1.8 *
      10-6 M; IC50 = 3.7 * 10-8 M), which was associated with corresponding alterations
      in intracellular cAMP levels and pCREB (Ser133). Mechanical stimulation using a
      rhythmic flex model induced transcription and activation of Tph1 (tryptophan
      hydroxylase) and VMAT1 (vesicular monoamine transporter 1) and the release of 5
      HT, which could be inhibited by MRS1754 and amplified by NECA. Secretion was also
      inhibited by H-89 (PKA inhibitor) while Tph1 and VMAT1 transcription was
      regulated by PKA/MAPK and PI3K-mediated signaling. Normal and IBD-EC cells also
      responded to NECA and mechanical stimulation with PKA activation, cAMP
      production, and 5-HT release, effects reversible by MRS1754. EC cells express
      stimulatory ADORA2B, and rhythmic stretch induces A2B activation, PKA/MAPK/IP3
      dependent transcription, and PKA-dependent secretion of 5-HT synthesis and
      secretion. Receptor expression is amplified in IBD and neoplasia, and 5-HT
      release is increased. Determination of factors that regulate EC cell function are
      necessary for understanding its role as a mechanosensory cell and to facilitate
      the development of agents that can selectively target cell function in EC cell
      associated disease.

PMID- 22038828
TI  - Systemic administration of anti-NGF increases A-type potassium currents and
      decreases pancreatic nociceptor excitability in a rat model of chronic
      pancreatitis.
AB  - We have previously shown that pancreatic sensory neurons in rats with chronic
      pancreatitis (CP) display increased excitability associated with a decrease in
      transient inactivating potassium currents (I(A)), thus accounting in part for the
      hyperalgesia associated with this condition. Because of its well known role in
      somatic hyperalgesia, we hypothesized a role for the nerve growth factor (NGF) in
      driving these changes. CP was induced by intraductal injection of trinitrobenzene
      sulfonic acid (TNBS) in rats. After 3 wk, anti-NGF antibody or control serum was
      injected intra-peritoneally daily for 1 wk. This protocol was repeated in another
      set of experiments in control rats (receiving intraductal PBS instead of TNBS).
      Pancreatic nociceptors labeled with the dye Dil were identified, and patch-clamp
      recordings were made from acutely dissociated DRG neurons. Sensory neurons from
      anti-NGF-treated rats displayed a lower resting membrane potential, increased
      rheobase, decreased burst discharges in response to stimulatory current, and
      decreased input resistance compared with those treated with control serum. Under
      voltage-clamp condition, neuronal I(A) density was increased in anti-NGF-treated
      rats compared with rats treated with control serum. However, anti-NGF treatment
      had no effect on electrophysiological parameters in neurons from control rats.
      The expression of Kv-associated channel or ancillary genes Kv1.4, 4.1, 4.2, 4.3,
      and DPP6, DPP10, and KCHIPs 1-4 in pancreas-specific nociceptors was examined by
      laser-capture microdissection and real-time PCR quantification of mRNA levels. No
      significant differences were seen among those. These findings emphasize a key
      role for NGF in maintaining neuronal excitability in CP specifically via
      downregulation of I(A) by as yet unknown mechanisms.

PMID- 22038829
TI  - Glp-1 analog, liraglutide, ameliorates hepatic steatosis and cardiac hypertrophy
      in C57BL/6J mice fed a Western diet.
AB  - The aims of this study were designed to determine whether liraglutide, a long
      acting glucagon-like peptide, could reverse the adverse effects of a diet high in
      fat that also contained trans-fat and high-fructose corn syrup (ALIOS diet).
      Specifically, we examined whether treatment with liraglutide could reduce hepatic
      insulin resistance and steatosis as well as improve cardiac function. Male
      C57BL/6J mice were pair fed or fed ad libitum either standard chow or the ALIOS
      diet. After 8 wk the mice were further subdivided and received daily injections
      of either liraglutide or saline for 4 wk. Hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp
      studies were performed after 6 wk, revealing hepatic insulin resistance. Glucose
      tolerance and insulin resistance tests were performed at 8 and 12 wk prior to and
      following liraglutide treatment. Liver pathology, cardiac measurements, blood
      chemistry, and RNA and protein analyses were performed. Clamp studies revealed
      hepatic insulin resistance after 6 wk of ALIOS diet. Liraglutide reduced visceral
      adiposity and liver weight (P < 0.001). As expected, liraglutide improved glucose
      and insulin tolerance. Liraglutide improved hypertension (P < 0.05) and reduced
      cardiac hypertrophy. Surprisingly, liver from liraglutide-treated mice had
      significantly higher levels of fatty acid binding protein, acyl-CoA oxidase II,
      very long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase, and microsomal triglyceride transfer
      protein. We conclude that liraglutide reduces the harmful effects of an ALIOS
      diet by improving insulin sensitivity and by reducing lipid accumulation in liver
      through multiple mechanisms including, transport, and increase beta-oxidation.

PMID- 22038830
TI  - Human papillomavirus infection in women with and without cervical cancer in
      Tehran, Iran.
AB  - No data exist on the population prevalence of, or risk factors for, human
      papillomavirus (HPV) infection in Iran or the Middle East. Cervical specimens
      were obtained from 825 married women aged 18-59 years from the general population
      of Tehran, Iran and from 45 locally diagnosed invasive cervical cancers (ICC)
      according to the standardized protocol of the International Agency for Research
      on Cancer HPV Prevalence Surveys. HPV was detected and genotyped using a GP5+/6+
      PCR-based assay. HPV prevalence in the general population was 7.8% (95%
      confidence interval: 6.0-9.8) (5.1% of high-risk types), with no significant
      variation by age. HPV positivity was significantly higher among divorced women,
      women in polygamous marriages and those reporting husband's absence from home for
      >7 nights/month. HPV16/18 accounted for 30 and 82.2% of HPV-positive women in the
      general population and ICC, respectively. Cervical cancer prevention policies
      should take into account the relatively low HPV prevalence in this population.

PMID- 22038831
TI  - Comparative repeatability of two handheld fractional exhaled nitric oxide
      monitors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The use of portable fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) devices is
      increasingly common in the diagnosis and management of allergic airways
      inflammation. METHODS: We tested two handheld FENO devices, to determine (a) if
      there was adequate intradevice repeatability to allow the use of single breath
      testing, and (b) if the devices could be used interchangeably. In a mixed
      pediatric population, including normal, asthmatic, and children with peanut
      allergies, 858 paired values were collected from the NIOX-MINO(r) and/or the
      NObreath(r) devices. RESULTS: The NIOX-MINO(r) showed excellent repeatability
      (mean difference of 0.1 with 95% limits of agreement between -7.93 to 7.72 ppb),
      while the NObreath(r) showed good repeatability (mean difference of -1.61 with
      95% limits of agreement between -14.1 and 10.8 ppb). Intradevice repeatability
      was good but not adequate and the NIOX-MINO(r) systematically produced higher
      results than the NObreath(r) [mean difference of 7.8 ppb with 95% limits of
      agreement from -11.55 to 27.52 ppb (-33% to 290%)]. CONCLUSIONS: Our results
      support the manufacturer's advice that single breath testing is appropriate for
      the NIOX-MINO(r). NObreath(r) results indicate that the mean of more than one
      breath should be utilized. The devices cannot be used interchangeably.

PMID- 22038832
TI  - Potential scenarios for nanomaterial release and subsequent alteration in the
      environment.
AB  - The risks associated with exposure to engineered nanomaterials (ENM) will be
      determined in part by the processes that control their environmental fate and
      transformation. These processes act not only on ENM that might be released
      directly into the environment, but more importantly also on ENM in consumer
      products and those that have been released from the product. The environmental
      fate and transformation are likely to differ significantly for each of these
      cases. The ENM released from actual direct use or from nanomaterial-containing
      products are much more relevant for ecotoxicological studies and risk assessment
      than pristine ENM. Released ENM may have a greater or lesser environmental impact
      than the starting materials, depending on the transformation reactions and the
      material. Almost nothing is known about the environmental behavior and the
      effects of released and transformed ENM, although these are the materials that
      are actually present in the environment. Further research is needed to determine
      whether the release and transformation processes result in a similar or more
      diverse set of ENM and ultimately how this affects environmental behavior. This
      article addresses these questions, using four hypothetical case studies that
      cover a wide range of ENM, their direct use or product applications, and their
      likely fate in the environment. Furthermore, a more definitive classification
      scheme for ENM should be adopted that reflects their surface condition, which is
      a result of both industrial and environmental processes acting on the ENM. The
      authors conclude that it is not possible to assess the risks associated with the
      use of ENM by investigating only the pristine form of the ENM, without
      considering alterations and transformation processes.

PMID- 22038833
TI  - Disruption of cytokeratin-8 interaction with F508del-CFTR corrects its functional
      defect.
AB  - We have previously reported an increased expression of cytokeratins 8/18 (K8/K18)
      in cells expressing the F508del mutation of cystic fibrosis transmembrane
      conductance regulator (CFTR). This is associated with increased colocalization of
      CFTR and K18 in the vicinity of the endoplasmic reticulum, although this is
      reversed by treating cells with curcumin, resulting in the rescue of F508del
      CFTR. In the present work, we hypothesized that (i) the K8/K18 network may
      interact physically with CFTR, and that (ii) this interaction may modify CFTR
      function. CFTR was immunoprecipitated from HeLa cells transfected with either
      wild-type (WT) CFTR or F508del-CFTR. Precipitates were subjected to 2D-gel
      electrophoresis and differential spots identified by mass spectrometry. K8 and
      K18 were found significantly increased in F508del-CFTR precipitates. Using
      surface plasmon resonance, we demonstrate that K8, but not K18, binds directly
      and preferentially to the F508del over the WT human NBD1 (nucleotide-binding
      domain-1). In vivo K8 interaction with F508del-CFTR was confirmed by proximity
      ligation assay in HeLa cells and in primary cultures of human respiratory
      epithelial cells. Ablation of K8 expression by siRNA in F508del-expressing HeLa
      cells led to the recovery of CFTR-dependent iodide efflux. Moreover, F508del
      expressing mice topically treated with K8-siRNA showed restored nasal potential
      difference, equivalent to that of WT mice. These results show that disruption of
      F508del-CFTR and K8 interaction leads to the correction of the F508del-CFTR
      processing defect, suggesting a novel potential therapeutic target in CF.

PMID- 22038834
TI  - A novel mutation within the MIR96 gene causes non-syndromic inherited hearing
      loss in an Italian family by altering pre-miRNA processing.
AB  - The miR-96, miR-182 and miR-183 microRNA (miRNA) family is essential for
      differentiation and function of the vertebrate inner ear. Recently, point
      mutations within the seed region of miR-96 were reported in two Spanish families
      with autosomal dominant non-syndromic sensorineural hearing loss (NSHL) and in a
      mouse model of NSHL. We screened 882 NSHL patients and 836 normal-hearing Italian
      controls and identified one putative novel mutation within the miR-96 gene in a
      family with autosomal dominant NSHL. Although located outside the mature miR-96
      sequence, the detected variant replaces a highly conserved nucleotide within the
      companion miR-96*, and is predicted to reduce the stability of the pre-miRNA
      hairpin. To evaluate the effect of the detected mutation on miR-96/mir-96*
      biogenesis, we investigated the maturation of miR-96 by transient expression in
      mammalian cells, followed by real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain
      reaction (PCR). We found that both miR-96 and miR-96* levels were significantly
      reduced in the mutant, whereas the precursor levels were unaffected. Moreover,
      miR-96 and miR-96* expression levels could be restored by a compensatory mutation
      that reconstitutes the secondary structure of the pre-miR-96 hairpin,
      demonstrating that the mutation hinders precursor processing, probably
      interfering with Dicer cleavage. Finally, even though the mature miR-96 sequence
      is not altered, we demonstrated that the identified mutation significantly
      impacts on miR-96 regulation of selected targets. In conclusion, we provide
      further evidence of the involvement of miR-96 mutations in human deafness and
      demonstrate that a quantitative defect of this miRNA may contribute to NSHL.

PMID- 22038835
TI  - Loss of ceramide synthase 3 causes lethal skin barrier disruption.
AB  - The stratum corneum as the outermost epidermal layer protects against exsiccation
      and infection. Both the underlying cornified envelope (CE) and the intercellular
      lipid matrix contribute essentially to these two main protective barriers.
      Epidermis-unique ceramides with ultra-long-chain acyl moities (ULC-Cers) are key
      components of extracellular lipid lamellae (ELL) and are bound to CE proteins,
      thereby contributing to the cornified lipid envelope (CLE). Here, we identified
      human and mouse ceramide synthase 3 (CerS3), among CerS1-6, to be exclusively
      required for the ULC-Cer synthesis in vitro and of mouse CerS3 in vivo.
      Deficiency of CerS3 in mice results in complete loss of ULC-Cers (>=C26), lack of
      continuous ELL and a non-functional CLE. Consequently, newborn mutant mice die
      shortly after birth from transepidermal water loss. Mutant skin is prone to
      Candida albicans infection highlighting ULC-Cers to be pivotal for both barrier
      functions. Persistent periderm, hyperkeratosis and deficient cornification are
      hallmarks of mutant skin demonstrating loss of Cers to trigger a keratinocyte
      maturation arrest at an embryonic pre-barrier stage.

PMID- 22038836
TI  - The comparison of two column classification systems during the chromatographic
      analysis of steroids.
AB  - Nowadays, due to the availability of hundreds of brands of reversed-phase liquid
      chromatographic columns, the selection of suitable columns can be difficult.
      Therefore, a good characterization and classification system is very important.
      Among published papers, the classification system based on quantitative structure
      retention relationships and a method developed at the Katholieke Universiteit
      Leuven also exist. In quantitative structure-retention relationships, retention
      is evaluated in terms of the chemical structure of the analytes and the
      physicochemical properties of both the stationary and mobile phase. The second
      system allows to rank columns due to the values of four parameters and the
      calculation of specific F(KUL)-values for a reference column and to be compared
      with others. In this paper, the classification systems based both on quantitative
      structure-retention relationships and the F(KUL)-values using principal
      components analysis were compared. Moreover, the proposed column ranking systems
      have been checked in clinical practice case considering liquid chromatography
      determination of six steroid hormones in urine samples. Despite that the matching
      of both methods is not exactly the same, both classification systems provide
      simple, reliable and comparable results.

PMID- 22038837
TI  - Myofibroblast-derived PDGF-BB promotes Hedgehog survival signaling in
      cholangiocarcinoma cells.
AB  - Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) cells paradoxically express the death ligand, tumor
      necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and, therefore, are
      dependent upon potent survival signals to circumvent TRAIL cytotoxicity. CCAs are
      also highly desmoplastic cancers with a tumor microenvironment rich in
      myofibroblasts (MFBs). Herein, we examine a role for MFB-derived CCA survival
      signals. We employed human KMCH-1, KMBC, HuCCT-1, TFK-1, and Mz-ChA-1 CCA cells,
      as well as human primary hepatic stellate and myofibroblastic LX-2 cells, for
      these studies. In vivo experiments were conducted using a syngeneic rat
      orthotopic CCA model. Coculturing CCA cells with myofibroblastic human primary
      hepatic stellate cells or LX-2 cells significantly decreased TRAIL-induced
      apoptosis in CCA cells, a cytoprotective effect abrogated by neutralizing
      platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB antiserum. Cytoprotection by PDGF-BB was
      dependent upon Hedgehog (Hh) signaling, because it was abolished by the
      smoothened (SMO; the transducer of Hh signaling) inhibitor, cyclopamine. PDGF-BB
      induced cyclic adenosine monophosphate-dependent protein kinase-dependent
      trafficking of SMO to the plasma membrane, resulting in glioma-associated
      oncogene (GLI)2 nuclear translocation and activation of a consensus GLI reporter
      gene-based luciferase assay. A genome-wide messenger RNA expression analysis
      identified 67 target genes to be commonly up- (50 genes) or down-regulated (17
      genes) by both Sonic hedgehog and PDGF-BB in a cyclopamine-dependent manner in
      CCA cells. Finally, in a rodent CCA in vivo model, cyclopamine administration
      increased apoptosis in CCA cells, resulting in tumor suppression. CONCLUSIONS:
      MFB-derived PDGF-BB protects CCA cells from TRAIL cytotoxicity by a Hh-signaling
      dependent process. These results have therapeutical implications for the
      treatment of human CCA.

PMID- 22038839
TI  - Discrepancies between pediatric laboratories in pulmonary function results from
      healthy children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Multi-center research studies that include pulmonary function as an
      objective outcome are increasingly important in pediatric respiratory medicine.
      The need for local controls rather than depending on published normative data for
      lung function remains debatable. AIM: To compare pulmonary function in childhood
      controls with no respiratory symptoms from three centers in the United Kingdom
      and ascertain the extent to which current reference equations are appropriate for
      this population. METHODS: Spirometry, plethysmographic lung volumes, and specific
      airways resistance (sRaw) were measured within specialized pediatric laboratories
      in children from three geographical locations throughout the UK (London,
      Leicester, and Glasgow), using identical equipment, software and standard
      operating procedures. Results were compared between centers and in relation to
      recent or commonly used UK pediatric reference values. RESULTS: Pulmonary
      function was assessed in 94 healthy children (mean (SD) age: 7.7 (0.6) years; 88%
      white Caucasians; ~30 from each center). There were no significant differences in
      background demographics or spirometric outcomes when compared between centers. By
      contrast, statistically significant differences in plethysmographic lung volumes
      and sRaw were observed between-centers. Significant differences in relation to
      published reference data for white subjects were noted for FEV(1) in all three
      centers and occasionally for other lung function measures but the differences
      from predicted values were small (within +/- 0.5 z-score) and not clinically
      significant. CONCLUSION: After appropriate inter-laboratory standardization,
      spirometric measurements in children can be measured in different centers without
      evidence of systematic differences. However, even after extensive standardization
      procedures, plethysmographic measures appear more prone to inter-center
      differences and cannot, at present, be reliably compared across centers without
      incorporating controls at each location.

PMID- 22038840
TI  - Toll-like receptor 5 deficiency protects from wasting disease in a T cell
      transfer colitis model in T cell receptor-beta-deficient mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5) is implicated in the innate and adaptive
      immune responses that are associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In
      humans TLR5 is expressed on CD4(+) T cells and costimulation with flagellin
      potentiates effector and regulatory T cell responses. The aim of this study was
      to determine the role of TLR5 in CD4(+) T cell subsets versus other cells in
      induction of disease in a model of T cell-dependent colitis. METHODS: TLR5
      expression on CD4(+) T cells was assessed by real-time reverse-transcriptase
      polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Wildtype (WT) or TLR5-deficient (5-/-) CD4(+)
      T conventional cells (Tconv) and T regulatory cells (Treg) were compared for
      their ability to induce and suppress T cell transfer colitis, respectively. In
      addition, the role of TLR5 expression in recipient mice was analyzed. RESULTS:
      TLR5 is preferentially expressed on mouse Treg compared to Tconv, although
      expression levels were low. The colitogenic capacity of WT and 5-/- Tconv was
      found to be similar and Treg from WT or 5-/- donor animals both prevented T cell
      transfer colitis in TLR-competent hosts. TLR5 deficiency in recipient mice,
      however, did affect the disease process, as T cell receptor-beta (TCRbeta) 5-/-
      recipients had decreased weight loss compared to TCRbeta recipient mice when WT
      Tconv were used. CONCLUSIONS: TLR5 expression on T cells is not required for
      induction of or protection from T cell-dependent colitis. Expression of TLR5 in
      non-T cells has a pathogenic role, since TLR5 deficiency in recipient mice
      protects against weight loss induced by WT T cells.

PMID- 22038841
TI  - The anatomist Hans Elias: A Jewish German in exile.
AB  - Hans Elias (1907 to 1985) was an anatomist, an educator, a mathematician, a
      cinematographer, a painter, and a sculptor. Above all, he was a German of Jewish
      descent, who had to leave his home country because of the policies of the
      National Socialist (NS) regime. He spent his life in exile, first in Italy and
      then in the United States. His biography is exemplary for a generation of younger
      expatriates from National Socialist Germany who had to find a new professional
      career under difficult circumstances. Elias was a greatly productive morphologist
      whose artistic talent led to the foundation of the new science of stereology and
      made him an expert in scientific cinematography. He struggled hard to fulfill his
      own high expectations of himself in terms of his effectiveness as a scientist,
      educator, and politically acting man in this world. Throughout his life this
      strong-willed and outspoken man never lost his great fondness for Germany and
      many of its people, while reserving some of his sharpest criticism for fellow
      anatomists who were active in National Socialist Germany, among them his friend
      Hermann Stieve, Max Clara, and Heinrich von Hayek. Hans Elias' life is well
      documented in his unpublished diaries and memoirs, and thus allows fresh insights
      into a time period when some anatomists were among the first victims of NS
      policies and other anatomists became involved in the execution of such policies.

PMID- 22038842
TI  - Pocket card and dedicated feedback session to improve feedback to ward residents:
      a randomized trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Residents are often dissatisfied with feedback received on the wards,
      and hospital attendings are often uncomfortable and unskilled at giving feedback.
      OBJECTIVE: Determine the impact of a pocket card and feedback session on Internal
      Medicine (IM) residents' perceptions of feedback and attendings' comfort giving
      feedback. DESIGN: Prospective randomized trial using chi-square analysis.
      SETTING: Inpatient wards at 1 academic medical center. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred
      eleven IM residents and 36 attendings. INTERVENTION: We introduced a pocket
      feedback card, structured around the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical
      Education competencies, and a feedback session to guide mid-rotation feedback.
      Control group attendings received the usual reminder to provide feedback.
      MEASUREMENTS: Attendings' and residents' survey responses, after the inpatient
      month, assessing attitudes towards feedback and qualitative interviews with
      intervention attendings. RESULTS: Intervention residents were more likely than
      controls to report sufficient and useful feedback from attendings. They reported
      more feedback regarding skills needing improvement and how to improve their
      skills (51.3% vs 25.5%, P = 0.02), and felt their clinical (61.5% vs 27.8%, P =
      0.001) and professionalism/communication (51.3% vs 29.1%, P = 0.03) skills
      improved based on this feedback. Intervention attendings, as compared to
      controls, agreed that residents improved their professionalism/communication
      skills (76.9% vs 31.1%, P = 0.02) based on feedback. Most intervention attendings
      found the card and session acceptable and would use both in the future.
      CONCLUSIONS: A pocket feedback card and dedicated feedback session improved the
      quantity and quality of feedback delivered to IM residents by their attendings on
      the inpatient wards.

PMID- 22038843
TI  - Polymers for anion recognition and sensing.
AB  - In biological systems, the selective and high-affinity recognition of anionic
      species is accomplished by macromolecular hosts (anion-binding proteins) that
      have been "optimized" through evolution. Surprisingly, it is only recently that
      chemists have systematically attempted to develop anion-responsive synthetic
      macromolecules for potential applications in medicine, national security, or
      environmental monitoring. Recent results indicating that unique features of
      polymeric systems such as signal amplification, multivalency, and cooperative
      behavior may be exploited productively in the context of anion recognition and
      sensing are documented. The wide variety of interactions-including Lewis
      acid/base, ion-pairing, and hydrogen bonding-that have been employed for this
      purpose is reflected in the structural diversity of anion-responsive
      macromolecules identified to date.

PMID- 22038844
TI  - Constipation is associated with incomplete bladder emptying in healthy children.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the association between constipation and the results of
      uroflowmetry with post-void residual urine (PVR) tests in healthy children.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: We enrolled healthy children aged between 4 and 12 years
      for evaluation of voiding and defecation function. A parent of children completed
      the questionnaire, and the children were asked to do uroflowmetry and PVR.
      Constipation is defined as defecation frequency <= 2 times/week or type 1-2 stool
      forms on Bristol stool scale. Uroflowmetry curve and PVR were eligible for
      analysis if voided volume was between 50 ml and expected capacity for age.
      RESULTS: Totally, 778 children (415 boys and 363 girls) with a mean age of 7.2 +/
      2.2 years were eligible for analysis. The prevalence of constipation was 10.9%
      by low defecation frequency, and 28.4% by Bristol stool scale, respectively.
      Regarding the rate of constipation, there were no statistically significant
      differences between genders. Compared to children without low defecation
      frequency, constipated children had higher PVR (9.0 vs. 5.9 ml, P = 0.01), higher
      rate of PVR > 20 ml (17.7% vs. 7.1%, P = 0.01) and lower voiding efficiency
      (93.2% vs. 94.9%, P = 0.04). Compared to children without type 1-2 Bristol stool,
      constipated children did not have higher PVR (7.2 ml vs. 5.8 ml, P = 0.10), nor
      lower voiding efficiency (94.0% vs. 95.0%, P = 0.11). Urgency symptom score and
      rate of abnormal flow patterns were comparable between children with or without
      constipation. CONCLUSION: Constipation defined as low defecation frequency was
      associated with incomplete bladder emptying in healthy children.

PMID- 22038845
TI  - alpha-Tocopheryloxyacetic acid is superior to alpha-tocopheryl succinate in
      suppressing HER2-high breast carcinomas due to its higher stability.
AB  - Breast cancer is the number one neoplastic disease of women, with the HER2-high
      carcinomas presenting a considerable challenge for efficient treatment.
      Therefore, a search for novel agents active against this type of cancer is
      warranted. We tested two vitamin E (VE) analogs, the esterase-hydrolyzable alpha
      tocopheryl succinate (alpha-TOS) and the non-hydrolyzable ether alpha
      tocopheryloxyacetic acid (alpha-TEA) for their effects on HER2-positive breast
      carcinomas using a breast tumor mouse model and breast cancer cell lines.
      Ultrasound imaging documented that alpha-TEA suppressed breast carcinomas in the
      transgenic animals more efficiently than found for its ester counterpart.
      However, both agents exerted a comparable apoptotic effect on the NeuTL breast
      cancer cells derived from the FVB/N c-neu mice as well as in the human MBA-MD-453
      and MCF7HER2-18 cells with high level of HER2. The superior anti-tumor effect of
      alpha-TEA over alpha-TOS in vivo can be explained by longer persistence of the
      former in mice, possibly due to the enhanced plasma and hepatic processing of
      alpha-TOS in comparison to the esterase-non-cleavable alpha-TEA. Indeed, the
      stability of alpha-TOS in plasma was inferior to that of alpha-TEA. We propose
      that alpha-TEA is a promising drug efficient against breast cancer, as documented
      by its effect on experimental HER2-positive breast carcinomas that present a
      considerable problem in cancer management.

PMID- 22038846
TI  - Toxicity of aqueous C70-gallic acid suspension in Daphnia magna.
AB  - The present study assessed the toxic effects of stable aqueous colloidal
      suspensions of gallic-acid-stabilized C(70) fullerene on Daphnia magna. The
      suspensions were stabilized through noncovalent surface modification with gallic
      acid. In addition to whole-organism responses, changes in antioxidative processes
      in D. magna were quantified. Acute toxicity was observed with 96LC50 for C(70) 
      gallic acid of 0.4 +/- 0.1 mg/L C(70) . Daphnia magna fecundity was significantly
      reduced in 21-d bioassays at C(70) -gallic aqcid concentrations below
      quantifiable limits. Antioxidant enzyme activities of glutathione peroxidase and
      superoxide dismutase as well as lipid peroxidation suggested that exposed
      organisms experienced oxidative stress. Microscopic techniques used to determine
      cellular toxicity via apoptosis proved unsuccessful.

PMID- 22038847
TI  - Protective effects of passively transferred merozoite-specific antibodies against
      Theileria equi in horses with severe combined immunodeficiency.
AB  - Theileria equi immune plasma was infused into young horses (foals) with severe
      combined immunodeficiency. Although all foals became infected following
      intravenous challenge with homologous T. equi merozoite stabilate, delayed time
      to peak parasitemia occurred. Protective effects were associated with a
      predominance of passively transferred merozoite-specific IgG3.

PMID- 22038848
TI  - Increased frequency of regulatory T cells and T lymphocyte activation in persons
      with previously treated extrapulmonary tuberculosis.
AB  - Extrapulmonary tuberculosis may be due to underlying immune compromise.
      Immunosuppressive regulatory T cells (Treg cells), and CD4(+) T lymphocytes in
      general, are important in the host immune response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
      We evaluated T lymphocytes from patients after recovery from extrapulmonary
      tuberculosis, which may reflect conditions before M. tuberculosis infection. A
      case-control study was conducted among HIV-uninfected adults with previously
      treated extrapulmonary tuberculosis and 3 sets of controls: (i) subjects with
      previously treated pulmonary tuberculosis, (ii) close tuberculosis contacts with
      M. tuberculosis infection, and (iii) close tuberculosis contacts with no
      infection. Monocyte-depleted peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC-M) were
      stained for CD4(+) CD25(hi) CD127(low) FoxP3(+) cell (Treg cell) and T lymphocyte
      activation. Both characteristics were compared as continuous variables between
      groups with the Kruskal-Wallis test. There were 7 extrapulmonary tuberculosis
      cases, 18 pulmonary tuberculosis controls, 17 controls with M. tuberculosis
      infection, and 18 controls without M. tuberculosis infection. The median Treg
      cell proportion was highest among persons with previous extrapulmonary
      tuberculosis (1.23%) compared to subjects with pulmonary tuberculosis (0.56%),
      latent M. tuberculosis infection (0.14%), or no M. tuberculosis infection (0.20%)
      (P = 0.001). The median proportion of CD4(+) T lymphocytes that expressed the
      activation markers HLA-DR and CD38 was highest for CD4(+) T lymphocytes from
      persons with previous extrapulmonary tuberculosis (0.79%) compared to subjects
      with pulmonary tuberculosis (0.44%), latent M. tuberculosis infection (0.14%), or
      no M. tuberculosis infection (0.32%) (P = 0.005). Compared with controls, persons
      with previously treated extrapulmonary tuberculosis had the highest Treg cell
      frequency, but also the highest levels of CD4(+) T lymphocyte activation. Immune
      dysregulation may be a feature of individuals at risk for extrapulmonary
      tuberculosis.

PMID- 22038849
TI  - Maintenance of immune response throughout childhood following serogroup C
      meningococcal conjugate vaccination in early childhood.
AB  - The objectives of this study were to evaluate the kinetics of antibody decline
      through childhood in a longitudinal study of a single cohort following serogroup
      C meningococcal (MenC) vaccine immunization in early childhood and to calculate
      the proportion of 11 to 13 year olds with protective levels of bactericidal
      antibody 10 years after immunization. United Kingdom children aged 11 to 13 years
      in 2010 who had previously taken part in a longitudinal study at the Oxford
      Vaccine Group had blood samples drawn between 2001 and 2010. Sera from each time
      point were analyzed for the MenC serum bactericidal antibody titer using a baby
      rabbit complement (rSBA) assay. The median age at MenC immunization was 21 months
      (range, 1 year 3 months to 3 years 9 months). The MenC rSBA geometric mean titer
      (GMT) at age 3.5 to 5 years was 8.0 (95% confidence interval, 6.5 to 9.9; n =
      287). By age 11.5 to 13.5 years, the rSBA GMT had declined to 3.3 (2.5 to 4.4; n
      = 98). The percentage of children with rSBA titers of >=1:8 (the threshold for
      protection) also declined from 38% (35% to 41%) to 15% (12% to 19%). We concluded
      that MenC rSBA titers wane rapidly following vaccination in early childhood and
      continue to decline into the second decade of life. Since nasopharyngeal
      colonization in adolescents probably provides the major reservoir for MenC in the
      population, declining immunity in this cohort is of concern. Sustaining high
      levels of antibody through booster vaccination in this cohort is likely necessary
      to avoid a resurgence of disease in the decade ahead.

PMID- 22038850
TI  - Serum antibody responses to 10 Mycobacterium tuberculosis proteins, purified
      protein derivative, and old tuberculin in natural and experimental tuberculosis
      in rhesus monkeys.
AB  - Old tuberculin (OT) and purified protein derivative (PPD) are widely used for
      tuberculin skin testing (TST) in diagnosis of tuberculosis (TB) but often yield
      poor specificity and anergy in reaction. Therefore, it is necessary to develop
      new serological methods as a possible auxiliary diagnostic method for TB. In this
      study, we characterized the dynamic antibody responses of 10 purified recombinant
      antigens, PPD, and OT in rhesus monkeys experimentally infected with
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis and analyzed the time to antibody detection, antibody
      levels, and their association with the infectious doses. The antibodies were
      detected as early as 4 weeks after infection in response to 5 antigens (CFP10,
      CFP10-ESAT-6, U1, MPT64, and Ag85b). Antibodies against most of the other
      antigens were detected between 4 and 12 weeks after infection. The levels of
      antibodies were dose dependant. We further evaluated the serodiagnostic potential
      of these antigens by using indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 71 TST
      positive and 90 TST-negative serum samples from monkeys. For all 12 antigens, the
      median optical density values of TST-positive monkeys were statistically
      significantly higher than those of TST-negative monkeys (P < 0.001). Among those
      antigens, Ag85b and CFP10 showed higher diagnostic potential than others. A
      combination of results from Ag85b, the 38-kDa antigen (Ag38kDa), and Ag14kDa
      reaches a sensitivity of 95.77%, indicating that these antigens may be ideal
      cocktails in TB diagnosis.

PMID- 22038851
TI  - Determination of some organophosphorus pesticides in water and watermelon samples
      by microextraction prior to high-performance liquid chromatography.
AB  - A novel method based on simultaneous liquid-liquid microextraction and carbon
      nanotube reinforced hollow fiber microporous membrane solid-liquid phase
      microextraction has been developed for the determination of six organophosphorus
      pesticides, i.e. isocarbophos, phosmet, parathion-methyl, triazophos, fonofos and
      phoxim, in water and watermelon samples prior to high-performance liquid
      chromatography (HPLC). Under the optimum conditions, the method shows a good
      linearity within a range of 1-200 ng/mL for water samples and 5-200 ng/g for
      watermelon samples, with the correlation coefficients (r) varying from 0.9990 to
      0.9997 and 0.9986 to 0.9995, respectively. The limits of detection (LODs) were in
      the range between 0.1 and 0.3 ng/mL for water samples and between 1.0 and 1.5
      ng/g for watermelon samples. The recoveries of the method at spiking levels of
      5.0 and 50.0 ng/mL for water samples were between 85.4 and 100.8%, and at spiking
      levels of 5.0 and 50.0 ng/g for watermelon samples, they were between 82.6 and
      92.4%, with the relative standard deviations (RSDs) varying from 4.5-6.9% and 5.2
      7.4%, respectively. The results suggested that the developed method represents a
      simple, low-cost, high analytes preconcentration and excellent sample cleanup
      procedure for the determination of organophosphorus pesticides in water and
      watermelon samples.

PMID- 22038852
TI  - Sparsomycin-linezolid conjugates can promote ribosomal translocation.
AB  - Sparsomycin is an antibiotic that targets the peptidyl transferase center of the
      ribosome and has the ability to promote ribosomal translocation in the absence of
      EF-G and GTP. Here we show that changes in the configurations at the two chiral
      centers of sparsomycin, especially at the chiral carbon, can greatly affect its
      capability to promote ribosomal translocation. More importantly, the
      incorporation of the pseudo-uracil moiety of sparsomycin into linezolid through a
      covalent linkage conferred on linezolid derivatives the ability to promote
      translocation, thus indicating the importance of interactions between this pseudo
      uracil moiety, rRNA, and tRNA for promoting translocation. In addition, these
      translocation promoters can also effectively inhibit spontaneous reverse
      translocation; this suggests that they might promote forward translocation by
      trapping the ribosome in the post-translocation state and shifting the
      equilibrium between the pre- and post-translocation ribosome in the forward
      direction.

PMID- 22038853
TI  - The asbestos disease epidemic: here today, here tomorrow.

PMID- 22038854
TI  - Improving fatty acid production in Escherichia coli through the overexpression of
      malonyl coA-acyl carrier protein transacylase.
AB  - The microbial biosynthesis of free fatty acid, which can be used as precursors
      for the production of fuels or chemicals from renewable carbon sources, has
      attracted significant attention in recent years. Free fatty acids can be produced
      by introducing an acyl-carrier protein (ACP) thioesterase (TE) gene into
      Escherichia coli. The first committed step of fatty acid biosynthesis is the
      conversion of acetyl-CoA to malonyl-CoA by an adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
      dependent acetyl-CoA carboxylase followed by the conversion of malonyl-CoA to
      malonyl-ACP through the enzyme malonyl CoA-acyl carrier protein transacylase
      (MCT; FabD). The E. coli fabD gene encoding MCT has been cloned and studied.
      However, the effect of FabD overexpression in a fatty acid overproducing strain
      has not been examined. In this study, we examined the effect of FabD
      overexpression in a fatty acid overproducing strain carrying an acyl-ACP TE.
      Specifically, the effect of overexpressing a fabD gene from four different
      organisms on fatty acid production was compared. The strains carrying a fabD gene
      from E. coli, Streptomyces avermitilis MA-4680, or Streptomyces coelicolor A3(2)
      improved the free fatty acid production; these three strains produced more free
      fatty acids, about 11% more, than the control strain. The strain carrying a fabD
      gene from Clostridium acetobutylicum ATCC 824, however, produced similar
      quantities of free fatty acids as the control strain. In addition, the three FabD
      overexpressed strains also have higher fatty acid/glucose yields. The results
      suggested that FabD overexpression can be used to improve free fatty acid
      production by increasing the malonyl-ACP availability.

PMID- 22038856
TI  - No association between miso soup intake and female urinary incontinence.

PMID- 22038857
TI  - Recommendations for the treatment of Crohn's disease with tumor necrosis factor
      antagonists: an expert consensus report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Symptom relief is the traditional treatment goal in Crohn's disease
      (CD). New goals including mucosal healing and bowel preservation are now
      achievable with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antagonists. Infliximab and
      adalimumab are approved as second-line treatments for severe, active CD.
      Certolizumab pegol is approved only in the U.S. and Switzerland as second-line
      treatment for moderate-to-severe, active CD. Data from trials of infliximab
      suggest that high-risk patients and patients with active inflammation (CRP
      elevation and/or ileocolonic ulcers) may benefit from earlier use of this drug.
      METHODS: A Delphi survey was used to obtain consensus on issues surrounding bowel
      preservation and use of TNF antagonists. At the time of this survey, infliximab
      was the only TNF antagonist approved for the treatment of CD in Europe, Canada,
      and Australia. An expert panel of 12 gastroenterologists with substantial
      clinical experience using infliximab in clinical practice and trials in these
      areas participated. RESULTS: The experts agreed that bowel preservation and
      mucosal healing are relevant and achievable goals, and form a rationale for using
      TNF antagonists in CD patients. Control of inflammation and induction of mucosal
      healing were considered essential for bowel preservation. Consensus areas: 1)
      mucosal healing is predictive of improved long-term disease course and increases
      the likelihood of steroid-free remission; 2) infliximab induces sustained mucosal
      healing, promotes bowel preservation, and reduces hospitalizations and surgeries;
      3) benefits of infliximab in relation to mucosal healing, bowel preservation, and
      clinical remission increase when therapy is initiated earlier. CONCLUSIONS:
      Treatment with TNF antagonists helps preserve the bowel in CD patients.

PMID- 22038858
TI  - The right inferior phrenic artery: path of its ascending branch at the vena caval
      foramen.
AB  - The ascending branch of the right inferior phrenic artery is generally understood
      to pass to the lateral side of the vena caval foramen, on the inferior surface of
      the diaphragm. A study of 16 cadavers shows that the artery may pass through the
      vena caval foramen to run on the superior surface of the diaphragm, before
      returning to the inferior surface by passing through the muscle of the diaphragm.

PMID- 22038859
TI  - Predicting antibiotic resistance to community-acquired pneumonia antibiotics in
      culture-positive patients with healthcare-associated pneumonia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate a model to predict resistance to community
      acquired pneumonia antibiotics (CAP-resistance) among patients with healthcare
      associated pneumonia (HCAP), and to compare the model's predictive performance to
      a model including only guideline-defined criteria for HCAP. DESIGN: Retrospective
      cohort study. SETTING: Six Veterans Affairs Medical Centers in the northwestern
      United States. PATIENTS: Culture-positive inpatients with HCAP. MEASUREMENTS:
      Patients were identified based upon guideline-defined criteria for HCAP. Relevant
      cultures obtained within 48 hours of admission were assessed to determine
      bacteriology and antibiotic susceptibility. Medical records for the year
      preceding admission were assessed to develop predictive models of CAP-resistance
      with logistic regression. The predictive performance of cohort-developed and
      guideline-defined models was compared. RESULTS: CAP-resistant organisms were
      identified in 118 of 375 culture-positive patients. Of guideline-defined
      criteria, CAP-resistance was associated (odds ratio (OR) [95% confidence interval
      (CI)]) with: admission from nursing home (2.6 [1.6-4.4]); recent antibiotic
      exposure (1.7 [1.0-2.8]); and prior hospitalization (1.6 [1.0-2.6]). In the
      cohort-developed model, CAP-resistance was associated with: admission from
      nursing home or recent nursing home discharge (2.3 [1.4-3.8]); positive
      methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) history within 90 days of
      admission (6.4 [2.6-17.8]) or 91-365 days (2.3 [0.9-5.9]); cephalosporin exposure
      (1.8 [1.1-2.9]); recent infusion therapy (1.9 [1.0-3.5]); diabetes (1.7 [1.0
      2.8]); and intensive care unit (ICU) admission (1.6 [1.0-2.6]). Area under the
      receiver operating characteristic curve (aROC [95% CI]) for the cohort-developed
      model (0.71 [0.65-0.77]) was significantly higher than for the guideline-defined
      model (0.63 [0.57-0.69]) (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Select guideline-defined
      criteria predicted CAP-resistance. A cohort-developed model based primarily on
      prior MRSA history, nursing home residence, and specific antibiotic exposures
      provided improved prediction of CAP-resistant organisms in HCAP.

PMID- 22038860
TI  - Survival in patients with human papillomavirus positive tonsillar cancer in
      relation to treatment.
AB  - The incidence of tonsillar cancer and the proportion of human papillomavirus
      (HPV) positive tonsillar cancer cases have increased in the last decades. In
      parallel, treatment for tonsillar cancer has been intensified e.g., by
      accelerated radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, resulting in more side effects.
      Patients with HPV-positive tonsillar cancer have better prognosis than those with
      HPV-negative tumors, and the former group could hypothetically benefit from
      reduced, less-toxic treatment without compromising survival. Here, we therefore
      evaluated possible differences in overall and disease-specific survival after
      different oncological treatments in 153 patients with HPV DNA- and P16-positive
      tonsillar cancer who were diagnosed and treated with intent to cure between 2000
      and 2007, in Stockholm, Sweden. Of these patients, 86 were treated with
      conventional radiotherapy, 40 were treated with accelerated radiotherapy and 27
      were treated with chemoradiotherapy. There were no significant differences in
      overall or disease-free survival between the groups. However, there was a trend,
      implying a beneficial effect of the intensified treatment, with chemoradiotherapy
      being better than radiotherapy despite that more patients had stage IV disease in
      the former group; and accelerated radiotherapy being better than conventional
      radiotherapy. This needs to be followed further in larger more homogenous groups
      of patients. In conclusion, patients with HPV-positive tonsillar cancer treated
      with conventional- or accelerated radiotherapy or chemoradiotherapy disclosed
      similar survival rates. The trend for better survival and less metastasis after
      intensified treatment underlines the need for large prospective studies comparing
      less intense to more intense treatment (chemoradiotherapy).

PMID- 22038861
TI  - Interactions of gold nanoparticles with freshwater aquatic macrophytes are size
      and species dependent.
AB  - The partitioning of 4- and 18-nm gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to aquatic
      macrophytes was investigated in vivo with exposure suspension in well water.
      Three morphologically distinct aquatic macrophytes were studied. Myriophyllum
      simulans Orch. and Egeria densa Planch. are submerged aquatic vascular plants,
      whereas Azolla caroliniana Willd. is a free-floating aquatic fern. Because
      aquatic plants absorb the majority of their nutrients from the water column, it
      is logical to hypothesize that they may absorb nanomaterials in suspension,
      potentially facilitating trophic transfer. Each plant was exposed to two
      different-sized gold nanospheres at a nominal concentration of 250 ug/L AuNPs for
      24 h. Macrophytes were harvested at six time points (1, 3, 6, 12, 18, and 24 h),
      dried, and then analyzed for gold concentration via inductively coupled plasma
      mass spectrometry. Concentrations were normalized to whole-plant dry tissue mass.
      The present study shows that absorption of AuNPs through root uptake was size and
      species dependent. Electron microscopy revealed that 4- and 18-nm AuNPs adsorbed
      to the roots of each species. Root tissue was sectioned, and transmission
      electron microscopy indicated that 4-nm and 18-nm AuNPs were absorbed by A.
      caroliniana, whereas only 4-nm AuNPs were absorbed by M. simulans. Egeria densa
      did not absorb AuNPs of either size. Gold nanoparticles were confirmed in tissue
      by using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Absorption of AuNPs by plants may
      be a function of the salinity tolerance of each species.

PMID- 22038862
TI  - Proteomic analysis of Col11a1-associated protein complexes.
AB  - Cartilage plays an essential role during skeletal development within the growth
      plate and in articular joint function. Interactions between the collagen fibrils
      and other extracellular matrix molecules maintain structural integrity of
      cartilage, orchestrate complex dynamic events during embryonic development, and
      help to regulate fibrillogenesis. To increase our understanding of these events,
      affinity chromatography and liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry were
      used to identify proteins that interact with the collagen fibril surface via the
      amino terminal domain of collagen alpha1(XI) a protein domain that is displayed
      at the surface of heterotypic collagen fibrils of cartilage. Proteins extracted
      from fetal bovine cartilage using homogenization in high ionic strength buffer
      were selected based on affinity for the amino terminal noncollagenous domain of
      collagen alpha1(XI). MS was used to determine the amino acid sequence of tryptic
      fragments for protein identification. Extracellular matrix molecules and cellular
      proteins that were identified as interacting with the amino terminal domain of
      collagen alpha1(XI) directly or indirectly, included proteoglycans, collagens,
      and matricellular molecules, some of which also play a role in fibrillogenesis,
      while others are known to function in the maintenance of tissue integrity.
      Characterization of these molecular interactions will provide a more thorough
      understanding of how the extracellular matrix molecules of cartilage interact and
      what role collagen XI plays in the process of fibrillogenesis and maintenance of
      tissue integrity. Such information will aid tissue engineering and cartilage
      regeneration efforts to treat cartilage tissue damage and degeneration.

PMID- 22038863
TI  - Synthetic small molecules for epigenetic activation of pluripotency genes in
      mouse embryonic fibroblasts.
AB  - Considering the essential role of chromatin remodeling in gene regulation, their
      directed modulation is of increasing importance. To achieve gene activation by
      epigenetic modification, we synthesized a series of pyrrole-imidazole polyamide
      conjugates (PIPs) that can bind to predetermined DNA sequences, and attached them
      with suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA), a potent histone deacetylase
      inhibitor. As histone modification is associated with pluripotency, these new
      types of conjugates, termed SAHA-PIPs, were screened for their effect on the
      expression of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) factors. We found certain SAHA
      PIPs that could differentially up-regulate the endogenous expression of Oct-3/4,
      Nanog, Sox2, Klf4 and c-Myc. SAHA and other SAHA-PIPs did not show such
      induction; this implies a role for PIPs and their sequence specificity in this
      differential gene activation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis suggested
      that SAHA-PIP-mediated gene induction proceeds by histone H3 Lys9 and Lys14
      acetylation and Lys4 trimethylation, which are epigenetic features associated
      with transcriptionally active chromatin.

PMID- 22038864
TI  - Effects of ptb knockout on butyric acid fermentation by Clostridium
      tyrobutyricum.
AB  - Clostridium tyrobutyricum ATCC 25755 is an anaerobic, rod-shaped, gram-positive
      bacterium that produces butyrate, acetate, hydrogen, and carbon dioxide from
      various saccharides, including glucose and xylose. Phosphotransbutyrylase (PTB)
      is a key enzyme in the butyric acid synthesis pathway. In this work, effects of
      ptb knockout by homologous recombination on metabolic flux and product
      distribution were investigated. When compared with the wild type, the activities
      of PTB and butyrate kinase in ptb knockout mutant decreased 76 and 42%,
      respectively; meanwhile, phosphotransacetylase and acetate kinase increased 7 and
      29%, respectively. However, ptb knockout did not significantly reduce butyric
      acid production from glucose or xylose in batch fermentations. Instead, it
      increased acetic acid and hydrogen production 33.3-53.8% and ~ 11%, respectively.
      Thus, the ptb knockout did increase the carbon flux toward acetate synthesis,
      resulting in a significant decrease (28-35% reduction) in the butyrate/acetate
      ratio in ptb mutant fermentations. In addition, the mutant displayed a higher
      specific growth rate (0.20 h(-1) vs. 0.15 h(-1) on glucose and 0.14 h(-1) vs.
      0.10 h(-1) on xylose) and tolerance to butyric acid. Consequently, batch
      fermentation with the mutant gave higher fermentation rate and productivities (26
      48% increase for butyrate, 81-100% increase for acetate, and 38-46% increase for
      hydrogen). This mutant thus can be used more efficiently than the parental strain
      in fermentations to produce butyrate, acetate, and hydrogen from glucose and
      xylose.

PMID- 22038865
TI  - Histological discrimination between autoimmune hepatitis and drug-induced liver
      injury.

PMID- 22038866
TI  - Transcriptome analyses of Populus x euramericana clone I-214 leaves exposed to
      excess zinc.
AB  - Zinc (Zn) is an essential element for plant growth and development, but at high
      levels this metal can become toxic. Hyperaccumulator species are often not
      suitable for phytoremediation technologies because they need to be fast growing
      and have high biomass production, such as those of the Populus genus. Comparative
      genomics studies of poplars subjected to stress conditions such as heavy metal
      contamination have generated resources useful for improving the annotation of
      genes and have provided novel insights in the defense/tolerance mechanisms
      governing adaptation in non-hyperaccumulator plants. Using a microarray-based
      comparative analysis, we identified functional gene sets that are differentially
      regulated in the leaves of Populus * euramericana clone I-214 subjected to an
      excess but sub-lethal dose of Zn (1 mM). Eco-physiological and chemical analyses
      confirmed the results obtained in previous similar experiments. A total of 3861
      expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were differentially expressed and grouped into two
      distinct libraries of up-regulated (40%) and down-regulated (60%) putative genes.
      The annotation of genes and gene products according to the Gene Ontology
      vocabularies was performed using Blast2GO software. The two transcriptome data
      sets were used to query all known Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG)
      biosynthetic pathways of the genes identified in this study. The most represented
      molecular functions and biological processes were nucleotide binding and
      transcription, transport and response to stress and abiotic and biotic stimuli.
      The chloroplast, mitochondrion and their membrane systems were the cellular
      components most affected by excess Zn, as well as the photosynthetic, defense,
      sulfur and glutathione (GSH) metabolic pathways. The most up-regulated genes
      encoded electron carriers associated with ferrodoxin, the small subunit of
      ribulose-bisphosphate carboxylase oxygenase, and enzymes involved in GSH
      metabolism. This study is the most in-depth transcriptome and gene-annotation
      analysis of a hybrid poplar to date. The results are presented and critically
      discussed in terms of poplar response/tolerance to Zn stress for the
      characterization of non-hyperaccumulator phenotypes and the identification of
      candidate genes in perennial plants. These genetic findings provide useful
      information on tree species' adaptation to metal stress and provide powerful
      tools for the selection and/or genetic manipulation of stress-tolerant poplar
      clones.

PMID- 22038867
TI  - Visitor effects on the behavior of captive Western lowland gorillas: the
      importance of individual differences in examining welfare.
AB  - Given the conflicting and somewhat limited findings available on the effect of
      zoo visitors on primate behavior, the primary purpose of this study was to
      provide additional data on gorillas' response to variations in crowd size and to
      look at what other factors-both intrinsic (e.g. personality, sex, and rearing
      history) and extrinsic (e.g. group)-might influence such responses. Subjects
      included four groups (three mixed-sex and one bachelor) of captive western
      lowland gorillas living at Zoo Atlanta. Overall activity budgets and rates of
      social behaviors in high and low crowd conditions were compared. Behaviors
      suggestive of general welfare did not vary as a function of crowd size alone,
      although we did observe one significant interaction and several trends.
      Specifically, two groups spent more time engaged in undesirable behaviors in the
      high crowd condition, whereas the other two groups showed the opposite response
      pattern. Additionally, males, but not females, showed a trend toward greater
      rates of contact aggression in the high crowd condition, although wounding rates
      did not vary with crowd size. We also found trends towards variation in response
      to crowd size as a function of individual personality ratings. These results
      suggest that although the visitor effect may constitute an impediment to optimal
      animal welfare, this may only apply to some individuals or groups. We emphasize
      the importance of continuing to explore individual differences and the
      limitations of a one-size-fits-all approach when describing influences on animal
      welfare.

PMID- 22038868
TI  - Treatment of breast adenocarcinoma metastasis to the neck: dedifferentiation of
      the tumor as suggested by hormone markers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Breast carcinoma rarely metastasizes to the neck, and its management
      in this area is controversial. There is little published data about whether
      hormone receptor status changes between primary breast tumors and neck metastasis
      and whether this influences management. METHODS: We evaluated the demographics
      and treatment of 13 patients presenting with neck metastasis. We used
      immunochemistry to assess estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human
      epidermal growth factor receptor 2 in the primary and metastatic neck nodes.
      RESULTS: Hormone receptor status changed in some patients (23% for estrogen
      receptor, and 31% for progesterone receptor). Three patients had complete
      excision of their neck disease and subsequent good local control. None of our
      patients survived despite treatment. CONCLUSION: The change in hormone status
      could suggest tumor dedifferentiation. Surgical resection, where possible,
      achieves good local control for these patients, but, because survival is poor, it
      is only recommended when it results in little significant morbidity.

PMID- 22038869
TI  - Nasal reconstruction.
AB  - The nose is the central feature that defines one's face. Acquired nasal defects
      arise from a variety of pathologic and traumatic etiologies and reconstructive
      surgeons may be called upon to restore form and function when the nose has been
      altered in some way. Nasal reconstruction is one of the most challenging and
      rewarding procedures performed by the plastic surgeon. A detailed knowledge of
      the anatomy of the nose - the lining, support and cover - is essential in
      designing the reconstructive effort. Surgical planning involves, first,
      identifying the extent of the acquired defect, followed by the application of an
      intricate knowledge of the tissues that will provide a functional and
      aesthetically pleasing yet durable reconstruction. In this article, the reader
      will find a description of the clinically important anatomic features of the nose
      as they relate to various reconstructive procedures aimed at restoring nasal
      appearance and maintaining airway patency.

PMID- 22038870
TI  - Food-frequency questionnaire-based estimates of total antioxidant capacity and
      risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
AB  - Antioxidants, primarily from fruits and vegetables, have been hypothesized to
      protect against non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). The oxygen radical absorbance
      capacity (ORAC) assay, which measures total antioxidant capacity of individual
      foods and accounts for synergism, can be estimated using a food-frequency
      questionnaire (FFQ). We tested the hypothesis that higher intake of antioxidant
      nutrients from foods, supplements and FFQ-based ORAC values are associated with a
      lower risk of NHL in a clinic-based study of 603 incident cases and 1,007
      frequency-matched controls. Diet was assessed with a 128-item FFQ. Logistic
      regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals
      adjusted for age, sex, residence and total energy. Dietary intake of alpha
      tocopherol (OR=0.50; p-trend=0.0002), beta-carotene (OR=0.58; p-trend=0.0005),
      lutein/zeaxanthin (OR=0.62; p-trend=0.005), zinc (OR=0.54; p-trend=0.003) and
      chromium (OR=0.68; p-trend=0.032) was inversely associated with NHL risk.
      Inclusion of supplement use had little impact on these associations. Total
      vegetables (OR=0.52; p-trend<0.0001), particularly green leafy (OR=0.52; p
      trend<0.0001) and cruciferous (OR=0.68; p-trend=0.045) vegetables, were inversely
      associated with NHL risk. NHL risk was inversely associated with both hydrophilic
      ORAC (OR=0.61, p-trend=0.003) and lipophilic ORAC (OR=0.48, p-trend=0.0002),
      although after simultaneous adjustment for other antioxidants or total
      vegetables, only the association for lipophilic ORAC remained significant. There
      was no striking heterogeneity in results across the common NHL subtypes. Higher
      antioxidant intake as estimated by the FFQ-ORAC, particularly the lipophilic
      component, was associated with a lower NHL risk after accounting for other
      antioxidant nutrients and vegetable intake, supporting this as potentially useful
      summary measure of total antioxidant intake.

PMID- 22038871
TI  - Differentiating Crohn's disease from intestinal tuberculosis using an interferon
      gamma release assay.

PMID- 22038872
TI  - Inpatient staffing within pediatric residency programs: work hour restrictions
      and the evolving role of the pediatric hospitalist.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In October 2010, the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical
      Education (ACGME) mandated new standards that will further restrict resident work
      hours. There is growing concern surrounding the impact these restrictions will
      have on the staffing of inpatient services. The objective of this study was to
      survey the landscape of pediatric resident coverage of noncritical care inpatient
      teaching services prior to the implementation of these guidelines. In addition,
      we sought to explore how changes in work hour restrictions might affect the role
      of pediatric hospitalists in training programs. METHODS: In January 2010, an
      institutional review board (IRB)-approved electronic survey was sent to 196 US
      residency training programs via the Association of Pediatric Program Directors
      (APPD) listserve. RESULTS: One hundred twenty responses were received
      representing 5201 pediatric residents. Of the programs that responded, 84% have
      hospitalists. At programs with hospitalists (n = 97), 24% have pediatric
      hospitalist attendings in-house at night. Nearly a quarter of responding programs
      (22%) reported having no attending physicians in-house at night. At the time of
      our survey, 31% of programs anticipated the addition of 24-hour in-house
      hospitalist coverage within the next 5 years. When the additional work hour
      restrictions are implemented, 70% of programs anticipated the need to add
      additional hospitalist coverage at night. CONCLUSIONS: Significant variation
      exists in how pediatric teaching services provide overnight coverage. While
      hospitalists are prevalent in pediatric training programs (84% overall, 67% day
      only), their role in direct patient care during the overnight hours has been
      limited thus far. New work hour restrictions will promote the need for more
      hospitalists.

PMID- 22038873
TI  - Magnetic resonance and Mossbauer studies of superparamagnetic gamma-Fe2O3
      nanoparticles encapsulated into liquid-crystalline poly(propylene imine)
      dendrimers.
AB  - We present the first results of electron magnetic resonance (EMR) and Mossbauer
      spectroscopy studies of gamma-Fe(2)O(3) nanoparticles (NPs) incorporated into
      liquid-crystalline, second-generation dendrimers. The mean size of NPs formed in
      the dendrimers was around 2.5 nm. A temperature-driven transition from
      superparamagnetic to ferrimagnetic resonance was observed for the sample. Low
      temperature blocking of the NP magnetic moments has been clearly evidenced in the
      integrated EMR line intensity and the blocking temperature was about 60 K. The
      physical parameters of magnetic NPs (magnetic moment, effective magnetic
      anisotropy) have been determined from analyses of the EMR data. The effective
      magnetic anisotropy constant is enhanced relative to bulk gamma-Fe(2)O(3) and
      this enhanced value is associated with the influence of the surface and shape
      effects. The angular dependence of the EMR signal position for the field-freezing
      sample from liquid-crystalline phase showed that NPs possessed uniaxial
      anisotropy, in contrast to bulk gamma-Fe(2)O(3). Mossbauer spectroscopy
      determined that fabricated NPs consisted of an alpha-Fe core and a gamma
      Fe(2)O(3) shell.

PMID- 22038874
TI  - A statistical selection strategy for normalization procedures in LC-MS proteomics
      experiments through dataset-dependent ranking of normalization scaling factors.
AB  - Quantification of LC-MS peak intensities assigned during peptide identification
      in a typical comparative proteomics experiment will deviate from run-to-run of
      the instrument due to both technical and biological variation. Thus,
      normalization of peak intensities across an LC-MS proteomics dataset is a
      fundamental step in pre-processing. However, the downstream analysis of LC-MS
      proteomics data can be dramatically affected by the normalization method
      selected. Current normalization procedures for LC-MS proteomics data are
      presented in the context of normalization values derived from subsets of the full
      collection of identified peptides. The distribution of these normalization values
      is unknown a priori. If they are not independent from the biological factors
      associated with the experiment the normalization process can introduce bias into
      the data, possibly affecting downstream statistical biomarker discovery. We
      present a novel approach to evaluate normalization strategies, which includes the
      peptide selection component associated with the derivation of normalization
      values. Our approach evaluates the effect of normalization on the between-group
      variance structure in order to identify the most appropriate normalization
      methods that improve the structure of the data without introducing bias into the
      normalized peak intensities.

PMID- 22038875
TI  - Responses of chimpanzees to a recently dead community member at Gombe National
      Park, Tanzania.
AB  - Chimpanzee responses to the death of a group member have rarely been observed in
      the wild and most instances involve infant deaths. One of the very few detailed
      accounts of a group's response to the death of an adult community member is from
      Gombe National Park, Tanzania, where Teleki [Folia Primatologica 20:81-94, 1973]
      observed the responses of 16 chimpanzees to an accidental death, none of whom
      touched the body. Now, almost 40 years later, we report on the behaviors of 16
      (different) Gombe individuals to the recently dead body of an adult female
      community member. In stark contrast to Teleki's account, we observed individual
      chimpanzees' responses to range from curious observation and passive
      investigation (e.g. smelling and grooming) to the shaking, dragging, and
      frustrated beating of the body. Variation across demographic groups is described
      and may reflect individuals' past experience with death. The implications of our
      observations are discussed in the context of core morbidity traits shared between
      humans and chimpanzees.

PMID- 22038876
TI  - Adjunct therapeutic plasma exchange for anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor
      antibody encephalitis: a case report and review of literature.
AB  - Encephalitis associated with autoantibodies directed against the N-methyl-D
      aspartate receptor (NMDAR) is usually a paraneoplastic syndrome that presents in
      young females with ovarian teratomas. We report a case of a previously healthy 14
      year-old girl with sudden-onset paranoia, hallucinations, hyperactivity,
      increased speech, decreased sleep, seizures, and violent behavior deteriorating
      to catatonia. Her cerebrospinal fluid tested positive for anti-NMDAR antibodies.
      She was treated with five sessions of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) after
      having failed therapy with antibiotics, intravenous steroids, intravenous
      immunoglobulin (IVIG), one dose of rituximab, and seven sessions of
      electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). The American Society for Apheresis assigns a
      Category III (Grade 2C) recommendation for TPE in paraneoplastic neurologic
      syndromes; however, apheresis specifically for anti-NMDAR encephalitis has not
      been well studied. Literature review revealed two case reports describing
      outstanding improvement in patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis following TPE.
      We report no improvement in our patient's symptoms after plasma exchange and
      discuss possible reasons for why it failed along with review of the literature.

PMID- 22038877
TI  - Simultaneous left maxillary and right mandibular reconstructions with a split
      osteomyocutaneous peroneal artery-based combined flap.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Traditionally, reconstruction of concurrent maxillary and mandibular
      defects on opposite sides of the facial skeleton often requires use of 2 free
      osseocutaneous flaps. A new technique of using a differentially split
      osteomyocutaneous peroneal artery-based combined (OPAC) flap for 1-stage
      reconstruction of left maxillary and right mandibular defects is presented.
      METHODS: An OPAC flap with 1 skin paddle and a cuff of soleus muscle was
      harvested. The fibula was split; the distal osseous flap was used for right
      mandibular reconstruction, and the proximal OPAC flap composing of proximal
      fibula, skin paddle, and soleus muscle was used for the maxillary reconstruction.
      Bilateral facial vessels were used as recipient vessels. RESULTS: No
      complications were encountered. The patient showed good functional and cosmetic
      outcomes at 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSION: The split OPAC flap allows for
      simultaneous reconstruction of bony defects that are spatially far apart without
      the need for a second free flap.

PMID- 22038878
TI  - Accessory head of flexor pollicis longus muscle in fetuses and adult cadavers and
      its relation to anterior interosseous nerve.
AB  - This study was conducted to examine the accessory head of flexor pollicis longus
      muscle (ahFPL) and its relation with the anterior interosseous nerve (AIN) in
      human fetuses and adult cadavers. Ninety fetus forearms and 52 adult cadaver
      forearms were dissected to evaluate the incidence, morphology, and innervation of
      the ahFPL. The ahFPL was observed in 29/90 (32%) of the fetus forearms and 20/52
      (39%) of the adult cadaver forearms. The overall side incidence was 34.5%
      (49/142) among total forearms examined. On the other hand, the population
      incidence of ahFPL was 42% (19/45) in fetuses while it was 50% (12/24) in adult
      cadavers. So, the overall incidence in humans was 44.9% (31/69) in the population
      studied. Compression of the AIN in the forearm by the ahFPL is known as one of
      the causes of the anterior interosseous nerve syndrome (AINS). So, the relation
      of ahFPL with the AIN was evaluated, and in light of previous classifications a
      modified new classification is proposed. The most common relation detected in
      this study was Type IVa (71.4%) (AIN and its branches coursed posterior to the
      ahFPL). While Type I was not observed in this study, the incidences of Type II,
      Type III, and Type IVb (all AIN branches 'without AIN itself' coursed posterior
      to the ahFPL) were 2%, 14.3%, and 12.3%, respectively. The Types I, IVa, and IVb
      are thought to be associated with complete or incomplete types of AINS and Type
      III with incomplete type of AINS only.

PMID- 22038879
TI  - Adverse outcomes associated with delayed intensive care unit transfers in an
      integrated healthcare system.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with intensive care unit (ICU) transfers from hospital wards
      have higher mortality than those directly admitted from the emergency department.
      OBJECTIVE: To describe the association between the timing of unplanned ICU
      transfers and hospital outcomes. DESIGN, SETTING, PATIENTS: Evaluation of 6369
      early (within 24 hours of hospital admission) unplanned ICU transfer cases and
      matched directly admitted ICU controls from an integrated healthcare system.
      Cohorts were matched by predicted mortality, age, gender, diagnosis, and
      admission characteristics. Hospital mortality of cases and controls were compared
      based on elapsed time and diagnosis. RESULTS: More than 5% of patients admitted
      through the emergency department experienced an unplanned ICU transfer; the
      incidence and rates of transfers were highest within the first 24 hours of
      hospitalization. Multivariable matching produced 5839 (92%) case-control pairs.
      Median length of stay was higher among cases (5.0 days) than controls (4.1 days,
      P < 0.01); mortality was also higher among cases (11.6%) than controls (8.5%, P <
      0.01). Patients with early unplanned transfers were at an increased risk of death
      (odds ratio, 1.44; 95% confidence interval, 1.26-1.64; P < 0.01); an increased
      risk of death was observed even among patients transferred within 8 hours of
      hospitalization. Hospital mortality differed based on admitting diagnosis
      categories. While it was higher among cases admitted for respiratory infections
      and gastrointestinal bleeding, it was not different for those with acute
      myocardial infarction, sepsis, and stroke. CONCLUSIONS: Early unplanned ICU
      transfers-even within 8 hours of hospitalization-are associated with increased
      mortality; outcomes vary by elapsed time to transfer and admitting diagnosis.

PMID- 22038880
TI  - Can hypopressive exercises provide additional benefits to pelvic floor muscle
      training in women with pelvic organ prolapse?
AB  - AIMS: The aim of the study was to compare the effect of hypopressive exercises
      including pelvic floor muscle contraction, pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT)
      alone and control on pelvic floor muscle function in women with pelvic organ
      prolapse (POP). METHODS: Fifty-eight women with a mean age of 55.4 (+/- 9.8)
      years old with stage II POP were randomly assigned to participate in the PFMT
      group, the hypopressive exercises associated with PFMT (HE + PFMT) group or the
      control group. Each treatment group underwent a 3-month course of treatment. The
      three groups received lifestyle advice regarding weight loss, constipation,
      coughing, and the avoidance of heavy lifting. Participants were evaluated before
      and after the treatment. Maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and endurance were
      assessed using the Modified Oxford grading system. To evaluate muscle activation,
      surface electromyography (SEMG) was used. RESULTS: The two treatment group
      significantly increase pelvic floor muscle function as measured by MVC (P <
      0.001) using the Modified Oxford grading system, as well as muscle activation (P
      < 0.001), measured by SEMG. The PFMT group was superior regarding endurance (P =
      0.007). Both groups were superior to the control group regarding MVC, endurance
      and muscle activation. CONCLUSION: Adding hypopressive exercises to PFMT does not
      improve PFM function. Both treatment groups performed better than the control
      group.

PMID- 22038881
TI  - The role of the pi linker in donor-pi-acceptor organic dyes for high-performance
      sensitized solar cells.
AB  - The key elements arising from different linkers between donor (D) and acceptor
      (A) fragments in D-pi-A organic dyes are computationally studied. Taking
      triarylamine and the cyanoacrylic acid fragments as donor and acceptor units,
      respectively, the role of the different separators is computationally explored by
      means of optimized geometries, frontier molecular orbitals, static
      polarizabilities and hyperpolarizabilities, excitation energies to the lowest
      excited singlet, the charge-transfer character of the transition, and simulated
      absorption spectra. The results are compared to two closely related sets of
      linkers. Electronic-structure calculations on the studied organic dyes are
      performed with the CIS(D) wave function based method and time-dependent density
      functional theory (omegaB97, omegaB97X, and omegaPBEh functionals). Solvation
      effects are introduced with the polarizable continuum model (PCM).

PMID- 22038882
TI  - Variations in sexual behavior among capuchin monkeys function for conspecific
      mate recognition: a phylogenetic analysis and a new hypothesis for female
      proceptivity in tufted capuchins.
AB  - Researchers of capuchin monkeys have noted stereotyped body postures, facial
      expressions, and vocalizations that accompany copulations in this genus. Notable
      variations in these sexual behaviors are observed across capuchin species.
      Although several hypotheses exist to explain variation in the duration and vigor
      of sexual behaviors across species, there is no proposed explanation for
      variation in the forms of these behaviors. I hypothesized that the forms of
      sexual behaviors function as recognition signals of conspecific mates. Such
      signals are adaptive when F1 hybrids exhibit reduced fitness compared with
      nonhybrid offspring. Recent evidence from nonprimate taxa supports the existence
      of species recognition signals during mating. Using newly observed sexual
      behaviors for Cebus albifrons and a recent phylogeny of capuchins, I found
      significant support for a key prediction of the conspecific mate recognition
      hypothesis: evolutionary changes in sexual behaviors were associated with
      speciation. Given the resultant best model for evolution of sexual behaviors, I
      reconstructed the ancestral pattern of sexual behaviors for extant capuchin
      species (genera Cebus and Sapajus). This reconstruction suggests that the extreme
      female proceptivity of tufted capuchin monkeys may function to increase female
      reproductive choices in the context of sperm-limited males (genus Sapajus).

PMID- 22038883
TI  - Simultaneous fat suppression and band reduction with large-angle multiple
      acquisition balanced steady-state free precession.
AB  - Balanced steady-state free precession (bSSFP) MRI is a rapid and signal-to-noise
      ratio-efficient imaging method, but suffers from characteristic bands of signal
      loss in regions of large field inhomogeneity. Several methods have been developed
      to reduce the severity of these banding artifacts, typically involving the
      acquisition of multiple bSSFP datasets (and the accompanying increase in scan
      time). Fat suppression with bSSFP is also challenging; most existing methods
      require an additional increase in scan time, and some are incompatible with bSSFP
      band-reduction techniques. This work was motivated by the need for both robust
      fat suppression and band reduction in the presence of field inhomogeneity when
      using bSSFP for flow-independent peripheral angiography. The large flip angles
      used in this application to improve vessel conspicuity and contrast lead to
      specific absorption rate considerations, longer repetition times, and increased
      severity of banding artifacts. In this work, a novel method that simultaneously
      suppresses fat and reduces bSSFP banding artifact with the acquisition of only
      two phase-cycled bSSFP datasets is presented. A weighted sum of the two bSSFP
      acquisitions is taken on a voxel-by-voxel basis, effectively synthesizing an off
      resonance profile at each voxel that puts fat in the stop band while keeping
      water in the pass band. The technique exploits the near-sinusoidal shape of the
      bSSFP off-resonance spectrum for many tissues at large (>50 degrees ) flip
      angles.

PMID- 22038884
TI  - Homozygosity for the NOD2 p.Leu1007fsX1008 variant is the main genetic predictor
      for fibrostenotic Crohn's disease.

PMID- 22038885
TI  - Two-dimensional proteome reference maps for the soybean cyst nematode Heterodera
      glycines.
AB  - 2-DE reference maps of Heterodera glycines were constructed. After in-gel
      digestion with trypsin, 803 spots representing 426 proteins were subsequently
      identified by LC-MS/MS. Proteins with annotated function were further categorized
      by Gene Ontology. The results showed that proteins involved in metabolic,
      developmental and biological regulation processes were the most abundant.

PMID- 22038886
TI  - Radiolabeled iodohypericin as tumor necrosis avid tracer: diagnostic and
      therapeutic potential.
AB  - It is estimated that 30-80% of solid tumor mass represents necrotic tissue that
      consists out of a significant number of dead and dying cells. The fact that these
      necrotic zones are restricted to dysplastic and malignant tissue and are rarely
      present in normal tissue makes necrosis an interesting target both for cancer
      diagnosis and therapy. In this study, the avidity of hypericin, [(123)
      I]iodohypericin and [(131) I]iodohypericin to tumor necrosis was explored for
      both diagnosis and therapy of experimental malignancies. The intratumoral
      distribution in RIF-1 tumors was investigated by means of fluorescence microscopy
      (hypericin) and autoradiography ([(123) I]iodohypericin). Results show high
      uptake of the tracers in necrosis at 24 hr, lasting for up to 72 hr p.i. Ratios
      of activity of [(123) I]iodohypericin in necrotic tissue over viable tumor
      reached up to 19.63 +/- 4.66, correlating with 9.20% ID/g in necrosis. Nude mice
      bearing RIF-1 tumors that received three injections of 300 MUCi over a 3-week
      treatment period showed stabilization in tumor growth for 5 days, as measured by
      caliper and micro-positron emission tomography using [(18) F]fluorodeoxyglucose.
      Based on these results, we suggest the potentials of radiolabeled hypericin (1)
      in diagnostic aspects including prognosis or staging assessment of bulky necrotic
      cancers, monitoring of treatments and therapeutic follow-up; and (2) in cancer
      treatment based on tumor necrosis. In conclusion, we showed that hypericin
      radiolabeled with iodine is a necrosis avid tracer that can be used both as a
      tumor diagnostic and therapeutic.

PMID- 22038887
TI  - Highly selective A(1) -adenosine-agonist (2-chloro-N6-cyclopentyladenosine) and
      reduction of flap necrosis in adipocutaneous flaps in rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The 2-chloro-N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CCPA) was proven to be a
      protective factor in ischemic reperfusion injury in myocardium and to reduce the
      infarct size in the heart. The purpose of this study was to determine whether
      flap necrosis could be reduced by intravenous administration of CCPA. METHODS:
      Fifty-six male Wistar rats were divided into 4 experimental groups. An epigastric
      adipocutaneous flap was raised, and the area of flap necrosis was assessed for
      all groups on the fifth postoperative day with planimetry software. RESULTS: The
      control group had a significantly lower rate of flap necrosis than the ischemic
      control group (p < .05). The nonischemic CCPA group had a significantly lower
      rate of flap necrosis than the nonischemic control group (p < .05). The ischemic
      CCPA group had a highly significant (p < .0001) rate of lower flap necrosis than
      the ischemic control group. CONCLUSION: Our data show that reduction of flap
      necrosis can be achieved both with and without ischemic periods by intravenous
      administration of CCPA.

PMID- 22038888
TI  - Empirical hydrogen-bond potential functions--an old hat reconditioned.
AB  - The accurate description of hydrogen-bond interactions is of vital importance for
      the computational modeling of biological systems. Standard force field (FF) as
      well as semiempirical quantum mechanical (SQM) methods are now known to have
      considerable problems with the accurate description of hydrogen bonds. It was
      found that the performance of SQM methods can be greatly improved with empirical
      hydrogen-bond correction terms. In the first part of this work we review the
      improvements developed during the recent revival of dedicated hydrogen-bond
      terms, also in the light of earlier FF-related work. The second part presents new
      findings connected to open questions in this field, namely, a study on the
      importance of angular and torsional information, a scheme how to avoid atom-type
      defined target angles and a reduced version of our DH(+)  model for the
      application to force-field methods and physically motivated protein-ligand
      scoring functions. Our results highlight the importance of using a complete
      geometric description (including angular and torsional coordinates) for the
      accurate treatment of hydrogen bonding. The reduced DH(+)  model-applied to a
      modified version of the UFF force field-shows a much improved accuracy for non
      covalent interactions also with FF methods, with gains in accuracy by more than
      one order of magnitude.

PMID- 22038889
TI  - Genetic evidence for dispersal by both sexes in the Central American Squirrel
      Monkey, Saimiri oerstedii citrinellus.
AB  - Sex-biased dispersal (SBD) is common in many vertebrates, including primates.
      However, dispersal patterns in New World primates may vary among closely related
      taxa or populations in different local environments. Here, we test for SBD in an
      endangered New World primate, the Central American Squirrel Monkey (Saimiri
      oerstedii citrinellus). Previous studies of behavioral ecology suggest
      predominantly female dispersal in S.o. oerstedii in the Southern Pacific region
      of Costa Rica. However, our genetic data do not support strongly female-biased
      dispersal in S.o. citrinellus in the Central Pacific region. Our tests for SBD
      using microsatellite data including comparisons of isolation-by-distance, AI(c) ,
      and F(ST) values between males and females were not significant. Also, we found
      greater population genetic structure in mitochondrial markers than in
      microsatellite markers, indicative of predominantly male dispersal. We conclude
      that both sexes disperse in S.o. citrinellus, and that males probably disperse
      over longer distances. We discuss how spatial and temporal variation among local
      populations should be taken into account when studying dispersal patterns and
      especially sex bias.

PMID- 22038890
TI  - Are biomechanical properties predictive of the success of prostheses used in
      stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse? A systematic review.
AB  - AIMS: Progressive weakness in pelvic floor tissues is extremely common and leads
      to the distressing problems of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and pelvic organ
      prolapse (POP). There has been extensive work on a vast array of materials
      spanning synthetics, autografts, allografts, and xenografts. Uniaxial testing of
      materials has been used to predict their success and rates of erosion. We aimed
      to compare the uniaxial properties of prostheses to native paravaginal tissue and
      correlate these to their success and erosion rates. METHODS: We performed a
      systematic review of the literature to identify the biomechanical properties of
      paravaginal tissue and of prostheses used in the treatment of SUI and POP. We
      examined to what extent these findings correlated to their reported success and
      erosion rates. RESULTS: Biomechanical properties have been determined for
      prostheses used in the treatment of POP and SUI both pre- and post-implantation
      in animal models. Implantation generally led to a decrease in ultimate tensile
      strength and Young's modulus. We were unable to find any simple correlation
      between the uniaxial mechanical properties of materials and their success or
      erosion rates. CONCLUSIONS: Mechanical properties of prostheses, as measured by
      uniaxial testing, only appears to form part of the picture. We suggest implant
      integration and host responses to materials, as well as the biomechanical
      properties of the materials need to be considered to design materials to achieve
      lasting clinical benefit.

PMID- 22038891
TI  - Severe acute hypertension among inpatients admitted from the emergency
      department.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hospitalists often treat patients with severe acute hypertension (AH)
      presenting to the hospital. Little is known about the epidemiology of this
      syndrome. OBJECTIVE: To examine the prevalence of severe AH in patients admitted
      through the emergency department (ED) and its associated outcomes. DESIGN: A
      cohort study using retrospectively collected vital signs and other clinical data.
      PATIENTS: A total of 1,290,804 adults admitted between 2005 and 2007. SETTING:
      One hundred fourteen acute-care hospitals. MEASUREMENTS: Severe AH was defined as
      at least 1 systolic blood pressure (SBP) >180 mmHg. We used multivariable
      regression to estimate AH-attributable in-hospital mortality, need for mechanical
      ventilation (MV), and length of stay (LOS). RESULTS: Severe AH occurred in
      178,131 (13.8%) patients. Disease categories with the highest prevalence were
      nervous (29.0%), circulatory (16.0%), endocrine (14.7%), and kidney/urinary
      (13.5%). The overall in-hospital mortality was 3.6%. The relationship between
      severe AH strata and mortality was graded for nervous system diseases; mortality
      rates for each 10 mmHg increase in SBP from 180 to >220 mmHg were 6.5%, 8.1%,
      9.9%, 12.0%, and 19.7%, respectively (P < 0.0001). The relationship between
      severe AH strata and need for MV was graded in the most pronounced way in
      respiratory and circulatory conditions (P < 0.0001). The relationship between
      severe AH strata and LOS was graded in most disease categories (P < 0.0001).
      CONCLUSIONS: Severe AH appears common and its prevalence varies by underlying
      clinical condition. Severe AH is associated with excess in-hospital mortality for
      patients with nervous system diseases and, for most disease categories, prolongs
      hospitalization.

PMID- 22038892
TI  - Multifocal pyoderma gangrenosum resistant to infliximab in active ulcerative
      colitis: don't forget the role of cyclosporin.

PMID- 22038893
TI  - Molecular crystal lithography: a facile and low-cost approach to fabricate
      nanogap electrodes.
AB  - A novel cost-efficient and facile technique, molecular crystal lithography, to
      fabricate nanogap electrodes efficiently is reported. The gap width of the
      electrodes can be tuned from ~9 nm to several micrometers. Organic field-effect
      transistors based on the nanogap electrodes all exhibit a high performance,
      indicating the effectiveness and practicability of molecular crystal lithography
      for mass production of nanogap electrodes.

PMID- 22038894
TI  - A semi-empirical approach for predicting unobserved peptide MS/MS spectra from
      spectral libraries.
AB  - Spectral library searching is a promising alternative to sequence database
      searching in peptide identification from MS/MS spectra. The key advantage of
      spectral library searching is the utilization of more spectral features to
      improve score discrimination between good and bad matches, and hence sensitivity.
      However, the coverage of reference spectral library is limited by current
      experimental and computational methods. We developed a computational approach to
      expand the coverage of spectral libraries with semi-empirical spectra predicted
      from perturbing known spectra of similar sequences, such as those with single
      amino acid substitutions. We hypothesized that the peptide of similar sequences
      should produce similar fragmentation patterns, at least in most cases. Our
      results confirm our hypothesis and specify when this approach can be applied. In
      actual spectral searching of real data sets, the sensitivity advantage of
      spectral library searching over sequence database searching can be mostly
      retained even when all real spectra are replaced by semi-empirical ones. We
      demonstrated the applicability of this approach by detecting several known non
      synonymous single-nucleotide polymorphisms in three large human data sets by
      spectral searching.

PMID- 22038895
TI  - Epithelial-mesenchymal transition in breast cancer lines is mediated through PDGF
      D released by tissue-resident stem cells.
AB  - Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) generates tumor cells with stem cell
      properties. The aim of our study was to investigate the effects of adipose tissue
      derived stem cells (ASCs) on EMT of cancer cells and to further investigate the
      mechanisms involved. We demonstrate that conditioned medium from ASCs induces
      breast cancer cells (4T1) to express mesenchymal markers such as fibronectin,
      alpha smooth muscle actin and vimentin. Flow cytometry analyses show that ASC
      conditioned medium promotes the expansion of CD44high/CD24low cancer stem cells.
      Soft agar assays using T47D, BT474 and MCF-7 breast cancer cells reveals that ASC
      conditioned medium promotes the anchorage-independent growth of cancer cells.
      These effects were inhibited by a neutralizing antibody against platelet-derived
      growth factor-D (PDGF-D). Furthermore, PDGF-D treated breast cancer cells grow
      faster in a mouse model, and this effect could be neutralized by a PDGF antibody.
      In conclusion, our data show that tissue-resident stem cells interact with the
      cancer microenvironment via PDGF-D, induce EMT in the cancer cells in a paracrine
      fashion, thereby increasing the number of cancer stem cells and increase tumor
      growth in a PDGF dependent manner. Our findings shed new light on mechanisms
      where local tissue-resident stem cells are able to promote the growth of breast
      cancer cells. Possibly this could open up a novel selective therapeutic strategy
      targeting EMT pathways and the specific communication between tissue-resident
      normal stem cell and cancer stem cells, assuming that the blockage of PDGF-D
      pathways is critical for tumor growth but would not affect normal tissue
      homeostasis.

PMID- 22038896
TI  - Setting a new standard: updating the vaginal distention translational model for
      stress urinary incontinence.
AB  - AIMS: The vaginal distention (VD) translational model for postpartum stress
      urinary incontinence (SUI) is potentially biased for use in evaluating animals
      with increasing phenotypic size (obesity) due to a fixed VD volume. Our study had
      three principle and two secondary aims. First, to examine both ex vivo and in
      vivo catheter pressure changes during volume distention. Secondly, to determine
      mean pressure at current volume standard for use as target pressure (TP) for VD
      under isobaric (IB) conditions. Thirdly, to demonstrate feasibility and
      equivalence of VD at TP versus isovolumetric (IV) standard. Secondary aims were
      to demonstrate decreased variability (IB vs. IV) and to review the effect of
      weight. METHODS: Ten French modified Foley catheters were inflated sequentially
      to 3.0 ml while connected (both in vivo and ex vivo) to a pressure transducer.
      Mean result generated TP. Thirty Sprague-Dawley rats (280-300 g) were then
      randomized to one of three groups: IV, IB at TP, or sham VD. Student's t-test was
      used to compare groups' leak point pressures (LPP) and simple linear regression
      was used to evaluate the effect of weight as a continuous variable. RESULTS:
      Catheter pressure/volume responses were demonstrated. Calculated TP was 531 mm
      Hg. LPP under conditions of IB and IV were statistically equivalent and were
      statistically lower than Sham. Variability was not statistically different
      between IB and IV groups. When treated as a continuous variable, weight had no
      effect on LPP. CONCLUSIONS: VD injury based on TP is feasible and reproducible.
      Understanding catheter pressure dynamics is valuable for investigating
      alternative rat phenotypes.

PMID- 22038897
TI  - Catechols in caffeic acid phenethyl ester are essential for inhibition of TNF
      mediated IP-10 expression through NF-kappaB-dependent but HO-1- and p38
      independent mechanisms in mouse intestinal epithelial cells.
AB  - SCOPE: Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is an active constituent of honeybee
      propolis inhibiting nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB. The aims of our study were to
      provide new data on the functional relevance and mechanisms underlying the role
      of CAPE in regulating inflammatory processes at the epithelial interface in the
      gut and to determine the structure/activity relationship of CAPE. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: CAPE significantly inhibited TNF-induced IP-10 expression in intestinal
      epithelial cells. Using various analogues, we demonstrated that substitution of
      catechol hydroxyl groups and addition of one extra hydroxyl group on ring B
      reversed the functional activity of CAPE to inhibit IP-10 production. The anti
      inflammatory potential of CAPE was confirmed in ileal tissue explants and
      embryonic fibroblasts derived from TNF(DeltaARE/+) mice. Interestingly, CAPE
      inhibited both TNF- and LPS-induced IP-10 production in a dose-dependent manner,
      independently of p38 MAPK, HO-1 and Nrf2 signaling pathways. We found that CAPE
      did not inhibit TNF-induced IkappaB phosphorylation/degradation or nuclear
      translocation of RelA/p65, but targeted downstream signaling events at the level
      of transcription factor recruitment to the gene promoter. CONCLUSION: This study
      reveals the structure-activity effects and anti-inflammatory potential of CAPE in
      the intestinal epithelium.

PMID- 22038898
TI  - Energetic salts based on dipicrylamine and its amino derivative.
AB  - Energetic salts based on dipicrylamine and its amino derivative were synthesized.
      All salts were fully characterized by multinuclear NMR spectroscopy ((1)H,
      (13)C), vibrational spectroscopy (IR), and elemental analysis. Ethylenediammonium
      di-DPA (DPA=dipicrylamine) and 1,3-diaminoguanidinium DPA were further confirmed
      by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. These salts exhibit reasonable physical
      properties, such as high densities (1.71-1.81 g cm(-3)), good thermal stabilities
      (T(d) =155-285  degrees C), and low solubilities in water. The impact sensitivity
      of 1-methyl-3,4,5-triamino-1,2,4-triazolium DPA is lower than that of 2,4,6
      trinitrotoluene (TNT), and for some other energetic salts their impact
      sensitivities are comparable to that of TNT. Based on experimental densities and
      theoretical calculations carried out by using the Gaussian 03 suite of programs,
      all the salts have calculated detonation pressures (22.5-27.8 GPa) and velocities
      (7226-7917 m s(-1)) that exceed those of conventional TNT. The toxicities of
      these salts measured by luminescent bacteria toxicity tests are much lower than
      that of TNT, and two binary eutectic mixtures with melting points that fall
      between 70 and 100  degrees C were identified.

PMID- 22038899
TI  - Clinical utility of antihuman lambda chain-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent
      assay (ELISA) versus double antigen ELISA for the detection of anti-infliximab
      antibodies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anti-infliximab antibodies (ATIs) are associated with lower serum
      infliximab (IFX) trough levels and diminished clinical response. The current most
      prevalent method for detection of ATI is a double-antigen (DA) enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay (ELISA) utilizing IFX for ligand and detection antibody.
      Serum IFX interferes with ATI measurement in this method. An alternative ELISA
      using antihuman lambda chain (AHLC) antibody for ATI detection may be less
      amenable to this interference. The aim of our study was to compare the
      performance of AHLC-ATI versus DA-ATI for prediction of clinical response and
      evaluate the clinical significance of positive ATI in the presence of detectable
      IFX levels in IFX-treated inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients. METHODS: In
      all, 63 patients' sera were analyzed for IFX levels and antibody levels by AHLC
      and DA. The results were compared with the clinical response to IFX. Percentage
      of patients with IFX+ATI+ status among IFX-treated patients and the clinical
      outcome of IFX+ATI+ patients were assessed. RESULTS: ATIs were demonstrated in
      22/63 (34.9%) and 18/63 (28.5%) sera of patients by AHLC and DA assay,
      respectively (P = 0.6). Detectable ATI and in IFX was detected in four patients
      (6.3%) by AHLC but not by DA assay. IFX+ATI+ status was documented in 8.7% of
      available sera and was associated with a trend for loss of response. CONCLUSIONS:
      AHLC and DA ELISA are equally effective for ATI detection in patients with
      undetectable serum IFX. AHLC ELISA detects ATI in some patients with detectable
      serum IFX. This IFX+ATI+ status may be a harbinger of evolving loss of response
      to the drug.

PMID- 22038900
TI  - Improved treatment outcomes with (18) F-FDG PET/CT for patients with advanced
      head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of (18) F-fluoro-2
      deoxy-D-glucose ((18) F-FDG) PET/CT on survival for patients with head and neck
      squamous cell carcinoma correlated with a matched patient cohort. METHODS: In
      all, disease in 58 patients was initially staged using (18) F-FDG PET/CT. A case
      control analysis was done with 63 patients who disease was staged without (18) F
      FDG-PET/CT. RESULTS: Disease-specific survival (DSS) and overall survival (OS)
      did not show significant differences between both groups. Statistical analysis
      revealed no difference in DSS and OS between the 2 groups for patients treated by
      radiochemotherapy (p = .975 and p = .671). In the analysis of survival in
      patients treated by a combined approach (surgery + radiochemotherapy), a
      significant difference in favor of patients evaluated by (18) F-FDG PET/CT was
      found (p = .05 and p = .027). CONCLUSIONS: Addition of (18) F-FDG PET/CT in
      patients treated by surgery and conformal radiochemotherapy improves outcome.
      This may be due to the more comprehensive topographic orientation of the primary
      tumor for the surgeon.

PMID- 22038901
TI  - Interpretation of nuclear resonant vibrational spectra of rubredoxin using a
      combined quantum mechanics and molecular mechanics approach.
AB  - Nuclear resonant vibrational spectra of the reduced and oxidized form of a mutant
      of rubredoxin from Pyrococcus abyssii were measured and are compared with
      simulated spectra that were calculated by a combined quantum mechanics (QM) and
      molecular mechanics (MM) method. Density functional theory was used for the QM
      level. Calculations were performed for different models of rubredoxin. Realistic
      spectra were simulated with reduced models that include at least the iron center,
      the four cysteins coordinating it, and the residues connected to the cysteins
      together with a QM layer that comprises the first two coordination shells of the
      iron center. Larger QM layers did not lead to significant changes of the
      simulated spectra.

PMID- 22038902
TI  - Inequity aversion in relation to effort and relationship quality in long-tailed
      Macaques (Macaca fascicularis).
AB  - Social animals may employ evolved implicit rules to maintain a balance between
      cooperation and competition. Inequity aversion (IA), the aversive reaction to an
      unequal distribution of resources, is considered such a rule to avoid
      exploitation between cooperating individuals. Recent studies have revealed the
      presence of IA in several nonhuman species. In addition, it has been shown that
      an effort is crucial for this behavior to occur in animals. Moreover, IA may well
      depend on the partner's identity. Although dominant individuals typically
      monopolize food, subordinate individuals obtain less preferred food and usually
      do not protest. Furthermore, "friends" may pay less attention to equity than
      "nonfriends." We tested whether long-tailed macaques show IA with different cost
      benefit ratios. In addition, we determined whether IA depends on relationship
      quality (RQ). Dominant subjects expressed IA only when a small effort was
      required. At a very large effort, however, long-tailed macaques did not show IA,
      possibly owing to bottom effects on the number of rewards they aim to receive.
      Moreover, and contrary to our predictions, an individual's inequity response was
      similar when tested with a "friend" or a "nonfriend." Therefore, we conclude that
      long-tailed macaques show IA only in conditions of moderate effort, yet that IA
      seems independent of RQ. Furthermore, IA may not be domain specific. Altogether,
      IA may be a trait present in all species that habitually cooperate, independent
      of their social organization.

PMID- 22038903
TI  - LRRK2 haplotype-sharing analysis in Parkinson's disease reveals a novel p.S1761R
      mutation.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Mutations in the Leucine-Rich Repeat Kinase 2 (LRRK2)
      gene at chromosome 12q12 are the most common genetic cause of sporadic and
      familial late-onset Parkinson's disease. Our aim was to identify novel LRRK2
      mutations in late-onset Parkinson's disease families. DESIGN: We analyzed
      chromosome 12p11.2-q13.1 haplotypes in 14 late-onset Parkinson's disease families
      without known LRRK2 mutations. RESULTS: Haplotype analysis identified 12 families
      in which the affected subjects shared chromosome 12p11.2-q13.1 haplotypes. LRRK2
      sequencing revealed a novel co-segregating missense mutation in exon 36
      (c.5281A>C; p.S1761R) located within a highly conserved region of the COR [C
      terminal of ROC (Ras of complex proteins)] domain wherein it could deregulate
      LRRK2 kinase activity by modifying ROC-COR dimer stability. p.S1761R was present
      in a late-onset Parkinson's disease family and in 2 unrelated Parkinson's disease
      subjects, but not in 2491 healthy controls. LRRK2 p.S1761R carriers developed
      levodopa-responsive asymmetrical parkinsonism, with variable age at onset (range:
      37-72 years) suggesting age-dependent penetrance. These findings indicate that
      mutations interfering with LRRK2 ROC-COR domain dimerization lead to typical
      Parkinson's disease.

PMID- 22038904
TI  - Sensitive single-molecule protein quantification and protein complex detection in
      a microarray format.
AB  - Single-molecule protein analysis provides sensitive protein quantitation with a
      digital read-out and is promising for studying biological systems and detecting
      biomarkers clinically. However, current single-molecule platforms rely on the
      quantification of one protein at a time. Conventional antibody microarrays are
      scalable to detect many proteins simultaneously, but they rely on less sensitive
      and less quantitative quantification by the ensemble averaging of fluorescent
      molecules. Here, we demonstrate a single-molecule protein assay in a microarray
      format enabled by an ultra-low background surface and single-molecule imaging.
      The digital read-out provides a highly sensitive, low femtomolar limit of
      detection and four orders of magnitude of dynamic range through the use of hybrid
      digital-analog quantification. From crude cell lysate, we measured levels of p53
      and MDM2 in parallel, proving the concept of a digital antibody microarray for
      use in proteomic profiling. We also applied the single-molecule microarray to
      detect the p53-MDM2 protein complex in cell lysate. Our study is promising for
      development and application of single-molecule protein methods because it
      represents a technological bridge between single-plex and highly multiplex
      studies.

PMID- 22038905
TI  - High-resolution analysis of alterations in medullary thyroid carcinoma genomes.
AB  - Hereditary and sporadic medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) are closely associated
      with RET proto-oncogene mutations. However, the role of additional changes in the
      tumor genomes remains unclear. Our objective was the identification of
      chromosomal regions involved in MTC tumorigenesis and to assess their
      significance by using MTC-derived cell lines. We used array-CGH (comparative
      genomic hybridization) to map chromosomal imbalances in 52 primary tumors and ten
      metastases. Eleven tumors (11/52, 21%) were hereditary and 41 (41/52, 79%) were
      sporadic. Among the latter, 15 tumors (15/41, 37%) harbored RET mutations.
      Furthermore, we characterized five MTC cell lines in detail and evaluated the
      tumorigenicity by severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID)-mouse experiments. Most
      MTCs had only few copy number changes, and losses of chromosomes 1p, 4q, 19p and
      22q were observed most frequently. The number of chromosomal aberrations
      increased in metastases. Twenty-three percent (12/52) of the primary tumors did
      not even show any chromosomal gains and losses. We injected three cell lines (two
      of these were without chromosomal changes and pathogenic RET mutations) into
      immune deficient SCID mice, and in each case, we observed rapid tumor growth at
      the injection sites. Our data suggest that MTCs--in contrast to most other tumor
      entities--do not acquire a multitude of genomic imbalances. SCID mouse
      experiments performed with chromosomally normal cell lines and without RET
      mutations suggest that presently unknown submicroscopic genomic changes are
      sufficient in MTC tumorigenesis.

PMID- 22038906
TI  - Bilingualism tunes the anterior cingulate cortex for conflict monitoring.
AB  - Monitoring and controlling 2 language systems is fundamental to language use in
      bilinguals. Here, we reveal in a combined functional (event-related functional
      magnetic resonance imaging) and structural neuroimaging (voxel-based morphometry)
      study that dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), a structure tightly bound to
      domain-general executive control functions, is a common locus for language
      control and resolving nonverbal conflict. We also show an experience-dependent
      effect in the same region: Bilinguals use this structure more efficiently than
      monolinguals to monitor nonlinguistic cognitive conflicts. They adapted better to
      conflicting situations showing less ACC activity while outperforming
      monolinguals. Importantly, for bilinguals, brain activity in the ACC, as well as
      behavioral measures, also correlated positively with local gray matter volume.
      These results suggest that early learning and lifelong practice of 2 languages
      exert a strong impact upon human neocortical development. The bilingual brain
      adapts better to resolve cognitive conflicts in domain-general cognitive tasks.

PMID- 22038907
TI  - White matter network abnormalities are associated with cognitive decline in
      chronic epilepsy.
AB  - Patients with chronic epilepsy frequently display cognitive comorbidity and might
      have widespread network abnormalities outside the epileptic zone, which might
      affect a variety of cognitive functions and global intelligence. We aimed to
      study the role of white matter connectivity in cognitive comorbidity. Thirty-nine
      patients with nonsymptomatic localization-related epilepsy and varying degrees of
      cognitive impairment and 23 age-matched healthy controls were included. Whole
      brain white matter networks were constructed from fiber tractography. Weighted
      graph theoretical analysis was performed to study white matter network
      abnormalities associated with epilepsy and cognition. Patients with severe
      cognitive impairment showed lower clustering (a measure of brain network
      segregation) and higher path length (a measure of brain network integration)
      compared with the healthy controls and patients with little or no cognitive
      impairment, whereas whole brain white matter volume did not differ. Correlation
      analyses revealed that IQ and cognitive impairment were strongly associated with
      clustering and path lengths. This study revealed impaired white matter
      connectivity, associated with cognitive comorbidity in patients with chronic
      epilepsy. As whole brain white matter volumes were preserved in the patient
      group, our results suggest an important role for the network topology rather than
      volumetric changes, in epilepsy with cognitive decline.

PMID- 22038908
TI  - CSF biomarker and PIB-PET-derived beta-amyloid signature predicts metabolic, gray
      matter, and cognitive changes in nondemented subjects.
AB  - Beta-amyloid (Abeta) is a histopathological hallmark of Alzheimer's disease
      dementia, but high levels of Abeta in the brain can also be found in a
      substantial proportion of nondemented subjects. Here we investigated which 2-year
      rate of brain and cognitive changes are present in nondemented subjects with high
      and low Abeta levels, as assessed with cerebrospinal fluid and molecular positron
      emission tomography (PET)-based biomarkers of Abeta. In subjects with mild
      cognitive impairment, increased brain Abeta levels were associated with
      significantly faster cognitive decline, progression of gray matter atrophy within
      temporal and parietal brain regions, and a trend for a faster decline in parietal
      Fludeoxyglucose (FDG)-PET metabolism. Changes in gray matter and FDG-PET mediated
      the association between Abeta and cognitive decline. In contrast, elderly
      cognitively healthy controls (HC) with high Abeta levels showed only a faster
      medial temporal lobe and precuneus volume decline compared with HC with low
      Abeta. In conclusion, the current results suggest not only that both functional
      and volumetric brain changes are associated with high Abeta years before the
      onset of dementia but also that HC with substantial Abeta levels show higher
      Abeta pathology resistance, lack other pathologies that condition neurotoxic
      effects of Abeta, or accumulated Abeta for a shorter time period.

PMID- 22038909
TI  - Adaptive intrinsic plasticity in human dentate gyrus granule cells during
      temporal lobe epilepsy.
AB  - Granule cells in the dentate gyrus are only sparsely active in vivo and survive
      hippocampal sclerosis (HS) during temporal lobe epilepsy better than neighboring
      cells. This phenomenon could be related to intrinsic properties specifically
      adapted to counteract excitation. We studied the mechanisms underlying the
      excitability of human granule cells using acute hippocampal slices obtained
      during epilepsy surgery. Patch-clamp recordings were combined with pharmacology,
      immunocytochemistry, and computer simulations. The input resistance of granule
      cells correlated negatively with the duration of epilepsy and the degree of HS.
      Hyperpolarization-activated, ZD7288-sensitive cation (I(H), HCN) currents and
      highly Ba(2+)-sensitive, inwardly rectifying K(+) (Kir) currents (and HCN1 and
      Kir2.2 protein) were present somatodendritically and further enhanced in patients
      with severe HS versus mild HS. The properties and function of I(H) were
      characterized in granule cells. Although I(H) depolarized the membrane, it
      strongly reduced the input resistance and shifted the current-frequency function
      to higher input values. The shunting influence of HCN and Kir was similar and
      these conductances correlated. Resonance was not observed. Simulations suggest
      that the combined upregulation of Kir and HCN conductances attenuates excitatory
      synaptic input, while stabilizing the membrane potential and responsiveness.
      Thus, granule cells homeostatically downscale their input-output transfer
      function during epilepsy.

PMID- 22038910
TI  - Dopamine D1/D5 receptors contribute to de novo hippocampal LTD mediated by novel
      spatial exploration or locus coeruleus activity.
AB  - The neurons of the locus coeruleus (LC) fire in response to novelty, and LC
      activation coupled with hippocampal afferent stimulation leads to long-term
      depression (LTD). The encoding of novel spatial information also involves
      activation of dopamine D1/D5 receptors. It is unclear if, or how, the
      noradrenergic and dopaminergic systems interact mechanistically in processing
      novelty. Novel spatial exploration when coupled with Schaffer collateral (SC)
      test-pulse stimulation results in short-term depression at SC-CA1 synapses, which
      is not observed in the absence of afferent stimulation. However, activation of
      D1/D5 receptors under these conditions without concomitant afferent stimulation
      enables slow-onset depression. LTD (>24 h) is facilitated when novel exploration
      occurs concurrently with low-frequency stimulation of CA1. Effects are not
      improved by a D1/D5 agonist. Facilitation of LTD (>4 h) by coupling LC
      stimulation with CA1 test-pulse stimulation was blocked by a D1/D5 antagonist,
      however, as was habituation to the holeboard environment. Novel spatial learning
      during LC stimulation did not enhance LTD further, whereas D1/D5 agonist
      treatment enabled LTD to persist for over 24 h. These data suggest that the
      regulation of hippocampal LTD by the LC is supported by D1/D5 receptors and that
      their contribution to information storage becomes important when the thresholds
      for persistent LTD have not been reached.

PMID- 22038911
TI  - Effect of esophagus distention on urinary bladder function in rats.
AB  - AIMS: Micturition process is a spinobulbospinal reflex that is affected by the
      viscero-visceral interactions due to convergent inputs into spinal and/or
      supraspinal centers controlling that reflex. Although interaction between bladder
      and other pelvic organs, such as colon, are well studied, the viscero-visceral
      interaction between urinary bladder and internal organs in other regions are
      rarely studied. METHODS: In the present study, continuous filling cystometry
      recordings, in male rats, were used to investigate the effects of mechanical
      stimulation of distal-esophagus (distention), as well as, electrical stimulation
      of abdominal branches of the vagus nerve on urinary bladder micturition cycles.
      RESULTS: Distal esophagus distention and electrical stimulation of the vagus
      nerve significantly increased the micturition frequency through decreasing the
      time of the storage phase of the micturition cycle. However, bilateral cervical
      vagotomy eliminated the effects of distal esophagus distention and electrical
      stimulation of vagus nerve on micturition cycles. CONCLUSIONS: The results of
      this study indicate that there is a viscero-visceral interaction between
      esophagus and urinary bladder, which is mediated through vagal afferents.
      Understanding the properties of the viscero-visceral interactions affecting the
      urinary bladder will help in the diagnosis and management of micturition
      problems.

PMID- 22038912
TI  - Innate immune responses and modified extracellular matrix regulation characterize
      bacterial infection and cellular/connective tissue changes in scarring trachoma.
AB  - Trachoma is the most common infectious cause of blindness and a major public
      health problem in many developing countries. It is caused by recurrent ocular
      infection with Chlamydia trachomatis in childhood, with conjunctival scarring
      seen later in life. The pathogenesis of trachomatous scarring, however, is poorly
      understood, and this study was carried out to investigate the immunofibrogenic
      correlates of trachomatous conjunctival scarring. A case-control study of 363
      cases with conjunctival scarring and 363 control participants was conducted.
      Investigations included in vivo confocal microscopy (IVCM) assessment,
      quantitative real-time PCR gene expression, C. trachomatis detection, and
      nonchlamydial bacterial culture. Trachomatous scarring was found to be strongly
      associated with a proinflammatory, innate immune response with increased
      expression of psoriasin, interleukin-1beta, tumor necrosis factor alpha, defensin
      beta4A, chemokine ligand 5, and serum amyloid A1. There was also differential
      expression of various modifiers of the extracellular matrix, including
      metalloproteinases 7, 9, 10, and 12, tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinase
      1, and secreted protein acidic cystein-rich-like 1. The expression of many of
      these genes was also significantly associated with the presence of nonchlamydial
      bacterial infection. These infections had a marked effect on conjunctival immune
      processes, including an increased inflammatory infiltrate and edema seen with
      IVCM. This study supports the possibility that the immunofibrogenic response in
      scarring trachoma is partly stimulated by nonchlamydial bacterial infection,
      which is characterized by the expression of innate factors.

PMID- 22038913
TI  - LipC (Rv0220) is an immunogenic cell surface esterase of Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis.
AB  - We have reported previously the identification of novel proteins of Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis by the immunoscreening of an expression library of M. tuberculosis
      genomic DNA with sera obtained from M. tuberculosis-infected rabbits at 5 weeks
      postinfection. In this study, we report the further characterization of one of
      these antigens, LipC (Rv0220). LipC is annotated as a member of the Lip family
      based on the presence of the consensus motif "GXSXG" characteristic of esterases.
      Although predicted to be a cytoplasmic enzyme, we provide evidence that LipC is a
      cell surface protein that is present in both the cell wall and the capsule of M.
      tuberculosis. Consistent with this localization, LipC elicits strong humoral
      immune responses in both HIV-negative (HIV-) and HIV-positive (HIV+) tuberculosis
      (TB) patients. The absence of anti-LipC antibodies in sera from purified protein
      derivative-positive (PPD+) healthy subjects confirms its expression only during
      active M. tuberculosis infection. Epitope mapping of LipC identified 6
      immunodominant epitopes, 5 of which map to the exposed surface of the modeled
      LipC protein. The recombinant LipC (rLipC) protein also elicits proinflammatory
      cytokine and chemokine responses from macrophages and pulmonary epithelial cells.
      rLipC can hydrolyze short-chain esters with the carbon chain containing 2 to 10
      carbon atoms. Together, these studies demonstrate that LipC is a novel cell
      surface-associated esterase of M. tuberculosis that is highly immunogenic and
      elicits both antibodies and cytokines/chemokines.

PMID- 22038914
TI  - The intact dupA cluster is a more reliable Helicobacter pylori virulence marker
      than dupA alone.
AB  - The duodenal ulcer promoting (dupA) gene, located in the plasticity region of
      Helicobacter pylori, is associated with duodenal ulcer development. dupA was
      predicted to form a type IV secretory system (T4SS) with vir genes around dupA
      (dupA cluster). We investigated the prevalence of dupA and dupA clusters and
      clarified associations between the dupA cluster status and clinical outcomes in
      the U.S. population. In all, 245 H. pylori strains were examined using PCR to
      evaluate the status of dupA and the adjacent vir genes predicted to form T4SS, in
      addition to the status of cag pathogenicity island (PAI). The associations
      between dupA cluster status and interleukin-8 (IL-8) and IL-12 production were
      also examined. The presence of dupA and all adjacent vir genes were defined as a
      complete dupA cluster. Many variations related to the status of dupA and dupA
      cluster genes were identified. Concurrent H. pylori infection and the presence of
      a complete dupA cluster increases duodenal ulcer risk compared to H. pylori
      infection with incomplete dupA cluster or without the dupA gene independent on
      the cag PAI status (adjusted odds ratio, 2.13; 95% confidence interval, 1.13 to
      4.03). Gastric mucosal IL-8 levels were also significantly higher in the complete
      dupA cluster group than in other groups (P=0.01). In conclusion, although the
      causal relationship between the dupA cluster and duodenal ulcer development is
      not proved, the presence of a complete dupA cluster but not dupA alone, is
      associated with duodenal ulcer development.

PMID- 22038915
TI  - PPE38 modulates the innate immune response and is required for Mycobacterium
      marinum virulence.
AB  - The proline-glutamic acid (PE) and proline-proline-glutamic acid (PPE) family
      proteins are prevalent in pathogenic mycobacteria and play a diverse role in
      mycobacterial pathogenesis. While some members have been studied, the function of
      most PE/PPE proteins remains unknown. In this study, we isolated a transposon
      inactivated PPE38 mutant of Mycobacterium marinum and characterized its
      phenotype. We found that the PPE38 protein is associated with the cell wall and
      exposed on the cell surface. The inactivation of PPE38 altered the bacterial cell
      surface properties and led to deficiencies in cord formation, sliding motility,
      and biofilm formation. The PPE38 mutant was defective in phagocytosis by
      macrophages and exhibited reduced virulence in adult zebrafish. We also found
      that PPE38 is involved in the induction of proinflammatory cytokines in infected
      macrophages. Together, our results indicate that PPE38, a previously
      uncharacterized protein, plays a role in mycobacterial virulence, presumably by
      modulating the host innate immune response.

PMID- 22038916
TI  - Dectin-1-dependent interleukin-22 contributes to early innate lung defense
      against Aspergillus fumigatus.
AB  - We have previously reported that mice deficient in the beta-glucan receptor
      Dectin-1 displayed increased susceptibility to Aspergillus fumigatus lung
      infection in the presence of lower interleukin 23 (IL-23) and IL-17A production
      in the lungs and have reported a role for IL-17A in lung defense. As IL-23 is
      also thought to control the production of IL-22, we examined the role of Dectin-1
      in IL-22 production, as well as the role of IL-22 in innate host defense against
      A. fumigatus. Here, we show that Dectin-1-deficient mice demonstrated
      significantly reduced levels of IL-22 in the lungs early after A. fumigatus
      challenge. Culturing cells from enzymatic lung digests ex vivo further
      demonstrated Dectin-1-dependent IL-22 production. IL-22 production was
      additionally found to be independent of IL-1beta, IL-6, or IL-18 but required IL
      23. The addition of recombinant IL-23 augmented IL-22 production in wild-type
      (WT) lung cells and rescued IL-22 production by lung cells from Dectin-1
      deficient mice. In vivo neutralization of IL-22 in the lungs of WT mice resulted
      in impaired A. fumigatus lung clearance. Moreover, mice deficient in IL-22 also
      demonstrated a higher lung fungal burden after A. fumigatus challenge in the
      presence of impaired IL-1alpha, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha), CCL3/MIP
      1alpha, and CCL4/MIP-1beta production and lower neutrophil recruitment, yet
      intact IL-17A production. We further show that lung lavage fluid collected from
      both A. fumigatus-challenged Dectin-1-deficient and IL-22-deficient mice had
      compromised anti-fungal activity against A. fumigatus in vitro. Although
      lipocalin 2 production was observed to be Dectin-1 and IL-22 dependent, lipocalin
      2-deficient mice did not demonstrate impaired A. fumigatus clearance. Moreover,
      lung S100a8, S100a9, and Reg3g mRNA expression was not lower in either Dectin-1
      deficient or IL-22-deficient mice. Collectively, our results indicate that early
      innate lung defense against A. fumigatus is mediated by Dectin-1-dependent IL-22
      production.

PMID- 22038917
TI  - Association and evidence for linked recognition of type IV secretion system
      proteins VirB9-1, VirB9-2, and VirB10 in Anaplasma marginale.
AB  - Like several other bacterial pathogens, Anaplasma marginale has an outer membrane
      that induces complete protection from infection and disease. However, the
      proteins that confer protective immunity and whether protection requires
      interacting proteins and/or linked T-cell and immunoglobulin G epitopes are not
      known. Our goal is to target the conserved type IV secretion system (T4SS) to
      identify conserved, immunogenic membrane proteins that are interacting and linked
      recognition candidates. Linked recognition is a process by which a B cell is
      optimally activated by a helper T cell that responds to the same, or physically
      associated, antigen. A. marginale T4SS proteins VirB2, VirB4-1, VirB4-2, VirB6-1,
      VirB7, VirB8-2, VirB9-1, VirB9-2, VirB10, VirB11, and VirD4 were screened for
      their ability to induce IgG and to stimulate CD4+ T cells from outer membrane
      vaccinated cattle. VirB9-1, VirB9-2, and VirB10 induced the strongest IgG and T
      cell responses in the majority of cattle, although three animals with major
      histocompatibility complex class II DRB3 restriction fragment length polymorphism
      types 8/23, 3/16, and 16/27 lacked T-cell responses to VirB9-1, VirB9-1 and VirB9
      2, or VirB9-2 and VirB10, respectively. For these animals, VirB9-1-, VirB9-2-,
      and VirB10-specific IgG production may be associated with T-cell help provided by
      responses to an interacting protein partner(s). Interacting protein partners
      indicated by far-Western blotting were confirmed by immunoprecipitation assays
      and revealed, for the first time, specific interactions of VirB9-1 with VirB9-2
      and VirB10. The immunogenicity and interactions of VirB9-1, VirB9-2, and VirB10
      justify their testing as a linked protein vaccine against A. marginale.

PMID- 22038918
TI  - Interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-13 suppress excessive neutrophil infiltration and
      hepatocyte damage during acute murine schistosomiasis japonica.
AB  - Due to the importance of neutrophils and proinflammatory cytokines in
      schistosomal liver damage, we analyzed the mechanisms underlying neutrophil and
      proinflammatory responses in murine schistosomiasis japonica. We found that
      granulomatous inflammation around parasite eggs in the liver was greater in
      Schistosoma japonicum-infected IL-4-/- IL-13-/- (double-knockout [DKO]) mice than
      in infected wild-type (WT) mice at 6 weeks, but not at 8 weeks, postinfection,
      suggesting the importance of Th2 responses in these typical hepatic lesions.
      Infected DKO mice also showed increased neutrophil infiltration accompanying more
      severe pathology, as shown by the enhanced necrosis of hepatocytes. This was not
      likely due to a Th1/Th2 imbalance, because there was no detectable increase in
      gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) production in these DKO mice. mRNA expression of
      interleukin-17A (IL-17A), proinflammatory cytokines, and the neutrophil
      chemoattractant CXCL2 in liver was higher in infected DKO mice than in WT mice.
      However, in IL-4-/- IL-13-/- IL-17A-/- (triple-knockout [TKO]) mice, the absence
      of IL-17A was associated with only marginal differences in schistosomal liver
      damage, suggesting that IL-17A is only partially responsible for neutrophil
      driven hepatic damage. Furthermore, the expression of mRNAs encoding
      proinflammatory cytokines was not under the control of IL-17A in TKO mice. These
      findings indicate that IL-4 and IL-13 suppress excessive neutrophil recruitment,
      proinflammatory cytokine production, and hepatic damage during the acute stage of
      S. japonicum infection, suggesting that neutrophils and proinflammatory cytokines
      are mainly responsible for hepatocyte damage during acute murine schistosomiasis
      japonica. However, neutrophil induction and the production of proinflammatory
      cytokines were not due solely to IL-17A.

PMID- 22038919
TI  - Crocin promotes non-rapid eye movement sleep in mice.
AB  - Crocus sativus L. (saffron) has been traditionally used for the treatment of
      insomnia and other diseases of the nervous systems. Two carotenoid pigments,
      crocin and crocetin, are the major components responsible for the various
      pharmacological activities of C. sativus L. In this study, we examined the sleep
      promoting activity of crocin and crocetin by monitoring the locomotor activity
      and electroencephalogram after administration of these components to mice. Crocin
      (30 and 100 mg/kg) increased the total time of non-rapid eye movement (non-REM)
      sleep by 60 and 170%, respectively, during a 4-h period from 20:00 to 24:00 after
      its intraperitoneal administration at a lights-off time of 20:00. Crocetin (100
      mg/kg) also increased the total time of non-REM sleep by 50% after the
      administration. These compounds did not change the amount of REM sleep or show
      any adverse effects, such as rebound insomnia, after the induction of sleep.

PMID- 22038920
TI  - A subset of cutaneous and soft tissue mixed tumors are genetically linked to
      their salivary gland counterpart.
AB  - Neoplasms morphologically similar to mixed tumors and myoepitheliomas of the
      salivary glands, under the broad concept of myoepithelial neoplasia, have
      recently been defined in the skin and soft tissue; however, to date, no data have
      supported a shared genetic background with their salivary gland counterpart. From
      a large body of research, it has been well established that rearrangement of
      pleomorphic adenoma gene 1 (PLAG1) leads to aberrant expression of its protein
      and is pathogenically relevant in the development of salivary mixed tumors. On
      the other hand, in soft tissue lesions, compelling evidence suggests that EWSR1
      is involved in a significant subset. To examine the hypothesis that there is a
      genetic link between these histologically similar tumors at different sites, we
      randomly selected 20 benign myoepitheliomas/mixed tumors of skin and soft tissue
      (10 cases each). Nineteen cases could be immunostained for PLAG1, of which 11
      cases showed distinct nuclear staining with moderate or strong intensity in a
      significant number of cells. Interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization for
      PLAG1 was successfully performed in 11 cases (seven in skin and four in soft
      tissue) and was positive for gene rearrangement in eight cases (five in skin and
      three in soft tissue). All PLAG1-rearranged tumors, except one, had clear-cut
      ductal structures and were immunoreactive for PLAG1. In our series, tumors with
      PLAG1 alteration shared a common morphologic phenotype characterized by prominent
      tubuloductal differentiation, suggesting that myoepithelial neoplasms with
      genuine salivary gland-like morphology, so-called soft tissue/cutaneous mixed
      tumors, are genetically related to their salivary gland counterpart.

PMID- 22038921
TI  - Serum levels of N-acetylaspartate in Huntington's disease: preliminary results.

PMID- 22038922
TI  - Regulation by lipocalin-2 of neuronal cell death, migration, and morphology.
AB  - A secreted protein, lipocalin-2 (LCN2), has been previously shown to regulate a
      variety of cellular phenotypes such as cell death, migration, and morphology. The
      role of LCN2, however, appears to be different depending on the cellular context.
      Here, we investigated how LCN2 influences neuronal phenotypes by using primary
      cortical neuronal cell cultures and neuroblastoma cell lines as a model. When
      exposed to LCN2 protein, neurons and neuroblastoma cells were sensitized to cell
      death evoked by nitric oxide, oxidative stress, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha
      (TNF-alpha). A forced expression of lcn2 in glia enhanced neuronal cell death in
      cocultures of glia and neurons, indicating that both exogenous protein addition
      and endogenous expression of lcn2 give rise to similar results. Iron and BCL2
      interacting mediator of cell death (BIM) protein were involved in LCN2-induced
      cell death sensitization, based on the studies using iron donor, chelator,
      siderophore, and short hairpin RNA (shRNA)-mediated knockdown of bim expression.
      Furthermore, cell migration assay and immunofluorescence microscopic observation
      revealed that LCN2 accelerated neuronal motility and process extension,
      suggesting multiple roles for LCN2 in the regulation of neuronal cell death,
      migration, and morphology.

PMID- 22038925
TI  - An optical olfactory sensor based on porous silicon infiltrated with room
      temperature ionic liquid arrays.

PMID- 22038924
TI  - Chemokines: established and novel targets in atherosclerosis.
AB  - In their role as small chemotactic cytokines, chemokines are crucial mediators
      and regulators of leukocyte trafficking during immune surveillance and
      inflammation. Their involvement in the development and progression of
      inflammatory diseases has been subject of intense investigation. Concordantly,
      the chemokine system has been explored in search for therapeutic targets to
      prevent or treat inflammatory disorders, such as atherosclerosis. Targeting the
      chemokine system offers various entry points for a causative treatment of this
      widespread and chronic illness. Although this approach has encountered some
      setbacks, several innovative compounds are currently in an advanced stage of
      development. In this review, the current standing of this dynamic field is
      highlighted and the potential advantages and drawbacks of particular strategies
      are discussed.

PMID- 22038926
TI  - Acute and chronic toxicity of chromium and cadmium to the tropical cladoceran
      pseudosida ramosa and the implications for ecotoxicological studies.
AB  - In this study, the acute and chronic toxicity of the metals chromium and cadmium
      were tested against the tropical freshwater cladoceran Pseudosida ramosa. Acute
      tests showed that the 48-h LC50 of chromium was 29 MUg L(-1) , while that of
      cadmium was 12 MUg L(-1) . P. ramosa had a similar sensitivity to those of other
      cladoceran species cultured in the same conditions as in this study, or a higher
      sensitivity when water hardness was raised. Long-term chronic exposure of P.
      ramosa to chromium decreased maternal survival, fecundity, and fertility at a
      concentration of 10 MUg L(-1) . For cadmium, reductions in the same endpoints
      were observed at a concentration of 3 MUg L(-1) . Moreover, the degree of
      toxicity of the chromium and cadmium to P. ramosa after release of the first
      brood was similar to the result obtained after 21 days, using reproduction as the
      endpoint. Brazilian water bodies located near industrial areas already show
      concentrations of chromium and cadmium higher than levels causing acute and
      chronic toxicity to P. ramosa in our study. Many water quality criteria in
      tropical regions are based on ecotoxicological tests with non-native species and,
      consequently, this may lead to errors of interpretation when the permitted
      maximum levels of for each toxic substance are established. Therefore, we
      reinforce the idea of using native species to establish the maximum
      concentrations of toxic substances in water quality criteria, especially for
      metals, since their effects are related to water hardness, pH, and temperature
      specific to each region.

PMID- 22038927
TI  - Tumor TP53 expression status, body mass index and prognosis in colorectal cancer.
AB  - Inactivation of the TP53 (p53) pathway by TP53 mutations is one of key steps in
      colorectal carcinogenesis. TP53 also plays an important role in cellular energy
      metabolism. We hypothesized that TP53-altered tumor cells might behave
      aggressively independent of energy balance, while progression of TP53-intact
      cells might depend on excess energy balance. Utilizing a database of 1,060 colon
      and rectal cancer patients in two prospective cohort studies, we evaluated TP53
      expression by immunohistochemistry. Among 1,060 colorectal cancers, 457 (43%)
      tumors were positive for TP53. Cox proportional hazards model was used to compute
      mortality hazard ratio (HR), adjusting for clinical and tumoral features,
      including microsatellite instability, the CpG island methylator phenotype, LINE-1
      methylation, KRAS, BRAF and PIK3CA. TP53 positivity was not significantly
      associated with cancer-specific survival in univariate analysis with HR of 1.16
      [95% confidence interval (CI)=0.92-1.45], which became significant after stage
      adjustment (multivariate HR=1.30; 95% CI=1.02-1.65). Notably, we found a possible
      modifying effect of patient's body mass index (BMI) on tumor TP53. In non-obese
      patients (BMI<30 kg/m2), TP53 positivity was associated with shorter cancer
      specific survival (multivariate HR=1.53; 95% CI=1.17-2.00), while TP53 positivity
      was not significantly associated with survival among obese patients (BMI>=30
      kg/m2). Effect of TP53 positivity on cancer-specific survival significantly
      differed by BMI (pinteraction=0.0051). The adverse effect of obesity on patient
      mortality was limited to TP53-negative patients. These molecular pathological
      epidemiology data may support a dual role of TP53 alterations in cell-cycle
      deregulation and cell autonomy with respect to energy balance status.

PMID- 22038928
TI  - Expression of genes encoding smooth muscle contractile proteins in vaginal tissue
      of women with and without pelvic organ prolapse.
AB  - AIMS: We hypothesize that the expression of genes encoding vaginal smooth muscle
      (SM) contractile proteins is altered in patients with pelvic organ prolapse (POP)
      and is influenced by age and menopausal status. We aim to analyze the expression
      of SM-myosin heavy chain (MHY11), caldesmon (CALD1), SM gamma-actin (ACTG2), and
      tropomyosin (TPM1), in premenopausal and postmenopausal women with advanced POP
      and asymptomatic controls. METHODS: During total hysterectomy we collected
      anterior vaginal wall biopsy samples from 55 women, 37 premenopausal (23 patients
      and 14 controls), and 18 postmenopausal women (13 patients and 5 controls). Total
      mRNA from the tissues was quantified by real-time RT-PCR. RESULTS: MHY11 gene
      expression was down-regulated in premenopausal POP patients compared to
      premenopausal controls (fivefold, P = 0.002). In the postmenopausal groups, we
      observed a sixfold increase in the CALD1 gene expression in POP patients compared
      to asymptomatic controls (P = 0.03). The gene expression of CALD1, ACTG2, and
      TPM1 was significantly down-regulated in vaginal tissue of healthy women after
      menopause (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Dysregulation of the vaginal SM content in POP
      patients involves alteration of different cellular pathways according to age and
      menopausal status.

PMID- 22038929
TI  - Compound CVT-E002 attenuates allergen-induced airway inflammation and airway
      hyperresponsiveness, in vivo.
AB  - Immune modulation has been a sought after means of therapy for atopic diseases.
      CVT-E002 is an extract derived from North American Ginseng shown to promote T
      helper-1-like responses. We determined what effect CVT-E002 could have in a mouse
      model of atopic asthma. We report that oral CVT-E002 inhibited the development of
      allergic airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness. This correlated with
      an increased presence of interferon-gamma in the lung, and also increased
      regulatory T cells and IL-10. The ability of CVT-E002 to induce regulatory T-cell
      development was also seen in human in vitro co-cultures.

PMID- 22038930
TI  - Rapidly progressing diffuse Lewy body disease.

PMID- 22038931
TI  - Human bocavirus-the first 5 years.
AB  - Four species of human bocavirus (HBoV) have been recently discovered and
      classified in the Bocavirus genus (family Parvoviridae, subfamily Parvovirinae).
      Although detected both in respiratory and stool samples worldwide, HBoV1 is
      predominantly a respiratory pathogen, whereas HBoV2, HBoV3, and HBoV4 have been
      found mainly in stool. A variety of signs and symptoms have been described in
      patients with HBoV infection including rhinitis, pharyngitis, cough, dyspnea,
      wheezing, pneumonia, acute otitis media, fever, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
      Many of these potential manifestations have not been systematically explored, and
      they have been questioned because of high HBoV co-infection rates in symptomatic
      subjects and high HBoV detection rates in asymptomatic subjects. However,
      evidence is mounting to show that HBoV1 is an important cause of lower
      respiratory tract illness. The best currently available diagnostic approaches are
      quantitative PCR and serology. This concise review summarizes the current
      clinical knowledge on HBoV species.

PMID- 22038932
TI  - Benzothiophene carboxamide derivatives as novel antimalarials.
AB  - Bromo-benzothiophene carboxamide derivatives have been shown in the preceding
      article to inhibit Plasmodium falciparum Enoyl-ACP reductase. Here, we report
      bromo-benzothiophene carboxamide derivatives as potent inhibitors of Plasmodium
      asexual blood-stages in vitro as well as in vivo in the mouse model. These
      compounds specifically impair the development of metabolically active trophozoite
      stage of intraerythrocytic cycle and the intravenous administration of 3-bromo-N
      (4-fluorobenzyl)-benzo[b]thiophene-2-carboxamide (compound 6) enhances the
      longevity of P. berghei infected mice by 2 weeks compared to disease control
      animals thereby preventing the onset of ataxia and convulsions in treated mice.
      These compounds thus hold promise for the development of potent antimalarials.

PMID- 22038935
TI  - Curaxins: a new family of non-genotoxic multitargeted anticancer agents.

PMID- 22038936
TI  - Structures and stabilities of group 13 adducts [(NHC)(EX3)] and [(NHC)2(E2X(n))]
      (E=B to In; X=H, Cl; n=4, 2, 0; NHC=N-heterocyclic carbene) and the search for
      hydrogen storage systems: a theoretical study.
AB  - Quantum chemical calculations using density functional theory at the BP86/TZVPP
      level and ab initio calculations at the SCS-MP2/TZVPP level have been carried out
      for the group 13 complexes [(NHC)(EX(3))] and [(NHC)(2)(E(2)X(n))] (E=B to In;
      X=H, Cl; n=4, 2, 0; NHC=N-heterocyclic carbene). The monodentate Lewis acids
      EX(3) and the bidentate Lewis acids E(2) X(n) bind N-heterocyclic carbenes rather
      strongly in donor-acceptor complexes [(NHC)(EX(3))] and [(NHC)(2)(E(2)X(n))]. The
      equilibrium structures of the bidentate complexes depend on the electronic
      reference state of E(2)X(n), which may vary for different atoms E and X. All
      complexes [(NHC)(2)(E(2)X(4))] possess C(s) symmetry in which the NHC ligands
      bind in a trans conformation to the group 13 atoms E. The complexes
      [(NHC)(2)(E(2)H(2))] with E=B, Al, Ga have also C(s) symmetry with a trans
      arrangement of the NHC ligands and a planar CE(H)E(H)C moiety that has a E=E pi
      bond. In contrast, the indium complex [(NHC)(2)(In(2) H(2))] has C(i) symmetry
      with pyramidal-coordinated In atoms in which the hydrogen atoms are twisted above
      and below the CInInC plane. The latter C(i) form is calculated for all chloride
      systems [(NHC)(2)(E(2)Cl(2))], but the boron complex [(NHC)(2)(B(2)Cl(2))]
      deviates only slightly from C(s) symmetry. The B(2) fragment in the linear
      coordinated complex [(NHC)(2)(B(2))] has a highly excited (3)(1)Sigma(g)(-)
      reference state, which gives an effective B=B triple bond with a very short
      interatomic distance. The heavier homologues [(NHC)(2)(E(2))] (E=Al to In)
      exhibit a anti-periplanar arrangement of the NHC ligands in which the E(2)
      fragments have a (1)(1) Delta(g) reference state and an E=E double bond. The
      calculated energies suggest that the dihydrogen release from the complexes
      [(NHC)(EH(3))] and [(NHC)(2)(E(2)H(n))] becomes energetically more favourable
      when atom E becomes heavier. The indium complexes should therefore be the best
      candidates of the investigated series for hydrogen-storage systems that could
      potentially deliver dihydrogen at close to ambient temperature. The hydrogenation
      reaction of the dimeric magnesium(I) compound [LMgMgL] (L=beta-diketiminate) with
      [(NHC)(EH(3))] becomes increasingly exothermic with the trend B<Al<Ga<In.

PMID- 22038937
TI  - Gallic acid, a histone acetyltransferase inhibitor, suppresses beta-amyloid
      neurotoxicity by inhibiting microglial-mediated neuroinflammation.
AB  - SCOPE: We examined the biological effect of gallic acid (GA) as a nuclear factor
      (NF)-kappaB acetyltransferase inhibitor on microglial-mediated beta-amyloid
      neurotoxicity and restorative effects on the Abeta-induced cognitive dysfunction.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: The protective effects of GA on the survival of neuronal
      cells were assessed with an MTT assay and a co-culture system. For the co-culture
      experiments, both BV-2 and primary microglia cells were treated with GA prior to
      Abeta stimulation, and conditioned media were transferred to Neuro-2A cells. The
      mRNA and protein levels of inflammatory cytokines in both microglia and Neuro-2A
      cells were assessed with real-time polymerase chain reaction and western
      blotting. Inhibition of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) acetylation with GA
      treatment resulted in reduced cytokine production in microglia cells and
      protection of neuronal cells from Abeta-induced neurotoxicity. Furthermore, we
      observed a restorative effect of GA on Abeta-induced cognitive dysfunction in
      mice with Y-maze and passive avoidance tests. Finally, we found that GA treatment
      efficiently blocked neuronal cell death by downregulating the expression of
      cytokines and the in vivo levels of NF-kappaB acetylation. CONCLUSION: These
      results suggest that selective inhibition of NF-kappaB acetylation by the histone
      acetyltransferase inhibitor GA is a possible therapeutic approach for alleviating
      the inflammatory progression of Alzheimer disease.

PMID- 22038938
TI  - Sensory sensitivity to external stimuli in Tourette syndrome patients.
AB  - Patients with Tourette Syndrome often state that their sensitivity to sensations
      is equally or more disruptive than are motor tics. However, their sensory
      sensitivity is not addressed by standard clinical assessments nor is it a focus
      of research. This lapse likely results from our limited awareness and
      understanding of the symptom. In this study (1) we defined the patients'
      experience of sensitivity to external stimuli in detail, and (2) we tested 2
      hypotheses regarding its origin. First, we interviewed in depth and administered
      a lengthy questionnaire to adult Tourette patients (n = 19) and age-matched
      healthy volunteers (n = 19). Eighty percent of patients described heightened
      sensitivity to external stimuli, with examples among all 5 sensory modalities.
      Bothersome stimuli were characterized as faint, repetitive or constant, and
      nonsalient, whereas intense stimuli were well tolerated. We then determined
      whether the sensitivity could be the result of an increased ability to detect
      faint stimuli. After measuring the threshold of detection for olfactory and
      tactile stimuli among the patients and healthy volunteers, we found no
      significant differences between them for either sensory modality. These results
      indicate that patients' perceived sensitivity derives from altered central
      processing rather than enhanced peripheral detection. Last, we assessed one
      aspect of processing: the perception of intensity. When subjects rated the
      intensity of near-threshold tactile and olfactory stimuli, there was a surprising
      difference: Tourette patients more frequently used the lowest range of the scale
      than did healthy volunteers. Future research is necessary to define the
      anatomical and physiological basis of the patients' experience of heightened
      sensitivity. (c) 2011 Movement Disorder Society.

PMID- 22038939
TI  - Antimuscarinic effects on current perception threshold: a prospective placebo
      control study.
AB  - AIMS: To evaluate the effect of Tolterodine on urethral and bladder afferent
      nerves in women with detrusor overactivity (DO) in comparison to placebo, by
      studying the changes in the current perception threshold (CPT). METHODS: Women
      with overactive bladder symptoms and idiopathic DO were recruited and randomized
      in a double-blind manner between placebo and tolterodine extended release. All
      women underwent CPT testing of the bladder and urethra using a Neurometer
      constant current stimulator. CPT values were determined at three frequencies,
      including 2,000 Hz (corresponding to Abeta-fibers), 250 Hz (corresponding to
      Adelta-fibers), and 5 Hz (corresponding to C fibers) before and 7 days on
      treatment. CPT values before and on treatment were compared using a Wilcoxon
      Signed Rank test. RESULTS: Twenty women (mean age 46 years) were studied. There
      was no statistical difference between the two groups in terms of age, ethnicity,
      severity of symptoms and pre-treatment CPT values. Only in the tolterodine group
      there was a significantly increased CPT value at 5 and 250 Hz upon both urethral
      and bladder stimulation after 1 week of treatment. When compared with placebo,
      women taking tolterodine had significantly increased Bladder CPT values at 5 Hz
      (P-value <0.05). The electrical stimulation with 5 Hz was described as urgency.
      CONCLUSIONS: This is a randomized placebo control study evaluating the effect of
      antimuscarinics on sensory nerve function in women with DO. Our results support
      the animal studies that antimuscarinics have an effect on sensory function.

PMID- 22038940
TI  - Glycosphingolipids in signaling and development: from liposomes to model
      organisms.
AB  - Since the launch of the raft hypothesis in 1997, data generated in liposomes and
      cultured cells have highlighted the role of glycosphingolipids (GSLs) in the
      dynamic organization of biological membranes and the activity of signaling
      complexes. In parallel studies, genetic analysis of the GSL synthetic pathway has
      begun to reveal some of the specific roles of GSLs in vivo. Here, we review the
      role of GSLs in signaling in the context of a refined raft hypothesis. Recent
      genetic studies in worms, flies, and mice give us the opportunity to integrate
      these in vivo data with earlier in vitro liposome studies.

PMID- 22038941
TI  - IVS6+5G>A found in Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome and X-linked thrombocytopenia in a
      Korean family.
AB  - Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) and X-linked thrombocytopenia (XLT) are caused by
      a mutation in the WAS gene on Xp11.22. We report two patients with IVS6+5G>A of
      WAS in a Korean family. The proband presented with classic WAS, whereas his
      maternal cousin had symptoms limited to XLT. Their mothers were proved to be
      carriers. The IVS6+5G>A mutation was reported to result in incomplete splicing of
      the donor site and typically associated with mild form of disease, XLT. Our
      observation of the intrafamilial variability of clinical manifestations of WAS
      further expands the genotype-phenotype correlations and suggests the presence of
      modifying genetic factors.

PMID- 22038942
TI  - 5,10-A2B2-type meso-substituted porphyrins--a unique class of porphyrins with a
      realigned dipole moment.
AB  - Current applications in porphyrin chemistry require the use of unsymmetrically
      substituted porphyrins. Many current industrial interests in optics and
      biomedicine require systems with either push-pull (electron-donating and 
      withdrawing groups) or amphiphilic systems (hydrophobic and hydrophilic groups).
      In this context we present the class of 5,10-A(2)B(2)-type porphyrins for which
      two different substituents are positioned in diagonally opposite meso positions.
      Thus, the intramolecular dipole moment in these tetrapyrroles is positioned along
      a beta-beta vector passing through two pyrrole rings. This is opposite to the
      situation of the frequently used 5,15-A(2)BC porphyrins for which the dipole
      moment is oriented along a meso-meso axis. We have elaborated syntheses of the
      5,10-A(2)B(2) porphyrins by using transition-metal-catalyzed transformations of
      5,10-A(2) porphyrins or direct substitutions reactions thereof; this gives the
      target molecules in 22-77% overall yields. The compounds exhibit interesting
      structural, spectroscopic, and optical features and can serve as building blocks
      for new porphyrin arrays and applications.

PMID- 22038943
TI  - Genetic variation in odorant receptors contributes to variation in olfactory
      behavior in a natural population of Drosophila melanogaster.
AB  - Chemoreception is a principle modality by which organisms gain information from
      their environment, and extensive variation in odor-mediated behavior has been
      documented within and among species. To examine the mechanisms by which sensory
      systems mediate these responses, we ask to what extent variation in Drosophila
      melanogaster odorant receptor genes contributes to variation in odor-mediated
      behavior. Significant differences in behavioral responses to structurally similar
      odorants, methyl hexanoate and ethyl hexanoate, were found in a natural
      population. Polymorphisms in 3 genomic regions (Or22a/Or22b, Or35a, and Or47a)
      were identified and associated with variation in behavior to these esters.
      Overall similarity in association profiles for both odorants was observed, except
      for Or47a in which polymorphisms were associated solely with variation in
      responses to ethyl hexanoate. Our analyses were then extended to examine
      polymorphisms in 3 odorant receptors previously reported to contribute to
      variation in olfactory behavior for the chemically distinct odorants benzaldehyde
      and acetophenone. Two Or10a polymorphisms were associated with variation in
      response to ethyl hexanoate. Finally, differences in Or35a and Or47a expression
      were associated with variation in responses to ethyl hexanoate. These results
      demonstrate that the genetic variation at the peripheral sensory stage plays a
      role in mediating differences in odor-mediated behavior.

PMID- 22038944
TI  - Crypt neurons express a single V1R-related ora gene.
AB  - Both ciliated and microvillous olfactory sensory neuron populations express large
      families of olfactory receptor genes. However, individual neurons generally
      express only a single receptor gene according to the "one neuron-one receptor"
      rule. We report here that crypt neurons, the third type of olfactory neurons in
      fish species, use an even more restricted mode of expression. We recently
      identified a novel olfactory receptor family of 6 highly conserved G protein
      coupled receptors, the v1r-like ora genes. We show now that a single member of
      this family, ora4 is expressed in nearly all crypt neurons, whereas the other 5
      ora genes are not found in this cell type. Consistent with these findings, ora4
      is never coexpressed with any of the remaining 5 ora genes. Furthermore, several
      lines of evidence indicate the absence of any other olfactory receptor families
      in crypt neurons. These results suggest that the vast majority of the crypt
      neuron population may select one and the same olfactory receptor gene, a "one
      cell type-one receptor" mode of expression. Such an expression pattern is
      familiar in the visual system, with rhodopsin as the sole light receptor of rod
      photoreceptor cells, but unexpected in the sense of smell.

PMID- 22038945
TI  - The effects of capsaicin and capsiate on energy balance: critical review and meta
      analyses of studies in humans.
AB  - Consumption of spicy foods containing capsaicin, the major pungent principle in
      hot peppers, reportedly promotes negative energy balance. However, many
      individuals abstain from spicy foods due to the sensory burn and pain elicited by
      the capsaicin molecule. A potential alternative for nonusers of spicy foods who
      wish to exploit this energy balance property is consumption of nonpungent peppers
      rich in capsiate, a recently identified nonpungent capsaicin analog contained in
      CH-19 Sweet peppers. Capsiate activates transient receptor potential vanilloid
      subtype 1 (TRPV1) receptors in the gut but not in the oral cavity. This paper
      critically evaluates current knowledge on the thermogenic and appetitive effects
      of capsaicin and capsiate from foods and in supplemental form. Meta-analyses were
      performed on thermogenic outcomes, with a systematic review conducted for both
      thermogenic and appetitive outcomes. Evidence indicates that capsaicin and
      capsiate both augment energy expenditure and enhance fat oxidation, especially at
      high doses. Furthermore, the balance of the literature suggests that capsaicin
      and capsiate suppress orexigenic sensations. The magnitude of these effects is
      small. Purposeful inclusion of these compounds in the diet may aid weight
      management, albeit modestly.

PMID- 22038946
TI  - Biology-oriented synthesis.
AB  - Which compound classes are best suited as probes and tools for chemical biology
      research and as inspiration for medicinal chemistry programs? Chemical space is
      enormously large and cannot be exploited conclusively by means of synthesis
      efforts. Methods are required that allow one to identify and map the biologically
      relevant subspaces of vast chemical space, and serve as hypothesis-generating
      tools for inspiring synthesis programs. Biology-oriented synthesis builds on
      structural conservatism in the evolution of proteins and natural products. It
      employs a hierarchical classification of bioactive compounds according to
      structural relationships and type of bioactivity, and selects the scaffolds of
      bioactive molecule classes as starting points for the synthesis of compound
      collections with focused diversity. Navigation in chemical space is facilitated
      by Scaffold Hunter, an intuitively accessible and highly interactive software.
      Small molecules synthesized according to BIOS are enriched in bioactivity. They
      facilitate the analysis of complex biological phenomena by means of acute
      perturbation and may serve as novel starting points to inspire drug discovery
      programs.

PMID- 22038947
TI  - Ten tips for authors.

PMID- 22038951
TI  - Rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder and subtypes in autopsy-confirmed
      dementia with Lewy bodies.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to determine whether dementia with Lewy bodies with
      and without probable rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder differ clinically
      or pathologically. Patients with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) with probable
      rapid eye movement sleep behavior sleep disorder (n = 71) were compared with
      those without it (n = 19) on demographics, clinical variables (core features of
      dementia with Lewy bodies, dementia duration, rate of cognitive/motor changes),
      and pathologic indices (Lewy body distribution, neuritic plaque score, Braak
      neurofibrillary tangle stage). Individuals with probable rapid eye movement sleep
      behavior disorder were predominantly male (82% vs 47%) and had a shorter duration
      of dementia (mean, 8 vs 10 years), earlier onset of parkinsonism (mean, 2 vs 5
      years), and earlier onset of visual hallucinations (mean, 3 vs 6 years). These
      patients also had a lower Braak neurofibrillary tangle stage (stage IV vs stage
      VI) and lower neuritic plaque scores (18% vs 85% frequency), but no difference in
      Lewy body distribution. When probable rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder
      developed early (at or before dementia onset), the onset of parkinsonism and
      hallucinations was earlier and Braak neurofibrillary tangle stage was lower
      compared with those who developed the sleep disorder after dementia onset. Women
      with autopsy-confirmed DLB without a history of dream enactment behavior during
      sleep had a later onset of hallucinations and parkinsonism and a higher Braak NFT
      stage. Probable rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder is associated with
      distinct clinical and pathologic characteristics of dementia with Lewy bodies.

PMID- 22038953
TI  - BMI alterations during treatment of childhood ALL-response.

PMID- 22038952
TI  - Drosophila cancer models.
AB  - Cancer is driven by complex genetic and cellular mechanisms. Recently, the
      Drosophila community has become increasingly interested in exploring cancer
      issues. The Drosophila field has made seminal contributions to many of the
      mechanisms that are fundamental to the cancer process; several of these
      mechanisms have already been validated in vertebrates. Less well known are the
      Drosophila field's early direct contributions to the cancer field: some of the
      earliest tumor suppressors were identified in flies. In this review, we identify
      major contributions that Drosophila studies have made toward dissecting the
      pathways and mechanisms underlying tumor progression. We also highlight areas,
      such as drug discovery, where we expect Drosophila studies to make a major
      scientific impact in the future.

PMID- 22038954
TI  - A general approach for the growth of metal oxide nanorod arrays on graphene
      sheets and their applications.
AB  - In the fabrication of flexible devices, highly ordered nanoscale texturing, such
      as semiconductor metal oxide nanorod arrays on flexible substrates, is critical
      for optimal performance. Use of transparent conducting films, metallic films, and
      polymer substrates is limited by mechanical brittleness, chemical and thermal
      instability, or low electrical conductivity, low melting point, and so on. A
      simple and general nanocrystal-seed-directed hydrothermal route has now been
      developed for large-scale growth of nanorod arrays of various semiconductor metal
      oxides (MO), including TiO(2), ZnO, MnO(2), CuO, and ZrO(2) on both sides of
      flexible graphene (G) sheets to form sandwichlike MO/G/MO heterostructures. The
      TiO(2)/G/TiO(2) heterostructures have much higher photocatalytic activity than
      TiO(2) nanorods, with a photocatalytic degradation rate of methylene blue that is
      four times faster than that of the TiO(2) nanorods, and are thus promising
      candidates for photocatalytic decontamination.

PMID- 22038955
TI  - Chilling with magnetic molecules.

PMID- 22038956
TI  - Light-induced electron transfer over distances of 5, 10, and 15 A within water
      filled yoctowells.
AB  - A small series of variable-depth yoctowell cavities with 'functional' walls on
      aminated silica particles and gold electrodes has been established. The
      dimensions of the gaps formed were 2.2 nm in diameter with varying 'functional'
      depths of 5, 10, and 15 A, depending on the length of bolaphiles applied and the
      position of the positive rim; these gaps were prepared through a Michael addition
      of the incorporated ene-amide groups. Using this construct and electrostatic
      interactions between the positive rim and anionic quinones as a means of
      immobilization, a porphyrin-quinone dyad system has been prepared. The distance
      between the donor and acceptor was changed systematically in aqueous solution,
      whilst maintaining a similar environment in each case. Upon photoexcitation of
      the porphyrin, efficient electron transfer occurs between the porphyrin and
      quinone units in a distance-dependent manner on the nanosecond timescale.

PMID- 22038957
TI  - Complete genome sequence of Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BLC1.
AB  - Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BLC1 is a probiotic bacterium that is
      widely exploited by food industries as the active ingredient of various
      functional foods. Here we report the complete genome sequence of B. animalis
      subsp. lactis BLC1, which is expected to provide insights into the biology of
      this health-promoting microorganism and improve our understanding of its
      phylogenetic relatedness with other members of the B. animalis subsp. lactis
      taxon.

PMID- 22038958
TI  - Complete genome sequence of the industrial strain Bacillus megaterium WSH-002.
AB  - Bacillus megaterium, an industrial strain, has been widely used in protein
      production and the vitamin C industry. Here we reported a finished, annotated,
      and compared 4.14-Mbp high-quality genome sequence of B. megaterium WSH-002,
      which is the companion strain for Ketogulonicigenium vulgare in the vitamin C
      industry and is stocked in our laboratory.

PMID- 22038959
TI  - Genome sequence of the diazotrophic Gram-positive rhizobacterium Paenibacillus
      riograndensis SBR5(T).
AB  - Paenibacillus riograndensis SBR5(T), a nitrogen-fixing Gram-positive
      rhizobacterium isolated from a wheat field in the south of Brazil, has a great
      potential for agricultural applications due to its plant growth promotion
      effects. Here we present the draft genome sequence of P. riograndensis SBR5(T).
      Its 7.37-Mb genome encodes determinants of the diazotrophic lifestyle and plant
      growth promotion, such as nitrogen fixation, antibiotic resistance, nitrate
      utilization, and iron uptake.

PMID- 22038960
TI  - Complete genome sequence of multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii strain
      1656-2, which forms sturdy biofilm.
AB  - Acinetobacter baumannii is a Gram-negative bacterium causing nosocomial
      infections worldwide. To gain quick insight into the molecular basis of biofilm
      formation in A. baumannii, we determined the complete genome sequence of A.
      baumannii strain 1656-2, which forms sturdy biofilm and is resistant to multiple
      drugs.

PMID- 22038961
TI  - Complete genome sequence of the denitrifying and N(2)O-reducing bacterium
      Pseudogulbenkiania sp. strain NH8B.
AB  - Pseudogulbenkiania sp. strain NH8B is a Neisseriales bacterium isolated from an
      agricultural field. This strain has strong denitrification and N(2)O reduction
      activities. Here, we report the finished and annotated genome sequence of this
      organism.

PMID- 22038962
TI  - Genome sequence of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa NCGM1179.
AB  - We report the annotated genome sequence of multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas
      aeruginosa strain NCGM1179, which is highly resistant to carbapenems,
      aminoglycosides, and fluoroquinolones and is emerging at medical facilities in
      Japan.

PMID- 22038963
TI  - Genome sequence of the thermophilic strain Bacillus coagulans XZL4, an efficient
      pentose-utilizing producer of chemicals.
AB  - Bacillus coagulans XZL4 is an efficient pentose-utilizing producer of important
      platform compounds, such as l-lactic acid, 2,3-butanediol, and acetoin. Here we
      present a 2.8-Mb assembly of its genome. Simple and efficient carbohydrate
      metabolism systems, especially the transketolase/transaldolase pathway, make it
      possible to convert pentose sugars to products at high levels.

PMID- 22038964
TI  - Genome sequence of Bacillus pumilus S-1, an efficient isoeugenol-utilizing
      producer for natural vanillin.
AB  - Bacillus pumilus S-1 is an efficient isoeugenol-utilizing producer of natural
      vanillin. The genome of B. pumilus S-1 contains the epoxide hydrolase and six
      candidate monooxygenases that make it possible to explore the mechanism involved
      in conversion of isoenguenol to vanillin in the B. pumilus strain.

PMID- 22038965
TI  - Genome sequence of the bacteriocin-producing oral probiotic Streptococcus
      salivarius strain M18.
AB  - Streptococcus salivarius is a Gram-positive bacterial commensal and pioneer
      colonizer of the human oral cavity. Many strains produce ribosomally synthesized
      proteinaceous antibiotics (bacteriocins), and some strains have been developed
      for use as oral probiotics. Here, we present the draft genome sequence of the
      bacteriocin-producing oral probiotic S. salivarius strain M18.

PMID- 22038966
TI  - Genome sequence of Sphingobium yanoikuyae XLDN2-5, an efficient carbazole
      degrading strain.
AB  - Sphingobium yanoikuyae XLDN2-5 is an efficient carbazole-degrading strain.
      Carbazole-degrading genes are accompanied on both sides by two copies of IS6100
      elements. Here, we describe the draft genome sequence of strain XLDN2-5, which
      may provide important clues as to how it recruited exogenous genes to establish
      pathways to degrade the xenobiotics.

PMID- 22038967
TI  - Draft genome sequence of Escherichia coli XH001, a producer of L-threonine in
      industry.
AB  - L-Threonine has been widely used as a supplement in the food, pharmaceutical, and
      cosmetic industries. Here, we present a high-quality draft annotated genome
      sequence of Escherichia coli XH001, a producer of L-threonine in industry. Its
      genome and plasmid sequence will provide clues about the molecular mechanisms
      underlying its beneficial properties.

PMID- 22038968
TI  - Draft genome of Streptomyces zinciresistens K42, a novel metal-resistant species
      isolated from copper-zinc mine tailings.
AB  - A draft genome sequence of Streptomyces zinciresistens K42, a novel Streptomyces
      species displaying a high level of resistance to zinc and cadmium, is presented
      here. The genome contains a large number of genes encoding proteins predicted to
      be involved in conferring metal resistance. Many of these genes appear to have
      been acquired through horizontal gene transfer.

PMID- 22038969
TI  - Revised genome sequence of Brucella suis 1330.
AB  - Brucella suis is a causative agent of porcine brucellosis. We report the
      resequencing of the original sample upon which the published sequence of Brucella
      suis 1330 is based and describe the differences between the published assembly
      and our assembly at 12 loci.

PMID- 22038970
TI  - Complete genome sequences of Arcobacter butzleri ED-1 and Arcobacter sp. strain
      L, both isolated from a microbial fuel cell.
AB  - Arcobacter butzleri strain ED-1 is an exoelectrogenic epsilonproteobacterium
      isolated from the anode biofilm of a microbial fuel cell. Arcobacter sp. strain L
      dominates the liquid phase of the same fuel cell. Here we report the finished and
      annotated genome sequences of these organisms.

PMID- 22038971
TI  - Genome sequence of Serinicoccus profundi, a novel actinomycete isolated from deep
      sea sediment.
AB  - Serinicoccus profundi MCCC 1A05965(T) was isolated from deep-sea sediment
      collected from the Indian Ocean. It was a Gram-positive, moderately halophilic,
      aerobic bacterium. Here, we describe the 3.4-Mbp draft genome sequence of S.
      profundi MCCC 1A05965(T).

PMID- 22038972
TI  - Genome sequence of Lentibacillus jeotgali Grbi(T), isolated from traditional
      Korean salt-fermented seafood.
AB  - Lentibacillus jeotgali Grbi(T), isolated from a traditional Korean salt-fermented
      seafood, is a strictly aerobic, Gram-positive, nonmotile, endospore-forming,
      moderately halophilic bacterium belonging to the family Bacillaceae in the phylum
      Firmicutes. Here, the draft genome sequence of L. jeotgali Grbi(T) (3,775,822 bp
      with a G+C content of 42.5%) is reported. This is the first reported genome
      sequence from a Lentibacillus species.

PMID- 22038973
TI  - Genome sequence of Brachybacterium squillarum M-6-3(T), isolated from salt
      fermented seafood.
AB  - Brachybacterium squillarum M-6-3(T) was isolated from salt-fermented seafood in
      Korea and belongs to the Dermabacteraceae, a rather isolated family within the
      actinobacterial suborder Micrococcineae. Here, we present the draft genome
      sequence of the type strain Brachybacterium squillarum M-6-3(T) (3,191,479 bp), a
      Gram-positive bacterium with high (72.8%) G+C content.

PMID- 22038974
TI  - Whole-genome sequence of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis PAT10 strain isolated
      from sheep in Patagonia, Argentina.
AB  - In this work, we report the complete genome sequence of a Corynebacterium
      pseudotuberculosis PAT10 isolate, collected from a lung abscess in an Argentine
      sheep in Patagonia, whose pathogen also required an investigation of its
      pathogenesis. Thus, the analysis of the genome sequence offers a means to better
      understanding of the molecular and genetic basis of virulence of this bacterium.

PMID- 22038975
TI  - Genome sequence of Rhodococcus erythropolis XP, a biodesulfurizing bacterium with
      industrial potential.
AB  - Rhodococcus erythropolis strains have shown excellent characteristics in
      petroleum oil biodesulfurization. Here we present the first announcement of the
      draft genome sequence of an efficient biodesulfurizing bacterium named R.
      erythropolis XP (7,229,582 bp). The biodesulfurizing genes dszABC are located on
      a plasmid, while the flavin reductase gene dszD is located on the chromosome.

PMID- 22038976
TI  - Beneficial effects of mangiferin on hyperlipidemia in high-fat-fed hamsters.
AB  - SCOPE: Mangiferin, a natural polyphenol, has been shown to have hypolipidemic
      effect in rat and mouse. However, the mechanism of action is not well understood.
      This study was conducted to determine the effect and mechanism of action of
      mangiferin on hyperlipidemia induced in hamsters by a high-fat diet. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: Forty male hamsters were randomly assigned to normal control, high-fat
      control, and high fat with mangiferin (50 and 150 mg/kg BW) groups. Mangiferin
      treatment significantly decreased final body weight, liver weight and visceral
      fat-pad weight, serum triglyceride (TG) and total free fatty acid (FFA)
      concentrations, hepatic TG levels and hepatic and muscle total FFA contents.
      Mangiferin upregulated mRNA expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated
      receptor-alpha (PPAR-alpha), fatty acid translocase (CD36) and carnitine
      palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT-1), but downregulated mRNA expression of sterol
      regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c), acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC),
      acyl-CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase 2 (DGAT-2) and microsomal triglyceride
      transfer protein (MTP) in liver. Mangiferin also stimulated mRNA expression of
      PPAR-alpha, CD36, CPT-1 and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) in muscle. CONCLUSIONS: The
      results suggest that mangiferin may ameliorate hypertriglyceridemia partly by
      modulating the expression levels of genes involved in lipid oxidation and
      lipogenesis.

PMID- 22038977
TI  - The extracellular region of Lrp4 is sufficient to mediate neuromuscular synapse
      formation.
AB  - Neuromuscular synapse formation requires an exchange of signals between motor
      neurons and muscle. Agrin, supplied by motor neurons, binds to Lrp4 in muscle,
      stimulating phosphorylation of MuSK and recruitment of a signaling complex
      essential for synapse-specific transcription and anchoring of key proteins in the
      postsynaptic membrane. Lrp4, like the LDLR and other Lrp-family members, contains
      an intracellular region with motifs that can regulate receptor trafficking, as
      well as assembly of an intracellular signaling complex. Here, we show that the
      intracellular region of Lrp4 is dispensable for Agrin to stimulate MuSK
      phosphorylation and clustering of acetylcholine receptors in cultured myotubes.
      Moreover, muscle-selective expression of a Lrp4-CD4 chimera, composed of the
      extracellular and transmembrane regions of Lrp4 and the intracellular region of
      CD4, rescues neuromuscular synapse formation and the neonatal lethality of lrp4
      mutant mice, demonstrating that Lrp4, lacking the Lrp4 intracellular region, is
      sufficient for presynaptic and postsynaptic differentiation.

PMID- 22038979
TI  - Synthesis of copious amounts of SnS2 and SnS2/SnS nanotubes with ordered
      superstructures.

PMID- 22038978
TI  - In vitro sensitivity to dasatinib in lymphoblasts from a patient with
      t(17;19)(q22;p13) gene rearrangement pre-B acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
AB  - Patients with t(17;19) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) have a dismal prognosis
      even with the most intensive current therapies that include stem cell transplant.
      We present the case of a patient with t(17;19)(q22;p13) gene rearranged B-cell
      precursor ALL whose lymphoblasts were found to have significant in vitro
      sensitivity to dasatinib. The patient tolerated the addition of dasatinib with
      combination therapy and remained in remission for over nine months until his
      recurrence. Therefore, future studies will be needed to interrogate whether
      dasatinib has any therapeutic benefit in children with t(17;19) B-cell precursor
      ALL.

PMID- 22038980
TI  - Reversible molecular motion of a bis-calix[5]arene host driven by a
      photoresponsive guest.

PMID- 22038981
TI  - Auraptene regulates gene expression involved in lipid metabolism through
      PPARalpha activation in diabetic obese mice.
AB  - SCOPE: Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha (PPARalpha) is a key
      regulator of circulating lipid level. Thus, various food-derived compounds that
      activate PPARalpha as agonists have been screened and characterized. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: We investigated the effects of auraptene, a citrus-derived compound
      serving as a PPARalpha agonist in vitro, on abnormalities in lipid and glucose
      metabolisms. In high-fat-diet (HFD)-fed KK-Ay diabetic obese mice, auraptene
      treatment suppressed hyperlipidemia and triglyceride accumulation in the liver
      and skeletal muscle, and increased the mRNA expression levels of the PPARalpha
      target genes involved in fatty acid oxidation in the liver and skeletal muscle.
      Moreover, the adipocyte size in the auraptene-treated mice was significantly
      smaller than that in the control HFD-fed mice resulting in the improvement of HFD
      induced hyperglycemia and abnormalities in glucose tolerance. CONCLUSIONS: These
      findings indicate that auraptene activates PPARalpha also in vivo and its
      treatment may improve abnormalities in lipid and glucose metabolisms, suggesting
      that auraptene is a valuable food-derived compound for managing metabolic
      disorders.

PMID- 22038982
TI  - Smart foams: new perspectives towards responsive composite materials.

PMID- 22038983
TI  - Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
      in children: a nationwide survey in Japan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is associated with
      hypercytokinemia in children. Although HLH can be also observed after
      hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), the incidence and clinical
      features of HLH after HSCT remain obscure. PROCEDURE: The clinical features of
      HLH after HSCT (post-HSCT HLH) were investigated in children with malignancies,
      immune deficiencies, or aplastic anemia. The HLH/Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis
      (LCH) Committee of the Japanese Society of Pediatric Hematology (JSPH) sent
      questionnaires to hospitals with JPSH members asking for details of cases in
      which HLH occurred after HSCT between 1998 and 2008. RESULTS: Among 42 children
      who were diagnosed with post-HSCT HLH between 1998 and 2008 in Japan, 37
      fulfilled our inclusion criteria; of these, 26 were classified as early-onset
      (onset <30 days after HSCT) and 11 were classified as late-onset (onset >30 days
      after HSCT). In the early-onset group, the presence of respiratory symptoms, high
      levels of total bilirubin, and triglycerides at onset and the lack of control of
      GVHD with tacrolimus were significantly associated with non-resolution of HLH (P
      < 0.05). The survival rate was significantly higher in patients with resolution
      of HLH than in those without resolution (59% vs. 14%, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS:
      These findings suggest that early-onset post-HSCT HLH is a specific entity of
      HLH, and appropriate diagnosis and prompt management need to be established.

PMID- 22038984
TI  - Device performance and lifetime of polymer:fullerene solar cells with UV-ozone
      irradiated hole-collecting buffer layers.
AB  - We report the influence of UV-ozone irradiation of the hole-collecting buffer
      layers on the performance and lifetime of polymer:fullerene solar cells. UV-ozone
      irradiation was targeted at the surface of the poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):
      poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) layers by varying the irradiation time up to
      600 s. The change of the surface characteristics in the PEDOT:PSS after UV-ozone
      irradiation was measured by employing optical absorption spectroscopy,
      photoelectron yield spectroscopy, and contact angle measurements, while Raman and
      X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques were introduced for more microscopic
      analysis. Results showed that the UV-ozone irradiation changed the chemical
      structure/composition of the surface of the PEDOT:PSS layers leading to the
      gradual increase of ionization potential with irradiation time in the presence of
      up-and-down variations in the contact angle (polarity). This surface property
      change was attributed to the formation of oxidative components, as evidenced by
      XPS and Auger electron images, which affected the sheet resistance of the
      PEDOT:PSS layers. Interestingly, device performance was slightly improved by
      short irradiation (up to 10 s), whereas it was gradually decreased by further
      irradiation. The short-duration illumination test showed that the lifetime of
      solar cells with the UV-ozone irradiated PEDOT:PSS layer was improved due to the
      protective role of the oxidative components formed upon UV-ozone irradiation
      against the attack of sulfonic acid groups in the PEDOT:PSS layer to the active
      layer.

PMID- 22038985
TI  - Autumn fog.

PMID- 22038986
TI  - Distribution of inflammation within carotid atherosclerotic plaques with high
      risk morphological features: a comparison between positron emission tomography
      activity, plaque morphology, and histopathology.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several high-risk morphological features (HRM) of plaques, especially
      in combination, are associated with an increased risk of a clinical event.
      Although plaque inflammation is also associated with atherothrombosis, the
      relationship between inflammation and number of HRM is not well understood.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: Thirty-four patients underwent (18)flurodeoxyglucose
      positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) imaging, and carotid atherosclerotic
      inflammation was assessed (target-to- BACKGROUND: =0.0003) and increased with the
      number of HRM observed (P<0.001 for trend). Similarly, inflammation within
      atherosclerotic specimens (% CD68 staining) was higher in plaques with (versus
      without) HRM (median [interquartile range]: 10 [0, 19.85] versus 0 [0, 1.55],
      P=0.01) and increased with the number of HRM observed (P<0.001 for trend).
      CONCLUSIONS: Inflammation, as assessed by both FDG uptake and histology, is
      increased in plaques containing HRM and increases with increasing number of HRM.
      These data support the concept that inflammation accumulates relative to the
      burden of morphological abnormalities.

PMID- 22038987
TI  - Utility of cardiovascular magnetic resonance in identifying substrate for
      malignant ventricular arrhythmias.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sudden cardiac death (SCD) and sustained monomorphic ventricular
      tachycardia (SMVT) are frequently associated with prior or acute myocardial
      injury. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) provides morphological,
      functional, and tissue characterization in a single setting. We sought to
      evaluate the diagnostic yield of CMR-based imaging versus non-CMR-based imaging
      in patients with resuscitated SCD or SMVT. METHODS AND RESULTS: Eighty-two
      patients with resuscitated SCD or SMVT underwent routine non-CMR imaging,
      followed by a CMR protocol with comprehensive tissue characterization. Clinical
      reports of non-CMR imaging studies were blindly adjudicated and used to assign
      each patient to 1 of 7 diagnostic categories. CMR imaging was blindly interpreted
      using a standardized algorithm used to assign a patient diagnosis category in a
      similar fashion. The diagnostic yield of CMR-based and non-CMR-based imaging, as
      well as the impact of the former on diagnosis reclassification, was established.
      Relevant myocardial disease was identified in 51% of patients using non-CMR-based
      imaging and in 74% using CMR-based imaging (P=0.002). Forty-one patients (50%)
      were reassigned to a new or alternate diagnosis using CMR-based imaging,
      including 15 (18%) with unsuspected acute myocardial injury. Twenty patients
      (24%) had no abnormality by non-CMR imaging but showed clinically relevant
      myocardial disease by CMR imaging. CONCLUSIONS: CMR-based imaging provides a
      robust diagnostic yield in patients presenting with resuscitated SCD or SMVT and
      incrementally identifies clinically unsuspected acute myocardial injury. When
      compared with non-CMR-based imaging, a new or alternate myocardial disease
      process may be identified in half of these patients.

PMID- 22038988
TI  - Improved detection of myocardial involvement in acute inflammatory
      cardiomyopathies using T2 mapping.
AB  - BACKGROUND: T2-weighted cardiac magnetic resonance imaging is useful in
      diagnosing acute inflammatory myocardial diseases, such as myocarditis and tako
      tsubo cardiomyopathy (TTCM). We hypothesized that quantitative T2 mapping could
      better delineate myocardial involvement in these disorders versus T2-weighted
      imaging. METHODS AND RESULTS: Thirty patients with suspected myocarditis or TTCM,
      referred for cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, who met established diagnostic
      criteria underwent myocardial T2 mapping. T2 values were averaged in involved and
      remote myocardial segments, both defined by a reviewer blinded to T2 data. In
      myocarditis, T2 was 65.2+/-3.2 ms in the involved myocardium versus 53.5+/-2.1 ms
      in the remote myocardium (P<0.001). In TTCM, T2 was 65.6+/-4.0 ms in the involved
      myocardium versus 53.6+/-2.7 ms in the remote segments (P<0.001). T2 values were
      similar across remote myocardial segments in patients and all myocardial segments
      in controls (P>0.05 for all). T2 maps provided diagnostic data even in patients
      with difficulty breath holding. A T2 cutoff of 59 ms identified areas of
      myocardial involvement, with sensitivity and specificity of 94% and 97%,
      respectively. T2 mapping revealed regions of abnormal T2 beyond those identified
      by wall motion abnormalities or late gadolinium-enhancement positivity.
      Conventional T2-weighted short tau inversion recovery images were uninterpretable
      in 7 patients because of artifact and unremarkable in 2 patients who had elevated
      T2 values. T2-prepared steady-state-free precession images showed areas of signal
      hyperintensity in only 17 of 30 patients. CONCLUSIONS: Quantitative T2 mapping
      reliably identifies myocardial involvement in patients with myocarditis and TTCM.
      T2 mapping delineated a greater extent of myocardial disease in both conditions
      compared with that identified by wall motion abnormalities, T2-weighted short tau
      inversion recovery imaging, T2-prepared steady-state-free precession, or late
      gadolinium enhancement. Quantitative T2 mapping warrants consideration as a
      robust technique to identify myocardial injury in patients with acute myocarditis
      or TTCM.

PMID- 22038989
TI  - Physiology and Endocrinology Symposium: How single nucleotide polymorphism chips
      will advance our knowledge of factors controlling puberty and aid in selecting
      replacement beef females.
AB  - The promise of genomic selection is accurate prediction of the genetic potential
      of animals from their genotypes. Simple DNA tests might replace low-accuracy
      predictions for expensive or lowly heritable measures of puberty and fertility
      based on performance and pedigree. Knowing with some certainty which DNA variants
      (e.g., SNP) affect puberty and fertility is the best way to fulfill the promise.
      Several SNP from the BovineSNP50 assay have tentatively been associated with
      reproductive traits including age at puberty, antral follicle count, and
      pregnancy observed on different sets of heifers. However, sample sizes are too
      small and SNP density is too sparse to definitively determine genomic regions
      harboring causal variants affecting reproductive success. Additionally,
      associations between individual SNP and similar phenotypes are inconsistent
      across data sets, and genomic predictions do not appear to be globally applicable
      to cattle of different breeds. Discrepancies may be a result of different QTL
      segregating in the sampled populations, differences in linkage disequilibrium
      (LD) patterns such that the same SNP are not correlated with the same QTL, and
      spurious correlations with phenotype. Several approaches can be used
      independently or in combination to improve detection of genomic factors affecting
      heifer puberty and fertility. Larger samples and denser SNP will increase power
      to detect real associations with SNP having more consistent LD with underlying
      QTL. Meta-analysis combining results from different studies can also be used to
      effectively increase sample size. High-density genotyping with heifers pooled by
      pregnancy status or early and late puberty can be a cost-effective means to
      sample large numbers. Networks of genes, implicated by associations with multiple
      traits correlated with puberty and fertility, could provide insight into the
      complex nature of these traits, especially if corroborated by functional
      annotation, established gene interaction pathways, and transcript expression.
      Example analyses are provided to demonstrate how integrating information about
      gene function and regulation with statistical associations from whole-genome SNP
      genotyping assays might enhance knowledge of genomic mechanisms affecting puberty
      and fertility, enabling reliable DNA tests to guide heifer selection decisions.

PMID- 22038990
TI  - Triennial Lactation Symposium: Opportunities for improving milk production
      efficiency in dairy cattle.
AB  - Increasing feed costs and the desire to improve environmental stewardship have
      stimulated renewed interest in improving feed efficiency of livestock, including
      that of US dairy herds. For instance, USDA cost projections for corn and soybean
      meal suggest a 20% increase over 2010 pricing for a 16% protein mixed dairy cow
      ration in 2011, which may lead to a reduction in cow numbers to maintain
      profitability of dairy production. Furthermore, an October 2010 study by The
      Innovation Center for US Dairy to assess the carbon footprint of fluid milk found
      that the efficiency of feed conversion is the single greatest factor contributing
      to variation in the carbon footprint because of its effects on methane release
      during enteric fermentation and from manure. Thus, we are conducting research in
      contemporary US Holsteins to identify cows most efficient at converting feed to
      milk in temperate climates using residual feed intake (RFI), a measure used
      successfully to identify the beef cattle most efficient at converting feed to
      gain. Residual feed intake is calculated as the difference between predicted and
      actual feed intake to support maintenance and production (e.g., growth in beef
      cattle, or milk in dairy cattle). Heritability estimates for RFI in dairy cattle
      reported in the literature range from 0.01 to 0.38. Selection for a decreased RFI
      phenotype can reduce feed intake, methane production, nutrient losses in manure,
      and visceral organ weights substantially in beef cattle. We have estimated RFI
      during early lactation (i.e., to 90 d in milk) in the Beltsville Agricultural
      Research Center Holstein herd and observed a mean difference of 3.7 kg/d (P <
      0.0001) in actual DMI between the efficient and inefficient groups (+/-0.5 SD
      from the mean RFI of 0), with no evidence of differences (P > 0.20) in mean BW,
      ADG, or energy-corrected milk exhibited between the 2 groups. These results
      indicate promise for using RFI in dairy cattle to improve feed conversion to
      milk. Previous and current research on the use of RFI in lactating dairy cattle
      are discussed, as well as opportunities to improve production efficiency of dairy
      cattle using RFI for milk production.

PMID- 22038991
TI  - Cell Biology Symposium: Zinc finger nucleases to create custom-designed
      modifications in the swine (Sus scrofa) genome.
AB  - Engineered zinc finger nucleases (ZFN) are rapidly gaining popularity as a means
      to enhance the rate and specificity of DNA modifications in plant and animal
      cells. Repair-mediated gene modification by ZFN is driven by introducing DNA
      double-strand breaks via a nonspecific nuclease domain linked to a sequence
      specific zinc finger nucleotide recognition domain. This review examines the use
      of ZFN to produce genetically modified swine and the potential of this technology
      for the future. By combining conventional gene targeting methods with somatic
      cell nuclear transfer, several genetically modified pig models have been
      produced. These conventional techniques are inefficient in mammalian somatic
      cells and provide little control over the site specificity and rate of exogenous
      DNA integration. The use of engineered ZFN that bind and cleave genomic DNA at
      specific loci can enhance targeting efficiencies by orders of magnitude. Recent
      publication of the first genetic modification in pigs by combining ZFN technology
      with somatic cell nuclear transfer has opened the door to genome targeting with a
      precision that was not previously possible in a large animal model. Since that
      time, model pigs with selective knockout of endogenous genes have been produced.
      This review will examine the use of ZFN to generate these pig models and the
      potential of ZFN to accelerate the production of genetically modified pigs of
      agricultural and biomedical importance. Current methods of ZFN design, important
      considerations for their safe and effective use in modification of the swine
      genome, and future innovative applications of this technology in pigs will be
      discussed.

PMID- 22038992
TI  - Effect of dietary crude glycerol level on ruminal fermentation in continuous
      culture and growth performance of beef calves.
AB  - Continuous culture and in vivo experiments were conducted to measure changes in
      ruminal fermentation and animal performance when crude glycerol was added to
      diets. For the continuous culture experiment (n = 6), diets consisted of 4 levels
      of crude glycerol (0, 5, 10, and 20%) that replaced corn grain. Dry matter and OM
      digestibility decreased linearly (P < 0.05) when crude glycerol increased in the
      diet, and no effect (P = 0.20 and 0.65, respectively) was observed for CP and NDF
      digestibility. Total VFA concentration and ammonia did not change (P > 0.05) due
      to crude glycerol level. Microbial efficiency increased quadratically (P = 0.012)
      as crude glycerol increased, whereas microbial N flow did not differ (P = 0.36)
      among treatments. As crude glycerol increased in the diet, crude glycerol
      digestibility decreased (P < 0.05). Seventy-two crossbred steer calves (250 +/-
      2.0 kg) were assigned to 4 treatments: 0, 5, 10, and 20% crude glycerol that
      replaced corn grain. Animals were fed for a total of 150 d. No differences (P =
      0.08) between treatments were measured for DMI. Average daily gain and GF
      responded quadratically (P < 0.05), with 10% crude glycerol resulting in the
      greatest values. In the second in vivo experiment, 100 crossbred steer calves
      (300 +/- 2.0 kg) were assigned to 5 treatments: 0, 5, 10, 12.5, or 15% crude
      glycerol replaced corn grain. Calves were fed for a total of 135 d. No
      significant differences (P > 0.05) were measured in growth performance. For Exp.
      3, one hundred heifer calves (270 +/- 2.0 kg) were assigned to 4 treatments: 0,
      5, 10, or 20% crude glycerol that replaced hay. No differences (P > 0.05) were
      measured in animal performance. We concluded that crude glycerol addition to a
      diet did not negatively affect ruminal fermentation, and addition of up to 20% in
      concentrate and hay-based diets should not affect performance or carcass
      characteristics.

PMID- 22038993
TI  - Predicting IGF-1R therapy response in bone sarcomas: immuno-SPECT imaging with
      radiolabeled R1507.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate whether indium-111-labeled R1507 ((111)In-R1507) immuno
      SPECT (single-photon emission computed tomography), a novel noninvasive, in vivo
      screening method to visualize membranous insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor
      (IGF-1R) expression and accessibility, can be used to predict IGF-1R treatment
      (R1507) response in bone sarcomas. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: BALB/c nude mice were
      subcutaneously implanted with IGF-1R-expressing human bone sarcoma xenografts (OS
      1, EW-5, and EW-8) which showed high, modest, or no response, respectively, to
      R1507, a monoclonal antibody targeting the extracellular domain of IGF-1R. An IGF
      1R-negative tumor (OS-33), unresponsive to IGF-1R inhibitors, was examined as
      well. Mice were injected with (111)In-R1507. Biodistribution and immuno
      SPECT/computed tomography imaging studies were carried out 1, 3, and 7 days p.i.
      in mice with OS-1 and EW-5 xenografts and 3 days p.i. in mice with EW-8 and OS-33
      xenografts. RESULTS: Biodistribution studies showed specific accumulation of
      (111)In-R1507 in OS-1 and EW-5 xenografts (27.5 +/- 6.5%ID/g and 14.0 +/-
      2.8%ID/g, 3 days p.i., respectively). Most importantly, (111)In-R1507 uptake in
      IGF-1R positive, but unresponsive, EW-8 xenografts (6.5 +/- 1.5%ID/g, 3 days
      p.i.) was similar to that of the IGF-1R-negative OS-33 tumor (5.5 +/- 0.6%ID/g, 3
      days p.i.). Uptake in normal tissues was low and nonspecific. Corresponding
      immuno-SPECT images clearly discriminated between high, modest, and nonresponding
      tumors by showing a homogeneous (OS-1), heterogeneous (EW-5), or nonspecific (EW
      8 and OS-33) tumor uptake of (111)In-R1507. CONCLUSIONS: (111)In-R1507 immuno
      SPECT is an excellent method to visualize membranous IGF-1R expression and target
      accessibility in vivo in human bone sarcoma xenografts and may serve as an
      independent marker to predict IGF-1R therapy (R1507) response in bone sarcoma
      patients.

PMID- 22038994
TI  - Histone deacetylase inhibitors induce growth arrest and differentiation in uveal
      melanoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: Metastasis is responsible for the death of most cancer patients, yet few
      therapeutic agents are available which specifically target the molecular events
      that lead to metastasis. We recently showed that inactivating mutations in the
      tumor suppressor gene BAP1 are closely associated with loss of melanocytic
      differentiation in uveal melanoma (UM) and metastasis. The purpose of this study
      was to identify therapeutic agents that reverse the phenotypic effects of BAP1
      loss in UM. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: In silico screens were done to identify
      therapeutic compounds predicted to differentiate UM cells using Gene Set
      Enrichment Analysis and Connectivity Map databases. Valproic acid (VPA),
      trichostatin A, LBH-589, and suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid were evaluated for
      their effects on UM cells using morphologic evaluation, MTS viability assays,
      bromodeoxyuridine incorporation, flow cytometry, clonogenic assays, gene
      expression profiling, histone acetylation and ubiquitination assays, and a murine
      xenograft tumorigenicity model. RESULTS: Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors
      induced morphologic differentiation, cell-cycle exit, and a shift to a
      differentiated, melanocytic gene expression profile in cultured UM cells. VPA
      inhibited the growth of UM tumors in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest
      that HDAC inhibitors may have therapeutic potential for inducing differentiation
      and prolonged dormancy of micrometastatic disease in UM.

PMID- 22038995
TI  - Use of [11C]choline PET-CT as a noninvasive method for detecting pelvic lymph
      node status from prostate cancer and relationship with choline kinase expression.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the accuracy and biological basis for [(11)C]choline-PET-CT
      in the nodal staging of high risk localized prostate cancer patients.
      EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Twenty-eight patients underwent dynamic [(11)C]choline-PET
      CT of the pelvis and lower abdomen prior to extended laparoscopic pelvic lymph
      node dissection (eLPL). The sensitivity and specificity of [(11)C]choline PET,
      [(11)C]choline PET-CT, and MRI for nodal detection were calculated. Average and
      maximal standardized uptake values (SUV(ave), SUV(max)) were compared with
      choline kinase alpha (CHKalpha) and Ki67 immunohistochemistry scores. RESULTS:
      Four hundred and six lymph nodes (LN), in 26 patients, were assessable. Twenty
      seven (6.7%) involved pelvic nodes at eLPL were detected in 9 patients. Seventeen
      of the 27 involved nodes were subcentimeter. The sensitivity and specificity on a
      per nodal basis were 18.5% and 98.7%, 40.7% and 98.4%, and 51.9% and 98.4% for
      MRI, [(11)C]choline PET, and [(11)C]choline PET-CT, respectively. Sensitivity was
      higher for [(11)C]choline PET-CT compared with MRI (P = 0.007). A higher nodal
      detection rate, including subcentimeter nodes, was seen with [(11)C]choline PET
      CT than MRI. Malignant lesions showed CHKalpha expression in both cytoplasm and
      nucleus. SUV(ave) and SUV(max) strongly correlated with CHKalpha staining
      intensity (r = 0.68, P < 0.0001 and r = 0.63, P = 0.0004, respectively). In
      contrast, Ki67 expression was generally low in all tumors. CONCLUSION: This study
      establishes the relationship between [(11)C]choline PET-CT uptake with choline
      kinase expression in prostate cancer and allows it to be used as a noninvasive
      means of staging pelvic LNs, being highly specific and more sensitive than MRI,
      including the detection of subcentimeter disease.

PMID- 22038996
TI  - Targeted therapy for BRAFV600E malignant astrocytoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: Malignant astrocytomas (MA) are aggressive central nervous system tumors
      with poor prognosis. Activating mutation of BRAF (BRAF(V600E)) has been reported
      in a subset of these tumors, especially in children. We have investigated the
      incidence of BRAF(V600E) in additional pediatric patient cohorts and examined the
      effects of BRAF blockade in preclinical models of BRAF(V600E) and wild-type BRAF
      MA. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: BRAF(V600E) mutation status was examined in two
      pediatric MA patient cohorts. For functional studies, BRAF(V600E) MA cell lines
      were used to investigate the effects of BRAF shRNA knockdown in vitro, and to
      investigate BRAF pharmacologic inhibition in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS:
      BRAF(V600E) mutations were identified in 11 and 10% of MAs from two distinct
      series of tumors (six of 58 cases total). BRAF was expressed in all MA cell lines
      examined, among which BRAF(V600E) was identified in four instances. Using the
      BRAF(V600E)-specific inhibitor PLX4720, pharmacologic blockade of BRAF revealed
      preferential antiproliferative activity against BRAF(V600E) mutant cells in
      vitro, in contrast to the use of shRNA-mediated knockdown of BRAF, which
      inhibited cell growth of glioma cell lines regardless of BRAF mutation status.
      Using orthotopic MA xenografts, we show that PLX4720 treatment decreases tumor
      growth and increases overall survival in mice-bearing BRAF(V600E) mutant
      xenografts, while being ineffective, and possibly tumor promoting, against
      xenografts with wild-type BRAF. CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate a 10% incidence
      of activating BRAF(V600E) among pediatric MAs. With regard to implications for
      therapy, our results support evaluation of BRAF(V600E)-specific inhibitors for
      treating BRAF(V600E) MA patients.

PMID- 22038997
TI  - Pharmacodynamic study using FLT PET/CT in patients with renal cell cancer and
      other solid malignancies treated with sunitinib malate.
AB  - PURPOSE: To characterize proliferative changes in tumors during the sunitinib
      malate exposure/withdrawal using 3'-deoxy-3'-[(18)F]fluorothymidine (FLT)
      positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) imaging. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: Patients with advanced solid malignancies and no prior anti-VEGF
      exposure were enrolled. All patients had metastatic lesions amenable to FLT
      PET/CT imaging. Sunitinib was initiated at the standard dose of 50 mg p.o. daily
      either on a 4/2 or 2/1 schedule. FLT PET/CT scans were obtained at baseline,
      during sunitinib exposure, and after sunitinib withdrawal within cycle #1 of
      therapy. VEGF levels and sunitinib pharmacokinetic (PK) data were assessed at the
      same time points. RESULTS: Sixteen patients (8 patients on 4/2 schedule and 8
      patients on 2/1 schedule) completed all three planned FLT PET/CT scans and were
      evaluable for pharmacodynamic imaging evaluation. During sunitinib withdrawal
      (change from scans 2 to 3), median FLT PET standardized uptake value (SUV(mean))
      increased +15% (range: -14% to 277%; P = 0.047) for the 4/2 schedule and +19%
      (range: -5.3% to 200%; P = 0.047) for the 2/1 schedule. Sunitinib PK and VEGF
      ligand levels increased during sunitinib exposure and returned toward baseline
      during the treatment withdrawal. CONCLUSIONS: The increase of cellular
      proliferation during sunitinib withdrawal in patients with renal cell carcinoma
      and other solid malignancies is consistent with a VEGF receptor (VEGFR) tyrosine
      kinase inhibitor (TKI) withdrawal flare. Univariate and multivariate analysis
      suggest that plasma VEGF is associated with this flare, with an exploratory
      analysis implying that patients who experience less clinical benefit have a
      larger withdrawal flare. This might suggest that patients with a robust
      compensatory response to VEGFR TKI therapy experience early "angiogenic escape."

PMID- 22038998
TI  - Gluconacetobacter tumulicola sp. nov. and Gluconacetobacter asukensis sp. nov.,
      isolated from the stone chamber interior of the Kitora Tumulus.
AB  - Six Gram-negative, rod-shaped, non-spore-forming bacterial strains were isolated
      from small holes on plaster walls of the stone chamber interior of the Kitora
      Tumulus in Asuka village, Nara Prefecture, Japan. These were investigated by
      means of a polyphasic approach. All the isolates were strictly aerobic and motile
      by peritrichous flagella. Phylogenetic trees generated based on 16S rRNA gene
      sequences identified two novel lineages (comprising five isolates and one
      isolate, respectively) within the genus Gluconacetobacter. The isolates were
      characterized by having Q-10 as the major ubiquinone system and C(18:1)omega7c
      (58.7-63.1% of the total) as the predominant fatty acid. DNA-DNA hybridization
      experiments endorsed the species rank for the two lineages, for which the names
      Gluconacetobacter tumulicola sp. nov. (type strain K5929-2-1b(T) = JCM 17774(T) =
      NCIMB 14760(T)) and Gluconacetobacter asukensis sp. nov. (type strain K8617-1
      1b(T) = JCM 17772(T) = NCIMB 14759(T)) are proposed.

PMID- 22038999
TI  - Amphibacillus cookii sp. nov., a facultatively aerobic, spore-forming, moderately
      halophilic, alkalithermotolerant bacterium.
AB  - Novel strains of facultatively aerobic, moderately alkaliphilic and facultatively
      halophilic bacteria were isolated from a sediment sample taken from the Southern
      Arm of Great Salt Lake, Utah. Cells of strain JW/BP-GSL-QD(T) (and related
      strains JW/BP-GSL-RA and JW/BP-GSL-WB) were rod-shaped, spore-forming, motile
      bacteria with variable Gram-staining. Strain JW/BP-GSL-QD(T) grew under aerobic
      conditions between 14.5 and 47  degrees C (optimum 39  degrees C), in the pH(37 
      degrees C) range 6.5-10.3 (optimum pH(37  degrees C) 8.0), and between 0.1 and
      4.5 M Na(+) (optimum 0.9 M Na(+)). No growth was observed in the absence of
      supplemented Na(+). Strain JW/BP-GSL-QD(T) utilized L-arabinose, D-fructose, D
      galactose, D-glucose, inulin, lactose, maltose, mannitol, D-mannose, pyruvate, D
      ribose, D-sorbitol, starch, trehalose, xylitol and D-xylose under both aerobic
      and anaerobic conditions, and used ethanol and methanol only under aerobic
      conditions. Strains JW/BP-GSL-WB and JW/BP-GSL-RA had the same profiles except
      that methanol was not used aerobically. During growth on glucose, the major
      organic compounds formed under aerobic conditions were acetate and lactate, and
      under anaerobic conditions, the fermentation products were formate, acetate,
      lactate and ethanol. Oxidase and catalase activities were not detected and
      cytochrome was absent. No respiratory quinones were detected. The main cellular
      fatty acids were iso-C(15 : 0) (39.1 %) and anteiso-C(15 : 0) (36.3 %).
      Predominant polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and an
      unknown phospholipid. Additionally, a small amount of an unknown glycolipid was
      detected. The DNA G+C content of strain JW/BP-GSL-QD(T) was 35.4 mol% (determined
      by HPLC). For strain JW/BP-GSL-QD(T) the highest degree of 16S rRNA gene sequence
      similarity was found with Amphibacillus jilinensis (98.6 %), Amphibacillus
      sediminis (96.7 %) and Amphibacillus tropicus (95.6 %). The level of DNA-DNA
      relatedness between strain JW/BP-GSL-QD(T) and A. jilinensis Y1(T) was 58 %. On
      the basis of physiological, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic data, strain JW/BP
      GSL-QD(T) represents a novel species of the genus Amphibacillus, for which the
      name Amphibacillus cookii sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is JW/BP-GSL
      QD(T) (= ATCC BAA-2118(T) = DSM 23721(T)).

PMID- 22039000
TI  - Candidimonas bauzanensis sp. nov., isolated from soil, and emended description of
      the genus Candidimonas Vaz-Moreira et al. 2011.
AB  - A Gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic, psychrophilic, motile rod, designated
      BZ59(T), was isolated from hydrocarbon-contaminated soil. Phylogenetic analysis
      based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain BZ59(T) belonged to the genus
      Candidimonas and had highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with Candidimonas
      nitroreducens SC-089(T) (97.7 %) and Candidimonas humi SC-092(T) (97.6 %). The
      ubiquinone was Q-8 and the major fatty acids were C(16 : 0), C(17 : 0) cyclo and
      summed feature 3 (C(16 : 1)omega7c and/or iso-C(15 : 0) 2-OH). The polar lipid
      profile contained the major compounds phosphatidylethanolamine,
      phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine and
      diphosphatidylglycerol. The major polyamines were putrescine and spermidine; a
      minor amount of 2-hydroxyputrescine was present. The DNA G+C content of strain
      BZ59(T) was 61.6 mol%. Combined data from phenotypic, phylogenetic and DNA-DNA
      relatedness studies demonstrated that strain BZ59(T) represents a novel species
      of the genus Candidimonas, for which the name Candidimonas bauzanensis sp. nov.
      is proposed. The type strain is BZ59(T) (= DSM 22805(T) = LMG 26046(T) = CGMCC
      1.10190(T)). The description of the genus Candidimonas is emended.

PMID- 22039001
TI  - Vibrio xiamenensis sp. nov., a cellulase-producing bacterium isolated from
      mangrove soil.
AB  - A taxonomic study was carried out on a cellulase-producing bacterium, strain
      G21(T), isolated from mangrove soil in Xiamen, Fujian province, China. Cells were
      Gram-negative, slightly curved rods, motile with a single polar flagellum. The
      strain grew at 15-40  degrees C and in 0.5-10% (w/v) NaCl. Phylogenetic analysis
      based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain G21(T) belonged to the
      genus Vibrio and formed a clade with Vibrio furnissii ATCC 350116(T) (97.4%
      sequence similarity), V. fluvialis LMG 7894(T) (97.1%) and V. ponticus CECT
      5869(T) (96.1%). However, multilocus sequence analysis (using rpoA, recA, mreB,
      gapA, gyrB and pyrH sequences) and DNA-DNA hybridization experiments indicated
      that the strain was distinct from the closest related Vibrio species.
      Additionally, strain G21(T) could be differentiated from them phenotypically by
      the ability to grow in 10% NaCl but not on TCBS plates, its enzyme activity
      spectrum, citrate utilization, oxidization of various carbon sources, hydrolysis
      of several substrates and its cellular fatty acid profile. The G+C content of the
      genomic DNA was 46.0 mol%. The major cellular fatty acids were summed feature 3
      (C(16:1)omega7c and/or iso-C(15:0) 2-OH), C(16:0) and C(18:1)omega7c. The major
      polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol, with trace
      amounts of diphosphatidylglycerol. The predominant quinones were Q-8 and Q-7.
      Based on phylogenetic, phenotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics and DNA-DNA
      hybridization analysis, it is concluded that strain G21(T) represents a novel
      species of the genus Vibrio, for which the name Vibrio xiamenensis sp. nov. is
      proposed. The type strain is G21(T) ( = DSM 22851(T)  = CGMCC 1.10228(T)).

PMID- 22039002
TI  - Desulfonatronobacter acidivorans gen. nov., sp. nov. and Desulfobulbus
      alkaliphilus sp. nov., haloalkaliphilic heterotrophic sulfate-reducing bacteria
      from soda lakes.
AB  - Two types of heterotrophic sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) were isolated from
      anoxic sediments of hypersaline soda lakes in Kulunda Steppe (Altai, Russia). The
      isolates used propionate as an energy and carbon source. Strain APT2(T) was
      enriched and isolated with thiosulfate as the electron acceptor. Strains APS1(T)
      and ASS1 were isolated with sulfate. Strain APT2(T) was a short rod and motile
      with a single subpolar flagellum, while strains APS1(T) and ASS1 were lemon
      shaped oval rods and motile with a single polar flagellum and thin flagella-like
      filaments. Strain APT2(T) grew by complete oxidation of C(3)-C(8) fatty acids
      with thiosulfate or sulfate as the electron acceptor, while strains APS1(T) and
      ASS1 were much less versatile and utilized only propionate and pyruvate as the
      electron donor and carbon source with sulfate or sulfite as the electron
      acceptor. Furthermore, strains APS1(T) and ASS1 oxidized propionate incompletely
      to form acetate. All of the isolates were moderately halophilic and obligately
      alkaliphilic. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences placed the
      isolates in the order Desulfobacterales of the class Deltaproteobacteria. Strain
      APT2(T) belonged to the family Desulfobacteraceae and clustered with a halophilic
      SRB, Desulfosalsimonas propionicica PropA(T). Strains APS1(T) and ASS1 were
      closely related to each other and clustered with the genus Desulfobulbus of the
      family Desulfobulbaceae. On the basis of phenotypic and phylogenetic analysis,
      the isolates are proposed to represent two novel taxa, Desulfonatronobacter
      acidivorans gen. nov., sp. nov. (type strain of the type species APT2(T) = DSM
      24257(T) = UNIQEM U853(T)) and Desulfobulbus alkaliphilus sp. nov. (type strain
      APS1(T) = DSM 24258(T) = UNIQEM U900(T)).

PMID- 22039003
TI  - Brevibacillus nitrificans sp. nov., a nitrifying bacterium isolated from a
      microbiological agent for enhancing microbial digestion in sewage treatment
      tanks.
AB  - A heterotrophic nitrifying bacterium, designated strain DA2(T), was isolated from
      a microbiological agent for enhancing microbial digestion in sewage treatment
      tanks. Cells of strain DA2(T) were Gram-positive, facultatively anaerobic,
      sporulating rods that were motile by means of peritrichous flagella; they were
      able to grow at pH 5-8. The major isoprenoid quinone of strain DA2(T) was
      menaquinone-7 (MK-7) and its cellular fatty acid profile consisted mainly of iso
      C(15 : 0) (18.6 %) and anteiso-C(15 : 0) (69.1 %). The DNA G+C content was 54.1
      mol%. 16S rRNA gene sequence phylogeny suggested that strain DA2(T) is a member
      of the genus Brevibacillus, with highest sequence similarities (in parentheses)
      to the type strains of Brevibacillus choshinensis (99.7 %), B. formosus (99.4 %),
      B. brevis (99.4 %), B. agri (99.0 %), B. reuszeri (98.8 %), B. parabrevis (98.7
      %), B. centrosporus (98.6 %), B. limnophilus (97.4 %), B. panacihumi (97.3 %) and
      B. invocatus (97.3 %). DNA-DNA hybridization showed less than 60 % relatedness
      between strain DA2(T) and type strains of the most closely related species given
      above. Given the significant differences in phenotypic and chemotaxonomic
      characteristics, and phylogenetic analysis based on the 16S rRNA sequence and DNA
      DNA relatedness data, the isolate merits classification as a novel species, for
      which the name Brevibacillus nitrificans is proposed; the type strain of this
      species is DA2(T) (= JCM 15774(T) = NCIMB 14531(T)).

PMID- 22039004
TI  - Cyclobacterium qasimii sp. nov., a psychrotolerant bacterium isolated from Arctic
      marine sediment.
AB  - A novel Gram-stain-negative, horseshoe-shaped, non-motile bacterium, designated
      strain M12-11B(T), was isolated from a marine sediment sample collected at a
      depth of 200 m from Kongsfjorden, Svalbard. The colony colour was orangish red
      due to the presence of carotenoids. Fatty acids were dominated by branched and
      unsaturated fatty acids (90.8 %), with a high abundance of iso-C(15 : 0) (14.9
      %), anteiso-C(15 : 0) (11.4 %), iso-C(15 : 1) G (13.1 %), C(15 : 1)omega6c (5.4
      %), C(17 : 1)omega6c (6.7 %), summed feature 3 (C(16 : 1)omega7c and/or C(16 :
      1)omega6c; 9.3 %) and summed feature 9 (10-methyl C(16 : 0) and/or iso-C(17 :
      1)omega9c; 5.9 %). Strain M12-11B(T) contained MK-7 as the major respiratory
      quinone. The polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylcholine,
      phosphatidylethanolamine, one unidentified aminolipid and three unidentified
      lipids. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence similarities, the type strains of
      Cyclobacterium amurskyense, Cyclobacterium marinum and Cyclobacterium lianum were
      most closely related to M12-11B(T) with sequence similarities of 98.2, 96.8 and
      93.3 %, respectively. Other members of the family Cyclobacteriaceae had sequence
      similarities of <92.0 %. However, DNA-DNA hybridization with Cyclobacterium
      amurskyense KCTC 12363(T) and Cyclobacterium marinum DSM 745(T) showed
      relatedness values of only 24.5 and 32.5 % with respect to strain M12-11B(T).
      Based on the results of DNA-DNA hybridization experiments and phenotypic and
      chemotaxonomic data, it appears that strain M12-11B(T) represents a novel species
      of the genus Cyclobacterium, for which the name Cyclobacterium qasimii sp. nov.
      is proposed; the type strain is M12-11B(T) (= KCTC 23011(T) = NBRC 106168(T)) and
      it has a DNA G+C content of 40.5 mol%.

PMID- 22039005
TI  - Microbacterium amylolyticum sp. nov., isolated from soil from an industrial waste
      site.
AB  - A Gram-staining-positive, heterotrophic, aerobic, non-motile, non-endospore
      forming, yellow-coloured rod, designated strain N5(T), was isolated from a soil
      sample collected at an industrial waste site in Noida, on the outskirts of Delhi,
      India. In phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences, strain N5(T)
      was most closely related to members of established species in the genus
      Microbacterium (with sequence similarities of approximately 94.0-97.6 %),
      particularly Microbacterium indicum LMG 23459(T) (97.59 %) and Microbacterium
      gubbeenense LMG 19263(T) (97.18 %). In DNA-DNA hybridization studies, however,
      none of the DNA-DNA relatedness values between strain N5(T) and members of the
      genus Microbacterium exceeded 11.3 %. The genomic DNA G+C content of the novel
      strain was 68 mol%. The chemotaxonomic characteristics of strain N5(T), which had
      MK-11 and MK-10 as its major menaquinones and anteiso-C(15 : 0) (45 %), anteiso
      C(17 : 0) (37 %), iso-C(16 : 0) (8.5 %) and C(16 : 0) (4.5 %) as its predominant
      fatty acids, were consistent with classification in the genus Microbacterium.
      Peptidoglycan in the novel strain, which contained ornithine, alanine, glycine,
      homoserine, glutamic acid, 3-hydroxyglutamic acid, muramic acid and traces of N
      glycolyl residues, was of type B2beta. The polar lipid profile of strain N5(T)
      comprised diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and an unknown glycolipid.
      The novel strain's major cell-wall sugars were glucose and galactose. Based on
      the phylogenetic, DNA-DNA hybridization, chemotaxonomic and phenotypic data,
      strain N5(T) represents a novel species within the genus Microbacterium for which
      the name Microbacterium amylolyticum sp. nov. is proposed; the type strain is
      N5(T) (= DSM 24221(T) = CCM 7881(T)).

PMID- 22039006
TI  - Salisediminibacterium halotolerans gen. nov., sp. nov., a halophilic bacterium
      from soda lake sediment.
AB  - An orange-pigmented, Gram-reaction-positive, non-spore-forming, halophilic,
      alkali-tolerant rod, designated strain halo-2(T), was isolated from sediment of
      Xiarinaoer soda lake, in China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Strain halo
      2(T) grew in a complex medium with 3-30 % (w/v) NaCl and at pH 5-10. The cell
      wall peptidoglycan contained meso-diaminopimelic acid and the major respiratory
      isoprenoid quinone was MK-7. The predominant cellular fatty acids were anteiso
      C(15 : 0) (43.6 %), anteiso-C(17 : 0) (14.8 %) and iso-C(15 : 0) (6.8 %) and the
      polar lipids consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine and
      phosphatidylglycerol. The genomic DNA G+C content of the novel strain was 48.2
      mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain
      halo-2(T) was most closely related to Bacillus agaradhaerens DSM 8721(T) (93.9 %
      sequence similarity). However, strain halo-2(T) could be clearly differentiated
      from its closest phylogenetic relatives on the basis of several phenotypic,
      genotypic and chemotaxonomic characteristics. Strain halo-2(T) therefore
      represents a novel species in a new genus for which the name
      Salisediminibacterium halotolerans gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type
      strain of the type species is halo-2(T) (= CGMCC 1.7654(T) = NBRC 104935(T)).

PMID- 22039007
TI  - Evolution and ecology meet molecular genetics: adaptive phenotypic plasticity in
      two isolated Negev desert populations of Acacia raddiana at either end of a
      rainfall gradient.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The ecological, evolutionary and genetic bases of population
      differentiation in a variable environment are often related to the selection
      pressures that plants experience. We compared differences in several growth- and
      defence-related traits in two isolated populations of Acacia raddiana trees from
      sites at either end of an extreme environmental gradient in the Negev desert.
      METHODS: We used random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) to determine the
      molecular differences between populations. We grew plants under two levels of
      water, three levels of nutrients and three levels of herbivory to test for
      phenotypic plasticity and adaptive phenotypic plasticity. KEY RESULTS: The RAPD
      analyses showed that these populations are highly genetically differentiated.
      Phenotypic plasticity in various morphological traits in A. raddiana was related
      to patterns of population genetic differentiation between the two study sites.
      Although we did not test for maternal effects in these long-lived trees,
      significant genotype * environment (G * E) interactions in some of these traits
      indicated that such plasticity may be adaptive. CONCLUSIONS: The main selection
      pressure in this desert environment, perhaps unsurprisingly, is water. Increased
      water availability resulted in greater growth in the southern population, which
      normally receives far less rain than the northern population. Even under the
      conditions that we defined as low water and/or nutrients, the performance of the
      seedlings from the southern population was significantly better, perhaps
      reflecting selection for these traits. Consistent with previous studies of this
      genus, there was no evidence of trade-offs between physical and chemical defences
      and plant growth parameters in this study. Rather, there appeared to be positive
      correlations between plant size and defence parameters. The great variation in
      several traits in both populations may result in a diverse potential for
      responding to selection pressures in different environments.

PMID- 22039008
TI  - Inferences of biogeographical histories within subfamily Hyacinthoideae using S
      DIVA and Bayesian binary MCMC analysis implemented in RASP (Reconstruct Ancestral
      State in Phylogenies).
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Subfamily Hyacinthoideae (Hyacinthaceae) comprises more than
      400 species. Members are distributed in sub-Saharan Africa, Madagascar, India,
      eastern Asia, the Mediterranean region and Eurasia. Hyacinthoideae, like many
      other plant lineages, show disjunct distribution patterns. The aim of this study
      was to reconstruct the biogeographical history of Hyacinthoideae based on
      phylogenetic analyses, to find the possible ancestral range of Hyacinthoideae and
      to identify factors responsible for the current disjunct distribution pattern.
      METHODS: Parsimony and Bayesian approaches were applied to obtain phylogenetic
      trees, based on sequences of the trnL-F region. Biogeographical inferences were
      obtained by applying statistical dispersal-vicariance analysis (S-DIVA) and
      Bayesian binary MCMC (BBM) analysis implemented in RASP (Reconstruct Ancestral
      State in Phylogenies). KEY RESULTS: S-DIVA and BBM analyses suggest that the
      Hyacinthoideae clade seem to have originated in sub-Saharan Africa. Dispersal and
      vicariance played vital roles in creating the disjunct distribution pattern.
      Results also suggest an early dispersal to the Mediterranean region, and thus the
      northward route (from sub-Saharan Africa to Mediterranean) of dispersal is
      plausible for members of subfamily Hyacinthoideae. CONCLUSIONS: Biogeographical
      analyses reveal that subfamily Hyacinthoideae has originated in sub-Saharan
      Africa. S-DIVA indicates an early dispersal event to the Mediterranean region
      followed by a vicariance event, which resulted in Hyacintheae and Massonieae
      tribes. By contrast, BBM analysis favours dispersal to the Mediterranean region,
      eastern Asia and Europe. Biogeographical analysis suggests that sub-Saharan
      Africa and the Mediterranean region have played vital roles as centres of
      diversification and radiation within subfamily Hyacinthoideae. In this bimodal
      distribution pattern, sub-Saharan Africa is the primary centre of diversity and
      the Mediterranean region is the secondary centre of diversity. Sub-Saharan Africa
      was the source area for radiation toward Madagascar, the Mediterranean region and
      India. Radiations occurred from the Mediterranean region to eastern Asia, Europe,
      western Asia and India.

PMID- 22039009
TI  - Within sight of a rational pipeline for development of protein diagnostics.

PMID- 22039010
TI  - Troponin release--reversible or irreversible injury? Should we care?

PMID- 22039011
TI  - Rapid assessment of microbiological purity of dialysis water: the promise of
      solid-phase cytometry assessment and the epifluorescence microscopy method.

PMID- 22039012
TI  - The connections between vascular calcification and bone health.
AB  - Vascular calcification, bone loss and increased fracture risk are age-associated
      disorders. Several epidemiological studies have suggested a relationship between
      vascular calcification, impaired bone metabolism and increased mortality. So far,
      this relationship had been under-estimated as osteoporosis and vascular
      calcification have been considered non-modifiable disorders of aging. Recent data
      suggest that this association is not simply an artefact of age, stressing that
      the co-incidence of vascular calcification with low bone activity and
      osteoporosis could be biologically linked. During the development of vascular
      calcification, the transition of vascular smooth muscle cells towards an
      osteoblast-like phenotype promotes the release of the vesicular structures and
      mineralization within these structures is promoted by several players, including
      those related to mineral metabolism, like phosphorus, calcium or parathyroid
      hormone, which influence either the supersaturation within the structure or the
      expression of osteogenic factors. However, an intriguing question is whether the
      presence of vascular calcification impacts bone metabolism, thus demonstrating
      true crosstalk between these tissues. Evidence is now emerging, suggesting that
      some inhibitors of the Wnt pathway, such as secreted frizzled Proteins 2 and 4
      and Dickkopf related protein-1 (DKK-1), may play a role linking vascular
      calcification and bone loss. An additional important question to answer, from the
      patient's perspective, is whether or not progression of vascular calcification
      can be prevented or restricted and whether altering this progression we can
      efficiently impact patients' outcomes. Much evidence suggests that the control of
      the chronic kidney disease-mineral and bone disorder components, particularly
      serum phosphorus, are the main targets to maintain normal bone turnover and
      protect against vascular calcification.

PMID- 22039013
TI  - Variation in parathyroid hormone immunoassay results--a critical governance issue
      in the management of chronic kidney disease.
AB  - Renal physicians strive to maintain parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations for
      patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) within guideline limits, but poor
      method comparability means there is currently serious risk of clinical
      misclassification. The potential for under- or over-treatment is significant,
      representing a major challenge to patient safety. In the short-term, raising
      awareness of clinical implications of method-related differences in PTH is
      essential. Agreeing and adopting assay-specific PTH action limits for CKD
      patients as an interim measure is highly desirable and has been achieved in
      Scotland. Establishing pre-analytical requirements for PTH is also a priority. In
      the longer term, re-standardization of PTH methods in terms of an appropriate
      International Standard is required. Provided commutability can be demonstrated,
      the recently established IS 95/646 for PTH (1-84) is a suitable candidate.
      Establishment of a well-characterized panel of samples of defined clinical
      provenance to enable manufacturers to determine appropriate reference intervals
      and clinical decision points is also recommended and will provide an invaluable
      clinical resource. Recent developments in mass spectrometry mean that a candidate
      reference measurement procedure for PTH is now achievable and will represent
      major progress. Concurrently, evidence-based recommendations on clinical
      requirements and performance goals for PTH are required. Improving the
      comparability of PTH results requires support from many stakeholders but is
      achievable.

PMID- 22039014
TI  - Coenzyme A contained in mothers' milk is associated with the potential to induce
      atopic dermatitis.
AB  - T(h)2 adjuvant activity can be qualitatively and quantitatively evaluated using a
      mixed lymphocyte reaction and by changes in the intracellular cyclic adenosine
      3',5'-monophosphate concentration, using human dendritic cells in vitro. The
      current study shows that mothers, whose children (n = 55) developed atopic
      dermatitis (AD) within 6 months after birth, often demonstrate a higher T(h)2
      adjuvant activity in their milk, in comparison to those whose children did not
      develop such symptoms. Such an activity was recovered in a liquid phase of
      mothers' milk and was eluted as a single fraction by reversed-phase HPLC. Further
      analysis of this fraction by mass spectrometry showed that signals originating
      from a factor with a molecular weight of 767.53 are observed, exclusively in milk
      with a high T(h)2 adjuvant activity. The mass is exactly that of Coenzyme A
      (CoA), and indeed, a low concentration of CoA exhibited T(h)2 adjuvant activity
      both in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, mesenteric lymph node non-T cells obtained
      from mice that were orally treated with CoA led allogeneic naive CD4(+) T cells
      to differentiate into T(h)2. Furthermore, the oral administration of CoA induced
      rough skin, hyperplasia of the epidermis, hypergranulosis in the spinous layer
      and the thickening of the stratum in mice. These data collectively indicate that
      some of the patients with AD were exposed to mothers' milk carrying high T(h)2
      adjuvant activity right after birth, which may be attributable to presence of CoA
      contained in the milk.

PMID- 22039015
TI  - Requirement of GATA-binding protein 3 for II13 gene expression in IL-18
      stimulated Th1 cells.
AB  - Recent reports have revealed that CD4(+) T(h) cell subsets have the ability to
      alter their gene expression pattern in response to extracellular stimuli. We
      previously highlighted the plasticity of T(h)1 cells by demonstrating that T(h)1
      cells gain the capacity to produce IL-3, IL-9, IL-13 and granulocyte macrophage
      colony-stimulating factor in response to antigen, IL-2 and IL-18, and based on
      their unique function, we designated these activated T(h)1 cells as 'super T(h)1
      cells'. However, the precise molecular mechanism underlying IL-13 production by
      super T(h)1 cells has not been elucidated. Here, we show that the GATA-binding
      protein 3 (Gata3) is essentially required for II13 gene expression in super T(h)1
      cells. Gata3 is synergistically induced in T-box expressed in T-cells (T-bet)
      expressing T(h)1 cells when co-stimulated with anti-CD3, IL-18 and IL-4 through
      the activation of nuclear factor of activated T cells, nuclear factor kappa-light
      chain-enhancer of activated B cells and signal transducer and activator of
      transcription 6, respectively. However, Gata3 induction is not satisfactory, and
      additional TCR or anti-CD3 signaling is prerequisite for triggering IL-13
      production by Gata3 plus T-bet-expressing T(h)1 cells. These findings suggest
      that Gata3, which is not originally expressed in T(h)1 cells, alters the cytokine
      production profile by T(h)1 cells.

PMID- 22039016
TI  - IL-17/IFN-gamma double producing CD8+ T (Tc17/IFN-gamma) cells: a novel cytotoxic
      T-cell subset converted from Tc17 cells by IL-12.
AB  - It has been reported that IFN-gamma-producing CD8(+) T (Tc1) cells express
      cytotoxic molecules such as perforin and granzyme B to exhibit higher
      cytotoxicity against tumor cells compared with Tc2 cells. However, the critical
      role of IL-17-producing CD8(+) T (Tc17)-cell subsets in tumor immunity remains
      unclear. Tc17 cells differentiated from naive CD8(+) T cells did not possess
      cytotoxic molecules and exhibited no strong cytotoxicity. However, when Tc17
      effector cells were further cultured with IL-12, they converted into IFN-gamma
      producing Tc17 cells, which mainly consisted of IL-17/IFN-gamma double-producing
      cells (Tc17/IFN-gamma). IL-12-converted Tc17 cells also acquired cytotoxic
      function in addition to IFN-gamma producibility. Moreover, they showed strong
      anti-tumor activity both in vitro and in vivo as well as Tc1 cells. Among four
      distinct subsets in IL-12-converted Tc17 cell populations, the isolated Tc17/IFN
      gamma cells exhibited cytotoxicity as well as IFN-gamma-producing Tc1-like cells.
      Thus, we first indicate direct evidence that Tc17/IFN-gamma cells, which were
      plastically converted from non-cytotoxic Tc17 cells by IL-12, exhibited strong
      anti-tumor activity as well as Tc17 cell-derived Tc1-like cells.

PMID- 22039017
TI  - Systematic analysis of factors related to display of the twinkling artifact by a
      phantom: an optimized investigation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to analyze factors related to display
      of the twinkling artifact by a phantom. METHODS: An in vitro phantom made of
      sandpaper was designed to mimic rough physiologic surfaces prone to generating
      the twinkling artifact. Sandpaper strips embedded in a plastic box were scanned
      through a water path under different machine settings with only 1 parameter
      varied each time. After choosing the best settings for displaying the twinkling
      artifact, 4 types of sandpaper with different roughness were scanned. The
      resulting images were recorded at random, and the number of color pixels in the
      color box of each image was calculated by a custom-designed program developed
      using commercially available software. All data were then evaluated by regression
      analysis, a paired 2-tailed Student t test, and single-factor analysis of
      variance. RESULTS: The highest color write priority and color gain, which were
      just below the threshold for color noise, a focus depth setting below the
      sandpaper, a maximum wall filter under a higher pulse repetition frequency, and a
      color box adjusted properly in the fundamental imaging mode (P < .001) were found
      to most readily improve the twinkling artifact intensity. The roughness of the
      sandpaper was shown to be highly correlated with the twinkling artifact intensity
      (R(2) = 0.832; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The twinkling artifact was influenced by
      some machine parameters and the roughness of the sandpaper. By adjusting some
      ultrasound machine parameters, a better image reflecting the twinkling artifact
      can be shown in clinical practice and research.

PMID- 22039018
TI  - Real-time video streaming of sonographic clips using domestic internet networks
      and free videoconferencing software.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: As the use of point-of-care sonography spreads, so too does the need
      for remote expert over-reading via telesonogrpahy. We sought to assess the
      feasibility of using familiar, widespread, and cost-effective existent technology
      to allow remote over-reading of sonograms in real time and to compare 4 different
      methods of transmission and communication for both the feasibility of
      transmission and image quality. METHODS: Sonographic video clips were transmitted
      using 2 different connections (WiFi and 3G) and via 2 different videoconferencing
      modalities (iChat [Apple Inc, Cupertino, CA] and Skype [Skype Software Sarl,
      Luxembourg]), for a total of 4 different permutations. The clips were received at
      a remote location and recorded and then scored by expert reviewers for image
      quality, resolution, and detail. RESULTS: Wireless transmission of sonographic
      clips was feasible in all cases when WiFi was used and when Skype was used over a
      3G connection. Images transmitted via a WiFi connection were statistically
      superior to those transmitted via 3G in all parameters of quality (average P =
      .031), and those sent by iChat were superior to those sent by Skype but not
      statistically so (average P = .057). CONCLUSIONS: Wireless transmission of
      sonographic video clips using inexpensive hardware, free videoconferencing
      software, and domestic Internet networks is feasible with retention of image
      quality sufficient for interpretation. WiFi transmission results in greater image
      quality than transmission by a 3G network.

PMID- 22039019
TI  - Assessment of glottic squamous cell carcinoma: comparison of sonography and non
      contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare the use of sonography and
      non-contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for detection and staging
      of glottic carcinoma. METHODS: In this study, 30 consecutive patients with
      glottic squamous cell carcinoma underwent high-frequency sonography and non
      contrast-enhanced MRI before surgical treatment. Tumor detectability and imaging
      findings were evaluated independently and then compared with the surgical and
      postoperative pathologic findings. RESULTS: Sonography showed a trend toward
      higher detectability than MRI in early (stage T1 and T2) glottic carcinoma (94.1%
      [16 of 17 patients] for sonography versus 76.5% [13 of 17 patients] for MRI; P =
      .335). With regard to T staging, the overall accuracy rates were 80.0% (24 of 30)
      for sonography and 76.7% (23 of 30) for MRI; the difference was not statistically
      significant (P > .99). Non-contrast-enhanced MRI was superior to sonography in
      showing tumor involvement in the retrolaryngeal extent of glottic carcinoma.
      CONCLUSIONS: Sonography is suggested as a noninvasive complementary modality for
      detection and initial staging of glottic carcinoma.

PMID- 22039020
TI  - Sonographically guided transthoracic biopsy of peripheral lung and mediastinal
      lesions: role of contrast-enhanced sonography.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of contrast
      enhanced sonography on sonographically guided transthoracic needle biopsy of lung
      lesions. METHODS: A total of 121 patients underwent sonographically guided
      transthoracic needle cutting biopsy. Of the 121 patients, 62 (contrast-enhanced
      sonography group) underwent contrast-enhanced sonography before biopsy, and the
      information from contrast-enhanced sonography was used to optimize the biopsy
      procedure. The remaining 59 patients constituted the non-contrast-enhanced
      sonography group. The enhancement patterns and echogenicity were evaluated by the
      consensus of 2 sonographers. The diagnostic efficacy was compared between the
      contrast-enhanced and non-contrast-enhanced sonography groups. RESULTS: The
      enhancement intensity and extent varied greatly among different thoracic lesions,
      and an anechoic area (necrosis) was revealed in 26 of 62 lesions (41.9%) lesions
      after administration of the contrast agent. The overall diagnostic accuracy of
      sonographically guided transthoracic biopsy in this study was 85.9% (104 of 121).
      In the contrast-enhanced sonography group, the initial biopsy led to correct
      diagnosis in 58 of 62 lesions (93.6%). In the non-contrast-enhanced sonography
      group, the initial biopsy led to correct diagnosis in 46 of 59 lesions (78.0%).
      The difference in the diagnostic accuracy between the contrast-enhanced and non
      contrast-enhanced sonography groups was statistically significant (P < .05).
      CONCLUSIONS: Contrast-enhanced sonography enables differentiation of viable from
      necrotic portions of thoracic lesions and has a positive impact on the diagnostic
      efficacy of sonographically guided transthoracic needle biopsy.

PMID- 22039021
TI  - Occurrence and value of the color Doppler "line sign" after radiofrequency
      ablation of solid abdominal organs.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purposes of this study were to identify the frequency of the
      color "line sign" after track coagulation during electrode removal and to
      evaluate the usefulness of color Doppler sonography in predicting complications
      after radiofrequency ablation. METHODS: A total of 104 consecution radiofrequency
      ablations of either the liver (n = 68) or the kidney (n = 36) were evaluated for
      hemorrhagic complications by color Doppler sonography. All radiofrequency
      ablations were performed in a similar fashion, including track coagulation during
      electrode removal. Follow-up computed tomography of the organ of interest was
      performed within 24-hours after the procedure. RESULTS: The study included 32
      patients with 36 renal radiofrequency ablations and 43 patients with 68 hepatic
      ablations. There were 1 arterial and 0 venous Doppler signals in the renal
      ablations and 2 arterial and 2 venous Doppler signals in the hepatic ablations.
      No major complications were observed, but a moderate hematoma occurred in 1 renal
      ablation. A statistically significant correlation was noted between the computed
      tomographic findings of hematomas and the presence of a color line sign (P =
      .048). We found a lower percentage of the color line sign compared to prior
      reports that identified this sign after biopsy of the liver or kidney.
      CONCLUSIONS: There is a decreased frequency of the color line sign and
      hemorrhagic complications after radiofrequency ablation compared to their rates
      of occurrence with core biopsy. Identification of the color line sign may be
      useful for predicting hemorrhagic complications.

PMID- 22039022
TI  - Differentiating malignant from benign thickening of the gallbladder wall by the
      use of acoustic radiation force impulse elastography.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine whether real-time
      elastography can differentiate gallbladder carcinoma from benign gallbladder wall
      thickening. METHODS: Sonographic and real-time elastographic examinations were
      done in 125 of 2000 consecutive patients who had an increased gallbladder wall
      thickness of more than 3 mm. Shear wave velocities were determined for a normal
      gallbladder wall, a benign thickened gallbladder wall, and gallbladder carcinoma,
      and a value of 2.7 m/s was set as the cutoff to differentiate between benign and
      malignant wall thickening. Virtual touch and color maps of the gallbladder wall
      were also obtained. The final diagnosis was confirmed by histopathologic
      examination of the resected gallbladder or by guided fine-needle aspiration
      cytologic examination. Statistical analysis was done to determine the sensitivity
      and specificity of elastography for gallbladder carcinoma and benign wall
      thickening. Student t test and area under the receiver operating characteristic
      curve analyses were done to determine the statistical significance of the
      results. RESULTS: Elastography had sensitivity and specificity of 100% and 91.3%,
      respectively, for diagnosing gallbladder carcinoma with a mean shear wave
      velocity of 3.41 m/s (P < .0001) and an area under the curve of 0.92. False
      positive findings of acute cholecystitis occurred in 8.5% of cases, which also
      had an increased shear wave velocity of greater than 2.7 m/s. The overall
      accuracy of elastography for differentiating gallbladder carcinoma from benign
      wall thickening was 92.8%. CONCLUSIONS: Elastography is an accurate technique for
      differentiating between benign and malignant gallbladder wall thickening and can
      be combined with sonography as the prime imaging tool for diagnosing gallbladder
      carcinoma at an early stage.

PMID- 22039023
TI  - Accuracy of sonographically guided and palpation guided scaphotrapeziotrapezoid
      joint injections.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine and compare the accuracies
      of sonographically guided and palpation guided scaphotrapeziotrapezoid (STT)
      joint injections in a cadaveric model. METHODS: A clinician with 6 years of
      experience performing sonographically guided procedures injected 1.0 mL of a
      diluted latex solution into the STT joints of 20 unembalmed cadaveric wrist
      specimens using a palmar approach. At a minimum of 24 hours after injection, an
      experienced clinician specializing in hand care completed palpation guided
      injections in the same specimens using a dorsal approach and 1 mL of a different
      colored latex. A fellowship-trained hand surgeon blinded to the injection
      technique then dissected each specimen to assess injection accuracy. Injections
      were graded as accurate if the colored latex was found in the STT joint, whereas
      inaccurate injections resulted in no latex being found in the joint. RESULTS: All
      sonographically guided injections were accurate (100%; 95% confidence interval,
      81%-100%), whereas only 80% of palpation guided injections were accurate (95%
      confidence interval, 61%-99%). Sonographically guided injections were
      significantly more accurate than palpation guided injections, as determined by
      the ability to deliver latex into the joint (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Sonographic
      guidance can be used to inject the STT joint with a high degree of accuracy and
      is more accurate than palpation guidance within the limits of this study design.
      Clinicians should consider using sonographic guidance to perform STT joint
      injections when precise intra-articular placement is desired. Further clinical
      investigation examining the role of sonographically guided STT joint injections
      in the treatment of patients with radial wrist pain syndromes is warranted.

PMID- 22039024
TI  - Imaging of endometrial carcinoma using contrast-enhanced sonography.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the utility of contrast
      enhanced sonography as an adjunct to conventional transvaginal sonography for
      detecting endometrial carcinoma and defining the depth of myometrial invasion.
      METHODS: A total of 35 patients with endometrial carcinoma diagnosed by
      endometrial sampling were examined with transvaginal sonography followed by
      contrast-enhanced sonography before treatment. The contrast enhancement phases
      (ie, early wash-in/out and late wash-in/out) were visually observed before
      comparison of tumors grouped by average diameter and histopathologic grade. We
      evaluated the effectiveness of contrast-enhanced sonography as an adjunct to
      transvaginal sonography in tumor imaging. We calculated the accuracy of contrast
      enhanced sonography for diagnosing the depth of tumor invasion into the
      myometrium by using arcuate vascular plexus involvement as the sonographic
      standard for diagnosis of deep myometrial infiltration. RESULTS: Of the 34 tumors
      identified by contrast-enhanced sonography, 28 (82.4%) showed early wash-in, and
      6 (17.6%) showed late wash-in. Similar numbers of cases showed early and late
      wash-out. The enhancement phases did not differ significantly across groups with
      different average tumor diameters or histologic grades (P > .05). Contrast
      enhanced sonography contributed the most to tumor imaging in patients with a thin
      endometrium after endometrial biopsy because it enhanced the contrast between the
      tumor and tissue. The diagnostic accuracy of contrast-enhanced sonography for
      determining the myometrium infiltration depth was 85.3%. CONCLUSIONS: This study
      revealed diagnostically useful characteristics of the enhancement phase of
      endometrial carcinoma. The ability to enhance tumor-to-tissue contrast makes
      contrast-enhanced sonography a valuable adjunct to conventional sonography of
      endometrial carcinoma, especially for the thin endometrium found after
      endometrial biopsy. Contrast-enhanced sonography performed well in the diagnosis
      of the myometrial infiltration depth when using arcuate vascular plexus
      involvement as a marker of deep myometrial infiltration.

PMID- 22039025
TI  - Bowel circulation in normally grown and growth-restricted fetuses.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to characterize bowel blood flow and
      its relationship with cerebral and placental circulations in normally grown and
      growth-restricted fetuses. METHODS: In a cross-sectional prospective study of
      singleton normally grown fetuses, Doppler blood flow pulsatility indices were
      measured in the superior mesenteric artery, middle cerebral artery, and umbilical
      artery from 19 to 38 weeks' gestation. The same Doppler parameters were examined
      in intrauterine growth-restricted (IUGR) fetuses and analyzed as two groups: (1)
      without a brain-sparing effect, defined as an umbilical artery/middle cerebral
      artery ratio of less than 1; and (2) with a brain-sparing effect, defined as an
      umbilical artery/middle cerebral artery ratio of greater than 1. RESULTS: A total
      of 262 appropriate-for-gestational-age fetuses were analyzed for superior
      mesenteric artery Doppler pulsatility index values; 196 were simultaneously
      examined for umbilical artery and middle cerebral artery pulsatility index
      values. Forty-three IUGR fetuses were similarly analyzed. In appropriate-for
      gestational-age fetuses, both the bowel and brain circulations showed a globally
      higher pulsatility index as pregnancy advanced, resulting in an almost constant
      middle cerebral artery/superior mesenteric artery ratio (r(2) = 0.079). The IUGR
      fetuses had a lower superior mesenteric artery pulsatility index compared to the
      appropriate-for-gestational-age fetuses, which was more pronounced in those with
      brain sparing (group 2) than in group 1 (Z = -0.97 and -0.53, respectively; P <
      .0001). The middle cerebral artery/superior mesenteric artery ratio was higher
      with respect to the appropriate-for-gestational-age fetuses in group 1, whereas
      the ratio in group 2 was lower (Z = 0.16 and -0.60). CONCLUSIONS: We have shown
      the existence of a superior mesenteric artery sparing effect in IUGR fetuses.
      This reaction seems to correlate positively with the severity of the growth
      restriction.

PMID- 22039026
TI  - Assessment of lung volume by 3-dimensional sonography and magnetic resonance
      imaging in fetuses with congenital diaphragmatic hernias.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of different
      rotation angles in assessment of the contralateral lung volume by 3-dimensional
      (3D) sonography in comparison to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in fetuses with
      congenital diaphragmatic hernias. METHODS: A total of 126 measurements by 3D
      sonography and MRI were conducted in 81 patients between 18 and 39 weeks'
      gestation. The 3D sonographic volumes of the contralateral fetal lung were
      calculated by the rotational technique (virtual organ computer-aided analysis)
      with rotation angles of 6 degrees , 15 degrees , and 30 degrees . Transverse
      multiplanar T2-weighted MRI was performed for the MRI measurements. To compare
      the accuracy of 3D sonographic volumetry using different rotation angles, MRI
      assessment was taken as the reference method, and percentage errors and limits of
      agreement were calculated for each angle. RESULTS: Three-dimensional sonographic
      volume measurements showed a high correlation with MRI (6 degrees  angle, R(2) =
      0.86; 15 degrees  angle, R(2) = 0.78; 30 degrees  angle, R(2) = 0.68). The mean
      percentage error showed no systematic error. With regard to random error, the 6
      degrees  step had significantly lower values than the larger angles 30 degrees 
      step (R = 0.472) and the narrowest limits of agreement. CONCLUSIONS: Especially
      when using a small rotation angle, assessment of the contralateral fetal lung
      volume by 3D sonography in congenital diaphragmatic hernias is a reliable
      alternative to MRI.

PMID- 22039027
TI  - Outcomes of fetuses with umbilical cord cysts diagnosed during nuchal
      translucency examination.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to report the outcomes of fetuses with
      the finding of an umbilical cord cyst during nuchal translucency examination in a
      low-risk population. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted in a large
      tertiary referral academic center over a 3-year period. All fetuses with
      umbilical cord cysts during the nuchal translucency scan were recruited, and
      their medical data concerning the pregnancy and neonatal course were analyzed.
      RESULTS: Eight fetuses (0.7%) had a diagnosis of an umbilical cord cyst among the
      1080 nuchal translucency examinations. The mean cyst diameter was 19 mm (range,
      10-38 mm). The male to female ratio was 6:2. Isolated umbilical cord cysts were
      found in 5 cases (62.5%), and in all, the nuchal translucency measured less than
      2 mm; the cysts resolved; and the outcomes were normal. Three fetuses (37.5%) had
      additional associated malformations. In all of them, the cysts persisted during
      pregnancy. Two of them had increased nuchal translucency (3.2 and 4.2 mm). In
      these 2 cases, 1 fetus had a hypoplastic left heart with a normal karyotype, and
      the other had multiple malformations and trisomy18. Both pregnancies were
      terminated. The third case, with normal nuchal translucency, had an ectopic
      kidney and a patent urachus, which closed spontaneously at 23 weeks and resulted
      in a normal pregnancy outcome. CONCLUSIONS: A favorable outcome is expected when
      an umbilical cord cyst diagnosed during late first trimester presents as an
      isolated finding associated with normal nuchal translucency and resolves later
      on.

PMID- 22039028
TI  - Value of "minimum menstrual age" in determining early pregnancy failure.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purposes of this study were to assess a discriminatory "minimum
      menstrual age" (28 days + number of days elapsed between the first positive
      pregnancy test result and sonogram) for the diagnosis of early pregnancy failure
      when no embryonic/fetal heartbeat is seen and to compare minimum menstrual age
      dating with last menstrual period and sonographic dating. METHODS: We conducted a
      retrospective study of 338 initial first-trimester sonographic examinations among
      women with suspected early pregnancy failure. A minimum menstrual age for each
      was calculated, and pregnancy outcomes were assessed. The predictive value of the
      minimum menstrual age for the pregnancy outcome was assessed at both 42 and 49
      days and compared to that of dating by the last menstrual period and sonography.
      RESULTS: Among a study cohort of 338 patients, the average gestational age
      calculated by the last menstrual period was 53 days; by sonography, it was 50
      days; and by the minimum menstrual age, it was 35 days (P < .01). All cases in
      which there was no sonographically detectable embryonic heartbeat above a minimum
      menstrual age of 42 days resulted in pregnancy failure. CONCLUSIONS: The minimum
      menstrual age is a conservative estimate of the gestational age, with an
      estimated positive predictive value of 100% for early pregnancy failure when no
      embryonic heartbeat is seen after 42 days. The minimum menstrual age can be
      combined with other existing diagnostic clues to predict early pregnancy failure
      with greater accuracy.

PMID- 22039029
TI  - Perinatal outcomes in twin pregnancies with discordant Doppler velocimetric
      findings.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether poor perinatal
      outcomes are more common in twins with abnormal umbilical artery Doppler
      velocimetric findings than in their siblings with normal findings. METHODS: A
      matched-pair cohort analysis of twin pregnancies with discordant umbilical artery
      Doppler velocimetric findings (one normal and one abnormal) was performed. Both
      severely abnormal findings (defined as absent or reversed flow in one twin; n =
      23) and mildly abnormal findings (defined as an elevated systolic to diastolic
      ratio in one twin; n = 28) were included. The matched twins provided a
      gestational age-and demographically matched comparison group. Outcomes measured
      included intrauterine fetal death, oligohydramnios, intrauterine growth
      restriction, and neonatal outcomes (birth weight, Apgar scores, intraventricular
      hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis, respiratory distress syndrome,
      bronchopulmonary dysplasia, and sepsis). Associations between abnormal Doppler
      velocimetric findings and perinatal outcomes were estimated using matched
      logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Among this cohort of twin pregnancies with
      discordant umbilical artery Doppler velocimetric findings, oligohydramnios and
      intrauterine growth restriction were more frequent in twin fetuses with abnormal
      findings. Adverse neonatal outcomes were high in both groups (57% among those
      with normal findings and 49% among those with abnormal findings) because of the
      overwhelming contribution of preterm delivery (mean gestational age at delivery,
      33.3 weeks) but were not significantly different between those fetuses with
      abnormal findings compared to their cotwins with normal findings. CONCLUSIONS:
      Our results do not show an association between abnormal umbilical artery Doppler
      velocimetric findings and short-term adverse neonatal outcomes.

PMID- 22039030
TI  - Importance of renal abnormalities first identified in the third trimester after
      normal findings on a detailed second-trimester structural fetal survey.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the importance of renal
      abnormalities first identified in the third trimester of pregnancy after normal
      findings on a detailed second-trimester structural fetal survey. METHODS: Between
      March 1, 2007, and August 1, 2009, all patients having a sonographic examination
      in the third trimester who previously had normal findings on a second-trimester
      detailed structural fetal survey were retrospectively identified. Fetal renal
      abnormalities first detected in the third trimester and not seen during the
      second-trimester survey were tabulated. Neonatal follow-up was obtained for those
      with sonographic abnormalities. RESULTS: Overall, 4170 patients had third
      trimester scans after normal findings on a detailed second-trimester survey. A
      new renal abnormality was detected in 77 (1.8%) of these third-trimester scans.
      Detailed postnatal imaging follow-up was available in 49 of 77 (63.6%), of which
      44 (89.8%) had prenatal hydronephosis. Of these, 9 of 44 (20.5%) had reflux; 14
      of 44 (31.8%) had normal findings or had hydronephosis that resolved on follow-up
      sonography after birth; and the rest had hydronephosis (13 of 44 [29.5%]),
      ureterovesical junction obstruction (3 of 44 [6.8%]), or ureteropelvic junction
      obstruction (5 of 44 [11.4%]). The other 5 fetuses with nonhydronephrotic renal
      abnormalities had pelvic kidneys (3) and unilateral renal agenesis (2). Two of
      those with reflux (22.2%) required surgery, and 1 of those with ureterovesical
      junction obstruction (33.3%) required surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Most renal
      abnormalities first identified in the third trimester after normal findings on a
      detailed second-trimester structural fetal survey were hydronephrosis, of which
      approximately one-third resolved after birth. Among the remaining neonates with
      persistent hydronephrosis, almost one-third had reflux that was not detected on
      the second-trimester anatomy scan.

PMID- 22039031
TI  - Amniotic fluid and the clinical relevance of the sonographically estimated
      amniotic fluid volume: oligohydramnios.
AB  - The amniotic fluid volume (AFV) is regulated by several systems, including the in
      tramembranous pathway, fetal production (fetal urine and lung fluid) and uptake
      (fetal swallowing), and the balance of fluid movement via osmotic gradients. The
      normal AFV across gestation has not been clearly defined; consequently, abnormal
      volumes are also poorly defined. Actual AFVs can be measured by dye dilution
      techniques and directly measured at cesarean delivery; however, these techniques
      are time-consuming, are invasive, and require laboratory support, and direct
      measurement can only be done at cesarean delivery. As a result of these
      limitations, the AFV is estimated by the amniotic fluid index (AFI), the single
      deepest pocket, and subjective assessment of the AFV. Unfortunately, sonographic
      estimates of the AFV correlate poorly with dye-determined or directly measured
      amniotic fluid. The recent use of color Doppler sonography has not improved the
      diagnostic accuracy of sonographic estimates of the AFV but instead has led to
      overdiagnosis of oligohydramnios. The relationship between the fixed cutoffs of
      an AFI of 5 cm or less and a single deepest pocket of 2 cm or less for
      identifying adverse pregnancy outcomes is uncertain. The use of the single
      deepest pocket compared to the AFI to identify oligohydramnios in at-risk
      pregnancies seems to be a better choice because the use of the AFI leads to an
      increase in the diagnosis of oligohydramnios, resulting in more labor inductions
      and cesarean deliveries without any improvement in peripartum outcomes.

PMID- 22039032
TI  - Sonographically guided distal radioulnar joint injection: technique and
      validation in a cadaveric model.
AB  - Distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) disorders are uncommon but important causes of
      ulnar-sided wrist pain and disability. Fluoroscopically guided injections may be
      performed to diagnose or treat DRUJ-related pain or as part of a diagnostic
      arthrogram. Sonographic guidance may provide a favorable alternative to
      fluoroscopic guidance for distal DRUJ injections. This report describes and
      validates a sonographically guided technique for DRUJ injections in an unembalmed
      cadaveric model. An experienced clinician used sonographic guidance to inject
      diluted colored latex into the DRUJs of 10 unembalmed cadaveric specimens.
      Subsequent dissection by a fellowship-trained hand surgeon confirmed accurate
      injections in all 10 specimens. Two cases of ulnocarpal flow, indicative of
      triangular fibrocartilage injury, were noted during injection and subsequently
      confirmed during dissection. Clinicians should consider using sonographic
      guidance to perform DRUJ injections when clinically indicated. Further research
      should explore the efficacy of sonographically guided DRUJ injections to treat
      patients with painful DRUJ syndromes or to evaluate the triangular fibrocartilage
      complex in patients with ulnar wrist pain syndromes.

PMID- 22039033
TI  - Acoustic radiation force impulse elastography and contrast-enhanced sonography of
      sinusoidal obstructive syndrome (Veno-occlusive Disease): preliminary results.
AB  - We report quantitative liver acoustic radiation force impulse (ARFI)
      elastographic findings in 2 cases of sinusoidal obstructive syndrome and liver
      contrast-enhanced sonographic features in one of these cases. To our knowledge,
      findings in this condition from these techniques have not been reported
      previously. Acoustic radiation force impulse elastography showed median high
      shear wave velocities (case 1, 2.75 m/s; case 2, 2.58 m/s) that normalized after
      specific treatment for sinusoidal obstructive syndrome; therefore, ARFI
      elastography provided quantitative information that helped diagnose this
      condition as well as monitor the response to treatment. Contrast-enhanced
      sonographic findings in one of the cases showed patchy liver enhancement that
      correlated with the high-velocity patchy distribution on ARFI elastography in
      that case and enhanced multidetector row computed tomographic findings in the
      other case. This contrast-enhanced sonographic pattern progressively normalized
      during follow-up after specific treatment. The elastographic features in both
      cases and contrast-enhanced sonographic features in one of them contributed to
      early diagnosis and follow-up of sinusoidal obstructive syndrome in both
      patients. Further prospective studies are necessary to define the role of ARFI
      elastography and contrast-enhanced sonography in the early diagnosis and clinical
      follow-up of this condition.

PMID- 22039034
TI  - Isolated periportal tuberculosis causing portal vein thrombosis.

PMID- 22039035
TI  - Symptomatic complete vertebral carotid steal syndrome caused by innominate artery
      stenosis and an arteriovenous right forearm fistula.

PMID- 22039036
TI  - Extragonadal tumor and testicular microlithiasis: "burned-out" tumors are
      represented by macrocalcification.

PMID- 22039037
TI  - Molecular prognostic factors of anaplastic oligodendroglial tumors and its
      relationship: a single institutional review of 77 patients from China.
AB  - The increased chemosensitivity of oligodendroglial tumors has been associated
      with loss of heterozygosity (LOH) on chromosomes 1p and 19q. Other clinical and
      molecular factors have also been identified as being prognostic and predictive
      for treatment outcome. Seventy-seven patients with anaplastic oligodendroglioma
      (AO) or anaplastic oligoastrocytoma (AOA), treated in Beijing Tiantan Hospital
      from 2006 through 2008, were reviewed. LOH 1p, LOH 19q, IDH1 mutation, O(6)
      methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation, and protein
      expression level of MGMT, P53, EGFR, and Ki-67 were evaluated. Age at diagnosis,
      LOH 1p and 19q, IDH1 mutation, P53 expression level, reoperation when
      progression, and adjuvant chemotherapy were statistically significant factors for
      overall survival (OS) in univariate analysis. Further multivariate analysis
      showed that age at diagnosis (P = .010), LOH 1p and 19q (P = .016), IDH1 mutation
      (P = .011), and reoperation after progression (P = .048) were independent
      predictors for longer survival in these patients. Nonrandom associations were
      found between LOH 1p and LOH 19q, MGMT promoter methylation and LOH 1p or 19q,
      IDH1 mutation and LOH 1p and 19q, IDH1 mutation and MGMT promoter methylation,
      whereas mutual exclusion was found between MGMT promoter methylation and MGMT
      expression level. The present study confirmed that age at diagnosis, LOH 1p and
      19q, IDH1 mutation, and reoperation after progression were independent
      significant prognostic factors for patients with anaplastic oligodendroglial
      tumors. Inter-relationship between LOH 1p, LOH 19q, IDH1 mutation, MGMT promoter
      methylation, and MGMT expression level were also revealed. Future clinical trials
      for AO and AOA should consider the molecular alterations of patients.

PMID- 22039038
TI  - Gastric bypass and duodenal and gastric feeding: a comment to Hansen et al.

PMID- 22039040
TI  - Seroprevalence of vectorborne diseases in free-roaming dogs in Goa, India.

PMID- 22039041
TI  - Patient based computational fluid dynamic characterization of carotid bifurcation
      stenosis before and after endovascular revascularization.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Hemodynamic forces play a critical role in determining the
      molecular phenotype of the endothelial cell and in influencing vascular
      remodeling. A lesion based computational fluid dynamic (CFD) modeling approach is
      presented to understand the complex spatial and temporal hemodynamic changes that
      prevail in carotid stenosis (CS) in patients with critical CS undergoing carotid
      artery stenting (CAS). METHODS: High resolution three-dimensional rotational
      angiography volumetric datasets were acquired before and after treatment in eight
      patients, segmented and used to generate a high quality structured hexahedral
      computational mesh with boundary layer refinement. CFD analysis was carried out
      using a time dependent laminar flow model implementing non-Newtonian realistic
      blood viscosity for blood, and used to compute wall shear stress (WSS) and its
      gradient (WSSG). RESULTS: CAS restored fully or near laminar flow in all cases in
      our series. In addition, WSS was found to decrease in the stented region in all
      cases, reduced to near normal levels of 34+/-14 dyn/cm(2) with significant
      blunting of the extreme pretreatment WSSG to levels lower than 1000 dyn/cm(3).
      CONCLUSIONS: In this series of patients with symptomatic CS, CFD simulation
      enabled estimation of the hemodynamic effect of CAS, leading to reversal of
      abnormal flow patterns and wall shear forces around the arterial stenosis, with
      normalization of flow laminarity and wall shear spatiotempotal patterns known to
      be associated with adverse endothelial cell function.

PMID- 22039042
TI  - Diversity of release patterns for jail detainees: implications for public health
      interventions.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We sought to develop a detailed description of the variety of jail
      release patterns and to learn what factors affect the length of stay (LOS).
      METHODS: The main data set for the study came from a biennial Bureau of Justice
      Statistics survey on felony defendants in large urban counties. RESULTS: The
      median LOS for the felony defendants was 7 days. One quarter of the jails had a
      median LOS of less than 2 days; median LOS for 75% of the jails was less than 15
      days. Median regression showed that male gender, previous arrests, and violent
      charges were predictive of longer LOS. CONCLUSIONS: The diversity in release
      patterns among jails has not been previously described. A public health
      intervention feasible in one jail may not be feasible in another because of the
      heterogeneity of release patterns. Individual inmate characteristics could
      predict a slower rate of release.

PMID- 22039043
TI  - A renewed commitment to environmental justice in health disparities research.

PMID- 22039044
TI  - Structural determinants of ubiquitin-CXC chemokine receptor 4 interaction.
AB  - Ubiquitin, a post-translational protein modifier inside the cell, functions as a
      CXC chemokine receptor (CXCR) 4 agonist outside the cell. However, the structural
      determinants of the interaction between extracellular ubiquitin and CXCR4 remain
      unknown. Utilizing C-terminal truncated ubiquitin and ubiquitin mutants, in which
      surface residues that are known to interact with ubiquitin binding domains in
      interacting proteins are mutated (Phe-4, Leu-8, Ile-44, Asp-58, Val-70), we
      provide evidence that the ubiquitin-CXCR4 interaction follows a two-site binding
      mechanism in which the hydrophobic surfaces surrounding Phe-4 and Val-70 are
      important for receptor binding, whereas the flexible C terminus facilitates
      receptor activation. Based on these findings and the available crystal
      structures, we then modeled the ubiquitin-CXCR4 interface with the RosettaDock
      software followed by small manual adjustments, which were guided by charge
      complementarity and anticipation of a conformational switch of CXCR4 upon
      activation. This model suggests three residues of CXCR4 (Phe-29, Phe-189, Lys
      271) as potential interaction sites. Binding studies with HEK293 cells
      overexpressing wild type and CXCR4 after site-directed mutagenesis confirm that
      these residues are important for ubiquitin binding but that they do not
      contribute to the binding of stromal cell-derived factor 1alpha. Our findings
      suggest that the structural determinants of the CXCR4 agonist activity of
      ubiquitin mimic the typical structure-function relationship of chemokines.
      Furthermore, we provide evidence for separate and specific ligand binding sites
      on CXCR4. As exogenous ubiquitin has been shown to possess therapeutic potential,
      our findings are expected to facilitate the structure-based design of new
      compounds with ubiquitin-mimetic actions on CXCR4.

PMID- 22039045
TI  - Enterolobium contortisiliquum trypsin inhibitor (EcTI), a plant proteinase
      inhibitor, decreases in vitro cell adhesion and invasion by inhibition of Src
      protein-focal adhesion kinase (FAK) signaling pathways.
AB  - Tumor cell invasion is vital for cancer progression and metastasis. Adhesion,
      migration, and degradation of the extracellular matrix are important events
      involved in the establishment of cancer cells at a new site, and therefore
      molecular targets are sought to inhibit such processes. The effect of a plant
      proteinase inhibitor, Enterolobium contortisiliquum trypsin inhibitor (EcTI), on
      the adhesion, migration, and invasion of gastric cancer cells was the focus of
      this study. EcTI showed no effect on the proliferation of gastric cancer cells or
      fibroblasts but inhibited the adhesion, migration, and cell invasion of gastric
      cancer cells; however, EcTI had no effect upon the adhesion of fibroblasts. EcTI
      was shown to decrease the expression and disrupt the cellular organization of
      molecules involved in the formation and maturation of invadopodia, such as
      integrin beta1, cortactin, neuronal Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein, membrane
      type 1 metalloprotease, and metalloproteinase-2. Moreover, gastric cancer cells
      treated with EcTI presented a significant decrease in intracellular
      phosphorylated Src and focal adhesion kinase, integrin-dependent cell signaling
      components. Together, these results indicate that EcTI inhibits the invasion of
      gastric cancer cells through alterations in integrin-dependent cell signaling
      pathways.

PMID- 22039046
TI  - Nitrogen-responsive regulation of GATA protein family activators Gln3 and Gat1
      occurs by two distinct pathways, one inhibited by rapamycin and the other by
      methionine sulfoximine.
AB  - Nitrogen availability regulates the transcription of genes required to degrade
      non-preferentially utilized nitrogen sources by governing the localization and
      function of transcription activators, Gln3 and Gat1. TorC1 inhibitor, rapamycin
      (Rap), and glutamine synthetase inhibitor, methionine sulfoximine (Msx), elicit
      responses grossly similar to those of limiting nitrogen, implicating both
      glutamine synthesis and TorC1 in the regulation of Gln3 and Gat1. To better
      understand this regulation, we compared Msx- versus Rap-elicited Gln3 and Gat1
      localization, their DNA binding, nitrogen catabolite repression-sensitive gene
      expression, and the TorC1 pathway phosphatase requirements for these responses.
      Using this information we queried whether Rap and Msx inhibit sequential steps in
      a single, linear cascade connecting glutamine availability to Gln3 and Gat1
      control as currently accepted or alternatively inhibit steps in two distinct
      parallel pathways. We find that Rap most strongly elicits nuclear Gat1
      localization and expression of genes whose transcription is most Gat1-dependent.
      Msx, on the other hand, elicits nuclear Gln3 but not Gat1 localization and
      expression of genes that are most Gln3-dependent. Importantly, Rap-elicited
      nuclear Gln3 localization is absolutely Sit4-dependent, but that elicited by Msx
      is not. PP2A, although not always required for nuclear GATA factor localization,
      is highly required for GATA factor binding to nitrogen-responsive promoters and
      subsequent transcription irrespective of the gene GATA factor specificities.
      Collectively, our data support the existence of two different nitrogen-responsive
      regulatory pathways, one inhibited by Msx and the other by rapamycin.

PMID- 22039047
TI  - Identification and mechanism of 10-carbon fatty acid as modulating ligand of
      peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors.
AB  - Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARalpha, -beta/delta, and -gamma)
      are a subfamily of nuclear receptors that plays key roles in glucose and lipid
      metabolism. PPARgamma is the molecular target of the thiazolidinedione class of
      antidiabetic drugs that has many side effects. PPARgamma is also activated by
      long chain unsaturated or oxidized/nitrated fatty acids, but its relationship
      with the medium chain fatty acids remains unclear even though the medium chain
      triglyceride oils have been used to control weight gain and glycemic index. Here,
      we show that decanoic acid (DA), a 10-carbon fatty acid and a major component of
      medium chain triglyceride oils, is a direct ligand of PPARgamma. DA binds and
      partially activates PPARgamma without leading to adipogenesis. Crystal structure
      reveals that DA occupies a novel binding site and only partially stabilizes the
      AF-2 helix. DA also binds weakly to PPARalpha and PPARbeta/delta. Treatments with
      DA and its triglyceride form improve glucose sensitivity and lipid profiles
      without weight gain in diabetic mice. Together, these results suggest that DA is
      a modulating ligand for PPARs, and the structure can aid in designing better and
      safer PPARgamma-based drugs.

PMID- 22039048
TI  - Adiponectin stimulates proliferation of adult hippocampal neural stem/progenitor
      cells through activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase
      (p38MAPK)/glycogen synthase kinase 3beta (GSK-3beta)/beta-catenin signaling
      cascade.
AB  - Adiponectin is the most abundant adipokine secreted from adipocytes. Accumulating
      evidence suggests that the physiological roles of adiponectin go beyond its
      metabolic effects. In the present study, we demonstrate that adiponectin
      receptors 1 and 2 (AdipoR1 and AdipoR2) are expressed in adult hippocampal neural
      stem/progenitor cells (hNSCs). Adiponectin treatment increases proliferation of
      cultured adult hNSCs in a dose- and time-dependent manner, whereas apoptosis and
      differentiation of adult hNSCs into neuronal or glial lineage were not affected.
      Adiponectin activates AMP-activated protein kinase and p38 mitogen-activated
      protein kinase (p38MAPK) signaling pathways in adult hNSCs. Pretreatment with the
      p38MAPK inhibitor SB203580, but not the AMP-activated protein kinase inhibitor
      Compound C, attenuates adiponectin-induced cell proliferation. Moreover,
      adiponectin induces phosphorylation of Ser-389, a key inhibitory site of glycogen
      synthase kinase 3beta (GSK-3beta), and this effect can be blocked by inhibition
      of p38MAPK with SB203580. Levels of total and nuclear beta-catenin, the primary
      substrate of GSK-3beta, were increased by adiponectin treatment. These results
      indicate that adiponectin stimulates proliferation of adult hNSCs, via acting on
      GSK-3beta to promote nuclear accumulation of beta-catenin. Thus, our studies
      uncover a novel role for adiponectin signaling in regulating proliferation of
      adult neural stem cells.

PMID- 22039049
TI  - DNA repair factor MRE11/RAD50 cleaves 3'-phosphotyrosyl bonds and resects DNA to
      repair damage caused by topoisomerase 1 poisons.
AB  - MRE11-RAD50 is a highly conserved multifunctional DNA repair factor. Here, we
      show that MRE11-RAD50 cleaves the covalent 3'-phosphotyrosyl-DNA bonds that join
      topoisomerase 1 (Top1) to the DNA backbone and that are the hallmark of damage
      caused by Top1 poisons such as camptothecin. Cleavage generates a 3'-phosphate
      DNA end that MRE11-RAD50 can resect in an ATP-regulated reaction, to produce a 3'
      hydroxyl that can prime repair synthesis. The 3'-phosphotyrosyl cleavage activity
      maps to the MRE11 active site. These results define a new activity of MRE11 and
      distinguish MRE11-RAD50 functions in repair of Top1-DNA complexes and double
      strand breaks.

PMID- 22039050
TI  - Mutant p53 disrupts role of ShcA protein in balancing Smad protein-dependent and 
      independent signaling activity of transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta).
AB  - Biomarkers are lacking for identifying the switch of transforming growth factor
      beta (TGF-beta) from tumor-suppressing to tumor-promoting. Mutated p53 (mp53) has
      been suggested to switch TGF-beta to a tumor promoter. However, we found that
      mp53 does not always promote the oncogenic role of TGF-beta. Here, we show that
      endogenous mp53 knockdown enhanced cell migration and phosphorylation of ERK in
      DU145 prostate cancer cells. Furthermore, ectopic expression of mp53 in p53-null
      PC-3 prostate cancer cells enhanced Smad-dependent signaling but inhibited TGF
      beta-induced cell migration by down-regulating activated ERK. Reactivation of ERK
      by the expression of its activator, MEK-1, restored TGF-beta-induced cell
      migration. Because TGF-beta is known to activate the MAPK/ERK pathway through
      direct phosphorylation of the adaptor protein ShcA and MAPK/ERK signaling is
      pivotal to tumor progression, we investigated whether ShcA contributed to mp53
      induced ERK inhibition and the conversion of the role of TGF-beta during
      carcinogenesis. We found that mp53 expression led to a decrease of phosphorylated
      p52ShcA/ERK levels and an increase of phosphorylated Smad levels in a panel of
      mp53-expressing cancer cell lines and in mammary glands and tumors from mp53
      knock-in mice. By manipulating ShcA levels to regulate ERK and Smad signaling in
      human untransformed and cancer cell lines, we showed that the role of TGF-beta in
      regulating anchorage-dependent and -independent growth and migration can be
      shifted between growth suppression and migration promotion. Thus, our results for
      the first time suggest that mp53 disrupts the role of ShcA in balancing the Smad
      dependent and -independent signaling activity of TGF-beta and that ShcA/ERK
      signaling is a major pathway regulating the tumor-promoting activity of TGF-beta.

PMID- 22039051
TI  - HIV-1 glycoprotein 41 ectodomain induces activation of the CD74 protein-mediated
      extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway to
      enhance viral infection.
AB  - Besides mediating the viral entry process, the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV
      1) envelope protein gp41 can bind to many host cell components and regulate cell
      functions. Using a yeast two-hybrid system, we screened a human bone marrow cDNA
      library and identified a novel gp41-binding protein, CD74 (the MHC class II
      associated invariant chain). Here, we report possible biological effects mediated
      by interaction between gp41 and CD74. We found that HIV-1 gp41 could bind
      directly to host CD74 in HIV-1-infected cells, and the peptide 6358 derived from
      gp41 loop region (aa 597-611) could effectively block the gp41-CD74 interaction.
      As a result of this binding, recombinant soluble gp41 and gp41 peptide 6358
      activated the CD74-mediated ERK/MAPK pathway and significantly enhanced HIV-1
      infection in vitro. Conversely, the enhancing effect could be suppressed by the
      recombinant CD74 extracellular domain. These results reveal a novel mechanism
      underlying gp41 mediation of HIV-1 infection and replication.

PMID- 22039052
TI  - Identification of membrane-bound variant of metalloendopeptidase neurolysin (EC
      3.4.24.16) as the non-angiotensin type 1 (non-AT1), non-AT2 angiotensin binding
      site.
AB  - Recently, we discovered a novel non-angiotensin type 1 (non-AT1), non-AT2
      angiotensin binding site in rodent and human brain membranes, which is distinctly
      different from angiotensin receptors and key proteases processing angiotensins.
      It is hypothesized to be a new member of the renin-angiotensin system. This study
      was designed to isolate and identify this novel angiotensin binding site. An
      angiotensin analog, photoaffinity probe 125I-SBpa-Ang II, was used to
      specifically label the non-AT1, non-AT2 angiotensin binding site in mouse
      forebrain membranes, followed by a two-step purification procedure based on the
      molecular size and isoelectric point of the photoradiolabeled binding protein.
      Purified samples were subjected to two-dimensional gel electrophoresis followed
      by mass spectrometry identification of proteins in the two-dimensional gel
      sections containing radioactivity. LC-MS/MS analysis revealed eight protein
      candidates, of which the four most abundant were immunoprecipitated after
      photoradiolabeling. Immunoprecipitation studies indicated that the angiotensin
      binding site might be the membrane-bound variant of metalloendopeptidase
      neurolysin (EC 3.4.24.16). To verify these observations, radioligand binding and
      photoradiolabeling experiments were conducted in membrane preparations of HEK293
      cells overexpressing mouse neurolysin or thimet oligopeptidase (EC 3.4.24.15), a
      closely related metalloendopeptidase of the same family. These experiments also
      identified neurolysin as the non-AT1, non-AT2 angiotensin binding site. Finally,
      brain membranes of mice lacking neurolysin were nearly devoid of the non-AT1, non
      AT2 angiotensin binding site, further establishing membrane-bound neurolysin as
      the binding site. Future studies will focus on the functional significance of
      this highly specific, high affinity interaction between neurolysin and
      angiotensins.

PMID- 22039053
TI  - Determination of target sequence bound by PapX, repressor of bacterial motility,
      in flhD promoter using systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment
      (SELEX) and high throughput sequencing.
AB  - Most uncomplicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) are caused by uropathogenic
      Escherichia coli (UPEC). Both motility and adherence are integral to UTI
      pathogenesis, yet they represent opposing forces. Therefore, it is logical to
      reciprocally regulate these functions. In UPEC strain CFT073, PapX, a non
      structural protein encoded by one of the two pap operons encoding P fimbria
      adherence factor, represses flagella-mediated motility and is a putative member
      of the winged helix transcription factor family. The mechanism of this
      repression, however, is not understood. papX is found preferentially in more
      virulent UPEC isolates, being significantly more prevalent in pyelonephritis
      strains (53% of isolates) than in asymptomatic bacteriuria (32%) or
      fecal/commensal (12.5%) strains. To examine PapX structure-function, we generated
      papX linker insertion and site-directed mutants, which identified two key
      residues for PapX function (Lys(54) and Arg(127)) within domains predicted by
      modeling with I-TASSER software to be important for dimerization and DNA binding,
      respectively. To determine the PapX binding site in the CFT073 genome, systematic
      evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) in conjunction with high
      throughput sequencing was utilized for the first time to determine a novel
      binding site for a bacterial transcription factor. This method identified a 29-bp
      binding site within the flhDC promoter (TTACGGTGAGTTATTTTAACTGTGCGCAA), centered
      410 bp upstream of the flhD translational start site. Gel shift experiments
      demonstrated that PapX binds directly to this site to repress transcription of
      flagellar genes.

PMID- 22039054
TI  - Hyperosmotic stress induces aquaporin-dependent cell shrinkage, polyphosphate
      synthesis, amino acid accumulation, and global gene expression changes in
      Trypanosoma cruzi.
AB  - The protist parasite Trypanosoma cruzi has evolved the ability to transit between
      completely different hosts and to replicate in adverse environments. In
      particular, the epimastigote form, the replicative stage inside the vector, is
      subjected to nutritional and osmotic stresses during its development. In this
      work, we describe the biochemical and global gene expression changes of
      epimastigotes under hyperosmotic conditions. Hyperosmotic stress resulted in cell
      shrinking within a few minutes. Depending on the medium osmolarity, this was
      followed by lack of volume recovery for at least 2 h or by slow recovery.
      Experiments with inhibitors, or with cells in which an aquaporin gene (TcAQP1)
      was knocked down or overexpressed, revealed its importance for the cellular
      response to hyperosmotic stress. Furthermore, the adaptation to this new
      environment was shown to involve the regulation of the polyphosphate
      polymerization state as well as changes in amino acid catabolism to generate
      compatible osmolytes. A genome-wide transcriptional analysis of stressed
      parasites revealed down-regulation of genes belonging to diverse functional
      categories and up-regulation of genes encoding trans-sialidase-like and ribosomal
      proteins. Several of these changes were confirmed by Northern blot analyses.
      Sequence analysis of the 3'UTRs of up- and down-regulated genes allowed the
      identification of conserved structural RNA motifs enriched in each group,
      suggesting that specific ribonucleoprotein complexes could be of great importance
      in the adaptation of this parasite to different environments through regulation
      of transcript abundance.

PMID- 22039055
TI  - A dormant state modulated by osmotic pressure controls clonogenicity of prostate
      cancer cells.
AB  - Cell dormancy constitutes a limiting step of the metastatic process by preventing
      the proliferation of isolated cancer cells disseminated at distant sites from the
      primary tumor. The study of cancer cell dormancy is severely hampered by the lack
      of biological samples so that the mechanisms that regulate cell dormancy have not
      been extensively explored. In this work, we describe the rapid induction in vitro
      of a dormant state in prostate cancer cells by exposure to a slightly hypertonic
      growth medium. This quiescence is observed only when cells are seeded at low
      density and, once established, requires additional stimuli besides osmotic
      pressure to be reversed. Media conditioned by cells grown at high density can
      partially prevent or reverse dormancy, a phenomenon which can be reproduced with
      citric acid. In addition to this role of small metabolites, inactivation of the
      p53 and smad pathways also counters the entry into dormancy, whereas exposure to
      activin A induces it to some extent. Thus, this easily inducible dormancy
      reproduces several features associated with the dormancy of stem cells and cancer
      cells in vivo.

PMID- 22039056
TI  - RECQL4, the protein mutated in Rothmund-Thomson syndrome, functions in telomere
      maintenance.
AB  - Telomeres are structures at the ends of chromosomes and are composed of long
      tracks of short tandem repeat DNA sequences bound by a unique set of proteins
      (shelterin). Telomeric DNA is believed to form G-quadruplex and D-loop
      structures, which presents a challenge to the DNA replication and repair
      machinery. Although the RecQ helicases WRN and BLM are implicated in the
      resolution of telomeric secondary structures, very little is known about RECQL4,
      the RecQ helicase mutated in Rothmund-Thomson syndrome (RTS). Here, we report
      that RTS patient cells have elevated levels of fragile telomeric ends and that
      RECQL4-depleted human cells accumulate fragile sites, sister chromosome
      exchanges, and double strand breaks at telomeric sites. Further, RECQL4 localizes
      to telomeres and associates with shelterin proteins TRF1 and TRF2. Using
      recombinant proteins we showed that RECQL4 resolves telomeric D-loop structures
      with the help of shelterin proteins TRF1, TRF2, and POT1. We also found a novel
      functional synergistic interaction of this protein with WRN during D-loop
      unwinding. These data implicate RECQL4 in telomere maintenance.

PMID- 22039057
TI  - Identification of residues in chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 1 (Chd1)
      required for coupling ATP hydrolysis to nucleosome sliding.
AB  - Chromatin remodelers are ATP-dependent machines responsible for directionally
      shifting nucleosomes along DNA. We are interested in defining which elements of
      the chromodomain helicase DNA-binding protein 1 (Chd1) remodeler are necessary
      and sufficient for sliding nucleosomes. This work focuses on the polypeptide
      segment that joins the ATPase motor to the C-terminal DNA-binding domain. We
      identify amino acid positions outside the ATPase motor that, when altered,
      dramatically reduce nucleosome sliding ability and yet have only ~3-fold
      reduction in ATPase stimulation by nucleosomes. These residues therefore appear
      to play a role in functionally coupling ATP hydrolysis to nucleosome sliding, and
      suggest that the ATPase motor requires cooperation with external elements to
      slide DNA past the histone core.

PMID- 22039058
TI  - The nucleotide-binding state of microtubules modulates kinesin processivity and
      the ability of Tau to inhibit kinesin-mediated transport.
AB  - The ability of Tau to act as a potent inhibitor of kinesin's processive run
      length in vitro suggests that it may actively participate in the regulation of
      axonal transport in vivo. However, it remains unclear how kinesin-based transport
      could then proceed effectively in neurons, where Tau is expressed at high levels.
      One potential explanation is that Tau, a conformationally dynamic protein, has
      multiple modes of interaction with the microtubule, not all of which inhibit
      kinesin's processive run length. Previous studies support the hypothesis that Tau
      has at least two modes of interaction with microtubules, but the mechanisms by
      which Tau adopts these different conformations and their functional consequences
      have not been investigated previously. In the present study, we have used single
      molecule imaging techniques to demonstrate that Tau inhibits kinesin's processive
      run length in an isoform-dependent manner on GDP-microtubules stabilized with
      either paclitaxel or glycerol/DMSO but not guanosine-5'-((alpha,beta)
      methyleno)triphosphate (GMPCPP)-stabilized microtubules. Furthermore, the order
      of Tau addition to microtubules before or after polymerization has no effect on
      the ability of Tau to modulate kinesin motility regardless of the stabilizing
      agent used. Finally, the processive run length of kinesin is reduced on GMPCPP
      microtubules relative to GDP-microtubules, and kinesin's velocity is enhanced in
      the presence of 4-repeat long Tau but not the 3-repeat short isoform. These
      results shed new light on the potential role of Tau in the regulation of axonal
      transport, which is more complex than previously recognized.

PMID- 22039060
TI  - MBoC 2011: same values, improved feng shui.

PMID- 22039061
TI  - Give chance a chance.
AB  - How did I get to become a cell biologist? Or, more generally, why do things
      happen the way they do? The answer provided by the philosopher Democritus and
      later adopted by Jacques Monod is "everything existing in the universe is the
      fruit of chance and necessity." While I read Monod's book Chance and Necessity as
      an undergraduate student, little did I appreciate the accuracy of this citation
      and how much of my scientific trajectory would be guided by chance.

PMID- 22039062
TI  - Science stories: flies, planes, worms, and lasers.
AB  - "Tell a story," my mother instructs her graduate students as they prepare their
      talks. I will make use of her advice here, and will tell several short stories.
      The themes revolve around the practice of science-what motivates us to go into
      science and how we choose questions once we get there. I also touch on progress
      in scientific tools, teaching, good mentors, and good colleagues, all of which
      contribute to making a career in science constantly compelling.

PMID- 22039063
TI  - Spatial and temporal impacts on a career in science.
AB  - In cell biology, subcellular locale is critical for the action of signaling
      molecules, for regulation of gene expression, and for proper cell division. In
      simple terms, everything must be in the right place at the right time. For my
      research, I have focused on understanding the role the nuclear pore complex (NPC)
      plays in maintaining this balance. With eukaryotic transcription in the nucleus
      and translation in the cytoplasm, highly selective import and export events at
      the NPC connect these spatially separated processes to allow gene expression. In
      a similar way, spatial and temporal events have repeatedly impacted my scientific
      career. In different places and times, interactions with mentors, collaborators,
      colleagues, and trainees have shaped my research and mentoring philosophies: aim
      high, fuel your passions, collaborate, and take risks to find supportive
      environments and challenging projects that impact scientific discovery.

PMID- 22039064
TI  - A different kind of quarterback.
AB  - I am not big on celebrations, nor do I accept many invitations to receive awards.
      There is much work to be done, and the reward is in the doing. I learned this
      lesson early from my parents, Martha and Robert Guyden. However, I am humbled
      that anyone would even mention my name in association with E. E. Just. I, like
      he, was born into a segregated America, and somehow we both found biology. I
      think Just's life story instigates a discussion on diversity in science, as well
      it should. However, after reading Tyrone Hayes' (2010 E. E. Just Award recipient)
      essay from last year, "Diversifying the Biological Sciences: Past Efforts and
      Future Challenges" (Hayes, 2010), I have little to add on the subject. His words
      gave voice to my thoughts. That being said, I would like to use these pages to
      describe my journey into the "Cell" and the people who "hoed the row ahead of
      me."

PMID- 22039065
TI  - An evolving paradigm for the secretory pathway?
AB  - The paradigm that the secretory pathway consists of a stable endoplasmic
      reticulum and Golgi apparatus, using discrete transport vesicles to exchange
      their contents, gained important support from groundbreaking biochemical and
      genetic studies during the 1980s. However, the subsequent development of new
      imaging technologies with green fluorescent protein introduced data on dynamic
      processes not fully accounted for by the paradigm. As a result, we may be seeing
      an example of how a paradigm is evolving to account for the results of new
      technologies and their new ways of describing cellular processes.

PMID- 22039066
TI  - Mitosis futures: the past is prologue.
AB  - The mechanisms by which cells organize and segregate their chromosomes have been
      under close scrutiny for years, and significant progress has been made in
      understanding how mitosis works. Modern cell biology has identified most of the
      molecules that underlie mitotic spindle function, but the ways in which they are
      organized and controlled to make an effective and accurate cellular machine are
      exciting subjects for future study.

PMID- 22039067
TI  - Molecular motors: forty years of interdisciplinary research.
AB  - A mere forty years ago it was unclear what motor molecules exist in cells that
      could be responsible for the variety of nonmuscle cell movements, including the
      "saltatory cytoplasmic particle movements" apparent by light microscopy. One
      wondered whether nonmuscle cells might have a myosin-like molecule, well known to
      investigators of muscle. Now we know that there are more than a hundred different
      molecular motors in eukaryotic cells that drive numerous biological processes and
      organize the cell's dynamic city plan. Furthermore, in vitro motility assays,
      taken to the single-molecule level using techniques of physics, have allowed
      detailed characterization of the processes by which motor molecules transduce the
      chemical energy of ATP hydrolysis into mechanical movement. Molecular motor
      research is now at an exciting threshold of being able to enter into the realm of
      clinical applications.

PMID- 22039068
TI  - How we discovered fluorescent speckle microscopy.
AB  - Fluorescent speckle microscopy (FSM) is a method for measuring the movements and
      dynamic assembly of macromolecular assemblies such as cytoskeletal filaments
      (e.g., microtubules and actin) or focal adhesions within large arrays in living
      cells or in preparations in vitro. The discovery of the method depended on
      recognizing the importance of unexpected fluorescence images of microtubules
      obtained by time-lapse recording of vertebrate epithelial cells in culture. In
      cells that were injected with fluorescent tubulin at ~10% of the cytosol pool,
      microtubules typically appeared as smooth threads with a nearly constant
      fluorescence intensity. One day, when an unusually low concentration of
      fluorescent tubulin was injected into cells, the images from a sensitive cooled
      charge-coupled detector camera showed microtubules with an unusual "speckled"
      appearance-there were fluorescent dots with variable intensity and spacing along
      the microtubules. A first thought was that the speckles were an artifact. With
      further thought, we surmised that the speckles could be telling us something
      about stochastic association of tubulin dimers with the growing end of a
      microtubule. Numerous experiments confirmed the latter hypothesis. Subsequently
      the method we call FSM has proven to be very valuable. The speckles turned out
      not to be a meaningless artifact, but rather a serendipitous find.

PMID- 22039069
TI  - In the trenches: lessons for scientists from California's Proposition 71
      campaign.
AB  - I describe a number of valuable lessons I learned from participating in
      California's Proposition 71 effort about the role that scientists and rigorous
      scientific advice can play in a public political process. I describe how
      scientists can provide valuable information and advice and how they can also gain
      a great deal from the experience that is valuable to a practicing research
      scientist. Finally, I argue that in the future, building similar broad coalitions
      to support biomedical and other areas of scientific research will be essential to
      protect publicly funded science. Thus, a key lesson from the Proposition 71
      experience is that engagement of scientists with diverse nonscientific groups can
      make a big difference and that scientists must actively engage with the public in
      the future if we are to contribute robustly to the medical and economic health of
      our communities.

PMID- 22039070
TI  - Cholesterol transport from late endosomes to the Golgi regulates t-SNARE
      trafficking, assembly, and function.
AB  - Cholesterol regulates plasma membrane (PM) association and functioning of
      syntaxin-4 and soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive fusion protein 23 (SNAP23) in
      the secretory pathway. However, the molecular mechanism and cellular cholesterol
      pools that determine the localization and assembly of these target membrane SNAP
      receptors (t-SNAREs) are largely unknown. We recently demonstrated that high
      levels of annexin A6 (AnxA6) induce accumulation of cholesterol in late
      endosomes, thereby reducing cholesterol in the Golgi and PM. This leads to an
      impaired supply of cholesterol needed for cytosolic phospholipase A(2) (cPLA(2))
      to drive Golgi vesiculation and caveolin transport to the cell surface. Using
      AnxA6-overexpressing cells as a model for cellular cholesterol imbalance, we
      identify impaired cholesterol egress from late endosomes and diminution of Golgi
      cholesterol as correlating with the sequestration of SNAP23/syntaxin-4 in Golgi
      membranes. Pharmacological accumulation of late endosomal cholesterol and cPLA(2)
      inhibition induces a similar phenotype in control cells with low AnxA6 levels.
      Ectopic expression of Niemann-Pick C1 (NPC1) or exogenous cholesterol restores
      the location of SNAP23 and syntaxin-4 within the PM. Importantly, AnxA6-mediated
      mislocalization of these t-SNAREs correlates with reduced secretion of cargo via
      the SNAP23/syntaxin-4-dependent constitutive exocytic pathway. We thus conclude
      that inhibition of late endosomal export and Golgi cholesterol depletion modulate
      t-SNARE localization and functioning along the exocytic pathway.

PMID- 22039071
TI  - Executive function profile in the offspring of women that smoked during
      pregnancy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Smoking tobacco during pregnancy results in exposure to the fetal
      neuroteratogen nicotine. The current study evaluated if the offspring of smokers
      show abnormalities in maternal ratings of executive function, prevalence of
      Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and academic performance. A
      secondary objective was to determine the utility of online data collection.
      METHODS: Mothers (N = 357) completed the parent form of the Behavioral Rating
      Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) and provided information about smoking
      during pregnancy. RESULTS: The internal consistency of the BRIEF when
      administered electronically was quite satisfactory (Cronbach's alpha = .98). As
      anticipated, ADHD was more frequently diagnosed in the offspring of women that
      smoked at least 10 cigarettes/day (odds ratio [OR] = 2.64, 95% CI = 1.22-5.71).
      Higher (i.e., more problematic) ratings relative to unexposed children (p < .01)
      were only identified on the total BRIEF score, the Metacognition Index, and on
      the Initiate, Plan/Organize, and Monitor scales among children exposed to >=10
      cigarettes/day. Nicotine-exposed children were also more likely to perform less
      well than their classmates in math (OR = 2.78, 95% CI = 1.59-4.87) and reading
      (OR = 2.00, 95% CI = 1.10-3.63), and these academic effects were independent of
      maternal education levels. CONCLUSIONS: This report provides preliminary evidence
      that the BRIEF has adequate psychometric properties when administered
      electronically and that mothers who smoke have offspring with lower executive
      function proficiency. These findings contribute to a larger literature that
      indicates that smoking during pregnancy results in adverse reproductive outcomes
      and, possibly, subtle but enduring deficits in prefrontal function.

PMID- 22039072
TI  - Tobacco packaging and labeling policies under the U.S. Tobacco Control Act:
      research needs and priorities.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act (the "Act"),
      enacted in June 2009, gave the U.S. Food and Drug Administration authority to
      regulate tobacco products. The current paper reviews the provisions for packaging
      and labeling, including the existing evidence and research priorities. METHODS:
      Narrative review using electronic literature search of published and unpublished
      sources in 3 primary areas: health warnings, constituent labeling, and
      prohibitions on the promotional elements of packaging. RESULTS: The Act requires
      9 pictorial health warnings covering half of cigarette packages and 4 text
      warnings covering 30% of smokeless tobacco packages. The Act also prohibits
      potentially misleading information on packaging, including the terms "light" and
      "mild," and provides a mandate to require disclosure of chemical constituents on
      packages. Many of the specific regulatory provisions are based on the extent to
      which they promote "greater public understanding of the risks of tobacco." As a
      result, research on consumer perceptions has the potential to shape the design
      and renewal of health warnings and to determine what, if any, information on
      product constituents should appear on packages. Research on consumer perceptions
      of existing and novel tobacco products will also be critical to help identify
      potentially misleading information that should be restricted under the Act.
      CONCLUSION: Packaging and labeling regulations required under the Act will bring
      the United States in line with international standards. There is an immediate
      need for research to evaluate these measures to guide future regulatory action.

PMID- 22039073
TI  - Water pipe and smokeless tobacco use among medical students in South Africa.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This study sought to determine the sociodemographic and behavioral
      factors associated with water pipe and smokeless tobacco (SLT) use among a
      population of medical students in the Pretoria area, South Africa. METHODS:
      Undergraduate medical students (N = 722) in their 2nd and 6th year of study in 2
      medical schools in South Africa completed a self-administered questionnaire
      during 2008. Information on ever and current use of water pipe and SLT was
      obtained along with information on sociodemographic variables, alcohol use, and
      cigarette smoking status. Multiple logistic regression analysis were used to
      determine factors associated with current use of water pipe and SLT. RESULTS: The
      mean age of study participants was 23 years. Of the participants, 53% were female
      and 55% were self-identified as Black Africans. Of the study participants, 18.6%
      were current water pipe users, 3.1% were current SLT users, while 17.3% were
      current cigarette smokers. Factors independently associated with current water
      pipe use were having an alcohol drinking-problem (odds ratio [OR] = 2.43; 95% CI
      = 1.48-3.40), currently smoking cigarettes (3.40; 2.04-5.67), and reporting
      exposure to smoking in places other than home (2.51; 1.29-4.90). Compared with
      Black students, White medical students were more likely to have smoked a water
      pipe in the past month (3.14; 1.74-5.70) but less likely to have ever used SLT
      (0.37; 0.19-0.73). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the use of
      alternative tobacco products is common among South African medical students and
      may form part of a pattern of risk-taking behavior. Furthermore, there appear to
      be cultural differences in the use of certain tobacco products.

PMID- 22039074
TI  - Chromosome 20 shows linkage with DSM-IV nicotine dependence in Finnish adult
      smokers.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Chromosome 20 has previously been associated with nicotine
      dependence (ND) and smoking cessation. Our aim was to replicate and extend these
      findings. METHODS: First, a total of 759 subjects belonging to 206 Finnish
      families were genotyped with 18 microsatellite markers residing on chromosome 20,
      in order to replicate previous linkage findings. Then, the replication data were
      combined to an existing whole-genome linkage data resulting in a total of 1,302
      genotyped subjects from 357 families. ND diagnosed by DSM-IV criteria, the
      Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND) score, and the lifetime maximum
      number of cigarettes smoked within a 24-hr period (MaxCigs24) were used as
      phenotypes in the nonparametric linkage analyses. RESULTS: We replicated
      previously reported linkage to DSM-IV ND, with a maximum logarithm of odd (LOD)
      score of 3.8 on 20p11, with females contributing more (maximum LOD [MLOD] score
      3.4 on 20q11) than males (MLOD score 2.6 on 20p11). With the combined sample, a
      suggestive LOD score of 2.3 was observed for DSM-IV ND on 20p11. Sex-specific
      analyses revealed that the signal was driven by females with a maximum LOD score
      of 3.3 (on 20q11) versus LOD score of 1.3 in males (on 20q13) in the combined
      sample. No significant linkage signals were obtained for FTND or MaxCigs24.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide further evidence that chromosome 20 harbors
      genetic variants influencing ND in adult smokers.

PMID- 22039075
TI  - Monitoring tobacco-specific N-nitrosamines and nicotine in novel Marlboro and
      Camel smokeless tobacco products: findings from Round 1 of the New Product Watch.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Information on chemical composition of the new oral "spitless"
      smokeless tobacco products is scarce, and it is not clear whether there is some
      variability as a function of purchase place or time due to either unintended or
      intended manufacturing variations or other conditions. METHODS: We analyzed
      tobacco-specific N-nitrosamines (TSNA) and nicotine in Marlboro Snus, Camel Snus,
      and dissolvable Camel products Orbs, Sticks, and Strips that were purchased in
      various regions of the country during the summer of 2010. RESULTS: A total of 117
      samples were received from different states representing six regions of the
      country. Levels of unprotonated nicotine in Marlboro Snus and Camel Snus varied
      significantly by regions, with the differences between the highest and the lowest
      average regional levels being relatively small in Marlboro Snus (~1.3-fold) and
      large in Camel Snus (~3-fold). Some regional variations in TSNA levels were also
      observed. Overall, Camel Snus had significantly higher TSNA levels than Marlboro
      Snus, and Camel Strips had the lowest TSNA levels among all novel products
      analyzed here. The amount of unprotonated nicotine in the dissolvable Camel
      products was comparable to the levels found in Marlboro Snus. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      study demonstrates some regional variations in the levels of nicotine and TSNA in
      Marlboro and Camel novel smokeless tobacco products. Continued monitoring of this
      category of products is needed as the existing products are being test marketed
      and modified, and new products are being introduced. This information is
      particularly important given its relevance to Food and Drug Administration
      regulation of tobacco products.

PMID- 22039076
TI  - Measuring exposure to protobacco marketing and media: a field study using
      ecological momentary assessment.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aims of this study were to validate ecological momentary
      assessment (EMA) as a method for measuring exposure to tobacco-related marketing
      and media and to use this method to provide detailed descriptive data on college
      students' exposure to protobacco marketing and media. METHODS: College students
      (n = 134; ages 18-24 years) recorded their exposures to protobacco marketing and
      media on handheld devices for 21 consecutive days. Participants also recalled
      exposures to various types of protobacco marketing and media at the end of the
      study period. RESULTS: Retrospectively recalled and EMA-based estimates of
      protobacco marketing exposure captured different information. The correlation
      between retrospectively recalled and EMA-logged exposures to tobacco marketing
      and media was moderate (r = .37, p < .001), and EMA-logged exposures were
      marginally associated with the intention to smoke at the end of the study,
      whereas retrospective recall of exposure was not. EMA data showed that college
      students were exposed to protobacco marketing through multiple channels in a
      relatively short period: Exposures (M = 8.24, SD = 7.85) occurred primarily in
      the afternoon (42%), on weekends (35%), and at point-of-purchase locations (68%)
      or in movies/TV (20%), and exposures to Marlboro, Newport, and Camel represented
      56% of all exposures combined and 70% of branded exposures. CONCLUSIONS: Findings
      support the validity of EMA as a method for capturing detailed information about
      youth exposure to protobacco marketing and media that are not captured through
      other existing methods. Such data have the potential to highlight areas for
      policy change and prevention in order to reduce the impact of tobacco marketing
      on youth.

PMID- 22039077
TI  - The reliability of puff topography and subjective responses during ad lib smoking
      of a single cigarette.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Acute smoking behavior (i.e., puff topography) and subjective
      responses during the ad lib smoking of a single cigarette in the laboratory may
      provide useful measures of smoking reinforcement and reward, respectively.
      However, the reliability of such measures is not clear, leaving uncertain the
      utility of a single assessment of smoking behavior as an individual difference
      measure. METHODS: Dependent smokers (N = 94) smoked normally prior to each of 4
      laboratory sessions during which they were instructed to smoke 1 cigarette of
      their preferred brand in ad libitum and unblinded fashion and then rate it for
      subjective effects. Puff topography (puff number, total volume, and maximum
      volume) was assessed via portable Clinical Research Support System device.
      Subjective reward and perception were assessed by visual analog scales of
      "liking" and "how strong," respectively. The reliability of puff topography and
      subjective measures was determined across days by intra-class correlations
      (ICCs). Differences due to sex and nicotine dependence (high and low Fagerstrom
      Test for Nicotine Dependence score) were also examined. RESULTS: Reliability was
      highly significant for each measure. ICCs were .70 for total puff volume, .60 for
      maximum puff volume, .73 for puff number, .64 for liking, and .78 for how strong.
      Reliability generally did not differ by sex or dependence, but absolute values
      for total volume and maximum puff volume were greater in men and in high
      dependent smokers. Liking was also greater in high dependent smokers.
      CONCLUSIONS: Puff topography and subjective measures during the ad lib smoking of
      a single cigarette are highly reliable. Smoking responses during a single ad lib
      smoking session may be useful in identifying stable individual differences in
      smoking reinforcement and reward.

PMID- 22039078
TI  - Epratuzumab-SN-38: a new antibody-drug conjugate for the therapy of hematologic
      malignancies.
AB  - We previously found that slowly internalizing antibodies conjugated with SN-38
      could be used successfully when prepared with a linker that allows approximately
      50% of the IgG-bound SN-38 to dissociate in serum every 24 hours. In this study,
      the efficacy of SN-38 conjugates prepared with epratuzumab (rapidly
      internalizing) and veltuzumab (slowly internalizing), humanized anti-CD22 and
      anti-CD20 IgG, respectively, was examined for the treatment of B-cell
      malignancies. Both antibody-drug conjugates had similar nanomolar activity
      against a variety of human lymphoma/leukemia cell lines, but slow release of SN
      38 compromised potency discrimination in vitro even against an irrelevant
      conjugate. When SN-38 was stably linked to the anti-CD22 conjugate, its potency
      was reduced 40- to 55-fold. Therefore, further studies were conducted only with
      the less stable, slowly dissociating linker. In vivo, similar antitumor activity
      was found between CD22 and CD20 antibody-drug conjugate in mice-bearing Ramos
      xenografts, even though Ramos expressed 15-fold more CD20 than CD22, suggesting
      that the internalization of the epratuzumab-SN-38 conjugate (Emab-SN-38) enhanced
      its activity. Emab-SN-38 was more efficacious than a nonbinding, irrelevant IgG
      SN-38 conjugate in vivo, eliminating a majority of well-established Ramos
      xenografts at nontoxic doses. In vitro and in vivo studies showed that Emab-SN-38
      could be combined with unconjugated veltuzumab for a more effective treatment.
      Thus, Emab-SN-38 is active in lymphoma and leukemia at doses well below toxic
      levels and therefore represents a new promising agent with therapeutic potential
      alone or combined with anti-CD20 antibody therapy.

PMID- 22039079
TI  - Stellate ganglion block for the management of hot flashes and sleep disturbances
      in breast cancer survivors: an uncontrolled experimental study with 24 weeks of
      follow-up.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We studied the stellate ganglion block (SGB) recently suggested for
      the treatment of severe vasomotor symptoms and sleep disturbances in breast
      cancer survivors. Following an initial pilot study, which focused on the
      acceptability and safety of SGB for this important problem, we evaluated its
      short- and long-term efficacy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Postmenopausal breast
      cancer survivors with severe vasomotor symptoms resistant to standard nonhormonal
      pharmacological intervention were eligible. Diaries were used to measure daily
      hot flash scores (frequency and intensity) and sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep
      Quality Index) during scheduled visits at baseline, 1, 4, 12 and 24 weeks
      following the SGB. Efficacy data were analyzed using longitudinal regression
      models. RESULTS: Thirty-four patients participated and none refused the SGB
      procedure. Most patients received more than one SGB. The pilot study found SGB to
      be safe. In the main study, hot flash scores were reduced from baseline by 64%
      [95% confidence interval (CI) -74% to -49%] and 47% (95% CI -62% to -27%) at
      weeks 1 and 24, respectively. The odds ratio of better sleep quality relative to
      baseline was 3.4 at week 1 (95% CI 1.6-7.2) and 4.3 at week 24 (95% CI 1.9-9.8).
      CONCLUSION: In the short term, SGB appears to be an effective treatment with
      acceptable morbidity for some breast cancer survivors with therapy-resistant
      vasomotor symptoms and/or sleep disturbances. Although sleep quality was
      maintained out to 24 weeks the efficacy of SGB for hot flashes was reduced over
      time. A randomized controlled trial is needed to confirm these findings.

PMID- 22039080
TI  - Outcome of special types of luminal breast cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The identification of special types of breast cancer might be of
      value in assessing prognosis and predicting response to therapy. METHODS: A total
      of 7372 consecutive patients with immunohistochemically defined luminal invasive
      breast cancer operated at the European Institute of Oncology between 1997 and
      2005 were included. We then explored patterns of recurrence by histological type.
      Median follow-up was 5.8 years. RESULTS: Tumors from 5707 patients were
      classified as invasive ductal cancer (IDC) not otherwise specified (NOS), 851
      lobular, 338 mixed ductal and lobular, 250 cribriform, 143 mucinous and 83
      tubular carcinomas. Compared with IDC NOS disease-free survival (DFS) was
      significantly longer in patients with cribriform tumors [5-year DFS 97.9% versus
      87.4%; hazard ratio (HR) = 0.48; P = 0.015) and in pooled cribriform plus tubular
      carcinomas (5-year DFS 98.7% versus 87.4%; HR = 0.45; P = 0.005). Mucinous tumors
      presented similar DFS if compared with IDC (5-year DFS 93 % versus 87.4%; HR =
      1.03; P = 0.91). Conversely, DFS was poorer for patients with lobular carcinoma
      (5-year DFS 86.8% versus 87.4%; HR = 1.27; P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The diagnosis
      of tubular, cribriform and lobular carcinomas carry distinct prognostic
      implications. The identification of these special types has a significant utility
      in luminal breast cancer and should be considered in therapeutic algorithms.

PMID- 22039081
TI  - Advanced well-differentiated/dedifferentiated liposarcomas: role of chemotherapy
      and survival.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Data regarding the role of systemic therapy in patients with advanced
      well-differentiated/dedifferentiated liposarcomas (WDLPS/DDLPS) are limited.
      METHODS: From 2000 to 2010, 208 patients with advanced WDLPS/DDLPS received
      chemotherapy in 11 participating institutions. Clinical and pathological data
      were collected by reviewing medical records. RESULTS: Median age was 63 years
      (range 32-84). Combination chemotherapy was delivered in 85 cases (41%) and
      single agent in 123 cases (59%), respectively. One hundred and seventy-one
      patients (82%) received an anthracycline-containing regimen. Using RECIST,
      objective response was observed in 21 patients (12%), all treated with
      anthracyclines. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 4.6 months [95%
      confidence interval (CI) 3.3-5.9]. On multivariate analysis, age and performance
      status (PS) were the sole factors significantly associated with poor PFS. Median
      overall survival (OS) was 15.2 months (95% CI 11.8 -18.7). On multivariate
      analysis, grade and PS were the sole factors significantly associated with OS.
      CONCLUSIONS: Chemotherapy was associated with clinical benefit in 46% of patients
      with advanced WDLPS/DDLPS. OS remains poor, even though visceral metastatic
      disease is less frequent than in other sarcomas.

PMID- 22039082
TI  - Professional failure: how do oncologists feel it?

PMID- 22039083
TI  - Alcohol drinking and bladder cancer risk: a meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We aimed at investigating the risk of bladder cancer at different
      levels of alcohol consumption by conducting a meta-analysis of epidemiological
      studies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In October 2010, we carried out a systematic
      literature search in the Medline database, using PubMed. We identified 16 case
      control and 3 cohort studies, including a total of 11 219 cases of bladder
      cancer, satisfying the inclusion criteria for this meta-analysis. Moderate
      alcohol intake was defined as <3 drinks per day (i.e. <37.5 g of ethanol per day)
      and heavy intake as >=3 drinks/day. Pooled estimates of the relative risks (RR)
      and the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated using random
      effects models. RESULTS: Compared with non-drinkers, the pooled RRs of bladder
      cancer were 1.00 (95% CI 0.92-1.09) for moderate and 1.02 (95% CI 0.78-1.33) for
      heavy alcohol drinkers. When we excluded four studies that did not adjust for
      tobacco smoking, the corresponding estimates were 0.98 (95% CI 0.89-1.07) and
      0.97 (95% CI 0.72-1.31). CONCLUSIONS: This meta-analysis of epidemiological
      studies provides definite evidence on the absence of any material association
      between alcohol drinking and bladder cancer risk, even at high levels of
      consumption.

PMID- 22039084
TI  - Retreatment with trastuzumab-based therapy after disease progression following
      lapatinib in HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Preclinical data suggest that treatment with lapatinib reinduces
      sensitivity to trastuzumab in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER2)
      positive breast cancer cells. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between January 2007 and
      November 2010, 179 HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer patients were treated
      with lapatinib and capecitabine at nine Italian institutions. We evaluated the
      clinical outcome of 69 patients (38.5%) retreated with trastuzumab after
      lapatinib progression. RESULTS: Visceral metastases were identified in 51 (74%)
      and brain metastases in 16 patients (23%). All patients were pretreated with both
      trastuzumab- and lapatinib-based therapy. We observed with retreatment with
      trastuzumab-based therapy: 1 complete remission (2%), 18 partial remission (29%)
      and 10 stable disease >=6 months (14%) and 47% of clinical benefit (CB). Median
      duration of response was 8.1 months [95% confidence interval (CI) 5.5-10.7]. No
      unexpected toxic effects occurred. At a median follow-up of 13 months, median
      progression-free survival was 4.9 months (95% CI 4.2-5.6) and overall survival
      (OS) 19.4 months (95% CI 14.0-25.0). Median OS was longer for patients
      experiencing CB (not reached versus 13.4 months for patients without CB, P =
      0.002). Brain involvement was associated with lower median OS (17.3 versus 23.3
      months for patients without brain disease; P = 0.021). CONCLUSION: Retreatment
      with trastuzumab-based therapy showed CB in 47% of patients progressing during
      lapatinib-based therapy, leading to a prolonged OS.

PMID- 22039085
TI  - Perioperative docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil (DCF) for locally advanced
      esophageal and gastric adenocarcinoma: a multicenter phase II trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although perioperative chemotherapy for esophagogastric
      adenocarcinoma (ADC) improves survival, the overall poor prognosis suggests that
      further refinement of treatment is required. Docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5
      fluorouracil (5-FU) (DCF) is effective for metastatic ADC of the upper
      gastrointestinal (GI) tract; we thus sought to investigate the efficacy of this
      regimen in patients with resectable disease. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with
      resectable ADC of the upper GI tract received DCF [docetaxel (Taxotere) 75
      mg/m(2) I.V. day 1, cisplatin 75 mg/m(2) I.V. day 1, 5-FU 750 mg/m(2) continuous
      infusion for 120 h, every 3 weeks] for three cycles before and after resection.
      Primary end point was complete resection; secondary end points were response,
      toxicity, surgical morbidity, and overall survival. RESULTS: Forty-three patients
      with ADC of the esophagus (11), gastroesophageal junction (25), or stomach (7)
      started treatment and 86% completed all preoperative cycles with grade 3-4
      toxicity arising in 47%. Metabolic response to chemotherapy (reduction in maximal
      standard uptake value >35%) was achieved in 25/33 (76%) patients. Surgery was
      carried out in 41/43 and complete resection was achieved in all 41 patients with
      pathologic complete response in 4/41. Postoperative chemotherapy was started in
      29 patients and completed in 24. Three-year overall survival was 60%. CONCLUSION:
      Perioperative DCF is a tolerable and highly effective regimen for the treatment
      of esophagogastric ADC.

PMID- 22039086
TI  - Bevacizumab is equally effective and no more toxic in elderly patients with
      advanced colorectal cancer: a subgroup analysis from the AGITG MAX trial: an
      international randomised controlled trial of Capecitabine, Bevacizumab and
      Mitomycin C.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In an ageing population, a greater proportion of geriatric patients
      will be considered for systemic chemotherapy. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common
      malignancy and will be a major health issue in geriatrics. We used the MAX
      population to investigate whether age affected the improved outcome found in CRC
      when bevacizumab is added to capecitabine chemotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS:
      MAX, a three arm study of Capecitabine (C) versus CBevacizumab (CB) versus
      CBMitomycin C (CBM), found an improvement in progression-free survival (PFS),
      with addition of B [+/- mitomycin C (MMC)] to C. This analysis assesses the
      effect of adding B (+/- MMC) to C on PFS, overall survival (OS), response rate
      (RR), toxicity and dose intensity in geriatric patients (age >= 75 years).
      RESULTS: Ninety-nine patients (21%) were aged 75-86 years. Baseline
      characteristics were well balanced. Eighty-eight per cent commenced C at the
      lower optional dose of 2000 mg/m(2)/day; days 1-14, q21 (61% for <75 years) and
      88% were Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group 0-1. Co-morbidities were as expected
      in this population. The addition of B significantly improved PFS in geriatric
      patients(C 5.8 months versus CB 8.8 months, Hazard ratio (HR) 0.65 and C versus
      CBM 10.4 months HR 0.38). The interaction test for OS, RR and PFS revealed no
      impact of age. Dose intensity was maintained >90% in all patients. There were no
      major differences in toxicity patterns between age cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: Addition
      of B to C significantly improved PFS in this geriatric population, with similar
      benefits to those aged <75 years. Treatment was well tolerated with no signal of
      increased toxicity (including thromboembolism) when compared with those aged <75
      years.

PMID- 22039087
TI  - Short course chemotherapy followed by concomitant chemoradiotherapy and surgery
      in locally advanced rectal cancer: a randomized multicentric phase II study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Induction chemotherapy has been suggested to impact on preoperative
      chemoradiation efficacy in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). To evaluate in
      LARC patients, the feasibility and efficacy of a short intense course of
      induction oxaliplatin before preoperative chemoradiotherapy (CRT). PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: Patients with T2-T4/N+ rectal adenocarcinoma were randomly assigned to
      arm A-preoperative CRT with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) continuous infusion followed by
      surgery-or arm B-induction oxaliplatin, folinic acid and 5-FU followed by CRT and
      surgery. The primary end point was the rate of ypT0-1N0 stage achievement.
      RESULTS: Fifty seven patients were randomly assigned (arm A/B: 29/28) and
      evaluated for planned interim analysis. On an intention-to-treat basis, the ypT0
      1N0 rate for arms A and B were 34.5% (95% CI: 17.2% to 51.8%) and 32.1% (95% CI:
      14.8% to 49.4%), respectively, and the study therefore was closed prematurely for
      futility. There were no statistically significant differences in other end points
      including pathological complete response, tumor regression and sphincter
      preservation. Completion of the preoperative CRT sequence was similar in both
      groups. Grade 3/4 toxicity was significantly higher in arm B. CONCLUSIONS: Short
      intense induction oxaliplatin is feasible in LARC patients without compromising
      the preoperative CRT completion, although the current analysis does not indicate
      increased locoregional impact on standard therapy.

PMID- 22039088
TI  - PIK3CA exon 20 mutations as a potential biomarker for resistance to anti-EGFR
      monoclonal antibodies in KRAS wild-type metastatic colorectal cancer: a
      systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to dissect the
      association between PIK3CA mutations and resistance to anti-epidermal growth
      factor receptor (EGFR) monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs) according to PIK3CA exon of
      mutations in metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). METHODS: We systematically
      identified studies exploring the association between PIK3CA mutations and
      clinical outcomes of mCRC patients treated with anti-EGFR MoAbs. The primary
      clinical outcomes included objective response rate (ORR), progression-free
      survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS). The pooled relative risk (RR) or
      hazard ratio (HR) was estimated by using fixed effect model or random effect
      model according to heterogeneity between studies. RESULTS: Thirteen studies were
      considered eligible, with 576 mCRC patients included. In KRAS wild-type mCRC
      patients, we observed a lower ORR in patients with PIK3CA exon 20 mutations [3
      studies, 377 patients; ORR = 0% versus 37%; RR = 0.25; 95% confidence interval
      (CI) 0.05-1.19; P = 0.082], although the result was not statistically significant
      because of the small sample size. Only one study provided survival data according
      to the PIK3CA exon of the mutations, in which PIK3CA exon 20 mutations were
      statistically significantly associated with shorter PFS (HR = 2.52; 95% CI 1.33
      4.78; P = 0.013) and OS (HR = 3.29; 95% CI 1.60-6.74; P = 0.006) in KRAS wild
      type mCRC patients treated with anti-EGFR MoAbs. The predictive power of exon 20
      mutation is greater than exon 9 mutations and all exons mutations in terms of
      ORR, PFS, and OS. CONCLUSION: These analyses suggest that PIK3CA exon 20
      mutations may be a potential biomarker for resistance to anti-EGFR MoAbs in KRAS
      wild-type mCRC.

PMID- 22039089
TI  - Frontline chemotherapy with bortezomib-containing combinations improves response
      rate and survival in primary plasma cell leukemia: a retrospective study from
      GIMEMA Multiple Myeloma Working Party.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The best therapeutic approach for primary plasma cell leukemia (PPCL)
      remains unknown so far. In very limited studies, the poor clinical outcome of
      this aggressive variant of multiple myeloma seemed to be ameliorated by the use
      of the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib. Aiming to provide more consolidated data,
      this multicenter retrospective survey focused on unselected and previously
      untreated PPCL patients who had received bortezomib as frontline therapy.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twenty-nine patients with PPCL were collected. Bortezomib
      was given at standard doses and schedules, in various combinations with
      dexamethasone, thalidomide, doxorubicin, melphalan, prednisone, vincristine, and
      cyclophosphamide. RESULTS: An overall response rate of 79% was observed, with 38%
      of at least very good partial remission. Grade 3-4 hematological, neurological,
      infectious, and renal toxic effects occurred in 20%, 21%, 16%, and 4% of
      patients, respectively. After a median follow-up of 24 months, 16 patients were
      alive (55%), 12 of whom were in remission phase and 4 relapsed. The best long
      term results were achieved in patients who received stem-cell transplantation
      after bortezomib induction. CONCLUSION: Bortezomib, used as initial therapy, is
      able to increase the percentage and the quality of responses in PPCL patients,
      producing a significant improvement of survival.

PMID- 22039091
TI  - Postprogression survival for first-line chemotherapy of patients with advanced
      non-small-cell lung cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Given the growing number of drugs available for non-small-cell lung
      cancer (NSCLC), an effect of first-line chemotherapy on overall survival (OS)
      might be confounded by subsequent therapies. We examined the relation between
      postprogression survival (PPS) and OS in phase III trials of first-line
      chemotherapy for advanced NSCLC. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A literature search
      identified 69 trials that were published during the past decade. We partitioned
      OS into progression-free survival (PFS) and PPS and evaluated the relation
      between OS and either PFS or PPS. We also examined whether any association might
      be affected by the year of completion of trial enrollment. RESULTS: The average
      PPS was longer in recent trials than in older trials (6.5 versus 4.4 months, P <
      0.0001). For all trials, PPS was strongly associated with OS (r = 0.82), whereas
      PFS was moderately associated with OS (r = 0.43). The correlation between OS and
      PPS in recent trials was stronger than that in older trials (r = 0.89 and 0.66).
      CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate that, especially for recent trials, PPS is
      highly associated with OS in first-line chemotherapy for advanced NSCLC, whereas
      PFS is only moderately associated with OS.

PMID- 22039090
TI  - An observational study of the prevalence and incidence of comorbid conditions in
      older women with breast cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Longitudinal analyses of comorbid conditions in women with breast
      cancer are few. METHODS: Using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results
      Medicare data, we included 51,950 women aged>=66 years with in situ and stage I
      to IV breast cancer diagnosed in 1998-2002. We identified the prevalence and
      incidence of 34 comorbid conditions in these women, as well as in a matched
      cohort without cancer whose rates were standardized to the age and race/ethnicity
      distribution of the cancer patients. We also estimated rates of office encounters
      and diagnostic or testing procedures during the 12 months before diagnosis.
      RESULTS: The prevalence of most conditions at diagnosis was comparable among
      breast cancer and noncancer patients. New conditions after diagnosis were more
      common in breast cancer patients, and the incidence rates increased with higher
      stage at diagnosis. Before diagnosis, women presenting with stage IV disease had
      41% [95% confidence interval (CI) 38% to 43%] fewer physician encounters and 34%
      (95% CI 24% to 31%) fewer unique diagnostic tests than women diagnosed with
      carcinoma in situ. CONCLUSIONS: Many comorbid conditions are identified as a
      consequence of the breast cancer diagnosis. There appears to be an important
      contribution from a lack of interaction with the health care system before
      diagnosis.

PMID- 22039092
TI  - Quality of work life in doctors working with cancer patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although studies have shown that medical residents experience poor
      psychological health and poor organizational conditions, their quality of work
      life (QWL) had not been measured. A new tool, the Quality of Work Life Systemic
      Inventory (QWLSI), proposes to fill the gap in the definition and assessment of
      this concept. AIMS: To confirm the convergent validity of the QWLSI, analyse
      Belgian medical residents' QWL with the QWLSI and discuss an intervention
      methodology based on the analysis of the QWLSI. METHODS: One hundred and thirteen
      medical residents participated between 2002 and 2006. They completed the QWLSI,
      the Maslach Burnout Inventory and the Job Stress Survey to confirm the
      correspondence between these three tools. RESULTS: Residents' low QWL predicted
      high emotional exhaustion (beta = 0.282; P < 0.01) and job stress (beta = 0.370;
      P < 0.001) levels, confirming the convergent validity. This sample of medical
      residents had an average QWL (MU = 5.8; SD = 3.1). However, their QWL was very
      low for three subscales: arrangement of work schedule (MU = 9; SD = 6.3), support
      offered to employee (MU = 7.6; SD = 6.1) and working relationship with superiors
      (MU = 6.9; SD = 5.3). CONCLUSIONS: The results confirm that the QWLSI can provide
      an indication of workers' health well-being and of organizational performance in
      different areas of work life. The problem factors found among Belgian medical
      residents suggest that prevention should focus on reduction of work hours,
      development of support and change in leadership style.

PMID- 22039093
TI  - Association of the R67X and W303X non-sense polymorphisms in the protein Z
      dependent protease inhibitor gene with idiopathic recurrent miscarriage.
AB  - Protein Z-dependent protease inhibitor (ZPI) is a 72 kDa single-chain serpin
      which inhibits the activated coagulation factors X and XI. Two non-sense
      polymorphisms of ZPI, R67X and W303X, were recently identified, and were linked
      with a prothrombotic state. Here, we investigated the association of the R67X
      (728C>T) and W303X (1438G>A) variants in the ZPI gene with recurrent spontaneous
      miscarriage (RSM). This was a case-control study involving a total of 288 women
      with a history of two consecutive or >=3 non-consecutive pregnancy losses between
      8 and 12th week of gestation, along with 304 age-matched and ethnically matched
      multiparous control women, with no personal or family history of pregnancy
      complications. The minor allele frequency of R67X (P = 0.003) and W303X (P =
      0.014) were higher in RSM cases than in control women. Both single-nucleotide
      polymorphisms were significantly associated with RSM under the dominant genetic
      association model, and were in moderate linkage disequilibrium (D' = 0.412; P <
      0.001). Taking the common (728)C/(1438)G haplotype as reference, multivariate
      analysis confirmed the positive association of (728)T/(1438)G [P = 0.043; odds
      ratio (OR) = 2.25; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.03-4.90], and (728)T/(1438)A
      (P = 0.022; OR = 3.93; 95% CI = 1.23-12.59) haplotypes with increased RSM risk.
      These differences remained significant after controlling for some covariates.
      These results demonstrate that both ZPI R67X and W303X non-sense variants and
      specific ZPI haplotypes are significantly associated with RSM.

PMID- 22039095
TI  - Cancer mortality among female and male workers occupationally exposed to
      inorganic lead in the printing industry.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of the carcinogenicity of lead for humans has been based
      primarily on the results of studies on occupationally exposed men, although
      gender differences in lead metabolism have been reported. In addition, most of
      the previous studies have been limited by a failure to identify and control for
      co-exposures to other known occupational carcinogens. The present study follows
      an industrial cohort of workers, mostly women, with moderate lead exposure and no
      confounding by other occupational exposures. METHODS: Workers, employed at least
      2 years between 1950 and 1978 in manual and mechanical (linotype) typesetting and
      type foundries in 27 printing plants in Moscow, were included in the cohort,
      which comprised 1423 men and 3102 women. The cohort was followed up during 1979
      2003 and contributed 93,682 person-years of observation. Follow-up was 97.7%
      complete. Standardised mortality ratios (SMRs) and 95% CIs, based on mortality
      rates of the Moscow general population and adjusted for gender, age and calendar
      time, were calculated for the total cohort as well as subcohorts stratified by
      various exposure parameters. RESULTS: Among women, mortality from all causes,
      circulatory diseases and all cancers combined was lower than that in the Moscow
      general population and was similar across work groups. Among men, there was
      excess overall mortality, mainly due to increased mortality from ischaemic heart
      disease. For both sexes, no significant excess risk for any cancer site was
      observed, although some dose-response patterns were found. In the overall cohort,
      mortality from cancers of the kidney and pancreas increased up to twofold in the
      highest tertile of cumulative lead exposure based on duration and a relative
      ranking of the three subcohorts (9 deaths; SMR=2.12, 95% CI 1.10 to 4.07) and (18
      deaths; SMR=2.32, 95% CI 1.46 to 3.68), respectively. Similar mortality trends
      for these two cancers were found in analyses by gender. CONCLUSIONS:
      Consistencies by sex and exposure level make a strong case for a link between
      exposure to inorganic lead and cancers of the kidney and pancreas.

PMID- 22039094
TI  - alpha7beta2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors assemble, function, and are
      activated primarily via their alpha7-alpha7 interfaces.
AB  - We investigated assembly and function of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors
      (nAChRs) composed of alpha7 and beta2 subunits. We measured optical and
      electrophysiological properties of wild-type and mutant subunits expressed in
      cell lines and Xenopus laevis oocytes. Laser scanning confocal microscopy
      indicated that fluorescently tagged alpha7 and beta2 subunits colocalize. Forster
      resonance energy transfer between fluorescently tagged subunits strongly
      suggested that alpha7 and beta2 subunits coassemble. Total internal reflection
      fluorescence microscopy revealed that assemblies localized to filopodia-like
      processes of SH-EP1 cells. Gain-of-function alpha7 and beta2 subunits confirmed
      that these subunits coassemble within functional receptors. Moreover, alpha7beta2
      nAChRs composed of wild-type subunits or fluorescently tagged subunits had
      pharmacological properties similar to those of alpha7 nAChRs, although amplitudes
      of alpha7beta2 nAChR-mediated, agonist-evoked currents were generally ~2-fold
      lower than those for alpha7 nAChRs. It is noteworthy that alpha7beta2 nAChRs
      displayed sensitivity to low concentrations of the antagonist dihydro-beta
      erythroidine that was not observed for alpha7 nAChRs at comparable
      concentrations. In addition, cysteine mutants revealed that the alpha7-beta2
      subunit interface does not bind ligand in a functionally productive manner,
      partly explaining lower alpha7beta2 nAChR current amplitudes and challenges in
      identifying the function of native alpha7beta2 nAChRs. On the basis of our
      findings, we have constructed a model predicting receptor function that is based
      on stoichiometry and position of beta2 subunits within the alpha7beta2 nAChRs.

PMID- 22039096
TI  - Fixed FEV(1)/FVC ratio <0.7 for identifying airflow limitation: not a good idea
      in occupational settings.

PMID- 22039097
TI  - Sensitisation to common allergens and respiratory symptoms in endotoxin exposed
      workers: a pooled analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To test the hypotheses that current endotoxin exposure is inversely
      associated with allergic sensitisation and positively associated with non
      allergic respiratory diseases in four occupationally exposed populations using a
      standardised analytical approach. METHODS: Data were pooled from four
      epidemiological studies including 3883 Dutch and Danish employees in veterinary
      medicine, agriculture and power plants using biofuel. Endotoxin exposure was
      estimated by quantitative job-exposure matrices specific for the study
      populations. Dose-response relationships between exposure, IgE-mediated
      sensitisation to common allergens and self-reported health symptoms were assessed
      using logistic regression and generalised additive modelling. Adjustments were
      made for study, age, sex, atopic predisposition, smoking habit and farm
      childhood. Heterogeneity was assessed by analysis stratified by study. RESULTS:
      Current endotoxin exposure was dose-dependently associated with a reduced
      prevalence of allergic sensitisation (ORs of 0.92, 0.81 and 0.66 for low mediate,
      high mediate and high exposure) and hay fever (ORs of 1.16, 0.81 and 0.58).
      Endotoxin exposure was a risk factor for organic dust toxic syndrome, and levels
      above 100 EU/m(3) significantly increased the risk of chronic bronchitis
      (p<0.0001). Stratification by farm childhood showed no effect modification except
      for allergic sensitisation. Only among workers without a farm childhood,
      endotoxin exposure was inversely associated with allergic sensitisation.
      Heterogeneity was primarily present for biofuel workers. CONCLUSIONS:
      Occupational endotoxin exposure has a protective effect on allergic sensitisation
      and hay fever but increases the risk for organic dust toxic syndrome and chronic
      bronchitis. Endotoxin's protective effects are most clearly observed among
      agricultural workers.

PMID- 22039098
TI  - Crystal structure of a heterodimer of editosome interaction proteins in complex
      with two copies of a cross-reacting nanobody.
AB  - The parasite Trypanosoma brucei, the causative agent of sleeping sickness across
      sub-Saharan Africa, depends on a remarkable U-insertion/deletion RNA editing
      process in its mitochondrion. A approximately 20 S multi-protein complex, called
      the editosome, is an essential machinery for editing pre-mRNA molecules encoding
      the majority of mitochondrial proteins. Editosomes contain a common core of
      twelve proteins where six OB-fold interaction proteins, called A1-A6, play a
      crucial role. Here, we report the structure of two single-strand nucleic acid
      binding OB-folds from interaction proteins A3 and A6 that surprisingly, form a
      heterodimer. Crystal growth required the assistance of an anti-A3 nanobody as a
      crystallization chaperone. Unexpectedly, this anti-A3 nanobody binds to both
      A3(OB) and A6, despite only ~40% amino acid sequence identity between the OB
      folds of A3 and A6. The A3(OB)-A6 heterodimer buries 35% more surface area than
      the A6 homodimer. This is attributed mainly to the presence of a conserved Pro
      rich loop in A3(OB). The implications of the A3(OB)-A6 heterodimer, and of a
      dimer of heterodimers observed in the crystals, for the architecture of the
      editosome are profound, resulting in a proposal of a 'five OB-fold center' in the
      core of the editosome.

PMID- 22039099
TI  - The MOF-containing NSL complex associates globally with housekeeping genes, but
      activates only a defined subset.
AB  - The MOF (males absent on the first)-containing NSL (non-specific lethal) complex
      binds to a subset of active promoters in Drosophila melanogaster and is thought
      to contribute to proper gene expression. The determinants that target NSL to
      specific promoters and the circumstances in which the complex engages in
      regulating transcription are currently unknown. Here, we show that the NSL
      complex primarily targets active promoters and in particular housekeeping genes,
      at which it colocalizes with the chromatin remodeler NURF (nucleosome remodeling
      factor) and the histone methyltransferase Trithorax. However, only a subset of
      housekeeping genes associated with NSL are actually activated by it. Our analyses
      reveal that these NSL-activated promoters are depleted of certain insulator
      binding proteins and are enriched for the core promoter motif 'Ohler 5'. Based on
      these results, it is possible to predict whether the NSL complex is likely to
      regulate a particular promoter. We conclude that the regulatory capacity of the
      NSL complex is highly context-dependent. Activation by the NSL complex requires a
      particular promoter architecture defined by combinations of chromatin regulators
      and core promoter motifs.

PMID- 22039100
TI  - Solution structure and stability of the DNA undecamer duplexes containing oxanine
      mismatch.
AB  - Solution structures of DNA duplexes containing oxanine (Oxa, O) opposite a
      cytosine (O:C duplex) and opposite a thymine (O:T duplex) have been solved by the
      combined use of (1)H NMR and restrained molecular dynamics calculation. One
      mismatch pair was introduced into the center of the 11-mer duplex of
      [d(GTGACO(6)CACTG)/d(CAGTGX(17)GTCAC), X = C or T]. (1)H NMR chemical shifts and
      nuclear Overhauser enhancement (NOE) intensities indicate that both the duplexes
      adopt an overall right-handed B-type conformation. Exchangeable resonances of
      C(17) 4-amino proton of the O:C duplex and of T(17) imino proton of O:T duplex
      showed unusual chemical shifts, and disappeared with temperature increasing up to
      30  degrees C, although the melting temperatures were >50  degrees C. The O:C
      mismatch takes a wobble geometry with positive shear parameter where the Oxa ring
      shifted toward the major groove and the paired C(17) toward the minor groove,
      while, in the O:T mismatch pair with the negative shear, the Oxa ring slightly
      shifted toward the minor groove and the paired T(17) toward the major groove. The
      Oxa mismatch pairs can be wobbled largely because of no hydrogen bond to the O1
      position of the Oxa base, and may occupy positions in the strands that optimize
      the stacking with adjacent bases.

PMID- 22039101
TI  - Newt-omics: a comprehensive repository for omics data from the newt Notophthalmus
      viridescens.
AB  - Notophthalmus viridescens, a member of the salamander family is an excellent
      model organism to study regenerative processes due to its unique ability to
      replace lost appendages and to repair internal organs. Molecular insights into
      regenerative events have been severely hampered by the lack of genomic,
      transcriptomic and proteomic data, as well as an appropriate database to store
      such novel information. Here, we describe 'Newt-omics' (http://newt-omics.mpi
      bn.mpg.de), a database, which enables researchers to locate, retrieve and store
      data sets dedicated to the molecular characterization of newts. Newt-omics is a
      transcript-centred database, based on an Expressed Sequence Tag (EST) data set
      from the newt, covering ~50,000 Sanger sequenced transcripts and a set of high
      density microarray data, generated from regenerating hearts. Newt-omics also
      contains a large set of peptides identified by mass spectrometry, which was used
      to validate 13,810 ESTs as true protein coding. Newt-omics is open to implement
      additional high-throughput data sets without changing the database structure. Via
      a user-friendly interface Newt-omics allows access to a huge set of molecular
      data without the need for prior bioinformatical expertise.

PMID- 22039102
TI  - Characterization of flavins in roots of Fe-deficient strategy I plants, with a
      focus on Medicago truncatula.
AB  - The root accumulation and excretion of riboflavin (Rbfl) and Rbfl derivatives
      have been studied in the model legume species Medicago truncatula, grown in
      hydroponics in two different Fe deficiency conditions, with and without CaCO(3).
      Using high resolution mass spectrometry techniques coupled to liquid
      chromatography, three different flavin derivatives not previously reported in
      plants, putatively identified as 7-hydroxy-Rbfl, 7alpha-hydroxy-Rbfl and 7
      carboxy-Rbfl, were found along with Rbfl in Fe-deficient M. truncatula roots. In
      the presence of CaCO(3) most of the flavins were accumulated in the roots,
      whereas in the absence of CaCO(3) there was partial export to the nutrient
      solution. The major flavins in roots and nutrient solution were Rbfl and 7
      hydroxy-Rbfl, respectively. Flavins were located in the root cortex and epidermal
      cells, preferentially in a root region near the apex that also exhibited
      increased ferric chelate reductase (FCR) activity. Six out of 15 different
      species of horticultural interest showed root increases in both Rbfl (four of
      them also having Rbfl derivatives) and FCR. No significant correlation was found
      between Rbfl and either phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase or FCR activities,
      whereas the latter two showed a good correlation between them. The possible roles
      of Rbfl and Rbfl derivatives in roots and nutrient solutions are discussed.
      Medicago truncatula is proposed as a model system for flavin studies.

PMID- 22039103
TI  - CYP716A subfamily members are multifunctional oxidases in triterpenoid
      biosynthesis.
AB  - Triterpenoids are a diverse group of secondary metabolites that are associated
      with a variety of biological activities. Oleanolic acid, ursolic acid and
      betulinic acid are common triterpenoids in plants with diverse biological
      activities, including antifungal, antibacterial, anti-human immunodeficiency
      virus (HIV) and/or antitumor activities. In the present study, using the gene co
      expression analysis tool of Medicago truncatula, we found a strong correlation
      between CYP716A12 and beta-amyrin synthase (bAS), which encodes the enzyme
      responsible for the initial cyclization of 2,3-oxidosqualene to beta-amyrin (the
      basic structural backbone of most triterpenoid saponins). Through an in vitro
      assay, we identified CYP716A12 as a beta-amyrin 28-oxidase able to modify beta
      amyrin to oleanolic acid (through erythrodiol and, possibly, oleanolic aldehyde).
      We also confirmed its activity in vivo, by expressing CYP716A12 in transgenic
      yeast that endogenously produce beta-amyrin. In addition, CYP716A12 was evaluated
      for its potential alpha-amyrin- and lupeol-oxidizing activities. Interestingly,
      CYP716A12 was able to generate ursolic acid (through uvaol and, possibly, ursolic
      aldehyde) and betulinic acid (through betulin). Hence, CYP716A12 was
      characterized as a multifunctional enzyme with beta-amyrin 28-oxidase, alpha
      amyrin 28-oxidase and lupeol 28-oxidase activities. We also identified homologs
      of CYP716A12 in grape (CYP716A15 and CYP716A17) that are involved in triterpenoid
      biosynthesis, which indicates the highly conserved functionality of the CYP716A
      subfamily among plants. These findings will be useful in the heterologous
      production of pharmacologically and industrially important triterpenoids,
      including oleanolic acid, ursolic acid and betulinic acid.

PMID- 22039104
TI  - Shotguns in the front line: phosphoproteomics in plants.
AB  - The emergence of 'shotgun proteomics' has paved the way for high-throughput
      proteome analysis, by which thousands of proteins can be identified
      simultaneously from complex samples. Although the shotgun approach has the
      potential to monitor many different post-translational modifications, further
      technological development is needed to enrich each post-translational
      'modificome'. Large-scale in vivo phosphorylation site mapping, so-called shotgun
      phosphoproteomics, has become feasible in various organisms, including plants,
      owing to recent technological breakthroughs. Shotgun phosphoproteomics is not a
      mature technology, but progress has been rapid. In this review, we highlight the
      scope and limitations of current methods, and some key technological issues in
      this field.

PMID- 22039105
TI  - Autophagy in tobacco BY-2 cells cultured under sucrose starvation conditions:
      isolation of the autolysosome and its characterization.
AB  - Tobacco culture cells carry out a large-scale degradation of intracellular
      proteins in order to survive under sucrose starvation conditions. We have
      previously suggested that this bulk degradation of cellular proteins is performed
      by autophagy, where autolysosomes formed de novo act as the major lytic
      compartments. The digestion process in autolysosomes can be retarded by addition
      of the cysteine protease inhibitor E-64c to the culture medium, resulting in the
      accumulation of autolysosomes. In the present study, we have investigated several
      properties of autolysosomes in tobacco cells. Electron microscopy showed that the
      autolysosomes contain osmiophilic particles, some of which resemble partially
      degraded mitochondria. It also revealed the presence of two kinds of autolysosome
      precursor structures; one resembled the isolation membrane and the other the
      autophagosome of mammalian cells. Immunofluorescence microscopy showed that
      autolysosomes contain acid phosphatase, in accordance with cytochemical enzyme
      analyses by light and electron microscopy in a previous study. Autolysosomes
      isolated by cell fractionation on Percoll gradients showed the localization of
      acid phosphatase, vacuolar H(+)-ATPase and cysteine protease. These results show
      that starvation-induced autophagy in tobacco cells follows a macroautophagic-type
      response similar to that described for other eukaryotes. However, our results
      indicate that, although the plant vacuole is often described as being equivalent
      to the lysosome of the animal cell, a new low pH lytic compartment-the
      autolysosome-also contributes to proteolytic degradation when tobacco cells are
      subjected to sucrose deprivation.

PMID- 22039106
TI  - TB tendering could have a dramatic impact on rural practices.

PMID- 22039107
TI  - Plants 'unlikely to be the cause' of seasonal canine illness.

PMID- 22039110
TI  - Views sought on draft dog breeding rules in Northern Ireland.

PMID- 22039111
TI  - Engaging in the big society.

PMID- 22039112
TI  - Learning more about rabies.

PMID- 22039113
TI  - Apprenticeships as a route to higher education.

PMID- 22039114
TI  - Professionalism on display at BVNA congress.

PMID- 22039115
TI  - Towards a new vaccine for coccidiosis.

PMID- 22039117
TI  - Caring for the brains of young pups.

PMID- 22039118
TI  - Australian stringhalt in the UK.

PMID- 22039119
TI  - Bovine TB and wildlife control.

PMID- 22039120
TI  - The Cyt P450 enzyme CYP716A47 catalyzes the formation of protopanaxadiol from
      dammarenediol-II during ginsenoside biosynthesis in Panax ginseng.
AB  - Ginseng (Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer) is one of the most popular medicinal herbs and
      contains pharmacologically active components, ginsenosides, in its roots.
      Ginsenosides, a class of tetracyclic triterpene saponins, are thought to be
      synthesized from dammarenediol-II after hydroxylation by the Cyt P450 (CYP)
      enzyme and then glycosylation by glycosyltransferase (GT). However, no genes
      encoding the hydroxylation and glycosylation in ginsenoside biosynthesis have
      been identified. Here, we identify protopanaxadiol synthase, which is a CYP
      enzyme (CYP716A47), to be involved in the hydroxylation of dammarenediol-II at
      the C-12 position to yield protopanaxadiol. Nine putative full CYP sequences were
      isolated from the expressed sequence tags (ESTs) of methyl jasmonate (MeJA)
      treated adventitious ginseng roots. The CYP716A47 gene product was selected as
      the putative protopanaxadiol synthase because this gene was transcriptionally
      activated not only by MeJA treatment but also in transgenic ginseng that
      overexpresses squalene synthase and overproduces ginsenosides. In vitro enzymatic
      activity assays revealed that CYP716A47 catalyzed the oxidation of dammarenediol
      II to produce protopanaxadiol. Ectopic expression of CYP716A47 in recombinant
      WAT21 yeasts that were fed dammarenediol-II yielded protopanaxadiol. Furthermore,
      co-expression of the dammarenediol synthase gene (PgDDS) and CYP716A47 in yeast
      yielded protopanaxadiol without adding dammarenediol-II. The chemical structures
      of the protopanaxadiol products from dammarenediol-II were confirmed using liquid
      chromatography-atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometry
      (LC/APCIMS). Thus, CYP716A47 is a dammarenediol 12-hydroxylase that produces
      protopanaxadiol from dammarenediol-II.

PMID- 22039121
TI  - Generation of transgenic rice lines with reduced contents of multiple potential
      allergens using a null mutant in combination with an RNA silencing method.
AB  - Rice seed proteins are known to be a causative antigen in some patients with food
      allergy, especially cereal allergy, with clinical symptoms such as eczema and
      dermatitis. The alpha-amylase/trypsin inhibitors (14-16 kDa), alpha-globulin (26
      kDa) and beta-glyoxalase I (33 kDa) are regarded as major potential allergens of
      rice (Oryza sativa L.) seed based on specific recognition by serum IgE from
      allergy patients. In order to suppress the production of these major allergens in
      rice grains, a mutant in the 'Koshihikari' background lacking the 26 kDa allergen
      (GbN-1) was used as a host for RNA silencing. A binary vector harboring two RNA
      interference (RNAi) gene cassettes for suppression of 14-16 kDa and 33 kDa
      allergens driven by the 13 kDa and 10 kDa prolamin endosperm-specific promoters,
      respectively, was introduced into the GbN-1 genome by Agrobacterium-mediated
      transformation. In the most promising transgenic line, the content of the three
      potential allergens was remarkably reduced to a very faint level without a change
      in seed phenotype. IgE binding of 15 patients' sera to the transgenic rice seed
      mostly deficient in the three major allergens was on average only about 10% that
      of the control wild-type rice, suggesting that these three accounted for the
      great majority of rice seed causative allergens recognized by patients' IgE and
      that the sequential allergen deletion/reduction strategy works in the development
      of hypo-allergenic rice lines.

PMID- 22039122
TI  - Treadmill workstations: a worksite physical activity intervention in overweight
      and obese office workers.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine if a treadmill-workstation (TMWS) increases physical
      activity (PA) and influences anthropometric, body composition, cardiovascular,
      and metabolic variables in overweight and obese office-workers. METHODS: Twelve
      (mean age= 46.2 +/- 9.2 years) overweight/obese sedentary office-workers (mean
      BMI= 33.9 +/- 5.0 kg.m-2) volunteered to participate in this 9-month study. After
      baseline measurements of postural allocation, steps per day, anthropometric
      variables, body composition, cardiovascular, and metabolic variables, TMWS were
      installed in the participants' offices for their use. Baseline measurements were
      repeated after 3 and 9 months. Comparisons of the outcome variables were made
      using repeated-measures ANOVAs or nonparametric Friedman's Rank Tests. RESULTS:
      Between baseline and 9 months, significant increases were seen in the median
      standing (146-203 min.day-1) and stepping time (52-90 min.day-1) and total
      steps/day (4351-7080 steps/day; P < .05). Correspondingly, the median time spent
      sitting/lying decreased (1238-1150 min.day-1; P < .05). Using the TMWS
      significantly reduced waist (by 5.5 cm) and hip circumference (by 4.8 cm), low
      density lipoproteins (LDL) (by 16 mg.dL-1), and total cholesterol (by 15 mg.dL-1)
      during the study (P < .05). CONCLUSION: The additional PA energy expenditure from
      using the TMWS favorably influenced waist and hip circumferences and lipid and
      metabolic profiles in overweight and obese office-workers.

PMID- 22039123
TI  - Evolution and devolution of national physical activity policy in Canada.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Low levels of physical activity (PA) and fitness have long been a
      government concern in Canada; however, more than half of adults are inactive.
      This article examines factors influencing policy development and implementation
      using Canadian PA policy as a case study. METHODS: Current and historical PA
      policy documents were amassed from a literature review, audit of government and
      non government websites and from requests to government officials in each
      jurisdiction directly responsible for PA. These were analyzed to determine policy
      content, results, barriers, and success factors. RESULTS: The national focus for
      PA policy in Canada has devolved to a multilevel system that meets most
      established criteria for successful strategies. Earlier PA targets have been met;
      however, the prevalence of PA decreased from 2005 to 2007. Annual per capita
      savings in health care associated with achieving the earlier target is estimated
      at $6.15 per capita, yet a fraction of that is directed to promoting PA.
      CONCLUSION: Evidenced-based strategies that address multiple policy agendas using
      sector-specific approaches are needed. Sustained high-level commitment is
      required; advocacy grounded in metrics and science is needed to increase the
      profile of the issue and increase the commitments to PA policies in Canada and
      internationally.

PMID- 22039124
TI  - Physical activity of children with and without long-term illness or disability.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We know very little about physical activity in children with long
      term illness or disability compared with those children without disabilities.
      Previous studies indicate low physical activity levels among all adolescents.
      METHODS: The sample consisted of Canadian (n = 2720) and Finnish pupils (n =
      3459) approximately 13.5 and 15.5 years of age in general (mainstreamed)
      education. The study is a part of the Health Behavior in School-aged Children
      (HBSC) study. Nationally representative data were collected in 2002 using a
      standardized questionnaire. The moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity
      screening measure was used. RESULTS: Approximately one-fifth of the pupils in
      both countries had a long-term disability, illness or medical condition. In both
      countries boys and girls with a long-term illness or disability were equally
      physically inactive, and adolescents with a long-term illness or disability were
      as physically active as those without disabilities. CONCLUSIONS: There is no
      difference between young people with and without long-term illness/disability,
      and between boys and girls, in relation to their physical activity. However, all
      of them fall short of recommended guidelines. This indicates that promoting a
      physically active lifestyle should be of high priority in the lives of young
      people.

PMID- 22039125
TI  - Adolescent physical activity participation and motivational determinants across
      gender, age, and race.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Physical activity (PA) declines as adolescents get older, and the
      motivational determinants of PA warrant further investigation. The purposes of
      this study were to investigate the amount of physical and sedentary activity that
      adolescents participated in across age, gender, and race, and to investigate
      adolescents' attraction to PA and their perceived barriers and benefits across
      age, gender, and race. METHODS: High school students (N = 1163) aged between 13
      and 16 years completed questionnaires on minutes and intensity of physical and
      sedentary activity, interests in physical activity, and perceived benefits and
      barriers to participating in PA. RESULTS: A series of multivariate analyses of
      variance were conducted and followed up with discriminant function analysis. PA
      participation decreased in older females. In addition, fun of physical exertion
      was a primary attraction to PA for males more than females. Body image as an
      expected outcome of participating in PA contributed most to gender differences.
      CONCLUSION: There is a need to determine why PA drops-off as females get older.
      Findings underscore the importance of structuring activities differently to
      sustain interest in male and female adolescents, and highlights motives of having
      a healthy body image, and making PA fun to enhance participation.

PMID- 22039126
TI  - A qualitative examination of factors related to the decrease in physical activity
      behavior in adolescent girls during the transition from primary to secondary
      school.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Quantitative research has suggested that the decline in physical
      activity levels for adolescent girls is most marked during the transition from
      primary school to secondary school yet understanding the contributing factors for
      this decline may be advanced through qualitative research methods to gain an
      individual perspective of the girls' school transition experience. METHODS: This
      study explored factors related to the decrease in physical activity behavior in
      14 adolescent girls (mean age = 13.6 +/- 0.3 years) during the transition between
      primary and secondary school through the use of narrative interviews and
      interpretative phenomenological analysis. RESULTS: The findings suggested that a
      change in the environment was central to understanding the decline in physical
      activity levels since primary school. CONCLUSIONS: During secondary school, a
      positive environment can be created by ensuring a choice of activities in
      Physical Education lessons; allowing a girls-only environment, to reduce the
      focus on competence and competition, and recognizing the importance of social
      support. These could enhance self-perceptions, reduce self-presentational
      concerns, increase enjoyment, and subsequently reduce the decrease in physical
      activity behavior during this key transitional period.

PMID- 22039127
TI  - The impacts of building a greenway on proximate residents'  physical activity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A significant association has been identified between physical
      activity and proximity to greenways. However, residents more likely to be active
      may have selected to live near existing greenways. The purpose of this study was
      to determine whether development of a new greenway has the potential to increase
      activity levels of existing, proximate residents. METHODS: In 2008, survey data
      were collected before and after 5 miles of greenway were added to an existing
      greenway. RESULTS: When comparing residents living nearest (<= .50 miles) the new
      greenway section with those living further (.51-1.0 miles), days spent walking
      and participating in moderate physical activity increased. Despite mean
      increases, no significant interactions were detected. CONCLUSIONS: Although
      evidence is inconclusive, apparent increases in walking and moderate activity
      suggest development of a greenway proximate to residents' homes is likely to have
      a positive effect on participation levels. Additional research is needed to
      address article limitations.

PMID- 22039128
TI  - Perceived walkability, social support, age, native language, and vehicle access
      as correlates of physical activity: a cross-sectional study of low-socioeconomic
      status, ethnic, minority women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The role of social-environmental factors in physical activity (PA)
      within lower income and ethnic minority populations is understudied. This study
      explored correlates of age-related PA and perceived walkability (PW). METHODS:
      Cross-sectional data (N = 401 women; >=18 y) were collected within the Jane-Finch
      community in Toronto, Ontario using questionnaires. Generalized additive models,
      an extension to multiple regression, were used to estimate effect sizes and
      standard errors. RESULTS: Significant interactions between native language and
      car access (CA) were observed in PA variation across the lifespan. Individuals
      were evenly distributed across 4 comparison groups: 29.2% English-NoCA, 24.1%
      English-CA, 20.7% Non-English-NoCA, and 26.0% NonEnglish-CA. Risk of
      sedentariness increased with age for native English speakers > 50 years, but
      appears unaffected by age for other groups. English speakers without CA < 60
      years appear least likely to be sedentary, followed by English speakers with CA.
      In general, an active individual at the 75th percentile of social support for
      exercise would have 1.62 (CI: 1.22-2.17) times the MET-Hours of PA than an active
      individual at the 25th percentile of SSE. CONCLUSIONS: English language facility
      and car access moderate relationships of social-environmental factors and PA.
      Further investigation is required to better understand correlates of PA for women
      in this demographic.

PMID- 22039129
TI  - Validation of the SOPLAY direct observation tool with an accelerometry-based
      physical activity monitor.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The System for Observing Play and Leisure Activities (SOPLAY) is a
      direct observation instrument designed to assess group physical activity and
      environmental contexts. The purpose of this study was to test the convergent
      validity of the SOPLAY using temporally matched data from an accelerometry-based
      activity monitor. METHODS: Accelerometry-based physical activity data were
      obtained from 160 elementary school children from 9 after-school activity
      programs. SOPLAY coding was used to directly observe physical activity during
      these sessions. Analyses evaluated agreement between the monitored and observed
      physical activity behavior by comparing the percent of youth engaging in physical
      activity with the 2 assessments. RESULTS: Agreement varied widely depending on
      the way the SOPLAY codes were interpreted. Estimates from SOPLAY were
      significantly higher than accelerometer PA levels when codes of walking and
      vigorous were used (in combination) to reflect participation in moderate to
      vigorous PA (MVPA). Estimates were similar when only SOPLAY codes of vigorous
      were used to define MVPA (Difference = 1.33 +/- 22.06%). CONCLUSIONS: SOPLAY
      codes of walking corresponded well with estimates of Light intensity PA.
      Observations provide valid indicators of MVPA if coding is based on the
      percentage of youth classified as "vigorous."

PMID- 22039130
TI  - How much observation is enough? Refining the administration of SOPARC.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Systematic Observation of Play and Recreation in Communities
      (SOPARC) was designed to estimate the number and characteristics of people using
      neighborhood parks by assessing them 4 times/day, 7 days/week. We tested whether
      this schedule was adequate and determined the minimum number of observations
      necessary to provide a robust estimate of park user characteristics and their
      physical activity levels. METHODS: We conducted observations every hour for 14
      hours per day during 1 summer and 1 autumn week in 10 urban neighborhood parks: 2
      each in Los Angeles, CA; Albuquerque, NM; Columbus, OH; Durham, NC; and
      Philadelphia, PA. We counted park users by gender, age group, apparent
      race/ethnicity, and activity level. We used a standardized Cronbach's alpha and
      intraclass correlation coefficients to test the reliability of using fewer
      observations. RESULTS: We observed 76,632 individuals, an average of 547/park/day
      (range 155-786). Interobserver reliability ranged from 0.80 to 0.99. Obtaining a
      robust estimate of park user characteristics and their physical activity required
      a schedule of 4 days/week, 4 times/day. CONCLUSION: An abbreviated schedule of
      SOPARC was sufficient for estimating park use, park user characteristics, and
      physical activity. Applying these observation methods can augment physical
      activity surveillance.

PMID- 22039131
TI  - Accuracy of multisensor activity monitors in normal versus high BMI African
      American children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Overweight children show different movement patterns during walking
      than normal-weight children, suggesting the accuracy of multisensory activity
      monitors may differ in these groups. METHODS: Eleven normal and 15 high BMI
      African American children walked at 2, 4, 5, and 6 km/h on a treadmill wearing
      the Intelligent Device for Energy Expenditure and Activity (IDEEA) and SenseWear
      (SW). Accuracy was determined using indirect calorimetry and manually counted
      steps as references. RESULTS: For IDEEA, no significant differences in accuracy
      were observed between BMI groups for energy expenditure (EE), but differences
      were significant by speed (+15% at 2 km/h to -10% at 6 km/h). For SW, EE accuracy
      was significantly different for high (+21%) versus normal BMI girls (-13%) at 2
      km/h. For high BMI girls, EE was overestimated at low speed and underestimated at
      higher speeds. Underestimations in steps did not differ by BMI group at 4 to 6
      km/h, but were significantly larger at 2 km/h than at the other speeds for all
      groups with IDEEA, and for normal BMI children with SW. CONCLUSIONS: Similar
      accuracies during walking may be expected in normal and overweight children using
      IDEEA and SW. Both monitors showed small errors for steps provided speed exceeded
      2 km/h.

PMID- 22039132
TI  - Physical inactivity in Nigerian young adults: prevalence and socio-demographic
      correlates.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study assessed the prevalence of physical inactivity and the
      influence of sociodemographic variables on physical activity categories,
      highlighting the correlates of physical inactivity in Nigerian young adults.
      METHODS: A representative sample of young adults age 16 to 39 years (n = 1006)
      from a Nigerian University were categorized using the International Physical
      Activity Questionnaire as physically inactive, moderately active, and highly
      active. Prevalence rates were computed for the activity categories and the
      independent associations of sociodemographic correlates on each category were
      determined using the multinomial logistic regression. RESULTS: Physical
      inactivity prevalence was 41%. More likely to be inactive were females (OR =
      1.93; CI: 1.49-2.49), those of Hausa ethnicity (OR = 2.29; CI: 1.08-5.84), having
      BMI > 30 kg/m2 (OR = 2.88; CI: 1.16-7.17), and those whose parents' annual income
      was < 180,000 NAIRA (OR = 1.69; CI: 1.04-2.95). Less likely to be moderately
      active were females (OR = 0.71; CI: 0.61-0.95), those with BMI between 25.0 to
      29.9 kg/m2 (OR = 0.46; CI: 0.23-0.92), and those of Hausa ethnicity (OR = 0.17;
      CI: 0.04-0.74). CONCLUSION: Important sociodemographic variables that can
      contribute to the preliminary analysis of correlates of physical inactivity among
      Nigerian young adults were identified.

PMID- 22039133
TI  - Pedometer variance in adults with Down syndrome during free walking: a
      generalizability study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pedometers are a common instrument used to measure walking activity,
      yet reliability evidence in disability populations, particularly Down syndrome
      (DS), has received little attention. There may be systematic and random sources
      of error that could influence reliability under natural walking conditions. The
      purpose of this study was to examine the sources of variance and estimate
      reliability coefficients of spring-levered (SL) and piezoelectric (PZ) pedometers
      for adults with DS during a free-walking bout. METHODS: Seventeen adults with DS
      and 23 adults without a disability walked continuously for a 20-minute period
      wearing 2 types of pedometers, SL and PZ. Step counts were analyzed using
      Generalizability theory to partition and quantify variance components and
      calculate reliability coefficients. RESULTS: The largest variance component was
      due to individual participant differences. Adults with DS demonstrated greater
      intraindividual variability, but also had relatively low proportions of residual
      variance, or unexplained error. The SL pedometer showed problems with interunit
      variance while the PZ pedometer demonstrated little systematic error. Reliability
      coefficients were consistently higher for the PZ pedometer. CONCLUSIONS: This
      study found minimal systematic error and moderate reliability evidence for the PZ
      pedometer. This type of pedometer may be used in future research for adults with
      DS.

PMID- 22039134
TI  - Factors associated with adherence to an accelerometer protocol in older adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adherence to protocols of accelerometer use by participants of
      research studies is crucial to ensure the most accurate measure of their physical
      activity. METHODS: We used data from a study of 201 individuals 65 years of age
      and older to examine whether aging effects on physical and cognitive health limit
      the ability of an older adult to be adherent to an accelerometer protocol.
      RESULTS: A comparison of participants who met the adherent person criteria with
      those who did not showed that the percentage of participants whose income is
      $20,000 or greater, the percentage of participants who reported white race, and
      the mean number of school grades completed were significantly different between
      the 2 groups. Logistic regression analyses showed that the best multivariate
      model to predict being a valid person included Instrumental Activities of Daily
      Living score, while the best multivariate model to predict being an adherent
      person included Modified Guralnik Lower Body Score and Mini-Mental State
      Examination Score. CONCLUSIONS: This study found that certain measures of
      physical and cognitive functioning were the best predictors of adherence to an
      accelerometer protocol among older adults.

PMID- 22039135
TI  - Cycling to school and cardiovascular risk factors: a longitudinal study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cycling to school may potentially increase physical activity level in
      sedentary children. Transport to school occur twice a day and could improve
      cardiovascular health in children. Commuter cycling is associated with lower
      mortality and cardiovascular disease rate in adults, but limited evidence exists
      in children. METHODS: Participants were 334 children (age 9.7 +/- 0.5 years) who
      were followed up 6 years later. Mode of travel to school was investigated by
      questionnaire. Cardiovascular (CVD) risk factors were compared by mode of travel
      to school both at baseline and at follow up and for subjects who changed mode of
      transportation. No difference was found between walkers and passive travelers,
      and these groups were merged in the analysis. RESULTS: A consistent pattern of
      better CVD risk factor profile in commuter cyclists compared with children using
      other means of transport was found. Participants, who did not cycle to school at
      baseline, and who had changed to cycling at follow up, were fitter, had better
      cholesterol/HDL ratio, better glucose metabolism, and a lower composite CVD risk
      factor score than those who did not cycle at either time point. CONCLUSION:
      Cycling to school may contribute to a better cardiovascular risk factor profile
      in young people.

PMID- 22039136
TI  - The association between the type, context, and levels of physical activity
      amongst adolescents.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Little is known about how the type and context of physical activity
      behaviors varies among adolescents with differing activity levels. The aim of
      this study was to assess differences in the type and context of physical activity
      behaviors in adolescents by level of objectively measured physical activity.
      METHODS: Cross-sectional analysis of 2728 adolescents (1299 males, 1429 females)
      participating in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC).
      The mean (SD) age was 13.8 (+0.1) years. Physical activity was measured using an
      Actigraph over 7 days. Adolescents were categorized into tertiles of activity
      (less, moderately, highly active) using counts/min and min/d of moderate-to
      vigorous activity (MVPA). Activity type was reported using the Previous Day
      Physical Activity Recall (PDPAR). Differences in the type and context of activity
      by activity level were analyzed using Chi squared. RESULTS: Highly active boys
      reported more job, outside, and sports activities on school days (P < .05), and
      more sports activities on nonschool days (P < .05). Highly active girls reported
      more outside activities on school days (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Identifying the
      type and context of physical activity behaviors associated with more active
      adolescents, can help inform policy and physical activity interventions aimed at
      increasing activity levels in adolescents.

PMID- 22039137
TI  - Clinical research and healthcare outcomes.

PMID- 22039138
TI  - How may clinical research improve healthcare outcomes?
AB  - Healthcare outcomes such as overall survival or quality of life are the end
      results of a complex interaction between the patient, treatment and the
      healthcare system. Research may identify superior interventions but their
      dissemination and changing the behaviour of healthcare providers is challenging.
      Demonstrating and measuring the benefits of clinical research on healthcare
      outcomes is an important issue but there is remarkably little empiric work to
      date in this area. In this chapter we explore benefits that may arise in
      healthcare from contributing to clinical research, and consider the mechanisms
      which may be relevant. Improvements in infrastructure, the processes of care and
      workforces are important. Complex adaptive systems theory provides a framework
      for considering the many feedback loops that relate research, health outcomes and
      the behaviour of healthcare providers. Given the costs of research, additional
      studies to examine the impact of research on healthcare outcomes and to explore
      the mechanisms are justified and highly desirable.

PMID- 22039139
TI  - Clinical research in epithelial ovarian cancer and patients' outcome.
AB  - We evaluated the relationship between the outcome of newly diagnosed ovarian
      cancer patients treated in 1123 German gynecology departments in 2001, and their
      participation in clinical trials through two German cooperative study groups. In
      addition, we evaluated other potential factors predicting outcome including
      hospital volume. The analysis was based on 476 patients from 165 hospitals and 3
      year follow-up. Patients treated in study hospitals had a higher chance of
      receiving treatment according to national guidelines. This included a higher
      chance of receiving optimal staging in early stage disease and of receiving the
      recommended combination of surgical debulking and combination chemotherapy in
      advanced disease. On multivariable Cox model analysis, overall survival was
      significantly worse in patients treated in non-study hospitals.

PMID- 22039140
TI  - The impact of the process of clinical research on health service outcomes.

PMID- 22039141
TI  - Clinical trials of cancer screening in the developing world and their impact on
      cancer healthcare.
AB  - Several research and training initiatives were organized by the International
      Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) in collaboration with national institutions
      in countries such as Angola, Brazil, Burkina Faso, China, Republic of Congo,
      Guinea, India, Mali, Mauritania, Nepal, Niger, Peru, Tanzania and Thailand among
      others, to address feasible and effective means of early detection and prevention
      of cervical, breast and oral cancers. The impact of these activities, that
      involved over 600 000 participants and more than 1200 healthcare personnel
      trained on strengthening the local health services in terms of infrastructure,
      human resources and service delivery aspects in host countries and other regions,
      is addressed here. These studies, inbuilt in appropriate health services
      platforms, have resulted in the development and sustenance of several continuing
      point of care services of screening and treatment in most host countries,
      particularly in sub-Saharan Africa, and have catalysed regional early detection
      programmes in India, China and Thailand. The IARC collaborative studies have
      evolved into major focal points of training and extending services in many
      countries. The large evidence base, resulting from ours and other studies is
      likely, in due course, to facilitate much wider scaling up of screening and
      treatment services through organised programmes.

PMID- 22039142
TI  - Research-intensive cancer care in the NHS in the UK.
AB  - In the late 1990 s, in response to poor national cancer survival figures,
      government monies were invested to enhance recruitment to clinical cancer
      research. Commencing with England in 2001 and then rolling out across all four
      countries, a network of clinical cancer research infrastructure was created, the
      new staff being linked to existing clinical care structures including multi
      disciplinary teams. In parallel, a UK-wide co-ordination of cancer research
      funders driven by the 'virtual' National Cancer Research Institute, combined to
      create a 'whole-system approach' linking research funders, researchers and NHS
      clinicians all working to the same ends. Over the next 10 years, recruitment to
      clinical trials and other well-designed studies, increased 4-fold, reaching 17%
      of the incident cancer population, the highest national rate world-wide. The
      additional resources led to more studies opened, and more patients recruited
      across the country, for all types of cancers and irrespective of additional
      clinical research staff in some hospitals. In 2006, a co-ordinated decision was
      made to increasingly focus on randomized trials, leading to increased
      recruitment, without any fall-off in accrual to non-randomized and observational
      studies. The National Cancer Research Network has supported large successful
      trials which are changing clinical practice in many cancers.

PMID- 22039143
TI  - Extending the clinical research network approach to all of healthcare.
AB  - The development of Clinical Research Networks (CRN) has been central to the work
      conducted by Health Departments and research funders to promote and support
      clinical research within the NHS in the UK. In England, the National Institute
      for Health Research has supported the delivery of clinical research within the
      NHS primarily through CRN. CRN provide the essential infrastructure within the
      NHS for the set up and delivery of clinical research within a high-quality peer
      reviewed portfolio of studies. The success of the National Cancer Research
      Network is summarized in Chapter 5. In this chapter progress in five other
      topics, and more recently in primary care and comprehensively across the NHS, is
      summarized. In each of the 'topic-specific' networks (Dementias and
      Neurodegenerative Diseases, Diabetes, Medicines for Children, Mental Health,
      Stroke) there has been a rapid and substantial increase in portfolios and in the
      recruitment of patients into studies in these portfolios. The processes and the
      key success factors are described. The CRN have worked to support research
      supported by pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical device companies and there
      has been substantial progress in improving the speed, cost and delivery of these
      'industry' studies. In particular, work to support the increased speed of set up
      and delivery of industry studies, and to embed this firmly in the NHS, was
      explored in the North West of England in an Exemplar Programme which showed
      substantial reductions in study set-up times and improved recruitment into
      studies and showed how healthcare (NHS) organizations can overcome delays in set
      up times when they actively manage the process. Seven out of 20 international
      studies reported that the first patient to be entered anywhere in the world was
      from the UK. In addition, the CRN have supported research management and
      governance, workforce development and clinical trials unit collaboration and
      coordination. International peer reviews of all of the CRN have been positive and
      resulted in the continuation of the system for a further 5 years in all cases.

PMID- 22039144
TI  - A European perspective--the European clinical research infrastructures network.
AB  - Evaluating research outcomes requires multinational cooperation in clinical
      research for optimization of treatment strategies and comparative effectiveness
      research, leading to evidence-based practice and healthcare cost containment. The
      European Clinical Research Infrastructures Network (ECRIN) is a distributed ESFRI
      (European Strategy Forum on Research Infrastructures) roadmap pan-European
      infrastructure designed to support multinational clinical research, making Europe
      a single area for clinical studies, taking advantage of its population size to
      access patients, and unlocking latent scientific potential. Servicing
      multinational trials started during its preparatory phase, and ECRIN will now
      apply for an ERIC (European Research Infrastructures Consortium) status by 2011.
      By creating a single area for clinical research in Europe, this achievement will
      contribute to the implementation of the Europe flagship initiative 2020
      'Innovation Union', whose objectives include defragmentation of the research and
      education capacity, tackling the major societal challenges starting with the area
      of healthy ageing, and removing barriers to bring ideas to the market.

PMID- 22039145
TI  - The impact of the process of clinical research on health service outcomes.
AB  - Chapter 1 introduces the key questions and context for the work described in the
      supplement, on the impact of the process of clinical research on healthcare
      outcomes. The distinction between the influence of research activity on the
      outcomes for individual patients involved in clinical trials and other well
      designed studies when compared to similar individuals cared for within similar
      healthcare institutions are considered. The evidence is reviewed and broadly the
      conclusion is that there is little evidence to support the hypothesis that
      individuals included in randomized trials do better than individuals with the
      same clinical characteristics in such trials within the same institution.
      However, the more important question of the influence of research activity on the
      outcomes of healthcare institutions is identified and clarified. There are less
      research data which address this question and it is harder to study. However, the
      existing data are encouraging and suggest that the hypothesis that research-
      intensive healthcare institutions provide improved outcomes is worthy of further
      study. There is a pressing need for additional high-quality, methodologically
      robust studies of this question.

PMID- 22039146
TI  - The impact of HIV research on health outcome and healthcare policy.
AB  - Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and the acquired immunodeficiency
      syndrome (AIDS) have shown an almost unique linkage between biomedical research
      and improved healthcare outcomes. A transformation has been seen between 1981
      when AIDS was a rapidly fatal condition, to the present dramatic survival
      prolongation. HIV infection is a chronic illness requiring ongoing modern
      therapy. Parallels and interactions between HIV research and cancer research are
      close. The ability of novel therapies to suppress HIV replication and restore
      host immunity has decreased the incidence and progression of cancers in HIV
      patients. The rapid application of new knowledge to patient care and health
      policy in HIV has key lessons for other disease areas. Patient and Public
      Involvement has been influential in research activity and funding. The
      availability of laboratory markers of disease has been central to the successful
      application of novel HIV therapies. Active development and management of
      cooperative large-scale clinical trials supported by advocacy groups was
      influential. HIV investigators have been at the forefront of identifying cost
      effective treatments that can be widely applied. The science, clinical research
      and political response to the HIV epidemic offer a model generalizable to other
      serious diseases. Opportunities to share the experiences and lessons learned from
      HIV should be sought, particularly in the cancer research community.

PMID- 22039147
TI  - Patient and public involvement.
AB  - The involvement of patients and the public in the development of clinical
      research initiatives in the UK has been central and is increasing. Whilst
      initially developed in relation to cancer research and cancer care, this activity
      has now generalized to all of healthcare research particularly through
      organizations such as INVOLVE (www.invo.org.uk). Patients and Public Involvement
      (PPI) has been evaluated and shown to be established across the NHS in the UK.
      The National Institute for Health Research in England has made PPI central in its
      development. More recently evidence is accumulating that PPI has significant
      impact on the quality and delivery of clinical research in healthcare but more
      work on the evaluation of its impact is required.

PMID- 22039148
TI  - Future research and methodological approaches.
AB  - This supplement has explored the evidence for benefits from the participation of
      healthcare institutions and their patients in clinical research. The questions
      have been clarified. There is some encouragement that research active healthcare
      institutions may deliver improved outcomes compared to less research-active or
      research-inactive institutions but there is a pressing need for further research.
      In this chapter we explore the methodological challenges to evaluating the impact
      of the process of clinical research on hospitals and other healthcare
      organizations. The postulated mechanisms by which benefits may be accrued are
      important drivers of the types of research needed and these are emphasized. Study
      designs are explored including formal randomized trials, the stepped wedge
      randomized design, approaches to the design and analysis of observational studies
      particularly to examine whether a temporal or spatial relationship exists between
      changes in research activity and patients' outcomes. It is acknowledged that in
      most future studies the data available will be cross-sectional and observational,
      and such studies are susceptible to many types of bias. The importance of
      identifying and addressing such biases in multivariate analysis is discussed and
      examples of successful studies are given.

PMID- 22039150
TI  - Strand antagonism in RNAi: an explanation of differences in potency between
      intracellularly expressed siRNA and shRNA.
AB  - Strategies to regulate gene function frequently use small interfering RNAs
      (siRNAs) that can be made from their shRNA precursors via Dicer. However, when
      the duplex components of these siRNA effectors are expressed from their
      respective coding genes, the RNA interference (RNAi) activity is much reduced.
      Here, we explored the mechanisms of action of shRNA and siRNA and found the
      expressed siRNA, in contrast to short hairpin RNA (shRNA), exhibits strong strand
      antagonism, with the sense RNA negatively and unexpectedly regulating RNAi.
      Therefore, we altered the relative levels of strands of siRNA duplexes during
      their expression, increasing the level of the antisense component, reducing the
      level of the sense component, or both and, in this way we were able to enhance
      the potency of the siRNA. Such vector-delivered siRNA attacked its target
      effectively. These findings provide new insight into RNAi and, in particular,
      they demonstrate that strand antagonism is responsible for making siRNA far less
      potent than shRNA.

PMID- 22039151
TI  - ALFRED: an allele frequency resource for research and teaching.
AB  - ALFRED (http://alfred.med.yale.edu) is a free, web accessible, curated
      compilation of allele frequency data on DNA sequence polymorphisms in
      anthropologically defined human populations. Currently, ALFRED has allele
      frequency tables on over 663,400 polymorphic sites; 170 of them have frequency
      tables for more than 100 different population samples. In ALFRED, a population
      may have multiple samples with each 'sample' consisting of many individuals on
      which an allele frequency is based. There are 3566 population samples from 710
      different populations with allele frequency tables on at least one polymorphism.
      Fifty of those population samples have allele frequency data for over 650,000
      polymorphisms. Records also have active links to relevant resources (dbSNP,
      PharmGKB, OMIM, Ethnologue, etc.). The flexible search options and data display
      and download capabilities available through the web interface allow easy access
      to the large quantity of high-quality data in ALFRED.

PMID- 22039152
TI  - ProGlycProt: a repository of experimentally characterized prokaryotic
      glycoproteins.
AB  - ProGlycProt (http://www.proglycprot.org/) is an open access, manually curated,
      comprehensive repository of bacterial and archaeal glycoproteins with at least
      one experimentally validated glycosite (glycosylated residue). To facilitate
      maximum information at one point, the database is arranged under two sections:
      (i) ProCGP-the main data section consisting of 95 entries with experimentally
      characterized glycosites and (ii) ProUGP-a supplementary data section containing
      245 entries with experimentally identified glycosylation but uncharacterized
      glycosites. Every entry in the database is fully cross-referenced and enriched
      with available published information about source organism, coding gene, protein,
      glycosites, glycosylation type, attached glycan, associated
      oligosaccharyl/glycosyl transferases (OSTs/GTs), supporting references, and
      applicable additional information. Interestingly, ProGlycProt contains as many as
      174 entries for which information is unavailable or the characterized glycosites
      are unannotated in Swiss-Prot release 2011_07. The website supports a dedicated
      structure gallery of homology models and crystal structures of characterized
      glycoproteins in addition to two new tools developed in view of emerging
      information about prokaryotic sequons (conserved sequences of amino acids around
      glycosites) that are never or rarely seen in eukaryotic glycoproteins.
      ProGlycProt provides an extensive compilation of experimentally identified
      glycosites (334) and glycoproteins (340) of prokaryotes that could serve as an
      information resource for research and technology applications in glycobiology.

PMID- 22039153
TI  - PomBase: a comprehensive online resource for fission yeast.
AB  - PomBase (www.pombase.org) is a new model organism database established to provide
      access to comprehensive, accurate, and up-to-date molecular data and biological
      information for the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe to effectively
      support both exploratory and hypothesis-driven research. PomBase encompasses
      annotation of genomic sequence and features, comprehensive manual literature
      curation and genome-wide data sets, and supports sophisticated user-defined
      queries. The implementation of PomBase integrates a Chado relational database
      that houses manually curated data with Ensembl software that supports sequence
      based annotation and web access. PomBase will provide user-friendly tools to
      promote curation by experts within the fission yeast community. This will make a
      key contribution to shaping its content and ensuring its comprehensiveness and
      long-term relevance.

PMID- 22039154
TI  - The SARS-coronavirus nsp7+nsp8 complex is a unique multimeric RNA polymerase
      capable of both de novo initiation and primer extension.
AB  - Uniquely among RNA viruses, replication of the ~30-kb SARS-coronavirus genome is
      believed to involve two RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) activities. The first
      is primer-dependent and associated with the 106-kDa non-structural protein 12
      (nsp12), whereas the second is catalysed by the 22-kDa nsp8. This latter enzyme
      is capable of de novo initiation and has been proposed to operate as a primase.
      Interestingly, this protein has only been crystallized together with the 10-kDa
      nsp7, forming a hexadecameric, dsRNA-encircling ring structure [i.e. nsp(7+8),
      consisting of 8 copies of both nsps]. To better understand the implications of
      these structural characteristics for nsp8-driven RNA synthesis, we studied the
      prerequisites for the formation of the nsp(7+8) complex and its polymerase
      activity. We found that in particular the exposure of nsp8's natural N-terminal
      residue was paramount for both the protein's ability to associate with nsp7 and
      for boosting its RdRp activity. Moreover, this 'improved' recombinant nsp8 was
      capable of extending primed RNA templates, a property that had gone unnoticed
      thus far. The latter activity is, however, ~20-fold weaker than that of the
      primer-dependent nsp12-RdRp at equal monomer concentrations. Finally, site
      directed mutagenesis of conserved D/ExD/E motifs was employed to identify
      residues crucial for nsp(7+8) RdRp activity.

PMID- 22039155
TI  - Highly parallel oligonucleotide purification and functionalization using
      reversible chemistry.
AB  - We have developed a cost-effective, highly parallel method for purification and
      functionalization of 5'-labeled oligonucleotides. The approach is based on 5'
      hexa-His phase tag purification, followed by exchange of the hexa-His tag for a
      functional group using reversible reaction chemistry. These methods are suitable
      for large-scale (micromole to millimole) production of oligonucleotides and are
      amenable to highly parallel processing of many oligonucleotides individually or
      in high complexity pools. Examples of the preparation of 5'-biotin, 95-mer,
      oligonucleotide pools of >40K complexity at micromole scale are shown. These
      pools are prepared in up to ~16% yield and 90-99% purity. Approaches for using
      this method in other applications are also discussed.

PMID- 22039149
TI  - The blood-testis barrier and its implications for male contraception.
AB  - The blood-testis barrier (BTB) is one of the tightest blood-tissue barriers in
      the mammalian body. It divides the seminiferous epithelium into the basal and the
      apical (adluminal) compartments. Meiosis I and II, spermiogenesis, and
      spermiation all take place in a specialized microenvironment behind the BTB in
      the apical compartment, but spermatogonial renewal and differentiation and cell
      cycle progression up to the preleptotene spermatocyte stage take place outside of
      the BTB in the basal compartment of the epithelium. However, the BTB is not a
      static ultrastructure. Instead, it undergoes extensive restructuring during the
      seminiferous epithelial cycle of spermatogenesis at stage VIII to allow the
      transit of preleptotene spermatocytes at the BTB. Yet the immunological barrier
      conferred by the BTB cannot be compromised, even transiently, during the
      epithelial cycle to avoid the production of antibodies against meiotic and
      postmeiotic germ cells. Studies have demonstrated that some unlikely partners,
      namely adhesion protein complexes (e.g., occludin-ZO-1, N-cadherin-beta-catenin,
      claudin-5-ZO-1), steroids (e.g., testosterone, estradiol-17beta), nonreceptor
      protein kinases (e.g., focal adhesion kinase, c-Src, c-Yes), polarity proteins
      (e.g., PAR6, Cdc42, 14-3-3), endocytic vesicle proteins (e.g., clathrin,
      caveolin, dynamin 2), and actin regulatory proteins (e.g., Eps8, Arp2/3 complex),
      are working together, apparently under the overall influence of cytokines (e.g.,
      transforming growth factor-beta3, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin
      1alpha). In short, a "new" BTB is created behind spermatocytes in transit while
      the "old" BTB above transiting cells undergoes timely degeneration, so that the
      immunological barrier can be maintained while spermatocytes are traversing the
      BTB. We also discuss recent findings regarding the molecular mechanisms by which
      environmental toxicants (e.g., cadmium, bisphenol A) induce testicular injury via
      their initial actions at the BTB to elicit subsequent damage to germ-cell
      adhesion, thereby leading to germ-cell loss, reduced sperm count, and male
      infertility or subfertility. Moreover, we also critically evaluate findings in
      the field regarding studies on drug transporters in the testis and discuss how
      these influx and efflux pumps regulate the entry of potential nonhormonal male
      contraceptives to the apical compartment to exert their effects. Collectively,
      these findings illustrate multiple potential targets are present at the BTB for
      innovative contraceptive development and for better delivery of drugs to
      alleviate toxicant-induced reproductive dysfunction in men.

PMID- 22039156
TI  - Unexplained hemolytic anemia with multiorgan failure.

PMID- 22039157
TI  - Cadmium concentrations.

PMID- 22039158
TI  - Cadmium exposure.

PMID- 22039159
TI  - What is wrong with this picture?

PMID- 22039163
TI  - CELLPEDIA: a repository for human cell information for cell studies and
      differentiation analyses.
AB  - CELLPEDIA is a repository database for current knowledge about human cells. It
      contains various types of information, such as cell morphologies, gene expression
      and literature references. The major role of CELLPEDIA is to provide a digital
      dictionary of human cells for the biomedical field, including support for the
      characterization of artificially generated cells in regenerative medicine.
      CELLPEDIA features (i) its own cell classification scheme, in which whole human
      cells are classified by their physical locations in addition to conventional
      taxonomy; and (ii) cell differentiation pathways compiled from biomedical
      textbooks and journal papers. Currently, human differentiated cells and stem
      cells are classified into 2260 and 66 cell taxonomy keys, respectively, from
      which 934 parent-child relationships reported in cell differentiation or
      transdifferentiation pathways are retrievable. As far as we know, this is the
      first attempt to develop a digital cell bank to function as a public resource for
      the accumulation of current knowledge about human cells. The CELLPEDIA homepage
      is freely accessible except for the data submission pages that require
      authentication (please send a password request to cell-info@cbrc.jp). Database
      URL: http://cellpedia.cbrc.jp/

PMID- 22039164
TI  - Paracetamol and cyclooxygenase inhibition: is there a cause for concern?
AB  - Paracetamol is recommended as first-line therapy for pain associated with
      osteoarthrosis and is one of the most widely used over-the-counter analgesic
      drugs worldwide. Despite its extensive use, its mode of action is still unclear.
      Although it is commonly stated that paracetamol acts centrally, recent data imply
      an inhibitory effect on the activity of peripheral prostaglandin-synthesising
      cyclooxygenase enzymes. In this context paracetamol has been suggested to inhibit
      both isoforms in tissues with low levels of peroxide by reducing the higher
      oxidation state of cyclooxygenase enzymes. Two recent studies have also
      demonstrated a preferential cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) inhibition by paracetamol
      under different clinically relevant conditions. This review attempts to relate
      data on paracetamol's inhibitory action on peripheral cyclooxygenase enzymes to
      the published literature on its anti-inflammatory action and its hitherto
      underestimated side-effects elicited by cyclooxygenase inhibition. As a result, a
      pronounced COX-2 inhibition by paracetamol is expected to occur in the
      endothelium, possibly explaining its cardiovascular risk in epidemiological
      studies. A careful analysis of paracetamol's cardiovascular side-effects in
      randomised studies is therefore strongly advised. On the basis of epidemiological
      data showing an increased gastrointestinal risk of paracetamol at high doses or
      when co-administered with classic cyclooxygenase inhibitors, paracetamol's long
      term gastrointestinal impact should be investigated in randomised trials.
      Finally, paracetamol's fast elimination and consequently short-lived COX-2
      inhibition, which requires repetitive dosing, should be definitely considered to
      avoid overdosage leading to hepatotoxicity.

PMID- 22039165
TI  - Serum markers associated with clinical improvement in patients with ankylosing
      spondylitis treated with golimumab.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Identify serum biomarkers modulated by golimumab treatment and
      associated with clinical response in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS).
      METHODS: Sera were collected at weeks 0, 4 and 14 from 100 patients with active
      AS in the GO-RAISE study. Patients were randomly assigned subcutaneous injections
      of placebo, golimumab 50 mg, or golimumab 100 mg every 4 weeks. Samples were
      tested for select inflammatory, bone and cartilage markers, and protein profiling
      was also performed. RESULTS: Golimumab treatment resulted in significant
      decreases in several serum proteins at weeks 4 and 14 compared with placebo.
      Patients who achieved clinical response at week 14, as assessed by a >=20%
      improvement in the Assessment in SpondyloArthitis international Society response
      criteria (ASAS 20), demonstrated a distinct biomarker profile with lower levels
      of acute phase reactants and inflammatory biomarkers compared with patients who
      did not. Notably, combinations of two or three biomarkers assessed at baseline
      were predictive of various clinical outcomes (ASAS 20, Bath ankylosing
      spondylitis disease activity index 50 or Bath ankylosing spondylitis functional
      index) using a logistic regression analysis, and the overall predictive values
      for these combined biomarkers were greater than observed for C-reactive protein
      (CRP) alone. CONCLUSION: Golimumab modulated acute phase reactants and
      inflammatory markers in patients with active AS. Specific combinations of
      biomarkers at baseline demonstrated a stronger prediction for clinical efficacy
      than CRP alone. These data provide insights into the mechanism of golimumab on
      inflammatory processes driving AS pathology, and may have utility in managing the
      treatment of patients with AS.

PMID- 22039166
TI  - Optimising treatment in rheumatoid arthritis: a review of potential biological
      markers of response.
AB  - Following a greater understanding of the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis
      (RA), the treatment of this chronic disease has improved with the availability of
      biological agents targeting key molecules. Despite this, initial treatment
      produces an inadequate response in many patients and guidance on the optimal
      treatment for these patients is needed. Research in specific patient populations
      aims to define predictive biomarkers of response to identify those patients most
      likely to benefit from treatment with specific agents. Although there have been
      conflicting results from studies of various genetic markers, single nucleotide
      polymorphisms in the tumour necrosis factor (TNF) -308 promoter region may play a
      role in response to specific TNF inhibitors. Microarray analysis of mRNA
      expression levels has identified unique sets of genes with differentially
      regulated expression in responders compared with non-responders to the TNF
      inhibitor infliximab. Of the various protein biomarkers studied, rheumatoid
      factor and/or anticitrullinated protein autoantibodies may have a future role in
      predicting response or guiding the order in which to use biological agents.
      Further research is needed with larger, well-designed studies to clarify the
      current understanding on the role of biomarkers in predicting treatment response
      in RA to help guide clinical decision-making. Individualised treatment has the
      potential to improve the therapeutic outcomes for patients.

PMID- 22039167
TI  - Level of agreement of the 1987 ACR and 2010 ACR/EULAR rheumatoid arthritis
      classification criteria: an analysis based on ESPOIR cohort data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In 2010, new classification criteria for rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
      were developed. OBJECTIVE: To assess agreement between 1987 American College of
      Rheumatology (ACR) and 2010 ACR/European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR)
      criteria and the potential source of discordance, based on ESPOIR cohort data.
      METHODS: 813 early arthritis patients were included in ESPOIR between 2002 and
      2005. Between-criteria agreement was based on the kappa coefficient. Discordance
      was explored by logistic regression. RESULTS: Data for 811 patients were
      available, with their main characteristics as follows: women 77%, swollen joint
      count 7.2, tender joint count 8.4, disease activity score in 28 joints 5.2,
      rheumatoid factor 46%, anticitrullinated protein antibody (ACPA) 39%, structural
      damage 22%. At baseline, 579 (71.4%) patients met the 1987 ACR criteria and 641
      (79.0%) the 2010 criteria. Agreement at baseline was discordant for 168 patients:
      115 satisfied the 2010 criteria and 53 the 1987 criteria. Concordance between the
      two sets was fair, with a kappa coefficient of 0.45 and 0.42 at baseline and year
      2, respectively. The main sources of discordance were the number and symmetry of
      joint involvement, as well as ACPA status. CONCLUSION: 2010 ACR/EULAR criteria
      identified more patients with RA than did 1987 criteria. The 2010 criteria failed
      to identify RA patients with symmetrical seronegative arthritis and limited joint
      involvement.

PMID- 22039168
TI  - EULAR recommendations for the role of the nurse in the management of chronic
      inflammatory arthritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The authors aim to develop European League Against Rheumatism
      recommendations for the role of the nurse in the management of patients with
      chronic inflammatory arthritis, to identify a research agenda and to determine an
      educational agenda. METHODS: A task force made up of a multidisciplinary expert
      panel including nurses, rheumatologists, occupational therapist, physiotherapist,
      psychologist, epidemiologist and patient representatives, representing 14
      European countries, carried out the development of the recommendations, following
      the European League Against Rheumatism standardised operating procedures. The
      task force met twice. In the first meeting, the aims of the task force were
      defined, and eight research questions were developed. This was followed by a
      comprehensive, systematic literature search. In the second meeting, the results
      from the literature review were presented to the task force that subsequently
      formulated the recommendations, research agenda and educational agenda. RESULTS:
      In total, 10 recommendations were formulated. Seven recommendations covered the
      contribution of nurses to care and management: education, satisfaction with care,
      access to care, disease management, psychosocial support, self-management and
      efficiency of care. Three recommendations focused on professional support for
      nurses: availability of guidelines or protocols, access to education and
      encouragement to undertake extended roles. The strength of the recommendations
      varied from A to C, dependent on the category of evidence (1A-3), and a high
      level of agreement was achieved. Additionally, the task force agreed upon 10
      topics for future research and an educational agenda. CONCLUSION: 10
      recommendations for the role of the nurse in the management of chronic
      inflammatory arthritis were developed using a combination of evidence-based and
      expert consensus approach.

PMID- 22039169
TI  - Ultrasonographic and MRI characterisation of the palindromic phase of rheumatoid
      arthritis.

PMID- 22039170
TI  - Interleukin 34 expression is associated with synovitis severity in rheumatoid
      arthritis patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Interleukin (IL) 34 is a new cytokine implicated in macrophage
      differentiation and osteoclastogenesis. This study assessed IL-34 expression in
      the tissue of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS:
      Immunohistochemistry was performed in synovial biopsies from patients with RA
      (n=20), osteoarthritis (n=3) or other inflammatory arthritis (n=4). IL-34 was
      detected in the synovial fluid by ELISA and its messenger RNA expression was
      studied by quantitative PCR in rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts after stimulation
      by tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) and IL-1beta. Wild-type, jnk1(-/-)
      jnk2(-/-) and nemo(-/-) murine fibroblasts and pharmacological inhibition were
      used to determine the involvement of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) and JNK
      in that effect. RESULTS: IL-34 was expressed in 24/27 biopsies, with three
      samples from RA patients being negative. A significant association was found
      between IL-34 expression and synovitis severity. Levels of IL-34 and the total
      leucocyte count in synovial fluid were correlated. TNFalpha and IL-1beta
      stimulated IL-34 expression by synovial fibroblasts in a dose/time-dependent
      manner through the NF-kappaB and JNK pathway. CONCLUSION: This work for the first
      time identifies IL-34 expression in the synovial tissue of patients with
      arthritis. This cytokine, as a downstream effector of TNFalpha and IL-1beta, may
      contribute to inflammation and bone erosions in RA.

PMID- 22039171
TI  - Pharmacokinetics of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate after targeted gastrointestinal
      release or oral administration in healthy adults.
AB  - The purpose of this work was to assess the pharmacokinetics and safety of
      lisdexamfetamine dimesylate (LDX) delivered and released regionally in the
      gastrointestinal (GI) tract. In this open-label, randomized, crossover study,
      oral capsules and InteliSite delivery capsules containing LDX (50 mg) with
      radioactive marker were delivered to the proximal small bowel (PSB), distal SB
      (DSB), and ascending colon (AC) during separate periods. Gamma scintigraphy
      evaluated regional delivery and GI transit. LDX and d-amphetamine in blood were
      measured postdose (<=72 h). Treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs) were
      assessed. Healthy males (n = 18; 18-48 years) were enrolled. Mean (S.D.) maximal
      plasma concentration (C(max)) was 37.6 (4.54), 40.5 (4.95), 38.7 (6.46), and 25.7
      (9.07) ng/ml; area under the concentration-time curve to the last measurable time
      point was 719.1 (157.05), 771.2 (152.88), 752.4 (163.38), and 574.3 (220.65) ng .
      h . ml-1, respectively, for d-amphetamine after oral, PSB, DSB, and AC delivery
      of LDX. Median time to C(max) was 5, 4, 5, and 8 h, respectively. Most TEAEs were
      mild to moderate. No clinically meaningful changes were observed (laboratory,
      physical examination, or electrocardiogram). LDX oral administration or targeted
      delivery to small intestine had similar d-amphetamine systemic exposure,
      indicating good absorption, and had reduced absorption after colonic delivery.
      The safety profile was consistent with other LDX studies.

PMID- 22039172
TI  - Characterization of a human keratinocyte HaCaT cell line model to study the
      regulation of CYP2S1.
AB  - CYP2S1 is an extrahepatic cytochrome P450 (P450) that shows marked individuality
      in constitutive and inducible expression. CYP2S1 mRNA expression is increased in
      psoriasis and by treatments for psoriasis, including retinoids and UV radiation,
      although endogenous substrates remain poorly characterized. Because previous
      model systems have overexpressed modified CYP2S1 in bacteria, human HaCaT
      keratinocyte cells were screened for constitutive and regulatable CYP2S1
      expression and CYP2S1 activity in HaCaT cells compared with a novel Chinese
      hamster ovary (CHO)-based cell line engineered to stably coexpress CYP2S1 and
      NADPH cytochrome P450 reductase. Constitutive mRNA expression for CYP2S1 and
      additional P450s, retinoid acid receptors (RARalpha, RARbeta, RARgamma), and
      retinoid X receptors (RXRalpha, RXRbeta and RXRgamma) was assessed by
      quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis
      in HaCaT cells. Cells were then exposed to retinoids or to UV radiation (UVR),
      and changes in CYP2S1 mRNA abundance were further examined by qRT-PCR analysis.
      P450 expression in HaCaT cells was similar to human skin, with abundant CYP2S1
      expression. RARalpha and RARgamma (but not RARbeta) and all RXR isoforms were
      also detectable. All-trans retinoic acid (atRA) induced CYPS1 mRNA expression
      more potently than 9-cis RA or 13-cis RA. P450-dependent atRA metabolism was
      demonstrated in HaCaT cells, with a very similar metabolite profile to that
      produced by our CYP2S1-expressing CHO cells. CYP2S1 mRNA expression was also
      induced by UVR, more potently than CYP1B1, a known UVR-inducible P450. Our
      results demonstrate regulatable and functional CYP2S1 expression in HaCaT cells,
      thus identifying a human cell line model with utility for further analysis of
      CYP2S1 regulation and substrate specificity.

PMID- 22039173
TI  - Assembly, gene annotation and marker development using 454 floral transcriptome
      sequences in Ziziphus celata (Rhamnaceae), a highly endangered, Florida endemic
      plant.
AB  - Large-scale DNA sequence data may enable development of genetic resources in
      endangered species, thereby facilitating conservation efforts. Ziziphus celata, a
      federally endangered, self-incompatible plant species occurring in Florida, USA,
      is one species for which genetic resources are necessary to facilitate new
      introductions and augmentations essential for recovery of the species. We used
      454 pyrosequencing of a Z. celata normalized floral cDNA library to create a
      genomic resource for gene and marker discovery. A half-plate GS-FLX Titanium run
      yielded 655 337 reads averaging 250 bp. A total of 474 025 reads were assembled
      de novo into 84 645 contigs averaging 408 bp, while 181 312 reads remained
      unassembled. Forty-seven and 43% of contig consensus sequences had BLAST matches
      to known proteins in the Uniref50 and TAIR9 annotated protein databases,
      respectively; many contigs fully represented orthologous proteins in TAIR9. A
      total of 22 707 unique genes were sequenced, indicating substantial coverage of
      the Z. celata transcriptome. We detected single-nucleotide polymorphisms and
      simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and developed thousands of SSR primers for use in
      future genetic studies. As a first step towards understanding self
      incompatibility in Z. celata, we identified sequences belonging to the gene
      family encoding self-incompatibility. This study demonstrates the efficacy of 454
      transcriptome sequencing for rapid gene and marker discovery in an endangered
      plant.

PMID- 22039175
TI  - Management of fever in children.

PMID- 22039174
TI  - Mutation bias is the driving force of codon usage in the Gallus gallus genome.
AB  - Synonymous codons are used with different frequencies both among species and
      among genes within the same genome and are controlled by neutral processes (such
      as mutation and drift) as well as by selection. Up to now, a systematic
      examination of the codon usage for the chicken genome has not been performed.
      Here, we carried out a whole genome analysis of the chicken genome by the use of
      the relative synonymous codon usage (RSCU) method and identified 11 putative
      optimal codons, all of them ending with uracil (U), which is significantly
      departing from the pattern observed in other eukaryotes. Optimal codons in the
      chicken genome are most likely the ones corresponding to highly expressed
      transfer RNA (tRNAs) or tRNA gene copy numbers in the cell. Codon bias, measured
      as the frequency of optimal codons (Fop), is negatively correlated with the G + C
      content, recombination rate, but positively correlated with gene expression,
      protein length, gene length and intron length. The positive correlation between
      codon bias and protein, gene and intron length is quite different from other
      multi-cellular organism, as this trend has been only found in unicellular
      organisms. Our data displayed that regional G + C content explains a large
      proportion of the variance of codon bias in chicken. Stepwise selection model
      analyses indicate that G + C content of coding sequence is the most important
      factor for codon bias. It appears that variation in the G + C content of CDSs
      accounts for over 60% of the variation of codon bias. This study suggests that
      both mutation bias and selection contribute to codon bias. However, mutation bias
      is the driving force of the codon usage in the Gallus gallus genome. Our data
      also provide evidence that the negative correlation between codon bias and
      recombination rates in G. gallus is determined mostly by recombination-dependent
      mutational patterns.

PMID- 22039176
TI  - Paediatric palliative medicine in the UK: past, present, future.
AB  - Like any new specialty, paediatric palliative medicine is facing challenges as it
      establishes itself. While many of the required core skills have their roots in
      adult palliative medicine, its practitioners come from a range of paediatric
      backgrounds that include oncology, community paediatrics, neurodisability and
      acute pain. Such heterogeneity has been invaluable in bringing together the
      diverse set of skills and competencies needed by children and families facing
      life-limiting illness. At the same time, it brings its own challenges in
      establishing consistent standards of clinical expertise, education and research-
      essential if children are to have access to the same degree of medical expertise
      in palliative care already available to most adults. This article traces the
      origins of palliative care in children, examines its current strengths and
      challenges, and considers how those might shape its future.

PMID- 22039177
TI  - Paediatric societies: increasing student engagement in paediatrics.

PMID- 22039178
TI  - Nominal deviation in neonatal intensive care units: a time trend analysis.

PMID- 22039179
TI  - Hospitalisation for bronchiolitis in infants is more common after elective
      caesarean delivery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The authors previously reported an increased risk of hospitalisation
      for acute lower respiratory infection up to age 2 years in children delivered by
      elective caesarean section. In view of increasing rates of elective caesarean
      delivery, this association warranted further investigation. OBJECTIVE: To examine
      associations between the number of hospital admissions for bronchiolitis and
      pneumonia and elective caesarean delivery. DESIGN: Retrospective population-based
      data linkage cohort study of 212 068 non-Aboriginal singleton births of 37-42
      weeks gestation. METHODS: Negative binomial regression was used to examine
      associations between mode of delivery and hospitalisations for both bronchiolitis
      and pneumonia in children aged <12 months and 12-23 months. Models were adjusted
      for obstetric and known risk factors. RESULTS: 16% of children were delivered by
      elective caesarean section (n=33 421). In adjusted analysis, compared with
      spontaneous vaginal delivery, these children had increased risk of admissions for
      bronchiolitis at age <12 months (incidence rate ratio (IRR) 1.11; 95% CI 1.01 to
      1.23) and 12-23 months (IRR 1.20; 95% CI 0.94 to 1.53) independent of other fetal
      and maternal factors. There was no association between elective caesarean
      delivery and number of pneumonia admissions aged <12 months (IRR 1.03; 95% CI
      0.80 to 1.33) and 12-23 months (IRR 1.09; 95% CI 0.88 to 1.34). CONCLUSION:
      Delivery by elective caesarean was independently associated with infant
      admissions for bronchiolitis but not pneumonia. Elective caesareans or delivery
      without labour may result in impaired immunity in the newborn leading to
      increased risk of early viral lower respiratory infections.

PMID- 22039180
TI  - Recruiting to clinical trials: hospital or home?

PMID- 22039181
TI  - In people with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes an intensive dietary intervention,
      with or without an activity programme, improves glycaemic control over 12 months
      compared with usual care.

PMID- 22039182
TI  - Oxytocin for slow progress in the first stage of spontaneous labour is not
      associated with different rates of caesarean or assisted delivery compared with
      no treatment or delayed use in second stage.

PMID- 22039183
TI  - Changing trends in the UK management of childhood ITP.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the treatment of childhood immune thrombocytopenia (ITP)
      with historical practice in the UK. DESIGN: Data collection through a national UK
      Childhood ITP registry (http://www.uk-itp.org) started in January 2007. SETTINGS:
      UK hospitals. PARTICIPANTS: Children admitted with a new diagnosis of acute ITP
      and their treating physicians. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Bleeding severity, platelet
      count, disease management and outcome from the time of presentation to 6 months.
      RESULTS: Data from 225 children were analysed. 54% of children had clinically
      mild, 42% had moderate and 4% had severe disease as defined previously. The mean
      platelet counts at diagnosis for these groups were 14, 8 and 6*10(9)/l
      respectively. Children with mild disease had fewer bleeding sites (1.9), compared
      with moderate (2.5) or severe disease (3.6). There was one intracranial
      haemorrhage reported. At 6 months' follow-up, 32% had a persistent platelet count
      <150*10(9)/l, but only 4.8% had a count <20. The proportion of UK children
      receiving platelet-raising treatment was noted to decrease from 61% in 1995 to
      38% in 2000. The current UK 2009 registry data show a continued decrease in
      treatment to 16% of all the children. In contrast, historical international data
      report 69% of children receiving interventional therapy. CONCLUSION: The current
      UK practice has shown a continued reduction in the number of children receiving
      treatment in comparison with historical data and international practice.

PMID- 22039184
TI  - Severe refractory dermatitis and cystic fibrosis.

PMID- 22039185
TI  - Presence of psychiatric disorders is associated with poorer colon cancer outcomes
      in older adults.

PMID- 22039186
TI  - In England, a peak in poor mental health in middle-aged people is present only
      among low-income households.

PMID- 22039187
TI  - Surveillance and monitoring: a vital investment for the changing burdens of
      disease.

PMID- 22039188
TI  - Tranexamic acid--a recipe for saving lives in traumatic bleeding.

PMID- 22039189
TI  - Apparent prevention of neural tube defects by periconceptional vitamin
      supplementation. 1981.
AB  - An earlier preliminary paper is expanded. Women who had given birth to one or
      more infants with a neural tube defect were recruited into a trial of
      periconceptional vitamin supplementation. Two hundred mothers attending five
      centres were fully supplemented (FS), 50 were partially supplemented (PS), and
      300 were unsupplemented (US). Neural tube defect recurrences in the study
      pregnancies were 1(0.5%), in FS, none in PS, and 13 (4%) in US mothers. The
      difference in outcome between FS and US mothers is significant. The most likely
      explanation is that supplementation has prevented some neural tube defects, but
      further studies are needed.

PMID- 22039190
TI  - Commentary: a brief history of folic acid in the prevention of neural tube
      defects.

PMID- 22039191
TI  - Commentary: from controversy and procrastination to primary prevention.

PMID- 22039192
TI  - Commentary: folate and neural tube defects--the influence of Smithells et al. on
      research and policy in the Antipodes.

PMID- 22039194
TI  - Magnitude of effects in clinical trials published in high-impact general medical
      journals.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prestigious journals select for publication studies that are
      considered most important and informative. We aimed to examine whether high
      impact general (HIG) medical journals systematically demonstrate more favourable
      results for experimental interventions compared with the rest of the literature.
      METHODS: We scrutinized systematic reviews of the Cochrane Database (Issue 4,
      2009) and meta-analyses published in four general journals (2008-09). Eligible
      articles included >=1 binary outcome meta-analysis(es) pertaining to
      effectiveness with >=1 clinical trial(s) published in NEJM, JAMA or Lancet.
      Effect sizes in trials from NEJM, JAMA or Lancet were compared with those from
      other trials in the same meta-analyses by deriving summary relative odds ratios
      (sRORs). Additional analyses examined separately early- and late-published trials
      in HIG journals and journal-specific effects. RESULTS: A total of 79 meta
      analyses including 1043 clinical trials were analysed. Trials in HIG journals had
      similar effects to trials in other journals, when there was large-scale evidence,
      but showed more favourable results for experimental interventions when they were
      small. When HIG trials had less than 40 events, the sROR was 1.64 [95% confidence
      interval (95% CI): 1.23-2.18). The difference was most prominent when small early
      trials published in HIG journals were compared with subsequent trials [sROR 2.68
      (95% CI: 1.33-5.38)]. Late-published HIG trials showed no consistent inflation of
      effects. The patterns did not differ beyond chance between NEJM, JAMA or Lancet.
      CONCLUSIONS: Small trials published in the most prestigious journals show more
      favourable effects for experimental interventions, and this is most prominent for
      early-published trials in such journals. No effect inflation is seen for large
      trials.

PMID- 22039193
TI  - Is infant weight associated with childhood blood pressure? Analysis of the
      Promotion of Breastfeeding Intervention Trial (PROBIT) cohort.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Weight gain during infancy may programme later health outcomes, but
      examination of this hypothesis requires appropriate lifecourse methods and
      detailed weight gain measures during childhood. We examined associations between
      weight gain in infancy and early childhood and blood pressure at the age of 6.5
      years in healthy children born at term. METHODS: We carried out an observational
      analysis of data from a cluster-randomized breastfeeding promotion trial in
      Belarus. Of 17 046 infants enrolled between June 1996 and December 1997, 13 889
      (81.5%) had systolic and diastolic blood pressure measured at 6.5 years; 10 495
      children with complete data were analysed. A random-effects linear spline model
      with three knot points was used to estimate each individual's birthweight and
      weight gain from birth to 3 months, 3 months to 1 year and 1-5 years. Path
      analysis was used to separate direct effects from those mediated through
      subsequent weight gain. RESULTS: In boys, after controlling for confounders and
      prior weight gain, the change in systolic blood pressure per z-score increase in
      weight gain was 0.09 mmHg [95% confidence interval (95% CI) -0.14 to 0.31] for
      birthweight; 0.41 mmHg (95% CI 0.19-0.64) for birth to 3 months; 0.69 mmHg (95%
      CI 0.47-0.92) for 3 months to 1 year and 0.82 mmHg (95% CI 0.58-1.06) for 1-5
      years. Most of the associations between weight gain and blood pressure were
      mediated through weight at the age of 6.5 years. Findings for girls and diastolic
      blood pressure were similar. CONCLUSIONS: Children who gained weight faster than
      their peers, particularly at later ages, had higher blood pressure at the age of
      6.5 years, with no association between birthweight and blood pressure.

PMID- 22039195
TI  - Commentary: decreasing response rates require investigators to quantify and
      report the impact of selection bias in case-control studies.

PMID- 22039196
TI  - A synthesis of convenience survey and other data to estimate undiagnosed HIV
      infection among men who have sex with men in England and Wales.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hard-to-reach population subgroups are typically investigated using
      convenience sampling, which may give biased estimates. Combining information from
      such surveys, a probability survey and clinic surveillance, can potentially
      minimize the bias. We developed a methodology to estimate the prevalence of
      undiagnosed HIV infection among men who have sex with men (MSM) in England and
      Wales aged 16-44 years in 2003, making fuller use of the available data than
      earlier work. METHODS: We performed a synthesis of three data sources:
      genitourinary medicine clinic surveillance (11 380 tests), a venue-based
      convenience survey including anonymous HIV testing (3702 MSM) and a general
      population sexual behaviour survey (134 MSM). A logistic regression model to
      predict undiagnosed infection was fitted to the convenience survey data and then
      applied to the MSMs in the population survey to estimate the prevalence of
      undiagnosed infection in the general MSM population. This estimate was corrected
      for selection biases in the convenience survey using clinic surveillance data. A
      sensitivity analysis addressed uncertainty in our assumptions. RESULTS: The
      estimated prevalence of undiagnosed HIV in MSM was 2.4% [95% confidence interval
      (95% CI 1.7-3.0%)], and between 1.6% (95% CI 1.1-2.0%) and 3.3% (95% CI 2.4-4.1%)
      depending on assumptions; corresponding to 5500 (3390-7180), 3610 (2180-4740) and
      7570 (4790-9840) men, and undiagnosed fractions of 33, 24 and 40%, respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our estimates are consistent with earlier work that did not make
      full use of data sources. Reconciling data from multiple sources, including
      probability-, clinic- and venue-based convenience samples can reduce bias in
      estimates. This methodology could be applied in other settings to take full
      advantage of multiple imperfect data sources.

PMID- 22039197
TI  - Domains of physical activity and all-cause mortality: systematic review and dose
      response meta-analysis of cohort studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The dose-response relation between physical activity and all-cause
      mortality is not well defined at present. We conducted a systematic review and
      meta-analysis to determine the association with all-cause mortality of different
      domains of physical activity and of defined increases in physical activity and
      energy expenditure. METHODS: MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane Library were
      searched up to September 2010 for cohort studies examining all-cause mortality
      across different domains and levels of physical activity in adult general
      populations. We estimated combined risk ratios (RRs) associated with defined
      increments and recommended levels, using random-effects meta-analysis and dose
      response meta-regression models. RESULTS: Data from 80 studies with 1 338 143
      participants (118 121 deaths) were included. Combined RRs comparing highest with
      lowest activity levels were 0.65 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.60-0.71] for
      total activity, 0.74 (95% CI 0.70-0.77) for leisure activity, 0.64 (95% CI 0.55
      0.75) for activities of daily living and 0.83 (95% CI 0.71-0.97) for occupational
      activity. RRs per 1-h increment per week were 0.91 (95% CI 0.87-0.94) for
      vigorous exercise and 0.96 (95% CI 0.93-0.98) for moderate-intensity activities
      of daily living. RRs corresponding to 150 and 300 min/week of moderate to
      vigorous activity were 0.86 (95% CI 0.80-0.92) and 0.74 (95% CI 0.65-0.85),
      respectively. Mortality reductions were more pronounced in women. CONCLUSION:
      Higher levels of total and domain-specific physical activity were associated with
      reduced all-cause mortality. Risk reduction per unit of time increase was largest
      for vigorous exercise. Moderate-intensity activities of daily living were to a
      lesser extent beneficial in reducing mortality.

PMID- 22039198
TI  - Heavy drinking occasions in relation to ischaemic heart disease mortality-- an 11
      22 year follow-up of the 1984 and 1995 US National Alcohol Surveys.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The relationship between alcohol consumption and ischaemic heart
      disease (IHD) risk is complex and several issues remain unresolved because many
      studies used rather crude exposure measures often based on one or two questions.
      The objective of this study was to investigate the association between heavy
      drinking occasions and IHD mortality while controlling for average daily alcohol
      intake and separating former drinkers from lifetime abstainers. METHODS: Cox
      regression analyses were used with IHD mortality as the outcome in a sample of
      9934 participants of the US National Alcohol Surveys conducted in 1984 and 1995.
      RESULTS: To the end of 2006, 326 deaths from IHD were recorded in the 11- to 22
      year follow-up period. Any past heavy drinking occasions in former drinkers
      [hazard ratio (HR) = 2.06; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.10-3.85] compared
      with former drinkers without such drinking occasions, and any heavy drinking
      occasion in current drinkers at baseline (HR = 2.05; 95% CI: 1.03-3.98) compared
      with current drinkers with average daily intake of one to two drinks, were
      associated with higher IHD mortality in men and any heavy drinking occasions
      among drinkers of up to 1 drink average consumption in women with similar effect
      size. Confounding effects from age, race, education, employment, income, marital
      status, geographical region, depression score, survey period or other drug use
      were small. CONCLUSIONS: Among former and current drinkers, heavy drinking
      occasions should be taken into account when examining the complex association of
      alcohol consumption on IHD mortality risk.

PMID- 22039199
TI  - Alcohol imagery and branding, and age classification of films popular in the UK.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Exposure to alcohol products in feature films is a risk factor for
      use of alcohol by young people. This study was designed to document the extent to
      which alcohol imagery and brand appearances occur in popular UK films, and in
      relation to British Board of Film Classification (BBFC) age ratings intended to
      protect children and young people from harmful imagery. METHODS: Alcohol
      appearances (classified as 'alcohol use, inferred alcohol use, other alcohol
      reference and alcohol brand appearances') were measured using 5-min interval
      coding of 300 films, comprising the 15 highest grossing films at the UK Box
      Office each year over a period of 20 years from 1989 to 2008. RESULTS: At least
      one alcohol appearance occurred in 86% of films, at least one episode of alcohol
      branding in 35% and nearly a quarter (23%) of all intervals analysed contained at
      least one appearance of alcohol. The occurrence of 'alcohol use and branded
      alcohol appearances' was particularly high in 1989, but the frequency of these
      and all other appearance categories changed little in subsequent years. Most
      films containing alcohol appearances, including 90% of those including 'alcohol
      brand appearances', were rated as suitable for viewing by children and young
      people. The most frequently shown brands were American beers: Budweiser, Miller
      and Coors. Alcohol appearances were similarly frequent in films originating from
      the UK, as from the USA. CONCLUSION: Alcohol imagery is extremely common in all
      films popular in the UK, irrespective of BBFC age classification. Given the
      relationship between exposure to alcohol imagery in films and use of alcohol by
      young people, we suggest that alcohol imagery should be afforded greater
      consideration in determining the suitability of films for viewing by children and
      young people.

PMID- 22039200
TI  - In smokers not willing to quit, counselling on smoking reduction plus free
      nicotine replacement therapy, compared with one-off cessation advice, increases
      the proportion achieving abstinence or reduction in smoking rate at 6 months.

PMID- 22039201
TI  - Prenatal exposure to second hand smoke and adverse perinatal outcomes.

PMID- 22039202
TI  - Review of research findings suggesting nurses overreport their use of research.

PMID- 22039203
TI  - Changes in patient outcomes coincide with increased nursing hours.

PMID- 22039204
TI  - Three-year follow-up after introduction of Canadian best practice guidelines for
      asthma and foot care in diabetes suggests that monitoring of nursing-care
      indicators using an electronic documentation system promotes sustained
      implementation.

PMID- 22039205
TI  - What is quality in qualitative health research?

PMID- 22039206
TI  - RAPSearch2: a fast and memory-efficient protein similarity search tool for next
      generation sequencing data.
AB  - SUMMARY: With the wide application of next-generation sequencing (NGS)
      techniques, fast tools for protein similarity search that scale well to large
      query datasets and large databases are highly desirable. In a previous work, we
      developed RAPSearch, an algorithm that achieved a ~20-90-fold speedup relative to
      BLAST while still achieving similar levels of sensitivity for short protein
      fragments derived from NGS data. RAPSearch, however, requires a substantial
      memory footprint to identify alignment seeds, due to its use of a suffix array
      data structure. Here we present RAPSearch2, a new memory-efficient implementation
      of the RAPSearch algorithm that uses a collision-free hash table to index a
      similarity search database. The utilization of an optimized data structure
      further speeds up the similarity search-another 2-3 times. We also implemented
      multi-threading in RAPSearch2, and the multi-thread modes achieve significant
      acceleration (e.g. 3.5X for 4-thread mode). RAPSearch2 requires up to 2G memory
      when running in single thread mode, or up to 3.5G memory when running in 4-thread
      mode. AVAILABILITY AND IMPLEMENTATION: Implemented in C++, the source code is
      freely available for download at the RAPSearch2 website:
      http://omics.informatics.indiana.edu/mg/RAPSearch2/. CONTACT: yye@indiana.edu
      SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Available at the RAPSearch2 website.

PMID- 22039207
TI  - STRIKE: evaluation of protein MSAs using a single 3D structure.
AB  - MOTIVATION: Evaluating alternative multiple protein sequence alignments is an
      important unsolved problem in Biology. The most accurate way of doing this is to
      use structural information. Unfortunately, most methods require at least two
      structures to be embedded in the alignment, a condition rarely met when dealing
      with standard datasets. RESULT: We developed STRIKE, a method that determines the
      relative accuracy of two alternative alignments of the same sequences using a
      single structure. We validated our methodology on three commonly used reference
      datasets (BAliBASE, Homestrad and Prefab). Given two alignments, STRIKE manages
      to identify the most accurate one in 70% of the cases on average. This figure
      increases to 79% when considering very challenging datasets like the RV11
      category of BAliBASE. This discrimination capacity is significantly higher than
      that reported for other metrics such as Contact Accepted mutation or Blosum. We
      show that this increased performance results both from a refined definition of
      the contacts and from the use of an improved contact substitution score. CONTACT:
      cedric.notredame@crg.eu AVAILABILITY: STRIKE is an open source freeware available
      from www.tcoffee.org SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Supplementary data are available
      at Bioinformatics online.

PMID- 22039208
TI  - Comments on 'An empirical comparison of several recent epistatic interaction
      detection methods'.

PMID- 22039209
TI  - Correcting for cancer genome size and tumour cell content enables better
      estimation of copy number alterations from next-generation sequence data.
AB  - MOTIVATION: Comparison of read depths from next-generation sequencing between
      cancer and normal cells makes the estimation of copy number alteration (CNA)
      possible, even at very low coverage. However, estimating CNA from patients'
      tumour samples poses considerable challenges due to infiltration with normal
      cells and aneuploid cancer genomes. Here we provide a method that corrects
      contamination with normal cells and adjusts for genomes of different sizes so
      that the actual copy number of each region can be estimated. RESULTS: The
      procedure consists of several steps. First, we identify the multi-modality of the
      distribution of smoothed ratios. Then we use the estimates of the mean (modes) to
      identify underlying ploidy and the contamination level, and finally we perform
      the correction. The results indicate that the method works properly to estimate
      genomic regions with gains and losses in a range of simulated data as well as in
      two datasets from lung cancer patients. It also proves a powerful tool when
      analysing publicly available data from two cell lines (HCC1143 and COLO829).
      AVAILABILITY: An R package, called CNAnorm, is available at
      http://www.precancer.leeds.ac.uk/cnanorm or from Bioconductor. CONTACT:
      a.gusnanto@leeds.ac.uk SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Supplementary data are
      available at Bioinformatics online.

PMID- 22039210
TI  - Determining the evolutionary history of gene families.
AB  - MOTIVATION: Recent large-scale studies of individuals within a population have
      demonstrated that there is widespread variation in copy number in many gene
      families. In addition, there is increasing evidence that the variation in gene
      copy number can give rise to substantial phenotypic effects. In some cases, these
      variations have been shown to be adaptive. These observations show that a full
      understanding of the evolution of biological function requires an understanding
      of gene gain and gene loss. Accurate, robust evolutionary models of gain and loss
      events are, therefore, required. RESULTS: We have developed weighted parsimony
      and maximum likelihood methods for inferring gain and loss events. To test these
      methods, we have used Markov models of gain and loss to simulate data with known
      properties. We examine three models: a simple birth-death model, a single rate
      model and a birth-death innovation model with parameters estimated from
      Drosophila genome data. We find that for all simulations maximum likelihood-based
      methods are very accurate for reconstructing the number of duplication events on
      the phylogenetic tree, and that maximum likelihood and weighted parsimony have
      similar accuracy for reconstructing the ancestral state. Our implementations are
      robust to different model parameters and provide accurate inferences of ancestral
      states and the number of gain and loss events. For ancestral reconstruction, we
      recommend weighted parsimony because it has similar accuracy to maximum
      likelihood, but is much faster. For inferring the number of individual gene loss
      or gain events, maximum likelihood is noticeably more accurate, albeit at greater
      computational cost. AVAILABILITY: www.bioinf.manchester.ac.uk/dupliphy CONTACT:
      simon.lovell@manchester.ac.uk; simon.whelan@manchester.ac.uk SUPPLEMENTARY
      INFORMATION: Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

PMID- 22039211
TI  - Cascade detection for the extraction of localized sequence features; specificity
      results for HIV-1 protease and structure-function results for the Schellman loop.
AB  - MOTIVATION: The extraction of the set of features most relevant to function from
      classified biological sequence sets is still a challenging problem. A central
      issue is the determination of expected counts for higher order features so that
      artifact features may be screened. RESULTS: Cascade detection (CD), a new
      algorithm for the extraction of localized features from sequence sets, is
      introduced. CD is a natural extension of the proportional modeling techniques
      used in contingency table analysis into the domain of feature detection. The
      algorithm is successfully tested on synthetic data and then applied to feature
      detection problems from two different domains to demonstrate its broad utility.
      An analysis of HIV-1 protease specificity reveals patterns of strong first-order
      features that group hydrophobic residues by side chain geometry and exhibit
      substantial symmetry about the cleavage site. Higher order results suggest that
      favorable cooperativity is weak by comparison and broadly distributed, but
      indicate possible synergies between negative charge and hydrophobicity in the
      substrate. Structure-function results for the Schellman loop, a helix-capping
      motif in proteins, contain strong first-order features and also show
      statistically significant cooperativities that provide new insights into the
      design of the motif. These include a new 'hydrophobic staple' and multiple
      amphipathic and electrostatic pair features. CD should prove useful not only for
      sequence analysis, but also for the detection of multifactor synergies in cross
      classified data from clinical studies or other sources. AVAILABILITY: Windows
      XP/7 application and data files available at:
      https://sites.google.com/site/cascadedetect/home. CONTACT: nacnewell@comcast.net
      SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Supplementary information is available at
      Bioinformatics online.

PMID- 22039212
TI  - MissForest--non-parametric missing value imputation for mixed-type data.
AB  - MOTIVATION: Modern data acquisition based on high-throughput technology is often
      facing the problem of missing data. Algorithms commonly used in the analysis of
      such large-scale data often depend on a complete set. Missing value imputation
      offers a solution to this problem. However, the majority of available imputation
      methods are restricted to one type of variable only: continuous or categorical.
      For mixed-type data, the different types are usually handled separately.
      Therefore, these methods ignore possible relations between variable types. We
      propose a non-parametric method which can cope with different types of variables
      simultaneously. RESULTS: We compare several state of the art methods for the
      imputation of missing values. We propose and evaluate an iterative imputation
      method (missForest) based on a random forest. By averaging over many unpruned
      classification or regression trees, random forest intrinsically constitutes a
      multiple imputation scheme. Using the built-in out-of-bag error estimates of
      random forest, we are able to estimate the imputation error without the need of a
      test set. Evaluation is performed on multiple datasets coming from a diverse
      selection of biological fields with artificially introduced missing values
      ranging from 10% to 30%. We show that missForest can successfully handle missing
      values, particularly in datasets including different types of variables. In our
      comparative study, missForest outperforms other methods of imputation especially
      in data settings where complex interactions and non-linear relations are
      suspected. The out-of-bag imputation error estimates of missForest prove to be
      adequate in all settings. Additionally, missForest exhibits attractive
      computational efficiency and can cope with high-dimensional data. AVAILABILITY:
      The package missForest is freely available from http://stat.ethz.ch/CRAN/.
      CONTACT: stekhoven@stat.math.ethz.ch; buhlmann@stat.math.ethz.ch

PMID- 22039213
TI  - Shoot branching and leaf dissection in tomato are regulated by homologous gene
      modules.
AB  - Aerial plant architecture is predominantly determined by shoot branching and leaf
      morphology, which are governed by apparently unrelated developmental processes,
      axillary meristem formation, and leaf dissection. Here, we show that in tomato
      (Solanum lycopersicum), these processes share essential functions in boundary
      establishment. Potato leaf (C), a key regulator of leaf dissection, was
      identified to be the closest paralog of the shoot branching regulator Blind (Bl).
      Comparative genomics revealed that these two R2R3 MYB genes are orthologs of the
      Arabidopsis thaliana branching regulator REGULATOR OF AXILLARY MERISTEMS1 (RAX1).
      Expression studies and complementation analyses indicate that these genes have
      undergone sub- or neofunctionalization due to promoter differentiation. C acts in
      a pathway independent of other identified leaf dissection regulators.
      Furthermore, the known leaf complexity regulator Goblet (Gob) is crucial for
      axillary meristem initiation and acts in parallel to C and Bl. Finally, RNA in
      situ hybridization revealed that the branching regulator Lateral suppressor (Ls)
      is also expressed in leaves. All four boundary genes, C, Bl, Gob, and Ls, may act
      by suppressing growth, as indicated by gain-of-function plants. Thus, leaf
      architecture and shoot architecture rely on a conserved mechanism of boundary
      formation preceding the initiation of leaflets and axillary meristems.

PMID- 22039214
TI  - Strigolactone biosynthesis in Medicago truncatula and rice requires the symbiotic
      GRAS-type transcription factors NSP1 and NSP2.
AB  - Legume GRAS (GAI, RGA, SCR)-type transcription factors NODULATION SIGNALING
      PATHWAY1 (NSP1) and NSP2 are essential for rhizobium Nod factor-induced
      nodulation. Both proteins are considered to be Nod factor response factors
      regulating gene expression after symbiotic signaling. However, legume NSP1 and
      NSP2 can be functionally replaced by nonlegume orthologs, including rice (Oryza
      sativa) NSP1 and NSP2, indicating that both proteins are functionally conserved
      in higher plants. Here, we show that NSP1 and NSP2 are indispensable for
      strigolactone (SL) biosynthesis in the legume Medicago truncatula and in rice.
      Mutant nsp1 plants do not produce SLs, whereas in M. truncatula, NSP2 is
      essential for conversion of orobanchol into didehydro-orobanchol, which is the
      main SL produced by this species. The disturbed SL biosynthesis in nsp1 nsp2
      mutant backgrounds correlates with reduced expression of DWARF27, a gene
      essential for SL biosynthesis. Rice and M. truncatula represent distinct
      phylogenetic lineages that split approximately 150 million years ago. Therefore,
      we conclude that regulation of SL biosynthesis by NSP1 and NSP2 is an ancestral
      function conserved in higher plants. NSP1 and NSP2 are single-copy genes in
      legumes, which implies that both proteins fulfill dual regulatory functions to
      control downstream targets after rhizobium-induced signaling as well as SL
      biosynthesis in nonsymbiotic conditions.

PMID- 22039215
TI  - TIP: a probabilistic method for identifying transcription factor target genes
      from ChIP-seq binding profiles.
AB  - MOTIVATION: ChIP-seq and ChIP-chip experiments have been widely used to identify
      transcription factor (TF) binding sites and target genes. Conventionally, a
      fairly 'simple' approach is employed for target gene identification e.g. finding
      genes with binding sites within 2 kb of a transcription start site (TSS).
      However, this does not take into account the number of sites upstream of the TSS,
      their exact positioning or the fact that different TFs appear to act at different
      characteristic distances from the TSS. RESULTS: Here we propose a probabilistic
      model called target identification from profiles (TIP) that quantitatively
      measures the regulatory relationships between TFs and target genes. For each TF,
      our model builds a characteristic, averaged profile of binding around the TSS and
      then uses this to weight the sites associated with a given gene, providing a
      continuous-valued 'regulatory' score relating each TF and potential target.
      Moreover, the score can readily be turned into a ranked list of target genes and
      an estimate of significance, which is useful for case-dependent downstream
      analysis. CONCLUSION: We show the advantages of TIP by comparing it to the
      'simple' approach on several representative datasets, using motif occurrence and
      relationship to knock-out experiments as metrics of validation. Moreover, we show
      that the probabilistic model is not as sensitive to various experimental
      parameters (including sequencing depth and peak-calling method) as the simple
      approach; in fact, the lesser dependence on sequencing depth potentially utilizes
      the result of a ChIP-seq experiment in a more 'cost-effective' manner. CONTACT:
      mark.gerstein@yale.edu SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Supplementary data are
      available at Bioinformatics online.

PMID- 22039216
TI  - Sudden cardiac death: mandatory exclusion of athletes at risk is a step too far.
AB  - Sudden cardiac death (SCD) in young athletes is a distressing event and it is not
      surprising that some physicians working with sports people are proposing that
      preventive action should be taken. There is a push for a system similar to that
      established in some countries, which involves screening and mandatory exclusion
      of those at risk. We argue that while screening can provide useful information to
      at-risk athletes making decisions about their future athletic careers, mandatory
      exclusion of athletes is paternalistic and such decisions are not rightfully
      within the domain of medicine.

PMID- 22039217
TI  - Mapping, complementation, and targets of the cysteine protease actinidin in
      kiwifruit.
AB  - Cysteine proteases (CPs) accumulate to high concentration in many fruit, where
      they are believed to play a role in fungal and insect defense. The fruit of
      Actinidia species (kiwifruit) exhibit a range of CP activities (e.g. the
      Actinidia chinensis variety YellowA shows less than 2% of the activity of
      Actinidia deliciosa variety Hayward). A major quantitative trait locus for CP
      activity was mapped to linkage group 16 in a segregating population of A.
      chinensis. This quantitative trait locus colocated with the gene encoding
      actinidin, the major acidic CP in ripe Hayward fruit encoded by the ACT1A-1
      allele. Sequence analysis indicated that the ACT1A locus in the segregating A.
      chinensis population contained one functional allele (A-2) and three
      nonfunctional alleles (a-3, a-4, and a-5) each containing a unique frameshift
      mutation. YellowA kiwifruit contained two further alleles: a-6, which was
      nonfunctional because of a large insertion, and a-7, which produced an inactive
      enzyme. Site-directed mutagenesis of the act1a-7 protein revealed a residue that
      restored CP activity. Expression of the functional ACT1A-1 cDNA in transgenic
      plants complemented the natural YellowA mutations and partially restored CP
      activity in fruit. Two consequences of the increase in CP activity were enhanced
      degradation of gelatin-based jellies in vitro and an increase in the processing
      of a class IV chitinase in planta. These results provide new insight into key
      residues required for CP activity and the in vivo protein targets of actinidin.

PMID- 22039218
TI  - Therapeutic interventions for acute hamstring injuries: a systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite the high rate of hamstring injuries, there is no consensus on
      their management, with a large number of different interventions being used.
      Recently several new injection therapies have been introduced. OBJECTIVE: To
      systematically review the literature on the effectiveness of therapeutic
      interventions for acute hamstring injuries. DATA SOURCES: The databases of
      PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, CINAHL and SPORTDiscus were
      searched in May 2011. Study eligibility criteria Prospective studies comparing
      the effect of an intervention with another intervention or a control group
      without intervention in subjects with acute hamstring injuries were included.
      DATA ANALYSIS: Two authors independently screened the search results and assessed
      risk of bias. Quality assessment of the included studies was performed using the
      Physiotherapy Evidence Database score. A best evidence synthesis was used to
      identify the level of evidence. MAIN RESULTS: Six studies were included in this
      systematic review. There is limited evidence for a positive effect of stretching,
      agility and trunk stability exercises, intramuscular actovegin injections or
      slump stretching in the management of acute hamstring injuries. Limited evidence
      was found that there is no effect of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or
      manipulation of the sacroiliac joint. CONCLUSIONS: There is a lack of high
      quality studies on the treatment of acute hamstring injuries. Only limited
      evidence was found to support the use of stretching, agility and trunk stability
      exercises, intramuscular actovegin injections or slump stretching. Further
      research is needed using an appropriate control group, randomisation and
      blinding.

PMID- 22039219
TI  - Rhodium dihydride (RhH2) with high volumetric hydrogen density.
AB  - Materials with very high hydrogen density have attracted considerable interest
      due to a range of motivations, including the search for chemically precompressed
      metallic hydrogen and hydrogen storage applications. Using high-pressure
      synchrotron X-ray diffraction technique and theoretical calculations, we have
      discovered a new rhodium dihydride (RhH(2)) with high volumetric hydrogen density
      (163.7 g/L). Compressing rhodium in fluid hydrogen at ambient temperature, the
      fcc rhodium metal absorbs hydrogen and expands unit-cell volume by two discrete
      steps to form NaCl-typed fcc rhodium monohydride at 4 GPa and fluorite-typed fcc
      RhH(2) at 8 GPa. RhH(2) is the first dihydride discovered in the platinum group
      metals under high pressure. Our low-temperature experiments show that RhH(2) is
      recoverable after releasing pressure cryogenically to 1 bar and is capable of
      retaining hydrogen up to 150 K for minutes and 77 K for an indefinite length of
      time.

PMID- 22039220
TI  - Conformational dynamics of helix 8 in the GPCR rhodopsin controls arrestin
      activation in the desensitization process.
AB  - Arrestins are regulatory molecules for G-protein coupled receptor function. In
      visual rhodopsin, selective binding of arrestin to the cytoplasmic side of light
      activated, phosphorylated rhodopsin (P-Rh*) terminates signaling via the G
      protein transducin. While the "phosphate-sensor" of arrestin for the recognition
      of receptor-attached phosphates is identified, the molecular mechanism of
      arrestin binding and the involvement of receptor conformations in this process
      are still largely hypothetic. Here we used fluorescence pump-probe and time
      resolved fluorescence depolarization measurements to investigate the kinetics of
      arrestin conformational changes and the corresponding nanosecond dynamical
      changes at the receptor surface. We show that at least two sequential
      conformational changes of arrestin occur upon interaction with P-Rh*, thus
      providing a kinetic proof for the suggested multistep nature of arrestin binding.
      At the cytoplasmic surface of P-Rh*, the structural dynamics of the amphipathic
      helix 8 (H8), connecting transmembrane helix 7 and the phosphorylated C-terminal
      tail, depends on the arrestin interaction state. We find that a high mobility of
      H8 is required in the low-affinity (prebinding) but not in the high-affinity
      binding state. High-affinity arrestin binding is inhibited when a bulky,
      inflexible group is bound to H8, indicating close interaction. We further show
      that this close steric interaction of H8 with arrestin is mandatory for the
      transition from prebinding to high-affinity binding; i.e., for arrestin
      activation. This finding implies a regulatory role for H8 in activation of visual
      arrestin, which shows high selectivity to P-Rh* in contrast to the broad receptor
      specificity displayed by the two nonvisual arrestins.

PMID- 22039221
TI  - The effect of resident peer-to-peer education on compliance with urinary catheter
      placement indications in the emergency department.
AB  - OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate the effect of resident peer-to-peer
      education on knowledge of appropriate urinary catheter (UC) placement in the
      emergency department (ED) and to determine if this translates into further
      reduction in UC utilisation. Background Instituting guidelines for appropriate UC
      placement reduces UC utilisation in the ED. No study has explored if resident
      education in a teaching hospital would further reduce UC utilisation. METHODS An
      educational intervention implemented in February 2009 consisted of a lecture,
      distribution of pocket cards and a peer-administered weekly review of
      institutional UC guidelines. A 12-question multiple-choice test was given to
      residents prelecture and postlecture, and the 12-question test was repeated 3
      months later. Retrospective chart review was performed to evaluate UC utilisation
      before, immediately after and 3 months after the educational intervention.
      RESULTS 30 residents completed all three tests. Significant differences were
      found between the mean test score pre-education and the mean test score
      immediately after education (9.43+/-1.17 vs 10.87+/-1.46, p<0.001) and between
      the mean test score pre-education and the mean test score 3 months posteducation
      (9.43+/-1.17 vs 10.43+/-1.28, p<0.001). There was no significant difference in UC
      utilisation or in the proportion of indicated UCs placed by residents within the
      three study periods. CONCLUSIONS Resident peer-to-peer education was associated
      with improvement of knowledge but did not result in decreased UC utilisation. A
      more active approach must be taken and other factors need to be further explored
      to reduce unnecessary placement of UC by residents in the ED.

PMID- 22039222
TI  - Regarding prostate-specific antigen: let's not shoot the messenger.

PMID- 22039223
TI  - Tension at the borders: perceptions of role overload, conflict, strain and
      facilitation in work, family and health roles among employed individuals with
      arthritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine inter-relationships among arthritis (A), work (W) and
      personal life (P) roles and their reciprocal influences, especially experiences
      of role balance/imbalance among individuals with inflammatory arthritis (IA) and
      OA. METHODS: Eight focus groups were conducted with 24 women and 16 men (aged 29
      72 years). A purposive sample was recruited from community advertising.
      Eligibility included current employment or having been employed within the
      previous year. Participants were asked about ways arthritis, work and personal
      life roles intersected and their impact. A standardized questionnaire collected
      demographic, symptom and employment data for descriptive purposes. RESULTS:
      Participants noted that having arthritis affected their identity and intersected
      with work and personal roles, creating role overload, role conflict, role strain
      and role facilitation. Role overload highlighted that arthritis both affected and
      was impacted by work and personal life (A -> W; A -> P; W -> A; P -> A). Role
      conflict focused on A -> W and A -> P difficulties, whereas role facilitation
      emphasized the positive impact of work and personal life roles on arthritis (W ->
      A; P -> A). Role strain was pervasive and arose from numerous sources. Personal
      strategies (e.g. positive framing) and contextual factors (e.g. support) were
      important in contributing to or ameliorating role balance/imbalance. CONCLUSIONS:
      By comprehensively examining multiple types of role balance/imbalance and the
      context within which it occurs, this study identifies gaps in patient-oriented
      measurement of the impact of arthritis and areas of need in the development of
      arthritis intervention.

PMID- 22039224
TI  - Replication of GWAS-identified systemic lupus erythematosus susceptibility genes
      affirms B-cell receptor pathway signalling and strengthens the role of IRF5 in
      disease susceptibility in a Northern European population.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: A large number of genes, including several not previously implicated
      in SLE susceptibility, have recently been identified or confirmed by genome-wide
      association studies (GWAS). In this study, we sought to replicate some of these
      results in Finnish SLE patients (n = 275) and control individuals (n = 356).
      METHODS: We genotyped 32 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 12 of the best
      supported GWAS-identified SLE genes and loci. We further investigated gene-gene
      interactions between the loci included in the study. RESULTS: The strongest
      evidence of association was found at the IRF5-TNPO3 locus, with the most
      significant P-value being 2.0 * 10(-7) and an odds ratio of 1.95 (95% CI 1.51,
      2.50). Association between SLE and TNFAIP3, FAM167A-BLK, BANK1 and KIAA1542 was
      also confirmed, although at a lower significance level and contribution to
      individual risk. No significant association was found with 1q25.1, PXK, ATG5,
      ICA1, XKR6, LYN and SCUBE1. Furthermore, no significant gene-gene interactions
      were detected. CONCLUSION: Replication of previous GWAS findings across diverse
      populations is of importance to validate these associations and to get a better
      understanding of potential genetic heterogeneity between populations in SLE
      susceptibility. Our results attest the importance of B-cell receptor pathway and
      IFN signalling in SLE pathogenesis.

PMID- 22039225
TI  - Thoracic spine osteitis: a distinct clinical entity, a variant of SAPHO or late
      onset non-bacterial osteitis?

PMID- 22039226
TI  - Biologic agents for rheumatoid arthritis--negotiating the NICE technology
      appraisals.
AB  - In England and Wales, the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence
      (NICE) has provided guidance [technology appraisals (TAs) 130, 186, 195, 198 and
      225] on the use of biologic drugs for the treatment of RA. This is based on an
      analysis of efficacy, safety and cost-effectiveness, and has resulted in a
      complex management pathway that restricts freedom to prescribe biologics
      according to their licensed indications. Specifically, TNF antagonists are the
      only class of biologics that can be used first line in DMARD-inadequate
      responders, and only in patients with a persistent 28-joint DAS score of >=5.1.
      Alternative biologic agents are denied to those with contraindications to anti
      TNF drugs and are also not supported following intolerance to TNF antagonists.
      Rituximab is the only class of biologic permitted after TNF antagonist
      inefficacy, in the absence of a contraindication to its use, whereas abatacept
      and tocilizumab are licensed and may be a more efficacious choice at this stage
      in some patient groups. Furthermore, for patients who demonstrate sequential
      inadequate responses, treatment is restricted to one TNF antagonist, rituximab
      and tocilizumab, whereas abatacept is only a permitted choice when rituximab is
      contraindicated or has been withdrawn because of an adverse event. In this
      review, we discuss the treatment algorithm published by NICE, and suggest
      alternatives where perceived deficiencies exist.

PMID- 22039227
TI  - Do low vitamin D levels cause problems of waste removal in patients with SLE?

PMID- 22039228
TI  - Inflammatory cytokine expression in the skin lesions of tumour necrosis factor
      receptor-associated periodic syndrome.

PMID- 22039229
TI  - A novel mechanism of increased infections in contact lens wearers.
AB  - PURPOSE: It is well documented that contact lens wearers have much higher
      incidences of corneal infections compared with those of non-contact lens wearers,
      although the exact cause(s) of this increased susceptibility has not been
      identified. A distinct subset of mucins (MUCs) is present on the ocular surface,
      acting to protect the integrity of the corneal epithelium. This study was
      performed to determine whether multipurpose contact lens solutions (MPCLSs) can
      cause increased infections in the cornea by destroying the protective cell-bound
      mucin layer. METHODS: An immortalized human corneal limbal epithelial cell line
      was treated in the presence of four commonly used MPCLSs or PBS and the
      expression and release of MUC-16 was assessed. Cells were also cultured with
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa after MPCLS treatment and internalization of bacteria was
      assessed by quantitative genomic PCR. Loss of MUC-16 was then correlated with
      infection rates. RESULTS: Each of the four commonly used MPCLSs examined in this
      study differentially affected mucin release. The relative effect was correlated
      with an increase in infection of corneal epithelial cells by P. aeruginosa.
      CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study are consistent with the hypothesis that
      MPCLSs cause increased infections in the cornea by destroying the protective cell
      bound mucin layer.

PMID- 22039230
TI  - Decrease in rate of myopia progression with a contact lens designed to reduce
      relative peripheral hyperopia: one-year results.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine whether a novel optical treatment using contact lenses to
      reduce relative peripheral hyperopia can slow the rate of progress of myopia.
      METHODS: Chinese children, aged 7 to 14 years, with baseline myopia from sphere 
      0.75 to -3.50 D and cylinder <=1.00 D, were fitted with novel contact lenses (n =
      45) and followed up for 12 months, and their progress was compared with that of a
      group (n = 40) matched for age, sex, refractive error, axial length, and parental
      myopia wearing normal, single-vision, spherocylindrical spectacles. RESULTS: On
      adjusting for parental myopia, sex, age, baseline spherical equivalent (SphE)
      values, and compliance, the estimated progression in SphE at 12 months was 34%
      less, at -0.57 D, with the novel contact lenses (95% confidence interval [CI], 
      0.45 -0.69 D) than at -0.86 D, with spectacle lenses (95% CI, -0.74 to -0.99 D).
      For an average baseline age of 11.2 years, baseline SphE of -2.10 D, a baseline
      axial length of 24.6 mm, and 320 days of compliant lens wear, the estimated
      increase in axial length (AL) was 33% less at 0.27 mm (95% CI, 0.22-0.32 mm) than
      at 0.40 mm (95% CI, 0.35-0.45 mm) for the contact lens and spectacle lens groups,
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The 12-month data support the hypothesis that reducing
      peripheral hyperopia can alter central refractive development and reduce the rate
      of progress of myopia. (chictr.org number, chiCTR-TRC-00000029 or chiCTR-TRC
      00000032.).

PMID- 22039231
TI  - Active Immunization with Pneumolysin versus 23-Valent Polysaccharide Vaccine for
      Streptococcus pneumoniae Keratitis.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether active immunization
      against pneumolysin (PLY), or polysaccharide capsule, protects against the
      corneal damage associated with Streptococcus pneumoniae keratitis. METHODS: New
      Zealand White rabbits were actively immunized with Freund's adjuvant mixed with
      pneumolysin toxoid (psiPLY), Pneumovax 23 (PPSV23; Merck, Whitehouse Station,
      NJ), or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS), before corneal infection with 105 colony
      forming units (CFU) of S. pneumoniae. Serotype-specific rabbit polyclonal
      antisera or mock antisera were passively administered to rabbits before either
      intravenous infection with 1011 CFU S. pneumoniae or corneal infection with 105
      CFU of S. pneumoniae. RESULTS: After active immunization, clinical scores of
      corneas of the rabbits immunized with psiPLY and Freund's adjuvant were
      significantly lower than scores of the rabbits that were mock immunized with PBS
      and Freund's adjuvant or with PPSV23 and Freund's adjuvant at 48 hours after
      infection (P <= 0.0010), whereas rabbits immunized with PPSV23 and Freund's
      adjuvant failed to show differences in clinical scores compared with those in
      mock-immunized rabbits (P = 1.00) at 24 and 48 hours after infection. Antisera
      from rabbits actively immunized with PPSV23 and Freund's adjuvant were
      nonopsonizing. Bacterial loads recovered from infected corneas were higher for
      the psiPLY- and PPSV23-immunized rabbits after infection with WU2, when compared
      with the mock-immunized rabbits (P <= 0.007). Conversely, after infection with
      K1443, the psiPLY-immunized rabbits had lower bacterial loads than the control
      rabbits (P = 0.0008). Quantitation of IgG, IgA, and IgM in the sera of psiPLY
      immunized rabbits showed high concentrations of PLY-specific IgG. Furthermore,
      anti-PLY IgG purified from psiPLY-immunized rabbits neutralized the cytolytic
      effects of PLY on human corneal epithelial cells. Passive administration of
      serotype-specific antisera capable of opsonizing and killing S. pneumoniae
      protected against pneumococcal bacteremia (P <= 0.05), but not against keratitis
      (P >= 0.476). CONCLUSIONS: Active immunization with pneumococcal capsular
      polysaccharide and Freund's adjuvant fails to produce opsonizing antibodies, and
      passive administration of serotype specific opsonizing antibodies offers no
      protection against pneumococcal keratitis in the rabbit, whereas active
      immunization with the conserved protein virulence factor PLY and Freund's
      adjuvant is able to reduce corneal inflammation associated with pneumococcal
      keratitis, but has variable effects on bacterial loads in the cornea.

PMID- 22039232
TI  - Vulnerability of the retinal microvasculature to hypoxia: role of polyamine
      regulated K(ATP) channels.
AB  - PURPOSE: It is uncertain why retinal capillaries are particularly vulnerable to
      hypoxia. In this study, it was hypothesized that their specialized physiology,
      which includes being the predominant microvascular location of functional
      adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channels, boosts their
      susceptibility to hypoxia-induced cell death. METHODS: Cell viability, ionic
      currents, intracellular calcium, and pericyte contractility in microvascular
      complexes freshly isolated from the rat retina were assessed using trypan blue
      dye exclusion, perforated-patch recordings, fura-2 fluorescence, and time-lapse
      videos. Chemical hypoxia was induced by antimycin, an oxidative phosphorylation
      inhibitor. RESULTS: In freshly isolated retinal microvascular complexes, chemical
      hypoxia caused more cell death in capillaries than in arterioles. Indicative of
      the role of polyamine-dependent K(ATP) channels, antimycin-induced capillary cell
      death was markedly decreased in microvessels treated with the polyamine synthesis
      inhibitor, difluoromethylornithine, or the K(ATP) channel inhibitor,
      glibenclamide. These inhibitors also diminished the antimycin-induced
      hyperpolarization, as well as the antimycin-induced intracellular calcium
      increase, which was significantly dependent on extracellular calcium and was
      diminished by the inhibitor of calcium-induced calcium release (CICR),
      dantrolene. Consistent with the importance of the CICR-dependent increase in
      capillary cell calcium, dantrolene significantly decreased hypoxia-induced
      capillary cell death. We also found that activation of the polyamine/K(ATP)
      channel/Ca(2+) influx/CICR pathway not only boosted the vulnerability of retinal
      capillaries to hypoxia, but also caused the contraction of capillary pericytes,
      whose vasoconstrictive effect may exacerbate hypoxia. CONCLUSIONS: The
      vulnerability of retinal capillaries to hypoxia is boosted by a mechanism
      involving the polyamine/K(ATP) channel/Ca(2+) influx/CICR pathway. Discovery of
      this pathway should provide new targets for pharmacological interventions to
      minimize hypoxia-induced damage in retinal capillaries.

PMID- 22039233
TI  - Alterations in protein expression in tree shrew sclera during development of lens
      induced myopia and recovery.
AB  - PURPOSE: During the development of, and recovery from, negative lens-induced
      myopia there is regulated remodeling of the scleral extracellular matrix (ECM)
      that controls the extensibility of the sclera. Difference gel electrophoresis
      (DIGE) was used to identify and categorize proteins whose levels are altered in
      this process. METHODS: Two groups of five tree shrews started monocular lens wear
      24 days after eye opening (days of visual experience [VE]). The lens-induced
      myopia (LIM) group wore a -5 D lens for 4 days. The recovery (REC) group wore a 
      5 D lens for 11 days and then recovered for 4 days. Two normal groups (28 and 39
      days of VE; n = 5 each) were also examined, age-matched to each of the treatment
      groups. Refractive and A-scan measures confirmed the effect of the treatments.
      Scleral proteins were isolated and resolved by DIGE. Proteins that differed in
      abundance were identified by mass spectrometry. Ingenuity pathway analysis was
      used to investigate potential biological pathway interactions. RESULTS: During
      normal development (28-39 days of VE), eight proteins decreased and one protein
      increased in relative abundance. LIM-treated eyes were myopic and longer than
      control eyes; LIM-control eyes were slightly myopic compared with 28N eyes,
      indicating a yoking effect. In both the LIM-treated and the LIM-control eyes,
      there was a general downregulation from normal of proteins involved in
      transcription, cell adhesion, and protein synthesis. Additional proteins involved
      in cell adhesion, actin cytoskeleton, transcriptional regulation, and ECM
      structural proteins differed in the LIM-treated eyes versus normal but did not
      differ in the control eyes versus normal. REC-treated eyes were recovering from
      the induced myopia. REC-control eye refractions were not significantly different
      from the 39N eyes, and few proteins differed from age-matched normal eyes. The
      balance of protein expression in the REC-treated eyes, compared with normal eyes
      and REC-control eyes, shifted toward upregulation or a return to normal levels of
      proteins involved in cell adhesion, cell division, cytoskeleton, and ECM
      structural proteins, including upregulation of several cytoskeleton-related
      proteins not affected during myopia development. CONCLUSIONS: The DIGE procedure
      revealed new proteins whose abundance is altered during myopia development and
      recovery. Many of these are involved in cell-matrix adhesions, cytoskeleton, and
      transcriptional regulation and extend our understanding of the remodeling that
      controls the extensibility of the sclera. Reductions in these proteins during
      minus lens wear may produce the increased scleral viscoelasticity that results in
      faster axial elongation. Recovery is not a mirror image of lens-induced myopia
      many protein levels, decreased during LIM, returned to normal, or slightly above
      normal, and additional cytoskeleton proteins were upregulated. However, no single
      protein or pathway appeared to be responsible for the scleral changes during
      myopia development or recovery.

PMID- 22039234
TI  - Autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa with intrafamilial variability and
      incomplete penetrance in two families carrying mutations in PRPF8.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to report detailed genotype/phenotype
      correlation in two British autosomal dominant retinitis pigmentosa (adRP)
      families with recently described mutations in PRPF8. METHODS: Ten affected
      members from the two families (excluded for PRPF31 mutations) were assessed
      clinically. Seven subjects had fundus photography; some had electrophysiology,
      autofluorescence imaging, and visual field testing. Linkage analysis was
      performed from genomic DNA in one family. RNA was extracted from lymphocytes of
      the proband from both families, reverse transcribed into cDNA and subsequently
      screened for mutations in PRPF8. Segregation of mutations in each family was
      tested by direct genomic sequencing of the specific exons carrying the mutation.
      RESULTS: All affected members complained of nyctalopia with variable age of
      onset. In the first family, there was marked variation in the clinical phenotype
      among affected individuals ranging from severe rod-cone dystrophy to a 67-year
      old patient with a normal retinal appearance and mild rod dysfunction on scotopic
      electroretinography (ERG). The second family demonstrated similar variability and
      a history of a nonpenetrant individual. Linkage analysis in the first family
      showed strong evidence for linkage to markers on chromosome 17p implicating PRPF8
      as a candidate gene. A c.6353 C>T change causing a nonconservative missense
      mutation p.S2118F was found in exon 38 of PRPF8 by direct sequencing of the cDNA.
      The mutation c.6930G>C (p.R2310S) was found in the second family. CONCLUSIONS:
      This is the first report of marked intrafamilial variability associated with
      mutations in the PRPF8 gene, including incomplete penetrance. PRPF8 mutations
      should be suspected in patients with adRP and variable expressivity.

PMID- 22039235
TI  - Insight into the role of Ca2+-binding protein 5 in vesicle exocytosis.
AB  - PURPOSE: CaBP5 is a neuronal calmodulin-like Ca(2+)-binding protein that is
      expressed in the retina and in the cochlea. Although CaBP5 knockout mice
      displayed reduced sensitivity of retinal ganglion cell light responses, the
      function of CaBP5 in vivo is still unknown. To gain further insight into CaBP5
      function, the authors screened for CaBP5-interacting partners. METHODS: Potential
      retinal interacting partners for CaBP5 were identified using affinity
      chromatography followed by mass spectrometry and by yeast two-hybrid screening of
      a bovine retina cDNA library. Interacting partners were further analyzed using
      coimmunoprecipitation. Immunohistochemistry and subcellular fractionation were
      performed to determine their colocalization in the retina. The effect of CaBP5 on
      dopamine release and neurite outgrowth of PC12 cells was analyzed using ELISA and
      fluorescent labeling. RESULTS: Using affinity chromatography, the authors
      identified Munc18-1 and myosin VI as interacting partners for CaBP5. Munc18-1 was
      also identified using the yeast two-hybrid system. Colocalization and
      coimmunoprecipitation of CaBP5 with these two proteins in retinal tissue further
      established their physiological interactions. Furthermore, CaBP5 expression in
      NGF-stimulated PC12 cells stimulates neurite outgrowth and dopamine exocytosis.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that CaBP5 interacts with Munc18-1 and myosin VI,
      two proteins involved in the synaptic vesicle cycle. Together with the effect of
      CaBP5 in stimulating neurite outgrowth and vesicle exocytosis in PC12 cells,
      these results suggest that CaBP5 plays a role in neurotransmitter release.

PMID- 22039236
TI  - Determinants of quantitative optic nerve measurements using spectral domain
      optical coherence tomography in a population-based sample of non-glaucomatous
      subjects.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the ocular and systemic factors influencing measurements of
      optic nerve head (ONH) parameters and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness
      with spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) in healthy Chinese
      adults. METHODS: Adults ranging in age from 40 to 80 years were consecutively
      recruited from the population-based Singapore Chinese Eye Study. A SD-OCT
      instrument was used to measure ONH and RNFL parameters. A total of 542 eyes from
      542 non-glaucomatous Chinese subjects were analyzed. Univariable and multiple
      linear regression analyses were performed to examine the effects of a range of
      ocular (e.g., intraocular pressure [IOP], axial length [AL], disc area) and
      systemic (e.g., blood pressure, serum glucose) factors on ONH and RNFL
      parameters. RESULTS: In multiple regression analyses, neuroretinal rim area was
      independently associated with age (beta = -0.006, P < 0.001), disc area (beta =
      0.183, P < 0.001), IOP (beta = -0.009, P = 0.008), AL (beta = -0.023, P = 0.004),
      and lens nuclear color (beta = 0.042, P = 0.001). Vertical cup-to-disc ratio was
      independently correlated with age (beta = 0.003, P < 0.001), disc area (beta =
      0.207, P < 0.001), IOP (beta = 0.004, P = 0.014), AL (beta = 0.010, P = 0.008),
      and lens nuclear color (beta = -0.017, P = 0.006). Average RNFL thickness was
      independently related to age (beta = -0.204, P = 0.001), disc area (beta = 4.218,
      P < 0.001), signal strength (beta = 1.348, P < 0.001), and AL (beta = -1.332, P <
      0.001). Disc area had the strongest effect on measurements of ONH parameters and
      RNFL thickness. CONCLUSIONS: In a non-glaucomatous population, optic nerve
      measurements with SD-OCT vary with disc area, age, IOP, AL, lens nuclear color,
      and signal strength, but systemic parameters have little influence. This
      information may be useful for interpretation of SD-OCT measurements.

PMID- 22039237
TI  - Increase of intracellular Ca2+ by purinergic receptors in cultured rat lacrimal
      gland myoepithelial cells.
AB  - PURPOSE: To isolate and characterize cultured myoepithelial cells (MECs) from rat
      lacrimal gland and determine which purinergic receptor subtypes are present and
      functional in MECs. METHODS: Rat lacrimal glands were subjected to collagenase
      digestion, and MECs were grown. RT-PCR was performed for the purinergic receptors
      P2X(7), P2Y(1), P2Y(11), and P2Y(13) on RNA isolated from the MECs.
      Immunofluorescence experiments were performed with antibodies against MEC markers
      and P2X(7), P2Y(1), P2Y(11), and P2Y(13) purinergic receptors. Proteins from MECs
      were separated using Western blot analysis techniques. In addition, cells were
      incubated with Fura 2 tetra acetoxymethyl ester, and intracellular [Ca(2+)]
      ([Ca(2+)](i)) was determined in response to P2 purinergic agonists. RESULTS: MECs
      expressed the MEC proteins alpha-smooth muscle actin, vimentin, alpha-actinin,
      and adenylyl cyclase II. RT-PCR, Western blot, and immunofluorescence techniques
      demonstrated the presence of the purinergic receptors P2X(7), P2Y(1), P2Y(11),
      and P2Y(13). The purinergic agonists ATP, benzoylbenzoyl ATP (BzATP), alpha,beta
      methylene ATP, UTP, 2-methylthioATP (MeSATP), and ATPgammaS increased
      [Ca(2+)](i). As BzATP binds to the P2X(7) receptor, specific characteristics of
      this receptor were investigated. Neither inhibitors of P2X(7) receptors nor
      removal of extracellular Mg(2+) or Ca(2+) had an effect on the BzATP-stimulated
      increase in [Ca(2+)](i). Repeated applications of BzATP desensitized this
      response. Inhibitors for P2Y(1), P2Y(11), and P2Y(13) each decreased the BzATP
      stimulated increase in [Ca(2+)](i) with the P2Y(1) inhibitor most effective.
      CONCLUSIONS: MECs can be isolated from rat lacrimal glands, and they express
      P2X(7), P2Y(1), P2Y(11), and P2Y(13) purinergic receptors. Surprisingly, BzATP
      binds the P2Y(1) receptor, which is primarily responsible for the BzATP
      stimulated increase in [Ca(2+)](i).

PMID- 22039238
TI  - Central retinal function as measured by the multifocal electroretinogram and
      flicker perimetry in early age-related macular degeneration.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the retinal function in early age-related macular
      degeneration (AMD) assessed by the multifocal electroretinogram (mfERG) and
      flicker perimetry and to seek a relationship between local objective mfERG
      parameters and subjective flicker perimetry thresholds. METHODS: mfERG and
      flicker perimetry were performed in 15 patients (15 eyes) with early AMD and 14
      controls (14 eyes) of similar age. The mfERG P1 response amplitude density
      (nV/deg2) and P1 implicit time of the first-order kernel and the flicker
      thresholds of each concentric ring were analyzed. The relationship between
      individual mfERG responses and the corresponding individual flicker sensitivity
      outcomes was determined. RESULTS: The mfERG response amplitude of the central
      ring (ring 1) was significantly reduced in early AMD eyes compared with the
      controls (P = 0.009). No significant difference in mfERG amplitude between early
      AMD and control eyes was detected in the other rings. The mfERG implicit time was
      significantly increased in the early AMD eyes but only within the central four
      rings of 12 degrees . A significant reduction in flicker sensitivity was also
      detected in early AMD eyes but only within the central 6 degrees . There was a
      significant, moderate correlation (r = -0.477; P < 0.001) between local mfERG
      latency and flicker sensitivity from the same tested locations within the central
      6 degrees . There was a weak correlation (r = 0.200; P = 0.014) between mfERG
      amplitude and flicker sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: Both mfERG and flicker perimetry
      show abnormal retinal function, but only in the very central macula, in early
      AMD. A novel relationship between mfERG and flicker sensitivity should enhance
      the clinical monitoring of disease progression.

PMID- 22039239
TI  - Carcinoembryonic antigen cell adhesion molecule-1 (CEACAM1) in posterior uveal
      melanoma: correlation with clinical and histological survival markers.
AB  - PURPOSE: Carcinoembryonic antigen cell adhesion molecule (CEACAM)-1 is a multi
      functional protein, with strong predictive value for poor prognosis when found in
      primary cutaneous melanoma lesions. In this study, the expression of CEACAM1 in
      uveal melanoma was correlated with clinicopathologic parameters. METHODS: CEACAM1
      expression was immunohistochemically evaluated in 79 primary uveal melanomas and
      21 liver metastases of patients who were treated at the Hadassah-Hebrew
      University Medical Center between the years 1986 and 2006. The findings were
      correlated with location, cell type, extracellular matrix patterns, tumor size,
      and metastatic disease. RESULTS: CEACAM1 was expressed in 45% of the primary
      tumors compared with 81% of the metastases (Fisher's exact test, P = 0.003).
      There was no significant association between CEACAM1 and location of the primary
      tumors. Histologically, CEACAM1 was associated with epithelioid-type tumors
      (69.6%), but not with spindle-type tumors (25.0%) (Cramer's V = 0.354; P =
      0.019). Also it was significantly associated with network extracellular matrix
      pattern (73.3%), but not with silent pattern (11.8%) (Cramer's V = 0.510; P =
      0.004). CEACAM1-positive tumors were not statistically different in size from
      CEACAM1-negative tumors. The higher frequency of CEACAM1 in patients who
      ultimately developed metastases (58.8% vs. 41.7%) was not statistically
      significant (likelihood ratio chi(2) = 2.069; P = 0.1503). CONCLUSIONS: This
      report describes CEACAM1 expression in uveal melanoma. Correlation with poor
      prognostic factors such as epithelioid cell type and networks of extracellular
      matrix pattern was found, but definitive prognostic conclusions still cannot be
      deduced. Additional validation studies on the use of CEACAM1 expression as a
      prognostic marker are warranted.

PMID- 22039240
TI  - eNOS, a pressure-dependent regulator of intraocular pressure.
AB  - PURPOSE: Pathology in the primary drainage pathway for aqueous humor in the eye
      is responsible for ocular hypertension, the only treatable risk factor in
      patients with glaucoma. Unfortunately, the mechanisms that regulate pressure
      dependent drainage of aqueous humor and thus intraocular pressure (IOP) are
      unknown. To better understand one possible underlying molecular factor that
      regulates IOP, nitric oxide (NO), pressure-dependent drainage in transgenic mice
      overexpressing endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) was studied. METHODS: IOP was
      measured by rebound tonometry in mice, and pressure versus flow data were
      measured by ex vivo perfusion at multiple pressures between 8 and 45 mm Hg, using
      mock AH +/-100 MUM L-NAME. A subset of eyes was examined histologically using
      standard techniques or was assayed for fusion protein expression by Western blot
      analysis. RESULTS: IOP was lower (9.6 +/- 2.7 vs. 11.4 +/- 2.5 mm Hg; mean +/-
      SD; P = 0.04) and pressure-dependent drainage was higher (0.0154 +/- 0.006 vs.
      0.0066 +/- 0.0009 MUL/min/mm Hg; P = 0.002) in the transgenic mice than in the
      wild-type animals; however, pressure-independent drainage was unaffected. The NOS
      inhibitor L-NAME normalized pressure-dependent drainage in transgenic animals.
      For IOP >35 mm Hg, the slope of the pressure-flow curve in wild-type mice
      increased to match that seen in transgenic mice. Shear stress in the pressure
      dependent pathway at elevated pressures was calculated to be in a range known to
      affect eNOS expression and activity in vascular endothelia. CONCLUSIONS:
      Endothelial NOS overexpression lowers IOP by increasing pressure-dependent
      drainage in the mouse eye. Data are consistent with NO's having a
      mechanoregulatory role in aqueous humor dynamics, with eNOS induction at elevated
      IOPs leading to increased pressure-dependent outflow.

PMID- 22039241
TI  - X-linked retinoschisis: RS1 mutation severity and age affect the ERG phenotype in
      a cohort of 68 affected male subjects.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the effect of age and RS1 mutation on the phenotype of X
      linked retinoschisis (XLRS) subjects using the clinical electroretinogram (ERG)
      in a cross-sectional analysis. METHODS: Sixty-eight XLRS males 4.5 to 55 years of
      age underwent genotyping, and the retinoschisis (RS1) mutations were classified
      as less severe (27 subjects) or more severe (41 subjects) based on the putative
      impact on the protein. ERG parameters of retinal function were analyzed by
      putative mutation severity with age as a continuous variable. RESULTS: The a-wave
      amplitude remained greater than the lower limit of normal (mean, -2 SD) for 72%
      of XLRS males and correlated with neither age nor mutation class. However, b-wave
      and b/a-ratio amplitudes were significantly lower in the more severe than in the
      less severe mutation groups and in older than in younger subjects. Subjects up to
      10 years of age with more severe RS1 mutations had significantly greater b-wave
      amplitudes and faster a-wave trough implicit times than older subjects in this
      group. CONCLUSIONS: RS1 mutation putative severity and age both had significant
      effects on retinal function in XLRS only in the severe mutation group, as judged
      by ERG analysis of the b-wave amplitude and the b/a-ratio, whereas the a-wave
      amplitude remained normal in most. A new observation was that increasing age
      (limited to those aged 55 and younger) caused a significant delay in XLRS b-wave
      onset (i.e., a-wave implicit time), even for those who retained considerable b
      wave amplitudes. The delayed b-wave onset suggested that dysfunction of the
      photoreceptor synapse or of bipolar cells increases with age of XLRS subjects.

PMID- 22039242
TI  - Microglia-mediated IGF-I neuroprotection in the rd10 mouse model of retinitis
      pigmentosa.
AB  - PURPOSE: To characterize the effect of IGF-I in the rd10 mouse model of retinitis
      pigmentosa at the cellular level, focusing on the role of microglia in the
      neurodegenerative process. METHODS: Both organotypic retinal explants and
      intravitreal injections were used to assess the effect of IGF-I on photoreceptor
      cell death in the Pde6b(rd10) mice. Cell death was determined by TUNEL in retinal
      sections and by ELISA of free nucleosomes in retinal extracts. The number and
      distribution of microglial cells was visualized by immunolabeling with Cd11b and
      Iba1 antibodies. Depletion of microglia in culture was achieved by treatment with
      liposomes containing clodronate. RESULTS: Both ex vivo and in vivo IGF-I
      treatment reduced the number of TUNEL-positive nuclei in rd10 mouse retinas. In
      addition, IGF-I treatment in explants increased the number of microglial cells in
      the ONL. Depletion of microglia in explants with liposomes containing clodronate
      diminished the neuroprotective effect of IGF-I but also moderately reduced
      photoreceptor cell death in rd10 retinas cultured in the absence of IGF-I.
      CONCLUSIONS: IGF-I is able to attenuate photoreceptor cell death both ex vivo and
      in vivo in the rd10 mouse retina. Microglia is required for the neuroprotective
      effect of IGF-I in the dystrophic retina. In addition, microglial cells play a
      detrimental role, seemingly led to neuroprotection by IGF-I.

PMID- 22039243
TI  - Intraocular pressure measurement by radio wave telemetry.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the biocompatibility of a new wireless intraocular pressure
      (IOP) transducer (WIT) in rabbit eyes and to correlate its measurements with
      other pressure-measuring devices. METHODS: The WIT is a ring-shaped intraocular
      device that allows wireless IOP measurements through radiofrequency. It was
      implanted into six eyes of New Zealand White rabbits after extracapsular lens
      extraction. A sham rabbit eye with no transducer implanted was used as a control.
      The animals were observed and examined by microscopy at various intervals up to
      25 months after surgery. IOP was measured at various intervals by
      pneumotonometry, tonometry, WIT, and manometry. The data from the various devices
      were compared and analyzed for reproducibility. Two eyes were enucleated at 5.5
      and 20 months after implantation and analyzed by histology. RESULTS: The WIT
      appears to be well tolerated in the rabbit eye, with no evidence of significant
      inflammation or scar formation by microscopic in vivo examination. Histology did
      not reveal intraocular inflammation or membrane formation. Repeated IOP
      measurements with pneumotonometry, tonometry, and the WIT resulted in SDs of 2.70
      mm Hg, 3.35 mm Hg, and 0.81 mm Hg, respectively. The concordance between the WIT
      and direct manometry measurements was high. A downward drift in IOP measured by
      the WIT was noted in three rabbits, necessitating recalibration. CONCLUSIONS: The
      WIT is well tolerated by the rabbit eye. Its measurements are reproducible and in
      close concordance with manometry. A downward IOP drift warrants further
      investigation.

PMID- 22039244
TI  - A method to enhance cell survival on Bruch's membrane in eyes affected by age and
      age-related macular degeneration.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine whether conditioned medium (CM) derived from bovine corneal
      endothelial cells (BCECs) can support transplanted cells on aged and age-related
      macular degeneration (AMD) Bruch's membrane (BM). METHODS: Retinal pigment
      epithelium (RPE) cells derived from human embryonic stem cells (hES-RPE) and
      cultured fetal and aged adult RPE were seeded onto the inner collagenous layer of
      submacular BM-choroid-sclera explants generated from aged and AMD human donor
      eyes. Paired explants were cultured in BCEC-CM or CM vehicle. To assess cell
      behavior after attachment to BM was established, explants were harvested after 21
      days in culture. To assess whether sustained exposure to BCEC-CM was necessary
      for improved cell survival on BM, short exposure to BCEC-CM (3, 7, 14 days) was
      compared with 21-day exposure. Explants were harvested and evaluated by scanning
      electron and light microscopy. Extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition after
      exposure to BCEC-CM was evaluated following RPE cell removal after day 21 on
      tissue culture dishes or on BM. RESULTS: BCEC-CM significantly enhanced hES-RPE,
      fetal RPE, and aged adult RPE survival on BM, regardless of submacular pathology.
      Although shorter BCEC-CM exposure times showed significant improvement in cell
      survival compared with culture in CM vehicle, longer BCEC-CM exposure times were
      more effective. BCEC-CM increased RPE ECM deposition on tissue culture plastic
      and on BM. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study indicate that RPE survival is
      possible on AMD BM and offer a method that could be developed for enhancing
      transplanted cell survival on AMD BM. Increased ECM deposition may account for
      improved cell survival after culture in BCEC-CM.

PMID- 22039245
TI  - A novel bisretinoid of retina is an adduct on glycerophosphoethanolamine.
AB  - PURPOSE: Fluorescent bisretinoid compounds accumulate in retinal pigment
      epithelial (RPE) cells as a consequence of two processes: random reactions of
      vitamin A aldehyde in photoreceptor cell outer segments, and phagocytosis of
      discarded photoreceptor outer segment discs by RPE. The formation of bisretinoid
      is accentuated in some forms of retinal degeneration. The detection of a novel
      bisretinoid fluorophore that is a conjugate of all-trans-retinal and
      glycerophosphoethanolamine is reported. METHODS: Human RPE/choroid, eyes
      harvested from Abca4 (ATP-binding cassette transporter 4) null mutant mice, and
      biosynthetic reaction mixtures were analyzed by ultra performance liquid
      chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry and by nuclear magnetic resonance
      spectra and spectrofluorometry. RESULTS: A fluorescent compound in mouse eyes and
      in human RPE/choroid corresponded to the product of the reaction between all
      trans-retinal and glycerophosphoethanolamine (A2-GPE), as determined on the basis
      of molecular weight (m/z 746), absorbance (approximately 338,443 nm), and
      retention time. Nuclear magnetic resonance spectra were consistent with a
      pyridinium molecule with a glycerophosphate moiety. The emission maximum of A2
      GPE was approximately 610 nm. A2-GPE accumulated with age in mouse eyes and was
      more abundant in Abca4(-/-) mice, a model of recessive Stargardt disease.
      CONCLUSIONS: To date, several bisretinoids of RPE lipofuscin have been isolated
      and characterized, and for all of these, formation involves the membrane
      phospholipid phosphatidylethanolamine. Conversely, the bisretinoid A2-GPE is
      detected as sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (GPE) derivatized by two all-trans
      retinal. The pathways by which A2-GPE may form under conditions of increased
      availability of all-trans-retinal, for instance in the Abca4(-/-) mouse, are
      discussed.

PMID- 22039246
TI  - Validated automatic segmentation of AMD pathology including drusen and geographic
      atrophy in SD-OCT images.
AB  - PURPOSE: To automatically segment retinal spectral domain optical coherence
      tomography (SD-OCT) images of eyes with age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
      and various levels of image quality to advance the study of retinal pigment
      epithelium (RPE)+drusen complex (RPEDC) volume changes indicative of AMD
      progression. METHODS: A general segmentation framework based on graph theory and
      dynamic programming was used to segment three retinal boundaries in SD-OCT images
      of eyes with drusen and geographic atrophy (GA). A validation study for eyes with
      nonneovascular AMD was conducted, forming subgroups based on scan quality and
      presence of GA. To test for accuracy, the layer thickness results from two
      certified graders were compared against automatic segmentation results for 220 B
      scans across 20 patients. For reproducibility, automatic layer volumes were
      compared that were generated from 0 degrees  versus 90 degrees  scans in five
      volumes with drusen. RESULTS: The mean differences in the measured thicknesses of
      the total retina and RPEDC layers were 4.2 +/- 2.8 and 3.2 +/- 2.6 MUm for
      automatic versus manual segmentation. When the 0 degrees  and 90 degrees 
      datasets were compared, the mean differences in the calculated total retina and
      RPEDC volumes were 0.28% +/- 0.28% and 1.60% +/- 1.57%, respectively. The average
      segmentation time per image was 1.7 seconds automatically versus 3.5 minutes
      manually. CONCLUSIONS: The automatic algorithm accurately and reproducibly
      segmented three retinal boundaries in images containing drusen and GA. This
      automatic approach can reduce time and labor costs and yield objective
      measurements that potentially reveal quantitative RPE changes in longitudinal
      clinical AMD studies. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00734487.).

PMID- 22039247
TI  - Doxycycline enhances the inhibitory effects of bevacizumab on corneal
      neovascularization and prevents its side effects.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the combination therapeutic effects of topical
      doxycycline temperature-sensitive hydrogel (DTSH) and bevacizumab on corneal
      neovascularization (CNV) and corneal wound healing (CWH) and to explore the
      underlying mechanisms of doxycycline on CNV and CWH. METHODS: Rats were treated
      with a saline solution, topical DTSH (0.1%), topical bevacizumab (2.5 mg/0.1 mL),
      or a DTSH and bevacizumab combination. For the bFGF-induced CNV model (n =
      15/group), the length and area of CNV were measured on day 7. In the alkali burn
      model (n = 33/group), the length and area of CNV were determined on days 3, 7,
      14, and 21 after alkali burn. The activity of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2
      and MMP-9 was determined by a fluorogenic peptide substrate. Western blot, real
      time PCR, and ELISA were used to analyze the expression of induced nitric oxide
      synthase (iNOS), VEGF, VEGFRS, MMP-2, MMP-9, and IL-1beta. RESULTS: Combination
      therapy more effectively inhibited CNV than therapy with topical bevacizumab or
      DTSH alone. DTSH combined with bevacizumab significantly accelerated delayed CWH
      caused by topical bevacizumab in the alkali burn model (P = 0.018). Combination
      therapy showed better inhibitory effects on MMP expression and phosphorylated
      VEGFR1 and VEGFR2. With DTSH treatment, doxycycline inhibited the activity and
      expression of MMPs, the expression of VEGF and of phosphorylated VEGFR1 and
      VEGFR2, and the production of iNOS and IL-1beta in local cornea. CONCLUSIONS:
      Doxycycline enhances the inhibitory effects of bevacizumab on CNV and prevents
      its side effects on CWH, possibly by inhibiting the expression and activity of
      MMPs, the expression of VEGF and of phosphorylated VEGFR1 and VEGFR2, and the
      production of iNOS and IL-1beta.

PMID- 22039248
TI  - AAV-mediated gene transfer of human X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protects
      against oxidative cell death in human RPE cells.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine whether human X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP)
      enhances the survival of cultured human retinal pigment epithelial cells exposed
      to H(2)O(2). METHODS: ARPE-19 cells were exposed to H(2)O(2) to induce oxidative
      cell death. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured using 2',7'
      dichlorofluorescein diacetate. MTT assay was performed to quantify mitochondrial
      stress. Cell apoptosis was determined by TUNEL assay. Human XIAP was delivered
      with bicistronic expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP), using recombinant
      adeno-associated virus (AAV-XIAP-GFP). The null vector, containing identical
      sequences but without XIAP, was used as a control (AAV-NULL-GFP). Transduced
      cells underwent fluorescence-activated cell sorting. XIAP overexpression was
      examined by immunostaining and Western blot analysis. RESULTS: ARPE-19 cells
      exposed to 0.25 mM H(2)O(2) for 1 hour showed increased TUNEL staining compared
      with nonstressed cells (17 +/- 1.4 vs. 1.8 +/- 0.4 cells per 20 * field; P =
      0.000006), accompanied by a significant increase in intracellular ROS (207 +/-
      46% vs. 100 +/- 9.5%; P = 0.0002). The AAV-XIAP-GFP transduced cells had 11-fold
      higher XIAP expression than the AAV-NULL-GFP controls (1300 +/- 126% vs. 120 +/-
      10%; P = 0.0006). XIAP over-expression significantly reduced the number of
      apoptotic cells after stress compared with the AAV-NULL-GFP controls (3.2 +/- 0.6
      vs. 18 +/- 1.6 cells per 20 * field; P = 0.00003). Mitochondrial stress was
      reduced by AAV-XIAP-GFP, but did not reach a statistical significance (68 +/-
      3.5% vs. 74 +/- 3.8%; P = 0.24). CONCLUSIONS: Overexpression of human XIAP
      protects ARPE-19 cells against H(2)O(2)-induced oxidative cell death by acting
      downstream on the apoptotic pathway. XIAP gene therapy using AAV may provide a
      means of reducing the effect of oxidative stress to RPE cells in age-related
      macular degeneration.

PMID- 22039249
TI  - Automated discovery and quantification of image-based complex phenotypes: a twin
      study of drusen phenotypes in age-related macular degeneration.
AB  - PURPOSE: Determining the relationships between phenotype and genotype of many
      disorders can improve clinical diagnoses, identify disease mechanisms, and
      enhance therapy. Most genetic disorders result from interaction of many genes
      that obscure the discovery of such relationships. The hypothesis for this study
      was that image analysis has the potential to enable formalized discovery of new
      visible phenotypes. It was tested in twins affected with age-related macular
      degeneration (AMD). METHODS: Fundus images from 43 monozygotic (MZ) and 32
      dizygotic (DZ) twin pairs with AMD were examined. First, soft and hard drusen
      were segmented. Then newly defined phenotypes were identified by using drusen
      distribution statistics that significantly separate MZ from DZ twins. The ACE
      model was used to identify the contributions of additive genetic (A), common
      environmental (C), and nonshared environmental (E) effects on drusen distribution
      phenotypes. RESULTS: Four drusen distribution characteristics significantly
      separated MZ from DZ twin pairs. One encoded the quantity, and the remaining
      three encoded the spatial distribution of drusen, achieving a zygosity prediction
      accuracy of 76%, 74%, 68%, and 68%. Three of the four phenotypes had a 55% to 77%
      genetic effect in an AE model, and the fourth phenotype showed a nonshared
      environmental effect (E model). CONCLUSIONS: Computational discovery of
      genetically determined features can reveal quantifiable AMD phenotypes that are
      genetically determined without explicitly linking them to specific genes. In
      addition, it can identify phenotypes that appear to result predominantly from
      environmental exposure. The approach is rapid and unbiased, suitable for large
      datasets, and can be used to reveal unknown phenotype-genotype relationships.

PMID- 22039250
TI  - Disruption of the retinal parafoveal capillary network in type 2 diabetes before
      the onset of diabetic retinopathy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To establish, using adaptive optics scanning laser ophthalmoscopy
      (AOSLO), that the retinal parafoveal capillary network is altered before the
      onset of diabetic retinopathy in adult patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS:
      AOSLO videos were acquired in the parafoveal region of one eye from control
      subjects and from patients with type 2 diabetes and no retinopathy. Detailed
      images of the parafoveal capillary network were generated with custom motion
      contrast enhancement algorithms. The combination of AOSLO images and videos
      enabled the simultaneous assessment of several features of the parafoveal
      capillary network. Arteriovenous (AV) channels were identified by finding the
      least tortuous capillary channels connecting terminal arterioles to postcapillary
      venules. Measures of capillary dropout and capillary hemodynamics were also
      quantified. RESULTS: The average tortuosity of AV channels was 26% higher in
      patients with type 2 diabetes when compared with controls, even though there were
      no signs of diabetic retinopathy in any of the eyes that were assessed (P <
      0.05). In addition, the metrics of capillary dropout showed small changes
      (between 3% and 7%), leukocyte speed 14% lower, and pulsatility 25% higher, but
      none of these differences was statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: It is often
      difficult to find consistent changes in the retinal microvasculature due to large
      intersubject variability. However, with a novel application of AOSLO imaging, it
      is possible to visualize parafoveal capillaries and identify AV channels
      noninvasively. AV channels are disrupted in type 2 diabetes, even before the
      onset of diabetic retinopathy.

PMID- 22039251
TI  - New grading criteria allow for earlier detection of geographic atrophy in
      clinical trials.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate new grading criteria for geographic atrophy (GA), as
      detected by annual stereoscopic color fundus photographs and fluorescein
      angiograms, and to assess whether application of the revised criteria provides
      earlier identification of GA than previous criteria involving only color fundus
      photography. METHODS: Annual fundus image sets from 114 CAPT patients who
      developed GA in the untreated eye during 5 to 6 years of follow-up were
      reassessed for the presence of GA, using revised grading criteria, in which GA
      was defined by (1) the presence of hyperfluorescence on fluorescein angiography;
      and (2) at least one other characteristic indicative of involution of the retinal
      pigment epithelium (i.e., sharp edges, excavation of the retina, or visible
      choroidal vessels on either color images or fluorescein angiograms). Reliability
      and time of initial detection of GA using the revised criteria were assessed.
      RESULTS: The revised criteria are reliable (97.8% intragrader, 93.3% intergrader
      agreement) and accurate (false-positive rate, 0.8%) for detecting individual
      early GA lesions. Using this revised method, individual GA lesions were
      identified 1-year earlier on average than was possible with criteria used in
      previous CFP studies. The use of two imaging modalities was more sensitive in
      detecting GA and its features than either imaging modality alone (P <= 0.0001).
      CONCLUSIONS: Early GA areas can be reliably identified when defining criteria are
      based on both color photographs and fluorescein angiograms. These methods can be
      used to investigate the natural history of GA earlier in the course of disease
      than previously possible and to facilitate the design of future clinical trials
      of treatments for GA. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00000167).

PMID- 22039252
TI  - Patient-specific computational modeling of keratoconus progression and
      differential responses to collagen cross-linking.
AB  - PURPOSE: To model keratoconus (KC) progression and investigate the differential
      responses of central and eccentric cones to standard and alternative collagen
      cross-linking (CXL) patterns. METHODS: Three-dimensional finite element models
      (FEMs) were generated with clinical tomography and IOP measurements. Graded
      reductions in regional corneal hyperelastic properties and thickness were imposed
      separately in the less affected eye of a KC patient. Topographic results,
      including maximum curvature and first-surface, higher-order aberrations (HOAs),
      were compared to those of the more affected contralateral eye. In two eyes with
      central and eccentric cones, a standard broad-beam CXL protocol was simulated
      with 200- and 300-MUm treatment depths and compared to spatially graded broad
      beam and cone-centered CXL simulations. RESULTS: In a model of KC progression,
      maximum curvature and HOA increased as regional corneal hyperelastic properties
      were decreased. A topographic cone could be generated without a reduction in
      corneal thickness. Simulation of standard 9-mm-diameter CXL produced decreases in
      corneal curvature comparable to clinical reports and affected cone location. A
      100-MUm increase in CXL depth enhanced flattening by 24% to 34% and decreased HOA
      by 22% to 31%. Topographic effects were greatest with cone-centered CXL
      simulations. CONCLUSIONS: Progressive hyperelastic weakening of a cornea with
      subclinical KC produced topographic features of manifest KC. The clinical
      phenomenon of topographic flattening after CXL was replicated. The magnitude and
      higher-order optics of this response depended on IOP and the spatial distribution
      of stiffening relative to the cone location. Smaller diameter simulated
      treatments centered on the cone provided greater reductions in curvature and HOA
      than a standard broad-beam CXL pattern.

PMID- 22039253
TI  - Impact of additional cytogenetic aberrations at diagnosis on prognosis of CML:
      long-term observation of 1151 patients from the randomized CML Study IV.
AB  - The prognostic relevance of additional cytogenetic findings at diagnosis of
      chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is unclear. The impact of additional cytogenetic
      findings at diagnosis on time to complete cytogenetic (CCR) and major molecular
      remission (MMR) and progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS) was analyzed
      using data from 1151 Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph(+)) CML patients
      randomized to the German CML Study IV. At diagnosis, 1003 of 1151 patients (87%)
      had standard t(9;22)(q34;q11) only, 69 patients (6.0%) had variant t(v;22), and
      79 (6.9%) additional cytogenetic aberrations (ACAs). Of these, 38 patients (3.3%)
      lacked the Y chromosome (-Y) and 41 patients (3.6%) had ACAs except -Y; 16 of
      these (1.4%) were major route (second Philadelphia [Ph] chromosome, trisomy 8,
      isochromosome 17q, or trisomy 19) and 25 minor route (all other) ACAs. After a
      median observation time of 5.3 years for patients with t(9;22), t(v;22), -Y,
      minor- and major-route ACAs, the 5-year PFS was 90%, 81%, 88%, 96%, and 50%, and
      the 5-year OS was 92%, 87%, 91%, 96%, and 53%, respectively. In patients with
      major-route ACAs, the times to CCR and MMR were longer and PFS and OS were
      shorter (P < .001) than in patients with standard t(9;22). We conclude that major
      route ACAs at diagnosis are associated with a negative impact on survival and
      signify progression to the accelerated phase and blast crisis.

PMID- 22039254
TI  - A shared gene expression signature in mouse models of EBV-associated and non-EBV
      associated Burkitt lymphoma.
AB  - The link between EBV infection and Burkitt lymphoma (BL) is strong, but the
      mechanism underlying that link has been elusive. We have developed a mouse model
      for EBV-associated BL in which LMP2A, an EBV latency protein, and MYC are
      expressed in B cells. Our model has demonstrated the ability of LMP2A to
      accelerate tumor onset, increase spleen size, and bypass p53 inactivation. Here
      we describe the results of total gene expression analysis of tumor and pretumor B
      cells from our transgenic mouse model. Although we see many phenotypic
      differences and changes in gene expression in pretumor B cells, the
      transcriptional profiles of tumor cells from LMP2A/lambda-MYC and lambda-MYC mice
      are strikingly similar, with fewer than 20 genes differentially expressed. We
      evaluated the functional significance of one of the most interesting
      differentially expressed genes, Egr1, and found that it was not required for
      acceleration of tumor onset by LMP2A. Our studies demonstrate the remarkable
      ability of LMP2A to affect the pretumor B-cell phenotype and tumorigenesis
      without substantially altering gene expression in tumor cells.

PMID- 22039255
TI  - Regulation of murine hematopoietic stem cell quiescence by Dmtf1.
AB  - The cell-cycle status of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) is tightly regulated,
      most likely to balance maintenance of stem-cell status through quiescence and
      expansion/differentiation of the hematopoietic system. Tumor-suppressor genes
      (TSGs), with their cell cycle-regulatory functions, play important roles in HSC
      regulation. The cyclin-D binding myb-like transcription factor 1 (Dmtf1) was
      recently recognized as a TSG involved in human cancers by repressing oncogenic
      Ras/Raf signaling. However, the role of Dmtf1 in the hematopoietic system is
      entirely unknown. In the present study, we demonstrate that Dmtf1 regulates HSC
      function under both steady-state and stress conditions. Dmtf1(-/-) mice showed
      increased blood cell counts in multiple parameters, and their progenitor cells
      had increased proliferation and accelerated cell-cycle progression. In addition,
      long-term HSCs from Dmtf1(-/-) mice had a higher self-renewal capacity that was
      clearly demonstrated in secondary recipients in serial transplantation studies.
      Dmtf1(-/-) BM cells showed hyper proliferation after 5-fluorouracil-induced
      myeloablation. Steady-state expression and Induction of CDKN1a (p21) and Arf were
      impaired in HSCs from Dmtf1(-/-) mice. The function of Dmtf1 was mediated by both
      Arf-dependent and Arf-independent pathways. Our results implicate Dmtf1 in the
      regulation of HSC function through novel cell cycle-regulatory mechanisms.

PMID- 22039256
TI  - Chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms and subsequent cancer risk: a Danish
      population-based cohort study.
AB  - Patients with chronic myeloproliferative neoplasms, including essential
      thrombocythemia (ET), polycythemia vera (PV), and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML),
      are at increased risk of new hematologic malignancies, but their risk of
      nonhematologic malignancies remains unknown. In the present study, we assessed
      the risk of both types of malignancies after an ET, PV, or CML diagnosis. We
      linked 2 population-based nationwide registries, the Danish National Registry of
      Patients, covering all Danish hospitals and the Danish Cancer Registry, and
      assessed subsequent cancer risk in a cohort of all 7229 patients diagnosed with a
      chronic myeloproliferative neoplasm during 1977-2008. We compared the incidence
      of subsequent cancer in this cohort with that expected on the basis of cancer
      incidence in the general population (standardized incidence ratio). Overall, ET,
      PV, and CML patients were at increased risk of developing both new hematologic
      and nonhematologic cancers. The standardized incidence ratio for developing a
      nonhematologic cancer was 1.2 (95% confidence interval [95% CI]): 1.0-1.4) for
      patients with ET, 1.4 (95% CI: 1.3-1.5) for patients with PV, and 1.6 (95% CI:
      1.3-2.0) for patients with CML. We conclude that patients with chronic
      myeloproliferative neoplasms are at increased risk of developing a new malignant
      disease.

PMID- 22039257
TI  - Bioengineered human vascular networks transplanted into secondary mice reconnect
      with the host vasculature and re-establish perfusion.
AB  - The ability to form anastomoses with the host circulation is essential for
      vascular networks incorporated within cell-seeded bioengineered tissues. Here, we
      tested whether and how rapidly human endothelial colony forming cell
      (ECFC)/mesenchymal progenitor cell (MPC)-derived bioengineered vessels,
      originally perfused in one mouse, could become reperfused in a secondary mouse.
      Using in vivo labeling with a systemically injected mixture of human- and murine
      specific lectins, we demonstrate that ECFC/MPC blood vessels reconnect and are
      perfused at day 3 after transplantation. Furthermore, we quantified the
      longitudinal change in perfusion volume in the same implants before and after
      transplantation using contrast-enhanced micro-ultrasonic imaging. Perfusion was
      restored at day 3 after transplantation and increased with time, suggesting an
      important new feature of ECFC/MPC blood vessels: the bioengineered vessels can
      reconnect with the vasculature when transplanted to a new site. This feature
      extends the potential applications of this postnatal progenitor cell-based
      technology for transplantable large tissue-engineered constructs.

PMID- 22039258
TI  - Blood consult: treating del(5q) myelodysplastic syndromes.

PMID- 22039259
TI  - Publication bias is present in blood and marrow transplantation: an analysis of
      abstracts at an international meeting.
AB  - Publication bias is the preferential publication of research with positive
      results, and is a threat to the validity of medical literature. Preliminary
      evidence suggests that research in blood and marrow transplantation (BMT) lacks
      publication bias. We evaluated publication bias at an international conference,
      the 2006 Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research
      (CIBMTR)/American Society for Blood and Marrow Transplantation (ASBMT) "tandem"
      meeting. All abstracts were categorized by type of research, funding status,
      number of centers, sample size, and direction of the results. Publication status
      was then determined for the abstracts by searching PubMed. Of 501 abstracts, 217
      (43%) were later published as complete manuscripts. Abstracts with positive
      results were more likely to be published than those with negative or unstated
      results (P = .001). Furthermore, positive studies were published in journals with
      a mean impact factor of 6.92, whereas journals in which negative/unstated studies
      were published had an impact factor of only 4.30 (P = .02). We conclude that
      publication bias exists in the BMT literature. Full publication of research,
      regardless of direction of results, should be encouraged and the BMT community
      should be aware of the existence of publication bias.

PMID- 22039260
TI  - Prognostic and therapeutic implications of minimal residual disease detection in
      acute myeloid leukemia.
AB  - The choice of either induction or postremission therapy for adults with acute
      myeloid leukemia is still largely based on the "one size fits all" principle.
      Moreover, pretreatment prognostic parameters, especially chromosome and gene
      abnormalities, may fail in predicting individual patient outcome. Measurement of
      minimal residual disease (MRD) is nowadays recognized as a potential critical
      tool to assess the quality of response after chemotherapy and to plan
      postremission strategies that are, therefore, driven by the individual risk of
      relapse. PCR and multiparametric flow cytometry have become the most popular
      methods to investigate MRD because they have been established as sensitive and
      specific enough to allow MRD to be studied serially. In the present review, we
      examine the evidence supporting the appropriateness of incorporating MRD
      detection into the AML risk assessment process. A comprehensive prognostic
      algorithm, generated by combining pretreatment cytogenetics/genetics and
      posttreatment MRD determination, should promote advances in development of
      personalized therapeutic approaches.

PMID- 22039261
TI  - Lymph node B lymphocyte trafficking is constrained by anatomy and highly
      dependent upon chemoattractant desensitization.
AB  - B lymphocyte recirculation through lymph nodes (LNs) requires crossing
      endothelial barriers and chemoattractant-triggered cell migration. Here we show
      how LN anatomy and chemoattractant receptor signaling organize B lymphocyte LN
      trafficking. Blood-borne B cells predominately used CCR7 signaling to adhere to
      high endothelial venules (HEVs). New B cell emigrants slowly transited the HEV
      perivenule space, and thereafter localized nearby, avoiding the follicle.
      Eventually, the newly arrived B cells entered the basal portion of the follicle
      gradually populating it. In contrast, newly arriving activated B cells rapidly
      crossed HEVs and migrated toward the lymph node follicle. During their LN
      residency, recirculating B cells reacquired their sphingosine-1 phospate receptor
      1 (S1P1) receptors and markedly attenuated their sensitivity to chemokines.
      Eventually, the B cells exited the LN follicle by entering the cortical
      lymphatics or returning to the paracortical cords. Upon entering the lymph, the B
      cells lost their polarity, down-regulated their S1P1 receptors, and subsequently
      strongly up-regulated their sensitivity to chemokines. These results are
      summarized in a model of homeostatic trafficking of B cells through LNs.

PMID- 22039262
TI  - The redox-sensitive transcription factor Nrf2 regulates murine hematopoietic stem
      cell survival independently of ROS levels.
AB  - Several studies have found that high levels of reactive oxidative species (ROS)
      are associated with stem cell dysfunction. In the present study, we investigated
      the role of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), a master
      regulator of the antioxidant response, and found that it is required for
      hematopoietic stem progenitor cell (HSPC) survival and myeloid development.
      Although the loss of Nrf2 leads to increased ROS in most tissues, basal ROS
      levels in Nrf2-deficient (Nrf2(-/-)) BM were not elevated compared with wild
      type. Nrf2(-/-) HSPCs, however, had increased rates of spontaneous apoptosis and
      showed decreased survival when exposed to oxidative stress. Nrf2(-/-) BM
      demonstrated defective stem cell function, as evidenced by reduced chimerism
      after transplantation that was not rescued by treatment with the antioxidant N
      acetyl cysteine. Gene-expression profiling revealed that the levels of
      prosurvival cytokines were reduced in Nrf2(-/-) HSPCs. Treatment with the
      cytokine G-CSF improved HSPC survival after exposure to oxidative stress and
      rescued the transplantation defect in Nrf2(-/-) cells despite increases in ROS
      induced by cytokine signaling. These findings demonstrate a critical role for
      Nrf2 in hematopoiesis and stem cell survival that is independent of ROS levels.

PMID- 22039263
TI  - Engineering pro-angiogenic peptides using stable, disulfide-rich cyclic
      scaffolds.
AB  - Fragments from the extracellular matrix proteins laminin and osteopontin and a
      sequence from VEGF have potent proangiogenic activity despite their small size (<
      10 residues). However, these linear peptides have limited potential as drug
      candidates for therapeutic angiogenesis because of their poor stability. In the
      present study, we show that the therapeutic potential of these peptides can be
      significantly improved by "grafting" them into cyclic peptide scaffolds.
      Momordica cochinchinensis trypsin inhibitor-II (MCoTI-II) and sunflower trypsin
      inhibitor-1 (SFTI-1), naturally occurring, plant-derived cyclic peptides of 34
      and 14 residues, respectively, were used as scaffolds in this study. Using this
      approach, we have designed a peptide that, in contrast to the small peptide
      fragments, is stable in human serum and at nanomolar concentration induces
      angiogenesis in vivo. This is the first report of using these scaffolds to
      improve the activity and stability of angiogenic peptide sequences and is a
      promising approach for promoting angiogenesis for therapeutic uses.

PMID- 22039264
TI  - Mutations of the SF3B1 splicing factor in chronic lymphocytic leukemia:
      association with progression and fludarabine-refractoriness.
AB  - The genetic lesions identified in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) do not
      entirely recapitulate the disease pathogenesis and the development of serious
      complications, such as chemorefractoriness. While investigating the coding genome
      of fludarabine-refractory CLL, we observed that mutations of SF3B1, encoding a
      splicing factor and representing a critical component of the cell spliceosome,
      were recurrent in 10 of 59 (17%) fludarabine-refractory cases, with a frequency
      significantly greater than that observed in a consecutive CLL cohort sampled at
      diagnosis (17/301, 5%; P = .002). Mutations were somatically acquired, were
      generally represented by missense nucleotide changes, clustered in selected HEAT
      repeats of the SF3B1 protein, recurrently targeted 3 hotspots (codons 662, 666,
      and 700), and were predictive of a poor prognosis. In fludarabine-refractory CLL,
      SF3B1 mutations and TP53 disruption distributed in a mutually exclusive fashion
      (P = .046). The identification of SF3B1 mutations points to splicing regulation
      as a novel pathogenetic mechanism of potential clinical relevance in CLL.

PMID- 22039265
TI  - Tryptophan catabolism is associated with acute GVHD after human allogeneic stem
      cell transplantation and indicates activation of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase.
AB  - Induction of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), the rate-limiting enzyme in
      tryptophan degradation along the kynurenine pathway, acts as a potent
      immunoregulatory loop. To address its role in human allogeneic stem cell
      transplantation, we measured major tryptophan metabolites, such as quinolinic
      acid and kynurenine, in serial urine specimens from 51 patients by liquid
      chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Samples were collected between admission
      and day 90 after transplantation, and metabolite levels were correlated with
      early clinical events and outcome. In selected patients, IDO gene expression was
      assessed by quantitative RT-PCR in intestinal biopsies. Surviving patients had
      significantly lower metabolite levels on days 28, 42, and 90, respectively,
      compared with patients dying of GVHD and associated complications (n = 10).
      Kynurenine levels were directly correlated with severity and clinical course of
      GVHD: Mean urinary quinolinic acid levels were 4.5 +/- 0.3 MUmol/mmol creatinine
      in the absence of acute GVHD, 8.0 +/- 1.1 MUmol/mmol creatinine for GVHD grade 1
      or 2, and 13.5 +/- 2.7 MUmol/mmol creatinine for GVHD grade 3 or 4 (P < .001),
      respectively. GVHD-dependent induction of IDO was further suggested by increased
      expression of IDO mRNA in intestinal biopsies from patients with severe GVHD. Our
      data indicate reactive release of kynurenines in GVHD-associated inflammation.

PMID- 22039266
TI  - IL-21 is the primary common gamma chain-binding cytokine required for human B
      cell differentiation in vivo.
AB  - SCID resulting from mutations in IL2RG or JAK3 is characterized by lack of T and
      natural killer cells; B cells are present in normal number, but antibody
      responses are defective. Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is curative for
      SCID. However, B-cell dysfunction persists in a substantial proportion of
      patients. We hypothesized that impaired B-cell responses after HCT in IL2RG/JAK3
      deficiency results from poor donor B-cell engraftment and defective gammac
      dependent cytokine signaling in host B cells. To test this, and to identify which
      gammac cytokine(s) is critical for humoral immunity, we studied 28 transplanted
      patients with IL2RG/JAK3 deficiency. Lack of donor B-cell engraftment associated
      with persistent humoral dysfunction and significantly reduced memory B cells. B
      cell proliferation induced by CD40L alone or together with CpG, anti-Ig, IL-4, IL
      10, or IL-13 was comparable in healthy controls and in post-HCT SCID patients,
      irrespective of their chimerism status. However, in vitro stimulation with
      CD40L/IL-21 induced B-cell proliferation, plasmablast differentiation, and
      antibody secretion in patients with donor B cells, but not in patients with
      autologous B cells. These data imply that IL-21-mediated signaling is critical
      for long-lived humoral immunity and to restore antibody responses in IL2RG/JAK3
      deficient patients after HCT. Furthermore, in vitro stimulation with CD40L/IL-21
      can predict in vivo B-cell immunity in IL2RG/JAK3 SCID after transplantation.

PMID- 22039267
TI  - Value of ANCA measurements during remission to predict a relapse of ANCA
      associated vasculitis--a meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The value of repeated ANCA measurements among patients with an
      established diagnosis of ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV) remains controversial.
      The aim of this study was to explore whether either of the two distinct patterns
      of ANCA values during remission, a rise in ANCA or persistently positive ANCA,
      predicted future relapse. METHODS: MEDLINE and EMBASE searches were performed.
      Studies with at least 10 subjects with AAV from which both sensitivity and
      specificity of a rise in ANCA and/or persistent ANCA for future disease relapse
      could be calculated were included. Likelihood ratios were calculated for each
      study and pooled to arrive at summary estimates. I(2)-values were calculated as a
      measure of heterogeneity and meta-regression was used to explore sources of
      heterogeneity. RESULTS: Nine articles on a rise in ANCA and nine articles on
      persistent ANCA were included. The summary estimates for positive likelihood
      ratio (LR(+)) and negative likelihood ratio (LR(-)) of a rise in ANCA during
      remission on subsequent relapse of disease were 2.84 (95% CI 1.65, 4.90) and 0.49
      (95% CI 0.27, 0.87), respectively. The summary estimates for LR(+) and LR(-) of
      persistent ANCA during remission for subsequent disease relapse were 1.97 (95% CI
      1.43, 2.70) and 0.73 (95% CI 0.50, 1.06), respectively. There was substantial
      between-study heterogeneity, which was partially explained by the frequency of
      ANCA measurements. CONCLUSION: Among patients with AAV, a rise in or persistence
      of ANCA during remission is only modestly predictive of future disease relapse.
      There is limited use to serial ANCA measurements during disease remission to
      guide treatment decisions for individual patients with AAV.

PMID- 22039268
TI  - Systemic lupus erythematosus risk factors for coronary artery calcifications.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Premature atherosclerosis in patients with SLE is partially explained
      by traditional risk factors; therefore, we aimed to identify lupus-related risk
      factors for coronary artery calcifications. METHODS: An inception cohort of 139
      lupus patients (93% females) was screened for coronary artery calcifications
      using Multidetector CT, after 5.1 years of follow-up. Clinical and immunological
      variables and cardiovascular risk factors were assessed longitudinally. Also, 100
      age- and sex-matched healthy subjects were studied. Correlates for calcifications
      were analysed in lupus patients, including levels of lipids and inflammatory
      molecules in samples obtained at enrolment, mid-term follow-up and at screening.
      RESULTS: At enrolment, lupus patients were 27.2 (9.1) years of age and with a
      disease duration of 5.4 (3.8) months. Calcifications were detected in 7.2% of
      patients and 1% of controls [unadjusted odds ratio (OR) 7.7, 95% CI 1.05, 336.3,
      P = 0.02]. In lupus, calcifications were detected since the age of 23 years and
      from 3 years of diagnosis. Patients with calcifications were older, post
      menopausal, and had higher levels of serum apolipoprotein B and Framingham risk
      scores (P < 0.05). Lupus-related factors identified included age at diagnosis,
      IgG aCLs, cumulative lupus activity, length of moderate/severe activity and
      cumulative dose of prednisone and CYC (P < 0.05). Use of anti-malarials was
      protective (P = 0.006). Logistic regression analysis showed as predictors of
      calcification: disease duration (OR 15.1, 95% CI 2.6, 87.2), age at enrolment (OR
      8.5, 95% CI 1.7, 43.0) and SLEDAI 2000 update (SLEDAI-2K) mean area under the
      curve (OR 12.3, 95% CI 2.5, 61.8). Longitudinal analyses of lipids and
      inflammatory molecules did not differ between patients. CONCLUSIONS: Disease
      activity is a potentially modifiable risk factor for coronary artery
      calcifications in SLE. Therefore, management of traditional risk factors plus
      tight control of lupus activity, including the use of anti-malarials, is
      recommended.

PMID- 22039269
TI  - Treatment of trigger finger: randomized clinical trial comparing the methods of
      corticosteroid injection, percutaneous release and open surgery.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of CS
      injection, percutaneous pulley release and conventional open surgery for treating
      trigger finger in terms of cure, relapse and complication rates. METHODS: One
      hundred and thirty-seven patients with a total of 150 fingers were randomly
      assigned and allocated into one of the treatment groups, with treatments
      allocated into 150 opaque and sealed envelopes. We included patients >15 years of
      age with a trigger on any finger of the hand (Types II-IV) and used a minimum
      follow-up time of 6 months. The primary outcome measures were cures, relapses and
      failures. RESULTS: Forty-nine patients were assigned to the conservative group to
      undergo CS injections, whereas 45 and 56 were assigned to undergo percutaneous
      release and outpatient open surgery, respectively. The trigger cure rate for
      patients in the injection method group was 57%, and wherever necessary, two
      injections were administered, which increased the cure rate to 86%. For the
      percutaneous and open release methods, remission of the trigger was achieved in
      all cases. CONCLUSIONS: The percutaneous and open surgery methods displayed
      similar effectiveness and proved superior to the conservative CS method regarding
      the trigger cure and relapse rates. Trial registration. Current Controlled
      Trials, http://www.controlled-trials.com/, ISRCTN19255926.

PMID- 22039270
TI  - Radon progeny in hydrometeors at the earth's surface.
AB  - During atmospheric thermal inversions, dew and hoarfrost concentrate gamma
      emitting radionuclides of the short-lived (222)Rn progeny ((214)Pb and (214)Bi),
      causing an increase in the total natural gamma background from the ground. To
      highlight this phenomenon, a volcanic zone of high (222)Rn flux was studied
      during the winter season 2010-11. High-specific short-lived radon progeny
      activities up to 122 Bq g(-1) were detected in hydrometeors forming at the
      earth's surface (ESHs), corresponding to a mean increase of up to 17 % of the
      normal gamma background value. A theoretical model, depending on radon flux from
      soil and predicting the radon progeny concentrations in hydrometeors forming at
      the ESHs is presented. The comparison between model and field data shows a good
      correspondence. Around nuclear power plants or in nuclear facilities that use
      automatic NaI or CsI total gamma spectroscopy systems for monitoring radioactive
      contamination, hydrometeors forming at the ESHs in sites with a high radon flux
      could represent a relevant source of false alarms of radioactive contamination.

PMID- 22039271
TI  - Organ dose evaluation for multi-slice spiral CT scans based on China Sichuan
      chest anthropomorphic phantom measurements.
AB  - The authors measured organ radiation doses during multi-slice computed tomography
      (MSCT) chest scans using a China Sichuan anthropomorphic phantom (CDP-1C). Chest
      CT images from live volunteers based on automatic tube current modulation (ATCM)
      techniques were similar to those obtained using the CDP-1C phantom, indicating
      that the phantom accurately modelled the anatomic structure and X-ray absorbance
      of the human torso. Indeed, attenuation values differed by <5%. Organ radiation
      doses were measured using thermoluminescence dosemeters in the CDP-1C. With
      increased noise index, the CT dose index, the dose-length product and the average
      organ dose all decreased. Thus, the CDP-1C phantom can also assess dose levels
      during CT examinations in Chinese patients. The noise index (based on ATCM
      techniques) should be set to 8.5 or higher to reduce X-ray exposure while
      maintaining appropriate resolution for diagnosis.

PMID- 22039272
TI  - Management of ankle fractures.

PMID- 22039273
TI  - Centres of health innovation are established in Africa to promote research and
      development.

PMID- 22039274
TI  - Mcl-1 reduction due to caspase-dependent cleavage during endoplasmic reticulum
      stress-induced apoptosis.

PMID- 22039275
TI  - Disulphide linkage in mouse ST6Gal-I: determination of linkage positions and
      mutant analysis.
AB  - All cloned sialyltransferases from vertebrates are classified into four
      subfamilies and are characterized as having type II transmembrane topology. The
      catalytic domain has highly conserved motifs known as sialylmotifs. Besides
      sialylmotifs, each family has several unique conserved cysteine (Cys) residues
      mainly in the catalytic domain. The number and loci of conserved amino acids,
      however, differ with each subfamily, suggesting that the conserved Cys-residues
      and/or disulphide linkages they make may contribute to linkage specificity. Using
      Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry
      (MALDI-TOF)-mass spectrometry, the present study performed disulphide linkage
      analysis on soluble mouse ST6Gal-I, which has six Cys-residues. Results confirmed
      that there were no free Cys-residues, and all six residues contributed to
      disulphide linkage formation, C(139)-C(403), C(181)-C(332) and C(350)-C(361).
      Study of single amino acid-substituted mutants revealed that the disulphide
      linkage C(181)-C(332) was necessary for molecular expression of the enzyme, and
      that the disulphide linkage C(350)-C(361) was necessary for enzyme activity. The
      remaining disulphide linkage C(139)-C(403) was not necessary for enzyme
      expression or for activity, including substrate specificity. Crystallographic
      study of pig ST3Gal I has recently been reported. Interestingly, the loci of
      disulphide linkages in ST6Gal-I differ from those in ST3Gal I, suggesting that
      the linkage specificity of sialyltransferase may results from significant
      structural differences, including the loci of disulphide linkages.

PMID- 22039276
TI  - Biological meaning of DNA compositional biases evaluated by ratio of membrane
      proteins.
AB  - Membrane spanning regions can be used as markers for studying the robustness of
      biologically important units of proteins against evolutionary change (R. Sawada
      and S. Mitaku, Genes to Cells, 2010). We carried out computational experiments of
      extensive DNA mutations on the assumption of constant GC content or constant
      codon positional nucleotide biases. Randomized sequences were evaluated by
      membrane protein prediction systems SOSUI and SOSUIsignal. When all amino acid
      sequences from the total real genomes of 538 prokaryotes were analysed, ratios of
      membrane proteins to all genes in the total genomes were almost constant around a
      ratio of 22% with a standard deviation of 1.56. When the nucleotide sequences
      were randomized, keeping only the GC contents constant, the ratios of membrane
      proteins became highly diverse with a standard deviation of 10.1. When the codon
      positional nucleotide biases were taken into account; however, the diverse ratios
      of membrane proteins converged to a value of ~25% with a standard deviation of
      3.55. These results suggest that codon compositional biases play an important
      role in the evolution of prokaryotes for maintaining a constant ratio of membrane
      proteins. Further detailed analysis suggested that non-uniform nucleotide
      compositional biases at the terminal regions are the reason for the small but
      significant deviation.

PMID- 22039277
TI  - Toshiaki Osawa: biochemistry of lectins and their applications in immunochemistry
      and cellular biology.
AB  - Lectins are proteins that agglutinate cells and exhibit an antibody like, sugar
      binding specificity. Professor Toshiaki Osawa has discovered, purified and
      characterized many plant lectins that display diverse biological activities.
      Using lectins as biochemical tools, he developed methods to determine the
      biochemical structures of glycoprotein glycans that react with lectins; separated
      and characterized glycoproteins and cell populations; analysed the mechanisms by
      which lectins activate cells; and characterized several cytokines produced by
      immune cells stimulated by lectins. The studies on lectins, the field he took
      strong leadership, developed into an essential hub of the biology of
      multicellular organisms.

PMID- 22039278
TI  - Shigeru Tsuiki: a pioneer in the research fields of complex carbohydrates and
      protein phosphatases.
AB  - Dr Tsuiki made three major contributions during his illustrious career as a
      biochemist. First, he developed the procedure for mucin isolation from bovine
      submaxillary glands. His work became the basis for mucin biochemistry. Second, he
      identified four distinct molecular species of mammalian sialidase. Subsequent
      studies based on his work led to the discovery that sialidase plays a unique role
      as an intracellular signalling factor involved in the regulation of a variety of
      cellular functions. Finally, he established the molecular basis for the diversity
      of mammalian protein phosphatases through protein purification and molecular
      cloning. His work prompted the functional studies of protein phosphatases.

PMID- 22039279
TI  - Best practice in primary care pathology: review 13.
AB  - This 13th best practice review examines tumour marker requesting primary care
      situations. The review is presented in question--answer format, referenced for
      each question. This review considers carcinoembryonic antigen carbohydrate
      antigen 15-3 (Ca15-3) and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (Ca19-9). The recommendations
      represent a precis of guidance found using a standardised literature search of
      national and international guidance notes, consensus statements, health policy
      documents and evidence-based medicine reviews, supplemented by MEDLINE EMBASE
      searches to identify relevant primary research documents. They will be updated
      periodically to take account of new information.

PMID- 22039280
TI  - Change in meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus clones at a tertiary care
      hospital in the United Arab Emirates over a 5-year period.
AB  - AIMS: Meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains isolated in Tawam
      Hospital, a tertiary care hospital in the United Arab Emirates, were examined in
      order to understand the reasons for a doubling of its incidence between 2003 and
      2008 while maintaining the same infection control measures. METHODS: All
      consecutive non-duplicate clinically relevant MRSA isolates recovered between
      January and December 2003 and between May and October 2008 were studied. The
      antibiotic susceptibility, pulsed field gel electrophoresis, toxin gene,
      staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec), spa, agr and multilocus sequence
      types of the strains were tested. RESULTS: In 2003, typical healthcare-associated
      (HA-MRSA) genotypes (ST239-MRSA-III, ST22-MRSA-IV and ST5-MRSA-II) represented
      the majority (61.5%) of the isolates. By 2008 this pattern had changed and clonal
      types considered as community-associated (CA) MRSA comprised 73.1% of the strains
      with ST80-MRSA-IV, ST5-MRSA-IV and ST1-MRSA with non-typable SCCmec types being
      the most frequent. However, further epidemiological investigations showed that
      only one-third of the CA-MRSA infections were actually acquired in the community,
      indicating that CA-MRSA clones have entered and spread within the hospital.
      CONCLUSIONS: The emergence of CA-MRSA clones with subsequent entry to and spread
      within the hospital has contributed to the increasing incidence of MRSA observed
      in Tawam Hospital and probably also in other hospitals in the UAE.

PMID- 22039281
TI  - The role of the molecular footprint of EGFR in tailoring treatment decisions in
      NSCLC.
AB  - The majority of patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) present with
      advanced disease, with targeted therapies providing some improvement in clinical
      outcomes. The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase (TK) plays
      an important role in the pathogenesis of NSCLC. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors
      (TKIs), which target the EGFR TK domain, have proven to be an effective treatment
      strategy; however, patient responses to treatment vary considerably. Therefore,
      the identification of patients most likely to respond to treatment is essential
      to optimise the benefit of TKIs. Tumour-associated activating mutations in EGFR
      can identify patients with NSCLC who are likely to have a good response to TKIs.
      Nonetheless, the majority of patients relapse within a year of starting
      treatment. Studies of tumours at relapse have demonstrated expression of a T790M
      mutation in exon 20 of the EGFR TK domain in approximately 50% of cases. Although
      conferring resistance to reversible TKIs, these patients may remain sensitive to
      new-generation irreversible/pan-erb inhibitors. A number of techniques have been
      employed for genotypic assessment of tumour-associated DNA to identify EGFR
      mutations, each of which has advantages and disadvantages. This review presents
      an overview of the current methodologies used to identify such molecular markers.
      Recent developments in technology may make the monitoring of changes in patients'
      tumour genotypes easier in clinical practice, which may enable patients'
      treatment regimens to be tailored during the course of their disease, potentially
      leading to improved patient outcomes.

PMID- 22039282
TI  - Diagnosis of breast lesions: fine-needle aspiration cytology or core needle
      biopsy? A review.
AB  - Diagnosis of breast lesions is routinely performed by the triple assessment of a
      specialised surgeon, radiologist and pathologist. In this setting, fine-needle
      aspiration cytology (FNAC) and core needle biopsy (CNB) are the current methods
      of choice for pathological diagnosis, both with their specific advantages and
      limitations. Evidence-based literature discussing which of both modalities is
      preferable in breast lesion diagnosis is sparse and there is no consensus among
      different specialised breast cancer centres. This study reviews FNAC and CNB for
      diagnosing breast lesions, comparing methodological issues, diagnostic
      performance indices, possibilities for additional prognostic and predictive tests
      and cost effectiveness. Overall, CNB achieved better sensitivity and specificity
      especially in those lesions that were not definitively benign or malignant, non
      palpable and/or calcified lesions. Although FNAC is easier to perform,
      interpretation requires vast experience and even then, it is more often
      inconclusive requiring additional CNB. The authors conclude that overall CNB is
      to be preferred as a diagnostic method.

PMID- 22039283
TI  - LMP1 expression is positively associated with metastasis of nasopharyngeal
      carcinoma: evidence from a meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) is an oncogene of Epstein-Barr virus
      (EBV). Although EBV is associated with 90% of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), the
      reported detectable expression rates of LMP1 determined by current techniques
      were from 50% to 80%. This study evaluates the association of LMP1 expression
      with metastasis in NPC. METHODS: Data from published case-control studies on LMP1
      expression and metastasis in NPC were collected up to 30 March 2011. The
      databases of Pubmed, Medline, Embase, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure
      and the Cochrane Library were searched with keywords 'LMP1 or latent membrane
      protein 1', 'NPC or nasopharyngeal carcinoma' and 'metastasis' to identify
      articles published in English or Chinese. Review manager V.5.0.24 software was
      applied for calculating OR and corresponding 95% CI and for statistical analysis.
      The combined OR and 95% CI for the cumulative metastasis rate in the LMP1
      expression cases versus those in the LMP1-negative cases were estimated by using
      fixed-effects and random-effects models. RESULTS: 718 cases from 12 articles,
      including 403 cases with LMP1 expression and 315 cases without LMP1 expression,
      were reviewed. The cumulative metastasis rates were 66.75% (269/403) in cases
      with LMP1 expression and 46.98% (148/315) in those without LMP1 expression. The
      combined OR for the cumulative metastasis rates were 1.98 (95% CI 1.38 to 2.837)
      in the fixed-effects model and 2.27 (95% CI 1.10 to 4.69) in the random-effects
      model. CONCLUSION: LMP1 expression is positively associated with metastasis in
      NPC, thus LMP1 detection in primary NPC might be an effective and feasible means
      to predict metastasis.

PMID- 22039284
TI  - Authors' response - the prognostic benefits of routine staining with elastica to
      increase detection of venous invasion in colorectal cancer specimens.

PMID- 22039285
TI  - Measurement of folate.

PMID- 22039286
TI  - Detection of HER2 and Topo 2 in breast cancers: comparison between MLPA and FISH
      approaches.
AB  - A significant proportion of breast cancers with HER2 amplification show
      simultaneous amplification or deletion of Topo 2. Amplification of Topo 2 may
      lead to the overexpression of the Topo 2 protein and ultimately to
      hypersensitivity to Topo 2 inhibitors. HER2 and Topo 2 gene status in breast
      cancer patients has been determined in several studies using
      immunohistochemistry, florescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) and multiplex
      ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA). Although comparisons of FISH and
      MLPA have been reported for HER2, it is believed that there are no similar
      studies for Topo 2. In this study, HER2 and Topo 2 were analysed by MLPA and
      FISH. There was a high agreement between the two approaches, although MLPA was
      easier to perform and cheaper than FISH. In conclusion, MLPA is a fast and
      accurate quantitative method to detect HER2 and Topo 2 amplification, and could
      be considered a good alternative to FISH.

PMID- 22039287
TI  - The last time.

PMID- 22039288
TI  - Coordinated expression of oestrogen and androgen receptors in HER2-positive
      breast carcinomas: impact on proliferative activity.
AB  - AIMS: Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancers are
      aggressive neoplasms associated with a variable response to systemic therapies.
      Therefore, the identification of biomarkers to better characterise this
      heterogeneity would improve treatment efficacy. The aim of this study was to
      evaluate the influence of androgen receptor (AR) and oestrogen receptor (ER) on
      clinicopathological features in a series of HER2-positive breast carcinomas.
      METHODS: A total of 104 carcinomas were selected and reviewed.
      Immunohistochemical studies for ER, progesterone receptor and Ki-67 were analysed
      on tumour whole histological sections. AR expression was analysed on samples
      represented on tissue microarrays. According to steroid receptor expression,
      cases were classified into three groups: AR positive/ER positive (48 cases), AR
      positive/ER negative (41 cases) and AR negative/ER negative (13 cases). RESULTS:
      AR-positive tumours corresponded to 89 (85.6%) of 104 carcinomas. AR-positive
      carcinomas were associated with a higher frequency of ER and progesterone
      receptor co-expression and lower proliferative activity determined by the
      expression of Ki-67. AR-negative carcinomas were more often high grade. The group
      of AR-positive/ER-negative carcinomas was associated with the highest frequency
      of apocrine morphological features. The group of AR-negative/ER-negative
      carcinomas was associated with the highest proliferative activity and the highest
      frequency of high histological and nuclear grade. The lowest frequency of high
      grade tumours and the lowest proliferative activity were seen among tumours with
      expression of both receptors. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that co
      expression of AR and ER can provide a protective effect based on phenotypical
      presentation of HER2-positive carcinomas. Furthermore, lack of both steroid
      hormone receptors characterises the most aggressive phenotype.

PMID- 22039289
TI  - Pharmacokinetics and safety of coadministered oseltamivir and rimantadine in
      healthy volunteers: an open-label, multiple-dose, randomized, crossover study.
AB  - Preclinical data suggest increased antiviral activity and less viral resistance
      when neuraminidase inhibitors and adamantanes are used in combination to harness
      the complementary effects of their different mechanisms of action. Healthy
      volunteers were randomized to 5-day oral treatment with oseltamivir 75 mg or
      rimantadine 100 mg twice daily as monotherapy or to combination treatment. Each
      participant received all 3 regimens in 1 of 6 treatment sequences, with a minimum
      of 7 days' washout between periods. Final follow-up was 10 to 14 days after the
      final dose. Drug exposure, elimination, safety, and tolerability were assessed.
      There were no clinically relevant differences in 12-hour areas under the
      concentration-time curves of drug in plasma or peak plasma drug concentrations
      with combination versus monotherapy. Elimination half-life was unaffected by
      coadministration. There were no safety/tolerability concerns. One case of
      vomiting and 1 of paresthesia were considered remotely related to combination
      treatment, and 1 episode of toothache and 1 of acne were considered unrelated.
      There were no serious adverse events and no deaths. Combination therapy with
      oseltamivir and rimantadine at recommended dosages in adults had no discernible
      effect on the pharmacokinetics of either drug and raised no tolerability issues.

PMID- 22039290
TI  - Armodafinil and modafinil in patients with excessive sleepiness associated with
      shift work disorder: a pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model for predicting and
      comparing their concentration-effect relationships.
AB  - Armodafinil, the longer lasting R-isomer of racemic modafinil, improves
      wakefulness in patients with excessive sleepiness associated with shift work
      disorder (SWD). Pharmacokinetic studies suggest that armodafinil achieves higher
      plasma concentrations than modafinil late in a dose interval following equal oral
      doses. Pooled Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) data from 2 randomized, double
      blind, placebo-controlled trials in 463 patients with SWD, 1 with armodafinil 150
      mg/d and 1 with modafinil 200 mg/d (both administered around 2200 h before night
      shifts), were used to build a pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model. Predicted
      plasma drug concentrations were obtained by developing and applying a population
      pharmacokinetic model using nonlinear mixed-effects modeling. Armodafinil 200 mg
      produced a plasma concentration above the EC(50) (4.6 ug/mL) for 9 hours, whereas
      modafinil 200 mg did not exceed the EC(50). Consequently, armodafinil produced
      greater increases in predicted placebo-subtracted MSLT times of 0.5-1 minute (up
      to 10 hours after dosing) compared with modafinil. On a milligram-to-milligram
      basis, armodafinil 200 mg consistently increased wakefulness more than modafinil
      200 mg, including times late in the 8-hour shift.

PMID- 22039291
TI  - The pharmacokinetic interaction between an oral contraceptive containing ethinyl
      estradiol and norethindrone and the HCV protease inhibitor telaprevir.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Telaprevir is a hepatitis C virus protease inhibitor that is both a
      substrate and an inhibitor of CYP3A. STUDY DESIGN: The effect of steady-state
      telaprevir (administered 750 mg every 8 hours) on the steady-state
      pharmacokinetics of ethinyl estradiol (EE) and norethindrone (NE) was evaluated
      in 24 healthy women receiving oral contraceptives (OC) containing 0.5 mg NE and
      0.035 mg EE for at least 3 months at the time of screening. This was a phase 1,
      open-label, single-center, nonrandomized study that included a cycle 1 (OC only
      for 21 days, followed by no OC for 7 days), cycle 2 (OC plus telaprevir for 21
      days, followed by telaprevir alone for 7 days), and a follow-up period. RESULTS:
      When administration with or without telaprevir was compared, the least-squares
      mean ratios (90% confidence limits) for EE were 0.74 (0.68; 0.80) for C(max),
      0.67 (0.63; 0.71) for C(min), and 0.72 (0.69; 0.75) for AUC; neither NE nor
      telaprevir exposure was affected. CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy of the OC may be
      compromised by the 26% to 33% reduction in EE exposure. Therefore, alternative
      methods of nonhormonal contraception should be used when hormonal contraceptives
      are coadministered with telaprevir and for up to 2 weeks following cessation of
      telaprevir.

PMID- 22039292
TI  - The radioprotection management of a PET department with a cyclotron and
      radiopharmacy laboratory, in accordance with Italian legislation.
AB  - The possibility of setting up a positron emission tomography (PET) facility with
      a cyclotron and radiopharmaceutical laboratory in situ, at a feasible price and
      in a very restricted space, has led to a steady increase both in the use of the
      PET technique in diagnostic clinical routine imaging and in the number of
      cyclotrons for drug production. Owing to the progress made in the PET procedures,
      it is now possible to have not only a highly innovative system of diagnostic
      examination, with a remarkable improvement in the diagnostic quality and patient
      care, but also a considerable increase in the number of daily examinations. In
      this paper, the authors show how the acquired know-how, with respect to
      radioprotection, has applied to the planning, running and management of the
      PET/CT unit, installed in the Imaging Diagnostic Department of the Policlinico
      Tor Vergata (PTV), at Tor Vergata University, Rome.

PMID- 22039293
TI  - Release criteria for patients having undergone radionuclide therapy and criteria
      for their crossing the state border of the Russian Federation.
AB  - By means of a conservative dosimetry model, the values of operational
      radiological criteria for patients released from hospital--residual activity in a
      body and dose rate near the patient's body--are substantiated based on the
      effective dose limit of 5 mSv for persons helping the patient or living with him
      and 1 mSv for other adults and children. Two sets of operative criteria for
      radionuclides (125)I, (131)I, (153)Sm and (188)Re used in Russia for radionuclide
      therapy were derived. Release criteria for (125)I well differ from such values in
      other countries because in this work absorption of (125)I low-energy photon
      radiation in the patient was taken into account. When a patient having undergone
      radionuclide therapy crosses the frontier of Russia, high-sensitivity devices for
      radiation control at the custom can detect the patient. A simplified radiological
      assessment of the patient was suggested aimed at provision of radiation safety
      for patient companions in transport.

PMID- 22039294
TI  - Effective education in radiation safety for nurses.
AB  - In order to establish an efficient training program of radiation safety for
      nurses, studies have been carried out on the basis of questionnaires.
      Collaboration of nurses, who are usually standing closest to the patient, is
      necessary in order to offer safe radiological diagnostics/treatment. The authors
      distributed the questionnaire to 134 nurses in five polyclinic hospitals in
      Japan. Important questions were: fear of radiation exposure, knowledge on the
      radiation treatment, understanding the impact on pregnancy, and so on. Most of
      the nurses feel themselves uneasy against exposure to radiation. They do not have
      enough knowledge of radiological treatment. They do not know exactly what is the
      impact of the radiation on pregnant women. Such tendency is more pronounced, when
      nurses spend less time working in the radiological department. Nurses play
      important roles in radiological diagnostics/treatment. Therefore, a well
      developed education system for radiation safety is essential. The training for
      the radiation safety in medicine should be done in the context of general safety
      in medicine. Education programs in undergraduate school and at the working place
      should be coordinated efficiently in order to ensure that both nurses and
      patients are informed about the meaning of radiation safety.

PMID- 22039295
TI  - Infant homicide in the USA between 1940 and 2005.

PMID- 22039296
TI  - Use of natural variation reveals core genes in the transcriptome of iron
      deficient Arabidopsis thaliana roots.
AB  - Iron (Fe) is an essential mineral micronutrient for plants and animals. Plants
      respond to Fe deficiency by increasing root uptake capacity. Identification of
      gene networks for Fe uptake and homeostasis could result in improved crop growth
      and nutritional value. Previous studies have used microarrays to identify a large
      number of genes regulated by Fe deficiency in roots of three Arabidopsis
      ecotypes. However, a large proportion of these genes may be involved in secondary
      or genotype-influenced responses rather than in a universal role in Fe uptake or
      homeostasis. Here we show that a small percentage of the Fe deficiency
      transcriptome of two contrasting ecotypes, Kas-1 and Tsu-1, was shared with other
      ecotypes. Kas-1 and Tsu-1 had different timing and magnitude of ferric reductase
      activity upon Fe withdrawal, and different categories of overrepresented Fe
      regulated genes. To gain insights into universal responses of Arabidopsis to Fe
      deficiency, the Kas-1 and Tsu-1 transcriptomes were compared with those of Col-0,
      Ler, and C24. In early Fe deficiency (24-48 h), no Fe-downregulated genes and
      only 10 upregulated genes were found in all ecotypes, and only 20 Fe
      downregulated and 58 upregulated genes were found in at least three of the five
      ecotypes. Supernode gene networks were constructed to visualize conserved Fe
      homeostasis responses. Contrasting gene expression highlighted different
      responses to Fe deficiency between ecotypes. This study demonstrates the use of
      natural variation to identify central Fe-deficiency-regulated genes in plants,
      and identified genes with potential new roles in signalling during Fe deficiency.

PMID- 22039297
TI  - Cavitation induced by a surfactant leads to a transient release of water stress
      and subsequent 'run away' embolism in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) seedlings.
AB  - Cavitation decreases the hydraulic conductance of the xylem and has, therefore,
      detrimental effects on plant water balance. However, cavitation is also
      hypothesized to relieve water stress temporarily by releasing water from
      embolizing conduits to the transpiration stream. Stomatal closure in response to
      decreasing water potentials in order to avoid excessive cavitation has been well
      documented in numerous previous studies. However, it has remained unclear whether
      the stomata sense cavitation events themselves or whether they act in response to
      a decrease in leaf water potential to a level at which cavitation is initiated.
      The effects of massive cavitation on leaf water potential, transpiration, and
      stomatal behaviour were studied by feeding a surfactant into the transpiration
      stream of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) seedlings. The stomatal response to
      cavitation in connection with the capacitive effect was also studied. A major
      transient increase in leaf water potential was found due to cavitation in the
      seedlings. As cavitation was induced by lowering the surface tension, the two
      mechanisms could be uncoupled, as the usual relation between xylem water
      potential and the onset of cavitation did not hold. Our results indicate that the
      seedlings responded more to leaf water potential and less to cavitation itself,
      as stomatal closure was insufficient to prevent the seedlings from being driven
      to 'run-away' cavitation in a manner of hours.

PMID- 22039298
TI  - Homeologous gene expression in response to growing temperature in a recent
      Allopolyploid (Coffea arabica L.).
AB  - Allopolyploidy is considered as a major factor contributing to speciation,
      diversification, and plant ecological adaptation. In particular, the expression
      of duplicate genes (homeologs) can be altered leading to functional plasticity
      and to phenotypic novelty. This study investigated the influence of growing
      temperatures on homeologous gene expression in Coffea arabica L., a recent
      allopolyploid involving 2 closely related diploid parental species. The relative
      expression of homeologs of 13 genes all located in the same genomic region was
      analyzed using an SNP ratio quantification method based on dideoxy-terminated
      sequences of cDNA amplicons. The relative expression of homeologous genes varied
      depending on the gene, the organ, and the growing condition. Nevertheless,
      expression of both homeologs was always detected (i.e., no silencing). Although
      the growing conditions were suitable for one or other of the parental species,
      neither subgenome appeared preferentially expressed. Furthermore, relative
      homeologous expression showed moderate variations across organs and conditions
      and appeared uncorrelated between adjacent genes. These results indicate the
      absence of signs of subfunctionalization suggesting C. arabica has not undergone
      noticeable diploidization. Furthermore, these results suggest that the expression
      of homeologous genes in C. arabica is regulated by a shared trans-regulation
      mechanism acting similarly on the 2 subgenomes and that the observed biases in
      the relative homeolog expression may result from cis fine-scale factors.

PMID- 22039299
TI  - T cell factor 1 regulates thymocyte survival via a RORgammat-dependent pathway.
AB  - Survival of CD4(+)CD8(+) double-positive (DP) thymocytes plays a critical role in
      shaping the peripheral T cell repertoire. However, the mechanisms responsible for
      the regulation of DP thymocyte lifespan remain poorly understood. In this work,
      we demonstrate that T cell factor (TCF)-1 regulates DP thymocyte survival by
      upregulating RORgammat. Microarray analysis revealed that RORgammat was
      significantly downregulated in TCF-1(-/-) thymocytes that underwent accelerated
      apoptosis, whereas RORgammat was greatly upregulated in thymocytes that had
      enhanced survival due to transgenic expression of a stabilized beta-catenin (beta
      cat(Tg)), a TCF-1 activator. Both TCF-1(-/-) and RORgammat(-/-) DP thymocytes
      underwent similar accelerated apoptosis. Forced expression of RORgammat
      successfully rescued TCF-1(-/-) DP thymocytes from apoptosis, whereas ectopically
      expressed TCF-1 was not able to rescue the defective T cell development because
      of the lack of RORgammat-supported survival. Furthermore, activation of TCF-1 by
      stabilized beta-catenin was able to enhance DP thymocyte survival only in the
      presence of RORgammat, indicating that RORgammat acts downstream of TCF-1 in the
      regulation of DP thymocyte survival. Moreover, beta-catenin/TCF-1 directly
      interacted with the RORgammat promoter region and stimulated its activity.
      Therefore, our data demonstrated that TCF-1 enhances DP thymocyte survival
      through transcriptional upregulation of RORgammat, which we previously showed is
      an essential prosurvival molecule for DP thymocytes.

PMID- 22039300
TI  - A p53 defect sensitizes various stages of B cell development to lymphomagenesis
      in mice carrying an IgH 3' regulatory region-driven c-myc transgene.
AB  - Although c-myc is classically described as the driving oncogene in Burkitt's
      lymphoma (BL), deregulation and mutations of c-myc have been reported in multiple
      solid tumors and in other mature B cell malignancies such as mantle cell lymphoma
      (MCL), myeloma, and plasma cell lymphoma (PCL). After translocation into the IgH
      locus, c-myc is constitutively expressed under the control of active IgH
      enhancers. Those located in the IgH 3' regulatory region (3'RR) are master
      control elements of class switch recombination and of the transcriptional burst
      associated with plasma cell differentiation. c-myc-3'RR mice are prone to
      lymphomas with rather homogeneous, most often BL-like, phenotypes with incomplete
      penetrance (75% tumor incidence) and long latencies (10-12 mo). To reproduce c
      myc-induced mature B cell lymphomagenesis in the context of an additional defect
      often observed in human lymphomas, we intercrossed c-myc-3'RR with p53(+/-) mice.
      Double transgenic c-myc-3'RR/p53(+/-) mice developed lymphoma with short latency
      (2-4 mo) and full penetrance (100% tumor incidence). The spectrum of B lymphomas
      occurring in c-myc-3'RR/p53(+/-) mice was widened, including nonactivated (CD43(
      )) BL, activated (CD43(+)) BL, MCL-like lymphoma, and PCL, thus showing that 3'RR
      mediated deregulation of c-myc can promote various types of B lymphoproliferation
      in cells that first acquired a p53 defect. c-myc/p53(+/-) mice closely reproduce
      many features of BL, MCL, and PCL and provide a novel and efficient model to
      dissect the molecular events leading to c-myc-induced lymphomagenesis and an
      important tool to test potential therapeutic agents on malignant B cells
      featuring various maturation stages.

PMID- 22039301
TI  - Glycogen synthase kinase-3beta is a prosurvival signal for the maintenance of
      human mast cell homeostasis.
AB  - Homeostasis of mature tissue-resident mast cells is dependent on the relative
      activation of pro- and antiapoptotic regulators. In this study, we investigated
      the role of glycogen synthase kinase 3beta (GSK3beta) in the survival of
      neoplastic and nonneoplastic human mast cells. GSK3beta was observed to be
      phosphorylated at the Y(216) activating residue under resting conditions in both
      the neoplastic HMC1.2 cell line and in peripheral blood-derived primary human
      mast cells (HuMCs), suggesting constitutive activation of GSK3beta in these
      cells. Lentiviral-transduced short hairpin RNA knockdown of GSK3beta in both the
      HMC1.2 cells and HuMCs resulted in a significant reduction in cell survival as
      determined with the MTT assay. The decrease in stem cell factor (SCF)-mediated
      survival in the GSK3beta knockdown HuMCs was reflected by enhancement of SCF
      withdrawal-induced apoptosis, as determined by Annexin V staining and caspase
      cleavage, and this was associated with a pronounced reduction in SCF-mediated
      phosphorylation of Src homology 2 domain-containing phosphatase 2 and ERK1/2 and
      reduced expression of the antiapoptotic proteins Bcl-xl and Bcl-2. These data
      show that GSK3beta is an essential antiapoptotic factor in both neopastic and
      nontransformed primary human mast cells through the regulation of SCF-mediated
      Src homology 2 domain-containing phosphatase 2 and ERK activation. Our data
      suggest that targeting of GSK3beta with small m.w. inhibitors such as CHIR 99021
      may thus provide a mechanism for limiting mast cell survival and subsequently
      decreasing the intensity of the allergic inflammatory response.

PMID- 22039302
TI  - Adenosinergic regulation of the expansion and immunosuppressive activity of
      CD11b+Gr1+ cells.
AB  - Extracellular adenosine and purine nucleotides are elevated in many pathological
      situations associated with the expansion of CD11b(+)Gr1(+) myeloid-derived
      suppressor cells (MDSCs). Therefore, we tested whether adenosinergic pathways
      play a role in MDSC expansion and functions. We found that A(2B) adenosine
      receptors on hematopoietic cells play an important role in accumulation of
      intratumoral CD11b(+)Gr1(high) cells in a mouse Lewis lung carcinoma model in
      vivo and demonstrated that these receptors promote preferential expansion of the
      granulocytic CD11b(+)Gr1(high) subset of MDSCs in vitro. Flow cytometry analysis
      of MDSCs generated from mouse hematopoietic progenitor cells revealed that the
      CD11b(+)Gr-1(high) subset had the highest levels of CD73 (ecto-5'-nucleotidase)
      expression (Deltamean fluorescence intensity [MFI] of 118.5 +/- 16.8), followed
      by CD11b(+)Gr-1(int) (DeltaMFI of 57.9 +/- 6.8) and CD11b(+)Gr-1(-/low) (DeltaMFI
      of 12.4 +/- 1.0) subsets. Even lower levels of CD73 expression were found on
      Lewis lung carcinoma tumor cells (DeltaMFI of 3.2 +/- 0.2). The high levels of
      CD73 expression in granulocytic CD11b(+)Gr-1(high) cells correlated with high
      levels of ecto-5'-nucleotidase enzymatic activity. We further demonstrated that
      the ability of granulocytic MDSCs to suppress CD3/CD28-induced T cell
      proliferation was significantly facilitated in the presence of the ecto-5'
      nucleotidase substrate 5'-AMP. We propose that generation of adenosine by CD73
      expressed at high levels on granulocytic MDSCs may promote their expansion and
      facilitate their immunosuppressive activity.

PMID- 22039303
TI  - Cutting edge: Nicastrin and related components of gamma-secretase generate a
      peptide epitope facilitating immune recognition of intracellular mycobacteria,
      through MHC class II-dependent priming of T cells.
AB  - Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG), the antituberculosis vaccine, localizes within
      immature phagosomes of macrophages and dendritic cells (APCs), and avoids
      lysosomal degradation. BCG-derived antigenic peptides are thus inefficiently
      processed by APCs, and we investigated alternate mechanisms of Ag processing.
      Proteomics identified that BCG phagosomes are enriched for nicastrin, APH, and
      presenilin components of gamma-secretase, a multimeric protease. Using an in
      vitro Ag presentation assay and BCG-infected APCs, we found gamma-secretase
      components to cleave BCG-derived Ag85B to produce a peptide epitope, which, in
      turn, primed IL-2 release from Ag85B-specific T cell hybridoma. siRNA knockdown
      or chemical inhibition of gamma-secretase components using L685458 decreased the
      ability of BCG or Mycobacterium tuberculosis-infected APCs to present Ag85B. In
      addition, L685485 inhibition of gamma-secretase led to a decreased ability of BCG
      dendritic cells to immunize mice and induce Ag85B-specific CD4 T cells in vivo.
      Because BCG and M. tuberculosis sequester within APCs preventing immune
      recognition, gamma-secretase components appear to fortuitously process the
      immunodominant Ag85B, facilitating immune recognition.

PMID- 22039305
TI  - Affinity thresholds for naive CD8+ CTL activation by peptides and engineered
      influenza A viruses.
AB  - High-avidity interactions between TCRs and peptide + class I MHC (pMHCI) epitopes
      drive CTL activation and expansion. Intriguing questions remain concerning the
      constraints determining optimal TCR/pMHCI binding. The present analysis uses the
      TCR transgenic OT-I model to assess how varying profiles of TCR/pMHCI avidity
      influence naive CTL proliferation and the acquisition of effector function
      following exposure to the cognate H-2K(b)/OVA(257-264) (SIINFEKL) epitope and to
      mutants provided as peptide or in engineered influenza A viruses. Stimulating
      naive OT-I CD8(+) T cells in vitro with SIINFEKL induced full CTL proliferation
      and differentiation that was largely independent of any need for costimulation.
      By contrast, in vitro activation with the low-affinity EIINFEKL or SIIGFEKL
      ligands depended on the provision of IL-2 and other costimulatory signals.
      Importantly, although they did generate potent endogenous responses, infection of
      mice with influenza A viruses expressing these same OVA(257) variants failed to
      induce the activation of adoptively transferred naive OT-I CTLps, an effect that
      was only partially overcome by priming with a lipopeptide vaccine. Subsequent
      structural and biophysical analysis of H2-K(b)OVA(257), H2-K(b)E1, and H2-K(b)G4
      established that these variations introduce small changes at the pMHCI interface
      and decrease epitope stability in ways that would likely impact cell surface
      presentation and recognition. Overall, it seems that there is an activation
      threshold for naive CTLps, that minimal alterations in peptide sequence can have
      profound effects, and that the antigenic requirements for the in vitro and in
      vivo induction of CTL proliferation and effector function differ substantially.

PMID- 22039304
TI  - c-Myb and GATA-3 cooperatively regulate IL-13 expression via conserved GATA-3
      response element and recruit mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) for histone
      modification of the IL-13 locus.
AB  - The c-Myb and GATA-3 transcription factors play important roles in T cell
      development. We recently reported that c-Myb, GATA-3, and Menin form a core
      transcription complex that regulates GATA-3 expression and ultimately Th2 cell
      development in human peripheral blood T cells. However, c-Myb roles for Th2
      cytokine expression were not demonstrated. In this article, we report that c-Myb
      and GATA-3 cooperatively play an essential role in IL-13 expression though direct
      binding to a conserved GATA-3 response element (CGRE), an enhancer for IL-13
      expression. c-Myb and GATA-3 were shown to activate the CGRE-IL-13 promoter by
      ~160-fold, and mutation of the canonical Myb binding site completely abrogated
      CGRE enhancer activity. In contrast, mutation of the GATA binding site partially
      decreased CGRE enhancer activity. GATA-3 did not bind to CGRE when c-myb
      expression was silenced. c-Myb, GATA-3, Menin, and mixed lineage leukemia (MLL)
      bound to CGRE in human primary CD4(+) effector/memory cells. Moreover, c-myb
      silencing significantly decreased both methylation of histone H3K4 and
      acetylation of histone H3K9 at the IL-13 locus in CD4(+) effector/memory cells.
      Therefore, in addition to the strong enhancer effect for the transcription of IL
      13, the c-Myb/GATA-3 complex recruits MLL to the CGRE for histone modification of
      the IL-13 locus during the differentiation of memory Th2 cells.

PMID- 22039306
TI  - alpha9beta1 integrin-mediated signaling serves as an intrinsic regulator of
      pathogenic Th17 cell generation.
AB  - The interaction between matricellular proteins such as tenascin-C (TN-C) and
      osteopontin (OPN) and integrins has been implicated in the pathology of
      rheumatoid arthritis in which Th17 cells are recognized as primary pathogenic
      cells. The differentiation of Th17 cells is tightly regulated by cytokines
      derived from APCs, receiving various signals including TLR stimuli. In this
      study, we used a collagen-induced arthritis model and found that increased
      numbers of alpha(9) integrin-positive conventional dendritic cells and macrophage
      were detectable in the draining lymph node (dLN) shortly following first
      immunization, and these cells produced both TN-C and OPN, ligands for alpha(9)
      integrin. alpha(9) integrin-mediated signaling, induced by TN-C and OPN, promoted
      the production of Th17-related cytokines by conventional dendritic cells and
      macrophages in synergy with TLR2 and 4 signaling. This led to the Th17 cell
      differentiation and arthritis development. Moreover, Th17 cells generated under
      blocking of alpha(9) integrin-mediated signaling showed low level of CCR6
      expression and impaired migration ability toward CCL20. Thus, we have identified
      alpha(9) integrin-mediated signaling by TN-C and OPN as a novel intrinsic
      regulator of pathogenic Th17 cell generation that contributes to the development
      of rheumatoid arthritis.

PMID- 22039307
TI  - EphB receptors trigger Akt activation and suppress Fas receptor-induced apoptosis
      in malignant T lymphocytes.
AB  - Treatment of hematopoietic malignancies often requires allogeneic bone marrow
      transplantation, and the subsequent graft-versus-leukemia response is crucial for
      the elimination of malignant cells. Cytotoxic T lymphocytes and NK cells
      responsible for the immunoelimination express Fas ligand and strongly rely on the
      induction of Fas receptor-mediated apoptosis for their action. Although cancer
      cells are removed successfully by graft-versus-leukemia reactions in myeloid
      malignancies, their efficiency is low in T cell leukemias. This may be partially
      because of the ability of malignant T cells to escape apoptosis. Our work shows
      that Eph family receptor EphB3 is consistently expressed by malignant T
      lymphocytes, most frequently in combination with EphB6, and that stimulation with
      their common ligands, ephrin-B1 and ephrin-B2, strongly suppresses Fas-induced
      apoptosis in these cells. This effect is associated with Akt activation and with
      the inhibition of the Fas receptor-initiated caspase proteolytic cascade. Akt
      proved to be crucial for the prosurvival response, because inhibition of Akt, but
      not of other molecules central to T cell biology, including Src kinases, MEK1 and
      MEK2, blocked the antiapoptotic effect. Overall, this demonstrates a new role for
      EphB receptors in the protection of malignant T cells from Fas-induced apoptosis
      through Akt engagement and prevention of caspase activation. Because Fas
      triggered apoptosis is actively involved in the graft-versus-leukemia response
      and cytotoxic T cells express ephrin-Bs, our observations suggest that EphB
      receptors are likely to support immunoevasivenes of T cell malignancies and may
      represent promising targets for therapies, aiming to enhance immunoelimination of
      cancerous T cells.

PMID- 22039308
TI  - LED-Based Optical Device for Chronic In Vivo Cerebral Blood Volume Measurement.
AB  - We demonstrate a reflectivity-based cerebral blood volume sensor comprised of
      surface-mount light-emitting diodes on a flexible substrate with integrated
      photodetectors in a form factor suitable for direct brain contact and chronic
      implantation. This reflectivity monitor is able to measure blood flow through the
      change of the surface reflectivity and, through this mechanism, detect the
      cerebral-blood-volume changes associated with epileptic seizures with a signal-to
      noise (SNR) response of 42 dB. The device is tested in an in vivo model
      confirming its compatibility and sensitivity. The data taken demonstrate that
      placing the sensor into direct brain contact improves the SNR by more than four
      orders of magnitude over current noncontact technologies.

PMID- 22039309
TI  - Intergenerational Coresidence and Family Transitions in the United States, 1850 -
      1880.
AB  - This study uses a new source of linked census data (N = 6,734) to test theories
      proposed to explain the high intergenerational coresidence in 19th-century
      America. Was it a system of support for dependent elderly, or did it reflect
      intergenerational interdependence? I focus on transitions from middle age to old
      age, and I assess key predictors of family transitions, including widowhood,
      retirement, disability, migration, and wealth. The results show that adverse
      events precipitated changes in the headship of intergenerational families but did
      not increase the likelihood of residing in an intergenerational family. The
      findings suggest that 19th-century intergenerational coresidence was not
      principally a means of old-age support; more often, probably, there was a
      reciprocal relationship between generations.

PMID- 22039310
TI  - Nickel-Catalyzed Cycloisomerization of Enynes: Catalyst Generation via C-H
      Activation of Carbene Ligands.
AB  - The combination of Ni(0) and an N-heterocyclic carbene act as a precatalyst for
      the cycloisomerization of enynes to afford 1,3-dienes. During the course of the
      reaction, a nickel hydride is formed from oxidative addition of the ortho C-H on
      the carbene ligand. Deuteriumn labeling studies are presented.

PMID- 22039311
TI  - Thermodynamic properties of liquid Au-Cu-Sn alloys determined from electromotive
      force measurements.
AB  - The thermodynamic properties of the ternary Au-Cu-Sn system were determined with
      the electromotive force (EMF) method using a liquid electrolyte. Three different
      cross-sections with constant Au:Cu ratios of 3:1, 1:1, and 1:3 were applied to
      measure the thermodynamic properties of the ternary system in the temperature
      range between the liquidus temperature of the alloys and 1023 K. The partial free
      energies of Sn in liquid Au-Cu-Sn alloys were obtained from EMF data. The
      integral Gibbs free energy and the integral enthalpy at 900 K were calculated by
      Gibbs-Duhem integration. The ternary interaction parameters were evaluated using
      the Redlich-Kister-Muggianu polynomial.

PMID- 22039312
TI  - Patterns and Predictors of Early Care and Education for Children in Foster Care.

PMID- 22039313
TI  - Cross-Location Analysis of the Impact of Household Socioeconomic Status on
      Participation in Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture in West Africa.
AB  - This study explores the relation between household socioeconomic status (SES) and
      participation in urban and periurban agriculture (UPA) in three West African
      cities. We used a structured questionnaire to survey 700 randomly selected
      households: 250 in Kano, Nigeria, 250 in Bobo Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, and 200 in
      Sikasso, Mali. Multiple correspondence analysis was applied on household asset
      variables to create an index of assets which was used as a proxy for household
      SES. The results showed no significant differences in households' rate of
      participation in UPA across socioeconomic groups. Participation in UPA was rather
      significantly (P < 0.001) and positively related to household size.
      Interestingly, the analysis revealed that field crop cultivation and gardening
      were more common among households in the low and medium SES groups while those in
      the high SES group were more likely to keep livestock.

PMID- 22039315
TI  - Incentive-Related Human Resource Practices for Substance Use Disorder Counselors:
      Salaries, Benefits, and Training.
AB  - Understanding factors associated with incentive-related human resource practices
      for substance use disorder counselors can help promote a stable workforce in this
      occupation. We examined three counselor incentives-salaries, benefits, training
      and the link with organizational, counselor, and patient characteristics. Data
      were collected in 2007/08 via face-to-face interviews with 345
      administrators/clinical directors in private treatment centers. Centers paid
      counselors an average of $38,800 annually and provided a mean of 2.83 benefits
      and 1.61 training (0-4 scales). Characteristics differed based on the incentive.
      Centers' managements need to be aware of different incentives that can help
      attract and retain counselors.

PMID- 22039316
TI  - An Evaluation of the Relation Between Distress Tolerance and Posttraumatic Stress
      within a Trauma-Exposed Sample.
AB  - The present investigation examined the incremental associations between distress
      tolerance, or the perceived capacity to tolerate emotional distress, and global
      posttraumatic stress symptom severity as well as symptom cluster severity, beyond
      the variance accounted for by number of trauma exposure types and negative
      affectivity. The sample consisted of 140 adults (72 women; M(age)=25.9, SD=11.1)
      who endorsed exposure to traumatic life events, as defined by posttraumatic
      stress disorder diagnostic criterion A (American Psychiatric Association 2000).
      Participants did not meet diagnostic criteria for current axis I psychopathology.
      Distress tolerance demonstrated significant incremental associations with global
      posttraumatic stress symptom severity (p<.01) as well as re-experiencing (p<.05),
      avoidance (p=.05), and hyperarousal (p<.001) symptom cluster severity. Given the
      cross-sectional study design, causation cannot be inferred. Theoretical
      implications and future directions for better understanding associations between
      distress tolerance and posttraumatic stress are discussed.

PMID- 22039317
TI  - II. Electrodeposition/removal of nickel in a spouted electrochemical reactor.
AB  - An investigation is presented of nickel electrodeposition from acidic solutions
      in a cylindrical spouted electrochemical reactor. The effects of solution pH,
      temperature, and applied current on nickel removal/recovery rate, current
      efficiency, and corrosion rate of deposited nickel on the cathodic particles were
      explored under galvanostatic operation. Nitrogen sparging was used to decrease
      the dissolved oxygen concentration in the electrolyte in order to reduce the
      nickel corrosion rate, thereby increasing the nickel electrowinning rate and
      current efficiency. A numerical model of electrodeposition, including corrosion
      and mass transfer in the particulate cathode moving bed, is presented that
      describes the behavior of the experimental net nickel electrodeposition data
      quite well.

PMID- 22039318
TI  - Pathophysiology of insulin resistance and steatosis in patients with chronic
      viral hepatitis.
AB  - Chronic hepatitis due to any cause leads to cirrhosis and end-stage liver
      disease. A growing body of literature has also shown that fatty liver due to
      overweight or obesity is a leading cause of cirrhosis. Due to the obesity
      epidemic, fatty liver is now a significant problem in clinical practice.
      Steatosis has an impact on the acceleration of liver damage in patients with
      chronic hepatitis due to other causes. An association between hepatitis C virus
      (HCV) infection, steatosis and the onset of insulin resistance has been reported.
      Insulin resistance is one of the leading factors for severe fibrosis in chronic
      HCV infections. Moreover, hyperinsulinemia has a deleterious effect on the
      management of chronic HCV. Response to therapy is increased by decreasing insulin
      resistance by weight loss or the use of thiazolidenediones or metformin. The
      underlying mechanisms of this complex interaction are not fully understood. A
      direct cytopathic effect of HCV has been suggested. The genomic structure of HCV
      (suggesting that some viral sequences are involved in the intracellular
      accumulation of triglycerides), lipid metabolism, the molecular links between the
      HCV core protein and lipid droplets (the core protein of HCV and its
      transcriptional regulatory function which induce a triglyceride accumulation in
      hepatocytes) and increased neolipogenesis and inhibited fatty acid degradation in
      mitochondria have been investigated.

PMID- 22039319
TI  - Digestive manifestations of parathyroid disorders.
AB  - The parathyroid glands are the main regulator of plasma calcium and have a direct
      influence on the digestive tract. Parathyroid disturbances often result in
      unknown long-standing symptoms. The main manifestation of hypoparathyroidism is
      steatorrhea due to a deficit in exocrine pancreas secretion. The association with
      celiac sprue may contribute to malabsorption. Hyperparathyroidism causes smooth
      muscle atony, with upper and lower gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea,
      heartburn and constipation. Hyperparathyroidism and peptic ulcer were strongly
      linked before the advent of proton pump inhibitors. Nowadays, this association
      remains likely only in the particular context of multiple endocrine neoplasia
      type 1/Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. In contrast to chronic pancreatitis, acute
      pancreatitis due to primary hyperparathyroidism is one of the most studied
      topics. The causative effect of high calcium level is confirmed and the
      distinction from secondary hyperparathyroidism is mandatory. The digestive
      manifestations of parathyroid malfunction are often overlooked and serum calcium
      level must be included in the routine workup for abdominal symptoms.

PMID- 22039320
TI  - Current treatment for colorectal liver metastases.
AB  - Surgical resection offers the best opportunity for survival in patients with
      colorectal cancer metastatic to the liver, with five-year survival rates up to
      58% in selected cases. However, only a minority are resectable at the time of
      diagnosis. Continuous research in this field aims at increasing the percentage of
      patients eligible for resection, refining the indications and contraindications
      for surgery, and improving overall survival. The use of surgical innovations,
      such as staged resection, portal vein embolization, and repeat resection has
      allowed higher resection rates in patients with bilobar disease. The use of
      neoadjuvant chemotherapy allows up to 38% of patients previously considered
      unresectable to be significantly downstaged and eligible for hepatic resection.
      Ablative techniques have gained wide acceptance as an adjunct to surgical
      resection and in the management of patients who are not surgical candidates.
      Current management of colorectal liver metastases requires a multidisciplinary
      approach, which should be individualized in each case.

PMID- 22039321
TI  - Nitric oxide-releasing aspirin but not conventional aspirin improves healing of
      experimental colitis.
AB  - AIM: To determine the effect of non-selective cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitors,
      selective COX-2 inhibitors and nitric oxide (NO)-releasing aspirin in the healing
      of ulcerative colitis. METHODS: Rats with 2,4,6 trinitrobenzenesulfon-ic acid
      (TNBS)-induced colitis received intragastric (ig) treatment with vehicle, aspirin
      (ASA) (a non-selective COX inhibitor), celecoxib (a selective COX-2 inhibitor) or
      NO-releasing ASA for a period of ten days. The area of colonic lesions, colonic
      blood flow (CBF), myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and expression of
      proinflammatory markers COX-2, inducible form of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), IL
      1beta and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha were assessed. The effects of
      glyceryl trinitrate (GTN), a NO donor, and 2-(4-carboxyphenyl)-4,5-dihydro
      4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1H-imidazolyl-1-oxy-3-oxide, onopotassium salt (carboxy
      PTIO), a NO scavenger, administered without and with ASA or NO-ASA, and the
      involvement of capsaicin-sensitive afferent nerves in the mechanism of healing
      the experimental colitis was also determined. RESULTS: Rats with colitis
      developed macroscopic and microscopic colonic lesions accompanied by a
      significant decrease in the CBF, a significant rise in colonic weight, MPO
      activity and plasma IL-1beta and TNF-alpha levels. These effects were aggravated
      by ASA and 5-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-3-(trifluoromethyl)-1H-pyrazole
      (SC-560), but not celecoxib and counteracted by concurrent treatment with a
      synthetic prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) analog. Treatment with NO-ASA dose-dependently
      accelerated colonic healing followed by a rise in plasma NO(x) content and CBF,
      suppression of MPO and downregulation of COX-2, iNOS, IL-1beta and TNF-alpha
      mRNAs. Treatment with GTN, the NO donor, significantly inhibited the ASA-induced
      colonic lesions and increased CBF, while carboxy-PTIO or capsaicin-denervation
      counteracted the NO-ASA-induced improvement of colonic healing and the
      accompanying increase in the CBF. These effects were restored by co-treatment
      with calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) and NO-ASA in capsaicin-denervated
      animals. CONCLUSION: NO-releasing ASA, in contrast to ASA, COX-1 inhibitors, and
      SC-560, accelerated the healing of colitis via a mechanism involving NO mediated
      improvement of microcirculation and activation of sensory nerves releasing CGRP.

PMID- 22039322
TI  - Inhibition of high-mobility group box 1 expression by siRNA in rat hepatic
      stellate cells.
AB  - AIM: To explore the role of high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) protein during
      liver fibrogenesis and investigate the functional effects of HMGB1 gene silencing
      in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) using siRNA. METHODS: Hepatic fibrosis in rats
      was induced throu-gh serial subcutaneous injections of dimethylnitrosamine, and
      expression of HMGB1 was detected by immunohistochemistry. HMGB1 siRNAs were
      developed and transiently transfected into HSC-T6 cells using Lipofectamine 2000.
      HMGB1 expression was evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and
      Western blotting analysis. Expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA)
      and collagen types I and III was evaluated by real-time PCR. Cell proliferation
      and the cell cycle were determined using the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium method.
      Finally, collagen content in HSC supernatant was evaluated by an enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: The results showed that HMGB1 was upregulated
      during liver fibrosis and that its expression was closely correlated with the
      deposition of collagen. siRNA molecules were successfully transfected into HSCs
      and induced inhibition of HMGB1 expression in a time-dependent manner. Moreover,
      HMGB1 siRNA treatment inhibited synthesis of alpha-SMA and collagen types I and
      III in transfected HSCs. CONCLUSION: This study suggests a significant fun
      ctional role for HMGB1 in the development of liver fibrosis. It also demonstrates
      that downregulation of HMGB1 expression might be a potential strategy to treat
      liver fibrosis.

PMID- 22039323
TI  - Antioxidative potential of a combined therapy of anti TNFalpha and Zn acetate in
      experimental colitis.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate whether combination therapy with anti-tumour necrosis factor
      alpha (TNFalpha) antibody and Zn acetate is beneficial in dextran sodium sulphate
      (DSS) colitis. METHODS: Colitis was induced in CD1-Swiss mice with 5% DSS for 7
      d. The experimental mice were then randomised into the following subgroups:
      standard diet + DSS treated (induced colitis group); standard diet + DSS +
      subcutaneous 25 MUg anti-TNFalpha treated group; Zn acetate treated group + DSS +
      subcutaneous 25 MUg anti-TNFalpha; standard diet + DSS + subcutaneous 6.25 MUg
      anti-TNFalpha treated group and Zn acetate treated group + DSS + subcutaneous
      6.25 MUg anti-TNFalpha. Each group of mice was matched with a similar group of
      sham control animals. Macroscopic and histological features were scored blindly.
      Homogenates of the colonic mucosa were assessed for myeloperoxidase activity as a
      biochemical marker of inflammation and DNA adducts (8OH-dG) as a measure of
      oxidative damage. RESULTS: DSS produced submucosal erosions, ulcers, inflammatory
      cell infiltration and cryptic abscesses which were reduced in both groups of mice
      receiving either anti-TNFalpha alone or combined with zinc. The effect was more
      pronounced in the latter group (vs Zn diet, P < 0.02). Myeloperoxidase activity
      (vs controls, P < 0.02) and DNA adducts, greatly elevated in the DSS fed colitis
      group (vs controls, P < 0.05), were significantly reduced in the treated groups,
      with a more remarkable effect in the group receiving combined therapy (vs
      standard diet, P < 0.04). CONCLUSION: DSS induces colonic inflammation which is
      modulated by the administration of anti-TNFalpha. Combining anti-TNFalpha with Zn
      acetate offers marginal benefit in colitis severity.

PMID- 22039324
TI  - Helicobacter species and gut bacterial DNA in Meckel's diverticulum and the
      appendix.
AB  - AIM: To analyse the possible association of various Helicobacter species and
      certain common gut bacteria in patients with Meckel's diverticulum and
      appendicitis. METHODS: A nested-polymerase chain reaction (PCR), specific to 16S
      rRNA of the Helicobacter genus, was performed on paraffin embedded samples, 50
      with acute appendicitis, 50 normal appendixes, and 33 Meckel's diverticulum with
      gastric heterotopia and/or ulcer. Helicobacter genus positive samples were
      sequenced for species identification. All samples were also analysed for certain
      gut bacteria by PCR. RESULTS: Helicobacter pullorum DNA was found in one out of
      33 cases and Enterobacteria in two cases of Meckel's diverticulum. Helicobacter
      pylori (H. pylori) was found in three, Enterobacter in 18, and Bacteroides in 19
      out of 100 appendix samples by PCR. Enterococcus was not found in any MD or
      appendix samples. All H. pylori positive cases were from normal appendixes.
      CONCLUSION: Helicobacter is not an etiological agent in the pathogenesis of
      symptomatic Meckel's diverticulum or in acute appendicitis.

PMID- 22039325
TI  - Epinephrine plus argon plasma or heater probe coagulation in ulcer bleeding.
AB  - AIM: To compare the effectiveness of argon plasma coagulation (APC) and heater
      probe coagulation (HPC) in non-variceal upper gastrointestinal bleeding. METHODS:
      Eighty-five (18 female, 67 male) patients admitted for acute gastrointestinal
      bleeding due to gastric or duodenal ulcer were included in the study. Upper
      endoscopy was performed and HPC or APC were chosen randomly to stop the bleeding.
      Initial hemostasis and rebleeding rates were primary and secondary end-points of
      the study. RESULTS: Initial hemostasis was achieved in 97.7% (42/43) and 81%
      (36/42) of the APC and HPC groups, respectively (P < 0.05). Rebleeding rates were
      2.4% (1/42) and 8.3% (3/36) in the APC and HPC groups, respectively, at 4 wk (P >
      0.05). CONCLUSION: APC is an effective hemostatic method in bleeding peptic
      ulcers. Larger multicenter trials are necessary to confirm these results.

PMID- 22039326
TI  - Role of cyclooxygenase-2 gene polymorphisms in pancreatic carcinogenesis.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the clinical significance of -765G/C and -1195G/A cyclooxygenase
      2 (COX-2) gene polymorphisms in patients with pancreatic cancer (PC). METHODS:
      The study included 201 patients: 85 with PC and 116 healthy controls. -765G/C and
      -1195G/A COX-2 gene polymorphisms were studied in DNA isolated from blood
      samples. The associations of the analyzed genotypes and clinical data at
      diagnosis were evaluated. RESULTS: We found an increased frequency of the
      homozygous -1195AA COX-2 genotype in patients with PC (53.7%) compared with the
      control group (21%) (P < 0.01). In contrast, the distribution of genotype and
      allele frequencies of the -765G/C COX-2 polymorphism in the PC patients were not
      different from those in control groups. A correlation between presence of
      homozygous -1195AA COX-2 genotype and tumor size > 3 cm was observed (P < 0.05).
      Analyzed polymorphisms were unrelated to the patients' sex and age, nor to the
      presence of regional or distant metastases. CONCLUSION: These preliminary results
      indicate that the -1195G/A COX-2 polymorphism may play an important role in PC
      prognosis and carcinogenesis.

PMID- 22039327
TI  - Does the bile duct angulation affect recurrence of choledocholithiasis?
AB  - AIM: To investigate whether bile duct angulation and T-tube choledochostomy
      influence the recurrence of choledocholithiasis. METHODS: We conducted a
      retrospective study inclu-ding 259 patients who underwent endoscopic
      sphincterotomy and cholecystectomy for choledocholithiasis between 2000 and 2007.
      The imaginary line was drawn along the center of the bile duct and each internal
      angle was measured at the two angulation sites of the bile duct respectively. The
      values of both angles were added together. We then tested our hypothesis by
      examining whether T-tube choledochostomy was performed and stone recurrence
      occurred by reviewing each subject's medical records. RESULTS: The overall
      recurrence rate was 9.3% (24 of 259 patients). The mean value of sums of angles
      in the recurrence group was 268.3 degrees  +/- 29.6 degrees , while that in the
      non-recurrence group was 314.8 degrees  +/- 19.9 degrees  (P < 0.05). Recurrence
      rate of the T-tube group was 15.9% (17 of 107), while that of the non T-tube
      group was 4.6% (7 of 152) (P < 0.05). Mean value of sums of angles after T-tube
      drainage was 262.5 degrees  +/- 24.6 degrees  and that before T-tube drainage was
      298.0 degrees  +/- 23.9 degrees  in 22 patients (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The bile
      duct angulation and T-tube choledochostomy may be risk factors of recurrence of
      bile duct stones.

PMID- 22039328
TI  - Assessment of participant satisfaction with upper gastrointestinal endoscopy in
      South Korea.
AB  - AIM: To measure the perceived satisfaction with gastric cancer screening as part
      of the National Cancer Screening Program (NCSP) in South Korea. METHODS: Data
      were derived from the participants in a satisfaction survey of the Quality
      Evaluation of National Cancer Screening in 2009. This is a population-based
      nationwide telephone survey of participants who were screened by the NCSP between
      May and October 2009. This study included 4412 participants who provided full
      sets of data and who had upper endoscopies for the purpose of gastric cancer
      screening. RESULTS: The negative appraisal percentages for each of the seven
      questions were as follows: explanation in preparation for the upper endoscopy,
      12.3%; explanation about the process and procedure of the upper endoscopy, 13.8%;
      explanation about any pain or discomfort related to the upper endoscopy, 27.5%;
      level of pain during the procedure, 30.3%; physical environment, 16.2%; manner of
      the staff, 11.2%, and privacy protection, 8.8%. CONCLUSION: The critical issues
      identified by the Pareto analysis include the adequacy of the explanation about
      any pain or discomfort associated with the upper endoscopy and the level of pain
      experienced during the procedure.

PMID- 22039329
TI  - Anti-hepatitis A seroprevalence among chronic viral hepatitis patients in
      Kelantan, Malaysia.
AB  - AIM: To determine the seroprevalence of anti-hepatitis A virus (HAV) antibodies
      in patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) and to justify the need for
      hepatitis A vaccination. METHODS: Patients (n = 119) were enrolled between July
      and September 2009. The diagnosis of CLD was based on the presence of viral
      markers for more than 6 mo. The diagnosis of liver cirrhosis was based on
      clinical, biochemical and radiological profiles. Patient serum was tested for
      anti-HAV IgG. RESULTS: The overall anti-HAV seroprevalence was 88.2%. The
      aetiology of CLD was hepatitis B in 96 patients (80.7%) and hepatitis C in 23
      patients (19.3%). Mean age was 44.4 +/- 14 years. Patients were grouped according
      to age as follows: 24 (20.2%) patients in the 21-30 years age group, 22 (18.5%)
      in the 31-40 years age group, 31 (26.1%) in the 41-50 years age group, 23 (19.3%)
      in the 51-60 years age group and 19 (16.0%) patients aged greater than 60 years,
      with reported seroprevalences of 66.7%, 95.5%, 93.5%, 91.3% and 94.7%,
      respectively. There was a marked increase of seroprevalence in subjects older
      than 30 years (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrated that patients aged
      greater than 30 years of age were likely to have natural immunity to hepatitis A.
      Therefore, hepatitis A vaccination may not be routinely required in this age
      group.

PMID- 22039330
TI  - Viral kinetics of enterovirus 71 in human abdomyosarcoma cells.
AB  - AIM: To characterise the viral kinetics of enterovirus 71 (EV71). METHODS: In
      this study, human rhabdomyosarcoma (RD) cells were infected with EV71 at
      different multiplicity of infection (MOI). After infection, the cytopathic effect
      (CPE) was monitored and recorded using a phase contrast microscope associated
      with a CCD camera at different time points post viral infection (0, 6, 12, 24 h
      post infection). Cell growth and viability were measured by 3-(4,5
      dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay in both EV71
      infected and mock infected cells at each time point. EV71 replication kinetics in
      RD cells was determined by measuring the total intracellular viral RNA with real
      time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Also, the
      intracellular and extracellular virion RNA was isolated and quantified at
      different time points to analyze the viral package and secretion. The expression
      of viral protein was determined by analyze the levels of viral structure protein
      VP1 with Western blotting. RESULTS: EV71 infection induced a significant CPE as
      early as 6 h post infection (p.i.) in both RD cells infected with high ratio of
      virus (MOI 10) and low ratio of virus (MOI 1). In EV71 infected cells, the cell
      growth was inhibited and the number of viable cells was rapidly decreased in the
      later phase of infection. EV71 virions were uncoated immediately after entry. The
      intracellular viral RNA began to increase at as early as 3 h p.i. and the
      exponential increase was found between 3 h to 6 h p.i. in both infected groups.
      For viral structure protein synthesis, results from western-blot showed that
      intracellular viral protein VP1 could not be detected until 6 h p.i. in the cells
      infected at either MOI 1 or MOI 10; and reached the peak at 9 h p.i. in the cells
      infected with EV71 at both MOI 1 and MOI 10. Simultaneously, the viral package
      and secretion were also actively processed as the virus underwent rapid
      replication. The viral package kinetics was comparable for both MOI 1 and MOI 10
      infected groups. It was observed that at 3 h p.i, the intracellular virions
      obviously decreased, thereafter, the intracellular virions began to increase and
      enter into the exponential phase until 12 h p.i. The total amounts of
      intracellular virons were decreased from 12 to 24 h p.i. Consistent with this
      result, the increase of virus secretion occurred during 6 to 12 h p.i.
      CONCLUSION: The viral kinetics of EV71 were established by analyzing viral
      replication, package and secretion in RD cells.

PMID- 22039331
TI  - Radiofrequency ablation vs hepatic resection for solitary colorectal liver
      metastasis: a meta-analysis.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the comparative therapeutic efficacy of radiofrequency ablation
      (RFA) and hepatic resection (HR) for solitary colorectal liver metastases (CLM).
      METHODS: A literature search was performed to identify comparative studies
      reporting outcomes for both RFA and HR for solitary CLM. Pooled odds ratios (OR)
      with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated using either the fixed
      effects model or random effects model. RESULTS: Seven nonrandomized controlled
      trials studies were included in this analysis. These studies included a total of
      847 patients: 273 treated with RFA and 574 treated with HR. The 5 years overall
      survival rates in the HR group were significantly better than those in the RFA
      group (OR: 0.41, 95% CI: 0.22-0.90, P = 0.008). RFA had a higher rate of local
      intrahepatic recurrence compared to HR (OR: 4.89, 95% CI: 1.73-13.87, P = 0.003).
      No differences were found between the two groups with respect to postoperative
      morbidity and mortality. CONCLUSION: HR was superior to RFA in the treatment of
      patients with solitary CLM. However, the findings have to be carefully
      interpreted due to the lower level of evidence.

PMID- 22039332
TI  - CD133 and membrane microdomains: old facets for future hypotheses.
AB  - Understanding all facets of membrane microdomains in normal and cancerous cells
      within the digestive tract is highly important, not only from a clinical point of
      view, but also in terms of our basic knowledge of cellular transformation. By
      studying the normal and cancer stem cell-associated molecule CD133 (prominin-1),
      novel aspects of the organization and dynamics of polarized epithelial cells have
      been revealed during the last decade. Its association with particular membrane
      microdomains is highly relevant in these contexts and might also offer new
      avenues in diagnosis and/or targeting of cancer stem cells.

PMID- 22039333
TI  - Hook-up Sexual Experiences and Problem Behaviors Among Adolescents.
AB  - This study focused on the sexual phenomenon of "hooking-up." A hook-up is defined
      as a single sexual encounter that may or may not include sexual intercourse with
      someone who is a stranger, brief acquaintance, or friend. The aim of this study
      was to document the prevalence of hook-ups in a sample of 1,011 urban, middle and
      high school students and to examine the relationship between hooking-up and a
      variety of problem behaviors, including, alcohol, cigarette, illicit drug use,
      truancy, and school suspensions. The results revealed that 28% of the sample had
      engaged in at least one hook-up experience, and this percentage increased with
      age. Hook-ups were correlated moderately with all problem behaviors examined.

PMID- 22039334
TI  - Cerium oxide and platinum nanoparticles protect cells from oxidant-mediated
      apoptosis.
AB  - Catalytic nanoparticles represent a potential clinical approach to replace or
      correct aberrant enzymatic activities in patients. Several diseases, including
      many blinding eye diseases, are promoted by excessive oxidant stress due to
      reactive oxygen species (ROS). Cerium oxide and platinum nanoparticles represent
      two potentially therapeutic nanoparticles that de-toxify ROS. In the present
      study we directly compare these two classes of catalytic nanoparticles. Cerium
      oxide and platinum nanoparticles were found to be 16+/-2.4 nm and 1.9+/-0.2 nm in
      diameter, respectively. Using surface plasmon enhanced microscopy, we find that
      these nanoparticles associate with cells. Furthermore, cerium oxide and platinum
      nanoparticles demonstrated superoxide dismutase catalytic activity, but did not
      promote hemolytic or cytolytic pathways in living cells. Importantly, both cerium
      oxide and platinum nanoparticles reduce oxidant-mediated apoptosis in target
      cells as judged by the activation of caspase 3. The ability to diminish apoptosis
      may contribute to maintaining healthy tissues.

PMID- 22039335
TI  - Minimizing Skin Color Differences Does Not Eliminate the Own-Race Recognition
      Advantage in Infants.
AB  - An abundance of experience with own-race faces and limited to no experience with
      other-race faces has been associated with better recognition memory for own-race
      faces in infants, children, and adults. This study investigated the developmental
      origins of this other-race effect (ORE) by examining the role of a salient
      perceptual property of faces-that of skin color. Six- and 9-month-olds'
      recognition memory for own- and other-race faces was examined using infant
      controlled habituation and visual-paired comparison at test. Infants were shown
      own- or other-race faces in color or with skin color cues minimized in grayscale
      images. Results for the color stimuli replicated previous findings that infants
      show an ORE in face recognition memory. Results for the grayscale stimuli showed
      that even when a salient perceptual cue to race, such as skin color information,
      is minimized, 6- to 9-month-olds, nonetheless, show an ORE in their face
      recognition memory. Infants' use of shape-based and configural cues for face
      recognition is discussed.

PMID- 22039336
TI  - Auditory Stream Segregation Improves Infants' Selective Attention to Target Tones
      Amid Distractors.
AB  - The present study examined the role of auditory stream segregation in the
      selective attention to target tones in infancy. Using a task adapted from Bregman
      and Rudnicky's (1975) study and implemented in a conditioned head-turn procedure,
      infant and adult listeners had to discriminate the temporal order of 2200 and
      2400 Hz target tones presented alone, preceded and followed by 1460 Hz flanker
      tones, and presented within a series of 1460 Hz captor tones meant to release the
      target tones from the effects of the flankers by capturing the flankers into a
      separate stream. Infants showed the same pattern of discrimination across
      conditions as adults: discrimination of target tones in the target-alone
      condition, a decrease in performance when flanker tones were introduced, and a
      return to target-alone level in the captor condition. These results suggest that
      infants' perceptual organization of tones is similar to that of adults, and that
      their ability to selectively attend to target sounds and ignore distractors
      depends on the structural properties and perceptual organization of the non
      target sounds.

PMID- 22039337
TI  - Approaches to biology teaching and learning: lesson study-building communities of
      learning among educators.

PMID- 22039338
TI  - From the National Academies.

PMID- 22039339
TI  - WWW. Cell biology education.

PMID- 22039340
TI  - Review of: PLoS biology--a freely available, open access online journal.

PMID- 22039341
TI  - Biology for the utilitarian.

PMID- 22039343
TI  - Meeting the challenge of science literacy: project 2061 efforts to improve
      science education.

PMID- 22039344
TI  - Characterization of pathogenic human MSH2 missense mutations using yeast as a
      model system: a laboratory course in molecular biology.
AB  - This work describes the project for an advanced undergraduate laboratory course
      in cell and molecular biology. One objective of the course is to teach students a
      variety of cellular and molecular techniques while conducting original research.
      A second objective is to provide instruction in science writing and data
      presentation by requiring comprehensive laboratory reports modeled on the primary
      literature. The project for the course focuses on a gene, MSH2, implicated in the
      most common form of inherited colorectal cancer. Msh2 is important for
      maintaining the fidelity of genetic material where it functions as an important
      component of the DNA mismatch repair machinery. The goal of the project has two
      parts. The first part is to create mapped missense mutation listed in the human
      databases in the cognate yeast MSH2 gene and to assay for defects in DNA mismatch
      repair. The second part of the course is directed towards understanding in what
      way are the variant proteins defective for mismatch repair. Protein levels are
      analyzed to determine if the missense alleles display decreased expression.
      Furthermore, the students establish whether the Msh2p variants are properly
      localized to the nucleus using indirect immunofluorescence and whether the
      altered proteins have lost their ability to interact with other subunits of the
      MMR complex by creating recombinant DNA molecules and employing the yeast 2
      hybrid assay.

PMID- 22039345
TI  - Just-in-Time Teaching in biology: creating an active learner classroom using the
      Internet.

PMID- 22039346
TI  - Mystery of the toxic flea dip: an interactive approach to teaching aerobic
      cellular respiration.
AB  - We designed an interrupted case study to teach aerobic cellular respiration to
      major and nonmajor biology students. The case is based loosely on a real-life
      incident of rotenone poisoning. It places students in the role of a coroner who
      must determine the cause of death of the victim. The case is presented to the
      students in four parts. Each part is followed by discussion questions that the
      students answer in small groups prior to a classwide discussion. Successive parts
      of the case provide additional clues to the mystery and help the students focus
      on the physiological processes involved in aerobic respiration. Students learn
      the information required to solve the mystery by reading the course textbook
      prior to class, listening to short lectures interspersed throughout the case, and
      discussing the case in small groups. The case ends with small group discussions
      in which the students are given the names and specific molecular targets of other
      poisons of aerobic respiration and asked to determine which process (i.e.,
      glycolysis, citric acid cycle, or the electron transport chain) the toxin
      disrupts.

PMID- 22039347
TI  - Teaching how to bridge neuroscience, society, and culture.

PMID- 22039348
TI  - Genetic origins of birth defects revealed by new animal model.

PMID- 22039349
TI  - Multifactorial origins of heart and gut defects in nipbl-deficient zebrafish, a
      model of Cornelia de Lange Syndrome.
AB  - Cornelia de Lange Syndrome (CdLS) is the founding member of a class of multi
      organ system birth defect syndromes termed cohesinopathies, named for the
      chromatin-associated protein complex cohesin, which mediates sister chromatid
      cohesion. Most cases of CdLS are caused by haploinsufficiency for Nipped-B-like
      (Nipbl), a highly conserved protein that facilitates cohesin loading. Consistent
      with recent evidence implicating cohesin and Nipbl in transcriptional regulation,
      both CdLS cell lines and tissues of Nipbl-deficient mice show changes in the
      expression of hundreds of genes. Nearly all such changes are modest, however-
      usually less than 1.5-fold--raising the intriguing possibility that, in CdLS,
      severe developmental defects result from the collective action of many otherwise
      innocuous perturbations. As a step toward testing this hypothesis, we developed a
      model of nipbl-deficiency in zebrafish, an organism in which we can
      quantitatively investigate the combinatorial effects of gene expression changes.
      After characterizing the structure and embryonic expression of the two zebrafish
      nipbl genes, we showed that morpholino knockdown of these genes produces a
      spectrum of specific heart and gut/visceral organ defects with similarities to
      those in CdLS. Analysis of nipbl morphants further revealed that, as early as
      gastrulation, expression of genes involved in endodermal differentiation (sox32,
      sox17, foxa2, and gata5) and left-right patterning (spaw, lefty2, and dnah9) is
      altered. Experimental manipulation of the levels of several such genes--using RNA
      injection or morpholino knockdown--implicated both additive and synergistic
      interactions in causing observed developmental defects. These findings support
      the view that birth defects in CdLS arise from collective effects of quantitative
      changes in gene expression. Interestingly, both the phenotypes and gene
      expression changes in nipbl morphants differed from those in mutants or morphants
      for genes encoding cohesin subunits, suggesting that the transcriptional
      functions of Nipbl cannot be ascribed simply to its role in cohesin loading.

PMID- 22039350
TI  - Dpp signaling activity requires Pentagone to scale with tissue size in the
      growing Drosophila wing imaginal disc.
AB  - The wing of the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, with its simple, two
      dimensional structure, is a model organ well suited for a systems biology
      approach. The wing arises from an epithelial sac referred to as the wing imaginal
      disc, which undergoes a phase of massive growth and concomitant patterning during
      larval stages. The Decapentaplegic (Dpp) morphogen plays a central role in wing
      formation with its ability to co-coordinately regulate patterning and growth.
      Here, we asked whether the Dpp signaling activity scales, i.e. expands
      proportionally, with the growing wing imaginal disc. Using new methods for
      spatial and temporal quantification of Dpp activity and its scaling properties,
      we found that the Dpp response scales with the size of the growing tissue.
      Notably, scaling is not perfect at all positions in the field and the scaling of
      target gene domains is ensured specifically where they define vein positions. We
      also found that the target gene domains are not defined at constant concentration
      thresholds of the downstream Dpp activity gradients P-Mad and Brinker. Most
      interestingly, Pentagone, an important secreted feedback regulator of the
      pathway, plays a central role in scaling and acts as an expander of the Dpp
      gradient during disc growth.

PMID- 22039351
TI  - Regulation of nucleotide excision repair by UV-DDB: prioritization of damage
      recognition to internucleosomal DNA.
AB  - How tightly packed chromatin is thoroughly inspected for DNA damage is one of the
      fundamental unanswered questions in biology. In particular, the effective
      excision of carcinogenic lesions caused by the ultraviolet (UV) radiation of
      sunlight depends on UV-damaged DNA-binding protein (UV-DDB), but the mechanism by
      which this DDB1-DDB2 heterodimer stimulates DNA repair remained enigmatic. We
      hypothesized that a distinctive function of this unique sensor is to coordinate
      damage recognition in the nucleosome repeat landscape of chromatin. Therefore,
      the nucleosomes of human cells have been dissected by micrococcal nuclease, thus
      revealing, to our knowledge for the first time, that UV-DDB associates
      preferentially with lesions in hypersensitive, hence, highly accessible
      internucleosomal sites joining the core particles. Surprisingly, the accompanying
      CUL4A ubiquitin ligase activity is necessary to retain the xeroderma pigmentosum
      group C (XPC) partner at such internucleosomal repair hotspots that undergo very
      fast excision kinetics. This CUL4A complex thereby counteracts an unexpected
      affinity of XPC for core particles that are less permissive than hypersensitive
      sites to downstream repair subunits. That UV-DDB also adopts a ubiquitin
      independent function is evidenced by domain mapping and in situ protein dynamics
      studies, revealing direct but transient interactions that promote a
      thermodynamically unfavorable beta-hairpin insertion of XPC into substrate DNA.
      We conclude that the evolutionary advent of UV-DDB correlates with the need for a
      spatiotemporal organizer of XPC positioning in higher eukaryotic chromatin.

PMID- 22039352
TI  - Structure and evolution of Streptomyces interaction networks in soil and in
      silico.
AB  - Soil grains harbor an astonishing diversity of Streptomyces strains producing
      diverse secondary metabolites. However, it is not understood how this genotypic
      and chemical diversity is ecologically maintained. While secondary metabolites
      are known to mediate signaling and warfare among strains, no systematic
      measurement of the resulting interaction networks has been available. We
      developed a high-throughput platform to measure all pairwise interactions among
      64 Streptomyces strains isolated from several individual grains of soil. We
      acquired more than 10,000 time-lapse movies of colony development of each isolate
      on media containing compounds produced by each of the other isolates. We observed
      a rich set of such sender-receiver interactions, including inhibition and
      promotion of growth and aerial mycelium formation. The probability that two
      random isolates interact is balanced; it is neither close to zero nor one. The
      interactions are not random: the distribution of the number of interactions per
      sender is bimodal and there is enrichment for reciprocity--if strain A inhibits
      or promotes B, it is likely that B also inhibits or promotes A. Such reciprocity
      is further enriched in strains derived from the same soil grain, suggesting that
      it may be a property of coexisting communities. Interactions appear to evolve
      rapidly: isolates with identical 16S rRNA sequences can have very different
      interaction patterns. A simple eco-evolutionary model of bacteria interacting
      through antibiotic production shows how fast evolution of production and
      resistance can lead to the observed statistical properties of the network. In the
      model, communities are evolutionarily unstable--they are constantly being invaded
      by strains with new sets of interactions. This combination of experimental and
      theoretical observations suggests that diverse Streptomyces communities do not
      represent a stable ecological state but an intrinsically dynamic eco-evolutionary
      phenomenon.

PMID- 22039353
TI  - Measuring the performance of vaccination programs using cross-sectional surveys:
      a likelihood framework and retrospective analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The performance of routine and supplemental immunization activities
      is usually measured by the administrative method: dividing the number of doses
      distributed by the size of the target population. This method leads to coverage
      estimates that are sometimes impossible (e.g., vaccination of 102% of the target
      population), and are generally inconsistent with the proportion found to be
      vaccinated in Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS). We describe a method that
      estimates the fraction of the population accessible to vaccination activities, as
      well as within-campaign inefficiencies, thus providing a consistent estimate of
      vaccination coverage. METHODS AND FINDINGS: We developed a likelihood framework
      for estimating the effective coverage of vaccination programs using cross
      sectional surveys of vaccine coverage combined with administrative data. We
      applied our method to measles vaccination in three African countries: Ghana,
      Madagascar, and Sierra Leone, using data from each country's most recent DHS
      survey and administrative coverage data reported to the World Health
      Organization. We estimate that 93% (95% CI: 91, 94) of the population in Ghana
      was ever covered by any measles vaccination activity, 77% (95% CI: 78, 81) in
      Madagascar, and 69% (95% CI: 67, 70) in Sierra Leone. "Within-activity"
      inefficiencies were estimated to be low in Ghana, and higher in Sierra Leone and
      Madagascar. Our model successfully fits age-specific vaccination coverage levels
      seen in DHS data, which differ markedly from those predicted by naive
      extrapolation from country-reported and World Health Organization-adjusted
      vaccination coverage. CONCLUSIONS: Combining administrative data with survey data
      substantially improves estimates of vaccination coverage. Estimates of the
      inefficiency of past vaccination activities and the proportion not covered by any
      activity allow us to more accurately predict the results of future activities and
      provide insight into the ways in which vaccination programs are failing to meet
      their goals. Please see later in the article for the Editors' Summary.

PMID- 22039354
TI  - Mendelian randomization study of B-type natriuretic peptide and type 2 diabetes:
      evidence of causal association from population studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Genetic and epidemiological evidence suggests an inverse association
      between B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels in blood and risk of type 2
      diabetes (T2D), but the prospective association of BNP with T2D is uncertain, and
      it is unclear whether the association is confounded. METHODS AND FINDINGS: We
      analysed the association between levels of the N-terminal fragment of pro-BNP (NT
      pro-BNP) in blood and risk of incident T2D in a prospective case-cohort study and
      genotyped the variant rs198389 within the BNP locus in three T2D case-control
      studies. We combined our results with existing data in a meta-analysis of 11 case
      control studies. Using a Mendelian randomization approach, we compared the
      observed association between rs198389 and T2D to that expected from the NT-pro
      BNP level to T2D association and the NT-pro-BNP difference per C allele of
      rs198389. In participants of our case-cohort study who were free of T2D and
      cardiovascular disease at baseline, we observed a 21% (95% CI 3%-36%) decreased
      risk of incident T2D per one standard deviation (SD) higher log-transformed NT
      pro-BNP levels in analysis adjusted for age, sex, body mass index, systolic blood
      pressure, smoking, family history of T2D, history of hypertension, and levels of
      triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein
      cholesterol. The association between rs198389 and T2D observed in case-control
      studies (odds ratio = 0.94 per C allele, 95% CI 0.91-0.97) was similar to that
      expected (0.96, 0.93-0.98) based on the pooled estimate for the log-NT-pro-BNP
      level to T2D association derived from a meta-analysis of our study and published
      data (hazard ratio = 0.82 per SD, 0.74-0.90) and the difference in NT-pro-BNP
      levels (0.22 SD, 0.15-0.29) per C allele of rs198389. No significant associations
      were observed between the rs198389 genotype and potential confounders.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide evidence for a potential causal role of the BNP
      system in the aetiology of T2D. Further studies are needed to investigate the
      mechanisms underlying this association and possibilities for preventive
      interventions. Please see later in the article for the Editors' Summary.

PMID- 22039355
TI  - Speed and convenience aren't everything with diagnostics.

PMID- 22039356
TI  - STrengthening the Reporting of OBservational studies in Epidemiology--Molecular
      Epidemiology (STROBE-ME): an extension of the STROBE Statement.

PMID- 22039358
TI  - Multi-Level Ewald: A hybrid multigrid / Fast Fourier Transform approach to the
      electrostatic particle-mesh problem.
AB  - We present a new method for decomposing the one convolution required by standard
      Particle-Particle Particle-Mesh (P(3)M) electrostatic methods into a series of
      convolutions over slab-shaped subregions of the original simulation cell. Most of
      the convolutions derive data from separate regions of the cell and can thus be
      computed independently via FFTs, in some cases with a small amount of zero
      padding so that the results of these sub-problems may be reunited with minimal
      error. A single convolution over the entire cell is also performed, but using a
      much coarser mesh than the original problem would have required. This "Multi
      Level Ewald" (MLE) method therefore requires moderately more FFT work plus the
      tasks of interpolating between different sizes of mesh and accumulating the
      results from neighboring sub-problems, but we show that the added expense can be
      less than 10% of the total simulation cost. We implement MLE as an approximation
      to the Smooth Particle Mesh Ewald (SPME) style of P(3)M, and identify a number of
      tunable parameters in MLE. With reasonable settings pertaining to the degree of
      overlap between the various sub-problems and the accuracy of interpolation
      between meshes, the errors obtained by MLE can be smaller than those obtained in
      molecular simulations with typical SPME settings. We compare simulations of a box
      of water molecules performed with MLE and SPME, and show that the energy
      conservation, structural, and dynamical properties of the system are more
      affected by the accuracy of the SPME calculation itself than by the additional
      MLE approximation. We anticipate that the MLE method's ability to break a single
      convolution into many independent sub-problems will be useful for extending the
      parallel scaling of molecular simulations. 

PMID- 22039357
TI  - Universal definition of loss to follow-up in HIV treatment programs: a
      statistical analysis of 111 facilities in Africa, Asia, and Latin America.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although patient attrition is recognized as a threat to the long-term
      success of antiretroviral therapy programs worldwide, there is no universal
      definition for classifying patients as lost to follow-up (LTFU). We analyzed data
      from health facilities across Africa, Asia, and Latin America to empirically
      determine a standard LTFU definition. METHODS AND FINDINGS: At a set "status
      classification" date, patients were categorized as either "active" or "LTFU"
      according to different intervals from time of last clinic encounter. For each
      threshold, we looked forward 365 d to assess the performance and accuracy of this
      initial classification. The best-performing definition for LTFU had the lowest
      proportion of patients misclassified as active or LTFU. Observational data from
      111 health facilities-representing 180,718 patients from 19 countries-were
      included in this study. In the primary analysis, for which data from all
      facilities were pooled, an interval of 180 d (95% confidence interval [CI]: 173
      181 d) since last patient encounter resulted in the fewest misclassifications
      (7.7%, 95% CI: 7.6%-7.8%). A secondary analysis that gave equal weight to cohorts
      and to regions generated a similar result (175 d); however, an alternate approach
      that used inverse weighting for cohorts based on variance and equal weighting for
      regions produced a slightly lower summary measure (150 d). When examined at the
      facility level, the best-performing definition varied from 58 to 383 d (mean=150
      d), but when a standard definition of 180 d was applied to each facility, only
      slight increases in misclassification (mean=1.2%, 95% CI: 1.0%-1.5%) were
      observed. Using this definition, the proportion of patients classified as LTFU by
      facility ranged from 3.1% to 45.1% (mean=19.9%, 95% CI: 19.1%-21.7%).
      CONCLUSIONS: Based on this evaluation, we recommend the adoption of >=180 d since
      the last clinic visit as a standard LTFU definition. Such standardization is an
      important step to understanding the reasons that underlie patient attrition and
      establishing more reliable and comparable program evaluation worldwide. Please
      see later in the article for the Editors' Summary.

PMID- 22039359
TI  - Calibration of DFT Functionals for the Prediction of Fe Mossbauer Spectral
      Parameters in Iron-Nitrosyl and Iron-Sulfur Complexes: Accurate Geometries Prove
      Essential.
AB  - Six popular density functionals in conjunction with the conductor-like screening
      (COSMO) solvation model have been used to obtain linear Mossbauer isomer shift
      (IS) and quadrupole splitting (QS) parameters for a test set of 20 complexes
      (with 24 sites) comprised of nonheme nitrosyls (Fe-NO) and non-nitrosyl (Fe-S)
      complexes. For the first time in an IS analysis, the Fe electron density was
      calculated both directly at the nucleus, rho(0)(N), which is the typical
      procedure, and on a small sphere surrounding the nucleus, rho(0)(S), which is the
      new standard algorithm implemented in the ADF software package. We find that both
      methods yield (near) identical slopes from each linear regression analysis but
      are shifted with respect to rho(0) along the x-axis. Therefore, the calculation
      of the Fe electron density with either method gives calibration fits with equal
      predictive value. Calibration parameters obtained from the complete test set for
      OLYP, OPBE, PW91, and BP86 yield correlation coefficients (r(2)) of approximately
      0.90, indicating that the calibration fit is of good quality. However, fits
      obtained from B3LYP and B3LYP* with both Slater-type and Gaussian-type orbitals
      are generally found to be of poorer quality. For several of the complexes
      examined in this study, we find that B3LYP and B3LYP* give geometries that
      possess significantly larger deviations from the experimental structures than
      OLYP, OPBE, PW91 or BP86. This phenomenon is particularly true for the di- and
      tetranuclear Fe complexes examined in this study. Previous Mossbauer calibration
      fit studies using these functionals have usually included mononuclear Fe
      complexes alone, where these discrepancies are less pronounced. An examination of
      spin expectation values reveals B3LYP and B3LYP* approach the weak-coupling limit
      more closely than the GGA exchange-correlation functionals. The high degree of
      variability in our calculated S(2) values for the Fe-NO complexes highlights
      their challenging electronic structure. Significant improvements to the isomer
      shift calibrations are obtained for B3LYP and B3LYP* when geometries obtained
      with the OLYP functional are used. In addition, greatly improved performance of
      these functionals is found if the complete test set is grouped separately into Fe
      NO and Fe-S complexes. Calibration fits including only Fe-NO complexes are found
      to be excellent, while those containing the non-nitrosyl Fe-S complexes alone are
      found to demonstrate less accurate correlations. Similar trends are also found
      with OLYP, OPBE, PW91, and BP86. Correlations between experimental and calculated
      QSs were also investigated. Generally, universal and separate Fe-NO and Fe-S fit
      parameters obtained to determine QSs are found to be of good to excellent quality
      for every density functional examined, especially if [Fe(4)(NO)(4)(MU(3)-S)(4)](
      ) is removed from the test set.

PMID- 22039361
TI  - Accelerated Profile HMM Searches.
AB  - Profile hidden Markov models (profile HMMs) and probabilistic inference methods
      have made important contributions to the theory of sequence database homology
      search. However, practical use of profile HMM methods has been hindered by the
      computational expense of existing software implementations. Here I describe an
      acceleration heuristic for profile HMMs, the "multiple segment Viterbi" (MSV)
      algorithm. The MSV algorithm computes an optimal sum of multiple ungapped local
      alignment segments using a striped vector-parallel approach previously described
      for fast Smith/Waterman alignment. MSV scores follow the same statistical
      distribution as gapped optimal local alignment scores, allowing rapid evaluation
      of significance of an MSV score and thus facilitating its use as a heuristic
      filter. I also describe a 20-fold acceleration of the standard profile HMM
      Forward/Backward algorithms using a method I call "sparse rescaling". These
      methods are assembled in a pipeline in which high-scoring MSV hits are passed on
      for reanalysis with the full HMM Forward/Backward algorithm. This accelerated
      pipeline is implemented in the freely available HMMER3 software package.
      Performance benchmarks show that the use of the heuristic MSV filter sacrifices
      negligible sensitivity compared to unaccelerated profile HMM searches. HMMER3 is
      substantially more sensitive and 100- to 1000-fold faster than HMMER2. HMMER3 is
      now about as fast as BLAST for protein searches.

PMID- 22039362
TI  - Discovery of an ebolavirus-like filovirus in europe.
AB  - Filoviruses, amongst the most lethal of primate pathogens, have only been
      reported as natural infections in sub-Saharan Africa and the Philippines.
      Infections of bats with the ebolaviruses and marburgviruses do not appear to be
      associated with disease. Here we report identification in dead insectivorous bats
      of a genetically distinct filovirus, provisionally named Lloviu virus, after the
      site of detection, Cueva del Lloviu, in Spain.

PMID- 22039363
TI  - Genetic diversity in cytokines associated with immune variation and resistance to
      multiple pathogens in a natural rodent population.
AB  - Pathogens are believed to drive genetic diversity at host loci involved in
      immunity to infectious disease. To date, studies exploring the genetic basis of
      pathogen resistance in the wild have focussed almost exclusively on genes of the
      Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC); the role of genetic variation elsewhere
      in the genome as a basis for variation in pathogen resistance has rarely been
      explored in natural populations. Cytokines are signalling molecules with a role
      in many immunological and physiological processes. Here we use a natural
      population of field voles (Microtus agrestis) to examine how genetic diversity at
      a suite of cytokine and other immune loci impacts the immune response phenotype
      and resistance to several endemic pathogen species. By using linear models to
      first control for a range of non-genetic factors, we demonstrate strong effects
      of genetic variation at cytokine loci both on host immunological parameters and
      on resistance to multiple pathogens. These effects were primarily localized to
      three cytokine genes (Interleukin 1 beta (Il1b), Il2, and Il12b), rather than to
      other cytokines tested, or to membrane-bound, non-cytokine immune loci. The
      observed genetic effects were as great as for other intrinsic factors such as sex
      and body weight. Our results demonstrate that genetic diversity at cytokine loci
      is a novel and important source of individual variation in immune function and
      pathogen resistance in natural populations. The products of these loci are
      therefore likely to affect interactions between pathogens and help determine
      survival and reproductive success in natural populations. Our study also
      highlights the utility of wild rodents as a model of ecological immunology, to
      better understand the causes and consequences of variation in immune function in
      natural populations including humans.

PMID- 22039364
TI  - Development and validation of a standardized protocol to monitor human dietary
      exposure by metabolite fingerprinting of urine samples.
AB  - Conventional tools for measuring dietary exposure have well recognized
      limitations. Measurement of food-derived metabolites in biofluids provides an
      alternative approach and our aim was to develop an experimental protocol which
      ensures that extraneous variability does not obscure metabolic signals from
      ingested foods. Healthy adults consumed a standardized meal in the evening before
      each test day and collected pooled overnight urine. On each test day of three
      different studies, urine was collected in the fasted state and at different time
      points after consumption of a standardized breakfast. Metabolite fingerprinting
      of samples using Flow Infusion Electrospray-Ionization Mass Spectrometry followed
      by multivariate data analysis showed strong discrimination between overnight,
      fasting and postprandial samples, in each study separately and when data from the
      three studies were pooled. Such differences were robust and highly reproducible
      within individuals on separate occasions. Urine volume was an efficient data
      normalization factor for metabolite fingerprinting data. Postprandial urines had
      a stable chemical composition over a period of 2-4 h after eating a standardized
      breakfast, suggesting that there is a flexible time window for urine collection.
      Fasting urine samples provided a stable baseline for universal comparisons with
      postprandial samples. A dietary exposure biomarker discovery protocol was
      validated by demonstrating that top-ranked signals discriminating between fasting
      and 2-4 h postprandial urine samples could be linked to metabolites abundant in
      some components of the standardized breakfast. We conclude that the protocol
      developed will have value in the search for biomarker leads of dietary exposure.
      ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article
      (doi:10.1007/s11306-011-0289-0) contains supplementary material, which is
      available to authorized users.

PMID- 22039365
TI  - LC/MS profiling of flavonoid glycoconjugates isolated from hairy roots,
      suspension root cell cultures and seedling roots of Medicago truncatula.
AB  - Hairy roots and suspension cell cultures are commonly used in deciphering
      different problems related to the biochemistry and physiology of plant secondary
      metabolites. Here, we address about the issue of possible differences in the
      profiles of flavonoid compounds and their glycoconjugates derived from various
      plant materials grown in a standard culture media. We compared profiles of
      flavonoids isolated from seedling roots, hairy roots, and suspension root cell
      cultures of a model legume plant, Medicago truncatula. The analyses were
      conducted with plant isolates as well as the media. The LC/MS profiles of target
      natural products obtained from M. truncatula seedling roots, hairy roots, and
      suspension root cell cultures differed substantially. The most abundant compounds
      in seedlings roots were mono- and diglucuronides of isoflavones and/or flavones.
      This type of glycosylation was not observed in hairy roots or suspension root
      cell cultures. The only recognized glycoconjugates in the latter samples were
      glucose derivatives of isoflavones. Application of a high-resolution mass
      spectrometer helped evaluate the elemental composition of protonated molecules,
      such as [M + H](+). Comparison of collision-induced dissociation MS/MS spectra
      registered with a quadrupole time-of-flight analyzer for tissue extracts and
      standards allowed us to estimate the aglycone structure on the basis of the
      pseudo-MS(3) experiment. Structures of these natural products were described
      according to the registered mass spectra and literature data. The analyses
      conducted represent an overview of flavonoids and their conjugates in different
      types of plant material representing the model legume, M. truncatula. ELECTRONIC
      SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s11306
      011-0287-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized
      users.

PMID- 22039366
TI  - Stimulatory Effect of beta-glucans on Immune Cells.
AB  - beta-Glucans are naturally occurring polysaccharides that are produced by
      bacteria, yeast, fungi, and many plants. Although their pharmacological
      activities, such as immunomodulatory, anti-infective and anti-cancer effects,
      have been well studied, it is still unclear how beta-glucans exert their
      activities. However, recent studies on the beta-glucan receptors shed some light
      on their mechanism of action. Since beta-glucans have large molecular weights,
      they must bind surface receptors to activate immune cells. In this review, we
      summarize the immunopharmacological activities and the potential receptors of
      beta-glucans in immune cells.

PMID- 22039367
TI  - Activin A Stimulates Mouse APCs to Express BAFF via ALK4-Smad3 Pathway.
AB  - BACKGROUND: B cell-activating factor belonging to the TNF family (BAFF) is
      primarily expressed by macrophages and dendritic cells, and stimulates B cell
      proliferation, differentiation, survival, and Ig production. In the present
      study, we explored the effect of activin A on BAFF expression by APCs. METHODS:
      To investigate the effect of activin A on BAFF expression by mouse APCs, we
      measured the level of BAFF expression at the transcriptional and protein levels
      using RT-PCR and ELISA. RESULTS: Activin A markedly enhanced BAFF expression in
      mouse macrophages and dendritic cells at both the transcriptional and protein
      levels. SB431542, an activin receptor-like kinase 4 (ALK4) inhibitor, completely
      abrogated activin A-induced BAFF transcription. Furthermore, overexpression of DN
      Smad3 abolished activin-induced BAFF expression at the transcriptional and
      protein levels. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that activin A can enhance
      BAFF expression through ALK4-Smad3 pathway.

PMID- 22039368
TI  - Identification of CCL1 as a Gene Differentially Expressed in CD4 T Cells
      Expressing TIM-3.
AB  - BACKGROUND: T cell immunoglobulin mucin containing molecule (TIM)-3 is expressed
      in differentiated Th1 cells and is involved in the suppression of the cytokine
      production by these cells. However, the regulation of the expression of other T
      cell genes by TIM-3 is unclear. Herein, we attempted to identify differentially
      expressed genes in cells abundantly expressing TIM-3 compared to cells with low
      expression of TIM-3. METHODS: TIM-3 overexpressing cell clones were established
      by transfection of Jurkat T cells with TIM-3 expression vector. For screening of
      differentially expressed genes, gene fishing technology based on reverse
      transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using an annealing control
      primer system was used. The selected candidate genes were validated by semi
      quantitative and real-time RT-PCR. RESULTS: The transcription of TIMP-1, IFITM1,
      PAR3 and CCL1 was different between TIM-3 overexpressing cells and control cells.
      However, only CCL1 transcription was significantly different in cells transiently
      transfected with TIM3 expression vector compared with control cells. CCL1
      transcription was increased in primary human CD4(+) T cells abundantly expressing
      TIM-3 but not in cells with low expression of TIM-3. CONCLUSION: CCL1 was
      identified as a differentially transcribed gene in TIM-3-expressing CD4(+) T
      cells.

PMID- 22039369
TI  - The Anti-tumor Activity of Vitamin C via the Increase of Fas (CD95) and MHC I
      Expression on Human Stomach Cancer Cell Line, SNU1.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is already known that high concentration of vitamin C induces
      apoptosis on tumor cells. However, there is no report regarding the function of
      vitamin C on the modulation of immune susceptibility of cancer. Therefore, we
      investigated whether vitamin C can modulate immune susceptibility of tumor cells,
      especially on the induction of Fas-mediated apoptosis. METHODS: First, the
      optimal concentration of vitamin C, which cannot induce damages on tumor cells
      for 36 hrs. We found that 2 mM of vitamin C did not show harmful effect. In
      addition, the optimal concentration of agonistic anti-Fas Abs for 18 hrs was
      examined. RESULTS: As a result, 400 ng/ml of agonistic anti-Fas Abs did not
      induce apoptosis on tumor cells. Next, we tried to find the effect of 2 mM of
      vitamin C on the modulation of the susceptibility to agonistic anti-Fas Abs. When
      tumor cells were cultured with 400 ng/ml of agonistic anti-Fas Abs for 18 hrs,
      after pre-treatment with 2 mM of vitamin C for 24 hrs, viability of cells was
      decreased. Interestingly, we found that the expression of Fas (CD95) and MHC
      class I was increased by the treatment of vitamin C. CONCLUSION: Taken together,
      vitamin C increases the susceptibility of tumor cells to anti-Fas Abs and the
      expression of Fas (CD95) and MHC class I on tumor cells.

PMID- 22039371
TI  - IGF-I Exerts an Anti-inflammatory Effect on Skeletal Muscle Cells through Down
      regulation of TLR4 Signaling.
AB  - Although exercise-induced growth factors such as Insulin-like growth factor-I
      (IGF-I) are known to affect various aspects of physiology in skeletal muscle
      cells, the molecular mechanism by which IGF-I modulates anti-inflammatory effects
      in these cells is presently unknown. Here, we showed that IGF-I stimulation
      suppresses the expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), a key innate immune
      receptor. A pharmacological inhibitor study further showed that PI3K/Akt
      signaling pathway is required for IGF-I-mediated negative regulation of TLR4
      expression. Furthermore, IGF-I treatment reduced the expression of various NF
      kappaB-target genes such as TNF-alpha and IL-6. Taken together, these findings
      indicate that the anti-inflammatory effect of exercise may be due, at least in
      part, to IGF-I-induced suppression of TLR4 and subsequent downregulation of the
      TLR4-dependent inflammatory signaling pathway.

PMID- 22039370
TI  - Recombinant TAT-CD137 Ligand Cytoplasmic Domain Fusion Protein Induces the
      Production of IL-6 and TNF-alpha in Peritoneal Macrophages.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The ligand for CD137 (CD137L; also called 4-1BBL) is mainly expressed
      on activated APCs such as dendritic cells, B cells and macrophages. Even though
      CD137L functions as a trigger of the CD137 signaling pathway for T cell
      activation and expansion, engagement of CD137L can deliver a signal leading to
      the production of proinflammatory cytokines in macrophages. METHODS: We generated
      cell-permeable TAT-CD137L cytoplasmic domain fusion protein (TAT-CD137Lct) and
      examined its ability to initiate the CD137L reverse signaling pathway. RESULTS:
      Treatment of TAT-CD137Lct induced the production of high levels of IL-6 and TNF
      alpha mRNAs and proteins in peritoneal macrophages. TAT-CD137Lct increased
      phosphorylation of Erk, p38 MAPK and Jnk, and activated transcription factors
      C/EBP and CREB. However, TAT-CD137Lct did not visibly affect the degradation of
      the inhibitor of NF-kB (IkBalpha). We further demonstrated that JNK activation
      was required for TAT-CD137Lct-induced production of TNF-alpha, while activation
      of Erk and p38 MAPK were involved in IL-6 and TNF-alpha production. CONCLUSION:
      Our results suggest that TAT-CD137Lct is an effective activator for the CD137L
      reverse signaling pathway.

PMID- 22039372
TI  - Association of Allelic Variation in Genes Mediating Aspects of Energy Homeostasis
      with Weight Gain during Administration of Antipsychotic Drugs (CATIE Study).
AB  - Antipsychotic drugs are widely used in treating schizophrenia, bipolar disorder,
      and other psychiatric disorders. Many of these drugs, despite their therapeutic
      advantages, substantially increase body weight. We assessed the association of
      alleles of 31 genes implicated in body weight regulation with weight gain among
      patients being treated with specific antipsychotic medications in the clinical
      antipsychotic trials in intervention effectiveness study, we found that rs2237988
      in Potassium Channel Inwardly Rectifying Subfamily J Member 11 (KCNJ11),
      rs13269119 in Solute carrier family 30 member 8 (SLC30A8), and rs9922047 in fat
      mass and obesity associated (FTO) were associated with percent weight gain. We
      also observed the significant interaction of rs11643744 by treatment effect on
      the weight gain.

PMID- 22039373
TI  - The effect of reflexotherapy on patients' vital signs before coronary artery
      bypass graft surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Medical operation is an anxious factor that causes physiological
      reactions in body which consequently increases respiratory rate, heart rate and
      blood pressure. The aim of this study is assessing the effect of reflexotherapy
      on vital signs of patients before coronary artery bypass surgery in Shahid
      Chamran hospital of Isfahan. METHODS: Fifty volunteer patients candidated for
      coronary artery bypass surgery were enrolled in this clinical trial. They were
      divided in two (control and treatment) groups. Vital signs were measured pre and
      post 30 minutes reflexotherapy in treatment group. Vital signs were also measured
      in patients in control group at the same condition of the treatment group, but
      reflexotherapy was not performed. RESULTS: The mean differences of vital signs
      was not significant in control and treatment groups at the baseline. But post
      reflexotherapy intervention, systolic and diastolic blood pressure lowered
      significantly in the treatment group in comparison with control group (p < 0.05).
      No significant changes were observed for other vital sign. CONCLUSIONS: The
      findings of the study shows that reflexotherapy is a safe, effective, cheep
      nursing intervention in reducing systolic and diastolic blood pressure of
      patients before coronary artery bypass surgery.

PMID- 22039374
TI  - Experiences of nursing students in caring of patients in source isolation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Infectious disease control is one of the important components of
      patient care which can assist in reducing morbidity and mortality. Source
      isolation is one of the strategies that have used in order to prevent from the
      spread of contagious infectious diseases. Since nursing student should be able to
      do the caring in source isolation patients after learning the principles, it's
      necessary to assess the students' perception of caring for this client group in
      order to prepare them for the role of caring. METHODS: This is a qualitative
      phenomenological study; its participants were selected with maximum variation by
      purposed sampling from first to fourth year nursing and midwifery students of
      Isfahan School of Nursing and Midwifery. The students used to do the patient
      caring during the clinical internship. The sampling done until 10 interview data
      saturation was obtained. In order to collect data, researcher used depth
      interview method. Data analysis was performed by seven-stage Collaizzi method.
      RESULTS: The findings of this study included 6 main concept (themes) from
      participants' experiences as following: 1. Stressor agents of caring, 2. Response
      to stress, 3. Care requirments, 4. Care provider performance, 5. Consequence of
      care, and 6. Improper caring. CONCLUSIONS: Providing educational programs in
      terms of isolated patients can reduce anxiety in students which this can lead to
      more control and prevent the spread of infectious diseases. In addition, studying
      about patients' needs can be useful for improving practical interventions and
      clinical care.

PMID- 22039375
TI  - Psychiatric team's experience of working in psychiatric wards.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Psychiatric team plays an important role in treating and taking care
      of psychiatric patients. Using this team's experience seems necessary for
      enhancing care services. The aim of this study was to assess psychiatric team's
      experience of working in different psychiatric groups. METHODS: This is a
      qualitative study with phenomenological approach. Samples were chosen using
      purposive sampling method. Samples included 10 personnel from psychiatric wards
      of 4 hospitals in Isfahan city in 2007. Data was gathered using deep interviews
      which were recorded on tapes. Data was analyzed using Colaizzi's seven steps
      method. RESULTS: Results from participants' experiences were summarized in 3 main
      concepts: "communication", "ability" and "conflict"; and 5 sub concepts:
      "cooperation", "self acknowledgement", "hope", "qualification" and "multiple
      roles". CONCLUSIONS: Results of this study could be used in future programming to
      enhance care services for psychiatric patients in hospitals.

PMID- 22039376
TI  - Designing the Vocal Alarm and improving medical ventilator.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Today, as many as 1.5 million Americans use ventilators once in a
      year. Response to mechanical ventilation alarms remains to be one of the most
      challenging tasks facing physicians, nurses or other medical personnel in the
      ICU. In the present study we aimed to compare the response times to "vocal
      alarms" and "visual or audible ones". METHODS: In the present study we developed
      a system to evaluate the "Vocal Alarm" and improve the medical ventilator "Benet
      7200 Alarms" with it. Ventilator generates the alarms when patient has any
      problem. The time of Activation & Deactivation is recorded. The survey was done
      in central ICU for six days, 3 days with vocal alarm, and 3days with "Beep"
      alarms and detected Alarm events then recorded seventy-two hours of data for each
      type of alarms. All of events information saved in the memory and SPSS was used
      to determine difference between two types of alarms. RESULTS: On the average, the
      duration of the ventilator alarms activation were 33 +/- 21 seconds for vocal
      alarms and 60 +/- 46 for audible "Beep" alarms. The response times for vocal
      alarms were significantly lower (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The response times for
      normal "Beep" alarms were longer than vocal alarms.

PMID- 22039377
TI  - Knowledge, awareness, attitudes and practice about hypertension in hypertensive
      patients referring to public health care centers in Khoor & Biabanak.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hypertension is one of the most crucial health problems and the most
      common chronic disease in developed and underdeveloped countries. It is called
      the silent killer which is usually diagnosed incidentally. Although hypertension
      is a preventable and treatable condition but without treatment it leads to
      serious and life threatening complications such as heart, kidney and brain
      disorders which in most cases result in patient's disability. Prevention, plays
      significant role in controlling this disease which is achieved by increasing the
      knowledge and awareness of the public and changing their attitude and practice.
      METHODS: A cross-sectional, correlation-descriptive study was conducted in one
      stage, by one group. Two hundred and thirty four patients were recruited by
      random sampling among hypertensive patients referring to public health care
      centers in Khoor & Biabanak in Isfahan province, IRAN. Data gathering was carried
      out with a questionnaire. RESULTS: Our findings indicate that there is
      significant relationship between awareness and knowledge; awareness and attitude;
      awareness and practice. There is no significant relationship between knowledge
      and attitude or knowledge and practice. In addition, there is a significant
      relationship between attitude and practice of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: Although
      patients relatively had high awareness, knowledge, attitude and practice about
      their disease but their hypertension was not still under control. Several
      barriers are associated with uncontrolled hypertension particularly treatment
      related barriers. Findings suggest further studies to determine new effective
      strategies to solve this problem.

PMID- 22039378
TI  - Sources of occupational stress and coping strategies among nurses who work in
      Admission and Emergency Departments of Hospitals related to Shiraz University of
      Medical Sciences.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Occupational stress is a recognized problem in health care workers.
      Nursing has been identified as an occupation that has high levels of stress. This
      study aimed to investigate the sources of job stress and the adopted coping
      strategies of nurses who were working in an Accident and emergency department.
      METHODS: In this descriptive survey ninety emergency ward nurses from three large
      teaching hospitals in Shiraz were involved. The data was collected through a self
      administered questionnaire to identify the sources of job stress and nurse's
      profile and Lazarus standard questionnaires to determine the types of coping
      strategies. RESULTS: The greatest proportion of respondents was women (86.7%),
      between 23-50 years old with less than 5 years of experience (56.7%). The
      following stressors were identified: problems related to physical environment,
      work load, dealing with patients or their relatives and handling their anger,
      being exposed to health and safety hazards, lack of support by nursing
      administrators, absence of the corresponding physician in the emergency room and
      lack of equipment. The most common strategy used by nurses was self-controlling
      and Positive Reappraisal and the least common strategy was accepting the
      responsibility. In this study large proportion of nurses used an emotion-focused
      strategy while Problem-focused approaches were generally less used. CONCLUSIONS:
      It was concluded that coping skills, positive reappraisal and self-controlling
      are extremely important for emergency department nurses.

PMID- 22039379
TI  - Prevalence of HBsAg and high-risk behaviors in pregnant women rerring to Urban
      Health Centers in Isfahan province.
AB  - BACKGROUND: About 5% of the world population are carriers of the hepatitis B
      virus which is not the same in different areas of the world. Iran, with a rate of
      2-3%, is among the countries with average prevalence. The aim of this study was
      to determine the prevalence of HBsAg and its associated factors in pregnant women
      who referred to urban health centers in Isfahan Province. METHODS: This was a
      descriptive study conducted on 1078 pregnant women who had referred to the urban
      health centers of Isfahan, Borkhar, Meymeh, Khomeini Shahr, Lenjan and Najaf Abad
      in 2009 in order to register their physical condition and receive pregnancy care.
      Random sampling method by quota was done. First, a questionnaire including
      demographic characteristics and history of high-risk behaviors in mothers and
      their husbands was completed. Then, a blood sample was taken and evaluated for
      the HB virus surface antigen. Finally, the data was analyzed using SPSS software,
      Chi-square, Fisher and Logistic Regression tests. RESULTS: HB virus surface
      antigen was traced in the serum of 0.5% of the participants. The average age of
      subjects was 26.1+/- 4.9 (mean+/-sd) years old and the average pregnancy number
      was 1.79 + 1.0 (mean+/-sd). Using Fisher's test as well as logistic regression
      test and based on the previous history of high-risk sexual behaviors and
      tattooing, a significant difference was observed between the two groups with
      positive and negative HBsAg (p <= 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Instructing the target
      groups and close monitoring of the high-risk centers such as beauty shops,
      tattooing centers and etc, and also staff training on how to use disposable and
      sterilized equipments have to be accomplished at the right time.

PMID- 22039380
TI  - The effect of Ti Chi exercise on the sleep quality of the elderly residents in
      Isfahan, Sadeghieh elderly home.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sleep disturbances are common among older adults. Recently there is
      much interest in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) from the population
      in general, and the elderly are no exception. Tai Chi exercise as a CAM can be
      performed by older adults. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects
      of Tai Chi Exercise on sleep quality of elderly residents in Sadeghiyeh elderly
      care home. METHODS: In this Clinical Trial, 62 older subjects aged older than 65
      years residents of elderly home in Isfahan were studied. They randomized in two
      experimental and control groups. The intervention was the Tai Chi Exercise
      sessions were held three times per week for 12 weeks. Duration of exercise was 5
      minutes at first session which gradually increased to 20 to 25 minutes by the
      midpoint of intervention. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used for
      pre and post evaluation of older adult sleep quality. Data analyzed using the
      SPSS(14) software. RESULTS: There were no differences in demographic
      characteristics or psychological variables between two groups. Mean age of
      studied subjects in experimental and control groups was 68.74(5.48) and
      69.42(5.34), respectively. In the Tai Chi group sleep quality was improved
      significantly with decrease in PSQI global score. In control group sleep quality
      was not changed significantly. At the end of study, mean differences of PSQI
      global score between two groups different significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Our finding
      is coherent with other studies in this field indicated that the Tai Chi Exercise
      can have a significant effect on sleep quality in older adults.

PMID- 22039381
TI  - The effect of massage therapy on blood pressure of women with pre-hypertension.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prehypertension is considered as a cardiovascular disease predicator.
      Management of prehypertension is an appropriate objective for clinicians in a
      wide range of medical centers. Treatment of prehypertension is primarily non
      pharmacological, one of which is massage therapy that is used to control the
      blood pressure. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Swedish massage (face,
      neck, shoulders and chest) on blood pressure (BP) of the women with
      prehypertension. METHODS: This was a single-blind clinical trial study. Fifty
      prehypertensive women selected by simple random sampling which divided into
      control and test groups. The test group (25 patients) received Swedish massage 10
      15 min, three times a week for 10 sessions and the control groups (25 patients)
      also were relaxed at the same environment with receiving no massage. Their BP was
      measured before and after each session. Analyzing the data was done using
      descriptive and inferential statistical methods (chi square, Mann-Whitney, paired
      t-test and student t-test) through SPSS software. RESULTS: The results indicated
      that mean systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the massage group was
      significantly lower in comparison with the control group (p < 0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: Findings of the study indicated that massage therapy was a safe,
      effective, applicable and cost-effective intervention in controlling BP of the
      prehypertension women and it can be used in the health care centers and even at
      home.

PMID- 22039382
TI  - The Effect of self-care on the lives of children suffering from acute lymphocytic
      leukemia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute lymphocytic leukemia is one of the common cancers of childhood
      and currently, 80 percent of these children survive more than 5 years by getting
      the right treatment. Since long-term treatment is painful and invasive,
      preventing the side effects and their influence on quality of life is an
      important issue which introduces consideration for self-care. Consequently, the
      present study was conducted in 2007-2008 about the effects of self-care on the
      lives of children suffering from acute lymphocytic leukemia, referring to
      treatment centers in Isfahan City. METHODS: The present study was a two-staged,
      two-group clinical trial. 48 children aging 5-18 and suffering from acute
      lymphocytic leukemia were selected through convenient sampling method and the
      training program was administered before them and afterwards, they were divided
      randomly into two groups of experiment (n = 24) and control (n = 24). The General
      Scale and Cancer Scale Quality of Life Identification Questionnaires were used to
      define the quality of life of the children. The validity and reliability of the
      questionnaire were in turn defined by content validity method and Cronbach's
      alpha test. The experiment group received the self-care checklist after training
      and was controlled and examined for 3 months. The pre-and-post self care Quality
      of Life Questionnaire were both filled out in both groups and accordingly, the
      SPSS software, independent t test, chi-square and paired t tests were used to
      analyze the data. RESULTS: The findings of the study showed that both groups were
      homogeneous by virtue of influential factors on quality of life, like age,
      gender, type, stage and duration of treatment (p > 0.05). There was no
      significant difference between the experiment and control groups' quality of life
      average scores before administering the self-care training program. The results
      of paired-t test in the experiment group after administering the self-care
      program showed a significant difference in General and Cancer Scale
      Questionnaires Quality of Life with that before administering the program, while
      no significant difference was observed in the control group. Also, the
      independent t-test showed a significant difference in the average of quality of
      life score shift after administering the self care between the experiment and
      control groups. CONCLUSIONS: Quality of life improved after administering self
      care training program in the experiment group while it did not improve in the
      control group and even the increase in average score of quality of life in Cancer
      Scale in this group was an indicator of an increase in problems related to
      disease, treatment and care. The results of this study showed the positive
      effects of administering self-care on the quality of life of children suffering
      from acute lymphocytic leukemia.

PMID- 22039383
TI  - Dissatisfaction with contraceptive methods.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Almost two thirds of Iranians eligible for using contraceptive
      methods use these methods. Their dissatisfaction with the methods would directly
      and indirectly affect the quality of family planning services and would bring
      about detrimental results for the service recipients and consequently for other
      family members. Therefore, identification and evaluation of the factors leading
      to dissatisfaction with contraceptive methods can help the authorities
      responsible for family planning services to provide some solutions to increase
      satisfaction with these methods. METHODS: This research was a qualitative
      phenomenological study. The study population consisted of the women using
      intrauterine device (IUD) or contraceptive pills only as contraception, referred
      to 14-Masoum, Amir Hamzeh, Ebn-e Sina, Shahid Motamed, and Navab Safavi clinical
      centers. Sampling was goal-based, and 14 individuals participated in the study.
      Data collection was carried out in four months using deep interview. Data
      analysis was performed using seven-step Colaizzi's method. RESULTS: The findings
      of the interviews were assigned 104 codes categorized into three groups; 1-
      physical and psychological harms experienced by the method, 2- the shortcomings
      of the methods, and 3- continuation in spite of dissatisfaction with the method.
      CONCLUSIONS: According to the results, the users of contraceptive methods would
      have some experiences, which lead to their dissatisfaction with the methods.
      Since dissatisfaction with the methods will result in a decrease in continuation
      of use of the methods or discontinuation of the method, providing some policies
      to increase the satisfaction with contraceptive methods can cause more effective
      use of the methods and continuation of their use.

PMID- 22039384
TI  - The relationship between family planning methods, individual hygiene, and
      fertility with vaginal infections among the women referring to selected health
      centers in Isfahan city.
AB  - BACKGROUND: With regard to the high commonality of vaginal infections among
      pregnancy-age women, especially gardnerella, candidiasis vaginitis, trichomonal
      vaginitis and chlamydia and by attending to this fact that these infections have
      a high cost, including the medical expenses and other services like missing
      working hours and bear a negative effect on the life quality of women as
      influential individuals in family and society, we decided to examine the
      commonality of some of these infections and their related factors among women
      referring to selected health centers in Isfahan City. METHODS: This research was
      of an analytical-descriptive type conducted on 266 samples referred to the
      midwifery unit of selected health centers in Isfahan City due to one of the
      common vaginal infections (gardnerella, candidiasis vaginitis, trichomonal
      vaginitis and chlamydia). The collection of data was carried out via conducting
      interview with women and filling out the researcher-made questionnaire with close
      ended answers (38 questions) and open-ended answers (25 questions). Data analysis
      was done by descriptive and analytical statistics (variance analysis and chi
      square test). RESULTS: The findings of the study showed a significant
      relationship (p = 0.04) between suffering from different kinds of vaginal
      infection and fertility factors (the treatment record of the spouse). But, there
      was no significant statistical relationship between suffering from these
      infections and delivery type, period regulation, seeing stains and the pregnancy
      prevention type. Meanwhile, a significant relationship was found between
      suffering from vaginitis and demographic and individual factors like women's job
      (p=0.001), their educational level (p = 0.006), body mass index (p = 0.01) and
      their weight (p = 0.02). However, no significant relationship was found between
      suffering from common vaginal infections and individual health factors.
      CONCLUSIONS: With regard to the research findings, knowledge of the factors
      related to vaginal infection, including the fertility factors, can be
      instrumental in preventing and reducing the suffering from these infections.
      Therefore, training related to mothers' educational level and consulting with
      women for knowing the susceptibility factors like the effect of weight, attending
      to mothers' professional issues and prevention methods by following individual
      and sexual health-related issues by men and women can reduce the rate of
      suffering from these infections and promote the health level of mothers and
      hence, the society's health status.

PMID- 22039385
TI  - Effect of end-of-life care education on the attitudes of nurses in infants' and
      children's wards.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Infants palliative care becomes an important aspect of nursing when
      providing welfare and promoting children's life quality are the objectives of
      care. The number of children with life threatening diseases has increased
      alongside the developments in technology and medical treatment in medicine. It is
      a pure fact that our attitudes are related to our behaviors and performances.
      This research was conducted with the aim of assessing the effect of intensive
      course of children's palliative care on the attitudes of children and infants'
      nurses in Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. METHODS: This was a quasi
      experimental, two-group and two-stage study in which 56 nurses working at
      Infants' and children's wards who met inclusion criteria were divided into
      experiment and control groups. The participants of experiment group attended in
      the infants' palliative care training course which lasted for 3 weeks. A reliable
      and already validated questionnaire of Infants and Children Wards Nurses'
      Attitudes Regarding the Dying Children was used before and after training.
      RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the two groups regarding
      demographic characteristics, except for marital status which was found the study
      findings were not confounded by it. There was a significant difference between
      mean test and re-test scores in the experiment group and also between the mean
      scores of control and experiment groups after training. There was no significant
      difference between mean scores before and after training in the control group.
      CONCLUSIONS: End-of-life children care is one of the issues in modern medicine
      which has not gained a definite status in Iran. It is hoped that nurses would be
      the forerunners of this modern science in Iran.

PMID- 22039386
TI  - The comparative examination of the effect of two oxytocin administration methods
      of labor induction on labor duration stages.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Oxytocin is the most consumed medication in modern midwifery. The
      consumption of oxytocin in inducing and strengthening delivery in delivery wards
      requires an efficient method for making use of this medication with maximum
      effect and minimum side effects. In this regard, this study has been conducted
      aiming at comparing the effect of two methods of prescribing oxytocin in inducing
      delivery on the duration of stages. METHODS: The present study is of a clinical
      trial kind with three-blinded parties which was conducted in 2010 on 120 research
      volunteers who had the inclusion criteria. The samples were randomly assigned
      into two groups of control and experiment. The data collection means consisted of
      a questionnaire and a checklist. In order to analyze the data, the SPSS software,
      version 17, Student T-test and Chi-square test were used. RESULTS: There was no
      statistically significant difference between two groups regarding the duration of
      the first and the first stages and the active phase. The duration of the third
      stage of delivery was shorter than the group which had stopped using oxytocin at
      the active phase. There has been no significant difference between the mean of
      oxytocin dosage from the initiation of the delivery induction till the active
      phase. The mean of oxytocin dosage has been significantly different between two
      groups during all stages of delivery so much so that this rate has been lower in
      the experiment group. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the data analysis show that the
      continuation of oxytocin after the active phase not only does not have any
      advantage regarding the shortening of duration of stages and its cutting but also
      it leads to a decrease in the consumption dosage of oxytocin in the active phase
      and the second stage of delivery and on the other hand leads to a decrease in the
      side effects of the medication on mother and infant.

PMID- 22039387
TI  - Reviewing the effect of nursing interventions on delirious patients admitted to
      intensive care unit of neurosurgery ward in Al-Zahra Hospital, Isfahan University
      of Medical Sciences.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Disease is an abnormal process that affects all aspects of the human
      life. The hospital environment and particularly the intensive care unit (ICU)
      causes stress in the patient and hi/her family. Delirium, due to its sudden onset
      and startle, unconsciousness, memory impairment, illusion and dynamic or
      sedentary behaviors, is known as one of the stressor agents. Despite its high
      prevalence and the high cost complications such as long term mechanical
      ventilation, hospital pneumonia, pressure ulcer, prolongation of hospitalization
      in the hospital or the intensive care units, performance reduction and increase
      in mortality, this disorder remains unknown in most cases. In line with the other
      treatment team members, nurses should also participate in controlling the
      discountable factors, helping patients to cope with uncontrollable factors and
      using pharmacological methods to manage the delirium and feature their own unique
      capacity more through quick recognition, reviewing the causes and providing
      scientific care in improving the quality of patient care and improving the
      patients' health status. Hence, this study aimed to review the effect of nursing
      interventions on delirium of the patients admitted to ICU of the neurosurgery
      ward in Al-Zahra hospital in Isfahan. METHODS: A two-group multi-stage clinical
      trial study was carried out on 40 patients with hyperactive delirium admitted to
      ICU. The questionnaire included demographic data, Richmond Agitation Sedation
      Scale to assess the irritability rate and study method and also cognitive
      confusion in intensive care unit to determine delirium status of the study
      population. Simple sampling method was conducted and the study samples were
      randomly divided into two intervention and control groups. The following nursing
      interventions performed on the intervention group: assuring, emotional support,
      clear information and effective communication with the patients and their
      families and also allowing family visits twice a day. In the control group, the
      sample received the normal and routine ICU cares. The irritability and delirium
      severity status of the samples were analyzed on the day of admission and the
      fifth day using descriptive and inferential statistical methods and also SPSS
      software. RESULTS: Statistical analysis showed that although there was no
      significant difference between the groups on the first day of admission in terms
      of the irritability and delirium severity status, this was significant on the
      fifth day of the study. Wilcoxon test in the intervention and control groups
      indicated a significant difference between the study subjects in terms of the
      irritability and delirium severity status on the first day of admission and the
      fifth day which indicated the reduction in the irritability severity. But, this
      reduction was higher in the intervention group than in the control group.
      Furthermore, McNemar test showed that the number of the subjects with delirium in
      both groups reduced on the fifth day compared to the first day of admission and
      there was a significant difference between these two days, the number of samples
      without delirium in the intervention group was almost two times higher than that
      in the control group on the fifth day. CONCLUSIONS: Nursing interventions are
      considered as one of the non-pharmacological methods in treating delirium and by
      using these methods appropriately in ICUs, the patients' hypoactive delirium can
      be reduced.

PMID- 22039388
TI  - Effect of heat therapy on pain severity in primigravida women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Labor pain relief has been considered since many years ago. Heat as a
      non pharmacological method of pain relief helps reducing the pain intensity and
      increases the pain consistency. The aim of the study was to determine the effect
      of the heat therapy on the labor pain in primigravida women. METHODS: In this
      clinical trial study, 64 low risk nulliparous women were randomly divided into
      two heat therapy and routine care groups. In addition to the routine cares, warm
      bag were used for the heat therapy group for the low back, from cervix dilatation
      of 3-4 cm to the end of the labor's first stage and for perinea at the second
      stage. The pain intensity was determined by McGill pain questionnaire in
      dilatation of 3-4, 6-7 and 9-10 cm and at the end of the labor's second stage.
      Data was analyzed using t-test and chi square test by using SPSS 11. RESULTS:
      Results of research showed a significant decrease in the pain intensity in the
      heat therapy group at the first stage and the second stage of labor and comparing
      two groups showed significant difference(p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: According to
      the results of this study, it seems that heat therapy in addition to its
      beneficial effects, causes the mother to sense the labor pain in a lower pain
      severity.

PMID- 22039389
TI  - Why differences exist? an interpretive approach to nurses' perceptions of cancer
      patients' quality of life.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Based on the literature review that was conducted, no research study
      has been found in Australia to provide a detailed understanding of why nurses
      differ in their perceptions about cancer patients' Quality of Life (QoL) when
      they communicate with patients in oncology wards. METHODS: This descriptive
      exploratory qualitative study was completed in 2007 in two major public hospitals
      in Adelaide, South Australia. 10 nurses from different inpatient and outpatient
      oncology services and a palliative setting took part in semi-structured
      interviews. RESULTS: After the data collection and analysis six main themes were
      identified. Differences in nurses' perceptions about cancer patients' QoL were
      discussed in the light of the sub theme "relationship and rapport". CONCLUSIONS:
      In general, participants commented that differences existing between patients'
      and nurses' perceptions about cancer patients' QoL were due to a poor
      relationship and rapport between cancer patients and their nurses. Therefore,
      nurses need to have a genuine interest to make an open relationship with patients
      in a non-judgmental way. This rapport needs to go beyond the patient and include
      other health care professionals as well as the patient's family.

PMID- 22039390
TI  - Spiritual care in hospitalized patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Spiritual needs are among an individual's essential needs in all
      places and times. With his physical and spiritual dimensions and the mutual
      effect of these two dimensions, human has spiritual needs as well. These needs
      are an intrinsic need throughout the life; therefore, they will remain as a major
      element of holistic nursing care. One of the greatest challenges for nurses is to
      satisfy the patients' spiritual needs. METHODS: This is a qualitative study with
      hermeneutic phenomenological approach. Data were collected from 16 patients
      hospitalized in internal medicine-surgery wards and 6 nurses in the respective
      wards. Data were generated by open-ended interview and analyzed using
      Diekelmann's seven-stage method. Rigorousness of findings was confirmed by use of
      this method as well as team interpretation, and referring to the text and
      participants. RESULTS: In final interpretation of the findings, totally 10 sub
      themes, three themes including formation of mutual relation with patient,
      encouraging the patient, and providing the necessary conditions for patient's
      connection with God, and one constitutive pattern, namely spiritual need of
      hospitalized patients. CONCLUSIONS: Spiritual needs are those needs whose
      satisfaction causes the person's spiritual growth and make the person a social,
      hopeful individual who always thanks God. They include the need for communication
      with others, communication with God, and being hopeful. In this study, the three
      obtained themes are the spiritual needs whose satisfaction is possible in nursing
      system. Considering these spiritual aspects accelerates patient's treatment.

PMID- 22039391
TI  - Reviewing the parental standpoint about origin of the dental fear in children
      referred to dentistry centers of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dental fear leads to lack of child cooperation. In general, without
      the patient's cooperation, success in remedy is impossible. This study aimed to
      evaluate parental view about the origins of the dental fear in children as well
      as their view about factors contributing to the prevention of child dental fear.
      METHODS: This was a cross sectional descriptive and analytical study which was
      carried out on 200 parents of children aged 6-12 years referred to dentistry
      center of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences. The level of dental fear in
      these children was screened using Children's Fear Survey Schedule - Dental
      Subscale (CFSS-DS). This questionnaire consisted of 15 questions and each
      question had a 5-point Likert-type Scale. Total scores ranged from 15 to 75.
      Based on the scores, children were divided into two groups: Group with low fear
      (score of 25 or less) and group with high fear (score of 37 or more). The parents
      were asked about the causes of their child's dental fear. RESULTS: There was an
      inverse significant correlation between the average score of fear and the age of
      the children. In the group with high fear, most of the parents (31%) had chosen
      previous dental experiences as the cause of their child's fear. There was no
      significant relationship between parental belief and their gender, the level of
      education, the level of their own dental fear and the child's age and fear score.
      CONCLUSIONS: According to the parent's standpoint, previous dental experience was
      a major factor in the development of childhood dental fear. Temperamental factors
      also played a major role in some of the fearful children. Most of the parents in
      group with high fear attributed their child's fear to the external factors and
      seemed they were unable to control and prevent it. Therefore, more attention
      should be given to the behavior and attitude of the parents as well as dentists
      in the future researches.

PMID- 22039392
TI  - Depletion forces drive polymer-like self-assembly in vibrofluidized granular
      materials.
AB  - Ranging from nano- to granular-scales, control of particle assembly can be
      achieved by limiting the available free space, for example by increasing the
      concentration of particles ("crowding") or through their restriction to 2D
      environments. It is unclear, however, if self-assembly principles governing
      thermally-equilibrated molecules can also apply to mechanically-excited
      macroscopic particles in non-equilibrium steady-state. Here we show that low
      densities of vibrofluidized steel rods, when crowded by high densities of spheres
      and confined to quasi-2D planes, can self-assemble into linear polymer-like
      structures. Our 2D Monte Carlo simulations show similar finite sized aggregates
      in thermally equilibrated binary mixtures. Using theory and simulations, we
      demonstrate how depletion interactions create oriented "binding" forces between
      rigid rods to form these "living polymers." Unlike rod-sphere mixtures in 3D that
      can demonstrate well-defined equilibrium phases, our mixtures confined to 2D lack
      these transitions because lower dimensionality favors the formation of linear
      aggregates, thus suppressing a true phase transition. The qualitative and
      quantitative agreement between equilibrium and granular patterning for these
      mixtures suggests that entropy maximization is the determining driving force for
      bundling. Furthermore, this study uncovers a previously unknown patterning
      behavior at both the granular and nanoscales, and may provide insights into the
      role of crowding at interfaces in molecular assembly.

PMID- 22039393
TI  - Deactivation of TEM-1 beta-Lactamase Investigated by Isothermal Batch and Non
      Isothermal Continuous Enzyme Membrane Reactor Methods.
AB  - The thermal deactivation of TEM-1 beta-lactamase was examined using two
      experimental techniques: a series of isothermal batch assays and a single,
      continuous, non-isothermal assay in an enzyme membrane reactor (EMR). The
      isothermal batch-mode technique was coupled with the three-state "Equilibrium
      Model" of enzyme deactivation, while the results of the EMR experiment were
      fitted to a four-state "molten globule model". The two methods both led to the
      conclusions that the thermal deactivation of TEM-1 beta-lactamase does not follow
      the Lumry-Eyring model and that the T(eq) of the enzyme (the point at which
      active and inactive states are present in equal amounts due to thermodynamic
      equilibrium) is at least 10  degrees C from the T(m) (melting temperature),
      contrary to the idea that the true temperature optimum of a biocatalyst is
      necessarily close to the melting temperature.

PMID- 22039394
TI  - Ampicillin Synthesis Using a Two-Enzyme Cascade with Both alpha-Amino Ester
      Hydrolase and Penicillin G Acylase.
AB  - The current enzymatic production of semisynthetic beta-lactam antibiotics
      requires isolation and purification of the intermediate 6-aminopenicillanic acid
      which adds cost and complexity to the manufacturing process. In this work, we
      took advantage of the unique substrate specificity of a-amino ester hydrolases to
      perform a purely aqueous one-pot production of ampicillin from penicillin G and D
      phenylglycine methyl ester, catalyzed by alpha-amino ester hydrolase and
      penicillin G acylase. The synthesis was performed in both a one-pot, one-step
      synthesis resulting in a maximum conversion of 39%, and a one-pot, two-step
      process resulting in a maximum conversion of 47%. The two-enzyme cascade reported
      in this paper is a promising alternative to the current enzymatic two-step, two
      pot manufacturing process for semisynthetic beta-lactam antibiotics which
      requires intermittent isolation of 6-aminopenicillanic acid.

PMID- 22039395
TI  - Relationship between Insulin Sensitivity and Muscle Lipids may Differ with Muscle
      Group and Ethnicity.
AB  - Intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) has been inversely associated with insulin
      sensitivity in some, but not all, studies. This study utilized fast, high
      resolution, magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) to: investigate
      relationships between muscle lipids (IMCL and extramyocellular lipid (EMCL)) and
      insulin sensitivity in muscles of varying oxidative capacity, explore ethnic
      differences in these relationships, and determine whether a eucaloric, low-fat
      dietary intervention would reduce IMCL and increase insulin sensitivity. Subjects
      were 30 healthy, African-American (AA; n=14) and European-American (EA; n=16)
      males, BMI 26.49 (+/-5.57) kg/m(2), age 21.80 (+/-7.84) yrs. Soleus and tibialis
      anterior muscle lipids were quantified using MRSI. Insulin sensitivity was
      assessed via intravenous glucose tolerance test. A 2-week, eucaloric, low-fat
      diet intervention was conducted in a sub-group (n=12) subjects with assessments
      at baseline and post-intervention. Neither IMCL nor EMCL levels differed between
      ethnicities. In the total group, and within EA (but not AA), both tibialis
      anterior IMCL and EMCL were inversely associated with insulin sensitivity (P<0.05
      for both); soleus muscle lipids were not associated with insulin sensitivity.
      Soleus, but not tibialis anterior, IMCL declined in both ethnic groups (average
      25.3%; p<0.01) following dietary intervention; insulin sensitivity was unchanged.
      Results suggest that an association of muscle lipids with insulin sensitivity may
      be influenced by the oxidative capacity of the muscle group studied and may vary
      with ethnicity.

PMID- 22039398
TI  - A robust and rapid method of producing soluble, stable, and functional G-protein
      coupled receptors.
AB  - Membrane proteins, particularly G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs), are
      notoriously difficult to express. Using commercial E. coli cell-free systems with
      the detergent Brij-35, we could rapidly produce milligram quantities of 13 unique
      GPCRs. Immunoaffinity purification yielded receptors at >90% purity. Secondary
      structure analysis using circular dichroism indicated that the purified receptors
      were properly folded. Microscale thermophoresis, a novel label-free and surface
      free detection technique that uses thermal gradients, showed that these receptors
      bound their ligands. The secondary structure and ligand-binding results from cell
      free produced proteins were comparable to those expressed and purified from
      HEK293 cells. Our study demonstrates that cell-free protein production using
      commercially available kits and optimal detergents is a robust technology that
      can be used to produce sufficient GPCRs for biochemical, structural, and
      functional analyses. This robust and simple method may further stimulate others
      to study the structure and function of membrane proteins.

PMID- 22039399
TI  - microRNA-150 regulates mobilization and migration of bone marrow-derived
      mononuclear cells by targeting Cxcr4.
AB  - The interaction between chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) and its ligand, stromal
      cell-derived factor (SDF)-1, plays an important role in stem cell mobilization
      and migration in ischemic tissues. MicroRNAs (miRs) are key regulators of stem
      cell function and are involved in regulation of stem cell survival and
      differentiation to adopt different cell lineages. In this study, we show that
      ischemia inhibits the expression of miR-150 in BM-derived mononuclear cells (MNC)
      and activates its target Cxcr4 gene. Our results show that miR-150/CXCR4 cascade
      enhances MNC mobilization and migration. By using mouse acute myocardial
      infarction (MI) model, we found that MNCs in peripheral blood (PB) were increased
      significantly at day 5 after AMI as compared to control group and the number of
      CXCR4 positive MNCs both in bone marrow (BM) and PB was also markedly increased
      after MI. Analysis by microarray-based miRNA profiling and real-time PCR revealed
      that the expression of miR-150 which targets Cxcr4 gene as predicted was
      significantly downregulated in BM-MNCs after MI. Abrogation of miR-150 markedly
      increased CXCR4 protein expression suggesting its target gene. To show that miR
      150 regulates MNC mobilization, knockdown of miR-150 in BM-MNCs by specific
      antisense inhibitor resulted in their higher migration ability in vitro as
      compared to scramble-transfected MNCs. Furthermore, in vivo BM transplantation of
      MNCs lacking miR-150 expression by lentiviral vector into the irradiated wild
      type mice resulted in the increased number of MNCs in PB after AMI as compared to
      control. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that ischemia mobilizes BM stem
      cells via miR-150/CXCR4 dependent mechanism and miR-150 may be a novel
      therapeutic target for stem cell migration to the ischemic tissue for
      neovascularization and repair.

PMID- 22039400
TI  - miRNA regulatory circuits in ES cells differentiation: a chemical kinetics
      modeling approach.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play an important role in gene regulation for Embryonic Stem
      cells (ES cells), where they either down-regulate target mRNA genes by
      degradation or repress protein expression of these mRNA genes by inhibiting
      translation. Well known tables TargetScan and miRanda may predict quite long
      lists of potential miRNAs inhibitors for each mRNA gene, and one of our goals was
      to strongly narrow down the list of mRNA targets potentially repressed by a known
      large list of 400 miRNAs. Our paper focuses on algorithmic analysis of ES cells
      microarray data to reliably detect repressive interactions between miRNAs and
      mRNAs. We model, by chemical kinetics equations, the interaction architectures
      implementing the two basic silencing processes of miRNAs, namely "direct
      degradation" or "translation inhibition" of targeted mRNAs. For each pair (M,G)
      of potentially interacting miRMA gene M and mRNA gene G, we parameterize our
      associated kinetic equations by optimizing their fit with microarray data. When
      this fit is high enough, we validate the pair (M,G) as a highly probable
      repressive interaction. This approach leads to the computation of a highly
      selective and drastically reduced list of repressive pairs (M,G) involved in ES
      cells differentiation.

PMID- 22039401
TI  - How accessible was information about H1N1 flu? Literacy assessments of CDC
      guidance documents for different audiences.
AB  - We assessed the literacy level and readability of online communications about
      H1N1/09 influenza issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
      during the first month of outbreak. Documents were classified as targeting one of
      six audiences ranging in technical expertise. Flesch-Kincaid (FK) measure
      assessed literacy level for each group of documents. ANOVA models tested for
      differences in FK scores across target audiences and over time. Readability was
      assessed for documents targeting non-technical audiences using the Suitability
      Assessment of Materials (SAM). Overall, there was a main-effect by audience, F(5,
      82) = 29.72, P<.001, but FK scores did not vary over time, F(2, 82) = .34, P>.05.
      A time-by-audience interaction was significant, F(10, 82) = 2.11, P<.05.
      Documents targeting non-technical audiences were found to be text-heavy and
      densely-formatted. The vocabulary and writing style were found to adequately
      reflect audience needs. The reading level of CDC guidance documents about H1N1/09
      influenza varied appropriately according to the intended audience; sub-optimal
      formatting and layout may have rendered some text difficult to comprehend.

PMID- 22039402
TI  - Magnetic field is the dominant factor to induce the response of Streptomyces
      avermitilis in altered gravity simulated by diamagnetic levitation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diamagnetic levitation is a technique that uses a strong, spatially
      varying magnetic field to simulate an altered gravity environment, as in space.
      In this study, using Streptomyces avermitilis as the test organism, we
      investigate whether changes in magnetic field and altered gravity induce changes
      in morphology and secondary metabolism. We find that a strong magnetic field
      (12T) inhibit the morphological development of S. avermitilis in solid culture,
      and increase the production of secondary metabolites. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL
      FINDINGS: S. avermitilis on solid medium was levitated at 0 g*, 1 g* and 2 g* in
      an altered gravity environment simulated by diamagnetic levitation and under a
      strong magnetic field, denoted by the asterix. The morphology was obtained by
      electromicroscopy. The production of the secondary metabolite, avermectin, was
      determined by OD(245 nm). The results showed that diamagnetic levitation could
      induce a physiological response in S. avermitilis. The difference between 1 g*
      and the control group grown without the strong magnetic field (1 g), showed that
      the magnetic field was a more dominant factor influencing changes in morphology
      and secondary metabolite production, than altered gravity.
      CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE: We have discovered that magnetic field, rather than
      altered gravity, is the dominant factor in altered gravity simulated by
      diamagnetic levitation, therefore care should to be taken in the interpretation
      of results when using diamagnetic levitation as a technique to simulate altered
      gravity. Hence, these results are significant, and timely to researchers
      considering the use of diamagnetic levitation to explore effects of
      weightlessness on living organisms and on physical phenomena.

PMID- 22039403
TI  - Sabretoothed carnivores and the killing of large prey.
AB  - Sabre-like canines clearly have the potential to inflict grievous wounds leading
      to massive blood loss and rapid death. Hypotheses concerning sabretooth killing
      modes include attack to soft parts such as the belly or throat, where biting deep
      is essential to generate strikes reaching major blood vessels. Sabretoothed
      carnivorans are widely interpreted as hunters of larger and more powerful prey
      than that of their present-day nonsabretoothed relatives. However, the precise
      functional advantage of the sabretooth bite, particularly in relation to prey
      size, is unknown. Here, we present a new point-to-point bite model and show that,
      for sabretooths, depth of the killing bite decreases dramatically with increasing
      prey size. The extended gape of sabretooths only results in considerable increase
      in bite depth when biting into prey with a radius of less than ~10 cm. For
      sabretooths, this size-reversed functional advantage suggests predation on
      species within a similar size range to those attacked by present-day carnivorans,
      rather than "megaherbivores" as previously believed. The development of the
      sabretooth condition appears to represent a shift in function and killing
      behaviour, rather than one in predator-prey relations. Furthermore, our results
      demonstrate how sabretoothed carnivorans are likely to have evolved along a
      functionally continuous trajectory: beginning as an extension of a jaw-powered
      killing bite, as adopted by present-day pantherine cats, followed by neck-powered
      biting and thereafter shifting to neck-powered shear-biting. We anticipate this
      new insight to be a starting point for detailed study of the evolution of
      pathways that encompass extreme specialisation, for example, understanding how
      neck-powered biting shifts into shear-biting and its significance for predator
      prey interactions. We also expect that our model for point-to-point biting and
      bite depth estimations will yield new insights into the behaviours of a broad
      range of extinct predators including therocephalians (gorgonopsian + cynodont,
      sabretoothed mammal-like reptiles), sauropterygians (marine reptiles) and
      theropod dinosaurs.

PMID- 22039404
TI  - Mining virulence genes using metagenomics.
AB  - When a bacterial genome is compared to the metagenome of an environment it
      inhabits, most genes recruit at high sequence identity. In free-living bacteria
      (for instance marine bacteria compared against the ocean metagenome) certain
      genomic regions are totally absent in recruitment plots, representing therefore
      genes unique to individual bacterial isolates. We show that these Metagenomic
      Islands (MIs) are also visible in bacteria living in human hosts when their
      genomes are compared to sequences from the human microbiome, despite the
      compartmentalized structure of human-related environments such as the gut. From
      an applied point of view, MIs of human pathogens (e.g. those identified in
      enterohaemorragic Escherichia coli against the gut metagenome or in pathogenic
      Neisseria meningitidis against the oral metagenome) include virulence genes that
      appear to be absent in related strains or species present in the microbiome of
      healthy individuals. We propose that this strategy (i.e. recruitment analysis of
      pathogenic bacteria against the metagenome of healthy subjects) can be used to
      detect pathogenicity regions in species where the genes involved in virulence are
      poorly characterized. Using this approach, we detect well-known pathogenicity
      islands and identify new potential virulence genes in several human pathogens.

PMID- 22039405
TI  - SNPpy--database management for SNP data from genome wide association studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We describe SNPpy, a hybrid script database system using the Python
      SQLAlchemy library coupled with the PostgreSQL database to manage genotype data
      from Genome-Wide Association Studies (GWAS). This system makes it possible to
      merge study data with HapMap data and merge across studies for meta-analyses,
      including data filtering based on the values of phenotype and Single-Nucleotide
      Polymorphism (SNP) data. SNPpy and its dependencies are open source software.
      RESULTS: The current version of SNPpy offers utility functions to import genotype
      and annotation data from two commercial platforms. We use these to import data
      from two GWAS studies and the HapMap Project. We then export these individual
      datasets to standard data format files that can be imported into statistical
      software for downstream analyses. CONCLUSIONS: By leveraging the power of
      relational databases, SNPpy offers integrated management and manipulation of
      genotype and phenotype data from GWAS studies. The analysis of these studies
      requires merging across GWAS datasets as well as patient and marker selection. To
      this end, SNPpy enables the user to filter the data and output the results as
      standardized GWAS file formats. It does low level and flexible data validation,
      including validation of patient data. SNPpy is a practical and extensible
      solution for investigators who seek to deploy central management of their GWAS
      data.

PMID- 22039406
TI  - Conflict of interest in clinical practice guideline development: a systematic
      review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is an emerging literature on the existence and effect of
      industry relationships on physician and researcher behavior. Much less is known,
      however, about the effects of these relationships and other conflicts of interest
      (COI) on clinical practice guideline (CPG) development and recommendations. We
      performed a systematic review of the prevalence of COI and its effect on CPG
      recommendations. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We searched Medline (1980 to
      March, 2011) for studies that examined the effect of COI on CPG development
      and/or recommendations. Data synthesis was qualitative. Twelve studies fulfilled
      inclusion criteria; 9 were conducted in the US. All studies reported on financial
      relationships of CPG authors with the pharmaceutical industry; 1 study also
      examined relationships with diagnostic testing and insurance companies. The
      majority of guidelines had authors with industry affiliations, including
      consultancies (authors with relationship, range 6-80%); research support (4-78%);
      equity/stock ownership (2-17%); or any COI (56-87%). Four studies reported
      multiple types of financial interactions for individual authors (number of types
      per author: range 2 to 10 or more). Data on the effect of COI on CPG
      recommendations were confined to case studies wherein authors with specific
      financial ties appeared to benefit from the related CPG recommendations. In a
      single study, few authors believed that their relationships influenced their
      recommendations. No studies reported on intellectual COI in CPGs.
      CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: There are limited data describing the high prevalence
      of COI among CPG authors, and only case studies of the effect of COI on CPG
      recommendations. Further research is needed to explore this potential source of
      bias.

PMID- 22039407
TI  - Can research assessments themselves cause bias in behaviour change trials? A
      systematic review of evidence from solomon 4-group studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The possible effects of research assessments on participant behaviour
      have attracted research interest, especially in studies with behavioural
      interventions and/or outcomes. Assessments may introduce bias in randomised
      controlled trials by altering receptivity to intervention in experimental groups
      and differentially impacting on the behaviour of control groups. In a Solomon 4
      group design, participants are randomly allocated to one of four arms: (1)
      assessed experimental group; (2) unassessed experimental group (3) assessed
      control group; or (4) unassessed control group. This design provides a test of
      the internal validity of effect sizes obtained in conventional two-group trials
      by controlling for the effects of baseline assessment, and assessing interactions
      between the intervention and baseline assessment. The aim of this systematic
      review is to evaluate evidence from Solomon 4-group studies with behavioural
      outcomes that baseline research assessments themselves can introduce bias into
      trials. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Electronic databases were searched,
      supplemented by citation searching. Studies were eligible if they reported
      appropriately analysed results in peer-reviewed journals and used Solomon 4-group
      designs in non-laboratory settings with behavioural outcome measures and sample
      sizes of 20 per group or greater. Ten studies from a range of applied areas were
      included. There was inconsistent evidence of main effects of assessment, sparse
      evidence of interactions with behavioural interventions, and a lack of convincing
      data in relation to the research question for this review.
      CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: There were too few high quality completed studies to
      infer conclusively that biases stemming from baseline research assessments do or
      do not exist. There is, therefore a need for new rigorous Solomon 4-group studies
      that are purposively designed to evaluate the potential for research assessments
      to cause bias in behaviour change trials.

PMID- 22039408
TI  - Proliferation of acid-secretory cells in the kidney during adaptive remodelling
      of the collecting duct.
AB  - The renal collecting duct adapts to changes in acid-base metabolism by
      remodelling and altering the relative number of acid or alkali secreting cells, a
      phenomenon termed plasticity. Acid secretory A intercalated cells (A-IC) express
      apical H(+)-ATPases and basolateral bicarbonate exchanger AE1 whereas bicarbonate
      secretory B intercalated cells (B-IC) express basolateral (and apical) H(+)
      ATPases and the apical bicarbonate exchanger pendrin. Intercalated cells were
      thought to be terminally differentiated and unable to proliferate. However, a
      recent report in mouse kidney suggested that intercalated cells may proliferate
      and that this process is in part dependent on GDF-15. Here we extend these
      observations to rat kidney and provide a detailed analysis of regional
      differences and demonstrate that differentiated A-IC proliferate massively during
      adaptation to systemic acidosis. We used markers of proliferation (PCNA, Ki67,
      BrdU incorporation) and cell-specific markers for A-IC (AE1) and B-IC (pendrin).
      Induction of remodelling in rats with metabolic acidosis (with NH(4)Cl for 12
      hrs, 4 and 7 days) or treatment with acetazolamide for 10 days resulted in a
      larger fraction of AE1 positive cells in the cortical collecting duct. A large
      number of AE1 expressing A-IC was labelled with proliferative markers in the
      cortical and outer medullary collecting duct whereas no labeling was found in B
      IC. In addition, chronic acidosis also increased the rate of proliferation of
      principal collecting duct cells. The fact that both NH(4)Cl as well as
      acetazolamide stimulated proliferation suggests that systemic but not urinary pH
      triggers this response. Thus, during chronic acidosis proliferation of AE1
      containing acid-secretory cells occurs and may contribute to the remodelling of
      the collecting duct or replace A-IC due to a shortened life span under these
      conditions.

PMID- 22039409
TI  - Perinatal flavour learning and adaptation to being weaned: all the pig needs is
      smell.
AB  - Perinatal flavour learning through the maternal diet is known to enhance flavour
      preference and acceptance of flavoured food in many species, yet still little is
      known about the mechanism underlying perinatal flavour learning. Previously we
      found positive effects of perinatal flavour learning on food intake, growth and
      behaviour of piglets postweaning, but no increased preference for the flavour.
      This suggests that flavour learning in pigs works through a reduction of weaning
      stress by the presence of the familiar flavour instead. The aim of this study was
      to investigate whether perinatal flavour learning reduces stress at weaning, and
      whether the effect is stronger when the familiar flavour is present in the food.
      Sows were offered an anethol-flavoured diet (Flavour treatment) or control diet
      (Control treatment) during late gestation and lactation. Flavour and Control
      piglets were provided with anethol either in their food (Food treatment) or in
      the air (Air treatment) after weaning. Preweaning and postweaning treatments did
      not affect food intake, preference or growth in the first two weeks postweaning
      but flavour treatment reduced the latency to eat (24 versus 35 hours, P = 0.02)
      and within-pen variation in growth (SD within-pen: 0.7 versus 1.2 kg, P<0.001).
      Salivary cortisol levels tended to be lower four and seven hours postweaning for
      Flavour piglets compared to Control piglets (4 hours: 2.5 versus 3.0 ng/ml, P =
      0.05, 7 hours: 3.1 versus 3.4 ng/ml, P = 0.08). Flavour piglets played more and
      showed less damaging behaviours than Control piglets, indicating that the
      familiar flavour reduced stress around weaning. Few interaction effects were
      found between preweaning and postweaning treatment, and no effects of postweaning
      treatment. We conclude that in the newly weaned pig, perinatal flavour learning
      results in a reduction of stress when the familiar flavour is present, regardless
      of providing the flavour in the food or in the air.

PMID- 22039410
TI  - Lack of an association of PD-1 and its ligand genes with Behcet's disease in a
      Chinese Han population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Behcet's disease is a chronic, multi-systemic autoimmune disease.
      Programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) gene is one of non-human leucocyte antigen genes.
      It has been demonstrated to be associated with several autoimmune diseases.
      However, only a few studies have addressed the association of ligand genes of PD
      1, PD-L1 and PD-L2 with autoimmune disease. The purpose of this study was to
      analyze the potential association of the PD-1 and its ligand genes with Behcet's
      disease in a Chinese Han population. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Four single
      nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) rs2227981 and rs10204525 of PD-1, rs1970000 of PD
      L1 and rs7854303 of PD-L2 were genotyped in 405 Behcet's patients and 414 age-,
      sex-, ethnic-matched healthy controls using polymerase chain reaction-restriction
      fragment length polymorphism assay. The results revealed that there were no
      significant differences in the genotype and allele frequencies of PD-1 rs2227981
      and rs10204525 between the Behcet's patients and controls. A similar result was
      found for PD-L1 rs1970000 versus healthy controls. Only the C allele and the CC
      genotype of PD-L2 rs7854303 were identified in patients and controls.
      Stratification analysis based on gender and clinical findings did not show any
      associations between PD-1 or its ligand polymorphisms and Behcet's disease.
      CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: None of the currently studied SNPs, PD-1 rs2227981 and
      rs10204525, PD-L1 rs1970000 and PD-L2 rs7854303, are associated with the
      susceptibility to Behcet's disease in a Chinese Han population. More studies are
      needed to confirm these findings in Behcet's patients with other ethnic
      backgrounds.

PMID- 22039411
TI  - Areca users in combination with tobacco and alcohol use are associated with
      younger age of diagnosed esophageal cancer in Taiwanese men.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Whether the habitual use of substances (tobacco, alcohol, or areca
      nut (seed of the Areca palm)) can affect the age of esophageal squamous cell
      carcinoma (ESCC) presentation has rarely been examined. METHODS: The study
      subjects were those who were males and the first time to be diagnosed as ESCC
      (ICD-9 150) and who visited any of three medical centers in Taiwan between 2000
      and 2009. A standardized questionnaire was used to collect substance uses and
      other variables. RESULTS: Mean age (+/-SD) at presentation of ESCC was 59.2 (+/
      11.3) years in a total of 668 cases. After adjusting for other covariates,
      alcohol drinkers were 3.58 years younger to have ESCC than non-drinkers (p =
      0.002). A similar result was found among areca chewers, who were 6.34 years
      younger to have ESCC than non-chewers (p<0.0001), but not among cigarette smokers
      (p = 0.10). When compared to the group using 0-1 substances, subjects using both
      cigarettes and alcohol were nearly 3 years younger to contract ESCC. Furthermore,
      those who use areca plus another substance were 7-8 years younger. Subjects using
      all three substances had the greatest age difference, 9.20 years younger
      (p<0.0001), compared to the comparison group. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest
      that habitually consuming tobacco, alcohol, and areca nut can influence the age
      onset of ESCC. Since the development of ESCC is insidious and life-threatening,
      our observation is worthy to be reconfirmed in the large-scale and long-term
      follow-up prospective cohort studies to recommend the screening strategy of this
      disease.

PMID- 22039412
TI  - Direct ex-vivo evaluation of pneumococcal specific T-cells in healthy adults.
AB  - Streptococcus pneumoniae is an encapsulated bacterium that causes significant
      global morbidity and mortality. The nasopharynxes of children are believed to be
      the natural reservoir of pneumococcus and by adulthood nasopharyngeal carriage is
      infrequent; such infrequency may be due to demonstrable pneumococcal specific T
      and B-cell responses. HLA Class 2 tetrameric complexes have been used to
      characterise antigen specific T-cell responses in a variety of models of
      infection. We therefore sought to determine the frequency and phenotype of
      pneumococcal specific T-cells, using a novel HLA-DRB1*1501 tetramer complex
      incorporating a recently defined T-cell epitope derived from the conserved
      pneumococcal serine/threonine kinase (StkP). We were able to detect direct ex
      vivo StkP(446-60)-tetramer binding in HLA-DRB1*1501 adults. These StkP(446-60)
      tetramer binding T-cells had increased CD38 expression and were enriched in CCR7-
      CD45RA+ expression indicating recent and on-going activation and differentiation.
      Furthermore, these StkP(446-60)-tetramer binding T-cells demonstrated rapid
      effector function by secreting interferon-gamma on stimulation with recombinant
      StkP. This is the first study to directly enumerate and characterise pneumococcal
      specific T-cells using HLA class 2 tetrameric complexes. We found that ex-vivo
      pneumococcal-specific T cells were detectable in healthy adults and that they
      were enriched with cell surface markers associated with recent antigen exposure
      and later stages of antigen-driven differentiation. It is likely that these
      activated pneumococcal specific T-cells reflect recent immunostimulatory
      pneumococcal exposure in the nasopharynx and it is possible that they may be
      preventing subsequent colonisation and disease.

PMID- 22039414
TI  - Geographically widespread swordfish barcode stock identification: a case study of
      its application.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The swordfish (Xiphias gladius) is a cosmopolitan large pelagic fish
      inhabiting tempered and tropical waters and it is a target species for fisheries
      all around the world. The present study investigated the ability of COI barcoding
      to reliably identify swordfish and particularly specific stocks of this
      commercially important species. METHODOLOGY: We applied the classical DNA
      barcoding technology, upon a 682 bp segment of COI, and compared swordfish
      sequences from different geographical sources (Atlantic, Indian Oceans and
      Mediterranean Sea). The sequences of the 5' hyper-variable fragment of the
      control region (5'dloop), were also used to validate the efficacy of COI as a
      stock-specific marker. CASE REPORT: This information was successfully applied to
      the discrimination of unknown samples from the market, detecting in some cases
      mislabeled seafood products. CONCLUSIONS: The NJ distance-based phenogram (K2P
      model) obtained with COI sequences allowed us to correlate the swordfish
      haplotypes to the different geographical stocks. Similar results were obtained
      with 5'dloop. Our preliminary data in swordfish Xiphias gladius confirm that
      Cytochrome Oxidase I can be proposed as an efficient species-specific marker that
      has also the potential to assign geographical provenance. This information might
      speed the samples analysis in commercial application of barcoding.

PMID- 22039413
TI  - A cross-sectional study of HPV vaccine acceptability in Gaborone, Botswana.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is the most common cancer among women in Botswana and
      elsewhere in Sub-Saharan Africa. We sought to examine whether HPV vaccine is
      acceptable among parents in Botswana, which recently licensed the vaccine to
      prevent cervical cancer. METHODS AND FINDINGS: We conducted a cross-sectional
      survey in 2009, around the time the vaccine was first licensed, with adults
      recruited in general medicine and HIV clinics in Gaborone, the capital of
      Botswana. Although only 9% (32/376) of respondents had heard of HPV vaccine prior
      to the survey, 88% (329/376) said they definitely will have their adolescent
      daughters receive HPV vaccine. Most respondents would get the vaccine for their
      daughters at a public or community clinic (42%) or a gynecology or obstetrician's
      office (39%), and 74% would get it for a daughter if it were available at her
      school. Respondents were more likely to say that they definitely will get HPV
      vaccine for their daughters if they had less education (OR = 0.20, 95% CI = 0.07
      0.58) or lived more than 30 kilometers from the capital, Gaborone (OR = 2.29, 95%
      CI = 1.06-4.93). Other correlates of acceptability were expecting to be involved
      in the decision to get HPV vaccine, thinking the vaccine would be hard to obtain,
      and perceiving greater severity of HPV-related diseases. CONCLUSIONS: HPV
      vaccination of adolescent girls would be highly acceptable if the vaccine became
      widely available to the daughters of healthcare seeking parents in Gaborone,
      Botswana. Potential HPV vaccination campaigns should provide more information
      about HPV and the vaccine as well as work to minimize barriers.

PMID- 22039415
TI  - Disgust sensitivity and the neurophysiology of left-right political orientations.
AB  - Disgust has been described as the most primitive and central of emotions. Thus,
      it is not surprising that it shapes behaviors in a variety of organisms and in a
      variety of contexts--including homo sapien politics. People who believe they
      would be bothered by a range of hypothetical disgusting situations display an
      increased likelihood of displaying right-of-center rather than left-of-center
      political orientations. Given its primal nature and essential value in avoiding
      pathogens disgust likely has an effect even without registering in conscious
      beliefs. In this article, we demonstrate that individuals with marked involuntary
      physiological responses to disgusting images, such as of a man eating a large
      mouthful of writhing worms, are more likely to self-identify as conservative and,
      especially, to oppose gay marriage than are individuals with more muted
      physiological responses to the same images. This relationship holds even when
      controlling for the degree to which respondents believe themselves to be disgust
      sensitive and suggests that people's physiological predispositions help to shape
      their political orientations.

PMID- 22039416
TI  - Network fluctuations hinder cooperation in evolutionary games.
AB  - In this paper we study the influence of random network fluctuations on the
      behavior of evolutionary games on Barabasi-Albert networks. This network class
      has been shown to promote cooperation on social dilemmas such as the Prisoner's
      Dilemma and the Snowdrift games when the population network is fixed. Here we
      introduce exogenous random fluctuations of the network links through several
      noise models, and we investigate the evolutionary dynamics comparing them with
      the known static network case. The results we obtain show that even a moderate
      amount of random noise on the network links causes a significant loss of
      cooperation, to the point that cooperation vanishes altogether in the Prisoner's
      Dilemma when the noise rate is the same as the agents' strategy revision rate.
      The results appear to be robust since they are essentially the same whatever the
      type of the exogenous noise. Besides, it turns out that random network noise is
      more important than strategy noise in suppressing cooperation. Thus, even in the
      more favorable situation of accumulated payoff in which links have no cost, the
      mere presence of random external network fluctuations act as a powerful
      limitation to the attainment of high levels of cooperation.

PMID- 22039417
TI  - Promoter hypermethylation mediated downregulation of FBP1 in human hepatocellular
      carcinoma and colon cancer.
AB  - FBP1, fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase-1, a gluconeogenesis regulatory enzyme,
      catalyzes the hydrolysis of fructose 1,6-bisphosphate to fructose 6-phosphate and
      inorganic phosphate. The mechanism that it functions to antagonize glycolysis and
      was epigenetically inactivated through NF-kappaB pathway in gastric cancer has
      been reported. However, its role in the liver carcinogenesis still remains
      unknown. Here, we investigated the expression and DNA methylation of FBP1 in
      primary HCC and colon tumor. FBP1 was lowly expressed in 80% (8/10) human
      hepatocellular carcinoma, 66.7% (6/9) liver cancer cell lines and 100% (6/6)
      colon cancer cell lines, but was higher in paired adjacent non-tumor tissues and
      immortalized normal cell lines, which was well correlated with its promoter
      methylation status. Methylation was further detected in primary HCCs, gastric and
      colon tumor tissues, but none or occasionally in paired adjacent non-tumor
      tissues. Detailed methylation analysis of 29 CpG sites at a 327-bp promoter
      region by bisulfite genomic sequencing confirmed its methylation. FBP1 silencing
      could be reversed by chemical demethylation treatment with 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine
      (Aza), indicating direct epigenetic silencing. Restoring FBP1 expression in low
      expressed cells significantly inhibited cell growth and colony formation ability
      through the induction of G2-M phase cell cycle arrest. Moreover, the observed
      effects coincided with an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation.
      In summary, epigenetic inactivation of FBP1 is also common in human liver and
      colon cancer. FBP1 appears to be a functional tumor suppressor involved in the
      liver and colon carcinogenesis.

PMID- 22039418
TI  - Event-related potential correlates of performance-monitoring in a lateralized
      time-estimation task.
AB  - Performance-monitoring as a key function of cognitive control covers a wide range
      of diverse processes to enable goal directed behavior and to avoid
      maladjustments. Several event-related brain potentials (ERP) are associated with
      performance-monitoring, but their conceptual background differs. For example, the
      feedback-related negativity (FRN) is associated with unexpected performance
      feedback and might serve as a teaching signal for adaptational processes, whereas
      the error-related negativity (ERN) is associated with error commission and
      subsequent behavioral adaptation. The N2 is visible in the EEG when the
      participant successfully inhibits a response following a cue and thereby adapts
      to a given stop-signal. Here, we present an innovative paradigm to concurrently
      study these different performance-monitoring-related ERPs. In 24 participants a
      tactile time-estimation task interspersed with infrequent stop-signal trials
      reliably elicited all three ERPs. Sensory input and motor output were completely
      lateralized, in order to estimate any hemispheric processing preferences for the
      different aspects of performance monitoring associated with these ERPs. In
      accordance with the literature our data suggest augmented inhibitory capabilities
      in the right hemisphere given that stop-trial performance was significantly
      better with left- as compared to right-hand stop-signals. In line with this, the
      N2 scalp distribution was generally shifted to the right in addition to an
      ipsilateral shift in relation to the response hand. Other than that, task
      lateralization affected neither behavior related to error and feedback processing
      nor ERN or FRN. Comparing the ERP topographies using the Global Map Dissimilarity
      index, a large topographic overlap was found between all considered
      components.With an evenly distributed set of trials and a split-half reliability
      for all ERP components >=.85 the task is well suited to efficiently study N2,
      ERN, and FRN concurrently which might prove useful for group comparisons,
      especially in clinical populations.

PMID- 22039419
TI  - Development of non-natural flavanones as antimicrobial agents.
AB  - With growing concerns over multidrug resistance microorganisms, particularly
      strains of bacteria and fungi, evolving to become resistant to the antimicrobial
      agents used against them, the identification of new molecular targets becomes
      paramount for novel treatment options. Recently, the use of new treatments
      containing multiple active ingredients has been shown to increase the
      effectiveness of existing molecules for some infections, often with these added
      compounds enabling the transport of a toxic molecule into the infecting species.
      Flavonoids are among the most abundant plant secondary metabolites and have been
      shown to have natural abilities as microbial deterrents and anti-infection agents
      in plants. Combining these ideas we first sought to investigate the potency of
      natural flavonoids in the presence of efflux pump inhibitors to limit Escherichia
      coli growth. Then we used the natural flavonoid scaffold to synthesize non
      natural flavanone molecules and further evaluate their antimicrobial efficacy on
      Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtilis and the fungal pathogens Cryptococcus
      neoformans and Aspergillus fumigatus. Of those screened, we identified the
      synthetic molecule 4-chloro-flavanone as the most potent antimicrobial compound
      with a MIC value of 70 ug/mL in E. coli when combined with the inhibitor Phe-Arg
      beta-naphthylamide, and MICs of 30 ug/mL in S. cerevesiae and 30 ug/mL in C.
      neoformans when used alone. Through this study we have demonstrated that
      combinatorial synthesis of non-natural flavonones can identify novel
      antimicrobial agents with activity against bacteria and fungi but with minimal
      toxicity to human cells.

PMID- 22039420
TI  - Hypervirulent Clostridium difficile PCR-ribotypes exhibit resistance to widely
      used disinfectants.
AB  - The increased prevalence of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) has coincided
      with enhanced transmissibility and severity of disease, which is often linked to
      two distinct clonal lineages designated PCR-ribotype 027 and 017 responsible for
      CDI outbreaks in the USA, Europe and Asia. We assessed sporulation and
      susceptibility of three PCR-ribotypes; 012, 017 and 027 to four classes of
      disinfectants; chlorine releasing agents (CRAs), peroxygens, quaternary ammonium
      compounds (QAC) and biguanides. The 017 PCR-ribotype, showed the highest
      sporulation frequency under these test conditions. The oxidizing biocides and
      CRAs were the most efficacious in decontamination of C. difficile vegetative
      cells and spores, the efficacy of the CRAs were concentration dependent
      irrespective of PCR-ribotype. However, there were differences observed in the
      susceptibility of the PCR-ribotypes, independent of the concentrations tested for
      Virkon(r), Newgenn(r), Proceine 40(r) and Hibiscrub(r). Whereas, for Steri7(r)
      and Biocleanse(r) the difference observed between the disinfectants were
      dependent on both PCR-ribotype and concentration. The oxidizing agent Perasafe(r)
      was consistently efficacious across all three PCR ribotypes at varying
      concentrations; with a consistent five Log10 reduction in spore titre. The PCR
      ribotype and concentration dependent differences in the efficacy of the
      disinfectants in this study indicate that disinfectant choice is a factor for
      llimiting the survival and transmission of C. difficile spores in healthcare
      settings.

PMID- 22039421
TI  - Alternative transcript initiation and splicing as a response to DNA damage.
AB  - Humans are exposed to the DNA damaging agent, ionizing radiation (IR), from
      background radiation, medical treatments, occupational and accidental exposures.
      IR causes changes in transcription, but little is known about alternative
      transcription in response to IR on a genome-wide basis. These investigations
      examine the response to IR at the exon level in human cells, using exon arrays to
      comprehensively characterize radiation-induced transcriptional expression
      products. Previously uncharacterized alternative transcripts that preferentially
      occur following IR exposure have been discovered. A large number of genes showed
      alternative transcription initiation as a response to IR. Dose-response and time
      course kinetics have also been characterized. Interestingly, most genes showing
      alternative transcript induction maintained these isoforms over the dose range
      and times tested. Finally, clusters of co-ordinately up- and down-regulated
      radiation response genes were identified at specific chromosomal loci. These data
      provide the first genome-wide view of the transcriptional response to ionizing
      radiation at the exon level. This study provides novel insights into alternative
      transcripts as a mechanism for response to DNA damage and cell stress responses
      in general.

PMID- 22039422
TI  - Biodiversity offsets: a cost-effective interim solution to seabird bycatch in
      fisheries?
AB  - The concept of biodiversity offsets is well established as an approach to
      environmental management. The concept has been suggested for environmental
      management in fisheries, particularly in relation to the substantial numbers of
      non-target species--seabirds in particular--caught and killed as incidental
      bycatch during fishing activities. Substantial areas of fisheries are being
      closed to protect these species at great cost to the fishing industry. However,
      other actions may be taken to offset the impact of fishing on these populations
      at lower cost to the fishing industry. This idea, however, has attracted severe
      criticism largely as it does not address the underlying externality problems
      created by the fishing sector, namely seabird fishing mortality. In this paper,
      we re-examine the potential role of compensatory mitigation as a fisheries
      management tool, although from the perspective of being an interim management
      measure while more long-lasting solutions to the problem are found. We re-model
      an example previously examined by both proponents and opponents of the approach,
      namely the cost effectiveness of rodent control relative to fishery area closures
      for the conservation of a seabird population adversely affected by an Australian
      tuna fishery. We find that, in the example being examined, invasive rodent
      eradication is at least 10 times more cost effective than area closures. We
      conclude that, while this does not solve the actual bycatch problem, it may
      provide breathing space for both the seabird species and the industry to find
      longer term means of reducing bycatch.

PMID- 22039423
TI  - Inner speech during silent reading reflects the reader's regional accent.
AB  - While reading silently, we often have the subjective experience of inner speech.
      However, there is currently little evidence regarding whether this inner voice
      resembles our own voice while we are speaking out loud. To investigate this
      issue, we compared reading behaviour of Northern and Southern English
      participants who have differing pronunciations for words like 'glass', in which
      the vowel duration is short in a Northern accent and long in a Southern accent.
      Participants' eye movements were monitored while they silently read limericks in
      which the end words of the first two lines (e.g., glass/class) would be
      pronounced differently by Northern and Southern participants. The final word of
      the limerick (e.g., mass/sparse) then either did or did not rhyme, depending on
      the reader's accent. Results showed disruption to eye movement behaviour when the
      final word did not rhyme, determined by the reader's accent, suggesting that
      inner speech resembles our own voice.

PMID- 22039424
TI  - H3N2 influenza infection elicits more cross-reactive and less clonally expanded
      anti-hemagglutinin antibodies than influenza vaccination.
AB  - BACKGROUND: During the recent H1N1 influenza pandemic, excess morbidity and
      mortality was seen in young but not older adults suggesting that prior infection
      with influenza strains may have protected older subjects. In contrast, a history
      of recent seasonal trivalent vaccine in younger adults was not associated with
      protection. METHODS AND FINDINGS: To study hemagglutinin (HA) antibody responses
      in influenza immunization and infection, we have studied the day 7 plasma cell
      repertoires of subjects immunized with seasonal trivalent inactivated influenza
      vaccine (TIV) and compared them to the plasma cell repertoires of subjects
      experimentally infected (EI) with influenza H3N2 A/Wisconsin/67/2005. The
      majority of circulating plasma cells after TIV produced influenza-specific
      antibodies, while most plasma cells after EI produced antibodies that did not
      react with influenza HA. While anti-HA antibodies from TIV subjects were
      primarily reactive with single or few HA strains, anti-HA antibodies from EI
      subjects were isolated that reacted with multiple HA strains. Plasma cell-derived
      anti-HA antibodies from TIV subjects showed more evidence of clonal expansion
      compared with antibodies from EI subjects. From an H3N2-infected subject, we
      isolated a 4-member clonal lineage of broadly cross-reactive antibodies that
      bound to multiple HA subtypes and neutralized both H1N1 and H3N2 viruses. This
      broad reactivity was not detected in post-infection plasma suggesting this
      broadly reactive clonal lineage was not immunodominant in this subject.
      CONCLUSION: The presence of broadly reactive subdominant antibody responses in
      some EI subjects suggests that improved vaccine designs that make broadly
      reactive antibody responses immunodominant could protect against novel influenza
      strains.

PMID- 22039425
TI  - BRAF mutations in advanced cancers: clinical characteristics and outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Oncogenic BRAF mutations have been found in diverse malignancies and
      activate RAF/MEK/ERK signaling, a critical pathway of tumorigenesis. We examined
      the clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with mutant (mut) BRAF
      advanced cancer referred to phase 1 clinic. METHODS: We reviewed the records of
      80 consecutive patients with mutBRAF advanced malignancies and 149 with wild-type
      (wt) BRAF (matched by tumor type) referred to the Clinical Center for Targeted
      Therapy and analyzed their outcome. RESULTS: Of 80 patients with mutBRAF advanced
      cancer, 56 had melanoma, 10 colorectal, 11 papillary thyroid, 2 ovarian and 1
      esophageal cancer. Mutations in codon 600 were found in 77 patients (62, V600E;
      13, V600K; 1, V600R; 1, unreported). Multivariate analysis showed less soft
      tissue (Odds ratio (OR) = 0.39, 95%CI: 0.20-0.77, P = 0.007), lung (OR = 0.38,
      95%CI: 0.19-0.73, p = 0.004) and retroperitoneal metastases (OR = 0.34, 95%CI:
      0.13-0.86, p = 0.024) and more brain metastases (OR = 2.05, 95%CI: 1.02-4.11, P =
      0.043) in patients with mutBRAF versus wtBRAF. Comparing to the corresponding
      wtBRAF, mutBRAF melanoma patients had insignificant trend to longer median
      survival from diagnosis (131 vs. 78 months, p = 0.14), while mutBRAF colorectal
      cancer patients had an insignificant trend to shorter median survival from
      diagnosis (48 vs. 53 months, p = 0.22). In melanoma, V600K mutations in
      comparison to other BRAF mutations were associated with more frequent brain (75%
      vs. 36.3%, p = 0.02) and lung metastases (91.6% vs. 47.7%, p = 0.007), and
      shorter time from diagnosis to metastasis and to death (19 vs. 53 months, p =
      0.046 and 78 vs. 322 months, p = 0.024 respectively). Treatment with RAF/MEK
      targeting agents (Hazard ratio (HR) = 0.16, 95%CI: 0.03-0.89, p = 0.037) and any
      decrease in tumor size after referral (HR = 0.07, 95%CI: 0.015-0.35, p = 0.001)
      correlated with longer survival in mutBRAF patients. CONCLUSIONS: BRAF appears to
      be a druggable mutation that also defines subgroups of patients with phenotypic
      overlap, albeit with differences that correlate with histology or site of
      mutation.

PMID- 22039426
TI  - Identification of a functional, CRM-1-dependent nuclear export signal in
      hepatitis C virus core protein.
AB  - Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major cause of chronic liver disease
      worldwide. HCV core protein is involved in nucleocapsid formation, but it also
      interacts with multiple cytoplasmic and nuclear molecules and plays a crucial
      role in the development of liver disease and hepatocarcinogenesis. The core
      protein is found mostly in the cytoplasm during HCV infection, but also in the
      nucleus in patients with hepatocarcinoma and in core-transgenic mice. HCV core
      contains nuclear localization signals (NLS), but no nuclear export signal (NES)
      has yet been identified.We show here that the aa(109-133) region directs the
      translocation of core from the nucleus to the cytoplasm by the CRM-1-mediated
      nuclear export pathway. Mutagenesis of the three hydrophobic residues (L119, I123
      and L126) in the identified NES or in the sequence encoding the mature core aa(1
      173) significantly enhanced the nuclear localisation of the corresponding
      proteins in transfected Huh7 cells. Both the NES and the adjacent hydrophobic
      sequence in domain II of core were required to maintain the core protein or its
      fragments in the cytoplasmic compartment. Electron microscopy studies of the JFH1
      replication model demonstrated that core was translocated into the nucleus a few
      minutes after the virus entered the cell. The blockade of nucleocytoplasmic
      export by leptomycin B treatment early in infection led to the detection of core
      protein in the nucleus by confocal microscopy and coincided with a decrease in
      virus replication.Our data suggest that the functional NLS and NES direct HCV
      core protein shuttling between the cytoplasmic and nuclear compartments, with at
      least some core protein transported to the nucleus. These new properties of HCV
      core may be essential for virus multiplication and interaction with nuclear
      molecules, influence cell signaling and the pathogenesis of HCV infection.

PMID- 22039427
TI  - Genomic analyses, gene expression and antigenic profile of the trans-sialidase
      superfamily of Trypanosoma cruzi reveal an undetected level of complexity.
AB  - The protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi is the etiologic agent of Chagas
      disease, a highly debilitating human pathology that affects millions of people in
      the Americas. The sequencing of this parasite's genome reveals that trans
      sialidase/trans-sialidase-like (TcS), a polymorphic protein family known to be
      involved in several aspects of T. cruzi biology, is the largest T. cruzi gene
      family, encoding more than 1,400 genes. Despite the fact that four TcS groups are
      well characterized and only one of the groups contains active trans-sialidases,
      all members of the family are annotated in the T. cruzi genome database as trans
      sialidase. After performing sequence clustering analysis with all TcS complete
      genes, we identified four additional groups, demonstrating that the TcS family is
      even more heterogeneous than previously thought. Interestingly, members of
      distinct TcS groups show distinctive patterns of chromosome localization. Members
      of the TcSgroupII, which harbor proteins involved in host cell
      attachment/invasion, are preferentially located in subtelomeric regions, whereas
      members of the largest and new TcSgroupV have internal chromosomal locations.
      Real-time RT-PCR confirms the expression of genes derived from new groups and
      shows that the pattern of expression is not similar within and between groups. We
      also performed B-cell epitope prediction on the family and constructed a TcS
      specific peptide array, which was screened with sera from T. cruzi-infected mice.
      We demonstrated that all seven groups represented in the array are antigenic. A
      highly reactive peptide occurs in sixty TcS proteins including members of two new
      groups and may contribute to the known cross-reactivity of T. cruzi epitopes
      during infection. Taken together, our results contribute to a better
      understanding of the real complexity of the TcS family and open new avenues for
      investigating novel roles of this family during T. cruzi infection.

PMID- 22039428
TI  - Abnormal parietal function in conversion paresis.
AB  - The etiology of medically unexplained symptoms such as conversion disorder is
      poorly understood. This is partly because the interpretation of neuroimaging
      results in conversion paresis has been complicated by the use of different
      control groups, tasks and statistical comparisons. The present study includes
      these different aspects in a single data set. In our study we included both
      normal controls and feigners to control for conversion paresis. We studied both
      movement execution and imagery, and we contrasted both within-group and between
      group activation. Moreover, to reveal hemisphere-specific effects that have not
      been reported before, we performed these analyses using both flipped and
      unflipped data. This approach resulted in the identification of abnormal parietal
      activation which was specific for conversion paresis patients. Patients also
      showed reduced activity in the prefrontal cortex, supramarginal gyrus and
      precuneus, including hemisphere-specific activation that is lateralized in the
      same hemisphere, regardless of right- or left-sided paresis. We propose that
      these regions are candidates for an interface between psychological mechanisms
      and disturbed higher-order motor control. Our study presents an integrative
      neurophysiological view of the mechanisms that contribute to the etiology of this
      puzzling psychological disorder, which can be further investigated with other
      types of conversion symptoms.

PMID- 22039429
TI  - Estimated glomerular filtration rate and the risk of major vascular events and
      all-cause mortality: a meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) has been associated
      with an increased risk of major vascular events (MVEs) and death, but differences
      in methodology make between-study comparisons difficult. We used a novel method
      to summarise the published results. METHODS AND FINDINGS: Studies assessing the
      relationship between baseline eGFR and subsequent MVEs or all cause mortality
      were identified using Pubmed. Those which involved at least 500 individuals,
      planned at least 1 year of follow-up, reported age and sex adjusted relative
      risks, and provided the mean eGFR in each category (or sufficient information to
      allow its estimation) were included. To take account of differences in underlying
      risk between studies, proportional within-study differences in eGFR (rather than
      absolute eGFR values) were related to risk. Fifty studies (2 million
      participants) assessing MVEs and 67 studies (5 million participants) assessing
      all cause mortality were eligible. There was an inverse relationship between
      lower eGFR and the risk of MVEs and of death. In studies among people without
      prior vascular disease, a 30% lower eGFR level was on average associated with a
      29% (SE 0.2%) increase in the risk of a MVE and a 31% (SE 0.2%) increase in the
      risk of death from any cause. In studies among people with prior vascular
      disease, these estimates were 26% (SE 1.0%) and 23% (SE 0.2%) respectively. While
      there was substantial statistical heterogeneity between the results of individual
      studies, a 30% lower eGFR was consistently associated with a 20-30% higher risk
      of both outcomes, irrespective of prior history of vascular disease or study
      design. CONCLUSIONS: Lower eGFR was consistently associated with a moderate
      increase in the risk of death and MVEs. If these relationships are causal and
      continuous, then around one fifth of vascular events among those over 70 years
      might be attributable to renal impairment.

PMID- 22039430
TI  - A multi-compartment, single and multiple dose pharmacokinetic study of the
      vaginal candidate microbicide 1% tenofovir gel.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tenofovir (TFV) gel is being evaluated as a microbicide with
      pericoital and daily regimens. To inhibit viral replication locally, an adequate
      concentration in the genital tract is critical. METHODS AND FINDINGS: Forty-nine
      participants entered a two-phase study: single-dose (SD) and multi-dose (MD),
      were randomized to collection of genital tract samples (endocervical cells [ECC],
      cervicovaginal aspirate and vaginal biopsies) at one of seven time points [0.5,
      1, 2, 4, 6, 8, or 24 hr(s)] post-dose following SD exposure of 4 mL 1% TFV gel
      and received a single dose. Forty-seven were randomized to once (QD) or twice
      daily (BID) dosing for 2 weeks and to collection of genital tract samples at 4, 8
      or 24 hrs after the final dose, but two discontinued prior to gel application.
      Blood was collected during both phases at the seven times post-dose. TFV exposure
      was low in blood plasma for SD and MD; median C(max) was 4.0 and 3.4 ng/mL,
      respectively (C<=29 ng/mL). TFV concentrations were high in aspirates and tissue
      after SD and MD, ranging from 1.2*10(4) to 9.9*10(6) ng/mL and 2.1*10(2) to
      1.4*10(6) ng/mL, respectively, and did not noticeably differ between proximal and
      distal tissue. TFV diphosphate (TFV-DP), the intracellular active metabolite, was
      high in ECC, ranging from 7.1*10(3) to 8.8*10(6) ng/mL. TFV-DP was detectable in
      approximately 40% of the tissue samples, ranging from 1.8*10(2) to 3.5*10(4)
      ng/mL. AUC for tissue TFV-DP was two logs higher after MD compared to SD, with no
      noticeable differences when comparing QD and BID. CONCLUSIONS: Single-dose and
      multiple-dose TFV gel exposure resulted in high genital tract concentrations for
      at least 24 hours post-dose with minimal systemic absorption. These results
      support further study of TFV gel for HIV prevention. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00561496.

PMID- 22039431
TI  - Molecular basis of Bcl-X(L)-p53 interaction: insights from molecular dynamics
      simulations.
AB  - Bcl-X(L), an antiapoptotic Bcl-2 family protein, plays a central role in the
      regulation of the apoptotic pathway. Heterodimerization of the antiapoptotic Bcl
      2 family proteins with the proapoptotic family members such as Bad, Bak, Bim and
      Bid is a crucial step in the apoptotic regulation. In addition to these
      conventional binding partners, recent evidences reveal that the Bcl-2 family
      proteins also interact with noncanonical binding partners such as p53. Our
      previous NMR studies showed that Bcl-X(L): BH3 peptide and Bcl-X(L): SN15 peptide
      (a peptide derived from residues S15-N29 of p53) complex structures share similar
      modes of bindings. To further elucidate the molecular basis of the interactions,
      here we have employed molecular dynamics simulations coupled with MM/PBSA
      approach. Bcl-X(L) and other Bcl-2 family proteins have 4 hydrophobic pockets (p1
      p4), which are occupied by four systematically spaced hydrophobic residues (h1
      h4) of the proapoptotic Bad and Bak BH3 peptides. We observed that three
      conserved hydrophobic residues (F19, W23 and L26) of p53 (SN15) peptide anchor
      into three hydrophobic pockets (p2-p4) of Bcl-X(L) in a similar manner as BH3
      peptide. Our results provide insights into the novel molecular recognition by Bcl
      X(L) with p53.

PMID- 22039432
TI  - Excision of an unstable pathogenicity island in Salmonella enterica serovar
      Enteritidis is induced during infection of phagocytic cells.
AB  - The availability of the complete genome sequence of several Salmonella enterica
      serovars has revealed the presence of unstable genetic elements in these
      bacteria, such as pathogenicity islands and prophages. This is the case of
      Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (S. Enteritidis), a bacterium that causes
      gastroenteritis in humans and systemic infection in mice. The whole genome
      sequence analysis for S. Enteritidis unveiled the presence of several genetic
      regions that are absent in other Salmonella serovars. These regions have been
      denominated "regions of difference" (ROD). In this study we show that ROD21, one
      of such regions, behaves as an unstable pathogenicity island. We observed that
      ROD21 undergoes spontaneous excision by two independent recombination events,
      either under laboratory growth conditions or during infection of murine cells.
      Importantly, we also found that one type of excision occurred at higher rates
      when S. Enteritidis was residing inside murine phagocytic cells. These data
      suggest that ROD21 is an unstable pathogenicity island, whose frequency of
      excision depends on the environmental conditions found inside phagocytic cells.

PMID- 22039433
TI  - Rapid high yield production of different glycoforms of Ebola virus monoclonal
      antibody.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fc-glycosylation of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) has profound
      implications on the Fc-mediated effector functions. Alteration of this
      glycosylation may affect the efficiency of an antibody. However, difficulties in
      the production of mAbs with homogeneous N-glycosylation profiles in sufficient
      amounts hamper investigations of the potential biological impact of different
      glycan residues. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Here we set out to evaluate a
      transient plant viral based production system for the rapid generation of
      different glycoforms of a monoclonal antibody. Ebola virus mAb h-13F6 was
      generated using magnICON expression system in Nicotiana benthamiana, a plant
      species developed for commercial scale production of therapeutic proteins. h-13F6
      was co-expressed with a series of modified mammalian enzymes involved in the
      processing of complex N-glycans. Using wild type (WT) plants and the
      glycosylation mutant DeltaXTFT that synthesizes human like biantennary N-glycans
      with terminal N-acetylglucosamine on each branch (GnGn structures) as expression
      hosts we demonstrate the generation of h-13F6 complex N-glycans with (i) bisected
      structures, (ii) core alpha1,6 fucosylation and (iii) beta1,4 galactosylated
      oligosaccharides. In addition we emphasize the significance of precise sub Golgi
      localization of enzymes for engineering of IgG Fc-glycosylation. CONCLUSION: The
      method described here allows the efficient generation of a series of different
      human-like glycoforms at large homogeneity of virtually any antibody within one
      week after cDNA delivery to plants. This accelerates follow up functional studies
      and thus may contribute to study the biological role of N-glycan residues on Fcs
      and maximizing the clinical efficacy of therapeutic antibodies.

PMID- 22039434
TI  - FilmArray, an automated nested multiplex PCR system for multi-pathogen detection:
      development and application to respiratory tract infection.
AB  - The ideal clinical diagnostic system should deliver rapid, sensitive, specific
      and reproducible results while minimizing the requirements for specialized
      laboratory facilities and skilled technicians. We describe an integrated
      diagnostic platform, the "FilmArray", which fully automates the detection and
      identification of multiple organisms from a single sample in about one hour. An
      unprocessed biologic/clinical sample is subjected to nucleic acid purification,
      reverse transcription, a high-order nested multiplex polymerase chain reaction
      and amplicon melt curve analysis. Biochemical reactions are enclosed in a
      disposable pouch, minimizing the PCR contamination risk. FilmArray has the
      potential to detect greater than 100 different nucleic acid targets at one time.
      These features make the system well-suited for molecular detection of infectious
      agents. Validation of the FilmArray technology was achieved through development
      of a panel of assays capable of identifying 21 common viral and bacterial
      respiratory pathogens. Initial testing of the system using both cultured
      organisms and clinical nasal aspirates obtained from children demonstrated an
      analytical and clinical sensitivity and specificity comparable to existing
      diagnostic platforms. We demonstrate that automated identification of pathogens
      from their corresponding target amplicon(s) can be accomplished by analysis of
      the DNA melting curve of the amplicon.

PMID- 22039436
TI  - Use of recombinant adenovirus vectored consensus IFN-alpha to avert severe
      arenavirus infection.
AB  - Several arenaviruses can cause viral hemorrhagic fever, a severe disease with
      case-fatality rates in hospitalized individuals ranging from 15-30%. Because of
      limited prophylaxis and treatment options, new medical countermeasures are needed
      for these viruses classified by the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious
      Diseases (NIAID) as top priority biodefense Category A pathogens. Recombinant
      consensus interferon alpha (cIFN-alpha) is a licensed protein with broad clinical
      appeal. However, while cIFN-alpha has great therapeutic value, its utility for
      biodefense applications is hindered by its short in vivo half-life, mode and
      frequency of administration, and costly production. To address these limitations,
      we describe the use of DEF201, a replication-deficient adenovirus vector that
      drives the expression of cIFN-alpha, for pre- and post-exposure prophylaxis of
      acute arenaviral infection modeled in hamsters. Intranasal administration of
      DEF201 24 h prior to challenge with Pichinde virus (PICV) was highly effective at
      protecting animals from mortality and preventing viral replication and liver
      associated disease. A significant protective effect was still observed with a
      single dosing of DEF201 given two weeks prior to PICV challenge. DEF201 was also
      efficacious when administered as a treatment 24 to 48 h post-virus exposure. The
      protective effect of DEF201 was largely attributed to the expression of cIFN
      alpha, as dosing with a control empty vector adenovirus did not protect hamsters
      from lethal PICV challenge. Effective countermeasures that are highly stable,
      easily administered, and elicit long lasting protective immunity are much needed
      for arena and other viral infections. The DEF201 technology has the potential to
      address all of these issues and may serve as a broad-spectrum antiviral to
      enhance host defense against a number of viral pathogens.

PMID- 22039435
TI  - Cell-type independent MYC target genes reveal a primordial signature involved in
      biomass accumulation.
AB  - The functions of key oncogenic transcription factors independent of context have
      not been fully delineated despite our richer understanding of the genetic
      alterations in human cancers. The MYC oncogene, which produces the Myc
      transcription factor, is frequently altered in human cancer and is a major
      regulatory hub for many cancers. In this regard, we sought to unravel the
      primordial signature of Myc function by using high-throughput genomic approaches
      to identify the cell-type independent core Myc target gene signature. Using a
      model of human B lymphoma cells bearing inducible MYC, we identified a stringent
      set of direct Myc target genes via chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), global
      nuclear run-on assay, and changes in mRNA levels. We also identified direct Myc
      targets in human embryonic stem cells (ESCs). We further document that a Myc core
      signature (MCS) set of target genes is shared in mouse and human ESCs as well as
      in four other human cancer cell types. Remarkably, the expression of the MCS
      correlates with MYC expression in a cell-type independent manner across 8,129
      microarray samples, which include 312 cell and tissue types. Furthermore, the
      expression of the MCS is elevated in vivo in EMU-Myc transgenic murine lymphoma
      cells as compared with premalignant or normal B lymphocytes. Expression of the
      MCS in human B cell lymphomas, acute leukemia, lung cancers or Ewing sarcomas has
      the highest correlation with MYC expression. Annotation of this gene signature
      reveals Myc's primordial function in RNA processing, ribosome biogenesis and
      biomass accumulation as its key roles in cancer and stem cells.

PMID- 22039437
TI  - Warfarin anticoagulation exacerbates the risk of hemorrhagic transformation after
      rt-PA treatment in experimental stroke: therapeutic potential of PCC.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Oral anticoagulant therapy (OAT) with warfarin is the standard of
      stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation. Approximately 30% of
      patients with cardioembolic strokes are on OAT at the time of symptom onset. We
      investigated whether warfarin exacerbates the risk of thrombolysis-associated
      hemorrhagic transformation (HT) in a mouse model of ischemic stroke. METHODS: 62
      C57BL/6 mice were used for this study. To achieve effective anticoagulation,
      warfarin was administered orally. We performed right middle cerebral artery
      occlusion (MCAO) for 3 h and assessed functional deficit and HT blood volume
      after 24 h. RESULTS: In non-anticoagulated mice, treatment with rt-PA (10 mg/kg
      i.v.) after 3 h MCAO led to a 5-fold higher degree of HT compared to vehicle
      treated controls (4.0+/-0.5 ul vs. 0.8+/-0.1, p<0.001). Mice on warfarin revealed
      larger amounts of HT after rt-PA treatment in comparison to non-anticoagulated
      mice (9.2+/-3.2 ul vs. 2.8+/-1.0, p<0.05). The rapid reversal of anticoagulation
      by means of prothrombin complex concentrates (PCC, 100 IU/kg) at the end of the 3
      h MCAO period, but prior to rt-PA administration, neutralized the exacerbated
      risk of HT as compared to sham-treated controls (3.8+/-0.7 ul vs. 15.0+/-3.8,
      p<0.001). CONCLUSION: In view of the vastly increased risk of HT, it seems to be
      justified to withhold tPA therapy in effectively anticoagulated patients with
      acute ischemic stroke. The rapid reversal of anticoagulation with PCC prior to
      tPA application reduces the risk attributed to warfarin pretreatment and may
      constitute an interesting therapeutic option.

PMID- 22039438
TI  - On the implications of a sex difference in the reaction times of sprinters at the
      Beijing Olympics.
AB  - Elite sprinters offer insights into the fastest whole body auditory reaction
      times. When, however, is a reaction so fast that it represents a false start?
      Currently, a false start is awarded if an athlete increases the force on their
      starting block above a given threshold before 100 ms has elapsed after the
      starting gun. To test the hypothesis that the fastest valid reaction times of
      sprinters really is 100 ms and that no sex difference exists in that time, we
      analyzed the fastest reaction times achieved by each of the 425 male and female
      sprinters who competed at the 2008 Beijing Olympics. After power transformation
      of the skewed data, a fixed effects ANOVA was used to analyze the effects of sex,
      race, round and lane position. The lower bounds of the 95, 99 and 99.9%
      confidence intervals were then calculated and back transformed. The mean fastest
      reaction time recorded by men was significantly faster than women (p<0.001). At
      the 99.9% confidence level, neither men nor women can react in 100 ms, but they
      can react in as little as 109 ms and 121 ms, respectively. However, that sex
      difference in reaction time is likely an artifact caused by using the same force
      threshold in women as men, and it permits a woman to false start by up to 21 ms
      without penalty. We estimate that female sprinters would have similar reaction
      times to male sprinters if the force threshold used at Beijing was lowered by 22%
      in order to account for their lesser muscle strength.

PMID- 22039439
TI  - Galectin-3 and Beclin1/Atg6 genes in human cancers: using cDNA tissue panel, qRT
      PCR, and logistic regression model to identify cancer cell biomarkers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cancer biomarkers are sought to support cancer diagnosis, predict
      cancer patient response to treatment and survival. Identifying reliable
      biomarkers for predicting cancer treatment response needs understanding of all
      aspects of cancer cell death and survival. Galectin-3 and Beclin1 are involved in
      two coordinated pathways of programmed cell death, apoptosis and autophagy and
      are linked to necroptosis/necrosis. The aim of the study was to quantify galectin
      3 and Beclin1 mRNA in human cancer tissue cDNA panels and determine their utility
      as biomarkers of cancer cell survival. METHODS AND RESULTS: A panel of 96 cDNAs
      from eight (8) different normal and cancer tissue types were used for
      quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) using ABI7900HT.
      Miner2.0, a web-based 4- and 3-parameter logistic regression software was used to
      derive individual well polymerase chain reaction efficiencies (E) and cycle
      threshold (Ct) values. Miner software derived formula was used to calculate mRNA
      levels and then fold changes. The ratios of cancer to normal tissue levels of
      galectin-3 and Beclin1 were calculated (using the mean for each tissue type).
      Relative mRNA expressions for galectin-3 were higher than for Beclin1 in all
      tissue (normal and cancer) types. In cancer tissues, breast, kidney, thyroid and
      prostate had the highest galectin-3 mRNA levels compared to normal tissues. High
      levels of Beclin1 mRNA levels were in liver and prostate cancers when compared to
      normal tissues. Breast, kidney and thyroid cancers had high galectin-3 levels and
      low Beclin1 levels. CONCLUSION: Galectin-3 expression patterns in normal and
      cancer tissues support its reported roles in human cancer. Beclin1 expression
      pattern supports its roles in cancer cell survival and in treatment response. qRT
      PCR analysis method used may enable high throughput studies to generate molecular
      biomarker sets for diagnosis and predicting cancer treatment response.

PMID- 22039440
TI  - Cysteamine attenuates the decreases in TrkB protein levels and the
      anxiety/depression-like behaviors in mice induced by corticosterone treatment.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Stress and glucocorticoid hormones, which are released into the
      circulation following stressful experiences, have been shown to contribute
      significantly to the manifestation of anxiety-like behaviors observed in many
      neuropsychiatric disorders. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling
      through its receptor TrkB plays an important role in stress-mediated changes in
      structural as well as functional neuroplasticity. Studies designed to elucidate
      the mechanisms whereby TrkB signaling is regulated in chronic stress might
      provide valuable information for the development of new therapeutic strategies
      for several stress-related psychiatric disorders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We
      examined the potential of cysteamine, a neuroprotective compound to attenuate
      anxiety and depression like behaviors in a mouse model of anxiety/depression
      induced by chronic corticosterone exposure. RESULTS: Cysteamine administration
      (150 mg/kg/day, through drinking water) for 21 days significantly ameliorated
      chronic corticosterone-induced decreases in TrkB protein levels in frontal cortex
      and hippocampus. Furthermore, cysteamine treatment reversed the anxiety and
      depression like behavioral abnormalities induced by chronic corticosterone
      treatment. Finally, mice deficient in TrkB, showed a reduced response to
      cysteamine in behavioral tests, suggesting that TrkB signaling plays an important
      role in the antidepressant effects of cysteamine. CONCLUSIONS: The animal studies
      described here highlight the potential use of cysteamine as a novel therapeutic
      strategy for glucocorticoid-related symptoms of psychiatric disorders.

PMID- 22039441
TI  - Nasal chemosensory-stimulation evoked activity patterns in the rat trigeminal
      ganglion visualized by in vivo voltage-sensitive dye imaging.
AB  - Mammalian nasal chemosensation is predominantly mediated by two independent
      neuronal pathways, the olfactory and the trigeminal system. Within the early
      olfactory system, spatiotemporal responses of the olfactory bulb to various
      odorants have been mapped in great detail. In contrast, far less is known about
      the representation of volatile chemical stimuli at an early stage in the
      trigeminal system, the trigeminal ganglion (TG), which contains neurons directly
      projecting to the nasal cavity. We have established an in vivo preparation that
      allows high-resolution imaging of neuronal population activity from a large
      region of the rat TG using voltage-sensitive dyes (VSDs). Application of
      different chemical stimuli to the nasal cavity elicited distinct, stimulus
      category specific, spatiotemporal activation patterns that comprised activated as
      well as suppressed areas. Thus, our results provide the first direct insights
      into the spatial representation of nasal chemosensory information within the
      trigeminal ganglion imaged at high temporal resolution.

PMID- 22039442
TI  - Comprehensive evaluation of one-carbon metabolism pathway gene variants and renal
      cell cancer risk.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Folate and one-carbon metabolism are linked to cancer risk through
      their integral role in DNA synthesis and methylation. Variation in one-carbon
      metabolism genes, particularly MTHFR, has been associated with risk of a number
      of cancers in epidemiologic studies, but little is known regarding renal cancer.
      METHODS: Tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) selected to produce high
      genomic coverage of 13 gene regions of one-carbon metabolism (ALDH1L1, BHMT, CBS,
      FOLR1, MTHFR, MTR, MTRR, SHMT1, SLC19A1, TYMS) and the closely associated
      glutathione synthesis pathway (CTH, GGH, GSS) were genotyped for 777 renal cell
      carcinoma (RCC) cases and 1,035 controls in the Central and Eastern European
      Renal Cancer case-control study. Associations of individual SNPs (n = 163) with
      RCC risk were calculated using unconditional logistic regression adjusted for
      age, sex and study center. Minimum p-value permutation (Min-P) tests were used to
      identify gene regions associated with risk, and haplotypes were evaluated within
      these genes. RESULTS: The strongest associations with RCC risk were observed for
      SLC19A1 (P(min-P) = 0.03) and MTHFR (P(min-P) = 0.13). A haplotype consisting of
      four SNPs in SLC19A1 (rs12483553, rs2838950, rs2838951, and rs17004785) was
      associated with a 37% increased risk (p = 0.02), and exploratory stratified
      analysis suggested the association was only significant among those in the lowest
      tertile of vegetable intake. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first
      study to comprehensively examine variation in one-carbon metabolism genes in
      relation to RCC risk. We identified a novel association with SLC19A1, which is
      important for transport of folate into cells. Replication in other populations is
      required to confirm these findings.

PMID- 22039443
TI  - IL-27 imparts immunoregulatory function to human NK cell subsets.
AB  - Interleukin-27 (IL-27) is a cytokine with multiple roles in regulating the immune
      response, but its effect on human CD56(bright) and CD56(dim) NK cell subsets is
      unknown. NK cell subsets interact with other components of the immune system,
      leading to cytotoxicity or immunoregulation depending on stimulating factors. We
      found that IL-27 treatment results in increased IL-10 and IFN-gamma expression,
      increased viability and decreased proliferation in both CD56(bright) and
      CD56(dim) NK cell subsets. More importantly, IL-27 treatment imparts regulatory
      activity to CD56(bright) NK cells, which mediates its suppressive function on T
      cells in a contact-dependent manner. There is growing evidence that CD56(bright)
      NK cell-mediated immunoregulation plays an important role in the control of
      autoimmunity. Thus, understanding the role of IL-27 in NK cell function has
      important implications for treatment of autoimmune disorders.

PMID- 22039444
TI  - OmniChange: the sequence independent method for simultaneous site-saturation of
      five codons.
AB  - Focused mutant library generation methods have been developed to improve mainly
      "localizable" enzyme properties such as activity and selectivity. Current multi
      site saturation methods are restricted by the gene sequence, require subsequent
      PCR steps and/or additional enzymatic modifications. Here we report, a multiple
      site saturation mutagenesis method, OmniChange, which simultaneously and
      efficiently saturates five independent codons. As proof of principle, five
      chemically cleaved DNA fragments, each carrying one NNK-degenerated codon, were
      generated and assembled to full gene length in a one-pot-reaction without
      additional PCR-amplification or use of restriction enzymes or ligases. Sequencing
      revealed the presence of up to 27 different codons at individual positions,
      corresponding to 84.4% of the theoretical diversity offered by NNK-degeneration.
      OmniChange is absolutely sequence independent, does not require a minimal
      distance between mutated codons and can be accomplished within a day.

PMID- 22039445
TI  - High-fat diet with acyl-ghrelin treatment leads to weight gain with low
      inflammation, high oxidative capacity and normal triglycerides in rat muscle.
AB  - Obesity is associated with muscle lipid accumulation. Experimental models suggest
      that inflammatory cytokines, low mitochondrial oxidative capacity and
      paradoxically high insulin signaling activation favor this alteration. The
      gastric orexigenic hormone acylated ghrelin (A-Ghr) has antiinflammatory effects
      in vitro and it lowers muscle triglycerides while modulating mitochondrial
      oxidative capacity in lean rodents. We tested the hypothesis that A-Ghr treatment
      in high-fat feeding results in a model of weight gain characterized by low muscle
      inflammation and triglycerides with high muscle mitochondrial oxidative capacity.
      A-Ghr at a non-orexigenic dose (HFG: twice-daily 200-ug s.c.) or saline (HF) were
      administered for 4 days to rats fed a high-fat diet for one month. Compared to
      lean control (C) HF had higher body weight and plasma free fatty acids (FFA), and
      HFG partially prevented FFA elevation (P<0.05). HFG also had the lowest muscle
      inflammation (nuclear NFkB, tissue TNF-alpha) with mitochondrial enzyme
      activities higher than C (P<0.05 vs C, P = NS vs HF). Under these conditions HFG
      prevented the HF-associated muscle triglyceride accumulation (P<0.05). The above
      effects were independent of changes in redox state (total-oxidized glutathione,
      glutathione peroxidase activity) and were not associated with changes in
      phosphorylation of AKT and selected AKT targets. Ghrelin administration following
      high-fat feeding results in a novel model of weight gain with low inflammation,
      high mitochondrial enzyme activities and normalized triglycerides in skeletal
      muscle. These effects are independent of changes in tissue redox state and
      insulin signaling, and they suggest a potential positive metabolic impact of
      ghrelin in fat-induced obesity.

PMID- 22039446
TI  - Occurrence of grapevine leafroll-associated virus complex in Napa Valley.
AB  - Grapevine leafroll disease (GLD) is caused by a complex of several virus species
      (grapevine leafroll-associated viruses, GLRaV) in the family Closteroviridae.
      Because of its increasing importance, it is critical to determine which species
      of GLRaV is predominant in each region where this disease is occurring. A
      structured sampling design, utilizing a combination of RT-PCR based testing and
      sequencing methods, was used to survey GLRaVs in Napa Valley (California, USA)
      vineyards (n = 36). Of the 216 samples tested for GLRaV-1, -2, -3, -4, -5, and 
      9, 62% (n = 134) were GLRaV positive. Of the positives, 81% (n = 109) were single
      infections with GLRaV-3, followed by GLRaV-2 (4%, n = 5), while the remaining
      samples (15%, n = 20) were mixed infections of GLRaV-3 with GLRaV-1, 2, 4, or 9.
      Additionally, 468 samples were tested for genetic variants of GLRaV-3, and of the
      65% (n = 306) of samples positive for GLRaV-3, 22% were infected with multiple
      GLRaV-3 variants. Phylogenetic analysis utilizing sequence data from the single
      infection GLRaV-3 samples produced seven well-supported GLRaV-3 variants, of
      which three represented 71% of all GLRaV-3 positive samples in Napa Valley.
      Furthermore, two novel variants, which grouped with a divergent isolate from New
      Zealand (NZ-1), were identified, and these variants comprised 6% of all positive
      GLRaV-3 samples. Spatial analyses showed that GLRaV-3a, 3b, and 3c were not
      homogeneously distributed across Napa Valley. Overall, 86% of all blocks (n = 31)
      were positive for GLRaVs and 90% of positive blocks (n = 28) had two or more
      GLRaV-3 variants, suggesting complex disease dynamics that might include multiple
      insect-mediated introduction events.

PMID- 22039447
TI  - Deep sequencing of pyrethroid-resistant bed bugs reveals multiple mechanisms of
      resistance within a single population.
AB  - A frightening resurgence of bed bug infestations has occurred over the last 10
      years in the U.S. and current chemical methods have been inadequate for
      controlling this pest due to widespread insecticide resistance. Little is known
      about the mechanisms of resistance present in U.S. bed bug populations, making it
      extremely difficult to develop intelligent strategies for their control. We have
      identified bed bugs collected in Richmond, VA which exhibit both kdr-type (L925I)
      and metabolic resistance to pyrethroid insecticides. Using LD(50) bioassays, we
      determined that resistance ratios for Richmond strain bed bugs were ~5200-fold to
      the insecticide deltamethrin. To identify metabolic genes potentially involved in
      the detoxification of pyrethroids, we performed deep-sequencing of the adult bed
      bug transcriptome, obtaining more than 2.5 million reads on the 454 titanium
      platform. Following assembly, analysis of newly identified gene transcripts in
      both Harlan (susceptible) and Richmond (resistant) bed bugs revealed several
      candidate cytochrome P450 and carboxylesterase genes which were significantly
      over-expressed in the resistant strain, consistent with the idea of increased
      metabolic resistance. These data will accelerate efforts to understand the
      biochemical basis for insecticide resistance in bed bugs, and provide molecular
      markers to assist in the surveillance of metabolic resistance.

PMID- 22039448
TI  - Contributions of the MyD88-dependent receptors IL-18R, IL-1R, and TLR9 to host
      defenses following pulmonary challenge with Cryptococcus neoformans.
AB  - Signaling via the adapter protein, MyD88, is important in the host defense
      against Cryptococcus neoformans infection. While certain Toll-like receptors
      (TLRs) can enhance the clearance of Cryptococcus, the contributions of MyD88
      dependent, TLR-independent pathways have not been fully investigated. We examined
      the roles of IL-1R and IL-18R in vivo by challenging C57BL/6 mice with a lethal
      strain of Cryptococcus. We found that the absence of IL-18R, but not IL-1R,
      causes a shift in the survival curve following pulmonary delivery of a virulent
      strain of C. neoformans (H99). Specifically, IL-18R-deficient mice have
      significantly shorter median survival times compared to wild-type mice following
      infection. Cytokine analysis of lung homogenates revealed that deficiency of IL
      IR, IL-18R, or MyD88 is associated with diminished lung levels of IL-1beta. In
      order to compare these findings with those related to TLR-deficiency, we studied
      the effects of TLR9-deficiency and found that deficiency of TLR9 also affects the
      survival curve of mice following challenge with C. neoformans. Yet the lungs from
      infected TLR9-deficient mice have robust levels of IL-1beta. In summary, we found
      that multiple signaling components can contribute the MyD88-dependent host
      responses to cryptococcal infection in vivo and each drives distinct pulmonary
      responses.

PMID- 22039449
TI  - Molecular analysis of virulent determinants of enterovirus 71.
AB  - Enterovirus 71 (EV71) is the most important causative agent of hand, foot and
      mouth disease (HFMD) in children. In most cases, it is a self-limiting illness.
      However some EV71 infectious cases can develop severe clinical outcomes, such as
      encephalitis, meningitis, poliomyelitis like paralysis, and even death. To
      identify the determinants of virulence, the deduced amino acid sequence of
      polyprotein and nucleotide sequence of 5'-NTR and 3'-NTR in 25 SC-EV71 strains
      (strains from severe cases) and 31 MC-EV71 strains (strains from mild cases) were
      analyzed. Results showed four amino acids on two positions
      (Gly(P710)/Gln(P710)/Arg(P710) and Glu(P729)) on the DE and EF loop of VP1, one
      (Lys(P930)) on the surface of protease 2A and four nucleotides on three positions
      (G(P272), U(P488) and A(P700)/U(P700)) in the 5'-NTR region are associated with
      EV71 virulent phenotype. Predicted secondary structure of RNA using the consensus
      sequence of 5'-NTR by RNAStructure showed the mutation of nucleotide at position
      488 in strain BJ08-Z004-3 (position 491 in prototype strain BrCr) can result in
      the discrepancy of an additional pair of nucleotides and thus change the
      stability of the second structure of IRES. Fragment base content analysis showed
      that in the region 696 to 714 bp at the 5'-NTR, where the A(P700)/U(P700) was
      located, the nucleotide constitution ratios differed significantly between SC
      EV71 and MC-EV71 strains. In conclusion, comparative genomic analysis showed that
      virulence of EV71 strains are mainly determined by the amino acids on two
      positions of VP1, one position of protease 2A and the nucleotides on three
      positions in 5'-NTR.

PMID- 22039450
TI  - Molecular characterization of HIV-1 CRF01_AE in Mekong Delta, Vietnam, and impact
      of T-cell epitope mutations on HLA recognition (ANRS 12159).
AB  - BACKGROUND: To date, 11 HIV-1 subtypes and 48 circulating recombinant forms have
      been described worldwide. The underlying reason why their distribution is so
      heterogeneous is not clear. Host genetic factors could partly explain this
      distribution. The aim of this study was to describe HIV-1 strains circulating in
      an unexplored area of Mekong Delta, Vietnam, and to assess the impact of optimal
      epitope mutations on HLA binding. METHODS: We recruited 125 chronically
      antiretroviral-naive HIV-1-infected subjects from five cities in the Mekong
      Delta. We performed high-resolution DNA typing of HLA class I alleles, sequencing
      of Gag and RT-Prot genes and phylogenetic analysis of the strains. Epitope
      mutations were analyzed in patients bearing the HLA allele restricting the
      studied epitope. Optimal wild-type epitopes from the Los Alamos database were
      used as reference. T-cell epitope recognition was predicted using the immune
      epitope database tool according to three different scores involved in antigen
      processing (TAP and proteasome scores) and HLA binding (MHC score). RESULTS: All
      sequences clustered with CRF01_AE. HLA class I genotyping showed the predominance
      of Asian alleles as A*11:01 and B*46:01 with a Vietnamese specificity held by two
      different haplotypes. The percentage of homology between Mekong and B consensus
      HIV-1 sequences was above 85%. Divergent epitopes had TAP and proteasome scores
      comparable with wild-type epitopes. MHC scores were significantly lower in
      divergent epitopes with a mean of 2.4 (+/-0.9) versus 2 (+/-0.7) in non-divergent
      ones (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms the wide predominance of
      CRF01_AE in the Mekong Delta where patients harbor a specific HLA pattern.
      Moreover, it demonstrates the lower MHC binding affinity among divergent
      epitopes. This weak immune pressure combined with a narrow genetic diversity
      favors immune escape and could explain why CRF01_AE is still predominant in
      Vietnam, particularly in the Mekong area.

PMID- 22039451
TI  - Functional ramifications for the loss of P-selectin expression on hematopoietic
      and leukemic stem cells.
AB  - Hematopoiesis is a tightly regulated biological process that relies upon
      complicated interactions between blood cells and their microenvironment to
      preserve the homeostatic balance of long-term hematopoietic stem cells (LT-HSCs),
      short-term HSCs (ST-HSCs), multipotent progenitors (MPPs), and differentiated
      cells. Adhesion molecules like P-selectin (encoded by the Selp gene) are
      essential to hematopoiesis, and their dysregulation has been linked to
      leukemogenesis. Like HSCs, leukemic stem cells (LSCs) depend upon their
      microenvironments for survival and propagation. P-selectin plays a crucial role
      in Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph(+)) chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). In
      this paper, we show that cells deficient in P-selectin expression can repopulate
      the marrow more efficiently than wild type controls. This results from an
      increase in HSC self-renewal rather than alternative possibilities like increased
      homing velocity or cell cycle defects. We also show that P-selectin expression on
      LT-HSCs, but not ST-HSCs and MPPs, increases with aging. In the absence of P
      selectin expression, mice at 6 months of age possess increased levels of short
      term HSCs and multipotent progenitors. By 11 months of age, there is a shift
      towards increased levels of long-term HSCs. Recipients of BCR-ABL-transduced bone
      marrow cells from P-selectin-deficient donors develop a more aggressive CML, with
      increased percentages of LSCs and progenitors. Taken together, our data reveal
      that P-selectin expression on HSCs and LSCs has important functional
      ramifications for both hematopoiesis and leukemogenesis, which is most likely
      attributable to an intrinsic effect on stem cell self-renewal.

PMID- 22039452
TI  - Quercetin inhibits IL-1beta-induced inflammation, hyaluronan production and
      adipogenesis in orbital fibroblasts from Graves' orbitopathy.
AB  - Management of Graves' orbitopathy (GO) is challenging, as no reliable, specific,
      and safe medical therapeutic agents have yet been developed. We investigated the
      effect of quercetin in primary cultured orbital fibroblasts from GO, targeting
      pathways of inflammation, aberrant accumulation of extracellular matrix
      macromolecules, and adipose tissue expansion. Quercetin significantly attenuated
      intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), interleukin (IL) -6, IL-8, and
      cyclooxygenase (COX) -2 mRNA expression, and inhibited IL-1beta-induced increases
      in ICAM-1, IL-6, and IL-8 mRNA. Increased hyaluronan production induced by IL
      1beta or tumor necrosis factor-alpha was suppressed by quercetin in a dose- and
      time-dependent manner. Treatment with noncytotoxic doses of quercetin inhibited
      accumulation of intracytoplasmic lipid droplets and resulted in a dose-dependent
      decrease in expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma,
      CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) alpha, and C/EBPbeta proteins. In
      conclusion, inhibition of inflammation, hyaluronan production, and adipogenesis
      by the natural plant product quercetin in vitro provides the basis for further
      study of its potential use in the treatment of GO.

PMID- 22039453
TI  - Ulcerogenic Helicobacter pylori strains isolated from children: a contribution to
      get insight into the virulence of the bacteria.
AB  - Infection with Helicobacter pylori is the major cause for the development of
      peptic ulcer disease (PUD). In children, with no other etiology for the disease,
      this rare event occurs shortly after infection. In these young patients, habits
      of smoking, diet, consumption of alcohol and non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs
      and stress, in addition to the genetic susceptibility of the patient, represent a
      minor influence. Accordingly, the virulence of the implicated H. pylori strain
      should play a crucial role in the development of PUD. Corroborating this, our in
      vitro infection assays comparing a pool of five H. pylori strains isolated from
      children with PUD to a pool of five other pediatric clinical isolates associated
      with non-ulcer dyspepsia (NUD) showed the greater ability of PUD strains to
      induce a marked decrease in the viability of gastric cells and to cause severe
      damage in the cells cytoskeleton as well as an impairment in the
      production/secretion of mucins. To uncover virulence features, we compared the
      proteome of these two groups of H. pylori strains. Two-dimensional gel
      electrophoresis followed by mass-spectrometry allowed us to detect 27
      differentially expressed proteins between them. In addition to the presence of
      genes encoding well established virulence factors, namely cagA, vacAs1, oipA "on"
      status, homB and jhp562 genes, the pediatric ulcerogenic strains shared a
      proteome profile characterized by changes in the abundance of: motility
      associated proteins, accounting for higher motility; antioxidant proteins, which
      may confer increased resistance to inflammation; and enzymes involved in key
      steps in the metabolism of glucose, amino acids and urea, which may be
      advantageous to face fluctuations of nutrients. In conclusion, the enhanced
      virulence of the pediatric ulcerogenic H. pylori strains may result from a
      synergy between their natural ability to better adapt to the hostile human
      stomach and the expression of the established virulence factors.

PMID- 22039454
TI  - Effect of acute Plasmodium falciparum malaria on reactivation and shedding of the
      eight human herpes viruses.
AB  - Human herpes viruses (HHVs) are widely distributed pathogens. In immuno-competent
      individuals their clinical outcomes are generally benign but in immuno
      compromised hosts, primary infection or extensive viral reactivation can lead to
      critical diseases. Plasmodium falciparum malaria profoundly affects the host
      immune system. In this retrospective study, we evaluated the direct effect of
      acute P. falciparum infection on reactivation and shedding of all known human
      herpes viruses (HSV-1, HSV-2, VZV, EBV, CMV, HHV-6, HHV-7, HHV-8). We monitored
      their presence by real time PCR in plasma and saliva of Ugandan children with
      malaria at the day of admission to the hospital (day-0) and 14 days later (after
      treatment), or in children with mild infections unrelated to malaria. For each
      child screened in this study, at least one type of HHV was detected in the
      saliva. HHV-7 and HHV-6 were detected in more than 70% of the samples and CMV in
      approximately half. HSV-1, HSV-2, VZV and HHV-8 were detected at lower frequency.
      During salivary shedding the highest mean viral load was observed for HSV-1
      followed by EBV, HHV-7, HHV-6, CMV and HHV-8. After anti-malarial treatment the
      salivary HSV-1 levels were profoundly diminished or totally cleared. Similarly,
      four children with malaria had high levels of circulating EBV at day-0, levels
      that were cleared after anti-malarial treatment confirming the association
      between P. falciparum infection and EBV reactivation. This study shows that acute
      P. falciparum infection can contribute to EBV reactivation in the blood and HSV-1
      reactivation in the oral cavity. Taken together our results call for further
      studies investigating the potential clinical implications of HHVs reactivation in
      children suffering from malaria.

PMID- 22039455
TI  - RMRP is a non-coding RNA essential for early murine development.
AB  - RMRP is a non-coding RNA that is ubiquitously expressed in both humans and mice.
      RMRP mutations that lead to decreased RMRP levels are found in the pleiotropic
      syndrome Cartilage Hair Hypoplasia. To assess the effects of deleting RMRP, we
      engineered a targeting vector that contains loxP sequences flanking RMRP and
      created hemizygous mice harboring this engineered allele (RMRP conditional). We
      found that insertion of this cassette suppressed RMRP expression, and we failed
      to obtain viable mice homozygous for the RMRP conditional allele. Furthermore, we
      were unable to obtain viable homozygous RMRP null mice, indicating that RMRP is
      essential for early embryonic development.

PMID- 22039456
TI  - Excess risk of maternal death from sickle cell disease in Jamaica: 1998-2007.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Decreases in direct maternal deaths in Jamaica have been negated by
      growing indirect deaths. With sickle cell disease (SCD) a consistent underlying
      cause, we describe the epidemiology of maternal deaths in this population.
      METHODS: Demographic, service delivery and cause specific mortality rates were
      compared among women with (n = 42) and without SCD (n = 376), and between SCD
      women who died in 1998-2002 and 2003-7. RESULTS: Women with SCD had fewer viable
      pregnancies (p: 0.02) despite greater access to high risk antenatal care (p:
      0.001), and more often died in an intensive care unit (p: 0.002). In the most
      recent period (2003-7) SCD women achieved more pregnancies (median 2 vs. 3; p:
      0.009), made more antenatal visits (mean 3.3 vs. 7.3; p: 0.01) and were more
      often admitted antenatally (p:<0.0001). The maternal mortality ratio for SCD
      decedents was 7-11 times higher than the general population, with 41% of deaths
      attributable to their disorder. Cause specific mortality was higher for
      cardiovascular complications, gestational hypertension and haemorrhage.
      Respiratory failure was the leading immediate cause of death. CONCLUSIONS: Women
      with SCD experience a significant excess risk of dying in pregnancy and
      childbirth [MMR: (SCD) 719/100,000, (non SCD) 78/100,000]. MDG5 cannot be
      realised without improving care for women with SCD. Tertiary services (e.g.
      ventilator support) are needed at regional centres to improve outcomes in this
      and other high risk populations. Universal SCD screening in pregnancy in
      populations of African and Mediterranean descent is needed as are guidelines for
      managing SCD pregnancies and educating families with SCD.

PMID- 22039457
TI  - Modulation of transcriptional and inflammatory responses in murine macrophages by
      the Mycobacterium tuberculosis mammalian cell entry (Mce) 1 complex.
AB  - The outcome of many infections depends on the initial interactions between agent
      and host. Aiming at elucidating the effect of the M. tuberculosis Mce1 protein
      complex on host transcriptional and immunological responses to infection with M.
      tuberculosis, RNA from murine macrophages at 15, 30, 60 min, 4 and 10 hrs post
      infection with M. tuberculosis H37Rv or Delta-mce1 H37Rv was analyzed by whole
      genome microarrays and RT-QPCR. Immunological responses were measured using a 23
      plex cytokine assay. Compared to uninfected controls, 524 versus 64 genes were up
      regulated by 15 min post H37Rv- and Delta-mce1 H37Rv-infection, respectively. By
      15 min post-H37Rv infection, a decline of 17 cytokines combined with up
      regulation of Ccl24 (26.5-fold), Clec4a2 (23.2-fold) and Ppargamma (10.5-fold)
      indicated an anti-inflammatory response initiated by IL-13. Down-regulation of
      Il13ra1 combined with up-regulation of Il12b (30.2-fold), suggested switch to a
      pro-inflammatory response by 4 hrs post H37Rv-infection. Whereas no significant
      change in cytokine concentration or transcription was observed during the first
      hour post Delta-mce1 H37Rv-infection, a significant decline of IL-1b, IL-9, IL
      13, Eotaxin and GM-CSF combined with increased transcription of Il12b (25.1-fold)
      and Inb1 (17.9-fold) by 4 hrs, indicated a pro-inflammatory response. The balance
      between pro-and anti-inflammatory responses during the early stages of infection
      may have significant bearing on outcome.

PMID- 22039458
TI  - Determinants of functional coupling between astrocytes and respiratory neurons in
      the pre-Botzinger complex.
AB  - Respiratory neuronal network activity is thought to require efficient functioning
      of astrocytes. Here, we analyzed neuron-astrocyte communication in the pre
      Botzinger Complex (preBotC) of rhythmic slice preparations from neonatal mice. In
      astrocytes that exhibited rhythmic potassium fluxes and glutamate transporter
      currents, we did not find a translation of respiratory neuronal activity into
      phase-locked astroglial calcium signals. In up to 20% of astrocytes, 2-photon
      calcium imaging revealed spontaneous calcium fluctuations, although with no
      correlation to neuronal activity. Calcium signals could be elicited in preBotC
      astrocytes by metabotropic glutamate receptor activation or after inhibition of
      glial glutamate uptake. In the latter case, astrocyte calcium elevation preceded
      a surge of respiratory neuron discharge activity followed by network failure. We
      conclude that astrocytes do not exhibit respiratory-rhythmic calcium fluctuations
      when they are able to prevent synaptic glutamate accumulation. Calcium signaling
      is, however, observed when glutamate transport processes in astrocytes are
      suppressed or neuronal discharge activity is excessive.

PMID- 22039459
TI  - Refinement of 1p36 alterations not involving PRDM16 in myeloid and lymphoid
      malignancies.
AB  - Fluorescence in situ hybridization was performed to characterize 81 cases of
      myeloid and lymphoid malignancies with cytogenetic 1p36 alterations not affecting
      the PRDM16 locus. In total, three subgroups were identified: balanced
      translocations (N = 27) and telomeric rearrangements (N = 15), both mainly
      observed in myeloid disorders; and unbalanced non-telomeric rearrangements (N =
      39), mainly observed in lymphoid proliferations and frequently associated with a
      highly complex karyotype. The 1p36 rearrangement was isolated in 12 cases, mainly
      myeloid disorders. The breakpoints on 1p36 were more widely distributed than
      previously reported, but with identifiable rare breakpoint cluster regions, such
      as the TP73 locus. We also found novel partner loci on 1p36 for the known multi
      partner genes HMGA2 and RUNX1. We precised the common terminal 1p36 deletion,
      which has been suggested to have an adverse prognosis, in B-cell lymphomas
      [follicular lymphomas and diffuse large B-cell lymphomas with t(14;18)(q32;q21)
      as well as follicular lymphomas without t(14;18)]. Intrachromosomal telomeric
      repetitive sequences were detected in at least half the cases of telomeric
      rearrangements. It is unclear how the latter rearrangements occurred and whether
      they represent oncogenic events or result from chromosomal instability during
      oncogenesis.

PMID- 22039460
TI  - ConDeTri--a content dependent read trimmer for Illumina data.
AB  - During the last few years, DNA and RNA sequencing have started to play an
      increasingly important role in biological and medical applications, especially
      due to the greater amount of sequencing data yielded from the new sequencing
      machines and the enormous decrease in sequencing costs. Particularly,
      Illumina/Solexa sequencing has had an increasing impact on gathering data from
      model and non-model organisms. However, accurate and easy to use tools for
      quality filtering have not yet been established. We present ConDeTri, a method
      for content dependent read trimming for next generation sequencing data using
      quality scores of each individual base. The main focus of the method is to remove
      sequencing errors from reads so that sequencing reads can be standardized.
      Another aspect of the method is to incorporate read trimming in next-generation
      sequencing data processing and analysis pipelines. It can process single-end and
      paired-end sequence data of arbitrary length and it is independent from
      sequencing coverage and user interaction. ConDeTri is able to trim and remove
      reads with low quality scores to save computational time and memory usage during
      de novo assemblies. Low coverage or large genome sequencing projects will
      especially gain from trimming reads. The method can easily be incorporated into
      preprocessing and analysis pipelines for Illumina data. AVAILABILITY AND
      IMPLEMENTATION: Freely available on the web at http://code.google.com/p/condetri.

PMID- 22039461
TI  - Mechanism of disruption of the Amt-GlnK complex by P(II)-mediated sensing of 2
      oxoglutarate.
AB  - GlnK proteins regulate the active uptake of ammonium by Amt transport proteins by
      inserting their regulatory T-loops into the transport channels of the Amt trimer
      and physically blocking substrate passage. They sense the cellular nitrogen
      status through 2-oxoglutarate, and the energy level of the cell by binding both
      ATP and ADP with different affinities. The hyperthermophilic euryarchaeon
      Archaeoglobus fulgidus possesses three Amt proteins, each encoded in an operon
      with a GlnK ortholog. One of these proteins, GlnK2 was recently found to be
      incapable of binding 2-OG, and in order to understand the implications of this
      finding we conducted a detailed structural and functional analysis of a second
      GlnK protein from A. fulgidus, GlnK3. Contrary to Af-GlnK2 this protein was able
      to bind both ATP/2-OG and ADP to yield inactive and functional states,
      respectively. Due to the thermostable nature of the protein we could observe the
      exact positioning of the notoriously flexible T-loops and explain the binding
      behavior of GlnK proteins to their interaction partner, the Amt proteins. A
      thermodynamic analysis of these binding events using microcalorimetry evaluated
      by microstate modeling revealed significant differences in binding cooperativity
      compared to other characterized P(II) proteins, underlining the diversity and
      adaptability of this class of regulatory signaling proteins.

PMID- 22039462
TI  - Recognition and avoidance of contaminated flowers by foraging bumblebees (Bombus
      terrestris).
AB  - Bumblebee colonies are founded by a single-mated queen. Due to this life history
      trait, bumblebees are more susceptible to parasites and diseases than polyandrous
      and/or polygynous social insects. A greater resistance towards parasites is shown
      when the genetic variability within a colony is increased. The parasite
      resistance may be divided into different levels regarding the step of the
      parasite infection (e.g. parasite uptake, parasite intake, parasite's
      establishment in the nest, parasite transmission). We investigate the
      prophylactic behaviour of bumblebees. Bumblebees were observed during their
      foraging flights on two artificial flowers; one of these was contaminated by
      Crithidia bombi, a naturally occurring gut parasite of bumblebees (in a control
      experiment the non-specific pathogen Escherichia coli was used). For C. bombi,
      bumblebees were preferentially observed feeding on the non-contaminated flower.
      Whereas for E. coli, the number of visits between flowers was the same,
      bumblebees spent more time feeding on the non-contaminated flower. These results
      demonstrate the ability of bumblebees to recognise the contamination of food
      sources. In addition, bumblebees have a stronger preference for the non
      contaminated flower when C. bombi is present in the other flower than with E.
      coli which might be explained as an adaptive behaviour of bumblebees towards this
      specific gut parasite. It seems that the more specific the parasite is, the more
      it reduces the reward of the flower.

PMID- 22039463
TI  - A component of retinal light adaptation mediated by the thyroid hormone cascade.
AB  - Analysis with DNA-microrrays and real time PCR show that several genes involved
      in the thyroid hormone cascade, such as deiodinase 2 and 3 (Dio2 and Dio3) are
      differentially regulated by the circadian clock and by changes of the ambient
      light. The expression level of Dio2 in adult rats (2-3 months of age) kept
      continuously in darkness is modulated by the circadian clock and is up-regulated
      by 2 fold at midday. When the diurnal ambient light was on, the expression level
      of Dio2 increased by 4-8 fold and a consequent increase of the related protein
      was detected around the nuclei of retinal photoreceptors and of neurons in inner
      and outer nuclear layers. The expression level of Dio3 had a different temporal
      pattern and was down-regulated by diurnal light. Our results suggest that DIO2
      and DIO3 have a role not only in the developing retina but also in the adult
      retina and are powerfully regulated by light. As the thyroid hormone is a ligand
      inducible transcription factor controlling the expression of several target
      genes, the transcriptional activation of Dio2 could be a novel genomic component
      of light adaptation.

PMID- 22039464
TI  - A contributing role for anti-neuraminidase antibodies on immunity to pandemic
      H1N1 2009 influenza A virus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Exposure to contemporary seasonal influenza A viruses affords partial
      immunity to pandemic H1N1 2009 influenza A virus (pH1N1) infection. The impact of
      antibodies to the neuraminidase (NA) of seasonal influenza A viruses to cross
      immunity against pH1N1 infection is unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS: Antibodies to
      the NA of different seasonal H1N1 influenza strains were tested for cross
      reactivity against A/California/04/09 (pH1N1). A panel of reverse genetic (rg)
      recombinant viruses was generated containing 7 genes of the H1N1 influenza strain
      A/Puerto Rico/08/34 (PR8) and the NA gene of either the pandemic H1N1 2009 strain
      (pH1N1) or one of the following contemporary seasonal H1N1 strains:
      A/Solomon/03/06 (rg Solomon) or A/Brisbane/59/07 (rg Brisbane). Convalescent sera
      collected from mice infected with recombinant viruses were measured for cross
      reactive antibodies to pH1N1 via Hemagglutinin Inhibition (HI) or Enzyme-Linked
      Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). The ectodomain of a recombinant NA protein from the
      pH1N1 strain (pNA-ecto) was expressed, purified and used in ELISA to measure
      cross-reactive antibodies. Analysis of sera from elderly humans immunized with
      trivalent split-inactivated influenza (TIV) seasonal vaccines prior to 2009
      revealed considerable cross-reactivity to pNA-ecto. High titers of cross-reactive
      antibodies were detected in mice inoculated with either rg Solomon or rg
      Brisbane. Convalescent sera from mice inoculated with recombinant viruses were
      used to immunize naive recipient Balb/c mice by passive transfer prior to
      challenge with pH1N1. Mice receiving rg California sera were better protected
      than animals receiving rg Solomon or rg Brisbane sera. CONCLUSIONS: The NA of
      contemporary seasonal H1N1 influenza strains induces a cross-reactive antibody
      response to pH1N1 that correlates with reduced lethality from pH1N1 challenge,
      albeit less efficiently than anti-pH1N1 NA antibodies. These findings demonstrate
      that seasonal NA antibodies contribute to but are not sufficient for cross
      reactive immunity to pH1N1.

PMID- 22039465
TI  - PI3K-dependent GSK3beta(Ser9)-phosphorylation is implicated in the intestinal
      epithelial cell wound-healing response.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The ability of the intestinal epithelial barrier to respond to
      various injurious insults is an essential component of intestinal homeostasis.
      However, the molecular mechanisms responsible for wound-healing and repair in the
      intestine are poorly understood. The glycogen synthase kinase 3beta (GSK3beta)
      has been implicated in various biological processes such as cellular motility,
      cell spreading and recently inflammation. AIM: To investigate the role of
      GSK3beta in intestinal epithelial cell restitution. METHODS: Rat intestinal
      epithelial IEC18 cells were serum-starved for 16 to 24 h and wounded by multiple
      scraping. Akt(Ser473)-, GSK3beta(Ser9)- and RelA(Ser536)-phosphorylation were
      determined by Western blot using specific phospho-antibodies. The inhibitors
      AG1478 (1 uM) and Ly294002 (25 uM) were used to block EGF-R autophosphorylation
      and PI3K-activation, respectively. beta-Catenin/LEF/TCF dependent transcription
      was determined by reporter gene assay (TOP/FOP system). C-myc gene expression was
      evaluated by real-time RT-PCR. GSK3beta(-/-) mouse embryonic fibroblasts were
      used to characterize the role of GSK3beta in wounding-induced cell migration.
      RESULTS: Wounding induced GSK3beta(Ser9) phosphorylation in IEC-18 cells, which
      led to beta-catenin accumulation as well as nuclear translocation of beta
      catenin. beta-Catenin stabilization/nuclear translocation led to enhanced LEF-TCF
      transcriptional activity and subsequent c-myc mRNA accumulation in wounded cell
      monolayers. Blocking PI3K/Akt signaling with Ly294002 prevented wound-induced
      GSK3beta(Ser9) phosphorylation as well as beta-catenin nuclear translocation and
      significantly attenuated restitution. Additionally, wounding induced rapid NF
      kB(Ser536) phosphorylation, which was inhibited by AG1478, but not by Ly294002.
      GSK3beta(-/-) cells demonstrated significantly attenuated wound-induced
      restitution compared to wild-type cells. CONCLUSION: We conclude that PI3K
      mediated GSK3beta phosphorylation is involved in the intestinal epithelial wound
      healing response. Phosphorylation of GSK3beta may be important for intestinal
      restitution by promoting cell motility in response to wounding.

PMID- 22039466
TI  - A mechanism for synergy with combined mTOR and PI3 kinase inhibitors.
AB  - Dysregulation of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling has been
      found in many human cancers, particularly those with loss of the tumor suppressor
      PTEN. However, mTORC1 inhibitors such as temsirolimus have only modest activity
      when used alone and may induce acquired resistance by activating upstream mTORC2
      and Akt. Other tumors that do not depend upon PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling for
      survival are primarily resistant. This study tested the hypothesis that the
      limited clinical efficacy of temsirolimus is due to a compensatory increase in
      survival signaling pathways downstream of Akt as well as an incomplete block of
      4E-BP1-controlled proliferative processes downstream of mTOR. We explored the
      addition of a PI3K inhibitor to temsirolimus and identified the mechanism of
      combinatorial synergy. Proliferation assays revealed that BEZ235 (dual PI3K/mTOR
      inhibitor) or ZSTK474 (pan PI3K inhibitor) combined with temsirolimus
      synergistically inhibited cell growth compared to cells treated with any of the
      agents alone. Co-treatment resulted in G0/G1 cell cycle arrest and up-regulation
      of p27. Cell death occurred through massive autophagy and subsequent apoptosis.
      While molecular profiling revealed that, in most cases, sensitivity to
      temsirolimus alone was most marked in cells with high basal phospho-Akt resulting
      from PTEN inactivation, combining a PI3K inhibitor with temsirolimus prevented
      compensatory Akt phosphorylation and synergistically enhanced cell death
      regardless of PTEN status. Another molecular correlate of synergy was the finding
      that temsirolimus treatment alone blocks downstream S6 kinase signaling, but not
      4E-BP1. Adding BEZ235 completely abrogated 4E-BP1 phosphorylation. We conclude
      that the addition of a PI3K inhibitor overcomes cellular resistance to mTORC1
      inhibitors regardless of PTEN status, and thus substantially expands the
      molecular phenotype of tumors likely to respond.

PMID- 22039467
TI  - Inhibition of HERG potassium channels by celecoxib and its mechanism.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Celecoxib (Celebrex), a widely prescribed selective inhibitor of
      cyclooxygenase-2, can modulate ion channels independently of cyclooxygenase
      inhibition. Clinically relevant concentrations of celecoxib can affect ionic
      currents and alter functioning of neurons and myocytes. In particular, inhibition
      of Kv2.1 channels by celecoxib leads to arrhythmic beating of Drosophila heart
      and of rat heart cells in culture. However, the spectrum of ion channels involved
      in human cardiac excitability differs from that in animal models, including
      mammalian models, making it difficult to evaluate the relevance of these
      observations to humans. Our aim was to examine the effects of celecoxib on hERG
      and other human channels critically involved in regulating human cardiac rhythm,
      and to explore the mechanisms of any observed effect on the hERG channels.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: Celecoxib inhibited the hERG, SCN5A, KCNQ1 and KCNQ1/MinK
      channels expressed in HEK-293 cells with IC(50)s of 6.0 uM, 7.5 uM, 3.5 uM and
      3.7 uM respectively, and the KCND3/KChiP2 channels expressed in CHO cells with an
      IC(50) of 10.6 uM. Analysis of celecoxib's effects on hERG channels suggested
      gating modification as the mechanism of drug action. CONCLUSIONS: The above
      channels play a significant role in drug-induced long QT syndrome (LQTS) and
      short QT syndrome (SQTS). Regulatory guidelines require that all new drugs under
      development be tested for effects on the hERG channel prior to first
      administration in humans. Our observations raise the question of celecoxib's
      potential to induce cardiac arrhythmias or other channel related adverse effects,
      and make a case for examining such possibilities.

PMID- 22039468
TI  - The minimal domain of adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) ranges until leucine 254
      and can be activated and inhibited by CGI-58 and G0S2, respectively.
AB  - Adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL) is the rate-limiting enzyme of lipolysis. ATGL
      specifically hydrolyzes triacylglycerols (TGs), thereby generating
      diacylglycerols and free fatty acids. ATGL's enzymatic activity is co-activated
      by the protein comparative gene identification-58 (CGI-58) and inhibited by the
      protein G0/G1 switch gene 2 (G0S2). The enzyme is predicted to act through a
      catalytic dyad (Ser47, Asp166) located within the conserved patatin domain (Ile10
      Leu178). Yet, neither an experimentally determined 3D structure nor a model of
      ATGL is currently available, which would help to understand how CGI-58 and G0S2
      modulate ATGL's activity. In this study we determined the minimal active domain
      of ATGL. This minimal fragment of ATGL could still be activated and inhibited by
      CGI-58 and G0S2, respectively. Furthermore, we show that this minimal domain is
      sufficient for protein-protein interaction of ATGL with its regulatory proteins.
      Based on these data, we generated a 3D homology model for the minimal domain. It
      strengthens our experimental finding that amino acids between Leu178 and Leu254
      are essential for the formation of a stable protein domain related to the patatin
      fold. Our data provide insights into the structure-function relationship of ATGL
      and indicate higher structural similarities in the N-terminal halves of mammalian
      patatin-like phospholipase domain containing proteins, (PNPLA1, -2,- 3 and -5)
      than originally anticipated.

PMID- 22039469
TI  - Age shall not weary us: deleterious effects of self-regulation depletion are
      specific to younger adults.
AB  - Self-regulation depletion (SRD), or ego-depletion, refers to decrements in self
      regulation performance immediately following a different self-regulation
      demanding activity. There are now over a hundred studies reporting SRD across a
      broad range of tasks and conditions. However, most studies have used young
      student samples. Because prefrontal brain regions thought to subserve self
      regulation do not fully mature until 25 years of age, it is possible that SRD
      effects are confined to younger populations and are attenuated or disappear in
      older samples. We investigated this using the Stroop color task as an SRD
      induction and an autobiographical memory task as the outcome measure. We found
      that younger participants (<25 years) were susceptible to depletion effects, but
      found no support for such effects in an older group (40-65 years). This suggests
      that the widely-reported phenomenon of SRD has important developmental boundary
      conditions casting doubt on claims that it represents a general feature of human
      cognition.

PMID- 22039470
TI  - High levels of sediment contamination have little influence on estuarine beach
      fish communities.
AB  - While contaminants are predicted to have measurable impacts on fish assemblages,
      studies have rarely assessed this potential in the context of natural variability
      in physico-chemical conditions within and between estuaries. We investigated
      links between the distribution of sediment contamination (metals and PAHs),
      physico-chemical variables (pH, salinity, temperature, turbidity) and beach fish
      assemblages in estuarine environments. Fish communities were sampled using a
      beach seine within the inner and outer zones of six estuaries that were either
      heavily modified or relatively unmodified by urbanization and industrial
      activity. All sampling was replicated over two years with two periods sampled
      each year. Shannon diversity, biomass and abundance were all significantly higher
      in the inner zone of estuaries while fish were larger on average in the outer
      zone. Strong differences in community composition were also detected between the
      inner and outer zones. Few differences were detected between fish assemblages in
      heavily modified versus relatively unmodified estuaries despite high
      concentrations of sediment contaminants in the inner zones of modified estuaries
      that exceeded recognized sediment quality guidelines. Trends in species
      distributions, community composition, abundance, Shannon diversity, and average
      fish weight were strongly correlated to physico-chemical variables and showed a
      weaker relationship to sediment metal contamination. Sediment PAH concentrations
      were not significantly related to the fish assemblage. These findings suggest
      that variation in some physico-chemical factors (salinity, temperature, pH) or
      variables that co-vary with these factors (e.g., wave activity or grain size)
      have a much greater influence on this fish assemblage than anthropogenic
      stressors such as contamination.

PMID- 22039471
TI  - Benefit from B-lymphocyte depletion using the anti-CD20 antibody rituximab in
      chronic fatigue syndrome. A double-blind and placebo-controlled study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a disease of unknown aetiology.
      Major CFS symptom relief during cancer chemotherapy in a patient with synchronous
      CFS and lymphoma spurred a pilot study of B-lymphocyte depletion using the anti
      CD20 antibody Rituximab, which demonstrated significant clinical response in
      three CFS patients. METHODS AND FINDINGS: In this double-blind, placebo
      controlled phase II study (NCT00848692), 30 CFS patients were randomised to
      either Rituximab 500 mg/m(2) or saline, given twice two weeks apart, with follow
      up for 12 months. Xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus (XMRV) was not
      detected in any of the patients. The responses generally affected all CFS
      symptoms. Major or moderate overall response, defined as lasting improvements in
      self-reported Fatigue score during follow-up, was seen in 10 out of 15 patients
      (67%) in the Rituximab group and in two out of 15 patients (13%) in the Placebo
      group (p = 0.003). Mean response duration within the follow-up period for the 10
      responders to Rituximab was 25 weeks (range 8-44). Four Rituximab patients had
      clinical response durations past the study period. General linear models for
      repeated measures of Fatigue scores during follow-up showed a significant
      interaction between time and intervention group (p = 0.018 for self-reported, and
      p = 0.024 for physician-assessed), with differences between the Rituximab and
      Placebo groups between 6-10 months after intervention. The primary end-point,
      defined as effect on self-reported Fatigue score 3 months after intervention, was
      negative. There were no serious adverse events. Two patients in the Rituximab
      group with pre-existing psoriasis experienced moderate psoriasis worsening.
      CONCLUSION: The delayed responses starting from 2-7 months after Rituximab
      treatment, in spite of rapid B-cell depletion, suggests that CFS is an autoimmune
      disease and may be consistent with the gradual elimination of autoantibodies
      preceding clinical responses. The present findings will impact future research
      efforts in CFS. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00848692.

PMID- 22039472
TI  - Discrete redox signaling pathways regulate photosynthetic light-harvesting and
      chloroplast gene transcription.
AB  - In photosynthesis in chloroplasts, two related regulatory processes balance the
      actions of photosystems I and II. These processes are short-term, post
      translational redistribution of light-harvesting capacity, and long-term
      adjustment of photosystem stoichiometry initiated by control of chloroplast DNA
      transcription. Both responses are initiated by changes in the redox state of the
      electron carrier, plastoquinone, which connects the two photosystems. Chloroplast
      Sensor Kinase (CSK) is a regulator of transcription of chloroplast genes for
      reaction centres of the two photosystems, and a sensor of plastoquinone redox
      state. We asked whether CSK is also involved in regulation of absorbed light
      energy distribution by phosphorylation of light-harvesting complex II (LHC II).
      Chloroplast thylakoid membranes isolated from a CSK T-DNA insertion mutant and
      from wild-type Arabidopsis thaliana exhibit similar light- and redox-induced
      (32)P-labelling of LHC II and changes in 77 K chlorophyll fluorescence emission
      spectra, while room-temperature chlorophyll fluorescence emission transients from
      Arabidopsis leaves are perturbed by inactivation of CSK. The results indicate
      indirect, pleiotropic effects of reaction centre gene transcription on regulation
      of photosynthetic light-harvesting in vivo. A single, direct redox signal is
      transmitted separately to discrete transcriptional and post-translational
      branches of an integrated cytoplasmic regulatory system.

PMID- 22039473
TI  - Deactivation of the default mode network as a marker of impaired consciousness:
      an fMRI study.
AB  - Diagnosis of patients with a disorder of consciousness is very challenging.
      Previous studies investigating resting state networks demonstrate that 2 main
      features of the so-called default mode network (DMN), metabolism and functional
      connectivity, are impaired in patients with a disorder of consciousness. However,
      task-induced deactivation--a third main feature of the DMN--has not been explored
      in a group of patients. Deactivation of the DMN is supposed to reflect
      interruptions of introspective processes. Seventeen patients with unresponsive
      wakefulness syndrome (UWS, former vegetative state), 8 patients in minimally
      conscious state (MCS), and 25 healthy controls were investigated with functional
      magnetic resonance imaging during a passive sentence listening task. Results show
      that deactivation in medial regions is reduced in MCS and absent in UWS patients
      compared to healthy controls. Moreover, behavioral scores assessing the level of
      consciousness correlate with deactivation in patients. On single-subject level,
      all control subjects but only 2 patients in MCS and 6 with UWS exposed
      deactivation. Interestingly, all patients who deactivated during speech
      processing (except for one) showed activation in left frontal regions which are
      associated with conscious processing. Our results indicate that deactivation of
      the DMN can be associated with the level of consciousness by selecting those who
      are able to interrupt ongoing introspective processes. In consequence,
      deactivation of the DMN may function as a marker of consciousness.

PMID- 22039474
TI  - The existence of a hypnotic state revealed by eye movements.
AB  - Hypnosis has had a long and controversial history in psychology, psychiatry and
      neurology, but the basic nature of hypnotic phenomena still remains unclear.
      Different theoretical approaches disagree as to whether or not hypnosis may
      involve an altered mental state. So far, a hypnotic state has never been
      convincingly demonstrated, if the criteria for the state are that it involves
      some objectively measurable and replicable behavioural or physiological phenomena
      that cannot be faked or simulated by non-hypnotized control subjects. We present
      a detailed case study of a highly hypnotizable subject who reliably shows a range
      of changes in both automatic and volitional eye movements when given a hypnotic
      induction. These changes correspond well with the phenomenon referred to as the
      "trance stare" in the hypnosis literature. Our results show that this 'trance
      stare' is associated with large and objective changes in the optokinetic reflex,
      the pupillary reflex and programming a saccade to a single target. Control
      subjects could not imitate these changes voluntarily. For the majority of people,
      hypnotic induction brings about states resembling normal focused attention or
      mental imagery. Our data nevertheless highlight that in some cases hypnosis may
      involve a special state, which qualitatively differs from the normal state of
      consciousness.

PMID- 22039475
TI  - Simulation of near-infrared light absorption considering individual head and
      prefrontal cortex anatomy: implications for optical neuroimaging.
AB  - Functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is an established optical
      neuroimaging method for measuring functional hemodynamic responses to infer
      neural activation. However, the impact of individual anatomy on the sensitivity
      of fNIRS measuring hemodynamics within cortical gray matter is still unknown. By
      means of Monte Carlo simulations and structural MRI of 23 healthy subjects (mean
      age: 25.0+/-2.8 years), we characterized the individual distribution of tissue
      specific NIR-light absorption underneath 24 prefrontal fNIRS channels. We,
      thereby, investigated the impact of scalp-cortex distance (SCD), frontal sinus
      volume as well as sulcal morphology on gray matter volumes (V(gray)) traversed by
      NIR-light, i.e. anatomy-dependent fNIRS sensitivity. The NIR-light absorption
      between optodes was distributed describing a rotational ellipsoid with a mean
      penetration depth of (23.6+/-0.7) mm considering the deepest 5% of light. Of the
      detected photon packages scalp and bone absorbed (96.4+/-9.7)% and V(gray)
      absorbed (3.1+/-1.8)% of the energy. The mean V(gray) volume (1.1+/-0.4) cm3 was
      negatively correlated (r=-.76) with the SCD and frontal sinus volume (r=-.57) and
      was reduced by 41.5% in subjects with relatively large compared to small frontal
      sinus. Head circumference was significantly positively correlated with the mean
      SCD (r=.46) and the traversed frontal sinus volume (r=.43). Sulcal morphology had
      no significant impact on V(gray). Our findings suggest to consider individual SCD
      and frontal sinus volume as anatomical factors impacting fNIRS sensitivity. Head
      circumference may represent a practical measure to partly control for these
      sources of error variance.

PMID- 22039476
TI  - Targeted cell fusion facilitates stable heterokaryon generation in vitro and in
      vivo.
AB  - Induced cell fusion has enabled several important discoveries, including the
      phenomenon of nuclear reprogramming and may yet be applied as a novel therapy for
      degenerative diseases. However, existing fusogens lack the efficiency required to
      enable investigation of the epigenetic modifications underlying nuclear
      reprogramming and the specificity required for clinical application. Here we
      present a chimeric measles hemagglutinin, Halpha7, which specifically and
      efficiently mediates the fusion of diverse cell types with skeletal muscle both
      in vitro and in vivo. When compared directly to polyethylene glycol, Halpha7
      consistently generated a substantial increase in heterokaryon yield and exhibited
      insignificant levels of toxicity. Moreover, this increased fusion efficiency
      enabled detection of chromatin modifications associated with nuclear
      reprogramming following Halpha7-mediated fusion of human fibroblasts and mouse
      myotubes. Finally, Halpha7 was also capable of increasing the contribution of
      transplanted fibroblasts to skeletal muscle repair in vivo, suggesting that this
      strategy could be used for therapeutic gene delivery.

PMID- 22039477
TI  - Systematic analysis of gene expression differences between left and right atria
      in different mouse strains and in human atrial tissue.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Normal development of the atria requires left-right differentiation
      during embryonic development. Reduced expression of Pitx2c (paired-like
      homeodomain transcription factor 2, isoform c), a key regulator of left-right
      asymmetry, has recently been linked to atrial fibrillation. We therefore
      systematically studied the molecular composition of left and right atrial tissue
      in adult murine and human atria. METHODS: We compared left and right atrial gene
      expression in healthy, adult mice of different strains and ages by employing
      whole genome array analyses on freshly frozen atrial tissue. Selected genes with
      enriched expression in either atrium were validated by RT-qPCR and Western blot
      in further animals and in shock-frozen left and right atrial appendages of
      patients undergoing open heart surgery. RESULTS: We identified 77 genes with
      preferential expression in one atrium that were common in all strains and age
      groups analysed. Independent of strain and age, Pitx2c was the gene with the
      highest enrichment in left atrium, while Bmp10, a member of the TGFbeta family,
      showed highest enrichment in right atrium. These differences were validated by RT
      qPCR in murine and human tissue. Western blot showed a 2-fold left-right
      concentration gradient in PITX2 protein in adult human atria. Several of the
      genes and gene groups enriched in left atria have a known biological role for
      maintenance of healthy physiology, specifically the prevention of atrial
      pathologies involved in atrial fibrillation, including membrane
      electrophysiology, metabolic cellular function, and regulation of inflammatory
      processes. Comparison of the array datasets with published array analyses in
      heterozygous Pitx2c(+/-) atria suggested that approximately half of the genes
      with left-sided enrichment are regulated by Pitx2c. CONCLUSIONS: Our study
      reveals systematic differences between left and right atrial gene expression and
      supports the hypothesis that Pitx2c has a functional role in maintaining
      "leftness" in the atrium in adult murine and human hearts.

PMID- 22039478
TI  - Presence of cartilage stem/progenitor cells in adult mice auricular
      perichondrium.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Based on evidence from several other tissues, cartilage
      stem/progenitor cells in the auricular cartilage presumably contribute to tissue
      development or homeostasis of the auricle. However, no definitive studies have
      identified or characterized a stem/progenitor population in mice auricle.
      METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) label
      retaining technique was used to label dividing cells in fetal mice. Observations
      one year following the labeling revealed that label-retaining cells (LRCs) were
      present specifically in auricular perichondrium at a rate of 0.08+/-0.06%, but
      LRCs were not present in chondrium. Furthermore, LRCs were successfully isolated
      and cultivated from auricular cartilage. Immunocytochemical analyses showed that
      LRCs express CD44 and integrin-alpha(5). These LRCs, putative stem/progenitor
      cells, possess clonogenicity and chondrogenic capability in vitro.
      CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: We have identified a population of putative cartilage
      stem/progenitor cells in the auricular perichondrium of mice. Further
      characterization and utilization of the cell population should improve our
      understanding of basic cartilage biology and lead to advances in cartilage tissue
      engineering and novel therapeutic strategies for patients with craniofacial
      defects, including long-term tissue restoration.

PMID- 22039479
TI  - Rapid maxillary anterior teeth retraction en masse by bone compression: a canine
      model.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The present study sought to establish an animal model to study the
      feasibility and safety of rapid retraction of maxillary anterior teeth en masse
      aided by alveolar surgery in order to reduce orthodontic treatment time. METHOD:
      Extraction of the maxillary canine and alveolar surgery were performed on twelve
      adult beagle dogs. After that, the custom-made tooth-borne distraction devices
      were placed on beagles' teeth. Nine of the dogs were applied compression at 0.5
      mm/d for 12 days continuously. The other three received no force as the control
      group. The animals were killed in 1, 14, and 28 days after the end of the
      application of compression. RESULTS: The tissue responses were assessed by
      craniometric measurement as well as histological examination. Gross alterations
      were evident in the experimental group, characterized by anterior teeth
      crossbite. The average total movements of incisors within 12 days were 4.63+/
      0.10 mm and the average anchorage losses were 1.25+/-0.12 mm. Considerable root
      resorption extending into the dentine could be observed 1 and 14 days after the
      compression. But after consolidation of 28 days, there were regenerated cementum
      on the dentine. There was no apparent change in the control group. No obvious
      tooth loosening, gingival necrosis, pulp degeneration, or other adverse
      complications appeared in any of the dogs. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first
      experimental study for testing the technique of rapid anterior teeth retraction
      en masse aided by modified alveolar surgery. Despite a preliminary animal model
      study, the current findings pave the way for the potential clinical application
      that can accelerate orthodontic tooth movement without many adverse
      complications. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: It may become a novel method to shorten the
      clinical orthodontic treatment time in the future.

PMID- 22039480
TI  - The Streptococcus sanguinis competence regulon is not required for infective
      endocarditis virulence in a rabbit model.
AB  - Streptococcus sanguinis is an important component of dental plaque and a leading
      cause of infective endocarditis. Genetic competence in S. sanguinis requires a
      quorum sensing system encoded by the early comCDE genes, as well as late genes
      controlled by the alternative sigma factor, ComX. Previous studies of
      Streptococcus pneumoniae and Streptococcus mutans have identified functions for
      the >100-gene com regulon in addition to DNA uptake, including virulence. We
      investigated this possibility in S. sanguinis. Strains deleted for the comCDE or
      comX master regulatory genes were created. Using a rabbit endocarditis model in
      conjunction with a variety of virulence assays, we determined that both mutants
      possessed infectivity equivalent to that of a virulent control strain, and that
      measures of disease were similar in rabbits infected with each strain. These
      results suggest that the com regulon is not required for S. sanguinis infective
      endocarditis virulence in this model. We propose that the different roles of the
      S. sanguinis, S. pneumoniae, and S. mutans com regulons in virulence can be
      understood in relation to the pathogenic mechanisms employed by each species.

PMID- 22039481
TI  - Imprinted genes that regulate early mammalian growth are coexpressed in somatic
      stem cells.
AB  - Lifelong, many somatic tissues are replenished by specialized adult stem cells.
      These stem cells are generally rare, infrequently dividing, occupy a unique
      niche, and can rapidly respond to injury to maintain a steady tissue size.
      Despite these commonalities, few shared regulatory mechanisms have been
      identified. Here, we scrutinized data comparing genes expressed in murine long
      term hematopoietic stem cells with their differentiated counterparts and observed
      that a disproportionate number were members of the developmentally-important,
      monoallelically expressed imprinted genes. Studying a subset, which are members
      of a purported imprinted gene network (IGN), we found their expression in HSCs
      rapidly altered upon hematopoietic perturbations. These imprinted genes were also
      predominantly expressed in stem/progenitor cells of the adult epidermis and
      skeletal muscle in mice, relative to their differentiated counterparts. The
      parallel down-regulation of these genes postnatally in response to proliferation
      and differentiation suggests that the IGN could play a mechanistic role in both
      cell growth and tissue homeostasis.

PMID- 22039482
TI  - Rac1-regulated endothelial radiation response stimulates extravasation and
      metastasis that can be blocked by HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors.
AB  - Radiotherapy (RT) plays a key role in cancer treatment. Although the benefit of
      ionizing radiation (IR) is well established, some findings raise the possibility
      that irradiation of the primary tumor not only triggers a killing response but
      also increases the metastatic potential of surviving tumor cells. Here we
      addressed the question of whether irradiation of normal cells outside of the
      primary tumor augments metastasis by stimulating the extravasation of circulating
      tumor cells. We show that IR exposure of human endothelial cells (EC), tumor
      cells (TC) or both increases TC-EC adhesion in vitro. IR-stimulated TC-EC
      adhesion was blocked by the HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor lovastatin. Glycyrrhizic
      acid from liquorice root, which acts as a Sialyl-Lewis X mimetic drug, and the
      Rac1 inhibitor NSC23766 also reduced TC-EC adhesion. To examine the in vivo
      relevance of these findings, tumorigenic cells were injected into the tail vein
      of immunodeficient mice followed by total body irradiation (TBI). The data
      obtained show that TBI dramatically enhances tumor cell extravasation and lung
      metastasis. This pro-metastatic radiation effect was blocked by pre-treating mice
      with lovastatin, glycyrrhizic acid or NSC23766. TBI of mice prior to tumor cell
      transplantation also stimulated metastasis, which was again blocked by
      lovastatin. The data point to a pro-metastatic trans-effect of RT, which likely
      rests on the endothelial radiation response promoting the extravasation of
      circulating tumor cells. Administration of the widely used lipid-lowering drug
      lovastatin prior to irradiation counteracts this process, likely by suppressing
      Rac1-regulated E-selectin expression following irradiation. The data support the
      concern that radiation exposure might increase the extravasation of circulating
      tumor cells and recommend co-administration of lipid-lowering drugs to avoid this
      adverse effect of ionizing radiation.

PMID- 22039483
TI  - Relative quantification of protein-protein interactions using a dual luciferase
      reporter pull-down assay system.
AB  - The identification and quantitative analysis of protein-protein interactions are
      essential to the functional characterization of proteins in the post-proteomics
      era. The methods currently available are generally time-consuming, technically
      complicated, insensitive and/or semi-quantitative. The lack of simple, sensitive
      approaches to precisely quantify protein-protein interactions still prevents our
      understanding of the functions of many proteins. Here, we develop a novel dual
      luciferase reporter pull-down assay by combining a biotinylated Firefly
      luciferase pull-down assay with a dual luciferase reporter assay. The
      biotinylated Firefly luciferase-tagged protein enables rapid and efficient
      isolation of a putative Renilla luciferase-tagged binding protein from a
      relatively small amount of sample. Both of these proteins can be quantitatively
      detected using the dual luciferase reporter assay system. Protein-protein
      interactions, including Fos-Jun located in the nucleus; MAVS-TRAF3 in cytoplasm;
      inducible IRF3 dimerization; viral protein-regulated interactions, such as MAVS
      MAVS and MAVS-TRAF3; IRF3 dimerization; and protein interaction domain mapping,
      are studied using this novel assay system. Herein, we demonstrate that this dual
      luciferase reporter pull-down assay enables the quantification of the relative
      amounts of interacting proteins that bind to streptavidin-coupled beads for
      protein purification. This study provides a simple, rapid, sensitive, and
      efficient approach to identify and quantify relative protein-protein
      interactions. Importantly, the dual luciferase reporter pull-down method will
      facilitate the functional determination of proteins.

PMID- 22039484
TI  - Quantifying and modeling birth order effects in autism.
AB  - Autism is a complex genetic disorder with multiple etiologies whose molecular
      genetic basis is not fully understood. Although a number of rare mutations and
      dosage abnormalities are specific to autism, these explain no more than 10% of
      all cases. The high heritability of autism and low recurrence risk suggests
      multifactorial inheritance from numerous loci but other factors also intervene to
      modulate risk. In this study, we examine the effect of birth rank on disease risk
      which is not expected for purely hereditary genetic models. We analyzed the data
      from three publicly available autism family collections in the USA for potential
      birth order effects and studied the statistical properties of three tests to show
      that adequate power to detect these effects exist. We detect statistically
      significant, yet varying, patterns of birth order effects across these
      collections. In multiplex families, we identify V-shaped effects where middle
      births are at high risk; in simplex families, we demonstrate linear effects where
      risk increases with each additional birth. Moreover, the birth order effect is
      gender-dependent in the simplex collection. It is currently unknown whether these
      patterns arise from ascertainment biases or biological factors. Nevertheless,
      further investigation of parental age-dependent risks yields patterns similar to
      those observed and could potentially explain part of the increased risk. A search
      for genes considering these patterns is likely to increase statistical power and
      uncover novel molecular etiologies.

PMID- 22039485
TI  - A low-cost library construction protocol and data analysis pipeline for Illumina
      based strand-specific multiplex RNA-seq.
AB  - The emergence of NextGen sequencing technology has generated much interest in the
      exploration of transcriptomes. Currently, Illumina Inc. (San Diego, CA) provides
      one of the most widely utilized sequencing platforms for gene expression
      analysis. While Illumina reagents and protocols perform adequately in RNA
      sequencing (RNA-seq), alternative reagents and protocols promise a higher
      throughput at a much lower cost. We have developed a low-cost and robust protocol
      to produce Illumina-compatible (GAIIx and HiSeq2000 platforms) RNA-seq libraries
      by combining several recent improvements. First, we designed balanced adapter
      sequences for multiplexing of samples; second, dUTP incorporation in 2(nd) strand
      synthesis was used to enforce strand-specificity; third, we simplified RNA
      purification, fragmentation and library size-selection steps thus drastically
      reducing the time and increasing throughput of library construction; fourth, we
      included an RNA spike-in control for validation and normalization purposes. To
      streamline informatics analysis for the community, we established a pipeline
      within the iPlant Collaborative. These scripts are easily customized to meet
      specific research needs and improve on existing informatics and statistical
      treatments of RNA-seq data. In particular, we apply significance tests for
      determining differential gene expression and intron retention events. To
      demonstrate the potential of both the library-construction protocol and data
      analysis pipeline, we characterized the transcriptome of the rice leaf. Our data
      supports novel gene models and can be used to improve current rice genome
      annotation. Additionally, using the rice transcriptome data, we compared
      different methods of calculating gene expression and discuss the advantages of a
      strand-specific approach to detect bona-fide anti-sense transcripts and to detect
      intron retention events. Our results demonstrate the potential of this low cost
      and robust method for RNA-seq library construction and data analysis.

PMID- 22039486
TI  - Targeted decorin gene therapy delivered with adeno-associated virus effectively
      retards corneal neovascularization in vivo.
AB  - Decorin, small leucine-rich proteoglycan, has been shown to modulate angiogenesis
      in nonocular tissues. This study tested a hypothesis that tissue-selective
      targeted decorin gene therapy delivered to the rabbit stroma with adeno
      associated virus serotype 5 (AAV5) impedes corneal neovascularization (CNV) in
      vivo without significant side effects. An established rabbit CNV model was used.
      Targeted decorin gene therapy in the rabbit stroma was delivered with a single
      topical AAV5 titer (100 ul; 5*10(12) vg/ml) application onto the stroma for two
      minutes after removing corneal epithelium. The levels of CNV were examined with
      stereomicroscopy, H&E staining, lectin, collagen type IV, CD31
      immunocytochemistry and CD31 immunoblotting. Real-time PCR quantified mRNA
      expression of pro- and anti-angiogenic genes. Corneal health in live animals was
      monitored with clinical, slit-lamp and optical coherence tomography
      biomicroscopic examinations. Selective decorin delivery into stroma showed
      significant 52% (p<0.05), 66% (p<0.001), and 63% (p<0.01) reduction at early (day
      5), mid (day 10), and late (day 14) stages of CNV in decorin-delivered rabbit
      corneas compared to control (no decorin delivered) corneas in morphometric
      analysis. The H&E staining, lectin, collagen type IV, CD31 immunostaining (57-65,
      p<0.5), and CD31 immunoblotting (62-67%, p<0.05) supported morphometric findings.
      Quantitative PCR studies demonstrated decorin gene therapy down-regulated
      expression of VEGF, MCP1 and angiopoietin (pro-angiogenic) and up-regulated PEDF
      (anti-angiogenic) genes. The clinical, biomicroscopy and transmission electron
      microscopy studies revealed that AAV5-mediated decorin gene therapy is safe for
      the cornea. Tissue-targeted AAV5-mediated decorin gene therapy decreases CNV with
      no major side effects, and could potentially be used for treating patients.

PMID- 22039487
TI  - Deterioration of the Galphao vomeronasal pathway in sexually dimorphic mammals.
AB  - In mammals, social and sexual behaviours are largely mediated by the vomeronasal
      system (VNS). The accessory olfactory bulb (AOB) is the first synaptic locus of
      the VNS and ranges from very large in Caviomorph rodents, small in carnivores and
      ungulates, to its complete absence in apes, elephants, most bats and aquatic
      species. Two pathways have been described in the VNS of mammals. In mice,
      vomeronasal neurons expressing Galphai2 protein project to the rostral portion of
      the AOB and respond mostly to small volatile molecules, whereas neurons
      expressing Galphao project to the caudal AOB and respond mostly to large non
      volatile molecules. However, the Galphao-expressing pathway is absent in several
      species (horses, dogs, musk shrews, goats and marmosets) but no hypotheses have
      been proposed to date to explain the loss of that pathway. We noted that the
      species that lost the Galphao pathway belong to Laurasiatheria and Primates
      lineages, both clades with ubiquitous sexual dimorphisms across species. To
      assess whether similar events of Galphao pathway loss could have occurred
      convergently in dimorphic species we studied G-protein expression in the AOB of
      two species that independently evolved sexually dimorphic traits: the California
      ground squirrel Spermophilus beecheyi (Rodentia; Sciurognathi) and the cape hyrax
      Procavia capensis (Afrotheria; Hyracoidea). We found that both species show
      uniform expression of Galphai2-protein throughout AOB glomeruli, while Galphao
      expression is restricted to main olfactory glomeruli only. Our results suggest
      that the degeneration of the Galphao-expressing vomeronasal pathway has occurred
      independently at least four times in Eutheria, possibly related to the emergence
      of sexual dimorphisms and the ability of detecting the gender of conspecifics at
      distance.

PMID- 22039488
TI  - Genetic association of multiple sclerosis with the marker rs391745 near the
      endogenous retroviral locus HERV-Fc1: analysis of disease subtypes.
AB  - We have previously described the occurrence of multiple sclerosis (MS) to be
      associated with human endogenous retroviruses, specifically the X-linked viral
      locus HERV-Fc1. The aim of this study was to investigate a possible association
      of the HERV-Fc1 locus with subtypes of MS. MS patients are generally subdivided
      into three categories: Remitting/Relapsing and Secondary Progressive, which
      together constitute Bout Onset MS, and Primary Progressive. In this study of 1181
      MS patients and 1886 controls we found that Bout Onset MS was associated with the
      C-allele of the marker rs391745 near the HERV-Fc1 locus (p = 0.003), while
      primary progressive disease was not. The ability to see genetic differences
      between subtypes of MS near this gene speaks for the involvement of the virus
      HERV-Fc1 locus in modifying the disease course of MS.

PMID- 22039489
TI  - S-diclofenac protects against doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy in mice via
      ameliorating cardiac gap junction remodeling.
AB  - Hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S), as a novel gaseous mediator, plays important roles in
      mammalian cardiovascular tissues. In the present study, we investigated the
      cardioprotective effect of S-diclofenac (2-[(2,6-dichlorophenyl)amino]
      benzeneacetic acid 4-(3H-1,2,dithiol-3-thione-5-yl)phenyl ester), a novel H(2)S
      releasing derivative of diclofenac, in a murine model of doxorubicin-induced
      cardiomyopathy. After a single dose injection of doxorubicin (15 mg/kg, i.p.),
      male C57BL/6J mice were given daily treatment of S-diclofenac (25 and 50 umol/kg,
      i.p.), diclofenac (25 and 50 umol/kg, i.p.), NaHS (50 umol/kg, i.p.), or same
      volume of vehicle. The cardioprotective effect of S-diclofenac was observed after
      14 days. It showed that S-diclofenac, but not diclofenac, dose-dependently
      inhibited the doxorubicin-induced downregulation of cardiac gap junction proteins
      (connexin 43 and connexin 45) and thus reversed the remodeling of gap junctions
      in hearts. It also dose-dependently suppressed doxorubicin-induced activation of
      JNK in hearts. Furthermore, S-diclofenac produced a dose-dependent anti
      inflammatory and anti-oxidative effect in this model. As a result, S-diclofenac
      significantly attenuated doxorubicin-related cardiac injury and cardiac
      dysfunction, and improved the survival rate of mice with doxorubicin-induced
      cardiomyopathy. These effects of S-diclofenac were mimicked in large part by
      NaHS. Therefore, we propose that H(2)S released from S-diclofenac in vivo
      contributes to the protective effect in doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy. These
      data also provide evidence for a critical role of H(2)S in the pathogenesis of
      doxorubicin-induced cardiomyopathy.

PMID- 22039490
TI  - Quantitative proteomics of Spodoptera frugiperda cells during growth and
      baculovirus infection.
AB  - Baculovirus infection of Spodoptera frugiperda cells is a system of choice to
      produce a range of recombinant proteins, vaccines and, potentially, gene therapy
      vectors. While baculovirus genomes are well characterized, the genome of S.
      frugiperda is not sequenced and the virus-host molecular interplay is sparsely
      known. Herein, we describe the application of stable isotope labeling by amino
      acids in cell culture (SILAC) to obtain the first comparative proteome
      quantitation of S. frugiperda cells during growth and early baculovirus
      infection. The proteome coverage was maximized by compiling a search database
      with protein annotations from insect species. Of interest were differentially
      proteins related to energy metabolism, endoplasmic reticulum and oxidative
      stress, yet not investigated in the scope of baculovirus infection. Further, the
      reduced expression of key viral-encoded proteins early in the infection cycle is
      suggested to be related with decreased viral replication at high cell density
      culture. These findings have implications for virological research and
      improvement of baculovirus-based bioprocesses.

PMID- 22039491
TI  - The group-level consequences of sexual conflict in multigroup populations.
AB  - In typical sexual conflict scenarios, males best equipped to exploit females are
      favored locally over more prudent males, despite reducing female fitness.
      However, local advantage is not the only relevant form of selection. In
      multigroup populations, groups with less sexual conflict will contribute more
      offspring to the next generation than higher conflict groups, countering the
      local advantage of harmful males. Here, we varied male aggression within- and
      between-groups in a laboratory population of water striders and measured
      resulting differences in local population growth over a period of three weeks.
      The overall pool fitness (i.e., adults produced) of less aggressive pools
      exceeded that of high aggression pools by a factor of three, with the high
      aggression pools essentially experiencing no population growth over the course of
      the study. When comparing the fitness of individuals across groups, aggression
      appeared to be under stabilizing selection in the multigroup population. The use
      of contextual analysis revealed that overall stabilizing selection was a product
      of selection favoring aggression within groups, but selected against it at the
      group-level. Therefore, this report provides further evidence to show that what
      evolves in the total population is not merely an extension of within-group
      dynamics.

PMID- 22039492
TI  - Identification of direct target engagement biomarkers for kinase-targeted
      therapeutics.
AB  - Pharmacodynamic (PD) biomarkers are an increasingly valuable tool for decision
      making and prioritization of lead compounds during preclinical and clinical
      studies as they link drug-target inhibition in cells with biological activity.
      They are of particular importance for novel, first-in-class mechanisms, where the
      ability of a targeted therapeutic to impact disease outcome is often unknown. By
      definition, proximal PD biomarkers aim to measure the interaction of a drug with
      its biological target. For kinase drug discovery, protein substrate
      phosphorylation sites represent candidate PD biomarkers. However, substrate
      phosphorylation is often controlled by input from multiple converging pathways
      complicating assessment of how potently a small molecule drug hits its target
      based on substrate phoshorylation measurements alone. Here, we report the use of
      quantitative, differential mass-spectrometry to identify and monitor novel drug
      regulated phosphorylation sites on target kinases. Autophosphorylation sites
      constitute clinically validated biomarkers for select protein tyrosine kinase
      inhibitors. The present study extends this principle to phosphorylation sites in
      serine/threonine kinases looking beyond the T-loop autophosphorylation site.
      Specifically, for the 3'-phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1 (PDK1), two
      phospho-residues p-PDK1(Ser410) and p-PDK1(Thr513) are modulated by small
      molecule PDK1 inhibitors, and their degree of dephosphorylation correlates with
      inhibitor potency. We note that classical, ATP-competitive PDK1 inhibitors do not
      modulate PDK1 T-loop phosphorylation (p-PDK1(Ser241)), highlighting the value of
      an unbiased approach to identify drug target-regulated phosphorylation sites as
      these are complementary to pathway PD biomarkers. Finally, we extend our analysis
      to another protein Ser/Thr kinase, highlighting a broader utility of our approach
      for identification of kinase drug-target engagement biomarkers.

PMID- 22039493
TI  - Defining obesity cut-off points for migrant South Asians.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) are used to define
      cardiovascular and type 2 diabetes risk. We aimed to derive appropriate BMI and
      WC obesity cut-off points in a migrant South Asian population. METHODS: 4688
      White Europeans and 1333 South Asians resident in the UK aged 40-75 years
      inclusive were screened for type 2 diabetes. Principal components analysis was
      used to derive a glycaemia, lipid, and a blood pressure factor. Regression models
      for each factor, adjusted for age and stratified by sex, were used to identify
      BMI and WC cut-off points in South Asians that correspond to those defined for
      White Europeans. FINDINGS: For South Asian males, derived BMI obesity cut-off
      points equivalent to 30.0 kg/m(2) in White Europeans were 22.6 kg/m(2) (95%
      Confidence Interval (95% CI) 20.7 kg/m(2) to 24.5 kg/m(2)) for the glycaemia
      factor, 26.0 kg/m(2) (95% CI 24.7 kg/m(2) to 27.3 kg/m(2)) for the lipid factor,
      and 28.4 kg/m(2) (95% CI 26.5 kg/m(2) to 30.4 kg/m(2)) for the blood pressure
      factor. For WC, derived cut-off points for South Asian males equivalent to 102 cm
      in White Europeans were 83.8 cm (95% CI 79.3 cm to 88.2 cm) for the glycaemia
      factor, 91.4 cm (95% CI 86.9 cm to 95.8 cm) for the lipid factor, and 99.3 cm
      (95% CI 93.3 cm to 105.2 cm) for the blood pressure factor. Lower ethnicity cut
      off points were seen for females for both BMI and WC. CONCLUSIONS: Substantially
      lower obesity cut-off points are needed in South Asians to detect an equivalent
      level of dysglycemia and dyslipidemia as observed in White Europeans. South Asian
      ethnicity could be considered as a similar level of risk as obesity (in White
      Europeans) for the development of type 2 diabetes.

PMID- 22039494
TI  - Identification of hypoxia-induced genes in human SGBS adipocytes by microarray
      analysis.
AB  - Hypoxia in adipose tissue is suggested to be involved in the development of a
      chronic mild inflammation, which in obesity can further lead to insulin
      resistance. The effect of hypoxia on gene expression in adipocytes appears to
      play a central role in this inflammatory response observed in obesity. However,
      the global impact of hypoxia on transcriptional changes in human adipocytes is
      unclear. Therefore, we compared gene expression profiles of human Simpson-Golabi
      Behmel syndrome (SGBS) adipocytes under normoxic or hypoxic conditions to detect
      hypoxia-responsive genes in adipocytes by using whole human genome microarrays.
      Microarray analysis showed more than 500 significantly differentially regulated
      mRNAs after incubation of the cells under low oxygen levels. To gain further
      insight into the biological processes, hypoxia-regulated genes after 16 hours of
      hypoxia were classified according to their function. We identified an enrichment
      of genes involved in important biological processes such as glycolysis, response
      to hypoxia, regulation of cellular component movement, response to nutrient
      levels, regulation of cell migration, and transcription regulator activity. Real
      time PCR confirmed eight genes to be consistently upregulated in response to 3, 6
      and 16 hours of hypoxia. For adipocytes the hypoxia-induced regulation of these
      genes is shown here for the first time. Moreover in six of these eight genes we
      identified HIF response elements in the proximal promoters, specific for the HIF
      transcription factor family members HIF1A and HIF2A. In the present study, we
      demonstrated that hypoxia has an extensive effect on gene expression of SGBS
      adipocytes. In addition, the identified hypoxia-regulated genes are likely
      involved in the regulation of obesity, the incidence of type 2 diabetes, and the
      metabolic syndrome.

PMID- 22039495
TI  - High-dose siRNAs upregulate mouse Eri-1 at both transcription and
      posttranscription levels.
AB  - The eri-1 gene encodes a 3' exonuclease that can negatively regulate RNA
      interference via siRNase activity. High-dose siRNAs (hd-siRNAs) can enhance Eri-1
      expression, which in return degrade siRNAs and greatly reduces RNAi efficiency.
      Here we report that hd-siRNAs induce mouse Eri-1 (meri-1) expression through the
      recruitment of Sp1, Ets-1, and STAT3 to the meri-1 promoter and the formation of
      an Sp1-Ets-1-STAT3 complex. In addition, hd-siRNAs also abolish the 3'
      untranslated region (UTR) mediated posttranscriptional repression of meri-1. Our
      findings demonstrate the molecular mechanism underlying the upregulation of meri
      1 by hd-siRNA.

PMID- 22039496
TI  - Cues paired with either rapid or slower self-administered cocaine injections
      acquire similar conditioned rewarding properties.
AB  - The faster drugs of abuse reach the brain, the more addictive they can be. It is
      not known why this is. Environmental stimuli associated with drugs can promote
      the development and persistence of addiction by invigorating and precipitating
      drug-seeking behaviour. We determined, therefore, whether cues associated with
      the self-administration of rapidly delivered cocaine (injected intravenously over
      5 versus 90 seconds) would acquire greater conditioned rewarding properties, as
      assessed by the performance of an operant response reinforced solely by the cues.
      Rats nose-poked for intravenous cocaine infusions delivered either over 5 or 90
      seconds. Discrete visual cues accompanied each infusion. The rats could then
      press a lever to obtain the cues--now a conditioned reward--or an inactive lever.
      Rats in both the 5- and 90-second groups pressed more on the active versus
      inactive lever following extensive (24 sessions) but not following limited (3
      sessions) self-administration training. There were no group differences in this
      behaviour. Following withdrawal from cocaine self-administration, lever
      discrimination progressively abated in both groups and was lost by withdrawal day
      30. However, the rewarding properties of the cues were not "forgotten" because on
      withdrawal days 32-33, amphetamine selectively enhanced active-lever pressing,
      and did so to a similar extent in both groups. Thus, cues paired with rapid or
      slower cocaine delivery acquire similar conditioned rewarding properties. We
      conclude, therefore, that the rapid delivery of cocaine to the brain promotes
      addiction by mechanisms that might not involve a greater ability of drug cues to
      control behaviour.

PMID- 22039497
TI  - Habitat correlates of the red panda in the temperate forests of Bhutan.
AB  - Anthropogenic activities and associated global climate change are threatening the
      biodiversity in the Himalayas against a backdrop of poor knowledge of the
      region's threatened species. The red panda (Ailurus fulgens) is a threatened
      mammal confined to the eastern Himalayas, and because of Bhutan's central
      location in the distributional range of red pandas, its forests are integral to
      the long-term viability of wild populations. Detailed habitat requirements of the
      red panda are largely speculative, and there is virtually no ecological
      information available on this species in Bhutan. Between 2007 and 2009, we
      established 615 presence/absence plots in a systematic sampling of resident
      habitat types within Jigme Dorji and Thrumshingla National Parks, Bhutan, to
      investigate broad and fine-scale red panda habitat associations. Additional
      locality records of red pandas were obtained from interviewing 664 park
      residents. Red pandas were generally confined to cool broadleaf and conifer
      forests from 2,110-4,389 m above sea level (asl), with the majority of records
      between 2,400-3,700 m asl on south and east-facing slopes. At a finer scale,
      multivariate analysis revealed that red pandas were strongly associated with old
      growth Bhutan Fir (Abies densa) forest dominated by a dense cover of Yushania and
      Arundanaria bamboo with a high density of fallen logs and tree stumps at ground
      level; a high density of trees, dead snags, and rhododendron shrubs in the mid
      storey; and locations that were close to water. Because Bhutan's temperate
      forests that encompass prime red panda habitat are also integral to human
      subsistence and socio-economic development, there exists an inadvertent conflict
      between the needs of people and red pandas. As such, careful sustainable
      management of Bhutan's temperate forests is necessary if a balance is to be met
      between the socioeconomic needs of people and the conservation goals for red
      pandas.

PMID- 22039498
TI  - Undirected (solitary) birdsong in female and male blue-capped cordon-bleus
      (Uraeginthus cyanocephalus) and its endocrine correlates.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Birdsong is a popular model system in research areas such as vocal
      communication, neuroethology or neuroendocrinology of behaviour. As most research
      has been conducted on species with male-only song production, the hormone
      dependency of male song is well established. However, female singing and its
      mechanisms are poorly understood. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We
      characterised the song and its endocrine correlates of blue-capped cordon-bleus
      (Uraeginthus cyanocephalus), a species in which both sexes sing. Like other
      estrildids, they produce directed song during courtship and undirected (or
      solitary) song in isolation, i.e. when the mate is not visible or absent. We
      compare solitary song of blue-capped cordon-bleus to published descriptions of
      the song of its relative, the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata). Solitary song of
      cordon-bleus shared some overall song features with that of zebra finches but
      differed in spectro-temporal song features, sequential stereotypy and sequential
      organisation. The song of cordon-bleus was dimorphic with respect to the larger
      size of syllable repertoires, the higher song duration and the lower variability
      of pitch goodness (measuring the pureness of harmonic sounds) in males. However,
      in both sexes the overall plasma testosterone concentrations were low (ca. 300
      pg/ml) and did not correlate with the sexually dimorphic song motor pattern.
      Despite such low concentrations, the increase in the rate of solitary song
      coincided with an increase in the level of testosterone. Furthermore, the latency
      to start singing after the separation from the mate was related to hormone
      levels. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Our findings suggest that the occurrence of
      solitary song but not its motor pattern might be under the control of
      testosterone in female and male cordon-bleus.

PMID- 22039499
TI  - Teleological reasoning in 4-month-old infants: pupil dilations and contextual
      constraints.
AB  - Four-month-old infants were presented with feeding actions performed in a
      rational or irrational manner. Infants reacted to the irrational feeding actions
      by dilating their pupils, but only in the presence of rich contextual
      constraints. The study demonstrates that teleological processes are online at 4
      months of age and illustrates the usefulness of pupil dilations as a measure of
      social cognitive processes early in infancy.

PMID- 22039500
TI  - Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I restricted epitope discovery in yellow
      fewer and dengue viruses: importance of HLA binding strength.
AB  - Epitopes from all available full-length sequences of yellow fever virus (YFV) and
      dengue fever virus (DENV) restricted by Human Leukocyte Antigen class I (HLA-I)
      alleles covering 12 HLA-I supertypes were predicted using the NetCTL algorithm. A
      subset of 179 predicted YFV and 158 predicted DENV epitopes were selected using
      the EpiSelect algorithm to allow for optimal coverage of viral strains. The
      selected predicted epitopes were synthesized and approximately 75% were found to
      bind the predicted restricting HLA molecule with an affinity, K(D), stronger than
      500 nM. The immunogenicity of 25 HLA-A*02:01, 28 HLA-A*24:02 and 28 HLA-B*07:02
      binding peptides was tested in three HLA-transgenic mice models and led to the
      identification of 17 HLA-A*02:01, 4 HLA-A*2402 and 4 HLA-B*07:02 immunogenic
      peptides. The immunogenic peptides bound HLA significantly stronger than the non
      immunogenic peptides. All except one of the immunogenic peptides had K(D) below
      100 nM and the peptides with K(D) below 5 nM were more likely to be immunogenic.
      In addition, all the immunogenic peptides that were identified as having a high
      functional avidity had K(D) below 20 nM. A*02:01 transgenic mice were also
      inoculated twice with the 17DD YFV vaccine strain. Three of the YFV A*02:01
      restricted peptides activated T-cells from the infected mice in vitro. All three
      peptides that elicited responses had an HLA binding affinity of 2 nM or less. The
      results indicate the importance of the strength of HLA binding in shaping the
      immune response.

PMID- 22039501
TI  - Identification and characterisation of an iron-responsive candidate probiotic.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Iron is an essential cofactor in almost all biological systems. The
      lactic acid bacteria (LAB), frequently employed as probiotics, are unusual in
      having little or no requirement for iron. Iron in the human body is sequestered
      by transferrins and lactoferrin, limiting bacterial growth. An increase in the
      availability of iron in the intestine by bleeding, surgery, or under stress leads
      to an increase in the growth and virulence of many pathogens. Under these high
      iron conditions, LAB are rapidly out-competed; for the levels of probiotic
      bacteria to be maintained under high iron conditions they must be able to respond
      by increasing growth rate to compete with the normal flora. Despite this, iron
      responsive genera are poorly characterised as probiotics. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL
      FINDINGS: Here, we show that a panel of probiotics are not able to respond to
      increased iron availability, and identify an isolate of Streptococcus
      thermophilus that can increase growth rate in response to increased iron
      availability. The isolate of S. thermophilus selected was able to reduce
      epithelial cell death as well as NF-kappaB signalling and IL-8 production
      triggered by pathogens. It was capable of crossing an epithelial cell barrier in
      conjunction with E. coli and downregulating Th1 and Th17 responses in primary
      human intestinal leukocytes. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: We propose that an
      inability to compete with potential pathogens under conditions of high iron
      availability such as stress and trauma may contribute to the lack of efficacy of
      many LAB-based probiotics in treating disease. Therefore, we offer an alternative
      paradigm which considers that probiotics should be able to be competitive during
      periods of intestinal bleeding, trauma or stress.

PMID- 22039502
TI  - Molecular-genetic mapping of zebrafish mutants with variable phenotypic
      penetrance.
AB  - Forward genetic screens in vertebrates are powerful tools to generate models
      relevant to human diseases, including neuropsychiatric disorders. Variability in
      phenotypic penetrance and expressivity is common in these disorders and
      behavioral mutant models, making their molecular-genetic mapping a formidable
      task. Using a 'phenotyping by segregation' strategy, we molecularly map the
      hypersensitive zebrafish houdini mutant despite its variable phenotypic
      penetrance, providing a generally applicable strategy to map zebrafish mutants
      with subtle phenotypes.

PMID- 22039503
TI  - Is mitochondrial tRNA(phe) variant m.593T>C a synergistically pathogenic mutation
      in Chinese LHON families with m.11778G>A?
AB  - Mitochondrial transfer RNA (mt-tRNA) mutations have been reported to be
      associated with a variety of diseases. In a previous paper that studied the mtDNA
      background effect on clinical expression of Leber's hereditary optic neuropathy
      (LHON) in 182 Chinese families with m.11778G>A, we found a strikingly high
      frequency (7/182) of m.593T>C in the mitochondrially encoded tRNA phenylalanine
      (MT-TF) gene in unrelated LHON patients. To determine the potential role of
      m.593T>C in LHON, we compared the frequency of this variant in 479 LHON patients
      with m.11778G>A, 843 patients with clinical features of LHON but without the
      three known primary mutations, and 2374 Han Chinese from the general populations.
      The frequency of m.593T>C was higher in LHON patients (14/479) than in suspected
      LHON subjects (12/843) or in general controls (49/2374), but the difference was
      not statistically significant. The overall penetrance of LHON in families with
      both m.11778G>A and m.593T>C (44.6%) was also substantially higher than that of
      families with only m.11778G>A (32.9%) (P = 0.083). Secondary structure prediction
      of the MT-TF gene with the wild type or m.593T>C showed that this nucleotide
      change decreases the free energy. Electrophoretic mobility of the MT-TF genes
      with the wild type or m.593T>C transcribed in vitro further confirmed the change
      of secondary structure in the presence of this variant. Although our results
      could suggest a modest synergistic effect of variant m.593T>C on the LHON causing
      mutation m.11778G>A, the lack of statistical significance probably due to the
      relatively small sample size analyzed, makes necessary more studies to confirm
      this effect.

PMID- 22039504
TI  - Evidence of MexT-independent overexpression of MexEF-OprN multidrug efflux pump
      of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in presence of metabolic stress.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Pseudomonas aeruginosa MexEF-OprN efflux pump confers resistance
      to clinically significant antibiotics. Regulation of mexEF-oprN operon expression
      is multifaceted with the MexT activator being one of the most prominent
      regulatory proteins. METHODOLOGY: We have exploited the impaired metabolic
      fitness of a P. aeruginosa mutant strain lacking several efflux pump of the
      resistance nodulation cell division superfamily and the TolC homolog OpmH, and
      isolated derivatives (large colony variants) that regained fitness by incubation
      on nutrient-rich medium in the absence of antibiotics. Although the mexEF-oprN
      operon is uninducible in this mutant due to a 8-bp mexT insertion present in some
      P. aeruginosa PAO1 strains, the large colony variants expressed high levels of
      MexEF-OprN. Unlike large colony variants obtained after plating on antibiotic
      containing medium which expressed mexEF-oprN in a MexT-dependent fashion as
      evidenced by clean excision of the 8-bp insertion from mexT, mexEF-oprN
      expression was MexT-independent in the large colony variants obtained by plating
      on LB alone since the mexT gene remained inactivated. A search for possible
      regulators of mexEF-oprN expression using transposon mutagenesis and genomic
      library expression approaches yielded several candidates but proved inconclusive.
      SIGNIFICANCE: Our results show that antibiotic and metabolic stress lead to up
      regulation of MexEF-OprN expression via different mechanisms and that MexEF-OprN
      does not only extrude antimicrobials but rather serves other important metabolic
      functions.

PMID- 22039505
TI  - Increased number of Tc17 and correlation with Th17 cells in patients with immune
      thrombocytopenia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: IL-17-secreting CD8+ T cells (Tc17 subset) have recently been defined
      as a subpopulation of effector T cells implicated in the pathogenesis of
      autoimmune diseases. The role of Tc17 and correlation with Th17 cells in the
      pathophysiology of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) remain unsettled. DESIGN AND
      METHODS: We studied 47 ITP patients (20 newly-diagnosed and 27 with complete
      response) and 34 healthy controls. IL-17-producing CD3+CD8+ cells (Tc17) and IL
      17-producing CD3+CD8- cells (Th17) were evaluated by flow cytometry and expressed
      as a percentage of the total number of CD3+ cells. Specific anti-platelet
      glycoprotein (GP) GPIIb/IIIa and/or GPIb/IX autoantibodies were measured by
      modified monoclonal antibody specific immobilization of platelet antigens.
      Peripheral blood mononuclear cells of ITP patients were isolated, incubated in
      the presence of 0, 0.25, 0.5, or 1 umol/L of dexamethasone for 72 h, and
      collected to detect Tc17 and Th17 cells by flow cytometric analysis. RESULTS: IL
      17 was expressed on CD3+CD8- and CD3+CD8+ T cells. The percentages of Tc17 and
      Th17 cells in newly-diagnosed patients were significantly elevated compared to
      controls, and Tc17 was decreased after clinical treatment. The Th17?Tc17 ratio
      was significantly lower in newly-diagnosed patients compared with controls, and
      was increased in patients who had complete response. There was a significantly
      positive correlation between Tc17 and Th17 cells in the control group, but not in
      the ITP patients. A positive correlation existed between Tc17 and the CD8?CD4
      ratio, as well as CD8+ cells in patients with ITP. The frequencies of Tc17 were
      marginally higher in autoantibody-negative patients than autoantibody-positive
      patients. Moreover, both Tc17 and Th17 cell percentages decreased as the
      concentration of dexamethasone in the culture media increased in ITP patients.
      CONCLUSIONS: Tc17 and the Th17 subset are involved in the immunopathology of ITP.
      Blocking the abnormally increased number of Tc17 may be a reasonable therapeutic
      strategy for ITP.

PMID- 22039506
TI  - Elevated level of Wnt5a protein in localized prostate cancer tissue is associated
      with better outcome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Wnt5a is a non-canonical secreted glycoprotein of the Wnt family that
      plays an important role in cancer development and progression. Previous studies
      report that Wnt5a is upregulated in prostate cancer and suggested that Wnt5a
      affects migration and invasion of prostate tumor cell. This study aimed to
      evaluate the prognostic value of Wnt5a protein expression in prostate cancer
      tissue and its potential to predict outcome after radical prostatectomy in
      patients with localized prostate cancer. METHODOLOGY AND RESULTS:
      Immunohistochemical analysis of a tissue microarray containing prostate specimens
      of 503 patients with localized prostate cancer showed significantly higher Wnt5a
      protein expression in cancer compared to benign cores from the same patients
      (p<0.0001). Patients with high expression of Wnt5a protein had significantly
      better outcome in terms of time to biochemical recurrence compared to patients
      with low expression levels (p = 0.001, 95%CI 1.361-3.570, Hazard's ratio 2.204).
      A combination of high Wnt5a expression with low levels of Ki-67 or androgen
      receptor expression had even better outcome compared to all other groups.
      Furthermore, we found that Wnt5a expression significantly correlated with VEGF
      and with Ki-67 and androgen receptor expression, although not highly significant.
      In vitro, we demonstrated that recombinant Wnt5a decreased invasion of 22Rv1 and
      DU145 cells and that siRNA knockdown of endogenous Wnt5a protein led to increased
      invasion of 22Rv1 and LNCaP cells. CONCLUSION: We demonstrate that preserved
      overexpression of Wnt5a protein in patients with localized prostate cancer
      predicts a favorable outcome after surgery. This finding together with our in
      vitro data demonstrating the ability of Wnt5a to impair the invasive properties
      of prostate cancer cells, suggests a tumor suppressing effect of Wnt5a in
      localized prostate cancer. These results indicate that Wnt5a can be used as a
      predictive marker and that it also is a plausible therapeutic target for
      treatment of localized prostate cancer.

PMID- 22039507
TI  - Def6 is required for convergent extension movements during zebrafish gastrulation
      downstream of Wnt5b signaling.
AB  - During gastrulation, convergent extension (CE) cell movements are regulated
      through the non-canonical Wnt signaling pathway. Wnt signaling results in
      downstream activation of Rho GTPases that in turn regulate actin cytoskeleton
      rearrangements essential for co-ordinated CE cell movement. Rho GTPases are bi
      molecular switches that are inactive in their GDP-bound stage but can be
      activated to bind GTP through guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs). Here we
      show that def6, a novel GEF, regulates CE cell movement during zebrafish
      gastrulation. Def6 morphants exhibit broadened and shortened body axis with
      normal cell fate specification, reminiscent of the zebrafish mutants silberblick
      and pipetail that lack Wnt11 or Wnt5b, respectively. Indeed, def6 morphants
      phenocopy Wnt5b mutants and ectopic overexpression of def6 essentially rescues
      Wnt5b morphants, indicating a novel role for def6 as a central GEF downstream of
      Wnt5b signaling. In addition, by knocking down both def6 and Wnt11, we show that
      def6 synergises with the Wnt11 signaling pathway.

PMID- 22039508
TI  - Homologous expression of a subcomplex of Pyrococcus furiosus hydrogenase that
      interacts with pyruvate ferredoxin oxidoreductase.
AB  - Hydrogen gas is an attractive alternative fuel as it is carbon neutral and has
      higher energy content per unit mass than fossil fuels. The biological enzyme
      responsible for utilizing molecular hydrogen is hydrogenase, a heteromeric
      metalloenzyme requiring a complex maturation process to assemble its O(2)
      sensitive dinuclear-catalytic site containing nickel and iron atoms. To
      facilitate their utility in applied processes, it is essential that tools are
      available to engineer hydrogenases to tailor catalytic activity and electron
      carrier specificity, and decrease oxygen sensitivity using standard molecular
      biology techniques. As a model system we are using hydrogen-producing Pyrococcus
      furiosus, which grows optimally at 100 degrees C. We have taken advantage of a
      recently developed genetic system that allows markerless chromosomal integrations
      via homologous recombination. We have combined a new gene marker system with a
      highly-expressed constitutive promoter to enable high-level homologous expression
      of an engineered form of the cytoplasmic NADP-dependent hydrogenase (SHI) of P.
      furiosus. In a step towards obtaining 'minimal' hydrogenases, we have
      successfully produced the heterodimeric form of SHI that contains only two of the
      four subunits found in the native heterotetrameric enzyme. The heterodimeric form
      is highly active (150 units mg(-1) in H(2) production using the artificial
      electron donor methyl viologen) and thermostable (t(1/2) ~0.5 hour at 90 degrees
      C). Moreover, the heterodimer does not use NADPH and instead can directly utilize
      reductant supplied by pyruvate ferredoxin oxidoreductase from P. furiosus. The
      SHI heterodimer and POR therefore represent a two-enzyme system that oxidizes
      pyruvate and produces H(2) in vitro without the need for an intermediate electron
      carrier.

PMID- 22039509
TI  - Human embryonic stem cells derived from embryos at different stages of
      development share similar transcription profiles.
AB  - We have derived hESC from biopsied blastomeres of cleavage stage embryos under
      virtually the same conditions we used for the derivation of hESC lines from inner
      cell mass of blastocyst stage embryos. Blastomere-derived hESC lines exhibited
      all the standard characteristics of hESC including undifferentiated
      proliferation, genomic stability, expression of pluripotency markers and the
      ability to differentiate into the cells of all three germ layers both in vitro
      and in vivo. To examine whether hESC lines derived from two developmental stages
      of the embryo differ in gene expression, we have subjected three blastomere
      derived hESC lines and two ICM-derived hESC lines grown under identical culture
      conditions to transcriptome analysis using gene expression arrays. Unlike
      previously reported comparisons of hESC lines which demonstrated, apart from core
      hESC-associated pluripotency signature, significant variations in gene expression
      profiles of different lines, our data show that hESC lines derived and grown
      under well-controlled defined culture conditions adopt nearly identical gene
      expression profiles. Moreover, blastomere-derived and ICM-derived hESC exhibited
      very similar transcriptional profiles independent of the developmental stage of
      the embryo from which they originated. Furthermore, this profile was evident in
      very early passages of the cells and did not appear to be affected by extensive
      passaging. These results suggest that during derivation process cells which give
      rise to hESC acquire virtually identical stable phenotype and are not affected by
      the developmental stage of the starting cell population.

PMID- 22039510
TI  - Development of a middle cerebral artery occlusion model in the nonhuman primate
      and a safety study of i.v. infusion of human mesenchymal stem cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Most experimental stroke research is carried out in rodents, but
      given differences between rodents and human, nonhuman primate (NHP) models may
      provide a valuable tool to study therapeutic interventions. The authors developed
      a surgical method for transient occlusion of the M1 branch of middle cerebral
      artery (MCA) in the African green monkey to evaluate safety aspects of
      intravenous infusion of mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) derived from human bone
      marrow. METHODS: The left Sylvian fissure was exposed by a small fronto-temporal
      craniotomy. The M1 branch of the MCA was exposed by microsurgical dissection and
      clipped for 2 to 4 hours. Neurological examinations and magnetic resonance
      imaging (MRI) were carried out at regular post-operative course. hMSCs were
      infused 1 hour after reperfusion (clip release) in the 3-hour occlusion model.
      RESULTS: During M1 occlusion, two patterns of changes were observed in the
      lateral hemisphere surface. One pattern (Pattern 1) was darkening of venous
      blood, small vessel collapse, and blood pooling with no venous return in cortical
      veins. Animals with these three features had severe and lasting hemiplegia and
      MRI demonstrated extensive MCA territory infarction. Animals in the second
      pattern (Pattern 2) displayed darkening of venous blood, small vessel collapse,
      and reduced but incompletely occluded venous flow and the functional deficit was
      much less severe and MRI indicated smaller infarction areas in brain. The severe
      group (Pattern 1) likely had less extensive collateral circulation than the less
      severe group (Pattern 2) where venous pooling of blood was not observed. The hMSC
      infused animals showed a trend for greater functional improvement that was not
      statistically significant in the acute phase and no additive negative effects.
      CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate inter-animal variability of collateral
      circulation after complete M1 occlusion and that hMSC infusion is safe in the
      developed NHP stroke model.

PMID- 22039511
TI  - Adult-onset hypothyroidism enhances fear memory and upregulates mineralocorticoid
      and glucocorticoid receptors in the amygdala.
AB  - Hypothyroidism is the most common hormonal disease in adults, which is frequently
      accompanied by learning and memory impairments and emotional disorders. However,
      the deleterious effects of thyroid hormones deficiency on emotional memory are
      poorly understood and often underestimated. To evaluate the consequences of
      hypothyroidism on emotional learning and memory, we have performed a classical
      Pavlovian fear conditioning paradigm in euthyroid and adult-thyroidectomized
      Wistar rats. In this experimental model, learning acquisition was not impaired,
      fear memory was enhanced, memory extinction was delayed and spontaneous recovery
      of fear memory was exacerbated in hypothyroid rats. The potentiation of emotional
      memory under hypothyroidism was associated with an increase of corticosterone
      release after fear conditioning and with higher expression of glucocorticoid and
      mineralocorticoid receptors in the lateral and basolateral nuclei of the
      amygdala, nuclei that are critically involved in the circuitry of fear memory.
      Our results demonstrate for the first time that adult-onset hypothyroidism
      potentiates fear memory and also increases vulnerability to develop emotional
      memories. Furthermore, our findings suggest that enhanced corticosterone
      signaling in the amygdala is involved in the pathophysiological mechanisms of
      fear memory potentiation. Therefore, we recommend evaluating whether
      inappropriate regulation of fear in patients with post-traumatic stress and other
      mental disorders is associated with abnormal levels of thyroid hormones,
      especially those patients refractory to treatment.

PMID- 22039512
TI  - Efficient construction of homozygous diploid strains identifies genes required
      for the hyper-filamentous phenotype in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
AB  - Yeast cells undergo diploid-specific developments such as spore formation via
      meiosis and pseudohyphal development under certain nutrient-limited conditions.
      Studies on these aspects require homozygous diploid mutants, which are generally
      constructed by crossing strains of opposite mating-type with the same genetic
      mutation. So far, there has been no direct way to generate and select diploids
      from haploid cells. Here, we developed a method for efficient construction of
      homozygous diploids using a PGAL1-HO gene (galactose-inducible mating-type
      switch) and a PSTE18-URA3 gene (counter selection marker for diploids). Diploids
      are generated by transient induction of the HO endonuclease, which is followed by
      mating of part of the haploid population. Since the STE18 promoter is repressed
      in diploids, diploids carrying PSTE18-URA3 can be selected on 5-fluoroorotic acid
      (5-FOA) plates where the uracil prototrophic haploids cannot grow. To demonstrate
      that this method is useful for genetic studies, we screened suppressor mutations
      of the complex colony morphology, strong agar invasion and/or hyper-filamentous
      growth caused by lack of the Hog1 MAPK in the diploid Sigma1278b strain
      background. Following this approach, we identified 49 suppressor mutations. Those
      include well-known positive regulator genes for filamentous growth signaling
      pathways, genes involved in mitochondrial function, DNA damage checkpoint,
      chromatin remodeling, and cell cycle, and also previously uncharacterized genes.
      Our results indicate that combinatorial use of the PGAL1-HO and PSTE18-URA3 genes
      is suitable to efficiently construct and select diploids and that this approach
      is useful for genetic studies especially when combined with large-scale
      screening.

PMID- 22039513
TI  - Targeted deletion of Nrf2 reduces urethane-induced lung tumor development in
      mice.
AB  - Nrf2 is a key transcription factor that regulates cellular redox and defense
      responses. However, permanent Nrf2 activation in human lung carcinomas promotes
      pulmonary malignancy and chemoresistance. We tested the hypothesis that Nrf2 has
      cell survival properties and lack of Nrf2 suppresses chemically-induced pulmonary
      neoplasia by treating Nrf2(+/+) and Nrf2(-/-) mice with urethane. Airway
      inflammation and injury were assessed by bronchoalveolar lavage analyses and
      histopathology, and lung tumors were analyzed by gross and histologic analysis.
      We used transcriptomics to assess Nrf2-dependent changes in pulmonary gene
      transcripts at multiple stages of neoplasia. Lung hyperpermeability, cell death
      and apoptosis, and inflammatory cell infiltration were significantly higher in
      Nrf2(-/-) mice compared to Nrf2(+/+) mice 9 and 11 wk after urethane.
      Significantly fewer lung adenomas were found in Nrf2(-/-) mice than in Nrf2(+/+)
      mice at 12 and 22 wk. Nrf2 modulated expression of genes involved cell-cell
      signaling, glutathione metabolism and oxidative stress response, and immune
      responses during early stage neoplasia. In lung tumors, Nrf2-altered genes had
      roles in transcriptional regulation of cell cycle and proliferation,
      carcinogenesis, organismal injury and abnormalities, xenobiotic metabolism, and
      cell-cell signaling genes. Collectively, Nrf2 deficiency decreased susceptibility
      to urethane-induced lung tumorigenesis in mice. Cell survival properties of Nrf2
      were supported, at least in part, by reduced early death of initiated cells and
      heightened advantage for tumor cell expansion in Nrf2(+/+) mice relative to Nrf2(
      /-) mice. Our results were consistent with the concept that Nrf2 over-activation
      is an adaptive response of cancer conferring resistance to anti-cancer drugs and
      promoting malignancy.

PMID- 22039514
TI  - Tau enhances alpha-synuclein aggregation and toxicity in cellular models of
      synucleinopathy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The simultaneous accumulation of different misfolded proteins in the
      central nervous system is a common feature in many neurodegenerative diseases. In
      most cases, co-occurrence of abnormal deposited proteins is observed in different
      brain regions and cell populations, but, in some instances, the proteins can be
      found in the same cellular aggregates. Co-occurrence of tau and alpha-synuclein
      (alpha-syn) aggregates has been described in neurodegenerative disorders with
      primary deposition of alpha-syn, such as Parkinson's disease and dementia with
      Lewy bodies. Although it is known that tau and alpha-syn have pathological
      synergistic effects on their mutual fibrillization, the underlying biological
      effects remain unclear. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We used different cell
      models of synucleinopathy to investigate the effects of tau on alpha-syn
      aggregation. Using confocal microscopy and FRET-based techniques we observed that
      tau colocalized and interacted with alpha-syn aggregates. We also found that tau
      overexpression changed the pattern of alpha-syn aggregation, reducing the size
      and increasing the number of aggregates. This shift was accompanied by an
      increase in the levels of insoluble alpha-syn. Furthermore, co-transfection of
      tau increased secreted alpha-syn and cytotoxicity. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Our
      data suggest that tau enhances alpha-syn aggregation and toxicity and disrupts
      alpha-syn inclusion formation. This pathological synergistic effect between tau
      and alpha-syn may amplify the deleterious process and spread the damage in
      neurodegenerative diseases that show co-occurrence of both pathologies.

PMID- 22039515
TI  - Direct evidence for the co-expression of URP and GnRH in a sub-population of rat
      hypothalamic neurones: anatomical and functional correlation.
AB  - Urotensin-II-related peptide (URP) is an eight amino-acid neuropeptide recently
      isolated from rat brain and considered as the endogenous ligand for the GPR14
      receptor. Using single and double immunohistochemical labelling, in situ
      hybridization and ultrastructural immunocytochemistry, we explored the cellular
      and subcellular localization of URP in the male rat brain. URP peptide was
      detected in numerous varicose fibres of the median eminence (ME) and organum
      vasculosum laminae terminalis (OVLT) as well as in neuronal cell bodies of the
      medial septal nucleus and diagonal band of Broca where corresponding mRNA were
      also detected. Combining in situ hybridization with immunohistochemistry, we
      showed that cell bodies of the rat anterior hypothalamus contained both URP mRNA
      and GnRH peptide. In addition, double ultrastructural immunodetection of URP and
      GnRH peptides clearly revealed, in the median eminence, the co-localization of
      both peptides in the same neuronal processes in the vicinity of fenestrated
      portal vessels. This remarkable cellular and subcellular distribution led us to
      test the effect of URP on the GnRH-induced gonadotrophins release in the anterior
      pituitary, and to discuss its putative role at the level of the median eminence.

PMID- 22039516
TI  - Notch activation by phenethyl isothiocyanate attenuates its inhibitory effect on
      prostate cancer cell migration.
AB  - Phenethyl isothiocyanate (PEITC) is a promising cancer chemopreventive component
      of edible cruciferous vegetables with in vivo efficacy against prostate cancer in
      experimental rodents. Cancer chemopreventive response to PEITC is characterized
      by its ability to inhibit multiple oncogenic signaling pathways, including
      nuclear factor-kappaB, Akt, and androgen receptor. The present study
      demonstrates, for the first time, that PEITC treatment activates Notch signaling
      in malignant as well as normal human prostate cells. Exposure of human prostate
      cancer cells (LNCaP, PC-3, and DU145) and a normal human prostate epithelial cell
      line (PrEC) to PEITC resulted in cleavage (active form) of Notch1 and Notch2, and
      increased transcriptional activity of Notch. In PC-3 and LNCaP cells, PEITC
      treatment caused induction of Notch ligands Jagged1 and Jagged2 (PC-3),
      overexpression of gamma-secretase complex components Presenilin1 and Nicastrin
      (PC-3), nuclear enrichment of cleaved Notch2, and/or up-regulation of Notch1,
      Notch2, Jagged1, and/or Jagged2 mRNA. PEITC-induced apoptosis in LNCaP and PC-3
      cells was significantly attenuated by RNA interference of Notch2, but not by
      pharmacological inhibition of Notch1. Inhibition of PC-3 and LNCaP cell migration
      resulting from PEITC exposure was significantly augmented by knockdown of Notch2
      protein as well as pharmacological inhibition of Notch1 activation. Nuclear
      expression of cleaved Notch2 protein was significantly higher in PC-3 xenografts
      from PEITC-treated mice and dorsolateral prostates from PEITC-fed TRAMP mice
      compared with respective control. Because Notch signaling is implicated in
      epithelial-mesenchymal transition and metastasis, the present study suggests that
      anti-metastatic effect of PEITC may be augmented by a combination regimen
      involving a Notch inhibitor.

PMID- 22039517
TI  - Comparing the usefulness of distance, monophyly and character-based DNA barcoding
      methods in species identification: a case study of neogastropoda.
AB  - BACKGROUND: DNA barcoding has recently been proposed as a promising tool for the
      rapid species identification in a wide range of animal taxa. Two broad methods
      (distance and monophyly-based methods) have been used. One method is based on
      degree of DNA sequence variation within and between species while another method
      requires the recovery of species as discrete clades (monophyly) on a phylogenetic
      tree. Nevertheless, some issues complicate the use of both methods. A recently
      applied new technique, the character-based DNA barcode method, however,
      characterizes species through a unique combination of diagnostic characters.
      METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Here we analyzed 108 COI and 102 16S rDNA
      sequences of 40 species of Neogastropoda from a wide phylogenetic range to assess
      the performance of distance, monophyly and character-based methods of DNA
      barcoding. The distance-based method for both COI and 16S rDNA genes performed
      poorly in terms of species identification. Obvious overlap between intraspecific
      and interspecific divergences for both genes was found. The "10* rule" threshold
      resulted in lumping about half of distinct species for both genes. The neighbour
      joining phylogenetic tree of COI could distinguish all species studied. However,
      the 16S rDNA tree could not distinguish some closely related species. In
      contrast, the character-based barcode method for both genes successfully
      identified 100% of the neogastropod species included, and performed well in
      discriminating neogastropod genera. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: This present study
      demonstrates the effectiveness of the character-based barcoding method for
      species identification in different taxonomic levels, especially for
      discriminating the closely related species. While distance and monophyly-based
      methods commonly use COI as the ideal gene for barcoding, the character-based
      approach can perform well for species identification using relatively conserved
      gene markers (e.g., 16S rDNA in this study). Nevertheless, distance and monophyly
      based methods, especially the monophyly-based method, can still be used to flag
      species.

PMID- 22039518
TI  - Sleep loss reduces the DNA-binding of BMAL1, CLOCK, and NPAS2 to specific clock
      genes in the mouse cerebral cortex.
AB  - We have previously demonstrated that clock genes contribute to the homeostatic
      aspect of sleep regulation. Indeed, mutations in some clock genes modify the
      markers of sleep homeostasis and an increase in homeostatic sleep drive alters
      clock gene expression in the forebrain. Here, we investigate a possible mechanism
      by which sleep deprivation (SD) could alter clock gene expression by quantifying
      DNA-binding of the core-clock transcription factors CLOCK, NPAS2, and BMAL1 to
      the cis-regulatory sequences of target clock genes in mice. Using chromatin
      immunoprecipitation (ChIP), we first showed that, as reported for the liver, DNA
      binding of CLOCK and BMAL1 to target clock genes changes in function of time-of
      day in the cerebral cortex. Tissue extracts were collected at ZT0 (light onset), 
      6, -12, and -18, and DNA enrichment of E-box or E'-box containing sequences was
      measured by qPCR. CLOCK and BMAL1 binding to Cry1, Dbp, Per1, and Per2 depended
      on time-of-day, with maximum values reached at around ZT6. We then observed that
      SD, performed between ZT0 and -6, significantly decreased DNA-binding of CLOCK
      and BMAL1 to Dbp, consistent with the observed decrease in Dbp mRNA levels after
      SD. The DNA-binding of NPAS2 and BMAL1 to Per2 was also decreased by SD, although
      SD is known to increase Per2 expression in the cortex. DNA-binding to Per1 and
      Cry1 was not affected by SD. Our results show that the sleep-wake history can
      affect the clock molecular machinery directly at the level of chromatin binding
      thereby altering the cortical expression of Dbp and Per2 and likely other
      targets. Although the precise dynamics of the relationship between DNA-binding
      and mRNA expression, especially for Per2, remains elusive, the results also
      suggest that part of the reported circadian changes in DNA-binding of core clock
      components in tissues peripheral to the suprachiasmatic nuclei could, in fact, be
      sleep-wake driven.

PMID- 22039519
TI  - Endo-lysosomal vesicles positive for Rab7 and LAMP1 are terminal vesicles for the
      transport of dextran.
AB  - The endo-lysosomal pathway is essential for intracellular transport and the
      degradation of extracellular cargo. The relationship between three populations of
      endo-lysosomal vesicles--Rab7-positive, LAMP1-positive, and both Rab7- and LAMP1
      postive--was probed with fluorescence microscopy and single particle tracking. Of
      specific interest was determining if these vesicles were intermediate or terminal
      vesicles in the transport of extracellular cargo. We find that the major
      organelle in the endo-lysosomal pathway, both in terms of population and cargo
      transport, is positive for Rab7 and LAMP1. Dextran, a fluid phase cargo, shifts
      from localization within all three populations of vesicles at 30 minutes and 1
      hour to primarily LAMP1- and Rab7/LAMP1-vesicles at longer times. This
      demonstrates that LAMP1- and Rab7/LAMP1-vesicles are terminal vesicles in the
      endo-lysosomal pathway. We tested two possible mechanisms for this distribution
      of cargo, delivery to mannose 6-phosphate receptor (M6PR)-negative vesicles and
      the fusion dynamics of individual vesicles. We find no correlation with M6PR but
      do find that Rab7-vesicles undergo significantly fewer fusion events than LAMP1-
      or Rab7/LAMP1-vesicles suggesting that the distribution of fluid phase cargo is
      driven by vesicle dynamics.

PMID- 22039520
TI  - LL37 and cationic peptides enhance TLR3 signaling by viral double-stranded RNAs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Toll-like Receptor 3 (TLR3) detects viral dsRNA during viral
      infection. However, most natural viral dsRNAs are poor activators of TLR3 in cell
      based systems, leading us to hypothesize that TLR3 needs additional factors to be
      activated by viral dsRNAs. The anti-microbial peptide LL37 is the only known
      human member of the cathelicidin family of anti-microbial peptides. LL37
      complexes with bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to prevent activation of TLR4,
      binds to ssDNA to modulate TLR9 and ssRNA to modulate TLR7 and 8. It synergizes
      with TLR2/1, TLR3 and TLR5 agonists to increase IL8 and IL6 production. This work
      seeks to determine whether LL37 enhances viral dsRNA recognition by TLR3.
      METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Using a human bronchial epithelial cell line
      (BEAS2B) and human embryonic kidney cells (HEK 293T) transiently transfected with
      TLR3, we found that LL37 enhanced poly(I:C)-induced TLR3 signaling and enabled
      the recognition of viral dsRNAs by TLR3. The presence of LL37 also increased the
      cytokine response to rhinovirus infection in BEAS2B cells and in activated human
      peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Confocal microscopy determined that LL37
      could co-localize with TLR3. Electron microscopy showed that LL37 and poly(I:C)
      individually formed globular structures, but a complex of the two formed
      filamentous structures. To separate the effects of LL37 on TLR3 and TLR4, other
      peptides that bind RNA and transport the complex into cells were tested and found
      to activate TLR3 signaling in response to dsRNAs, but had no effect on TLR4
      signaling. This is the first demonstration that LL37 and other RNA-binding
      peptides with cell penetrating motifs can activate TLR3 signaling and facilitate
      the recognition of viral ligands. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: LL37 and several cell
      penetrating peptides can enhance signaling by TLR3 and enable TLR3 to respond to
      viral dsRNA.

PMID- 22039521
TI  - Lipoprotein lipase inhibits hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection by blocking virus
      cell entry.
AB  - A distinctive feature of HCV is that its life cycle depends on lipoprotein
      metabolism. Viral morphogenesis and secretion follow the very low-density
      lipoprotein (VLDL) biogenesis pathway and, consequently, infectious HCV in the
      serum is associated with triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRL). Lipoprotein lipase
      (LPL) hydrolyzes TRL within chylomicrons and VLDL but, independently of its
      catalytic activity, it has a bridging activity, mediating the hepatic uptake of
      chylomicrons and VLDL remnants. We previously showed that exogenously added LPL
      increases HCV binding to hepatoma cells by acting as a bridge between virus
      associated lipoproteins and cell surface heparan sulfate, while simultaneously
      decreasing infection levels. We show here that LPL efficiently inhibits cell
      infection with two HCV strains produced in hepatoma cells or in primary human
      hepatocytes transplanted into uPA-SCID mice with fully functional human ApoB
      lipoprotein profiles. Viruses produced in vitro or in vivo were separated on
      iodixanol gradients into low and higher density populations, and the infection of
      Huh 7.5 cells by both virus populations was inhibited by LPL. The effect of LPL
      depended on its enzymatic activity. However, the lipase inhibitor
      tetrahydrolipstatin restored only a minor part of HCV infectivity, suggesting an
      important role of the LPL bridging function in the inhibition of infection. We
      followed HCV cell entry by immunoelectron microscopy with anti-envelope and anti
      core antibodies. These analyses demonstrated the internalization of virus
      particles into hepatoma cells and their presence in intracellular vesicles and
      associated with lipid droplets. In the presence of LPL, HCV was retained at the
      cell surface. We conclude that LPL efficiently inhibits HCV infection by acting
      on TRL associated with HCV particles through mechanisms involving its lipolytic
      function, but mostly its bridging function. These mechanisms lead to
      immobilization of the virus at the cell surface. HCV-associated lipoproteins may
      therefore be a promising target for the development of new therapeutic
      approaches.

PMID- 22039522
TI  - Alcohol dysregulates corticotropin-releasing-hormone (CRH) promoter activity by
      interfering with the negative glucocorticoid response element (nGRE).
AB  - EtOH exposure in male rats increases corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) mRNA
      in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN), a brain region
      responsible for coordinating stress and anxiety responses. In this study we
      identified the molecular mechanisms involved in mediating these effects by
      examining the direct effects of EtOH on CRH promoter activity in a neuronal cell
      line derived from the PVN (IVB). In addition, we investigated the potential
      interactions of EtOH and glucocorticoids on the CRH promoter by concomitantly
      treating cells with EtOH and the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) antagonist RU486,
      and by sequentially deleting GR binding sites within glucocorticoid response
      element (GRE) on the CRH promoter. Cells were transiently transfected with a
      firefly luciferase reporter construct containing 2.5 kb of the rat wild type (WT)
      or mutated CRH promoter. Our results showed that EtOH treatment induced a
      biphasic response in CRH promoter activity. EtOH exposure for 0.5 h significantly
      decreased promoter activity compared to vehicle treated controls, whereas
      promoter activity was significantly increased after 2.0 h of EtOH exposure.
      Treatment with RU486, or deletion of the GR binding sites 1 and 2 within the GRE,
      abolished the EtOH-induced increase in the promoter activity, however did not
      affect EtOH-induced decrease in CRH promoter activity at an earlier time point.
      Overall, our data suggest that alcohol exposure directly regulates CRH promoter
      activity by interfering with the normal feedback mechanisms of glucocorticoids
      mediated by GR signaling at the GRE site of the CRH promoter.

PMID- 22039523
TI  - piggyBac transposon somatic mutagenesis with an activated reporter and tracker
      (PB-SMART) for genetic screens in mice.
AB  - Somatic forward genetic screens have the power to interrogate thousands of genes
      in a single animal. Retroviral and transposon mutagenesis systems in mice have
      been designed and deployed in somatic tissues for surveying hematopoietic and
      solid tumor formation. In the context of cancer, the ability to visually mark
      mutant cells would present tremendous advantages for identifying tumor formation,
      monitoring tumor growth over time, and tracking tumor infiltrations and
      metastases into wild-type tissues. Furthermore, locating mutant clones is a
      prerequisite for screening and analyzing most other somatic phenotypes. For this
      purpose, we developed a system using the piggyBac (PB) transposon for somatic
      mutagenesis with an activated reporter and tracker, called PB-SMART. The PB-SMART
      mouse genetic screening system can simultaneously induce somatic mutations and
      mark mutated cells using bioluminescence or fluorescence. The marking of mutant
      cells enable analyses that are not possible with current somatic mutagenesis
      systems, such as tracking cell proliferation and tumor growth, detecting tumor
      cell infiltrations, and reporting tissue mutagenesis levels by a simple ex vivo
      visual readout. We demonstrate that PB-SMART is highly mutagenic, capable of
      tumor induction with low copy transposons, which facilitates the mapping and
      identification of causative insertions. We further integrated a conditional
      transposase with the PB-SMART system, permitting tissue-specific mutagenesis with
      a single cross to any available Cre line. Targeting the germline, the system
      could also be used to conduct F1 screens. With these features, PB-SMART provides
      an integrated platform for individual investigators to harness the power of
      somatic mutagenesis and phenotypic screens to decipher the genetic basis of
      mammalian biology and disease.

PMID- 22039524
TI  - Violating social norms when choosing friends: how rule-breakers affect social
      networks.
AB  - Social networks rely on basic rules of conduct to yield functioning societies in
      both human and animal populations. As individuals follow established rules, their
      behavioral decisions shape the social network and give it structure. Using
      dynamic, self-organizing social network models we demonstrate that defying
      conventions in a social system can affect multiple levels of social and
      organizational success independently. Such actions primarily affect actors' own
      positions within the network, but individuals can also affect the overall
      structure of a network even without immediately affecting themselves or others.
      These results indicate that defying the established social norms can help
      individuals to change the properties of a social system via seemingly neutral
      behaviors, highlighting the power of rule-breaking behavior to transform
      convention-based societies, even before direct impacts on individuals can be
      measured.

PMID- 22039525
TI  - Thrombospondin1 deficiency reduces obesity-associated inflammation and improves
      insulin sensitivity in a diet-induced obese mouse model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Obesity is prevalent worldwide and is associated with insulin
      resistance. Advanced studies suggest that obesity-associated low-grade chronic
      inflammation contributes to the development of insulin resistance and other
      metabolic complications. Thrombospondin 1 (TSP1) is a multifunctional
      extracellular matrix protein that is up-regulated in inflamed adipose tissue. A
      recent study suggests a positive correlation of TSP1 with obesity, adipose
      inflammation, and insulin resistance. However, the direct effect of TSP1 on
      obesity and insulin resistance is not known. Therefore, we investigated the role
      of TSP1 in mediating obesity-associated inflammation and insulin resistance by
      using TSP1 knockout mice. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Male TSP1-/- mice and
      wild type littermate controls were fed a low-fat (LF) or a high-fat (HF) diet for
      16 weeks. Throughout the study, body weight and fat mass increased similarly
      between the TSP1-/- mice and WT mice under HF feeding conditions, suggesting that
      TSP1 deficiency does not affect the development of obesity. However, obese TSP1-/
      mice had improved glucose tolerance and increased insulin sensitivity compared
      to the obese wild type mice. Macrophage accumulation and inflammatory cytokine
      expression in adipose tissue were reduced in obese TSP1-/- mice. Consistent with
      the local decrease in pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, systemic inflammation was
      also decreased in the obese TSP1-/- mice. Furthermore, in vitro data demonstrated
      that TSP1 deficient macrophages had decreased mobility and a reduced inflammatory
      phenotype. CONCLUSION: TSP1 deficiency did not affect the development of high-fat
      diet induced obesity. However, TSP1 deficiency reduced macrophage accumulation in
      adipose tissue and protected against obesity related inflammation and insulin
      resistance. Our data demonstrate that TSP1 may play an important role in
      regulating macrophage function and mediating obesity-induced inflammation and
      insulin resistance. These data suggest that TSP1 may serve as a potential
      therapeutic target to improve the inflammatory and metabolic complications of
      obesity.

PMID- 22039526
TI  - Fractalkine expression induces endothelial progenitor cell lysis by natural
      killer cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Circulating CD34(+) cells, a population that includes endothelial
      progenitors, participate in the maintenance of endothelial integrity. Better
      understanding of the mechanisms that regulate their survival is crucial to
      improve their regenerative activity in cardiovascular and renal diseases.
      Chemokine-receptor cross talk is critical in regulating cell homeostasis. We
      hypothesized that cell surface expression of the chemokine fractalkine (FKN)
      could target progenitor cell injury by Natural Killer (NK) cells, thereby
      limiting their availability for vascular repair. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS:
      We show that CD34(+)-derived Endothelial Colony Forming Cells (ECFC) can express
      FKN in response to TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma inflammatory cytokines and that FKN
      expression by ECFC stimulates NK cell adhesion, NK cell-mediated ECFC lysis and
      microparticles release in vitro. The specific involvement of membrane FKN in
      these processes was demonstrated using FKN-transfected ECFC and anti-FKN blocking
      antibody. FKN expression was also evidenced on circulating CD34(+) progenitor
      cells and was detected at higher frequency in kidney transplant recipients, when
      compared to healthy controls. The proportion of CD34(+) cells expressing FKN was
      identified as an independent variable inversely correlated to CD34(+) progenitor
      cell count. We further showed that treatment of CD34(+) circulating cells
      isolated from adult blood donors with transplant serum or TNF-alpha/IFN-gamma can
      induce FKN expression. CONCLUSIONS: Our data highlights a novel mechanism by
      which FKN expression on CD34(+) progenitor cells may target their NK cell
      mediated killing and participate to their immune depletion in transplant
      recipients. Considering the numerous diseased contexts shown to promote FKN
      expression, our data identify FKN as a hallmark of altered progenitor cell
      homeostasis with potential implications in better evaluation of vascular repair
      in patients.

PMID- 22039527
TI  - Acute alterations of somatodendritic action potential dynamics in hippocampal CA1
      pyramidal cells after kainate-induced status epilepticus in mice.
AB  - Pathophysiological remodeling processes at an early stage of an acquired epilepsy
      are critical but not well understood. Therefore, we examined acute changes in
      action potential (AP) dynamics immediately following status epilepticus (SE) in
      mice. SE was induced by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of kainate, and
      behavioral manifestation of SE was monitored for 3-4 h. After this time interval
      CA1 pyramidal cells were studied ex vivo with whole-cell current-clamp and Ca(2+)
      imaging techniques in a hippocampal slice preparation. Following acute SE both
      resting potential and firing threshold were modestly depolarized (2-5 mV). No
      changes were seen in input resistance or membrane time constant, but AP latency
      was prolonged and AP upstroke velocity reduced following acute SE. All cells
      showed an increase in AP halfwidth and regular (rather than burst) firing, and in
      a fraction of cells the notch, typically preceding spike afterdepolarization
      (ADP), was absent following acute SE. Notably, the typical attenuation of
      backpropagating action potential (b-AP)-induced Ca(2+) signals along the apical
      dendrite was strengthened following acute SE. The effects of acute SE on the
      retrograde spread of excitation were mimicked by applying the Kv4 current
      potentiating drug NS5806. Our data unveil a reduced somatodendritic excitability
      in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells immediately after acute SE with a possible
      involvement of both Na(+) and K(+) current components.

PMID- 22039528
TI  - Picomolar dichotomous activity of gnidimacrin against HIV-1.
AB  - Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has offered a promising approach for
      controlling HIV-1 replication in infected individuals. However, with HARRT, HIV-1
      is suppressed rather than eradicated due to persistence of HIV-1 in latent viral
      reservoirs. Thus, purging the virus from latent reservoirs is an important
      strategy toward eradicating HIV-1 infection. In this study, we discovered that
      the daphnane diterpene gnidimacrin, which was previously reported to have potent
      anti-cancer cell activity, activated HIV-1 replication and killed persistently
      infected cells at picomolar concentrations. In addition to its potential to purge
      HIV-1 from latently infected cells, gnidimacrin potently inhibited a panel of HIV
      1 R5 virus infection of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) at an average
      concentration lower than 10 pM. In contrast, gnidimacrin only partially inhibited
      HIV-1 *4 virus infection of PBMCs. The strong anti-HIV-1 R5 virus activity of
      gnidimacrin was correlated with its effect on down-regulation of the HIV-1
      coreceptor CCR5. The anti-R5 virus activity of gnidimacrin was completely
      abrogated by a selective protein kinase C beta inhibitor enzastaurin, which
      suggests that protein kinase C beta plays a key role in the potent anti-HIV-1
      activity of gnidimacrin in PBMCs. In summary, these results suggest that
      gnidimacrin could activate latent HIV-1, specifically kill HIV-1 persistently
      infected cells, and inhibit R5 viruses at picomolar concentrations.

PMID- 22039529
TI  - Weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) applied to the tomato fruit
      metabolome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Advances in "omics" technologies have revolutionized the collection
      of biological data. A matching revolution in our understanding of biological
      systems, however, will only be realized when similar advances are made in
      informatic analysis of the resulting "big data." Here, we compare the
      capabilities of three conventional and novel statistical approaches to summarize
      and decipher the tomato metabolome. METHODOLOGY: Principal component analysis
      (PCA), batch learning self-organizing maps (BL-SOM) and weighted gene co
      expression network analysis (WGCNA) were applied to a multivariate NMR dataset
      collected from developmentally staged tomato fruits belonging to several
      genotypes. While PCA and BL-SOM are appropriate and commonly used methods, WGCNA
      holds several advantages in the analysis of highly multivariate, complex data.
      CONCLUSIONS: PCA separated the two major genetic backgrounds (AC and NC), but
      provided little further information. Both BL-SOM and WGCNA clustered metabolites
      by expression, but WGCNA additionally defined "modules" of co-expressed
      metabolites explicitly and provided additional network statistics that described
      the systems properties of the tomato metabolic network. Our first application of
      WGCNA to tomato metabolomics data identified three major modules of metabolites
      that were associated with ripening-related traits and genetic background.

PMID- 22039530
TI  - Amphidromy links a newly documented fish community of continental Australian
      streams, to oceanic islands of the west Pacific.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Indo-Pacific high island streams experience extreme hydrological
      variation, and are characterised by freshwater fish species with an amphidromous
      life history. Amphidromy is a likely adaptation for colonisation of island
      streams following stochastic events that lead to local extirpation. In the Wet
      Tropics of north-eastern Australia, steep coastal mountain streams share similar
      physical characteristics to island systems. These streams are poorly surveyed,
      but may provide suitable habitat for amphidromous species. However, due to their
      ephemeral nature, common non-diadromous freshwater species of continental
      Australia are unlikely to persist. Consequently, we hypothesise that coastal Wet
      Tropics streams are faunally more similar, to distant Pacific island communities,
      than to nearby faunas of large continental rivers. METHODS/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS:
      Surveys of coastal Wet Tropics streams recorded 26 species, 10 of which are first
      records for Australia, with three species undescribed. This fish community is
      unique in an Australian context in that it contains mostly amphidromous species,
      including sicydiine gobies of the genera Sicyopterus, Sicyopus, Smilosicyopus and
      Stiphodon. Species presence/absence data of coastal Wet Tropics streams were
      compared to both Wet Tropics river networks and Pacific island faunas. ANOSIM
      indicated the fish fauna of north-eastern Australian coastal streams were more
      similar to distant Pacific islands (R = 0.76), than to nearby continental rivers
      (R = 0.98). MAIN CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Coastal Wet Tropics streams are
      faunally more similar to distant Pacific islands (79% of species shared), than to
      nearby continental fauna due to two factors. First, coastal Wet Tropics streams
      lack many non-diadromous freshwater fish which are common in nearby large rivers.
      Second, many amphidromous species found in coastal Wet Tropics streams and Indo
      Pacific islands remain absent from large rivers of the Wet Tropics. The
      evolutionary and conservation significance of this newly discovered Australian
      fauna requires clarification in the context of the wider amphidromous fish
      community of the Pacific.

PMID- 22039531
TI  - Homeostatic proliferation and IL-7R alpha expression do not correlate with
      enhanced T cell proliferation and protection in chronic mouse malaria.
AB  - While chronic infection has been shown to enhance protection from disease caused
      by several pathogens, the mechanisms are not known. The gamma-c family of
      cytokines IL-7, IL-2, and IL-15 are implicated in homeostatic proliferation,
      which is thought to maintain T cell memory. However in chronic infection,
      prolonged antigen exposure itself may contribute to lymphocyte survival. We have
      previously observed that chronic malaria infection enhances protection to re
      infection, as well as enhancing B cell responses. Here, we show that chronic
      Plasmodium chabaudi malaria infection in mice enhances the expansion of CD4(+) T
      cells in a second infection, and that this correlates with increased expression
      of the IL-2/15 Receptor beta (CD122) on memory T cells, as well as increasing IL
      2 producers on re-infection. IL-2 has been recently linked to improved secondary
      proliferation, while the role of IL-7 in maintenance of CD4(+) memory cells has
      been demonstrated in homeostatic proliferation, but its role in protective memory
      populations in infectious disease protective has not been fully investigated.
      Increased IL-7Ralpha (CD127) expression correlated, as previously reported with
      increased turnover of CD4 memory cells, however, this was not linked to
      protection or enhanced response to rechallenge, These data support the idea that
      antigen or IL-2 production resulting from chronic stimulation may play a role in
      an enhanced secondary T cell response.

PMID- 22039532
TI  - Differential responses of the coral host and their algal symbiont to thermal
      stress.
AB  - The success of any symbiosis under stress conditions is dependent upon the
      responses of both partners to that stress. The coral symbiosis is particularly
      susceptible to small increases of temperature above the long term summer maxima,
      which leads to the phenomenon known as coral bleaching, where the intracellular
      dinoflagellate symbionts are expelled. Here we for the first time used
      quantitative PCR to simultaneously examine the gene expression response of
      orthologs of the coral Acropora aspera and their dinoflagellate symbiont
      Symbiodinium. During an experimental bleaching event significant up-regulation of
      genes involved in stress response (HSP90 and HSP70) and carbon metabolism
      (glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase,
      glycogen synthase and glycogen phosphorylase) from the coral host were observed.
      In contrast in the symbiont, HSP90 expression decreased, while HSP70 levels were
      increased on only one day, and only the alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase
      expression levels were found to increase. In addition the changes seen in
      expression patterns of the coral host were much larger, up to 10.5 fold, compared
      to the symbiont response, which in all cases was less than 2-fold. This targeted
      study of the expression of key metabolic and stress genes demonstrates that the
      response of the coral and their symbiont vary significantly, also a response in
      the host transcriptome was observed prior to what has previously been thought to
      be the temperatures at which thermal stress events occur.

PMID- 22039533
TI  - Effects of artesunate on parasite recrudescence and dormancy in the rodent
      malaria model Plasmodium vinckei.
AB  - Artemisinin (ART) is the recommended first line therapy for treating
      uncomplicated and drug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum, the most pathogenic form
      of malaria. However, treatment failure following ART monotherapy is not uncommon
      and resistance to this rapidly acting drug has been reported in the Thai
      Cambodian border. Recent in vitro studies have shown that following treatment
      with dihydroartemisinin (DHA), the development of ring-stage parasites is
      arrested for up to 20 days. These arrested (i.e. dormant) rings could be
      responsible for the recrudescence of infection that is observed following ART
      monotherapy. To develop a better understanding of the stage-specific effects of
      ART and determine if dormancy occurs in vivo, the ART derivative artesunate (AS)
      was used to treat mice infected with the synchronous rodent malaria parasites P.
      vinckei petteri (non-lethal) and P. v. vinckei (lethal). Results show that in
      both the non-lethal and lethal strains, ring-stage parasites are the least
      susceptible to treatment with AS and that the day of treatment has more of an
      impact on recrudescence than the total dose administered. Additionally, 24 hrs
      post-treatment with AS, dormant forms similar in morphology to those seen in
      vitro were observed. Finally, rate of recrudescence studies suggest that there is
      a positive correlation between the number of dormant parasites present and when
      recrudescence occurs in the vertebrate host. Collectively, these data suggest
      that dormancy occurs in vivo and contributes to recrudescence that is observed
      following AS treatment. It is possible that this may represent a novel mechanism
      of parasite survival following treatment with AS.

PMID- 22039534
TI  - Modulation of cardiac ryanodine receptor channels by alkaline earth cations.
AB  - Cardiac ryanodine receptor (RyR2) function is modulated by Ca(2+) and Mg(2+). To
      better characterize Ca(2+) and Mg(2+) binding sites involved in RyR2 regulation,
      the effects of cytosolic and luminal earth alkaline divalent cations (M(2+):
      Mg(2+), Ca(2+), Sr(2+), Ba(2+)) were studied on RyR2 from pig ventricle
      reconstituted in bilayers. RyR2 were activated by M(2+) binding to high affinity
      activating sites at the cytosolic channel surface, specific for Ca(2+) or Sr(2+).
      This activation was interfered by Mg(2+) and Ba(2+) acting at low affinity M(2+)
      unspecific binding sites. When testing the effects of luminal M(2+) as current
      carriers, all M(2+) increased maximal RyR2 open probability (compared to Cs(+)),
      suggesting the existence of low affinity activating M(2+)-unspecific sites at the
      luminal surface. Responses to M(2+) vary from channel to channel (heterogeneity).
      However, with luminal Ba(2+)or Mg(2+), RyR2 were less sensitive to cytosolic
      Ca(2+) and caffeine-mediated activation, openings were shorter and voltage
      dependence was more marked (compared to RyR2 with luminal Ca(2+)or Sr(2+)).
      Kinetics of RyR2 with mixtures of luminal Ba(2+)/Ca(2+) and additive action of
      luminal plus cytosolic Ba(2+) or Mg(2+) suggest luminal M(2+) differentially act
      on luminal sites rather than accessing cytosolic sites through the pore. This
      suggests the presence of additional luminal activating Ca(2+)/Sr(2+)-specific
      sites, which stabilize high P(o) mode (less voltage-dependent) and increase RyR2
      sensitivity to cytosolic Ca(2+) activation. In summary, RyR2 luminal and
      cytosolic surfaces have at least two sets of M(2+) binding sites (specific for
      Ca(2+) and unspecific for Ca(2+)/Mg(2+)) that dynamically modulate channel
      activity and gating status, depending on SR voltage.

PMID- 22039535
TI  - Characterization of Brca2-deficient plants excludes the role of NHEJ and SSA in
      the meiotic chromosomal defect phenotype.
AB  - In somatic cells, three major pathways are involved in the repair of DNA double
      strand breaks (DBS): Non-Homologous End Joining (NHEJ), Single-Strand Annealing
      (SSA) and Homologous Recombination (HR). In somatic and meiotic HR, DNA DSB are
      5' to 3' resected, producing long 3' single-stranded DNA extensions. Brca2 is
      essential to load the Rad51 recombinase onto these 3' overhangs. The resulting
      nucleofilament can thus invade a homologous DNA sequence to copy and restore the
      original genetic information. In Arabidopsis, the inactivation of Brca2
      specifically during meiosis by an RNAi approach results in aberrant chromosome
      aggregates, chromosomal fragmentation and missegregation leading to a sterility
      phenotype. We had previously suggested that such chromosomal behaviour could be
      due to NHEJ. In this study, we show that knock-out plants affected in both BRCA2
      genes show the same meiotic phenotype as the RNAi-inactivated plants. Moreover,
      it is demonstrated that during meiosis, neither NHEJ nor SSA compensate for HR
      deficiency in BRCA2-inactivated plants. The role of the plant-specific DNA
      Ligase6 is also excluded. The possible mechanism(s) involved in the formation of
      these aberrant chromosomal bridges in the absence of HR during meiosis are
      discussed.

PMID- 22039536
TI  - A thiopurine drug inhibits West Nile virus production in cell culture, but not in
      mice.
AB  - Many viruses within the Flavivirus genus cause significant disease in humans;
      however, effective antivirals against these viruses are not currently available.
      We have previously shown that a thiopurine drug, 6-methylmercaptopurine riboside
      (6MMPr), inhibits replication of distantly related viruses within the
      Flaviviridae family in cell culture, including bovine viral diarrhea virus and
      hepatitis C virus replicon. Here we further examined the potential antiviral
      effect of 6MMPr on several diverse flaviviruses. In cell culture, 6MMPr inhibited
      virus production of yellow fever virus, dengue virus-2 (DENV-2) and West Nile
      virus (WNV) in a dose-dependent manner, and DENV-2 was significantly more
      sensitive to 6MMPr treatment than WNV. We then explored the use of 6MMPr as an
      antiviral against WNV in an immunocompetent mouse model. Once a day treatment of
      mice with 0.5 mg 6MMPr was just below the toxic dose in our mouse model, and this
      dose was used in subsequent studies. Mice were treated with 6MMPr immediately
      after subcutaneous inoculation with WNV for eight consecutive days. Treatment
      with 6MMPr exacerbated weight loss in WNV-inoculated mice and did not
      significantly affect mortality. We hypothesized that 6MMPr has low
      bioavailability in the central nervous system (CNS) and examined the effect of
      pre-treatment with 6MMPr on viral loads in the periphery and CNS. Pre-treatment
      with 6MMPr had no significant effect on viremia or viral titers in the periphery,
      but resulted in significantly higher viral loads in the brain, suggesting that
      the effect of 6MMPr is tissue-dependent. In conclusion, despite being a potent
      inhibitor of flaviviruses in cell culture, 6MMPr was not effective against West
      Nile disease in mice; however, further studies are warranted to reduce the
      toxicity and/or improve the bioavailability of this potential antiviral drug.

PMID- 22039537
TI  - Electrical stimulation of the primate lateral habenula suppresses saccadic eye
      movement through a learning mechanism.
AB  - The lateral habenula (LHb) is a brain structure which represents negative
      motivational value. Neurons in the LHb are excited by unpleasant events such as
      reward omission and aversive stimuli, and transmit these signals to midbrain
      dopamine neurons which are involved in learning and motivation. However, it
      remains unclear whether these phasic changes in LHb neuronal activity actually
      influence animal behavior. To answer this question, we artificially activated the
      LHb by electrical stimulation while monkeys were performing a visually guided
      saccade task. In one block of trials, saccades to one fixed direction (e.g.,
      right direction) were followed by electrical stimulation of the LHb while
      saccades to the other direction (e.g., left direction) were not. The direction
      stimulation contingency was reversed in the next block. We found that the post
      saccadic stimulation of the LHb increased the latencies of saccades in subsequent
      trials. Notably, the increase of the latency occurred gradually as the saccade
      was repeatedly followed by the stimulation, suggesting that the effect of the
      post-saccadic stimulation was accumulated across trials. LHb stimulation starting
      before saccades, on the other hand, had no effect on saccade latency. Together
      with previous studies showing LHb activation by reward omission and aversive
      stimuli, the present stimulation experiment suggests that LHb activity
      contributes to learning to suppress actions which lead to unpleasant events.

PMID- 22039538
TI  - CcpA ensures optimal metabolic fitness of Streptococcus pneumoniae.
AB  - In gram-positive bacteria, the transcriptional regulator CcpA is at the core of
      catabolite control mechanisms. In the human pathogen Streptococcus pneumoniae,
      links between CcpA and virulence have been established, but its role as a master
      regulator in different nutritional environments remains to be elucidated. Thus,
      we performed whole-transcriptome and metabolic analyses of S. pneumoniae D39 and
      its isogenic ccpA mutant during growth on glucose or galactose, rapidly and
      slowly metabolized carbohydrates presumably encountered by the bacterium in
      different host niches. CcpA affected the expression of up to 19% of the genome
      covering multiple cellular processes, including virulence, regulatory networks
      and central metabolism. Its prevalent function as a repressor was observed on
      glucose, but unexpectedly also on galactose. Carbohydrate-dependent CcpA
      regulation was also observed, as for the tagatose 6-phosphate pathway genes,
      which were activated by galactose and repressed by glucose. Metabolite analyses
      revealed that two pathways for galactose catabolism are functionally active,
      despite repression of the Leloir genes by CcpA. Surprisingly, galactose-induced
      mixed-acid fermentation apparently required CcpA, since genes involved in this
      type of metabolism were mostly under CcpA-repression. These findings indicate
      that the role of CcpA extends beyond transcriptional regulation, which seemingly
      is overlaid by other regulatory mechanisms. In agreement, CcpA influenced the
      level of many intracellular metabolites potentially involved in metabolic
      regulation. Our data strengthen the view that a true understanding of cell
      physiology demands thorough analyses at different cellular levels. Moreover,
      integration of transcriptional and metabolic data uncovered a link between CcpA
      and the association of surface molecules (e.g. capsule) to the cell wall. Hence,
      CcpA may play a key role in mediating the interaction of S. pneumoniae with its
      host. Overall, our results support the hypothesis that S. pneumoniae optimizes
      basic metabolic processes, likely enhancing in vivo fitness, in a CcpA-mediated
      manner.

PMID- 22039540
TI  - Development and characterization of microsatellite markers for the Cape
      gooseberry Physalis peruviana.
AB  - Physalis peruviana, commonly known as Cape gooseberry, is an Andean Solanaceae
      fruit with high nutritional value and interesting medicinal properties. In the
      present study we report the development and characterization of microsatellite
      loci from a P. peruviana commercial Colombian genotype. We identified 932
      imperfect and 201 perfect Simple Sequence Repeats (SSR) loci in untranslated
      regions (UTRs) and 304 imperfect and 83 perfect SSR loci in coding regions from
      the assembled Physalis peruviana leaf transcriptome. The UTR SSR loci were used
      for the development of 162 primers for amplification. The efficiency of these
      primers was tested via PCR in a panel of seven P. peruviana accessions including
      Colombia, Kenya and Ecuador ecotypes and one closely related species Physalis
      floridana. We obtained an amplification rate of 83% and a polymorphic rate of
      22%. Here we report the first P. peruviana specific microsatellite set, a
      valuable tool for a wide variety of applications, including functional diversity,
      conservation and improvement of the species.

PMID- 22039539
TI  - Patterns of predicted T-cell epitopes associated with antigenic drift in
      influenza H3N2 hemagglutinin.
AB  - Antigenic drift allowing escape from neutralizing antibodies is an important
      feature of transmission and survival of influenza viruses in host populations.
      Antigenic drift has been studied in particular detail for influenza A H3N2 and
      well defined antigenic clusters of this virus documented. We examine how host
      immunogenetics contributes to determination of the antibody spectrum, and hence
      the immune pressure bringing about antigenic drift. Using uTOPETM bioinformatics
      analysis of predicted MHC binding, based on amino acid physical property
      principal components, we examined the binding affinity of all 9-mer and 15-mer
      peptides within the hemagglutinin 1 (HA1) of 447 H3N2 virus isolates to 35 MHC-I
      and 14 MHC-II alleles. We provide a comprehensive map of predicted MHC-I and MHC
      II binding affinity for a broad array of HLA alleles for the H3N2 influenza HA1
      protein. Each HLA allele exhibited a characteristic predicted binding pattern.
      Cluster analysis for each HLA allele shows that patterns based on predicted MHC
      binding mirror those described based on antibody binding. A single amino acid
      mutation or position displacement can result in a marked difference in MHC
      binding and hence potential T-helper function. We assessed the impact of
      individual amino acid changes in HA1 sequences between 10 virus isolates from
      1968-2002, representative of antigenic clusters, to understand the changes in MHC
      binding over time. Gain and loss of predicted high affinity MHC-II binding sites
      with cluster transitions were documented. Predicted high affinity MHC-II binding
      sites were adjacent to antibody binding sites. We conclude that host MHC
      diversity may have a major determinant role in the antigenic drift of influenza A
      H3N2.

PMID- 22039541
TI  - Investigation by imaging mass spectrometry of biomarker candidates for aging in
      the hair cortex.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Human hair is one of the essential components that define appearance
      and is a useful source of samples for non-invasive biomonitoring. We describe a
      novel application of imaging mass spectrometry (IMS) of hair biomolecules for
      advanced molecular characterization and a better understanding of hair aging. As
      a cosmetic and biomedical application, molecules whose levels in hair altered
      with aging were comprehensively investigated. METHODS: Human hair was collected
      from 15 young (20+/-5 years old) and 15 older (50+/-5 years old) volunteers.
      Matrix-free laser desorption/ionization IMS was used to visualize molecular
      distribution in the hair sections. Hair-specific ions displaying a significant
      difference in the intensities between the 2 age groups were extracted as
      candidate markers for aging. Tissue localization of the molecules and alterations
      in their levels in the cortex and medulla in the young and old groups were
      determined. RESULTS: Among the 31 molecules detected specifically in hair
      sections, 2--one at m/z 153.00, tentatively assigned to be dihydrouracil, and the
      other at m/z 207.04, identified to be 3,4-dihydroxymandelic acid (DHMA)-
      exhibited a higher signal intensity in the young group than in the old, and 1
      molecule at m/z 164.00, presumed to be O-phosphoethanolamine, displayed a higher
      intensity in the old group. Among the 3, putative O-phosphoethanolamine showed a
      cortex-specific distribution. The 3 molecules in cortex presented the same
      pattern of alteration in signal intensity with aging, whereas those in medulla
      did not exhibit significant alteration. CONCLUSION: Three molecules whose levels
      in hair altered with age were extracted. While they are all possible markers for
      aging, putative dihydrouracil and DHMA, are also suspected to play a role in
      maintaining hair properties and could be targets for cosmetic supplementation.
      Mapping of ion localization in hair by IMS is a powerful method to extract
      biomolecules in specified regions and determine their tissue distribution.

PMID- 22039542
TI  - Hypervirulent K. pneumoniae secretes more and more active iron-acquisition
      molecules than "classical" K. pneumoniae thereby enhancing its virulence.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A new hypervirulent (hypermucoviscous) clinical variant of Klebsiella
      pneumoniae (hvKP) has emerged over the last decade. Our goal is to identify new
      mechanisms, which increase the virulence hvKP compared to "classic" K. pneumoniae
      (cKP). METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Various growth assays were performed in
      human ascites, human serum, and laboratory medium with the hvKP strain hvKP1
      (wt), randomly chosen blood isolates of cKP strains (cKP1-4), and mutant
      constructs deficient in the secretion of selected compounds. An in vivo mouse
      model that mimics infection due to hvKP and a quantitative siderophore assay were
      also used. It was established that a molecule(s)/factor(s) was secreted by hvKP1
      significantly enhanced its growth and/or survival in human ascites. This
      molecule(s)/factor(s) also increased the growth and/or survival of hvKP1 in serum
      ex vivo and in an in vivo mouse model that measures metastatic spread after
      subcutaneous challenge, thereby further establishing biologic significance.
      Although features such as a size of <3kD, heat stability, and growth
      characteristics in ascites suggested this molecule(s) was a quorum-sensing
      compound, data presented demonstrates that this molecule(s)/factor(s) is involved
      in iron uptake and is likely a siderophore(s) or another iron-acquisition
      molecule. Although it is known that iron acquisition is critical for virulence, a
      novel aspect of this observation is that hvKP1 produces quantitatively more
      siderophores that appear to be biologically more active (increased affinity for
      iron or more resistant to host factors) than those produced by cKP strains.
      CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The data presented delineates a new mechanism by which
      hvKP increases its pathogenic potential compared to cKP strains. This paradigm
      may be broadly applicable to other extraintestinal gram-negative bacilli.

PMID- 22039543
TI  - Functional redundancy patterns reveal non-random assembly rules in a species-rich
      marine assemblage.
AB  - The relationship between species and the functional diversity of assemblages is
      fundamental in ecology because it contains key information on functional
      redundancy, and functionally redundant ecosystems are thought to be more
      resilient, resistant and stable. However, this relationship is poorly understood
      and undocumented for species-rich coastal marine ecosystems. Here, we used
      underwater visual censuses to examine the patterns of functional redundancy for
      one of the most diverse vertebrate assemblages, the coral reef fishes of New
      Caledonia, South Pacific. First, we found that the relationship between
      functional and species diversity displayed a non-asymptotic power-shaped curve,
      implying that rare functions and species mainly occur in highly diverse
      assemblages. Second, we showed that the distribution of species amongst possible
      functions was significantly different from a random distribution up to a
      threshold of ~90 species/transect. Redundancy patterns for each function further
      revealed that some functions displayed fast rates of increase in redundancy at
      low species diversity, whereas others were only becoming redundant past a certain
      threshold. This suggested non-random assembly rules and the existence of some
      primordial functions that would need to be fulfilled in priority so that coral
      reef fish assemblages can gain a basic ecological structure. Last, we found
      little effect of habitat on the shape of the functional-species diversity
      relationship and on the redundancy of functions, although habitat is known to
      largely determine assemblage characteristics such as species composition,
      biomass, and abundance. Our study shows that low functional redundancy is
      characteristic of this highly diverse fish assemblage, and, therefore, that even
      species-rich ecosystems such as coral reefs may be vulnerable to the removal of a
      few keystone species.

PMID- 22039544
TI  - A highly stable plastidic-type ferredoxin-NADP(H) reductase in the pathogenic
      bacterium Leptospira interrogans.
AB  - Leptospira interrogans is a bacterium that is capable of infecting animals and
      humans, and its infection causes leptospirosis with a range of symptoms from flu
      like to severe illness and death. Despite being a bacteria, Leptospira
      interrogans contains a plastidic class ferredoxin-NADP(H) reductase (FNR) with
      high catalytic efficiency, at difference from the bacterial class FNRs. These
      flavoenzymes catalyze the electron transfer between NADP(H) and ferredoxins or
      flavodoxins. The inclusion of a plastidic FNR in Leptospira metabolism and in its
      parasitic life cycle is not currently understood. Bioinformatic analyses of the
      available genomic and proteins sequences showed that the presence of this enzyme
      in nonphotosynthetic bacteria is restricted to the Leptospira genus and that a
      [4Fe-4S] ferredoxin (LB107) encoded by the Leptospira genome may be the natural
      substrate of the enzyme. Leptospira FNR (LepFNR) displayed high diaphorase
      activity using artificial acceptors and functioned as a ferric reductase. LepFNR
      displayed cytochrome c reductase activity with the Leptospira LB107 ferredoxin
      with an optimum at pH 6.5. Structural stability analysis demonstrates that LepFNR
      is one of the most stable FNRs analyzed to date. The persistence of a native
      folded LepFNR structure was detected in up to 6 M urea, a condition in which the
      enzyme retains 38% activity. In silico analysis indicates that the high LepFNR
      stability might be due to robust interactions between the FAD and the NADP(+)
      domains of the protein. The limited bacterial distribution of plastidic class
      FNRs and the biochemical and structural properties of LepFNR emphasize the
      uniqueness of this enzyme in the Leptospira metabolism. Our studies show that in
      L. interrogans a plastidic-type FNR exchanges electrons with a bacterial-type
      ferredoxin, process which has not been previously observed in nature.

PMID- 22039545
TI  - Determination of the crystal structure and active residues of FabV, the enoyl-ACP
      reductase from Xanthomonas oryzae.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Enoyl-ACP reductase (ENR) catalyses the last reduction reaction in
      the fatty acid elongation cycle in bacteria and is a good antimicrobial target
      candidate. FabV is the most recently discovered class of ENR, but we lack
      information about the atomic structure and the key residues involved in reductase
      activity except for the known conserved tyrosine and lysine residues in the Y
      X(8)-K active site motif. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Here we report the
      crystal structure of FabV from Xanthomonas oryzae (xoFabV). The crystal structure
      of this enzyme has been solved to 1.6 A resolution in space group P2(1)2(1)2(1).
      The model of xoFabV consists of one monomer in the asymmetric unit which is
      composed of 13 alpha-helices and 11 beta-strands, representing a canonical
      Rossmann fold architecture. Structural comparison presents that the locations of
      the conserved tyrosine (Y236) and lysine (K245) residues in the Y-X(8)-K active
      site motif of xoFabV and the Y-X(6)-K motif of ecFabI are notably similar.
      However, the conformations of Y236 in xoFabV and Y156 in ecFabI are distinct.
      Structure-based site-directed mutagenesis and enzymatic activity assays reveal
      that in addition to the conserved Y236 and K245 in the Y-X(8)-K motif, Y53, D111
      and Y226 are key residues implicated in the reductase activity, and F113 and T276
      are also important for enzyme function. Moreover, a proposed active lysine
      located immediately after the Y-X(8)-K motif in FabV from Burkholderia mallei
      (bmFabV) is altered to an inactive V246 in xoFabV. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: We
      determine the first crystal structure of the FabV enzyme and identify several
      residues important for its enzymatic activity. These findings lay a solid
      foundation for the development of specific antibacterial inhibitors of the
      pathogenic bacteria, such as Vibrio cholerae, Burkholderia species and
      Xanthomonas species.

PMID- 22039546
TI  - A comparison of parallel pyrosequencing and sanger clone-based sequencing and its
      impact on the characterization of the genetic diversity of HIV-1.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pyrosequencing technology has the potential to rapidly sequence HIV-1
      viral quasispecies without requiring the traditional approach of cloning. In this
      study, we investigated the utility of ultra-deep pyrosequencing to characterize
      genetic diversity of the HIV-1 gag quasispecies and assessed the possible
      contribution of pyrosequencing technology in studying HIV-1 biology and
      evolution. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: HIV-1 gag gene was amplified from 96
      patients using nested PCR. The PCR products were cloned and sequenced using
      capillary based Sanger fluorescent dideoxy termination sequencing. The same PCR
      products were also directly sequenced using the 454 pyrosequencing technology.
      The two sequencing methods were evaluated for their ability to characterize
      quasispecies variation, and to reveal sites under host immune pressure for their
      putative functional significance. A total of 14,034 variations were identified by
      454 pyrosequencing versus 3,632 variations by Sanger clone-based (SCB)
      sequencing. 11,050 of these variations were detected only by pyrosequencing.
      These undetected variations were located in the HIV-1 Gag region which is known
      to contain putative cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL) and neutralizing antibody
      epitopes, and sites related to virus assembly and packaging. Analysis of the
      positively selected sites derived by the two sequencing methods identified
      several differences. All of them were located within the CTL epitope regions.
      CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Ultra-deep pyrosequencing has proven to be a powerful
      tool for characterization of HIV-1 genetic diversity with enhanced sensitivity,
      efficiency, and accuracy. It also improved reliability of downstream evolutionary
      and functional analysis of HIV-1 quasispecies.

PMID- 22039547
TI  - Biological responses to diesel exhaust particles (DEPs) depend on the
      physicochemical properties of the DEPs.
AB  - Diesel exhaust particles (DEPs) are the main components of ambient particulate
      materials, including polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), n-PAHs, heavy metals, and
      gaseous materials. Many epidemiological, clinical, and toxicological studies have
      shown that ambient particles, including DEPs, are associated with respiratory
      disorders, such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, and lung cancer. However, the
      relationship between the biological response to DEPs and their chemical
      composition remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the physicochemical
      properties of DEPs before toxicological studies, and then administered a single
      intratracheal instillation of DEPs to mice. The mice were then killed 1, 7, 14
      and 28 days after DEP exposure to observe the biological responses induced by
      DEPs over time. Our findings suggest that DEPs engulfed into cells induced a Th2
      type inflammatory response followed by DNA damage, whereas DEPs not engulfed into
      cells induced a Th1-type inflammatory response. Further, the physicochemical
      properties, including surface charge, particle size, and chemical composition, of
      DEPs play a crucial role in determining the biological responses to DEPs.
      Consequently, we suggest that the biological response to DEPs depend on cell
      particle interaction and the physicochemical properties of the particles.

PMID- 22039548
TI  - Action representation in patients with bilateral vestibular impairments.
AB  - During mental actions subjects feel themselves performing a movement without any
      corresponding motor output. Although broad information is available regarding the
      influence of central lesions on action representation, little is known about how
      peripheral damages affect mental events. In the current study, we investigated
      whether lack of vestibular information influences action representation. Twelve
      healthy adults and twelve patients with bilateral vestibular damage actually
      performed and mentally simulated walking and drawing. The locomotor paths implied
      one (first walking task) and four (second walking task) changes in the walking
      direction. In the drawing task, participants drew on a sheet of paper a path that
      was similar to that of the second walking task. We recorded and compared between
      the two groups the timing of actual and mental movements. We found significant
      temporal discrepancies between actual and mental walking movements in the group
      of patients. Conversely, drawing actual and drawing mental durations were
      similar. For the control group, an isochrony between mental and actual movements
      was observed for the three tasks. This result denotes an inconsistency between
      action representation and action execution following vestibular damage, which is
      specific to walking movements, and emphasizes the role of the vestibular system
      upon mental states of actions. This observation may have important clinical
      implications. During action planning vestibular patients may overestimate the
      capacity of their motor system (imaging faster, executing slower) with harmful
      consequences for their health.

PMID- 22039549
TI  - Identification of human NK17/NK1 cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Natural killer (NK) cells have both cytolytic and immunoregulatory
      functions. We recently described that these cells release the inflammatory
      cytokines IL-17 and IFN-gamma. However, the precise identity of the NK cell
      subset(s) that secrete these cytokines is not known. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL
      FINDINGS: To isolate the cells secreting IL-17 and IFN-gamma, we took advantage
      of the findings that Th17/Th1 cells express chemokine receptors. Therefore,
      CD56(+)NK cells were stained with antibodies against various chemokine receptors
      and intracellularly with antibodies toward IL-17 and IFN-gamma. Consequently, we
      identified previously unrecognized subset of NK cells generated from normal human
      peripheral blood after activation with IL-2 but not PMA plus ionomycin. The cells
      are characterized by the expression of CD56(+) and CCR4(+), produce IL-17 and IFN
      gamma and are consequently named NK17/NK1 cells. They also express CD161, NKp30,
      NKp44, NKp46, NKG2D, CD158, CCL22, IL-2Rbeta and the common gamma chain but not
      CD127 or IL-23R. Further, they possess T-bet and RORgammat transcription factors.
      Antibodies to IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-21, or TGF-beta1 do not inhibit IL-2-induced
      generation of NK17/NK1 cells, suggesting that IL-2 has the capacity to polarize
      these cells. Notably, NK17/NK1 cells are abundant in the cerebrospinal fluid
      (CSF) of patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) without activation, and are
      generated from the peripheral blood of these patients after activation with IL-2.
      CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: NK17/NK1 cells identified here have not been previously
      described in healthy or MS patients.

PMID- 22039550
TI  - Misleading population estimates: biases and consistency of visual surveys and
      matrix modelling in the endangered bearded vulture.
AB  - Conservation strategies for long-lived vertebrates require accurate estimates of
      parameters relative to the populations' size, numbers of non-breeding individuals
      (the "cryptic" fraction of the population) and the age structure. Frequently,
      visual survey techniques are used to make these estimates but the accuracy of
      these approaches is questionable, mainly because of the existence of numerous
      potential biases. Here we compare data on population trends and age structure in
      a bearded vulture (Gypaetus barbatus) population from visual surveys performed at
      supplementary feeding stations with data derived from population matrix-modelling
      approximations. Our results suggest that visual surveys overestimate the number
      of immature (<2 years old) birds, whereas subadults (3-5 y.o.) and adults (>6
      y.o.) were underestimated in comparison with the predictions of a population
      model using a stable-age distribution. In addition, we found that visual surveys
      did not provide conclusive information on true variations in the size of the
      focal population. Our results suggest that although long-term studies (i.e.
      population matrix modelling based on capture-recapture procedures) are a more
      time-consuming method, they provide more reliable and robust estimates of
      population parameters needed in designing and applying conservation strategies.
      The findings shown here are likely transferable to the management and
      conservation of other long-lived vertebrate populations that share similar life
      history traits and ecological requirements.

PMID- 22039551
TI  - Tyrosine deprotonation and associated hydrogen bond rearrangements in a
      photosynthetic reaction center.
AB  - Photosynthetic reaction centers from Blastochloris viridis possess Tyr-L162
      located mid-way between the special pair chlorophyll (P) and the heme (heme3).
      While mutation of the tyrosine does not affect the kinetics of electron transfer
      from heme3 to P, recent time-resolved Laue diffraction studies reported
      displacement of Tyr-L162 in response to the formation of the photo-oxidized
      P(+*), implying a possible tyrosine deprotonation event. pK(a) values for Tyr
      L162 were calculated using the corresponding crystal structures. Movement of
      deprotonated Tyr-L162 toward Thr-M185 was observed in P(+*) formation. It was
      associated with rearrangement of the H-bond network that proceeds to P via Thr
      M185 and His-L168.

PMID- 22039552
TI  - Finnish Campylobacter jejuni strains of multilocus sequence type ST-22 complex
      have two lineages with different characteristics.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Campylobacter jejuni is the major cause of human bacterial
      gastroenteritis worldwide, and in a minority of cases, post-infectious
      complications may occur. ST-22 complex (usually Penner serotype 19) strains have
      been overrepresented among patients with postinfectious complications of
      campylobacteriosis. We here present a characterization of a collection of 27
      Finnish C. jejuni strains of ST-22 complex, from humans (22 strains) and animal
      sources (five strains), with the aim of contributing to our knowledge of the
      pathogenesis of C. jejuni infections. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: All strains
      were analyzed by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) genotyping, lipo
      oligosaccharide (LOS) locus class, Y-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) activity, in
      vitro biofilm formation ability, invasion and adhesion in HeLa cells and
      induction of IL-8 production. ST-22 complex contained five STs (ST-22; ST-1947;
      ST-1966; ST-3892; ST-3996) which were homogeneous in having sialylated LOS class
      A(1) but on the other hand were distinguished into two major lineages according
      to the major STs (ST-22 and ST-1947) by different PFGE genotypes and certain
      other characteristics. All ST-22 strains had similar SmaI PFGE profiles, were GGT
      positive, and formed biofilms, except one strain, while ST-1947 strains were all
      GGT negative, did not form biofilm, had significantly higher motility than ST-22
      (p<0.05) and had their SmaI PFGE profile. Invasion and adhesion as well as
      induction of IL-8 production on HeLa cells were strain-dependent characteristics.
      CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: ST-22 complex strains, reveal potential for molecular
      mimicry in host interactions upon infection as they all express sialylated LOS
      class A(1). The two major STs, ST-22 and ST-1947 formed two homogeneous lineages,
      which differed from each other both phenotypically and genetically, suggesting
      that the strains may have evolved separately, perhaps by interacting with
      different spectra of hosts. Further studies are needed in order to understand if
      these two lineages are associated with different disease outcomes.

PMID- 22039553
TI  - The neglected tropical diseases of India and South Asia: review of their
      prevalence, distribution, and control or elimination.

PMID- 22039554
TI  - Congenital Chagas disease: recommendations for diagnosis, treatment and control
      of newborns, siblings and pregnant women.

PMID- 22039555
TI  - Spontaneous clearance of Mycobacterium ulcerans in a case of Buruli ulcer.

PMID- 22039556
TI  - Alternative oxidase mediates pathogen resistance in Paracoccidioides brasiliensis
      infection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Paracoccidioides brasiliensis is a human thermal dimorphic pathogenic
      fungus. Survival of P. brasiliensis inside the host depends on the adaptation of
      this fungal pathogen to different conditions, namely oxidative stress imposed by
      immune cells. AIMS AND METHODOLOGY: In this study, we evaluated the role of
      alternative oxidase (AOX), an enzyme involved in the intracellular redox
      balancing, during host-P. brasiliensis interaction. We generated a mitotically
      stable P. brasiliensis AOX (PbAOX) antisense RNA (aRNA) strain with a 70%
      reduction in gene expression. We evaluated the relevance of PbAOX during
      interaction of conidia and yeast cells with IFN-gamma activated alveolar
      macrophages and in a mouse model of infection. Additionally, we determined the
      fungal cell's viability and PbAOX in the presence of H2O2. RESULTS: Interaction
      with IFN-gamma activated alveolar macrophages induced higher levels of PbAOX gene
      expression in PbWt conidia than PbWt yeast cells. PbAOX-aRNA conidia and yeast
      cells had decreased viability after interaction with macrophages. Moreover, in a
      mouse model of infection, we showed that absence of wild-type levels of PbAOX in
      P. brasiliensis results in a reduced fungal burden in lungs at weeks 8 and 24
      post-challenge and an increased survival rate. In the presence of H2O2, we
      observed that PbWt yeast cells increased PbAOX expression and presented a higher
      viability in comparison with PbAOX-aRNA yeast cells. CONCLUSIONS: These data
      further support the hypothesis that PbAOX is important in the fungal defense
      against oxidative stress imposed by immune cells and is relevant in the virulence
      of P. brasiliensis.

PMID- 22039557
TI  - Rodent abundance dynamics and leptospirosis carriage in an area of hyper
      endemicity in New Caledonia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Widespread but particularly incident in the tropics, leptospirosis is
      transmitted to humans directly or indirectly by virtually any Mammal species.
      However, rodents are recognized as the most important reservoir. In endemic
      regions, seasonal outbreaks are observed during hot rainy periods. In such
      regions, hot spots can be evidenced, where leptospirosis is "hyper-endemic", its
      incidence reaching 500 annual cases per 100,000. A better knowledge of how rodent
      populations and their Leptospira prevalence respond to seasonal and
      meteorological fluctuations might help implement relevant control measures.
      METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: In two tribes in New Caledonia with hyper-endemic
      leptospirosis, rodent abundance and Leptospira prevalence was studied twice a
      year, in hot and cool seasons for two consecutive years. Highly contrasted
      meteorological situations, particularly rainfall intensities, were noted between
      the two hot seasons studied. Our results show that during a hot and rainy period,
      both the rodent populations and their Leptospira carriage were higher. This
      pattern was more salient in commensal rodents than in the sylvatic rats.
      CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The dynamics of rodents and their Leptospira carriage
      changed during the survey, probably under the influence of meteorology. Rodents
      were both more numerous and more frequently carrying (therefore disseminating)
      leptospires during a hot rainy period, also corresponding to a flooding period
      with higher risks of human exposure to waters and watered soils. The outbreaks of
      leptospirosis in hyper-endemic areas could arise from meteorological conditions
      leading to both an increased risk of exposure of humans and an increased volume
      of the rodent reservoir. Rodent control measures would therefore be most
      effective during cool and dry seasons, when rodent populations and leptospirosis
      incidence are low.

PMID- 22039558
TI  - Post-treatment follow-up study of abdominal cystic echinococcosis in tibetan
      communities of northwest Sichuan Province, China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Human cystic echinococcosis (CE), caused by the larval stage of
      Echinococcus granulosus, with the liver as the most frequently affected organ, is
      known to be highly endemic in Tibetan communities of northwest Sichuan Province.
      Antiparasitic treatment with albendazole remains the primary choice for the great
      majority of patients in this resource-poor remote area, though surgery is the
      most common approach for CE therapy that has the potential to remove cysts and
      lead to complete cure. The current prospective study aimed to assess the
      effectiveness of community based use of cyclic albendazole treatment in Tibetan
      CE cases, and concurrently monitor the changes of serum specific antibody levels
      during treatment. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Ultrasonography was applied for
      diagnosis and follow-up of CE cases after cyclic albendazole treatment in Tibetan
      communities of Sichuan Province during 2006 to 2008, and serum specific IgG
      antibody levels against Echinococcus granulosus recombinant antigen B in ELISA
      was concurrently monitored in these cases. A total of 196 CE cases were
      identified by ultrasound, of which 37 (18.9%) showed evidence of spontaneous
      healing/involution of hepatic cyst(s) with CE4 or CE5 presentations. Of 49
      enrolled CE cases for treatment follow-up, 32.7% (16) were considered to be cured
      based on B-ultrasound after 6 months to 30 months regular albendazole treatment,
      49.0% (24) were improved, 14.3% (7) remained unchanged, and 4.1% (2) became
      aggravated. In general, patients with CE2 type cysts (daughter cysts present)
      needed a longer treatment course for cure (26.4 months), compared to cases with
      CE1 (univesicular cysts) (20.4 months) or CE3 type (detached cyst membrane or
      partial degeneration of daughter cysts) (9 months). In addition, the curative
      duration was longer in patients with large (>10 cm) cysts (22.3 months), compared
      to cases with medium (5-10 cm) cysts (17.3 months) or patients with small (<5 cm)
      cysts (6 months). At diagnosis, seven (53.8%) of 13 cases with CE1 type cysts
      without any previous intervention showed negative specific IgG antibody response
      to E. granulosus recombinant antigen B (rAgB). However, following 3 months to 18
      months albendazole therapy, six of these 7 initially seronegative CE1 cases sero
      converted to be specific IgG antibody positive, and concurrently ultrasound scan
      showed that cysts changed to CE3a from CE1 type in all the six CE cases. Two
      major profiles of serum specific IgG antibody dynamics during albendazole
      treatment were apparent in CE cases: (i) presenting as initial elevation followed
      by subsequent decline, or (ii) a persistent decline. Despite a decline, however,
      specific antibody levels remained positive in most improved or cured CE cases.
      CONCLUSIONS: This was the first attempt to follow up community-screened cystic
      echinococcosis patients after albendazole therapy using ultrasonography and
      serology in an endemic Tibetan region. Cyclic albendazole treatment proved to be
      effective in the great majority of CE cases in this resource-poor area, but
      periodic abdominal ultrasound examination was necessary to guide appropriate
      treatment. Oral albendazole for over 18 months was more likely to result in CE
      cure. Poor drug compliance resulted in less good outcomes. Serology with
      recombinant antigen B could provide additional limited information about the
      effectiveness of albendazole in CE cases. Post-treatment positive specific IgG
      antibody seroconversion, in initially seronegative, CE1 patients was considered a
      good indication for positive therapeutic efficacy of albendazole.

PMID- 22039559
TI  - Hidden sylvatic foci of the main vector of Chagas disease Triatoma infestans:
      threats to the vector elimination campaign?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Establishing the sources of reinfestation after residual insecticide
      spraying is crucial for vector elimination programs. Triatoma infestans,
      traditionally considered to be limited to domestic or peridomestic (abbreviated
      as D/PD) habitats throughout most of its range, is the target of an elimination
      program that has achieved limited success in the Gran Chaco region in South
      America. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: During a two-year period we conducted
      semi-annual searches for triatomine bugs in every D/PD site and surrounding
      sylvatic habitats after full-coverage spraying of pyrethroid insecticides of all
      houses in a well-defined rural area in northwestern Argentina. We found six low
      density sylvatic foci with 24 T. infestans in fallen or standing trees located
      110-2,300 m from the nearest house or infested D/PD site detected after
      insecticide spraying, when house infestations were rare. Analysis of two
      mitochondrial gene fragments of 20 sylvatic specimens confirmed their species
      identity as T. infestans and showed that their composite haplotypes were the same
      as or closely related to D/PD haplotypes. Population studies with 10 polymorphic
      microsatellite loci and wing geometric morphometry consistently indicated the
      occurrence of unrestricted gene flow between local D/PD and sylvatic populations.
      Mitochondrial DNA and microsatellite sibship analyses in the most abundant
      sylvatic colony revealed descendents from five different females. Spatial
      analysis showed a significant association between two sylvatic foci and the
      nearest D/PD bug population found before insecticide spraying. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      study shows that, despite of its high degree of domesticity, T. infestans has
      sylvatic colonies with normal chromatic characters (not melanic morphs) highly
      connected to D/PD conspecifics in the Argentinean Chaco. Sylvatic habitats may
      provide a transient or permanent refuge after control interventions, and function
      as sources for D/PD reinfestation. The occurrence of sylvatic foci of T.
      infestans in the Gran Chaco may pose additional threats to ongoing vector
      elimination efforts.

PMID- 22039560
TI  - Optimal timing of insecticide fogging to minimize dengue cases: modeling dengue
      transmission among various seasonalities and transmission intensities.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dengue infection is endemic in many regions throughout the world.
      While insecticide fogging targeting the vector mosquito Aedes aegypti is a major
      control measure against dengue epidemics, the impact of this method remains
      controversial. A previous mathematical simulation study indicated that
      insecticide fogging minimized cases when conducted soon after peak disease
      prevalence, although the impact was minimal, possibly because seasonality and
      population immunity were not considered. Periodic outbreak patterns are also
      highly influenced by seasonal climatic conditions. Thus, these factors are
      important considerations when assessing the effect of vector control against
      dengue. We used mathematical simulations to identify the appropriate timing of
      insecticide fogging, considering seasonal change of vector populations, and to
      evaluate its impact on reducing dengue cases with various levels of transmission
      intensity. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We created the Susceptible-Exposed
      Infectious-Recovered (SEIR) model of dengue virus transmission. Mosquito lifespan
      was assumed to change seasonally and the optimal timing of insecticide fogging to
      minimize dengue incidence under various lengths of the wet season was
      investigated. We also assessed whether insecticide fogging was equally effective
      at higher and lower endemic levels by running simulations over a 500-year period
      with various transmission intensities to produce an endemic state. In contrast to
      the previous study, the optimal application of insecticide fogging was between
      the onset of the wet season and the prevalence peak. Although it has less impact
      in areas that have higher endemicity and longer wet seasons, insecticide fogging
      can prevent a considerable number of dengue cases if applied at the optimal time.
      CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The optimal timing of insecticide fogging and its
      impact on reducing dengue cases were greatly influenced by seasonality and the
      level of transmission intensity. We suggest that these factors should be
      considered when planning a control strategy against dengue vectors.

PMID- 22039561
TI  - Proteomic identification of IPSE/alpha-1 as a major hepatotoxin secreted by
      Schistosoma mansoni eggs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Eggs deposited in the liver of the mammalian host by the blood fluke
      parasite, Schistosoma mansoni, normally drive a T-helper-2 (Th2)-mediated
      granulomatous response in immune-competent mice. By contrast, in mice deprived of
      T-cells and incapable of producing granulomata, egg-secreted proteins (ESP)
      induce acute hepatic injury and death. Previous work has shown that one such ESP,
      the T2 ribonuclease known as omega-1, is hepatotoxic in vivo in that specific
      antisera to omega-1 prevent hepatocyte damage. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS:
      Using an in vitro culture system employing mouse primary hepatocytes and alanine
      transaminase (ALT) activity as a marker of heptocyte injury, we demonstrated that
      S. mansoni eggs, egg-secreted proteins (ESP), soluble-egg antigen (SEA), and
      omega-1 are directly hepatotoxic and in a dose-dependent manner. Depletion of
      omega-1 using a monoclonal antibody abolished the toxicity of pure omega-1 and
      diminished the toxicity in ESP and SEA by 47 and 33%, respectively. Anion
      exchange chromatography of ESP yielded one predominant hepatotoxic fraction.
      Proteomics of that fraction identified the presence of IPSE/alpha-1 (IL-4
      inducing principle from S. mansoni eggs), a known activator of basophils and
      inducer of Th2-type responses. Pure recombinant IPSE/alpha-1 also displayed a
      dose-dependent hepatotoxicity in vitro. Monoclonal antibody depletion of
      IPSE/alpha-1 abolished the latter's toxicity and diminished the total toxicity of
      ESP and SEA by 32 and 35%, respectively. Combined depletion of omega-1 and
      IPSE/alpha-1 diminished hepatotoxicity of ESP and SEA by 60 and 58% respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS: We identified IPSE/alpha-1 as a novel hepatotoxin and conclude that
      both IPSE/alpha-1 and omega-1 account for the majority of the hepatotoxicity
      secreted by S. mansoni eggs.

PMID- 22039562
TI  - Proteomic analysis of excretory-secretory products of Heligmosomoides polygyrus
      assessed with next-generation sequencing transcriptomic information.
AB  - The murine parasite Heligmosomoides polygyrus is a convenient experimental model
      to study immune responses and pathology associated with gastrointestinal nematode
      infections. The excretory-secretory products (ESP) produced by this parasite have
      potent immunomodulatory activity, but the protein(s) responsible has not been
      defined. Identification of the protein composition of ESP derived from H.
      polygyrus and other relevant nematode species has been hampered by the lack of
      genomic sequence information required for proteomic analysis based on database
      searches. To overcome this, a transcriptome next generation sequencing (RNA-seq)
      de novo assembly containing 33,641 transcripts was generated, annotated, and used
      to interrogate mass spectrometry (MS) data derived from 1D-SDS PAGE and LC-MS/MS
      analysis of ESP. Using the database generated from the 6 open reading frames
      deduced from the RNA-seq assembly and conventional identification programs, 209
      proteins were identified in ESP including homologues of vitellogenins, retinol-
      and fatty acid-binding proteins, globins, and the allergen V5/Tpx-1-related
      family of proteins. Several potential immunomodulators, such as macrophage
      migration inhibitory factor, cysteine protease inhibitors, galectins, C-type
      lectins, peroxiredoxin, and glutathione S-transferase, were also identified.
      Comparative analysis of protein annotations based on the RNA-seq assembly and
      proteomics revealed processes and proteins that may contribute to the functional
      specialization of ESP, including proteins involved in signalling pathways and in
      nutrient transport and/or uptake. Together, these findings provide important
      information that will help to illuminate molecular, biochemical, and in
      particular immunomodulatory aspects of host-H. polygyrus biology. In addition,
      the methods and analyses presented here are applicable to study biochemical and
      molecular aspects of the host-parasite relationship in species for which sequence
      information is not available.

PMID- 22039563
TI  - Toward sustainable and comprehensive control of schistosomiasis in China: lessons
      from Sichuan.
AB  - Triggered by a fascinating publication in the New England Journal of Medicine
      detailing China's new multi-pronged strategy to control and eventually interrupt
      the transmission of Schistosoma japonicum, this PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases
      Debate critically examines the generalizability and financial costs of the
      studies presented from the marshlands of the lake region. Edmund Seto from the
      University of California and colleagues emphasize that the epidemiology and
      control of schistosomiasis varies according to the social-ecological context.
      They conjecture that the successful intervention packages piloted in the lake
      region is not fully fit for the hilly and mountainous environments in Sichuan and
      Yunnan provinces, and hence call for more flexible, setting-specific, and less
      expensive control strategies. In response, Xiao-Nong Zhou from the National
      Institute of Parasitic Diseases at the Chinese Center of Disease Control and
      Prevention and colleagues explain the steps from designing pilot studies to the
      articulation and implementation of a new national control strategy through a
      careful process of scaling-up and adaptations. Finally, the two opponents
      converge. The need for integrated, intersectoral, and setting-specific control
      measures is stressed, supported by rigorous surveillance and continuous research.
      Experiences and lessons from China are important for shaping the schistosomiasis
      elimination agenda.

PMID- 22039564
TI  - Development of face processing.
AB  - This article reviews the development of the face-processing system from birth,
      during infancy and through childhood, until it becomes the sophisticated system
      observed in adults. We begin by discussing the following major theoretical issues
      concerning the development of face expertise: (1) nature versus nurture or the
      role of experience in face processing, (2) level of processing (i.e., global,
      basic, subordinate, individual) and expertise, and (3) type of processing (i.e.,
      holistic, configural, featural). This general overview will be followed by a
      closer examination of individual studies that investigate the development of face
      processing. These studies will include a review of (1) development of
      differential processing of faces and objects, (2) development of differential
      processing of faces of different species, (3) developmental changes in processing
      facial identity, and (4) developmental changes in the categorization of faces.
      Our review of the developmental literature reveals early competence in face
      processing abilities with infants presenting a preference for face stimuli and
      facial discrimination using featural, configural, and holistic cues. This early
      competence is then later refined as evidenced by age-related changes throughout
      childhood. Some of the refinements are likely due to the development of general
      cognitive abilities, whereas some others may be face-specific. WIREs Cogni Sci
      2011 2 666-675 DOI: 10.1002/wcs.146 This article is categorized under: Psychology
      > Development and Aging.

PMID- 22039565
TI  - Emotion and perception: the role of affective information.
AB  - Visual perception and emotion are traditionally considered separate domains of
      study. In this article, however, we review research showing them to be less
      separable than usually assumed. In fact, emotions routinely affect how and what
      we see. Fear, for example, can affect low-level visual processes, sad moods can
      alter susceptibility to visual illusions, and goal-directed desires can change
      the apparent size of goal-relevant objects. In addition, the layout of the
      physical environment, including the apparent steepness of a hill and the distance
      to the ground from a balcony can both be affected by emotional states. We propose
      that emotions provide embodied information about the costs and benefits of
      anticipated action, information that can be used automatically and immediately,
      circumventing the need for cogitating on the possible consequences of potential
      actions. Emotions thus provide a strong motivating influence on how the
      environment is perceived. WIREs Cogni Sci 2011 2 676-685 DOI: 10.1002/wcs.147
      This article is categorized under: Psychology > Emotion and Motivation.

PMID- 22039566
TI  - Mechanical Loading of Articular Cartilage Reduces IL-1-Induced Enzyme Expression.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Exposure of articular cartilage to interleukin-1 (IL-1) results in
      increased synthesis of matrix degrading enzymes. Previously mechanical load
      applied together with IL-1 stimulation was found to reduce aggrecan cleavage by
      ADAMTS-4 and 5 and MMP-1, -3, -9, and -13 and reduce proteoglycan loss from the
      extracellular matrix. To further delineate the inhibition mechanism the gene
      expression of ADAMTS-4 and 5; MMP-1, -3, -9, and -13; and TIMP-1, -2, and -3 were
      measured.  DESIGN: Mature bovine articular cartilage was stimulated with a 0.5
      MPa compressive stress and 10 ng/ml of IL-1alpha for 3 days and then allowed to
      recover without stimulation for 1 additional day. The media was assayed for
      proteoglycan content on a daily basis, while chondrocyte gene expression (mRNA)
      was measured during stimulation and 1 day of recovery.  RESULTS: Mechanical load
      alone did not change the gene expression for ADAMTS, MMP, or TIMP. IL-1 caused an
      increase in gene expression for all enzymes after 1 day of stimulation while not
      affecting the TIMP levels. Load applied together with IL-1 decreased the
      expression levels of ADAMTS-4 and -5 and MMP-1 and -3 and increased TIMP-3
      expression.  CONCLUSIONS: A mechanical load appears to modify cartilage
      degradation by IL-1 at the cellular level by reducing mRNA.

PMID- 22039567
TI  - The first common cold sore susceptibility gene.

PMID- 22039568
TI  - C21orf91 genotypes correlate with herpes simplex labialis (cold sore) frequency:
      description of a cold sore susceptibility gene.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infects >70% of the United States
      population. We identified a 3-megabase region on human chromosome 21 containing 6
      candidate genes associated with herpes simplex labialis (HSL, "cold sores").
      METHODS: We conducted single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) scans of the
      chromosome 21 region to define which of 6 possible candidate genes were
      associated with cold sore frequency. We obtained the annual HSL frequency for 355
      HSV-1 seropositive individuals and determined the individual genotypes by SNPlex
      for linkage analysis and parental transmission disequilibrium testing (ParenTDT).
      RESULTS: Two-point linkage analysis showed positive linkage between cold sore
      frequency and 2 SNPs within the C21orf91 region, 1 of which is nonsynonymous.
      ParenTDT analysis revealed a strong association between another C21orf91 SNP,
      predicted to lie in the 3' untranslated region, and frequent HSL (P = .0047).
      C21orf 91 is a predicted open reading frame of unknown function that encodes a
      cytosolic protein. CONCLUSIONS: We evaluated candidate genes in the cold sore
      susceptibility region using fine mapping with 45 SNP markers. 2 complementary
      techniques identified C21orf91 as a gene of interest for susceptibility to HSL.
      We propose that C21orf91 be designated the Cold Sore Susceptibility Gene-1
      (CSSG1).

PMID- 22039574
TI  - Anthrax lethal toxin-induced gene expression changes in mouse lung.
AB  - A major virulence factor of Bacillus anthracis is the anthrax Lethal Toxin
      (LeTx), a bipartite toxin composed of Protective Antigen and Lethal Factor.
      Systemic administration of LeTx to laboratory animals leads to death associated
      with vascular leakage and pulmonary edema. In this study, we investigated whether
      systemic exposure of mice to LeTx would induce gene expression changes associated
      with vascular/capillary leakage in lung tissue. We observed enhanced
      susceptibility of A/J mice to death by systemic LeTx administration compared to
      the C57BL/6 strain. LeTx-induced groups of both up- and down-regulated genes were
      observed in mouse lungs 6 h after systemic administration of wild type toxin
      compared to lungs of mice exposed to an inactive mutant form of the toxin. Lungs
      of the less susceptible C57BL/6 strain showed 80% fewer differentially expressed
      genes compared to lungs of the more sensitive A/J strain. Expression of genes
      known to regulate vascular permeability was modulated by LeTx in the lungs of the
      more susceptible A/J strain. Unexpectedly, the largest set of genes with altered
      expression was immune specific, characterized by the up-regulation of lymphoid
      genes and the down-regulation of myeloid genes. Transcripts encoding neutrophil
      chemoattractants, modulators of tumor regulation and angiogenesis were also
      differentially expressed in both mouse strains. These studies provide new
      directions for the investigation of vascular leakage and pulmonary edema induced
      by anthrax LeTx.

PMID- 22039575
TI  - THE INDO-PACIFIC GEMMULA SPECIES IN THE SUBFAMILY TURRINAE: ASPECTS OF FIELD
      DISTRIBUTION, MOLECULAR PHYLOGENY, RADULAR ANATOMY AND FEEDING ECOLOGY.
AB  - The biology, feeding ecology and phylogenetic relationships of marine snails in
      the family Turridae remain poorly understood. Here we report our study on four
      deep-water species in the genus Gemmula, a major group in this family. The four
      species G. speciosa (Reeve 1843), G. sogodensis (Olivera 2005), G. kieneri
      (Doumet 1940) and G. diomedea (Powell 1964) were collected at five different
      sites in the Philippines, and their pattern of distribution in the sites, their
      feeding behaviour as well as their phylogenetic relationships with each other and
      with other members of the subfamily Turrinae were investigated. The radular
      morphology (of two Gemmula species) and potential prey (for one Gemmula species)
      were also examined. Actual feeding observations were also conducted for Gemmula
      speciosa and compared with two turrids from other genera.All four Gemmula species
      showed strikingly different patterns of distribution; each species was found to
      be relatively much more abundant at one site but not at the other sites.
      Molecular phylogenetic analysis based on 16S sequences correlated with previously
      reported 12S sequences and revealed that the four species all belong to a well
      supported Gemmula clade within the subfamily Turrinae; and that this clade
      appeared more closely related to the clades Xenuroturris, Turris and Lophiotoma
      than to the other clades in the subfamily (i.e., Turridrupa, Unedogemmula and
      Polystira). Morphological analysis of the radula of both G. speciosa and G.
      sogodensis revealed that the radulae of the two species were similar but differed
      from the other turrids, Lophiotoma acuta and Unedogemmula bisaya, by the absence
      of central teeth, consistent with the separation of the Gemmula clade from the
      Lophiotoma and Unedogemmula clade.To identify the polychaete group that is
      targeted as prey by species of Gemmula, analysis of regurgitated food fragments
      was made; phylogenetic analysis of an mtCOI gene fragment that was PCR-amplified
      from the regurgitated tissue of one specimen (G. diomedea) indicated close
      affinity of the prey to the terebellid polychaete Amphitritides. Specimens of
      Gemmula speciosa, when challenged with the terebellid polychaete Loimia sp., were
      observed to attack the worm suggesting that Gemmula species feed on terebellid
      polychaetes. Lophiotoma acuta were also observed to feed on the same species of
      terebellid but were usually group-feeding in contrast to the solitary feeding of
      G. speciosa. Unedogemmula bisaya did not feed on the terebellid which also
      supports the separation of the Gemmula and Unedogemmula clade.Two lines of proof
      (i.e. the molecular phylogenetic analysis and the feeding challenge) supporting
      the toxin homology findings previously reported, provide consistent evidence that
      Gemmula is a distinct clade of worm-hunting Turrinae that feeds on Terebellidae.

PMID- 22039577
TI  - Evaluation of F-nifene binding to alpha4beta2 nicotinic receptors in the rat
      brain using microPET imaging.
AB  - MicroPET imaging studies using (18)F-nifene, a new positron emission tomography
      (PET) radiotracer for nicotinic acetylcholinergic receptors (nAChR) alpha4beta2
      receptors in rats, have been carried out. Rats were imaged for 90 min after
      intravenous injection of (18)F-nifene (0.8 to 1 mCi), and binding potential
      (BP(ND)) was measured. (18)F-Nifene binding to thalamic and extrathalamic brain
      regions was consistent with the alpha4beta2 nAChR distribution in the rat brain.
      Using the cerebellum as a reference, the values for the thalamus varied less than
      5% (BP(ND) = 1.30, n = 3), confirming reproducibility of (18)F-nifene binding.
      (18)F-Nifene microPET imaging was also used to evaluate effects of nicotine in a
      group of Sprague-Dawley rats under isoflurane anesthesia. Nicotine challenge
      postadministration of (18)F-nifene demonstrated reversibility of (18)F-nifene
      binding in vivo. For alpha4beta2 nAChR receptor occupancy (nAChR(OCC)), various
      doses of nicotine (0, 0.02, 0.1, 0.25, and 0.50 mg/kg nicotine free base) 15 min
      prior to (18)F-nifene were administered. Low-dose nicotine (0.02 mg) reached >
      80% nAChR(OCC) while at higher doses (0.25 mg) > 90% nAChR(OCC) was measured. The
      small amount of (18)F-nifene binding with reference to the cerebellum affects an
      accurate evaluation of nAChR(OCC). Efforts are underway to identify alternate
      reference regions for (18)F-nifene microPET studies in rodents.

PMID- 22039576
TI  - Leukocyte complexity predicts breast cancer survival and functionally regulates
      response to chemotherapy.
AB  - Immune-regulated pathways influence multiple aspects of cancer development. In
      this article we demonstrate that both macrophage abundance and T-cell abundance
      in breast cancer represent prognostic indicators for recurrence-free and overall
      survival. We provide evidence that response to chemotherapy is in part regulated
      by these leukocytes; cytotoxic therapies induce mammary epithelial cells to
      produce monocyte/macrophage recruitment factors, including colony stimulating
      factor 1 (CSF1) and interleukin-34, which together enhance CSF1 receptor (CSF1R)
      dependent macrophage infiltration. Blockade of macrophage recruitment with CSF1R
      signaling antagonists, in combination with paclitaxel, improved survival of
      mammary tumor-bearing mice by slowing primary tumor development and reducing
      pulmonary metastasis. These improved aspects of mammary carcinogenesis were
      accompanied by decreased vessel density and appearance of antitumor immune
      programs fostering tumor suppression in a CD8+ T-cell-dependent manner. These
      data provide a rationale for targeting macrophage recruitment/response pathways,
      notably CSF1R, in combination with cytotoxic therapy, and identification of a
      breast cancer population likely to benefit from this novel therapeutic approach.
      SIGNIFICANCE: These findings reveal that response to chemotherapy is in part
      regulated by the tumor immune microenvironment and that common cytotoxic drugs
      induce neoplastic cells to produce monocyte/macrophage recruitment factors, which
      in turn enhance macrophage infiltration into mammary adenocarcinomas. Blockade of
      pathways mediating macrophage recruitment, in combination with chemotherapy,
      significantly decreases primary tumor progression, reduces metastasis, and
      improves survival by CD8+ T-cell-dependent mechanisms, thus indicating that the
      immune microenvironment of tumors can be reprogrammed to instead foster antitumor
      immunity and improve response to cytotoxic therapy.

PMID- 22039578
TI  - Limited liver resection: a good indication for the treatment of hepatocellular
      carcinoma in elderly patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Hepatocellular carcinoma is often diagnosed in elderly people.
      METHODS: One hundred and seventy-five patients older than 70 years were operated
      on for hepatocellular carcinoma (Group 1). The results were compared with 276
      resected patients younger than 70 (Group 2) and to 108 aged patients with chronic
      liver disease without hepatocellular carcinoma (Group 3). RESULTS: Hepatocellular
      carcinoma in the elderly is more frequently associated with hepatitis C virus,
      less frequently capsulated and less frequently diagnosed by screening programs
      than in young patients. After resection, no difference was noted in post
      operative complications and in mortality rates (3.2%); major hepatic resection in
      cirrhosis carried a high risk of death (22%). Five years survival was 42%,
      comparable with the young surgical patients but significantly lower than the
      medical patients in Group 3. Recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma was the main
      reason of death, but it was suitable for a radical treatment in 37.6% of cases,
      including surgery, with a mean survival of 31 months. CONCLUSIONS: Liver
      resection is a valid option for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma in the
      elderly; major resections in cirrhotic old patients must be reserved for selected
      cases. Recurrence may be suitable of a radical approach, including surgery.

PMID- 22039579
TI  - Tumor and breast volume ratio as a predictive factor for axillary lymph node
      metastases in T1c ductal invasive breast cancer: prospective observational
      clinico-pathological study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The status of the axilla is the single most important prognostic
      indicator of overall survival in patients with breast cancer. Sentinel-node
      biopsy has false-negative rates of 5-10%. The aim of this study was to assess the
      importance of tumor and breast volume ratio as a predictive factor for axillary
      lymph node metastases in patients with T1c ductal invasive breast cancer.
      METHODS: This study included 136 consecutive patients with T1c ductal invasive
      breast cancer. Three tumor diameters were measured. Tumor volume was calculated
      by the formula for ellipse. Breast volume was measured preoperatively. Tumor and
      breast volume ratio was calculated and shown per thousand. RESULTS: Tumor and
      breast volume ratio is a new independent predictive factor for axillary lymph
      node metastase in T1c ductal invasive breast cancer. CONCLUSIONS: This predictive
      factor could help to define a subgroup of patients who will be at a higher risk
      for axillary lymph node metastase and would benefit from additional close follow
      up or axillary lymph node dissection.

PMID- 22039580
TI  - Pyridine encapsulated hyperbranched polymers as mimetic models of haeme
      containing proteins, that also provide interesting and unusual porphyrin-ligand
      geometries.
AB  - This communication describes the use of non-covalent chemistry to construct
      recyclable porphyrin cored HBPs. The non-covalent design allows the polymeric
      backbone to be rescued and reused after porphyrin degradation. The steric
      environment within the polymeric encapsulated ligand notably affected the
      porphyrin coordination geometry.

PMID- 22039581
TI  - Severe hepatocellular disease in mice lacking one or both CaaX
      prenyltransferases.
AB  - Protein farnesyltransferase (FTase) and protein geranylgeranyltransferase-I
      (GGTase-I) add 15- or 20-carbon lipids, respectively, to proteins that terminate
      with a CaaX motif. These posttranslational modifications of proteins with lipids
      promote protein interactions with membrane surfaces in cells, but the in vivo
      importance of the CaaX prenyltransferases and the protein lipidation reactions
      they catalyze remain incompletely defined. One study concluded that a deficiency
      of FTase was inconsequential in adult mice and led to little or no tissue
      pathology. To assess the physiologic importance of the CaaX prenyltransferases,
      we used conditional knockout alleles and an albumin-Cre transgene to produce mice
      lacking FTase, GGTase-I, or both enzymes in hepatocytes. The hepatocyte-specific
      FTase knockout mice survived but exhibited hepatocellular disease and elevated
      transaminases. Mice lacking GGTase-I not only had elevated transaminases but also
      had dilated bile cannaliculi, hyperbilirubinemia, hepatosplenomegaly, and reduced
      survival. Of note, GGTase-I-deficient hepatocytes had a rounded shape and
      markedly reduced numbers of actin stress fibers. Hepatocyte-specific FTase/GGTase
      I double-knockout mice closely resembled mice lacking GGTase-I alone, but the
      disease was slightly more severe. Our studies refute the notion that FTase is
      dispensable and demonstrate that GGTase-I is crucial for the vitality of
      hepatocytes.

PMID- 22039583
TI  - NHC-carbene cyclopentadienyl iron based catalyst for a general and efficient
      hydrosilylation of imines.
AB  - A general and efficient hydrosilylation of imines catalysed by a well defined NHC
      carbene cyclopentadienyl iron complex has been developed. Both aldimines and
      ketimines are converted to the corresponding amines under mild conditions, and
      under visible light activation.

PMID- 22039582
TI  - Endothelial expression of human ABCA1 in mice increases plasma HDL cholesterol
      and reduces diet-induced atherosclerosis.
AB  - The role of endothelial ABCA1 expression in reverse cholesterol transport (RCT)
      was examined in transgenic mice, using the endothelial-specific Tie2 promoter.
      Human ABCA1 (hABCA1) was significantly expressed in endothelial cells (EC) of
      most tissues except the liver. Increased expression of ABCA1 was not observed in
      resident peritoneal macrophages. ApoA-I-mediated cholesterol efflux from aortic
      EC was 2.6-fold higher (P < 0.0001) for cells from transgenic versus control
      mice. On normal chow diet, Tie2 hABCA1 transgenic mice had a 25% (P < 0.0001)
      increase in HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) and more than a 2-fold increase of eNOS mRNA
      in the aorta (P < 0.04). After 6 months on a high-fat, high-cholesterol (HFHC)
      diet, transgenic mice compared with controls had a 40% increase in plasma HDL-C
      (P < 0.003) and close to 40% decrease in aortic lesions (P < 0.02). Aortas from
      HFHC-fed transgenic mice also showed gene expression changes consistent with
      decreased inflammation and apoptosis. Beneficial effects of the ABCA1 transgene
      on HDL-C levels or on atherosclerosis were absent when the transgene was
      transferred onto ApoE or Abca1 knockout mice. In summary, expression of hABCA1 in
      EC appears to play a role in decreasing diet-induced atherosclerosis in mice and
      is associated with increased plasma HDL-C levels and beneficial gene expression
      changes in EC.

PMID- 22039584
TI  - Substituent and counterion effects on the formation of pi-dimer dications of end
      capped heptathienoacenes.
AB  - We have investigated the impact of the functionalization and the chemical nature
      of counterions on the pi-dimer dications formation in two end-capped
      heptathienoacenes. Radical cations of an alpha-substituted heptathienoacene with
      triisopropylsilyl groups do not pi-dimerize, while those of an alpha,beta
      substituted heptathienoacene with four n-decyl side chains show a high propensity
      toward pi-dimerization, increased by PF(6)(-) counterions.

PMID- 22039585
TI  - Pathogenic aberrations revealed exclusively by single nucleotide polymorphism
      (SNP) genotyping data in 5000 samples tested by molecular karyotyping.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several recent studies have demonstrated the use of single nucleotide
      polymorphism (SNP) arrays for the investigation of intellectual disability,
      developmental delay, autism or congenital abnormalities. In addition to LogR
      'copy number' data, these arrays provide SNP genotyping data for gene level
      autozygosity mapping, estimating low levels of mosaicism, assessing long
      continuous stretches of homozygosity (LCSH), detection of uniparental disomy, and
      'autozygous' regions. However, there remains little specific information on the
      clinical utility of this genotyping data. METHODS: Molecular karyotyping, using
      SNP array, was performed on 5000 clinical samples. RESULTS: Clinically
      significant 'LogR neutral' genotyping abnormalities were detected in 0.5% of
      cases. Among these were a single case of chimerism, 12 cases with low level
      chromosome mosaicism, and 11 cases with an LCSH associated with uniparental
      disomy. In addition, the genotyping data revealed several LCSH associated with
      clinically relevant 'recessive type' genetic defects. CONCLUSIONS: These results
      demonstrate the utility of SNP genotyping data for detection of clinically
      significant abnormalities, including chimerism/mosaicism and recessive Mendelian
      disorders associated with autozygosity. The incidence of clinically significant
      low level mosaicism inferred from these cases suggests that this has hitherto
      been underestimated and chromosome mosaicism frequently occurs in the absence of
      indicative clinical features. The growing appreciation among clinicians and
      demand for SNP genotyping data poses significant challenges for the
      interpretation of LCSH, especially where there is no detailed phenotypic
      description to direct laboratory analysis. Finally, reporting of unexpected or
      hidden consanguinity revealed by SNP array analysis raises potential ethical and
      legal issues.

PMID- 22039586
TI  - Polyacrylamide hydrogels as substrates for studying bacteria.
AB  - Polyacrylamide hydrogels can be used as chemically and physically defined
      substrates for bacterial cell culture, and enable studies of the influence of
      surfaces on cell growth and behaviour.

PMID- 22039587
TI  - Hydrogen bonds in protic ionic liquids and their correlation with physicochemical
      properties.
AB  - The temperature dependence of the N-H proton chemical shift in protic ionic
      liquids (PILs) and FT-IR spectra of the N-H bonds indicated the presence of
      strong hydrogen bonds between the protonated cation and the anion, depending on
      the DeltapK(a) of the constituent acid and base, and their successive breaking
      with temperature, which may explain the characteristic properties of PILs such as
      relatively low ionicity and its decrease with temperature.

PMID- 22039588
TI  - Graphene oxide: an efficient and reusable carbocatalyst for aza-Michael addition
      of amines to activated alkenes.
AB  - Graphene oxide was found to be a highly efficient, reusable and cost-effective
      organocatalyst for the aza-Michael addition of amines to activated alkenes to
      furnish corresponding beta-amino compounds in excellent yields.

PMID- 22039589
TI  - Exploiting nature's rich source of proteasome inhibitors as starting points in
      drug development.
AB  - Cancer is the No. 2 cause of death in the Western world and one of the most
      expensive diseases to treat. Thus, it is not surprising, that every major
      pharmaceutical and biotechnology company has a blockbuster oncology product. In
      2003, Millennium Pharmaceuticals entered the race with Velcade(r), a first-in
      class proteasome inhibitor that has been approved by the FDA for treatment of
      multiple myeloma and its sales have passed the billion dollar mark. Velcade(r)'s
      extremely toxic boronic acid pharmacophore, however, contributes to a number of
      severe side effects. Nevertheless, the launching of this product has validated
      the proteasome as a target in fighting cancer and further proteasome inhibitors
      have entered the market as anti-cancer drugs. Additionally, proteasome inhibitors
      have found application as crop protection agents, anti-parasitics,
      immunosuppressives, as well as in new therapies for muscular dystrophies and
      inflammation. Many of these compounds are based on microbial metabolites. In this
      review, we emphasize the important role of the structural elucidation of the
      various unique binding mechanisms of these compounds that have been optimized
      throughout evolution to target the proteasome. Based on this knowledge, medicinal
      chemists have further optimized these natural products, resulting in potential
      drugs with reduced off-target activities.

PMID- 22039590
TI  - Guest editor's introduction special section on the Virtual Reality Conference
      (VR).

PMID- 22039591
TI  - Letter from the editor: the fragility of medicine.

PMID- 22039592
TI  - Letter from the Chairman & CEO: national health reform takes center stage.

PMID- 22039593
TI  - European Medicines Agency review of post-authorisation studies with implications
      for the European Network of Centres for Pharmacoepidemiology and
      Pharmacovigilance.
AB  - PURPOSE: A review of post-authorisation studies requested in 2007 by the
      Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) of the European Medicines
      Agency (EMA) was undertaken to determine compliance and the need for research
      capacity in the European Union (EU), with implications for the European Network
      of Centres for Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacovigilance (ENCePP). METHODS:
      Information from the EMA's electronic records management systems was analysed.
      RESULTS: As of 31 January 2010, of the 60 relevant studies identified, 52 had
      been progressed to being able to start data collection (including six merged into
      a single study). Of the remaining eight studies, the agreement of the CHMP that a
      proposed study was no longer required is documented for six, with a final
      decision having not been reached for another study and an acknowledgement by the
      CHMP that a further study would not be progressed. Of the 47 studies that could
      therefore have commenced data collection or extraction, 38 were ongoing, four
      were complete and five had not yet started. Most studies were conducted within
      the EU. CONCLUSION: Compliance with the request of the CHMP to conduct studies is
      very good. The review identified the need for careful consideration of the
      necessity of studies and of timely dialogue on protocols in advance of a CHMP
      opinion. The need for expertise and capacity within the EU for the conduct of
      post-authorisation studies is confirmed. ENCePP as a transparency and excellence
      network and as an initiative to build research capacity will enhance post
      authorisation medicines research.

PMID- 22039594
TI  - Major bleeding risk associated with warfarin and co-medications in the elderly
      population.
AB  - PURPOSE: Warfarin management in the elderly population is complex as medicines
      prescribed for concomitant diseases may further increase the risk of major
      bleeding associated with warfarin use. We aimed to quantify the excess risk of
      bleeding-related hospitalisation when warfarin was co-dispensed with potentially
      interacting medicines. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was undertaken over
      a 4-year period from July 2002 to June 2006 to examine bleeding risk associated
      with medications co-administered in patients taking warfarin using an
      administrative claims database from the Australian Department of Veterans'
      Affairs. All veterans aged 65 years and over who were new users of warfarin were
      followed until death or study end. Risk of bleeding was assessed using a Poisson
      GEE model adjusting for age, gender, socioeconomic status, co-morbidity index,
      previous bleeding related hospitalisations and indicators of health service use.
      RESULTS: Overall, 17661 veterans who used warfarin at any time during the study
      period were included. The overall incidence rate of bleeding-related
      hospitalisations was 4.1 (95% CI 3.7-4.6) per 100 person-years in veterans who
      were not receiving potentially interacting medicines. Bleeding-related
      hospitalisation rates were significantly increased when warfarin was co
      prescribed with low-dose aspirin (Adjusted rate ratio (AdjRR) 1.44, 95% CI 1.00
      2.07), clopidogrel (AdjRR 2.23, 95% CI 1.48-3.36), clopidogrel with aspirin
      (AdjRR 3.44, 95% CI 1.28-9.23), amiodarone (AdjRR 3.33, 95% CI 1.38-8.00) and
      antibiotics (AdjRR 2.34, 95% CI 1.55-3.54). CONCLUSIONS: Models assessing
      bleeding risk with warfarin should take account of the range of potentially
      harmful medicine combinations used in elderly people with comorbid conditions.

PMID- 22039595
TI  - A novel superhydrophilic and underwater superoleophobic hydrogel-coated mesh for
      oil/water separation.

PMID- 22039596
TI  - Clicking well-defined biodegradable nanoparticles and nanocapsules by UV-induced
      thiol-ene cross-linking in transparent miniemulsions.

PMID- 22039598
TI  - Integrated carbon nanotube array as dry adhesive for high-temperature silicon
      processing.

PMID- 22039597
TI  - Mineral coatings for temporally controlled delivery of multiple proteins.

PMID- 22039599
TI  - Surface-initiated phase separation--fabrication of two-layer organic light
      emitting devices in a single processing step.

PMID- 22039600
TI  - Minority carrier lifetime and surface effects in VLS-grown axial p-n junction
      silicon nanowires.

PMID- 22039601
TI  - Bending materials with light: photoreversible macroscopic deformations in a
      disordered polymer.

PMID- 22039602
TI  - Interfacial mechanics of carbon nanotube@amorphous-Si coaxial nanostructures.

PMID- 22039603
TI  - Self-assembled transparent conductive electrodes from Au nanoparticles in
      surfactant monolayer templates.

PMID- 22039604
TI  - Analysis of visual toxicity after gamma knife radiosurgery for treatment of
      choroidal melanoma: identification of multiple targets and mechanisms of
      toxicity.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Identification of the targets of radiation damage after radiosurgical
      treatment of ocular melanoma will potentially allow for sparing of vision with
      improved treatment planning. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six patients with ocular
      melanoma, who had useful vision before therapy, were treated with gamma knife
      stereotactic radiosurgery with curative intent. Dosimetric analysis of functional
      targets of radiation damage including the fovea, optic nerve, lens, and iris was
      carried out. Serial testing of visual acuity and fundoscopic examination were
      carried out after treatment. RESULTS: Visual sparing was achieved in 3 of 6
      patients at last followup with a median follow-up of 2 years. The causes of loss
      of vision in those patients who lost useful vision were retinal detachment,
      neovascular glaucoma, and optic neuropathy. CONCLUSIONS: Preradiosurgical size
      and location are likely predictors of posttreatment visual outcomes.

PMID- 22039605
TI  - Inducible cassette exchange: a rapid and efficient system enabling conditional
      gene expression in embryonic stem and primary cells.
AB  - Genetic modification is critically enabling for studies addressing specification
      and maintenance of cell fate; however, methods for engineering modifications are
      inefficient. We demonstrate a rapid and efficient recombination system in which
      an inducible, floxed cre allele replaces itself with an incoming transgene. We
      target this inducible cassette exchange (ICE) allele to the (HPRT) locus and
      demonstrate recombination in murine embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and primary cells
      from derivative ICE mice. Using lentivectors, we demonstrate recombination at a
      randomly integrated ICE locus in human ESCs. To illustrate the utility of this
      system, we insert the myogenic regulator, Myf5, into the ICE locus in each
      platform. This enables efficient directed differentiation of mouse and human ESCs
      into skeletal muscle and conditional myogenic transdetermination of primary cells
      cultured in vitro. This versatile tool is thus well suited to gain-of-function
      studies probing gene function in the specification and reprogramming of cell
      fate.

PMID- 22039606
TI  - Readmission rates after abdominal surgery: the role of surgeon, primary
      caregiver, home health, and subacute rehab.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To prospectively evaluate predictive factors of hospital readmission
      rates in patients undergoing abdominal surgical procedures. BACKGROUND:
      Recommendations from MedPAC that the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
      (CMS) report upon and determine payments based in part on readmission rates have
      led to an attendant interest by payers, hospital administrators and far-sighted
      physicians. METHODS: Analysis of 266 prospective treated patients undergoing
      major abdominal surgical procedures from September 2009 to September 2010. All
      patients were prospectively evaluated for underlying comorbidities, number of
      preop meds, surgical procedure, incision type, complications, presence or absence
      of primary and/or secondary caregiver, their education level, discharge number of
      medications, and discharge location. Univariate and multivariate analyses were
      performed. RESULTS: Two hundred twenty-six patients were reviewed with 48 (18%)
      gastric-esophageal, 39(14%) gastrointestinal, 88 (34%) liver, 58 (22%) pancreas,
      and 33 (12%) other. Seventy-eight (30%) were readmitted for various diagnoses the
      most common being dehydration (26%). Certain preoperative and intraoperative
      factors were not found to be significant for readmission being, comorbidities,
      diagnosis, number of preoperative medications, patient education level, type of
      operation, blood loss, and complications. Significant predictive factors for
      readmission were age (>=69 years), number of discharged (DC) meds (>=9
      medications), <=50% oral intake (52% vs. 23%), and DC home with a home health
      agency (62% vs. 11%) CONCLUSION: Readmission rates for surgeons WILL become a
      quality indicator of performance. Quality parameters among Home Health agencies
      are nonexistent, but will reflect on surgeon's performance. Greater awareness
      regarding predictors of readmission rates is necessary to demonstrate improved
      surgical quality.

PMID- 22039607
TI  - Toroidal micelles of polystyrene- block -poly(acrylic acid).

PMID- 22039608
TI  - Cost-effectiveness of the National Surgical Quality Improvement Program.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the cost-effectiveness of the
      National Surgical Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) at an academic medical
      center between the first 6 months and through the first and second years of
      implementation. BACKGROUND: The NSQIP has been extended to private-sector
      hospitals since 1999, but little is known about its cost-effectiveness. METHODS:
      Data included 2229 general or vascular surgeries, 699 of which were conducted
      after NSQIP was in place for 6 months. We estimated an incremental cost
      effectiveness ratio (ICER) comparing costs and benefits before and after the
      adoption of NSQIP. Costs were estimated from the perspective of the hospital and
      included hospital costs for each admission plus the total annual cost of program
      adoption and maintenance, including administrator salary, training, and
      information technology costs. Effectiveness was defined as events avoided.
      Confidence intervals and a cost-effectiveness acceptability curve were computed
      by using a set of 10,000 bootstrap replicates. The time periods we compared were
      (1) July 2007 to December 2007 to July 2008 to December 2008 and (2) July 2007 to
      June 2008 to July 2008 to June 2009. RESULTS: The incremental costs of the NSQIP
      program were $832 and $266 for time periods 1 and 2, respectively, yielding ICERs
      of $25,471 and $7319 per event avoided. The cost-effectiveness acceptability
      curves suggested a high probability that NSQIP was cost-effective at reasonable
      levels of willingness to pay. CONCLUSIONS: In these data, not only did NSQIP
      appear cost-effective, but also its cost-effectiveness improved with greater
      duration of participation in the program, resulting in a decline to 28.7% of the
      initial cost.

PMID- 22039609
TI  - Brief report: chimeric pigs produced from induced pluripotent stem cells
      demonstrate germline transmission and no evidence of tumor formation in young
      pigs.
AB  - The recent development of porcine induced pluripotent stem cells (piPSCs) capable
      of generating chimeric animals, a feat not previously accomplished with embryonic
      stem cells or iPSCs in a species outside of rodents, has opened the doors for in
      depth study of iPSC tumorigenicity, autologous transplantation, and other key
      aspects to safely move iPSC therapies to the clinic. The study of iPSC
      tumorigenicity is critical as previous research in the mouse showed that iPSC
      derived chimeras possessed large numbers of tumors, rising significant concerns
      about the safety of iPSC therapies. Additionally, piPSCs capable of generating
      germline chimeras could revolutionize the transgenic animal field by enabling
      complex genetic manipulations (e.g., knockout or knockin of genes) to produce
      biomedically important large animal models or improve livestock production. In
      this study, we demonstrate for the first time in a nonrodent species germline
      transmission of iPSCs with the live birth of a transgenic piglet that possessed
      genome integration of the human POU5F1 and NANOG genes. In addition, gross and
      histological examination of necropsied porcine chimeras at 2, 7, and 9 months
      showed that these animals lacked tumor formation and demonstrated normal
      development. Tissue samples positive for human POU5F1 DNA showed no C-MYC gene
      expression, further implicating C-MYC as a cause of tumorigenicity. The
      development of germline-competent porcine iPSCs that do not produce tumors in
      young chimeric animals presents an attractive and powerful translational model to
      study the efficacy and safety of stem cell therapies and perhaps to efficiently
      produce complex transgenic animals.

PMID- 22039610
TI  - Use of a chondroitin sulfate isomer as an effective and removable dispersant of
      single-walled carbon nanotubes.
AB  - Three isomers of chondroitin sulfate (CS), i.e., CS-A, CS-B, and CS-C, are
      investigated as nanotube dispersants and are found to have vastly different
      abilities to disperse single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) in water due to
      their different intramolecular interactions. Only CS-A and CS-C effectively
      disperse SWNTs into small bundles or individual tubes while CS-B disperses SWNTs
      poorly. Computer simulation and circular dichrosim show that neat CS-A and CS-C
      have weak intramolecular hydrogen bonding and extended conformations in solution
      resulting in energetically more favorable interactions with nanotubes. CS-B has
      relatively strong intramolecular Coulombic interaction and more alpha-helical
      secondary structure in solution resulting in energetically less favorable
      interaction with the nanotubes. Atomic force microscopy images show helical
      wrappings of CS-A and CS-C around the SWNTs. Transmission electron microscopy
      corroborates the helical wrapping of CS-A. Different isomeric forms of a polymer
      can have vastly different dispersing power because of their different
      intramolecular interactions and conformations. The easy removability of CS-A from
      nanotubes is confirmed with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy showing almost no
      detectable sulphur content after washing with water and by application of washed
      CS-A dispersed SWNTs in field-effect transistors.

PMID- 22039611
TI  - Fabrication of silicon/polymer composite nanopost arrays and their sensing
      applications.
AB  - A novel technique is reported for fabricating silicon/polymer composite nanopost
      arrays by combining colloidal lithography and surface-initiated atom-transfer
      radical polymerization. The composite nanopost arrays possess a core/shell
      nanoarchitecture, with shells of poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) and cores of
      silicon nanoposts. The polymer brush possesses quasi-3D homogeneous
      nanoarchitectures due to the controllable polymerization process using the
      surface-initiated atom-transfer radical polymerization technique. The composite
      nanopost arrays are durable due to the particular nanoarchitectures. The backbone
      templates of the composites are silicon nanopost arrays directly etched from
      silicon substrates, and the polymer shell is covalently grafted from the arrays.
      The composite nanopost arrays exhibit vivid colors. Moreover, the colors of the
      composite nanopost arrays can be tuned from green to red by changing the
      thickness of fi lm. Specifically, the composite nanopost arrays can be used as
      sensors to rapidly detect water vapors with high stability and reproducibility.
      Many different functional surfaces could be prepared through this technique using
      other functional monomers.

PMID- 22039612
TI  - Second brain death examination may negatively affect organ donation.

PMID- 22039613
TI  - Second brain death examination may negatively affect organ donation.

PMID- 22039614
TI  - On the nonidentifiability of migration time estimates in isolation with migration
      models.

PMID- 22039615
TI  - Study shows Keystone program achieved significant savings.
AB  - Study helps relieve dearth of evidence that QI programs save money. Savings range
      from four times the cost of initiative to more than ten times the cost. Human
      capital represents the single largest component of hospital costs.

PMID- 22039616
TI  - Teach-back program reduces readmissions.
AB  - Work group reviews the literature for evidence-based models to emulate. EMR
      reminder includes a description of program for nurses logging on. Extensive staff
      education helps set up the initiative for success.

PMID- 22039617
TI  - CM enhances telemedicine program.
AB  - Program achieves reduced ED visits, hospitalizations, and mortality, plus 13% in
      cost savings. Medicare demonstration project involved patients with diabetes,
      COPD, heart failure, and co-morbidities. Patients are asked questions
      specifically related to factors that could exacerbate their disease.

PMID- 22039618
TI  - Nocturnists help avoid night, weekend danger.

PMID- 22039620
TI  - TJC readies new performance standard.

PMID- 22039619
TI  - Response changes as gram neg HAIs rise.

PMID- 22039621
TI  - Preserve vascular health to lower risk of dementia.  Treating atherosclerosis may
      help preserve cognitive function later in life.

PMID- 22039622
TI  - What are the benefits of eating more fruit?

PMID- 22039623
TI  - Post-heart attack fracture risk increases.  But the odds of surviving that heart
      attack are better than ever--almost doubled since 1979.

PMID- 22039624
TI  - Soluble fiber helps reduce visceral fat. An apple a day, along with a cup of
      beans, could help reduce the dangerous fat that lies deep in the abdomen and
      surrounds vital organs.

PMID- 22039625
TI  - Cigarette smoke alters airway tissue in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
      Lung damage appears to last long after exposure to smoke ends, but quitting at
      any age has beneficial effects.

PMID- 22039626
TI  - Possible gender link in knee injuries; males at higher risk.  Researchers see an
      association between gender and severity of cartilage lesions.

PMID- 22039628
TI  - I've heard of a treatment for prostate cancer called "focal therapy" that is said
      to be organ-sparing and may have fewer side effects than more traditional
      treatments. What can you tell me about this?

PMID- 22039627
TI  - I find myself becoming increasing distracted when I try to concentrate, whether
      it's reading, working on the computer or tackling my correspondence.  Are there
      any self-help suggestions or is this simply a function of aging that I should get
      used to?

PMID- 22039629
TI  - 50 years old and looking great.

PMID- 22039630
TI  - "Drug-besotten, sin-begotten fiends of filth": New Zealanders and the Oriental
      other, 1850-1920.

PMID- 22039631
TI  - Temperance, Father Mathew, and the Irish clergy.

PMID- 22039632
TI  - The dark side of democracy: the modern tradition of ethnic cleansing and
      political cleansing.

PMID- 22039633
TI  - The politics of poor relief in the late Ottoman Empire, 1876-1914.

PMID- 22039634
TI  - [Rice cultivation in Tonkin from the late 19th    century to the mid-20th
      century].

PMID- 22039635
TI  - Anti-Darwinism in France: science and the myth of nation.

PMID- 22039636
TI  - Direct farming on the estates of Cheshire landowners, c. 1570-c. 1700.

PMID- 22039637
TI  - Epidemics and public health in late colonial Somaliland.

PMID- 22039638
TI  - Gynocentric matrimony: the fin-de-siecie alliance of Rosa Bonheur and Anna
      Klumpke.

PMID- 22039639
TI  - Homoeroticism and the quest for originality in Girodet's "Revolt at Cairo"
      (1810).

PMID- 22039640
TI  - Linguistic analysis of the 1994 Ethiopian census.

PMID- 22039641
TI  - Romanticism and the end of childhood.

PMID- 22039642
TI  - The company of women.

PMID- 22039643
TI  - The "Eastern-woman question": Martineau and Nightingale visit the harem.

PMID- 22039644
TI  - "The Hound of the Baskervilles," the Man on the Tor , and a metaphor for the
      mind.

PMID- 22039645
TI  - An interview with Dr Michael MacEntee.

PMID- 22039646
TI  - [Women's activities and roles in times of significant  social change].

PMID- 22039647
TI  - "You don't make a torpedo gunner out of a drunkard": Agnes Weston, temperance,
      and the British navy.

PMID- 22039648
TI  - Landlord policies and population change in north-east Scotland and the Western
      Isles, 1755-1841.

PMID- 22039649
TI  - [Childhood economies: material resources and the management of    inheritances
      for Extremadura orphans during the modern age].

PMID- 22039650
TI  - ["Single" women in semiurban Galician society in the 18th century].

PMID- 22039651
TI  - Rationalizing charity in fifteenth-century Milan: the "Scuola delle quattro
      Marie" (1447-1451).

PMID- 22039652
TI  - The premier body: Sarah Netanyahu, Nava Barak, and the discourse of womanhood in
      Israel.

PMID- 22039653
TI  - Wives, widows, and workers: Corazon Aquino, Imelda Marcos, and the Filipina
      "other".

PMID- 22039654
TI  - [The    investment patterns and lifestyle of the cosmopolitan merchants of
      Trieste toward the end of the 19th century].

PMID- 22039655
TI  - [The abolishment of the rationing system in the USSR in 1934-35].

PMID- 22039656
TI  - Can China be a clean tiger?: Growth strategies and environmental realities.

PMID- 22039657
TI  - [Russia's population at the turn of the 20th century].

PMID- 22039658
TI  - Management of organisational changes in a case of de-institutionalisation.
AB  - PURPOSE: This paper seeks to explore the development of a discharge programme in
      one learning disability hospital in Scotland. The study aims to concentrate on
      organisational developmental changes in that institution. The model of the
      management during the discharge programme was investigated. The aim of the study
      is to explore how the discharge programme developed, as seen under the lens of
      organisational change, in order to find out what kind of model of management is
      more suitable in similar programmes. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: A case study
      was employed. Data were collected by means of interviews. The interviews followed
      a structured format. The sample of the study had to be a purposive sample and the
      method of snowball sampling was used; finally, 28 interviews were conducted. A
      grounded approach was adopted for the data analysis. The software program QSR
      "NUD*IST" (version "N6") was used as a technical tool, in order to facilitate the
      data analysis. FINDINGS: The findings of this study show that various management
      models were adopted in the four phases of the discharge programme. These
      different models represent a "quest" by the institution's management regarding
      the most appropriate model for managing the discharge programme. This study shows
      that this goes on continuously in organisations under transition until they
      settle down to a more permanent state. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: It was concluded that
      management models, which are composed of characteristics from the organic theory
      of organisational management, could apply in discharge programmes. The data
      gathered enabled the researcher to arrive at a model of management which is
      suitable for managing organisational changes in discharge programmes, the named
      "stakeholder management model".

PMID- 22039659
TI  - Power in health care organizations: contemplations from the first-line management
      perspective.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this paper is to examine health care organizations' power
      structures from the first-line management perspective. What liable power
      structures derive from the theoretical bases of bureaucratic, professional and
      result based organizations, and what power type do health care organizations
      represent, according to the empirical data? The paper seeks to perform an
      analysis using Mintzberg's power configurations of instrument, closed system,
      meritocracy and political arena. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The empirical study
      was executed at the end of 2005 through a survey in ten Finnish hospital
      districts in both specialized and primary care. Respondents were all first-line
      managers in the area and a sample of staff members from internal disease,
      surgical and psychiatric units, as well as out-patient and primary care units.
      The number of respondents was 1,197 and the response percentage was 38. The data
      were analyzed statistically. FINDINGS: As a result, it can be seen that a certain
      kind of organization structure supports the generation of a certain power type. A
      bureaucratic organization generates an instrument or closed system organization,
      a professional organization generates meritocracy and also political arena, and a
      result-based organization has a connection to political arena and meritocracy.
      First line managers regarded health care organizations as instruments when staff
      regarded them mainly as meritocracies having features of political arena.
      Managers felt their position to be limited by rules, whereas staff members
      regarded their position as having lots of space and influence potential.
      PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: If the organizations seek innovative and active managers
      at the unit level, they should change the organizational structure and
      redistribute the work so that there could be more space for meaningful
      management. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This research adds to the literature and gives
      helpful suggestions that will be of interest to those in the position of first
      line management in health care.

PMID- 22039660
TI  - Barriers to implementing health sector administrative decentralisation in Ghana:
      a study of the Nkwanta district health management team.
AB  - PURPOSE: This paper aims to examine empirically the ways in which workforce
      knowledge and organisational factors of an implementing agency affected the
      implementation of health sector administration decentralisation in Ghana with
      insights from the Nkwanta district health administration.
      DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: This is a qualitative study using data from
      individual and group interviews through purposive selection of health officials,
      who were directly involved in the work of actual implementation of the programme.
      Specifically, participants included senior management, middle management and
      junior workers, who had worked at least for the past three months in the
      district. FINDINGS: The study found that most of the interviewees involved in the
      implementation process are knowledgeable of the objectives of the
      decentralisation process. Also, major factors that are militating against
      effective decentralisation in the district include inadequate funds, lack of
      qualified personnel, inadequate logistics and equipment, poor interpersonal
      relationships, lack of transparency and a good operational system, lack of
      incentives to motivate the staff, political interference, poor infrastructure and
      high rate of illiteracy. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The findings of this study will help
      improve the implementation of decentralisation within the health sector in Ghana.
      The paper provides recommendations, which, if considered for implementation, will
      help improve the decentralisation process.

PMID- 22039661
TI  - Culture in community pharmacy organisations: what can we glean from the
      literature?
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this paper is to report on the findings of a systematic
      literature review-seeking to elicit existing evidence of the nature of
      organisational culture in community pharmacy organisations.
      DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: This review takes a novel approach to systematically
      identifying and synthesising the peer-reviewed research literature pertaining to
      organisational culture in this setting, its antecedents and outcomes. FINDINGS:
      The review provides an overview of the scope of and research methods used in the
      identified literature, together with a narrative synthesis of its findings,
      framed within five dimensions of organisational culture: the professional
      business role dichotomy; workload, management style, social support and autonomy;
      professional culture; attitudes to change and innovation; and entrepreneurial
      orientation. RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS: There is a need for more detailed
      and holistic exploration of organisational culture in community pharmacy, using a
      greater diversity of research methods and a greater focus on patient-related
      outcomes. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This paper demonstrates that, whilst little research
      has explicitly investigated organisational culture in this context, there exists
      a range of evidence describing aspects of that culture, some of the environmental
      and organisational factors helping to shape it, and its impact on the pharmacy
      workforce, services delivered and business outcomes. It highlights the importance
      of the business-professional role dichotomy in community pharmacy; the influence
      of individual pharmacists' characteristics and organisational setting; and the
      impact on pharmacists' wellbeing and job satisfaction and the services delivered.
      It provides less evidence of the impact of organisational culture on the quality
      and safety of service provision.

PMID- 22039662
TI  - Surviving multiple obligations through stimulation, autonomy, and variation.
AB  - PURPOSE: Professionals in academic health centers (AMCs) face multiple
      obligations, such as those from research, teaching and clinical care. The purpose
      of this study is to explore and develop an understanding about how well findings
      generated from two previous studies about the influence of multiple obligations
      on health care personnel fit those within health care associated with academic
      institutions. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: A total of 11 professionals engaged in
      teaching, research, and clinical work were interviewed. Data from the open-ended
      interactive interviews were transcribed and compared with findings from the two
      previous studies, using modified analytic induction. FINDINGS: Work at an AMC can
      entail balancing three tasks: research, education, and clinical care. These tasks
      as well as the different employers associated with them can be a source of
      conflict. For a group of committed professionals, these conflicts were accepted
      and balanced as long as they experienced stimulus, autonomy, and variation.
      RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS: Modified analytic induction, an uncommon
      analysis method, is useful for comparing findings from previous studies in
      another context and with different subjects. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Stimulation,
      autonomy, and variation could play a vital role as driving factors in coping and
      dealing with the unavoidable presence of multiple obligations in today's health
      care systems. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: Although AMCs combine clinical care, research,
      and teaching, the intersection of all three has in contrast not been investigated
      so thoroughly at the individual level.

PMID- 22039663
TI  - Project delivery in HIV/AIDS and TB in Southern Africa: the cross-cultural
      management imperative.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper is to report the findings of a broad-based
      study that initially investigated a possible gap in global inputs into the fight
      against HIV/AIDS and TB co-infection, and outputs in terms of results achieved.
      It is proposed that such a gap may be hypothesized to be due, at least in part,
      to inappropriate management regimes within the global health governance
      structure. The research does not simply question the effectiveness of the
      management of programs and projects, but rather the inappropriateness resulting
      from the lack of addressing cross-cultural issues. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH:
      The factors facilitating or hampering project service delivery were examined, by
      looking at 12 case studies in Botswana and South Africa. These data were
      complemented with seven semi-structured interviews with donor organizations and
      NGOs, conducted in the North. Cultural interactions were investigated by using
      the concept of "interfaces". FINDINGS: The results suggest that there is a
      disjuncture between the global and local level that affects project delivery. The
      main issues hampering project outcomes can be summarized as systemic, structural
      and cultural. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The article's main contributions are both
      theoretical, looking at global project delivery from a cross-cultural management
      perspective, as well as to development praxis by highlighting the need to focus
      more critically on cross-cultural management issues within the global health
      governance structure, and indeed within international development as a whole.

PMID- 22039664
TI  - [Long-term survival results according to cytogenetic risk in patients with acute
      myeloid leukemia--singl center experience].
AB  - Cytogenetic analysis of leukemic blasts has become a part of the standard
      diagnosis approach of acute myeloid leukemia patients. Chromosomal aberrations
      findings separate AML patients into three broad prognostic categories: favorable,
      intermediate and high risk. We analyzed retrospectively 179 adults with de novo
      acute myeloid leukemia (AML), younger than 60 years admitted to our Department
      between January 1999 and April 2009 to evaluate the prognostic impact of
      cytogenetic abnormalities on complete remission (CR) rate, disease free survival
      (DFS), and overall survival (OS). All patients received similar induction
      therapy. Median follow-up of 3.8 years for favorable cytogenetic group CR rate
      was 85%, 3-year DFS was 70% and 3-year OS was 65%, for intermediate group CR
      rate, 3-year DFS and 3-year OS were respectively: 64%, 43%, and 38%. Among high
      risk patient CR rate was 40%, 3-year DFS was 24%, 3-year OS was 17%. We conclude
      that cytogenetics is among the most useful factors in predicting attainment of
      CR, DFS, and long-term overall survival in adult de novo AML patients younger
      than 60 years.

PMID- 22039665
TI  - [The usefulness of severity scoring systems in elderly intensive care unit (ICU)
      patients with non-traumatic haemorrhagic shock].
AB  - Digestive tract acute haemorrhage has been recognized as one of the major risk
      factors in mortality of surgical patients. A group of 68 elderly ICU patients
      with non-traumatic haemorrhagic shock (aged 65-95 yrs) was observed. The patients
      were evaluated according to commonly used severity-of-illness scoring systems:
      SAPS2, LODS and POSSUM. A retrospective analysis was based on two groups: a)
      survivors, and b) nonsurvivors. In both groups there was calculated predicted
      death rate (PDR): on hospital admittance (in SAPS 2 22.3 in survivors vs 34.8 in
      non-survivors, in LODS 17.4 vs 30.6, respectively), 2 hrs after surgery (in SAPS
      2 25.1 in survivors vs 62.3 in non-survivors, in LODS 21.4 vs 57.2, and in POSSUM
      61,6 vs 85.4, respectively), and after the first day of ICU treatment (in SAPS 2
      35.0 in survivors vs 70.2 in non-survivors, in LODS 32.5 vs 58.2 respectively);
      p<001. Similarly, numbers of collected points in Therapeutic Intervention Scoring
      system (TISS-28) were statistically significant between the groups: 36.1 in
      survivors vs 47.1 in non-survivors, and in TISS-76: 34.0 vs 45.1, respectively
      p<0.001. The difference was also noticed during collecting points in severity
      scoring systems: MODS and SOFA; a number of collected points was twice higher
      when measured after the surgery, than when comparing the MODS and SOFA values,
      calculated on hospital admittance in non-survivor group.

PMID- 22039666
TI  - [Use of the percutaneous drainage in the treatment of patients with hepatic
      abscesses].
AB  - AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to review our results in managing
      liver abscess with the use of sonographically-guided percutaneous drainage.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: There were 24 patients (including 12 male and 12 female
      patients) with liver abscesses treated from 1993 to 2009 in our department. Mean
      age in the male group amounted to 52 (17-70), while in the female group - 60 (46
      72). The group of 22 patients (91,6%) were treated with the use of percutaneously
      inserted "pigtail drain". RESULTS: The group of 22 patients (11 male and 11
      female patients) was treated with the use of percutaneous sonographically-guided
      drainage. Eschericha coli constituted the most common etiological factor isolated
      from the purulent content. An average drainage time amounted to 9,5 days.
      Percutaneous drainage proved ineffective only in 4 patients (2 male and 2
      female). In 2 of those cases failure was due to recurrent obstruction of the
      catheter and in remaining 2--due to migration of the drain outside the abscess. 2
      of those patients were treated successfully with another sonographically-guided
      drainage, while 2 patients required open surgical operation. CONCLUSIONS:
      Percutaneous sonographically-guided drainage together with antimicrobial therapy
      constitutes valuable method of choice in the management of liver abscess. The
      technique has small morbidity and complication ratio allowing avoidance of more
      invasive surgical interventions.

PMID- 22039667
TI  - [Effectiveness and safety of intra-articular use of hyaluronic acid (Suplasyn) in
      the treatment of knee osteoarthritis].
AB  - Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the leading causes of disability in the elderly.
      The changes in the lubricating properties of synovial fluid lead to significant
      pain and loss of function. Viscosupplemen-tation, in which hyaluronic acid (HA)
      is injected into the knee joint, has evolved into an important part of our
      current therapeutic regimen in addressing the patient with knee pain due to OA.
      Intra-articular HA or hylan have proven to be an effective, safe, and tolerable
      treatment for symptomatic knee OA. In an effort to limit cardiovascular,
      gastrointestinal, and renal safety concerns with COX-2 selective and nonselective
      NSAIDs and maximize HA efficacy, it is even proposed using HA earlier in the
      treatment paradigm for knee OA and also as part of a comprehensive treatment
      strategy. Our study reconfirmed effectiveness and safety of intra-articular use
      of hyaluronic acid (Suplasyn) in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis.

PMID- 22039668
TI  - [Thyroid dysfunctions in children with chronic hepatitis C during interferon
      alpha-2b therapy].
AB  - Thyroid dysfunctions are the most frequently described extrahepatic syndromes
      which complicate HCV infection. Application of interferon in the treatment of
      chronic hepatitis C increases the frequency their occurrence. The aim of this
      study was analysis of the frequency of thyroid dysfunctions in children with
      chronic hepatitis C treated with recombined and pegylated interferon alpha-2b.
      The study was comprised of 50 children (19 girls, 31 boys) aged from 4 years to
      18 years (average 14 years and 6 months) with chronic hepatitis C. Thirty
      children were treated with recombined interferon alpha-2b and ribavirin, while
      twenty children received the pegylated interferon alpha-2b and ribavirin. In all
      children the concentration of thyroid hormones: TSH, fT3 and fT4; as well as the
      concentration of thyroid antibodies: anty-TG and anty-TPO were examined before
      beginning of treatment and immediately on its completion. The control group was
      comprised of 25 children (13 girls, 12 boys) aged from 5 years to 18 years
      (average 13 years and 6 months) with no observed diseases of liver or thyroid
      gland. The conducted examinations did not reveal any significant difference in
      frequency of abnormal concentration occurrence of TSH and fT4 in children with
      chronic hepatitis C in relation to the control group (respectively: 34% and 20%).
      However, an abnormal concentration of fT3 was more frequently observed in
      children infected with HCV, but the average values of this hormone concentration
      did not significantly differ in both analysed groups of children (respectively:
      3.8112 pg/ml and 3.8012 pg/ml). The combined treatment of interferon alpha and
      ribavirin did not influence more frequent occurrences of abnormal thyroid hormone
      concentrations, in comparison to their values before treatment. Clinical symptoms
      of thyroid dysfunction did not accompany the incorrect concentrations of thyroid
      hormones. Before the treatment, incresed concentration of antithyroid antibodies
      was observed in a similar percentage of the HCV infected children, as of the
      healthy children (respectively: 8 and 12%). However, in the group treated with
      ribavirin and interferon alpha, and especially its pegylated form, the increased
      concentration of antithyroid antibodies was frequently observed (32% children).
      The abnormal values of antithyroid antibodies appeared more frequently in girls
      (10/16). The conducted examinations showed frequent appearance of abnormal values
      of thyroid hormones and antithyroid antibodies, which indicates the necessity of
      a systematic control of thyroid gland function in children with chronic hepatitis
      C treated with interferonem alpha.

PMID- 22039669
TI  - The prevalence rate of overweight and obesity among adult patient population in
      Poland, according to the LIPIDOGRAM2004 and LIPIDOGRAM2006 studies, in context of
      previous Polish national screening surveys.
AB  - An increase of the body mass often aggravates cardiovascular risk factors. In
      Poland, over the past 25 years, some epidemiological studies, focused on body
      mass disorders were conducted. Their results suggest an increase of the
      prevalence rate of overweight and obesity. The goal of the studies LIPIDOGRAM2004
      and LIPIDOGRAM2006 was to assess the prevalence rate of abnormal body mass among
      adult patients remaining under the care of family physicians in Poland. 17.065
      patients in 2004 and 17.152 in 2006, older than 30 years, recruited by 675 study
      physicians in 444 sites across Poland, were involved into these studies. It was
      found that approximately 3/4 of the patients included into these studies had BMI
      > or = 25 kg/m2. Overweight rate was much more prevalent among men than women
      (48,0% vs. 39,2% in 2004, p<0,0001; 47,4% vs. 39,7% in 2006, p<0,0001). In 2004,
      obesity was present in above 30% of the participants, including small, but
      statistically significant difference in the population of men (32,8% vs. 31,2%,
      p<0,05). In 2006, an increase in the prevalence of obesity in men, compared to
      women was reported (34,7% vs. 31,6%, p<0,001). Health care actions aimed at
      decreasing these phenomena would require targeted efforts of family physicians,
      in collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of specialists.

PMID- 22039670
TI  - [Plasma cell leukemia: a highly aggressive monoclonal gammopathy with a very poor
      prognosis].
AB  - Plasma cell leukemia (PCL) is an aggressive variant of multiple myeloma and is
      characterized by the presence of greater then 20% absolute number of plasma cells
      circulating in the peripheral blood. PCL represents approximately 2-4% of all MM
      diagnosis and exists in two forms: primary PCL (PPCL, 60% of cases) presents de
      novo; whereas secondary PCL (SPCL, accounts for the remaining 40%) consists of a
      leukemic transformation in patients with a previously diagnosed MM. Because the
      mechanisms contributing to the pathogenesis of PCL are not fully understood,
      immunophenotyping, genetic evaluation (conventional karyotype, FISH, GEP and
      array-CGH), and immunohistochemistry are very important tools to investigate why
      plasma cells escape from bone marrow and become highly aggressive. Since
      treatment with standard agents and steroids is poorly effective, a combination of
      new drugs as part of the induction regimens and haematopoietic stem cell
      transplantation (autologous and allogeneic approaches) may overcome the poor
      prognosis exhibited by PCL patients.

PMID- 22039671
TI  - [Serum amyloid A (SAA) as a diagnostic marker in periodontal diseases].
AB  - The contemporary knowledge of serum amyloid A (SAA) as a diagnostic marker in
      periodontal diseases was presented on the basis of the chosen literature.

PMID- 22039672
TI  - [Placenta endocrine function influence on fetal hypothalamo-hypophyseo-thyroid
      axis].
AB  - The conteporary views on the influence of placenta on the fetal hypothalamo
      hypophyseo-thyroid axis has been given. The role of hCG, estrogens, deiodineses,
      transfereses and arylosulphateses has been presented. Transthyretin role has been
      mentioned.

PMID- 22039673
TI  - [Taurine chloramine and its potential therapeutical application].
AB  - Taurine chloramine (TauCl) is generated at the site of inflammation as a result
      of reaction of taurine with hypochlorous acid (HOCl), the product of
      myeloperoxidase-halide system of neutrophils. It has been shown in vitro that
      TauCl exerts both anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties. This review is
      an attempt to summarize the recent clinical studies in which TauCl was used for
      local treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases.

PMID- 22039674
TI  - [Atypical clinical presentation of autoimmune polyglandular syndrome type 4].
AB  - Autoimmune polyglandular syndromes (APS) are rarely diagnosed conditions
      characterised by the combination of two or more autoimmune endocrinopathies and
      nonendocrine autoimmunopathies. They comprise a wide spectrum of autoimmune
      disorders, differing in the immunologic features of their pathogenesis. Based on
      their clinical manifestation, APS are divided into four different types. Primary
      hypoparathyroidism is characteristic for APS type 1, the major disease components
      of which are adrenal insufficiency, hypoparathyroidism, and candidiasis. However,
      the literature is sparse regarding the presence of hypoparathyroidism in the
      remaining types of APS. In our article, we present a case of a young female with
      primary hypoparathyroidism and a family history of autoimmune disorders who after
      several years developed type 1 diabetes. She also had anti-transglutaminase and
      anti-parietal cell antibodies. This constellation of two endocrine disorders and
      non-endocrine abnormalities led to the diagnosis of APS type 4. We show in
      details diagnostic and treatment strategies undertaken in our patient and their
      impact on the course of APS.

PMID- 22039675
TI  - Reinventing the "sick house".

PMID- 22039676
TI  - Hotel management.

PMID- 22039677
TI  - Not your grandmother's auxiliary.

PMID- 22039678
TI  - Body and soul.

PMID- 22039679
TI  - The futurist: a conversation with Minnesota's Chief Hospital Executive. Interview
      by Carmen Peota.

PMID- 22039680
TI  - Slowing the revolving door: Minnesota's hospitals are leading the way in reducing
      preventable readmissions.

PMID- 22039681
TI  - A turning point: an experience in the ICU leads a medical student to shift her
      focus.

PMID- 22039682
TI  - Critical access hospitals: hubs for rural health care.
AB  - A 1997 federal law created a new type of rural hospital called the Critical
      Access Hospital (CAH). Having CAH designation allows a facility to receive cost
      based reimbursement from Medicare in exchange for providing services such as
      emergency care and limiting the number of beds and the average length of stay.
      Minnesota has 79 CAHs. This article describes how having the designation has
      allowed these facilities to better meet the needs of the populations they serve.
      It also describes the challenges all CAHs face in light of federal budget
      constraints and health care reform.

PMID- 22039683
TI  - The role of the long-term acute care hospital.
AB  - Long-term acute care hospitals (LTACHs) have a niche role in the health care
      system. They specialize in caring for patients who are ventilator-dependent, are
      on inpatient dialysis, or have multi-organ or multi-system failure, postsurgical
      or organ transplant complications, complex wounds that need care, or traumatic or
      acquired brain injury. Many physicians are unfamiliar with the work done by the
      interdisciplinary teams that serve these facilities.This article describes LTACHs
      and their approach to care.

PMID- 22039684
TI  - Hyperbaric oxygen for treatment of problem wounds.
AB  - Hyperbaric oxygen treatment has seen a resurgence of interest in recent years,
      with more academic medical centers building facilities and more physicians
      becoming board-certified in undersea and hyperbaric medicine.The reason for the
      growing interest is better understanding of the role of hypoxia in wound healing
      and an appreciation for the role of HBOT in reversing tissue hypoxia and
      enhancing the healing process.This has resulted in a number of new evidence-based
      indications for HBOT. This article describes the role of HBOT in wound healing
      and how it specifically applies to treatment of delayed radiation injury, one of
      the conditions for which it is commonly used.

PMID- 22039685
TI  - Philanthropy and scientific medicine: the history of the University of
      Minnesota's Cancer Institute.
AB  - The University of Minnesota's Cancer Institute was established in 1925 with a
      gift from the Citizens Aid Society. The Institute was the first cancer hospital
      in Minnesota, and its focus on patient care, research, and education laid the
      foundation for the eventual formation of the Masonic Cancer Center. This article
      describes the origins of interdisciplinary cancer care at the University of
      Minnesota.

PMID- 22039686
TI  - Reflections of the PAST while looking to the FUTURE.

PMID- 22039687
TI  - Facial piercings: do children prefer a dental assistant with or without them?

PMID- 22039688
TI  - Being green is fabulous in the office and at home.

PMID- 22039689
TI  - Under pressure.

PMID- 22039690
TI  - Clinical techniques of performing suctioning tasks and of positioning the high
      volume evacuation (HVE) attachment and inlet when assisting a dentist. A guide
      for dental assistants: Part 1.
AB  - When assisting a dentist, an assistant may need to hold the high volume
      evacuation (HVE) attachment and use it to suction aerosols produced by the
      dentist's tools, particularly the high speed hand piece or the cavitron. The main
      objective of suctioning is to hold the inlet of the HVE attachment close enough
      to the source of aerosols to evacuate those aerosols, while avoiding suctioning
      of the patient's intra-oral soft tissues, and avoiding contact of the HVE
      attachment with the hand piece, cavitron or other instrument that the dentist is
      using. In general, assisting a dentist with suctioning is a somewhat complex
      skill that may require months of experience before an assistant develops an
      intuition for suctioning. This is the first part of a two-part article. The first
      part describes the basic concepts and clinical techniques that an assistant
      should be conscious of in order to be able to properly assist a dentist in
      performing evacuation tasks, describes retraction techniques for use while
      suctioning, and describes use of the saliva ejector and surgical suction
      attachment.

PMID- 22039691
TI  - Streamlining safety and efficiency.

PMID- 22039692
TI  - [Clinical forensic examination findings and legal outcome in cases of suspected
      physical child abuse].
AB  - Clinical forensic examinations performed at the Institute of Legal Medicine of
      the Hanover Medical School between 1999 and 2008 in cases of suspected physical
      abuse of children were analyzed retrospectively with special emphasis on the
      legal consequences. Altogether, 192 children (85 girls, 107 boys) with a median
      age of 4.4 years were examined. In 47 cases (24.5 %), the clinical forensic
      examination findings were interpreted as accidental injuries, birth traumas or
      unspecific findings. 29 victims (20.0 %) had suffered a shaken baby syndrome.
      Only part of the presented cases ended with conviction, which was more likely if
      the victims were aged between 7 and 11 years. Prison terms of 2 years and more
      were imposed only if the child suffered potentially or acute life-threatening
      injuries or if additional anogenital lesions were diagnosed indicating sexual
      child abuse.

PMID- 22039693
TI  - [Autoerotic fatalities in Greater Dusseldorf].
AB  - Autoerotic fatalities in the Greater Dusseldorf area correspond to the relevant
      medicolegal literature. Our results included exclusively young to middle-aged,
      usually single men who were found dead in their city apartments. Clothing and
      devices used showed a great variety. Women's or fetish clothing and complex
      shackling or hanging devices were disproportionately frequent. In most cases,
      death occurred due to hanging or ligature strangulation. There was no increased
      incidence of underlying psychiatric disorders. In most of the deceased no or at
      least no remarkable alcohol intoxication was found. Occasionally, it may be
      difficult to reliably differentiate autoerotic accidents, accidents occurring in
      connection with practices of bondage & discipline, dominance & submission (BDSM)
      from natural death, suicide or homicide.

PMID- 22039694
TI  - [From alcohol to liquid ecstasy (GHB)--a survey of old and modern knockout
      agents. Part 1: historic and classic knockout agents].
AB  - Alcohol has been the most important knockout drug in history and literature and
      continues to play an essential role up to now. Blunt force to the head in the
      form of a knockout punch is another mechanism leading to a transient loss of
      consciousness. Diethyl ether and chloroform are among the classical knockout
      substances. Although they have meanwhile been replaced by modern sedatives and
      hypnotics, their use is still observed in isolated cases.

PMID- 22039695
TI  - [Suicide by hypothermia with intentional partial undressing].
AB  - Most cases of fatal hypothermia are accidental, often in connection with
      alcoholisation, homelessness, age-related confusedness and others. The phenomenon
      of paradoxical undressing may be observed. A paradoxical feeling of warmth in the
      advanced condition of hypothermia leads to the behaviour of undressing, partly or
      completely. Suicides with intentional hypothermia are rare. Fatal hypothermia
      often appears as a concomitant mechanism, e. g. in drug poisoning. The case
      report describes the fatality of a young woman dying from suicidal hypothermia.
      She was found partly undressed. This was part of her scheduled plan and not a
      consequence of paradoxical undressing.

PMID- 22039696
TI  - [Aiming at the chest, but hitting the back].
AB  - Gunshot injuries in the back may suggest the unjustified use of firearms. A wound
      in the back inflicted by a firearm should not automatically imply that the
      shooter aimed at the back. A previous study demonstrated that it is possible for
      men to turn their trunk faster than it takes for a shooter to fire or throw a
      hand-operated weapon. With a high speed motion camera the authors were able to
      demonstrate that it is also possible for women to turn their trunk fast enough,
      so that a shot in the back could have been aimed at the front of the body. This
      conclusion is also likely to apply to hand-operated or thrown weapons, since the
      velocity of their projectiles is considerably lower than that of firearms.

PMID- 22039697
TI  - [Bumping into a knife--exculpatory statement or (tragic) accident?].
AB  - Assessing stab wounds is a common task in forensic medicine. Quite often an
      accused claims that the victim bumped into the knife. Taking into account all the
      facts ascertained in the investigations conducted, such a statement can be
      rapidly disproved in most cases. The present case of a 14-year-old boy fatally
      wounded by his mother with a kitchen knife examines the aspect of walking into a
      knife. It is an example that this statement cannot always be regarded as
      implausible and that every single case has to be reconstructed in detail on the
      basis of all the investigation results.

PMID- 22039698
TI  - [Application of the hexagon-OBTI test and the RSID blood test for the
      determination of the post-mortem interval of bone samples].
AB  - In this serial experiment, five human bones with known post-mortem intervals
      (PMI) in a soil environment from five different epochs (0.2 to approximately 2000
      years) were tested in a blind setup with two established rapid tests for the
      identification of human blood traces (Hexagon-OBTI test and RSID blood test).
      Based on previous study results concerning the usability of the Luminol test for
      the first assessment of the PMI of osseous remains, the question arising was
      whether those test procedures, which are highly sensitive for the detection of
      human blood components, could also be used to narrow down the post-mortem
      interval. Five test series were conducted applying modified standard protocols of
      the manufactures. The aim was to find out whether with prior reaction steps or a
      prolonged time of incubation hemoglobin or its metabolites can be dissolved from
      the bone and positive test results can be achieved dependent on the PMI. Four
      test series yielded negative results for all bone samples and one test series a
      uniformly weak positive result. The results indicate that rapid tests based on
      the detection of blood are not suitable for the determination of the PMI of bone
      samples despite the modification of the standard protocols. Further thorough
      research is required to clarify the postmortem degradation of hemoglobin in
      bones.

PMID- 22039699
TI  - [Survived stab to the heart in a schizophrenic man].
AB  - Schizophrenia is associated with a significant risk of suicide. According to
      recent research, 10-15 % of all schizophrenic patients die by suicide. It is not
      uncommon that the victims show sharp force injuries, so that the forensic
      pathologist first has to differentiate between self-infliction and involvement of
      another person. The authors' case report presents a 68-year-old schizophrenic
      patient who committed suicide by jumping out of a window of his apartment located
      on the second floor after inflicting multiple stab wounds to his thoracic region.
      At autopsy, an older stab wound to the apex of the heart was detected. In the
      criminal investigation, a suicide attempt made 13 days before could be
      ascertained. As the patient did not want to be taken to a hospital at that time,
      the injury had never been examined or documented. Since there was no evidence
      suggesting homicide, the older stab to the heart was interpreted as a tentative
      injury.

PMID- 22039700
TI  - [Advances in molecular genetics and treatment of gliomas].
AB  - Malignant gliomas are histologically and clinically heterogeneous tumors carrying
      a poor prognosis despite surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Recent molecular
      genetic studies have led to the classification of gliomas into distinct
      biological entities with prognostic significance, and to the identification of
      new therapeutic targets. Advances in our knowledge of gliomagenesis and the
      biological bases of chemoresistance hold promise for improved patient management.
      We are entering a new era in which individualized and targeted treatment
      (antiangiogenic therapy, signaling pathway inhibitors) will become increasingly
      important, in conculsion with conventional treatments and guided by plasma and
      tumor biomarkers.

PMID- 22039701
TI  - [Mathematical modeling of low-grade glioma].
AB  - Magnetic resonance imaging can be used to quantify low-grade glioma growth with
      millimetric accuracy. Mathematical modeling helps to analyze individual glioma
      growth curves and tumor dynamics. Here we focus on the most extensively studied
      model, based on a proliferation-diffusion equation. We examine how this model
      offers a new quantitative approach to the natural history of low-grade glioma,
      including tumor kinetics and other well-known prognostic factors. This approach,
      based on quantitative imaging coupled with mathematical modeling, has the
      potential to help optimize treatment strategies.

PMID- 22039702
TI  - [Update on surgery for diffuse low-grade gliomas: brain mapping, hodotopy and
      neuroplasticity].
AB  - A better understanding of the natural history of diffuse low-grade gliomas (DLGG)
      and of their interaction with the mechanisms of reactive brain plasticity has led
      to a switch from a "wait and see" attitude to active therapeutic management.
      Advances in functional mapping techniques, both preoperatively (neuroimaging) and
      intraoperatively (awake surgery), have challenged the classical static and
      localizationist view of brain organization, in favor of a hodotopical model of
      parallel cortico-subcortical distributed and dynamic networks capable of
      compensating for one another. Early radical surgical resection is currently the
      first-line treatment for DLGG, because it delays anaplastic transformation and
      significantly increases median survival. It also preserves and may improve
      quality of life, even in patients whose gliomas involve eloquent areas, that were
      previously considered unresectable.

PMID- 22039703
TI  - [Genetics and pathophysiology of systemic sclerosis].
AB  - Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a connective tissue disease characterized by early
      generalized microangiopathy, immunological disorders, and massive overproduction
      and accumulation of collagen and other matrix components in connective tissue.
      Although rare, SSc may be considered as is the most severe connective tissue
      disorder and a major medical challenge. Molecular biology has led to notable
      progress into genetic predisposing factors and the complex pathogenesis of SSc.
      Large scale studies have revealed robust genetic associations with severalfactors
      involved in autoimmunity, while associations with vascular and fibrotic factors
      are weaker or have not been independently replicated The major histocompatibility
      complex genes are the most important genomic region in many autoimmune disorders,
      including SSc. Candidate-gene and genome-wide studies point to a key role of
      genes encoding proteins involved in innate and adaptive immunity Interactions
      between genes and environmental factors need to be further investigated.
      Improvements in diagnostic and prognostic tools are anticipated in the near
      future, together with more specific immune therapy for these patients, for whom
      specific treatment is not currently available.

PMID- 22039704
TI  - [Primary scleroderma myocardial disease].
AB  - "Primary" myocardial disease is common in patients with systemic sclerosis and
      appears to be a factor of poor prognosis when clinically evident. An increasing
      body of evidence suggests that myocardial involvement is due, at least in part,
      to abnormal vasospasm, with or without associated structural abnormalities, of
      the small coronary arteries or arterioles. Impaired myocardial perfusion, as well
      as left and right ventricular dysfunction, have recently been confirmed in this
      setting, using more sensitive techniques such as tissue Doppler echocardiography
      and magnetic resonance imaging. Vasodilators such as calcium channel blockers,
      angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors and an endothelin receptor antagonist
      improve both myocardial perfusion and functional abnormalities, and their
      systematic long-term administration might help to prevent these major
      complications.

PMID- 22039705
TI  - [Pulmonary involvement in systemic scleroderma].
AB  - Pulmonary involvement in progressive systemic sclerosis can affect either the
      parenchyma or the vasculature. Both forms are fatal within a few months or years,
      due to respiratory and/or cardiac failure. Patients must be screened for
      pulmonary hypertension by ultrasonography, to be confirmed by right heart
      catheterization if necessary, as early diagnosis and immediate treatment improves
      the prognosis. The interstitial pulmonary disease progresses slowly, leading to
      respiratory failure, secondary pulmonary hypertension, and heart failure.
      Immunosuppressive treatments are disappointing but if prescribed early may
      prevent or delay the otherwise ineluctable aggravation. Pulmonary involvement
      threatens the vital and functional prognosis of patients with scleroderma, who
      may also develop several other complica- tions (especially infections and adverse
      effects of drugs) that are not dealt with here. This paper focuses on the most
      significant disease manifestations and current therapeutic options.

PMID- 22039706
TI  - [Cancer of the esophagus and gastroesophageal junction: evolution of surgical
      management].
AB  - Management of esophageal cancer has evolvedmarkedly in the last two decades.
      Advances in neoadjuvant treatment combined with refinements in surgical
      techniques and perioperative care have resulted in better postoperative outcomes
      and long-term survival. We investigated trends in the outcome of esophagectomy
      for esophageal cancer over the past 20 years at our high-volume institution. We
      studied patients who underwent surgery for primary cancer of the esophagus or
      gastroesophageal junction from 1988 through 2008 (N = 1153). Four study periods
      (P) were compared: 1988-1993 (P1), 1994-1998 (P2), 1999-2003 (P3) and 2004-2008
      (P4). Demographic parameters, tumor characteristics, post-operative morbidity, in
      hospital mortality and long-term survival were recorded prospectively and the
      four periods were compared retrospectively. Squamous cell carcinoma accountedfor
      77.4% of the 1153 malignancies. The ratio of squamous cell carcinoma to
      adenocarcinoma fell from 12.0 to 1.3 during the study period (P1 vs P4, P <
      0.001), with aparallel increase in the number tumors of the lower esophagus or
      gastroesophageal junction. The post-operative mortality and morbidity rates were
      respectively 5.6% and 42.7% overall and remained stable during the study period.
      The five-year survival rate among all resected patients improved significantly,
      from 24.3% to 42.7% (P1 vs P4, P< 0.001). The complete (RO) resection rate was
      80.7% overall and increased from 74.1% to 82.1% (P1 vs P4, P < 0.05). The five
      year survival rate improved significantly among RO-resected patients, from 32.7 %
      to 52.3 % (PI vs P4, P<.0001). The proportion of patients who received
      neoadjuvant treatment (mainly chemoradiotherapy) rose from 46.8% to 66.5%. The
      completeness of the pathologic response after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy
      correlated with long-term survival (P < 0.001): five-year survival rates among
      pathologically complete, partial and non responders were 52.1%, 24.8% and 10%,
      respectively. Short-term outcomes after resection remained stable during the
      study period and comparedfavorably with those reported by other high-volume
      institutions. Long-term survival improved significantly. Advances in staging
      methods andsurgical management, combined with more stringent patient selection
      and use of neoadjuvant chemoradiation, may explain this progress. More reliable
      predictors of complete RO resection and of the response to chemoradiation therapy
      are needed in order to tailor management to the individual patient.

PMID- 22039707
TI  - [Keratoconus, the most common corneal dystrophy. Can keratoplasty be avoided?].
AB  - Keratoconus is the most common form of corneal dystrophy. It consists of a non
      inflammatory progressive thinning process that leads to conical ectasia of the
      cornea, causing high myopia and astigmatism. In more advanced cases, opacities
      can be seen at the apex of the cone. Traditional conservative management of
      keratoconus begins with spectacle correction and contact lenses. Surgery is
      recommended when a stable contact lens fit fails to provide adequate vision.
      Keratoplasty was long the only surgical treatment, but recent years have seen the
      introduction of new surgical options:--Collagen cross-linking stiffens the cornea
      and can halt disease progression;--Intrastromal corneal rings can reduce
      astigmatism and improve visual acuity;--Intraocular lenses are valuable
      additional options for the correction of refractive errors. Currently,
      keratoplasty is mainly restricted to patients with opacities of the central
      cornea.

PMID- 22039708
TI  - [Basic surgical training in 2010].
AB  - Initial surgical training must take into account the major changes that have
      taken place in recent years. Training in surgical technique, clinical expertise,
      communication skills, clinical and experimental surgical research, team work and
      risk management is required to maintain the leadership position of future
      surgeons.

PMID- 22039709
TI  - [Type 1 diabetes impairs compensatory response after myocardial infarction; role
      of tissue hypothyroidism and effects of thyroid hormone administration].
AB  - Type 1 diabetes (TOD) increases the risk of coronary artery disease and
      myocardial infarction and is characterized by baseline cardiac dysfunction. We
      investigated the influence of TOD in post-infarct remodeling (REM) and the role
      of thyroid hormone (TH) signaling in this response. Acute myocardial infarction
      (AMI) was induced in rats with type I diabetes (TOD) and in non diabetic rats
      (NTOD-AMI), sham-operated rats serving as controls (SHAM). AMI resulted in tissue
      hypothyroidism due to significant downregulation of the TH receptors TRa1 and
      TRbeta1 in the TOD myocardium, while no change in plasma T3 or T4 was observed
      This response was associated with increased expression of beta-MHC and distinct
      changes in cardiac function and geometry: EF % was decreased in TOD-AMI as
      compared to NTOD-AMI. Systolic and diastolic chamber dimensions were increased,
      with no concomitant increase in wall thickness. Thus, WTI (the ratio of LVIDd/2 x
      posterior wall thickness), an index of wall stress, was significantly increased
      in TOD-AMI. The absence of wall thickening in TOD-AMI hearts was associated with
      changes in stretch-induced kinase hypertrophic signaling: phosporylated (p) ERK
      and p-p38 MAPK levels were not changed in TOD-AMI in comparison with non
      infarcted hearts (TOD-SHAM) and NTOD-A MI hearts. TH administration after AMI
      prevented tissue hypothyroidism and resulted in decreased beta-MHC expression,
      increased wall thickening and normalized wallstress, while stretch-induced p38
      MAPK activation was increased. We conclude that diabetes exacerbates post
      ischemic cardiac remodeling and that tissue hypothyroidism may be involved in
      this response.

PMID- 22039710
TI  - [Streamlining of medical orders in an intensive care unit].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To We assessed whether intensivists ICU physician acceptance of a
      system designed to would accept to optimise e their orders for ings of biological
      samplesings, X-rays and target drugs, and to assess the consequences of this
      rationalization for on patient's outcome. STUDY DESIGN: Monocentric evaluation of
      medical economic procedure. The medical ordering process started to be assessed
      in our ICU in late 2006, METHODS: Mat meetings of consultants, registrars and
      residents, held started on Dec. 21, 2006 with 2-3 2 or 3 times a year sessions a
      year in order to evaluate the process of medical ordering. The p Physicians and
      pharmacists provided ordering data at each meeting Orderings of routine
      samplesings, bedside X-rays and unjustified expansive costly drugs were was
      discouraged, while targeted sampling ings and lung chest ultrasonography were
      encouraged. New residents were systematically taught about informed of the this
      programme. Meanwhile m Monthly morbidity-mortality meetings were pursued in order
      to assess the consequences impact of this politicspolicy. RESULTS: While Although
      ICU total ICU activity increased by 3.4%, and potentially evitable avoidable
      deaths decreased fell by 34%, % and annual expenses decreased dropped by
      approximatively about 777 750 000 euros from 2006 to 2008. This cost saving was
      due to decreased orderings fewer orders in for biological samples y by (-30%),
      bedside X-rays by (-10%), computed tomographic scans computed tomography by (
      16%) and target drugs? by (-35%). However, an increased ordering in use of 4
      target drugs was increased observed in between 2008 as compared with 2007 and
      2008. CONCLUSION: Multidisciplinary optimisation of medical ordering can thus be
      efficient effective in an in ICU, although. However a profit-sharing with
      ordering physicians would be necessary to might help to prolong the system.

PMID- 22039711
TI  - [Mediterranean visceral leishmaniasis].
AB  - Mediterranean visceral leishmaniasis is a parasitic zoonosis due to Leishmania
      infantum. The dog is the reservoir species and also the main victim. The vector
      is the female Phlebotomus sand fly. In the southern Mediterranean region the
      disease is most frequent in children, whereas in Europe, and particularly in
      France, it is mostly an opportunistic infection associated with
      immunosuppression. Frequent asymptomatic carriage has been detected in southern
      Europe. The classic symptom triad consists of fever, pallor and splenomegaly.
      Biological signs include low cell blood counts (anemia, leukoneutropenia, and
      thrombocytopenia) and an inflammatory syndrome. Commercial serologic tests such
      as those based on immunoblotting are very useful. The gold standard for diagnosis
      is parasite detection in bone marrow or blood. PCR is useful for therapeutic
      follow-up. Treatment is currently based on liposomal amphotericin B (AmBisome).

PMID- 22039712
TI  - [Pregnant women's oral hygiene knowledge and habits after the second millennium
      in South-East Hungary].
AB  - Among the predisposing agents for inflammatory periodontal lesion dental plaque
      is the most important, but different local and systemic factors may influence the
      seriousness or progression of periodontitis. Hormonal changes during pregnancy
      belong to the systemic aggravating factors. The aim of the present study was to
      assess pregnant women's oral hygiene knowledge and habits, and if these have a
      relationship with age, residence, educational level and profession/occupation.
      Questionnaires were used for the data collection. 275 pregnant women, who
      underwent prenatal care at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology in Szeged,
      volunteered to answer the questions. The results showed that almost all the women
      brushed their teeth daily, but only about one third of them used special oral
      hygiene tools, like dental floss. Many of the women claimed to have gingival
      bleeding when brushing their teeth. More then 70% visited a dentist during
      pregnancy. There was a significant relationship between educational level and the
      use of dental floss (p=0.004) and gingival bleeding (p=0.023) Oral hygiene
      education, dental and periodontal treatment of pregnant women need more emphasis
      during prenatal care.

PMID- 22039713
TI  - [Restoration of profound tooth damage caused by intrinsic erosion, with porcelain
      crowns. A case report].
AB  - In the presented case extensive tooth damage has been caused by an eating
      disorder (bulimia nervosa coupled with frequent vomiting). Although the patient's
      premised disorder has been treated successfully, palatal and occlusal surfaces of
      the upper teeth were profoundly damaged due to previous acidic erosion. There was
      also a significant hypersensitivity of upper teeth, and the patient was
      dissatisfied with the aesthetics of the upper teeth as well. In order to treat
      pain symptom, replace lost hard dental tissues, and restore aesthetics, porcelain
      covered zirconium dioxide crowns of upper teeth were prepared. Tooth
      hypersensitivity disappeared as a result of the insertion of crowns following a
      careful minimal-invasive preparation. Patient's high aesthetic needs were also
      fulfilled by using high quality materials. At the 6-months-follow-up examination
      disappearance of tooth sensitivity and satisfaction with the aesthetics were
      reported by the patient. Long run gingival and mucosal health as well as proper
      condition of dental hard tissues and dentures were determined by the intraoral
      control examination. The patient also presented high level of oral hygiene.

PMID- 22039714
TI  - [Possible correlations between periodontitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary
      disease. Review of the literature].
AB  - Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a complex, multifactorial
      inflammatory disease of the airways and the pulmonary parenchyme, caused by
      infection, air pollution and particles. 4-7% of the adult population is involved.
      COPD is the 4th-6th common cause of death throughout the world. The main
      aetiological factor is smoking. Bacteria, such as bacteria from the oral cavity,
      could play a keyrole in the progression of the disease. Epidemiologic studies
      have noted a relationship between poor oral hygiene or periodontal bone loss and
      chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The prevalence and mortality of the
      disease is increasing worldwide, the treatment is expensive, the efficiency of
      the present pharmacotherapy is poor, so the importance of prevention should be
      increasing. Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are prone
      to frequent exacerbations which are a significant cause of morbidity and
      mortality. This review is a short summary of studies about the possible
      relationship between periodontitis and COPD.

PMID- 22039715
TI  - [Diagnosis of masticatory organ dysfunction craniomandibular system dysfunction
      (CMD)].
AB  - A practising dentist often meets pains of different location and limited ability
      of mouth opening, locomotor disorder, the cause of which is difficult to identify
      and explain. There is a particular group of patients with functional disorder who
      turn to several doctors with their varied and colorful symptoms. Most of these
      patients suffer from cranio-mandibular disfunction (CMD). You must not indicate
      any treatment especially not an invasive one without a diagnosis. While relieving
      the patient's pains, you have to determine the cause and effect. The authors
      suggest discussing the issue of giving a unanimous definition of masticatory
      organ disfunction as an interdisciplinary diagnosis which is in accord with
      international bibliography. They review the algorithm of diagnosis, indication of
      medical examination by demonstrating some typical cases. They share their
      experience gained during several decades of clinical practise involving about
      2,000 patients.

PMID- 22039716
TI  - [Alzheimer: destiny of a disease].

PMID- 22039717
TI  - [Is anonymous childbirth a sustainable option?].

PMID- 22039718
TI  - [Segond fracture].

PMID- 22039719
TI  - [Raynaud's phenomenon, disease or syndrome?].
AB  - Raynaud's phenomenon is a common symptom. More often it is usually an idiopathic
      and benign condition. But it can be an early manifestation of a connective tissue
      disease especially scleroderma and primary Sjogren's syndrom. Thus it is
      necessary to develop reasonable screening model. If the vasomotor symptoms are
      localized, a diagnosis of secondary Raynaud's phenomenon is highly probable and
      the main etiology is an arterial disease. Occupational arterial lesions are a
      particularly aspect of secondary Raynaud's phenomenon. Calcium channel blockers
      are the reference for the symptomatic treatment of Raynaud's phenomenon. In
      severe secondary forms, intravenous iloprost infusion is effective. New drugs as
      endothelin antagonist and phospodiesterase type 5 inhibitors are still to be
      evaluated.

PMID- 22039720
TI  - [Vocal cord dysfunction].
AB  - Vocal cord dysfunction is characterized by paradoxical vocal cord adduction,
      especially during inspiration. Clinical symptoms can mistakenly lead to a
      diagnosis of asthma. Some patients, thought to be asthmatic, are sometimes
      considered as having severe asthma. Positive diagnosis rests on the finding of
      paradoxical vocal cord adduction on laryngoscopic examination. The main
      limitation of this examination is associated with the intermittent nature of the
      symptoms. The diagnosis of vocal cord dysfunction can thus be mistakenly ruled
      out based on the absence of abnormalities on laryngoscopic examination.
      Therapeutic management focuses on phoniatric rehabilitation.

PMID- 22039721
TI  - [Alzheimer's diseases. Even in absence of progress, we must do better!].

PMID- 22039722
TI  - [How to define Alzheimer's disease].
AB  - Alzheimer's disease, which was considered to be a rare disease in subjects aged
      under 65 until the seventies/eighties, has become a very common disease affecting
      mostly older subjects. Many consider that it is important to review the meaning
      of the eponym "Alzheimer's disease", and a revolution, quite literally, is likely
      to occur. The role of vascular lesions in the onset of dementias among older
      subjects is widely acknowledged; considering those dementias as Alzheimer's
      disease may have negative consequences for patient management. Indeed, vascular
      lesions can be prevented and treated, while Alzheimer's lesions cannot. It may be
      justified to use "Alzheimer syndrome" instead of "Alzheimer's disease" when
      vascular risk factors and, all the more so, vascular lesions are present.
      Significant progress has been made in the understanding of the pathological
      proteins involved in Alzheimer's disease, as well as their effects on neurons and
      synapses. However, the etiology of the disease is still unknown, except in the
      rare hereditary cases, and there is no cure for Alzheimer's disease at present.
      Clinical research is progressing, and diagnostic criteria for the pre-dementia
      stage of Alzheimer's disease were suggested. In France, the outstanding Alzheimer
      plan 2008-2012 should play an important role in enhancing the understanding of
      Alzheimer's disease, Alzheimer's syndromes and related disorders.

PMID- 22039723
TI  - [Epidemiology of Alzheimer's diseases].

PMID- 22039724
TI  - [Rethinking Alzheimer's diseases].

PMID- 22039725
TI  - [Are Alzheimer's diseases dementia?].

PMID- 22039726
TI  - [Genetics of Alzheimer's disease].

PMID- 22039727
TI  - [Alzheimer's disease: early diagnosis].
AB  - Alzheimers disease and the other forms of dementia are frequently ignored in the
      general population, particularly after 80 years. This under-diagnosis concerns
      approximately one of every two patients, and is particularly common in early
      stage dementia, in which only one of every three patients is diagnosed. Under
      diagnosis is due to patients and families not consulting, as well as to diagnosis
      procedures not being performed by the general practitioner to explore cognitive
      complaint. However, once they have been initiated, the diagnostic procedures are
      adequately performed, and over-diagnosis is uncommon.

PMID- 22039728
TI  - [CSF proteins: useful markers in Alzheimer's disease].

PMID- 22039729
TI  - [Specific care plan in different stages of Alzheimer's disease].
AB  - The management and follow-up of patients with Alzheimers disease have stage
      specific characteristics. In the mild stage, the key challenges are above all to
      improve the early diagnosis and the communication of the diagnosis. With the
      patient's agreement, a follow-up should be scheduled to assess, at each stage of
      the disease, cognitive and functional decline, and detect psycho-behavioral,
      nutritional or mobility complications. In the moderate or severe stages,
      prevention and treatment of caregiver burnout should be included in the follow
      up. Finally, in the very severe stage, end of life and ethical issues should be
      considered. The followup and the intervention plan should be adapted to each
      patient, and require coordination between health care professionals and social
      workers. However, the practical aspects of the follow-up and the ways in which
      those can be improved are yet to be defined.

PMID- 22039730
TI  - [Importance of physical activity in Alzheimer's disease].

PMID- 22039731
TI  - [Weight loss in Alzheimer's disease].

PMID- 22039732
TI  - [Treatment of behavioral disorders in Alzheimer's disease].
AB  - Behavioural and psychological symptoms (BPSD) are now known to be frequently
      associated to cognitive and functional decline in Alzheimer's disease and related
      disorders. Recommendations for the management of BPSD have been proposed. Non
      pharmacological interventions should be the first-line treatment. Anti-dementia
      agents (cholinesterase inhibitors, memantine) and psychotropic drugs
      (antipsychotics, antidepressants and anticonvulsivants) could be associated to
      non-pharmacological interventions only in case of limited response with non
      pharmacologic approaches. Low-dose antipsychotics should only be prescribed for
      limited periods of time, in case of psychotic and/or aggressive refractory
      symptoms.

PMID- 22039733
TI  - [Non pharmacologic intervention therapy in Alzheimer's disease].
AB  - Actually, no curative treatment is available to fight against Alzheimer's
      disease. Previous non pharmacologic intervention trials had promising findings.
      However the lack of scientific validation and standardized modelling restrict
      their use. Among these techniques, sparing skills therapy (SST) seems promising.
      This form of care is for patients with early stage of the disease and combines
      the use of cognitive and functional residual, taking into account the wishes of
      the patient and their caregiver, the rehabilitation of their environment and the
      education of the caregiver. The SST is developing in France within specialized
      teams inside the nursing services at home and is currently the subject of further
      research.

PMID- 22039734
TI  - [Rights of people with Alzheimer's disease].
AB  - Population aging and the increasing prevalence of Alzheimer's disease and related
      disorders raise the question about the existence of legal tools to protect and
      maintain patient autonomy. Against this background, it is essential that
      physicians are aware of the different legal options that allow them to help
      patients in need. Justice protection (sauvegarde de justice), guardianship
      (curatelle) and trusteeship (tutelle) are useful tools, but they leave no room
      for anticipation. While these emergency tools have to be constantly adapted to
      the condition of the protected adult, they are still imposed. Thus the emergence
      of a new tool, the future power of attorney (mandat de protection future),
      asserts the right to foresight, and allows the patient to regain a central
      position in their future management.

PMID- 22039735
TI  - [Explosion in PubMed/MEDLINE].

PMID- 22039737
TI  - [Approach to urinary incontinence in women].
AB  - Urinary incontinence is a very common problem in women; it can lead to a specific
      alteration of quality of life which is necessary to evaluate before any
      treatment. Various types of incontinence can be described: stress incontinence,
      urge incontinence, mixed incontinence. Clinical examination is always necessary
      to exclude a specific cause of incontinence particularly neurogenic dysfunction
      in which incontinence may be the first symptom before motor or sensitive
      alterations appearance. Urodynamic investigations can easily determine
      pathophysiologic factors and allow a best choice of therapeutic strategies.
      Concerning stress urinary incontinence, first line treatment consists of pelvic
      floor exercices before surgical therapy, and anticholinergic drugs are always
      tried in urge incontinence before sacral neuromodulation.

PMID- 22039736
TI  - [Epidemiology of female urinary incontinence].
AB  - Female urinary incontinence becomes a real public health issue in France, with
      high frequency and outcomes on 20 to 30% of concerned women. Prevalence of
      incontinence is widely under-estimated because few women consult a physician for
      this problem, and because of the lack of epidemiologic data about it. Despite
      female urinary incontinence will increase in the next future with "baby boom"
      population, and in spite of new treatments, medical help is not suitable.
      Physicians but also nurses and physical therapists must have better professional
      training to help and care better these women.

PMID- 22039738
TI  - [Urinary incontinence in pregnant women].

PMID- 22039739
TI  - [Conservative treatment of female urinary incontinence].
AB  - Female urinary incontinence can be improved by nonsurgical pharmacologic as well
      as non-pharmacologic treatments. Hygiene and dietary rules apply to all forms of
      incontinence. If overweight, weight loss improves stress urinary incontinence.
      There are levels of evidence to show that pelvic floor muscle training and
      behavioral therapy improve incontinence. Duloxetine is better than placebo for
      improvement of quality of life and for the impression of an improvement, but its
      place is still not determined in the algorithm of conservative treatments. The
      effects of vaginal electrostimulation and oestrogen are inconsistent or
      inhomogeneous. In case of urgency incontinence, anticholinergics remain the first
      line treatment and the place of stimulation of posterieur tibial nerve is still
      to be defined.

PMID- 22039740
TI  - [Obesity and female urinary incontinence].

PMID- 22039741
TI  - [Surgical treatment of female urinary stress incontinence].
AB  - Since the description of the sub urethral technique for genuine stress
      incontinence all the others have been abandoned. The surgical indications have
      not changed and are related to the poor quality of life of the patient induced by
      stress incontinence. A careful clinical examination and a pre operative
      urodynamique investigation should prevent from the failures due to a wrong
      indication. All the techniques are the same when it comes to the result except
      the mini slings which still have to be evaluated. There are two types of
      complications: the ones which are specific to the using of a hexogen material by
      vaginal way and the ones linked to the technique itself. The results are
      excellent, more than 80% success and last for a long period.

PMID- 22039742
TI  - [Grand rounds on medical education].

PMID- 22039743
TI  - [Food intake, nutritional status and health].

PMID- 22039744
TI  - [Diagnosing acute appendicitis].

PMID- 22039745
TI  - [Human infertility: management of the first consultation].

PMID- 22039746
TI  - [Bacterial and mycotic cutaneomucosal infections].

PMID- 22039747
TI  - [Ankylosing spondylitis].

PMID- 22039748
TI  - [Follow-up of patients with artificial heart valves].

PMID- 22039749
TI  - [Pleural effusion].

PMID- 22039750
TI  - [The Fragonard museum of the National Verinary School of Alfort].

PMID- 22039751
TI  - Changing individual-level risk factors for malaria with declining transmission in
      southern Zambia: a cross-sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Malaria elimination will require that both symptomatic- and
      asymptomatic-infected persons be identified and treated. However, well
      characterized, individual-level risk factors for malaria may not be valid in
      regions with declining malaria transmission. Changes in individual-level
      correlates of malaria infection were evaluated over three years in a region of
      declining malaria transmission in southern Zambia. METHODS: Malaria surveys were
      conducted in two study areas within the catchment area of Macha Hospital, Zambia
      in 2007 and 2008/2009. A random sample of households was identified from a
      digitized satellite image of the study areas. Cross-sectional surveys were
      conducted approximately five times throughout the year in each of the two study
      areas. During study visits, adults and caretakers of children were administered
      questionnaires and a blood sample was obtained for a rapid diagnostic test (RDT)
      for malaria. RESULTS: In the 2007 study area, 330 individuals were surveyed.
      40.9% of participants lived in a household with at least one insecticide-treated
      bed net (ITN); however, only 45.2% reported sleeping under the ITN. 23.9% of
      participants were RDT positive. Correlates of RDT positivity included younger
      age, the presence of symptoms, testing during the rainy season, using an open
      water source, and not sleeping under an ITN. In the 2008 study area, 435
      individuals were surveyed. 77.0% of participants lived in a household with at
      least one ITN; however, only 56.4% reported sleeping under the ITN. 8.1% of
      participants were RDT positive. RDT positivity was negatively correlated with the
      presence of symptoms within the last two weeks but positively correlated with
      documented fever. In 2009, 716 individuals were surveyed in the same area as
      2008. 63.7% of participants lived in a household with at least one ITN; however,
      only 57.7% reported sleeping under the ITN. 1.5% of participants were RDT
      positive. Only self-reported fever was significantly correlated with RDT
      positivity. CONCLUSIONS: With declining malaria prevalence, few individual-level
      characteristics were correlated with RDT positivity. This lack of correlation
      with individual characteristics hampers identification of individuals infected
      with malaria. Strategies based on ecological or environmental risk factors may be
      needed to target control efforts and achieve further reductions and elimination.

PMID- 22039753
TI  - Prevalence of antibodies to equine viruses in the Netherlands.
AB  - Summary   The prevalence of antibodies to various viruses was investigated in a
      series of serum samples collected from horses in the Netherlands between 1963 and
      1966 and from 1972 onwards. Neutralizing antibodies to equine rhinopneumonitis
      virus, equine arteritis virus and to equine rhinovirus types 1 and 2 were
      detected in respectively 76%, 14%, 66% and 59% of the equine serum samples
      tested.   The observed incidence of serum samples positive to equine adenovirus
      in the complement fixation test was 39%. Precipitating antibodies to equine
      infectious anaemia virus were detected only in serum samples from two horses
      imported from abroad. Haemagglutination inhibiting antibodies to Myxovirus
      influenzae A / equi-1, M. Influenzae A / equi-2, and Reovirus types 1, 2, and 3
      were present in respectively 82%, 50%, 10%, 33% and 3.6% of the serum samples
      tested.   The most frequently observed incidence of antibodies to the various
      equine respiratory viruses occurred in the groups of horses having repeatedly
      contact with other horses.

PMID- 22039752
TI  - Affective reactivity during smoking cessation of never-quitters as compared with
      that of abstainers, relapsers, and continuing smokers.
AB  - Much effort has been devoted to examining the differences in postcessation
      affective experience between smoking abstainers and relapsers. However, little
      attention has been given to the affective changes of smokers who, despite their
      motivation to quit, fail to achieve even a brief period of abstinence. Using
      affect-modulated startle response and self-report questionnaires, we measured the
      postcessation affective changes of 115 smokers (60 men, 55 women) who
      participated in a laboratory investigation of affective reactivity during smoking
      cessation. Among our participants, 34 were abstainers (16 men, 18 women), 16 were
      never-quitters (8 men, 8 women), 19 were relapsers (8 men, 11 women), and 46 were
      controls (28 men, 18 women). We found a significant Stimulus Valence * Session *
      Group interaction effect on startle responses, which suggested that while
      abstainers, relapsers, and control exhibited the prototypical affect-modulated
      startle response across postcessation sessions, never-quitters displayed an
      atypical response pattern in which emotional pictures no longer modulated the
      startle response. Never-quitters also reported increasingly higher negative and
      lower positive affect across postcessation sessions. Using affect-modulated
      startle response and self-report questionnaires, this study found a significant
      difference in the affective reactivity between smokers who could and smokers who
      could not establish an initial abstinence of 24 hours.

PMID- 22039754
TI  - Perilobular fibrosis in chronic bovine fascioliasis.
AB  - Summary   The character, extent, and localization of perilobular fibrosis were
      studied in cattle experimentally infected with Fasciola hepatica. Such fibrosis
      is indirectly due to the liver flukes.   The regionally localized fibrosis
      results from cholestasis due to transient occlusion of branches of the biliary
      tree. In perilobular fibrosis it is possible to distinguish a florid, an
      intermediate, and an uncomplicated form. The florid phase is marked by
      proliferation of the biliary epithelium and is followed by infiltration of
      inflammatory cells.

PMID- 22039755
TI  - Milk production increase following treatment of Dutch dairy cattle with
      thiabendazole.
AB  - Summary   In a trial involving 542 dairy cattle on 28 farms, 276 were treated
      once with thiabendazole within two days of calving. The treated group showed an
      average increase in milk yielded over the non-return group of 229.8 kg during the
      subsequent lactation.   In the treated group, total milk fat production was
      increased over that of the controls by 7.4 kg per cow; milk protein was increased
      by 6.9 kg per cow. All treatment parameter differences were highly significant at
      the 1% level of probability.

PMID- 22039756
TI  - Contribution to the aetiology of synovitis in chickens, with special reference to
      non-infective factors. IV.
AB  - Summary   The comparative study reported in the present paper was undertaken to
      collect data on the collagen content and collagen quality of tendons showing high
      (low) tensile strength levels and a compact (loose) histological structure. It
      was shown that tendon tissues of these two groups do not differ in this regard.
      The effect of administering a number of nutrients (known to be essential in
      collagenesis) was tested during this study. Administration of these nutrients did
      not prevent synovitis and did not increase tensile strength.

PMID- 22039757
TI  - Some biochemical parameters for qualification of bull semen.
AB  - Summary   Since the macroscopical and microscopical examination of bull semen
      does not in all cases appear to give conclusive indications concerning the
      fertilizing capacity, an investigation of some biochemical parameters was
      undertaken. It was shown that the following biochemical examination could furnish
      some more information about the quality of the semen:     1.     Determination of
      the phenylalanine- alpha-ketoglutarate transaminase activity both in the seminal
      plasma and in the whole semen. A high transaminase activity in the plasma points
      to leakage out of the spermatozoa, thus indicating an affection of the
      spermatozoa. In that case larger amounts of basic amino acids and of leucine were
      often found in the seminal plasma than would normally be observed. 2.     Gas
      chromatographic examination of the steroids occurring both in the seminal plasma
      and in the spermatozoa. In a number of infertile bulls small peaks of
      progesterone were found together with those of other, unidentified compounds. 3. 
      Investigation of the carbohydrate metabolism in the semen. In a number of
      fertile bulls the following deviations were found: a.     the presence of quite a
      lot of fructose in the spermatozoa; b.     the presence of glucuronic acid and /
      of other foreign compounds in the spermatozoa or in the plasma; c.     an
      elevated pH in the seminal plasma some 2 to 3 hours after ejaculation; d.     a
      low phenylalanine-alpha -ketoglutarate transaminase activity in the whole semen
      (the spermatozoa had been disrupted by freezing). 4.     Investigation of the
      presence of reducing aldehydes (glycolaldehyde and glyceraldehyde) inside the
      spermatozoa. The determinations mentioned under 1, 3c and 3d can easily be
      carried out in the laboratories of each District Animal Health Service and of the
      A.I. stations; the same is true of the occurrence of amino acids in the seminal
      plasma and of fructose and aldehydes inside the spermatozoa if facilities are
      available for electrophoresis and chromatography.

PMID- 22039758
TI  - Possible aspects of normal and unphysiological commercial conditions on the
      estrus and early pregnancy in pigs.
AB  - Summary   Gilts and sows kept under unphysiological commercial conditions may
      show delayed puberty, delayed estrus postweaning and delayed returns after
      insemination. It is postulated that in all three manifestations gonadotropic
      insufficiency is the causative factor, produced by inadequate exteroceptive
      stimulation, mainly of olfactory origin, or by a configuration of stimuli which
      is experienced as in-appropriate by the individual organism. Pituitary L.H. is
      necessary to induce tertiary follicles to secrete estrogens, which play a
      prominent part in estrus expression and in turn evoke the pre-ovulatory L.H. peak
      flow. Pituitary L.H. also appears to be necessary for persistence of the corpora
      lutea during early pregnancy and this L.H. release may also be inhibited under
      inadequate physiological conditions. Therefore anaphrodisia in big commercial
      piggeries can be a normal physiologic reaction of the animal and more or less an
      adaptation to these unfavourable circumstances.   For the greater part delayed
      puberty and delayed estrus postweaning seem to be coupled with anestrus and can
      easily be overcome by gonadotropin treatment in this case. Resulting fertility
      can be normal, even under severe stressful conditions. The delayed returns after
      insemination are partly caused by embryonal mortality. This mortality is at least
      for a part caused by gonadotropin insufficiency which in future may be prevented
      by application of a proper treatment as well.

PMID- 22039759
TI  - The therapy of otitis externa.
AB  - Summary   The clinical findings following the instillation of an aqueous solution
      containing natamycin, neomycin and hydrocortisone into the ears of dogs
      exhibiting the signs of otitis externa are described.   Out of a total of 143
      cases, 50 were also examined microbiologically both before and after treatment in
      order to evaluate the antibacterial and antifungal properties of the solution.
      The severity of the complaint appeared to be of little significance as far as the
      respons is concerned.   A favourable response was noted clinically in 95% and
      microbiologically in 86% of the cases treated.

PMID- 22039762
TI  - Specific labeling of threonine methyl groups for NMR studies of protein-nucleic
      acid complexes.
AB  - Specific (13)C labeling of Thr methyl groups has been accomplished via the growth
      of a standard laboratory strain of Escherichia coli on [2-(13)C]glycerol in the
      presence of deuterated isoketovalerate, Ile, and Ala. Diversion of the label from
      the Thr biosynthetic pathway is suppressed by including Lys, Met, and Ile in the
      growth medium. This method complements the repertoire of methyl labeling schemes
      for NMR structural and dynamic studies of proteins and is particularly useful for
      the study of nucleic acid binding proteins because of the high propensity of Thr
      residues at protein-DNA and -RNA interfaces.

PMID- 22039763
TI  - TBX3 over-expression causes mammary gland hyperplasia and increases mammary stem
      like cells in an inducible transgenic mouse model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The T-box transcription factor TBX3 is necessary for early embryonic
      development and for the normal development of the mammary gland. Homozygous
      mutations, in mice, are embryonic lethal while heterozygous mutations result in
      perturbed mammary gland development. In humans, mutations that result in the
      haploinsufficiency of TBX3 causes Ulnar Mammary Syndrome (UMS) characterized by
      mammary gland hypoplasia as well as other congenital defects. In addition to its
      role in mammary gland development, various studies have also supported a role for
      Tbx3 in breast cancer development. TBX3 is over-expressed in various breast
      cancer cell lines as well as cancer tissue and has been found to contribute to
      breast cancer cell migration. Previous studies have suggested that TBX3
      contributes to cancer development by its ability to bypass senescence by
      repressing the expression of p14(ARF)-tumor suppressor. Although many studies
      have shown that a dysregulation of TBX3 expression may contribute to cancer
      progression, no direct evidence shows TBX3 causes breast cancer. RESULTS: In this
      study, we created doxycycline inducible double transgenic mice (MMTV-rtTA;tet-myc
      TBX3-IRES-Luciferase) to test whether TBX3 over-expression can induce tumor
      formation within the mammary gland. Although over-expression of TBX3, alone, did
      not induce tumor formation it did promote accelerated mammary gland development
      by increasing mammary epithelial cell proliferation. We also show that TBX3
      directly binds to and represses NFkappaBIB, an inhibitor of the NF-kappaB pathway
      known to play a role in regulating cell proliferation. Lastly, we also show that
      the over-expression of TBX3 is associated with an increase in mammary stem-like
      cells. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, our data suggests that over-expression of TBX3 may
      contribute to breast cancer development by promoting accelerated mammary gland
      development through the inhibition of the NF-kappaB pathway and stimulation of
      both mammary epithelial cell and stem-like cell proliferation.

PMID- 22039764
TI  - Polygalacturonase-inhibiting proteins--leucine-rich repeat proteins in plant
      defence.
AB  - Plant polygalacturonase-inhibiting proteins (PGIPs) belong to the leucine-rich
      repeat (LRR) family and are known to prevent pathogen invasion by inhibiting the
      plant cell wall degrading enzyme, polygalacturonase. Our study reveals that these
      multigene-encoded defence proteins found in flowering plants only exhibit
      identical domain architecture with 10 tandemly-arranged LRRs. This implies that
      variations of PGIP inhibitory properties are not associated with the number of
      the repeats but with subtle changes in the sequence content of the repeats. The
      first and eighth repeat contain more mutations compared to the strict
      conservation of the plant-specific LRRs or any repeat at other positions. Each of
      these repeats forms a separate cluster in the phylogenetic tree, both within and
      across plant families, thus suggesting uniqueness with respect to their position.
      A study of the genes encoding PGIPs, shows the existence of two categories (i)
      single exon and hence no intron; and (ii) two exons with an intron in between.
      Analyses of the intron phase and correlation of the exon-intron structure with
      the compact structural modules in PGIPs support insertion of introns in the pre
      existing single exon genes and thus the intron late model. Lack of conservation
      of phase across families and formation of individual clusters for each family in
      the phylogenetic tree drawn with the intron sequences illustrate the event of
      insertion that took place separately in each of these families.

PMID- 22039765
TI  - Electronic and magnetic properties and structural stability of BeO sheet and
      nanoribbons.
AB  - The novel electronic and magnetic properties of BeO nanoribbons (BeO NRs) as well
      as their stability are investigated through extensive density functional theory
      calculations. Different from semiconducting graphene nanoribbons and insulating
      BN ribbons, all zigzag edged BeO NRs are revealed to display ferromagnetic and
      metallic natures independent of the ribbon width and edge passivation. The
      polarized electron spins in H-passivated zigzag BeO NRs are from the unpaired
      electrons around the weakly formed Be-H bonds, while those of bare zigzag BeO NRs
      are due to the 2p states of edge O atoms. In sharp contrast, all armchair BeO NRs
      are nonmagnetic insulators regardless of the edge passivation. In particular, all
      bare armchair BeO NRs have a nearly constant band gap due to a peculiar edge
      localization effect. Interestingly, the band gaps of all armchair BeO NRs can be
      markedly reduced by an applied transverse electric field and even completely
      closed at a critical field. The critical electric field required for gap closing
      decreases with increasing ribbon width, thus the results have practical
      importance. Further stability analysis shows that bare BeO NRs are more stable
      than H-passivated BeO NRs of similar ribbon widths and bare armchair BeO NRs are
      energetically the most favorable among all the nanoribbons.

PMID- 22039766
TI  - Doc, what would you do if you were me? On self-other discrepancies in medical
      decision making.
AB  - Doctors often make decisions for their patients and predict their patients'
      preferences and decisions to customize advice to their particular situation. We
      investigated how doctors make decisions about medical treatments for their
      patients and themselves and how they predict their patients' decisions. We also
      studied whether these decisions and predictions coincide with the decisions that
      the patients make for themselves. We document 3 important findings. First,
      doctors made more conservative decisions for their patients than for themselves
      (i.e., they more often selected a safer medical treatment). Second, doctors did
      so even if they accurately predicted that their patients would want a riskier
      treatment than the one they selected. Doctors, therefore, showed substantial self
      other discrepancies in medical decision making and did not make decisions that
      accurately reflected their patients' preferences. Finally, patients were not
      aware of these discrepancies and thought that the decisions their doctors made
      for themselves would be similar to the decisions they made for their patients. We
      explain these results in light of 2 current theories of self-other discrepancies
      in judgment and decision making: the risk-as-feelings hypothesis and the
      cognitive hypothesis. Our results have important implications for research on
      expert decision making and for medical practice, and shed some light on the
      process underlying self-other discrepancies in decision making.

PMID- 22039767
TI  - Reducing probabilistic weather forecasts to the worst-case scenario: anchoring
      effects.
AB  - Many weather forecast providers believe that forecast uncertainty in the form of
      the worst-case scenario would be useful for general public end users. We tested
      this suggestion in 4 studies using realistic weather-related decision tasks
      involving high winds and low temperatures. College undergraduates, given the
      statistical equivalent of the worst-case scenario (1 boundary of the 80%
      predictive interval), demonstrated biased understanding of future weather
      conditions compared with those given both bounds or no uncertainty information.
      We argue that this was due to an anchoring effect on numeric estimates, which
      were closer to the worst-case scenario than was warranted and increased linearly
      as the anchor became more extreme. In many situations tested here, anchoring in
      numeric estimates also extended to subsequent binary decisions, leading
      participants with the worst-case scenario to take action more often than did
      other participants. These results suggest that worst-case scenario forecasts can
      mislead the user. They appear to convince people that wind speeds will be higher
      and temperatures will be lower than what are indicated by the forecast. In
      addition, participants systematically "corrected" the forecast they were given.
      This effect was most prominent in the condition in which no uncertainty was
      provided, suggesting that people feel compelled to take uncertainty into account,
      even when it is not acknowledged by the forecast. Both the anchoring and
      correction biases were least evident when both bounds were provided, suggesting
      that balanced uncertainty leads to the best understanding of future weather
      conditions.

PMID- 22039768
TI  - Chromosome studies in cattle with hereditary zinc deficiency (lethal trait A 46).
AB  - Summary   Blood lymphocyte and skin fibroblast cultures from cattle with
      hereditary zinc deficiency (lethal trait A 46) have not revealed unusually large
      numbers of cells with chromosomal aberrations as reported by Herzog and Hohn (6).

PMID- 22039769
TI  - An investigation of the pathology of Mycoplasma mastitis in the cow.
AB  - Summary   A field case of mastitis in cows, caused by Mycoplasma agalactiae var.
      bovis, formed the occasion to conduct an infection experiment. Five lactating
      heifers were infected in the udder at different times. The cows were slaughtered
      2, 5, 7, 9 and 12 days p. i. and the pathological changes were studied. The
      investigation indicated that the pathological picture differed with time: in the
      acute stage, the inflammation was characterized by exudation of mostly
      eosinophils in the alveoli; later on, the mastitis was identified by an
      interstitial reaction with eosinophils and mononuclear cells, including plasma
      cells and lymphocytes; in the chronic stage, progressive fibroplasia around
      ductuli and alveoli, with hypertrophy of alveolar epithelium, was characteristic.
      The pathological findings are discussed.

PMID- 22039770
TI  - Severe extrapyramidal syndrome in a dog caused by a Haloperidol (Serenase(r))
      intoxication.
AB  - Summary   The case history of a one-year-old male mongrel dog intoxicated with
      120 mg haloperidol is described. The dog showed a coma with a severe
      extrapyramidal syndrome and was treated with orphenadrine.   Symptoms,
      occurrence, and therapy of the extrapyramidal syndrome are discussed. Emphasis is
      laid on the importance to differentiate this syndrome from epilepsy and other
      neurological disorders.

PMID- 22039771
TI  - Diagnosis of infectious bovine rhinotracheitis by direct immunofluorescence.
AB  - Summary   Clinical signs, virus excretion and immunofluorescence in nasal smears
      were studied in nine susceptible steers during a two week period, following
      intranasal expo-sure with IBR-virus. All animals responded with fever (ay. 3.9
      days) and nasal discharge. IBR-virus was isolated from nasal swabs from 1 to 11
      days after exposure (ay. 10 days), whereas fluorescence in nasal smears was
      observed from the second till the seventh day after infection (ay. 5.5 days).  
      Fluorescence was most distinct 3 to 5 days after infection, which coincided with
      the period of fever and a serous nasal discharge. Smears from animals with a
      mucopurulent or slightly haemorrhagic nasal discharge were nearly always
      negative. For a reliable diagnosis on live animals by immunofluorescence, it is
      necessary to take nasal smears from several healthy looking animals with fever
      and a slight, preferably serous discharge. Air dried smears should be fixed in
      acetone within 24 hours. Seven yearlings were autopsied 3 to 11 days after
      intranasal exposure and subjected to a detailed investigation by the cryostat
      immunofluorescence technique (IFT). The tonsils of all animals were positive,
      followed in declining frequency by the larynx, namharynx, nasal mucosa, and
      pharyngeal mucosa. Besides the organs already mentioned, fluorescence was often
      observed in the lungs and tracheal mucosa of animals that had suffered a fatal
      infection of IBR in the field. The tonsils should be regarded as the organ of
      choice. Fluorescent foci were localized in the epithelial lining of the tonsillar
      crypts and in the surface epithelium of the mucosae. The direct IFT on nasal
      smears of suspected animals and on cryostat sections of tissues collected at
      autopsy offers veterinary laboratories with no facilities for tissue culture a
      possibility of a rapid and reliable diagnosis of IBR infections.

PMID- 22039772
TI  - Induction of parturition in the sow with a prostaglandin analogue (I.C.I. 80996).
AB  - Summary   Parturition was induced in 112 gilts and sows on day 111, 112, and 113
      of gestation by means of a single intramuscular injection of 175 mcg of a
      prostaglandin F2alpha analogue (Cloprostenol, I.C.I. 80996). No side effects were
      detected immediately after injection and the course of the induced parturition
      was normal. The interval between injection and parturition was approximately 28
      hours. Induction of parturition on day 113 resulted in a significant shortening
      of this interval as compared with day 111 and 112. The average weights of the
      piglets at birth and at 5 weeks were within the normal range. The percentage of
      stillbirths and the loss of piglets up to weaning did not differ significantly
      between control and experimental groups. The practical applications of induction
      of parturition are discussed.

PMID- 22039773
TI  - Nutritional and metabolic aspects of fatty liver disease in poultry.
AB  - Summary   There are two metabolic disorders of major commercial importance in
      poultry that involve the occurrence of fatty deposits in the liver. Fatty Liver
      and Kidney Syndrome (FLKS) affects young birds and the main manifestations, lipid
      infiltrations into liver and many other organs, are apparently secondary effects
      of the primary lesion that lies in carbohydrate metabolism. Although several
      nutritional and environmental factors influence FLKS, the main factor is the
      vitamin, biotin. In the absence of an adequate supply of biotin, the hepatic
      activity of pyruvate carboxylase, a biotin-dependent enzyme, becomes so low that
      gluconeogenesis in the liver via pyruvate becomes negligible. When the bird is
      then subject to a mild stress and 1or short term fasting, liver glycogen reserves
      become rapidly depleted and a progressive hypoglycaemia develops that ultimately
      proves fatal. Supplementing diets with adequate amounts of biotin can prevent the
      syndrome.   Fatty Liver Haemorrhagic Syndrome (FLHS) is brought about by an
      excessive accumulation of fat in the livers of adult hens which weakens the
      cellular structure of the liver and allows fatal haemorrhaging to occur. The
      aetiology of the syndrome is not clear, but a major factor is an excessive intake
      of dietary energy. However, Me involvement of hormonal and toxicological factors,
      as well as other nutritional factors, is also possible.

PMID- 22039774
TI  - Haemadsorption inhibition test for the identification of Mycoplasma gallisepticum
      and Mycoplasma synoviae.
AB  - Summary   Colonies of the avian mycoplasma strains Mycoplasma gallisepticum S6
      and Mycoplasma synoviae WVU 1853 and two Mycoplasma synoviae isolates from this
      laboratory were shown to be haemadsorption positive for chicken erythrocytes.
      Three Mycoplasma synoviae isolates from this laboratory proved to be
      haemadsorption and haemagglutination negative. The haemadsorption of the
      mycoplasma colonies mentioned above was inhibited with specific antisera of
      either high or low titre. No cross-inhibition was observed. It is suggested that
      this test could be used for a quick tentative identification of the two avian
      mycoplasmas on primary solid-medium cultures.

PMID- 22039775
TI  - Common diseases of pet animals in West Africa.
AB  - Summary   A brief review of the major disease of exotic pet animals in West
      Africa is presented, based on experience, mainly in Nigeria, with pet animals
      imported from Europe. The conditions mentioned are: ticks and tickborne diseases,
      rabies, distemper, feline panleukopenia, trypanosomiasis, hookworm and tumbu-fly
      infections. The control measures before departure are emphasized.

PMID- 22039776
TI  - Report 1977-1978 concerning Trichinella spiralis studies in the Netherlands.

PMID- 22039778
TI  - How the stereochemistry of a central cyclopentyl ring influences the self
      assembling properties of archaeal lipid analogues: synthesis and cryoTEM
      observations.
AB  - The relative stereochemistry (cis or trans) of a 1,3-disubstituted cyclopentane
      unit placed in the middle of tetraether archaeal bipolar lipid analogues was
      found to have a dramatic influence on their supramolecular self-assembling
      properties. The synthesis of two diastereomers varying only by the
      stereochemistry of the cyclopentyl unit was achieved following a multistep
      diastereoselective route. The corresponding lipid films were hydrated and were
      observed by cryoTEM. The micrographs showed several types of unilamellar nano
      objects such as lamellas or irregular vesicles for the cis-isomer, whereas the
      trans-isomer exhibited exclusively multilamellar vesicles with a regular
      spherical shape. Even if the cyclopentyl ring takes part of a long alkyl chain
      (32 carbon atoms), the pseudorotation of the carbocycle would influence the
      global conformation of the bipolar lipid and consequently would modify the
      orientation of the lactosyl polar headgroups.

PMID- 22039779
TI  - Contribution of individual histidines to prion protein copper binding.
AB  - The prion protein is well-established as a copper binding protein. The N-terminus
      of the protein contains an octameric repeat region with each of the four repeats
      containing a histidine. The N-terminus has two additional histidines distal to
      the repeat region that has been commonly known as the fifth site. While binding
      of copper by the protein has been extensively studied, the contribution of each
      histidine to copper binding in the full-length protein has not. Here we used a
      battery of mutants of the recombinant mouse prion protein to assess copper
      binding with both isothermal titration calorimetry and cyclic voltammetry. The
      findings indicate that there is extensive cooperativity between different binding
      sites in the protein. The two highest-affinity binding events occur at the fifth
      site and at the octameric repeat region. However, the first binding is that to
      the octameric repeat region. Subsequent binding events after the two initial
      binding events have lower affinities within the octameric repeat region.

PMID- 22039780
TI  - The ACTwatch project: methods to describe anti-malarial markets in seven
      countries.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Policy makers, governments and donors are faced with an information
      gap when considering ways to improve access to artemisinin-based combination
      therapy (ACT) and malaria diagnostics including rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs). To
      help address some of these gaps, a five-year multi-country research project
      called ACTwatch was launched. The project is designed to provide a comprehensive
      picture of the anti-malarial market to inform national and international anti
      malarial drug policy decision-making. METHODS: The project is being conducted in
      seven malaria-endemic countries: Benin, Cambodia, the Democratic Republic of
      Congo, Madagascar, Nigeria, Uganda and Zambia from 2008 to 2012.ACTwatch measures
      which anti-malarials are available, where they are available and at what price
      and who they are used by. These indicators are measured over time and across
      countries through three study components: outlet surveys, supply chain studies
      and household surveys. Nationally representative outlet surveys examine the
      market share of different anti-malarials passing through public facilities and
      private retail outlets. Supply chain research provides a picture of the supply
      chain serving drug outlets, and measures mark-ups at each supply chain level. On
      the demand side, nationally representative household surveys capture treatment
      seeking patterns and use of anti-malarial drugs, as well as respondent knowledge
      of anti-malarials. DISCUSSION: The research project provides findings on both the
      demand and supply side determinants of anti-malarial access. There are four key
      features of ACTwatch. First is the overlap of the three study components where
      nationally representative data are collected over similar periods, using a common
      sampling approach. A second feature is the number and diversity of countries that
      are studied which allows for cross-country comparisons. Another distinguishing
      feature is its ability to measure trends over time. Finally, the project aims to
      disseminate findings widely for decision-making. CONCLUSIONS: ACTwatch is a
      unique multi-country research project that threads together anti-malarial supply
      and consumer behaviour to provide an evidence base to policy makers that can help
      determine where interventions may positively impact access to and use of quality
      assured ACT and RDTs. Because of its ability to detect change over time, it is
      well suited to monitor the effects of policy or intervention developments in a
      country.

PMID- 22039781
TI  - Gone with the plate: the opening of the Western Mediterranean basin drove the
      diversification of ground-dweller spiders.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The major islands of the Western Mediterranean--Corsica, Sardinia,
      and the Balearic Islands--are continental terrenes that drifted towards their
      present day location following a retreat from their original position on the
      eastern Iberian Peninsula about 30 million years ago. Several studies have taken
      advantage of this well-dated geological scenario to calibrate molecular rates in
      species for which distributions seemed to match this tectonic event.
      Nevertheless, the use of external calibration points has revealed that most of
      the present-day fauna on these islands post-dated the opening of the western
      Mediterranean basin. In this study, we use sequence information of the cox1,
      nad1, 16S, L1, and 12S mitochondrial genes and the 18S, 28S, and h3 nuclear
      genes, along with relaxed clock models and a combination of biogeographic and
      fossil external calibration points, to test alternative historical scenarios of
      the evolutionary history of the ground-dweller spider genus Parachtes
      (Dysderidae), which is endemic to the region. RESULTS: We analyse 49 specimens
      representing populations of most Parachtes species and close relatives. Our
      results reveal that both the sequence of species formation in Parachtes and the
      estimated divergence times match the geochronological sequence of separation of
      the main islands, suggesting that the diversification of the group was driven by
      Tertiary plate tectonics. In addition, the confirmation that Parachtes
      diversification matches well-dated geological events provides a model framework
      to infer substitution rates of molecular markers. Divergence rates estimates
      ranged from 3.5% My(-1) (nad1) to 0.12% My(-1) (28S), and the average divergence
      rate for the mitochondrial genes was 2.25% My(-1), very close to the "standard"
      arthropod mitochondrial rate (2.3% My(-1)). CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides the
      first unequivocal evidence of terrestrial endemic fauna of the major western
      Mediterranean islands, whose origin can be traced back to the Oligocene
      separation of these islands from the continent. Moreover, our study provides
      useful information on the divergence rate estimates of the most commonly used
      genes for phylogenetic inference in non-model arthropods.

PMID- 22039783
TI  - The chemotherapy of parasitic diseases: macrocyclic lactones.

PMID- 22039782
TI  - Selective, electrochemically activated biofunctionalization of In2O3 nanowires
      using an air-stable surface modifier.
AB  - Selective electrochemically activated biofunctionalization of In(2)O(3) nanowires
      (NWs) has been achieved, using monolayer coatings of p-dimethoxybenzene
      derivatives. Monolayer coatings of 4-(2,5-dimethoxyphenyl)butyl-phosphonic acid
      (DMP-PA) were deposited on planar indium-tin oxide (ITO) electrodes and In(2)O(3)
      NWs. The electrochemical behavior of the monolayer coating was first studied
      using ITO electrodes, as a model system for In(2)O(3) nanowires. When a potential
      of 950 mV vs a Ag/AgCl reference electrode is applied to an ITO electrode coated
      with DMP-PA in PBS buffer, the p-dimethoxyphenyl groups are converted to p
      benzoquinone (BQ). The electrochemically formed benzoquinone groups react readily
      with alkyl thiol groups via a Michael addition. The reaction strategy optimized
      on ITO was applied to an In(2)O(3) NW mat sample coated with DMP-PA. Applying a
      potential of 950 mV to metal electrodes deposited on NWs converts the DMP-PA NW
      coating to BQ-PA, which reacts with a thiol-terminated 20-base oligonucleotide.
      These NWs showed strong fluorescence response after paring with the dye labeled
      compliment, demonstrating that the probe was bound to the NW surface and that it
      remained active toward hybridization with its compliment. The unactivated DMP-PA
      coated NWs showed no response, demonstrating the selective electrochemical
      functionalization of NWs and the potential of using them in multiplex sensing. We
      also compared the p-dimethoxybenzene derivative to the conventional hydroquinone
      analog. The results show that the former can largely enhance the selectivity
      during the functionalization of both ITO and In(2)O(3) NWs.

PMID- 22039784
TI  - History of avermectin and ivermectin, with notes on the history of other
      macrocyclic lactone antiparasitic agents.
AB  - The macrocyclic lactones enjoy a position of prominence in the control of
      parasites, and their history may be of interest, and even of use, in an age in
      which the search for chemotherapeutic agents has been transformed by modern
      technology. Much of their history has been recorded piecemeal in a wide variety
      of publications. The present review provides additional detail, and offers a
      personal perspective on the history of ivermectin and related avermectins. Brief
      notes are included on the subsequent development of other macrocyclic lactones.
      Milbemycin preceded the avermectins as a macrocyclic lactone of agricultural
      importance, but was used for a different purpose. Development of the avermectins
      arose from the isolation, in the laboratories of the Kitasato Institute, of a
      novel soil-dwelling bacterium and its transmittal (in 1974) to the laboratories
      of Merck & Co., Inc. There it was found (in 1975) to produce a potent
      anthelmintic substance, which was then identified and transmuted by
      interdisciplinary research into an antiparasitic product. Initially the focus was
      on its applicability to veterinary science and animal husbandry; and after
      developmental research by many scientific teams, the product was introduced
      commercially (in 1981) for the control of endoparasitic nematodes and
      ectoparasitic arthropods in livestock. Subsequently, special applications in
      human medicine were developed, and were successfully implemented in partnership
      with World Health Organization and several non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

PMID- 22039785
TI  - Macrocyclic lactone anthelmintics: spectrum of activity and mechanism of action.
AB  - Macrocyclic lactones (MLs), exemplified by the prototype of the class, ivermectin
      (IVM), are mainstays of programs for the control of nematode and arthropod
      parasites and pests. Since their introduction 30 years ago, research has revealed
      that they act on a family of ligand-gated chloride channels gated by glutamate,
      which is largely restricted to animals in the phyla Nematoda and Arthropoda.
      Studies on IVM in model organisms have contributed greatly to our understanding
      of ML pharmacology, but our understanding of the basis for differences among
      species and among MLs in potency and spectrum remains far from complete.

PMID- 22039786
TI  - Resistance to macrocyclic lactones.
AB  - Resistance to the macrocyclic lactones (MLs) has been confirmed or suspected in
      many target organisms and is a serious problem in some. For some species, such as
      parasitic nematodes of small ruminants, ML resistance has become severe enough to
      threaten effective worm control worm control. Resistance is also a major concern
      in horse parasites and an emerging problem in cattle. Despite this, we have
      insufficient understanding of the mechanisms of ML resistance, especially in
      nematodes. Some insect and mite agricultural pests express higher levels of
      detoxifying enzymes, leading to cross-resistance to other pesticide classes. A
      major difficulty is in the identification of true resistance and distinguishing
      this from other causes of treatment or prophylaxis failure--some in vitro assays
      for ML resistance are available but more are badly needed. Changes in the way
      anthelmintic drugs are used in livestock farming have been proposed, based on the
      treatment of those animals that would benefit most, and schemes have been devised
      for identifying those animals, flocks and herds. The continued sustainable use of
      these invaluable drugs may depend on the adoption and improvement of such
      schemes, as resistance is likely to become an ever more serious problem.

PMID- 22039787
TI  - Pharmacokinetic features of the antiparasitic macrocyclic lactones.
AB  - The macrocyclic lactones have pharmacokinetic properties which enhance their use
      against endo- and ectoparasites in animals and man. The most consistent physico
      chemical feature of the group which contributes to their kinetic characteristics
      is high lipid solubility. This appears to be necessary for their pharmacodynamic
      action as well as common kinetic features such as large volumes of distribution
      and the influence of body fat composition on their disposition. They are used in
      all domestic animal species and are undoubtedly influenced by the anatomical and
      physiological differences in these species, however body fat composition also
      appears to exert a major influence on distribution, metabolism and persistence
      between species and between breeds and individuals. A myriad of formulations have
      been developed to enhance the convenience of administration in the different
      domestic animals and the macrocyclic lactones are delivered orally,
      subcutaneously and topically to good effect. Lipid based excipients have been
      developed in "depot" formulations to extend the period of effective prevention of
      parasite re-infection. Subtle structural changes have been made to the
      macrocyclic lactone molecules to reduce distribution to the central nervous
      system and mammary gland, thus allowing use of some compounds such as selamectin
      (SLM) in "toxicity sensitive" breeds of collie dog which lack P-glycoprotein
      efflux systems in their central nervous systems and the use of eprinomectin (EPM)
      in dairy cattle with a nil-milk withdrawal period. Gender differences exist in
      the pharmacokinetics of these compounds which may be associated with body (fat)
      composition or metabolism. Feeding may also reduce the availability of
      macrocyclic lactones which bind particulate digestive material and parasitism may
      impact the kinetics of the drugs because parasitized animals have altered
      pathophysiological processes, especially in the gastro intestinal tract but also
      because of the impact which parasitism may have on the body condition (and fat
      deposition) in animals. The pharmacokinetics of macrocyclic lactones may be
      affected by coadministration with compounds which interfere with P-glycoprotein
      transporters and these interactions have been explored as possible mechanisms for
      enhancing the effectiveness of these antiparasitics. The objective of this
      article is to provide a comprehensive review of the pharmacokinetics of
      macrocyclic lactones and to interpret where that information may prove clinically
      useful.

PMID- 22039788
TI  - Macrocyclic lactones and cellular transport-related drug interactions: a
      perspective from in vitro assays to nematode control in the field.
AB  - Macrocyclic lactones (MLs) are antiparasitic drugs used against endo
      ectoparasites. Regarding the wide use of MLs in different species, it is likely
      that drug-drug interactions may occur after their co-administration with other
      compounds. A new paradigm was introduced in the study of the pharmacology of MLs
      during the last years since the interactions of MLs with ATP-binding cassete
      (ABC) transporters have been described. The current review article gives an
      update on the available information concerning drug-drug interactions involving
      the MLs. The basis of the methodological approaches used to evaluate transport
      interactions, and the impact of the pharmacology-based modulation of drug
      transport on the MLs disposition kinetics and clinical efficacy, are discussed in
      an integrated manner. A different number of in vitro and ex vivo methods have
      been reported to study the characterization of the interactions between MLs and
      ABC transporters. The production of the ABC transporters knockout mice has
      provided valuable in vivo tools to study this type of drug-drug interaction. In
      vivo trials performed in different species corroborated the effects of ABC
      transporter modulators on the pharmacokinetics behaviour of MLs. Important
      pharmacokinetic changes on plasma disposition of MLs have been observed when
      these compounds are co-administered with P-glycoprotein modulators. The
      modulation of the activity of P-glycoprotein was evaluated as a strategy not only
      to increase the systemic availability of MLs but also to improve their clinical
      efficacy. The understanding of the MLs interactions may supply relevant
      information to optimize their use in veterinary and human therapeutics.

PMID- 22039789
TI  - Extra-label use of ivermectin in some minor ruminant species: pharmacokinetic
      aspects.
AB  - The characterisation of ivermectin pharmacokinetics can be used to predict and to
      ensure an optimal activity in the target species and for designing programmes
      aimed for parasite control. Ivermectin pharmacokinetic studies performed in
      several minor ruminant species are reviewed in this paper with the aim of
      facilitating the adoption of rational basis for the establishment of appropriate
      dosage schedules.

PMID- 22039790
TI  - Recent developments in the analysis of avermectin and milbemycin residues in food
      safety and the environment.
AB  - A review of the developments on the analysis of residues of avermectins and
      milbemycins (both macrocyclic lactones) is presented. The macrocyclic lactones
      (MLs) are an important class of chemicals, which are used worldwide as veterinary
      drugs and as crop protection agents. As a result, residues of MLs are important
      from both a food safety and environmental perspective. A review of the
      developments in ML residues in food was carried out in detail in 2006. As a
      result, this paper covers recent developments in the area of food analysis, which
      are mainly multi-residue assays based on liquid chromatography coupled to tandem
      mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). A brief coverage of HPLC fluorescence (HPLC-FLD)
      based methods is included for completeness. The paper will carry out a
      comprehensive review of ML residues in environmental samples. These additional
      sections are reflective of the growing number of research papers published on LC
      MS/MS and environmental applications in recent years.

PMID- 22039791
TI  - Toxicity in animals: target species.
AB  - The macrocyclic lactone endectocides typified by ivermectin are safe and
      effective drugs when used according to label directions. However, off-label use,
      misuse and overdosing can result in toxicity in animal patients as revealed by
      pharmacovigilance activities. Preclinical toxicity studies demonstrates that the
      major clinical signs of toxicity are those associated with neurotoxic effects and
      these are the most common adverse drug reactions noted in overdosed treated
      animals. Subpopulations of some strains or breeds of some species appear to be
      uniquely sensitive to the neurotoxic effects of the macrocyclic lactones due to
      enhanced brain penetration by these drugs as a result of a deficiency in P
      glycoprotein arising as a result of a mutation in the MDR1 gene.

PMID- 22039793
TI  - Ivermectin residue depletion in food producing species and its presence in animal
      foodstuffs with a view to human safety.
AB  - From a human safety perspective, the administration of ivermectin to food
      producing animal species entails potential risks related to the presence of drug
      residues in edible tissues, milk, and other derived products. The European
      Medicines Agency has established the maximum residue limits for ivermectin in the
      European Union, with values of 100 MUg.kg(-1) in fat and liver and 30 MUg.kg(-1)
      in kidney for all mammalian food producing species, in order to ensure that the
      amount of ivermectin that can be found in animal foodstuff is below dangerous
      levels for the consumers. According to these values, withdrawal periods after
      subcutaneous injection were recently established in the European Union (2009), in
      49 days for products containing ivermectin as a single active substance or in
      combination with closantel, and in 66 days when combined with clorsulon. The
      marker residue for ivermectin was found to be H(2)B(1a), which is the major
      component of the parent compound. The tissue distribution of residues and the
      overall ratios of marker to total residues were generally similar in most
      species, and the highest concentrations of ivermectin residues were found in fat
      and liver with high levels also detected in injection site muscles. Ivermectin is
      not licensed for use in animals from which milk is produced for human
      consumption, however its extra-label use should be considered regarding human
      safety, due to its long persistence in milk and milk-derived products.

PMID- 22039792
TI  - Treatment of MDR1 mutant dogs with macrocyclic lactones.
AB  - P-glycoprotein, encoded by the multidrug resistance gene MDR1, is an ATP-driven
      drug efflux pump which is highly expressed at the blood-brain barrier of
      vertebrates. Drug efflux of macrocyclic lactones by P-glycoprotein is highly
      relevant for the therapeutic safety of macrocyclic lactones, as thereby GABA
      gated chloride channels, which are confined to the central nervous system in
      vertebrates, are protected from high drug concentrations that otherwise would
      induce neurological toxicity. A 4-bp deletion mutation exists in the MDR1 gene of
      many dog breeds such as the Collie and the Australian Shepherd, which results in
      the expression of a non-functional P-glycoprotein and is associated with multiple
      drug sensitivity. Accordingly, dogs with homozygous MDR1 mutation are in general
      prone to neurotoxicity by macrocyclic lactones due to their increased brain
      penetration. Nevertheless, treatment of these dogs with macrocyclic lactones does
      not inevitably result in neurological symptoms, since, the safety of treatment
      highly depends on the treatment indication, dosage, route of application, and the
      individual compound used as outlined in this review. Whereas all available
      macrocyclic lactones can safely be administered to MDR1 mutant dogs at doses
      usually used for heartworm prevention, these dogs will experience neurological
      toxicity following a high dose regimen which is common for mange treatment in
      dogs. Here, we review and discuss the neurotoxicological potential of different
      macrocyclic lactones as well as their treatment options in MDR1 mutant dogs.

PMID- 22039794
TI  - Acute human toxicity of macrocyclic lactones.
AB  - Macrocyclic lactones, including avermectins and milbemycins, are novel
      parasiticides and insecticides that are produced through fermentation by soil
      dwelling microorganisms. Although various macrocyclic lactones may differ in
      their potency and safety, all of them are believed to share common
      pharmacologic/toxicologic mechanisms, i.e. leading to paralysis and death of
      parasites and other target organisms via the activation of a glutamate-gated
      chloride channel in the invertebrate nerve and muscle cells and/or through the
      effect on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors. Ivermectin is the first
      macrocyclic lactone that was released for use in both animals and humans, and has
      demonstrated both excellent efficacy and high tolerability in the treatment of
      parasite infestations. Other macrocyclic lactones, such as abamectin, emamectin,
      and moxidectin were subsequently commercialized and have been used as
      insecticides and acaricides for crop protection or parasiticides for animal
      health. Although ivermectin therapy is generally well tolerated, adverse effects
      that are usually transient and mild-to-moderate can occur. Severe adverse effects
      are rare and can generally be effectively controlled by symptomatic measures. Non
      therapeutic exposures to ivermectin and other macrocyclic lactones may also
      result in toxic effects; significant toxicity however probably develops only
      after large amount of oral ingestion. Although the exact mechanisms remain
      unclear, macrocyclic lactones in large doses may pass through the blood-brain
      barrier (BBB) to produce GABA-mimetic toxic effects. Severely poisoned patients
      usually present with coma, hypotension, respiratory failure, and even death.
      Despite the lack of specific therapy, the prognosis is likely to be favorable
      unless the poisoned patients are complicated with severe hypotension or
      respiratory failure.

PMID- 22039796
TI  - Use of macrocyclic lactones in cattle in the USA.
AB  - The use of macrocyclic lactones has become the main stay for the treatment of
      endo- and ectoparasites in the cattle industry. Here we review those drugs that
      are currently approved for use in cattle in the United States. The general
      efficacy, tissue distribution and toxicity of each drug formulation are
      discussed. Included is a discussion regarding the current status for nematode
      anthelmintic resistance in cattle populations within the United States. Also
      provided is a current summary of ecological effects of macrocyclic lactones
      residues in manure.

PMID- 22039797
TI  - Macrocyclic lactones for parasite control in equids.
AB  - Macrocyclic lactones (MLs) revolutionized parasite control in horses and other
      animals. They are unique in that they are effective against arthropods and
      nematodes. The first of the widely used avermectins was ivermectin. In 1983, it
      was marketed for use in horses as an injectable formulation but was withdrawn in
      1984 after about a year and half on the market because of adverse problems. It
      was replaced by a paste formulation and an oral/stomach tube liquid formulation.
      Ivermectin is highly active on bots, ascarids, large and small strongyles,
      pinworms, strongyloides, stomach worms, and some other internal parasite species.
      Another ML, moxidectin, became available in 1997 as a gel formulation for oral
      administration. The parasiticidal activity of this compound is similar to
      ivermectin except efficacy is less on the common bot (Gastrophilus intestinalis)
      but high on encysted small strongyles. Recently however lower than initial
      activity on ascarids and small strongyles has been found for both ivermectin and
      moxidectin.

PMID- 22039795
TI  - A review on the toxicity and non-target effects of macrocyclic lactones in
      terrestrial and aquatic environments.
AB  - The avermectins, milbemycins and spinosyns are collectively referred to as
      macrocyclic lactones (MLs) which comprise several classes of chemicals derived
      from cultures of soil micro-organisms. These compounds are extensively and
      increasingly used in veterinary medicine and agriculture. Due to their potential
      effects on non-target organisms, large amounts of information on their impact in
      the environment has been compiled in recent years, mainly caused by legal
      requirements related to their marketing authorization or registration. The main
      objective of this paper is to critically review the present knowledge about the
      acute and chronic ecotoxicological effects of MLs on organisms, mainly
      invertebrates, in the terrestrial and aquatic environment. Detailed information
      is presented on the mode-of-action as well as the ecotoxicity of the most
      important compounds representing the three groups of MLs. This information, based
      on more than 360 references, is mainly provided in nine tables, presenting the
      effects of abamectin, ivermectin, eprinomectin, doramectin, emamectin,
      moxidectin, and spinosad on individual species of terrestrial and aquatic
      invertebrates as well as plants and algae. Since dung dwelling organisms are
      particularly important non-targets, as they are exposed via dung from treated
      animals over their whole life-cycle, the information on the effects of MLs on
      dung communities is compiled in an additional table. The results of this review
      clearly demonstrate that regarding environmental impacts many macrocyclic
      lactones are substances of high concern particularly with larval instars of
      invertebrates. Recent studies have also shown that susceptibility varies with
      life cycle stage and impacts can be mitigated by using MLs when these stages are
      not present. However information on the environmental impact of the MLs is
      scattered across a wide range of specialised scientific journals with research
      focusing mainly on ivermectin and to a lesser extent on abamectin doramectin and
      moxidectin. By comparison, information on compounds such as eprinomectin,
      emamectin and selamectin is still relatively scarce.

PMID- 22039798
TI  - Macrocyclic lactones in the treatment and control of parasitism in small
      companion animals.
AB  - Macrocyclic lactones (MLs) have many anti-parasitic applications in small
      companion animal medicine. They were first developed as chemoprophylactics
      against heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) infection to be applied monthly for
      retroactive killing of third- and fourth-stage larvae. ML-containing products
      formulated for oral (ivermectin, milbemycin oxime), topical (selamectin,
      moxidectin) or injectable sustained release (moxidectin, ivermectin) are approved
      for heartworm prevention in dogs or cats. Clearance of microfilariae and gradual
      or "soft" killing of adult heartworms constitute increasingly prevalent extra
      label uses of MLs against D. immitis. Some commercial ML formulations contain
      sufficient levels of active ingredient (milbemycin oxime, selamectin, moxidectin)
      to support additional label claims against gastrointestinal nematode parasites
      such as hookworms (Ancylostoma spp.) and ascarid round worms (Toxocara spp. and
      Toxascaris leonina). Beyond these approved applications, safe, extra-label uses
      of MLs against nematodes parasitizing the urinary tract, such as Capillaria spp.,
      and parasites of the tissues, such as Dipetalonema reconditum, Dirofilaria
      repens, Thelazia spp. and Spirocerca lupi, in dogs and cats as well as exotic
      pets have been reported. MLs as a group have intrinsic insecticidal and
      acaricidal activity, and topical or otic formulations of certain compounds
      (selamectin, moxidectin, milbemycin oxime or ivermectin) are approved for
      treatment and control of fleas, certain ixodid ticks, sarcoptiform and demodectic
      mange mites and psoroptiform ear mites. Extra-label applications of MLs against
      ectoparasites include notoedric mange mites, dermanyssids such as Ornythonussus
      bacoti, numerous species of fur mite (e.g. Cheyletiella spp. and Lynxacarus) and
      trombiculids ("chiggers") in cats, dogs and nontraditional or exotic pets.

PMID- 22039799
TI  - Avermectin use in aquaculture.
AB  - The main indication for use of avermectins in aquaculture-produced fish is
      infestations with ectoparasitic copepods. The compounds ivermectin and emamectin
      benzoate are predominantly used as in-feed formulations on salmonid fish against
      copepods in the family Caligidae: Lepeophtheirus salmonis, Caligus elongatus and
      C. rogercresseyi. These agents are well-documented as very effective on all
      developmental stages of the parasites. The duration of effect can be up to 10
      weeks. The safety margin for ivermectin is narrow, but better for emamectin
      benzoate. Environmental impact from these chemicals on bottom-dwelling and
      sediment-dwelling organisms occurs, but these are restricted to the immediate
      area around the production site. Avermectins are incompletely absorbed from the
      intestine of the fish and slowly excreted. They penetrate the blood-brain barrier
      of the fish, ivermectin more than emamectin benzoate. Resistance has developed
      against these agents in L. salmonis in almost all major salmon producing areas.
      The situation must be viewed as serious and can render these agents completely
      ineffective for salmon lice control.

PMID- 22039800
TI  - Ivermectin in human medicine, an overview of the current status of its clinical
      applications.
AB  - Ivermectin is a broad spectrum antiparasitic veterinary drug introduced in human
      medicine in 1987. It is considered the drug of choice in onchocerciasis and
      strongyloidiasis infections, and remains as a therapeutic option for mass
      treatment in lymphatic filariasis, for which it has widely proved its efficacy.
      While research continued for human use, new therapeutic targets for ivermectin
      have emerged. It is currently the better therapeutic option in the treatment of
      gnathostomiasis and crusted scabies, and could be an alternative option in
      ascariasis and Mansonella infections. Although these uses are already included in
      clinical guidelines, more trials are needed to increase their grade of evidence
      and to obtain their official approval. Concerning other minor uses such as the
      treatment of enterobiasis or against Trichuris trichiura, more research is still
      needed in order to test the real activity of ivermectin. The use of ivermectin in
      human medicine has shown an outstanding low rate of adverse reactions, with the
      exception of treatment of loiasis and onchocerciasis, where the death of a high
      microfilarial load may cause severe encephalopathy. However special attention
      must be paid to the emergence of the first documented cases of resistance in
      treatment of scabies.

PMID- 22039801
TI  - Beyond providing drugs: the Mectizan(r) donation stimulates new strategies in
      service delivery and in strengthening health systems.
AB  - The donation of Mectizan(r) by Merck & Co Inc. in 1987 "as much as was needed for
      as long as was needed for onchocerciasis control" was a major change from
      traditional corporate drug donations. The company realised that those who needed
      the drug most would never be able to purchase it, and so gave it away. The
      donation enabled the Onchocerciasis Control Programme in West Africa to add
      Mectizan distribution to its ongoing control strategy. For the first time there
      was hope for those living in other areas of Africa, Latin America and Yemen.
      Governments and non-governmental development organizations quickly got together
      to begin treatment in these new areas. Two new programmes and partnerships were
      created; the African Programme for Onchocerciasis Control and the Onchocerciasis
      Elimination Programme for the Americas. These programmes have been in the
      forefront of developing new strategies, including the Community Directed
      approach, which has now expanded into other disease control programmes at the
      community level, such as Vitamin A distribution and malaria control. This
      donation has led not only to the probability of elimination of onchocerciasis in
      the Americas in the near future, but is stimulating approaches to the elimination
      in Africa, in areas considered impossible five years ago. Other major
      pharmaceutical donations have followed, initiating the plan to eliminate
      lymphatic filariasis worldwide, and also stimulating interest in controlling
      other "neglected tropical diseases," which affect the poorest billion of the
      world's population, making this now a reality.

PMID- 22039802
TI  - Editorial: Current optical procedures used in cell biology.

PMID- 22039803
TI  - Image analysis of colocalization of nuclear DNA and GFP labelled HIF-1alpha in
      stable transformants.
AB  - HIF-1alpha is regarded as a target for drug development in several diseases such
      as cancer. For high throughput screening of HIF-1alpha-targeted drug, we need to
      examine the activity quantitatively. In the present study, we proposed a method
      where stable expression system of HIF-1alpha was combined with image correlation
      analysis. When the stable transformants were labeled with DRAQ5, we could detect
      Co2+-induced nuclear translocation by the use of cross-correlation analysis of
      the dual labeling images. In the case of high throughput screening for HIF-1alpha
      targeted drug, we should use Pearson's correlation coefficient to judge nuclear
      translocation.

PMID- 22039804
TI  - The reaction mechanism of calcium-activated photoprotein bioluminescence.
AB  - Calcium-activated photoproteins are important and useful bioluminescent reagents
      for detecting the calcium ion (Ca2+) in biological systems. In conjunction with
      photon imaging technology, they can be used to observe Ca2+-related life
      processes in a living cell. To develop useful applications of calcium-activated
      photoproteins, we need to understand the molecular basis of the bioluminescence
      reaction. For this purpose, this review describes the oxygenation,
      chemiexcitation, and light emission processes of calcium-activated photoproteins
      in the bioluminescence reaction together with the fundamental chemistry of the
      luminous substrate, coelenterazine, based on recent results from mechanistic
      chemical studies of these primary processes. Finally, the whole reaction
      mechanism, including the active site structures of apoproteins, along with
      available information about the molecular mechanism and the crystallographic
      structures of calcium-activated photoproteins are summarized.

PMID- 22039805
TI  - Low-coherence dynamic light scattering and its potential for measuring cell
      dynamics.
AB  - Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy is a powerful technique for studying the
      structures and dynamics of living cells. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) is also
      used to study dynamic characteristics and it has the potential to measure cell
      dynamics. However, it is difficult to apply DLS to highly scattering media. In
      this article, we review low-coherence dynamic light scattering (LC-DLS). It
      strongly suppresses the influence of multiple scattering and has a greater
      potential for measuring cell dynamics than conventional DLS. The properties of LC
      DLS are described theoretically and experimentally. Measurement of the diffusion
      coefficients of macromolecules in turbid media and interparticle and molecular
      interactions by LC-DLS is demonstrated.

PMID- 22039806
TI  - A novel molecular design strategy for efficient two-photon absorption materials.
AB  - This paper describes a novel molecular design strategy for obtaining efficient
      two-photon absorption (TPA) materials. The most popular strategy for enhancing
      the TPA cross-section (sigma(2)) of a molecule is to enhance its transition
      dipole moment. However, this strategy also red shifts the one-photon absorption
      (OPA) band. Consequently, molecules with large transition dipole moments
      typically exhibit strong OPA at visible wavelengths, making it difficult to use
      such molecules for TPA-related applications in the visible wavelength region.
      Therefore, an alternative molecular design principle for TPA materials to enhance
      the transition dipole moment is strongly required. The present paper describes a
      novel molecular design strategy for reducing the detuning energy by incorporating
      an azulenyl moiety in a large, planar pi- electron system. This strategy enhances
      sigma(2) without significantly red shifting the OPA band.

PMID- 22039807
TI  - Magnetically-modulated atomic force microscopy for analysis of soft matter
      systems.
AB  - Experimental method of studying viscoelasticity, a common idea to understand
      properties of microscopic biological soft matter systems, especially single
      biopolymer chains, using atomic force microscopy (AFM) with magnetically- driven
      cantilever is surveyed. The experimental setup of applying well-characterized
      excitation to the cantilever and the analysis method to derive the
      viscoelasticity of the system under study are briefly introduced. Examples of
      measuring viscoelasticity of single peptide molecule and single titin molecule
      are shown. Considering the close relation of viscoelasticity and the time-scale
      for nonequilibrium dynamics in soft matter, extension of the method to a
      frequency-resolved analysis is attempted. A result of measuring viscoelasticity
      spectrum of a single dextran chain is shown. Challenges in further progress of
      the method are also described.

PMID- 22039808
TI  - Single molecular observation of DNA and DNA complexes by atomic force microscopy.
AB  - Atomic force microscopy (AFM) provides a novel way to understand the structure
      function relationship of protein synthesis at a single-molecular level. High
      resolution AFM imaging in air, liquid and vacuum allows for single DNA, RNA and
      proteins to be observed at the nano-scale in addition to their conformational
      transitions, bound states, temporal behavior, and assembly. The recent
      development of frequency modulation mode AFM has led to imaging hydration
      structures of DNA in water and molecular polarization of DNA complexes in vacuum.
      Real-time imaging in near-physiological environments captures transcriptional
      activation with characteristic conformation of DNA-protein complexes. We review
      current achievements and the future potential of methodological and biological
      AFM to reveal insights into DNA, RNA and their complexes.

PMID- 22039809
TI  - Effect of isoproterenol on local contractile behaviors of rat cardiomyocytes
      measured by atomic force microscopy.
AB  - Inotropic agents induce changes in the contraction amplitude and frequency of
      cardiomyocytes (CMs). However, it is unknown how local contractions of CMs
      treated by inotropic agents behave spatiotemporally. In this study, the effect of
      isoproterenol, a positive inotropic agent, on local contractions of isolated
      neonatal rat CMs was explored by atomic force microscopy (AFM). We observed that
      changes in local contraction amplitude of CM in the presence of isoproterenol
      were heterogeneous; they were unchanged or increased, at different positions,
      with respect to the amplitude of untreated CMs. Interestingly, spatial
      heterogeneities of local contraction amplitude of CM in the presence of
      isoproterenol did not obviously correlate with the local elasticity, indicating
      that the local contractions were facilitated by cooperative dynamics of the
      cytoskeletal structure in relatively large regions, rather than those just under
      AFM indentation. Moreover, local contraction amplitude of CM in the presence of
      isoproterenol was not proportional to that in the control condition, showing that
      the former change was no longer additive in local scales.

PMID- 22039810
TI  - Current research on protein-protein interactions among auxin-signaling factors in
      regulation of plant growth and development.
AB  - In many signaling pathways, various factors have been isolated by molecular
      genetic studies and wholegenome analysis. Understanding the interactions among
      these factors is crucial to understanding the signaling process as a whole.
      Recent studies on auxin signaling in the regulation of plant growth and
      development have discovered primary factors interacting with each other, and
      elucidated a very simple pathway modulating gene expression in response to auxin.
      However, these studies of auxin-signaling led to the question of how such a
      simple pathway generates multiple types of regulation in various processes of
      different cells throughout the life of a plant. Here, we provide an overview of
      recent progress in auxin biology focusing on protein-protein interactions in the
      signal transduction pathway and discuss various possibilities and approaches to
      resolve the issue.

PMID- 22039811
TI  - Use of carbohydrate-conjugated nanoparticles for an integrated approach to
      functional imaging of glycans and understanding of their molecular mechanisms.
AB  - Functional analysis of carbohydrates is needed to understand the initial
      interface between membranes and the outer world. For this analysis we need
      individual protocols such as a method to modify the surfaces of nanoparticles
      with a variety of carbohydrates effectively and exhaustively, to synthesize an
      oligosaccharide on each particle's surface by chemical or enzymatic sugar
      elongation reaction, and to analyze the binding properties of carbohydrates. In
      this article, we describe the basic strategies for scooping up proteins from
      crude sample mixtures via interaction with carbohydrates. This approach was used
      to identify proteins that interacted with GM2, a ganglioside that is abundant on
      the surfaces of human lung cancer cells.

PMID- 22039812
TI  - Direct quantification of mitochondria and mitochondrial DNA dynamics.
AB  - Mitochondria are known to be one of major organelles within a cell and to play a
      crucial role in many cellular functions. These organelles show the dynamic
      behaviors such as fusion, fission and the movement along cytoskeletal tracks.
      Besides mitochondria, mitochondrial DNA is also highly motile. Molecular analysis
      revealed that several proteins are involved in mitochondria and mitochondrial DNA
      dynamics. In addition to the degeneration of specific nerves with high energy
      requirement, mutation of genes coding these proteins results in metabolic
      diseases. During the last few years, a significant amount of relevant data has
      been obtained on molecular basis of these diseases but mitochondrial dynamics in
      cells derived from the patients is poorly understood. So far time-lapse
      fluorescence microscopy, fluorescence recovery after photo bleaching and image
      correlation methods have been used to study organellar motion. Especially, image
      correlation method has possibility to evaluate diffusion coefficient of
      mitochondria and mitochondrial DNA simultaneously and directly. When we search
      candidates for compounds that modulate mitochondrial dynamics by high throughput
      screening, image correlation method may be useful although the careful
      interpretation is required for crowded and heterogeneous environment within a
      cell.

PMID- 22039813
TI  - Atomic force microscopy for the examination of single cell rheology.
AB  - Rheological properties of living cells play important roles in regulating their
      various biological functions. Therefore, measuring cell rheology is crucial for
      not only elucidating the relationship between the cell mechanics and functions,
      but also mechanical diagnosis of single cells. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is
      becoming a useful technique for single cell diagnosis because it allows us to
      measure the rheological properties of adherent cells at any region on the surface
      without any modifications. In this review, we summarize AFM techniques for
      examining single cell rheology in frequency and time domains. Recent applications
      of AFM for investigating the statistical analysis of single cell rheology in
      comparison to other micro-rheological techniques are reviewed, and we discuss
      what specificity and universality of cell rheology are extracted using AFM.

PMID- 22039814
TI  - Current status and future prospects for research on tyrosine sulfation.
AB  - Tyrosine (Tyr) sulfation is a common posttranslational modification of secreted
      proteins or membrane-bound proteins that is implicated in numerous physiological
      and pathological processes. The Tyr sulfation modifies proteinprotein
      interactions involved in leukocyte adhesion, homeostasis, and receptor-mediated
      signaling. To data, 80 Tyrsulfated proteins have been identified. As new
      methodologies and bioinformatics for the detection of Tyr sulfation become
      available, the number of Tyr-sulfated acceptor proteins discovered is bound to
      increase. Further, recent advances in microscopy and fluorescence technology will
      provide information on the true spatial and temporal nature of Tyr-sulfated
      proteins within the intact cell. This review summarizes the methods for the
      detection of Tyr O-sulfation as well as the biological functions of sulfated Tyr.
      Further, illustrative examples of the impact of Tyr sulfation on the
      pharmacological properties are presented.

PMID- 22039815
TI  - Synthesis and application of visible light sensitive azobenzene.
AB  - Methods for regulating peptide conformation by non-harmful light stimuli can be
      useful for remotely controlling cellular functions in vitro. Here, we synthesized
      a series of p-heteroatom-substituted azobenzenes and studied their
      photoisomerization properties. The trans-isomer of p-sulfur-substituted
      azobenzene was effectively isomerized by visible light irradiation and the cis
      isomer was thermally stable at physiological temperature. We developed a novel
      visible light sensitive amino acid (AZO), via p-sulfur-substituted azobenzene,
      and utilized it as a photosensitive modulator of the SV40 nuclear localization
      signal (NLS). The cellular uptake of the AZO-NLS conjugate was controlled by
      visible light irradiation. Our technology can be utilized for regulating not only
      the cellular uptake, but also the function of peptides within cells by non
      harmful visible light irradiation.

PMID- 22039816
TI  - Fluorescence imaging of mitochondria in living cells using a novel fluorene
      derivative with a large two-photon absorption cross-section.
AB  - We have examined optical properties of a fluorene derivative with two positively
      charged substituents, 1,1'- diethyl-4,4'-(9,9-diethyl-2,7-fluorenediyl-2,1
      ethanediyl)dipyridinium perchlorate (1), in water. The photoluminescence quantum
      yield of 1 was relatively high (35%) for use as a fluorescent probe in water. We
      also examined two-photon absorption (TPA) properties of 1 in methanol. The
      maximum value of the TPA cross-section (730 GM at 750 nm, 1 GM = 10(-50) cm4 s
      photon-1 molecule-1) was larger than that for most two-photon-excited fluorescent
      dyes including a classical mitochondria-selective fluorescent dye rhodamine 123.
      Preliminary fluorescence imaging experiments of the mitochondria in living
      Paramecium caudatum and HeLa cells were carried out with 1. Bright green
      fluorescence was observed from the mitochondria in both living cells loaded 1
      without toxicity effects. These our results indicate that water-soluble fluorene
      derivative 1 is a promising candidate as a two-photon-excited fluorescence probe
      for mitochondria in living cells.

PMID- 22039817
TI  - Highly controllable optical tweezers using dynamic electronic holograms.
AB  - Dielectric particles including living cells are trapped within focused laser beam
      spots, and as a result, they can be transferred by displacing the beam spots.
      Such the particle manipulating technique is called optical tweezers. Holographic
      optical tweezers (HOT) enables highly flexible and precise control of particles,
      introducing holography technique to them. HOT is one of the most expected
      techniques for investigations of cell-cell signaling which require precise
      arraying of living cells. We had developed a new highly controllable HOT system
      where two different intensity patterns, a carrier beam spot and a beam array, are
      generated quasi-simultaneously by time-division multiplexing. Particles are
      transferred to the beam array by the carrier beam spot displaced in real time by
      phase shifting of holograms. In this review, we introduce our work, the
      construction of the system, demonstration of manipulating particles and
      investigations of the spatio- temporal stability of trapped particles in our
      system.

PMID- 22039818
TI  - Recent advances in the study of glycosphingolipids.
AB  - Glycosphingolipids (GSLs) are present in all mammalian cell plasma membranes and
      intracellular membrane structures. They are especially concentrated in plasma
      membrane lipid domains that are specialized for cell signaling. Plasma membranes
      show typical structures called rafts and caveola domain structures, with large
      amounts of sphingolipids, cholesterol, and sphingomyelin in the cell membranes.
      Plasma membranes have two faces, many kinds of receptors for intercellular signal
      transducers such as GPI-anchored proteins on the exoplasmic faces of the
      rafts/caveolae and src family kinases on the cytosolic face. Thus they play a
      role in transmembrane signal transduction, following the phosphorylation of some
      substrates and gene expression. On the other hand, their functions have become
      clear through the study of gene-manipulated mice. For further advances, a visual
      method to display diversity of biological functions is necessary. For this
      purpose, the use of high-performance microscopes and live cell imaging
      technologies are useful for more detailed understanding.

PMID- 22039819
TI  - Editorial: novel high through-put approach and molecular modelling in drug
      discovery from natural products and clinical implications.

PMID- 22039820
TI  - In silico search for drug targets of natural compounds.
AB  - Natural compounds represent a significant source for the development of novel
      medicines. Finding the target proteins for a natural compound is the most
      important step towards understanding its molecular mechanism for therapeutic
      usage. In fact, the search for target proteins could be considered the first step
      of the drug discovery and development pipeline. While experimental determination
      of compound-protein interactions remains very challenging, effective in silico
      approaches have been developed and have demonstrated appealing advantages,
      including their low-cost and capability to scale up easily. The goal of this
      article is to provide an introduction to in silico search for drug targets of
      natural compounds. I first review currently available natural compounds databases
      and human gene/protein databases, and the rapidly emerging databases for known
      drug-target interactions. These resources provide the 'materials' for in silico
      approaches and define the gold standard of 'positives' for evaluating them. I
      then introduce three classes of computational methods for target identification
      of natural compounds, namely molecular docking, quantitative structure-activity
      relationship (QSAR) modeling, and data mining and integrative analysis. Use of
      these methods is explained using real examples, and the advantages and
      disadvantages of each method are compared. As these state-of-the-art methods
      continue to mature amid significant challenges, this field appears poised for a
      period of significant growth, with untold benefits to drug discovery and natural
      product development.

PMID- 22039821
TI  - Pharmacophore, QSAR, and binding mode studies of substrates of human cytochrome
      P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) using molecular docking and virtual mutations and an
      application to chinese herbal medicine screening.
AB  - The highly polymorphic human cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) metabolizes about 25%
      of currently used drugs. In this study, we have explored the interaction of a
      large number of substrates (n = 120) with wild-type and mutated CYP2D6 by
      molecular docking using the CDOCKER module. Before we conducted the molecular
      docking and virtual mutations, the pharmacophore and QSAR models of CYP2D6
      substrates were developed and validated. Finally, we explored the interaction of
      a traditional Chinese herbal formula, Fangjifuling decoction, with CYP2D6 by
      virtual screening. The optimized pharmacophore model derived from 20 substrates
      of CYP2D6 contained two hydrophobic features and one hydrogen bond acceptor
      feature, giving a relevance ratio of 76% when a validation set of substrates were
      tested. However, our QSAR models gave poor prediction of the binding affinity of
      substrates. Our docking study demonstrated that 117 out of 120 substrates could
      be docked into the active site of CYP2D6. Forty one out of 117 substrates
      (35.04%) formed hydrogen bonds with various active site residues of CYP2D6 and 53
      (45.30%) substrates formed a strong pi-pi interaction with Phe120 (53/54), with
      only carvedilol showing pi-pi interaction with Phe483. The active site residues
      involving hydrogen bond formation with substrates included Leu213, Lys214,
      Glu216, Ser217, Gln244, Asp301, Ser304, Ala305, Phe483, and Phe484. Furthermore,
      the CDOCKER algorithm was further applied to study the impact of mutations of 28
      active site residues (mostly non-conserved) of CYP2D6 on substrate binding modes
      using five probe substrates including bufuralol, debrisoquine, dextromethorphan,
      sparteine, and tramadol. All mutations of the residues examined altered the
      hydrogen bond formation and/or aromatic interactions, depending on the probe used
      in molecular docking. Apparent changes of the binding modes have been observed
      with the Glu216Asp and Asp301Glu mutants. Overall, 60 compounds out of 130 from
      Fangjifuling decoction matched our pharmacophore model for CYP2D6 substrates.
      Fifty four out of these 60 compounds could be docked into the active site of
      CYP2D6 and 24 of 54 compounds formed hydrogen bonds with Glu216, Asp301, Ser304,
      and Ala305 in CYP2D6. These results have provided further insights into the
      factors that determining the binding modes of substrates to CYP2D6. Screening of
      high-affinity ligands for CYP2D6 from herbal formula using computational models
      is a useful approach to identify potential herb-drug interactions.

PMID- 22039822
TI  - Integrated analysis on the physicochemical properties of dihydropyridine calcium
      channel blockers in grapefruit juice interactions.
AB  - Concomitant consumption of grapefruit juice (GFJ) causes increases in the plasma
      concentration of a variety of drugs due to inhibition of intestinal CYP3A enzyme.
      Dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers belong to the category of drugs that are
      most prone to undergo such interaction. Increases in area under the plasma
      concentration-time curve (AUC) due to GFJ differ greatly depending on the
      dihydropyridine administered. Therefore, a meta-analysis of each dihydropyridine
      was performed based on available literature. The criteria for using a publication
      were: subjects were healthy adults, dihydropyridines were taken with GFJ
      concomitantly or within one hour after intake of the juice, and the control group
      administered water in place of GFJ. In these studies, the investigations on GFJ
      interactions with 13 dihydropyridines such as amlodipine, azelnidipine,
      benidipine, cilnidipine, efonidipine, felodipine, manidipine, nicardipine,
      nifedipine, nimodipine, nisoldipine, nitrendipine and pranidipine were reported.
      As a result of meta-analyses, statistically significant interactions were not
      identified in amlodipine. Next, correlation analyses between the physicochemical
      properties and interaction strengths of the dihydropyridines were performed to
      clarify the cause of the variation in the strengths that was dependent on the
      dihydropyridine. LogP, molecular weight, topological polar surface area (tPSA),
      molar refractivity, water diffusion, molecular volume, molecular density,
      molecular polarizability, and refractive index were calculated from the chemical
      structures. The interaction strength was defined as the logarithmic values of the
      increasing AUC ratio. The correlation analyses indicated a relationship of logP
      and tPSA with the interaction strengths. These findings suggest that the wide
      difference in the potency of interaction of each dihydropyridine may be explained
      by the presence of hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions between
      dihydropyridines and intestinal CYP3A enzyme.

PMID- 22039823
TI  - Herb-drug interactions: methods to identify potential influence of genetic
      variations in genes encoding drug metabolizing enzymes and drug transporters.
AB  - Herbal supplements are often used concomitantly with conventional medications
      resulting in considerable potential for herb-drug interactions. These
      interactions, which are generally through interfering with pharmacokinetic and/or
      pharmacodynamic pathways, may result in beneficial effects or more often adverse
      reactions such as toxicity or treatment failure and may be influenced by multiple
      environmental and/or genetic factors. The pharmacogenetic approach may help to
      identify some interactions which may be more pronounced or only occur in specific
      groups of subjects although the complex nature of the herbal medicines may limit
      the discovery of such an interaction. Preclinical studies such as gene expression
      profiling in rodent liver may help to define metabolic pathways influenced by
      herbal medicines and facilitate more accurate targeting of human in vivo studies.
      This review discusses the mechanisms of herb-drugs interaction and the potential
      influence of genetic variation on herb-drug interactions based on available
      clinical evidence.

PMID- 22039824
TI  - Detection of the K99 antigen of Escherichia coli in calf faeces by enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
AB  - Summary   An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is presented for the
      detection of the K99 antigen of Escherichia coli in calf faeces. False-positive
      reactions were not observed with K99-negative strains and with several viral
      antigens. Only bovine coronavirus caused slight positive reactions which could be
      eliminated by a blocking test. As compared with the conventional procedure for
      the detection of the K99 antigen, ELISA seemed to be at least as sensitive and
      had the advantage that samples could be stored at -20 degrees  C before testing.
      In addition many samples could be handled at the same time and the results became
      available quickly. By carrying out the assay as a blocking test, specific
      antibody against K99 in serum or colostrum could be detected and titrated.

PMID- 22039825
TI  - Egg drop syndrome, 1976 (EDS'76).
AB  - Summary   A description is given of the new clinical condition in fowl now known
      as EDS 76. This is characterised by the production of thin shelled, soft shelled
      and shell less eggs by apparently healthy birds. The effects on egg production
      are seen around 30 weeks of age and are seen either as an apparent fall in
      production or as a failure to obtain predicted production targets.  
      Haemagglutinating viruses have been isolated from these flocks and evidence from
      experimental and field investigations suggest these are the aetiological agents
      of EDS 76. Biochemical and biological studies indicate that these viruses are
      duck adenoviruses. Epidemiological evidence suggests the virus is egg transmitted
      and that lateral spread between flocks is not important if care is taken whilst
      bleeding and vaccinating flocks. It is postulated that this virus may have been
      introduced into flocks by the use of a contaminated vaccine.   Control in
      Northern Ireland has been by eradication of the virus from the basic breeding
      stock.

PMID- 22039826
TI  - The activity of albendazole against adult and larval gastrointestinal nematodes
      in naturally infected calves in the Netherlands.
AB  - Summary    The activity of albendazole against gastrointestinal helminths in
      naturally infected calves in the Netherlands was tested. The calves were in their
      fist grazing season and kept in two groups of ten. One of these groups was grazed
      alternately with sheep. Five out of each group were drenched with albendazole
      (7.5 mg/kg) on the day they were housed (November 1). Before and 2, 14, and 28
      days after treatment individual faecal samples were taken from all calves and
      larval cultures were made. Ten calves, six treated and four untreated, were
      killed for post mortem studies 14 days after treatment The remaining calves were
      slaughtered 14 days later.     The drug was highly effective in reducing the egg
      output, measured as the number of larvae cultured per gram of faeces. Compared
      with the untreated calves, the reduction was more than 99% two days after
      treatment, 100% at 14 days, and 99% after 28 days. It was shown that egg output
      28 days after treatment came from worms which had developed from arrested larvae
      of Ostertagia ostertagi that had survived treatment. Post mortem results showed
      an efficacy of 100% against adult O. ostertagi, of almost 100% against
      Trichostrongylus axei, and 100% against adult and larval Cooperia oncophora.   
      Twenty-eight days after treatment, the reduction of arrested early fourth stages
      of O. ostertagi was 85% in comparison with the untreated calves. Apparently less
      effect was found against Trichuris ovis at the given dose rate.

PMID- 22039827
TI  - Persistent right aortic arch associated with a persistent left ductus arteriosus
      and an interventricular septal defect in a horse.
AB  - Summary   In this article a description is given of the clinical and postmortem
      findings of a persistent right aortic arch in association with a persistent left
      ductus arteriosus and a ventricular septal defect in a horse.

PMID- 22039828
TI  - Preliminary investigation into the usefulness of the indirect haemagglutination.
AB  - Summary   To give an impression of the usefulness of indirect haemagglutination
      (IHA) in the diagnosis of lungworm infections in cattle under practical
      conditions, five calves vaccinated against Dictyocaulus viviparus and five
      unvaccinated calves were periodically subjected to clinical, parasitological, and
      serological examinations over a period of seven months.   All calves grazed on a
      lungworm-infected plot. 82% of the observations in unvaccinated calves, which
      were positive with respect to one or more of the used parameters, concerned IHA
      positive animals which, however, showed negative results with the parasitic
      parameters. The titre variation of the serological examination was a further
      indication of the fact that the IHA detected antibodies against lungworm
      antigens. No indications of false positive reactions were obtained.   An
      investigation carried out on 46 farms on the correlation between serological and
      clinical findings on lungworm infections revealed a positive correlation in 80%
      of the groups between results obtained with both methods.   The authors consider
      that IHA offers good prospects for the diagnosis of lung-worm infections.

PMID- 22039829
TI  - Comparison of dairy cows with low or high rate of udder infection.
AB  - Summary   Within farms, animals with low and high rate of udder infection were
      selected from data of a mastitis-prevention field experiment during 3.5 years.
      Differences between the groups in udder conformation and milkability appeared to
      be small but were consistently to the disadvantage of the high infection rate
      group. In the course of at least three preceding lactations the percentage of
      quarters infected at any time was 53 per cent in the low and 91 percent in the
      high infection rate group. The number of infections per quarter infected was 1.53
      for the low infection rate group and 2.53 for the high infection rate group. As
      compared with infection-free quarters it was shown that the duration of
      infections with udder pathogens was significantly shortened if a quarter was
      already infected with secondary, i.e. less or non-pathogenic, bacteria.   It was
      not possible to demonstrate differences in cell count or immunoglobulin levels in
      infection-free quarters between the low and high infection rate groups.

PMID- 22039830
TI  - Veterinary experiences as a Japanese prisoner of war and ex-POW along the Burma
      railroad from 1942 to January 1946.
AB  - Summary   As a prisoner of war the writer was working for nearly three years in
      different POW camps, and outside them, along the Burma railway from Thanbyuyzat
      in southern Burma up to Kanchanabury in Thailand. In the army of the Netherlands
      Indian archipelago (KNIL) he had the military rank of reserve horse-doctor. In
      civilian life he was attached to the Veterinary Institute in Buitenzorg (now
      Bogor) as a veterinary bacteriologist. His task as a POW became that of
      meathygienist and supervisor of the living animals in the camps. In this function
      he diagnosed swine fever in growing pigs which had mainly been fed on the offal
      of the Japanese kitchen. The acute course and the pathological alterations
      observed during the post-mortem examinations were identical with those of the
      Southern-African type of the disease.   In slaughter cattle the author diagnosed
      some cases of lung tuberculosis, one of anthrax, several of rinderpest, some of
      rhinal granulomatosis and one of foot and mouth disease. In chickens he found NCD
      (pseudo-fowlpest) and in ducklings a mortal disease which the author then called
      'keeling disease' but which he many years later, recognized as virus hepatitis.
      As assistant bacteriologist and ex-POW he joined the British regimental hospital
      in Bangkok. Here he had the opportunity to assist the bacteriologist pathologist,
      Maj. C. R. Peck IMS / IAMC in diagnosing the first case of melioidosis in an ex
      POW of the KNIL who died from the sub-acute infection, notwithstanding treatment
      in the hospital with sulfa-drugs and penicillin.

PMID- 22039832
TI  - Twist does a twist to the reactivity: stoichiometric and catalytic oxidations
      with twisted tetramethyl-IBX.
AB  - The methyl groups in TetMe-IBX lower the activation energy corresponding to the
      rate-determining hypervalent twisting (theoretical calculations), and the steric
      relay between successive methyl groups twists the structure, which manifests in
      significant solubility in common organic solvents. Consequently, oxidations of
      alcohols and sulfides occur at room temperature in common organic solvents. In
      situ generation of the reactive TetMe-IBX from its precursor iodo-acid, i.e.,
      3,4,5,6-tetramethyl-2-iodobenzoic acid, in the presence of oxone as a co-oxidant
      facilitates the oxidation of diverse alcohols at room temperature.

PMID- 22039833
TI  - Heat shock protein 70 prevents both tau aggregation and the inhibitory effects of
      preexisting tau aggregates on fast axonal transport.
AB  - Aggregation and accumulation of the microtubule-associated protein tau are
      associated with cognitive decline and neuronal degeneration in Alzheimer's
      disease and other tauopathies. Thus, preventing the transition of tau from a
      soluble state to insoluble aggregates and/or reversing the toxicity of existing
      aggregates would represent a reasonable therapeutic strategy for treating these
      neurodegenerative diseases. Here we demonstrate that molecular chaperones of the
      heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) family are potent inhibitors of tau aggregation in
      vitro, preventing the formation of both mature fibrils and oligomeric
      intermediates. Remarkably, addition of Hsp70 to a mixture of oligomeric and
      fibrillar tau aggregates prevents the toxic effect of these tau species on fast
      axonal transport, a critical process for neuronal function. When incubated with
      preformed tau aggregates, Hsp70 preferentially associated with oligomeric over
      fibrillar tau, suggesting that prefibrillar oligomeric tau aggregates play a
      prominent role in tau toxicity. Taken together, our data provide a novel
      molecular basis for the protective effect of Hsp70 in tauopathies.

PMID- 22039834
TI  - Parental transfer of polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) and thyroid endocrine
      disruption in zebrafish.
AB  - Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) have the potential to disrupt the thyroid
      endocrine system. The objective of the present study was to characterize the
      disrupting effects of long-term exposure on the thyroid endocrine system in adult
      fish and their progeny following parental exposure to PBDEs. Zebrafish (Danio
      rerio) embryos were exposed to environmentally relevant concentrations (1, 3, and
      10 MUg/L) of the PBDE mixture DE-71 for 5 months until sexual maturation. In the
      F0 generation, exposure to DE-71 significantly increased plasma thyroxine (T4)
      but not 3,5,3'-triiodothyronine (T3) in females. This increased T4 was
      accompanied by decreased mRNA levels of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and
      thyrotropin beta-subunit (TSHbeta) in the brain. The F1 generation was further
      examined with or without continued DE-71 treatment conditions. Exposure to DE-71
      in the F0 fish caused significant increases in T4 and T3 levels in the F1 larvae
      and modified gene expressions in the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis (HPT
      axis) under both conditions. Decreased hatching and inhibition of growth in the
      F1 offspring were observed in the condition without DE-71 treatment. Continued DE
      71 treatment in the F1 embryos/larvae resulted in further decreased hatching, and
      increased malformation rates compared with those without DE-71 exposure. Analysis
      of F1 eggs indicated that parental exposure to DE-71 could result in a transfer
      of PBDEs and thyroid hormones (THs) to their offspring. For the first time, we
      demonstrated that parental exposure to low concentrations of PBDEs could affect
      THs in the offspring and the transgenerational PBDE-induced toxicity in
      subsequent nonexposed generations.

PMID- 22039835
TI  - The relative effect of citral on mitotic microtubules in wheat roots and BY2
      cells.
AB  - The plant volatile monoterpene citral is a highly active compound with suggested
      allelopathic traits. Seed germination and seedling development are inhibited in
      the presence of citral, and it disrupts microtubules in both plant and animal
      cells in interphase. We addressed the following additional questions: can citral
      interfere with cell division; what is the relative effect of citral on mitotic
      microtubules compared to interphase cortical microtubules; what is its effect on
      newly formed cell plates; and how does it affect the association of microtubules
      with gamma-tubulin? In wheat seedlings, citral led to inhibition of root
      elongation, curvature of newly formed cell walls and deformation of microtubule
      arrays. Citral's effect on microtubules was both dose- and time-dependent, with
      mitotic microtubules appearing to be more sensitive to citral than cortical
      microtubules. Association of gamma-tubulin with microtubules was more sensitive
      to citral than were the microtubules themselves. To reveal the role of disrupted
      mitotic microtubules in dictating aberrations in cell plates in the presence of
      citral, we used tobacco BY2 cells expressing GFP-Tua6. Citral disrupted mitotic
      microtubules, inhibited the cell cycle and increased the frequency of asymmetric
      cell plates in these cells. The time scale of citral's effect in BY2 cells
      suggested a direct influence on cell plates during their formation. Taken
      together, we suggest that at lower concentrations, citral interferes with cell
      division by disrupting mitotic microtubules and cell plates, and at higher
      concentrations it inhibits cell elongation by disrupting cortical microtubules.

PMID- 22039836
TI  - Optimization of a potent class of arylamide colony-stimulating factor-1 receptor
      inhibitors leading to anti-inflammatory clinical candidate 4-cyano-N-[2-(1
      cyclohexen-1-yl)-4-[1-[(dimethylamino)acetyl]-4-piperidinyl]phenyl]-1H-imidazole
      2-carboxamide (JNJ-28312141).
AB  - A class of potent inhibitors of colony-stimulating factor-1 receptor (CSF-1R or
      FMS), as exemplified by 8 and 21, was optimized to improve pharmacokinetic and
      pharmacodynamic properties and potential toxicological liabilities. Early stage
      absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion assays were employed to
      ensure the incorporation of druglike properties resulting in the selection of
      several compounds with good activity in a pharmacodynamic screening assay in
      mice. Further investigation, utilizing the type II collagen-induced arthritis
      model in mice, culminated in the selection of anti-inflammatory development
      candidate JNJ-28312141 (23, FMS IC(50) = 0.69 nM, cell assay IC(50) = 2.6 nM).
      Compound 23 also demonstrated efficacy in rat adjuvant and streptococcal cell
      wall-induced models of arthritis and has entered phase I clinical trials.

PMID- 22039837
TI  - Inbreeding depression in red deer calves.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Understanding the fitness consequences of inbreeding is of major
      importance for evolutionary and conservation biology. However, there are few
      studies using pedigree-based estimates of inbreeding or investigating the
      influence of environment and age variation on inbreeding depression in natural
      populations. Here we investigated the consequences of variation in inbreeding
      coefficient for three juvenile traits, birth date, birth weight and first year
      survival, in a wild population of red deer, considering both calf and mother's
      inbreeding coefficient. We also tested whether inbreeding depression varied with
      environmental conditions and maternal age. RESULTS: We detected non-zero
      inbreeding coefficients for 22% of individuals with both parents and at least one
      grandparent known (increasing to 42% if the dataset was restricted to those with
      four known grandparents). Inbreeding depression was evident for birth weight and
      first year survival but not for birth date: the first year survival of offspring
      with an inbreeding coefficient of 0.25 was reduced by 77% compared to offspring
      with an inbreeding coefficient of zero. However, it was independent of measures
      of environmental variation and maternal age. The effect of inbreeding on birth
      weight appeared to be driven by highly inbred individuals (F = 0.25). On the
      other hand first year survival showed strong inbreeding depression that was not
      solely driven by individuals with the highest inbreeding coefficients,
      corresponding to an estimate of 4.35 lethal equivalents. CONCLUSIONS: These
      results represent a rare demonstration of inbreeding depression using pedigree
      based estimates in a wild mammal population and highlight the potential strength
      of effects on key components of fitness.

PMID- 22039838
TI  - Got ACTs? Availability, price, market share and provider knowledge of anti
      malarial medicines in public and private sector outlets in six malaria-endemic
      countries.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) is the first-line malaria
      treatment throughout most of the malaria-endemic world. Data on ACT availability,
      price and market share are needed to provide a firm evidence base from which to
      assess the current situation concerning quality-assured ACT supply. This paper
      presents supply side data from ACTwatch outlet surveys in Benin, the Democratic
      Republic of Congo (DRC), Madagascar, Nigeria, Uganda and Zambia. METHODS: Between
      March 2009 and June 2010, nationally representative surveys of outlets providing
      anti-malarials to consumers were conducted. A census of all outlets with the
      potential to provide anti-malarials was conducted in clusters sampled randomly.
      RESULTS: 28,263 outlets were censused, 51,158 anti-malarials were audited, and
      9,118 providers interviewed. The proportion of public health facilities with at
      least one first-line quality-assured ACT in stock ranged between 43% and 85%.
      Among private sector outlets stocking at least one anti-malarial, non-artemisinin
      therapies, such as chloroquine and sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine, were widely
      available (> 95% of outlets) as compared to first-line quality-assured ACT (<
      25%). In the public/not-for-profit sector, first-line quality-assured ACT was
      available for free in all countries except Benin and the DRC (US$1.29 [Inter
      Quartile Range (IQR): $1.29-$1.29] and $0.52[IQR: $0.00-$1.29] per adult
      equivalent dose respectively). In the private sector, first-line quality-assured
      ACT was 5-24 times more expensive than non-artemisinin therapies. The exception
      was Madagascar where, due to national social marketing of subsidized ACT, the
      price of first-line quality-assured ACT ($0.14 [IQR: $0.10, $0.57]) was
      significantly lower than the most popular treatment (chloroquine, $0.36 [IQR:
      $0.36, $0.36]). Quality-assured ACT accounted for less than 25% of total anti
      malarial volumes; private-sector quality-assured ACT volumes represented less
      than 6% of the total market share. Most anti-malarials were distributed through
      the private sector, but often comprised non-artemisinin therapies, and in the DRC
      and Nigeria, oral artemisinin monotherapies. Provider knowledge of the first-line
      treatment was significantly lower in the private sector than in the public/not
      for-profit sector. CONCLUSIONS: These standardized, nationally representative
      results demonstrate the typically low availability, low market share and high
      prices of ACT, in the private sector where most anti-malarials are accessed, with
      some exceptions. The results confirm that there is substantial room to improve
      availability and affordability of ACT treatment in the surveyed countries. The
      data will also be useful for monitoring the impact of interventions such as the
      Affordable Medicines Facility for malaria.

PMID- 22039839
TI  - Critical assessment of progress of medical sciences in Iran and Turkey: the way
      developing countries with limited resources should make effective contributions
      to the production of science.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Scientific progress is an important indicator for the social and
      economic developments of any country. According to various reports, worldwide,
      Iran has the most growth in the field of science due to a high increase in the
      numbers of publications during the past decade. The aim of this study is to
      assess not only the quantity, but also the quality of publications of indexed
      Iranian journals and compare them to Turkey, as an Islamic neighboring country,
      in addition to the contributions of these two countries to our knowledge. A
      number of international journals with high impact factors were selected to assess
      the contributions of scientists from Iran and Turkey to the medical sciences.
      METHODS: English medical journals from Iran and Turkey indexed by the ISI Web of
      Sciences with known impact factors (IF) announced at the beginning of 2010 were
      included for evaluation. We calculated the number of all articles published from
      the beginning of 2007 until the October 2010, the number of total citations, and
      citations from authors outside both countries for each journal. In addition, we
      selected all articles cited at least six times by authors outside of both
      countries and discussed their content with regard to originality and novelty, as
      well as their contributions to current knowledge. Furthermore, 60 international
      journals in basic or clinical research with IF greater than 6 were selected for
      the magnitude of contributions of both countries to our scientific knowledge.
      RESULTS: In 2010, out of a total of 21 Iranian journals indexed in ISI since
      2007, only 12 have a known IF with a mean of 0.39 (range: 0.07-0.97), whereas out
      of 28 Turkish medical journals indexed in ISI, 15 have a known IF (mean: 0.35,
      range: 0.05-0.82). The total number of articles published since 2007 from Iran,
      total citations and total citations by authors from outside Iran were 2080, 1218,
      and 463, respectively. The same data related to Turkish journals were 4876, 2036,
      and 1331, respectively. Indeed, the mean citations per article by foreign authors
      for Iranian and Turkish researchers were 0.19 and 0.3, respectively. Of the total
      articles during this period, only seven from Iran and nine from Turkey have been
      cited at least six times by authors outside the two countries. Iran had 23 and
      Turkey 37 original publications in highly reputable international journals.
      Turkey was more represented in basic research and clinical observational studies
      than Iran. CONCLUSION: Despite high numbers of published articles, both countries
      have medical journals with very low comparable citation rates and IF. Only one
      out of three Turkish articles is cited once by authors outside of Turkey and one
      of five Iranian articles is cited by authors outside Iran. The few high-cited
      articles address new therapies and interventional studies or diseases commonly
      encountered regionally, and are the results of the efforts of a few individuals
      in highly specialized fields. Turkish scientists are inclined to publish their
      scientific works more than Iranians in distinguished international journals.
      These articles deal more with regional diseases that are not common in Western
      countries. Developing countries can only contribute to world science when they
      focus their efforts on teamwork in order to research ways to solve country
      specific diseases and their own health problems.

PMID- 22039840
TI  - Six-year follow up of imatinib therapy for newly diagnosed chronic myeloid
      leukemia in Iranian patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The present study reported a six-year follow up of patients with
      chronic myeloid leukemia who were on imatinib therapy. METHODS: We performed a
      retrospective study on a total of 417 patients diagnosed with chronic-phase,
      Philadelphia-positive (Ph+) chronic myeloid leukemia within six months before
      study entry. Patients were eligible for the study if they were between 18 and 70
      years of age. Enrolled patients were treated at an initial dose of 400 mg of
      imatinib. RESULTS: The mean age of 417 patients was 40.9+/-14.5 years; 220 (52%)
      were men and 197 (47.2%) were women. Complete hematologic response at three
      months occurred in 99% of patients, 221 (53%) before four weeks and 196 (47%)
      after four weeks. Adverse events occurred in 17 (4.1%) of patients, relapse in 46
      (11%) and death in 31 (7.4%) of our studied population. At 72 months, the
      estimated rate of overall survival rate was 89%. DISCUSSION: Our findings showed
      the efficacy and safety of imatinib mesylate among Iranian patients with chronic
      myeloid leukemia by hematological and molecular response.

PMID- 22039841
TI  - Assessment of a real-time PCR method to detect human non-cryptococcal fungal
      meningitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The signs and symptoms associated with fungal meningitis are similar
      to those seen with more common bacterial infections. In this study, we
      investigate whether Aspergillus or Candida DNA can be detected in cerebrospinal
      fluid (CSF) samples from patients suspected of fungal meningitis using real-time
      PCR assay. METHODS: From April 2007 to November 2009, we evaluated CSF samples
      and sera from patients with risk factors for cerebral fungal meningitis in Nemazi
      Hospital, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran, by real-time PCR assay and
      routine mycological studies (direct microscopy examination and culture). Two CSF
      and two serum samples from each patient were examined.  RESULTS: CSF and serum
      samples from 38 patients (total: 152) suspected of fungal meningitis were
      examined. India ink staining and KOH smear were negative for all patients. C.
      albicans was isolated from two CSF samples. There were ten patients with positive
      real-time PCR results in their CSF samples: three patients had C. albicans, one
      with C. glabrata, four with Aspergillus species and two with both C. albicans and
      Aspergillus species DNA. Four patients had positive serum results for Aspergillus
      or Candida infections. CONCLUSION: Considering the findings, it seems that
      molecular examination can help in the diagnosis of fungal meningitis in patients
      with clinical and radiological presentations. Further studies should be conducted
      in other regions and settings to confirm these findings.

PMID- 22039842
TI  - Association between apolipoprotein E-polymorphism and Ischemic heart disease
      patients with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus: a preliminary study in Kuwait.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We investigated the association between apolipoprotein E polymorphism
      and ischemic heart disease with or without type 2 diabetes in Kuwait and examined
      the impact of apolipoprotein E polymorphism in diabetic patients. METHODS: The
      present study was conducted from January 2005 to June 2006 in the Diabetic Clinic
      of Al-Amiri and Al-Sabah Hospitals in Kuwait City. Apolipoprotein E polymorphism
      was assessed in 250 subjects of which 83 were ischemic heart disease patients (41
      diabetic and 42 non-diabetic) and 105 were diabetic patients without ischemic
      heart disease. Results were compared with 62 healthy controls. Apolipoprotein E
      polymorphisms were detected by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment
      length polymorphism. RESULTS: Apolipoprotein E3 allele was the most commonly
      occurring form. The frequency of apolipoprotein E4 was higher in ischemic heart
      disease patients with type 2 diabetes (39%) and the non-diabetic (31%) group, but
      lower in the diabetic (20%) and control groups (16%). CONCLUSION: Apolipoprotein
      E4 allele may be related to the development of ischemic heart disease in patients
      with or without type 2 diabetes in Kuwait.  However, future studies with larger
      population sizes are needed to establish such relationship.

PMID- 22039843
TI  - Modulation of WIN55,212-2 state-dependent memory by alpha2-adrenergic receptors
      of the dorsal hippocampus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An overlapping distribution of alpha2-adrenergic receptors with
      cannabinoid receptors has been reported in certain brain structures such as the
      dorsal hippocampus. Thus, functional interactions between cannabinoid and alpha2
      adrenergic systems in cognitive control seem possible. In the present study, we
      examine the possible role of alpha2-adrenergic receptors of the dorsal
      hippocampus on WIN55,212-2 state-dependent learning. METHODS: Adult male Wistar
      rats were bilaterally implanted with chronic cannulae in the CA1 regions of their
      dorsal hippocampi trained in a step-down type inhibitory avoidance task and
      tested 24 hr after training, to measure step-down latency. RESULTS: Post-training
      or pre-test intra-CA1 administration of the cannabinoid receptor agonist, WIN
      55,212-2 (0.25 and 0.5 ug/rat) induced amnesia. Amnesia produced by post-training
      WIN55,212-2 (0.5 ug/rat) was reversed by pre-test administration of WIN55,212-2,
      that was due to a state-dependent effect. Pre-test intra-CA1 microinjections of
      clonidine (0.25, 0.5 and 1 MUg/rat) or yohimbine (0.5, 0.75, and 1 MUg/rat) did
      not affect memory retrieval per se. Pre-test intra-CA1 administration of
      clonidine (0.5 and 1 MUg/rat) or clonidine (0.25, 0.5, and 1 MUg/rat) with an
      ineffective dose of WIN 55,212-2 (0.25 ug/rat) reversed post-training WIN55,212-2
      (0.5 ug/rat,intra-CA1) induced memory impairment. Pre-test intra-CA1
      microinjection of yohimbine (1 MUg/rat) before administration of WIN55,212-2 (0.5
      ug/rat, intra-CA1), however, dose-dependently inhibited WIN55,212-2 state
      dependent memory. CONCLUSION: Modulation of alpha2-adrenergic receptors in the
      dorsal hippocampal CA1 regions can influence WIN55,212-2 induced amnesia and
      WIN55,212-2 state-dependent learning of an inhibitory avoidance task by pre- or
      post-synaptic mechanism(s).

PMID- 22039844
TI  - Rapid low-cost detection of hepatitis C virus RNA in HCV-infected patients by
      real-time RT-PCR using SYBR Green I.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We intend to design and validate a low-cost assay for the detection
      of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA using rapid-cycle RT-PCR. The procedure is
      performed in a closed system with little risk of contamination allowing PCR and
      product identification to be performed within one or two hours. METHODS: A SYBR
      Green-based real-time RT-PCR for rapid detection of HCV. Amplicon synthesis was
      monitored continuously by SYBR Green I, which binds to double stranded DNA during
      PCR. The PCR products were identified by melting curve analysis. Standard sera
      with known concentrations of HCV RNA and 150 clinical samples were used to
      validate our assay. RESULTS: The minimum detection level of our assay was less
      than 50 IU/mL. The results on 100 plasma samples were comparable with commercial
      assays. CONCLUSIONS: This method is useful for rapid qualitative detection of HCV
      infection and particularly suitable for routine diagnostic applications.

PMID- 22039845
TI  - Management of acquired thrombophilic disorders in 2011: focus on heparin-induced
      thrombocytopenia, antiphospholipid syndrome, myeloproliferative neoplasms and
      paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria.
AB  - Arterial and venous thrombosis are interrelated disorders at the interplay of
      platelets and fibrin. Arterial thrombi are platelet-rich and occur at sites
      vulnerable to atherosclerotic plaque rupture where blood shear rates are high; on
      the contrary, venous thrombi occur in association with slow blood flow and shear
      rates. These differences may underlie why anti-platelet agents are more effective
      in prevention of arterial thrombosis, while anticoagulants are preferred for
      venous thrombosis. Although some common thrombophilic disorders (e.g., Factor V
      Leiden, prothrombin gene mutation, etc.) are almost exclusively associated with
      venous thromboembolism, there are several disorders that are important to
      consider when caring for patients with both arterial and venous thromboembolism.
      This article will review the evidence-based management of heparin induced
      thrombocytopenia with thrombosis, anti-phospholipid antibody syndrome and
      catastrophic anti-phospholipid antibody syndrome, thrombohemorrhagic
      manifestations of Philadelphia chromosome-negative chronic myeloproliferative
      neoplasms including polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia and primary
      myelofibrosis, as well as paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria.

PMID- 22039846
TI  - Risk factors for pre-eclampsia: a study in Tehran, Iran.
AB  - This study evaluated some risk factors for pre-eclampsia, which is one of the
      most problematic complications of pregnancy. This was a retrospective case
      control study conducted on 318 pre-eclamptic women (case group) and 318 women who
      were normotensive at the time of delivery as the control group. Evaluated factors
      were: maternal age, gestational age, nuliparity, mother's educational status,
      maternal body mass index (BMI), maternal hemoglobin and blood Rh, familial
      history of pre-eclampsia, history of pre-eclampsia in a previous pregnancy,
      marital relations, urinary infection (UTI) during the present pregnancy, season
      of delivery, and method of contraception. Risk factors for pre-eclampsia were:
      UTI (P=0.04); history of pre-eclampsia during previous pregnancy (P=0.003), and
      winter season (P=0.001). Maternal age of more than 20 years, high educational
      status of mother, parity more than one, and oral contraceptive pills were
      protective for pre-eclampsia. After adjusting for all possible confounding
      factors using multiple logistic regression, only preexisting pre-eclampsia
      (P=0.004) was a risk factor, whereas parity more than three (P=0.007) and anemia
      (P=0.01) were protective for pre-eclampsia. The rate of cesarean delivery was
      more common in the pre-eclamptic group (245 cases, 77%) than the control group
      (85 cases, 26.7%). The one minute Apgar score of neonates less than 8 was more
      common in the case group (28.6% vs. 47.4%, P<0.001). Gestational age at the time
      of delivery was lower in the case group (36.48+/-3.4 weeks vs. 37.12+/-3.3 weeks,
      P<0.001). Awareness of risk factors of pre-eclampsia can help to monitor
      patients, ensure earlier diagnosis and predict which patients are more likely to
      develop pre-eclampsia.

PMID- 22039847
TI  - Glandular odontogenic cyst of the posterior maxilla.
AB  - The glandular odontogenic cyst is an uncommon developmental odontogenic cyst
      described as a distinct entity by Gardner et al. in 1988. The Glandular
      odontogenic cyst occurs more commonly in middle-aged people and has a
      predilection for the mandible. Only histopathological examinations allow for
      certain diagnosis of the cyst. The increased recurrence rate can be due to its
      multilocularity and incomplete removal of the lining following conservative
      treatment. This article presents a case of glandular odontogenic cyst in a 28
      year-old male patient in the posterior region of the maxilla, which is quite
      rare.

PMID- 22039848
TI  - Leiomyoma of the adrenal gland presenting as an incidentaloma.
AB  - This was an unusual case of a primary leiomyoma tumor of the adrenal gland in a
      26-year-old woman incidentally found during workup for mild, dull abdominal pain.

PMID- 22039849
TI  - Photoclinic. Hypoplasia of the left lung and bronchial asthma.

PMID- 22039850
TI  - A history of leprosy in Iran during the 19th and 20th centuries.
AB  - From ancient time leprosy has been regarded as a terrifying, stigmatized disease;
      nevertheless, its cause remained unidentified up to the late 19th century. For
      centuries numerous leprosy victims worldwide suffered from its morbidity and were
      socially isolated. The afflicted individuals were segregated because they were
      considered 'unclean' and had to live in leper colonies, generally under very poor
      conditions. Physicians believed that leprosy was an incurable, highly contagious,
      and hereditary disease. In 1873 the Norwegian physician, Gerhard Armauer Hansen
      (1841-1912), ended the myth of leprosy and discovered its causative agent, known
      as Mycobacterium leprae. Hansen's discovery was a great triumph in the fight
      against leprosy. In the 1930's, the first effective antileprosy drug, dapsone,
      was introduced and in the early 1980's multi-drug therapy was popularized because
      of high efficacy in resistant cases. Here, we have presented a brief look at the
      history of leprosy in the world with special focus on the historical account of
      leprosy in Iran, particularly during the 19th and 20th centuries.

PMID- 22039852
TI  - At the start of volume 2.

PMID- 22039853
TI  - Blood parasites of sheep in the Netherlands. II. Babesia motasi (Sporozoa,
      Babesiidae).
AB  - Summary    A large Babesia species occurs in sheep on the North Sea islands of
      the Netherlands. The tick Haemaphysalis punctata is a vector. Its pathogenicity
      appears to be low. It is morphologically similar to a Turkish strain, considered
      to be B. motasi, which is also transmitted by Haemaphysalis ticks. It differs
      from the Turkish parasite serologically as well as in cross-immunity tests and in
      not being effective to goats.     There may be a group of morphologically similar
      parasites with serological differences and different infectivity for sheep and
      goats. As it is impossible to know which one is to be considered as the original
      B. motasi, we designate the Dutch parasite as B. motasi (Netherlands). Anaplasma
      mesaeterum was found to occur on the island of Texel as well as on Ameland, where
      it had been found initially.

PMID- 22039854
TI  - Egg production in relation to the results of a long term serological survey of 73
      flocks of fowl.
AB  - Summary    Seventy-three flocks of fowl were tested at regular intervals for the
      presence of precipitins to fowl adenovirus (AV) and infectious bronchitis virus
      (IBV), haem-agglutinating inhibiting antibodies to BC14 virus, and of agglutinins
      to Mycoplasma gallisepticum (M.g.) and Mycoplasma synoviae (M.s.). In all the
      eight flocks affected with Egg Drop Syndrome (EDS '76), egg production problems
      were associated with increasing numbers of BCI4 virus reactors and AV reactors.
      In flocks showing production problems other than EDS '76 without any apparent
      cause, the average percentage of AV reactors increased significantly after the
      rearing period; this was not true of IBV reactors. BC14 reactors were either
      absent or present only once, in small numbers and with low titres, during the
      test period. The average percentage of AV reactors did not increase after the
      rearing period either in normally producing flocks or in flocks with production
      problems for which other diseases or dietary errors plausibly accounted for these
      problems. All this suggests a pathogenic role of AV in production problems. One
      can conclude from the high percentage of reactors in all groups of flocks that
      sub-clinical IBV infections are common.     The percentage of IBV reactors during
      the laying period of flocks with EDS '76 was significantly higher than that of
      normally producing flocks. It is therefore suggested that subclinical IBV
      infection could be among the factors causing stress, acting as a trigger for EDS
      '76.     All M.g.-infected flocks showed production problems; M.s. infections
      could not be related to egg production disturbances.

PMID- 22039855
TI  - Corynebacterium equi in cattle and pigs.
AB  - Summary    The cervical lymph nodes of pigs, the retropharyngeal and
      submandibular lymph nodes of cattle and faecal samples from both animal species
      were examined for the presence of Corynebacterium equi. The organism was
      recovered from 19 (35 per cent) of 54 porcine cervical lymph nodes and from 0 of
      54 bovine retropharyngeal and submandibular lymph nodes. Fifteen (50 per cent) of
      30 bovine faecal and 11 (35 per cent) of 31 porcine faecal samples yielded C.
      equi.

PMID- 22039856
TI  - Osteochondrosis in six breeds of slaughter pigs.
AB  - Summary    The severity and extent of osteochondral lesions have been examined,
      macroscopically, radiographically as well as histopathologically, in six
      different breeds of pigs (Belgian Landrace (B), Duroc (D), Dutch Landrace (N),
      Dutch Yorkshire (G), Hampshire (H) and Pietrain (P)). In these pigs three
      different levels of feeding were used.     Duroc pigs had significantly more
      severe lesions in the fore limbs than Dutch Landrace (N), Dutch Yorkshire (G),
      Hampshire (H) and Pietrain (P) pigs, while Belgian Landrace pigs (B) had
      significant more severe lesions than Dutch Yorkshire (G) pigs. The differences
      between breeds related more to the degree of severity of the lesions in the
      articular surfaces of the distal humerus and proximal radius-ulna and in the
      distal ulnar growth plate than to the presence of the lesions per se. In the hind
      limbs Belgian Landrace pigs (B) had significantly more severe osteochondral
      lesions than all other breeds, while Dutch Landrace pigs (N) had significantly
      more severe lesions than Duroc (D), Dutch Yorkshire (G), Hampshire (H) and
      Pietran (P) pigs.     Pigs with the highest growth rate showed sginificantly more
      severe osteochondral lesions in the distal ulnar growth plate and in the medial
      fe,moral condyle than pigs with a more restricted growth rate.

PMID- 22039857
TI  - Osteochondrosis in six breeds of slaughter pigs.
AB  - Summary   Coefficients of correlation have been calculated between morphological
      lesion scores of osteochondrosis that were made on the bones of porcine fore and
      hind limbs and some carcass characteristics. It was found that carcass length, as
      well as the relative weights of the hams were significantly correlated with the
      lesions that were observed in the proximal site of the femur and the medial
      femoral condyle. Despite these significant correlations, the values of the
      correlation coefficients were too small to be of any use for selection purposes.
      This applies the whole animal population, consisting of 6 breeds of pigs. It is
      shown that the coefficients of correlation between the morphological lesion
      scores of the femur and the relative weights of the hams in some of the
      individual breeds were much higher, implying a possibility for the prediction of
      osteochondrosis based on carcass characteristics.

PMID- 22039858
TI  - Investigations on live vaccines against infectious bursal disease of chicks.
AB  - Summary   Four live virus vaccines against Infectious Bursal Disease (IBD) were
      studied with regard to their safety, immune response and applicability. None of
      the vaccines caused clinical symptoms or had an adverse impact on bodyweight.
      Differences between these vaccins were observed in their effect on the Bursa/
      Bodyweight Ratio and the severity of the microscopical lesions of the bursa
      Fabricii. The immunosuppressive effect of IBD vaccination at one day of age on
      the response to Newcastle disease vaccine applied was rather low.   Three of the
      four vaccines induced antibodies associated with protection against challenge.
      Vaccination of SPF rearing chickens by drinking water at an age of 15 weeks
      produced an antibody response (Agar Gel Precipitin Test) whereas at an age of 23,
      32 and 60 weeks it did not. Chickens of all age groups responded serologically to
      an intramusculair vaccination.   A correlation was found between the
      immunological response and the effect of the vaccines on the bursa Fabricii.

PMID- 22039859
TI  - Congenital bicuspid stenosis with left ventricular hypoplasia in a kitten.
AB  - Summary    Congenital bicuspid stenosis with left ventricular hypoplasia was
      diagnosed in a kitten. Clinical weakness, dyspnoea and marked cardiomegaly (X
      rays) were related to postmortem findings. The cardiomegaly had resulted from an
      enlargement of the left auricular appendage. It is supposed the cardiomegaly
      developed after the closing of the foramen ovale.

PMID- 22039861
TI  - Aza-crown macrocycles as chiral solvating agents for mandelic acid derivatives.
AB  - A series of new chiral macrocycles containing the trans-1,2-diaminocyclohexane
      (DACH) subunit and arene- and oligoethylene glycol-derived spacers has been
      prepared in enantiomerically pure form. Four of the macrocycles have been
      characterized by X-ray crystallography, which reveals a consistent mode of
      intramolecular N-H...N hydrogen bonding and conformational variations about the N
      benzylic bonds. Most of the macrocycles were found to differentiate the
      enantiomers of mandelic acid (MA) by (1)H NMR spectroscopy in CDCl(3); within the
      series of macrocycles tested, enantiodiscrimination was promoted by (i) a meta
      linkage geometry about the arene spacer, (ii) the presence of naphthalene- rather
      than phenylene-derived arene spacers, and (iii) increasing length of the
      oligoethylene glycol bridge. (1)H NMR titrations were performed with optically
      pure MA samples, and the data were fitted to a simultaneous 1:1 and 2:1 binding
      model, yielding estimates of 2:1 binding constants between some of the
      macrocycles and MA enantiomers. In several cases, NOESY spectra of the
      MA:macrocycle complexes show differential intramolecular correlations between
      protons adjacent to the amine and carboxylic acid groups of the macrocycles and
      MA enantiomers, respectively, thus demonstrating geometric differences between
      the diastereomeric intermolecular complexes. The three most effective macrocycles
      were employed as chiral solvating agents (CSAs) to determine the enantiomeric
      excess (ee) of 18 MA samples over a wide ee range and with very high accuracy (1%
      absolute error).

PMID- 22039862
TI  - Iatrogenic dura mater exposure post-radiotherapy: a management dilemma.

PMID- 22039864
TI  - Differential effects in mammalian cells induced by chemical mixtures in
      environmental biota as profiled using infrared spectroscopy.
AB  - Environmental contaminants accumulate in many organisms and induce a number of
      adverse effects. As contaminants mostly occur in the environment as mixtures, it
      remains to be fully understood which chemical interactions induce the most
      important toxic responses. In this study, we set out to determine the effects of
      chemical contaminants extracted from Northern Gannet (Morus bassanus) eggs
      (collected from the UK coast from three sampling years (1987, 1990, and 1992) on
      cell cultures using infrared (IR) spectroscopy with computational data handling
      approaches. Gannet extracts were chemically analyzed for different contaminants,
      and MCF-7 cell lines were treated for 24 h in a dose-related manner with
      individual-year extracts varying in their polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) to
      polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) ratios. Treated cellular material was then fixed
      and interrogated using attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform IR (ATR
      FTIR) spectroscopy; resultant IR spectra were computationally analyzed to derive
      dose-response relationships and to identify biomarkers associated with each
      contaminant mixture treatment. The results show distinct biomarkers of effect are
      related to each contamination scenario, with an inverse relationship with dose
      observed. This study suggests that specific contaminant mixtures induce cellular
      alterations in the DNA/RNA spectral region that are most pronounced at low doses.
      It also suggests alterations in the "biochemical-cell fingerprint" of IR spectra
      can be indicative of mixture exposures.

PMID- 22039863
TI  - Accuracy of physical activity assessment during pregnancy: an observational
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prenatal physical activity may improve maternal and infant health and
      lower future disease risk for both mother and baby; however, very few physical
      activity assessment methods have been validated for use during pregnancy. The
      purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of a subjective physical
      activity record (PAR) and an objective activity monitor, against a reference
      standard to quantify moderate and vigorous physical activity (MVPA) in pregnant
      women. The reference standard was based on participant interviews to determine if
      a woman was an exerciser and confirmed with information obtained from the PAR and
      a heart rate monitor. METHODS: Fifty-two pregnant women completed a physical
      activity record (PAR) and wore a SenseWear(r) Mini Armband (SWA) activity monitor
      over a 7-day period at 18 weeks gestation. Total minutes spent in MVPA were
      totaled from both modalities and evaluated against the reference standard using
      contingency analysis and Pearson's chi-square test to evaluate the number of
      women meeting minimum prenatal physical activity recommendations (at least 3, 30
      minute sessions of exercise per week). Both modalities were also tested
      individually and collectively to assess their ability as indicators of activity
      using empirically determined cut-offs as indicated by receiver-operator
      characteristic curves. These experimentally-derived criteria were also tested
      with Pearson's chi-square test. RESULTS: According to the reference standard, 13
      of 52 participants (25%) met the criterion of 3, 30 minute sessions of
      volitional, moderate-intensity activity. When compared to the reference standard,
      both the PAR and SWA overestimated exercise status; 42 (81%) and 52 (100%)
      participants, respectively, achieved 90 minutes of MVPA (P < 0.0001 for both
      comparisons). Single-modality predictors of MVPA did not show a significant
      correlation. A composite predictor of MVPA offered the most favorable option for
      sensitivity and specificity (true positives, n = 8 and true negatives, n = 36)
      using cut-offs of 280 and 385 minutes/week for the PAR and SWA, respectively.
      CONCLUSION: Compared to the reference standard, time spent in MVPA obtained from
      the PAR or SWA overestimated the prevalence of women meeting prenatal exercise
      recommendations. The most accurate predictor of women meeting current prenatal
      exercise guidelines was identified by using the PAR and SWA collectively.

PMID- 22039865
TI  - Metal containing complexes with anticancer properties.

PMID- 22039866
TI  - Molecular mechanisms and proposed targets for selected anticancer gold compounds.
AB  - Nowadays, gold compounds constitute a family of very promising experimental
      agents for cancer treatment. Indeed, several gold(I) and gold(III) compounds were
      shown to manifest outstanding antiproliferative properties in vitro against
      selected human tumor cell lines and some of them performed remarkably well even
      in tumor models in vivo. Notably, the peculiar chemical properties of the gold
      centre impart innovative pharmacological profiles to gold-based metallodrugs most
      likely in relation to novel molecular mechanisms. The precise mechanisms through
      which cytotoxic gold compounds produce their biological effects are still largely
      unknown. Within this frame, the major aim of this review is to define the
      possible modes of action and the most probable biomolecular targets for a few
      representative gold compounds on which extensive biochemical and cellular data
      have been gathered. In particular, we will focus on auranofin and analogues, on
      gold(III) porphyrins and gold(III) dithiocarbamates. For these three families
      markedly distinct molecular mechanisms were recently invoked: a direct
      mitochondrial mechanism involving thioredoxin reductase inhibition in the case of
      the gold(I) complexes, the influence on some apoptotic proteins--i.e. MAPKs and
      Bcl-2--for gold(III) porphyrins, and the proteasome inhibition for gold(III)
      dithiocarbamates. In a few cases the distinct mechanisms may overlap. The general
      perspectives for the development of new gold compounds as effective anticancer
      agents with innovative modes of action are critically discussed.

PMID- 22039867
TI  - Platinum formulations as anticancer drugs clinical and pre-clinical studies.
AB  - This review summarizes clinical and pre-clinical results on platinum anti-cancer
      drug formulations. A concise summary of the use of oxidation state to modulate
      cancer pharmacology is given for Pt(IV) complexes, distinct from the clinically
      used Pt(II) drugs. The chemistry of platinum drug formulation combines aspects of
      kinetics of active moiety release from nominally weak-binding ligands (bond
      cleavage from platinum-carboxylate and platinum-phosphate) in polymers and
      nanoparticles with pharmacological considerations of plasma distribution and
      cellular accumulation. The action of any molecular entity as a drug is influenced
      by its ADME profile--absorption, distribution, metabolism and excretion. The
      purpose of drug formulation is to alter any or all of these parameters with the
      ultimate goal of improving the efficacy and reducing side effects with the
      possibility to target drugs directly to the tumor site. The diverse array of
      approaches includes liposomes, polymers (not limited to peptides, dendrimers,
      biodegradable polymers, polysaccharides, and metallic nanoparticles).
      Functionalization of the surfaces of nanoparticles with antibodies or cellular
      surface recognition motifs may further target specific cancers.

PMID- 22039868
TI  - Bioanalytical and biophysical techniques for the elucidation of the mode of
      action of metal-based drugs.
AB  - Platinum-based drugs present one of the pillars of anticancer chemotherapy, and
      pharmaceuticals incorporating metals such as ruthenium, gallium, titanium and
      gold, some of which have already entered clinical trials, show promising features
      including activity against platinum-resistant tumors and/or reduced side-effects.
      The mode of action of these novel metallodrugs has only been partly elucidated,
      and even for established treatments, some questions concerning the interactions
      with targets such as DNA and proteins on a molecular level remain unanswered. In
      order to tackle the challenging problem of characterizing the behavior of
      metallodrugs in complex biological media and tissues in vitro and in vivo,
      bioanalytical and biophysical methodologies are employed. The current state of
      these techniques, their strengths and limitations, and the information they can
      provide for achieving this demanding goal, are described in this review.

PMID- 22039869
TI  - Anticancer platinum (IV) prodrugs with novel modes of activity.
AB  - Over the past four decades, the search for improved platinum drugs based on the
      classical platinum (II)-diam(m)ine pharmacophore has yielded only a handful of
      successful candidates. New methodologies centred on platinum (IV) complexes, with
      better stability and expanded coordination spheres, offer the possibility of
      overcoming limitations inherent to platinum (II) drugs. In this review, novel
      strategies of targeting and killing cancer cells using platinum (IV) constructs
      are discussed. These approaches exploit the unique electrochemical
      characteristics and structural attributes of platinum (IV) complexes as a means
      of developing anticancer prodrugs that can target and selectively destroy cancer
      cells. Anticancer platinum (IV) prodrugs represent promising new strategies as
      targeted chemotherapeutic agents in the ongoing battle against cancer.

PMID- 22039870
TI  - Metal-based antioxidants--potential therapeutic candidates for prevention the
      oxidative stress-related carcinogenesis: mini-review.
AB  - The oxidative stress that is associated with the abnormal level of reactive
      oxygen species (ROS) is considered to be involved in the carcinogenesis process.
      The antioxidative defense system in the living organism regulates the toxic
      impact of ROS and there is strong evidence that the antioxidants prevent
      carcinogenesis. This review will focus on a novel approach to design synthetic
      metal-based antioxidants and to study their in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo
      activities in the cellular oxidation processes that might be involved in
      promotion of carcinogenesis. The antioxidants are divided into several groups
      depending on the nature of the ligands used: 2,6-dialkylphenols, flavonoids,
      polyphenols, peptides, purines, pyridines and their derivatives. Some currently
      achieved results in testing metal complexes as antioxidants show that they could
      potentially facilitate the scavenging of excess ROS, and thus restore redox
      balance in the damaged cells and organs. Therefore there is a strong need of the
      design of novel potential therapeutic candidates for prevention the oxidative
      stress-related carcinogenesis based on metal complexes.

PMID- 22039871
TI  - Polynuclear ruthenium, osmium and gold complexes. The quest for innovative
      anticancer chemotherapeutics.
AB  - Polynuclear compounds are a relatively new and successful approach in metal-based
      cancer chemotherapy as typified by the trinuclear Pt compound BBR3464 which was
      evaluated in clinical trials. In this review, we discuss newer developments of
      polynuclear ruthenium, osmium and gold complexes, focusing on their anticancer
      activity. The compounds presented are often supposed to exert their anticancer
      activity by different modes of action as compared to established drugs, including
      newly proposed mechanisms such as enzyme inhibition, crosslinking of
      biomacromolecules or through photo-activation, though many of the examples are
      also capable of binding to DNA nucleobases. Important metabolization and chemical
      characteristics of such compounds are discussed, and if the appropriate data is
      available, molecular modes of action are highlighted.

PMID- 22039872
TI  - Non-classical structures among current platinum complexes with potential as
      antitumor drugs.
AB  - The potential and limitations of the non classical metallodrugs with platinum as
      metal are discussed in this section, focusing not only in their design but in
      their mechanism of action and interaction with other biomolecules to introduce
      and encourage the readers on the potential of this field.

PMID- 22039873
TI  - Interactions of metal ions with DNA, its constituents and derivatives, which may
      be relevant for anticancer research.
AB  - In this review several types of interactions between metal ions and DNA are
      given, starting from basic binding to the use of metal complexes in cancer
      treatment and diagnostics. Metal cations help to neutralize the negative charge
      of DNA and thus enable the normal functions of DNA but many other interactions
      are also possible and are discussed in this paper. Various consequences of such
      interactions can be reversible (e. g. conformational changes) or irreversible (e.
      g. cleavage). It is known that some metal ions can also damage DNA which can
      provoke mutations and in some cases leads to cancer. It is clear that we know a
      lot about metal-DNA interactions but much more information is needed to
      understand the role of metal ions completely and to use this knowledge
      successfully.

PMID- 22039874
TI  - The medicinal chemistry of hybrid-based drugs targeting multiple sites of action.

PMID- 22039875
TI  - Hybrid-based multi-target ligands for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Progresses in medicinal chemistry over the last few years have focused on the
      design and synthesis of hybrid compounds, molecules encompassing in a single
      scaffold two pharmacophores from known entities endowed with well established
      biological activities. The interest in this topic is related to the increasing
      emphasis on the identification of the different factors involved in a number of
      disorders, such as the complex multifactorial Alzheimer's disease (AD), and
      hybrid- based strategy has become a focal point in this medicinal chemistry field
      since it could lead to derivatives with an improved biological profile. Using
      this strategy, acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) have been extensively
      coupled with properly selected bioactive molecules to obtain homo- and
      heterodimers endowed with increased potency together with supplementary actions.
      In the past decade the inhibition of the AChE induced aggregation of the -amyloid
      peptide into the senile plaques, which is a key event in the neurotoxic cascade
      of AD, has been considered a relevant approach leading to several dual binding
      site inhibitors, able to contact both the peripheral anionic site of AChE and the
      active site. In recent years, pioneering efforts have been performed to obtain
      novel AChEIs that, beyond the capability to inhibit AChE, were able to hit a
      number of specific AD targets. In particular, these compounds proved to possess
      antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, or neuroprotective activities, useful to block or
      revert the progression of the disease. This review summarizes the progresses that
      have been made in the design of hybrid molecules for the treatment of AD.

PMID- 22039876
TI  - A hydrazide linker strategy for heterobivalent compounds as ortho- and allosteric
      ligands of acetylcholine-binding proteins.
AB  - The occurrence of orthosteric and allosteric binding sites is a characteristic
      common feature of several acetylcholine- binding proteins, like
      acetylcholinesterase or the nicotinic and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors.
      These proteins are involved in a number of neurological disorders, such as
      Alzheimer's disease, and represent important therapeutic targets for the
      development of heterodimeric ligands addressing both of their binding sites.
      Among the pharmacophores, which have been combined in such heterodimers, the
      tetrahydroacridine derivative tacrine has attracted particular interest. This
      review discusses the chemistry behind the linker connection of tacrine to other
      pharmacophores and summarizes the types of linkers established to date.
      Especially, the development of a hydrazide linker for tacrine-derived
      heterodimers is highlighted by applications in the inhibition of cholinesterases,
      the bivalent binding to nicotinic and muscarinic acetylcholine receptors, as well
      as the histochemical imaging of acetylcholinesterase and amyloid-beta.

PMID- 22039877
TI  - Epigenetic multiple modulators.
AB  - The development of ligands that as single chemical entities are able to modulate
      multiple epigenetic targets simultaneously (designed epigenetic multiple ligands)
      is still in its infancy. We are witnessing some advances with combinations of the
      fused or linked pharmacophores of an epi-drug and other anticancer agents. More
      recently, however, a very promising approach has been developed in which a single
      chemical entity exerts several therapeutic activities simultaneously, such as a
      compound that inhibits several epigenetic enzymes and as a consequence displays
      multiple biological profiles that address synergistically a particular
      multifactorial disease. Despite their promiscuity, these multiple epigenetic
      ligands have exciting conceptual advantages, as they (i) lower the risk of drug
      drug interactions compared to cocktails or multicomponent drugs and facilitate
      ADMET and toxicology studies, (ii) minimize the development of drug resistance,
      (iii) exploit synergies between the targeted pathways/factors and (iv) can
      generally be used at lower therapeutically effective concentrations than the
      single target drugs. The obvious problem with such compounds is to find/design
      drugs which target multiple effectors with high selectivity and efficiency
      without displaying extensive off-target effects. In addition, the rational design
      of multiple epi-ligands is a major challenge. In this review we provide
      structurally-based principles and the optimization of activities towards the
      different epigenetic targets.

PMID- 22039878
TI  - Lights and shadows on monoamine oxidase inhibition in neuroprotective
      pharmacological therapies.
AB  - Playing a pivotal role in the metabolism of neurotransmitters in the central
      nervous system, the mitochondrial enzymes monoamine oxidases A and B (MAO A and
      B) have been for long studied as drug targets for neurodegenerative and
      neurological diseases. MAO inhibitors (MAOIs) are clinically used to treat
      Parkinson's disease and depression by blocking the degradation of neuroactive
      catecholamines and providing a symptomatic relief in the patients. More recent is
      the idea that the neuroprotective effect of MAOIs may result from the prevention
      of oxidative stress produced by the MAO reaction rather than being simply related
      to the inhibition of neurotransmitters degradation. Tranylcypromine and
      phenelzine are among the first developed MAOI drugs and have been used for years
      to treat depression. Their usage is now limited to cases of refractory depression
      because of their negative side effects, which are due to both the lack of MAO
      A/MAO B selectivity and the inhibition of other enzymes such as the drug
      metabolizing cytochromes P450. Although the multi-target action of these MAOIs
      determines negative implications, the most newly developed compounds have
      improved properties not only for their specificity relatively to MAO A/MAO B
      selectivity but also because they function through multiple mechanisms that
      produce beneficial effects. In particular, safinamide, a MAO B selective
      inhibitor in clinical trials for Parkinson's disease, is neuroprotective by
      blocking the voltage-dependent Na+ and Ca2+ channels and the Ca2+-mediated
      glutamate release processes. Rasagiline is a drug used in combination with L-dopa
      in the treatment of parkinsonian patients and the metabolic products of its
      degradation exert neuroprotective effects. Moreover, rasagiline scaffold is used
      to design analogs by addition of pharmacophores that act on other neurological
      targets. This multi-target approach may prove successful in order to find new and
      more effective therapies for the complexity of neurodegenerative diseases.

PMID- 22039879
TI  - Multitarget-directed ligands: innovative chemical probes and therapeutic tools
      against Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Multitarget agents directed at selected molecular targets involved in the
      pathogenic cascade of Alzheimer's disease (AD) have been increasingly sought
      after in recent years, with the aim of achieving enhanced therapeutic efficiency
      with respect to single-target drugs and drug candidates. At the same time, much
      attention has been devoted to identifying high quality pharmacological tools to
      help explore the molecular mechanisms underlying AD without being exposed to
      physicochemical challenges. Herein, we discuss several examples of both types of
      compounds, taken from our own research and derived from the leads memoquin,
      lipocrine and bis(7)tacrine.

PMID- 22039880
TI  - Multi-target-directed ligands as innovative tools to combat trypanosomatid
      diseases.
AB  - Of the tropical diseases, trypanosomiases and leishmaniases should most concern
      the pharmaceutical community because of their high prevalence in developing
      countries and the lack of effective drug treatments. Despite this, they have not
      historically received much attention in terms of investment and research effort,
      nor do they now. In very recent years, thanks to the involvement of several
      nonprofit organizations, the chemotherapeutic options have expanded with the
      introduction of the first combination therapy. The optimal efficacy and safety of
      nifurtimox-eflornithine combination against second-stage human African
      trypanosomiasis is an encouraging first step towards simpler and more affordable
      therapies. Along the same line, I propose that single chemical entities able to
      modulate more than one target may prove more efficacious and tolerable than the
      available arsenal of drugs. Herein, I discuss the pros and cons of this approach,
      together with examples taken from the recent literature.

PMID- 22039881
TI  - 1,8-Naphthyridine derivatives as cholinesterases inhibitors and cell Ca2+
      regulators, a multitarget strategy for Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - The synthesis and the pharmacological evaluation of 1,8-naphthyridine derivatives
      and related compounds as inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and
      butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE), as well as voltage-dependant Ca(2+) channels
      (VDCC) modulators of are summarized. These compounds are closely related to the
      anticholinesterasic tacrine and the well-known Ca(2+)-antagonists 1,4
      dihydropyridines. They were obtained from polyfunctionalized 2-amino-3
      cyanoheterocycles via Friedlander-type reaction with selected cycloalkanones.
      Most of the compounds showed moderate inhibitory activity of cholinesterases,
      with selectivity to the AChE inhibition, and blocked Ca(2+) channels,
      preferentially the L-subtype, when a 4-aryl-1,4-DHP-like moiety were present in
      its chemical structure. Taking into account that the regulation of Ca(2+) entry
      to cells has been described to play a key role in cell death/survival processes,
      some of them were studied as cytoprotective agentes against different toxic
      stimuli. Specifically, the 1,8-naphthyridine derivative 30 was described to exert
      a tiny positive effect on Ca(2+) entry to cells, as single cell, isolated organ,
      and (45)Ca(2+) uptake experiments showed. This slight "Ca(2+)-promoter" behavior
      was related to its cytoprotective effect against several toxic stimuli, as Ca(2+)
      chelating and antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 was overexpressed in bovine chromaffin
      cells preincubated with 30. In fact, the relationship between small elevations of
      [Ca(2+)](c) and neuroprotection has been deeply studied by our group and others,
      concluding that a huge blockade of Ca(2+) entry does not have to generate
      neuroprotection, but the precise regulation, up or down, of such [Ca(2+)]
      concentrations.

PMID- 22039882
TI  - Multitarget antithrombotic drugs.
AB  - Thromboembolic disorders are still the leading causes of morbidity and mortality
      in developed societies. Therefore, prophylaxis and treatment of arterial and
      venous thrombosis are among the main therapeutic challenges nowadays.
      Simultaneous action on several targets involved in pathology of thrombosis offers
      potential advantages compared to existing drugs which were developed as selective
      modulators of single targets. The review focuses on dual inhibitors of
      coagulation enzymes, dual antiaggregatory compounds exerting their action on
      different combinations of platelet targets, as well as on
      anticoagulant/antiaggregatory compounds which interfere with at least one target
      involved in blood coagulation and at least one target engaged in the process
      leading to platelet aggregation.

PMID- 22039884
TI  - Experiences of Syrian women with breast cancer regarding chemotherapy: a
      qualitative study.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to explore the experiences of Syrian women with
      breast cancer regarding their chemotherapy. A qualitative design, based on the
      content analysis approach, was used for the data collection and analysis of the
      perspectives of women with breast cancer in Syria. Semistructured interviews were
      carried out with 17 women who underwent chemotherapy after mastectomy in a
      chemotherapy center in Latakia between June and October 2010. Four main themes
      emerged from the study: psychological discomfort (negative emotion, body image,
      and depressive symtoms), physical problems (acute consequences of chemotherapy
      and general aspects of chemotherapy), social dysfunction (social isolation and
      lack of marriage opportunites), and failure in the family role (mother role and
      sexual relationship). Understanding the experiences of women with breast cancer
      regarding chemotherapy enables nurses to devise appropriate strategies to provide
      better support and care to patients in order to improve their quality of life.

PMID- 22039883
TI  - Targeting a DNA binding motif of the EVI1 protein by a pyrrole-imidazole
      polyamide.
AB  - The zinc finger protein EVI1 is causally associated with acute myeloid
      leukemogenesis, and inhibition of its function with a small molecule therapeutic
      may provide effective therapy for EVI1-expressing leukemias. In this paper we
      describe the development of a pyrrole-imidazole polyamide to specifically block
      EVI1 binding to DNA. We first identify essential domains for leukemogenesis
      through structure-function studies on both EVI1 and the t(3;21)(q26;q22)-derived
      RUNX1-MDS1-EVI1 (RME) protein, which revealed that DNA binding to the cognate
      motif GACAAGATA via the first of two zinc finger domains (ZF1, encompassing
      fingers 1-7) is essential transforming activity. To inhibit DNA binding via ZF1,
      we synthesized a pyrrole-imidazole polyamide 1, designed to bind to a subsite
      within the GACAAGATA motif and thereby block EVI1 binding. DNase I footprinting
      and electromobility shift assays revealed a specific and high affinity
      interaction between polyamide 1 and the GACAAGATA motif. In an in vivo CAT
      reporter assay using NIH-3T3-derived cell line with a chromosome-embedded tet
      inducible EVI1-VP16 as well as an EVI1-responsive reporter, polyamide 1
      completely blocked EVI1-responsive reporter activity. Growth of a leukemic cell
      line bearing overexpressed EVI1 was also inhibited by treatment with polyamide 1,
      while a control cell line lacking EVI1 was not. Finally, colony formation by RME
      was attenuated by polyamide 1 in a serial replating assay. These studies provide
      evidence that a cell permeable small molecule may effectively block the activity
      of a leukemogenic transcription factor and provide a valuable tool to dissect
      critical functions of EVI1 in leukemogenesis.

PMID- 22039885
TI  - Medical simulation for professional development--science and practice.
AB  - From the earliest days of medical practice, when surgeons used cadavers to
      explore the possibilities of surgical intervention, simulation has been employed
      to advance the practice of health care. In the last 10 years, technological
      advances have allowed for a wider availability and greater realism of simulation,
      and this has encouraged a great expansion in its use. Simulation aims to create a
      virtuous cycle of professional development to improve patient outcomes. Although
      it seems eminently logical to believe that simulation will result in better
      outcomes, there is a need to test these new training interventions rigorously to
      be sure of their worth and to understand any limitations. The purpose of this
      BJOG supplement is to examine in depth several paradigms of medical simulation
      within maternity care and gynaecology, in different settings, looking at what can
      be achieved and how. In this opening review, we look at the potential use of
      medical simulation in broad terms and describe the types of evidence that can be
      employed to support its use.

PMID- 22039886
TI  - Integration of laparoscopic virtual-reality simulation into gynaecology training.
AB  - Surgery carries the risk of serious harm, as well as benefit, to patients. For
      healthcare organisations, theatre time is an expensive commodity and litigation
      costs for surgical specialities are very high. Advanced laparoscopic surgery, now
      widely used in gynaecology for improved outcomes and reduced length of stay,
      involves longer operation times and a higher rate of complications for surgeons
      in training. Virtual-reality (VR) simulation is a relatively new training method
      that has the potential to promote surgical skill development before advancing to
      surgery on patients themselves. VR simulators have now been on the market for
      more than 10 years and, yet, few countries in the world have fully integrated VR
      simulation training into their gynaecology surgical training programmes. In this
      review, we aim to summarise the VR simulators currently available together with
      evidence of their effectiveness in gynaecology, to understand their limitations
      and to discuss their incorporation into national training curricula.

PMID- 22039887
TI  - Practical simulation training for maternity care--where we are and where next.
AB  - Improving maternal and perinatal care is a global priority. Practical simulation
      training for maternity care might prevent many of these deaths. There have been
      numerous evaluation studies published on the effectiveness of simulation training
      for obstetric emergencies, with increasing evidence that it is associated with
      improvement in clinical outcomes. Evidence has begun to move from subjective
      assessment of participants' experiences towards objective assessment of clinical
      outcomes. However, the results are not entirely consistent and, at present, all
      of the evidence associating training with improvements in clinical outcomes
      relates to neonatal outcomes. This review summarises recent progress in the
      evaluation of the effectiveness of simulation training for maternity care in both
      high- and low-resource settings, and presents a vision for ensuring that
      practical simulation training for maternity care can become an effective tool to
      reduce global maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality.

PMID- 22039888
TI  - Serious gaming in women's health care.
AB  - Computer-based (serious) gaming is a new field in medical education, which has
      the potential to become an important tool for healthcare professionals for
      learning a range of clinical skills. To evaluate the current status of serious
      gaming in medicine, we performed a systematic literature review. In June 2011, we
      undertook a search in PubMed and Embase databases with the MeSH terms video
      games, education, training, gaming and healthcare. Thirty relevant papers were
      identified, reviewed and summarised. The studies showed that serious gaming is a
      stimulating learning method and that students are enthusiastic about its use.
      Studies have shown that previous recreational gaming is associated with greater
      surgical skill, especially for laparoscopy. In addition to surgical skills,
      serious gaming is potentially a good method for learning clinical decision-making
      and patient interaction. Games are already being developed for teaching specific
      clinical skills, for example in cardiology and orthopaedics for example. Initial
      studies suggest that serious gaming is likely to be an effective training method;
      however, there is a paucity of studies showing the conclusive clinical benefit of
      serious gaming. Future studies should focus on demonstrating the clinical
      effectiveness of serious gaming on skills used in patient care.

PMID- 22039889
TI  - Sustaining simulation training programmes--experience from maternity care.
AB  - There is little scientific evidence to support the majority of simulation-based
      maternity training programmes, but some characteristics appear to be associated
      with sustainability. Among these are a clear institutional-level commitment to
      the course, strong leadership in course organisation, a curriculum relevant to
      clinical practice, a nonthreatening learning environment, the establishment of
      multiprofessional training and the use of simulators appropriate to the learning
      objectives. There is still some debate on whether simulation-based sessions
      should be carried out in dedicated training time outside normal working hours or
      in ad-hoc drills that are run during clinical sessions, whether they should be
      located in clinical areas, simulation centres, or both, and whether or not they
      should include standardised generic teamwork training sessions. In this review,
      we discuss the main characteristics that appear to make a simulation-based
      training programme a sustainable initiative.

PMID- 22039890
TI  - Identification of novel antitubulin agents by using a virtual screening approach
      based on a 7-point pharmacophore model of the tubulin colchi-site.
AB  - Tubulin inhibition represents an established target in the field of anticancer
      research, and over the last 20 years, an intensive search for new antimicrotubule
      agents has occurred. Indeed, in silico models have been presented that might aid
      the discovery of novel agents. Among these, a 7-point pharmacophore model has
      been recently proposed. As a formal proof of this model, we carried out a ligand
      based virtual screening on the colchicine-binding site. In vitro testing
      demonstrated that two compounds displayed a cytotoxic profile on neuroblastoma
      cancer cells (SH-SY5H) and one had an antitubulinic profile.

PMID- 22039891
TI  - Analysis of porcine MUC4 gene as a candidate gene for prolificacy QTL on SSC13 in
      an Iberian * Meishan F2 population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Reproductive traits, such as prolificacy, are of great interest to
      the pig industry. Better understanding of their genetic architecture should help
      to increase the efficiency of pig productivity through the implementation of
      marker assisted selection (MAS) programmes. RESULTS: The Mucin 4 (MUC4) gene has
      been evaluated as a candidate gene for a prolificacy QTL described in an Iberian
      * Meishan (Ib * Me) F2 intercross. For association analyses, two previously
      described SNPs (DQ124298:g.243A>G and DQ124298:g.344A>G) were genotyped in 347
      pigs from the Ib * Me population. QTL for the number of piglets born alive (NBA)
      and for the total number of piglets born (TNB) were confirmed on SSC13 at
      positions 44 cM and 51 cM, respectively. The MUC4 gene was successfully located
      within the confidence intervals of both QTL. Only DQ124298:g.344A>G MUC4
      polymorphism was significantly associated with both NBA and TNB (P-value < 0.05)
      with favourable effects coming from the Meishan origin. MUC4 expression level was
      determined in F2 sows displaying extreme phenotypes for the number of embryos
      (NE) at 30-32 days of gestation. Differences in the uterine expression of MUC4
      were found between high (NE >= 13) and low (NE <= 11) prolificacy sows. Overall,
      MUC4 expression in high prolificacy sows was almost two-fold increased compared
      with low prolificacy sows. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that MUC4 could play an
      important role in the establishment of an optimal uterine environment that would
      increase embryonic survival during pig gestation.

PMID- 22039893
TI  - Micro-photoluminescence of GaAs/AlGaAs triple concentric quantum rings.
AB  - A systematic optical study, including micro, ensemble and time resolved
      photoluminescence of GaAs/AlGaAs triple concentric quantum rings, self-assembled
      via droplet epitaxy, is presented. Clear emission from localized states belonging
      to the ring structures is reported. The triple rings show a fast decay dynamics,
      around 40 ps, which is expected to be useful for ultrafast optical switching
      applications.

PMID- 22039892
TI  - Monitoring fever treatment behaviour and equitable access to effective medicines
      in the context of initiatives to improve ACT access: baseline results and
      implications for programming in six African countries.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Access to artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) remains limited
      in high malaria-burden countries, and there are concerns that the poorest people
      are particularly disadvantaged. This paper presents new evidence on household
      treatment-seeking behaviour in six African countries. These data provide a
      baseline for monitoring interventions to increase ACT coverage, such as the
      Affordable Medicines Facility for malaria (AMFm). METHODS: Nationally
      representative household surveys were conducted in Benin, the Democratic Republic
      of Congo (DRC), Madagascar, Nigeria, Uganda and Zambia between 2008 and 2010.
      Caregivers responded to questions about management of recent fevers in children
      under five. Treatment indicators were tabulated across countries, and differences
      in case management provided by the public versus private sector were examined
      using chi-square tests. Logistic regression was used to test for association
      between socioeconomic status and 1) malaria blood testing, and 2) ACT treatment.
      RESULTS: Fever treatment with an ACT is low in Benin (10%), the DRC (5%),
      Madagascar (3%) and Nigeria (5%), but higher in Uganda (21%) and Zambia (21%).
      The wealthiest children are significantly more likely to receive ACT compared to
      the poorest children in Benin (OR = 2.68, 95% CI = 1.12-6.42); the DRC (OR =
      2.18, 95% CI = 1.12-4.24); Madagascar (OR = 5.37, 95% CI = 1.58-18.24); and
      Nigeria (OR = 6.59, 95% CI = 2.73-15.89). Most caregivers seek treatment outside
      of the home, and private sector outlets are commonly the sole external source of
      treatment (except in Zambia). However, children treated in the public sector are
      significantly more likely to receive ACT treatment than those treated in the
      private sector (except in Madagascar). Nonetheless, levels of testing and ACT
      treatment in the public sector are low. Few caregivers name the national first
      line drug as most effective for treating malaria in Madagascar (2%), the DRC
      (2%), Nigeria (4%) and Benin (10%). Awareness is higher in Zambia (49%) and
      Uganda (33%). CONCLUSIONS: Levels of effective fever treatment are low and
      inequitable in many contexts. The private sector is frequently accessed however
      case management practices are relatively poor in comparison with the public
      sector. Supporting interventions to inform caregiver demand for ACT and to
      improve provider behaviour in both the public and private sectors are needed to
      achieve maximum gains in the context of improved access to effective treatment.

PMID- 22039894
TI  - Does rural residence limit access to mental health services?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Rural residence may reduce access to specialized mental health
      services. The objective of this study was to examine the role of rural residence
      in relation to service utilization. Using Canadian data collected in 2002,
      service use was examined as a function of the presence of anxiety or mood
      disorders and rural/urban residence. Use of four different types of professional
      mental health services was examined in relation to rural residence and additional
      demographic, social, and health status factors known to predict use of services.
      METHODS: Data were obtained from Statistics Canada's Canadian Mental Health
      Survey Cycle 1.2. Rural residence was defined as living in a rural community with
      a population of 1000 or less. For all participants, associations between the
      presence of anxiety or mood disorders, rural/urban residence, and any service use
      or use of specialized mental health services (psychiatry and psychology) were
      examined. For participants who had used professional services, associations were
      examined between 17 predictor variables, including location of residence, and the
      use of four types of service providers (family doctor or GP; nurse, social
      worker, counsellor, or psychotherapist; psychiatrist; or psychologist).
      Predictors included demographic, social, and health status variables. Cross
      tabulated counts and adjusted odds ratios with 99% confidence intervals based on
      bootstrapped variance estimates were used to evaluate predictors. RESULTS: Among
      the total sample (<em>n </em>= 35 140), 7.9% had used professional mental health
      services in the previous year. Among people who were likely to have had anxiety
      or mood disorders, rural or urban residence was not differentially related to
      past-year use of any professional services or specialized mental health services.
      Multivariate logistic regression was used to model factors predicting past year
      use of four different types of professional services. Location of residence was
      not a significant predictor of service utilization. Age, sex, race, level of
      education, degree of psychological distress, chronicity of distress, and the
      presence of anxiety or mood disorders predicted type of service used.
      CONCLUSIONS: The notion that rural residence limits access to mental health
      services was not supported. Other demographic and health status indicators such
      as age, sex, race, education, distress, and type of illness were more important
      predictors of service utilization. However, null findings related to geographic
      residence must be interpreted cautiously due to the small sample of rural
      residents who sought mental health services. The mental health system in Canada
      must provide a variety of professional services in order to meet the preferences
      of diverse groups, and mental health specialists must find ways to adequately
      support general practice physicians and counsellors who provide mental health
      services.

PMID- 22039895
TI  - The importance of hearing evaluation in the study of simulated visual impairment
      in speech reading abilities.

PMID- 22039896
TI  - Pressure ulcers: knowledge and attitude of nurses and nursing assistants in
      Belgian nursing homes.
AB  - AIMS: To gain insight into the knowledge and attitudes of nurses and nursing
      assistants and to study the correlation between knowledge, attitudes and the
      compliance with the pressure ulcer prevention guidelines provided to residents at
      risk of pressure ulcers in nursing homes. BACKGROUND: There is a lack of evidence
      on knowledge and attitudes of nurses and nursing assistants towards pressure
      ulcer prevention in nursing homes. DESIGN: A cross-sectional multi-centre study.
      METHODS: A convenience sample of nine Belgian nursing homes, representing 18
      wards was chosen in the study. In total, 145 nurses and nursing assistants were
      included. The compliance with the guidelines was evaluated in 615 residents, and
      data were collected using validated instruments. RESULTS: Fully compliant
      prevention was found in only 6.9% of the residents at risk. The mean knowledge
      score of the nurses was 29.3 vs. 28.7% for the nursing assistants. The overall
      attitude score was 74.5%, and attitude scores were significantly different
      between nurses and nursing assistants. Nurses showed to have a more positive
      attitude towards pressure ulcer prevention than nursing assistants, respectively
      78.3 and 72.3%. A more positive attitude was a significant predictor of pressure
      ulcer prevention compliance with the guidelines provided to residents at risk of
      pressure ulcers in nursing homes. CONCLUSIONS: Knowledge about pressure ulcer
      prevention of both nurses and nursing assistants in nursing homes was low.
      Attitudes were a significant predictor of the application of fully compliant
      prevention in residents at risk. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Pressure ulcer
      prevention is an important aspect in daily care for residents at risk in nursing
      homes. These insights will contribute to evidence-based practice in this area of
      care and will form the basis for the development of an education strategy for
      pressure ulcer prevention and management in nursing homes.

PMID- 22039898
TI  - Indirect fluorescence antibody studies of porcine cytomegalo virus infections in
      the Netherlands.
AB  - Summary   Sera from 683 pigs of 41 swine herds with clinical atrophic rhinitis (A
      R), from 477 pigs of 37 herds with no A R history, from 267 breeding sows and
      breeding boars for slaughtering, from 22 boars at an artifical insemination
      centre, and from 103 SPF pigs were tested for the presence of antibodies to
      porcine cytomegalo virus (PCMV).   The herds examined were spread all over the
      Netherlands.   For the presence of antibodies to PCM V the indirect fluorescence
      antibody test was used. To obtain the antigen, the PCMV had been grown in pig
      lung macrophage cultures in Petri dishes for 10-12 days. These macrophages were
      dropped into the wells of slides.   The serum dilution 1:20 of all the 103 sera
      from SPF pigs were negative, but 93 per cent of the other sera were positive. No
      marked differences were found between swine herds with clinical atrophic rhinitis
      and herds with no A R history. The FA titres in both types of herds seem to be at
      a comparable level.

PMID- 22039897
TI  - Green tea and theanine: health benefits.
AB  - Historically, the medicinal use of green tea dates back to China 4700 years ago
      and drinking tea continues to be regarded traditionally in Asia as a general
      healthful practice. Numerous scientific publications now attest to the health
      benefits of both black and green teas, including clinical and epidemiological
      studies. Although all tea contains beneficial antioxidants, high-quality green
      and white teas have them in greater concentrations than black tea. Today,
      scientists believe that the main active ingredients of green tea include the
      polyphenols, in particular the catechins and the amino acid, theanine. Studies on
      the health benefits of drinking tea, particularly green tea, are finding exciting
      results, particularly in cancer research. Modern studies in both Asia and the
      West have provided encouraging results indicating that drinking green tea
      contributes to fighting many different kinds of cancers including stomach,
      oesophageal, ovarian and colon. Recent studies describing the health benefits of
      these compounds will be reviewed.

PMID- 22039899
TI  - Feline mammary tumours and dysplasias conclusions based on personal studies and
      some suggestions for future research.
AB  - Summary   Feline mammary tumours and dysplasias were studied by various methods:
      morphological, electron-microscopical, immunological and virological.   The most
      important conclusion was that cats with mammary tumours (benign and malignant
      tumours and lesions, the significance of which is not known so far) may be
      suitable animal models for the study of certain features of human mammary
      tumours; for instance, the study of the relationship between particular
      histological and biological characteristics of mammary carcinoma and the
      prognosis; the study of the question whether a virus (or viruses) does (do) or
      does (do) not play a role in the pathogenesis or growth of mammary tumours; the
      study of the possible presence of specific cellular and/or humoral immunity to
      mammary tumours and the study of the possible effects of progestogens on the
      mammary gland.   As the study can not be regarded as a self-contained entity, it
      should be continued; this applies particularly to those parts of the study, that
      offer the best prospects for comparative investigations.

PMID- 22039901
TI  - Effect of zinc and molybdenum supplementation of the feed concentrate on the
      storage of copper in the liver of lambs.
AB  - Summary   During a 98-day trial, eight groups of eight male weanling Texel x
      Friesian milk sheep lambs were fed the same hay and concentrates, the latter
      differing only in the contents of Cu, Zn, and Mo.   At high (+/- 30 ppm) and
      moderately low (+/- 15 ppm) copper levels in the concentrates, additions of Zn
      (respectively 0, 150, and 340 ppm) and Mo (0 and 16 ppm) to the concentrates were
      studied with regard to effect on the accumulation of copper in the liver. At the
      higher copper level, the addition of 150 or 340ppm Zn resulted in a significant
      decrease of the Cu accumulation in the liver, while at a moderately low copper
      level the effect of these additions on the Cu accumulation was only slight. The
      two Zn doses given appeared to be equally effective in reducing the Cu
      accumulation. Additions of zinc did not increase liver and kidney Zn. The
      addition of Mo. resulted in higher levels of Mo in liver and kidney.   At either
      copper level the addition of 16 ppm Mo was more effective in reducing the Cu
      accumulation in the liver than the addition of 150 or 340 ppm Zn. The additions
      of Zn and Mo, had no visible influence on the health of the lambs. This agrees
      with the finding that the blood parameters (determination of haemoglobin,
      haematocryt, protein, copper, zinc, enzymes) and the growth of the lambs were in
      the normal range.   These results suggest that zinc may be a useful alternative
      to the somewhat toxic molybdenum as an additive to concentrates for sheep in
      preventing Cu intoxication.

PMID- 22039900
TI  - Skin test as herd diagnosis for Aujeszky's disease (Pseudorabies) in swine.
AB  - Summary   The value of a skin test for the diagnosis of Aujeszky's disease
      (pseudorabies) in swine was examined. Semipurified and concentrated antigens,
      obtained by ether/tween 80 inactivation of Aujeszky's disease virus, were
      inoculated intradermally into seronegative, experimentally infected and
      vaccinated swine and into pigs with maternal antibodies. A specific skin
      reaction, characterized by a visible indurated swelling, was observed within 24
      hours in animals with active immunity, No reaction was seen in pigs with maternal
      immunity or in seronegative uninfected and unvaccinated animals. In the infected
      and vaccinated groups, 89% and 58% respectively of the animals with
      seroneutralizing antibodies were positive by the skin test response. Positive
      reactions were observed as early as 8 days after the infection. All but one
      seronegative animals remained free of antibodies after 2 consecutive skin tests
      and the course of decline of maternal antibodies was not changed. An earlier skin
      test did not lead to sensitization for a later application. The present results,
      together with field experience on 8 farms, revealed that the skin test could be
      considered a reliable method for diagnosis of Aujeszky's disease in swine on a
      herd basis.

PMID- 22039902
TI  - Studies on bovine demodecosis in northern Nigeria.
AB  - Summary   The study reported in the present paper discusses the clinical and
      histological picture of bovine demodecosis and the morphology of Demodex mites as
      seen in four cows suffering from generalized demodecosis. There were no clinical
      signs of other skin affections.   Changes in both the number and the appearance
      of visible skin lesions were seen and related to the level of nutrition and the
      exposure to sunshine of the cattle. Histological sections of some skin nodules
      showed the presence of mite colonies in the hair follicles. Only adults were seen
      in the sebaceous glands.   Microscopical study of the morphology of the mites
      revealed the presence of two types of demodicids in the skin lesions and three
      types from epilated eyelashes. Morphological criteria are presented to aid in
      identification of species and of life stages.

PMID- 22039903
TI  - Squamous cell carcinoma of the equine stomach.
AB  - Summary   Both clinical and pathological features of seven horses suffering from
      a squamous cell carcinoma of the stomach are presented. The main complaints in
      the horses, aged six years or more, were loss both of weight and of condition.
      Metastases had often developed.   The diagnostic difficulties and possibilities
      are discussed.

PMID- 22039904
TI  - Cyanides and their toxicity: A literature review.
AB  - Summary   Cyanide is a potent and rapidly-acting asphyxiant which prevents tissue
      utilization of oxygen by inhibition of the cellular respiratory enzyme,
      cytochrome oxidase. Inhalation or ingestion of cyanide produces reactions within
      a few seconds and death within minutes. Cyanide toxicity of dietary origin has
      been implicated in acute animal deaths and as major etiologic factors in toxic
      ataxic neuropathy in man and as a cause of vision failure in humans suffering
      from tobacco amblyopia and leber's hereditary optic atrophy. Diagnosis of cyanide
      toxicity may be confirmed by a variety of laboratory procedures, but accurate
      assay is essential for proper conclusions from analysis of animal tissues several
      hours after death or from human samples in instances of chronic dietary exposure.
      Biological detoxification of cyanide is available through several routes, and the
      application of sodium nitrite with sodium thiosulfate or administration of
      methylene blue are effective treatment procedure. The environmental availability
      of cyanide in its various forms necessitates an understanding of its
      pathophysiology and responsible management of hazardous situations.

PMID- 22039905
TI  - On some factors influencing the output of the larvae of Prostrongylids of sheep
      in natural infections.
AB  - Summary   The output of first stage Protostrongvlid larvae of sheep was studied
      in natural infections. Three sets of observations were obtained from October 1977
      to December 1978 in three regions.   The larval output varied with the species
      harboured by sheep and with the density of worm populations. Anthelmintic
      treatments influenced the fecundity of worms. The age of the animals was an
      important cause of variation in the size of larval output; a rise of the latter
      was observed in pregnant ewes at the period of lambing. A seasonal variation in
      output was recorded.   The fauna was characterized by the high prevalence of
      Muellerius and Neostrongylus.

PMID- 22039906
TI  - Milk cell count in machine milked dairy goats.
AB  - Summary   Milk samples from 3 machine milked herds with 185 goats were examined
      for mastitis.   Bacteriologically positive results were very few but the cell
      counts were high. These findings are in contrast to the results obtained with
      cows' milk samples.

PMID- 22039908
TI  - Chemoenzymatic synthesis of each enantiomer of orthogonally protected 4,4
      difluoroglutamic acid: a candidate monomer for chiral Bronsted acid peptide-based
      catalysts.
AB  - We have accomplished an asymmetric synthesis of each enantiomer of 4,4
      difluoroglutamic acid. This alpha-amino acid has been of interest in medicinal
      chemistry circles. Key features of the synthesis include highly scalable
      procedures, a Reformatsky-based coupling reaction, and straightforward functional
      group manipulations to make the parent amino acid. Enantioenrichment derives from
      an enzymatic resolution of the synthetic material. Conversion of the optically
      enriched compounds to orthogonally protected forms allows for the selective
      formation of peptide bonds. 4,4-Difluoroglutamic acid, in a suitably protected
      form, is also shown to exhibit enhanced catalytic activity in both an oxidation
      reaction and a reduction reaction, in comparison to the analogous glutamic acid
      derivative.

PMID- 22039909
TI  - Differential ordering of the protein backbone and side chains during protein
      folding revealed by site-specific recombinant infrared probes.
AB  - The time scale for ordering of the polypeptide backbone relative to the side
      chains is a critical issue in protein folding. The interplay between ordering of
      the backbone and ordering of the side chains is particularly important for the
      formation of beta-sheet structures, as the polypeptide chain searches for the
      native stabilizing cross-strand interactions. We have studied these issues in the
      N-terminal domain of protein L9 (NTL9), a model protein with mixed alpha/beta
      structure. We have developed a general approach for introducing site-specific IR
      probes for the side chains (azide) and backbone ((13)C?(18)O) using recombinant
      protein expression. Temperature-jump time-resolved IR spectroscopy combined with
      site-specific labeling enables independent measurement of the respective backbone
      and side-chain dynamics with single residue resolution. We have found that side
      chain ordering in a key region of the beta-sheet structure occurs on a slower
      time scale than ordering of the backbone during the folding of NTL9, likely as a
      result of the transient formation of non-native side-chain interactions.

PMID- 22039911
TI  - Two novel frameshift mutations of the DSRAD gene in Chinese pedigrees with
      dyschromatosis symmetrica hereditaria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dyschromatosis symmetrica hereditaria (DSH) is an autosomal dominant
      disorder characterized by a mixture of hyperpigmented and hypopigmented macules
      localized on the back of the extremities and caused by the mutations in the DSRAD
      gene. METHODS: Two Chinese pedigrees of typical DSH were subjected to mutation
      detection in DSRAD. Direct sequencing of all PCR products of the whole coding
      regions of DSRAD was performed to identify the mutation. RESULTS: The c.1615delG
      (p.V539fs) mutation was found in the affected members but not in the healthy
      individuals in family 1 and the c.ins1372-9 CCACAGAT (p.D458fs) mutation was
      found in patients but not in the healthy members of family 2. CONCLUSION: Our
      study found two novel frameshift mutations in the DSRAD gene. We add new variants
      to the knowledge of DSRAD mutations in DSH.

PMID- 22039910
TI  - Development and characterization of a novel C-terminal inhibitor of Hsp90 in
      androgen dependent and independent prostate cancer cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The molecular chaperone, heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) has been shown
      to be overexpressed in a number of cancers, including prostate cancer, making it
      an important target for drug discovery. Unfortunately, results with N-terminal
      inhibitors from initial clinical trials have been disappointing, as toxicity and
      resistance resulting from induction of the heat shock response (HSR) has led to
      both scheduling and administration concerns. Therefore, Hsp90 inhibitors that do
      not induce the heat shock response represent a promising new direction for the
      treatment of prostate cancer. Herein, the development of a C-terminal Hsp90
      inhibitor, KU174, is described, which demonstrates anti-cancer activity in
      prostate cancer cells in the absence of a HSR and describe a novel approach to
      characterize Hsp90 inhibition in cancer cells. METHODS: PC3-MM2 and LNCaP-LN3
      cells were used in both direct and indirect in vitro Hsp90 inhibition assays
      (DARTS, Surface Plasmon Resonance, co-immunoprecipitation, luciferase, Western
      blot, anti-proliferative, cytotoxicity and size exclusion chromatography) to
      characterize the effects of KU174 in prostate cancer cells. Pilot in vivo
      efficacy studies were also conducted with KU174 in PC3-MM2 xenograft studies.
      RESULTS: KU174 exhibits robust anti-proliferative and cytotoxic activity along
      with client protein degradation and disruption of Hsp90 native complexes without
      induction of a HSR. Furthermore, KU174 demonstrates direct binding to the Hsp90
      protein and Hsp90 complexes in cancer cells. In addition, in pilot in-vivo proof
      of-concept studies KU174 demonstrates efficacy at 75 mg/kg in a PC3-MM2 rat tumor
      model. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, these findings suggest C-terminal Hsp90 inhibitors
      have potential as therapeutic agents for the treatment of prostate cancer.

PMID- 22039912
TI  - Physicochemical characterization of particulate emissions from a compression
      ignition engine: the influence of biodiesel feedstock.
AB  - This study undertook a physicochemical characterization of particle emissions
      from a single compression ignition engine operated at one test mode with 3
      biodiesel fuels made from 3 different feedstocks (i.e., soy, tallow, and canola)
      at 4 different blend percentages (20%, 40%, 60%, and 80%) to gain insights into
      their particle-related health effects. Particle physical properties were inferred
      by measuring particle number size distributions both with and without heating
      within a thermodenuder (TD) and also by measuring particulate matter (PM)
      emission factors with an aerodynamic diameter less than 10 MUm (PM(10)). The
      chemical properties of particulates were investigated by measuring particle and
      vapor phase Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and also Reactive Oxygen
      Species (ROS) concentrations. The particle number size distributions showed
      strong dependency on feedstock and blend percentage with some fuel types showing
      increased particle number emissions, while others showed particle number
      reductions. In addition, the median particle diameter decreased as the blend
      percentage was increased. Particle and vapor phase PAHs were generally reduced
      with biodiesel, with the results being relatively independent of the blend
      percentage. The ROS concentrations increased monotonically with biodiesel blend
      percentage but did not exhibit strong feedstock variability. Furthermore, the ROS
      concentrations correlated quite well with the organic volume percentage of
      particles - a quantity which increased with increasing blend percentage. At
      higher blend percentages, the particle surface area was significantly reduced,
      but the particles were internally mixed with a greater organic volume percentage
      (containing ROS) which has implications for using surface area as a regulatory
      metric for diesel particulate matter (DPM) emissions.

PMID- 22039913
TI  - Understanding the pH-dependent behavior of graphene oxide aqueous solutions: a
      comparative experimental and molecular dynamics simulation study.
AB  - Understanding the pH-dependent behavior of graphene oxide (GO) aqueous solutions
      is important to the production of assembled GO or reduced GO films for
      electronic, optical, and biological applications. We have carried out a
      comparative experimental and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation study to uncover
      the mechanisms behind the aggregation and the surface activity of GO at different
      pH values. At low pH, the carboxyl groups are protonated such that the GO sheets
      become less hydrophilic and form aggregates. MD simulations further suggest that
      the aggregates exhibit a GO-water-GO sandwichlike structure and as a result are
      stable in water instead of precipitating. However, at high pH, the deprotonated
      carboxyl groups are very hydrophilic such that individual GO sheets prefer to
      dissolve in bulk water like a regular salt. The GO aggregates formed at low pH
      are found to be surface-active and do not exhibit characteristic features of
      surfactant micelles. Our findings suggest that GO does not behave like
      conventional surfactants in pH 1 and 14 aqueous solutions. The molecular-level
      understanding of the solution behavior of GO presented here can facilitate and
      improve the experimental techniques used to synthesize and sort large, uniform GO
      dispersions in a solution phase.

PMID- 22039914
TI  - Selective activation of heme oxygenase-2 by menadione.
AB  - While substantial progress has been made in elucidating the roles of heme
      oxygenases-1 (HO-1) and -2 (HO-2) in mammals, our understanding of the functions
      of these enzymes in health and disease is still incomplete. A significant amount
      of our knowledge has been garnered through the use of nonselective inhibitors of
      HOs, and our laboratory has recently described more selective inhibitors for HO
      1. In addition, our appreciation of HO-1 has benefitted from the availability of
      tools for increasing its activity through enzyme induction. By comparison, there
      is a paucity of information about HO-2 activation, with only a few reports
      appearing in the literature. This communication describes our observations of the
      up to 30-fold increase in the in-vitro activation of HO-2 by menadione. This
      activation was due to an increase in Vmax and was selective, in that menadione
      did not increase HO-1 activity. 

PMID- 22039915
TI  - Analysis of abstracts presented at the prosthodontic research section of IADR
      General Sessions 2004-2005: demographics, publication rates, and factors
      contributing to publication.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purposes of this study were to describe the demographics of
      abstracts presented at the prosthodontics section of IADR General Sessions from
      2004 to 2005, evaluate the publication rate of abstracts, and analyze the
      relationship between variables in abstracts and publication. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Prosthodontics research section abstracts from the IADR General Session
      in 2004 and 2005 were evaluated for: number of authors, presentation type,
      origin, affiliation, topic, study design, statistics, study outcome, and funding.
      The publication rate was calculated following a PubMed search. The journal of
      publication, year of publication, and the length of time before publication were
      analyzed. Descriptive statistics were used for the data analysis; the
      relationships between presentation type, study design, study outcome, statistics,
      funding, and publication were analyzed using logistic regression (alpha= 0.05).
      RESULTS: From 346 abstracts, 37.0% were published. For oral presentations, 40.7%
      were published; 35.8% of poster presentations were published. The mean duration
      before publication was 26.4 months. North America had the most abstracts, and
      Europe had the most publications. Fixed prosthodontic research had the highest
      number and proportion for publication. A significant association with publication
      was noted for neutral study outcomes (p= 0.018), studies with funding (p= 0.035),
      and abstracts from Europe (p= 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The majority of abstracts from
      the prosthodontics research section of IADR General Sessions from 2004 and 2005
      remain unpublished. A significant association for publication was noted with
      neutral outcomes, funding, and abstracts from Europe.

PMID- 22039916
TI  - Can sputum collection practices for tuberculosis improve laboratory diagnosis of
      pneumonic plague in developing countries?
AB  - Africa reports 90% of human plague cases yet no guidelines currently exist for
      the safe and accurate collection of sputum from patients with suspected pneumonic
      plague. Using existing tuberculosis guidelines as a model and in conjunction with
      epidemiological and clinical features of pneumonic plague, the authors describe
      the importance of formal guidelines to enhance sputum collection practices and
      improve safety in developing countries. A model for suggested guidelines is
      given.

PMID- 22039917
TI  - Online recognition of music is influenced by relative and absolute pitch
      information.
AB  - Three experiments explored online recognition in a nonspeech domain, using a
      novel experimental paradigm. Adults learned to associate abstract shapes with
      particular melodies, and at test they identified a played melody's associated
      shape. To implicitly measure recognition, visual fixations to the associated
      shape versus a distractor shape were measured as the melody played. Degree of
      similarity between associated melodies was varied to assess what types of pitch
      information adults use in recognition. Fixation and error data suggest that
      adults naturally recognize music, like language, incrementally, computing matches
      to representations before melody offset, despite the fact that music, unlike
      language, provides no pressure to execute recognition rapidly. Further, adults
      use both absolute and relative pitch information in recognition. The implicit
      nature of the dependent measure should permit use with a range of populations to
      evaluate postulated developmental and evolutionary changes in pitch encoding.

PMID- 22039918
TI  - Enhanced hot-carrier cooling and ultrafast spectral diffusion in strongly coupled
      PbSe quantum-dot solids.
AB  - PbSe quantum-dot solids are of great interest for low cost and efficient
      photodetectors and solar cells. We have prepared PbSe quantum-dot solids with
      high charge carrier mobilities using layer-by-layer dip-coating with 1,2
      ethanediamine as substitute capping ligands. Here we present a time and energy
      resolved transient absorption spectroscopy study on the kinetics of
      photogenerated charge carriers, focusing on 0-5 ps after photoexcitation. We
      compare the observed carrier kinetics to those for quantum dots in dispersion and
      show that the intraband carrier cooling is significantly faster in quantum-dot
      solids. In addition we find that carriers diffuse from higher to lower energy
      sites in the quantum-dot solid within several picoseconds.

PMID- 22039919
TI  - Protective effect of folic acid on cyclosporine-induced bone loss in rats.
AB  - Hyperhomocysteinemia is seen in patients with decreased bone mineral density.
      Cyclosporine can cause alveolar bone loss and osteopenia. It is also associated
      with elevated serum homocysteine levels. We aimed to investigate the effect of
      cyclosporine on serum homocysteine level, bone volume, and bone density, and
      determine whether folic acid had a protective effect against bone loss. In an
      experimental study, 40 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to five
      groups and received dietary supplementation for 6 weeks with olive oil (Group A),
      cyclosporine (Group B), folic acid (Group C), and cyclosporine plus folic acid
      (Group D), or no supplementation (Group F, control). Serum homocysteine, calcium,
      alkaline phosphatase, total bone volume, periodontal ligament volume, and volume
      density of bone were compared between groups. Mean serum homocysteine level
      (10.84 +/- 0.93 MUmol/l) was significantly higher in group B (cyclosporine
      supplementation) compared with the other groups (P = 0.001). Mean total
      mandibular volume was 46.3 +/- 13.6 mm(3) in rats treated with cyclosporine, 80.4
      +/- 15.70 mm(3) in rats treated with folic acid (P = 0.004), and 73.9 +/- 21.3
      mm(3) in rats treated with cyclosporine plus folic acid (P = 0.028). In our
      experimental model, cyclosporine increased serum homocysteine levels and
      decreased bone volume and density. Folic acid may have a preventive role against
      bone loss in rats treated with cyclosporine.

PMID- 22039920
TI  - Phosphorodiamidates as a promising new phosphate prodrug motif for antiviral drug
      discovery: application to anti-HCV agents.
AB  - We herein report phosphorodiamidates as a significant new phosphate prodrug
      motif. Sixty-seven phosphorodiamidates are reported of two 6-O-alkyl 2'-C-methyl
      guanosines, with significant variation in the diamidate structure. Both
      symmetrical and asymmetric phosphorodiamidates are reported, derived from various
      esterified amino acids, both d and l, and also from various simple amines. All of
      the compounds were evaluated versus hepatitis C virus in replicon assay, and
      nanomolar activity levels were observed. Many compounds were noncytotoxic at 100
      MUM, leading to high antiviral selectivities. The agents are stable in acidic,
      neutral, and moderately basic media and in selected biological media but show
      efficient processing by carboxypeptidases and efficiently yield the free
      nucleoside monophosphate in cells. On the basis of in vitro data, eight leads
      were selected for additional in vivo evaluation, with the intent of selecting one
      candidate for progression toward clinical studies. This phosphorodiamidate
      prodrug method may have broad application outside of HCV and antivirals as it
      offers many of the advantages of phosphoramidate ProTides but without the
      chirality issues present in most cases.

PMID- 22039921
TI  - Chemical and structural status of copper associated with oxygenic and anoxygenic
      phototrophs and heterotrophs: possible evolutionary consequences.
AB  - Copper adsorption on the surface and intracellular uptake inside the cells of
      four representative taxons of soil and aquatic micro-organisms: aerobic
      rhizospheric heterotrophs (Pseudomonas aureofaciens), anoxygenic (Rhodovulum
      steppense) and oxygenic (cyanobacteria Gloeocapsa sp. and freshwater diatoms
      Navicula minima) phototrophs were studied in a wide range of pH, copper
      concentration, and time of exposure. Chemical status of adsorbed and assimilated
      Cu was investigated using in situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy. In case of
      adsorbed copper, XANES spectra demonstrated significant fractions of Cu(I) likely
      in the form of tri-coordinate complexes with O/N and/or S ligands. Upon short
      term reversible adsorption at all four studied micro-organisms' cell surface,
      Cu(II) is coordinated by 4.0 +/- 0.5 planar oxygens at an average distance of
      1.97 +/- 0.02 A, which is tentatively assigned to the carboxylate groups. The
      atomic environment of copper incorporated into diatoms and cyanobacteria during
      long-term growth is similar to that of the adsorbed metal with slightly shorter
      distances to the first O/N neighbor (1.95 A). In contrast to the common view of
      Cu status in phototrophic micro-organisms, XAFS failed to detect sulfur in the
      nearest atomic environment of Cu assimilated by freshwater plankton
      (cyanobacteria) and periphyton (diatoms). The appearance of S in Cu 1st
      coordination shell at 2.27-2.32 A was revealed only after long-term interaction
      of Cu with anoxygenic phototrophs (and Cu uptake by soil heterotrophs),
      suggesting Cu scavenging in the form of sulfhydryl, histidine/carboxyl or a
      mixture of carboxylate and sulfhydryl complexes. These new structural constraints
      suggest that adsorbed Cu(II) is partially reduced to Cu(I) already at the cell
      surface, where as intracellular Cu uptake and storage occur in the form of both
      Cu(I)-S linked proteins and Cu(II) carboxylates. Obtained results allow to better
      understand how, in the course of biological evolution, micro-organisms elaborated
      various mechanisms of Cu uptake and storage, from passive adsorption and uptake
      to active, protein-controlled surface reduction, and intracellular storage.

PMID- 22039922
TI  - Case management of malaria fever in Cambodia: results from national anti-malarial
      outlet and household surveys.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Continued progress towards global reduction in morbidity and
      mortality due to malaria requires scale-up of effective case management with
      artemisinin-combination therapy (ACT). The first case of artemisinin resistance
      in Plasmodium falciparum was documented in western Cambodia. Spread of
      artemisinin resistance would threaten recent gains in global malaria control. As
      such, the anti-malarial market and malaria case management practices in Cambodia
      have global significance. METHODS: Nationally-representative household and outlet
      surveys were conducted in 2009 among areas in Cambodia with malaria risk. An anti
      malarial audit was conducted among all public and private outlets with the
      potential to sell anti-malarials. Indicators on availability, price and relative
      volumes sold/distributed were calculated across types of anti-malarials and
      outlets. The household survey collected information about management of recent
      "malaria fevers." Case management in the public versus private sector, and anti
      malarial treatment based on malaria diagnostic testing were examined. RESULTS:
      Most public outlets (85%) and nearly half of private pharmacies, clinics and drug
      stores stock ACT. Oral artemisinin monotherapy was found in pharmacies/clinics
      (9%), drug stores (14%), mobile providers (4%) and grocery stores (2%). Among
      total anti-malarial volumes sold/distributed nationally, 6% are artemisinin
      monotherapies and 72% are ACT. Only 45% of people with recent "malaria fever"
      reportedly receive a diagnostic test, and the most common treatment acquired is a
      drug cocktail containing no identifiable anti-malarial. A self-reported positive
      diagnostic test, particularly when received in the public sector, improves
      likelihood of receiving anti-malarial treatment. Nonetheless, anti-malarial
      treatment of reportedly positive cases is low among people who seek treatment
      exclusively in the public (61%) and private (42%) sectors. CONCLUSIONS: While
      data on the anti-malarial market shows favourable progress towards replacing
      artemisinin monotherapies with ACT, the widespread use of drug cocktails to treat
      malaria is a barrier to effective case management. Significant achievements have
      been made in availability of diagnostic testing and effective treatment in the
      public and private sectors. However, interventions to improve case management are
      urgently required, particularly in the private sector. Evidence-based
      interventions that target provider and consumer behaviour are needed to support
      uptake of diagnostic testing and treatment with full-course first-line anti
      malarials.

PMID- 22039923
TI  - Why are some patients admitted to psychiatric hospital while others are not? A
      study assessing risk during the admission interview and relationship to outcome.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine what patient characteristics are used to
      decide whether a patient is or is not admitted to a psychiatric hospital, and
      what happens to those not admitted. A further aim was to determine if high levels
      of risk on admission predict seclusions, length of stay, or readmission within 28
      days. Data were collected prospectively on consecutive presentations to an
      admission office via case notes and electronic databases. Eighty percent
      (100/127) of the adults presenting to the admission office over a typical month
      were admitted to hospital. Patients were more likely to be admitted if they were
      experiencing psychosis or exacerbation of schizophrenia, referred by other
      doctors or mental health teams, had a legal reason for referral, or if they were
      homeless. There was no association between risk for violence or suicide and
      seclusion rates, length of stay, or being readmitted within 28 days. It was
      reassuring to find that 85% of those not admitted were referred to other mental
      health providers, and none required admission over the following month. This
      study found high rates of seclusion and readmissions within 1 year, which
      requires further study to find strategies to reduce these rates.

PMID- 22039924
TI  - Comparative genomics of Helicobacter pylori and the human-derived Helicobacter
      bizzozeronii CIII-1 strain reveal the molecular basis of the zoonotic nature of
      non-pylori gastric Helicobacter infections in humans.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The canine Gram-negative Helicobacter bizzozeronii is one of seven
      species in Helicobacter heilmannii sensu lato that are detected in 0.17-2.3% of
      the gastric biopsies of human patients with gastric symptoms. At the present, H.
      bizzozeronii is the only non-pylori gastric Helicobacter sp. cultivated from
      human patients and is therefore a good alternative model of human gastric
      Helicobacter disease. We recently sequenced the genome of the H. bizzozeronii
      human strain CIII-1, isolated in 2008 from a 47-year old Finnish woman suffering
      from severe dyspeptic symptoms. In this study, we performed a detailed
      comparative genome analysis with H. pylori, providing new insights into non
      pylori Helicobacter infections and the mechanisms of transmission between the
      primary animal host and humans. RESULTS: H. bizzozeronii possesses all the genes
      necessary for its specialised life in the stomach. However, H. bizzozeronii
      differs from H. pylori by having a wider metabolic flexibility in terms of its
      energy sources and electron transport chain. Moreover, H. bizzozeronii harbours a
      higher number of methyl-accepting chemotaxis proteins, allowing it to respond to
      a wider spectrum of environmental signals. In this study, H. bizzozeronii has
      been shown to have high level of genome plasticity. We were able to identify a
      total of 43 contingency genes, 5 insertion sequences (ISs), 22 mini-IS elements,
      1 genomic island and a putative prophage. Although H. bizzozeronii lacks
      homologues of some of the major H. pylori virulence genes, other candidate
      virulence factors are present. In particular, we identified a polysaccharide
      lyase (HBZC1_15820) as a potential new virulence factor of H. bizzozeronii.
      CONCLUSIONS: The comparative genome analysis performed in this study increased
      the knowledge of the biology of gastric Helicobacter species. In particular, we
      propose the hypothesis that the high metabolic versatility and the ability to
      react to a range of environmental signals, factors which differentiate H.
      bizzozeronii as well as H. felis and H. suis from H. pylori, are the molecular
      basis of the of the zoonotic nature of H. heilmannii sensu lato infection in
      humans.

PMID- 22039925
TI  - Grain dormancy and light quality effects on germination in the model grass
      Brachypodium distachyon.
AB  - * Lack of grain dormancy in cereal crops such as barley and wheat is a common
      problem affecting farming areas around the world, causing losses in yield and
      quality because of preharvest sprouting. Control of seed or grain dormancy has
      been investigated extensively using various approaches in different species,
      including Arabidopsis and cereals. However, the use of a monocot model plant such
      as Brachypodium distachyon presents opportunities for the discovery of new genes
      related to grain dormancy that are not present in modern commercial crops. * In
      this work we present an anatomical description of the Brachypodium caryopsis, and
      we describe the dormancy behaviour of six common diploid Brachypodium inbred
      genotypes. We also study the effect of light quality (blue, red and far-red) on
      germination, and analyse changes in abscisic acid levels and gene expression
      between a dormant and a non-dormant Brachypodium genotype. * Our results indicate
      that different genotypes display high natural variability in grain dormancy and
      that the characteristics of dormancy and germination are similar to those found
      in other cereals. * We propose that Brachypodium is an ideal model for studies of
      grain dormancy in grasses and can be used to identify new strategies for
      increasing grain dormancy in crop species.

PMID- 22039926
TI  - Mass spectrometry based on a coupled Cooper-pair box and nanomechanical resonator
      system.
AB  - Nanomechanical resonators (NRs) with very high frequency have a great potential
      for mass sensing with unprecedented sensitivity. In this study, we propose a
      scheme for mass sensing based on the NR capacitively coupled to a Cooper-pair box
      (CPB) driven by two microwave currents. The accreted mass landing on the
      resonator can be measured conveniently by tracking the resonance frequency shifts
      because of mass changes in the signal absorption spectrum. We demonstrate that
      frequency shifts induced by adsorption of ten 1587 bp DNA molecules can be well
      resolved in the absorption spectrum. Integration with the CPB enables capacitive
      readout of the mechanical resonance directly on the chip.

PMID- 22039929
TI  - Methoxy stilbenes as potent, specific, untransported, and noncytotoxic inhibitors
      of breast cancer resistance protein.
AB  - The ABCG2 multidrug transporter is known to confer cancer cell multidrug
      resistance by causing the efflux of anticancer drugs; therefore, selective
      inhibitors have the potential to improve chemotherapeutic treatments. Here,
      various methoxy derivatives of resveratrol are shown to be potent inhibitors of
      mitoxantrone efflux by ABCG2: among a series of 11 derivatives, compound 9
      (3,5,3',4'-tetramethoxy trans-stilbene) had an IC(50) of 0.16 MUM and showed a
      maximal inhibition of 75%, as measured by flow cytometry. It was not transported,
      as shown by HPLC fractionation and mass spectrometry titration and the lack of
      any cross-resistance in cell survival experiments. Compound 9 had a very low
      intrinsic cytotoxicity and was able to chemosensitize the growth of resistant
      ABCG2-transfected HEK293 cells at submicromolar concentrations. Drug-efflux
      inhibition was specific for ABCG2 since very low effects were observed with ABCB1
      and ABCC1. The action mechanism of compound 9 was different from that of
      GF120918, which produced a complete and partly competitive but not ABCG2-specific
      inhibition, since ABCB1 was even more strongly inhibited. The two inhibitors also
      displayed different effects on the ABCG2 vanadate-sensitive ATPase activity,
      suggesting that they either bound to distinct sites or induced different
      conformational changes. Mitoxantrone efflux was fully inhibited by combining low
      concentrations of compound 9 with either GF120918 or a transport substrate such
      as prazosin or nilotinib. We conclude that methoxy derivatives of stilbene are
      good candidates for investigating future in vivo modulation of ABCG2 drug-efflux
      activity.

PMID- 22039930
TI  - Panax ginseng, Rhodiola rosea and Schisandra chinensis.
AB  - Panax ginseng (Ginseng), Rhodiola rosea (Hong Jing Tian) and Schisandra chinensis
      (Wu Wei Zi) are well-known herbs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Recently,
      there have been a number of studies on these three herbs. This review discusses
      their active components and major pharmacological effects. For P. ginseng, it has
      been shown to have an anti-inflammatory activity, affects pulmonary function and
      erectile dysfunction, improves cognition in patients with Alzheimer's disease and
      promotes sexual arousal in menopausal women as well as prevents cancer. For R.
      rosea, its effectiveness in alleviating depression and reducing fatigue is
      summarized in this review. Additionally, anti-cancer and other clinical effects
      of S. chinensis are also discussed. These three herbs are considered as
      adaptogens as they bear multiple functions and their effects were found to be
      very different in patients depending on the circumstances (age, gender,
      environment, diet, season, etc.). Thus, in most cases, the art of the TCM
      practitioner is to prescribe these herbs after a complete evaluation of overall
      heath status of the patients.

PMID- 22039931
TI  - Neurotoxin II bound to acetylcholine receptors in native membranes studied by
      dynamic nuclear polarization NMR.
AB  - Methods enabling structural studies of membrane-integrated receptor systems
      without the necessity of purification provide an attractive perspective in
      membrane protein structural and molecular biology. This has become feasible in
      principle since the advent of dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) magic-angle
      spinning NMR spectroscopy, which delivers the required sensitivity. In this pilot
      study, we observed well-resolved solid-state NMR spectra of extensively (13)C
      labeled neurotoxin II bound to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) in
      native membranes. We show that TOTAPOL, a biradical required for DNP, is
      localized at membrane and protein surfaces. The concentration of active, membrane
      attached biradical decreases with time, probably because of reactive components
      of the membrane preparation. An optimal distribution of active biradical has
      strong effects on the NMR data. The presence of inactive TOTAPOL in membrane
      proximal situations but active biradical in the surrounding water/glycerol
      "glass" leads to well-resolved spectra, yet a considerable enhancement (epsilon =
      12) is observed. The resulting spectra of a protein ligand bound to its receptor
      are paving the way for further DNP investigations of proteins embedded in native
      membrane patches.

PMID- 22039932
TI  - Does a Coeliac School increase psychological well-being in women suffering from
      coeliac disease, living on a gluten-free diet?
AB  - AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of an active method of patient education
      on the psychological well-being of women with coeliac disease in remission.
      BACKGROUND: Despite remission with a gluten-free diet, adults with coeliac
      disease and especially women experience a subjective poor health. Self-management
      education seems to be promising tool to help patients suffering from coeliac
      disease to cope with their disorder. DESIGN: A randomised controlled trial.
      METHODS: A total of 106 women, >= 20 years, with confirmed coeliac disease, who
      had been on a gluten-free diet for a minimum of five years. The intervention
      group (n = 54) underwent a 10-session educational programme, 'Coeliac School',
      based on problem-based learning. The controls (n = 52) received information
      regarding coeliac disease sent home on a regular basis. The primary outcomes were
      psychological general well-being measured with a validated questionnaire.
      RESULTS: Participants in the Coeliac School reported a significant improvement in
      psychological well-being at 10 weeks, whereas the controls given usual care
      reported a worsening in psychological well-being. After six months, a significant
      improvement remained for the index of vitality. CONCLUSIONS: Patient education
      increased psychological well-being in women with coeliac disease. There is a need
      to refine the methods of patient education to make the effects of well-being more
      pronounced over time. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Patient education using
      problem-based learning promotes self-management in coeliac disease by improving
      the well-being of patients who have been struggling with the gluten-free diet for
      years.

PMID- 22039933
TI  - Torsion of the abomasum in ruminants: Diagrammatic representation of rotary
      movements based on post-mortem findings.
AB  - Summary    A theoretical analysis of the types of displacement of the abomasum in
      the abdomen is presented based on a stud of forty-seven post-mortem examinations
      of calves, cows, lambs and sheep showing right-sided abomasal displacement and
      production of knots. These displacements are quantified following the
      introduction of a dual-axial system. One system (XYZ) related to displacements of
      the abomasum on a pendulum model, the point of suspension being situated on the
      visceral surface of the liver and the arms consisting of parts of the digestive
      tract adjacent to the abomasum. The other system (x (1) y (1)z(1) ) comprises
      axes centered on the abomasum, about which this organ was able to rotate without
      changing its position in the abdomen.     In order to make quantification of the
      displacements and deformations possible, the term twine is introduced. Twining
      results from interlacing of sections of the digestive tract, which are not
      normally adjacent. This limits the concept of torsion to helices appearing in the
      pyloro-duodenal region and the omaso-abomasal junction. To identify the various
      forms of abomasal displacement, a new terminology is introduced and basic
      elements suggested to make quantifications possible.

PMID- 22039934
TI  - Coronavirus infection in a litter of pups.
AB  - Summary   An outbreak of a coronavirus infection in a litter of 10-week-old
      poodle pups from a commercial kennel is described. Coronavirus-like particles
      were demonstrated by electron microscopy in the intestinal contents and in the
      colonic mucosa. Treponemas and campylobacters were excreted in great numbers in
      the faeces. The gastrointestinal disturbances were complicated by hepatic and
      renal degeneration and severe bronchopneumonia.

PMID- 22039935
TI  - A seroepizootiologic study of vomiting and wasting disease virus in pigs.
AB  - Summary   Neutralizing antibodies to Vomiting and Wasting Disease virus were
      found in 95 per cent of the sera collected from Belgian sows at slaughter.
      Piglets suckled by immune sows and kept in isolation acquired maternal
      antibodies; these had disappeared in all the animals at the age of 15 weeks. Most
      pigs had lost their maternal antibodies at the age of 11 or 12 weeks
      (respectively 57 per cent or 86 per cent). A serologic study on two conventional
      breeding farms showed that this passive immunity was replaced by active immunity
      between the ages of 8 and 16 weeks. No clinical disturbances appeared to be
      associated with the infection. The present data indicate that Vomiting and
      Wasting Disease virus persists on the majority of the conventional breeding
      farms.

PMID- 22039936
TI  - Nitrate poisoning in cattle.
AB  - Summary   In a series of experiments the effect of administering KNO(2) was
      studied, during parturition, on the capability of oxygen transport of maternal
      blood and on oxygen transfer to foetal blood. The following blood parameters were
      analysed, MHb percentage, pO(2), O(2)-saturation, pH, pCO(2), and (NO(2)) in
      maternal arterial blood (carotid art.) and venous blood (jugular vein) and in
      foetal arterial blood (umbilical art.) and venous blood (umbilical vein). The
      relative O(2)-saturation was calculated from the estimated O(2)-saturation by
      multiplying with the factor Hb (mmol/1) minus MHb (mmol/1), divided by Hb
      (mmol/1). In addition, blood pressure in the carotid artery, heart rate, and
      respiration rate in the dam were continuously recorded for some hours.   A dosage
      of 9 to 12 mg of NO(2)/kg body weight intravenously or of 30 mg of NO(2)/kg body
      weight orally to the dam caused much higher MHb percentages and NO(2) contents in
      the maternal blood than in the foetal blood. In maternal blood the ratio of NO(2)
      content td MHb percentage was proportional to that in foetal blood. In the
      arterial blood, MHb percentages were almost as high as in the venous blood. After
      administering of nitrite, relative O(2)-saturation dropped simultaneously with
      the increase in methaemoglobin.   Nitrite treatment caused a drop in the maternal
      blood pressure; heart rate and respiration rate increased. O(2)-saturation in the
      blood in the umbilical vein was much lower in the animals with nitrite treatment
      than in those without. These experimental results show clearly that the oxygen
      capacity of the blood decreases after nitrite treatment. In pregnant cows the
      oxygen supply to the foetus will be adversely affected after nitrate intake,
      especially by the lower oxygen transfer via the placenta, though hardly at all by
      methaemoglobin formation in the foetal blood.   When the oxygen transfer to the
      foetal blood decreases too sharply, intra-uterine death and ultimately abortion
      may result.

PMID- 22039937
TI  - Genuine concurrent muscular subvalvular subaortic stenosis and muscular
      infundibular stenosis of the right ventricle in the heart of the pig.
AB  - Summary   Two cases of genuine concurrent muscular subvalvular aortic and
      muscular infundibular pulmonary stenosis in pigs are reported. The character of
      this morphophy-siological syndrome is discussed.   The morphology of the heart of
      the pig predisposes this animal to the syndrome.

PMID- 22039938
TI  - Immunological aspects of some parasitic infections.
AB  - Summary    In this review article, some recent developments in the immunology of
      parasitic infections are presented. After an introduction in which the major
      human parasitic infectious diseases, including malaria, african and american
      trypanosomiasis, leishmaniasis, filariasis an schistosomiasis are mentioned, a
      description of the host / parasite relationship in malaria presented. The
      possibility for the development of vaccins against malaria are described. The
      close relation between the immunological responses and the inflammatory reactions
      present both in Schistosoma mansoni and Trichinella spiralis infections is
      stressed. Particularly the recently recognized direct anti-parasitic activity of
      eosinophils was emphasized.     Next, ways of escape of parasites from the host
      defence were described, with special emphasis on the immunomodulating properties
      of parasitic infections. Finally, the development and improvement of new
      immunodiagnostic methods, including the detection of circulating antigens were
      discussed.

PMID- 22039939
TI  - Egg transmission of egg drop syndrome 1976 virus in fowl.
AB  - Summary    Egg transmission of egg drop syndrome 1976 virus (BC14 virus) in fowl
      was demonstrated in the second and third week after experimental infection. Eggs
      of BC14 virus infected hens were incubated weekly after disinfection with
      formaline gas. After 18 days of incubation, eggs with live embryos were
      homogenized. This egg material was fed to adult hens, housed in isolators.    
      Seroconversion in these birds demonstrated egg transmission.     It is suggested
      that egg transmission occurs as a result of viremia.

PMID- 22039940
TI  - The reaction of imported British Shire horses to African Horse Sickness: A case
      report.
AB  - Summary    Twelve (12) heavy horses of the Shire breed imported into Nigeria in
      1974 died within two months after importation. This was because of inclement
      weather and non-availability of AHS vaccine.

PMID- 22039942
TI  - Our Jungian heritage.

PMID- 22039943
TI  - What is The Red Book for analytical psychology?
AB  - The Red Book enters the field of analytical psychology belatedly, yet presents
      itself as a foundational text. In this paper, I try to estimate how it will
      affect the field and to reflect on how it can be used by contemporary readers and
      clinicians. Jung's own works remain the baseline for theorizing and teaching the
      fundamental perspectives of analytical psychology, and yet the field has grown
      far beyond his own contributions. Is this late inheritance of central value or
      only of peripheral interest for the field? It can be used in various ways and
      certainly shows many interesting features that link it to Jung's later works, but
      does it detract or does it add? And if it adds, what does it add? In The Red
      Book, Jung is speaking to us from the grave. What is he saying? In this paper, I
      explore how it can be used as an inspirational text for keeping alive the spirit
      of the ancestors in the field and for linking the present to the deep past.

PMID- 22039944
TI  - Healing the wounds of our fathers: intergenerational trauma, memory,
      symbolization and narrative.
AB  - This paper explores the history of psychoanalytical approaches to
      intergenerational trauma, both from the Freudian and from the Jungian schools,
      and addresses the need when we speak of intergenerational or transmitted trauma
      to better define the nature and the different categories of trauma with
      particular reference to extreme and cumulative traumas such as those experienced
      by the survivors of the Nazi death camps and the Russian gulags. Therapy with
      survivors and with their children requires a particular adaptation of analytical
      technique as what is at stake is not so much the analysis of the here and now of
      the transference and countertransference dynamics which indeed can in the early
      stages be counterproductive, but the capacity of the analyst to accept the
      reality of the trauma with all its devastating and mind-shattering emotions
      without losing the capacity to imagine and to play metaphorically with images,
      essential if the patient is to be able to create a space for representation.

PMID- 22039945
TI  - Fifteen minute stories about training.
AB  - This panel presentation at the Journal's conference in St Petersburg responded to
      the conference theme of 'Ancestors in Personal, Professional and Social History'
      by relating it to the experience of training and being trained on the IAAP
      'router' programme in Russia. The two organizers of the programme (JW and CC)
      have worked in Russia for over 12 years, bringing analysts from Britain to Moscow
      and St Petersburg on a 'shuttle' basis as supervisors and personal analysts. A
      few months after handing over the router programme in December 2010 to the
      Russian colleagues they had trained, they invited four analysts, three Russian
      and one Belarusian, to tell a short personal story about their training, linking
      it to the theme of 'the Ancestors'. The resulting four stories are very different
      but complement each other, using imagery to illustrate issues concerning both
      value and ambivalence. JW and CC jointly wrote their story about the programme in
      response to the four stories, reflecting on some of their themes and from them,
      giving consideration to the flexibility and limits of such a model of cross
      cultural training. Themes in the stories included the possibility of mutual
      adaptation to another culture without losing tradition and identity; moving on
      from doctrinaire Soviet attitudes in education to embrace 'not knowing'; both
      organizers and routers learning from mistakes and from joint experience without
      guilt or shame; the need to protect reflective space amidst the constraints of
      time and geography. All Russian and UK contributors could finally acknowledge
      their shared luck to find themselves in the right place at the right time to
      respond to the collective revival of psychoanalytic practice in Russia.

PMID- 22039946
TI  - The grandfather.
AB  - The author, grandson of C.G. Jung, architect and historian, resident in the
      Kusnacht house, offers perspectives on the role of the grandfather. C.G. had a
      difficult relationship with his father but felt a strong rapport with his
      grandfather Karl Gustav Jung, even though he died before C.G.'s birth. Andreas
      notes that there were many parallels in the lives of the two men; C.G.'s memories
      and the touching personal diary left behind by Karl Gustav will be discussed.
      Many of Jung's other ancestors will be described from his own personal angle. The
      paper also encompasses C.G.'s spiritual forerunners and finally the dead, our
      common nameless ancestors.

PMID- 22039947
TI  - Jung's shadow: negation and narcissism of the Self.
AB  - The cave walls of prehistoric man record two contrasting hand impressions: the
      one positive - a direct imprint; the other negative - a blank defined by a halo
      of colour. Jung's disturbed, displaced contact with his mother led to a struggle
      in establishing an integrated sense of 'I'; instead to create a sense of Self he
      brilliantly contrived to illuminate the darkness around that blank impress. The
      resulting lifework, enhanced by Jung's multifarious capacities as artist and
      philosopher as well as physician, is deeply impressive; yet Winnicott (1964) in
      his review of Memories, Dreams, Reflections (1963) nevertheless alludes to Jung's
      'own need to search for a self with which to know' (p. 450). Passages from the
      autobiography are considered that appear to corroborate Winnicott's contention
      that Jung had a 'blank', potentially psychotic, core. Yet it is also argued that
      the psychoanalytic mainstream has undervalued the subtlety and creativity of
      Jung's own intuitive response to his shadow and that a sympathetic appreciation
      of this can still valuably inform our contemporary approaches to narcissistic
      disorders, especially dissociation.

PMID- 22039948
TI  - Faint voices from Greenwich Village: Jung's impact on the first American avant
      garde.
AB  - In 1913 Jung made a trip to New York which was to have an important impact on the
      creation of modern American culture. At the invitation of Beatrice Hinkle, the
      first Jungian analyst in the country, he spoke to the Liberal Club, a forum for
      discussing progressive topics. Jung was the leading spokesman for psychoanalysis
      and his ideas about creative fantasy resonated with popular interest in the ideas
      of William James and Henri Bergson. This paper will document that visit and the
      influence that Hinkle had on the young people who had gravitated to Greenwich
      Village. She promoted Jungian psychology through her analytical practice and her
      translation of Jung's Wandlungen und Symbole der Libido as Psychology of the
      Unconscious. Her influence is evident in four key neighbourhood institutions: The
      Masses, a socialist magazine, The Seven Arts, an avant-garde literary magazine,
      the Provincetown Players theatre ensemble, and the Heterodoxy Club, America's
      first feminist group. Her influence is also evident at The New School where
      several pioneering anthropologists employed the theory of psychological types as
      a tool for understanding social behaviour. This paper will demonstrate that a
      cultural moment usually seen through a Freudian lens had, in fact, a remarkably
      Jungian character.

PMID- 22039949
TI  - Endnotes.

PMID- 22039952
TI  - Relationship between commuting and health outcomes in a cross-sectional
      population survey in southern Sweden.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The need for a mobile workforce inevitably means that the length of
      the total work day (working and traveling time) will increase, but the health
      effects of commuting have been surprisingly little studied apart from perceived
      stress and the benefits of physically active commuting. METHODS: We used data
      from two cross-sectional population-based public health surveys performed in 2004
      and 2008 in Scania, Sweden (56% response rate). The final study population was
      21, 088 persons aged 18-65, working > 30 h/week. Duration (one-way) and mode of
      commuting were reported. The outcomes studied were perceived poor sleep quality,
      everyday stress, low vitality, mental health, self-reported health, and absence
      from work due to sickness during the past 12 months. Covariates indicating
      socioeconomic status and family situation, overtime, job strain and urban/rural
      residency were included in multivariate analyses. Subjects walking or cycling to
      work < 30 min were used as a reference category. RESULTS: Monotonous relations
      were found between duration of public transport commuting and the health
      outcomes. For the category commuting > 60 min odds ratios (ORs) ranged from 1.2 -
      1.6 for the different outcomes. For car commuting, the relationships were concave
      downward or flat, with increasing subjective health complaints up to 30-60 min
      (ORs ranging from 1.2 - 1.4), and lower ORs in the > 60 min category. A similar
      concave downward relationship was observed for sickness absence, regardless of
      mode of transport. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study are concordant with the
      few earlier studies in the field, in that associations were found between
      commutation and negative health outcomes. This further demonstrates the need to
      consider the negative side-effects of commuting when discussing policies aimed at
      increasing the mobility of the workforce. Studies identifying population groups
      with increased susceptibility are warranted.

PMID- 22039953
TI  - Reexamining the boundaries of the 'normal' in ageing.
AB  - Textbooks and policy documents tend to present the boundary between normal and
      abnormal ageing as natural and clearly demarcated. In this study, we trouble the
      notion of natural and clearly demarcated boundaries between normal and abnormal
      ageing by considering how these boundaries have been established and maintained
      in present-day Western contexts. We draw on both Canguilhem's discussion of the
      normal and the abnormal and Foucault's emphasis on the role of the
      sociohistorical context in the social practice of boundary generation. In doing
      so, we critically examine common conceptualizations of normal and abnormal
      ageing, including those found in antiageing science, successful ageing and
      healthy ageing policy discourses and in health education textbooks. We argue that
      the growing emphasis on 'healthy' ageing both reflects and shapes the societal
      views of those individuals who are not able to remain disease-free and represents
      a kind of mystification of ageing where ageing without functional or cognitive
      decline is instituted as the norm. Awareness of the role that the social context
      plays in shaping definitions of normal and abnormal ageing encourages critical
      consideration of the effects that Western conceptualizations of normal ageing may
      have for older adults who continue to age with cognitive or functional decline.

PMID- 22039954
TI  - Effects of diesel particle filter retrofits and accelerated fleet turnover on
      drayage truck emissions at the Port of Oakland.
AB  - Heavy-duty diesel drayage trucks have a disproportionate impact on the air
      quality of communities surrounding major freight-handling facilities. In an
      attempt to mitigate this impact, the state of California has mandated new
      emission control requirements for drayage trucks accessing ports and rail yards
      in the state beginning in 2010. This control rule prompted an accelerated diesel
      particle filter (DPF) retrofit and truck replacement program at the Port of
      Oakland. The impact of this program was evaluated by measuring emission factor
      distributions for diesel trucks operating at the Port of Oakland prior to and
      following the implementation of the emission control rule. Emission factors for
      black carbon (BC) and oxides of nitrogen (NO(x)) were quantified in terms of
      grams of pollutant emitted per kilogram of fuel burned using a carbon balance
      method. Concentrations of these species along with carbon dioxide were measured
      in the exhaust plumes of individual diesel trucks as they drove by en route to
      the Port. A comparison of emissions measured before and after the implementation
      of the truck retrofit/replacement rule shows a 54 +/- 11% reduction in the fleet
      average BC emission factor, accompanied by a shift to a more highly skewed
      emission factor distribution. Although only particulate matter mass reductions
      were required in the first year of the program, a significant reduction in the
      fleet-average NO(x) emission factor (41 +/- 5%) was observed, most likely due to
      the replacement of older trucks with new ones.

PMID- 22039955
TI  - Effect of surface fluorination on the electrochemical and photoelectrocatalytic
      properties of nanoporous titanium dioxide electrodes.
AB  - Titanium dioxide is a widely used photocatalyst whose properties can be modified
      by fluoride adsorption. This work is focused on the effect of surface
      fluorination on the electrochemical and photoelectrocatalytic properties of
      TiO(2) nanoporous thin films. Surface fluorination was achieved by simple
      addition of HF to the working solution (pH 3.5). Open circuit potential as well
      as ex situ XPS measurements verify that surface modification takes place.
      Fluorination triggers a significant capacitance increase in the accumulation
      potential region, as revealed by dark voltammetric measurements for all the
      TiO(2) samples studied. The photoelectrocatalytic properties (measured as
      photocurrents under white light illumination) depend on the substrate being
      oxidized and, in some cases, on the nature of the TiO(2) sample. In particular,
      the results obtained for electrodes prepared with a mixed phase (rutile +
      anatase) commercial nanopowder (PI-KEM) indicate that the processes mediated by
      surface trapped holes, such as the photooxidation of water or methanol, are
      accelerated while those occurring by direct hole capture from the adsorbed state
      (formic acid) are retarded. The photooxidation of catechol and phenol is also
      enhanced upon fluorination. In such a case, the effect can be rationalized on the
      basis of a diminished recombination and a surface displacement of both the
      oxidizable organic substrates and the poisoning species formed as a result of the
      organics oxidation. Photoelectrochemical and in situ infrared spectroscopic
      measurements support these ideas. In a more general vein, the results pave the
      way toward a better understanding of the photocatalysis phenomena, unravelling
      the importance of the reactant adsorption processes.

PMID- 22039956
TI  - Core temperature is a greater influence than endogenous 17beta-estradiol on the
      exercise-induced accumulation of myocardial heat shock protein mRNA.
AB  - Female rats typically do not show significant increases in myocardial Hsp70 after
      exercise unless trained (exercise over days or weeks). 17beta-Estradiol (E2) has
      been linked to this inhibition, but it varies considerably over the rodent estrus
      cycle. Consequently, we examined whether the inhibitory effects of endogenously
      produced E2 (measured immediately pre-exercise) were acute in exercised female
      Sprague-Dawley rats (60 min treadmill running at 30 m.min(-1)). Myocardial hsp70
      1 and hsp70-2 mRNA were measured 30 min post-exercise, and their expression was
      inversely correlated with pre-exercise plasma Epsilon2 ( hsp70-1 mRNA, r(2) =
      0.308, p = 0.011; hsp70-2 mRNA, r(2) = 0.238, p = 0.029). However, hsp70-1 and
      hsp70-2 mRNA exhibited much stronger correlations with core temperature achieved
      during exercise (r(2) = 0.812, p = 0.000; and r(2) = 0.738, p = 0.000,
      respectively). Consequently, although endogenous Epsilon2 in gonadally intact
      female rats may attenuate myocardial hsp70 mRNA accumulation, suggesting a reason
      why training maximizes this response in females, core temperature during exercise
      is still a greater stimulus to this response.

PMID- 22039957
TI  - Calculation of relative free energies for ligand-protein binding, solvation, and
      conformational transitions using the GROMOS software.
AB  - The calculation of the relative free energies of ligand-protein binding, of
      solvation for different compounds, and of different conformational states of a
      polypeptide is of considerable interest in the design or selection of potential
      enzyme inhibitors. Since such processes in aqueous solution generally comprise
      energetic and entropic contributions from many molecular configurations, adequate
      sampling of the relevant parts of configurational space is required and can be
      achieved through molecular dynamics simulations. Various techniques to obtain
      converged ensemble averages and their implementation in the GROMOS software for
      biomolecular simulation are discussed, and examples of their application to
      biomolecules in aqueous solution are given.

PMID- 22039958
TI  - A deep rough type structure in Bordetella bronchiseptica lipopolysaccharide
      modulates host immune responses.
AB  - The present authors have previously obtained the Bordetella bronchiseptica mutant
      BbLP39, which contains a deep-rough lipopolysaccharide (LPS) instead the wild
      type smooth LPS with O antigen. This mutant was found to be altered in the
      expression of some proteins and in its ability to colonize mouse lungs.
      Particularly, in BbLP39 the expression of pertactin is decreased. To
      differentiate the contribution of each bacterial component to the observed
      phenotype, here mice defective in the LPS sensing receptor TLR4 (TLR4-defective
      mice) were used. In contrast to wild-type mice, infection of TLR4-defective mice
      with BbLP39 resulted in lung infection, which persisted for more than 10 days
      post-challenge. Comparative analysis of the immune responses induced by purified
      mutant and wild type LPSs showed that the mutant LPS induced significantly higher
      degrees of expression of TNF-alpha and IL-10 mRNA than did the wild type. UV
      matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI TOF) mass
      spectrometry analysis revealed that both LPSs had the same penta-acylated lipid A
      structure. However, the lipid A from BbLP39 contained pyrophosphate instead of
      phosphate at position 1. This structural difference, in addition to the lack of O
      antigen in BbLP39, may explain the functional differences between BbLP39 and wild
      type strains.

PMID- 22039959
TI  - DNA methylation status in tissues of sheep clones.
AB  - Genomic imprinting and DNA methylation play an important role in mammalian
      development. Many cloned animals showed heterogeneous DNA methylation profiles.
      However, there are fewer reports in cloned lambs because of a lack of genomic
      imprinting information. In this study, we investigated DNA methylation patterns
      in CpG islands and differentially methylated regions of putative imprinted gene
      Peg10 and imprinted genes Dlk1, Igf2R and H19 in cloned lambs. Five organs from
      two cloned lambs died shortly after birth and two normal controls were
      investigated. We observed normal DNA methylation profiles in cloned lambs. The
      imprinted genes Dlk1, Igf2R and H19 in livers, kidneys, hearts, muscles and lungs
      of the two cloned lambs exhibited relatively normal DNA methylation, except for
      Peg10 showing some differences between controls and cloned lambs. Our results
      indicate that somatic cell nuclear transfer-produced sheep exhibited relatively
      normal DNA methylation pattern and experienced normal DNA methylation
      reprogramming at imprinted loci.

PMID- 22039960
TI  - Practices to improve identification of adult antiretroviral therapy failure at
      the Lighthouse Trust clinic in Lilongwe, Malawi.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Evaluating treatment failure is critical when deciding to modify
      antiretroviral therapy (ART). Virologic Assessment Forms (VAFs) were implemented
      in July 2008 as a prerequisite for ordering viral load. The form requires
      assessment of clinical and immunologic status. METHODS: Using the Electronic
      Medical Record (EMR), we retrospectively evaluated patients who met 2006 WHO
      guidelines for immunologic failure (>=15 years old; on ART >=6 months; CD4 count
      <baseline OR CD4 count >50% drop from peak OR CD4 persistently <100 cells) at the
      Lighthouse Trust clinic from December 2007 to December 2009. We compared
      virologic screening, VAF implementation and ART modification during the same
      period using Fisher's exact tests and unpaired t-tests as appropriate. RESULTS:
      Of 7000 enrolled ART patients >=15 years old with at least two CD4 counts, 10%
      had immunologic failure with a median follow-up time on ART of 1.4 years (IQR:
      0.8-2.3). Forty (6%) viral loads were ordered: 14 (35%) were detectable (>400 HIV
      RNA copies/mL) and one (7%) patient was switched to second-line therapy. Overall,
      259 VAFs were completed: 67% for immunologic failure and 33% for WHO Stage 4
      condition. Before VAF implementation, 1% of patients had viral loads drawn during
      routine care, whereas afterwards, 8% did (P<0.0001; 95% CI: 0.03-0.08).
      CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians did not identify a large proportion of immunologic
      failure patients for screening. Implementation of VAFs produced little
      improvement in virologic screening during routine care. Better training and
      monitoring systems are needed.

PMID- 22039961
TI  - Evaluation of 18F-labeled benzodioxine piperazine-based dopamine D4 receptor
      ligands: lipophilicity as a determinate of nonspecific binding.
AB  - Derivatization of the putative neuroleptic 1-(2,3-dihydrobenzo[1,4]dioxin-6-yl)-4
      (4-fluorobenzyl)piperazine (3a) led to a series of new dopamine receptor D4
      ligands displaying high affinity (Ki=1.1-15 nM) and D2/D4 subtype selectivities
      of about 800-6700. These ligands were labeled with the short-lived positron
      emitter fluorine-18 and analyzed for their potential application for imaging
      studies by positron emission tomography (PET). In vitro autoradiography was used
      to determine their nonspecific binding behavior as a result of their structural
      and thus physicochemical properties. The biodistribution, in vivo stability, and
      brain uptake of the most promising D4 radioligand candidate were determined. This
      proved to be 1-(2,3-dihydrobenzo[b][1,4]dioxin-6-yl)-4-((6-fluoropyridin-3
      yl)methyl)piperazine ([18F]3d), which revealed an excellent binding pattern with
      a high selectivity and limited nonspecific binding in vitro. This analogue also
      exhibited a high stability and an extremely high brain uptake in vivo with
      specific binding in hippocampus, cortex, colliculus, and cerebellum as determined
      by ex vivo autoradiography. Thus, [18F]3d appears as a suitable D4 radioligand
      for in vivo imaging, encouraging continued evaluation by PET studies.

PMID- 22039963
TI  - The nature of transient dark states in a photoactivatable fluorescent protein.
AB  - Fluorescent proteins (FPs) of the green fluorescent protein family blink and
      bleach like all fluorophores. However, contrary to organic dyes, the mechanisms
      by which transient losses of fluorescence occur in FPs have received little
      attention. Here, we focus on the photoactivatable IrisFP, for which a transient
      non-fluorescent chromophoric state with distorted geometry was recently reported
      (Adam, V.; et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 009, 131, 18063). We investigated the
      chemical nature of this blinked state by employing quantum chemical/molecular
      mechanical calculations. Our findings suggest two previously unidentified dark
      states that display similar distorted chromophores with a transiently ruptured pi
      electron system. Both are protonated at atom C(alpha) of the chromophore
      methylene bridge. Transient protonation may occur via proton transfer from the
      nearby Arg66 either in the triplet state T(1) after intersystem crossing or in an
      anionic radical (doublet) ground state. As Arg66 is conserved in green-to-red
      photoconvertible FPs, these dark states are predicted to be common to all these
      proteins. We also suggest that C(alpha) protonated dark states may accelerate
      photobleaching by favoring decarboxylation of the fully conserved Glu212.

PMID- 22039962
TI  - Sexual recombination is a signature of a persisting malaria epidemic in Peru.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to consider the impact that multi-clone,
      complex infections have on a parasite population structure in a low transmission
      setting. In general, complexity of infection (minimum number of clones within an
      infection) and the overall population level diversity is expected to be minimal
      in low transmission settings. Additionally, the parasite population structure is
      predicted to be clonal, rather than sexual due to infrequent parasite inoculation
      and lack of recombination between genetically distinct clones. However, in this
      low transmission of the Peruvian Amazon, complex infections are becoming more
      frequent, in spite of decreasing infection prevalence. In this study, it was
      hypothesized that sexual recombination between distinct clonal lineages of
      Plasmodium falciparum parasites were altering the subpopulation structure and
      effectively maintaining the population-level diversity. METHODS: Fourteen
      microsatellite markers were chosen to describe the genetic diversity in 313
      naturally occurring P. falciparum infections from Peruvian Amazon. The population
      and subpopulation structure was characterized by measuring: clusteredness,
      expected heterozygosity (He), allelic richness, private allelic richness, and
      linkage disequilibrium. Next, microsatellite haplotypes and alleles were
      correlated with P. falciparum merozoite surface protein 1 Block 2 (Pfmsp1-B2) to
      examine the presence of recombinant microsatellite haplotypes. RESULTS: The
      parasite population structure consists of six genetically diverse subpopulations
      of clones, called "clusters". Clusters 1, 3, 4, and 6 have unique haplotypes that
      exceed 70% of the total number of clones within each cluster, while Clusters 2
      and 5 have a lower proportion of unique haplotypes, but still exceed 46%. By
      measuring the He, allelic richness, and private allelic richness within each of
      the six subpopulations, relatively low levels of genetic diversity within each
      subpopulation (except Cluster 4) are observed. This indicated that the number of
      alleles, and not the combination of alleles, are limited. Next, the standard
      index of association (IAS) was measured, which revealed a significant decay in
      linkage disequilibrium (LD) associated with Cluster 6, which is indicative of
      independent assortment of alleles. This decay in LD is a signature of this
      subpopulation approaching linkage equilibrium by undergoing sexual recombination.
      To trace possible recombination events, the two most frequent microsatellite
      haplotypes observed over time (defined by either a K1 or Mad20) were selected as
      the progenitors and then potential recombinants were identified in within the
      natural population. CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to conventional low transmission
      models, this study provides evidence of a parasite population structure that is
      superficially defined by a clonal backbone. Sexual recombination does occur and
      even arguably is responsible for maintaining the substructure of this population.

PMID- 22039964
TI  - Direct condensation of sulfonamide and formamide: NaI-catalyzed synthesis of N
      sulfonyl formamidine using TBHP as oxidant.
AB  - A new N-sulfonyl formamidine synthesis was developed via NaI-catalyzed direct
      condensation of sulfonamide and formamide. The green methodology is featured by
      high atom economy, easily available starting materials, the lack of need for a
      transition-metal catalyst, no requirement of hazardous reagent, operational
      simplicity, and good tolerance with diverse functional groups. Mechanistic
      studies suggest that the protocol proceeds based upon in situ generated TsN.NaI.

PMID- 22039965
TI  - Polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer conjugate specifically activates the A3
      adenosine receptor to improve post-ischemic/reperfusion function in isolated
      mouse hearts.
AB  - BACKGROUND: When stimulated by small molecular agonists, the A3 adenosine
      receptor (AR) mediates cardioprotective effects without inducing detrimental
      hemodynamic side effects. We have examined pharmacologically the protective
      properties of a multivalent dendrimeric conjugate of a nucleoside as a selective
      multivalent agonist for the mouse A3AR. RESULTS: A PAMAM dendrimer fully
      substituted by click chemistry on its peripheral groups with 64 moieties of a
      nucleoside agonist was shown to be potent and selective in binding to the mouse
      A3AR and effective in cardioprotection in an isolated mouse heart model of
      ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. This conjugate MRS5246 and a structurally
      related model compound MRS5233 displayed binding Ki values of 0.04 and 3.94 nM,
      respectively, and were potent in in vitro functional assays to inhibit cAMP
      production. A methanocarba (bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane) ring system in place of ribose
      maintained a North conformation that is preferred at the A3AR. These analogues
      also contained a triazole linker along with 5'-N-methyl-carboxamido and 2-alkynyl
      substitution, previously shown to be associated with species-independent A3AR
      selectivity. Both MRS5233 and MRS5246 (1 and 10 nM) were effective at increasing
      functional recovery of isolated mouse hearts after 20 min ischemia followed by 45
      min reperfusion. A statistically significant greater improvement in the left
      ventricular developed pressure (LVDP) by MRS5246 compared to MRS5233 occurred
      when the hearts were observed throughout reperfusion. Unliganded PAMAM dendrimer
      alone did not have any effect on functional recovery of isolated perfused mouse
      hearts. 10 nM MRS5246 did not improve functional recovery after I/R in hearts
      from A3AR gene "knock-out" (A3KO) mice compared to control, indicating the
      effects of MRS5246 were A3AR-specific. CONCLUSIONS: Covalent conjugation to a
      versatile drug carrier enhanced the functional potency and selectivity at the
      mouse A3AR and maintained the cardioprotective properties. Thus, this large
      molecular weight conjugate is not prevented from extravasation through the
      coronary microvasculature.

PMID- 22039966
TI  - A randomized trial of multivitamin supplementation in children with tuberculosis
      in Tanzania.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Children with tuberculosis often have underlying nutritional
      deficiencies. Multivitamin supplementation has been proposed as a means to
      enhance the health of these children; however, the efficacy of such an
      intervention has not been examined adequately. METHODS: 255 children, aged six
      weeks to five years, with tuberculosis were randomized to receive either a daily
      multivitamin supplement or a placebo in the first eight weeks of anti-tuberculous
      therapy in Tanzania. This was only 64% of the proposed sample size as the trial
      had to be terminated prematurely due to funding constraints. They were followed
      up for the duration of supplementation through clinic and home visits to assess
      anthropometric indices and laboratory parameters, including hemoglobin and
      albumin. RESULTS: There was no significant effect of multivitamin supplementation
      on the primary endpoint of the trial: weight gain after eight weeks. However,
      significant differences in weight gain were observed among children aged six
      weeks to six months in subgroup analyses (n=22; 1.08 kg, compared to 0.46 kg in
      the placebo group; 95% CI=0.12, 1.10; p=0.01). Supplementation resulted in
      significant improvement in hemoglobin levels at the end of follow-up in children
      of all age groups; the median increase in children receiving multivitamins was
      1.0 g/dL, compared to 0.4 g/dL in children receiving placebo (p<0.01). HIV
      infected children between six months and three years of age had a significantly
      higher gain in height if they received multivitamins (n=48; 2 cm, compared to 1
      cm in the placebo group; 95% CI=0.20, 1.70; p=0.01; p for interaction by age
      group=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Multivitamin supplementation for a short duration of
      eight weeks improved the hematological profile of children with tuberculosis,
      though it didn't have any effect on weight gain, the primary outcome of the
      trial. Larger studies with a longer period of supplementation are needed to
      confirm these findings and assess the effect of multivitamins on clinical
      outcomes including treatment success and growth failure. CLINICALTRIALS.GOV
      IDENTIFIER: NCT00145184.

PMID- 22039967
TI  - Resolving the contributions of the membrane-bound and periplasmic nitrate
      reductase systems to nitric oxide and nitrous oxide production in Salmonella
      enterica serovar Typhimurium.
AB  - The production of cytotoxic nitric oxide (NO) and conversion into the
      neuropharmacological agent and potent greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (N2O) is
      linked with anoxic nitrate catabolism by Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium.
      Salmonella can synthesize two types of nitrate reductase: a membrane-bound form
      (Nar) and a periplasmic form (Nap). Nitrate catabolism was studied under nitrate
      rich and nitrate-limited conditions in chemostat cultures following transition
      from oxic to anoxic conditions. Intracellular NO production was reported
      qualitatively by assessing transcription of the NO-regulated genes encoding
      flavohaemoglobin (Hmp), flavorubredoxin (NorV) and hybrid cluster protein (Hcp).
      A more quantitative analysis of the extent of NO formation was gained by
      measuring production of N2O, the end-product of anoxic NO-detoxification. Under
      nitrate-rich conditions, the nar, nap, hmp, norV and hcp genes were all induced
      following transition from the oxic to anoxic state, and 20% of nitrate consumed
      in steady-state was released as N2O when nitrite had accumulated to millimolar
      levels. The kinetics of nitrate consumption, nitrite accumulation and N2O
      production were similar to those of wild-type in nitrate-sufficient cultures of a
      nap mutant. In contrast, in a narG mutant, the steady-state rate of N2O
      production was ~30-fold lower than that of the wild-type. Under nitrate-limited
      conditions, nap, but not nar, was up-regulated following transition from oxic to
      anoxic metabolism and very little N2O production was observed. Thus a combination
      of nitrate-sufficiency, nitrite accumulation and an active Nar-type nitrate
      reductase leads to NO and thence N2O production, and this can account for up to
      20% of the nitrate catabolized.

PMID- 22039968
TI  - Fires enhance flammability in Ulex parviflorus.

PMID- 22039969
TI  - Drug-eluting Ti wires with titania nanotube arrays for bone fixation and reduced
      bone infection.
AB  - Current bone fixation technology which uses stainless steel wires known as
      Kirschner wires for fracture fixing often causes infection and reduced skeletal
      load resulting in implant failure. Creating new wires with drug-eluting
      properties to locally deliver drugs is an appealing approach to address some of
      these problems. This study presents the use of titanium [Ti] wires with titania
      nanotube [TNT] arrays formed with a drug delivery capability to design
      alternative bone fixation tools for orthopaedic applications. A titania layer
      with an array of nanotube structures was synthesised on the surface of a Ti wire
      by electrochemical anodisation and loaded with antibiotic (gentamicin) used as a
      model of bone anti-bacterial drug. Successful fabrication of TNT structures with
      pore diameters of approximately 170 nm and length of 70 MUm is demonstrated for
      the first time in the form of wires. The drug release characteristics of TNT-Ti
      wires were evaluated, showing a two-phase release, with a burst release (37%) and
      a slow release with zero-order kinetics over 11 days. These results confirmed our
      system's ability to be applied as a drug-eluting tool for orthopaedic
      applications. The established biocompatibility of TNT structures, closer modulus
      of elasticity to natural bones and possible inclusion of desired drugs, proteins
      or growth factors make this system a promising alternative to replace
      conventional bone implants to prevent bone infection and to be used for targeted
      treatment of bone cancer, osteomyelitis and other orthopaedic diseases.

PMID- 22039970
TI  - Structural characterization of inhibitors with selectivity against members of a
      homologous enzyme family.
AB  - The aspartate biosynthetic pathway provides essential metabolites for many
      important biological functions, including the production of four essential amino
      acids. As this critical pathway is only present in plants and microbes, any
      disruptions will be fatal to these organisms. An early pathway enzyme, l
      aspartate-beta-semialdehyde dehydrogenase, produces a key intermediate at the
      first branch point of this pathway. Developing potent and selective inhibitors
      against several orthologs in the l-aspartate-beta-semialdehyde dehydrogenase
      family can serve as lead compounds for antibiotic development. Kinetic studies of
      two small molecule fragment libraries have identified inhibitors that show good
      selectivity against l-aspartate-beta-semialdehyde dehydrogenases from two
      different bacterial species, Streptococcus pneumoniae and Vibrio cholerae,
      despite the presence of an identical constellation of active site amino acids in
      this homologous enzyme family. Structural characterization of enzyme-inhibitor
      complexes have elucidated different modes of binding between these structurally
      related enzymes. This information provides the basis for a structure-guided
      approach to the development of more potent and more selective inhibitors.

PMID- 22039971
TI  - Anxiety sensitivity and anxiety as correlates of expected, experienced and
      recalled labor pain.
AB  - There has been a good deal of research on the role of anxiety sensitivity in pain
      perception, but only recently have investigators begun to assess its role in
      labor pain. The aim of this study was to investigate the nature of this
      relationship as well as the relationship of state and trait anxiety with labor
      pain. Assessments of maximum and average labor pain were completed in three
      different time periods (before, during and immediately after labor, and 1 month
      postpartum). Anxiety and anxiety sensitivity measures were completed during the
      late stage of pregnancy. A total of 46 primiparous healthy pregnant women,
      carrying a single child, participated in the study. State anxiety correlated
      significantly with maximum (r?=?0.352, p?<?0.01) and average (r?=?0.325,
      p?<?0.05) labor pain expectancies, whereas trait anxiety correlated significantly
      with maximum labor pain expectancies (r?=?0.306, p?<?0.05). During labor, only
      the physical concerns dimension of anxiety sensitivity shared a significant
      relationship with sensory pain (r?=?0.292, p?<?0.05). In conclusion, anxiety
      shares a significant relationship with labor pain expectancies only, whereas the
      physical concerns dimension of anxiety sensitivity correlates significantly with
      sensory pain during labor. These data clarify the role of anxiety and anxiety
      sensitivity in the experience of labor pain. Clinical implications are discussed.

PMID- 22039972
TI  - The half-lives of plasma free metanephrines.

PMID- 22039973
TI  - Carbonate organo-mineral micro- and ultrastructures in sub-fossil stromatolites:
      Marion lake, South Australia.
AB  - Sub-fossil stromatolites (5000-3000 years old) occur on the marginal flat
      surrounding Marion Lake (South Australia). A micrite/microsparite crystal fabric
      characterises these fine-grained, well-laminated stromatolites, which lack
      trapped grains. The internal lamination is characterised by a sub-millimetric
      alternation of porous and dense laminae. The microfabric of the laminae is
      ubiquitously composed of a fine (10-20 MUm) peloidal texture, with many thinner
      aphanitic layers. Aggregates of very fine, low-Mg calcite and aragonite
      constitute both peloidal and aphanitic micrite, which is coated, respectively, by
      spherulitic and fringing acicular microspar. Micrite, with a high organic matter
      content, is formed of coalescing nanospheres grading into small polyhedrons,
      probably composed mainly of aragonite, with less calcite enriched in Mg, Sr, Na
      and S. Bacteria-like microfossils and relics of extracellular polymeric substance
      (EPS) occur abundantly within this micritic framework. The former consist of
      empty moulds and mineralised bodies of coccoid forms, whereas EPS relics consist
      of sheet-like or filamentous structures that appear both mineralised and more
      often still preserved as a C-enriched dehydrated substance that represents the
      main organic matter component of the deposit. Acicular crystals, which show a
      prismatic elongate shape, are composed of Mg-depleted aragonite that lacks
      fossils or organic relicts. Degrading EPS and micro-organisms appear gradually to
      be replaced and entombed by the nanospherical precipitates, implying the
      existence of processes of organo-mineralisation within an original syn
      sedimentary microbial community. Succeeding micron-scale crystals merge to form
      isolated or connected micritic aggregates (the peloids), followed by the gradual
      formation of the acicular crystals as purely inorganic precipitates.

PMID- 22039974
TI  - Is DNA's rigidity dominated by electrostatic or nonelectrostatic interactions?
AB  - Double-stranded DNA is among the stiffest biopolymers, whose bending propensity
      crucially influences many vital biological processes. It is not fully understood
      which among the two most likely forces, electrostatic self-repulsion or the
      compressive base pair stacking, plays a dominant role in determining the DNA's
      unique rigidity. Different theoretical and experimental studies led so far to
      contradictory results on this issue. In this Communication, we address this
      important question by means of Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations using both
      atomistic and coarse-grained force fields. Using two independent sets of
      calculations, we found that electrostatic and nonelectrostatic effects play a
      comparable role in maintaining DNA's stiffness. Our findings substantially differ
      from predictions of existing theories for DNA rigidity and may indicate that a
      new conceptual understanding needs to be developed.

PMID- 22039975
TI  - Allele frequencies for 15 autosomal STR markers in the Libyan population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Until recently Libya remained the only state of the Maghreb without
      genetic evolution investigations of the genetic landscape of its population.
      Apart from some studies of Libyan Jews and Libyan Tuareg, only two recent
      investigations, based on autosomal ancestry informative SNP and mitochondrial DNA
      markers, have concerned the general Libyan population. AIM: The present work is
      the first to describe STR markers polymorphism in the general Libyan population
      in order to contribute to the analysis of its genetic diversity for forensic
      purposes. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Allele frequencies for 15 STR loci (CSF1PO,
      D3S1358, D5S818, D7S820, D8S1179, D13S317, D16S539, D18S51, D21S11, FGA, TH01,
      TPOX, VWA, D2S1338, D19S433) included in the AmpFlSTR Identifiler kit were
      determined in a sample of 99 unrelated individuals originating from the general
      Libyan population. RESULTS: No deviations from Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium were
      observed, with the exception of CSF1PO. Genetic parameters of forensic interest
      such as combined power of discrimination (PD) and combined probability of
      exclusion (PE) showed values higher than 0.999. Comparisons with data from other
      North African populations showed significant differences between Libyans and
      Tunisians, Moroccans and Egyptians. CONCLUSIONS: The high informativity observed
      for these 15 STRs in a Libyan population demonstrates their usefulness for
      forensic and parental purposes.

PMID- 22039976
TI  - Ruthenium-catalyzed ortho-alkenylation of aromatic ketones with alkenes by C-H
      bond activation.
AB  - A ruthenium-catalyzed chelation-assisted C-H bond activation of aromatic ketones
      and the reaction with olefins to provide Heck-type products in good to excellent
      yields with a high regio- and stereoselective manner is described.

PMID- 22039977
TI  - Who wants a slimmer body? The relationship between body weight status, education
      level and body shape dissatisfaction among young adults in Hong Kong.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Body shape dissatisfaction has been thought to have an indispensable
      impact on weight control behaviors. We investigated the prevalence of body shape
      dissatisfaction (BSD) and explored its association with weight status, education
      level and other determinants among young adults in Hong Kong. METHODS:
      Information on anthropometry, BSD, and socio-demographics was collected from a
      random sample of 1205 young adults (611 men and 594 women) aged 18-27 in a
      community-based household survey. BSD was defined as a discrepancy between
      current and ideal body shape based on a figure rating scale. Cross-tabulations,
      homogeneity tests and logistic regression models were applied. RESULTS: The
      percentages of underweight men and women were 16.5% and 34.9% respectively, and
      the corresponding percentages of being overweight or obese were 26.7% and 13.2%
      for men and women respectively. Three-quarters of young adults had BSD. Among
      women, 30.9% of those underweight and 75.5% of those with normal weight desired a
      slimmer body shape. Overweight men and underweight women with lower education
      level were more likely to have a mismatch between weight status and BSD than
      those with higher education level. After controlling for other determinants,
      underweight women were found to have a higher likelihood to maintain their
      current body shapes than other women. Men were found to be less likely to have a
      mismatch between weight status and BSD than women. CONCLUSIONS: Overweight and
      obesity in men and underweight in women were prevalent among Hong Kong young
      adults. Inappropriate body shape desire might predispose individuals to unhealthy
      weight loss or gain behaviors. Careful consideration of actual weight status in
      body shape desire is needed in health promotion and education, especially for
      underweight and normal weight women and those with a low education level.

PMID- 22039978
TI  - Canine viral enteritis: Prevalence of parvo-, corona- and rotavirus infections in
      dogs in the Netherlands.
AB  - Summary   After a brief review of the present knowledge about canine viral
      enteritis, the role played by parvoviral, coronaviral and rotaviral infections in
      contagious diarrhoea in dogs in the Netherlands is discussed.   For this purpose
      a serologic survey, pathologic findings in dogs, and the demonstration of
      parvoviral antigen with an immunofluorescence test and with a newly developed
      haemadsorption-elution-haemagglutination assay (HEHA) are presented.   It is
      concluded that infections with canine parvovirus, coronavirus and rotavirus
      appear widespread among dog populations in the Netherlands.

PMID- 22039979
TI  - Pasteurella haemolytica infections in sheep.
AB  - Summary   Pasteurella haemolytica causes two distinct disease syndromes in sheep.
      P. haemolytica biotype A causes septicaemia in young lambs and pneumonia in all
      ages of sheep. Biotype T produces an acute systemic disease affecting principally
      the upper alimentary tract and lungs in young adult sheep. The bacteriology,
      epidemiology and clinical and necropsy findings of the two diseases are described
      and the current situation regarding their experimental reproduction and
      immunology is reviewed.

PMID- 22039980
TI  - Studies on the mechanism of polyuria induced by cortisol excess in the dog.
AB  - Summary   Water balance studies were performed in 7 experimental dogs before and
      during a period of cortisol-induced polyuria and in one dog with spontaneous
      hyperadrenocorticism before and after removal of an adrenocortical carcinoma.
      Measurements of urine and plasma osmolality and plasma arginine vasopressin
      concentration were made at regular intervals during the water deprivation
      studies. The results indicate that cortisol does not block the release of
      vasopressin but interferes with its action in the kidney.

PMID- 22039981
TI  - Preliminary clinical pharmacological investigations of tylosin and tiamulin in
      chickens.
AB  - Summary    The minimal inhibitory concentrations (M1C) of tiamulin and tylosin
      for mycoplasma. Gram-positive, and Gram-negative micro-organisms isolated from
      chickens were determinated by the agar dilution method. Median M1C values for
      tiamulin against Mycoplasma gallisepticum (0.05 MUg/ml) and Mycoplasma synoviae
      (0.10 MUg/ml) were 2 to 4 times lower than the corresponding values for tylosin.
      Tiamulin was also slightly more effective in vitro in inhibiting Escherichia
      coli, Pasteurella multocida, and beta-haemolytic streptococci than was tylosin.
      Groups of chicken were offered tiamulin medicated drinking water at rates of 125
      and 250 mg/litre for 48 hours. Average serum tiamulin concentrations were 0.38
      and 0.78 MUg/ml, respectively. When tylosin tartrate was added to the drinking
      water at 500 and 700 mg/litre, average serum drug levels were 0.12 and 0.17
      MUg/ml, respectively.     Tiamulin was 45% bound in chicken serum, as against 30%
      serum protein binding or tylosin. Correlations were made between free (non
      protein bound) serum drug levels and the MIC values of the two drugs. Such
      comparisons suggest that when tiamulin is given in the drinking water at rates of
      125 to 250 mg/litre, better antimycoplasmal activity is to be expected in vivo
      than by giving tylosin tartrate in the drinking water at 500 to 700 mg/litre.
      Based on these data, no clinical efficacy of these dose rates can be expected in
      flocks infected by gram-negative microorganisms such as E. coli or P. multocida.
      The tylosin tartrate rate of 500 to 700 mg/litre, may be clinical ineffective the
      treatment of Staphylococcus aureus infections.

PMID- 22039982
TI  - Vaccination of pregnant sows against transmissible gastroenteritis with two
      attenuated virus strains and different inoculation routes.
AB  - Summary   Two attenuated transmissible gastro-enteritis (T. G. E.) virus strains
      were used for vaccination experiments in sows.   Four different experiments were
      carried out (see Table 1). In each experiment, 9 sows were vaccinated during
      pregnancy and 3 sows served as controls. They were kept together in one farrowing
      house. The sows were due to farrow at about the same time. The sows and their
      litters were challenged shortly after farrowing by exposing 3 piglets of 2
      control litters to virulent TGE virus.   The following vaccination schedules were
      used (see Table 1): twice intramuscularly with TGE-vac (a commercially available
      TGE-vaccine), one oral administration followed by an intramuscular vaccination
      with an attenuated TGE Purdue (Pu) strain, twice orally with Pu strain in enteric
      coated capsules, and one direct intra intestinal administration followed by 2
      intramuscular vaccinations or 3 intramuscular vaccinations with the Pu strain.  
      All sows, except most of those treated with enteric coated capsules,
      seroconverted demonstrably (Table 2). The geometric mean seroneutralization (SN)
      titer log 2 varied from 4.1 to 7.5 after the first vaccination and from 7.6 to 10
      after the second vaccination.   None of the vaccination schedules resulted in an
      effective lactogenic immunity. The morbidity in the piglets was 100% within 3 to
      5 days after challenge. The mortality rate varied from 44 to 80% in litters from
      vaccinated sows and from 71 to 100% in litters from control sows (see Table 3).
      Clinical signs were observed in 33,3% of the control sows and in 36% of the
      vaccinated sows.   No correlation was found between the titer of SN antibodies in
      the sera of the piglets and their survival rate (Table 4).   A rapid decrease in
      antibody concentration was observed, during the first week of lactation in milk
      samples collected from 4 orally and intramuscularly vaccinated sows (Table 5).

PMID- 22039983
TI  - A bibliography on ticks and tick-borne diseases in the countries of the Benelux
      (1567-1978).
AB  - Summary    Information published between 1567 and 1978 on this subject contains
      at least 223 titles. They cover medical and veterinary as well as biological
      aspects. Full bibliographical details of the publications are given. A subject
      index (to tick species, host species, and diseases transmitted) increases the
      availability of the data included. Some of the more interesting results of the
      study are discussed in a short introduction.

PMID- 22039984
TI  - Horse anti-bovine lymphocyte serum. Its effect in calves.
AB  - Summary    Anti-bovine lymphocyte serum (ABLS) had been prepared in horses with
      calf thymocytes as antigen and its effects in calves following parenteral
      administration were studied. The optimal dose was found to be one ml/kg body
      weight. The A BLS suppressed both the T and B cell functions. The former was
      indicated by the disturbed response to sheep erythrocytes injections, by the
      decreased number of spontaneous E rosette forming lymphocytes, the prolonged
      survival of skin allografts and the significant inhibition of the delayed
      hypersensibility skin reaction (tuberculination) following administration of
      Mycobacterium microti. The latter was based on the disturbed response to a
      subcutaneous dose of tetanus toxoid. The reaction of lymphocytes of ABLS treated
      calves to phytohemagglutinin and poke weed mitogen was also inhibited. The
      disturbed reactions of the T and B cells might be among others based on the
      strong reduction of lymphocytes in the blood circulation by ABLS (up to 10-20%). 
      Suggestions with regard to further applications and studies with ABLS were
      given.

PMID- 22039986
TI  - Goshawk prey have more bacteria than non-prey.
AB  - 1. Predators often prey on individuals that are sick or otherwise weakened.
      Although previous studies have shown higher abundance of parasites in prey,
      whether prey have elevated loads of micro-organisms remains to be determined. 2.
      We quantified the abundance of bacteria and fungi on feathers of woodpigeons
      Columba palumbus L., jays Garrulus glandarius L. and blackbirds Turdus merula L.
      that either fell prey to goshawks Accipiter gentilis L. or were not depredated.
      3. We found an almost three-fold increase in bacterial load of prey compared with
      non-prey, while there was no significant difference between prey and non-prey in
      level of fungal infection of the plumage. 4. The results were not confounded by
      differences in size or mass of feathers, date of collection of feathers, or date
      of analysis of feathers for micro-organisms. 5. These findings suggest a
      previously unknown contribution of bacteria to risk of predation, with important
      implications for behaviour, population ecology and community ecology.

PMID- 22039988
TI  - Sex differences in brain cholinergic activity in MSG-obese rats submitted to
      exercise.
AB  - Obesity is an epidemic disease most commonly caused by a combination of increased
      energy intake and lack of physical activity. The cholinergic system has been
      shown to be involved in the regulation of food intake and energy expenditure.
      Moreover, physical exercise promotes a reduction of fat pads and body mass by
      increasing energy expenditure, but also influences the cholinergic system. The
      aim of this study is to evaluate the interaction between physical exercise
      (swimming) and central cholinergic activity in rats treated with monosodium
      glutamate (MSG, a model for obesity) during infancy. Our results show that MSG
      treatment is able to induce obesity in male and female rats. Specifically, MSG
      treated rats presented a reduced body mass and nasoanal length, and increased
      perigonadal and retroperitoneal fat pads in relation to the body mass. Physical
      exercise was able to reduce body mass in both male and female rats, but did not
      change the fat pads in MSG-treated rats. Increased food intake was only seen in
      MSG-treated females submitted to exercise. Cholinergic activity was increased in
      the cortex of MSG-treated females and physical exercise was able to reduce this
      activity. Thalamic cholinergic activity was higher in sedentary MSG-treated
      females and exercised MSG-treated males. Hypothalamic cholinergic activity was
      higher in male and female MSG-treated rats, and was not reduced by exercise in
      the 2 sexes. Taken together, these results show that MSG treatment and physical
      exercise have different effects in the cholinergic activity of males and females.

PMID- 22039989
TI  - Kinetics of coupling water and cryoprotectant transport across cell membranes and
      applications to cryopreservation.
AB  - Thermodynamic and kinetic models can provide a wealth of information on the
      physical response of living cells and tissues experiencing cryopreservation
      procedures. Both isothermal and nonisothermal models have been proposed so far,
      accompanied by experimental verification and cryoapplications. But the
      cryoprotective solution is usually assumed to be dilute and ideal in the models
      proposed in the literature. Additionally, few nonisothermal models are able to
      couple the transmembrane transport of water and cryoprotectant during cooling and
      warming of cells. To overcome these limitations, this study develops a whole new
      set of equations that can quantify the cotransport of water and cryoprotectant
      across cell membranes in the nondilute and nonideal solution during the freezing
      and thawing protocols. The new models proposed here can be simplified into ones
      consistent with the classic models if some specific assumptions are included. For
      cryobiological practice, they are applied to predict the volumetric change for
      imprinting control region (ICR) mouse spermatozoa and human corneal keratocytes
      in the freezing protocol. The new models can determine the intracellular
      concentration of cryoprotectant more precisely than others by abandoning the
      assumptions such as dilute and ideal solutions and nonpermeability of membranes
      to cryoprotectant. Further, the findings in this study will offer new insights
      into the physical response of cells undergoing cryopreservation.

PMID- 22039991
TI  - Sensitive detection and identification of DNA and RNA using a patterned capillary
      tube.
AB  - We report on a new ultrasensitive and fast technique for the detection and
      identification of both DNA and RNA with sensitivity of a few molecules. The new
      method is based on a patterned capillary tube (PCT) in which the internal surface
      of a glass tube is patterned with rings of different single-stranded DNA probes.
      A solution containing single-stranded analyte flows through the tube. Upon
      hybridization of appropriate DNA and RNA from the solution, DNA polymerase and
      reverse transcriptase (RT) are employed to synthesize the complementary nucleic
      acids with deoxynucleoside triphosphate (dNTP) labeled with fluorophores. The
      sample-analyte hybrids are detected by their fluorescence signal. We show that
      the new method is sensitive, is specific, can detect simultaneously both DNA and
      RNA from the same sample, and allows detection of analytes in serum.

PMID- 22039990
TI  - Exploration and mining of the bacterial terpenome.
AB  - Tens of thousands of terpenoids are present in both terrestrial and marine
      plants, as well as fungi. In the last 5-10 years, however, it has become evident
      that terpenes are also produced by numerous bacteria, especially soil-dwelling
      Gram-positive organisms such as Streptomyces and other Actinomycetes. Although
      some microbial terpenes, such as geosmin, the degraded sesquiterpene responsible
      for the smell of moist soil, the characteristic odor of the earth itself, have
      been known for over 100 years, few terpenoids have been identified by classical
      structure- or activity-guided screening of bacterial culture extracts. In fact,
      the majority of cyclic terpenes from bacterial species have only recently been
      uncovered by the newly developed techniques of "genome mining". In this new
      paradigm for biochemical discovery, bacterial genome sequences are first analyzed
      with powerful bioinformatic tools, such as the BLASTP program or Profile Hidden
      Markov models, to screen for and identify conserved protein sequences harboring a
      characteristic set of universally conserved functional domains typical of all
      terpene synthases. Of particular importance is the presence of variants of two
      universally conserved domains, the aspartate-rich DDXX(D/E) motif and the NSE/DTE
      triad, (N/D)DXX(S/T)XX(K/R)(D/E). Both domains have been implicated in the
      binding of the essential divalent cation, typically Mg(2+), that is required for
      cyclization of the universal acyclic terpene precursors, such as farnesyl and
      geranyl diphosphate.  The low level of overall sequence similarity among terpene
      synthases, however, has so far precluded any simple correlation of protein
      sequence with the structure of the cyclized terpene product. The actual
      biochemical function of a cryptic bacterial (or indeed any) terpene synthase must
      therefore be determined by direct experiment. Two common approaches are (i)
      incubation of the expressed recombinant protein with acyclic allylic diphosphate
      substrates and identification of the resultant terpene hydrocarbon or alcohol and
      (ii) in vivo expression in engineered bacterial hosts that can support the
      production of terpene metabolites. One of the most attractive features of the
      coordinated application of genome mining and biochemical characterization is that
      the discovery of natural products is directly coupled to the simultaneous
      discovery and exploitation of the responsible biosynthetic genes and enzymes. 
      Bacterial genome mining has proved highly rewarding scientifically, already
      uncovering more than a dozen newly identified cyclic terpenes (many of them
      unique to bacteria), as well as several novel cyclization mechanisms. Moreover,
      bioinformatic analysis has identified more than 120 presumptive genes for
      bacterial terpene synthases that are now ripe for exploration. In this Account,
      we review a particularly rich vein we have mined in the genomes of two model
      Actinomycetes, Streptomyces coelicolor and Streptomyces avermitilis, from which
      the entire set of terpenoid biosynthetic genes and pathways have now been
      elucidated. In addition, studies of terpenoid biosynthetic gene clusters have
      revealed a wealth of previously unknown oxidative enzymes, including cytochromes
      P450, non-heme iron-dependent dioxygenases, and flavin monooxygenases. We have
      shown that these enzymes catalyze a variety of unusual biochemical reactions,
      including two-step ketonization of methylene groups, desaturation-epoxidation of
      secondary methyl groups, and pathway-specific Baeyer-Villiger oxidations of
      cyclic ketones.

PMID- 22039992
TI  - Tuning high aqueous phase uptake in nonionic water-in-oil microemulsions for the
      synthesis of Mn-Zn ferrite nanoparticles: phase behavior, characterization, and
      nanoparticle synthesis.
AB  - In this work, the formation of water-in-oil (w/o) microemulsions with high
      aqueous phase uptake in a nonionic surfactant system is investigated as potential
      media for the synthesis of Mn-Zn ferrite nanoparticles. A comprehensive study
      based on the phase behavior of systems containing precursor salts, on one hand,
      and precipitating agent, on the other hand, was carried out to identify key
      regions on (a) pseudoternary phase diagrams at constant temperature (50  degrees
      C), and (b) pseudobinary phase diagrams at constant surfactant (S):oil(O) weight
      ratio (S:O) as a function of temperature. The internal structure and dynamics of
      microemulsions were studied systematically by conductivity and self-diffusion
      coefficient determinations (FT PGSE (1)H NMR). It was found that nonpercolated
      w/o microemulsions could be obtained by appropriate tuning of composition
      variables and temperature, with aqueous phase concentrations as high as 36 wt %
      for precursor salts and 25 wt % for precipitating agent systems. Three
      compositions with three different dynamic behaviors (nonpercolated and percolated
      w/o, as well as bicontinuous microemulsions) were selected for the synthesis of
      Mn-Zn ferrites, resulting in nanoparticles with different characteristics. Spinel
      structure and superparamagnetic behavior were obtained. This study sets firm
      basis for a systematic study of Mn-Zn ferrite nanoparticle synthesis via
      different scenarios of microemulsion dynamics, which will contribute to a better
      understanding on the relationship of the characteristics of the obtained
      materials with the properties of the reaction media.

PMID- 22039993
TI  - Multiallelic epistatic model for an out-bred cross and mapping algorithm of
      interactive quantitative trait loci.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Genetic mapping has proven to be powerful for studying the genetic
      architecture of complex traits by characterizing a network of the underlying
      interacting quantitative trait loci (QTLs). Current statistical models for
      genetic mapping were mostly founded on the biallelic epistasis of QTLs, incapable
      of analyzing multiallelic QTLs and their interactions that are widespread in an
      outcrossing population. RESULTS: Here we have formulated a general framework to
      model and define the epistasis between multiallelic QTLs. Based on this
      framework, we have derived a statistical algorithm for the estimation and test of
      multiallelic epistasis between different QTLs in a full-sib family of outcrossing
      species. We used this algorithm to genomewide scan for the distribution of
      multiallelic epistasis for a rooting ability trait in an outbred cross derived
      from two heterozygous poplar trees. The results from simulation studies indicate
      that the positions and effects of multiallelic QTLs can well be estimated with a
      modest sample and heritability. CONCLUSIONS: The model and algorithm developed
      provide a useful tool for better characterizing the genetic control of complex
      traits in a heterozygous family derived from outcrossing species, such as forest
      trees, and thus fill a gap that occurs in genetic mapping of this group of
      important but underrepresented species.

PMID- 22039994
TI  - Gadamer's two horizons: listening to the voices in nursing history.
AB  - Brian Abel-Smith's A History of the Nursing Profession published in 1960 marked a
      new critical approach to interpreting British nursing history in the light of
      modern culture. This approach was taken forward by most nursing history writers.
      In addition, some British nursing history writers, notably Monica Baly, Celia
      Davies and Anne Marie Rafferty, as well as Abel-Smith himself, have influenced
      the direction of British nursing policy. This study argues that the current
      method of interpreting nursing history, through the revisionist lens of what
      Patricia D'Antonio calls 'the mighty triumvirate of race, class and gender',
      makes a crucial omission. According to Hans-Georg Gadamer, the hermeneutical
      philosopher, historical interpretation should be a mutual dialogue of the 'then'
      and the 'now'. But in modern nursing history writing the present horizon
      dominates. In order to allow the past horizon to speak to the present, this study
      examines the textbooks of British nursing matrons and tutors 1873-1971. These
      primary sources show that nurses were taught to develop Christian virtues in
      order to become good nurses. This study suggests that understanding and engaging
      with these voices, and allowing them to speak to the present, is relevant for
      current British nursing as well as for nursing worldwide.

PMID- 22039995
TI  - Charge transfer events in semiconducting single-wall carbon nanotubes.
AB  - Electron-donating ferrocene units have been attached to SWNTs, with different
      degrees of functionalization. By means of a complementary series of novel
      spectroscopic techniques (i.e., steady-state and time-resolved), we have
      documented that mutual interactions between semiconducting SWNT and the
      covalently attached electron donor (i.e., ferrocene) lead, in the event of
      photoexcitation, to the formation of radical ion pairs. In the accordingly formed
      radical ion pairs, oxidation of ferrocene and reduction of SWNT were confirmed by
      spectroelectrochemistry. It is, however, shown that only a few semiconducting
      SWNTs [i.e., (9,4), (8,6), (8,7), and (9,7)] are susceptible to photoinduced
      electron transfer processes. These results are of relevant importance for the
      development of SWNT-based photovoltaics.

PMID- 22039996
TI  - Effects of different activation regimens on pronuclear formation and
      developmental competence of in vitro-matured porcine oocytes after
      intracytoplasmic sperm injection.
AB  - To improve the activation protocol for in vitro-maturated porcine oocytes after
      intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), we examined the combined effect of
      U0126, a specific inhibitor of mitogen-activated protein kinase kinases, and an
      electrical pulse on pronuclear formation and developmental competence. Two
      approaches were tested: (i) 6-h treatment of ICSI oocytes with U0126 applied at
      different intervals (0, 2, 3 or 4 h) after the electrical pulse and (ii)
      treatment of ICSI oocytes with U0126 applied 4 h after the electrical pulse over
      an additional 4, 6 or 8 h. Another protein kinase inhibitor, 6
      dimethylaminopurine, was used as a chemical activator in control experiments. The
      highest rates of diploid embryo formation, normal fertilization and blastocyst
      formation were observed after 6 h of exposure to U0126 starting 4 h after the
      electrical pulse. Therefore, U0126 can be used as an activating agent for porcine
      oocytes fertilized by ICSI.

PMID- 22039997
TI  - Comparative in vitro evaluation of N-heterocyclic carbene gold(I) complexes of
      the benzimidazolylidene type.
AB  - Gold(I) complexes with a 1,3-diethylbenzimidazol-2-ylidene N-heterocyclic carbene
      (NHC) ligand of the type NHC-Au-L (L=-Cl, -NHC, or -PPh3) were comparatively
      evaluated as thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) inhibitors and antimitochondrial
      anticancer agents. Different effects were noted in various biochemical assays
      (e.g., inhibition of TrxR, cellular and mitochondrial uptake, or effects on
      mitochondrial membrane potential), and this was related to properties of the
      complexes such as bond dissociation energies and overall charge. Remarkable
      antiproliferative effects, a strong induction of apoptosis, and enhancement of
      reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation as well as other effects on tumor cell
      metabolism confirmed the promising potential of the complexes as novel anticancer
      chemotherapeutics.

PMID- 22039998
TI  - "Docking sites": nanometer-scale organization of a reactive, protein-resistant,
      graft copolymer-based interface for macromolecule immobilization.
AB  - The signal-to-noise ratio of a sensor system is determined by the affinity of its
      active component for the analyte on one hand and its inertness with respect to
      unrelated stimuli (noise) on the other hand. Nonspecific interactions between the
      environment and biosensor components (typically constructed from glass, silica,
      or transition metal oxides) result in nonspecific adsorption onto the latter and
      constitute a major source of noise. We have previously introduced a polymeric
      interface for preventing nonspecific adsorption while allowing for high-affinity,
      specific interactions. It is based on the coassembly of biotinylated and
      nonbiotinylated poly(l-lysine)-graft-poly(ethylene glycol) from aqueous solutions
      to negatively charged surfaces, such as Nb(2)O(5). In this study, we investigated
      by atomic force microscopy the nanoscale organization of this interface for each
      individual step involved in the preparation of a bioactive interface: polymer
      adsorption, loading with streptavidin, and binding of biotinylated vesicles.

PMID- 22040000
TI  - Isolation and identification of ligands for the goldfish testis androgen receptor
      in chemical recovery condensates from a Canadian bleached kraft pulp and paper
      mill.
AB  - This study builds on a series of investigations characterizing substances in
      kraft mill chemical recovery condensates that depress sex steroids in fish. Here,
      incubations of goldfish testis androgen receptors (AR) with condensate extracts
      were used to investigate the potential role of androgens in hormone depressions.
      Condensates contained variable levels of AR ligands, with the highest amounts in
      nonpolar extracts of filtered solids prior to solid phase extraction (SPE). High
      pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC) fractionation recovered the majority of
      activity in one fraction, with ligands detected in three additional fractions.
      Gas chromatography mass spectrometry analysis of the most active fraction
      confirmed the two most abundant components as the diterpenes manool and geranyl
      linalool. Manool exhibited a relative affinity for the AR that was 300 fold less
      than testosterone and accounted for 26% of total filtered solids activity.
      Geranyl linalool exhibited no affinity for the AR. Three additional diterpenoid
      families were tentatively identified as principal components of the three other
      androgenic HPLC fractions. Compared to condensates, final effluent had 3000 fold
      less androgenic activity, with <1% attributable to manool. Putative androgens
      previously associated with mill effluents (androstenedione and
      androstadienedione) and progesterone were not detected; however, additional
      condensate diterpenes suspected as androgens were identified in final effluent.
      This study is the first to confirm nonsteroidal cyclic diterpenes as androgenic
      at pulp mills. A major in-mill source of these substances was identified, and the
      role of androgens in mill effluents affecting fish reproduction was reinforced.

PMID- 22039999
TI  - Key role of regulated upon activation normal T-cell expressed and secreted,
      nonstructural protein1 and myeloperoxidase in cytokine storm induced by influenza
      virus PR-8 (A/H1N1) infection in A549 bronchial epithelial cells.
AB  - Influenza virus infection causes severe respiratory disease such as that due to
      avian influenza (H5N1). Influenza A viruses proliferate in human epithelial
      cells, which produce inflammatory cytokines/chemokines as a "cytokine storm"
      attenuated with the viral nonstructural protein 1 (NS1). Cytokine/chemokine
      production in A549 epithelial cells infected with influenza A/H1N1 virus (PR-8)
      or nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) plasmid was examined in vitro. Because tumor
      necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and regulated upon activation normal T-cell
      expressed and secreted (RANTES) are predominantly produced from cells infected
      with PR-8 virus, the effects of mRNA knockdown of these cytokines were
      investigated. Small interfering (si)TNF-alpha down-regulated RANTES expression
      and secretion of RANTES, interleukin (IL)-8, and monocyte chemotactic protein-1
      (MCP-1). In addition, siRANTES suppressed interferon (IFN)-gamma expression and
      secretion of RANTES, IL-8, and MCP-1, suggesting that TNF-alpha stimulates
      production of RANTES, IL-8, MCP-1, and IFN-gamma, and RANTES also increased IL-8,
      MCP-1, and IFN-gamma. Furthermore, administration of TNF-alpha promoted increased
      secretion of RANTES, IL-8, and MCP-1. Administration of RANTES enhanced IL-6, IL
      8, and MCP-1 production without PR-8 infection. These results strongly suggest
      that, as an initial step, TNF-alpha regulates RANTES production, followed by
      increase of IL-6, IL-8, and MCP-1 and IFNs concentrations. At a later stage,
      cells transfected with viral NS1 plasmid showed production of a large amount of
      IL-8 and MCP-1 in the presence of the H(2)O(2)-myeloperoxidse (MPO) system,
      suggesting that NS1 of PR-8 may induce a "cytokine storm" from epithelial cells
      in the presence of an H(2)O(2)-MPO system.

PMID- 22040001
TI  - The modifiable areal unit problem (MAUP) in the relationship between exposure to
      NO2 and respiratory health.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many Canadian population health studies, including those focusing on
      the relationship between exposure to air pollution and health, have
      operationalized neighbourhoods at the census tract scale. At the same time, the
      conceptualization of place at the local scale is one of the weakest theoretical
      aspects in health geography. The modifiable areal unit problem (MAUP) raises
      issues when census tracts are used as neighbourhood proxies, and no other
      alternate spatial structure is used for sensitivity analysis. In the literature,
      conclusions on the relationship between NO(2) and health outcomes are divided,
      and this situation may in part be due to the selection of an inappropriate
      spatial structure for analysis. Here, we undertake an analysis of NO(2) and
      respiratory health in Ottawa, Canada using three different spatial structures in
      order to elucidate the effects that the spatial unit of analysis can have on
      analytical results. RESULTS: Using three different spatial structures to examine
      and quantify the relationship between NO(2) and respiratory morbidity, we offer
      three main conclusions: 1) exploratory spatial analytical methods can serve as an
      indication of the potential effect of the MAUP; 2) OLS regression results differ
      significantly using different spatial representations, and this could be a
      contributing factor to the lack of consensus in studies that focus on the
      relation between NO(2) and respiratory health at the area-level; and 3) the use
      of three spatial representations confirms no measured effect of NO(2) exposure on
      respiratory health in Ottawa. CONCLUSIONS: Area units used in population health
      studies should be delineated so as to represent the a priori scale of the
      expected scale interaction between neighbourhood processes and health. A thorough
      understanding of the role of the MAUP in the study of the relationship between
      NO(2) and respiratory health is necessary for research into disease pathways
      based on statistical models, and for decision-makers to assess the scale at which
      interventions will have maximum benefit. In general, more research on the role of
      spatial representation in health studies is needed.

PMID- 22040002
TI  - Stable bone mineral density over 6 years in HIV-infected men treated with highly
      active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Most longitudinal studies of bone mineral density (BMD) in HIV
      infected cohorts have been of short duration, typically 1-2 years. Some studies,
      especially of cohorts treated with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART),
      report short-term stable or increasing BMD, but other studies, often in cohorts
      initiating HAART, report short-term losses in BMD. We assessed BMD changes over
      the medium term in HIV-infected men already established on HAART at baseline.
      DESIGN: Six-year, prospective, longitudinal study. SUBJECTS: Forty-four HIV
      infected men treated with HAART and 37 uninfected, healthy controls.
      MEASUREMENTS: Participants had measurements of BMD at baseline, 2 and 6 years.
      RESULTS: In the HIV-infected men at baseline, the mean age was 49 years, the mean
      duration of infection was 8 years, and the mean duration of HAART was 50 months.
      Over 6 years of follow-up, there was a greater increase in lumbar spine BMD
      (5.3%, 95% CI 3.8-6.5%) in the HIV-infected men compared with controls (0.3%, 95%
      CI -1.0 to 1.6%), P < 0.001. There was no difference between the groups in the
      change in BMD over time at the total hip (HIV group: -0.6%, 95% CI -1.7 to 0.4%,
      controls -1.0%, 95% CI -2.2 to 0%, P = 0.8) or at the total body (HIV group,
      0.3%, 95% CI -0.3 to 1.0%; controls, 0.5%, 95% CI -0.2 to 1.1%, P = 0.15). Lean
      mass increased in the HIV group, but not in the controls. CONCLUSIONS: There was
      no evidence of accelerated bone loss over 6 years in middle-aged, HIV-infected
      men treated with HAART. For such patients, routine monitoring of BMD is not
      necessary over the short/medium term.

PMID- 22040003
TI  - Reduced neuronal expression of ribose-5-phosphate isomerase enhances tolerance to
      oxidative stress, extends lifespan, and attenuates polyglutamine toxicity in
      Drosophila.
AB  - Aging and age-related diseases can be viewed as the result of the lifelong
      accumulation of stress insults. The identification of mutant strains and genes
      that are responsive to stress and can alter longevity profiles provides new
      therapeutic targets for age-related diseases. Here we reported that a Drosophila
      strain with reduced expression of ribose-5-phosphate isomerase (rpi), EP2456,
      exhibits increased resistance to oxidative stress and enhanced lifespan. In
      addition, the strain also displays higher levels of NADPH. The knockdown of rpi
      in neurons by double-stranded RNA interference recapitulated the lifespan
      extension and oxidative stress resistance in Drosophila. This manipulation was
      also found to ameliorate the effects of genetic manipulations aimed at creating a
      model for studying Huntington's disease by overexpression of polyglutamine in the
      eye, suggesting that modulating rpi levels could serve as a treatment for normal
      aging as well as for polyglutamine neurotoxicity.

PMID- 22040004
TI  - Hybrid FIB milling strategy for the fabrication of plasmonic nanostructures on
      semiconductor substrates.
AB  - The optical properties of plasmonic semiconductor devices fabricated by focused
      ion beam (FIB) milling deteriorate because of the amorphisation of the
      semiconductor substrate. This study explores the effects of combining traditional
      30 kV FIB milling with 5 kV FIB patterning to minimise the semiconductor damage
      and at the same time maintain high spatial resolution. The use of reduced
      acceleration voltages is shown to reduce the damage from higher energy ions on
      the example of fabrication of plasmonic crystals on semiconductor substrates
      leading to 7-fold increase in transmission. This effect is important for focused
      ion beam fabrication of plasmonic structures integrated with photodetectors,
      light-emitting diodes and semiconductor lasers.

PMID- 22040005
TI  - Rapid, multiparameter profiling of cellular secretion using silicon photonic
      microring resonator arrays.
AB  - We have developed a silicon photonic biosensing chip capable of multiplexed
      protein measurements in a biomolecularly complex cell culture matrix. Using this
      multiplexed platform combined with fast one-step sandwich immunoassays, we
      perform a variety of T cell cytokine secretion studies with excellent time-to
      result. Using 32-element arrays of silicon photonic microring resonators, the
      cytokines interleukin-2 (IL-2), interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-5 (IL-5), and
      tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) were simultaneously quantified with high
      accuracy in serum-containing cell media. Utilizing this cytokine panel, secretion
      profiles were obtained for primary human Th0, Th1, and Th2 subsets differentiated
      from naive CD4+ T cells, and we show the ability to discriminate between lineage
      commitments at early stages of culture differentiation. We also utilize this
      approach to probe the temporal secretion patterns of each T cell type using real
      time binding analyses for direct cytokine quantitation down to ~100 pM with just
      a 5 min-analysis.

PMID- 22040006
TI  - Prior psychiatric inpatient care and risk of cesarean sections: a registry study.
AB  - This study of 17,443 childbearing women, investigated the relationship between
      hospital admissions 5 years prior to index birth, type of mental disorders and
      risk factors for mode of delivery. Hospital based electronic perinatal medical
      records between 2001 and 2006, were linked with the Swedish National Inpatient
      Care Registry 1996-2006. Of all the women, 39.3% had had inpatient care prior to
      index birth (27.3% had had obstetric, 10.1% somatic, and 1.9% psychiatric
      inpatient care). Diagnoses of mental disorders at psychiatric admission (n=333)
      were categorized into five groups: personality/behavioral/unspecified disorder
      (30.9%), affective disorders and 'suicide attempt' (28.9%), neurotic/somatoform
      disorders (18.9%), substance use (17.1%) and schizophrenia (4.2%). Women with
      history of psychiatric care were more often smokers, below age 24 and single
      (p<0.001, respectively), had more markers of mental ill-health in pregnancy
      records (p<=0.001), compared to women without such previous care, and fewer were
      nulliparous (p<0.001). The results show that women with prior psychiatric
      inpatient care and those with identified mental ill-health in pregnancy records,
      were associated with increased adjusted risks of cesarean sections. Identifying a
      woman?s mental health status in pregnancy may predict and prevent emergency
      cesarean section.

PMID- 22040007
TI  - Short and long term effects of a lifestyle intervention for construction workers
      at risk for cardiovascular disease: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prevalence of overweight and elevated cardiovascular disease
      (CVD) risk among workers in the construction industry is relatively high.
      Improving lifestyle lowers CVD risk and may have work-related benefits. The
      purpose of the study was to evaluate the effects on physical activity (PA), diet,
      and smoking of a lifestyle intervention consisting of individual counseling among
      male workers in the construction industry with an elevated risk of cardiovascular
      disease (CVD). METHODS: In a randomized controlled trial including 816 male blue-
      and white-collar workers in the construction industry with an elevated risk of
      CVD, usual care was compared to a 6-month lifestyle intervention. The
      intervention consisted of individual counseling using motivational interviewing
      techniques, and was delivered by an occupational physician or occupational nurse.
      In three face to face and four telephone contacts, the participant's risk
      profile, personal determinants, and barriers for behavior change were discussed,
      and personal goals were set. Participants chose to aim at either diet and PA, or
      smoking. Data were collected at baseline and after six and 12 months, by means of
      a questionnaire. To analyse the data, linear and logistic regression analyses
      were performed. RESULTS: The intervention had a statistically significant
      beneficial effect on snack intake (beta-1.9, 95%CI -3.7; -0.02) and fruit intake
      (beta 1.7, 95%CI 0.6; 2.9) at 6 months. The effect on snack intake was sustained
      until 12 months; 6 months after the intervention had ended (beta -1.9, 95%CI 
      3.6; -0.2). The intervention effects on leisure time PA and metabolic equivalent
      minutes were not statistically significant. The beneficial effect on smoking was
      statistically significant at 6 (OR smoking 0.3, 95%CI 0.1;0.7), but not at 12
      months (OR 0.8, 95%CI 0.4; 1.6). CONCLUSIONS: Beneficial effects on smoking,
      fruit, and snack intake can be achieved by an individual-based lifestyle
      intervention among male construction workers with an elevated risk of CVD. Future
      research should be done on strategies to improve leisure time PA and on
      determinants of maintenance of changed behavior. Considering the rising
      prevalence of unhealthy lifestyle and CVD, especially in the aging population,
      implementation of this intervention in the occupational health care setting is
      recommended. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN60545588

PMID- 22040008
TI  - Manganese dioxide catalyzed N-alkylation of sulfonamides and amines with alcohols
      under air.
AB  - By simply running the reactions under air and solvent-free conditions using
      catalytic amounts of manganese dioxide, a practical and efficient N-alkylation
      method for a variety of sulfonamides and amines using alcohols as green
      alkylating reagents was developed.

PMID- 22040009
TI  - Prokaryotic taxonomy in the sequencing era--the polyphasic approach revisited.
AB  - The ultimate goal of taxonomy is to establish a system that mirrors the 'order in
      nature'. In prokaryote microbiology, almost all taxonomic concepts try to mirror
      the whole evolutionary order back to the origin of life with the cell as basic
      unit. The introduction of the 16S rRNA gene as molecular marker allowed for the
      first time the creation of a hierarchical taxonomic system based on one practical
      molecular marker. With the development of new and rapid sequencing technologies a
      wealth of new data can and will be used for critical evaluation of the taxonomic
      system. Comprehensive analyses of other molecular markers as well as total or
      partial genome comparisons confirmed the 16S rRNA based hierarchical system as
      'backbone of prokaryote taxonomy' at least at the genus level and above. A
      tendency is visible to classify novel taxa more and more based on the genotype,
      i.e. comparative analyses of 16S rRNA and/or other gene sequence data (in
      multilocus sequence analysis, MLSA) at the genus and the species level, sometimes
      contrary to the indications of other (often phenotypic) data. The understanding
      of all the information behind these data is lagging far behind their
      accumulation. Genes and genomes do not function on its own and can only display
      their potential within the cell as the basic unit of evolution (and hence
      taxonomy). It is the phenotype and the natural selection that 'drive' evolution
      in a given environment. In this context, the 'polyphasic taxonomic approach'
      should be revisited again, taking into account the novel insights into genomes
      and other 'omic' sciences in a more strict and detailed context with the
      phenotype. This approach allows a more holistic view and provides a sound basis
      for describing the diversity of prokaryotes and has the potential to become the
      foundation of a more stable, in-depth taxonomy of the prokaryotes.

PMID- 22040010
TI  - Interdigitating organic bilayers direct the short interlayer spacing in hybrid
      organic-inorganic layered vanadium oxide nanostructures.
AB  - Layered metal oxides provide a single-step route to sheathed superlattices of
      atomic layers of a variety of inorganic materials, where the interlayer spacing
      and overall layered structure forms the most critical feature in the
      nanomaterials' growth and application in electronics, health, and energy storage.
      We use a combination of computer simulations and experiments to describe the
      atomic-scale structure, dynamics and energetics of alkanethiol-intercalated
      layered vanadium oxide-based nanostructures. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations
      identify the unusual substrate-constrained packing of the alkanethiol surfactant
      chains along each V(2)O(5) (010) face that combines with extensive
      interdigitation between chains on opposing faces to maximize three-dimensional
      packing in the interlayer regions. The findings are supported by high resolution
      electron microscopy analyses of synthesized alkanethiol-intercalated vanadium
      oxide nanostructures, and the preference for this new interdigitated model is
      clarified using a large set of MD simulations. This dependency stresses the
      importance of organic-inorganic interactions in layered material systems, the
      control of which is central to technological applications of flexible hybrid
      nanomaterials.

PMID- 22040011
TI  - Spatially resolved, in situ potential measurements through porous electrodes as
      applied to fuel cells.
AB  - We report the development and use of a microstructured electrode scaffold (MES)
      to make spatially resolved, in situ, electrolyte potential measurements through
      the thickness of a polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) electrode. This new
      approach uses a microfabricated apparatus to analyze the coupled transport and
      electrochemical phenomena in porous electrodes at the microscale. In this study,
      the MES allows the fuel cell to run under near-standard operating conditions,
      while providing electrolyte potential measurements at discrete distances through
      the electrode's thickness. Here we use spatial distributions of electrolyte
      potential to evaluate the effects of Ohmic and mass transport resistances on the
      through-plane reaction distribution for various operating conditions.
      Additionally, we use the potential distributions to estimate the ionic
      conductivity of the electrode. Our results indicate the in situ conductivity is
      higher than typically estimated for PEFC electrodes based on bulk polymer
      electrolyte membrane (PEM) conductivity.

PMID- 22040012
TI  - Formaldehyde suppresses neuronal apoptosis via inhibition of outward K(+)
      currents in rat hippocampus.
AB  - Formaldehyde (FA) is widely present in the environment, and is also a mammalian
      metabolite. However, its biological role has not been well understood. Here, we
      show that FA plays an anti-apoptotic role in cultured hippocampal neurons: FA
      suppressed staurosporine-induced neuronal apoptosis and inhibited the activity of
      apoptosis-associated caspase-3/7 proteases in a concentration-dependent manner.
      Moreover, FA suppressed outward K(+) currents and attenuated the enhanced IK
      currents that are associated with neuronal apoptosis. As an increase in outward
      K(+) currents is critical for cell apoptosis, our results suggest that FA exerts
      its anti-apoptotic effects on neuronal cells, probably through its inhibitory
      effect on the outward K(+) currents. 

PMID- 22040013
TI  - Formation of a Veterinary Immunology Committee by the International Union of
      Immunological Societies.

PMID- 22040015
TI  - Libraries of 2,3,4,6,7,11b-hexahydro-1H-pyrido[2,1-a]isoquinolin-2-amine
      derivatives via a multicomponent assembly process/1,3-dipolar cycloaddition
      strategy.
AB  - A Mannich-type multicomponent assembly process/1,3-dipolar cycloaddition strategy
      has been developed for the rapid and efficient construction of a parent
      tetrahydroisoquinoline fused isoxazolidine scaffold, which was subsequently
      functionalized using well-established protocols to access a diverse 70-membered
      library of novel 2,3,4,6,7,11b-hexahydro-1H-pyrido[2,1-a]isoquinoline-2-amine
      derivatives.

PMID- 22040016
TI  - A novel early intervention for preschool depression: findings from a pilot
      randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Validation for depression in preschool children has been established;
      however, to date no empirical investigations of interventions for the early onset
      disorder have been conducted. Based on this and the modest efficacy of available
      treatments for childhood depression, the need for novel early interventions has
      been emphasized. Large effect sizes (ES) for preschool psychotherapies for
      several Axis I disorders suggest that earlier intervention in depression may also
      be promising. Therefore, a novel form of treatment for preschool depression,
      Parent-Child Interaction Therapy Emotion Development (PCIT-ED) was developed and
      tested. METHODS: A preliminary randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted
      comparing PCIT-ED to psycho-education in depressed 3- to 7-year-olds and their
      caregivers. A total of 54 patients met symptom criteria for DSM-IV major
      depressive disorder and were randomized, 19 patients completed the active
      treatment (n = 8 dropouts) and 10 completed psycho-education (n = 17 dropouts).
      RESULTS: Both groups showed significant improvement in several domains, with PCIT
      ED showing significance in a greater number of domains. An intent-to-treat
      analysis suggested that PCIT-ED was significantly more effective than psycho
      education on executive functioning (p = .011, ES = 0.12) and emotion recognition
      skills (p = .002, ES = 0.83). CONCLUSIONS: The RCT proved feasible and suggests
      an individual control condition should be used in future trials to minimize
      differential dropout. These pilot data, although limited by power, suggest that
      PCIT-ED may be a promising early intervention for depression. Larger scale
      randomized controlled trials of PCIT-ED for depressed preschoolers are now
      warranted.

PMID- 22040018
TI  - Should we pretreat solid waste prior to anaerobic digestion? An assessment of its
      environmental cost.
AB  - Many studies have shown the effectiveness of pretreatments prior to anaerobic
      digestion of solid wastes, but to our knowledge, none analyzes their
      environmental consequences/costs. In this work, seven different pretreatments
      applied to two types of waste (kitchen waste and sewage sludge) have been
      environmentally evaluated by using life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology. The
      results show that the environmental burdens associated to the application of
      pretreatments prior to anaerobic digestion cannot be excluded. Among the options
      tested, the pressurize-depressurize and chemical (acid or alkaline) pretreatments
      could be recommended on the basis of their beneficial net environmental
      performance, while thermal and ozonation alternatives require energy efficiency
      optimization to reduce their environmental burdens. Reconciling operational,
      economic and environmental aspects in a holistic approach for the selection of
      the most sustainable option, mechanical (e.g., pressurize-depressurize) and
      chemical methods appear to be the most appropriate alternatives at this stage.

PMID- 22040017
TI  - Be careful with triage in emergency departments: interobserver agreement on 1,578
      patients in France.
AB  - BACKGROUND: For several decades, emergency departments (EDs) utilization has
      increased, inducing ED overcrowding in many countries. This phenomenon is related
      partly to an excessive number of nonurgent patients. To resolve ED overcrowding
      and to decrease nonurgent visits, the most common solution has been to triage the
      ED patients to identify potentially nonurgent patients, i.e. which could have
      been dealt with by general practitioner. The objective of this study was to
      measure agreement among ED health professionals on the urgency of an ED visit,
      and to determine if the level of agreement is consistent among different sub
      groups based on following explicit criteria: age, medical status, type of
      referral to the ED, investigations performed in the ED, and the discharge from
      the ED. METHODS: We conducted a multicentric cross-sectional study to compare
      agreement between nurses and physicians on categorization of ED visits into
      urgent or nonurgent. Subgroups stratified by criteria characterizing the ED visit
      were analyzed in relation to the outcome of the visit. RESULTS: Of 1,928 ED
      patients, 350 were excluded because data were lacking. The overall nurse
      physician agreement on categorization was moderate (kappa = 0.43). The levels of
      agreement within all subgroups were variable and low. The highest agreement
      concerned three subgroups of complaints: cranial injury (kappa = 0.61),
      gynaecological (kappa = 0.66) and toxicology complaints (kappa = 1.00). The
      lowest agreement concerned two subgroups: urinary-nephrology (kappa = 0.09) and
      hospitalization (kappa = 0.20). When categorization of ED visits into urgent or
      nonurgent cases was compared to hospitalization, ED physicians had higher
      sensitivity and specificity than nurses (respectively 94.9% versus 89.5%, and
      43.1% versus 30.9%). CONCLUSIONS: The lack of physician-nurse agreement and the
      inability to predict hospitalization have important implications for patient
      safety. When urgency screening is used to determine treatment priority,
      disagreement might not matter because all patients in the ED are seen and
      treated. But using assessments as the basis for refusal of care to potential
      nonurgent patients raises legal, ethical, and safety issues. Managed care
      organizations should be cautious when applying such criteria to restrict access
      to EDs.

PMID- 22040019
TI  - Isolation and molecular characterization of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus
      aureus from public transport.
AB  - Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) not only causes disease in
      hospitals, but also in the community. The characteristics of MRSA transmission in
      the environment remain uncertain. In this study, MRSA were isolated from public
      transport in Tokyo and Niigata, Japan. Of 349 trains examined, eight (2.3%) were
      positive for MRSA. The MRSA isolated belonged to sequence types (STs) 5, 8, 88,
      and 89, and included community infection-associated ST8 MRSA (with novel type IV
      staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec) and the ST5 New York/Japan hospital
      clone. The data indicate that public transport could contribute to the spread of
      community-acquired MRSA, and awareness of this mode of transmission is necessary.

PMID- 22040020
TI  - Strong improvement of interfacial properties can result from slight structural
      modifications of proteins: the case of native and dry-heated lysozyme.
AB  - Identification of the key physicochemical parameters of proteins that determine
      their interfacial properties is still incomplete and represents a real stake
      challenge, especially for food proteins. Many studies have thus consisted in
      comparing the interfacial behavior of different proteins, but it is difficult to
      draw clear conclusions when the molecules are completely different on several
      levels. Here the adsorption process of a model protein, the hen egg-white
      lysozyme, and the same protein that underwent a thermal treatment in the dry
      state, was characterized. The consequences of this treatment have been previously
      studied: net charge and hydrophobicity increase and lesser protein stability, but
      no secondary and tertiary structure modification (Desfougeres, Y.; Jardin, J.;
      Lechevalier, V.; Pezennec, S.; Nau, F. Biomacromolecules 2011, 12, 156-166). The
      present study shows that these slight modifications dramatically increase the
      interfacial properties of the protein, since the adsorption to the air-water
      interface is much faster and more efficient (higher surface pressure). Moreover,
      a thick and strongly viscoelastic multilayer film is created, while native
      lysozyme adsorbs in a fragile monolayer film. Another striking result is that
      completely different behaviors were observed between two molecular species, i.e.,
      native and native-like lysozyme, even though these species could not be
      distinguished by usual spectroscopic methods. This suggests that the air-water
      interface could be considered as a useful tool to reveal very subtle differences
      between protein molecules.

PMID- 22040021
TI  - Genomic instability influences the transcriptome and proteome in endometrial
      cancer subtypes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In addition to clinical characteristics, DNA aneuploidy has been
      identified as a prognostic factor in epithelial malignancies in general and in
      endometrial cancers in particular. We mapped ploidy-associated chromosomal
      aberrations and identified corresponding gene and protein expression changes in
      endometrial cancers of different prognostic subgroups. METHODS: DNA image
      cytometry classified 25 endometrioid cancers to be either diploid (n = 16) or
      aneuploid (n = 9), and all uterine papillary serous cancers (UPSC) to be
      aneuploid (n = 8). All samples were subjected to comparative genomic
      hybridization and gene expression profiling. Identified genes were subjected to
      Ingenuity pathway analysis (IPA) and were correlated to protein expression
      changes. RESULTS: Comparative genomic hybridization revealed ploidy-associated
      specific, recurrent genomic imbalances. Gene expression analysis identified 54
      genes between diploid and aneuploid endometrioid carcinomas, 39 genes between
      aneuploid endometrioid cancer and UPSC, and 76 genes between diploid endometrioid
      and aneuploid UPSC to be differentially expressed. Protein profiling identified
      AKR7A2 and ANXA2 to show translational alterations consistent with the
      transcriptional changes. The majority of differentially expressed genes and
      proteins belonged to identical molecular functions, foremost Cancer, Cell Death,
      and Cellular Assembly and Organization. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the grade
      of genomic instability rather than the histopathological subtype correlates with
      specific gene and protein expression changes. The identified genes and proteins
      might be useful as molecular targets for improved diagnostic and therapeutic
      intervention and merit prospective validation.

PMID- 22040023
TI  - Discovery of novel, potent, and selective inhibitors of 3-phosphoinositide
      dependent kinase (PDK1).
AB  - Analogues substituted with various amines at the 6-position of the pyrazine ring
      on (4-amino-7-isopropyl-7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d]pyrimidin-5-yl)pyrazin-2-ylmethanone
      were discovered as potent and selective inhibitors of PDK1 with potential as
      anticancer agents. An early lead with 2-pyridine-3-ylethylamine as the pyrazine
      substituent showed moderate potency and selectivity. Structure-based drug design
      led to improved potency and selectivity against PI3Kalpha through a combination
      of cyclizing the ethylene spacer into a saturated, five-membered ring and
      substituting on the 4-position of the aryl ring with a fluorine. ADME properties
      were improved by lowering the lipophilicity with heteroatom replacements in the
      saturated, five-membered ring. The optimized analogues have a PDK1 Ki of 1 nM and
      >100-fold selectivity against PI3K/AKT-pathway kinases. The cellular potency of
      these analogues was assessed by the inhibition of AKT phosphorylation (T308) and
      by their antiproliferation activity against a number of tumor cell lines.

PMID- 22040024
TI  - Differential proteolysis of sigma regulators controls cell-surface signalling in
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
AB  - Cell-surface signalling systems are widespread in Gram-negative bacteria. In
      these systems gene expression occurs following binding of a ligand, commonly a
      siderophore, to a receptor protein in the outer membrane. The receptor interacts
      with a sigma regulator protein that extends from the periplasm into the cytoplasm
      to control the activity of a cognate sigma factor. The mechanisms of signal
      transduction in cell-surface signalling systems have not been determined. Here we
      investigate signal transduction in the pyoverdine, ferrichrome and
      desferrioxamine siderophore systems of Pseudomonas aeruginosa. When pyoverdine is
      present the sigma regulator FpvR undergoes complete proteolysis resulting in
      activation of two sigma factors PvdS and FpvI and expression of genes for
      pyoverdine synthesis and uptake. When pyoverdine is absent subfragments of FpvR
      inhibit PvdS and FpvI. Similarly, subfragments of the sigma regulators FoxR and
      FiuR are formed in the absence of desferrioxamine and ferrichrome. These are much
      less abundant when the siderophores are present and downstream gene expression
      takes place. In all three systems RseP (MucP/YaeL) is required for complete
      proteolysis of the sigma regulator and sigma factor activity. These findings
      indicate that regulated proteolysis is a general mechanism for signal
      transduction in cell-surface signalling.

PMID- 22040022
TI  - Pulmonary adenocarcinoma: a renewed entity in 2011.
AB  - Lung cancer, of which non-small-cell lung cancer comprises the majority, is the
      leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States and worldwide. Lung
      adenocarcinomas are a major subtype of non-small-cell lung cancers, are
      increasing in incidence globally in both males and females and in smokers and non
      smokers, and are the cause for almost 50% of deaths attributable to lung cancer.
      Lung adenocarcinoma is a tumour with complex biology that we have recently
      started to understand with the advent of various histological, transcriptomic,
      genomic and proteomic technologies. However, the histological and molecular
      pathogenesis of this malignancy is still largely unknown. This review will
      describe advances in the molecular pathology of lung adenocarcinoma with emphasis
      on genomics and DNA alterations of this disease. Moreover, the review will
      discuss recognized lung adenocarcinoma preneoplastic lesions and current concepts
      of the early pathogenesis and progression of the disease. We will also portray
      the field cancerization phenomenon and lineage-specific oncogene expression
      pattern in lung cancer and how both remerging concepts can be exploited to
      increase our understanding of lung adenocarcinoma pathogenesis for subsequent
      development of biomarkers for early detection of adenocarcinomas and possibly
      personalized prevention.

PMID- 22040026
TI  - Enhanced photo-sensitivity through an increased light-trapping on Si by surface
      nano-structuring using MWCNT etch mask.
AB  - We demonstrate an enhanced photo-sensitivity (PS) through an increased light
      trapping using surface nano-structuring technique by inductively coupled plasma
      (ICP) etching on multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) etch masked Si with
      hexamethyl-disilazane (HMDS) dispersion. In order for a systematic comparison,
      four samples are prepared, respectively, by conventional photolithography and ICP
      etching using MWCNT as a etch mask. MWCNT-etched Si with HMDS dispersion shows
      the highest RMS roughness and the lowest reflectance of the four. Two test device
      structures are fabricated with active regions of bare-Si as a reference and MWCNT
      etch masked Si with HMDS dispersion. The increased light-trapping was most
      significant at mid-UV, somewhat less at visible and less noticeable at infrared.
      With an ICP-etched Si using CNT HMDS dispersion, PS is very sharply increased.
      This result can lead to applications in optoelectronics where the enhancement in
      light-trapping is important.

PMID- 22040027
TI  - Functional studies of CYP21A2 mutants complement structural and clinical
      predictions of disease severity in CAH.

PMID- 22040025
TI  - Evaluation of diverse alpha/beta-backbone patterns for functional alpha-helix
      mimicry: analogues of the Bim BH3 domain.
AB  - Peptidic oligomers that contain both alpha- and beta-amino acid residues, in
      regular patterns throughout the backbone, are emerging as structural mimics of
      alpha-helix-forming conventional peptides (composed exclusively of alpha-amino
      acid residues). Here we describe a comprehensive evaluation of diverse alpha/beta
      peptide homologues of the Bim BH3 domain in terms of their ability to bind to the
      BH3-recognition sites on two partner proteins, Bcl-x(L) and Mcl-1. These proteins
      are members of the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family, and both bind tightly to the Bim
      BH3 domain itself. All alpha/beta-peptide homologues retain the side-chain
      sequence of the Bim BH3 domain, but each homologue contains periodic alpha
      residue -> beta(3)-residue substitutions. Previous work has shown that the
      alphaalphabetaalphaalphaalphabeta pattern, which aligns the beta(3)-residues in a
      'stripe' along one side of the helix, can support functional alpha-helix mimicry,
      and the results reported here strengthen this conclusion. The present study
      provides the first evaluation of functional mimicry by alphaalphabeta and
      alphaalphaalphabeta patterns, which cause the beta(3)-residues to spiral around
      the helix periphery. We find that the alphaalphaalphabeta pattern can support
      effective mimicry of the Bim BH3 domain, as manifested by the crystal structure
      of an alpha/beta-peptide bound to Bcl-x(L), affinity for a variety of Bcl-2
      family proteins, and induction of apoptotic signaling in mouse embryonic
      fibroblast extracts. The best alphaalphaalphabeta homologue shows substantial
      protection from proteolytic degradation relative to the Bim BH3 alpha-peptide.

PMID- 22040028
TI  - Satellite cell pool enhancement in rat plantaris muscle by endurance training
      depends on intensity rather than duration.
AB  - AIM: Increases in the number of satellite cells are necessary for the maintenance
      of normal muscle function. Endurance training enhances the satellite cell pool.
      However, it remains unclear whether exercise intensity or exercise duration is
      more important to enhance the satellite cell pool. This study examined the
      effects of different intensity and duration of endurance training on the
      satellite cell pool in rat skeletal muscle. METHODS: Forty-one 17-week-old female
      Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to control (n = 8), high intensity and high
      duration (n = 7), high intensity and low duration (n = 8), low intensity and high
      duration (n = 9) and low intensity and low duration (n = 9) groups. Training
      groups exercised 5 days per week on a motor driven treadmill for 10 weeks. After
      the training period, animals were anaesthetized and the plantaris muscles were
      removed, weighed and analysed for immunohistochemical and histochemical
      properties. RESULTS: Although no significant differences were found in muscle
      mass, mean fibre area and myonuclei per muscle fibre between all groups, the
      percentage of satellite cells was significantly higher in the high-intensity
      groups than in the other groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Increases in the
      satellite cell pool of skeletal muscle following endurance training depend on the
      intensity rather than duration of exercise.

PMID- 22040029
TI  - Retrospective chart review of catatonia in child and adolescent psychiatric
      patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Identify the frequency of catatonia among at-risk children and
      adolescents receiving psychiatric treatment. METHOD: Subjects were children and
      adolescents (<18 years), who had received psychiatric treatment at a University
      Hospital during 2004-2009, and were diagnosed with disorders with known risk for
      catatonia or displayed symptoms suggestive of catatonia. Approval was obtained
      from the Investigational Review Board (IRB). The first 101 (n = 101) subjects
      were selected among 570 subjects identified by psychiatric diagnoses: any
      pervasive developmental disorder, psychosis-NOS (Not Otherwise Specified),
      intermittent explosive disorder, mental retardation, catatonia and neuroleptic
      malignant syndrome. Subjects met study-defined criteria for catatonia, if they
      had three or more of the following symptoms: unexplained agitation/excitement,
      disturbed or unusual movements, reduced movements, repetitive or stereotyped
      movements, or reduced or loss of speech. RESULTS: Eighteen (17.8%) subjects,
      among a group suspected to be at a higher risk for catatonia, met the study
      defined criteria for this syndrome. However, only two subjects had been diagnosed
      by their treatment providers. Higher rates of intellectual disability and
      aggression were found among the group that met study-criteria. CONCLUSION: We
      concluded that catatonia is under recognized and undertreated among children and
      adolescents receiving psychiatric treatment.

PMID- 22040030
TI  - Discrepancies between survey and administrative data on the use of mental health
      services in the general population: findings from a study conducted in Quebec.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Population surveys and health services registers are the main source
      of data for the management of public health. Yet, the validity of survey data on
      the use of mental health services has been questioned repeatedly due to the
      sensitive nature of mental illness and to the risk of recall bias. The main
      objectives of this study were to compare data on the use of mental health
      services from a large scale population survey and a national health services
      register and to identify the factors associated with the discrepancies observed
      between these two sources of data. METHODS: This study was based on the
      individual linkage of data from the cycle 1.2 of the Canadian Community Health
      Survey (CCHS-1.2) and from the health services register of the Regie de
      l'assurance maladie du Quebec (RAMQ). The RAMQ is the governmental agency
      managing the Quebec national health insurance program. The analyses mostly
      focused on the 637 Quebecer respondents who were recorded as users of mental
      health services in the RAMQ and who were self-reported users or non users of
      these services in the CCHS-1.2. RESULTS: Roughly 75%, of those recorded as users
      of mental health services users in the RAMQ's register did not report using
      mental health services in the CCHS-1.2. The odds of disagreement between survey
      and administrative data were higher in seniors, individuals with a lower level of
      education, legal or de facto spouses and mothers of young children. They were
      lower in individuals with a psychiatric disorder and in frequent and more recent
      users of mental health services according to the RAMQ's register. CONCLUSIONS:
      These findings support the hypotheses that social desirability and recall bias
      are likely to affect the self-reported use of mental health services in a
      population survey. They stress the need to refine the investigation of mental
      health services in population surveys and to combine survey and administrative
      data, whenever possible, to obtain an optimal estimation of the population need
      for mental health care.

PMID- 22040032
TI  - Metabolic effects of intra-abdominal fat in GHRKO mice.
AB  - Mice with targeted deletion of the growth hormone receptor (GHRKO mice) are
      growth hormone (GH) resistant, small, obese, hypoinsulinemic, highly insulin
      sensitive and remarkably long-lived. To elucidate the unexpected coexistence of
      adiposity with improved insulin sensitivity and extended longevity, we examined
      effects of surgical removal of visceral (epididymal and perinephric) fat on
      metabolic traits related to insulin signaling and longevity. Comparison of
      results obtained in GHRKO mice and in normal animals from the same strain
      revealed disparate effects of visceral fat removal (VFR) on insulin and glucose
      tolerance, adiponectin levels, accumulation of ectopic fat, phosphorylation of
      insulin signaling intermediates, body temperature, and respiratory quotient (RQ).
      Overall, VFR produced the expected improvements in insulin sensitivity and
      reduced body temperature and RQ in normal mice and had opposite effects in GHRKO
      mice. Some of the examined parameters were altered by VFR in opposite directions
      in GHRKO and normal mice, and others were affected in only one genotype or
      exhibited significant genotype * treatment interactions. Functional differences
      between visceral fat of GHRKO and normal mice were confirmed by measurements of
      adipokine secretion, lipolysis, and expression of genes related to fat
      metabolism. We conclude that in the absence of GH signaling, the secretory
      activity of visceral fat is profoundly altered and unexpectedly promotes enhanced
      insulin sensitivity. The apparent beneficial effects of visceral fat in GHRKO
      mice may also explain why reducing adiposity by calorie restriction fails to
      improve insulin signaling or further extend longevity in these animals.

PMID- 22040033
TI  - Total synthesis of hirsutellone B via Ullmann-type direct 13-membered
      macrocyclization.
AB  - Total synthesis of Hirsutellone B has been achieved by a convergent synthetic
      strategy. This synthesis features direct construction of the highly strained 13
      membered macrocycle of Hirsutellone B utilizing the Ullmann-type reaction. To the
      best of our knowledge, this is the first application of macrocyclization
      utilizing an intramolecular Ullmann-type reaction between an aliphatic alcohol
      and aryl halide.

PMID- 22040034
TI  - Perinatal immunoproteins predict the risk of cerebral palsy in preterm children.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether blood cytokines during the perinatal period
      predict the risk of cerebral palsy (CP) in preterm infants. METHODS: This
      prospective cohort study comprised 169 children born before 32 weeks of
      gestation. Cord blood was drawn at birth, and 109 cytokines were analyzed using
      microarrays. Eleven cytokines were further measured from both cord and peripheral
      blood on days 1 and 7. Cerebral palsy was confirmed at 5 years of age. RESULTS:
      Cerebral palsy was diagnosed in 19 children. Five clusters of cord blood
      cytokines were scored using factor analysis. According to logistic regression
      analysis, the scores of factors 1 and 2 independently predicted the risk of CP.
      These cytokines included several growth factors and chemokines, and they all
      tended to be higher in children with CP than in children without CP. Inflammatory
      cytokine levels were associated with CP risk on days 1 and 7 after birth.
      CONCLUSION: The high blood concentrations of various cytokines during the
      perinatal period may relate to CP, and these cytokines may influence the pathways
      leading to early insult in the central nervous system. The risk profile of
      inflammatory cytokines is different at birth than during the first week after
      birth.

PMID- 22040035
TI  - An optimized relaxation-based coherence transfer NMR experiment for the
      measurement of side-chain order in methyl-protonated, highly deuterated proteins.
AB  - Relaxation violated coherence transfer NMR spectroscopy has emerged as a powerful
      experimental tool for the quantitative measurement of amplitudes of motion of
      methyl containing side-chains. Typically, the experiments, performed on proteins
      that are highly deuterated and methyl-protonated, monitor the build-up of methyl
      (1)H double-quantum magnetization. Because all three protons in a methyl group
      are degenerate, such coherences can only result from differential relaxation of
      transverse magnetization components, which in turn reflect the extent and time
      scale of motion of the methyl probe [Tugarinov, V., Sprangers, R.; Kay, L.E. J.
      Am. Chem. Soc. 2007, 129, 1743-1750]. We show here that a 50% gain in the
      sensitivity of the experiment can be achieved through selection of (1)H triple
      quantum coherence, thereby significantly increasing the utility of the approach.
      A theoretical treatment rationalizes the sensitivity gain that is subsequently
      verified through experiment. The utility of the methodology is demonstrated on a
      number of proteins, including the 360 kDa alpha(7)alpha(7) "half-proteasome".

PMID- 22040037
TI  - Cyclic di-GMP, an established secondary messenger still speeding up.
AB  - The secondary messenger cyclic di-GMP coordinately regulates the transition
      between motility/sessility/virulence in bacterial populations and upon adaptation
      to novel habitats. Thereby, multiple independent regulatory circuits regulate a
      diversity of targets. This specific output response is surprising considering the
      diverse physiological processes regulated by this signalling molecule, which
      range from transcription to proteolysis and clearly demonstrates the presence of
      sophisticated developmental programmes in these so-called simple organisms.

PMID- 22040036
TI  - Estrogenicity of outer scales of onion on uteri of immature mice.
AB  - We aimed to investigate the estrogen-like activities of the outer scales of onion
      and garlic on the uteri of immature mice. This work compared the estrogenic
      effects induced by estradiol with the effects of plant extract (onion, garlic) in
      models of immature mice (n = 72). The animals were divided into 6 groups, with 12
      animals in each group, as follows: Group I (control group), Group II (estradiol
      treated group), Group III (onion extract treated group), Group IV (onion extract
      treated group after blockage of estrogen receptors), Group V (garlic extract
      treated group), and Group VI (garlic extract treated group after blockage of
      estrogen receptors). Uterine wet weight/body mass ratios were determined.
      Uterotrophic bioassay, immunohistochemical assay for estrogen receptor and
      proliferative marker Ki67, uterine contractility, and serum estrogen levels were
      investigated. Onion extract induced proliferative changes in the uterus, it also
      increased the uterine mass and epithelial cell height. Also, the frequency and
      amplitude of myometrial contractility were significantly increased in the group
      treated with onion extract. This estrogenic activity could be attributed to the
      quercetin and daidzein content, and activation of estrogenic receptors, as these
      effects disappeared after blockage of E2 receptors. Our results support the
      possible estrogenic properties of the onion extract, which could be attributed to
      quercetin and daidzein, but not that of garlic extract. 

PMID- 22040038
TI  - Application of XPS and solution chemistry analyses to investigate soluble
      manganese removal by MnO(x)(s)-coated media.
AB  - X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was applied to investigate Mn(II) removal
      by MnO(x)(s)-coated media under experimental conditions similar to the engineered
      environment of drinking water treatment plants in the absence and presence of
      chlorine. Macroscopic and spectroscopic results suggest that Mn(II) removal at pH
      6.3 and pH 7.2 in the absence of chlorine was mainly due to adsorption onto the
      MnO(x)(s) surface coating, while removal in the presence of chlorine was due to a
      combination of initial surface adsorption followed by subsequent surface
      catalyzed oxidation. However, Mn(III) was identified by XPS analyses of the Mn 3p
      photoline for experiments performed in the absence of chlorine at pH 6.3 and pH
      7.2, suggesting that surface-catalyzed Mn oxidation also occurred at these
      conditions. Results obtained at pH 8.2 at 8 and 0.5 mg.L(-1) dissolved oxygen in
      the absence of chlorine suggest that Mn(II) removal was mainly due to initial
      adsorption followed by surface-catalyzed oxidation. XPS analyses suggest that
      Mn(IV) was the predominant species in experiments operated in the presence of
      chlorine. This study confirms that the use of chlorine combined with the
      catalytic action of MnO(x)(s) oxides is effective for Mn(II) removal from
      drinking water filtration systems.

PMID- 22040039
TI  - General practitioners' experience and benefits from patient evaluations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It has now for many years been recognised that patient evaluations
      should be undertaken as an integral part of the complex task of improving the
      quality of general practice care. Yet little is known about the general
      practitioners' (GPs') benefit from patient evaluations. Aim 1 was to study the
      impact on the GPs of a patient evaluation and subsequent feedback of results
      presented at a plenary session comprising a study guide for the results and group
      discussions. Aim 2 was to study possible facilitators and barriers to the
      implementations of the results raised by the patient evaluation process. METHODS:
      A patient evaluation survey of 597 voluntarily participating GPs was performed by
      means of the EUROPEP questionnaire. Evaluation results were fed back to the GPs
      as written reports at a single feedback meeting with group discussions of the
      results. Between 3 and 17 months after the feedback, the 597 GPs received a
      questionnaire with items addressing their experience with and perceived benefit
      from the evaluations. RESULTS: 79.4% of the GPs responded. 33% of the responding
      GPs reported that the patient evaluation had raised their attention to the
      patient perspective on the quality of general practice care. Job satisfaction had
      improved among 26%, and 21% had developed a more positive attitude to patient
      evaluations. 77% of the GPs reported having learnt from the evaluation. 54% had
      made changes to improve practice, 82% would recommend a patient evaluation to a
      colleague and 75% would do another patient evaluation if invited. 14% of the GPs
      had become less positive towards patient evaluations, and job satisfaction had
      decreased among 3%. CONCLUSIONS: We found a significant impact on the GPs
      regarding satisfaction with the process and attitude towards patient evaluations,
      GPs' attention to the patients' perspective on care quality and their job
      satisfaction. Being benchmarked against the average seemed to raise barriers to
      the concept of patient evaluations and difficulties interpreting the results may
      have formed a barrier to their implementation which was partly overcome by adding
      qualitative data to the quantitative results. The GPs' significant willingness to
      share and discuss the results with others may have served as a facilitator.

PMID- 22040040
TI  - Letter to the editor--Increasing body weight of motorcycle riders.

PMID- 22040041
TI  - Commentary on: Kremer C, Racette S, Dionne CA, Sauvageau A. Discrimination of
      falls and blows in blunt head trauma: systematic study of the hat brim rule in
      relation to skull fractures. J Forensic Sci 2008 May; 53(3):716-9.

PMID- 22040043
TI  - Commentary on: Horvath F, Palmatier JJ. Critique of Horvath-Palmatier Laboratory
      study on effectiveness of exclusive v. non-exclusive control questions in
      polygraph examination. J Forensic Sci 2008;53(4):889-99.

PMID- 22040045
TI  - Author's response: My response to Dr. Dawes et al.'s letter follows (owing to the
      U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory's approval process required of authors, the
      response could not be submitted to the Journal of Forensic Sciences in a timely
      manner.

PMID- 22040046
TI  - Carbon nanotube wiring: a tool for straightforward electrochemical biosensing at
      magnetic particles.
AB  - Here, we combine the unique properties of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and magnetic
      particles (MPs) to develop a novel biosensing approach for the specific detection
      of electroactive labels and targets. The assay is based on label/target capture
      and concentration using MPs. It follows addition of CNTs, which adsorb onto the
      surface of the beads. The subsequent magnetic entrapment of the CNT/MP complexes
      onto an electrode allows straightforward electrochemical sensing of the MP
      surface by exploiting CNT wiring. As a proof of concept, the assay has been
      applied to detection of ferrocene labels, and to the specific immunodetection of
      dopamine in both artificial saline solutions and real sample matrixes. The
      results demonstrate the applicability of CNT as wiring tools for enzymeless and
      substrateless electrochemical biosensing.

PMID- 22040047
TI  - Anti-inflammatory properties of intestinal Bifidobacterium strains isolated from
      healthy infants.
AB  - Certain Bifidobacterium strains have been shown to inhibit inflammatory responses
      in intestinal epithelial cells. However, the precise mechanisms of these effects,
      including the chemical nature of the active compounds, remain to be elucidated.
      Here partial characterization of the anti-inflammatory properties of
      Bifidobacterium strains isolated from feces of healthy infants is reported. It
      was found that conditioned media (CM) of all strains studied are capable of
      attenuating tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and lipopolysaccharide- (LPS)
      induced inflammatory responses in the HT-29 cell line. In contrast, neither
      killed bifidobacterial cells, nor cell-free extracts showed such activities.
      Further investigations resulted in attribution of this activity to heat-stable,
      non-lipophilic compound(s) resistant to protease and nuclease treatments and of
      molecular weight less than 3 kDa. The anti-inflammatory effects were dose- and
      time-dependent and associated with inhibition of IkappaB phosphorylation and
      nuclear factor-kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kappaB)
      dependent promoter activation. The combined treatments of cells with CMs and
      either LPS or TNF-alpha, but not with CMs alone, resulted in upregulation of
      transforming growth factor-beta1, IkappaBzeta, and p21(CIP) mRNAs. Our data
      suggest certain species-specificities of the anti-inflammatory properties of
      bifidobacteria. This observation should prompt additional validation studies
      using larger set of strains and employing the tools of comparative genomics.

PMID- 22040049
TI  - Impact of obesity on respiratory function.
AB  - Obesity has long been recognized as having significant effects on respiratory
      function. The topic has been studied for at least the last half century, and some
      clear patterns have emerged. Obese patients tend to have higher respiratory rates
      and lower tidal volumes. Total respiratory system compliance is reduced for a
      variety of reasons, which will be discussed. Lung volumes tend to be decreased,
      especially expiratory reserve volume. Spirometry, gas exchange and airway
      resistance all tend to be relatively well preserved when adjusted for lung
      volumes. Patients may be mildly hypoxaemic, possibly due to ventilation-perfusion
      mismatching at the base of the lungs, where microatelectasis is likely to occur.
      Weight loss leads to a reversal of these changes. For all of these changes, the
      distribution of fat, that is, upper versus lower body, may be more important than
      body mass index.

PMID- 22040048
TI  - An amino-terminal signal peptide of Vfr protein negatively influences RopB
      dependent SpeB expression and attenuates virulence in Streptococcus pyogenes.
AB  - Streptococcal pyrogenic exotoxin B (SpeB) is an extracellular cysteine protease
      that is a critical virulence factor made by the major human pathogen group A
      Streptococcus (GAS). speB expression is dependent on the regulator of proteinase
      B (RopB) and is upregulated with increasing cell density and during infection.
      Because computer modelling suggested significant structural similarity between
      RopB and peptide-sensing regulatory proteins made by other Gram-positive
      bacteria, we hypothesized that speB expression is influenced by RopB-peptide
      interactions. Inactivation of the gene (vfr) encoding the virulence factor
      related (Vfr) protein resulted in increased speB transcript level during the
      exponential growth phase, whereas provision of only the amino-terminal region of
      Vfr comprising the secretion signal sequence in trans restored a wild-type speB
      expression profile. Addition of the culture supernatant from a Vfr signal peptide
      expressing GAS strain restored wild-type speB transcript level to a vfr
      inactivated isogenic mutant strain. A distinct peptide in the Vfr secretion
      signal sequence specifically bound to recombinant RopB. Finally, overexpression
      of the Vfr secretion signal sequence significantly decreased speB transcript
      level and attenuated GAS virulence in two mouse models of invasive infection.
      Taken together, these data delineate a previously unknown small peptide-mediated
      regulatory system that controls GAS virulence factor production.

PMID- 22040051
TI  - Correction.

PMID- 22040050
TI  - HCCS1-armed, quadruple-regulated oncolytic adenovirus specific for liver cancer
      as a cancer targeting gene-viro-therapy strategy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In previously published studies, oncolytic adenovirus-mediated gene
      therapy has produced good results in targeting cancer cells. However, safety and
      efficacy, the two most important aspects in cancer therapy, remain serious
      challenges. The specific expression or deletion of replication related genes in
      an adenovirus has been frequently utilized to regulate the cancer cell
      specificity of a virus. Accordingly, in this study, we deleted 24 bp in E1A
      (bp924-bp947) and the entirety of E1B, including those genes encoding E1B 55kDa
      and E1B19kDa. We used the survivin promoter (SP) to control E1A in order to
      construct a new adenovirus vector named Ad.SP.E1A(Delta24).DeltaE1B (briefly
      Ad.SPDD). HCCS1 (hepatocellular carcinoma suppressor 1) is a novel tumor
      suppressor gene that is able to specifically induce apoptosis in cancer cells.
      The expression cassette AFP-HCCS1-WPRE-SV40 was inserted into Ad.SPDD to form
      Ad.SPDD-HCCS1, enabling us to improve the safety and efficacy of oncolytic
      mediated gene therapy for liver cancer. RESULTS: Ad.SPDD showed a decreased viral
      yield and less toxicity in normal cells but enhanced toxicity in liver cancer
      cells, compared with the cancer-specific adenovirus ZD55 (E1B55K deletion).
      Ad.SPDD-HCCS1 exhibited a potent anti-liver-cancer ability and decreased toxicity
      in vitro. Ad.SPDD-HCCS1 also showed a measurable capacity to inhibit Huh-7
      xenograft tumor growth on nude mice. The underlying mechanism of Ad.SPDD-HCCS1
      induced liver cancer cell death was found to be via the mitochondrial apoptosis
      pathway. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that Ad.SPDD-HCCS1 was able to
      elicit reduced toxicity and enhanced efficacy both in vitro and in vivo compared
      to a previously constructed oncolytic adenovirus. Ad.SPDD-HCCS1 could be a
      promising candidate for liver cancer therapy.

PMID- 22040053
TI  - Alkaloids from the Chinese vine Gnetum montanum.
AB  - During a high-throughput screening campaign of a prefractionated natural product
      library, fractions from the Chinese vine Gnetum montanum showed in vitro activity
      against Pseudomonas aeruginosa wild-type strain, PAO1. UV-directed isolation of
      the organic extract from the vine leaves resulted in the purification of the new
      natural products N-methyllaudanosolinium trifluoroacetate (1), 3'-hydroxy-N,N
      dimethylcoclaurinium trifluoroacetate (2), 1,9,10-trihydroxy-2-methoxy-6
      methylaporphinium trifluoroacetate (3), and 6a,7-didehydro-1,9,10-trihydroxy-2
      methoxy-6-methylaporphinium trifluoroacetate (4). Compound 4 is described here
      for the first time, and this is the first report of compounds 1-3 as natural
      products. Compounds 1-3 were found to racemize over time. Starting from
      commercially available (+)-boldine, through a series of semisynthetic reactions,
      a mechanism for the racemization of the isolated compounds is proposed. The known
      natural products (-)-latifolian A (5) and magnocurarine (6) were also isolated
      during these studies. The antibacterial activity was explained by the presence of
      5, which displayed an IC50 value of 9.8 MUM (MIC = 35 MUM).

PMID- 22040054
TI  - Accurate sperm morphology assessment predicts sperm function.
AB  - Sperm morphology has been associated with in vitro as well as in vivo
      fertilisation. The study aimed to evaluate the possible relation between the
      percentage of spermatozoa with normal morphology and the following sperm
      functional assays: (i) zona-induced acrosome reaction (ZIAR); (ii) DNA integrity;
      (iii) chromatin condensation; (iv) sperm apoptosis; and (v) fertilisation rates.
      Regression analysis was employed to calculate the association between morphology
      and different functional tests. Normal sperm morphology correlated significantly
      with the percentages of live acrosome-reacted spermatozoa in the ZIAR (r = 0.518;
      P < 0.0001; n = 92), DNA integrity (r = -0.515; P = 0.0018; n = 34), CMA(3) 
      positive spermatozoa (r = -0.745; P < 0.0001; n = 92), sperm apoptosis (r = 
      0.395; P = 0.0206; n = 34) and necrosis (r = -0.545; P = 0.0009; n = 34).
      Negative correlations existed between for the acrosome reaction, and DNA
      integrity, while negative associations were recorded with the percentages of
      CMA(3) -positive spermatozoa, apoptotic and necrotic spermatozoa. Sperm
      morphology is related to sperm dysfunction such as poor chromatin condensation,
      acrosome reaction and DNA integrity. Negative and significant correlations
      existed between normal sperm morphology and chromatin condensation, the
      percentage of spermatozoa with abnormal DNA and spermatozoa with apoptotic
      activity. The authors do not regard sperm morphology as the only test for the
      diagnosis of male fertility, but sperm morphology can serve as a valuable
      indicator of underlying dysfunction.

PMID- 22040055
TI  - Development of robust organosilica membranes for reverse osmosis.
AB  - Hybrid organically bridged silica membranes have attracted considerable attention
      because of their high performances in a variety of applications. Development of
      robust reverse osmosis (RO) membranes to withstand aggressive operating
      conditions is still a major challenge. Here, a new type of microporous
      organosilica membrane has been developed and applied in reverse osmosis. Sol-gel
      derived organosilica RO membranes reject isopropanol with rejection higher than
      95%, demonstrating superior molecular sieving ability for neutral solutes of low
      molecular weight. Due to the introduction of an inherently stable hybrid network
      structure, the membrane withstands higher temperatures in comparison with
      commercial polyamide RO membranes, and is resistant to water to at least 90 
      degrees C with no obvious changes in filtration performance. Furthermore, both an
      accelerated chlorine-resistance test and Fourier transform infrared analysis
      confirm excellent chlorine stability in this material, which demonstrates promise
      for a new generation of chlorine-resistant RO membrane materials.

PMID- 22040056
TI  - Degradable self-assembling dendrons for gene delivery: experimental and
      theoretical insights into the barriers to cellular uptake.
AB  - This paper uses a combined experimental and theoretical approach to gain unique
      insight into gene delivery. We report the synthesis and investigation of a new
      family of second-generation dendrons with four triamine surface ligands capable
      of binding to DNA, degradable aliphatic-ester dendritic scaffolds, and
      hydrophobic units at their focal points. Dendron self-assembly significantly
      enhances DNA binding as monitored by a range of experimental methods and
      confirmed by multiscale modeling. Cellular uptake studies indicate that some of
      these dendrons are highly effective at transporting DNA into cells (ca. 10 times
      better than poly(ethyleneimine), PEI). However, levels of transgene expression
      are relatively low (ca. 10% of PEI). This indicates that these dendrons cannot
      navigate all of the intracellular barriers to gene delivery. The addition of
      chloroquine indicates that endosomal escape is not the limiting factor in this
      case, and it is shown, both experimentally and theoretically, that gene delivery
      can be correlated with the ability of the dendron assemblies to release DNA. Mass
      spectrometric assays demonstrate that the dendrons, as intended, do degrade under
      biologically relevant conditions over a period of hours. Multiscale modeling of
      degraded dendron structures suggests that complete dendron degradation would be
      required for DNA release. Importantly, in the presence of the lower pH associated
      with endosomes, or when bound to DNA, complete degradation of these dendrons
      becomes ineffective on the transfection time scale-we propose this explains the
      poor transfection performance of these dendrons. As such, this paper demonstrates
      that taking this kind of multidisciplinary approach can yield a fundamental
      insight into the way in which dendrons can navigate barriers to cellular uptake.
      Lessons learned from this work will inform future dendron design for enhanced
      gene delivery.

PMID- 22040057
TI  - Combinatorial screening of highly active Pd binary catalysts for electrochemical
      oxygen reduction.
AB  - Electro-catalysts omitting platinum are of interest to reduce the cost of fuel
      cells. The development of non-Pt alloys for this purpose would require a large
      number of experiments. Palladium-based bimetallic electro-catalysts using eight
      different metals were computationally evaluated for the oxygen reduction reaction
      (ORR) and were made and tested in acidic media using combinatorial methods. A Pd
      Co alloy showed the closest oxygen adsorption energy to platinum in simple
      theoretical model calculations, suggesting the highest ORR activity. This
      prediction was confirmed experimentally, suggesting that the single parameter of
      oxygen adsorption energy can be a useful guide to developing non-Pt oxygen
      reduction catalysts in the future.

PMID- 22040058
TI  - Position Statement of the Chinese Diabetes Society regarding stem cell therapy
      for diabetes.

PMID- 22040059
TI  - STEM nanoanalysis of Au/Pt/Ti-Si3N4 interfacial defects and reactions during
      local stress of SiGe HBTs.
AB  - A new insight on the behavior of metal contact-insulating interfaces in SiGe
      heterojunction bipolar transistor is given by high-performance aberration
      corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) analysis tools
      equipped with sub-nanometric probe size. It is demonstrated that the presence of
      initial defects introduced during technological processes play a major role in
      the acceleration of degradation mechanisms of the structure during stress. A
      combination of energy-filtered transmission electron microscopy analysis with
      high angle annular dark field STEM and energy dispersive spectroscopy provides
      strong evidence that migration of Au-Pt from the metal contacts to Ti/Si3N4
      interface is one of the precursors to species interdiffusion and reactions. High
      current densities and related local heating effects induce the evolution of the
      pure Ti initial layer into mixture layer composed of Ti, O, and N. Local
      contamination of Ti layers by fluorine atoms is also pointed out, as well as
      rupture of TiN thin barrier layer.

PMID- 22040060
TI  - Involvement of bystander effect in suppression of the cytokine production induced
      by heavy-ion broad beams.
AB  - PURPOSE: Immune cells accumulate in and around cancers and cooperate with each
      other using specific cytokines to attack the cancer cells. The heavy-ion beams
      for cancer therapy may stimulate immune cells and affect on the immune system.
      However, it is still poorly understood how the immune cells are stimulated by ion
      beams. Here, we irradiated immune cells using heavy-ion beams and analyzed
      changes in production of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin
      6 (IL-6) that are important cytokine for the cancer treatment. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: The human THP-1 monocytes were differentiated into macrophages and then
      irradiated using carbon-ion broad-beams (108 keV MUm(-1)). To examine the
      bystander response after heavy-ion irradiation, a very small fraction (approx.
      0.45%) of the cell population was irradiated using heavy-ion microbeams. After
      irradiation, we examined the cytokine productions. RESULTS: When cells were
      irradiated with 5 Gy, cytokine levels were reduced after both microbeam
      irradiation and broad-beam irradiation. TNF-alpha production of macrophages with
      the nitric oxide (NO) inhibitor-treatment increased after carbon-ion broad-beam.
      NO was involved in the radiation-induced suppression of TNF-alpha production.
      CONCLUSIONS: The suppression of cytokine production arose after irradiation with
      heavy-ions, and may also be induced in the surrounding non-irradiated cells via
      the bystander effect.

PMID- 22040061
TI  - Long-term follow-up of patients with portal vein thrombosis and
      myeloproliferative neoplasms.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) are frequently identified as an
      underlying cause in patients with non-cirrhotic portal vein thrombosis (PVT). The
      aim of this study was to describe the long-term outcome of patients with PVT and
      MPN. METHODS: A cohort study was performed including all adult patients referred
      to our hospital between 1980 and 2008 with non-cirrhotic, non-malignant PVT and
      confirmed MPN. RESULTS: A total of 44 patients (70% female) were included, with a
      median age at PVT-diagnosis of 48 years (range 18-79). In 31 patients (70%) PVT
      was the first manifestation of an MPN. Additional risk factors for thrombosis
      were present in 20 patients (45%). Median follow-up was 5.8 years (range 0.4-21).
      Twenty-three patients (52%) were treated with oral anticoagulants after diagnosis
      of PVT, of whom 15 (34%) received long-term therapy. During follow-up, 17
      patients (39%) experienced at least one episode of gastrointestinal bleeding.
      Additional thrombotic events occurred in 12 patients (27%). Twelve patients (27%)
      had progression of the underlying MPN. Seventeen patients (39%) died at a median
      age of 64 years (range 30-88). Death was directly related to end-stage MPN in
      eight patients (47%) and to a new thrombotic event in three patients (18%). No
      patients died from gastrointestinal bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: PVT is often the
      presenting symptom of an underlying MPN, highlighting the need for thorough
      screening for this disease. Recurrent thrombosis is a common and severe
      complication in patients with PVT and MPN. Mortality is primarily related to the
      underlying MPN and not to complications of portal hypertension.

PMID- 22040062
TI  - Michael Ernest Nesheim (February 5, 1945 - June 4, 2011).

PMID- 22040063
TI  - Synthesis of biaryls via AlCl3 catalyzed domino reaction involving cyclization,
      dehydration, and oxidation.
AB  - A new chemical access has been developed to synthesize biaryls from substituted
      acetophenones, phenylacetones, dihydrochalcone, and 2-acetylnaphthalene in
      reasonably good yields at room temperature via a domino reaction sequence of
      AlCl(3) catalyzed cyclization, dehydration, and then oxidation.

PMID- 22040064
TI  - Frequencies of SLC44A2 alleles encoding human neutrophil antigen-3 variants in
      the African American population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The human neutrophil antigen-3 (HNA-3) epitopes reside on the choline
      transporter-like protein-2 (CTL2). A single-nucleotide substitution (461G>A;
      Arg154Gln) on the CTL2 gene (SLC44A2) defines the allele SLC44A2*1, which
      expresses HNA-3a, and SLC44A2*2, which expresses HNA-3b; an additional
      substitution (457C>T; Leu153Phe) in SLC44A2*1:2 may impact genotyping systems.
      People who only express HNA-3b may develop anti-HNA-3a. These alloantibodies have
      been linked to severe transfusion-related acute lung injury, which may be a
      reason to screen blood donors for SLC44A2*2 homozygosity. For Caucasian and Asian
      populations, SLC44A2 allele frequencies are known. Our primary objective was to
      determine the SLC44A2 allele frequencies in the African American population.
      STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Purified DNA from 334 individuals (202 male, 132
      female; 241 African American, 93 Caucasian) was collected. Two real-time
      polymerase chain reaction assays were developed to genotype all samples; results
      were confirmed by nucleotide sequencing. RESULTS: In 241 African American donors,
      the allele frequency of SLC44A2*1 was 93% (85%-<100%; 95% confidence intervals,
      Poisson distribution) while SLC44A2*2 was 7% (5%-10%). In 93 Caucasian donors,
      the allele frequency of SLC44A2*1 was 83% (71%-98%) and SLC44A2*2 was 17% (11%
      24%), matching previously reported data for Caucasians but differing from African
      Americans (p < 0.001, Fisher's exact test). CONCLUSIONS: This study describes the
      allele frequencies of the three known HNA-3 variants in an African American
      population. We found that African Americans have a significantly lower
      probability of possessing the SLC44A2*2 allele and may thus be less likely to
      form the clinically relevant anti-HNA-3a.

PMID- 22040065
TI  - Borrowing strength with nonexchangeable priors over subpopulations.
AB  - We introduce a nonparametric Bayesian model for a phase II clinical trial with
      patients presenting different subtypes of the disease under study. The objective
      is to estimate the success probability of an experimental therapy for each
      subtype. We consider the case when small sample sizes require extensive borrowing
      of information across subtypes, but the subtypes are not a priori exchangeable.
      The lack of a priori exchangeability hinders the straightforward use of
      traditional hierarchical models to implement borrowing of strength across disease
      subtypes. We introduce instead a random partition model for the set of disease
      subtypes. This is a variation of the product partition model that allows us to
      model a nonexchangeable prior structure. Like a hierarchical model, the proposed
      clustering approach considers all observations, across all disease subtypes, to
      estimate individual success probabilities. But in contrast to standard
      hierarchical models, the model considers disease subtypes a priori
      nonexchangeable. This implies that when assessing the success probability for a
      particular type our model borrows more information from the outcome of the
      patients sharing the same prognosis than from the others. Our data arise from a
      phase II clinical trial of patients with sarcoma, a rare type of cancer affecting
      connective or supportive tissues and soft tissue (e.g., cartilage and fat). Each
      patient presents one subtype of the disease and subtypes are grouped by good,
      intermediate, and poor prognosis. The prior model should respect the varying
      prognosis across disease subtypes. The practical motivation for the proposed
      approach is that the number of accrued patients within each disease subtype is
      small. Thus it is not possible to carry out a clinical study of possible new
      therapies for rare conditions, because it would be impossible to plan for
      sufficiently large sample size to achieve the desired power. We carry out a
      simulation study to compare the proposed model with a model that assumes similar
      success probabilities for all subtypes with the same prognosis, i.e., a fixed
      partition of subtypes by prognosis. When the assumption is satisfied the two
      models perform comparably. But the proposed model outperforms the competing model
      when the assumption is incorrect.

PMID- 22040066
TI  - Interventions to improve work outcomes in work-related PTSD: a systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Posttraumatic stress disorder acquired at work can be debilitating
      both for workers and their employers. The disorder can result in increased sick
      leave, reduced productivity, and even unemployment. Furthermore, workers are
      especially unlikely to return to their previous place of employment after a
      traumatic incident at work because of the traumatic memories and symptoms of
      avoidance that typically accompany the disorder. Therefore, intervening in work
      related PTSD becomes especially important in order to get workers back to the
      workplace. METHODS: A systematic literature search was conducted using Medline,
      PsycINFO, Embase, and Web of Science. The articles were independently screened
      based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, followed by a quality assessment of
      all included articles. RESULTS: The systematic search identified seven articles
      for inclusion in the review. These consisted of six research articles and one
      systematic review. The review focused specifically on interventions using real
      exposure techniques for anxiety disorders in the workplace. In the research
      articles addressed in the current review, study populations included police
      officers, public transportation workers, and employees injured at work. The
      studies examined the effectiveness of EMDR, cognitive-behavioural techniques, and
      an integrative therapy approach called brief eclectic psychotherapy.
      Interestingly, 2 of the 6 research articles addressed add-on treatments for
      workplace PTSD, which were designed to treat workers with PTSD who failed to
      respond to traditional evidence-based psychotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Results of the
      current review suggest that work-related interventions show promise as effective
      strategies for promoting return to work in employees who acquired PTSD in the
      workplace. Further research is needed in this area to determine how different
      occupational groups with specific types of traumatic exposure might respond
      differently to work-tailored treatments.

PMID- 22040067
TI  - A false sense of security? The U.S. Food and Drug Administration's framework for
      evaluating new supplement ingredients.
AB  - The evidence sufficient to establish the expectation of safety for new
      ingredients in dietary supplements is an area of considerable controversy.
      Recently, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed a sound scientific
      framework for evaluating the safety of new ingredients. The level of evidence the
      FDA requires (i.e., in vitro, animal or human testing) hinges on three key
      factors: (1) documented history of use; (2) the dose and formulation of the new
      ingredient compared with the historically used ingredient; and (3) the
      supplement's recommended use (i.e., daily or as needed). Despite its strengths,
      the framework requires four key modifications to ensure the expectation of
      safety: (1) historical use should rarely, if ever, be sufficient to replace
      experimental data; (2) entirely novel ingredients should undergo, at a minimum, a
      90-day human testing; (3) manufacturers should be required to submit to the FDA
      all available data regarding new ingredients, both favorable and unfavorable; and
      (4) before assuming that consumers follow instructions on supplement labels, this
      assumption should be empirically confirmed. In the absence of significant
      modifications, the FDA's guidance may have the effect of providing a false sense
      of security to consumers seeking safe dietary supplements.

PMID- 22040068
TI  - Complete mitochondrial genome of the Hodgson's bat Myotis formosus (Mammalia,
      Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae).
AB  - The first complete mitochondrial genome (17,159 bp) of the Hodgson's bat Myotis
      formosus, which is an endangered species in South Korea, was sequenced and
      characterized. The genome included 13 protein-coding, 22 tRNA, and 2 rRNA genes,
      and 1 control region. It has high AT content and the same gene arrangement
      pattern as those of typical vertebrate mitochondrial genome. Within the control
      region, a 80 bp tandem repeat unit was iterated five times which was found in
      Domain I. It has been observed only in the vespertilionid bat group, and could
      contribute to identifying the species or genus, and also distinguishing it from
      other bat families.

PMID- 22040069
TI  - Complete mitochondrial genome of the Baikal teal Anas formosa (Aves,
      Anseriformes, Anatidae).
AB  - The Baikal teal Anas formosa (Aves, Anseriformes, Anatidae) is classified as
      "Vulnerable" on the IUCN Red List. Here, whole mitochondrial genome of A. formosa
      was amplified and sequenced. The total length of the Baikal teal mitochondrial
      genome is 16,594 bp, which consists of 13 protein-coding, 2 rRNA, 22 tRNA genes
      and 1 control region. The characteristics of the mitochondrial genomes were
      analyzed and discussed in detail.

PMID- 22040070
TI  - Complete mitochondrial genome of the black-headed snake Sibynophis collaris
      (Squamata, Serpentes, Colubridae).
AB  - The black-headed snake Sibynophis collaris (Reptilia, Squamata, Colubridae) is a
      least concern species in the world. Two universal and two specific polymerase
      chain reaction (PCR) primers were used for long PCRs to amplify the whole
      mitochondrial genome of S. collaris. The products were subjected to do sequencing
      reactions. The complete genome is 17,163 bp in size, containing 37 genes coding
      for 13 proteins, 2 rRNAs, 22 tRNAs, and 2 control regions (CRI and CRII). The
      results could play an important role in the preservation of genetic resources for
      helping conservation of the endangered species.

PMID- 22040071
TI  - Complete mitochondrial genome sequence of the Korean water deer Hydropotes
      inermis argyropus (Cervidae, Capreolinae).
AB  - The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of Hydropotes inermis argyropus
      consists of 13 protein-coding, 22 tRNA, and two rRNA genes, and 1 control region
      (CR). Three overlaps among the 13 protein-coding genes were found: ATP8/ATP6,
      ND4L/ND4, and ND5/ND6. The CR was located between the tRNA-Pro and tRNA-Phe genes
      and is 928 bp in length. The typical conserved domains, such as TAS and CSB, were
      identified in the CR.

PMID- 22040072
TI  - Complete mitochondrial genome of the nerippe fritillary butterfly, Argynnis
      nerippe (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae).
AB  - The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of the nerippe fritillary butterfly,
      Argynnis nerippe, which is listed as an endangered species in Korea, is described
      with an emphasis on the A+T-rich region. The 15,140-bp long circular molecule
      consisted of 13 protein-coding genes, two rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes and 1 control
      region, known in insect as the A+T-rich region, as found in typical metazoans.
      The 329-bp long A+T-rich region located between srRNA and tRNA(Met) possessed the
      highest A/T content (95.7%) than any other region of the genome. Along with the
      several conserved sequences found typically in the lepidopteran insects the
      genome contained one tRNA(Met)-like and tRNA(Leu)(UUR)-like sequence in the A+T
      rich region.

PMID- 22040073
TI  - The complete mitochondrial genome sequence of the Amur leopard cat, Prionailurus
      bengalensis euptilurus.
AB  - The total length of the Prionailurus bengalensis euptilurus genome is 16,990 bp,
      with a total base composition of 33% A, 27.4% T, 26% C, and 13.5% G. The base
      compositions present clearly the A-T skew, which is most obvious in the tRNA
      genes (64%).

PMID- 22040074
TI  - The complete mitochondrial genome of human parasitic roundworm, Ascaris
      lumbricoides.
AB  - The genome length of the Ascaris lumbricoides, human parasitic roundworm, is
      14,281 bp with a nucleotide composition of 22.1% A, 49.8% T, 7.8% C, and 20.3% G.
      The genome consists of 12 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes, and
      1 control region.

PMID- 22040075
TI  - The complete mitochondrial genome of the Japanese mud shrimp Upogebia major
      (Crustacea, Decapoda).
AB  - We determined a full-length sequence of mitochondrial (mt) genome from Upogebia
      major. This is the first complete mt genome report for infraorder Thalassinidea
      in Decapoda, Crustacea. Our result showed that U. major generally followed a
      typical pancrustacean gene order but some tRNA genes showed a very unique gene
      arrangement such as duplication or translocation. Since none of the complete mt
      genome sequences in the infraorder Thalassinidea are available yet, this report
      will provide additional information in relation to mt genome diversity and
      evolution of the decapods.

PMID- 22040076
TI  - The complete mitochondrial genome of the Korean field mouse Apodemus peninsulae
      (Rodentia, Murinae) from Korea.
AB  - We have determined the complete mitochondrial genome of a subspecies of the
      Korean field mouse, Apodemus peninsulae peninsulae, from South Korea. The total
      length of the A. p. peninsulae genome is 16,268 bp with a base composition of
      34.5% A, 30.7% T, 22.6% C, and 12.2% G.

PMID- 22040078
TI  - The complete mitochondrial genome of the greater horseshoe bat subspecies,
      Rhinolophus ferrumequinum korai (Chiroptera: Rhinolophidae).
AB  - The total length of the mitogenome of Rhinolophus ferrumequinum korai is 16,839
      bp with a total base composition of 31.8% A, 25.4% T, 28.7% C, and 14.0% G. The
      mitogenome consists of 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA (12S and 16S RNA) genes,
      22 tRNA genes, and 1 control region.

PMID- 22040077
TI  - The mitochondrial genome of Apodemus peninsulae (Rodentia, Muridae).
AB  - The complete mitochondrial (mt) genome of the Korean field mouse Apodemus
      peninsulae was sequenced and found to be 16,266 bp in length. The mt protein
      coding genes of A. peninsulae had ATG, GTG, ATC, and ATA as initiation codons and
      TAA, TAG, TA, and T as termination codons. Two forms each of trnL and trnS and
      the three tRNA clusters, IQM, WANCY, and HSL were identified, as in the typical
      Rodentia mt genome. Among tRNAs, abnormal cloverleaf structure of trnS((AGY)) was
      identified in DHU arm. The l-strand replication origin has the potential to form
      a stable stem-loop structure and control region has several conserved sequence
      elements.

PMID- 22040079
TI  - Analysis of the mitochondrial haplogroups of farm and wild-living raccoon dogs in
      Poland.
AB  - Raccoon dogs' mitochondrial DNA genes (MT-CYTB, MT-CO1 and MT-CO2) containing a
      total of 1.5 kbp exhibited 11 synonymous substitutions in the polymorphism
      described, with almost 73% found in the gene MT-CO2. The polymorphism was
      observed in 27.3% of the loci in wild-living animals, and in over 90% of the loci
      in farm raccoon dogs. Seven mitochondrial haplogroups have been determined, among
      which three (Np1, Np2 and Np4) were found in the wild-living raccoon dogs and the
      other four (Np3, Np5, Np6 and Np7) in the farm animals. The occurrence of new
      haplogroups in the farm animals indicates the appearance of adaptive mutations.
      Differences were observed between the sequence under study and the reference
      sequence in MT-CYTB; they involved two non-synonymous substitutions (T304I and
      F332L). Analyses carried out to determine the deleterious effect of mutations
      indicated an almost 50% probability that a single amino acid substitution (T304I)
      in the protein has a negative impact on its function.

PMID- 22040080
TI  - The complete mitochondrial genome of the taimen, Hucho taimen, and its unusual
      features in the control region.
AB  - The whole mitochondrial genome of Hucho taimen was firstly sequenced and
      characterized. The genome is 16,833 bp in length and contains 13 protein-coding
      genes, 2 ribosomal RNAs, 22 transfer RNAs, and a noncoding control region. Twelve
      protein-coding genes on the heavy strand showed that the content of A+T was
      higher than that of G+C, whereas the nd6 protein-coding gene on the light strand
      displayed an opposite pattern. We described the secondary structure of the origin
      of light strand (oriL) replication and found that the conserved 5'-GCCGG-3'
      sequence motif is variable in H. taimen and some other salmonids. We conclude
      that the control region is variable in length and represents the high A+T
      content, compared with other mitochondrial control regions available in
      Salmonidae and other non-salmonids. Additionally, another interesting feature of
      H. taimen mitogenome is that a T-type mononucleotide microsatellite and an 82 bp
      tandem repeat were identified in the control region.

PMID- 22040081
TI  - The complete mitogenome of the snakehead Channa argus (Perciformes: Channoidei):
      genome characterization and phylogenetic implications.
AB  - To better understand the phylogenetic status of the snakehead, Channa argus, we
      determined its complete mitogenome sequence using long-polymerase chain reaction
      and the direct sequencing method. The complete mitogenome sequence was 16,559 bp
      in length and contained 13 protein-coding genes, 2 rRNA genes, 22 tRNA genes, and
      1 control region (D-loop), the gene composition/order of which was identical to
      that observed in most other vertebrates. This was the first report of the
      mitogenome sequence in suborder Channoidei. Phylogenetic relationships of 14
      perciform suborders based on mitogenome sequences were reconstructed using
      Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood methods. The results strongly supported
      the monophyly of Perciformes and the snakehead, as a representative species of
      suborder Channoidei, formed the most basal branch having sister relationship with
      the clade containing all other analyzed perciform fishes. The further
      phylogenetic analyses of six channid species, based on cytochrome b gene,
      suggested that two channid genera constituted reciprocally monophyletic clades.
      In addition, the relaxed molecular clock method was used to estimate divergence
      dates among major suborders of Perciformes and major species in Channoidei.

PMID- 22040082
TI  - DNA barcoding of fishes of Laguna de Bay, Philippines.
AB  - Laguna de Bay, the largest lake in the Philippines, is an important part of the
      country's fisheries industry. It is also home to a number of endemic fishes
      including Gobiopterus lacustris (Herre 1927) of family Gobiidae, Leiopotherapon
      plumbeus (Kner 1864) of family Terapontidae, Zenarchopterus philippinus (Peters
      1868) of family Hemiramphidae and Arius manillensis Valenciennes 1840 of family
      Ariidae. Over the years, a steady decline has been observed in the abundance and
      diversity of native fishes in the lake due to anthropogenic disturbances. In this
      study, a total of 71 specimens of 18 different species belonging to 18 genera, 16
      families, and seven orders were DNA barcoded using the mitochondrial cytochrome c
      oxidase subunit I (COI) gene. All of the fish species were discriminated by their
      COI sequences and one endemic species G. lacustris, showing deep genetic
      divergence, was highlighted for further taxonomic investigation. Average Kimura 2
      parameter genetic distances within species, family, and order were 1.33%, 18.91%,
      and 24.22%, respectively. These values show that COI divergence increases as taxa
      become less exclusive. All of the COI sequences obtained were grouped together
      according to their species designation in the Neighbor-joining tree that was
      constructed. This study demonstrated that DNA barcoding has great potential as a
      tool for fast and accurate species identification and also for highlighting
      species that warrant further taxonomic investigation.

PMID- 22040083
TI  - Fixed-dose single tablet combinations: an alternative for initial therapy of
      patients with type 2 diabetes?

PMID- 22040084
TI  - Stability of foam films of oppositely charged polyelectrolyte/surfactant
      mixtures: effect of isoelectric point.
AB  - In the present paper, the influence of the surfactant concentration and the
      degree of charge of a polymer on foam film properties of oppositely charged
      polyelectrolyte/surfactant mixtures has been investigated. To verify the
      assumption that the position of the isoelectric point (IEP) does not change the
      character of the foam film stabilities, the position of the IEP of the
      polyelectrolyte/surfactant mixtures has been shifted in two different ways.
      Within the first series of experiments, the foam film properties were studied
      using a fixed surfactant concentration of 3 * 10(-5) M in the mixture. Due to the
      low surfactant concentration, this is a rather dilute system. In the second
      approach, a copolymer of nonionic and ionic monomer units was used to lower the
      charge density of the polymer. This gave rise to additional interactions between
      the polyelectrolyte and the surfactant, which makes the description of the foam
      film behavior more complex. In both systems, the same characteristics of the foam
      film stabilities were found: The foam film stability is reduced toward the IEP of
      the system, followed by a destabilization around the IEP. At polyelectrolyte
      concentrations above the IEP, foam films are very stable. However, the
      concentration range where unstable films were formed was rather broad, and the
      mechanisms leading to the destabilization had different origins. The results were
      compared with former findings on PAMPS/C(14)TAB mixtures with an IEP of 10(-4) M.

PMID- 22040085
TI  - Synthesis and hydride transfer reactions of cobalt and nickel hydride complexes
      to BX3 compounds.
AB  - Hydrides of numerous transition metal complexes can be generated by the
      heterolytic cleavage of H(2) gas such that they offer alternatives to using main
      group hydrides in the regeneration of ammonia borane, a compound that has been
      intensely studied for hydrogen storage applications. Previously, we reported that
      HRh(dmpe)(2) (dmpe = 1,2-bis(dimethylphosphinoethane)) was capable of reducing a
      variety of BX(3) compounds having a hydride affinity (HA) greater than or equal
      to the HA of BEt(3). This study examines the reactivity of less expensive cobalt
      and nickel hydride complexes, HCo(dmpe)(2) and [HNi(dmpe)(2)](+), to form B-H
      bonds. The hydride donor abilities (DeltaG(H(-)) degrees ) of HCo(dmpe)(2) and
      [HNi(dmpe)(2)](+) were positioned on a previously established scale in
      acetonitrile that is cross-referenced with calculated HAs of BX(3) compounds. The
      collective data guided our selection of BX(3) compounds to investigate and aided
      our analysis of factors that determine favorability of hydride transfer.
      HCo(dmpe)(2) was observed to transfer H(-) to BX(3) compounds with X = H,
      OC(6)F(5), and SPh. The reaction with B(SPh)(3) is accompanied by the formation
      of dmpe-(BH(3))(2) and dmpe-(BH(2)(SPh))(2) products that follow from a reduction
      of multiple B-SPh bonds and a loss of dmpe ligands from cobalt. Reactions between
      HCo(dmpe)(2) and B(SPh)(3) in the presence of triethylamine result in the
      formation of Et(3)N-BH(2)SPh and Et(3)N-BH(3) with no loss of a dmpe ligand.
      Reactions of the cationic complex [HNi(dmpe)(2)](+) with B(SPh)(3) under
      analogous conditions give Et(3)N-BH(2)SPh as the final product along with the
      nickel-thiolate complex [Ni(dmpe)(2)(SPh)](+). The synthesis and characterization
      of HCo(dedpe)(2) (dedpe = Et(2)PCH(2)CH(2)PPh(2)) from H(2) and a base is also
      discussed, including the formation of an uncommon trans dihydride species, trans
      [(H)(2)Co(dedpe)(2)][BF(4)].

PMID- 22040086
TI  - The Crp regulator of Pseudomonas putida: evidence of an unusually high affinity
      for its physiological effector, cAMP.
AB  - Although the genome of Pseudomonas putida KT2440 encodes an orthologue of the crp
      gene of Escherichia coli (encoding the cAMP receptor protein), the regulatory
      scope of this factor seems to be predominantly co-opted in this bacterium for
      controlling non-metabolic functions. In order to investigate the reasons for such
      a functional divergence in otherwise nearly identical proteins, the Crp regulator
      of P. putida (Crp(P. putida)) was purified to apparent homogeneity and subject to
      a battery of in vitro assays aimed at determining its principal physicochemical
      properties. Analytical ultracentrifugation indicated effector-free Crp(P. putida)
      to be a dimer in solution that undergoes a significant change in its hydrodynamic
      shape in the presence of cAMP. Such a conformational transition was confirmed by
      limited proteolysis of the protein in the absence or presence of the inducer.
      Thermodynamic parameters calculated by isothermal titration calorimetry revealed
      a tight cAMP-Crp(P. putida) association with an apparent K(D) of 22.5 +/- 2.8 nM,
      i.e. much greater affinity than that reported for the E. coli's counterpart. The
      regulator also bound cGMP, but with a K(D) = 2.6 +/- 0.3 uM. An in vitro
      transcription system was then set up with purified P. putida's RNA polymerase for
      examining the preservation of the correct protein-protein architecture that makes
      Crp to activate target promoters. These results, along with cognate gel
      retardation assays indicated that all basic features of the reference Crp(E.
      coli) protein are kept in the P. putida's counterpart, albeit operating under a
      different set of parameters, the extraordinarily high affinity for cAMP being the
      most noticeable.

PMID- 22040087
TI  - Patient safety culture measurement in general practice. Clinimetric properties of
      'SCOPE'.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A supportive patient safety culture is considered to be an essential
      condition for improving patient safety. Assessing the current safety culture in
      general practice may be a first step to target improvements. To that end, we
      studied internal consistency and construct validity of a safety culture
      questionnaire for general practice (SCOPE) which was derived from a comparable
      questionnaire for hospitals (Dutch-HSOPS). METHODS: The survey was conducted
      among caregivers of Dutch general practice as part of an ongoing quality
      accreditation process using a 46 item questionnaire. We conducted factor analyses
      and studied validity by calculating correlations between the subscales and
      testing the hypothesis that respondents' patient safety grade of their practices
      correlated with their scores on the questionnaire. RESULTS: Of 72 practices 294
      respondents completed the questionnaire. Eight factors were identified concerning
      handover and teamwork, support and fellowship, communication openness, feedback
      and learning from error, intention to report events, adequate procedures and
      staffing, overall perceptions of patient safety and expectations and actions of
      managers. Cronbach's alpha of the factors rated between 0.64 and 0.85. The
      subscales intercorrelated moderately, except for the factor about intention to
      report events. Respondents who graded patient safety highly scored significantly
      higher on the questionnaire than those who did not. CONCLUSIONS: The SCOPE
      questionnaire seems an appropriate instrument to assess patient safety culture in
      general practice. The clinimetric properties of the SCOPE are promising, but
      future research should confirm the factor structure and construct of the SCOPE
      and delineate its responsiveness to changes in safety culture over time.

PMID- 22040088
TI  - Ubiquitin and ubiquitin-modified proteins activate the Pseudomonas aeruginosa
      T3SS cytotoxin, ExoU.
AB  - Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic Gram-negative pathogen that possesses
      a type III secretion system (T3SS) critical for evading innate immunity and
      establishing acute infections in compromised patients. Our research has focused
      on the structure-activity relationships of ExoU, the most toxic and destructive
      type III effector produced by P. aeruginosa. ExoU possesses phospholipase
      activity, which is detectable in vitro only when a eukaryotic cofactor is
      provided with membrane substrates. We report here that a subpopulation of
      ubiquitylated yeast SOD1 and other ubiquitylated mammalian proteins activate
      ExoU. Phospholipase activity was detected using purified ubiquitin of various
      chain lengths and linkage types; however, free monoubiquitin is sufficient in a
      genetically engineered dual expression system. The use of ubiquitin by a
      bacterial enzyme as an activator is unprecedented and represents a new aspect in
      the manipulation of the eukaryotic ubiquitin system to facilitate bacterial
      replication and dissemination.

PMID- 22040090
TI  - Bayesian adaptive approach to estimating sample sizes for seizures of illicit
      drugs.
AB  - A considerable amount of discussion can be found in the forensics literature
      about the issue of using statistical sampling to obtain for chemical analyses an
      appropriate subset of units from a police seizure suspected to contain illicit
      material. Use of the Bayesian paradigm has been suggested as the most suitable
      statistical approach to solving the question of how large a sample needs to be to
      ensure legally and practically acceptable purposes. Here, we introduce a
      hypergeometric sampling model combined with a specific prior distribution for the
      homogeneity of the seizure, where a parameter for the analyst's expectation of
      homogeneity (alpha) is included. Our results show how an adaptive approach to
      sampling can minimize the practical efforts needed in the laboratory analyses, as
      the model allows the scientist to decide sequentially how to proceed, while
      maintaining a sufficiently high confidence in the conclusions.

PMID- 22040089
TI  - Helicobacter pylori antigens as potential modulators of lymphocytes' cytotoxic
      activity.
AB  - Helicobacter pylori (H.p) colonizes human gastric mucosa and causes gastric and
      duodenal ulcer disease or gastric cancer. Various H.p compounds may modulate the
      host immune response in regards to tolerance of the infection or disease
      development. The aim of this study was to determine whether H.p
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and glycine acid extract antigens (GE) or E. coli LPS
      influence the cytotoxic activity of peripheral blood lymphocytes from H.p
      infected - H.p (+) or uninfected - H.p (-) individuals, in the presence or
      absence of exogenous interleukin (IL)12. Individual H.p status was defined by the
      urea breath test. Lymphocytes, stimulated or not with H.p, and control antigens,
      with or without IL-12, were used as effector cells and epithelial HeLa cells as
      targets. The cytotoxicity of lymphocytes was expressed as the percentage of dead
      target cells unable to reduce tetrazolium salt. The supernatants from
      HeLa/lymphocyte cultures were used for detection of the cellular cytotoxicity
      markers granzyme B and caspase 8. The natural cytotoxic activity of lymphocytes
      from H.p (+) was less than that of H.p (-) donors. This may have been due to
      fewer natural killer cells of CD3(-) CD56(+) Nkp46(+)  phenotype in H.p (+) in
      comparison to H.p (-) subjects. H.p GE and standard E. coli LPS enhanced the
      cytotoxicity of lymphocytes towards target cells whereas H.p LPS downregulated
      this activity. The decrease in lymphocyte cytotoxicity in response to H.p LPS
      correlated with a lack of IL-2 and IL-12 production, inhibition of interferon
      gamma production, and low IL-10 secretion by mononuclear leukocytes. IL-12
      significantly enhanced the natural as well as H.p LPS and H.p GE driven cytotoxic
      capacity of lymphocytes. In conclusion, H.p LPS may negatively modulate natural
      cytotoxic activity and cytokine secretion by immunocompetent cells and thus be
      involved in the maintenance of infection and development of gastric pathologies.

PMID- 22040091
TI  - Periodic projector augmented wave density functional calculations on the
      hexachlorobenzene crystal and comparison with the experimental multipolar charge
      density model.
AB  - The projector augmented wave (PAW) methodology has been used to calculate a high
      precision electron density distribution rho(r) for the hexachlorobenzene crystal
      phase. Implementing the calculation of the crystallographic structure factors in
      the VASP code has permitted one to obtain the theoretical multipolar rho(r). This
      electron density is compared with both the DFT electron density and the
      experimental multipolar model obtained from high-resolution X-ray diffraction
      data. This comparison has been carried out in intra- and intermolecular regions
      within the framework of the quantum theory of atoms-in-molecules (QTAIM)
      developed by Bader and co-workers. The characterization of the electron density
      in both C-Cl and Cl...Cl regions, as well as within the atomic basins, shows
      similar features for the three models. As a consequence, the observation of
      charge depletion and charge concentration regions around the halogen nuclei
      (along the C-Cl bonding axis and in the perpendicular plane, respectively)
      underlines the nature of halogen bonding in terms of electrophilic and
      nucleophilic interactions.

PMID- 22040092
TI  - Liver uptake of gold nanoparticles after intraperitoneal administration in vivo:
      a fluorescence study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: One particularly exciting field of research involves the use of gold
      nanoparticles (GNPs) in the detection and treatment of cancer cells in the liver.
      The detection and treatment of cancer is an area in which the light absorption
      and emission characteristics of GNPs have become useful. Currently, there are no
      data available regarding the fluorescence spectra or in vivo accumulation of
      nanoparticles (NPs) in rat liver after repeated administration. In an attempt to
      characterise the potential toxicity or hazards of GNPs in therapeutic or
      diagnostic use, the present study measured fluorescence spectra, bioaccumulation
      and toxic effects of GNPs at 3 and 7 days following intraperitoneal
      administration of a 50 MUl/day dose of 10, 20 or 50 nm GNPs in rats. METHODS: The
      experimental rats were divided into one normal group (Ng) and six experimental
      groups (G1A, G1B, G2A, G2B, G3A and G3B; G1: 20 nm; G2: 10 nm; G3: 50 nm; A:
      infusion of GNPs for 3 days; B: infusion of GNPs for 7 days). A 50 MUl dose of
      GNPs (0.1% Au by volume) was administered to the animals via intraperitoneal
      injection, and fluorescence measurements were used to identify the toxicity and
      tissue distribution of GNPs in vivo. Seventy healthy male Wistar-Kyoto rats were
      exposed to GNPs, and tissue distribution and toxicity were evaluated after 3 or 7
      days of repeated exposure. RESULTS: After administration of 10 and 20 nm GNPs
      into the experimental rats, two fluorescence peaks were observed at 438 nm and
      487 nm in the digested liver tissue. The fluorescence intensity for 10 and 20 nm
      GNPs (both first and second peaks) increased with the infusion time of GNPs in
      test rats compared to normal rats. The position of the first peak was similar for
      G1A, G2A, G1B, G2B, G3B and the normal (438 nm); that for G3A was shifted to a
      longer wavelength (444 nm) compared to the normal. The position of the second
      peak was similar for G1A, G1B, G2A, G2B and the control (487 nm), while it was
      shifted to a shorter wavelength for G3A (483 nm) and G3B (483 nm). The
      fluorescence intensity of the first and second peaks increased for G1A, G2A, G1B
      and G2B, while it decreased for G3A and G3B compared to the control. CONCLUSIONS:
      The fluorescence intensity of GNPs varied with the number, size and shape of
      particles and with the ratio of surface area to volume in a given sample.
      Fluorescence intensity changes during infusion depended on the size and shape of
      GNPs, with smaller particles experiencing larger changes during the infusion time
      in addition to the quenching produced by the larger GNPs. It is likely that
      smaller particles, which have a much higher ratio of surface area to volume
      compared to larger particles, are more prone to aggregation and surface
      interaction with biological components. This study suggests that fluorescence
      intensity can be used to evaluate bioaccumulation and the toxicity of gold
      nanoparticles in rats.

PMID- 22040093
TI  - Role of neutrophils in persistent airway obstruction due to refractory asthma.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: One of the clinical manifestations of refractory asthma
      (RA) in a certain group of patients is persistent airway obstruction (PAO),
      despite treatment with high doses of inhaled and/or systemic corticosteroids.
      Airway neutrophilic inflammation is frequently observed in RA; however, the
      relationship between neutrophilic inflammation and PAO has not been evaluated in
      this group of patients. The aim of this study was to compare the clinical
      parameters and patterns of inflammatory cells between patients with or without
      PAO due to RA, and to identify the factors associated with PAO. METHODS: Seventy
      seven patients with RA were recruited from a cohort of 2298 asthmatic patients.
      Sputum differential cell counts were performed at initial presentation. Clinical
      and physiological parameters were compared between patients with (n = 19) or
      without PAO (n = 58). RESULTS: The group with PAO had a longer duration of asthma
      and a higher frequency of near-fatal asthma than the non-PAO group, although
      higher doses of inhaled corticosteroids were used in the PAO group (P = 0.037).
      Neutrophilic inflammation was predominant in the group with PAO, whereas
      eosinophilic inflammation was predominant in the non-PAO group (P = 0.003). When
      both groups were stratified according to smoking status, the non-smoking PAO
      group had the longest duration of asthma, with early onset of asthma (P < 0.05).
      The non-smoking PAO group tended to have the highest percentage of sputum
      neutrophils. Irrespective of smoking status, the percentage of sputum eosinophils
      was significantly higher in the non-PAO group than in the PAO group. CONCLUSIONS:
      Patients with PAO due to RA show different clinical manifestations when compared
      with those without PAO and have neutrophil-dominant airway inflammation.

PMID- 22040095
TI  - Microfluidic electrochemical array for detection of reactive metabolites formed
      by cytochrome P450 enzymes.
AB  - A novel, simple, rapid microfluidic array using bioelectronically driven
      cytochrome P450 enzyme catalysis for reactive metabolite screening is reported
      for the first time. The device incorporates an eight-electrode screen-printed
      carbon array coated with thin films of DNA, [Ru(bpy)(2)(PVP)(10)](ClO(4))
      {RuPVP}, and rat liver microsomes (RLM) as enzyme sources. Catalysis features
      electron donation to cyt P450 reductase in the RLMs and subsequent cyt P450
      reduction while flowing an oxygenated substrate solution past sensor electrodes.
      Metabolites react with DNA in the film if they are able, and damaged DNA is
      detected by catalytic square wave voltammetry (SWV) utilizing the RuPVP polymer.
      The microfluidic device was tested for a set of common pollutants known to form
      DNA-reactive metabolites. Logarithmic turnover rates based on SWV responses gave
      excellent correlation with the rodent liver TD(50) toxicity metric, supporting
      the utility of the device for toxicity screening. The microfluidic array gave
      much better S/N and reproducibility than single-electrode sensors based on
      similar principles.

PMID- 22040096
TI  - Three regimes of water adsorption in annealed silica opals and optical
      assessment.
AB  - Physisorbed and structurally bound (surface and internal) water in silica opals
      are distinguished and quantified by thermogravimetry. By controlled
      dehydroxylation with thermal annealing, we correlate these forms of water with
      the silica chemistry. In particular, we find that the silica capability to
      physically adsorb water from ambient moisture exhibits three regimes, associated
      with the distinct condensation behavior of bonded and unbonded surface silanols.
      Features in both opal IR absorbance and photonic band gap reproduce the
      physisorbed water regimes. This allows direct assessment of the water content and
      its evolution just by routine optical spectroscopy, being a useful tool for local
      and nondestructive analysis of colloidal silica. Besides, this provides a simple
      recipe for accurate tuning of the opal photonic band gap (about 10% in position
      and width) by just selecting the annealing temperature.

PMID- 22040097
TI  - Protein and mineral composition of osteogenic extracellular matrix constructs
      generated with a flow perfusion bioreactor.
AB  - This study investigated the temporal composition of an osteogenic extracellular
      matrix construct generated by culturing mesenchymal stem cells in an electrospun
      biodegradable poly(epsilon-caprolactone) fiber mesh scaffold within a flow
      perfusion bioreactor. Constructs of different extracellular matrix maturities
      were analyzed for their protein and mineral composition at several culture
      durations by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, scanning electron
      microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray diffraction, X-ray diffraction, and calcium
      and phosphate assays. The analysis revealed that at short culture durations the
      cells deposited cellular adhesion proteins as a prerequisite protein network for
      further bone formation. At the later culture durations, the extracellular matrix
      was composed of collagen 1, hydroxyapatite, matrix remodeling proteins, and
      regulatory proteins. These results suggest that the later culture duration
      constructs would allow for improved bone regeneration due to the ability to
      mineralize and the capabilities for future remodeling.

PMID- 22040098
TI  - Drug-inducing gynaecomastia--a critical review.
AB  - Gynaecomastia has been associated with a large variety of drugs in the
      literature. However, a causal relation of the incidence of gynaecomastia to a
      certain drug should be considered only if sufficient and significant evidence can
      be obtained from the studies published. In this review, studies quoted in Medline
      were evaluated according to the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network
      (SIGN) grading system for clinical studies. Reports on 92 drugs were found in
      Medline in combination with gynaecomastia. An imbalance of the oestrogen/androgen
      ratio causes gynaecomastia. Also, prolactin has gynaecomastia-inducing
      properties. In 14 of the drugs quoted, the studies lead to a level of
      recommendation 'A'. All these drugs have been designed to interfere with the
      production and action of sexual hormones or of prolactin. In 25 of the drugs, the
      level of recommendation was 'B'. Besides those drugs in this group that have been
      designed for interference with the metabolism of steroid hormones or of
      prolactin, in drugs for acid-related disorders, diuretics, antiretroviral drugs,
      antimycotics, psychoanaleptics, alcohol gynaecomastia was described as an
      unexpected adverse effect. Studies on the association of drugs and gynaecomastia
      do not share a generally accepted definition of gynaecomastia; in this way, the
      informational value is limited.

PMID- 22040099
TI  - p-Cu2O-shell/n-TiO2-nanowire-core heterostucture photodiodes.
AB  - This study reports the deposition of cuprous oxide [Cu2O] onto titanium dioxide
      [TiO2] nanowires [NWs] prepared on TiO2/glass templates. The average length and
      average diameter of these thermally oxidized and evaporated TiO2 NWs are 0.1 to
      0.4 MUm and 30 to 100 nm, respectively. The deposited Cu2O fills gaps between the
      TiO2 NWs with good step coverage to form nanoshells surrounding the TiO2 cores.
      The p-Cu2O/n-TiO2 NW heterostructure exhibits a rectifying behavior with a sharp
      turn-on at approximately 0.9 V. Furthermore, the fabricated p-Cu2O-shell/n-TiO2
      nanowire-core photodiodes exhibit reasonably large photocurrent-to-dark-current
      contrast ratios and fast responses.

PMID- 22040100
TI  - Potent taccalonolides, AF and AJ, inform significant structure-activity
      relationships and tubulin as the binding site of these microtubule stabilizers.
AB  - The taccalonolides are a class of microtubule stabilizing agents isolated from
      plants of the genus Tacca. In efforts to define their structure-activity
      relationships, we isolated five new taccalonolides, AC-AF and H2, from one
      fraction of an ethanol extract of Tacca plantaginea. The structures were
      elucidated using a combination of spectroscopic methods, including 1D and 2D NMR
      and HR-ESI-MS. Taccalonolide AJ, an epoxidation product of taccalonolide B, was
      generated by semisynthesis. Five of these taccalonolides demonstrated cellular
      microtubule-stabilizing activities and antiproliferative actions against cancer
      cells, with taccalonolide AJ exhibiting the highest potency with an IC(50) value
      of 4.2 nM. The range of potencies of these compounds, from 4.2 nM to >50 MUM, for
      the first time provides the opportunity to identify specific structural moieties
      crucial for potent biological activities as well as those that impede optimal
      cellular effects. In mechanistic assays, taccalonolides AF and AJ stimulated the
      polymerization of purified tubulin, an activity that had not previously been
      observed for taccalonolides A and B, providing the first evidence that this class
      of microtubule stabilizers can interact directly with tubulin/microtubules.
      Taccalonolides AF and AJ were able to enhance tubulin polymerization to the same
      extent as paclitaxel but exhibited a distinct kinetic profile, suggesting a
      distinct binding mode or the possibility of a new binding site. The potencies of
      taccalonolides AF and AJ and their direct interaction with tubulin, together with
      the previous excellent in vivo antitumor activity of this class, reveal the
      potential of the taccalonolides as new anticancer agents.

PMID- 22040101
TI  - Inhibition of staphylothrombin by dabigatran reduces Staphylococcus aureus
      virulence.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Staphylocoagulase and von Willebrand binding protein (VWbp) bind to
      prothrombin to form the staphylothrombin complex that converts fibrinogen into
      fibrin. OBJECTIVES: To study the role of staphylothrombin and its inhibition by
      dabigatran on Staphylococcus aureus virulence. METHODS: We studied the effect of
      staphylothrombin inhibition on bacterial attachment to polystyrene surfaces,
      leukocyte activation and bactericidal activity for S. aureus ATCC 25923, S.
      aureus Newman, and staphylocoagulase- and VWbp-negative S. aureus Newman mutants
      in the presence or absence of prothrombin and fibrinogen. We measured the abscess
      size after subcutaneous (s.c.) injection of S. aureus ATCC 25923 and S. aureus
      Newman, as well as an S. aureus Newman mutant strain lacking staphylocoagulase
      and VWbp, in mice treated with either dabigatran or placebo. RESULTS:
      Staphylothrombin-mediated fibrin increased the association of S. aureus to
      polystyrene surfaces and reduced the bactericidal activity of leukocytes. The
      absence or inhibition of staphylothrombin decreased the bacterial association,
      enhanced leukocyte activation and reduced bacterial survival in vitro. Abscess
      size was smaller in mice treated with dabigatran or infected with a coagulase
      negative mutant. CONCLUSION: Inhibition or the absence of staphylothrombin
      reduced S. aureus virulence in in vitro and in vivo models.

PMID- 22040102
TI  - A comparison of X-ray and proton beam low energy secondary electron track
      structures using the low energy models of Geant4.
AB  - PURPOSE: Lethal cell damage by ionising radiation is generally initiated by the
      formation of complex strand breaks, resulting from ionisation clusters in the DNA
      molecule. A better understanding of the effect of the distribution of ionisation
      clusters within the cell and particularly in regard to DNA segments could be
      beneficial to radiation therapy treatment planning. Low energy X-rays generate an
      abundance of low energy electrons similar to that associated with MeV protons.
      The study and comparison of the track structure of photon and proton beams could
      permit the substitution of photon microbeams for single cell ion irradiations at
      proton facilities used to predict the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of
      charged particle fields. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The track structure of X-ray
      photons is compared with proton pencil beams in voxels of approximate DNA strand
      size (2 * 2 * 5 nm). The Very Low Energy extension models of the Monte Carlo
      simulation toolkit GEometry ANd Tracking 4 (Geant4) is used. Simulations were
      performed in a water phantom for an X-ray and proton beam of energies 100 keV and
      20 MeV, respectively. RESULTS: The track structure of the photon and proton beams
      are evaluated using the ionisation cluster size distribution as well as the
      radial dose deposition of the beam. CONCLUSIONS: A comparative analysis of the
      ionisation cluster distribution and radial dose deposition obtained is presented,
      which suggest that low energy X-rays could produce similar ionisation cluster
      distributions to MeV protons on the DNA scale of size at depths greater than ~10
      MUm and at distances greater than ~1 MUm from the beam centre. Here the
      ionisation cluster size for each beam is less than ~100. The radial dose
      deposition is also approximately equal at large depths and at distances greater
      than 10 MUm from the beam centre.

PMID- 22040103
TI  - Gaining absolute control of the regiochemistry in the cobalt-catalyzed 1,4
      hydrovinylation reaction.
AB  - The absolute control of the regiochemistry of a cobalt-catalyzed 1,4
      hydrovinylation reaction is achieved by alternation of the ligands applied. While
      the dppe/dppp ligands led to the formation of the branched product, the herein
      described application of the SchmalzPhos ligand generates the corresponding
      linear product in both excellent yields and regioselectivities. The catalyst
      system exhibits a high tolerance toward functional groups, and the very mild
      reaction conditions allow the synthesis of 1,4-dienes without isomerization into
      conjugated systems.

PMID- 22040104
TI  - Effects of incretins on blood pressure: a promising therapy for type 2 diabetes
      mellitus with hypertension.
AB  - The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) has increased markedly
      worldwide. A recent epidemiological study reported that approximately 63% of T2DM
      patients also have high blood pressure (>130/80 mmHg), which doubles their risk
      of cardiac events. Of the medications used to treat T2DM, the incretins are a
      group of peptides that not only regulate blood glucose effectively and
      moderately, but also protect patients against cardiovascular events and improve
      several cardiovascular parameters. Here were review data from preclinical and
      short- and long-term clinical studies investigating the antihypertensive effects
      of incretins. We also elucidate four possible mechanisms underlying the
      antihypertensive effects of incretins. We conclude that incretins can lower blood
      pressure of T2DM patients, independent of weight loss, and will surely improve
      the prognosis of these patients.

PMID- 22040105
TI  - Folding of a tryptophan zipper peptide investigated on the basis of the nuclear
      Overhauser effect and thermal denaturation.
AB  - Short, secondary-structure-containing peptides are suitable models for the study
      of protein folding due to their relative simplicity. Here, we investigate thermal
      denaturation of the tryptophan zipper peptide, trpzip4, a peptide that forms a
      beta-hairpin in solution. In order to monitor the thermal denaturation of
      peptides or small proteins, chemical shift values of H(alpha) or H(N) may be
      used. However, various factors other than secondary structure can influence
      chemical shift values, such as side-chain orientation of nearby aromatic
      residues. Nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE) intensity from backbone interproton
      cross peaks is an alternative way to study thermal denaturation, as long as
      various factors that give rise to a change in NOE intensity upon changing the
      temperature are considered. As a relative indicator for denaturation, we define a
      cutoff temperature, where half of the initial NOE intensity is lost for each
      backbone interproton cross peak. For trpzip4, this cutoff temperature is highest
      for residues in the central part of the structure and lowest for residues near
      the termini. These observations support the notion that the structure of the
      trpzip4 peptide is stabilized by a hydrophobic cluster formed by tryptophan
      residues located in the central region of the beta-hairpin.

PMID- 22040108
TI  - Myocardial improvement with human embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes
      enriched by p38MAPK inhibition.
AB  - BACKGROUND AIMS: We have shown previously that inhibition of the p38 mitogen
      activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) directs the differentiation of human embryonic
      stem cell (hESC)-derived cardiomyocytes (hCM). We investigated the therapeutic
      benefits of intramyocardial injection of hCM differentiated from hESC by p38MAPK
      inhibition using closed-chest ultrasound-guided injection at a clinically
      relevant time post-myocardial infarction (MI) in a mouse model. METHODS: MI was
      induced in mice and the animals treated at day 3 with: (a) hCM, (b) human fetal
      fibroblasts (hFF) as cell control, or (c) medium control (n = 10 animals/group).
      Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was evaluated post-MI prior to therapy,
      and at days 28 and 60 post-cell therapy. Hearts were analyzed at day 60 for
      infarct size, angiogenesis, cell fate and teratoma formation. RESULTS: LVEF was
      improved in the hCM-treated animals compared with both hFF and medium control
      treated animals at day 28 (39.03 +/- 1.79% versus 27.89 +/- 1.27%, P < 0.05,
      versus 32.90 +/- 1.46%, P < 0.05, respectively), with sustained benefit until day
      60. hCM therapy resulted in significantly smaller scar size, increased capillary
      bed area, increased number of arterioles, less native cardiomyocyte (CM)
      apoptosis, and increased CM proliferation compared with the other two groups.
      These benefits were achieved despite a very low retention rate of the injected
      cells at day 60, as assessed by immunohistochemistry and quantitative real-time
      polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Therapy with hCM did not result in
      intramyocardial teratoma formation at day 60. CONCLUSIONS: This study
      demonstrates that hCM derived from p38MAPK-treated hESC have encouraging
      therapeutic potential.

PMID- 22040109
TI  - Early endothelial progenitor cells in bone marrow are a biomarker of cell therapy
      success in patients with critical limb ischemia.
AB  - BACKGROUND AIMS: Endothelial progenitor cells (EPC) have been proposed for
      autologous angiogenic therapy. The objectives of this study were to quantify EPC
      in the peripheral blood and bone marrow mononuclear cells (BM-MNC) of patients
      with critical limb ischemia that had received BM-MNC as a cell therapy product,
      and to study the putative relationship between the presence of EPC and the
      process of neovascularization in toe or transmetatarsal amputation specimens.
      METHODS: Early and late endothelial progenitor cells (CFU-EC and ECFC) were
      cultivated and quantified according to published methods in peripheral blood and
      BM-MNC from patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI; n = 11) enrolled in the
      OPTIPEC trial ( http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00377897 ) to receive BM
      MNC as a cell therapy product. RESULTS: Eight out of the 11 patients had
      undergone amputations. Three of the patients displayed a neoangiogenic process
      that was associated with a higher number of CFU-EC in BM-MNC, while CD3+ , CFU-GM
      and CD34+ in BM-MNC, and EPC in peripheral blood, did not correlate with the
      appearance of newly formed vessels. As expected, circulating CFU-EC and ECFC
      counts were significantly lower in CLI patients compared with age-matched
      controls. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with critical limb ischemia, EPC in peripheral
      blood were decreased compared with healthy individuals. However, in BM-MNC we
      found that relative numbers of CFU-EC could be used as an indicator to
      discriminate patients with neoangiogenic processes. These results need to be
      confirmed in a randomized study.

PMID- 22040110
TI  - Placental mesenchymal stromal cells induced into neurotrophic factor-producing
      cells protect neuronal cells from hypoxia and oxidative stress.
AB  - BACKGROUND AIMS: Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) may be useful in a range of
      clinical applications. The placenta has been suggested as an abundant, ethically
      acceptable, less immunogenic and easily accessible source of MSC. The aim of this
      study was to evaluate the capacity of induced placental MSC to differentiate into
      neurotrophic factor-producing cells (NTF) and their protective effect on neuronal
      cells. METHODS: MSC were isolated from placentas and characterized by
      fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS). The cells underwent an induction
      protocol to differentiate them into NTF. Analysis of the cellular differentiation
      was done using polymerase chain reactions (PCR), immunocytochemical staining and
      enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Conditioned media from placental MSC
      (PL-MSC) and differentiated MSC (PL-DIFF) were collected and examined for their
      ability to protect neural cells. RESULTS: The immunocytochemical studies showed
      that the cells displayed typical MSC membrane markers. The cells differentiated
      into osteoblasts and adipocytes. PCR and immunohistology staining demonstrated
      that the induced cells expressed typical astrocytes markers and neurotrophic
      factors. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels were higher in the
      conditioned media from PL-DIFF compared with PL-MSC, as indicated by ELISA. Both
      PL-DIFF and PL-MSC conditioned media markedly protected neural cells from
      oxidative stress induced by H(2)O(2) and 6-hydroxydopamine. PL-DIFF conditioned
      medium had a superior effect on neuronal cell survival. Anti-VEGF antibodies
      (Bevacizumab) reduced the protective effect of the conditioned media from
      differentiated and undifferentiated MSC. CONCLUSIONS: This study has demonstrated
      a neuroprotective effect of MSC of placental origin subjected to an induction
      differentiation protocol. These data offer the prospect of using placenta as a
      source for stem cell-based therapies.

PMID- 22040111
TI  - The contribution of home-based technology to older people's quality of life in
      extra care housing.
AB  - BACKGROUND: British government policy for older people focuses on a vision of
      active ageing and independent living. In the face of diminishing personal
      capacities, the use of appropriate home-based technology (HBT) devices could
      potentially meet a wide range of needs and consequently improve many aspects of
      older people's quality of life such as physical health, psychosocial well-being,
      social relationships, and their physical or living environment. This study aimed
      to examine the use of HBT devices and the correlation between use of such devices
      and quality of life among older people living in extra-care housing (ECH).
      METHODS: A structured questionnaire was administered for this study. Using
      purposive sampling 160 older people living in extra-care housing schemes were
      selected from 23 schemes in England. A face-to-face interview was conducted in
      each participant's living unit. In order to measure quality of life, the SEIQoL
      Adapted and CASP-19 were used. RESULTS: Although most basic appliances and
      emergency call systems were used in the living units, communally provided
      facilities such as personal computers, washing machines, and assisted bathing
      equipment in the schemes were not well utilised. Multiple regression analysis
      adjusted for confounders including age, sex, marital status, living arrangement
      and mobility use indicated a coefficient of 1.17 with 95% CI (0.05, 2.29) and p =
      0.04 [SEIQoL-Adapted] and 2.83 with 95% CI (1.17, 4.50) and p = 0.001 [CASP-19].
      CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the present study will be value to those who are
      developing new form of specialised housing for older people with functional
      limitations and, in particular, guiding investments in technological aids. The
      results of the present study also indicate that the home is an essential site for
      developing residential technologies.

PMID- 22040112
TI  - Hydrolysis of serine-containing peptides at neutral pH promoted by [MoO4]2-
      oxyanion.
AB  - Hydrolysis of the dipeptides glycylserine (GlySer), leucylserine (LeuSer),
      histidylserine (HisSer), glycylalanine (GlyAla), and serylglycine (SerGly) was
      examined in oxomolybdate solutions by means of (1)H, (13)C, and (95)Mo NMR
      spectroscopy. In the presence of a mixture of oxomolybdates, the hydrolysis of
      the peptide bond in GlySer proceeded under neutral pD conditions (pD = 7.0, 60 
      degrees C) with a rate constant of k(obs) = 5.9 * 10(-6) s(-1). NMR spectra did
      not show evidence of the formation of paramagnetic species, excluding the
      possibility of Mo(VI) reduction to Mo(V), indicating that the cleavage of the
      peptide bond is purely hydrolytic. The pD dependence of k(obs) exhibits a bell
      shaped profile, with the fastest cleavage observed at pD 7.0. Comparison of the
      rate profile with the concentration profile of oxomolybdate species implicated
      monomolybdate MoO(4)(2-) as the kinetically active complex. Kinetics experiments
      at pD 7.0 using a fixed amount of GlySer and increasing amounts of MoO(4)(2-)
      allowed for calculation of the catalytic rate constant (k(2) = 9.25 * 10(-6) s(
      1)) and the formation constant for the GlySer-MoO(4)(2-) complex (K(f) = 15.25 M(
      1)). The origin of the hydrolytic activity of molybdate is most likely a
      combination of the polarization of amide oxygen in GlySer due to the binding to
      molybdate, followed by the intramolecular attack of the Ser hydroxyl group.

PMID- 22040114
TI  - O-H stretch overtone excitation of ethyl hydroperoxide conformers.
AB  - We present laser photoacoustic spectra of ethyl hydroperoxide (EHP) for 3-6
      quanta of O-H stretch. Spectra are consistent with ab initio spectral simulations
      that take into account the influence of torsional motion about the O-O bond on O
      H stretch overtone excitation. Experimental and simulated spectra share two
      trends. First, spectral features due to torsional excitation, including hot
      bands, become more prominent with increasing O-H stretch excitation, as has been
      shown previously for similar molecules such as methyl hydroperoxide. Second,
      contributions from the two different EHP conformers become clearly
      distinguishable at higher O-H stretch excitation, mainly due to the role of
      torsional motion. Results are consistent with a higher energy separation (330 cm(
      1)) between the lower energy anti and the higher energy gauche conformers than
      predicted by electronic structure calculations (137 cm(-1)). Calculated
      absorption intensities are consistently higher than experimental values by ~30%
      but within the experimental uncertainty. With each additional O-H stretch
      overtone, the dropoff in calculated integrated absorption intensities at room
      temperature becomes less extreme, with a 14-fold dropoff from 3nu(OH) to 4nu(OH)
      and an 8-fold decrease from 5nu(OH) to 6nu(OH).

PMID- 22040113
TI  - Fusobacterium nucleatum adhesin FadA binds vascular endothelial cadherin and
      alters endothelial integrity.
AB  - Fusobacterium nucleatum is a Gram-negative oral anaerobe, capable of systemic
      dissemination causing infections and abscesses, often in mixed-species, at
      different body sites. We have shown previously that F. nucleatum adheres to and
      invades host epithelial and endothelial cells via a novel FadA adhesin. In this
      study, vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin, a member of the cadherin family and a
      cell-cell junction molecule, was identified as the endothelial receptor for FadA,
      required for F. nucleatum binding to the cells. FadA colocalized with VE-cadherin
      on endothelial cells, causing relocation of VE-cadherin away from the cell-cell
      junctions. As a result, the endothelial permeability was increased, allowing the
      bacteria to cross the endothelium through loosened junctions. This crossing
      mechanism may explain why the organism is able to disseminate systemically to
      colonize in different body sites and even overcome the placental and blood-brain
      barriers. Co-incubation of F. nucleatum and Escherichia coli enhanced penetration
      of the endothelial cells by the latter in the transwell assays, suggesting F.
      nucleatum may serve as an 'enabler' for other microorganisms to spread
      systemically. This may explain why F. nucleatum is often found in mixed
      infections. This study reveals a possible novel dissemination mechanism utilized
      by pathogens.

PMID- 22040116
TI  - Prof. dr.h.van. genderen's farewell.

PMID- 22040115
TI  - Spatially balanced sampling through the pivotal method.
AB  - A simple method to select a spatially balanced sample using equal or unequal
      inclusion probabilities is presented. For populations with spatial trends in the
      variables of interest, the estimation can be much improved by selecting samples
      that are well spread over the population. The method can be used for any number
      of dimensions and can hence also select spatially balanced samples in a space
      spanned by several auxiliary variables. Analysis and examples indicate that the
      suggested method achieves a high degree of spatial balance and is therefore
      efficient for populations with trends.

PMID- 22040118
TI  - The role of microcystins in maintaining colonies of bloom-forming Microcystis
      spp.
AB  - Microcystis is a cosmopolitan genus of cyanobacteria and occurs in many different
      forms. Large surface blooms of the cyanobacterium are well known in eutrophic
      lakes throughout the globe. We evaluated the role of microcystins (MCs) in
      promoting and maintaining bloom-forming cell aggregates at environmentally
      relevant MC concentrations (0.25-10 ug l(-1)). MCs significantly enhanced
      Microcystis colony sizes. Colonial diameters in microcystin-RR (MC-RR)-treated
      cultures (at 1 ug l(-1)) were significantly larger than control colonies, by
      factors of 1.5, 2.6 and 2.7 in Microcystis wesenbergii DC-M1, M. ichthyoblabe TH
      M1 and Microcystis sp. FACHB1027 respectively. Depletion of extracellular MC
      concentrations caused Microcystis colony size to decrease, suggesting that
      released MCs are intimately involved in the maintenance of Microcystis colonial
      size. MC-RR exposure did not influence Microcystis growth rate, but did
      significantly increase the production of extracellular polysaccharides (EPS). In
      addition, MC-RR exposure appeared to trigger upregulation of certain parts of
      four polysaccharide biosynthesis-related genes: capD, csaB, tagH and epsL. These
      results strongly indicate that induction of polysaccharides by MC-RR was the
      major mechanism through which MCs enhanced colony formation in Microcystis spp.
      Cellular release of MCs, therefore, may play a key role in the persistence of
      algal colonies and the dominance of Microcystis.

PMID- 22040119
TI  - Reliability of maximal isometric knee strength testing with modified hand-held
      dynamometry in patients awaiting total knee arthroplasty: useful in research and
      individual patient settings? A reliability study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) often experience
      strength deficits both pre- and post-operatively. As these deficits may have a
      direct impact on functional recovery, strength assessment should be performed in
      this patient population. For these assessments, reliable measurements should be
      used. This study aimed to determine the inter- and intrarater reliability of hand
      held dynamometry (HHD) in measuring isometric knee strength in patients awaiting
      TKA. METHODS: To determine interrater reliability, 32 patients (81.3% female)
      were assessed by two examiners. Patients were assessed consecutively by both
      examiners on the same individual test dates. To determine intrarater reliability,
      a subgroup (n = 13) was again assessed by the examiners within four weeks of the
      initial testing procedure. Maximal isometric knee flexor and extensor strength
      were tested using a modified Citec hand-held dynamometer. Both the affected and
      unaffected knee were tested. Reliability was assessed using the Intraclass
      Correlation Coefficient (ICC). In addition, the Standard Error of Measurement
      (SEM) and the Smallest Detectable Difference (SDD) were used to determine
      reliability. RESULTS: In both the affected and unaffected knee, the inter- and
      intrarater reliability were good for knee flexors (ICC range 0.76-0.94) and
      excellent for knee extensors (ICC range 0.92-0.97). However, measurement error
      was high, displaying SDD ranges between 21.7% and 36.2% for interrater
      reliability and between 19.0% and 57.5% for intrarater reliability. Overall,
      measurement error was higher for the knee flexors than for the knee extensors.
      CONCLUSIONS: Modified HHD appears to be a reliable strength measure, producing
      good to excellent ICC values for both inter- and intrarater reliability in a
      group of TKA patients. High SEM and SDD values, however, indicate high
      measurement error for individual measures. This study demonstrates that a
      modified HHD is appropriate to evaluate knee strength changes in TKA patient
      groups. However, it also demonstrates that modified HHD is not suitable to
      measure individual strength changes. The use of modified HHD is, therefore, not
      advised for use in a clinical setting.

PMID- 22040120
TI  - The new platinum-based anticancer agent LA-12 induces retinol binding protein 4
      in vivo.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The initial pharmacokinetic study of a new anticancer agent (OC-6-43)
      bis(acetato)(1-adamantylamine)amminedichloroplatinum (IV) (LA-12) was
      complemented by proteomic screening of rat plasma. The objective of the study was
      to identify new LA-12 target proteins that serve as markers of LA-12 treatment,
      response and therapy monitoring. METHODS: Proteomic profiles were measured by
      surface-enhanced laser desorption-ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry
      (SELDI-TOF MS) in 72 samples of rat plasma randomized according to LA-12 dose and
      time from administration. Correlation of 92 peak clusters with platinum
      concentration was evaluated using Spearman correlation analysis. RESULTS: We
      identified Retinol-binding protein 4 (RBP4) whose level correlated with LA-12
      level in treated rats. Similar results were observed in randomly selected
      patients involved in Phase I clinical trials. CONCLUSIONS: RBP4 induction is in
      agreement with known RBP4 regulation by amantadine and cisplatin. Since retinol
      metabolism is disrupted in many cancers and inversely associates with malignancy,
      these data identify a potential novel mechanism for the action of LA-12 and other
      similar anti-cancer drugs.

PMID- 22040121
TI  - Microbial resistance in relation to catalase activity to oxidative stress induced
      by photolysis of hydrogen peroxide.
AB  - The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the mechanism of microbial
      resistance to oxidative stress induced by photolysis of hydrogen peroxide
      (H(2)O(2)) in relation to microbial catalase activity. In microbicidal tests,
      Staphylococcus aureus and Candida albicans were killed and this was accompanied
      by production of hydroxyl radicals. C. albicans was more resistant to hydroxyl
      radicals generated by photolysis of H(2)O(2) than was S. aureus. A catalase
      activity assay demonstrated that C. albicans had stronger catalase activity;
      accordingly, catalase activity could be one of the reasons for the resistance of
      the fungus to photolysis of H(2)O(2). Indeed, it was demonstrated that C.
      albicans with strong catalase activity was more resistant to photolysis of
      H(2)O(2) than that with weak catalase activity. Kinetic analysis using a modified
      Lineweaver-Burk plot also demonstrated that the microorganisms reacted directly
      with hydroxyl radicals and that this was accompanied by decomposition of
      H(2)O(2). The results of the present study suggest that the microbicidal effects
      of hydroxyl radicals generated by photolysis of H(2)O(2) can be alleviated by
      decomposition of H(2)O(2) by catalase in microorganisms.

PMID- 22040122
TI  - Identification of binding sites for acetaldehyde adsorption on titania nanorod
      surfaces using CIMS.
AB  - The interaction of acetaldehyde with TiO(2) nanorods has been studied under low
      pressures (acetaldehyde partial pressure range 10(-4)-10(-8) Torr) using chemical
      ionization mass spectrometry (CIMS). We quantitatively separate irreversible
      adsorption, reversible adsorption, and an uptake of acetaldehyde assigned to a
      thermally activated surface reaction. We find that, at room temperature and 1.2
      Torr total pressure, 2.1 +/- 0.4 molecules/nm(2) adsorb irreversibly, but this
      value exhibits a sharp decrease as the analyte partial pressure is lowered below
      4 * 10(-4) Torr, regardless of exposure time. The number of reversible binding
      sites at saturation amounts to 0.09 +/- 0.02 molecules/nm(2) with a free energy
      of adsorption of 43.8 +/- 0.2 kJ/mol. We complement our measurements with FTIR
      spectroscopy and identify the thermal dark reaction as a combination of an aldol
      condensation and an oxidative adsorption that converts acetaldehyde to acetate or
      formate and CO, at a measured combined initial rate of 7 +/- 1 * 10(-4)
      molecules/nm(2) s. By characterizing binding to different types of sites under
      dark conditions in the absence of oxygen and gas phase water, we set the stage to
      analyze site-specific photoefficiencies involved in the light-assisted
      mineralization of acetaldehyde to CO(2).

PMID- 22040123
TI  - Pathologic evaluation of the cervical spine following surgical and chiropractic
      interventions.
AB  - When patients die after chiropractic or surgical interventions of the cervical
      spine, pathologists tasked with the autopsy are frequently overwhelmed by the
      complicated anatomy, laborious dissections, complex operative procedures and
      surgical hardware, and the necessity to differentiate artifacts from trauma and
      disease. However, abundant data can be obtained from careful evaluation of the
      cervical spine in situ; extensive postmortem diagnostic imaging procedures;
      detailed dissections of the removed, formalin-fixed and decalcified spine; and
      histology. This study presents a regimented, stepwise approach to the evaluation
      of the cervical spine in these difficult cases, promotes uniform assessment,
      facilitates diagnoses, and supports the accumulation of otherwise hard-to-come-by
      reference material that can be of value in future cases. The resultant detailed
      autopsy findings may prove useful in the medico-legal death investigation
      process. Autopsy findings may also be of great value to health care providers
      involved in quality assurance processes.

PMID- 22040124
TI  - High-efficiency GaAs and GaInP solar cells grown by all solid-state molecular
      beam-epitaxy.
AB  - We report the initial results of GaAs and GaInP solar cells grown by all solid
      state molecular-beam-epitaxy (MBE) technique. For GaAs single-junction solar
      cell, with the application of AlInP as the window layer and GaInP as the back
      surface field layer, the photovoltaic conversion efficiency of 26% at one sun
      concentration and air mass 1.5 global (AM1.5G) is realized. The efficiency of
      16.4% is also reached for GaInP solar cell. Our results demonstrate that the MBE
      grown phosphide-contained III-V compound semiconductor solar cell can be quite
      comparable to the metal-organic-chemical-vapor-deposition-grown high-efficiency
      solar cell.

PMID- 22040125
TI  - A disintegrin and metalloprotease (ADAM) 33 protein in patients with pulmonary
      sarcoidosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: A disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM) 33 is a
      susceptibility gene associated with inflammatory lung and skin diseases. It is
      selectively expressed in mesenchymal cells, and its metalloprotease activity has
      been linked to angiogenesis and tissue remodelling. A soluble form of ADAM33
      (sADAM33) has been identified in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) of
      asthmatic patients, and its levels inversely correlate with lung function.
      Because of its association with inflammatory lung diseases, it was hypothesized
      that sADAM33 is elevated in BALF of patients with pulmonary sarcoidosis. METHODS:
      After removal of Ig using Protein A/G and enrichment using Concanavalin A beads,
      sADAM33 was identified in BALF by Western blotting. A fluorescence resonance
      energy transfer peptide cleavage assay was used to assess ADAM33-like activity in
      BALF. RESULTS: sADAM33 protein in BALF was detected as a 25 kDa fragment, and
      levels were significantly increased in samples from sarcoid patients when
      compared to healthy controls (P < 0.05). Levels of sADAM33 were inversely
      correlated with lung function (FVC%) (P < 0.05) and DL(CO) % predicted (P <
      0.01). No difference in sADAM33 enzymatic activity was observed between healthy
      and sarcoid BALF samples. CONCLUSIONS: Release of sADAM33 is increased in sarcoid
      and may be associated with abnormal lung function. sADAM33 may be a biomarker of
      lung tissue inflammation and remodelling in sarcoid.

PMID- 22040126
TI  - Impurity profiling to match a nerve agent to its precursor source for chemical
      forensics applications.
AB  - Chemical forensics is a developing field that aims to attribute a chemical (or
      mixture) of interest to its source by the analysis of the chemical itself or
      associated material constituents. Herein, for the first time, trace impurities
      detected by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry and originating from a chemical
      precursor were used to match a synthesized nerve agent to its precursor source.
      Specifically, six batches of sarin (GB, isopropyl methylphosphonofluoridate) and
      its intermediate methylphosphonic difluoride (DF) were synthesized from two
      commercial stocks of 97% pure methylphosphonic dichloride (DC); the GB and DF
      were then matched by impurity profiling to their DC stocks from a collection of
      five possible stocks. Source matching was objectively demonstrated through the
      grouping by hierarchal cluster analysis of the GB and DF synthetic batches with
      their respective DC precursor stocks based solely upon the impurities previously
      detected in five DC stocks. This was possible because each tested DC stock had a
      unique impurity profile that had 57% to 88% of its impurities persisting through
      product synthesis, decontamination, and sample preparation. This work forms a
      basis for the use of impurity profiling to help find and prosecute perpetrators
      of chemical attacks.

PMID- 22040127
TI  - Activation of neurokinin-1 receptors up-regulates substance P and neurokinin-1
      receptor expression in murine pancreatic acinar cells.
AB  - Acute pancreatitis (AP) has been associated with an up-regulation of substance P
      (SP) and neurokinin-1 receptor (NK1R) in the pancreas. Increased SP-NK1R
      interaction was suggested to be pro-inflammatory during AP. Previously, we showed
      that caerulein treatment increased SP/NK1R expression in mouse pancreatic acinar
      cells, but the effect of SP treatment was not evaluated. Pancreatic acinar cells
      were obtained from pancreas of male swiss mice (25-30 g). We measured mRNA
      expression of preprotachykinin-A (PPTA) and NK1R following treatment of SP (10(
      6) M). SP treatment increased PPTA and NK1R expression in isolated pancreatic
      acinar cells, which was abolished by pretreatment of a selective NK1R antagonist,
      CP96,345. SP also time dependently increased protein expression of NK1R.
      Treatment of cells with a specific NK1R agonist, GR73,632, up-regulated SP
      protein levels in the cells. Using previously established concentrations, pre
      treatment of pancreatic acinar cells with Go6976 (10 nM), rottlerin (5 MUM),
      PD98059 (30 MUM), SP600125 (30 MUM) or Bay11-7082 (30 MUM) significantly
      inhibited up-regulation of SP and NK1R. These observations suggested that the PKC
      ERK/JNK-NF-kappaB pathway is necessary for the modulation of expression levels.
      In comparison, pre-treatment of CP96,345 reversed gene expression in SP-induced
      cells, but not in caerulein-treated cells. Overall, the findings in this study
      suggested a possible auto-regulatory mechanism of SP/NK1R expression in mouse
      pancreatic acinar cells, via activation of NK1R. Elevated SP levels during AP
      might increase the occurrence of a positive feedback loop that contributes to
      abnormally high expression of SP and NK1R.

PMID- 22040128
TI  - Near-infrared fluorescent nanocapsules with reversible response to thermal/pH
      modulation for optical imaging.
AB  - Polymeric near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent nanocapsules were developed, of which
      the fluorescence exhibited reversible response to local thermal/pH modulation.
      Our strategy was to use polymeric micelles made of temperature-sensitive Pluronic
      F-127 to encapsulate an amphiphilic NIR fluorescent dye-indocyanine green (ICG)
      within the core and then cross-link the micelle corona by pH-sensitive
      poly(ethylenimine) (PEI). The size swelling/shrinking property of the micelles
      induced by temperature decrease/increase was used as a switch to control the
      fluorescence yield of the nanocapsules. It was found that the fluorescence yield
      significantly increased with the increase in temperature. The PEI cross-link made
      the fluorescence yield also sensitive to local pH change and enhanced
      intracellular delivery of the nanocapsules as well. Preliminary results suggest
      the NIR fluorescent probes could be potentially used as a contrast agent
      sensitive to local environment for translational optical imaging/sensing.

PMID- 22040129
TI  - An improved model for teaching use of electronic apex locators.
AB  - AIM: To develop a simple, practical and inexpensive model, which enables the use
      of electronic apex locators (EALs) during pre-clinical and continuing education.
      METHODOLOGY: Extracted teeth were placed in a mould and embedded in acrylic
      resin. The resin was applied in two consecutive steps to form a cavity around the
      root apices. A closable plastic tube serves as a valve, and a steel wire connects
      to the EAL. RESULTS: With its semi-closed reservoir for conductive fluids
      surrounding the root apices, the new model enables working length measurements of
      root canals using EALs. CONCLUSIONS: The model simulates the clinical situation
      for endodontic teaching purposes, as it allows working length determination of
      root canals as recommended. The measuring results of the EAL can be verified by
      radiography. At the same time, the roots are not directly visible and accessible
      to the user, allowing a precise evaluation and grading of the treatment.

PMID- 22040130
TI  - The shortage of essential chemotherapy drugs in the United States.

PMID- 22040131
TI  - [Biomedical update in bioethics: a primordial ethical imperative].
AB  - In this brief article we continue our reflection about the relations that should
      exist between the knowledge of biomedical sciences and the development of
      bioethics. After stating the principle of not absolute concordance between
      empirical and philosophical data as well as the former data are partial truths
      and highly contextualized by the experiment, we propose a certain criteria that
      should govern the use of biomedical sciences in bioethics. These criteria are
      based on ability to distinguish the two areas of knowledge and, without confusing
      each other, achieve their integration in a new unit of knowledge. Approximating
      the two disciplines in this way each will be more able to accommodate the other.
      From contiguity to integration into a higher order unit, without that both losing
      their own nature. We conclude that not only this posture avoid the mistake of
      deducting the bioethics from experimental scientific date but also not to
      manipulate biomedical data based on previous philosophical positions. Furthermore
      we also reached a more comprehensive and real understanding of bioethics. This
      implies that both scientists and humanists that work in bioethics must live an
      ethical imperative in their research that we have described as essential. This
      consist in a continuously update in biomedicine for research and development the
      bioethics.

PMID- 22040132
TI  - [Retraction of papers in bioethics: proposal for a paradigmatic case].
AB  - The phenomenon of ethically deficient publication in the field of bioethics is
      practically unknown. In contrast to the numerous articles and regulations on the
      ethics of biomedical publications, there is a practical absence of articles
      devoted to consider the nature, types and prevalence of ethically defective
      publications in the bioethical literature. No regulatory framework for
      misbehavior in this field has been proposed until now. Certainly, this is a
      difficult subject. On one side, it is not easy to draw the ethical limits of the
      freedoms of thought and expression in bioethics, a discipline that flourishes in
      the open debate of principles, norms, cases, and imaginary scenarios, where the
      boundaries between rhetoric and misrepresentation are frequently blurred. After
      showing some examples of minor violations taken from the literature, the author
      deals with the moral duty to retract fraudulent bioethical articles, especially
      when they include deliberate distortions of the data or conclusions from
      published biomedical research. A detailed analysis of a fraudulent article is
      made (Haring B. "New Dimensions of Responsible Parenthood. " Theological Studies
      37, (1976), 120-132), in which an almost systematic distortion of data and
      opinions of the cited literature has been made. The article, published in a time
      of intense and critical protest against the encyclical Humanae vitae, pretends to
      condemn the methods of natural family planning, the only acceptable means to the
      Pope, on the allegation that those methods were harmful for the embryo and fetus.
      According to the author, the retraction of Haring's article is necessary.

PMID- 22040133
TI  - [Bias in publications about the mechanism of action of the morning-after pill].
AB  - The morning-after pill or ECP (levonorgestrel) first came into use in the late
      20th century, but has only become widely available in the last ten years. Its
      introduction has been facilitated by health policies which have led to the
      removal of certain obstacles hindering its use. In this context, sociological,
      statistical and scientific data have been employed which have often turned out to
      be biased or partial in nature. The reliability of the information provided by
      health authorities, pharmaceutical companies and other social entities has been
      called into question in various respects, particularly as far as the mechanism of
      action, side effects and pregnancy rate are concerned. This study focuses on the
      mechanism by which levonorgestrel acts, since a wider discussion would fall
      beyond the scope of a single study, and the mechanism of action is the aspect
      which is least understood and most controversial. It remains to be determined
      whether levonorgestrel is a product which only acts prior to ovulation or which
      has an effect on the human embryo.

PMID- 22040134
TI  - [Estrogens and feminine brain maturation during adolescence: emergency
      contraceptive pill].
AB  - In the period between puberty and maturity takes place the process of brain
      maturation. Hormone levels induce changes in neurons and direct the architecture
      and structural functionality thus affecting patterns of development of different
      brain areas. The onset of puberty brings with it the invasion of the female brain
      by high levels of hormones, cyclic surges of estrogen and progesterone in
      addition to steroids produced in situ. Control centers of emotions (amygdala),
      memory and learning (hippocampus) and sexual activity (hypothalamus) are modified
      according to the cyclical concentrations of both hormones. Sex hormones stimulate
      multimodal actions, both short and longer terms, because neurons in various brain
      areas have different types of receptors, membrane, cytoplasmic and nuclear. The
      composition of emergency contraceptive pill (postcoital pill) with high hormonal
      content raises the urgency of a thorough knowledge about the possible effect that
      the lack of control of the menstrual cycle in a time of consolidation of brain
      maturation, can bring in structuring and development of brain circuitry. Changes
      in the availability of sex steroids during puberty and adolescence underlie
      psychiatric disorders whose prevalence is typically feminine, such as depression,
      anxiety disorders. It is a fundamental ethical duty to present scientific data
      about the influence of estrogen in young female brain maturation, both for full
      information to potential users, and also to induce the appropriate public health
      measures.

PMID- 22040135
TI  - [Assisted human reproduction techniques: determination of parentage and users in
      comparative law].
AB  - The paper undertakes the determination of parentage and users of assisted
      reproduction techniques in comparative law, particularly in three European Union
      countries: Italy, France and Spain. The idea of artificially conceived child
      protection, present in the Italian provision, is substituted, partially in French
      law, and totally in Spanish law, by an exclusively individualistic outlook,
      configuring a true "right to maternity" for married women and for those not
      living with a male partner (single women, divorced or widowed) or with a female
      partner (lesbians), and for women inseminated artificially by the semen of the
      husband before or after their death, and for women already having culminated
      their fertile life.

PMID- 22040136
TI  - [Proposals for social policies to improve the quality of life in attention
      deficit/hyperactivity disorder [ADHD]].
AB  - This article describes the effects of pre and postnatal stress on the cerebral
      morphological findings described as attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
      [ADHD]. The consequences of ADHD cause social problems because these children
      have difficulties with family, school and social integration. Previous treatments
      are reviewed up to the present day. The drug that has been used most frequently
      is Metilphenidate, a psychostimulant, and recently, a new drug, Atomoxetine, a
      non psychostimulant was introduced. The therapy is combined with physiological
      training. These drugs give relief to the symptoms but their long term side
      effects are unknown. Recent investigations have shown that children with ADHD who
      are receiving either cognitive or control training have increased cerebral
      activity without previous medication. With these facts in mind the European ADHD
      Guidelines group suggests a new focus of attention on the children and adults
      with this problem with the aim of modifying the treatment followed until now. The
      ethical motives for this review are: a) to make society more aware of the
      problems of ADHD with the aim of taking measures to avoid the possible causes of
      the illness; b) to take into account that the effects of long term
      psychostimulant drugs on the developing mind are unknown; c) to gather
      information that supports the view that diagnosis of ADHD has increased.

PMID- 22040137
TI  - [Select embryos: preimplantation genetic diagnosis].
AB  - The ability to detect chromosomal or genetic defects in embryos in vitro,
      associated with assisted human reproduction techniques before his possible
      transfer to the uterus to complete its development was presented as an
      alternative to eugenic abortion. And an option for older women to procreate, to
      avoid pregnancy of embryos with chromosomal defects. Genetic diagnosis before
      implantation (PGD) and screening of embryos in vitro (by the acronym, PSC),
      offers the image of the disabled person as an individual excluded from society.
      It assumes a direct human experimentation without therapeutic purposes or to
      manipulate the embryo that is chosen or discarded according to diagnosis or for
      advancement in perinatal medicine. Because these techniques can have multiple
      embryos, eugenics has also generated a "positive eugenics" that seeks to select
      embryos according to a third party, having certain characteristics, sex, or lack
      of predisposition to disease. Several issues demand unavoidable ethical duty to
      report on this form of eugenics, in addition to be directly and intentionally
      directed to destroy human life in its early stages, and does not meet the minimum
      requirements of rigorous scientific research or biotechnology. There have been no
      previous animal tests to validate the techniques so that there are serious errors
      in diagnosis with false positives and false negatives. Recently it has been shown
      that some discarded embryos can eliminate their detected defects two days after
      the biopsy. Moreover, the study about what may or may not be diagnosed is
      retrospective and unrecoverable damage. And, of particular importance is the fact
      that it is not known with certainty the effects that an embryo biopsy may cause
      to those diagnosed.

PMID- 22040138
TI  - [Delay the age of procreation, decline in fertility and increased use of assisted
      reproduction: risk of birth defects].
AB  - In recent years there has been a progressive decline in fertility, originated
      mainly on women by the aging of ovules and on man through changes in genetic
      material of sperm due to cumulative environmental factors over time. Infertility
      treatments and techniques of assisted reproduction, IVF or insemination, consist
      of, or preceded by ovarian stimulation treatment aimed to obtain a large number
      of mature ovules in one cycle. This stimulation does not resolve the crucial
      issue of changing the pattern of chemical modification, parental imprinting,
      which occurs in the epigenetic process of oogenesis. Ovules induced to mature and
      / or forced to fertilization, do not to provide a fresh genome to be passed in
      each generation passes from parents to children. These changes affect the
      regulation of expression of a gene cluster (known as imprinted genes) during
      embryonic development of the child, give him a predisposition to rare diseases
      that originate precisely in the chaos of such genes. Some factors that cause
      infertility can be traced to early stages of development. Therefore, infertility
      is already a generational issue. It is therefore necessary to inform and alert to
      important factors, and ways of life, giving rise to emerging problems.

PMID- 22040139
TI  - Dynamic nuclear polarization-enhanced solid-state NMR of a 13C-labeled signal
      peptide bound to lipid-reconstituted Sec translocon.
AB  - Dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) has made it possible to record 2D double
      quantum-filtered (DQF) solid-state NMR (ssNMR) spectra of a signal peptide bound
      to a lipid-reconstituted SecYEG translocon complex. The small quantity of peptide
      in the sample (~40 nmol) normally prohibits multidimensional ssNMR experiments.
      Such small amounts are not the exception, because for samples involving membrane
      proteins, most of the limited sample space is occupied by lipids. As a
      consequence, a conventional 2D DQF ssNMR spectrum with the sample used here would
      require many weeks if not months of measurement time. With the help of DNP,
      however, we were able to acquire such a 2D spectrum within 20 h. This development
      opens up new possibilities for membrane protein studies, particularly in the
      exploitation of high-resolution spectroscopy and the assignment of individual
      amino acid signals, in this case for a signal peptide bound to the translocon
      complex.

PMID- 22040140
TI  - Genotyping success of historical Eurasian lynx (Lynx lynx L.) samples.
AB  - Historical samples, like tanned hides and trophy skulls, can be extremely
      important for genetic studies of endangered or elusive species. Selection of a
      sampling protocol that is likely to provide sufficient amount and quality of DNA
      with a minimum damage to the original specimen is often critical for a success of
      the study. We investigated microsatellite genotyping success of DNA isolated from
      three different types of Eurasian lynx historical samples. We analysed a total of
      20 microsatellite loci in 106 historical samples from the endangered Dinaric lynx
      population, established from re-introduction of three pairs of lynx in 1973 from
      Slovakian Carpathians. Of the three tested sample types, turbinal bone and septum
      from the nasal cavity of the trophy skulls had the lowest percentage of samples
      successfully genotyped for all 20 microsatellite loci. Footpad samples, collected
      using a cork drill, exhibited better results in polymerase chain reaction
      amplification and genotyping than samples of footpad epidermis cut with a
      scalpel. We report simple and efficient sampling protocols, which could be widely
      applied for future studies utilizing historical samples.

PMID- 22040141
TI  - Investigation of biomarkers of bile tolerance in Lactobacillus casei using
      comparative proteomics.
AB  - The identification of cell determinants involved in probiotic features is a
      challenge in current probiotic research. In this work, markers of bile tolerance
      in Lactobacillus casei were investigated using comparative proteomics. Six L.
      casei strains were classified on the basis of their ability to grow in the
      presence of bile salts in vitro. Constitutive differences between whole cell
      proteomes of the most tolerant strain (L. casei Rosell-215), the most sensitive
      one (L. casei ATCC 334), and a moderately tolerant strain (L. casei DN-114 001)
      were investigated. The ascertained subproteome was further studied for the six
      strains in both standard and bile stressing conditions. Focus was on proteins
      whose expression levels were correlated with observed levels of bile tolerance in
      vitro, particularly those previously reported to be involved in the bile
      tolerance process of lactobacilli. Analysis revealed that 12 proteins involved in
      membrane modification (NagA, NagB, and RmlC), cell protection and detoxification
      (ClpL and OpuA), as well as central metabolism (Eno, GndA, Pgm, Pta, Pyk, Rp1l,
      and ThRS) were likely to be key determinants of bile tolerance in L. casei and
      may serve as potential biomarkers for phenotyping or screening purposes. The
      approach used enabled the correlation of expression levels of particular proteins
      with a specific probiotic trait.

PMID- 22040142
TI  - The Wolinella succinogenes mcc gene cluster encodes an unconventional respiratory
      sulphite reduction system.
AB  - Assimilatory and dissimilatory sulphite reductions are key reactions in the
      biogeochemical sulphur cycle and several distinct sirohaem-containing sulphite
      reductases have been characterized. Here, we describe that the
      Epsilonproteobacterium Wolinella succinogenes is able to grow by sulphite
      respiration (yielding sulphide) with formate as electron donor. Sulphite is
      reduced by MccA, a prototypical member of an emerging new class of periplasmic
      cytochrome c sulphite reductases that, phylogenetically, belongs to a multihaem
      cytochrome c superfamily whose members play crucial roles in the global sulphur
      and nitrogen cycles. Within this family, MccA represents an unconventional
      octahaem cytochrome c containing a special haem c group that is bound via two
      cysteine residues arranged in a unique CX(15)CH haem c binding motif. The
      phenotypes of numerous W.succinogenes mutants producing MccA variants underlined
      the structural importance of this motif. Several open reading frames of the mcc
      gene cluster were individually inactivated and characterization of the
      corresponding mutants indicated that the predicted iron-sulphur protein MccC, the
      putative quinol dehydrogenase MccD (a member of the NrfD/PsrC family) as well as
      a peptidyl-prolyl cis-trans isomerase, MccB, are essential for sulphite
      respiration. MccA synthesis in W. succinogenes was found to be induced by
      sulphite (but not by thiosulphate or sulphide) and repressed in the presence of
      fumarate or nitrate. Based on the results, a sophisticated model of respiratory
      sulphite reduction by the Mcc system is presented.

PMID- 22040143
TI  - Electrochemiluminescent peptide nucleic acid-like monomers containing Ru(II)
      dipyridoquinoxaline and Ru(II)-dipyridophenazine complexes.
AB  - A series of Ru(II)-peptide nucleic acid (PNA)-like monomers, [Ru(bpy)(2)(dpq-L
      PNA-OH)](2+) (M1), [Ru(phen)(2)(dpq-L-PNA-OH)](2+) (M2), [Ru(bpy)(2)(dppz-L-PNA
      OH)](2+) (M3), and [Ru(phen)(2)(dppz-L-PNA-OH)](2+) (M4) (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine,
      phen = 1,10-phenanthroline, dpq-L-PNA-OH = 2-(N-(2-(((9H-fluoren-9
      yl)methoxy)carbonylamino)ethyl)-6-(dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'-c]phenazine-11
      carboxamido)hexanamido)acetic acid, dppz-L-PNA-OH = 2-(N-(2-(((9H-fluoren-9-yl)
      methoxy)carbonylamino)ethyl)-6-(dipyrido[3,2-f:2',3'-h]quinoxaline-2
      carboxamido)acetic acid) have been synthesized and characterized by IR and (1)H
      NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis. As is typical for
      Ru(II)-tris(diimine) complexes, acetonitrile solutions of these complexes (M1-M4)
      show MLCT transitions in the 443-455 nm region and emission maxima at 618, 613,
      658, and 660 nm, respectively, upon photoexcitation at 450 nm. Changes in the
      ligand environment around the Ru(II) center are reflected in the luminescence and
      electrochemical response obtained from these monomers. The emission intensity and
      quantum yield for M1 and M2 were found to be higher than for M3 and M4.
      Electrochemical studies in acetonitrile show the Ru(II)-PNA monomers to undergo a
      one-electron redox process associated with Ru(II) to Ru(III) oxidation. A
      positive shift was observed in the reversible redox potentials for M1-M4 (962,
      951, 936, and 938 mV, respectively, vs Fc(0/+) (Fc = ferrocene)) in comparison
      with [Ru(bpy)(3)](2+) (888 mV vs Fc(0/+)). The ability of the Ru(II)-PNA monomers
      to generate electrochemiluminescence (ECL) was assessed in acetonitrile solutions
      containing tripropylamine (TPA) as a coreactant. Intense ECL signals were
      observed with emission maxima for M1-M4 at 622, 616, 673, and 675 nm,
      respectively. At an applied potential sufficiently positive to oxidize the
      ruthenium center, the integrated intensity for ECL from the PNA monomers was
      found to vary in the order M1 (62%) > M3 (60%) > M4 (46%) > M2 (44%) with respect
      to [Ru(bpy)(3)](2+) (100%). These findings indicate that such Ru(II)-PNA
      bioconjugates could be investigated as multimodal labels for biosensing
      applications.

PMID- 22040144
TI  - Prevention of urinary tract infections in nursing homes: lack of evidence-based
      prescription?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Urinary tract infections (UTIs, including upper and lower
      symptomatic) are the most common infections in nursing homes and prevention may
      reduce patient suffering, antibiotic use and resistance. The spectre of agents
      used in preventing UTIs in nursing homes is scarcely documented and the aim of
      this study was to explore which agents are prescribed for this purpose. METHODS:
      We conducted a one-day, point-prevalence study in 44 Norwegian nursing homes
      during April-May 2006. Nursing home residents prescribed any agent for UTI
      prophylaxis were included. Information recorded was type of agent and dose,
      patient age and gender, together with nursing home characteristics.
      Appropriateness of prophylactic prescribing was evaluated with references to
      evidence in the literature and current national guidelines. RESULTS: The study
      included 1473 residents. 18% (n = 269) of the residents had at least one agent
      recorded as prophylaxis of UTI, varying between 0-50% among the nursing homes.
      Methenamine was used by 48% of residents prescribed prophylaxis, vitamin C by
      32%, and cranberry products by 10%. Estrogens were used by 30% but only one third
      was for vaginal administration. Trimethoprim and nitrofurantoin were used as
      prophylaxis by 5% and 4%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The agents frequently
      prescribed to prevent UTIs in Norwegian nursing homes lack documented efficacy
      including methenamine and vitamin C. Recommended agents like trimethoprim,
      nitrofurantoin and vaginal estrogens are infrequently used. We conclude that
      prescribing of prophylactic agents for UTIs in nursing homes is not evidence
      based.

PMID- 22040145
TI  - Neurological disorders, virus persistence and hypomyelination in calves due to
      intra-uterine infections with bovine virus diarrhoea virus.
AB  - Summary   The clinical and pathological findings after a natural intra-uterine
      infection with BVD-virus in a Friesian dairy herd are described. The virological
      and serological aspects will be discussed in a separate paper (30).   In a period
      of 4 years, 11 calves were hum with the following nervous symptoms: more or less
      serious incoordination, tremor, oscillating nystagmus, and a negative blinking
      reflex. The pupillary and sucking reflexe's were normal. No ocular defects, such
      as lenticular opacity or retinal atrophy were observed.   The first calf was born
      in 1979. Within 6 months the symptoms disappeared. After a normal conception and
      pregnancy this animal gave b(i)rth to 2 clinically normal calves in 1981 and
      1982. The second calf died at the age of 2 months, due to an ulcerating
      enteritis.   In 1980, again 8 calves with the same nervous symptoms were born
      within a period of 3 months. Two calves died at the age of 3 days and 5 weeks
      respectively; 2 calves were sold when 10 days and 3 weeks old; one calf did not
      improve and was necropsied at the age of 17 days. The remaining 3 calves showed
      only a slight hypermetria when examined after 6 months. At that time nystagmus
      was only visible with ophthalmoscopy. Two calves were slaughtered when 10 months
      old. The last one, a bull, proved to be sterile and was necropsied at the age of
      1 1/2> year.   A calf, born in 1981, recovered within a week and was necropsied
      at the age of 15 days. The last calf, born in 1982, did not improve at all and
      was necropsied at the age of 14 days.   During these 4 years none of the other
      animals in the herd showed any symptoms due to an acute or chronic BVD-virus
      infection.   At post mortem examination of 6 animals no macroscopically visible
      malformations were found. Hypomyelination and abnormal glial cells were evident
      in 5 cases, especially in the two youngest calves which did not show any
      improvement. One of them had an obvious thymic hypoplasia. The calf which
      recovered within a week showed only very slight changes. In one of the calves
      slaughtered at 10 months, inflammatory lesions were found in the brain. The
      diagnosis was confirmed by virological investigations.   Clinically as well as
      pathologically there was a close resemblance to Border disease in lambs and
      congenital tremor in piglets after prenatal exposure to Hog cholera virus.

PMID- 22040146
TI  - Guide to Receptors and Channels (GRAC), 5th edition.
AB  - The Fifth Edition of the 'Guide to Receptors and Channels' is a compilation of
      the major pharmacological targets divided into seven sections: G protein-coupled
      receptors, ligand-gated ion channels, ion channels, catalytic receptors, nuclear
      receptors, transporters and enzymes. These are presented with nomenclature
      guidance and summary information on the best available pharmacological tools,
      alongside suggestions for further reading. Available alongside this publication
      is a portal at http://www.GuideToPharmacology.org which is produced in close
      association with NC-IUPHAR and allows free online access to the information
      presented in the Fifth Edition.

PMID- 22040155
TI  - Inequalities in utilisation of general practitioner and specialist services in 9
      European countries.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to describe the magnitude of educational
      inequalities in utilisation of general practitioner (GP) and specialist services
      in 9 European countries. In addition to West European countries, we have included
      3 Eastern European countries: Hungary, Estonia and Latvia. To cover the gap in
      knowledge we pay a special attention to the magnitude of inequalities among
      patients with chronic conditions. METHODS: Data on the use of GP and specialist
      services were derived from national health surveys of Belgium, Estonia, France,
      Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, the Netherlands and Norway. For each country
      and education level we calculated the absolute prevalence and relative
      inequalities in utilisation of GP and specialist services. In order to account
      for the need for care, the results were adjusted by the measure of self-assessed
      health. RESULTS: People with lower education used GP services equally often in
      most countries (except Belgium and Germany) compared with those with a higher
      level of education. At the same time people with a higher education used
      specialist care services significantly more often in all countries, except in the
      Netherlands. The general pattern of educational inequalities in utilisation of
      specialist care was similar for both men and women. Inequalities in utilisation
      of specialist care were equally large in Eastern European and in Western European
      countries, except for Latvia where the inequalities were somewhat larger.
      Similarly, large inequalities were found in the utilisation of specialist care
      among patients with chronic diseases, diabetes, and hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: We
      found large inequalities in the utilisation of specialist care. These
      inequalities were not compensated by utilisation of GP services. Of particular
      concern is the presence of inequalities among patients with a high need for
      specialist care, such as those with chronic diseases.

PMID- 22040156
TI  - Ecological and evolutive implications of bacterial defences against predators.
AB  - Bacterial communities are often heavily consumed by microfaunal predators, such
      as protozoa and nematodes. Predation is an important cause of mortality and
      determines the structure and activity of microbial communities in both
      terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, and bacteria evolved various defence
      mechanisms helping them to resist predation. In this review, I summarize known
      antipredator defence strategies and their regulation, and explore their
      importance for bacterial fitness in various environmental conditions, and their
      implications for bacterial evolution and diversification under predation
      pressure. I discuss how defence mechanisms affect competition and cooperation
      within bacterial communities. Finally I present some implications of bacterial
      defence mechanisms for ecosystem services provided by microbial communities, such
      as nutrient cycling, virulence and the biological control of plant diseases.

PMID- 22040157
TI  - The positive mental health instrument: development and validation of a culturally
      relevant scale in a multi-ethnic Asian population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Instruments to measure mental health and well-being are largely
      developed and often used within Western populations and this compromises their
      validity in other cultures. A previous qualitative study in Singapore
      demonstrated the relevance of spiritual and religious practices to mental health,
      a dimension currently not included in exiting multi-dimensional measures. The
      objective of this study was to develop a self-administered measure that covers
      all key and culturally appropriate domains of mental health, which can be applied
      to compare levels of mental health across different age, gender and ethnic
      groups. We present the item reduction and validation of the Positive Mental
      Health (PMH) instrument in a community-based adult sample in Singapore. METHODS:
      Surveys were conducted among adult (21-65 years) residents belonging to Chinese,
      Malay and Indian ethnicities. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis (EFA,
      CFA) were conducted and items were reduced using item response theory tests
      (IRT). The final version of the PMH instrument was tested for internal
      consistency and criterion validity. Items were tested for differential item
      functioning (DIF) to check if items functioned in the same way across all
      subgroups. RESULTS: EFA and CFA identified six first-order factor structure
      (General coping, Personal growth and autonomy, Spirituality, Interpersonal
      skills, Emotional support, and Global affect) under one higher-order dimension of
      Positive Mental Health (RMSEA=0.05, CFI=0.96, TLI=0.96). A 47-item self
      administered multi-dimensional instrument with a six-point Likert response scale
      was constructed. The slope estimates and strength of the relation to the theta
      for all items in each six PMH subscales were high (range:1.39 to 5.69),
      suggesting good discrimination properties. The threshold estimates for the
      instrument ranged from -3.45 to 1.61 indicating that the instrument covers entire
      spectrums for the six dimensions. The instrument demonstrated high internal
      consistency and had significant and expected correlations with other well-being
      measures. Results confirmed absence of DIF. CONCLUSIONS: The PMH instrument is a
      reliable and valid instrument that can be used to measure and compare level of
      mental health across different age, gender and ethnic groups in Singapore.

PMID- 22040158
TI  - Theoretical studies on molecular and structures of mono- and binuclear chromium
      carbazole derivatives for optoelectronics.
AB  - Studies on the molecular geometries, electronic properties and second-order
      nonlinearities of a series of mono- and binuclear chromium carbazole complexes:
      (N-vinylcarbazole)Cr(CO)(3) (M1), (N-vinylcarbazole)Cr(CO)(2)PPh(3) (M2),
      (CO)(3)Cr(N-vinylcarbazole)Cr(CO)(3) (B1), and (CO)(3)Cr(N
      vinylcarbazole)Cr(CO)(2)PPh(3) (B2) were carried out, using the density
      functional theory (DFT) at the B3LYP//LanL2DZ/6-31G(d) level. The experimental
      singlet metal-to-ligand charge transfer ((1)MLCT) spectra of these complexes can
      also be well simulated and discussed by the time-dependent DFT (TDDFT) at the
      B3LYP//LanL2DZ/6-311+G(d) level associated with the polarizable continuum model
      (PCM). The computational results show that an unusual characteristic of chromium
      carbazole structures is explained in terms of interaction between frontier
      molecular orbitals of the metal and its ligands. The highest occupied molecular
      orbitals (HOMOs) of these complexes are composed of a set of distorted
      degenerated Cr 3d orbitals, whereas the lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals
      (LUMOs) are predominantly the N-vinylcarbazole ligand pi* orbitals. The HOMO-LUMO
      energy gaps decrease in the order NVC > M1 > B1 > M2 > B2. The considerable
      coupling between the carbazole and (CO)(3) in M1 creates an asymmetric
      environment about the chromium atom, leading to modest second-order responses.
      The PPh(3) ligand is acting as a donor which increases the donating strength of
      the d(pi) orbitals in chromium carbazole species, resulting in the large
      electronic asymmetry in M2. As for the binuclear chromium carbazole chromophores,
      a wide-range (1)MLCT band and large oscillator strength are found, allowing for
      the electronic interactions between two metal centers which can be modified by
      altering the ligand bound to the metals to induce peculiar asymmetry.
      Essentially, Cr(CO)(3) acceptor and Cr(CO)(2)PPh(3) donor units in B2 make
      significant contribution to the charge-transfer process or NLO responses via
      conventional push-pull chromophoric architecture.

PMID- 22040159
TI  - Validation of X-ray fluorescence spectrometry for determining osseous or dental
      origin of unknown material.
AB  - Forensic anthropological examinations typically involve the analysis of human
      skeletal remains, but in cases where samples are very small and/or physically
      compromised, it may first be necessary to determine whether the material is even
      osseous or dental in origin. X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) is a technique
      that reveals the elemental composition of materials and is hypothesized to have
      utility in such cases. XRF analysis was conducted on a variety of tissues and
      materials in unaltered and altered (damaged) states. With few exceptions, osseous
      and dental tissues in unaltered and altered conditions contained characteristic
      levels of calcium and phosphorus, while other materials did not. Materials could
      be accurately identified as osseous or dental in origin based on the calcium and
      phosphorus levels identified by XRF, and we therefore conclude that XRF analysis
      is a valid and effective means of determining osseous or dental origin of unknown
      material.

PMID- 22040160
TI  - 1-Dodecanethiol self-assembled monolayers on cobalt.
AB  - Cobalt and its alloys are used in a broad range of application fields. However,
      the use of this metal is especially limited by its strongly oxidizable nature.
      The use of alkanethiol self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) is a very efficient way
      to protect against such oxidation and/or to inhibit corrosion. This surface
      modification method has been particularly applied to oxidizable metals such as
      copper or nickel, yet the modification of cobalt surfaces by alkanethiol SAMs
      received limited attention up to now. In this work, we study the influence of
      parameters by which to control the self-assembly process of 1-dodecanethiol
      monolayers on cobalt: nature of the surface pretreatment, solvent, immersion
      time, and concentration. Each of these parameters has been optimized to obtain a
      densely packed and stable monolayer able to efficiently prevent the reoxidation
      of the modified cobalt substrates. The obtained monolayers were characterized by
      X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), polarization modulation infrared
      reflection-absorption spectroscopy, and contact angle measurements. The stability
      of the optimized 1-dodecanethiol monolayer upon air exposure for 28 days has been
      confirmed by XPS.

PMID- 22040161
TI  - Poor sperm quality and advancing age are associated with increased sperm DNA
      damage in infertile men.
AB  - With increasing evidence for faulty paternal contribution to reproduction, there
      has been a steady increase in studies highlighting an association between sperm
      DNA damage, failed/delayed fertilisation and aberrant embryo development. Owing
      to prevailing ambiguity, the aims of the study were to analyse the genetic
      integrity of the male gamete and then to understand its association with age,
      standard semen parameters, lifestyle and occupational factors. The study included
      504 subjects, attending university infertility clinic for fertility evaluation
      and treatment. Semen characteristics were analysed by standard criteria; terminal
      deoxynucelotidyl transferase-mediated nick end-labelling assay was employed for
      DNA damage assessment. The average incidence of sperm DNA damage in patients with
      normozoospermic semen parameters was <10%. Patients with oligozoospermia, severe
      oligozoospermia, oligoasthenoteratospermia, asthenoteratozoospermia and
      necrozoospermia had significantly higher level of sperm DNA damage (P < 0.001).
      Patients above 40 years of age had significantly high levels of DNA damage (P <
      0.001) compared with their counterparts. Patients with varicocele and a history
      of alcohol consumption had higher incidence of spermatozoa with DNA damage (P <
      0.01). Poor sperm characteristics in the ejaculate are associated with increased
      sperm DNA damage. Age-related increase in sperm DNA damage and association of the
      same with varicocele and alcohol consumption are also demonstrated.

PMID- 22040162
TI  - A one-dimensional extremely covalent material: monatomic carbon linear chain.
AB  - Polyyne and cumulene of infinite length as the typical covalent one-dimensional
      (1D) monatomic linear chains of carbon have been demonstrated to be metallic and
      semiconductor (Eg = 1.859 eV), respectively, by first-principles calculations.
      Comparing with single-walled carbon nanotubes, the densities are evidently low
      and the thermodynamic properties are similar below room temperature but much
      different at the high temperature range. Polyyne possesses a Young's modulus as
      high as 1.304 TPa, which means it is even much stiffer than carbon nanotubes and
      to be the superlative strong 1D material along the axial direction. The Young's
      modulus of cumulene is estimated to be 760.78 GPa. In addition, polyyne is
      predicted to be as a one-dimensional electronic material with very high mobility.

PMID- 22040163
TI  - Receptor tyrosine kinases: from biology to pathology.
AB  - Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are transmembrane proteins involved in the
      control of fundamental cellular processes in metazoans. RTKs possess a general
      structure that includes an extracellular domain, a transmembrane domain and a
      highly conserved tyrosine kinase domain. RTKs are classified according to their
      variable extracellular ligand-binding domain. Studies of human RTK members have
      yielded a wealth of information elucidating their importance. Improper
      functioning of these enzymes due to mutations, mainly in the kinase domain, is
      often manifested in various human diseases and is known to be involved in several
      types of cancer. Here we summarize most of human RTKs, their cognate ligands, as
      well as related diseases and discuss the eventual use of certain RTKs as new
      therapeutic targets.

PMID- 22040164
TI  - Multifunctional encoded self-assembling protein nanofibrils as platform for high
      throughput and multiplexed detection of biomolecules.
AB  - A one-dimensional nanofibrillar array formed by the co-assembly of native and
      biotin-functionalized beta-amyloid (Abeta) peptide was developed for biomolecule
      sensing. With the presence of biotin moiety, a variety of biomolecular probes can
      be conjugated onto the nanofibrils, thus converting the protein assembly into a
      miniature biosensor. In this work, DNA probes were immobilized onto the fibril
      for the detection of cDNA sequences. The as-developed "DNA-nanoarray" achieved a
      detection limit at subattomole level (183 fM in 10 MUL). This highly sensitive,
      yet simple, assay requires a trace amount of sample consumption (<10 MUL) and is
      pretreatment-free. In addition, we reported the preparation of alternate
      segmented amyloid nanofibrils with multifunctionality. The fibrils hereby serve
      as an encoded template that can be visualized with various fluorescence labeling
      dyes for barcode recognition purpose, and, hence, multiplex detection of
      biomolecules was achieved. Regarding that each protein nanofibril represents a
      single detection platform, a large number of single fibrils simultaneously are
      monitored with the dual-color TIRFM in a high-throughput manner.

PMID- 22040165
TI  - Self-reported oral health, oral hygiene habits and dental service utilization
      among pregnant women in United Arab Emirates.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study was to describe self-reported oral health, oral
      hygiene habits and frequency of visits to a dentist among pregnant women visiting
      maternity hospitals in the United Arab Emirates. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross
      sectional study was conducted, with anonymous structured questionnaires
      distributed to 800 pregnant women who were chosen at random from attendants of
      three maternity and child health centres from various geographical areas of UAE,
      during January-March 2010. RESULTS: The response rate was 93.7% (n = 750). Less
      than quarter of the participated pregnant women were in their first trimester.
      Almost a quarter (23.5%) of the women believed that they had periodontal problem
      currently, while 46.3% reported having carious teeth. More than 44% reported
      having dental pain, and about 40% women felt that her oral health was poor. About
      60% reported having heard about the possible connection between pregnancy and the
      oral health. About 94% of the women were brushing their teeth at least once a
      day. More than half of the women (58.3%) visited the dentist during their most
      recent pregnancy, mostly for dental pain. CONCLUSIONS: A large proportion of the
      pregnant women in this study had oral health problems; however, more than 40% of
      those women had not visited a dentist during their pregnancy, and the majority of
      those utilized dental services when they had dental pain only. To provide better
      oral health care, more knowledge needs to be made available to the pregnant women
      and the medical community.

PMID- 22040166
TI  - Organic photocatalysts for the oxidation of pollutants and model compounds.

PMID- 22040167
TI  - Drug shortages--a critical challenge for the generic-drug market.

PMID- 22040168
TI  - Are elderly patients at increased risk of complications following pacemaker
      implantation? A meta-analysis of randomized trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients over the age of 75 represent more than half the recipients
      of permanent pacemakers. It is not known if they have a different risk of
      complications than younger patients. METHODS: Patient-level data were pooled from
      the CTOPP, UKPACE, and Danish pacing trials. These three randomized trials of
      pacing mode systematically captured early and late complications following
      pacemaker insertion. Early postimplant complications included lead dislodgement
      or loss of capture, cardiac perforation, pneumothorax, hematoma, infection, and
      death. Lead fracture was considered a late complication. RESULTS: A total of
      4,814 patients were included in this analysis, with an average follow-up of 5.1
      years. The average age was 76 years and 43% were female. Any early complication
      occurred in 5.1% of patients >=75 years of age compared to 3.4% of patients aged
      <75 years (P = 0.006). This was driven by an increased risk of pneumothorax (1.6%
      vs 0.8%, P = 0.07) and both atrial and ventricular lead dislodgement/loss of
      capture (2.0% vs 1.1%, P = 0.07). Early complications were higher in patients
      receiving atrial-based pacemakers in both age groups (<75 years: 4.6% vs 2.4%;
      >=75 years: 6.6% vs 3.7%); however, the relative risk was not influenced by age
      group. Older patients had a lower risk of lead fracture (3.6% vs 2.7%, P = 0.08).
      CONCLUSION: Elderly patients (>=75 years of age) are at increased risk of early
      postimplant complications but are at lower risk for lead fracture.

PMID- 22040169
TI  - Objectives of teaching direct ophthalmoscopy to medical students.
AB  - PURPOSE: To propose the objectives of undergraduate training in direct
      ophthalmoscopy (DO). METHOD: Narrative review of the literature on (i) opinions
      about the expected proficiency from students in DO, and (ii) estimates of its
      diagnostic value. RESULTS: (i) Authorities disagree on the proficiency in DO that
      they expect from students. Textbooks of physical diagnosis differ in their
      coverage of DO. Surveys have indicated that US physicians expect students to be
      able to detect optic nerve head abnormalities. The Association of American
      Medical Colleges expects students to perform ophthalmoscopic examination and
      describe observations. The International Council of Ophthalmology expects
      students to recognize also diabetic and hypertensive retinopathies. The
      Association of University Professors in Ophthalmology requires that students
      recognize papilloedema, cholesterol emboli, glaucomatous cupping and macular
      degeneration. (ii) There is evidence that DO, even by ophthalmologists, is
      inadequate for screening for glaucoma, diabetic and hypertensive retinopathies.
      Two studies have suggested a limited value of DO in detecting clinical
      emergencies. CONCLUSIONS: The evidence that DO, even by ophthalmologists, is sub
      optimal in detecting common abnormalities challenges existing the notions of
      training medical students. On pending the results of additional studies of the
      value of DO in detecting emergencies, we suggest that undergraduate teaching of
      DO should impart the following: (i) an ability to identify the red fundus reflex
      and optic disc; (ii) an ability to recognize signs of clinical emergencies in
      patients, mannequins or fundus photographs; and (iii) knowledge about, but not an
      ability to detect, other retinopathies.

PMID- 22040171
TI  - Mass spectrometric characterization of human N-acylethanolamine-hydrolyzing acid
      amidase.
AB  - N-Acylethanolamine-hydrolyzing acid amidase (NAAA) is a lysosomal enzyme that
      primarily degrades palmitoylethanolamine (PEA), a lipid amide that inhibits
      inflammatory responses. We developed a HEK293 cell line stably expressing the
      NAAA pro-enzyme (zymogen) and a single step chromatographic purification of the
      protein from the media. Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of
      flight mass spectrometry MALDI-TOF MS analysis of the zymogen (47.7 kDa) treated
      with peptide-N-glycosidase F (PNGase F) identified 4 glycosylation sites, and
      acid cleavage of the zymogen into alpha- and beta-subunits (14.6 and 33.3 kDa)
      activated the enzyme. Size exclusion chromatography estimated the mass of the
      active enzyme as 45 +/- 3 kDa, suggesting formation of an alpha/beta heterodimer.
      MALDI-TOF MS fingerprinting covered more than 80% of the amino acid sequence,
      including the N-terminal peptides, and evidence for the lack of a disulfide bond
      between subunits. The significance of the cysteine residues was established by
      their selective alkylation resulting in almost complete loss of activity. The
      purified enzyme was kinetically characterized with PEA and a novel fluorogenic
      substrate, N-(4-methyl coumarin) palmitamide (PAMCA). The production of
      sufficient quantities of NAAA and a high throughput assay could be useful in
      discovering novel inhibitors and determining the structure and function of this
      enzyme.

PMID- 22040172
TI  - The alpha(2C)-Del322-325 adrenoceptor polymorphism and the occurrence of left
      ventricular hypertrophy in hypertensives.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Sympathetic activation has a role in the development of left
      ventricular hypertrophy (LVH). The presynaptic alpha(2C)-adrenoceptor inhibits
      the release of norepinephrine from sympathetic nerve terminals in the heart. A
      deletion polymorphism in the alpha(2C)-adrenoceptor (alpha(2C)Del322-325)
      generates a hypofunctional alpha(2C)-adrenoceptor, which may result in chronic
      adrenergic signalling. This study aimed to investigate whether the
      alpha(2C)Del322-325 polymorphism was associated with an increased prevalence of
      LVH in patients with systemic hypertension. METHODS: Left ventricular mass was
      measured in 205 patients with systemic hypertension and 60 normal volunteers
      using a 1.5-T Philips MRI system. Genotyping was performed using a restriction
      fragment length polymorphism assay. RESULTS: No significant difference was
      observed between the distribution of the alpha(2C)Del322-325 genotypes in
      hypertensive patients with LVH compared with those without LVH. Adjusting for
      confounding variables the odds ratio (OR) of being ins/del for the
      alpha(2C)Del322-325 and having LVH was 0.49 (95% CI 0.14-1.69, p = 0.256).
      CONCLUSIONS: These observations suggest that there is little evidence for an
      association between alpha(2C)Del322-325 polymorphism and an increased prevalence
      of LVH in patients with systemic hypertension.

PMID- 22040173
TI  - Mechanism of NO photodissociation in photolabile manganese-NO complexes with
      pentadentate N5 ligands.
AB  - The Mn-nitrosyl complexes [Mn(PaPy(3))(NO)](ClO(4)) (1; PaPy(3)(-) = N,N-bis(2
      pyridylmethyl)amine-N-ethyl-2-pyridine-2-carboxamide) and
      [Mn(PaPy(2)Q)(NO)](ClO(4)) (2, PaPy(2)Q(-) = N,N-bis(2-pyridylmethyl)amine-N
      ethyl-2-quinoline-2-carboxamide) show a remarkable photolability of the NO ligand
      upon irradiation of the complexes with UV-vis-NIR light [Eroy-Reveles, A. A.;
      Leung, Y.; Beavers, C. M.; Olmstead, M. M.; Mascharak, P. K. J. Am. Chem. Soc.
      2008, 130, 4447]. Here we report detailed spectroscopic and theoretical studies
      on complexes 1 and 2 that provide key insight into the mechanism of NO
      photolabilization in these compounds. IR- and FT-Raman spectroscopy show N-O and
      Mn-NO stretching frequencies in the 1720-1750 and 630-650 cm(-1) range,
      respectively, for these Mn-nitrosyls. The latter value for nu(Mn-NO) is one of
      the highest transition-metal-NO stretching frequencies reported to this date,
      indicating that the Mn-NO bond is very strong in these complexes. The electronic
      structure of 1 and 2 is best described as Mn(I)-NO(+), where the Mn(I) center is
      in the diamagnetic low-spin state and the NO(+) ligand forms two very strong pi
      backbonds with the d(xz) and d(yz) orbitals of the metal. This explains the very
      strong Mn-NO bonds observed in these complexes, which even supersede the
      strengths of the Fe- and Ru-NO bonds in analogous (isoelectronic) Fe/Ru(II)-NO(+)
      complexes. Using time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) calculations,
      we were able to assign the electronic spectra of 1 and 2, and to gain key insight
      into the mechanism of NO photorelease in these complexes. Upon irradiation in the
      UV region, NO is released because of the direct excitation of d(pi)_pi* ->
      pi*_d(pi) charge transfer (CT) states (direct mechanism), which is similar to
      analogous NO adducts of Ru(III) and Fe(III) complexes. These are transitions from
      the Mn-NO bonding (d(pi)_pi*) into the Mn-NO antibonding (pi*_d(pi)) orbitals
      within the Mn-NO pi backbond. Since these transitions lead to the population of
      Mn-NO antibonding orbitals, they promote the photorelease of NO. In the case of 1
      and 2, further transitions with distinct d(pi)_pi* -> pi*_d(pi) CT character are
      observed in the 450-500 nm spectral range, again promoting photorelease of NO.
      This is confirmed by resonance Raman spectroscopy, showing strong resonance
      enhancement of the Mn-NO stretch at 450-500 nm excitation. The extraordinary
      photolability of the Mn-nitrosyls upon irradiation in the vis-NIR region is due
      to the presence of low-lying d(xy) -> pi*_d(pi) singlet and triplet excited
      states. These have zero oscillator strengths, but can be populated by initial
      excitation into d(xy) -> L(Py/Q_pi*) CT transitions between Mn and the coligand,
      followed by interconversion into the d(xy) -> pi*_d(pi) singlet excited states.
      These show strong spin-orbit coupling with the analogous d(xy) -> pi*_d(pi)
      triplet excited states, which promotes intersystem crossing. TD-DFT shows that
      the d(xy) -> pi*_d(pi) triplet excited states are indeed found at very low
      energy. These states are strongly Mn-NO antibonding in nature, and hence, promote
      dissociation of the NO ligand (indirect mechanism). The Mn-nitrosyls therefore
      show the long sought-after potential for easy tunability of the NO photorelease
      properties by simple changes in the coligand.

PMID- 22040174
TI  - Competition among Hfq-binding small RNAs in Escherichia coli.
AB  - A major class of small bacterial RNAs (sRNAs) regulate translation and mRNA
      stability by pairing with target mRNAs, dependent upon the RNA chaperone Hfq.
      Hfq, related to the Lsm/Sm families of splicing proteins, binds the sRNAs and
      stabilizes them in vivo and stimulates pairing with mRNAs in vitro. Although Hfq
      is abundant, the sRNAs, when induced, are similarly abundant. Therefore, Hfq may
      be limiting for sRNA function. We find that, when overexpressed, a number of
      sRNAs competed with endogenous sRNAs for binding to Hfq. This correlated with
      lower accumulation of the sRNAs (presumably a reflection of the loss of Hfq
      binding), and lower activity of the sRNAs in regulating gene expression. Hfq was
      limiting for both positive and negative regulation by the sRNAs. In addition,
      deletion of the gene for an expressed and particularly effective competitor sRNA
      improved the regulation of genes by other sRNAs, suggesting that Hfq is limiting
      during normal growth conditions. These results support the existence of a
      hierarchy of sRNA competition for Hfq, modulating the function of some sRNAs.

PMID- 22040175
TI  - Elacytarabine--lipid vector technology overcoming drug resistance in acute
      myeloid leukemia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Ara-C (cytarabine arabinoside) is a deoxycytidine analog that has
      an established role in the treatment of hematologic malignancies, especially
      acute myeloid leukemia. Resistance to ara-C occurs and impacts negatively on
      survival. To combat this, an elaidic acid ester of ara-C, called elacytarabine,
      has been developed. This novel agent is highly efficacious in cells with
      demonstrable resistance to the parent agent, including in solid tumor xenografts.
      AREAS COVERED: The mechanisms that account for the increased clinical activity of
      elacytarabine are discussed, including its ability to bypass the specialized
      transmembrane nucleoside transport system on which ara-C depends, its prolonged
      retention within the cell and its alternative effect on the cell cycle. The
      development and synthesis and pharmacokinetics are outlined, with emphasis on
      lipid vector technology. Ten clinical trials involving elacytarabine, either as
      monotherapy or part of a combination regimen, have been carried out in both solid
      tumor and hematologic malignancies. The efficacy and side effect profile results
      are summarized. EXPERT OPINION: Clinical trials in patients with hematological
      malignancies are reporting very encouraging efficacy results with an acceptable
      side effect profile. Elacytarabine has the potential to play an important role in
      the treatment of multiple malignancies in the future and results from an ongoing
      Phase III clinical trial are eagerly awaited.

PMID- 22040176
TI  - Nocardia transvalensis keratitis: an emerging pathology among travelers returning
      from Asia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The incidence rate of Nocardia keratitis is increasing, with new
      species identified thanks to molecular methods. We herein report a case of
      Nocardia transvalensis keratitis, illustrating this emerging pathology among
      travellers returning from Asia. CASE PRESENTATION: A 23-year-old man presented
      with a 10-week history of ocular pain, redness, and blurred vision in his right
      eye following a projectile foreign body impacting the cornea while motor biking
      in Thailand. At presentation, a central epithelial defect with a central whitish
      stromal infiltrate associated with pinhead satellite infiltrates was observed.
      Identification with 16S rRNA PCR sequencing and microbiological culture of
      corneal scraping and revealed N. transvalensis as the causative organism.
      Treatment was initiated with intensive topical amikacin, oral ketoconazole and
      oral doxycycline. After a four-week treatment period, the corneal infiltrate
      decreased so that only a faint subepithelial opacity remained. CONCLUSION:
      Nocardia organisms should be suspected as the causative agent of any case of
      keratitis in travelers returning from Asia. With appropriate therapy, Nocardia
      keratitis resolves, resulting in good visual outcome.

PMID- 22040177
TI  - Synthesis of the butatriene C4 function: methodology and applications.

PMID- 22040179
TI  - Peer reviewers.

PMID- 22040178
TI  - Biophysical modeling to simulate the response to multisite left ventricular
      stimulation using a quadripolar pacing lead.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Response to cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is reduced in
      patients with posterolateral scar. Multipolar pacing leads offer the ability to
      select desirable pacing sites and/or stimulate from multiple pacing sites
      concurrently using a single lead position. Despite this potential, the clinical
      evaluation and identification of metrics for optimization of multisite CRT (MCRT)
      has not been performed. METHODS: The efficacy of MCRT via a quadripolar lead with
      two left ventricular (LV) pacing sites in conjunction with right ventricular
      pacing was compared with single-site LV pacing using a coupled electromechanical
      biophysical model of the human heart with no, mild, or severe scar in the LV
      posterolateral wall. RESULT: The maximum dP/dt(max) improvement from baseline was
      21%, 23%, and 21% for standard CRT versus 22%, 24%, and 25% for MCRT for no,
      mild, and severe scar, respectively. In the presence of severe scar, there was an
      incremental benefit of multisite versus standard CRT (25% vs 21%, 19% relative
      improvement in response). Minimizing total activation time (analogous to QRS
      duration) or minimizing the activation time of short-axis slices of the heart did
      not correlate with CRT response. The peak electrical activation wave area in the
      LV corresponded with CRT response with an R(2) value between 0.42 and 0.75.
      CONCLUSION: Biophysical modeling predicts that in the presence of posterolateral
      scar MCRT offers an improved response over conventional CRT. Maximizing the
      activation wave area in the LV had the most consistent correlation with CRT
      response, independent of pacing protocol, scar size, or lead location.

PMID- 22040180
TI  - Harmonic focus in total thyroidectomy plus level III-IV and VI dissection: a
      prospective randomized study.
AB  - The aim of this study was to compare operating time, postoperative outcomes, and
      surgical complications of total thyroidectomy plus level III-IV and VI dissection
      between the no-tie technique using the Harmonic Focus and classic suture ligation
      for hemostasis. Fifty-four patients underwent total thyroidectomy plus level III
      IV and VI dissection by classic suture ligation and 51 patients by the Harmonic
      Focus. There was obvious distinction as to the operating time between the Focus
      and classic group (102.8 and 150.1 minutes, respectively, P < 0.05). Drainage
      volume (202.7 +/- 187.0 mL vs 299.7 +/- 201.4 mL, P < 0.05) were significantly
      lower in the Focus group. Transient hypoparathyroidism had no statistically
      significant difference between the groups (17.6% vs 18.5%, P > 0 .05). No patient
      experienced nerve injury or permanent hypocalcemia. The use of Harmonic Focus for
      the control of thyroid vessels during thyroid surgery is reliable and safe. The
      device can offer extraordinary capabilities for delicate tissue grasping and
      dissection.

PMID- 22040181
TI  - Theoretical study of the structural properties of plutonium(IV) and (VI)
      complexes.
AB  - The structural properties of several plutonium(IV) and (VI) complexes have been
      examined in the gaseous and aqueous phases using Kohn-Sham density functional
      theory calculations with scalar relativistic effective core potentials and the
      polarizable continuum solvation model. The aquo and nitrate complexes of
      PuO(2)(2+) and Pu(4+) were considered in addition to the aquo-chloro complexes of
      PuO(2)(2+). The nitrate and chloro- complexes formed with triphenylphosphine
      oxide (TPPO) and tributylphosphate (TBP) respectively were also studied. The
      structural parameters of the plutonyl complexes were compared to their uranyl and
      neptunyl analogues. The bond lengths and vibrational frequencies of the plutonyl
      complexes can generally be computed with sufficient accuracy with the pure PBE
      density functional with shorter bond lengths being predicted by the B3LYP
      functional. The structural parameters of the [PuO(2)Cl(2)L(2)] systems formed
      with TPPO and TBP as well as the aqueous [PuO(2)Cl(2)(H(2)O)(3)] complex are
      matched to previous experimental results. Overall, the inclusion of ligands in
      the equatorial region results in significant changes in the stretching frequency
      of the plutonyl group. The structural features of the plutonyl (VI) systems are
      rather similar to those of their 5f(0) uranyl and 5f(1) neptunyl counterparts.
      For the Pu(IV) aquo and nitrate complexes, the average of the calculated Pu-OH(2)
      and Pu-O(nitrate) bond lengths are generally within 0.04 A of the reported
      experimental values. Overall Kohn-Sham DFT can be used successfully in predicting
      the structures of this diverse set of Pu(VI) and Pu(IV) complexes.

PMID- 22040182
TI  - Sensitivity of protein adsorption to architectural variations in a protein
      resistant polymer brush containing engineered nanoscale adhesive sites.
AB  - Patchy polymer brushes contain nanoscale (5-15 nm) adhesive elements, such as
      polymer coils or nanoparticles, embedded at their base at random positions on the
      surface. The competition between the brush's steric (protein resistant)
      repulsions and the attractions from the discrete adhesive elements provides a
      precise means to control bioadhesion. This differs from the classical approach,
      where functionality is placed on the brush's periphery. The current study
      demonstrates the impact of poly(etheylene glycol) (PEG) brush architecture and
      ionic strength on fibrinogen adsorption on brushes containing embedded poly-l
      lysine (PLL, 20K MW) coils or "patches". The consistent appearance of a
      fibrinogen adsorption threshold, a minimum loading of patches on the surface,
      below which protein adsorption does not occur, suggests multivalent protein
      capture: Adsorbing proteins simultaneously engage several patches. The surface
      composition (patch loading) at the threshold is extremely sensitive to the brush
      height and ionic strength, varying up to a factor of 5 in the surface loading of
      the PLL patches (~50% of the range of possible surfaces). Variations in ionic
      strength have a similar effect, with the smallest thresholds seen for the largest
      Debye lengths. While trends with brush height were the clearest and most
      dominant, consideration of the PEG loading within the brush or its persistence
      length did not reveal a critical brush parameter for the onset of adsorption. The
      lack of straightforward correlation on brush physics was likely a result of
      multivalent binding, (producing an additional dependence on patch loading), and
      might be resolved for univalent adsorption onto more strongly binding patches.
      While studies with similar brushes placed uniformly on a surface revealed that
      the PEG loading within the brush is the best indicator of protein resistance, the
      current results suggest that brush height is more important for patchy brushes.
      Likely the interactions producing brush extension normal to the interface act
      similarly to drive lateral tether extension to obstruct patches.

PMID- 22040183
TI  - Two opinions about one child--what's the clinician to do?

PMID- 22040184
TI  - When parent and teacher ratings don't agree: the Tracking Adolescents' Individual
      Lives Survey (TRAILS).
AB  - OBJECTIVES: A commonly encountered situation for evaluating clinicians is a
      history of significant problems in one setting with little or no difficulties in
      another. This study aims to describe this phenomenon and to examine its relations
      with other child and family characteristics. METHOD: A total of 1,730 children
      (mean age 11.05 years) was studied from the first wave of the Tracking
      Adolescents' Individual Lives Survey (TRAILS), a large population-based study of
      Dutch youth. Parent and teacher ratings of aggression, rule breaking,
      inattention, and hyperactivity were obtained. Children were assigned to groups
      according to the presence of clinically relevant problems at home only, at school
      only, or in both settings. The rate of setting specific problems was calculated
      and comparisons between groups were made. RESULTS: Setting specific, especially
      home-specific, problems were quite common. Among children whom parents rated as
      having at least borderline-clinical problems, teachers reported clear or very
      clear behaviors at school at the following rates: aggression (22%), rule breaking
      (12.5%), inattention (55%), and hyperactivity/impulsivity (33%). Compared with
      the school-specific group, the home-specific group contained a significantly
      higher percentage of girls with regard to inattention or hyperactivity and a
      significantly lower percentage of girls with regards to rule breaking. Logistic
      regression analyses revealed that home- versus school-specific problems were
      related to sex, child effortful control, and parental stress. CONCLUSION:
      Externalizing problems are frequently encountered only in one setting between
      home and school and are related to sex, child effortful control, and parental
      stress.

PMID- 22040185
TI  - Diagnostic implications of informant disagreement for manic symptoms.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study examines diagnoses that occur in an outpatient sample when
      both parent and teacher endorse significant manic symptoms and when only a parent
      observes them. We hypothesized that the diagnosis of mania/bipolar (BP) disorder
      would occur when there is parent/teacher concordance on high mania symptom
      scores. METHODS: Subjects were 911 5-18-year-old psychiatrically diagnosed youths
      with caregiver and teacher completed Child Mania Rating Scales (CMRSs) and
      Achenbach parent and teacher forms. Parent-teacher concordance on the CMRS was
      defined as both informants >=75 percentile on the CMRS; discordance on the CMRS
      was defined as parent >=75 percentile and teacher <=25 percentile. Logistic
      regression examined factors associated with a child's parent and teacher ratings
      concordant for high CMRS total scores. RESULTS: Correlation between parent CMRS
      (CMRS-P) and teacher CMRS (CMRS-T) scores was r=0.27 (p<0.000). Correlation
      between the CMRS-P and the Child Behavior Checklist "bipolar/dysregulation"
      phenotype was r=0.757 and between the CMRS-T and Teacher Report Form
      "bipolar/dysregulation" phenotype was r=0.786. A total of 66 (7.3%) of the 911
      children were diagnosed with BP I (n=20) or II (n=3) or BP disorder not otherwise
      specified (BPNOS, n=43). If the CMRS-P score was >=15, 14.7% (vs. 4.4%) had any
      BP (odds ratio: 3.6; 95% confidence interval: 2.1, 6.2). Teacher agreement or
      disagreement did not add to diagnostic accuracy for students with BP I or II.
      BPNOS was more common in children with concordant high CMRS-P and CMRS-T ratings
      (10.5% vs. 4.8%) but the difference was not statistically significant. However,
      logistic regression indicated 10-fold greater odds of both parents and teachers,
      providing high CMRS ratings among children who were diagnosed with externalizing
      disorders (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, oppositional defiant
      disorder, conduct disorder, or any combination of these). Children with
      internalizing disorders (anxiety and depressive disorders) were 3.7 times more
      likely to have discordant CMRS-P/CMRS-T ratings. CONCLUSION: Parent and teacher
      concordance on high mania rating scale scores was most associated with
      externalizing disorders, and discordance was most associated with internalizing
      disorders.

PMID- 22040186
TI  - Informants are not all equal: predictors and correlates of clinician judgments
      about caregiver and youth credibility.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study were to examine how often clinicians
      judged youths or caregivers to not be credible informants, to identify the
      associated features of youth or caregiver credibility, and to examine
      credibility's impact on the validity of mood and behavior checklists. BACKGROUND:
      Clinicians often have the experience of talking to a parent or a youth and
      judging that the credibility of the information offered is unusually poor. Little
      is known about the correlates of poor credibility or about the extent to which
      credibility changes the validity of commonly used checklists. METHODS:
      Interviewers rated the credibility of 646 youths aged 5-18 and their primary
      caregivers after completing a Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and
      Schizophrenia. Ratings and diagnoses were blind to the behavior checklists
      completed by caregivers, youths, and teachers. A subset of youths also had
      intelligent quotient tests and behavioral observations available. RESULTS:
      Caregivers were perceived as more credible on average than youths, though this
      dropped sharply with adolescents. Caregiver credibility was higher for better
      functioning families, more credible youths, younger youths, and more educated
      caregivers; it was unrelated to caregiver mood symptoms or being the mother.
      Youth credibility was strongly connected to age, cognitive ability, caregiver
      credibility, and independent observations of youth behavior. Credibility ratings
      markedly altered the validity of checklists compared with interview ratings,
      diagnoses, or cross-informant criteria. CONCLUSION: Clinicians' judgments about
      informant credibility are associated with different characteristics for youths
      versus caregivers, though youth age is important to both. Credibility affects the
      validity of information from checklists measured against several different
      independent criteria.

PMID- 22040187
TI  - Informant discrepancies in clinical reports of youths and interviewers'
      impressions of the reliability of informants.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In this study the authors examined whether discrepancies between
      parent and youth reports of the youth's emotional and behavioral functioning are
      related to interviewers' reliability ratings of parents and youths. METHODS: In a
      consecutive case series analysis of 328 parents and youths aged 11-17 years,
      parents and youths provided reports of youth emotional and behavioral functioning
      and participated in structured clinical interviews. At the conclusion of the
      interviews, interviewers rated the reliability of informants. Interviewers rated
      youths' clinical severity and parents and youths provided information on youth
      demographics. Nominal logistic regressions tested patterns of discrepancies
      between parent and youth reports (i.e., which informant consistently reported
      greater degrees of youth emotional and behavioral concerns than the other) as
      predictors of interviewers' ratings of the reliability of parents and youths. All
      analyses controlled for variance explained by youth demographics and youth
      severity. RESULTS: When parents reported greater degrees of youth emotional and
      behavioral concerns than youths self-reported, interviewers were likely to rate
      the youth as an unreliable informant, and were unlikely to rate the youth as an
      unreliable informant when parents reported less concerns than youths self
      reported. However, interviewers' ratings of parents' reliability did not relate
      to the discrepancies between reports, regardless of which informant reported
      greater degrees of youth concerns. CONCLUSIONS: Prior research indicates that
      informant discrepancies potentially reveal important information of youths'
      emotional and behavioral concerns, such as the settings in which youths express
      these concerns. Yet, when parents and youths disagree in their clinical reports
      of the youth's functioning, this relates to whether a clinical interviewer views
      the youth as a reliable informant of their own functioning. To increase the cost
      effectiveness and clinical utility of multi-informant clinical evaluations,
      practitioners and researchers should anticipate informant discrepancies and
      predict what they may represent before conducting clinical evaluations.

PMID- 22040188
TI  - Is caregiver-adolescent disagreement due to differences in thresholds for
      reporting manic symptoms?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Cross-informant disagreement is common and results in different
      interpretations of a youth's behavior. Theoretical explanations for discrepancies
      typically rely on scale level analyses. This article explores whether caregivers
      and adolescents differ in when they notice and report symptoms of youth mania
      depending on the severity of overall manic disturbance. METHOD: Participants were
      459 adolescent-caregiver pairs recruited at either a community mental health
      center or an academic medical center. Adolescents were most likely to have a
      primary diagnosis of unipolar depression (37%) or attention-deficit/hyperactivity
      disorder/disruptive behavior disorder (36%). Nineteen percent of adolescents
      received a bipolar spectrum disorder diagnosis (4% bipolar I and 15% bipolar II,
      cyclothymia, or bipolar not otherwise specificed). Caregivers were primarily
      biological mothers (74%) or grandparents (8%). Adolescents and caregivers
      independently completed the Mood Disorder Questionnaire (MDQ) about the
      adolescent. RESULTS: Item response theory analyses of the entire sample indicated
      that in general, both caregivers and adolescents reserved endorsement of mania
      symptoms for the most severely ill half of participants. Comparisons of caregiver
      and adolescent report of symptoms on the MDQ indicated two significant
      differences. Caregivers were more likely to report irritability at significantly
      lower severity of mania than adolescents. Adolescents endorsed only increased
      energy or hyperactivity at lower severities than caregivers. CONCLUSIONS:
      Adolescents and caregivers will have different concerns and might report
      different symptoms consistent with whom the symptom impacts first. Caregivers are
      more likely to report behaviors such as irritability, whereas adolescents are
      more likely to report subjective feelings such as feeling more energetic or more
      hyperactive.

PMID- 22040189
TI  - Neuropsychological outcomes across the day in children with attention
      deficit/hyperactivity disorder treated with atomoxetine: results from a placebo
      controlled study using a computer-based continuous performance test combined with
      an infra-red motion-tracking device.
AB  - The effect of atomoxetine (ATX) on executive function has been assessed by means
      of questionnaires only. The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate the
      efficacy of ATX using standard variables of a computer-based continuous
      performance test (cb-CPT) combined with an infra-red motion-tracking device at
      different times of the day. One hundred twenty-eight girls and boys aged 6 to 12
      years with a diagnosis of ADHD according to DSM-IV-TR criteria were randomized in
      the study. The primary efficacy measures were the q-scores of the cb-CPT combined
      with an infra-red motion-tracking device. The test comprises 13
      neuropsychological variables that can be taken to reflect hyperactivity,
      inattention, or impulsivity. One hundred five patients completed the study (ATX
      group: n=54; placebo group: n=51). ATX (target dose 1.2 mg/kg/day) over 8 weeks
      was significantly superior to placebo in reducing hyperactivity, inattention, and
      impulsivity as measured by q-scores of 10 primary variables of the cb-CPT. Both
      groups of patients showed a circadian pattern of neuropsychological outcomes
      across the day as reflected by the cb-CPT combined with an infra-red motion
      tracking device. In summary, this study demonstrated a positive effect of ATX on
      some aspects of executive function, inhibitory control, and hyperactivity
      compared with placebo.

PMID- 22040190
TI  - Subjective effects, misuse, and adverse effects of osmotic-release
      methylphenidate treatment in adolescent substance abusers with attention
      deficit/hyperactivity disorder.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Psychostimulants are effective treatments for attention
      deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) but may be associated with euphoric
      effects, misuse/diversion, and adverse effects. These risks are perceived by some
      clinicians to be greater in substance-abusing adolescents relative to non
      substance-abusing adults. The present study evaluates the subjective effects,
      misuse/diversion, and adverse effects associated with the use of osmotic-release
      oral system methylphenidate (OROS-MPH), relative to placebo, for treating ADHD in
      adolescents with a substance use disorder (SUD) as a function of substance use
      severity and compared these risks with those associated with the treatment of
      ADHD in adults without a non-nicotine SUD. METHOD: Datasets from two randomized
      placebo-controlled trials of OROS-MPH for treating ADHD, one conducted with 303
      adolescents (13-18) with at least one non-nicotine SUD and one with 255 adult
      smokers (18-55), were analyzed. Outcome measures included the Massachusetts
      General Hospital Liking Scale, self-reported medication compliance, pill counts,
      and adverse events (AEs). RESULTS: Euphoric effects and misuse/diversion of OROS
      MPH were not significantly affected by substance use severity. The euphoric
      effects of OROS-MPH did not significantly differ between the adolescent and adult
      samples. Adults rated OROS-MPH as more effective in treating ADHD, whereas
      adolescents reported feeling more depressed when taking OROS-MPH. The adolescents
      lost more pills relative to the adults regardless of treatment condition, which
      suggests the importance of careful medication monitoring. Higher baseline use of
      alcohol and cannabis was associated with an increased risk of experiencing a
      treatment-related AE in OROS-MPH, but baseline use did not increase the risk of
      serious AEs or of any particular category of AE and the adolescents did not
      experience more treatment-related AEs relative to the adults. CONCLUSIONS: With
      good monitoring, and in the context of substance abuse treatment, OROS-MPH can be
      safely used in adolescents with an SUD despite non-abstinence.

PMID- 22040191
TI  - Impulsivity in adolescents with bipolar disorder and/or attention
      deficit/hyperactivity disorder and healthy controls as measured by the Barratt
      Impulsiveness Scale.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the type and degree of impulsivity among adolescents with
      bipolar disorder (BD), adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
      (ADHD), and healthy comparison subjects using the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale,
      Version 11 (BIS-11). METHODS: Manic adolescents with BD (n=31), adolescents with
      ADHD (n=30), and healthy subjects (n=25) completed the BIS-11, a 30-item, self
      report scale with three subscales (cognitive, motor, and nonplanning). The BIS-11
      total and subscale scores were compared among groups. We also examined
      associations among the BIS-11, Young Mania Rating Scale and co-occurring
      disruptive behavioral disorders (DBDs) within the BD group. RESULTS: Total and
      each subscale scores were significantly higher for the BD group than for the
      healthy controls (p<0.05). The total scores and the cognitive and motor subscale
      scores were significantly higher for the ADHD group than for the healthy control
      group (p<0.05). However, there was no statistically significant difference
      between the nonplanning subscale scores of the ADHD group and the healthy control
      group (p>0.05). There were no significant differences between the BD and ADHD
      groups or between the BD groups with and without ADHD. The BD patients with DBDs
      (i.e., oppositional defiant disorder or conduct disorder) scored significantly
      higher on the motor subscale than did BD patients without DBDs. There were no
      statistically significant associations between the Young Mania Rating Scale and
      BIS-11 scores within the BD group. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that
      impulsivity is elevated in adolescents with BD as well as adolescents with ADHD,
      except for nonplanning impulsivity, which was not significantly different between
      adolescents with ADHD and the healthy comparison group. This may suggest that
      nonplanning impulsivity is relatively specific to adolescents with BD.
      Additionally, our data indicate that elevations in impulsivity, as measured by
      the BIS-11, may be independent of symptoms severity and, therefore, may be a
      stable, trait-related component of BD.

PMID- 22040192
TI  - A randomized controlled trial of sertraline to prevent posttraumatic stress
      disorder in burned children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study evaluated the potential benefits of a centrally acting
      selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, sertraline, versus placebo for prevention
      of symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression in burned
      children. This is the first controlled investigation based on our review of the
      early use of a medication to prevent PTSD in children. METHODS: Twenty-six
      children aged 6-20 were assessed in a 24-week double-blind placebo-controlled
      design. Each child received either flexibly dosed sertraline between 25-150
      mg/day or placebo. At each reassessment, information was collected in compliance
      with the study medication, parental assessment of the child's symptomatology and
      functioning, and the child's self-report of symptomatology. The protocol was
      approved by the Human Studies Committees of Massachusetts General Hospital and
      Shriners Hospitals for Children. RESULTS: The final sample was 17 subjects who
      received sertraline versus 9 placebo control subjects matched for age, severity
      of injury, and type of hospitalization. There was no significant difference in
      change from baseline with child-reported symptoms; however, the sertraline group
      demonstrated a greater decrease in parent-reported symptoms over 8 weeks (-4.1
      vs. -0.5, p=0.005), over 12 weeks (-4.4 vs. -1.2, p=.008), and over 24 weeks (
      4.0 vs. -0.2, p=0.017). CONCLUSIONS: Sertraline was a safe drug, and it was
      somewhat more effective in preventing PTSD symptoms than placebo according to
      parent report but not child report. Based on this study, sertraline may prevent
      the emergence of PTSD symptoms in children.

PMID- 22040195
TI  - Drug-induced movement disorders and Syndenham's chorea in an antipsychotic
      treated young child.

PMID- 22040193
TI  - Preliminary findings regarding proinflammatory markers and brain-derived
      neurotrophic factor among adolescents with bipolar spectrum disorders.
AB  - Mood symptoms in adult bipolar disorder are associated with increased
      proinflammatory markers and decreased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).
      We examined serum interleukin-6, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), and
      BDNF among 30 bipolar disorder adolescents. Hypomanic/manic symptoms were
      positively associated with hsCRP. BDNF levels were negatively associated with
      interleukin-6. Forty percent had cardiovascular high-risk hsCRP levels. Larger
      longitudinal studies are warranted.

PMID- 22040196
TI  - Paliperidone palmitate in a child with autistic disorder.

PMID- 22040197
TI  - Methylphenidate transdermal system in preschool children with attention
      deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

PMID- 22040198
TI  - Biperiden-induced delirium in an adolescent patient.

PMID- 22040199
TI  - The configuration of cervical spinous processes in black and white South African
      skeletal samples.
AB  - The present study investigates the frequency of bifidity/nonbifidity in the black
      and white South African populations. Four-hundred skeletons of known race, sex,
      and tribal group were examined. Spinous processes were classified as bifid
      (bifurcate and cleft subtypes) and nonbifid (obtuse, pediculate, acinate, and
      clavate subtypes). Statistical analysis using the chi-squared probability test (p
      < 0.05) was carried out. Bifid spinous processes were present significantly more
      frequently in the white sample (58.9%) than in the black (31.6%). A bifid spinous
      process occurred most commonly in C2 (89%) followed by C5 (83%), C4 (79%), C3
      (59.4%), and C6 (41.7%) in the white sample. A similar order of decrease in
      bifidity occurred in the black sample. C2 most commonly displayed the bifurcate
      subtype of spinous process, while the clavate subtype of nonbifid spinous process
      was the most common in both populations. The significantly higher frequency of
      bifidity in the white South African sample when compared to the black sample may
      suggest a population difference.

PMID- 22040200
TI  - Improvement of photon extraction efficiency of GaN-based LED using micro and nano
      complex polymer structures.
AB  - A micro- and nanoscale complex structure made of a high refractive index polymer
      (n = 2.08) was formed on the ITO electrode layer of an edge-emitting type GaN
      blue light-emitting diode (LED), in order to improve the photon extraction
      efficiency by suppressing total internal reflection of photons. The nanoimprint
      lithography process was used to form the micro- and nanoscale complex structures,
      using a polymer resin with dispersed TiO2 nano-particles as an imprint resin.
      Plasma processing, such as reactive ion etching, was used to form the micro- and
      nano-scale complex structure; thus, plasma-induced damage to the LED device can
      be avoided. Due to the high refractive index polymeric micro- and nanostructure
      on the ITO layer, the electroluminescence emission was increased up to 20%,
      compared to an identical LED that was grown on a patterned sapphire substrate to
      improve photon extraction efficiency.

PMID- 22040201
TI  - Breast cancer misclassification: a major obstacle to treatment?

PMID- 22040202
TI  - Missed opportunities for chronic disease prevention after breast cancer.

PMID- 22040203
TI  - Can ovarian reserve assessment predict fertility following breast cancer
      treatment?

PMID- 22040205
TI  - Mammographic screening: keeping women alive.
AB  - Evaluation of: Tabar L, Vitak B, Chen TH et al. Swedish Two-County Trial: impact
      of mammographic screening on breast cancer mortality during 3 decades. Radiology
      260(3), 658-663 (2011). In the 1980s, the periodic invitation of women aged 40-69
      years for mammographic screening in the Swedish Two-County Trial showed a strong
      30% reduction in breast cancer mortality. The result of 2-3-yearly mammographic
      examinations has persisted throughout the long follow-up of three decades.
      Through the richness of the collected and verified data, the trial has also
      demonstrated a substantial and absolute reduction in mortality risk. For each 414
      women screened for 7 years (approximately four screening examinations), one
      breast cancer death was prevented. Transferring these outcomes to, for example,
      the national program of the UK, for every 1000 women aged 47-73 years attending
      the 3-yearly screenings (nine screening examinations) at least five to seven
      breast cancer deaths would be prevented. In recent follow-up papers by the
      Swedish trial group, the major human cost of screening (false-positive outcome,
      occurrence of interval cancer, overdiagnosis and radiation exposure) were judged
      to be in balance with the accurately demonstrated mortality benefit.

PMID- 22040206
TI  - Preservation of ovarian function and minimizing premature ovarian failure during
      chemotherapy using gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogs.
AB  - Evaluation of: Del Mastro L, Boni L, Michelotti A et al. Effect of the
      gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue triptorelin on the occurrence of
      chemotherapy-induced early menopause in premenopausal women with breast cancer: a
      randomized trial. JAMA 306(3), 269-276 (2011). This study is a randomized, open
      label, Phase III trial, conducted in 16 Italian centers that enrolled 281
      patients between 2003 and 2008. The recruited patients were prospectively and
      randomly allocated to either chemotherapy alone or combined with monthly
      triptorelin gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog, started before chemotherapy
      and repeated every month throughout chemotherapy. The clinical and tumor
      characteristics of the patients in the control or treatment groups were similar.
      A total of 12 months after ending chemotherapy, the premature ovarian failure
      rate was 25.9% in the chemotherapy-alone group versus 8.9% in the chemotherapy
      and gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog group, an absolute difference of -17%
      (95% CI: -26 to -7.9%; p < 0.001). The odds ratio for treatment-induced premature
      ovarian failure was 0.28 (95% CI: 0.14-0.59; p < 0.001). The authors concluded
      that use of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog chemotherapy in premenopausal
      breast cancer patients can significantly reduce the occurrence of chemotherapy
      induced early menopause.

PMID- 22040207
TI  - Reducing excessive gestational weight gain: lessons from the weight control
      literature and avenues for future research.
AB  - Excessive gestational weight gain is a prevalent problem and an independent
      predictor of future obesity in both mothers and offspring. Intervention research
      to prevent excessive gestational weight gain is still in its infancy but results
      to date have been quite modest. Research in weight control outside of pregnancy
      over the past 30 years has been more robust and identified several key components
      of effective programs, including use of caloric restriction, daily diet self
      monitoring, self-weighing, behavior therapy and ongoing patient-provider contact.
      The aim of this article is to summarize intervention components shown to be
      effective in promoting successful weight control outside of pregnancy and explore
      potential applications in pregnancy. Available evidence suggests that the
      strategies shown to be effective for weight control outside of pregnancy may also
      promote better weight control in pregnancy, but several lines for future
      investigation remain.

PMID- 22040208
TI  - Bipolar disorder differences between genders: special considerations for women.
AB  - The objective of this article is to review clinical differences between men and
      women with bipolar disorder. The secondary objective is to analyze the
      differences in adherence to medication between genders. Men usually present with
      manic episodes and have comorbid drug abuse, while women usually present with
      major depressive episode, the onset is often later, comorbidity of physical
      pathology is common and adherence to medication is greater than in men. In women
      who have an earlier onset of the illness and are single, the risk of nonadherence
      is higher than in other groups of women. There are two time periods that are very
      important in women: pregnancy and postpartum. Both are critical periods and a
      relapse or recurrence of symptoms at either stage can have serious consequences
      for the woman and/or her baby. In addition, the effect of medication on the fetus
      is unclear. In conclusion, there is a clear need for more studies on gender
      differences in bipolar disorder and how to improve adherence to treatment.
      Moreover, a better understanding of how to treat women with bipolar disorder
      during pregnancy and lactation will undoubtedly lead to improved outcomes for
      both the mother and her child.

PMID- 22040209
TI  - Ethnic differences in breast cancer survival: status and determinants.
AB  - Ethnic differences in breast cancer survival have been a long-standing concern.
      The objective of this article is to present relevant studies for all major US
      racial/ethnic groups including African-Americans, Latinos, Native Americans,
      Japanese-Americans and Native Hawaiians, and to discuss underlying causes of
      disparity. In comparison to Caucasian women, African-American women continue to
      experience the poorest breast cancer-specific survival of all ethnic groups in
      the USA. The prognosis for Latinos, Native Hawaiians and Native Americans is
      intermediate, better than for African-Americans but not as good as for
      Caucasians, whereas Japanese-American women tend to have better outcomes. The
      following possible contributors to the observed differences are discussed in
      detail: unfavorable distribution of stage at diagnosis due to low screening
      rates, limited access to care and treatment, tumor type, comorbidities,
      socioeconomic status, obesity and physical activity.

PMID- 22040210
TI  - Use of bone turnover markers in clinical osteoporosis assessment in women:
      current issues and future options.
AB  - Monitoring bone turnover of the adult and aging skeleton is essential for optimal
      treatment of bone metabolic diseases, such as postmenopausal osteoporosis.
      Diagnosis of osteoporosis is based solely on dual-emission x-ray absorptiometry
      based measurements of bone mineral density. However, within the last 20 years,
      biochemical markers of bone turnover have been implemented to a larger degree,
      and especially within the field of drug development. Numerous clinical studies
      have underscored that the markers have promise in terms of predicting patients at
      high risk of losing bone, future fracture events and importantly also the
      fracture efficacy of drugs in development. Furthermore, while classical methods
      often require years to monitor the changes, the bone turnover markers do so
      within a shorter time span. The aims of this article are to provide an update on
      the different biochemical markers of bone turnover, and to give an overview of
      their applications in epidemiological and clinical research especially in women.
      The main emphasis will be on their utility in clinical trials testing the
      efficacy of drugs for the treatment of osteoporosis, and their ability to
      supplement bone mass measurements. Finally, recent evidence suggests that
      biochemical markers may provide information on bone age that may indirectly
      relate to bone quality, and this is discussed together with future possibilities
      for measuring bone quality using bone turnover markers. In summary, a more
      targeted use of biomarkers could assist in the identification of high-risk
      patients, the process of drug discovery and monitoring of the efficacy of
      osteoporosis treatment in clinical settings.

PMID- 22040211
TI  - Opinions and expectations of women in the treatment of cervical and uterine
      cancer in Spain.
AB  - AIM: To know the experiences, needs and expectations of women in the treatment of
      cervical and uterine cancer in the Andalusian Health Service. METHODS: Focus
      groups and in-depth interviews with women being treated for cervical-uterine
      cancer within the Andalusian Health Service. Analysis with Nudist Vivo 1.0 (QSR
      International Pty Ltd, Doncaster, Victoria, Australia). RESULTS: The needs and
      expectations detected were: coherence in the promotion strategies and the
      presence of a proactive approach by health professionals, availability of
      comprehensive information and understanding, possibility of expressing to health
      professionals one's doubts and fears, and of participation in decision-making,
      technical quality, humane treatment and continuity of care and attention to
      psychosocial aspects. CONCLUSION: The knowledge of women in the treatment of
      cancer of the cervix and uterus plays a crucial part in improving the delivery of
      these services.

PMID- 22040212
TI  - Association between socioeconomic position in earlier and later life and age at
      natural menopause: Estudo Pro-Saude, Brazil.
AB  - This study was based on a prospective cohort of university staff in Rio de
      Janeiro, Brazil (the Estudo Pro-Saude). In this article the association between
      socioeconomic position (SEP) earlier and later in life and age at menopause is
      investigated. The main indicators investigated were for earlier SEP: mother's and
      father's schooling; stature; leg and trunk length. For later SEP they were:
      schooling; home and/or car ownership. Median age at menopause was estimated and
      survival curves were generated by the Kaplan-Meier method, while the association
      between indicators of SEP and age at menopause was explored by means of Cox
      semiparametric models. Associations were found between earlier SEP - represented
      by trunk length - and earlier menopause and between later SEP - represented by
      the indicator 'present schooling' - and earlier menopause. The association
      between earlier and later SEP was confirmed. Adverse situations over the life
      course can impact age at menopause and related health outcomes.

PMID- 22040214
TI  - Long-term medical utilization following ventilator-associated pneumonia in acute
      stroke and traumatic brain injury patients: a case-control study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The economic burden of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) during
      the index hospitalization has been confirmed in previous studies. However, the
      long-term economic impact is still unclear. The aim of this study is to examine
      the effect of VAP on medical utilization in the long term. METHODS: This is a
      retrospective case-control study. Study subjects were patients experiencing their
      first traumatic brain injury, acute hemorrhagic stroke, or acute ischemic stroke
      during 2004. All subjects underwent endotracheal intubation in the emergency room
      (ER) on the day of admission or the day before admission, were transferred to the
      intensive care unit (ICU) and were mechanically ventilated for 48 hours or more.
      A total of 943 patients who developed VAP were included as the case group, and
      each was matched with two control patients without VAP by age ( +/- 2 years),
      gender, diagnosis, date of admission ( +/- 1 month) and hospital size, resulting
      in a total of 2,802 patients in the study. Using robust regression and Poisson
      regression models we examined the effect of VAP on medical utilization including
      hospitalization expenses, outpatient expenses, total medical expenses, number of
      ER visits, number of readmissions, number of hospitalization days and number of
      ICU days, during the index hospitalization and during the following 2-year
      period. RESULTS: Patients in the VAP group had higher hospitalization expenses,
      longer length of stay in hospital and in ICU, and a greater number of
      readmissions than the control group patients. CONCLUSIONS: VAP has a significant
      impact on medical expenses and utilization, both during the index hospitalization
      during which VAP developed and in the longer term.

PMID- 22040215
TI  - Cultural issues in child maltreatment.
AB  - AIMS: Waves of immigration from the latter half of the 20th century have changed
      the cultural and ethnic mix of major regions of the world. Dynamic multicultural
      societies now are a reality across the Western world. The relationship and
      influence of these diverse cultures to the understanding and identification of
      child abuse and neglect is challenging and complex. Health professionals working
      with children from culturally and linguistically diverse groups often find
      themselves with the challenge of exploring and resolving the tension between
      definitions of harm in child protection practice and various cultural and child
      rearing practices. In this paper, we set out ways of thinking about the influence
      of culture when approaching and dealing with the suspicion of child maltreatment.
      METHODS: We will explore how culture shapes the experiences of childhood, child
      rearing practices, and identify common barriers in working with children and
      families from culturally diverse backgrounds when presenting with child
      maltreatment. We will use case examples from Europe and Australia to illustrate
      the real life challenges of working in the area of child maltreatment across
      cultures. We will review the scientific literature exploring the nexus between
      culture and child maltreatment, identifying the gaps in the literature and
      highlight areas for future research. RESULTS: We suggest a model for dealing with
      cultural issues in child maltreatment that is culturally competent and
      respectful. CONCLUSIONS: The model for cultural competency in child health and
      child protective services incorporates four domains for advocacy and action -
      individual, professional, organisational and systemic.

PMID- 22040216
TI  - Mechanisms of ellipticine-mediated resistance in UKF-NB-4 neuroblastoma cells.
AB  - Most high-risk neuroblastomas develop resistance to cytostatics and therefore
      there is a need to develop new drugs. In previous studies, we found that
      ellipticine induces apoptosis in human neuroblastoma cells. We also investigated
      whether ellipticine was able to induce resistance in the UKF-NB-4 neuroblastoma
      line and concluded that it may be possible after long-term treatment with
      increasing concentrations of ellipticine. The aim of the present study was to
      investigate the mechanisms responsible for ellipticine resistance. To elucidate
      the mechanisms involved, we used the ellipticine-resistant subline UKF-NB-4(ELLI)
      and performed comparative genomic hybridization, multicolor and interphase FISH,
      expression microarray, real-time RT-PCR, flow cytometry and western blotting
      analysis of proteins. On the basis of our results, it appears that ellipticine
      resistance in neuroblastoma is caused by a combination of overexpression of Bcl
      2, efflux or degradation of the drug and downregulation of topoisomerases. Other
      mechanisms, such as upregulation of enzymes involved in oxidative
      phosphorylation, cellular respiration, V-ATPases, aerobic respiration or spermine
      synthetase, as well as reduced growth rate, may also be involved. Some changes
      are expressed at the DNA level, including gains, amplifications or deletions. The
      present study demonstrates that resistance to ellipticine is caused by a
      combination of mechanisms.

PMID- 22040217
TI  - Novel and recurrent JAG1 mutations in patients with tetralogy of Fallot.

PMID- 22040218
TI  - Diagnostic accuracy of non-invasive prenatal sex determination: a large-scale
      study.

PMID- 22040219
TI  - A GPHN point mutation leading to molybdenum cofactor deficiency.

PMID- 22040220
TI  - Pitt-Hopkins syndrome should be in the differential diagnosis for males
      presenting with an ATR-X phenotype.

PMID- 22040221
TI  - Mental health literacy: empowering the community to take action for better mental
      health.
AB  - For major physical diseases, it is widely accepted that members of the public
      will benefit by knowing what actions they can take for prevention, early
      intervention, and treatment. However, this type of public knowledge about mental
      disorders (mental health literacy) has received much less attention. There is
      evidence from surveys in several countries for deficiencies in (a) the public's
      knowledge of how to prevent mental disorders, (b) recognition of when a disorder
      is developing, (c) knowledge of help-seeking options and treatments available,
      (d) knowledge of effective self-help strategies for milder problems, and (e)
      first aid skills to support others affected by mental health problems.
      Nevertheless, there is evidence that a range of interventions can improve mental
      health literacy, including whole-of-community campaigns, interventions in
      educational settings, Mental Health First Aid training, and information websites.
      There is also evidence for historical improvements in mental health literacy in
      some countries. Increasing the community's mental health literacy needs to be a
      focus for national policy and population monitoring so that the whole community
      is empowered to take action for better mental health.

PMID- 22040222
TI  - Metagenomic analysis of DNA viruses in a wastewater treatment plant in tropical
      climate.
AB  - Viruses have been detected in the different stages of wastewater treatment plants
      (WWTPs) at concentrations of 10(8) -10(10)  ml(-1)  of virus-like particles
      (VLPs), 10-1000 times higher than in natural aquatic environments, suggesting
      that WWTPs can be considered as an important reservoir and source of viruses.
      This study revealed novel diversity and function with the DNA viral communities
      in the influent, activated sludge, anaerobic digester, and effluent of a domestic
      WWTP using metagenomics. WWTP was a very specific environment, with less than 5%
      of the > 936 000 metagenomic sequences obtained (~70-119 Mbp per sample) similar
      to sequences present in other environmental viromes. Many viruses found in the
      WWTP were novel, resulting in only < 5-20% of the reads being phylogenetically or
      functionally assigned. DNA metabolism was observed as the most abundant function
      with DNA methylase detected at levels 4.2-fold higher than other published
      viromes, while carbohydrate and amino acids metabolisms were 3.7- and 4.2-fold
      less abundant respectively. These specific aspects of the WWTP community
      functions are likely due to high biomass concentration, turnover rate and
      microbial activity in WWTPs, and likely include mechanisms that help viruses
      increase their infectivity. Among ~500 genotypes estimated in individual WWTP
      viromes, > 82% were shared. These data suggested that VLPs of most viral types
      could be present between 1 and 30 days in the process before they were
      discharged. Viruses in WWTP and the discharged ones can have potential impacts on
      the functioning of the wastewater treatment system and on the dynamics of
      microbial community in the surrounding aquatic environments respectively.

PMID- 22040224
TI  - XyliMelts time-release adhering discs for night-time oral dryness.
AB  - Dry mouth can be caused by medication, CPAP use, radiation treatment and a
      variety of connective tissue diseases, with the prevalence increasing with age.
      In most individuals, daytime dryness is easily managed. However, except for a new
      product tested in this study, there is no product lasting longer than an hour
      that can be used at night to reduce the perception of oral dryness while
      sleeping. The purpose of this study was to assess whether a self-adhering, slowly
      dissolving disc that time-releases 500 mg of xylitol, cellulose gum (lubricant
      and humectant) and mild mint flavour (XyliMelts for Dry Mouth, OraHealth Corp.)
      used during sleep would reduce perceived morning oral dryness and discomfort.
      Fifteen subjects self-identified as having morning oral dryness were evaluated
      first without treatment and again with the use of XyliMelts for Dry Mouth.
      Measures of initial morning discomfort and perceived wetness demonstrated
      significant improvement. Perceived oral wetness scores increased more than
      threefold with the use of XyliMelts for Dry Mouth while sleeping. These findings
      suggest that XyliMelts for Dry Mouth may be an effective strategy for managing
      oral dryness that occurs at night.

PMID- 22040225
TI  - The neuroprotective effect of pyrroloquinoline quinone on traumatic brain injury.
AB  - Pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) is a water-soluble, anionic, quinonoid substance
      that has been established as an essential nutrient in animals. Owing to the
      inherent properties of PQQ as an antioxidant and redox modulator in various
      systems, PQQ is expected to be used in pharmacological applications in the near
      future. Although many recent studies have investigated its neuroprotective
      effects, the effect of PQQ on traumatic brain injury (TBI) has not been examined.
      In this study we employed Morris water maze (MWM) training, the results of which
      showed that PQQ led to improved behavioral performance in post-TBI animals.
      Considering that many experiments have suggested that beta-1,4
      galactosyltransferase I (beta-1,4-GalT-I) and -V play significant roles in
      inflammation and the nervous system, in the present study we used Western blot
      analysis to study the effect of PQQ on the expression of beta-1,4-GalT-I and -V.
      We found apparent expression upregulation of beta-1,4-GalT-I and -V after PQQ was
      systemically administered. Lectin-fluorescent staining with RCA-I also revealed
      that PQQ contributed to expression upregulation of the galactosidase beta-1 (Gal
      beta-1), 4-galactosyltransferase N-acylsphingosine (4-GlcNAc) group in microglia
      and neurons of the cortex and hippocampal CA2 region. In summary, our experiment
      established that PQQ may play an important role in recovery post-TBI.

PMID- 22040226
TI  - Pulmonary and hepatic nodular lesions precede the diagnosis of Crohn's disease in
      an 8-year-old girl: a case study and review of the literature.
AB  - AIM: To describe a novel clinical observation and to provide a review the
      literature about lung involvement in children with Crohn disease (CD). METHODS:
      An 8-year-old girl presented with pulmonary and hepatic granulomatous lesions,
      followed 6 months later by abdominal and general symptoms, resulting in the
      diagnosis of CD. Differential diagnosis between CD and sarcoidosis and a review
      of the literature about lung lesions in children with CD are discussed. RESULTS:
      Crohn disease can be associated with pulmonary lesions, developing before, at the
      same time or after occurrence of digestive symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: This report
      highlights not only the importance of looking for lung lesions in CD but also
      underscores the necessity of considering the diagnosis of CD in incomplete
      presentation evoking sarcoidosis.

PMID- 22040227
TI  - Role of polytetrahedral structures in the elongation and rupture of gold
      nanowires.
AB  - We report comprehensive high-accuracy molecular dynamics simulations using the
      ReaxFF force field to explore the structural changes that occur as Au nanowires
      are elongated, establishing trends as a function of both temperature and nanowire
      diameter. Our simulations and subsequent quantitative structural analysis reveal
      that polytetrahedral structures (e.g., icosahedra) form within the "amorphous"
      neck regions, most prominently for systems with small diameter at high
      temperature. We demonstrate that the formation of polytetrahedra diminishes the
      conductance quantization as compared to systems without this structural motif. We
      demonstrate that use of the ReaxFF force field, fitted to high-accuracy first
      principles calculations of Au, combines the accuracy of quantum calculations with
      the speed of semiempirical methods.

PMID- 22040228
TI  - Serum adiponectin and type 1 diabetes: the real myth.

PMID- 22040229
TI  - Influence of chewing force on salivary stress markers as indicator of mental
      stress.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of chewing force on
      salivary stress markers (alpha-amylase activity, salivary cortisol level and
      secretory immunoglobulin A secretion rate) as indicators of mental stress.
      Participants comprised 20 healthy men. The first set of saliva specimens (S1) was
      collected at immediately after a 20-min rest to evaluate stress markers. As
      stress loading, the participants were required to perform arithmetic calculations
      for 20 min, after which the second set of saliva specimens (S2) was collected.
      Each participant was then required to chew a piece of tasteless gum for 10 min,
      after which the third set of saliva specimens (S3) was collected. After a 20-min
      rest, the fourth set of saliva specimens (S4) was collected. Weak, habitual and
      strong chewing forces were assigned. Change rates of stress markers between S2
      and S3, and S2 and S4 were calculated. A significant difference was observed in
      the change rate of cortisol levels between S2 and S3. Cortisol level decreased
      more under strong chewing than under weak chewing. No significant differences
      were observed in the change rate of amylase activity or s-IgA secretion rate
      among the three chewing forces. The results suggest that differences in chewing
      force influence the salivary cortisol level of the three stress markers, and that
      a strong chewing force induces a greater reduction in mental stress than a weak
      one.

PMID- 22040230
TI  - Candidate mucosal and surrogate biomarkers of inflammatory bowel disease in the
      era of new technology.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: There is increasing knowledge of the pathophysiology behind
      inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) although the exact mechanism is far from fully
      understood. In the era of new technology, over the last years molecular
      approaches have shed light on the inflammatory mechanisms and their metabolic end
      products. This opens for a molecular fingerprinting that can be used in the
      biomarker field of IBD. There is a great need of biomarkers for prediction of
      clinical outcome and prognostic biomarker for prediction of therapeutic effects
      in IBD. Although the biomarker concept is old, so far very few really useful
      biomarkers exist in IBD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Here, we review the predictive and
      prognostic biomarkers in IBD in the era of new technologies with emphasis on the
      potential of molecular fingerprinting. RESULTS: Very few candidate biomarkers
      have been documented. The most promising candidate predictor is tumor necrosis
      factor-alpha, but there is a lack of validation. CONCLUSION: So far, there are
      few biomarkers documented in IBD, but we are at the start of a new scientific
      field that will be of great value for the handling of the disease.

PMID- 22040231
TI  - Retrospective study of necrotizing fasciitis and characterization of its
      associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Taiwan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has emerged as a
      prevalent pathogen of necrotizing fasciitis (NF) in Taiwan. A four-year NF cases
      and clinical and genetic differences between hospital acquired (HA)- and
      community-acquired (CA)-MRSA infection and isolates were investigated. METHODS: A
      retrospective study of 247 NF cases in 2004-2008 and antimicrobial
      susceptibilities, staphylococcal chromosomal cassette mec (SCCmec) types, pulsed
      field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) patterns, virulence factors, and multilocus
      sequence typing (MLST) of 16 NF-associated MRSA in 2008 were also evaluated.
      RESULTS: In 247 cases, 42 microbial species were identified. S. aureus was the
      major prevalent pathogen and MRSA accounted for 19.8% of NF cases. Most patients
      had many coexisting medical conditions, including diabetes mellitus, followed by
      hypertension, chronic azotemia and chronic hepatic disease in order of decreasing
      prevalence. Patients with MRSA infection tended to have more severe clinical
      outcomes in terms of amputation rate (p < 0.05) and reconstruction rate (p =
      0.001) than those with methicillin-sensitive S. aureus or non-S. aureus
      infection. NF patients infected by HA-MRSA had a significantly higher amputation
      rate, comorbidity, C-reactive protein level, and involvement of lower extremity
      than those infected by CA-MRSA. In addition to over 90% of MRSA resistant to
      erythromycin and clindamycin, HA-MRSA was more resistant than CA-MRSA to
      trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (45.8% vs. 4%). ST59/pulsotype C/SCCmec IV and
      ST239/pulsotype A/SCCmec III isolates were the most prevalent CA- and HA-MRSA,
      respectively in 16 isolates obtained in 2008. In contrast to the gene for gamma
      hemolysin found in all MRSA, the gene for Panton-Valentine leukocidin was only
      identified in ST59 MRSA isolates. Other three virulence factors TSST-1, ETA, and
      ETB were occasionally identified in MRSA isolates tested. CONCLUSION: NF patients
      with MRSA infection, especially HA-MRSA infection, had more severe clinical
      outcomes than those infected by other microbial. The prevalent NF-associated MRSA
      clones in Taiwan differed distinctly from the most predominant NF-associated
      USA300 CA-MRSA clone in the USA. Initial empiric antimicrobials with a broad
      coverage for MRSA should be considered in the treatment of NF patients in an
      endemic area.

PMID- 22040232
TI  - Death and near death from cardiac arrest during the Boston Marathon.
AB  - The Boston Marathon has been run for 115 years during which there were three
      sudden cardiac arrests. The most recent was a near death avoided by rapid
      cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and defibrillation. Awareness of the dangers
      of participating in a marathon, the risk factors associated with sudden death
      during competition, and the life-saving importance of rapid CPR and
      defibrillation are essential for participants and event organizers. Available
      records and reports of the three known cases of cardiac arrest during the Boston
      Marathon were examined. These cases were identified by representatives of the
      Boston Athletic Association, which has organized each marathon since its
      inception. Pertinent literature was reviewed and new information was obtained
      during interviews of witnesses and rescuers. The data were analyzed in search of
      shared risk factors for cardiac arrest, death, and the optimal requirements for
      survival. In 115 years, there were two cardiac deaths and one near death from
      cardiac arrest. A history of coronary artery disease, advanced age, and prolonged
      race time are risk factors for sudden cardiac arrest. Rapid application of CPR
      and defibrillation are essential for survival. Prevention or reduction of life
      threatening cardiac incidents during marathon races might be achieved if
      participants of advanced age or with a history of coronary artery disease seek
      medical clearance prior to entering an event. Those with coronary risk factors
      should have a discussion with their physician. Availability of trained personnel
      and defibrillators are important considerations in marathon planning.

PMID- 22040233
TI  - Fluorescent chemosensors based on spiroring-opening of xanthenes and related
      derivatives.

PMID- 22040234
TI  - Caprine prion gene polymorphisms are associated with decreased incidence of
      classical scrapie in goat herds in the United Kingdom.
AB  - The application of genetic breeding programmes to eradicate transmissible
      spongiform encephalopathies in goats is an important aim for reasons of animal
      welfare as well as human food safety and food security. Based on the positive
      impact of Prnp genetics on sheep scrapie in Europe in the past decade, we have
      established caprine Prnp gene variation in more than 1100 goats from the United
      Kingdom and studied the association of Prnp alleles with disease phenotypes in
      150 scrapie-positive goats. This investigation confirms the association of the
      Met142 encoding Prnp allele with increased resistance to preclinical and clinical
      scrapie. It reveals a novel association of the Ser127 encoding allele with a
      reduced probability to develop clinical signs of scrapie in goats that are
      already positive for the accumulation of disease-specific prion protein in brain
      or periphery. A United Kingdom survey of Prnp genotypes in eight common breeds
      revealed eleven alleles in over thirty genotypes. The Met142 encoding allele had
      a high overall mean allele frequency of 22.6%, whereas the Ser127 encoding allele
      frequency was considerably lower with 6.4%. In contrast, a well known resistance
      associated allele encoding Lys222 was found to be rare (0.9%) in this survey. The
      analysis of Prnp genotypes in Mexican Criollas goats revealed nine alleles,
      including a novel Phe to Leu substitution in codon 201, confirming that high
      genetic variability of Prnp can be found in scrapie-free populations. Our study
      implies that it should be feasible to lower scrapie prevalence in goat herds in
      the United Kingdom by genetic selection.

PMID- 22040235
TI  - Huh-7 cell line as an alternative cultural model for the production of human like
      erythropoietin (EPO).
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Erythropoietin (EPO) is a glycoprotein hormone which is
      required to regulate the production of red blood cells. Deficiency of EPO is
      known to cause anemia in chronically infected renal patients and they require
      regular blood transfusion. Availability of recombinant EPO has eliminated the
      need for blood transfusion and now it is extensively used for the treatment of
      anemia. Glycosylation of erythropoietin is essential for its secretion,
      stability, protein conformation and biological activity. However, maintenance of
      human like glycosylation pattern during manufacturing of EPO is a major challenge
      in biotechnology. Currently, Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cell line is used for
      the commercial production of erythropoietin but this cell line does not maintain
      glycosylation resembling human system. With the trend to eliminate non-human
      constituent from biopharmaceutical products, as a preliminary approach, we have
      investigated the potential of human hepatoma cell line (Huh-7) to produce
      recombinant EPO. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Initially, the secretory signal and Kozak
      sequences was added before the EPO mature protein sequence using overlap
      extension PCR technique. PCR-amplified cDNA fragments of EPO was inserted into
      mammalian expression vector under the control of the cytomegalovirus (CMV)
      promoter and transiently expressed in CHO and Huh-7 cell lines. After RT-PCR
      analysis, ELISA and Western blotting was performed to verify the immunochemical
      properties of secreted EPO. RESULTS: Addition of secretory signal and Kozak
      sequence facilitated the extra-cellular secretion and enhanced the expression of
      EPO protein. Significant expression (P < 0.05) of EPO was observed in the medium
      from Huh-7 cell line. CONCLUSION: Huh-7 cell line has a great potential to
      produce glycosylated EPO, suggesting the use of this cell line to produce
      glycoproteins of the therapeutic importance resembling to the natural human
      system.

PMID- 22040236
TI  - The effect of body coverings on the formation of adipocere in an aqueous
      environment.
AB  - Adipocere is a postmortem decomposition product that consists of a mixture of
      fatty acids. The rate of formation of adipocere from pig adipose tissue in an
      aqueous environment has been monitored. The effect of various clothing and carpet
      material types on the process was investigated. The fatty acid composition of the
      adipocere was determined at regular intervals using gas chromatography-mass
      spectrometry. Examination of the changes to fatty acid concentrations allowed the
      degree of adipocere formation in the different environments to be estimated. The
      study demonstrated that the rate at which adipocere forms is particularly
      accelerated by the presence of coverings produced from natural materials.
      Elemental analysis by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry revealed, for
      the most part, little change to the cations present in the adipocere formed.
      However, an increase in Ca concentration was observed for tissue wrapped in
      acrylic carpet, which was associated with a CaCO(3)  additive used in the carpet
      manufacture.

PMID- 22040237
TI  - Lupus anticoagulant testing: analyzing fresh samples after a single
      centrifugation and after a 6-8 h delay.
AB  - BACKGROUND: For automation it is important to know the effect of analyzing fresh
      samples after a single rather than after two centrifugations, and to determine
      test stability. METHODS: This study compared silica clotting times (SCT) and
      dilute Russel's viper venom tests (dRVVT) after one and two centrifugations in 50
      fresh plasma samples. Then it compared test results within 4 h to those after 6-8
      h of blood drawing in 40 samples. Means, minimums, maximums and quartiles of the
      paired screen were compared, test ratios were confirmed and correlations, linear
      regressions and Bland-Altman statistics were calculated. RESULTS: The
      distributions of test results were nearly identical, regardless of the number of
      centrifugations or timing of the analysis. The first centrifugation explained
      97.7% and 94.8% of the variance of tests results after the second centrifugation
      for the SCT and dRVVT, respectively. The test results after 6-8 h explained 98.3%
      and 96.3% of the variance of the SCT-ratios and dRVVT-ratios, respectively,
      tested within 4 h. Inter-day coefficients of correlation of ratio comparisons
      were similar to those of the controls values. CONCLUSIONS: Testing of fresh
      samples after a single centrifugation might replace batch testing of frozen
      samples after double centrifugation, providing timelier reporting of results and
      resulting in savings of technician time.

PMID- 22040238
TI  - Strategies of reducing input sample volume for extracting circulating cell-free
      nuclear DNA and mitochondrial DNA in plasma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Circulating cell-free (ccf) DNA in blood has been suggested as a
      potential biomarker in many conditions regarding early diagnosis and prognosis.
      However, misdiagnosis can result due to the limited DNA resources in Biobank's
      plasma samples or insufficient DNA targets from a predominant DNA background in
      genetic tests. This study explored several strategies for an efficient DNA
      extraction to increase DNA amount from limited plasma input. METHODS: Ccf plasma
      DNA was extracted with three different methods, a phenol-chloroform
      isoamylalcohol (PCI) method, a High Pure PCR Template Preparation Kit method and
      a method used for single cell PCR in this group. Subsequently, the total DNA was
      measured by Nanodrop and the genome equivalents (GE) of the GAPDH housekeeping
      gene and MTATP 8 gene were measured using a multiplex real-time quantitative PCR
      for the quantitative assessment of nDNA and mtDNA. RESULTS: Instead of 400-800
      MUL (routine input in the laboratory), 50 MULof plasma input enabled the
      extraction of ccf DNA sufficient for quantitative analysis. Using the PCI method
      and the kit method, both nDNA and mtDNA could be successfully detected in plasma
      samples, but nDNA extracted using protocol for single cell PCR was not detectable
      in 25% of plasma samples. In comparison to the other two methods, the PCI method
      showed lower DNA purity, but higher concentrations and more GE of nDNA and mtDNA.
      CONCLUSIONS: The PCI method was more efficient than the other two methods in the
      extraction of ccf DNA in plasma. Limited plasma is available for ccf DNA
      analysis.

PMID- 22040239
TI  - Functional polymorphisms of GSTA1 and GSTO2 genes associated with asthma in
      Italian children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Asthma is an airway disorder characterized by bronchial inflammation.
      An imbalance between the oxidative forces and the antioxidant defense systems has
      been implicated in the pathogenesis of asthma. Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs)
      play an important role in cellular protection against inflammation. Several
      studies have investigated the genetic variability of GSTM1, GSTP1 and GSTT1
      enzymes in asthma development with conflicting results. Moreover, in our previous
      independent case-control study on GSTs and asthma, we have found that GSTA1 and
      GSTO2 gene polymorphisms are associated with asthma. The aim of the present study
      is to analyze if some functional polymorphisms of GSTA1, GSTM1, GSTP1, GSTO2 and
      GSTT1 are associated with asthma in pediatric patients from Chieti (Italy).
      METHODS: In this study, we performed an association study on 127 asthmatic
      children and 126 controls. We screened single nucleotide polymorphisms at GSTA1,
      GSTO2 and GSTP1 loci. The effects of GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotype were also
      investigated. RESULTS: The GSTA1*-69T and GSTO2*D142 variants are associated with
      the significant increased risk of asthma development in our study population,
      while GSTM1, GSTP1 and GSTT1 genotype distributions were nearly equal between the
      control group and asthmatics. CONCLUSIONS: Confirming our previous study, these
      findings suggest that the GSTA1 and the GSTO2 are asthma susceptible genes
      involved in increasing the risk of asthma development in the Italian population.

PMID- 22040240
TI  - The plagiarism project.
AB  - Plagiarism has been a problem plaguing academia for centuries. The Internet has
      made it easier than ever to copy material from one electronic document and paste
      it into another. Many cases are unintentional, as writers are unaware of the
      rules regarding plagiarism. This paper provides an overview of plagiarism and
      describes a project in which librarians partnered with the assistant dean of a
      graduate science program to educate students about the perils of plagiarism and
      encourage ethical writing practices.

PMID- 22040241
TI  - Co-streaming classes: a follow-up study in improving the user experience to
      better reach users.
AB  - Co-streaming classes have enabled library staff to extend open classes to
      distance education students and other users. Student evaluations showed that the
      model could be improved. Two areas required attention: audio problems experienced
      by online participants and staff teaching methods. Staff tested equipment and
      adjusted software configuration to improve user experience. Staff training
      increased familiarity with specialized teaching techniques and troubleshooting
      procedures. Technology testing and staff training were completed, and best
      practices were developed and applied. Class evaluations indicate improvements in
      classroom experience. Future plans include expanding co-streaming to more classes
      and on-going data collection, evaluation, and improvement of classes.

PMID- 22040242
TI  - Sharing MedlinePlus(r)/MEDLINE(r) for information literacy education (SMILE): a
      dental public health information project.
AB  - The SMILE project represented a partnership among the University of Texas Health
      Science Center at San Antonio Libraries, the Gateway Clinic in Laredo, and the
      San Antonio Metropolitan Health District. The project focused on improving dental
      practitioners' access to reliable information resources and integrating the best
      evidence into public health dental practice. Through its training program, SMILE
      cultivated a set of "power information users" among the dentists, dental
      hygienists, and community health workers (promotores) who provided public health
      preventive care and oral health education. The dental public health practitioners
      gained information literacy skills and increased their knowledge about reliable
      sites such as blogs, PubMed(r), and MedlinePlus(r). This project fostered
      opportunities for expanded partnerships with public health personnel.

PMID- 22040243
TI  - Supporting evidence-based medicine: a survey of U.S. medical librarians.
AB  - This study sought to identify medical librarians' roles in supporting evidence
      based medicine (EBM) practice; determine whether medical librarians' work
      settings, work experiences, or job titles made a difference in their EBM
      responsibilities; and find out medical librarians' perceptions of their roles in
      EBM practice. An online survey was distributed to U.S. medical librarians. The
      results showed that medical librarians had positive perceptions of their EBM
      related responsibilities, which were diverse and specific. Their work experience,
      work settings, and job title categories related to some of their EBM
      responsibilities, as well as the nature of some of the responsibilities.

PMID- 22040244
TI  - Pillbox: a solid dosage medication identification tool.
AB  - Pillbox is a tool that can be used to rapidly identify solid dosage medications.
      The database, created and maintained by the National Library of Medicine with the
      support of the Food and Drug Administration, seeks to enhance patient safety
      through the identification of solid dosage medication. Users enter physical
      characteristics of a medication, possible matches are provided, and links to
      additional resources are offered. A comparison with comparable resources was
      conducted, and future enhancements to Pillbox are discussed.

PMID- 22040245
TI  - Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender health issues, disparities, and
      information resources.
AB  - Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons, while widely diverse in
      many ways, share health disparities related to the stigma and discrimination they
      experience, including disproportionate rates of psychiatric disorders, substance
      abuse, and suicide. Lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, and the transgender communities
      have additional health concerns and disparities unique to each population. This
      paper highlights the national recognition of these health issues and disparities
      and presents web-based information resources about them and their mitigation.

PMID- 22040246
TI  - Enhancing resident morning report with "daily learning packages".
AB  - The daily "Morning Report" is a fixture in many residency programs. In the past,
      librarians have attended this meeting and, in various ways, worked to enhance the
      resident learning experience. At the academic children's hospital discussed in
      this study, the concept was taken a step further. Together with the chief
      residents, the librarian provided a complete "learning package" consisting of the
      case write-up along with relevant, librarian-filtered, evidence-based
      information. The learning package was then e-mailed to all residents and some of
      the attending physicians. This program led to a huge increase in the use of
      library resources and services as well as a renewed recognition of the value of
      the library and the librarians.

PMID- 22040247
TI  - Continual evolution: the experience over three semesters of a librarian embedded
      in an online evidence-based medicine course for physician assistant students.
AB  - This column examines the experience, over three years, of a librarian embedded in
      an online Epidemiology and Evidence-based Medicine course, which is a requirement
      for students pursuing a Master of Science in Physician Assistant Studies at Pace
      University. Student learning outcomes were determined, a video lecture was
      created, and student learning was assessed via a five-point Blackboard test
      during year one. For years two and three, the course instructor asked the
      librarian to be responsible for two weeks of course instruction and a total of 15
      out of 100 possible points for the course. This gave the librarian flexibility to
      measure additional outcomes and gather more in-depth assessment data. The
      librarian then used the assessment data to target areas for improvement in the
      lessons and Blackboard tests. Revisions made by the librarian positively affected
      student achievement of learning outcomes, as measured by the assessment conducted
      the subsequent semester. Plans for further changes are also discussed.

PMID- 22040254
TI  - Sopranos but not tenors live longer.
AB  - The longer life spans of females compared to males has been attributed to the
      effects of sex hormones. Since experimental tests of this possibility in humans
      are unethical, indirect studies have been relied on for evidence. The present
      study offers such indirect evidence by comparing life spans of female and male
      opera singers, since sex hormones are known to influence development of voice.
      Life spans of sopranos were found to be significantly greater than those of lower
      voice registered contraltos, even after controlling for birth year. Differences
      among male opera singers were not statistically significant. The data support the
      hypothesis that females live longer than males because of the beneficial effects
      of estrogens on longevity-related genes.

PMID- 22040255
TI  - Cylindroma appearing in a pre-existing nevus sebaceous.

PMID- 22040256
TI  - DRG coding practice: a nationwide hospital survey in Thailand.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diagnosis Related Group (DRG) payment is preferred by healthcare
      reform in various countries but its implementation in resource-limited countries
      has not been fully explored. OBJECTIVES: This study was aimed (1) to compare the
      characteristics of hospitals in Thailand that were audited with those that were
      not and (2) to develop a simplified scale to measure hospital coding practice.
      METHODS: A questionnaire survey was conducted of 920 hospitals in the Summary and
      Coding Audit Database (SCAD hospitals, all of which were audited in 2008 because
      of suspicious reports of possible DRG miscoding); the questionnaire also included
      390 non-SCAD hospitals. The questionnaire asked about general demographics of the
      hospitals, hospital coding structure and process, and also included a set of 63
      opinion-oriented items on the current hospital coding practice. Descriptive
      statistics and exploratory factor analysis (EFA) were used for data analysis.
      RESULTS: SCAD and Non-SCAD hospitals were different in many aspects, especially
      the number of medical statisticians, experience of medical statisticians and
      physicians, as well as number of certified coders. Factor analysis revealed a
      simplified 3-factor, 20-item model to assess hospital coding practice and
      classify hospital intention. CONCLUSION: Hospital providers should not be assumed
      capable of producing high quality DRG codes, especially in resource-limited
      settings.

PMID- 22040257
TI  - Lateral fluid percussion injury of the brain induces CCL20 inflammatory chemokine
      expression in rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) evokes a systemic immune response
      including leukocyte migration into the brain and release of pro-inflammatory
      cytokines; however, the mechanisms underlying TBI pathogenesis and protection are
      poorly understood. Due to the high incidence of head trauma in the sports field,
      battlefield and automobile accidents identification of the molecular signals
      involved in TBI progression is critical for the development of novel
      therapeutics. METHODS: In this report, we used a rat lateral fluid percussion
      impact (LFPI) model of TBI to characterize neurodegeneration, apoptosis and
      alterations in pro-inflammatory mediators at two time points within the secondary
      injury phase. Brain histopathology was evaluated by fluoro-jade (FJ) staining and
      terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) assay,
      polymerase chain reaction (qRT PCR), enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
      and immunohistochemistry were employed to evaluate the CCL20 gene expression in
      different tissues. RESULTS: Histological analysis of neurodegeneration by FJ
      staining showed mild injury in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and thalamus.
      TUNEL staining confirmed the presence of apoptotic cells and CD11b+ microglia
      indicated initiation of an inflammatory reaction leading to secondary damage in
      these areas. Analysis of spleen mRNA by PCR microarray of an inflammation panel
      led to the identification of CCL20 as an important pro-inflammatory signal
      upregulated 24 h after TBI. Although, CCL20 expression was observed in spleen and
      thymus after 24 h of TBI, it was not expressed in degenerating cortex or
      hippocampal neurons until 48 h after insult. Splenectomy partially but
      significantly decreased the CCL20 expression in brain tissues. CONCLUSION: These
      results demonstrate that the systemic inflammatory reaction to TBI starts earlier
      than the local brain response and suggest that spleen- and/ or thymus-derived
      CCL20 might play a role in promoting neuronal injury and central nervous system
      inflammation in response to mild TBI.

PMID- 22040258
TI  - Conventional brain MRI in neuromyelitis optica.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:  Numerous case series have demonstrated that lesions on
      brain MRI are common in neuromyelitis optica (NMO), but there has not been an
      attempt to survey and synthesize the literature on neuro-radiology of brain
      findings in NMO. OBJECTIVES:  To review the studies on conventional brain MRI in
      NMO and to propose to incorporate characteristic brain MRI lesions into the
      diagnostic criteria of NMO. METHODS:   We searched for articles with descriptions
      of brain MRI findings in NMO in EBSCO, EMBASE, PubMed/Medline, Science Citation
      Index, and SCOPUS. RESULTS: Brain abnormalities are seen in majority of NMO
      patients as disease duration increases. A minority of NMO patients meet Barkhof
      criteria for space dissemination in multiple sclerosis (MS), and these criteria
      should not be used to exclude NMO diagnosis. Distinctive brain lesions of NMO are
      cataloged and described. CONCLUSIONS:  Brain lesions in NMO are a consistent
      feature of the disease. International consensus MRI criteria are needed for NMO
      analogous to the existing criteria for MS.

PMID- 22040260
TI  - Methanogenic toluene metabolism: community structure and intermediates.
AB  - Toluene is a model compound used to study the anaerobic biotransformation of
      aromatic hydrocarbons. Reports indicate that toluene is transformed via fumarate
      addition to form benzylsuccinate or by unknown mechanisms to form hydroxylated
      intermediates under methanogenic conditions. We investigated the mechanism(s) of
      syntrophic toluene metabolism by a newly described methanogenic enrichment from a
      gas condensate-contaminated aquifer. Pyrosequencing of 16S rDNA revealed that the
      culture was comprised mainly of Clostridiales. The predominant methanogens
      affiliated with the Methanomicrobiales. Methane production from toluene ranged
      from 72% to 79% of that stoichiometrically predicted. Isotope studies using
      (13)C(7) toluene showed that benzylsuccinate and benzoate transiently accumulated
      revealing that members of this consortium can catalyse fumarate addition and
      subsequent reactions. Detection of a BssA gene fragment in this culture further
      supported fumarate addition as a mechanism of toluene activation. Transient
      formation of cresols, benzylalcohol, hydroquinone and methylhydroquinone
      suggested alternative mechanism(s) for toluene metabolism. However, incubations
      of the consortium with (18)O-H(2)O showed that the hydroxyl group in these
      metabolites did not originate from water and abiotic control experiments revealed
      abiotic formation of hydroxylated species due to reactions of toluene with
      sulfide and oxygen. Our results suggest that toluene is activated by fumarate
      addition, presumably by the dominant Clostridiales.

PMID- 22040259
TI  - Incentive device improves spacer technique but not clinical outcome in preschool
      children with asthma.
AB  - AIM: To investigate the influence of an incentive device, the Funhaler, on spacer
      technique and symptom control in young children with asthma and recurrent wheeze.
      METHODS: Randomised controlled trial where 132 2-6 year old asthmatic children
      received regular inhaled fluticasone through Aerochamber Plus, or Funhaler. The
      setting was a research clinic at Princess Margaret Hospital for Children, Perth,
      Australia. Subjects were followed up for a year. The main outcome measure was
      asthma symptoms. Proficiency in spacer technique was measured as salbutamol
      inhaled from spacer onto filter. Quality of life was measured every three months.
      Groups were compared in terms of spacer technique, symptoms and quality of life.
      The relationship between spacer technique and clinical outcome was examined.
      RESULTS: There was no difference between Funhaler and Aerochamber groups in
      wheeze free days, cough free days, bronchodilator free days or quality of life (P
      = 0.90, 0.87, 0.74 and 0.11 respectively). Spacer technique was better in the
      Funhaler group (P = 0.05), particularly in subjects younger than 4 years of age
      (P = 0.002). Drug dose on filter (as the mean of five 100 mg doses) ranged from
      zero to 136 mg. CONCLUSIONS: Use of Funhaler incentive device does not improve
      clinical outcome, but improves spacer technique in children younger than 4 years.
      Variability in drug delivery is large in young children using pressurised metered
      dose inhalers and spacers.

PMID- 22040261
TI  - National cultures, performance appraisal practices, and organizational
      absenteeism and turnover: a study across 21 countries.
AB  - Performance appraisal (PA) is a key human resource activity in organizations.
      However, in this global economy, we know little about how societal cultures
      affect PA practices. In this study, we address this gap by focusing on 2
      complementary issues: (a) the influence of societal (national) cultural practices
      on PA practices adopted by organizations and (b) the contribution of the level of
      congruence between societal cultural practices and the characteristics of
      organizational PA practices to absenteeism and turnover. The results, based on a
      large data set across multiple countries and over 2 time periods, support the
      hypothesized effects of societal (national) cultural practices on particular PA
      practices and the interactive effects of societal cultural practices and PA
      practices on absenteeism and turnover. We discuss theoretical and practical
      implications of our findings.

PMID- 22040262
TI  - Within-person relationships between mood and creativity.
AB  - State mood has been proposed as a facilitator of creative behavior. Whereas
      positive mood compared to neutral mood generally facilitates creative
      performance, mood effects are weaker and less consistent when positive mood is
      compared to negative mood. These inconsistent results may be due to focusing only
      on mood valence, while neglecting or confounding mood activation. The current
      study is based on the dual-pathway model, which describes separate roles for mood
      valence and mood activation in facilitating creativity. We used experience
      sampling methodology to investigate the concurrent and lagged effects of mood
      valence and activation on creative process engagement (CPE) within-person over
      time among individuals working on a long-term project requiring creativity. We
      also investigated the moderating effects of individual differences in goal
      orientation and supervisory support on within-person mood-creativity
      relationships. As expected, we found that activating positive and activating
      negative moods were positively associated with concurrent CPE, whereas
      deactivating moods of both valences were negatively related to CPE. Activating
      negative mood had a significant lagged effect on CPE, whereas activating positive
      mood did not. We also found that activating positive mood was more strongly
      related to concurrent CPE among individuals with high rather than low learning
      goal orientation. Further, activating positive mood interacted with prove goal
      orientation and supervisory support for creativity, such that activating positive
      mood had the strongest association with CPE when both prove goal orientation and
      supervisory support were high.

PMID- 22040263
TI  - Personnel selection as a signaling game.
AB  - Personnel selection involves exchanges of information between job market actors
      (applicants and organizations). These actors do not have an incentive to exchange
      accurate information about their ability and commitment to the employment
      relationship unless it is to their advantage. This state of affairs explains
      numerous phenomena in personnel selection (e.g., faking). Signaling theory
      describes a mechanism by which parties with partly conflicting interests (and
      thus an incentive for deception) can nevertheless exchange accurate information.
      We apply signaling theory to personnel selection, distinguishing between adaptive
      relationships between applicants and organizations, among applicants, and among
      organizations. In each case, repeated adaptations and counteradaptations between
      actors can lead to situations of equilibrium or escalation (arms races). We show
      that viewing personnel selection as a network of adaptive relationships among job
      market actors enables an understanding of both classic and underexplored micro-
      and macro-level selection phenomena and their dynamic interactions.

PMID- 22040264
TI  - An observational study to quantify manual adjustments of the inspired oxygen
      fraction in extremely low birth weight infants.
AB  - AIM: To quantify manual fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO(2)) adjustments
      performed by caregivers in extremely low birth weight (ELBW; <=1000 g) infants,
      in relation to oxygen saturation (SpO(2)) and bedside care. METHODS: In a single
      centre study, FiO(2) , SpO(2) and alarm limits of ELBW infants were collected for
      3 days continuously, while caregivers were filmed. A descriptive analysis,
      focused on manual FiO(2) adjustments, was performed. RESULTS: Twelve ELWB infants
      were included. Total recording time was 726 h. FiO(2) was increased 851 times and
      decreased 1309 times; median (range) step size was 5% (1% to 65%) and -3% (-1% to
      -65%), respectively. Wide variation of FiO(2) adjustments for equal levels of
      SpO(2) was observed in all included infants. One hundred and twenty-six of 136
      FiO(2) adjustments with a step size >=15% and 111 of 171 desaturations <70% were
      associated with medical or nursing procedures. When FiO(2) was >21%, alarm limits
      for SpO(2) were set according to protocol (88-94%) in 64% of the time. Within
      these periods, SpO(2) was >94% for 30% and <88% for 16% of the time. CONCLUSIONS:
      Manual FiO(2) adjustments varied widely in frequency and step size. Deep
      desaturations and large FiO(2) adjustments were associated with medical or
      nursing procedures. When large adjustments are really necessary, it will be
      challenging to implement them in an automatic adjustment device.

PMID- 22040265
TI  - Organometallic complexes of graphene: toward atomic spintronics using a graphene
      web.
AB  - Graphene|metal|ligand systems open a new realm in surface magnetochemistry. We
      show that by trapping metal atoms in the two-dimensional potential lattice of a
      graphene-ligand interface it is possible to build a chemical analogue of an
      optical lattice, a key setup in quantum information and strongly correlated
      systems. Employing sophisticated first-principles calculations, we studied
      electronic and dynamic properties of graphene|metal|ligand assemblies and showed
      that there is a general principle--spin-charge separation in pi-d systems--that
      underlies the possibility of synthesizing and controlling such systems. We find
      that ligands can work as a local gate to control the properties of trapped metal
      atoms and can impose bosonic or fermionic character on such atomic nets,
      depending on the ligand's nature. Remarkably, the magnetization energy in such
      systems reaches record-high values of ca. 400 meV, which makes the respective
      magnetic phenomena utilizable at room temperature. Accompanied by spin
      polarization of the graphene pi-conjugated system it leads to spin-valve
      materials and brings the realization of quantum computing one step closer.

PMID- 22040266
TI  - Atrionatriuretic peptide improves left ventricular function after myocardial
      global ischemia-reperfusion in hypoxic hearts.
AB  - Atrionatriuretic peptide (ANP) is reported to be useful for attenuating
      myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury and improving left ventricular function
      after reperfusion. However, ANP may be either ineffectual or harmful in cases
      where the myocardium has been chronically hypoxic since birth. This can be a
      result of the concomitant high levels of cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)
      produced within the myocardium. This study aimed to verify the validity of using
      ANP to improve left ventricular function after myocardial ischemia-reperfusion
      injury. For this purpose, a cyanotic congenital disease model that was developed
      using isolated rat hearts was used. Hearts were obtained from Sprague-Dawley rats
      that were housed from birth until 6 weeks of age either in a hypoxic environment
      with 13-14% FiO(2) (hypoxic group) or in ambient air (normoxic group). These
      hearts were subjected to 30min of normothermic global ischemia followed by 30min
      of reperfusion using the Langendorff technique. Left ventricular functional
      recovery in hearts administered ANP (0.1uM) into the reperfusion solution was
      compared with those hearts that were not administered ANP in both hypoxic
      (without ANP: n=6, with ANP: n=6, with ANP and HS-142-1[an antagonist of ANP]:
      n=6) and normoxic hearts (without ANP: n =6, with ANP: n=6). In the hypoxic
      hearts, ANP administration improved the percent recovery of the left ventricular
      developed pressure (76.3+/-9.2% without ANP vs. 86.9+/-6.7% with ANP), maximum
      first derivative of the left ventricular pressure (82.4+/-1.1% without ANP vs.
      95.8+/-6.5% with ANP), and heart rate (85.6+/-4.7% without ANP vs. 96.1+/-5.2%
      with ANP) after reperfusion. The improvement and recovery of these cardiac
      functions were closely related to significantly increased levels of postischemic
      cGMP release after ANP administration. The effect of ANP was blocked by HS-142-1.
      The improvements observed in the hypoxic group were similar to those found in the
      normoxic group. ANP administration during reperfusion improved left ventricular
      function after myocardial acute global ischemia-reperfusion equally in both the
      chronically hypoxic and age-matched normoxic groups.

PMID- 22040267
TI  - Near infrared transcranial laser therapy applied at various modes to mice
      following traumatic brain injury significantly reduces long-term neurological
      deficits.
AB  - Near-infrared transcranial laser therapy (TLT) has been found to modulate various
      biological processes including traumatic brain injury (TBI). Following TBI in
      mice, in this study we assessed the possibility of various near-infrared TLT
      modes (pulsed versus continuous) in producing a beneficial effect on the long
      term neurobehavioral outcome and brain lesions of these mice. TBI was induced by
      a weight-drop device, and neurobehavioral function was assessed from 1 h to 56
      days post-trauma using the Neurological Severity Score (NSS). The extent of
      recovery is expressed as the difference in NSS (dNSS), the difference between the
      initial score and that at any other later time point. An 808-nm Ga-Al-As diode
      laser was employed transcranially 4, 6, or 8 h post-trauma to illuminate the
      entire cortex of the brain. Mice were divided into several groups of 6-8 mice:
      one control group that received a sham treatment and experimental groups that
      received either TLT continuous wave (CW) or pulsed wave (PW) mode transcranially.
      MRI was taken prior to sacrifice at 56 days post-injury. From 5-28 days post-TBI,
      the NSS of the laser-treated mice were significantly lower (p<0.05) than those of
      the non-laser-treated control mice. The percentage of surviving mice that
      demonstrated full recovery at 56 days post-CHI (NSS=0, as in intact mice) was the
      highest (63%) in the group that had received TLT in the PW mode at 100 Hz. In
      addition, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) analysis demonstrated significantly
      smaller infarct lesion volumes in laser-treated mice compared to controls. Our
      data suggest that non-invasive TLT of mice post-TBI provides a significant long
      term functional neurological benefit, and that the pulsed laser mode at 100 Hz is
      the preferred mode for such treatment.

PMID- 22040269
TI  - Protective effects of phlorotannins against ultraviolet B radiation in zebrafish
      (Danio rerio).
AB  - Exposure to ultraviolet B (UV-B) radiation has been associated with a variety of
      adverse effects in all forms of life, including micro-organisms, plants, animals
      and humans. Ultraviolet B induces cell damage at the molecular level and
      consequently organisms must employ strategies to protect themselves from sunlight
      and to repair UV-B-induced cellular damage. In this study, the UV-B protective
      effects of four different phlorotannins isolated from a brown alga (Ecklonia
      cava) were determined using zebrafish (Danio rerio) as an in vivo model.
      Zebrafish embryos were pretreated with phlorotannins and exposed to UV-B (50
      mJ/cm(2)). The heart rate, generation of reactive oxygen species and nitric
      oxide, cell death and hyperpigmentation were assessed in order to evaluate UV-B
      induced photo-damage. Treatment of the embryos with the algal phorotannins
      reduced UV-B-induced reactive oxygen species and nitric oxide levels, protected
      against UV-B-induced cell death and significantly reduced hyperpigmentation. We
      therefore suggest that phlorotannins isolated from E. cava can protect against UV
      B radiation. Editor Note. Readers of the journal may be unfamiliar with the use
      of zebrafish embryos in research studies. There is no indication in this article
      of an ethical review of the study. This is because the use of fish embryos in
      research, at least in the UK, is not subject to a licensing procedure if they are
      less than 5 days post fertilization (dpf). In this study the embryos were 2 dpf.

PMID- 22040268
TI  - Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia and
      endocarditis among HIV patients: a cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: HIV patients are at increased risk of development of infections and
      infection-associated poor health outcomes. We aimed to 1) assess the prevalence
      of USA300 community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA
      MRSA) among HIV-infected patients with S. aureus bloodstream infections and. 2)
      determine risk factors for infective endocarditis and in-hospital mortality among
      patients in this population. METHODS: All adult HIV-infected patients with
      documented S. aureus bacteremia admitted to the University of Maryland Medical
      Center between January 1, 2003 and December 31, 2005 were included. CA-MRSA was
      defined as a USA 300 MRSA isolate with the MBQBLO spa-type motif and positive for
      both the arginine catabolic mobile element and Panton-Valentin Leukocidin. Risk
      factors for S. aureus-associated infective endocarditis and mortality were
      determined using logistic regression to calculate odds ratios (OR) and 95%
      confidence intervals (CI). Potential risk factors included demographic variables,
      comorbid illnesses, and intravenous drug use. RESULTS: Among 131 episodes of S.
      aureus bacteremia, 85 (66%) were MRSA of which 47 (54%) were CA-MRSA. Sixty-three
      patients (48%) developed endocarditis and 10 patients (8%) died in the hospital
      on the index admission Patients with CA-MRSA were significantly more likely to
      develop endocarditis (OR = 2.73, 95% CI = 1.30, 5.71). No other variables
      including comorbid conditions, current receipt of antiretroviral therapy, pre
      culture severity of illness, or CD4 count were significantly associated with
      endocarditis and none were associated with in-hospital mortality. CONCLUSIONS: CA
      MRSA was significantly associated with an increased incidence of endocarditis in
      this cohort of HIV patients with MRSA bacteremia. In populations such as these,
      in which the prevalence of intravenous drug use and probability of endocarditis
      are both high, efforts must be made for early detection, which may improve
      treatment outcomes.

PMID- 22040270
TI  - Right ventricular dysfunction is a predictor of non-response and clinical outcome
      following cardiac resynchronization therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) is an established treatment
      in advanced heart failure (HF). However, an important subset does not derive a
      significant benefit. Despite an established predictive role in HF, the
      significance of right ventricular (RV) dysfunction in predicting clinical benefit
      from CRT remains unclear. We investigated the role of RV function, assessed by
      cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR), in predicting response to and major
      adverse clinical events in HF patients undergoing CRT. METHODS: Sixty consecutive
      patients were evaluated with CMR prior to CRT implantation in a tertiary cardiac
      centre. The primary end-point was a composite of death from any cause or
      unplanned hospitalization for a major cardiovascular event. The secondary end
      point was response to therapy, defined as improvement in left ventricular
      ejection fraction >= 5% on echocardiography at one year. RESULTS: Eighteen
      patients (30%) met the primary end-point over a median follow-up period of 26
      months, and 27 out of 56 patients (48%) were considered responders to CRT. On
      time-to-event analysis, only atrial fibrillation (HR 2.6, 95% CI 1.02-6.84, p =
      0.047) and RV dysfunction, either by a reduced right ventricular ejection
      fraction-RVEF (HR 0.96, 95% CI 0.94-0.99, p = 0.006) or tricuspid annular plane
      systolic excursion-TAPSE (HR 0.88, 95% CI, 0.80-0.96, p = 0.006), were
      significant predictors of adverse events. On logistic regression analysis,
      preserved RVEF (OR 1.05, 95% CI 1.01-1.09, p = 0.01) and myocardial scar burden
      (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.83-0.96, p = 0.004) were the sole independent predictors of
      response to CRT. Patients with marked RV dysfunction (RVEF < 30%) had a
      particularly low response rate (18.2%) to CRT. CONCLUSIONS: Right ventricular
      function is an important predictor of both response to CRT and long-term clinical
      outcome. Routine assessment of the right ventricle should be considered in the
      evaluation of patients for CRT.

PMID- 22040271
TI  - What helps children to be more active and less sedentary? Perceptions of mothers
      living in disadvantaged neighbourhoods.
AB  - BACKGROUND:   Increasing children's participation in physical activity and
      decreasing time spent in sedentary behaviours is of great importance to public
      health. Despite living in disadvantaged neighbourhoods, some children manage to
      engage in health-promoting physical activity and avoid high levels of screen
      based activities (i.e. watching TV, computer use and playing electronic games).
      Understanding how these children manage to do well and whether there are unique
      features of their home or neighbourhood that explain their success is important
      for informing strategies targeting less active and more sedentary children. The
      aim of this qualitative study was to gain in-depth insights from mothers
      regarding their child's resilience to low physical activity and high screen-time.
      METHODS:   Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted with 38 mothers
      of children who lived in disadvantaged neighbourhoods in urban and rural areas of
      Victoria, Australia. The interviews were designed to gain in-depth insights about
      perceived individual, social and physical environmental factors influencing
      resilience to low physical activity and high screen-time. RESULTS:   Themes
      relating to physical activity that emerged from the interviews included: parental
      encouragement, support and modelling; sports culture in a rural town; the
      physical home and neighbourhood environment; child's individual personality; and
      dog ownership. Themes relating to screen-time behaviours encompassed: parental
      control; and child's individual preferences. CONCLUSIONS:   The results offer
      important insights into potential avenues for developing 'resilience' and
      increasing physical activity and reducing screen-time among children living in
      disadvantaged neighbourhoods. In light of the negative effects of low physical
      activity and high levels of screen-time on children's health, this evidence is
      urgently needed.

PMID- 22040272
TI  - Family resources study: part 1: family resources, family function and caregiver
      strain in childhood cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Severe illness can disrupt family life, cause family dysfunction,
      strain resources, and cause caregiver burden. The family's ability to cope with
      crises depends on their resources. This study sought to assess families of
      children with cancer in terms of family function-dysfunction, family caregiver
      strain and the adequacy of family resources using a new family resources
      assessment instrument. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study involving 90
      Filipino family caregivers of children undergoing cancer treatment. This used a
      self-administered questionnaire composed of a new 12-item family resources
      questionnaire (SCREEM-RES) based on the SCREEM method of analysis, Family APGAR
      to assess family function-dysfunction; and Modified Caregiver Strain Index to
      assess strain in caring for the patient. RESULTS: More than half of families were
      either moderately or severely dysfunctional. Close to half of caregivers were
      either predisposed to strain or experienced severe strain, majority disclosed
      that their families have inadequate economic resources; many also report
      inaccessibility to medical help in the community and insufficient educational
      resources to understand and care for their patients. Resources most often
      reported as adequate were: family's faith and religion; help from within the
      family and from health providers. SCREEM-RES showed to be reliable with
      Cronbach's alpha of 0.80. There is good inter-item correlation between items in
      each domain: 0.24-0.70. Internal consistency reliability for each domain was also
      good: 0.40-0.92. Using 2-point scoring system, Cronbach's alpha were slightly
      lower: full scale (0.70) and for each domain 0.26-.82. Results showed evidence of
      association between family resources and family function based on the family
      APGAR but none between family resources and caregiver strain and between family
      function and caregiver strain. CONCLUSION: Many Filipino families of children
      with cancer have inadequate resources, especially economic; and are moderately or
      severely dysfunctional. Many caregivers are predisposed to caregiver strain or
      are already experiencing severe strain. To provide appropriate care for these
      families, physicians should regularly assess family function, resources and
      strain experienced by caregivers. The SCREEM-RES questionnaire used in this study
      is a helpful and reliable instrument to assess adequacy of family resources.

PMID- 22040273
TI  - Rapid in situ repeatable analysis of drugs in powder form using reflectance near
      infrared spectroscopy and multivariate calibration.
AB  - This study takes the first step toward in situ analysis of powder drugs which
      does not require any alteration of the samples. A fast, inexpensive analytical
      method based on reflectance near-infrared (NIR) spectrometry and multivariate
      calibration was applied. A diode-array fiber-optic portable spectrometer in the
      900-1700 nm range was employed. Samples were laboratory-prepared ternary powders
      (diacetylmorphine, caffeine, and paracetamol). Partial least squares regression
      was applied. The choice of the standard samples for calibration and validation
      was performed through a D-optimal experimental design. The explained variance was
      higher than 90%, and the relative root mean square errors were <2%. The number of
      principal components (6) was very low when compared with the number of raw
      variables (356 absorbance values). Response plots showed slopes and intercepts
      were very close to optimal values. Correlation coefficients ranged between 0.909
      and 0.989. The method here proposed proved to be competitive with Fourier
      transform NIR spectrometry.

PMID- 22040275
TI  - Transcriptomic responses to aluminum stress in soybean roots.
AB  - Aluminum (Al) toxicity is the primary limitation to crop production and plant
      growth in acid soils. Soybean has multiple mechanisms of Al resistance including
      the complexing and exclusion of Al in root apices by Al-induced citrate
      secretion. Microarray analysis is available for the identification of genes in
      soybean. In the present study, Affymetrix soybean genome array was used to
      identify the Al-induced differentially expressed genes in Al-resistant genotype
      Jiyu 70. With a cutoff of > 2.0-fold (p < 0.05) between non Al-treated and Al
      treated root apices, 561 genes were upregulated and 78 genes were downregulated
      when roots were exposed to 30 MUmol/L AlCl(3) for 4 h. Quantitative real-time PCR
      was used to test the microarray data. The analysis showed that nearly half of the
      Al-responsive genes were of unknown biological function. A higher proportion of
      genes related to transcription regulation and cell wall processes were observed
      in Al-induced up- and downregulated genes, respectively. Some genes homologous to
      the citrate transporter MATE family gene or C(2)H(2) family transcription factor
      gene, STOP1, were detected in our analysis. Some genes related to lignin
      deposition were upregulated, which might be related to Al-induced root elongation
      inhibition.

PMID- 22040276
TI  - Predicting the wetting dynamics of a two-liquid system.
AB  - We propose a new theoretical model of dynamic wetting for systems comprising two
      immiscible liquids, in which one liquid displaces another from the surface of a
      solid. Such systems are important in many industrial processes and the natural
      world. The new model is an extension of the molecular-kinetic theory of wetting
      and offers a way to predict the dynamics of a two-liquid system from the
      individual wetting dynamics of its parent liquids. We also present the results of
      large-scale molecular dynamics simulations for one- and two-liquid systems and
      show them to be in good agreement with the new model. Finally, we show that the
      new model is consistent with the limited data currently available from
      experiment.

PMID- 22040277
TI  - Easier detection of invertebrate "identification-key characters" with light of
      different wavelengths.
AB  - The marine alpha-taxonomist often encounters two problems. Firstly, the
      "environmental dirt" that is frequently present on the specimens and secondly the
      difficulty in distinguishing key-features due to the uniform colours which fixed
      animals often adopt.Here we show that illuminating animals with deep-blue or
      ultraviolet light instead of the normal white-light abrogates both difficulties;
      dirt disappears and important details become clearly visible. This light regime
      has also two other advantages. It allows easy detection of very small, normally
      invisible, animals (0.1 MUm range). And as these light wavelengths can induce
      fluorescence, new identification markers may be discovered by this approach.

PMID- 22040278
TI  - Zn(II)-bis(cyclen) complexes and the imaging of apoptosis/necrosis.
AB  - In vivo cell-death imaging is still a challenging issue. Until now, only (99m)Tc
      labeled HYNIC-rh-annexin A5 has been extensively studied in clinical trials. In
      the ongoing search for an alternative imaging agent, we synthesized a series of
      fluorescent zinc-cyclen complexes as annexin A5 mimics and studied structural
      variations on the uptake behavior of cells undergoing apoptosis/necrosis. The
      number of cyclen chelators was varied and the spacer separating cyclen from the
      central scaffold was modified. Five zinc-cyclen complexes were labeled with
      fluorescein for flow cytometric studies and one was labeled with (18)F for in
      vivo applications. Jurkat cells were treated with staurosporine to induce
      apoptosis/necrosis, incubated with the fluorescein-labeled zinc complexes and
      analyzed them by flow cytometry. Fluorescent annexin A5 and propidium iodide were
      applied as reference dyes. Flow cytometry revealed greater accumulation of zinc
      cyclen complexes in staurosporine treated cells. The uptake was contingent on the
      presence of zinc and the fluorescence intensity was dependent on the number of
      zinc-cyclen groups. Confocal laser scanning microscopy showed the
      {bis[Zn(cyclen)]}(4+) complex distributed throughout the cytosol different to
      annexin A5. Owing to the structural similarity of the bis-cyclen ligands with
      CXCR4 binding bis-cyclam derivatives the zinc-cyclen complex uptake was
      challenged with the meta derivative of AMD3100. Lack of uptake depletion in
      staurosporine treated cells ruled out measurable CXCR4 interaction. PET imaging
      using the (18)F labeled zinc-cyclen complex revealed significantly higher uptake
      in an irradiated Dunning R3327-AT1 prostate tumor as compared to the
      contralateral control tumor. PET imaging of a HelaMatu tumor model additionally
      showed an increased uptake after taxol treatment. It could be demonstrated that
      the fluorescent zinc-cyclen complexes offer potential as new agents for flow
      cytometry and microscopic imaging of cell death. In addition, the (18)F labeled
      analogue holds promise for in vivo applications providing informations about cell
      death after radiation therapy and cytostatic drug treatment.

PMID- 22040279
TI  - Erosive pustular dermatosis of the scalp from topical minoxidil 5% solution.

PMID- 22040280
TI  - A comparison of active ingredients and preservatives between brand name and
      generic topical glaucoma medications using liquid chromatography-tandem mass
      spectrometry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This work compares the concentration of active ingredients and
      preservatives in commonly used brand name versus generic glaucoma medications.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Active ingredient and benzalkonium chloride (BAK)
      concentrations in brand name latanoprost and dorzolamide-timolol were each
      compared to two generic counterparts using liquid chromatography-mass
      spectrometry at baseline and after exposure to 25 degrees C and 50 degrees C for
      30 days. Micro flow imaging was used to quantify particulate material greater
      than one micron in diameter. RESULTS: Brand name formulations contained active
      ingredients and BAK in concentrations that were generally in agreement with their
      package inserts at baseline. The two generic formulations of latanoprost
      contained baseline levels of active ingredients that were 10% greater than their
      labeled value. Generic latanoprost formulations had significant loss of active
      ingredient concentration after exposure to 25 degrees C and 50 degrees C for 30
      days. Both generic and brand name dorzolamide-timolol appeared relatively
      resistant to degradation. BAK concentrations remained stable at 25 degrees C but
      decreased in some bottles at 50 degrees C. Bottles of both generic medications
      had higher levels of particulate matter compared to brand name versions.
      CONCLUSIONS: Exposure to temperatures at the high end of the labeled value may
      lead to a significant decrease in concentration of active ingredients in generic
      formulations that could influence clinical efficacy. Re-evaluation of intraocular
      pressure lowering efficacy may be indicated in glaucoma patients switching from
      brand name to generic formulations.

PMID- 22040281
TI  - Determining level of care appropriateness in the patient journey from acute care
      to rehabilitation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The selection of patients for rehabilitation, and the timing of
      transfer from acute care, are important clinical decisions that impact on care
      quality and patient flow. This paper reports utilization review data on
      inpatients in acute care with stroke, hip fracture or elective joint replacement,
      and other inpatients referred for rehabilitation. It examines reasons why acute
      level of care criteria are not met and explores differences in decision making
      between acute care and rehabilitation teams around patient appropriateness and
      readiness for transfer. METHODS: Cohort study of patients in a large acute
      referral hospital in Australia followed with the InterQual utilization review
      tool, modified to also include reasons why utilization criteria are not met.
      Additional data on team decision making about appropriateness for rehabilitation,
      and readiness for transfer, were collected on a subset of patients. RESULTS:
      There were 696 episodes of care (7189 bed days). Days meeting acute level of care
      criteria were 56% (stroke, hip fracture and joint replacement patients) and 33%
      (other patients, from the time of referral). Most inappropriate days in acute
      care were due to delays in processes/scheduling (45%) or being more appropriate
      for rehabilitation or lower level of care (30%).On the subset of patients, the
      acute care team and the utilization review tool deemed patients ready for
      rehabilitation transfer earlier than the rehabilitation team (means of 1.4, 1.3
      and 4.0 days from the date of referral, respectively). From when deemed medically
      stable for transfer by the acute care team, 28% of patients became unstable. From
      when deemed stable by the rehabilitation team or utilization review, 9% and 11%,
      respectively, became unstable. CONCLUSIONS: A high proportion of patient days did
      not meet acute level of care criteria, due predominantly to inefficiencies in
      care processes, or to patients being more appropriate for an alternative level of
      care, including rehabilitation. The rehabilitation team was the most accurate in
      determining ongoing medical stability, but at the cost of a longer acute stay.To
      avoid inpatients remaining in acute care in a state of 'terra nullius', clinical
      models which provide rehabilitation within acute care, and more efficient
      movement to a rehabilitation setting, is required. Utilization review could have
      a decision support role in the determination of medical stability.

PMID- 22040282
TI  - Are there ethnic differences in impulsive/compulsive behaviors in Parkinson's
      disease?
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Recent studies have suggested increased prevalence of
      impulsive/compulsive behaviors (ICB) in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) as
      compared to general population in different ethnic groups. The spectrum of these
      behaviors includes dopamine dysregulation syndrome (DDS), punding, pathological
      gambling (PG), hypersexuality (HS), binge eating (BE), and compulsive shopping
      (CS). METHODS: Two hundred and seventy-eight consecutive patients with idiopathic
      PD regularly followed-up at an outpatient clinic were interviewed and screened
      for the ICB between September 2008 and December 2008 using designated diagnostic
      criteria. All patients who screened positive for ICB or obsessive-compulsive
      disorder (OCD) were further confirmed by an experienced psychiatrist. RESULTS: Of
      all the studied patients, 15 patients confirmed to have ICB (lifetime prevalence:
      5.60%), 3 (1.12%) were diagnosed to have DDS, 1 (0.37%) punding, 4 (1.49%) PG, 8
      (2.99%) HS, 1 (0.37%) BE, 0 (0%) CS. OCD was found in one patient (0.37%).
      CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of ICB is lower in Taiwan as compared with the
      Caucasians, with similar risk factors. The possible reasons include differences
      in ethnicity, environmental, cultural, and social factors as well as the dosage
      and selection of dopaminergic medications.

PMID- 22040283
TI  - Unveiling microbial life in the new deep-sea hypersaline Lake Thetis. Part II: a
      metagenomic study.
AB  - So far only little is known about the microbial ecology of Mediterranean deep-sea
      hypersaline anoxic lakes (DHALs). These brine lakes were formed by evaporite
      dissolution/brine seeps and are important model environments to provide insights
      into possible metabolisms and distributions of microorganisms on the early Earth.
      Our study on the Lake Thetis, a new thalassohaline DHAL located South-East of the
      Medriff Corridor, has revealed microbial communities of contrasting compositions
      with a high number of novel prokaryotic candidate divisions. The major finding of
      our present work is co-occurrence of at least three autotrophic carbon dioxide
      fixation pathways in the brine-seawater interface that are likely fuelled by an
      active ramified sulphur cycle. Genes for the reductive acetyl-CoA and reductive
      TCA pathways were also found in the brine suggesting that these pathways are
      operational even at extremely elevated salinities and that autotrophy is more
      important in hypersaline environments than previously assumed. Surprisingly,
      genes coding for RuBisCo were found in the highly reduced brine. Three types of
      sulphide oxidation pathways were found in the interface. The first involves a
      multienzyme Sox complex catalysing the complete oxidation of reduced sulphur
      compounds to sulphate, the second type recruits SQR sulphide:quinone reductase
      for oxidation of sulphide to elemental sulphur, which, in the presence of
      sulphide, could further be reduced by polysulphide reductases in the third
      pathway. The presence of the latter two allows a maximal energy yield from the
      oxidation of sulphide and at the same time prevents the acidification and the
      accumulation of S(0)  deposits. Amino acid composition analysis of deduced
      proteins revealed a significant overrepresentation of acidic residues in the
      brine compared with the interface. This trait is typical for halophilic organisms
      as an adaptation to the brine's extreme hypersalinity. This work presents the
      first metagenomic survey of the microbial communities of the recently discovered
      Lake Thetis whose brine constitutes one of saltiest water bodies ever reported.

PMID- 22040284
TI  - Effect on the production of soluble endoglin from human choriocarcinoma cells by
      preeclampsia sera.
AB  - PROBLEM: The soluble endoglin (sEng) is an antiangiogenic protein that may
      inhibit TGF-beta1 signaling and endothelial nitric oxide synthase activation in
      endothelial cells. The levels of sEng increased in sera obtained from
      preeclampsia. The factors that increase the sEng in preeclampsia have not been
      known well. To investigate the factors that may increase sEng in preeclampsia, we
      examined the effect of preeclampsia sera on the production of sEng from human
      choriocarcinoma (JEG-3) cells. METHODS: Serum samples were taken from women with
      normal pregnancy and from those with preeclampsia. JEG-3 cells were cultured with
      serum for 24 hrs, and the sEng levels in supernatants and expression of sEng and
      Hemo oxygenase-1 (HO-1) mRNA in cells were measured. RESULTS: The addition of
      preeclampsia sera into JEG-3 cells led to increased release of sEng and
      expression of Eng mRNA. Preeclampsia sera inhibited the expression of HO-1 mRNA
      in JEG-3 cells. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that preeclampsia sera may
      increase the protein production of sEng and mRNA expression of Eng from JEG-3
      cells like trophoblast without hypoxia and that in addition to hypoxia,
      preeclampsia sera may play a role of high level of serum sEng in preeclampsia
      patients. Decreased HO-1 activity may relate to increased sEng release.

PMID- 22040285
TI  - Slow and steady wins the race: a randomized clinical trial of acceptance and
      commitment therapy targeting shame in substance use disorders.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Shame has long been seen as relevant to substance use disorders, but
      interventions have not been tested in randomized trials. This study examined a
      group-based intervention for shame based on the principles of acceptance and
      commitment therapy (ACT) in patients (N = 133; 61% female; M = 34 years old; 86%
      Caucasian) in a 28-day residential addictions treatment program. METHOD:
      Consecutive cohort pairs were assigned in a pairwise random fashion to receive
      treatment as usual (TAU) or the ACT intervention in place of 6 hr of treatment
      that would have occurred at that same time. The ACT intervention consisted of
      three 2-hr group sessions scheduled during a single week. RESULTS: Intent-to
      treat analyses demonstrated that the ACT intervention resulted in smaller
      immediate gains in shame, but larger reductions at 4-month follow-up. Those
      attending the ACT group also evidenced fewer days of substance use and higher
      treatment attendance at follow-up. Effects of the ACT intervention on treatment
      utilization at follow-up were statistically mediated by posttreatment levels of
      shame, in that those evidencing higher levels of shame at posttreatment were more
      likely to be attending treatment at follow-up. Intervention effects on substance
      use at follow-up were mediated by treatment utilization at follow-up, suggesting
      that the intervention may have had its effects, at least in part, through
      improving treatment attendance. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that an
      approach to shame based on mindfulness and acceptance appears to produce better
      treatment attendance and reduced substance use.

PMID- 22040286
TI  - Examining the stability of DSM-IV and empirically derived eating disorder
      classification: implications for DSM-5.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this investigation was to derive an empirical
      classification of eating disorder symptoms in a heterogeneous eating disorder
      sample using latent class analysis (LCA) and to examine the longitudinal
      stability of these latent classes (LCs) and the stability of DSM-IV eating
      disorder (ED) diagnoses. METHOD: A total of 429 females with ED symptoms were
      assessed using the Eating Disorder Examination every 6 months for 2 years. LCA
      was used to derive empirical classification at baseline. Latent transition
      analysis (LTA) was used to examine the longitudinal stability of LCs, and Markov
      modeling procedures were used to examine DSM-IV ED diagnoses over all the time
      points. RESULTS: LCA yielded a 3-class solution: binge eating and purging, binge
      eating only, and low body mass index. LTA indicated that these LCs showed greater
      stability over 2 years than DSM-IV diagnoses with the probability of remaining in
      the same class ranging from 0.69 to 0.91 for LCs and from 0.40 to 0.75 for DSM-IV
      diagnoses. Transition patterns also revealed more stability for LCs with only 21%
      changing classes compared with 63% of the DSM-IV diagnostic categories.
      CONCLUSION: Empirically derived classes of ED symptoms showed greater
      longitudinal stability than DSM-IV diagnoses over a 2-year time period,
      suggesting that modifying the criteria to be consistent with empirically based
      classification (e.g., reducing frequency requirements of binge eating and
      purging) may reduce ED diagnostic crossover in DSM-5.

PMID- 22040287
TI  - The role of phytochrome in stress tolerance.
AB  - It is well-documented that phytochromes can control plant growth and development
      from germination to flowering. Additionally, these photoreceptors have been shown
      to modulate both biotic and abiotic stress. This has led to a series of studies
      exploring the molecular and biochemical basis by which phytochromes modulate
      stresses, such as salinity, drought, high light or herbivory. Evidence for a role
      of phytrochromes in plant stress tolerance is explored and reviewed.

PMID- 22040289
TI  - Is a routine voiding cystourethrogram necessary in children after the first
      febrile urinary tract infection?
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study was to estimate the value of identifying
      vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) on a voiding cystourethrogram (VCUG) and the benefit
      of VUR management according to imaging strategies at the first febrile urinary
      tract infection (UTI). METHODS: Children aged 1-144 months (n = 618) with the
      first febrile UTI admitted at our hospital from 2000 to 2009 were enrolled. In
      all patients, renal sonogram (US), (99m) Tc-dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA) renal
      scanning and VCUG were performed. Retrospective analyses per patient and per
      renal unit were performed. RESULTS: Abnormal US or DMSA scans had a sensitivity
      of 100% and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 100% to detect high-grade
      reflux. In hydronephrotic kidneys, DMSA scanning had a sensitivity of 88.2% and a
      NPV of 97.1% to detect high-grade reflux. CONCLUSION: Routine VCUG is not
      required after the first febrile UTI in patients with normal US or normal DMSA
      scan. Even if the US reveals hydronephrosis, routine VCUG is not necessary if the
      DMSA findings are normal. It is recommended that children who did not receive
      both a DMSA scan and VCUG after the first febrile UTI should be followed up over
      the long term.

PMID- 22040290
TI  - Epilysin (matrix metalloproteinase-28) contributes to airway epithelial cell
      survival.
AB  - MMP28 is constitutively expressed by epithelial cells in many tissues, including
      the respiratory epithelium in the lung and keratinocytes in the skin. This
      constitutive expression suggests that MMP28 may serve a role in epithelial cell
      homeostasis. In an effort to determine its function in epithelial cell biology,
      we generated cell lines expressing wild-type or catalytically-inactive mutant
      MMP28 in two pulmonary epithelial cell lines, A549 and BEAS-2B. We observed that
      over-expression of MMP28 provided protection against apoptosis induced by either
      serum-deprivation or treatment with a protein kinase inhibitor, staurosporine.
      Furthermore, we observed increased caspase-3/7 activity in influenza-infected
      lungs from Mmp28-/- mice compared to wild-type mice, and this activity localized
      to the airway epithelium but was not associated with a change in viral load.
      Thus, we have identified a novel role of MMP28 in promoting epithelial cell
      survival in the lung.

PMID- 22040291
TI  - The SCO2 protein disulphide isomerase is required for thylakoid biogenesis and
      interacts with LHCB1 chlorophyll a/b binding proteins which affects chlorophyll
      biosynthesis in Arabidopsis seedlings.
AB  - The process of chloroplast biogenesis requires a multitude of pathways and
      processes to establish chloroplast function. In cotyledons of seedlings,
      chloroplasts develop either directly from proplastids (also named eoplasts) or,
      if germinated in the dark, via etioplasts, whereas in leaves chloroplasts derive
      from proplastids in the apical meristem and are then multiplied by division. The
      snowy cotyledon 2, sco2, mutations specifically disrupt chloroplast biogenesis in
      cotyledons. SCO2 encodes a chloroplast-localized protein disulphide isomerase,
      hypothesized to be involved in protein folding. Analysis of co-expressed genes
      with SCO2 revealed that genes with similar expression patterns encode chloroplast
      proteins involved in protein translation and in chlorophyll biosynthesis. Indeed,
      sco2-1 accumulates increased levels of the chlorophyll precursor,
      protochlorophyllide, in both dark grown cotyledons and leaves. Yeast two-hybrid
      analyses demonstrated that SCO2 directly interacts with the chlorophyll-binding
      LHCB1 proteins, being confirmed in planta using bimolecular fluorescence
      complementation (BIFC). Furthermore, ultrastructural analysis of sco2-1
      chloroplasts revealed that formation and movement of transport vesicles from the
      inner envelope to the thylakoids is perturbed. SCO2 does not interact with the
      signal recognition particle proteins SRP54 and FtsY, which were shown to be
      involved in targeting of LHCB1 to the thylakoids. We hypothesize that SCO2
      provides an alternative targeting pathway for light-harvesting chlorophyll
      binding (LHCB) proteins to the thylakoids via transport vesicles predominantly in
      cotyledons, with the signal recognition particle (SRP) pathway predominant in
      rosette leaves. Therefore, we propose that SCO2 is involved in the integration of
      LHCB1 proteins into the thylakoids that feeds back on the regulation of the
      tetrapyrrole biosynthetic pathway and nuclear gene expression.

PMID- 22040292
TI  - Delta neutrophil index as an early marker of disease severity in critically ill
      patients with sepsis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The immature granulocyte count has been reported to be a marker of
      infection and sepsis. The difference in leukocyte subfractions (delta neutrophil
      index, DNI) in ADVIA 2120 reflects the fraction of circulating immature
      granulocytes in the blood. This study evaluated the clinical utility of DNI as a
      severity and prediction marker in critically ill patients with sepsis. METHODS:
      One hundred and three patients admitted to the medical intensive care unit with
      sepsis were studied. DNI (the difference in leukocyte subfractions identified by
      myeloperoxidase and nuclear lobularity channels) was determined using a specific
      blood cell analyzer. RESULTS: Forty four patients (42.7%) were diagnosed with
      severe sepsis/septic shock. Overt disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC)
      occurred in 40 (38.8%). DNI was significantly higher in patients with severe
      sepsis/septic shock and overt DIC than in patients without (p < 0.05). DNI
      correlated with DIC score (r = 0.54, p < 0.001). We observed a monotonic increase
      in the proportion of overt DIC and severe sepsis/septic shock associated with
      increasing quartiles of DNI (p < 0.001). A DNI value > 6.5% was a better
      indicator of severe sepsis/septic shock than C-reactive protein, lactate, white
      blood cell count, and absolute neutrophil count (sensitivity, 81.3%; specificity,
      91.0%; positive predictive value, 88.6%; and negative predictive value, 84.7%).
      In 36 (82%) of the 44 patients with severe sepsis/septic shock, DNI values were
      already elevated up to 12 hours before the onset of organ/circulatory failure.
      CONCLUSIONS: DNI may be used as a marker of disease severity in critically ill
      patients with sepsis. High levels of DNI may help to identify patients with an
      impending risk of developing severe sepsis/septic shock.

PMID- 22040293
TI  - Chemically doped random network carbon nanotube p-n junction diode for rectifier.
AB  - Semiconductors with higher carrier mobility and carrier density are required to
      fabricate a p-n junction diode for high-speed device operation and high-frequency
      signal processing. Here, we use a chemically doped semiconducting single-walled
      carbon nanotube (SWCNT) random network for a field effect transistor (FET) and
      demonstrate a rectifier operated at a wide range of frequencies by fabricating a
      p-n junction diode. The p-n diode was fabricated by using a pristine p-type SWCNT
      FET where half was covered by SiO(2) and the other half was chemically doped by
      using benzyl viologen molecules, which was converted into an n-type channel. The
      half-wave rectifier of the random network SWCNT p-n junction diode clearly
      highlights the device operation under high input signal frequencies up to 10 MHz
      with very low output distortion, which a commercial silicon p-n junction diode
      cannot access. These results indicate that the random network SWCNT p-n junction
      diodes can be used as building blocks of complex circuits in a range of
      applications in microelectronics, optoelectronics, sensors, and other systems.

PMID- 22040294
TI  - Default mode network in concussed individuals in response to the YMCA physical
      stress test.
AB  - We hypothesize that the evolution of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) may be
      related to differential effects of a concussive blow on the functional integrity
      of the brain default mode network (DMN) at rest and/or in response to physical
      stress. Accordingly, in this resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging
      (fMRI) study, we examined 14 subjects 10+/-2 days post-sports-related mTBI and 15
      age-matched normal volunteers (NVs) to investigate the possibility that the
      integrity of the DMN is disrupted at the resting state and/or following the
      physical stress test. First, all mTBI subjects were asymptomatic based upon
      clinical evaluation and neuropsychological (NP) assessments prior to the MRI
      session. Second, the functional integrity within the DMN, a main resting-state
      network, remained resilient to a single concussive blow. Specifically, the major
      regions of interest (ROIs) constituting the DMN (e.g., the posterior cingulate
      cortex [PCC]/precuneus area, the medial prefrontal cortex [MPFC], and left and
      right lateral parietal cortices [LLP and RLP]) and the connectivity within these
      four ROIs was similar between NVs and mTBI subjects prior to the YMCA physical
      stress test. However, the YMCA physical stress test disrupted the DMN,
      significantly reducing the magnitude of the connection between the PCC and left
      lateral parietal ROI, and PCC and right lateral parietal ROI, as well as between
      the PCC and MPFC in mTBI subjects. Thus while the DMN remained resilient to a
      single mTBI without exertion at 10 days post-injury, it was altered in response
      to limited physical stress. This may explain some clinical features of mTBI and
      provide some insight into its mechanism. This important finding should be
      considered by clinical practitioners when making decisions regarding return-to
      play and clearing mTBI athletes for sports participation.

PMID- 22040295
TI  - Direct synthesis and characterization of optically transparent conformal zinc
      oxide nanocrystalline thin films by rapid thermal plasma CVD.
AB  - We report a rapid, self-catalyzed, solid precursor-based thermal plasma chemical
      vapor deposition process for depositing a conformal, nonporous, and optically
      transparent nanocrystalline ZnO thin film at 130 Torr (0.17 atm). Pure solid zinc
      is inductively heated and melted, followed by ionization by thermal induction
      argon/oxygen plasma to produce conformal, nonporous nanocrystalline ZnO films at
      a growth rate of up to 50 nm/min on amorphous and crystalline substrates
      including Si (100), fused quartz, glass, muscovite, c- and a-plane sapphire
      (Al2O3), gold, titanium, and polyimide. X-ray diffraction indicates the grains of
      as-deposited ZnO to be highly textured, with the fastest growth occurring along
      the c-axis. The individual grains are observed to be faceted by (103) planes
      which are the slowest growth planes. ZnO nanocrystalline films of nominal
      thicknesses of 200 nm are deposited at substrate temperatures of 330 degrees C
      and 160 degrees C on metal/ceramic substrates and polymer substrates,
      respectively. In addition, 20-nm- and 200-nm-thick films are also deposited on
      quartz substrates for optical characterization. At optical spectra above 375 nm,
      the measured optical transmittance of a 200-nm-thick ZnO film is greater than
      80%, while that of a 20-nm-thick film is close to 100%. For a 200-nm-thick ZnO
      film with an average grain size of 100 nm, a four-point probe measurement shows
      electrical conductivity of up to 910 S/m. Annealing of 200-nm-thick ZnO films in
      300 sccm pure argon at temperatures ranging from 750 degrees C to 950 degrees C
      (at homologous temperatures between 0.46 and 0.54) alters the textures and
      morphologies of the thin film. Based on scanning electron microscope images,
      higher annealing temperatures appear to restructure the ZnO nanocrystalline films
      to form nanorods of ZnO due to a combination of grain boundary diffusion and bulk
      diffusion.PACS: films and coatings, 81.15.-z; nanocrystalline materials,
      81.07.Bc; II-VI semiconductors, 81.05.Dz.

PMID- 22040296
TI  - Physiologic effect and safety of the pumpless extracorporeal interventional lung
      assist system in patients with acute respiratory failure--a pilot study.
AB  - Interventional lung assist (iLA) effectively reduces CO(2) tension and permits
      protective lung ventilation in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome.
      However, there is little experience in using iLA in acute respiratory failure
      from various causes and no experience for small body sizes such as Asian
      patients. We evaluated the physiologic effect and safety of the iLA device in
      patients with acute respiratory failure from various causes. We enrolled 11
      consecutive patients with severe respiratory failure from various causes. Wire
      enforced cannulae (13-15 Fr) were inserted under ultrasound guidance and
      connected to iLA. Arterial blood gas analysis, ventilator parameters, hemodynamic
      parameter, and adverse events were recorded serially. During the first 24h of iLA
      use, mean blood flow was 1.08+/-0.15L/min, PaCO(2) decreased from 83.9+/-23.4mmHg
      to 40.7+/-10.2mmHg, and PaO(2) /FiO(2) ratio increased from 110+/-37 to 141+/-74.
      Minute ventilation decreased from 9.4+/-2.5 to 6.3+/-1.5L/min, and peak
      inspiratory pressure decreased from 30.3+/-7.1cm H(2) O to 28.8+/-9.4cm H(2) O.
      No serious adverse events were observed during iLA use. iLA showed effective
      CO(2) removal, allowed for reducing the invasiveness of mechanical ventilation in
      patients with severe respiratory failure from various causes even using a small
      sized catheter and was safe in small body-sized patients.

PMID- 22040297
TI  - Rank-based ant system method for non-linear QSPR analysis: QSPR studies of the
      solubility parameter.
AB  - The solubility parameter (delta) plays a unique role in the development of stable
      pharmaceutical formulations for assessing phase segregation during product
      synthesis. Understanding this parameter helps to determine how a drug substance
      will behave when processed or when dosed in vivo. The aim of this work was to
      develop a novel comprehensive yet rapid and accurate Quantitative Structure
      Property Relationship (QSPR) method based on the rank-based ant system feature
      selection. The method was coupled with the multiple linear regression and support
      vector regression and applied to the assessment of solubility parameters for a
      diverse dataset of 1804 chemical compounds. The models were validated by
      solubility prediction of 360 test set compounds which were not used in building
      models. The developed models have high prediction power characterized by r (2)
      values 0.75 and 0.82, and RMSE values 1.96 and 1.65 (J/(cm(3)))(0.5) for the
      external test set. Various validation techniques and comparison results with the
      novel optimized support vector regression indicate that the developed models can
      be used to determine the solubility parameters for a diverse set of chemicals
      with an acceptable accuracy. The developed models can be beneficial for designing
      new chemical materials with desired solubility parameter values.

PMID- 22040298
TI  - The association between maternal serious psychological distress and child obesity
      at 3 years: a cross-sectional analysis of the UK Millennium Cohort Data.
AB  - BACKGROUND:   The prevalence of child obesity is increasing rapidly worldwide.
      Early childhood has been identified as a critical time period for the development
      of obesity. Maternal mental health and early life environment are crucial factors
      and have been linked to adverse child outcomes. The objective of the study was to
      examine the relationship between maternal serious psychological distress and
      obesity in early childhood. METHODS:   A cross-sectional analysis of data from
      the Millennium Cohort Study was conducted. Subjects consisted of all natural
      mothers (n= 10 465) who had complete and plausible data for Kessler-6 scores,
      socio-demographic and anthropometric variables, and their children for whom
      anthropometric measurements were completed at age 3. Maternal serious
      psychological distress was defined as a score of 13 or more on the Kessler-6
      scale. Obesity was defined as body mass index >=95th centile of the 1990
      reference chart for age and sex in children. The data were analysed using spss
      16. Maternal socio-demographic factors that are known to influence maternal
      mental health and child obesity were identified and adjusted using multivariate
      logistic regression. RESULTS:   Of the 10 465 mother-child dyads, 3.5% of mothers
      had serious psychological distress and 5.5% of children were obese at 3 years of
      age. Logistic regression analysis showed that maternal serious psychological
      distress was associated with early childhood obesity (P= 0.01; OR 1.62, 95% CI
      1.11, 2.37). After adjusting for potential confounding factors using multivariate
      logistic regression, maternal serious psychological distress remained
      significantly associated with early childhood obesity (P= 0.01; OR 1.59, 95% CI
      1.08, 2.34). CONCLUSIONS:   The results show that maternal serious psychological
      distress is independently associated with early childhood obesity.

PMID- 22040299
TI  - Metabolomic screening and identification of the bioactivation pathways of
      ritonavir.
AB  - Ritonavir-boosted protease inhibitor regimens are widely used for HIV
      chemotherapy. However, ritonavir causes multiple side effects, and the mechanisms
      are not fully understood. The current study was designed to explore the metabolic
      pathways of ritonavir that may be related to its toxicity. Metabolomic analysis
      screened out 26 ritonavir metabolites in mice, and half of them are novel. These
      novel ritonavir metabolites include two glycine conjugated, two N-acetylcysteine
      conjugated, and three ring-open products. Accompanied with the generation of
      ritonavir ring-open metabolites, the formation of methanethioamide and 2
      methylpropanethioamide were expected. Upon the basis of the structures of these
      novel metabolites, five bioactivation pathways are proposed, which may be
      associated with sulfation and epoxidation. By using Cyp3a-null mice, we confirmed
      that CYP3A is involved in four pathways of RTV bioactivation. In addition, all
      these five bioactivation pathways were recapitulated in the incubation of
      ritonavir in human liver microsomes. Further studies are suggested to determine
      the role of CYP3A and these bioactivation pathways in ritonavir toxicity.

PMID- 22040300
TI  - Revisiting the dispersion mechanism of grafted nanoparticles in polymer matrix: a
      detailed molecular dynamics simulation.
AB  - By focusing on the grafted nanoparticles (NPs) embedded in polymer melts, a
      detailed coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulation is adopted to investigate
      the effects of the grafting density, the length of the matrix and grafted chains
      on the dispersion of the NPs. We have employed visualization snapshots, radial
      distribution functions (RDFs), the interaction energy between NPs, the number of
      neighbor NPs, and the conformation of the brush chains to clearly analyze the
      dispersion state of the grafted NPs. Our simulated results generally indicate
      that the dispersion of the NPs is controlled by both the excluded volume of the
      grafted NPs and the interface between the brushes and the matrix. It is found
      that increasing grafting density or grafted chain length leads to better
      dispersion, owing to larger excluded volume; however, increasing the length of
      the matrix chains leads to aggregation of NPs, attributed to both a progressive
      loss of the interface between the brushes and the matrix and the overlap between
      brushes of different NPs, intrinsically driven by entropy. Meanwhile, it is found
      that there exists an optimum grafting density (sigma(c)) for the dispersion of
      the NPs, which roughly obeys the following mathematical relation: sigma(c) is
      proportional to N(m)(K)/N(g)(L), where K, L > 0 and N(m) and N(g) represent the
      length of the matrix and grafted chain length, respectively. Considering the
      practical situation that the grafted brushes and the matrix polymer are mostly
      not chemically identical, we also studied the effect of the compatibility between
      the brushes and the matrix polymer by taking into account the attraction between
      the grafted chains and the matrix chains. In general, our comprehensive
      simulation results are believed to guide the design and preparation of high
      performance polymer nanocomposites with good or even tailored dispersion of NPs.

PMID- 22040302
TI  - Four cases of subepidermal calcified nodule on a child's sole.

PMID- 22040301
TI  - Development of a 3D immersive videogame to improve arm-postural coordination in
      patients with TBI.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) disrupts the central and executive
      mechanisms of arm(s) and postural (trunk and legs) coordination. To address these
      issues, we developed a 3D immersive videogame--Octopus. The game was developed
      using the basic principles of videogame design and previous experience of using
      videogames for rehabilitation of patients with acquired brain injuries. Unlike
      many other custom-designed virtual environments, Octopus included an actual
      gaming component with a system of multiple rewards, making the game challenging,
      competitive, motivating and fun. Effect of a short-term practice with the Octopus
      game on arm-postural coordination in patients with TBI was tested. METHODS: The
      game was developed using WorldViz Vizard software, integrated with the Qualysis
      system for motion analysis. Avatars of the participant's hands precisely
      reproducing the real-time kinematic patterns were synchronized with the simulated
      environment, presented in the first person 3D view on an 82-inch DLP screen. 13
      individuals with mild-to-moderate manifestations of TBI participated in the
      study. While standing in front of the screen, the participants interacted with a
      computer-generated environment by popping bubbles blown by the Octopus. The
      bubbles followed a specific trajectory. Interception of the bubbles with the left
      or right hand avatar allowed flexible use of the postural segments for balance
      maintenance and arm transport. All participants practiced ten 90-s gaming trials
      during a single session, followed by a retention test. Arm-postural coordination
      was analysed using principal component analysis. RESULTS: As a result of the
      short-term practice, the participants improved in game performance, arm movement
      time, and precision. Improvements were achieved mostly by adapting efficient arm
      postural coordination strategies. Of the 13 participants, 10 showed an immediate
      increase in arm forward reach and single-leg stance time. CONCLUSION: These
      results support the feasibility of using the custom-made 3D game for retraining
      of arm-postural coordination disrupted as a result of TBI.

PMID- 22040303
TI  - Role of ligand to control the mechanism of nitric oxide reduction of copper(II)
      complexes and ligand nitrosation.
AB  - The nitric oxide reactivity of two copper(II) complexes, 1 and 2 with ligands
      L(1) and L(2), respectively, [L(1) = 5,5,7,12,12,14-hexamethyl-1,4,8,11
      tetraazacyclotetradecane, L(2) = 5,5,7-trimethyl-[1,4]-diazepane] have been
      studied. The copper(II) center in complex 1 was found to be unreactive toward
      nitric oxide in pure acetonitrile; however, it displayed reduction in methanol
      solvent in presence of base. The copper(II) center in 2, in acetonitrile solvent,
      on exposure to nitric oxide has been found to be reduced to copper(I). The same
      reduction was observed in methanol, also, in case of complex 2. In case of
      complex 1, presumably, the attack of nitric oxide on the deprotonated amine is
      the first step, followed by electron transfer to the copper(II) center to afford
      the reduction. Alternatively, first NO coordination to the Cu(II) followed by
      NO(+) migration to the secondary amine is the most probable in case of complex 2.
      The observation of the transient intermediate in UV-visible and FT-IR
      spectroscopy prior to reduction in case of complex 2 also supports this
      possibility. In both cases, the reduction resulted into N-nitrosation; in 1, only
      mononitrosation was observed whereas complex 2 afforded dinitrosation as major
      product along with a minor amount of mononitrosation. Thus, it is evident from
      the present study that the macrocyclic ligands prefer the deprotonation pathway
      leading to mononitrosation; whereas nonmacrocyclic ones prefer the [Cu(II)-NO]
      intermediate pathway resulting into nitrosation at all the available sites of the
      ligand as major product.

PMID- 22040304
TI  - Inhibitory effect of intravitreal injection of bevacizumab on nerve growth
      factor.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the inhibitory effect of intravitreal injection of
      bevacizumab on the expression of nerve growth factor (NGF) in rabbit retina.
      METHODS: The right eyes of 40 New Zealand white rabbits were injected with 1.25
      mg (0.05 cc) bevacizumab three times monthly; as controls, the left eyes received
      sham injections. Apoptosis in retinal cells was evaluated by immunohistochemical
      staining for caspase-3, and by in situ terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase
      mediated biotin-deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling (TUNEL) of DNA
      fragments. NGF and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) proteins in rabbit
      retinas were measured quantitatively (Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA))
      and qualitatively (immunohistochemical staining) 1 and 4 months after injection.
      NGF and VEGF messenger RNAs in rabbit retinas were evaluated by real-time
      polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: As shown by the TUNEL assay and
      caspase-3 immunostaining, the bevacizumab-injected group had significantly more
      apoptotic activity than did the control group. Levels of retinal NGF and VEGF
      proteins in the bevacizumab group were lower than those in the control group (p <
      0.05). Immunohistochemical staining of NGF and VEGF was weaker in the bevacizumab
      group than in the control group. NGF and VEGF mRNA levels in the bevacizumab
      group were lower than those of the control group (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS:
      Findings of the present study suggest that apoptosis in retinal cells after
      intravitreal bevacizumab injection is increased by down-regulated NGF, caused by
      VEGF inhibition in rabbits.

PMID- 22040306
TI  - Risk assessment of methyl-mercury intake through cephalopods consumption in
      Portugal.
AB  - The intake of methyl-mercury (methyl-Hg) through the consumption of three common
      cephalopod species, cuttlefish (Sepia officinalis), squid (Loligo vulgaris) and
      octopus (Octopus vulgaris), in Portugal as well as the associated probability of
      exceeding the provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) were estimated by
      combining methyl-Hg contamination levels in these three cephalopods with
      constructed consumption scenarios and with a hypothesised consumption
      distribution for the general Portuguese population. It was found that squid
      presents no serious health concern with respect to methyl-Hg, but cuttlefish and
      octopus consumption should not exceed two 150 g meals per week. Moreover, the
      methyl-Hg risk assessment for Portuguese consumers showed no risk concerning the
      observed cephalopods consumption levels. However, besides methyl-Hg, other toxic
      metals present in cephalopods, such as cadmium, may be a serious health concern
      and the methyl-Hg risk can be compounded by the risk of other foods containing
      significant methyl-Hg levels, especially long-lived sea predators. Accordingly, a
      cautionary note must be attached to advised maximum consumptions, which may be
      revised by future studies. Tail estimation (TE) estimator was more accurate for
      lower probabilities, rendering accurate risk estimations different from zero.
      However, for higher probabilities, the much simpler plug-in (PI) estimator could
      be applied. Additionally, limitations of a deterministic approach were
      identified.

PMID- 22040305
TI  - Aeromonas salmonicida-secreted protein AopP is a potent inducer of apoptosis in a
      mammalian and a Drosophila model.
AB  - Some pathogens are able to establish themselves within the host because they have
      evolved mechanisms to disrupt host innate immunity. For example, a number of
      pathogens secrete preformed effector proteins via type III secretion apparatuses
      that influence innate immune or apoptotic signalling pathways. One group of
      effector proteins that usurp innate immune signalling is the YopJ-like family of
      bacterial effector proteins, which includes AopP from Aeromonas salmonicida.
      Aeromonas species are known to cause gastrointestinal disease in humans, and are
      associated mainly with subcutaneous wound infections and septicaemia in other
      metazoans, particularly fish. AopP has been reported to have inhibitory activity
      against the NF-kappaB pathway in cultured cells, although the pathological
      outcomes of AopP activity have not been examined. Here, we show that AopP has
      potent pro-apoptotic activity when expressed in cultured mammalian macrophage or
      epithelial cells, or when ectopically expressed in Drosophila melanogaster
      haemocytes or imaginal disk epithelial cells. Furthermore, apoptosis was
      significantly elevated upon concurrent AopP expression and TNF-alpha cellular
      stimulation. Together, our results demonstrate how the specificity of a YopJ-like
      protein towards signalling pathways directly governs cellular pathological
      outcome in disease.

PMID- 22040307
TI  - A pharmacist-led intervention for increasing the uptake of Home Medicines Review
      (HMR) among residents of retirement villages (PHARMER): protocol for a cluster
      randomised controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The majority of retirement village residents are at risk of
      medication misadventure. In a recent survey of retirement village residents in
      Victoria, two-thirds had at least one medication-related risk factor, and hence
      were eligible to receive a government-subsidised Home Medicines Review (HMR).
      However, only 6% of eligible residents had received a HMR in the previous 12
      months. Reasons for the poor uptake of HMR, and interventions for improving HMR
      uptake, have been identified and developed with input from stakeholders. The
      trial will test the effect of Pharmacist-conducted HMR to Address the Risk of
      Medication-related Events in Retirement Villages (PHARMER) in improving the
      uptake of HMRs among retirement village residents. METHODS/DESIGN: This is a
      multicentre prospective cluster randomised controlled trial. Ten retirement
      villages in Victoria, Australia will be recruited for this trial. Retirement
      villages will be selected in consultation with the Residents of Retirement
      Villages Victoria Inc. (RRVV), based on geographical locations (e.g. northeast or
      southwest), size and other factors. Residents from selected villages will be
      recruited with the help of RRVV Resident Liaison Officers using a range of
      strategies. Randomisation will be by geographical location to minimise
      contamination. Participating villages and residents will be allocated to either
      Pharmacist Intervention Group (PIG) or Usual Care Group (UCG). Each group will
      include five retirement villages and will have at least 77 residents in total.
      The intervention (PHARMER) comprises educating residents regarding HMR, and using
      a risk assessment checklist by residents to notify their General Practitioners of
      their medication risk. Uptake of HMR and medication adherence will be assessed in
      both PIG and UCG at three and six months using telephone interviews and
      questionnaires. DISCUSSION: This study is the first to develop and test an
      intervention to improve the uptake of HMR among Australian residents in
      retirement villages, with a view to decreasing medication risk. A multi-faceted
      interventional approach will be used as suggested by stakeholders. The trial is
      expected to be complete by late 2011 and results will be available in 2012. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry
      (ACTRN12611000109909).

PMID- 22040308
TI  - Functional MRI and motor behavioral changes obtained with constraint-induced
      movement therapy in chronic stroke.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The clinical benefits of intensive stroke rehabilitation vary
      individually. We used multimodal functional imaging to assess the relationship of
      clinical gain and imaging changes in patients with chronic stroke whose voluntary
      motor control improved after constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT). METHODS:
      Eleven patients (37.6 +/- 36.8 months from stroke) were studied by functional MRI
      (fMRI), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), and behavioral assessment of
      hand motor control (Wolf Motor Function Test) before and after 2 weeks of CIMT.
      Individual and group-level changes in imaging and behavioral parameters were
      investigated. RESULTS: Increase in fMRI activation in the sensorimotor areas was
      greater amongst those subjects who had poor hand motor behavior before therapy
      and/or whose motor behavior improved notably because of therapy than amongst
      subjects with relatively good motor behavior already before therapy. The
      magnitude of CIMT-induced changes in task-related fMRI activation differed
      between lesioned and non-lesioned hemispheres, and the fMRI laterality index was
      different for paretic and non-paretic hand tasks. The corticospinal conduction
      time in TMS was significantly decreased after CIM therapy. CONCLUSIONS:
      Alterations in sensorimotor cortical activations (fMRI) and corticospinal
      conductivity (TMS) were observed after intensive rehabilitation in patients with
      chronic stroke. Activation and functional changes in fMRI and TMS correlated
      significantly with the degree of clinical improvement in hand motor behavior. The
      present data advance the understanding of the functional underpinnings of motor
      recovery, which may be obtained even years after the stroke.

PMID- 22040309
TI  - Fatigue and fracture resistance of zirconia crowns prepared with different finish
      line designs.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of finish line design
      on the fatigue, fracture resistance, and failure type of veneered zirconia
      restorations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A CAD/CAM system (Cercon) was used to
      prepare zirconia frameworks (0.5 mm thick) for a maxillary central incisor. Three
      finish line designs were evaluated: a complete narrow chamfer, a narrow chamfer
      with a lingual ledge, and a complete ledge. The prepared frameworks were veneered
      using a press-on ceramic (Ceram Press) and were cemented on the corresponding
      prepared teeth using a resin cement (Panavia F2.0). The cemented specimens were
      thermocycled, subjected to dynamic fatigue, and finally loaded till fracture.
      Fractured specimens were examined under a scanning electron microscope to assess
      fracture type. One-way ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc tests were used to analyze
      the data (alpha= 0.05). RESULTS: The finish line design did not have any
      significant statistical influence on the fracture resistance (F = 1.9, p= 0.346)
      or on the failure type of the tested specimens. Adjusted R squared value (R =
      0.049) indicated a weak correlation between finish line design and fracture load
      of the tested specimens. All specimens failed due to cracking and fracture of the
      veneer ceramic. Meanwhile, the framework remained entirely intact. Three narrow
      chamfer finish line specimens demonstrated adhesive fracture of the veneer
      ceramic during dynamic fatigue testing, related to overextension of the veneer
      ceramic during the layering procedure. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this
      study, the finish line design did not influence the fatigue or the fracture
      resistance of veneered zirconia crowns. Selection of any of the finish line
      designs should be based on the clinical condition of the restored tooth.

PMID- 22040310
TI  - Stable carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios of sodium and potassium cyanide as a
      forensic signature.
AB  - Sodium and potassium cyanide are highly toxic, produced in large amounts by the
      chemical industry, and linked to numerous high-profile crimes. The U.S. Centers
      for Disease Control and Prevention has identified cyanide as one of the most
      probable agents to be used in a chemical terrorism event. We investigated whether
      stable C and N isotopic content of sodium and potassium cyanide could serve as a
      forensic signature for sample matching, using a collection of 65 cyanide samples.
      Upon analysis, a few of the cyanide samples displayed nonhomogeneous isotopic
      content associated with degradation to a carbonate salt and loss of hydrogen
      cyanide. Most samples had highly reproducible isotope content. Of the 65 cyanide
      samples, >95% could be properly matched based on C and N isotope ratios, with a
      false match rate <3%. These results suggest that stable C and N isotope ratios
      are a useful forensic signature for matching cyanide samples.

PMID- 22040311
TI  - Isotonic versus hypotonic fluid supplementation in term neonates with severe
      hyperbilirubinemia - a double-blind, randomized, controlled trial.
AB  - AIM: To compare the incidence of hyponatremia in full-term neonates with severe
      hyperbilirubinemia, receiving intravenous fluid supplementation with 0.2% saline
      in 5% dextrose versus 0.9% saline in 5% dextrose, to prevent blood exchange
      transfusion (BET). METHODS: In this double-blind, randomized, controlled trial,
      full-term newborns (>=37 weeks), appropriate for gestational age, with severe non
      haemolytic hyperbilirubinemia (serum bilirubin >= 20 mg/dL) were enrolled.
      Eligible neonates were randomized to receive either 0.2% saline in 5% dextrose
      (hypotonic fluid group) or 0.9% saline in 5% dextrose (isotonic fluid group) over
      8 hrs, in addition to phototherapy. The primary outcome was proportion of
      neonates developing hyponatremia (serum Na < 135 mmol/L) after 8 h. RESULTS:
      Forty-two neonates were analysed in each group. Proportion of neonates developing
      hyponatremia after 8 h was higher in hypotonic fluid group as compared to
      isotonic fluid group (48.8% vs. 10.5%, p < 0.001). However, a larger proportion
      in isotonic fluid group developed hypernatremia (39.5% vs. 12.2%, p < 0.001). The
      rate of BET was similar in both groups. CONCLUSION: In full-term neonates with
      severe hyperbilirubinemia, administration of hypotonic fluid to prevent BET was
      associated with a higher incidence of hyponatremia while isotonic fluid was
      associated with an increased incidence of hypernatremia.

PMID- 22040312
TI  - Early puzzle play: a predictor of preschoolers' spatial transformation skill.
AB  - Individual differences in spatial skill emerge prior to kindergarten entry.
      However, little is known about the early experiences that may contribute to these
      differences. The current study examined the relation between children's early
      puzzle play and their spatial skill. Children and parents (n = 53) were observed
      at home for 90 min every 4 months (6 times) between 2 and 4 years of age (26 to
      46 months). When children were 4 years 6 months old, they completed a spatial
      task involving mental transformations of 2-dimensional shapes. Children who were
      observed playing with puzzles performed better on this task than those who did
      not, controlling for parent education, income, and overall parent word types.
      Moreover, among those children who played with puzzles, frequency of puzzle play
      predicted performance on the spatial transformation task. Although the frequency
      of puzzle play did not differ for boys and girls, the quality of puzzle play (a
      composite of puzzle difficulty, parent engagement, and parent spatial language)
      was higher for boys than for girls. In addition, variation in puzzle play quality
      predicted performance on the spatial transformation task for girls but not for
      boys. Implications of these findings as well as future directions for research on
      the role of puzzle play in the development of spatial skill are discussed.

PMID- 22040313
TI  - Academic adjustment across middle school: the role of public regard and
      parenting.
AB  - In the current longitudinal study, we examined associations between Black and
      Latino youths' perceptions of the public's opinion of their racial/ethnic group
      (i.e., public regard) and changes in academic adjustment outcomes across middle
      school. We also tested combinations of racial/ethnic socialization and parent
      involvement in academic activities as moderators of this association. We used a
      2nd-order latent trajectory model to test changes in academic adjustment outcomes
      in a sample of 345 Black and Latino urban youth across 6th, 7th, and 8th grades
      (51% female). Results revealed a significant average linear decline in academic
      adjustment from 6th to 8th grade, as well as significant variation around this
      decline. We found that parenting moderated the association between public regard
      and the latent trajectory of academic adjustment. Specifically, for youth who
      reported high racial/ethnic socialization and low parent academic involvement,
      lower public regard predicted lower academic adjustment in 6th grade. For youth
      who reported both low racial/ethnic socialization and low parent academic
      involvement, lower public regard predicted a steeper decline in academic
      adjustment over time. Finally, among youth who reported high racial/ethnic
      socialization and high parent academic involvement, public regard was not
      associated with either the intercept or the slope of academic adjustment. Thus,
      the combination of high racial/ethnic socialization and parent academic
      involvement may protect youths' academic motivation and performance from the
      negative effects of believing the public has low opinions of one's racial/ethnic
      group. Implications for protecting Black and Latino youths' academic outcomes
      from decline during middle school are discussed.

PMID- 22040314
TI  - Three-year-olds understand appearance and reality--just not about the same object
      at the same time.
AB  - Young children struggle in the classic tests of appearance versus reality. In the
      current Study 1, 3-year-olds had to determine which of 2 objects (a deceptive or
      a nondeceptive one) an adult requested when asking for the "real X" versus "the
      one that looks like X." In Study 2, children of the same age had to indicate what
      a single deceptive object (e.g., a chocolate-eraser) looked like and what it
      really was by selecting one of two items that represented this object's
      appearance (a chocolate bar) or identity (a regular eraser). Children were mainly
      successful in Study 1 but not in Study 2. The findings are discussed with a focus
      on young children's difficulty with "confronting" perspectives, which may be
      involved in their struggles with a number of classic theory of mind tasks.

PMID- 22040315
TI  - A longitudinal study of the association between violent video game play and
      aggression among adolescents.
AB  - In the past 2 decades, correlational and experimental studies have found a
      positive association between violent video game play and aggression. There is
      less evidence, however, to support a long-term relation between these behaviors.
      This study examined sustained violent video game play and adolescent aggressive
      behavior across the high school years and directly assessed the socialization
      (violent video game play predicts aggression over time) versus selection
      hypotheses (aggression predicts violent video game play over time). Adolescents
      (N = 1,492, 50.8% female) were surveyed annually from Grade 9 to Grade 12 about
      their video game play and aggressive behaviors. Nonviolent video game play,
      frequency of overall video game play, and a comprehensive set of potential 3rd
      variables were included as covariates in each analysis. Sustained violent video
      game play was significantly related to steeper increases in adolescents'
      trajectory of aggressive behavior over time. Moreover, greater violent video game
      play predicted higher levels of aggression over time, after controlling for
      previous levels of aggression, supporting the socialization hypothesis. In
      contrast, no support was found for the selection hypothesis. Nonviolent video
      game play also did not predict higher levels of aggressive behavior over time.
      Our findings, and the fact that many adolescents play video games for several
      hours every day, underscore the need for a greater understanding of the long-term
      relation between violent video games and aggression, as well as the specific game
      characteristics (e.g., violent content, competition, pace of action) that may be
      responsible for this association.

PMID- 22040316
TI  - Hydride as a leaving group in the reaction of pinacolborane with halides under
      ambient Grignard and Barbier conditions. One-pot synthesis of alkyl, aryl,
      heteroaryl, vinyl, and allyl pinacolboronic esters.
AB  - Grignard reagents (aliphatic, aromatic, heteroaromatic, vinyl, or allylic) react
      with 1 equiv of 4,4,5,5-tetramethyl-1,3,2-dioxaborolane (pinacolborane, PinBH) at
      ambient temperature in tetrahydrofuran (THF) to afford the corresponding
      pinacolboronates. The initially formed dialkoxy alkylborohydride intermediate
      quickly eliminates hydridomagnesium bromide (HMgBr) and affords the product
      boronic ester in very good yield. Hydridomagnesium bromide (HMgBr) in turn
      disproportionates to a 1:1 mixture of magnesium hydride (MgH(2)) and magnesium
      bromide (MgBr(2)) on addition of pentane to the reaction mixture. DFT
      calculations (Gaussian09) at the B3LYP/6-31G(d) level of theory show that
      disproportionation of HMgBr to MgH(2) and MgBr(2) is viable in the coordinating
      ethereal solvents. This reaction also can be carried out under Barbier
      conditions, where the neat PinBH is added to the flask prior to the in situ
      formation of Grignard reagent from the corresponding organic halide and magnesium
      metal. Pinacolboronic ester synthesis under Barbier conditions does not give
      Wurtz coupling side products from reactive halides, such as benzylic and allylic
      halides. The reaction between PinBH and various Grignard reagents is an
      efficient, mild, and general method for the synthesis of pinacolboronates.

PMID- 22040317
TI  - Assessment of a tissue-engineered gastric wall patch in a rat model.
AB  - Stenosis or deformity of the remaining stomach can occur after gastrectomy and
      result in stomach malfunction. The objective of this study is to demonstrate the
      feasibility of transplanting a tissue-engineered gastric wall patch in a rat
      model to alleviate the complications after resection of a large area of the
      gastric wall. Tissue-engineered gastric wall patches were created from gastric
      epithelial organoid units and biodegradable polymer scaffolds. In the first
      treatment group, gastric wall defects were created in recipient rats and covered
      with fresh tissue-engineered gastric wall patches (simultaneous transplantation).
      In the second treatment group, the tissue-engineered gastric wall patches were
      frozen for 12weeks, and then transplanted in recipient rats (metachronous
      transplantation). Tissue-engineered gastric wall patches were successfully used
      as a substitute of the resected native gastric wall in both simultaneous and
      metachronous transplantation groups. The defrosted wall patches showed almost the
      same cell viability as the fresh ones. Twenty-four weeks after transplantation,
      the defect in the gastric wall was well-covered with tissue-engineered gastric
      wall patch, and the repaired stomach showed no deformity macroscopically in both
      groups. Histology showed continuous mucosa and smooth muscle layers at the tissue
      engineered stomach wall margin. The feasibility of transplanting a tissue
      engineered patch to repair a defect in the native gastric wall has been
      successfully shown in a rat model, thereby taking one step closer toward the
      transplantation of an entire tissue-engineered stomach in the future.

PMID- 22040318
TI  - Sporadic fatal insomnia in a young woman: a diagnostic challenge: case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sporadic fatal insomnia (sFI) and fatal familial insomnia (FFI) are
      rare human prion diseases. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of a 33-year-old
      female who died of a prion disease for whom the diagnosis of sFI or FFI was not
      considered clinically. Following death of this patient, an interview with a close
      family member indicated the patient's illness included a major change in her
      sleep pattern, corroborating the reported autopsy diagnosis of sFI. Genetic tests
      identified no prion protein (PrP) gene mutation, but neuropathological
      examination and molecular study showed protease-resistant PrP (PrPres) in several
      brain regions and severe atrophy of the anterior-ventral and medial-dorsal
      thalamic nuclei similar to that described in FFI. CONCLUSIONS: In patients with
      suspected prion disease, a characteristic change in sleep pattern can be an
      important clinical clue for identifying sFI or FFI; polysomnography (PSG),
      genetic analysis, and nuclear imaging may aid in diagnosis.

PMID- 22040319
TI  - The myth of participation in occupational therapy: reconceptualizing a client
      centred approach.
AB  - Participation is often the comprehensive objective of treatment but also an
      indication of the extent to which the process of occupational therapy is client
      centred. The purpose of this study was to explore levels of participation during
      occupational therapy among clients in the area of mental health from the
      occupational therapists' perspectives. Additionally the authors sought to
      identify factors that might hinder client participation. Postal questionnaires
      were sent out to 670 Swedish occupational therapists working with persons with
      mental illness and learning disabilities. The questionnaire required therapists
      to rate clients' levels of participation during occupational therapy. Findings
      indicated that the most common level of participation for the clients was
      interdependent, meaning that problems, goals, and plans were identified jointly
      and collaboratively with the occupational therapist. However, more than 20% of
      the clients were described as being dependent. Almost 90% of the occupational
      therapists rated client participation in therapy to be very important and nearly
      70% claimed that client participation in general needed to be increased.
      Occupational therapists rated the primary barriers to participation as being
      clients' inability to participate and organizational and financial problems.
      Implications of these findings for education in client-centred practice
      approaches are discussed.

PMID- 22040320
TI  - 3-(3-amino-3-carboxypropyl)-5,6-dihydrouridine is one of two novel post
      transcriptional modifications in tRNALys(UUU) from Trypanosoma brucei.
AB  - tRNA is the most heavily modified of all RNA types, with typically 10-20% of the
      residues being post-transcriptionally altered. Unravelling the modification
      pattern of a tRNA is a challenging task; there are 92 currently known tRNA
      modifications, many of which are chemically similar. Furthermore, the tRNA has to
      be investigated with single-nucleotide resolution in order to ensure complete
      mapping of all modifications. In the present work, we characterized
      tRNA(Lys)(UUU) from Trypanosoma brucei, and provide a complete overview of its
      post-transcriptional modifications. The first step was MALDI-TOF MS of two
      independent digests of the tRNA, with RNase A and RNase T1, respectively. This
      revealed digestion products harbouring mass-changing modifications. Next, the
      modifications were mapped at the nucleotide level in the RNase products by tandem
      MS. Comparison with the sequence of the unmodified tRNA revealed the modified
      residues. The modifications were further characterized at the nucleoside level by
      chromatographic retention time and fragmentation pattern upon higher-order tandem
      MS. Phylogenetic comparison with modifications in tRNA(Lys) from other organisms
      was used through the entire analysis. We identified modifications on 12
      nucleosides in tRNA(Lys)(UUU), where U47 exhibited a novel modification, 3-(3
      amino-3-carboxypropyl)-5,6-dihydrouridine, based on identical chromatographic
      retention and MS fragmentation as the synthetic nucleoside. A37 was observed in
      two versions: a minor fraction with the previously described 2-methylthio-N(6)
      threonylcarbamoyl-modification, and a major fraction with A37 being modified by a
      294.0-Da moiety. The latter product is the largest adenosine modification
      reported so far, and we discuss its nature and origin.

PMID- 22040321
TI  - Control over self-assembly of diblock copolymers on hexagonal and square
      templates for high area density circuit boards.
AB  - Self-assembled diblock copolymer melts on patterned substrates can induce a
      smaller characteristic domain spacing compared to predefined lithographic
      patterns and enable the manufacture of circuit boards with a high area density of
      computing and storage units. Monte Carlo simulation using coarse-grain models of
      polystyrene-b-polydimethylsiloxane shows that the generation of high-density
      hexagonal and square patterns is controlled by the ratio N(D) of the surface area
      per post and the surface area per spherical domain of neat block copolymer. N(D)
      represents the preferred number of block copolymer domains per post. Selected
      integer numbers support the formation of ordered structures on hexagonal (1, 3,
      4, 7, 9) and square (1, 2, 5, 7) templates. On square templates, only smaller
      numbers of block copolymer domains per post support the formation of ordered
      arrays with significant stabilization energies relative to hexagonal morphology.
      Deviation from suitable integer numbers N(D) increases the likelihood of
      transitional morphologies between square and hexagonal. Upon increasing the
      spacing of posts on the substrate, square arrays, nested square arrays, and
      disordered hexagonal morphologies with multiple coordination numbers were
      identified, accompanied by a decrease in stabilization energy. Control over the
      main design parameter N(D) may allow an up to 7-fold increase in density of
      spherical block copolymer domains per surface area in comparison to the density
      of square posts and provide access to a wide range of high-density nanostructures
      to pattern electronic devices.

PMID- 22040322
TI  - MolabIS--an integrated information system for storing and managing molecular
      genetics data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Long-term sample storage, tracing of data flow and data export for
      subsequent analyses are of great importance in genetics studies. Therefore,
      molecular labs do need a proper information system to handle an increasing amount
      of data from different projects. RESULTS: We have developed a molecular labs
      information management system (MolabIS). It was implemented as a web-based system
      allowing the users to capture original data at each step of their workflow.
      MolabIS provides essential functionality for managing information on individuals,
      tracking samples and storage locations, capturing raw files, importing final data
      from external files, searching results, accessing and modifying data. Further
      important features are options to generate ready-to-print reports and convert
      sequence and microsatellite data into various data formats, which can be used as
      input files in subsequent analyses. Moreover, MolabIS also provides a tool for
      data migration. CONCLUSIONS: MolabIS is designed for small-to-medium sized labs
      conducting Sanger sequencing and microsatellite genotyping to store and
      efficiently handle a relative large amount of data. MolabIS not only helps to
      avoid time consuming tasks but also ensures the availability of data for further
      analyses. The software is packaged as a virtual appliance which can run on
      different platforms (e.g. Linux, Windows). MolabIS can be distributed to a wide
      range of molecular genetics labs since it was developed according to a general
      data model. Released under GPL, MolabIS is freely available at
      http://www.molabis.org.

PMID- 22040323
TI  - Functional characterisation of HvCO1, the barley (Hordeum vulgare) flowering time
      ortholog of CONSTANS.
AB  - Variation in photoperiod response is a major factor determining plant development
      and the agronomic performance of crops. The genetic control of photoperiodic
      flowering has been elucidated in the model plant Arabidopsis, and many of the
      identified genes are structurally conserved in the grasses. In this study, HvCO1,
      the closest barley ortholog of the key photoperiod response gene CONSTANS in
      Arabidopsis, was over-expressed in the spring barley Golden Promise. Over
      expression of HvCO1 accelerated time to flowering in long- and short-day
      conditions and caused up-regulation of HvFT1 mRNA under long-day conditions.
      However, the transgenic plants retained a response to photoperiod, suggesting the
      presence of photoperiod response factors acting downstream of HvCO1
      transcription. Analysis of a population segregating for HvCO1 over-expression and
      natural genetic variation at Ppd-H1 demonstrated that Ppd-H1 acts downstream of
      HvCO1 transcription on HvFT1 expression and flowering. Furthermore, variation at
      Ppd-H1 did not affect diurnal expression of HvCO1 or HvCO2. Over-expression of
      HvCO1 increased transcription of the spring allele of Vrn-H1 in long- and short
      day conditions, while genetic variation at Ppd-H1 did not affect Vrn-H1
      expression. Over-expression of HvCO1 and natural genetic variation at Ppd-H1
      accelerated inflorescence development and stem elongation. Thus, HvCO1 probably
      induces flowering by activating HvFT1 whilst Ppd-H1 regulates HvFT1 independently
      of HvCO1 mRNA, and all three genes also appear to have a strong effect in
      promoting inflorescence development.

PMID- 22040324
TI  - Full-term extrauterine abdominal pregnancy: a case report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Extrauterine abdominal pregnancy is extremely rare and is
      frequently missed during antenatal care. This is a report of a full-term
      extrauterine abdominal pregnancy in a primigravida who likely had a ruptured
      ectopic pregnancy with secondary implantation and subsequently delivered a
      healthy baby. CASE PRESENTATION: A 23-year-old, Middle Eastern, primigravida
      presented at 14 weeks gestation with intermittent suprapubic pain and dysuria. An
      abdominal ultrasound examination showed a single viable fetus with free fluid in
      her abdomen. A follow-up examination at term showed a breech presentation and the
      possibility of a bicornute uterus with the fetus present in the left horn of her
      uterus. Our patient underwent Cesarean delivery under general anesthesia and was
      found to have a small intact uterus with the fetus lying in her abdomen and
      surrounded by an amniotic fluid-filled sac. The baby was extracted uneventfully,
      but the placenta was implanted in the left broad ligament and its removal
      resulted in massive intraoperative bleeding that necessitated blood and blood
      products transfusion and the administration of Factor VII to control the
      bleeding. Both the mother and newborn were discharged home in good condition.
      CONCLUSIONS: An extrauterine abdominal pregnancy secondary to a ruptured ectopic
      pregnancy with secondary implantation could be missed during antenatal care and
      continue to term with good maternal and fetal outcome. An advanced extrauterine
      pregnancy should not result in the automatic termination of the pregnancy.

PMID- 22040325
TI  - Children's adjustment in non-traditional families in Israel: the effect of
      parental sexual orientation and the number of parents on children's development.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study examined differences in children's psychological and
      social indicators in non-traditional families in Israel, focusing on fatherless
      families headed by lesbian mothers and single mothers by choice. Although Israel
      is considered an industrialized westernized country, centrality of the
      traditional nuclear family predominates this country. METHODS: This factorial
      design study included four family types: lesbian and heterosexual mothers, each
      in both single and coupled parenthood. Children's measures included the Child
      Behavior Checklist, perception of peer relations and perceived self-competence.
      RESULTS: Children from single parent as opposed to two-parent families exhibited
      more externalizing behaviour problems and aggressiveness. Children of lesbian
      mothers reported more prosocial behaviours and less loneliness than children from
      heterosexual families. No differences emerged for perceived self-competence
      across family types. CONCLUSION: Mother's sexual orientation did not affect
      children's adjustment negatively, whereas single parenthood placed children at
      greater risk for some difficulties. Implications include the need for apprising
      health professionals of effects of family types on children's development.

PMID- 22040327
TI  - Development predictive QSAR models for artemisinin analogues by various feature
      selection methods: a comparative study.
AB  - Quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) models were derived for 179
      analogues of artemisinin, a potent antimalarial agent. The activities of these
      compounds were investigated by means of multiple linear regression (MLR). To
      select relevant descriptors, several methods including stepwise selection,
      successive projection algorithm and an ant colony optimization algorithm (called
      memorized_ACS) were employed. A wide variety of molecular descriptors belonging
      to various structural properties were calculated for each molecule. Two matrixes
      (D1 and D2) of molecular properties were built. The D1 matrix included the
      calculated descriptors and the D2 matrix contained the first to third orders of
      the calculated descriptors and the logarithm of absolute values of the calculated
      descriptors. For both data matrixes, significant QSAR models were obtained by the
      memorized_ACS algorithm. The reactive and PEOE (partial equalization of orbital
      electronegativity) descriptors represented the highest impact on the antimalarial
      activity. The PEOE descriptors belong to partial charge descriptors and the
      reactive descriptor is an indicator of the presence of the reactive groups in the
      molecule. The best MLR model has a training error of 0.71 log RA units (r (2 )=
      0.81) and a prediction error of 0.48 log RA units (r (2) = 0.88).

PMID- 22040326
TI  - Quantifying the quality of hand movement in stroke patients through three
      dimensional curvature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To more accurately evaluate rehabilitation outcomes in stroke
      patients, movement irregularities should be quantified. Previous work in stroke
      patients has revealed a reduction in the trajectory smoothness and segmentation
      of continuous movements. Clinically, the Stroke Impairment Assessment Set (SIAS)
      evaluates the clumsiness of arm movements using an ordinal scale based on the
      examiner's observations. In this study, we focused on three-dimensional curvature
      of hand trajectory to quantify movement, and aimed to establish a novel
      measurement that is independent of movement duration. We compared the proposed
      measurement with the SIAS score and the jerk measure representing temporal
      smoothness. METHODS: Sixteen stroke patients with SIAS upper limb proximal motor
      function (Knee-Mouth test) scores ranging from 2 (incomplete performance) to 4
      (mild clumsiness) were recruited. Nine healthy participant with a SIAS score of 5
      (normal) also participated. Participants were asked to grasp a plastic glass and
      repetitively move it from the lap to the mouth and back at a conformable speed
      for 30 s, during which the hand movement was measured using OPTOTRAK. The
      position data was numerically differentiated and the three-dimensional curvature
      was computed. To compare against a previously proposed measure, the mean squared
      jerk normalized by its minimum value was computed. Age-matched healthy
      participants were instructed to move the glass at three different movement
      speeds. RESULTS: There was an inverse relationship between the curvature of the
      movement trajectory and the patient's SIAS score. The median of the -log of
      curvature (MedianLC) correlated well with the SIAS score, upper extremity
      subsection of Fugl-Meyer Assessment, and the jerk measure in the paretic arm.
      When the healthy participants moved slowly, the increase in the jerk measure was
      comparable to the paretic movements with a SIAS score of 2 to 4, while the
      MedianLC was distinguishable from paretic movements. CONCLUSIONS: Measurement
      based on curvature was able to quantify movement irregularities and matched well
      with the examiner's observations. The results suggest that the quality of paretic
      movements is well characterized using spatial smoothness represented by
      curvature. The smaller computational costs associated with this measurement
      suggest that this method has potential clinical utility.

PMID- 22040328
TI  - Why is Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease misleading?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD) or histiocytic necrotizing
      lymphadenitis is a rare, benign, autoimmune condition characterized by
      lymphadenopathy, fever, and neutropenia. KFD has also been frequently reported in
      association with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). REPORT: We report a case of
      skin manifestations in KFD characterized by malar rash, photosensitivity,
      panniculitic lesions, positive antinuclear antibodies and nDNA, and negative
      extractable nuclear antigen. A biopsy performed on deep nodules on the arms
      revealed an infiltrate of monocytic cells. Electron microscopy showed no
      lymphocytic infiltrate at or below the basal membrane and no necrotic
      keratinocytes within the basal cells of the epidermis. CONCLUSION: Histological
      and ultrastructural data showed that skin manifestations of KFD and SLE share
      some common features. Electron microscopy analysis can help discriminate between
      the two diagnoses.

PMID- 22040329
TI  - Editorial comment on the use of botulinum toxin.

PMID- 22040330
TI  - Extending ideas about animal welfare assessment to include 'quality of life' and
      related concepts.
AB  - Ideas within the animal welfare science arena have evolved continuously
      throughout the last 30 years, and will continue to do so. This paper outlines
      some of these developments. These included reformulation of the five freedoms
      concept into the five domains of potential welfare compromise. This accommodated
      weaknesses in the former by distinguishing between the physical/functional and
      the mental factors that contribute to an animal's welfare state. This development
      reflected a rising scientific acceptance that the mental experiences of animals
      were legitimate foci for study and highlighted that what the animal itself
      experiences represents its welfare status. Initially, most concepts of animal
      welfare emphasised predominantly negative subjective experiences, such as thirst,
      hunger and pain, and negative affective states or feelings including anxiety,
      fear and boredom, but today positive experiences or emotions such as satiety,
      vitality, reward, contentment, curiosity and playfulness are also considered to
      be important. During the same period, the focus shifted from evaluating the
      impacts of individual mental subjective experiences or emotions towards seeking a
      more comprehensive, multifactorial understanding. The five domains concept was
      specifically designed to achieve this. Subsequent notions about quality of life
      (QoL) had the same objective, and emphasised the importance of positive
      experiences. However, some approaches to QoL assessment relied heavily on
      empathetic speculation about what animals may experience subjectively and this
      raised concerns about inappropriate anthropomorphic projections. Such pitfalls
      may be minimised when informed personnel rigorously apply objectively based
      methodologies to QoL assessments limited to a short time frame. It is clear that
      both formal and somewhat less formal QoL assessments of this type are already
      used to guide decision-making about the ongoing care and therapeutic management
      of animals on a daily basis. However, application of the recently introduced
      concepts of 'a life not worth living', 'a life worth avoiding', 'a life worth
      living' and 'a good life' is problematical, because extending the assessment time
      scale to the whole of life is attended by a number of as yet unresolved
      difficulties. Accordingly, their value in the practical management of animals is
      limited so that, at present, reliance on the minimum standards and
      recommendations for best practice outlined in codes of practice or welfare will
      continue to be necessary and worthwhile. Nevertheless, these concepts have value
      in providing a contextual theme that strongly focuses attention on the promotion
      of a lifelong QoL with an overall balance that is positive.

PMID- 22040331
TI  - Development and spatial distribution of the free-living stages of Teladorsagia
      circumcincta and Trichostrongylus colubriformis on pasture: a pilot study.
AB  - AIMS: To measure the development of Teladorsagia (=Ostertagia) circumcincta and
      Trichostrongylus colubriformis eggs to third-stage infective larvae (L3) at
      different times of the year. Also, to measure the spatial distribution of L3
      across herbage, soil and faeces, in order to assess whether spatial issues could
      be important in larval dynamics on pasture. METHODS: Field plots were
      contaminated with sheep faeces containing approximately 20,000 eggs of each of T.
      circumcincta and T. colubriformis on five separate occasions, viz 01 December
      1996 (summer), 18 March 1998 (autumn), 17 June 1998 (winter), 15 October 1998
      (spring), and 23 July 1999 (winter). Replicate plots (n=10) were harvested at
      intervals for up to 12 months after deposition of faeces, and the number and
      distribution of L3 were measured. Larvae were sampled from faeces (where these
      remained), herbage, and three soil zones to a depth of 145 mm. RESULTS: There
      were large differences between contamination dates in the percentage of eggs that
      developed to L3. For both species the highest percentage development was for eggs
      deposited in December (7.8% and 25.9% for T. circumcincta and T. colubriformis,
      respectively) and the lowest for June (0.4% and 0.03% T. circumcincta and T.
      colubriformis, respectively). Development in winter was often delayed, and this
      was always associated with a low yield of larvae, probably due to compounding
      mortalities associated with long periods of exposure to low temperatures. The
      relative distribution of L3 present on herbage, in faeces or in the soil varied
      between sampling times. However, overall the most L3 were recovered from soil
      (74% and 66% for T.circumcincta and T. colubriformis, respectively, averaged over
      all samples), and the lowest recoveries were from the herbage. CONCLUSIONS:
      Although the data are limited, the results indicated that the highest percentage
      of eggs developed to infective larvae in summer and only minimal development
      occurred in winter. The data do not support the view that substantial
      contamination of pastures with sheep parasites occurs over winter. Large numbers
      of larvae were recovered from soil, which indicates that, assuming they can
      subsequently migrate onto herbage, soil is a potentially important reservoir of
      infective larvae in New Zealand. Therefore, the spatial distribution of L3 on
      pasture may affect both the dynamics and transmission of parasite populations.
      Further work on both these issues is warranted.

PMID- 22040332
TI  - Dynamics of the free-living stages of sheep intestinal parasites on pasture in
      the North Island of New Zealand. 1. Patterns of seasonal development.
AB  - AIM: To describe the seasonal pattern of development of third-stage infective
      larvae (L3) from eggs of Teladorsagia (=Ostertagia) circumcincta,
      Trichostrongylus colubriformis and Haemonchus contortus on pasture in the North
      Island of New Zealand. METHODS: Sheep faeces containing known numbers of eggs of
      all three nematode species were deposited on, or buried in, pasture plots at
      three sites, viz coastal Manawatu, Upper Hutt Valley, and East Cape hill country.
      Development was measured by recovering L3 from faeces, herbage and soil 28-31
      days after deposition on 13-18 occasions, between January 2005 and July 2006.
      Analysis of the number of larvae recovered used a mixed model including number of
      eggs deposited, weight of faeces recovered (an assumed indicator of earthworm
      activity), site, contamination date, and position of deposited faeces, i.e. on
      the surface or buried. RESULTS: There was a significant effect of contamination
      date on development of all three species, with maximum numbers of L3 developing
      between late spring (November) and early autumn (March), and minimum numbers in
      June and July. There were large differences between species, with H. contortus
      exhibiting a long period (April to October) where development was close to zero,
      whereas T. circumcincta developed to some extent all year round. Development of
      T. colubriformis was intermediate between the other two species. Burying faeces
      containing nematode eggs increased the number of L3 recovered compared with
      surface deposition (p <= 0.001), although there were a small number of exceptions
      involving only T. colubriformis. The weight of faeces recovered at harvest, which
      was assumed to be an indication of earthworm activity, was correlated with the
      number of L3 recovered for all species (p<0.001). In a separate analysis,
      earthworms were assumed to have been active if <5 g faeces remained at harvest.
      Where this occurred, the number of L3 of T. colubriformis and T.circumcincta
      recovered was reduced by 56% and 58%, respectively (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A
      marked seasonal pattern of development was observed for all three species, with
      the most larvae developing in spring-early autumn and the least in winter. This
      seasonal pattern was most pronounced in H. contortus and least obvious in T.
      circumcincta. Burying faeces containing eggs generally resulted in more L3 being
      recovered, whilst the apparent activity of earthworms resulted in fewer larvae
      being recovered.

PMID- 22040333
TI  - Dynamics of the free-living stages of sheep intestinal parasites on pasture in
      the North Island of New Zealand. 2. Weather variables associated with
      development.
AB  - AIM: To identify weather variables associated with the development of eggs of
      Teladorsagia (=Ostertagia) circumcincta, Trichostrongylus colubriformis and
      Haemonchus contortus to third-stage infective larvae (L3) under a range of
      climatic conditions on pasture in the North Island of New Zealand. METHODS: Sheep
      faeces containing known numbers of eggs of all three nematode species were
      deposited on, or buried in, pasture plots at three sites, viz coastal Manawatu,
      Upper Hutt Valley, and East Cape hill country. Development was measured by
      recovering L3 from faeces, herbage and soil 28-31 days after deposition, on 13-18
      occasions between January 2005 until July 2006. Weather data were recorded at
      each site, and the association between weather variables and number of L3
      recovered was analysed using subsets regression to select best-fitting models
      from several candidate variables, after adjustment for efficiency of recovery of
      L3. A multiple linear regression model was then developed for each species, to
      select weather variables that had both significant and substantive effects on the
      number of L3 recovered. RESULTS: For all species, mean daily temperature was the
      best predictor of the number of L3 recovered (p=0.001). For T.circumcincta the
      final model included mean daily temperature and soil temperature (R2=51%), and
      for T. colubriformis the model only included mean daily temperature (R2=55%). For
      development of H. contortus, mean daily temperature was the most significant
      variable, but moisture in the form of rainfall entropy, i.e. the temporal
      distribution of rainfall, over the first 14 days was also significant in the
      final model (R2=34%). CONCLUSIONS: Temperature was the most important determinant
      of developmental success of free-living nematodes on pasture at the study sites,
      and probably also for other parts of New Zealand with similar climates. Moisture
      was not significant in the development of T. circumcincta or T.colubriformis,
      implying that under the generally moist temperate climate in New Zealand,
      moisture is seldom limiting for development of these species. Haemonchus
      contortus appeared to be sensitive to moisture availability and precipitation in
      the first 14 days after deposition of faeces. The results of this study will be
      further developed as part of species-specific climate-driven models of parasite
      development in New Zealand.

PMID- 22040334
TI  - Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis infection in wildlife on three deer
      farms with a history of Johne's disease.
AB  - AIM: To determine the prevalence of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis
      (Map) infection in wildlife, in pastoral landscapes with a recent history of
      clinical Johne's disease in livestock. METHODS: A total of 449 wild mammals and
      birds from three farms in the South Island of New Zealand with recent histories
      of clinical Johne's disease in their deer herds were trapped and examined for
      gross pathological changes in the gastrointestinal tract. Additionally,
      individual mesenteric lymph nodes from 380 mammals, and segments of
      gastrointestinal tract from 32 birds were excised, homogenised and cultured for
      viable Map bacilli. The prevalence of Map infection was then calculated for the
      various species. Faecal samples from those mammals which had culture-positive
      tissues were further cultured for the presence of Map. RESULTS: Gross
      pathological changes were identified in the gastrointestinal tract of four
      brushtail possums, one cat, six ferrets, 12 hares, six hedgehogs, three rabbits,
      one stoat, and one paradise shelduck. Infection with Map in the gastrointestinal
      tract was confirmed in only three of these cases, one each of brushtail possums,
      hares and hedgehogs. In contrast, Map infection in the absence of gross
      pathological changes was frequently recorded in enteric tract tissues of mammals
      and birds. Among mammals, Map infection was recorded in 18/73 (25%) brushtail
      possums, 4/23 (17%) cats, 15/42 (36%) hedgehogs and 29/113 (26%) rabbits. Among
      birds, intestinal tract tissue Map infection was recorded in 3/17 (18%) paradise
      shelducks. Among 64 of the 74 mammals which had Map culture-positive tissues, 38%
      (n=5) of hedgehogs and 11% (n=3) of rabbits also had culture-positive faecal
      samples. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to identify that Map infection can
      be prevalent in wildlife in New Zealand. There was a high prevalence of Map
      infection among both scavenging and grazing wild animals. Both mammals and birds
      are capable of harbouring viable Map organisms in their gastrointestinal tract;
      further, viable Map was excreted into the environment via faeces by hedgehogs and
      rabbits. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Previous studies overseas have postulated a role of
      wildlife as reservoirs of Map infection and possible vectors of Johne's disease
      to livestock. Here, brushtail possums, hedgehogs and rabbits and in particular
      were identified as potential wildlife hosts for Map infection in New Zealand.
      This suggests that several wildlife species could contribute to the persistence
      of Map infection within a wildlife/livestock complex, and potentially, perhaps
      more importantly, to the spread of infection between farms.

PMID- 22040335
TI  - Relationship between estimated breeding value for somatic cell count and
      prevalence of intramammary infection in dairy goats.
AB  - Abstract AIM: The objective of the study was to determine if dairy goats selected
      as having either Low or High estimated breeding values for somatic cell count
      (EBV SCC) would differ in prevalence of intramammary infection (IMI). METHODS:
      The EBV SCC for all does in two dairy goat herds were calculated based on the
      three or four herd test results for somatic cell count (SCC) from the preceding
      lactations. Within each herd does were categorised into six age groups (i.e. 2,
      3, 4, 5, 6 and >6 years old) and ranked on EBV SCC. Approximately the top (High
      group; n=149) and bottom (Low group; n=148) 12.5% of the does within each age
      group within each herd had milk samples collected from each gland on one calendar
      day for subsequent microbiology. The presence of any IMI or IMI due to a major
      pathogen at goat level was modelled using a GLM with a binomial link function.
      RESULTS: There was no difference between the High and Low groups in terms of age,
      days in milk at the time of sampling or in the proportion of the Saanen breed.
      Mean EBV SCC was -1.0 (SD 0.4) vs 0.8 (SD 0.4) for the Low and High groups,
      respectively, and there was no overlap in EBV SCC between groups. Goats in the
      Low group had lower prevalence of any IMI than those in the High group (0.67 (95%
      CI=0.58-0.76) vs 0.81 (95% CI=0.74-0.88); p=0.002). Goats in the High group were
      8.4 (95% CI=1.9-38.0) times more likely to have IMI due to a major pathogen
      infection than goats in the Low group (p=0.006). CONCLUSIONS: Does with a high
      EBV SCC had a higher prevalence of any IMI and were more likely to have an IMI
      due to a major pathogen than does with a low EBV SCC. Thus selection for EBV SCC
      is likely to result in a lower SCC and also lower prevalence of IMI.

PMID- 22040336
TI  - Attitudes towards perception and management of pain in rabbits and guinea pigs by
      a sample of veterinarians in New Zealand.
AB  - AIMS: To determine the perceptions of a sample of veterinarians in New Zealand
      regarding pain and pain management in rabbits and guinea pigs. METHODS:
      Questionnaires were distributed to all members of the Companion Animal Society,
      part of the New Zealand Veterinary Association. The questionnaire gathered
      information on the demographics of respondents, obtained an assessment by
      veterinarians of the level of pain associated with clinical procedures for
      rabbits and guinea pigs, established the willingness of respondents to perform
      these, obtained information on the anaesthetics and analgesics used during these
      procedures, and the factors associated with selecting different types of drug.
      The level of knowledge of respondents and interest in continuing education
      regarding pain recognition and management in these species was also assessed.
      RESULTS: A total of 155/610 (25.4%) responses were obtained. Rodents and
      lagomorphs accounted for 0-5% of the total caseload in the practices of most
      (133/155; 86%) respondents. Anticipated pain scores differed for different
      procedures (p<0.001) but did not differ between male and female respondents or
      between species of animal. There were also differences between procedures in the
      respondents willingness to perform them (p<0.001). Selection of anaesthetics and
      analgesics was mainly determined by the amount of information available for the
      species, and ketamine was the drug most commonly used. Many veterinarians felt
      their level of knowledge regarding the recognition and treatment of pain in
      rabbits and guinea pigs was inadequate. CONCLUSIONS: Rabbits and guinea pigs
      represented a small percentage of the caseload of veterinarians in this study.
      From an animal welfare perspective this may be of concern as, anecdotally, these
      species are common pets. However, further study regarding the actual number of
      these animals kept as pets in New Zealand is required for validation. Veterinary
      perception of anticipated pain, and willingness to perform procedures, varied
      between procedures, but was not influenced by gender of veterinarian. Many
      respondents felt their knowledge of issues relating to pain recognition,
      anaesthesia and analgesia in rabbits and guinea pigs was inadequate. CLINICAL
      RELEVANCE: Understanding how veterinarians choose to provide analgesia or when
      they decline to perform surgeries for rabbits and guinea pigs may provide
      significant information for targeting professional development, and improving
      animal welfare.

PMID- 22040337
TI  - The effects of farming system and season on the prevalence of lameness in sheep
      in northwest Iran.
AB  - AIMS: To determine the prevalence of lameness in sheep in Urmia, northwest Iran,
      and compare the effects of production system and season on prevalence. METHODS: A
      cross-sectional study, using cluster sampling, was conducted. The selected flocks
      included 18 with 2,315 sheep from farmed production and 28 with 7,619 sheep from
      semi-migratory systems, and were visited once in summer (grazing season) and once
      in winter (housing season). Sheep showing signs of lameness were examined to
      detect the causes of lameness. Bacteriology and histopathology were also
      performed if required. RESULTS: The probability of overall lameness was not
      affected by farming system (p = 0.40), but in the grazing season was less (OR =
      0.62; 95% CI = 0.56-0.69) than in the housing season. Footrot was most the common
      cause of lameness, occurring in 1,047/1,880 (56%) cases. Among flocks, 40/46
      (87%) had >= 1 case of footrot. Farming system had no effect on occurrence of
      footrot (p = 0.85), but the probability of footrot in the grazing season was less
      (OR = 0.21; 95% CI = 0.18-0.25) than in the housing season. Semi-migratory flocks
      had less hoof overgrowth (OR = 0.30; 95% CI = 0.16-0.56) than farmed flocks, and
      the probability of hoof overgrowth in the grazing season was less (OR = 0.19; 95%
      CI = 0.12-0.29) than in the housing season. The probability of digital abscess
      was less in semi-migratory flocks (OR = 0.64; 95% CI = 0.46-0.88) than farmed
      flocks, and in the grazing season was more (OR = 2.14; 95 CI = 1.61-2.85) than in
      the housing season. The probability of interdigital gland infection was higher
      (OR = 7.15; 95% CI = 5.36-9.55) in the grazing season than in the housing season.
      Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from 9/11 (82%) sheep affected with
      interdigital gland infection. CONCLUSIONS: Footrot was the main cause of lameness
      in sheep in both farmed and semi-migratory farming systems in this study,
      especially in the housing season. In the grazing season, digital abscess and
      interdigital gland infection should be considered as common causes of sporadic
      lameness in sheep. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In practice, lameness in sheep can be a
      major concern both in farmed and semi-migratory farming systems, with a high
      occurrence in the housing season. Footrot was a main cause of lameness in sheep
      in northwest Iran.

PMID- 22040338
TI  - Culture results from milk samples submitted to veterinary diagnostic laboratories
      from August 2003 to December 2006 in New Zealand.
AB  - AIMS: To determine the pattern of isolation of major mastitis-causing organisms
      isolated from milk samples submitted to five veterinary diagnostic laboratories
      in New Zealand. METHODS: The culture results of 25,288 milk samples that were
      collected from dairy cows throughout New Zealand from August 2003 to December
      2006 and submitted to a group of veterinary diagnostic laboratories were
      assembled, reviewed and summarised. Logistic regression was used to analyse the
      effect of year, region (i.e. North vs South Island), and season on the
      probability of isolating the two most common organisms. RESULTS: The most
      commonly isolated mastitis causing organisms from all samples were: Streptococcus
      uberis (23.6%), Staphylococcus aureus (23.5%), coagulase-negative staphylococci
      (CNS; 7.2%), Strep. dysgalactiae (6.2%), Bacillus spp. (4.0%), and coliforms
      (3.7%). The percentage of samples with isolates of Strep. uberis or Staph. aureus
      was affected by island, year and season (p<0.001). For most of the year, except
      in late winter and early spring when Strep. uberis was much more common, the
      percentage of isolates of Strep. uberis and Staph. aureus were not apparently
      different despite the former being an environmental pathogen and the other a
      contagious one. CONCLUSION: The pattern of isolation of major mastitis-causing
      organisms, as determined from culture of milk samples submitted to diagnostic
      laboratories in New Zealand, has changed significantly over the last 40 years,
      with a substantial increase in the percentage of isolates that are Strep. uberis
      and a decrease in isolates of Strep. agalactiae. There is a clear seasonal
      pattern to the isolation of both Strep. uberis and Staph. aureus, particularly
      the former. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Knowledge of the aetiological agents causing
      bovine mastitis on a farm is of value in determining the choice of treatment.
      This dataset shows that, although there is seasonal pattern to the isolation of
      mastitis-causing organisms in New Zealand, both Strep. uberis and Staph. aureus
      are isolated throughout the year, so bacteriology is of value in determining
      aetiology even in late winter/early spring.

PMID- 22040339
TI  - The relationship of training milestones with racing success in a population of
      Standardbred horses in New Zealand.
AB  - AIM: To investigate the association between attainment of training milestones by
      2-year-old horses with racing outcomes in a population of Standardbred racehorses
      in New Zealand. METHODS: Retrospective records of the 2001/2002-born Standardbred
      foals were obtained. The three training milestones used were: registered with a
      trainer, entered in a trial, and competed in a race. The racing outcomes were
      length of career in years raced and number of race starts, and total earnings.
      Cox regression analysis was used to assess the association between attainment of
      the three milestones by 2-year-olds and the number of race starts and years
      raced. Logistic regression models were used to determine the association between
      attainment of the milestones by 2-year-olds and the outcomes won and placed in a
      race. Linear regression was used to model the association between attainment of
      the milestones by 2-year-olds and annual earnings and total earnings (transformed
      using Ln (earnings+NZ$100)). RESULTS: Of 3,032 horses in the population, 1,018
      (33.6%) registered with a trainer, 609 (20.1%) trialled, and 272 (9.0%) raced as
      2-year-olds. Horses that first raced as 2-year-olds had a longer racing career
      and more race starts than those that that did not race as 2-year-olds (p<0.001);
      this was also true when starts in the 2-year-olds were omitted from analyses.
      Horses that were registered with a trainer, trialled or raced as 2-year-olds were
      more likely to have won or placed in a race than those that did not achieve the
      milestones as 2-year-olds (p<0.001). Linear regression showed horses that
      trialled and raced as 2-year-olds had greater total earnings than those that did
      not, and male horses had a greater total earnings than female horses. CONCLUSION:
      Only one third the Standardbred racehorses born in 2001/2002 registered with a
      trainer as 2-year-olds, but the results of this study indicate that horses that
      began training, trialling, or racing as 2-year-olds had longer and more
      successful careers than those that did not achieve the milestones as 2-year-olds.
      Further investigation is required to quantify the management practices of these
      horses to determine the factors that may be associated with a successful racing
      career.

PMID- 22040340
TI  - Efficacy of tropicamide, homatropine, cyclopentolate, atropine and hyoscine as
      mydriatics in Angora goats.
AB  - AIM: To document the efficacy of five commercially available mydriatics for their
      potential for diagnostic and therapeutic use in Angora goats. METHODS: Over 8
      weeks, the mydriatic effects of 1% tropicamide, 2% homatropine, 1%
      cyclopentolate, 1% atropine and 0.25% hyoscine were evaluated. Given as block
      treatments, drugs were applied randomly to one eye of 10 Angora goats, and the
      contralateral eye served as a control. Vertical and horizontal pupil diameters
      were measured to document onset of effect, time to reach a difference of 5 mm in
      the vertical/horizontal pupil diameter between eyes, time to maximum pupillary
      dilation, and duration of mydriatic action. RESULTS: Onset of mydriasis for all
      drugs occurred within 15 minutes. Time to reach a difference of 5 mm in the
      vertical pupil diameter between eyes was shortest for 1% tropicamide and 0.25%
      hyoscine (0.5 h), then 2% homatropine and 1% atropine (0.75 h), and longest for
      1% cyclopentolate (1.5 h). The maximum vertical pupillary dilation occurred
      earliest with 1% tropicamide and 1% atropine (2 h), followed by 0.25% hyoscine (3
      h), 2% homatropine (4 h), and latest with 1% cyclopentolate (8 h). The duration
      of vertical dilation of the pupil was shortest with 1% tropicamide (6 h), then 2%
      homatropine (12 h), 1% cyclopentolate (12 h), 1% atropine (24 h), and longest for
      0.25% hyoscine (96 h). The time to reach maximum horizontal dilation of the pupil
      in treated eyes was shortest with 1% cyclopentolate (1 h), followed by 1%
      tropicamide (1.5 h), 0.25% hyoscine (3 h), 2% homatropine (3.5 h), and 1%
      atropine (4 h). The duration of horizontal pupil dilation was shortest with 1%
      tropicamide (4.5 h), and longest with 0.25% hyoscine (48 h). CONCLUSION: All five
      mydriatics induced clinical dilation. Tropicamide (1%) had the shortest duration
      of effect, but gave incomplete dilation. Good dilation was achieved with 1%
      cyclopentolate and 2% homatropine, but took too long to reach maximum dilation
      for routine mydriasis. The largest vertical dilation of the pupil was achieved
      with 1% atropine and 0.25% hyoscine, but pupils remained dilated for more than 24
      h. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: For routine mydriasis in goats, it is recommended that 1%
      tropicamide be used, though there may be incomplete dilation. For a longer
      duration of mydriasis, such as in the treatment of anterior uveitis, 1% atropine
      or 0.25% hyoscine would be the drugs of choice.

PMID- 22040341
TI  - Haemangiosarcoma of the interventricular septum in a dog.
AB  - Abstract CASE HISTORY: A 5-year-old male neutered Labrador Retriever Afghan
      crossbred dog was examined after collapsing. The dog was recumbent, dyspnoeic and
      mildly tachypnoeic. There was a tachyarrhythmia (300 beats per minute) and
      subcutaneous oedema of the ventral neck and right forelimb. CLINICAL FINDINGS:
      The dog had a sustained ventricular tachycardia originating in the right
      ventricle and on echocardiography a mass was identified in the interventricular
      septum. Due to the poor prognosis the owners agreed to euthanasia of the dog.
      PATHOLOGICAL FINDINGS: A reddish-grey mass was found in the interventricular
      septum and smaller red foci found scattered throughout the myocardium. There was
      a single, raised, splenic nodule with several smaller red foci within the splenic
      parenchyma. Hepatic congestion, pancreatic oedema, ascites and subcutaneous
      oedema of the right forelimb and neck were present. Sections of the splenic
      nodule, interventricular septal mass and both ventricular-free walls showed
      neoplastic mesenchymal cells. DIAGNOSIS: Haemangiosarcoma of the myocardium and
      spleen with right-sided congestive heart failure. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This case
      report describes an atypical location for haemangiosarcoma. The investigation
      supports the use of echocardiography as a component of the protocol for staging
      haemangiosarcoma even in the absence of apericardial effusion. It also provides
      further evidence for the inclusion of intracardiac neoplasia as a differential
      diagnosis for dogs with unexplained cardiac arrhythmias.

PMID- 22040346
TI  - Significance of CO2 donor on the production of succinic acid by Actinobacillus
      succinogenes ATCC 55618.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Succinic acid is a building-block chemical which could be used as the
      precursor of many industrial products. The dissolved CO2 concentration in the
      fermentation broth could strongly regulate the metabolic flux of carbon and the
      activity of phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) carboxykinase, which are the important
      committed steps for the biosynthesis of succinic acid by Actinobacillus
      succinogenes. Previous reports showed that succinic acid production could be
      promoted by regulating the supply of CO2 donor in the fermentation broth.
      Therefore, the effects of dissolved CO2 concentration and MgCO3 on the
      fermentation process should be investigated. In this article, we studied the
      impacts of gaseous CO2 partial pressure, dissolved CO2 concentration, and the
      addition amount of MgCO3 on succinic acid production by Actinobacillus
      succinogenes ATCC 55618. We also demonstrated that gaseous CO2 could be removed
      when MgCO3 was fully supplied. RESULTS: An effective CO2 quantitative
      mathematical model was developed to calculate the dissolved CO2 concentration in
      the fermentation broth. The highest succinic acid production of 61.92 g/L was
      obtained at 159.22 mM dissolved CO2 concentration, which was supplied by 40 g/L
      MgCO3 at the CO2 partial pressure of 101.33 kPa. When MgCO3 was used as the only
      CO2 donor, a maximal succinic acid production of 56.1 g/L was obtained, which was
      just decreased by 7.03% compared with that obtained under the supply of gaseous
      CO2 and MgCO3. CONCLUSIONS: Besides the high dissolved CO2 concentration, the
      excessive addition of MgCO3 was beneficial to promote the succinic acid
      synthesis. This was the first report investigating the replaceable of gaseous CO2
      in the fermentation of succinic acid. The results obtained in this study may be
      useful for reducing the cost of succinic acid fermentation process.

PMID- 22040347
TI  - Structural flexibility and role of vicinal 2-thienyl rings in 2,3-dicyano-5,6
      di(2-thienyl)-1,4-pyrazine, [(CN)2Th2Pyz], its palladium(II) complex
      [(CN)2Th2Pyz(PdCl2)2], and the related pentametallic pyrazinoporphyrazines
      [(PdCl2)4Th8TPyzPzM] (M = Mg(II)(H2O), Zn(II)).
AB  - The solid state and solution structure of 2,3-dicyano-5,6-di(2-thienyl)-1,4
      pyrazine, [(CN)(2)Th(2)Pyz], and its Pd(II) derivative,
      [(CN)(2)Th(2)Pyz(PdCl(2))(2)].H(2)O, formed by reaction of [(CN)(2)Th(2)Pyz] with
      [(C(6)H(5)CN)(2)PdCl(2)] were characterized by X-ray, UV-visible, (1)H and (13)C
      NMR, and extended X-ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectral measurements.
      The X-ray crystal structure of [(CN)(2)Th(2)Pyz] shows the presence of one
      thienyl ring positioned orthogonal to the rest of the molecule, with the two
      vicinal thienyl rings lying orthogonal to each other in a rare arrangement. NMR
      studies of [(CN)(2)Th(2)Pyz] in the solid state and in solutions of
      dimethylformamide or dimethyl sulfoxide confirm a nonequivalence of the thienyl
      rings in the solid state and also in solution. EXAFS results indicate that two
      distinct Pd(II) coordination sites are formed at the di(2-thienyl)pyrazino moiety
      of [(CN)(2)Th(2)Pyz(PdCl(2))(2)].H(2)O, with identical Pd-N(pyz) (2.03(3) A) and
      Pd-Cl (2.36(3) A) bond lengths but with different Pd-S1 (2.25(4) A) and Pd-S2
      (3.21(5) A) bond distances in an overall asymmetric molecular framework. Density
      functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TDDFT) theoretical studies also
      provide information about the structure and spectral behavior of the precursor
      and its metalated Pd(II) derivative. (1)H/(13)C NMR and UV-visible spectral
      measurements were also carried out on two heteropentametallic porphyrazine
      macrocycles which were prepared by a reaction of PdCl(2) with [Th(8)TPyzPzM]
      where Th(8)TPyzPz = tetrakis-2,3-[5,6-di-(2-thienyl)-pyrazino]porphyrazinato
      dianion and M = Mg(II)(H(2)O) or Zn(II). Spectroscopic data on the newly
      synthesized [(PdCl(2))(4)Th(8)TPyzPzM] compounds suggest that the binding of
      PdCl(2) involves coordination sites of the type S(2(th))PdCl(2) with the two
      thienyl rings of each di(2-thienyl)pyrazino fragment bound to Pd(II) in an
      equivalent manner ("th-th" coordination). This is similar to what was found for
      the corresponding octapyridinated analogues ("py-py" coordination).

PMID- 22040348
TI  - Policy implications for familial searching.
AB  - In the United States, several states have made policy decisions regarding
      whether and how to use familial searching of the Combined DNA Index System
      (CODIS) database in criminal investigations. Familial searching pushes DNA typing
      beyond merely identifying individuals to detecting genetic relatedness, an
      application previously reserved for missing persons identifications and custody
      battles. The intentional search of CODIS for partial matches to an item of
      evidence offers law enforcement agencies a powerful tool for developing
      investigative leads, apprehending criminals, revitalizing cold cases and
      exonerating wrongfully convicted individuals. As familial searching involves a
      range of logistical, social, ethical and legal considerations, states are now
      grappling with policy options for implementing familial searching to balance
      crime fighting with its potential impact on society. When developing policies for
      familial searching, legislators should take into account the impact of familial
      searching on select populations and the need to minimize personal intrusion on
      relatives of individuals in the DNA database. This review describes the
      approaches used to narrow a suspect pool from a partial match search of CODIS and
      summarizes the economic, ethical, logistical and political challenges of
      implementing familial searching. We examine particular US state policies and the
      policy options adopted to address these issues. The aim of this review is to
      provide objective background information on the controversial approach of
      familial searching to inform policy decisions in this area. Herein we highlight
      key policy options and recommendations regarding effective utilization of
      familial searching that minimize harm to and afford maximum protection of US
      citizens.

PMID- 22040349
TI  - Infection after transrectal ultrasonography-guided prostate biopsy: increased
      relative risks after recent international travel or antibiotic use.
AB  - Study Type - Prognosis (case series) Level of Evidence 4 What's known on the
      subject? and What does the study add? Septicaemia is the most frequent cause of
      hospitalization after transtrectal prostate biopsy; fatalities have been reported
      and the incidence is on the rise. This study shows that men with a history of
      recent international travel or antibiotic use have up to four times increased
      risk of septicaemia and hospitalization. When they do occur, infections are
      usually due to multi-resistant E coli and additional care, e.g. delay before
      biopsy, different antibiotic prophylaxis or transperineal biopsy, should be
      considered in these cases. OBJECTIVE * To study the infection rate after prostate
      biopsy in those who have travelled overseas or used antibiotics in the 4 weeks
      before biopsy. PATIENTS AND METHODS * A total of 316 men with a mean (range) age
      of 61 (45-85) years were studied. All had undergone transrectal ultrasonography
      (TRUS)-guided prostate biopsy after standard antibiotic prophylaxis. * Before
      their biopsy the patients were risk stratified and a history of recent
      international travel or antibiotic use was recorded. * Those who suffered
      sufficiently severe infection/sepsis so as to require hospitalization were
      identified at the end of the study period. * The characteristics of these
      patients and the types of infections were explored and the relative risk (RR) of
      infection after recent travel or antibiotic use was calculated. RESULTS * Of the
      316 men, 16 were hospitalized with infection. * The group with (n= 16) and
      without (n= 300) infection were equivalent in age, prostate-specific antigen
      level, disease status and number of biopsy cores taken. * Either recent travel or
      antibiotic use were independent risk factors for infection [travel: 8/16 vs
      76/300; P= 0.04; RR 2.7 and antibiotic use: 4/16 vs 20/300; P= 0.025; RR 4].
      There was no significant pattern in the countries visited or the type of
      antibiotic used. * Culture results were positive in 10/16 men, and all cultures
      grew multiresistant Escherichia coli. The strains were uniformly resistant to
      ciprofloxacin and amoxycillin, and variably resistant to gentamicin and co
      amoxiclav, but nearly all were sensitive to meropenem. * All patients made a full
      recovery after antibiotic and supportive treatment. CONCLUSIONS * Either recent
      international travel or antibiotic use are independent risk factors for severe
      infection after TRUS-guided prostate biopsy. * When infection does occur it
      should be treated aggressively as the causative agent is usually a multiresistant
      E. coli.

PMID- 22040350
TI  - Patients with univentricular heart in early childhood: parenting stress and child
      behaviour.
AB  - AIMS: To assess perceptions of child behaviour and parenting stress among the
      parents of young children with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) and other
      forms of functionally univentricular heart defects (UVH). METHODS: As part of our
      prospective nation-wide neurodevelopmental follow-up study, the parents of 23
      patients with HLHS, 14 with UVH and 46 healthy controls at the mean age of 18
      months received the questionnaires Child Behavior Checklist and Parenting Stress
      Index. RESULTS: The reported level of total parenting stress was significantly
      higher among the mothers (mean score 241 vs 205, p < 0.001) and fathers (235 vs
      202, p = 0.003) of patients with HLHS compared with those of controls. The
      parents of patients with HLHS reported significantly more total (mean T score 52
      vs 45, p = 0.005) and internalizing (51 vs 41, p < 0.001) behaviour problems than
      the controls, but among the syndrome scales, a significant difference was only
      found in somatic complaints. The parents of patients with UVH did not report more
      parenting stress or emotional problems than the controls. CONCLUSION: Hypoplastic
      left heart syndrome, a severe congenital heart defect, increases parenting
      stress. The reported emotional maladjustment in affected children might in part
      be owing to somatic complaints.

PMID- 22040351
TI  - Variable agronomic practices, cultivar, strain source and initial contamination
      dose differentially affect survival of Escherichia coli on spinach.
AB  - AIMS: Greenhouse and field trials were conducted under different agronomic
      practices and inoculum doses of environmental Escherichia coli and attenuated E.
      coli O157:H7, to comparatively determine whether these factors influence their
      survival on leaves and within the rhizosphere. METHODS AND RESULTS: Hydroponic
      conditions: E. coli spray-inoculated at log 4 CFU ml(-1) was recovered from leaf
      surfaces at a mean population of 1.6 log CFU g(-1) at 15 days. E. coli O157:H7
      sprayed at log 2 or 4 CFU ml(-1) levelled off on spinach leaf surfaces at a mean
      average population of 1.4 log CFU g(-1) after 14 days, regardless of initial
      dose. Quantitative recovery was inconsistent across leaf developmental age. Field
      conditions: Average populations of E. coli O157:H7 spray-inoculated at log 1.45
      or 3.4 CFU m(-2) levelled off at log 1.2 CFU g(-1) over a 14-day period. Pathogen
      recovery from leaves was inconsistent when compared to regularly positive
      detection on basal shoot tissue. Pathogen recovery from soil was inconsistent
      among sampling locations. Moisture content varied up to 40% DW and was associated
      with 50% (P < 0.05) decrease in positive locations for E. coli O157:H7 but not
      for E. coli. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, similar populations of environmental E. coli
      and E. coli O157:H7 were recovered from plants despite differences in inoculum
      dose and agronomic conditions. Strain source had a significant impact on the
      quantitative level and duration of survival on leaves and in soil. Water
      availability appeared to be the determinant factor in survival of E. coli and E.
      coli O157:H7; however, E. coli showed greater environmental fitness. SIGNIFICANCE
      AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: Persistence of surrogate, indicator E. coli and E. coli
      O157:H7, irrespective of variable growing conditions in spinach is predominantly
      limited by water availability, strain source and localization within the plant.
      These findings are anticipated to ultimately be adopted into routine and
      investigative pathogen testing protocols and mechanical harvest practices of
      spinach.

PMID- 22040352
TI  - Dancing on coke: smuggling cocaine dispersed in polyvinyl alcohol.
AB  - Recent trends suggest that cocaine smugglers have become more and more inventive
      to avoid seizures of large amounts of cocaine transported between countries. We
      report a case of a mail parcel containing a dance pad which was seized at the
      Customs Department of Brussels Airport, Belgium. After investigation, the inside
      of the dance pad was found to contain a thick polymer, which tested positive for
      cocaine. Analysis was performed using a routine colorimetric swipe test, gas
      chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance
      spectroscopy. The polymer was identified as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and contained
      18% cocaine, corresponding to a street value of ? 20,000. Laboratory experiments
      showed that cocaine could be easily extracted from the PVA matrix. This case
      report reveals a new smuggling technique for the transportation of large amounts
      of cocaine from one country to another.

PMID- 22040353
TI  - Why do even satisfied newlyweds eventually go on to divorce?
AB  - Although divorce typically follows an extended period of unhappiness that begins
      early in marriage, some couples who are very happy throughout the first several
      years of marriage will also go on to divorce. This study aimed to identify risk
      factors early in marriage that distinguish initially satisfied couples who
      eventually divorce from those who remain married. We identified 136 couples
      reporting stably high levels of relationship satisfaction in the first 4 years of
      marriage. We compared the couples who went on to divorce by the 10-year follow-up
      with the couples who remained married on initial measures of commitment, observed
      communication, stress, and personality. Divorcing couples displayed more negative
      communication, emotion, and social support as newlyweds compared with couples who
      did not divorce. No significant differences were found in the other domains, in
      relationship satisfaction, or in positive behaviors. Overall, results indicate
      that even couples who are very successful at navigating the early years of
      marriage can be vulnerable to later dissolution if their interpersonal exchanges
      are poorly regulated. We speculate that, paradoxically, the many strengths
      possessed by these couples may mask their potent interpersonal liabilities,
      posing challenges for educational interventions designed to help these couples.

PMID- 22040354
TI  - Disinfection of bacterially contaminated hydrophilic PVS impression materials.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study evaluated disinfection of bacterially contaminated
      hydrophilic polyvinylsiloxane (PVS) and polyether impressions. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Four light-bodied PVS (Examix, Genie, Take 1, Aquasil) and one polyether
      (Impregum) impression materials were evaluated using three disinfectants (EcoTru
      [EnviroSystems], ProSpray [Certol], and bleach [diluted 1:9]) as spray and
      immersion disinfections for 10-minute exposures. Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC
      15442, Salmonella choleraesius ATCC 10708, and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538
      was the microbial challenge. Test specimens were prepared using aluminum molds
      with ten tapered cones. Mucin covered each cone, followed by 0.01 mL of each
      bacterium. Impressions were made using low viscosity impression material that was
      injected over the cones and filled custom trays. One-half of the impressions were
      spray disinfected, while the others underwent immersion disinfection. Trays that
      were contaminated but not disinfected served as positive controls, while those
      not bacterially contaminated or disinfected served as negative controls. The
      impressions were poured with Silky Rock Die Stone, and after setting, two cones
      were placed within a sterile capsule and triturated into powder. Four milliliters
      of TRIS buffer (0.05 M, pH 7.0) containing sodium thiosulfate (0.0055% w/v) were
      poured in each tube. After mixing, the solution was serially diluted and spread
      plated onto selective agars. After incubation, colony counting occurred. RESULTS:
      No viable bacteria transferred to casts from either spray- or immersion
      disinfected impressions. Negative controls produced no microbial colonies.
      Positive controls produced on average 3.35 * 10(5) bacterial cells. CONCLUSION:
      Results suggest the methods used could disinfect contaminated impression
      materials. Microbial transfer from nondisinfected impressions to cones approached
      33.5%.

PMID- 22040355
TI  - Synthesis of well-ordered COF monolayers: surface growth of nanocrystalline
      precursors versus direct on-surface polycondensation.
AB  - Two different straightforward synthetic approaches are presented to fabricate
      long-range-ordered monolayers of a covalent organic framework (COF) on an inert,
      catalytically inactive graphite surface. Boronic acid condensation (dehydration)
      is employed as the polymerization reaction. In the first approach, the monomer is
      prepolymerized by a mere thermal treatment into nanocrystalline precursor COFs.
      The precursors are then deposited by drop-casting onto a graphite substrate and
      characterized by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). While in the precursors
      monomers are already covalently interlinked into the final COF structure, the
      resulting domain size is still rather small. We show that a thermal treatment
      under reversible reaction conditions facilitates on-surface ripening associated
      with a striking increase of the domain size. Although this first approach allows
      studying different stages of the polymerization, the direct polymerization, that
      is, without the necessity of preceding reaction steps, is desirable. We
      demonstrate that even for a comparatively small diboronic acid monomer a direct
      thermally activated polymerization into extended COF monolayers is achievable.

PMID- 22040356
TI  - Validation of an axial flow blood pump: computational fluid dynamics results
      using particle image velocimetry.
AB  - A magnetically suspended axial flow blood pump is studied experimentally in this
      article. The pump casing enclosed a three-blade straightener, a two-blade
      impeller shrouded by a permanent magnet-embedded cylinder, and a three-blade
      diffuser. The internal flow fields were simulated earlier using computational
      fluid dynamics (CFD), and the pump characteristic curves were determined. The
      simulation results showed that the internal flow field was basically streamlined,
      except the diffuser region. Particle image velocimetry (PIV) measurement of the
      1:1 pump model was conducted to validate the CFD result. In order to ensure the
      optical access, an acrylic prototype was fabricated with the impeller driven by a
      servomotor instead, as the magnet is opaque. In addition to the transparent
      model, the blood analog fluid with the refractive index close to that of acrylic
      was used to avoid refraction. According to the CFD results, the axial flow blood
      pump could generate adequate pressure head at the rotating speed of 9500rpm and
      flow rate of 5L/min, and the same flow condition was applied during the PIV
      measurement. Through the comparisons, it was found that the experimental results
      were close to those obtained by CFD and had thus validated the CFD model, which
      could complement the limitation of the measurement in assessing the more detailed
      flow fields of the axial flow pump.

PMID- 22040357
TI  - Inhibition of highly pathogenic PRRSV replication in MARC-145 cells by artificial
      microRNAs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Highly pathogenic porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (HP
      PRRS) has caused large economic losses in swine industry in recent years.
      However, current antiviral strategy could not effectively prevent and control
      this disease. In this research, five artificial microRNAs (amiRNAs) respectively
      targeted towards ORF5 (amirGP5-243, -370) and ORF6 (amirM-82, -217,-263) were
      designed and incorporated into a miRNA-based vector that mimics the backbone of
      murine miR-155 and permits high expression of amiRNAs in a GFP fused form
      mediated by RNA Pol II promoter CMV. RESULTS: It was found that amirGP5-370 could
      effectively inhibit H-PRRSV replication. The amirM-263-M-263, which was a dual
      pre-amiRNA expression cassette where two amirM-263s were chained, showed stronger
      virus inhibitory effects than single amirM-263. H-PRRSV replication was inhibited
      up to 120 hours in the MARC-145 cells which were stably transduced by recombinant
      lentiviruses (Lenti-amirGP5-370, -amirM-263-M-263). Additionally, efficacious
      dose of amirGP5-370 and amirM-263 expression did not trigger the innate
      interferon response. CONCLUSIONS: Our study is the first attempt to suppress H
      PRRSV replication in MARC-145 cells through vector-based and lentiviral mediated
      amiRNAs targeting GP5 or M proteins coding sequences of PRRSV, which indicated
      that artificial microRNAs and recombinant lentiviruses might be applied to be a
      new potent anti-PRRSV strategy.

PMID- 22040358
TI  - Nasopharyngeal cancer mimicking otitic barotrauma in a resource-challenged
      center: a case report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Nasopharyngeal cancer commonly manifests with cervical
      lymphadenopathy, recurrent epistaxis and progressive nasal obstruction. Neuro
      ophthalmic and otologic manifestations can also occur. Isolated otologic
      presentations of nasopharyngeal cancer are rare and the diagnosis of
      nasopharyngeal cancer may not be foremost in the list of differentials. CASE
      PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 29-year-old Nigerian woman with bilateral
      conductive hearing loss and tinnitus after air travel. There were no other
      symptoms. The persistence of the symptoms after adequate treatment for otitic
      barotrauma necessitated re-evaluation, which led to a diagnosis of nasopharyngeal
      cancer. CONCLUSION: Isolated otologic manifestations of nasopharyngeal cancer are
      rare in regions with low incidence of the disease. There is a need for it to be
      considered as a possible differential in patients presenting with bilateral
      serous otitis media.

PMID- 22040360
TI  - Growth, clinical chemistry and immune function in domestic piglets fed varying
      ratios of arachidonic acid and DHA.
AB  - In the USA, infant formulas contain long-chain PUFA arachidonic acid (ARA) and
      DHA in a ratio of 2:1 and comprise roughly 0.66 g/100 g and 0.33 g/100 g total
      fatty acids (FA). Higher levels of dietary DHA appear to provide some advantages
      in visual or cognitive performance. The present study evaluated the effect of
      physiologically high dietary ARA on growth, clinical chemistry, haematology and
      immune function when DHA is 1.0 g/100 g total FA. On day 3 of age, formula-reared
      (FR) piglets were matched for weight and assigned to one of six milk replacer
      formulas. Diets varied in the ratio of ARA:DHA as follows (g/100 g FA/FA): A1,
      0.1/1.0; A2, 0.53/1.0; A3-D3, 0.69/1.0; A4, 1.1/1.0; D2, 0.67/0.62; D1,
      0.66/0.33. A seventh group was maternal-reared (MR) and remained with the dam
      during the study. Blood collection and body weight measurements were performed
      weekly, and piglets were killed on day 28 of age. No significant differences were
      found among any of the FR groups for formula intake, growth, clinical chemistry,
      haematology or immune status measurements. A few differences in clinical
      chemistry, haematology and immune function parameters between the MR pigs and the
      FR groups probably reflected a difference in growth rate. We conclude that the
      dietary ARA level up to 1.0 g/100 g total FA is safe and has no adverse effect on
      any of the safety outcomes measured, and confirm that DHA has no adverse effect
      when ARA is at 0.66 g/100 g FA.

PMID- 22040359
TI  - Thermal stability of hepatitis E virus assessed by a molecular biological
      approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a pathogen of emerging concern in
      industrialized countries. The consumption of wild boar meat has been identified
      as one risk factor for autochthonous HEV infections. Only limited information is
      available about thermal stability of HEV, mainly due to the lack of rapid and
      efficient cell culture systems for measurement of HEV infectivity. METHODS: A
      molecular biological method was implemented in order to distinguish disassembled
      from intact viral particles using RNase treatment followed by quantitative real
      time RT-PCR. The method was applied to a wild boar liver suspension containing
      HEV genotype 3. RESULTS: Time-course analyses indicated that the decline of
      protected RNA could be described by a biphasic model with an initial decrease
      followed by a stationary phase. The stationary phase was reached after 1 hour at
      4 degrees C, 3 days at 22 degrees C and 7 days at 37 degrees C with log
      reductions of 0.34, 0.45 and 1.24, respectively. Protected RNA was detectable
      until the end of the experiments at day 50 or 70. Heat exposure for 1 minute
      resulted in a log reduction of 0.48 at 70 degrees C and increased with higher
      temperatures to 3.67 at 95 degrees C. Although HEV infectivity titration by
      inoculation of the liver suspension onto three cell lines did not succeed, the
      results of the RNase-based method are in accordance with published cell culture
      based data. CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of intact viral particles using the RNase
      based method may provide data on the stability of RNA viruses when cell culture
      based infectivity titrations are not efficient or not available. The method
      enables processing of large sample numbers and may be suitable to estimate
      stability of HEV in different types of food.

PMID- 22040361
TI  - Misconceptions about the side effects of combined oral contraceptive pills.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Although combined oral contraceptive pills (COCPs) are one of the most
      commonly used methods of contraception in western countries, they are taken by
      only a minority of sexually active women in Turkey. The purpose of this research
      has been to define women's specific misconceptions with regard to the side
      effects of COCPs. METHODS: This descriptive and cross-sectional research was
      conducted on 418 reproductive aged women who agreed to participate. Data were
      collected through face-to-face interviews with a questionnaire which assessed
      socio-demographic characteristics and women's beliefs about the side effects of
      COCPs. RESULTS: It is observed that 45.2% believed that the pills cause weight
      gain. Another 7.9% of the cases held the belief that COCPs cause cancer. A group
      of 13.4% of the subjects thought that COCPs lead to infertility, 28.7% believed
      that they cause headache, 41.1% believed that they cause acne and/or an increase
      in body hair, and 11.7% were afraid that they cause a decrease in libido.
      CONCLUSION: The present study has shown that misconceptions about the side
      effects of COCPs were considerably prevalent among this cohort group of Turkish
      women. Healthcare professionals have the potential of playing an important role
      in dispersing these misconceptions.

PMID- 22040362
TI  - Characterization of the Asian myopathy patients with VCP mutations.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Mutations in the valosin-containing protein (VCP) gene
      are known to cause inclusion body myopathy with Paget's disease of bone and
      frontotemporal dementia (IBMPFD) and familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
      (ALS). Despite an increasing number of clinical reports, only one Asian family
      with IBMPFD has been described. METHODS: To characterize patients with VCP
      mutations, we screened a total of 152 unrelated Asian families who were suspected
      to have rimmed vacuolar myopathy. RESULTS: We identified VCP mutations in seven
      patients from six unrelated Asian families. Five different missense mutations
      were found, including a novel p.Ala439Pro substitution. All patients had adult
      onset progressive muscle wasting with variable involvement of axial, proximal,
      and distal muscles. Two of seven patients were suggested to have mild brain
      involvement including cerebellar ataxia, and only one showed radiological
      findings indicating a change in bone. Findings from skeletal muscle indicated
      mixed neurogenic and myogenic changes, fibers with rimmed vacuoles, and the
      presence of cytoplasmic and nuclear inclusions. These inclusions were
      immunopositive for VCP, ubiquitin, transactivation response DNA-binding protein
      43, and also histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6), of which function is regulated by
      VCP. Evidence of early nuclear and mitochondrial damage was also characteristic.
      CONCLUSIONS:   Valosin-containing protein mutations are not rare in Asian
      patients, and gene analysis should be considered for patients with adult-onset
      rimmed vacuolar myopathy with neurogenic changes. A wide variety of central and
      peripheral nervous system symptoms coupled with rare bone abnormalities may
      complicate diagnosis.

PMID- 22040363
TI  - Uncovering genetic and molecular interactions among floral meristem identity
      genes in Arabidopsis thaliana.
AB  - The inflorescence meristem produces floral primordia that remain undifferentiated
      during the first stages of flower development. Genes controlling floral meristem
      identity include LEAFY (LFY), APETALA1 (AP1), CAULIFLOWER (CAL), LATE MERISTEM
      IDENTITY 1 (LMI1), SHORT VEGETATIVE PHASE (SVP) and AGAMOUS-LIKE24 (AGL24). The
      lfy mutant shows partial reversions of flowers into inflorescence shoot-like
      structures and this phenotype is enhanced in the lfy ap1 double mutant. Here we
      show that combining the lfy mutant with agl24 and svp single mutants or with the
      agl24 svp double mutant enhances the lfy phenotype and that the lfy agl24 svp
      triple mutant phenocopies the lfy ap1 double mutant. Analysis of the molecular
      interactions between LFY, AGL24 and SVP showed that LFY is a repressor of AGL24
      and SVP, whereas LMI1 is a positive regulator of these genes. Moreover, AGL24 and
      SVP positively regulate AP1 and LFY by direct binding to their regulatory
      regions. Since all these genes are important for establishing floral meristem
      identity, regulatory loops are probably important to maintain the correct
      relative expression levels of these genes.

PMID- 22040364
TI  - An immunohistochemical study of the origin of the solid strand in syringoma,
      using carcinoembryonic antigen, epithelial membrane antigen, and cytokeratin 5.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although much research has been conducted into the origin of
      syringoma, the histogenesis and differentiation of it remains controversial. The
      published studies examined various antibodies, and our study is an additional
      immunohistochemical work-up. OBJECTIVE: We attempted to identify the cell that
      acts as the precise origin of a syringoma, based on a comparative analysis of
      carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), epithelial membrane antigen (EMA), and
      cytokeratin (CK) 5 through immunohistochemical staining in the solid strand of
      basophilic epithelial cells of syringoma. METHODS: A total of 31 patients with
      biopsy-confirmed syringoma were included in this study. Each sample was analyzed
      with antibodies to CEA, EMA, and CK5. These markers were indicating each part of
      the normal sweat gland structure: CEA stains the luminal surface of sweat ductal
      structures; EMA stains the peripheral cells of normal dermal ducts and the
      intraepidermal duct; CK5 stains the outer cells of the dermal duct and lower
      intraepidermal duct but does not stain the intraepidermal duct located in the
      upper epidermis. RESULTS: We were able to confirm that the solid strands stained
      for EMA and CK5, as did the outer cells of the ductal structure. However, the
      solid strands did not stain with CEA. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that
      solid strands observed in syringomas originate from the outer cells of the two
      layers of cells that compose the lower epidermal duct or the transitional portion
      between the intraepidermal duct and dermal duct in the normal eccrine or apocrine
      structure. Thus, we surmise that a syringoma is developed by the proliferation of
      these cells.

PMID- 22040365
TI  - Rational design of 3D dendritic TiO2 nanostructures with favorable architectures.
AB  - Controlling the morphology and size of titanium dioxide (TiO(2)) nanostructures
      is crucial to obtain superior photocatalytic, photovoltaic, and electrochemical
      properties. However, the synthetic techniques for preparing such structures,
      especially those with complex configurations, still remain a challenge because of
      the rapid hydrolysis of Ti-containing polymer precursors in aqueous solution.
      Herein, we report a completely novel approach-three-dimensional (3D) TiO(2)
      nanostructures with favorable dendritic architectures-through a simple
      hydrothermal synthesis. The size of the 3D TiO(2) dendrites and the morphology of
      the constituent nano-units, in the form of nanorods, nanoribbons, and nanowires,
      are controlled by adjusting the precursor hydrolysis rate and the surfactant
      aggregation. These novel configurations of TiO(2) nanostructures possess higher
      surface area and superior electrochemical properties compared to nanoparticles
      with smooth surfaces. Our findings provide an effective solution for the
      synthesis of complex TiO(2) nano-architectures, which can pave the way to further
      improve the energy storage and energy conversion efficiency of TiO(2)-based
      devices.

PMID- 22040366
TI  - Countertransference feelings in one year of individual therapy: an evaluation of
      the factor structure in the Feeling Word Checklist-58.
AB  - Although countertransference phenomena have been given much attention within
      psychotherapy theory, single-case studies and clinical anecdotes, empirical
      research is still conspicuous by its absence. To assess the therapists' emotional
      reactions, which are understood to be part of the countertransference (CT), we
      used the Feeling Word Checklist 58 (Rossberg, Hoffart, & Friis, 2003); a self
      report questionnaire, comprising 58 feeling words. The aims of the present study
      were to examine the underlying factor structure and psychometric properties of
      these factors, and to validate the factors by exploring the relationships between
      countertransference feelings and the following variables: therapeutic alliance,
      patient personality pathology, suitability for psychodynamic therapy,
      interpersonal problems, level of general functioning, and symptoms. Six
      therapists, who treated 75 patients, with weekly, psychodynamic therapy, over 1
      year, completed the checklist after each session. To establish the number of
      subscales in the checklist, a principal component analysis with promax rotation
      was conducted. The analysis revealed four clinically meaningful factors named
      Confident, Inadequate, Parental and Disengaged. The psychometric properties of
      all subscales proved to be acceptable. Alliance as reported by both patient and
      therapist showed differential correlations with the subscales. The patients'
      relational functioning showed stronger correlations with the CT feelings than the
      patients' symptoms and level of functioning. The four subscales found in the
      Feeling Word Checklist-58 seem to capture clinically meaningful aspects of the
      therapeutic dyad, and countertransference feelings are systematically related to
      different relational variables.

PMID- 22040367
TI  - Chemical and sensory quantification of geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol in rainbow
      trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) from recirculated aquacultures in relation to
      concentrations in basin water.
AB  - Globally, aquaculture systems with water recirculation experience increasing
      problems with microbial taste and odor compounds (TOCs) such as geosmin and 2
      methylisoborneol (MIB). This study investigated the content of geosmin and MIB in
      water and the flesh of 200 rainbow trouts from eight recirculated aquaculture
      systems in Denmark. TOC content in the fish flesh was measured by a dynamic
      headspace extraction method and was evaluated by a sensory panel. The results
      showed significant correlations between TOC content in water and fish and between
      chemical analysis and sensory perception. When geosmin exceeded 20 ng/L in the
      water, 96% of the fish had an intense muddy flavor, but below 10 ng geosmin/L,
      18% of the fish (only 3% in special depuration ponds) had an intense muddy
      flavor. The results indicate that TOC levels <10 ng/L will ensure that a
      negligible portion of the fish obtains an unpalatable taste and flavor due to
      TOCs.

PMID- 22040368
TI  - Increasing incidence of invasive pneumococcal disease and pneumonia despite
      improved vaccination uptake: surveillance in Hull and East Yorkshire, UK, 2002
      2009.
AB  - Introduction of pneumococcal polysaccharide (PPV23) and conjugate vaccine (PCV7)
      programmes were expected to change the epidemiology of invasive pneumococcal
      disease (IPD) and pneumonia in the UK. We describe the epidemiology of IPD and
      hospitalization with pneumonia using high-quality surveillance data over an 8
      year period, 2002-2009. Although PPV23 uptake increased from 49% to 70% and PCV7
      uptake reached 98% by 2009, the overall incidence of IPD increased from 11.8/100
      000 to 16.4/100 000 (P=0.13), and the incidence of hospitalization with pneumonia
      increased from 143/100 000 to 207/100 000 (P<0.001). Although a reduction in the
      proportion of IPD caused by PCV7 serotypes was observed, concurrent increases in
      PPV23 and non-vaccine serotype IPD contributed to an increased IPD burden
      overall. Marked inequalities in the geographical distribution of disease were
      observed. Existing vaccination programmes have, so far, not been sufficient to
      address an increasing burden of pneumococcal disease in our locality.

PMID- 22040369
TI  - Modified Field stain - rapid viability test for Trichomonas vaginalis.
AB  - AIMS: We previously reported that Modified Field Stain (MF) can be used as a
      rapid stain for diagnosis. In the present study we extend the observation to
      include the stain as an alternative method to assess viability of the cells.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: Six isolates of Trichomonas vaginalis were used to assess
      the utility of the Modified Field stain as a rapid viability test for T.
      vaginalis and to compare with 0.4% Trypan Blue dye exclusion test in three
      conditions; normal in vitro culture growth using Hollander medium, lysed in
      distilled water and treated with metronidazole. MF stain showed similar growth
      profile pattern as Trypan Blue dye exclusion for identifying viable cells of T.
      vaginalis. Although, Trypan Blue dye exclusion test is ready made, rapid and
      widely used in laboratory as reliable viability assay, however, the limitation
      using Trypan Blue is the dye was unable to show internal morphological changes
      during the parasite's transition from being viable to non-viable. On day 3 where
      cultures peaked the correlation factor of both assays done to assess the
      viability of parasites harvested from the controls, metronidazole and distilled
      water treated parasites were more than 0.9 respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This
      confirms that MF staining does not only record permanently the morphological
      changes and retain internal structural details but also provides a reliable and
      rapid viability assay for the parasites. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY:
      Therefore, in our study, Modified Field's stain may offer the researchers and
      laboratory technologists the opportunity to get the result on the same day and
      the most important thing is the ability to differentiate between viable and non
      viable of T. vaginalis under three different conditions (normal culture, drug and
      distilled water condition). Modified Field's staining method enhanced the
      morphological identification of T. vaginalis compared to Trypan Blue dye
      exclusion.

PMID- 22040370
TI  - Growth charts for monitoring postnatal growth at NICU of extreme preterm-born
      infants.
AB  - AIM: To provide growth charts for clinical monitoring of extra-uterine growth
      from birth to full-term age, in infants born before 26 weeks of gestation,
      hospitalized at neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and compare it to the
      commonly used Swedish preterm birth-size reference. METHODS: This retrospective
      longitudinal cohort comprised all infants born before 26 + 0 weeks of gestation
      and surviving to full-term age (n = 162), admitted to the NICU, Karolinska
      Hospital during the period January 1990 to December 2002. Body weight was
      recorded daily, head circumference (HC) weekly and length twice a month. RESULTS:
      Birth weight (BW), length and HC showed a normal distribution without significant
      gender difference. The majority of the infants showed a pronounced postnatal
      growth restriction for all growth variables with increasing deviation from the
      reference with age. The mean initial weight loss was 16% with nadir at 6 days of
      age and a mean time to regain BW of 18 days. At discharge from NICU, 75% of those
      initially appropriate for gestational age infants were below -2 standard
      deviation scores for at least one of the body size variables. CONCLUSION: The
      poor extra-uterine growth pattern points to the need of growth curves for extra
      uterine growth of extremely premature infants.

PMID- 22040371
TI  - Many tests of significance: new methods for controlling type I errors.
AB  - There have been many discussions of how Type I errors should be controlled when
      many hypotheses are tested (e.g., all possible comparisons of means,
      correlations, proportions, the coefficients in hierarchical models, etc.). By and
      large, researchers have adopted familywise (FWER) control, though this practice
      certainly is not universal. Familywise control is intended to deal with the
      multiplicity issue of computing many tests of significance, yet such control is
      conservative--that is, less powerful--compared to per test/hypothesis control.
      The purpose of our article is to introduce the readership, particularly those
      readers familiar with issues related to controlling Type I errors when many tests
      of significance are computed, to newer methods that provide protection from the
      effects of multiple testing, yet are more powerful than familywise controlling
      methods. Specifically, we introduce a number of procedures that control the k
      FWER. These methods--say, 2-FWER instead of 1-FWER (i.e., FWER)--are equivalent
      to specifying that the probability of 2 or more false rejections is controlled at
      .05, whereas FWER controls the probability of any (i.e., 1 or more) false
      rejections at .05. 2-FWER implicitly tolerates 1 false rejection and makes no
      explicit attempt to control the probability of its occurrence, unlike FWER, which
      tolerates no false rejections at all. More generally, k-FWER tolerates k - 1
      false rejections, but controls the probability of k or more false rejections at
      alpha =.05. We demonstrate with two published data sets how more hypotheses can
      be rejected with k-FWER methods compared to FWER control.

PMID- 22040372
TI  - Fitting multilevel models with ordinal outcomes: performance of alternative
      specifications and methods of estimation.
AB  - Previous research has compared methods of estimation for fitting multilevel
      models to binary data, but there are reasons to believe that the results will not
      always generalize to the ordinal case. This article thus evaluates (a) whether
      and when fitting multilevel linear models to ordinal outcome data is justified
      and (b) which estimator to employ when instead fitting multilevel cumulative
      logit models to ordinal data, maximum likelihood (ML), or penalized quasi
      likelihood (PQL). ML and PQL are compared across variations in sample size,
      magnitude of variance components, number of outcome categories, and distribution
      shape. Fitting a multilevel linear model to ordinal outcomes is shown to be
      inferior in virtually all circumstances. PQL performance improves markedly with
      the number of ordinal categories, regardless of distribution shape. In contrast
      to binary data, PQL often performs as well as ML when used with ordinal data.
      Further, the performance of PQL is typically superior to ML when the data include
      a small to moderate number of clusters (i.e., <= 50 clusters).

PMID- 22040373
TI  - The design and analysis of state-trace experiments.
AB  - State-trace analysis (Bamber, 1979) addresses a question of interest in many
      areas of psychological research: Does 1 or more than 1 latent (i.e., not directly
      observed) variable mediate an interaction between 2 experimental manipulations?
      There is little guidance available on how to design an experiment suited to state
      trace analysis, despite its increasing use, and existing statistical methods for
      state-trace analysis are problematic. We provide a framework for designing and
      refining a state-trace experiment and statistical procedures for the analysis of
      accuracy data using Klugkist, Kato, and Hoijtink's (2005) method of estimating
      Bayes factors. The statistical procedures provide estimates of the evidence
      favoring 1 versus more than 1 latent variable, as well as evidence that can be
      used to refine experimental methodology.

PMID- 22040374
TI  - Heterochrony and developmental modularity of cranial osteogenesis in lipotyphlan
      mammals.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Here we provide the most comprehensive study to date on the cranial
      ossification sequence in Lipotyphla, the group which includes shrews, moles and
      hedgehogs. This unique group, which encapsulates diverse ecological modes, such
      as terrestrial, subterranean, and aquatic lifestyles, is used to examine the
      evolutionary lability of cranial osteogenesis and to investigate the modularity
      of development. RESULTS: An acceleration of developmental timing of the
      vomeronasal complex has occurred in the common ancestor of moles. However,
      ossification of the nasal bone has shifted late in the more terrestrial shrew
      mole. Among the lipotyphlans, sequence heterochrony shows no significant
      association with modules derived from developmental origins (that is, neural
      crest cells vs. mesoderm derived parts) or with those derived from ossification
      modes (that is, dermal vs. endochondral ossification). CONCLUSIONS: The drastic
      acceleration of vomeronasal development in moles is most likely coupled with the
      increased importance of the rostrum for digging and its use as a specialized
      tactile surface, both fossorial adaptations. The late development of the nasal in
      shrew moles, a condition also displayed by hedgehogs and shrews, is suggested to
      be the result of an ecological reversal to terrestrial lifestyle and reduced
      functional importance of the rostrum. As an overall pattern in lipotyphlans, our
      results reject the hypothesis that ossification sequence heterochrony occurs in
      modular fashion when considering the developmental patterns of the skull. We
      suggest that shifts in the cranial ossification sequence are not evolutionarily
      constrained by developmental origins or mode of ossification.

PMID- 22040375
TI  - Infection after transrectal ultrasonography-guided prostate biopsy: increased
      relative risks after recent international travel or antibiotic use.

PMID- 22040376
TI  - Comparative genomics study of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) and ectoine relevant
      genes from Halomonas sp. TD01 revealed extensive horizontal gene transfer events
      and co-evolutionary relationships.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Halophilic bacteria have shown their significance in industrial
      production of polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) and are gaining more attention for
      genetic engineering modification. Yet, little information on the genomics and PHA
      related genes from halophilic bacteria have been disclosed so far. RESULTS: The
      draft genome of moderately halophilic bacterium, Halomonas sp. TD01, a strain of
      great potential for industrial production of short-chain-length
      polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), was analyzed through computational methods to reveal
      the osmoregulation mechanism and the evolutionary relationship of the enzymes
      relevant to PHA and ectoine syntheses. Genes involved in the metabolism of PHA
      and osmolytes were annotated and studied in silico. Although PHA synthase,
      depolymerase, regulator/repressor and phasin were all involved in PHA metabolic
      pathways, they demonstrated different horizontal gene transfer (HGT) events
      between the genomes of different strains. In contrast, co-occurrence of ectoine
      genes in the same genome was more frequently observed, and ectoine genes were
      more likely under coincidental horizontal gene transfer than PHA related genes.
      In addition, the adjacent organization of the homologues of PHA synthase phaC1
      and PHA granule binding protein phaP was conserved in the strain TD01, which was
      also observed in some halophiles and non-halophiles exclusively from gamma
      proteobacteria. In contrast to haloarchaea, the proteome of Halomonas sp. TD01
      did not show obvious inclination towards acidity relative to non-halophilic
      Escherichia coli MG1655, which signified that Halomonas sp. TD01 preferred the
      accumulation of organic osmolytes to ions in order to balance the intracellular
      osmotic pressure with the environment. CONCLUSIONS: The accessibility of genome
      information would facilitate research on the genetic engineering of halophilic
      bacteria including Halomonas sp. TD01.

PMID- 22040377
TI  - The 'F-words' in childhood disability: I swear this is how we should think!
AB  - The 21st century is witnessing a sea change in our thinking about 'disability'.
      Nowhere are these developments more apparent than in the field of childhood
      disability, where traditional biomedical concepts are being incorporated into-
      but expanded considerably by--new ways of formulating ideas about children, child
      development, social-ecological forces in the lives of children with chronic
      conditions and their families, and 'points of entry' for professionals to be
      helpful. In this paper, we have tried to package a set of ideas, grounded in the
      World Health Organization's International Classification of Functioning,
      Disability and Health (the ICF), into a series of what we have called 'F-words'
      in child neurodisability--function, family, fitness, fun, friends and future. We
      hope this will be an appealing way for people to incorporate these concepts into
      every aspect of clinical service, research and advocacy regarding disabled
      children and their families.

PMID- 22040378
TI  - WITHDRAWN:
AB  - Ahead of Print article withdrawn by publisher.

PMID- 22040379
TI  - Strategies to facilitate the development of uncloned or cloned infectious full
      length viral cDNAs: Apple chlorotic leaf spot virus as a case study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Approaches to simplify and streamline the construction of full-length
      infectious cDNA clones (FL-cDNAs) are needed. Among desirable improvements are
      the ability to use total nucleic acids (TNA) extracts from infected hosts (to
      bypass viral purification limitations) for the direct one-step amplification of
      large FL-cDNAs, the possibility to inoculate plants with uncloned FL-cDNAs and
      the simplified cloning of these large molecules. RESULTS: Using the 7.55 kb
      genome of Apple chlorotic leaf spot trichovirus (ACLSV) approaches allowing the
      rapid generation from TNA extracts of FL-cDNAs under the control of the T7
      promoter and the successful inoculation of plants using in vitro transcripts
      obtained from these uncloned amplification products have been developed. We also
      show that the yeast homologous recombination system permits efficient cloning of
      FL-cDNAs and the simultaneous one-step tailoring of a ternary Yeast-Escherichia
      coli-Agrobacterium tumefaciens shuttle vector allowing efficient inoculation of
      both herbaceous and woody host plants by agroinfiltration. CONCLUSIONS: The fast
      and efficient strategies described here should have broad applications, in
      particular for the study of "difficult" plant viruses, such as those infecting
      woody hosts, and potentially for other, non plant-infecting viral agents.

PMID- 22040380
TI  - Small noncoding RNA modulates Japanese encephalitis virus replication and
      translation in trans.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sequence and structural elements in the 3'-untranslated region (UTR)
      of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) are known to regulate translation and
      replication. We previously reported an abundant accumulation of small subgenomic
      flaviviral RNA (sfRNA) which is collinear with the highly conserved regions of
      the 3'-UTR in JEV-infected cells. However, function of the sfRNA in JEV life
      cycle remains unknown. RESULTS: Northern blot and real-time RT-PCR analyses
      indicated that the sfRNA becomes apparent at the time point at which minus-strand
      RNA (antigenome) reaches a plateau suggesting a role for sfRNA in the regulation
      of antigenome synthesis. Transfection of minus-sense sfRNA into JEV-infected
      cells, in order to counter the effects of plus-sense sfRNA, resulted in higher
      levels of antigenome suggesting that the presence of the sfRNA inhibits
      antigenome synthesis. Trans-acting effect of sfRNA on JEV translation was studied
      using a reporter mRNA containing the luciferase gene fused to partial coding
      regions of JEV and flanked by the respective JEV UTRs. In vivo and in vitro
      translation revealed that sfRNA inhibited JEV translation. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      results indicate that sfRNA modulates viral translation and replication in trans.

PMID- 22040381
TI  - Metallographic analysis and fire dynamics simulation for electrical fire scene
      reconstruction.
AB  - This study demonstrated the use of metallographic analysis and NIST's Fire
      Dynamics Simulator (FDS) program to identify the cause of an actual electrical
      fire. A severely carbonized steel plate and a cable with a bead were found inside
      a damaged switchboard from the debris of a factory fire. By metallographic
      analysis, the copper spatter on the steel plate was found to imply a short
      circuit has occurred and that this was the probable ignition source of the fire
      was supported by the presence of a small amount of copper oxide and by the
      cavities with the tree-like grain microstructures in the bead. The heat estimated
      to have been released per unit area of the switchboard in question (approximately
      236.29 MJ/m(2)) served as key input data for applying the FDS simulation of the
      blaze. The simulation indicated that thermal insulation polyethylene (PE) played
      an important role in the rapid fire spread.

PMID- 22040382
TI  - Takotsubo cardiomyopathy after a dancing session: a case report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Stress-induced (Takotsubo) cardiomyopathy is a rare form of
      cardiomyopathy which presents in a manner similar to that of acute coronary
      syndrome. This sometimes leads to unnecessary thrombolysis therapy. The
      pathogenesis of this disease is still poorly understood. We believe that
      reporting all cases of Takotsubo cardiomyopathy will contribute to a better
      understanding of this disease. Here, we report a patient who, in the absence of
      any recent stressful events in her life, developed the disease after a session of
      dancing. CASE PRESENTATION: A 69-year-old Caucasian woman presented with features
      suggestive of acute coronary syndrome shortly after a session of dancing.
      Echocardiography and a coronary angiogram showed typical features of Takotsubo
      cardiomyopathy and our patient was treated accordingly. Eight weeks later, her
      condition resolved completely and the results of echocardiography were totally
      normal. CONCLUSIONS: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy, though transient, is a rare and
      serious condition. Although it is commonly precipitated by stressful life events,
      these are not necessarily present. Our patient was enjoying one of her hobbies
      (that is, dancing) when she developed the disease. This case has particular
      interest in medicine, especially for the specialties of cardiology and emergency
      medicine. We hope that it will add more information to the literature about this
      rare condition.

PMID- 22040383
TI  - Early-stage cognitive impairment in Parkinson's disease and the influence of
      dopamine replacement therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to establish the cognitive
      profile of newly diagnosed untreated (de novo) patients with Parkinson's disease
      (PD) and more advanced, treated patients, and to determine the effects of
      dopamine (DA) replacement therapy. METHODS: A cohort of 23 de novo patients, 55
      mild to moderately advanced, medicated PD patients and 21 healthy controls
      participated. Cognitive tests included the Cambridge Examination for Mental
      Disorders and a battery of neuropsychological tests taken from the Cambridge
      Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery and the Vienna Test System. RESULTS: De
      novo patients with PD were more impaired in working memory strategy use than
      healthy controls and treated patients with PD. Furthermore, the generation of
      random motor behaviour was more impaired in both de novo and treated PD patients
      than in healthy controls. Correlation analysis revealed that in treated patients
      with PD, ascending doses of dopaminergic medication were associated with poorer
      performance on a pattern recognition task. CONCLUSION: Selective impairments in
      strategy use and the generation of random motor behaviour are a very early
      feature of PD and might be of predictive value in further frontal cognitive
      deterioration. Furthermore, DA replacement therapy seems to improve frontal lobe
      function (strategy use) and worsen temporal lobe function (visual memory).

PMID- 22040384
TI  - Switching in polaritonic-photonic crystal nanofibers doped with quantum dots.
AB  - We have studied the acousto-optic effect in polaritonic nanofibers made by
      embedding a cylindrical polaritonic nanowire within a photonic crystal. Here the
      nanowire consists of either a phonon-polaritonic or an exciton-polaritonic
      material. The nanowire is doped with ensemble of noninteracting quantum dots.
      Quantum dots interact with the nanofiber via the exciton-polariton interaction.
      It is found that for the certain acoustic strain intensity the nanofiber has a
      localized-to-delocalized polariton transition similar to the metal-to-insulator
      transitions in doped semiconductors. It is also found that nanofiber has a
      transparent state due to the exciton-bound polariton coupling. The transparent
      state can be switched ON or OFF by the external acoustic strain intensity. These
      are very useful discoveries that can be used to fabricate new types of
      polaritonic nanoswitches and nanosensors.

PMID- 22040385
TI  - Toward an image-guided microbeam radiation therapy using gadolinium-based
      nanoparticles.
AB  - Ultrasmall gadolinium-based nanoparticles (GBNs) induce both a positive contrast
      for magnetic resonance imaging and a radiosentizing effect. The exploitation of
      these characteristics leads to a greater increase in lifespan of rats bearing
      brain tumors since the radiosensitizing effect of GBNs can be activated by X-ray
      microbeams when the gadolinium content is, at the same time, sufficiently high in
      the tumor and low in the surrounding healthy tissue. GBNs exhibit therefore an
      interesting potential for image-guided radiotherapy.

PMID- 22040386
TI  - Comparison of native and capric acid-enriched mustard oil effects on oxidative
      stress and antioxidant protection in rats.
AB  - The present study evaluated the effect of mustard oil enriched in capric acid, a
      medium-chain fatty acid, on antioxidant enzyme activities in liver and brain and
      on the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) in liver, brain and plasma in rats; the
      effect of adding cholesterol to the diet was also investigated. Charles Foster
      male albino rats weighing 80-100 g were fed one of four diets for 30 d (six rats
      per group). In the absence of added dietary cholesterol, the addition of capric
      acid to the diet resulted in lower plasma total cholesterol, non-HDL-cholesterol
      and TAG concentrations, higher HDL-cholesterol concentrations, higher antioxidant
      enzyme activities in liver and brain and lower MDA concentrations in liver, brain
      and plasma. Adding cholesterol to the diet increased plasma total cholesterol,
      non-HDL-cholesterol and TAG concentrations, decreased HDL-cholesterol
      concentration, decreased the activities of antioxidant enzymes and increased
      tissue and plasma MDA concentrations. Including capric acid in the diet of rats
      receiving cholesterol at least partly prevented the effects of the increased
      cholesterol. It is concluded that compared with native mustard oil, capric acid
      enriched mustard oil improves blood lipids, enhances antioxidant protection and
      reduces lipid peroxidation.

PMID- 22040387
TI  - The potential for web-based social network sites and self-regulation for health
      promotion.

PMID- 22040388
TI  - Randomized trial of a computer-tailored intervention for patients with
      depression.
AB  - PURPOSE. Examine the efficacy of a computer-tailored intervention (CTI) based on
      the transtheoretical model (TTM) for reducing depression, an increasingly
      important component of health promotion programs. DESIGN. Pretest-posttest
      randomized trial. Setting . Participants were recruited and treated at home after
      being identified in two primary care clinics in Eastern Massachusetts and
      Chicago, Illinois. SUBJECTS. A total of 350 adults experiencing at least mild
      symptoms of depression but not involved in or planning to seek treatment for
      depression. INTERVENTION. A print manual and three CTI reports tailored to stage
      of change for using effective methods to prevent or reduce depression, other TTM
      variables, level of depression, and behavior. . Pre-post changes and reliable and
      clinically significant change on the Beck Depression scale II and pre-post
      changes on the 20-item Medical Outcomes Study Short Form survey-based measure of
      physical functioning at 9 months' follow-up. ANALYSIS. t-tests and chi(2) tests.
      Complete-case analysis and two intention-to-treat analyses-assumption of no
      change and multiple imputation (MI)-are reported. Exploratory analyses examined
      whether the effects of the intervention on depression were moderated by five
      subject characteristics: baseline level of depression, baseline level of physical
      functioning, baseline stage of change for preventing or managing depression, age,
      and education. RESULTS. Complete-case and intention-to-treat analyses showed that
      the intervention group experienced significantly greater improvements in
      depression (d  =  .220-.355); results for physical functioning were weaker (d  = 
      .150-.309) and did not reach statistical significance in the MI analysis. The
      effects of the intervention on reliable and clinically significant change in
      depression were largest among participants who were experiencing moderate
      depression (d  =  .363-.519) or severe depression (d  =  .603-.718) or who were
      in the precontemplation or contemplation stage (d  =  .573-.856) at baseline.

PMID- 22040389
TI  - Assessing digital literacy in web-based physical activity surveillance: the WIN
      study.
AB  - PURPOSE. Investigate relations between demographic characteristics and submission
      method, Internet or paper, when physical activity behaviors are reported. DESIGN.
      Observational. SETTING . Metropolitan. SUBJECTS. Adult women (N  =  918) observed
      weekly for 2 years (total number of weekly reports, 44,963). MEASURES.
      Independent variables included age, race, education, income, employment status,
      and Internet skills. Dependent variables were method of submission (Internet or
      paper) and adherence. ANALYSIS . Logistic regression to analyze weekly odds of
      submitting data online and meeting study adherence criteria. Model 1 investigated
      method of submission, model 2 analyzed meeting study's Internet adherence, and
      model 3 analyzed meeting total adherence regardless of submission method.
      RESULTS. Whites, those with good Internet skills, and those reporting higher
      incomes were more likely to log online. Those who were white, older, and reported
      good Internet skills were more likely to be at least 75% adherent online. Older
      women were more likely to be adherent regardless of method. Employed women were
      less likely to log online or be adherent. CONCLUSION . Providing participants
      with multiple submission methods may reduce potential bias and provide more
      generalizable results relevant for future Internet-based research.

PMID- 22040390
TI  - Community capacity as an "inside job": evolution of perceived ownership within a
      university-aboriginal community partnership.
AB  - PURPOSE. To assess the evolution of perceived ownership of a university
      Aboriginal community partnership across three project stages. DESIGN. Survey
      administration to project partners during project formalization (1996-T1),
      mobilization (1999-T2), and maintenance (2004-T3). SETTING. Aboriginal community
      of Kahnawake, outside Montreal, Quebec, Canada. PARTICIPANTS. Partners involved
      in influencing decision making in the Kahnawake Schools Diabetes Prevention
      Project (KSDPP). MEASURE AND ANALYSIS . A measure of perceived primary ownership
      subjected to linear trend analysis. RESULTS. KSDPP staff were perceived as
      primary owner at T1 and shared ownership with Community Advisory Board (CAB)
      members at T2 and T3. Trend tests indicated greater perceived ownership between
      T1 and T3 for CAB (chi(2)(1)  =  12.3, p < .0001) and declining KSDPP staff
      (chi(2)(1)  =  10.5, p < .001) ownership over time. Academic partners were never
      perceived as primary owners. CONCLUSION. This project was community driven from
      the beginning. It was not dependent on an external academic change agent to
      activate the community and develop the community's capacity to plan and implement
      a solution. It still took several years for the grassroots CAB to take
      responsibility from KSDPP staff, thus indicating the need for sustained funding
      to build grassroots community capacity.

PMID- 22040391
TI  - Health risk behaviors of Afghanistan and Iraq war veterans attending college.
AB  - PURPOSE. The population of military veterans attending college is rapidly growing
      as veterans return from Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom
      (OEF/OIF). We sought to describe patterns of student veterans' health-related
      behaviors and how they might differ from their nonveteran peers. DESIGN. We
      analyzed data from the 2008 Boynton College Student Health Survey (CSHS).
      SETTING. CSHS participants completed an anonymous online survey. SUBJECTS. The
      CSHS sampled students (n  =  8651) attending public, private, 2-year, and 4-year
      postsecondary educational institutions in Minnesota. MEASURES. The CSHS included
      items on substance use (including alcohol and tobacco), safety, nutrition, and
      physical activity. ANALYSIS. We described demographics of OEF/OIF veteran, non
      OEF/OIF veteran, and nonveteran students and used Poisson regression to compute
      adjusted relative risks (ARRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to
      characterize associations between veteran status and health behaviors. RESULTS.
      After controlling for demographics, veteran students reported more safety-,
      tobacco-, and alcohol-related risk behaviors compared to nonveteran students. For
      instance, compared to the nonveteran reference group, the ARR for past year
      smokeless tobacco use and physical fighting among for OEF/OIF veterans was 1.76
      (95% CI  =  1.31-2.35) and 1.48 (95% CI  =  1.22-1.79) respectively. Veteran and
      nonveteran students display similar weight-related behaviors, though OEF/OIF
      veteran students were more likely to engage in strengthening exercises.
      CONCLUSIONS. There are specific health risk behaviors that are particularly
      relevant for veterans attending postsecondary institutions. As veterans enroll in
      postsecondary education, there is a unique window of opportunity for health
      promotion in this population.

PMID- 22040392
TI  - An examination of the relationship between neighborhood income inequality, social
      resources, and obesity in Los Angeles county.
AB  - PURPOSE. This study examines whether local income inequality is associated with
      an increased likelihood of obesity among Los Angeles County residents and whether
      collective efficacy mediates the relationship. DESIGN. A cross-sectional study of
      2875 adults in 65 neighborhoods that took part in wave 1 of the Los Angeles
      Family and Neighborhood Survey in 2000-2001. Neighborhood measures are taken from
      the Los Angeles Neighborhood Services and Characteristics Database and decennial
      census. MEASURES. Obesity is defined as a body mass index over 30. Income
      inequality is operationalized with the Gini coefficient. Collective efficacy is a
      neighborhood-level measure comprised of aggregated responses to items that
      capture trust, cohesion, and the willingness to intervene for the common good
      among residents. Controls are included at the individual level for demographics
      and health characteristics, and at the neighborhood level for median household
      income. ANALYSIS. Logistic regression models of individuals within neighborhoods.
      RESULTS. When neighborhood economic well-being is controlled, income inequality
      is associated with a significant reduction in the likelihood of obesity while
      also controlling for individual demographic and health-related characteristics.
      Collective efficacy exerts an independent and beneficial effect but does not
      mediate the relationship between inequality and obesity. CONCLUSION. Neighborhood
      social resources and economic heterogeneity are associated with a lower
      likelihood of obesity. It may be that economically heterogeneous neighborhoods,
      perhaps especially in Los Angeles County, contain characteristics that promote
      health.

PMID- 22040393
TI  - Improving data accuracy of commercial food outlet databases.
AB  - PURPOSE. Assessing food environments often requires using commercially available
      data. Disparate methods used for classifying food outlets in these databases call
      for creating a classification approach using common definitions. A systematic
      strategy for reclassifying food stores and restaurants, as they appear in
      commercial databases, into categories that differentiate the availability of
      healthy options is described here. DESIGN AND SETTING. Commercially available
      data on food outlets including names, addresses, North American Industry
      Classification System codes, and associated characteristics was obtained for five
      New Jersey communities. ANALYSIS. A reclassification methodology was developed
      using criteria and definitions from the literature to categorize food outlets
      based on availability of healthy options. Information in the database was
      supplemented by systematic Internet and key word searches, and from phone calls
      to food outlets. RESULTS. The methodology resulted in 622 supermarket/grocery
      stores, 183 convenience stores, and 148 specialty stores in the original data to
      be reclassified into 58 supermarkets, 30 grocery stores, 692 convenience stores,
      and 115 specialty stores. Outlets from the original list of 1485 full-service
      restaurants and 506 limited-service restaurants were reclassified as 563 full
      service restaurants and 1247 limited-service restaurants. Reclassification
      resulted in less than one-seventh the number of supermarkets and grocery stores,
      more than three times the number of convenience stores, and twice as many limited
      service restaurants-a much less healthy profile than the one generated by using
      exclusively the commercial databases. CONCLUSION. An explicit and replicable
      strategy is proposed for reclassifying food outlets in commercial databases into
      categories that differentiate on the basis of healthy food availability. The
      intent is to contribute towards building a consensus among researchers on
      definitions used in public health research for characterizing different types of
      food outlets.

PMID- 22040397
TI  - Development and implementation of the guiding stars nutrition guidance program.
AB  - PURPOSE . To describe the collaborative process between a grocery retailer and a
      panel of nutrition experts used to develop a nutrition guidance system (Guiding
      Stars) that evaluates the nutrient profile of all edible products in the
      supermarket, and to report the results of the food and beverage ratings. DESIGN .
      A collaboration between a private retailer and members of the scientific
      community that led to the development of a scoring algorithm used to evaluate the
      nutritional quality of foods and beverages. SETTING/SUBJECTS . Northeast
      supermarkets (n  =  160). MEASURES . Food and beverage nutrition ratings and
      distribution of stars across different grocery categories. ANALYSIS . Descriptive
      statistics for rating distributions were computed. T-tests were conducted to
      assess differences in mean nutrient values between foods with zero versus three
      stars or a dichotomized variable representing all foods with one to three stars.
      RESULTS . All edible grocery items (n  =  27,466) were evaluated, with 23.6%
      earning at least one star. Items receiving at least one star had lower mean
      levels of sodium, saturated fat, and sugars and higher amounts of fiber than
      products not earning stars. CONCLUSION . The Guiding Stars system rates edible
      products without regard to brand or manufacturer, and provides consumers with a
      simple tool to quickly identify more nutritious choices while shopping. The low
      percentage of products qualifying for stars reflects poorly on the food choices
      available to Americans.

PMID- 22040398
TI  - The ACTIVATE study: results from a group-randomized controlled trial comparing a
      traditional worksite health promotion program with an activated consumer program.
AB  - PURPOSE. This study compares a traditional worksite-based health promotion
      program with an activated consumer program and a control program DESIGN. Group
      randomized controlled trial with 18-month intervention. SETTING. Two large
      Midwestern companies. SUBJECTS. Three hundred and twenty employees (51%
      response). INTERVENTION. The traditional health promotion intervention offered
      population-level campaigns on physical activity, nutrition, and stress
      management. The activated consumer intervention included population-level
      campaigns for evaluating health information, choosing a health benefits plan, and
      understanding the risks of not taking medications as prescribed. The personal
      development intervention (control group) offered information on hobbies. The
      interventions also offered individual-level coaching for high risk individuals in
      both active intervention groups. MEASURES. Health risk status, general health
      status, consumer activation, productivity, and the ability to evaluate health
      information. ANALYSIS. Multivariate analyses controlled for baseline differences
      among the study groups. RESULTS. At the population level, compared with baseline
      performance, the traditional health promotion intervention improved health risk
      status, consumer activation, and the ability to recognize reliable health
      websites. Compared with baseline performance, the activated consumer intervention
      improved consumer activation, productivity, and the ability to recognize reliable
      health websites. At the population level, however, only the activated consumer
      intervention improved any outcome more than the control group did; that outcome
      was consumer activation. At the individual level for high risk individuals, both
      traditional health coaching and activated consumer coaching positively affected
      health risk status and consumer activation. In addition, both coaching
      interventions improved participant ability to recognize a reliable health
      website. Consumer activation coaching also significantly improved self-reported
      productivity. CONCLUSION. An effective intervention can change employee health
      risk status and activation both at the population level and at the individual
      high risk level. However, program engagement at the population level was low,
      indicating that additional promotional strategies, such as greater use of
      incentives, need to be examined. Less intensive coaching can be as effective as
      more intensive, albeit both interventions produced modest behavior change and
      retention in the consumer activation arm was most difficult. Further research is
      needed concerning recruitment and retention methods that will enable populations
      to realize the full potential of activated consumerism.

PMID- 22040399
TI  - Environmental influences on children's physical activity and eating habits in a
      rural Oregon County.
AB  - PURPOSE. To identify environmental barriers and facilitators of children's
      physical activity and healthy eating in a rural county. DESIGN. Community-based
      participatory research using mixed methods, primarily qualitative. SETTING. A
      rural Oregon county. SUBJECTS. Ninety-five adults, 6 high school students, and 41
      fifth-grade students. MEASURES. In-depth interviews, focus groups, Photovoice,
      and structured observations using the Physical Activity Resource Assessment,
      System for Observing Play and Leisure Activity, Community Food Security
      Assessment Toolkit, and School Food and Beverage Marketing Assessment Tool.
      ANALYSIS. Qualitative data were coded by investigators; observational data were
      analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings were triangulated to produce
      a composite of environmental barriers and assets. RESULTS. Limited recreational
      resources, street-related hazards, fear of strangers, inadequate physical
      education, and denial of recess hindered physical activity, whereas popularity of
      youth sports and proximity to natural areas promoted physical activity. Limited
      availability and high cost of healthy food, busy lifestyles, convenience stores
      near schools, few healthy meal choices at school, children's being permitted to
      bring snacks to school, candy used as incentives, and teachers' modeling
      unhealthy eating habits hindered healthy eating, whereas the agricultural setting
      and popularity of gardening promoted healthy eating. CONCLUSIONS. This study
      provides data on a neglected area of research, namely environmental determinants
      of rural childhood obesity, and points to the need for multifaceted and
      multilevel environmental change interventions.

PMID- 22040400
TI  - Can we reduce our federal deficit and create jobs by making the healthy choice
      the easiest choice?

PMID- 22040401
TI  - Integrating wellness into hospital systems.

PMID- 22040402
TI  - Thiolated glycol chitosan bearing alpha-cyclodextrin for sustained delivery of
      PEGylated human growth hormone.
AB  - The extensive use of human growth hormone (hGH), emerging as protein
      therapeutics, has been limited by its instability in biological fluids and short
      biological half-life. In this study, thiolated glycol chitosan bearing alpha
      cyclodextrin (TGC-CD), in situ cross-linked by poly(ethylene glycol)-diacrylate
      (PEG-DA), was synthesized to develop a sustained release system for PEGylated hGH
      (PEG-hGH). TGC-CD could form a stable inclusion complex with PEG-hGH by the
      physical interaction between the inner cavity of CD and PEG. Such a complex was
      readily cross-linked in the presence of PEG-DA via a Michael-type addition
      reaction. From the in vitro release experiments of PEG-hGH, it was confirmed that
      PEG-hGH was completely released from the complex for 12 h in PBS (pH 7.4),
      whereas the release rate of PEG-hGH was significantly reduced by the chemical
      cross-linking of the complex. PEG-hGH, released from the cross-linked complexes,
      maintained its structural integrity, which was demonstrated using circular
      dichroism spectroscopy. Overall, TGC-CD might be useful for sustained delivery of
      PEG-hGH. 

PMID- 22040403
TI  - Evaluation of the efficacy of a prosthodontic stent in determining the position
      of dental implants.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of a dual purpose (diagnostic and surgical)
      acrylic resin stent with gutta percha marker used in conjunction with 3D imaging
      in determination of the position and inclination of dental implants. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: This study was performed as a case control study. A total of 41
      implants, of which 20 had been placed without the use of stents and 3D imaging
      (control group) and 21 were placed using stents and 3D imaging (study group),
      were studied. A diagnostic and surgical stent with radio-opaque indicator (gutta
      percha) was fabricated to determine the planned prosthetic position and
      inclination of the implant. Computed tomography images were obtained and were
      analyzed using Denta Scan software. The position of the implant was analyzed in
      mesiodistal and buccolingual dimensions in terms of both position and angulation.
      SPSS v15.0 was used for statistical analysis (p < 0.05 was considered
      statistically significant). RESULTS: The study group demonstrated an overall
      98.9% efficacy of the test technique being used in the study. On qualitative
      assessment, the results obtained were within the defined ideal threshold level
      for four of five parameters (distance from buccal and lingual cortical plate,
      inter-implant distance, and buccolingual angulation of the implant relative to
      underlying alveolar bone). For mesiodistal distance from adjacent teeth, the
      observation was not above threshold value for only one case. For the control
      group, the overall efficacy was 66.9%. CONCLUSION: The technique of combined use
      of a prosthodontic stent and 3D imaging is an efficacious and better technique in
      achieving an ideal position of dental implants as compared to conventional
      techniques using periapical and panoramic radiographs and a cast.

PMID- 22040404
TI  - Oncogene addiction and non-oncogene addiction in glioblastoma therapy.

PMID- 22040405
TI  - Current status of cerebral glioma surgery in China.
AB  - The treatment of gliomas is highly individualized. Surgery for gliomas is
      essentially for histological diagnosis, to alleviate mass effect, and most
      importantly, to favor longer survival expectancy. During the past two decades,
      many surgical techniques and adjuvants have been applied to glioma surgery in
      China, which lead to a rapid development in the field of cerebral glioma surgery.
      This article broadly and critically reviewed the existing studies on cerebral
      glioma surgery and to portrait the current status of glioma surgery in China. A
      literature search was conducted covering major innovative surgical techniques and
      adjuvants for glioma surgery in China. The following databases were searched: the
      Pubmed (January 1995 to date); China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database
      (January 1995 to date) and VIP Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals
      (January 1995 to date). A selection criterion was established to exclude
      duplicates and irrelevant studies. The outcome measures were extracted from
      included studies. A total of 3307 articles were initially searched. After
      excluded by abstracts and full texts, 69 studies conducted in the mainland of
      China were included and went through further analysis. The philosophy of surgical
      strategies for cerebral gliomas in China is undergoing tremendous change.
      Nowadays Chinese neurosurgeons pay more attention to the postoperative
      neurofunctional status of the patients. The aim of the glioma surgery is not only
      the more extensive tumor resection but also the maximal safety of intervention.
      The well balance of longer overall survival and higher quality of life should be
      judged with respect to each individual patient.

PMID- 22040406
TI  - Prevalence estimates for primary brain tumors in China: a multi-center cross
      sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although the first leading cause of death in China was malignant
      neoplasms (mortality, 374.1 per 100,000 person-years), the full impact of primary
      brain tumors (PBT) on the healthcare system is not completely described because
      there are a few well documented reports about the epidemiologic features of brain
      tumors. This study aimed to report a comprehensive assessment on the prevalence
      of PBT. METHODS: A multicenter cross-sectional study on brain tumor (MCSBT) in
      China was initiated in five regional centers: Daqing (northeast), Puyang (north
      of China), Shiyan (center of China), Ma'anshan (center of China) and Shanghai
      (southeast). Prevalence rate was calculated by counting the number of people
      living with a PBT between October 1, 2005 and September 30, 2006 and dividing by
      the total population of the five communities at January 1, 2006. Estimates of
      prevalence were expressed as percentages and grouped according to gender and to
      age in fifteen-year categories. Within these strata, the rates were estimated
      with 95% confidence intervals (CI) using the accurate calculation of CI for
      Poisson distribution. A chi-square test was used to compare the various
      frequencies with alpha < 0.05. Age-standardized prevalence with the direct method
      was calculated with the ten-year age-specific prevalence and the age distribution
      of the Chinese population in 2010, obtained from World population prospects: the
      2008 revision. RESULTS: We estimated that the overall prevalence of PBT was 24.56
      per 100,000 (95%CI, 14.85 to 34.27), and the overall prevalence of PBT in female
      population (30.57 per 100,000 and its 95%CI ranged from 19.73 to 41.41) was
      higher than that in male population (18.84 per 100,000 and its 95%CI ranged from
      10.33 to 27.35). However, the discrepancy between genders was not statistically
      significant because the 95%CI overlapped. Of 272 cases of newly diagnosed PBT,
      the proportion of histological subtypes by age groups, gender was statistically
      different (chi(2) = 52.6510, P < 0.0001). More than half of all reported tumors
      (52.57%) were either gliomas or meningiomas. For the youngest (aged from 0 - 19)
      strata of the population, glioma appeared to occur more than other subtypes,
      accounting for 55.56% of all of cases. The majority of brain tumors presented in
      those aged from 20 to 59 years was pituitary adenomas (45.12%) and gliomas
      (31.10%). Opposed to brain tumors in adults and teenage, gliomas only accounted
      for 22.22%. Meanwhile, the median ages at diagnosis of the patients with PBT were
      similar between males and females except for pituitary adenomas (male: 59 years
      old; female: 45 years old). CONCLUSIONS: Age standardized prevalence of PBT is
      22.52 per 100,000 (95%CI, 13.22 to 31.82) for all populations, 17.64 per 100,000
      (95%CI, 9.41 to 25.87) for men, and 27.94 per 100,000 (95%CI, 17.58 to 38.30) for
      women. Age standardization to China's 2010 population yielded an estimated
      population of 304 954 cases with PBT. Our prevalence estimates provide a
      conservative basis on which to plan health care services and to develop
      programmatic strategies for surviving. In the future, it would be helpful to have
      long-term observed survival rates that would make the assumptions and the
      resulting imprecision in the current estimates unnecessary.

PMID- 22040407
TI  - Gene expression profiling reveals Ki-67 associated proliferation signature in
      human glioblastoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Everlasting cellular proliferation is the fundamental feature during
      gliomagenesis and Ki-67 is one of the classical proliferation markers in human
      glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). However, the driver genes or core pathways for
      cellular proliferation in GBM have not been elucidated systematically. METHODS:
      We evaluated by immunohistochemistry the prognostic value of Ki-67 expression in
      the clinical outcome of 156 Chinese patients with GBM and a total of 64 GBM
      samples were selected for further Agilent genome-wide microarray analysis. On the
      basis of the microarray data from Tiantan (n = 64) and The Cancer Genome Atlas
      (TCGA) (n = 202) database, differentially expressed genes between the GBM
      subgroups with high or low level of Ki-67 expression were identified using
      Significance Analysis of Microarrays (SAM). Gene Ontology (GO) and KEGG Pathway
      analyses were then undertaken for the Ki-67 associated genes to identify the most
      significant biological processes and signaling pathways. RESULTS: We confirmed
      that Ki-67 was an independent prognostic indicator in the largest Chinese patient
      cohort of 156 GBM samples via immunohistochemical staining. Survival analysis of
      Ki-67 over-expression revealed a highly significant association with a worse
      clinical outcome (P = 0.010 for progression-free survival; P = 0.007 for overall
      survival). Comparative and integrated analysis between Tiantan and TCGA database
      identified a 247-gene "proliferation signature" (205 up-regulated and 42 down
      regulated genes) that distinguished Ki-67 expression phenotypes. GO and KEGG
      Pathway analyses further indicated that Ki-67 expression phenotype was associated
      with distinct changes in gene expression associated with the regulation of
      cellular growth and proliferation. CONCLUSIONS: Proliferation marker Ki-67 is an
      independent prognostic indicator in Chinese GBM patients. And Ki-67 associated
      proliferation signature identified through genome-wide microarray analysis may
      provide potential targets for anti-proliferation therapy in GBM.

PMID- 22040408
TI  - Relationship between magnetic resonance imaging and molecular pathology in
      patients with glioblastoma multiforme.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and lethal primary
      brain tumor in adults. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is routinely used in the
      diagnosis, characterization and clinical management of GBM. The diagnosis and
      treatment of GBM is largely guided by histopathology and immunohistochemistry.
      This study aimed to identify the relationship between magnetic resonance features
      and molecular pathology of GBM. METHODS: MRI images of 43 glioblastoma patients
      were collected. Four imaging features, degree of edema, contrast tumor
      enhanced/T2 ratio, multiple lesions and tumor across the midline, were selected
      to identify their relationship with P53, Ki-67 and O(6)-methylguanine-DNA
      methyltransferase (MGMT) expression in patients with GBM. The relationship
      between imaging features and molecular pathology was studied by chi-square test
      using the software SPSS 13.0. RESULTS: High expression of P53 was found
      correlated with low contrast tumor enhanced/T2 ratio, low expression of Ki-67 was
      correlated with multiple lesions and high expression of KI-67 may be related with
      tumor across the midline, low expression of MGMT was correlated with edema.
      CONCLUSION: Some MRI features such as the degree of edema, contrast tumor
      enhanced/T2 ratio, multiple lesions and tumor acrossing the midline are
      correlated with P53, Ki-67 and MGMT of GBM.

PMID- 22040409
TI  - Emotion and cognitive function assessment of patients with central neurocytoma
      resection through transcortical frontal approach: a 5-year postoperative follow
      up study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Central neurocytoma accounts for 0.1% of primary brain tumor that
      often occurs in young adults. Surgery is the main treatment for central
      neurocytoma and the rate of 5-year survival reaches up to over 90%. This study
      aimed to assess the effect of transcortical frontal approach to surgical
      resection of central neurocytoma on emotion and cognitive function 5 years after
      surgery. METHODS: Telephone following-up visits were used in this study. By means
      of neuropsychological testing, assayed emotion, memory and abstract thinking
      ability of 18 patients undergoing central neurocytoma resection by transcortical
      frontal approach for 5 years or more, with another 21 normal cases as control
      group were enrolled. The data were analyzed statistically by paired t test with
      SPSS11.5. RESULTS: Patients whose central neurocytoma was removed by
      transcortical frontal approach were not affected on calculating ability 5 years
      after operation while ability of memory declined sharply (P = 0.000), the older,
      the more sharply (P = 0.036). Ability of abstract thinking was significantly
      reduced (P = 0.000), the older, the more significantly as well (P = 0.012);
      additionally, anxiety and depression occurred in patients rather more than those
      of control group (P = 0.000), especially cognitive impairment. CONCLUSIONS:
      Transcortical frontal approach for surgical resection of central neurocytoma has
      certain long-term influence on patients' life quality, vulnerable to anxiety,
      depression and cognitive impairment, the severity of which was correlated to age.
      Therefore, improving surgical approach will be of value for better long-term life
      quality of patients.

PMID- 22040410
TI  - Enhanced invasion in vitro and the distribution patterns in vivo of CD133+ glioma
      stem cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent studies have suggested that cancer stem cells cause tumor
      recurrence based on their resistance to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Although
      the highly invasive nature of glioblastoma cells is also implicated in the
      failure of current therapies, it is not clear whether cancer stem cells are
      involved in invasiveness. This study aimed to assess invasive ability of glioma
      stem cells (GSCs) derived from C6 glioma cell line and the distribution patterns
      of GSCs in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat brain tumor. METHODS: Serum-free medium
      culture and magnetic isolation were used to gain purely CD133(+) GSCs. The
      invasive ability of CD133(+) and CD133(-) C6 cells were determined using matrigel
      invasion assay. Immunohistochemical staining for stem cell markers and luxol fast
      blue staining for white matter tracts were performed to show the distribution
      patterns of GSCs in brain tumor of rats and the relationship among GSCs, vessels,
      and white matter tracts. The results of matrigel invasion assay were estimated
      using the Student's t test and the analysis of Western blotting was performed
      using the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test. RESULTS: CD133(+) GSCs
      (number: 85.3 +/- 4.0) were significantly more invasive in vitro than matched
      CD133(-) cells (number: 25.9 +/- 3.1) (t = 14.5, P < 0.005). GSCs invaded into
      the brain diffusely and located in perivascular niche of tumor-brain interface or
      resided within perivascular niche next to white fiber tracts. The polarity of
      glioma cells containing GSCs was parallel to the white matter tracts.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that CD133(+) GSCs exhibit more aggressive invasion
      in vitro and GSCs in vivo probably disseminate along the long axis of blood
      vessels and transit through the white matter tracts. The therapies targeting GSCs
      invasion combined with traditional glioblastoma multiforme therapeutic paradigms
      might be a new approach for avoiding malignant glioma recurrence.

PMID- 22040411
TI  - Silencing of MGMT with small interference RNA reversed resistance in human BCUN
      resistant glioma cell lines.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Our previous study had cloned two glioma cell lines SWOZ1 and SWOZ2
      isolated from parental glioma cell line SWO38. The 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1
      nitrosourea (BCNU) resistance of SWOZ1 was higher than that of SWOZ2. Since O6
      methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) was thought to be closely related to
      BCNU resistance in glioma, this study aimed to explore the function of MGMT in
      glioma resistant to BCNU. METHODS: A BCNU resistant glioma cell line SWOZ2-BCNU
      was established. The expression of MGMT was detected in SWOZ1, SWOZ2 and SWOZ2
      BCNU. Small interferencing RNA targeting MGMT was used to silence the expression
      of MGMT in resistant cell lines SWOZ1 and SWOZ2-BCNU. The cytotoxicity of BCNU to
      these cells was measured using the cell counting kit-8 assay. Statistical
      analysis was carried out by one-way analysis of variance in statistical package
      SPSS 13.0. RESULTS: The resistance of SWOZ1 and SWOZ2-BCNU against BCNU was 4.9
      fold and 5.3-fold higher than that of SWOZ2. The results of quantitative RT-PCR
      and Western blotting confirmed that MGMT was both significantly increased in
      SWOZ1 and SWOZ2-BCNU compared to SOWZ2. After transfection with small
      interferencing RNA targeting MGMT, a decreased level of MGMT mRNA expression in
      SWOZ1 and SWOZ2-BCNU for more than 75% compared to negative control was found and
      confirmed by Western blotting. As a result, the resistance against BCNU was
      reversed for about 50% both in the BCNU-resistant cell lines SWOZ1 and SWOZ2
      BCNU. CONCLUSIONS: Silencing MGMT with specific small interferencing RNA can
      reverse the BCNU resistant phenotype in these glioma cell lines. MGMT may play an
      important role both in intrinsic and acquired BCNU-resistance in glioma.

PMID- 22040412
TI  - Virtual mutagenesis of isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 involved in glioblastoma
      multiforme.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Site A132Arg mutations potentially impair the affinity of isocitrate
      dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) for its substrate isocitrate (ICT), consequently reducing
      the production of alpha-ketoglutarate and leading to tumor growth through the
      induction of the hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) pathway. However, given that
      the roles of other active sites in IDH1 substrate binding remain unclear, we
      aimed to investigate IDH1 mutation pattern and its influence on enzyme function.
      METHODS: Fifteen IDH1 catalytic active site candidates were selected for in
      silico mutagenesis and protein homology modeling. Binding free energy of the
      IDH1/ICT complexes with single-site mutations was compared with that of the wild
      type. The affinity of 10 IDH1 catalytic active sites for the ICT substrate was
      further calculated. RESULTS: The IDH1 active site included seven residues from
      chain A (A77Thr, A94Ser, A100Arg, A132Arg, A109Arg, A275Asp, and A279Asp) and
      three residues from chain B (B214Thr, B212Lys, and B252Asp) that constituted the
      substrate ICT-binding site. These residues were located within 0.5 nm of ICT,
      indicating a potential interaction with the substrate. IDH1 changes of binding
      free energy (DeltaE) suggested that the A132Arg residue from chain A contributes
      three hydrogen bonds to the ICT alpha-carboxyl and beta-carboxyl groups, while
      the other nine residues involved in ICT binding form only one or two hydrogen
      bonds. Amino acid substitutes at A132Arg, A109Arg, and B212Lys sites, had the
      greatest effect on enzyme affinity for its substrate. CONCLUSIONS: Mutations at
      sites A132Arg, A109Arg, and B212Lys reduced IDH1 affinity for ICT, indicating
      these active sites may play a central role in substrate binding. Mutations at
      sites A77Thr, A94Ser, and A275Asp increased the affinity of IDH1 for ICT, which
      may enhance IDN1 catalytic activity. Mutant IDH1 proteins with higher catalytic
      activity than the wild-type IDH1 could potentially be used as a novel gene
      therapy for glioblastoma multiforme.

PMID- 22040413
TI  - MicroRNA-7 regulates glioblastoma cell invasion via targeting focal adhesion
      kinase expression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Invasion growth is the most characteristic biological phenotype of
      glioblastoma, but the molecular mechanism in glioma cell invasion is poorly
      understood. Recent data have showed that microRNA plays an essential role in
      tumor invasion. Our study aimed to explore the mechanism of miR-7 involved in the
      control of glioblastoma cell invasion. METHODS: Glioma cell invasion was
      evaluated by transwell and scratch assays after up-regulation of miR-7 using miR
      7 mimics in U87 and U251 cells. Luciferase reporter assay was used to determine
      focal adhesion kinase (FAK) as a target of miR-7. The levels of miR-7, matrix
      metalloproteinases (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 mRNA were detected by PCR assay, and the
      levels of FAK, MMP-2, MMP-9, total and phosphorylation serine/threonine kinase
      (AKT), and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 were measured by
      Western blotting analysis. RESULTS: Over-expression of miR-7 inhibited the
      invasion and migration activity of U87 and U251 cells. And up-regulation of miR-7
      reduced FAK protein expression, Further, luciferase reporter assay showed that
      miR-7 modulated FAK expression directly by binding 3'UTR of FAK mRNA. In
      addition, miR-7 repressed p-ERK1/2 and p-AKT level, MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression.
      Finally, the inverse relationship between FAK and miR-7 expression was
      certificated in human glioma tissues. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, these data
      indicate for the first time that miR-7 directly regulates cell invasion by
      targeting FAK in glioblastoma and that miR-7 could be a potential therapeutic
      target for glioblastoma intervention.

PMID- 22040414
TI  - Changes of glucocorticoid receptor mRNA expression in basolateral amygdale
      kindled rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is believed to be a major factor in
      brain maturation and in modulation of a series of brain activity. Hippocampal
      neurons are abundant in glucocorticoid receptor, and there is significant change
      in GR expression under certain pathological state. Epilepsy is a special
      pathological state of the central nervous system. This study aimed to explore the
      role of GR in epilepsy by observing the change and functions of GR in hippocampus
      with a basolateral amygdale-electrical kindled rat epilepsy model. METHODS:
      Firstly, we established the basolateral amygdale-electrical kindled rat epilepsy
      model. Then GR mRNA expression in the hippocampus was assayed by semi
      quantitative reverse transcription-PCR in this experiment. In addition, the
      processes of epileptic seizures were observed and electroencephalograms were
      recorded. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed for comparing means
      of multiple groups, followed Fisher's least significant difference (LSD) for
      paired comparison. RESULTS: The rats were successfully kindled after an average
      of (13.50 +/- 3.99) times electrical stimulation, in which it was showed that GR
      mRNA expression reduced obviously as compared with the control group and the sham
      groups (P < 0.001). The down-regulation of GR mRNA expression was abated or
      reversed by some anti-epilepsy drugs (P < 0.001 compared with the epilepsy
      group), accompanied by attenuation of seizures and improvement of
      electroencephalograms. CONCLUSIONS: Down-regulation of hippocampal GR mRNA
      expression may be related to the kindling. Anti-epilepsy drugs exposure can
      retard this change.

PMID- 22040415
TI  - 1,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid protects primary neurons from amyloid beta 1-42-induced
      apoptosis via PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recently, 1,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid (1,5-DQA), a caffeoylquinic acid
      derivative isolated from Aster scaber, was found to have neuroprotective effects.
      However, the protective mechanisms of 1,5-DQA have not yet been clearly
      identified. The purpose of this study was to explore the protective mechanisms of
      1,5-DQA on neuronal culture. METHODS: We investigated the neuroprotective effects
      of 1,5-DQA against amyloid beta(1-42) (Abeta(42))-induced neurotoxicity in
      primary neuronal culture. To evaluate the neuroprotective effects of 1,5-DQA,
      primary cultured cortical neurons from neonate rats were pretreated with 1,5-DQA
      for 2 hours and then treated with 40 umol/L Abeta(42) for 6 hours. Cell counting
      kit-8, Hoechst staining and Western blotting were used for detecting the
      protective mechanism. Comparisons between two groups were evaluated by
      independent t test, and multiple comparisons were analyzed by one-way analysis of
      variance (ANOVA). RESULTS: 1,5-DQA treated neurons showed increased neuronal cell
      viability against Abeta(42) toxicity in a concentration-dependent manner, both
      phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt and extracellular regulated protein kinase
      1/2 (Erk1/2) were activated by 1,5-DQA with stimulating their upstream tyrosine
      kinase A (Trk A). However, the neuroprotective effects of 1,5-DQA were blocked by
      LY294002, a PI3K inhibitor, but not by PD98059, an inhibitor of mitogen-activated
      protein kinase kinase. Furthermore, 1,5-DQA's anti-apoptotic potential was
      related to the enhanced inactivating phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase
      3beta (GSK3beta) and the modulation of expression of apoptosis-related protein
      Bcl-2/Bax. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that 1,5-DQA prevents Abeta(42)
      induced neurotoxicity through the activation of PI3K/Akt followed by the
      stimulation of Trk A, then the inhibition of GSK3beta as well as the modulation
      of Bcl-2/Bax.

PMID- 22040416
TI  - Amyloid beta 3-10 DNA vaccination suggests a potential new treatment for
      Alzheimer's disease in BALB/c mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Amyloid beta(1-42) (Abeta(42)) peptide vaccination has been proved to
      be effective in reducing amyloid burden in brain and improving cognitive function
      in Alzheimer's disease (AD) mouse models. But the phase II trial of Abeta(42)
      peptide vaccine was halted because of T cell-mediated meningoencephalitis. In
      this study, a DNA vaccine, p(Abeta(3-10))(10)-CpG, was constructed to test
      whether it would induce predominant T(H)2 immune response upon immunization of
      BALB/c mice. METHODS: BALB/c mice were vaccinated intramuscularly with p(Abeta(3
      10))(10)-CpG plasmids. Abeta(42) peptide, pcDNA3.1(+) empty vector and PBS were
      injected to the control groups. Expression of interesting gene in injected muscle
      was identified by immunohistochemistry. Anti-Abeta antibody titers, isotype
      profiles as well as cytokines in ex vivo splenocytes culture supernatants were
      analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: P(Abeta(3
      10))(10)-CpG plasmid was expressed in muscle after injection detected by
      immunohistochemistry. The p(Abeta(3-10))(10)-CpG vaccine induced high titers of
      anti-Abeta antibodies in BALB/c mice. And isotype of the antibodies was mainly
      IgG1, the IgG1/IgG2a ratio for the p(Abeta(3-10))(10)-CpG group was approximately
      5 times greater than that for the Abeta(42) peptide group. Ex vivo cultured
      splenocytes isolated from mice immunized with p(Abeta(3-10))(10)-CpG exhibited
      high interleukin-4 response and low interleukin-gamma (IFN-gamma) response.
      CONCLUSIONS: Immunization with p(Abeta(3-10))(10)-CpG vaccine primarily induces a
      T(H)2 type of response, thus reduces the probability of inflammation. This
      p(Abeta(3-10))(10)-CpG vaccine possesses the basic factors required for a safe
      and effective AD vaccine.

PMID- 22040417
TI  - Intracerebroventricular transplantation of human amniotic epithelial cells
      ameliorates spatial memory deficit in the doubly transgenic mice coexpressing
      APPswe and PS1DeltaE9-deleted genes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Human amniotic epithelial cells (HAECs), which have characteristics
      of both embryonic and pluripotent stem cells, are therefore a candidate in cell
      therapy without creating legal or ethical problems. In the present study, we
      aimed to investigate the effects of intracerebroventricular transplantation of
      HAECs on doubly transgenic mice of Alzheimer's disease (AD) coexpressing
      presenilin-1 (PS1) and mutant Sweden amyloid precursor protein (APPswe) genes.
      METHODS: The offspring mice genotypes were detected using PCR identification of
      APPswe and PS1 gene. The doubly transgenic (TG) mice (n = 20) and wild-type (WT)
      mice (n = 20) were randomly divided into two groups respectively: the
      transplantation group treated with HAECs and the control group with phosphate
      buffered saline. Six radial arm water maze test was used to assess the spatial
      memory in the TG and WT mice. Amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles were
      analyzed using congo red and acid-silver methenamine staining respectively.
      Immunofluorescence cytochemistry was used to track the survival of HAECs.
      Immunohistochemistry was used to determine the expression of octamer-binding
      protein 4 (Oct-4) and Nanog in the HAECs. High performance liquid chromatography
      was used to measure acetylcholine in hippocampus. The density of cholinergic
      neurons in basal forebrain and nerve fibers in hippocampus was measured using
      acetylcholinesterase staining. RESULTS: Amyloid deposition occurred in
      hippocampus and frontal cortex in the double TG mice aged 8 months, but not in WT
      mice. The results also showed that transplanted HAECs can survive for at least 8
      weeks and migrate to the third ventricle without immune rejection. The graft
      HAECs can also express the specific marker Oct-4 and Nanog of stem cell. Compared
      with the control group, transplantation of HAECs can not only significantly
      improve the spatial memory of the TG mice, but also increase acetylcholine
      concentration and the number of hippocampal cholinergic neurites. CONCLUSIONS:
      These results demonstrate that intracerebroventricular transplantation of HAECs
      can improve the spatial memory of the double TG mice. The higher content of
      acetylcholine in hippocampus released by more survived cholinergic neurites is
      one of the causes of this improvement.

PMID- 22040418
TI  - Flunarizine inhibits sensory neuron excitability by blocking voltage-gated Na+
      and Ca2+ currents in trigeminal ganglion neurons.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although flunarizine has been widely used for migraine prophylaxis
      with clear success, the mechanisms of its actions in migraine prophylaxis are not
      completely understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of
      flunarizine on tetrodotoxin-resistant Na(+) channels and high-voltage activated
      Ca(2+) channels of acutely isolated mouse trigeminal ganglion neurons. METHODS:
      Sodium currents and calcium currents in trigeminal ganglion neurons were
      monitored using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings. Paired Student's t test was
      used as appropriate to evaluate the statistical significance of differences
      between two group means. RESULTS: Both tetrodotoxin-resistant sodium currents and
      high-voltage activated calcium currents were blocked by flunarizine in a
      concentration-dependent manner with the concentration producing half-maximal
      current block values of 2.89 umol/L and 2.73 umol/L, respectively. The steady
      state inactivation curves of tetrodotoxin-resistant sodium currents and high
      voltage activated calcium currents were shifted towards more hyperpolarizing
      potentials after exposure to flunarizine. Furthermore, the actions of flunarizine
      in blocking tetrodotoxin-resistant sodium currents and high-voltage activated
      calcium currents were use-dependent, with effects enhanced at higher rates of
      channel activation. CONCLUSION: Blockades of these currents might help explain
      the peripheral mechanism underlying the preventive effect of flunarizine on
      migraine attacks.

PMID- 22040419
TI  - Ultrastructure and electrophysiology of astrocytes differentiated from adult
      adipose-derived stromal cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adipose-derived stromal cell (ADSC) differentiation into neural cells
      in vitro is becoming widely studied. However, there are few reports on astrocytes
      following differentiation, and particularly on maturation and electrophysiology.
      In this study, we used various methods to determine ADSC-derived astrocyte
      maturity. METHODS: Chemical induction with isobutylmethylxanthine (IBMX) was used
      to differentiate adult ADSCs into astrocytes followed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE)
      staining to observe morphology and transmission electron microscopy for cellular
      ultrastructure assessment. Immunofluorescence was used to detect expression of
      neural stem cell marker nestin as well as glial markers glial fibrillary acidic
      protein (GFAP) and S-100. In addition, we measured membrane potentials in bis
      (1,3-dibarbituric acid) trimethine oxanol-labeled ADSCs and astrocytes by
      stimulation with a high potassium solution under an inverted fluorescence
      microscope. Finally, cell cycle distribution was detected by flow cytometry.
      RESULTS: Typical astrocyte morphology was shown by HE staining after 48-hour
      differentiation. Glial fibril was observed with transmission electron microscopy.
      GFAP and S-100 were not expressed in the control group, but were expressed within
      24-hour differentiation and reached a maximum at day 14 with no change up to day
      28. Nestin was weakly expressed in control cells and also reached a maximum at
      day 14 with the percentage of positive cells constant until day 21 followed by a
      decrease. Differentiated cell membrane potentials after stimulation with
      potassium were slightly increased, and then gradually declined over time. There
      was no significant membrane potential change in the control group. Flow cytometry
      showed that the percentage of cells in G0/G1 phase was 93% and only 5% in S
      phase. CONCLUSION: ADSCs were differentiated into mature astrocytes with typical
      characteristics including morphology, ultrastructure, marker protein expression,
      mature potassium channels and mitotic capacity.

PMID- 22040420
TI  - Etiology and prevalence of abnormal serum alanine aminotransferase levels in a
      general population in Northeast China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic liver diseases are a major burden in China. Alanine
      aminotransferase (ALT) can be used as an indicator of hepatocyte damage. In this
      study, we determined the prevalence and etiologies of elevated ALT in an adult
      population in Jilin, China. METHODS: A total of 4072 individuals aged between 18
      and 79 years were first interviewed, and then underwent ultrasonography and blood
      tests. RESULTS: The prevalence of elevated ALT was 17.53%. The most noticeable
      risk factor for ALT elevation was non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)
      (accounting for 10.79%), metabolic syndrome (16.25%), or both (20.31%). The
      development of NAFLD occurred mostly in female peasants and small businessmen
      with increased income, age, fasting plasma glucose, body mass index,
      triglyceridemia, and low-density lipoprotein and decreased education level, high
      density lipoprotein. Elevated ALT frequently occurred in low education level,
      male peasants and small businessmen with increased income, body mass index and
      triglyceride who had NAFLD and/or metabolic syndrome. However, elevated ALT with
      infection of hepatitis B or C virus was not associated with metabolic disorders,
      but rather with gender, occupation and increased age. CONCLUSION: The results
      from the current study demonstrate that elevated ALT is fairly high in the
      Northeast population (17.53%) and that the cause of its elevation is mostly due
      to NAFLD and metabolic syndrome.

PMID- 22040421
TI  - Influenza A (H1N1) pneumonia: an analysis of 63 cases by chest CT.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In early April 2009, cases of human infection with 2009 pandemic
      influenza A (H1N1) virus were identified in Mexico. The virus then spread rapidly
      to other regions of the world. From October 2009, sporadic imported cases of
      novel influenza A (H1N1) were continuously confirmed in Suzhou. The aim of the
      study was to review the chest CT findings in 63 patients with laboratory
      confirmed novel swine-origin influenza A (H1N1) virus (S-OIV) infection. METHODS:
      Chest CT examinations were collected from 63 S-OIV infected patients during their
      hospital stay. Three experienced radiologists inspected images to qualitatively
      and quantitatively characterize S-OIV induced image changes. CT scores of lesion
      severity were calculated based on the percentage of affected area to determine
      severity of infectious lesions. Patients were divided into two groups based on
      the leukocyte counts. Lesion patterns, local distributions, and quantitative
      measures were investigated and compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Various
      degrees of bilateral multifocal lesions of ground-glass opacities were found with
      or without consolidations on the chest CT images. The lesions were both
      bronchocentric and centrilobular. Patients with elevated leukocyte counts had
      more extensive lesions, in terms of severity and affected area, than the patients
      with normal leukocyte counts. The lesion severity scores of patients in the
      elevated leukocyte group were significantly higher than those of the normal
      leukocyte group in terms of the entire lung area (P < 0.01), and upper (P < 0.05)
      and lower (P < 0.01) lobes as well. There were changes in the CT characteristics
      seen at follow-up as demonstrated by lesions absorption (P < 0.01), especially in
      the upper lobe of the lung (P < 0.01), but less so in the middle lobe/lingual and
      lower lobe of the lung (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The most common CT findings in S
      OIV infection patients were bilateral multifocal distributed ground-glass
      opacities and consolidations. The lesions were located dominantly at
      bronchocentric and centrilobular areas. Lung lesions were more obviously absorbed
      in upper lobes between two examinations. The observations and analysis from this
      study provide information that may be useful in image understanding and patient
      management for future pandemic influenza.

PMID- 22040422
TI  - Myocardial injury resulting from radiofrequency catheter ablation: comparison of
      circumferential pulmonary vein isolation and complex fractionated atrial
      electrograms ablation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) necessarily produces an area
      of myocardial necrosis. However, the difference of the extent of myocardial
      injury between circumferential pulmonary vein isolation (CPVI) and complex
      fractionated atrial electrograms (CFAE) ablation in patients with atrial
      fibrillation (AF) has not been investigated before. METHODS: Twenty-nine
      consecutive male patients (n = 29) with either paroxysmal or persistent AF were
      selected for CPVI or CFAE ablation. The CPVI or CFAE ablation was performed with
      a three-dimensional electroanatomical mapping system (CARTO). Serum cardiac
      biomarkers, for example, cardiac troponin T (cTnT), aspartate transaminase (AST),
      lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK), and creatine kinase myocardial
      bound (CKMB) were determined by the Elecsys STATE immunoassay. Cardiac structure
      and function were measured with echocardiography. RESULTS: Echocardiography
      showed that there was no significant difference of atrioventricular structure or
      function parameters between the CPVI group and the CFAE ablation group. Serum
      cTnT showed a significant increase in the CFAE ablation group over the CPVI group
      at 12 and 24 hours after the procedure (P < 0.05, respectively), and then it was
      reduced to a normal level after 48 hours. Serum AST showed a significant increase
      in the CFAE ablation group over the CPVI group at post-procedure, 4 and 12 hours
      after the procedure (P < 0.05, respectively), and then it reached to a normal
      level after 24 hours. There was no significant difference in LDH, CK, or CKMB
      levels between the CFAE ablation group and the CPVI group at any time point (P >
      0.05). CONCLUSIONS: cTnT and AST other than LDH, total CK or CKMB activity
      significantly increased more in the CFAE ablation group than the CPVI group.
      However, the difference of the serum levels of cTnT, AST between two groups was
      temporary.

PMID- 22040423
TI  - Role of plasma C-reactive protein and white blood cell count in predicting in
      hospital clinical events of acute type A aortic dissection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A few recent studies have reported that inflammation is associated
      with the prognosis of acute aortic dissection (AD). There is, however, no
      systemic investigation regarding the role of plasma C-reactive protein (CRP) and
      white blood cell (WBC) levels in predicting in-hospital clinical events of acute
      type A AD. METHODS: The levels of high-sensitivity CRP and WBC counts were
      systemically determined after admission in 36 patients with acute type A AD. The
      variations of plasma CRP and WBC levels in different time windows (admission, 1,
      2, 3, 4, 6, 8 days) in patients with acute type A AD were analyzed between
      patients with events and without events. RESULTS: During hospitalization, five
      patients died, and increased levels of CRP and WBC were found in patients died
      with acute type A AD compared with patients survived (P < 0.01, respectively).
      Medical treatment may significantly decrease inflammatory response in survived
      patients with acute type A AD. Additionally, patients with complication of
      pleural effusion showed higher CRP and WBC levels (P = 0.046, P = 0.018,
      respectively). Lower WBC levels were found in survived patients treated medically
      (P = 0.001). Moreover, mean CRP and WBC levels had positive correlations with
      aortic diameter (r = 0.364, P = 0.000; r = 0.333, P = 0.000, respectively) and
      age (r = 0.270, P = 0.000, respectively), while negative correlations with the
      time from onset of symptoms to hospital admission (r = -0.229, P = 0.000, r = 
      0.200, P = 0.002, respectively). Univariate analysis showed that age >= 65 years,
      CRP >= 12.05 mg/L, WBC >= 12.16 * 10(9)/L, aortic diameter >= 48 mm, pleural
      effusion and diastolic blood pressure >= 105 mmHg were associated with hospital
      mortality. While CRP >= 12.05 mg/L, WBC >= 12.16 * 10(9)/L, aortic diameter >= 48
      mm were strongly associated with hospital mortality in multiple Logistic
      regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggested that CRP and WBC were
      preferred markers for predicting the clinical events in patients with acute type
      A AD, especially death during hospitalization. Therefore, further study enrolling
      larger cohort, prospective study would be warranted.

PMID- 22040424
TI  - A clinical comparative study of polymerase chain reaction assay for diagnosis of
      pneumocystis pneumonia in non-AIDS patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PCP) is one of the most common and
      fatal infections in non-AIDS immunocompromised patients, which is difficult to
      diagnose by traditional morphologic methods. This study evaluated polymerase
      chain reaction (PCR) assays of Pneumocystis jirovecii mitochondrial large
      subunits ribosomal RNA in sputum and bronchioalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) for
      diagnosing PCP. METHODS: Sputum and BALF specimens from two groups were
      collected: one group (PCP group) included 20 patients definitely diagnosed of PCP
      by Gomori methenamine silver (GMS) stains of BALF; the other group (non-PCP
      group) included 40 patients. Each specimen was examined by GMS stains and PCR
      assays. RESULTS: GMS stains of BALF in PCP group were 100% positive (20/20), GMS
      stains of sputum in PCP group were 35% positive (7/20); GMS stains of BALF in non
      PCP group were 100% negative (40/40), GMS stains of sputum in non-PCP group were
      100% negative (40/40). PCR assays of BALF in PCP group were 100% positive
      (20/20), PCR assays of sputum in PCP group were 100% positive (20/20); PCR assays
      of BALF in non-PCP group were 100% negative (40/40), PCR assays of sputum in non
      PCP group were 100% negative (40/40). Sensitivity and specificity of PCR assays
      of sputum and BALF were both 100%; positive and negative predictive values were
      also both 100%. CONCLUSION: The diagnostic value of PCR assays of Pneumocystis
      jirovecii mitochondrial large subunits ribosomal RNA on sputum and BALF for
      pneumocystis pneumonia are both high and equivalent.

PMID- 22040425
TI  - Rehabilitation of vision disorder and improved quality of life in patients with
      primary open angle glaucoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is a common cause of irreversible
      blindness. The variable etiology of POAG poses significant challenges for
      treatment and rehabilitation. We analyzed a large POAG patient cohort during
      treatment to reveal possible causes of vision disorder, assess vision-related
      quality of life (VRQL), and to evaluate the efficacy of rehabilitative
      treatments. METHODS: We analyzed the visional disturbances in 500 POAG patients
      (890 eyes) by regular ophthalmic examination and visual field examination using
      Humphrey 30 degrees  perimetry. Appropriate rehabilitative treatments for POAG
      were prescribed based on results of clinical examination and included correction
      of ametropia, health education, counseling, and the fitting of typoscopes. VRQL
      was assessed before and after treatment by a VRQL self-assessment questionnaire.
      RESULTS: Scores on the VRQL self-assessment were significantly lower compared to
      healthy controls. The primary cause of the vision disturbances was ametropia
      (97.99%), and 51.61% of the ametropia eyes had not received appropriate
      correction. The secondary causes of visual impairment were glaucomatous
      neurodegeneration (26.29%), complicated cataract, or other accompanying eye
      diseases. The causes of the clinical low vision (44 patients) were glaucomatous
      neurodegeneration (32 eyes), fundus diseases (23 eyes), keratopathy (11 eyes),
      and other eye diseases (10 eyes). The VRQL scores of patients improved
      significantly after rehabilitation and the correction of ametropia (P < 0.01).
      Twenty-five patients with low vision were provided with typoscopes, and 21 (84%)
      experienced significant functional recovery, while the remaining low vision
      patients could see letter lines two or more levels lower (smaller) on visual
      charts in a near vision test. CONCLUSIONS: Vision disorders in POAG patients are
      common and severe. Appropriate rehabilitation, especially the correction of
      ametropia, can significantly improve VRQL as revealed by the self-assessment of
      POAG patients.

PMID- 22040426
TI  - Predictive value of serum cholinesterase for the prognosis of aged patients with
      systemic inflammatory response syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Some studies found that cholinesterase (ChE) can be an independent
      risk factor for patients with multiple organ dysfunction syndrome. To assess aged
      patients with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) early and predict
      their prognosis, the predictive value of ChE for the prognosis of aged patients
      with SIRS was analyzed. METHODS: From September 2009 to September 2010, all aged
      patients with SIRS in the ICU of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang
      University School of Medicine were retrospectively analyzed if they met inclusion
      criteria: patients aged >= 65 years and met American College of Chest
      Physicians/Society of Critical Care Medicine Consensus Conference criteria for
      SIRS. Serum ChE, albumin, D-dimer, lactic acid and C-reactive protein (CRP) were
      measured, and the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II and
      Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores were evaluated within the first 24 hours in the
      ICU. Fisher's exact test was used for comparison of the primary disease between
      the deceased group and surviving group. For comparison of study variables between
      the two groups, the Student's t test or Mann-Whitney U test was used.
      Multivariate significance was tested with binary Logistic regression analysis.
      RESULTS: The clinical data of 124 aged patients with SIRS were collected and
      analyzed. Sixty-six patients (46 male, 20 female, mean age (78.70 +/- 8.08)
      years) who died were included in the deceased group and 58 patients (34 male, 24
      female, mean age (76.02 +/- 6.57) years) who survived were included in the
      surviving group. There were no significant differences in age, gender, APACHE II
      score and GCS score between the deceased group and surviving group (all P >
      0.05), but there were significant differences in lactic acid (P = 0.011), D-dimer
      (P = 0.011), albumin (P = 0.007), CRP (P = 0.008), and ChE (P < 0.0001). The
      correlation analysis showed that the APACHE II score and CRP were not correlated
      with ChE (both P < 0.05). D-dimer and albumin were correlated with ChE
      (Spearman's rho correlation coefficients were -0.206 and 0.324, the corresponding
      P values were 0.022 and < 0.0001). Multiple Logistic regression analysis showed
      that age, gender, lactic acid, D-dimer, albumin, CRP, APACHE II score, and GCS
      score were not independent risk factors for prognosis of aged patients with SIRS,
      but that ChE was (P < 0.0001). The receiver operating characteristic curve of ChE
      had an area under the curve of 0.797 (standard error = 0.04; P < 0.0001), and a
      ChE of 103.00 U/L was the cut-off value with sensitivity = 0.793, specificity =
      0.742. CONCLUSION: Serum ChE might be a predictive marker for the prognosis of
      aged patients with SIRS, with low serum ChE levels indicating poor prognosis.

PMID- 22040427
TI  - Successfully managing a rapidly growing peritoneal dialysis program in Southern
      China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The maximal use of the limited resource to improve peritoneal
      dialysis (PD) penetration and clinical outcomes is a challenge for all PD
      centers. In this study, we reported the experience and outcomes in successfully
      managing a rapidly growing PD center in Southern China. METHODS: A standard PD
      program with a team consisted of 6 nephrologists (3 doctors were in charge of
      catheter insertion and in-patients care, the other 3 doctors focused on PD
      patients' follow-up and education) and 11 nurses in a PD center at Sun Yat-sen
      University was established for PD patients follow-up in 2005. A prospective and
      observational study was conducted in all patients undergoing continuous
      ambulatory PD (CAPD) at our center from January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2009.
      RESULTS: The yearly number of prevalent CAPD patients was 297, 409, 547 and 695
      in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009, respectively. The PD catheter insertion was
      performed by the nephrologists with open surgical procedure and 94% of catheters
      were patent at one year. In 841 incident CAPD patients, the survival rates at the
      end of 1, 2, 3 and 4 years were 94%, 87%, 83% and 76%, respectively, while
      cumulative technique survival rates (death-censored) were 98%, 95%, 91% and 90%,
      respectively. Peritonitis rate was 1/68.5 patient months. CONCLUSIONS: Better
      patient and technical survival rates as well as lower peritonitis episode have
      been achieved in our rapidly growing PD center. A standardized PD program, well
      trained team members of PD doctors and nurses, and continuous quality improvement
      of PD are important elements in managing a successful PD program.

PMID- 22040428
TI  - Antimicrobial resistance, genotypic characterization and pulsed-field gel
      electrophoresis typing of extended spectrum beta-lactamases-producing clinical
      Escherichia coli strains in Macao, China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The rise of the production of CTX-M class extended spectrum beta
      lactamases (ESBLs) has been well documented in traveling countries but no data
      are found for Macao, an international travel city. The objectives of this study
      were to identify the antimicrobial resistance pattern, and determine the
      prevalence, genotype and clonal relationship of ESBLs in 209 clinical Escherichia
      coli strains from Macao, China. METHODS: Antimicrobial susceptibility test was
      performed to determine the resistance patterns of the isolates using the disk
      diffusion method with 17 antimicrobial agents. Phenotypic detection was screened
      and confirmed according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute.
      Genotypic characterization was detected by isoelectric focusing analysis,
      polymerase chain reaction and sequencing. The clonal relationship between the
      different ESBL isolates was studied by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE).
      RESULTS: Imipenem and meropenem exhibited 100% susceptible among 209 strains.
      Overall, 82.3%, 67.3%, 52.9%, 51.2% and 51.0% of the isolates displayed
      resistance to ampicillin, tetracycline, ciprofloxacin, sulfamethoxazole
      trimethoprim and gentamycin. The prevalence rate of ESBLs was 30.1%. Antibiotic
      resistances were found to be significantly higher among the ESBL producing group
      compared to non-ESBL producing group. We detected CTX-M-14 to be the major
      genotypic characterization of ESBLs (76.2%). Two strains showed indistinguishable
      patterns by PFGE. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of antimicrobial resistance is
      alarming high in Macao. Antimicrobial resistance is significantly higher among
      the ESBL producing group. This study documented CTX-M-14 as the predominant ESBL
      type. Although indistinguishable pattern was found between two strains, it was
      too small to decide whether any of the investigated strains was epidemic. Our
      findings may be also pertinent for other geographic areas undergoing similar
      travel characteristics to understand the corresponding effects on bacterial
      populations.

PMID- 22040429
TI  - Inhibition effects of all trans-retinoic acid on the growth and angiogenesis of
      esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in nude mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The potential application of retinoic acid receptor activators, such
      as all trans-retinoic acid (ATRA), for treating various cancers have been studied
      both pre-clinically and clinically. Whether ATRA has an anticancer effect on
      human esophageal squamous cancer cell (ESCC) is still unknown. We have explored
      the anticancer effect of ATRA in ESCC, and in this study, the effects of ATRA on
      levels and patterns of expression of the vascular endothelial growth factor
      (VEGF) signal transduction pathway in transplantable tumor growth of the human
      ESCC cell line, EC9706, in nude mice. METHODS: The animal model of the ESCC
      xenograft was made by subcutaneous implantation of tumor cells into nude mice.
      Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), Western blotting and
      immunohistochemical assays were used to detect the expression of the VEGF signal
      transduction pathway in ESCC xenograft tissues. RESULTS: Compared to the control
      group, the tumor inhibition rates in the low dose ATRA, high dose ATRA, and 5-FU
      groups were 83.21%, 88.32%, 91.02%, respectively. The protein and mRNA levels of
      VEGF were down-regulated after being treated with ATRA and 5-FU compared to the
      control group (P < 0.05). The study also revealed that ATRA specifically down
      regulated VEGF and the component of the VEGF signal transduction pathway of CD31,
      CD34, and CD105 (component of the TGF-beta receptor) in ESCC xenograft tissues (P
      < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: ATRA can significantly inhibit tumor growth and has
      anticancer effects on transplantable tumor growth of human ESCC cell line EC9706
      in nude mice. These findings indicate that ATRA specifically down regulated VEGF
      and the components of VEGF signal transduction, which may be an important
      mechanism responsible for the neoangiogenesis inhibition of ESCC cells.

PMID- 22040430
TI  - Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells protect rats from endotoxin-induced
      acute lung injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute lung injury (ALI) is a serious and common condition for which
      there are currently no specific strategies for treatment. Recent studies have
      suggested that bone marrow-derived multipotent mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) may
      have therapeutic applications in multiple clinical disorders. We explored the
      biological effects of MSCs during endotoxin-induced ALI and the mechanisms
      involved. METHODS: MSCs were isolated from male rat bone marrow and the ALI model
      was induced by intravenous endotoxin injection. Female rats were sacrificed at 6
      hours, 24 hours, 4 days, 1 week and 3 weeks post-injection of MSCs or saline and
      the lung tissue, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and serum were harvested for
      analysis. We further evaluated the survival of the rats and examined the effects
      of endotoxin-induced injury on the interaction between alveolar macrophages (AMs)
      and MSCs in ex vivo. RESULTS: There was a significant decrease in numbers of
      neutrophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (P < 0.05), and myeloperoxidase
      activity in the lung (P < 0.01), and of TNF-alpha and IL-1beta in serum (P <
      0.05) in the MSC treated rats at 4 days. Furthermore, MSC treated rats exhibited
      improved survival, lower lung injury score, higher concentration of IL-10 in the
      serum and a reduced hydroxyproline content, but these differences were not
      statistically significant. Moreover, co-cultures of MSCs and AMs had
      significantly reduced levels of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and macrophage inflammatory
      protein (MIP)-1alpha and significantly increased levels of IL-10 (P < 0.05) in
      the culture supernatants. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with intravenous injection of
      bone marrow-derived MSCs have beneficial effects on endotoxin-induced ALI in
      rats. The beneficial effect might be achieved through the engraftment of
      differentiated MSCs in the lungs and appears derive more from their capacity to
      secrete soluble factors that modulate immune responses.

PMID- 22040431
TI  - An improved method for rat intubation and thymectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Thymokidney has been reported as an approach for a vascularized
      thymus for transplantation to induce donor specific tolerance. A completely
      thymectomized model which ensures that the obtained thymus is not injured has not
      been developed yet and it would be useful for evaluating autologous thymokidney
      function in rats. METHODS: Adult Sprague-Dawley male rats weighing 150 - 300 g (n
      = 30) underwent non-invasive intubation with the assistance of an improved self
      made wedge-shaped cannula made from a 2-ml plastic syringe and transillumination
      from the anterior tracheal area by an operation spotlight. The rats then received
      a thoracotomy while their breathing was supported by a small animal ventilator,
      and both lobes of the thymus were entirely extirpated under a 10* microscope. The
      postoperative survival rate of the rats was recorded, and changes in the T-cell
      reservoir from 9 of 30 rats within 21 days after surgery were monitored using
      flow cytometry. The complete thymectomy rate was confirmed by autopsy and
      histological examination on 21 days post-operation. RESULTS: The postoperative
      survival rate of rats was 100%. The exsected thymus was free of injury and the
      rate of complete thymectomy was 100%. CONCLUSIONS: This model has a stable
      survival rate and complete thymectomy is able to be achieved. The obtained thymus
      tissue is free of injury and can be used for transplantation.

PMID- 22040432
TI  - Tumor necrosis factor alpha affect hydrocortisone expression in mice adrenal
      cortex cells mainly through tumor necrosis factor alpha-receptor 1.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) is important in promoting
      relative adrenal insufficiency (RAI) due to systemic inflammatory response
      syndrome (SIRS). We identified the TNF-alpha receptor involved in the inhibition
      of adrenal corticotrophin (ACTH)-stimulated hydrocortisone release by studying
      the expression of TNF-alpha receptors in adrenal cortex Y1 cells and the effect
      of downregulating TNF receptors on ACTH-stimulated hydrocortisone release.
      METHODS: We used real-time PCR and immunocytochemistry to evaluate the expression
      of TNF receptors on Y1 cells. TNF-receptor 1 (TNF-R1) DNA fragments corresponding
      to the short hairpin RNA (shRNA)-sequences were synthesized and cloned into
      pcDNA(TM) 6.2-GW/EmGFP expression vector. Knockdown efficiency of TNF-R1
      expression was evaluated in miRNA transfected and mock-miRNA transfected Y1 cells
      by quantitative real-time PCR (Q-PCR). Hydro-cortisone expression levels were
      determined in TNF-R1-knockdown and control Y1 cells treated with TNF-alpha and
      ACTH. RESULTS: Mouse adrenal cortex Y1 cells were positive for type I TNF-R1, but
      not type II TNF-receptor (TNF-R2). Blocking TNF-R1 expression resulted in loss of
      TNF-alpha-mediated inhibition of ACTH-stimulated hydrocortisone expression,
      suggesting a role for the TNF-R1 related signaling pathway in ACTH-stimulated
      hydrocortisone synthesis. CONCLUSION: The inhibitory effect of TNF-alpha on ACTH
      stimulated hydrocortisone synthesis was mediated via TNF-R1 in adrenal cortex.

PMID- 22040433
TI  - Sildenafil potentiates the proliferative effect of porcine pulmonary artery
      smooth muscle cells induced by serotonin in vitro.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sildenafil is one of the selective phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors
      that has been proven by many investigators to suppress growth factor stimulated
      (e.g. platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) or epidermal growth factor (EGF))
      proliferation and hypertrophy of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMCs)
      via cGMP/cGKIa pathway. Serotonin promotes cell cycle progression leading to cell
      mitogenesis and plays a key role in the pathogenesis of pulmonary artery
      hypertension. The role of sildenafil in proliferation of PASMCs induced by
      serotonin has not been investigated so far. In this study we explored the
      underlying mechanism of the effect of sildenafil on serotonin induced
      proliferation of porcine PASMCs. METHODS: PASMCs were cells from primary cultures
      by the explant method from the pulmonary artery of swine and cells at passage 3 -
      5 were used in this study. MTT colorimetric assay and flow cytometry analysis
      were used to evaluate the cell proliferation and alterations in cell cycle
      progression respectively. Western blotting analysis was applied to determine the
      expression of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK),
      proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and mitogen activated protein kinase
      (MAPK) phosphatase-1 (MKP-1). RESULTS: Serotonin (10 umol/L) induced the
      upregulation of phosphorylation of ERK1/ERK2 and PCNA, an increase in the
      percentage of cells in S phase and subsequent cell proliferation. Pretreatment
      with 1 umol/L sildenafil potentiated the phosphorylation of ERK1/ERK2, an
      increase in the percentage of cells in S phase and cell proliferation, compared
      with serotonin stimulation alone (P < 0.05). Furthermore, 30-minute pretreatment
      with 10 umol/L U0126, specific antagonist for ERK kinase (MEK) prevented the
      increase in phosphorylation of ERK1/ERK2 and abolished cell cycle progression and
      the proliferation of PASMCs induced by sildenafil. CONCLUSION: This study shows
      that sildenafil potentiated the proliferative effect of serotonin on PASMCs via
      phosphorylation of ERK1/ERK2.

PMID- 22040434
TI  - Construction of a capsule associated protein 10 gene eukaryotic expression vector
      for RNA interference and confirmation of biologic relevance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The capsule associated protein 10 gene (cap10) is indispensible for
      the formation of the polysaccharide capsule, and is important in maintaining
      virulence of the Cryptococcus (C.) neoformans. In this study, we aimed to
      construct an short hairpin RNA (shRNA) expression vector targeting C. neoformans
      cap10 gene expression and confirm its biologic relevance. METHODS: A pair of
      oligonucleotides targeting the cap10 cDNA sequence was designed and synthesized.
      It was cloned into the plasmid psilencer4.1-CMV neo to construct an eukaryotic
      shRNA expression vector. The vector was transfected into C. neoformans cells
      using the LiAc method. The expression of cap10 was assessed by real-time
      fluorescence quantitative PCR. Groups of C. neoformans cells were incubated with
      murine macrophage-like J774A.1 cells, and the phagocytic indexes and ratios were
      determined by the microscopic observation method. RESULTS: The expression of
      cap10 in C. neoformans cells transfected with ps4.1 neo-cap10 ((175,535.00 +/-
      47,004.00) copies/ul) was lower than that of cells transfected with the empty
      vector ((512,698.89 +/- 32,318.02) copies/ul) and mock transfected cells
      ((562,931.66 +/- 65,928.41) copies/ul). The average phagocytic ratio and
      phagocytic index of J774A.1 cells following incubation with C. neoformans were
      higher for cells transfected with ps4.1 neo-cap10 (0.21 +/- 0.02, (19.06 +/-
      1.66)%) than for the control experimental group (0.08 +/- 0.02, (6.57 +/- 1.23)%)
      and the blank experimental group ((0.07 +/- 0.01), (5.89 +/- 1.07)%) (P < 0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: The cap10 shRNA vector was successfully prepared and transfected
      into C. neoformans cells. The effect of RNA interference on the expression of the
      C. neoformans cap10 gene is effective, and it can induce phagocytosis of C.
      neoformans.

PMID- 22040435
TI  - Kaiyuqingre formula improves insulin secretion via regulating uncoupling protein
      2 and KATP channel.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) results from the complex association
      of insulin resistance and pancreatic beta-cell failure. Recent studies have shown
      that patients diagnosed with T2DM present with a significant decrease in beta
      cell function, which can be further compromised during the progression of the
      disease. Several mechanisms have been shown to play a role in this process such
      as glucotoxicity and lipotoxicity, which contribute to accelerating insulin
      secretion. In this regard, Chinese medicine has a certain advantage. This
      experiment was performed to observe the effect of a Chinese medicine named
      Kaiyuqingre formula (KYQRF) on beta-cell function and its mechanisms of action
      therein. METHODS: High glucose was used to set up a model of beta-cell function
      failure. At the same time, medicated serum of KYQRF with different doses were
      administered to the cells. Rosiglitazone was taken as a control to observe the
      changes in insulin secretion, ATP-sensitive K(+) channels (K(ATP) channel) and
      uncoupling protein-2 (UCP-2) in each group. RESULTS: KYQRF had some effects on
      the insulin secretion. In a low glucose environment, no effective change in
      insulin secretion was observed (P > 0.05). However, insulin levels increased
      significantly when INS-1 cells were exposed to a high glucose environment (P <
      0.05). KYQRF could also enhance cell viability (P < 0.05) in an effect similar to
      rosiglitazone. Although KYQRF had no effect on inwardly rectifying potassium
      channels (Kir6.2) (P > 0.05), it could decrease the overexpression of both UCP-2
      and sulfonylurea receptor 1 (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: KYQRF can protect islet
      function by decreasing UCP-2 and sulfonylurea receptor 1.

PMID- 22040436
TI  - Chloramphenicol improved expression of recombinant cholera toxin B subunit in
      Escherichia coli and its adjuvanticity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cholera toxin B subunit (CTB) was shown to be a potent adjuvant for
      protein immunogen, especially when inoculated through mucosal route. We aimed to
      optimize the expression approach for CTB and thereafter to determine the adjuvant
      effect on DNA vaccine. METHODS: Wild type CTB coding gene was amplified and
      cloned into prokaryotic expression vector pET-30a, and the recombinant CTB was
      expressed in the presence of different concentration of chloramphenicol and
      isopropyl beta-D-thiogalactoside. Purified recombinant CTB was mixed with HIV-1
      AE2f tat-rev-integrase-vif-nef fusion gene DNA vaccine and female BALB/c mice
      were vaccinated with a DNA priming-recombinant vaccinia vectored vaccine boosting
      regimen through intramuscular injection. Interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) enzyme
      linked immunospot (Elispot) assay was used to read out the specific T-cell
      immunity. RESULTS: Chloramphenicol was essential for the efficient expression of
      recombinant CTB (rCTB) in pET-30a/BL21 (DE3) system and could be optimized at the
      concentration of 0.625 ug/ml in the presence of chloramphenicol. The purified
      rCTB could bind with GM1 efficiently. INF-gamma Elispot data showed the T-cell
      response induced in CTB adjuvanted group ((734 +/- 240) spot forming cells/10(6)
      splenocytes) was higher than that induced by non-adjuvanted ((520 +/- 150) spot
      forming cells/10(6) splenocytes), all responses against different antigens were
      enhanced in parallel. CONCLUSION: CTB could be efficiently expressed in the
      presence of chloramphenicol and purified CTB is functional and capable of
      enhancing the specific T cell responses elicited by DNA vaccine, the mechanism
      needs to be explored in the future.

PMID- 22040437
TI  - Targeting glioma stem cells: enough to terminate gliomagenesis?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To review the leading roles of glioma stem cells (GSCs) and their
      sophisticated interactions with other cells in the tissue remodeling process of
      gliomagenesis. DATA SOURCES: Published articles about assessing GSCs in tumor
      initiation, progression, and multiple interactions with other cells in the
      special microenvironment were selected using PubMed. The search terms were
      "glioma stem cells", "tumorigenesis", and "microenvironment". STUDY SELECTION:
      Articles regarding the tissue remodeling of GSCs in gliomagenesis were selected.
      RESULTS: GSCs exhibit enhanced tumor-initiating ability, could reestablish tumor,
      and were resistant to radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Studying the role of GSCs in
      gliomagenesis helps to develop targeting therapy against GSCs, which seems to be
      a cure for gliomas. However, sophisticated interactions between GSCs and their
      local microenvironment during tumor remodeling, including integrating with
      partially differentiated tumor cells, GSCs niche, neural stem cells (NSCs),
      normal glia, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes, may obscure the leading role of GSCs
      during gliomagenesis, and make single targeting therapy unsuccessful.
      CONCLUSIONS: Understanding the biological behaviour of GSCs and their regulatory
      mechanisms may directly impact current efforts for more directed therapeutics
      against the highly aggressive gliomas. For multiple possible sources to turning
      into GSCs, simply eradicating the existing GSCs is not enough to be a cure for
      gliomas, blocking the potential sources of GSCs and ameliorating the local tumor
      inducing/promoting microenvironment should be a reasonable strategy.

PMID- 22040438
TI  - Effects of immediate and delayed mild hypothermia on endogenous antioxidant
      enzymes and energy metabolites following global cerebral ischemia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The optimal time window for the administration of hypothermia
      following cerebral ischemia has been studied for decades, with disparity
      outcomes. In this study, the efficacy of mild brain hypothermia beginning at
      different time intervals on brain endogenous antioxidant enzyme and energy
      metabolites was investigated in a model of global cerebral ischemia. METHODS:
      Forty-eight male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into a sham-operated group, a
      normothermia (37 degrees C - 38 degrees C) ischemic group and a mild hypothermic
      (31 degrees C - 32 degrees C) ischemia groups. Rats in the last group were
      subdivided into four groups: 240 minutes of hypothermia, 30 minutes of
      normothermia plus 210 minutes of hypothermia, 60 minutes of normothermia plus 180
      minutes of hypothermia and 90 minutes of normothermia plus 150 minutes of
      hypothermia (n = 8). Global cerebral ischemia was established using the
      Pulsinelli four-vessel occlusion model for 20 minutes and mild hypothermia was
      applied after 20 minutes of ischemia. Brain tissue was collected following 20
      minutes of cerebral ischemia and 240 minutes of reperfusion, and used to measure
      the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px),
      reduced glutathione (GSH) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP). RESULTS: Mild
      hypothermia that was started within 0 to 60 minutes delayed the consumption of
      SOD, GSH-Px, GSH, and ATP (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) in ischemic tissue, as compared
      to a normothermic ischemia group. In contrast, mild hypothermia beginning at 90
      minutes had little effect on the levels of SOD, GSH-Px, GSH, and ATP (P > 0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: Postischemic mild brain hypothermia can significantly delay the
      consumption of endogenous antioxidant enzymes and energy metabolites, which are
      critical to the process of cerebral protection by mild hypothermia. These results
      show that mild hypothermia limits ischemic injury if started within 60 minutes,
      but loses its protective effects when delayed until 90 minutes following cerebral
      ischemia.

PMID- 22040439
TI  - Extremely low warfarin dose in patients with genotypes of CYP2C9*3/*3 and VKORC1
      1639A/A.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with the genotypes of both CYP2C9*3/*3 and VKORC1-1639 A/A
      are expected to require the lowest dose of warfarin, and to have a greatly
      increased risk of bleeding. The experience for the dosing of warfarin in such
      extremely rare cases has been seldom reported. METHODS: Demographic and clinical
      data from two cases with stable low dose of warfarin in China were studied by
      resequencing the corresponding gene segments in their whole blood DNA. The
      potential clinical value of the pharmacogenetic algorithm for them was evaluated
      by calculating the stable dose of warfarin in pharmacogenetic algorithm developed
      by International Warfarin Pharmacogenetics Consortium. RESULTS: Both cases (68
      year-old female and 50-year-old male) were diagnosed as chronic nonvalvular
      atrial fibrillation needing warfarin treatment, with target international
      normalized ratio (INR) 2 to 3. Case 1 had stable warfarin dose of 0.625 mg/d and
      case 2 1.25 mg/d. They needed more than 1 month to stabilize their
      anticoagulation. Exceeding INR values were recorded for them when the dose of
      warfarin was no more than 2 mg/d. Hemorrhagic complication appeared in case 1
      when the dose was titrated from 2.5 to 1.25 mg/d. No concomitant medicine to
      increase or decrease the INR value was recorded for them. Genotyping CYP2C9 and
      VKORC1 showed both patients were the carriers of the homozygous alleles 
      CYP2C9*3/*3 and VKORC1-1639 A/A. Their stable doses of warfarin calculated by the
      pharmacogenetic dose algorithm (0.672 mg/d for case 1 and 1.16 mg/d for case 2)
      were comparable with their actual stable therapeutic doses. CONCLUSIONS: Two
      Chinese with the rare genotypes of both CYP2C9*3/*3 and VKORC1-1639 A/A were
      found to require the extremely low dose of warfarin. The pharmacogenetic
      algorithm incorporating the variances of VKORC1 and CYP2C9 genotypes, as well as
      the non-genetic factors could predict their stable dose of warfarin with high
      accuracy.

PMID- 22040440
TI  - Acute pancreatitis in pregnancy: a 6-year single center clinical experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The acute abdomen remains a challenge for all obstetricians and
      physicians who take part in the care of women in pregnancy. To add substantially
      to our understanding of acute pancreatitis (AP) in pregnancy, in particular
      affirming the increased risks for mother and fetus associated with AP, we
      explored features of clinical manifestation and the strategy of management of
      this disease during pregnancy, and its effects on maternal and fetal outcomes.
      METHODS: A retrospective review of medical records of all pregnant patients
      diagnosed with AP admitted to the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sixth
      People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University between 2005 and
      2010 was performed. Information was collected from presentation, management, and
      outcome from medical records. RESULTS: There were 11 cases in 2010, accounting
      for 44% of 25 cases. Among these cases, mild AP (MAP) occurred in 15 cases (60%),
      while the rest cases were severe AP (SAP) (40%). The major etiology of AP in
      pregnancy was due to gallstone and cholecystitis. Clinical features together with
      elevation of the plasma concentrations of pancreatic enzymes were the
      cornerstones of diagnosis. Positive conservative treatment was taken in most of
      the cases (21 cases, 84%) with a favorable outcome. Seven cases of critically ill
      patients were monitored in intensive care unit, and 4 patients underwent surgical
      interventions. As a result, all of 25 patients had better prognosis, no maternal
      death was observed. There were 8 preterm labors and 2 fetal losses, accounting
      for the perinatal mortality of 8%. Fetal malformation was not observed.
      CONCLUSIONS: While a pregnant woman suffers acute abdominal pain, early diagnosis
      and severity assessment of AP are very important. Conservative comprehensive
      treatment with intensive care is recommended. Surgical intervention should be
      performed as late as possible.

PMID- 22040441
TI  - Expression of interleukin-2 in Candidal balanoposthitis and its clinical
      significance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Candidal balanoposthitis (CB) is a common male genital infection.
      Autoimmune mechanisms may play an important role in the pathogenesis of CB.
      Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is an important molecule in cell-mediated immunity. METHODS:
      One hundred and one patients were diagnosed with CB using mycology culture in the
      dermatology and urology clinics in our hospital. Ninety-four healthy males were
      randomly selected as controls. We studied serum levels of IL-2 of patients with
      CB using ELISA and analyzed the correlations between serum IL-2 and clinical
      data. RESULTS: Serum IL-2 concentrations in CB patients were significantly lower
      than that in the control group ((7.80 +/- 4.78) vs. (15.44 +/- 7.90) ng/L; t =
      2.27, P < 0.05). The incidence of CB in the low-level group was significantly
      higher than that in the high-level group (70% (71/101) vs. 36% (30/84), P <
      0.05). Low levels of serum IL-2, comorbidity with other sexually transmitted
      diseases (STDs), and sexual partners with vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC)
      increased the risk of CB. CONCLUSION: The pathogenesis of CB is a complex
      procedure that includes internal autoimmune factors.

PMID- 22040442
TI  - Congenital quadricuspid aortic valve: analysis of 11 surgical cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Congenital quadricuspid aortic valve is rarely seen during aortic
      valve replacement (AVR). The diagnosis and treatment of the disease were reported
      in 11 cases. METHODS: Eleven patients (nine men and two women, mean age 33.4
      years) with quadricuspid aortic valve were retrospectively evaluated. Medical
      records, echocardiograms and surgical treatment were reviewed. RESULTS: In
      accordance with the Hurwitz and Roberts classification, the patients were
      classified as type A (n = 2), type B (n = 7), type F (n = 1) and type G (n = 1).
      Three patients were associated with other heart diseases, including infective
      endocarditis and mitral prolaps, left superior vena cava, aortic aneurysm. All
      had aortic regurgitation (AR) except two with aortic stenosis (AS), detected by
      color-flow Doppler echocardiography. The congenital quadricuspid aortic valve
      deformity in seven patients was diagnosed by echocardiography. All patients
      underwent successful aortic valve replacement. CONCLUSION: Quadricuspid aortic
      valve is a rare cause of aortic insufficiency, while echocardiography plays an
      important role in diagnosing the disease. Aortic valve replacement is the major
      therapy for the disease.

PMID- 22040443
TI  - Primary angiitis of the central nervous system: a case report.
AB  - Primary angiitis of the central nervous system is a rare and difficult entity.
      Here we represented the clinical and pathological features of a patient with
      little response to steroid before definite diagnosis. The 50-year-old male had a
      fluctuating disease course for more than 3 years. He presented visual disorders,
      seizure, cognitive impairment, hypersomnia, unsteady gait, dysphasia, dysphagia,
      and incontinence. Magnetic resonance imaging showed multiple, supratentorial and
      infratentorial abnormal signals, while cerebrospinal fluid and cerebral
      angiography were normal. Magnetic resonance spectrum showed a decrease of N
      acetyl-aspartate. Brain biopsy revealed nongranulomatous lymphatic vasculitis
      with reactive gliosis, cicatrization, demyelination and focal hemorrhages.

PMID- 22040444
TI  - Recurrent Fisher-Bickerstaff syndrome: report of a Chinese case.
AB  - Fisher-Bickerstaff syndrome (FBS) was recently proposed to help to diagnose the
      conditions that overlap Fisher syndrome and Bickerstaff's brainstem encephalitis,
      as well as the unclassified conditions that had ophthalmoplegia and ataxia with
      clear consciousness, flexor plantar response and preserved tendon reflexes.
      Recurrences are exceptional with Guillain-Barre syndrome and its variants. Here
      we reported a patient with diagnosis of recurrent FBS. The patient presented with
      recurrent drowsiness, unsteady gait, diplopia and reduced deep tendon reflexes,
      which met the diagnostic criteria for FBS. The interval was eight months. He was
      treated with intravenous immunoglobulins during each episode and got good
      recovery. To our knowledge, this is a relatively early report about recurrent FBS
      case that had central and peripheral involvement during each episode in China.

PMID- 22040445
TI  - Localized Castleman disease of plasma cell type in the abdomen.
AB  - Castleman disease is a relatively rare entity, with the hyaline-vascular type the
      predominant form. Although the plasma cell type is uncommon, it still comprises
      approximately 10% of cases of localized diseases. In addition, the abdomen is a
      rare site for involvement and localized Castleman disease of the plasma cell type
      in the abdomen is rare. The radiologic features of localized plasma cell type in
      the abdomen are mostly limited to case reports. In addition to the conventional
      imaging findings, we present some new imaging findings of localized plasma cell
      type in the abdomen.

PMID- 22040446
TI  - Contrast-enhanced ultrasound in detection and follow-up of pancreaticoduodenal
      artery pseudoaneurysm: a case report.
AB  - Pancreaticoduodenal artery pseudoaneurysm is one kind of rare splanchnic artery
      aneurysm. Hemorrhage from the lesion could be life-threatening. We present a case
      which color Doppler ultrasound and computed tomography angiography (CTA) only
      showed pancreatic pseudocyst on the background of chronic pancreatitis at first,
      but contrast-enhanced ultrasound detected blood flow in the pseudocyst and a
      pancreaticoduodenal artery pseudoaneurysm was worked up several days after.
      Finally, the pancreaticoduodenal artery pseudoaneurysm was confirmed by digital
      subtracted angiography. It might suggest the potential advantage of contrast
      enhanced ultrasound in evaluating this kind of disease in comparison of CTA.

PMID- 22040447
TI  - ShikaniTM Seeing Optical Stylet-aided tracheal intubation in patients with a
      large epiglottic cyst.
AB  - Large epiglottic cysts can block the glottis, leading to serious consequences.
      This condition presents a challenge in terms of airway management for
      anesthesiologists during induction of anesthesia. We report the use of a
      ShikaniTM Seeing Optical Stylet combined with a Macintosh laryngoscope to aid
      tracheal intubation in seven patients with large epiglottic cysts. Use of this
      technique can avoid cyst rupture and allow smooth, safe intubation.

PMID- 22040448
TI  - Giant epithelial splenic cyst.
AB  - Splenic cysts are unusual in daily surgical practice and less than 1000 cases
      have been reported. Primary, true or epithelial splenic cysts, are even rarer.
      Usually, most of the cysts are asymptomatic until of significant size, at which
      time they are then detected incidentally on ultrasonography or CT scan. We report
      a case of a 25-year-old woman with giant epithelial splenic cyst with about 3000
      ml of clear-yellow fluid was collected from the cyst. The splenectomy specimen
      measured 205 mm * 192 mm * 137 mm and weighed 4000 g.

PMID- 22040449
TI  - Corresponding instability of patient and therapist process ratings in
      psychodynamic psychotherapies.
AB  - The transference relationship within the psychodynamic process was conceived of
      as a self-organizing system under the assumption that patient and therapist
      instability trajectories prove similar. Nine patients and therapists each rated
      their experience of the therapeutic interaction (Intrex, SASB) over the course of
      therapy (29 to 35 sessions). A measure of instability was calculated for these
      ratings across the resulting time series. The degree of synchronicity
      (correlation) and the correspondence of instability levels (measure of
      difference) were calculated for each patient-therapist dyad. Destabilization of
      ratings was highly synchronous and the level of destabilization corresponded
      highly in successful therapies. Destabilization in non-successful cases showed
      low synchronicity and/or therapist ratings proved more instable. The results
      suggest that systematically including a measure of instability and associations
      between patient and therapist ratings may prove fruitful in process research.

PMID- 22040450
TI  - Optimising the dose of oral midazolam sedation for dental procedures in children:
      a prospective, randomised, and controlled study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Midazolam sedation poses a significant dilemma in paediatric
      dentistry, which is to find out the optimal dosing with minimal undesirable
      adverse events. In this study, we aimed to compare the effect of three doses of
      oral midazolam (0.5, 0.75, and 1 mg/kg) on the sedative state and cooperative
      behaviour of children during dental treatment. We further compared completion
      rates, parent satisfaction, and all adverse events. DESIGN: Ninety children aged
      3-10 years were randomised to three equal groups. Groups A, B, and C received
      0.5, 0.75, and 1 mg/kg of oral midazolam, respectively. Levels of sedation,
      cooperative behaviour, procedures completion rates, parent satisfaction, and
      adverse events were prospectively recorded. RESULTS: Sedation scores in B and C
      were higher (P < 0.001) than in A. Cooperation scores (CS) in B and C were higher
      (P < 0.001) than in A. Significant increase in completion rates was observed
      between A and C (P = 0.025). Parent satisfaction was greater in B and C (P <
      0.001) compared to A. Adverse events were higher in C (P < 0.05) than in A or B.
      CONCLUSION: Amount of 0.75 mg/kg oral midazolam appears to be the optimal oral
      dose in terms of effectiveness, acceptability, and safety for dental treatments
      in paediatric patients, when administered by an experienced, paediatric
      anaesthetist.

PMID- 22040451
TI  - Quantitative evaluation of cryptococcal pathogenesis and antifungal drugs using a
      silkworm infection model with Cryptococcus neoformans.
AB  - AIMS: To develop an in vivo system that could quantitatively evaluate the
      therapeutic effects of antifungal drugs using a silkworm infection model with
      Cryptococcus neoformans. METHODS AND RESULTS: Silkworms reared at 37 degrees C
      died after an injection of viable serotype A C. neoformans fungus into the
      haemolymph. The serotype A C. neoformans, which is known to have higher mammal
      pathogenicity than the serotype D, was also more virulent against the silkworm.
      Furthermore, the deletion mutants of genes gpa1, pka1 and cna1, which are genes
      known to be necessary for the pathogenesis in mammals, showed an increase in the
      number of fungal cells necessary to kill half of the silkworm population (LD(50)
      value). Antifungal drugs, amphotericin B, flucytosine, fluconazole and
      ketoconazole, showed therapeutic effects in silkworms infected with C.
      neoformans. However, amphotericin B was not therapeutically effective when
      injected into the silkworm intestine, comparable to the fact that amphotericin B
      is not absorbed by the intestine in mammals. CONCLUSIONS: The silkworm-C.
      neoformans infection model is useful for evaluating the therapeutic effects of
      antifungal drugs. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The silkworm infection
      model has various advantages for screening antifungal drug candidates. We can
      also elucidate the cryptococcal pathogenesis and evaluate the in vivo
      pharmacokinetics and toxicity of each drug.

PMID- 22040452
TI  - Mortality due to pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza in England: a comparison of the
      first and second waves.
AB  - Deaths in England attributable to pandemic (H1N1) 2009 deaths were investigated
      through a mandatory reporting system. The pandemic came in two waves. The second
      caused greater population mortality than the first (5.4 vs. 1.6 deaths per
      million, P<0.001). Mortality was particularly high in those with chronic
      neurological disease, chronic heart disease and immune suppression (450, 100, and
      94 deaths per million, respectively); significantly higher than in those with
      chronic respiratory disease (39 per million) and those with no risk factors (2.4
      per million). Greater mortality in the second wave has been observed in all
      previous influenza pandemics. This time, the explanation appears to be
      behavioural. This emphasizes the importance of maintaining public and clinical
      awareness of risks associated with pandemic influenza beyond the initial high
      profile period.

PMID- 22040453
TI  - Effect of constipation on serum total prostate-specific antigen levels in men.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Many factors affecting serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels
      have been described. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of
      constipation on serum PSA levels in men. METHODS: Serum total PSA values were
      measured in 136 constipated patients before and after treatment for constipation.
      Moreover, they were compared with 45 control patients. RESULTS: Serum total PSA
      values in the constipated patients before treatment were significantly higher
      than those in the control group (2.29 +/- 1.29 ng/mL vs 1.28 +/- 0.86 ng/mL, P <
      0.0001). After the treatment of constipation, serum total PSA values in the
      constipated patients were still higher than those in the control group, but this
      difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.0871). After the treatment of
      constipation, prostate biopsy rates were 6.6% and 2.2% in the study and control
      group, respectively (P = 0.2769). No prostate cancer was found in both groups.
      CONCLUSIONS: Constipation increases serum PSA levels in men. The presence of
      constipation must be considered in patients whose PSA is examined, especially in
      those with PSA levels that are borderline high or in the range of 2-10 ng/mL.
      Constipated patients must be first treated and then re-evaluated.

PMID- 22040454
TI  - Chemical characterization of Klason lignin preparations from plant-based foods.
AB  - To analyze the accuracy of the Klason lignin method as applied for the
      determination of lignin contents in plant based-food products, Klason lignin
      preparations from curly kale, pears, whole wheat grains, and corn bran were
      chemically characterized. Characterization included routine ash and protein
      determinations and the extraction of fat/waxes as well as cutin/suberin
      depolymerization and extraction of the liberated monomers. Fat/wax and
      cutin/suberin amounts in the Klason lignin preparations were determined
      gravimetrically, and their compositions were analyzed by using GC-MS. Typical
      fat, wax, and cutin (and suberin) constituents such as saturated and unsaturated
      fatty acids, hydroxy and/or epoxy fatty acids, and phenolic acids were identified
      in all samples, whereas the detection of long-chain hydrocarbons, alcohols, and
      ketones, sterols, stanols, and dioic acids was dependent on the sample analyzed.
      Estimation of the contribution of non-lignin compounds to the Klason lignin
      contents reduced the noncorrected Klason lignin contents of the insoluble fibers
      from 28.7% (kale), 22.8% (pear), 14.8% (wheat), and 9.9% (corn) to maximum lignin
      contents of 6.5% (kale), 16.4% (pear), 4.9% (wheat), and 2.3% (corn). These data
      demonstrate that certain commonly used statements such as "cereal brans are
      highly lignified" need to be revised.

PMID- 22040457
TI  - Hospital utilization and costs for spinal cord stimulation compared with enhanced
      external counterpulsation for refractory angina pectoris.
AB  - RATIONALE, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare acute
      hospital utilization and costs for patients with refractory angina pectoris
      undergoing spinal cord stimulation (SCS) versus enhanced external
      counterpulsation (EECP). METHOD: Seventy-three persons were included in this
      register study. The acute hospital utilization and costs for SCS and EECP were
      followed over a period from 12 months before treatment to 24 months after
      treatment using Patient Administrative Support in Skane for publicly organized
      care. RESULTS: SCS was significantly more expensive than EECP (P < 0.001). Both
      SCS and EECP entailed fewer days of hospitalization for coronary artery disease
      in the 12-month follow-up compared with the 12 months preceding treatment.
      Patients treated with EECP showed an association between reduced hospital
      admissions and an improved Canadian Cardiovascular Society classification class
      compared with 1 year before treatment. A significant reduction in cost was seen
      in both the SCS group (P = 0.018 and P = 0.001, respectively) and the EECP group
      (P = 0.002 and P = 0.045, respectively) during 12 and 24 months of follow-up
      compared with before treatment. There were no significant differences between the
      groups for hospitalization days or admissions, including costs, at the different
      follow-ups. CONCLUSIONS: Cost-effective treatment modalities such as SCS and EECP
      are valuable additions to medical and revascularization therapy in patients with
      refractory angina pectoris. Pre-existing conditions and the patient's preferences
      should be taken in consideration when clinicians choose between treatments for
      this group of patients.

PMID- 22040455
TI  - Differential genetic interactions between Sgs1, DNA-damage checkpoint components
      and DNA repair factors in the maintenance of chromosome stability.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Genome instability is associated with human cancers and chromosome
      breakage syndromes, including Bloom's syndrome, caused by inactivation of BLM
      helicase. Numerous mutations that lead to genome instability are known, yet how
      they interact genetically is poorly understood. RESULTS: We show that spontaneous
      translocations that arise by nonallelic homologous recombination in DNA-damage
      checkpoint-defective yeast lacking the BLM-related Sgs1 helicase (sgs1Delta
      mec3Delta) are inhibited if cells lack Mec1/ATR kinase. Tel1/ATM, in contrast,
      acts as a suppressor independently of Mec3 and Sgs1. Translocations are also
      inhibited in cells lacking Dun1 kinase, but not in cells defective in a parallel
      checkpoint branch defined by Chk1 kinase. While we had previously shown that
      RAD51 deletion did not inhibit translocation formation, RAD59 deletion led to
      inhibition comparable to the rad52Delta mutation. A candidate screen of other DNA
      metabolic factors identified Exo1 as a strong suppressor of chromosomal
      rearrangements in the sgs1Delta mutant, becoming even more important for
      chromosomal stability upon MEC3 deletion. We determined that the C-terminal third
      of Exo1, harboring mismatch repair protein binding sites and phosphorylation
      sites, is dispensable for Exo1's roles in chromosomal rearrangement suppression,
      mutation avoidance and resistance to DNA-damaging agents. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      findings suggest that translocations between related genes can form by Rad59
      dependent, Rad51-independent homologous recombination, which is independently
      suppressed by Sgs1, Tel1, Mec3 and Exo1 but promoted by Dun1 and the telomerase
      inhibitor Mec1. We propose a model for the functional interaction between mitotic
      recombination and the DNA-damage checkpoint in the suppression of chromosomal
      rearrangements in sgs1Delta cells.

PMID- 22040458
TI  - The species-specific mode of action of the antimicrobial peptide subtilosin
      against Listeria monocytogenes Scott A.
AB  - AIMS: To elucidate the molecular mechanism of action of the antimicrobial peptide
      subtilosin against the foodborne pathogen Listeria monocytogenes Scott A. METHODS
      AND RESULTS: Subtilosin was purified from a culture of Bacillus
      amyloliquefaciens. The minimal inhibitory concentration of subtilosin against L.
      monocytogenes Scott A was determined by broth microdilution method. The effect of
      subtilosin on the transmembrane electrical potential (DeltaPsi) and pH gradient
      (DeltapH), and its ability to induce efflux of intracellular ATP, was
      investigated. Subtilosin fully inhibited L. monocytogenes growth at a
      concentration of 19 MUg ml(-1) . Subtilosin caused a partial depletion of the
      DeltaPsi and had a similar minor effect on the DeltapH. There was no significant
      efflux of intracellular ATP. CONCLUSION: Subtilosin likely acts upon L.
      monocytogenes Scott A by perturbing the lipid bilayer of the cellular membrane
      and causing intracellular damage, leading to eventual cell death. Subtilosin's
      mode of action against L. monocytogenes Scott A differs from the one previously
      described for another human pathogen, Gardnerella vaginalis. SIGNIFICANCE AND
      IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This is the first report on the specific mode of action of
      subtilosin against L. monocytogenes and the first report of a bacteriocin with a
      species-specific mode of action.

PMID- 22040459
TI  - Rapid typing of foot-and-mouth disease serotype Asia 1 by reverse transcription
      loop-mediated isothermal amplification.
AB  - A reverse transcriptase loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) assay
      was rapidly used to detect serotype Asia 1 of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV)
      within 45 min at 61 degrees C. All FMDV serotype Asia 1 reference strains were
      positive by RT-LAMP, while other viruses such as FMDV serotypes O, C, A and
      classical swine fever virus, swine vesicular disease virus, porcine reproductive
      and respiratory syndrome virus and Japanese encephalitis virus remained negative.
      Furthermore, FMDV sreotype Asia 1 positive samples were able to detect by RT-LAMP
      assay. This RT-LAMP assay may be suitable particularly for diagnosis of FMDV
      serotype Asia 1 infection in field stations.

PMID- 22040460
TI  - Leaf extracts from Nitraria retusa promote cell population growth of human cancer
      cells by inducing apoptosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In this report the phytochemical profile of Nitraria. Retusa (N.
      Retusa) leaf extracts were identified and their ability to induce apoptosis in
      human chronic myelogenous erythroleukaemia (K562) was evaluated. METHODS:
      Apoptosis of the human chronic myelogenous erythroleukaemia (K562) was evidenced
      by investigating DNA fragmentation, PARP cleavage and caspases 3 and 8 inducing
      activities, in the presence of N. retusa extracts. RESULTS: Our study revealed
      that the tested extracts from N. Retusa contain many useful bioactive compounds.
      They induced in a time-dependent manner the apoptosis the tested cancerous our
      cell line. This result was confirmed by ladder DNA fragmentation profile and PARP
      cleavage, as well as a release in caspase-3 and caspase-8 level. CONCLUSION: Our
      results indicate that the tested compounds have a significant antiproliferative
      effect which may be due to their involvement in the induction of the extrinsic
      apoptosic pathway.

PMID- 22040462
TI  - Plasmonic photosensitization of a wide band gap semiconductor: converting
      plasmons to charge carriers.
AB  - A fruitful paradigm in the development of low-cost and efficient photovoltaics is
      to dope or otherwise photosensitize wide band gap semiconductors in order to
      improve their light harvesting ability for light with sub-band-gap photon
      energies.(1-8) Here, we report significant photosensitization of TiO2 due to the
      direct injection by quantum tunneling of hot electrons produced in the decay of
      localized surface-plasmon polaritons excited in gold nanoparticles (AuNPs)
      embedded in the semiconductor (TiO2). Surface plasmon decay produces electron
      hole pairs in the gold.(9-15) We propose that a significant fraction of these
      electrons tunnel into the semiconductor's conduction band resulting in a
      significant electron current in the TiO2 even when the device is illuminated with
      light with photon energies well below the semiconductor's band gap. Devices
      fabricated with (nonpercolating) multilayers of AuNPs in a TiO2 film produced
      over 1000-fold increase in photoconductance when illuminated at 600 nm over what
      TiO2 films devoid of AuNPs produced. The overall current resulting from
      illumination with visible light is ~50% of the device current measured with UV
      (homega>Eg band gap) illumination. The above observations suggest that plasmonic
      nanostructures (which can be fabricated with absorption properties that cover the
      full solar spectrum) can function as a viable alternative to organic
      photosensitizers for photovoltaic and photodetection applications.

PMID- 22040461
TI  - Effect of L-carnitine on the hepatic transcript profile in piglets as animal
      model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Carnitine has attracted scientific interest due to several health
      related effects, like protection against neurodegeneration, mitochondrial decay,
      and oxidative stress as well as improvement of glucose tolerance and insulin
      sensitivity. The mechanisms underlying most of the health-related effects of
      carnitine are largely unknown. METHODS: To gain insight into mechanisms through
      which carnitine exerts its beneficial metabolic effects, we fed piglets either a
      control or a carnitine supplemented diet, and analysed the transcriptome in the
      liver. RESULTS: Transcript profiling revealed 563 genes to be differentially
      expressed in liver by carnitine supplementation. Clustering analysis of the
      identified genes revealed that most of the top-ranked annotation term clusters
      were dealing with metabolic processes. Representative genes of these clusters
      which were significantly up-regulated by carnitine were involved in cellular
      fatty acid uptake, fatty acid activation, fatty acid beta-oxidation, glucose
      uptake, and glycolysis. In contrast, genes involved in gluconeogenesis were down
      regulated by carnitine. Moreover, clustering analysis identified genes involved
      in the insulin signaling cascade to be significantly associated with carnitine
      supplementation. Furthermore, clustering analysis revealed that biological
      processes dealing with posttranscriptional RNA processing were significantly
      associated with carnitine supplementation. CONCLUSION: The data suggest that
      carnitine supplementation has beneficial effects on lipid and glucose homeostasis
      by inducing genes involved in fatty acid catabolism and glycolysis and repressing
      genes involved in gluconeogenesis.

PMID- 22040463
TI  - Preventive chemotherapy in human helminthiasis: theoretical and operational
      aspects.
AB  - Preventive chemotherapy (PC), the large-scale distribution of anthelminthic drugs
      to population groups at risk, is the core intervention recommended by the WHO for
      reducing morbidity and transmission of the four main helminth infections, namely
      lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis and soil-transmitted
      helminthiasis. The strategy is widely implemented worldwide but its general
      theoretical foundations have not been described so far in a comprehensive and
      cohesive manner. Starting from the information available on the biological and
      epidemiological characteristics of helminth infections, as well as from the
      experience generated by disease control and elimination interventions across the
      world, we extrapolate the fundamentals and synthesise the principles that
      regulate PC and justify its implementation as a sound and essential public health
      intervention. The outline of the theoretical aspects of PC contributes to a
      thorough understanding of the different facets of this strategy and helps
      comprehend opportunities and limits of control and elimination interventions
      directed against helminth infections.

PMID- 22040464
TI  - Autism in Glasgow: cumulative incidence and the effects of referral age,
      deprivation and geographical location.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Referrals to the Greater Glasgow Community Autism Team (CAT) made
      before the child's sixth birthday were analysed to obtain an estimation of the
      proportion of children in Greater Glasgow with childhood autism and investigate
      whether there were any variations in diagnosis rates, or in age at referral and
      diagnosis, depending on deprivation or geographical location. METHODS: An
      analysis was made of the database recording referrals to Greater Glasgow CAT,
      between 2004 and 2007 inclusive, of children referred by age 6 years, comprising
      584 cases. Cumulative incidence was calculated for childhood autism. Ages at
      referral and diagnosis were also analysed. RESULTS: For this subset of children,
      there were 246 diagnosed cases of childhood autism, a cumulative incidence from
      2004 until 2007 of 11.1 per year per 10,000 children aged 0-6 years. Of children
      with an eventual diagnosis of autism by age 6, 72% were referred by the age of 4
      years. Deprivation was found to have an association with referral and diagnostic
      rates, with higher rates seen in the most deprived. There was geographical
      variation in the cumulative incidence of autism. CONCLUSION: Given that the
      populations were not known to differ in any manner that would lead to a true
      variation, the geographical variation in the cumulative incidence of autism in
      children up to 6 years in Greater Glasgow observed in this study is likely to
      represent differences in the care pathway between areas. Such differences may
      also explain the observed association with deprivation. Reasons for the variation
      are being explored.

PMID- 22040465
TI  - Enteral n-3 fatty acids and micronutrients enhance percentage of positive
      neutrophil and lymphocyte adhesion molecules: a potential mediator of pressure
      ulcer healing in critically ill patients.
AB  - n-3 Fatty acids are recognised as influencing both wound healing and immunity. We
      assessed the impact of a fish oil- and micronutrient-enriched formula (study
      formula) on the healing of pressure ulcers and on immune function in critically
      ill patients in an intensive care unit. A total of forty patients with pressure
      ulcers and receiving nutritional support were enrolled (intervention group, n 20,
      received study formula; and a control group, n 20, received an isoenergetic
      formula). Total and differential leucocyte count and percentage of adhesion
      molecule positive granulocyte and lymphocyte cells (CD11a, CD11b, CD18 and CD49b)
      were measured on days 0, 7 and 14. Percentage of positive lymphocytes for CD54,
      CD49b, CD49d and CD8 were also measured on days 0, 7 and 14. The state of
      pressure ulcers was assessed by using the pressure ulcer scale for healing tool
      score on days 7, 14 and 28 of treatment. No between-group differences in patient
      demographics, anthropometry or diagnostic class were observed. Patients who
      received the study formula showed significant increases in the percentage of
      positive CD18 and CD11a lymphocytes and of CD49b granulocytes as compared to
      controls (P < 0.05). While the severity of pressure ulcers was not significantly
      different between the two groups on admission, severity increased significantly
      over time for the control group (P < 0.05), but not for the study group. The
      present study suggests that a fish oil- and micronutrient-enriched formula may
      prevent worsening of pressure ulcers and that this effect may be mediated by an
      effect on adhesion molecule expression.

PMID- 22040466
TI  - Transient psychosis due to painless thyroiditis in a patient with anxiety
      disorder: a case report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: There are few reports on thyrotoxic psychosis caused by diseases
      other than Graves' disease or toxic nodular goiter. CASE PRESENTATION: A 64-year
      old Japanese woman was treated for anxiety disorder in our clinic for 10 years.
      She had five episodes of transient psychosis during the first five years. When
      she developed psychosis without neck pain 10 years after her first visit, a
      laboratory reexamination revealed that she had subclinical hyperthyroidism, and
      tested positive for antithyroid autoantibodies, negative for thyroid stimulating
      hormone receptor antibody and had decreased radioactive iodine uptake. She was
      diagnosed as having painless thyroiditis. The hyperthyroidism disappeared within
      a month, and the psychosis lasted for three months. CONCLUSION: To the best of
      our knowledge, this is the first report of psychosis due to painless thyroiditis
      induced hyperthyroidism. Physical symptoms of painless thyroiditis are often so
      mild that careful differential diagnosis is necessary in the cases of transient
      psychosis.

PMID- 22040467
TI  - Prospective observation of a new bioactive luting cement: 2-year follow-up.
AB  - PURPOSE: A pilot study was conducted to determine the 2-year clinical performance
      of a new bioactive dental cement (Ceramir C&B, formerly XeraCem) for permanent
      cementation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cement used in this study is a new
      formulation class, a hybrid material comprising calcium aluminate and glass
      ionomer. Thirty-eight crowns and fixed partial denture (FPD) abutments were
      cemented in 17 patients. Thirty-one of the abutment teeth were vital, 7 nonvital.
      Six reconstructions were FPDs comprising 14 abutment teeth (12 vital/2 nonvital).
      A two-unit fixed splint was also included. Preparation parameters and cement
      characteristics (dispensing, working time, seating characteristics, ease of
      cement removal) were recorded. Baseline and postcementation data were recorded
      for marginal integrity, marginal discoloration, secondary caries, retention, and
      gingival inflammation. Tooth sensitivity was assessed at pre- and postcementation
      time points using categorical and visual analogue scale (VAS) assessment
      measures. RESULTS: Mixing of the cement was reported as "easy." Clinical working
      time for this cement was deemed acceptable. Assessment of seating characteristics
      indicated all restorations were seated completely after cementation. Cement
      removal was determined to be "easy." Fifteen of 17 subjects were available for 1
      year recall examination; 13 patients were available for the 2-year recall
      examination. Restorations at 2-year recall examination included 17 single-unit,
      full-coverage crown restorations, four 3-unit FPDs comprising 8 abutments, and
      one 2-unit splint. No retentive failures or sensitivity were recorded at 2-year
      recall. Marginal integrities of all restorations/abutments at 2 years were rated
      in the "alpha" category. Average VAS score for tooth sensitivity decreased from
      7.63 mm at baseline to 0.44 mm at 6-month recall, 0.20 mm at 1-year recall, and
      0.00 mm at 2-year recall. The average gingival index score for gingival
      inflammation decreased from 0.56 at baseline to 0.11 at 6-month recall, then 0.16
      at 1-year recall, and 0.21 at 2-year recall. CONCLUSIONS: Two-year recall data
      yielded no loss of retention, no secondary caries, no marginal discolorations,
      and no subjective sensitivity. All restorations rated "alpha" for marginal
      integrity at the 2-year recall. After periodic recalls up to 2 years, the new
      bioactive cement tested thus far has performed favorably as a luting agent for
      permanent cementation.

PMID- 22040468
TI  - Humoral immunity to AAV-6, 8, and 9 in normal and dystrophic dogs.
AB  - Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-6, 8, and 9 are promising gene-delivery vectors for
      testing novel Duchenne muscular dystrophy gene therapy in the canine model.
      Humoral immunity greatly influences in vivo AAV transduction. However,
      neutralizing antibodies to AAV-6, 8, and 9 have not been systemically examined in
      normal and dystrophic dogs. To gain information on the seroprevalence of
      antibodies to AAV-6, 8, and 9, we measured neutralizing antibody titers using an
      in vitro transduction inhibition assay. We examined 72 naive serum samples and 26
      serum samples obtained from dogs that had received AAV gene transfer. Our data
      demonstrated that AAV-6 neutralizing antibody was the most prevalent antibody in
      dogs irrespective of age, gender, disease status (dystrophic or not), and prior
      parvovirus vaccination history. Surprisingly, high-level anti-AAV-6 antibody was
      detected at birth in newborn puppies. Further, a robust antibody response was
      induced in affected, but not normal newborn dogs following systemic AAV gene
      transfer. Taken together, our data have provided an important baseline on the
      seroprevalence of AAV-6, 8, and 9 neutralizing antibodies in normal and Duchenne
      muscular dystrophy dogs. These results will help guide translational AAV gene
      therapy studies in dog models of muscular dystrophy.

PMID- 22040470
TI  - Aims and scope.

PMID- 22040469
TI  - Introducing the veterinary quarterly.

PMID- 22040471
TI  - Food-borne parasitic infections - old stories and new facts.
AB  - Summary   A review is presented of food-borne parasitic infections. Parasitic
      infections with public health hazards both from conventional slaughter animals
      and from seafood (fish and shellfis) are discussed.    The former category
      includes cysticercosis, echinococcosis, and trichinosis, the latter category
      covers various trematode, cestode, nematode, and possibly also protozoan
      infections. Examples of trematode infections are heterophyidiasis, transmitted to
      man by marine fish, and Paragonimus spp parasites, transmitted by crustaceans.
      Cestode infections include diphyllobothriasis transmitted by both fresh waterfish
      and fish from brackish waters. Special attention is drawn to the condition known
      as sparganosis. Of the nematode infections, the eosinophilic granulomatous
      enteritis due to the genera A nisakis, Phocanema, and Contracaecum, transmitted
      to man by either marine fish or crustaceans, is mentioned. Two other nematode
      infections. Angiostrongylus cantonensis and Capillaria philippinensis, can also
      be transmitted to man by marine fish.     Free living amoebae (a.o. Naegleria)
      may be transmitted to man via shellfish as vehicles.    Apart from a possible
      direct effect of these parasites, chemical alterations in seafood resulting from
      the presence of parasites may also be deleterious to the consumer.   Special
      attention is drawn to a newly developed serological detection method, the enzyme
      linked immunosorbent assay, which makes detection of infection possible not only
      at the slaughterhouse but also at the farm or in large herds.   Strategies to
      control parasitic infections both in conventional slaughter animals and in
      seafood are discussed.

PMID- 22040472
TI  - Blood parasites of sheep in the Netherlands. I. Anaplasma mesaeterum sp.n.
      (Rickettsiales, Anaplasmataceae).
AB  - Summary   On two occasions an anaplasm was isolated from sheep on the Dutch
      island of Ameland. The organism proved to be highly pathogenic for splenectomised
      sheep; a non-splenectomised animal recovered spontaneously after the packed cell
      volume had decreased by 40%.   Treatment with oxytetracycline was effective. Its
      pathogenicity for goats appeared to be low, and the organism was apparently not
      infective to splenectomised cattle. This anaplasm differs from Anaplasma ovis in
      that less than 30% of the organisms are marginally situated in the red cell, as
      against over 70% in A. ovis; cross-immunity with A. ovis was incomplete and the
      latter appeared to be far more pathogenic to goats than the Dutch anaplasm, for
      which the name Anaplasma mesaeterum sp.n. is proposed. Its ultrastructure is
      similar to that of A. marginale and A. ovis. The vector is either Ixodes ricinus
      or Haemaphysalis punctata. Its practical importance remains to be ascertained.

PMID- 22040473
TI  - The control of lymphoid leukosis in a flock White Plymouth Rock chickens.
AB  - Summary   Lymphoid leukosis (LL) was successfully controlled in a commercial
      basic breeding line of White Plymouth Rock chickens. The control method has been
      developed for breeder flocks and consists of three elements:     -    In the
      flock under study, homogenates of embryos from all eggs collected during a number
      of I4-day periods are tested for the presence of LL viruses. -    Only eggs from
      hens that have been shown not to shed virus in their eggs are used for the
      production of progeny. The offspring are reared in isolation during the first two
      months of life, at which time the age-related resistance against tumour formation
      by LL viruses appears to be sufficiently developed. -    The chickens are
      subsequently inoculated intramuscularly with LL viruses of subgroups A and B
      transferred to a conventional chicken house. The vaccination raises a solid
      immunity to horizontal LL virus exposure and, due to the age-related resistance,
      tumour formation does not follow.   No excretion of LL viruses could be detected
      in three generations of White Plymouth Rock chickens to which the three elements
      of the control procedure were applied. Clinical disease was not observed in any
      of the chickens under notice.

PMID- 22040474
TI  - Influence of ante- and peri-mortem factors on biochemical and physical
      characteristics of turkey breast muscle.
AB  - Summary    The course of post-mortem breakdown of glycogen and ATP in turkey
      pectoralis major muscle was markedly influenced by several ante- and peri-mortem
      variables. Application of a proper stunning procedure was highly effective in
      preventing peri- and post-mortem muscle stress reactions.     The physiological
      level of glycogen and ATP was not significantly affected by road transportation
      covering 260 km. Birds which rested for 24 hrs following transportation had lower
      glycogen and ATP levels at the moment of slaughter than non-rested birds.    
      According to the changes in the rate and extent of post-mortem biochemical
      reactions, several meat characteristics such as water-holding capacity, colour,
      and tenderness were significantly changed.     Furthermore, the results also
      indicate that turkey breast muscle is susceptible to a PSE-like condition as
      described in pork.

PMID- 22040475
TI  - Differences in mastitis susceptibility between Holstein Friesian, Dutch Friesian
      and Dutch Red and White cows.
AB  - Summary   On an experimental farm 3 dairy breeds were compared with regard to
      mastitis by various parameters.   Higher cell counts and more udder infections
      were present in the Dutch Red and White (DRW) in comparison with the Holstein
      Friesian (HF) and the Dutch Friesian (DF). Within the HF breed a negative
      correlation between cell count and production was established and also in this
      breed, a negative correlation between maximum rate of milk flow and cell count.  
      There is no evidence that higher procuction and easier milking are connected with
      more mastitis. On the contrary, within the breeds an opposite trend appeared.
      Selection against mastitis does not conflict with selection for production and
      ease of milking.   An addition trial revealed that sampling after too quick
      preparation of the cows before milking resulted in much higher cell counts in
      quarter samples.   Cows which were selected for drying off with antibiotics
      recovered from their infection but these more susceptible animals maintained a
      higher cell count to a certain extent.

PMID- 22040476
TI  - Serum chloramphenicol levels and the intramuscular bioavailability of several
      parenteral formulations of chloramphenicol in ruminants.
AB  - Summary    Serum chloramphenicol concentrations were determined by
      microbiological and chemical assay methods in cows, ewes, and goats treated
      parenterally with seven different veterinary parenteral chloramphenicol products,
      including the water soluble sodium succinate ester of chloramphenicol and
      solutions of 20%, 25% and 50% of chloramphenicol base in various organic
      solvents. Serum drug concentrations were analyzed for the effect of product
      formulation differences, dosage, whether the drug was administered i.m. at a
      single body site or to two sites, and the method of assay, on the absorption from
      the injection site, peak drug levels, and the persistence in serum of effective
      concentrations of the drug i.e. 5 to 10 ug / ml. Although differences were
      observed among the 6 products containing chloramphenicol base in respect to
      absorption rate and peak serum drug levels, and although these differences
      significantly influenced the persistence of microbiologically-active serum drug
      concentrations at the level of >= 10 MUg / ml, they did not at the level of >= 5
      MUg / ml.    In the animal species examined, injections given at 2 sites appeared
      to influence the duration of predetermined serum drug levels more than the
      differences among the products in respect of the absorption and elimination rates
      from serum, the peak serum concentrations, and the dose. The shapes of the
      concentration-to-time curves in cows and ewes injected with the same dose of a
      given product were essentially the same, but they were different in goats. Serum
      chloramphenicol concentrations measured chemically after treatment with
      chloramphenicol base were 20% to 46% higher than those measured
      microbiologically.   For 60 minutes after the sodium succinate ester had been
      administered i.v. and i.m. to ewes, the chemically determined chloramphenicol
      levels were more than twice as high as the respective concentrations determined
      by microbiological assay, but thereafter, the magnitude of those differences was
      not greater than observed after treatment with chloramphenicol base.   
      Intramuscular bioavailability of the products containing chloramphenicol base
      injected at 2 sites was rather poor (51% to 80.5%ofthe dose) and even lower
      values were calculated after injection at a single site.     Results are briefly
      discussed of the effect of dosage form on the persistence of microbiologically
      effective serum drug levels. A dose of at least 50 mg / kg to be administered
      i.m. at two sites are essential prerequisits for chloramphenicol therapy in
      ruminants.

PMID- 22040477
TI  - ELISA for the serology of FIP virus.
AB  - Summary   An enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for feline infectious
      peritonitis (FIP) virus serology is described. The assay is analogous to a
      previously developed indirect heterologous immunofluorescence test (IFT) in which
      transmissible gastroenteritis (TGE) viral antigen was used. Comparative testing
      of selected feline sera in both assays resulted in corresponding titers, which
      justifies the conclusion that the ELISA is a reliable test for the serology of
      FIP virus.

PMID- 22040480
TI  - Investigation into the use of complementary and alternative medicine and
      affecting factors in Turkish asthmatic patients.
AB  - AIMS: The purpose of this study was to examine the frequency of complementary and
      alternative medicine usage in asthmatic patients living in the west of Turkey,
      the most frequently used complementary and alternative medicine methods and socio
      demographic factors affecting this and factors related to the disease.
      BACKGROUND: While the rate of complementary and alternative medicine usage in
      asthmatic patients and the reasons for using it vary, practices specific to
      different countries and regions are of interest. Differing cultural and social
      factors even in geographically similar regions can affect the type of
      complementary and alternative medicine used. METHODS: Two hundred asthmatic
      patients registered in the asthma outpatient clinic of a large hospital in Turkey
      and who had undergone pulmonary function tests within the previous six months
      were included in this study, which was planned according to a descriptive design.
      The patients filled out a questionnaire on their demographic characteristics and
      complementary and alternative medicine usage. RESULTS: The proportion of patients
      who reported using one or more of the complementary and alternative medicine
      methods was 63.0%. Of these patients, 61.9% were using plants and herbal
      treatments, 53.2% were doing exercises and 36.5% said that they prayed. The
      objectives of their use of complementary and alternative medicine were to reduce
      asthma-related complaints (58%) and to feel better (37.8%). The proportion of
      people experiencing adverse effects was 3.3% (n = 4). Factors motivating
      asthmatic patients to use complementary and alternative medicine were the
      existence of comorbid diseases and a long period since diagnosis (p < 0.05). No
      statistically significant difference was found between the use of complementary
      and alternative medicine and the severity of the disease, pulmonary function test
      parameters, the number of asthma attacks or hospitalisations because of asthma
      within the last year (p > 0.05). RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Understanding by
      nurses of the causes and patterns of the use of complementary and alternative
      medicine in asthmatic patients helps them in directing patient care and patient
      safety. Nurses should conduct comprehensive diagnostics in the light of
      complementary and alternative medicine use, and they should be aware of the
      potential risks.

PMID- 22040481
TI  - Weak and strong publics: drawing on Nancy Fraser to explore parental
      participation in neonatal networks.
AB  - AIMS: We draw on the work of Nancy Fraser, and in particular her concepts of weak
      and strong publics, to analyze the process of parental involvement in managed
      neonatal network boards. BACKGROUND: Public involvement has moved beyond the
      individual level to include greater involvement of both patients and the public
      in governance. However, there is relatively little literature that explores the
      nature and outcomes of long-term patient involvement initiatives or has attempted
      to theorize, particularly at the level of corporate decision making, the process
      of patient and public involvement. METHODS: A repeated survey of all neonatal
      network managers in England was carried out in 2006-07 to capture developments
      and changes in parental representation over this time period. This elicited
      information about the current status of parent representation on neonatal network
      boards. Four networks were also selected as case studies. This involved
      interviews with key members of each network board, interviews with parent
      representatives, observation of meetings and access to board minutes. RESULTS:
      Data collected show that a wide range of approaches to involving parents has been
      adopted. These range from decisions not to involve parents at this level to
      relatively well-developed systems designed to link parent representatives on
      network boards to parents in neonatal units. CONCLUSION: Despite these
      variations, we suggest that parental participation within neonatal services
      remains an example of a weak public because the parent representatives had
      limited participation with little influence on decision making.

PMID- 22040482
TI  - Recent trends in the epidemiology of non-typhoidal Salmonella in Israel, 1999
      2009.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to assess the recent trends in the epidemiology
      of non-typhoid Salmonella in Israel using a sentinel laboratory-based
      surveillance network. Between 1999 and 2009, 8758 Salmonella stool isolates were
      reported by five sentinel laboratories. There was a significant decrease in the
      incidence rate of Salmonella isolates from 70.5/100,000 in 1999 to 21.6/100,000
      in 2005 followed by a slight increase to 30.3/100,000 in 2009. Of all Salmonella,
      64.3% were isolated from children in the 0-4 years age group. Up to 2008, S.
      Enteritidis was the most prevalent serotype and in 2009 S. Infantis emerged as
      the most common Salmonella serotype. The decrease in the incidence of S.
      Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium and increase in S. Infantis among humans were
      associated with a similar trend among breeding flocks, which followed significant
      preventive interventions conducted against S. Enteritidis and S. Typhimurium
      infections in poultry. Tight surveillance and education of food handlers and
      consumers should be enhanced to reduce the foodborne transmission of Salmonella
      in Israel.

PMID- 22040483
TI  - Auto-versus allo-transplantation of the liver for end-stage alveolar
      echinococcosis?

PMID- 22040484
TI  - Hydatid cyst/cystic echinococcosis: anatomical and surgical nomenclature and
      method to quantify the cyst content solidification.
AB  - The terminology related to the hydatid cyst is sometimes inappropriate and wrong
      designations are used, based on incorrect concepts. "Hydatid cyst" is the larval
      form of the tapeworms of the genus Echinococcus granulosus, a parasite found in
      the small intestine of carnivores. The disease, called cystic echinococcosis, is
      among the most neglected parasitic diseases despite the development of new drugs
      and other treatment modalities. Although all of us know the vital cycle of the
      parasite and the different aspects of the disease, the designations around the
      parasite, its evolution and some therapeutic procedures are not uniform. It would
      be useful, for all of us, to use the same nomenclature and it is absolutely
      necessary that the nomenclature is correct and universally accepted. In this
      paper I remember the correct terms related to all aspects of the hydatid cyst's
      nomenclature, including especially the anatomical and surgical terminology, as
      well as the criteria to define the cyst inactivity and the way to know when the
      cyst range the inactive stage after therapy.

PMID- 22040485
TI  - Ex vivo liver resection followed by autotransplantation for end-stage hepatic
      alveolar echinococcosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: For patients with end-stage hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (AE), in
      vivo resection of the involved parts of the liver is usually very difficult,
      therefore, allogenic liver transplantation is indicated. However, we hypothesize
      that for selected patents, ex vivo liver resection for thorough elimination of
      the involved tissues and liver autotransplantation may offer a chance for
      clinical cure. METHODS: We presented a 24-year-old women with a giant hepatic AE
      lesion who was treated with hepatectomy, ex vivo resection of the involved tissue
      and hepatic autotransplantation. The patient had moderate jaundice and advanced
      hepatic AE lesion which involved segments I, IV, V, VI, VII, VIII and
      retrohepatic inferior vena cava. The lateral segments (II and III) of the left
      liver remained normal with over 1000 ml in its volume. No extrahepatic metastases
      (such as to the lung or brain) could be found. As the first step of treatment, X
      ray guided percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage (PTCD) was performed twice
      for bile drainage in segment III and II separately until her serum total
      bilirubin decreased gradually from 236 to 88 umol/L. Total liver resection was
      then performed, followed by extended right hepatic trisegmentectomy and the
      entire retrohepatic vena cava was surgically removed en bloc while her
      hemodynamics parameters were stable. Neither veino-veinous bypass nor temporary
      intracorporeal cavo-caval or porto-caval shunt was used during the 5.7-hour
      anhepatic phase. The remained AE-free lateral segments of the left liver were re
      implanted in situ. The left hepatic vein was directly anastomosed end-to-end to
      the suprahepatic inferior vena cava due to the lack of the retrohepatic inferior
      vena cava with AE total infiltration. Because compensatory retroperitoneal porto
      caval collateral circulation developed, we enclosed remained infrahepatic
      inferior vena cava at renal vein level without any haemodynamics problems.
      RESULTS: During a 60-day following-up after operation, the patient had a good
      recovery except for a mildly elevated serum total bilirubin. CONCLUSIONS: As a
      radical approach, ex vivo liver resection and liver autotransplantation in a case
      has shown a optimal potential for treatment of the end-stage hepatic AE. Strict
      compliance with its indications, evaluation of vessels of patients pre
      operatively, and precise surgical techniques are the keys to improve the
      prognosis of patients.

PMID- 22040486
TI  - Suppression of acute rejective response following orthotopic liver
      transplantation in experimental rats infected with Echinococcus multilocularis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hepatic alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a parasitic disease in humans
      and caused by the Echinococcus multilocularis (Em). Orthotopic liver
      transplantation (OLT) may be the only effective treatment for end-stage hepatic
      AE. However, in some AE patients, extrahepatic Em can not be completely
      eliminated after OLT. We aimed to study whether the immunological changes caused
      by Em evasion may influence the rejective response. METHODS: Rat modles of AE
      were established by injecting the Em suspension into abdomen of Brown Norway (BN)
      rats. Three months later, in the experimental group, the liver was transplanted
      from Lewis (LEW) rats to Em-infected BN rats. In the control group,
      transplantation was from LEW rats to healthy BN rats. Liver tissue and peripheral
      blood (PB) samples were collected on days 1, 3, 5, and 7 after OLT. Liver tissue
      was analyzed after hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining; numbers of CD4, CD8, and
      CD28 on peripheral blood cells were detected by flow cytometry; and expression of
      the chemokine fractalkine (Fkn) was detected by reverse transcription PCR (RT
      PCR). Interleukin-10 (IL-10) was measured in the serum by enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In every group, eight BN rats were retained for
      observing survival time. RESULTS: The survival times of recipients in the
      experimental group were prolonged compared with those in the control group. The
      rejective response occurred later and was milder in the experimental group.
      percentage of CD4, CD8, CD28 T-cells and Fkn mRNA expression were lower in the
      experimental group. While the serum IL-10 levels were higher in the experimental
      group than those in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Acute rejective response
      after OLT was attenuated in the rats with Em infection, and the recipients'
      survival time was prolonged. Em may play a role in this process by elevating IL
      10 secretion, decreasing the effector T cells, inhibiting the expression of Fkn,
      which lead to reduce the inflammatory cells infiltration into the liver.

PMID- 22040487
TI  - A molecular survey on cystic echinococcosis in Sinnar area, Blue Nile state
      (Sudan).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a zoonosis caused by the cestodes of
      the Echinococcus species. Its life cycle involves dogs and other canids as
      definitive hosts for the intestinal tapeworm, as well as domestic and wild
      ungulates as intermediate hosts for the tissue-invading metacestode (larval)
      stage. The disease has a special impact on disadvantaged pastoralist communities
      and is listed now among the three top priority neglected tropical disease (NTD).
      Therefore, CE is a neglected disease even in high endemicity regions. This study
      aimed at investigation of the prevalence of CE in different animals slaughtered
      for food consumption in Sinnar area, Blue Nile states in Sudan. METHODS: A survey
      of CE in livestock was conducted from April 2009 to March 2011 in Sinnar area,
      Blue Nile state in Sudan. Location, parasitological status and fertility
      conditions were determined. In addition, 120 hydatid cysts (30 from camels, 62
      from cattle and 28 from sheep) were examined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
      and mitochondrial gene sequencing for the genetic allocation of Echinococcus
      strains or species RESULTS: The prevalence of CE was 29.7% (30/101) in camels,
      2.7% (62/2310) in cattle and 0.6% (26/4378) in sheep. It was shown that infection
      rates increased with age in camels, cattle and sheep. In camels, 67% (20/30) of
      the infected animals were aged between 2 - 5 years whereas 58% (36/62) of the
      infected cattle were > 5 years. In sheep, the prevalence rate was distributed
      equally between animals ranging 2 - 5 years and > 5 years. Even though multiple
      cysts were found in some animals, the average number of cysts per animal was
      close to 1 in all examined species. Lungs were found to be the predilection sites
      for the parasite in both camels and cattle, while most of the cysts found in
      sheep were located in the liver. About 63.4% of cysts encountered in camels were
      considered as large (5 - 7 cm), whereas those in cattle and sheep were medium (2 
      4 cm) and small (< 2 cm) respectively. The highest fertility rate was found in
      camel cysts with 85.4% (35/41) followed by cattle (50.0%, 32/64) and sheep
      (39.0%, 11/28). All examined cysts belonged to Echinococcus canadensis G6, which
      was confirmed to be the overwhelmingly predominant species in that area.
      CONCLUSION: The epidemiological situation in Sinnar area, Blue Nile state is
      characterized by intense transmission of Echinococcus canadensis G6, thereby
      closely resembling the situation in most other regions of Sudan.

PMID- 22040488
TI  - Distribution of the intermediate hosts of Echinococcus multilocularis in Shiqu
      County, Sichuan, China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The rodentia and lagomorpha animals are the intermediate hosts of
      Echinococcus multilocularis, their distribution and infection of this parasite
      may facilitate the infection of definitive hosts such as dogs. The aim of this
      study was to determine the distribution of the intermediate hosts of Echinococcus
      multilocularis in Shiqu County, Sichuan, China. METHODS: A systematic sampling
      method was used to investigate the density of burrows of rodents and lagomorphs
      at 97 pasture sites in winter and summer pastureland and remote sensing (RS)
      technology was used to correlate their densities to the distribution of these
      animals in different landscape types. RESULTS: Based on the densities of Ochotona
      curzoniae, Microtus fuscus (dependent variable) and their burrow densities
      (independent variable) in survey points, regression equations were fitted
      respectively (Ochotona curzoniae, P < 0.0001, R(2) = 0.8705; Microtus fuscus, P <
      0.0001, R(2) = 0.9736). Their burrow density in summer pastureland was higher
      than in winter pastureland (F = 36.65, P < 0.0001). The burrow densities of
      Ochotona curzoniae and Microtus fuscus in bareland and half-bareland are higher
      than in grassland (F = 7.73, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The regression relationship
      between the densities of Ochotona curzoniae and Microtus fuscus and their burrow
      densities indicate that the burrow densities could reflect the animal densities
      and that the burrow density was greater in summer pastureland than in winter
      pastureland. The main distribution areas of the intermediate hosts were in
      bareland and half-bareland.

PMID- 22040489
TI  - Molecular characterization of a signal-regulated kinase homolog from Echinococcus
      granulosus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cystic echinococcosis due to Echinococcus granulosus (E. granulosus)
      is one of the most important chronic helminthic diseases, especially in
      sheep/cattle-raising regions. The larval stage of the parasite forms a cyst that
      grows in the liver, lung, or other organs of the host. To ensure a long life in
      the host tissues, the parasite establishes complex inter-cellular communication
      systems between its host to allow its differentiation toward each larval stage.
      Recent studies have reported that this communication is associated with the
      extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) mitogen-activated protein kinase
      cascade in helminth parasites, and in particular that these protein kinases might
      serve as effective targets for a novel chemotherapy for cystic echinococcosis.
      The aim of the present study investigated the biological function of a novel ERK
      ortholog from E. granulosus, EgERK. METHODS: DNA encoding EgERK was isolated from
      protoscolices of E. granulosus and analyzed using the LA Taq polymerase chain
      reaction (PCR) approach and bioinformatics. Reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR)
      was used to determine the transcription level of the gene at two different larval
      tissues. Western blotting was used to detect levels of EgERK protein. The
      expression profile of EgERK in protoscolices was examined by immunofluorescence.
      RESULTS: We cloned the entire Egerk genomic locus from E. granulosus. In
      addition, two alternatively spliced transcripts of Egerk, Egerk-A, and Egerk-B
      were identified. Egerk-A was found to constitutively expressed at the
      transcriptional and protein levels in two different larval tissues (cyst
      membranes and protoscolices). Egerk-A was expressed in the tegumental structures,
      hooklets, and suckers and in the tissue surrounding the rostellum of E.
      granulosus protoscolices. CONCLUSIONS: We have cloned the genomic DNA of a novel
      ERK ortholog from E. granulosus, EgERK (GenBank ID HQ585923), and found that it
      is constitutively expressed in cyst membrane and protoscolex. These findings will
      be useful in further study of the biological functions of the gene in the growth
      and development of Echinococcus and will contribute to research on novel anti
      echinococcosis drug targets.

PMID- 22040490
TI  - Curative effect of radiotherapy at various doses on subcutaneous alveolar
      echinococcosis in rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a disease in human and animals, and
      the cure rate is unsatisfactory. This study aimed to investigate the curative
      efficacy of different doses of locally applied radiotherapy on alveolar
      echinococcosis in rats. METHODS: Rats infected with Echinococcus multilocularis
      were randomly divided into 4 groups of 15 rats each: low-, middle-, and high
      irradiation groups and a control group. Rats in the control group underwent no
      treatment, while rats in the irradiation groups received 6-MeV radiotherapy at 20
      Gy/8 f, 40 Gy/8 f, and 60 Gy/8 f respectively, once every 3 days for a total of 8
      times. One month after radiotherapy, wet weight and AE vesicle inhibitory rate
      were detected in rats of each group. Histopathologic and ultrastructural
      observations of tissues with AE lesions were performed. RESULTS: In the treatment
      groups, an obvious inhibitory effect was found in AE rats; the inhibitory rates
      were 50%, 72%, and 82%, respectively. There were also statistical differences in
      pathological changes and average wet weight of the lesions compared with the
      control group (P < 0.05). In the treatment groups, injuries of various degrees
      were found in the ultrastructure of the laminated and germinal layers in the
      capsular wall of AE, and injury was most severe in the high-dose group.
      CONCLUSION: Radiotherapy has a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on the growth of
      AE.

PMID- 22040491
TI  - Genetic variation of the 8-kDa glycoprotein family from Echinococcus granulosus,
      Taenia multiceps and Taenia hydatigena.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Echinococcosis, coenurosis and cysticercosis are debilitating
      diseases which prevail in China. Immunological diagnosis of metacestodosis is
      important in disease control. The 8-kDa glycoproteins from taeniid cestodes have
      successfully been used for diagnosis of human cysticercosis in immunological
      assays. The aim of the present study was to investigate genetic variations and
      phylogenetic relationships of the 8-kDa proteins for evaluating the possibility
      of utilizing these proteins as diagnostic antigens for other metacestode
      infections. METHODS: The genes and complementary DNAs (cDNAs) encoding the 8-kDa
      proteins from Echinococcus (E.) granulosus, Taenia (T.) multiceps and T.
      hydatigena were amplified using PCR method. Their amplicons were cloned into the
      vector pMD18 and the positive clones were sequenced. Sequence data were analyzed
      with the SeqMan program, and sequence homology searches were performed using the
      BLAST program. Alignments were conducted using the ClustalX program, and the
      phylogenetic analyses were performed with the Protein Sequences Program and the
      Puzzle Program using the Neighbor-joining method. RESULTS: Fifteen, 18 and 22
      different genomic DNA sequences were identified as members of the 8-kDa protein
      gene family from E. granulosus, T. multiceps and T. hydatigena, respectively.
      Eight, four and six different cDNA clones respectively from E. granulosus, T.
      multiceps and T. hydatigena were characterized. Analysis of these sequences
      revealed 54 unique 8-kDa protein sequences. Phylogenetic trees demonstrated that
      the taeniid 8-kDa proteins are clustered into eight clades at least: Ts18, Ts14,
      TsRS1, TsRS2, T8kDa-1, T8kDa-2, T8kDa-3 and T8kDa-4. CONCLUSION: We found that
      the gene family encoding for the taeniid 8-kDa antigens is comprised of many
      members with high diversity, which will provide molecular evidence for cross
      reaction or specific reaction among metacestode infections and may contribute to
      the development of promising immunological methods for diagnosis of
      metacestodosis.

PMID- 22040492
TI  - Pericyst may be a new pharmacological and therapeutic target for hydatid disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Most hydatid cysts with calcified walls are biologically and
      clinically silent and inactive. Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta1)
      plays a critical role in the calcification process of cells. The aim of this
      study was to assess the effect of modulating TGF-beta1 signaling on the
      calcification of hydatid cysts. METHODS: Pericyst cells isolated from hepatic
      hydatid cysts were cultured with osteogenic media. These cells were assessed for
      alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralization capacity using Alizarin Red
      staining. Cells were also treated with recombinant human TGF-beta1 and TGF-beta
      inhibitor, and the expression profiles of osteoblast markers (RUNX2, osterix, and
      osteocalcin) were analyzed using Western blotting. The effects of inhibiting TGF
      beta1 signaling on calcification of pericyst walls were assessed using different
      doses of TGF-beta inhibitor for 7 weeks in a preclinical disease model of liver
      cystic echinococcosis. RESULTS: Cells within the pericyst displayed high levels
      of alkaline phosphatase activity and mineralized nodule formation, as induced by
      osteogenic media. These activities, as well as expression profiles of osteoblast
      markers (RUNX2, osterix, and osteocalcin) could be inhibited by addition of
      recombinant human TGF-beta1 (rhTGF-beta1) and enhanced by TGF-beta inhibitor. In
      the animal model of cystic echinococcosis, inhibition of TGF-beta1 signaling
      increased calcification of the pericyst wall, which was associated with decreased
      cyst load index and lower viability of protoscoleces. CONCLUSIONS: Cells within
      the pericysts adopt an osteoblast-like phenotype and have osteogenic potential.
      Inhibition of TGF-beta1 signaling increases hydatid cyst calcification.
      Pharmacological modulation of calcification in pericysts may be a new therapeutic
      target in the treatment of hydatid disease.

PMID- 22040493
TI  - Rs548234 polymorphism at PRDM1-ATG5 region susceptible to rheumatoid arthritis in
      Caucasians is not associated with rheumatoid arthritis in Chinese Han population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A previous study has shown that rs548234 polymorphism at PRDM1-ATG5
      region is associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in Caucasian populations. The
      aim of this study was to investigate the effect of rs548234 polymorphism at PRDM1
      ATG5 region on susceptibility to RA in Chinese Han population. METHODS: We
      genotyped 848 RA patients and 1431 matched healthy controls for rs548234 single
      nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) with a predesigned TaqMan SNP genotyping assay.
      Association analyses were performed on the whole data set and on rheumatoid
      factors (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptides (anti-CCP) antibody. Finally,
      we carried out combined analysis of rs548234 association with RA based on the
      published data. RESULTS: No significant difference in the genotype distribution
      between RA patients and healthy controls for rs548234 (C/T) polymorphism was
      found in Chinese Han population, neither in whole data set nor in stratified
      subsets, e.g. RF and anti-CCP status. Association analysis in different ethnic
      groups showed that rs548234 at PRDM1-ATG5 region was associated with RA in
      Caucasian ancestry but not in East Asian population. CONCLUSIONS: Our results
      showed no involvement of rs548234 at PRDM1-ATG5 region in the susceptibility or
      clinical relevance of RA in Chinese Han population.

PMID- 22040494
TI  - Factors influencing recovery of left ventricular structure in patients with
      chronic heart failure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and beta-blockers
      (betaB) have beneficial effects on left ventricular (LV) remodeling, alleviate
      symptoms and reduce morbidity and mortality in patients with chronic heart
      failure (CHF). However the correlation between the d osages of ACE inhibitors,
      betaB, and recovery of LV structure remains controversial. Clinical factors
      associated with recovery of normal ventricular structure in CHF patients
      receiving medical therapy are poorly defined. Here we aimed to identify variables
      associated with recovery of normal or near-normal structure in patients with CHF.
      METHODS: We recruited 231 consecutive CHF outpatients, left ventricular ejection
      fraction (LVEF) <= 40% and left ventricular end diastolic diameter (LVEDD) >
      55/50 mm (male/female), who were receiving optimal pharmacotherapy between
      January 2001 and June 2009, and followed them until December 31, 2009. They were
      divided into three groups according to LVEDD and whether they were still alive at
      final follow-up: group A, LVEDD <= 60/55 mm (male/female); group B, LVEDD > 60/55
      mm (male/female); and group C, those who died before final follow-up. Apart from
      group C, univariate analysis was performed followed by Logistic multivariate
      analysis to determine the predictors of recovery of LV structure. RESULTS: A
      total of 217 patients completed follow-up, and median follow-up time was 35
      months (range 6 - 108). Twenty-five patients died during that period; the all
      cause mortality rate was 11.5%. Group A showed clinical characteristics as
      follows: the shortest duration of disease and shortest QRS width, the lowest N
      terminal brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) at baseline, the highest dose of
      betaB usage, the highest systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure
      (DBP) and the lowest New York Heart Association (NYHA) classification, serum
      creatinine, uric acid, total bilirubin and NT-proBNP after treatment. Logistic
      multivariate analysis was performed according to recovery or no recovery of LV
      structure. Data showed that LVEF at follow-up (P = 0.013), mitral regurgitation
      at baseline (P = 0.020), LVEDD at baseline (P = 0.031), and betaB dosage (P =
      0.041) were independently associated with recovery of LV diameter. CONCLUSION:
      Our study suggests that four clinical variables may predict recovery of LV
      structure to normal or near-normal values with optimal drug therapy alone, and
      may be used to discriminate between patients who should receive optimal
      pharmacotherapy and those who require more aggressive therapeutic interventions.

PMID- 22040495
TI  - Combination of donor splenocyte transfusion with blockade of gammac signal
      synergizes to inhibit alloreactive T-cell proliferation and induces apoptosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The common gamma chain (gammac) plays a critical role in regulating
      proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis of peripheral T-cells. It was
      previously confirmed that blocking the gammac signal can successfully induce
      transplant tolerance in a murine model. Here we investigated the potential
      mechanism. METHODS: Splenocytes from C57BL/6 mice were transfused into T-cell
      deficient Balb/c nude mice that were reconstituted with syngeneic wild-type T
      cells labeled with 5-carboxyfluorescein diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFSE).
      After 24 hours, recipients received i.p. injection of mixture of anti-gammac
      mAbs, or with isotype control IgG2a. The labeled T-cells were harvested from
      recipient spleens after 12 and 48 hours. T-cell proliferation and apoptosis were
      detected by flow cytometry. RESULTS: T-cell proliferation was markedly inhibited
      and apoptotic T cells could be detected at 12 hours after the mAbs injection.
      Proliferation was inhibited at 48 hours, but the proportion of apoptotic T-cells
      was not more than at 12 hours. In the control group, however, T-cells actively
      proliferated and no significant apoptosis was detected at either time point.
      CONCLUSIONS: The results suggested that blockade of gammac signals can synergize
      with donor splenocyte transfusion and lead to inhibition of antigen-specific T
      cell proliferation and induction of apoptotic T-cell death. This protocol may
      develop a novel approach to induce donor-specific tolerance.

PMID- 22040496
TI  - Current treatment status in patients with severe aortic valve stenosis and
      outcome of long term follow-up at advanced age: a Chinese single center study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Surgical aortic valve replacement is the standard treatment for
      patients with severe aortic stenosis, but some registries have indicated that 30%
      to 60% of these patients are not treated surgically, usually due to advanced age
      and/or comorbidities. This single center study in China investigated the current
      treatment status in the patients with severe aortic stenosis and evaluated the
      long term clinical outcome in advanced age patients whether or not undergoing
      aortic valve replacement. METHODS: Clinical data of 867 consecutive patients with
      severe aortic stenosis between January 2000 and December 2006 were
      retrospectively analyzed. The patients >= 65 years old were followed up by
      telephone or information from medical records. The primary end-point was all
      cause mortality. RESULTS: The patients' average age was (52 +/- 19) years (range,
      1 - 91 years), and 34% were women. The percentages of the patients aged < 15
      years, between 15 and 34 years, between 35 and 54 years, between 55 and 64 years,
      between 65 and 74 years, and >= 75 years who underwent surgical aortic valve
      replacement were 82.3%, 87.2%, 88.8%, 78.2%, 65.3% and 22.2% respectively. In the
      patients (n = 256) >= 65 years old, 43.4% had New York Heart Association class
      III and IV symptoms, 39.1% had hypertension, 33.2% had coronary heart disease,
      and 3.1% had stroke. In the patients not undergoing aortic valve replacement,
      1.6% had renal insufficiency, 4.7% had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,
      2.0% had critical hematopathy, and 0.4% had mammary cancer. A total of 186
      (72.7%) patients finished the follow-up, and the average duration of the follow
      up was (60 +/- 26) months. In the patients between 65 and 74 years old, the total
      deaths and cardiac deaths in the patients undergoing aortic valve replacement
      decreased significantly compared with those with conservative treatment (10.3%
      vs. 53.7%, P < 0.001 and 6.3% vs. 50.7%, P < 0.001). Similarly, in the patients
      >= 75 years old, there was a significant difference between patients who had
      surgery and those who had conservative treatment in the total deaths and cardiac
      deaths (21.4% vs. 63.3%, P = 0.007 and 14.3% vs. 46.9%, P = 0.033). The total
      deaths in the patients aged between 65 and 74 years were significantly fewer
      compared with = 75 years old patients (25.4% vs. 54.0%, P < 0.001). Cox
      regression revealed that aortic valve replacement was the only independent
      predictor of mortality (HR 0.183; 95% CI, 0.101 - 0.332, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS:
      This single centre study showed that surgical aortic valve replacement was still
      the standard treatment for the patients with severe aortic stenosis and had a
      satisfying prognosis. However, the high risk patients with advanced age and
      comorbidities usually selected conservative treatment and had an unfavorable
      prognosis.

PMID- 22040497
TI  - Comparison of the effects of recombinant human endostatin and docetaxel on human
      umbilical vein endothelial cells in different growth states.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recombinant human endostatin (rh-endostatin, Endostar) has been
      proved to be an inhibitor of angiogenesis. Docetaxel has been also considered as
      a common chemotherapeutic agent with inhibition of angiogenesis of malignancies.
      However, their function has been seldom compared and a best synergism protocol is
      not determined. This study aimed to compare the effects of two drugs, investigate
      their combined impact on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), a
      molecular basis and find ideal protocols to inhibit endothelial cell
      proliferation. METHODS: HUVECs on confluent growth or activated by vascular
      endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were treated by rh-endostatin or/and docetaxel
      at respective gradient concentration in following operations as cell
      proliferation determined by MTT assay, cell cycle distribution, apoptosis and
      markers of CD146, CD62E and CD105 detected by flow cytometery, the structure of
      the channel formed by HUVECs measured by tube formation count. RESULTS: Rh
      endostatin exhibited time dependent inhibition of proliferation while docetaxel
      showed both time and dose dependent inhibition. HUVECs accumulated in G(0)-G(1)
      with decreased numbers of cells in G(2) after a single treatment of rh-endostatin
      or that followed by docetaxel treatment. Cells accumulated in G(2) after both a
      single docetaxel and simultaneous administration. Both the number of cells in
      G(0)-G(1) and apoptotic cells were increased by docetaxel followed by rh
      endostatin treatment. The number of non-apoptotic cells at G(0)-G(1) was
      increased by first administering rh-endostatin then docetaxel. Sequential
      treatment of docetaxel followed by rh-endostatin resulted in the greatest
      increase in apoptosis (34.7%) and the second highest apoptosis was seen with
      simultaneous administration (18.2%). Expression of CD146 and CD105 on confluent
      HUVECs was reduced at certain doses of rh-endostatin and/or docetaxel. However,
      rh-endostatin reduced CD105 without any apparent impact on either CD146 or CD62E
      expression, whereas these markers were down-regulated by docetaxel after pre
      activation by VEGF. Rh-endostatin treatment maintained tube-like structures for a
      limited time. In contrast, docetaxel swiftly reduced tube formation. Simultaneous
      treatment, or docetaxel followed by rh-endostatin, exhibited a stronger
      inhibition on tube formation than either agent alone. CONCLUSIONS: Both rh
      endostatin and docetaxel can inhibit HUVEC proliferation while the high apoptotic
      rate after combined administration was probably owing to different sequent
      administration by docetaxel followed by rh-endostatin or simultaneous treatment.
      Both proliferation and adhesion molecules on HUVECs of confluent growth are down
      regulated by the two drugs. The rh-endostatin decreased proliferation markers,
      but only slightly modified adhesion molecules, while both markers were down
      regulated by docetaxel on HUVECs activated by VEGF. Rh-endostatin could maintain
      adhesion of HUVECs at first then induce cells apoptosis to damage tube formation.
      We hypothesize that it could lead to vascular normalization in short time. In
      contrast, docetaxel can suppress HUVEC proliferation, adhesion, and reduced tube
      formation swiftly due to its cytotoxicity. Combined treatments can induce a
      synergistic inhibition of tube formation.

PMID- 22040498
TI  - Visualization of Medpor implants using surface rendering.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Medpor surgical implant is one of the easiest implants in
      clinical practice, especially in craniomaxillofacial surgery. It is often used as
      a bone substitute material for the repair of skull defects and facial
      deformities. The Medpor implant has several advantages but its use is limited
      because it is radiolucent in both direct radiography and conventional computed
      tomography, causing serious problems with visualization. METHODS: In this study,
      a new technique for visualizing Medpor implants was evaluated in 10 patients who
      had undergone facial reconstruction using the material. Continuous volume scans
      were made using a 16-channel tomographic scanner and 3D reconstruction software
      was used to create surface renderings. The threshold values for surface
      renderings of the implant ranged from -70 HU to -20 HU, with bone as the default.
      RESULTS: The shape of the implants and the spatial relationship between bone and
      implant could both be displayed. CONCLUSION: Surface rendering can allow
      successful visualization of Medpor implants in the body.

PMID- 22040499
TI  - Expression level of novel tumor suppressor gene FATS is associated with the
      outcome of node positive breast cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recently, we reported the identification of a previously
      uncharacterized and evolutionarily conserved gene, fragile-site associated tumor
      suppressor (FATS), at a frequently deleted region in irradiation (IR)-induced
      tumors. However, the role of FATS in breast cancer development and its clinical
      significance has not been defined. The aim of this study was to determine the
      role of FATS in breast cancer development and to evaluate its clinical
      significance in breast cancer. METHODS: The expression level of FATS mRNA was
      determined in 106 breast carcinomas and 23 paired normal breast tissues using
      quantitative real time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
      The relationship between FATS expression and clinicopathological parameters were
      also analyzed. RESULTS: The mRNA level of FATS was down-regulated in breast
      cancer compared with paired normal tissues. Low expression of FATS was correlated
      with high nuclear grade. There was a tendency to a favorable outcome for patients
      with high expression of FATS (P = 0.346). However, low expression of FATS was
      associated with poor outcome of breast cancer patients with node positive (P =
      0.011). Furthermore, the mRNA level of FATS showed an independent value in
      predicting the outcome of breast cancer patients with positive lymph nodes.
      CONCLUSION: FATS is involved in the carcinogenesis and development of breast
      cancer and could be a potential biomarker and prognostic factor for breast cancer
      therapy.

PMID- 22040500
TI  - Molecular mechanism of icariin on rat asthmatic model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Effects of icariin on airway inflammation in asthmatic rats and the
      intervention of LPS induced inflammation are interfered with the machanism of
      icariin. Our study aimed to observe the effect of icariin on ovalbumin-induced
      imbalance of Th1/Th2 cytokine expression and its mechanism. METHODS: Sixty male
      SD rats were randomly divided into control group (PBS), asthma group (ovalbumin
      (OVA)-induced), dexamethasone group, and OVA+icariin low, medium and high dose
      groups (5, 10, 20 mg/kg, respectively). Each group had ten rats. The model of OVA
      sensitization was a rat asthma model. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
      method was used to observe the effects of icariin on interleukin-4 (IL-4) and
      inerferon gamma (IFN-gamma) in rats' lung tissue. Immunohistochemical staining
      was applied to detect the intervention effects of icariin on T cells (T-bet) and
      gatabinding protein 3 (GATA-3) in rat pulmonary tissue. Realtime RT-PCR was used
      to observe the intervention effects of icariin on T-bet and GATA-3 mRNA
      expression in rat pulmonary tissue and spleen lymphocytes. Western blotting was
      used to observe the icariin intervention effects on T-bet, GATA-3 and nuclear
      factor-Kappa B (NF-kappaB) p65 protein expressions in rat pulmonary tissue.
      RESULTS: The ELISA results from pulmonary tissue showed that IL-4 expression was
      significantly reduced (P < 0.05), while the IFN-gamma expression increased but
      not significantly when we compared OVA+icariin medium and high dose groups with
      the asthma group. Immunohistochemical staining of pulmonary tissue showed that
      the GATA-3 decreased significantly while the T-bet staining did not change in the
      OVA+icariin high dose group. In pulmonary tissue and spleen lymphocytes T-bet and
      GATA-3 mRNA expressions were significantly reduced (P < 0.05) in icariin
      treatment groups compared with the asthma model group. GATA-3 and T-bet mRNA in
      rat spleen lymphocytes in the asthma group were higher than in the control group.
      GATA-3 mRNA expression in pulmonary tissue significantly decreased (P < 0.05)
      while T-bet mRNA expression decreased but not significantly in the icariin
      treatment group compared with the asthma group. T-bet and GATA-3 protein
      expressions in pulmonary tissue increased significantly compared with the asthma
      group, which meant that icariin could inhibit the increase of GATA-3 protein, but
      not of T-bet. The bronchus, blood vessels and periphery pulmonary tissue had
      infiltration of inflammatory cells in the OVA+icariin high dose group while NF
      kappaB p65 cells were reduced, and expression of NF-kappaB p65 in this group was
      less than in the asthma group. The expression of total p65 protein decreased with
      icariin treatment while the expression of cytoplasmic p65 protein increased.
      CONCLUSIONS: Icariin could regulate the imbalance of Th1/Th2 cytokines in
      asthmatic rat pulmonary tissue. Icariin could regulate the imbalance of Th1/Th2
      associated transcription factors T-bet and GATA-3 in asthmatic rat pulmonary
      tissue and spleen lymphocytes. Icariin could inhibit the activation of NF-kappaB
      p65 protein in asthmatic rat pulmonary tissue.

PMID- 22040501
TI  - Relative apparent diffusion coefficient: a promising tool to differentiate
      metastatic from benign lymph nodes in animal models.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diffusion-weighted imaging has been widely used to differentiate the
      character of lymphadenopathy. But there are significant differences between prior
      studies. The aim of the study was to compare the benefit of apparent diffusion
      coefficient (ADC) and rADC in the differentiation of metastatic and benign lymph
      nodes in a rabbit model. METHODS: Two observers independently measured ADCs in
      quadriceps of every rabbit on diffusion-weighted images with different sizes of
      regions of interest (ROI). The appropriate ROI for rADC was determined using the
      interobserver coefficient. rADC was calculated by ADC(lesion)/ADC(reference
      site). Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was performed to compare
      the diagnostic value of the ADC values and rADC values in differentiating
      metastatic from benign lymph nodes. RESULTS: When the ROIs included five pixels,
      the ICC was 0.816, indicating a good interobserver agreement. The differences of
      ADC and rADC values between metastatic and benign lymph nodes were both
      statistically significant. The area under the ROC curve was greater for the rADC
      than for the ADC. With the rADC criteria of 0.640, the sensitivity and
      specificity for differentiating metastatic from benign lymph nodes were 93% and
      90%, respectively. CONCLUSION: As a reference site, muscles reveal a good
      repeatability using a small ROI and the rADC may improve diagnostic accuracy for
      detecting metastatic nodes in animal models.

PMID- 22040502
TI  - Reassessment of the predictive role of perivesical fat invasion in invasive
      bladder cancer prognosis in 151 Chinese patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Perivesical fat invasion is considered as an important prognostic
      factor for bladder cancer. However, the predictive role of perivesical fat
      invasion in invasive bladder cancer prognosis has never been reported in Chinese
      patients. The aim of the study was to assess the predictive value of perivesical
      fat invasion for prognoses of T2 and T3 bladder cancer in Chinese patients.
      METHODS: One hundred and fifty-one patients who underwent radical cystectomy for
      pT2-3N0M0 invasive bladder cancer from 2001 to 2007 were studied. Cancer-specific
      survival rate (CSS) and recurrence-free survival rate (RFS) were compared between
      the pT2 and pT3 patient groups. Other clinicopathological parameters were also
      retrospectively analyzed by univariate and multivariate analyses to identify the
      independent predictor for the prognoses of this cohort. RESULTS: Average patient
      age at surgery was 58 years. Ninety (60.3%) patients had grade I and II disease.
      During follow-up (median 66 months), 27 patients (17.9%) had tumor recurrence and
      18 (11.9%) died of bladder cancer. In the univariate analysis, the CSS and RFS
      curves between T2 and T3 patients showed no significant difference (P = 0.756 and
      0.354, respectively). Multivariate Cox regression showed that histological
      classification and grade were independent predictors for CSS, while grade was the
      sole independent predictor for RFS. CONCLUSIONS: For this group of Chinese
      patients, perivesical fat invasion did not demonstrate a statistically
      significant difference in prognosis between T2 and T3 patients. Nontransitional
      cell carcinoma (non-TCC) and high-grade patients had short CSS, and patients with
      high-grade tumor had higher recurrent risk.

PMID- 22040503
TI  - Efficacy and safety of sunitinib in the treatment of metastatic renal cell
      carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) sunitinib, the first targeted
      agent for the first line treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC),
      targets the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway. The objective of
      this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of sunitinib in treating
      metastatic clear-cell RCC and to confirm if hypertension is an effective
      predictive factor. METHODS: A total of 36 patients with metastatic RCC were
      enrolled between June 2008 and December 2010. Among them 29 cases were first line
      therapy and 7 cases were in progression on first-line cytokine or sorafinib
      therapy. The pathology of all patients was confirmed predominant in clear cell
      type. Sunitinib mono-therapy was administered in repeated 6-week cycles of daily
      oral therapy for 4 weeks, followed by 2 weeks off in 34 patients; and 3 patients
      were administered with 37.5 mg/d continuously until disease progression or
      unacceptable toxicities occurred. Overall response rate and safety were
      evaluated. We divided patients into Group A and Group B according to the blood
      pressure level. RESULTS: The median follow-up was 15 months (10 cycles, range 1.5
      - 30.0 months (1 - 20 cycles)). Ten patients (29.4%) achieved partial responses
      (PR); 23 patients (67.6%) demonstrated stable disease (SD) lasting >= 2 cycles.
      Seventeen patients (50%) developed progressive disease (PD) during follow-up. The
      median progression-free survival (PFS) was 15 months (range 3.0 - 28.5) months. A
      total of 9 patients died; the overall survival has not been reached; the median
      survival time of the deceased patients was 13 months (range 7 - 24) months. The
      most common adverse events were hand-foot syndrome (77.8%), thrombocytopenia
      (75.0%), hypertension (61.1%) and diarrhea (46.0%). Most adverse events were
      reversible by treatment interruption. Twenty-two patients (61.1%) developed
      hypertension; and hypertension was associated with a long time to disease
      progression and long overall survival (P = 0.004, 0.000, respectively).
      CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study demonstrate the efficacy and manageable
      adverse event profile of sunitinib as a single agent in first- or second-line
      therapy for patients with metastatic clear cell RCC. Further, sunitinib
      associated hypertension may be a strong predictive marker for treatment efficacy
      in metastatic RCC.

PMID- 22040504
TI  - Natural herbal medicine Lianhuaqingwen capsule anti-influenza A (H1N1) trial: a
      randomized, double blind, positive controlled clinical trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The 2009 influenza A (H1N1) virus infection is associated with the
      high risk of severe complications and is spreading more rapidly throughout the
      world than other reported seasonal influenzas. This study aimed to evaluate the
      efficacy and safety of the nature herbal medicine Lianhuaqingwen capsule (LHC) in
      patients infected with influenza A (H1N1) virus. METHODS: A total of 244 patients
      aged 16 - 65 years confirmed with influenza A (H1N1) virus infection by the real
      time RT-PCR were randomized to one of two treatment groups of 122 patients each.
      Each group assigned to receive either LHC or Oseltamivir for five days and
      observation for seven days. The patients were enrolled within 36 hours of illness
      onset if they had an axillary temperature of >= 37.4 degrees C and with at least
      one of the following symptoms: nasal obstruction, runny nose, cough, sore throat,
      fatigue, headache, myalgia, chills and sweating. The primary end point was the
      duration of illness. RESULTS: Of 244 patients, 240 (98.36%) patients with a
      median age 21 years completed the study between October 24, 2009 and November 23,
      2009. There were no significant overall differences between LHC treated and
      Oseltamivir treated patients in the median duration of illness (LHC 69 hours vs.
      Oseltamivir 85 hours P > 0.05) or the median duration of viral shedding (LHC 103
      hours vs. Oseltamivir 96 hours, P > 0.05). However, it was worthwhile to note
      that LHC significantly reduced the severity of illness and the duration of
      symptoms including fever, cough, sore throat, and fatigue (P < 0.05). Both study
      medications were well tolerated. No drug related serious adverse events occurred
      during the study. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with Oseltamivir, LHC achieved a similar
      therapeutic effectiveness reduction of the duration of illness and duration of
      viral shedding. Therefore, LHC might be an alternative therapeutic measure for
      influenza A (H1N1) virus infections.

PMID- 22040505
TI  - Enrichment of breast cancer stem cells using a keratinocyte serum-free medium.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Keratinocyte serum-free medium (K-SFM) is a defined medium used to
      support the growth of primary keratinocytes and embryonic stem cell. The aim of
      this research was to optimize enrichment of breast cancer stem cells (CSCs) using
      K-SFM. METHODS: A K-SFM was used to enrich CSCs from two breast cancer cell lines
      and a primary culture of breast cancer. RPMI-1640 supplemented with 10% fetal
      calf serum (FCS) was used as a control. CSCs were identified with flow cytometry
      using CD44(+)/CD24(-) as molecular markers. The expression of a variety of CSC
      markers (Oct-4, ABCG2, Nanog, N-cadherin, and E-cadherin) was analyzed with real
      time PCR. RESULTS: Much higher percentage of CSCs was achieved with K-SFM: 17.3%
      for MCF-7 cells, 17.4% for SKBR-3, and 20.0% for primary breast cancer culture.
      Less than 1% CSC was achieved using RPMI-1640 supplemented with 10% FCS. In
      comparison to the CSCs obtained with RPMI-1640, CSCs in the K-SFM expressed
      higher levels of Oct-4, ABCG2, Nanog and N-cadherin, and lower level of E
      cadherin. CONCLUSION: K-SFM is an optimal culture medium to maintain and to
      enrich breast CSCs.

PMID- 22040506
TI  - Effects of different pacing algorithms on cumulative ventricular pacing
      proportion in patients with pacemakers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is well known that increased cumulative ventricular pacing
      proportion (CumVP%) is one of the most important causes for adverse
      cardiovascular events. Therefore, how to reduce CumVP% has been a treatment issue
      in recent years. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different pacing
      algorithms on CumVP% in patients with pacemakers. METHODS: Pacemakers with three
      pacing algorithms, i.e., conventional dual chamber rate adaptive pacing (DDDR),
      search atrioventricular conduction plus (SAV+) and managed ventricular pacing
      (MVP), were implanted in 42 patients including 41 with bradycardia arrhythmias
      and one with ventricular tachycardia. Pacemakers were programmed to work in
      conventional DDDR, SAV+ and MVP during the follow-up periods of the first, the
      second and the third month. In each pacing algorithm, the time percentages of
      four pacing and sense status including atrial sense-ventricular sense (AS-VS),
      atrial sense-ventricular pacing (AS-VP), atrial pacing-ventricular sense (AP-VS)
      and atrial pacing-ventricular pacing (AP-VP) were calculated. Cumulative
      ventricular pacing proportions were compared in the three pacing algorithms in
      the first, the second and the third month postoperatively. RESULTS: In the DDDR
      algorithm AS-VS, AS-VP, AP-VS and AP-VP were 2.4%, 52.3%, 2.5% and 42.8%
      respectively, while in SAV+ they were 19.3%, 34.9%, 33.9% and 12.0%, in MVP they
      were 38.9%, 13.2%, 41.6% and 6.4%. In the above the DDDR, SAV+ and MVP
      algorithms, cumulative ventricular pacing proportions were 95.1%, 46.9% and
      19.6%, respectively (P < 0.05) and the percentages of CumVP% < 40% in patients
      were 0, 23.8% and 95.2.0% (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with the conventional
      DDDR algorithm, both SAV+ and MVP significantly reduced the CumVP%, especially
      the MVP algorithm. Patients may benefit from MVP algorithm due to reduced CumVP%.

PMID- 22040507
TI  - A historical view of alveolar echinococcosis, 160 years after the discovery of
      the first case in humans: part 1. What have we learnt on the distribution of the
      disease and on its parasitic agent?
AB  - Since the first 2 cases observed in southern Germany and the correct
      identification of a parasite at the origin of the disease by the famous scientist
      Rudolf Virchow in 1855, the borders of the endemic area of alveolar
      echinococcosis (AE) have never stopped to expand. The parasite was successively
      recognized in Switzerland, then in Russia, Austria and France which were long
      considered as the only endemic areas for the disease. Cases were disclosed in
      Turkey in 1939; then much attention was paid to Alaska and to Hokkaido, in Japan.
      The situation totally changed in 1991 after the recognition of the Chinese
      endemic areas by the international community of scientists. The world map was
      completed in the beginning of the 21st century by the identification of AE in
      most of the countries of central/eastern Europe and Baltic States, and by the
      recognition of cases in central Asia. Up to now, the disease has however never
      been reported in the South hemisphere and in the United Kingdom. In the mid
      1950s, demonstration by Rausch and Schiller in Alaska, and by Vogel in Germany,
      of the distinction between 2 parasite species responsible respectively for cystic
      echinococcosis ("hydatid disease") and AE put an end to the long-lasting debate
      between the "dualists", who believed in that theory which eventually proved to be
      true, and the "unicists", who believed in a single species responsible for both
      diseases. At the end of the 20th century, molecular biology fully confirmed the
      "dualist" theory while adding several new species to the initially described E.
      granulosus; within the past decade, it also confirmed that little variation
      existed within Echinococcus (E.) multilocularis species, and that AE-looking
      infection in some intermediate animal hosts on the Tibetan plateau was indeed due
      to a new species, distinct from E. multilocularis, named E. shiquicus. Since the
      1970s, the unique ecological interactions between the landscape, the hosts, and
      E. multilocularis have progressively been delineated. The important role of the
      rodent/lagomorph reservoir size for the maintenance of the parasite cycle has
      been recognized within the last 2 decades of the 20th century. And the discovery
      of a close relationship between high densities of small mammals and
      particularities in land use by agriculture/forestry has stressed the
      responsibility of political/economic decisions on the contamination pressure.
      Urbanization of foxes in Europe and Japan and the major role of dogs in China
      represent the new deals at the beginning of the 21st century regarding definitive
      hosts and prevention measures.

PMID- 22040508
TI  - Treatment of intracranial hydatid cysts.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Echinococcosis is still endemic in many countries, including China,
      where it is especially prevalent in the northwest. The aim of this study was to
      enrich the international literature about the treatment of intracranial hydatid
      cysts. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the clinical features, radiological
      manifestations, and surgical outcome of 97 patients with intracranial hydatid
      cysts, who received surgical treatment at the Neurosurgical Department of First
      Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University from 1985 to 2010 and followed
      up the patient via sending a questionnaire or telephone contact. Clinical outcome
      was evaluated using the Karnofsky Performance Scale Index. RESULTS: Headache and
      vomiting were the most common initial symptoms in our patients. Neurological
      deficits caused by the mass effect of the cysts were seen in 82 cases. On the X
      ray, significant bone erosion was seen in only two cases with epidural hydatid
      cysts. Round-shaped and thin-walled homogeneous low-density cystic lesions
      without surrounding edema and enhancement were the main findings on computerized
      tomography (CT) in 95 patients with intraparenchymal hydatid cysts, while two
      cases with epidural hydatid cysts presented as a heterodensity lesions. On
      magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), hydatid cyst presented as a round-shaped low
      signal lesion in T1-weighted images and high signal lesion in T2-weighted images,
      without enhancement after contrast media injection, while the two cases with
      epidural cysts presented as mixed signal masses. Surgical removal of cyst was
      performed in all cases. Total removal was achieved in 93 cases without rupturing
      the cyst wall. Only two cysts ruptured during the dissection, resulting in two
      surgery-related mortalities. There was no other additional neurological deficit
      caused directly by surgery. In 97.2% of the patients, the Karnofsky Performance
      Scale score was 80 to 90 at the last follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Intracranial hydatid
      cyst is still a main cause of increased intracranial pressure among the patients
      in endemic areas for echinococcosis. CT and MRI are the best diagnostic methods
      and surgery is the treatment of choice for intracranial hydatid cysts.

PMID- 22040510
TI  - Nail digital dermoscopy (onychoscopy) in the diagnosis of onychomycosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Distal subungual onychomycosis and traumatic onycholysis are the most
      common causes of toenail abnormalities, and differential diagnosis is often
      impossible without mycology. OBJECTIVES: To identify and describe dermoscopic
      signs specific for distal subungual onychomycosis that could facilitate its
      diagnosis and differentiation from traumatic mycologically negative onycholysis
      and to determine the sensitivity and specificity of these dermoscopic features.
      METHODS: We performed a retrospective study at the Outpatient Consultation for
      Nail Diseases of the Department of Dermatology of the University of Bologna.
      Dermoscopic digital images of 57 consecutive patients who underwent global
      photography, videodermoscopy and mycological examination for onycholysis of a
      single toenail between 1 December, 2010 and 30 June, 2011, were evaluated and
      compared. Digital dermoscopic images of onycholysis of the great toenail were
      evaluated for the presence of peculiar dermoscopic features. The presumptive
      dermoscopic diagnosis was compared with results of mycology. RESULTS: Evaluation
      of videodermoscopic images allowed us to identify three recurring peculiar
      dermoscopic features, two of which were present only in distal subungual
      onychomycosis (jagged proximal edge with spikes of the onycholytic area and
      longitudinal striae) and one only in traumatic onycholysis (linear edge - without
      spikes - of the onycholytic area). CONCLUSIONS: We found distinctive dermoscopic
      signs that are exclusive to distal subungual onychomycosis and to traumatic
      onycholysis. Detection of these signs is simple and can, in selected cases, help
      to avoid mycology.

PMID- 22040511
TI  - Synthesis and properties of a star-shaped poly(epsilon-caprolactone)-ibuprofen
      conjugate.
AB  - A series of novel star-shaped poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (PCL) biodegradable
      polyesters were synthesized through ring-opening polymerization of epsilon
      caprolactone in the presence of a poly(amidoamine) (PAMAM) dendrimer initiator.
      The polymers (PAMAM/PCLs) were obtained with a high yield (92%) and a number
      average molecular weight of up to 14 000 g/mol. The nonlinear structure of
      PAMAM/PCLs was confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance, gel-permeation
      chromatography, thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry.
      Thermal analysis indicated that the star-shaped PAMAM/PCLs had a melting point,
      degree of crystallinity, glass transition temperature and maximum decomposition
      temperature all lower than those of linear PCL. Ibuprofen (IBU), a popular non
      steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, was co-valently (ester) bonded to the PAMAM/PCL
      molecules using the DCC/DMAP coupling method (DCC, N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide;
      DMAP, 4-(dimethylamino)pyridine). A high drug content (33.1 mol%) in the
      conjugate was obtained. The in-vitro drug-release profiles of IBU from the
      PAMAM/PCL/IBU conjugate were examined and found adequate for drug-carrier
      applications of our star-shaped polymers. 

PMID- 22040512
TI  - Quantifying experts' uncertainty about the future cost of exotic diseases.
AB  - Since the foot-and-mouth disease outbreak of 2001 in the United Kingdom, there
      has been debate about the sharing, between government and industry, both the
      costs of livestock disease outbreaks and responsibility for the decisions that
      give rise to them. As part of a consultation into the formation of a new body to
      manage livestock diseases, government veterinarians and economists produced
      estimates of the average annual costs for a number of exotic infectious diseases.
      In this article, we demonstrate how the government experts were helped to
      quantify their uncertainties about the cost estimates using formal expert
      elicitation techniques. This has enabled the decisionmakers to have a greater
      appreciation of government experts' uncertainty in this policy area.

PMID- 22040513
TI  - Photosynthetic pathway and ecological adaptation explain stomatal trait diversity
      amongst grasses.
AB  - * The evolution of C(4)  photosynthesis in plants has allowed the maintenance of
      high CO(2)  assimilation rates despite lower stomatal conductances. This
      underpins the greater water-use efficiency in C(4)  species and their tendency to
      occupy drier, more seasonal environments than their C(3)  relatives. * The basis
      of interspecific variation in maximum stomatal conductance to water (g(max) ), as
      defined by stomatal density and size, was investigated in a common-environment
      screening experiment. Stomatal traits were measured in 28 species from seven
      grass lineages, and comparative methods were used to test for predicted effects
      of C(3)  and C(4)  photosynthesis, annual precipitation and habitat wetness on
      g(max) . * Novel results were as follows: significant phylogenetic patterns exist
      in g(max)  and its determinants, stomatal size and stomatal density; C(4) 
      species consistently have lower g(max)  than their C(3)  relatives, associated
      with a shift towards smaller stomata at a given density. A direct relationship
      between g(max)  and precipitation was not supported. However, we confirmed
      associations between C(4)  photosynthesis and lower precipitation, and showed
      steeper stomatal size-density relationships and higher g(max)  in wetter
      habitats. * The observed relationships between stomatal patterning,
      photosynthetic pathway and habitat provide a clear example of the interplay
      between anatomical traits, physiological innovation and ecological adaptation in
      plants.

PMID- 22040514
TI  - Item analysis and differential item functioning of a brief conduct problem
      screen.
AB  - Research has shown that boys display higher levels of childhood conduct problems
      than girls, and Black children display higher levels than White children, but few
      studies have tested for scalar equivalence of conduct problems across gender and
      race. The authors conducted a 2-parameter item response theory (IRT) model to
      examine item characteristics of the Authority Acceptance scale from the Teacher
      Observation of Classroom Adaptation-Revised (AA-TOCA-R; L. Larsson-Werthamer, S.
      G. Kellam, & L. Wheeler, 1991) in 8,820 kindergarten children and estimated the
      degree of differential item functioning (DIF) by gender and race/urban status.
      The mean level of latent conduct problems was best represented by behaviors such
      as being stubborn, breaking rules, and being disobedient, whereas breaking things
      and taking others' property best represented the construct at one standard
      deviation above the mean. DIF by gender was detected, such that at equivalent
      levels of latent conduct problems, males received more endorsements of overt
      behaviors from teachers, whereas females received more endorsements of
      nonphysical behaviors. Moreover, overt behaviors were better discriminators of
      latent conduct problems for males, and nonphysical behaviors were better
      discriminators of latent conduct problems for females. Differences across
      race/urban status were not found to be conceptually meaningful. The authors'
      analyses also suggest that the item scaling of the AA-TOCA-R may be best
      represented by 5e categories instead of 6. These findings provide support for the
      use of IRT modeling to examine item characteristics of conduct problem scales and
      DIF to test for scalar equivalence across diverse subpopulations.

PMID- 22040515
TI  - Construct validity and case validity in assessment.
AB  - Clinical assessment relies on both construct validity, which focuses on the
      accuracy of conclusions about a psychological phenomenon drawn from responses to
      a measure, and case validity, which focuses on the synthesis of the full range of
      psychological phenomena pertaining to the concern or question at hand. Whereas
      construct validity is grounded in understanding causal influences of a distinct
      phenomenon on responses to various measures and life contexts, case validity
      encompasses the joint influences of multiple phenomena on individuals' responses.
      Two sets of distinctions essential to understanding psychological phenomena,
      hence to understanding construct validity, are (a) implicit and explicit versions
      of personality constructs and (b) ability and personality as versions of
      constructs measured by performance tests presenting maximal and typical
      conditions, respectively. Since both implicit and explicit versions of constructs
      interface with maximal or typical performance conditions, case validity requires
      systematic inclusion of these distinctions in assessment protocols.

PMID- 22040516
TI  - Comparison of deck- and trial-based approaches to advantageous decision making on
      the Iowa Gambling Task.
AB  - We compared the original deck-based model of advantageous decision making
      assessed with the Iowa Gambling Task (IGT) with a trial-based approach across
      behavioral and physiological outcomes in 33 younger adults (15 men, 18 women;
      22.2 +/- 3.7 years of age). One administration of the IGT with simultaneous
      measurement of skin conductance responses (SCRs) was performed and the two
      methods applied: (a) the original approach of subtracting disadvantageous picks
      of Decks A and B from advantageous picks of Decks C and D and (b) a trial-based
      approach focused on the financial outcome for each deck leading up to the trial
      in question. When directly compared, the deck-based approach resulted in a more
      advantageous behavioral profile than did the trial-based approach. Analysis of
      SCR data revealed no significant differences between methods for physiological
      measurements of SCR fluctuations or anticipatory responses to disadvantageous
      picks. Post hoc investigation of the trial-based method revealed Deck B
      contributed to both advantageous and disadvantageous decision making for the
      majority of participants. When divided by blocks of 20, the number of
      advantageous to disadvantageous choices reversed as the task progressed despite
      the total number of picks from Deck B remaining high. SCR fluctuations for Deck
      B, although not significantly different from the other decks, did show a sharp
      decline after the first block of 20 and remained below levels for Decks C and D
      toward the end of the task, suggesting that participants may have gained
      knowledge of the frequency of loss for this deck.

PMID- 22040517
TI  - Metabonomics-based omics study and atherosclerosis.
AB  - Atherosclerosis results from dyslipidemia and systemic inflammation, associated
      with the strong metabolism and interaction between diet and disease. Strategies
      based on the global profiling of metabolism would be important to define the
      mechanisms involved in pathological alterations. Metabonomics is the quantitative
      measurement of the dynamic multiparametric metabolic response of living systems
      to pathophysiological stimuli or genetic modification. Metabonomics has been used
      in combination with proteomics and transcriptomics as the part of a systems
      biology description to understand the genome interaction with the development of
      atherosclerosis. The present review describes the application of metabonomics to
      explore the potential role of metabolic disturbances and inflammation in the
      initiation and development of atherosclerosis. Metabonomics-based omics study
      offers a new potential for biomarker discovery by disentangling the impacts of
      diet, environment and lifestyle.

PMID- 22040518
TI  - Development and evaluation of a single-step multiplex PCR to differentiate the
      aquatic stages of morphologically similar Aedes (subgenus: Stegomyia) species.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To develop a single-step multiplex PCR to differentiate the aquatic
      stages of Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus and Aedes vittatus collected from
      different breeding spots in arbovirus endemic/epidemic areas and to detect the
      most abundant species by the multiplex PCR. METHODS: Aquatic stages of different
      mosquito species were sampled by inspecting artificial and natural breeding sites
      in domestic and peridomestic areas. DNA was isolated from different stages of the
      three Aedes species. Using novel primers based on 18S rDNA sequence, a single
      step multiplex PCR was developed to clearly distinguish the three Aedes species.
      It was then evaluated in the aquatic stages of Aedes species collected from
      different areas. RESULTS: A total of 1150 aquatic stages were collected from 294
      breeding spots, of which 156 contained Aedes species. Discarded tires were the
      major breeding spots of Aedes species. The aquatic stages were clustered into 230
      pools; Ae. albopictus was detected in the largest number of pools, followed by
      Ae. aegypti and Ae. vittatus. CONCLUSIONS: The Multiplex PCR clearly
      differentiated the aquatic stages of the three Aedes species and detected that
      Ae. albopictus was most profuse in different breeding spots surveyed, hence
      indicating to be the main vector in this region. So control measures can be
      designed against Ae. albopictus at an early stage to prevent any arboviral
      outbreak. This method is a convenient tool for precise identification of Aedes
      vectors during entomological surveys in arbovirus endemic/epidemic areas where
      several species coexist.

PMID- 22040519
TI  - The chemopreventive effect of Ginkgo biloba and Silybum marianum extracts on
      hepatocarcinogenesis in rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to evaluate the potential
      chemopreventive activities of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGb) and Silybum marianum
      extract (silymarin) against hepatocarcinogenesis induced by N-nitrosodiethylamine
      (NDEA) in rats. METHODS: Rats were divided into 6 groups. Group 1 served as
      normal control rats. Group 2 animals were intragastrically administrated NDEA at
      a dose of 10 mg/kg five times a week for 12 weeks to induce hepatocellular
      carcinoma (HCC). Groups 3 and 4 animals were pretreated with silymarin and EGb
      respectively. Groups 5 and 6 animals were posttreated with silymarin and EGb
      respectively. The investigated parameters in serum are alanine aminotransferase
      (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT) and
      vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The investigated parameters in liver
      tissue are malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD),
      glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR) and comet assay
      parameters. RESULTS: In NDEA group, MDA level was elevated with subsequent
      decrease in GSH level and SOD, GPx and GR activities. In addition, NDEA group
      revealed a significant increase in serum ALT, AST and GGT activities and VEGF
      level. Furthermore, NDEA administrated animals showed a marked increase in comet
      assay parameters. These biochemical alterations induced by NDEA were confirmed by
      the histopathological examination of rat livers intoxicated with NDEA that showed
      an obvious cellular damage and well differentiated HCC.In contrast,
      silymarin+NDEA treated groups (3&5) and EGb+NDEA treated groups (4&6) showed a
      significant decrease in MDA level and a significant increase in GSH content and
      SOD, GPx and GR activities compared to NDEA group. Silymarin and EGb also
      beneficially down-regulated the increase in serum ALT, AST, GGT activities and
      VEGF level induced by NDEA. In addition, silymarin and EGb significantly
      decreased comet assay parameters. Histopathological examination of rat livers
      treated with either silymarin or EGb exhibited an improvement in the liver
      architecture compared to NDEA group. CONCLUSIONS: The obtained findings suggested
      that silymarin and EGb may have beneficial chemopreventive roles against
      hepatocarcinogenesis through their antioxidant, antiangiogenic and antigenotoxic
      activities.

PMID- 22040520
TI  - The dipeptide Phe-Phe amide attenuates signs of hyperalgesia, allodynia and
      nociception in diabetic mice using a mechanism involving the sigma receptor
      system.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies have demonstrated that intrathecal administration of
      the substance P amino-terminal metabolite substance P1-7 (SP1-7) and its C
      terminal amidated congener induced antihyperalgesic effects in diabetic mice. In
      this study, we studied a small synthetic dipeptide related to SP1-7 and
      endomorphin-2, i.e. Phe-Phe amide, using the tail-flick test and von Frey
      filament test in diabetic and non-diabetic mice. RESULTS: Intrathecal treatment
      with the dipeptide increased the tail-flick latency in both diabetic and non
      diabetic mice. This effect of Phe-Phe amide was significantly greater in diabetic
      mice than non-diabetic mice. The Phe-Phe amide-induced antinociceptive effect in
      both diabetic and non-diabetic mice was reversed by the sigma1 receptor agonist
      (+)-pentazocine. Moreover, Phe-Phe amide attenuated mechanical allodynia in
      diabetic mice, which was reversible by (+)-pentazocine. The expression of spinal
      sigma1 receptor mRNA and protein did not differ between diabetic mice and non
      diabetic mice. On the other hand, the expression of phosphorylated extracellular
      signal-regulated protein kinase 1 (ERK1) and ERK2 proteins was enhanced in
      diabetic mice. (+)-Pentazocine caused phosphorylation of ERK1 and ERK2 proteins
      in non-diabetic mice, but not in diabetic mice. CONCLUSIONS: These results
      suggest that the spinal sigma1 receptor system might contribute to diabetic
      mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia, which could be potently attenuated
      by Phe-Phe amide.

PMID- 22040521
TI  - Effects of ketoconazole and valproic acid on the pharmacokinetics of the next
      generation NNRTI, lersivirine (UK-453,061), in healthy adult subjects.
AB  - AIMS: To investigate the effect of inhibitors of cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 and
      glucuronidation (UGT2B7) on the pharmacokinetics of lersivirine (UK-453,061), a
      next generation non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor with a unique
      resistance profile, and to investigate the safety and tolerability of co
      administration of lersivirine with these inhibitors. METHODS: Two open-label,
      randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover studies were conducted in healthy
      subjects. Study 1 investigated the effect of ketoconazole (400 mg once daily) on
      the pharmacokinetics of lersivirine (250 mg once daily). Subjects received
      ketoconazole 400 mg once daily or placebo on days 1-2 and received lersivirine
      250 mg once daily and ketoconazole 400 mg once daily or placebo on days 3-9.
      Study 2 investigated the effect of valproic acid (VPA, sodium valproate, 1000 mg
      once daily) on the PK of lersivirine (500 mg once daily). On days 1-7, subjects
      received lersivirine 500 mg once daily plus either VPA 1000 mg or placebo.
      RESULTS: Compared with lersivirine alone, co-administration with ketoconazole
      increased the lersivirine mean area under the curve (AUC(0,24 h)) and maximum
      plasma concentration (C(max) ) by 82% (90% CI 74%, 91%) and 61% (90% CI 41%,
      83%), respectively. VPA increased the mean lersivirine AUC(0,24 h) by 25% (90% CI
      16%, 35%), with little effect on C(max) (2.5%, 90% CI -9%, 16%). There were no
      serious adverse events and no treatment-related discontinuations from either
      study. CONCLUSIONS: Inhibition of CYP3A4 and UGT2B7 by ketoconazole increased
      lersivirine exposure. Inhibition of UGT2B7-mediated glucuronidation by VPA had a
      modest effect on lersivirine exposure. Co-administration of lersivirine with
      either ketoconazole or VPA appeared to be well tolerated.

PMID- 22040522
TI  - Unilateral thalamic infarction presenting as vertical gaze palsy: a case report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Vertical gaze palsy is a recognized manifestation of midbrain
      lesions. It rarely is a consequence of unilateral thalamic infarction. CASE
      PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 48-year-old African-American woman who
      presented to our facility with vertical gaze palsy and evidence of left medial
      thalamic infarct on diffusion-weighted imaging without coexisting midbrain
      ischemia. The etiology of infarct was determined to be small vessel disease after
      extensive investigation. CONCLUSIONS: This report suggests a possible role of the
      thalamus as a vertical gaze control center. Clinicoradiological studies are
      needed to further define the role of the thalamus in vertical gaze control.

PMID- 22040523
TI  - Comparison of standardised dietary folate intake across ten countries
      participating in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and
      Nutrition.
AB  - Folate plays an important role in the synthesis and methylation of DNA as a
      cofactor in one-carbon metabolism. Inadequate folate intake has been linked to
      adverse health events. However, comparable information on dietary folate intake
      across European countries has never been reported. The objective of the present
      study was to describe the dietary folate intake and its food sources in ten
      countries in the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition
      (EPIC) study. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted in 36 034 participants
      (aged 35-74 years) who completed a single 24 h dietary recall using a
      computerised interview software program, EPIC-Soft(r) (International Agency for
      Research on Cancer, Lyon). Dietary folate intake was estimated using the
      standardised EPIC Nutrient DataBase, adjusted for age, energy intake, weight and
      height and weighted by season and day of recall. Adjusted mean dietary folate
      intake in most centres ranged from 250 to 350 MUg/d in men and 200 to 300 MUg/d
      in women. Folate intake tended to be lower among current smokers and heavier
      alcohol drinkers and to increase with educational level, especially in women.
      Supplement users (any types) were likely to report higher dietary folate intake
      in most centres. Vegetables, cereals and fruits, nuts and seeds were the main
      contributors to folate intake. Nonetheless, the type and pattern of consumption
      of these main food items varied across the centres. These first comparisons of
      standardised dietary folate intakes across different European populations show
      moderate regional differences (except the UK health conscious group), and
      variation by sex, educational level, smoking and alcohol-drinking status, and
      supplement use.

PMID- 22040524
TI  - Size-dependent electron transfer from PbSe quantum dots to SnO2 monitored by
      picosecond Terahertz spectroscopy.
AB  - We report the direct and unambiguous determination of electron transfer rates and
      efficiencies from PbSe quantum dots (QDs) to mesoporous SnO2 films. We monitor
      the time-dependent electron density within the oxide with picosecond time
      resolution using Terahertz spectroscopy, following optical excitation of the QDs
      using a femtosecond laser pulse. QD-oxide electron transfer occurs with
      efficiencies of ~2% in our samples under 800 nm pumping with a marked dependence
      on QD size, ranging from ~100 ps injection times for the smallest, ~2 nm diameter
      QDs, to ~1 ns time scale for ~7 nm QDs. The size-dependent electron transfer
      rates are modeled within the framework of Marcus theory and the implications of
      the results for device design are discussed.

PMID- 22040525
TI  - Effects of non-fermented and fermented soybean milk intake on faecal microbiota
      and faecal metabolites in humans.
AB  - The effects of non-fermented soybean milk (NFSM) and fermented soybean milk (FSM)
      intake on the faecal microbiota and metabolic activities in 10 healthy volunteers
      were investigated. Soybean oligosaccharides, raffinose and stachyose were
      utilized by bifidobacteria except for Bifidobacterium bifidum, but most strains
      of Escherichia coli and Clostridium perfringens could not use them. During the
      dietary administration of FSM, the number of bifidobacteria and lactobacilli in
      the faeces increased (p < 0.05), and clostridia decreased (p < 0.05). Moreover,
      the concentrations of faecal sulphide were decreased (p < 0.01) in the intake of
      FSM. During the dietary administration of NFSM, the number of bifidobacteria
      tended to increase. These results indicate that the consumption of soybean milk,
      especially FSM, is related to improvement of the intestinal environment.

PMID- 22040526
TI  - Patient expectations of 'effectiveness' in health care: an example from medical
      herbalism.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The study explored people's experiences of medical
      herbalism, with the aim of enhancing understanding about the use of herbalism in
      the context of contemporary UK health care. BACKGROUND: The popularity and use of
      complementary and alternative medicine in westernised societies is now well
      documented, and medical herbalism, in particular, is enjoying a particularly
      strong revival of interest. Despite this, the reasons for its sustained
      popularity remain unclear. DESIGN: The study was underpinned by Gadamerian
      hermeneutic phenomenology. METHOD: Nineteen adult clients of medical herbalists
      were interviewed about their experiences. The processes of data collection and
      data analysis were informed predominantly by van Manen's phenomenological
      framework and by Kvale's framework for interview-based studies. RESULTS:
      Herbalism more closely met participants' expectations of effective health care.
      The themes 'dealing with illness causation', 'patient-practitioner collaboration'
      and 'provision of authentic evidence' were fundamental to achieving effectiveness
      but were perceived as more easily attainable in the context of medical herbalism.
      CONCLUSIONS: Health care is more likely to meet the expectations of patients when
      its purposes, methods and goals are negotiated and made explicit, from the
      perspectives of both patient and health care professional. Medical herbalism has
      the potential to contribute usefully to participants' healthcare, especially when
      used selectively and in conjunction with conventional health care. RELEVANCE TO
      CLINICAL PRACTICE: The continued popularity of complementary and alternative
      medicine amongst the general public makes its acknowledgement in conventional
      health care more important than ever. In the context of the integrative health
      movement, it is therefore essential that health care professionals develop their
      understanding about patient practices and preferences, if a responsive health
      care system is to be maintained. Nurses are in a prime position to influence the
      knowledge base and future direction of integrative health care, especially in
      relation to the patient perspective.

PMID- 22040527
TI  - Color stability of resins and nylon as denture base material in beverages.
AB  - PURPOSE: Staining of prosthodontic materials may result in patient
      dissatisfaction and additional expense for replacement. This study aimed to
      determine the color stability of two heat-cured denture base acrylic (Lucitone
      550, Vipi Cril) and one nylon denture base resin (Transflex) after immersion in
      beverages. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty disks of each resin (20.0-mm diameter,
      3.0-mm thick) were prepared and stored in distilled water for 24 hours at 37
      degrees C. During that time (T(0) ), the color of all specimens was
      spectrophotometrically measured. Each specimen was immersed in coffee, cola, red
      wine, and distilled water as a means of control. After 15-day (T(1) ) and 30-day
      (T(2) ) periods of immersion, the color of the specimens was measured again. The
      CIE (Commission Internationale de L' Eclairage) L*a*b* system was used to
      determine mean DeltaE (color changes) values for each material and compared
      statistically with two-way ANOVA and Bonferroni intervals at 0.95. RESULTS: In
      DeltaET(0) T(1) and DeltaET(0) T(2) the most severe staining was apparent with
      red wine (p < 0.001), followed by coffee (p < 0.01), when compared to the
      specimens stored in distilled water. Transflex also showed significant color
      change after immersion in cola (p < 0.01). In DeltaET(1) T(2) only red wine
      promoted significant staining of all resins (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Chromatic
      changes were exhibited by specimens immersed in red wine, followed by coffee. For
      Transflex, cola also promoted color changes. The values of color changes
      converted to National Bureau of Standard units showed them to be perceivable to
      the human eye.

PMID- 22040528
TI  - Experience of an information aid for newly diagnosed multiple sclerosis patients:
      a qualitative study on the SIMS-Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The SIMS-Trial (ISRCTN81072971) proved the effectiveness, in terms of
      patient's knowledge and care satisfaction, of an add-on information aid (personal
      interview with a physician using a navigable CD and take-home booklet) in 120
      newly diagnosed patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) from five Italian centres.
      OBJECTIVE: To scrutinize the experience of SIMS-Trial participants in order to
      gain better understanding of the effectiveness of the information aid and its
      components. DESIGN: We performed (i) nine individual semi-structured interviews
      with a purposeful sample of SIMS-Trial patients who received the information aid,
      (ii) focus group meeting (FGM) with the physicians who conducted the personal
      interview, and (iii) FGM with patients' caring neurologists. RESULTS: Patients'
      experience with the information aid was positive as it enhanced their
      understanding of their disease, being viewed as a guided tour of their medical
      condition. The physicians who conducted the personal interviews were also
      positive in their overall evaluation but noted an initial difficulty in using the
      CD. The caring neurologists had limited direct experience of the aid, and their
      views were confined to utility of the information aid in general. All
      participants considered the combination of personal interview, CD navigation and
      take-home booklet essential, but urged a more flexible scheduling of the personal
      interview. It also emerged that some content required revision and that the aid
      was unsuitable for patients with primary progressive MS. CONCLUSIONS: The results
      of the study further support the value of the aid and also provide important
      indications for improving it and refining indications for use.

PMID- 22040529
TI  - Bacterial aetiology of diarrhoeal diseases and antimicrobial resistance in Dhaka,
      Bangladesh, 2005-2008.
AB  - Infectious diarrhoea caused by bacterial pathogens contributes to the high level
      of mortality in developing countries like Bangladesh. Following standard
      bacteriological procedures, a total of 14 428 bacterial pathogens were isolated
      from 56 132 stool samples and rectal swabs collected from diarrhoeal patients
      between 2005 and 2008. The rate of isolation and antimicrobial susceptibility
      data were retrospectively analysed for these isolates and among them Vibrio spp.
      (42.9%) were the most predominant, followed by Shigella spp. (20.3%), Aeromonas
      spp. (12.8%) and Salmonella spp. (6.4%). A decreasing trend in isolation of
      Vibrio spp. (P<0.001) and Salmonella spp. (P<0.001) was observed. While Vibrio
      cholerae isolates remained susceptible to ciprofloxacin, an increase in
      resistance was observed in Campylobacter spp. and Shigella flexneri. Variations
      in susceptibility to other tested antibiotics were observed among the isolated
      pathogens. Access to this current data will help in understanding the local
      burden of diarrhoeal disease and contribute to better design of prevention
      programmes.

PMID- 22040530
TI  - Does ampicillin-sulbactam cause false positivity of (1,3)-beta-D-glucan assay? A
      prospective evaluation of 15 patients without invasive fungal infections.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to investigate the interaction between intravenous
      ampicillin-sulbactam treatment and (1,3)-beta-D-glucan (BDG) assay. Fifteen
      patients with a median age of 60 (16-81) without known risk factors for invasive
      fungal infections who received a daily dose of 3*2g ampicillin-sulbactam
      monotherapy from different batches were included in the study. Thirteen patients
      had soft tissue infections. The 5 of 13 patients who went under surgery had
      surgical dressings. Serum samples were obtained both before and after antibiotic
      infusion on the first, third, seventh and tenth days of an ampicillin-sulbactam
      treatment course. BDG was assayed using the Fungitell kit (Associates of Cape
      Cod, East Falmouth, MA, USA) according to manufacturers' specifications. All
      serum samples were also tested for galactomannan (GM) antigenemia by Platelia
      Aspergillus ELISA (Bio-Rad Laboratories, Marnes-la-Coquette, France). A total of
      37 of 117 serum samples were positive for BDG at a threshold of 80pg ml(-1) .
      Seven of 37 BDG positive serum samples had a GM index >=0.5. When a cutoff value
      of >=0.5 was used for GM positivity, 16 (13.3%) serum samples were positive. For
      a cutoff value of >=0.7, eight (6.6%) serum samples were positive. There were no
      statistically significant differences in the median BDG levels (P=0.47) or median
      GM indices (P =0.28) of the various sampling times. None of the SAM vials tested
      positive for BDG or GM. After ruling out fungal infections and all known
      potential causes of false BDG positivity, environmental contamination remained
      possible cause of BDG reactivity. We did not observe any significant association
      of ampicillin-sulbactam administration and positive assays for BDG or GM.

PMID- 22040531
TI  - [Travelers with Chikungunya infection: a threat for Europe].

PMID- 22040532
TI  - Over-the-counter beta2-agonist purchase versus script: a cross-sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Purchase of short-acting beta(2)-agonist (SABA), but not anti
      inflammatory asthma medication, is permitted in Australia without a doctor's
      prescription. This has been associated with worse asthma outcomes. We sought to
      compare the asthma outcomes between those purchasing SABA with and without a
      doctor's prescription. METHODS:  DESIGN: Cross-sectional study, using stratified
      randomisation of pharmacies. SETTING: 43 pharmacies in Victoria, Australia.
      PARTICIPANTS: Up to 10 consecutive adults purchasing beta(2)-agonists were
      recruited from each pharmacy, with 316 adults in total. OUTCOME MEASURES:
      Participants underwent spirometry and questionnaires on respiratory health,
      asthma control, Quality of Life and medication adherence. Asthma severity was
      determined by GINA medication step. Regression analyses were performed that
      allowed for clustering by pharmacy. RESULTS: Of 316 individuals recruited (65%
      participation rate), 191 (60%) purchased a beta(2)-agonist with a prescription.
      Purchase of SABA without prescription was not associated with worse asthma
      outcomes or lung function. Mean (+/-SD) asthma control score (ACQ) was 1.65 +/-
      1.03; only 63 (20%) had well-controlled asthma (ACQ < 0.75). Anti-inflammatory
      asthma medication was owned by 188 (60%) of participants, of whom 157 (83%)
      reported using this in the last 7 days. There was no correlation between
      medication adherence scores and asthma control. Forty-seven participants (15%)
      had an FEV(1) below 80% predicted and did not own an anti-inflammatory asthma
      medication. CONCLUSION: Purchase of SABA without prescription was not associated
      with worse asthma outcomes in Australia. Although many patients reported symptoms
      of asthma, this did not appear to be associated with reported adherence to anti
      inflammatory asthma medication.

PMID- 22040533
TI  - Benefits of adding fluticasone propionate/salmeterol to tiotropium in moderate to
      severe COPD.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Combining maintenance medications with different mechanisms of action
      may improve outcomes in COPD. In this study we evaluated the efficacy and safety
      of fluticasone/salmeterol (FSC) (250/50 mcg twice daily) when added to tiotropium
      (18 mcg once daily) (TIO) in subjects with symptomatic moderate to severe COPD.
      METHODS: This was a 24-week, randomized, double-blind, parallel group, multi
      center study. Subjects 40 years or older with cigarette smoking history >=10 pack
      years and with the diagnosis of COPD and post-bronchodilator FEV(1) >=40 to <=
      80% of predicted normal and FEV(1)/FVC of <=0.70 were enrolled. Following a 4
      week treatment with open-label TIO 18 mcg once daily, subjects were randomized in
      a double-blind fashion to either the addition of FSC 250/50 DISKUS twice daily or
      matching placebo. The primary efficacy endpoint was AM pre-dose FEV(1) and
      secondary endpoints included other measures of lung function, rescue albuterol
      use, health status and exacerbations. RESULTS: The addition of FSC to TIO
      significantly improved lung function indices including AM pre-dose FEV(1), 2 h
      post-dose FEV(1), AM pre-dose FVC, 2 h post-dose FVC and AM pre-dose IC compared
      with TIO alone. Furthermore, this combination was superior to TIO alone in
      reducing rescue albuterol use. However, there were no significant differences
      between the treatment groups in health status or COPD exacerbations. The
      incidence of adverse events was similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: The addition
      of FSC to subjects with COPD treated with TIO significantly improves lung
      function without increasing the risk of adverse events. NCT00784550.

PMID- 22040535
TI  - Self-images and related autobiographical memories in schizophrenia.
AB  - Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness, which affects sense of identity. While
      the ability to have a coherent vision of the self (i.e., self-images) relies
      partly on its reciprocal relationships with autobiographical memories, little is
      known about how memories ground "self-images" in schizophrenia. Twenty-five
      patients with schizophrenia and 25 controls were asked to give six
      autobiographical memories related to four self-statements they considered
      essential for defining their identity. Results showed that patients' self-images
      were more passive than those of controls. Autobiographical memories underlying
      self-images were less thematically linked to these self-images in patients. We
      also found evidence of a weakened sense of self and a deficient organization of
      autobiographical memories grounding the self in schizophrenia. These
      abnormalities may account for the poor cohesiveness of the self in schizophrenia.

PMID- 22040534
TI  - PPARdelta regulates satellite cell proliferation and skeletal muscle
      regeneration.
AB  - Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are a class of nuclear
      receptors that play important roles in development and energy metabolism. Whereas
      PPARdelta has been shown to regulate mitochondrial biosynthesis and slow-muscle
      fiber types, its function in skeletal muscle progenitors (satellite cells) is
      unknown. Since constitutive mutation of Ppardelta leads to embryonic lethality,
      we sought to address this question by conditional knockout (cKO) of Ppardelta
      using Myf5-Cre/Ppardeltaflox/flox alleles to ablate PPARdelta in myogenic
      progenitor cells. Although Ppardelta-cKO mice were born normally and initially
      displayed no difference in body weight, muscle size or muscle composition, they
      later developed metabolic syndrome, which manifested as increased body weight and
      reduced response to glucose challenge at age nine months. Ppardelta-cKO mice had
      40% fewer satellite cells than their wild-type littermates, and these satellite
      cells exhibited reduced growth kinetics and proliferation in vitro. Furthermore,
      regeneration of Ppardelta-cKO muscles was impaired after cardiotoxin-induced
      injury. Gene expression analysis showed reduced expression of the Forkhead box
      class O transcription factor 1 (FoxO1) gene in Ppardelta-cKO muscles under both
      quiescent and regenerating conditions, suggesting that PPARdelta acts through
      FoxO1 in regulating muscle progenitor cells. These results support a function of
      PPARdelta in regulating skeletal muscle metabolism and insulin sensitivity, and
      they establish a novel role of PPARdelta in muscle progenitor cells and postnatal
      muscle regeneration.

PMID- 22040536
TI  - Strategic consideration on treatment of multiple myeloma.

PMID- 22040537
TI  - Different dose combinations of bortezomib and dexamethasone in the treatment of
      relapsed or refractory myeloma: an open-label, observational, multi-center study
      in China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although previous clinical study revealed that bortezomib combined
      with dexamethasone had improved the outcomes of relapsed or refractory multiple
      myeloma (RRMM), the optimal dose combinations of bortezomib and dexamethasone
      remain unknown. This trial aimed to observe the efficacy and safety of different
      dose combinations of bortezomib and dexamethasone in the treatment of RRMM
      patients in China. METHODS: A total of 168 patients with relapsed multiple
      myeloma (MM) who were refractory to at lest two prior treatments were enrolled in
      this multicenter, open-label, non-randomized, prospective clinical trial. Twenty
      patients received 1.3 mg/m(2) of bortezomib twice weekly for 2 weeks of a 3-week
      cycle for up to 8 cycles and oral or intravenous dexamethasone 20 mg on the day
      of and after each bortezomib dose (group 1); 66 patients received less than 1.3
      mg/m(2) (0.7 - 1.0 mg/m(2)) of bortezomib and dexamethasone 20 mg on the same
      schedule (group 2); 37 patients received 1.3 mg/m(2)2 of bortezomib and
      dexamethasone 40 mg (group 3) and 45 patients received less than 1.3 mg/m(2) (0.7
      - 1.0 mg/m(2)) of bortezomib and dexamethasone 40 mg (group 4). The response was
      evaluated according to the criteria of the European Group for Blood and Marrow
      Transplantation and confirmed by an independent review committee. Adverse events
      were graded according to the National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria,
      version 3.0. RESULTS: The median age of groups 1 to 4 was 61, 62, 56, and 60
      years, respectively. Most patients were in stages II/III of MM and the most
      common subtype was IgG. The rate of overall response to bortezomib and
      dexamethasone of group 1 to 4 was 72.2% (13/18), 73.8% (48/65), 78.8% (26/33) and
      78.0% (32/41) (P = 0.91), including a complete response rate of 22.2% (4/18),
      20.0% (13/65), 33.3% (11/33) and 29.3% (12/41) (P = 0.67), respectively. There
      was no statistical significance in time to progression and overall survival among
      these 4 groups (P > 0.05). The most commonly adverse events of any grade in the
      entire 4 groups were fatigue, gastrointestinal effects, peripheral neuropathy and
      thrombocytopenia, and there was no significance in the number of adverse events
      among the 4 groups (P > 0.05) except that peripheral neuropathy was reported more
      frequently in group 3 (36.3%) than in group 2 (13.8%, P < 0.05) and group 4
      (14.6%, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The combination of bortezomib and dexamethasone
      was associated with high responses in Chinese RRMM patients. No significant
      differences of efficacy were detected in different dose combinations of
      bortezomib and dexamethasone. Moreover, low dose of bortezomib reduced the
      incidence of peripheral neuropathy without affecting outcome in the treatment of
      patients with RRMM in China.

PMID- 22040538
TI  - Clinical effects of autologous stem cell transplantation as consolidation
      treatment in 70 multiple myeloma patients: a case-controlled study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Autologous stem cell transplantation (ASCT) is a part of the standard
      induction therapy of multiple myeloma (MM). This case-controlled clinical trial
      aimed to further evaluate the therapeutic effects of ASCT as a consolidation
      therapy for MM and discuss factors influencing the prognosis. METHODS: Clinical
      data of 70 patients diagnosed as MM who received ASCT as a consolidation therapy
      in our hospital between October 1998 and August 2010 were analyzed
      retrospectively (ASCT group). Other 70 MM patients receiving routine chemotherapy
      without ASCT (non-ASCT group) during the same period were used as controls.
      Differences in the degree and duration of remission, progression-free survival
      (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared to explore factors that may
      influence the prognosis. RESULTS: The median follow-up period was 38 months
      (range 1 - 128 months). The complete response (CR) rate of ASCT group increased
      from 27.1% (19/70) before ASCT to 51.4% (36/70) after ASCT. The median PFS of
      ASCT group was significantly higher than non-ASCT group (45 months vs. 25 months,
      P < 0.001). The median OS of ASCT group was also significantly higher (55 months
      vs. 30 months, P = 0.016). Single-factor analysis showed that International
      Staging System (ISS) stage, very good partial response (VGPR) or better outcome
      were significantly correlated with PFS and OS (P < 0.001). Multi-factor analysis
      showed that whether or not VGPR or better outcome was achieved were independent
      factors influencing the disease prognosis. CONCLUSION: Used as a consolidation
      therapy, ASCT can achieve better responses and higher OS and PFS of MM patients.

PMID- 22040539
TI  - Clinical significance of chromosomal abnormalities detected by interphase
      fluorescence in situ hybridization in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chromosome 13q14 deletion (del13q14), chromosome 1q21 gain (amp1q21)
      and chromosome 17p13 deletion (del17p13) are the most frequent chromosomal
      aberrations in multiple myeloma (MM). They play an important role in prognosis.
      The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical significance of the
      chromosomal changes in Chinese MM patients. METHODS: Interphase fluorescence in
      situ hybridization (FISH) on bone marrow (BM) cells was performed in 72 enrolled
      MM patients. Relationships between chromosomal abnormalities and clinical
      features, response to therapies and prognosis were analyzed. RESULTS: As a result
      of interphase FISH, 77.8% (56/72) patients had chromosome changes. The incidences
      of each probe were RB1 51.4% (37/72), D13S319 47.2% (34/72), 1q21 45.8% (33/72)
      and p53 22.2% (12/72). Osteolytic lesion, BM plasma cells index, serum calcium
      and serum M component were significantly correlated to del13q14. BM plasma cells
      and hemoglobin were correlated to amp1q21. Serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was
      correlated with del17p13. Patients with del13q14 treated with bortezomib had a
      notably higher overall response rate than the patients treated with traditional
      chemotherapies (93% vs. 65%, P = 0.048). Patients carrying amp1q21 or/and
      del17p13 did not achieve satisfactory response to bortezomib. The median
      progression-free survival (PFS) for patients with amp1q21 was 5 months and
      patients without amp1q21 got 9-month PFS (P = 0.001). The median PFS for patients
      with del13q14 was 5 months (vs. 8 months, P = 0.026). The median PFS for patients
      with del17p13 was 3 months (vs. 8 months, P = 0.002). Patients with beta(2)
      microglobulin > 5.5 mg/L also had a worse outcome, whose median PFS was 5 months
      (vs. 8 months, P = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of chromosomal
      abnormalities of MM patients was similar in Chinese and Caucasian people. Genetic
      changes were associated with patients' responses to therapies and prognosis.

PMID- 22040540
TI  - Use of arterial conduit for arterial revascularization during liver and
      multivisceral transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: At present, revascularization is still one of the most critical
      technologies in orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Hepatic artery (HA)
      variations occur frequently in both donors and recipients. Moreover, there are
      always some pathological changes in the recipient hepatic artery. If handled
      improperly, it may cause complications after anastomosis. Therefore, arterial
      conduit could be used in primary OLT, re-OLT and multiple-OLT. This study aimed
      to investigate the indications, methods and techniques with usage of arterial
      conduit for HA revascularization during adult OLT. METHODS: We reviewed 1200
      patients of consecutive OLTs performed during 2000 - 2009 in the First Affiliated
      Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University. Of these patients, 48 recipients with artery
      variations received HA revascularization with usage of arterial conduit and
      special postoperative managements. The indications, methods, techniques, and the
      managements of postoperative complications in adult OLT with usage of arterial
      conduit for HA revascularization were analyzed. RESULTS: In 48 cases with artery
      bypass, the arterial conduit were anastomosed between donor hepatic artery and
      recipient infrarenal aorta (n = 32), between donor hepatic artery and recipient
      suprarenal aorta (n = 10), and between donor upper abdominal organ cluster artery
      and recipient suprarenal aorta (n = 6). The technique was applied in 4% (48/1200
      cases) of the whole OLTs performed in the same period, and the patency rate of
      the conduits was 100%. Forty patients (83.3%) survived, and the average survival
      time was 3.9 years. Eight patients (16.7%) died (all due to tumor recurrence),
      while the average survival time was 1.2 years. All these patients have not
      experienced artery-related complications in their survival time. CONCLUSIONS:
      When recipient HA has variations or pathological changes in OLT, the donor artery
      should be anastomosed to recipient abdominal aorta with an arterial conduit to
      achieve satisfactory outcomes. For arterial anastomosis can not be routinely
      performed, donor iliac artery as a conduit to be anastomosed with the recipient
      abdominal aorta is safe and effective.

PMID- 22040541
TI  - Simultaneous laparoscopic excision for rectal carcinoma and synchronous hepatic
      metastasis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rectal carcinoma patients are often accompanied by hepatic
      metastasis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of
      simultaneous laparoscopic excision for rectal carcinoma with synchronous hepatic
      metastasis. METHODS: A total of 41 patients with rectal carcinoma and synchronous
      hepatic metastasis detected by CT scan were included in this study. Among them,
      23 patients underwent laparoscopic surgery and 18 patients underwent traditional
      open surgery to simultaneously remove the rectal tumor and hepatic metastasis
      lesions. All patients received postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy. All the
      patients were followed up from 36 to 72 months (mean 45.3 months). RESULTS: All
      the operations were performed successfully and no patient was turned to open
      surgery in laparoscopic group. The mean blood loss, the mean postoperative
      hospital stay, the mean blood transfusion and the mean intestinal functional
      recovery time showed a significant difference between the two groups (P < 0.05).
      The 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates were 82.6%, 43.5% and 8.6% in the
      laparoscopic group, without significant difference compared with the open group
      (77.8%, 38.9% and 0) (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Simultaneous laparoscopic excision
      for rectal carcinoma and synchronous hepatic metastasis is safe and effective
      with similar survival achieved by the traditional open abdominal surgery.

PMID- 22040542
TI  - Therapeutic effects of endoscopic therapy combined with enteral nutrition on
      acute severe biliary pancreatitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute severe biliary pancreatitis (ASBP) is a severe and fatal
      disease, and the expenditure is huge and therapeutic effects are still not
      satisfactory. This study aimed to improve the therapeutic effects and reduce the
      expenditure of ASBP treatment. METHODS: One hundred and five patients diagnosed
      with ASBP were referred to our department from January 2004 to July 2009.
      Diagnosis was based on the 2007 criteria of the Chinese Society of Surgery.
      Patients were divided into two groups; the E group: 50 patients who underwent
      endoscopic retrograde choledochopancreatography (ERCP) + endoscopic
      sphincterotomy (EST) + endoscopic lithotripsy basket (ESR) + endoscopic
      retrograde biliary drainage (ERBD) and enteral nutrition (EN), and the R group:
      55 patients who underwent traditional treatment without ERCP. Subsequently,
      subjective symptoms, signs, biochemical analysis, serum endotoxin, tumor necrosis
      factor a, grades by computed tomography (CT), cost of hospitalization and length
      of stay were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: All enrolled patients
      complied well with all therapeutic regimens. Endoscopic therapy that combined EN
      could significantly improve symptoms, clinical signs, laboratory values, tumor
      necrosis factor a and endotoxin while significantly reducing hospital expenditure
      and length of hospital stay. The experimental findings revealed that there were
      obvious advantages in the E group compared with the R group. CONCLUSIONS:
      Endoscopic therapy combined with EN is an effective, safe and economic
      therapeutic regimen of ASBP.

PMID- 22040543
TI  - Phase II clinical study on the modified DCF regimen for treatment of advanced
      gastric carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A phase III trial involving docetaxel, cisplatin, and fluorouracil
      (DCF) in the treatment of advanced gastric cancer was shown to have superior
      efficacy compared to cisplatin and fluorouracil alone, but with a high rate of
      hematologic toxicity. To reduce toxicity while maintaining the efficacy of DCF,
      we reduced the doses of docetaxel (D) and cis-platinum (CDDP), and administered 5
      fluorouracil (5-FU) via a continuous intravenous (CIV) infusion. METHODS:
      Chemotherapy-naive patients with gastric adenocarcinomas received D (60 mg/m(2) 1
      hour on day 1), CDDP (30 mg/m(2) on days 1 and 2), and 5-FU (1500 mg*m(-2)*24 h(
      1) CIV on days 1 and 8 every 3 weeks). The primary endpoint was the response
      rate. RESULTS: Fourteen patients were enrolled. Based on the efficacy evaluation
      following at least 2 cycles of treatment, there was 7.1% complete remission (CR),
      71% partial remission (PR), 14% stable disease (NC/SD), and 7.1% progressive
      disease (PD). The median survival time was 13 months. Nine patients (64%) had
      grade III-IV neutropenia, and 4 patients (29%) had grade IV neutropenia, among
      whom 1 had grade IV neutropenia with grade III nausea and vomiting. CONCLUSION:
      The modified DCF regimen is highly active and has a favorable toxicity profile in
      Chinese patients with gastric cancer.

PMID- 22040544
TI  - Management with the insufficient proximal landing zone for endovascular repair in
      aortic dissection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sufficient length of the proximal landing zone (PLZ) is the key for a
      successful thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) of an aortic lesion. The
      aim of this research was to investigate the safety, feasibility, efficacy, and
      problems of endovascular repair for aortic dissection with insufficient PLZ.
      METHODS: The clinical data between August 2005 and February 2010 from patients
      with insufficient PLZ for endovascular repair of aortic dissection were
      retrospectively reviewed. According to the classification proposed by Ishimaru,
      aortic zone 0 was involved in 3 cases, zone 1 in 10 cases, and zone 2 in 11
      cases. A hybrid surgical procedure of supraortic debranching and
      revascularization, directly coverage the orifice of left subclavian artery, or a
      left common carotid artery chimney graft technique were performed to obtain an
      adequate proximal aortic landing zone. RESULTS: There was no significant
      difference in risk factors and diameter of the PLZ between Zone 0, Zone 1, and
      Zone 2. But the length of the PLZ was significantly different in the three groups
      (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in technical and clinical success
      rate between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: The procedure for extending an insufficient
      PLZ for endovascular repair for aortic arch pathology is feasible and relatively
      safe. The applicability of TEVAR in such aortic disorders may be expanded.

PMID- 22040545
TI  - Clinical analysis of vascular anomalies: a hospital-based retrospective study of
      592 patients in southeast China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vascular anomalies are common and multidisciplinary involved
      diseases. The greatest impediment to their treatment in the past was their
      confusing terminology and clinical heterogeneities. This hospital-based
      retrospective study assessed some clinical characteristics, diagnosis, therapies
      and outcomes of patients with vascular anomalies in southeast China. METHODS: A
      total of 592 vascular anomalies patients (patients with intracranial tissues or
      viscera involved were excluded), admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun
      Yat-sen University from January 2006 to September 2009, were enrolled in the
      study. Data for clinical characteristics, diagnosis, therapies and outcomes were
      collected and analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 592 patients, the male:female ratios in
      the vascular tumor group (n = 187) and the vascular malformation group (n = 405)
      were 1:1.49 and 1:1.06 respectively, with no significant difference between them.
      The mean onset age of the vascular tumor group was significantly younger than
      that of the vascular malformation group (p < 0.001). The head and neck were the
      most commonly (31.4%) involved areas in vascular anomalies. A total of 23.8% of
      the patients with vascular anomalies had definite symptoms caused by the vascular
      lesions. In the vascular tumor group, 94.1% of them were infantile hemangiomas.
      Venous malformation was the most common (41.0%) subtype of vascular
      malformations. Surgical therapy was undertaken in 94.2% of the patients with
      vascular anomalies. Of the 519 patients available for the 16 - 58 month follow
      up, 322 patients (62.0%) were cured, 108 patients (20.8%) were markedly improved,
      57 patients (11.0%) were partially improved, and 32 patients (6.2%) were uncured.
      CONCLUSIONS: Vascular anomalies are clinically heterogeneous. While the outcome
      is generally favorable, further effort should be made to determine the
      appropriate terminology and management.

PMID- 22040546
TI  - Aesthetic fingertip reconstruction with partial second toe transfer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fingertip defect significantly affects the appearance of the hand.
      The aim of this research was to evaluate the clinical effect of aesthetic
      fingertip reconstruction with partial second toe transfer. METHODS: Between July
      2005 and December 2008, 17 patients underwent aesthetic fingertip reconstruction
      with partial second toe transfer. The mean size of fingertip defects was 0.7 cm
      (ranging from 0.5 - 1.1 cm). Anastomosis was performed between one dominant
      plantar digital artery and one proper digital artery, between two dorsal digital
      veins of the toe and two dorsal digital veins of the finger, respectively, for
      the reconstruction of blood supply to the reconstructed finger. Two plantar
      digital nerves of the toe were then sutured to two proper digital nerves of the
      finger for the restoration of fingertip sensation. RESULTS: All reconstructed
      fingers survived completely. The follow-up period ranged from 6 to 24 months, and
      the appearance of the reconstructed fingertip was similar to that of the normal
      fingertip. Two-point discrimination of the reconstructed fingertip was (7.8 +/-
      1.3) mm. The recovered pinch strength of the reconstructed finger was about (89.0
      +/- 5.1)% of that of the normal finger. Donor site healed well without
      complications. CONCLUSIONS: Partial second toe transfer is an ideal aesthetic
      reconstruction method for fingertip defects; it can not only achieve a
      satisfactory appearance of the fingertip, but can also obtain excellent sensory
      and motor functions.

PMID- 22040547
TI  - Off-pump sequential bilateral internal mammary artery grafting combined with
      selective arterialization of the coronary venous system.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery (OPCAB) has been widely
      applied in recent years as a less invasive method of myocardial
      revascularization. This study evaluated the sequential bilateral internal mammary
      artery grafting combined with selective arterialization of the coronary venous
      system during OPCAB. METHODS: From April 2004 to August 2010, patients with
      diffuse right coronary lesions were studied retrospectively and divided into two
      groups. Group 1 included seventeen patients who underwent this surgery while
      group 2 included twenty-one patients without right coronary artery surgical
      therapy. All patients presented with symptoms of angina. Blood flow of bridged
      vessels was measured. The perioperative ventricular parameters including left
      ventricular ejection fraction and end diastolic diameter were compared. During
      follow-up, myocardial nuclide imaging and coronary angiography were carried out.
      RESULTS: Off-pump coronary artery bypass was performed with an average of 3.6
      grafts per patient. Hospital mortality was zero. At the time of follow-up, the
      patients in group 1 recovered better than in group 2 (P < 0.05). In both groups,
      the mean New York Heart Association (NYHA) class and ejection fraction increased
      significantly (P < 0.001) and the mean left ventricular end-diastolic diameter
      decreased significantly (P < 0.05). Myocardial blood supply of inferior wall in
      group 1 was obviously improved by myocardial nuclide imaging. Coronary
      angiography for eight patients in group 1 verified that there was blood flow to
      myocardium in the arterialized vein. CONCLUSIONS: Sequential bilateral internal
      mammary artery grafting combined with selective arterialization of the coronary
      venous system can be performed during OPCAB. A postoperative improvement in the
      cardiac functions and the quality of life was documented, increasing our
      expectation for extensive application.

PMID- 22040548
TI  - Increased plasma C-reactive protein level predicts rapid progression of non
      target atherosclerotic lesions in patients with stable angina after stenting.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although the role of C-reactive protein (CRP) in predicting rapid
      progression of atherosclerotic lesions has been intensively studied in unstable
      coronary artery disease, the data from patients with stable angina (SA) are
      largely absent. The present study evaluated a middle-size patient cohort who
      underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with stent implantation and
      follow-up coronary angiography (CAG) and tested the hypothesis that increased
      plasma level of high-sensitive CRP would indicate rapid progression of de novo
      non-target coronary artery lesions in Chinese patients with SA. METHODS: The
      study population comprised of 311 consecutive patients with chronic SA who
      underwent coronary stent implantation on initial admission and angiographic
      follow-up ((8.5 +/- 1.2) months). Rapid angiographic progression of non-target
      lesion was angiographically assessed and the patients were classified into two
      groups according to whether the progression existed or not. The relation of
      plasma CRP levels to the progression of atherosclerosis was investigated.
      RESULTS: Baseline demographic, clinical, and angiographic data were similar in
      patients with and without progression. Rapid angiographic progression of non
      target lesions occurred in 136 patients (43.7%) at follow-up: 77 had a >= 10%
      diameter reduction of pre-existing stenosis >= 50%, 26 had a >= 30% diameter
      reduction of a pre-existing stenosis < 50%, 64 developed a new lesion >= 30% in a
      previously normal segment, and 4 had progression of a lesion to total occlusion.
      Progression of non-target lesions was not associated with target lesion
      restenosis formation. High-sensitive CRP levels were markedly higher in
      progression patients than in non-progression ones (1.60 (0.80 - 3.46) mg/L vs.
      0.96 (0.55 - 1.87) mg/L, P < 0.001). Multivariate regression analysis showed that
      plasma CRP independently predicted rapid angiographic progression of non-target
      lesions (P = 0.001). High-sensitive CRP levels above 1.32 mg/L (the cutoff value)
      were associated with a 3.5-fold increase in the risk of developing rapid
      atherosclerotic progression (OR = 3.497, 95%CI 2.045 - 5.980). CONCLUSION: The
      data confirmed and extended previous studies that plasma CRP might independently
      predict non-target lesion progression in patients with SA after stent
      implantation.

PMID- 22040549
TI  - Reasons for the upsetting cholesterol level during the community investigation
      from residents, physicians, and social aspects: the China Cholesterol Education
      Program (CCEP).
AB  - BACKGROUND: The community medical center is the first barrier for lipid control.
      We aimed to survey the residents' cholesterol condition in the community, and
      pursue the reasons for the upsetting results from various aspects. METHODS:
      Residents and physicians were recruited from four community centers. Residents
      completed questionnaires and a physical examination as well as biochemical
      analysis. Physicians were also asked to complete a questionnaire, some of which
      were about basic knowledge of lipids. RESULTS: About 37.0% male and 48.1% female
      had elevated cholesterol levels. Residents' blood pressure (BP), fasting glucose
      (FG), body mass index (BMI), and waist circumference (WC) were positively
      associated with their low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and total
      cholesterol (TC). Framingham risk scoring (FRS) was strongly related to
      cholesterol (P < 0.001 for LDL-C and TC). Residents' higher education grade was
      positively related to a normal cholesterol condition (P < 0.001), while personal
      income was negatively related to it. Rural residents had higher percent of
      population with normal cholesterol level (normal cholesterol rate) than their
      city counterpart (P < 0.001). Although physicians with college education had a
      much higher lipid knowledge level themselves, the physicians' factors had almost
      no relationship with the residents' cholesterol levels. CONCLUSIONS: Management
      of hypercholesterolemia should be an important component of health strategy in
      Beijing. Education is imperative for residents as well as for physicians.

PMID- 22040550
TI  - Three core techniques in surgery of neuroepithelial tumors in eloquent areas:
      awake anaesthesia, intraoperative direct electrical stimulation and
      ultrasonography.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The goal of surgery in the treatment of intrinsic cerebral tumors is
      to resect the maximum tumor volume, and to spare the eloquent areas. However, it
      is difficult to discover the eloquent areas intraoperatively due to individual
      anatomo-functional variability both for sensori-motor and language functions.
      Consequently, the surgery of intrinsic cerebral tumors frequently results in poor
      extent of resection or permanent postoperative deficits, or both, and remains a
      difficult problem for neurosurgeons. METHODS: From January 2003 to January 2010,
      112 patients with neuroepithelial tumors in/close to the eloquent areas were
      operated on under awake anesthesia with the intraoperative direct electrical
      stimulation for functional mapping of the eloquent areas. The extent of the
      tumors was verified by intraoperative ultrasonography. The maximal resection of
      the tumors and minimal damage of the eloquent areas were the surgical goal of all
      patients. RESULTS: Totally 356 cortical sites in 99 patients were detected for
      motor response by intraoperative direct electrical stimulation, 50 sites in 16
      patients for sensory, 72 sites in 48 patients for language. Sixty-six patients
      (58.9%) achieved total resection, 34 (30.4%) subtotal and 12 (10.7%) partial.
      Fifty-eight patients (51.8%) had no postoperative deficit, while 37 patients
      (33.0%) had transitory postoperative paralysis, 26 patients (23.2%) with
      transitory postoperative language disturbance and 3 patients (2.7%) with
      permanent neurological deficits. No patient complained of pain recollection
      following operation. CONCLUSIONS: Awake anesthesia, intraoperative direct
      electrical stimulation and ultrasonography are three core techniques for the
      resection of intrinsic cerebral tumors near the eloquent areas. This new concept
      allows an improvement in the quality of surgery for neuroepithelial tumors
      in/adjacent to eloquent areas.

PMID- 22040551
TI  - Increase of plasma IgE during treatment correlates with better outcome of
      patients with glioblastoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that glioma patients have lower blood IgE
      levels than controls. To evaluate its potential as a surrogate biomarker for
      glioma, we measured plasma IgE levels in glioma patients and healthy controls,
      and correlated them with clinicopathological factors and the patients' outcome.
      METHODS: We used enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) to determine the
      plasma IgE levels of 25 normal subjects and 252 glioma patients (85 patients with
      grade II glioma, 46 patients with grade III glioma, and 121 patients with
      glioblastoma). We also collected longitudinal plasma samples from glioblastoma
      patients and compared the plasma IgE levels before operation, one week after
      operation, in the middle of radiotherapy, after two cycles of chemotherapy, and
      after recurrence. The correlations between plasma IgE levels and the outcomes of
      the patients were determined. RESULTS: Plasma IgE levels were significantly lower
      in glioma patients (P = 0.004); patients with low-grade glioma have lower IgE
      levels than patients with high-grade glioma do (P = 0.029). In 24 patients with
      both preoperative plasma and two-cycle chemotherapy plasma samples, IgE levels
      increased after successful removal of the tumor (P = 0.021), and the increase
      correlated with the patients' survival (increase > 100 ng/ml vs. <= 100 ng/ml,
      127.5 weeks vs. 62.3 weeks. P = 0.012, log-rank). Plasma IgE level increase of >
      100 ng/ml has a specificity of 80% and a sensitivity of 78% to predict the
      patients' long survival (> 18 months). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that
      plasma IgE level correlates with clinical and pathological factors in glioma
      patients. It has the potential to be a biomarker for glioma patients.

PMID- 22040552
TI  - Retraction: Prognostic analysis of transarterial chemoembolization combined with
      a traditional Chinese herbal medicine formula for treatment of unresectable
      hepatocellular carcinoma.

PMID- 22040553
TI  - Benefit of infusions with ibandronate treatment in children with osteogenesis
      imperfecta.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a rare bone disease and its effective
      treatment is relatively deficient. We tried to assess the effects of new
      bisphosphonate, ibandronate on children with OI. METHODS: In this open-label,
      prospective, controlled study, 30 children with OI were enrolled. They received
      either infusions of ibandronate (2 mg) in every three months or oral calcitriol
      0.25 ug daily for 24 months. All patients took 500 mg calcium plus 200 U vitamin
      D daily together. The endpoints were the change of annual new fracture rate
      (observed by case history and X ray films of spine), bone mineral density (BMD,
      measured by dual energy X-ray absortiometry), serum concentration of carboxy
      telopeptide cross-links of type I collagen (CTX, bone resorption marker) and
      alkaline phosphatase (ALP, bone formation marker) during the follow-up. RESULTS:
      After the cyclic infusions of ibandronate, the annual new fracture rate was
      significantly decreased from 1.9 to 0.13 time, obviously lower than that of
      calcitriol group, which decreased from 1.8 to 1.0 time after the treatment (P <
      0.001). The significant increase of BMD at the lumbar spine, femoral neck,
      trochanter, total hip was found in the group of ibandronate by 59.0%, 42.0%,
      47.5% and 36.6% in time dependent manner (compared with the baseline, P < 0.001).
      The increase of BMD in ibandronate group was greater than that of calcitriol
      group (P < 0.001). The concentrations of ALP and CTX were obviously decreased in
      ibandronate group, and the reduction of CTX was more significant than that of ALP
      (P < 0.001). The tolerance of the children to ibandronate was quite well. Mild
      fever and muscle pain were found in 9 cases within 1 - 3 days after the first
      infusion of ibandronate, which could relieve after 1 - 2 days without special
      management. CONCLUSIONS: The benefits of cyclic infusions of ibandronate to
      children with OI are significant because ibandronate could significantly reduce
      annual bone fracture rate, increase lumbar and hip BMD, preserve vertebral
      morphometry of patients through inhibition of bone resorption.

PMID- 22040554
TI  - Mutation analysis and prenatal diagnosis of EXT1 gene mutations in Chinese
      patients with multiple osteochondromas.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Multiple osteochondromas (MO), an inherited autosomal dominant
      disorder, is characterized by the presence of multiple exostoses on the long
      bones. MO is caused by mutations in the EXT1 or EXT2 genes which encode
      glycosyltransferases implicated in heparin sulfate biosynthesis. METHODS: In this
      study, efforts were made to identify the underlying disease-causing mutations in
      patients from two MO families in China. RESULTS: Two novel EXT1 gene mutations
      were identified and no mutation was found in EXT2 gene. The mutation c.497T > A
      in exon 1 of the EXT1 gene was cosegregated with the disease phenotype in family
      1 and formed a stop codon at amino acid site 166. The fetus of the proband was
      diagnosed negative. In family 2, the mutation c.1430-1431delCC in exon 6 of the
      EXT1 gene would cause frameshift and introduce a premature stop codon after the
      reading frame being open for 42 amino acids. The fetus of this family inherited
      this mutation from the father. CONCLUSIONS: Mutation analysis of two MO families
      in this study demonstrates its further application in MO genetic counseling and
      prenatal diagnosis.

PMID- 22040555
TI  - Changes in serum levels of soluble osteoclast-associated receptor in human
      rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Osteoclast-associated receptor (OSCAR) is a member of the newly
      identified leukocyte receptor complex, and has recently been described as a key
      molecule in osteoclastogenesis. In this study, we measured the levels of soluble
      osteoclast-associated receptor (sOSCAR) in the serum of rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
      patients and healthy controls to examine whether sOSCAR may play a role in the
      process of inflammatory arthritis. METHODS: Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
      (ELISA) was used to measure the levels of sOSCAR in the serum of 40 healthy
      controls and 40 RA patients. RESULTS: The serum levels of sOSCAR were
      significantly lower in RA patients than in healthy controls, and were inversely
      associated with inflammatory activity. CONCLUSION: sOSCAR is decreased in
      patients with RA and reduced levels of the protein are associated with increased
      inflammatory response.

PMID- 22040556
TI  - Expression of aquaporin 8 and its relationship with melanosis coli.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The relationship between melanosis coli (MC) and aquaporin 8 (AQP8)
      has not yet been elucidated. The aim of this research was to investigate the
      relationship between the expression of AQP8 and the pathological mechanism of MC.
      METHODS: Expression of AQP8 was detected by immunohistochemistry and reverse
      transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in 37 MC colon tissues and 13
      control colon tissues. Global gene expression analysis was also used to identify
      differently expressed genes. Its relationship with MC was analyzed by SPSS 11.5
      statistical software. RESULTS: The positive rate of AQP8 expression detected by
      immunohistochemistry in the MC group was 24.3% (9/37), significantly lower than
      the 69.2% (9/13) in the control group (P < 0.05). The relative expression level
      of AQP8 in MC group was 0.639 +/- 0.160, lower than 0.921 +/- 0.148 of controls
      (P < 0.05). Global gene expression analysis showed that AQP8 mRNA expression was
      downregulated in MC patients. CONCLUSIONS: The decreased AQP8 expression in MC
      patients indicates that chronic use of laxatives containing anthraquinone may
      cause reduced water absorption. The expression of AQP8 may be related to MC.

PMID- 22040557
TI  - Long-term intraocular pressure fluctuation of primary angle closure disease
      following laser peripheral iridotomy/iridoplasty.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many studies indicated that short-term and long-term intraocular
      pressure (IOP) fluctuations in primary open angle glaucoma patients might lead to
      glaucomatous progression. However, seldom study has evaluated the long-term
      fluctuation of IOP in primary chronic angle closure diseases. The objective of
      this study was to investigate the long-term IOP fluctuation of primary angle
      closure diseases and its associations following laser peripheral iridotomy (LPI)
      with or without laser peripheral iridoplasty. METHODS: A total of 158 patients
      with primary angle closure suspect (PACS, n = 21), primary angle closure (PAC, n
      = 81) and primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG, n = 55) had been treated by LPI
      with or without laser peripheral iridoplasty and followed up for more than 12
      months. IOP was measured with Goldman applanation tonometer. Multivariate linear
      regression with generalized estimating equation (GEE) regression models was used
      to evaluate the association of long-term IOP fluctuation (maximum IOP minus
      minimum IOP) with gender, age, baseline IOP, baseline peripheral anterior
      synechia (PAS), baseline vertical cup/disc ratio (VCDR), baseline mean deviation
      (MD), need for IOP-lowering medications. RESULTS: IOP fluctuation during follow
      up in PACS, PAC and PACG groups were (4.83 +/- 2.90), (5.67 +/- 3.35), and (9.40
      +/- 7.14) mmHg, respectively. IOP fluctuation was strongly correlated with
      baseline IOP (r = 0.356, P < 0.001), PAS (r = 0.374, P < 0.001). IOP fluctuation
      was higher in patients with higher baseline IOP (0.18 mmHg per unit increase,
      95%CI: 0.05 - 0.31 mmHg). CONCLUSIONS: Long-term IOP fluctuation in PACG group
      was larger than that in PACS or PAC group. Eyes with higher baseline IOP were
      observed to have larger long-term IOP fluctuation.

PMID- 22040558
TI  - Effect of periodontal treatment on glycosylated hemoglobin levels in elderly
      patients with periodontal disease and type 2 diabetes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Periodontal disease is closely related to type 2 diabetes and is an
      important complication of diabetes. This study aimed to investigate the effect of
      periodontal treatment on levels of blood glucose (Glu) and glycosylated
      hemoglobin (HbA1c) among elderly patients with type 2 diabetes and periodontal
      disease. METHODS: A total of 107 elderly patients with type 2 diabetes and
      periodontal disease were selected and divided into two groups according to their
      HbA1c levels. Group A was a well-controlled diabetic group and group B was
      uncontrolled. Their probing depth (PD), attachment loss (AL), the value of Glu
      and HbA1c were analyzed before periodontal treatment and 4 months later. RESULTS:
      There was a significant difference in periodontal condition between groups A and
      B (P < 0.01). The periodontal condition for both groups was significantly (P <
      0.01) improved after periodontal therapy. The effect of treatment in group A was
      more pronounced than group B, and the difference was significant (P < 0.01).
      After the periodontal treatment, Glu and HbA1c were reduced significantly in both
      groups (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Periodontal condition is related to the control
      of Glu level among elderly patients with type 2 diabetes and periodontal disease.
      Periodontal treatment can effectively reduce the level of Glu and HbA1c as well
      as improve the periodontal condition in elderly type-2 diabetes patients with
      periodontal disease.

PMID- 22040559
TI  - SLAM family predicting the initiation potential of human acute lymphoblastic
      leukemia in NOD/SCID mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The SLAM family recently has been reported to show an important
      biological role in lymphocyte development and immunological function, and it is
      efficient to highly purify hematopoietic stem cells using a simple combination of
      SLAM family members. To elucidate the presence of this family on acute
      lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), as well as its relationship with the leukemia
      initiating potential, we analyzed the expression pattern of this family members
      on human ALL progenitor cells, combined with serial xenotransplantation assay.
      METHODS: Expression analysis was carried out by flow cytometry. We combined the
      expression pattern of human CD(150), CD(244) and CD(48) with serial
      xenotransplantation of B-ALL progenitor cells to indicate their relationship.
      RESULTS: CD(48) and CD(244) were expressed on most B-ALL progenitor cells, the
      percentage being (93.08 +/- 6.46)% and (63.37 +/- 29.31)%, respectively.
      Interestingly, the proportion of CD(150)(+) cells declined obviously in engrafted
      cases ((24.94 +/- 7.32)%) compared with non-engrafted cases ((77.54 +/- 5.93)%, P
      < 0.01), which indicated that only blast cells with low percentage of CD(150)(+)
      population were able to reconstitute leukemia into primary, secondary and
      tertiary NOD/SCID mice. CONCLUSIONS: SLAM family members are present on B-ALL
      progenitor cells and the leukemia-initiating potential of leukemic blasts is
      correlated negatively with the proportion of CD(150)(+) cells, the percentage of
      which can serve as a useful predictor for engraftment success of B-ALL to immune
      deficient mice.

PMID- 22040560
TI  - In vitro chondrogenesis of the goat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells directed
      by chondrocytes in monolayer and 3-dimetional indirect co-culture system.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cartilage injury has a very poor capacity for intrinsic regeneration.
      The cell-based treatment strategy for the cartilage repair using differentiated
      bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) is, however, a promising approach to
      the chondral repair. This study was aimed to explore the chondrogenic potential
      of the goat BMSCs in the Transwell co-culture system and the poly-laetide-co
      glycolide (PLGA) scaffolds. METHODS: The BMSCs were isolated from the goat iliac
      crest while the chondrocytes were obtained from the goat's last costal cartilage.
      In the Transwell co-culture system, the BMSCs co-cultured with chondrocytes were
      designed as group A, whereas the goat's BMSCs induced with the chondrogenic
      medium were group B. Both groups A and B were the experimental groups, while
      group C that only contained BMSCs was the control group. In the PLGA scaffolds co
      culture system, BMSCs were seeded into the PLGA scaffolds, which were suspended
      in the 24-well plate, and the control group was established by presence or
      absence of chondrocytes at the bottom of the 24-well plate. Toluidine blue
      staining, Alcian blue staining, collagen II immunofluoresence, collagen II
      immunochemical staining, collagen I, collagen II, COL2a Q-PCR and osteopontin Q
      PCR were used to examine the chondrogenic conditions as well as the expressions
      of chondrogenic and osteogenic genes. RESULTS: Cells isolated from the aspirates
      of the goat bone marrow proliferated rapidly and gained characteristics of stem
      cells in Passage 4. However, the differentiations of chondrocytes were not
      apparent in Passage 3. The results from Toluidine blue staining, collagen II
      immunofluoresence and PCR showed the transformation of BMSCs to chondrocytes in
      the Transwell co-culture system and PLGA scaffolds. Although the cartilage gene
      expressions were upgraded in both chondrogenesis group and co-culture system, the
      osteopontin gene expression, which represents osteogenic level, was also up
      regulated. CONCLUSIONS: The Transwell co-culture system and the PLGA scaffolds co
      culture system can promote the chondrogenic differentiation of the goat's BMSCs,
      while up-regulated osteopontin gene expression in the Transwell co-culture system
      implies the osteogenic potential of BMSCs.

PMID- 22040561
TI  - A surface-modified biodegradable urethral scaffold seeded with urethral
      epithelial cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Efficient cell adhesion and proliferation is a central issue in cell
      based tissue engineering, which offers great promise for repair of urethral
      defects or strictures. This study evaluated the adhesion and growth of rabbit
      uroepithelium on a surface-modified three-dimensional poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA)
      scaffold. METHODS: Urethral mucosa were harvested from male New Zealand rabbits
      and the urothelium were dissociated and then cultured. Immunocytochemistry on
      cultured uroepithelium for pancytokeratin and uroplakin II and TE-7 confirmed
      pure populations. After in vitro proliferation, cells were seeded onto a surface
      modified urethral scaffold with non-knitted filaments. The morphology and
      viability of the cells were examined by immunohistochemical and fluorescence
      staining. Inverted and scanning microscopes were used to document cell growth and
      adhesion. RESULTS: Three to five days after primary culture, the uroepithelial
      cells gradually became confluent, assuming a cobblestone pattern. The filaments
      of the urethral scaffold had excellent biocompatibility and allowed growth of the
      uroepithelium, without affecting viability. The uroepithelial cells adhered to
      and grew well on the scaffold. After 3 - 7 days, the cells grew vigorously and
      meshes of the scaffold were full of uroepitheliums. CONCLUSIONS: The surface
      modified urethral scaffold with non-knitted filaments allows the growth of
      uroepithelium and can serve as a carrier for the tissue engineering of urethra.

PMID- 22040562
TI  - Over-expression of VEGF165 in the adipose tissue-derived stem cells via the
      lentiviral vector.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many researchers studied the possibility of using stem cells as gene
      therapeutic vector. But few related reports on the adipose tissue-derived stem
      cells (ADSCs) are available. Therefore we intended to construct a lentiviral
      VEGF(165) expression vector and then infect the ADSCs to produce therapeutic seed
      cells. METHODS: EHS1001-68950485313912 clone was mutated by PCR method to produce
      consensus fragment of VEGF(165) transcript (NM_001025368). Lentivirus was
      enveloped with pGC-FU, pHelper 1.0 and pHelper 2.0 plasmids in 293T cells. And
      then the ADSCs (multiplicity of infection = 20) were transfected with the vectors
      after titer determination. Stable expression of VEGF(165) in ADSCs was confirmed
      by immunofluorescence staining, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and
      Western blotting analysis. RESULTS: DNA sequencing and 293T transfection verified
      VEGF(165) was linked to the GFP fused vector. The virus titer is up to 2 * 10(8)
      determined by quantitative PCR. VEGF(165) transduced cells could show green
      fluorescence confirmed by immunofluorescence staining (almost 95%). ELISA
      analyses could detect out the density of VEGF was 850.86 - 1202.13 pg/ml (mean
      (923.00 +/- 31.22) pg/ml) in the supernatant of VEGF(165)-transduced cells but
      not detected in the GFP-transduced cells (P < 0.001) and the Western blotting
      analyses also confirmed VEGF(165) expression in VEGF(165)-transduced cells.
      CONCLUSIONS: The VEGF(165) over-expression ADSCs were obtained and may be used as
      a cell therapeutic tool and may be applied for vascular regeneration, especially
      in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

PMID- 22040563
TI  - Fasudil inhibits platelet-derived growth factor-induced human pulmonary artery
      smooth muscle cell proliferation by up-regulation of p27kip1 via the ERK signal
      pathway.
AB  - BACKGROUND: RhoA/Rho kinase (ROCK) pathway is involved in pulmonary arterial
      hypertension (PAH) and pulmonary artery smooth muscle cell (PASMC) proliferation.
      Inhibition of ROCK has been proposed as a treatment for PAH. But the mechanism of
      RhoA/ROCK pathway and its downstream signaling in proliferation of human PASMCs
      is unclear. We investigated the effect of fasudil, a selective ROCK inhibitor, on
      platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) induced human PASMC proliferation, and the
      possible association between RhoA/ROCK and extracellular signal-regulated kinase
      (ERK), p27(Kip1). METHODS: Human PASMCs were cultured with the stimulation of 10
      ng/ml PDGF, and different concentrations of fasudil were added before the
      addition of mitogen. Cell viability and cell cycle were determined with MTT and
      flow cytometry respectively. ROCK activity, ERK activity and protein expression
      of proliferating cell nuclear angigen (PCNA) and p27(Kip1) were measured by
      immunoblotting. RESULTS: By MTT assay, PDGF significantly increased the OD value
      that represented human PASMC proliferation, and pretreatment with fasudil
      significantly reversed this effect in a dose-dependent manner. After PDGF
      stimulation, the percentage of cells in S phase increased dramatically from 15.6%
      to 24.3%, while the percentage in G(0)/G(1) phase was reduced from 80.6% to 59%.
      And pretreatment with fasudil reversed the cell cycle effect of PDGF
      significantly in a dose-dependent manner. PDGF markedly induced ROCK activity and
      ERK activity with a peak at 15 minutes, which were significantly inhibited by
      fasudil. In addition, fasudil significantly inhibited PDGF-induced PCNA
      expression and fasudil also upregulated p27(Kip1) expression in human PASMCs,
      which decreased after PDGF stimulation. CONCLUSION: RhoA/ROCK is vital for PDFG
      induced human PASMC proliferation, and fasudil effectively inhibited PDGF-induced
      human PASMC proliferation by up-regulation of p27(Kip1), which may be associated
      with inhibition of ERK activity.

PMID- 22040564
TI  - The effects of paeoniflorin monomer of a Chinese herb on cardiac ion channels.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Because of the potential proarrhythmic effect of current
      antiarrhythmic drugs, it is still desirable to find safer antiarrhythmic drugs
      worldwide. Paeoniflorin is one of the Chinese herb monomers that have different
      effects on many ion channels. The present study aimed to determine the effects of
      paeoniflorin on cardiac ion channels. METHODS: Whole-cell patch-clamp technique
      was used to record ion channel currents. L-type calcium current (I(Ca-L)), inward
      rectifier potassium current (I(K1)), and transient outward potassium current
      (I(to1)) were studied in rat ventricular myocytes and sodium current (I(Na)),
      slow delayed rectifier current (I(Ks)), and HERG current (I(Kr)) were
      investigated in transfected human embryonic kidney 293 cells. RESULTS: One
      hundred umol/L paeoniflorin reduced the peak I(Ca-L) by 40.29% at the test
      potential of +10 mV (from (-9.78 +/- 0.52) pA/pF to (-5.84 +/- 0.89) pA/pF, n =
      5, P = 0.028). The steady-state activation curve was shifted to more positive
      potential in the presence of the drug. The half activation potentials were (
      11.22 +/- 0.27) mV vs. (-5.95 +/- 0.84) mV (n = 5, P = 0.007), respectively.
      However, the steady-state inactivation and the time course of recovery from
      inactivation were not changed. One hundred umol/L paeoniflorin completely
      inhibited the peak I(Na) and the effect was reversible. Moreover, paeoniflorin
      inhibited the I(K1) by 30.13% at the test potential of -100 mV (from -25.26 +/-
      8.21) pA/pF to (-17.65 +/- 6.52) pA/pF, n = 6, P = 0.015) without effects on the
      reversal potential and the rectification property. By contrast, 100 umol/L
      paeoniflorin had no effects on I(to1), I(Ks) or I(Kr) channels. CONCLUSIONS: The
      study demonstrated that paeoniflorin blocked I(Ca-L), I(Na), and I(K1) without
      affecting I(to1), I(Ks), or I(Kr). The multi-channel block effect may account for
      its antiarrhythmic effects with less proarrhythmic potential.

PMID- 22040565
TI  - Inactivation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) by rapamycin in a murine
      model of lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, a key cellular
      signaling pathway associated with various cellular functions, has distinct roles
      in the inflammatory process. In this study, the mTOR inhibitor rapamycin (Rapa)
      was used to test whether inhibition of mTOR activation attenuates
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) in a murine model.
      METHODS: Mice pretreated with Rapa or vehicle were given LPS intratracheally.
      Local cell numbers and inflammatory cytokines present in the bronchoalveolar
      lavage fluid (BAL), wet-to-dry weight ratio, histopathology of the lungs, and
      survival were evaluated. RESULTS: The phosphorylation of S6, a major downstream
      target of mTOR, had a 3-fold increase in lung tissue after LPS stimulation, but
      the increase was blocked by Rapa. Rapa reduced the levels of TNF-alpha (LPS vs.
      LPS + Rapa, (1672.74 +/- 193.73) vs. (539.17 +/- 140.48) pg/ml, respectively; P <
      0.01) and IL-6 (LPS vs. LPS + Rapa: (7790.88 +/- 1170.54) vs. (1968.57 +/-
      474.62) pg/ml, respectively; P < 0.01) in the BAL fluid. However, Rapa had
      limited effects on the overall severity of ALI, as determined by the wet-to-dry
      weight ratio of the lungs, number of neutrophils in the BAL fluid, and changes in
      histopathology. In addition, Rapa failed to reduce mortality in the LPS-induced
      ALI model. CONCLUSIONS: We confirmed that mTOR was activated during LPS-induced
      ALI and strongly inhibited by Rapa. Although Rapa reduced the levels of the
      mediators of inflammation, the overall severity and survival of the ALI murine
      model were unchanged.

PMID- 22040566
TI  - Comparative study on the stem cell phenotypes of C6 cells under different culture
      conditions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Glioma stem cell (GSC) hypothesis posits that a subpopulation of
      cells within gliomas have true clonogenic and tumorigenic potential.
      Significantly, a more controversial correlate to GSC is that cells in different
      culture conditions might display distinct stem cell properties. Considering these
      possibilities, we applied an approach comparing stem cell characteristics of C6
      glioma cells under different culture conditions. METHODS: C6 cells were cultured
      under three different growth conditions, i.e., adherent growth in conventional
      10% serum medium, non-adherent spheres growth in serum-free medium, as well as
      adherent growth on laminin-coated flask in serum-free medium. Growth
      characteristics were detected contrastively through neurosphere formation assay
      and cell cycle analysis. Markers were determined by immunofluorescence, relative
      quantitative reverse transcription (RT)-PCR, Western blotting and flow cytometry.
      Side population cells were analyzed via flow cytometry. Tumor models were
      detected by magnetic resonance imaging and hematoxylin & eosin staining. Data
      analyses were performed with SPSS software (17.0). RESULTS: C6 cells (C6-Adh, C6
      SC-Sph and C6-SC-Adh) showed distinctive growth patterns and proliferation
      capacity. Compared to suspending C6-SC-Sph, adherent C6-Adh and C6-SC-Adh
      displayed higher growth ratio. C6-SC-Sph and C6-SC-Adh showed enhanced capability
      of neurosphere formation and self-renewal. High side population ratio was
      detected in C6-SC-Sph and C6-SC-Adh. CD133 was not detected in all three kinds of
      cells. Conversely, Nestin and beta-III-tubulin were demonstrated positive,
      nonetheless with no statistical significance (P > 0.05). Interestingly, lower
      expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein was demonstrated in C6-SC-Sph and
      C6-SC-Adh. C6-Adh, C6-SC-Sph and C6-SC-Adh were all displayed in situ
      oncogenicity, while statistical difference of survival time was not confirmed.
      CONCLUSIONS: C6 glioma cell line is endowed with some GSC phenotypes that can be
      moderately enriched in vitro when transferred into stem cell culture condition.
      The resultant tumor-spheres may be not a prerequisite or sound source of GSCs and
      adherent culture in stem cell medium is not a growth condition in favor of GSCs
      expanding in vivo.

PMID- 22040567
TI  - Corticosterone rapidly promotes respiratory burst of mouse peritoneal macrophages
      via non-genomic mechanism.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The immunomodulatory effects of glucocorticoids (GCs) have been
      described as bimodal. High concentration of GCs exerts immunosuppressive effects
      and low levels of GCs are immunopermissive. While the immunosuppressive
      mechanisms of GCs have been investigated intensely, the immunopermissive effects
      of GCs remain unclear. A lot of studies showed GCs could exert rapid non-genomic
      actions. We herein studied the rapid immunopromoting effects of GCs. METHODS: We
      observed the rapid (within 30 minutes) effects of corticosterone on respiratory
      burst of mouse peritoneal macrophages and studied their mechanisms. The
      superoxide anions were measured by cytochrome C reduction assay. Protein kinase C
      phosphorylation was measured by Western blotting and membrane fluidity was
      evaluated by fluorescence polarization measurement. RESULTS: The 10(-8) mol/L and
      10(-7) mol/L corticosterone rapidly increased the superoxide anions production by
      macrophages, which were insensitive to GC-receptor antagonist, mifepristone, and
      protein-synthesis inhibitor, cycloheximide. Corticosterone coupled to bovine
      serum albumin was able to mimic the effects of corticosterone. The effects were
      independent of protein kinase C pathway and the change in membrane fluidity.
      CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that corticosterone rapidly promote the
      superoxide anions production by mouse peritoneal macrophages may through non
      genomic mechanisms. This study may contribute to understanding the effects of GCs
      under stress condition and the physiological significance of nongenomic effects
      of GCs.

PMID- 22040568
TI  - Effect of human epididymis protein 4 gene silencing on the malignant phenotype in
      ovarian cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Human epididymis secretory protein 4 (HE4) has been proved to be a
      promising novel biomarker for the detection of epithelial ovarian carcinomas.
      Compared with CA125, HE4 assay demonstrated an improved ability to discriminate
      between pelvic mass with malignant and benign disease. Though it is well known
      that HE4 is overexpressed in ovarian cancer, however, the role of HE4 in the
      carcinogenesis and progression of ovarian cancer remains unkown. METHODS: In this
      study, we explored the role of HE4 in the carcinogenesis and progression of
      ovarian cancer. We screened nine ovarian cancer cell lines for HE4 expression,
      and using RNA interference (RNAi), we silenced HE4 gene expression in CaoV3 and
      SKOV3.ip1 ovarian cancer cell lines. We assessed the effect of HE4 gene silencing
      on the transformed phenotype by examining the cell cycle, apoptosis,
      proliferation and transwell migration/invasion in vitro. RESULTS: HE4 gene
      silencing induces G0/G1 arrest and blocks the progression from the G1 to S phase
      in CaoV3 and SKOV3.ip1 cells. HE4 knockdown also inhibited cell proliferation,
      migration and invasion in SKOV3.ip1 cells in vitro. CONCLUSION: HE4 may be
      involved in the regulation of the cell cycle and promote ovarian cancer migration
      and invasion.

PMID- 22040569
TI  - Inhibition of nitric oxide synthase lowers fatty acid oxidation in preeclampsia
      like mice at early gestational stage.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Preeclampsia is one of hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. It is
      associated with abnormal lipid metabolism, including fatty acid oxidation
      metabolism. Long chain 3-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase (LCHAD) plays an
      indispensable role in the oxidation of fatty acids. It has been reported that
      nitric oxide (NO) is one of the regulatory factors of the fatty acid oxidation
      pathway. The aim of this research was to investigate whether the nitric oxide
      synthase (NOS) inhibitor L-NAME may cause down-regulation of LCHAD in the
      pathogenesis of preeclampsia. METHODS: Pregnant wild-type (WT) mice were treated
      with L-NAME or normal saline (NS) during gestation days 7 - 18 (early group),
      days 11 - 18 (mid group) and days 16 - 18 (late group), and apoE-/- mice served
      as a control. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), urine protein, feto-placental
      outcome, plasma lipid levels and NO concentrations were measured, and the
      expression of mRNA and protein for LCHAD in placental tissue were determined by
      real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting, respectively.
      RESULTS: In WT and apoE-/- mice, SBP and urinary protein increased following L
      NAME injection. Fetal and placental weights and NO concentrations were reduced
      and total cholesterol, triglycerides and free fatty acid levels were increased in
      early and mid L-NAME groups in WT and apoE-/- mice, compared with the NS group.
      There was no significant difference between the late L-NAME group and NS group.
      RT-PCR and Western blotting analysis showed that the mRNA and protein levels of
      LCHAD expression were significantly down-regulated in the early and mid L-NAME
      groups but not in the late L-NAME group in the WT and apoE-/- mice compared with
      the corresponding NS groups. CONCLUSIONS: Inhibition of NO in early and mid
      gestation in mice may cause hyperlipidemia and suppression of fatty acid
      oxidation, whereas preeclampsia-like conditions in late gestation may be a
      maternal vascular response to inhibition of NO.

PMID- 22040570
TI  - Reperfusion of the rat brain tissues following acute ischemia: the correlation
      among diffusion-weighted imaging, histopathology, and aquaporin-4 expression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although some studies have reported that aquaporin-4 (AQP4) plays a
      role in the post-ischemic edema formation and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI),
      little is known about the AQP4 expression in stage of the reperfusion following
      acute cerebral ischemia, as well as the correlation between histopathology and
      DWI. The aim of the study was to investigate the correlation among DWI,
      histopathology and the AQP4 expression in the reperfused rat brain tissues
      following acute ischemia. METHODS: Seventy Wistar rats were randomly divided into
      a control group (group A), and several occluded and reperfusion groups. They had
      their middle cerebral artery unilaterally occluded (MCAO) for 30 minutes (group
      B) followed by 30 minutes (group D) or 60 minutes (group E) of reperfusion, or 60
      minutes of MCAO (group C) followed by 30 minutes (group F), or 60 minutes (group
      G) of reperfusion (n = 10 for each group). All rats underwent DWI scanning. The
      relative apparent diffusion coefficient (rADC) value of each rat was calculated.
      All the rats were sacrificed and the cerebral ischemic tissues were examined for
      histopathology. Real-time fluro-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)
      and Western-blotting were performed. The amount of AQP4 mRNA (Ex(-DeltaDeltaCt))
      and AQP4 protein (Q) was statistically analyzed. The correlation between rADC
      values and AQP4 mRNA expression was analyzed with the Pearson correlation test.
      RESULTS: In all the reperfusion groups, the areas of hyper-intensity signal in
      DWI were decreased, and the rADC value increased and the AQP4 expression
      decreased significantly compared with the occluded group (t = 26.89, t = 18.26, P
      < 0.01). There was a negative correlation between AQP4 mRNA expression and rADC
      values (r = -0.72, P < 0.01). A mixed edema, composed of cerebral intracelluar
      edema and vasogenic brain edema, was observed in all the reperfusion groups. It
      was more prevalent in groups D and F than in the groups E and G. With the
      reperfusion time postponed, the cerebral intracelluar edema of the rat was
      significantly mitigated, but the vasogenic brain edema was not significantly
      changed. CONCLUSIONS: There is a close correlation between AQP4 expression and
      the cerebral intracellular edema. The change of ADC values may indirectly reflect
      the level of the AQP4 expression. DWI may become a promising, noninvasive imaging
      modality to predict early stroke and reperfusion injury.

PMID- 22040571
TI  - T-cell proliferation is inhibited by the induction of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase
      in spleen-derived dendritic cells in rat.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Increasing evidence suggests that, by the production of indoleamine
      2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), dendritic cells (DC) may reduce the activity of T
      lymphocytes and inhibit T lymphocyte proliferation-induced immune tolerance. One
      promising way is inspired by increasing IDO expression in DC cells for immune
      tolerance after transplantation. The aim of this work was to examine the effect
      of interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) on the expression of IDO by DC. METHODS: Spleen
      derived rat DCs were cultured and induced by cytokines, and the expression of
      OX62 and surface molecules CD80 and CD86 were measured with flow cytometry. After
      the DCs were induced by IFN-gamma at different concentrations (0, 100, 300, 500
      U/ml), the expression levels of IDO mRNA were measured with real-time PCR, and
      the expression levels of IDO protein in DCs were measured with Western blotting.
      The allogeneic mixed lymphocyte reaction (MLR) was used to test the effects of
      DCs incubated with different concentrations of IFN-gamma on allogeneic T
      lymphocyte proliferation. RESULTS: Under the microscope, the DCs induced by IFN
      gamma showed a typical dendritic morphology. The expression rate of OX62 was
      above 80% and the positive expression rates of CD80 and CD86 were both about 80%.
      The expressions of IDO mRNA and IDO protein increased gradually with the increase
      of IFN-gamma concentration, showing statistical significance in the differences
      between the groups (P < 0.05). Compared with the control DC, the DC incubated
      with IFN-gamma had a notable decrease in allostimulatory activity (P < 0.05).
      With the increasing IFN-gamma concentration, the T lymphocyte proliferation
      decreased, and the difference between the groups was also statistically
      significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The highly purified spleen derived rat DCs
      can be successfully acquired through the improved adhesion in-vitro method. IFN
      gamma can induce increased expression of IDO in spleen-derived rat DCs and reduce
      the spleen DCs' capacity to stimulate the proliferation of allogeneic T cells.

PMID- 22040572
TI  - Recombinant adenovirus with human indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase and hepatitis B
      virus preS was constructed and expressed in HepG2 cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) is proven to suppress hepatitis B
      virus (HBV) specific immune response and depletion of IDO may be a useful
      approach for HBV therapy. To test this concept, we constructed recombinant
      adenovirus with human IDO and HBV preS, which would form the basis for future in
      vivo experiments. METHODS: The fragment of human IDO and HBV preS cDNA were
      subcloned into multiple cloning sites in an adenoviral vector system containing
      two cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoters. Recombination was conducted in the
      Escherichia coli BJ5183. The recombinant adenovirus containing hIDO gene and
      HBVpreS gene was packaged and amplified in 293 cells. Integration was confirmed
      by polymerase chain reaction as well as the quantification of viral titers. HepG2
      cells were infected with the recombinant adenovirus and mRNA and protein specific
      for hIDO and HBVpreS was detected by RT-PCR and Western blotting respectively.
      RESULTS: The recombinant adenovirus was produced successfully. Its titer was 2.5
      * 10(9) efu/ml. IDO and HBVpreS mRNA as well as the encoded proteins could be
      found in transfected HepG2 cells, but not in control HepG2 cells. CONCLUSION: The
      transfer of hIDO-HBVpreS with double-promoter adenoviral vector was efficient.
      The recombinant adenovirus with hIDO and HBV preS would provide the experimental
      basis for future studies.

PMID- 22040573
TI  - miRNA deregulation in multiple myeloma.
AB  - Multiple myeloma (MM) is an incurable plasma cell malignancy and is the second
      most common hematological cancer. It is characterized by complex, recurrent
      genetic and epigenetic abnormalities. Recent publications have linked miRNAs, a
      novel class of gene regulators to cancer including MM. miRNAs are about 20
      nucleotide, single strand, non-coding RNAs that repress gene expression by mRNA
      degradation or translational repression. Aberrant miRNA expression profiles have
      been described in MM, and their functional roles in MM pathogenesis are being
      increasingly recognized. This review summarizes the current literature on the
      role of miRNAs in MM and offers perspectives on future research and utilization
      of miRNAs in MM management.

PMID- 22040574
TI  - Translational research and its effects on medicine in China.
AB  - Translational research has become a globally recognized model of medical
      research. Chinese government and doctors have begun to discuss the plan for its
      development. But most articles are focusing on the advantages rather than its
      pros and cons. In this essay, the authors discuss the disadvantages of
      translational research, its effects on clinical work and medical education,
      highlighting some potential problems and risks in theory and practice on case
      basis. Some important research management requirements are summarized in this
      essay to help bring the therapy from the research laboratory to the patient's
      bedside.

PMID- 22040575
TI  - Community survey, treatment and long-term follow-up for human cystic
      echinococcosis in northwest China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Human cystic echinococcosis (CE) is a parasitic zoonosis of major
      public health importance throughout the world. CE is endemic throughout central
      Asia including northwestern China. In China, CE has been reported in 21
      provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities, covering approximately 87% of
      China's territories. It is most common in the pastoral and semi-pastoral western
      provinces and regions. This study aimed to reveal the natural history, curative
      effect and possible re-infection risk factors of human CE through long termed
      follow-up of treated and untreated CE cases in Hobukesar, Xingjiang, China.
      METHODS: Follow-up studies on CE were performed twice in Hobukesar from August
      2005 to October 2008, after an initial mass screening performed in 1995 and 1996.
      Ultrasound scan was the primary diagnostic method. RESULTS: Among 24 patients
      with confirmed CE, 22 were treated (surgery in 19 and chemotherapy in three). Two
      recurrent cases and one re-infection case were subsequently found during follow
      up. The CE type of one of the recurrent cases reverted from CE4 to CE3, as
      classified using World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. CONCLUSIONS:
      Ultrasound was required to differentiate primary, recurrent and re-infection
      cases during epidemiological investigation and follow-up of CE. Most patients did
      not change their habits, which may be one possible cause of reinfection. One
      recurrent case suggested that, despite initial suggestion from the WHO Informal
      Working Group on Echinococcosis, CE4-type cysts are not inactive.

PMID- 22040576
TI  - Thin steel plate with thumbtack fixation in the treatment of massive presacral
      venous plexus hemorrhage.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Massive presacral venous plexus hemorrhage during radical resection
      of rectal carcinoma is rare, but when it occurs, bleeding can be uncontrollable,
      leading to death in some cases. Medical adhesive gauze sticking and packing and
      thumbtack compressive fixation are often used for hemostasis, but these methods
      are not effective in cases of uncontrollable massive hemorrhage. Therefore,
      identifying a practical, accurate, and reliable method of hemostasis in these
      cases is essential. METHODS: Between January 2004 and December 2009, we treated 3
      patients with massive presacral venous plexus hemorrhage during resection of
      rectal carcinoma by placing small, trimmed thin steel plates at the bleeding
      sites. The plates were fixed with a saddle-type application of thumbtacks.
      RESULTS: Bleeding was successfully controlled in all 3 patients, and intestinal
      anastomosis was carried out after hemostasis. No complications were observed.
      CONCLUSIONS: Application of a small, thin steel plate to the bleeding site with
      thumbtack fixation is a simple and effective method of hemostasis in patients
      with massive presacral venous plexus hemorrhage during resection of rectal
      carcinoma.

PMID- 22040577
TI  - Fibrovascular polyp of the hypopharynx and esophagus.
AB  - Fibrovascular polyp of the hypopharynx and esophagus, a rare, benign,
      intraluminal and submucosal tumor, is most commonly originated from the proximal
      esophagus. We discussed four cases with regurgitation, respiratory symptom or the
      feeling of a mass in the throat. All the patients were examined with laryngoscope
      under general anesthesia. A transverse cervical incision was performed in one
      patient and the polyps were excised under laryngoscope with CO2 laser in the
      other three patients. All the lesions were removed successfully. Diagnostic and
      therapeutic principles involved in these cases are presented and discussed. The
      recognition of fibrovascular polyp of the hypopharynx and esophagus as a
      potential cause of regurgitation is paramount. Surgical excision is recommended
      because of the satisfactory outcome.

PMID- 22040578
TI  - Biological artificial vessel graft in distal arterial bypass for treating
      diabetic lower limb ischemia: a case report.
AB  - A 68-year-old female patient was treated for unhealed ulcer in the fourth toe of
      the left foot. Clinical examinations identified severe stenosis of the proximal
      segment and occlusion of the distal segment of the left anterior tibial artery,
      and occlusion of the left posterior tibial artery and the peroneal artery. The
      proximal stenotic segment of the left anterior tibial artery was dilated, but the
      distal occlusive part failed to be re-canalized. Left anterior tibial artery to
      dorsal pedal artery bypass was performed on the patient with an epoxide
      crosslinked, special radicals antigen-sealed, porcine-derived biological graft;
      debridement of the left 4th digiti pedis was also performed. Postoperation course
      was uneventful. The pulse of the left dorsal pedal artery was strong. The ankle
      brachial index (ABI) increased from 0.60 to 1.09. Warfarin and two antiplatelet
      drugs were given after the operation. Six months after operation, computed
      tomographic angiogram (CTA) identified the patent graft.

PMID- 22040579
TI  - Recombinant activated factor VII in hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis with
      disseminated intravascular coagulation.
AB  - Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a lifethreatening disorder due to
      hyperinflammation resulting in infiltration of different organs with extensive
      hemophagocytosis. Severe coagulopathy was one of the main reasons for death in
      HLH. Over secretion of plasminogen activator by activated macrophages leads to
      hyperfibrinolysis. We reported a 36-year-old woman who was diagnosed as HLH
      probably secondary to lymphoma. Massive bleeding from gut and retroperitoneal
      area were not able to be controlled by conventional hemostatic treatments. This
      patient received one dose recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) 3.6 mg (70
      MUg/kg). Hemostatic effect was achieved in 0.5 hour and lasted 24 hours.
      Prothrombin time (PT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) were
      quickly corrected to normal ranges. Fibrinogen level elevated from 0.5 g/L before
      using rFVIIa to 1.8 g/L 20 hours after. Although dexamethasone and etopside were
      administrated to treat HLH, this patient died from septic shock after persistent
      neutropenia. This suggests that rFVIIa may be effective in the management of
      intractable hemorrhage in patients with HLH.

PMID- 22040580
TI  - Atypical Cogan's syndrome associated with coronary disease.
AB  - Cogan's syndrome (CS) is a rare inflammatory disorder characterized by
      interstitial keratitis and vestibuloauditory abnormalities often associated with
      various systemic manifestations. Involvement of cardiovascular system resembling
      systemic vasculitis may lead to severe complications and death. The present
      report describes a case of a female patient with atypical Cogan's syndrome
      presented with systemic manifestations and severe coronary and femoral artery
      stenosis. Despite the clinical improvement after glucocorticoids and
      cyclophosphamide, the patient required double aortocoronal bypass grafting one
      year letter. During three years follow-up, she was in stable condition, without
      stenocardial symptoms and claudication and her inflammatory parameters remain
      normal. This case highlights the rare involvement of coronary arteries without
      associated large-vessel vasculitis of the aortic arch in CS.

PMID- 22040581
TI  - Magnetic resonance imaging of unilateral vertical retraction syndrome with
      atypical strabismus.
AB  - We report two patients with unilateral vertical retraction syndrome. Magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) of the orbits of the two cases showed similar size and
      location of the orbital structure, but with dramatically different strabismus
      type. MRI sagittal reconstruction of the orbits suggested that abnormal muscle
      tissue arised from the inferior rectus, which might be associated with retraction
      and narrowing of the palpebral fissure and atypical strabismus as well.

PMID- 22040582
TI  - Late recurrent high degree atrioventricular block after percutaneous closure of a
      perimembranous ventricular septal defect.
AB  - High degree atrioventricular block (HDAVB) is a serious complication of
      transcatheter closure of a perimembranous ventricular septal defect (PMVSD). We
      report one patient who developed transient HDAVB seven days after transcathter
      closure of PMVSD and had recurrent HDAVB 42 months after the procedure.

PMID- 22040584
TI  - Infrared imaging and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography findings
      correlate with microperimetry in acute macular neuroretinopathy: a case report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography findings in a patient
      with acute macular neuroretinopathy, and correlation with functional defects on
      microperimetry, are presented. CASE PRESENTATION: A 25-year old Caucasian woman
      presented with bitemporal field defects following an upper respiratory tract
      infection. Her visual acuity was 20/20 in both eyes and a dilated fundus
      examination revealed bilateral hyperpigmentary changes in the papillomacular
      bundle. Our patient underwent further evaluation with spectral-domain optical
      coherence tomography, infrared and fundus autofluorescence imaging. Functional
      changes were assessed by microperimetry. Infrared imaging showed the classic
      wedge-shaped defects and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography exhibited
      changes at the inner segment-outer segment junction, with a thickened outer
      plexiform layer overlying these areas. Fluorescein and indocyanine green
      angiography did not demonstrate any perfusion defects or any other abnormality.
      Microperimetry demonstrated focal elevation in threshold correlating with the
      wedge-shaped defects in both eyes. CONCLUSION: Spectral-domain optical coherence
      tomography findings provide new evidence of the involvement of the outer
      plexiform layer of the retina in acute macular neuroretinopathy.

PMID- 22040585
TI  - Post-traumatic stress disorder and health risk behaviors among Afghanistan and
      Iraq War veterans attending college.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine if post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated
      with health risk behaviors among Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF)
      veterans attending college. METHOD: Using 2008 Boynton College Student Health
      Survey data, we tested associations between self-reported PTSD diagnosis and self
      reported risk behaviors (n=406). RESULTS: We found PTSD diagnosis to be
      significantly associated with reporting involvement in a physical fight in the
      past year (ARR = 3.1; 95% CI: 2.2, 4.4) and marginally associated with highrisk
      drinking (ARR = 1.3; 95% CI: 1.1, 1.6). However, no association was seen between
      PTSD and the tobacco use and other safety behaviors that we examined. CONCLUSION:
      PTSD is likely a factor that contributes to the relationship between military
      service and certain health risk behaviors.

PMID- 22040586
TI  - Knowledge and attitudes about colon cancer screening among African Americans.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To explore knowledge and attitudes about colorectal cancer (CRC)
      screening among African American patients age 45 and older at a community health
      center serving low-income and uninsured patients. METHODS: We conducted 7 focus
      groups and 17 additional semistructured  interviews. Sessions were audio
      recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using standard text analysis. RESULTS: Most
      participants who were age eligible for CRC screening were nonadherent according
      to national guidelines. Themes included low CRC knowledge, low perceived norms,
      high barriers,  and other screening beliefs. CONCLUSION: Lack of knowledge, low
      perceived risk, and attitudes about CRC screening may be important targets for
      interventions in low-income African American patients.

PMID- 22040587
TI  - The role of hope in engaging in healthy behaviors among college students.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine hope in relation to alcohol use, binge drinking, smoking,
      exercise, and limiting of dietary fat among college students. METHODS:
      Undergraduate students (N=2265) completed an online survey. RESULTS: Lower hope
      scores were related to binge drinking  and smoking in the past month and more
      frequent drinking and binge drinking, controlling for sociodemographics. Higher
      hope scores were related to greater likelihood of and more frequent exercising
      and fat limitation in the past month. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions to improve
      college student  health behaviors should target hope.

PMID- 22040588
TI  - APC modeling of smoking prevalence among US adolescents and young adults.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of age, period, and cohort with the
      changing pattern of cigarette smoking among youth and young adults for better
      planning tobacco control in the United States. METHODS: Age-period-cohort
      analysis of the 1990-2005 National Survey  on Drug Use and Health data. RESULTS:
      Rates of lifetime and 30-day smoking for adolescents fluctuated between 1990 and
      1996 before they declined; the same rates for young adults progressively
      increased until 2002 before declining. There were significant cohort effects on
      changes in  the prevalence rates of cigarette smoking. CONCLUSIONS: The cohort
      effects on smoking underscore the need for sustained tobacco control policies.

PMID- 22040589
TI  - Social cognitive mediators of parent-child sexual communication.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To test a social cognitive behavior change model and identify
      mediators of the effects of the Parents Speak Up National Campaign (PSUNC) on
      parent-child sexual communication. METHODS: Investigators used 5 waves of data
      from an online randomized controlled trial.  Latent variables were developed
      based on item response theory and confirmatory factor analysis. Structural
      equation modeling was used to test mediation. RESULTS: Outcome expectations
      mediated effects of social norms and self-efficacy on sexual communication. Other
      hypothesized mediators  were not confirmed. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions to promote
      parent-child sexual communication should target outcome expectations. Future
      research should investigate parents' health information seeking.

PMID- 22040590
TI  - Consumption of sport-related dietary supplements among NCAA Division 1 female
      student athletes.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine factors that influence sport-related dietary supplement
      consumption among NCAA Division 1 female student athletes and to estimate the
      plausibility of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) for predicting the use of
      sport-related dietary supplements among  NCAA Division 1 female student athletes.
      METHOD: Self-report data were collected by questionnaire from 207 NCAA Division 1
      female student athletes. Parameter estimates of 3 TPB-based models were
      calculated using Mplus software. RESULTS: The TPB-based models explained 64-66%
      and  18% of variance in behavioral intention and behavior, respectively, with
      subjective norm being the strongest predictor of dietary supplement consumption
      intention. CONCLUSIONS: Results support plausibility for the TPB to predict sport
      related dietary supplement consumption among NCAA  Division 1 female student
      athletes.

PMID- 22040591
TI  - Using zero-inflated models to explain chronic illness, pain, and complementary
      and alternative medicine use.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To extend knowledge of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)
      use by understanding how poor health influences both trying CAM and number of CAM
      types used. METHODS: Using the 2002 National Health Interview Survey's
      Supplemental Section, zero-inflated models  were employed to examine CAM use
      across 5 domains. RESULTS: Results indicate that level of pain is the only
      consistent predictor of both the likelihood of trying CAM and how many types of
      CAM are used. Pain increased the odds ratio and number of CAM types used across
      all domains. Findings,  however, were mixed for health status and chronic
      conditions. Only prayer was associated with higher odds ratio (OR=1.705, P<.001)
      and number of CAM types used for chronic illnesses (OR=1.024, P<.01).
      CONCLUSIONS: Expanding to zero-inflated models demonstrates variation in CAM  use
      behaviors. Pain is the only consistent predictor of both trying CAM and the
      number of CAM types used. Chronic illness is only consistently influential for
      prayer.

PMID- 22040592
TI  - A qualitative investigation of obese men's experiences with their weight.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate obese men's health behaviors and strategies for
      change. METHODS: Qualitative interviews with 36 men (BMI 30 and over). RESULTS:
      All men felt personally responsible for their weight gain. Sedentary lifestyles,
      stress, lack of worklife balance  and weight-based stigma were all significant
      causes of weight gain and barriers to weight loss. These factors also contributed
      to men's unwillingness to seek help for their over-weight. CONCLUSION: Addressing
      the self-blame and stigma associated with obesity is important in developing 
      strategies to improve the health and well-being of obese men.

PMID- 22040593
TI  - Modifiable prostate cancer risk reduction and early detection behaviors in black
      men.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the personal factors related to modifiable prostate cancer
      risk-reduction and detection behaviors among black men. METHODS: Three thousand
      four hundred thirty (3430) black men were surveyed and structural equation
      modeling employed to test study hypotheses. RESULTS: Modifiable prostate cancer
      risk-reduction behavior was found to be influenced by perceived severity, cues to
      action, knowledge, and behavioral control. Prostate cancer detection behavior was
      determined by perceived susceptibility, attitude, perceived behavioral control,
      knowledge,  and acculturation. CONCLUSION: The confirmed associations underscore
      the importance of cognitive-behavioral factors in the promotion of CaP risk
      reduction behavior as well as early detection among black men.

PMID- 22040594
TI  - Who's behind the wheel? Driving with medically intractable epilepsy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine driving in the context of people with medically
      intractable epilepsy, a population generally discouraged from driving. METHODS:
      This study tested the relationship between a comprehensive set of factors and
      driving among 190 patients with a currently  valid driver's license who were
      being evaluated for epilepsy surgery. RESULTS: Almost one third (32.6%) of the
      sample reported currently driving. Distributional comparisons by current driving
      status revealed driving was significantly more prevalent among patients who were
      employed full-time  and those who had not experienced a seizure-related MVA.
      CONCLUSIONS: The decision not to drive in the context of a chronic medical
      condition is complex and influenced by a myriad of factors such as perceived
      illness susceptibility and severity.

PMID- 22040595
TI  - Correlates of overweight status in Chinese youth: an East-West paradox.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the odds of overweight and related correlates in Chinese
      adolescents. METHOD: Cross-sectional study in 9023 adolescents. RESULTS: Chinese
      youth were more likely to be overweight if they spent more time being sedentary;
      slept <7 hours/night;  were male; were younger; participated more in vigorous
      physical activity; and had higher levels of parental education, a higher
      frequency of vegetable intake, and a lower frequency of sweet/fast food intake.
      CONCLUSIONS: Overweight-related correlates seem to play different roles in  the
      Chinese culture than in Western cultures. This may be due to culture-specific
      perceptions and changes in lifestyle accompanying socioeconomic transitions.

PMID- 22040596
TI  - Independent modulation of motion and vection aftereffects revealed by using
      coherent oscillation and random jitter in optic flow.
AB  - We added simulated vertical viewpoint jitter and oscillation to radial optic flow
      displays designed to induce forward vection. Display jitter and oscillation were
      both found to increase vection strength during, and reduce motion aftereffects
      (MAE) following, exposure to the optic flow (compared to no-jitter controls).
      Display jitter, which induced the strongest vection of all the conditions tested,
      was also found to increase the duration of vection aftereffects (VAE).

PMID- 22040597
TI  - Outcomes of usual chiropractic, harm & efficacy, the ouch study: study protocol
      for a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies have demonstrated that adverse events occur during
      chiropractic treatment. However, because of these studies design we do not know
      the frequency and extent of these events when compared to sham treatment. The
      principal aims of this study are to establish the frequency and severity of
      adverse effects from short term usual chiropractic treatment of the spine when
      compared to a sham treatment group. The secondary aim of this study is to
      establish the efficacy of usual short term chiropractic care for spinal pain when
      compared to a sham intervention. METHODS: One hundred and eighty participants
      will be randomly allocated to either usual chiropractic care or a sham
      intervention group. To be considered for inclusion the participants must have
      experienced non-specific spinal pain for at least one week. The study will be
      conducted at the clinics of registered chiropractors in Western Australia.
      Participants in each group will receive two treatments at intervals no less than
      one week. For the usual chiropractic care group, the selection of therapeutic
      techniques will be left to the chiropractors' discretion. For the sham
      intervention group, de-tuned ultrasound and de-tuned activator treatment will be
      applied by the chiropractors to the regions where spinal pain is experienced.
      Adverse events will be assessed two days after each appointment using a
      questionnaire developed for this study. The efficacy of short term chiropractic
      care for spinal pain will be examined at two week follow-up by assessing pain,
      physical function, minimum acceptable outcome, and satisfaction with care, with
      the use of the following outcome measures: Numerical Rating Scale, Functional
      Rating Index, Neck Disability Index, Minimum Acceptable Outcome Questionnaire,
      Oswestry Disability Index, and a global measure of treatment satisfaction. The
      statistician, outcome assessor, and participants will be blinded to treatment
      allocation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials
      Register (ANZCTR): ACTRN12611000542998.

PMID- 22040598
TI  - Parents' dietary patterns are significantly correlated: findings from the
      Melbourne Infant Feeding Activity and Nutrition Trial Program.
AB  - The objectives of the present study were to identify dietary patterns
      independently in first-time mothers and fathers, and to examine whether these
      patterns were correlated within families. Dietary intakes were collected at
      baseline in the Melbourne Infant Feeding Activity and Nutrition Trial Program
      using a validated FFQ in 454 pairs of first-time mothers and fathers. Education
      level was reported in associated questionnaires. Principal components analyses
      included frequencies of fifty-five food groups and were performed independently
      in mothers and fathers. Spearman's correlation coefficients were used to assess
      associations between dietary pattern scores. A total of four dietary patterns
      were identified in mothers and fathers. Of these, three dietary patterns had
      similar characteristics between these two populations, namely 'Fruits and
      vegetables', 'High-energy snack and processed foods', 'High-fat foods' in
      mothers; and 'Fruits', 'High-energy snack and processed foods', 'High-fat foods'
      in fathers. The following two additional patterns were identified: 'Cereals and
      sweet foods' in mothers and 'Potatoes and vegetables' in fathers. Patterns
      incorporating healthier food items were found to be positively associated with
      parent education. An inverse association with education was found for the 'High
      fat foods' and 'High-energy snack and processed foods' dietary patterns.
      Qualitatively similar patterns between corresponding mothers and fathers were the
      most strongly correlated (rho = 0.34-0.45, P < 0.001). There were some
      differences in dietary patterns between mothers and fathers, suggesting that it
      is worth deriving patterns separately when considering couples, and more
      generally between men and women. Exploring how these various patterns correlate
      within households provides important insights to guide the development and
      implementation of family-based interventions.

PMID- 22040599
TI  - Adipocyte-secreted factors increase osteoblast proliferation and the OPG/RANKL
      ratio to influence osteoclast formation.
AB  - Several studies have reported a positive relationship of the body fat mass and
      bone density. However, it is not clear whether adipocyte-derived signaling
      molecules directly act on osteoblasts or osteoclasts. Therefore, we investigated
      the effect of fat cell-secreted factors on the proliferation and differentiation
      of preosteoblasts and the molecular mechanisms involved. This stimulation led to
      an increased proliferation of MC3T3-E1 and primary preosteoblastic cells (2.8
      fold and 1.5-fold, respectively; p<0.0001), which could be reduced with
      inhibitors of protein tyrosine kinases, FGFR1 and PI3K. Concordantly, we found
      human adipocytes to secrete bFGF and bFGF to mimic the effect of adipocyte
      secreted factors. The ratio of OPG/RANKL secretion in primary human
      preosteoblasts increased 9-fold (mRNA and protein) when stimulated with adipocyte
      secreted factors. Moreover, osteoblasts which were prestimulated with adipocyte
      secreted factors inhibited the formation of osteoclasts. In conclusion, human
      adipocytes secrete factors that directly act on preosteoblasts and alter their
      crosstalk with osteoclasts. These in vitro findings reflect the higher bone mass
      in obese people and attribute it to effects of adipocyte-secreted factors on bone
      formation.

PMID- 22040600
TI  - The International Pediatric Adrenocortical Tumor Registry initiative:
      contributions to clinical, biological, and treatment advances in pediatric
      adrenocortical tumors.
AB  - Adrenocortical tumor (ACT), a rare tumor with a heterogeneous presentation,
      incompletely understood pathogenesis, and generally poor prognosis, occurs in 1-2
      people per million and is even more uncommon in the pediatric population. Such
      rare cancers are a challenge to clinical practice. Exchange of experience,
      information, and data on rare cancers is lacking, and outcomes for these rare
      cancers could be improved through the establishment of an international registry.
      The establishment of the International Pediatric Adrenocortical Tumor Registry
      (IPACTR) in 1990 by the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital International
      Outreach Program offered a new opportunity to collect clinical and laboratory
      features, treatment practices, and outcome data for children with ACT, research
      this disease, and systematically investigate how to improve patient outcomes.
      These efforts will improve the availability of information for both patients and
      the medical community.

PMID- 22040601
TI  - Characterization of a novel five-transmembrane domain cholecystokinin-2 receptor
      splice variant identified in human tumors.
AB  - The cholecystokinin-2 receptor (CCK2R), is expressed in cancers where it
      contributes to tumor progression. The CCK2R is over-expressed in a sub-set of
      tumors, allowing its use in tumor targeting with a radiolabel ligand. Since
      discrepancies between mRNA levels and CCK2R binding sites were noticed, we
      searched for abnormally spliced variants in tumors from various origins having
      been previously reported to frequently express cholecystokinin receptors, such as
      medullary thyroid carcinomas, gastrointestinal stromal tumors, leiomyomas and
      leiomyosarcomas, and gastroenteropancreatic tumors. A variant of the CCK2R coding
      for a putative five-transmembrane domains receptor has been cloned. This variant
      represented as much as 6% of CCK2R levels. Ectopic expression in COS-7 cells
      revealed that this variant lacks biological activity due to its sequestration in
      endoplasmic reticulum. When co-expressed with the CCK2R, this variant diminished
      membrane density of the CCK2R and CCK2R-mediated activity (phospholipase-C and
      ERK activation). In conclusion, a novel splice variant acting as a dominant
      negative on membrane density of the CCK2R may be of importance for the
      pathophysiology of certain tumors and for their in vivo CCK2R-targeting.

PMID- 22040602
TI  - Recessive protective effect of ADIPOQ rs1501299 on cardiovascular diseases with
      type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis.
AB  - The association between a common variant of the ADIPOQ gene rs1501299 (+276G>T)
      and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) outcomes has been reported with many studies.
      However, the evidence is insufficient for strong conclusions regarding CVDs and
      ADIPOQ rs15011299 (+276G>T). We performed a meta-analysis about the association
      between ADIPOQ rs1501299 (+276G>T) and CVDs risk using a predefined protocol,
      including 15 published studies with 5868 cases and 10,744 controls. The pooled
      data suggested a recessive protective effect of ADIPOQ rs1501299 (+276G>T) on
      CVDs for type 2 diabetes (T2D) population: the TT homozygote individuals had a
      reduced risk of developing CVDs compared to the carriers of G allele (OR=0.74,
      95% confidence interval (CI): 0.58, 0.94; p=0.013). But there is still not enough
      evidence to indicate the association of the ADIPOQ rs1501299 (+276G>T) and the
      development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) outcomes in general population. In
      conclusion, our meta-analysis suggested that the ADIPOQ rs1501299 (+276G>T)
      polymorphism is a low-risk factor for the development of CVDs with T2D, but the
      association of this polymorphism with the susceptibility to CVDs in other
      populations remains unknown. It could be presumed that the ADIPOQ rs1501299
      (+276G>T) be a potential cause of susceptibility to CVDs in persons with T2D, and
      it gives a new opportunity to investigate the mechanisms of CVDs susceptibility
      in T2D patients.

PMID- 22040604
TI  - Proteomic profiling of hempseed proteins from Cheungsam.
AB  - Proteomic profiling of hempseed proteins from a non-drug type of industrial hemp
      (Cannabis sativa L.), Cheungsam, was conducted using two-dimensional gel
      electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. A total of 1102 protein spots were
      resolved on pH 3-10 immobilized pH gradient strips, and 168 unique protein spots
      were identified. The proteins were categorized based on function, including
      involvement in energy regulation (23%), metabolism (18%), stress response (16%),
      unclassified (12%), cytoskeleton (11%), binding function (5%), and protein
      synthesis (3%). These proteins might have important biological functions in
      hempseed, such as germination, storage, or development.

PMID- 22040603
TI  - Biosynthesis and antimicrobial evaluation of backbone-cyclized alpha-defensins.
AB  - Defensins are antimicrobial peptides that are important in the innate immune
      defense of mammals. Upon stimulation by bacterial antigens, enteric alpha
      defensins are secreted into the intestinal lumen where they have potent
      microbicidal activities. Cryptdin-4 (Crp4) is an alpha-defensin expressed in
      Paneth cells of the mouse small intestine and the most bactericidal of the known
      cryptdin isoforms. The structure of Crp4 consists of a triple-stranded
      antiparallel beta-sheet but lacks three amino acids between the fourth and fifth
      cysteine residues, making them distinct from other alpha-defensins. The structure
      also reveals that the alpha-amino and C-terminal carboxylic groups are in the
      proximity of each other (d ~ 3 A) in the folded structure. We present here the
      biosynthesis of backbone-cyclized Crp4 using a modified protein splicing unit or
      intein. Our data show that cyclized Crp4 can be biosynthesized by using this
      approach both in vitro and in vivo, although the expression yield was
      significantly lower when the protein was produced inside the cell. The resulting
      cyclic defensins retained the native alpha-defensin fold and showed equivalent or
      better microbicidal activities against several Gram-positive and Gram-negative
      bacteria when compared to native Crp4. No detectable hemolytic activity against
      human red blood cells was observed for either native Crp4 or its cyclized
      variants. Moreover, both forms of Crp4 also showed high stability to degradation
      when incubated with human serum. Altogether, these results indicate the potential
      for backbone-cyclized defensins in the development of novel peptide-based
      antimicrobial compounds.

PMID- 22040605
TI  - Does theatre improve the quality of life of people with dementia?
AB  - BACKGROUND: A new communication method, the "Veder method", has recently been
      developed. Caregivers are trained to apply this method in a group activity
      ("living-room theatre activity") for people with dementia in which theatrical
      stimuli are used in combination with proven emotion-oriented care methods. The
      aim of this exploratory study was to evaluate the added value of the Veder method
      group activity compared to a regular reminiscence group activity and to
      investigate whether professional carers can achieve the same effects with the
      Veder method as professional actors. METHODS: A quasi-experimental three-group
      design was used. Experimental group 1 (E1; n = 65) joined a living-room theatre
      activity offered by trained professional caregivers. Experimental group 2 (E2; n
      = 31) joined a living-room theatre activity offered by professional actors. The
      control group (n = 55) received a usual reminiscence group activity. Behavior,
      mood and aspects of quality of life were measured using standardized observation
      scales at three points in time: (T1) pretest; (T2) during the intervention and;
      (T3) post-test, two hours after the intervention. RESULTS: During the
      intervention, significant differences were found in favor of the group that was
      offered a living-room theatre activity by actors (E2) on different aspects of
      behavior, mood and quality of life. At post-test, people in E2 were more alert
      compared to the control group. Moreover, they recalled more memories and showed
      less socially isolated behavior compared to the control group. CONCLUSION: This
      exploratory study shows that the Veder method has some clear positive effects on
      behavior and mood of people with dementia when applied by professional actors.

PMID- 22040606
TI  - Prokaryotic expression of woodchuck cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (wCTLA-4)
      and preparation of polyclonal antibody to wCTLA-4.
AB  - Cytotoxic T lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) is an inhibitory T cell receptor
      predominately expressed on activated T cells and plays an important role in
      regulation of specific T cell responses to viral infection. The woodchuck model
      is an informative animal model for hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. In this
      study, the extracellular region of woodchuck CTLA-4 (wCTLA-4) was cloned and the
      fusion protein of GST-wCTLA-4 was expressed and purified. Polyclonal antibody
      against GST-wCTLA-4 (anti-GST-wCTLA-4) was prepared. The full length wCTLA-4
      protein expressed in transfected baby hamster kidney cells was detected by anti
      GST-wCTLA-4 in western blot analysis and immunofluorescence staining. Anti-GST
      wCTLA-4 provides a useful tool to study the role of CTLA-4 in T-cell response in
      the woodchuck model. Further, the blocking of CTLA-4 with anti-GST-wCTLA-4, as a
      novel therapy approach for chronic hepatitis B virus infection, could be studied
      in woodchuck model now.

PMID- 22040607
TI  - Large-scale preparation and characterization of non-pegylated and pegylated
      superactive ovine leptin antagonist.
AB  - Superactive ovine leptin antagonist (SOLA) was prepared by rational mutagenesis
      of the ovine leptin antagonist L39A/D40A/F41A mutant prepared previously in our
      lab by mutating wild type leptin to D23L/L39A/D40A/F41A. SOLA was expressed in
      Escherichia coli as insoluble inclusion bodies, refolded and purified to
      homogeneity (as evidenced by SDS-PAGE and analytical gel filtration) by ion
      exchange chromatography. The purified protein was mono-pegylated at its N
      terminus by 20-kDa linear pegylation reagent. The D23L mutation resulted in ca. 5
      to 6-fold increased affinity toward soluble human leptin binding domain and 6-
      to 8-fold increased inhibitory activity in two different in vitro bioassays. This
      increase was similar, though not identical, to our previous results with
      superactive mouse and human leptin antagonists. Pegylation decreased overall
      activity by 5- to 8-fold, but as shown previously for superactive mouse leptin
      antagonist, the prolonged half life in the circulation will likely result in
      higher activity in vivo. As amino acids 6-31 (VQDDTKTLIKTIVTRINDISHTQSVS), making
      up a main part of the first alpha-helix, are identical in human, mouse, rat,
      ovine, bovine and pig leptins, we anticipate that D23L mutations of the
      respective leptins will result in similar increases in affinity and consequent
      activity of other leptin antagonists.

PMID- 22040608
TI  - Immortalized pathological human myoblasts: towards a universal tool for the study
      of neuromuscular disorders.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Investigations into both the pathophysiology and therapeutic targets
      in muscle dystrophies have been hampered by the limited proliferative capacity of
      human myoblasts. Isolation of reliable and stable immortalized cell lines from
      patient biopsies is a powerful tool for investigating pathological mechanisms,
      including those associated with muscle aging, and for developing innovative gene
      based, cell-based or pharmacological biotherapies. METHODS: Using transduction
      with both telomerase-expressing and cyclin-dependent kinase 4-expressing vectors,
      we were able to generate a battery of immortalized human muscle stem-cell lines
      from patients with various neuromuscular disorders. RESULTS: The immortalized
      human cell lines from patients with Duchenne muscular dystrophy,
      facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy, oculopharyngeal muscular dystrophy,
      congenital muscular dystrophy, and limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 2B had
      greatly increased proliferative capacity, and maintained their potential to
      differentiate both in vitro and in vivo after transplantation into regenerating
      muscle of immunodeficient mice. CONCLUSIONS: Dystrophic cellular models are
      required as a supplement to animal models to assess cellular mechanisms, such as
      signaling defects, or to perform high-throughput screening for therapeutic
      molecules. These investigations have been conducted for many years on cells
      derived from animals, and would greatly benefit from having human cell models
      with prolonged proliferative capacity. Furthermore, the possibility to assess in
      vivo the regenerative capacity of these cells extends their potential use. The
      innovative cellular tools derived from several different neuromuscular diseases
      as described in this report will allow investigation of the pathophysiology of
      these disorders and assessment of new therapeutic strategies.

PMID- 22040609
TI  - Silage produces biofuel for local consumption.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the normal process of bioethanol production, biomass is
      transported to integrated large factories for degradation to sugar, fermentation,
      and recovery of ethanol by distillation. Biomass nutrient loss occurs during
      preservation and degradation. Our aim was to develop a decentralized ethanol
      production system appropriate for farm or co-operative level production that uses
      a solid-state fermentation method for producing bio-ethanol from whole crops,
      provides cattle feed, and produces no wastes. The idea is to incorporate
      traditional silage methods with simultaneous saccharification and fermentation.
      Harvested, fresh biomass is ensiled with biomass-degrading enzymes and yeast.
      Multiple parallel reactions for biomass degradation and ethanol and lactic acid
      production are induced in solid culture in hermetically sealed containers at a
      ranch. After fermentation, ethanol is collected on site from the vapor from
      heated fermented products. RESULTS: The parallel reactions of simultaneous
      saccharification and fermentation were induced efficiently in the model
      fermentation system. In a laboratory-scale feasibility study of the process, 250
      g of freshly harvested forage rice with 62% moisture was treated with 0.86 filter
      paper units/g dry matter (DM) of cellulase and 0.32 U/g DM of glucoamylase. After
      20 days of incubation at 28 degrees C, 6.4 wt.% of ethanol in fresh matter
      (equivalent to 169 g/kg DM) was produced. When the 46 wt.% moisture was gathered
      as vapor from the fermented product, 74% of the produced ethanol was collected.
      Organic cellular contents (such as the amylase and pronase degradable fractions)
      were decreased by 63% and organic cell wall (fiber) content by 7% compared to
      silage prepared from the same material. CONCLUSIONS: We confirmed that efficient
      ethanol production is induced in nonsterilized whole rice plants in a laboratory
      scale solid-state fermentation system. For practical use of the method, further
      study is needed to scale-up the fermentation volume, develop an efficient ethanol
      recovery method, and evaluate the fermentation residue as an actual cattle feed.

PMID- 22040610
TI  - Generation of referring expressions: assessing the Incremental Algorithm.
AB  - A substantial amount of recent work in natural language generation has focused on
      the generation of ''one-shot'' referring expressions whose only aim is to
      identify a target referent. Dale and Reiter's Incremental Algorithm (IA) is often
      thought to be the best algorithm for maximizing the similarity to referring
      expressions produced by people. We test this hypothesis by eliciting referring
      expressions from human subjects and computing the similarity between the
      expressions elicited and the ones generated by algorithms. It turns out that the
      success of the IA depends substantially on the ''preference order'' (PO) employed
      by the IA, particularly in complex domains. While some POs cause the IA to
      produce referring expressions that are very similar to expressions produced by
      human subjects, others cause the IA to perform worse than its main competitors;
      moreover, it turns out to be difficult to predict the success of a PO on the
      basis of existing psycholinguistic findings or frequencies in corpora. We also
      examine the computational complexity of the algorithms in question and argue that
      there are no compelling reasons for preferring the IA over some of its main
      competitors on these grounds. We conclude that future research on the generation
      of referring expressions should explore alternatives to the IA, focusing on
      algorithms, inspired by the Greedy Algorithm, which do not work with a fixed PO.

PMID- 22040611
TI  - Piezoelectric-assisted removal of a benign fibrous histiocytoma of the mandible:
      an innovative technique for prevention of dentoalveolar nerve injury.
AB  - In this article, we present our experience with a piezoelectric-assisted surgical
      device by resection of a benign fibrous histiocytoma of the mandible.A 41 year
      old male was admitted to our hospital because of slowly progressive right buccal
      swelling. After further radiographic diagnosis surgical removal of the yellowish
      white mass was performed. Histologic analysis showed proliferating histiocytic
      cells with foamy, granular cytoplasm and no signs of malignancy. The tumor was
      positive for CD68 and vimentin in immunohistochemical staining. Therefore the
      tumor was diagnosed as primary benign fibrous histiocytoma. This work provides a
      new treatment device for benign mandibular tumour disease. By using a novel
      piezoelectric-assisted cutting device, protection of the dentoalveolar nerve
      could be achieved.

PMID- 22040612
TI  - Suction sampling as a significant source of error in molecular analysis of
      predator diets.
AB  - The molecular detection of predation is a fast growing field, allowing highly
      specific and sensitive detection of prey DNA within the gut contents or faeces of
      a predator. Like all molecular methods, this technique is prone to potential
      sources of error that can result in both false positive and false negative
      results. Here, we test the hypothesis that the use of suction samplers to collect
      predators from the field for later molecular analysis of predation will lead to
      high numbers of false positive results. We show that, contrary to previous
      published work, the use of suction samplers resulted in previously starved
      predators testing positive for aphid and collembolan DNA, either as a results of
      ectopic contamination or active predation in the collecting cup/bag. The
      contradictory evidence for false positive results, across different sampling
      protocols, sampling devices and different predator-prey systems, highlights the
      need for experimentation prior to mass field collections of predators to find
      techniques that minimise the risk of false positives.

PMID- 22040613
TI  - Parental youth assets and sexual activity: differences by race/ethnicity.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine how the relationship between parental-related youth assets
      and youth sexual activity differed by race/ethnicity. METHODS: A random sample of
      976 youth and their parents living in a Midwestern city participated in the
      study. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted for 3 major
      ethnic groups controlling for the other demographics. RESULTS: Parental
      monitoring had the strongest association with sexual abstinence for all 3
      ethnic/racial groups. Family communication and relationship with mother were also
      important for white and black youth respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Parental youth
      assets, especially parental monitoring, can be important in the decision to delay
      sexual intercourse.

PMID- 22040614
TI  - Men's knowledge and beliefs about colorectal cancer and 3 screenings: education,
      race, and screening status.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare how education, race, and screening status affected men's
      knowledge about colorectal cancer and their views of 3 screenings: the fecal
      occult blood test (FOBT), sigmoidoscopy, and colonoscopy. METHODS: In-depth
      interviews were conducted with 65 African American and white men with diverse
      education backgrounds with similar numbers screened and unscreened. RESULTS:
      Education was associated with knowledge about colorectal cancer and the
      colonoscopy. Screening status and education were related to FOBT knowledge. Men
      knew little about the sigmoidoscopy. CONCLUSION: Intervention programs should
      tailor education about colorectal cancer and screening by educational attainment
      levels, not by race.

PMID- 22040615
TI  - Alcohol intoxication and occasional smoking: a field investigation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To test the relationship between alcohol intoxication and smoking
      behaviors in a field sample of 1139 young adults. METHODS: A self-administered
      survey and an objective measure of intoxication were used for data collection. We
      tested the relationship between smoking status and alcohol intoxication as well
      as the relationship between alcohol intoxication and smoking behaviors/intentions
      among occasional smokers. RESULTS: Occasional smokers were significantly more
      intoxicated than never smokers. Among occasional smokers, higher levels of
      intoxication were significantly associated with smoking behavior. CONCLUSIONS:
      The importance of using field studies to investigate the co-occurring use of
      alcohol and cigarettes is discussed.

PMID- 22040617
TI  - Potentials of qualitative modeling of complex health issues.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate the potentials of nutrition-ecological modeling
      (NutriMod) for integrative problem solving concerning complex health issues.
      METHODS: Causes and effects of the example overweight/obesity were depicted in
      their interrelatedness in a qualitative model within and across the dimensions
      health, environment, economy, and society. RESULTS: NutriMod facilitates problem
      analysis by visualizing the multitude of interrelated factors and promoting
      awareness to dynamics, multicausality, and multidimensionality. It allows
      considering key factors, underlying causes, and feedback loops. It supports
      discipline-transcending problem solving and predicting impacts of measurements.
      CONCLUSIONS: Modeling helps to understand complex health issues and to deal with
      their complexity and knowledge fragmentation.

PMID- 22040616
TI  - Emergency department-initiated tobacco dependence treatment.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the feasibility of a fax referral program to increase
      enrollment in tobacco dependence treatment in emergency department (ED) patients.
      METHODS: The control group received quit advice and printed information; the
      intervention group also received a faxed referral that generated telephone
      contacts. RESULTS: Treatment enrollment was higher in the intervention group
      (13.5% vs 2.7%). Only the faxed referral was associated with treatment
      enrollment. CONCLUSIONS: An ED intervention is feasible. Faxed referral resulted
      in a 5-fold increase in tobacco treatment enrollment. The ED may be an opportune
      setting to facilitate smoking-cessation behavior change among lower income,
      underserved patients.

PMID- 22040618
TI  - Changing intentions to use smokeless tobacco: an application of the IMB model.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine if the Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills model was
      effective for development of a smokeless tobacco educational unit (STEU) and
      analysis of STEU effects. METHODS: Structural equation modeling was used to test
      component relations proposed by the IMB model and STEU effects on parallel growth
      of IMB components. RESULTS: Results confirmed IMB model component relationships
      and indicated that STEU effects were primarily on information with indirect
      effects on expectancies and self-efficacy change through information.
      CONCLUSIONS: Prevention programming needs to address all IMB model components.
      Organizing analysis around the IMB model provides better understanding of program
      outcomes.

PMID- 22040619
TI  - The theory of planned behavior and helmet use among college students.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess undergraduate helmet use attitudes and behaviors in
      accordance with the theory of planned behavior (TPB). We predicted helmet wearers
      and nonwearers would differ on our subscales. METHODS: Participants (N=414, 69%
      female, 84% white) completed a survey. RESULTS: Principal component analysis and
      reliability analysis guided the creation of subscales. Group differences were
      detected on 9 of 10 subscales: F(18,788) = 10.721, P=.001, eta(2) = .187. Few
      ethnicity and sex differences were detected. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the
      validity of the TPB in predicting college student helmet use and offers a new
      scale for future research purposes.

PMID- 22040620
TI  - Variables associated with fruit and vegetable intake in adolescents.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess individual, social, and family environmental factors
      related to fruit and vegetable intake among white and black adolescents aged 11
      15 years (n=736). METHODS: Self-report questionnaire. RESULTS: Preferences,
      availability at home, family dinner frequency, snack choice, self-efficacy,
      modeling, normative beliefs, and social outcome expectations were significant
      associates of fruit and vegetable intake. Multivariate models indicated that
      these associations varied by categories of intake. Availability was the most
      consistent associate whereas fruit preference, availability, family dinner
      frequency, and self-efficacy were the strongest associates. CONCLUSIONS: Results
      highlight the important influence of the family environment on fruit and
      vegetable intake.

PMID- 22040621
TI  - Firefighter fitness, coronary heart disease, and sudden cardiac death risk.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the roles physical fitness, coronary heart disease, and
      sudden cardiac death risk play in firefighter culture, via an emic (insider's)
      perspective within the culture of the fire service. METHODS: Key informant
      interviews and focus group discussions with full-time, acculturated firefighters,
      framed within a social ecological framework. RESULTS: Physical fitness is a
      complex, cultural construct, based on functional capacity and management
      normative expectations. Coronary heart disease is not a culturally relevant
      reason for workplace fitness program adherence. CONCLUSIONS: Fitness
      interventions must culturally adapt to the unique nature of the fire service,
      emphasizing functional capacity, crew dependability, and fitness/well-being
      strategies.

PMID- 22040622
TI  - Home food and exercise environments of normal-weight and overweight adults.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the home environments of overweight and normal-weight
      adults and the relationships between the environment and weight-regulating
      behaviors. METHODS: Overweight (n=201) and normal-weight adults (n=213) assessed
      their homes via checklist and self-reported  their eating and activity habits.
      RESULTS: OW adults had less exercise equipment, fewer low-fat snacks and
      fruits/vegetables, and more TVs, high-fat snacks, and spreads than did NW adults
      (Ps<.01). These variables were associated (Ps<.05) with weight-regulating
      behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing healthy foods and opportunities for physical
      activity within the home may improve weight-control efforts in adults.

PMID- 22040623
TI  - Relationship between smoking and obesity among women.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine the relationship between smoking and weight status in
      adult women and whether this association differed by race. METHODS: The study
      sample consisted of 22,949 African American and 7831 white women enrolled in the
      Southern Community Cohort Study from 2002 to 2006. RESULTS: Both African American
      and white current smokers had decreased odds of being overweight or obese
      compared to normal-weight nonsmokers, and the inverse trends between current
      smoking and BMI held for both groups. CONCLUSION: A strong relationship exists
      between smoking and weight status, with patterns nearly identical for African
      Americans and white women.

PMID- 22040624
TI  - Development of microsatellite markers in Actinidia arguta (Actinidiaceae) based
      on the NCBI data platform.
AB  - PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Expressed sequence tag (EST)-derived microsatellite markers
      in Actinidia arguta were developed for genotyping and genetic mapping. METHODS
      AND RESULTS: One hundred and fifty EST-simple sequence repeat (SSR) primer pairs
      were obtained from the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) A.
      chinensis database using SSR Hunter 1.3. With the other 20 reported primers, 170
      primer pairs were screened using 16 samples. A total of 72 primers pairs were
      successively developed for A. arguta. Fifteen of the developed markers were
      characterized in A. arguta populations from Changbai Mountain and Daba Mountain.
      The mean number of alleles per locus in the Changbai and Daba populations was
      5.133 and 4.133, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Development of Actinidia ESTs from
      the NCBI database is an effective method of obtaining SSR markers for A. arguta.
      These markers will be useful for genome mapping and molecular breeding in A.
      arguta.

PMID- 22040625
TI  - How young trees cope with removal of whole or parts of shoots: an analysis of
      local and distant responses to pruning in 1-year-old apple (Malus xdomestica;
      Rosaceae) trees.
AB  - PREMISE OF STUDY: Manipulation of tree architecture by pruning provides an
      experimental context to analyze architectural plasticity resulting from
      competition between developing organs. The objective of this study was to
      quantify the effects of the removal of all or part of shoots through pruning on
      the redistribution of growth and flowering at spatial and temporal levels.
      METHODS: Two types of pruning cuts were applied: (1) heading cuts of either the
      main stem or laterals and (2) thinning cuts (i.e., complete removal) of laterals.
      These two types of cuts were applied in summer and winter on 1-yr-old cultivars
      of Fuji and Braeburn apple trees. Tree topology and geometry were described over
      3 years, and responses were analyzed for both local and distant scales. RESULTS:
      Heading cuts induced quasi-deterministic local responses on pruned axes, whereas
      responses to thinning cuts were more variable. For the main stem and laterals,
      responses over greater spatial and temporal scales were highlighted with (1)
      stronger growth the year after summer pruning and (2) modification of branching
      and flowering along the unpruned parts after winter pruning. CONCLUSIONS: Pruning
      typically induced growth redistribution toward traumatic reiterations and
      enhanced growth of the remaining unpruned axes with a concomitant decrease of
      flowering and cambial growth. Although results could be interpreted in relation
      to the root-shoot balance, tree responses appeared highly cultivar-specific.

PMID- 22040626
TI  - Psychometric evaluation of the Swedish version of the Person-Centered Care
      Assessment Tool (P-CAT).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Person-centered care is a multidimensional concept describing good
      care, especially within aged care and care for people with dementia. Research
      studies evaluating person-centered care interventions seldom use direct
      measurement of levels of person-centeredness. Existing scales that measure person
      centeredness need further testing. This study evaluated the psychometric
      properties of the Swedish version of the Person-Centered Care Assessment Tool (P
      CAT). METHODS: A cross-sectional sample of 1465 staff from 195 residential care
      units for older people in Sweden participated in the study. Validity,
      reliability, and discrimination ability of the scale were evaluated. RESULTS:
      Confirmatory factor analysis, parallel analysis and exploratory factor analysis
      supported the construct validity of a two-factor solution. Reliability and
      homogeneity were satisfactory for the whole P-CAT as demonstrated by a Cronbach's
      alpha of 0.75. Test-retest reliability showed temporal stability of the scale,
      and the discrimination ability of the scale was satisfactory. CONCLUSION: The
      Swedish version of the P-CAT was found to be valid, reliable, and applicable for
      further use. Two subscales are recommended for the Swedish version.

PMID- 22040627
TI  - Application of microtechnologies for the vascularization of engineered tissues.
AB  - Recent advances in medicine and healthcare allow people to live longer,
      increasing the need for the number of organ transplants. However, the number of
      organ donors has not been able to meet the demand, resulting in an organ
      shortage. The field of tissue engineering has emerged to produce organs to
      overcome this limitation. While tissue engineering of connective tissues such as
      skin and blood vessels have currently reached clinical studies, more complex
      organs are still far away from commercial availability due to pending challenges
      with in vitro engineering of 3D tissues. One of the major limitations of
      engineering large tissue structures is cell death resulting from the inability of
      nutrients to diffuse across large distances inside a scaffold. This task, carried
      out by the vasculature inside the body, has largely been described as one of the
      foremost important challenges in engineering 3D tissues since it remains one of
      the key steps for both in vitro production of tissue engineered construct and the
      in vivo integration of a transplanted tissue. This short review highlights the
      important challenges for vascularization and control of the microcirculatory
      system within engineered tissues, with particular emphasis on the use of
      microfabrication approaches.

PMID- 22040628
TI  - The cutting edge in esophageal physiology testing: equipment, uses, and analysis.
AB  - Advancements in foregut diagnostic technologies have led to improvements in the
      esophagologist's ability to accurately diagnose and classify esophageal
      pathophysiology and increased patient satisfaction and compliance in undergoing
      testing. The esophageal surgeon's ability to bring about a successful outcome is
      dependent on the proper application and interpretation of these diagnostic
      modalities. The ability to reliably and consistently differentiate foregut
      disorders from other potential contributors is an essential ingredient in
      assuring appropriate therapy and predicting success. The physician or surgeon
      treating esophageal disorders is well advised to keep abreast of ongoing
      advancements and to implement them into their diagnostic armamentarium.

PMID- 22040629
TI  - High-resolution manometry: an atlas of esophageal motility disorders and findings
      of GERD using esophageal pressure topography.
AB  - High-resolution manometry (HRM) has now become widely available and currently is
      moving into mainstream clinical practice. This article provides an HRM-related
      atlas of esophageal motility disorders focused on dysphagia and gastroesophageal
      reflux disease (GERD). Although there is some overlap between esophageal motor
      disorders associated with dysphagia and the defects and esophageal motor function
      that would predispose the patient to more severe GERD, this review is organized
      to differentiate the distinct pathophysiologic components of the two disease
      groups. A section on impaired bolus transit is also included to highlight the
      important aspect of impaired clearance in the pathogenesis of GERD.

PMID- 22040630
TI  - Evaluation and treatment of laryngopharyngeal reflux symptoms.
AB  - Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is a well-defined disease characterized by
      symptoms or complications caused by an abnormal amount of GER, which is a
      retrograde movement of gastric contents into the esophagus. Laryngopharyngeal
      reflux (LPR) is a subset of GERD and given its own identity, because the main
      symptomatic regions are the larynx and pharynx. Accurate diagnosis and effective
      treatment of LPR has been challenging. Much research has been dedicated to the
      elucidation of its complex pathophysiology and the development of accurate
      diagnostic modalities and effective treatment. Considerable advancements have
      been made in the evaluation and treatment of LPR.

PMID- 22040631
TI  - Management of the obese patient with gastroesophageal reflux disease.
AB  - Obesity and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) are common chronic illnesses.
      They often coexist and need to be treated concomitantly. Fundoplication may be
      effective for the short-term control of GERD in the obese patient; however, this
      procedure does not induce weight loss or treat the comorbid conditions related to
      obesity. Roux-en-Y gastric bypass is a highly effective treatment of GERD,
      obesity, and the associated comorbidities. Surgeons who are not comfortable with
      a bariatric surgical procedure in these patients should either complete
      appropriate advanced training in bariatric surgery or refer those patients to a
      qualified surgeon who can offer these options.

PMID- 22040632
TI  - Diagnosis and management of GERD before and after lung transplantation.
AB  - The strong association between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and the
      development and progression of pulmonary diseases has been suggested, and GERD
      has been focused on as a potential cause and thus a target for prevention and/or
      therapy. Because GERD is curable, the proper diagnosis and management of
      underlying GERD would theoretically improve the outcomes. This article reviews
      the existing literature and discusses the strategy to manage GERD in patients
      with end-stage pulmonary diseases before and after lung transplantation.

PMID- 22040633
TI  - Management of cricopharyngeal dysphagia with and without Zenker's diverticulum.
AB  - Cricopharyngeal dysphagia and Zenker 's diverticulum result from cricopharyngeal
      dysfunction, a failure of the upper esophageal sphincter to relax at the
      initiation of swallowing. The focus of surgical management involves a
      cricopharyngeal myotomy that is performed by either an open or an endoscopic
      approach. The endoscopic approach offers faster operating times, a shorter
      hospital stay, earlier time to oral intake, and lower complication rates, but a
      role for open cricopharyngeal myotomy remains.

PMID- 22040634
TI  - Peroral endoscopic myotomy for esophageal achalasia: technique, indication, and
      outcomes.
AB  - Peroral endoscopic myotomy (POEM) has been developed as an incisionless,
      minimally invasive endoscopic treatment intending a permanent cure for esophageal
      achalasia. The concept of endoscopic myotomy was first reported about 3 decades
      ago, but the direct incision method through the mucosal layer was not considered
      to be a safe and reliable approach. A novel method of endoscopic myotomy was
      developed and established by the authors. In this article, the current
      techniques, applications, and clinical results of POEM are described.

PMID- 22040635
TI  - Esophageal preservation in esophageal high-grade dysplasia and intramucosal
      adenocarcinoma.
AB  - The management of esophageal high-grade dysplasia (HGD) and intramucosal
      adenocarcinoma remains controversial. Because lymph node involvement is unlikely
      in this setting, interest in the treatment strategies for esophageal preservation
      has grown. Esophageal preservation indicates any endoluminal procedure that is
      used in an attempt to completely eradicate disease while preserving the anatomic
      structure of the esophagus. The goal of esophagus-preserving approaches is to
      provide definitive therapy while avoiding the morbidity of esophagectomy. This
      article describes the patient selection and the status of currently available
      esophagus-preserving options, and discusses the strategy for treating HGD and
      intramusocal adenocarcinoma.

PMID- 22040636
TI  - Advances in the management of esophageal perforation.
AB  - Therapy for acute esophageal perforation in the last decade has benefited from
      newer technology in endoscopy and imaging. Success with nonoperative therapies
      such as endoluminal stenting and clipping has improved outcomes and shortened
      length of stay in selected patients. Iatrogenic injury currently comprises most
      acute esophageal perforation, and nonoperative therapy may be appropriate in a
      significant percentage of patients. The decision regarding operative vs non
      operative therapy is best done by a dedicated surgical team with experience in
      all the surgical and endoscopic treatment options. Boerhaave syndrome occurs less
      often and may be treated with endoscopic therapy, although it more likely
      requires operative intervention. This article reviews current advances in the
      diagnosis and management of acute esophageal perforation.

PMID- 22040637
TI  - New pharmacologic approaches in gastroesophageal reflux disease.
AB  - This article highlights current and emerging pharmacological treatments for
      gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), opportunities for improving medical
      treatment, the extent to which improvements may be achieved with current therapy,
      and where new therapies may be required. These issues are discussed in the
      context of current thinking on the pathogenesis of GERD and its various
      manifestations and on the pharmacologic basis of current treatments.

PMID- 22040638
TI  - The natural history and complications of eosinophilic esophagitis.
AB  - Eosinophilic esophagitis is a chronic disease limited to the esophagus and has a
      persistent or spontaneously fluctuating course. So far it does not seem to limit
      life expectancy, but it often substantially impairs the quality of life. To date,
      there has been no association with malignant conditions, but there is concern
      that the chronic, uncontrolled inflammation will evoke irreversible structural
      alterations of the esophagus, leading to tissue fibrosis, stricture formation,
      and impaired function. This esophageal remodeling may result in several disease
      inherent and procedure-related complications.

PMID- 22040640
TI  - [Usefulness of the new Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography (SD-OCT)
      devices in the study of degenerative dementias].

PMID- 22040641
TI  - [Short-tau inversion-recovery (STIR) sequence magnetic resonance imaging
      evaluation of orbital structures in Graves' orbitopathy].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the orbital structures and to establish correlations with
      disease activity and severity in patients with Graves' hyperthyroidism and
      orbitopathy (GO) using short-tau inversion-recovery (STIR) sequence magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS: Observational, cross-sectional, case-control
      study. Twenty-eight patients with euthyroid status after treatment and GO (GO
      group) and 15 control subjects (control group) were included. Patients underwent
      a complete ophthalmologic examination and were then assessed according to the
      EUGOGO (European Group on Graves' Orbitopathy) recommendations. Muscle cross
      sectional areas, orbital tissue volumes and the signal intensity ratio (SIR) from
      the most inflamed extraocular muscle were calculated using a STIR-T2 weighted
      sequence MRI. Correlations between clinical and MRI measurements were analyzed.
      RESULTS: Enlargements in the cross-sectional areas and volumes were significant
      for most EOMs (P<.001), but not for the lateral rectus muscle cross-sectional
      area. A significant difference in SIR values between patients with GO and control
      subjects (P<.001) was found. No significant correlations were found between
      muscle cross-sectional areas, orbital tissue volumes, SIR values and the clinical
      activity parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Given the small sample size of our study, with
      the obvious need for larger clinical trials, we were unable to demonstrate that
      the STIR sequences in MRI are a sensitive tool in assessing patients with
      longstanding GO in order to detect inflammatory changes and activity follow-up,
      possibly because it is in inactive phase. Meanwhile, it is still necessary to
      continue performing a thorough clinical evaluation in the therapeutic management
      of GO.

PMID- 22040642
TI  - [Horizontal sensory strabismus: characteristics and treatment results].
AB  - PURPOSE: To study the types of horizontal sensory strabismus, their causes, and
      treatment outcomes. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 44 patients with
      horizontal sensory strabismus who were treated from 2002 to 2007. Patients whose
      worse eye vision was inferior or equal to 0.2 were included. The deviation angle
      in primary position, causes, type of treatment, and pre-operative or post
      operative diplopia were studied. A good result was considered if the final
      deviation was less than 10 prism diopters (pd). RESULTS: Of the patients studied,
      63.6% had exotropia and the 36.4% had esotropia. The visual acuity was between
      0.1 and no light perception in 75% of patients. The causes responsible for low
      vision were congenital in 28, and acquired in 16 cases. The mean deviation was
      46.7 pd. Diplopia was present in 5 cases, which were resolved with surgical
      treatment in 3 of them. The eye with reduced vision was operated on in 37
      patients, both eyes in 6 cases, and botulinum toxin was injected in 1 case. The
      final outcome was successful in 90.6% of the cases which were surgically treated.
      The mean follow up was 31.84 months. CONCLUSIONS: There were twice as many
      exotropias as esotropias. Strabismus surgery of the amblyopic eye shows excellent
      results without the need of new operations. There were no new diplopia cases.

PMID- 22040643
TI  - [Effects of encircling scleral buckling on the morphology and biomechanical
      properties of the cornea].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of encircling scleral buckle (SB) on
      corneal biomechanical properties of the cornea and its morphological parameters.
      METHODS: We prospectively examined twelve eyes diagnosed with vitreous
      haemorrhage undergoing pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), and fifteen eyes undergoing
      combined PPV and scleral buckle (PPV/SB) for repair of rhegmatogenous retinal
      detachment (RRD). Corneal biomechanical properties, including corneal hysteresis
      (CH) and corneal resistance factor (CRF), were measured with an Ocular Response
      Analyser (ORA) before and 1-month postoperatively. The ORA also determined the
      values of intraocular pressure (IOPg) and corneal compensated IOP (IOPcc).
      Finally, four morphological parameters of the cornea were measured with the
      Orbscan II topographer (Orbtek, Inc.): mean corneal power, thinnest corneal point
      (MUm), and anterior chamber depth (ACD). RESULTS: CH decreased significantly from
      10.2+/-1.7mmHg to 7.6+/-1.1mmHg after PPV/SB (p=0.003), but not after PPV alone
      (9.8+/-3.2mmHg vs 11.6+/-2.7mmHg, P=.465). CRF did not change significantly after
      surgery in both groups. IOPg and IOPcc increased significantly in the PPV/SB
      group (P=.019 and P=.010, respectively) but not in PPV group (P=.715 and P=.273,
      respectively). Unlike the PPV group, values were significantly higher than IOPg
      values before (P=.001) and after surgery (P=.003) in the PPV/SB group IOPcc.
      Neither the PPV/SB group nor the PPV group showed any significant changes in the
      corneal morphological parameters after surgery (P>.05). CONCLUSIONS: SB surgery
      leads to a change in the corneal biomechanical properties without altering
      corneal morphological parameters. It may cause an underestimation error in IOP
      measurement. PPV may be a less invasive surgical approach for the repair of
      noncomplex RRD than PPV/SB.

PMID- 22040644
TI  - [Diode laser photocoagulation of retinopathy of prematurity].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe diode laser photocoagulation results in retinopathy of
      prematurity (ROP) in our hospital. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Retrospective cross
      sectional study based on clinical histories of the premature infants treated
      during the period from 2004 to 2008. RESULTS: In the treated group we found a
      predominance of pre-threshold retinopathy versus threshold retinopathy (84.35% vs
      15.65%). The anatomic results were good in 96.5% of 147 eyes. None of the treated
      eyes in pre-threshold stage showed a poor result. Nine months after treatment,
      84.85% of 132 eyes showed good functional results. A poor visual response was
      associated in most of the cases with neurological diseases. Infants with
      intraventricular haemorrhages had the worst anatomical and functional results.
      Strabismus (23.5%) and nystagmus (10.3%) rates were high, probably due to the
      increased prevalence of neurological diseases. The mortality rate in treated
      children was 7.3%. CONCLUSIONS: Diode laser photocoagulation in ROP offers very
      good anatomical results when performed at the appropriate time. Nevertheless,
      prematurity is still a very important cause of visual dysfunction in infancy due
      to the associated neurological disturbances.

PMID- 22040645
TI  - [Effectiveness of topical bevacizumab in bilateral primary lipid keratopathy].
AB  - CASE REPORT: A 75-year-old man with bilateral idiopathic lipid keratopathy
      underwent a penetrating keratoplasty in the left eye. One month later, there was
      deep corneal neovascularisation extending across the bed and the graft-host
      interface, with a whitish opacity surrounding the vessels. Topical bevacizumab
      (25mg/mL) was administered 4 times daily for 2 months with partial regression of
      corneal neovascularization. DISCUSSION: Topical bevacizumab may be useful in
      preventing a recurrence of lipid deposition after penetrating keratoplasty in
      patients with bilateral primary lipid keratopathy, although its long-term
      efficacy needs to be assessed.

PMID- 22040646
TI  - [Horner syndrome as a manifestation of carotid artery dissection].
AB  - CLINICAL CASE: A 42-year-old man presented with ptosis and miosis in his left eye
      and a history of headache over the last 20 days. An angioresonance showed
      dissection of internal carotid artery. DISCUSSION: "Painful Horner's Syndrome" is
      considered to be a medical emergency due possible onset of an internal carotid
      artery dissection. We consider that awareness of neuro-ophthalmologic emergencies
      is very important in the clinical praxis of an ophthalmologist. Multidisciplinary
      treatment and follow-up of these patients is required.

PMID- 22040647
TI  - [Use of intravitreal bevacizumab for the treatment of choroidal
      neovascularization secondary to choroidal rupture].
AB  - CASE REPORT: A 28 year-old male attended our Emergency Department with a
      traumatic choroidal rupture and macular haemorrhage. After pneumatic displacement
      of the haemorrhage with C(3)F(8) and tissue plasminogen activator, the
      haemorrhage was reabsorbed and visual acuity (VA) improved. Three months later
      the patient presented with decreased VA and a juxtafoveal choroidal
      neovascularisation (CNV) that was treated with intravitreal bevacizumab. One year
      after a single bevacizumab injection the CNV remained inactive, with a final VA
      of 0.5. DISCUSSION: Intravitreal bevacizumab injection is a new and effective
      treatment for traumatic CNV. In our patient, in contrast to other aetiologies,
      the CNV needed no more than one Avastin((r)) injection to be inactivated, after
      one year of follow-up.

PMID- 22040648
TI  - [Francesco Giamberti's temporal arteritis? Eye pathology in the paintings of
      Piero di Cosimo].

PMID- 22040649
TI  - The Jinniushan hominin pedal skeleton from the late Middle Pleistocene of China.
AB  - Bipedalism has long been recognized as the seminal adaptation of the hominin
      radiation and thus used to distinguish hominins from great ape fossils.
      Notwithstanding preconceptions and varied interpretations, the distinctive
      features of the modern human foot and accompanying striding gait, appear to be
      recent innovations that are largely absent in the earliest facultative bipeds.
      These distinctive features are mainly components of fixed longitudinal and
      transverse pedal arches, and of a uniquely derived hallucal metatarsophalangeal
      joint. They enhance ankle joint plantar flexor function and accommodate localized
      peak plantar pressures at the medial ball during terminal stance. To date, the
      paleontological record has yielded very little of the hominin foot, especially of
      the Middle Pleistocene hominins. New specimens from this time interval should
      help provide insights into the timing and pattern of what appears to be a mosaic
      pattern of evolution of the modern human foot features. Here we describe the
      fossil hominin foot skeleton recovered from the Jinniushan site, Liaoning
      Province, People's Republic of China. It affords a singular glimpse of the pedal
      morphology of a late Middle Pleistocene hominin (c.f. Homo heidlebergensis).
      Dated to 200ka or older, this foot offers the earliest evidence for increased
      stability of the medial longitudinal arch, while retaining a number of primitive
      features apparently characteristic of robust premodern hominins, including lower
      arches and a less stable hallucal metatarsophalangeal joint (medial ball) than in
      modern humans. These features reflect different foot capabilities and suggest the
      bipedal stride of the Jinniushan hominin differed subtlety from that of modern
      humans.

PMID- 22040650
TI  - Sparse signal representation and its applications in ultrasonic NDE.
AB  - Many sparse signal representation (SSR) algorithms have been developed in the
      past decade. The advantages of SSR such as compact representations and super
      resolution lead to the state of the art performance of SSR for processing
      ultrasonic non-destructive evaluation (NDE) signals. Choosing a suitable SSR
      algorithm and designing an appropriate overcomplete dictionary is a key for
      success. After a brief review of sparse signal representation methods and the
      design of overcomplete dictionaries, this paper addresses the recent
      accomplishments of SSR for processing ultrasonic NDE signals. The advantages and
      limitations of SSR algorithms and various overcomplete dictionaries widely-used
      in ultrasonic NDE applications are explored in depth. Their performance
      improvement compared to conventional signal processing methods in many
      applications such as ultrasonic flaw detection and noise suppression, echo
      separation and echo estimation, and ultrasonic imaging is investigated. The
      challenging issues met in practical ultrasonic NDE applications for example the
      design of a good dictionary are discussed. Representative experimental results
      are presented for demonstration.

PMID- 22040651
TI  - Quantification of hydroxyprolyl-glycine (Hyp-Gly) in human blood after ingestion
      of collagen hydrolysate.
AB  - Plasma levels of prolyl-hydroxyproline (Pro-Hyp) and hydroxyprolyl-glycine (Hyp
      Gly) in healthy volunteers (n=5) after ingestion of collagen hydrolysate were
      estimated by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The ratio of Hyp-Gly
      to Pro-Hyp was distributed in the range of 0.063-0.221. This is a first report
      for quantification of food-derived Hyp-Gly in human plasma.

PMID- 22040652
TI  - Heart disease among adults exposed to the September 11, 2001 World Trade Center
      disaster: results from the World Trade Center Health Registry.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine associations between 9/11-related exposures, posttraumatic
      stress disorder (PTSD), and subsequent development of heart disease (HD).
      METHODS: We prospectively followed 39,324 WTC Health Registry participants aged
      >=18 on 9/11 for an average of 2.9 years. HD was defined as self-reported
      physician-diagnosed angina, heart attack, and/or other HD reported between study
      enrollment (2003-2004) and a follow-up survey (2006-2008) in enrollees without
      previous HD. A PTSD Checklist (PCL) score >=44 was considered PTSD. We calculated
      adjusted hazard ratios (AHR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) to examine
      relationships between 9/11-related exposures and HD. RESULTS: We identified 1162
      HD cases (381 women, 781 men). In women, intense dust cloud exposure was
      significantly associated with HD (AHR 1.28, 95% CI 1.02-1.61). Injury on 9/11 was
      significantly associated with HD in women (AHR 1.46, 95% CI 1.19-1.79) and in men
      (AHR 1.33, 95% CI 1.15-1.53). Participants with PTSD at enrollment had an
      elevated HD risk (AHR 1.68, 95% CI 1.33-2.12 in women, AHR 1.62, 95% CI 1.34-1.96
      in men). A dose-response relationship was observed between PCL score and HD risk.
      CONCLUSION: This exploratory study suggests that exposure to the WTC dust cloud,
      injury on 9/11 and 9/11-related PTSD may be risk factors for HD.

PMID- 22040653
TI  - Integrating levels of complexity: a trend in developmental biology.

PMID- 22040654
TI  - Steady-state kinetic mechanism of the proline:ubiquinone oxidoreductase activity
      of proline utilization A (PutA) from Escherichia coli.
AB  - The multifunctional proline utilization A (PutA) flavoenzyme from Escherichia
      coli performs the oxidation of proline to glutamate in two catalytic steps using
      separate proline dehydrogenase (PRODH) and Delta(1)-pyrroline-5-carboxylate (P5C)
      dehydrogenase domains. In the first reaction, the oxidation of proline is coupled
      to the reduction of ubiquinone (CoQ) by the PRODH domain, which has a
      beta(8)alpha(8)-barrel structure that is conserved in bacterial and eukaryotic
      PRODH enzymes. The structural requirements of the benzoquinone moiety were
      examined by steady-state kinetics using CoQ analogs. PutA displayed activity with
      all the analogs tested; the highest k(cat)/K(m) was obtained with CoQ(2). The
      kinetic mechanism of the PRODH reaction was investigated use a variety of steady
      state approaches. Initial velocity patterns measured using proline and CoQ(1),
      combined with dead-end and product inhibition studies, suggested a two-site ping
      pong mechanism for PutA. The kinetic parameters for PutA were not strongly
      influenced by solvent viscosity suggesting that diffusive steps do not
      significantly limit the overall reaction rate. In summary, the kinetic data
      reported here, along with analysis of the crystal structure data for the PRODH
      domain, suggest that the proline:ubiquinone oxidoreductase reaction of PutA
      occurs via a rapid equilibrium ping-pong mechanism with proline and ubiquinone
      binding at two distinct sites.

PMID- 22040656
TI  - [Should treatment of Achilles tendon rupture be changed?].

PMID- 22040655
TI  - Nek family of kinases in cell cycle, checkpoint control and cancer.
AB  - Early studies in lower Eukaryotes have defined a role for the members of the
      NimA related kinase (Nek) family of protein kinases in cell cycle control.
      Expansion of the Nek family throughout evolution has been accompanied by their
      broader involvement in checkpoint regulation and cilia biology. Moreover,
      mutations of Nek family members have been identified as drivers behind the
      development of ciliopathies and cancer. Recent advances in studying the
      physiological roles of Nek family members utilizing mouse genetics and RNAi
      mediated knockdown are revealing intricate associations of Nek family members
      with fundamental biological processes. Here, we aim to provide a comprehensive
      account of our understanding of Nek kinase biology and their involvement in cell
      cycle, checkpoint control and cancer.

PMID- 22040657
TI  - [Promising conservative treatment using dynamic mobilisation after Achilles
      tendon rupture].
AB  - There is no consensus regarding the optimal treatment of acute Achilles tendon
      ruptures. This review of the literature on the subject shows a significantly
      higher rate of reruptures (RR) in the conservatively treated group compared to
      the surgically treated group when the foot is immobilised in the aftertreatment.
      Recent studies that used early dynamic mobilisation in the conservatively treated
      group did not show this difference in the RR rate. The latest literature on the
      subject indicates that non-operative treatment, followed by dynamic
      aftertreatment, results in the lowest complication rate and a good functional
      outcome.

PMID- 22040658
TI  - [Coronary angiography should be considered after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest].
AB  - Cardiac arrest has a poor prognosis. Ischaemic heart disease is the main cause of
      out-of-hospital cardiac arrest. This paper is a review of the essential studies
      on acute coronary angiography and angioplasty in post resuscitation care. No
      randomised studies were found. Observational studies support the use of acute
      angiography in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction. The negative
      predictive value of ST-segment elevation can be low after out-of-hospital cardiac
      arrest, and acute angiography should be considered regardless of
      electrocardiographic findings.

PMID- 22040659
TI  - [Rater bias in postgraduate medical education].
AB  - In-training assessment is a cornerstone in outcome based postgraduate medical
      education. When assessing the trainee the trainer should be aware of potential
      pitfalls and biases and how to avoid these. This paper summarises assessor biases
      and pitfalls and gives recommendations on how to avoid these.

PMID- 22040660
TI  - [Spinal manipulation for chronic low back pain--a survey of a chronic review].
AB  - A new Cochrane review based on 26 studies - 18 new since the last Cochrane review
      from 2003 - on spinal manipulation for chronic low back pain has been published
      by Rubinstein et al. Generally, manipulation for these patients was not
      clinically relevant better than other treatments like e.g. physical training. In
      general, the widespread use of manipulation should be reduced. The issues of
      specific subgroups with possible relevance/irrelevance of such treatment to
      obtain short-lasting pain relief in selected cases are discussed.

PMID- 22040661
TI  - [The personal electronic medicine profile contributes to the avoidance of wrong
      medication at transfer from primary to secondary sector].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: It is a well-known phenomenon that there is a lack of information
      about patients' medicines at their admittance to hospital. By using data from the
      electronic medicine profile (PEM) the extra information is to be evaluated and
      compared to normal procedure for collecting medicine information. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: This cross-section investigation involves patients admitted with acute
      hip fractures at Amager Hospital, Copenhagen. After registration of the patients'
      medication history extra information was extracted from PEM with the consent of
      the patient. Information from medication history, patient, general practitioner,
      and PEM was compared in order to reach an overall view of the patients' current
      medicine status. RESULTS: Sixty-three patients participated; 58 gave consent. The
      average age was 80 years, and the patients used on average five medicaments each,
      totalling 323 out of which PEM stated the use of 99, which were not supplied by
      other sources. Out of 39 patients 2.5 lacked medicaments. 55% of these
      medicaments were estimated to be of significant clinical importance for further
      treatment. Two patients could have been exposed to a potential lethal occurrence
      had information from PEM not been applied. Every third drug that PEM added
      belonged to the Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical-systemets group N, which has the
      indication for the nervous system, including pain and depression. CONCLUSION:
      Information from PEM helps improve medication history. The possibility of wrong
      medication especially in the form of insufficient medication and interaction due
      to lack of information on the patients' current medicine is minimised through the
      use of PEM.

PMID- 22040662
TI  - [Biliary papillomatosis is a rare cause of intermittent obstructive icterus].
AB  - Over a five-year period a 67 year-old male had been experiencing recurring bouts
      of biliary obstruction with occasional superimposed cholangitis. Renewed
      endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography revealed amorphous filling defects
      and excessive mucinous discharge from the papilla of Vater. Subsequent
      choledochoscopy demonstrated exophytic papillomatous lesions in the common and
      left hepatic bile duct. An extended left hemihepatectomy and resection of the
      common hepatic bile duct was performed. Histological examination revealed biliary
      papillomatosis - a rare lesion believed to be premalignant.

PMID- 22040663
TI  - [Eosinophilic myocarditis and sudden unexpected death in a younger patient
      treated with antipsychotics].
AB  - A 36 year-old man suffering from schizophrenia was found dead in his apartment.
      Forensic autopsy was performed due to sudden unexpected death but did not yield
      the cause of death. Histological examination of the heart showed eosinophilic
      myocarditis (EM) while forensic chemistry showed a raised level of aripripazol.
      We discuss the risk of sudden cardiac death in patients receiving antipsychotic
      drugs and the possible connection between raised drug levels and EM, and we
      emphasise the importance of autopsy and hope for better means in the future of
      finding patients at risk.

PMID- 22040664
TI  - [Gastrointestinal bleeding and intussusception caused by Peutz-Jeghers syndrome].
AB  - Peutz-Jeghers syndrome (PJS) is an inherited, autosomal dominant disorder
      characterised by haematomatous polyps in the gastrointestinal tract and
      mucocutaneus hyperpigmentation. A girl 15 years of age presented with microcytic,
      hypochrome anaemia. Endoscopy revealed several polyps in the stomach and colon.
      The patient was later operated due to an intussusception from polyps in the
      jejunum. Histology proved the polyps to be haematomatous as seen in PJS. Patients
      with PJS have an increased risk of developing both gastrointestinal and extra
      gastrointestinal cancers. Screening recommendation for PJS is outlined.

PMID- 22040665
TI  - [Large fibrovascular polyp in the oesophagus].
AB  - We describe a 45 year-old man with a fibrovascular polyp attached to the entrance
      of the oesophagus. The patient had a history with regurgitation of polypose
      foreign body 4-5 years ago with spontaneous remission. Later the patient
      developed dysphagia, chest pain and weight loss. Gastroscopy revealed a large
      polyp in the oesophagus and biopsies showed no malignancy. Excision was intended
      to be performed endoscopically, but due to size, risk of bleeding and recurrence
      the operation was changed to a transcervical procedure. After one week the
      patient could eat and drink normally.

PMID- 22040666
TI  - [Picture of the month: retroperitoneal abscess].

PMID- 22040667
TI  - Optineurin with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis-related mutations abrogates
      inhibition of interferon regulatory factor-3 activation.
AB  - Optineurin has been shown to be involved in primary open-angle glaucoma. We
      recently found that optineurin is involved in familial amyotrophic lateral
      sclerosis (ALS). On the other hand, optineurin has been shown to inhibit
      transcription factors related to innate immunity such as NF-kappaB and interferon
      regulatory factor-3 (IRF3). In the present study, the effect of ALS-associated
      optineurin mutations on IRF3 activation was investigated. Optineurin inhibited
      IRF3 activation induced by melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 or Toll-IL
      1 receptor domain-containing adaptor-inducing interferon-beta. The inhibition was
      abrogated by mutations related to ALS but not by a mutation related to glaucoma.
      Reporter assay indicated that the JAK-STAT signaling pathway was not affected by
      optineurin. These results show that ALS-related optineurin is involved in the
      IRF3 activation pathway. Pathogenesis of ALS may be associated with some kind of
      innate immunity, especially that against virus infection, through IRF3
      activation.

PMID- 22040668
TI  - Impact of exercise on mitochondrial transcription factor expression and damage in
      the striatum of a chronic mouse model of Parkinson's disease.
AB  - The etiology of neurodegenerative disorders like Parkinson's disease remains
      unknown, although many genetic and environmental factors are suggested as likely
      causes. Neuronal oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction have been
      implicated as possible triggers for the onset and progression of Parkinson's
      neurodegeneration. We have recently shown that long-term treadmill exercise
      prevented neurological, mitochondrial and locomotor deficits in a chronic 1
      methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine and probenecid-induced mouse model of
      Parkinson's disease that was originally established in our laboratory. In the
      present study, we further demonstrated that long-term exercise attenuated both
      cytochrome c release and elevated levels of p53, which are known to be associated
      with mitochondrial dysfunction in the striatum of this chronic model. On the
      other hand, the expressions of mitochondrial transcription factor A and
      peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1alpha were
      unexpectedly upregulated in the striatum of this chronic model, but long-term
      exercise training brought their levels down closer to normal. Our findings
      suggest that maintaining normal mitochondrial function is essential for
      preventing the process of Parkinson's disease-like neurodegeneration, whereas
      stimulating the mitochondrial transcription factors for biogenesis is not
      obligatory.

PMID- 22040669
TI  - Edaravone, a free radical scavenger, attenuates behavioral deficits following
      transient forebrain ischemia by inhibiting oxidative damage in gerbils.
AB  - The present study investigates the neurological protective effects of edaravone
      against global brain ischemia. Gerbils were treated with edaravone (3mg/kg; i.p.)
      30min before transient forebrain ischemia, which was induced by occluding the
      bilateral common carotid artery for 5min. The effects of edaravone were examined
      by measuring neuronal damage and behavioral deficits. Hexanoyl-lysine adduct
      (HEL) and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), oxidative stress markers, were
      also examined to assess the anti-oxidative effects of edaravone. Edaravone
      treatment significantly inhibited both lipid and DNA oxidative damage 72h after
      ischemia, and decreased neuronal damage. Edaravone also significantly reduced the
      locomotor activity deficit 72h after ischemia and improved memory impairment.
      These findings suggest that edaravone inhibits oxidative stress and attenuates
      neuronal damage induced by transient forebrain ischemia in gerbils and which may
      contribute to improvements in behavioral deficits.

PMID- 22040670
TI  - Regulatory effects of costunolide on dopamine metabolism-associated genes inhibit
      dopamine-induced apoptosis in human dopaminergic SH-SY5Y cells.
AB  - Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by the selective loss of dopaminergic
      (DAergic) neurons in the substantia nigra and the subsequent depletion of
      dopamine (DA). This study assessed the protective effects of costunolide on DA
      induced apoptosis in human DAergic SH-SY5Y cells, and its regulation of DA
      metabolism-associated gene and protein expression. Annexin V and propidium iodide
      (PI) staining using flow cytometric analysis (FACS) revealed that costunolide
      significantly protected human DAergic SH-SY5Y cells against DA-induced apoptosis.
      In addition, co-treatment of costunolide with DA in SH-SY5Y cells regulated DA
      metabolism-associated gene expression, as we observed an increase in both mRNA
      and protein levels of nuclear receptor related-1 (Nurr1), DA transporter (DAT),
      and vesicular monoamine transporter type 2 (VMAT2). In contrast, alpha-synuclein
      (ASYN) protein levels were decreased. Our findings suggest that costunolide has
      anti-apoptotic activity, presumably due to its regulatory effects on DA
      metabolism-associated genes. Therefore, costunolide could be considered as a
      candidate therapy for the treatment of Parkinson's disease.

PMID- 22040671
TI  - Addition of NMDA-receptor antagonist MK801 during oxygen/glucose deprivation
      moderately attenuates the upregulation of glucose uptake after subsequent
      reoxygenation in brain endothelial cells.
AB  - During stroke the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is damaged which can result in
      vasogenic brain edema and inflammation. The reduced blood supply leads to
      decreased delivery of oxygen and glucose to affected areas of the brain. Oxygen
      and glucose deprivation (OGD) can cause upregulation of glucose uptake of brain
      endothelial cells. In this letter, we investigated the influence of MK801, a non
      competitive inhibitor of the NMDA-receptor, on the regulation of the glucose
      uptake and of the main glucose transporters glut1 and sglt1 in murine BBB cell
      line cerebEND during OGD. mRNA expression of glut1 was upregulated 68.7-fold
      after 6h OGD, which was significantly reduced by 10MUM MK801 to 28.9-fold. Sglt1
      mRNA expression decreased during OGD which was further reduced by MK801. Glucose
      uptake was significantly increased up to 907% after 6h OGD and was still higher
      (210%) after the 20h reoxygenation phase compared to normoxia. Ten micromolar
      MK801 during OGD was able to reduce upregulated glucose uptake after OGD and
      reoxygenation significantly. Presence of several NMDAR subunits was proven on the
      mRNA level in cerebEND cells. Furthermore, it was shown that NMDAR subunit NR1
      was upregulated during OGD and that this was inhibitable by MK801. In conclusion,
      the addition of MK801 during the OGD phase reduced significantly the glucose
      uptake after the subsequent reoxygenation phase in brain endothelial cells.

PMID- 22040672
TI  - Unchanged expression of the ceramide transfer protein in the acute 6-OHDA
      neurodegenerative model.
AB  - Ceramides are lipids that are abundant in brain tissue where they have an
      important structural role in cellular membranes. Ceramides are also powerful
      intracellular signalling molecules controlling cell death, growth and
      differentiation. So far, the ceramide transfer protein (CERT), a shorter splice
      variant of the Goodpasture antigen-binding protein (GPBP), is the only known
      protein with the ability to shuttle ceramide from the endoplasmic reticulum to
      the Golgi apparatus. GPBP/CERT are widely distributed in the central nervous
      system where they act as key factors for normal brain development and
      homeostasis. Ceramide accumulates in neurons during acute neurodegeneration. The
      objective of this study was to define whether levels of the ceramide transfer
      protein GPBP/CERT are altered in the acute neurodegenerative process. We used
      design-based stereology to quantify the number of GPBP/CERT immunoreactive cells
      in the striatum of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) lesioned rats as an animal model of
      Parkinson's disease (PD). In addition, gray value measurement was performed to
      quantify GPBP/CERT immunoreactivity-levels within individual cells. No difference
      in the striatal expression levels of GPBP/CERT proteins was found between
      diseased and control animals, suggesting that the expression pattern of GPBP/CERT
      in the striatum is not affected in the 6-OHDA rat model of PD.

PMID- 22040673
TI  - Neuronal activity reflecting progression of trials in the pre-supplementary motor
      area of macaque monkey: an expression of neuronal flexibility.
AB  - We studied the activity of single neurons in the pre-supplementary motor area
      (pre-SMA) of macaque monkeys as they performed two visuomotor tasks, called the
      visual fixation task and the visual fixation-blink task. Both tasks involved a
      sequence of three visual stimuli, red followed by yellow and green. The tasks
      differed in that the latter one had a gap within the period of the red stimulus,
      called a "blink". The tasks were performed in two modes, one of which included
      movements of both the arm and eye and the other of which involved only eye
      movements. In the arm-eye mode, the monkeys had to press a bar and fixate the red
      stimulus that appeared after bar press. To receive a reward, both the bar press
      and visual fixation had to be maintained until the green stimulus triggered bar
      release. In the eye mode, bar press and bar release were eliminated from the
      task. Of the 42 neurons active during the visual fixation task, 15 showed task
      related activity in both arm-eye and eye modes, and our analysis focused on these
      cells. We found that the introduction of the blink in visual fixation-blink task
      abolished the task-related activity of these cells over the course of 2-4 trials.
      This finding suggests a role for the pre-SMA in reflecting progression of trials
      as an updating of motor instruction.

PMID- 22040674
TI  - Pneumosinus dilatans, pneumocoele or air cyst? A case report and literature
      review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pathological paranasal sinus expansion secondary to air is uncommon.
      However, this condition may be symptomatic or cosmetically apparent, requiring
      surgical intervention. Various terms have been used to describe this condition,
      and nomenclature is controversial. METHOD: An 18-year-old man presented with
      right facial pain, and was subsequently found to have pneumosinus dilatans of the
      maxillary sinus. A search was conducted of the PubMed, Medline and Embase
      databases, using the key words 'pneumosinus dilatans', 'pneumoc(o)ele',
      'pneumatoc(o)ele' and 'maxillary sinus'. Articles were also hand-searched.
      Relevant articles published in English were reviewed. RESULTS: The literature
      review identified 36 cases involving the maxillary sinus (including the present
      case), with 19 cases reported as pneumosinus dilatans, 12 as pneumocoeles, two as
      pneumatocoeles, two as pneumosinus dilatans multiplex and one as an air cyst.
      However, based on the strict classification described by Urken et al., the
      majority of these cases should be reclassified as pneumocoeles. CONCLUSION:
      Whilst the nomenclature of this pathology is confusing, distinctions of
      terminology do not alter the management. Hence, we support the use of the term
      'air cyst', to incorporate all these lesions.

PMID- 22040675
TI  - In vivo innate immune responses of groper (Polyprion oxygeneios) against
      Miamiensis avidus infection and lack of protection following dietary vitamin C
      administration.
AB  - Scuticociliates are extracellular histophagous parasites that affect farmed fish
      worldwide. One of the most common pathogenic species is Miamiensis avidus, a
      pathogen of New Zealand groper (Polyprion oxygeneios). The aim of this study was
      to characterise both the host (groper)-parasite (M. avidus) immune interactions
      and the possible protective role of dietary sodium ascorbate. Head-kidney
      leucocytes (HKLs) from naturally infected adult groper showed decreased
      respiratory burst response and peroxidase (Px) levels than healthy individuals.
      Infected groper also had significantly higher serum Px levels compared to
      controls. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) was inhibited in the head-kidney (HK) whereas
      MPO(+) cells were observed in the skin and muscle lesions. The inhibition of the
      innate immune responses was further studied in experimental infections with M.
      avidus, which confirmed depletion of Px inside leucocytes and marked increases in
      serum Px in infected individuals. Groper juveniles were fed a diet supplemented
      with sodium ascorbate (Vitamin C) (2g Kg(-1)) for 21 days and then challenged by
      subcutaneous injection or immersion exposure with live M. avidus cells. No
      protection was observed in the sodium ascorbate fed groper compared to the
      control diet following challenge by either injection or immersion. In vitro
      assays showed that sodium ascorbate itself results in the inhibition of Px and
      respiratory burst of groper HKLs, supporting the results obtained in vivo. Our
      results show that histophagous protozoa such as M. avidus hamper innate immune
      defences of fish hosts and that dietary sodium ascorbate does not protect groper
      against experimental infection with this parasite.

PMID- 22040676
TI  - Direct visualization of pH-dependent evolution of structure and dynamics in
      microgel suspensions.
AB  - We use 3D confocal microscopy combined with image analysis and particle tracking
      techniques to study the structure and dynamics of aqueous suspensions of
      fluorescently labelled p(NIPAm-co-AAc) microgel particles. By adjusting the pH we
      can tune the interactions between the microgel particles from purely repulsive
      near neutral pH, to weakly attractive at low pH. This change in the interaction
      potential has a pronounced effect on the manner in which the suspensions
      solidify. We directly follow the evolution of the system after a quench from the
      liquid state to obtain detailed information on the route to kinetic arrest. At
      low pH and low concentration, dynamic arrest results mainly from crystallization
      driven by the attraction between particles; crystal nucleation occurs
      homogeneously throughout the sample and does not appear to be localized to
      geometric boundaries. Moreover, the growth of crystals is characterized by
      nucleation-limited kinetics where a rapid growth of crystal domains takes place
      after a long concentration-dependent lag time. At low pH and high concentration,
      relaxation of the suspension is constrained and it evolves only slightly,
      resulting in a disordered solid. At neutral pH, the dynamics are a function of
      the particle number concentration only; a high concentration leads to the
      formation of a disordered soft glassy solid.

PMID- 22040677
TI  - Mychonastes afer HSO-3-1 as a potential new source of biodiesel.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Biodiesel is considered to be a promising future substitute for
      fossil fuels, and microalgae are one source of biodiesel. The ratios of lipid,
      carbohydrates and proteins are different in different microalgal species, and
      finding a good strain for oil production remains a difficult prospect. Strains
      producing valuable co-products would improve the viability of biofuel production.
      RESULTS: In this study, we performed sequence analysis of the 18S rRNA gene and
      internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of an algal strain designated HSO-3-1, and
      found that it was closely related to the Mychonastes afer strain CCAP 260/6.
      Morphology and cellular structure observation also supported the identification
      of strain HSO-3-1 as M. afer. We also investigated the effects of nitrogen on the
      growth and lipid accumulation of the naturally occurring M. afer HSO-3-1, and its
      potential for biodiesel production. In total, 17 fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs)
      were identified in M. afer HSO-3-1, using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.
      The total lipid content of M. afer HSO-3-1 was 53.9% of the dry cell weight, and
      we also detected nervonic acid (C24:1), which has biomedical applications, making
      up 3.8% of total fatty acids. The highest biomass and lipid yields achieved were
      3.29 g/l and 1.62 g/l, respectively, under optimized conditions. CONCLUSION: The
      presence of octadecenoic and hexadecanoic acids as major components, with the
      presence of a high-value component, nervonic acid, renders M. afer HSO-3-1
      biomass an economic feedstock for biodiesel production.

PMID- 22040678
TI  - The basic property of Lys385 is important for potentiation of the human alpha1
      glycine receptor by ethanol.
AB  - Ethanol alters the function of several members of the Cys-loop ligand-gated ion
      channel superfamily. Recent studies have shown that the sensitivity of the alpha1
      glycine receptor (GlyR) to ethanol can be affected by the state of G protein
      activation mediated by the interaction of Gbetagamma with intracellular amino
      acids in the GlyR. Here, we evaluated the physicochemical property of Lys385 that
      contributes to ethanol modulation by using mutagenesis, patch-clamp, and
      biochemical techniques. A conserved substitution (K385R) did not affect either
      the apparent glycine EC50 (40 +/- 1 versus 41 +/- 0.5 MUM) or the ethanol-induced
      potentiation (53 +/- 5 versus 46 +/- 5%) of the human alpha1 GlyR. On the other
      hand, replacement of this residue with glutamic acid (K385E), an acidic amino
      acid, reduced the potentiation of the GlyR to 10 +/- 1%. Furthermore, mutations
      with a hydrophobic leucine (K385L), a hydrogen bond donor glutamine (K385Q), or a
      neutral residue (K385A) also reduced ethanol modulation. Finally, substitution by
      a large and hydrophobic residue (K385F) and deletion of 385 (Lys385_) reduced
      ethanol modulation to 10 +/- 4 and 17 +/- 0.4%, respectively. Experiments using
      dynamic cysteine substitution with a methanethiosulfonate reagent and homology
      modeling indicate that the basic property and the position of Lys385, probably
      because of its interaction with Gbetagamma, is critical for ethanol potentiation
      of the receptor.

PMID- 22040679
TI  - gamma-Tocotrienol protects against mitochondrial dysfunction and renal cell
      death.
AB  - Oxidative stress is a major mechanism of a variety of renal diseases. Tocopherols
      and tocotrienols are well known antioxidants. This study aimed to determine
      whether gamma-tocotrienol (GT3) protects against mitochondrial dysfunction and
      renal proximal tubular cell (RPTC) injury caused by oxidants. Primary cultures of
      RPTCs were injured by using tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) in the absence and
      presence of GT3 or alpha-tocopherol (AT). Reactive oxygen species (ROS)
      production increased 300% in TBHP-injured RPTCs. State 3 respiration, oligomycin
      sensitive respiration, and respiratory control ratio (RCR) decreased 50, 63, and
      47%, respectively. The number of RPTCs with polarized mitochondria decreased 54%.
      F0F1-ATPase activity and ATP content decreased 31 and 65%, respectively. Cell
      lysis increased from 3% in controls to 26 and 52% at 4 and 24 h, respectively,
      after TBHP exposure. GT3 blocked ROS production, ameliorated decreases in state 3
      and oligomycin-sensitive respirations and F0F1-ATPase activity, and maintained
      RCR and mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsi(m)) in injured RPTCs. GT3
      maintained ATP content, blocked RPTC lysis at 4 h, and reduced it to 13% at 24 h
      after injury. Treatment with equivalent concentrations of AT did not block ROS
      production and cell lysis and moderately improved mitochondrial respiration and
      coupling. This is the first report demonstrating the protective effects of GT3
      against RPTC injury by: 1) decreasing production of ROS, 2) improving
      mitochondrial respiration, coupling, DeltaPsi(m), and F0F1-ATPase function, 3)
      maintaining ATP levels, and 4) preventing RPTC lysis. Our data suggest that GT3
      is superior to AT in protecting RPTCs against oxidant injury and may prove
      therapeutically valuable for preventing renal injury associated with oxidative
      stress.

PMID- 22040680
TI  - Specific inhibition of spleen tyrosine kinase suppresses leukocyte immune
      function and inflammation in animal models of rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - Based on genetic studies that establish the role of spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk)
      in immune function, inhibitors of this kinase are being investigated as
      therapeutic agents for inflammatory diseases. Because genetic studies eliminate
      both adapter functions and kinase activity of Syk, it is difficult to delineate
      the effect of kinase inhibition alone as would be the goal with small-molecule
      kinase inhibitors. We tested the hypothesis that specific pharmacological
      inhibition of Syk activity retains the immunomodulatory potential of Syk genetic
      deficiency. We report here on the discovery of (4-(3-(2H-1,2,3-triazol-2
      yl)phenylamino)-2-((1R,2S)-2-aminocyclohexylamino) pyrimidine-5-carboxamide
      acetate (P505-15), a highly specific and potent inhibitor of purified Syk (IC50 1
      2 nM). In human whole blood, P505-15 potently inhibited B cell antigen receptor
      mediated B cell signaling and activation (IC50 0.27 and 0.28 MUM, respectively)
      and Fcepsilon receptor 1-mediated basophil degranulation (IC50 0.15 MUM). Similar
      levels of ex vivo inhibition were measured after dosing in mice (Syk signaling
      IC50 0.32 MUM). Syk-independent signaling and activation were unaffected at much
      higher concentrations, demonstrating the specificity of kinase inhibition in
      cellular systems. Oral administration of P505-15 produced dose-dependent anti
      inflammatory activity in two rodent models of rheumatoid arthritis. Statistically
      significant efficacy was observed at concentrations that specifically suppressed
      Syk activity by ~67%. Thus specific Syk inhibition can mimic Syk genetic
      deficiency to modulate immune function, providing a therapeutic strategy in P505
      15 for the treatment of human diseases.

PMID- 22040681
TI  - Relationship between Rgs2 gene expression level and anxiety and depression-like
      behaviour in a mutant mouse model: serotonergic involvement.
AB  - RGS2 is a member of a family of proteins that negatively modulate G-protein
      coupled receptor transmission. Variations in the RGS2 gene were found to be
      associated in humans with anxious and depressive phenotypes. We sought to study
      the relationship of Rgs2 expression level to depression and anxiety-like
      behavioural features, sociability and brain 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B receptor
      expression. We studied male mice carrying a mutation that causes lower Rgs2 gene
      expression, employing mice heterozygous (Het) or homozygous (Hom) for this
      mutation, or wild-type (WT). Mice were subjected to behavioural tests reflecting
      depressive-like behaviour [forced swim test (FST), novelty suppressed feeding
      test (NSFT)], elevated plus maze (EPM) for evaluation of anxiety levels and the
      three-chamber sociability test. The possible involvement of raphe nucleus 5-HT1A
      receptors in these behavioural features was examined by 8-OH-DPAT-induced
      hypothermia. Expression levels of 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B receptors in the cortex,
      raphe nucleus and hypothalamus were compared among mice of the different Rgs2
      genotype groups. NSFT results demonstrated that Hom mice showed more depressive
      like features than Rgs2 Het and WT mice. A trend for such a relationship was also
      suggested by the FST results. EPM and sociability test results showed Hom and Het
      mice to be more anxious and less sociable than WT mice. In addition Hom and Het
      mice were characterized by lower basal body temperature and demonstrated less 8
      OH-DPAT-induced hypothermia than WT mice. Finally, Hom and Het mice had
      significantly lower 5-HT1A and 5-HT1B receptor expression levels in the raphe
      than WT mice. Our findings demonstrate a relationship between Rgs2 gene
      expression level and a propensity for anxious and depressive-like behaviour and
      reduced social interaction that may involve changes in serotonergic receptor
      expression.

PMID- 22040682
TI  - TiO2 nanotubes as drug nanoreservoirs for the regulation of mobility and
      differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells.
AB  - The extracellular microenvironment plays a key role in the regulation of cellular
      behavior. To mimic the natural extracellular microenvironment, TiO(2) nanotube
      (TNT) arrays as drug nanoreservoirs for loading of bone morphogenetic protein 2
      (BMP2) were constructed on titanium substrates and then covered with multilayered
      coatings of gelatin/chitosan (Gel/Chi) for controlled drug release. The
      multilayered coatings were constructed via a spin-assisted layer-by-layer
      assembly technique. The successful fabrication of this system was monitored by
      field emission scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X-ray
      photoelectron spectroscopy and contact angle measurements. Multilayered coating
      with Gel/Chi retained the drug bioactivity and release properties, which were
      revealed by superoxide dismutase activity measurement. In addition, cytoskeleton
      observation and wound healing assay confirmed that BMP2-loaded and multilayer
      coated TNT arrays were able to stimulate motogenic responses of mesenchymal stem
      cells (MSCs). More importantly, the system demonstrated that it was capable of
      promoting the osteoblastic differentiation of MSCs. This study may have potential
      impact on the development of bone implants for enhanced bone osseointegration.

PMID- 22040683
TI  - Fabrication and in vitro evaluation of the collagen/hyaluronic acid PEM coating
      crosslinked with functionalized RGD peptide on titanium.
AB  - Surface modification of titanium (Ti) using biomolecules has attracted much
      attention recently. In this study, a new strategy has been employed to construct
      a stable and bioactive coating on Ti. To this end, a derivative of hyaluronic
      acid (HA), i.e. HA-GRGDSPC-(SH), was synthesized. The disulfide-crosslinked Arg
      Gly-Asp (RGD)-containing collagen/hyaluronic acid polyelectrolyte membrane (PEM)
      coating was then fabricated on Ti through the alternate deposition of collagen
      and HA-GRGDSPC-(SH) with five assembly cycles and subsequent crosslinking via
      converting free sulphydryl groups into disulfide linkages (RGD-CHC-Ti group). The
      assembly processes for PEM coating and the physicochemical properties of the
      coating were carefully characterized. The stability of PEM coating in phosphate
      buffered saline solution could be adjusted by the crosslinking degree, while its
      degradation behaviors in the presence of glutathione were glutathione
      concentration dependent. The adhesion and proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells were
      significantly enhanced in the RGD-CHC-Ti group. Up-regulated bone specific genes,
      enhanced alkaline phosphatase activity and osteocalcin production, the increased
      areas of mineralization were also observed in the RGD-CHC-Ti group. These results
      indicate that the strategy employed herein may function as an effective way to
      construct stable, RGD-containing bioactive coatings on Ti.

PMID- 22040684
TI  - Surface immobilization of bone morphogenetic protein 2 via a self-assembled
      monolayer formation induces cell differentiation.
AB  - Bone extracellular matrix consists of a network of proteins in which growth
      factors, like bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2), are embedded and released
      upon matrix turnover and degradation. Recombinant human (rh)BMP-2 shows promise
      in enhancing bone fracture repair, although issues regarding finding a suitable
      delivery system still limit its extensive clinical use. The aim of this study is
      to determine which cell activities are triggered by the presentation of
      immobilized rhBMP-2. For this purpose gold surfaces were first decorated with a
      self-assembled monolayer consisting of a hetero-bifunctional linker. rhBMP-2 was
      covalently bound to the surfaces via this linker and used to investigate the
      cellular responses of C2C12 myoblasts. We show that covalently immobilized rhBMP
      2 (iBMP-2) initiates short-term signaling events. Using a BMP-responsive reporter
      gene assay and western blotting to monitor phosphorylation of Smad1/5/8 we prove
      that iBMP-2 activates BMP-dependent signal transduction. Furthermore, we
      demonstrate that iBMP-2 suppresses myotube formation and promotes the osteoblast
      phenotype in C2C12 cells. The bioactivity of surface-bound rhBMP-2 presented in
      this study is not due to its release into the medium. As such, our simple
      approach paves the way for the controlled local presentation of immobilized
      growth factors, limiting degradation while still maintaining biological activity.

PMID- 22040685
TI  - Copper-releasing, boron-containing bioactive glass-based scaffolds coated with
      alginate for bone tissue engineering.
AB  - The aim of this study was to synthesize and characterize new boron-containing
      bioactive glass-based scaffolds coated with alginate cross-linked with copper
      ions. A recently developed bioactive glass powder with nominal composition (wt.%)
      65 SiO2, 15 CaO, 18.4 Na2O, 0.1 MgO and 1.5 B2O3 was fabricated as porous
      scaffolds by the foam replica method. Scaffolds were alginate coated by dipping
      them in alginate solution. Scanning electron microscopy investigations indicated
      that the alginate effectively attached on the surface of the three-dimensional
      scaffolds leading to a homogeneous coating. It was confirmed that the scaffold
      structure remained amorphous after the sintering process and that the alginate
      coating improved the scaffold bioactivity and mechanical properties. Copper
      release studies showed that the alginate-coated scaffolds allowed controlled
      release of copper ions. The novel copper-releasing composite scaffolds represent
      promising candidates for bone regeneration.

PMID- 22040686
TI  - Calcium phosphate coatings on magnesium alloys for biomedical applications: a
      review.
AB  - Magnesium has been suggested as a revolutionary biodegradable metal for use as an
      orthopaedic material. As a biocompatible and degradable metal, it has several
      advantages over the permanent metallic materials currently in use, including
      eliminating the effects of stress shielding, improving biocompatibility concerns
      in vivo and improving degradation properties, removing the requirement of a
      second surgery for implant removal. The rapid degradation of magnesium, however,
      is a double-edged sword as it is necessary to control the corrosion rates of the
      materials to match the rates of bone healing. In response, calcium phosphate
      coatings have been suggested as a means to control these corrosion rates. The
      potential calcium phosphate phases and their coating techniques on substrates are
      numerous and can provide several different properties for different applications.
      The reactivity and low melting point of magnesium, however, require specific
      parameters for calcium phosphate coatings to be successful. Within this review,
      an overview of the different calcium phosphate phases, their properties and their
      behaviour in vitro and in vivo has been provided, followed by the current coating
      techniques used for calcium phosphates that may be or may have been adapted for
      magnesium substrates.

PMID- 22040687
TI  - Structure and properties of bioactive eutectic glasses based on the Ca3(PO4)2
      CaSiO3-CaMg(SiO3)2 system.
AB  - Taking into account the phase equilibrium relationships within the Ca3(PO4)2
      CaSiO3-CaMg(SiO3)2 ternary system, three bioactive glasses with a eutectic
      composition and analogous amounts of Ca3(PO4)2 (~40 wt.%) have been prepared. The
      structure of the glasses was investigated by 31P and 29Si magic angle spinning
      nuclear magnetic resonance (MAS-NMR) spectroscopy. The glasses exhibited thermal
      expansion coefficients (50-600  degrees C) of 11.8-13.3*10(-6)  degrees C(-1), a
      glass transition temperature of 790-720  degrees C and a softening temperature of
      811-750  degrees C. The mechanical properties of the glasses were as follows:
      bending strength ~100 MPa, Young's modulus 94-83 GPa, Vickers microhardness 7.1
      4.1 GPa and toughness 0.8 MPa m1/2. The bioactive properties were discussed in
      terms of their structure deduced by MAS-NMR spectroscopy and the field strength
      of the network modifiers (Mg2+ and Ca2+). A knowledge of the glass structure was
      important in predicting its bioactivity.

PMID- 22040688
TI  - Effective inhibition of the early copper ion burst release with ultra-fine
      grained copper and single crystal copper for intrauterine device application.
AB  - To solve the main problems of existing coarse grained copper (CG Cu) intrauterine
      devices (IUD)-namely burst release and a low transfer efficiency of the cupric
      ions during usage-ultra-fine grained copper (UFG Cu) and single crystal copper
      (SC Cu) have been investigated as potential substitutes. Their corrosion
      properties with CG Cu as a control have been studied in simulated uterine fluid
      (SUF) under different conditions using electrochemical measurement methods. Long
      term immersion of UFG Cu, SC Cu and CG Cu samples in SUF at 37  degrees C have
      been studied for 300 days. A lower copper ion burst release and a higher
      efficiency release of cupric ions were observed for UFG Cu and SC Cu compared
      with CG Cu in the first month of immersion and 2 months later. The respective
      corrosion mechanisms for UFG Cu, SC Cu and CG Cu in SUF are proposed. In vitro
      biocompatibility tests show a better cellular response to UFG Cu and SC Cu than
      CG Cu. In terms of instantaneous corrosion behavior, long-term corrosion
      performance and in vitro biocompatibility, the three pure copper materials follow
      the order: UFG Cu>SC Cu>CG Cu, which indicates that UFG Cu could be the most
      suitable candidate material for intrauterine devices.

PMID- 22040689
TI  - Declining needs for total joint replacements for rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - This millennium brings new views to rheumatology. Total joint replacement surgery
      is needed less often as active treatment strategies combined with availability of
      new medications has led to more effective rheumatoid arthritis control. This was
      beautifully shown in a recent issue of Arthritis Research & Therapy by a Swedish
      study that uses data from national registers and compares incidence rates for
      total hip and knee arthroplasties before and after the establishment of biologic
      agents use for rheumatoid arthritis.

PMID- 22040690
TI  - Antiphospholipid antibodies in patients with persistent Lyme disease symptoms.

PMID- 22040691
TI  - Cutaneous lupus erythematosus on the elbows: a peculiar localization.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The presence of lesions limited to the elbows as expression of a
      cutaneous lupus erythematosus (CLE) is very unusual. OBJECTIVES: To describe the
      clinical and microscopic characteristics of these lesions, as well as their
      relationship with the different cutaneous lupus erythematosus subsets. METHODS:
      Seven cases of CLE with lesions on the elbows, collected from 1998 to 2009, were
      retrospectively analysed. All patients had a previous or concomitant diagnosis of
      lupus erythematosus based on other typical skin lesions for each subtype of lupus
      erythematosus, and they all met clinical and microscopic criteria. RESULTS: Six
      patients were women with a mean age of 33.8 years. Five cases had been previously
      diagnosed with CLE (three lupus erythematosus [LE] tumidus, one subacute CLE and
      one acute CLE). In the other two cases, these lesions were the first
      manifestation of the disease. The lesions consisted of pruriginous, erythematous
      papules and plaques with a slightly scaly surface, located on both elbows.
      Microscopically, in addition to the typical features of CLE, other changes were
      observed, including alterations in the texture and the staining properties of
      collagen fibres (five cases), an interstitial histiocytic infiltrate (four
      cases), eosinophils (one case) and a Churg-Strauss granuloma (one case).
      CONCLUSIONS: These peculiar lesions located on the elbows should be included in
      the spectrum of cutaneous manifestations of LE. Their histopathology combines
      changes of both LE and interstitial granulomatous dermatitis.

PMID- 22040692
TI  - Enhancing bone healing during distraction osteogenesis with platelet-rich plasma:
      a novel molecular mechanism.

PMID- 22040693
TI  - Reverse oblique intertrochanteric femoral fractures treated with the
      intramedullary hip screw (IMHS).
AB  - AIMS: Recent studies have recommended the use of cephalo-medullary devices for
      the treatment of reverse oblique intertrochanteric femoral fractures (Orthopaedic
      Trauma Association/Arbeitsgemeinschaft fur Osteosynthesefragen, OTA/AO 31-A3).
      Both the proximal femoral nail (PFN) and the gamma nail (GN) have shown good
      outcome results but the results of treatment with the intramedullary hip screw
      (IMHS) have not been reported in the literature. Our aim was to review the
      outcomes of these unstable fractures treated with the IMHS implant at our
      institute. METHODS: Between 1999 and 2008, 6724 consecutive hip fractures were
      treated at our institute. There were 115 reverse oblique intertrochanteric
      fractures and 63 of these were treated with the IMHS. We retrospectively reviewed
      clinical and radiological records for these fractures treated with the IMHS.
      Follow-up duration ranged from 1 to 6 years. RESULTS: Amongst the 63 patients
      treated with the IMHS, 57 (90.5%) fractures were reduced satisfactorily with one
      poorly positioned hip screw and one breach of the anterior femoral cortex. The
      mean operative time was 115 min, 22 patients required a blood transfusion and 20
      had postoperative medical complications. The major orthopaedic complications
      included two cases of malrotation, three nonunions and one traumatic
      periprosthetic fracture with a total failure rate of 7.9%. There were four cases
      of distal locking bolts breaking or backing out. The 30-day mortality was 6.5%.
      CONCLUSION: The clinical and radiological outcomes achieved with the IMHS compare
      favourably to the results achieved with other cephalo-medullary devices. We
      consider the long IMHS a good implant for the treatment of these unstable
      fractures.

PMID- 22040694
TI  - Accuracy of in situ neck-shaft angle and shortening measurements of the
      anatomically reduced, varus malreduced and shortened proximal femur: can we
      believe what we see on the postoperative films?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Measuring the neck-shaft angle (NSA) and amount of shortening of the
      femoral neck on the anterior to posterior (AP) X-ray is important when treating
      proximal femur fractures. To compensate for proximal femoral external rotation,
      the X-rays need to be taken with the leg internally rotated, an act that cannot
      always be performed or verified. This study aims to define the utility of in situ
      AP X-ray in NSA and shortening measurements. METHODS: Computed tomography (CT)
      scans of 50 patients undergoing abdominal CT scans were assessed for the in situ
      rotation of the femoral neck relative to the AP beam. Three proximal femur
      fracture Sawbones models were made and AP X-rays of the models were taken with
      changing proximal femur rotation. NSA and shortening were measured on all X-rays.
      RESULTS: In situ femoral neck rotation averaged 25.4+/-10.6 degrees  of external
      rotation (range, 0.9-51.8 degrees , 80% of measurements less than 35 degrees ).
      NSA measurements varied less than 5 degrees  with less than 35 degrees  of
      rotation in all models, and were always greater than the true value. Femoral neck
      vertical length (VL) measurement was independent of proximal femur rotation
      whereas the horizontal length component was found to be highly dependent on the
      same. CONCLUSIONS: NSA measured on AP X-ray will be accurate to within 5 degrees 
      in 80% of patients with the hip left in situ and in 100% of the patients if the
      hip is internally rotated 15 degrees . Measurement of significant varus or loss
      of VL of the femoral neck can be considered accurate regardless of leg rotation
      at the time of X-rays being taken.

PMID- 22040695
TI  - Effects of accidental hypothermia on posttraumatic complications and outcome in
      multiple trauma patients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Accidental hypothermia seems to predispose multiple trauma patients
      to the development of posttraumatic complications, such as Systemic Inflammatory
      Response Syndrome (SIRS), sepsis, Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome (MODS), and
      increased mortality. However, the role of accidental hypothermia as an
      independent prognostic factor is controversially discussed. The aim of the
      present study was to evaluate the incidence of accidental hypothermia in multiple
      trauma patients and its effects on the development of posttraumatic complications
      and mortality. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Inclusion criteria for patients in this
      retrospective study (2005-2009) were an Injury Severity Score (ISS) >=16, age
      >=16 years, admission to our Level I trauma centre within 6h after the accident.
      Accidental hypothermia was defined as body temperature less than 35 degrees C
      measured within 2 h after admission, but always before first surgical procedure
      in the operation theatre. The association between accidental hypothermia and the
      development of posttraumatic complications as well as mortality was investigated.
      Statistical analysis was performed with chi(2)-test, Student's t-test, ANOVA and
      logistic regression. Statistical significance was considered at p<0.05. RESULTS:
      310 multiple trauma patients were enrolled in the present study. Patients' mean
      age was 41.9 (SD 17.5) years, the mean injury severity score was 29.7 (SD 10.2).
      The overall incidence of accidental hypothermia was 36.8%. The overall incidence
      of posttraumatic complications was 77.4% (SIRS), 42.9% (sepsis) and 7.4% (MODS),
      respectively. No association was shown between accidental hypothermia and the
      development of posttraumatic complications. Overall, 8.7% died during the
      posttraumatic course. Despite an increased mortality rate in hypothermic
      patients, hypothermia failed to be an independent risk factor for mortality in
      multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Accidental hypothermia is very common in
      multiply injured patients. However, it could be assumed that the increase of
      mortality in hypothermic patients is primarily caused by the injury severity and
      does not reflect an independent adverse effect of hypothermia. Furthermore,
      hypothermia was not shown to be an independent risk factor for posttraumatic
      complications.

PMID- 22040696
TI  - Chaperoning alpha7 neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.
AB  - The alpha7 subtype of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (AChRs) is one of the
      most abundant members of the Cys-loop family of receptors present in the central
      nervous system. It participates in various physiological processes and has
      received much attention as a potential therapeutic target for a variety of
      pathologies. The importance of understanding the mechanisms controlling AChR
      assembly and cell-surface delivery lies in the fact that these two processes are
      key to determining the functional pool of receptors actively engaged in synaptic
      transmission. Here we review recent studies showing that RIC-3, a protein
      originally identified in the worm Caenorhabditis elegans, modulates the
      expression of alpha7 AChRs in a subtype-specific manner. Potentiation of AChR
      expression by post-transcriptional events is also critically assessed.

PMID- 22040697
TI  - Leptin as an immunomodulator.
AB  - Leptin is an adipocyte-derived hormone/cytokine that links nutritional status
      with neuroendocrine and immune functions. In humans, leptin influences energy
      homeostasis and regulates neuroendocrine function primarily in states of energy
      deficiency. Initially described as an antiobesity hormone, leptin has
      subsequently been shown also to influence basal metabolism, hematopoiesis,
      thermogenesis, reproduction, and angiogenesis. As a cytokine, leptin can affect
      thymic homeostasis and the secretion of acute-phase reactants such as interleukin
      1 (IL-1) and tumor-necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha). Leptin links nutritional
      status and proinflammatory T helper 1 (Th1) immune responses and the decrease in
      leptin plasma concentration during food deprivation leads to impaired immune
      function. Similar to other pro-inflammatory cytokines, leptin promotes Th1-cell
      differentiation and can modulate the onset and progression of autoimmune
      responses in several animal models of disease. Here, we review the advances and
      controversy for a role of leptin in the pathophysiology of immune responses and
      discuss novel possible therapeutic implications for leptin modulators.

PMID- 22040698
TI  - Immunity as a link between obesity and insulin resistance.
AB  - Obesity is a major public health problem in the United States and worldwide.
      Further, obesity is causally linked to the pathogenesis of insulin resistance,
      metabolic syndrome and type-2 diabetes (T2D). A chronic low-grade inflammation
      occurring in adipose tissue is at least in part responsible for the obesity
      induced insulin resistance. This adipose tissue inflammation is characterized by
      changes in immune cell populations giving rise to altered adipo/cytokine
      profiles, which in turn induces skeletal muscle and hepatic insulin resistance.
      Detailed molecular mechanisms of insulin resistance, adipose tissue inflammation
      and the implications of these findings on therapeutic strategies are discussed in
      this review.

PMID- 22040699
TI  - Acute heart failure syndromes: initial management.
AB  - Postdischarge mortality and morbidity from acute heart failure syndrome (AHFS)
      are high, affecting nearly half of all discharged patients within 90 days.
      Emergency department therapy remains largely empiric, with minimal evidence to
      support definitive recommendations to guide therapy. However, lessons learned
      from recent registries and trials suggest an approach to initial management based
      on clinical profiles, as defined by high, normal, or low blood pressure.
      Clinicians are provided with a practical and consensus-driven approach to
      everyday AHFS management.

PMID- 22040700
TI  - Acute coronary syndrome clinical presentations and diagnostic approaches in the
      emergency department.
AB  - This article discusses clinical presentations and diagnostic approaches to acute
      coronary syndrome in the emergency department.

PMID- 22040701
TI  - Emergency department treatment of acute coronary syndromes.
AB  - Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is a broad term encompassing a spectrum of acute
      myocardial ischemia and injury ranging from unstable angina and non-ST-segment
      elevation myocardial infarction to ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.
      ACS accounts for approximately 1.2 million hospital admissions in the United
      States annually. The aging of the United States population, along with the
      national obesity epidemic and the associated increase in metabolic syndrome,
      means that the number of individuals at risk for ACS will continue to increase
      for the foreseeable future. This article reviews the current evidence and
      guidelines for the treatment of patients along the continuum of ACS.

PMID- 22040702
TI  - A phased approach to cardiac arrest resuscitation involving ventricular
      fibrillation and pulseless ventricular tachycardia.
AB  - With the release of the 2010 American Heart Association (AHA) Guidelines for
      cardiopulmonary resuscitation and emergency cardiac care, evidence regarding
      management of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest suggests a more fundamental
      approach. To aid in understanding and learning, this article proposes a method
      that optimizes the timing and delivery of evidence-proven therapies with a 3
      phase approach for out-of-hospital resuscitation from ventricular fibrillation
      and pulseless ventricular tachycardia. Although this model is not a new concept,
      it is largely based on the 2010 AHA Guidelines, enhancing the philosophy of the
      "CAB" concept (Chest compressions/Airway management/Breathing rescue).

PMID- 22040703
TI  - Approach to the ED patient with "low-risk" chest pain.
AB  - Patients who present to the ED with chest pain (or its equivalent) but have no
      electrocardiographic changes or elevation in cardiac biomarkers after an
      appropriate interval can be considered low risk for acute coronary syndrome.
      Combined with a low demographic risk for coronary artery disease (eg, using
      Framingham criteria), such patients can be said to be "low risk" for a subsequent
      coronary event. Whether there is a role for further risk stratification with
      provocative testing and/or coronary imaging before discharge remains open to
      debate.

PMID- 22040704
TI  - Rhythm disturbances.
AB  - Patients with cardiac rhythm disturbances may present in a variety of conditions.
      Patients may be unstable, requiring immediate interventions, or stable, allowing
      for a more deliberate approach. Rapid assessment of patient stability, underlying
      rhythm, and determination of appropriate interventions guides timely therapy.
      This article discusses the differential diagnosis and treatment of adult patients
      presenting with primary bradyarrhythmias and tachyarrhythmias, with the exception
      of atrial fibrillation and atrial flutter, covered elsewhere in this issue. A
      concise approach to diagnosis and determination of appropriate therapy is
      presented.

PMID- 22040705
TI  - Atrial fibrillation.
AB  - Atrial fibrillation (AF) results from the chaotic depolarization of atrial tissue
      and is the most common dysrhythmia diagnosed in United States (US) emergency
      departments. AF affects greater than 1% of the general population, with a peak
      prevalence of 10% in those greater than 80 years of age. By 2050, it is estimated
      that nearly 16 million US patients will suffer from AF. AF has significant health
      effects, and places a considerable economic burden on the health care system.
      This article discusses recommendations that are derived from a combination of
      existing guidelines, additional evidence, and consensus.

PMID- 22040706
TI  - Emergency echocardiography.
AB  - Emergency echocardiography refers to the use of cardiac ultrasound to address
      critical and time-sensitive clinical questions during the initial evaluation and
      treatment of the critically ill patient presenting to the emergency department.
      The information obtained can be pivotal to a physician's clinical decision making
      and can guide further diagnostic or therapeutic interventions. This article
      provides an evidence-based discussion of the common uses of emergency
      transthoracic echocardiography, as well as its benefits and limitations in the
      current practice of emergency medicine.

PMID- 22040707
TI  - Aortic emergencies.
AB  - Aortic emergencies present a diagnostic and treatment challenge for emergency
      physicians. Both acute aortic dissection and abdominal aortic aneurysms can be
      difficult to recognize, and a missed or delayed diagnosis may be fatal. A high
      clinical suspicion and rapid patient evaluation are important. Although many
      patients ultimately require surgical intervention, early and aggressive attention
      to hemodynamic stability by the emergency physician can provide a window to
      definitive treatment.

PMID- 22040708
TI  - Diagnosis and management of valvular heart disease in emergency medicine.
AB  - A popular saying holds that if one can hear a heart murmur in the middle of a
      loud and busy emergency department, then by definition the murmur is significant.
      Whether or not this is actually true, it does capture the frustration emergency
      physicians feel when trying to diagnose or manage valvular pathologic conditions
      with familiar yet limited tools. This article focuses on the valve-related issues
      the emergency physician will face, from the trauma patient with a mechanical
      valve who may need his or her anticoagulation reversed to the febrile patient
      with a new murmur.

PMID- 22040709
TI  - Congenital heart disease.
AB  - Pediatric congenital heart disease comprises a wide spectrum of structural
      defects. These lesions present in a limited number of ways. An infant presenting
      with profound shock, cyanosis, or evidence of congestive heart failure should
      raise the suspicion of congenital heart disease. Although most congenital lesions
      are diagnosed in utero, the emergency physician must be aware of these cardinal
      presentations because many patients present in the postnatal period around the
      time that the ductus arteriosus closes. Aggressive management of cardiopulmonary
      instability combined with empiric use of prostaglandin E(1) and early pediatric
      cardiology consultation is essential for positive outcomes.

PMID- 22040710
TI  - Foreword: cardiovascular emergencies.

PMID- 22040711
TI  - Preface: cardiovascular emergencies.

PMID- 22040712
TI  - Environmental assessment of recycled printing and writing paper: a case study in
      China.
AB  - A life cycle assessment was conducted using IMPACT2002+ to estimate the
      environmental impact of producing printing and writing paper, which is entirely
      made with wastepaper. To confirm and add credibility to the study, uncertainty
      analysis was conducted using Taylor series expansion. Printing and writing paper
      produced from wood pulp was assessed for comparison. Compared with the wood pulp
      contained scenario, printing and writing paper made from wastepaper represented
      environmental benefit on non-carcinogens, respiratory inorganics, global warming,
      and non-renewable energy categories. In both scenarios, the technologies
      significantly contribute to the potential impacts of non-carcinogens, respiratory
      inorganics, terrestrial ecotoxicity, global warming, and non-renewable energy.
      The influence of the technologies on the way other categories affect the
      environment was negligible. Improved efficiency in electricity consumption,
      decreased transport distance from raw material buyers to suppliers, and change in
      the end-life treatment of solid waste from landfill to incineration are the key
      factors in reducing the overall environmental impact.

PMID- 22040713
TI  - Nitrogen removal assessment through nitrification rates and media biofilm
      accumulation in an IFAS process demonstration study.
AB  - An IFAS demonstration study was conducted at the 76,000 m(3)/day (20MGD) James
      River Wastewater Treatment Plant (JRTP) located in Newport News, Virginia by
      converting one fully-aerobic conventional aeration basin with dedicated secondary
      clarification to a 7041 m(3)/day (8404 m(3)/day max month) IFAS train in a
      modified Ludzack-Ettinger (MLE) configuration. During the study, biomass
      concentrations on the biofilm carriers were monitored (weekly) as well as
      nitrogen species concentrations in the IFAS reactor to quantify the nitrogen
      transformations occurring within the demonstration tank. In a related effort,
      nitrification kinetics for ammonia and nitrite oxidizing bacteria were monitored
      on a weekly basis for IFAS media alone, IFAS process mixed liquor without media,
      and IFAS mixed liquor and media together in an effort to identify the location of
      nitrification activity (i.e. on the media or in the suspended culture) in the
      IFAS process. Biomass quantity on the media was generally observed to be
      inversely related to temperature except during a period when an auxiliary carbon
      source contaminated with fungi was introduced. Both ammonia oxidizing and nitrite
      oxidizing bacterial activity were elevated on the carriers compared to the
      suspended culture (AOB(media): 4.97 mgNOx/gMLSS/hr; AOB(suspended): 1.72
      mgNOx/gMLSS/hr; NOB(media): 7.55 mgNOx/gMLSS/hr; NOB(suspended): 0.82
      mgNOx/gMLSS/hr) during all periods of the study. In-basin nitrification rates
      calculated based on nitrogen profiling efforts averaged 0.90 mgNOx/m(2)/day which
      was in good agreement with the average of 0.89 mgNOx/m(2)/day for IFAS mixed
      liquor and media from batch testing.

PMID- 22040714
TI  - Frequency of use controls chemical leaching from drinking-water containers
      subject to disinfection.
AB  - Microbial-, and chemical-based burden of disease associated with lack of access
      to safe water continues to primarily impact developing countries. Cost-effective
      health risk-mitigating measures, such as of solar disinfection applied to
      microbial-contaminated water stored in plastic bottles have been increasingly
      tested in developing countries adversely impacted by epidemic water-borne
      diseases. Public health concerns associated with chemical leaching from water
      packaging materials led us to investigate the magnitude and variability of
      antimony (Sb) and bromine (Br) leaching from reused plastic containers
      (polyethylene terephthalate, PET; and polycarbonate, PC) subject to UV and/or
      temperature-driven disinfection. The overall objective of this study was to
      determine the main and interactive effects of temperature, UV exposure duration,
      and frequency of bottle reuse on the extent of leaching of Sb and Br from plastic
      bottles into water. Regardless of UV exposure duration, frequency of reuse (up to
      27 times) was the major factor that linearly increased Sb leaching from PET
      bottles at all temperatures tested (13-47  degrees C). Leached Sb concentrations
      (~360 ng L(-1)) from the highly reused (27 times) PET bottles (minimal Sb
      leaching from PC bottles, <15 ng L(-1)) did not pose a serious risk to human
      health according to current daily Sb acceptable intake estimates. Leached Br
      concentrations from both PET and PC containers (up to ~15 MUg L(-1)) did not pose
      a consumer health risk either, however, no acceptable daily dose estimates exist
      for oral ingestion of organo-brominated, or other plasticizers/additives
      compounds if they were to be found in bottled water at much lower concentrations.
      Additional research on potential leaching of organic chemicals from water
      packaging materials is deemed necessary under relevant environmental conditions.

PMID- 22040715
TI  - Mortality in patients with hip fracture aged over 90 years: a report from a
      progressively aging island.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In our aging society, hip fractures are common in elderly patients,
      especially those aged above 90 years. Improving mortality rates after this injury
      is an important part of medical management for the elderly. This study assessed
      mortality rates after hip fracture in patients aged >=90 years and examined
      factors that contribute to mortality. METHOD: Between April 2003 and March 2009,
      186 patients aged >=65 years were studied. Of these, 50 patients were aged >=90
      years. Walking ability before injury and at discharge, preoperative physical
      status, number of comorbidities, postoperative survival, sex, fracture type, and
      patients' residential status were investigated. RESULTS: One-year mortality was
      higher in patients aged >=90 years (24%) than in younger patients (10%) (p=0.01).
      Moreover, older patients were less likely to retain walking ability at discharge,
      and poor postoperative ambulatory levels were associated with increased
      mortality. Preoperative physical status according to the grading system of the
      American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) did not differ between the two age
      groups. Poor ASA grade was associated with mortality in the entire population,
      but this association was not significant in the older group. Although older
      patients had a higher number of trochanteric fractures, fracture type and
      mortality did not significantly correlate with age. CONCLUSION: Acceptable
      outcomes of hip fracture surgery can be achieved in very old patients. In
      addition, postoperative ambulatory level may be a predictor of mortality.

PMID- 22040716
TI  - Outcome predictors affecting the efficacy of clonazepam therapy for the
      management of burning mouth syndrome (BMS).
AB  - BMS is a common condition characterized by chronic oral mucosal pain condition
      and primarily affects elderly women. Although clonazepam therapy has been widely
      used due to its efficacy, it is not always effective because of the complexity of
      BMS pathogenesis. In this study, we have investigated outcome predictors of
      clonazepam therapy in patients with BMS. One hundred patients with BMS (7 men and
      93 women, mean age 58.5 +/- 10.8 years) were instructed to take 0.5mg of
      clonazepam once or twice daily for 4 weeks. The patients were sub-grouped
      according to psychological status, salivary flow rate, presence of psychiatric
      medications, symptom area and duration, symptom severity, presence of oral
      parafunctions, and accompanying oral complaints. The changes in symptoms were
      analyzed and compared between the sub-groups. Subjects with T-scores <=50 for
      each psychological symptom dimension, a greater degree of initial symptoms
      (visual analog scale (VAS)>=5), and accompanying oral complaints, such as
      xerostomia and taste disturbance, displayed greater decreases in symptoms
      compared with their counterparts. In conclusion, psychological status, initial
      symptom severity, and the presence of xerostomia and/or taste disturbance can
      serve as outcome predictors of clonazepam therapy for patients with BMS.

PMID- 22040717
TI  - A genetic polymorphism in the CAV1 gene associates with the development of
      bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome after lung transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Caveolin 1 (Cav-1) is the primary structural component of cell
      membrane invaginations called 'caveolae'. Expression of Cav-1 is implicated in
      the pathogenesis of pulmonary fibrosis. Genetic polymorphisms in the CAV1 gene
      influence the function of Cav-1 in malignancies and associate with renal
      allograft fibrosis. Chronic allograft rejection after lung transplantation,
      called 'bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome' (BOS), is also characterised by the
      development of fibrosis.In this study, we investigated whether CAV1 genotypes
      associate with BOS and whether Cav-1 serum levels are influenced by the CAV1
      genotype and can be used as a biomarker to predict the development of BOS.
      METHODS: Twenty lung transplant recipients with BOS (BOSpos), ninety without BOS
      (BOSneg) and four hundred twenty-two healthy individuals donated DNA samples.
      Four SNPs in CAV1 were genotyped. Serial Cav-1 serum levels were measured in a
      matched cohort of 10 BOSpos patients and 10 BOSneg patients. Furthermore, single
      time point Cav-1 serum levels were measured in 33 unmatched BOSneg patients and
      60 healthy controls. RESULTS: Homozygosity of the minor allele of rs3807989 was
      associated with an increased risk for BOS (odds ratio: 6.13; P = 0.0013). The
      median Cav-1 serum level was significantly higher in the BOSpos patients than in
      the matched BOSneg patients (P = 0.026). Longitudinal analysis did not show
      changes in Cav-1 serum levels over time in both groups. The median Cav-1 serum
      level in the group of 43 BOSneg patients was lower than that in the healthy
      control group (P = 0.046).In lung transplant recipients, homozygosity of the
      minor allele of rs3807989 and rs3807994 was associated with increased Cav-1 serum
      levels. CONCLUSION: In lung transplant recipients, the CAV1 SNP rs3807989 was
      associated with the development of BOS and Cav-1 serum levels were influenced by
      the CAV1 genotype.

PMID- 22040718
TI  - The editor's roundtable: role of percutaneous coronary intervention and drug
      eluting stents in patients with stable coronary heart disease.

PMID- 22040719
TI  - Comparison of ascending aortic size in patients with severe bicuspid aortic valve
      stenosis treated with versus without a statin drug.
AB  - Ascending aortic dilation commonly occurs in patients with bicuspid aortic valve
      (BAV). Statins have been shown to reduce the expression of matrix
      metalloproteinases and slow the progression of abdominal aortic aneurysms. The
      role of statins in slowing ascending aortic dilation in patients with BAV is
      unknown. We sought to compare the ascending aortic dimensions in patients with
      BAV stenosis treated with versus without a statin. From our catheterization
      laboratory database, all patients undergoing preoperative coronary angiography
      before aortic valve with or without ascending aorta replacement for bicuspid
      aortic stenosis (AS) from 2004 to 2007 were identified. The ascending aortic size
      was measured on their preoperative transesophageal echocardiogram. Data on statin
      use were obtained from chart review, and the ascending aortic size was compared
      between patients taking and not taking a statin. The study sample included 147
      patients, of whom 76 were treated with statins (mean age 62 +/- 9 years, 72% men)
      and 71 were not (mean age 59 +/- 12 years, 68% men). The total and low-density
      lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride levels were significantly lower in the
      statin group. The ascending aorta size was significantly lower in the statin
      subgroup of the pure severe AS group (3.6 +/- 0.7 cm vs 3.9 +/- 0.6 cm, p < 0.01)
      but not in the mixed severe AS and severe aortic regurgitation group. In the pure
      severe AS group, significantly fewer patients taking a statin had an ascending
      aorta >= 4 cm (29% vs 52%, p < 0.02). On multivariate analysis, statin use was
      the only independent predictor of aortic size and was associated with a 0.33-cm
      reduction in aortic size (95% confidence interval 0.06 to 0.59, p < 0.01). In
      conclusion, patients with statin-treated BAV stenosis have a smaller ascending
      aortic size than patients with BAV untreated with statins.

PMID- 22040721
TI  - Right-dominant unbalanced atrioventricular canal and genetic syndromes.

PMID- 22040722
TI  - The transfer of iron between ceruloplasmin and transferrins.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is over 60years since the discovery and isolation of the serum
      ferroxidase ceruloplasmin. In that time much basic information about the protein
      has been elucidated including its catalytic and kinetic properties as an enzyme,
      expression, sequence and structure. The importance of its biological role is
      indicated in genetic diseases such as aceruloplasminemia where its function is
      lost through mutation. Despite this wealth of data, fundamental questions about
      its action remain unanswered and in this article we address the question of how
      ferric iron produced by the ferroxidase activity of ceruloplasmin could be taken
      up by transferrins or lactoferrins. METHODS: Overlapping peptide libraries for
      human ceruloplasmin have been probed with a number of different lactoferrins to
      identify putative lactoferrin-binding regions on human ceruloplasmin. Docking
      software, 3D-Garden, has been used to model the binding of human lactoferrin to
      human ceruloplasmin. RESULTS: Upon probing the human ceruloplasmin library with
      human lactoferrin, three predominantly acidic lactoferrin-binding peptides,
      located in domains 2, 5 and 6 of human ceruloplasmin, were identified. The
      docking software identified a complex such that the N-lobe of human apo
      lactoferrin interacts with the catalytic ferroxidase centre on human
      ceruloplasmin. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: In vitro binding studies and molecular
      modelling indicate that lactoferrin can bind to ceruloplasmin such that a direct
      transfer of ferric iron between the two proteins is possible. A direct transfer
      of ferric iron from ceruloplasmin to lactoferrin would prevent both the formation
      of potentially toxic hydroxyl radicals and the utilization of iron by pathogenic
      bacteria.

PMID- 22040723
TI  - Fundamental properties of Ca2+ signals.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ca2+ is a ubiquitous and versatile second messenger that transmits
      information through changes of the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration. Recent
      investigations changed basic ideas on the dynamic character of Ca2+ signals and
      challenge traditional ideas on information transmission. SCOPE OF REVIEW: We
      present recent findings on key characteristics of the cytosolic Ca2+ dynamics and
      theoretical concepts that explain the wide range of experimentally observed Ca2+
      signals. Further, we relate properties of the dynamical regulation of the
      cytosolic Ca2+ concentration to ideas about information transmission by
      stochastic signals. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate the importance of the
      hierarchal arrangement of Ca2+ release sites on the emergence of cellular Ca2+
      spikes. Stochastic Ca2+ signals are functionally robust and adaptive to changing
      environmental conditions. Fluctuations of interspike intervals (ISIs) and the
      moment relation derived from ISI distributions contain information on the channel
      cluster open probability and on pathway properties. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: Robust
      and reliable signal transduction pathways that entail Ca2+ dynamics are essential
      for eukaryotic organisms. Moreover, we expect that the design of a stochastic
      mechanism which provides robustness and adaptivity will be found also in other
      biological systems. Ca2+ dynamics demonstrate that the fluctuations of cellular
      signals contain information on molecular behavior. This article is part of a
      Special Issue entitled Biochemical, biophysical and genetic approaches to
      intracellular calcium signaling.

PMID- 22040724
TI  - Potentiation of C1-esterase inhibitor by heparin and interactions with C1s
      protease as assessed by surface plasmon resonance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Human C1-esterase inhibitor (C1-INH) is a multifunctional plasma
      protein with a wide range of inhibitory and non-inhibitory properties, mainly
      recognized as a key down-regulator of the complement and contact cascades. The
      potentiation of C1-INH by heparin and other glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) regulates a
      broad spectrum of C1-INH activities in vivo both in normal and disease states.
      SCOPE OF RESEARCH: We have studied the potentiation of human C1-INH by heparin
      using Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR), circular dichroism (CD) and a functional
      assay. To advance a SPR for multiple-unit interaction studies of C1-INH we have
      developed a novel (consecutive double capture) approach exploring different
      immobilization and layout. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS: Our SPR experiments conducted in
      three different design versions showed marked acceleration in C1-INH interactions
      with complement protease C1s as a result of potentiation of C1-INH by heparin
      (from 5- to 11-fold increase of the association rate). Far-UV CD studies
      suggested that heparin binding did not alter C1-INH secondary structure.
      Functional assay using chromogenic substrate confirmed that heparin does not
      affect the amidolytic activity of C1s, but does accelerate its consumption due to
      C1-INH potentiation. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: This is the first report that directly
      demonstrates a significant acceleration of the C1-INH interactions with C1s due
      to heparin by using a consecutive double capture SPR approach. The results of
      this study may be useful for further C-INH therapeutic development, ultimately
      for the enhancement of current C1-INH replacement therapies.

PMID- 22040725
TI  - A case of Powassan viral hemorrhagic encephalitis involving bilateral thalami.

PMID- 22040726
TI  - Glioblastoma multiforme of the conus medullaris in a 28-year-old female: a case
      report and review of the literature.

PMID- 22040727
TI  - Shunt overdrainage after mild head trauma.

PMID- 22040728
TI  - Glutamate input to noradrenergic neurons plays an essential role in the
      development of morphine dependence and psychomotor sensitization.
AB  - The brain's noradrenergic system is involved in the development of behaviours
      induced by drugs of abuse, e.g. dependence and withdrawal, and also reward or
      psychomotor effects. To investigate how noradrenergic system activity is
      controlled in the context associated with drug-induced behaviours, we generated a
      Cre/loxP mouse model in which the essential glutamate NMDA receptor subunit NR1
      is ablated in cells expressing dopamine beta-hydroxylase (Dbh). As a result, the
      noradrenergic cells in NR1DbhCre mice lack the NMDA receptor-dependent component
      of excitatory post-synaptic currents. The mutant mice displayed no obvious
      behavioural alterations, had unchanged noradrenaline content and mild increase in
      dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens. Interestingly, NR1DbhCre animals did
      not develop morphine-induced psychomotor sensitization. However, when the
      morphine injections were preceded by treatment with RX821002, an antagonist of
      alpha2-adrenergic receptors, the development of sensitization was restored.
      Conversely, pretreatment with clonidine, an agonist of alpha2-adrenergic
      receptors, blocked development of sensitization in wild-type mice. We also found
      that while the development of tolerance to morphine was normal in mutant mice,
      withdrawal symptoms were attenuated. These data reveal that NMDA receptors on
      noradrenergic neurons regulate development of opiate dependence and psychomotor
      sensitization, by controlling drug-induced noradrenaline signalling.

PMID- 22040729
TI  - Simultaneous determination of flucloxacillin and ampicillin in human plasma by
      ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and subsequent
      application to a clinical study in healthy Chinese volunteers.
AB  - A novel method has been developed for the simultaneous determination of
      flucloxacillin and ampicillin in human plasma by ultra performance liquid
      chromatography combined with tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). The plasma
      was treated by single step of protein precipitation (PPT) with acetonitrile. The
      chromatographic separation was performed with a mobile phase consisting of 10mM
      ammonium formate and acetonitrile (68:32, v/v). The analyses were carried out by
      multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) using the precursor-to-product combinations of
      m/z 454.1->160.3 (flucloxacillin), m/z 350.1->106.4 (ampicillin) and m/z 436.1
      >277.3 (IS). Validation results indicated that the lower limit of quantification
      (LLOQ) were both 0.2 MUg/mL and both assay exhibited a linear range of 0.2-500
      MUg/mL. The intra-batch precision (R.S.D.) was less than 10.6% and inter-batch
      R.S.D. was less than 11.2%, while accuracy was with +/-8% and +/-9.9%, determined
      from QC samples for flucloxacillin and ampicillin. A rapid, sensitive and
      specific method for simultaneous quantifying flucloxacillin and ampicillin in
      human plasma have been devised and successfully applied to a clinic
      pharmacokinetic study.

PMID- 22040730
TI  - Imbalanced pro- and anti-Th17 responses (IL-17/granulocyte colony-stimulating
      factor) predict fatal outcome in 2009 pandemic influenza.

PMID- 22040731
TI  - Biochemical and structural analysis of Gox2181, a new member of the SDR
      superfamily from Gluconobacter oxydans.
AB  - Gluconobacter oxydans enable to oxidize sugars and polyols incompletely to
      corresponding materials with potential industrial applications, containing around
      75 putative dehydrogenases. One of these putative dehydrogenases, Gox2181, was
      cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3), and its X-ray crystal
      structure was determined to a resolution of 1.8 A. Gox2181 formed a homo-tetramer
      in the crystal that was coincident with the apparent molecular mass determined in
      the solution. Gox2181 displayed alpha/beta-folding patterns, the conserved
      catalytic tetrad of Asn119-Ser147-Tyr162-Lys166, and the NAD-binding pocket,
      which aligned well with the 'classical' type of short-chain
      dehydrogenase/reductase (SDR) enzymes. Gox2181 was denoted SDR51C based on the
      SDR nomenclature system. The purified recombinant Gox2181 was demonstrated to be
      NAD(H)-dependent and active towards a wide range of substrates, including sugar
      alcohols, secondary alcohols, ketones, and ketoses. Among the substrates tested,
      Gox2181 displayed preference for secondary hydroxyl or carbonyl groups, showing
      low K(m) values with d-arabitol and butanedione.

PMID- 22040732
TI  - The signal-anchor sequence of CYP2C1 inserts into the membrane as a hairpin
      structure.
AB  - Microsomal cytochrome P450s (CYPs) are anchored to the endoplasmic reticulum
      membrane by the N-terminal signal-anchor sequence which is predicted to insert
      into the membrane as a type 1 transmembrane helix with a luminally located N
      terminus. We have mapped amino acids of the CYP2C1 signal-anchor, fused to Cys
      free glutathione S-transferase, within the membrane by Cys-specific labeling with
      membrane-impermeant maleimide polyethylene glycol. At the C-terminal end of the
      signal-anchor, Trp-20 was mapped to the membrane-cytosol interface and Leu-19 was
      within the membrane. Unexpectedly, at the N-terminal end, Glu-2 and Pro-3 were
      mapped to the cytoplasmic side of the membrane rather than the luminal side as
      expected of a type 1 transmembrane helix. Similar results were observed for the N
      terminal amino acids of the signal-anchor sequences of CYP3A4 and CYP2E1. These
      observations indicate that contrary to the current model of the signal-anchor of
      CYPs as a type 1 transmembrane helix, CYP2C1, CYP2E1, and CYP3A4 are monotopic
      membrane proteins with N-terminal signal-anchors that have a hairpin or wedge
      orientation in the membrane.

PMID- 22040733
TI  - Identification of a second catalytically active trans-sialidase in Trypanosoma
      brucei.
AB  - The procyclic stage of Trypanosoma brucei is covered by
      glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI)-anchored surface proteins called procyclins.
      The procyclin GPI anchor contains a side chain of N-acetyllactosamine repeats
      terminated by sialic acids. Sialic acid modification is mediated by trans
      sialidases expressed on the parasite's cell surface. Previous studies suggested
      the presence of more than one active trans-sialidases, but only one has so far
      been reported. Here we cloned and examined enzyme activities of four additional
      trans-sialidase homologs, and show that one of them, Tb927.8.7350, encodes
      another active trans-sialidase, designated as TbSA C2. In an in vitro assay, TbSA
      C2 utilized alpha2-3 sialyllactose as a donor, and produced an alpha2-3
      sialylated product, suggesting that it is an alpha2-3 trans-sialidase. We suggest
      that TbSA C2 plays a role in the sialic acid modification of the trypanosome cell
      surface.

PMID- 22040734
TI  - Is decreased bone mineral density associated with development of scoliosis? A
      bipedal osteopenic rat model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An association between adolescent idiopathic scoliosis and osteopenia
      has been proposed to exist. It is still not clear whether there is such an
      association and if so, whether osteopenia is a causative factor or a consequence.
      Our previous pilot studies have suggested the presence of osteopenia in scoliotic
      animals. The aim of this study was to investigate the development of scoliosis in
      an unpinealectomized bipedal osteopenic rat model, implementing osteoporosis as a
      causative factor. METHODS: Fifty Sprague-Dawley rats were rendered bipedal at the
      3rd postnatal week and separated into control (25 rats) and heparin (25 rats
      receiving 1 IU/gr body weight/day) groups. DEXA scans after 4 weeks of heparin
      administration showed low bone mass in the heparin group. Anteroposterior and
      lateral x-rays of the surviving 42 animals (19 in heparin and 23 in control
      groups) were taken under anesthesia at the 40th week to evaluate for spinal
      deformity. Additional histomorphometric analysis was done on spine specimens to
      confirm the low bone mass in heparin receiving animals. Results of the DEXA
      scans, histomorphometric analysis and radiological data were compared between the
      groups. RESULTS: Bone mineral densities of rats in the heparin group were
      significantly lower than the control group as evidenced by both the DEXA scans
      and histomorphometric analyses. However, the incidence of scoliosis (82% in
      heparin and 65% in control; p > 0.05) as well as the curve magnitudes (12.1 +/-
      3.8 in heparin versus 10.1 +/- 4.3 degrees in control; p > 0.05) were not
      significantly different. Osteopenic rats were significantly less kyphotic
      compared to control specimens (p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This study has revealed
      two important findings. One is that bipedality (in the absence of pinealectomy)
      by itself may be a cause of scoliosis in this animal model. Further studies on
      animal models need to consider bipedality as an independent factor. Secondly,
      relative hypokyphosis in osteopenic animals may have important implications. The
      absence of sagittal plane analyses in previous studies makes comparison
      impossible, but nonetheless these findings suggest that osteopenia may be
      important in the development of 3D deformity in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis.

PMID- 22040735
TI  - Retinotopic maps and hemodynamic delays in the human visual cortex measured using
      arterial spin labeling.
AB  - Cortical representations of the visual field are organized retinotopically, such
      that nearby neurons have receptive fields at nearby locations in the image. Many
      studies have used blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) fMRI to non-invasively
      construct retinotopic maps in humans. The accuracy of the maps depends on the
      spatial extent of the metabolic and hemodynamic changes induced by the neural
      activity. Several studies using gradient-echo MRI at 1.5 T and 3T showed that
      most of the BOLD signal originates from veins, which might lead to a spatial
      displacement from the actual site of neuronal activation, thus reducing the
      specificity of the functional localization. In contrast to BOLD signal, cerebral
      blood flow (CBF) as measured using arterial spin labeling (ASL) is less or not at
      all affected by remote draining veins, and therefore spatially and temporally
      more closely linked to the underlying neural activity. In the present study, we
      determined retinotopic maps in the human brain using CBF as well as using BOLD
      signal in order to compare their spatial relationship and the temporal delays of
      each imaging modality for visual areas V1, V2, V3, hV4 and V3AB. We tested the
      robustness and reproducibility of the maps across different sessions, calculated
      the overlap as well as signal delay times across visual areas. While area
      boundaries were relatively well preserved, we found systematic differences of
      response latencies between CBF and the BOLD signal between areas. In summary, CBF
      data obtained using ASL allows reliable retinotopic maps to be constructed; this
      approach is, therefore, suitable for studying visual areas especially in close
      proximity to large veins where the BOLD signal is spatially inaccurate.

PMID- 22040736
TI  - Diffuse and spatially variable white matter disruptions are associated with blast
      related mild traumatic brain injury.
AB  - Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) due to explosive blast is common among
      military service members and often associated with long term psychological and
      cognitive disruptions. Little is known about the neurological effects of blast
      related mTBI and whether they differ from those of civilian, non-blast mTBI.
      Given that brain damage from blasts may be diffuse and heterogeneous, we tested
      the hypothesis that blast mTBI is associated with subtle white matter disruptions
      in the brain that are spatially inconsistent across individuals. We used
      diffusion tensor imaging to examine white matter integrity, as quantified by
      fractional anisotropy (FA), in a group of American military service members with
      (n=25) or without (n=33) blast-related mTBI who had been deployed as part of
      Operation Iraqi Freedom or Operation Enduring Freedom. History of civilian non
      blast mTBI was equally common across groups, which enabled testing of both blast
      and non-blast mTBI effects on measures sensitive to (1) concentrated, spatially
      consistent (average FA within a region of interest [ROI]), (2) concentrated,
      spatially variable (number of ROIs with low average FA), and (3) diffuse (number
      of voxels with low FA) disruptions of white matter integrity. Blast mTBI was
      associated with a diffuse, global pattern of lower white matter integrity, and
      this pattern was not affected by previous civilian mTBI. Neither type of mTBI had
      an effect on the measures sensitive to more concentrated and spatially consistent
      white matter disruptions. Additionally, individuals with more than one blast mTBI
      tended to have a larger number of low FA voxels than individuals with a single
      blast injury. These results indicate that blast mTBI is associated with disrupted
      integrity of several white matter tracts, and that these disruptions are diluted
      by averaging across the large number of voxels within an ROI. The reported
      pattern of effects supports the conclusion that the neurological effects of blast
      mTBI are diffuse, widespread, and spatially variable.

PMID- 22040737
TI  - Response selection versus feedback analysis in conditional visuo-motor learning.
AB  - Conditional associative sensori-motor learning (i.e. the acquisition of specific
      arbitrary sensori-motor mappings) involves several processes that depend upon the
      integrity of the fronto-striatal system. The specific role of the different
      components of the fronto-striatal system in this type of learning is still
      unclear and was examined in the present functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
      (fMRI) study in humans. The subjects had to learn by trial and error arbitrary
      associations between visual stimuli and motor responses in an experimental
      paradigm designed to dissociate between the neuronal substrates specifically
      involved in the selection of the appropriate response and in the analysis of the
      feedback obtained during the learning and post-learning periods. First, the
      results demonstrate that the dorsal premotor (PMd) cortex is the critical
      structure for the acquisition and execution of arbitrary mappings of visual
      stimuli to motor responses. Second, they reveal an important shift in activation
      from the cognitive fronto-striatal network (involving the caudate nucleus, the
      dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, and the PMd) to the motor fronto-striatal network
      (involving the putamen and the PMd) as we move from initial learning of sensori
      motor relations to the post-learning selection of the responses. Finally, they
      show that feedback processing, but not response selection, increased activity in
      the anterior cingulate and orbitofrontal cortical regions, demonstrating the
      selective involvement of these limbic frontal regions in the processing of the
      consequences of a given action. Altogether our data suggest that, in conditional
      visuo-motor learning, the associations are critically regulated by the dorsal
      premotor cortex and the striatum, with additional brain areas contributing to
      specific aspects of the learning and performance of such associations.

PMID- 22040738
TI  - Disentangling visual imagery and perception of real-world objects.
AB  - During mental imagery, visual representations can be evoked in the absence of
      "bottom-up" sensory input. Prior studies have reported similar neural substrates
      for imagery and perception, but studies of brain-damaged patients have revealed a
      double dissociation with some patients showing preserved imagery in spite of
      impaired perception and others vice versa. Here, we used fMRI and multi-voxel
      pattern analysis to investigate the specificity, distribution, and similarity of
      information for individual seen and imagined objects to try and resolve this
      apparent contradiction. In an event-related design, participants either viewed or
      imagined individual named object images on which they had been trained prior to
      the scan. We found that the identity of both seen and imagined objects could be
      decoded from the pattern of activity throughout the ventral visual processing
      stream. Further, there was enough correspondence between imagery and perception
      to allow discrimination of individual imagined objects based on the response
      during perception. However, the distribution of object information across visual
      areas was strikingly different during imagery and perception. While there was an
      obvious posterior-anterior gradient along the ventral visual stream for seen
      objects, there was an opposite gradient for imagined objects. Moreover, the
      structure of representations (i.e. the pattern of similarity between responses to
      all objects) was more similar during imagery than perception in all regions along
      the visual stream. These results suggest that while imagery and perception have
      similar neural substrates, they involve different network dynamics, resolving the
      tension between previous imaging and neuropsychological studies.

PMID- 22040740
TI  - Characterization of the immunoglobulin repertoire of the spiny dogfish (Squalus
      acanthias).
AB  - The cartilaginous fish (chimeras, sharks, skates and rays) are the oldest group
      relative to mammals in which an adaptive immune system founded upon
      immunoglobulins has been found. In this manuscript we characterize the
      immunoglobulins of the spiny dogfish (Squalus acanthias) at both the molecular
      and expressed protein levels. Despite the presence of hundreds of IgM clusters in
      this species the serum levels of this isotype are comparatively low. However,
      analysis of cDNA sequences and serum protein suggests microheterogeneity in the
      IgM heavy chains and supports the proposal that different clusters are
      preferentially used in the two forms (monomer or pentamer) of this isotype. We
      also found that the IgNAR isotype in this species exists in a previously unknown
      multimeric format in serum. Finally, we identified a new form of the IgW isotype
      (the shark IgD orthologue), in which the leader is spliced directly to the first
      constant domain, resulting in a molecule lacking an antigen-binding domain.

PMID- 22040739
TI  - Ongoing physiological processes in the cerebral cortex.
AB  - Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has revealed that the human brain
      undergoes prominent, regional hemodynamic fluctuations when a subject is at rest.
      These ongoing fluctuations exhibit distinct patterns of spatiotemporal
      synchronization that have been dubbed "resting state functional connectivity",
      and which currently serve as a principal tool to investigate neural networks in
      the normal and pathological human brain. Despite the wide application of this
      approach in human neuroscience, the neural mechanisms that give rise to
      spontaneous fMRI correlations are largely unknown. Here we review results of
      recent electrophysiological studies in the cerebral cortex of humans and nonhuman
      primates that link neural activity to ongoing fMRI fluctuations. We begin by
      describing results obtained with simultaneous fMRI and electrophysiological
      measurements that allow for the identification of direct neural correlates of
      resting state functional connectivity. We next highlight experiments that
      investigate the correlational structure of spontaneous neural signals, including
      the spatial variation of signal coherence over the cortical surface, across
      cortical laminae, and between the two hemispheres. In the final section we
      speculate on the origins and potential consequences of ongoing signals for normal
      brain function, and point out inherent limitations of the fMRI correlation
      approach.

PMID- 22040741
TI  - A proteome reference map and virulence factors analysis of Yersinia pestis 91001.
AB  - In this report, we carried out the in-depth proteomic analysis of Yersinia pestis
      strain 91001 under in vitro flea-simulated condition using three technique
      routes, SDS-PAGE combined with LTQ-FT, two-dimensional liquid chromatography
      peptide (2D-LC peptide) separation combined with LTQ-FT and intact protein
      separation followed by 2D-LC peptide separation combined with LTQ-FT. Totally,
      1926 proteins (13082 peptides) were identified, covering 46.50% (1926/4142) of
      the predicted proteome. Transcriptome analysis based on a whole genome DNA
      microarray of Y. pestis defined 1655 genes with the coincidence of 56.65% to the
      proteomic results. Through analyzing the identifications of virulence factors
      involving in the life cycle of Y. pestis, it was found that Hms system and murine
      toxin, which are virulence factors involved in Y. pestis maintenance in flea,
      were highly expressed in our analysis. Moreover, some virulence factors also
      appeared with different extents, such as plasminogen activator, PhoP/PhoQ two
      component system, type III secretion system, iron acquisition systems (Ybt, Yfe
      and Yfu) and ferric uptake regulator. These results indicated that Y. pestis may
      prepare itself with various strategies in advance for its survival when it evades
      the hosts. The protein identifications can be accessed through PRIDE database
      (http://www.ebi.ac.uk/pride) with accession number 18578-18605

PMID- 22040742
TI  - Plasma membrane proteomes of differentially matured dendritic cells identified by
      LC-MS/MS combined with iTRAQ labelling.
AB  - Dendritic cells (DCs) play a pivotal role in polarising Th lymphocyte subsets but
      it is unclear what molecular events occur when DCs generate Th2-type responses.
      Here, we analysed plasma membrane-enriched fractions from immature, pro-Th1 and
      pro-Th2 DCs and used a combination of iTRAQ labelling and LC-MS/MS to quantify
      changes in the proteomes. Analysis was performed on triplicate biological samples
      and changes verified by flow cytometry. MHC class II molecules and CD29 were up
      regulated in pro-Th1 DCs whilst CD18 and CD44 were up-regulated in pro-Th2 DCs.
      One of the most down-regulated molecules in pro-Th1 DCs was YM-1 whilst the
      greatest decrease in pro-Th2 DCs was NAP-22. Other molecules up-regulated in pro
      Th2 DC compared to pro-Th1 DCs included some potentially involved in protein
      folding during antigen processing (clathrin and Rab-7), whilst other non-membrane
      proteins such as enzymes/transporters related to cell metabolism (malate
      dehydrogenase, pyruvate kinase, and ATPase Na(+)/K(+)) were also recorded. This
      suggests that pro-Th2 DCs are more metabolically active while pro-Th1 DCs have a
      mature 'end state'. Overall, although several molecules were preferentially
      expressed on pro-Th2 DCs, our proteomics data support the view of a 'limited
      maturation' of pro-Th2 DCs compared to pro-Th1 DCs.

PMID- 22040743
TI  - Absence of Helicobacter pylori in healthy laryngeal mucosa.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the presence of Helicobacter pylori in healthy laryngeal
      mucosa. DESIGN: Prospective analysis of Helicobacter pylori colonisation in
      healthy laryngeal mucosa, using the 13C urea breath test and polymerase chain
      reaction analysis. SUBJECTS: Twenty randomly chosen men (28-78 years) without
      laryngeal pathology or gastrointestinal disease were investigated. All subjects
      were scheduled for elective operative procedures, under general, endotracheal
      anaesthesia. Cytobrush samples were taken for Helicobacter pylori DNA detection.
      Nested polymerase chain reaction testing was performed on DNA solutions using two
      primer pairs from the urease A gene of the Helicobacter pylori genome. The 13C
      urea breath test was performed on two exhalation samples. RESULTS: Eight (40 per
      cent) of the subjects were positive for urease on urea breath testing; none were
      positive for Helicobacter pylori DNA on polymerase chain reaction testing.
      CONCLUSION: Based on these results, we do not consider Helicobacter pylori to be
      a normal constituent of healthy laryngeal microflora.

PMID- 22040745
TI  - Metabotropic glutamate receptors and the control of chronic pain.
AB  - Over the past two decades metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptor ligands have
      been investigated for their potential therapeutic effects in different disorders
      of the central nervous system (CNS), including anxiety, depression,
      schizophrenia, and neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, it has been widely
      demonstrated that mGlu receptors are able to modulate pain transmission both in
      inflammatory and neuropathic pain models. A large number of preclinical studies
      combining the use of selective ligands with the knockout strategy have revealed
      more details about the role of the different mGlu receptor subtypes in the
      modulation of pain information. This review will address the role of mGlu
      receptors in pain sensitivity focusing on different strategies to achieve pain
      control by targeting specific mGlu receptor subtypes. Specifically,
      pharmacological interventions aimed at inhibiting group I mGlu receptor-mediated
      signaling and/or potentiating groups II and III mGlu receptor signaling together
      with an epigenetic approach leading to an increased expression of mGlu2 receptors
      will be discussed.

PMID- 22040746
TI  - The potential application of a poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiopene) modified platinum
      DNA biosensor in mutation analysis.
AB  - In this study, we have fabricated a label free DNA biosensor by modifying the
      platinum wire with electrochemically synthesized poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiopene)
      and poly(p-aminobenzoic acid). A designed single-strand DNA oligo was immobilized
      with the carboxyl group of poly(p-aminobenzoic acid) and served as the probe, a
      target DNA was then hybridized with the probe under a proper condition.
      Differential pulse voltammetry was performed to characterize the hybridization
      efficiency in the presence of daunorubicin hydrochloride that was able to be
      intercalated into the hybridized double-strand DNA and possessed the redox
      activity. Our results revealed a satisfied linear correlation between the peak
      current of differential pulse voltammetry and the concentration of complementary
      target DNA. On the other hand, the mismatches between the target- and probe-DNA
      caused a significant reduction of electrochemical response, in which was
      correlated with the amount of mismatched base pairs, therefore the current DNA
      biosensor had potential applications not only in DNA quantification but also in
      mutation detection for clinical diagnostics and laboratory applications.

PMID- 22040744
TI  - The more the better? The role of polyploidy in facilitating plant invasions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Biological invasions are a major ecological and socio-economic
      problem in many parts of the world. Despite an explosion of research in recent
      decades, much remains to be understood about why some species become invasive
      whereas others do not. Recently, polyploidy (whole genome duplication) has been
      proposed as an important determinant of invasiveness in plants. Genome
      duplication has played a major role in plant evolution and can drastically alter
      a plant's genetic make-up, morphology, physiology and ecology within only one or
      a few generations. This may allow some polyploids to succeed in strongly
      fluctuating environments and/or effectively colonize new habitats and, thus,
      increase their potential to be invasive. SCOPE: We synthesize current knowledge
      on the importance of polyploidy for the invasion (i.e. spread) of introduced
      plants. We first aim to elucidate general mechanisms that are involved in the
      success of polyploid plants and translate this to that of plant invaders.
      Secondly, we provide an overview of ploidal levels in selected invasive alien
      plants and explain how ploidy might have contributed to their success.
      CONCLUSIONS: Polyploidy can be an important factor in species invasion success
      through a combination of (1) 'pre-adaptation', whereby polyploid lineages are
      predisposed to conditions in the new range and, therefore, have higher survival
      rates and fitness in the earliest establishment phase; and (2) the possibility
      for subsequent adaptation due to a larger genetic diversity that may assist the
      'evolution of invasiveness'. Alternatively, polyploidization may play an
      important role by (3) restoring sexual reproduction following hybridization or,
      conversely, (4) asexual reproduction in the absence of suitable mates. We,
      therefore, encourage invasion biologists to incorporate assessments of ploidy in
      their studies of invasive alien species.

PMID- 22040747
TI  - Sensing small neurotransmitter-enzyme interaction with nanoporous gated ion
      sensitive field effect transistors.
AB  - Ion-sensitive field effect transistors with gates having a high density of
      nanopores were fabricated and employed to sense the neurotransmitter dopamine
      with high selectivity and detectability at micromolar range. The nanoporous
      structure of the gates was produced by applying a relatively simple anodizing
      process, which yielded a porous alumina layer with pores exhibiting a mean
      diameter ranging from 20 to 35 nm. Gate-source voltages of the transistors
      demonstrated a pH-dependence that was linear over a wide range and could be
      understood as changes in surface charges during protonation and deprotonation.
      The large surface area provided by the pores allowed the physical immobilization
      of tyrosinase, which is an enzyme that oxidizes dopamine, on the gates of the
      transistors, and thus, changes the acid-base behavior on their surfaces.
      Concentration-dependent dopamine interacting with immobilized tyrosinase showed a
      linear dependence into a physiological range of interest for dopamine
      concentration in the changes of gate-source voltages. In comparison with previous
      approaches, a response time relatively fast for detecting dopamine was obtained.
      Additionally, selectivity assays for other neurotransmitters that are abundantly
      found in the brain were examined. These results demonstrate that the nanoporous
      structure of ion-sensitive field effect transistors can easily be used to
      immobilize specific enzyme that can readily and selectively detect small
      neurotransmitter molecule based on its acid-base interaction with the receptor.
      Therefore, it could serve as a technology platform for molecular studies of
      neurotransmitter-enzyme binding and drugs screening.

PMID- 22040748
TI  - A biomimetic olfactory-based biosensor with high efficiency immobilization of
      molecular detectors.
AB  - The immobilization efficiency of molecular detectors is of great importance with
      regard to the performances of biosensors such as the sensitivity, stability, and
      reproducibility. This paper presents a biomimetic olfactory receptor-based
      biosensor with better performances by improving the immobilization efficiency of
      molecular detectors for odorant sensing. A mixed self-assembled monolayers (SAMs)
      functionalized with specific olfactory receptors (ODR-10) was constructed on the
      sensitive area of surface acoustic wave (SAW) chip. The immobilization of ODR-10
      was characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force
      microscopy (AFM). The responses of this biosensor to various odorants were
      recorded by monitoring the resonance frequency shifts of SAW, which is correlated
      to the mass loading on its sensitive area. All the results demonstrate this
      biosensor can specifically respond to the natural ligand of ODR-10, diacetyl,
      with high sensitivity and stability. The sensitivity is 4 kHz/ng, which is 2*
      higher than that of previous work. The detection limit is 1.2*10(-11) mM. The
      major advances on immobilization efficiency of molecular detectors presented in
      this work could substantially promote and accelerate the researches and
      applications of olfactory receptor-based biosensors with different transducers,
      such as quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), surface plasma resonance (SPR), and
      field effect transistors (FET).

PMID- 22040749
TI  - Mediator-less highly sensitive voltammetric detection of glutamate using
      glutamate dehydrogenase/vertically aligned CNTs grown on silicon substrate.
AB  - A sensitive glutamate biosensor is prepared based on glutamate
      dehydrogenase/vertically aligned carbon nanotubes (GLDH, VACNTs). Vertically
      aligned carbon nanotubes were grown on a silicon substrate by direct current
      plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (DC-PECVD) method. The electrochemical
      behavior of the synthesized VACNTs was investigated by cyclic voltammetry and
      electrochemical impedance spectroscopic methods. Glutamate dehydrogenase
      covalently attached on tip of VACNTs. The electrochemical performance of the
      electrode for detection of glutamate was investigated by cyclic and differential
      pulse voltammetry. Differential pulse voltammetric determinations of glutamate
      are performed in mediator-less condition and also, in the presence of 1 and 5 MUM
      thionine as electron mediator. The linear calibration curve of the concentration
      of glutamate versus peak current is investigated in a wide range of 0.1-500 MUM.
      The mediator-less biosensor has a low detection limit of 57 nM and two linear
      ranges of 0.1-20 MUM with a sensitivity of 0.976 mA mM(-1) cm(-2) and 20-300 MUM
      with a sensitivity of 0.182 mA mM(-1) cm(-2). In the presence of 1 MUM thionine
      as an electron mediator, the prepared biosensor shows a low detection limit of 68
      nM and two linear ranges of 0.1-20 with a calibration sensitivity of 1.17 mA mM(
      1) cm(-2) and 20-500 MUM with a sensitivity of 0.153 mA mM(-1) cm(-2). The
      effects of the other biological compounds on the voltammetric behavior of the
      prepared biosensor and its response stability are investigated. The results are
      demonstrated that the GLDH/VACNTs electrode even without electron mediator is a
      suitable basic electrode for detection of glutamate.

PMID- 22040750
TI  - Two steps forward, one step back.

PMID- 22040751
TI  - Rotator cuff repair healing influenced by platelet-rich plasma construct
      augmentation: a novel molecular mechanism.

PMID- 22040753
TI  - Curious about "put your 'extended' finger on the bleeder".

PMID- 22040755
TI  - Vitamin D status and musculoskeletal health in adolescent male ballet dancers a
      pilot study.
AB  - Adequate vitamin D levels during growth are critical to ensuring optimal bone
      development. Vitamin D synthesis requires sun exposure; thus, athletes engaged in
      indoor activities such as ballet dancing may be at relatively high risk of
      vitamin D insufficiency. The objective of this study  was to investigate the
      prevalence of low vitamin D levels in young male ballet dancers and its impact on
      musculoskeletal health. Eighteen male ballet dancers, aged 10 to 19 years and
      training for at least 6 hours per week, were recruited from the Australian Ballet
      School, Melbourne, Australia.  Serum 25(OH)D and intact PTH were measured in
      winter (July) from a non-fasting blood sample. Pubertal stage was determined
      using self-assessed Tanner criteria. Body composition and areal bone mineral
      density (aBMD) at the whole body and lumbar spine were measured using dual-energy
      x-ray absorptiometry  (DXA). Injury history and physical activity levels were
      assessed by questionnaire. Blood samples were obtained from 16 participants.
      Serum 25(OH)D levels ranged from 20.8 to 94.3 nmol/L, with a group mean of 50.5
      nmol/L. Two participants (12.5%) showed vitamin D deficiency [serum 25(OH)D level
      < 25 nmol/L], seven dancers (44%) had vitamin D insufficiency (25 to 50 nmol/L),
      and the remaining seven dancers (44%) had normal levels (> 50 nmol/L). No
      relationship was found between vitamin D status, PTH levels, body composition,
      and aBMD. The most commonly reported injuries were  muscle tears and back pain.
      The average number of injuries reported by each dancer was 1.9 +/- 0.4 (range: 0
      to 5). There was no difference in the frequency of reported injuries between
      subjects with vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency (2.1 +/- 0.6 injuries) and
      those with normal  vitamin D levels (1.4 +/- 0.6 injuries). This pilot study
      showed that more than half of highly-trained young male ballet dancers presented
      with low levels of vitamin D in winter. Further investigations in larger samples
      of adolescent athletes are needed to determine if this could negatively  impact
      bone growth and place them at higher risk for musculoskeletal injuries.

PMID- 22040756
TI  - The impact of mirrors on body image and performance in high and low performing
      female ballet students.
AB  - This study assesses the effect of mirrors on body image and performance in high
      and low performing female collegiate ballet students. Twenty-three females
      enrolled in a beginning ballet class were taught using mirrors, and a second
      group of 23 beginning females were taught without mirrors.  All participants
      completed the Cash 69-item Body Self-Relations Questionnaire during the first and
      last class of a 14-week semester. They were videotaped performing in the studio
      during the fifth and fourteenth weeks. Two ballet teachers independently viewed
      the videotapes to evaluate the  dancers' rhythmic accuracy, ease and flow of
      movement, and mastery of steps and alignment, and rated the students' skill level
      on a 1-5 scale. For analysis purposes, students whose scores averaged three or
      higher were categorized as "high performers," and those who averaged less than
      three  were "low performers." Two (mirror, non-mirror) by two (high performance,
      low performance) by two (pre-test, post-test) repeated measures ANOVAs were used
      to test class differences over the course of the semester. There were significant
      3-way interactions for overweight preoccupation (p <  0.01) and body-areas
      satisfaction (p < 0.05). Low performers increased in overweight preoccupation in
      the non-mirror class while decreasing in the mirror class. High performers
      significantly increased in satisfaction for most areas of their body in the non
      mirror class, while there were  smaller increases for both low and high
      performers in the mirror class. It is concluded that while use of the mirror has
      some benefits in training, higher performing dancers feel better about their body
      image when they do not use the mirror. Lower performers who use the mirror worry
      less about  their weight; those who do not use the mirror worry more. The mirror
      may provide feedback that helps low performing dancers feel more comfortable with
      their weight.

PMID- 22040757
TI  - Injuries in a modern dance company effect of comprehensive management on injury
      incidence and cost.
AB  - Injury costs strain the finances of many dance companies. The objectives of this
      study were to analyze the effect of comprehensive management on injury patterns,
      incidence, and time loss and examine its financial impact on workers compensation
      premiums in a modern dance company. In this retrospective-prospective cohort
      study, injury was defined as any physical insult that required financial outlay
      (workers compensation or self insurance) or caused a dancer to cease dancing
      beyond the day of injury (time-loss injury). Injury data and insurance premiums
      were analyzed over an eight-year period. Injuries were compared using a mixed
      linear model with phase and gender as fixed effects. It was found that
      comprehensive management resulted in 34% decline in total injury incidence, 66%
      decrease in workers compensation claims, and 56% decrease in lost days. These
      outcomes achieved substantial savings in workers compensation premiums. Thus,
      this study demonstrates the effectiveness of an injury prevention program in
      reducing injury-related costs and promoting dancers' health and wellness in a
      modern dance company.

PMID- 22040758
TI  - Development, validity, and reliability of a ballet-specific aerobic fitness test.
AB  - The aim of this study was to develop and assess the reliability and validity of a
      multi-stage, ballet-specific aerobic fitness test to be used in a dance studio
      setting. The test consists of five stages, each four minutes long, that increase
      in intensity. It uses classical ballet movement  of an intermediate-level of
      difficulty, thus emphasizing physiological demand rather than skill. The demand
      of each stage was determined by calculating the mean oxygen uptake during its
      final minute using a portable gas analyser. After an initial familiarization
      period, eight female subjects  performed the test twice within seven days. The
      results showed significant differences in oxygen consumption between stages (p <
      0.001), but not between trials. Pearson correlation co-efficients produced a very
      good linear relationship between trials (r = 0.998, p < 0.001). Bland-Altman 
      reliability analysis revealed the 95% limits of agreement to be +/- 6.2 ml.kg(
      1).min(-1), showing good agreement between trials. The oxygen uptake in our
      subjects equated positively to previous estimates for class and performance,
      confirming  validity. It was concluded that the test is suitable for use among
      classical ballet dancers, with many possible applications.

PMID- 22040759
TI  - The effect of sprung (suspended) floors on leg stiffness during grand jete
      landings in ballet.
AB  - This study compared stiffness of the landing leg in ballet dancers performing
      grand jete on a sprung floor to leg stiffness during the same movement on a hard
      floor (wood on concrete). Leg stiffness was calculated as the ratio of vertical
      ground reaction force (in Newtons) to  compression of the lower limb (in meters).
      Thirteen female dancers were measured for five repetitions each at the point of
      maximum leg compression while landing grand jete on both of the surfaces, such
      that 20 milliseconds of data were represented for each trial. The stiffness of
      the  landing leg at the point of maximum compression was decreased by a mean
      difference score of 6168.0 N/m +/- 11,519.5 N/m on the hard floor compared to the
      sprung floor. Paired t-test yielded a one-tailed probability of p = 0.038. This
      effect was seen in 11 of the 13 participants. The finding  of increased stiffness
      of the landing leg in the sprung floor condition suggests that some of the force
      of landing the leap was absorbed by the surface, and therefore did not need to be
      absorbed by the landing leg itself. This in turn implies that a sprung dance
      floor may help to prevent dance-related  injuries.

PMID- 22040760
TI  - Follow-up study to "The effect of sprung (suspended) floors on leg stiffness
      during grand jete landings in ballet".

PMID- 22040761
TI  - The use of stabilization exercises and movement reeducation to manage pain and
      improve function in a dancer with focal degenerative joint disease of the spine.
AB  - Little has been written about rehabilitation of low back pain (LBP) specific to
      the professional dancer. However, there is a rapidly increasing amount of
      rehabilitation research related to the care of LBP in the general population that
      may be applied to the dancer population. The purpose  of this case report is to
      describe the physical therapy management of a 37-year-old female professional
      dancer with a 5-year history of spinal pain and loss of function in the presence
      of degenerative joint disease at a single segment (T12-L1). Patient interventions
      focused on stabilization  exercises and movement reeducation. The dancer returned
      to limited dance performance at 6 weeks. At 5 months she had returned to complete
      dance function, with pain and functional (Oswestry) levels improved from initial
      values of 7/10 and 48%, respectively, to 1/10 and 26%.

PMID- 22040763
TI  - Phylogeny and historical biogeography of ancient assassin spiders (Araneae:
      Archaeidae) in the Australian mesic zone: evidence for Miocene speciation within
      Tertiary refugia.
AB  - The rainforests, wet sclerophyll forests and temperate heathlands of the
      Australian mesic zone are home to a diverse and highly endemic biota, including
      numerous old endemic lineages restricted to refugial, mesic biomes. A growing
      number of phylogeographic studies have attempted to explain the origins and
      diversification of the Australian mesic zone biota, in order to test and better
      understand the mode and tempo of historical speciation within Australia. Assassin
      spiders (family Archaeidae) are a lineage of iconic araneomorph spiders,
      characterised by their antiquity, remarkable morphology and relictual
      biogeography on the southern continents. The Australian assassin spider fauna is
      characterised by a high diversity of allopatric species, many of which are
      restricted to individual mountains or montane systems, and all of which are
      closely tied to mesic and/or refugial habitats in the east and extreme south-west
      of mainland Australia. We tested the phylogeny and vicariant biogeography of the
      Australian Archaeidae (genus Austrarchaea Forster & Platnick), using a multi
      locus molecular approach. Fragments from six mitochondrial genes (COI, COII, tRNA
      K, tRNA-D, ATP8, ATP6) and one nuclear protein-coding gene (Histone H3) were used
      to infer phylogenetic relationships and to explore the phylogeographic origins of
      the diverse Australian fauna. Bayesian analyses of the complete molecular
      dataset, along with differentially-partitioned Bayesian and parsimony analyses of
      a smaller concatenated dataset, revealed the presence of three major Australian
      lineages, each with non-overlapping distributions in north-eastern Queensland,
      mid-eastern Australia and southern Australia, respectively. Divergence date
      estimation using mitochondrial data and a rate-calibrated relaxed molecular clock
      revealed that major lineages diverged in the early Tertiary period, prior to the
      final rifting of Australia from East Antarctica. Subsequent speciation occurred
      during the Miocene (23-5.3 million years ago), with tropical and subtropical taxa
      diverging in the early-mid Miocene, prior to southern and temperate taxa in the
      mid-late Miocene. Area cladograms reconciled with Bayesian chronograms for all
      known Archaeidae in southern and south-eastern Australia revealed seven
      potentially vicariant biogeographic barriers in eastern Queensland, New South
      Wales and southern Australia, each proposed and discussed in relation to other
      mesic zone taxa. Five of these barriers were inferred as being of early Miocene
      age, and implicated in the initial vicariant separation of endemic regional
      clades. Phylogeographic results for Australian Archaeidae are congruent with a
      model of sequential allopatric speciation in Tertiary refugia, as driven by the
      contraction and fragmentation of Australia's mesic biomes during the Miocene.
      Assassin spiders clearly offer great potential for further testing historical
      biogeographic processes in temperate and eastern Australia, and are a useful
      group for better understanding the biology and biogeography of the Australian
      mesic zone.

PMID- 22040762
TI  - Bilateral kidney preservation by volumetric-modulated arc therapy (RapidArc)
      compared to conventional radiation therapy (3D-CRT) in pancreatic and bile duct
      malignancies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To compare volumetric-modulated arc therapy plans with conventional
      radiation therapy (3D-CRT) plans in pancreatic and bile duct cancers, especially
      for bilateral kidney preservation. METHODS: A dosimetric analysis was performed
      in 21 patients who had undergone radiotherapy for pancreatic or bile duct
      carcinoma at our institution. We compared 4-field 3D-CRT and 2 arcs RapidArc (RA)
      plans. The treatment plan was designed to deliver a dose of 50.4 Gy to the
      planning target volume (PTV) based on the gross disease in a 1.8 Gy daily
      fraction, 5 days a week. Planning objectives were 95% of the PTV receiving 95% of
      the prescribed dose and no more than 2% of the PTV receiving more than 107%. Dose
      volume histograms (DVH) for the target volume and the organs at risk (right and
      left kidneys, bowel tract, liver and healthy tissue) were compared. Monitor units
      and delivery treatment time were also reported. RESULTS: All plans achieved
      objectives, with 95% of the PTV receiving >= 95% of the dose (D95% for 3D-CRT =
      48.9 Gy and for RA = 48.6 Gy). RapidArc was shown to be superior to 3D-CRT in
      terms of organ at risk sparing except for contralateral kidney: for bowel tract,
      the mean dose was reduced by RA compared to 3D-CRT (16.7 vs 20.8 Gy, p = 0.0001).
      Similar result was observed for homolateral kidney (mean dose of 4.7 Gy for RA vs
      12.6 Gy for 3D-CRT, p < 0.0001), but 3D-CRT significantly reduced controlateral
      kidney dose with a mean dose of 1.8 Gy vs 3.9 Gy, p < 0.0007. Compared to 3D-CRT,
      mean MUs for each fraction was significantly increased with RapidArc: 207 vs 589,
      (p < 0.0001) but the treatment time was not significantly different (2 and 2.66
      minutes, p = ns). CONCLUSION: RapidArc allows significant dose reduction, in
      particular for homolateral kidney and bowel, while maintaining target coverage.
      This would have a promising impact on reducing toxicities.

PMID- 22040764
TI  - Codon usage patterns and adaptive evolution of marine unicellular cyanobacteria
      Synechococcus and Prochlorococcus.
AB  - Marine unicellular cyanobacteria, represented by Synechococcus and
      Prochlorococcus, dominate the total phytoplankton biomass and production in
      oligotrophic ocean. In this study, we employed comparative genomics approaches to
      extensively investigate synonymous codon usage bias and evolutionary rates in a
      large number of closely related species of marine unicellular cyanobacteria.
      Although these two groups of marine cyanobacteria have a close phylogenetic
      relationship, we find that they are highly divergent not only in codon usage
      patterns but also in the driving forces behind the diversification. It is
      revealed that in Prochlorococcus, mutation and genome compositional constraints
      are the main forces contributing to codon usage bias, whereas in Synechococcus,
      translational selection. In addition, nucleotide substitution rate analysis
      indicates that they are not evolving at a constant rate after the divergence and
      that the average d(N)/d(S) values of core genes in Synechococcus are
      significantly higher than those in Prochlorococcus. Our evolutionary genomic
      analysis provides the first insight into codon usage, evolutionary genetic
      mechanisms and environmental adaptation of Synechococcus and Prochlorococcus
      after divergence.

PMID- 22040765
TI  - Estimation of divergence times in cnidarian evolution based on mitochondrial
      protein-coding genes and the fossil record.
AB  - The phylum Cnidaria is comprised of remarkably diverse and ecologically
      significant taxa, such as the reef-forming corals, and occupies a basal position
      in metazoan evolution. The origin of this phylum and the most recent common
      ancestors (MRCAs) of its modern classes remain mostly unknown, although scattered
      fossil evidence provides some insights on this topic. Here, we investigate the
      molecular divergence times of the major taxonomic groups of Cnidaria (27
      Hexacorallia, 16 Octocorallia, and 5 Medusozoa) on the basis of mitochondrial DNA
      sequences of 13 protein-coding genes. For this analysis, the complete
      mitochondrial genomes of seven octocoral and two scyphozoan species were newly
      sequenced and combined with all available mitogenomic data from GenBank. Five
      reliable fossil dates were used to calibrate the Bayesian estimates of divergence
      times. The molecular evidence suggests that cnidarians originated 741 million
      years ago (Ma) (95% credible region of 686-819), and the major taxa diversified
      prior to the Cambrian (543 Ma). The Octocorallia and Scleractinia may have
      originated from radiations of survivors of the Permian-Triassic mass extinction,
      which matches their fossil record well.

PMID- 22040766
TI  - Evolution of arid zone birds in Australia: leapfrog distribution patterns and
      mesic-arid connections in quail-thrush (Cinclosoma, Cinclosomatidae).
AB  - The quail-thrush, Cinclosoma, include between five and seven species distributed
      broadly across arid and semi-arid inland Australia, mesic forests of south
      eastern Australia and New Guinea. It has been suggested that the arid zone
      species of quail-thrush arose from forest ancestors as Australia changed from a
      warm wet climate to a cooler drier climate since the late-Miocene. We generated
      multilocus (mitochondrial ND2 and eight nuclear loci) gene and species trees with
      complete taxon sampling of Cinclosoma to investigate evolutionary relationships
      and species status of some taxa. Topologies reconstructed in congruent, highly
      resolved gene trees and species trees that supported the recognition of seven
      species. Ancestral state reconstruction and divergence time estimates suggest
      that arid-adapted taxa radiated in parallel with a drying climate and changing
      habitat. A 'leapfrog' distribution in phenotypes of arid zone taxa was likely a
      result of ancestral retention of inconspicuous (or camouflaged) plumage patterns.
      A specimen-based report from 1968 of hybridization between non-sister taxa
      Cinclosoma castanotum and Cinclosoma marginatum was verified using molecular
      analysis on specimens collected at the same locality 40 years later. We discuss
      the implications of hybridization to the evolution of this species group.

PMID- 22040768
TI  - Simultaneous occurrence of a thyroglossal duct cyst and a lingual thyroid in the
      absence of an orthotopic thyroid gland.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We report an extremely rare case of the simultaneous occurrence of a
      thyroglossal duct cyst and a lingual thyroid in the absence of an orthotopic
      thyroid gland, in a seven-year-old girl from South India. METHOD: Case report and
      a review of the English language literature on the subject. RESULTS: The patient
      presented with a mass on the tongue that had been present for three years, and an
      anterior neck swelling that had been present for two years. Examination revealed
      a midline, pinkish, firm mass present on the posterior one-third of the tongue.
      The neck showed a midline cystic swelling in the infrahyoid position.
      Radiological imaging confirmed the clinical findings, revealing the absence of
      her thyroid gland in the normal location. Sistrunk's procedure was performed
      leaving behind a lingual thyroid. At 13-month follow up, the patient was
      euthyroid with no recurrence. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge the association of a
      lingual thyroid and a thyroglossal cyst has only been reported once in the
      literature. The presence of a lingual thyroid in the absence of a normally
      located thyroid gland or functioning thyroid tissue along the thyroglossal tract,
      confirmed by radionuclide and computed tomography imaging, may indicate the
      failure of the normal descent of the thyroid gland during embryonic development.
      This probable absence of the descent of the thyroid raises questions regarding
      the origin of thyroglossal duct cysts.

PMID- 22040767
TI  - Reconciling molecules and morphology: molecular systematics and biogeography of
      Neotropical blennies (Acanthemblemaria).
AB  - Neotropical reef fish communities are species-poor compared to those of the Indo
      West Pacific. An exception to that pattern is the blenny clade Chaenopsidae, one
      of only three rocky and coral reef fish families largely endemic to the
      Neotropics. Within the chaenopsids, the genus Acanthemblemaria is the most
      species-rich and is characterized by elaborate spinous processes on the skull.
      Here we construct a species tree using five nuclear markers and compare the
      results to those from Bayesian and parsimony phylogenetic analyses of 60
      morphological characters. The sequence-based species tree conflicted with the
      morphological phylogenies for Acanthemblemaria, primarily due to the convergence
      of a suite of characters describing the distribution of spines on the head.
      However, we were able to resolve some of these conflicts by performing
      phylogenetic analyses on suites of characters not associated with head spines. By
      using the species tree as a guide, we used a quantitative method to identify
      suites of correlated morphological characters that, together, produce the
      distinctive skull phenotypes found in these fishes. A time calibrated phylogeny
      with nearly complete taxon sampling provided divergence time estimates that
      recovered a mid-Miocene origin for the genus, with a temporally and
      geographically complex pattern of speciation both before and after the closure of
      the Isthmus of Panama. Some sister taxa are broadly sympatric, but many occur in
      allopatry. The ability to infer the geography of speciation in Acanthemblemaria
      is complicated by extinctions, incomplete knowledge of their present geographic
      ranges and by wide-spread taxa that likely represent cryptic species complexes.

PMID- 22040769
TI  - An unusual presentation of a chronic ingested foreign body in an adult.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sore throat is a common complaint for patients presenting to the
      emergency department (ED). Although most are caused by viral and bacterial
      sources, an ingested foreign body must be considered in the right patient
      population. Retained foreign bodies occur in both children and adults. In
      children, the objects are usually non-food items, whereas adults are more likely
      to have impacted food boluses. Typically, patients present acutely, and chronic
      foreign bodies are rare, especially in adults. OBJECTIVE: We use an unusual
      presentation of a retained foreign body in a previously undiagnosed Zenker
      diverticulum to review ingested foreign bodies and Zenker diverticuli. CASE
      REPORT: We report the case of an 82-year-old woman who presented to the ED with a
      chief complaint of 12 h of worsening pharyngitis and odynophagia. She reported
      she had a capsule endoscopy performed approximately 4 months earlier during which
      the device had malfunctioned and no images were transmitted from beyond the
      esophagus. A soft tissue film of the neck showed the endoscopic capsule retained
      at the level of the clavicles. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy demonstrated a
      previously undiagnosed Zenker diverticulum containing the endoscope capsule. This
      was subsequently removed with laryngoscopy. CONCLUSION: Complaints related to
      sore throat commonly have a simple explanation. Recurrent symptoms and a physical
      examination inconsistent with common explanations require the differential to be
      broadened and less common causes considered.

PMID- 22040770
TI  - Acute surgical abdomen due to phytobezoar-induced ileal obstruction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Phytobezoar-induced small bowel obstruction is an uncommon clinical
      entity accounting for 2-4.8% of all mechanical intestinal obstructions. In
      addition, presentation with features of acute surgical abdomen is extremely rare,
      accounting for only 1% of the patients. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this report is to
      present a very rare case of a phytobezoar-induced small bowel obstruction in a
      male patient who presented with acute surgical abdomen. A correct preoperative
      diagnosis was made based on the patient's history and characteristic imaging
      features on the emergency computed tomography (CT) scan. CASE REPORT: A 55-year
      old man with previous gastrectomy presented with typical manifestations of acute
      abdomen. CT scan demonstrated dilatated small bowel loops and an intraluminal
      ileal mass with a mottled appearance. At exploratory laparotomy, a phytobezoar
      was found impacted in the terminal ileum and was removed through an enterotomy.
      CONCLUSIONS: Phytobezoar should be considered in patients with previous gastric
      outlet surgery who present with bowel obstruction and features of acute surgical
      abdomen. The presence of a well-defined intraluminal mass with a mottled gas
      pattern on emergency CT scan is suggestive of an intestinal phytobezoar.

PMID- 22040771
TI  - Characteristics of frequent geriatric users of an urban emergency department.
AB  - BACKGROUND: As the population ages, it is projected that older adults will
      increase emergency department (ED) utilization and contribute to ED crowding.
      Older patients are at risk of decreased health-related quality of life after an
      ED visit. Characteristics of older adults that frequently use the ED have not
      been well studied, and prior studies have shown that lack of access to primary
      care may influence ED utilization. OBJECTIVE: Determine factors associated with
      frequent Emergency Department (ED) utilization by older adults. METHODS:
      Retrospective chart review of all patients >= 65 years of age seen in an urban ED
      between December 2007 and September 2008. A prospective telephone survey was done
      of "frequent" (>= 4 ED visits over a 6-month period) geriatric users. "Frequent"
      and "infrequent" geriatric ED users were compared using chi-squared and t-test.
      Survey results are univariate descriptive statistics. RESULTS: There were 8520 ED
      visits of adults >= 65 years of age analyzed, of which 5718 were unique patients.
      Of these, 268 (5%) were frequent ED users. Frequent geriatric ED users were more
      likely to be Black or Hispanic and were considered less urgent at triage. Of the
      59 surveyed frequent users of the ED, 95% reported having a usual source of care,
      though only 36% contacted their outpatient provider before a visit to the ED.
      CONCLUSION: Frequent geriatric users of the ED were considered less urgent at
      triage, and although most identified themselves as having a primary care provider
      in the community, many did not contact them before going to the ED.

PMID- 22040772
TI  - Supraspinal regulation of physical fatigue.
AB  - Fatigue, defined as difficulty in initiating or sustaining voluntary activities,
      can be classified as physical or mental, and physical fatigue can be classified
      as peripheral or central (spinal or supraspinal). It has been reported that
      during physical fatigue, sensory input from the peripheral system activates an
      inhibition system to limit motor output from the primary motor cortex (M1)
      (supraspinal fatigue) while a motivational input activates a facilitation system
      to increase motor output from M1 in order to overcome supraspinal fatigue. Hence,
      the motor output from M1 is primarily determined by the balance between the
      inhibition and facilitation systems. Here, we review data from behavioral,
      electrophysiological, and neuroimaging experiments related to supraspinal
      mechanisms that are thought to regulate motor output from M1 during physical
      fatigue, and we propose a supraspinal model to regulate physical fatigue as well
      as a hypothetical model of fatigue in human diseases or syndromes.

PMID- 22040773
TI  - An investigation of amino-acid neurotransmitters as potential predictors of
      clinical improvement to ketamine in depression.
AB  - Amino-acid neurotransmitter system dysfunction plays a major role in the
      pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD). We used proton magnetic
      resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS) to investigate whether prefrontal levels of amino
      acid neurotransmitters predict antidepressant response to a single intravenous
      infusion of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist ketamine in MDD patients.
      Fourteen drug-free patients with MDD were scanned 1-3 d before receiving a single
      intravenous infusion of ketamine (0.5 mg/kg). We measured gamma aminobutyric acid
      (GABA), glutamate, and Glx/glutamate ratio (a surrogate marker of glutamine) in
      the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (VM-PFC) and the dorsomedial/dorsal
      anterolateral prefrontal cortex (DM/DA-PFC). Correlation analyses were conducted
      to determine whether pretreatment GABA, glutamate, or Glx/glutamate ratio
      predicted change in depressive and anxiety symptoms 230 min after ketamine
      administration. Pretreatment GABA or glutamate did not correlate with improved
      depressive symptoms in either of the two regions of interest (p>0.1);
      pretreatment Glx/glutamate ratio in the DM/DA-PFC was negatively correlated with
      improvement in depressive symptoms [r s(11)=-0.57, p<0.05]. Pretreatment
      glutamate levels in the VM-PFC were positively correlated with improvement in
      anxiety symptoms [r s(11)=0.57, p<0.05]. The findings suggest an association
      between lower Glx/glutamate ratio and greater improvement in response to ketamine
      treatment. Because glutamine is mainly contained in glia, the decreased
      Glx/glutamate ratio observed in this study may reflect the reduction in glial
      cells found in the same regions in post-mortem studies of individuals with MDD,
      and suggests that the presence of this neuropathological construct may be
      associated with antidepressant responsiveness to ketamine.

PMID- 22040774
TI  - The synthetic tie2 agonist peptide vasculotide protects against vascular leakage
      and reduces mortality in murine abdominal sepsis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Angiopoietin-1 (Angpt1), the natural agonist ligand for the
      endothelial Tie2 receptor, is a non-redundant endothelial survival and vascular
      stabilization factor that reduces endothelial permeability and inhibits leukocyte
      endothelium interactions. Here we evaluate the efficacy of a novel polyethylene
      glycol (PEG)-clustered Tie2 agonist peptide, Vasculotide (VT), to protect against
      vascular leakage and mortality in a murine model of polymicrobial abdominal
      sepsis. METHODS: Polymicrobial abdominal sepsis in C57BL6 mice was induced by
      cecal-ligation-and-puncture (CLP). Mice were treated with different dosages of VT
      or equal volume of phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Sham-operated animals served
      as time-matched controls. RESULTS: Systemic administration of VT induced long
      lasting Tie2 activation in vivo. VT protected against sepsis-induced endothelial
      barrier dysfunction, as evidenced by attenuation of vascular leakage and
      leukocyte transmigration into the peritoneal cavity. Histological analysis
      revealed that VT treatment ameliorated leukocyte infiltration in kidneys of
      septic mice, probably due to reduced endothelial adhesion molecule expression. VT
      driven effects were associated with significantly improved organ function and
      reduced circulating cytokine levels. The endothelial-specific action of VT was
      supported by additional in vitro studies showing no effect of VT on either
      cytokine release from isolated peritoneal macrophages, or migratory capacity of
      isolated neutrophils. Finally, administration of VT pre-CLP (Hazard Ratio 0.39
      [95% Confidence interval 0.19-0.81] P < 0.001) and post-CLP reduced mortality in
      septic mice (HR 0.22 [95% CI 0.06-0.83] P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: We provide proof
      of principle in support of the efficacious use of PEGylated VT, a drug-like Tie2
      receptor agonist, to counteract microvascular endothelial barrier dysfunction and
      reduce mortality in a clinically relevant murine sepsis model. Further studies
      are needed to pave the road for clinical application of this therapeutic concept.

PMID- 22040775
TI  - Comparison of internal dosimetry factors for three classes of adult computational
      phantoms with emphasis on I-131 in the thyroid.
AB  - The S values for 11 major target organs for I-131 in the thyroid were compared
      for three classes of adult computational human phantoms: stylized, voxel and
      hybrid phantoms. In addition, we compared specific absorbed fractions (SAFs) with
      the thyroid as a source region over a broader photon energy range than the x- and
      gamma-rays of I-131. The S and SAF values were calculated for the International
      Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP) reference voxel phantoms and the
      University of Florida (UF) hybrid phantoms by using the Monte Carlo transport
      method, while the S and SAF values for the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL)
      stylized phantoms were obtained from earlier publications. Phantoms in our
      calculations were for adults of both genders. The 11 target organs and tissues
      that were selected for the comparison of S values are brain, breast, stomach
      wall, small intestine wall, colon wall, heart wall, pancreas, salivary glands,
      thyroid, lungs and active marrow for I-131 and thyroid as a source region. The
      comparisons showed, in general, an underestimation of S values reported for the
      stylized phantoms compared to the values based on the ICRP voxel and UF hybrid
      phantoms and relatively good agreement between the S values obtained for the ICRP
      and UF phantoms. Substantial differences were observed for some organs between
      the three types of phantoms. For example, the small intestine wall of ICRP male
      phantom and heart wall of ICRP female phantom showed up to eightfold and fourfold
      greater S values, respectively, compared to the reported values for the ORNL
      phantoms. UF male and female phantoms also showed significant differences
      compared to the ORNL phantom, 4.0-fold greater for the small intestine wall and
      3.3-fold greater for the heart wall. In our method, we directly calculated the S
      values without using the SAFs as commonly done. Hence, we sought to confirm the
      differences observed in our S values by comparing the SAFs among the phantoms
      with the thyroid as a source region for selected target organs--small intestine
      wall, lungs, pancreas and breast--as well as illustrate differences in energy
      deposition across the energy range (12 photon energies from 0.01 to 4 MeV).
      Differences were found in the SAFs between phantoms in a similar manner as the
      differences observed in S values but with larger differences at lower photon
      energies. To investigate the differences observed in the S and SAF values, the
      chord length distributions (CLDs) were computed for the selected source--target
      pairs and compared across the phantoms. As demonstrated by the CLDs, we found
      that the differences between phantoms in those factors used in internal dosimetry
      were governed to a significant degree by inter-organ distances which are a
      function of organ shape as well as organ location.

PMID- 22040776
TI  - CPR policies and the patient's best interests.
AB  - Standard hospital CPR policies in many countries require CPR to be attempted on
      all patients having a cardiac arrest unless a Not-for-CPR order is in place. It
      has recently been shown that this approach is legally inappropriate in New
      Zealand. It appears that this argument may also potentially apply in other common
      law countries given the role that 'best interests' has in these jurisdictions in
      providing treatment to patients lacking decision-making capacity. Not-for-CPR
      orders provide an important and transparent mechanism for making advanced
      decisions regarding resuscitation. However, advanced planning is not always
      possible and it is legally inappropriate to require CPR to be performed when it
      is not in the patient's best interests. Notwithstanding the difficult practical
      balance that exists at the time of arrest between initiating CPR without delay or
      interruption for it to be effective for those whom CPR is in their best
      interests, and recognising as quickly as possible those patients for who CPR is
      not appropriate, it is argued that policies should be modified to allow
      clinicians to consider whether CPR is appropriate at time of arrest. Such a
      change may require ALS training to include a stronger emphasis on early
      recognition of patients for whom CPR is not in their best interests.

PMID- 22040777
TI  - Expertise in prehospital endotracheal intubation by emergency medicine physicians
      Comparing 'proficient performers' and 'experts'.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Training requirements to perform safe prehospital endotracheal
      intubation (ETI) are not clearly known. This study aimed to determine differences
      in ETI performance between 'proficient performers' and 'experts' according to the
      Dreyfus & Dreyfus framework of expertise. As a model for 'proficient performers'
      EMS physicians with a clinical background in internal medicine were compared to
      EMS physicians with a background in anaesthesiology as a model for 'experts'.
      METHODS: Over a one-year period all ETIs performed by the EMS physicians of our
      institution were prospectively evaluated. 'Proficient performers' and 'experts'
      were compared regarding incidence of difficult ETI, ability to predict difficult
      ETI, and decision for ETI. RESULTS: Mean years of professional experience were
      similar between the physician groups, but the median ETI experience differed
      significantly with 18/year for 'proficients' and 304/year for 'experts'
      (p<0.001). 'Proficient performers' intubated 130 of their 2170 treated patients
      (6.0%), while 'experts' did so in 146 of 1809 cases (8.1%, p=0.01 for
      difference). The incidence of difficult ETI was 17.7% for 'proficient
      performers', and 8.9% for 'experts' (p<0.05). In 4 cases ETI was impossible, all
      managed by 'proficient performers', but all patients could be ventilated
      sufficiently. Unexpected difficult ETI occurred in 6.1% for 'proficient
      performers', and 2.0% for 'experts' (p=0.08). CONCLUSIONS: In a prehospital
      setting 'expert' status was associated with a significantly lower incidence of
      'difficult ETI' and a higher proportion of ETI decisions. In addition, ability to
      predict difficult ETI was higher, although non-significant. There was no
      difference in the incidence of impossible ventilation.

PMID- 22040778
TI  - Topical hemostatic agents in surgical practice.
AB  - Hemostasis is of critical importance in achieving a positive outcome in any
      surgical intervention. Different hemostatic methods can be employed and topical
      hemostatic agents are used in a wide variety of surgical settings. Procoagulation
      agents have different hemostatic properties and the choice of a specific one is
      determined by the type of surgical procedure and bleeding. Hemostatic treatments
      include fibrin sealants, microfibrillar collagen, gelatin hemostatic agents,
      oxidized regenerated cellulose and cyanoacrylates adhesives. Surgeons should be
      familiar with topical hemostatics to ensure an appropriate use. Our purpose is to
      illustrate the currently available agents, their mechanism of action and their
      effective applications, in order to ensure an optimal use in operating room.

PMID- 22040779
TI  - Effects of red blood cell transfusions on exercise tolerance and rehabilitation
      time after cardiac surgery.
AB  - Transfusions in cardiac surgery are associated with an increased morbidity and
      mortality rate. However, no information is available with respect to the recovery
      process of transfused patients after discharge from the hospital. Two-hundred
      seventeen patients who underwent cardiac surgery operations requiring packed red
      cells transfusions were studied during the rehabilitation stay. The exercise
      tolerance (6-min walk test) was not dependent on the number of packed red cells
      units transfused. Conversely, the length of stay in the rehabilitation hospital
      was independently associated (P=0.004) with the number of packed red cells
      transfused, with an increase of 0.6 days per each unit transfused.

PMID- 22040780
TI  - Molecular epidemiology of hepatitis C infection in Cyprus within the general
      population and high-risk cohorts.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Initial data on the molecular epidemiology of HCV infection in Cyprus
      showed a highly polyphyletic infection and multiple points of introduction into
      the general population. The continuation and expansion of this investigation is
      presented here including high risk groups. FINDINGS: The samples include
      additional subjects from the general population, a group of inmates and HIV/HCV
      coinfected individuals, whose strains were amplified by RT-PCR and sequenced in
      partial Core-E1 and NS5B regions. The results confirm the broad genotype
      distribution and polyphyletic infection on the island, and no new subtypes were
      found. Monophyletic clusters between strains of the prisoners and the injecting
      drug users imply sharing of infected equipment, and highlight the risk of
      widespread transmission in these cohorts, although no spill-over to the general
      population was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study underline the
      impact of population movements and high-risk population groups on the changing
      molecular epidemiology of HCV, with strains moving to Europe from Asia, Africa
      and Eastern Europe by means of immigration and modern transmission routes.

PMID- 22040781
TI  - Increased clopidogrel response is associated with ABCC3 expression: a pilot
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was investigate the relationship between ABCB1
      and ABCC3 gene expressions in peripheral blood cells (PBC) and the response to
      clopidogrel in patients with coronary arterial disease (CAD). METHODS: Twenty-six
      male CAD patients (50-70 years) under treatment with clopidogrel (75 mg/day) for
      at least 5 days were selected. Blood samples were obtained to evaluate platelet
      reactivity and ABCB1 and ABCC3 mRNA expression. Platelet reactivity was measured
      in P2Y12 Reaction Units (PRU) using VerifyNow. RNA was extracted from PBC and
      mRNA levels were measured by qPCR, using GAPD as a reference gene. RESULTS:
      Platelet response to clopidogrel was categorized in to PRU quartiles. Individuals
      with PRU values within the first quartile (Q1, <151 units) were considered good
      responders, while those who had PRU within the fourth quartile (Q4, PRU>260) were
      considered non-responders. ABCC3 was 1.7 times more expressed in Q4 than in Q1
      PRU group (p=0.048). Moreover, CAD patients with low ABCC3 expression (Qe1,
      <2.5*10(-3)) had higher probability to have a good response to clopidogrel (OR:
      18.00, 95%CI: 1.90-169.99, p=0.001). Univariate linear regression analysis
      demonstrated that low ABCC3 mRNA expression contributed with a reduction of 73
      PRU in relation to the patients with expression value higher than 2.5*10(-3)
      (p=0.027). Neither ABCB1 mRNA levels nor clinical variables studied influenced
      PRU values. CONCLUSIONS: Low ABCC3 mRNA expression in peripheral blood cells is
      associated with increased clopidogrel response, but further studies are needed to
      describe the functional relationship of clopidogrel with the ABCC3.

PMID- 22040782
TI  - A competitive immunochromatographic strip assay for 17-alpha-hydroxy progesterone
      using colloidal gold nanoparticles.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A rapid and competitive immunochromatographic strip (ICS) test has
      been developed using colloidal gold as nanoprobe for measuring 17-alpha-hydroxy
      progesterone in serum which is a marker for congenital adrenal hyperplasia, an
      inborn error of metabolism. METHODS: Colloidal gold nanoparticles (NPs) were
      prepared by reducing chloroauric acid with sodium citrate. The corresponding
      protein conjugate was prepared by passive adsorption of 17-alpha-hydroxy
      progesterone-3-carboxymethyl-bovine serum albumin (17-OHP-3-CMO-BSA) immunogen on
      the colloidal gold surface. Both colloidal gold and its protein conjugates were
      characterized using standard techniques like transmission electron microscopy
      (TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) in addition to the optical
      characterization. The test line antibody was raised against 17-alpha-hydroxy
      progesterone-BSA immunogen and control line antibody was raised against BSA in
      New Zealand white rabbits. RESULTS: This test antibody showed high
      immunoreactivity and specificity when characterized by ELISA for 17-alpha-hydroxy
      progesterone on microtiter plate. The primary antibody was coated on the
      nitrocellulose membrane as test line and anti-BSA antibody was coated as control
      line. The ICS test was developed in competitive assay format. The sensitivity of
      the present immunochromatographic strip assay was reported to be 2.5 MUg/l by
      visual observation. The signal at the test line was easily readable to the naked
      eye even at higher concentrations of 17-alpha-hydroxy progesterone normally
      associated with congenital adrenal hyperplasia. CONCLUSION: The present
      immunoassay takes 15 min for completion. There has not been any other lateral
      flow immunoassay for 17-alpha-hydroxy progesterone reported.

PMID- 22040783
TI  - Acetazolamide-challenged perfusion magnetic resonance imaging for assessment of
      cerebrovascular reserve capacity in patients with symptomatic middle cerebral
      artery stenosis: comparison with technetium-99m-hexamethylpropyleneamine oxime
      single-photon emission computed tomography.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Acetazolamide-challenged perfusion magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
      has been shown as a method for assessment of cerebrovascular reserve (CVR)
      capacity in patients with atherosclerotic steno-occlusive disease of internal
      carotid artery. We have assessed the feasibility of the acetazolamide-challenged
      perfusion MRI for evaluating CVR in symptomatic patients with severe middle
      cerebral artery (MCA) stenosis (>=70%) by comparison with the acetazolamide
      challenged technetium-99m-hexamethylpropyleneamine oxime (HMPAO) single-photon
      emission computed tomography (SPECT). METHODS: Seventeen prospectively enrolled
      patients with symptomatic unilateral MCA stenosis underwent technetium-99m
      hexamethylpropyleneamine oxime SPECT and perfusion MRI without and with
      acetazolamide challenge, respectively. Acetazolamide-challenged SPECT and
      perfusion MRI were compared quantitatively by Region of interest (ROI) analysis.
      RESULTS: At all ROIs, there were no significant differences in percent change
      between SPECT and perfusion MRI. Patients with impaired CVR showed significant
      decreases in the percent changes of respective cerebral blood flow (P=.016) and
      respective cerebral blood volume (P=.029). CONCLUSION: Acetazolamide-challenged
      perfusion MRI is feasible for evaluating CVR in symptomatic patients with severe
      MCA stenosis quantitatively.

PMID- 22040784
TI  - Radiologic-pathologic correlation in acute appendicitis: can we use it as a
      quality measure to assess interpretive accuracy of radiologists?
AB  - Radiologic-pathologic correlation was evaluated as a quality assurance tool by
      documenting error rates of 18 radiologists interpreting computed tomographic (CT)
      scans for acute appendicitis in 763 patients. The departmental error rate was
      3.1%. Meaningful individual error rates could be determined in only the seven
      radiologists who interpreted >=30 CT scans for acute appendicitis. Radiologic
      pathologic correlation is an effective departmental monitor of interpretive
      accuracy, but individual accuracy can be assessed only for radiologists reading a
      large number of cases with pathologic proof.

PMID- 22040785
TI  - Taking advantage of chemical shift imaging: using opposed-phase images to locate
      the normal appendix on MR.
AB  - Multiple sequences of 50 consecutive adult pelvic MRI exams were retrospectively
      reviewed by two radiologists to determine if opposed-phase T1 gradient echo
      imaging can assist in locating the normal appendix on pelvic MRI. If the appendix
      was visualized, it was always seen on the T2 sequence, except for one exam. The
      opposed-phase sequence had the second highest visualization rate, and the
      appendix was identified the least on the post-gadolinium sequence. The presence
      of a "button nose" sign was also assessed and was present in one third of cases.

PMID- 22040786
TI  - Toxic megacolon in patients with severe acute colitis: computed tomographic
      features.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to evaluate computed tomography (CT) in
      the differential diagnosis of patients with toxic megacolon (TM) complicating
      severe acute colitis (SAC) and patients with SAC but no TM. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: We identified 16 patients who presented clinically complicated SAC and
      CT examination before surgery. The CT scans of these patients were
      retrospectively evaluated in consensus by two abdominal radiologists blinded to
      the clinical and pathological results for CT findings of SAC, i.e., diffuse
      colonic wall thickening, submucosal edema, pericolonic fat stranding and ascites,
      and CT findings of TM reported in the literature, i.e., segmental colonic wall
      thinning, air-filled colonic distension over 6 cm with abnormal haustral pattern,
      nodular pseudopolyps and associated small bowel distension. Fisher's Exact Test
      was used for all statistical analyses. RESULTS: Segmental colonic wall thinning
      with abnormal haustral pattern was noted in TM only (P=.001). As compared to
      patients with SAC but no TM as a complication, patients with TM showed
      statistically more frequent air-filled colonic distension over 6 cm (P=.001) and
      nodular pseudopolyps (P=.001). Diffuse colonic wall thickening (P=.036) and
      submucosal edema (P=.036) were more present in cases of uncomplicated SAC.
      Pericolonic fat stranding (P=.12), ascites (P=.6), and small bowel and gastric
      distension (P=1) were not distinctive criteria. CONCLUSION: Computed tomography
      is useful in distinguishing patients with TM from patients with SAC but no TM as
      a complication. The association of air-filled colonic distension >6 cm, abnormal
      haustral pattern and segmental colonic parietal thinning seems pathognomonic of
      TM and should lead to rapid surgery.

PMID- 22040787
TI  - The negative impact of fatty liver on maximum standard uptake value of liver on
      FDG PET.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of the study is to evaluate the impact of fatty liver on
      maximum standard uptake value (SUVmax) of liver on 2-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose
      (FDG) positron emission tomography (PET). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 173
      consecutive healthy subjects were retrospectively recruited for analysis.
      Subjects with acute renal disease, chronic renal disease, or malignancy were
      excluded. Demographic data were collected from chart records. All subjects
      performed whole-body FDG PET, sonography of liver, and glutamic pyruvic
      transaminase (GPT) level. The SUVmax of liver on FDG PET was calculated. The
      relationship between the severity of fatty liver and SUVmax of liver on FDG PET
      was analyzed. RESULTS: There were significant differences in SUVmax of liver on
      FDG PET in four groups: no fatty liver, mild-degree, moderate-degree, and severe
      degree fatty liver on sonography diagnosis (P=.041). After adjusting for possible
      covariates age, sex, body mass index, and GPT, there was a significantly negative
      correlation between the severity of fatty liver and SUVmax of liver on FDG PET
      (beta=-.20, P<.001). CONCLUSION: Based on the results of this study, the liver
      cannot be used as a comparator of extrahepatic foci of equivocal increased FDG
      activity in patients with fatty liver disease.

PMID- 22040788
TI  - Retroportal main pancreatic duct with circumportal pancreas: radiographic
      visualization.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the imaging findings of
      retroportal main pancreatic duct (RMPD), a rare anomaly of the pancreas, and
      circumportal pancreas (CP) on computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance
      (MR) imaging. We also reviewed the previous literature and discussed its best
      imaging method, etiology and clinical importance. METHODS: This work is a
      retrospective study. Two cases of RMPD were enrolled. The imaging findings of
      RMPD and CP were reviewed among the various CT and MR images obtained.
      Differences in visualization among the scans were evaluated using a four-stage
      model. RESULTS: RMPD was always accompanied by CP. RMPD was detectable on
      contrast-enhanced CT but not on noncontrasted CT. RMPD was shown most clearly on
      arterial, portal and late phases of contrast-enhanced CT, contrast-enhanced fat
      suppressed T1-weighted images and fat-suppressed T2-weighted images. CP was much
      easier to detect than RMPD and could be identified even on noncontrasted images.
      CONCLUSIONS: We described the fourth and the fifth reported cases of RMPD. This
      is the first study to describe its MR imaging findings. CP was always present in
      cases of RMPD and was easily detectable on tomographic images. When radiologists
      or surgeons notice CP, it is necessary to pay attention to the course of the main
      pancreatic duct, particularly preoperatively to avoid surgical complications. It
      should be noted that these anomalies are undetectable on projection images.

PMID- 22040789
TI  - Evaluating the perfusion of occupying lesions of kidney and bladder with contrast
      enhanced ultrasound.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical diagnostic value of contrast-enhanced
      ultrasound (CEUS) for occupying lesions of kidney and bladder. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: CEUS was performed for a total of 50 kidney and bladder occupying
      lesions in 47 cases, and CEUS manifestations of these lesions were observed and
      analyzed. Patterns of dynamic changes in perfusion phases of CEUS were summarized
      and compared with results of postoperative pathology, enhanced computed
      tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and follow-ups. RESULTS: CEUS
      results showed that there were 22 cases of malignant renal tumors, 11 cases of
      benign lesions, two cases of renal column hypertrophy, and 12 cases of malignant
      bladder tumors (15 lesions). Renal cell carcinoma exhibited various CEUS
      manifestation, with the majority showing fast filling and hyper-enhancement. CEUS
      manifestation of renal hamartoma was characterized by slow filling and slow
      outflow. Renal cystic lesions always exhibited no enhancement within the cysts.
      Renal column hypertrophy exhibited the same enhancement pattern as the renal
      cortex. CEUS manifestation of bladder carcinoma was mainly characterized by quick
      filling, quick outflow, and hyperenhancement. CONCLUSIONS: CEUS offers real-time
      observation of perfusion in occupying lesions of kidney and bladder, but the
      enhancement pattern of kidney occupying lesions was complex; therefore,
      combination of enhanced CT, MRI, and CEUS may be necessary.

PMID- 22040790
TI  - Multimodality imaging of melanoma metastases to the abdomen and pelvis.
AB  - Disease in the abdomen and pelvis is frequent in patients with metastatic
      melanoma (MM). Multidetector row computed tomography is the imaging modality of
      choice for diagnosis and follow-up of MM. However, positron emission tomographic
      scan may be used as well as other newer imaging modalities, particularly for
      imaging of the abdominal and pelvic metastases. The aim if this exhibit is to
      review the distribution and features of melanoma metastases to the abdomen and
      pelvis as well as the role of currently available imaging modalities.

PMID- 22040791
TI  - MRI findings of sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma in nine cases.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of a series of 9
      cases of pathologically proven sarcomatoid renal cell carcinoma (SRCC). METHODS:
      Two radiologists in consensus retrospectively reviewed a spectrum of MRI features
      of nine cases of SRCC imaged at our institution between 2003 and 2009. RESULTS:
      SRCC had a mean diameter of 9.9 cm. All cases had an irregular or infiltrative
      morphology and demonstrated heterogeneous T2 signal intensity and enhancement.
      Internal necrosis was present in all cases, with four cases demonstrating >50%
      necrosis. Evidence of aggressive local behavior and/or distant spread was
      frequently observed. CONCLUSIONS: We have presented the largest case series to
      our knowledge of the MRI appearance of SRCC, with the lesions tending to appear
      as large heterogeneous masses with internal necrosis and evidence of aggressive
      local or distant behavior. However, these imaging features are non-specific, and
      histology remains necessary to establish the diagnosis.

PMID- 22040792
TI  - Sacroiliac joint vacuum phenomenon--underreported finding.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Vacuum phenomenon (VP) is commonly found in sacroiliac
      joints, and its significance in patients with back pain has been debated. We
      investigated the prevalence of sacroiliac joint vacuum phenomenon (SJVP) and the
      rate at which it is reported on abdominopelvic and lumbosacral spine computed
      tomography (CT) images by body imagers and neuroradiologists. We hypothesized
      that it would be more common than not and that neuroradiologists would identify
      it more frequently than body imagers and on spine images more commonly than
      abdominopelvic studies due to the search for the source of back pain in the
      former. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CT images of the pelvis and lumbar spine from
      January to February 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. Six hundred fifty-two
      patients were studied during this period. Axial thin-section images were reviewed
      under default lung and bone window settings. Age, sex, and radiologist reports
      were assessed from electronic medical records. RESULTS: The prevalence of SJVP on
      CT imaging was 34%, with higher rates found in female (41%, P<.001) and older
      (39%, P<.05) patients. Eighty-five percent of the phenomena were present
      bilaterally. Among the 223 patients with SJVP, only 17% were reported. There were
      no statistically significant differences between reporting rates for body
      radiologists and neuroradiologists. CONCLUSION: SJVP is a prevalent condition
      with higher rates among older and female individuals. The phenomenon is
      underreported on CT images whether the studies performed are abdominopelvic scans
      or spine studies and whether they are interpreted by body imagers or
      neuroradiologists.

PMID- 22040793
TI  - Suspiciously malignant findings on ultrasound after fine needle aspiration biopsy
      in a thyroid nodule with initially benign ultrasound and cytologic result: to
      repeat or to follow-up.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purposes of this study were to evaluate the incidence of
      suspiciously malignant change on ultrasound (US) in thyroid nodules after initial
      benign US and cytologic results and to investigate the associated US
      characteristics and the management of these nodules. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among
      the patients who underwent thyroid fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) from
      October 2003 to December 2004, 550 patients who had thyroid nodules with initial
      benign US and cytologic results were included. Reference standards were
      established by pathologic results, follow-up cytologic results or follow-up US.
      We evaluated the incidence of morphologic changes to suspiciously malignant US
      findings of these thyroid nodules after FNAB. We also evaluated the initial US
      features associated with the nodules showing suspiciously malignant findings on
      US after FNAB in these patients. RESULTS: Of 550 patients, 28 nodules (5.1%)
      showed morphologic changes into nodules with suspiciously malignant US findings
      on follow-up US. All thyroid nodules showing morphologic changes had mixed solid
      and cystic components (P<.001). Suspiciously malignant changes on US were
      associated with the percentage of the cystic portion, but all changed nodules
      were confirmed as benign. CONCLUSION: Follow-up US should be recommended rather
      than to repeat FNAB for thyroid nodules with initial benign US and cytologic
      results even if they later develop suspiciously malignant US features after FNAB.

PMID- 22040794
TI  - PET-CT in the diagnosis of localized malignant pleural mesothelioma.
AB  - A 67-year-old man presented with right-sided chest and shoulder pain. Chest
      roentgenogram demonstrated a right upper zone shadow. Computed tomography (CT)
      revealed a pleural mass and adjacent chest wall disease. Image-guided
      percutaneous biopsy suggested malignant mesothelioma. We describe the use of 18
      fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography (PET-CT) in the diagnosis and
      management of localized malignant mesothelioma.

PMID- 22040795
TI  - Uterine inversion caused by a submucous leiomyoma.
AB  - Uterine inversion secondary to a pathological process of the myometrium is very
      rare. We report the case of a woman presenting with a submucosal pedunculated
      leiomyoma in whom a study by 3-T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated a
      uterine inversion. The MRI findings were characteristic and permitted a correct
      diagnosis before the surgical intervention.

PMID- 22040796
TI  - Primary seminal vesicle adenocarcinoma.
AB  - We describe the case of a 48-year-old male with primary seminal vesicle
      carcinoma. Although most malignant lesions involving the seminal vesicles are the
      result of secondary spread from other tumors, primary seminal vesicle carcinoma
      must be considered in the differential diagnosis, as the prognosis for this
      condition is dismal. Magnetic resonance imaging plays a crucial role in
      assessment, as it can exquisitely depict the anatomy of this region and define
      the extent of a seminal vesicle lesion.

PMID- 22040797
TI  - Radiologic-pathologic findings of primary osseous adamantinoma with unusual
      metastasis to the posterior cul-de-sac in pregnancy.
AB  - Adamantinoma is a rare primary bone malignancy with a predilection for the tibial
      cortex. Metastases have been reported to the long bones, lung, pleura and spine.
      We present a 26-year-old pregnant woman with metastatic disease to the posterior
      cul-de-sac, lungs, liver and retroperitoneum, which collectively have not been
      previously reported in a single patient to our knowledge.

PMID- 22040799
TI  - Selective recovery of gold from waste mobile phone PCBs by hydrometallurgical
      process.
AB  - The leaching of gold from the scrap mobile phone PCBs by electro-generated
      chlorine as an oxidant and its recovery by ion exchange process was investigated.
      The leaching experiments were carried out by employing separate leaching reactor
      connected with the anode compartment of a Cl(2) gas generator. The leaching of
      gold increased with increase in temperature and initial concentration of
      chlorine, and was favorable even at low concentration of acid, whereas copper
      leaching increased with increase in concentration of acid and decrease in
      temperature. In a two-stage leaching process, copper was mostly dissolved (97%)
      in 165 min at 25 degrees C during the 1st stage leaching in 2.0 mol/L HCl by
      electro-generated chlorine at a current density of 714A/m(2) along with a minor
      recovery of gold (5%). In the 2nd stage gold was mostly leached out (93%
      recovery, ~67 mg/L) from the residue of the 1st stage by the electro-generated
      chlorine in 0.1 mol/L HCl. Gold recovery from the leach liquor by ion exchange
      using Amberlite XAD-7HP resin was found to be 95% with the maximum amount of gold
      adsorbed as 46.03 mg/g resin. A concentrated gold solution, 6034 mg/L with 99.9%
      purity was obtained in the ion exchange process.

PMID- 22040798
TI  - Isoflurane postconditioning induces neuroprotection via Akt activation and
      attenuation of increased mitochondrial membrane permeability.
AB  - We have shown that isoflurane application at the onset of reperfusion
      (postconditioning) reduces brain ischemic injury in rats. This study was designed
      to determine whether this protection involved activation of prosurvival protein
      kinases and maintenance of normal mitochondrial membrane permeability. Two-month
      old male rats were subjected to a 90-min middle cerebral arterial occlusion. They
      then were exposed or were not exposed to 2% isoflurane for 1 h. Ischemic
      penumbral cerebral cortex was harvested immediately and separated into the
      mitochondrial and cytosolic fractions. We showed that the mitochondrial
      nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide content in the ischemic penumbral cortex was
      significantly reduced, suggesting an increased mitochondrial membrane
      permeability. This increase was partly attenuated by isoflurane postconditioning.
      The mitochondrial adenosine diphosphate content in the penumbral cortex was
      reduced no matter whether the animals were postconditioned with isoflurane. The
      mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate concentration was not different among
      various experimental conditions. The phospho-Akt in the cytosolic and
      mitochondrial fractions of the ischemic penumbral cortex was higher than that in
      the control cortex. This increase trended to be higher in animals with isoflurane
      postconditioning. A similar change pattern was observed in the mitochondrial
      phospho-glycogen synthase kinase 3beta, an Akt substrate that can regulate the
      mitochondrial membrane permeability. Isoflurane postconditioning reduced oxygen
      glucose deprivation-induced injury of rat cortical neuronal cultures and
      increased phospho-Akt in these cells. The isoflurane postconditioning-induced
      protection in the neuronal cultures was decreased by the Akt inhibitor LY294002.
      These results suggest that isoflurane postconditioning effects may be mediated by
      Akt and involve reduced mitochondrial membrane permeability.

PMID- 22040800
TI  - Removal of methylene blue from aqueous solution with magnetite loaded multi-wall
      carbon nanotube: kinetic, isotherm and mechanism analysis.
AB  - In this study, we have demonstrated the efficient removal of cationic dye,
      methylene blue (MB), from aqueous solution with the one-pot solvothermal
      synthesized magnetite-loaded multi-walled carbon nanotubes (M-MWCNTs). The as
      prepared M-MWCNTs were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning
      electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy.
      The effects of contact time, initial dye concentration, and solution pH on the
      adsorption of MB onto M-MWCNTs were systematically studied. It was shown that the
      MB adsorption was pH-dependent. Adsorption kinetics was best described by the
      pseudo-second-order model. Equilibrium data were well fitted to the Langmuir
      isotherm model, yielding maximum monolayer adsorption capacity of 48.06 mg g(-1).
      FTIR analysis suggested that the adsorption mechanism was possibly attributed to
      the electrostatic attraction and pi-pi stacking interactions between MWCNTs and
      MB.

PMID- 22040801
TI  - Electron microscopy studies of nucleosome remodelers.
AB  - ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling complexes, or remodelers, are large protein
      assemblies that use the energy from ATP hydrolysis to non-covalently modify the
      structure of nucleosomes, playing a central role in the regulation of chromatin
      dynamics. Our understanding of the mechanism and regulation of this remodeling
      activity and the diversity of products that chromatin remodelers can generate
      remains limited, partly because very little structural data are available on
      these challenging samples. Electron microscopy (EM) and single-particle
      approaches have made inroads into the structural characterization of a number of
      remodeling complexes. Here I will review the work done to date, focusing on
      functional insights we have gained from these structures.

PMID- 22040802
TI  - Binding phylacteries: mind and body meet in the operating room.

PMID- 22040804
TI  - Circadian variation in ghrelin and certain stress hormones in crib-biting horses.
AB  - Crib-biting is classified as an oral stereotypy, which may be initiated by stress
      susceptibility, management factors, genetic factors and gastrointestinal
      irritation. Ghrelin has been identified in the gastric mucosa and is involved in
      the control of food intake and reward, but its relationship to crib-biting is not
      yet known. The aim of this study was to examine the concentration and circadian
      variation of plasma ghrelin, cortisol, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and
      beta-endorphin in crib-biting horses and non-crib-biting controls. Plasma samples
      were collected every second hour for 24h in the daily environment of eight horses
      with stereotypic crib-biting and eight non-crib-biting controls. The crib-biting
      horses had significantly higher mean plasma ghrelin concentrations than the
      control horses. The circadian rhythm of cortisol was evident, indicating that the
      sampling protocol did not inhibit the circadian regulation in these horses. Crib
      biting had no statistically significant effect on cortisol, ACTH or beta
      endorphin concentrations. The inter-individual variations in beta-endorphin and
      ACTH were higher than the intra-individual differences, which made inter
      individual comparisons difficult and complicated the interpretation of results.
      Further research is therefore needed to determine the relationship between crib
      biting and ghrelin concentration.

PMID- 22040805
TI  - Mycobacterial infections in multiple species: implications for diagnosis and
      control.

PMID- 22040803
TI  - MVP and vaults: a role in the radiation response.
AB  - Vaults are evolutionary highly conserved ribonucleoproteins particles with a
      hollow barrel-like structure. The main component of vaults represents the 110 kDa
      major vault protein (MVP), whereas two minor vaults proteins comprise the 193 kDa
      vault poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (vPARP) and the 240 kDa telomerase-associated
      protein-1 (TEP-1). Additionally, at least one small and untranslated RNA is found
      as a constitutive component. MVP seems to play an important role in the
      development of multidrug resistance. This particle has also been implicated in
      the regulation of several cellular processes including transport mechanisms,
      signal transmission and immune responses. Vaults are considered a prognostic
      marker for different cancer types. The level of MVP expression predicts the
      clinical outcome after chemotherapy in different tumour types. Recently, new
      roles have been assigned to MVP and vaults including the association with the
      insulin-like growth factor-1, hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha, and the two major
      DNA double-strand break repair machineries: non-homologous endjoining and
      homologous recombination. Furthermore, MVP has been proposed as a useful
      prognostic factor associated with radiotherapy resistance. Here, we review these
      novel actions of vaults and discuss a putative role of MVP and vaults in the
      response to radiotherapy.

PMID- 22040806
TI  - Overexpression of histidine-rich calcium binding protein in equine ventricular
      myocardium.
AB  - Histidine-rich calcium binding protein (HRC) is a high capacity, low affinity
      Ca(2+) binding protein, specifically expressed in striated muscles of mammals. In
      rabbit skeletal and cardiac muscles, HRC binds to sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR)
      membranes via triadin, a junctional SR protein. Recently, a potential role in
      heart failure and arrhythmogenesis has been assigned to HRC due to its activity
      as regulator of SR Ca(2+) uptake and Ca(2+) release. HRC might play a
      particularly relevant role in the equine heart, given its slower resting heart
      rate (20-35 beats/min) and longer action potential duration (APD) (0.6-1.0 s)
      than are found in other mammals. The results from this study showed for the first
      time direct evidence that HRC protein in equine cardiac muscle was expressed in
      association with the SR membranes and that HRC transcriptional activity was three
      times higher in the ventricles compared to the atria. The predominance of HRC
      mRNA up-regulation in ventricular myocardium was specific to the horse heart,
      since a more even distribution between atria and ventricles was found in animals
      of similar body size or species, such as cattle or domestic donkeys.

PMID- 22040807
TI  - The effect of rosiglitazone on LRP1 expression and amyloid beta uptake in human
      brain microvascular endothelial cells: a possible role of a low-dose
      thiazolidinedione for dementia treatment.
AB  - Thiazolidinediones, such as rosiglitazone or pioglitazone, are anti-diabetic
      agents that have been expected to show a beneficial effect in Alzheimer's disease
      (AD) because of their anti-inflammatory effect. However, these agents have failed
      to show a significant beneficial effect on AD in recent clinical trials. Here, we
      suggest that low-dose rosiglitazone treatment, and not the conventional doses,
      has an amyloid beta (Abeta)-clearing effect by increasing LRP1, an Abeta outward
      transporter in the blood-brain barrier. Rosiglitazone up-regulated LRP1 mRNA and
      protein expression and LRP1 promoter activity in human brain microvascular
      endothelial cells (HBMECs). Abeta uptake through LRP1 in HBMECs was also
      increased by rosiglitazone. This increase in LRP1 and Abeta uptake was observed
      in up to 10 nm rosiglitazone concentration. At concentrations above 20 nm
      rosiglitazone, the LRP1 expression and Abeta uptake in HBMECs were not altered.
      The possible mechanism of this unusual dose response is discussed. This study
      suggests a new therapeutic application of thiazolidinediones for AD at a much
      lower dose than the doses used for diabetes treatment. 

PMID- 22040808
TI  - Endoscopic treatment of glottic stenosis: a report on the safety and efficacy of
      CO2 laser.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Treatment of glottic stenosis is a considerable challenge to the
      otolaryngologist. Glottic airway patency can be compromised by bilateral vocal
      fold palsy, anterior webbing or a posterior segment scar, which may be
      significant enough to impair arytenoid movement. METHOD: A retrospective analysis
      of a prospective database of patients (n = 34) treated by a specialist airway
      surgeon. All patients underwent endoscopic treatment with a CO(2) laser in an
      attempt to improve airway calibre and, in 12 patients, to decannulate
      tracheostomy tubes. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients had bilateral vocal fold palsy
      and 13 had predominantly posterior glottic stenosis. A variety of pathology
      directed treatment approaches were used to achieve good functional results. Four
      patients required a second endoscopic procedure. The overall revision rate was 5
      per cent for bilateral fold palsy and 23 per cent for posterior glottic stenosis
      (p < 0.05). All patients had an adequate functional airway calibre, and all 12
      tracheotomised patients were decannulated. DISCUSSION: Pathology-directed
      endoscopic laser surgery is safe and effective treatment for glottic stenosis.
      Rather prescriptive use of unilateral or bilateral cordotomy or combined cordo
      arytenoidectomy, clinicians must perform the procedure that will treat the lesion
      most adequately. Our success rate compared favourably with the best reported
      results.

PMID- 22040809
TI  - Interference by o-phenanthroline in the radioimmunoassay of angiotensin II in
      small volume blood samples.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the ratio of enzyme inhibitor volume to blood volume
      in angiotensin II (Ang II) blood collection tubes. DESIGN AND METHODS: Whole
      blood was mixed with known volumes of inhibitor prior to angiotensin II analysis.
      RESULTS: Imunoreactive Ang II levels increased at low blood volume to high
      inhibitor volume ratios, due to interference by o-phenanthroline. CONCLUSION: To
      prevent falsely elevated Ang II levels in low volume blood samples an appropriate
      volume of inhibitor solution must be used.

PMID- 22040810
TI  - Homozygous bisalbuminemia or homozygous mutant albumin?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Bisalbuminemia is a genetic condition in which an albumin variant
      is found in serum in addition to normal albumin. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Serum
      protein electrophoresis using the Sebia HYDRASYS electrophoresis system was
      performed on an 84 year old male. RESULTS: Serum protein electrophoresis showed a
      single albumin band migrating faster than normal albumin. CONCLUSION: The
      presence of a homozygous albumin variant band, albumin Naskapi, is noted.

PMID- 22040811
TI  - Molar expression: Interconverting results of highly sensitive troponin I and T
      while preserving clinical significance.

PMID- 22040812
TI  - Comparison of tear proteins between healthy and early diabetic retinopathy
      patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To identify potential prognostic or diagnostic marker tear proteins
      for early diabetic retinopathy (DR) and to investigate the pathogenesis of this
      disease using proteomics techniques. DESIGN AND METHODS: The tear proteins
      expressed in patients suffering from diabetes mellitus without the retinopathy
      symptoms, nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy and healthy volunteers were
      analyzed by 2-DE. The differentially expressed proteins in patients were
      identified by ESI-Q-TOF and confirmed by Western blotting. RESULTS: Proteins
      which were differentially expressed with statistical significance (P<0.05) in two
      diabetic groups as compared to those in healthy group were selected and
      identified by ESI-Q-TOF MS/MS. Among these proteins, three proteins (LCN-1, HSP27
      and B2M) were found to exhibit a progressive reduction in two disease groups. The
      expression levels of which might be useful as diagnostic biomarkers of DR were
      verified by Western blotting CONCLUSIONS: Proteomic analysis using tear is a
      novel approach that can provide insight into possible biomarker and the
      pathogenesis of early DR.

PMID- 22040813
TI  - Causes of rejection of blood samples handled in the clinical laboratory of a
      University Hospital in Porto Alegre.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Errors in clinical laboratories have a great impact on safety and care
      of patients. The pre-analytical phase is responsible for about 70% of errors.
      Hence, the objective was to determine what types of pre-analytical errors for
      improvements at this stage, and contribute data to the literature. DESIGN AND
      METHODS: Every three months during the study, the rejected blood samples were
      assessed for type of pre-analytical error and home care. RESULTS: 77,051 blood
      samples were collected in the search period, whereof 441 (0.57%) were rejected by
      some type of pre-analytical error and therefore had to be recollected. Clot was
      found to be the major cause of rejection of samples, 43.8%, followed by
      insufficient sample volume, 24%. CONCLUSION: This study has shown that the most
      frequent causes of pre-analytical errors and rejection of samples corroborate
      those found in the literature.

PMID- 22040814
TI  - Association of single nucleotide polymorphisms in IL-12 and IL-27 genes with
      colorectal cancer risk.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Interleukin-12 (IL-12) plays an important role in antitumor immunity.
      Interleukin-27 (IL-27) is a novel IL-12 family member. The present studies
      demonstrate that IL-27 mediates potent antitumor activity. However, No studies
      have examined the association of these polymorphism with colorectal cancer (CRC).
      Therefore, we investigated the relationship of IL-12 and IL-27 gene polymorphisms
      and CRC. DESIGN AND METHODS: We analyzed polymorphisms of IL-12 gene 16974 A/C
      and IL-27 gene -964 A/G, 2905 T/G, 4730 T/C in 410 patients with CRC and 450
      controls, using PCR-RFLP method. RESULTS: There were no significant differences
      in the genotype and allele frequencies of IL-12 and IL-27 gene polymorphisms
      between the group of patients with CRC and the controls. Furthermore, no
      association was found between IL-12 family gene polymorphisms and different
      clinical stages in patients with CRC. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that IL
      12 and IL-27 gene polymorphisms may not be involved in susceptibility to CRC.

PMID- 22040815
TI  - Serum uric acid levels and the clinical characteristics of depression.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to investigate the correlation between serum
      uric acid (UA) levels and the clinical characteristics of depression. DESIGN AND
      METHODS: The serum UA levels were measured in 124 patients with depression, 660
      patients with different types of other mental disorders (OMD) and 42 healthy
      subjects. Clinical characteristics of depression and OMD were also investigated.
      RESULTS: Depressive patients (271.97 +/- 77.50 MUmol/L) had significantly lower
      UA levels than those with delirium, dementia, amnesia and other cognitive
      disorders (339.95 +/- 141.74 MUmol/L, P=0.004), substances related disorders
      (359.61 +/- 125.02 MUmol/L, P=0.022), schizophrenia (341.03 +/- 106.84 MUmol/L,
      P=0.000), schizoaffective disorder (336.78 +/- 155.49 MUmol/L, P=0.024), bipolar
      disorder (323.04 +/- 108.70 MUmol/L, P=0.008) and the healthy control group
      (315.76 +/- 87.50 MUmol/L, P=0.012). We also found that the UA levels of
      depressive patients normalised after a five week treatment with antidepressants.
      CONCLUSION: Our data suggested that a lowered UA level is another characteristic
      of depression.

PMID- 22040816
TI  - [Frontiers in vitamin D; basic research and clinical application. Vitamin D
      deficiency, insufficiency and sufficiency].
AB  - In November 2010, IOM (Institute of Medicine) of USA issued a report on DRI
      (Dietary Reference Intakes) for calcium and vitamin D, which challenged then
      widespread view among many in US that vitamin D sufficiency is defined by serum
      25 (OH) D level more than 30 ng/mL. The IOM report concluded serum 25 (OH) D
      level of 20 ng/mL would be sufficient for 97.5% of general healthy population,
      and recommended vitamin D intake much lower than that had been believed among
      many experts. After much discussion, disputes, in July 2011, American Endocrine
      Society issued a guideline for Vitamin D deficiency, which contrasted to IOM
      report in many aspects. In this article, differences between those two guidelines
      are reviewed and current issues surrounding vitamin D deficiency/sufficiency are
      discussed.

PMID- 22040817
TI  - [Frontiers in vitamin D; basic Research and clinical application. Effect of
      active vitamin D3 on osteoporosis].
AB  - Although active vitamin D3 only slightly increases bone mineral density (BMD) ,
      it prevents fractures to a greater extent than is predicted, based on
      measurements of BMD. This effect is partly attributed to enhanced muscle strength
      and increased physical capabilities by vitamin D, which, in turn, decreases the
      risk of falls and fractures. In addition, active vitamin D3 has been reported in
      animal studies to improve bone quality by enhancing trabecular bone
      microarchitecture and increasing enzymatic collagen cross-links in bone. A (large
      scale of) randomized controlled trial in Japanese postmenopausal women verified
      that the combination therapy of bisphosphonate (alendronate) plus active vitamin
      D3 was more effective than monotherapy in terms of fracture prevention in high
      fracture risk group.

PMID- 22040818
TI  - [Frontiers in vitamin D; basic research and clinical application. Vitamin D and
      secondary hyperparathyroidism].
AB  - In chronic kidney disease (CKD) , phosphate retention and low 1, 25
      dihydroxyvitamin D [1, 25 (OH) 2D] due to a decrease in the number of functioning
      nephrons had long been considered to contribute to the pathogenesis of secondary
      hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) . The discovery of fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23)
      drastically changed our understanding and provided new implication of the
      development of SHPT. In addition, CKD impairs the maintenance of normal 25
      hydoxyvitamin D [25 (OH) D] levels which can act directly on the parathyroid
      glands to repress PTH synthesis. Active vitamin D therapy is widely used for the
      treatment of SHPT. However, the active form of vitamin D, 1, 25 (OH) 2D and its
      analogs increase the calcium and phosphate levels by increasing the intestinal
      calcium and phosphate absorption. To suppress PTH secretion without these
      potential complications, several vitamin D analogs including paricalcitol,
      maxacalcitol and doxercalciferol are already in clinical use. A novel therapeutic
      concept in new vitamin D therapies are expected to improve patient outcome.

PMID- 22040819
TI  - [Frontiers in vitamin D; basic research and clinical application. Activated
      vitamin D in psoriasis].
AB  - Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated disease that appears on the skin. It
      occurs when the immune system sends out faulty signals that speed up the growth
      cycle of skin cells. Psoriasis is typically a lifelong condition. There is
      currently no cure, but various treatments can help to control the symptoms.
      Activated vitamin D3 is the first-line treatment for psoriasis. Psoriasis is
      often treated with combination therapy of activated vitamin D3 and other
      treatment. Depending on the severity and location of outbreaks, individuals may
      experience significant physical discomfort and some disability. Thus, the goal
      for the treatment of psoriasis is to control the signs and symptoms over a long
      period and to ameliorate the quality of life of psoriasis patients.

PMID- 22040820
TI  - [Frontiers in vitamin D; basic research and clinical application. Is VDR a factor
      of bone volume regulator in bone tissues?].
AB  - Vitamin D is one of the best established hormone to exert beneficial action for
      bone mass control and bone metabolism. Such vitamin D action for bone tissue is
      recapitulated in intact animals, while vitamin D is well known to potentiate bone
      resorption by inducing gene of RANKL an osteoclastic inducer. By genetic
      characterization of VDR in mice, VDR was found to serve as a negative regulator
      in intact bone. Moreover, RANKL gene expression level in intact bone was down
      regulated in osteoblast-specific VDR KO mice. Thus, these findings indicate that
      VDR in bone tissue is a negative regulator for bone mass control.

PMID- 22040821
TI  - [Frontiers in vitamin D; basic research and clinical application. Exploratory
      research, biological characteristic and pharmacokinetics of eldecalcitol, a new
      active vitamin D derivative].
AB  - In 1981 when a clinical application of alfacalcidol, a prodrug of active vitamin
      D, started, differentiation inducing properties of active vitamin D were found at
      the same year. This indicated the diversity of the physiological actions of
      active vitamin D, which initially had been thought only to contribute to bone and
      calcium metabolism. Because these physiological actions were clinically useful,
      the discovery revealed opportunities for the development of drugs appropriate to
      specific purpose by synthesizing derivatives to separate biological effects.
      Several active vitamin D derivatives are now commercially available and
      contributing to current clinical practice in the fields of psoriasis and
      secondary hyperparathyroidism treatments. Eldecalcitol was also joined into
      clinically useful derivatives as a new drug for the treatment of osteoporosis in
      this year. In this chapter, exploratory research, biological characteristic and
      pharmacokinetics including putative metabolites based on structural appearances
      of eldecalcitol are introduced.

PMID- 22040823
TI  - [Frontiers in vitamin D; basic research and clinical application. Vitamin D and
      falls].
AB  - Along with aging, the synthesis of vitamin D3 in the skin declines with
      insufficient sunlight exposure, leading to vitamin D deficiency. In the elderly,
      vitamin D deficiency results not only in impaired bone mineralization, but also
      myopathy. Low vitamin D has also been shown to be associated with decline of
      muscle strength, sarcopenia, functional limitation, and disability. Several
      recent studies have shown that low serum vitamin D concentration is associated
      with lower physical function and falls in older adults. The previous study of
      Japanese community elderly aged 65 years and older has also shown that low serum
      25-hydroxyvitamin D [25 (OH) D] level is significantly associated with inferior
      physical performance and experience of fall. In this chapter, a prospective
      follow-up study conducted to clarify the association between serum 25 (OH) D
      level and the risk of falls is introduced. The subjects were the community
      dwelling elderly women aged 75 years or older (n = 1,393) who participated in a
      mass health examination. The baseline prevalence of 25 (OH) D insufficiency
      [blood level<20 ng/mL] was 35.2%. In a multiple logistic regression model
      adjusted for age, women in the lowest tertile of 25 (OH) D (<= 19 ng/mL) were at
      significantly higher risk of any fall (OR = 1.56 ; 95% CI = 1.14-2.14 ; p =
      0.005) and recurrent fall (OR = 1.75 ; 95% CI = 1.15-2.68, p = 0.010) compared to
      women in the highest tertile [25 (OH) D >= 25 ng/mL] . A multiple logistic
      regression model adjusted for various confounding variables showed that serum 25
      (OH) D level was independently associated with the risk of falls (p = 0.023) . In
      conclusion, these results indicate that lower 25 (OH) D, particularly levels
      below 20 ng/mL, is independently and significantly associated with an increased
      risk of falling.

PMID- 22040822
TI  - [Frontiers in vitamin D; basic research and clinical application. A review on
      histological findings in bones administered with eldecalcitol].
AB  - This review will show the histological findings in femora of ovariectomized (OVX)
      rats administered with or without eldecalcitol, a second-generation of vitamin D
      analog, which were published in our recent article. The OVX group showed markedly
      reduced bone mineral density, and the decreased trabecular number and thickness,
      which was consistent to increased osteoclastic number and bone resorption
      parameters. After eldecalcitol administration, the number of osteoclasts was
      diminished, accompanied with elevated bone mineral density. Interestingly,
      eldecalcitol did promote a type of focal bone formation that is independent of
      bone resorption, a process known as bone mini-modeling. Taken together, our
      findings suggest that eldecalcitol mainly inhibits osteoclastic bone resorption,
      but, in part, stimulates focal bone formation in the OVX bone.

PMID- 22040824
TI  - [Frontiers in vitamin D; basic research and clinical application. Vitamin D
      regulation of macrophage -dependent innate immunity].
AB  - Among various pleiotropic actions of vitamin D, its immunomodulatory role has
      been well recognized for more than 30 years. However, despite the presence of
      vitamin D receptors in immune cells including lymphocytes and
      monocytes/macrorphages, the impact of vitamin D system on immune regulation
      remained unclear. Recently, two key functions of vitamin D : induction of
      antimicrobial peptides and autophagy in cells of the monocyte/macrophage lineage,
      have been described, revealing a much clearer picture of the role of vitamin D as
      an immunomodulator, particularly in innate immunity against pathogens such as
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This review summarizes recent advances in research of
      vitamin D as a regulator of innate immunity, and clinical trials of vitamin D as
      a potential anti-infectious agent.

PMID- 22040825
TI  - [Frontiers in vitamin D; basic research and clinical application. Inhibitory
      effects of eldecalcitol, an active vitamin D derivative, on bone resorption in
      vivo].
AB  - Eldecalcitol is a new vitamin D(3) derivative recently approved for the treatment
      of osteoporosis in Japan. Previous studies showed that daily administration of
      eldecalcitol increased bone mineral density (BMD) by suppressing bone resorption
      in animals and in patients with osteoporosis. We examined how eldecalcitol
      suppresses bone resorption in vivo . Daily administration of eldecalcitol into
      mice did not affect properties of osteoclast precursors, but suppressed RANKL
      expression in bone. These results suggest that daily administration of
      eldecalcitol increase BMD by suppressing RANKL expression in bone.

PMID- 22040826
TI  - [Frontiers in vitamin D; basic research and clinical application. Eldecalcitol:
      the effect on bones and calcium metabolism].
AB  - Eldecalcitol is a new active vitamin D3 compound, bearing a hydroxypropyloxy
      residue at the 2beta-position of 1alpha, 25 (OH) 2D3. In ovariectomized rats,
      eldecalcitol increased vertebral bone mass and bone strength by inhibiting bone
      resorption and maintaining bone formation. In randomized, placebo-controlled,
      double-blinded clinical trial for osteoporotic subjects, eldecalcitol increased
      lumber vertebral and hip bone mineral density independent of vitamin D status.
      Furthermore, in patients with osteoporosis, eldecalcitol treatment was associated
      with a lower risk of vertebral and wrist fractures, with greater decrease in bone
      turnover markers compared with alfacalcidol. The incidence of adverse events was
      similar between the two treatments. Therefore, eldecalcitol can become a new
      treatment of choice for osteoporosis.

PMID- 22040827
TI  - [Frontiers in vitamin D; Basic research and clinical application. The effects of
      eldecalcitol on bone mineral density and fracture prevention--Post hoc analysis].
AB  - We conducted a post-hoc analysis of the phase III clinical trial of eldecalcitol
      (in comparison with alfacalcidol) . Enrolled subjects were divided into subgroups
      according to age, vitamin D levels, prevalent vertebral fractures, and baseline
      lumbar bone mineral density (LBMD) . In the eldecalcitol group, LBMD increased
      more than 3% in 3 years, which was significantly higher than that in the
      alfacalcidol group in all 4 subgroups. Incidence of new vertebral fractures was
      lower in the eldecalcitol group than in the alfacalcidol group in each of the
      first 3 subgroups, and the difference between eldecalcitol and alfacalcidol was
      significant in the age group of 70 years and over. When we compared the fracture
      risk with the placebo group reported in the minodronic acid phase III fracture
      prevention trial, the reductions in relative risk in the alfacalcidol and
      eldecalcitol group were about 30% and 50%, respectively (not direct comparisons)
      . Eldecalcitol is beneficial for a wide range of patients with osteoporosis,
      since its effects of increasing BMD and preventing fractures were not impaired by
      age, vitamin D levels, prevalent vertebral fractures, or baseline BMD.

PMID- 22040828
TI  - [Frontiers in vitamin D; Basic research and clinical application. Effect of
      eldecalcitol on bone structure].
AB  - Eldecalcitol, a new active vitamin D compound, has revealed to have its
      superiority to alfacalcidol in preventing vertebral fractures in osteoporotic
      subjects, as well as in preventing major non-vertebral fracture. Several animal
      studies demonstrated the greater efficacy in bone metabolism comparing the
      traditional active vitamin D, partly in relation to improvement of trabecular
      bone microstructure ; increase in BV/TV, Tb.N and Tb.Th, and decrease in Tb.Sp.
      Furthermore, three years longitudinal observation of hip geometry and
      biomechanical properties using clinical CT (multi-detector row CT) has disclosed
      an unexpected potential of eldecalcitol to improve biomechanical parameters by
      the increase in cortical cross-sectional area, cortical bone mass, and cortical
      perimeter, and by maintaining clinical thickness, probably through a more potent
      effect of eldecalcitol in mitigating endocortical bone resorption compared to
      alfacalcidol.

PMID- 22040829
TI  - [Calcium Pros and Cons--Which method is useful for diagnosis of vertebral body
      fracture; radiograph or MRI?--Vertebral radiograph is the useful method for
      diagnosis and monitoring of vertebral body fractures].
AB  - Vertebral radiograph is very useful to assess the vertebral body fracture and the
      severity of deformity due to fracture. To decrease the severity of vertebral body
      fracture deformity, treatment should be started as soon as possible after
      diagnosis. We can diagnose the early stage of vertebral body fracture to get the
      special findings on radiographs. Furthermore, the process of fracture healing
      could be monitored by X-ray radiograph of vertebrae.  Vertebral radiograph could
      be the best method for assessing and monitoring the vertebral body fracture,
      especially for clinical use.

PMID- 22040830
TI  - [Calcium Pros and Cons--Which method is useful for diagnosis of vertebral body
      fracture; radiograph or MRI?--X-ray examination is not enough for diagnosis of
      fresh vertebral body fractures].
AB  - The vertebral fractures of the elderly people are correctly diagnosed about 60%
      of the time if the X-ray is the only one used for diagnosis.The additional
      physical examination increases the rate dramatically, but it does not help locate
      the fracture.The follow-up X-ray examination increases the rate ; it becomes,
      however, too late to start an effective treatment.  MRI is the best tool for the
      accurate diagnosis in the early stage.

PMID- 22040831
TI  - Health technology assessment: an evidence-based medicine perspective.
AB  - A challenge of health technology assessment is integrating the information from
      different disciplines. This talk focuses on the evidence-based medicine
      perspective and challenges 3 assumptions of health technology assessment:
      assumptions about effectiveness, assumptions about coverage by health technology
      assessment, and assumptions about costs being immutable. Challenging these
      assumptions has several implications. First is the need for better evidence on
      effects: both low-volume, high-cost technologies and low-cost, high-volume
      technologies that are ineffective drains on health care systems' resources.
      Second, cheap but effective technologies should be better promoted, as they can
      displace high-cost technologies. Finally, for effective but expensive
      technologies, we should work to lower the price and/or costs.

PMID- 22040832
TI  - Vulnerable patients' perceptions of health care quality and quality data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Little is known about how patients served by safety-net hospitals
      utilize and respond to hospital quality data. OBJECTIVE: To understand how
      vulnerable, lower income patients make health care decisions and define quality
      of care and whether hospital quality data factor into such decisions and
      definitions. METHODS: Mixed quantitative and qualitative methods were used to
      gather primary data from patients at an urban, tertiary-care safety-net hospital.
      The study hospital is a member of the first public hospital system to voluntarily
      post hospital quality data online for public access. Patients were recruited from
      outpatient and inpatient clinics. Surveys were used to collect data on
      participants' sociodemographic characteristics, health literacy, health care
      experiences, and satisfaction variables. Focus groups were used to explore a
      representative sample of 24 patients' health care decision making and views of
      quality. Data from focus group transcripts were iteratively coded and analyzed by
      the authors. RESULTS: Focus group participants were similar to the broader
      diverse, low-income clinic. Participants reported exercising choice in making
      decisions about where to seek health care. Multiple sources influenced decision
      making processes including participants' own beliefs and values, social
      influences, and prior experiences. Hospital quality data were notably absent as a
      source of influence in health care decision making for this population largely
      because participants were unaware of its existence. Participants' views of
      hospital quality were influenced by the quality and efficiency of services
      provided (with an emphasis on the doctor-patient relationship) and patient
      centeredness. When presented with it, patients appreciated the hospital quality
      data and, with guidance, were interested in incorporating it into health care
      decision making. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest directions for optimizing the
      presentation, content, and availability of hospital quality data. Future research
      will explore how similar populations form and make choices based on presentation
      of hospital quality data.

PMID- 22040833
TI  - Ultrastaging for micrometastases in para-aortic lymph nodes in patients with
      carcinoma of the uterine cervix.

PMID- 22040834
TI  - Prognostic significance of tumor-infiltrating T cells in ovarian cancer: a meta
      analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The presence of T cells within the epithelial component of tumors, as
      histologic evidence of anti-tumor immunity, has been associated with a survival
      advantage in multiple studies across diverse patient cohorts. We performed a meta
      analysis of studies evaluating the prognostic value of tumor-infiltrating
      lymphocytes (TIL) on survival among women with ovarian cancer and to investigate
      factors associated with variations in this effect, including patient
      characteristics, surgical outcomes, tumor histology, and study protocols. METHOD:
      Published studies that evaluated the association between TIL and patient survival
      were identified. Descriptive statistics, outcome data, and study quality were
      extracted from studies that met inclusion criteria. Hazard ratios and 95%
      confidence intervals were pooled across studies using the random-effects model.
      Publication bias was investigated using a funnel plot and heterogeneity was
      assessed with subgroup analysis and I(2) statistics. RESULTS: Ten suitable
      studies comprising 1815 patients with ovarian cancer were analyzed. Our results
      demonstrate that a lack of intraepithelial TILs is significantly associated with
      a worse survival among patients (pooled HR: 2.24, 95% CI; 1.71-2.91). Variations
      in the prognostic value of TIL status based on debulking status, scoring method,
      and geographic regions were identified. CONCLUSIONS: Intraepithelial TILs are a
      robust predictor of outcome in ovarian cancer and define a specific class of
      patients, whose distinct tumor biology should be taken into account in devising
      appropriate therapeutic strategies.

PMID- 22040835
TI  - Functional interaction between peritoneal mesothelial cells and stem cells of
      ovarian yolk sac tumor (SC-OYST) in peritoneal dissemination.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In recent years it has been indicated that ecological niches play
      important roles in the maintenance of cancer stem cells (CSCs). We investigated
      interactions between peritoneal mesothelial cells and SC-OYST based on the
      hypothesis that peritoneal mesothelial cells have the potential to provide one of
      the niches for SC-OYST. METHODS: We divided NOY1 cells into CD133-positive and 
      negative cells. Using the co-culture of NOY1 and peritoneal mesothelial cells, we
      compared the expression of CD133, colony formation, and the capacity for
      migration and invasion. In addition, we assessed the inhibitory effects of
      AMD3100, a neutralizing antibody against a chemokine receptor (CXCR4). Then, we
      examined whether AMD3100 affects the tumorigenicity of NOY1-CD133+ cells in vivo.
      RESULTS: When NOY1 cells were co-cultured with peritoneal mesothelial cells, we
      observed the high-level expression of CD133. The number of colonies of NOY1
      CD133+ cells was 2.4 times that of NOY1-CD133- cells. In contrast, on co-culture
      with peritoneal mesothelial cells, it was 4.3 times. When NOY1 cells were
      cultivated in the upper layer and peritoneal mesothelial cells were cultivated in
      the lower chamber, NOY1-CD133+ cells showed a greater capacity for migration and
      invasion than NOY1-CD133- cells. By adding AMD3100 to the co-culture systems, the
      colony formation, migration, and invasion of NOY1-CD133+ cells were inhibited. In
      addition, AMD3100 inhibited the tumorigenicity of NOY1-CD133+ cells in vivo.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that peritoneal mesothelial cells have the
      potential to provide one of the niches for NOY1 cells. Investigation of the
      niches of SC-OYST will help elucidate important targets for therapeutic
      approaches.

PMID- 22040836
TI  - The more things change the more they stay the same.

PMID- 22040837
TI  - Differential effects of stimulus characteristics during knee joint perturbation
      on hamstring and quadriceps reflex responses.
AB  - When stretching muscles of the ankle joint, stretch velocity and amplitude were
      shown to selectively influence specific parts of the stretch reflex. The present
      study investigated whether similar effects can be observed at the knee joint.
      Seventeen subjects were exposed to sudden anterior tibial translations. The
      influence of stimulus amplitude was analyzed by applying a low (LIMP) or high
      impulse (HIMP). To investigate the influence of velocity, rate of force
      development of the perturbation was chosen either low (LRFD) or high (HRFD).
      Activation of biceps femoris (BF), semitendinosus (ST), vastus medialis (VM) and
      vastus lateralis (VL) was calculated in four consecutive timeframes (P0, P1, P2,
      P3). During P1, RFD (ST: p<.05; BF: p<.01; VM: p<.05; VL: p>.05) and during P2,
      impulse (ST: p<.05; BF: p<.01; VM: p<.01; VL: p<.01) did significantly influence
      reflex activation. The present study showed that stimulus characteristics
      influenced specific reflex components of knee joint muscles. As only hamstring
      muscles were stretched, whereas quadriceps was unloaded, it is concluded that
      different mechanisms like homonymous and heteronymous muscle afferents as well as
      joint and skin afferents might contribute to the reflex responses.

PMID- 22040838
TI  - Independent and combined effects of exercise training and metformin on insulin
      sensitivity in individuals with prediabetes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Physical activity or metformin enhances insulin sensitivity and
      opposes the progression from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes. The combination may
      be more effective because each treatment stimulates AMP-activated protein kinase
      activity in skeletal muscle. We evaluated the effects of exercise training plus
      metformin on insulin sensitivity in men and women with prediabetes, compared with
      each treatment alone. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: For 12 weeks, men and women
      with prediabetes were assigned to the following groups: placebo (P), 2,000 mg/day
      metformin (M), exercise training with placebo (EP), or exercise training with
      metformin (EM) (n = 8 per group). Before and after the intervention, insulin
      sensitivity was measured by euglycemic hyperinsulinemic (80 mU/m(2)/min) clamp
      enriched with [6,6-(2)H]glucose. Changes due to intervention were compared across
      groups by repeated-measures ANOVA. RESULTS: All three interventions increased
      insulin sensitivity (P < 0.05) relative to the control group. The mean rise was
      25-30% higher after EP than after either EM or M, but this difference was not
      significant. CONCLUSIONS: Insulin sensitivity was considerably higher after 12
      weeks of exercise training and/or metformin in men and women with prediabetes.
      Subtle differences among condition means suggest that adding metformin blunted
      the full effect of exercise training.

PMID- 22040839
TI  - Vitamin D levels and asymptomatic coronary artery disease in type 2 diabetic
      patients with elevated urinary albumin excretion rate.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the major cause of morbidity and
      mortality in type 2 diabetic patients. Severe vitamin D deficiency has been shown
      to predict cardiovascular mortality in type 2 diabetic patients. RESEARCH DESIGN
      AND METHODS: We investigated the association among severe vitamin D deficiency,
      coronary calcium score (CCS), and asymptomatic CAD in type 2 diabetic patients
      with elevated urinary albumin excretion rate (UAER) >30 mg/24 h. This was a cross
      sectional study including 200 type 2 diabetic patients without a history of CAD.
      Severe vitamin D deficiency was defined as plasma 25-hydroxyvitamin D (p
      25[OH]D3) <12.5 nmol/L. Patients with plasma N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic
      peptide >45.2 ng/L or CCS >=400 were stratified as being high risk for CAD (n=
      133). High-risk patients were examined by myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI; n =
      109), computed tomography angiography (n = 20), or coronary angiography (CAG; n =
      86). Patients' p-25(OH)D3 levels were determined by high-performance liquid
      chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS: The median (range) vitamin D
      level was 36.9 (3.8-118.6) nmol/L. The prevalence of severe vitamin D deficiency
      was 9.5% (19/200). MPI or CAG demonstrated significant CAD in 70 patients (35%).
      The prevalence of CCS >=400 was 34% (68/200). Severe vitamin D deficiency was
      associated with CCS >=400 (odds ratio [OR] 4.3, 95% CI [1.5-12.1], P = 0.005).
      This association persisted after adjusting for risk factors (4.6, 1.5-13.9, P =
      0.007). Furthermore, severe vitamin D deficiency was associated with asymptomatic
      CAD (adjusted OR 2.9, 1.02-7.66, P = 0.047). CONCLUSIONS: In high-risk type 2
      diabetic patients with elevated UAER, low levels of vitamin D are associated with
      asymptomatic CAD.

PMID- 22040840
TI  - Short-term exenatide treatment leads to significant weight loss in a subset of
      obese women without diabetes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of treatment with the glucagon-like peptide
      1 receptor agonist exenatide on weight loss and metabolic parameters in obese
      nondiabetic women. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Forty-one obese women (aged 48 +/
      11 years and BMI 33.1 +/- 4.1 kg/m(2)) participated in a 35-week randomized,
      double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study, including two 16-week
      treatment periods separated by a 3-week washout period. There was no lifestyle
      intervention. The primary outcome was change in body weight. RESULTS: Subjects
      treated with exenatide lost an average of 2.49 +/- 0.66 kg compared with a 0.43
      +/- 0.63 kg weight gain during placebo treatment. Weight loss with exenatide
      treatment was noted at 2 weeks. The degree of weight loss could be stratified. A
      total of 30% of subjects were high responders who lost >=5% body weight (-7.96 +/
      0.52%), 39% were moderate responders who lost <5% body weight (-2.43 +/- 0.45%),
      and 31% were nonresponders who gained weight (1.93 +/- 0.53%). Waist
      circumference also decreased significantly with exenatide treatment. Subjects
      experienced more nausea during exenatide treatment compared with placebo, but the
      severity decreased over time and did not correlate with weight loss. CONCLUSIONS:
      Short-term exenatide treatment was associated with modest weight loss and
      decreased waist circumference in a cohort of obese nondiabetic women. A subset of
      individuals demonstrated robust weight loss that was detected very early in the
      course of treatment.

PMID- 22040841
TI  - Hepatic and peripheral insulin sensitivity and diabetes remission at 1 month
      after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery in patients randomized to omentectomy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Early after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), there is improvement in
      type 2 diabetes, which is characterized by insulin resistance. We determined the
      acute effects of RYGB, with and without omentectomy, on hepatic and peripheral
      insulin sensitivity. We also investigated whether preoperative diabetes or
      postoperative diabetes remission influenced tissue-specific insulin sensitivity
      after RYGB. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: We studied 40 obese (BMI 48 +/- 8
      kg/m(2)) participants, 17 with diabetes. Participants were randomized to RYGB
      alone or in conjunction with omentectomy. Hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamps with
      isotopic-tracer infusion were completed at baseline and at 1 month
      postoperatively to assess insulin sensitivity. RESULTS: Participants lost 11 +/-
      4% of body weight at 1 month after RYGB, without an improvement in peripheral
      insulin sensitivity; these outcomes were not affected by omentectomy,
      preoperative diabetes, or remission of diabetes. Hepatic glucose production (HGP)
      and the hepatic insulin sensitivity index improved in all subjects, irrespective
      of omentectomy (P <= 0.001). Participants with diabetes had higher baseline HGP
      values (P = 0.003) that improved to a greater extent after RYGB (P = 0.006). Of
      the 17 participants with diabetes, 10 (59%) had remission at 1 month. Diabetes
      remission had a group * time effect (P = 0.041) on HGP; those with diabetes
      remission had lower preoperative and postoperative HGP. CONCLUSIONS: Peripheral
      insulin sensitivity did not improve 1 month after RYGB, irrespective of
      omentectomy, diabetes, or diabetes remission. Hepatic insulin sensitivity
      improved at 1 month after RYGB and was more pronounced in patients with diabetes.
      Improvement in HGP may influence diabetes remission early after RYGB.

PMID- 22040842
TI  - Usefulness of the high triglyceride-to-HDL cholesterol ratio to identify
      cardiometabolic risk factors and preclinical signs of organ damage in outpatient
      children.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether the high triglyceride-to-HDL cholesterol (TG-to
      HDL-C) ratio is associated with cardiometabolic risk (CMR) factors and
      preclinical signs of organ damage in an outpatient population of white children
      and adolescents. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: The study population included 884
      subjects (aged 6-16 years), of whom 206 (23%) were normal weight, 135 (15%) were
      overweight, and 543 (61%) were obese. Biochemical variables were analyzed in the
      whole sample, whereas homocysteine and left ventricular (LV) geometry and
      function were evaluated in 536 and 258 children, respectively. RESULTS: The
      percentage of pubertal children (P < 0.001), as well as measurements of BMI,
      waist circumference, homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, white
      blood cell count, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), systolic blood pressure (P <
      0.0001, for all), creatinine (P < 0.001), and diastolic blood pressure (P <
      0.02), increased from the lowest to the highest tertile of the TG-to-HDL-C ratio.
      Age, sex, homocysteine, and glomerular filtration rate did not change. Moreover,
      interventricular septum thickness, relative wall thickness, and LV mass index (P
      = 0.01 to P < 0.0001) increased across tertiles of the TG-to-HDL-C ratio.
      Children with a TG-to-HDL-C ratio >=2.0 showed a two- to threefold higher risk of
      elevated ALT levels and concentric LV hypertrophy than those with a TG-to-HDL-C
      ratio <2.0, independent of confounding factors. CONCLUSIONS: The high TG-to-HDL-C
      ratio is associated with several CMR factors and preclinical signs of liver and
      cardiac abnormalities in the outpatient, white pediatric population. Thus, a TG
      to-HDL-C ratio >=2.0 may be useful in clinical practice to detect children with a
      worsened CMR profile who need monitoring to prevent cardiovascular disease in
      adulthood.

PMID- 22040843
TI  - Outcomes of allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation for adolescent and
      young adults compared with children and older adults with acute myeloid leukemia.
AB  - Adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer have not experienced improvements
      in survival to the same extent as children and older adults. We compared outcomes
      among children (<15 years), AYAs (15-40 years) and older adults (>40 years)
      receiving allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplant (HCT) for acute myeloid
      leukemia (AML). Our cohort consisted of 900 children, 2,708 AYA, and 2,728 older
      adult recipients of HLA-identical sibling or unrelated donor (URD)
      transplantation using myeloablative or reduced-intensity/nonmyeloablative
      conditioning. Outcomes were assessed over three time periods (1980-1988, 1989
      1997, 1998-2005) for siblings and two time periods (1989-1997, 1998-2005) for URD
      HCT. Analyses were stratified by donor type. Results showed overall survival for
      AYAs using either siblings or URD improved over time. Although children had
      better and older adults had worse survival compared with AYAs, improvements in
      survival for AYAs did not lag behind those for children and older adults. After
      sibling donor HCT, 5-year adjusted survival for the three time periods was 40%,
      48%, and 53% for children, 35%, 41%, and 42% for AYAs, and 22%, 30%, and 34% for
      older adults. Among URD HCT recipients, 5-year adjusted survival for the two time
      periods was 38% and 37% for children, 24% and 28% for AYAs, and 19% and 23% for
      older adults. Improvements in survival occurred because of a reduction in risk of
      treatment-related mortality. The risk of relapse did not change over time.
      Improvements in survival among AYAs undergoing allogeneic HCT for AML have
      paralleled those among children and older adults.

PMID- 22040844
TI  - Risk factors for 30-day hospital readmission following myeloablative allogeneic
      hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT).
AB  - Patient readmission within 30 days from discharge has been perceived by the
      Centers for Medicare and Medical Services as an indicator of poor healthcare
      quality for specific high-cost medical conditions. Patients who undergo
      allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) are often being
      readmitted. Our study identified the risk factors for 30-day readmission among
      618 adult recipients of myeloablative allo-HCT from 1990 to 2009. Two hundred
      forty-two (39%) of 618 patients (median age = 42 years [range: 18-66]) were
      readmitted a median of 10 days (range: 1-30) from their hospital discharge.
      Median duration of readmission was 8 days (range: 0-103). Infections (n = 68),
      fever with or without identified source of infection (n = 63), gastrointestinal
      complications (n = 44), graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) (n = 38), and other
      reasons (n = 29) accounted for 28%, 26%, 18%, 16%, and 12% of readmissions,
      respectively. During their index admission, patients who were subsequently
      readmitted had more documented infections (P < .001), higher hematopoietic cell
      transplantation comorbidity index (HCT-CI) (P < .01), total body irridiation
      (TBI)-based conditioning (P < .001), unrelated donor (P < .001), and peripheral
      stem cell (P = .014) transplantation. In multivariable analysis, HCT-CI (odds
      ratio [OR] = 1.78; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.25-2.52), TBI-based
      preparative regimen (OR = 2.63; 95% CI, 1.67-4.13), and infection during
      admission for allo-HSCT (OR = 2.00; 95% CI, 1.37-2.92) predicted 30-day
      readmission. Thirty-day readmission itself was an independent predictor of all
      cause mortality (hazard ratio [HR](Adj) = 1.66; 95% CI, 1.36-2.10). Our data
      emphasize the importance of a risk-standardized approach to 30-day hospital
      readmission if it is used as a quality-of-care metric for bone marrow
      transplantation.

PMID- 22040845
TI  - Psychosis after epilepsy surgery: report of three cases.
AB  - Temporal lobe epilepsy surgery has become a successful alternative in patients
      with refractory epilepsy. However, the outcome of epilepsy surgery may be
      affected by the occurrence of postsurgical psychiatric symptoms, such as
      psychosis. This report describes three cases of refractory temporal lobe epilepsy
      and hippocampal sclerosis, which, after anterior temporal lobectomy, presented
      with acute psychosis. One of them had a history of acute psychosis, and all of
      them met criteria for Cluster A personality disorder (schizoid/schizotypal)
      during psychiatric assessment prior to surgery. The three cases had a good
      seizure outcome (Engel I), but, on follow-up during the first year after surgery,
      developed an acute psychotic episode compatible with schizoaffective disorder;
      brief psychotic disorder; and a delusional disorder, respectively, according to
      the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition.
      Treatment with low-dose risperidone was successful.

PMID- 22040846
TI  - Monoclonal antibodies against dengue NS2B and NS3 proteins for the study of
      protein interactions in the flaviviral replication complex.
AB  - The replication of dengue virus (DENV) RNA requires at least two viral non
      structural (NS) proteins, NS3 and NS5. To facilitate the study of the DENV
      replication complex, human monoclonal IgG that are specific for NS proteins have
      been generated and characterised. The anti-NS3 IgG, 3F8, binds a conserved
      epitope (aa526-531) in the NS3 helicase domain, and cross-reacts with NS3 from
      all four DENV serotypes and the related yellow fever virus. The anti-NS2B IgG,
      3F10, binds aa49-66 of NS2B (CF18), which forms part of the 47 aa hydrophilic
      cofactor region required for NS3 protease activity. The specificity of the IgG
      for their respective non-structural proteins has been demonstrated by
      immunofluorescence of cells infected with DENV and Western blotting. 3F8 is able
      to co-immunoprecipitate NS3 and NS5 from BHK-21 cells infected with DENV2, and
      3F10 is able to detect an interaction between recombinant NS2B(CF18)NS3 full
      length protein and the NS5 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) domain in an ELISA
      based binding assay. The assay is specific and highly reproducible, with a clear
      binding curve seen when RdRp is incubated with increasing amounts of full-length
      NS3, but not the NS3 protease domain. The NS3 helicase domain competes with NS3
      full-length for NS5 RdRp binding, with a K(d.) of 2.5MUM. Since NS3 and NS5 are
      required for DENV replication, this fascile assay could be used to screen for non
      nucleoside, allosteric inhibitors that disrupt the interaction between the two
      proteins.

PMID- 22040847
TI  - A hybrid-capture assay to detect HPV mRNA ratios in cervical specimens.
AB  - Human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA screening benefits cervical cancer diagnosis, but
      a few HPV infections result in cancer. Assays that predict cancer are desirable.
      A potential biomarker is the ratio of HPV E6-7 over E2 transcripts, which may
      increase during early cancer progression. Modified hybrid-capture technology
      detected, in separate wells, HPV E6-7 or E2 mRNA of HPV 16 or HPV 18 in samples.
      The limit of detection was approximately 1000 copies of in vitro transcribed RNA
      with linear dynamic range approximately four logs. No cross-reactivity between
      HPV 16 and HPV 18 mRNAs was detected. RNA of SiHa cells was stable in clinical
      specimen pools for 67 days, as determined by RT-PCR. The ratio of HPV E6-7:E2
      mRNAs was relatively high for cancer cells lines, SiHa, Caski and HeLa cells
      preserved in clinical specimen pools. A broad distribution of HPV 16 E6-7:E2 mRNA
      ratio was detected in a small set of clinical specimens with various histological
      diagnoses. Some specimen ratios were so high for cancer cell lines, but the
      significance of the results needs to be determined. This method may help
      determine the pattern of gene expression in HPV-related disease or in other
      systems.

PMID- 22040848
TI  - Getting the signal to noise ratio right in the management of diabetes in primary
      care: time to stratify risk and focus on outcomes rather than process.

PMID- 22040849
TI  - A bibliometric analysis of Australian general practice publications from 1980 to
      2007 using PubMed.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We analysed Australian general practice (GP) publications in PubMed
      from 1980 to 2007 to determine journals, authors, publication types, national
      health priority areas (NHPA) and compared the results with those from three
      specialties (public health, cardiology and medical informatics) and two countries
      (the UK and New Zealand). METHOD: Australian GP publications were downloaded in
      MEDLINE format using PubMed queries and were written to a Microsoft Access
      database using a software application. Search Query Language and online PubMed
      queries were used for further analysis. RESULTS: There were 4777 publications
      from 1980 to 2007. Australian Family Physician (38.1%) and the Medical Journal of
      Australia (17.6%) contributed 55.7% of publications. Reviews (12.7%), letters
      (6.6%), clinical trials (6.5%) and systematic reviews (5%) were the main PubMed
      publication types. Thirty five percent of publications addressed National Health
      Priority Areas with material on mental health (13.7%), neoplasms (6.5%) and
      cardiovascular conditions (5.9%). The comparable numbers of publications for the
      three specialties were: public health - 80 911, cardiology - 15 130 and medical
      informatics - 3338; total country GP comparisons were: UK - 14 658 and New
      Zealand - 1111. DISCUSSION: Australian GP publications have shown an impressive
      growth from 1980 to 2007 with a 15-fold increase. This increase may be due in
      part to the actions of the Australian government over the past decade to
      financially support research in primary care, as well as the maturing of academic
      general practice. This analysis can assist governments, researchers, policy
      makers and others to target resources so that further developments can be
      encouraged, supported and monitored.

PMID- 22040850
TI  - Presentation of body mass index within an electronic health record to improve
      weight assessment and counselling in children and adolescents.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Assessment of weight and counselling on nutrition and physical
      activity is infrequently conducted during well child visits, despite recent
      expert recommendations. OBJECTIVE: We investigated whether automatic calculation
      of body mass index (BMI) in an electronic health record improved assessment of
      weight and counselling on nutrition and physical activity. METHODS: Retrospective
      review of well child visit records of children between two and 18 years of age (n
      =550) before and after implementation of an electronic health record system at an
      academic medical centre's paediatric clinic. Body mass index was automatically
      calculated and presented within the electronic health record. We measured
      clinicians' documentation of assessment of weight status, and assessment of and
      counselling for nutrition and physical activity risk factors. RESULTS:
      Documentation of assessment of BMI and weight status did not increase. There were
      no consistent increases in assessment for or counselling on specific nutrition
      and physical activity behaviours, except with respect to high calorie food
      intake. Although overall assessment of physical activity decreased, physical
      activity counselling significantly increased. Documentation of the presence of
      high-risk family history increased significantly; the provision of counselling
      for high-risk family history did not show any corresponding increase. Patients
      with higher BMI percentile scores were more completely assessed for weight
      status. Completeness of weight status assessment was associated with increased
      counselling for nutrition and physical activity. CONCLUSIONS: Passive changes,
      such as automatic calculation of BMI, are insufficient to result in systematic
      improvements in assessment of weight and counselling for nutrition and physical
      activity.

PMID- 22040851
TI  - Adoption and use of health information technology in physician practice
      organisations: systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Health information technology (HIT) has the potential to improve
      clinical outcomes, increase health provider productivity and reduce healthcare
      costs. Over half of all patient care is delivered in physician practice
      organisations, yet adoption and utilisation of HIT  in these groups lags behind
      inpatient facilities. OBJECTIVE: To better understand current utilisation rates
      along with benefits and barriers to HIT adoption in physician practice
      organisations. METHODS: Published literature on the adoption and use of HIT in
      physician  practice organisations within the USA between 12 January 2004 and 12
      January 2009 and indexed in MEDLINE and EMBASE was included in the systematic
      review. Grey literature was also searched. Studies related to the adoption and
      use of HIT in hospitals and community health centres were excluded. RESULTS: A
      total of 119 articles were eligible for inclusion in the review. Adoption rates
      across physician groups remain low, with between 9% and 29% of practices having
      implemented electronic medical records. HIT improves clinical outcomes, increases
      the use of vaccinations and improves  medication adherence. Furthermore, HIT
      adoption leads to cost savings for physician groups, improves staff productivity
      and enriches patient-provider interactions. The largest barrier to HIT adoption
      in physician groups is the high initial and ongoing costs of electronic systems.
      Lack  of sufficient training, a disorganised or non-receptive practice culture
      and technological problems such as inadequate connectivity appear to impede
      effective HIT use. CONCLUSIONS: HIT has the potential to positively impact on
      physician practice organisations, although significant  and diverse barriers
      block adoption. Research into these obstacles should be coupled with efforts to
      understand barriers to effective implementation after HIT adoption.

PMID- 22040852
TI  - General practitioners' and nurses' experiences of using computerised decision
      support in screening for diabetic foot disease: implementing Scottish Clinical
      Information - Diabetes Care in routine clinical practice.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The Scottish Care Information - Diabetes Collaboration (SCI-DC)
      developed a computer-based information system to create a shared electronic
      record for use by all involved in the care of patients with diabetes mellitus.
      The objectives of this study were to understand primary care practitioners' views
      towards screening for diabetic foot disease and their experience of the SCI-DC
      system. METHOD: We conducted an exploratory study using qualitative methods. Semi
      structured interviews were audiotape-recorded, transcribed and subjected to
      thematic analysis. Seven practice nurses and six general practitioners (GPs) with
      special responsibility for diabetes care in NHS Lothian participated. RESULTS:
      Primary care clinicians reported good systems in place to screen for diabetes
      related complications and to refer their patients to specialist care. Foot
      ulceration was rarely observed; other diabetes related conditions were seen as a
      higher priority. Most had heard of the SCI-DC foot assessment tool, but its
      failure to integrate with other primary care information technology (IT) systems
      meant it was not used in these general practices. CONCLUSIONS: Adoption of the
      SCI-DC foot assessment tool in primary care is not perceived as clinically
      necessary. Although information recorded by specialist services on SCI-DC is
      helpful, important structural barriers to its implementation mean the potential
      benefits associated with its use are unlikely to be realised; greater engagement
      with primary care priorities for diabetes management is needed to assist its
      successful implementation and adoption.

PMID- 22040853
TI  - Implementing an integrated computerised information system about foot problems in
      diabetes is not enough to ensure adoption. Commentary on: general practitioners'
      and nurses' experiences of using computerised decision support in screening for
      diabetic foot disease: implementing Scottish Clinical Information - Diabetes Care
      in routine clinical practice.

PMID- 22040854
TI  - Using routine data to conduct small area health needs assessment through
      observing trends in demographics, recording of common mental health problems
      (CMHPs) and sickness certificates: longitudinal analysis of a northern and London
      locality.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many practices in the UK have computerised information dating back to
      the 1990s. These health records provide contemporaneous collected longitudinal
      data for analysis of health trends and their management in primary care over
      time. OBJECTIVE: This study  examines the trends in common mental health problems
      (CMHPs), prescription of antidepressant, anxiolytics and hypnotics and medical
      certificates over four years to highlight the strengths and pitfalls in trends
      analysis using primary care data. METHOD: Relevant clinical information  for the
      first six months of each of the calendar years 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2007 were
      extracted from participating practices in a London locality and in the North.
      RESULTS: Between 2004 and 2007 recorded episodes of CMHPs rose from 33 to 45 per
      thousand adults in the northern site,  and from 19 to 22 in the London site.
      Prescriptions of antidepressants, anxiolytics and hypnotics rose (from 381.4 to
      418 per thousand adults) in the northern site but did not increase in the London
      site. Medical certificates increased steadily (from 32.7 to 61.6 per thousand
      adults with a  CMHP) in the London site but not in the northern. Recorded
      episodes of CMHPs and prescriptions of antidepressants, anxiolytics or hypnotics
      are much higher in the northern site than the London site; the rate of medical
      certificates per thousand adults with CMHPs in the northern site is more  than
      ten times that in the London site. CONCLUSIONS: Demographics, diagnostic and
      prescribing data are of high quality in primary care, and they could be used more
      to understand local health needs and inform commissioning decisions.

PMID- 22040855
TI  - Creating a diabetes foot reminder-based registry using the electronic medical
      record.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We created a new diabetes foot examination clinical reminder to
      directly populate a foot risk registry and examined its accuracy versus
      administrative data. METHODS: A pre- and post-test design assessed accuracy of
      coding foot risk and clinician acceptability.  The intervention hospital's
      reminder was replaced with a dialogue tick box containing the International
      Diabetic Foot Classification System to populate risk using health factors.
      RESULTS: There were no hospital agreement differences for each foot condition
      except diabetes and peripheral  neuropathy, demonstrating higher agreement at the
      intervention hospital. There were no differences in service agreement adherence
      or consulting rates although both demonstrated significantly lower consulting
      rates at study end. The intervention hospital had a significantly lower patient
      cancellation  rate (1% v. 5%, P=0.01) and better coding for grade 3 patients. The
      new reminder demonstrated high acceptability. CONCLUSIONS: The registry system
      resulted in improved discrimination of the highest foot risk. Further testing is
      recommended.

PMID- 22040856
TI  - Commentary on: creating a diabetes foot reminder-based registry using the
      electronic medical record.

PMID- 22040857
TI  - [Therapeutic patient education in heart failure: a program's assessment].
AB  - Heart failure is a chronic, common and severe disease. It leads to frequent
      hospitalizations and decrease of patient's quality of life. A therapeutic patient
      education program, named "school of heart failure" was implemented at Antoine
      Beclere hospital. AIM OF THE STUDY: To assess the effectiveness of this program.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: This therapeutic patient education program included
      patients with heart failure, hospitalized in a cardiology unit. Four types of
      evaluation were carried out: evaluation of patients' skills before they leave the
      hospital, patient's knowledge (associated with the degree of certainty),
      satisfaction regarding the program and self-assessment of changes in their
      lifestyle 3 months after discharge. RESULTS: Twenty-four patients were included
      in 9 months. The program's evaluation showed promising results with respect to
      the acquisition of skills (94%), the improvement of patients' knowledge
      associated with self-confidence increase, their satisfaction towards the program
      (80%) and their ability to change their habits (75%). Self-assessment has
      demonstrated changes in their lifestyle. CONCLUSION: These preliminary results
      are promising according to the program's effectiveness and its ability to meet
      patients' educational needs. The program was certified by French authorities in
      2011. Knowledge and skills acquisition will have to be confirmed on long term.

PMID- 22040858
TI  - [Renal artery denervation for treating refractory hypertension].
AB  - Arterial hypertension is a major healthcare issue affecting between 30 and 40% of
      the adult population in industrialized countries. Despite the availability of
      numerous pharmaceutical treatments, arterial hypertension often remains
      uncontrolled. A non-negligible percentage of patients are refractory to multiple
      drug therapy, which exposes them to an increased risk of cardiovascular events.
      Percutaneous, renal denervation using a catheter connected to a low energy
      radiofrequency generator has proven effective in decreasing arterial pressure in
      patients resistant to medical therapy, by reducing afferent nerve activity. In
      order to be eligible for this therapeutic approach, patients must have
      uncontrolled essential hypertension despite treatment with a combination of three
      anti-hypertensive drugs including a diuretic agent, and >= 45mL/min glomerular
      filtration rate. The initial registry study demonstrated that catheter-based
      sympathetic renal denervation was a simple and safe procedure resulting in a
      significant and durable reduction in arterial pressure. Subsequently, a
      randomized controlled trial (the Symplicity HTN-2 trial) showed a mean 32/12 mmHg
      decrease in blood pressure measurements in the group of patients who underwent
      renal denervation whereas no difference was observed in the control group. The
      reduction in blood pressure was still present at 24-month follow-up. No procedure
      related complications were reported and no instances of renal artery stenosis or
      aneurysmal dilatation were evidenced during the follow-up period. No cases of
      renal function impairment or deterioration were recorded. This technique seems to
      be a promising strategy in patients suffering from this serious condition. In
      order to demonstrate the actual benefit of this technique, we report the case of
      two patients who underwent renal denervation in our institution.

PMID- 22040859
TI  - Chronic brain hypoperfusion causes early glial activation and neuronal death, and
      subsequent long-term memory impairment.
AB  - Reduction of cerebral blood flow is an important risk factor for dementia states
      and other brain dysfunctions. In present study, the effects of permanent
      occlusion of common carotid arteries (2VO), a well established experimental model
      of brain ischemia, on memory function were investigated, as assessed by reference
      and working spatial memory protocols and the object recognition task; cell damage
      to the hippocampus, as measured through changes in immunoreactivity for GFAP and
      the neuronal marker NeuN was also studied. The working hypothesis is that
      metabolic impairment following hypoperfusion will affect neuron and glial
      function and result in functional damage. Adult male Wistar rats were submitted
      to the modified 2VO method, with the right common carotid artery being occluded
      first and the left one week later, and tested seven days, three and six months
      after the ischemic event. A significant cognitive deficit was found in both
      reference and working spatial memory, as well as in the object recognition task,
      three and six months after surgery. Neuronal death and reactive astrogliosis were
      already present at 7 days and continued for up to 3 months after the occlusion;
      interestingly, there was no significant reduction in hippocampal volume. Present
      data suggests that cognitive impairment caused by brain hypoperfusion is long -
      lasting and persists beyond the time point of recovery from glial activation and
      neuronal loss.

PMID- 22040860
TI  - Acute and chronic methylphenidate modulates the neuronal activity of the caudate
      nucleus recorded from freely behaving rats.
AB  - Methylphenidate (MPD) is currently one of the most prescribed drug therapies for
      attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and moreover is abused for
      cognitive enhancement and used for recreation by the young and adults.
      Methylphenidate is used for prolonged periods of time and its mechanism of action
      on the brain is still unknown. The main action of MPD is known to act on the
      motive circuit of the brain, and one of these structures is the caudate nucleus
      (CN). The objective of this study was to investigate the neurophysiological
      properties of the CN neurons in response to acute and chronic administration of
      MPD in freely behaving animals, previously implanted with permanent semi
      microelectrodes. Twenty-six rats were permanently implanted with semi
      microelectrodes into the CN using general anesthesia. On experimental day one
      (ED1) the rat was placed into the testing chamber, and neuronal activity was
      recorded using a wireless (telemetric) headstage device following both a saline
      and a 2.5 mg/kg MPD injection. From ED2 to ED6 daily injections of 2.5 mg/kg MPD
      were administered without recordings to induce a chronic effect of the drug,
      preceded by three days of washout (ED7-ED9) where no injections were given. On
      ED10 rats were placed back into the testing chamber, the wireless headstage
      device was attached to skull cap and recordings were resumed for 1 h each
      following both a saline and re-challenge administration of 2.5 mg/kg MPD. Sixty
      seven CN neuronal recorded units from twenty-six animals with identical shape and
      amplitude at ED1 and ED10 were evaluated. All the 67 CN units responded to MPD
      administration, 70% (47/67) CN units exhibited an increase in activity following
      initial 2.5 mg/kg MPD administration and 30% (20/67) exhibited a decrease in
      neuronal activity. On ED10 all the CN units showed a significant change in their
      firing rate baseline compared to ED1 baseline, 52% (35/67) exhibiting an increase
      in their ED10 baseline activity compared to ED1 baseline activity and 48% (32/67)
      of the CN units at ED10 exhibited decreasing activity. All the CN units responded
      significantly to MPD rechallenge at ED10, 57% (38/67) of the units exhibited
      increased neuronal activity while 43% (29/67) exhibited decreasing neuronal
      activity. The results indicate that the majority of the CN units exhibited
      neurophysiological sensitization.

PMID- 22040861
TI  - Reproducibility of sodium MRI measures of articular cartilage of the knee in
      osteoarthritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the stability and reproducibility of the sodium magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) signal measured in the articular cartilage of the knee in
      both healthy volunteers and osteoarthritis (OA) patients. DESIGN: This was a
      prospective Research Ethics Committee approved study that acquired sodium and
      proton MRI data from 15 subjects with OA (three males, age 64 +/- 10) and five
      healthy controls age and sex matched over the group. Each subject underwent
      standing planar radiographs of their knees for radiological scoring as well as
      symptomatological assessment questionnaires. In two MRI sessions on the same day,
      high resolution double-echo steady state (DESS) and 3D short echo time sodium MRI
      images of the most diseased knee were acquired and co-registered in each session.
      A blinded reader (LT) manually delineated the articular cartilage into four
      discrete regions, and two combined regions, on the DESS images. These regions
      were applied to the sodium images, and a median sodium signal from each reported.
      Within-subject and between-subject coefficients of variation were estimated and
      intraclass correlation coefficients for the healthy control group, OA subject
      group, and all pooled subjects group were calculated. RESULTS: Within-subject
      variability of sodium MRI at 3T was 3.2% overall, and 2.0% in healthy age-matched
      volunteers compared to a reproducibility of 3.6% on OA subjects. CONCLUSIONS: The
      reproducibility of sodium MRI was similar in both healthy controls and OA
      subjects. Researchers piloting techniques in healthy controls thus may expect a
      similar reproducibility in a controlled trial involving subjects with American
      College of Rheumatology (ACR)-defined OA of the knee.

PMID- 22040862
TI  - TP53 mutations, human papilloma virus DNA and inflammation markers in esophageal
      squamous cell carcinoma from the Rift Valley, a high-incidence area in Kenya.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Squamous Cell Carcinoma of Esophagus is one of the most common
      malignancies in both men and women in eastern and south-eastern Africa. In Kenya,
      clinical observations suggest that this cancer is frequent in the Rift Valley
      area. However, so far, there has been no report on the molecular characteristics
      of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) in this area. RESULTS: We have
      analyzed TP53 mutations, the presence of human papilloma virus (HPV) DNA and
      expression of inflammation markers Cyclooxygenase 2 (Cox-2) and Nitrotyrosine
      (NTyR) in 28 cases (13 males and 15 females) of archived ESCC tissues collected
      at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya. Eleven mutations
      were detected in TP53 exons 5 to 8 (39%). All ESCC samples were negative for HPV
      16, 18, 26, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 53, 56, 58, 59, 66, 68, 70, 73 and 82.
      Immunohistochemical analysis of Cox-2 and NTyR showed a low proportion of
      positive cases (17.4% and 39.1%, respectively). No association between the above
      markers and suspected risk factors (alcohol or tobacco use, hot tea drinking, use
      of charcoal for cooking) was found. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that
      mechanisms of esophageal carcinogenesis in eastern Africa might be different from
      other parts of the world. Low prevalence of TP53 mutation compared with other
      intermediate or high incidence areas of the world highlights this hypothesis. Our
      data did not support a possible ole of HPV in this series of cases. Further
      studies are needed to assess and compare the molecular patterns of ESCC from
      Kenya with those of high-incidence areas such as China or Central Asia.

PMID- 22040863
TI  - Advancing obstetric and neonatal care in a regional hospital in Ghana via
      continuous quality improvement.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To reduce maternal and neonatal death at a large regional hospital
      through the use of quality improvement methodologies. METHODS: In 2007, Kybele
      and the Ghana Health Service formed a partnership to analyze systems and patient
      care processes at a regional hospital in Accra, Ghana. A model encompassing
      continuous assessment, implementation, advocacy, outputs, and outcomes was
      designed. Key areas for improvement were grouped into "bundles" based on
      personnel, systems management, and service quality. Primary outcomes included
      maternal and perinatal mortality, and case fatality rates for hemorrhage and
      hypertensive disorders. Implementation and outcomes were evaluated tri-annually
      between 2007 and 2009. RESULTS: During the study period, there was a 34% decrease
      in maternal mortality despite a 36% increase in patient admission. Case fatality
      rates for pre-eclampsia and hemorrhage decreased from 3.1% to 1.1% (P<0.05) and
      from 14.8% to 1.9% (P<0.001), respectively. Stillbirths were reduced by 36%
      (P<0.05). Overall, the maternal mortality ratio decreased from 496 per 100000
      live births in 2007 to 328 per 100,000 in 2009. CONCLUSION: Maternal and newborn
      mortality were reduced in a low-resource setting when appropriate models for
      continuous quality improvement were developed and employed.

PMID- 22040864
TI  - [Postoperative diaphragmatic paralysis after kidney transplantation].

PMID- 22040865
TI  - [Acute respiratory distress syndrome treated by pumpless extracorporeal lung
      assist device].

PMID- 22040866
TI  - [Ischaemic stroke after total knee arthroplasty in patient with atrial
      fibrillation].

PMID- 22040867
TI  - [Cerebral amyloid angiopathy is difficult to diagnose in the intensive care
      unit].
AB  - Cerebral amyloid angiopathy is a common cause of intracerebral haemorrhage in
      elderly patients. The diagnosis of cerebral amyloid angiopathy is based on the
      Boston criteria combining clinical and radiological criteria with no other cause
      of intracerebral haemorrhage. We describe the case of a 60-year-old female
      admitted to the intensive care unit for agitation and spatial disorientation. She
      had multiple intracerebral haematomas on brain CT scan. Typical cerebral
      microbleeds using MRI and the absence of other cause of intracerebral haemorrhage
      argued in favour of the diagnosis of cerebral amyloid angiopathy. The patient
      outcome was favourable with a discharge from the intensive care unit on day 16.

PMID- 22040868
TI  - [Exceptional medical circumstances: interest of an interhospital support strategy
      within the North Alps emergency trauma network].
AB  - The Northern French Alps Emergency Network (RENAU) has a main objective the
      improvement of the quality of the care in the field of the emergency medical
      treatment. With this French medical system, we developed a procedure allowing the
      detachment of a medical-surgical team of the university hospital to help general
      hospital team in the event of immediate vital emergency situation with
      untransportable patient. We reported the successful implementation of this
      support strategy for a 51-year-old patient arrived in a hospital of the network
      in extremely serious hemodynamic shock due to an important hemorrhagic
      pericardial effusion with tamponnade 1 day after percutaneous closure of the
      patent foramen ovale (PFO).

PMID- 22040869
TI  - [Undesirable events during the perioperative period and communication
      deficiencies].
AB  - In recent decades, anaesthesia and surgery have undergone major scientific and
      technical developments. However, these improvements have not solved a recurring
      problem, communication deficiencies within teams in charge of surgical patients.
      Current figures show that 21% to 65% of accidents and errors in patient
      management during the perioperative period are related to communication problems.
      These problems occur when gaps arise in the continuity and coordination of care
      within teams. Some of the contributing factors to these gaps are emergency status
      of patients, staff shifts and handovers following patient transfers. To minimize
      the impact of these phenomena, it is important to improve standardization of
      information flow within operating theatres and to improve teamwork between
      anaesthetists and surgeons. This can be done through crew resource management
      training programs or simulation. This should ultimately contribute to minimise
      medical error and improve the overall quality of care provided to patients in
      operating theatres and during all the perioperative period.

PMID- 22040870
TI  - Effect of interaction between PPARG, PPARA and ADIPOQ gene variants and dietary
      fatty acids on plasma lipid profile and adiponectin concentration in a large
      intervention study.
AB  - Unsaturated fatty acids are ligands of PPAR-gamma, which up-regulates genes
      involved in fatty acid transport and TAG synthesis and the insulin-sensitising
      adipokine adiponectin, which activates fatty acid beta-oxidation via PPAR-alpha
      action in liver. We investigated the effect of dietary fatty acid interaction
      with PPARG, PPARA and ADIPOQ gene variants on plasma lipid and adiponectin
      concentrations in the Reading Imperial Surrey Cambridge King's study, a five
      centre, parallel design, randomised controlled trial of 466 subjects at increased
      cardiometabolic risk. After a 4-week run-in to baseline, SFA was replaced by MUFA
      or carbohydrate (low fat) in isoenergetic diets for 24 weeks. Habitual dietary
      PUFA:SFA ratio*PPARG Pro12Ala genotype interaction influenced plasma total
      cholesterol (P=0.02), LDL-cholesterol (P=0.002) and TAG (P=0.02) concentrations
      in White subjects. PPARA Val162Leu*PPARG Pro12Ala genotype interaction influenced
      total cholesterol (P=0.04) and TAG (P=0.03) concentrations at baseline. After
      high-MUFA and low-fat diets, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol were reduced
      (P<0.001) and gene*gene interaction determined LDL-cholesterol (P=0.003) and
      small dense LDL as a proportion of LDL (P=0.012). At baseline, ADIPOQ -10066 G/A
      A-allele was associated with lower serum adiponectin (n 360; P=0.03) in White
      subjects. After the high-MUFA diet, serum adiponectin increased in GG subjects
      and decreased in A-allele carriers (P=0.006 for difference). In GG, adiponectin
      increased with age after the high MUFA and decreased after the low-fat diet
      (P=0.003 for difference at 60 years). In conclusion, in Whites, high dietary
      PUFA:SFA would help to reduce plasma cholesterol and TAG in PPARG Ala12 carriers.
      In ADIPOQ -10066 GG homozygotes, a high-MUFA diet may help to increase
      adiponectin with advancing age.

PMID- 22040871
TI  - Mesodermal retinoic acid signaling regulates endothelial cell coalescence in
      caudal pharyngeal arch artery vasculogenesis.
AB  - Disruption of retinoic acid signaling causes a variety of pharyngeal arch artery
      and great vessel defects, as well as malformations in many other tissues,
      including those derived from the pharyngeal endoderm. Previous studies implied
      that arch artery defects in the context of defective RA signaling occur secondary
      to pharyngeal pouch segmentation defects, although this model has never been
      experimentally verified. In this study, we examined arch artery morphogenesis
      during mouse development, and the role of RA in this process. We show in normal
      embryos that the arch arteries form by vasculogenic differentiation of pharyngeal
      mesoderm. Using various genetic backgrounds and tissue-specific mutation
      approaches, we segregate pharyngeal arch artery and pharyngeal pouch defects in
      RA receptor mutants, and show that RA signal transduction only in pharyngeal
      mesoderm is required for arch artery formation. RA does not control pharyngeal
      mesodermal differentiation to endothelium, but instead promotes the aggregation
      of endothelial cells into nascent vessels. Expression of VE-cadherin was
      substantially reduced in RAR mutants, and this deficiency may underlie the arch
      artery defects. The consequences of disrupted mesodermal and endodermal RA
      signaling were restricted to the 4th and 6th arch arteries and to the 4th
      pharyngeal pouch, respectively, suggesting that different regulatory mechanisms
      control the formation of the more anterior arch arteries and pouches.

PMID- 22040872
TI  - Influence of mesodermal Fgf8 on the differentiation of neural crest-derived
      postganglionic neurons.
AB  - The interaction between the cranial neural crest (NC) and the epibranchial
      placode is critical for the formation of parasympathetic and visceral sensory
      ganglia, respectively. However, the molecular mechanism that controls this
      intercellular interaction is unknown. Here we show that the spatiotemporal
      expression of Fibroblast growth factor 8 (Fgf8) is strategically poised to
      control this cellular relationship. A global reduction of Fgf8 in hypomorph
      embryos leads to an early loss of placode-derived sensory ganglia and reduced
      number of NC-derived postganglionic (PG) neurons. The latter finding is
      associated with the early loss of NC cells by apoptosis. This loss occurs
      concurrent with the interaction between the NC and placode-derived ganglia.
      Conditional knockout of Fgf8 in the anterior mesoderm shows that this tissue
      source of Fgf8 has a specific influence on the formation of PG neurons. Unlike
      the global reduction of Fgf8, mesodermal loss of Fgf8 leads to a deficiency in PG
      neurons that is independent of NC apoptosis or defects in placode-derived
      ganglia. We further examined the differentiation of PG precursors by using a
      quantitative approach to measure the intensity of Phox2b, a PG neuronal
      determinant. We found reduced numbers and immature state of PG precursors
      emerging from the placode-derived ganglia en route to their terminal target
      areas. Our findings support the view that global expression of Fgf8 is required
      for early NC survival and differentiation of placode-derived sensory neurons, and
      reveal a novel role for mesodermal Fgf8 on the early differentiation of the NC
      along the parasympathetic PG lineage.

PMID- 22040874
TI  - Intramedullary nailing of the femur and the systemic activation of monocytes and
      neutrophils.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Trauma such as found patients with femur fractures, induces a
      systemic inflammatory response, which ranges from mild SIRS to ARDS. Neutrophils
      (i.e. PMN) play an important role in the pathogenesis of this inflammatory
      condition. Additional activation of PMNs during intramedullary nailing (IMN) is
      thought to act as a second immunological hit. Damage control orthopedics has been
      developed to limit this putative exacerbation of the inflammatory response. The
      hypothesis is tested that IMN exacerbates systemic inflammation, thereby
      increasing the risk for ARDS. METHODS: Thirty-eight trauma patients who required
      IMN for femur fracture were included. The development of SIRS and ARDS was
      recorded. Blood samples were taken prior and 18 hours after IMN. Inflammatory
      response was analyzed by changes in plasma IL-6 levels, monocyte (HLA-DR) and PMN
      phenotype (MAC-1 and responsiveness for the innate immune stimulus fMLP in the
      context of active FcgammaRII). RESULTS: Plasma IL-6 was significantly enhanced in
      severely injured patients compared to patients with isolated femur fractures and
      matched controls (P = 0.005; P = 0.018). This enhanced inflammatory tone was
      associated with a lower percentage HLA-DR positive monocytes (P = 0.002). The
      systemic PMN compartment was activated, characterized by an increased MAC-1
      expression and a significantly decreased sensitivity for the innate stimulus fMLP
      Interestingly the PMN compartment was not affected by IMN. CONCLUSIONS:
      Multitrauma patients were characterized by a marked activation of the systemic
      inflammatory response, associated with a systemic activation of the monocyte and
      PMN compartments. IMN particularly affected the monocyte arm of the systemic
      innate immune system.

PMID- 22040875
TI  - Molecular mechanisms of alpha-crystallinopathy and its therapeutic strategy.
AB  - alpha-B-Crystallin (CryAB, gene map locus: 11q22.3-q23.1) is a member of the
      small heat shock protein (HSP) family, a group of proteins that prevent protein
      aggregation upon exposure of a cell to heat and/or restore the biological
      activity of cell substrates. The missense mutation and the deletion mutation of
      CryAB can cause various forms of muscular disorder, including restrictive,
      hypertrophic, and dilated cardiomyopathies, heart failure, and skeletal muscle
      weakness. Collectively, these diseases constitute a rare autosomal-dominant
      inherited disorder called alpha-crystallinopathy (crystallinopathy), also known
      as desmin-related cardiomyopathy. The disease is a misfolded protein-related
      disease characterized by the formation of insoluble protein aggregates consisting
      of the CryAB protein in the patient's cardiomyocytes and skeletal myocytes. The
      details of crystallinopathy are unclear at the present time; what has been
      discovered concerning the disease mechanisms underlying crystallinopathy has been
      through experiments with genetically modified mice such as the CryAB knockout
      mouse and various mutant CryAB transgenic (TG) mice. Crystallinopathy can be
      recapitulated in TG mice by expressing the mutant CryAB Arg120Gly (R120G)
      protein, a causal mutation of crystallinopathy, specifically in the
      cardiomyocytes. CryAB R120G causes perinuclear formation of aggresomes containing
      preamyloid oligomer intermediates, which are wellknown as a primary toxic species
      in neurodegenerative disease. This suggests that crystallinopathy caused by the
      CryAB mutation could be considered one of the aggresomal and amyloid-related
      diseases. Moreover, recent findings have indicated that enhancement of HSP
      induction and inhibition of apoptotic cell death by mitochondrial protection may
      be a new therapeutic strategy for patients with crystallinopathy.

PMID- 22040876
TI  - Daikenchuto, a Kampo medicine, regulates intestinal fibrosis associated with
      decreasing expression of heat shock protein 47 and collagen content in a rat
      colitis model.
AB  - Heat shock protein (HSP) 47 may play an important role in the pathogenesis of
      intestinal fibrosis. Daikenchuto (DKT), a traditional Japanese herbal (Kampo)
      medicine, has been reported to ameliorate intestinal inflammation. The aims of
      this study were to determine time-course profiles of several parameters of
      fibrosis in a rat model, to confirm the HSP47-expressing cells in the colon, and
      finally to evaluate DKT's effects on intestinal fibrosis. Colitis was induced in
      male Wistar rats weighing 200 g using an enema of trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid
      (TNBS). HSP47 localization was determined by immunohistochemistry. Colonic
      inflammation and fibrosis were assessed by macroscopic, histological,
      morphometric, and immunohistochemical analyses. Colonic mRNA expression of
      transforming growth factor beta1 (TGF-beta1), HSP47, and collagen type I were
      assessed by real time-polymerase chain reaction (PCR). DKT was administered
      orally once a day from 8 to 14 d after TNBS administration. The colon was removed
      on the 15th day. HSP47 immunoreactivity was coexpressed with alpha-smooth muscle
      actin-positive cells located in the subepithelial space. Intracolonic
      administration of TNBS resulted in grossly visible ulcers. Colonic inflammation
      persisted for 6 weeks, and fibrosis persisted for 4 weeks after cessation of TNBS
      treatment. The expression levels of mRNA and proteins for TGF-beta1, HSP47, and
      collagen I were elevated in colonic mucosa treated with TNBS. These fibrosis
      markers indicated that DKT treatment significantly inhibited TNBS-induced
      fibrosis. These findings suggest that DKT reduces intestinal fibrosis associated
      with decreasing expression of HSP47 and collagen content in the intestine.

PMID- 22040877
TI  - Protective mechanism of andrographolide against carbon tetrachloride-induced
      acute liver injury in mice.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of
      andrographolide (AP), a bioactive component isolated from Andrographis
      paniculata, on carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-induced liver injury as well as the
      possible mechanisms involved in this protection in mice. Acute liver injury was
      induced by CCl(4) intoxication in mice. Serum biological analysis, lipid
      peroxides and antioxidant estimation, histopathological studies, reverse
      transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blot assay were
      carried out. CCl(4) treatment resulted in severe hepatic injury, as evidenced by
      significant elevation of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate
      aminotransferase (AST) levels and typical histopathological changes, such as
      hepatocyte necrosis. Additionally, CCl(4) administration led to oxidative stress
      in mice, as indicated by a remarkable increase in the hepatic malondialdehyde
      (MDA) level, together with a significant decrease in liver reduced glutathione
      (GSH) content. However, CCl(4)-induced hepatotoxicity was significantly
      attenuated by pretreatment with AP, as demonstrated by significant reduction of
      serum ALT, AST levels and hepatic MDA activity, along with a remarkable increase
      in hepatic GSH content. Histopathological changes induced by CCl(4) were also
      ameliorated by AP pretreatment. The marked increase of tumor necrosis factor
      alpha (TNF-alpha) induced by CCl(4) was attenuated by AP, and the dramatic
      elevation of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) at transcriptional and protein levels was
      augmented following AP pretreatment. AP can effectively prevent liver injury
      induced by CCl(4), which may be due to inhibition of oxidative stress and
      inflammatory responses.

PMID- 22040878
TI  - Histological study on the effect of electrolyzed reduced water-bathing on UVB
      radiation-induced skin injury in hairless mice.
AB  - Electrolyzed reduced water (ERW), functional water, has various beneficial
      effects via antioxidant mechanism in vivo and in vitro. However there is no study
      about beneficial effects of ERW bathing. This study aimed to determine the effect
      of ERW bathing on the UVB-induced skin injury in hairless mice. For this purpose,
      mice were irradiated with UVB to cause skin injury, followed by individually
      taken a bath in ERW (ERW-bathing) and tap water (TW-bathing) for 21 d. We
      examined cytokines profile in acute period, and histological and ultrastructural
      observation of skin in chronic period. We found that UVB-mediated skin injury of
      ERW-bathing group was significantly low compared to TW control group in the early
      stage of experiment. Consistently, epidermal thickening as well as the number of
      dermal mast cell was significantly lowered in ERW-bathing group. Defection of
      corneocytes under the scanning electron microscope was less observed in ERW
      bathing group than in TW-bathing group. Further, the level of interleukin (IL)
      1beta, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and IL-12p70 in ERW group decreased
      whereas those of IL-10 increased. Collectively, our data indicate that ERW
      bathing significantly reduces UVB-induced skin damage through influencing pro
      /anti-inflammatory cytokine balance in hairless mice. This suggests that ERW
      bathing has a positive effect on acute UVB-mediated skin disorders. This is the
      first report on bathing effects of ERW in UVB-induced skin injury.

PMID- 22040879
TI  - Cyclic Limulus anti-lipopolysaccharide (LPS) factor-derived peptide CLP-19
      antagonizes LPS function by blocking binding to LPS binding protein.
AB  - Inflammation and septic shock due to endotoxins from Gram-negative bacteria
      infection continue to pose significant challenges to human healthcare. It is,
      therefore, necessary to develop therapeutic strategies targeting endotoxins, such
      as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), to prevent their potentially systemic effects.
      Pathogenesis due to Gram-negative bacteria involves LPS binding to the host LPS
      binding protein (LBP), causing detrimental downstream signaling cascades. Our
      previous study showed that CLP-19, a synthetic peptide derived from the Limulus
      anti-LPS factor (LALF), could effectively neutralize LPS toxicity; however, the
      detailed mechanisms underlying this anti-LPS effect remained unexplained. Thus,
      we carried out investigations to determine how the CLP-19 neutralizes LPS
      toxicity. CLP-19 was found to block LPS binding to LBP in a dose-dependent
      manner, as evidenced by competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In
      peripheral blood mononuclear cells, CLP-19 blocked LPS-induced phosphorylation of
      mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling proteins p38, extracellular
      signal-regulating kinase (ERK)1/2 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)1/2.
      Furthermore, CLP-19 potency in LPS antagonism in vitro and in vivo was directly
      associated with its ability to block the LPS-LBP interaction. Taken together, the
      results suggested that CLP-19's inhibitory effect on LPS-LBP binding and on the
      subsequent MAPK pathway signaling may be responsible for its anti-LPS mechanism.
      This peptide appears to represent a potential therapeutic agent for clinical
      treatment of sepsis.

PMID- 22040880
TI  - Rho kinase inhibition by fasudil has anti-inflammatory effects in
      hypercholesterolemic rats.
AB  - Inhibition of Rho kinase (ROCK) ameliorates many cardiovascular dysfunctions. The
      aim of the current study is to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of
      fasudil, a selective ROCK inhibitor, on high cholesterol diet-induced
      hypercholesterolemic rats and its possible mechanisms. In hypercholesterolemic
      rats, we found the serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), low-density
      lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and several inflammatory markers including
      interleukin (IL)-8, IL-6, C-reaction protein (CRP) and soluble intercellular
      adhesion molecule (sICAM)-1 significantly elevated, while those of high-density
      lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and triglyceride (TG) decreased. Moreover, mRNA
      expressions of ROCK and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB) and activity of ROCK
      in thoracic aorta were greatly up-regulated. Remarkably, administrating fasudil
      (10, 30 mg/kg per day) or simvastatin (10 mg/kg per day) to hypercholesterolemic
      rats for 2 weeks, activation of ROCK and NF-kappaB in thoracic aorta were
      suppressed, status of dyslipidemia were improved and inflammatory markers
      lowered. From the histopathological examination, fasudil treatment was found to
      lessen the thickening noted in the aortic intima and media of the
      hypercholesterolemic rats. These results suggested fasudil-induced inhibition of
      ROCK may improve lipid metabolism and has anti-inflammatory effect, which might
      expand the clinical application of fasudil as a new therapy for
      hypercholesterolemia and preventing the development of atherosclerosis.

PMID- 22040881
TI  - The effects of gap junction modulators on the rhythmic contractions in aortas
      isolated from rats subjected with sinoaortic denervation.
AB  - Following sinoaortic denervation (SAD) rats present intense arterial pressure
      lability without sustained hypertension. This study aimed to verify the effects
      of heptanol (a putative gap-junction blocker) and tetraethylammonium (TEA, a
      putative gap-junction activator) on rhythmic contractions (RCs) and vascular
      reactivity in the aortas isolated from SAD and Sham-operated (SO) rats. Rhythmic
      contractions were observed with phenylephrine in endothelium-removed aortic rings
      from SAD rats. We evaluated the effects of the gap-junction modulators heptanol
      or TEA on the frequency and amplitude of these oscillations. Additionally,
      concentration-response curves were constructed to TEA and KCl and in pre
      contracted arteries (with phenylephrine or KCl) to heptanol in order to verify
      the effects of those gap-junction modulators. Comparatively, rhythmic
      contractions were observed in 10/10 SAD rat aortas vs. 2/10 controls. Heptanol
      decreased the frequency of oscillations in a concentration-dependent manner. TEA
      increased the amplitude and frequency of RCs. In the experiments of concentration
      response curves to TEA, the maximal contractile effect was similar in both
      groups, although the potency was lower in SAD than in SO rat aortas. The
      relaxation to heptanol was different between the groups only after pre
      contraction induced by phenylephrine. Heptanol showed higher potency in SAD as
      compared to SO rat aortas. In conclusion, arterial pressure lability occurs only
      in SAD rats, and their isolated aortas exhibit intense RCs. These RCs seem to be
      dependent of the gap-junction communication, since these oscillations are
      intensified by TEA and inhibited by heptanol. After SAD, aortas are more
      sensitive to heptanol and less sensitive to TEA.

PMID- 22040882
TI  - Antihypertensive effects of continuous oral administration of nattokinase and its
      fragments in spontaneously hypertensive rats.
AB  - To determine whether the antihypertensive effect of nattokinase is associated
      with the protease activity of this enzyme, we compared nattokinase with the
      fragments derived from nattokinase, which possessed no protease activity, in
      terms of the effect on hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). In
      the continuous oral administration test, the groups were given a basic diet alone
      (control), the basic diet containing nattokinase (0.2, 2.6 mg/g diet) or the
      basic diet containing the fragments derived from nattokinase (0.2, 0.6 mg/g
      diet). The group fed the basic diet containing high-dosage nattokinase (2.6 mg/g
      diet) showed significant reductions in systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic
      blood pressure (DBP) and plasma fibrinogen level, compared with control group and
      no influence on activities of renin and angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE, EC
      3.4.15.1), and plasma angiotensin II level in the renin-angiotensin system. The
      treatment of the basic diet containing high-dosage fragments (0.6 mg/g diet)
      significantly decreased SBP, DBP and plasma angiotensin II level in plasma but
      the treatment did not influence on plasma fibrinogen level. These results suggest
      that nattokinase and its fragments are different from each other in the mechanism
      to reduce hypertension. Nattokinase, retained its protease activity after
      absorbance across the intestines, may decrease blood pressure through cleavage of
      fibrinogen in plasma. The fragments, which absorbed as nattokinase-degradation
      products, prevents the elevation of plasma angiotensin II level to suppress
      hypertension.

PMID- 22040883
TI  - Oral administration of ethyl acetate-soluble portion of Terminalia chebula
      conferring protection from streptozotocin-induced diabetic mellitus and its
      complications.
AB  - Terminalia chebula has been widely used in India as a folk medicine. This study
      investigated the in vivo anti-hyperglycemia and anti-diabetic complication
      effects of the EtOAc-soluble portion of ethanolic extract of T. chebula fruit
      (EETC) containing 29.4% chebulic acid. Rats were divided into non-diabetic,
      untreated diabetic and diabetic groups. Streptozotocin (40 mg/kg body weight
      (BW))-induced diabetic rats were orally administered the aminoguanidine (100
      mg/kg BW), high dose (500 mg/kg BW; HEETC) and low dose (100 mg/kg BW; LEETC) for
      13 weeks. HEETC administration reduced the levels of blood glucose and serum
      lipids, decreased malondialdehyde concentrations of serum and thoracic aorta in
      diabetic rats, and significantly improved serum biochemical values and the
      pathomorphological changes of the liver and kidney in diabetic rats. Also, HEETC
      decreased the advanced glycation end products (AGEs) distribution in testis
      seminiferous tubules. Therefore, HEETC has a merit to be a potent candidate to
      control glycemic and diabetic complications.

PMID- 22040884
TI  - Scattered regulatory regions of the chicken immunoglobulin-beta gene and two
      adjacent promoters of ubiquitously expressed genes interact with the
      immunoglobulin-beta promoter in DT40 cells.
AB  - Recent studies indicate that several transcription units assemble to form a
      'transcription factory' where active transcription occurs in the nuclei.
      Previously, we generated chicken B-lymphocyte-derived DT40 cells lacking six
      transcriptional regulatory regions scattered in and around the immunoglobulin
      (Ig)-beta gene. The deletions caused a complete shut down of transcription and
      epigenetic regulation of the Ig-beta gene, demonstrating that the scattered
      regulatory regions cooperated in the transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of
      the gene. However, the in vivo 3-dimensional spatial relationships between the Ig
      beta promoter and these six regulatory regions were not investigated. In this
      study, we used chromosome conformation capture (3C) technology and demonstrated
      that the Ig-beta promoter physically interacted with the scattered regulatory
      regions. We found that the Ig-beta promoter also interacted with two downstream
      promoters of ubiquitously expressed genes, rad motif 1 (RDM1) and Plekhm1, to
      form a transcription factory, but not with three ubiquitously expressed genes,
      BAF60b, p45/SUG, and RRMJ3, located upstream of the Ig-beta gene. In this
      factory, the chromatin from the three promoters and the scattered regulatory
      regions of the Ig-beta gene formed a complex structure with many chromatin loops.

PMID- 22040885
TI  - Sensitive fern (Onoclea sensibilis) extract suppresses proliferation and
      migration of vascular smooth muscle cells inflamed by neighboring macrophages.
AB  - Vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) migration and proliferation contribute to
      arterial wound repair and thickening of the intimal layer in atherosclerosis. SMC
      can physically interact with monocytes and macrophages within the intima. This
      study evaluated whether macrophages modulated proliferation and migration of SMC
      in close proximity, which was suppressed by 1-25 ug/ml sensitive fern (Onoclea
      sensibilis) extract (SFE) inhibiting protein-tyrosine phosphatase-1B activity.
      The addition of conditioned media of THP-1-derived macrophages substantially
      promoted human aortic smooth muscle cell (HAoSMC) proliferation by ~30%. HAoSMC
      proliferation was significantly attenuated by >=10 ug/ml SFE most likely due to
      its diminution of platelet derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB secreted by neighbor
      macrophages. HAoSMC migration was also enhanced by culturing in THP-1 macrophage
      conditioned media, as evidenced by a scratch wound assay. However, the presence
      of >=10 ug/ml SFE did not allow such migaration. When SFE was treated to THP-1
      macrophages, the secretion of the adipokines, visfatin and resistin, was
      abrogated. SFE at 1-25 ug/ml dose-dependently diminished resistin-stimulated
      secretion of collagen IV and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) in HAoSMC,
      indicating that macrophage resistin plays a role in the extracellular matrix
      (ECM) production of vascular SMC. These results demonstrate that SFE disturbed
      proliferation and migration of SMC instigated by inflammatory macrophages in
      close proximity. Therefore, this study provides novel information that SFE has
      the potential capability to prevent atherosclerosis involving SMC proliferation,
      migration and fibrogenic activation within the vessels.

PMID- 22040886
TI  - Dihydrotestosterone inhibits interleukin-1alpha or tumor necrosis factor alpha
      induced proinflammatory cytokine production via androgen receptor-dependent
      inhibition of nuclear factor-kappaB activation in rheumatoid fibroblast-like
      synovial cell line.
AB  - Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a disease with significant gender differences in its
      prevalence and clinical features. Interleukin (IL)-1 and tumor necrosis factor
      (TNF) alpha produced by synoviocytes are principle inflammatory and destructive
      mediators of RA. We found that a potent androgen, 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone
      (DHT) inhibits IL-1alpha-induced production and mRNA expression of IL-8, IL-6 and
      IL-1beta from RA patient-derived fibroblast-like synovial cell line MH7A.
      Promoter analysis of the IL-8 gene revealed that nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB
      activation is critical for its transcriptional activation by IL-1alpha, and DHT
      inhibited the IL-1alpha-induced NF-kappaB activation in a manner dependent on the
      androgen receptor (AR). DHT also inhibited the effects of TNFalpha on the cells
      overexpressed with AR, indicating that sufficient expression level of functional
      AR was necessary for the inhibitory effect of DHT on TNFalpha. These results
      suggest that androgen contributes to the prevention against RA and its gender
      difference by inhibiting IL-1alpha or TNFalpha-induced proinflammatory cytokine
      production from synovial fibroblast-like cells by inhibiting NF-kappaB activation
      in a manner depending on AR.

PMID- 22040887
TI  - Factors affecting the absorption of nilvadipine from disintegration-controlled
      matrix tablet in dogs.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetics of nilvadipine
      (NiD) from disintegration-controlled matrix tablets (DCMT). A further purpose was
      to clarify biological factors that affect the absorption of NiD from DCMT. Two
      DCMT formulations, which released approximately 80% of NiD in 6 h (DCMT-M) and 10
      h (DCMT-S) in vitro, were prepared and compared with immediate-release (IR)
      tablets. The T(max) and mean residence time from DCMT-M and DCMT-S were
      significantly longer than those from IR tablets in fasted dogs. The area under
      the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC) (0-infinity) from DCMT-M in both fed
      and fasted dogs and IR tablets were comparable in both fed and fasted dogs,
      indicating complete drug release and absorption without food effect. In contrast,
      the AUC from DCMT-S was significantly lower than the AUC from IR tablets in
      fasted dogs. The AUC from DCMT-S increased in fed dogs, but it was still lower
      than the AUC from IR tablets. In vivo absorption profiles calculated by
      deconvolution method suggested that the duration of drug absorption from DCMT-S
      was prolonged from 6 h in fasted condition to 8 h in fed condition, suggesting
      longer gastro-intestinal (GI) transit time in fed condition allowed longer drug
      release duration from DCMT-S. Regional drug absorption was also evaluated using
      NiD solution. The results indicated NiD was almost completely absorbed from
      canine jejunum, ileum and colon, indicating drug permeation is not a rate
      limiting factor of NiD absorption. Therefore, limited GI transit time is the
      primary factor that affects the drug release from DCMT and subsequent NiD
      absorption.

PMID- 22040888
TI  - Effect of aminoguanidine on ischemia/reperfusion injury in rat small intestine.
AB  - Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is induced by reactive oxygen species (ROS).
      During intestinal I/R, the amount of nitric oxide (NO), which is a ROS, is
      increased. In this study, we examined the protection against I/R injury by
      inhibition of NO generation. Wistar/ST rats were exposed to 1 h of ischemia,
      followed by reperfusion for 4 h. The rats were intravenously injected with 100
      mg/kg aminoguanidine (AG), which is a selective inducible NO synthase (iNOS)
      inhibitor, for 5 min before ischemia. The increase in NO(2)(-) by intestinal I/R
      was significantly inhibited by AG 1 h after reperfusion. Moreover, the increase
      in area under curve of 0 to 1 h after reperfusion (AUC(0-1)) of paracellular
      marker was inhibited. However, 3 h after reperfusion, the survival ratio of rats
      was significantly decreased in the intestinal I/R condition with AG. The amount
      of NO(2)(-) and AUC of 3 to 4 h after reperfusion (AUC(3-4)) of paracellular
      marker in intestinal I/R groups were increased by AG compared with those in the
      I/R condition without AG 3 h after reperfusion. These data indicated that AG,
      which was given by single pre-administration, can clearly inhibit intestinal I/R
      injury 1 h after reperfusion. However, the injury occurs again 3 h after
      reperfusion and grows worse.

PMID- 22040889
TI  - Absorption and excretion of ascorbic acid alone and in acerola (Malpighia
      emarginata) juice: comparison in healthy Japanese subjects.
AB  - It has been suggested that some food components, such as bioflavonoids, affect
      the bioavailability of ascorbic acid in humans. Since little is known in Japan
      about the effective intake of this dietary requirement, we tested young Japanese
      males after the ingestion of commercial ascorbic acid or acerola (Malpighia
      emarginata DC.) juice to compare the quantities absorbed and excreted. Healthy
      Japanese subjects received a single oral dose of ascorbic acid solution (50, 100,
      200 or 500 mg) and received distilled water as a reference at intervals of 14 d
      or longer. All subjects were collected blood and urine until 6 h after ingestion
      and evaluated for time-dependent changes in plasma and urinary ascorbic acid
      levels. Predictably, the area under the curve (AUC) values in plasma and urine
      after ingestion increased dose-dependently. Next, each subject received diluted
      acerola juice containing 50 mg ascorbic acid. Likewise, their plasma and urinary
      ascorbic acid concentrations were measured. In plasma, the AUC value of ascorbic
      acid after ingestion of acerola juice tended to be higher than that from ascorbic
      acid alone. In contrast, the urinary excretion of ascorbic acid at 1, 2 and 5 h
      after ingestion of acerola juice were significantly less than that of ascorbic
      acid. These results indicate that some component of acerola juice favorably
      affected the absorption and excretion of ascorbic acid.

PMID- 22040890
TI  - Involvement of c-Met- and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase dependent pathways in
      arsenite-induced downregulation of catalase in hepatoma cells.
AB  - Catalase protects cells from reactive oxygen species-induced damage by catalyzing
      the breakdown of hydrogen peroxide to oxygen and water. Arsenite decreases
      catalase activity; it activates phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and its key
      downstream effector Akt in a variety of cells. The PI3K pathway is known to
      inhibit catalase expression. c-Met, an upstream regulator of PI3K and Akt, is
      also involved in the regulation of catalase expression. To examine the
      involvement of c-Met and PI3K pathways in the arsenite-induced downregulation of
      catalase, catalase mRNA and protein expression were analyzed in the human
      hepatoma cell line HepG2 treated with arsenite and either an inhibitor of c-Met
      (PHA665752 (PHA)) or of PI3K (LY294002 (LY)). Arsenite treatment markedly
      activated Akt and decreased the levels of both catalase mRNA and protein. Both
      PHA and LY attenuated arsenite-induced activation of Akt. PHA and LY treatment
      also prevented the inhibitory effect of arsenite on catalase protein expression
      but did not affect the level of catalase mRNA. These findings suggest that
      arsenite-induced inhibition of catalase expression is regulated at the mRNA and
      post-transcriptional levels in HepG2 cells, and that the post-transcriptional
      regulation is mediated via c-Met- and PI3K-dependent mechanisms.

PMID- 22040891
TI  - Excessive expression of hippocampal ezrin is induced by intrastriatal injection
      of 6-hydroxydopamine.
AB  - Accumulating evidence in humans demonstrates that visuo-spatial deficits are the
      most consistently reported cognitive abnormalities in Parkinson's disease (PD).
      Ezrin, radixin, and moesin are collectively known as ERM proteins. Although ERM
      proteins have important implications in cell-shape determination and relevant
      signaling pathway, they have not been studied in the hippocampus in association
      with visuo-spatial memory impairments. The purpose of the present study is to
      examine whether the expression level of ERM proteins in the hippocampus is
      changed by an intrastriatal injection of 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) in mice. The
      intrastriatal injection of 6-OHDA induced partial dopaminergic deficits and
      spatial memory impairments. We also found that ezrin was increased in the
      hippocampus by the microinjection of 6-OHDA. On the other hand, protein levels of
      radixin and moesin were not influenced by 6-OHDA lesions. These results suggest
      that excessive ezrin may be related to visuo-spatial memory impairments.

PMID- 22040892
TI  - Evidence for neuroprotective effect of sulbutiamine against oxygen-glucose
      deprivation in rat hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons.
AB  - Hippocampus is one of the earliest brain regions that gets affected by ischemia,
      however, no pharmacological therapy exists yet that can fully counteract the
      ischemic damage. Here we study the effect of sulbutiamine, a synthetic thiamine
      analogue that can cross the blood-brain barrier easily, on hippocampal neurons
      under an in vitro model of ischemia, oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD). We find
      that exposure to OGD in the presence of sulbutiamine significantly increases
      neuronal viability and enhances electrophysiological properties such as
      excitatory synaptic transmissions and intrinsic neuronal membrane input
      resistance in a concentration-dependent manner. Overall, here we report, for the
      first time, the neuroprotective evidence of sulbutiamine on hippocampal CA1
      pyramidal neurons under OGD, which may have beneficial implications as a possible
      therapeutic agent/substance against ischemic insult.

PMID- 22040893
TI  - The relationship between treatment time of gemcitabine and development of
      hematologic toxicity in cancer patients.
AB  - Although gemcitabine is frequently used in the treatment of cancer, it is
      associated with myelosuppression. An animal study showed that the tolerability of
      gemcitabine varied with changes in treatment time; however, no clinical data have
      verified this finding. The purpose of this study was to determine the
      relationship between treatment time and development of hematologic toxicity in
      patients treated with gemcitabine. Gemcitabine-induced hematologic toxicity was
      retrospectively investigated in 77 patients. Patients were divided into two
      treatment-time groups: 9:00 and 15:00. Hematologic toxicity was evaluated on day
      8 and 15 after treatment. On day 8 and 15, the changing count of white blood
      cells was significantly reduced in patients treated at 15:00 compared with those
      treated at 9:00 (p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively). On days 8 and 15, the changing
      count of platelet was significantly reduced in patients treated at 15:00 compared
      with those treated at 9:00 (p<0.05). The incident of over common terminology
      criteria for adverse events (CTCAE) grade 2 white blood cell decreased was
      significantly reduced in patients treated at 15:00 compared with those treated at
      9:00 (p=0.048, odds ratio=2.92). In conclusion, this cohort study demonstrated
      that gemcitabine-induced hematologic toxicity could be alleviated by treating
      patients at 9:00.

PMID- 22040894
TI  - Manassantin A isolated from Saururus chinensis inhibits 5-lipoxygenase-dependent
      leukotriene C4 generation by blocking mitogen-activated protein kinase activation
      in mast cells.
AB  - In this study, manassantin A (Man A), an herbal medicine isolated from Saururus
      chinensis (S. chinensis), markedly inhibited 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO)-dependent
      leukotriene C(4) (LTC(4)) generation in bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs) in
      a concentration-dependent manner. To investigate the molecular mechanisms
      underlying the inhibition of LTC(4) generation by Man A, we assessed the effects
      of Man A on phosphorylation of cytosolic phospholipase A(2) (cPLA(2)) and mitogen
      activated protein kinases (MAPKs). Inhibition of LTC(4) generation by Man A was
      accompanied by a decrease in cPLA(2) phosphorylation, which occurred via the
      MAPKs including extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase-1/2 (ERK1/2) as
      well as p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathways. Taken together, the
      present study suggests the Man A represents a potential therapeutic approach for
      the treatment of airway allergic-inflammatory diseases.

PMID- 22040895
TI  - Introduction: a life course perspective on activity and neurocognitive health.

PMID- 22040896
TI  - A review of the relation of aerobic fitness and physical activity to brain
      structure and function in children.
AB  - A growing number of schools have increasingly de-emphasized the importance of
      providing physical activity opportunities during the school day, despite emerging
      research that illustrates the deleterious relationship between low levels of
      aerobic fitness and neurocognition in children. Accordingly, a brief review of
      studies that link fitness-related differences in brain structure and brain
      function to cognitive abilities is provided herein. Overall, the extant
      literature suggests that childhood aerobic fitness is associated with higher
      levels of cognition and differences in regional brain structure and function.
      Indeed, it has recently been found that aerobic fitness level even predicts
      cognition over time. Given the paucity of work in this area, several avenues for
      future investigations are also highlighted.

PMID- 22040897
TI  - Physical activity associated with increased resting-state functional connectivity
      in multiple sclerosis.
AB  - Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory disease of the central nervous system,
      resulting in physical, cognitive and affective disturbances, with notable
      declines in the ability to learn and retain new information. In this study, we
      examined if higher levels of physical activity in MS individuals were associated
      with an increased resting-state connectivity of the hippocampus and cortex,
      resulting in better performance on a task of episodic memory. Forty-five
      individuals with a clinically definite diagnosis of MS were recruited for the
      study. Consistent with previous reports, hippocampus was functionally connected
      to the posteromedial cortex, parahippocampal gyrus, superior frontal gyrus, and
      the medial frontal cortex. Higher levels of physical activity in MS patients were
      associated with an increased coherence between the hippocampus and the
      posteromedial cortex (PMC). The increased connectivity between these two regions,
      in turn, was predictive of better relational memory, such that MS patients who
      showed an increased coherence between the left (not right) hippocampus and the
      PMC also showed better relational memory. Results of the study are interpreted in
      light of the challenge of disentangling effects of physical activity from effects
      of disease severity and its neuropathological correlates.

PMID- 22040898
TI  - Late-life social activity and cognitive decline in old age.
AB  - We examined the association of social activity with cognitive decline in 1138
      persons without dementia at baseline with a mean age of 79.6 (SD = 7.5) who were
      followed for up to 12 years (mean = 5.2; SD = 2.8). Using mixed models adjusted
      for age, sex, education, race, social network size, depression, chronic
      conditions, disability, neuroticism, extraversion, cognitive activity, and
      physical activity, more social activity was associated with less cognitive
      decline during average follow-up of 5.2 years (SD = 2.7). A one point increase in
      social activity score (range = 1-4.2; mean = 2.6; SD = 0.6) was associated with a
      47% decrease in the rate of decline in global cognitive function (p < .001). The
      rate of global cognitive decline was reduced by an average of 70% in persons who
      were frequently socially active (score = 3.33, 90th percentile) compared to
      persons who were infrequently socially active (score = 1.83, 10th percentile).
      This association was similar across five domains of cognitive function.
      Sensitivity analyses revealed that individuals with the lowest levels of
      cognition or with mild cognitive impairment at baseline did not drive this
      relationship. These results confirm that more socially active older adults
      experience less cognitive decline in old age.

PMID- 22040899
TI  - Association of crossword puzzle participation with memory decline in persons who
      develop dementia.
AB  - Participation in cognitively stimulating leisure activities such as crossword
      puzzles may delay onset of the memory decline in the preclinical stages of
      dementia, possibly via its effect on improving cognitive reserve. We followed 488
      initially cognitively intact community residing individuals with clinical and
      cognitive assessments every 12-18 months in the Bronx Aging Study. We assessed
      the influence of crossword puzzle participation on the onset of accelerated
      memory decline as measured by the Buschke Selective Reminding Test in 101
      individuals who developed incident dementia using a change point model. Crossword
      puzzle participation at baseline delayed onset of accelerated memory decline by
      2.54 years. Inclusion of education or participation in other cognitively
      stimulating activities did not significantly add to the fit of the model beyond
      the effect of puzzles. Our findings show that late life crossword puzzle
      participation, independent of education, was associated with delayed onset of
      memory decline in persons who developed dementia. Given the wide availability and
      accessibility of crossword puzzles, their role in preventing cognitive decline
      should be validated in future clinical trials.

PMID- 22040900
TI  - Apathy and depression: separate factors in Parkinson's disease.
AB  - The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis that apathy and depression
      are dissociable in Parkinson disease (PD) by conducting a confirmatory factor
      analysis (CFA) of items from two commonly used mood scales. A total of 161 non
      demented PD patients (age = 64.1; +/- 8.4 years) were administered the Apathy
      Scale and the Beck Depression Inventory-II. Items were hypothesized to load onto
      four factors: (1) an apathy factor representing loss of motivation, (2) dysphoric
      mood factor representing sadness and negativity, (3) loss of interest/pleasure
      factor representing the features common to both apathy and depression, and (4) a
      somatic factor representing bodily complaints. Results indicated a good fit for
      the overall CFA model, chi2 (128, N = 146) = 194.9; p<.01. RMSEA was .060 (p =
      .16). The four-factor model was significantly better than all alternative nested
      models at p < .001, including an overarching single factor model, representing
      "depression." Results support the concept that apathy and depression are discrete
      constructs. We suggest a "factor based" scoring of the Apathy Scale and Beck
      Depression Inventory-II that disentangles symptoms related to apathy, depression,
      overlapping symptoms, and somatic complaints. Such scoring may be important in
      providing useful information regarding differential treatment options.

PMID- 22040901
TI  - Reaction time and rapid serial processing measures of information processing
      speed in multiple sclerosis: complexity, compounding, and augmentation.
AB  - Information processing speed is frequently cited as the primary cognitive domain
      impacted by multiple sclerosis (MS) and is usually evaluated with reaction time
      (RT) or rapid serial processing (RSP) measures. The present study compared the
      efficacy of RT and RSP measures to distinguish between patients with MS (N = 42)
      and healthy controls (N = 40). The RT measure was patterned after the
      Computerized Tests of Information Processing and included measures of simple,
      choice, and semantic RT. The RSP measures consisted of the Symbol Digit
      Modalities Test (SDMT) and the Stroop Test. Substantial differences in
      information processing speed between patients and controls were found on all
      tests, with slightly larger effect sizes for RSP measures than RT measures and
      for the SDMT than the Stroop Test. Binary logistic regression analyses showed RSP
      measures performed better than RT measures at distinguishing patients from
      controls, and likewise, the SDMT score performed better than the scores derived
      from the Stroop Test. Results are discussed in the context of three effects
      associated with common measures of processing speed: complexity, compounding, and
      augmentation.

PMID- 22040902
TI  - Genetic and histologic evidence for autophagy in asthma pathogenesis.

PMID- 22040903
TI  - Berries contamination by microfungi in Slovakia vineyard regions: impact of
      climate conditions on microfungi biodiversity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Weather conditions can selectively promote the growth of particular
      fungal species, which cause rotting and spoilage of grape berries before harvest.
      The presence of pathogenic fungi can lead to the development of opportunist
      microfungi that can produce mycotoxins and cause grapes and wine contamination.
      OBJECTIVE: The variation of climatic conditions allowed to design a pilot study
      and address relevant questions for risk assessment of climate related mycotoxins
      production in grapes and in wine. METHODS: Microfungi contaminating berries
      during the vegetative period of year 2008 and 2009 in vineyards regions of
      Slovakia at the early veraison and at the ripening in harvest time have been
      identified. RESULTS: Spoilage fungi were more abundant in veraison for both years
      in all the studied geographical regions, with an average temperature of 20
      degrees C, humidity between 60 and 80%, and precipitation in the range 6-5mm.
      Much more strains of toxigenic fungi were found during veraison and ripening in
      the case of a year temperature variation in the range 17-22.5 degrees C, humidity
      values ranging from 58 to 80% and precipitations in the range 0.7-8.4mm.
      CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that there is an effect of the climatic
      conditions on microfungi biodiversity.

PMID- 22040904
TI  - Three new acetylated benzyl-beta-resorcylate glycosides from Cassia obtusifolia.
AB  - Three new acetylated benzyl-beta-resorcylate glycosides (1-3) were isolated from
      seeds of Cassia obtusifolia. Their structures were determined on the basis of the
      spectroscopic methods and physicochemical properties as 2-benzyl-4,6-dihydroxy
      benzoic acid-6-O-[2,6-O-diacetyl]-D-glucopyranoside (1), 2-benzyl-4,6-dihydroxy
      benzoic acid-6-O-[3,6-O-diacetyl]-D-glucopyranoside (2) and 2-benzyl-4, 6
      dihydroxy benzoic acid-6-O-[4,6-O-diacetyl]-D-glucopyranoside (3), respectively.

PMID- 22040905
TI  - Moving and being moved: differences in cerebral activation during recollection of
      whole-body motion.
AB  - While moving through the world, humans as well as animals can make use of motion
      cues during both active and passive whole-body motion to track their own position
      in space. However, the functional neuroanatomy of self-motion processing remains
      poorly understood. In the present study we aimed to characterize brain networks
      reflecting whole-body self-motion experience. We used retrieval of previously
      experienced events, which is known to involve cortical representations of the
      modalities used to perceive these events. Recollection of self-motion experience
      may thus engage motor and sensory brain areas, reflecting the active or passive
      nature of the experienced movement, but may engage also common brain areas
      processing self-motion. We further compared the retrieval networks of self- and
      observed motion: even though actual action observation has been shown to recruit
      brain networks similar to those active during mental simulation, it is unclear to
      which extent recollection networks of these experiences overlap. Brain activation
      patterns were recorded using fMRI during mental simulation of recent episodes of
      (1) experiencing linear whole-body motion (active locomotion and passive
      transport) and (2) observing another person performing the same tasks. Following
      the experiential phase, participants recalled the episodes during a MR session.
      We found that primary sensorimotor brain areas dominate the composition of the
      recollection network of active walking, while recalling passive transport
      recruits higher level association areas. Common to both self-motion conditions
      was activation in the medial temporal lobe. Recollection of self-experienced and
      observed movement overlapped in motor planning areas. Our results provide
      evidence that the medial temporal lobe is specifically relevant for retrieval of
      self-motion information and that motor coding during action observation is
      reflected in recollection networks.

PMID- 22040906
TI  - Abnormal nuclear envelope in the cerebellar Purkinje cells and impaired motor
      learning in DYT11 myoclonus-dystonia mouse models.
AB  - Myoclonus-dystonia (M-D) is a movement disorder characterized by myoclonic jerks
      with dystonia. DYT11 M-D is caused by mutations in SGCE which codes for E
      sarcoglycan. SGCE is maternally imprinted and paternally expressed. Abnormal
      nuclear envelope has been reported in mouse models of DYT1 generalized torsion
      dystonia. However, it is not known whether similar alterations occur in DYT11 M
      D. We developed a mouse model of DYT11 M-D using paternally inherited Sgce
      heterozygous knockout (Sgce KO) mice and reported that they had myoclonus and
      motor coordination and learning deficits in the beam-walking test. However, the
      specific brain regions that contribute to these phenotypes have not been
      identified. Since E-sarcoglycan is highly expressed in the cerebellar Purkinje
      cells, here we examined the nuclear envelope in these cells using a transmission
      electron microscope and found that they are abnormal in Sgce KO mice. Our results
      put DYT11 M-D in a growing family of nuclear envelopathies. To analyze the effect
      of loss of E-sarcoglycan function in the cerebellar Purkinje cells, we produced
      paternally inherited cerebellar Purkinje cell-specific Sgce conditional knockout
      (Sgce pKO) mice. Sgce pKO mice showed motor learning deficits, while they did not
      show abnormal nuclear envelope in the cerebellar Purkinje cells, robust motor
      deficits, or myoclonus. The results suggest that E-sarcoglycan in the cerebellar
      Purkinje cells contributes to the motor learning, while loss of E-sarcoglycan in
      other brain regions may contribute to nuclear envelope abnormality, myoclonus and
      motor coordination deficits.

PMID- 22040907
TI  - Cyclic stretch increases splicing noise rate in cultured human fibroblasts.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mechanical forces are known to alter the expression of genes, but it
      has so far not been reported whether they may influence the fidelity of nucleus
      based processes. One experimental approach permitting to address this question is
      the application of cyclic stretch to cultured human fibroblasts. As a marker for
      the precision of nucleus-based processes, the number of errors that occur during
      co-transcriptional splicing can then be measured. This so-called splicing noise
      is found at low frequency in pre-mRNA splicing. FINDINGS: The amount of splicing
      noise was measured by RT-qPCR of seven exon skips from the test genes AATF,
      MAP3K11, NF1, PCGF2, POLR2A and RABAC1. In cells treated by altered uniaxial
      cyclic stretching for 18 h, a uniform and significant increase of splicing noise
      was found for all detectable exon skips. CONCLUSION: Our data demonstrate that
      application of cyclic stretch to cultured fibroblasts correlates with a reduced
      transcriptional fidelity caused by increasing splicing noise.

PMID- 22040908
TI  - Individual and institutional factors affecting cardiac monitoring in coronary
      care units: a national survey of Chinese nurses.
AB  - BACKGROUND: As cardiovascular diseases have become the leading cause of death in
      many countries including China, nurses are increasingly required to be abreast of
      technological advances and the skills necessary to manage this increasing health
      care problem. Chinese nurses are under pressure to provide skilled
      electrocardiography monitoring, and be sufficiently skilled to detect myocardial
      ischemia and infarction, in this large patient population. This presents a
      challenge for the nursing profession in China, particularly for nurses working in
      coronary care in a country where advancement has been so rapid, yet little
      research has been conducted or reported in the literature. OBJECTIVES: The two
      main objectives were: to explore the demographic and educational factors that
      affect the use of ST-segment monitoring and correct electrode placement by
      CCU/ICU nurses in China; and to explore the factors both individual and
      institutional that affect monitoring and lead placement. METHODS: A self
      administered questionnaire was distributed to nurses in 126 randomly selected
      tertiary hospitals, which were stratified into three homogeneous regions across
      China. The instrument examined demographics, information about hospitals,
      electrocardiogram devices, current practice patterns and perceptions toward
      monitoring and lead placement. Data from 734 nurses and 59 nurse managers from 59
      hospitals were analyzed using t-tests, ANOVA, Chi-square test and logistic
      regression. RESULTS: Electrocardiogram monitoring was used to detect myocardial
      ischemia by 43.7% of respondents, and 35.1% selected leads according to
      electrocardiogram or angiography findings. Most (70%) agreed that monitoring for
      acute coronary syndrome was important, while 39.2% did so, and 15.7% were able to
      identify correct placement. Logistic regression revealed a significant
      relationship between the uses of ST-segment monitoring and number of hospital
      beds, continuing education and a belief in its use and ease of use. Correct
      electrode placement was significantly correlated with respondents from university
      hospitals, hospitals with more acute coronary syndrome admissions and more
      independent thinking nurses. CONCLUSIONS: Despite best practice evidence, less
      than half of the sample used electrocardiogram monitoring to detect myocardial
      ischemia and the majority could not identify correct electrode placement, while
      ST-segment monitoring was not used routinely. This paper highlights the need for
      improvements in education both in universities and hospitals and discussion
      addresses conventions in units, which inhibit development of nurses' skills.

PMID- 22040909
TI  - Release of monomeric sugars from Miscanthus sinensis by microwave-assisted
      ammonia and phosphoric acid treatments.
AB  - Microwave-assisted ammonium hydroxide (NH4OH) followed by phosphoric acid (H3PO4)
      treatments were used to release monomeric sugars from Miscanthus sinensis grown
      in Cha-Chueng-Sao province, Thailand. Treatment with 1.0% (w/v) NH4OH, 15:1
      liquid-to-solid ratio (LSR) at 120  degrees C temperature for 15 min liberated
      2.9 g of monomeric sugars per 100 g of dried biomass, whereas the corresponding
      yield for a treatment with 1.78% v/v H3PO4, 15:1 LSR at 140  degrees C for 30 min
      was 62.3 g/100 g. The two-stage pretreatment, treatment with NH4OH at 120 
      degrees C temperature for 15 min followed by treatment with H3PO4 at 140  degrees
      C for 30 min, impressively provided the highest total monomeric sugar yield of
      71.6 g/100 g dried biomass.

PMID- 22040910
TI  - Eph/ephrin signaling in epidermal differentiation and disease.
AB  - Eph receptor tyrosine kinases mediate cell-cell communication by interacting with
      ephrin ligands residing on adjacent cell surfaces. In doing so, these
      juxtamembrane signaling complexes provide important contextual information about
      the cellular microenvironment that helps orchestrate tissue morphogenesis and
      maintain homeostasis. Eph/ephrin signaling has been implicated in various aspects
      of mammalian skin physiology, with several members of this large family of
      receptor tyrosine kinases and their ligands present in the epidermis, hair
      follicles, sebaceous glands, and underlying dermis. This review focuses on the
      emerging role of Eph receptors and ephrins in epidermal keratinocytes where they
      can modulate proliferation, migration, differentiation, and death. The activation
      of Eph receptors by ephrins at sites of cell-cell contact also appears to play a
      key role in the maturation of intercellular junctional complexes as keratinocytes
      move out of the basal layer and differentiate in the suprabasal layers of this
      stratified, squamous epithelium. Furthermore, alterations in the epidermal
      Eph/ephrin axis have been associated with cutaneous malignancy, wound healing
      defects and inflammatory skin conditions. These collective observations suggest
      that the Eph/ephrin cell-cell communication pathway may be amenable to
      therapeutic intervention for the purpose of restoring epidermal tissue
      homeostasis and integrity in dermatological disorders.

PMID- 22040911
TI  - Ephs and ephrins in cancer: ephrin-A1 signalling.
AB  - Ephrin-A1 and its primary receptor, EphA2, are involved in numerous physiological
      processes and have been intensely studied for their roles in malignancy. Ephrin
      Eph signalling is complex on its own and is also cell-type dependent, making
      elucidation of the exact role of ephrin-A1 in neoplasia challenging. Multiple
      oncogenic signalling pathways, such as MAP/ERK and PI3K are affected by ephrin
      A1, and in some cases evidence suggests the promotion of a specific pathway in
      one cell or cancer type and inhibition of the same pathway in another type of
      cell or cancer. Ephrin-A1 also plays an integral role in angiogenesis and tumor
      neovascularization. Until recently, studies investigating ephrins focused on the
      ligands as GPI-anchored proteins that required membrane anchoring or artificial
      clustering for Eph receptor activation. However, recent studies have demonstrated
      a functional role for soluble, monomeric ephrin-A1. This review will focus on
      various forms of ephrin-A1-specific signalling in human malignancy.

PMID- 22040913
TI  - Axonal ephrinA/EphA interactions, and the emergence of order in topographic
      projections.
AB  - In the classical view of axon guidance, neurons send out axons which are endowed
      with guidance receptors enabling them to find their (distant) target areas by an
      interaction with their ligands expressed in specific spatio-temporal patterns
      along their pathways and in their target area. However, this view has recently
      been confounded by more detailed analyses of, for example, the expression
      patterns of EphAs and ephrinAs in the retinotectal projection. Here ephrinA
      'ligands' are expressed not only in the target area but also on the projecting
      RGC axons, and EphA 'receptors' not only on retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axons but
      also in the target area itself. This review describes the on-going functional
      characterisation of the surprising co-expression of ephrinAs and EphAs on retinal
      ganglion cell (RGC) axons and other cell types. It also investigates the function
      of ephrinAs as receptors and describes their interaction with co-receptors
      involved in mediating this function.

PMID- 22040912
TI  - Clinical relevance of Ephs and ephrins in cancer: lessons from breast,
      colorectal, and lung cancer profiling.
AB  - Pre-clinical studies provide compelling evidence that members of the Eph family
      of receptor tyrosine kinases and their ephrin ligands promote tumor growth,
      invasion and metastasis, and neovascularization. Tumor suppressive roles have
      also been reported for the receptors, and ligand-dependent versus ligand
      independent signaling has emerged as one key mechanism underlying tumor
      suppressive function as opposed to oncogenic effects. Determining how these
      observations relate to clinical outcome is a crucial step for translating the
      biological and mechanistic data into new molecularly targeted therapies.
      Expression profiling in human patient samples bridges this gap and provides
      valuable clinical relevance to laboratory observations. In addition to analyses
      performed using privately assembled patient tumor samples, publically available
      microarray datasets and tissue microarrays linked to clinical data have emerged
      as tractable tools for addressing the clinical relevance of specific molecules
      and families of related molecules. This review summarizes the clinical relevance
      of specific Eph and ephrin molecules in human breast, colorectal, and lung
      cancers.

PMID- 22040914
TI  - Non-SH2/PDZ reverse signaling by ephrins.
AB  - Great strides have been made regarding our understanding of the processes and
      signaling events influenced by Eph/ephrin signaling that play a role in cell
      adhesion and cell movement. However, the precise mechanisms by which these
      signaling events regulate cell and tissue architecture still need further
      resolution. The Eph/ephrin signaling pathways and the ability to regulate cell
      cell adhesion and motility constitutes an impressive system for regulating tissue
      separation and morphogenesis (Pasquale, 2005, 2008 [1,2]). Moreover, the de
      regulation of this signaling system is linked to the promotion of aggressive and
      metastatic tumors in humans [2]. In the following section, we discuss some of the
      interesting mechanisms by which ephrins can signal through their own
      intracellular domains (reverse signaling) either independent of forward signaling
      or in addition to forward signaling through a cognate receptor. In this review we
      discuss how ephrins (Eph ligands) "reverse signal" through their intracellular
      domains to affect cell adhesion and movement, but the focus is on modes of action
      that are independent of SH2 and PDZ interactions.

PMID- 22040916
TI  - Eph and ephrin signaling: lessons learned from spinal motor neurons.
AB  - In nervous system assembly, Eph/ephrin signaling mediates many axon guidance
      events that shape the formation of precise neuronal connections. However, due to
      the complexity of interactions between Ephs and ephrins, the molecular logic of
      their action is still being unraveled. Considerable advances have been made by
      studying the innervation of the limb by spinal motor neurons, a series of events
      governed by Eph/ephrin signaling. Here, we discuss the contributions of different
      Eph/ephrin modes of interaction, downstream signaling and electrical activity,
      and how these systems may interact both with each other and with other guidance
      molecules in limb muscle innervation. This simple model system has emerged as a
      very powerful tool to study this set of molecules, and will continue to be so by
      virtue of its simplicity, accessibility and the wealth of pioneering cellular
      studies.

PMID- 22040915
TI  - EphA receptor signaling--complexity and emerging themes.
AB  - The impact of Eph and ephrin signaling on cell behavior is complex and highly
      context dependent. Forward signaling initiated by Eph receptor activation and
      reverse signaling initiated by ephrin activation often mediate opposite effects.
      The apparent ligand-independent functions of Eph receptors recognized recently
      add another layer of complexity. This review will attempt to sort out the
      information generated recently on signaling by the A subfamily of Eph receptors
      and ephrin ligands. We will focus on EphA/ephrin-A signaling in the context of
      several physiological and disease processes, where new progresses have been made
      lately and unifying themes are emerging amid previous confusions. For more
      comprehensive survey of literature on Eph/ephrin signaling pathways and networks,
      readers are referred to outstanding reviews both in this volume and in other
      recent publications.

PMID- 22040917
TI  - Looking forward to EphB signaling in synapses.
AB  - Eph receptors and their ligands ephrins comprise a complex signaling system with
      diverse functions that span a wide range of tissues and developmental stages. The
      variety of Eph receptor functions stems from their ability to mediate
      bidirectional signaling through trans-cellular Eph/ephrin interactions. Initially
      thought to act by directing repulsion between cells, Ephs have also been
      demonstrated to induce and maintain cell adhesive responses at excitatory
      synapses in the central nervous system. EphB receptors are essential to the
      development and maintenance of dendritic spines, which accommodate the
      postsynaptic sites of most glutamatergic excitatory synapses in the brain.
      Functions of EphB receptors are not limited to control of the actin cytoskeleton
      in dendritic spines, as EphB receptors are also involved in the formation of
      functional synaptic specializations through the regulation of glutamate receptor
      trafficking and functions. In addition, EphB receptors have recently been linked
      to the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease and neuropathic pain, thus becoming
      promising targets for therapeutic interventions. In this review, we discuss
      recent findings on EphB receptor functions in synapses, as well as the mechanisms
      of bidirectional trans-synaptic ephrin-B/EphB receptor signaling that shape
      dendritic spines and influence post-synaptic differentiation.

PMID- 22040918
TI  - Eph/ephrin signaling: genetic, phosphoproteomic, and transcriptomic approaches.
AB  - The Eph receptor tyrosine kinases and their ephrin partners compose a large and
      complex family of signaling molecules involved in a wide variety of processes in
      development, homeostasis, and disease. The complexity inherent to Eph/ephrin
      signaling derives from several characteristics of the family. First, the large
      size and functional redundancy/compensation by family members presents a
      challenge in defining their in vivo roles. Second, the capacity for bidirectional
      signaling doubles the potential complexity, since every member has the ability to
      act both as a ligand and a receptor. Third, Ephs and ephrins can utilize a wide
      array of signal transduction pathways with a tremendous diversity of cell
      biological effect. The daunting complexity of Eph/ephrin signaling has
      increasingly prompted investigators to resort to multiple technological
      approaches to gain mechanistic insight. Here we review recent progress in the use
      of advanced mouse genetics in combination with proteomic and transcriptomic
      approaches to gain a more complete understanding of signaling mechanism in vivo.
      Integrating insights from such disparate approaches provides advantages in
      continuing to advance our understanding of how this multifarious group of
      signaling molecules functions in a diverse array of biological contexts.

PMID- 22040919
TI  - Biochemical and pharmacological profile of darexaban, an oral direct factor Xa
      inhibitor.
AB  - Darexaban (YM150) is an oral factor Xa inhibitor developed for the prophylaxis of
      venous and arterial thromboembolic disease. This study was conducted to
      investigate the biochemical and pharmacological profiles of darexaban and its
      active metabolite darexaban glucuronide (YM-222714), which predominantly
      determines the antithrombotic effect after oral administration of darexaban. In
      vitro activity was evaluated by enzyme and coagulation assays, and a prothrombin
      activation assay using reconstituted prothrombinase or whole blood clot. In vivo
      effects were examined in venous thrombosis, arterio-venous (A-V) shunt
      thrombosis, and bleeding models in rats. Both darexaban and darexaban glucuronide
      competitively and selectively inhibited human factor Xa with Ki values of 0.031
      and 0.020 MUM, respectively. They showed anticoagulant activity in human plasma,
      with doubling concentrations of darexaban and darexaban glucuronide for
      prothrombin time of 1.2 and 0.95 MUM, respectively. Anticoagulant activity was
      independent of antithrombin. Darexaban and darexaban glucuronide inhibited the
      prothrombin activation induced by prothrombinase complex or whole blood clot with
      similar potency to free factor Xa. In contrast, prothrombinase- and clot-induced
      prothrombin activation were resistant to inhibition by enoxaparin. In venous and
      A-V shunt thrombosis models in rats, darexaban strongly suppressed thrombus
      formation without affecting bleeding time, with ID50 values of 0.97 and 16.7
      mg/kg, respectively. Warfarin also suppressed thrombus formation in these models,
      but caused a marked prolongation of bleeding time at antithrombotic dose. In
      conclusion, darexaban is a selective and direct factor Xa inhibitor and a
      promising oral anticoagulant for the prophylaxis and treatment of thromboembolic
      diseases.

PMID- 22040920
TI  - Comparative effects of high and low-dose simvastatin on prostate epithelial
      cells: the role of LDL.
AB  - Epidemiological studies have linked statin use with a decreased risk of advanced
      prostate cancer and an improved recurrence-free survival after radical therapy.
      It is unclear, however, whether statins could have direct effects against
      prostate cancer in a clinical setting, as their growth-inhibiting effects on
      prostate cancer cells have been demonstrated at drug concentrations which exceed
      the level in plasma during standard clinical dosing. We compared responses to
      high-dose and therapeutic-dose simvastatin in normal and cancerous prostate
      epithelial cells. Simvastatin was more effective at inhibiting the growth of
      normal prostate epithelial cells than of cancer cells. At therapeutic 100 nM
      concentration simvastatin had a cytostatic effect on normal cells: apoptosis was
      only slightly induced, but a decrease in cell cycle activity and an increase in
      senescence were observed. At therapeutic concentrations, lipophilic simvastatin
      caused a stronger growth inhibition than did hydrophilic rosuvastatin. In
      contrast, 10 MUM simvastatin had a cytotoxic effect both on normal and cancer
      cells. Addition of LDL-cholesterol effectively reversed the cytostatic effect in
      all cell lines, but overcoming the cytotoxicity of 10 MUM simvastatin required a
      combination of LDL-cholesterol and mevalonate. As LDL-cholesterol completely
      prevented the growth-inhibiting effect of therapeutic-dose simvastatin already at
      low, subphysiological concentrations it is unlikely that statins have direct
      effects on growth of prostate epithelial cells in vivo. Statins' possible
      benefits against prostate cancer could be due to systemic cholesterol-lowering,
      as suggested by epidemiological studies. Future clinical studies evaluating the
      effects of statins on prostate cancer prevention should monitor serum LDL and
      should probably administer statins at higher concentrations than those currently
      used in the treatment of hypercholesterolemia.

PMID- 22040921
TI  - Agomelatine suppresses locomotor hyperactivity in olfactory bulbectomised rats: a
      comparison to melatonin and to the 5-HT(2c) antagonist, S32006.
AB  - The novel melatonergic agonist/5-HT(2C) antagonist agomelatine displays robust
      antidepressant properties in humans and is active in pre-clinical models
      predictive of antidepressant effects. In this study, we investigated its
      potential influence on the locomotor hyperactivity displayed by olfactory
      bulbectomised rats, a putative measure of potential antidepressant activity. In
      addition, we compared the actions of agomelatine to those of melatonin and
      S32006, a selective antagonist at 5-HT(2C) receptors. Vehicle, agomelatine (10
      and 50mg/kg), melatonin (10 and 50mg/kg), S32006 (0.16mg/kg to 10mg/kg) and the
      prototypical tricyclic antidepressant, imipramine (10mg/kg), were administered by
      intraperitoneal injection for 14days to male, Sprague-Dawley sham-operated and
      bulbectomised rats. In agreement with previous studies, imipramine was active in
      the model and both the lower and higher doses of agomelatine also significantly
      and markedly reversed the bulbectomy-induced hyperactivity to a level comparable
      to that seen in sham operated animals, in which agomelatine exerted no effect.
      Similarly the 5-HT(2C) antagonist, S32006, dose-dependently and significantly
      attenuated hyperactivity of bulbectomised animals, albeit with a maximal effect
      somewhat less marked than that of agomelatine. On the other hand, melatonin did
      not affect the locomotor behaviour of bulbectomised rats. The activity of
      agomelatine in the model is consistent with its known antidepressant properties
      in the clinic.

PMID- 22040922
TI  - Tangeretin, a citrus flavonoid, inhibits PGDF-BB-induced proliferation and
      migration of aortic smooth muscle cells by blocking AKT activation.
AB  - Tangeretin, a natural polymethoxylated flavone concentrated in the peel of citrus
      fruits, is known to have antiproliferative, antiinvasive, antimetastatic and
      antioxidant activities. However, the effect of tangeretin on vascular smooth
      muscle cells (VSMCs) is unknown. This study examined the effect of tangeretin on
      platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB-induced proliferation and migration of
      rat aortic smooth muscle cells (RASMCs) as well as its underlying mechanisms.
      Tangeretin significantly inhibited proliferation, DNA synthesis and migration of
      PDGF-BB-stimulated RASMCs without inducing cell death. Treatment with tangeretin
      induced cell-cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase was associated with down-regulation
      of cyclin D1 and cyclin E in addition to up-regulation of p27(kip1). We also
      showed that tangeretin inhibited PDGF-BB-induced phosphorylation of AKT, while it
      had no effect on the phosphorylation of phospholipase Cgamma (PLCgamma), PDGF
      receptor beta-chain (PDGF-Rbeta) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2
      (ERK1/2), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases
      (MAPKs). An in vitro kinase assay revealed that tangeretin inhibited AKT activity
      in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, treatment of LY294002, a phosphoinositide 3
      kinase (PI3K) inhibitor, had similar effects than that of tangeretin on the
      expression of p27(kip1) and cyclin D1, as well as cell migration in PDFG-BB
      stimulated RASMCs. Taken together, these findings suggest that tangeretin could
      suppress PDGF-BB-induced proliferation and migration of RASMCs through the
      suppression of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, and may be a potential candidate for
      preventing or treating vascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis and restenosis.

PMID- 22040923
TI  - Noradrenaline contracts rat retinal arterioles via stimulation of alpha(1A)- and
      alpha(1D)-adrenoceptors.
AB  - The aim of this study was to characterize the alpha1-adrenoceptor subtype(s)
      involved in the noradrenaline-induced contraction of retinal arterioles in rats.
      In vivo ocular fundus images were captured with a digital camera equipped with a
      special objective lens. By measuring changes in diameter of retinal arterioles in
      the fundus images, retinal vascular response was assessed. The systemic blood
      pressure and heart rate in the animals were also continuously recorded. Following
      blockade of beta1/beta2-adrenoceptors with propranolol, noradrenaline (0.03-3
      MUg/kg/min, i.v.) decreased the diameter of retinal arterioles and increased the
      mean blood pressure in a dose-dependent manner. The highest dose (3 MUg/kg/min,
      i.v.) of noradrenaline caused a small increase in heart rate. The alpha(1A)
      adrenoceptor antagonist RS100329 (0.1 mg/kg, i.v.) and the alpha(1D)-adrenoceptor
      antagonist BMY 7378 (1 mg/kg, i.v.) significantly prevented noradrenaline-induced
      contraction of retinal arterioles and pressor responses whereas the alpha(1B)
      adrenoceptor antagonist L-765314 (1 mg/kg, i.v.) did not. The alpha(1A)
      adrenoceptor agonist, A 61603 (0.03-0.3 MUg/kg/min, i.v.), also caused
      contractile responses of retinal arterioles and pressor responses. These
      responses were almost completely prevented by RS100329 (0.1 mg/kg, i.v.), but not
      by BMY 7378 (1 mg/kg, i.v.). These results suggest that the contractile effects
      of noradrenaline on retinal arterioles and peripheral resistance vessels are, at
      least in part, mediated by stimulation of alpha(1A)- and alpha(1D)-adrenoceptors.
      Furthermore, it is likely that the alpha1-adrenoceptor subtype(s) involved in rat
      vascular responses are similar in both retinal and peripheral circulation.

PMID- 22040924
TI  - Galactomannan detection in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid for the diagnosis of
      invasive aspergillosis in patients with hematological diseases-the role of
      factors affecting assay performance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We evaluated the performance of a galactomannan (GM) assay in
      bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid compared to serum samples for the diagnosis of
      invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) in patients with hematological diseases.
      METHODS: Two hundred and fifty-five bronchoscopies were performed on 230
      patients. Bronchial and alveolar samples from BAL fluid as well as serum samples
      were analyzed in the GM assay. RESULTS: Twenty-eight cases of IPA (11%) were
      diagnosed. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative
      predictive value of the GM assay using a cut-off of 0.5 were 57.1%, 99.3%, 94.1%,
      and 92.5%, respectively, for the alveolar sample; 44.0%, 99.3%, 91.7%, and 91.4%,
      respectively, for the bronchial sample; and 60.7%, 100%, 100%, and 92.9%,
      respectively, for serum. The highest sensitivity (78.6%) with good specificity
      (98.6%) was obtained with a 'triple detection' of GM in bronchial, alveolar, and
      serum samples. Neutropenia and antifungal therapy for only 24h increased the
      sensitivity, while antifungal treatment for >= 2 days decreased assay
      performance. Moreover, a trend towards a higher volume of aspirated fluid in GM
      negative BAL (p=0.092) was observed. CONCLUSIONS: In contrast to recently
      published data, we found only moderate sensitivity, but high specificity and high
      positive predictive value of the detection of GM in BAL fluid. In addition,
      neutropenia, antifungal therapy, and BAL standardization affected GM assay
      performance.

PMID- 22040926
TI  - Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D and muscle atrophy in the elderly.
AB  - The objective of this review is to consider the mechanisms by which vitamin D
      affects muscle and the evidence that vitamin D status is important for muscle
      performance and fall prevention in older adults. Vitamin D receptors have been
      identified in human skeletal-muscle cells. Activation of these receptors by 1,25
      dihydroxyvitamin D is involved in the action of vitamin D on the myocyte. Several
      studies have examined the effect of supplemental vitamin D on muscle strength,
      balance and falls. Among those examining muscle strength, results have been
      either positive for vitamin D or null. A recent meta-analysis of seventeen such
      trials revealed no significant effect of vitamin D overall, but a significant
      improvement in strength was observed in the trials in which the mean starting
      level of 25-hydroxyvitamin D was 25 nmol/l or below. Evidence for an effect of
      vitamin D on balance, measured as sway, is less abundant but more consistently
      positive. Many trials have evaluated the effect of supplemental vitamin D on
      falls. Overall, there is about a 20% lower risk of falling with supplementation.
      One meta-analysis considered the vitamin D dose administered and concluded that
      doses up through 15 MUg (600 IU) were ineffective and doses of 17.5-25 MUg/d (700
      1000 IU/d) significantly lowered fall risk. The minimal 25-hydroxyvitamin D level
      needed for benefit was 60 nmol/l.

PMID- 22040925
TI  - Skin colonization by superantigen-producing Staphylococcus aureus in Egyptian
      patients with atopic dermatitis and its relation to disease severity and serum
      interleukin-4 level.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of the current study was to detect Staphylococcus aureus
      colonization and the presence of superantigen in atopic dermatitis (AD) in
      Egyptian patients, and to determine its effect on disease severity and serum
      interleukin (IL)-4 levels. METHODS: Swabs were taken from the skin of 30 patients
      with AD. S. aureus isolates were screened for the presence of genes of exotoxins
      with superantigen properties by multiplex PCR. Serum IL-4 was determined by
      ELISA. The rate of S. aureus colonization and the presence of superantigen were
      correlated with disease severity and IL-4 level. RESULTS: Twenty-six of 30
      patients (87%) were colonized by S. aureus, and 14 of the 26 (54%) patients were
      colonized with toxigenic strains. The most frequent superantigen gene present in
      S. aureus isolates was that coding for staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB),
      followed by both staphylococcal enterotoxin C (SEC) and toxic shock syndrome
      toxin-1 (TSST-1) genes. The mean 'severity scoring in AD' (SCORAD) score of AD
      patients colonized with S. aureus harboring superantigen genes (74 +/- 8) was
      significantly higher than that in those colonized with S. aureus isolates without
      superantigen genes (56 +/- 6) (p<0.001). Serum IL-4 levels followed the same
      pattern. CONCLUSIONS: S. aureus may play an important role as an aggravating
      factor in AD patients. Reducing the colonization of atopic skin by S. aureus is
      therefore the best way to reduce superantigen-induced allergic skin inflammation.

PMID- 22040927
TI  - Do current criteria for 'healthy BMI' in adolescence warrant a re-think?

PMID- 22040928
TI  - Incidence of early burn-induced effects on liver function as reflected by the
      plasma disappearance rate of indocyanine green: a prospective descriptive cohort
      study.
AB  - Organ dysfunction and failure are important for burned patients as they increase
      morbidity and mortality. Recent evidence has suggested that organ injuries are
      occurring earlier after burns, and are more common than previously thought. In
      this study we have assessed the extent to which liver function, assessed by the
      plasma disappearance rate of indocyanine green (PDR(ICG)), is affected in
      patients with severe burns. This is a prospective, descriptive exploratory study
      at a national burn centre. Consecutive adult patients with a percent total body
      surface area burned (TBSA%) of 20% or more, were examined prospectively by
      dynamic (PDR(ICG)) and static liver function tests (plasma: bilirubin
      concentration, prothrombin complex, and alanine aminotransferase and alkaline
      phosphatase activities). Early liver dysfunction was common, as it is assessed by
      both dynamic (7 of 17) and static liver function tests (6-17 of 17). A regression
      model showed that changes in PDR(ICG) were associated with age, TBSA%, plasma
      bilirubin concentration, plasma C-reactive protein concentration, and cardiac
      index. Persistent and advanced hepatic dysfunction was associated with mortality.
      The PDR(ICG) seems to give a comprehensive assessment of liver function after
      major burns. Hepatic dysfunction seems to be as common as dysfunction in other
      organs. We interpret the recorded effects on liver function as part of a multiple
      organ dysfunction syndrome, primarily induced by the burn itself. However, this
      needs to be further investigated.

PMID- 22040929
TI  - Burns, inhalation injury and ventilator-associated pneumonia: value of routine
      surveillance cultures.
AB  - PURPOSE: Burn patients with inhalation injury are at particular risk for
      ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). Routine endotracheal surveillance cultures
      may provide information about the causative pathogen in subsequent VAP, improving
      antibiotic therapy. Our objective was to assess the incidence of VAP in burn
      patients with inhalation injury, and the benefit of routine surveillance cultures
      to predict multidrug resistant (MDR) pathogens. PROCEDURES: Historical cohort
      (n=53) including all burn patients with inhalation injury requiring mechanical
      ventilation, admitted to the Ghent burn unit (2002-2010). MAIN FINDINGS: Median
      (interquartile range) age and total burned surface area were 44y (39-55y) and 35%
      (19-50%). Overall, 70 episodes of VAP occurred in 46 patients (86.8%). Median
      mechanical ventilation days (MVD) prior to VAP onset were 7d (4-9d). The
      incidence was 55 episodes/1000 MVD. In 23 episodes (32.9%) at least one MDR
      causative pathogen was involved, mostly Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter
      spp. The sensitivity and specificity of surveillance cultures to predict MDR
      etiology in subsequent VAP was respectively 83.0% and 96.2%. The positive and
      negative predictive value was 87.0% and 95.0%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The
      incidence of VAP in burn patients with inhalation injury is high. In this cohort
      routine surveillance cultures had excellent operating characteristics to predict
      MDR pathogen involvement.

PMID- 22040930
TI  - A high prevalence of mupirocin and macrolide resistance determinant among
      Staphylococcus aureus strains isolated from burnt patients.
AB  - Infections due to Staphylococcus aureus have become increasingly common among
      burn patients. The antibiotic resistance profile of S. aureus isolates and
      inducible resistance against clindamycin were investigated in this study. The
      presence of mecA gene, mupA gene and macrolide resistance genes were detected
      using PCR and multiplex-PCR. The resistance rate to methicillin, erythromycin and
      mupirocin were 58.5%, 58% and 40%, respectively. The prevalence of constitutive
      and inducible resistance among macrolide resistant isolates was 75% and 25%,
      respectively. Ninety five percent of the isolates were positive for one or more
      erm genes. The most common genes were ermA (75%), ermC (72%) and ermB (69%),
      respectively. The ermA gene predominated in the strains with the inducible
      phenotype, while ermC was more common in the isolates with the constitutive
      phenotype. The msrA gene was only found in one MRSA isolate with the constitutive
      phenotype. A total of 27 isolates (25%) carried the mupA gene. All the mupirocin
      resistant isolates and almost all the erythromycin resistant isolates were also
      resistant against methicillin which may indicate an outbreak of MRSA isolates
      with high-level mupirocin and erythromycin resistance in the burn unit assessed.

PMID- 22040931
TI  - Evaluation of long term health-related quality of life in extensive burns: a 12
      year experience in a burn center.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We sought to evaluate the long term health-related quality of life
      (HRQOL) in patients survived severely extensive burn and identify their clinical
      predicting factors correlated with HRQOL. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was
      conducted in 20 patients survived more than 2 years with extensive burn involving
      >=70% total body surface area (TBSA) between 1997 and 2009 in a burn center in
      Shanghai. Short Form-36 Medical Outcomes Survey (SF-36), Brief Version of Burn
      Specific Health Scale (BSHS-B) and Michigan Hand Outcome Questionnaire (MHQ) were
      used for the present evaluation. SF-36 scores were compared with a healthy
      Chinese population, and linear correlation analysis was performed to screen the
      clinical relating factors predicting physical and mental component summary (PCS
      and MCS) scores from SF-36. RESULTS: HRQOL scores from SF-36 were significantly
      lower in the domains of physical functioning, role limitations due to physical
      problems, pain, social functioning and role limitations due to emotional problems
      compared with population norms. Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated
      that only return to work (RTW) predicted improved PCS. While age at injury,
      facial burns, skin grafting and length of hospital stay were correlated with MCS.
      Work, body image and heat sensitivity obtained the lowest BSHS-B scores in all 9
      domains. Improvements of HRQOL could still be seen in BSHS-B scores in domains of
      simple abilities, hand function, work and affect even after a quite long interval
      between burns and testing. Hand function of extensive burn patients obtained
      relatively poor MHQ scores, especially in those without RTW. CONCLUSIONS:
      Patients with extensive burns have a poorer quality of life compared with that of
      general population. Relatively poor physical and psychological problems still
      exist even after a long period. Meanwhile, a trend of gradual improvements was
      noted. This information will aid clinicians in decision-making of comprehensive
      systematic regimens for long term rehabilitation and psychosocial treatment.

PMID- 22040932
TI  - Enhanced secretion of TIMP-1 by human hypertrophic scar keratinocytes could
      contribute to fibrosis.
AB  - Hypertrophic scars are a pathological process characterized by an excessive
      deposition of extracellular matrix components. Using a tissue-engineered
      reconstructed human skin (RHS) method, we previously reported that pathological
      keratinocytes induce formation of a fibrotic dermal matrix. We further
      investigated keratinocyte action using conditioned media. Results showed that
      conditioned media induce a similar action on dermal thickness similar to when an
      epidermis is present. Using a two-dimensional electrophoresis technique, we then
      compared conditioned media from normal or hypertrophic scar keratinocytes and
      determined that TIMP-1 was increased in conditioned media from hypertrophic scar
      keratinocytes. This differential profile was confirmed using ELISA, assaying TIMP
      1 presence on media from monolayer cultured keratinocytes and from RHS. The
      dermal matrix of these RHS was recreated using mesenchymal cells from three
      different origins (skin, wound and hypertrophic scar). The effect of increased
      TIMP-1 levels on dermal fibrosis was also validated independently from the
      mesenchymal cell origin. Immunodetection of TIMP-1 showed that this protein was
      increased in the epidermis of hypertrophic scar biopsies. The findings of this
      study represent an important advance in understanding the role of keratinocytes
      as a direct potent modulator for matrix degradation and scar tissue remodeling,
      possibly through inactivation of MMPs.

PMID- 22040933
TI  - The use of lignocaine gel as a shaving gel for facial burns.

PMID- 22040934
TI  - Time and regeneration in burns treatment: heading into the first worldwide
      clinical trial with cadaveric mesenchymal stem cells.

PMID- 22040935
TI  - Antioxidant properties of lutein contribute to the protection against
      lipopolysaccharide-induced uveitis in mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lutein is an important eye-protective nutrient. This study
      investigates the protective effects and mechanisms of lutein on
      lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced uveitis in mice. METHODS: Lutein, suspended in
      drinking water at a final concentration of 12.5 and 25 mg/mL, was administered to
      mice at 0.1 mL/10 g body weight for five consecutive days. Control and model
      group received drinking water only. Uveitis was induced by injecting LPS (100 mg
      per mouse) into the footpad in the model and lutein groups on day 5 after the
      last drug administration. Eyes of the mice were collected 24 hours after the LPS
      injection for the detection of indicators using commercial kits and reverse
      transcription-polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: LPS-induced uveitis was
      confirmed by significant pathological damage and increased the nitric oxide level
      in eye tissue of BALB/C mice 24 hours after the footpad injection. The elevated
      nitric oxide level was significantly reduced by oral administration of lutein
      (125 and 500 mg/kg/d for five days) before LPS injection. Moreover, lutein
      decreased the malondialdehyde content, increased the oxygen radical absorbance
      capacity level, glutathione, the vitamin C contents and total superoxide
      dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities. Lutein further
      increased expressions of copper-zinc SOD, manganese SOD and GPx mRNA. Conclusion
      The antioxidant properties of lutein contribute to the protection against LPS
      induced uveitis, partially through the intervention of inflammation process.

PMID- 22040936
TI  - Three-year follow-up of sirolimus-eluting stents vs. bare metal stents for acute
      myocardial infarction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The long-term safety and efficacy of drug-eluting stents for patients
      with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remain controversial. METHODS AND RESULTS:
      A total of 143 consecutive patients who presented between August 2004 and July
      2006 with AMI and who underwent primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)
      using sirolimus-eluting stents (SES), were compared with a historical control
      cohort of 129 consecutive patients who presented between August 2002 and July
      2004 and who underwent primary PCI using bare metal stents (BMS). The rate of
      major adverse cardiovascular events at 3 years was significantly lower in the SES
      group than in the BMS group (20.3% vs. 33.1%, respectively; P=0.01). This
      reduction was mainly driven by a decrease in the rate of target vessel
      revascularization (12.3% vs. 22.4%, respectively; P=0.02). There was no
      significant difference in the rate of cardiovascular death (4.5% vs. 5.7%,
      respectively; P=0.67), non-fatal myocardial infarction (4.5% vs. 9.2%,
      respectively; P=0.16), coronary artery bypass grafting (2.3% vs. 2.5%,
      respectively; P=0.93), stroke (2.4% vs. 0.8%, respectively; P=0.35), and stent
      thrombosis (2.9% vs. 2.3%, respectively; P=0.80) between the 2 groups.
      CONCLUSIONS: SES can be used safely and effectively in patients with AMI.

PMID- 22040937
TI  - Medetomidine, an alpha(2)-adrenergic agonist, activates cardiac vagal nerve
      through modulation of baroreflex control.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although alpha(2)-adrenergic agonists have been reported to induce a
      vagal-dominant condition through suppression of sympathetic nerve activity, there
      is little direct evidence that they directly increase cardiac vagal nerve
      activity. Using a cardiac microdialysis technique, we investigated the effects of
      medetomidine, an alpha(2)-adrenergic agonist, on norepinephrine (NE) and
      acetylcholine (ACh) release from cardiac nerve endings. METHODS AND RESULTS: A
      microdialysis probe was implanted into the right atrial wall near the sinoatrial
      node in anesthetized rabbits and perfused with Ringer's solution containing
      eserine. Dialysate NE and ACh concentrations were measured using high-performance
      liquid chromatography. Both 10 and 100ug/kg of intravenous medetomidine
      significantly decreased mean blood pressure (BP) and the dialysate NE
      concentration, but only 100ug/kg of medetomidine enhanced ACh release. Combined
      administration of medetomidine and phenylephrine maintained mean BP at baseline
      level, and augmented the medetomidine-induced ACh release. When we varied the
      mean BP using intravenous administration of phenylephrine, treatment with
      medetomidine significantly steepened the slope of the regression line between
      mean BP and log ACh concentration. CONCLUSIONS: Medetomidine increased ACh
      release from cardiac vagal nerve endings and augmented baroreflex control of
      vagal nerve activity.

PMID- 22040939
TI  - Clinical significance of microalbuminuria in high-risk patients with coronary
      artery disease.

PMID- 22040938
TI  - Nitroglycerin use in myocardial infarction patients.
AB  - Acute myocardial infarction (MI) and its sequelae are leading causes of morbidity
      and mortality worldwide. Nitroglycerin (glyceryl trinitrate [GTN]) remains a
      first-line treatment for angina pectoris and acute MI. Nitroglycerin achieves its
      benefit by giving rise to nitric oxide (NO), which causes vasodilation and
      increases blood flow to the myocardium. However, continuous delivery of GTN
      results in tolerance, limiting the use of this drug. Nitroglycerin tolerance is
      caused, at least in part, by inactivation of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2), an
      enzyme that converts GTN to the vasodilator, NO. We recently found that in a MI
      model in animals, in addition to GTN's effect on the vasculature, sustained
      treatment negatively affected cardiomyocyte viability following ischemia, thus
      resulting in increased infarct size. Coadministration of Alda-1, an activator of
      ALDH2, with GTN improves metabolism of reactive aldehyde adducts and prevents the
      GTN-induced increase in cardiac dysfunction following MI. In this review, we
      describe the molecular mechanisms associated with the benefits and risks of GTN
      administration in MI.

PMID- 22040940
TI  - Application of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin values.

PMID- 22040941
TI  - Tobacco or health. In the historical context of epidemiology.

PMID- 22040942
TI  - Continuity and change: the future for Health Services Management Research.

PMID- 22040943
TI  - Improving patient satisfaction in hospital care settings.
AB  - Health-care managers have to address many aspects of the organization, and
      patient satisfaction is clearly one of the critical aspects for managers. To
      respond to the need of health-care managers, there have been many patient
      satisfaction studies. However, these studies focus on which attributes (factors
      such as nursing care and physician care) are more influential; they do not
      provide specific aspects for each attribute. In order to develop an effective
      intervention programme to improve patient satisfaction, more specific research
      outcomes are needed. This study utilized data collected between January 2007 and
      June 2008 from 32 hospitals representing a large, national private not-for-profit
      hospital system. The patient satisfaction survey included the Consumer Assessment
      of Healthcare Providers and Systems, Hospital version questionnaire items, and
      there are 31,471 cases. Two-stage multiple linear regression analyses were
      conducted with control variables (age, gender, perceived health, education and
      race). It was found that patients' highest priority is to be treated with
      courtesy and respect by nurses and physicians. An effective intervention
      programme to improve patient satisfaction would include a training programme,
      where care providers understand that patients want them to show courtesy and
      respect. Then, well-trained and empathetic nurses and staff members can comfort
      patients, and consequently improve patient satisfaction.

PMID- 22040944
TI  - A study of relationship between job stress, quality of working life and turnover
      intention among hospital employees.
AB  - Job stress is a serious threat to the quality of working life (QWL) of health
      care employees and can cause hostility, aggression, absenteeism and turnover, as
      well as reduced productivity. In addition, job stress among employees affects the
      quality of health-care services. The purpose of this study was to gain a better
      understanding of the relationships between job stress and QWL of employees, and
      their impact on turnover intention at Isfahan hospitals, Iran. The study employed
      a cross-sectional research design. A validated questionnaire was used to collect
      data from hospital employees. Overall, 26% of employees graded their job stress
      high. The major sources of stress were inadequate pay, inequality at work, too
      much work, staff shortage, lack of recognition and promotion prospects, time
      pressure, lack of job security and lack of management support. An inverse
      relationship was found between job stress and QWL among hospital employees. The
      most important predictor of QWL was disturbance handling, followed by job proud,
      job security and job stress. Finally, while QWL was negatively associated with
      turnover intentions, job stress was positively related to employees' intention to
      quit. Since job stress has a strong correlation with employee QWL and turnover
      intention, it is very important to apply the right human resources policies to
      increase employees' QWL and decrease subsequent turnover. This study invites
      further research to explore, implement and evaluate intervention strategies for
      prevention of occupational stress and improvement in QWL.

PMID- 22040945
TI  - Evaluation and measurement for improvement in service-level quality improvement
      initiatives.
AB  - The National Health Service (NHS) in England, as with other health services
      worldwide, currently faces the need to reduce costs and to improve the quality of
      patient care. Evidence gathered through effective and appropriate measurement and
      evaluation, is essential to achieving this. Through interviews with service
      improvement managers and analysis of comments in a seminar of NHS staff involved
      in health service improvement, we found a lack of understanding regarding the
      definition and methodology of both measurement and evaluation, which decreases
      the likelihood that NHS staff will be competent to commission or provide these
      skills. In addition, we highlight the importance of managers assessing their
      organizations' 'readiness' to undergo change before embarking on a quality
      improvement (QI) initiative, to ensure that the initiative's impact can be
      adequately judged. We provide definitions of measurement for improvement and of
      evaluation, and propose a comparative framework from which to gauge an
      appropriate approach. Examples of two large-scale QI initiatives are also given,
      along with descriptions of some of their problems and solutions, to illustrate
      the use of the framework. We recommend that health service managers use the
      framework to determine the most appropriate approach to evaluation and
      measurement for improvement for their context, to ensure that their decisions are
      evidence based.

PMID- 22040946
TI  - A professional challenge: the development of skill-mix in UK primary care
      dentistry.
AB  - The future health-care workforce and the changing skill-mix within occupational
      teams is a current topic of discussion. This paper contributes to the skill-mix
      debate by focusing on UK primary care dentistry, revealing unintended as well as
      intended consequences of a modularized, technocratic view of dentistry. In part
      one, relevant literature about dental therapists and skill-mix in dentistry is
      organized into a framework used to review factors operating at macro, meso and
      micro levels. Part two considers the role that education and training may play in
      realizing skill-mix change. Part three synthesizes conditions required for
      modifying skill-mix in UK primary dental care and sets out the dimensions of
      seven factors: funding focus, the profession's response, workforce, the practice,
      dentist's knowledge, dental therapist's motivations and patient attitude. A
      review of these factors could be used to inform the policy decisions of managers
      operating at the macro level, as well as more local staffing decisions. Without
      consideration of the complex interplay of these factors, skill-mix in dentistry
      will be slow to develop and could bring unwelcome consequences.

PMID- 22040947
TI  - Empowering health-care managers in Australia: an action learning approach.
AB  - This paper reports on a training programme using action learning sets designed to
      enhance the management abilities of health-care managers. Numerous independent
      reports in Australia, and around the world, have related the lack of management
      systems and processes to substandard health-care delivery. This has suggested a
      need for better approaches to the education, training and ongoing development of
      health-care managers, and this paper reports on an action learning approach
      trialled over a three-year period. Participant managers reported significantly
      greater levels of empowerment and self-efficacy after participation in the year
      long action learning sets intervention. While too early to measure the
      translation of these reported individual improvements into specific management
      practice, the literature strongly supports more effective management practice
      among managers who report high levels of empowerment and self-efficacy.

PMID- 22040948
TI  - Well-structured teams and the buffering of hospital employees from stress.
AB  - Membership in well-structured teams, which show clarity in team and individual
      goals, meet regularly, and recognize diverse skills of their members, is known to
      reduce stress. This study examined how membership of well-structured teams was
      associated with lower levels of strain, when testing a work stressors-to-strains
      relationship model across the three levels of team structure, namely well
      structured, poorly structured (do not fulfill all the criteria of well-structured
      teams) and no team. The work stressors tested, were quantitative overload and
      hostile environment, whereas strains were measured through job satisfaction and
      intention to leave job. This investigation was carried out on a random sample of
      65,142 respondents in acute/specialist National Health Service hospitals across
      the UK. Using multivariate analysis of variance, statistically significant
      differences between means across the three groups of team structure, with mostly
      moderate effect sizes, were found for the study variables. Those in well
      structured teams have the highest levels of job satisfaction and the least
      intention to leave job. Multigroup structural equation modelling confirmed the
      model's robustness across the three groups of team structure. Work stressors
      explained 45%, 50% and 65% of the variance of strains for well-structured, poorly
      structured and no team membership, respectively. An increase of one standard
      deviation in work stressors, resulted in an increase in 0.67, 0.70 and 0.81
      standard deviations in strains for well-structured, poorly structured and no team
      membership, respectively. This investigation is an eye-opener for hospitals to
      work towards achieving well-structured teams, as this study shows weaker stressor
      to-strain relationships for members of these teams.

PMID- 22040949
TI  - Organizational readiness for innovation in health care: some lessons from the
      recent literature.
AB  - There is no single intervention that will trigger or ensure innovation in health
      care, as the interaction between the innovation and the context of its
      introduction is necessarily complex and variable. Although academic attention has
      recently turned to the role of organizations in promoting and embedding
      innovation, this literature remains light on prescription, and tends to ignore
      the issue of substitution and disengagement. Innovation needs to be adapted as
      well as adopted into organizational contexts and receptive climates for
      innovation can only be developed incrementally over time. This paper identifies
      recommendations for increasing the readiness of health-care organizations for
      innovation. Key organizational strategies for embedding innovation include:
      development of incentives; sophisticated knowledge management; interfunctional
      and interorganizational coordination and collaboration; and development of an
      innovation infrastructure. More attention is required to substitution and
      disengagement of interventions and practices (exnovation) in the current economic
      climate.

PMID- 22040950
TI  - [The role of PDGF/PDGFR in the regulation of platelet formation].
AB  - Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), a potent chemotactic and mitogenic factor,
      is involved in the regulation of hematopoiesis and platelet production. Our
      studies demonstrate the presence of functional PDGF receptors (PDGFR) on human
      megakaryocytes/platelets and CD34(+) cells, and their ability to mediate a
      mitogenic response. PDGF promotes the ex vivo expansion of human hematopoietic
      stem (CD34(+)) and progenitor (CD41(+)) cells. More significantly, PDGF enhances
      the engraftment of human CD45(+) cells and their myeloid subsets (CD33(+),
      CD14(+) cells) in NOD/SCID mice. PDGF also stimulates in vitro
      megakaryocytopoiesis via PDGFR and/or the indirect effect on bone marrow
      microenvironment to produce TPO and other cytokines. It also shows a direct
      stimulatory effect of PDGF on c-Fos, GATA-1 and NF-E2 expressions in
      megakaryocytes. We speculate that these transcription factors may be involved in
      the signal transduction of PDGF on the regulation of megakaryocytopoiesis. PDGF
      also enhances platelet recovery in mouse model with radiation-induced
      thrombocytopenia. This radioprotective effect is likely to be mediated via PDGFR
      with subsequent activation of the PI3K/Akt pathway. It provides a possible
      explanation that blockage of PDGFR may reduce thrombopoiesis and play a role in
      imatinib mesylate-induced thrombocytopenia.

PMID- 22040951
TI  - [Resistance of leukemia KG1a cells with positive N-cadherin in phase G(0) against
      killing activity of VP16].
AB  - Drug resistance is an important character of leukemic stem cells. To explore the
      mechanism of the chemotherapy resistance of N-cadherin positive leukemia cells,
      the quiescent state of N-cadherin positive leukemia cells was determined by flow
      cytometry and the relationship of G(0) phase cell ratio with the chemotherapy
      resistance was analyzed. After KG1a cells were induced to enter cell cycle, the
      G(0) phase cell ratio and the sensitivity of cells to VP16 were determined.
      Finally the quiescent state and drug resistance properties of KG1a cells were
      determined after inhibiting N-cadherin-mediated cell-cell interaction by EGTA
      treatment. The results showed that the G(0) phase cell ratio in N-cadherin
      positive KG1a cells was higher than that in N-cadherin negative KG1a cells. After
      KG1a cells were induced to enter cell cycle, the G(0) phase cell ratio was
      decreased significantly and the sensitivity of KG1a cells to VP16 increased.
      Following EGTA treatment for 24 hours, the G(0) phase cell ratio decreased and
      the drug-sensitivity was enhanced significantly. It is concluded that N-cadherin
      mediated adhesion keeps N-cadherin positive leukemia cells in quiescent state of
      G(0) phase, thus protect these leukemia cells against VP16 chemotherapy.

PMID- 22040952
TI  - [Silence mechanism of WT1 gene in leukemic cell line U937].
AB  - This study was aimed to investigate the methylation status of WT1 gene in
      leukemia cell lines and its relation with expression of WT1 gene. The WT1 gene
      was silenced by DNA methylation or histone deacetylation, and the expression of
      WT1 gene was induced by using HDAC inhibitor and/or demethylation agent of DNA.
      Some leukemia cell lines (U937, HL-60, K562, KG1) were detected by RT-PCR, MS
      PCR, restriction analysis, and DNA sequencing. U937 leukemic cells without WT1
      mRNA expression were incubated with HDAC inhibitor Trichostatin A (TSA) and/or
      demethylation agent decitabine. The results showed that the U937 cells did not
      express WT1 gene, but HL-60, K562 and KG1 cells highly expressed WT1 gene; WT1
      gene was unmethylated in HL-60 cells, but methylated in K562 and U937 cells. WT1
      expression could be reactivated by co-incubation with TSA and decitabine, but not
      was observed by using single drug. It is concluded that WT1 promoter is
      methylated in some leukemia cells, however, the methylation can not affect its
      expression. DNA methylation and deacetylation of histones are synergistic to
      inhibit the expression of WT1 in leukemic U937 cells, the combination of TSA with
      decitabine can induce expression of WT1 gene.

PMID- 22040953
TI  - [Establishment of stable subline of K562 cells expressing human leucocyte antigen
      a1101].
AB  - The aim of this study was to establish a stable subline of K562 cells expressing
      the HLA-A(*)1101 protein, which was expected to provide target cells for
      characterizing the HLA-I restrictive antigen specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte
      (CTL) effects against chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The HLA-A(*)1101 protein
      encoding gene was amplified from peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMNC) of CML
      patient by RT-PCR; the 2A peptide linker (D-V-E-X-N-P-G-P) gene was linked to the
      3'terminal of the HLA-A(*)1101 gene by recombinant PCR, then the recombinant was
      cloned into the pEGFP-N3 plasmid which contains an enhanced green fluorescent
      protein gene, and the eukaryotic recombinant expression vector containing HLA
      A(*)1101-T2A-EGFP transcription box was constructed; the pEGFP-N3 vector and
      recombinant vector was separately electroporated into K562 cells. The expression
      of GFP was monitored by fluorescence microscopy, finally stably transfected
      sublines of K562 cells containing HLA-A(*)1101 gene, and of K562 containing pEGFP
      N3 vector were obtained by G418 selection; the transcriptional or translational
      expression of HLA-A(*)1101 gene was detected with RT-PCR and flow cytometry
      respectively. The results indicated that the eukaryotic expression vector HLA
      A(*)1101-T2A-EGFP plasmid was successfully constructed; after G418 selection for
      2 months, two sublines of K562 cells (HLA-A(*)1101(+)K562, pEGFP-N3(+)K562)
      expressing GFP were constructed. The expression of HLA-A*A1101 gene could be
      determined in HLA-A(*)1101(+)K562 cell line by RT-PCR, while the pEGFP-N3(+)K562
      cells could not express HLA-A*A1101 gene. HLA-A(*)1101 protein and GFP double
      positive HLA-A(*)1101(+)K562 cells were up to 88.5%, which was obviously higher
      than pEGFP-N3(+)K562 cells (0.698%) by flow cytometric analysis. It is concluded
      that a simple and effective method to select HLA-A(*)1101(+)K562 cells has been
      established and a subline of K562 cell expressing HLA-A(*)1101 protein on its
      cell membrane was successfully constructed, which provides the tool cells for
      further studying the specific cellular immunity against-CML.

PMID- 22040954
TI  - [Effect of homoharringtonine combined with AG490 on JAK2-STAT5 associated signal
      pathway in HEL cells].
AB  - This study was aimed to explore the effect of homoharringtonine in combination
      with AG490 on JAK2-STAT5 associated signal pathway in HEL cells, and analyze its
      mechanism so as to provide theoretical basis for therapy of chronic
      myeloproliferative neoplasma by new program. The cell survival rates were tested
      by MTT, apoptosis was tested by flow cytometry after HEL cells were treated by 20
      ng/ml HHT, 100 umol/L AG490 and 20 ng/ml HHT in combination with 100 umol/L
      AG490, while the signal proteins such as P-JAK2, P-STAT5 and BCL-xL activated by
      abnormal activated JAK2 were tested by Western blot. The results showed that both
      HHT and AG490 could inhabit the HEL cell proliferation after being treated for 24
      hours, and Annexin V-PI double staining confirmed early apoptosis while HHT
      effect was more obvious, Western blot showed that the expressions of P-JAK2 and P
      STAT5 were down-regulated, while the total protein levels of JAK2 and STAT5 were
      stable. It is concluded that HHT combined with AG490 can obviously inhibit the
      proliferation and induce early apoptosis of HEL cells, and there is synergistic
      effect between the two drugs. HHT possibly acts as a broad-spectrum PTK inhibitor
      and synergistically with AG490 inhibits the phosphorylation of signal proteins
      caused by JAK2V617F, thus down-regulating the transcription of STAT5.

PMID- 22040955
TI  - [Effects of emodin on human erythroleukemia cell line HEL].
AB  - This study was aimed to investigate the inhibitory effect of emodin on the
      proliferation of HEL cells, the inducing apoptosis effect of HEL cells and their
      mechanisms. The proliferation inhibition was detected by MTT method; the change
      of morphology was observed by AO/EB stains; the cell cycle and apoptosis was
      analyzed by flow cytometry; the expressions of Akt, P-Akt, P-GSK3beta and HSP70
      proteins were determined by Western blot. The results indicated that emodin
      displayed significant anti-proliferative effect on HEL cells in a dose dependent
      manner(r = 0.99), with IC(50) value of 4.19 umol/L; AO/EB stains showed that the
      morphology of HEL cells obviously changed after emodin treatment for 24 hours,
      and at 24 and 48 hours the apoptosis rates of HEL cells treated by emodin were
      (27.35 +/- 1.68)% and (58.49 +/- 1.55)% respectively. Compared with blank control
      group, the cell ratio in G(0)/G(1) phase increased while that in S phase
      decreased (p < 0.01); the expression of Akt protein was not changed (p > 0.05),
      and that of P-Akt, P-GSK3beta and HSP70 proteins were down-regulated (p < 0.05).
      It is concluded that emodin efficiently inhibits the HEL cell proliferation and
      induces apoptosis of HEL cells, which may be related to the down-regulation of P
      Akt, P-GSK3beta and HSP70 proteins expression.

PMID- 22040956
TI  - [Effect of APN/CD13 on bestatin enhancing all-trans-retinoic acid-inducing
      differentiation in NB4 cells].
AB  - This study was purposed to investigate the effect of aminopeptidase N/CD13 on
      bestatin enhancing all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA)-inducing differentiation in NB4
      cells. The nitroblue-tetrazolium (NBT) reduction assay was performed to determine
      the differentiation of NB4 cells, MR2 cells and primary APL blasts. The
      expression of P38 MAPK protein and the phosphorylation of P38 MAPK protein in
      NB4, MR2 and K562 cells were detected by Western blot. The results showed that
      pre-incubation with 5 ug/ml WM-15 blocked the enhancement effect of bestatin on
      differentiation of NB4 cells induced by ATRA. 5 ug/ml CD13 antibody WM-15 partly
      blocked the inhibition of bestatin on the phosphorylation of P38 MAPK in NB4
      cells. 100 ug/ml bestatin inhibited the phosphorylation of P38 MAPK in NB4 cells
      and MR2 cells in a time-dependent manner. 100 ug/ml bestatin had no effect on the
      phosphorylation of P38 MAPK in K562 cells with low level of CD13. Bestatin could
      not restore the sensitivity to ATRA in ATRA-resistant primary APL blasts and MR2
      cells. It is concluded that aminopeptidase N/CD13 inhibitor bestatin may enhance
      the differentiation-inducing activity of ATRA through inhibiting the
      phosphorylation of P38 MAPK in NB4 cells mediated by the cell surface APN/CD13.

PMID- 22040957
TI  - [Expression and clinical significances of hedgehog signaling pathway in non
      Hodgkin's lymphoma].
AB  - This study was aimed to investigate the expression and clinicopathologic
      significance of Gli1 and Gli2, 2 factors of Hedgehog(Hh) signaling pathway, in
      non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Gli1 and Gli2 mRNA and protein in 18 cases of NHL
      and 10 cases of reactive lymphadenitis were amplified and identified by real-time
      PCR, and were assayed by immunohistochemical staining respectively. The results
      showed that (1) Gli1 and Gli2 mRNA in NHL group (RQ 2.05, 2.31) were expressed
      higher than that in reactive lymphadenitis group (RQ 0.82, 0.89). Gli1 mRNA
      activated level was positively related with Gli2 (r = 0.63, p < 0.01). In
      addition, Gli2 also positively correlated to clinical stages of NHL (p = 0.03),
      but the expressions of Gli1 and Gli2 mRNA had no significant correlation to B
      symptoms, blood beta(2)-microglobulin, age and sex. (2) The positive expression
      rate of Gli1 and Gli2 protein in NHL group were 80% and 68% respectively, which
      were extremely higher than that in reactive lymphadenitis group. Gli1 protein
      level was positively related with Gli2 (r = 0.62, p < 0.05). Both Gli1 and Gli2
      protein expression positively correlated to clinical staging of NHL (p = 0.05, p
      = 0.01). It is concluded that the Gli1 and Gli2 of Hh signaling pathway have been
      found to higher express in patients with NHL, and have significance for clinical
      staging and predicting prognosis of NHL. To further investigate the role of Hh
      signaling pathway in NHL will contribute to elucidate the occurrence and
      development of NHL, and provide a favorable method for therapy of NHL.

PMID- 22040958
TI  - [Characteristics of T-cell lineage immunophenotype in 95 patients with acute
      lymphoid leukemia].
AB  - The objective of this study was to investigate the immunophenotype of T-lineage
      acute lymphoid leukemia (T-ALL) and to find valuable immunologic markers in T-ALL
      diagnosis and therapy. Four-color multiparametric flow cytometry(FCM) with
      CD45/SSC gating was used for immunophenotyping of 95 patients with newly
      diagnosed T-ALL. The results demonstrated that T-ALL occurred more frequently in
      males younger than 30 years of age and was usually accompanied by a high WBC
      count and tumor mass at diagnosis. Univariate analysis showed an influence on
      achievement of CR1 for age (< 30 years) but not for WBC count and tumor mass.
      According to WHO (2008) classification of tumors of haematopoietic and lymphoid
      tissues, 87 patients with confirmed subtype included 27 cases of Pro-T-ALL
      (31.0%), 31 cases of Pre-T-ALL (35.6%), 23 cases of cortical-T-ALL (26.4%), 6
      cases of medullary-T-ALL (6.9%). CD34 expression in Pro-T-ALL was significantly
      higher than that of Pre-T-ALL (p = 0.001). After the first chemotherapy, the
      complete remission rate in Pro-T-ALL was statistically lower than that of Pre-T
      ALL. Besides, the complete remission rate of immature T-ALL (including Pro-T-ALL
      and Pre-T-ALL) was also significantly lower than that in mature T-ALL (including
      cortical-T-ALL and medullary-T-ALL). Myeloid antigen (CD13, CD33) expression was
      associated with T-ALL subtype and treatment effect. While 66.7% of CD13(+)
      patients belonged to Pre-T-ALL, most (60.0%) of CD33(+) patients were classified
      into Pro-T-ALL; CD13 expression had no effect on CR1 rate whereas CD33(+)
      patients had worse treatment effect compared with CD33(-) groups (p = 0.001).
      Notably, the expression of CD117 reached up to 26.7% and the positive cases were
      primarily distributed in pro-T-TAll and pre-T-ALL. It is found that CD117
      expression in CD34(-) group was homogeneous and CD117 expression level was less
      than 10% in 73.2% patients, but CD117 expression level in CD34(+) group was not
      homogenous, in which group the CD117 expression levels < 10%, 10% - 20% and > 20%
      were 44.2%, 17.3% and 38.5% respectively. As compared with CD34(-) group, the
      proportion of patients with CD117 expression levels < 10%, > 20% in CD34(+) group
      was higher, and there was significant difference between these 2 group. It is
      concluded that immunophenotype has great value in T-ALL diagnosis, classification
      as well as treatment. Flow cytometry provides access to find valuable immunologic
      markers for T-ALL biological research.

PMID- 22040959
TI  - [Characteristics and clinical significance of CD73 expression in subtypes of
      leukemia].
AB  - The study was purposed to investigate the expression of CD73 on bone marrow
      nucleated cells (BMMNC) in various leukemia subtypes and its relationship with
      cell differentiation of leukemia. Immunocytochemistry staining and Wright-Giemsa
      staining of BMMNC from 75 cases of leukemia, 11 cases of myelodysplastic syndrome
      (MDS), 13 cases of non-leukemic patients and 9 healthy adults were performed, and
      the CD73(+) ratio in BMMNC and its relationship with differentiation of leukemia
      cells were analyzed. The results showed that the ratios of CD73(+) in BMMNC of
      com-B ALL, pre-B ALL and PLL were significantly higher than those in B-CLL (p <
      0.05). CD73(+) ratios in AML subtypes of M(1), M(2a), t (8; 21), t (15; 17), M(4)
      and M(5) were markedly higher than those in MDS respectively, but in M(6) and MDS
      were lower and had no statistical difference between them. CD73(+) ratios in T
      ALL, B-CLL, M(6), MDS, non-leukemia patients and healthy adults were close to
      each other and all of them were lower than those in B-ALL and other AML subtypes.
      It is concluded that the expression of CD73 is associated with leukemia subtype,
      differentiation and development. The higher differentiation of leukemia cells,
      the lower of CD73 expression in myeloid and B lymphoid leukemia, but T-ALL does
      not meet this pattern.

PMID- 22040960
TI  - [mRNA levels detected by real-time quantitative RT-PCR in chronic lymphocytic
      leukemia and their clinical significance].
AB  - This study was aimed to investigate the expression level of murine double minute
      4 (MDM4) mRNA in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and its prognostic value in
      CLL. By means of beta-actin as internal reference, the real-time quantitative RT
      PCR was set up. The expression of MDM4 mRNA in 66 CLL patients was measured by
      fluorescence dye SYBR Green I. The dispersion of MDM4 expression ratio of groups
      with different prognostic factors was described by using Mann-Whitney U test. The
      results showed that the median MDM4 mRNA expression level was 0.037098 (0.088245
      0.014875) in CLL patients. The expression level of MDM4 mRNA was significantly
      higher in patients with P53 gene deletion than that in patients without P53 gene
      deletion (0.13167 vs 0.030927) (p < 0.001), and also significantly higher in
      patients with P53 mutation than that in patients without P53 mutation (0.13167 vs
      0.03077) (p < 0.001). MDM4 expression was also associated with Binet stages (p =
      0.044) and ATM gene deletion (p = 0.046), but was not associated with LDH (p =
      0.216), beta(2)-MG (p = 0.314), TK1 (p = 0.300), ZAP-70 (p = 0.559), CD38 (p =
      0.513) and IgVH mutation status (p = 0.333). It is concluded that the expression
      level of MDM4 is significantly higher in patients with P53 deletion or mutation.
      MDM4 expression is significantly associated with Binet stages and ATM gene
      deletion. MDM4 may be an important prognostic factor in CLL.

PMID- 22040961
TI  - [Clinical significance of leukemia stem/progenitor cell related gene expression
      in acute leukemia].
AB  - This study was aimed to detect the expression of leukemia stem/progenitor cell
      (LSPC) related genes (ABCB1, BMI-1, HOXB4) in the patients with acute leukemia,
      and to explore its clinical significance in acute leukemia. Bone marrow samples
      were collected from de novo acute leukemia patients (41 cases), patients with
      complete remission (CR, 16 cases) and the patients with non-malignant hematologic
      diseases (10 cases) respectively. And the expressions of ABCB1, BMI-1, HOXB4
      genes were detected by comparative real-time quantitative PCR (RQ-PCR) with SYBR
      Green assay. The results showed that the expressions of ABCB1, BMI-1, HOXB4 were
      not detected in the patients with non-malignant hematologic diseases, but were
      higher (relative expressive level: 4.26 +/- 2.26, 3.72 +/- 1.91, 3.74 +/- 2.38)
      in de novo acute leukemia patients and lower (relative expressive level: 2.14 +/-
      1.47, 2.07 +/- 0.99, 1.47 +/- 0.89) in the acute leukemia patients with CR (p <
      0.05). The expressions of LSPC related genes were lower (relative expressive
      level: 1.77 +/- 1.29, 2.09 +/- 1.26, 1.78 +/- 1.49) in the patients acquired
      CR/partial remission (PR) than those in the patients not acquired CR/PR (relative
      expressive level: 7.23 +/- 1.78, 3.96 +/- 0.92, 4.48 +/- 2.57) (p < 0.01).
      Univariate analysis revealed that there were more cases with the expression of
      LSPC immunophenotype (CD34(+)CD38(-)CD96(+) and CD34(+)CD38(-)CD123(+)) and more
      hyperleukocytosis cases in patients with any higher expression of LSPC related
      gene (p < 0.05). Analysis of multiple parameters discovered larger significance
      (p < 0.01). It is concluded that there is a good relationship between LSPC
      related genes (ABCB1, BMI-1, HOXB4) and LSPC immunophenotype. The expression of
      LSPC-related genes is higher in de novo acute leukemia patients, and lower in
      patients acquired CR/PR. The patients with higher expressed LSPC-related genes
      display worse response to chemotherapy, lower CR/PR rate and higher leukocytosis,
      the analysis of multiple parameters may be a good method for assessing the
      therapeutic efficacy/prognosis of acute leukemia.

PMID- 22040962
TI  - [Clinical value of interphase fluorescent in situ hybridization in diagnosis of
      core-binding factor acute myelocytic leukemia].
AB  - The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical value of interphase
      fluorescence in situ hybridization (I-FISH) in diagnosis of core-binding factor
      acute myelocytic leukemia (CBF AML). The cytogenetic characteristics in leukemia
      cells from 82 cases of AML-M(2) and 43 cases of AML-M(4)/M(5) were detected by
      using I-FISH with AML1-ETO double color double fusion probe and double color
      break point isolated gene probe CBFbeta-MYH11, and the detected results were
      compared with results detected by conventional cytogenetic R banding technique
      (CC). The results indicated that AML1-ETO fusion gene was detected in 30.5% cases
      (25/82) by FISH, and t(8;21)(q22;q22) karyotypic aberrations was found in 28.0%
      cases (23/82) by CC method. Among 25 FISH positive cases, typical FISH positive
      signal pattern (1R1G2F) was displayed in 22 cases and atypical signal pattern
      (1R2G1F and 2R1G2F) was found in the other 3 cases. Among all 43 AML-M(4)/M(5)
      cases, the CBFbeta-MYH11 fusion gene was detected in 23.3% cases (10/43) by FISH,
      which sensitivity was significant higher than that by CC method (2/43) (p <
      0.05). It is concluded that some insufficiency of CC technique can be compensated
      by FISH, and combination of I-FISH with CC technique play a crucial role in
      diagnosis of CBF AML and in monitoring of minimal residual disease.

PMID- 22040963
TI  - [Analysis of ITD characteristics in acute myeloid leukemia patients with FLT3-ITD
      positive].
AB  - The aim of this study was to analyze the FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 internal
      tandem duplication (FLT3-ITD) allelic ratios (AR), number of ITD, ITD length and
      positions of ITD insertions in de novo acute myeloid leukemia (AML) patients with
      FLT3-ITD positive, and the relationship between mutant level and therapeutic
      efficacy. Genomic DNA was amplified by PCR, capillary electrophoresis was used to
      detect the ITD characteristics in 31 de novo AML patients, and DNA sequences
      analysis of FLT3-ITD(+) were performed in 13 patients. The results showed that
      the ratios of mutant to wild type FLT3 allele ranged from 0.01 to 2.8; 28
      patients (90.32%) had a single ITD, the remaining 3 patients had more than one
      ITD; the ITD length ranged from 3 to 144 bp in all FLT3-ITD(+) patients. 13
      sequence-analyzed patients, 4 patients were of pure duplications, and 2 patients
      had foreign bases inserted, and the other 7 patients were partial duplications.
      The ITD occurred in the regions from p.E573 to p.P606 of the FLT3 protein, with
      the majority clustered in a stretch between p.F590 and p.R595. The complete
      remission (CR) rate in AR < 0.5 patients (43.75%) were more prevalent as compared
      with AR >= 0.5 patients (16.67%) (p > 0.05). It is concluded that the ITD length
      and AR are vary widely. Some of the insertions are foreign bases, and all of the
      13 sequences-analyzed ITD were concentrated on the juxtamembrane domain. The CR
      rate in patients of AR < 0.5 had no statistical significance compared with
      patients of AR >= 0.5.

PMID- 22040964
TI  - [Characteristics of "pre-ALIP" in bone marrow sections of patients with acute
      myeloid leukemia].
AB  - To detect the characteristics of "pre-ALIP" and to investigate their relevance
      with the development of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) by computer image procession
      technology, bone marrow (BM) was collected by aspiration/trephine biopsy from AML
      patients during the complete remission (CR). BM sections were stained by HGF
      (haematoxylin-Giemsa-acid fuchsin) and photographed by optical microscope imaging
      system. 4 kinds of computer image segmentation technologies were compared to
      select the best one for detecting the localization and quantitation of the
      precursor cells. Planimetry was combined with morphology to segment bone
      trabeculae. The number of single and double-cluster precursor cells and their
      distance from bone trabeculae was detected with Euclidean distance change method
      in BM images of AML patients, and compared with the normal controls. Moreover,
      the morphological characteristics of "pre-ALIP" were investigated, and the
      correlation with the development of AML was analyzed. The results showed that the
      computer image segmentation method based on morphology could identify the
      precursor cells and bone trabeculae more exactly in BM image, as compared with
      the methods of 8-Sobel operater. Canny operator and watershed algorithm. Bone
      trabeculae could be segmented with combinative methods of morphology and
      planimetry. The number of single precursor cells (19.27 +/- 11.60)/mm(2) and
      double-cluster precursor cells (1.77 +/- 1.76)/mm(2) in CR group were higher than
      that in normal controls (p < 0.05). The distance of single precursor cells from
      bone trabeculae in CR group were closer to bone trabeculae than that in controls
      [(230.12 +/- 97.68) um vs (260.92 +/- 99.88 um)] (p < 0.05), but the distance of
      double-cluster precursor cells from bone trabeculae in AML patients was (274.56
      +/- 139.48) um, which showed no statistically significant different from controls
      (p > 0.05), while the double-cluster precursor cells showed the tendency of
      migrating to the intermediate zone of bone trabeculae compared with the single
      precursor cells in CR group (p < 0.05). It is concluded that the structure of
      "pre-ALIP" in BM tissue exists before the occurrence of ALIP. The characteristics
      of "pre-ALIP" are single and double-cluster precursor cells with abnormal
      localization or quantitation, which showed correlation with the development of
      AML.

PMID- 22040965
TI  - Gene expression of helicase antigen in patients with acute and chronic myeloid
      leukemia.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the expression status of the helicase
      antigen (HAGE) transcript and its clinical significance in patients with acute
      myeloid leukemia (AML) and chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The expression of HAGE
      cDNA in bone marrow mononuclear cells from AML and CML patients was detected by
      using real-time quantitative PCR. The results indicated that overexpression of
      HAGE transcript (117.12% - 9842.70%, median 434.96%) was detected in 14.8%
      (11/74) AML patients. AML patients with HAGE cDNA expression were significantly
      older than those HAGE-negative patients (median 67 and 45 years, respectively, p
      = 0.001). HAGE cDNA expression was more frequently present among the patients
      with acute monoblastic leukemia (M(4) and M(5), 7 of 20, 35.0%), compared to the
      patients with acute non-monoblastic leukemia (M(1), M(2), M(3) and M(6), 4 of 54,
      7.4%) (p = 0.007). 28.6% (8/28) cases with normal karyotypes showed HAGE cDNA
      overexpression, significantly higher than 7.5% (3 of 40) in those with
      chromosomal abnormalities (p = 0.041). Overexpression of HAGE transcript was
      found in 9 (34.6%) CML cases and more frequently observed at accelerated phase
      and blast crisis (4/4, 100%) than that at chronic phase (5/22, 22.7%) (p =
      0.008). It is concluded that HAGE cDNA expression is relevant to specific
      subtypes of AML and to the progression of CML.

PMID- 22040966
TI  - [Detecting phospho-signaling protein of bone marrow leukemia cells by phospho
      signaling flow cytometry].
AB  - The purpose of this study was to establish the phospho-specific flow cytometry
      (phospho-flow) to detect the phosphorylated signaling proteins of leukemia cells
      and to evaluate its useful value in leukemia study. The bone marrow of leukemia
      children was collected, and treated by phospho-flow of extracted mononuclear
      cells (MNC) and phospho-flow of directly fixed bone marrow (BM) respectively. In
      phospho-flow of extracted MNC, the MNC extracted from BM were fixed and
      permeabilized, then were cultured with P-AKT and P-ERK1/2, finally were analyzed
      by flow cytometry. In phospho-flow of directly fixed BM, the BM was treated with
      fixation/lysis buffer and 90% methanol, then were incubated with the surface CD
      antibody, P-AKT and P-ERK1/2, finally the treated BM cells were analyzed by flow
      cytometry. The results showed that the positive rates of P-AKT and P-ERK1/2 in
      MNC treated by phospho-flow of extracted MNC of 26 leukemia children were 46.2%
      and 30.8% respectively, while the positive rates of P-AKT and P-ERK1/2 in BM
      treated by phospho-flow of directly fixed BM were 50.0% and 38.5% respectively.
      The comparison of positive rates of P-AKT and P-ERK1/2 between the 2 treatment
      protocol showed no difference (p > 0.05). It is concluded that the phospho-flow
      of directly fixed BM established by our laboratory can be used to analyze the
      signaling proteins of leukemia cells.

PMID- 22040967
TI  - [Expression of DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit in adult acute
      leukemia and its significance].
AB  - This study was aimed to explore the expression of DNA-dependent protein kinase
      catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs) in adult acute leukemia and its correlation with
      clinical characteristics, karyotype and prognosis. Indirect immunofluorescent
      cytometry was used to detect the expression of DNA-PKcs in bone marrow
      mononuclear cells of 105 patients with acute leukemia before chemotherapy and 41
      of them after 2 cycles of chemotherapy. Cytogenetic data were obtained from 26 of
      them by R band karyotypic analysis. The results showed that the expression of DNA
      PKcs was correlated with higher WBC count level in peripheral blood (p < 0.05),
      but was not obviously associated with median age, gender, percentage of bone
      marrow blasts, clinical classification, median hemoglobin level and median
      platelet count (p > 0.05). The middle and strong positive expression of DNA-Pkcs
      in non-remission group was significantly higher than that in remission group (p <
      0.05). The positive rate of DNA-PKcs in abnormal chromosome group was
      significantly higher than that in chromosome normal group (p < 0.05). It is
      concluded that the DNA-PKcs expression level is closely related with the
      increased WBC count, and the expression of DNA-PKcs is correlated also with
      karyotype and clinical prognosis in adult acute leukemia.

PMID- 22040968
TI  - [Plasma levels of VEGF-C, VEGF-D, VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3 in patients with newly
      diagnosed lymphomas].
AB  - The objective of this study was to detect the expression levels of VEGF-C, VEGF
      D, VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3 in plasma of newly diagnosed lymphoma patients, and
      analyze their possible relationships with clinicopathological characteristics and
      prognosis. The expression levels of VEGF-C, VEGF-D, VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3 in plasma
      from 86 newly diagnosed lymphoma patients were detected by enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay (ELISA). As a results, the multivariate analysis showed that
      VEGF-C level in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma patients was low, but high in Hodgkin's
      lymphoma patients; VEGFR-2 level was higher in patients > 60 years, while VEGF-D
      level was lower in patients with IPI > 2. The univariate analysis showed that
      VEGF-D level was lower in patients with IPI > 2, while VEGF-D and VEGF-C levels
      were higher in patients without B symptoms. Relationship analysis between these
      factors indicated that the relation of VEGF-D expression level with VEGFR-2 and
      VEGFR-3 was positive. It is concluded that VEGF-C, VEGF-D, VEGFR-2 and VEGFR-3
      play important roles in the pathogenesis of lymphoma, and may be used as
      indicators of prognosis evaluation or even guide for the antiangiogenesis
      treatment of lymphoma.

PMID- 22040969
TI  - [Sequentially inducting murine embryonic stem cells into hematopoietic stem cells
      in vitro by hematopoietic development procedure for reconstitution of
      hematopoiesis in vivo].
AB  - This study was purposed to directly induce murine embryonic stem cells (ESC) into
      hematopoietic stem cells (HSC) by simulating the spatial and temporal
      hematopoietic microenvironment changes in embryonic development, and to
      investigate the function of in vivo hematopoietic reconstitution of these HSC.
      E14 ESC were induced into embryoid body (EB) firstly. Then the cells from EB were
      further co-cultured with human aorta-gonad-mesonephros (AGM) region, fetal liver
      (FL) and bone marrow (BM) stromal cells in Transwell non-contact system in
      sequential orders. After 6 days of each co-cultured stage, the induced cells
      derived from EB were collected to analyze the Sca-1(+)c-Kit(+) cells by flow
      cytometry, check teratoma formation and transplant to BALB/C female mice exposed
      to lethal dose (60)Co gamma-ray. The recipient mice were divided randomly into 5
      groups: AGM, AGM + FL, AGM + FL + BM, irradiation control and normal control
      groups. The survival rates, hematopoietic reconstitution and engraftment of donor
      cells in the different groups were monitored. The results showed that Sca-1(+)c
      Kit(+) cell level in EB cells co-cultured with human AGM region and FL stromal
      cells reached to peak value (21.96 +/- 2.54)%. Teratomas could be found in NOD
      SCID mice after subcutaneous injection of EB cells co-cultured with human AGM
      region stromal cells, while there was no teratoma in the mice after subcutaneous
      injection of EB cells induced by human AGM region and FL stromal cells. The
      recipients in AGM group and irradiation control group all died. The survival rate
      was 77.8% in AGM+FL group, and 66.7% in AGM+FL+BM group. The peripheral blood
      cell count was near normal at day 21 after transplantation, and Sry gene copies
      from donor could be detected in recipient mice of these two groups. It is
      concluded that sequentially inductive system with feeder cells from human AGM
      region, fetal liver and bone marrow simulating embryonic defined hematopoiesis
      procedures can enhance the directed differentiation of ESC into HSC which can
      safely reconstitute hematopoiesis in vivo.

PMID- 22040970
TI  - [Analyzing hematopoietic development of mouse embryonic AGM region by tissue
      culture].
AB  - To analyze hematopoietic kinetics of mouse embryonic aorta-gonad-mesonephros
      (AGM) region, an in vitro tissue culture method was developed in this study,
      partly based on previous reports. After 2 days of tissue culture, a significant
      number of erythro myeloid progenitors, as quantitated by colony forming assay was
      detected in the AGM region. Moreover, the cells from cultured E10.5 AGM region
      could generate 10.8 +/- 3.5 colony-forming unit in spleen (CFU-S) per tissue on
      average. Transplantation of cultured E10.5-E11.0 AGM cells resulted in efficient
      (85.7% repopulated) and long-term (> 4 months) reconstitution of lethally
      irradiated adult recipients with remarkable chimerism [(51.12 +/- 21.17)%]. The
      multilineage contribution of donor cells was validated by significant engraftment
      of myeloid and/or lymphoid cells in peripheral blood, bone marrow, spleen and
      thymus of recipients. Taken together, the tissue culture method can enable us to
      manipulate the AGM region in vitro, fulfilling a systematic evaluation of
      developmental kinetics of various hematopoietic precursor cells, particularly
      HSC, in normal and mutant mid-gestation mouse embryos.

PMID- 22040971
TI  - [RUNX1 regulates transcription activity of WNT5A in mouse bone marrow derived
      mesenchymal stem cells].
AB  - This study was purposed to investigate the effect of RUNX1 on transcription
      activity of WNT5A promoter in mouse bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells
      (MSC), and to explore the mechanism by which bone marrow environments regulate
      MSC. RT-PCR was used to detect the expression of RUNX1 in MSC isolated from mouse
      bone marrow and cultured in vitro; the chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) was
      used to investigate the direct in vivo interaction between the RUNX1 and WNT5A
      promoter; retrovirus system was utilized to introduce the RUNX1 gene into MSC to
      detect the regulation of RUNX1 on the transcription activity of WNT5A promoter.
      The results showed that mouse bone marrow derived MSC was positive for Oil Red O,
      van Kossa and toluidine blue staining respectively and RUNX1 expressed in MSC.
      WNT5A promoter could be bound by RUNX1, and the expression level of WNT5A was
      enhanced with the increase of RUNX1. It is concluded that RUNX1 expresses in
      mouse bone marrow derived MSC, WNT5A is a direct target gene of RUNX1 and its
      transcriptional activity is regulated by RUNX1.

PMID- 22040972
TI  - [Effect of proteasome inhibitor on migration ability and hepatocyte growth factor
      expression of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells in multiple myeloma patients].
AB  - This study was aimed to investigate the effect of proteasome inhibitor bortezomib
      on the migration ability and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) expression of bone
      marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) in multiple myeloma patients. Transwell assay
      was employed to measure the migration ability of bone marrow MSC in vitro before
      and after treatment with bortezomib. The HGF mRNA expression level was determined
      by real-time quantitative PCR. The results indicated that after treated with
      bortezomib of concentrations of 2.5 nmol/L for 48 hours, the migration activity
      of MSC decreased significantly as compared with control cohorts (p < 0.05). The
      HGF mRNA level in MSC after bortezomib treatment was significantly lower than
      that of control group (p < 0.05). It is concluded that bortezomib can inhibit the
      migration and down-regulate HGF mRNA expression of bone marrow MSC in multiple
      myeloma patients.

PMID- 22040973
TI  - [Effects of mesenchymal stem cells on lymphocyte proliferation of sensitized mice
      in vitro and their action manner].
AB  - This study was purposed to investigate the effects of mesenchymal stem cells
      (MSC) on lymphocyte proliferation of sensitized mice in vitro and their action
      manner so as to more understand the possible mechanisms of bone marrow-derived
      MSC action on the engraftment of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells in
      sensitized mice. Bone marrow-derived MSC were cultured by adherent culture
      method, the MSC or culture supernatant were used as immune cells or immunologic
      factor, the spleen lymphocytes of sensitized mice were used as effector cells.
      The phytohemagglutinin (PHA) was used to stimulate the lymphocyte proliferation,
      the MTT method was used to detect the mixed lymphocyte reaction. The results
      showed that bone marrow-derived MSC could inhibit the lymphocyte proliferation of
      sensitized mice, the MSC cultured supernatant also exhibit this effect. Moreover,
      the inhibitory effect of MSC supernatent increased along with the increase of
      cell ratio and concentration, while ratio of these two kind of cells was 1:1, the
      inhibitory effect was the highest (p < 0.05). It is concluded that the MSC can
      suppress lymphocyte proliferation of sensitized mice in vitro through cell-cell
      direct contact or cell-cell indirect interaction.

PMID- 22040974
TI  - [Biological effects of low dose X-irradiation on human bone marrow mesenchymal
      stem cells].
AB  - Recent studies have shown that low dose X-irradiation shows specific effect
      different from high dose exposures. However, the biologic responses of bone
      marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSC) to low dose X-irradiation have rarely been
      described in the literature. This study was purposed to investigate the biologic
      responses of human bone marrow-derived MSC to low dose X-irradiation. The
      proliferation of cells was tested with MTT assay, so that the cell growth curve
      was drawn at 1 to 7 days. The expression of survivin mRNA was detected by RT-PCR
      assay; the BM-MSC DNA damage induced by X-irradiation were detected with
      mononuclear cell gel electrophoresis. The results indicated that the
      proliferative ability of BM-MSC exposed to low doses of X rays was obviously
      enhanced as compared with control group. The low dose X-irradiation caused the
      damage of DNA in X-ray dose dependent manner. X-irradiation enhanced expression
      of survivin in MSC. It is concluded that the low dose below 20 cGy of X
      irradiation has a promoting effect on survivin expression in BM-MSC. Whether the
      high expression of survivin plays an important role to resist ionizing radiation
      needs to be further studied.

PMID- 22040975
TI  - [Infection of the mononuclear cell subpopulations in murine bone marrow with
      murine cytomegalovirus].
AB  - This study was aimed to explore the infection characteristics of murine
      mononuclear cell subpopulations in bone marrow with murine cytomegalovirus
      (MCMV). Subpopulations of mononuclear cells, including lin(+), lin(-), lin(
      )CD117(+) and lin(-)CD117(-) cells, were infected with MCMV after being separated
      by MACS, and induced to differentiation by adding cytokines or inducer, then
      nucleic acid and proteins were detected. The results indicated that the MCMV DNA,
      IE transcripts and IE protein could be detected in the lin(+) cells infected with
      MCMV; no virus products were detected in infected lin(-) cells without adding any
      stimulating factors, while IE and E transcripts and proteins were detected after
      adding GM-CSF, rhEPO or phorbol ester in the lin(-) cells infected with MCMV.
      Furthermore, no IE or E gene transcripts were detected in the lin(-)CD117(+) and
      lin(-)CD117(-) cells, but the cell colony formation of lin(-)CD117(+)
      hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells was inhibited after MCMV infection and
      expression of CD117 antigen on cell surface of the lin(-) cells was
      downregulated. It is concluded that MCMV can latently infect subpopulations of
      mononuclear cells in the murine bone marrow. Cells which are of characteristics
      of primitive stem and progenitor cells are not susceptible to MCMV, but infection
      of these cells with MCMV can inhibit functions of cells and downregulate the
      expression of antigen on cells surface.

PMID- 22040976
TI  - [Comparison of immunologic regulatory characteristics of mesenchymal stem cells
      derived from human umbilical cord amnion and adult bone marrow].
AB  - This study was aimed to compare the immunoregulatory effects of mesenchymal stem
      cells derived from human umbilical cord amnion (AMSC) and adult bone marrow
      (BMMSC) in vitro, so as to provide the experimental basis for allogeneic
      hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in clinic. The AMSC were isolated from
      human umbilical cord amnion by using digestion with collagenase. They were
      identified by morphology, growth characteristics, immunophenotyping and
      differentiation ability. Furthermore, the immunoregulatory effects of AMSC and
      BMMSC were tested by lymphocyte transformation and mixed lymphocyte reaction. The
      results showed that AMSC and BMMSC possessed similar biological characteristics
      such as exhibition of fibroblastic morphology and strong proliferation ability in
      vitro. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that the AMSC highly expressed CD73,
      CD90, CD105, but negative for CD34, CD45, HLA-DR, and CD86 of BMMSC.
      Functionally, they all could differentiate into adipocyte, osteocytes and
      chondrocytes. Moreover, AMSC could inhibit cellular or nonspecific mitogenic
      stimuli-induced T cell proliferation with a dose-dependent manner. Reverse
      transcriptional-polymerase chain reaction also demonstrated expression of the
      similar immune cytokines in AMSC and BMNSC. It is concluded that the MSC derived
      from human umbilical cord amnion may be an excellent alternative source for
      experimental and clinical application.

PMID- 22040977
TI  - [Effect of endothelium-specific deletion of PTEN on hemangioblast development in
      mouse embryo AGM region].
AB  - This study was aimed to investigate whether endothelium-specific deletion of PTEN
      can affect hemangioblast development in the AGM region of mouse embryos. Based on
      Cre/loxP system, the Tie2CrePten(loxp/loxp) and Tie2CrePten(loxp/wt) mouse
      embryos were obtained. The genotype was identified by PCR. After treated with
      type I collagenase, the AGM region was dispersed into single-cell suspension, and
      then was cultured in blast colony-forming cell (BL-CFC) media. The number of BL
      CFC was counted 4 or 5 days later. The hematopoietic capacity of BL-CFC was
      detected in methylcellulose culture system and the endothelial potential was
      assessed by tube-like structure formation on Matrigel. The results showed that
      the number of BL-CFC in AGM region of Tie2CrePten(loxp/loxp) mouse embryo
      decreased as compared with Tie2CrePten(loxp/wt) embryo. Whereas the hematopoietic
      capacity of mutant BL-CFC was enhanced, the endothelial potential, as evaluated
      by tube-like structure formation in vitro, was significantly reduced. It is
      concluded that the endothelial PTEN is capable of exerting regulatory functions
      on both the numbers and the dual potential of hemangioblast in mouse AGM region.

PMID- 22040978
TI  - [Bortezomib combined with autologous peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cell
      transplantation for therapy of patients with multiple myeloma].
AB  - This study was aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of bortezomib combined
      with autologous peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
      (autoPBSCT) for patients with multiple myeloma (MM). 5 patients underwent
      autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Bortezomib treatment was
      supplied for patients before autoPBSCT and in the conditioning of
      transplantation, it was also used in maintaining treatment. Patients with
      transplantation adopted bortezomib plus melphalan conditioning regimen. The
      number of infused MNC and number of CD34(+) cells were 4.06*10(8) (4.09*10(8) -
      4.37*10(8))/kg and 3.98*10(6) (2.49*10(6) - 8.2*10(6))/kg respectively. The
      results showed that hematopoiesis was reconstituted in 5 patients, with a
      neutrophil cell count more than 0.5*10(9)/L at day 14 (13 - 25 days) after
      transplantation and platelet count more than 50*10(9)/L at day 28 (21 - 41 days)
      after transplantation. Transplantation-associated death was not observed. 5
      patients were disease-free survival. In conclusion, treatment of bortezomib
      combined with autologous peripheral hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is an
      effective method for patients with multiple myeloma. Use of bortezomib after
      transplantation might still be favourable to MM patients, for survival
      prolongation and life quality improvement.

PMID- 22040979
TI  - [Peripheral blood stem cell collection from ABO incompatible allogeneic donors
      and its effect in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation].
AB  - The study was aimed to evaluate the yield of the COBE Spectra blood cell
      separator with auto-peripheral blood stem cell program for collection of
      peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cells (PBHSC) from HLA-matched ABO
      incompatible allogeneic PBHSC donor, and observe the safety and effect of
      allogeneic peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-PBHSCT)
      without removal of erythrocytes and plasma. PBHSC from 28 allogeneic donors were
      collected by COBE Spectra blood cell separator with auto-peripheral blood
      hematopoiEtic stem cell (auto-PBHSCT) program. Control group included 15 HLA
      matched patients who received allo-PBHSCT with ABO-compatible grafts. The amount
      of PBHSC was harvested and the parameter was modified according to the hematocrit
      and mononuclear cell (MNC) counts of donors. The nucleated cell count, proportion
      of MNC, number of CD34(+) cells were detected, and reconstitution status of
      hematopoietic function and time for change into donor's blood group were
      observed. The results showed that the nucleated cell count proportion of MNC and
      number of CD34(+) cells showed no significant difference between groups of ABO
      incompatible and compatible (p > 0.05). All their hematopoietic functions were
      reconstituted. Between the ABO incompatibility and the compatible groups, the
      time of neutrophil and platelet recovery was not significantly different (p >
      0.05), In ABO blood major incompatible and the compatible groups, the recovery of
      erythropoiesis were significantly delayed (p < 0.01). The blood type of 18
      patients in ABO incompatible group was turned into donor's blood type
      successfully at 35-139 days after transplantation. It is concluded that major ABO
      incompatibility did not affect the erythropoiesis reconstitution in HLA matched
      allo-HSCT. the major incompatibility may be a main reason of erythropoietic
      delay.

PMID- 22040980
TI  - [Efficacy of haploidentical allogeneic bone marrow hematopoietic stem cell
      transplantation combined with umbilical cord blood derived mesenchymal stem cells
      for severe aplastic anemia].
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of haploidentical allogeneic
      bone marrow or peripheral blood hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo
      HSCT) combined with umbilical cord blood mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) infusion in
      treatment of severe aplastic anemia (SAA). Five SAA patients received
      haploidentical allo-HSCT combined MSC infusion. HSC and MSC were collected from
      bone marrow or peripheral blood of haploidentical donors and umbilical cord blood
      respectively. After transplantation, the clinical hematopoietic reconstitution
      and early complications were monitored. The results indicated that all the 5
      patients achieved hematopoietic reconstitution. The average time for WBC count >
      2*10(9)/L was 13.8 days, and average time for Plt level > 20*10(9)/L was 17.8
      days. The STR-PCR detection of patient peripheral blood at day 30 after
      transplantation showed that engraftment was complete donor's gene type. The
      communication with 1 patient was broken off because of his epilepsy, other 4
      patients are all alive in diseases-free state. In conclusion, the haploidentical
      allo-HSCT combined with umbilical cord MSC infusion is an effective approach to
      cure SAA, which needs to be further studied in a large number of cases.

PMID- 22040981
TI  - [Polymorphism in BP1 binding site upstream of beta-globin gene in Chinese Han
      population].
AB  - This study was aimed to analyze the BP1 binding site sequence upstream of beta
      globin gene in Chinese Han population, and to investigate polymorphism in the BP1
      binding site upstream of beta-globin gene, so as to provide the basis for
      exploration of relation between polymorphisms in the BP1 binding site and beta
      globin expression. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral leukocytes of 110
      healthy individuals in Chinese Han population. Sequence of the BP1 binding site
      upstream of beta-globin gene was amplified by polymerase chain reaction, the
      polymorphic variation in the BP1 binding site was determined by DNA sequencing.
      The results indicated that 2 polymorphism loci were found in the BP1 binding site
      upstream of beta-globin gene, they were C/T at the -551 bp region and
      (AC)(n)(AT)(x)T(y) at the -530 bp region in Chinese Han population. Frequencies
      of C and T were 60.4% and 39.6% at position -551. Analysis of the
      (AC)(n)(AT)(x)T(y) polymorphism revealed 9 different genotypes:
      (AC)(2)(AT)(9)T(5), (AC)(2)(AT)(8)T(5), (AC)(2)(AT)(7)T(7), (AC)(3)(AT)(7)T(5),
      (AC)(2)(AT)(8)T(9), (AC)(3)(AT)(8)T(5), (AC)(2)(AT)(10)T(3), (AC)(2)(AT)(11)T(3),
      and (AC)(2)(AT)(7)T(5) at position -530. Frequencies of 9 (AC)(n)(AT)(x)T(y)
      polymorphisms were 33.2%, 29.1%, 24.1%, 5.4%, 3.2%, 1.8%, 1.4%, 0.9%, and 0.9%
      respectively. It is concluded that rich (AC)(n)(AT)(x)T(y) polymorphisms at the 
      530 bp region in the BP1 binding site upstream of beta-globin gene are found in
      Chinese Han population. (AC)(2)(AT)(9)T(5), (AC)(2)(AT)(8)T(5), and
      (AC)(2)(AT)(7)T(7) are 3 major polymorphisms among Chinese Han population, and
      (AC)(3)(AT)(8)T(5) is a novel polymorphism at the -530 bp region. More studies
      should be done to explore relation between (AC)(n)(AT)(x)T(y) polymorphisms and
      beta-globin expression.

PMID- 22040982
TI  - [Construction and expression of recombinant plasmid to initiate polarization and
      activation of regulatory T cells].
AB  - In order to construct a recombinant plasmid initiating the polarization and
      activation of the regulatory T cells (Treg), the fragments of hTGF-beta1 and C2
      C4 of gp120 amplified by RT-PCR and cloned into pCR2.1 vector respectively. hTGF
      beta1 and C2-C4 DNA fragments were obtained, then sub-cloned to generate the
      prokaryotic expression vector named pET-28a/C2-C4-Linker- hTGF-beta1. The
      expression of recombinant protein was induced by IPTG (0.1 mmol/L) for 6 hours.
      The results showed that the fragments of hTGF-beta1 and C2-C4 were amplified and
      cloned into pCR2.1, the prokaryotic expression vector pET-28a/C2-C4-Linker- hTGF
      beta1 was constructed successfully. The recombinant protein was expressed as
      inclusion body after being induced by IPTG. It is concluded that this recombinant
      protein can initiate the polarization and activation of Treg cells, indicating
      the engineering E.coli strain is successfully obtained.

PMID- 22040983
TI  - Infection and eradication of Helicobacter Pylorus affecting etiology and curative
      effect of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura: a META analysis.
AB  - The study was aimed to explore the relationship between infection of Helicobacter
      Pylorus (H. Pylorus) and etiology of idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP)
      and evaluate whether H. Pylorus eradication can increase platelet count in
      patients with ITP. The data-bases of cqvip, Wanfang, TsingHua TongFang, CNKI and
      PubMed were searched, inclusion and exclusion criteria and heterogeneity test
      were determined. The studies of H. Pylorus infection and ITP were investigated
      with fixed effect mode Meta-analysis. Relationship between H. Pylorus infection
      and etiology of ITP, H. Pylorus eradication and curative effect of ITP were
      comprehensively and quantitatively evaluated. OR > 1 indicated that factor of
      exposure was the risk factor of disease; OR < 1 suggested that factor of exposure
      was the protective factor of disease; OR = 1 revealed that there were no
      correlation between factor of exposure and diseases. 95%CI was the confidence
      interval of total OR. The results showed that a total of 211 cases and 210
      controls from 5 studies was included to evaluate the exposure of H. Pylorus
      between ITP patients and controls, the pooled OR was 1.73 (95%CI = 1.12 - 2.67);
      a total of 458 cases and 305 controls from 13 studies was included to evaluate
      the relationship between H. Pylorus eradication and curative effect of ITP, the
      pooled OR was 6.53 (95%CI = 4.44 - 9.61). It is concluded that H. Pylorus
      infection plays a role in the etiology of ITP. Eradication of H. Pylorus
      increases platelet count in patients with ITP. H. Pylorus eradication can be used
      as the first line measure to treat H. Pylorus-positive ITP.

PMID- 22040984
TI  - [Cyclooxygenase inhibitors in some dietary vegetables inhibit platelet
      aggregation function induced by arachidonic acid].
AB  - The study was purposed to investigate whether the cyclooxygenase inhibitors from
      some dietary vegetables can inhibit platelet aggregation function by the
      arachidonic acid (AA). The vegetable juice was mixed with platelet rich plasma
      (PRP), and asprin was used as positive control. The maximum ratio of platelet
      aggregation induced by AA was measured on the aggregometer; heme and
      cyclooxygenase-1 (COX(1)) or cyclooxygenase-2 (COX(2)) were added to test tubes
      containing COX reaction buffer, the mixture was vortex-mixed and exposed to
      aspirin or vegetable juice, followed by addition of AA and then hydrochloric acid
      (1 mol/L) was added to stop the COX reaction, followed by chemical reduction with
      stannous chloride solution. The concentration of COX inhibitors was detected by
      the enzyme immunoassay kit; vegetable juice (aspirin as positive control) was
      mixed with whole blood, which was followed by the addition of AA, and then the
      reaction was stopped by adding indomethacin, centrifuged, then the supernatant
      was collected, and the plasma thromboxane B(2) (TXB(2)) was measured by
      radioimmunoassay. The results showed that spinach juice, garlic bolt juice,
      blanched garlic leave juice and Chinese leek juice could inhibit by 80% human
      platelet aggregation induced by AA. 4 kinds of vegetables were all found a
      certain amount of cyclooxygenase inhibitors, which COX(1) and COX(2) inhibitor
      concentrations of spinach were higher than that of aspirin; 4 vegetable juice
      could significantly reduce the human plasma concentrations of TXB(2) induced by
      AA (p < 0.05). It is concluded that 4 kinds of raw vegetables containing
      cyclooxygenase inhibitors inhibit the production of TXA(2) and thus hinder
      platelet aggregation. Raw spinach, garlic bolt, blanched garlic and chinese leek
      inhibit significantly AA-induced human platelet aggregation in vitro. 4 kinds of
      vegetables may have a good potential perspective of anti-platelet aggregation
      therapy or prevention of thrombosis.

PMID- 22040985
TI  - [Expression and clinical significance of CD4(+)CD25(+)Treg cells, sFas and sFasL
      in peripheral blood of patients with autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura].
AB  - This study was aimed to detect the expression of CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cells
      (Treg), sFas and sFasL in patients with autoimmune thrombocytopenic purpura
      (AITP), and to explore their roles in the pathogenesis of AITP and clinical
      significance, so as to provide a theoretical basis for effective treatment for
      AITP. The expressions of CD4(+)T, Treg, CD4(+)CD25(-)T, Treg/CD4(+)T in
      peripheral blood of 30 the patients with AITP and 18 controls were detected by
      flow cytometry, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect
      the levels of sFas and sFasL in peripheral blood of controls and the patients
      with AITP before and after treatment. The results indicated that the expression
      rate of CD4(+)T in AITP patients was lower than that in the control (p < 0.05),
      and the expression rates of Treg and Treg/CD4(+)T were significantly lower than
      those of control (p < 0.01), but the expression rate of Treg between the two
      group had no difference (p > 0.05). The levels of sFas and sFasL in the
      peripheral blood of the patients before treatment were significantly higher than
      that after treatment and control group (p < 0.01), and no difference between the
      patients after treatment and the control group (p > 0.05) was found. The
      expression rates of Treg, Treg/CD4(+)T were positively related with the platelet
      count and the level of sFas was positively related with the level of sFasL in the
      peripheral blood of AITP before treatment. There were no significant correlation
      between the levels of CD4(+)T, Treg, sFas, sFasL and the platelet count. No
      correlation was seen between the expression of Treg and sFas, sFasL. It is
      concluded that CD4(+)CD25(+) Treg play a role in the pathogenesis of AITP; the
      expression rate of Treg is associated with the severity of AITP; the abnormal
      levels of sFas and sFasL participate in the immune pathogenesis of AITP.

PMID- 22040986
TI  - [Proportion of CD34(+)CD38(-) cell population in bone marrow of patients with de
      novo AML as prognostic factor of complete remission at first course of induction
      chemotherapy].
AB  - This study was to investigate the relationship between the CD34(+)CD38(-) cell
      population and its proportion in G(0) phase of de novo AML non-M(3) at diagnosis
      and the clinical and experimental characteristics. The flow cytometry was used to
      detect the expression of the cell surface antigen CD34 and CD38 in the bone
      marrow mononuclear cells (MNC) of the AML non-M(3) at diagnosis and investigate
      the cell cycle of the subpopulations, and then the relationships between the
      proportion of CD34(+)CD38(-)cell population and its G(0) state and the complete
      remission (CR) rate after the first induction chemotherapy was analyzed. The
      results showed that the proportion of the CD34(+)CD38(-) cell population and its
      G(0) phase had no relationship with the karyotypes and WBC count at new diagnosis
      and the Flt3/ITD status, but correlate with the blasts in the bone marrow after
      the first course induction chemotherapy. The proportion of the CD34(+)CD38(-)
      cells in patients who have visible blasts in the bone marrow at day 7 after
      completion of the first course induction chemotherapy was (12.47 +/- 26.26)%, but
      the counterparts was (2.62 +/- 7.20)% in the group of patients whose bone marrow
      had no visible blasts (p = 0.031). The proportion of the CD34(+) cell population
      in patients who had visible blasts in the bone marrow at day 1 after completion
      of the first course induction chemotherapy was (17.40 +/- 21.20)%, yet the
      proportion of the CD34(+) cell populations was (5.64 +/- 6.96)% in the patients
      who had no visible blasts in the bone marrow (p = 0.001). The proportion of the
      CD34(+)CD38(-) cell populations in the patients who achieved CR after the first
      course induction chemotherapy was (2.51 +/- 9.72)%, which was lower than the
      proportion (24.92 +/- 27.04%) of the non-CR patients (p = 0.001). Furthermore,
      the proportion (1.60 +/- 4.82%) of the CD34(+)CD38(-) cell population in the AML
      non-M(2b) CR patients was more obviously lower than that in the non-CR patients
      (p < 0.001). In univariate analysis, whether or not achieved CR after the first
      course induction chemotherapy correlated with age (p = 0.022), the proportion of
      the CD34(+)CD38(-) cell population (p = 0.008) and the proportion of the visible
      blasts in the bone marrow at day 7 after induction therapy (p = 0.011).
      Multivariate analysis showed that only the proportion of the CD34(+)CD38(-) cells
      had correlation tendency with CR rate. It is concluded that the proportion of the
      CD34(+)CD38(-) cells in bone marrow of de novo AML non-M(3) is a prognostic
      factor to anticipate the CR rate of the first course for induction therapy.

PMID- 22040987
TI  - [Clinical significance of serum NGF level and CD271 expression in patients with
      acute B lymphoid leukemia].
AB  - The aim of this study was to detect the nerve growth factor (NGF) level in serum
      and NGF low affinity acceptor CD271 expression on bone marrow leukemic cells in
      acute B lymphoid leukemia (B-ALL) patients and to analyze their clinical
      significance. The NGF level in serum and CD271 expression on leukemic cells in
      bone marrow were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and flow cytometry
      in B-ALL patients respectively. The results indicated that compared with control
      group, the NGF level in serum of patient group significantly increased (t =
      4.191, p < 0.05), but CD271 expression on leukemic cells in bone marrow decreased
      significantly (t = 4.898, p < 0.05). The complete remission (CR) rate of 25 B-ALL
      patients was 64% (16/25) after one course of CVAD chemotherapy. There were
      statistically significant differences of NGF level and CD271 expression in non
      remission (NR) group and control group (t = 3.976, p < 0.05 vs t = 5.052, p <
      0.05), but there were no statistically difference of NGF level and CD271
      expression in CR group (t = 1.102, p > 0.05 vs t = 1.150, p > 0.05) as compared
      with control group. The CD271 expression before and after chemotherapy between CR
      and NR groups showed statistically significant differences (t = 3.889, p < 0.05;
      t = 3.751, p < 0.05 and t = 4.678, p < 0.05 respectively), but NGF level before
      and after chemotherapy showed no statistical difference between these 2 groups (t
      = 0.476, p > 0.05). 50% (8/16) patients relapsed during following up, and of
      their NGF level [(168.00 +/- 61.66) pg/ml] and CD271 expression [(52.29 +/-
      13.00)%] showed the significantly differences, compared with those in control
      group (t = 5.284, p < 0.05 vs. t = 6.073, p < 0.05), but the NGF level [(81.13 +/
      25.32) pg/ml] and CD271 expression [(78.45 +/- 7.12)%] of other 8 patients
      showed no statistical difference as compared with control group (t = 1.228, p >
      0.05 vs t = 1.144, p > 0.05). Compared with low NGF level and CD271 low
      expression groups, the survival time of B-ALL patients with high NGF level and
      CD271 expression was not changed significantly (p = 0.750 vs p = 0.170). It is
      concluded that the increased NGF level in serum and decreased CD271 expression on
      bone marrow leukemic cells in B-ALL patients are related with leukemia
      development and may be the useful indexes to evaluate curative effect and
      prognosis.

PMID- 22040988
TI  - [Clinical study on combination of homoharringtonine, Ara-C and idarubicin
      induction for treatment of newly diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia patients].
AB  - The purpose of this study was to assess the efficacy and toxicity of HAI regimen
      [(homoharringtonine 2.5 mg/(m(2)*d), days 1 - 7; cytarabine 150 mg/(m(2)*d), days
      1 - 7; idarubicin 9 mg/(m(2)*d), days 1 - 7)] for induction treatment of newly
      diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia (AML) (except acute promyelocytic leukemia). 31
      patients with newly diagnosed AML, aged 39 (14 - 58) years, were enrolled in this
      clinical study. The complete remission (CR) rate, especially after one course,
      the overall survival (OS) rate and relapse free survival (RFS) rate were
      estimated. The outcomes were compared between different prognostic groups
      according to World Health Organization (WHO) classification, genetics and initial
      WBC count. Safety was evaluated using standard WHO criteria. The results showed
      that 26 patients (84%) achieved CR after 1 course of induction. The CR rate for
      the patients with favorable, intermediate and unfavorable cytogenetics was 90%,
      88% and 60% respectively. All 7 patients with a high initial WBC count (>=
      100*10(9)/L) obtained CR, while 19 out of 24 without a high initial WBC count
      obtained CR. With a median follow-up of 15(range 2-56) months, the estimated 3
      year OS rate for all patients and the patients with CR was 44% and 52%
      respectively. The 3-year RFS rate was 51%. The patients receiving induction
      chemotherapy died of the chemotherapy. Profound myelosuppression was seen in all
      patients after the HAI induction with the median duration of neutropenia (ANC <
      0.2*10(9)/L) of 16 (6 - 24) days. As the most common toxicity, severe infections
      (grade III-IV) involved in all the patients and the duration of febris was 6 (1 -
      36) days. The incidence of septemia and invasive fungus infection were 19.4% and
      45.2% respectively. The incidence of non-infection fever, increased glutamic
      pyruvic transaminase (GPT), diarrhea, increased bilirubin and oral cavity
      mucositis were 6.5%, 6.5%, 3.2%, 3.2%, 3.2% respectively, as the more frequent
      severe non-hematological toxicities. It is concluded that HAI regimen is a high
      efficient induction schedule for the newly diagnosed AML, and archive the higher
      CR rate after one course than DNR/Ara-C standard induction regimen. Side effects
      are acceptable, except severe infection.

PMID- 22040989
TI  - [Detection of BCR/ABL fusion gene by fluorescence in situ hybridization and its
      clinical application].
AB  - This study was aimed to investigate the clinical value of detecting BCR/ABL
      fusion gene by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The conventional
      cytogenetic test and detection of BCR/ABL fusion gene by FISH for bone marrow of
      patients with newly diagnosed chronic myeloproliferative disease or
      myelodysplastic and myeloproliferative disorders, acute lymphocytic leukemia and
      chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell
      transplantation were carried out. The results showed that (1) out of 46 newly
      diagnosed as chronic myeloproliferative disease or myelodysplastic and
      myeloproliferative disorders, 22 cases were diagnosed as CML, the FISH detection
      showed all positive (100%), while cytogenetic test showed 86.4% (19/22) positive,
      in the other 24 patients who were diagnosed as other chronic myeloproliferative
      disease or myelodysplastic and myeloproliferative disorders, BCR/ABL fusion gene
      all were be detected as negative 100% by FISH, while the cytogenetic test of bone
      marrow in 3 cases supported the diagnosis of CML, and the diagnosis of
      myelodysplastic disorder in 1 case; (2) in 3 out of 7 acute lymphocytic leukemia
      cases the BCR/ABL fusion gene could not be detected by FISH; (3) the BCR/ABL
      fusion gene could be detected by FISH in 2 cases of CML received allogeneic
      hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, with abnormal threshold 6.5% and 1.2%
      respectively. It is concluded that the detection of BCR/ABL fusion gene by FISH
      is sensitive and reliable, which is very important for the diagnosis and
      differential diagnosis of chronic myeloproliferative disorders, myelodysplastic
      and myeloproliferative disease, as well as definite diagnosis of Ph(+) acute
      lymphoblastic leukemia. This method also has an important significance for
      monitor of minimal residual disease in CML patients received allogeneic
      hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.

PMID- 22040990
TI  - [Clinical characteristics and efficacy of anti-Aspergillus therapy in patients
      with hematological malignancies and invasive aspergillosis].
AB  - This study was aimed to analyze the clinical features, anti-fungal therapeutic
      efficacy and safety in hematological malignancy patients with invasive
      aspergillosis (IA) after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) or
      chemotherapy. The patients with hematological malignancies received chemotherapy
      or HSCT were analyzed retrospectively, then the clinical characteristics and
      diagnosis were analyzed according to the diagnostic criteria for IA. The efficacy
      and safety of anti- Aspergillus therapy, and the factors influencing therapeutic
      response were evaluated. The results showed that out of 30 cases with IA, 2 were
      proven, 19 were probable, 9 were possible, and 19 were diagnosed after HSCT, most
      in the late period after-HSCT (> 40 d). 8 cases received fluconazol only, 6
      received caspofungin only, 7 received combined therapy. The efficacy and time
      interval from the first day of treatment to successful response (TTR) were 87.5%,
      50% and 85.7% and 38, 20 and 36 days, respectively. Combined therapy is better
      than single drug treatment (p < 0.05) while the TTR was not significantly
      different between them. The factors influencing the therapeutic efficacy were as
      follows: age, HSCT, GVHD and CMV, previous IFI and so on (p < 0.05). All the anti
      Aspergillus medicines resulted in some injury of hepatic and renal function.
      However, there were no significant difference between the drugs or between
      combination and single drug therapy (p > 0.05). It is concluded that IA is also
      the major and severe complication in the patients with hematological malignancies
      or received HSCT. Combined therapy for anti- aspergillus is better than single
      drug in efficacy and safety, without increasing the adverse drug reactions for
      hepatic and renal function. The efficacy of anti- aspergillus may be related to
      age, HSCT, GVHD and CMV, previous IFI and so on.

PMID- 22040991
TI  - [Effect of G-CSF on murine thymocyte emigration and cell cycle alteration after a
      sublethal dose of irradiation].
AB  - This study was aimed to investigate the effect of recombinant human granulocyte
      colony-stimulating factor(G-CSF) on murine thymocyte emigration and cell cycle
      alteration after a sublethal dose of gamma-irradiation. Female BALB/c mice were
      given 6.0 Gy gamma-ray total body irradiation and then randomly divided into G
      CSF and control groups. Mice in the G-CSF group were injected recombinant human G
      CSF 100 ug/(kg.d) subcutaneously once daily for 14 consecutive days and mice in
      the control group were given the same volume of phosphate buffered solution.
      Thymocyte cycle alteration and the proportion of apoptosis cells were detected by
      flow cytometry within 72 hours after irradiation. Real-time PCR was used for
      detection and quantitation of murine T cell receptor rearrangement excision
      circles (sjTREC) of the thymic cells at 30 and 60 day after the irradiation. The
      results showed that at 6 hour after irradiation G-CSF could significantly
      increase the thymic cells in G(0)/G(1) phase, G-CSF vs control: (82.0 +/- 5.0)%
      vs (75.9 +/- 2.8)% (p < 0.05), and decrease the thymic cells in S phase, G-CSF vs
      control: (10.2 +/- 4.8)% vs (15.7 +/- 2.3)% (p < 0.05), but G-CSF seemed have no
      evident effects on the percentage of thymic cells in G(2)/M phase. G-CSF could
      also protect thymocytes from apoptosis at 6 hour and 12 hour after irradiation
      the percentages of apoptosis cells in G-CSF group were (11.5 +/- 2.4)% and (15.5
      +/- 3.3)%, respectively, which were significantly lower than that of the control
      group (16.5 +/- 2.2)% and (22.6 +/- 0.7)%, respectively (p < 0.05). The sjTREC
      copy amount was conspicuously higher in G-CSF group than that in the control at
      30 day after irradiation (p < 0.01), but the preponderance disappeared 60 days
      later. It is concluded that G-CSF has a positive effect on the thymic cell cycle
      alteration to protect thymocytes from apoptosis and enhance the recent thymocyte
      emigration, which may contribute to the central immune reconstitution after
      irradiation.

PMID- 22040992
TI  - [PML-RARalpha and p21 are key factors for maintaining acute promyelocytic
      leukemia stem cells survival].
AB  - Tumor stem/progenitor cells are the cells with the characteristics of self
      renewal, differentiating to all the other cell populations within tumor, which
      are also regarded as the source of tumor relapse, drug-resistance and metastasis.
      As a subtype of acute myeloid leukemia, acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL)
      represents the target of therapy due to the good response of the oncogenic
      protein PML-RARalpha to all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and arsenic trioxide
      (ATO). This review summarizes the latest research results of APL as follows: (1)
      there probably are two APL stem/progenitor cell populations within APL, and self
      renewal and survival of APL stem/progenitor cells highly depend on PML-RARalpha
      expression, cell cycle inhibitor p21, self-renewal associated molecules and
      chemokines; and (2) ATRA and ATO eradicate APL stem/progenitor cells mainly by
      PML-RARalpha degradation, FOXO3A activation and the inhibition of self-renewal
      associated signaling pathway of sonic hedgehog. These findings are helpful to
      improve other tumor therapy.

PMID- 22040993
TI  - [An update on epigenetic regulator gene mutations and pathogenesis of
      myelodysplastic syndromes].
AB  - The myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a group of heterogeneous clonal disorders.
      So far, the etiology and pathogenesis of MDS is poorly understood. Recently, more
      and more epigenetic regulator gene such as TET2, ASXL1, EZH2, DNMT3A and UTX
      mutations were detected in patients with MDS: TET2 may convert 5-methylcytosine
      (5mC) to 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (hmC). TET2 is the most frequently mutated gene
      in MDS known so far and it may act as tumor-suppressor gene. ASXL1 belongs to the
      enhancer of trithorax and Polycomb (ETP) gene group. MDS phenotypes may be caused
      not only by loss-of-function of ASXL1 but also by gain-of-function mutations,
      overexpression of this gene and so on. EZH2 is a kind of histone
      methyltransferase. EZH2 is frequently over-expressed in a wide variety of
      cancerous tissue types, which reveals it has oncogenic activity. While, defined
      mutations resulted in dysfunction of histone methyltransferase activity,
      suggesting that EZH2 acts as a tumor suppressor for myeloid malignancies. DNMT3A
      belongs to the DNA methyltransferases (DNMT) gene family. It may be correlated
      with abnormal methylation status in patients with MDS. UTX coding protein is a
      histone demethylase, and UTX can affect cell proliferation as well as cell fate
      decision. Inactivating UTX mutations are found in multiple cancer types recently.
      These gene mutations may play key roles in the pathogenesis of MDS, which are
      summarized in this review.

PMID- 22040994
TI  - [Progress of studies on microenvironment of lymphoma].
AB  - Many studies indicate that lymphoid neoplasms are related with chromosome
      translocations and the molecular alterations involving in the cell cycle and/or
      apoptotic pathways. However, survival of B and T tumor cells also depends on
      interactions of these cells with the accompanying cells comprising the lymphoma
      microenvironment. Immune cells, stromal cells and numerous molecular together
      make up the microenvironment and have functional interaction with tumor cells,
      promoting tumor growth and drug resistance. Different types of lymphoma have
      various clinical courses, therapy responses and prognoses, which show a close
      relationship with the microenvironment. This review summarizes several components
      of lymphoma microenvironment including macrophages, adhesion molecules and
      chemokines and the roles of microenvironment in classic non-Hodgkin's lymphoma,
      follicular lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, suggesting that the
      microenvironment influence the prognosis of lymphoma, targeting microenvironment
      may be a potential method in lymphoma therapy.

PMID- 22040995
TI  - [Molecular mechanism of imatinib-induced thrombocytopenia in treatment of
      patients with CML].
AB  - Imatinib mesylate has been commonly used in the treatment of patients with
      chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). However, a significant number of CML patients
      treated with imatinib developed thrombocytopenia. Platelet-derived growth factor
      (PDGF)/platelet-derived growth factor receptor (PDGFR) plays a significant role
      in the regulation of thrombopoiesis. It is suggested that imatinib may block the
      PDGF/PDGFR and PI3-K/Akt pathway, then inducing the apoptosis of megakaryocytes
      and developing thrombocytopenia in these patients. In this review, the potential
      molecular mechanism of imatinib-induced thrombocytopenia in the treatment of CML
      patients is discussed, including imatinib and thrombocytopenia, PDGF/PDGFR and
      thrombopoiesis, potential mechanism of imatinib-induced thrombocytopenia in
      treatment of patients with CML and so on.

PMID- 22040996
TI  - [Current research advance on abnormalities of mesenchymal stem cells in
      hematological malignancies].
AB  - Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have attracted high attention to their various
      origins, capability of multi-lineage differentiation, supporting hematopoiesis
      and regulating immunity. Consequently, MSC show great potential for tissue
      engineering and cell/gene therapy. The bone marrow microenvironment plays an
      important role in the pathogenesis of several hematological malignancies. It was
      confirmed that as key components of the hematopoietic microenvironment, MSC
      correlated complexly with tumor microenvironment. Recent reports showed that MSC
      from some patients with AML, MDS, ALL and MM harboured cytogenetic alterations.
      In addition, the phenotype, ability of differentiation and immunoregulatory
      function of MSC displayed different degree of abnormalities, suggesting that MSC
      played a role in the pathophysiological mechanism of malignant hematopoietic
      diseases. Besides, MSC have been found to participate in drug resistance of
      antileukemic therapy. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has become
      an important treatment approach for the malignant hematopoietic diseases in
      recent years. Because of the advantages of supporting hematopoiesis and
      regulating immunity, MSC are used to promote the engraftment and
      prophylaxis/treatment of GVHD. This review summarized briefly the abnormalities
      of mesenchymal stem cells in malignant hematological diseases and MSC research
      advances on cell therapy.

PMID- 22040997
TI  - [Influence of HLA-G on immunoregulatory function of human amniotic mesenchymal
      cells].
AB  - Human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G), a kind of non-classical major
      histocompatibility complex class I antigens, can inhibit inflammatory reaction,
      assist tumor cells to escape from immune surveillance and promote the immunologic
      tolerance of the graft. HLA-G, expressed and secreted by human amniotic
      mesenchymal cells (HAMC), suppresses the functions of NK cells, T cells and B
      cells and modulates the activity of dendritic cells (DC). These findings provide
      a theoretical basis for illustrating the mechanism of immunosuppression on HAMC.
      In this article, the recent advances on not only the gene and the molecular
      structure of HLA-G, but also the possible mechanisms of HLA-G in immunoregulatory
      function of HAMC, as well as the relation of HLA-G with HAMC, NK, DC, T and B
      cells are reviewed.

PMID- 22040998
TI  - [Progress of study on JAK2V617F mutation in myeloproliferative neoplasm].
AB  - Myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) are clonal hematopoietic stem cell diseases
      characterized by proliferation of one or more myeloid cell lineages in the bone
      marrow and increased mature and immature cells in peripheral blood. As the most
      important discovery in recent studies of MPN, JAk2V617F mutation is considered to
      closely relate with the pathogenesis of MPN. The mutated JAK2 lost self
      inhibition, and then, the sustained activation leads to a series of disorders in
      downstream signal transduction pathways, eventually resulting in malignant cell
      proliferation. A variety of methods have been used in quantitative/qualitative
      detection of JAK2V617F mutation, and researches about JAK2V617F mutation and its
      clinical features have also made some progress. However, it must be noted that
      there are still some unsolved problems, such as the role of JAk2V617F mutation in
      pathogenesis of MPN needs further exploration, effective targeted therapy for
      JAK2 is a attractive topic, and the application of JAK2V617F mutation in disease
      diagnosis also requires a deep research. In this review, the latest progress from
      different aspects is summarized briefly, including JAK2 and JAK2V617F mutation,
      effects of JAK2V617F mutation on the pathogenesis, clinical correlation of
      JAK2V617F with MPN, and targeting therapy.

PMID- 22040999
TI  - [Recent advances of studies on interaction of natural killer cells and fungi].
AB  - Natural killer (NK) cells are important innate immune effector cells with broad
      applications in killing the tumor cells and pathogens due to its cytotoxicity
      without prior immune sensitization. Unfortunately, in humans, the activity of NK
      cells against fungi is poorly characterized. Insight progress in the fields of NK
      cells activating, pattern recognition receptors, signal modulating and correlated
      cell factors (IFN-gamma, GM-CSF, IL-10 and so on) has revolutionized
      understanding of the selective killing fungi by NK cells. Different morphotypes
      also can affect the immune status of NK cells. This article reviews the mechanism
      of fungi immune reaction, and the interaction between NK cells and fungi, and
      provides some new ideas for further study on pathogenesis of fungus and other
      infectious diseases and NK cell adoptively transferred immunotherapy.

PMID- 22041000
TI  - [New progress of study on labeling methods in vitro and distribution in vivo of
      mesenchymal stem cells].
AB  - Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are a kind of non-hematopoietic adult stem cells
      with highly self-renewal and multilineage differentiation potential. Because MSC
      can be easily obtained and expanded in large amount in vitro, they have become a
      hot field of stem cell research in recent years. MSC as a seed carrier of cells
      and gene therapy have been widely used in cardiovascular, nervous, respiratory
      diseases, wound healing and other aspects in clinic. But some biological
      characteristics and the molecular control mechanisms of MSC are not very clear
      and need further explorations. The MSC isolated and cultured in vitro are a type
      of multipotent differentiation cells, which differentiation potential in vivo has
      still uncertained, the effectiveness and safety such as gene mutations and
      canceration in vivo remains to be explored. Deepgoing studys on homing
      characteristics, mechanisms and influence factors of MSC also contribute to the
      clinical application, and the studys on the MSC differentiation fate in
      microenvironment in vivo would be better for clinical application. So how stably
      and efficiently label MSC in vitro is the key problem to monitoring the survival,
      migration, distribution, proliferation and differentiation of MSC in vivo. This
      review summarizes the current progress of study on the new labeling methods in
      vitro of MSC, discussing the advantages and disadvantages of different in vitro
      labeling methods and application of appropriate conditions.

PMID- 22041001
TI  - The in vitro antimicrobial activity of natural infant fluoride-free toothpastes
      on oral micro-organisms.
AB  - PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the antimicrobial activity
      of six toothpastes for infants: 3 fluoride-free experimental toothpastes--cashew
      based, mango-based and without plant extract and fluoride compared with 2
      commercially fluoride-free toothpastes and 1 fluoridated toothpastes. METHODS:
      Six toothpastes for infants were evaluated in this study: (1) experimental cashew
      based toothpaste; (2) experimental mango-based toothpaste; (3) experimental
      toothpaste without plant extract and fluoride (negative control); (4) First Teeth
      brand toothpaste; (5) Weleda brand toothpaste; and (6) Tandy brand toothpaste
      (positive control). The antimicrobial activity was recorded against Streptococcus
      mutans, Streptococcus sobrinus, Lactobacillus acidophilus, and Candida albicans
      using the agar plate diffusion test. RESULTS: First Teeth, Weleda, mango-based
      toothpaste, and toothpaste without plant extract presented no antimicrobial
      effect against any of the tested micro-organisms. Cashew toothpaste had
      antimicrobial activity against S mutans, S sobrinus, and L acidophilus, but it
      showed no antimicrobial activity against C albicans. There was no statistical
      difference between the inhibition halo of cashew and Tandy toothpastes against S
      mutans and L acidophilus. CONCLUSIONS: Cashew fluoride-free toothpaste had
      inhibitory activity against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus acidophilus,
      and these results were similar to those obtained for fluoridated toothpaste.

PMID- 22041002
TI  - Effective teaching of tooth-brushing to preschool children.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of the present study was to compare artificial tooth
      brushing models (TBM) and individual modeling regarding their efficacy in
      teaching the correct brushing movements to younger preschool children. METHODS: A
      total of 141 30- to 50-month-old  preschool children who had not been previously
      instructed on tooth-brushing were enrolled in the present trial. Four different
      model types/groups were compared: (1) giant TBM; (2) animal TBM puppet; (3) child
      him/herself in front of the mirror; (4) another person with the child in the
      mirror.  Parameters of imitational learning were investigated by means of single
      person monitoring on the basis of a standardized observational method. The
      subjects were randomly assigned to 4 experimental groups, which were comparable
      regarding gender and age. Statistical analysis was performed using  the chi
      square test. RESULTS: This study demonstrated that behavioral modeling types 3
      and 4 were more suitable as a methodological basis than TBM. Correct tooth
      brushing position and movement were correlated with the attractiveness of the
      model and its similarity to the child.  It was shown that human models achieved
      greatest learning success. CONCLUSION: It is important to find a "helper" and an
      attractive model person assisting in guiding the brush with a feedback in a
      mirror.

PMID- 22041003
TI  - Comparative study of 2 palatoplasty techniques to assess speech and fistula in
      primary cleft palate patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the Quality of speech and the incidence of post operative
      fistula in each technique after 6 months follow up study. METHODS: This
      prospective study consists of 24 patients in the age group of 18 to 36 months,
      male 12 and female 12. All the patients  were divided into two groups-Group I-12
      patients for two layer closure, Group II-12 patients for three layer closure.
      Exclusion criteria was submucous clefts, any identified syndrome and patients
      with hearing loss. All the patients have undergone pre-operative speech
      assessment by the  speech therapist. At end of 6 months, speech analysis was done
      based on three parameters, i.e. nasality (A), Articulation (B) and
      intelligibility (C). RESULTS: Patients with radical muscle dissection (three
      layer) group had statistically significant (P=0.023) improvement  in nasal
      resonance compared to the conservative technique (two layer) in the younger age
      group. But there was no statistically significant difference in the articulation
      and the intelligibility of speech. CONCLUSION: Radical dissection and palatal
      muscle reconstruction confers better  functional results regarding nasal
      resonanace, especially in younger age group. Quality of speech in the elder
      group, patients 25-36 months old in both the technique groups was almost the
      same. The incidence of fistula was slightly more in the radical dissection group.

PMID- 22041004
TI  - Transmigration of mandibular canines: a rare case report and review of
      literature.
AB  - Transmigration of permanent mandibular canines is a very rare phenomenon and has
      no definite etiology. Most of them are asymptomatic, impacted, and commonly
      involve the left canines. The eruption of transmigrated canines is even rarer.
      The purpose of this paper was to review the literature  on erupted transmigrated
      mandibular canines and report a rare case of it in a 13-year-old girl with a
      transmigrated permanent right canine corresponding to the least frequent
      Mupparapu type 5 pattern.

PMID- 22041005
TI  - Current status of nitrous oxide as a behavior management practice routine in
      pediatric dentistry.
AB  - Nitrous oxide (N(2)O) as a behavioral management intervention in children has
      attained an excellent safety record and is, therefore, used widely. As is true of
      any diagnostic or therapeutic dental intervention, however, its usage merits
      periodic review, even if-or particularly  when-it is routinely applied. For
      example, when N(2)O is used in combination with other sedatives, such
      polypharmacy can produce potentially serious side effects. There are also
      bioenvironmental risks to patients and staff if ambient air is not properly
      monitored. Using historical  publications, current empirical articles,
      professional usage policies, and educational textbooks, the purpose of this
      article was to review indications and contraindications of N(2)O and discuss
      various factors that should or should not be considered about its use in the
      United States.  Even though today's parents may be more accepting of
      pharmacologic approaches such as N(2)O, the choice to use it should always be
      made with the child's best interest in mind.

PMID- 22041006
TI  - In vivo comparison of reduction in bacterial count after caries excavation with 3
      different techniques.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vivo study was to evaluate and compare the
      reduction in bacterial count in dentin after caries excavation with a spoon
      excavator, carbide bur, and polymer bur. METHODS: Forty-five primary molar teeth
      from 36 children with occlusal dentinal  carious lesions without pulpal
      involvement were chosen and divided into 3 groups: (1) caries was excavated using
      a brand new round bur with a slow-speed handpiece at 800 rpm from the occlusal
      aspect; (2) new polymer burs were used with slow-speed handpiece at 800 rpm,
      according to the lesion's  size; (3) caries was excavated using a sterile spoon
      excavator. RESULTS: The mean difference in colony forming units of Streptococcus
      mutans and lactobacilli before and after caries excavation was found to be
      significant (P<.01) in all 3 groups. Further intergroup  comparison of percentage
      reduction in bacterial counts between different groups was statistically
      significant, except when the percentage reduction in S mutans of group 2 was
      compared to that of group 3 (P=.26). Reduction in S mutans count was highly
      significant (P<.001) for  group 1 vs group 3. CONCLUSIONS: Caries removal with a
      carbide bur, polymer bur, and spoon excavator produced significant reduction in
      viable count of both Streptococcus mutans and lactobacilli. Carbide burs,
      however, produced greater reduction in the viable count of bacteria  followed by
      polymer bur and spoon excavator.

PMID- 22041007
TI  - Use of dental care and prevalence of caries among immigrant and Spanish-born
      children.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper was to describe the use of dental services and
      the prevalence of dental caries in children living in Madrid, Spain. METHODS: A
      descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the Madrid City
      Health Survey. The questions  asked were: (1) When was the last time your child
      visited the dentist? (2) What was the reason for your child's last visit? and (3)
      Is your child currently suffering from caries, fillings, or bleeding from the
      gums when brushing? The independent variables included: sex; age; education
      level;  and nationality. RESULTS: Data from 960 children (approximately 27% of
      whom were immigrants) were analyzed. Over the last year, approximately 59% of the
      children had received dental care and 28% suffered from caries. After
      multivariate analysis, we observed that 3- to 6-year-old  children, immigrants,
      and children of parents with low education levels are more likely not to have
      received dental care during the last year. We also found that children are more
      likely to suffer from caries as they get older and if they are immigrants.
      CONCLUSIONS: Being an immigrant  and from a lower education level typically
      results in a less frequent use of dental health services, and children of
      immigrants have a greater risk of suffering from dental caries. It is essential
      to investigate the reasons why and introduce strategies to reduce barriers to
      dental health access  among immigrants.

PMID- 22041008
TI  - Remineralization of primary tooth enamel from individuals with Down syndrome.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to clarify the characteristics of primary
      tooth enamel of Down syndrome patients (DSPs). We examined 9 primary teeth of
      Down syndrome children and 11 primary teeth of normally developed children to
      investigate the remineralization processes  of enamel by transverse
      microradiography and X ray micro analyzer (XMA). METHODS: Mineral loss, lesion
      depth, maximum mineral value, minimum mineral value, depth of maximum mineral
      value, and depth of minimum mineral value were used to analyze transverse
      microradiography  (TMR). In addition, we calculated the percentage of enamel
      remineralization. RESULTS: All the parameters in the 2 groups showed marked
      recovery. The results indicated that the Down syndrome group was significantly
      remineralized the same way as the control group. According  to the comparison of
      mineral content distribution by XMA, the content distribution of magnesium was
      different between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: While recovery through
      remineralization of primary teeth was similar between Down syndrome children and
      normally developed children, the  mechanism of remineralization process may be
      different between the 2 groups; consequently, magnesium may be considered as one
      of the factors affecting recovery.

PMID- 22041009
TI  - Wiscott Aldrich syndrome with oral involvement: a case report.
AB  - Wiskott Aldrich syndrome is an X-linked recessive disorder characterized by
      thrombocytopenia with microplatelets, eczema, recurrent infections, and
      predisposition to autoimmune disease and malignancy. It is a rare syndrome, and
      the incidence rate is approximately 4 in every 1 million live male births with no
      clear ethnic or racial predilection. The purpose of this paper was to report a
      case of Wiskott Aldrich syndrome with oral involvement demonstrated by 2 male
      siblings.

PMID- 22041010
TI  - Oligodontia associated with osteopetrosis: a rare case report.
AB  - Osteopetrosis is a descriptive term that refers to a group of rare hereditary
      disorders of the skeleton characterized by increased density of the bones. It was
      first described in 1904 by Albers-Schonberg, a German radiologist. This disease
      varies greatly in its presentation and severity ranging from neonatal onset with
      life threatening conditions such as bone marrow failure to incidental finding of
      osteopetrosis on radiographs. Dental abnormality may be attributed to
      pathological changes in the bone. Dentists should be aware of patients with the
      disease because of its effect on osteoclast function which results in impaired
      wound healing. This paper presents the case of a five-year-old girl exhibiting
      oligodontia associated with osteopetrosis.

PMID- 22041011
TI  - Complications of surgical extraction of ankylosed primary teeth and distal shoe
      space maintainers.
AB  - The purpose of this report was to present the iatrogenic complications that may
      result from the management of ankylosed primary teeth as well as describe the
      case of a patient with an ankylosed primary mandibular left second molar which
      was surgically extracted and an adjacent primary  first molar that was cemented
      with a distal shoe space maintainer. Aggressive surgical removal of the ankylosed
      tooth caused damage to the developing crown of the successor. Improper placement
      of the appliance caused perforation of the developing tooth follicle. Orthodontic
      therapy and a polycarbonate  temporary crown were used to restore occlusion.
      Nonsurgical extractions and alternative appliances should be considered when
      treating patients with ankylosed primary second molars.

PMID- 22041012
TI  - Mandibular buccal bifurcation cyst: a case report and literature review.
AB  - The mandibular buccal bifurcation cyst is a cystic lesion occurring on the buccal
      surface of the permanent mandibular first molar in 6- to 8-year-old children. The
      purpose of this article was to present a case report of an 8-year-old with a
      radiolucent area on the permanent mandibular  left first molar, with clinical,
      radiological, and histological characteristics compatible with the pathological
      entity mentioned. The treatment adopted in this case was enucleation without
      extraction. The patient is still under observation without any sign of
      recurrence.

PMID- 22041013
TI  - Root canal treatment of an immature dens invaginatus with apical periodontitis: a
      case report.
AB  - The purpose of this paper was to describe the case of an 11-year-old patient who
      presented a dens invaginatus, detected in the permanent maxillary left lateral
      incisor, with an immature open apex and extensive apical periodontitis and sinus
      tract. The mineralized invaginated barrier  was removed, and a nonsurgical root
      canal treatment was performed using both calcium hydroxide as a root canal
      dressing to stimulate apexification and a mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) plug
      to permit root canal filling. After a 14-month period of root canal dressing
      changes, no evidence of  apical periodontitis was observed, and the MTA plug was
      placed in the root canal's apical portion. The root canal filling was performed
      using the thermoplasticized gutta-percha technique. At the 12-month follow-up,
      complete radiographic periapical healing, characterized by bone formation in  the
      area around the tooth apex, and no clinical or radiographic evidence of
      refractory apical periodontitis were detected.

PMID- 22041014
TI  - Unusual dens evaginatus on maxillary premolars: a case report.
AB  - Dens evaginatus is a developmental anomaly that can be defined as a tubercle from
      the surface of an affected tooth. It is composed of enamel and dentin usually
      enclosing pulp tissue. It is a rare dental anomaly commonly seen on premolars. A
      12-year-old boy reported for the management of dental caries. He had bilateral
      occurrence of dens evaginatus on maxillary second premolars. The tubercle on the
      right side was unusually long without occlusal interference with the opposing
      primary mandibular second molar. Carious teeth were restored and the tubercle was
      left untreated. Management of dens evaginatus is determined by various factors
      which are discussed in decision-support system. Pulpal complication due to caries
      or fracture of tubercle can occur; hence it should be periodically monitored.

PMID- 22041015
TI  - Agenesis of permanent mandibular anterior teeth: a case report.
AB  - Tooth agenesis is one of the common congenital anomalies seen in humans.
      Hypodontia is the congenital absence of 1 or a few teeth only, with a prevalence
      of approximately 2% to 10% in the permanent dentition. The number of patients
      exhibiting congenitally missing mandibular incisors is low, with a prevalence
      rate of less than 1% observed. The purpose of this paper was to report a case of
      congenitally missing permanent mandibular incisors and canines in a 10-year-old
      girl.

PMID- 22041016
TI  - 1alpha,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 inhibits osteoblastic differentiation of mouse
      periodontal fibroblasts.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Periodontal ligament (PDL) is a non-mineralized tissue connecting
      cementum and alveolar bone. Recent studies have suggested that periodontal
      fibroblasts can differentiate into mineralized tissue-forming cells such as
      osteoblasts and cementoblasts. We elucidated the immunolocalization of vitamin D
      receptor (VDR) and the effects of vitamin D(3) (VD(3)) on mouse periodontal
      fibroblasts to clarify the role of VDR and VD(3) in the differentiation of
      periodontal fibroblasts. DESIGN: Immunohistochemical analysis using anti-VDR
      antibody was performed in paraffin sections of mouse mandibles at E13, E14, E17,
      P10, and P35. The roles of VD(3) in osteoblastic differentiation and
      mineralization were estimated by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alizarin red (AR)
      staining. In addition, the mRNA expression of osteoblast markers and
      mineralization inhibitors was examined by real-time PCR. RESULTS: At the bud, cap
      and early bell stages, immunoreactivity for VDR was scarcely seen in the cells of
      dental follicles. Labelling was detected in the nuclei of cemetoblasts,
      periodontal fibroblasts and osteoblasts during root formation. VD(3) inhibited
      ALP activity and AR-positive mineralized nodule formation of periodontal
      fibroblasts in osteogenic culture medium. Real-time PCR revealed that VD(3) down
      regulated the levels of osteoblast markers. In contrast, VD(3) significantly up
      regulated the level of periodontal ligament associated protein (PLAP)-1, a
      negative regulator of osteoblastic differentiation. CONCLUSION: These results
      suggest that VD(3) negatively regulates the osteoblastic differentiation of mouse
      periodontal fibroblasts and prevents the periodontal ligament from mineralization
      via increase of PLAP-1.

PMID- 22041017
TI  - Association of interferon-gamma gene polymorphisms with susceptibility to oral
      lichen planus in the Thai population.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) is highly expressed in oral lichen planus
      (OLP). The IFN-gamma (+874 in intron 1, rs2430561) TT genotype, which has been
      reported to be associated with high IFN-gamma production, was hypothesized to be
      associated with susceptibility to OLP in the Thai population. DESIGN: Genomic DNA
      samples from 74 OLP and 268 healthy controls were evaluated for IFN-gamma
      polymorphisms by polymerase chain reaction with sequence-specific primers (PCR
      SSP) and direct sequencing method. RESULTS: The T allele was significantly
      associated with an increased risk of OLP development as compared to the A allele
      (OR=1.76, P=0.004; P(c)=0.02). The effect of the T allele was similar to an
      autosomal recessive disorder; the presence of TT genotype (when compared to AA
      and AT) conferred an OR of 2.61, P=0.008; P(c)=0.04. CONCLUSIONS: We found an
      association between IFN-gamma +874A/T polymorphism and susceptibility to OLP.
      However, an association study utilising a larger sample size and patients from
      other races apart from the Asian population should be performed to further verify
      these findings.

PMID- 22041018
TI  - Recombinant bone morphogenetic protein-2 induces up-regulation of vascular
      endothelial growth factor and interleukin 6 in human pre-osteoblasts: role of
      reactive oxygen species.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) and vascular endothelial growth
      factor (VEGF) have been reported in many studies to play a major role in the
      communication between endothelial cells and osteoblasts. The inflammatory
      reaction and relative hypoxia at the site of bone injury are the first stages of
      the fracture repair. rhBMP-2 has been used extensively in spinal fusion and
      reconstruction of maxillofacial bone defects with main complication is the
      formation of seroma. The aim of this study was to test whether rhBMP-2 regulates
      the expression of the angiogenic and inflammatory mediators in pre-osteoblasts
      via generating reactive oxygen species (ROS). METHODS: rhBMP-2 effect on
      angiogenesis and inflammatory genes was assessed using normal human osteoblasts
      (NHOst). Angiogenesis genes were measured using angiogenic PCR array. VEGF and
      IL6 production were analysed using ELISA kit and real-time PCR. ROS production
      was assessed using dihydroethidine and dichlorofluorescein staining and lipid
      peroxidation. HIF-1alpha immunoreactivity was performed using immunofluorescence
      staining. RESULTS: There was an increase in the pro-angiogenic and -inflammatory
      genes as well as VEGF and IL6 protein expression in NHOst by rhBMP-2. This
      increase in VEGF and IL6 was blocked by the ROS scavenger N-acetyl cysteine
      (NAC). CONCLUSION: The regulatory effect of rhBMP-2 on angiogenesis and
      inflammation is mediated through a ROS-dependent mechanism, which involves
      upregulation of crucial angiogenic and inflammatory mediators such as VEGF and
      IL6. These findings highlight the need for future studies to identify new
      therapeutic targets downstream from rhBMP-2 to potentiate its beneficial effect
      or limit its complications such as seroma formation.

PMID- 22041019
TI  - Demineralised human dentine matrix stimulates the expression of VEGF and
      accelerates the bone repair in tooth sockets of rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In this study we investigated the possible use of human demineralised
      dentine matrix (DHDM), obtained from the extracted teeth, as bone graft material
      and evaluated the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) induced
      by this material in the healing process of tooth sockets of rats. DESIGN: To
      evaluate bone regeneration and expression of VEGF induced by DHDM, thirty-two
      male Wistar rats weighing approximately 200 g were used. After maxillary second
      molar extraction, the left sockets were filled with DHDM and the right sockets
      were naturally filled by blood clot (control). The animals were sacrificed at 3,
      7, 14 and 21 days after surgery and upper maxillaries were processed for
      histological, morphometric and immunohistochemical analyses. DHDM was used to
      evaluate the mechanical effect of bone graft material into sockets. Expression of
      VEGF was determined by immunohistochemistry in all groups. RESULTS: Our results
      demonstrated a significant increase in the newly formed bone tissue in sockets of
      7, 14 and 21 days and a significant increase in VEGF expression at days 7 and 14
      on treated sockets. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that DHDM increases the
      expression of VEGF and accelerates the healing process in rats tooth sockets, by
      stimulating bone deposition and also vessels formation. These results suggest
      that DHDM has osteoinductive/osteoconductive potential and may represent an
      efficient grafting material on guided bone regeneration.

PMID- 22041020
TI  - Changes in condylar cartilage after anterior mandibular displacement in juvenile
      pigs.
AB  - Adaptive remodelling of the mandibular condyle in response to mandibular
      advancement is the mechanism exploited by orthodontic forward displacement
      devices. OBJECTIVE: This work investigated the expression of collagens, matrix
      metalloproteinases and vascular endothelial growth factor during this process.
      DESIGN: Twenty juvenile pigs were randomly divided into two experimental groups,
      where the treatment group was fitted with mandibular advancement splints, and the
      control group was not. Changes in the mRNA content of condylar cartilage tissue
      was then were measured by real-time PCR using specific primers after 4weeks of
      treatment. RESULTS: The temporal pattern of the expression of Col1 and MMP13
      during condylar adaptation coincided with that during natural condylar growth.
      The amount of the expression of Col10 during condylar adaptation was
      significantly lower (p<0.05), whereas the expression of Col2, MMP8 and VEGF was
      significantly higher compared to natural growth (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: It is
      suggested that condylar adaptation in growing pigs triggered by mandibular
      forward positioning results not only from passive adaptation of cartilage, but
      also involves growth affected processes. Our results showed that mechanical
      strain produced by mandibular advancement induced remodelling and
      revascularization in the posteriocranial mandibular condyle. These results are
      mostly consistent with former published histological and histomorphometrical
      analyses.

PMID- 22041021
TI  - An in vitro investigation of Lactococcus lactis antagonizing cariogenic bacterium
      Streptococcus mutans.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The present study tested the antagonism between Lactococcus lactis
      and Streptococcus mutans and evaluated the feasibility of the application of L.
      lactis for the inhibition of S. mutans in the oral cavity. METHODS: Competition
      assays on plates were employed to determine whether L. lactis antagonises S.
      mutans under different nutritional conditions, and real-time reverse
      transcriptase PCR was used to evaluate the effects of metabolites of S. mutans on
      the bacteriocin nisin genes in L. lactis. Furthermore, the colonisation and
      effects of L. lactis on the surface of a tooth were examined by scanning electron
      microscopy. RESULTS: L. lactis competitively inhibited S. mutans growth under
      nutritional deficiency, and the metabolites of S. mutans, including several
      exogenous molecular signals, enhanced the expression of genes related to nisin
      synthesis, nisA, nisB and nisI. Additionally, L. lactis effectively colonised the
      surface of tooth enamel, which showed substantially less decay with L. lactis
      adhesion compared to S. mutans adhesion. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest
      avenues of research into a new strategy to reduce major cariogenic S. mutans
      adhesion on the surfaces of teeth.

PMID- 22041022
TI  - In situ remineralisation of eroded enamel lesions by NaF rinses.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this pilot study was to evaluate the remineralisation
      of eroded enamel by NaF rinses in an intra-oral model. METHODS: Serving as their
      own control, subjects (N=80) participated in a randomised, four-leg (20
      subjects/leg), 28-day, parallel design study. In each leg, each participant wore
      a customised orthodontic bracket attached to a mandibular molar that contained
      one tooth block having an initial erosive lesion (0.3% citric acid, pH 3.75, 2
      h). Within the 28-day period, participants engaged in twice-daily brushing for 1
      min with a fluoride-free dentifrice followed by 1-min rinsing with one of the
      following aqueous rinses: fluoride-free (0 ppm F), 225 ppm F, 225 ppm F plus
      functionalised beta-tricalcium phosphate (fTCP), and 450 ppm F. Following intra
      oral exposure, appliances were removed and specimens were analysed using surface
      microhardness (SMH) and transverse microradiography (TMR). RESULTS: Statistically
      significant (p<0.05) remineralisation, as determined by SMH and TMR, of the
      eroded enamel relative to baseline occurred for each fluoride system. No
      significant differences in SMH were observed amongst the fluoride groups
      (p>0.05), however, 225 ppm plus fTCP produced 27% and 7% SMH indent length
      reduction relative to 225 ppm F and 450 ppm F, respectively. No significant
      differences in TMR were observed amongst the fluoride groups (p>0.05), however,
      225 ppm F plus fTCP and 450 ppm F produced significant (p<0.05) mineral gains
      relative to the fluoride-free control, whilst 225 ppm F did not (p>0.05).
      Relative to the 225 ppm F group, the 450 ppm F and 225 ppm F plus fTCP groups
      produced 65% and 61% greater mineral change, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These
      pilot results demonstrate this model is sensitive to fluoride and that addition
      of fTCP to an aqueous rinse containing 225 ppm F may provide significant
      remineralisation benefits. Therefore, the combination of relatively low levels of
      fluoride and fTCP might be an effective alternative to a high fluoride treatment
      for anti-erosion benefits.

PMID- 22041023
TI  - In vitro repair of DNA hairpins containing various numbers of CAG/CTG
      trinucleotide repeats.
AB  - Expansion of CAG/CTG trinucleotide repeats (TNRs) in humans is associated with a
      number of neurological and neurodegenerative disorders including Huntington's
      disease. Increasing evidence suggests that formation of a stable DNA hairpin
      within CAG/CTG repeats during DNA metabolism leads to TNR instability. However,
      the molecular mechanism by which cells recognize and repair CAG/CTG hairpins is
      largely unknown. Recent studies have identified a novel DNA repair pathway
      specifically removing (CAG)(n)/(CTG)(n) hairpins, which is considered a major
      mechanism responsible for TNR instability. The hairpin repair (HPR) system
      targets the repeat tracts for incisions in the nicked strand in an error-free
      manner. To determine the substrate spectrum of the HPR system and its ability to
      process smaller hairpins, which may be the intermediates for CAG/CTG expansions,
      we constructed a series of CAG/CTG hairpin heteroduplexes containing different
      numbers of repeats (from 5 to 25) and examined their repair in human nuclear
      extracts. We show here that although repair efficiencies differ slightly among
      these substrates, removal of the individual hairpin structures all involve
      endonucleolytic incisions within the repeat tracts in the nicked DNA strand.
      Analysis of the repair intermediates defined specific incision sites for each
      substrate, which were all located within the repeat regions. Mismatch repair
      proteins are not required for, nor do they inhibit, the processing of smaller
      hairpin structures. These results suggest that the HPR system ensures CAG/CTG
      stability primarily by removing various sizes of (CAG)(n)/(CTG)(n) hairpin
      structures during DNA metabolism.

PMID- 22041024
TI  - Trypanosoma brucei AP endonuclease 1 has a major role in the repair of abasic
      sites and protection against DNA-damaging agents.
AB  - DNA repair mechanisms guarantee the maintenance of genome integrity, which is
      critical for cell viability and proliferation in all organisms. As part of the
      cellular defenses to DNA damage, apurinic/apyrimidinic (AP) endonucleases repair
      the abasic sites produced by spontaneous hydrolysis, oxidative or alkylation base
      damage and during base excision repair (BER). Trypanosoma brucei, the protozoan
      pathogen responsible of human sleeping sickness, has a class II AP endonuclease
      (TBAPE1) with a high degree of homology to human APE1 and bacterial exonuclease
      III. The purified recombinant enzyme cleaves AP sites and removes 3'
      phosphoglycolate groups from 3'-ends. To study its cellular function, we have
      established TBAPE1-deficient cell lines derived from bloodstream stage
      trypanosomes, thus confirming that the AP endonuclease is not essential for
      viability in this cell type under in vitro culture conditions. The role of TBAPE1
      in the removal of AP sites is supported by the inverse correlation between the
      level of AP endonuclease in the cell and the number of endogenously generated
      abasic sites in its genomic DNA. Furthermore, depletion of TBAPE1 renders cells
      hypersensitive to AP site and strand break-inducing agents such as methotrexate
      and phleomycin respectively but not to alkylating agents. Finally, the increased
      susceptibility that TBAPE1-depleted cells show to nitric oxide suggests an
      essential role for this DNA repair enzyme in protection against the immune
      defenses of the mammalian host.

PMID- 22041027
TI  - Proline accumulation in baker's yeast enhances high-sucrose stress tolerance and
      fermentation ability in sweet dough.
AB  - During bread-making processes, yeast cells are exposed to various baking
      associated stresses. High-sucrose concentrations exert severe osmotic stress that
      seriously damages cellular components by generation of reactive oxygen species
      (ROS). Previously, we found that the accumulation of proline conferred freeze
      thaw stress tolerance and the baker's yeast strain that accumulated proline
      retained higher-level fermentation abilities in frozen doughs than the wild-type
      strain. In this study, we constructed self-cloning diploid baker's yeast strains
      that accumulate proline. These resultant strains showed higher cell viability and
      lower intracellular oxidation levels than that observed in the wild-type strain
      under high-sucrose stress condition. Proline accumulation also enhanced the
      fermentation ability in high-sucrose-containing dough. These results demonstrate
      the usefulness of proline-accumulating baker's yeast for sweet dough baking.

PMID- 22041025
TI  - XRCC1 and base excision repair balance in response to nitric oxide.
AB  - Inflammation associated reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONs), including
      peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)) and nitric oxide (NO), create base lesions that
      potentially play a role in the toxicity and large genomic rearrangements
      associated with many malignancies. Little is known about the role of base
      excision repair (BER) in removing these endogenous DNA lesions. Here, we explore
      the role of X-ray repair cross-complementing group 1 (XRCC1) in attenuating RONs
      induced genotoxicity. XRCC1 is a scaffold protein critical for BER for which
      polymorphisms modulate the risk of cancer. We exploited CHO and human
      glioblastoma cell lines engineered to express varied levels of BER proteins to
      study XRCC1. Cytotoxicity and the levels of DNA repair intermediates (single
      strand breaks; SSB) were evaluated following exposure of the cells to the ONOO(-)
      donor, SIN-1, and to gaseous NO. XRCC1 null cells were slightly more sensitive to
      SIN-1 than wild-type cells. We used small-scale bioreactors to expose cells to NO
      and found that XRCC1-deficient CHO cells were not sensitive. However, using a
      molecular beacon assay to test lesion removal in vitro, we found that XRCC1
      facilitates AAG-initiated excision of two key NO-induced DNA lesions: 1,N(6)
      ethenoadenine and hypoxanthine. Furthermore, overexpression of AAG rendered XRCC1
      deficient cells sensitive to NO-induced DNA damage. These results show that AAG
      is a key glycosylase for BER of NO-induced DNA damage and that XRCC1's role in
      modulating sensitivity to RONs is dependent upon the cellular level of AAG. This
      demonstrates the importance of considering the expression of other components of
      the BER pathway when evaluating the impact of XRCC1 polymorphisms on cancer risk.

PMID- 22041028
TI  - P-selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 deficiency leads to cytokine resistance and
      protection against atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E deficient mice.
AB  - Adhesive interactions between endothelial cells and leukocytes contribute to
      atherosclerotic plaque growth. However, mechanism(s) responsible for endothelial
      priming and deactivation in inflammatory diseases such as atherosclerosis are not
      clear. Apolipoprotein E deficient mice were generated with deficiency of P
      selectin glycoprotein ligand-1 (Psgl-1(-/-), ApoE(-/-)). On both standard chow
      and Western diet, Psgl-1(-/-), ApoE(-/-) mice were protected against
      atherosclerosis compared to Psgl-1(+/+), ApoE(-/-) controls. Psgl-1(-/-), ApoE(-/
      ) mice also showed reduced leukocyte rolling and firm attachment on endothelial
      cells, however, adoptively transferred Psgl-1(+/+), ApoE(-/-) leukocytes into
      Psgl-1(-/-), ApoE(-/-) hosts displayed similar reduced rolling as Psgl-1(-/-),
      ApoE(-/-) leukocytes. Hematopoietic deficiency of Psgl-1 conferred resistance to
      the effects of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) on leukocyte rolling along with
      reduced circulating levels of sP-sel and sE-sel. Antibody blockade of Psgl-1 also
      reduced endothelial activation in response to IL-1beta, eliminated leukocyte
      rolling, and was protective against atherosclerosis in ApoE(-/-) mice. Monocyte
      depletion with clodronate restored the endothelial response to IL-1beta in Psgl
      1(-/-) mice. This study suggests that Psgl-1 deficiency leads to reduced
      atherosclerosis and adhesive interactions between endothelial cells and
      leukocytes by indirectly regulating endothelial responses to cytokine
      stimulation.

PMID- 22041029
TI  - Survivin expression induced by endothelin-1 promotes myofibroblast resistance to
      apoptosis.
AB  - Fibrosis of the lungs and other organs is characterized by the accumulation of
      myofibroblasts, effectors of wound-repair that are responsible for the deposition
      and organization of new extracellular matrix (ECM) in response to tissue injury.
      During the resolution phase of normal wound repair, myofibroblast apoptosis
      limits the continued deposition of ECM. Mounting evidence suggests that
      myofibroblasts from fibrotic wounds acquire resistance to apoptosis, but the
      mechanisms regulating this resistance have not been fully elucidated. Endothelin
      1 (ET-1), a soluble peptide strongly associated with fibrogenesis, decreases
      myofibroblast susceptibility to apoptosis through activation of
      phosphatidylinositol 3'-OH kinase (PI3K)/AKT. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) also
      promotes myofibroblast resistance to apoptosis through PI3K/AKT-dependent and 
      independent mechanisms, although the role of FAK in ET-1 mediated resistance to
      apoptosis has not been explored. The goal of this study was to investigate
      whether FAK contributes to ET-1 mediated myofibroblast resistance to apoptosis
      and to examine potential mechanisms downstream of FAK and PI3K/AKT by which ET-1
      regulates myofibroblast survival. Here, we show that ET-1 regulates myofibroblast
      survival by Rho/ROCK-dependent activation of FAK. The anti-apoptotic actions of
      FAK are, in turn, dependent on activation of PI3K/AKT and the subsequent
      increased expression of Survivin, a member of the inhibitor of apoptosis protein
      (IAP) family. Collectively, these studies define a novel mechanism by which ET-1
      promotes myofibroblast resistance to apoptosis through upregulation of Survivin.

PMID- 22041031
TI  - [Metabolically active volumes automatic delineation methodologies in PET imaging:
      review and perspectives].
AB  - PET imaging is now considered a gold standard tool in clinical oncology,
      especially for diagnosis purposes. More recent applications such as therapy
      follow-up or tumor targeting in radiotherapy require a fast, accurate and robust
      metabolically active tumor volumes delineation on emission images, which cannot
      be obtained through manual contouring. This clinical need has sprung a large
      number of methodological developments regarding automatic methods to define tumor
      volumes on PET images. This paper reviews most of the methodologies that have
      been recently proposed and discusses their framework and methodological and/or
      clinical validation. Perspectives regarding the future work to be done are also
      suggested.

PMID- 22041032
TI  - PARTNER B: where will it take us?
AB  - PARTNER trial, cohort B has taken our cardiovascular community to new heights in
      multidisciplinary collaboration while raising awareness in the primary care
      community regarding the shortcomings of noninterventional treatment of
      symptomatic AS. With a rate of death from any cause at 1 year that is 20% lower
      with transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) in comparison with standard
      medical therapy, TAVR should be considered the new standard of care for patients
      with AS who are not suitable candidates for surgery. Despite TAVR's initial
      success, this landmark trial leaves questions about durability, paravalvular
      regurgitation, and procedural complications unanswered. Nonetheless, TAVR is
      clearly and unequivocally a new and successful treatment for symptomatic AS.
      Complication rates in this early stage of experience with a first-generation
      device are much lower than many had expected, and will not prevent TAVR from
      moving steadily down the risk spectrum.

PMID- 22041033
TI  - Is the predictive ability of positron emission tomography after neoadjuvant
      treatment for esophageal cancer ready for prime-time?
AB  - Monjazeb et al performed a single-institution, retrospective study of 163
      patients with histologically confirmed stage I to IVa esophageal cancer to assess
      the utility of positron-emission tomography (PET) in delineating which patients
      would most likely benefit from esophagectomy after induction chemoradiation
      therapy. They found that patients who achieve a PET complete response after
      definitive chemoradiation therapy had similar outcomes to patients treated with
      trimodal therapy and concluded that patients who achieve a PET complete response
      after induction therapy may not benefit from esophagectomy. Though their study is
      interesting, their results should be validated by a prospective trial before they
      are incorporated into clinical practice.

PMID- 22041034
TI  - Retrieval practice as a means of primary learning: Socrates had the right idea.
AB  - In a recent publication, investigators examined the ways in which learners most
      effectively acquired new knowledge. The authors found that students achieved the
      most meaningful and long-lasting learning through retrieval practice, a method
      consisting of taking tests on the curricular material covered as part of the
      primary learning activity. The findings from this study may be useful in
      enhancing the ways that we prepare our surgical trainees. Further, these data
      have important implications as we consider our own processes for lifelong
      learning.

PMID- 22041035
TI  - Increasing the lung donor pool: recruitment of the gift of life.
AB  - Lungs suitable for organ donation are a scarce resource. Recent efforts with
      alternative ventilatory strategies have yielded promise to the potential
      expansion of lungs suitable for transplantation.

PMID- 22041030
TI  - Computational analysis of expression of human embryonic stem cell-associated
      signatures in tumors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The cancer stem cell model has been proposed based on the linkage
      between human embryonic stem cells and human cancer cells. However, the evidences
      supporting the cancer stem cell model remain to be collected. In this study, we
      extensively examined the expression of human embryonic stem cell-associated
      signatures including core genes, transcription factors, pathways and microRNAs in
      various cancers using the computational biology approach. RESULTS: We used the
      class comparison analysis and survival analysis algorithms to identify
      differentially expressed genes and their associated transcription factors,
      pathways and microRNAs among normal vs. tumor or good prognosis vs. poor
      prognosis phenotypes classes based on numerous human cancer gene expression data.
      We found that most of the human embryonic stem cell- associated signatures were
      frequently identified in the analysis, suggesting a strong linkage between human
      embryonic stem cells and cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS: The present study revealed
      the close linkage between the human embryonic stem cell associated gene
      expression profiles and cancer-associated gene expression profiles, and therefore
      offered an indirect support for the cancer stem cell theory. However, many
      interest issues remain to be addressed further.

PMID- 22041036
TI  - Surgical resection or stereotactic body radiation therapy in elderly patients
      with early-stage lung cancer: evolving treatment algorithms and a call for
      reliable comparisons.
AB  - David Palma and colleagues report on the impact of stereotactic body radiation
      therapy (SBRT) on treatment patterns of elderly patients in the Netherlands. This
      study, published recently in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, is a retrospective
      review of data collected by the Amsterdam Cancer Registry. This study highlights
      many of the difficulties encountered when comparing the effectiveness of surgical
      resection and SBRT.

PMID- 22041037
TI  - Killing two birds with one salicylate: aspirin's dual roles in preventative
      health.
AB  - In a recent article published in The Lancet, investigators studied the impact of
      daily aspirin use on subsequent cancer deaths. Utilizing data from more than
      25,000 patients enrolled in 8 large trials, which were originally intended to
      study the impact of daily aspirin use on the incidence of cardiovascular events,
      the authors found a substantial decrease in risk of fatal solid organ
      malignancies. In particular, the risk reduction was specific to adenocarcinomas.
      The findings from this study are highly relevant to the thoracic surgeon, with
      adenocarcinomas of the lung and esophagus among those tumors demonstrating the
      most profound risk reduction.

PMID- 22041038
TI  - The SYNTAX score and SYNTAX-based clinical risk scores.
AB  - Risk stratification is an important and essential component in appropriately
      informing patients electing to undergo coronary artery bypass graft or
      percutaneous coronary intervention. This process is an integral part of the
      SYNTAX pioneered Heart Team approach in selecting the most appropriate
      revascularization modality in patients with complex coronary artery disease. The
      SYNTAX score was pioneered as an anatomical-based risk score that aided in this
      decision-making process. The purpose of this review is to examine the SYNTAX
      score and subsequent risk models that have been developed on the basis of this
      landmark anatomical-based risk score.

PMID- 22041039
TI  - Quantitation of mitral regurgitation.
AB  - Mitral regurgitation (MR) is the most frequent valve disease. Nevertheless,
      evaluation of MR severity is difficult because standard color flow imaging is
      plagued by considerable pitfalls. Modern surgical indications in asymptomatic
      patients require precise assessment of MR severity. MR severity assessment is
      always comprehensive, utilizing all views and methods. Determining trivial/mild
      MR is usually easy, based on small jet and flow convergence. Specific signs of
      severe MR (pulmonary venous flow systolic reversal or severe mitral lesion) are
      useful but insensitive. Quantitative methods, quantitative Doppler (measuring
      stroke volumes) and flow convergence (aka PISA method), measure the lesion
      severity as effective regurgitant orifice (ERO) and volume overload as
      regurgitant volume (RVol). Interpretation of these numbers should be performed in
      context of specific MR type. In organic MR (intrinsic valve lesions) ERO >= 0.40
      cm(2) and RVol >= 60 mL are associated with poor outcome, while in functional MR
      ERO >= 0.20 cm(2) and RVol >= 30 mL mark reduced survival. While MR assessment
      should always be comprehensive, quantitative assessment of MR provides measures
      that are strongly predictive of outcome and should be the preferred approach. The
      ERO and RVol measured by these methods require interpretation in causal context
      to best predict outcome and determine MR management.

PMID- 22041040
TI  - The Ross procedure: state of the art 2011.
AB  - The purpose of this paper is to review the current literature and practice of the
      Ross concept of using the autologous pulmonary valve to replace a diseased aortic
      valve. The potential advantages and disadvantages of these operations will be
      evaluated in the context of alternative options and relative risks. The different
      surgical techniques of subcoronary and full root methods will be discussed and
      important technical aspects reviewed. Long-term outcomes will be described to the
      extent these are available, including recent publications describing a survival
      advantage for the Ross. Brief discussions will be presented regarding
      hemodynamics, child-bearing, endocarditis, and the use of the Ross in pediatric
      patients as well as biological adaptability of the living pulmonary autograft.

PMID- 22041041
TI  - Sex and gender in thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissection.
AB  - Disease of the aorta affects more than 40,000 Americans annually, with a portion
      of these presentations involving the thoracic aorta. Studies have revealed gender
      differences in the presentation, management, and outcome of patients with aortic
      disease. However, most of this work focuses on the abdominal aorta; the data are
      then extrapolated to the thorax. It is currently established that women with
      abdominal aortic disease have worse outcomes, are less likely to undergo surgical
      treatment, and have higher morbidity and mortality. Similar results are seen in
      the management of women with thoracic aortic dissection. Herein we review the
      issue of sex and gender differences in thoracic aortic disease.

PMID- 22041042
TI  - Sex and gender differences in coronary artery disease.
AB  - Significant sex differences exist between men and women with regard to coronary
      artery disease. Most notably, this lethal disease kills more women than men each
      year and remains the leading cause of death for both men and women. Women and men
      clearly have different risk profiles when diagnosed with coronary artery disease
      and fare much differently after myocardial infarction and coronary artery bypass
      grafting. This review summarizes the sex differences in clinical presentation,
      diagnosis, and the surgical treatment of coronary artery disease between men and
      women; and potential multifactorial reasons for sex disparities are suggested.

PMID- 22041043
TI  - The esophagus: do sex and gender matter?
AB  - The esophagus has a single rudimentary function of active transport of solids and
      liquids from the pharynx to the stomach and, rarely, venting of the stomach with
      retrograde passage of gastric contents into the pharynx. It is void of any
      digestive, absorptive, metabolic, or endocrine functions. Despite this simplicity
      of function, sex (biological and physiological characteristics, ie, male versus
      female) and gender (roles, behaviors, activities, and attributes that a given
      society considers appropriate, ie, man versus woman) differences exist in both
      normal esophageal function and esophageal disease. Some components of esophageal
      function are sex-dependent, and these differences must be considered in the
      interpretation of functional testing. In esophageal disease, particularly
      gastroesophageal reflux disease, Barrett esophagus, esophageal cancer, acquired
      immune deficiency syndrome, and scleroderma, there are sex and gender differences
      in the pathophysiology and response to treatment. Although discussions of
      treatment and outcomes might differ between the sexes and genders, there are no
      important data to support different care on the basis of sex or gender.

PMID- 22041044
TI  - Sex and gender differences in non-small cell lung cancer.
AB  - Historically, lung cancer has been viewed as a male disease, but during the past
      50 years there has been a dramatic increase in the incidence of lung cancer in
      women. Lung cancer is currently the most common cause of cancer death in American
      women, accounting for more than one quarter of all cancer deaths. This has been
      attributed to a significant increase in tobacco consumption by women; however,
      approximately 1 in 5 women with lung cancer never smoked. As the incidence of
      lung cancer in women has increased, significant gender-based differences in
      epidemiology, biology, and treatment responses have become evident and warrant
      further investigation to advance the treatment of lung cancer in all patients.

PMID- 22041045
TI  - Aortic valve sparing operations.
AB  - Aortic valve sparing operations were developed to preserve the aortic valve in
      patients with ascending aortic aneurysm and aortic insufficiency or patients with
      aortic root aneurysm. There are 2 types of aortic valve sparing operations,
      remodeling of the aortic root and reimplantation of the aortic valve. The author
      believes that remodeling of the aortic root is more appropriate for older
      patients with ascending aortic aneurysm, dilated aortic sinuses, and normal
      aortic annulus, whereas reimplantation of the aortic valve is more appropriate
      for young patients with aortic root aneurysm in whom dilation of the aortic
      annulus is commonly associated. Although remodeling of the aortic root has been
      extensively used in patients with aortic root aneurysm, the long-term results are
      somewhat inferior to reimplantation in most series. The late results of aortic
      valve sparing operations have been excellent, and these operations have become an
      important addition to the surgical armamentarium to treat patients with proximal
      aortic aneurysms.

PMID- 22041046
TI  - Aortic valve repair for leaflet prolapse.

PMID- 22041047
TI  - Introduction: esophageal stents for anastomotic leaks and perforations.

PMID- 22041048
TI  - Esophageal stent placement for the treatment of perforation, fistula, or
      anastomotic leak.

PMID- 22041049
TI  - Esophageal stents for leaks and perforations.
AB  - Stenting of esophageal leaks, ie, anastomotic leaks or perforations, might be a
      minimally invasive alternative to surgery in most clinical situations. However,
      it must be emphasized that surgery should be considered if stent treatment in
      combination with drainage and antibiotics does not improve the clinical condition
      of the patient. Stent insertion should be performed as soon as possible after
      diagnosis of the leak.

PMID- 22041050
TI  - Esophageal stents for leaks and perforations.

PMID- 22041051
TI  - Introduction: thoracoscopic basilar segmentectomy.

PMID- 22041052
TI  - Characteristics of the pain observed in the focal vulvodynia syndrome (VVS).
AB  - Symptoms and signs of patients with focal vulvodynia or vulvo-vestibulitis
      syndrome (VVS) are variable in location and severity. It is not known whether the
      location of the most severe pain in the vestibulum is linked to the complaints
      and perhaps a different entity. A clinical gut feeling suggests that two distinct
      varieties of focal vulvodynia may be either focused at 2 points (5 and 7 o'
      clock) or at 4 points (5, 7, 1 and 11 o' clock). A questionnaire was filled out
      by 30 women with focal vulvodynia during 147 visits and checked for completeness
      by an independent study nurse. Another investigator to evaluated the clinical
      signs of VVS, blinded to the patients history or complaints. The visual analogue
      score (VAS) of pain experienced upon attempt of sexual contact was used as a
      marker of severity. Focal vulvar pain was assessed using Q-tip with a score from
      1 to 10 on 7 areas of the vestibulum. Besides pain during sexual contact, 47%
      also had pain on inserting a tampon. More than 40% of women suffer since more
      than 3 years, 70% had to interrupt the act of sexual intercourse mostly or always
      due to unbearable pain and 25% never had satisfactory sex due to this pain.
      Feeling deep pain, burning lasting for 12-24h after sexual contact, and stopping
      the attempt of intercourse were more prominent in women with high pain scores
      (VAS): 26% of women with VAS>7 had no sex during the last year versus 6% in the
      group with low pain score (p=0.004). Patients suffering from para-urethral pain
      zones at 1 and 11 o' clock, have more often pain upon deep penetration, and
      experienced more pain when inserting tampons than patients with only painful
      areas at 5 and 7 o' clock (p=0.001). We conclude that patients with severe
      disease display a different panel of complaints than women with less pain.
      Patients with focal pain at 1 and 11 o' clock have more deep pain sensations, but
      feel less pain during insertion of tampons. Hence disease with bi-focal disease
      may have a different ethiopathogenesis that 4-focal disease. Glands of Bartholin
      and Skene may be involved in this pathogenenis.

PMID- 22041053
TI  - Common psychotic symptoms can be explained by the theory of ecological
      perception.
AB  - The symptoms of psychiatric illness are diverse, as are the causes of the
      conditions that cause them. Yet, regardless of the heterogeneity of cause and
      presentation, a great deal of symptoms can be explained by the failure of a
      single perceptual function--the reprocessing of ecological perception. It is a
      central tenet of the ecological theory of perception that we perceive
      opportunities to act. It has also been found that perception automatically causes
      actions and thoughts to occur unless this primary action pathway is inhibited.
      Inhibition allows perceptions to be reprocessed into more appropriate alternative
      actions and thoughts. Reprocessing of this kind takes place over the entire
      frontal lobe and it renders action optional. Choice about what action to take (if
      any) is the basis for the feeling of autonomy and ultimately for the sense-of
      self. When thoughts and actions occur automatically (without choice) they appear
      to originate outside of the self, thereby providing prima facie evidence for some
      of the bizarre delusions that define schizophrenia such as delusional
      misidentification, delusions of control and Cotard's delusion. Automatic actions
      and thoughts are triggered by residual stimulation whenever reprocessing is
      insufficient to balance automatic excitatory cues (for whatever reason). These
      may not be noticed if they are neutral and therefore unimportant or where actions
      and thoughts have a positive bias and are desirable. Responses to negative
      stimulus, on the other hand, are always unwelcome, because the actions that are
      triggered will carry the negative bias. Automatic thoughts may include
      spontaneous positive feelings of love and joy, but automatic negative thoughts
      and visualisations are experienced as hallucinations. Not only do these feel like
      they emerge from elsewhere but they carry a negative bias (they are most commonly
      critical, rude and are irrationally paranoid). Automatic positive actions may
      include laughter and smiling and these are welcome. Automatic behaviours that
      carry a negative bias, however, are unwelcome and like hallucinations, occur
      without a sense of choice. These include crying, stereotypies, perseveration,
      ataxia, utilization and imitation behaviours and catatonia.

PMID- 22041054
TI  - Complete mitochondrial genome sequences of three bats species and whole genome
      mitochondrial analyses reveal patterns of codon bias and lend support to a basal
      split in Chiroptera.
AB  - Order Chiroptera is a unique group of mammals whose members have attained self
      powered flight as their main mode of locomotion. Much speculation persists
      regarding bat evolution; however, lack of sufficient molecular data hampers
      evolutionary and conservation studies. Of ~1200 species, complete mitochondrial
      genome sequences are available for only eleven. Additional sequences should be
      generated if we are to resolve many questions concerning these fascinating
      mammals. Herein, we describe the complete mitochondrial genomes of three bats:
      Corynorhinus rafinesquii, Lasiurus borealis and Artibeus lituratus. We also
      compare the currently available mitochondrial genomes and analyze codon usage in
      Chiroptera. C. rafinesquii, L. borealis and A. lituratus mitochondrial genomes
      are 16438 bp, 17048 bp and 16709 bp, respectively. Genome organization and gene
      arrangements are similar to other bats. Phylogenetic analyses using complete
      mitochondrial genome sequences support previously established phylogenetic
      relationships and suggest utility in future studies focusing on the evolutionary
      aspects of these species. Comprehensive analyses of available bat mitochondrial
      genomes reveal distinct nucleotide patterns and synonymous codon preferences
      corresponding to different chiropteran families. These patterns suggest that
      mutational and selection forces are acting to different extents within Chiroptera
      and shape their mitochondrial genomes.

PMID- 22041055
TI  - Cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of six herbal plants against the human
      hepatocarcinoma (HepG2) cell line.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Six plants from Thailand were evaluated for their cytotoxicity and
      apoptosis induction in human hepatocarcinoma (HepG2) as compared to normal
      African green monkey kidney epithelial cell lines. METHODS: Ethanol-water crude
      extracts of the six plants were tested with neutral red assay for their
      cytotoxicity after 24 hours of exposure to the cells. Apoptotic induction was
      tested in the HepG2 cells with diamidino-2-phenylindole staining. DNA
      fragmentation, indicative of apoptosis, was analyzed with agarose gel
      electrophoresis. Alkylation, indicative of DNA damage, was also evaluated in
      vitro by 4-(4'-nitrobenzyl) pyridine assay. RESULTS: The extract of Pinus kesiya
      showed the highest selectivity (selectivity index = 9.6) and potent cytotoxicity
      in the HepG2 cell line, with an IC50 value of 52.0 +/- 5.8 MUg/ml (mean +/-
      standard deviation). Extract of Catimbium speciosum exerted cytotoxicity with an
      IC50 value of 55.7 +/- 8.1 MUg/ml. Crude extracts from Glochidion daltonii,
      Cladogynos orientalis, Acorus tatarinowii and Amomum villosum exhibited
      cytotoxicity with IC50 values ranging 100-500 MUg/ml. All crude extracts showed
      different alkylating abilities in vitro. Extracts of P. kesiya, C. speciosum and
      C. orientalis caused nuclei morphological changes and DNA laddering. CONCLUSION:
      The extracts of C. speciosum, C. orientalis and P. kesiya induced apoptosis.
      Among the three plants, P. kesiya possessed the most robust anticancer activity,
      with specific selectivity against HepG2 cells.

PMID- 22041056
TI  - Polymersome surface decoration by an EGFP fusion protein employing Cecropin A as
      peptide "anchor".
AB  - Polymer based nanocompartments have potential applications in synthetic biology,
      medicine (drug release) and industrial biotechnology (chiral nanoreactors,
      multistep syntheses, selective product recovery). A step towards the
      aforementioned goals is the polymer membrane functionalization through covalent
      bonding of chemical anchors or insertion of proteins/peptides, to obtain specific
      properties like recognition, catalytic activity and facilitated diffusion,
      mimicking the complexity of a biological membrane. The use of genetic engineering
      techniques widens the possible applications of peptides and proteins specifically
      designed for polymer membrane interactions. A fusion protein (CecEGFP) based on
      the antibacterial peptide Cecropin A and the EGFP (Enhanced Green Fluorescent
      Protein) was designed, expressed and biophysically characterized. CecEGFP
      interaction with the tri-block copolymer PIB-PEG-PIB (PIB=polyisobutylene,
      PEG=polyethylene glycol) based polymersome membrane was analyzed by circular
      dichroism as well as EGFP and Trp fluorescence measurements. Results proved that
      Cecropin A is usable as a "membrane surface anchor" for water soluble proteins,
      as it inserts into the polymer membrane. The aim and novelty of this study is
      within the design of fusion proteins specifically developed for polymer membrane
      interactions. The use of amphiphilic Cecropin A "anchoring" water soluble
      proteins to the polymersome surface, avoids chemical coupling between polymers
      and proteins.

PMID- 22041057
TI  - Pyrrolamide DNA gyrase inhibitors: optimization of antibacterial activity and
      efficacy.
AB  - The pyrrolamides are a new class of antibacterial agents targeting DNA gyrase, an
      essential enzyme across bacterial species and inhibition results in the
      disruption of DNA synthesis and subsequently, cell death. The optimization of
      biochemical activity and other drug-like properties through substitutions to the
      pyrrole, piperidine, and heterocycle portions of the molecule resulted in
      pyrrolamides with improved cellular activity and in vivo efficacy.

PMID- 22041058
TI  - Arylsulfonamidopiperidone derivatives as a novel class of factor Xa inhibitors.
AB  - The design, synthesis and SAR of a novel class of valerolactam-based
      arylsulfonamides as potent and selective FXa inhibitors is reported. The
      arylsulfonamide-valerolactam scaffold was derived based on the proposed
      bioisosterism to the arylcyanoguanidine-caprolactam core in known FXa inhibitors.
      The SAR study led to compound 46 as the most potent FXa inhibitor in this series,
      with an IC(50) of 7 nM and EC(2*PT) of 1.7 MUM. The X-ray structure of compound
      40 bound to FXa shows that the sulfonamide-valerolactam scaffold anchors the aryl
      group in the S1 and the novel acylcytisine pharmacophore in the S4 pockets.

PMID- 22041059
TI  - Synthesis and growth regulatory activity of a prototype member of a new family of
      aminothiol radioprotectors.
AB  - The synthesis, growth inhibition and radioprotective activity of the PrC-210
      aminothiol, 3-(methylamino)-2-((methylamino)methyl)propane-1-thiol, and its
      polyamine and thiolated polyamine progenitors are reported. All of the molecules
      significantly inhibited growth of cultured normal human fibroblasts. The
      combination of an ROS-scavenging thiol group and a positively charged alkyl-amine
      backbone provided the most radioprotective aminothiol molecule.

PMID- 22041060
TI  - 2,7-Pyrrolo[2,1-f][1,2,4]triazines as JAK2 inhibitors: modification of target
      structure to minimize reactive metabolite formation.
AB  - The JAK2/STAT pathway has important roles in hematopoiesis. With the discovery of
      the JAK2 V617F mutation and its presence in many patients with myeloproliferative
      neoplasms, research in the JAK2 inhibitor arena has dramatically increased. We
      report a novel series of potent JAK2 inhibitors containing a 2,7-pyrrolotriazine
      core. To minimize potential drug-induced toxicity, targets were analyzed for the
      ability to form a glutathione adduct. Glutathione adduct formation was decreased
      by modification of the aniline substituent at C2.

PMID- 22041061
TI  - Synthesis of locked pyranosyl nucleic acid (LpNA).
AB  - A new locked pyranosyl nucleoside was synthesized by phenylsulfinyl-assisted
      chemistry. The novel building block was inserted into oligonucleotides and
      provides new insight on conformational restricted pyranosyl nucleosides on duplex
      formation.

PMID- 22041062
TI  - Synthetase polyspecificity as a tool to modulate protein function.
AB  - The site-specific incorporation of unnatural amino acids (UAAs) into proteins in
      bacteria is made possible by the evolution of aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases that
      selectively recognize and aminoacylate the amino acid of interest. Recently we
      have discovered that some of the previously evolved aaRSs display a degree of
      polyspecificity and are capable of recognizing multiple UAAs. Herein we report
      the polyspecificity of an aaRS evolved to encode a comarin containing amino acid.
      This polyspecificity was then exploited to introduce several UAAs into the
      fluorophore of GFP, altering its photophysical properties.

PMID- 22041063
TI  - Carbamates of 4'-demethyl-4-deoxypodophyllotoxin: synthesis, cytotoxicity and
      cell cycle effects.
AB  - In an attempt to generate compounds with superior bioactivity and reduced
      toxicity, 12 carbamates of 4'-demethyl-4-deoxypodophyllotoxin, N-(1-oxyl-4'
      demethyl- 4-deoxypodophyllic)-alpha-amino acids amides, were synthesized and
      evaluated for antiproliferative activity and cell cycle effects. These
      synthesized compounds proved to be more hydrophilic, as well as improved or
      comparable in vitro cytotoxicities against four cell lines (A-549, HeLa, SiHa,
      and HL-60) compared with either parent DPT or anti-cancer drug VP-16.
      Furthermore, flow cytometric analysis exhibited that N-(1-oxyl-4'-demethyl-4
      deoxypodophyllic)-d-alpha-methine amide (15f) induced cell cycle arrest in the
      G2/M phase in A-549 cells.

PMID- 22041064
TI  - Butamben derivatives enhance BMP-2-stimulated commitment of C2C12 cells into
      osteoblasts with induction of voltage-gated potassium channel expression.
AB  - As the primary step for 'drug repositioning', we evaluated the effect of 2000
      drugs and drug candidates on the commitment of bi-potential mesenchymal precursor
      C2C12 cells into osteoblasts in the presence of bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)
      2 and found that butamben enhanced BMP-2-stimulated induction of alkaline
      phosphatase, a biomarker of osteoblastogenesis. Investigating the underlying
      mechanism of its anabolic actions, we found anabolic action of its derivative
      (compound 4) relies on BMP-2 signaling and mRNA induction of BMPs and voltage
      gated potassium channels.

PMID- 22041065
TI  - Flavonol glycosides from Epimedium pubescens.
AB  - Five new flavonol glycosides (1, 3, 5-7) were isolated from the aerial parts of
      Epimedium pubescens Maxim., along with two known compounds, sagittasine C (2) and
      4',5-dihydroxyl-8-(3,3-dimethylallyl)-flavonol 3-O-[beta-D-xylopyranosyl(1->3)-4
      O-acetyl-alpha-L-rhamnopyranoside]-7-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (4). The structures
      were elucidated on the basis of their 1D-, 2D-NMR, MS, UV and IR spectra data.

PMID- 22041066
TI  - Simultaneous determination of ten flavonoids from Viscum coloratum grown on
      different host species and different sources by LC-MS.
AB  - A high-performance liquid chromatographic-mass spectrometric method was developed
      for the simultaneous determination of 10 flavonoids in Viscum coloratum obtained
      from different host species and different sources. Viscum coloratum was extracted
      with 50% methanol. The extracts were separated on a C(18) column with a gradient
      of 0.1% (v/v) formic acid and methanol. The flavonoids in the extracts were
      detected by negative electrospray ionization mass spectrometry in selective ion
      monitoring mode. The calibration curves showed good linearity (r>0.998) within
      the test ranges (homoeriodictyol: 0.149-8.940 ug/ml, homoeriodictyol-7-O-beta-D
      glycoside: 0.230-13.80 ug/ml, homoeriodictyol-7-O-beta-D-apiose (1->2)-beta-D
      glycoside: 5.000-300.0 ug/ml, homoeriodictyol-7-O-beta-D-apiose (1->5)-beta-D
      apiose (1->2)-beta-D-glycoside: 0.835-125.3 ug/ml, rhamnazin-3-O-beta-D
      glucoside: 0.064-3.840 ug/ml, rhamnazin-3-O-beta-D-(6"-beta-hydroxy-beta
      methyglutaryl)-glucoside: 1.435-86.10 ug/ml, isorhamnetin-3-O-beta-D-glucoside:
      0.930-55.80 ug/ml, 5-hydroxy-3,7,3'-trimethoxyflavone-4'-O-beta-D-glucoside:
      0.067-4.020 ug/ml, 5,7,4'-trihydroxy-3,3'-dimethoxyflavone: 0.270-16.20 ug/ml,
      pachypodol: 0.110-6.600 ug/ml). The limits of quantification were between 0.006
      0.720 ug/ml. The assay was reproducible and the overall intra- and inter-day
      variations were less than 4.6%. The recoveries varied from 93.4 to 103.9% at
      three different concentration levels. The validation method was used to determine
      the contents of 10 flavonoids in Viscum coloratum. A one-way analysis of variance
      was applied to evaluate Viscum coloratum-host-source interactions. Compared with
      the host species, the sample source had a significant impact on the sample
      content.

PMID- 22041067
TI  - Oleanene glycosides of the aerial parts and seeds of Bupleurum falcatum and the
      aerial parts of Bupleurum rotundifolium, and their evaluation as anti-hepatitis
      agents.
AB  - To facilitate effective resource utilization, we have investigated triterpene
      saponins such as saikosaponin from the aerial parts of Bupleurum (B.) falcatum
      L., which are commonly discarded. Seven oleanene saponins were isolated from this
      plant; they were classified as the 13,28-epoxy type, 12-ene type, 9(11),12-diene
      type, and 28-acid type on the basis of their structural characteristics. For
      comparison, we also examined the oleanene saponins of the seeds of B. falcatum
      and the aerial parts of B. rotundifolium L. to obtain seven saponins and one
      sapogenol from the former and thirteen oleanene saponins from the latter. Several
      compounds obtained from them were investigated for their hepatoprotective
      activity and hepatotoxicity. The 13,28-epoxy type saponins had
      hepatoprotectivity. Ursane type showed hepatotoxicity from middle concentration.
      The 11,13(18)-diene type saponins did not express hepatoprotective activity. The
      28-acid type saponin which has a glucosyl carboxy group showed hepatoprotective
      action.

PMID- 22041068
TI  - Garlicnin A from the fraction regulating macrophage activation of Allium sativum.
AB  - Garlicnin A (1), a new stable, sulfur-containing compound isolated from a
      fraction of the acetone extracts of Allium sativum L. garlic bulbs, showed the
      potential to suppress tumor cell proliferation by inhibiting the polarization of
      M2 alternatively activated macrophages, and its structure was characterized as
      3,4-dimethyl-5-(4,5-dithia-1E,7-octadiene)-tetrahydrothiophene-2-sulfoxide-S
      oxide, on the basis of the results of spectroscopic analysis results.

PMID- 22041069
TI  - Neolignans from Schisandra wilsoniana and their anti-human immunodeficiency virus
      1 activities.
AB  - Four new neolignans, marphenols G-J (1-4), together with two known ones, were
      isolated from the leaves and stems of Schisandra wilsoniana. The structures of 1
      4 were elucidated by spectroscopic methods, including extensive 1D- and 2D-NMR
      techniques. New compounds 1-4 were tested for their anti-human immunodeficiency
      virus (HIV)-1 activities and they showed weak bioactivities.

PMID- 22041070
TI  - Three new nortriterpene glycosides and two new triterpene glycosides from the
      bulbs of Scilla scilloides.
AB  - Three new norlanostane-type triterpene glycosides, scillanostasides A, B, and C,
      and two new lanostane-type triterpene glycosides, scillanostasides D and E, were
      isolated from the bulbs of Scilla scilloides Druce (Liliaceae) along with one
      known norlanostane-type triterpene heptaglycoside, scillascilloside G-1. Their
      chemical structures were determined on the basis of spectroscopic data as well as
      chemical evidence.

PMID- 22041071
TI  - Photochemical cleavage reaction of 8-quinolinyl sulfonates that are halogenated
      and nitrated at the 7-position.
AB  - Photochemical bond-cleavage reactions are potentially useful in chemistry,
      bioorganic chemistry and medicinal chemistry. We previously reported on a
      photochemical cleavage reaction of 8-quinolinyl sulfonate (8-QS) derivatives in
      aqueous solution at neutral pH, which we proposed to proceed via an excited
      triplet state. In this report, we report on the synthesis of some new
      photocleavable 8-QS derivatives, in which halogen atoms or a nitro group was
      introduced at the 7-position, in an attempt to improve photoreactive properties
      and to produce a red-shift in the irradiation wavelength. The introduction of
      bromine and iodine resulted in an acceleration in the photoreaction by about 1.5
      times, possibly due to a heavy atom effect. It was also found that 7-nitro-8-QS
      absorbs at >360 nm, and, as a result, the S-O bond of this compound can be
      cleaved by photoirradiation with a fluorescent lamp in aqueous solution and on
      silicon surface.

PMID- 22041072
TI  - Androgen receptor antagonists and anti-prostate cancer activities of some
      synthesized steroidal candidates.
AB  - In continuation of our previous work, a novel series of steroid derivatives were
      synthesized and their androgen receptor (AR) antagonist activities and in vivo
      antiandrogenic properties were evaluated. Twenty-one heterocyclic derivatives
      containing a cyanopyrane ring fused to a steroidal moiety were conveniently
      synthesized and screened for their antagonistic, antiandrogen and prostate
      anticancer activities comparable to that of bicalutamide as the reference
      control. Some of the compounds exhibited better antagonistic, antiandrogen and
      prostate anticancer activities than the reference controls. Initially the acute
      toxicity of the compounds was assayed via the determination of their LD(50).
      Synthetic steroidal structures fused to a substituted cyanopyrane ring seem to be
      a promising approach in the search for novel leads for potent antagonistic,
      antiandrogen and prostate anticancer agents.

PMID- 22041073
TI  - Discovery of a novel acyl-CoA: cholesterol acyltransferase inhibitor: the
      synthesis, biological evaluation, and reduced adrenal toxicity of (4
      phenylcoumarin)acetanilide derivatives with a carboxylic acid moiety.
AB  - As a part of our research for novel potent and orally available acyl-CoA:
      cholesterol acyltransferase (ACAT) inhibitors that can be used as anti
      atherosclerotic agents, we recently reported the discovery of the (4
      phenylcoumarine)acetanilide derivative 1. However, compound 1 showed adrenal
      toxicity in animal models. In order to search for safer ACAT inhibitors that do
      not have adrenal toxicity, we examined the inhibitory activity of ACAT in human
      macrophage and adrenal cells. The introduction of a carboxylic acid moiety on the
      pendant phenyl ring and the adjustment of the lipophilicity led to the discovery
      of (2E)-3-[7-chloro-3-[2-[[4-fluoro-2-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]amino]-2-oxoethyl]
      6-methyl-2-oxo-2H-chromen-4-yl]phenyl]acrylic acid (21e), which showed potent
      ACAT inhibitory activity in macrophages and a selectivity of around 30-fold over
      adrenal cells. In addition, compound 21e showed high adrenal safety in guinea
      pigs.

PMID- 22041074
TI  - Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of 1-alkyl-N-[(1R)-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-2
      methylpropyl]piperidine-4-carboxamide derivatives as novel antihypertensive
      agents.
AB  - We synthesized and evaluated inhibitory activity against T-type Ca(2+) channels
      for a series of 1-alkyl-N-[(1R)-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-methylpropyl]piperidine-4
      carboxamide derivatives. Structure-activity relationship studies have revealed
      that the isopropyl substituent at the benzylic position plays an important role
      in exerting potent inhibitory activity, and the absolute configuration of the
      benzylic position was found to be opposite that of mibefradil, which was first
      launched as a new class of T-type Ca(2+) channel blocker. Oral administration of
      N-[(1R)-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-methylpropyl]-1-[2-(3-methoxyphenyl)ethyl]piperidine
      4-carboxamide (17f) lowered blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats
      without inducing reflex tachycardia, an adverse effect often caused by
      traditional L-type Ca(2+) channel blockers.

PMID- 22041075
TI  - Antitumor effect of liposomal histone deacetylase inhibitor-lipid conjugates in
      vitro.
AB  - Histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACI), suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA),
      approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of cutaneous
      T cell lymphoma, is a promising new treatment strategy for various cancers. In
      this study, we hypothesized that a liposomal formulation of HDACI might
      efficiently deliver HDACI into tumors. To incorporate HDACI efficiently into the
      liposomal membrane, we synthesized six HDACI-lipid conjugates, in which
      polyethylene glycol(2000) (PEG(2000))-lipid or cholesterol (Chol) was linked with
      a potent hydroxamic acid, HDACI, SAHA or K-182, by cleavable linkers, such as
      ester, carbamide and disulfide bonds. Liposomal HDACI-lipid conjugates were
      prepared with distearoylphosphatidylcholine (DSPC) and HDACI-Chol conjugate or
      with DSPC, Chol and HDACI-PEG-lipid conjugates, and their cytotoxicities were
      evaluated for human cervix tumor HeLa and mouse colon tumor Colon 26 cells. Among
      the liposomes, liposomal oleyl-PEG(2000)-SAHA conjugated with SAHA and oleyl
      PEG(2000) via a carbamate linker showed higher cytotoxicity via hyperacetylation
      of histone H3 and induction of caspase 3/7 activity. These results suggested that
      liposomal HDACI-lipid conjugates may be a potential tool for cancer therapy.

PMID- 22041076
TI  - Two new flavone C-glycosides from Trollius ledebourii.
AB  - Two new flavone C-glycosides, trollisin A (1) and trollisin B (2), along with
      seven known flavonoids, isoswertisin (3), isoswertiajaponin (4), orientin (5), 2"
      O-beta-L-galactopyranosylvitexin (6), 2"-O-beta-L-galactopyranosylorientin (7),
      neodiosmin (8) and acacetin-7-O-neohesperidoside (9) were isolated from the
      flowers of Trollius ledebourii REICHB. The structures of the new compounds were
      elucidated based on spectral analysis, including MS, 1D- and 2D-NMR
      experimentation.

PMID- 22041077
TI  - Chemical constituents from Sambucus adnata and their protein-tyrosine phosphatase
      1B inhibitory activities.
AB  - The MeOH extract from the whole plants of Sambucus adnata has shown significant
      protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) inhibitory activity. Chemical study on
      the extract resulted in the isolation of thirteen compounds, including a novel
      triterpene (1). The structure of 1 was determined to be 1alpha,3beta-dihydroxy
      urs-12-en-11-one-3-yl palmitate on the basis of extensive spectroscopic analyses.
      Among the isolated compounds, ursolic acid, oleanolic acid and (+/-)-boehmenan
      showed the most potent PTP1B inhibitory activity in vitro with the IC(50) values
      of 4.1, 14.4 and 43.5 um, respectively. The kinetic analysis indicated that (+/-)
      boehmenan inhibits PTP1B activity in a competitive manner.

PMID- 22041078
TI  - Adsorption of cadmium ions by wheat bran treated with pectinase.
AB  - In this study, we investigated the surface properties of raw wheat bran (R-WB)
      and wheat bran treated with Pectinase PL (P-WB) to evaluating its efficacy for
      removal of cadmium from waste water. The concentration of cadmium ions adsorbed
      by them was evaluated. The concentration of carboxyl groups of R-WB (3.56 mmol/g)
      was greater than that of P-WB (2.11 mmol/g), which indicated that the pectin of R
      WB was broken down, resulting in a decrease in the concentration of carboxyl
      groups due to the enzyme treatment. From the scanning electron microscope (SEM)
      images of P-WB, the pores were newly generated with enzyme treatment. The
      concentration of cadmium ions adsorbed onto R-WB was greater than that of cadmium
      ions adsorbed onto P-WB. These results show that the adsorption mechanism of
      cadmium ions onto R-WB and P-WB depends on the carboxyl groups of pectin.

PMID- 22041079
TI  - New solanocapsine-type tomato glycoside from ripe fruit of Solanum lycopersicum.
AB  - A new solanocapsine-type tomato glycoside, a novel and interesting natural
      steroidal glycoside, was isolated from a mini tomato, Solanum lycopersicum L. The
      chemical structure of the new minor glycoside, esculeoside B-5 (3), was
      determined to be (5S,22R,23S,24R,25S)-22,26-epimino-16beta,23-epoxy-3beta,23,24
      trihydroxycholestane 3-O-beta-lycotetraoside.

PMID- 22041080
TI  - Efficient improved extraction of tomato saponin using shock waves.
AB  - In the conventional method of mixer blending extraction, the yields of the tomato
      saponin, esculeoside A, in the mini and middy tomatoes were found to be 0.043%
      and 0.046%, respectively. In order to improve the yields, we attempted a more
      efficient extraction using shock waves. The yields of esculeoside A were 0.0987%
      in air after 1 shock, 0.0792% in air after two shots, 0.0648% in half water after
      1 or 2 shocks, and 0.0599% in water after 1 or 2 shocks. The yields obtained by
      the proposed method were approximately twice those of the conventional mixer
      blending method; therefore, this method is regarded to be very efficient.
      Moreover, two spirosolane glycosides, tomatine and lycoperoside A, were obtained
      for the first time from the ripe tomato fruit in this method. To date, these
      compounds have not been obtained with the mixer blending method. However, whether
      these glycosides are produced from esculeoside A or are newly extracted from the
      plant organ by the shock wave is still unclear.

PMID- 22041081
TI  - New cannabinoid-like chromane and chromene derivatives from Rhododendron
      anthopogonoides.
AB  - Two new cannabinoid-like chromane and chromene derivatives named
      anthopogocyclolic acid (1) and anthopogochromenic acid (2) and five related
      compounds (3-7) which are known as synthetic analogues of cannabinoids:
      cannabichromene (CBC) type, cannabicyclol (CBL) type, and cannabicitran (CBT)
      type, have been isolated together with geranyl orsellinic acid (8) from the
      Chinese medicinal plant Rhododendron anthopogonoides. Their structures were
      elucidated based on spectroscopic and chemical evidence. The absolute
      configuration of the asymmetric carbons at C-2 of 1-7 was determined to be S from
      their circular dichroism (CD) spectra. Compounds 2, 4 and 6 inhibited compound
      48/80-induced histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells.

PMID- 22041082
TI  - Cytotoxicity of new 5-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-1,3,4-thiadiazole analogues.
AB  - A series of 5-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-1,3,4-thiadiazoles were synthesized and their
      cytotoxicity was examined against four human cancer cell lines, e.g. lung cancer
      (A549), ovarian cancer (SK-OV-3), skin cancer (SK-MEL-2), and colon cancer
      (HCT15). The title compounds were synthesized by condensation of
      thiosemicarbazide with substituted benzaldehydes, followed by cyclization with
      acetic anhydrides in good yields. Most of the compounds exhibited significant
      suppressive activity against the growth of all of the cancer cell lines. The 4
      hydroxy analogue of 5-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-1,3,4-thiadiazole (2h) was most active
      in the inhibition of growth of the SK-MEL-2 cell line, with an IC(50) value of
      4.27 ug/ml; followed by compound 2a (IC(50) 5.16 ug/ml). The compounds 2j, 2h,
      and 2b, bearing 3-methoxy-4-hydroxy-, 4-hydroxy- and 4-methyl substituents in the
      C-5 phenyl ring respectively, exhibited the highest activity against the SK-OV-3
      (IC(50) 7.35 ug/ml), HCT15 (IC(50) 8.25 ug/ml) and A549 (IC(50) 9.40 ug/ml) cell
      lines, respectively. A structure-activity relationship study revealed that an
      optimal electron density on the C-5 phenyl ring of 1,3,4-thiadiazoles is crucial
      for their cytotoxic activity against the human cancer cell lines used in the
      present study.

PMID- 22041083
TI  - Oleanolic triterpene saponins from the roots of Panax bipinnatifidus.
AB  - Ten oleanane-type saponins (1-10), including three new compounds, namely
      bifinosides A-C (1-3), were isolated from the roots of Panax bipinnatifidus SEEM.
      Their structures were elucidated on the basis of chemical and spectroscopic
      methods.

PMID- 22041084
TI  - Secolignans, neolignans and phenylpropanoids from Daphne feddei and their
      biological activities.
AB  - Two new secolignans and one new neolignan, named feddeiphenols A-C (1-3),
      together with eight known compounds (4-11), were isolated from the leaves and
      stems of Daphne feddei. Their structures were established on the base of
      spectroscopic methods, mainly extensive NMR, UV spectroscopy, and MS
      spectrometry. Compounds 1-11 were tested for their anti-human immunodeficiency
      virus (HIV)-1 activity and cytotoxicity. The results revealed that compounds 1,
      2, 3, 7, and 9 showed therapeutic index (TI) values above 30, respectively, and
      the other compounds also showed weak anti-HIV-1 activity. Compound 1 showed
      modest cytotoxic activity. The other compounds also showed weak cytotoxic
      activity.

PMID- 22041085
TI  - Bioactive phenolic constituents from the seeds of Pharbitis nil.
AB  - Two new lignans, termed pharsyringaresinol (1) and pharbilignoside (2), a new
      phenylethanoid glycoside, termed pharbiniloside (3), and 22 known compounds, were
      isolated from the ethanol extract of the seeds of Pharbitis nil. The structures
      of the new compounds (1-3) were determined on the basis of spectroscopic
      analyses, including 2D-NMR and circular dichroism (CD) spectroscopy studies.
      Among the isolates, compounds 2, 11, 12, and 24 exhibited significant
      cytotoxicity against human tumor cell lines (A549, SK-OV-3, SK-MEL-2, and HCT-15)
      with IC(50) values ranging from 8.07 to 28.30 uM. In addition, compounds 11, 12
      and 24 potently inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide
      (LPS)-activated BV-2 cells, a microglia cells with IC(50) values ranging from
      14.7 to 19.9 uM.

PMID- 22041086
TI  - Sesquiterpenes from the secondary metabolites of Streptomyces sp. (YIM 56130).
AB  - Three new sesquiterpenes were isolated from the fermentation broth of
      Streptomyces sp. and their structures were determined as caryolane-1,7alpha-diol
      (1), 1,6,11-eudesmanetriol; (1alpha,6beta)-form (2), 11-eudesmene-1,6-diol;
      (1alpha,6beta)-form (3), together with nine known compounds as caryolane-1,9alpha
      diol (4), 2-methyl-5-nonanol (5), soyasaponin I (6), cyclo (Ala-Leu) (7),
      homononatinic acid (8), beta-sitosteryl glucoside-3'-O-heptadecoicate (9), 2'
      deoxythymidine (10), 2'-deoxyuridine (11), trehalose (12). The structures were
      elucidated by spectral analysis.

PMID- 22041087
TI  - Ethnicity differences in child and parental outcomes following involvement the
      PACE program.
AB  - This study investigated ethnic differences in the extent to which engagement
      (i.e., attendance and quality of participation) in the PACE (Parenting our
      Children to Excellence) program predicted positive child and parent outcomes.
      PACE is an 8-week preventive intervention aimed at parents of preschool children.
      The study investigated the relation of engagement to outcomes in an ethnically
      diverse sample of 298 African American and 280 European American parents. Overall
      results demonstrated that engagement in PACE significantly improved child and
      parent outcomes for both African American and European American participants.
      Some improvements were evident at post-assessment already and were maintained or
      became stronger at a one-year follow-up assessment, whereas others only became
      evident at follow-up. Specifically, results revealed that attendance in PACE
      significantly improved child coping competence and parenting stress for both the
      African American and European American samples. PACE attendance also
      significantly improved child behavior problems, parental satisfaction and
      parental efficacy for the European American sample. Findings indicate that PACE
      is a promising intervention for parents of African American and Caucasian
      preschoolers; although further research and program refinement is necessary in
      order to understand the mechanisms with the PACE intervention that seem to vary
      for African American compared to Caucasian families.

PMID- 22041088
TI  - Determination of the new anthelmintic monepantel and its sulfone metabolite in
      milk and muscle using a UHPLC-MS/MS and QuEChERS method.
AB  - This is the first paper to report a method for the detection of the new
      anthelmintic monepantel and its sulfone metabolite in goat's milk and ovine
      muscle. Samples were extracted and purified using a modified QuEChERS method. A
      concentration step was included when analyzing in the low MUg kg(-1) range.
      Analysis was carried out by ultra high performance liquid chromatography-tandem
      mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) in a 13min run time using atmospheric pressure
      electrospray ionisation in the negative mode (ESI(-)) and multiple reaction
      monitoring (MRM) scanning. Monepantel (m/z 472) and monepantel-sulfone (m/z 504)
      both had product ions at m/z 186 and m/z 166. The method has been single
      laboratory validated according to the 2002/657/EC guidelines. The mean recovery
      in milk was 108 and 106% for monepantel and monepantel-sulfone, respectively. The
      mean recovery in muscle was 109 and 108% for monepantel and monepantel-sulfone,
      respectively. The coefficients of variation for the within laboratory
      repeatability and reproducibility were <=6.4% in milk and <=14.2% in muscle. The
      decision limits (CCalpha) in milk were 2.20 and 2.08 MUg kg(-1) for monepantel
      and monepantel-sulfone, respectively. The decision limits (CCalpha) in muscle
      were 771 and 746 MUg kg(-1) for monepantel and monepantel-sulfone, respectively.

PMID- 22041089
TI  - Direct analysis of carbohydrates in animal plasma by ion chromatography coupled
      with mass spectrometry and pulsed amperometric detection for use as a non
      invasive diagnostic tool.
AB  - The present paper demonstrates that electrochemical detection (ECD) coupled to
      ion chromatography and electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (IC-ECD
      ESI/MS/MS) can be used to rapidly estimate some indications of the health status
      of organisms. The lactulose to mannitol ratio (L/M) is used as a non-invasive
      assay to investigate small intestinal absorption pathways and mucosal integrity.
      In the present study, an evaluation of the negative effects of nonsteroidal anti
      inflammatory drug meloxicam perorally administrated to a group of dogs was
      carried out by determining the lactulose/mannitol index using the IC-ECD
      ESI/MS/MS hyphenated technique. According to the results of the study, meloxicam
      altered gastrointestinal permeability. Coenzyme Q(10) (CoQ(10)) was tested to
      determine if it could prevent meloxicam induced gastrointestinal damage and it
      was found that CoQ(10) could be an effective preventive treatment. Furthermore,
      plasma glucose concentration level was determined to be an indirect indicator of
      the oxidative state in the blood. To find out the beneficial effects of a double
      antioxidant combination (alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) and CoQ(10)) on the total
      glucose level in chickens, ALA and CoQ(10) were provided as food additives in
      factory farm raised chicken. The results of the pilot study indicate that the
      glucose level in the plasma of chickens group fed with CoQ(10) and ALA was
      significantly decreased compared to the control group. Ion chromatography (IC)
      utilizing pulsed amperometric detection (PAD) was compared to ion chromatography
      coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) as an analytical tool for
      monitoring the carbohydrate level in biological fluids. In electrochemical
      detection, the newly developed two-pulse waveform successfully withstands matrix
      effects in biological samples. Continuous on-line desalting of the high salt
      concentrations used as the eluent for carbohydrate separation from the anion
      exchange column allows coupling of IC and MS techniques. A make-up solution
      (0.5mM LiCl) was delivered prior to MS detection for efficient ionization of
      eluted carbohydrates. Method validation showed that both used techniques are
      practically comparable and some advantages of each are presented.

PMID- 22041090
TI  - Quantification of lactose content in human and cow's milk using UPLC-tandem mass
      spectrometry.
AB  - A sensitive, accurate, and specific quantitative UPLC-MS/MS method was developed
      for lactose measurement of cow's and human milk and validated with cow's milk
      samples certified by an external laboratory. The new method employs only a
      dilution of raw cow's and human milk for simple preparation with no need to
      remove protein and fat prior to analysis with UPLC-MS/MS. It was operated in
      negative mode to detect lactose molecules and labeled (13)C(12)-lactose with the
      highest sensitivity. The principle advantages of the new LC-MS/MS method were:
      completed lactose determination in 5 min, absolute recovery of 97-107%, lower
      limit of detection <5 ng/L, and 99% linearity over the concentration range of 0.7
      4.4 mg/L for both cow's and human milk. The mean lactose concentration of 51
      human milk samples was measured as 56.8 +/- 5.5 g/L ranging from 43 to 65 g/L.
      The described method represents validated lactose analysis with high accuracy and
      precision for a routine lactose determination in raw human milk.

PMID- 22041091
TI  - Disappearance of cerebrospinal fluid oligoclonal bands after natalizumab
      treatment of multiple sclerosis patients.
AB  - Intrathecal immunoglobulin synthesis in an oligoclonal pattern is the most common
      immunologic abnormality detected in MS patients. Various treatments, such as
      immunomodulators and immunosuppressors, have not been found to modify it.
      Natalizumab hinders migration of encephalitogenic T-cells into the central
      nervous system (CNS), reducing inflammatory response. Its impact on CSF
      oligoclonal bands (OCBs) has not been demonstrated. This report describes its
      effect in four out of six patients with multiple sclerosis after a mean of 10
      infusions: the CSF was negative for OCBs at the second lumbar puncture. In
      conclusion, natalizumab treatment can reduce CSF OCBs to undetectable levels,
      although the clinical significance of this observation is not yet known.

PMID- 22041092
TI  - Month of birth is associated with multiple sclerosis but not with HLA-DR15 in
      Finland.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Spring birth has been found to be associated with increase in the
      risk of MS. However, this effect is reportedly found particularly in HLA-DR15
      positive patients. OBJECTIVE: Examine the month of birth (MOB) effect in Finnish
      MS patients and its association with HLA-DR15. METHODS: Using the national
      register on hospitalizations during 1979-2004 we identified 8359 MS patients. We
      used a chi(2)-analysis to compare the distribution of MOB in MS patients versus
      age-adjusted controls. Patients were subdivided into 10-year birth cohorts to
      analyse temporal variations in MOB. A subgroup of HLA-typed MS patients (n = 657)
      and a population sample of healthy donors from the Finnish Bone Marrow Donor
      Registry (n = 19,805) were included to analyse connections between HLA-DR15 and
      MOB. RESULTS: An April birth was associated with a 9.4% increased risk of MS (p =
      0.008), whereas November birth was associated with an 11.1% decreased risk (p =
      0.004) compared with the expected birth distribution. No temporal clustering in
      the MOB effect was found during 1900-1988. Both HLA-DR15 positive (34% increase,
      p = 0.043) and DR15 negative (48% increase, p = 0.0095) MS patients exhibited an
      increase in spring births (in May). HLA-DR15 in healthy subjects was not
      associated with MOB. CONCLUSIONS: We confirm that spring birth increases MS risk.
      This phenomenon was not associated with HLA-DR15 and there was no evidence of
      temporal clustering. The MOB effect suggests that early developmental processes
      may modulate MS risk.

PMID- 22041093
TI  - Screening for the risk of job loss in multiple sclerosis (MS): development of an
      MS-specific Work Instability Scale (MS-WIS).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) mainly presents amongst those of working age.
      Depending upon the type of MS, many people embark upon a long period of managing
      their day-to-day work-related needs in the face of intermittent and sometimes
      persistent disabling symptoms. The objective of this study was to explore the
      concept of work instability (WI) following the onset of MS and develop a Work
      Instability Scale (WIS) specific to this population. METHOD: WI amongst those
      with MS in work was explored through qualitative interviews which were then used
      to generate items for a WIS. Rasch analysis was used to refine the scaling
      properties of the MS-WIS, which was then validated against expert vocational
      assessment by occupational health physiotherapists and ergonomists. RESULTS: The
      resulting measure is a 22-item, self-administered scale which can be scored in
      three bands indicating low, medium and high risk of WI (job retention) problems.
      The scale meets modern psychometric requirements for measurement, indicated by
      adequate fit to the Rasch model with absence of local dependency and differential
      item functioning (DIF) by age, gender and hours worked. CONCLUSIONS: The scale
      presents an opportunity in routine clinical practice to take positive action to
      reduce sickness absence and prevent job loss.

PMID- 22041094
TI  - Mixed effect of tocilizumab in spondylarthritis. Comments about the article by
      Wendling et al. entitled "Short-term effect of IL-6 inhibition in
      spondylarthritis". Joint Bone Spine 2010;77:624-5.

PMID- 22041095
TI  - Consequences of a global enzyme shortage of agalsidase beta in adult Dutch Fabry
      patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Enzyme replacement therapy is currently the only approved therapy for
      Fabry disease. From June 2009 on, viral contamination of Genzyme's production
      facility resulted in a worldwide shortage of agalsidase beta leading to
      involuntary dose reductions (approved dose 1 mg/kg/eow, reduced dose 0.5
      mg/kg/m), or switch to agalsidase alpha (administered dose 0.2 mg/kg/eow). An
      assessment report from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) raised serious
      concerns about an increase in adverse events at lower dosages of agalsidase beta.
      We determined the influence of the shortage on clinical event incidence and the
      most sensitive biochemical marker (lysoGb3) in Dutch Fabry patients. METHODS: The
      incidence of clinical events per person per year was calculated from start of
      agalsidase beta treatment until the shortage, and was compared to the incidence
      of clinical events during the shortage period. In addition, plasma lysoGb3, eGFR,
      quality of life (SF-36) and brief pain inventory (BPI) questionnaires were
      analysed. RESULTS: All thirty-five Dutch Fabry patients using agalsidase beta (17
      males) were included. Mean clinical event incidence was unchanged: 0.15 events
      per person per year before versus 0.15 during the shortage (p = 0.68). In total
      28 clinical events occurred in 14 patients during 4.6 treatment years, compared
      to 7 events in 6 patients during the 1.3 year shortage period. eGFR and BPI
      scores were not significantly altered. Two SF-36 subscales were significantly but
      minimally reduced in females. In males, lysoGb3 increased with a median of 8.1 nM
      (range 2.5-29.2) after 1 year of shortage (p = 0.001). Increases in lysoGb3 were
      found in both patients switching to agalsidase alpha and on a reduced agalsidase
      beta dose. Antibody status, treatment duration or clinical event incidence showed
      no clear correlation to lysoGb3 increases. CONCLUSIONS: No increase in clinical
      event incidence was found in the adult Dutch Fabry cohort during the agalsidase
      beta shortage. Increases in lysoGb3, however, suggest recurrence of disease
      activity.

PMID- 22041096
TI  - Reliability and Minimal Detectible Change values for gait kinematics and kinetics
      in healthy adults.
AB  - Computerized assessment of gait is commonly used in both research and clinical
      settings to quantify gait mechanics and detect change in performance. Minimal
      Detectable Change values have only recently been reported, are only available for
      patient populations, and in many cases exceed 10 degrees . Twenty nine healthy
      individuals underwent two biomechanical gait assessments separated by 5.6 (SD
      2.2) days, with two raters for each session. All subjects walked at a self
      selected pace and three controlled velocities. ICC, SEM and MDC for kinematic and
      kinetic measures were calculated for interrater-intrasession, intrarater
      intersession and interrater-intersession. ICC values were in the good to
      excellent range (r>0.75) for all kinematic and kinetic variables and all
      comparisons. MDC values were lower than previously published data for all similar
      comparisons. The results of the current study suggest that reliability is good to
      excellent across a range of controlled walking velocities and the introduction of
      a second rater does not appreciably impact ICC or MDC values. In young healthy
      adults changes in gait kinematics of greater than approximately 5 degrees  can be
      identified when comparing between sessions.

PMID- 22041097
TI  - Age- and speed-related differences in harmonic ratios during walking.
AB  - Harmonic ratios (HRs), derived from trunk accelerations, measure smoothness of
      trunk motion during gait; higher ratios indicate greater smoothness. Previous
      research indicates that young adults optimize HRs at preferred pace, exhibiting
      reduced HRs at speeds faster and slower than preferred. Recent studies examining
      HRs and other trunk acceleration measures challenge this finding. The purpose of
      this study was to examine age-related differences in HRs across a range of self
      selected overground walking speeds. Anteroposterior (AP), vertical (VT), and
      mediolateral (ML) HRs were examined in 13 young adults (ages 20-23), 13 healthy
      older adults (ages 60-69), and 13 healthy old-old adults (ages 80-86) while
      walking overground at very slow, slow, preferred, fast, and very fast speeds.
      Young and older adults exhibited similar HRs in all directions of motion across
      speeds, while old-old adults exhibited lower AP- and VT-HRs. All groups exhibited
      reduced HRs at speeds slower than preferred. However, there were no differences
      in HRs between preferred and faster speeds, with the exception of reduced VT-HRs
      in the very fast condition for the older groups. The ML-HR was not different
      between groups, and varied less across speeds. Stride time variability exhibited
      inverse relations with, and independently contributed to, HRs across speeds;
      lower stride time variability was associated with greater smoothness of trunk
      motion. Older groups were not disproportionately affected by walking more slowly
      and smoothness of trunk motion did not show a clear pattern of optimization at
      preferred pace for any group.

PMID- 22041098
TI  - Acute responses of brown mussel (Perna perna) exposed to sub-lethal copper
      levels: integration of physiological and cellular responses.
AB  - This study examined the effect of sub-lethal copper levels on selected
      physiological and cellular responses of the marine bivalve Perna perna. Animals
      were exposed to five environmentally relevant concentrations of 12.5, 25.0, 37.5
      and 50.0 MUg L-1 copper and metal accumulation was found to be significantly
      increased at the two higher copper concentrations after 24 h of exposure.
      Physiological responses found to increase during acute copper exposure included
      mucus secretion rate (at 25 and 50 MUg L-1 copper), nitrogen excretion rates and
      oxygen consumption rates (both at 25 and 50 MUg L-1 copper). Perna perna changed
      its substrate utilisation at 25, 37.5 and 50 MUg L-1 copper in favour of protein
      based metabolism. A higher degree of ROS induced DNA damage was observed at acute
      exposure to 37.5 and 50 MUg L-1 copper. Filtration rate was unchanged during
      acute copper exposure. A model is proposed that integrates cellular and
      physiological responses to copper during short-term acute and long-term chronic
      exposures.

PMID- 22041099
TI  - Evolution of pH during immersion of meat protein matrices in acidic marinades.
AB  - The pH value is a fundamental datum to be monitored during marination. A method
      is proposed for calculating the evolution of pH of turkey meat cubes during
      marination in an acetic acid solution. It is based on measurement of the
      buffering capacity by acidification using a strong acid. A calculation based on
      the dissociation equilibrium of acetic acid is used to estimate the mean pH
      reached, factoring in the acid content of the meat. For long marination times,
      the calculated pH is over-evaluated in relation to the experimental value. This
      can be explained by the significant loss of buffering substances during
      immersion. After 6h of immersion, the matrix's proton binding capacity may be
      reduced to just 20% of the initial value. Hence to improve the prediction of meat
      cut pH during marination, it is necessary to factor in the outgoing flow of
      buffering substances.

PMID- 22041100
TI  - Movable computer ruler (MCR): a new method for measuring the size of Toxoplasma
      gondii cysts, tachyzoites and other selected parasites.
AB  - A new method for measuring the size of parasites and other objects using optical
      microscopy was developed using a specifically designed movable computer ruler
      (MCR) derived from digital images of a stage micrometer. Subsequently, MCR can be
      superimposed on images of parasites to measure their size. MCR derived from the
      stage micrometer under a particular objective lens can be used to measure the
      size of an object acquired by the same lens/microscope/camera system. The
      conditions are fixed for every superimposed image including width, height, pixel
      number and density. The MCR was tested using selected parasites, and shown to be
      as accurate as the ocular micrometer disk, screw micrometer eyepiece and image
      analysis software. The lower technical complexity of the MCR method makes it
      applicable even in laboratories with limited resources.

PMID- 22041101
TI  - Morphology and distribution of blood fluke eggs and associated pathology in the
      gills of cultured Pacific bluefin tuna, Thunnus orientalis.
AB  - Infestations of blood flukes of the genus Cardicola have been observed in
      juvenile Pacific bluefin tuna (PBT) cultured in Japan. Infected fish harbor large
      numbers of parasite eggs in their gills. Although the link between blood fluke
      infection and juvenile mortality is not clear, accumulation of parasite eggs
      appears to be pathogenic to the fish. We investigated the origins, general
      morphology/distribution, and histopathology of these eggs in artificially
      produced 0 yr old PBT. Dead and live fish were sampled on several occasions from
      two culture facilities in Wakayama prefecture, Japan. The number of eggs in each
      gill filament was enumerated under a microscope. In addition, we estimated the
      total number of eggs by dissolving the gills in a weak NaOH solution. We observed
      two morphologically distinct egg types in the gill filaments, smaller, oval
      shaped eggs in the gill lamellae and larger, crescent shaped eggs that occurred
      primarily in the filamentary arteries. Based on the ITS2 sequence, the ovoid and
      crescent shaped eggs were identified as C. orientalis and C. opisthorchis,
      respectively. Eggs of the former species were more abundant (maximum: 6400 per
      filament) than the latter (maximum: 1400), but the number was highly variable
      among filaments. The eggs of the latter species were relatively evenly
      distributed among the filaments. In a heavily infected individual, we estimated a
      total of >4.5 million eggs were present in the gills on one side of the fish. The
      number of eggs from the two species was positively correlated to each other and
      the dead fish tended to harbor more eggs than the live fish. Histological
      observation revealed host responses around the eggs, including encapsulation by
      fibroblasts and nodule formation, as seen in response to other aporocotylid eggs.
      In addition, we observed widespread fusion of gill lamellae and blockage of the
      filamentary arteries in some instances. Our results provide information that can
      be used for routine diagnosis of Cardicola blood flukes in cultured tuna and
      suggest they represent a risk to juvenile PBT.

PMID- 22041102
TI  - Intestinal parasitosis and shigellosis among diarrheal patients in Gondar
      teaching hospital, northwest Ethiopia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diarrheal diseases are the major causes of morbidity and mortality in
      developing world. Understanding the etiologic agents of diarrheal diseases and
      their association with socio-demographic characteristics of patients would help
      to design better preventive measures. Thus, this study was aimed to determine the
      prevalence of intestinal parasites and enteropathogenic bacteria in diarrheic
      patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional study involving 384 consecutive diarrheal
      patients who visited Gondar teaching hospital, Gondar, Ethiopia from October 2006
      to March 2007 was conducted. Stool specimens were collected and examined for
      intestinal parasites and enteropathogenic bacteria following standard
      parasitological and microbiological procedures. RESULTS: Intestinal parasites
      were diagnosed in 36.5% of the patients. The most frequently encountered
      protozoan parasite was Entamoeba histolytica/dispar (7.3%) followed by Giardia
      lamblia (5.0%), Cryptosporidium parvum (1.8%) and Isospora belli (1.3%). The
      dominant helminthic parasite identified was Ascaris lumbricoides (5.5%) followed
      by Strongyloides stercoralis and Schistosoma mansoni (3.1% each), hookworm
      infection (1.8%), and Hymenolepis species (1.3%). Multiple infections of
      intestinal parasites were also observed in 6.3% of the patients. Among the
      enteropathogenic bacteria Shigella and Salmonella species were isolated from
      15.6% and 1.6%, respectively, of the patients. Escherichia coli O57:H7 was not
      found in any of the stool samples tested. Eighty eight percent and 83.3% of the
      Shigella and Salmonella isolates were resistant to one or more commonly used
      antibiotics, respectively.Intestinal parasitosis was higher in patients who live
      in rural area, in patients who were washing their hands after visiting toilet
      either irregularly with soap and without soap or not at all, in patients who used
      well and spring water for household consumption, and in patients who had nausea
      (P < 0.05). Statistically significant associations were also observed between
      Shigella infections and patients who were using well and spring water for
      household consumption, and patients who had dysentery and mucoid stool (P <
      0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence of intestinal parasites and Shigella
      species in diarrheic patients calls for institution of appropriate public health
      intervention measures to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with these
      diseases. The rational use of antibiotics should also be practiced.

PMID- 22041104
TI  - Iridoids as chemical markers of false ipecac (Ronabea emetica), a previously
      confused medicinal plant.
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Several roots or rhizomes of rubiaceous species
      are reportedly used as the emetic and antiamoebic drug ipecac. True ipecac
      (Carapichea ipecacuanha) is chemically well characterized, in contrast to
      striated or false ipecac derived from the rhizomes of Ronabea emetica (syn.
      Psychotria emetica). Besides its previous use as substitute of ipecac, the latter
      species is applied in traditional medicine of Panama and fruits of its relative
      Ronabea latifolia are reported as curare additives from Colombia. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Compounds of Ronabea emetica were isolated using standard
      chromatographic techniques, and structurally characterized by NMR spectroscopy
      and mass spectrometry. Organ specific distribution in Ronabea emetica as well as
      in Ronabea latifolia was further assessed by comparative HPLC analysis. RESULTS:
      Four iridoid-glucosides, asperuloside (1), 6alpha-hydroxygeniposide (2),
      deacetylasperulosidic acid (3) and asperulosidic acid (4) were extracted from
      leaves of Ronabea emetica. Rhizomes, used in traditional medicine, were dominated
      by 3. HPLC profiles of Ronabea latifolia were largely corresponding. These
      results contrast to the general tendency of producing emetine-type and indole
      alkaloids in species of Psychotria and closely related genera and merit
      chemotaxonomic significance, characterizing the newly delimited genus Ronabea.
      CONCLUSIONS: The aim of the work was to resolve the historic problem of
      adulteration of ipecac by establishing the chemical profile of Ronabea emetica,
      the false ipecac, as one of its less known sources. The paper demonstrates that
      different sources of ipecac can be distinguished by their phytochemistry, thus
      contributing to identifying adulterations of true ipecac.

PMID- 22041103
TI  - Inhibitory effects of the root extract of Dipsacus asperoides C.Y. Cheng et al
      T.M.Ai on collagen-induced arthritis in mice.
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Dipsaci radix, the dried root of Dipsacus
      asperoides C.Y. Cheng et al T.M.Ai is used as a medicinal plant in oriental
      clinics for the treatment of bone diseases and functions by strengthening bone
      and healing bone fractures. AIM OF THE STUDY: This study investigated the
      therapeutic efficacy of Dipsaci radix in treating rheumatoid arthritis using a
      type II collagen (CII)-induced arthritis (CIA) mouse model. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Arthritis was induced in male DBA/1 mice by immunization with CII.
      Dipsaci radix water (DR-W) extract at 50mg/kg and 100mg/kg was orally
      administered from days to after the induction of arthritis. Arthritic score,
      serum levels of anti-CII IgG2a, the inflammatory mediator prostaglandin E(2)
      (PGE(2)), and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and IL-6), and
      histological changes in the ankle joint were analyzed in CIA mice. RESULTS:
      Arthritic induction increased the arthritic score, as well as serum levels of
      anti-CII IgG2a antibody, PGE(2), TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and IL-6 in mice. However,
      administration of DR-W extract in CIA mice significantly reduced arthritic scores
      and serum levels of anti-CII IgG2a antibody, PGE(2), TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and IL-6
      compared with those in vehicle-treated CIA mice. Furthermore, histopathological
      improvement in joint architecture was also observed in DR-W extract-treated CIA
      mice. CONCLUSIONS: DR-W extract has anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects
      in arthritic mice. This suggests that Dipsaci radix might be used as a
      therapeutic agent for the treatment of human arthritis.

PMID- 22041105
TI  - In vitro chemo-preventative activity of Crotalaria agatiflora subspecies
      agatiflora Schweinf.
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Crotalaria species have been widely used in
      Chinese traditional medicine to treat several types of internal cancers.
      Crotalaria agatiflora is used as a medicinal plant in several African countries
      for the treatment of bacterial and viral infections as well as for cancer.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Water and ethanol extracts of the leaves of Crotalaria
      agatiflora were evaluated for cytotoxicity on four cancerous and one noncancerous
      cell lines, using XTT (Sodium 3'-[1-(phenyl amino-carbonyl)-3,4-tetrazolium]-bis
      [4-methoxy-6-nitro] benzene sulfonic acid hydrate) colorimetric assay.
      Antioxidant activity was determined using DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl hydrazyl).
      Light microscopy (eosin and haematoxylin staining) and flow cytometry (Annexin-V
      and propidium iodide) were used to evaluate the mechanism of action of the
      ethanol extract and one of the isolated compounds. RESULTS: The 50% inhibitory
      concentration (IC(50)) of the ethanol extract was found to be 73.9 MUg/mL against
      leukemic U-937 cells. Good antioxidant activity (IC(50)=18.89 MUg/mL) of the
      ethanol extract indicated the potential of Crotalaria agatiflora as chemo
      preventative supplement. A bioassay guided fractionation of the ethanol extract
      led to the isolation of two pure compounds, namely madurensine and doronenine.
      Madurensine and doronenine showed moderate cytotoxicity on cancerous U-937 cells
      (IC(50) values: 47.97 and 29.57 M respectively). The crude extract treated U-937
      cells showed definite signs of cell death during light microscopic investigation,
      while little apoptosis (10-20%) and necrosis (<2%) were detected in cells treated
      with the extract or madurensine. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that
      Crotalaria agatiflora possesses potential chemopreventative and therapeutic
      properties. The exact mechanism of action should still be determined in future
      studies. It is hypothesized that the ethanolic extract as well as madurensine
      induces autophagy, which in prolonged circumstances may lead to autophagic cell
      death.

PMID- 22041106
TI  - Evaluation of antihyperglycemic activity of Cocos nucifera Linn. on
      streptozotocin induced type 2 diabetic rats.
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The plant Cocos nucifera Linn. (Arecaceae) is
      commonly known as coconut. Traditionally the juice of the young spadix when fresh
      is used in diarrhea and diabetes. The objective of the present study was to
      investigate the effect of antidiabetic activity and effect on lipid profile as
      well as cardioprotective effect of hydro-methanol extract of Cocos nucifera
      (HECN) on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      After 72 h of STZ (50 mg/kg, b.w. i.p.) administration, animals showing plasma
      sugar level more than 250 mg/dl were considered as diabetic rat. Fasting blood
      glucose (FBG) levels were measured on 0th (after 72 h of STZ), 5th, 10th, and
      15th day. On the 15th day all the animals were sacrificed and the serum
      biochemical parameters and antioxidant enzyme status were measured. RESULTS: HECN
      treated animals showed a significant reduction in FBG level as compared with
      diabetic control group. Serum enzyme level (SGOT, SGPT, SALP), lipid peroxidation
      and antioxidant enzyme level such as CAT, GSH, SOD and cholesterol and
      triglycerides in the HECN treated groups were restored towards normal level as
      compared to diabetic control groups and the values were comparable with the
      standard groups (glibenclamide). CONCLUSION: Improvement in the FBG and the
      restoration of all other biomarker as well as enzymes indicates that HECN has
      very good antidiabetic activity with very low side effects and provides a
      scientific rationale for the use as an antidiabetic agent.

PMID- 22041107
TI  - Oxidative modification of rat sulfotransferase 1A1 activity in hepatic tissue
      slices correlates with effects on the purified enzyme.
AB  - Mammalian cytosolic sulfotransferases (SULTs) catalyze the sulfation of
      xenobiotics as well as numerous endogenous molecules. The major aryl (phenol)
      SULT in rat liver, rSULT1A1, has been used extensively as a model enzyme for
      understanding the catalytic function of SULTs. Previous studies showed that
      purified rSULT1A1 displays significant catalytic changes in the presence of GSSG
      and other oxidants. In the present study, the effects of diamide [1,1'-azobis(N,N
      dimethylformamide)] and tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) on the activity of
      rSULT1A1 in rat hepatic slices were compared with the effects of these oxidants
      on a homogeneous preparation of the enzyme. Precision-cut hepatic slices were
      incubated with 10 MUM 7-hydroxycoumarin (7-HC) in the presence of varied
      concentrations of either diamide or TBHP. Analysis of the 7-hydroxycoumarin
      sulfate released into the incubation medium indicated that both oxidants
      significantly increased the sulfation of 7-HC, and this occurred at optimal
      concentrations of 5 and 10 MUM, respectively. Cellular GSH and GSSG levels in the
      hepatic slices were not significantly altered from control values at these
      concentrations of diamide and TBHP. Exposure of homogeneous rSULT1A1 to diamide
      or TBHP also increased the rate of sulfation of 7-HC, although the optimal
      concentrations of diamide and TBHP were lower (50- and 100-fold, respectively)
      than those required for effects with the hepatic slices. These results indicate
      that both diamide and TBHP may modify the rSULT1A1 in intact cells in a manner
      similar to that observed with the homogeneous purified enzyme.

PMID- 22041108
TI  - Use of baculovirus BacMam vectors for expression of ABC drug transporters in
      mammalian cells.
AB  - ATP-binding cassette (ABC) drug transporters ABCB1 [P-glycoprotein (Pgp)] and
      ABCG2 are expressed in many tissues including those of the intestines, the liver,
      the kidney and the brain and are known to influence the pharmacokinetics and
      toxicity of therapeutic drugs. In vitro studies involving their functional
      characteristics provide important information that allows improvements in drug
      delivery or drug design. In this study, we report use of the BacMam (baculovirus
      based expression in mammalian cells) expression system to express and
      characterize the function of Pgp and ABCG2 in mammalian cell lines. BacMam-Pgp
      and BacMam-ABCG2 baculovirus-transduced cell lines showed similar cell surface
      expression (as detected by monoclonal antibodies with an external epitope) and
      transport function of these transporters compared to drug-resistant cell lines
      that overexpress the two transporters. Transient expression of Pgp was maintained
      in HeLa cells for up to 72 h after transduction (48 h after removal of the BacMam
      virus). These BacMam-baculovirus-transduced mammalian cells expressing Pgp or
      ABCG2 were used for assessing the functional activity of these transporters.
      Crude membranes isolated from these cells were further used to study the activity
      of these transporters by biochemical techniques such as photo-cross-linking with
      transport substrate and adenosine triphosphatase assays. In addition, we show
      that the BacMam expression system can be exploited to coexpress both Pgp and
      ABCG2 in mammalian cells to determine their contribution to the transport of a
      common anticancer drug substrate. Collectively, these data demonstrate that the
      BacMam-baculovirus-based expression system can be used to simultaneously study
      the transport function and biochemical properties of ABC transporters.

PMID- 22041109
TI  - Mass balance study of [14C]eribulin in patients with advanced solid tumors.
AB  - This mass balance study investigated the metabolism and excretion of eribulin, a
      nontaxane microtubule dynamics inhibitor with a novel mechanism of action, in
      patients with advanced solid tumors. A single approximately 2 mg (approximately
      80 MUCi) dose of [14C]eribulin acetate was administered as a 2 to 5 min bolus
      injection to six patients on day 1. Blood, urine, and fecal samples were
      collected at specified time points on days 1 to 8 or until sample radioactivity
      was <=1% of the administered dose. Mean plasma eribulin exposure (627 ng . h/ml)
      was comparable with that of total radioactivity (568 ng Eq . h/ml). Time-matched
      concentration ratios of eribulin to total radioactivity approached unity in blood
      and plasma, indicating that unchanged parent compound constituted almost all of
      the eribulin-derived radioactivity. Only minor metabolites were detected in
      plasma samples up to 60 min postdose, pooled across patients, each metabolite
      representing <=0.6% of eribulin. Elimination half-lives for eribulin (45.6 h) and
      total radioactivity (42.3 h) were comparable. Eribulin-derived radioactivity
      excreted in feces was 81.5%, and that of unchanged eribulin was 61.9%. Renal
      clearance (0.301 l/h) was a minor component of total eribulin clearance (3.93
      l/h). Eribulin-derived radioactivity excreted in urine (8.9%) was comparable with
      that of unchanged eribulin (8.1%), indicating minimal excretion of metabolite(s)
      in urine. Total recovery of the radioactive dose was 90.4% in urine and feces.
      Overall, no major metabolites of eribulin were detected in plasma. Eribulin is
      eliminated primarily unchanged in feces, whereas urine constitutes a minor route
      of elimination.

PMID- 22041110
TI  - Ghrelin in neuroendocrine tumors.
AB  - Ghrelin is a 28 amino acid peptide, primarily produced by the oxyntic mucosa X/A
      like neuroendocrine cells in the stomach. It is also found in the small
      intestine, hypothalamus, pituitary gland, pancreas, heart, adipose tissue, and
      immune system. In gastrointestinal neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) ghrelin release
      has been well documented. Ghrelin is a brain-gut circuit peptide with an
      important role in the physiological regulation of appetite, response to hunger
      and starvation, metabolic and endocrine functions as energy expenditure, gastric
      motility and acid secretion, insulin secretion and glucose homeostasis, as well
      as in the potential connection to the central nervous system. Recently, there has
      been a significant interest in the biological effects of ghrelin in NETs. In this
      article, we present a comprehensive review of ghrelin's expression and a brief
      summary of ghrelin's physiological role in NETs patients with carcinoids, type A
      chronic atrophic gastritis (CAG), with or without MEN-1, and with and without
      liver metastases. We hope, with the research reviewed here, to offer compelling
      evidence of the potential significance of ghrelin in NETs, as well as to provide
      a useful guide to the future work in this area.

PMID- 22041111
TI  - Conjugation of both on-axis and off-axis light in Nipkow disk confocal microscope
      to increase availability of incoherent light source.
AB  - Laser-scanning confocal microscopy has been employed for exploring structures at
      subcellular, cellular and tissue level in three dimensions. To acquire the
      confocal image, a coherent light source, such as laser, is generally required in
      conventional single-point scanning microscopy. The illuminating beam must be
      focused onto a small spot with diffraction-limited size, and this determines the
      spatial resolution of the microscopy system. In contrast, multipoint scanning
      confocal microscopy using a Nipkow disk enables the use of an incoherent light
      source. We previously demonstrated successful application of a 100 W mercury arc
      lamp as a light source for the Yokogawa confocal scanner unit in which a
      microlens array was coupled with a Nipkow disk to focus the collimated incident
      light onto a pinhole (Saito et al., Cell Struct. Funct., 33: 133-141, 2008).
      However, transmission efficiency of incident light through the pinhole array was
      low because off-axis light, the major component of the incident light, was
      blocked by the non-aperture area of the disk. To improve transmission efficiency,
      we propose an optical system in which off-axis light is able to be transmitted
      through pinholes surrounding the pinhole located on the optical axis of the
      collimator lens. This optical system facilitates the use of not only the on-axis
      but also the off-axis light such that the available incident light is
      considerably improved. As a result, we apply the proposed system to high-speed
      confocal and multicolor imaging both with a satisfactory signal-to-noise ratio.

PMID- 22041112
TI  - Conversion degrees of a colored compomer in different colors utilized by various
      curing times.
AB  - PURPOSE: Compomers are widely used in primary teeth and are manufactured in
      different colors in order to make dental treatment acceptable in children. The
      aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the degree of conversion (DC) of
      different colored compomers and of compomers  with various curing times. METHODS:
      Sixty three cylindrical samples were prepared from a colored compomer (Twinky
      Star). These samples were of 7 different color groups, with 9 samples of each
      color. Each group was divided into 3 sub-groups, according to the curing time (20
      30-40  seconds) with a light emitting diode light curing unit. The DC values from
      3 different regions and depths were evaluated with a Fourier Transform Infrared
      Spectrometer before and after curing procedures for all groups. Data were
      calculated by using the baseline values; statistical analyses  were done by using
      ANOVA test. RESULTS: Significant differences in DC results before and after
      curing were found among the groups (P<0.05). For all curing times, the silver
      colored samples showed the poorest DC results, which ranged from 13% to 18%.
      CONCLUSIONS: It was concluded that DC values of different colors were variable.
      The material properties could be improved by defining the proper polymerization
      time for each color.

PMID- 22041113
TI  - Effect of light curing methods on microleakage and microhardness of different
      resin sealants.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study's purpose was to evaluate the effect of light curing methods
      on the microleakage and microhardness of sealants. METHODS: The Elipar Free Light
      2 light emitting diode (LED) with 10- and 20-second curing times, and the Elipar
      2500 halogen light with  a 20-second curing time were compared. Four different
      sealants were used: (1) Delton Clear; (2) Delton Opaque; (3) UltraSeal XT Clear;
      and (4) UltraSeal XT Opaque. Specimens were fabricated in a silicone mold (2-mm
      thick) and cured. Knoop hardness was measured at the bottom and top surfaces. 
      For the microleakage evaluation, 120 human molars were divided into 12 groups and
      sealed with the sealants and curing methods, as stated previously. The teeth were
      thermocycled and immersed in 2% methylene blue for 24 hours. Each tooth was
      sectioned and examined for dye penetration. RESULTS: There were no statistically
      significant differences in the microleakage of sealants polymerized by either the
      halogen or LED curing methods. The microhardness of sealants varied according to
      the type of material and curing method. CONCLUSIONS: A 10-second polymerization
      time with  light emitting diodes was not sufficient to cure the 2-mm-thick opaque
      or high filler loaded sealants. Decreasing the curing time, however, had no
      effect on the microleakage of the sealants.

PMID- 22041114
TI  - Gingival health status of 2- to 15-year-old Benghazi children with type-I
      diabetes mellitus.
AB  - PURPOSE: The influence of diabetes on the risk of developing gingivitis has been
      the subject of much discussion in the literature. Most of the previous literature
      has focused on adults, with limited studies available on children. The purpose of
      this study was to evaluate and  compare the plaque and gingival health status of
      diabetic children with healthy controls. METHODS: A comparative study was
      conducted between 72 children with type-I diabetes mellitus (average age=10.18+/
      3.91-years-old) and 72 healthy controls (average age=10.8+/-2.78-  years-old).
      Both groups were compared statistically regarding plaque and gingival indices
      using the t test for equality of means. RESULTS: The experimental group showed
      higher mean plaque and gingival scores vs the control group. A statistically
      significant difference (P<.01)  in plaque and gingival scores were observed
      between the groups in the primary, mixed, and permanent dentition. CONCLUSIONS:
      Higher dental plaque levels and gingival scores were observed in the diabetic
      children vs the nondiabetic controls. Additional care for prevention of plaque 
      accumulation and gingivitis should be highly recommended, particularly in
      diabetic youth.

PMID- 22041115
TI  - Temporomandibular joint ankylosis surgery in a child: case report.
AB  - Temporomandibular joint ankylosis is one of the most significant disorders of the
      stomatognathic system because it causes pain associated with severe functional
      limitations, such as difficulty in chewing and psychological and clinical
      problems due to poor oral hygiene. These disorders  are quite significant in
      children, since the treatment is even more complex due to the fact that the
      condylar region is a site of active growth. The earlier the diagnosis is
      established, the better the treatment prognosis. Ankylosis can be treated by
      interposition arthroplasty of the temporalis  muscle fascia in conjunction with
      ipsilateral coronoidectomy. The purpose of the present study was to report a
      clinical case of temporomandibular joint ankylosis in a pediatric patient treated
      by interposition arthroplasty of the temporalis muscle fascia associated with
      coronoidectomy.

PMID- 22041116
TI  - Management of a case of ectodermal dysplasia: a multidisciplinary approach.
AB  - Ectodermal dysplasia (ED) is a rare disorder involving 2 or more of the
      ectodermal structures, which include the skin, hair, nails, teeth, mucus glands,
      and sweat glands. Each person with ectodermal dysplasia may have a different
      combination of defects. The most common form of ED is  linked to the X chromosome
      and usually affects men. Another form of the disease affects men and women
      equally. The patient's special needs are taken into consideration in a treatment
      plan. The purpose of this case report was to describe the dental management of a
      9-year-old boy with ectodermal  dysplasia whose maxilla showed the presence of
      mobile, conical teeth that were unrestorable and a solitary permanent left molar,
      while his mandible was completely edentulous. These mobile, conical teeth were
      extracted, and a complete denture was constructed to restore the patient's
      esthetics,  form, and function.

PMID- 22041117
TI  - Treatment of a large dentigerous cyst in a child.
AB  - A dentigerous cyst is a developmental odontogenic cyst that develops when fluid
      accumulates between the reduced enamel epithelium and the tooth crown of an
      unerupted tooth. Treatment modalities range from marsupialization to enucleation
      and are based on the premise that the pathological  process can be controlled
      locally with minimal injury to the adjacent host structures. The purpose of this
      case report was to describe the diagnosis of a large expansible dentigerous cyst
      in an 11-year-old boy. The chosen treatment was an initial decompression to
      reduce the size of the osseous  defect, followed by enucleation and tooth
      extraction.

PMID- 22041118
TI  - Ascorbic acid deficiency: a case report.
AB  - Scurvy is well known since ancient times, but it is rarely seen in the developed
      world today owing to the discovery of its link to the dietary deficiency of
      ascorbic acid. It is very uncommon in the pediatric population, and is usually
      seen in children with severely restricted diet  attributable to psychiatric or
      developmental disturbances. The condition presents itself by the formation of
      perifollicular petechiae and bruising, gingival inflammation and bleeding, and,
      in children, bone disease. We report a case of scurvy in a 10-year-old
      developmentally delayed boy who  had a diet markedly deficient in vitamin C
      resulting from extremely limited food choices. He presented with debilitating
      bone pain, inflammatory gingival disease, and perifollicular hyperkeratosis. The
      diagnosis was made based on clinical and radiographic findings. The importance of
      diet history  is emphasized. We present this case with the aim to help the
      clinician identify scurvy and implement treatment for a potentially fatal but
      easily curable disease.

PMID- 22041119
TI  - Surgical treatment of tongue lymphangioma in a pediatric patient: a case report.
AB  - Lymphangiomas are benign tumors that occur predominantly in the head and neck
      regions. They are very common in children and are usually diagnosed at birth or
      during the first years of life. Understanding their clinical features is crucial
      to an early diagnosis. The purpose of this paper  was to report the case of a 3
      year-old patient with a nodular lesion that evolved for 2 years on the tongue's
      dorsal surface, highlight the surgical treatment and characteristics of this kind
      of pathology, and explore the differential diagnosis.

PMID- 22041120
TI  - Maxillary reconstruction with particulate bone graft and titanium mesh: a
      treatment option for large complex odontoma of the maxilla.
AB  - Odontomas are the most common type of odontogenic tumor and are generally
      asymptomatic. The purpose of this paper was to describe the case of a complex
      odontoma in a patient who had asymptomatic swelling in the central maxillary
      region, along with unerupted central and lateral incisors.  In this case,
      surgical excision of the lesion was performed and an iliac bone graft was
      introduced into the defect area with a titanium mesh covering up the grafted
      harvesting bone. After 2 years of followup, no recurrence was identified. Patient
      followup is still in progress to evaluate bone  graft resorption, and the patient
      awaits complete bone development. Oral rehabilitation with an osseointegrated
      titanium implant is expected in the future. An option of the large complex
      odontoma treatment is discussed.

PMID- 22041121
TI  - Retrieval of concrete words involves more contextual information than abstract
      words: multiple components for the concreteness effect.
AB  - The current study used the directed forgetting paradigm in implicit and explicit
      memory to investigate the concreteness effect. Event-related potentials (ERPs)
      were recorded to explore the neural basis of this phenomenon. The behavioral
      results showed a clear concreteness effect in both implicit and explicit memory
      tests; participants responded significantly faster to concrete words than to
      abstract words. The ERP results revealed a concreteness effect (N400) in both the
      encoding and retrieval phases. In addition, behavioral and ERP results showed an
      interaction between word concreteness and memory instruction (to-be-forgotten vs.
      to-be-remembered) in the late epoch of the explicit retrieval phase, revealing a
      significant concreteness effect only under the to-be-remembered instruction
      condition. This concreteness effect was realized as an increased P600-like
      component in response to concrete words relative to abstract words, likely
      reflecting retrieval of contextual details. The time course of the concreteness
      effect suggests advantages of concrete words over abstract words due to greater
      contextual information.

PMID- 22041122
TI  - Detailed discussion on evidence for the further prevention of traffic fatalities
      in Japan: a comparison of trends in three countries.
AB  - The total number of traffic fatalities has decreased in recent years. To further
      reduce the number of traffic fatalities, details regarding traffic fatalities and
      various aspects of traffic accidents must be studied. Therefore, this research
      examined the number of traffic fatalities by age group and the number of traffic
      fatalities by situation in Japan from 2003 to 2007, and the percentage of traffic
      fatalities by age group and the percentage of traffic fatalities by situation
      during the same period were calculated. In addition, aspects of traffic accidents
      in Japan were compared with those in Germany and France, and additional measures
      to counter traffic accidents that need to be taken in Japan in order to further
      reduce the number of traffic fatalities were studied. Results indicated that in
      each year of the period studied the highest percentage of traffic fatalities
      involved the 25-64 age group in Germany and France and the 65-or-over age group
      in recent years in Japan. In addition, additional measures to counter traffic
      accidents involving the elderly are needed in Japan, Germany and France. The
      percentage of traffic fatalities by situation indicated that attention should be
      paid to 'fatalities of pedestrians' in Japan and to 'fatalities of motor vehicle
      occupants' in all the three countries studied. In particular, measures to counter
      traffic accidents leading to 'fatalities of pedestrians' must be studied further
      in Japan. With the above findings in mind, bodies involved in implementing
      measures to counter traffic accidents must formulate specific measures.

PMID- 22041123
TI  - Assessment of bruise age on dark-skinned individuals using tristimulus
      colorimetry.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Studies on the ageing of bruises have been reported on Caucasians
      or individuals of fair ethnicity. This study focuses on bruise changes in dark
      skinned individuals using tristimulus colorimetry for forensic analysis in such
      individuals. METHODS: Eighteen subjects of South Indian or Sri-Lankan ethnicity
      were recruited. Subjects were bruised using a vacuum pump and then daily colour
      measurements were taken of the bruise using a tristimulus colorimeter. The L*a*b*
      readings were recorded of a control area and of the bruise until it disappeared.
      Two Caucasians were used for comparison. RESULTS: This study showed that, using
      colorimetry, bruises on dark-skinned individuals can be measured and analysed
      even if the bruises are unclear visually. As the bruise is beneath the skin, the
      colour difference DeltaL*, Deltaa* and Deltab* were calculated. All values showed
      a trend, indicating that the L*a*b* measuring technique is a reliable method to
      analyse bruises on dark-skinned individuals. Comparisons of Asian subjects and
      Caucasian subjects were performed. The largest difference was seen in the b*
      value. Statistical analysis showed that DeltaL* colour difference was the most
      consistent (95% CI -4.05 to -2.49) showing a significant difference between days
      1-4 and 5-8. CONCLUSION: Objective assessment of bruises on dark-skinned
      individuals using the L*a*b* method of measuring gave reproducible results.
      Furthermore, the study showed that the yellowing of a bruise cannot be seen or
      measured with a tristimulus colorimeter on dark-skinned individuals due to the
      pigmentation of the skin. With further studies and more subjects, the age of
      bruises could potentially be assessed for use in forensic analysis.

PMID- 22041124
TI  - Body weight and wages: evidence from Add Health.
AB  - This note uses data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health to
      examine the relationship between body weight and wages. Ordinary least squares
      (OLS) and individual fixed effects estimates provide evidence that overweight and
      obese white women are paid substantially less per hour than their slimmer
      counterparts. Two-stage least squares (2SLS) estimation confirms this
      relationship, suggesting that it is not driven by time-variant unobservables.

PMID- 22041126
TI  - High-intensity aerobic training improves endothelium-dependent vasodilation in
      patients with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to compare the effect of physical exercise
      program on the endothelial function of patients with metabolic syndrome and type
      2 diabetes mellitus. METHODS: Patients were randomized for high intensity aerobic
      training (HI: 80% maximum heart rate, n=10), low intensity aerobic training (LI:
      55% of maximum heart rate, n=10) and control (n=11). Before and after 6 weeks of
      training, subjects performed the maximal exercise test and a study of the
      endothelial function, through a high resolution ultrasound of the brachial
      artery, which was assessed after reactive hyperemia (endothelium dependent
      vasodilation) and nitrate administration (endothelium independent vasodilation).
      RESULTS: A total of 31 patients with metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes
      mellitus were studied, with mean age of 58+/-6 years, The percentage diameter
      difference of the vessel after hyperemia was significantly higher for the high
      intensity group (HI before 2.52+/-2.85% and after 31.81+/-12.21%; LI before
      3.23+/-3.52% and after 20.61+/-7.76%; controls before 3.56+/-2.33% and after
      2.43+/-2.14%; p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: High intensity aerobic training improved the
      functional capability and endothelium dependent vasodilator response, but it does
      not improve the endothelium independent vasodilation in patients with metabolic
      syndrome and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

PMID- 22041125
TI  - Increased 90-kDa ribosomal S6 kinase (Rsk) activity is protective against mutant
      huntingtin toxicity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The 90-kDa ribosomal S6 kinase (Rsk) family is involved in cell
      survival. Rsk activation is regulated by sequential phosphorylations controlled
      by extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 and 3-phosphoinositide
      dependent protein kinase 1 (PDK1). Altered ERK1/2 and PDK1 phosphorylation have
      been described in Huntington's disease (HD), characterized by the expression of
      mutant huntingtin (mhtt) and striatal degeneration. However, the role of Rsk in
      this neurodegenerative disease remains unknown. Here, we analyzed the protein
      levels, activity and role of Rsk in in vivo and in vitro HD models. RESULTS: We
      observed increased protein levels of Rsk1 and Rsk2 in the striatum of
      Hdh(Q111/Q111) and R6/1 mice, STHdh(Q111/Q111) cells and striatal cells
      transfected with full-length mhtt. Analysis of the phosphorylation of Rsk in Hdh
      mice and STHdh cells showed reduced levels of phospho Ser-380 (dependent on
      ERK1/2), whereas phosphorylation at Ser-221 (dependent on PDK1) was increased.
      Moreover, we found that elevated Rsk activity in STHdh(Q111/Q111) cells was
      mainly due to PDK1 activity, as assessed by transfection with Rsk mutant
      constructs. The increase of Rsk in STHdh(Q111/Q111) cells occurred in the cytosol
      and in the nucleus, which results in enhanced phosphorylation of both cytosolic
      and nuclear Rsk targets. Finally, pharmacological inhibition of Rsk, knock-down
      and overexpression experiments indicated that Rsk activity exerts a protective
      effect against mhtt-induced cell death in STHdh(Q7/Q7) cells transfected with
      mhtt. CONCLUSION: The increase of Rsk levels and activity would act as a
      compensatory mechanism with capacity to prevent mhtt-mediated cell death. We
      propose Rsk as a good target for neuroprotective therapies in HD.

PMID- 22041127
TI  - Brain connectivity of patients with Alzheimer's disease by coherence and cross
      mutual information of electroencephalograms during photic stimulation.
AB  - Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease, usually diagnosed by
      neuropsychological tests, and excluded from other cerebral diseases by brain
      images. An electroencephalogram (EEG) provides a means of disclosing the reduced
      functional couplings between brain regions that occurs with AD. In the present
      study, 16 probable AD patients and 15 age-matched, gender-matched normal subjects
      were enrolled. Spectral coherence and cross mutual information (CMI) were used to
      analyze EEGs during intermittent photic stimulation (PS). Ocular- and heartbeat
      related source components (SCs) obtained from multi-channel EEGs by the
      independent component analysis were discarded, and the photic-related SCs were
      reduced using a comb filter. The undisturbed SCs and photic-related SCs before
      and after photic reduction were used to reconstruct photic-preserved EEGs and
      photic-reduced EEGs, from which harmonic coherences (direct photic-driving
      response) and rhythmic coherences and CMI (indirect photic affection) were
      computed, respectively. Our results indicate that the rhythmic coherences
      (particularly in the alpha and beta bands) and CMI variables as well as the
      harmonic coherences (particularly related to 3-Hz PS) were significantly lower in
      the probable AD than in normal subjects, whereas the variables derived from the
      resting EEGs were not statistically significant. This finding implied that the
      variables obtained during PS could be used to disclose impaired intra-brain
      associations in probable AD.

PMID- 22041128
TI  - A mathematical model for simulation of early decelerations in the cardiotocogram
      during labor.
AB  - Fetal welfare during labor and delivery is commonly monitored through the
      cardiotocogram (CTG), the combined registration of uterus contractions and fetal
      heart rate (FHR). The CTG gives an indication of the main determinant of the
      acute fetal condition, namely its oxygen state. However, interpretation is
      complicated by the complex relationship between the two. Mathematical models can
      be used to assist with the interpretation of the CTG, since they enable
      quantitative modeling of the cascade of events through which uterine contractions
      affect fetal oxygenation and FHR. We developed a mathematical model to simulate
      'early decelerations', i.e. variations in FHR originating from caput compression
      during uterine contractions, as mediated by cerebral flow reduction, cerebral
      hypoxia and a vagal nerve response to hypoxia. Simulation results show a
      realistic response, both for fetal and maternal hemodynamics at term, as for FHR
      variation during early decelerations. The model is intended to be used as a
      training tool for gynaecologists. Therefore 6 clinical experts were asked to rate
      5 real and 5 model-generated CTG tracings on overall realism and realism of
      selected aspects. Results show no significant differences between real and
      computer-generated CTG tracings.

PMID- 22041129
TI  - Automated clarity assessment of retinal images using regionally based structural
      and statistical measures.
AB  - An automated image analysis system for application in mass medical screening must
      assess the clarity of the images before analysing their content. This is the case
      in grading for diabetic retinopathy screening where the failure to assess clarity
      could result in retinal images of people with retinopathy being erroneously
      classed as normal. This paper compares methods of clarity assessment based on the
      degradation of visible structures and based on the deviation of image properties
      outside expected norms caused by clarity loss. Vessel visibility measures and
      statistical measures were determined at locations in the image which have high
      saliency and these were used to obtain an image clarity assessment using
      supervised classification. The usefulness of the measures as indicators of image
      clarity was assessed. Tests were performed on 987 disc-centred and macula-centred
      retinal photographs (347 with inadequate clarity) obtained from the English
      National Screening Programme. Images with inadequate clarity were detected with
      92.6% sensitivity at 90% specificity. In a set of 2000 macula-centred images (200
      with inadequate clarity) from the Scottish Screening Programme, inadequate
      clarity was detected with 96.7% sensitivity at 90% specificity. This study has
      shown that structural and statistical measures are equally useful for retinal
      image clarity assessment.

PMID- 22041130
TI  - The effects of flute shape and thread profile on the insertion torque and primary
      stability of dental implants.
AB  - Easy insertion of the implant and stable bone purchase is essential for an ideal
      dental implantation. At the implant tip, the cutting flutes and conical profile
      are respectively designed to reduce insertion resistance and facilitate the
      initial insertion. However, the tapered tip might reduce the self-tapping and
      bone-purchasing abilities of the flutes and the tip threads. Using sawbone blocks
      as standard specimens, this study experimentally measures the insertion torque,
      holding power, and bending strength of eight varieties of implant (4 shapes*2
      profiles). The bony contact, interfacial mechanism, and the altered shape of the
      flutes, at different section planes, are used to explain the experimental
      results. The results reveal that the bone-implant gaps at the tip region
      significantly suppress both the self-tapping and bone-purchasing abilities of the
      flutes and the tip threads. This makes initial insertion of the conical implant
      easier. However, the conical implant eventually requires a higher insertion
      torque and holding power, due to tighter bony contact, at the tail threads. The
      bowl-fluted design has the least flute space to store the squeezed bone chips, so
      both insertion torque and bending strength are significantly higher. For the
      conical group, the holding powers of three flute designs are nearly comparable.
      Overall, the conical implant with bowl flutes is the optimal design, with a lower
      resistance to initial insertion and higher stability, for final instrumentation.

PMID- 22041131
TI  - An outcome analysis of two different procedures of burr-hole trephine and
      external ventricular drainage in acute hydrocephalus.
AB  - Burr-hole trephine and insertion of external ventricular drainage (EVD) is the
      most common neurosurgical treatment of acute hydrocephalus. Until 2005, we
      performed this procedure conventionally in the operating room (OR) using a
      mechanical drill but in 2004 we started to use a manual drill and a skull screw
      (Bolt Kit System [BKS], Raumedic, Munchberg, Germany) for creating burr-holes in
      the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) exclusively. This retrospective study compares the
      outcomes after both surgical procedures of 312 consecutive patients (190
      patients, conventional procedure; 122, the BKS system; total female 171, male
      141; mean age 59.0 years) who suffered from acute hemorrhage-related
      hydrocephalus and who had undergone EVD via a frontal burr-hole from January 2004
      until April 2010. We reviewed the charts for surgical procedure, number of
      attempted insertions, radiological signs of misplacement and procedural-related
      hemorrhage, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) infection rate and shunt-dependency. The
      CSF infection rate, the number of attempted insertions and the procedural-related
      hemorrhage were significantly lower in the BKS group (p=0.034; p=0.018 and 0.015
      respectively). Our data indicate that the application of the manually driven
      drill and the skull screw in the ICU is safe and effective. In addition, there is
      no need for transfer and transportation of critically ill patients from the ICU
      to the OR.

PMID- 22041132
TI  - Human papillomavirus genotypes in Iranian patients with cervical cancer.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of HPV genotypes isolated
      from cervical intra-epithelial neoplasia grade III and invasive carcinomas of
      Iranian patients. A total of 94 cases were selected in five years from 2003 to
      2007. After nucleic acid purification, real-time PCR was performed by means of
      GP5+/GP6+ primers. Subsequently, PCR products were sequenced, on the basis of
      which a phylogenetic tree was constructed. Negative samples and twelve randomly
      selected positive samples were also typed by reverse hybridization to increase
      the sensitivity and to confirm the results. Of 94 evaluated samples, 7 were
      negative for internal control gene and were excluded from the study. The overall
      genotyping results of phylogenetic analysis and hybridization methods were as
      follows: HPV 16: 75% (65/87); HPV 18: 3% (2/87); HPV 31: 1% (1/87); HPV 45: 1%
      (1/87). High frequency of HPV 16 and low frequency of HPV 18 were found in this
      study. Information about HPV genotype distribution is important in cervical
      cancer screening and prevention.

PMID- 22041133
TI  - Evaluating the potential of the sterile insect technique for malaria control:
      relative fitness and mating compatibility between laboratory colonized and a wild
      population of Anopheles arabiensis from the Kruger National Park, South Africa.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The successful suppression of a target insect population using the
      sterile insect technique (SIT) partly depends on the premise that the laboratory
      insects used for mass rearing are genetically compatible with the target
      population, that the mating competitiveness of laboratory reared males is at
      least comparable to that of their wild counterparts, and that mass rearing and
      sterilization processes do not in themselves compromise male fitness to a degree
      that precludes them from successfully competing for mates in the wild. This study
      investigated the fitness and sexual cross-compatibility between samples of field
      collected and laboratory reared An. arabiensis under laboratory conditions.
      RESULTS: The physiological and reproductive fitness of the MALPAN laboratory
      strain is not substantially modified with respect to the field population at
      Malahlapanga. Further, a high degree of mating compatibility between MALPAN and
      the Malahlapanga population was established based on cross-mating experiments.
      Lastly, the morphological characteristics of hybrid ovarian polytene chromosomes
      further support the contention that the MALPAN laboratory colony and the An.
      arabiensis population at Malahlapanga are genetically homogenous and therefore
      compatible. CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that the presence of a perennial and
      isolated population of An. arabiensis at Malahlapanga presents a unique
      opportunity for assessing the feasibility of SIT as a malaria vector control
      option. The MALPAN laboratory colony has retained sufficient enough measures of
      reproductive and physiological fitness to present as a suitable candidate for
      male sterilization, mass rearing and subsequent mass release of sterile males at
      Malahlapanga in order to further assess the feasibility of SIT in a field
      setting.

PMID- 22041135
TI  - Acidity and lipolysis by group V secreted phospholipase A(2) strongly increase
      the binding of apoB-100-containing lipoproteins to human aortic proteoglycans.
AB  - Local acidic areas characterize diffuse intimal thickening (DIT) and advanced
      atherosclerotic lesions. The role of acidity in the modification and extra- and
      intracellular accumulation of triglyceride-rich VLDL and IDL particles has not
      been studied before. Here, we examined the effects of acidic pH on the activity
      of recombinant human group V secreted phospholipase A(2) (sPLA(2)-V) toward small
      VLDL (sVLDL), IDL, and LDL, on the binding of these apoB-100-containing
      lipoproteins to human aortic proteoglycans, and on their uptake by human monocyte
      derived macrophages. At acidic pH, the ability of sPLA(2)-V to lipolyze the apoB
      100-containing lipoproteins was moderately, but significantly, increased while
      binding of the lipoproteins to proteoglycans increased >60-fold and sPLA(2)-V
      modification further doubled the binding. Moreover, acidic pH more than doubled
      macrophage uptake of soluble complexes of sPLA(2)-V-LDL with aortic
      proteoglycans. Proteoglycan-affinity chromatography at pH 7.5 and 5.5 revealed
      that sVLDL, IDL, and LDL consisted of populations with different proteoglycan
      binding affinities, and, surprisingly, the sVLDL fractions with the highest
      proteoglycan-affinity contained only low amounts of apolipoproteins E and C-III.
      Our results suggest that in atherosclerotic lesions with acidic extracellular pH,
      sPLA(2)-V is able to lipolyze sVLDL, IDL, and LDL, and increase their binding to
      proteoglycans. This is likely to provoke extracellular accumulation of lipids
      derived from these atherogenic lipoprotein particles and to increase the
      progression of the atherosclerotic lesions.

PMID- 22041136
TI  - Acute abdomen in a woman with celiac disease.

PMID- 22041134
TI  - Fish oil -- how does it reduce plasma triglycerides?
AB  - Long chain omega-3 fatty acids (FAs) are effective for reducing plasma
      triglyceride (TG) levels. At the pharmaceutical dose, 3.4g/day, they reduce
      plasma TG by about 25-50% after one month of treatment, resulting primarily from
      the decline in hepatic very low density lipoprotein (VLDL-TG) production, and
      secondarily from the increase in VLDL clearance. Numerous mechanisms have been
      shown to contribute to the TG overproduction, but a key component is an increase
      in the availability of FAs in the liver. The liver derives FAs from three
      sources: diet (delivered via chylomicron remnants), de novo lipogenesis, and
      circulating non-esterified FAs (NEFAs). Of these, NEFAs contribute the largest
      fraction to VLDL-TG production in both normotriglyceridemic subjects and
      hypertriglyceridemic, insulin resistant patients. Thus reducing NEFA delivery to
      the liver would be a likely locus of action for fish oils (FO). The key regulator
      of plasma NEFA is intracellular adipocyte lipolysis via hormone sensitive lipase
      (HSL), which increases as insulin sensitivity worsens. FO counteracts
      intracellular lipolysis in adipocytes by suppressing adipose tissue inflammation.
      In addition, FO increases extracellular lipolysis by lipoprotein lipase (LpL) in
      adipose, heart and skeletal muscle and enhances hepatic and skeletal muscle beta
      oxidation which contributes to reduced FA delivery to the liver. FO could
      activate transcription factors which control metabolic pathways in a tissue
      specific manner regulating nutrient traffic and reducing plasma TG. This article
      is part of a Special Issue entitled Triglyceride Metabolism and Disease.

PMID- 22041137
TI  - Pharmacogenomics of tamoxifen: roles of drug metabolizing enzymes and
      transporters.
AB  - Tamoxifen has been widely used for the prevention of recurrence in patients with
      hormone receptor-positive breast cancer. Tamoxifen requires metabolic activation
      by cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes for formation of active metabolites, 4
      hydroxytamoxifen and endoxifen, which have 30- to 100-fold greater affinity to
      the estrogen receptor and the potency to suppress estrogen-dependent breast
      cancer cell proliferation. CYP2D6 is a key enzyme in this metabolic activation
      and it has been suggested that the genetic polymorphisms of CYP2D6 influence the
      plasma concentrations of active tamoxifen metabolites and clinical outcomes for
      breast cancer patients treated with tamoxifen. The genetic polymorphisms in the
      other drug-metabolizing enzymes, including other CYP isoforms, sulfotransferases
      and UDP-glucuronosyltransferases might contribute to individual differences in
      the tamoxifen metabolism and clinical outcome of tamoxifen therapy although their
      contributions would be small. Recently, involvement of a drug transporter in the
      disposition of active tamoxifen metabolites was identified. The genetic
      polymorphisms of transporter genes have the potential to improve the prediction
      of clinical outcome for the treatment of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.
      This review summarizes current knowledge on the roles of polymorphisms in the
      drug-metabolizing enzymes and transporters in tamoxifen pharmacogenomics.

PMID- 22041138
TI  - In vitro assessment of the allelic variants of cytochrome P450.
AB  - The cytochrome P450 (CYP) superfamily is one of the most important groups of
      enzymes involved in drug metabolism. It is responsible for the metabolism of a
      large number of drugs. Many CYP isoforms are expressed polymorphically, and
      catalytic alterations of allelic variant proteins can affect the metabolic
      activities of many drugs. The CYP2D6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and CYP2B6 genes are
      particularly polymorphic, whereas CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP2E1, and CYP3A4 are
      relatively well conserved without common functional polymorphisms. In vitro
      studies using cDNA expression systems are useful tools for evaluating functional
      alterations of the allelic variants of CYP, particularly for low-frequency
      alleles. Recombinant CYPs have been successfully expressed in bacteria, yeast,
      baculoviruses, and several mammalian cells. Determination of CYP variant-mediated
      kinetic parameters (Km and Vmax) in vitro can be useful for predicting drug
      dosing and clearance in humans. This review focuses on the advantages and
      disadvantages of the various cDNA-expression systems used to determine the
      kinetic parameters for CYP allelic variants, the methods for determining the
      kinetic parameters, and the findings of in vitro studies on highly polymorphic
      CYPs, including CYP2D6, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, and CYP2B6.

PMID- 22041139
TI  - A recent update of pharmacogenomics in drug-induced severe skin reactions.
AB  - In some adverse drug reactions (ADRs), genetic predisposition plays a significant
      role in pathogenesis, and the skin is the most frequently reported target. These
      severe cutaneous ADRs include bullous fixed drug eruptions (FDE), acute
      generalized exanthematous pustulosis (AGEP), drug-induced hypersensitivity
      syndrome (HSS), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS), and toxic epidermal necrolysis
      (TEN). The putative contribution of individual effector cells in drug
      hypersensitivity is briefly mentioned. To trigger these drug hypersensitivities,
      certain class I HLA alleles (e.g., HLA-A and HLA-B alleles) and certain class II
      HLA alleles (e.g., HLA-DR alleles) have been recently found to be the genetic
      determinants. One of the best characterized examples mentioned in this article is
      HLA-B*1502 to determine the incidence of carbamazepine-induced SJS. How drugs are
      processed and presented by these HLA alleles to activate immune responses has
      been explained by several hypotheses. Further implication of pharmagenomic
      findings to prevent drug-induced severe skin reactions can be achieved by pre
      screening putative risk HLA alleles before using drugs.

PMID- 22041140
TI  - Combination of capillary electrophoresis, molecular modelling and nuclear
      magnetic resonance to study the interaction mechanisms between single-isomer
      anionic cyclodextrin derivatives and basic drug enantiomers in a methanolic
      background electrolyte.
AB  - In order to improve our knowledge of the mechanisms of enantiomer recognition
      pattern in nonaqueous systems, an approach combining nonaqueous CE (NACE),
      molecular modelling and NMR was undertaken. Bupivacaine and propranolol were
      selected as model compounds and their interactions with two single-isomer highly
      charged beta-CD derivatives, namely heptakis(2,3-di-O-methyl-6-O-sulfo)-beta-CD
      (HDMS-beta-CD) and heptakis(2,3-di-O-acetyl-6-O-sulfo)-beta-CD (HDAS-beta-CD),
      were studied. The CD-bupivacaine complexes were evaluated by 2-D Rotating-frame
      Overhauser Effect SpectroscopY (ROESY) experiments. From these experiments, it
      can be assumed that inclusion complexes are not formed, whatever the CD
      derivative used. Molecular modelling was performed at the RHF/MINI-1 or B3LYP/6
      31G(d) level. External as well as inclusion type complexes with the alkyl chain
      of propranolol into both CD cavities were located. Interaction energies
      calculated for bupivacaine and propranolol correlated with the enantiomer
      migration order observed in the NACE experiments using both anionic CD
      derivatives. The interaction of propranolol with HDMS-beta-CD or HDAS-beta-CD
      gives rise to a family of external and inclusion complexes in which some are more
      probably obtained.

PMID- 22041141
TI  - Combination of corona discharge ion mobility spectrometry with a novel reagent
      gas and two immiscible organic solvent liquid-liquid-liquid microextraction for
      analysis of clomipramine in biological samples.
AB  - A novel and sensitive method based on combination of two immiscible organic
      solvents hollow fiber-based liquid-liquid-liquid microextraction and corona
      discharge ion mobility spectrometry (HF-LLLME-CD-IMS) was employed for the
      analysis of clomipramine in human urine and plasma. The effect of formic, acetic
      and propionic acid as the reagent gas (dopant) on the corona discharge ion
      mobility signal was investigated. The influence of dopant amount was also
      studied. Optimum mass flow rates of the dopants were 3.7, 1.1 and 1.0 MUmol min(
      1) for formic, acetic and propionic acid, respectively. Experimental parameters
      influencing the extraction efficiency of HF-LLLME, such as NaOH concentration as
      donor solution, ionic strength of the sample, stirring rate, and extraction time
      were investigated and optimized. Under the optimum conditions, analytical
      parameters such as linearity, precision and limit of detection were also
      evaluated. The linear dynamic range was from 1 to 100 MUg L(-1) (r(2)=0.9980) and
      the limit of detection was 0.35 MUg L(-1). Intra- and inter-day precisions were
      satisfactory with a relative standard deviation (RSD) of 5.9 and 6.7%,
      respectively. The proposed method was satisfactorily applied for the
      determination of clomipramine in human plasma and urine.

PMID- 22041142
TI  - Comprehensive separation and analysis of alkaloids from Stephania yunnanensis by
      counter-current chromatography coupled with liquid chromatography tandem mass
      spectrometry analysis.
AB  - The polar compounds such as alkaloid compounds are important bioactive components
      in traditional Chinese medicines. In present study, a comprehensive method for
      separation and analysis of polar compounds from the polar fraction of traditional
      Chinese medicine Stephania yunnanensis was established. Both the major components
      and minor components were analyzed by counter-current chromatography combined
      with liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS(n)). From 50 mg polar
      fraction of crude extract, 15.2mg corydine and 4.8 mg stepharine with purities
      over 90% were successfully separated via a polar solvent system n-butanol:
      methanol: water (4:1:5, v/v) with 10 mM NaOH as an additive in the lower phase,
      in one step operation. Their structures were further identified by 1H NMR and
      FTICR-MS. Besides, three minor components were identified by HPLC-MS(n) based on
      the fragmentation behavior of the purified compounds.

PMID- 22041143
TI  - Assessment of chiral stationary phases for suitability for combined enantiomeric
      impurity/related substances assays.
AB  - Chiral stationary phases (CSP) for LC had a major impact on pharmaceutical R&D
      when they first became commercially available in the 1980s. Even although the use
      of CSP in pharmaceutical R&D is now very much a mature area, there is still scope
      for using CSP more effectively to bring about efficiencies. One such instance is
      the possibility of combining the chiral LC test for the level of a trace
      enantiomeric impurity in a chiral drug substance and the LC test for related
      substances into one test. It was envisaged that this could be achieved by
      carrying out reversed-phase LC on an ODS silica/CSP coupled column system. In
      evaluating Chiralpak QD-AX, Cyclobond I 2000 DNP and Whelk-O1 CSP using a polar
      organic - aqueous mobile phase it was found that the Whelk-O1 CSP had good
      achiral selectivity, the required match of retentivity with the ODS silica
      material, ACE 5 C18 and also exhibited an encouraging degree of
      enantioselectivity in the reversed-phase mode. Following consideration of the
      selectivity of the ACE 5 C18 and Whelk-O1 phases it became apparent that it might
      be possible to achieve the desired goal of achieving both the enantiomeric
      impurity and related substances separations in one system by using the Whelk-O1
      CSP on its own. This was subsequently demonstrated to be the case using S
      naproxen, laevokalim and S-flurbiprofen as illustrative examples.

PMID- 22041144
TI  - 'Clinical scaphoid fracture': is it time to abolish this phrase?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Most patients with post-traumatic painful wrists and negative
      radiographs are treated as having a clinical scaphoid fracture. Such cases are
      usually followed up with repeat radiographs. If the radiographs are inconclusive
      further imaging is done. However, this traditional  approach results in the vast
      majority of patients being unnecessarily immobilised for an unspecified period,
      leading to loss of productivity and income to the patient and the community. A
      number of studies have highlighted the use of early CT or MRI scans to identify
      these fractures. The aim  of this study was to evaluate our current practice in
      managing patients with suspected fractures of the scaphoid. PATIENTS AND METHODS:
      A retrospective audit was carried out. The period studied was from January to
      August 2008. Fifty consecutive patients who were investigated for occult 
      fractures of the scaphoid were included. RESULTS: 92% of the patients studied had
      a repeat radiograph in the fracture clinic. 84% of the patients had their wrists
      immobilised in a cast while awaiting further imaging. Only 6% had confirmed
      fracture of the scaphoid; all of these healed uneventfully.  76% of patients with
      negative scans had their wrists immobilised for an average period of 30.63 days.
      CONCLUSIONS: It is time we rethink this dogmatic approach to patients with
      clinical signs but negative radiographs. We recommend that patients with a
      painful wrist following an injury and  negative radiographs should be referred
      early to an appropriate clinician and earlier recourse to advanced imaging should
      be advocated.

PMID- 22041145
TI  - The role of a multidisciplinary pre-assessment clinic in reducing mortality after
      complex orthopaedic surgery.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This paper describes an audit loop. The aim of this study was to
      audit the effect of a specialised preoperative anaesthetic assessment clinic
      after hip and knee arthroplasty and revision arthroplasty. PATIENTS AND METHODS:
      We studied patients undergoing hip and knee surgery (arthroplasty and revision
      arthroplasty). We collected data concerning postoperative admissions to the high
      dependency unit (HDU), intensive care unit (ICU) and post-anaesthesia care unit
      (PACU) (planned and unplanned rates of admission, length of stay). We also noted
      mortality. In the first part of the study (April 2005 to March 2006) we studied
      298 patients. All patients were assessed independently by an anaesthetist on the
      day of surgery. A multidisciplinary preoperative assessment clinic commenced in
      April 2006. After this date all patients were assessed preoperatively by a
      multidisciplinary anaesthetic lead team. In the second part of the study (May
      2006 to April 2009) a further 1,147 arthroplasty patients were studied. Data were
      again collected regarding HDU, ICU, PACU and mortality, as noted above. RESULTS:
      We found statistically significant (p = 0.001) reductions in the admissions to
      PACU (22% down to 10%) and in mortality (6.1% down to 1.2%) after the
      introduction of the pre-assessment clinic. There was also a statistically
      significant (p = 0.01) reduction in the HDU length of stay (2.1 days to 1.6
      days), ICU unplanned admissions (1.3% to 0.4%) and the ICU length of stay (2.3 to
      1.9 days). We estimated cost savings of nearly L50,000 in the second part of the
      study. This is based on the average decrease in HDU and ICU length of stay.
      CONCLUSIONS: We recommend the use of a multidisciplinary pre-assessment clinic
      for complex orthopaedic surgery.

PMID- 22041146
TI  - Face, content and construct validity of a virtual reality simulator for robotic
      surgery (SEP Robot).
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This study aims to establish face, content and construct validation
      of the SEP Robot (SimSurgery, Oslo, Norway) in order to determine its value as a
      training tool. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The tasks used in the validation of this
      simulator were arrow manipulation and performing  a surgeon's knot. Thirty
      participants (18 novices, 12 experts) completed the procedures. RESULTS: The
      simulator was able to differentiate between experts and novices in several
      respects. The novice group required more time to complete the tasks than the
      expert group, especially suturing.  During the surgeon's knot exercise, experts
      significantly outperformed novices in maximum tightening stretch, instruments
      dropped, maximum winding stretch and tool collisions in addition to total task
      time. A trend was found towards the use of less force by the more experienced
      participants. CONCLUSIONS: The SEP robotic simulator has demonstrated face,
      content and construct validity as a virtual reality simulator for robotic
      surgery. With steady increase in adoption of robotic surgery world-wide, this
      simulator may prove to be a valuable adjunct to clinical mentorship.

PMID- 22041149
TI  - Use of a modified Bradford sling for the positioning of orthopaedic patients.

PMID- 22041147
TI  - Intraoperative red blood cell salvage and autologous transfusion during open
      radical retropubic prostatectomy: a cost-benefit analysis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Open radical retropubic prostatectomy (RRP) has an average blood
      loss of over 1,000 ml. This has been reported even from high volume centres of
      excellence. We have looked at the clinical and financial benefits of using
      intraoperative cell salvage (ICS) as a method of reducing the autologous blood
      transfusion requirements for our RRP patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Group A
      comprised 25 consecutive patients who underwent RRP immediately prior to the
      acquisition of a cell saver machine. Group B consisted of the next 25 consecutive
      patients undergoing surgery using the Dideco Electa (Sorin Group, Italy) cell
      saver machine. Blood transfusion costs for both groups were calculated and
      compared. RESULTS: The mean postoperative haemoglobin was similar in both groups
      (11.1 gm/dl in Group A and 11.4 gm/dl in Group B). All Group B patients received
      autologous blood (average 506 ml, range: 103-1,023 ml). In addition, 5 patients
      (20%) in Group B received a group total of 16 units (average 0.6 units) of
      homologous blood. For Group A the total cost of transfusing the 69 units of
      homologous blood was estimated as L9,315, based on a per blood unit cost of L135.
      This cost did not include consumables or nursing costs. CONCLUSIONS: We found no
      evidence that autologous transfusions increased the risk of early biochemical
      relapse or of disease dissemination. ICS reduced our dependence on donated
      homologous blood.

PMID- 22041150
TI  - An easy, low-cost method for achieving adequate facial hair coverage for
      surgeons.

PMID- 22041151
TI  - A simple method to prevent spectacle lenses misting up on wearing a face mask.

PMID- 22041152
TI  - Stapled mesh stoma reinforcement technique (SMART)--a procedure to prevent
      parastomal herniation.

PMID- 22041153
TI  - Yarl vein flap fistuloplasties for juxta-anastomotic stenoses.

PMID- 22041154
TI  - A simple, cosmetically superior method of securing a post-surgical drain in
      facial surgery.

PMID- 22041155
TI  - The use of ink to define the position of intra-osseous wire suture apertures in
      bone fixation.

PMID- 22041156
TI  - Intra-operative ultrasound localisation of a parathyroid adenoma.

PMID- 22041157
TI  - A technique for bone grafting tibial and femoral tunnels in revision anterior
      cruciate ligament reconstruction.

PMID- 22041158
TI  - Simple technique to reduce stoma-bowel size discrepancy.

PMID- 22041159
TI  - Fingerless gloves for hand trauma cases.

PMID- 22041160
TI  - Bare below the elbows.

PMID- 22041161
TI  - Minimising the risk of extensor pollicis longus rupture following volar plate
      fixation of distal radius fractures: a cadaveric study.

PMID- 22041162
TI  - Absorbable or non-absorbable sutures?

PMID- 22041163
TI  - White cell count and C-reactive protein measurement in patients with possible
      appendicitis.

PMID- 22041164
TI  - GABAergic neurosteroids: the "endogenous benzodiazepines" of acute liver failure.
AB  - Acute liver failure (ALF) or fulminant hepatic failure represents a serious life
      threatening condition. ALF is characterized by a significant liver injury that
      leads to a rapid onset of hepatic encephalopathy (HE). In ALF, patients manifest
      rapid deterioration in consciousness leading to hepatic coma together with an
      onset of brain edema which induces high intracranial pressure that frequently
      leads to herniation and death. It is well accepted that hyperammonemia is a
      cardinal, but not the sole, mediator in the pathophysiology of ALF. There is
      increasing evidence that neurosteroids, including the parent neurosteroid
      pregnenolone, and the progesterone metabolites tetrahydroprogesterone
      (allopregnanolone) and tetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone (THDOC) accumulate in brain
      in experimental models of ALF. Neurosteroids in ALF represent good candidates to
      explain the phenomenon of "increased GABAergic tone" in chronic and ALF, and the
      beneficial effects of benzodiazepine drugs. The mechanisms that trigger brain
      neurosteroid changes in ALF are not yet well known, but could involve partially
      de novo neurosteroidogenesis following activation of the translocator protein
      (TSPO). The factors that contribute to TSPO changes in ALF may include ammonia
      and cytokines. It is possible that increases in brain levels of neurosteroids in
      ALF may result in auto-regulatory mechanisms where hypothermia may play a
      significant role. Possible mechanisms that may involve neurosteroids in the
      pathophysiology of HE, and more speculatively in brain edema, and inflammatory
      processes in ALF are suggested.

PMID- 22041165
TI  - Immobilized Candida antarctica lipase B: Hydration, stripping off and application
      in ring opening polyester synthesis.
AB  - This work reviews the stripping off, role of water molecules in activity, and
      flexibility of immobilized Candida antarctica lipase B (CALB). Employment of CALB
      in ring opening polyester synthesis emphasizing on a polylactide is discussed in
      detail. Execution of enzymes in place of inorganic catalysts is the most green
      alternative for sustainable and environment friendly synthesis of products on an
      industrial scale. Robust immobilization and consequently performance of enzyme is
      the essential objective of enzyme application in industry. Water bound to the
      surface of an enzyme (contact class of water molecules) is inevitable for enzyme
      performance; it controls enzyme dynamics via flexibility changes and has
      intensive influence on enzyme activity. The value of pH during immobilization of
      CALB plays a critical role in fixing the active conformation of an enzyme.
      Comprehensive selection of support and protocol can develop a robust immobilized
      enzyme thus enhancing its performance. Organic solvents with a log P value higher
      than four are more suitable for enzymatic catalysis as these solvents tend to
      strip away very little of the enzyme surface bound water molecules. Alternatively
      ionic liquid can work as a more promising reaction media. Covalent immobilization
      is an exclusively reliable technique to circumvent the leaching of enzymes and to
      enhance stability. Activated polystyrene nanoparticles can prove to be a
      practical and economical support for chemical immobilization of CALB. In order to
      reduce the E-factor for the synthesis of biodegradable polymers; enzymatic ring
      opening polyester synthesis (eROPS) of cyclic monomers is a more sensible route
      for polyester synthesis. Synergies obtained from ionic liquids and immobilized
      enzyme can be much effective eROPS.

PMID- 22041166
TI  - From short peptides to nanofibers to macromolecular assemblies in biomedicine.
AB  - In the last few years, a variety of self-assembling short peptides that consist
      exclusively of simple amino acids have been designed and modified. These peptides
      exhibit self-assembling dynamic behaviors. At the molecular structural level,
      they form alpha-helical, beta-sheet and beta-hairpins structures in water. These
      structures further undergo spontaneous assembly to form nanofibers which
      aggregate into supramolecular scaffolds that entrap large volumes of water.
      Furthermore, nanostructures and supramolecular structures that self-organized
      from these short peptides also have a broad spectrum of biotechnological
      applications. They are useful as biological materials for 2D and 3D tissue cell
      cultures, regenerative and reparative medicine, tissue engineering as well as
      injectable drug delivery matrices that gel in situ. We have endeavored to do a
      comprehensive review of short peptides that form nanofibrous hydrogels. In
      particular, we have focused on recent advances in peptide assembly motifs and
      applications.

PMID- 22041167
TI  - Clinical characteristics of urosepsis caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase
      producing Escherichia coli or Klebsiella pneumonia and their emergence in the
      community.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study is to delineate clinical characteristics of
      urosepsis caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli
      and Klebsiella pneumoniae (ESBL-EK) in different clinical settings, with an
      emphasis on community-acquired infections. METHODS: A retrospective study was
      conducted at two medical centers in Taiwan. From May 2002 to August 2007,
      clinical data of adults with urosepsis caused by ESBL-EK were collected. Patients
      were categorized into three groups according to the place of acquisition.
      Baseline characteristics, microbiological data and clinical outcomes were
      compared. RESULTS: Ninety-three cases of ESBL-EK urosepsis were included. Their
      mean age was 69.4 years, and 48.4% were men. Eleven (11.8%), 41 (44.1%), and 41
      (44.1%) patients were categorized as having community-acquired, healthcare
      associated, and hospital-acquired infections, respectively. Cases of ESBL-EK
      urosepsis from different settings shared similar characteristics in terms of age,
      gender, comorbidity and resistance profiles of bacterial strains. Of the
      bacterial isolates, 75% and 38.7% were resistant to fluoroquinolones and
      aminoglycosides, respectively. Cases of community-acquired urosepsis had a lower
      disease severity than those acquired in healthcare facilities or hospitals. Of
      note, there was no case fatality in 11 cases of community-acquired urosepsis and,
      in contrast, a crude mortality rate of 41.5% was found among adults with hospital
      acquired urosepsis (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: A limited number of adults with
      community-acquired urosepsis caused by ESBL-EK in the present study had a
      favorable outcome. Nonetheless, clinicians should be cautious of the emergence of
      urinary tract infections caused by ESBL-producers in the community setting.

PMID- 22041168
TI  - Staphylococcus lugdunensis endocarditis with isolated tricuspid valve
      involvement.
AB  - Staphylococcus lugdunensis is often misidentified as S aureus and as a rare cause
      of infective endocarditis. The clinical course of S lugdunensis endocarditis is
      aggressive and the mortality rate is high in contrast to S epidermidis
      endocarditis. Most reported cases of S lugdunensis endocarditis have involved
      mitral or aortic valves. Herein, we present a case with isolated tricuspid
      endocarditis due to S lugdunensis.

PMID- 22041169
TI  - How blind dates, internet dating, and facebook can inform the building of
      effective organizational partnerships.
AB  - To have a significant impact on public health, partnerships are essential -
      especially among researchers and organizations that can translate such research
      into action. Based on the experience of YMCA of the USA, this commentary
      describes how to develop a partnership strategy. It also highlights the
      opportunities and challenges associated with developing partnerships and
      translating theory into action.

PMID- 22041170
TI  - Targeting pancreatic cancer with a G-quadruplex ligand.
AB  - The integrity of telomeres in most cancer cells is maintained by the action of
      the telomerase enzyme complex, which catalyzes the synthesis of telomeric DNA
      repeats in order to replace those lost during replication. Telomerase is
      especially up-regulated in metastatic cancer and is thus emerging as a major
      therapeutic target. One approach to telomerase inhibition involves the
      sequestration of the single-stranded 3' ends of telomeric DNA into higher-order
      quadruplex structures. We have recently shown that tetra-substituted naphthalene
      diimide compounds are potent quadruplex-stabilizing molecules with telomerase
      inhibitory activity in cells. We show here that one such compound, BMSG-SH-3,
      which has been optimized by computer modeling, has significant in vivo antitumor
      activity against a model for pancreatic cancer, a cancer that is especially
      resistant to current therapies. A large reduction in telomerase activity in
      treated tumors was observed and the naphthalene diimide compound was found to be
      selectively localized in the treated tumors. We find that the expression of the
      therapeutically important chaperone protein HSP90, a regulator of telomerase is
      also reduced in vivo by BMSG-SH-3 treatment. The compound is a potent stabilizer
      of two G-quadruplex sequences found in the promoter region of the HSP90 gene, as
      well as a G-quadruplex from human telomeric DNA. It is proposed that the
      simultaneous targeting of these quadruplexes may be an effective anti-tumor
      strategy.

PMID- 22041171
TI  - Synthesis and biological profile of new 1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinolines as
      selective carbonic anhydrase inhibitors.
AB  - In a previous paper we identified several 1-aryl-6,7-dimethoxy-1,2,3,4
      tetrahydroisoquinoline-2-sulfonamides that displayed inhibitory effects toward
      selected carbonic anhydrase isozymes at micromolar concentration. In order to
      deepen the structure-activity relationships (SARs) and identify novel compounds
      with improved activity, we synthesized a series of monomethoxy analogues of the
      previously investigated dimethoxy derivatives. The evaluation of biological
      profile has been focused on in vitro effects against several CA isoforms. The new
      monomethoxy derivatives showed higher hCA inhibitory effects against several
      isoforms compared to the dimethoxy analogues. Particularly, some of these
      compounds (e.g., 1b and 1h) showed low nanomolar K(I) values and excellent
      selectivity for hCA IX and hCA XIV versus hCA I and II inhibition.

PMID- 22041172
TI  - Benzenediol-berberine hybrids: multifunctional agents for Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - We designed and synthesized a series of hybrid molecules, in an effort to
      identify novel multifunctional drug candidates for Alzheimer's disease (AD), by
      reacting berberine with benzenediol, melatonin, and ferulic acid. The products
      were evaluated for: (i) the ability to inhibit multiple cholinesterases (ChEs);
      (ii) the capacity to prevent amyloid beta (Abeta) aggregation; and (iii)
      antioxidant activity. All of the derivatives were better antioxidants, and
      inhibited Abeta aggregation to a greater extent, than the lead compound,
      berberine. Two of the hybrids, in particular, have the potential to be excellent
      candidates for AD therapy: the berberine-pyrocatechol hybrid (compound 8) was a
      much better inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) than unconjugated berberine
      (IC(50): 0.123 vs 0.374 MUM); and the berberine-hydroquinone hybrid (compound 12)
      displayed high antioxidant activity, could inhibit AChE (IC(50) of 0.460 MUM),
      and had the greatest ability to inhibit Abeta aggregation.

PMID- 22041173
TI  - Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of a novel series of
      bisintercalating DNA-binding piperazine-linked bisanthrapyrazole compounds as
      anticancer agents.
AB  - A series of bisintercalating DNA binding bisanthrapyrazole compounds containing
      piperazine linkers were designed by molecular modeling and docking techniques.
      Because the anthrapyrazoles are not quinones they are unable to be reductively
      activated like doxorubicin and other anthracyclines and thus they should not be
      cardiotoxic. The concentration dependent increase in DNA melting temperature was
      used to determine the strength of DNA binding and the bisintercalation potential
      of the compounds. Compounds with more than a three-carbon linker that could span
      four DNA base pairs achieved bisintercalation. All of the bisanthrapyrazoles
      inhibited human erythroleukemic K562 cell growth in the low to submicromolar
      concentration range. They also strongly inhibited the decatenation activity of
      topoisomerase IIalpha and the relaxation activity of topoisomerase I. However, as
      measured by their ability to induce double strand breaks in plasmid DNA, the
      bisanthrapyrazole compounds did not act as topoisomerase IIalpha poisons. In
      conclusion, a novel group of bisanthrapyrazole compounds were designed,
      synthesized, and biologically evaluated as potential anticancer agents.

PMID- 22041174
TI  - Synthesis and activity of new macrolones: conjugates between 6(7)-(2'-aminoethyl)
      amino-1-cyclopropyl-3-carboxylic acid (2'-hydroxyethyl) amides and 4"-propenoyl
      azithromycin.
AB  - A set of novel macrolones containing the flexible C8 basic linker and quinolone 3
      (2'-hydroxyethyl)carboxamido group has been prepared and structurally
      characterized by NMR and IR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and molecular
      modeling. The new compounds were evaluated in vitro against a panel of
      erythromycin-susceptible and erythromycin-resistant Gram-positive and Gram
      negative bacterial strains. Compared to azithromycin, most of the compounds
      exhibited improved in vitro potency against the key respiratory pathogens.

PMID- 22041175
TI  - Design, synthesis and biological activity of original pyrazolo-pyrido-diazepine, 
      pyrazine and -oxazine dione derivatives as novel dual Nox4/Nox1 inhibitors.
AB  - Pyrazolo-pyrido-diazepine, -pyrazine and -oxazine dione derivatives are new
      chemical entities with good and attractive druglikeness properties. A series of
      pyrazolo-pyrido-diazepine dione analogs demonstrated to be particularly amenable
      to lead optimization through a couple of cycles in order to improve specificity
      for isoforms Nox4 and Nox1 and had excellent pharmacokinetic parameters by oral
      route. Several molecules such as compound 7c proved to be highly potent in in
      vitro assays on human lung fibroblasts differentiation as well as in curative
      murine models of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis with superior efficiency
      over Pirfenidone. Pyrazolo-pyrido-diazepine dione derivatives targeting Nox4 and
      Nox1 isoforms appear highly promising therapeutics for the treatment of
      idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.

PMID- 22041176
TI  - [Influence of age on antibody titers following rabies post-exposure prophylaxis].

PMID- 22041177
TI  - [Effects of food restriction imposed to adult rats on the bone growth and the
      histological structure of the thyroid in their youth].
AB  - STUDY PURPOSE: Our objective was the study of the development and the maturation
      of pups whose mothers were subjected to intermittent fasting. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Eight pregnant female Wistar rats were distributed into two groups of
      four adult females. The rats of the first group were subjected to intermittent
      fasting beginning on the 14th day of gestation and continued 21 days after
      parturition. The rats of the second group were normally fed. The young of both
      groups of rats were sacrificed at the age of 21 days. RESULTS: The pups of the
      female rats submitted to food restriction showed a reduction of the body weight (
      35%), of the thyroid iodine content (P<0.001) and of segment thyroxin (P<0.05).
      The histological study revealed that these pups presented colloid depletion of
      this follicular thyroid, non-anastomosing trabeculae, cortical bone thinning,
      decreased bone mineral content, absence of osteoid formation and decreased number
      of osteoclasts. CONCLUSION: Dietary restriction imposed on adult rats, from
      gestation, led to the installation in their pups of a state of malnutrition and a
      description of thyroid histology. This thyroid abnormality is associated with
      hypothyroidism that led, at least in part, to the collapse of the ability to
      regulate bone remodeling.

PMID- 22041178
TI  - Ultrasound imaging for the rheumatologist XXXV. Sonographic assessment of the
      foot in patients with osteoarthritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aims of our study were to investigate the prevalence of
      ultrasound (US) abnormalities in the foot of patients with osteoarthritis (OA)
      and to compare them with clinical findings. METHODS: Consecutive patients with
      foot OA were investigated by clinical and US examinations. Bilateral US of the
      midfoot and forefoot joints was performed by using a Logiq9 machine, equipped
      with a multi-frequency linear probe, operating at 14 MHz; in addition, power
      Doppler was applied (frequency 7.5 MHz; gain 50%; PRF 750 Hz). Clinical
      evaluation included the registration of demographic data, disease duration,
      current treatment undergone, joint swelling and tenderness. US study included the
      assessment of both inflammatory (joint effusion, synovial hypertrophy, local
      pathologic vascularisation at PD, big-toe bursitis) and structural (osteophytes,
      MTP joints subluxation) abnormalities. RESULTS: One hundred patients were
      studied. At midfoot level, clinical examination demonstrated signs suggestive for
      joint inflammation (tenderness and/or swelling) in at least one joint in 43/200
      feet (21.5%) of 23 patients; US showed inflammatory abnormalities in 87/200 feet
      (43.5%) of 63 patients and structural lesions in 100/200 feet (50%) of 70
      patients. At forefoot level, clinical examination found inflammatory signs in at
      least one joint in 128 feet (64%) of 64 patients; US showed inflammatory
      abnormalities in at least one joint in 176 feet (88%) of 88 patients and
      structural lesions in 189 feet (86%) of 86 patients. CONCLUSIONS: US is a useful
      imaging tool for analysing both inflammatory and structural damage lesions at
      foot joints level in OA. In addition, it demonstrated to be more sensitive than
      clinical examination in the detection of inflammatory abnormalities.

PMID- 22041179
TI  - Association between Th-17 cytokine profile and clinical features in patients with
      spondyloarthritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: In recent years, a substantial amount of information has become
      available on the relationship between cytokines associated with the Th-17 profile
      and the development of spondyloarthritis (SpA). The purpose of this study was to
      evaluate inflammation markers in serum and synovial fluid (SF) and levels of
      cytokines related to the Th-17 profile in patients with different subtypes of SpA
      and healthy subjects. METHODS: We evaluated this cytokine profile in light of the
      clinical activity of the disease in 62 patients. Serum cytokine levels (IL-17, IL
      6, IL-1 alpha, TNF alpha, IFN-gamma) were measured by flow cytometry. IL-23,
      serum amyloid (SAA) and metalloproteinase 3 (MMP-3) were measured with ELISA. In
      all patients, clinical evaluation was performed using the activity and function
      indexes of the disease. RESULTS: A comparison showed that IL-17, IL-23, IL-1
      alpha, IL-6, and TNF-alpha levels were significantly higher in the serum of SpA
      patients than healthy subjects (HS), and there were no differences among SpA
      subtypes. In SF we found higher concentrations of cytokines, but only IL-23
      showed significant differences (p<0.05). We found a relationship between
      enthesitis and peripheral involvement and serum IL-17 levels (9 to 63 pg / ml).
      There was a correlation between levels above 63 pg/ml and a history of infection.
      Higher levels of IL-23 in synovial fluid could suggest local amplification of the
      Th-17 cytokine profile. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest a possible
      relationship between IL-17 and enthesis involvement in SpA.

PMID- 22041180
TI  - Etanercept in spondyloarthropathies. Part I: current evidence of efficacy.
AB  - Etanercept is a recombinant soluble tumour necrosis factor alpha receptor
      administered subcutaneously at the dose of 50 mg weekly (or 25 mg/twice weekly)
      for the treatment of the main chronic arthritides: rheumatoid arthritis and
      spondyloarthropathies. It shows high qualities in terms of efficacy and
      manageability. Favourable results were reported in all localisations of
      spondyloarthropathies: axial disease, peripheral arthritis, and enthesitis. In
      particular, several studies demonstrated its efficacy on the clinical and
      functional indicators of ankylosing spondylitis. Similar data were also reported
      for psoriatic arthritis in which, in addition, a significant reduction in the
      progression of erosive damages was widely described. Furthermore, although only a
      few studies are available, very interesting results have been obtained in
      patients suffering from undifferentiated spondyloarthropathies and severe
      enthesitis.

PMID- 22041181
TI  - Etanercept in spondyloarthopathies. Part II: safety and pharmacoeconomic issues.
AB  - Etanercept (ETN) and other anti-TNF-alpha agents have revolutionised the
      management of spondyloarthropathies (SpA). With the increasingly widespread and
      prolonged use of these drugs an assessment of their long-term safety is extremely
      important. An additional concern regarding biological agents is their higher
      costs compared with conventional drugs. We examined safety data regarding ETN
      from clinical reports, clinical trials, review articles, databases and
      registries. In addition, evidence was reviewed about the cost effectiveness of
      ETN in the treatment of patients with SpA. Our review suggests that ETN is well
      tolerated as long-term, continuous treatment of SpA with a favourable risk
      benefit ratio maintained from 4 to 5 years. Diversity in structure and mode of
      action could explain some differences in the safety profile of ETN with respect
      to the other anti-TNF agents. In particular, ETN is less immunogenic and is less
      likely to induce tuberculosis re-activation than the other TNF-alpha antagonists.
      Although ETN is considerably more expensive than conventional therapy, it reduces
      direct and indirect costs associated to SpA by improving disease activity and
      quality of life. Recent pharmacoeconomic studies have demonstrated its cost
      effectiveness in the treatment of SpA.

PMID- 22041182
TI  - Control of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal stress axis activity by the
      intermediate conductance calcium-activated potassium channel, SK4.
AB  - The anterior pituitary corticotroph is a major control point for the regulation
      of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the neuroendocrine response
      to stress. Although corticotrophs are known to be electrically excitable, ion
      channels controlling the electrical properties of corticotrophs are poorly
      understood. Here, we exploited a lentiviral transduction system to allow the
      unequivocal identification of live murine corticotrophs in culture. We
      demonstrate that corticotrophs display highly heterogeneous spontaneous action
      potential firing patterns and their resting membrane potential is modulated by a
      background sodium conductance. Physiological concentrations of corticotrophin
      releasing hormone (CRH) and arginine vasopressin (AVP) cause a depolarization of
      corticotrophs, leading to a sustained increase in action potential firing. A
      major component of the outward potassium conductance was mediated via
      intermediate conductance calcium-activated (SK4) potassium channels. Inhibition
      of SK4 channels with TRAM-34 resulted in an increase in corticotroph excitability
      and exaggerated CRH/AVP-stimulated ACTH secretion in vitro. In accordance with a
      physiological role for SK4 channels in vivo, restraint stress-induced plasma ACTH
      and corticosterone concentrations were significantly enhanced in gene-targeted
      mice lacking SK4 channels (Kcnn4(-/-)). In addition, Kcnn4(-/-) mutant mice
      displayed enhanced hypothalamic c-fos and nur77 mRNA expression following
      restraint, suggesting increased neuronal activation. Thus, stress
      hyperresponsiveness observed in Kcnn4(-/-) mice results from enhanced
      secretagogue-induced ACTH output from anterior pituitary corticotrophs and may
      also involve increased hypothalamic drive, thereby suggesting an important role
      for SK4 channels in HPA axis function.

PMID- 22041183
TI  - Heterosynaptic long-term potentiation at interneuron-principal neuron synapses in
      the amygdala requires nitric oxide signalling.
AB  - Long-lasting changes of synaptic efficacy are thought to be a prerequisite for
      memory formation and maintenance. In the basolateral complex of the amygdala
      (BLA), one of the main regions for fear and extinction learning of the brain,
      various forms of long-term potentiation (LTP) have been described for excitatory
      glutamatergic synapses. In contrast, little is known about the mechanisms of LTP
      at inhibitory GABAergic synapses. Here we provide evidence that (1) LTP at
      inhibitory GABAergic synapses (LTP(i)) between inhibitory interneurons and
      principal neurons (PNs) can be induced by theta-burst stimulation (TBS), (2) this
      LTP(i) is prevented by AMPA- or NMDA-receptor antagonists, and (3) this LTP(i) is
      abolished by the NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor L-NAME or the NO scavenger PTIO, and
      thus is critically dependent on nitric oxide (NO) signalling. These findings are
      corroborated by immunocytochemical stainings for neuronal (n) NOS, which revealed
      the existence of nNOS-positive neurons and fibres in the BLA. We conclude that
      LTP of GABAergic synaptic transmission to PNs is induced by activation of AMPA
      and NMDA receptors at glutamatergic synapses and subsequent retrograde NO
      signalling to enhance GABAergic transmission. This form of LTP at GABAergic
      synapses comprises a novel form of heterosynaptic plasticity within the BLA, apt
      to shape conditioned fear responses.

PMID- 22041184
TI  - Fast calcium and voltage-sensitive dye imaging in enteric neurones reveal calcium
      peaks associated with single action potential discharge.
AB  - Slow changes in [Ca(2+)](i) reflect increased neuronal activity. Our study
      demonstrates that single-trial fast [Ca(2+)](i) imaging (>=200 Hz sampling rate)
      revealed peaks each of which are associated with single spike discharge recorded
      by consecutive voltage-sensitive dye (VSD) imaging in enteric neurones and nerve
      fibres. Fast [Ca(2+)](i) imaging also revealed subthreshold fast excitatory
      postsynaptic potentials. Nicotine-evoked [Ca(2+)](i) peaks were reduced by 
      conotoxin and blocked by ruthenium red or tetrodotoxin. Fast [Ca(2+)](i) imaging
      can be used to directly record single action potentials in enteric neurones.
      [Ca(2+)](i) peaks required opening of voltage-gated sodium and calcium channels
      as well as Ca(2+) release from intracellular stores.

PMID- 22041185
TI  - Serine racemase deletion abolishes light-evoked NMDA receptor currents in retinal
      ganglion cells.
AB  - Glycine and/or D-serine are obligatory coagonists of the N-methyl-D-aspartate
      receptor (NMDAR). Serine racemase, the D-serine-synthesizing enzyme, is expressed
      by astrocytes and Muller cells of the retina, but little is known about its role
      in retinal signalling. In this study, we utilize a serine racemase knockout
      (SRKO) mouse to explore the contribution of D-serine to inner-retinal function.
      Retinal tissue levels of D-serine in SRKO mice are reduced by 85%. Whole-cell
      recordings from SRKO retinal ganglion cells showed markedly reduced coagonist
      occupancy of NMDARs and consequently a dramatic reduction in the NMDAR component
      of light-evoked responses. NMDAR currents in SRKOs could be rescued by applying
      exogenous coagonist, but SRKO ganglion cells still displayed lower NMDA/AMPA
      receptor ratios than wild-type (WT) controls when the coagonist site was
      saturated. Despite having abnormalities in synaptic glutamatergic transmission,
      SRKO mice displayed no obvious signs of visual impairment in behavioural testing.
      These findings raise interesting questions about the role of D-serine in inner
      retinal function and development.

PMID- 22041186
TI  - Differential effects of Kv7 (M-) channels on synaptic integration in distinct
      subcellular compartments of rat hippocampal pyramidal neurons.
AB  - The K(V)7/M-current is an important determinant of neuronal excitability and
      plays a critical role in modulating action potential firing. In this study, using
      a combination of electrophysiology and computational modelling, we show that
      these channels selectively influence peri-somatic but not dendritic post-synaptic
      excitatory synaptic potential (EPSP) integration in CA1 pyramidal cells. K(V)7/M
      channels are highly concentrated in axons. However, the competing peptide,
      ankyrin G binding peptide (ABP) that disrupts axonal K(V)7/M-channel function,
      had little effect on somatic EPSP integration, suggesting that this effect was
      due to local somatic channels only. This interpretation was confirmed using
      computer simulations. Further, in accordance with the biophysical properties of
      the K(V)7/M-current, the effect of somatic K(V)7/M-channels on synaptic potential
      summation was dependent upon the neuronal membrane potential. Somatic K(V)7/M
      channels thus affect EPSP-spike coupling by altering EPSP integration.
      Interestingly, disruption of axonal channels enhanced EPSP-spike coupling by
      lowering the action potential threshold. Hence, somatic and axonal K(V)7/M
      channels influence EPSP-spike coupling via different mechanisms. This may be
      important for their relative contributions to physiological processes such as
      synaptic plasticity as well as patho-physiological conditions such as epilepsy.

PMID- 22041187
TI  - Characterization of Trpm1 desensitization in ON bipolar cells and its role in
      downstream signalling.
AB  - ON bipolar cells invert the sign of light responses from hyperpolarizing to
      depolarizing before passing them on to ganglion cells. Light responses are
      generated when a cation channel, recently identified as Trpm1, opens. The
      amplitude of the light response rapidly decays due to desensitization of Trpm1
      current. The role of Trpm1 desensitization in shaping light responses both in
      bipolar and downstream ganglion cells has not been well characterized. Here we
      show that two parameters, the amount and the rate of recovery from
      desensitization, depend on the strength of the presynaptic stimulus. Stimuli that
      activate less than 20% of the maximum Trpm1 current did not promote any
      detectable desensitization, even for prolonged periods. Beyond this threshold
      there was a linear relationship between the amount of desensitization and the
      fractional Trpm1 current. In response to stimuli that open all available
      channels, desensitization reduced the response to approximately 40% of the peak,
      with a time constant of 1 s, and recovery was slow, with a time constant of more
      than 20 s. In dye-filled bipolar cells classified as transient or sustained using
      morphological criteria, there were no significant differences in Trpm1
      desensitization parameters. Trpm1 activation evoked robust EPSCs in ganglion
      cells, and removal of Trpm1 desensitization strongly augmented a sustained
      component of the ganglion cell EPSC irrespective of whether ganglion cells were
      of the ON or ON/OFF type. We conclude that Trpm1 desensitization impacts the
      kinetics of ganglion cell EPSCs, but does not underlie the sustained/transient
      dichotomy of neurons in the ON pathway.

PMID- 22041189
TI  - Skin sympathetic nerve activity component synchronizing with cardiac cycle is
      involved in hypovolaemic suppression of cutaneous vasodilatation in hyperthermia.
AB  - Although cutaneous vasodilatation in hyperthermia was suppressed during
      hypovolaemia, the efferent neural pathway mediating this suppression has not been
      identified. To determine the electrical nerve signals which account for the
      suppression of cutaneous vasodilatation during hypovolaemia, skin sympathetic
      nerve activity (SSNA; microneurography) from the peroneal nerve, laser-Doppler
      blood flow (LDF) on the ipsilateral dorsal foot, mean arterial pressure (MAP;
      sonometry) and oesophageal temperature (T(oes)) were measured before and during
      45 min of passive warming in 20 healthy subjects during normovolaemia (n = 10) or
      hypovolaemia (n = 10) conditions. Hypovolaemia was achieved by diuretic
      administration. Cutaneous vascular conductance (CVC = LDF/MAP), SSNA burst
      frequency and total SSNA obtained from rectified and filtered SSNA signal
      increased as T(oes) increased by ~0.5 degrees C by the end of warming in both
      groups. The increase in CVC was significantly lower in hypovolaemia than
      normovolaemia (P < 0.0001), but with no significant difference in the increase in
      burst frequency and total SSNA between groups (P > 0.32). However, using an
      alternative analysis that constructed spike incidence histograms from the
      original signal using 0.05 s bins during the 5 s following a given R-wave, we
      found a SSNA component synchronized with the cardiac cycle with a 1.1-1.3 s
      latency. This component increased with an increase in T(oes) and the increase was
      significantly suppressed by hypovolaemia (P < 0.0001). In conclusion,
      hypovolaemic suppression of cutaneous vasodilatation during hyperthermia might be
      caused by a reduction in the SSNA component synchronized with cardiac cycle.

PMID- 22041188
TI  - Orai3--the 'exceptional' Orai?
AB  - The field of agonist-activated Ca(2+) entry in non-excitable cells underwent a
      revolution some 5 years ago with the discovery of the Orai proteins as the
      essential pore-forming components of the low-conductance, highly Ca(2+)-selective
      CRAC channels whose activation is dependent on depletion of intracellular stores.
      Mammals possess three distinct Orai proteins (Orai1, 2 and 3) of which Orai3 is
      unique to this class, apparently evolving from Orai1. However, the sequence of
      Orai3 shows marked differences from that of Orai1, particularly in those regions
      of the protein outside of the essential pore-forming domains. Correspondingly,
      studies from several different groups have indicated that the inclusion of Orai3
      is associated with the appearance of conductances that display unique features in
      their gating, selectivity, regulation and mode of activation. In this Topical
      Review, these features are discussed with the purpose of proposing that the
      evolutionary appearance of Orai3 in mammals, and the consequent development of
      conductances displaying novel properties - whether formed by Orai3 alone or in
      conjunction with the other Orai proteins - is associated with the specific role
      of this member of the Orai family in a unique range of distinct cellular
      activities.

PMID- 22041190
TI  - MicroRNAs in vascular biology, an introduction to the Vascular Pharmacology
      special issue on microRNAs.

PMID- 22041192
TI  - Thrombolysis for massive pulmonary embolism in pregnancy: a case report.
AB  - Mortality from pulmonary embolism (PE) in pregnancy might be related to
      challenges in targeting the right population for prevention. Such targeting could
      help ensure that the correct diagnosis is suspected and adequately investigated,
      and allow the initiation of the timely and best possible treatment of this
      disease. In the literature to date only 18 case reports of thrombolysis in
      pregnant women with PE have been reported, and showed beneficial effects for both
      mother and fetus in terms of mortality and complications with acceptable bleeding
      risks. We present here the case of a pregnant patient with massive PE who
      underwent successful thrombolysis. A 26-year-old pregnant (at 24 weeks) woman was
      admitted 4 h after onset of sudden acute dyspnea and chest pain. An immediate
      electrocardiogram showed a typical S1-Q3-T3 pattern. The echocardiogram showed a
      distended right ventricle with free-wall hypokinesia and displacement of the
      interventricular septum toward the left ventricle. Thrombolysis with recombinant
      tissue plasminogen activator (alteplase 10 mg bolus, then 90 mg over 2 h) was
      administered. Pelvic examination and ultrasound showed regular fetal heart beat,
      and regular placental and liquid presence. No problems developed for the mother
      or fetus in the subsequent days or at discharge. In conclusion, in pregnant
      patients with life-threatening massive PE, thrombolytic therapy can be
      administered, and the use of echocardiographic, laboratory, and clinical data can
      be useful tools to achieve a rapid diagnosis and make a therapeutic decision, but
      additional studies need to be performed to further define its use.

PMID- 22041191
TI  - A multi-tissue type genome-scale metabolic network for analysis of whole-body
      systems physiology.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Genome-scale metabolic reconstructions provide a biologically
      meaningful mechanistic basis for the genotype-phenotype relationship. The global
      human metabolic network, termed Recon 1, has recently been reconstructed allowing
      the systems analysis of human metabolic physiology and pathology. Utilizing high
      throughput data, Recon 1 has recently been tailored to different cells and
      tissues, including the liver, kidney, brain, and alveolar macrophage. These
      models have shown utility in the study of systems medicine. However, no
      integrated analysis between human tissues has been done. RESULTS: To describe
      tissue-specific functions, Recon 1 was tailored to describe metabolism in three
      human cells: adipocytes, hepatocytes, and myocytes. These cell-specific networks
      were manually curated and validated based on known cellular metabolic functions.
      To study intercellular interactions, a novel multi-tissue type modeling approach
      was developed to integrate the metabolic functions for the three cell types, and
      subsequently used to simulate known integrated metabolic cycles. In addition, the
      multi-tissue model was used to study diabetes: a pathology with systemic
      properties. High-throughput data was integrated with the network to determine
      differential metabolic activity between obese and type II obese gastric bypass
      patients in a whole-body context. CONCLUSION: The multi-tissue type modeling
      approach presented provides a platform to study integrated metabolic states. As
      more cell and tissue-specific models are released, it is critical to develop a
      framework in which to study their interdependencies.

PMID- 22041193
TI  - Synthesis and characterization of Mn doped ZnS d-dots with controllable dual
      color emissions.
AB  - High-quality Mn doped ZnS d-dots were successfully synthesized via an alternative
      route based on the solvothermal method using oleic acid as stabilizing agent. X
      ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) as well as
      photoluminescence (PL) spectra were employed to characterize the obtained
      samples. The as-obtained d-dots are highly crystalline and uniform sized, and
      they can be well dispersed in hexane to form stable and clear colloidal solution.
      The optical properties of the d-dots with different Mn doped concentration are
      investigated in detail. The Mn doped ZnS d-dots have two emission bands,
      including surface state emission (blue) and Mn emission (orange), which are both
      sensitivity to the Mn doped concentration. By varying the Mn doped concentration,
      the relative PL intensities of dual-color emissions can be well manipulated,
      showing their application in tunable color output. Furthermore, a subsequent
      ligand exchange has been introduced to give the d-dots hydrophilic surfaces,
      which are favorable for biological applications.

PMID- 22041194
TI  - Binary mixtures with novel monomeric and dimeric surfactants: influence of the
      head group nature and number of hydrophobic chains on non-ideality.
AB  - The micellization and micellar growth in the mixtures of N,N-dimethyl, N-phenyl,N
      dodecylammonium bromide, PH12, N,N-dimethyl,N-ciclohexylmethyl,N-dodecylammonium
      bromide, CH12, and their two dimeric counterparts m-dimethylphenyl-alpha-omega
      bis(dodecyldimethylammonium) bromide, 12PH12, and m-dimethylciclohexyl-alpha
      omega-bis(dodecyldimethylammonium) bromide, 12CH12, with
      dodecyltrimethylammoniumbromide, DTAB, and with N-decanoyl N-methylglucamide,
      MEGA10, were investigated at 303 K. Circular dichroism, CD, experiments showed
      the formation of mixed micelles. Two-dimensional, 2D, rotating frame nuclear
      Overhauser effect spectroscopy (ROESY) experiments indicated that the arrangement
      of the rings in the pure and mixed micelles is similar, with the rings bent into
      the micelle interior avoiding contact with water. Application of different
      theoretical approaches shows that PH12 and CH12 mixtures with DTAB and with
      MEGA10 behave almost ideally. The binary systems of 12PH12 and 12CH12 with DTAB
      and with MEGA10 show a non-ideal behavior. An increment in the solution mole
      fraction of MEGA10 and DTAB diminishes the tendency of the micellar aggregates to
      grow.

PMID- 22041195
TI  - Selective surface reactions for Janus ORMOSIL particles with multiple functional
      groups using an ordered monolayer film at liquid-liquid interface.
AB  - Monodispersed, submicron-sized Janus ORMOSIL particles with multiple functional
      groups were prepared by the selective surface reaction of a monolayer film formed
      at a hexane-water interface. A well-ordered monolayer film was obtained by self
      assembly of ORMOSIL particles with multiple functional groups at hexane-water
      interface. The photopolymerization of an ordered monolayer containing ORMOSIL
      particles yields a rigid film strong enough to maintain its integrity for
      transfer and further chemical reaction. The chemical reaction of this ordered
      film with organic and inorganic functional groups produced Janus ORMOSIL
      particles with multiple functional groups. The morphologies, structures, and
      chemical compositions of monolayer films and Janus ORMOSIL particles were
      characterized by FT-IR, solid state NMR, X-ray diffraction (XRD), optical
      microscopy (OM), electron microscopies (SEM and TEM), and confocal laser scanning
      microscopy.

PMID- 22041196
TI  - Effect of cosolvent organic molecules on the adsorption and structural properties
      of soft-templated ordered mesoporous alumina.
AB  - Ordered mesoporous aluminas with high surface areas (up to 783 m(2)/g), large
      pore volumes (up to 0.82 cm(3)/g) and the presence of complementary micropores
      (up to 0.17 cm(3)/g) are synthesized with Pluronic(r) F127 or P123 triblock
      copolymers in a one-pot synthesis of metal alkoxide, template and cosolvent
      molecules such as 1,3,5-trimethylbenzene or 1,3,5-triisopropylbenzene in an
      acidic ethanol solution at 15  degrees C. Materials are characterized by nitrogen
      adsorption analysis, small-angle X-ray diffraction and transmission electron
      microscopy.

PMID- 22041197
TI  - Water adsorption-desorption isotherms of two-dimensional hexagonal mesoporous
      silica around freezing point.
AB  - Zr-doped mesoporous silica with a diameter of approximately 3.8 nm was
      synthesized via an evaporation-induced self-assembly process, and the adsorption
      desorption isotherms of water vapor were measured in the temperature range of 263
      298 K. The measured adsorption-desorption isotherms below 273 K indicated that
      water confined in the mesopores did not freeze at any relative pressure. All
      isotherms had a steep curve, resulting from capillary condensation/evaporation,
      and a pronounced hysteresis. The hysteresis loop, which is associated with a
      delayed adsorption process, increased with a decrease in temperature.
      Furthermore, the curvature radius where capillary evaporation/condensation occurs
      was evaluated by the combined Kelvin and Gibbs-Tolman-Koening-Buff (GTKB)
      equations for the modification of the interfacial tension due to the interfacial
      curvature. The thickness of the water adsorption layer for capillary condensation
      was slightly larger, whereas that for capillary evaporation was slightly smaller
      than 0.7 nm.

PMID- 22041198
TI  - Influence of temperature on the colloidal stability of the F-DPPC and DPPC
      liposomes induced by lanthanum ions.
AB  - The influence of La(3+) on the colloidal stability of liposomes made up by two
      zwitterionic phospholipids, 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC)
      and 1-palmitoyl-2-[16-fluoropalmitoyl-phosphatidylcholine (F-DPPC), in aqueous
      media has been investigated by dynamic light scattering and electrophoretic
      mobility. The critical aggregation concentration (c.a.c.) of La(3+) for F-DPPC
      and DPPC liposomes were experimentally obtained, and the results were compared
      with theoretical predictions using the Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek theory.
      In order to evaluate the influence of the state of the bilayer on the stability
      of liposomes, all experiments were performed at temperatures below and above the
      chain-melting phase-transition temperature of lipids (transition temperature of
      lipids). Changes in the size of both types of liposomes and high values of
      polydispersity in the presence of La(3+) showed that these ions induce
      aggregation of liposomes at 25  degrees C and at 60  degrees C. At 25  degrees C,
      when the bilayer of F-DPPC liposomes is interdigited, DPPC liposomes are more
      resistant to aggregation than the liposomes formed with F-DPPC. However, this
      difference disappears at 60  degrees C, when both bilayers have the same
      conformation. The experimental results also indicate that the c.a.c. is higher at
      60  degrees C than at 25  degrees C for both types of liposomes. In fact, it has
      been observed by dynamic light scattering measurements that aggregation of
      liposomes at 25  degrees C can be prevented by increasing the solution
      temperature for La(3+) concentrations near to the c.a.c. Moreover, the behavior
      of these liposomes in the presence of the ion was studied at temperatures above
      and below the transition temperature of the phospholipids.

PMID- 22041199
TI  - Self-assembly in surfactant-based liquid mixtures: octanoic acid/Bis(2
      ethylhexyl)amine systems.
AB  - The physico-chemical properties of Bis(2-ethylhexyl)amine (BEEA) plus octanoic
      acid (OA) mixtures have been investigated by IR, SAXS, WAXS, viscosimetry, and AC
      complex impedance spectroscopy in the whole composition range. Mainly driven by
      proton transfer from the acidic OA to the basic BEEA, the formation of
      stoichiometrically well-defined adducts takes place in the mixtures. This causes
      the slowing down of molecular dynamics and the increase in charge carrier number
      density. Interestingly, while the pure components possess no significant
      conductivity (about 10(-12) S cm(-1) at 25  degrees C), their mixtures show a
      composition-dependent enhanced conductivity (up to about 10(-5) S cm(-1)), i.e.,
      more than seven orders of magnitude higher than that of the pure components. The
      comparison of the composition dependence of viscosity, direct-current
      conductivity, and static permittivity indicates the concurrence of contributions
      of different adducts and that the dynamics controlling molecular reorientation
      and momentum and charge transfer, even if ultimately related to the proton
      transfer from OA to BEEA, are different. The results can be used not only to
      design novel materials for application purposes, but also to shed more light on
      the principles regulating molecular self-assembly in surfactant-based liquid
      systems.

PMID- 22041200
TI  - Wafer-scale thin encapsulated two-dimensional nanochannels and its application
      toward visualization of single molecules.
AB  - We present a new and simple approach to fabricate wafer-scale, thin encapsulated,
      two-dimensional nanochannels by using conventional surface-micromachining
      technology and thin-film evaporation. The key steps to the realization of two
      dimensional nanochannels are a fine etching of a sacrificial layer to create
      underetching spaces at the nanometer regime, and an accurate thin-film
      evaporation for encapsulation. Well-defined cross-sectional, encapsulated
      nanochannel arrays with dimensions as small as 20 nm in both width and height
      have been realized at the wafer-scale. The fabricated nanochannels with a channel
      length of 10mm have been used as a suitable fluidic platform for confining a
      solution containing nanomolar concentrations of Alexa fluorescent molecules.
      Initial results toward visualization of single Alexa molecules in the confined
      solution are reported.

PMID- 22041201
TI  - Genome sequence of SeIV-1, a novel virus from the Iflaviridae family infective to
      Spodoptera exigua.
AB  - Analysis of the transcriptome of Spodoptera exigua larvae revealed the presence
      of several ESTs with homology to virus of the order Picornavirales and with the
      highest similarity to Infectious flacherie virus (Iflaviridae) that infects
      Bombyx mori larvae. Iflaviridae is a recently defined family of insect-infecting
      viruses that consist of positive single strand RNA genomes translated into a
      single polyprotein of around 3000 amino acids long. Using the sequence
      information derived from the obtained ESTs, we have completed the genomic
      sequence of this virus. The novel S. exigua iflavirus (SeIV-1) has a genome of
      10.3 kb and codes for a 3222 aa polyprotein. Expression analysis has revealed the
      presence of the virus in all tissues tested and insect stages, being more
      abundant in the midgut of the larvae. High infectivity of this virus against S.
      exigua has been demonstrated after observing the presence of this virus in
      different colonies that were reared in the same chamber with the virus-infected
      colony, despite no evidence of pathological effects. Further study of viral
      covert infections of SeIV-1 could lead to a better understanding of its
      pathological effect as well as any possible interaction with other microbial
      pathogens used for the control of this pest.

PMID- 22041202
TI  - Analysis of a naturally-occurring deletion mutant of Spodoptera frugiperda
      multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus reveals sf58 as a new per os infectivity factor of
      lepidopteran-infecting baculoviruses.
AB  - The Nicaraguan population of Spodoptera frugiperda multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus,
      SfMNPV-NIC, is structured as a mixture of nine genotypes (A-I). Occlusion bodies
      (OBs) of SfMNPV-C, -D and -G pure genotypes are incapable of oral transmission; a
      phenotype which in SfMNPV-C and -D is due to the absence of pif1 and pif2 genes.
      The complete sequence of the SfMNPV-G genome was determined to identify possible
      factors involved in this phenotype. Deletions of 4860 bp (22,366-27,225) and 60
      bp (119,759-119,818) were observed in SfMNPV-G genome compared with that of the
      predominant complete genotype SfMNPV-B (132,954 bp). However no genes homologous
      to previously described per os infectivity factors were located within the
      deleted sequences. Significant differences were detected in the nucleotide
      sequence in sf58 gene (unknown function) that produced changes in the amino acid
      sequence and the predicted secondary structure of the corresponding protein. This
      gene is conserved only in lepidopteran baculoviruses (alpha- and
      betabaculoviruses). To determine the role of sf58 in peroral infectivity a
      deletion mutant was constructed using bacmid technology. OBs of the deletion
      mutant (Sf58null) were not orally infectious for S. frugiperda larvae, whereas
      Sf58null rescue virus OBs recovered oral infectivity. Sf58null DNA and occlusion
      derived virions (ODVs) were as infective as SfMNPV bacmid DNA and ODVs in
      intrahemocelically infected larvae or cell culture, indicating that defects in
      ODV or OB morphogenesis were not involved in the loss of peroral infectivity.
      Addition of optical brightener or the presence of the orally infectious SfMNPV-B
      OBs in mixtures with SfMNPV-G OBs did not recover Sf58null OB infectivity.
      According to these results sf58 is a new per os infectivity factor present only
      in lepidopteran baculoviruses.

PMID- 22041203
TI  - Oral toxicity of Photorhabdus culture media on gene expression of the adult
      sweetpotato whitefly, Bemisia tabaci.
AB  - The oral toxicity of culture media of the symbiotic bacteria, Photorhabdus
      temperata, mutually associated with entomopathogenic nematode Heterorhabditis
      megidis and Photorhabdus luminescens ssp. laumondii (TT01) mutually associated
      with Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, were investigated in the adults of Bemisia
      tabaci. The oral ingestion of sucrose diet solutions (20%) containing bacteria
      free supernatant of the culture media from symbiotic bacteria gradually increased
      mortalities and was completely lethal at 60 h after the treatments, whereas the
      mortalities of the controls, sucrose solutions with or without media that
      uncultured with bacteria, were less than 17% up to 84 h of incubation. The
      effects of oral ingestion of symbiont culture media were demonstrated on the
      expression rates of several genes of B. tabaci using quantitative real-time RT
      PCR analysis. Genes associated with immunity (knottin) and nervous system
      (acetylcholine receptor, acetylcholine esterase and sodium channel) were up
      regulated while genes involved in metabolism (cytochromep450 and
      carboxylesterase) were down-regulated, but genes involved in development
      (ecdysone receptor), reproduction (vitellogenin) and stress (hsp70, hsp90 and
      shsp) did not change transcription rates. Our results provide information for the
      understanding of the mechanism of symbiont pathogenic factors for the
      manipulation of host physiology at the transcription level.

PMID- 22041204
TI  - Canine distemper spillover in domestic dogs from urban wildlife.
AB  - Canine distemper virus (CDV) causes a major disease of domestic dogs that
      develops as a serious systemic infection in unvaccinated or improperly vaccinated
      dogs. Domesticated dogs are the main reservoir of CDV, a multihost pathogen. This
      virus of the genus Morbillivirus in the family Paramyxoviridae occurs in other
      carnivorous species including all members of the Canidae and Mustelidae families
      and in some members of the Procyonidae, Hyaenidae, Ursidae, and Viverridae
      families. Canine distemper also has been reported in the Felidae family and
      marine mammals. The spread and incidences of CDV epidemics in dogs and wildlife
      here and worldwide are increasing.

PMID- 22041205
TI  - Astroviruses in dogs.
AB  - Canine astroviruses appear to be widespread geographically. The prevalence may be
      significantly higher in pups with gastroenteric disease than in asymptomatic
      animals and virus shedding has been shown to correlate with gastroenteric signs
      in naturally infected dogs. Animal experiments are required to understand better
      the pathogenic role of astroviruses in dogs.

PMID- 22041206
TI  - Canine reproductive, respiratory, and ocular diseases due to canine herpesvirus.
AB  - This review documents how clinical inquiry expands as our knowledge base about
      canine herpesvirus (CHV) increases. We must understand the various forms of CHV
      infection that may occur in the dog population. This has prompted the veterinary
      community to develop more sensitive diagnostic assays. CHV is more common than we
      considered a decade ago. Up to 70% of some high-risk dog populations have been
      infected with and are latent carriers of CHV. Recognition of the various forms of
      CHV-induced disease, availability of diagnostic assays with increased
      sensitivity, and the formation of reliable biosecurity measures will allow for
      better control steps.

PMID- 22041207
TI  - Canine coronavirus: not only an enteric pathogen.
AB  - This article reviews the currently available literature on pantropic canine
      coronavirus (CCoV), providing a meaningful update on the virologic,
      epidemiologic, clinical, diagnostic, and prophylactic aspects of the infections
      caused by this emerging pathogen of dogs. It also describes pantropic CCoV
      induced disease reproduced under experimental conditions.

PMID- 22041208
TI  - Feline coronavirus in multicat environments.
AB  - Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP), a fatal disease in cats worldwide, is caused
      by FCoV infection, which commonly occurs in multicat environments. The enteric
      FCoV, referred to as feline enteric virus (FECV), is considered a mostly benign
      biotype infecting the gut, whereas the FIP virus biotype is considered the highly
      pathogenic etiologic agent for FIP. Current laboratory tests are unable to
      distinguish between virus biotypes of FCoV. FECV is highly contagious and easily
      spreads in multicat environments; therefore, the challenges to animal shelters
      are tremendous. This review summarizes interdisciplinary current knowledge in
      regard to virology, immunology, pathology, diagnostics, and treatment options in
      the context of multicat environments.

PMID- 22041209
TI  - Canine noroviruses.
AB  - Noroviruses are recognized as emerging enteric pathogens of humans and have been
      identified in recent years in a number of mammalian species. The role of
      noroviruses as pathogens in immune-competent animals and under natural conditions
      remains uncertain, although both homologous and heterologous animal models are
      now available to investigate the pathogenesis, the immune response, and the
      molecular mechanism regulating norovirus infection. Recently, evidence has been
      gathered that noroviruses may also circulate in domestic carnivores. The zoonotic
      implications of these novel viruses deserve more attention, due to the strict
      social interactions between humans and pets.

PMID- 22041210
TI  - Canine papillomaviruses.
AB  - Papillomaviruses can infect epithelia and induce proliferative disorders.
      Different types of canine papillomaviruses have been found to be associated with
      distinct pathologies including exophytic warts as in canine oral papillomatosis,
      endophytic warts, and pigmented plaques and, in some cases, squamous cell
      carcinomas. Virus infection is followed by a phase of subclinical infection
      before the onset of symptoms. A diagnosis can in some cases be made clinically
      but should be verified if there are any doubts. Most papillomas do regress
      spontaneously within a few months. Preventative vaccination is possible but not
      on the market.

PMID- 22041211
TI  - Feline immunodeficiency virus: disease association versus causation in domestic
      and nondomestic felids.
AB  - Feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) is an important infection in both domestic
      and nondomestic cats. Although many studies have provided insight into FIV
      pathophysiology and immunologic responses to infection in cats, questions remain
      regarding the association of FIV with specific disease syndromes. For many
      diseases, both association and causation of disease with FIV remain to be
      confirmed and clarified. The use of experimental infection models is unlikely to
      yield answers about naturally infected domestic cats and is not feasible in
      nondomestic felids, many of which are endangered species. Researches might
      consider further study of naturally occurring disease with an emphasis on
      confirming which diseases have a likely association with FIV.

PMID- 22041212
TI  - Canine brucellosis management.
AB  - Infertility in dogs is a growing concern in breeding kennels. There are a number
      of bacteria, viruses, and husbandry practices that must be considered to
      determine the cause of decreased litter sizes, abortions, weak puppies, and lack
      of pregnancy, but brucellosis should be at the top of the differential list.

PMID- 22041213
TI  - Hepatozoon spp infections in the United States.
AB  - Two Hepatozoon spp are recognized as parasites of domestic dogs in the United
      States, H. canis and H. americanum. H. canis was first described in India in 1905
      and has been documented in many areas of the world, although not definitively
      identified in North America until recently. H. americanum, causing American
      canine hepatozoonosis, was first documented in a coyote in 1978 and is now
      considered an emerging etiologic agent of disease in domestic dogs throughout the
      United States. The authors review current knowledge of canine hepatozoonosis
      caused by H. canis and H. americanum and elaborate on more recent research
      findings.

PMID- 22041214
TI  - North American snake envenomation in the dog and cat.
AB  - Snake envenomation can be a cause of significant morbidity in dogs and cats in
      North America. Being familiar with the venomous snakes in your area and
      understanding the mechanisms of action of their venom will allow for successful
      treatment of envenomation cases. Treatment of snake envenomation revolves around
      supportive care in mild to moderate cases and venom neutralization with antivenom
      in severe cases. Dogs and cats envenomated by North American snakes have a good
      prognosis if treated appropriately.

PMID- 22041215
TI  - Disease transmission from companion parrots to dogs and cats: what is the real
      risk?
AB  - A number of common misconceptions exist regarding the degree of transmission from
      companion parrots to dogs and cats. Concern regarding bacterial, viral, fungal,
      and parasitic transmission is generally unfounded, because disease transmission
      between companion parrots and dogs and cats is not well-documented. Infections
      with Mycobacterium spp, Aspergillus spp, Giardia spp, Chlamydophila psittaci,
      Salmonella spp, Yersinia pseudotuberculosis, Cryptococcus neoformans, Histoplasma
      capsulatum, Cryptosporidium spp, and avian influenza are often considered
      possible transmissible diseases, causing pet caregivers unwarranted concerns.

PMID- 22041216
TI  - Feline respiratory disease complex.
AB  - Feline respiratory disease complex (FRDC) refers to the characteristic acute
      presentation of a contagious respiratory or ocular disease caused by one or
      multiple pathogens. Environmental and host factors impact the transmission,
      clinical presentation, preventive strategy, and treatment of affected cats. The
      FRDC is especially problematic in settings where large numbers of cats cohabit,
      including animal shelters, catteries, and semi-feral colonies. Although
      elimination of FRDC is an unrealistic goal, improved understanding can lead to
      strategies to minimize disease impact.

PMID- 22041218
TI  - Location and progression of white-matter lesions, lacunar infarcts and atrophy
      associated with motivational and mood symptoms in patients with symptomatic
      atherosclerotic disease: things to ponder.

PMID- 22041220
TI  - Limited Rank Matrix Learning, discriminative dimension reduction and
      visualization.
AB  - We present an extension of the recently introduced Generalized Matrix Learning
      Vector Quantization algorithm. In the original scheme, adaptive square matrices
      of relevance factors parameterize a discriminative distance measure. We extend
      the scheme to matrices of limited rank corresponding to low-dimensional
      representations of the data. This allows to incorporate prior knowledge of the
      intrinsic dimension and to reduce the number of adaptive parameters efficiently.
      In particular, for very large dimensional data, the limitation of the rank can
      reduce computation time and memory requirements significantly. Furthermore, two-
      or three-dimensional representations constitute an efficient visualization method
      for labeled data sets. The identification of a suitable projection is not treated
      as a pre-processing step but as an integral part of the supervised training.
      Several real world data sets serve as an illustration and demonstrate the
      usefulness of the suggested method.

PMID- 22041221
TI  - The use of sudafed for priapism in pediatric patients with sickle cell disease.

PMID- 22041222
TI  - Perioperative management of obstructive sleep apnea: a survey of Veterans Affairs
      health care providers.
AB  - OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: (1) To determine the presence of Veterans Affairs (VA)
      institutional guidelines for the perioperative management of obstructive sleep
      apnea (OSA); (2) to examine current use of preoperative screening tools for OSA
      in the VA; and (3) to understand current VA practice patterns regarding
      postoperative disposition of patients with OSA. STUDY DESIGN: Survey study.
      SETTING: Veterans Affairs hospitals with surgical services; sample size 102
      facilities. SUBJECTS: Veterans Affairs health care providers. METHODS: The
      authors surveyed health care providers at VA hospitals using a survey tool
      developed by the authors. RESULTS: The response rate was 80%. A variety of
      preoperative screening tools for OSA were used by respondents, most commonly
      American Society of Anesthesiologists guidelines (53%). A policy for
      postoperative disposition of known and presumed OSA was present in 26% and 19% of
      responses, respectively. Of those respondents reporting a formal postoperative
      care policy, 48% and 30% admitted patients to a monitored ward bed and surgical
      intensive care unit, respectively. Of the 74% of respondents unaware of an
      institutional policy, Anesthesia and Surgery worked together to dictate
      postoperative disposition of patients with known OSA 73% of the time. The degree
      of OSA was ranked as the most important factor (58%) influencing postoperative
      disposition. Ten percent of respondents reported a major perioperative
      complication attributable to OSA in the past year. CONCLUSION: This survey study
      elucidates the heterogeneity of preoperative screening for and postoperative care
      of veterans with OSA. Future investigators may use these data to formalize
      institutional policies with regard to patients with OSA, with potentially
      significant impacts on patient care and usage of financial resources.

PMID- 22041223
TI  - Inhibition of alpha folate receptor resulting in a reversal of taxol resistance
      in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To further determine the role of FOLR1 in taxol resistance of
      nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and whether inhibition of FOLR1 expression
      reverses the taxol-resistant phenotype. STUDY DESIGN: Correlation study between
      gene expression and cancer cell survival. SETTING: University hospital. SUBJECTS
      AND METHODS: Three taxol-resistant sub-cell lines with a different resistant
      index were established from the parental CNE-1 NPC cell line. The correlation
      between FOLR1 expression and taxol sensitivity was statistically analyzed.
      Inhibition of FOLR1 expression was carried out by RNA interference and by a FOLR1
      specific monoclonal antibody, and taxol sensitivity was examined by colony
      formation assays. FOLR1 expression was also examined in 72 NPC patient specimens
      by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The levels of FOLR1 expression were positively
      and significantly correlated with a taxol resistance phenotype (P < .05).
      Inhibition of FOLR1 expression resulted in a significantly increased sensitivity
      of taxol to taxol-resistant NPC cells (P < .05). An increase of FOLR1 expression
      by gene transfection caused a taxol-resistant phenotype in parental NPC cells.
      The level of FOLR1 expression was found to be related to clinical stage in NPC
      tissue samples. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that FOLR1 plays an important
      role in taxol resistance of NPC cells.

PMID- 22041224
TI  - A closed-loop stimulation system supplemented with motoneurone dynamic
      sensitivity replicates natural eye blinks.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The authors are designing an implantable device that will electrically
      stimulate a paretic eyelid when electrodes implanted into the contralateral
      healthy orbicularis oculi muscle detect a spontaneous blink activity. As a
      novelty, the stimulation pattern includes the dynamic sensitivity of motor units,
      thus obtaining complete eyelid closure, tailored on the kinematics of the natural
      eye blink. STUDY DESIGN: A preliminary study was performed on 10 healthy
      subjects, to observe, first, the kinematics of their natural eye blink and,
      second, the eye blink stimulated by a dynamic vs nondynamic pattern. SETTING: A
      microaccelerometer taped onto the left upper eyelid detected its kinematics. A
      dedicated LabView software built up and triggered the stimulation pattern. A
      webcam recorded the behavioral effect. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The kinematics of
      spontaneous eye blinks was detected. Then, an epicutaneous stimulation of the
      facial nerve branch for the left orbicularis oculi muscle was performed on the
      same subjects. Muscle recruitment curves were studied, and acceleration of the
      bionic blink was measured and compared with the natural one. RESULTS: Kinematics
      of the natural eyelid is highly variable within subjects. The stimulation pattern
      frequency was set case by case in order to obtain the desired eyelid acceleration
      of the contralateral eye. A custom-fit dynamic stimulation leads to a symmetrical
      natural-like eye blink. CONCLUSIONS: By adding the dynamic pulse, the authors
      were able to tailor a bionic eye blink, which was hardly distinguishable from the
      subject's natural one.

PMID- 22041225
TI  - The control of chromosome segregation during mitosis in epithelial cells by
      substrate elasticity.
AB  - Materials of defined elasticity, including synthetic material scaffolds and
      tissue-derived matrices, can regulate biological responses of cells and in
      particular adhesion, migration, growth and differentiation which are essential
      parameters for tissue integration. These responses have been extensively
      investigated in interphase cells, but little is known whether and how material
      elasticity affects mitotic cells. We used polyelectrolyte multilayer films as
      model substrates with elastic modulus ranging from Eap = 0 up to Eap = 500 kPa
      and mitotic PtK2 epithelial cells to address these important questions. Soft
      substrates (Eap < 50 kPa) led to abnormal morphology in chromosome segregation,
      materialized by chromatin bridges and chromosome lagging. Frequency of these
      damages increased with decreasing substrate stiffness and was correlated with a
      pro-apoptotic phenotype. Mitotic spindle was not observed on soft substrates
      where formation of chromatin damages is due to low beta1-integrin engagement and
      decrease of Rac1 activities. This work constitutes the first evidence that soft
      substrates hinder epithelial cell division. In perspective, our findings
      emphasize the prime incidence of the material elasticity on the fate of the
      phenotype, especially of stem cells in the mitotic phase.

PMID- 22041226
TI  - The ventrolateral preoptic nucleus is not required for isoflurane general
      anesthesia.
AB  - Neurons of the ventrolateral preoptic nucleus (VLPO) promote sleep and VLPO loss
      produces insomnia. Previous studies show that general anesthetics including
      isoflurane activate VLPO neurons, and may contribute to their sedative effects.
      However, it is not clear to what extent the activation of VLPO neurons
      contributes to general anesthesia. We tested whether destruction of the VLPO
      neurons would affect the onset, depth, or recovery from isoflurane's general
      anesthetic effects. The VLPO was ablated in 25 rats by bilateral local injection
      of orexin-saporin, and polysomnography was performed to measure baseline sleep
      loss and responses to isoflurane anesthesia at 1% and 2%. Eight rats received
      sham (saline) injections. We measured isoflurane effects on time to loss of
      righting reflex, onset of continuous slow wave activity, and burst suppression;
      burst-suppression ratio; and time to recovery of righting reflex and
      desynchronized EEG. VLPO neuron cell loss was quantified by post hoc histology.
      Loss of VLPO neurons as well as lesion size were associated with cumulative sleep
      loss (r=0.77 and r=0.62, respectively), and cumulative sleep loss was the
      strongest predictor of high sensitivity to anesthesia, expressed as decreased
      time to loss of righting reflex (-0.59), increased burst-suppression ratio
      (r=0.52) , and increased emergence time (r=0.54); an interaction-effect of
      isoflurane dose was observed (burst-suppression ratio: p<0.001). We conclude that
      the sleep loss caused by ablation of VLPO neurons sensitizes animals to the
      general anesthetic effects of isoflurane, but that the sedation produced by VLPO
      neurons themselves is not required for isoflurane anesthesia.

PMID- 22041227
TI  - Modeling fast stimulus-response association learning along the occipito-parieto
      frontal pathway following rule instructions.
AB  - On the basis of instructions, humans are able to set up associations between
      sensory and motor areas of the brain separated by several neuronal relays, within
      a few seconds. This paper proposes a model of fast learning along the dorsal
      pathway, from primary visual areas to pre-motor cortex. A new synaptic learning
      rule is proposed where synaptic efficacies converge rapidly toward a specific
      value determined by the number of active inputs of a neuron, respecting a
      principle of resource limitation in terms of total synaptic input efficacy
      available to a neuron. The efficacies are stable with regards to repeated arrival
      of spikes in a spike train. This rule reproduces the inverse relationship between
      initial and final synaptic efficacy observed in long-term potentiation (LTP)
      experiments. Simulations of learning experiments are conducted in a multilayer
      network of leaky integrate-and-fire (LIF) spiking neuron models. It is proposed
      that cortical feedback connections convey a top-down learning-enabling signal
      that guides bottom-up learning in "hidden" neurons that are not directly exposed
      to input or output activity. Simulations of repeated presentation of the same
      stimulus-response pair, show that, under conditions of fast learning with
      probabilistic synaptic transmission, the networks tend to recruit a new sub
      network at each presentation to represent the association, rather than re-using a
      previously trained one. This increasing allocation of neural resources results in
      progressively shorter execution times, in line with experimentally observed
      reduction in response time with practice. This article is part of a Special Issue
      entitled: Neural Coding.

PMID- 22041228
TI  - Olfactory and respiratory lamina propria transplantation after spinal cord
      transection in rats: effects on functional recovery and axonal regeneration.
AB  - Spinal cord injury (SCI) has very poor clinical prospects, resulting in
      irreversible loss of function below the injury site. Although applied in clinical
      trials, olfactory ensheathing cells transplantation (OEC) derived from lamina
      propria (OLP) is still a controversial repair strategy. The present study
      explored the efficacy of OLP or respiratory lamina propria (RLP) transplantation
      and the optimum period after SCI for application of this potential therapy. Adult
      male rats were submitted to spinal cord transection and underwent acute, 2-week
      or 4-week post-injury transplantation with pieces of OLP (containing OECs) or RLP
      (without OECs). After grafting, animals with OLP and RLP showed discrete and
      similar hindlimb motor improvement, with comparable spinal cord tissue sparing
      and sprouting in the lesion area. Acute transplantation of OLP and RLP seems to
      foster limited supraspinal axonal regeneration as shown by the presence of
      neurons stained by retrograde tracing in the brainstem nuclei. A larger number of
      5-HT positive fibers were found in the cranial stump of the OLP and RLP groups
      compared to the lesion and caudal regions. Calcitonin gene-related peptide fibers
      were present in considerable numbers at the SCI site in both types of
      transplantation. Our results failed to verify differences between acute, 2-week
      and 4-week delayed transplantation of OLP and RLP, suggesting that the limited
      functional and axon reparative effects observed could not be exclusively related
      to OECs. A greater understanding of the effects of these tissue grafts is
      necessary to strengthen the rationale for application of this treatment in
      humans.

PMID- 22041229
TI  - Serotonin syndrome: take a closer look at the unwell surgical patient.
AB  - This article describes the sequence of acute clinical deterioration seen in a
      head and neck oncology patient who developed serotonin syndrome peri-operatively.
      It highlights the clinical dilemma that can be encountered when a septic picture
      masks the onset of serotonin syndrome and  reinforces the importance of awareness
      of the potential interactions and side effects associated with drugs that
      surgeons prescribe. We discuss the pathophysiology, causal factors, clinical
      presentation and diagnosis of serotonin syndrome as well as highlighting some of
      the dilemmas that this  condition presents in the surgical setting.

PMID- 22041230
TI  - Sleep apnoea and the surgical list.

PMID- 22041231
TI  - Current concepts of surveillance and its significance in head and neck cancer.
AB  - Follow-up in head and neck cancer (hNC) is essential to detect and manage
      locoregional recurrence or metastases, or second primary tumours at the earliest
      opportunity. A variety of guidelines and investigations have been published in
      the literature. This has led to oncologists using  different guidelines across
      the globe. The follow-up protocols may have unnecessary investigations that may
      cause morbidity or discomfort to the patient and may have significant cost
      implications. In this evidence-based review we have tried to evaluate and address
      important issues like the  frequency of follow-up visits, clinical and imaging
      strategies adopted, and biochemical methods used for the purpose. This review
      summarises strategies for follow-up, imaging modalities and key investigations in
      the literature published between 1980 and 2009. A set of recommendations is also 
      presented for cost-effective, simple yet efficient surveillance in patients with
      head and neck cancer.

PMID- 22041232
TI  - A systematic review of enhanced recovery protocols in colorectal surgery.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Colorectal surgery has been associated with a complication rate of
      15-20% and mean post-operative inpatient stays of 6-11 days. The principles of
      enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) are well established and have been
      developed to optimise peri-operative  care and facilitate discharge. The purpose
      of this systematic review is to present an updated review of peri-operative care
      in colorectal surgery from the available evidence and ERAS group recommendations.
      METHODS: Systematic searches of the PubMed and EmbaseTM databases and the
      Cochrane  library were conducted. A hand search of bibliographies of identified
      studies was conducted to identify any additional articles missed by the initial
      search strategy. RESULTS: A total of 59 relevant studies were identified. These
      included six randomised controlled trials and seven clinical  controlled trials
      that fulfilled the inclusion criteria. These studies showed reductions in
      duration of inpatient stays in the ERAS groups compared with more traditional
      care as well as reductions in morbidity and mortality rates. CONCLUSIONS:
      Reviewing the data reveals that ERAS protocols  have a role in reducing post
      operative morbidity and result in an accelerated recovery following colorectal
      surgery. Similarly, both primary and overall hospital stays are reduced
      significantly. However, the available evidence suggests that ERAS protocols do
      not reduce hospital readmissions  or mortality. These findings help to confirm
      that ERAS protocols should now be implemented as the standard approach for peri
      operative care in colorectal surgery.

PMID- 22041233
TI  - The effect of sterile versus non-sterile tourniquets on microbiological
      colonisation in lower limb surgery.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Surgical tourniquets are commonplace in lower limb surgery. Several
      studies have shown that tourniquets can be a potential source of microbial
      contamination but have not compared the use of sterile versus non-sterile
      tourniquets in the same procedures. METHODS: Patients  undergoing elective
      orthopaedic lower limb surgery were randomised prospectively to use of non
      sterile pneumatic tourniquet or sterile elastic exsanguination tourniquet (S
      MARTTM, OHK Medical Devices, haifa, Israel). Samples were taken from the ties of
      the non-sterile tourniquet prior  to surgery and from the sterile tourniquets at
      the end of the operation in a sterile fashion. These were then sealed in
      universal containers and immediately analysed by the microbiology department on
      agar plates, cultured and incubated. RESULTS: Thirty-four non-sterile tourniquets
      were  sampled prior to surgical application, twenty-three of which were
      contaminated with several different organisms including coagulase-negative
      Staphylococcus spp, Staphylococcus aureus, Sphingomonas paucimobilis, Bacillus
      spp, and coliforms. Thirty-six sterile tourniquets  were used, with no associated
      contamination. CONCLUSIONS: There was significant contamination of 68% of
      orthopaedic surgical tourniquets. These are used regularly in procedures
      involving the placement of prosthesis and metalwork, and can act as a potential
      source of infection. We recommend  the use of sterile single-use disposable
      tourniquets where possible. The availability of an alternative should now set the
      new standard of care and we recommend adopting this as a current NICE guideline
      for control of surgical site infection.

PMID- 22041234
TI  - Quality of life after treatment of laryngeal carcinoma: a single centre cross
      sectional study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Laryngeal cancer treatment inherently affects life's most basic
      functions and significantly affects quality of life (QOL). We aimed to identify
      which aspects of QOL and which patients are most affected by the various
      treatment options. METHODS: The University of Washington  Quality of Life (UW
      QOL) questionnaire was administered to all patients with laryngeal cancer treated
      at a single institution over a seven-year period (2003-2010). RESULTS: In total,
      41 patients responded. All had been treated for squamous cell carcinoma of the
      larynx. Questionnaires  were completed at a median of 18.5 months after
      treatment. The overall quality of life was 81.1/100 as assessed by the UW-QOL
      scale, with only 4.9% reporting 'poor' or worse QOL. Neither patient age nor time
      after treatment significantly affected any aspect of QOL. Patients undergoing
      primary  radiotherapy reported the best QOL. Those undergoing chemoradiotherapy
      or combined surgical treatment and chemoradiotherapy reported the worst QOL,
      particularly in terms of social eating, taste and saliva production. Patients
      with a T stage >=2 and those with nodal metastases reported a  significantly
      worse QOL. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, QOL in our patients was good. This study
      highlights the aspects of QOL most affected by various treatments for laryngeal
      cancer and identifies areas in which therapeutic intervention may be focused. It
      also provides information to guide clinicians  when assisting patients to make
      informed decisions regarding treatment of their head and neck cancer.

PMID- 22041235
TI  - Classification and management of cervical paragangliomas.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Cervical paragangliomas are slow-growing tumours that eventually
      cause lower cranial nerve palsies and infiltrate the skull base. Surgical
      treatment may cause the same deficits and, in some, risks more serious
      neurological deficits. We describe a classification used to  guide investigation,
      consent and management of cervical paragangliomas based on extensive experience.
      METHODS: The case notes of patients managed by the senior author at a tertiary
      referral skull base unit between 1987 and 2010 were reviewed retrospectively. A
      total of 87 cervical paragangliomas  were identified in 70 patients (mean age: 46
      years, range: 13-77 years). Of these, 35 patients had 36 vagal paragangliomas, 43
      patients had 50 carotid body paragangliomas and 8 had both. One cervical
      paraganglioma arose from neither the carotid body nor the nodose ganglion. The
      main  outcome measures were death, stroke, gastrostomy and tracheotomy. RESULTS:
      All tumours were classified pre-operatively based on their relationship to the
      carotid artery, skull base and lower cranial nerves. Type 1 tumours were excised
      with a transcervical approach, type 2 with a transcervical-parotid  approach and
      type 3 with a combined transcervical-parotid and infratemporal fossa approach.
      Type 4 patients underwent careful assessment and genetic counselling before any
      treatment was undertaken. There were no peri-operative deaths; two patients had
      strokes, one required a long-term feeding  gastrostomy and none required a
      tracheotomy. CONCLUSIONS: The use of a pre-operative classification system guides
      management and surgical approach, improves accuracy of consent, facilitates audit
      and clarifies which patients should be referred to specialised centres.

PMID- 22041236
TI  - Clinical outcome of laparoscopic and open colectomy for right colonic carcinoma.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic colorectal surgery has gained widespread acceptance.
      While many studies have compared laparoscopic and open left-sided resections,
      there is limited literature on right colonic resections. We aimed to analyse the
      short-term outcome of laparoscopic (LRH) and  open right hemicolectomy (ORH) in
      our unit. METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing elective right hemicolectomies
      over a period of 28 months were included in the study. No selection criteria were
      used to allocate the surgical approach. Study parameters included surgical
      technique, demographic  details, ASA grade, body mass index (BMI), length of
      hospital stay (LOS), post-operative mortality and morbidity, readmission rate and
      histopathological data. RESULTS: A total of 164 patients underwent right
      hemicolectomies during the study period (LRH: 89, ORH: 75). Both groups were
      comparable  in age, sex, BMI, ASA grade, tumour stage and lymph node harvest.
      Four patients (4.5%) in the laparoscopic group required conversion to open
      surgery. In resections with curative intent, microscopic margins were positive in
      two patients (3%) in the ORH group compared with one (1%) in the LRH  group.
      Seven ORH patients had an adverse post-operative outcome (three anastomotic
      leaks, four deaths); there were no deaths/immediate complications in the LRH
      group (p<0.05). The median LOS for LRH patients (4 days, range: 2-21 days) was
      significantly shorter than for ORH  patients (8 days, range: 3-38 days)
      (p<0.0001, Mann-Whitney U test). By day 5, 77% of LRH patients were discharged
      compared with only 21% of patients in the ORH group. There were two readmissions
      (2.7%) in the ORH group and nine (10.1%) in the LRH group. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      findings demonstrate advantages in favour of LRH in terms of a shorter hospital
      stay and reduced post-operative major complications. LRH is safe and should
      therefore be available to all patients requiring colonic resection.

PMID- 22041237
TI  - Total adventitial resection of the cardia: 'optimal local resection' for tumours
      of the oesophagogastric junction.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Little is published about the local resection of oesophageal
      cancers. We adopted the principles of rectal cancer surgery, ie standard surgical
      dissection techniques as well as standard pathological processing and reporting,
      and assessed the feasibility of applying them  to oesophagogastric junction (OGJ)
      cancer. METHODS: Over a two-year period consecutive patients with invasive
      cancers of the OGJ were studied. Following staging and neoadjuvant chemotherapy
      (NAC), a standard dissection defined as a total adventitial resection of the
      cardia (TARC) was performed.  Standard histopathological processing involved
      external inking, photographing, transverse slicing and mounting of cut samples on
      megablocks. Hospital morbidity and mortality as well as survival at five years'
      follow-up were assessed. RESULTS: Forty consecutive patients had a TARC for OGJ 
      carcinoma. Of these, 32 were offered NAC. Introducing TARC did not result in
      increased morbidity or mortality. Twenty-seven patients (68%) had an R0 resection
      that was directly related to the tumour stage and significantly related to a
      response to chemotherapy. Sixteen patients (42%) were  alive five years after
      their TARC operation. CONCLUSIONS: Although the adventitia of the OGJ is not as
      well developed as that of the rectum, TARC can be performed safely as a
      standardised resection for OGJ cancers. Whereas the R0 rate for early stage
      tumours is very high, it remains disappointingly  low for T3N1 tumours despite
      NAC. Improved long-term survival for these advanced tumours will only be achieved
      with better neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapies.

PMID- 22041238
TI  - Management of perforated peptic ulcer in a district general hospital.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopic surgery has become increasingly popular for elective
      surgery but it has gained slow transference to emergency surgery. The management
      of perforated peptic ulcers (PPU) laparoscopically is an accepted strategy yet it
      still remains infrequently used. The purpose  of this study was to analyse the
      utility and outcomes of laparoscopy versus open repair for PPU in a district
      general hospital. In addition, we evaluated whether the subspecialty of the on
      call consultant affected the method of repair performed and the training
      opportunities for trainee surgeons. METHODS: Between 2003 and 2009, 53 patients
      underwent laparoscopic repair, 89 patients underwent open repair and a further 20
      patients had laparoscopic repair that was converted to open repair for PPU. The
      results from a prospectively compiled database were analysed with primary outcome
      measures  including operative time, length of hospital stay and mortality.
      RESULTS: The median operating time in the laparoscopic group was 60.0 minutes
      compared with 50.5 minutes in the open group. Hospital stay in surviving patients
      was significantly shorter in patients treated completely laparoscopically  (5
      days) when compared with the open group (6 days) ( p <0.01). There were six
      deaths in the laparoscopic group (11%) compared with 13 in the open group (15%)
      and one in the converted group (5%). Trainees performed 53% (47/89) of open
      repairs and 13% (7/54) of laparoscopic repairs. CONCLUSIONS: Both laparoscopic
      and open repair are equally safe in the management of PPU. Our findings support
      the view that this procedure can be successfully used as a training operation.

PMID- 22041239
TI  - Increased use of pre-operative imaging and laparoscopy has no impact on clinical
      outcomes in patients undergoing appendicectomy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to review changes in the management of
      acute appendicitis in a ten-year period at a large university teaching hospital
      in London. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study reviewing the medical
      records of patients who underwent an appendicectomy  over a period of 12 months
      either in 1999 or 2009. Data collected included use of radiological
      investigations (ultrasonography, computed tomography [CT]), technique of
      appendicectomy (open [OA] or laparoscopic [LA]), operative time, histopathology
      and post-operative complications. Univariate  and multivariate analysis was
      performed to assess the influence of variables on the incidence of negative
      appendicectomy, appendiceal perforation and post-operative complications.
      RESULTS: All of the patients operated on in 1999 (n=109) had OA. Of the patients
      operated on in 2009  (n=164), 67 had OA, 91 had LA and 6 had LA converted to OA.
      None of the patients in 1999 had CT whereas in 2009 26% of patients had CT
      (sensitivity 94.7%, specificity 75.0%). This increased use of pre-operative
      imaging had no effect on negative appendicectomy (25.7% vs 12.8%, p=0.445), 
      perforation (30.0% vs 21.3%, p=0.308) or complication rates (9.2% vs 10.4%). The
      complication rate was also similar regardless of whether patients had OA or LA
      (11.9% vs 9.9%). Multivariate analysis revealed that age was the only predictor
      of negative appendicectomy (p=0.029)  or perforation (p=0.014). CONCLUSIONS: This
      study shows that significant increase in the use of pre-operative imaging and
      laparoscopy in the management of patients with acute appendicitis failed to
      reduce negative appendicectomy, perforation and complications rates. The
      patient's  age was the only predictor of negative appendicectomy and perforation.

PMID- 22041240
TI  - Temporary gastric neuromodulation for intractable nausea and vomiting.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Gastric neuromodulation (GNM) has been advocated for the treatment
      of drug refractory gastroparesis or persistent nausea and vomiting in the absence
      of a mechanical bowel obstruction. There is, however, little in the way of
      objective data to support its use, particularly  with regards to its effects on
      gastric emptying. METHODS: Six patients (male-to-female ratio: 4:2, mean age: 49
      years, range: 44-57 years) underwent the GNM between April and August 2010. Three
      patients had confirmed slow gastrointestinal transit. Aetiology included previous
      gastric  surgery in two, diabetes in one and idiopathic nausea and vomiting in
      three patients. GNM pacing wires were placed endoscopically and left in situ for
      seven days. Patients underwent gastric scintigraphy before and 24 hours after the
      commencement of GNM. Total gastroparesis symptom scores (TSS),  weekly vomiting
      frequency scores (VFS), health-related quality of life (using the SF-12((r))
      questionnaire), gastric emptying, nutritional status and weight were compared
      before and after GNM. RESULTS: TSS improved after GNM in comparison with baseline
      data. VFS improved in  three of four symptomatic patients. The SF-12((r))
      physical composite score improved in four patients (27.5 vs 34.3) and the mental
      composite score improved in five patients (34.9 vs 35.9). All patients reported
      an improvement in oral intake. A significant weight gain (mean: 1kg,  range: 0.3
      2.4kg) was observed over seven days. Gastric emptying half-time improved in four
      patients. CONCLUSIONS: GNM improved upper gastrointestinal symptoms, quality of
      life and nutritional status in patients with intractable nausea and vomiting. GNM
      merits further investigation.

PMID- 22041241
TI  - The range of the Oxford Shoulder Score in the asymptomatic population: a marker
      for post-operative improvement.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) is a validated scoring system used
      to assess the degree of pain and disability caused by shoulder pathology. To date
      there is no knowledge of the range of the OSS in the healthy adult population.
      This study aimed to establish the range in  asymptomatic individuals. METHODS:
      The OSS of 100 asymptomatic volunteers was compared with the pre-operative OSS of
      100 symptomatic individuals who had had elective shoulder surgery performed at
      the Royal Preston hospital. RESULTS: The difference in mean scores in the
      operated group  (36.7) and the asymptomatic group (15.3) was statistically
      significant (p<0.0001). There was, however, a substantial overlap between the
      scores of the two groups (operated group range: 19-55, asymptomatic group range:
      12-47). Factors such as age, sex, body mass index,  co-morbidities and smoking
      did not have a statistically significant impact on the eventual score in the
      asymptomatic group. CONCLUSIONS: This study has established the range of OSS in
      the asymptomatic adult population. Symptom scores can only be used effectively
      when the range in the asymptomatic  population is known. This is so that disease
      severity can be gauged in the context of the normal population and post-operative
      improvements can be forecast more accurately.

PMID- 22041242
TI  - Validation of a one-stop carpal tunnel clinic including nerve conduction studies
      and hand therapy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Carpal tunnel syndrome is the most common hand disorder. We
      describe a pathway that includes clinical assessment, neurophysiological testing,
      surgery and physical therapy all at the same visit. METHODS: All referrals for
      carpal tunnel syndrome were screened for inclusion  in a 'one-stop' surgeon-led
      clinic. Prospective clinical data collected included patient reported outcome
      measures and satisfaction scores, touch threshold, pinch and grip strength.
      Patients were assessed clinically, underwent nerve conduction studies and surgery
      as indicated, all on the same  day. Baseline and one-year follow-up data were
      analysed for 57 patients (62 hands). RESULTS: There was significant improvement
      in all domains of the Boston Carpal Tunnel and Michigan hand Outcomes
      questionnaires, grip strength and touch threshold. There were no adverse events.
      The total  mean operating time was 12.8 minutes (range: 5-15 minutes) and the
      mean tourniquet time was 2.5 minutes (range: 1-11 minutes). Using a dual theatre
      model produced a short mean turnaround time of 14.8 minutes (range: 2-37
      minutes). Patient satisfaction as judged using a Picker  questionnaire was very
      high. CONCLUSIONS: A highly efficient clinical service involving both diagnostics
      and treatment can be delivered at a single hospital visit while maintaining
      optimal outcomes and high patient satisfaction.

PMID- 22041243
TI  - Computed tomography versus ureteroscopy in identification of renal tract stone
      with ureteral stent in situ.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to validate the use of non-contrast
      computed tomography (CT) with a ureteral stent in situ instead of ureteroscopy
      for identification of renal tract stones. METHODS: All patients who had stents
      inserted for renal tract stones and underwent  non-contrast CT with the stent in
      situ followed by ureteroscopy between May 2008 and October 2009 at The Canberra
      hospital, Australia, were analysed retrospectively. Statistical analysis was
      performed to compare any differences between CT and ureteroscopy in the
      identification of stones. RESULTS: Overall, 57 patients were included in the
      study. The difference between CT and ureteroscopy findings was statistically
      significant. CT identification of stones with a stent in situ had a sensitivity
      of 86%, a specificity of 46%, a positive predictive value of 63%, a negative
      predictive  value of 76% and an accuracy of 67%. CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests
      that non-contrast CT is inferior to the 'gold standard' of ureteroscopy. It lacks
      sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value
      and accuracy. Therefore, we cannot recommend using non-contrast  CT to replace
      ureteroscopy.

PMID- 22041245
TI  - A simple method of securing the safety wire during ureteroscopy.

PMID- 22041246
TI  - Vacuum-assisted sterile drainage of large post-operative seromas: the Royal
      Marsden technique.

PMID- 22041247
TI  - External rotation of the draining vein improves flow in arteriovenous fistulas.

PMID- 22041248
TI  - Improving the success of nipple reconstruction.

PMID- 22041249
TI  - Tension free vaginal tape in static facial reanimation: new use for a well tested
      device.

PMID- 22041250
TI  - Keeping the shoulder arthroscopy patient dry.

PMID- 22041251
TI  - Positioning for elbow fixation in young children.

PMID- 22041252
TI  - Simple technique for closure of skin lacerations under tension.

PMID- 22041253
TI  - Field effect of two commercial preparations of botulinum toxin type A: a
      prospective, double-blind, randomized clinical trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The dose equivalence of commonly used commercial preparations of
      botulinum toxin type A, Dysport (abotulinumtoxinA [ABO] 500 U, Ipsen Biopharm
      Limited, Wrexham, United Kingdom) and Botox (onabotulinumtoxinA [ONA] 100 U,
      Allergan, Irvine, CA), remains unclear. OBJECTIVE: We sought to evaluate the
      field effect for ABO and ONA at dose equivalences of 2.5:1.0 U and 2.0:1.0 U, in
      both muscular and sweat gland activity. METHODS: In all, 59 female patients with
      forehead wrinkles were enrolled. Patients were randomized for dose equivalence
      between ABO and ONA, group A (2.0:1.0 U, ABO:ONA) or group B (2.5:1.0 U, ABO:ONA)
      administered in the frontalis muscles. Clinical assessment, Minor test, and
      electromyography evaluations were performed at baseline, 28 days, and 112 days.
      RESULTS: In group B, the field of anhidrotic effect of ABO showed a greater area
      and larger horizontal diameter than ONA at 28 and 112 days. At maximum frontalis
      muscle activity (day 112) patients receiving ABO demonstrated greater improvement
      based on the Wrinkle Severity Scale. No differences were found in frontalis
      muscle activity at rest between groups A and B based on results of Wrinkle
      Severity Scale, electromyography, and interindividual variability data at 28 and
      112 days. LIMITATIONS: Currently, there are no objective measurements other than
      electromyography to evaluate the field effect of botulinum toxin type A in
      muscles. CONCLUSION: At a dose equivalence of 2.0:1.0 U (ABO:ONA), similar field
      effects were found for both muscle and sweat gland activity. At a higher dose
      equivalence of 2.5:1.0 U (ABO:ONA), injections of ABO showed greater area and
      larger horizontal diameter in field of anhidrotic effect at 28 and 112 days than
      ONA.

PMID- 22041254
TI  - Physician Global Assessment (PGA) and Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI):
      why do both? A systematic analysis of randomized controlled trials of biologic
      agents for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although there are many psoriasis assessment tools currently
      published, one of the unmet needs in psoriasis research remains consensus about
      the single best validated and reproducible assessment tool. OBJECTIVES: In this
      systematic review we sought to determine the degree of correlation between two
      commonly used psoriasis assessment tools, the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index
      (PASI) and Physician Global Assessment (PGA). METHODS: Randomized controlled
      systemic trials in moderate to severe psoriasis were reviewed using the Preferred
      Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses guidelines. We recorded
      and compared the percent of patients achieving both 75% reduction in PASI score
      (PASI 75) and PGA 0 or 1 (clear or almost clear) at 8 to 16 weeks, 17 to 24
      weeks, and greater than 24 weeks of treatment with the investigational drug.
      RESULTS: Our literature review yielded 30 randomized controlled trials using
      biologic agents in moderate to severe psoriasis. We found that the two assessment
      tools correlate very tightly except at the lower bounds of therapeutic efficacy.
      The r(2) values for the correlation between PASI 75 and a score of clear or
      almost clear on the PGA were 0.9157 at 8 to 16 weeks and 0.892 at 17 to 24 weeks.
      LIMITATIONS: Limitations of our study include the small number of randomized
      controlled trials publishing the percent of patients achieving 75% reduction in
      PASI score and a score of clear or almost clear on the PGA after 24 weeks of
      therapy. In addition, our results are not generalizable beyond the patients with
      moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. CONCLUSION: The two assessment tools are
      substantially redundant and either alone is a sufficient tool for assessing
      psoriasis severity in patients with moderate to severe disease. Because the PASI
      is better validated and more detailed, it remains the score of choice for
      clinical trials, but the simpler PGA may be well suited for community-based
      outcomes projects.

PMID- 22041255
TI  - Pregnancies exposed to methadone, methadone and other illicit substances, and
      poly-drugs without methadone: a comparison of fetal neurobehaviors and infant
      outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is suspected that there is a continuum of impairment among
      prenatally drug-exposed infants, such that opioid and/or poly-drug exposure
      confers the highest risk for adverse neonatal outcomes than other classes of
      substances or single substance exposures. Suitable control groups are difficult
      to identify. This study compared fetal neurobehavioral development and infant
      outcomes in offspring of three groups of pregnant women in drug treatment.
      Exposure groups include: Methadone+other illicit substances (MM+Poly) and two
      groups currently abstinent for poly drug exposures: Methadone only (MM/A) and Non
      Methadone (NM/A). METHODS: Forty-nine women (19 MM+Poly, 18 MM/A, and 12 NM/A)
      underwent fetal monitoring at 36 weeks gestation at peak and trough levels of
      methadone (MM+Poly; MM/A) or at comparable morning and afternoon times (NM/A).
      Fetal heart rate (FHR), heart rate variability (FHRV) and motor activity (FM)
      data were collected. Infant measures included birth outcomes and Neonatal
      Abstinence Syndrome (NAS) assessment. RESULTS: As compared to the NM/A group,
      cardiac measures were decreased in methadone-exposed fetuses at peak levels. FHR
      was significantly more suppressed in the MM+Poly group. FM was significantly
      lower in the MM/A vs. the NM/A group at both peak and trough, indicative of more
      persistent exposure effects. The MM+Poly group delivered 1 week earlier and
      required NAS pharmacological treatment twice as often as the MM/A group.
      CONCLUSIONS: Results support the notion that poly-drug exposure may potentiate
      the effects of methadone on the fetus and infant and highlights the need for
      intensified treatment for methadone-maintained women who abuse other substances.

PMID- 22041256
TI  - A preliminary study of the neural effects of behavioral therapy for substance use
      disorders.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The mechanisms by which behavioral therapies for substance use
      disorders (SUDs) exert their effects and the components of treatment that
      contribute most to substance use outcome remain unclear. Disruptions to aspects
      of impulse control and attention have been hypothesized to contribute to the
      development and maintenance of addiction; moreover, alterations in these
      processes may underlie responses to treatment. METHODS: Individuals participating
      in a randomized clinical trial evaluating computer-assisted cognitive behavioral
      therapy (CBT) for substance abuse participated in fMRI Stroop before and after
      treatment. A non-substance-using comparison group performed the same task under
      test-retest conditions. RESULTS: The patient group demonstrated decreased Stroop
      related BOLD signal in regions including the anterior cingulate, inferior frontal
      gyrus and midbrain at post-treatment relative to pre-treatment, and displayed a
      greater decrease in the subthalamic nucleus and surrounding regions compared to
      healthy controls following test-retest. CONCLUSIONS: Behavioral therapies may be
      associated with reduction in substance use and effects on neural systems involved
      in cognitive control, impulsivity, motivation and attention.

PMID- 22041259
TI  - [Control of hypertension in patients with chronic kidney disease].

PMID- 22041260
TI  - [Pay attention to the application of Doppler echocardiography in intensive care
      unit].

PMID- 22041261
TI  - [Updated interpretation of the classification of chronic kidney disease].

PMID- 22041262
TI  - [Certain issues concerning continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis in patients
      with cirrhosis].

PMID- 22041263
TI  - [The relationship between urinary albumin excretion and serum uric acid in
      general population].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between the urinary albumin excretion
      (UAE) and serum uric acid in general population. METHODS: The study participants
      were derived from the epidemiological study on the association of metabolic
      syndrome and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Pinggu district, Beijing. A total of
      992 participants (463 men and 529 women) aged from 30 to 75 years were enrolled
      in this study. For each participant, UAE, serum uric acid, serum creatinine, and
      serum lipids were detected and other potential risk factors for CKD were
      surveyed. RESULTS: (1) The frequencies of microalbuminuria, macroalbuminuria and
      hyperuricemia were 12.9%, 1.8% and 4.3% respectively. The persons with
      hyperuricemia had significantly higher frequency of albuminuria than those
      without hyperuricemia (37.2% vs 13.7%, P < 0.01). (2) The participants were
      divided according to the quartiles (25%, 50%, 75%) of serum uric acid level, and
      the frequencies of albuminuria in males were 13.2%, 13.9%, 17.2% and 25.4%, while
      those in females were 8.4%, 6.2%, 9.6% and 24.8%. (3) Multivariate logistic
      regression analysis showed, hyperuricemia was significantly associated with
      albuminuria in females (OR = 2.31, 95%CI 1.15-4.68; P = 0.02), but not in males.
      If the persons with reduced renal function were excluded, similar result still
      could be gained. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of albuminuria increases gradually
      with uric acid elevation. Serum uric acid is an independent risk factor of
      elevated UAE, especially in females.

PMID- 22041264
TI  - [The correlation between uric acid and the incidence and prognosis of kidney
      diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort studies].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association of serum uric acid and the incidence and
      prognosis of kidney diseases systematically, so as to provide reference for the
      treatment and prevention of kidney diseases. METHODS: Literatures related to the
      associations between serum uric acid and incidence and prognosis of kidney
      diseases were selected from the Chinese Biomedical Literature Database (CBM)
      (January 1982 to March 2010), EMBASE (January 1966 to March 2010) and Medline
      (January 1950 to March 2010) for cohort studies. Two researchers independently
      screened the studies, assessed the risk of bias of included studies using the
      Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale for Cohort Studies and extracted data.
      Stata 10.0 was used to calculate the pooled relative risk. RESULTS: Twenty-one
      eligible cohort studies were selected, of which 11 on incidence of kidney
      diseases (n = 276 801), and 10 on the prognosis of kidney diseases (n = 3004).
      Meta analysis was performed based on data influencing incidence and prognosis
      factors of kidney diseases except for serum uric acid. The results showed, (1)
      uric acid and incidence of kidney diseases: hyperuricemia could increase the risk
      of kidney diseases (RR = 1.49, 95%CI 1.27 - 1.75); (2) uric acid and prognosis of
      patients with kidney diseases:hyperuricemia could deteriorate the kidney function
      (RR = 1.35, 95%CI 1.12 - 1.63) and increase the risk of mortality (RR = 1.67,
      95%CI 1.29 - 2.16). CONCLUSION: Uric acid is an independent risk factor for
      incidence of kidney diseases and poor prognosis of patients with kidney diseases.
      Further high quality clinical trials with long-term follow up should be conducted
      to determine whether lowering uric acid levels would be of clinical benefit in
      the prevention and treatment of kidney diseases, so as to provide direct evidence
      for clarifying correlation between uric acid and kidney diseases and the
      prevention and treatment for patients with high uric acid.

PMID- 22041265
TI  - [Total parathyroidectomy in treatment of Sagliker syndrome in 10 cases of
      hemodialysing patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of the parathyroidectomy (PTX) in the
      treatment of severe secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) with Sagliker syndrome
      (SS). METHODS: A retrospective review was undertaken among 212 SS patients
      underwent PTX in our hospital and with more than 3 years' follow up. The
      definitions of the efficacy were based on the postoperative intact parathyroid
      hormone level (iPTH). "Cure" showed that the iPTH was < 150 ng/L; "marked
      effectiveness" was 150 - 300 ng/L; "effectiveness" was 301 - 500 ng/L;
      "ineffectiveness" was > 500 ng/L. The status was defined as persistent SHPT if
      iPTH was > 150 ng/L after surgery. The status was considered as SHPT recurrence
      if iPTH was < 100 ng/L in the first week after surgery, and gradually increased
      and > 150 ng/L with the follow-up. RESULTS: (1) Ten patients were involved and
      the average dialysis time was 142 months [male/female: 4/6; age 30 - 54 (39.3 +/-
      10.4) years]. All patients had severe bone and joint pain, accompanied with
      progressive facial increases, chicken breast, kyphosis, hip bone deformities, and
      body height shortening. (2) Preoperative tests: the median of iPTH 2000 (1800 -
      2863) ng/L; serum calcium (2.45 +/- 0.21) mmol/L, phosphorus (2.19 +/- 0.51)
      mmol/L, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (1189.8 +/- 780.0) IU/L. Two to four enlarged
      parathyroid glands were confirmed by ultrasound and (99)Tc(m)-MIBI parathyroid
      scintigraphy. (3) Surgical procedures: local or general anesthesia for PTX.
      Supplement with calcium and calcitriol implemented low serum calcium after PTX.
      (4) FOLLOW-UP: symptoms, including bone pain, muscle weakness, skin itching, and
      insomnia, were significantly improved after surgery. Transient hoarseness
      occurred in 2 cases. The iPTHs of all patients were decreased significantly after
      surgery. The median of iPTH was 55.5 (10 - 967) ng/L at 1 month post PTX, and was
      significantly less than prior to PTX (P < 0.001). Eight patients were "cure", 1
      "marked effectiveness", and 1 "ineffectiveness". Two patients were persistent
      SHPT, and 1 died of heart failure in the 4(th) year after PTX. The development of
      bone deformities was stopped and malnutrition was improved in long-time follow
      up. The level of iPTH 135 (28 - 390) ng/L (P < 0.001), serum calcium, phosphorus,
      and ALP showed normal in the third year. The SHPT recurrence was appeared in the
      2(nd) and 3(rd) year in 2 out of 8 patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Total PTX
      can effectively treat SS by SHPT. It can improve prognosis for patients, such as
      bone pain disappearing, bone deformities stopping and malnutrition improving,
      etc. The level of iPTH may rise again in some patients in the future. Therefore,
      more attentions should be paid to monitoring.

PMID- 22041266
TI  - [The risk factors for worsening renal function in patients with chronic heart
      failure].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the risk factors of worsening renal function (WRF) in
      patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) and WRF influence on prognosis.
      METHODS: A case-control study were undertaken to analyze independent risk factor
      statistically related to incidence of WRF, and to assess the influence of WRF on
      prognosis. RESULTS: The independent predictors of WRF were creatinine level at
      admission (OR 2.248, 95%CI 1.088 - 4.647, P = 0.029) and NYHA class on admission
      (OR 2.485, 95%CI 1.385 - 4.459, P = 0.002). The mortality of patient with WRF was
      obviously higher than that of control group during hospitalization (OR 3.824,
      95%CI 2.452 - 5.637, P < 0.015). CONCLUSIONS: WRF is a common complication among
      patients hospitalized for CHF, and is obviously associated with mortality during
      hospitalization. Higher creatinine level and weak heart function are independent
      risk factors for incidence of WRF of patients with CHF.

PMID- 22041267
TI  - [The clinical analysis of nephrotic syndrome after allogeneic hematopoietic stem
      cell transplantation in one single center].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the incidence, diagnosis and treatment of nephrotic
      syndrome (NS) following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo
      HSCT) in one single center. METHODS: Analysis were carried out based on the
      records of 1464 patients following allo-HSCT hospitalized in Peking University
      People's Hospital from January 1996 to April 2009, so as to evaluate the
      incidence and outcomes of NS. A total of 1464 patients whose survival time was
      longer than 100 d were enrolled. Eight patients (0.6%) had NS following allo
      HSCT. Using the nested case-controlled study, 56 cases who received
      transplantation within the same period were selected as control group for risk
      factors analysis. RESULTS: The median time of NS was 488 (54 - 1185) d after allo
      HSCT. Lower extremities' edema and heavy proteinuria were present in all the
      patients. Two patients were accompanied with impaired renal function. Six
      patients suffered from chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Three patients
      with NS were accompanied with other symptoms of GVHD. Renal biopsy examination
      showed typical features of minimal change diseases in 3 patients and membranous
      nephropathy in 1 patient. All cases achieved complete remission (CR) after taking
      combined immunosuppressant agents. One patient relapsed soon after all the
      immunosuppressant agents were stopped. Six patients were still surviving with
      disease free. One patient died of the relapse of leukemia and another patient
      died of early discharge from hospital after allo-HSCT. The possible factors
      correlated with the occurrence of NS were analyzed, and the occurrence of chronic
      GVHD was identified as an independent factor of NS. CONCLUSIONS: NS should be
      carefully taken into consideration when edema and proteinuria are present in
      patients following allo-HSCT. The occurrence of NS is probably related with
      chronic GVHD. NS responds well to immunosuppressant agents.

PMID- 22041268
TI  - [The clinical and pathologic features of vascular amyloid deposits of amyloid
      nephropathy in 6 patients].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze clinical and pathologic features of a rare vascular amyloid
      deposits of amyloid nephropathy (VADAN) in 6 patients, so as to improve its
      diagnosis and treatment. METHODS: All patients received immunopathology,
      microscopy and electron microscopy examination, and amyloid types were analyzed.
      RESULTS: There were 3 males and 3 females with ages ranging from 52 to 73 years.
      Two patients suffered from multiple myeloma. Majority patients had slight
      albuminuria and hematuria. One patient combined with minimal change glomerular
      disease presented nephrotic syndrome. One patient combined with IgA nephropathy
      had albuminuria and hematuria. And one patient had myeloma cast nephropathy with
      acute renal failure. Kidney biopsy proved amyloid deposits along interlobular
      arterial wall only in all 6 patients. Two cases secondary from multiple myeloma
      were kappa amyloid, and the rests were lambda amyloid. CONCLUSIONS: VADAN is a
      rare type of amyloid nephropathy. Its clinical manifestation is different from
      common amyloid nephropathy. Kidney biopsy will benefit its differential
      diagnosis.

PMID- 22041269
TI  - [The effect of fasudil via Rho/ROCK signaling pathway on the inflammation and
      fibrosis in human mesangial cells in high glucose medium].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of fasudil on inhibiting the Rho/ROCK signaling
      pathway under high glucose in human mesangial cells (HMCs) inflammation and
      fibrosis. METHODS: Synchronized HMCs were divided into following groups: (1)
      Normal glucose control group (NG, 5.5 mmol/L glucose); (2) High glucose group
      (HG, 30 mmol/L glucose); (3) Mannitol group (Man, 5.5 mmol/L glucose + 24.5
      mmol/L mannitol); (4) High glucose + fasudil group (HG + F, the concentrations of
      fasudil were 25, 50 and 100 umol/L, respectively). Collect the supernatant and
      cells at 0, 12, 24, 36, 48 and 72 h respectively, and determine the concentration
      changes of the RhoA, ROCK-I, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF)mRNA with real
      time PCR method in the cells, then used the ELISA method to check the protein
      content of the fibronectin (FN), CTGF, TNFalpha in the supernatant. RESULTS: (1)
      RhoA, ROCK-I and CTGF mRNA of the HMCs cultured under the high glucose expressed
      significantly higher than those in the normal group, and there was certain time
      dependence. Besides, there was no statistic significance by comparing Man and NG.
      (2)Under the high glucose situation, after the fasudil pretreatment with
      different concentrations and 24 h or 48 h culture with high glucose, RhoA, ROCK
      I, CTGF mRNA expression was significantly decreased in HG + F, compared with HG,
      and there was certain concentration-dependence. (3) High glucose increased the
      FN, CTGF, TNFalpha protein secretion of HMCs in a time-dependent manner, but
      normal glucose and mannitol had no such effect. (4) After the fasudil
      pretreatment with different concentrations and culture with high glucose for 12,
      24, 36, 48, 72 h, the FN, CTGF, TNFalpha protein secretion was significantly
      reduced compared with HG. CONCLUSION: Fasudil can reduce the secretion of
      downstream inflammatory factors and cytokines by inhibiting high glucose
      activated HMCs Rho/ROCK signaling pathway, and reduce the inflammation and
      fibrosis of HMCs. This provides a new basis for the therapeutic target in the
      treatment of diabetic nephropathy.

PMID- 22041270
TI  - [The clinical outcomes of patients undergoing revascularization for acute
      coronary syndrome].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate short-term and long-term prognosis of revascularization in
      patients with acute coronary syndrome. METHODS: A total of 6005 patients who
      received coronary revascularization in our institution between July 2003 and
      September 2005 were enrolled. The patients were followed up in clinic or by
      telephone after discharge between September 2006 and November 2006. The clinical
      and prognosis data of all-cause mortality, neo-myocardial infarction, nonfatal
      stroke, and re-revascularization of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
      (STEMI), non ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) and major
      adverse cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) were analyzed. RESULTS:
      Among 4865 acute coronary syndrome patients, 955 cases were STEMI; 263 cases were
      NSTEMI; and 3647 cases were unstable angina (UA) pectoris. There were no
      significant difference for in-hospital mortality and late mortality (18 month
      survival 96%, 98% and 98%) between patients with STEMI, NSTEMI and UA. Patients
      with UA had lower MACCE rate (18 month non-MACCE survival of STEMI, NSTEMI and UA
      group were 86%, 86%, and 89% respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Despite different
      clinical characteristics, patients with STEMI, NSTEMI and UA undergoing
      revascularization had similar short-term and long-term mortality. Patients with
      UA had lower MACCE rate.

PMID- 22041271
TI  - [The clinicopathologic analysis in autopsy patients with cardiovascular disease].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical autopsy results of patients died of
      cardiovascular disease or other disease complicated with cardiac damage. METHODS:
      Complete autopsy was performed on 86 cases with uncertain cause of death. Through
      integrating clinical diagnosis and treatment with gross autopsy findings and
      microscopic observations, 86 autopsies were determined the major cause of death.
      RESULTS: In 86 autopsies, 69 cases were heart disease. Differences between
      pathological diagnosis and clinical diagnosis were compared. Twenty-seven cases
      were cardiac deaths, with diagnosis accordance rate of 81.5%. Forty-two cases
      died of non-cardiac disease but complicated with heart disease or involving the
      heart which accelerated the death in patients, with accordance rate of 78.6%.
      CONCLUSION: Scientific and correct performance of autopsy was important to
      determine the causes of death, to promote development of related disciplines and
      to improve the diagnosis and treatment of the diseases.

PMID- 22041272
TI  - [The clinical application of pulmonary vascular permeability index on
      differential diagnosis of acute pulmonary edema].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the value of pulmonary vascular permeability index in
      differentiating acute lung injury (ALI) from cardiac pulmonary edema. METHODS:
      Critically ill patients with acute pulmonary edema were included from May, 2004
      to September, 2008. Patients were divided into two groups, the ALI group and the
      cardiac pulmonary edema group (C group). Pulmonary vascular permeability index
      (PVPI), intrathoracic blood volume (ITBVI) were determined by pulse indicator
      continuous cardiac output (PiCCO) system. RESULTS: (1) Thirty-four patients were
      enrolled, 22 cases in ALI group and 12 cases in C group. (2) The PVPI in patients
      of ALI group (2.7 +/- 1.4) was higher than that of C group (1.9 +/- 0.6; P <
      0.05). EVLWI and ITBVI did not have the significant difference between the two
      groups (P > 0.05). (3) PVPI was positively correlated with EVLWI (r = 0.762),
      negatively correlated with PaO2/FiO2 (r = -0.478). (4) ARDS was diagnosed in 13
      cases, including 8 pulmonary cause (ARDSp) and 5 extra-pulmonary cause (ARDSexp).
      PVPI, EVLW/ITBV and EVLWI of patients with ARDSexp were obviously higher than
      those with ARDSp. CONCLUSIONS: PVPI may be useful for differentiating the types
      of pulmonary edema in the critically ill.

PMID- 22041273
TI  - [A comparative study of incidence and prevalence of Crohn's disease in mainland
      China in different periods].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To collect data and analyze the current status and prevalence changes
      of Crohn's disease (CD) in mainland China in recent decades. METHODS: A computer
      based literature search was previously performed by using 50-year (1950 to 2002)
      of records of CD from the Chinese Database of Biology and Medicine (CBM) (1979 to
      2002) and a manual year-by-year search of the literature (1950 to 1978). Using
      similar method, descriptive epidemiological data from 2003 to 2007 were
      collected, analyzed and compared with previous research. RESULTS: Four hundred
      and seventeen relevant papers during 2003 and 2007 were collected and 62 papers
      were eligible for inclusion. Within 62 papers, a total of 2149 cases with CD from
      2003 to 2007 have been reported nationwide, comprising 1288 male and 861 female
      patients, with a 1.50:1 male predominance, and indicating 1.41 time of increment
      as compared with our previous result (ie, 1526 cases from 1950 - 2002). There
      were no obvious changes in incidence age (younger and middle age were main
      components) and sex ratio (number of male was still larger than that of female).
      The extrapolated CD incidence and prevalence rates were 1.21/100 000 person.year
      and 2.29/100 000, respectively, which were higher than that of year 1950 - 2002,
      0.28/100 000 person.year and 1.38/100 000, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The
      incidence and prevalence rates of CD have been increasing rapidly, but these
      rates are still lower than those in Western world.

PMID- 22041274
TI  - [The clinical evaluation of piperacillin and sulbactam sodium in treatment of
      respiratory, urinary tracts and other infections in 579 patients].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of piperacillin and
      sulbactam sodium combinations in the treatment of common infections. METHODS:
      This was a multi-centre, prospective and open study. All subjects from 57 wards
      caught common infection like respiratory (RTI) or urinary diseases (UTI). The
      dosages of piperacillin and sulbactam sodium combinations 2.5 g injection were
      determined according to indications: for adult, 2.5 g or 5 g per time, 2
      time/day; for severe or obstinate infection, 2.5 g or 5 g per time, 3 time/day.
      General information, clinical response pre- and post-treatment, infected locus,
      drug recipe and protocol, prognosis and adverse reaction were recorded. RESULTS:
      Data of 579 cases were collected with 388 males and 191 females. The average age
      was (66.8 +/- 17.0) years. There were 500 patients who were suffering with RTI,
      with 362 cases of pneumonia, 102 of acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis, and
      36 of other infections. There were 50 cases with UTI, with 31 of simple urinary
      tract infection, and 19 of complex urinary tract infection. In addition, there
      were 9 cases of combined RTI and UTI, and 20 of other infections including
      peritonitis. The average duration of anti-microbial for RTI and UTI was (8.65 +/-
      3.78) days and (7.45 +/- 3.46) days respectively with the total efficacy rate was
      92.6% and 98.0% respectively for RTI and UTI. The incidence of adverse events was
      only 0.86% (5 cases), including nausea, rash, itching, ALT elevation and
      suspected drug induced fever in each one. CONCLUSION: Piperacillin and sulbactam
      sodium compound had high clinical efficacy and safety in the treatment of common
      infections including RTI and UTI.

PMID- 22041275
TI  - [The effects of pronase on drugs concentrations for treatment of Helicobacter
      pylori infection in gastric tissue].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of pronase on amoxicillin and metronidazole
      concentrations in gastric tissue. METHODS: C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided
      into experimental group (n = 70) and control group (n = 70). Amoxicillin (28.6
      mg/kg), metronidazole (22.5 mg/kg) and omeprazole (138.2 mg/kg) were administered
      orally to C57BL/6 mice, combined with pronase (110 mg/kg) or same amount of
      sterile PBS. Gastric tissue and blood plasma samples were taken at 10 point-in
      time (7 mice/time) from 15 min up to 360 min after administration. Concentrations
      of amoxicillin and metronidazole were detected by high performance liquid
      chromatography. Gastritis index of gastric mucosa (hematoxylin-eosin staining)
      and the gastric tissue expressions of mucin 5AC (Western blot) were detected at
      120 min and 360 min after administration. RESULTS: The time to peak concentration
      of amoxicillin and metronidazole in gastric tissue appeared earlier than that in
      blood plasma (15 min vs 60 min). Tissue concentrations of amoxicillin and
      metronidazole of experimental group were significantly higher than those of
      control, and they were mainly at 15 min to 90 min (P < 0.05). Plasma
      concentrations of amoxicillin and metronidazole of experimental group at 15 min
      and 30 min were higher than those of control (P < 0.05). There was no difference
      in gastritis index between experimental group and control at 120 min and 360 min
      after administration (0.28 +/- 0.18 vs 0.14 +/- 0.14, P > 0.05; 0.43 +/- 0.20 vs
      0.28 +/- 0.18, P > 0.05). The expressions of mucin 5AC in experimental group were
      lower than those of control (0.036 +/- 0.006 vs 0.197 +/- 0.058; P < 0.05; 0.039
      +/- 0.008 vs 0.208 +/- 0.072, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Pronase can significantly
      enhance the drugs penetration from mucus into gastric tissue. Concentrations of
      amoxicillin and metronidazole of experimental group in local gastric tissue and
      plasma are higher than those of control, especially in improving concentrations
      of gastric tissue and prolongation of exposed time.

PMID- 22041276
TI  - Brucellosis Ontology (IDOBRU) as an extension of the Infectious Disease Ontology.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Caused by intracellular Gram-negative bacteria Brucella spp.,
      brucellosis is the most common bacterial zoonotic disease. Extensive studies in
      brucellosis have yielded a large number of publications and data covering various
      topics ranging from basic Brucella genetic study to vaccine clinical trials. To
      support data interoperability and reasoning, a community-based brucellosis
      specific biomedical ontology is needed. RESULTS: The Brucellosis Ontology
      (IDOBRU: http://sourceforge.net/projects/idobru), a biomedical ontology in the
      brucellosis domain, is an extension ontology of the core Infectious Disease
      Ontology (IDO-core) and follows OBO Foundry principles. Currently IDOBRU contains
      1503 ontology terms, which includes 739 Brucella-specific terms, 414 IDO-core
      terms, and 350 terms imported from 10 existing ontologies. IDOBRU has been used
      to model different aspects of brucellosis, including host infection, zoonotic
      disease transmission, symptoms, virulence factors and pathogenesis, diagnosis,
      intentional release, vaccine prevention, and treatment. Case studies are
      typically used in our IDOBRU modeling. For example, diurnal temperature variation
      in Brucella patients, a Brucella-specific PCR method, and a WHO-recommended
      brucellosis treatment were selected as use cases to model brucellosis symptom,
      diagnosis, and treatment, respectively. Developed using OWL, IDOBRU supports OWL
      based ontological reasoning. For example, by performing a Description Logic (DL)
      query in the OWL editor Protege 4 or a SPARQL query in an IDOBRU SPARQL server, a
      check of Brucella virulence factors showed that eight of them are known
      protective antigens based on the biological knowledge captured within the
      ontology. CONCLUSIONS: IDOBRU is the first reported bacterial infectious disease
      ontology developed to represent different disease aspects in a formal logical
      format. It serves as a brucellosis knowledgebase and supports brucellosis data
      integration and automated reasoning.

PMID- 22041277
TI  - Optimization of a protocol for cryopreservation of mouse spermatozoa using
      cryotubes.
AB  - The rapid increase in the number of genetically modified mouse strains has
      produced a high demand for their frozen spermatozoa from laboratories and mouse
      banking facilities. Historically, plastic straws have been used preferentially as
      containers for frozen mammalian spermatozoa because spermatozoa frozen in plastic
      straws have a high survival rate after thawing. However, plastic straws are more
      fragile and are used less often than the cryotubes used for conventional cell
      freezing. In this study, we sought to develop a new protocol for sperm freezing
      using cryotubes as the container to increase the accessibility of mouse sperm
      cryopreservation. Epididymal spermatozoa were collected from mature ICR or
      C57BL/6J (B6) males and were suspended in 18% raffinose and 3% skim milk
      solution. We then optimized the following conditions using the sperm survival
      rate as an index: 1) distance of cryotubes from the surface of the liquid
      nitrogen at freezing, 2) volume of the sperm suspension in the cryotube and 3)
      temperature of warming sperm during thawing. The best result was obtained when
      cryotubes containing 10 ul of sperm suspension were immersed 1 cm below the
      surface of the liquid nitrogen and then thawed at 50 C. The fertilization rates
      using spermatozoa frozen and thawed using this method were 63.1% in ICR mice and
      28.2% in B6 mice. The latter rate was increased to 62.3% by adding reduced
      glutathione to the fertilization medium. After embryo transfer, 68% and 62% of
      the fertilized oocytes developed into normal offspring in the ICR and B6 strains,
      respectively. These results show that cryotubes can be used for cryopreservation
      of mouse spermatozoa under optimized conditions. This protocol is easy and
      reproducible, and it may be used in laboratories that do not specialize in sperm
      cryopreservation.

PMID- 22041279
TI  - Transmitochondrial mice as models for mitochondrial DNA-based diseases.
AB  - Mitochondrial genome (mtDNA) mutations and the resultant mitochondrial
      respiratory abnormalities are associated with a wide variety of disorders, such
      as mitochondrial diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, and cancer, as
      well as aging. Generation of model animals carrying mutant mtDNAs is important
      for understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms of the mtDNA-based diseases.
      We have succeeded in generating three kinds of mice with pathogenic mutant
      mtDNAs, named "mito-mice," by the introduction of mitochondria carrying
      pathogenic mutant mtDNAs into mouse zygotes and mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells.
      In the case of mito-mice possessing the heteroplasmic state of wild-type mtDNA
      and pathogenic mtDNA with a large-scale deletion (DeltamtDNA, mito-miceDelta), a
      high load of DeltamtDNA induced mitochondrial respiration defects in various
      tissues, resulting in mitochondrial disease phenotypes, such as low body weight,
      lactic acidosis, ischemia, myopathy, heart block, deafness, male infertility,
      long-term memory defects, and renal failure. In this review, we summarize
      generation and clinical phenotypes of three types of mito-mice and we introduce
      several treatment trials for mitochondrial diseases using mito-miceDelta.

PMID- 22041280
TI  - Roles of serine protease inhibitor Kazal type 1 (SPINK1) in pancreatic diseases.
AB  - Serine protease inhibitor Kazal type 1 (SPINK1) was originally identified as a
      trypsin inhibitor by Kazal et al. in 1948. SPINK1 is strongly elevated in
      pancreatitis and the elevation correlates with the severity of disease. In 2000,
      mutations in the SPINK1 gene were shown to be associated with chronic
      pancreatitis. Since then, there have been many reports on association between
      mutations in the SPINK1 genes and patients with pancreatitis. In 1982, SPINK1 was
      shown to be identical to tumor associated trypsin inhibitor (TATI). In addition,
      sequence similarities were detected between human epidermal growth factor (EGF)
      and human SPINK1 in 1983. Actually, SPINK1 was shown to stimulate growth of
      several cell lines including cancer cells in 1985. Recent clinical studies showed
      that high levels of SPINK1 protein in serum or urine were associated with adverse
      outcome in various cancer types. However, there was little evidence that showed
      in vivo function of SPINK1. Surprisingly, mice deficient in Spink3 (a mouse
      homologue gene of human SPINK1) showed excessive autophagy, but not pancreatitis
      in the exocrine pancreas, leading to autophagic cell death. We also demonstrated
      that SPINK1 acts as a growth factor through EGFR signaling. These data indicate
      that the role of the SPINK1 is not just as a trypsin inhibitor, but also as a
      growth factor as well as a negative regulator of autophagy. In this review, we
      summarize the roles of SPINK1/Spink3 in pancreatic diseases based on the data
      obtained from analyses using mouse models.

PMID- 22041281
TI  - Quinestrol treatment induced testicular damage via oxidative stress in male
      Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus).
AB  - The hypothesis that quinestrol exerts testicular damage via oxidative stress was
      investigated in male gerbils using a daily oral gavage of 3.5 mg/kg body weight
      for 2 weeks (the multidose-treated group) or 35 mg/kg body weight (the single
      dose-treated group). The testicular histological morphology, antioxidant capacity
      and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in testicular tissue and plasma were
      assessed at 15, 30, and 60 days following treatment. The results showed that the
      activity of the antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and
      glutathione peroxide (GSH-Px), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), at 15 days
      after treatment in testicular tissue decreased, which led to the MDA
      concentration increasing while at the same time germ cells were rarefied and
      showed an irregular distribution in seminiferous tubules of quinestrol-treated
      gerbils. At 30 days, the testicular weight and antioxidant capacity continued to
      decrease, while the MDA concentration continued to increase, and testicular
      histopathological changes were more pronounced. Single-dose and multidose drug
      treatment had a similar effect on the antioxidant enzymes and MDA, but testicular
      damage was relatively severe at 15 and 30 days after multidose treatment. By 60
      days of treatment withdrawal, however, the above parameters recovered to control
      levels. The results show that quinestrol causes reversible damage to gerbil
      testes that might be caused by the oxidative stress and that multidose treatment
      has more effects on testicular damage compared with one-dose treatment.

PMID- 22041278
TI  - Moderate ethanol ingestion and cardiovascular protection: from epidemiologic
      associations to cellular mechanisms.
AB  - While ethanol intake at high levels (3-4 or more drinks), either in acute
      (occasional binge drinking) or chronic (daily) settings, increases the risk for
      myocardial infarction and stroke, an inverse relationship between regular
      consumption of alcoholic beverages at light to moderate levels (1-2 drinks per
      day) and cardiovascular risk has been consistently noted in a large number of
      epidemiologic studies. Although initially attributed to polyphenolic antioxidants
      in red wine, subsequent work has established that the ethanol component
      contributes to the beneficial effects associated with moderate intake of
      alcoholic beverages regardless of type (red versus white wine, beer, spirits).
      Concerns have been raised with regard to interpretation of epidemiologic evidence
      for this association including heterogeneity of the reference groups examined in
      many studies, different lifestyles of moderate drinkers versus abstainers, and
      favorable risk profiles in moderate drinkers. However, better controlled
      epidemiologic studies and especially work conducted in animal models and cell
      culture systems have substantiated this association and clearly established a
      cause and effect relationship between alcohol consumption and reductions in
      tissue injury induced by ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), respectively. The aims of
      this review are to summarize the epidemiologic evidence supporting the
      effectiveness of ethanol ingestion in reducing the likelihood of adverse
      cardiovascular events such as myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke, even in
      patients with co-existing risk factors, to discuss the ideal quantities, drinking
      patterns, and types of alcoholic beverages that confer protective effects in the
      cardiovascular system, and to review the findings of recent experimental studies
      directed at uncovering the mechanisms that underlie the cardiovascular protective
      effects of antecedent ethanol ingestion. Mechanistic interrogation of the
      signaling pathways invoked by antecedent ethanol ingestion may point the way
      towards development of new therapeutic approaches that mimic the powerful
      protective effects of socially relevant alcohol intake to limit I/R injury, but
      minimize the negative psychosocial impact and pathologic outcomes that also
      accompany consumption of ethanol.

PMID- 22041282
TI  - Distribution of bone marrow-derived cells in the fracture callus during plate
      fixation in a green fluorescent protein-chimeric mouse model.
AB  - To clarify the distribution of bone-marrow-derived cells in fractures treated by
      plate fixation, fracture models were created using the green fluorescent protein
      (GFP) chimeric mouse. We observed 2 types of fracture healing processes with
      different types of callus formation and cellular events by using Mouse FixTM, a
      device allowing plate fixation on the mouse femur, and differences in the
      distribution of bone-marrow-derived cells between the 2 types. The GFP chimeric
      mice were created by bone marrow transplantation. Fractures were created on the
      left femurs of mice and stabilized with either rigid (Group R) or flexible (Group
      F) plates to prepare undecalcified fresh-frozen sections. In Group F, a large
      external callus and a large intramedullary callus were formed mostly by
      endochondral ossification. The cells that made up the intramedullary callus and
      callus in the fracture gap were GFP positive, but most cells of the external
      callus were not. In Group R, bone union was achieved mostly without external
      callus formation, bone apposition occurred directly in the gap, and a small
      intramedullary callus was formed. As observed in Group F, this group had GFP
      positive cells in the callus within the fracture gap and in the intramedullary
      calluses. The results of this study provided direct evidence of the distribution
      of bone-marrow-derived cells in the callus of fractures treated by plate fixation
      under different stability conditions.

PMID- 22041283
TI  - Pathogenicity of Pasteurella pneumotropica in immunodeficient NOD/ShiJic-scid/Jcl
      and immunocompetent Crlj:CD1 (ICR) mice.
AB  - Pasteurella pneumotropica is an opportunistic pathogen in rodents. Natural
      infection in immunodeficient animals suggests that immunodeficiency is a major
      factor in P. pneumotropica pathogenesis. To understand this process, we performed
      clinical, pathological and bacteriological studies of immunodeficient NOD/ShiJic
      scid/Jcl and immunocompetent Crlj:CD1 (ICR) mice experimentally infected with P.
      pneumotropica ATCC 35149. From 14 days postinoculation, some of P. pneumotropica
      infected NOD/ShiJic-scid/Jcl mice developed clinical signs of weight loss. Three
      of 10 P. pneumotropica-infected NOD/ShiJic-scid/Jcl mice developed clinical signs
      of depression, ruffled coat, and weight loss and died at 27, 34, and 59 days
      postinoculation. At 35 days postinoculation, almost all P. pneumotropica-infected
      NOD/ShiJic-scid/Jcl mice had lung abscesses. The bacteria were isolated from the
      upper and lower respiratory tracts, including the lungs, and blood. In contrast,
      P. pneumotropica-infected ICR mice exhibited no clinical signs or lesions. The
      bacteria were isolated from the upper, but not the lower respiratory tracts. We
      developed an animal model for understanding host interactions with P.
      pneumotropica.

PMID- 22041284
TI  - Phenotypic and functional characterization of freshly isolated and expanded
      canine regulatory T cells.
AB  - Regulatory T cells (T(reg)) are CD4(+) T lymphocytes with constitutive expression
      of CD25 and FOXP3, as well as the ability to modulate cellular immune responses.
      In this study, the phenotypic characteristics, function and feasibility of
      enrichment and expansion of canine T(reg) were examined. Canine peripheral blood
      mononuclear cells were isolated and enriched by labelling of CD25, and expansion
      of T(reg) was achieved by adding interleukin (IL)-2 for 1 week. Phenotypic and
      functional analyses of T(reg) were performed prior to and after expansion. Canine
      T(reg) could be phenotypically characterized by CD4, CD25, and FOXP3 expression.
      Isolation and enrichment of canine T(reg) is possible, but high purities are
      difficult to achieve without significant cell loss. Expansion of canine T(reg)
      was possible by adding IL-2 without other growth factors. Higher initial cell
      numbers seeded allow more substantial T(reg) expansion in vitro. Canine T(reg)
      have the potential to suppress proliferation of effector T cells (T(eff)). By
      adding expanded T(reg), a higher capability for suppressing T(eff) could be shown
      in comparison with freshly isolated T(reg). Enrichment and expansion of canine
      T(reg) is feasible, and canine T(reg) had similar characteristics to T(reg) from
      other species.

PMID- 22041285
TI  - Effect of three types of mixed anesthetic agents alternate to ketamine in mice.
AB  - Ketamine is usually used for murine anesthesia in animal experiments with other
      anesthetics for its sedation and analgesic effects. However, ketamine was
      categorized as a narcotic drug in Japan on January 1, 2007. After this act came
      into effect, a narcotic handling license became necessary for using and
      possessing ketamine. Pentobarbital sodium, which is also used for laboratory
      animal experiments as Nembutal, is no longer being manufactured. For these
      reasons, other anesthetic agents that can be used without a license are needed.
      In this paper, we examined the use of anesthetics other than ketamine and
      pentobarbital sodium. A combination anesthetic (M/M/B: 0.3/4/5) was prepared with
      0.3 mg/kg of medetomidine, 4.0 mg/kg of midazolam, and 5.0 mg/kg of butorphanol.
      The anesthetics were administered to male ICR mice by intraperitoneal injection.
      In order to assess anesthetic depth and duration, we stimulated the mice directly
      after loss of righting reflexes to recovery of these same reflexes and then
      recorded four parameters--a tail pinch reflex, a pedal withdrawal reflex in the
      forelimbs, a pedal withdrawal reflex in the hindlimbs, and corneal reflex. Each
      parameter was scored, and the anesthetic depth, expressed by the total score, was
      summed. The surgical anesthesia duration of M/M/B: 0.3/4/5 mg/kg was almost
      identical to the surgical anesthetic duration with a ketamine and xylazine
      mixture (80-8 mg/kg). These data suggested that mice can be anesthetized by
      M/M/B: 0.3/4/5 as an alternate to ketamine. We thus can recommend M/M/B: 0.3/4/5
      for murine surgical anesthesia.

PMID- 22041286
TI  - Effects of quinestrol as a contraceptive in mongolian gerbils (Meriones
      unguiculatus).
AB  - The contraceptive effects of quinestrol in Mongolian gerbils were examined. The
      results showed that body weight significantly increased after quinestrol
      treatment, except in the group that received the highest dose. The gonadosomatic
      index of ovaries decreased, whereas that of uteri increased, and uterine edema
      appeared after quinestrol treatment. Histological examination revealed that the
      ovaries had a lack of mature follicles and corpora lutea and that the myometrium
      and endometrium of the uteri became thin after quinestrol treatment. Persistent
      estrous appeared after quinestrol treatment, and time to persistent estrous
      shortened with increasing doses of quinestrol. Serum follicle-stimulating hormone
      (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) levels decreased, whereas estradiol (E2) and
      progesterone (P4) levels increased after quinestrol treatment, and the effects
      were dose-dependent. During gestation, the serum E2 levels in the different
      treatment groups were not significantly different. During gestation in the
      control groups, the serum P4 levels from days 0 to 15 were higher than in the
      quinestrol-treated groups; however, they did not show significant differences
      from days 18 to 24. Doses of 0.1 to 2.7 ug/g quinestrol over 6 days completely
      inhibited fertility. Birth time was prolonged with increasing doses of
      quinestrol. The findings suggest that quinestrol has marked estrogenic effects in
      Mongolian gerbils and may inhibit follicle maturation and ovulation through
      lowered gonadotropin levels. Uterine edema and abnormal E2 and P4 levels during
      gestation are important causes of pregnancy failure in quinestrol-treated
      Mongolian gerbils. Quinestrol causes prolonged inhibition of fertility in
      Mongolian gerbils.

PMID- 22041287
TI  - Vinyl isolator breeding induces insulin resistance in C57BL/6JJcl mice.
AB  - As basic probiotics studies, the glucose tolerance test (GTT), insulin tolerance
      test (ITT), and adipokine and hepatic enzyme activities were investigated in male
      C57BL/6JJcl (B6J) mice under germfree (GF) or specific pathogen free (SPF)
      conditions. GF B6J mice were reproduced by reproductive engineering and cesarean
      section using a vinyl isolators (GF group). Some GF group mice were transferred
      to other vinyl isolators under SPF conditions (SPF group). In addition,
      conventional B6J mice bred in an open room were defined as controls (Conv group).
      GTT, ITT, and the sampling of blood, liver, white adipose tissue, and pancreas
      were performed when these B6J mice were at the age of 8 weeks. As a result, the
      GF and SPF groups showed hyperglycemia, impaired glucose tolerance and insulin
      resistance when compared with the Conv group. The adipose tissues and plasma
      TNFalpha concentrations in the GF and SPF groups were enlarged and increased when
      compared with the Conv group. Hepatic enzyme activities associated with glucose
      uptake in the GF and SPF groups were higher than those in the Conv group.
      However, hepatic enzyme activities associated with gluconeogenesis in the GF and
      SPF groups were lower than those in the Conv group. We assumed that these results
      were reactions by the liver to recover from the impaired glucose tolerance and
      the insulin resistance caused by vinyl isolator breeding of the GF and SPF groups
      by control of glucose metabolism.

PMID- 22041288
TI  - Endocrinological differences between Hatano high- and low-avoidance rats during
      early two-way avoidance acquisition.
AB  - Hatano high (HAA)- and low (LAA)-avoidance rats were selected from Sprague-Dawley
      rats genetically on the basis of their active avoidance behavior in a shuttle-box
      test. The purpose of this study was to investigate stress-related alterations of
      hormones corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), arginine-vasopressin (AVP),
      prolactin, and adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) in the brain and blood during early
      avoidance acquisition using two lines of Hatano rats. In paraventricular nucleus
      (PVN) of the hypothalamus, the CRH levels in HAA rats were significantly
      increased after shuttle-box tasks compared with before the tasks, whereas the CRH
      levels in LAA rats significantly decreased after shuttle-box tasks compared with
      before the tasks. In the HAA rats, the CRH and AVP levels in the median eminence
      decreased after shuttle-box tasks, whereas there were no significant differences
      in the levels between before and after shuttle-box tasks in LAA rats. The plasma
      concentrations of ACTH were significantly higher in HAA rats than in LAA rats
      after shuttle-box tasks. These results show that the response of CRH-ACTH was
      higher in HAA rats than in LAA rats. This phenotype may be an important reason
      for the high avoidance rates of shuttle-box tasks in HAA rats. These endocrine
      differences in early avoidance acquisition may be involved in regulation of their
      avoidance responses in the shuttle-box task.

PMID- 22041290
TI  - Environmental contamination because of multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter
      baumannii surrounding colonized or infected patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Multidrug-resistant (MDR) Acinetobacter baumannii (MDR-AB) is an
      important nosocomial pathogen associated with significant morbidity and
      mortality. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study of intensive care
      unit patients colonized or infected with MDR-AB at a tertiary care hospital from
      October 2008 to January 2009. For each patient, 10 surfaces in the patient room
      were sampled and evaluated for the presence of A baumannii. Pulsed-field gel
      electrophoresis was performed on all environmental isolates and a clinical
      isolate if available. RESULTS: Fifty rooms were sampled; 48% (24/50) were
      positive at 1 or more environmental sites. Supply carts (10/50, 20%), floors
      (8/50, 16%), infusion pumps (7/50, 14%), and ventilator touch pads (5/44, 11.4%)
      were most commonly contaminated. Patients with a recent history of MDR-AB were no
      more likely to contaminate their environment than patients with a remote history
      (51% vs 36%, respectively, P value = .50). In 85% (17/20) of cases, the
      environmental isolate was classified as genetically similar to the patient
      isolate. CONCLUSION: For patients with MDR-AB, the surrounding environment is
      frequently contaminated, even among patients with a remote history of MDR-AB.
      Surfaces often touched by health care workers during routine patient care are
      commonly contaminated and may be a source of nosocomial spread.

PMID- 22041292
TI  - Memory in paediatric temporal lobe epilepsy: effects of lesion type and side.
AB  - This study investigated the role of underlying pathology on memory function of
      children with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Memory was assessed in 44 children
      with TLE resulting from hippocampal sclerosis (HS) or dysembryoplastic
      neuroepithelial tumours (DNT), and 22 control children. Delayed story and paired
      associate recall performance was significantly more impaired in children with HS
      compared to those with DNT, irrespective of the affected side. Semantic memory
      was impaired in both HS groups, and also in the left DNT group. These results
      suggest a role for type, and to a lesser extent, side of pathology in the memory
      profile of children with TLE.

PMID- 22041291
TI  - Smooth muscle and other cell sources for human blood vessel engineering.
AB  - Despite substantial progress in the field of vascular tissue engineering over the
      past decades, transition to human models has been rather challenging. The limited
      replicative life spans of human adult vascular cells, and their slow rate of
      collagenous matrix production in vitro, have posed important hurdles in the
      development of mechanically robust and biologically functional engineered grafts.
      With the more recent advances in the field of stem cells, investigators now have
      access to a plethora of new cell source alternatives for vascular engineering. In
      this paper, we review various alternative cell sources made available more
      recently for blood vessel engineering and also present some recent data on the
      derivation of smooth muscle cells from human induced pluripotent stem cells.

PMID- 22041293
TI  - Predicting miRNA-mediated gene silencing mode based on miRNA-target duplex
      features.
AB  - There are two main mechanisms of miRNA-mediated gene silencing: either mRNA
      degradation or translational repression. However, the precise mechanism of target
      mRNAs regulated by miRNA remains unclear. As a complementary approach to
      experiment, a computational method was proposed to recognize the mechanism of
      miRNA-mediated gene silencing in human. We have analyzed extensive features
      correlated with miRNA-mediated silencing mechanism of mRNA. It is found that, the
      duplex structure, the number of binding sites and the structural accessibility of
      target site region are effective factors in determining whether a target mRNA is
      cleaved or only translationally inhibited. An SVM-based classifier was
      constructed to predict the regulation mode of miRNA based on these informative
      features. The results indicated that the approach proposed is effective in
      distinguishing whether a target mRNA is cleaved or translationally inhibited in
      human. Furthermore, the web server microDoR (http://reprod.njmu.edu.cn/microdor)
      has been developed and is freely available for users.

PMID- 22041294
TI  - Immunohistochemical detection of meconium in the fetal membrane, placenta and
      umbilical cord.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To develop the immunohistochemistry specific for meconium in the
      placenta, fetal membrane and umbilical cord. STUDY DESIGN: We previously reported
      the specific presence of zinc coproporphyrin I (ZnCP-I) in human meconium and
      demonstrated the possible diagnostic use of an elevation in maternal plasma ZnCP
      I levels in cases of amniotic fluid embolism. In this study, we developed a new
      specific monoclonal antibody for ZnCP-I and applied it to the immunostaining of
      meconium in the placenta, fetal membrane, and umbilical cord. RESULTS:
      Immunoreactivity of ZnCP-I clearly and specifically identified meconium in the
      placenta, fetal membrane, and umbilical cord. It was especially useful in cases
      of severe chorioamnionitis to detect meconium in the macrophages surrounded by
      numerous neutrophils. In more than half of the cases, meconium was detected in
      clear amniotic fluid at delivery, suggesting previous exposure. CONCLUSIONS:
      Immunohistochemical detection of ZnCP-I is a highly sensitive histological
      diagnosis of meconium.

PMID- 22041296
TI  - Glucocorticoids mediate stress-induced priming of microglial pro-inflammatory
      responses.
AB  - Acute and chronic stress sensitizes or "primes" the neuroinflammatory response to
      a subsequent pro-inflammatory challenge. While prior evidence shows that
      glucocorticoids (GCs) play a pivotal role in stress-induced potentiation of
      neuroinflammatory responses, it remains unclear whether stress-induced GCs
      sensitize the response of key CNS immune substrates (i.e. microglia) to pro
      inflammatory stimuli. An ex vivo approach was used to address this question.
      Here, stress-induced GC signaling was manipulated in vivo and hippocampal
      microglia challenged with the pro-inflammatory stimulus LPS ex vivo. Male Sprague
      Dawley rats were either pretreated in vivo with the GC receptor antagonist RU486
      or adrenalectomized (ADX). Animals were then exposed to an acute stressor
      (inescapable tailshock; IS) and 24 h later hippocampal microglia were isolated
      and challenged with LPS to probe for stress-induced sensitization of pro
      inflammatory responses. Prior exposure to IS resulted in a potentiated pro
      inflammatory cytokine response (e.g. IL-1beta gene expression) to LPS in isolated
      microglia. Treatment in vivo with RU486 and ADX inhibited or completely blocked
      this IS-induced sensitization of the microglial pro-inflammatory response. The
      present results suggest that stress-induced GCs function to sensitize the
      microglial pro-inflammatory response (IL-1beta, IL-6, NFkappaBIalpha) to
      immunologic challenges.

PMID- 22041297
TI  - CD200 fusion protein decreases microglial activation in the hippocampus of aged
      rats.
AB  - The glycoprotein, CD200, is primarily expressed on neurons and its cognate
      receptor CD200R is expressed principally on cells of the myeloid lineage,
      including microglia. The interaction of CD200 with its receptor plays a
      significant role in maintaining microglia in a quiescent state and therefore a
      decrease in CD200 expression in brain is associated with evidence of microglial
      activation. Conversely, activation of CD200R, for example using a CD200 fusion
      protein (CD200Fc), should result in a decrease in microglial activation. Here we
      assessed the effect of delivery of CD200Fc intrahippocampally on microglial
      activation and on long-term potentiation (LTP) in perforant path-granule cell
      synapses in young and aged rats. We hypothesized that the age-related changes in
      microglial activation would be attenuated by CD200Fc resulting in an improved
      ability of aged rats to sustain LTP. The data indicate that expression of markers
      of microglial activation including major histocompatibility complex Class II
      (MHCII) and CD40 mRNA, as well as MHCII immunoreactivity, were increased in
      hippocampus of aged, compared with young, rats and that these changes were
      associated with a deficit in LTP; these changes were attenuated in hippocampal
      tissue prepared from aged rats which received CD200Fc. Microglial activation and
      a deficit in LTP have also been reported in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated rats
      and, here, we report that these changes were also attenuated in CD200Fc-treated
      animals. Thus the negative impact of microglial activation on the ability of aged
      and LPS-treated rats to sustain LTP is ameliorated when CD200R is activated by
      CD200Fc.

PMID- 22041298
TI  - A comparative study of color quenching correction methods for Cerenkov counting.
AB  - The color quenching correction for Cerenkov counting is normally based on indexes
      defined for liquid scintillation spectra. Because of the differences in the
      spectrum shapes, these indexes are not optimal, and a different method was
      proposed based on the integral counting of the external (152)Eu source spectra of
      a 1200 Quantulus system. We have shown that this method, named ESAR (external
      source area ratio), is superior to all the other correction methods, offering the
      highest sensitivity and the widest range of application.

PMID- 22041299
TI  - Cross sections of the 36Ar(d,alpha)34mCl, 40Ar(d,alpha)38Cl, and 40Ar(d,p)41Ar
      nuclear reactions below 8.4 MeV.
AB  - We have measured the cross section for production of the medically interesting
      isotope (34m)Cl, along with (38)Cl and (41)Ar, using deuteron bombardments of
      (36)Ar and (40)Ar below 8.4 MeV. ALICE/ASH analytical codes were employed to
      determine the shape of nuclear excitation functions, and experiments were
      performed using the University of Wisconsin tandem electrostatic accelerator to
      irradiate thin targets of argon gas.

PMID- 22041300
TI  - New neutralizing antibody epitopes in hepatitis C virus envelope glycoproteins
      are revealed by dissecting peptide recognition profiles.
AB  - One of the greatest challenges to HCV vaccine development is the induction of
      effective immune responses using recombinant proteins or vectors. In order to
      better understand which vaccine-induced antibodies contribute to neutralization
      of HCV the quality of polyclonal anti-E1E2 antibody responses in immunized mice
      and chimpanzees was assessed at the level of epitope recognition using peptide
      scanning and neutralization of chimeric 1a/2a, 1b/2a and 2a HCVcc after blocking
      or affinity elution of specific antibodies. Mice and chimpanzees were immunized
      with genotype 1a (H77) HCV gpE1E2; all samples contained cross-neutralizing
      antibody against HCVcc. By functionally dissecting the polyclonal immune
      responses we identified three new regions important for neutralization within E1
      (aa264-318) and E2 (aa448-483 and aa496-515) of the HCV glycoproteins, the third
      of which (aa496-515) is highly conserved (85-95%) amongst genotypes. Antibodies
      to aa496-515 were isolated by affinity binding and elution from the serum of a
      vaccinated chimpanzee and found to specifically neutralize chimeric 1a/2a, 1b/2a
      and 2a HCVcc. IC50 titres (IgG ng/mL) for the aa496-515 eluate were calculated as
      142.1, 239.37 and 487.62 against 1a/2a, 1b/2a and 2a HCVcc, respectively. Further
      analysis demonstrated that although antibody to this new, conserved
      neutralization epitope is efficiently induced with recombinant proteins in mice
      and chimpanzees; it is poorly induced during natural infection in patients and
      chimpanzees (7 out of 68 samples positive) suggesting the epitope is poorly
      presented to the immune system in the context of the viral particle. These
      findings have important implications for the development of HCV vaccines and
      strategies designed to protect against heterologous viruses. The data also
      suggest that recombinant or synthetic antigens may be more efficient at inducing
      neutralizing antibodies to certain epitopes and that screening virally infected
      patients may not be the best approach for finding new cross-reactive epitopes.

PMID- 22041301
TI  - When an aluminium adjuvant is not an aluminium adjuvant used in human vaccination
      programmes.

PMID- 22041303
TI  - Immunological Correlates of Vaccine-Derived Protection Fondation Merieux
      Conference Center 'Les Pensieres' Veyrier-Du-Lac, France, Sept. 20-22, 2010.

PMID- 22041302
TI  - Vaccination by delayed treatment of infection.
AB  - Two medical interventions allow us to combat infectious diseases: vaccination
      which can be administered well in advance of exposure, and antimicrobials which
      are most often administered contemporaneously with exposure. In this paper we
      show how they can, in principle, be combined - with infection followed by
      treatment being used as a form of vaccination. We use mathematical models to
      examine how appropriately administered antimicrobial treatment following natural
      infection can be used to reduce the pathology caused by the infection, and also
      generate long-lasting immunological memory to the pathogen. The models explore
      the tradeoff between reduction in pathology and strength of immunization. This
      tradeoff suggests a limited treatment window during which antimicrobial treatment
      can be started and provide both amelioration of disease symptoms and long-term
      immunity. This approach may be particularly well suited to combat the emergence
      of novel pandemic influenza infections particularly for individuals such as
      medical healthcare professionals at greatest risk for exposure during the initial
      stages of a pandemic.

PMID- 22041304
TI  - The influence of the stigma of obesity on H1N1 influenza vaccine sequencing in
      Canada in 2009.
AB  - In 2009, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC) provided guidelines about
      which groups should be given first access to the H1N1 influenza vaccine. These
      guidelines recommended that people under 65 with chronic health conditions should
      be among the first groups to receive the H1N1 influenza vaccine. Severe obesity
      was among the relevant chronic health conditions identified by PHAC. Since health
      care is under the jurisdiction of the ten Canadian provinces, the provinces were
      not required to follow these recommendations in their respective mass vaccination
      campaigns. Only one province (Manitoba) followed the PHAC recommendations with
      respect to severe obesity. Four provinces did not offer early vaccination to this
      group. Other provinces listed severe obesity as a sequencing category late in the
      vaccination campaign or placed narrow age restrictions on those who were given
      early access. This commentary argues that the Canadian provinces demonstrated an
      ambiguous commitment to the early vaccination of people who were severely obese,
      and that there is evidence that the stigma of obesity influenced H1N1 influenza
      vaccine sequencing decisions in many Canadian provinces.

PMID- 22041306
TI  - Effect of individual and neighborhood socioeconomic status on oral cancer
      survival.
AB  - This population-based study investigated the relationship between individual and
      neighborhood socioeconomic status (SES) and oral cancer mortality. A population
      based follow-up study was conducted of 3607 oral cancer patients (predominantly
      male) who were diagnosed between 2004 and 2005. Each patient was traced to death
      or for 2 years. Individual SES was defined by enrollee category. Neighborhood SES
      was defined by income, and numbers of doctors, and neighborhoods were grouped
      into advantaged and disadvantaged areas. The Cox proportional hazards model was
      used to compare the death-free survival rate between the different SES groups
      after adjusting for possible confounding and risk factors. In oral cancer
      patients aged below 65 years, death rates among those with low SES were highest
      in disadvantaged neighborhoods. After adjusting for patient characteristics (age,
      gender, Charlson Comorbidity Index Score, urbanization, and area of residence),
      tumor extent, treatment modalities (operation, adjuvant therapy), hospital
      characteristics (ownership, teaching level, caseload), and year of diagnosis,
      oral cancer patients with low individual SES in disadvantaged neighborhoods
      conferred a 1.46- to 1.64-fold higher risk for death, compared with patients with
      high individual SES in advantaged neighborhoods. No statistically significant
      difference was found in risk of death between different SES groups in patients
      aged 65 and above. Our findings indicate that oral cancer patients with low
      individual SES have the highest risk of mortality even under a universal health
      care system. Public health strategies and welfare policies must continue to focus
      on this vulnerable group.

PMID- 22041305
TI  - TLR agonists and/or IL-15 adjuvanted mucosal SIV vaccine reduced gut CD4+ memory
      T cell loss in SIVmac251-challenged rhesus macaques.
AB  - Adjuvant plays an important role in increasing and directing vaccine-induced
      immune responses. In a previous study, we found that a mucosal SIV vaccine using
      a combination of IL-15 and TLR agonists as adjuvant mediated partial protection
      against SIVmac251 rectal challenge, whereas neither IL-15 nor TLR agonists alone
      as an adjuvant impacted the plasma viral loads. In this study, dissociation of
      CD4(+) T cell preservation with viral loads was observed in the animals
      vaccinated with adjuvants. Significantly higher levels of memory CD4(+) T cell
      numbers were preserved after SIVmac251 infection in the colons of the animals
      vaccinated with vaccine containing any of these adjuvants compared to no
      adjuvant. When we measured the viral-specific CD8(+) tetramer responses in the
      colon lamina propria, we found significantly higher levels of gag, tat, and pol
      epitope tetramer(+) T cell responses in these animals compared to ones without
      adjuvant, even if some of the animals had similarly high viral loads.
      Furthermore, this CD4(+) T preservation was positively correlated with increased
      levels of gag and Tat, but not pol tetramer(+) T cell responses, and inversely
      correlated with beta-chemokine expression. The pre-challenged APOBEC3G expression
      level, which has previously been shown inversely associated with viral loads, was
      further found positively correlated with CD4(+) T cell number preservation.
      Overall, these data highlight one unrecognized role of adjuvant in HIV vaccine
      development, and show that vaccines can produce a surprising discordance between
      CD4(+) T cell levels and SIV viral load.

PMID- 22041307
TI  - Immunological fecal occult blood test vs. serum ferritin for detection of
      colorectal neoplasia in high risk asymptomatic population.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Fecal occult blood tests (FOBT) (biochemical or immunological) are
      based on the fact that most of the polyps or cancers bleed. Anemia due to iron
      deficiency is a wellknown sign for colorectal cancer (CRC). Ferritin is
      frequently used to select candidates for colonoscopy. OBJECTIVE: To determine and
      compare the diagnostic value of immunological fecal occult blood test vs.
      ferritin for the detection of colorectal neoplasia (cancer or polyps) in high
      risk patients. METHODS: A transversal prospective study at National Cancer
      Institute, Mexico City, in consecutive asymptomatic subjects at high risk for CRC
      was performed, comparing two tests (immunological against serum ferritin) with
      colonoscopy plus histopathology. Both tests were performed in a blindly fashion
      previous to colonoscopy. RESULTS: Fifty patients were included in the study;
      twenty-eight patients had colorectal neoplasia (21 CRC, 7 adenomas). All
      immunologic tests for fecaloccult blood were positive in patients with colorectal
      lesions (sensitivity, 98%). There was no difference between the mean ferritin
      levels in patients with CRC or adenomas vs. those with negative colonoscopy (p =
      0.58). The cutoff point where significant relationship between serum ferritin
      levels and colon lesions was established was ?46 ng/mL. In anemic patients with
      serum ferritin levels <46 ng/mL, the test had a sensitivity 53%, specificity 86%,
      positive predictive value 83%, and negative predictive value of 59% (p = 0.003).
      CONCLUSIONS: The immunological FOBT is a better diagnostic tool than serum
      ferritin for screening of colonic neoplasms.

PMID- 22041308
TI  - [Esophageal motor disorders in asymptomatic subjects with Trypanosoma cruzi
      infection].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The indeterminate chronic or "asymptomatic" phase of Trypanosoma
      cruzi (Chagas' disease) infection is characterized by the absence of
      gastrointestinal symptoms, and has an estimated duration of 20 to 30 years.
      However, the intramural denervation that induces dysfunction of the
      gastrointestinal tract is progressive. Recently, epidemiological studies have
      shown that the seroprevalence for this infection in our area ranges between 2%
      and 3% of the population. OBJECTIVE: To detect the presence of esophageal motor
      disorders in asymptomatic individuals chronically infected with Trypanosoma cruzi
      using standard esophageal manometry. METHODS: A cross sectional study in 28
      asymptomatic subjects (27 men, age 40.39 +/- 10.79) with serological evidence of
      infection with Trypanosoma cruzi was performed. In all cases demographic
      characteristics, gastrointestinal symptoms and esophageal motility disorders
      using conventional manometry were analyzed. RESULTS: In this study 54% (n = 15)
      of asymptomatic subjects had an esophageal motor disorder: 5 (18%) had nutcracker
      esophagus, 5 (18%) nonspecific esophageal motor disorders, 3 (11%) hypertensive
      lower esophageal sphincter (LES), 1 (4%) an incomplete relaxation of the LES and
      1 (4%) had chagasic achalasia. CONCLUSIONS: More than half of patients that
      course with Chagas' disease in the indeterminate phase and that are apparently
      asymptomatic have impaired esophageal motility. Presence of hypertensive LES
      raises the possibility that this alteration represents an early stage in the
      development of chagasic achalasia.

PMID- 22041309
TI  - The importance of socioeconomic factors in symptoms of heartburn.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Patients' socioeconomic status is rarely assessed during medical
      consultations. OBJECTIVE: To correlate patients' socioeconomic conditions with
      symptoms of heartburn. METHODS: 1184 patients who answered a questionnaire in
      three cities on the coast of the State of Sa Paulo, Brazil, were evaluated
      prospectively. Socioeconomic status was assessed using several criteria: number
      of bathrooms, consumer goods present at home, health conditions at home, comfort
      (cars and/or home helps), monthly family income and head of household's
      educational level. RESULTS: 583 patients (49.2%) reported occurrences of
      heartburn over the 30 days preceding the consultation, with frequencies ranging
      from five to thirty episodes over this period. Among patients from the city of
      Guaruja (low socioeconomic condition), 9.7% had never felt heartburn, while 65.7%
      reported occurrences, reaching statistical significance in relation to patients
      of medium socioeconomic condition (city of Sa Vicente) (p = 0.012). There was no
      difference between patients from medium socioeconomic condition and patients from
      Santos (high socioeconomic condition) (p = 0.997). There was a statistically
      significant difference in occurrence of heartburn between the patients with high
      socioeconomic condition and those of low socioeconomic condition (p = 0.002).
      CONCLUSIONS: The least favored socioeconomic status patients, as confirmed
      according to a variety of socioeconomic factors, presented greater incidence of
      heartburn than did the most favored social class.

PMID- 22041310
TI  - [IT-Knife-2 electroincision as primary treatment of anastomotic strictures].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dysphagia is a common problem after surgical stenosis (5% to 55%) and
      can be refractory to conventional endoscopic treatment in 22% of cases. It has
      been proposed that electro-incision is an alternative and effective treatment.
      OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of electro-incision with the insulation
      tipped diathermic Knife-2 (IT-Knife-2) in the treatment of dysphagia produced by
      surgical anastomotic strictures. METHODS: Longitudinal and case-series study from
      August 2009 to June 2010. Eight consecutive patients with anastomotic stricture
      associated dysphagia and naive to endoscopic treatment were included. We
      performed three or more radiated cuts in the stricture until passage of the
      gastroscope was achieved with IT-Knife-2 and electrocautery (ERBE IC 200) with a
      70-100 W energy cut-off and 25 W coagulation. We carried out measurements at
      baseline and 15 days after the intervention, evaluating the dysphagia by the
      Atkinson grading scale and endoscopic changes. RESULTS: The majority of patients
      were at clinical stage IV with an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group score of 1 -
      3 and Karnofsky between 40 and 90. At the time of endoscopic diagnosis, patients
      had dysphagia grade II and III. Strictures in all of the cases were short in
      length and had a diameter of minor than 5 mm. At 15 days of the intervention, no
      patient demonstrated dysphagia (p = 0.0013) and the anastomotic diameters was
      more than 9.5 mm and without evidence of stenosis (p = 0.0001). None of our
      patients presented postincisional complications. CONCLUSIONS: Electro-incision
      with IT-Knife-2 is effective as primary treatment for the relief of benign
      dysphagia associated with postsurgical anastomotic stenosis."

PMID- 22041312
TI  - Clinical and manometric findings on elderly patients with achalasia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Data regarding the age impact on the clinical presentation and
      esophageal motility in adults with idiopathic achalasia are scarce. OBJECTIVE: To
      asses the clinical and manometric features of elderly patients with idiopathic
      achalasia. METHODS: The medical charts of 159 patients diagnosed with achalasia
      were divided into two groups according to the patients' age: ?60 years (n = 123)
      and >60 years (n = 36). Clinical and manometric findings [esophageal body
      aperistalsis, basal lower esophageal sphincter (LES) pressure and abnormal LES
      relaxation] of both groups were compared upon diagnosis. Patients with previous
      esophageal interventions were excluded. RESULTS: Only chest pain was more common
      in the ?60 year-old group (51.2% vs. 22.2%, p <0.003). This difference remained
      when comparing the group of men <=60 years. Other presenting features (including
      sex, weight loss, and presence of dysphagia, regurgitation and heartburn) did not
      differ between the groups. The LES relaxation was incomplete in 70.4% of the
      cases. No differences on the basal LES pressure, residual LES pressure or the
      amplitude of the esophageal body contractions between both groups were found.
      Considering only the classic achalasia cases, symptomatic time before diagnosis
      was greater in <=60 years compared with older patients: 24 vs. 12 months (p
      <0.05), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that chest pain is more
      common in younger male achalasia patients and residual LES pressure decreases
      with age.

PMID- 22041311
TI  - [The value of targeted biopsies with endoscopic magnification and narrow band
      image vs. chromoendoscopy for the diagnosis of gastric metaplasia].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Endoscopy is the better test to detect premalignant lesions, but
      its main problem is the sampling error. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the diagnostic
      usefulness of endoscopic biopsies using narrow band imaging (NBI) vs.
      chromoendoscopy for diagnosing gastric intestinal metaplasia. METHODS: Forty one
      patients were studied with conventional endoscopy, NBI magnification endoscopy
      and chromoendoscopy (3% acetic acid, 0.6% indigo carmine) for examination of
      gastric antrum. Biopsies were taken randomly from the antrum, body and incisura
      angularis. Additional biopsies were taken from areas with villous or crypt
      pattern according to NBI and chromoendoscopy examination (targeted biopsies).
      RESULTS: 240 biopsies were taken, 205 randomized biopsies and 35 targeted
      biopsies. Intestinal metaplasia was found in 25 randomized biopsies and 9
      directed samples (12% vs. 25.7%). The NBI and chromoendoscopy had sensitivity of
      70% vs. 77%, specificity of 97% vs. 98%, with diagnostic accuracy of 96% vs. 97%,
      respectively. Random biopsies and targeted biopsies had a sensitivity of 91% vs.
      74%, specificity of 51% vs. 95%, and diagnostic accuracy of 93% vs. 86%,
      respectively. The intra-observer variability showed a k value of 0.86 (range 0.74
      to 0.99). CONCLUSION: Targeted biopsies are more specific than random biopsies to
      detect gastric intestinal metaplasia. NBI and chromoendoscopy may be used
      similarly to guide biopsies.

PMID- 22041313
TI  - [If no-acid, no-heartburn? New physiopathological mechanisms of the
      gastroesophageal reflux disease].
AB  - The role of acid is very well established in the pathogenesis of gastroesophageal
      reflux disease (GERD). In the current era of frequent use of proton pump
      inhibitors, we are seeing increasing numbers of patients with symptoms that are
      refractory to acid suppression. Recent studies suggest that in patients being
      treated with proton pump inhibitors, non-acid reflux (composed of buffered
      gastric contents), esophageal hypersensitivity, esophageal motor dysfunction and
      psychological comorbidity can cause persistent symptoms. Concepts surrounding
      possible pathogenetic mechanisms leading to heartburn as a result of nonacid
      reflux and other mechanisms are explored, and potential treatments for this type
      of reflux are outlined in this review.

PMID- 22041314
TI  - [Laparoscopic low anterior resection for rectal endometriosis].

PMID- 22041315
TI  - [Esophageal squamous papilloma: an uncommon endoscopic finding].

PMID- 22041316
TI  - [Dystrophic osseus metaplasia on small bowell mesentery in a patient with
      multiple abdominal sugeries: a case report].
AB  - Heteropropic ossification was initially described by Riedel in 1883. This is a
      rare disease but well documented in gastrointestinal tract. Several mechanisms
      have been proposed to determine the etiology of this metaplasia. We present a 59
      year old male that was treated in the National Institute of Medicine Sciences and
      Nutrition Salvador Zubiran in whom after various abdominal surgical procedures
      the presence of bowel osseous metaplasia was documented.

PMID- 22041317
TI  - [Case report: laparoscopic cholecystectomy and common bile duct exploration in a
      60 year-old patient with situs inversus].
AB  - This is a case report of a 60 year-old male patient with acute cholecystitis and
      jaundice, unaware of having situs inversus. Patient underwent successfully
      laparoscopic cholecystectomy with bile duct exploration in spite of the unusual
      clinical situation. A literature review using Pubmed database, since 1989, in
      Spanish and English literature was performed. We found only two reports of
      cholecystectomy and common bile duct exploration in patients with situs inversus.
      This is the first case reported in our country.

PMID- 22041318
TI  - [Gastric duplication in adults: a case report and literature review].
AB  - Duplications of the gastrointestinal tract are a rare congenital malformations
      that usually presents in the first 2 years of life with symptoms of poor weight
      gain and abdominal palpable mass. The present is a case report of 41 year-old
      woman who was evaluated for upper abdominal pain. Upper endoscopy revealed a
      submucosal mass in the greater curvature of the stomach with initial suspect
      diagnosis of gastrointestinal stromal tumor. Endoscopic ultrasound confirmed
      partially cystic submucosal mass which was removed with a distal gastric wedge
      resection without complications. Histopathological report was congenital gastric
      duplication.

PMID- 22041319
TI  - Gastric perforation and subarachnoid hemorrhage secondary to intragastric balloon
      device.
AB  - Obesity is a major health problem worldwide that leads to high morbidity and
      mortality rates. Medical options for obesity treatment are multiple and invasive
      therapy may be classified as surgical and non-surgical. Intragastric balloon
      device placement is an invasive non-surgical option that may benefit some obese
      patients. Potential  complications related to intragastric balloon placement are
      multiple and perforations at the esophagus or stomach are the most hazardous.
      Prompt surgical management is mandatory upon the diagnosis of gastric perforation
      secondary to intragastric balloon to avoid further complications and mortality.
      Here we report an unusual case of patient that suffered both a subarachnoid
      hemorrhage as well as a gastric perforation related to intragastric balloon in
      which early diagnosis and prompt surgical treatment lead to a successful outcome.

PMID- 22041320
TI  - Successful endoscopic ultrasound-guided overstenting biliary drainage through a
      pre-existing proximal migrated metal biliary stent.
AB  - Biliary endoscopic drainage using metallic self-expanded stents has become a well
      established method for palliative treatment of malignant biliary obstruction.
      However, its occlusion, mainly by tumor overgrowth, is still the main
      complication without a standard treatment. We here describe a new method of
      treatment for biliary metallic stent occlusion, through the echo guided biliary
      drainage. We present a 68-year-old patient with metastatic pancreatic cancer
      previously treated for jaundice with ERCP and self-expandable metallic stent
      insertion. Four weeks later, the patient developed jaundice and symptoms of
      gastric outlet obstruction. A new ERCP confirmed obstruction of the second
      portion of the duodenum, due to diffuse tumor growth. EUS was performed, and the
      previous metal biliary stent was seen occluded at the distal portion in the
      common bile duct. A EUS-guided choledocododenostomy was performed and then, an
      overlapping self-expanding metal enteral stent was placed through the malignant
      obstruction. There were no early complications and the procedure was also
      clinically effective in relieving jaundice and gastric outlet obstruction
      symptoms. If ERCP fails in the management of occluded biliary metallic stents,
      EUS biliary drain can provide effective biliary decompression and should be
      considered an alternative to other endoscopic techniques.

PMID- 22041321
TI  - [Buschke-Lowenstein Tumor associated to nasopharyngeal condillomatosis].
AB  - Giant Acuminata Condyloma or Buschke-Lowenstein Tumor (BLT) is a rare disease
      characterized typically by its perineal location, local aggressiveness and its
      cauliflower-like aspect. BLT is associated with Human Papilloma Virus (HPV)
      infection. Because malignant transformation of BLT is high, radical local
      excision and histopathological examination are needed. We report a 26-year-old
      male, seropositive for HIV with giant verrucous lesions in the inguinal,
      perineal, suprapubic and genital area. Rectosismoidoscopy revealed anal canal
      involvement. Oropharyngeal papillomatosis was also found. Wide local excision was
      performed, including inguinoperineal and oropharyngeal lesions. Pathology studies
      show papillomatosis with koilocytes and no evidence of malignant transformation.

PMID- 22041322
TI  - [Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita complicated by esophageal stenosis. Endoscopic
      treatment with thermoplastic dilators and intralesional steroid injection].
AB  - Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) is a rare auto-immune dermatologic disease,
      produced by auto-antibodies against colagen VII. We report a 44 years old male
      patient with EBA diagnosed 15 years before, who presented with progressive
      disphagia, being diagnosed an esophageal involvement of EBA. The patient was
      submitted to endoscopic treatment with thermoplastic bougie dilation and
      intralesional corticosteroid injection. The patient improved clinically with
      recovery of nutritional status. Esophageal involvement in EBA is very rare and
      its reason is still unknown. Endoscopic approach must be cautiously performed
      with the use of small diameter endoscopes, small caliber dilators, intralesional
      injection of corticosteroid and enteral tube in order to minimize the risks of
      complications, as well as esophageal rest from food trauma and better reparatory
      molding of the epithelium.

PMID- 22041323
TI  - Statins do not significantly affect muscle sympathetic nerve activity in humans
      with nonischemic heart failure: a double-blind placebo-controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hydroxymethylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase inhibitors (statins) have
      been shown to reduce sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activation in experimental
      heart failure (HF). However, this potential mechanism of action of statins in HF
      has not been well studied in humans. METHODS AND RESULTS: Twenty-six patients
      with nonischemic systolic HF (left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] <=35%)
      were randomized to atorvastatin (10 mg) or placebo for 3 months. Pre- and
      posttreatment testing included echocardiography, laboratory assays, quality of
      life (QOL) questionnaires, and peroneal nerve muscle sympathetic nerve activity
      (MSNA) via microneurography. Eighteen subjects had technically adequate MSNA
      tracings before and after treatment. The cohort was 65% male, 81% New York Heart
      Association functional class II, LVEF 26 +/- 6%, and low-density lipoprotein
      cholesterol (LDL-C) 108 +/- 26 mg/dL. Baseline MSNA was 41 +/- 2 bursts/min. LDL
      C significantly decreased in the atorvastatin (-36.8%) versus the placebo (-0.1%)
      group (P < .0001). However, there was no significant change in MSNA (-16.2% vs 
      2.5%), LVEF, B-type natriuretic peptide, or QOL score in the atorvastatin
      compared with the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term statin therapy in
      patients with nonischemic HF does not result in a significant decrease in SNS
      activation as measured by MSNA. These findings are consistent with the neutral
      outcomes of large clinical trials of statins in HF.

PMID- 22041324
TI  - Assessing health literacy in heart failure patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Health literacy has important implications for health interventions
      and clinical outcomes. The Shortened Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults
      (S-TOFHLA) is a timed test used to assess health literacy in many clinical
      populations. However, its usefulness in heart failure (HF) patients, many of whom
      are elderly with compromised cognitive function, is unknown. We investigated the
      relationship between the S-TOFHLA total score at the recommended 7-minute limit
      and with no time limit (NTL). METHODS AND RESULTS: We enrolled 612 rural-dwelling
      adults with HF (mean age 66.0 +/- 13.0 years, 58.8% male). Characteristics
      affecting health literacy were identified by multiple regression. Percentage of
      correct scores improved from 71% to 86% (mean percent change 15.1 +/- 18.1%)
      between the 7-minute and NTL scores. Twenty-seven percent of patients improved
      >=1 literacy level with NTL scores (P < .001). Demographic variables explained
      24.2% and 11.1% of the variance in % correct scores in the 7-minute and the NTL
      scores, respectively. Female gender, younger age, higher education, and higher
      income were related to higher scores. CONCLUSION: Patients with HF may be
      inaccurately categorized as having low or marginal health literacy when the S
      TOFHLA time limits are enforced. New ways to assess health literacy in older
      adults are needed.

PMID- 22041325
TI  - Uncovering interim clinical events at the time of clinical encounter by reviewing
      intrathoracic impedance threshold crossings.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute decreases in intrathoracic impedance monitored by implanted
      devices have been shown to precede heart failure exacerbations, although there is
      still debate regarding its clinical utility in predicting and preventing future
      events. However, the usefulness of such information to direct patient encounter
      and enhance patient recall of relevant preceding clinical events at the point of
      care has not been carefully examined. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this multicenter
      study, we interviewed 326 patients with heart failure who received an implanted
      device with intrathoracic impedance-monitoring capabilities both before and after
      device information was reviewed. We compared the self-reported clinically
      relevant events (including heart failure hospitalizations, signs and symptoms of
      worsening heart failure, changes in diuretic therapy, or other fluid-related
      events) obtained before and after device interrogation, and then examined the
      relationship between such events with impedance trends documented by the devices.
      Over 333 +/- 96 days of device monitoring, 215 of 326 patients experienced 590
      intrathoracic impedance fluid index threshold-crossing events at the nominal
      threshold value (60 Omega-d). Review of device-derived information led to the
      discovery of 221 (37%) previously unreported clinically relevant events in 138
      subjects. This included 60 subjects not previously identified as having had
      clinically relevant events (or 35% of the 171 subjects who did not report
      events). CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrated that reviewing device-derived
      intrathoracic impedance trends at the time of clinical encounter may help uncover
      self-reporting of potential clinically relevant events.

PMID- 22041326
TI  - Iron deficiency predicts impaired exercise capacity in patients with systolic
      chronic heart failure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Iron is an indispensable element of hemoglobin, myoglobin, and
      cytochromes, and, beyond erythropoiesis, is involved in oxidative metabolism and
      cellular energetics. Hence, iron deficiency (ID) is anticipated to limit exercise
      capacity. We investigated whether ID predicted exercise intolerance in patients
      with systolic chronic heart failure (CHF). METHODS AND RESULTS: We prospectively
      studied 443 patients with stable systolic CHF (age 54 +/- 10 years, males 90%,
      ejection fraction 26 +/- 7%, New York Heart Association Class I/II/III/IV
      49/188/180/26). ID was defined as: serum ferritin <100 MUg/L or serum ferritin
      100-300 MUg/L with serum transferrin saturation <20%. Exercise capacity was
      expressed as peak oxygen consumption (VO(2)) and ventilatory response to exercise
      (VE-VCO(2) slope). ID was present in 35 +/- 4% (+/-95% confidence interval) of
      patients with systolic CHF. Those with ID had reduced peak VO(2) and increased VE
      VCO(2) slope as compared to subjects without ID (peak VO(2): 13.3 +/- 4.0 versus
      15.3 +/- 4.5 mL*min*kg, VE-VCO(2) slope: 50.9 +/- 15.8 versus 43.1 +/- 11.1,
      respectively, both P < .001, P < .05). In multivariable models, the presence of
      ID was associated with reduced peak VO(2) (beta = -0.14, P < .01 P < .05) and
      higher VE-VCO(2) slope (beta = 0.14, P < .01 P < .05), adjusted for demographics
      and clinical variables. Analogous associations were found between serum ferritin,
      and both peak VO(2) and VE-VCO(2) slope (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: ID independently
      predicts exercise intolerance in patients with systolic CHF, but the strength of
      these associations is relatively weak. Whether iron supplementation would improve
      exercise capacity in iron-deficient subjects requires further studies.

PMID- 22041327
TI  - Low systolic blood pressure at admission predicts long-term mortality in heart
      failure with preserved ejection fraction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Systolic blood pressure (SBP) at hospital admission predicts in
      hospital and postdischarge mortality in patients with left ventricular systolic
      dysfunction. The relationship between admission SBP and mortality in heart
      failure with preserved (>=50%) ejection fraction (HFPEF) is still unclear.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: We aimed to investigate the relationship between admission
      SBP and 5-year outcome in 368 consecutive patients hospitalized for new-onset
      HFPEF. Five-year all-cause mortality rates according to admission SBP categories
      (<120, 120-139, 140-159, 160-179, and >=180 mm Hg) were 75 +/- 7%, 53 +/- 6%, 52
      +/- 7%, 55 +/- 4%, and 60 +/- 7%, respectively (P = .029). Survival analysis
      showed an inverse relation between admission SBP and mortality with increased
      risk of death for SBP <120 mm Hg. SBP <120 mm Hg independently predicted 5-year
      all-cause mortality (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.69, 95% confidence interval
      [CI] 1.08-2.63) and cardiovascular mortality (adjusted HR 1.89, 95% CI 1.21
      2.97). In patients discharged alive, after adjustment for medical treatment at
      discharge, admission SBP <120 mm Hg remained predictive of all-cause mortality
      (adjusted HR 1.52, 95% CI 1.04-2.43) and cardiovascular mortality (adjusted HR
      1.69, 95% CI 1.06-2.73). There was no interaction between any of the therapeutic
      classes and outcome prediction of SBP. CONCLUSIONS: In HFPEF, low SBP (<120 mm
      Hg) at the time of hospital admission is associated with excess long-term
      mortality. Further studies are required to determine the mechanism of this
      association.

PMID- 22041328
TI  - Hemodynamic effects of exercise training in heart failure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Exercise performance improvement after training in heart failure (HF)
      can be due to central or peripheral changes. METHODS AND RESULTS: In 70 HF stable
      patients we measured peak VO(2) and cardiac output (CO, inert gas rebreathing
      technique) and calculated arteriovenous O(2) differences (a-v O(2)diff) before
      and after an 8-week training program. Peak VO(2) changed from 1111 +/- 403
      mL/minute to 1191 +/- 441 (P < .001), peak workload from 68 +/- 29 watts to 76 +/
      32 (P < .0001), peakCO from 6.6 +/- 2.2 L/minute to 7.3 +/- 2.5 (P < .0001), and
      peak a-v O(2)diff from 17.5 +/- 5.1 mL/100 mL to 16.6 +/- 4.1 (P = .081). Changes
      in peak CO and a-v O(2)diff allowed to identify 4 behaviors: group 1: (n = 15)
      reduction in peak CO and increase in a-v O(2)diff (peak VO(2) unchanged, peak
      workload +9.5%); group 2: (n = 16) both peak CO and a-v O(2)diff increased as
      well as peak VO(2) (23%) and workload (18%); group 3: (n = 4) peak CO and a-v
      O(2)diff reduced as well as peak VO(2) (-18%) and workload (-5%); group 4: (n =
      35) peak CO increased with a-v O(2)diff reduced (increase in peak VO(2) by 5.5
      and workload by 8.4%). CONCLUSIONS: Exercise training improves peakVO(2) by
      increasing CO with unchanged a-v O(2)diff. A reduction after training of a-v
      O(2)diff with an increase in CO is frequent (50% of cases), is suggestive of
      blood flow redistribution and, per se, not a sign of reduced muscle performance
      been associated with improved exercise capacity.

PMID- 22041329
TI  - A cellular microRNA, let-7i, is a novel biomarker for clinical outcome in
      patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Our previous studies have reported that activation of Toll-like
      receptor (TLR) 4 is implicated in the etiology of human dilated cardiomyopathy
      (DCM). A recent report has demonstrated that let-7i, a member of the let-7 family
      of cellular microRNAs (miRs) miR-21, miR-126, and miR-155, directly regulate TLR4
      expression. The aim of this study was to determine whether let-7i, miR-21, miR
      126, and miR-155 are expressed with TLR4 in human DCM, and whether let-7i levels
      are related to clinical outcomes. METHODS AND RESULTS: Endomyocardial biopsy
      tissues were obtained from 103 patients with DCM and 37 subjects without left
      ventricular (LV) dysfunction as control subjects. Levels of let-7i, miR-126, and
      miR-155 were lower in the DCM group than in the controls, whereas levels of miR
      21 and TLR4 (both mRNA and protein) were higher in the DCM group than in the
      control group. Levels of let-7i were negatively correlated with TLR4 protein
      levels in all subjects. After a mean follow-up period of 509 days, 6 DCM patients
      (5.8%) had died due to a cardiac cause and 15 (14.6%) had developed heart
      failure. When patients with DCM were divided into tertiles according to let-7i
      levels, log-rank analysis showed that the DCM subgroup with low let-7i levels was
      associated with poor clinical outcomes (P = .02). CONCLUSIONS: A decrease in let
      7i may be related to poor clinical outcomes in patients with DCM.

PMID- 22041330
TI  - Left ventricular geometry, global function, and dyssynchrony in infants and
      children with pompe cardiomyopathy undergoing enzyme replacement therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) for infantile-onset Pompe disease
      effectively reduces the left ventricular (LV) mass. This study sought to explore
      detailed process of LV reverse remodeling after ERT with the use of tissue
      Doppler and stain rate imaging. METHODS AND RESULTS: Nine infants and children
      with Pompe cardiomyopathy undergoing ERT for >=1 year, as well as 36 healthy
      control subjects, were studied. Global systolic and diastolic function was
      evaluated by peak systolic and early-diastolic velocity at mitral annulus.
      Temporal systolic and diastolic dyssynchrony was evaluated by the coefficient of
      variation of the time from the QRS complex to peak systolic and early-diastolic
      strain rate among 12 LV segments. All pre-ERT patients had impaired global
      systolic and diastolic function as well as increased regional dyssynchrony (P <
      .001 for each of all). During the regression of LV hypertrophy, all of these
      functional indices improved (P for trend <.001), with temporal diastolic
      dyssynchrony being a significant factor linking to LV mass index in multivariate
      analysis (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: ERT improved global LV function and
      dyssynchrony in Pompe patients. The relationship between LV mass and temporal
      diastolic dyssynchrony during reverse remodeling suggested a pathophysiologic
      role of dyssynchrony in Pompe cardiomyopathy.

PMID- 22041331
TI  - Body temperature circadian rhythm variability corresponds to left ventricular
      systolic dysfunction in decompensated cardiomyopathic hamsters.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A declining amplitude of body temperature circadian rhythm (BTCR)
      predicts decompensation or death in cardiomyopathic hamsters. We tested the
      hypothesis that changes in BTCR amplitude accompany significant changes in left
      ventricular (LV) size and function. METHODS AND RESULTS: Using intraperitoneal
      transmitters, we continuously monitored the temperature of 30 male BIO TO-2
      Syrian dilated cardiomyopathic hamsters. Cosinor analysis was used to detect
      significant changes--defined as changes >1 standard deviation from the baseline
      amplitude for 3 consecutive days--in BTCR amplitude over each hamster's lifespan.
      The Student t-test was used to compare BTCR variability and LV size and function
      (as assessed by 2D echocardiography) between baseline and the time that BTCR
      amplitude declined. All hamsters received 10 mg/kg furosemide daily. At the time
      of BTCR amplitude decline, functional parameters had changed significantly (P <
      .0001) from baseline: ejection fraction (0.31 +/- 0.09% vs. 0.52 +/- 0.08%), LV
      end-systolic volume (0.11 +/- 0.03 vs. 0.05 +/- 0.02 cm(3)), and LV end-diastolic
      volume (0.16 +/- 0.04 vs. 0.10 +/- 0.03 cm(3)). CONCLUSIONS: In decompensated
      cardiomyopathic hamsters, a decline in BTCR amplitude was associated with
      progression of heart failure and cardiac decompensation. Variation in BTCR
      warrants further investigation because of its potential implications for the
      diagnosis and treatment of cardiovascular disorders.

PMID- 22041332
TI  - Flexible diuretic titration in chronic heart failure: where is the evidence?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several sets of heart failure (HF) consensus/guideline statements
      support the use of a flexible diuretic dosing regimen for HF outpatient
      management of fluid overload-related signs and symptoms. However, despite the
      widespread acceptance of such an approach, the evidence supporting the
      effectiveness of this approach in improving clinical outcomes is unknown. The
      primary objective of this manuscript was to summarize and review the evidence
      supporting the use of a flexible diuretic regimen in the management of outpatient
      heart failure patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: A systematic review was performed,
      and 9 studies were identified relevant to the question of flexible diuretic
      titration in the setting of chronic heart failure. Among the 9 studies, 5 were
      randomized. Three of the randomized trials included flexible diuretic titration
      as part of a broader multifaceted disease management program, and only 2 were
      designed to specifically evaluate the sole contribution of flexible diuretic
      titration. Collectively, data from all of the studies reviewed supported the idea
      that flexible and individualized diuretic dosing is potentially associated with
      reduced emergency room visits, reduced rehospitalization, and improved quality of
      life in HF patients with reduced ejection fraction. CONCLUSIONS: To date, only 2
      randomized clinical studies were identified that were designed to determine the
      effects of a flexible diuretic dosing regimen in outpatient HF patients with
      reduced ejection fraction. Data are lacking in HF patients with preserved
      ejection fraction. There is a critical need to test this strategy in well
      designed prospective randomized clinical trials.

PMID- 22041333
TI  - The evidence base for diuretic therapy.

PMID- 22041334
TI  - Left ventricular function in adult patients with atrial septal defect:
      implication for development of heart failure after transcatheter closure.
AB  - Despite advances in device closure for atrial septal defect (ASD), post-closure
      heart failure observed in adult patients remains a clinical problem. Although
      right heart volume overload is the fundamental pathophysiology in ASD, the post
      closure heart failure characterized by acute pulmonary congestion is likely
      because of age-related left ventricular diastolic dysfunction, which is
      manifested by acute volume loading with ASD closure. Aging also appears to play
      important roles in the pathophysiology of heart failure through several
      mechanisms other than diastolic dysfunction, including ventricular systolic and
      vascular stiffening and increased incidence of comorbidities that significantly
      affect cardiovascular function. Recent studies suggested that accurate assessment
      of preclosure diastolic function, such as test ASD occlusion, may help identify
      high-risk patients for post-closure heart failure. Anti-heart failure therapy
      before device closure or the use of fenestrated device appears to be effective in
      preventing post-closure heart failure in the high-risk patients. However, the
      long-term outcome of such patients remains to be elucidated. Future studies are
      warranted to construct an algorithm to identify and treat patients at high risk
      for heart failure after device closure of ASD.

PMID- 22041335
TI  - Catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation in patients with left ventricular
      systolic dysfunction. A systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) and heart failure are often coexisting major
      public health burdens. Although several studies have reported partial restoration
      of systolic left ventricular (LV) function after catheter ablation for AF, the
      method is not widely applied in patients with LV dysfunction. We reviewed the
      results of AF ablation in patients with systolic LV dysfunction. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: PubMed was searched for studies published after 2000 reporting original
      data on AF catheter ablation in adult patients with systolic LV dysfunction.
      Primary end point was the change of LV ejection fraction (LVEF) after catheter
      ablation; secondary endpoints were the changes of exercise capacity and quality
      of life after the procedure. We calculated mean difference (MD) of LVEF and 95%
      confidence interval (95% CI) using random-effects models. Heterogeneity was
      investigated by I(2) statistic, publication bias with Egger's test. The impact of
      covariates on LVEF improvement was evaluated with meta-regression analyses. Nine
      studies with a total of 354 patients with systolic LV dysfunction were analyzed.
      Study patients were mainly male with mean age 49 to 62 years, LVEF was moderately
      impaired and ranged in all but 1 study from 35% to 43%. LVEF improved after
      ablation with a MD of 11.1% (95% CI: 7.1-15.2, P < .001). Heterogeneity among
      analyzed studies was significant (I(2) = 92.9, P < .001). No potential
      publication bias was found. In meta-regression analyses, the proportion of
      patients with coronary artery disease was inversely related with LVEF improvement
      (P < .0001) whereas there was no association between the LVEF change and the
      proportion of patients with nonparoxysmal AF or the proportion of patients
      without AF recurrences during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: AF ablation in patients
      with systolic LV dysfunction results in significant improvement of LV function,
      but the extent of this improvement is heterogeneous. Patients with coronary
      artery disease seem to benefit less than patients with other underlying diseases.
      These results may be explained by patient selection.

PMID- 22041337
TI  - Functional results of burned hands treated with Integra(r).
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Dermal substitutes, such as Integra((r)) introduced as a new
      alternative to our surgical arsenal and its use in burn treatment, in both acute
      and chronic phases, have gained great importance. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the
      experiment is to describe the results of the functional evaluation of patients
      with burned hands treated with Integra((r)) in both acute and chronic phases.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective review of a transversal cohort. Patient
      characteristics evaluated were sociodemographic characteristics, burn mechanism,
      burn extension and depth, treatments received previous to Integra((r)) and
      complications related to its use. Clinical and photographic evaluations were
      performed evaluating skin elasticity, range of articular movement, prehensile
      strength, pain and functional evaluation using the validated 400 Point Evaluation
      Test. RESULTS: A total of 17 burned hands in 14 right-handed patients, were
      treated with Integra((r)), three being bilateral hand burns. Eleven were treated
      in the acute phase and in nine in the scar reconstruction phase. Range of
      articular motion was complete in 15 of 17 hands. In 88% of the hands, flexible
      skin coverage was achieved. No statistically significant difference was observed
      in prehension strength of the burned hand versus the contralateral non-burned
      hand. Sixteen hands had a painless evolution. The 400 Point Evaluation score was
      92.8 +/- 6.3% (80 - 100%). Nearly four-fifths (79%) of the patients returned to
      normal active working activities.

PMID- 22041338
TI  - Creating a working group for prenatal diagnosis and management as a venue to
      facilitate neurosurgery health care delivery.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: To facilitate the communication and engagement with the parents
      of a fetus with a neurosurgical condition, as well as subsequent care of the
      newborn, the Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery of the University of Florida
      College of Medicine Jacksonville created a multidisciplinary working group.
      METHODS: The University of Florida Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery performed a
      staged process to develop a multidisciplinary prenatal working group. Phase I:
      establish communications with perinatology, neonatology and radiology. Phase II:
      initiate clinical working sessions with neurosurgery, neonatology, perinatology,
      radiology. Phase III: the working sessions were progressively expanded to include
      other specialties of interest. RESULTS: This report addresses the development and
      the subsequent monthly meetings that were held between March 2004 and October
      2008. There were a total of 246 pregnancies in which a significant fetal
      condition was present. Of these, 53 generated neurosurgical consultations on the
      basis of fetal imaging (ultrasound and/or MRI). Those that required postnatal
      surgery were able to have timely coordinated scheduled delivery and subsequent
      neurosurgical procedures. CONCLUSIONS: If neurosurgeons do not have access to a
      multidisciplinary prenatal working group, they may take the lead and facilitate
      the establishment of such a team approach. This can lead to better prenatal
      communications with the parents/families, coordination of delivery and timely
      postnatal neurosurgical management.

PMID- 22041339
TI  - Neuropathological investigation of the hypometabolic regions on positron emission
      tomography with [18F] fluorodeoxyglucose in patients with dementia with Lewy
      bodies.
AB  - We performed a quantitative neuropathological examination of the hypometabolic
      regions on FDG PET in dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), Alzheimer's disease (AD)
      and control cases. When the DLB cases were divided into two groups according to
      concomitant AD pathology (ADP), neuronal loss in the temporo-parietal association
      area was milder in the DLB groups than in the AD group, although there were no
      differences between the two DLB groups. Tau and Abeta immunoreactivities were
      observed in the AD group and the DLB group with ADP, but were rare in the DLB
      group without ADP. Tau and Abeta immunoreactivities as well as numbers of
      neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs) and neuritic plaques (NPs) were more common in the
      AD group than in the DLB group with ADP. There was no difference in neuronal loss
      in the occipital area among the three groups. alpha-Synuclein immunoreactivity
      was observed in the DLB groups but not in the AD group. There were no differences
      in alpha-synuclein immunoreactivity and number of Lewy bodies (LBs) between the
      two DLB groups. These findings indicate that the neuropathological bases of the
      hypometabolic regions in the temporo-parietal association and occipital area in
      DLB may be AD pathology and Lewy pathology, respectively.

PMID- 22041340
TI  - Cigarette smoking and its association with overlapping gastroesophageal reflux
      disease, functional dyspepsia, or irritable bowel syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), functional dyspepsia (FD),
      and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are common gastrointestinal diseases. Several
      studies have shown a significant occurrence of overlap among these 3 diseases.
      The purpose of this study was to examine the factors associated with such disease
      overlap in Japanese adults. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study on
      Japanese workers who visited a clinic for a routine health check-up and asked
      them to fill out a self-report questionnaire. GERD was defined as episodes of
      heartburn and/or acid regurgitation at least once a week, and the diagnosis of FD
      and IBS was based on Rome III criteria. A logistic regression model was used to
      identify risk factors, and odds ratio (OR) was calculated with 95% confidence
      intervals (CIs). RESULTS: Disease overlaps were found in 160 (6.0%) of the 2680
      eligible subjects. Female gender was associated with GERD + IBS (OR=1.99; 95% CI,
      1.06-3.75), and FD + IBS (OR=1.72; 95% CI, 1.03-2.85), and lower body mass index
      was negatively associated with FD + IBS (OR=0.54; 96% CI, 0.34-0.87). Cigarette
      smoking was a common factor associated with the overlaps: GERD + FD (OR=2.14; 95%
      CI, 1.22-3.76), GERD + IBS (OR=3.16; 95% CI, 1.75-3.71), FD + IBS (OR=2.26; 95%
      CI, 1.40-3.66), and GERD + FD + IBS (OR=4.08; 95% CI, 1.66-10.07). The
      associations between smoking habits and overlaps were stronger in smokers who
      smoked >=1 pack per day as compared to those who smoked <1 pack per day.
      CONCLUSION: Cigarette smoking was significantly associated with overlaps among
      GERD, FD, and IBS in Japanese adults.

PMID- 22041341
TI  - Time-course of changes of visceral fat area, liver volume and liver fat area
      during intragastric balloon therapy in Japanese super-obese patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess the changes in the clinical
      parameters during intragastric balloon therapy for Japanese obese patients.
      METHODS: Between March 2009 and September 2010, 8 patients underwent intragastric
      balloon therapy at our hospital. The visceral fat area, liver volume and the
      liver-spleen ratio were measured by computed tomography. Blood examination and
      computerized tomography were performed before the balloon placement, and at 1, 3
      and 6 months after the balloon placement in all of the patients. RESULTS: Eight
      patients (5 males and 3 females, median age, 39 years; median BMI, 44.0 kg/m(2))
      underwent intragastric balloon therapy without severe complications. The median
      weight loss was 8.6 kg, mean BMI loss was 2.8 kg/m(2), and the percent excess
      weight loss was 14.8% at 6 months after the balloon placement. The body weight
      and liver volume decreased significantly during the first month, and the results
      were maintained at the same levels until after the second month. The liver-spleen
      ratio also improved significantly during the first month, but worsened again
      during the last 3 months. The visceral fat area showed no significant differences
      during the treatment as well as no differences in liver enzymes, glucose and
      lipid metabolism. CONCLUSION: Intragastric balloon therapy achieved a moderate
      effect in weight and liver volume reduction during the early months of the
      treatment. Intragastric balloon therapy may have a role as a minimally invasive
      method for pretreatment before laparoscopic surgery.

PMID- 22041342
TI  - CCR2 polymorphism in chronic renal failure patients requiring long-term
      hemodialysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: A number of chemokines and chemokine receptors are produced by
      intrinsic renal cells as well as by infiltrating cells during renal inflammation.
      The CCR2 chemokine receptor mediates leukocyte chemoattraction in the initiation
      and amplification phase of renal inflammation. The polymorphism, CCR2-V64I,
      changes valine 64 of CCR2 to isoleucine. We aimed to determine the frequency of
      CCR2-V64I polymorphism in patients with chronic renal failure requiring long-term
      hemodialysis. METHODS AND PATIENTS: The PCR-based restriction fragment length
      polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique was used to assess the gene frequencies of CCR2
      641 in CRF patients (n=210) and healthy controls (n=139) in the current study.
      RESULTS: The frequencies of the CCR2 genotype were 0.68 for V/V, 0.28 for V/I,
      and 0.4 for I/I in the CRF patients and 0.81 for V/V, 018 for V/I and 0.1 for I/I
      in healthy controls. The distribution of the CCR2-V64I mutant genotype was
      significantly different between subjects with CRF and healthy control subjects
      (X2=7.197 and p=0.027). CONCLUSION: We found that the CCR2-V64I polymorphism was
      significantly high in CRF patients. In addition to the contribution to disease
      pathogenesis, it was recently found that chemokines have therapeutic importance
      in chronic renal failure. The frequency of CCR2-V64I and other chemokine and
      chemokine receptor polymorphisms in renal pathologies must be further
      investigated in larger study populations and in different renal diseases.

PMID- 22041343
TI  - Retrospective comparison of the clinical and angiographic outcomes of the
      sirolimus-eluting stent and the bare-metal stent in 2031 nonrandomized
      consecutive de novo native coronary lesions.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the mid-term outcomes of sirolimus-eluting stents (SES;
      Cypher Bx Velocity) for de novo coronary stenosis in a Japanese clinical setting,
      and to compare these with the outcomes using bare-metal stents (BMS). METHODS:
      This study was a nonrandomized, lesion-based, and single-center study,
      retrospectively investigated in October 2010. We enrolled 2031 consecutive cases
      with de novo coronary lesions treated with BMS (n=587) or SES (n=1,444) from
      January 2003 to May 2007. SES use ratio during the available interval was 95.5%.
      The primary endpoint was the incidence of target vessel failure (TVF: comprising
      cardiac death, nonfatal recurrent MI, definite stent thrombosis (ST), and severe
      restenosis [% diameter stenosis (%DS) at secondary angiography >=70%]. The
      secondary endpoint was the incidence of binary in-stent restenosis (%DS >50%).
      RESULTS: The TVF ratio after SES placement (6.6%) was significantly lower than
      that after BMS placement (11.8%, p<0.001), despite many disadvantageous variables
      in the SES group. SES related to the risk of TVF (mean follow-up for SES, 1,411
      +/- 539 days; BMS, 1,818 +/- 825 days) (hazard ratio of 0.428 at 95% CI, 0.292
      0.627, p<0.001). The ratio of binary in-stent restenosis after SES placement
      (13.4%) was significantly lower than that after BMS placement (25.1%; p<0.001).
      SES was significantly related to binary in-stent restenosis (odds ratio of 0.267
      at 95% CI, 0.195-0.366, p<0.001). CONCLUSION: SES has a more favorable mid-term
      clinical and angiographic outcome than BMS for de novo coronary stenosis in
      clinical settings in Japan.

PMID- 22041344
TI  - Admission glucose level and in-hospital outcomes in diabetic and non-diabetic
      patients with ST-elevation acute myocardial infarction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hyperglycemia on admission is a predictor of an unfavorable prognosis
      in patients with ST-elevation Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI). Data concerning
      associations between an elevated glucose level on admission and other in-hospital
      complications are still limited. METHODS: A total of 1,137 AMI patients with
      complete admission blood glucose level (ABGL) analysis were identified and
      stratified according to ABGL. RESULTS: A total of 16.1% patients had admission
      glucose level <5 mmol/L, 36.1% <7 mmol/L, 20.2% <9 mmol/L, 9.9% <11 mmol/L and
      17.7% >=11 mmol/L. Compared with the euglycemia group, both the hypo- and
      hyperglycemia groups were associated with higher in-hospital mortality. In
      hospital mortality of diabetic patients with hypoglycemia (12.2%) was higher than
      that of diabetic patients with either euglycemia or mild hyperglycemia (11.1%, or
      10.7% relatively). The same results were seen in non-diabetic patients. In the
      logistic regression analysis, admission glucose and cardiac function of Killip
      grade were the independent predictors of in-hospital death for patients with AMI.
      CONCLUSION: Elevated admission glucose levels are associated with an increased
      risk of life-threatening complications in diabetic and non-diabetic AMI patients.
      Compared with the euglycemia group, hypoglycemia was associated with a higher
      trend of in-hospital mortality.

PMID- 22041345
TI  - Comparison of the efficacy and safety of single-pill fixed-dose combinations of
      losartan/hydrochlorothiazide and valsartan/hydrochlorothiazide in patients with
      hypertension (SALT-VAT study).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We analyzed the efficacy and safety of Preminent((r)) [losartan (50
      mg/day)/HCTZ (12.5 mg/day)] compared to CodioMD((r)) [valsartan (80 mg/day)/HCTZ
      (6.25 mg/day)]. METHODS: In this study, 31 hypertensive patients after receiving
      3 months of Preminent((r)) (Stage A) were enrolled. We applied a changeover with
      switching from Preminent((r)) to CodioMD((r)) (Stage B). We then applied another
      changeover with switching from CodioMD((r)) to Preminent((r)) after 3 months
      (Stage C). RESULTS: Average values of 24-h blood pressure (BP), daytime BP and
      nighttime BP using ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) significantly increased from
      Stage A to B [4/3 mmHg, 5/3 mmHg and 3/3 mmHg, respectively]. Average values of
      24-h BP, morning BP, daytime BP, nighttime BP significantly decreased from the
      end of Stage B to C [-5/-5 mmHg, -4/-6 mmHg, -5/-5 mmHg and -6/-4 mmHg,
      respectively]. Interestingly, the serum levels of uric acid and the urinary
      albumin/creatinine ratio showed a significant increase after the change to
      CodioMD((r)). Since these adverse effects did not disappear after the return to
      Preminent((r)) at the end of Stage C, we performed an additional 3-month follow
      up (extended stage). These adverse effects finally disappeared at the end of this
      extended stage. CONCLUSION: Single-pill fixed-dose combination therapy using
      Preminent((r)) showed significant 24-h BP-lowering effects and was safe when
      compared with CodioMD((r)).

PMID- 22041346
TI  - Elevated depressive symptoms are associated with hypertriglyceridemia in Japanese
      male workers.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine whether elevated depressive
      symptoms are associated with metabolic syndrome and its components in the
      Japanese population. METHODS: Out of 1,386 male workers who underwent
      measurements of variables of metabolic syndrome components in their health
      checkup, 1,186 subjects (44.5 +/- 9.6 years) completed the Zung self-rating
      depression scale (ZSDS) (response rate 85.6%). In this study, metabolic syndrome
      was defined according to the joint scientific statement proposed by 6 major
      organizations, including the International Diabetes Federation. RESULTS: The
      overall frequency of elevated depressive symptoms (ZSDS scores >=40) was 42.1%
      (n=499). The incidence of metabolic syndrome was significantly higher in subjects
      with elevated depressive symptoms than in those without (13.2% vs. 8.9%, p<0.05).
      Of all the metabolic syndrome components, mean triglyceride levels were
      significantly higher in subjects with elevated depressive symptoms than in those
      without [124.7 (95% confidence interval (CI): 117.8-131.7) mg/dL vs. 111.5 (95%
      CI: 107.2-115.9) mg/dL, p<0.05]. Consequently, hypertriglyceridemia (28.9% vs.
      21.0%, p<0.01) was the main component correlated with the between-group
      difference of metabolic syndrome incidence. In the logistic regression analysis
      after adjustment for potential confounders, the odds ratio of the total ZSDS
      scores for the diagnosis of hypertriglyceridemia was 1.52 (95% CI: 1.13-2.04;
      p<0.01), and the major depressive symptom was psychomotor agitation (odds ratio:
      1.47; 95% CI: 1.10-1.94; p<0.01). CONCLUSION: This study showed that elevated
      depressive symptoms were associated with hypertriglyceridemia in Japanese male
      workers, which affected the clinical diagnosis of metabolic syndrome.

PMID- 22041347
TI  - Longitudinal study on white blood cell count and the incidence of metabolic
      syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Many studies have revealed that white blood cell count (WBC) is
      related to insulin resistance which is a central mechanism of metabolic syndrome
      (MetS). However, few cohort studies have examined the role of WBC in the
      development of MetS. We hypothesized that WBC is associated with the future
      development of MetS, and investigated the longitudinal incidence of MetS in
      healthy workers. METHODS: WBC was measured in 5,073 workers (mean age 42.5 years)
      without MetS at baseline. The incidence of MetS was monitored over 7 years of
      follow-up, in relation to quartiles of WBC. During the follow-up, 925
      participants were diagnosed as MetS. RESULTS: Incidence of MetS was increased in
      participants with higher WBC: the rates of incidence of MetS were 22.6, 32.9,
      42.9, and 57.5 per 1,000 person-years of follow-up in the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th
      quartiles of WBC, respectively. After adjustments for confounding factors, the
      adjusted hazards ratio (95% confidence interval) for MetS was 1.00 (reference),
      1.22 (0.98 to 1.51), 1.52 (1.24 to 1.87), and 1.66 (1.35 to 2.04) through the
      quartiles of WBC, respectively, (p <0.001). This relationship was consistent
      among current smokers and never smokers, and among male and female genders,
      respectively. CONCLUSION: WBC is useful in predicting the future development of
      MetS which leads to atherosclerotic diseases.

PMID- 22041348
TI  - Association of short sleep duration with obesity, diabetes, fatty liver and
      behavioral factors in Japanese men.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Sleep is one of the major means to maintain health. The association of
      short sleep duration with obesity, diabetes, fatty liver and behavioral factors
      requires further exploration. METHODS: A total of 8157 Japanese men who underwent
      health evaluations were divided into 3 groups by sleep duration <5 hours, 5~<7
      hours and >=7 hours. Poor sleep was self-reported, being defined as difficulty of
      getting to sleep or awakening easily. The age-adjusted and age and poor sleep
      adjusted odds ratios of the 3 groups for obesity, diabetes, fatty liver, mental
      stress, poor sleep, regular exercise and late dinner time were investigated.
      RESULTS: Compared to the sleep duration 5~<7 hours group, the age-adjusted odds
      ratios of the <5 hours group were significantly higher for obesity (1.42),
      diabetes (1.63), mental stress (1.75), poor sleep (1.85), late dinner time
      (1.47), and significantly lower for regular exercise (0.61); while those of the
      >=7 hours group were significantly lower for obesity (0.73), fatty liver (0.82),
      mental stress (0.73), poor sleep (0.69), late dinner time (0.45), and
      significantly higher for regular exercise (1.27). Above significances still
      existed after adjustment for age and poor sleep. CONCLUSION: Short sleep duration
      is associated with obesity, diabetes, fatty liver and multiple behavioral
      factors. The optimal sleep duration for health promotion and effective actions
      for obtaining optimal sleep, including modifications of behavioral and
      environmental factors, should be one of the major concerns of public health.

PMID- 22041349
TI  - Antithrombotic drug therapy for IgA nephropathy: a meta analysis of randomized
      controlled trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Antithrombotic agents, including antiplatelet agents, anticoagulants
      and thrombolysis agents, have been widely used in the management of
      immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy in Chinese and Japanese populations. To
      systematically evaluate the effects of antithrombotic agents for IgA nephropathy.
      METHODS: Data sources consisted of MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Chinese
      Biomedical Literature Database (CBM), Chinese Science and Technology Periodicals
      Databases (CNKI) and Japana Centra Revuo Medicina (http://www.jamas.gr.jp) up to
      April 5, 2011. The quality of the studies was evaluated from the intention to
      treat analysis and allocation concealment, as well as by the Jadad method. Meta
      analyses were performed on the outcomes of proteinuria and renal function.
      RESULTS: Six articles met the predetermined inclusion criteria. Antithrombotic
      agents showed statistically significant effects on proteinuria (p<0.0001) but not
      on the protection of renal function (p=0.07). The pooled risk ratio for
      proteinuria was 0.53, [95% confidence intervals (CI): 0.41-0.68; I(2)=0%] and for
      renal function it was 0.42 (95% CI 0.17-1.06; I(2)=72%). Subgroup analysis showed
      that dipyridamole was beneficial for proteinuria (p=0.0003) but had no
      significant effects on protecting renal function. Urokinase had statistically
      significant effects both on the reduction of proteinuria (p=0.0005) and
      protecting renal function (p<0.00001) when compared with the control group.
      CONCLUSION: Antithrombotic agents had statistically significant effects on the
      reduction of proteinuria but not on the protection of renal function in patients
      with IgAN. Urokinase had statistically significant effects both on the reduction
      of proteinuria and on protecting renal function. Urokinase was shown to be a
      promising medication and should be investigated further.

PMID- 22041350
TI  - Clinical features of renal amyloidosis: an analysis of 40 patients in a 28-year
      follow-up.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Although rare, renal amyloidosis is an important diagnosis that bares
      a significant morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to present
      current single center experience in the past 28 years. METHODS: A total of 6151
      kidney biopsies were performed in our hospital from Jan. 1983 to Dec. 2010; 5844
      were native kidney biopsies. Cases with a diagnosis of renal amyloidosis were
      identified through a search of our data bank and the clinical data were retrieved
      from medical charts. The patients were further classified as AL type and non-AL
      type. The trend of incidence was analyzed and the clinical features were
      compared. Risk factors that predict patient mortality were discovered by logistic
      regression analysis. RESULTS: Forty out of 5844 native kidney biopsies (0.68%)
      were identified as renal amyloidosis. Eighteen (45%) were of AL type. The mean
      age at diagnosis was 62.6 +/- 13.4 years. Male was the predominant gender that
      was involved. Clinically, most (80%) have nephrotic range proteinuria (mean 24
      hours urine protein: 6.9 +/- 4.7 g). With a mean follow-up duration of 1155 day,
      the 1-year and 5-year patient survival were 42.9% and 17.9%, respectively. eGFR
      at biopsy was the sole predictive factor for patient survival. CONCLUSION: Senile
      patients with nephrotic syndrome should elicit the suspicion of renal
      amyloidosis. The incidence appeared to be increasing and the prognosis poor.

PMID- 22041351
TI  - Prognosis of patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) for
      over 10 years.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients who have been on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis
      (CAPD) for over 10 years are known to have a risk of developing encapsulating
      peritoneal sclerosis (EPS). However, the prognosis of patients on CAPD for over
      10 years remains unclear. METHODS: To better understand the efficacy of a variety
      of treatments for EPS, we retrospectively reviewed 25 patients who started CAPD
      at Toranomon Hospital from 1981 to 1997 and continued it for longer than 10
      years. RESULTS: The CAPD catheter was removed without peritoneal lavage in the
      initial 3 patients and they developed massive ascites. They all died of infection
      without resolution of the ascites. Accordingly, in the remaining 13 patients who
      did not undergo kidney transplantation, peritoneal lavage therapy was performed
      for 12 months before removing the CAPD catheter. As a result, 4 patients did not
      develop EPS. However, 9 patients had EPS with ascites, among whom 4 died of EPS
      related diseases and 5 are alive. Five patients underwent cadaveric donor kidney
      transplantation. At the time of surgery, the CAPD catheter was removed without
      peritoneal lavage; 1 patient suffered from massive ascites immediately, although
      this subsided within 3 months after kidney transplantation, and 4 patients remain
      free from EPS-related symptoms and are doing well. CONCLUSION: Kidney
      transplantation may be an option for preventing EPS. This study showed that
      improvement of the uremic state as well as treatment with immunosuppressants
      including corticosteroids may contribute to preventing EPS.

PMID- 22041352
TI  - The role of endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration in
      the diagnosis of mediastinal and hilar lymph node metastases in patients with
      extrapulmonary malignancy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The determination of mediastinal lymphadenopathy is important in the
      management of extrapulmonary malignancy. The purpose of this study was to
      determine the diagnostic performance of EBUS-TBNA in the diagnosis of mediastinal
      and hilar lymphadenopathy in patients with proven or suspicious extrapulmonary
      malignancy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective analysis was performed in 57
      patients (81 lesions) with proven (n=51) or suspicious (n=6) extrapulmonary
      malignancies who underwent EBUS-TBNA between May 2009 and January 2011. RESULTS:
      There were 37 male and 20 female patients, with a median age of 64 years. Thirty
      five (61.4%) patients were confirmed as malignancy (34 extrapulmonary malignancy
      and 1 primary lung cancer) and 22 (38.6%) patients were confirmed as benign. EBUS
      TBNA identified malignancy in 30 patients. One patient who was diagnosed as
      primary lung cancer was excluded from diagnostic performance analysis. Overall
      cancer prevalence was 61% in 56 study patients. The diagnostic sensitivity,
      accuracy, and negative predictive value of EBUS-TBNA per patient were 88%, 93%,
      and 85%. The diagnostic sensitivity, accuracy, and negative predictive value of
      PET/CT scan per patient were 81%, 82%, and 71%, respectively. There were no
      serious complications related to EBUS-TBNA. CONCLUSION: Since mediastinal and
      hilar lymphadenopathy do not always result from metastases in patients with
      extrapulmonary malignancy, histopathologic confirmation is mandatory. EBUS-TBNA
      is a sensitive modality and can be considered as the initial test for the
      histopathological diagnosis of mediastinal and hilar lymphadenopathy in patients
      with extrapulmonary malignancy.

PMID- 22041353
TI  - Improvements in quadriceps force and work efficiency are related to improvements
      in endurance capacity following pulmonary rehabilitation in COPD patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The endurance time has been reported to be the most
      sensitive measure of improved exercise capacity in response to a variety of
      interventions for COPD. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the
      improvements in quadriceps force and measures obtained from a symptom-limited
      maximal test contributed to the improvements in endurance time following
      pulmonary rehabilitation. METHODS: Fifty-seven consecutive COPD subjects
      completed a 10-week pulmonary rehabilitation program. The subjects completed a
      symptom-limited incremental cycle ergometry test and a constant work rate test
      before and after pulmonary rehabilitation. Peripheral and respiratory muscle
      strength was also measured. The relationships between the change in endurance
      time and the changes obtained from the incremental test and muscle strength test
      were investigated. RESULTS: The endurance time showed the greatest improvement
      among the exercise capacity indices. The changes in endurance time were
      significantly correlated to changes in quadriceps force, peak work rate,
      anaerobic threshold and work efficiency on the incremental load test. In the
      multiple stepwise regression analysis, changes in quadriceps force and work
      efficiency measured on the maximal exercise test were selected. CONCLUSION: These
      findings suggest that the improvements in endurance time after pulmonary
      rehabilitation may be explained by increased quadriceps force and improvements in
      peak work rate and work efficiency.

PMID- 22041354
TI  - Nutritional assessment in patients with pulmonary nontuberculous mycobacteriosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the nutritional factors that influence disease spread in
      patients with pulmonary Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection. METHODS: A
      prospective observational study. PATIENTS: Patients with pulmonary MAC infection
      were enrolled in this study. Chest computed tomography (CT), abdominal CT, and
      physical, clinical, and nutritional laboratory data were collected after
      obtaining informed consent. RESULTS: Seventy-eight patients (16 males and 62
      females) were consecutively enrolled. While the mean body mass index (BMI) was
      low (19.6 +/- 2.7 kg/m(2)), the mean serum albumin concentration was within
      normal range (4.2 +/- 0.2 g/dL). We evaluated the number of affected lung
      segments to define the degree of disease spread, and examined the relationships
      between various parameters and disease spread. Multivariate analysis identified
      the duration of the disease (+1.6 segment/100 months, p=0.03), BMI (-0.5
      segment/BMI, p=0.003), and white blood cell count (+0.7 segment/1,000 WBC,
      p=0.03) as factors contributing to disease spread. CONCLUSION: BMI is an
      excellent marker for nutritional assessment and for predicting disease spread in
      patients with pulmonary MAC infection.

PMID- 22041355
TI  - Impact of cigarette smoking on maximal expiratory flows in a general population:
      the Takahata study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Maximal expiratory flows (MEFs) depend on the elastic recoil pressure
      in the alveoli, airway resistance and bronchial collapsibility. MEFs at lower
      levels of vital capacity [MEFs at x% FVC (MEF(x))] would indicate the patency of
      peripheral airways. In Japan, a ratio of MEF(50) to MEF(25) (MEF(50)/MEF(25))
      greater than 4.0 is used as an index of injury to the small airways in subjects
      without airflow limitation. However, to date there have been no epidemiological
      investigations relating to this index. The aim of this study was to evaluate the
      impact of cigarette smoking on MEFs in a general population, and to assess the
      validity of using this index to evaluate injury to the small airways. METHODS:
      Subjects aged 40 years or older (n=2,917), who had participated in a community
      based annual health-check in Takahata, Japan, were enrolled in the study.
      MEF(75), MEF(50) and MEF(25) were measured in these subjects. RESULTS: In
      smokers, as compared with never-smokers, the percentage predicted MEFs (%MEFs)
      decreased according to the aging of the population, except in the case of
      %MEF(25) in females. In males, but not in females, %MEFs decreased significantly
      with an increase in cigarette consumption. In both genders, MEF(50)/MEF(25) was
      slightly, but significantly, elevated with aging of the population. In addition,
      36.5% of subjects who participated in this health-check had MEF(50)/MEF(25)
      values greater than 4.0. No difference in MEF(50)/MEF(25) was observed between
      smokers and never-smokers. CONCLUSION: Cigarette smoking enhanced the age-related
      decline in MEFs. Since many healthy subjects aged 40 years or older have
      MEF(50)/MEF(25) values greater than 4.0, the use of this criterion may over
      estimate the presence of small airway disease.

PMID- 22041356
TI  - Differences in the JAK2 and MPL mutation status in the cell lineages of the
      bcr/abl-negative chronic myeloproliferative neoplasm subtypes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: While the somatic mutation of Janus Kinase 2 (JAK2) and the
      thrombopoietin receptor (c-MPL) gene are thought to affect the pathogenesis of
      bcr/abl negative chronic myeloproliferative neoplasm (MPN), the relationship
      between the mutation and the clinical features remain obscure. METHODS: The
      mutation status of these genes in granulocytes, platelets, T-cells, and erythroid
      colonies (BFU-E) was obtained from 115 MPN patients, and then the clinical
      features of the MPN subtypes were compared. RESULTS: The JAK2-V617F mutation was
      observed in three lineages of granulocytes, platelets, and BFU-E in almost all
      polycythemia vera (PV) and primary myelofibrosis (PMF) patients. In contrast, 68%
      of essential thrombocythemia (ET) patients have the JAK2-V617F mutation in at
      least one of the lineages, of which 70% of these patients have the JAK2-V617F
      mutation in three lineages; the remaining ET patients with the JAK2-V617F
      mutation only exhibited the mutation in one or two lineages. Further, the ET
      patients that exhibited the JAK2-V617F mutation in three lineages had higher WBC
      and granulocyte counts as compared to the ET patients that did not have the JAK2
      V617F mutation or only had the mutation in one or two lineages. Concerning the
      MPL gene, two ET patients had the MPL-W515L gene mutation in their platelets,
      although the lineage of the JAK2-V617F mutation involved differed from case to
      case. CONCLUSION: The progenitor cells that are involved with the JAK2-V617F
      mutation in MPNs are different in each subtype and this difference may also
      affect the clinical features of MPNs.

PMID- 22041357
TI  - Is liver cirrhosis a risk factor for osteonecrosis of the femoral head in adults?
      A population-based 3-year follow-up study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The relationship between osteonecrosis of the femoral head (OFH) and
      liver cirrhosis is controversial. The aim of this study was to determine whether
      liver cirrhosis is associated with the occurrence of OFH. METHODS: We used the
      National Health Insurance Database, derived from the Taiwan National Health
      Insurance program. The study cohort comprised 40,769 adult patients with liver
      cirrhosis. The comparison cohort consisted of 40,769 randomly selected age- and
      sex-matched subjects. RESULTS: During the 3-year follow-up period, there were 321
      (0.8%) cirrhotic patients with OFH, and 126 (0.3%) non-cirrhotic patients with
      OFH (p<0.001). Cox's regression analysis, adjusted by the patients' age, sex, and
      other confounding factors, showed that the cirrhotic patients had a higher risk
      for occurrence of OFH than non-cirrhotic patients during the 3-year period
      (hazard ratio=2.38, p<0.001). In this 3-year study, the incidence density of
      cirrhotic patients hospitalized for OFH was 3 episodes/1,000 person-year.
      CONCLUSION: We conclude that cirrhotic patients have a higher risk for occurrence
      of OFH than non-cirrhotic patients.

PMID- 22041358
TI  - A case of rectal cancer arising from long-standing prolapsed mucosa of the
      rectum.
AB  - Mucosal prolapse syndrome (MPS) has been recognized as a chronic benign
      inflammatory disorder, characterized mainly by rectal mucosal prolapse. Disorders
      representing this condition include solitary rectal ulcer syndrome (SRUS), rectal
      prolapse, proctitis cystica profunda, and inflammatory cap polyps. The gross
      appearance of rectal MPS can be occasionally misinterpreted as rectal cancer. In
      contrast, there have been a few reports of colorectal cancer originating from
      prolapsed mucosa. Herein, we report a case of MPS associated with two independent
      rectal cancers extending into the submucosal layer. We speculate that long
      standing MPS may increase the risk of malignant transformation.

PMID- 22041359
TI  - Small intestine Crohn's disease presenting as fever mistaken for adult onset
      Still's disease.
AB  - Crohn's disease (CD) is not rare in recent years, but it is sometimes difficult
      to make a definite diagnosis particularly if it is in the small intestine. We
      report a patient with fever for 8 months whose disease was mistaken to be Adult
      onset Still's disease. The patient was diagnosed small intestine Crohn's disease
      at last by pathology. We want to emphasize that doctors should not forget small
      intestine Crohn's disease when encountering an unidentified feverish patient,
      they should not diagnose a feverish patient of Adult onset Still's disease at
      once. It is important to note that corticosteroids can conceal many diseases and
      they should not be considered lightly even if the patient is diagnosed with Adult
      onset Still's disease.

PMID- 22041360
TI  - Mesentery neurilemmoma: CT, MRI and angiographic findings.
AB  - Mesenteric neurilemmoma is extremely rare. We present a case of a 45-year-old man
      with mesenteric neurilemmoma, with CT, MRI and angiographic findings. The patient
      was healthy and had had no symptoms previously. CT and MRI images revealed a 2.2
      cm well-defined, soft-tissue mass adjacent to the posterior border of the left
      lobe of the liver. The tumor mass displayed a heterogenous low signal on T2
      weighted image and peripheral enhancement after gadolinium administration.
      Angiography showed a hypervascular mass beneath the tail of pancreas, which was
      supplied by small branches of middle splenic artery. Histopathology revealed a
      mesentery neurilemmoma composed of spindle tumor cells.

PMID- 22041361
TI  - A rare case of infectious colitis with ulcers in the cecum caused by
      Mycobacterium gordonae.
AB  - A 69-year-old female complained of persistent abdominal pain, and annular ulcers
      and ulcer scars were detected endoscopically in the cecum. Pathological findings
      included caseous granulomas with some Langhans giant cells, and Ziehl-Neelsen
      staining was negative. Mycobacterium gordonae (M. gordonae) was identified by the
      DNA-DNA hybridization method and culture (Ogawa medium) of biopsy samples from
      ulcerous cecal lesions. After 6 months of antibiotic therapy, ulcerous cecal
      lesions were healed, and no acid-fast bacteria were detected by culture of biopsy
      samples from scar tissue. We believe this is the first report of M. gordonae
      infection in the alimentary tract.

PMID- 22041362
TI  - Recurrent variant angina pectoris due to Behcet's syndrome.
AB  - We report a case of recurrent variant angina pectoris which occurred even while
      receiving antispastic treatment. Coronary angiography revealed no obvious lesion.
      Behcet's syndrome was diagnosed based on recurrent oral aphthous and genital
      ulcer as well as skin manifestation. After treatment with immunosuppressant,
      neither angina nor oral ulcer relapsed. We strongly believe that the variant
      angina is due to coronary vasospasm induced by Behcet's syndrome in this patient.

PMID- 22041363
TI  - Incessant monomorphic ventricular tachycardia induced by the proarrhythmic effect
      of amiodarone.
AB  - This case report describes incessant monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (VT),
      not torsade de pointes, induced by intravenous amiodarone in a 48-year-old woman
      with dilated cardiomyopathy. VT was reproducibly triggered by short coupled
      premature ventricular complex (PVC) with different morphology from VT. After
      amiodarone infusion, the coupling interval of initiating PVC was prolonged, and
      moreover, the morphology of initiating PVC became the same as that of VT. Though
      amiodarone has become the first line drug to treat ventricular tachyarrhythmias
      in patients with cardiac dysfunction, it is important to be aware of its
      proarrhythmic effect, which may lead to an electrical storm of monomorphic VT.

PMID- 22041364
TI  - An adult patient with isolated left ventricular noncompaction presented with
      atrial fibrillation and complete atrioventricular block.
AB  - Isolated left ventricular noncompaction (IVNC) is a rare congenital anomaly. The
      clinical manifestations include congestive heart failure, systemic thromboemboli,
      arrhythmias and sudden death. We report a case of IVNC in a male patient who
      presented with atrial fibrillation with complete heart block.

PMID- 22041365
TI  - Variant angina associated with coronary artery endothelial dysfunction and
      myocardial bridge: a case report and review of the literature.
AB  - The association of variant angina (VA) and myocardial bridges is a rare finding.
      We describe a case of VA with recurrent coronary spasm triggered by different
      stimuli at the site of a myocardial bridge. The interplay of endothelial
      dysfunction, coronary vasoconstriction and myocardial bridging was detected by
      intracoronary acetylcholine test and IVUS. We speculate that mechanical
      stimulation at the bridge site caused endothelial dysfunction and enhanced local
      susceptibility to vasoconstrictor stimuli. Variant angina should always be
      suspected in cases of ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome without any
      significant angiographic coronary stenosis.

PMID- 22041366
TI  - A case of carbon monoxide poisoning presenting with supraventricular tachycardia.
AB  - Carbon monoxide intoxication is one of the most common types of poisoning in the
      world. Cardiac manifestations after exposure to carbon monoxide including
      myocardial ischemia, heart failure and arrhythmias have been reported. A 17-year
      old woman was admitted to the emergency service with the complaints of
      palpitation, headache and nausea. Electrocardiogram revealed supraventricular
      tachycardia. The arterial blood gas analysis was normal. Her carboxyhemoglobin
      level was 19% and oxygen treatment was started promptly. Echocardiographic
      examination demonstrated normal cardiac function. To the best of our knowledge,
      this case report is the first carbon monoxide intoxication case in the literature
      presenting with supraventricular tachycardia attack.

PMID- 22041367
TI  - Bleeding from the small intestine and aortic regurgitation in Noonan syndrome.
AB  - A 62-year-old man was admitted to our hospital because of melena. On admission
      physical examination revealed that he had typical features of Noonan syndrome
      (NS). Investigation via upper endoscopy with the single balloon demonstrated
      oozing from the small intestine. Bleeding sometimes occurs in patients with NS.
      We speculated that coagulation defects or vascular malformations might have been
      present at the first visit in this case. However, coagulation function was
      normal. By upper endoscopy with the single balloon we clearly revealed the
      angioectasia in the small intestine. This case documents the first association
      among NS, aortic regurgitation and angioectasia in the small intestine.

PMID- 22041368
TI  - Plasmablastic extramedullary plasmacytoma associated with Epstein-Barr virus
      arising in an immunocompetent patient with multiple myeloma.
AB  - We encountered a case of plasmablastic extramedullary plasmacytoma with multiple
      myeloma. Histological findings revealed that the extramedullary plasmacytoma of
      this patient was of the plasmablastic type, which was positive for lambda-stain
      and EBV-encoded RNA. In contrast, bone marrow aspiration demonstrated a common
      type multiple myeloma, which was positive for lambda-stain and negative for EBV
      encoded RNA. This was a rare case of plasmablastic extramedullary plasmacytoma
      associated with Epstein-Barr virus arising in an immunocompetent patient with
      multiple myeloma.

PMID- 22041369
TI  - Long-term efficacy of trilostane for Cushing's syndrome due to
      adrenocorticotropin-independent bilateral macronodular adrenocortical
      hyperplasia.
AB  - A 66-year-old man with Cushing's syndrome due to adrenocorticotropin-independent
      bilateral macronodular adrenocortical hyperplasia (AIMAH) was treated for 7 years
      with trilostane, a 3beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase inhibitor. Administration
      of trilostane reduced the serum cortisol level to around the upper limit of
      normal for 7 years, and symptoms of excessive glucocorticoid production (such as
      moon face and obesity) were gradually improved. On the other hand, the size of
      both adrenal glands gradually increased despite treatment with trilostane. Though
      trilostane therapy could not prevent adrenal growth, it did suppress cortisol
      secretion over the long term, so it might be a reasonable option for AIMAH in
      addition to adrenalectomy.

PMID- 22041370
TI  - A case of consciousness disturbance resulting from severe hypothyroidism due to
      chronic thyroiditis and excess iodine absorption.
AB  - An 82-year-old Japanese man had consciousness disturbance due to severe
      hypothyroidism triggered by percutaneous absorption of iodine from an iodine
      containing ointment used in diabetic gangrene treatment. Laboratory data revealed
      extremely high urinary iodine concentrations, and chronic thyroiditis-induced
      hypothyroidism. Excess iodine intake can also cause hypothyroidism. It was
      unlikely that iodine intoxication or Hashimoto's encephalopathy had caused the
      consciousness disturbance. The patient regained consciousness after discontinuing
      the use of the ointment and commencing thyroid hormone therapy. We conclude that
      consciousness disturbance resulted from severe hypothyroidism caused by chronic
      thyroiditis and excess iodine absorption.

PMID- 22041371
TI  - An exceedingly rare cause of secondary hypertension: bilateral renal artery
      dissection possibly secondary to extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL).
AB  - Extracorporeal shock-wave lithotripsy (ESWL) is an effective and relatively non
      invasive treatment modality for ureteral or renal calculi. Although it has been
      accepted as a safe procedure, minor and major complications have been reported
      after ESWL. Spontaneous renal artery dissection (SRAD) is a rare and usually
      misdiagnosed condition because of non-specific presentation of the patients.
      Depending on the severity of the extent of the dissection non-operative or
      surgical treatment modalities could be performed. We represent a patient with
      complaints of bilateral flank pain, hematuria and hypertensive urgency who was
      diagnosed as having bilateral SRAD possibly secondary to ESWL and chronic
      hypertension.

PMID- 22041372
TI  - A case of adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma presenting as severe tracheal stenosis.
AB  - A 57-year-old woman was referred to our hospital for further examination of a
      tracheal stenosis shown on computed tomography findings. Bronchoscopy revealed
      multiple protruding tumors in the lumen of the trachea. Cytological findings of
      the cell block material from pleural effusion indicated that the T-cell lymphoma
      was composed of pleomorphic lymphoid cells. Serum human T-cell leukemia virus
      type 1 antibody was positive and supported the clinical diagnosis of ATLL.
      Systemic chemotherapy induced the remarkable improvement of the lesions, the
      infiltrative lung shadow and the soft tissue neoplasm. We report a rare case of
      adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) with endobronchial involvement.

PMID- 22041373
TI  - Iliopsoas hematoma in Gaucher's disease.
AB  - Gaucher's disease is an autosomal recessive inherited disease characterized by
      oraganomegaly, cytopenia and bone destruction. Clotting disorders and platelet
      dysfunctions are described. We report the case of a 22-year-old man who presented
      subacute groin pain due to spontaneous iliopsoas hematoma. Laboratory
      investigations found moderate thrombocytopenia, normal coagulation factor
      activities and unspecific platelet function test disturbances. His spleen was
      moderately enlarged and no significant bone lesions were found. Iliopsoas
      hematoma is a rare complication in Gaucher's disease and should be included in
      the differential diagnosis of pain localized to the groin-hip area, which could
      rather evoke hip osteonecrosis in this context.

PMID- 22041374
TI  - A case of myeloid sarcoma with correlation to JAK2V617F mutation, complicated by
      myelofibrosis and secondary acute myeloid leukemia.
AB  - The activating mutation of JAK2, V617F, has been found as a frequent mutation in
      myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), including polycythemia vera (PV), essential
      thrombocytosis (ET), and primary myelofibrosis (PMF). This mutation is observed
      not only in MPNs, but also in chronic myelomonocytic leukemia, myelodysplastic
      syndrome and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We report a case of myeloid sarcoma
      and myelofibrosis, followed by secondary AML, with detection of homozygous JAK2
      V617F mutation. This report describes the first case of myeloid sarcoma with JAK2
      V617F mutation and implication of its progression to AML.

PMID- 22041376
TI  - Double-hit lymphoma with t(8;14)(q24;q32) and t(12;14)(q24;q32) chromosomal
      translocations.
AB  - A 50-year-old man presented with an ileocecal tumor and a large amount of
      ascites. Lymphoma cells obtained from the ascitic fluid were CD10(+), CD20(+),
      CD38(+), HLA-DR(+), BCL6(-), MUM1/IRF4(+), BCL2(+), and immunoglobulin
      u/gamma(+). The karyotype determined by G-banding and spectral karyotyping was
      46, XY, der(3)t(1;3)(q12;p12), -4, +7, t(8;14)(q24;q32), t(12;14)(q24;q32),
      der(17)t(4;17)(q21;p11). Fluorescence in situ hybridization disclosed that 93% of
      interphase cells were positive for the c-MYC and immunoglobulin heavy chain gene
      fusion. The patient was treated with intensive chemo-immunotherapy, resulting in
      a complete response. The t(8;14)-t(12;14) double-hit may have generated molecular
      abnormalities analogous to those of a previously cloned three-way translocation
      t(8;12;14).

PMID- 22041375
TI  - Successful treatment of immunoglobulin D myeloma by bortezomib and dexamethasone
      therapy.
AB  - Immunoglobulin D (IgD) myeloma is a rare subtype and it is widely accepted as an
      aggressive disease. Here, we report a 66-year-old woman with IgD myeloma who had
      anemia, lumbago, multiple osteolytic lesions and hypercalcemia. The patient
      refused a blood transfusion because of her beliefs, so we administered bortezomib
      and dexamethasone (BD) after high-dose dexamethasone therapy. Marked improvement
      of anemia and elevated serum alkaline phosphatase levels was recognized. After 5
      cycles of BD therapy, the patient achieved a stringent complete response
      according to International Myeloma Working Group Response Criteria. BD therapy
      might be a feasible and useful treatment option for IgD myeloma.

PMID- 22041377
TI  - A case of late onset riboflavin-responsive multiple acyl-CoA dehydrogenase
      deficiency manifesting as recurrent rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure.
AB  - We report an adult case of late-onset riboflavin-responsive multiple acyl-CoA
      dehydrogenase deficiency (MADD) characterized by episodic recurrent
      rhabdomyolysis and acute renal failure after the age of 46. Muscle biopsy
      revealed lipid storage myopathy and the finding of serum acylcarnitine and urine
      organic acid analyses were consistent with MADD. A compound heterozygous mutation
      was identified in the electron-transferring-flavoprotein dehydrogenase (ETFDH)
      gene, including a novel missense mutation, which confirmed the diagnosis of MADD.
      After administration of riboflavin and L-carnitine, the muscle weakness and
      fatigability gradually improved. Acylcarnitine and urine organic acid were also
      normalized after supplementation. Thus, MADD should be included in one of the
      differential diagnoses for adult recurrent rhabdomyolysis. Gene analysis is
      useful to confirm the diagnosis, and early diagnosis is important because
      riboflavin treatment has been effective in a significant number of patients with
      MADD.

PMID- 22041378
TI  - Systemic lupus erythematosus complicated with acute myocardial infarction and
      ischemic colitis.
AB  - Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is one of the most severe manifestations in
      patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Ischemic colitis, mainly caused
      by intestinal vasculitis, is also one of the most serious, but uncommon,
      complications in SLE patients. "SLE vasculitis" simultaneously involving cardiac
      and gastrointestinal vessels has yet to be reported. This is the first report of
      SLE accompanying AMI, ischemic colitis and perforation of the digestive tract
      possibly due to SLE vasculitis, which was dramatically improved by treatment with
      high-dose glucocorticoid.

PMID- 22041380
TI  - Pseudoaneurysm with candidal infection after renal transplantation.

PMID- 22041379
TI  - Scrub typhus-induced serious gastric ulcer bleeding.
AB  - A 67-year-old woman presented with melena and general weakness. Upper
      gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy revealed multiple ulcers and projectile bleeding
      in the stomach. She also complained of a 10-day history of a fever and was
      diagnosed with scrub typhus based on a positive result of the eschar polymerase
      chain reaction (PCR) testing. She fully recovered with endoscopic hemostasis, and
      administration of minocycline and omeprazole. In a patient with GI
      manifestations, scrub typhus, a condition with pathologically systemic
      vasculitis, should be considered in the possible background in endemic areas. The
      eschar PCR testing is a rapid and useful diagnostic tool to identify a specific
      strain.

PMID- 22041381
TI  - Esophagopericardial fistula with pyopneumopericardium secondary to esophageal
      carcinoma.

PMID- 22041382
TI  - Three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography of P2 chordae tendinae
      rupture.

PMID- 22041383
TI  - Trabecular meshwork at the left ventricular apex.

PMID- 22041384
TI  - Giant pelvic calcification.

PMID- 22041385
TI  - Salmonella septicemia with iliac mycotic aneurysm and spondylitis.

PMID- 22041386
TI  - Respiratory failure and coma in an international traveler.

PMID- 22041387
TI  - Massive brain calcifications associated with vitamin D deficiency.

PMID- 22041388
TI  - Autosomal dominant osteopetrosis type II.

PMID- 22041389
TI  - Reversible "brain atrophy" in anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis.

PMID- 22041390
TI  - Hypoglycemic white matter lesion along the pyramidal tracts.

PMID- 22041391
TI  - Isolated hypoglossal nerve palsy caused by neurovascular compression.

PMID- 22041392
TI  - Low-dose tacrolimus with methotrexate repairs rheumatoid fingers.

PMID- 22041393
TI  - Ecthyma on the forehead: rare condition in the community setting.

PMID- 22041394
TI  - A case of idiopathic harlequin syndrome.

PMID- 22041395
TI  - Ovarian inguinal hernia in an elderly female.

PMID- 22041396
TI  - Renal infarction: a delayed complication of cardiac catheterization.

PMID- 22041397
TI  - Vasculitis in a patient with hairy cell leukemia.

PMID- 22041398
TI  - Staghorn blood clot.

PMID- 22041399
TI  - Is culture necessary before first-line treatment for Helicobacter pylori
      infection?

PMID- 22041401
TI  - Lophomonas misidentification in bronchoalveolar lavages.

PMID- 22041403
TI  - The spider-man principle.

PMID- 22041404
TI  - Composites and amalgam.

PMID- 22041406
TI  - Ethical referrals.

PMID- 22041408
TI  - Oral HPV.

PMID- 22041409
TI  - Managing the care of patients receiving antiresorptive therapy for prevention and
      treatment of osteoporosis: executive summary of recommendations from the American
      Dental Association Council on Scientific Affairs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This narrative review of osteonecrosis of the jaw in patients with
      low bone mass receiving treatment with antiresorptive agents is based on an
      appraisal of the literature by an advisory committee of the American Dental
      Association Council on Scientific Affairs. It updates the committee's 2008
      advisory statement. METHODS: The authors searched MEDLINE for literature
      published between May 2008 (the end date of the last search) and February 2011.
      RESULTS: This report contains recommendations based on the findings of the
      literature search and on expert opinion that relate to general dentistry;
      periodontal disease management; implant placement and maintenance; oral and
      maxillofacial surgery; endodontics; restorative dentistry and prosthodontics;
      orthodontics; and C-terminal telopeptide testing and drug holidays. CONCLUSIONS:
      The highest reliable estimate of antiresorptive agent-induced osteonecrosis of
      the jaw (ARONJ) prevalence is approximately 0.10 percent. Osteoporosis is
      responsible for considerable morbidity and mortality. Therefore, the benefit
      provided by antiresorptive therapy outweighs the low risk of developing
      osteonecrosis of the jaw. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: An oral health program
      consisting of sound hygiene practices and regular dental care may be the optimal
      approach for lowering ARONJ risk. No validated diagnostic technique exists to
      determine which patients are at increased risk of developing ARONJ. Discontinuing
      bisphosphonate therapy may not lower the risk but may have a negative effect on
      low-bone-mass-treatment outcomes.

PMID- 22041410
TI  - A retrospective review of clinical international normalized ratio results and
      their implications.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Warfarin is a key element in therapy for atrial fibrillation, deep
      venous thrombosis (DVT), stroke (cerebrovascular accident) and cardiac valve
      replacement. Often, patients' warfarin blood levels are not tightly controlled
      with regard to accepted therapeutic ranges, by virtue of the drug's unpredictable
      nature. METHODS: The authors searched 16,017 active clinical charts for active
      patients of record from the three campuses of the School of Dentistry, Marquette
      University (MU), Milwaukee, for the years 2009 and 2010. Dental records of 315
      patients contained entries including "INR," the abbreviation for the term
      "international normalized ratio." Only 247 of those records contained an
      indication of whether the patient's INR values were within therapeutic range. The
      authors found that 1.96 percent of the total MU dental clinic patient population
      had a history of warfarin use. RESULTS: When the authors compared the INR values
      for patients with diagnoses of atrial fibrillation, DVT, stroke and cardiac valve
      replacement, they found that INR values for 107 of the 247 patients (43.3
      percent) were not within therapeutic range for the respective diagnoses. For
      example, only 50 percent of the patients being treated for atrial fibrillation
      presented themselves for surgical dental treatment while their INR values were in
      tight control. CONCLUSION: The INR values for a significant number of dental
      patients are not within the therapeutic range for their medical conditions. These
      patients need to seek follow-up care from their medical care providers. CLINICAL
      IMPLICATIONS: Screening for INR in the dental office-especially before invasive
      dental treatment such as periodontal surgery, tooth extraction and dental implant
      placement-can help prevent postoperative complications. It also can aid the
      clinician in evaluating whether a patient's INR is within therapeutic range and,
      subsequently, whether the patient's physician needs to adjust the warfarin
      dosage.

PMID- 22041411
TI  - Treating a maxillary midline diastema in adult patients: a general dentist's
      perspective.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A maxillary midline diastema (MMD) often is a primary concern of
      patients during a dental consultation. Although an MMD can be transient owing to
      the developing dentition and, thus, requires no active treatment, management of
      MMDs in the permanent dentition requires a detailed examination and appropriate
      care. CASE DESCRIPTION: .  The authors present five cases of MMDs in adults to
      illustrate a range of restorative and orthodontic options. In the first case, the
      clinician used resin-based composite buildup to close an MMD resulting from small
      teeth and generalized spacing in the dental arch. In the second case, the
      clinician placed porcelain veneers to treat an MMD in a patient with discolored
      dentition. In the third case, the clinician fitted a removable appliance to close
      an MMD by tipping the incisors palatally. In the fourth case, the clinician
      fitted a sectional fixed appliance to promote mesial bodily movement of the
      incisors. In the fifth case, the clinician placed a full-arch fixed appliance to
      treat an MMD caused by tilted incisors. CONCLUSIONS: and CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS:
      Effective treatment requires an accurate diagnosis and appropriate intervention.
      General dentists can perform a range of restorative and orthodontic treatments in
      appropriate clinical situations to address patients' concerns.

PMID- 22041412
TI  - Gingival enlargement.

PMID- 22041413
TI  - Controlling bacterial contamination of dental impression guns.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dental impression material handgun cartridge dispensers are
      contaminated easily during clinical use. The authors attempted to quantify
      contamination by bacteria, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
      (MRSA), of impression guns used in an academic dental clinic after five infection
      prevention protocols were followed. METHODS: The authors obtained samples from
      four commercially available impression guns at four specific sites (button,
      handle, latch, trigger) after routine clinical use, disinfection, steam
      sterilization (also known as autoclaving), steam sterilization followed by use of
      plastic impression gun covers and steam sterilization followed by use of plastic
      impression gun covers and disinfection. RESULTS: The authors found that after
      routine clinical use, bacteria-including MRSA-heavily contaminated the impression
      guns. After the impression guns underwent disinfection, there was a 6 percent
      decrease in bacterial counts. The use of steam sterilization achieved sterility
      without harming the impression guns. Use of steam-sterilized impression guns with
      plastic impression gun covers decreased bacterial isolates by approximately 60
      percent. Use of steam-sterilized impression guns plus covers and disinfection
      resulted in an approximately 95 percent reduction in contamination. CONCLUSIONS:
      The use of common infection-prevention methods appears to reduce the bacterial
      counts, including those of MRSA. Bacterial contamination was lowest after steam
      sterilization, followed by the use of plastic impression gun covers and
      disinfection. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Use of contaminated impression guns on
      successive patients could increase the risk of causing cross-transmission of
      disease. The use of sterilization, plus plastic impression gun covers and
      disinfection, for impression guns after each use could be an effective and
      practical infection-control method for dental practices.

PMID- 22041414
TI  - Knowledge and beliefs regarding oral health among pregnant women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Racial or ethnic and economic disparities exist in terms of oral
      diseases among pregnant women and children. The authors hypothesized that women
      of a racial or ethnic minority have less oral health knowledge than do women not
      of a racial or ethnic minority. Therefore, the authors conducted a study to
      assess and compare maternal oral health knowledge and beliefs and to determine if
      maternal race and ethnicity or other maternal factors contributed to women's
      knowledge or beliefs. METHODS: The authors administered a written oral health
      questionnaire to pregnant women. The authors calculated the participants'
      knowledge and belief scores on the basis of correct answers or answers supporting
      positive oral health behaviors. They conducted multivariable analysis of variance
      to assess associations between oral health knowledge and belief scores and
      characteristics. RESULTS: The authors enrolled 615 women in the study, and 599
      (97.4 percent) completed the questionnaire. Of 599 participants, 573 (95.7
      percent) knew that sugar intake is associated with caries. Almost one-half (295
      participants [49.2 percent]) did not know that caries and periodontal disease are
      oral infections. Median (interquartile range) knowledge and belief scores were
      6.0 (5.5-7.0) and 6.0 (5.0-7.0), respectively. Hispanic women had median
      (interquartile range) knowledge and belief scores significantly lower than those
      of white or African American women (6.0 [4.0-7.0] versus 7.0 [6.0-7.0] versus 7.0
      [6.0-7.0], respectively [P < .001]; and 5.0 [4.0-6.0] versus 6.0 [5.0-7.0] versus
      6.0 [5.0-7.0], respectively [P < .001]). Multivariable analysis of variance
      results showed that being of Hispanic ethnicity was associated significantly with
      a lower knowledge score, and that an education level of eighth grade or less was
      associated significantly with a lower belief score. CONCLUSIONS: Pregnant women
      have some oral health knowledge. Knowledge varied according to maternal race or
      ethnicity, and beliefs varied according to maternal education. Including oral
      health education as a part of prenatal care may improve knowledge regarding the
      importance of oral health among vulnerable pregnant women, thereby improving
      their oral health and that of their children. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Including
      oral health education as a part of prenatal care should be considered.

PMID- 22041416
TI  - Modest improvement in temporomandibular disorder-related pain associated with use
      of hard stabilization appliances compared with use of nonoccluding appliances or
      no therapy.

PMID- 22041415
TI  - Prenatal exposure to dental amalgam: evidence from the Seychelles Child
      Development Study main cohort.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dental amalgams contain approximately 50 percent metallic mercury and
      emit mercury vapor during the life of the restoration. Controversy surrounds
      whether fetal exposure to mercury vapor resulting from maternal dental amalgam
      restorations has neurodevelopmental consequences. METHODS: The authors determined
      maternal amalgam restoration status during gestation (prenatal exposure to
      mercury vapor [Hg(0)]) retrospectively in 587 mother-child pairs enrolled in the
      Seychelles Child Development Study, a prospective longitudinal cohort study of
      the effects of prenatal and recent postnatal methylmercury (MeHg) exposure on
      neurodevelopment. They examined covariate-adjusted associations between prenatal
      maternal amalgam restoration status and the results of six age-appropriate
      neurodevelopmental tests administered at age 66 months. The authors fit the
      models without and with adjustment for prenatal and recent postnatal MeHg
      exposure metrics. RESULTS: The mean number of maternal amalgam restorations
      present during gestation was 5.1 surfaces (range, 1-22) in the 42.4 percent of
      mothers who had amalgam restorations. The authors found no significant adverse
      associations between the number of amalgam surfaces present during gestation and
      any of the six outcomes, with or without adjustment for prenatal and postnatal
      MeHg exposure. Results of analyses with the secondary metric, prenatal amalgam
      occlusal point scores, showed an adverse association in boys only on a letter-
      and word-identification subtest of a frequently used test of scholastic
      achievement, whereas girls scored better on several other tests with increasing
      exposure. CONCLUSIONS: This study's results provide no support for the hypothesis
      that prenatal Hg(0) exposure arising from maternal dental amalgam restorations
      results in neurobehavioral consequences in the child. These findings require
      confirmation from a prospective study of coexposure to MeHg and Hg(0).

PMID- 22041417
TI  - The reality of competition.

PMID- 22041418
TI  - What are my obligations when purchasing new technologies?

PMID- 22041419
TI  - Osteoporosis medications and your dental health.

PMID- 22041420
TI  - [Pattern recognition receptors].
AB  - Immunity is based on self/nonself discrimination. In vertebrates, two major
      systems, innate and adaptive immune systems, constitute host defense against
      invading microbes. Adaptive immunity is characterized by specific immune
      responses through B- or T-cell antigen receptors that are generated by somatic
      recombination, whereas nonspecific responses to microbes had been accentuated in
      innate immunity. However, the discovery of pattern recognition receptors (PRRs)
      that are encoded in the germ-line, including Toll-like receptors, RIG-I-like
      receptors, NOD-like receptors and AIM2-like receptors, advanced our understanding
      of a mechanism for innate immune recognition. These types of PRR recognize
      pathogen- or damage-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs or DAMPs) during
      infection or tissue damage, and commonly evoke the downstream gene induction
      programme, such as expression of type I interferons, inflammatory cytokines and
      chemokines. Dysregulation of PRR-triggered signal activation leads to pathologic
      inflammatory responses. In this regard, it has been shown that many of
      "autoinflammatory diseases", recently defined clinical entity, have putatively
      causative mutations in the genes that encode PRRs or their signaling mediators.
      In this review article, we describe recent overview of PRRs as innate sensors and
      update knowledge of "autoinflammatory diseases" particularly by focusing on their
      association with innate signaling.

PMID- 22041421
TI  - ["The inflammasomes"].
AB  - Inflammation is a host adaptational response to cell injury caused by various
      exogenous and endogenous stimuli. IL-1beta, which is an important proinflammatory
      cytokine secreted at the site of cellular injury, plays an important role in
      inflammation. Inflammasome is an intracellular multi-protein complex that
      mediates caspase-1-dependent processing of IL-1beta. In this review, inflammasome
      function and its dysregulation are discussed in relation to autoinflammatory
      diseases.

PMID- 22041422
TI  - [Clinical aspects of Familial Mediterranean fever].
AB  - Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is a hereditary autoinflammatory disease
      characterized by recurrent and short duration (1-3 days) of fever, and serositis.
      Based on the nationwide survey of FMF in Japan, the estimated number of Japanese
      FMF patients is about three hundred. High grade fever was observed in 95.5%,
      chest pain in 35.8% abdominal pain in 62.7% and arthritis in 31.3% among Japanese
      FMF patients. AA amyloidosis was confirmed in 5 patients (3.7%). Colchicine was
      effective in 91.8% of Japanese FMF patients. A significant number of FMF patients
      exist in Japan, and early diagnosis and treatments should be required to prevent
      AA amyloidosis.

PMID- 22041423
TI  - [Progress in classification and treatment for TNF receptor-associated periodic
      syndrome].
AB  - TNF receptor-associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS) is an autosomal dominant
      autoinflammatory disorder characterized by recurrent febrile attacks. TRAPS is
      associated with mutation in the gene encoding TNF Receptor I (TNFRI) and seven
      mutations have been reported in Japan. Molecular modeling experiments indicate
      that the mutant TNFRI accumulates intracellularly in the endoplasmic reticulum
      due to misfolding and activates MAP kinase (MAPK) through induction of
      mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production. MAPK activation is further
      enhanced by the stimulation through toll-like receptor, resulting in the enhanced
      proinflammatory cytokine production. Febrile attacks last 21 days on average and
      occur every one to several months. Myalgia, erythematous macular rash, abdominal
      pain, conjunctivitis, periorbital edema, chest pain and arthralgia are commonly
      seen during the attacks. Glucocorticoid is effective in decreasing the severity
      and duration of the febrile attacks. Soluble TNF receptor etanercept, IL-1
      receptor antagonist Anakinra(TM) and IL-6 receptor antagonist tocilizumab are
      effective in some patients. Japanese study group of TRAPS conducted national
      survey to make new diagnostic criteria in 2010.

PMID- 22041424
TI  - [CAPS: cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome].
AB  - Cryopyrin-associated periodic syndrome (CAPS) is an autoinflammatory syndrome
      caused by heterozygous mutations of NLRP3 gene. CAPS consists of three
      phenotypically similar but distinct syndromes: familial cold autoinflammatory
      syndrome (FCAS), Muckle-Wells syndrome and CINCA syndrome. Among them, FCAS shows
      the mildest phenotype while CINCA is the severest. Common symptoms include
      sporadic or cold-induced nonpruritic urticarial rash and fever. Severe cases
      suffers from deafness, meningitis, articular contracture and secondary
      amyloidosis. Gain-of-function mutations of NLRP3 causes excessive production of a
      potent proinflammatory cytokine IL-1beta, thereby evokes autoinflammatory
      symptoms of CAPS. Recent advances of anti-IL-1 therapy dramatically improved the
      prognosis of CAPS. Currently three anti-IL-1 medicines are available, and all of
      them significantly improved clinical symptoms of CAPS patients. Although long
      term observation is still needed, the molecular-targeted therapy has opened up a
      new opportunity for managing CAPS.

PMID- 22041425
TI  - [Early-onset sarcoidosis/Blau syndrome].
AB  - Familial Blau syndrome and sporadic early-onset sarcoidosis (EOS) are both
      systemic granulomatous diseases evoked by the spontaneous activation of mutated
      NOD2. In Japan, the R334W amino acid substitution is more frequently identified,
      whereas the R334Q mutation is rare and, in contrast to western countries where
      disease causing mutations are typically hereditary, most Japanese cases derive
      from sporadic mutations. Recently, a case with a six-base deletion in the NOD2
      gene was reported. This Blau syndrome/EOS patient presented with the unpainful
      soft swelling of the dorsal side of the wrist and ankles, as well as flexion
      contracture at the proximal interphalangeal joint that gradually appeared during
      their clinical course. These features are useful for the differential diagnosis
      of Blau syndrome/EOS from juvenile idiopathic arthritis. Owing to their
      characteristic clinical symptoms, Blau and EOS patients can be identified earlier
      if medical experts become more acquainted with these distinctions. Even though
      specific treatment based on pathophysiologic mechanism has not been explored yet,
      early diagnosis will prevent the progression to severe impairment, which can
      severely affect patients' lives.

PMID- 22041426
TI  - [Hyperimmunoglobulinemia D and periodic fever syndrome].
AB  - Hyperimmunogloblinemia D and periodic fever syndrome (HIDS) is inherited
      autoinflammatory syndrome caused by deficiency of the mevalonate kinase (MK),
      which is involved in metabolism of cholesterol. The disease is characterized as
      periodic fever from early infancy accompanied by elevated serum C-reactive
      protein. Since clinical symptoms such as abdominal symptom, skin rash, and
      arthritis are common to other autoinflammatory disease, the diagnosis of HIDS
      during clinical work is difficult for the physicians without suspicion of HIDS
      for infants suffering from fever of unknown origin. Moreover, serum IgD levels
      are not high during infancy conflicting to the name of the disease, which is
      often misunderstood in the clinicians. Thus, the diagnosis of HIDS in Japan is
      bothering, depending on the lack of correct recognition of the disease and on the
      lack of commercially available examination for the disease. It is important for
      clinicians, especially pediatricians to update current knowledge about HIDS and
      to learn the appropriate way to the definitive diagnosis of HIDS, because HIDS
      patients exist also in Japan and the specific therapies for HIDS would be
      developed in the near future.

PMID- 22041427
TI  - [Nakajo-Nishimura syndrome].
AB  - Nakajo-Nishimura syndrome (NNS) (MIM256040, ORPHA2615) is a distinct inherited
      inflammatory and wasting disease, which usually begins in early infancy with a
      pernio-like rash. The patients develop periodic high fever and nodular erythema
      like eruptions, and gradually progress lipomuscular atrophy in the upper body,
      mainly the face and the upper extremities, to show the characteristic long
      clubbed fingers with joint contractures. So far about 30 cases have been reported
      from Kansai, especially Wakayama and Osaka, Tohoku and Kanto areas. In addition
      to 10 cases in Kansai area, which have been confirmed to be alive by national
      surveillance, an infant case has newly been discovered in Wakayama and more cases
      will be added. Although cause of the disease has long been undefined, a
      homozygous mutation of the PSMB8 gene, which encodes the beta5i subunit of
      immunoproteasome, has been identified by homozygosity mapping. By analyses of the
      patients-derived cells and tissues, it has been suggested that accumulation of
      ubiquitinated and oxidated proteins due to deficiency of proteasome activities
      cause hyperactivation of p38 MAPK and overproduction of IL-6. Similar diseases
      with PSMB8 mutations have recently been reported from Europe and the U.S.A., and
      therefore, it is becoming clear that proteasome deficiency syndromes are globally
      distributed as a new category of the autoinflammatory diseases.

PMID- 22041428
TI  - [Periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and adenitis syndrome].
AB  - Periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis and adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome is
      a non-hereditary autoinflammatory disease, characterized by relatively regular
      recurrence of febrile episodes of 3-6 days duration, accompanied by aphthous
      stomatitis, pharyngitis/tonsillitis, and/or cervical adenititis. It is considered
      to be the most common periodic fever syndrome in Japan. Although no responsible
      gene is identified, some genetic factors may confer the predisposition toward
      this disorder. Important differential diagnosis includes hereditary periodic
      syndromes and cyclic neutropenia. Although its etiology is still to be
      elucidated, a recent study suggested an environmentally triggered activation of
      complement and IL-1beta/IL-18 during PFAPA syndrome flares, with induction of Th1
      chemokines and subsequent retention of activated T cells in peripheral tissues.
      This study also demonstrated the possibility that IP-10/CXCL10 might serve as a
      potential biomarker to differentiate PFAPA syndrome from other periodic fever
      syndromes. Therapeutic strategy for PFAPA syndrome has not been well established.
      Recent advances in the understating of etiology and pathophysiology might lead to
      re-evaluation of recent therapeutic options and/or development of new treatment.

PMID- 22041429
TI  - [Behcet's disease from the aspect of autoinflammatory disease].
AB  - Behcet's disease is a systemic inflammatory disease presented with recurrent oral
      aphtha, cutaneous manifestations, uveitis, and genital ulcer. The etiology of
      Behcet's disease is still unknown, but both genetic background and environmental
      factors are thought to be important in the pathogenesis of Behcet's disease.
      Behcet's disease has long been regarded as a Th1 type autoimmune disease, because
      of the association with HLA-B51 and hyperreactivity against streptococcal
      antigen. However, it was recently found that Behcet's disease and
      autoinflammatory diseases share several clinical features. Furthermore, increased
      activity of neutrophils and elevated levels of interleukin-1beta are observed in
      both Behcet's disease and autoinflammatory diseases. The relationship between
      Behcet's disease and autoinflammatory diseases, especially Familial Mediterranean
      fever, is speculated, because both diseases are prevalent in the Mediterranean
      basin and treated with colchicine. Genetic researches on Behcet's disease and FMF
      suggest that the MEFV gene mutated in Familial Mediterranean fever is a probable
      susceptibility gene for Behcet's disease. Although many observations suggest that
      Behcet's disease might be autoinflammatory, there is evidence implying autoimmune
      pathogenesis of Behcet's disease. For example, some symptoms of Behcet's disease
      is treated with T cell suppressing agents. Recent data suggest that a novel
      subset of T cells, Th17, plays a crucial role in pathogenesis of Behcet's
      disease, and genome-wide association researches verified it. IL-17, which is the
      secreted from of Th17 activates neutrophils. Hence, IL-17 might cause the
      symptoms resembling autoinflammatory diseases. Recently, Anti-IL-1 treatment
      proved to be effective and other susceptibility genes are being investigated.
      These new findings will shed light on the long-sought pathogenesis of Behcet's
      disease.

PMID- 22041430
TI  - [Pneumocystis pneumonia developed in two patients with rheumatoid arthritis
      during treatment of adalimumab].
AB  - While tumor necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors have dramatically improved the
      clinical outcomes of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in recent years, infectious
      complications are a serious concern. Adalimumab (ADA) is a newly-developed human
      monoclonal antibody against TNF-alpha. Here we report 2 cases of pneumocystis
      pneumonia (PCP) which developed in RA patients during ADA therapy. One patient is
      a 66-year-old woman who had a history of RA for 6 months. The patient was given
      ADA at 40 mg biweekly for her active arthritis which had been refractory to 6
      mg/week of methotrexate (MTX), and 5 mg/day of prednisolone (PSL). One hundred
      and six days later, she was admitted to our hospital because of fever, cough, and
      dyspnea. Another patient is a 62-year-old man who had a history of RA for 3
      years. Since his arthritis was so active even under the treatment with MTX (8
      mg/week) and PSL (15 mg/day), the patient started to be given ADA at 40 mg
      biweekly. After 28 days, the patient was admitted to the hospital because of
      dyspnea. Chest roentgenogram and computed tomography revealed interstitial
      pneumonia in both patients. Beta-D-glucan levels were so high in their serum
      suggesting the diagnosis of PCP, which was confirmed by the detection of
      Pneumocystis jirovecii DNA in the sputa by polymerase chain reaction. The
      patients were immediately treated with sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim and high
      dose prednisolone, which successfully improved pneumonia, and they were
      discharged from the hospital on the 8(th) and 16(th) day, respectively. PCR and
      beta-D-glucan were useful for the early diagnosis of PCP and lead to the timely
      induction of adequate treatment and the rescue of these patients.

PMID- 22041431
TI  - [Simultaneous relapse of Basedow's disease in a patient with adult-onset Still's
      disease].
AB  - This report describes a 50-year-old woman with coexisting Basedow's disease and
      adult-onset Still's disease (AOSD) that relapsed simultaneously. She was
      diagnosed with Basedow's disease in 1999, and treatment with antithyroid agents
      was started. However, the treatment was soon stopped because of severe side
      effects. A partial thyroidectomy was performed and the thyroid function stayed
      well-controlled after the surgery. In August 2007, she was admitted to our
      hospital with fever, a sore throat, skin rashes, arthritis and leukocytosis, and
      was diagnosed with AOSD. At the same time, her laboratory data revealed decreased
      serum TSH and elevated serum free T4, suggesting a relapse of Basedow's disease.
      After initiation of steroid pulse therapy accompanied by oral prednisolone, both
      diseases improved significantly. Prednisolone was gradually reduced, and the
      disease activity remained in remission. Immediately after prednisolone reached 3
      mg/day in November 2009, both diseases relapsed. Prednisolone was increased to 30
      mg/day, and the diseases became well-controlled again. In this case, Basedow's
      disease was aggravated when AOSD was in the active stage. Literature searches
      revealed five previously reported cases with coexisting Basedow's disease and
      AOSD. In four of the six cases, including our case, both diseases were activated
      simultaneously. AOSD in the active stage is known to cause hypercytokinemia and
      immunological derangement. Our case indicated that the pathogenesis of AOSD might
      lead to relapse of coexisting Basedow's disease.

PMID- 22041432
TI  - [Case of Fusobacterium necrophorum sepsis (Lemierre's syndrome) with pulmonary
      septic emboli and liver abscess].
AB  - The present article documents a case of Fusobacterium sepsis with a transient
      anticardiolipin antibody increase in an otherwise healthy 24-year-old patient. He
      was presented to the emergency room with headache and fever. His temperature was
      39.5 degrees C, laboratory results revealed a white blood count of 15.2*10(3)/MUl
      and C reactive protein 22.6 mg/dl. The patient was admitted. Chest X-ray showed
      the infiltrate in bilateral lower lung area. He received 400 mg of clarithromycin
      per day. His all symptoms did not change. On the 8(th) day in the hospital, the
      patient's antibiotics were switched to pazufloxacin. Chest and abdominal CT scan
      showed some irregular patchy nodules of around 1 cm in diameter in the bilateral
      lower lung fields and a round low density lesion 3 cm in diameter in the right
      upper segment (S8) in the liver. Blood culture revealed Fusobacterium
      necrophorum. On the 10(th) day, the antibacterial agent was changed from
      pazufloxacin to ampicillin sulbactam. On the 17(th) day, we added clindamycin. As
      a result his temperature gradually returned to normal. It is reported that the
      titer of anticardiolipin antibody increases in the sepsis patients caused by
      Fusobacterium necrophorum. As his symptoms disappeared, his titer of
      anticardiolipin antibody also decreased. So we considered he had a transient
      anticardiolipin titer increase.

PMID- 22041433
TI  - CYP2F2-generated metabolites, not styrene oxide, are a key event mediating the
      mode of action of styrene-induced mouse lung tumors.
AB  - Styrene induces lung tumors in mice but not in rats. Although metabolism of
      styrene to 7,8-styrene oxide (SO) by CYP2E1 has been suggested as a mediator of
      styrene toxicity, lung toxicity is not attenuated in CYP2E1 knockout mice.
      However, styrene and/or SO metabolism by mouse lung Clara cell-localized CYP2F2
      to ring-oxidized cytotoxic metabolite(s) has been postulated as a key metabolic
      gateway responsible for both lung toxicity and possible tumorigenicity. To test
      this hypothesis, the lung toxicity of styrene and SO was evaluated in C57BL/6
      (WT) and CYP2F2-/- knockout mice treated with styrene (400 mg/kg/day, gavage, or
      200 or 400 mg/kg/day, ip) or S- or R-SO (200 mg/kg/day, ip) for 5 days. Styrene
      treated WT mice displayed significant necrosis and exfoliation of Clara cells,
      and cumulative BrdU-labeling index of S-phase cells was markedly increased in
      terminal bronchioles of WT mice exposed to styrene or S- or RSO. In contrast,
      Clara and terminal bronchiole cell toxicity was not observed in CYP2F2-/- mice
      exposed to either styrene or SO. This study clearly demonstrates that the mouse
      lung toxicity of both styrene and SO is critically dependent on metabolism by
      CYP2F2. Importantly, the human isoform of CYP2F, CYP2F1, is expressed at much
      lower levels and likely does not catalyze significant styrene metabolism,
      supporting the hypothesis that styrene-induced mouse lung tumors may not
      quantitatively, or possibly qualitatively, predict lung tumor potential in
      humans.

PMID- 22041434
TI  - Baclofen toxicity in patients with advanced nephropathy: proposal for new
      labeling.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite several reports in the literature of baclofen toxicity in
      patients with renal dysfunction, the drug is being used for many patients.
      METHODS: Herein we report a case of baclofen-induced encephalopathy in a patient
      with pre-end-stage renal disease and review the literature regarding the
      magnitude of baclofen toxicity in patients with renal insufficiency. A Medline
      search for studies in English was performed. Twenty-one case reports involving 41
      patients (including our patient) were identified. RESULTS: The majority of
      patients were elderly (62.5% above 60 years) males (56.3%) on dialysis (62.9%).
      Neurotoxicities were almost always present at presentation. Manifestations of
      baclofen toxicity usually started 2-3 days after starting baclofen; however,
      periods as long as 16 weeks have been reported. The daily dose of baclofen ranged
      from 5 to 60 mg with a mean dose of 20 mg. Hemodialysis (HD) was the most common
      treatment modality used for drug elimination (65.7%). The recovery time ranged
      from 2 h in patients who received HD, to 8 days with conservative treatment.
      CONCLUSION: The literature does not mention a clear recommendation about baclofen
      safety and dose adjustment, or a minimum level of kidney function below which the
      drug should not be used.

PMID- 22041435
TI  - Endocrine orbitopathy: 11 years retrospective study and review of 102 patients &
      196 orbits.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Endocrine Orbitopathy (EO) is the most frequent and important
      extrathyroidal stigma of Graves' disease. In the active stage of the orbitopathy
      fibrosis and hypertrophy of the extra-ocular muscles can lead to visual
      impairment and diplopia. In the stable phase of the disease surgical treatment by
      orbital expansion and/or orbital decompression can improve the quality of life
      and it is indicated for morpho-aesthetic and functional reasons. METHODS: From
      1998 to 2009 a consecutive series of 131 patients (251 orbits) with endocrine
      orbitopathy underwent surgery by different techniques. The medical records of 102
      patients (78%) and 196 orbits were available to be assessed retrospectively.
      Ninety-four patients had bilateral involvement of the orbits and eight
      unilateral. A total of 556 operations were performed. RESULTS: Mean pre-operative
      exophthalmos was 24.7 +/- 2.5 mm (max-min 20-34), mean post-operative
      exophthalmos was 21 +/- 1.8 mm (max-min 18-26), and mean differential
      exophthalmos was 3.9 +/- 1.7 mm (max-min 1-9). The reduction in exophthalmos
      after surgery had a mean value of 3.8 mm (min 1, max 9). Kaplan Meier algorithm
      demonstrates that intra-operative cortisone injection had an adverse effect on
      post-operative diplopia. CONCLUSIONS: The surgical technique used should be
      adapted to the individual patients' needs. In severe cases intraorbital fat
      removal and bony decompression can be and carried out in one surgical procedure.
      An integrated global approach by a multidisciplinary team is strongly
      recommended. Strabismus surgery is a significant part of the overall treatment.
      The Authors suggest general surgical guidelines and an algorithm of treatment in
      EO.

PMID- 22041437
TI  - [Case-control study on influence factors of birth defects].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence factors of birth defects. METHODS: The
      congenital malformational fetuses born from 13 week of gestation to 7 days after
      birth were selected as the study group between April 1st, 2009 and March 31st,
      2010. The health born fetuses were set as control in the same period. Case
      control and the three-level of monitor network of birth defects were used in the
      study in the participating 75 hospitals (Qingdao Women and Children's Medical
      Center, Affiliated Hospital of Medical College Qingdao University, Qingdao
      Municipal Hospital, etc.). The study and control group's parents were interviewed
      by an uniformed questionnaire which was designed specially with influence factors
      of birth defects. RESULTS: (1) There are 466 congenital malformational fetuses in
      the total of 77 231 fetuses collected in 75 hospitals. The congenital
      malformational rate accounts for about 6.0340/00. The top six defect diseases
      were congenital heart disease (112 cases), total harelip (cleft lip; cleft lip
      with palate: 85 cases), polydactyly (53 cases), neural tube defects (38 cases),
      congenital hydrocephalus (37 cases) and limb reduction defect (27 cases) in turn,
      which amounts to 353 cases (54.48%, 353/648). (2) Their mother education level in
      the birth-defect group (25.6%) were significantly lower than that in control
      group (30.0%, P<0.05). (3) The rate of passive smoking, drinking, raising pets of
      the parents in birth-defect group were significantly higher than that in control
      group (P<0.05). (4) The rate of exposure to harmful chemical and physical factors
      of mothers in birth defects group (13.9% and 20.5%, respectively) was higher than
      that in control group (1.1% and 11.7%, respectively), the difference between
      which were significant (P<0.01). The rate of disease (34.3%), fever (13.1%),
      taking drugs (33.8%) in pregnancy period in birth defect group were higher than
      that in control group (13.5%, 1.5% and 9.9%, respectively), the difference
      between which were significant (P<0.01). The rate of bad moral irritation to the
      mother in pregnancy in birth defect group (11.3%) was significantly higher than
      that in control group (1.4%, P<0.01). (5) There were 19 cases (2.9%, 19/648) with
      family heredity medical history in birth defect group, but there were none in the
      control group, the difference between which were significant (P<0.01). There were
      89 cases (13.7%, 89/648) with unusual birth history of their mothers in birth
      defect group, but there were 31 cases (4.8%, 31/650) in control group, the
      difference between which were significant (P<0.01). (6) Conditional Logistic
      Regression model was used for univalent and multivariate analysis. The results
      showed that main influence factors were identified as having important effect on
      birth defects, including mothers' exposure to harmful chemical factors
      (OR=13.46), disease (OR=3.37), taking drugs (OR=2.20), exposure to bad moral
      irritation (OR=5.44), food-choosy (OR=1.90), anemia (OR=1.52) in gestational
      period, polyembryony (OR=4.40), father drinking (OR=1.55). While it was
      protective factors to supplement microelements such as the calcium iron and
      nutrient, etc.in pregnancy period (OR=0.45). CONCLUSIONS: First, the main birth
      defects were congenital heart disease, total harelip(cleft lip; cleft lip with
      palate), polydactyly, neural tube defects, congenital hydrocephalus and limb
      reduction defect in turn. Second, the main influence factors identified as having
      important effect on birth defects were mothers' exposure to harmful chemical
      factors, ill, taking drugs, exposure to bad moral irritation, food-choosy, anemia
      in gestational period, polyembryony, father drinking. But it is protective
      factors to supplement microelements such as the calcium iron and nutrient, etc.
      in pregnancy period. Finally, it is the important part to prevent the birth
      defects by reducing and controlling dangerous factors in pregnancy period.

PMID- 22041438
TI  - [Comparison and analysis of different diagnostic criteria for peripartum
      cardiomyopathy].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the differences and similarities between the diagnostic
      criteria of obstetrics and internal medicine in China with that of Hibbard for
      peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM). METHODS: From March 1995 to September 2009, a
      total of 49 patients were diagnosed as PPCM at the Peking University People's
      Hospital and the Fu Wai Hospital in Beijing, China. Obstetric diagnostic criteria
      was: PPCM was one of dilated cardiomyopathy, occurred during the third trimester
      of pregnancy through the 6th month postpartum, and without cardiovascular
      diseases before. Internal medicine diagnostic criteria was: PPCM was unexplained
      cardiomegaly and heart failure, occurred during the last month of pregnancy
      through the 5th month postpartum, and meet the echocardiographic criteria of
      dialated cardiomyopathy as follows:left ventricular end-diastolic dimension
      (LVEDd) greater than 5.0 cm; left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) less than
      45%, and(or) left ventricular fractional shortening (LVFS) less than 30%; or
      LVEDd greater than 2.7 cm/body surface area (m2); or LVEDd>117% of age and body
      surface area predictive value. Hibbard diagnostic criteria was: All four of the
      following: (1) heart failure within last month of pregnancy and 5 months
      postpartum; (2) absence of prior heart disease; (3) no determinable cause; (4)
      strict echocardiographic indication of left ventricular dysfunction: LVEF less
      than 45%, and/or LVFS less than 30%, and LVEDd greater than 2.7 cm/m2. The
      compliance between obstetric and internal criteria with Hibbard criteria, and the
      reasons of incompliance between Chinese and international criteria were analyzed.
      RESULTS: Eight patients were diagnosed of PPCM by obstetricians according to
      Chinese obstetric criteria. Among them, 6 patients (6/8) did not meet Hibbard
      criteria.2 of the six did not reach the time regulated in the criteria. All of
      the six had other determinable causes for heart failure, and their
      echocardiographic results did not meet the diagnostic standard either. The other
      41 patients were diagnosed of PPCM by physicians according to Chinese internal
      medicine criteria. Among them, 7 patients (17%) did not meet Hibbard criteria, 3
      of the seven did not reach the time regulated in the criteria, and had other
      determinable causes for heart failure either.4 of the seven did not meet the
      echocardiographic standard part in the criteria. The Chinese internal medicine
      diagnostic criteria has a significant higher coincidence rate with Hibbard
      criteria, compared to Chinese obstetric criteria (83% vs. 25%; P<0.01). Among all
      13 patients whose PPCM diagnosis did not meet Hibbard criteria, 5 cases did not
      reach the time regulated in the criteria, 9 cases had other determinable causes
      for heart failure, and 10 cases did not meet the echocardiographic standard part
      in the criteria. Preeclampsia was the most common determinable causes for heart
      failure, accounted for 7 cases. CONCLUSION: There is obvious difference between
      Chinese and Hibbard diagnostic criteria for PPCM, especially Chinese obstetric
      criteria.

PMID- 22041439
TI  - [Investigation on bone health conditions in 1637 aged women].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate bone health conditions in 1637 aged women. METHODS:
      From May 2004 to October 2008, Bone mineral density (BMD) of 1637 women at age of
      more than 60 years old were measured by Hologic DephiA dual energy X-ray
      absorptiometry (DXEA) in Huadong hospital affiliated to Fudan University. All
      data were compared and analyzed among each group which will be divided by every
      ten years. Those women were divided into groups on 10 years range. BMD of lumbar
      vertebral and hip bone, fracture incidence and bone turnover marker were compared
      and analyzed. RESULTS: (1) BMD: at age of >=90, 80-89, 70-79, 60-69, BMD of the
      lumbar vertebral 2-4 (L2-4) values were (0.96+/-0.18), (0.90+/-0.20), (0.81+/
      0.16), (0.83+/-0.14) g/cm2, respectively. There were significantly increased BMD
      of lumbar of women at the age of 80-89 and >=90 year-old compared with those of
      60-69 year-old (P<0.05). At age of >=90, 80-89, 70-79, 60-69 BMD of femur neck,
      Total, Torch, Ward's trianger were (0.60+/-0.11), (0.65+/-0.11), (0.47+/-0.09),
      (0.37+/-0.09) g/cm2; at age of 80-89 BMD of FN, Total, Torch, Ward's trianger
      were (0.57+/-0.10), (0.68+/-0.13), (0.48+/-0.11), (0.35+/-0.10) g/cm2; at age of
      70-79 BMD of FN, Total, Torch, Ward's trianger were (0.57+/-0.10), (0.69+/-0.12),
      (0.49+/-0.10), (0.36+/-0.11) g/cm2; at age of 60-69 BMD of FN, Total, Torch,
      Ward's trianger were (0.63+/-0.10), (0.76+/-0.12), (0.54+/-0.10), (0.45+/-0.15)
      g/cm2; There were significantly decreased in BMD of hip at the age of 70-79, 80
      89, >=90 year-old compared with those of 60-69 year-old (P<0.05). (2) Fracture
      incidence:one time fracture incidence at age of 60-69, 70-79, 80-89, >=90 were
      34.8% (242/695), 45.0% (296/658), 51.3% (137/267), 5/17. There were increasing
      trend of fracture in aged women. (3) Bone turnover marker of bone Gla protein
      (BGP) N-mid (N-midBGP) in serum and C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen/Cr
      (CTX/Cr) in urine values were (17+/-5) ug/L, (106+/-56) ug/mmol at age of more
      than 90 years, (17+/-7) ug/L, (128+/-99) ug/mmol at age of 80-89 years, (21+/-14)
      ug/L, (182+/-173) ug/mmol at age of 70-79 years, (25+/-13) ug/L, (190+/-168)
      ug/mmol at age of 60-69 years. There were significant decreased trends of N
      midBGP at age of 70-79, 80-89 compared with that of 60-year (P<0.05). There were
      significant decreased trends of CTX/Cr 80-89 compared with that of 60-year
      (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There were significant decreased bone metabolism in aged
      women. The risk of hip fracture is significantly increased in aged women.
      Diagnosis of osteoporosis based on BMD of hip in aged women is more reliable.

PMID- 22041440
TI  - [Study on the relationship between vaginal and intestinal candida in patients
      with vulvovaginal candidiasis].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between vaginal and intestinal candida
      in patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis by using microbiological and molecular
      methods. METHODS: The samples of vaginal discharge and anal swabs were collected
      from 148 cases with vulvovaginal candidiasis, followed by fungal culture,
      identification, purification and genome DNA extraction. The genome sequences from
      respective locations were aligned and typed according to their homology analyzed
      by internal transcribed spacer (ITS) PCR and random amplified polymorphic DNA
      (RAPD) PCR. Patients with vulvovaginal infection or those with infections in
      intestine and vulvovagina were pooled respectively, while the recurrent
      incidences after local anti-fungal treatments were analyzed. RESULTS: Candida
      albicans is the dominant pathogen in 148 cases with vulvovaginal candidiasis
      (91.9%, 136/148); 33.1% (49/148) of patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis were
      infected in both intestine and vulvovagina. While 92% (22/24) of patients with
      intestinal and vaginal candida infection showed high homology. The recurrent rate
      of patients with vulvovaginal candidiasis complicated with concurrent intestinal
      candida infection (7/14) was significantly higher than that of solo vaginal
      infected patients [21% (6/29)] after vaginal treatment (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The
      infection of vulvovaginal candidiasis is highly associated with the concurrent
      infection of intestinal candida. The recurrent rate is high in patients with
      vulvovaginal candidiasis with concurrent infection of intestinal candida after
      vaginal treatment. The general management to those patients infected by both
      vulvovaginal and intestinal candida is necessary in reducing the recurrence of
      the disease.

PMID- 22041441
TI  - [Study of quantitative detection of circulating DNA in the plasma of patients
      with cervical lesion].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To quantitatively detect circulating DNA levels in the plasma of
      patients withcervical lesion and to determine the value for diagnosis of cervical
      lesion and cervical cancer. METHODS: Preoperative blood samples were collected
      from 53 cases of low-grade lesions, 49 cases of high-grade lesions, 44 cases of
      cervical invasive cancer and 70 cases of healthy women. Plasma DNA was extracted
      by magnetic bead method (BILATEST DNA kit). The quantity of plasma DNA was
      determined by duplex real-time quantitative PCR. RESULTS: Median plasma DNA level
      of invasive cervical cancer patients was 61.59 mg/L (32.06-162.16 mg/L), which
      was significantly higher than that of healthy women [16.35 mg/L (11.98-22.71
      mg/L), P<0.01]. Among invasive cervical cancer patients, median plasma DNA level
      of squamous carcinoma patients was slightly higher than that of adenocarcinoma
      (50.43 versus 47.31 mg/L, P>0.05). Median plasma DNA level of stage I patients
      was lower than that of stage II-III patients (46.02 versus 71.35 mg/L, P<0.05).
      CONCLUSION: Quantitatively detecting plasma circulating DNA may be with some
      application prospect in the diagnosis of cervical diseases.

PMID- 22041442
TI  - [Validation of incontinence impact questionnaire short form in Chinese
      population].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study reliability and validity of incontinence impact questionnaire
      short form (IIQ-7) in the Chinese population. METHODS: IIQ-7 form was translated
      into Chinese; 74 patients with urinary incontinence completed the IIQ-7
      simplified Chinese version and short-form 12-item health survey (SF-12)
      questionnaires. The urinary incontinence patient also ran a 1 hour pad test.
      Then, reliability and validity of those forms were analyzed. RESULTS: The
      Cronbach's alpha of IIQ-7 simplified Chinese version was 0.824 (P<0.01). The
      intra-class correlation coefficient of IIQ-7 simplified Chinese version was 0.749
      (P<0.01). IIQ-7 simplified Chinese version scores were negatively correlated with
      SF-12 scores (Spearman correlation coefficient: -0.570, P<0.01), IIQ-7 simplified
      Chinese version scores were positively correlated with 1 hour pad test (Spearman
      correlation coefficient: 0.461, P<0.01), IIQ-7 simplified Chinese version scores
      were also positively correlated with the course of disease (Spearman correlation
      coefficient: 0.235, P<0.05). Factor analysis of IIQ-7 simplified Chinese version
      showed good construct validity. CONCLUSIONS: The simplified Chinese version of
      IIQ-7 has higher reliability and validity in the Chinese population. They are
      highly recommended for clinical treatment and research.

PMID- 22041443
TI  - [Expression and significance of LMP2 and PPM1A in gestational trophoblastic
      disease].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of low molecular mass polypeptide-2
      (LMP2) and protein phosphatase 1A (PPM1A) in gestational trophoblastic disease
      and elucidate their predictive value in malignant transformation of hydatidiform
      mole. METHODS: The expressions of LMP2 and PPM1A protein in 196 complete
      hydatidiform moles (in which 28 cases with malignant transformation), 7 invasive
      moles, 5 choriocarcinomas and 20 normal chorionic villus were detected with the
      method of EnVision immunohistochemistry. Their clinicopathologic data were
      retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: LMP2 and PPM1A protein expressed in
      cytotrophocytes, syncytiotrophoblast and extravillous trophoblast. The level of
      LMP2 expression in deteriorative hydatidiform mole was significantly higher than
      that in non-deteriorative hydatidiform mole or normal chorionic villus (6.79+/
      2.38, 5.26+/-2.63 and 3.10+/-1.65, all P<0.01), while there were no difference
      compared with gestational trophoblastic neoplasms (6.42+/-2.68, P=0.113). The
      level of PPM1A expression was highest in normal chorionic villus, and decreased
      gradually in hydatidiform mole (non-deteriorative and deteriorative) and
      gestational trophoblastic neoplasms (6.30+/-2.98, 4.93+/-2.50, 4.43+/-2.04 and
      3.33+/-2.06, all P<0.01); the level of PPM1A expression in deteriorative
      hydatidiform mole was significantly lower than that in non-deteriorative
      hydatidiform mole (P=0.001). The expression of LMP2 protein was correlated to
      theca lutein ovarian cyst, the expression of PPM1A protein was related with
      uterine size (P<0.05). While, there was no correlation between the expressions of
      the two proteins (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: High expression of LMP2 and low
      expression of PPM1A might play an important role in the motility and invasiveness
      of trophoblast cells and malignant transformation of hydatidiform mole. Testing
      the expression of LMP2 and PPM1A in hydatidiform mole tissues of initial uterine
      evacuation might be have some reference significance in judging outcomes of
      hydatidiform mole.

PMID- 22041444
TI  - [Application of pathological diagnosis by rapid paraffin sections for biopsy in
      the diagnosis and treatment of cervical diseases].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the application of pathological diagnosis by rapid
      paraffin sections in the diagnosis and treatment of cervical diseases. METHODS: A
      total of 176 cases from our hospital between September 2009 and January 2010 with
      abnormal cervical cancer screening (including abnormal cytology result and high
      risk HPV continuous positive) were randomly divided into 2 groups. Eighty-seven
      cases of them whose biopsy were got by Belinson forceps under the direction of
      colposcopy with rapid paraffin sections by ultrasonic histopathological rapid
      processor and BT transparent agents were selected as group A, while 89 cases with
      conventional paraffin sections were selected as group B. The production time and
      quality for paraffin sections were analyzed in the two groups. Those diagnosed as
      cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) II or even worse and some special
      patients with CINI in the two groups received surgery, including loop
      electrosurgical procedure (LEEP), cold knife conization (CKC), hysterectomy or
      radical hysterectomy. Tissue obtained after surgery was sent for routine
      pathological examination. If the results of postoperative routine pathological
      examination were inconsistent with the rapid or routine biopsy pathological
      examination, the heavier results were regard as the final diagnoses. The
      pathological results and diagnose accordance rates were recorded and compared
      between group A and group B. RESULTS: The quality of sections in two groups were
      all satisfied or basically satisfied to meet the diagnostic requirements. There
      were statistically significant difference in average production time between
      group A and B (40 minutes vs 24 hours, P<0.05). Thirty patients in group A and 32
      patients in group B received surgery. The coincidence rate of biopsy pathological
      results and final diagnoses were 93% (28/30) for group A and 91% (29/32) for
      group B, in which there were not statistically significant difference (P>0.05).
      CONCLUSION: Rapid paraffin sections technology is safe, accurate and economical
      for rapid pathological diagnosis of cervical diseases, which is worthy for being
      widely used in hospitals.

PMID- 22041445
TI  - [Effect of epidermal growth factor on the expression of matrix metalloproteinase
      9 and the signalling pathways involved in the trophoblast cell line JEG-3].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of epidermal growth factor (EGF) on the
      expression of Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and the signalling pathways
      involved in the trophoblast cell line JEG-3. METHODS: The JEG-3 trophoblast cell
      line was used in this study. (1) JEG-3 cells were cultured with various
      concentrations of EGF (0, 1, 10, 20 ng/ml) for 24 hours and the expression of MMP
      9 was tested by western blotting and reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR). (2)
      Western blotting and RT-PCR were also used to investigate the expression of MMP-9
      expression after incubation for 0, 4, 12 and 24 hours with EGF treatment (10
      ng/ml) in JEG-3 cells. (3) According to the different added ingredients, JEG-3
      cells were divided into some groups: control group (without EGF), EGF group
      (exposure to 10 ng/ml EGF), EGF+ inhibitors group (exposure to 10 ng/ml EGF+ 20
      ng/ml SB203580 or exposure to 10 ng/ml EGF+ 10 ng/ml U0126), inhibitors group
      (exposure to 20 ng/ml SB203580 or exposure to 10 ng/ml U0126). Western blotting
      were used to investigate the expression levels of MMP-9, nuclear factor kappa B
      (NF-kappaB), p38MAPK, phospho-p38MAPK (p-p38MAPK), extracellular-signal regulated
      kinase (ERK) and phospho-ERK (p-ERK) protein in JEG-3 cells after incubation for
      24 hours. RESULTS: (1) The profiles of MMP-9 mRNA were increased by various
      concentrations of EGF (0, 1, 10, 20 ng/ml) in JEG-3 cells after 24 h-culture. The
      expression of MMP-9 mRNA in JEG-3 cells exposure at 1 ng/ml of EGF (0.567+/
      0.056), 10 ng/ml of EGF (1.392+/-0.133), 20 ng/ml of EGF (1.971+/-0.067) were
      significantly higher respectively (P<0.05), compared with 0 ng/ml of EGF
      treatment (0.166+/-0.015). Similarly, MMP-9 mRNAs were also increased with the
      increasing incubation time. Compared to EGF (10 ng/ml) stimulation for 0 h
      (0.253+/-0.044), the MMP-9 mRNA profiles were 0.470+/-0.026, 1.061+/-0.115,
      1.453+/-0.180 for 4, 12 and 24 hours, respectively (P<0.05). (2) In accordance to
      the mRNA profiles, the expression of MMP-9 protein was also increased by
      different concentrations of EGF (0, 1, 10, 20 ng/ml) in JEG-3 cells after 24 h
      culture. The abundance of MMP-9 protein in the three groups was 0.043+/-0.012,
      0.085+/-0.008, 0.142+/-0.015, with a significantly higher expression, compared
      with 0 ng/ml of EGF treatment (0.004+/-0.001, P<0.05) respectively. Similarly,
      MMP-9 proteins were also increased with the increasing incubation time. Compared
      to EGF (10 ng/ml) stimulation for 0 h (0.030+/-0.009), the profiles of MMP-9
      protein were 0.137+/-0.010, 0.240+/-0.010, 1.240+/-0.061 for 4, 12 and 24 hours,
      respectively (P<0.05). (3) Both p38MAPK and ERK signalling pathways were
      activated by EGF in JEG-3 cells. The expression of p-p38MAPK was significantly
      higher (without or with 10 ng/ml EGF, 234.1+/-4.1 vs. 260.9+/-2.5, P<0.05),
      however, the p38MAPK inhibitor SB203580 markedly suppressed the increase in p
      p38MAPK content induced by EGF (227.9+/-2.4 vs. 260.9+/-2.5, P<0.05). Similarly,
      the expression of p-ERK was significantly higher with EGF treatment (812.2+/-3.5)
      vs. without EGF group (453.4+/-5.8) (P<0.05), while the ERK inhibitor U0126
      significantly inhibited the increased p-ERK content in response to EGF treatment
      (71.0+/-1.2 vs. 812.2+/-3.5, P<0.05). (4) The p38MAPK inhibitor SB203580
      significantly reduced the expression of EGF-induced MMP-9 (0.645+/-0.270 vs.
      1.476+/-0.452, P<0.05) and NF-kappaB (0.530+/-0.026 vs. 0.959+/-0.017, P<0.05).
      (5) The ERK inhibitor U0126 also significantly reduced the expression of EGF
      induced MMP-9 (0.623+/-0.030 vs. 2.112+/-0.056, P<0.05) and NF-kappaB (0.325+/
      0.082 vs. 0.939+/-0.153, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: EGF induced the expression of MMP-9
      in a time and dose-dependant manner in JEG-3 cells. EGF enhanced MMP-9 expression
      through the activation of p38MAPK and ERK signalling pathways in JEG-3 cells.

PMID- 22041446
TI  - [Study on oriented differentiation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells by
      fibroblast in rat uterine ligament with mechanical stretch].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect on the differentiation of bone marrow
      mesenchymal stem cells (BMSC) with non-contact co-culture with mechanical
      stimulated ligament fibroblasts. METHODS: A cyclic 10% uniaxia strain at 1 Hz was
      applied on rat pelvic ligament fibroblasts, then were co-cultured with BMSC for
      3, 6 and 12 days in non-contact condition. The protein expression of collagen I,
      III in BMSC were detected by SP method and revealed by the mean gray value. The
      mRNA expressions of collagens type I and type III in the BMSCs were measured with
      real-time (RT)-PCR, and the results were indicated by the ratio between the mRNA
      and glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH). RESULTS: (1) Protein
      expression: after 3 days co-culture with pelvic ligament fibroblasts, expression
      of collagen I and III in BMSC are 82.4+/-3.4 and 76.8+/-2.5. When compared with
      80.2+/-2.6 and 74.6+/-1.1 in BMSC without co-culture, there was no significant
      difference (P>0.05). After 6 days co-culture with pelvic ligament fibroblasts,
      the expression of collagen I and III of 126.6+/-2.2 and 118.6+/-1.4 in BMSC were
      significantly higher than 82.7+/-3.0 and 76.2+/-1.3 in BMSC without co-culture
      (P<0.05). Similarly, after 12 days co-culture with pelvic ligament fibroblasts,
      the expression of collagen I and III of 135.3+/-3.4 and 128.7+/-2.6 in BMSC were
      significantly higher than 86.6+/-1.3 and 81.8+/-1.4 in BMSC without co-culture
      (P<0.05). (2) mRNA expression: after 3 days co-culture with pelvic ligament
      fibroblasts, the mRNA expression of type I and type III collagens in BMSC are
      2.10+/-0.20 and 1.20+/-0.30. When compared with mRNA expression of 2.01+/-0.12
      and 1.13+/-0.21 in BMSC without co-culture, no significant difference were
      observed (P>0.05). After 6 days co-culture with pelvic ligament fibroblasts, the
      mRNA expressions of type I and type III collagens mRNA were 5.60+/-0.21 and
      2.61+/-0.20, which were significantly higher than 3.70+/-0.33 and 1.82+/-0.14 in
      BMSC without coculture (P<0.05). After 12 days co-culture with pelvic ligament
      fibroblasts, the mRNA expressions of type I and type III collagens of 5.91+/-0.31
      and 2.92+/-0.23 were significantly higher than 4.04+/-0.21 and 2.04+/-0.13 in
      BMSC without co-culture (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Non-contact co-culture with
      mechanical stretch stimulated ligament fibroblasts, it might promote synthesis of
      types Iand III collagen in rat BMSCs and induced BMSC differentiated into pelvic
      ligament fibroblasts.

PMID- 22041447
TI  - [Establishment of cisplatin-resistant human endometrial cancer cell line and the
      study of its resistant mechanisms].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To establish the cisplatin (DDP)-resistant cell line from human
      endometrial cancer cell line Ishikawa and to investigate its resistant mechanism
      to DDP. METHODS: A resistant endometrial cancer cell line ISH/DDP was established
      by gradually increasing dose of cisplatin and high-dose stimulation. The
      resistant index was estimated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-zyl)-5-(3
      carboxymethoxyphenyl-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium, inner salt (MTS) assay.
      Cell growth curve, doubling time and cell cycle phase distribution were measured;
      drug-resistant protein of breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), P-glycoprotein
      (P-gp) and glutathione-S-transferase-pi (GST-pi) were examined by
      immuocytochemistry. Results The DDP-resistant cell line ISH/DDP was established
      with the resistant index of 3.77. The proliferation of ISH/DDP got slow, doubling
      time prolonged, which were 40.1 hours, while it was 34.1 hours in Ishikawa
      (P<0.05); and the cell number of G0/G1 phase [(44.3+/-5.7)% and (39.0+/-10.7)%,
      P>0.05] and G2/M phase [(11.9+/-0.7)% and (5.7+/-2.4)%, P<0.05] decreased, while
      S-phase [(44.2+/-6.1)% and (55.3+/-8.4)%, P<0.05] increased compared with parent
      cells. The comprehensive score of the expression of BCRP in ISH/DDP was 16.3+/
      2.0, while it was 13.4+/-1.5 in Ishikawa (P<0.05). The score of the expression of
      P-gp in ISH/DDP and Ishikawa were 15.5+/-1.2 and 16.1+/-1.0 (P>0.05),
      respectively. The score of the expression of GST-pi in ISH/DDP and Ishikawa were
      15.2+/-1.9 and 14.9+/-1.1 (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: ISH/DDP cell line showed a
      typical resistant phenotype and biological characteristics, which may be
      accounted for high BCRP expression.

PMID- 22041448
TI  - Prevalence and characteristics of quinolone resistance in Escherichia coli in
      veal calves.
AB  - Quinolone resistance is studied and reported increasingly in isolates from
      humans, food-producing animals and companion animals. Resistance can be caused by
      chromosomal mutations in topoisomerase genes, plasmid-mediated resistance genes,
      and active transport through efflux pumps. Cross sectional data on quinolone
      resistance mechanisms in non-pathogenic bacteria from healthy veal calves is
      limited. The purpose of this study was to determine the prevalence and
      characteristics of quinolone resistance mechanisms in Escherichia coli isolates
      from veal calves, after more than 20 years of quinolone usage in veal calves. MIC
      values were determined for all isolates collected as part of a national
      surveillance program on antimicrobial resistance in commensal bacteria in food
      producing animals in The Netherlands. From the strains collected from veal calves
      in 2007 (n=175) all isolates with ciprofloxacin MIC >= 0.125 mg/L (n=25) were
      selected for this study, and screened for the presence of known quinolone
      resistance determinants. In this selection only chromosomal mutations in the
      topoisomerase type II and IV genes were detected. The number of mutations found
      per isolate correlated with an increasing ciprofloxacin MIC. No plasmid-mediated
      quinolone resistance genes were found. The contribution of efflux pumps varied
      from no contribution to a 16-fold increase in susceptibility. No correlation was
      found with the presence of resistance genes of other antimicrobial classes, even
      though all quinolone non-wild type isolates were resistant to 3 or more classes
      of antibiotics other than quinolones. Over twenty years of quinolone usage in
      veal calves in The Netherlands did not result in a widespread occurrence of
      plasmid-mediated quinolone resistance, limiting the transmission of quinolone
      resistance to clonal distribution.

PMID- 22041450
TI  - Human cardiac myosin binding protein C: structural flexibility within an extended
      modular architecture.
AB  - New insights into the modular organization and flexibility of the N-terminal half
      of human cardiac myosin binding protein C (cMyBP-C) and information on the
      association state of the full-length protein have been deduced from a combined
      small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and NMR study. SAXS data show that the first
      five immunoglobulin domains of cMyBP-C, which include those implicated in
      interactions with both myosin and actin, remain monodisperse and monomeric in
      solution and have a highly extended yet distinctively 'bent' modular arrangement
      that is similar to the giant elastic muscle protein titin. Analyses of the NMR
      and SAXS data indicate that a proline/alanine-rich linker connecting the cardiac
      specific N-terminal C0 domain to the C1 domain provides significant structural
      flexibility at the N-terminus of the human isoform, while the modular arrangement
      of domains C1-C2-C3-C4 is relatively fixed. Domain fragments from the C-terminal
      half of the protein have a propensity to self-associate in vitro, while full
      length bacterially expressed cMyBP-C forms flexible extended dimers at micromolar
      protein concentrations. In summary, our studies reveal that human cMyBP-C
      combines a distinctive modular architecture with regions of flexibility and that
      the N-terminal half of the protein is sufficiently extended to span the range of
      interfilament distances sampled within the dynamic environment of heart muscle.
      These structural features of cMyBP-C could facilitate its putative role as a
      molecular switch between actin and myosin and may contribute to modulating the
      transverse pliancy of the C-zone of the A-band across muscle sarcomeres.

PMID- 22041449
TI  - Crystal structure of the ligand binding domain of netrin G2.
AB  - Netrin G proteins represent a small family of synaptic cell adhesion molecules
      related to netrins and to the polymerization domains of laminins. Two netrin G
      proteins are encoded in vertebrate genomes, netrins G1 and G2, which are known to
      bind the leucine-rich repeat proteins netrin G ligand (NGL)-1 and NGL-2,
      respectively. Netrin G proteins share a common multi-domain architecture
      comprising a laminin N-terminal (LN) domain followed by three laminin epidermal
      growth factor-like (LE) domains and a C' region containing a
      glycosylphosphatidylinositol anchor. Here, we use deletion analysis to show that
      the LN domain region of netrin Gs contains the binding site for NGLs to which
      they bind with 1:1 stoichiometry and sub-micromolar affinity. Netrin Gs are
      alternatively spliced in their LE domain regions, but the binding region, the LN
      domain, is identical in all splice forms. We determined the crystal structure for
      a fragment comprising the LN domain and domain LE1 of netrin G2 by sulfur single
      wavelength anomalous diffraction phasing and refined it to 1.8 A resolution. The
      structure reveals an overall architecture similar to that of laminin alpha chain
      LN domains but includes significant differences including a Ca(2+) binding site
      in the LN domain. These results reveal the minimal binding unit for interaction
      of netrin Gs with NGLs, define structural features specific to netrin Gs, and
      suggest that netrin G alternative splicing is not involved in NGL recognition.

PMID- 22041451
TI  - The role of tropomyosin domains in cooperative activation of the actin-myosin
      interaction.
AB  - To establish alpha-tropomyosin (Tm)'s structure-function relationships in
      cooperative regulation of muscle contraction, thin filaments were reconstituted
      with a variety of Tm mutants (Delta2Tm, Delta3Tm, Delta6Tm, P2sTm, P3sTm,
      P2P3sTm, P1P5Tm, and wtTm), and force and sliding velocity of the thin filament
      were studied using an in vitro motility assay. In the case of deletion mutants,
      Delta indicates which of the quasi-equivalent repeats in Tm was deleted. In the
      case of period (P) mutants, an Ala cluster was introduced into the indicated
      period to strengthen the Tm-actin interaction. In P1P5Tm, the N-terminal half of
      period 5 was substituted with that of period 1 to test the quasi-equivalence of
      these two Tm periods. The reconstitution included bovine cardiac troponin.
      Deletion studies revealed that period 3 is important for the positive cooperative
      effect of Tm on actin filament regulation and that period 2 also contributes to
      this effect at low ionic strength, but to a lesser degree. Furthermore, Tm with
      one extra Ala cluster at period 2 (P2s) or period 3 (P3s) did not increase force
      or velocity, whereas Tm with two extra Ala clusters (P2P3s) increased both force
      and velocity, demonstrating interaction between these periods. Most mutants did
      not move in the absence of Ca(2+). Notable exceptions were Delta6Tm and P1P5Tm,
      which moved near at the full velocity, but with reduced force, which indicate
      impaired relaxation. These results are consistent with the mechanism that the Tm
      actin interaction cooperatively affects actin to result in generation of greater
      force and velocity.

PMID- 22041452
TI  - A repeated coiled-coil interruption in the Escherichia coli condensin MukB.
AB  - MukB, a divergent structural maintenance of chromosomes (SMC) protein, is
      important for chromosome segregation and condensation in Escherichia coli and
      other gamma-proteobacteria. MukB and canonical SMC proteins share a common five
      domain structure in which globular N- and C-terminal regions combine to form an
      ATP-binding-cassette-like ATPase domain. This ATPase domain is connected to a
      central, globular dimerization domain by a long antiparallel coiled coil. The
      structures of both globular domains have been solved recently. In contrast,
      little is known about the coiled coil, in spite of its clear importance for SMC
      function. Recently, we identified interacting regions on the N- and C-terminal
      halves of the MukB coiled coil through photoaffinity cross-linking experiments.
      On the basis of these low-resolution experimental constraints, phylogenetic data,
      and coiled-coil prediction analysis, we proposed a preliminary model in which the
      MukB coiled coil is divided into multiple segments. Here, we use a disulfide
      cross-linking assay to detect paired residues on opposite strands of MukB's
      coiled coil. This method provides accurate register data and demonstrates the
      presence of at least five coiled-coil segments in this domain. Moreover, these
      studies show that the segments are interrupted by a repeated, unprecedented
      deviation from canonical coiled-coil structure. These experiments provide a
      sufficiently detailed view of the MukB coiled coil to allow rational manipulation
      of this region for the first time, opening the door for structure-function
      studies of this domain.

PMID- 22041453
TI  - Stopping the control arm in response to the DSMB: mother's choice of HIV
      prophylaxis during breastfeeding in the BAN Study.
AB  - The Data and Safety Monitoring Board (DSMB) for the Breastfeeding,
      Antiretrovirals, and Nutrition study, a clinical trial aimed to prevent postnatal
      HIV transmission, recommended halting randomization to the enhanced standard-of
      care (control) arm. The 67 mother-infant pairs on the control arm and less than
      21 weeks postpartum at the time of the DSMB recommendation were read a script
      informing them of the DSMB decision and offering them the maternal or infant
      antiretroviral interventions for the remainder of the 28-week breastfeeding
      period. This paper describes the BAN study response to the DSMB decision and what
      the women on the control arm chose, when given a choice to start the maternal or
      infant antiretroviral interventions.

PMID- 22041454
TI  - Oxidants, metabolism, and stem cell biology.
AB  - Adult stem cells persist throughout the lifetime of the organism and may
      therefore require specific mechanisms to limit the effects of chronic oxidative
      stress. Recently, several instructive genetic mouse models have demonstrated the
      unique susceptibility of stem cells to perturbations in metabolic or redox
      homeostasis. These results have implications not only for stem cell biology but
      also suggest a mechanistic link between intracellular oxidants and the decline in
      regenerative function that occurs as a normal consequence of aging.

PMID- 22041455
TI  - Monascin from red mold dioscorea as a novel antidiabetic and antioxidative stress
      agent in rats and Caenorhabditis elegans.
AB  - Monascin is a major yellow compound from red mold dioscorea. We investigated
      monascin to test whether this compound acts as an antidiabetic and antioxidative
      stress agent in diabetic rats and Caenorhabditis elegans. The mechanisms by which
      monascin exerts its action in vivo were also examined. Streptozotocin (STZ)
      induced diabetic rats were given monascin at 30 mg/kg/day and sacrificed after 8
      weeks. Blood glucose and serum insulin, triglyceride, total cholesterol, and high
      density lipoprotein and antioxidative enzymes in the pancreas of rats were
      measured. In addition, monascin was evaluated for stress resistance and potential
      associated mechanisms in C. elegans. Throughout the 8-week experimental period,
      significantly lowered blood glucose, serum triglyceride, and total cholesterol
      and higher high-density lipoprotein levels were observed in monascin-treated
      rats. Monascin-treated rats showed higher serum insulin level, lower reactive
      oxygen species production, and higher activities of glutathione peroxidase,
      superoxide dismutase, and catalase in the pancreas compared to diabetic control
      rats. In addition, monascin significantly induced the hepatic mRNA levels of
      FOXO3a, FOXO1, MnSOD, and catalase in STZ-induced diabetic rats. Monascin-treated
      C. elegans showed an increased survival rate during oxidative stress and heat
      stress treatments compared to untreated controls. Moreover, monascin extended the
      life span under high-glucose conditions and enhanced expression of small heat
      shock protein (sHSP-16.2), superoxide dismutase (SOD-3), and glutathione S
      transferase (GST-4) in C. elegans. Finally, we showed that monascin affected the
      subcellular distribution of the FOXO transcription factor DAF-16, whereas it was
      unable to enhance oxidative stress resistance in the daf-16 deletion mutant in C.
      elegans. Mechanistic studies in rats and C. elegans suggest that the protective
      effects of monascin are mediated via regulation of the FOXO/DAF-16-dependent
      insulin signaling pathway by inducing the expression of stress
      response/antioxidant genes, thereby enhancing oxidative stress resistance.

PMID- 22041456
TI  - Genomic instability induced by mutant succinate dehydrogenase subunit D (SDHD) is
      mediated by O2(-*) and H2O2.
AB  - SDHD mutations are associated with human cancers but the mechanisms that may
      contribute to transformation are unknown. The hypothesis that mutations in SDHD
      increase levels of superoxide leading to genomic instability was tested using
      site-directed mutagenesis to generate a truncated SDHD cDNA that was expressed in
      Chinese hamster fibroblasts. Stable expression of mutant SDHD resulted in 2-fold
      increases in steady-state levels of superoxide that were accompanied by a
      significantly increased mutation rate as well as a 70-fold increase in mutation
      frequency at the hprt locus. Overexpression of MnSOD or treatment with
      polyethylene glycol conjugated (PEG)-catalase suppressed mutation frequency in
      SDHD mutant cells by 50% (P<0.05). Simultaneous treatment with PEG-catalase and
      PEG-SOD suppressed mutation frequency in SDHD mutant cells by 90% (P<0.0005).
      Finally, 95% depletion of glutathione using l-buthionine-[S,R]-sulfoximine (BSO)
      in SDHD mutant cells caused a 4-fold increase in mutation frequency (P<0.05).
      These results demonstrate that mutations in SDHD cause increased steady-state
      levels of superoxide which significantly contributed to increases in mutation
      rates and frequency mediated by superoxide and hydrogen peroxide. These results
      support the hypothesis that mutations in SDHD may contribute to carcinogenesis by
      increasing genomic instability mediated by increased steady-state levels of
      reactive oxygen species.

PMID- 22041457
TI  - Wnt/beta-catenin pathway forms a negative feedback loop during TGF-beta1 induced
      human normal skin fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition is a key event during wound
      healing and hypertrophic scar formation. Previous studies suggested Wnt/beta
      catenin signaling might be involved in the wound healing. However, its specific
      role in skin fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition remains unclear. OBJECTIVE:
      To investigate the specific role of beta-catenin during the transforming growth
      factor-beta1 induced normal skin myofibroblasts transition. METHODS: By real-time
      quantitative polymerase chain reaction, Western-blot and immunocytochemistry, the
      activation of Wnt/beta-catenin pathway in cultured human normal skin fibroblasts
      during TGF-beta1 induced fibroblast-to-myofibroblast transition was investigated.
      The effects of beta-catenin on myofibroblasts transition were also investigated
      when SB-216763, over-expression and siRNA of beta-catenin were utilized. In
      addition, fibroblasts populated collagen lattices contraction assays were
      conducted to examine the effects of beta-catenin on the contractility of the
      fibroblasts induced by TGF-beta1. Furthermore, the effects of beta-catenin on the
      expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin and collagen types I and III in
      hypertrophic scar derived fibroblasts were studied. RESULTS: The expression of
      Wnts mRNA and beta-catenin protein was up-regulated by TGF-beta1 stimulation
      during the myofibroblasts transition. Both of SB-216763 and beta-catenin over
      expression was paralleled with decreased expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin,
      collagen types I and III, while siRNA targeting beta-catenin leads to up
      regulation of alpha-smooth muscle actin, collagen types I and III. The increased
      contractility and alpha-smooth muscle actin expression of the fibroblasts in the
      collagen lattices induced by TGF-beta1 was inhibited by SB-216763. In addition,
      the expression levels of alpha-smooth muscle actin, collagen types I and III in
      hypertrophic scar derived fibroblasts were also down-regulated by SB-216763.
      CONCLUSION: Specifically in normal skin fibroblasts, beta-catenin might be
      involved in the myofibroblasts transition and negatively regulate the TGF-beta1
      induced myofibroblast transition.

PMID- 22041458
TI  - Pharmacogenomic study of side-effects for antidepressant treatment options in
      STAR*D.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Understanding individual differences in susceptibility to
      antidepressant therapy side-effects is essential to optimize the treatment of
      depression. METHOD: We performed genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to search
      for genetic variation affecting the susceptibility to side-effects. The analysis
      sample consisted of 1439 depression patients, successfully genotyped for 421K
      single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), from the Sequenced Treatment Alternatives
      to Relieve Depression (STAR*D) study. Outcomes included four indicators of side
      effects: general side-effect burden, sexual side-effects, dizziness and
      vision/hearing-related side-effects. Our criterion for genome-wide significance
      was a prespecified threshold ensuring that, on average, only 10% of the
      significant findings are false discoveries. RESULTS: Thirty-four SNPs satisfied
      this criterion. The top finding indicated that 10 SNPs in SACM1L mediated the
      effects of bupropion on sexual side-effects (p = 4.98 * 10(-7), q = 0.023).
      Suggestive findings were also found for SNPs in MAGI2, DTWD1, WDFY4 and CHL1.
      CONCLUSIONS: Although our findings require replication and functional validation,
      this study demonstrates the potential of GWAS to discover genes and pathways that
      could mediate adverse effects of antidepressant medication.

PMID- 22041459
TI  - DNA methylation in stem cell renewal and multipotency.
AB  - Owing to their potential for differentiation into multiple cell types,
      multipotent stem cells extracted from many adult tissues are an attractive stem
      cell resource for the replacement of damaged tissues in regenerative medicine.
      The requirements for cellular differentiation of an adult stem cell are a loss of
      proliferation potential and a gain of cell-type identity. These processes could
      be restricted by epigenetic modifications that prevent the risks of lineage
      unrelated gene expression or the undifferentiated features of stem cells in adult
      somatic cells. In this review, we focus on the role of DNA methylation in
      controlling the transcriptional activity of genes important for self-renewal, the
      dynamism of CpG methylation of tissue-specific genes during several
      differentiation programs, and whether the multilineage potential of adult stem
      cells could be imposed early in the original precursor stem cells through CpG
      methylation. Additionally, we draw attention to the role of DNA methylation in
      adult stem cell differentiation by reviewing the reports on spontaneous
      differentiation after treatment with demethylating agents and by considering the
      evidence provided by reprogramming of somatic cells into undifferentiated cells
      (that is, somatic nuclear transfer or generation of induced pluripotent cells).
      It is clear from the evidence that DNA methylation is necessary for controlling
      stem cell proliferation and differentiation, but their exact contribution in each
      lineage program is still unclear. As a consequence, in a clinical setting,
      caution should be exerted before employing adult stem cells or their derivatives
      in regenerative medicine and appropriate tests should be applied to ensure the
      integrity of the genome and epigenome.

PMID- 22041460
TI  - Stereoselective synthesis of (RP)-8-substituted-N6-acylated and N6-alkylated
      adenosine-3',5'-cyclic phosphorothioic acids as cAMP antagonists.
AB  - N(6)-Monoalkylated, N(6)-dialkylated and N(6)-acylated (R(P))-adenosine 3',5'
      cyclic phosphorothioic acids have been prepared by stereoselective syntheses from
      cAMP for a study of protein kinase A antagonist activity. The antagonist activity
      of the parent primary 6-amino cAMP derivative was reduced after N-monoalkylation.
      No significant activity was detected in the N,N-dialkylated derivative. Mono N
      acylation had little effect on the activity. Hydrogen bonding involving the 6
      amino group in cAMPS seems necessary for activity.

PMID- 22041461
TI  - Randomised trials in child health in developing countries 2011.

PMID- 22041462
TI  - Big hopes for the children of the world: a review of the Millennium Development
      Goals.
AB  - The Millennium Development Goals are a set of eight goals drafted by the United
      Nations in 2000 with the aim of improving the health and welfare of people
      worldwide. The goals provide specific targets to be met by 2015, using the 1990
      basis as a standard. This review  presents these goals as they relate to
      children, discussing progress and future aims. Although not all eight goals
      specifically address children, each has its own impact on global child health.
      Thus far, much progress has been made, but increased rates of improvement must be
      achieved in order  to meet the goals by 2015 and improve the health of children
      worldwide.

PMID- 22041463
TI  - Missed opportunities for prevention of tuberculosis in children.

PMID- 22041464
TI  - Opportunities for chemoprophylaxis in children with culture-confirmed
      tuberculosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Chemoprophylaxis is an effective strategy to prevent
      progression of tuberculosis (TB) in vulnerable children who have had contact with
      an infectious source of TB. However, many operational gaps prevent implementation
      of routine chemoprophylaxis  in high-burden settings. The TB exposure status and
      disease spectrum in children diagnosed with culture-confirmed TB are described
      and missed opportunities for chemoprophylaxis are highlighted. METHODS: All
      children <13 years of age diagnosed with culture-confirmed TB at a tertiary 
      referral hospital between March 2003 and February 2007 were included. Clinical
      data were collected from retrospective review of files. TB was classified as
      pulmonary and extra-pulmonary; disseminated TB included miliary disease and TB
      meningitis. RESULTS: During the study period,  614 children (327, 53.3% boys,
      median age 32 months) were diagnosed with culture-confirmed TB. Contact with an
      infectious adult source case was documented in 333 (54.2%), 237 (71.2%) of whom
      were <5 years of age, and 24 (7.2%) were HIV-infected and >=5 years  of age. Of
      those eligible for chemoprophylaxis, missed opportunities were identified in
      156/221 (70.6%) children; 127 (81.4%) were <3 years of age, 39 (25%) had
      disseminated TB and 8 (5.1%) died. The TB source case was the mother or father in
      74/156 (47.4%) children. CONCLUSION: Opportunities for initiation of
      chemoprophylaxis in vulnerable children following TB exposure are often missed.
      Awareness should be increased among health-care workers and in the community at
      large regarding the importance of chemoprophylaxis in young and HIV-infected
      children. Health system  strengthening is required to improve delivery of
      chemoprophylaxis to vulnerable children in close contact with newly diagnosed
      infectious TB cases.

PMID- 22041465
TI  - Co-morbidity: exploring the clinical overlap between pneumonia and diarrhoea in a
      hospital in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is limited information on risk factors for pneumonia and
      pneumonia-related deaths in children who also have diarrhoea. AIM: To identify
      risk factors for the above in order to improve strategies for case management and
      to develop  appropriate public health messages. METHODS: All children under 5
      years of age admitted to the Special Care Ward, Dhaka Hospital of the
      International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research (ICDDR,B) from 1 September
      to 31 December 2007 were considered for enrollment if they also  had diarrhoea.
      Of the 258 children with diarrhoea enrolled, those with (n=198) or without (n=60)
      WHO-defined pneumonia constituted the pneumonia and comparison groups,
      respectively. Among the 198 children with pneumonia, children who survived
      (n=174)  were compared with those who died in hospital (n=24). RESULTS: After
      adjusting for socio-demographic factors, including low levels of literacy of
      either parent, low household income, not having a window or exhaust fan in the
      kitchen, household smoking and over-crowding,  children with pneumonia were more
      likely to sleep on a bare wooden-slatted or bamboo bed (OR 2.7, 95% CI 1.40-5.21,
      p = 0.003) than on other bedding, and were also more likely to have a parent/care
      giver with poor knowledge of pneumonia (OR  1.94, 95% CI 1.02-3.70, p=0.043).
      Independent risk factors for death include severe underweight (OR 5.2, 95% CI 1.2
      22.0, p=0.03), hypoxaemia (OR 17.5, 95% CI I 1.9-160.0,  p=0.01), severe sepsis
      (OR 8.7, 95% CI I 1.8-41.5, p=0.007) and lobar consolidation (OR 11.9, 95% CI 2.3
      61.6, p=0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Increased public  awareness of signs of pneumonia
      and severe sepsis in children under 5 is important to mitigate the risks of
      pneumonia and pneumonia-related deaths, and the importance of appropriate bedding
      for young children in reducing the risk of pneumonia needs to be addressed.

PMID- 22041466
TI  - Relationship of household food insecurity to anaemia in children aged 6-59 months
      among families in rural Indonesia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anaemia is a significant global public health problem in developing
      countries with adverse health effects on young children. Household food
      insecurity, which reflects a household's access, availability and utilisation of
      food, has not been  well characterised in relation to anaemia in children.
      OBJECTIVE: To examine the relationship of household food insecurity with anaemia
      (Hb <11 g/dl) in children. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study of 4940 rural
      households participating in the Indonesian Nutrition Surveillance  System,
      household food insecurity was measured using a modified 9-item food security
      questionnaire and related to anaemia in children aged 6-59 months. RESULTS: The
      proportion of households with an anaemic child was 56.6%. In households with and
      without anaemic children,  the mean (SD) food insecurity score was 1.82 (1.72) vs
      1.55 (1.54) (p<0.0001), respectively. In a multivariate logistic regression
      model, food insecurity score was related to anaemia in children (odds ratio 0.77,
      95% confidence interval  0.63-0.95, p=0.01) when the highest quintile of food
      insecurity score was compared with the lowest quintile, adjusting for potential
      confounders. CONCLUSION: A higher household food insecurity score is associated
      with greater prevalence  of anaemia in children in rural families in Indonesia.

PMID- 22041467
TI  - Adherence to antiretroviral therapy and its correlates among HIV-infected
      children at an HIV clinic in New Delhi.
AB  - BACKGROUND: With the introduction of antiretroviral therapy (ART), the mortality
      and morbidity of HIV/AIDS have decreased markedly. However, high adherence to ART
      (>95%) is necessary for a good therapeutic outcome. There is a paucity of data on
      paediatric  adherence to ART and its correlates from developing countries,
      particularly India. AIM: To determine the rate of adherence to ART in HIV
      infected Indian children and the factors associated with adherence. METHODS: A
      cross-sectional study was conducted at an ART clinic in  New Delhi, north India.
      Caregivers of 90 children were interviewed using a pre-designed, structured
      questionnaire and checklist. The primary measure of adherence was 4-day
      caregiver's recall. Adherence rates were correlated with 3-monthly CD4 counts.
      RESULTS: Mean (SD, range)  adherence was 91.4% (12.3, 75-100%). Adherence was low
      (<95%) in 31 (34.4%) patients. On multivariate logistic regression analysis,
      increasing time since ART initiation (OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.02-1.13), low caregiver
      educational status  (OR 4.19, 95% CI 1.37-10.88), orphanhood (OR 3.57, 95% CI
      1.13-9.25), efavirenz-based ART regimens (OR 3.65, 95% CI 1.05-10.69) and female
      gender (OR 3.15, 95% CI 1.03-7.68) were  associated with lower adherence. The
      rise in CD4 count after ART initiation was more marked in the high adherence
      group, with the difference in the two groups becoming statistically significant
      after 6 months of ART (median CD4 count 698 vs 355, p=0.016). CONCLUSIONS: It is
      possible to achieve high adherence to ART in a resource-limited setting.
      Caregiver recall is a reliable and inexpensive tool for measuring adherence.
      Paediatric adherence to ART is influenced by numerous factors and larger studies
      are needed to address the issue in India.

PMID- 22041468
TI  - Immediate versus as-needed acetaminophen for post-immunisation pyrexia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Local and minor systemic adverse events are frequently seen after
      routine immunisation with diphtheria-pertussis-tetanus. Antipyretics are
      frequently prescribed for these events and prophylactic administration of
      acetaminophen is occasionally  recommended. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether
      prophylactic administration of acetaminophen has any effect in reducing the
      incidence of post-vaccination side-effects. DESIGN: A prospective, comparative
      trial with telephone interview-based outcome assessment. SETTING: OPD and
      immunisation room of a tertiary-care paediatric hospital. SUBJECTS AND METHODS:
      167 children aged between 1.5 and 24 months presenting for routine immunisation
      were enrolled and allocated to the 'immediate' or 'as-needed' group. The
      immediate  group had received acetaminophen syrup (10-15 mg/kg, single dose)
      immediately after vaccination (n=89); children in the as-needed group were not
      given prophylactic acetaminophen (n=78). Parents of both groups were free to give
      further doses of acetaminophen  for fever, pain or irritability. The primary
      outcome was the incidence of parent-reported fever needing rescue acetaminophen,
      and the secondary outcome was the incidence of local side-effects. RESULTS: There
      was a statistically significant higher incidence of fever and irritability  in
      the 1st 6 hours following vaccination in the as-needed group (p=0.04). No
      difference was observed in the incidence of local and systemic side-effects or
      the median number of acetaminophen doses required by the children in the two
      groups. CONCLUSIONS: Routine prophylactic acetaminophen after DPT vaccination was
      effective in reducing the frequency of fever and irritability in the initial 6
      hours. However, given that a similar number of doses of acetaminophen was
      required in both groups, it seems inappropriate to expose all infants receiving 
      DPT vaccination to the possible adverse effects of routine administration of
      acetaminophen.

PMID- 22041469
TI  - Serum zinc levels are low in children with simple febrile seizures compared with
      those in children with epileptic seizures and controls.
AB  - AIM: To investigate serum zinc levels in children with simple febrile and
      epileptic seizures and compare them with controls. METHODS: A prospective, case
      control study was conducted between July 2009 and September 2010 in Kanchi
      Kamakoti CHILDS Trust  Hospital, Chennai. Sixty-seven children (22 with epileptic
      seizures, 23 with simple febrile seizures and 22 controls) were enrolled. Serum
      zinc level was estimated using atomic absorption spectrometry. RESULTS: Mean (SD)
      serum zinc level in children with epileptic seizures, simple  febrile seizures
      and controls were 969.8 (177.3), 638.1 (206.8) and 939.9 (258.4) ug/L,
      respectively (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Serum zinc levels are lower in children with
      febrile seizures than in those with epileptic seizures  and normal children. Zinc
      supplementation of children at risk of febrile seizures requires further study.

PMID- 22041470
TI  - Clinical profiles of 13 children with Plasmodium vivax cerebral malaria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bikaner region is endemic for both P. vivax and P. falciparum
      malaria. Usually, cerebral malaria is caused by P. falciparum but it has been
      reported recently also in P. vivax mono-infection. Epidemiologic studies and 
      clinical descriptions of P. vivax cerebral malaria in children are rare. AIMS: To
      describe the clinical features of PCR-confirmed cerebral malaria owing to P.
      vivax mono-infection and its clinico-laboratory profile in Bikaner, Northwest
      India. METHODS: This  observational prospective study was based on detailed
      clinical and laboratory investigation of children admitted with cerebral malaria
      owing to P. vivax between November 2008 and December 2010. Cerebral malaria was
      categorised according to the WHO (2000) criteria for P. falciparum  and the
      diagnosis of P. vivax mono-infection was established by peripheral blood film and
      rapid diagnostic tests and confirmed by polymerase chain reaction. The
      possibility of other diseases/infections causing similar illness were
      investigated thoroughly. RESULTS: Thirteen  children with P. vivax cerebral
      malaria were studied, eight of whom (61.5%) had multi-organ (two or more organs)
      dysfunction. Other associated severe manifestations included severe anaemia (7),
      hepatic dysfunction (2), renal dysfunction (2), bleeding manifestation (2),
      respiratory  distress (2), metabolic acidosis (2) and shock (one). Hypoglycaemia
      was not observed in any patient. There was no evidence of neurological sequelae.
      All the children were managed according to WHO guidelines using intravenous
      artisunate. Thrombocytopenia was detected in five and hyponatraemia  in four
      children. CONCLUSION: P. vivax mono-infection can cause cerebral malaria and
      multi-organ dysfunction.

PMID- 22041471
TI  - Pulmonary langerhans cell histiocytosis masquerading as tuberculosis in an
      infant.
AB  - A 4-month-old infant presented with continued fever, unresolving bronchopneumonia
      and household contact with sputum-smear-positive tuberculosis (TB) and showed
      marginal improvement on anti-TB chemotherapy. Recurrent pneumothorax prompted the
      clinical diagnosis of  TB to be revised. High-resolution CT scan of the chest and
      open lung biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of pulmonary Langerhans cell
      histiocytosis. Treatment with prednisolone and vinblastin resulted in settling of
      fever and resolution of respiratory symptoms and signs. In communities where the 
      prevalence of TB is high, unusual presentations should prompt consideration of
      alternative diagnoses.

PMID- 22041472
TI  - Bilateral symmetrical facial swelling owing to tuberculous gummas.
AB  - Metastatic tuberculous abscesses and gummas are unusual forms of cutaneous
      tuberculosis. They result from haematogeneous spread of the mycobacterium from a
      primary focus during a period of impaired immunity. A 5-year-old boy is reported
      who presented with spinal tuberculosis  and bilateral subcutaneous swelling of
      the cheeks owing to tuberculous gummas.

PMID- 22041473
TI  - Primary tuberculous cerebellar abscess: case report.
AB  - Tuberculous cerebellar abscess is a rare manifestation of central nervous system
      tuberculosis. An 8-year-old boy is described who presented with acute
      hydrocephalus and right hemiparesis owing to a cerebellar abscess.

PMID- 22041475
TI  - Epilepsy surgery in children compared to adults.
AB  - AIM: The purpose of this study was to compare the frequency of various surgical
      techniques and surgical outcome between pediatric and adult populations that
      underwent epilepsy surgery by the same team. METHODS: All patients who underwent
      epilepsy surgery at the Tel Aviv Medical Center between 1997 and 2006 and had
      been followed up for >2 years were eligible for this study. The majority (90%) of
      all epilepsy surgeries carried out in Israel were performed in this institution
      and by a single neurosurgeon. Only patients that underwent video-EEG monitoring
      as part of the presurgical evaluation were included in the study. RESULTS: A
      total of 186 patients (131 adults and 55 children) underwent epilepsy surgery in
      our institute during the study period, and follow-up was available for 177
      patients (95%). While the adults underwent significantly more temporal lobe
      resections (51 vs. 20%, p < 0.0001), the children had significantly more extra
      temporal non-lesional resections (18 vs. 1%, p < 0.0001) and hemispherectomies (5
      vs. 1%, p = 0.002). Over one half (54%) of all the patients had a postoperative
      reduction in seizures of >90%, and 72% had a reduction of >50%, with no group
      difference in surgical success. Among the lesionectomies, the outcome was better
      for tumors, especially those in the temporal lobe. Only 1% of the patients had a
      long-term neurological deficit. CONCLUSIONS: Children comprised 30% of the
      epilepsy surgical cases during the study period. Children underwent more non
      lesional resections and hemispherectomies, while adults underwent more temporal
      lobe resections. There was no age-related difference in surgical outcome.

PMID- 22041476
TI  - Medullary decussation of the lateral corticospinal tract.

PMID- 22041477
TI  - The occurrence of Listeria monocytogenes in imported ready-to-eat foods in Japan.
AB  - Quantitative analyses of Listeria monocytogenes in imported ready-to-eat (RTE)
      foods sold at retail stores in Japan were performed. Of the 77 non-cooked meat
      products, 6 samples (7.8%) tested positive. The levels of contamination of 4 of
      the samples were below 100 colony-forming units (CFU)/g, which is the
      microbiological criterion for L. monocytogenes in RTE foods as determined by
      Codex. However, Listeria cells at levels of 100 and 400 CFU/g were detected in a
      salami sample and a raw ham sample, respectively. All of the 70 cheese samples
      and the 3 samples made from raw ham and cheese showed negative test results.
      These results suggest that imported RTE foods are potential sources of the
      causative agent of listeriosis.

PMID- 22041479
TI  - [Paying more attention on the effects of excimer laser corneal refractive
      surgeries on the corneal biomechanical integrality].
AB  - Until now, in the territory of surgical methods, excimer laser refractive
      surgeries have being the main stream for correcting the ametropic eyes. The main
      cause of iatrogenic corneal ectasia and keratoconus, one of the most severe
      complications of corneal refractive surgeries, is the destruction of corneal
      biomechanics. Keeping corneal biomechanical integrality is the basis for long
      term effectiveness, stableness, and safety of the corneal refractive surgeries.
      The reasonable indication and surgical method decision, perioperative medical
      cares play very important roles in preventing those severe complications.

PMID- 22041478
TI  - Reduction of oxidative damage reflects a better kidney transplantation outcome.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: DNA fragmentation is one of the typical features of apoptosis,
      frequently induced by oxidative stress. Increased oxidative stress is known to be
      related to several pathological processes. In this study, we assessed oxidative
      damage in the early follow-up period after kidney transplantation measuring DNA
      oxidation and fragmentation of mononuclear cells and the circulating levels of
      inflammatory cytokines. METHODS: Blood samples from 30 kidney transplant
      recipients were collected before transplantation and after 2 days, 1 month and 6
      months. Oxidative DNA fragmentation was measured by Comet Assay, whereas DNA
      oxidation was evaluated measuring 8-OHdG leukocyte levels. Serum IL-1beta, IL-4,
      IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha were assayed using a multiplex ELISA
      analysis. RESULTS: At 6 months after transplantation, a significant reduction in
      DNA fragmentation and IL-6 plasma levels was observed; DNA oxidation was higher
      in patients with a worse outcome, with delayed graft function and low nutritional
      status. We also found a correlation of IL-6 and IL-10 levels with DNA
      fragmentation and of IL-10 levels with DNA oxidation. CONCLUSION: Low levels of
      oxidation and apoptosis at 6 months after transplantation correlate with a better
      recovery of renal function in kidney allografts. The measurement of cytokine
      levels confirmed a reduction of inflammatory parameters within 6 months of follow
      up.

PMID- 22041480
TI  - [Whether does the granular corneal dystrophy indicate for the excimer laser
      ablation surgery or not].
AB  - With the development of excimer laser technologies, the corneal refractive
      surgical procedures are improved constantly and the indication of excimer laser
      keratectomy is expanded. In clinic, PRK or LASEK or PTK or LASIK were performed
      on the eyes of granular corneal dystrophy with refractive error and the early
      results were satisfied, but the reoccurrence and server opacity of cornea are
      worried. Is this corneal disease the indication of excimer laser keratectomy?
      Nowadays, the exact indication for the disease should be declared in clinic. In
      this article, the customized treatment nomogram for three types of granular
      corneal dystrophy is explicated according to the clear classification and exact
      diagnosis on this disease, in order to apply the excimer laser keratectomy
      reasonably and correctly for the patient approaching the safe, effective and long
      term satisfactory result.

PMID- 22041481
TI  - [The clinical study of femtosecond lenticule extraction for myopia].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical efficacy, safety and predictability of
      femtosecond lenticule extraction (FLEx) for myopia. METHODS: This is a
      prospective Clinical trial involved 10 cases (10 eyes). The patients aged from 18
      years old to 53 years old, an average of (34 +/- 11) years old. Femtosecond
      lenticule extraction (FLEx) was used to treat myopia from -4.88 DS to -9.25 DS,
      an average of (-6.94 +/- 1.50) DS with cylinder from 0.50 DC to 3.0 um DC an
      average of (1.28 +/- 0.73)DC. Their corneal thickness were (527.10 +/- 29.05) um
      in an average. The patients were followed up for 6 to 10 months with visual
      acuity, manifest refraction, intraocular pressure, wavefront aberration, corneal
      topography and optical coherence tomography (OCT). SPSS software was used to
      analysis. RESULTS: FLEx procedure was done well in every patients without any
      scanning problem. No infection happened to in the trial. The patients' UCVA
      improved to 0.6 - 1.2 while BCVA improved 0.7 - 1.2 postoperatively. BCVA
      improved more than 2 lines in 2 eyes whereas 1 line in 2 eyes. No eye lost BCVA.
      The difference between pre-and postoperative refraction was within +/- 0.75 DS,
      an average of SE (-0.25 +/- 0.33) DS. No epicenter showed in topography.
      Spherical aberration increased slightly in 8 eyes but decreased in 2 eyes. OCT
      showed that stroma bed fit to each other very well. CONCLUSION: Femtosecond
      lenticule extraction appears to be efficiency, safety and predictable for myopia.
      Femtosecond lenticule extraction could have a good stroma fit. Its wavefront
      aberration changes need to further investigation.

PMID- 22041482
TI  - [Analysis of light scatter changes and relevant factors after laser refractive
      surgery].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the changes and relevant factors of forward scatter
      after Epipolis laser in situ keratomileusis (Epi-LASIK)and laser in situ
      keratomileusis (LASIK). METHODS: It was a prospective clinical comparative study.
      45 patients (45 eyes) were scheduled for Epi-LASIK and 42 patients (42 eyes) for
      LASIK. Straylight examinations were performed using the C-Quant straylight meter
      before and 1, 4, 10 months after surgery. The data was analyzed for statistical
      significance by one-way ANOVA and the correlation was tested by Pearson's test by
      using SPSS 13.0 software. RESULTS: The straylight values were (0.91 +/- 0.17),
      (1.03 +/- 0.15), (1.11 +/- 0.13), (1.01 +/- 0.16) of Epi-LASIK group and (0.96 +/
      0.14), (1.05 +/- 0.12), (1.10 +/- 0.12), (0.98 +/- 0.15) of LASIK group
      preoperatively and 1, 4, 10 months postoperatively respectively, which there were
      significant increase postoperatively in both groups (F = 12.29, 8.11; P < 0.05).
      Compared with preoperative values, the changes in straylight values at 1, 4 and
      10 months postoperatively were (0.12 +/- 0.18), (0.19 +/- 0.20), (0.08 +/- 0.16)
      of Epi-LASIK group and (0.09 +/- 0.13), (0.15 +/- 0.17), (-0.01 +/- 0.17) of
      LASIK group. In Epi-LASIK group, the preoperative refractive error, RBT/CCT, and
      ablation ratio have significant relevance with straylight values at 4 months
      postoperatively (r = -0.344, -0.361, 0.361; P < 0.05), no such correlation was
      found in LASIK group (r = 0.186, 0.162, -0.206; P > 0.05). For corneal haze which
      was found from 1 to 4 months after Epi-LASIK, grade 2, 1, 0.5 appeared in 1, 2, 4
      eyes respectively and the changes of straylight values were 0.52, (0.37, 0.42),
      (0.06, 0.09, 0.07, 0.17) at 4 months postoperatively. 10 months postoperatively,
      the increases of straylight values for the eye with grade 2 haze declined from
      0.52 to 0.11 after the haze disappeared. CONCLUSION: Straylight values increase
      significantly at early time after Epi-LASIK and LASIK, but decrease partially as
      time going. Corneal wound healing response may be the reasons induced the
      increases of light scatter after Epi-LASIK. For LASIK, flap interface factors may
      be the reasons. Corneal haze especially above mild grade, can affect the
      straylight obviously.

PMID- 22041483
TI  - [Preliminary study on preventive effects of timolol on myopic regression after
      laser in situ keratomileusis].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the preventive effects of early timolol eye drops
      application in patients after laser in situ keratomileusis (LASIK). METHODS:
      Sixty patients (60 eyes) were randomly assigned to the treatment group and the
      control group. Timolol was administered topically twice per day to the treatment
      group from the second week through the end of the first month. We observed the
      changes of intraocular pressure (IOP), spherical equivalent correction (SE),
      stimulated curvature (Simk), anterior chamber depth (ACD) and different value
      (Diff) both preoperatively and postoperatively, i.e. before and 1 week after
      LASIK, 1 month and 3 months after LASIK, respectively. All examinations were
      completed in person. Independent-samples T test, repeated-measures ANOVA, one-way
      ANOVA were used for statistical comparisons. Significance level was set to alpha
      = 0.05. RESULTS: The manifest refraction of treatment group was (-0.07 +/- 0.25)
      D, (0.04 +/- 0.21) D and (-0.05 +/- 0.12) D, respectively, while the control
      group was (-0.08 +/- 0.22) D, (-0.15 +/- 0.17) D and (-0.14 +/- 0.18) D,
      respectively, at 1 week, 1 and 3 months postoperatively. The difference between
      the two groups was significant (F = 5.68, P < 0.05) regardless of time. The IOP
      of treatment group was (12.63 +/- 2.56) mm Hg (1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa), (9.70 +/-
      1.88) mm Hg and (11.41 +/- 1.22) mm Hg, respectively, at 1 week, 1 and 3 months
      postoperatively. The control group did not change significantly throughout follow
      period. The changes of treatment group was significant in different periods (F =
      34.62, P < 0.01). After surgery, the posterior corneal surface of the treatment
      group displayed mean forward shift of (35.73 +/- 14.55) um and the control group
      did (45.80 +/- 19.86) um (t = 2.83, P < 0.05). The stimulated curvature (Simk)
      and anterior chamber depth (ACD) was not significantly different between the two
      groups at any postoperative visit. CONCLUSIONS: Our prospective study
      demonstrates that timolol is effective to stabilize the refraction after LASIK.
      Reduction of IOP and corneal ectasia may play a significant role in preventing
      myopic regression.

PMID- 22041484
TI  - [Changes of ocular higher order aberration in keratoconus eyes wearing rigid gas
      permeable contact lens].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the wavefront characteristics of normal and keratoconus
      eyes with and without rigid gas-permeable contact lens (RGPCL), and to evaluate
      the visual quality in keratoconus eyes corrected by RGPCL. METHODS: Retrospective
      study. Higher order aberrations (HOAs) of 90 eyes in 56 keratoconus patients and
      30 eyes of 17 subjects with refractive errors were quantified with a Bausch&Lomb
      Zywave Wavefront Analyzer. The keratoconus eyes were divided into mild (28 eyes),
      moderate (33 eyes) and severe (29 eyes) groups. Zernike's polynomial was used to
      describe the wavefront measurements. Root mean square (RMS) values of the total
      HOAs, S3, S4, S5, total coma (T. Coma) and total spherical aberrations (T. Sph)
      were obtained in the same eye with and without contact lenses. We used paired
      sample t-test and independent-samples t-test to analyze the data. RESULTS: Mean
      RMS values for High (F = 72.12, P(1) = 0.00), S3 (F = 68.15, P = 0.00), S4 (F =
      24.95, P(1) = 0.00), T. Coma (F = 44.67, P = 0.00), T. Sph (F = 28.90, P = 0.01)
      increased significantly from mild to sever keratoconus eyes RMS values of the
      total HOAs (t = 4.83), S3 (t = 4.39), total coma (t = 3.71) of refractive error
      eyes decreased significantly after fitting with RGPCL (P < 0.05). RMS values of
      the total HOAs (t = 8.27), S3 (t = 8.14), S4 (t = 2.29), total coma (t = 4.38) of
      mild keratoconus eyes decreased significantly after fitting with RGPCL (P < 0.05)
      RMS values of the total HOAs (t = 8.03), S3 (t = 7.22), s4 (t = 4.38), S5 (t =
      4.53), total coma (t = 5.26) and total spherical (t = 2.77) of moderate
      keratoconus eyes decreased significantly after fitting with RGPCL (P < 0.05).
      Every high front-wave aberration of mild keratoconus eyes decreased to refractive
      error eyes'level after RGPCL fitting. Moderate (t(HOAs) = 0.63, t(s3) = 0.31,
      t(s4) = 1.70, t(s5) = 0.95, t(coma) = 0.06, t(spherical) = 1.99) and sever
      keratoconus eyes' higher order aberrations decreased significantly after RGPCL
      fitting (t(HOAs) = 7.50, t(s3) = 5.25, t(s4) = 5.50, t(s5) = 3.02, t(coma) =
      5.90, t(spherical) = 4.60), but they still degrade compared with refractive error
      eyes (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: RGPCL could reduce high aberrations and improve
      optical quality in keratoconus eyes. But the visual performance in moderate and
      severe keratoconus eyes with a RGPCLs is still poorer than that of normal eyes
      even if the corrected visual acuity is good.

PMID- 22041485
TI  - [The analysis of axial length changes in the phakic eyes after posterior chamber
      implantation of lens to correct high myopia].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To definitive axial length measuring mode of the phakic eyes after
      posterior chamber implantation of lens. METHODS: All patients came from the
      Ophthalmology Hospital of China Medical University. Seventy patients with 135
      eyes, aged 21 - 48 years old. Among this group 28 were male, 53 eyes; 42 were
      female, 82 eyes. A-ultrasound and IOL-Master was used to measure axial length one
      week before preoperative and three months after ICL implantation. There are two
      measuring mode in A-ultrasound and IOL-Master: normal and special. All the
      results were analysed by the SPSS11.5 statistical methods. RESULTS: (1)
      preoperative AXL of A-ultrasound and IOL-Master average are: (27.81 +/- 0.22) mm,
      (28.02 +/- 0.22) mm; (2) postoperative AXL of phakic and Pseudophakic PMMA mode
      of IOL-Master average are: (28.01 +/- 0.22) mm, (28.12 +/- 0.22) mm; (3)
      postoperative AXL of normal and special mode of A-ultrasound average are: (27.82
      +/- 0.22) mm, (26.40 +/- 0.21) mm. CONCLUSION: According to the different
      measuring mode, there are some difference of AXL between the preoperative and
      postoperative ICL. The more accurately measuring mode is IOL-Master phakic mode
      before and after operation. A-ultrasound normal mode can be used if the lens
      become so turbid that the AXL can't be obtained by IOL-Master.

PMID- 22041486
TI  - [Conductive keratoplasty for presbyopia and two years follow-up].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of conductive keratoplasty (CK) for
      presbyopia and 2 years follow-up. METHODS: This study is prospective clinical
      trial. CK was performed on 34 patients for presbyopia, in which 26 hyperopic
      patients underwent binocular operations and 8 emmetropic patients underwent
      monocular operation. The following-up time was 24 months. RESULTS: At 24 months
      postoperatively, for the hyperopia group, binocular uncorrected near visual
      acuity (33 cm) (5-logMAR) (4.63 +/- 0.12) was increased significantly (t = 9.237,
      P < 0.001) compared pre-operatively (4.06 +/- 0.15); binocular uncorrected
      distance visual acuity (4.99 +/- 0.02) was significantly increased (t = 6.718, P
      < 0.05) compared pre-operatively (4.82 +/- 0.21); for the emmetropia group,
      binocular uncorrected near visual acuity (33 cm) (5-logMAR) (4.68 +/- 0.16) was
      increased significantly (t = 10.413, P < 0.001) compared pre-operatively (4.13 +/
      0.18); binocular uncorrected distance visual acuity was same as pre-operative
      one; compared pre-operatively (+0.97 +/- 0.63D), manifest refractive spherical
      equivalent was decreased significantly (P < 0.001) to peak value (-1.21 +/- 1.00)
      D at 1 week, and then regressed to a relative plateau (-0.40 +/- 0.70) D at 24
      months; the regressive rate was decreased from (+0.35 +/- 0.44) D/month at 1
      month postoperatively to (+0.01 +/- 0.01) D/months at 24 months postoperatively.
      Contrast sensitivity and glare sensitivity, intraocular pressure, tear break-up
      time, endothelial cell count, central corneal thickness, stereopsis function and
      best corrected visual acuity were not significantly changed. CONCLUSIONS: For
      treatment of presbyopia, CK appeared to be safe, effective, refractive
      predictable and controllable, and relatively stable at 24 months post
      operatively. More long-time follow-up is necessary for further evaluation.

PMID- 22041487
TI  - [Selection of Chinese characters for visual acuity charts using psychophysical
      methods].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the legibility in use of psycho-physical
      methods to select Chinese characters for visual acuity charts. METHODS: Twenty
      eight subjects with the raw visual acuity or best corrected visual acuity of 
      0.11 +/- 0.06 (LogMAR) were recruited for this study. Ninety Chinese characters
      with similar Fourier frequency spectrum were used as candidates for the selection
      of visual targets. Thirty-seven Chinese characters with each consisted of
      horizontal, vertical and oblique strokes were selected from these candidates. Six
      different-sized BMP images for each selected Chinese character were made based on
      the average visual acuity threshold of all the selected characters. The accuracy
      rate for all subjects to read each size of the BMP images was averaged. Graphs
      correlating the font sizes with the accuracy rates were formed using Weibull
      function imitation, which provided a visual acuity (VA) threshold and slope for
      each Chinese character selected. RESULTS: Among the 37 Chinese characters
      selected, 17 had a VA threshold 6.16 +/- 0.54 (unit: arc) and 20 had a VA
      threshold of 8.20 +/- 0.71. The slope for characters with low stroke number and
      medium stroke number was 5.91 +/- 2.18 and 11.18 +/- 3.55, respectively. Based on
      the similarity in VA thresholds and slopes, 10 Chinese characters were finally
      determined as the visual targets for a lower stroke-number Chinese visual acuity
      chart (tb: 5.84 +/- 0.36, beta: 4.72 +/- 0.85). Another 10 characters "rdquo;
      (tb: 8.38 +/- 0.24, beta: 10.47 +/- 3.9) were determined as the visual targets
      for a medium stroke-number Chinese visual chart. CONCLUSION: Analysis using
      Fourier frequency spectrum provides an objective method in the selection of
      Chinese characters for Chinese visual acuity charts. A psychological test for
      this selection would further confirm the legibility of the method used in this
      study.

PMID- 22041488
TI  - [Research of the change tendency of corneal transplantation indications from 2000
      to 2009].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyzed retrospectively the indications of corneal
      transplantations, including penetrating keratoplasty (PKP), lamellar keratoplasty
      (LKP) and corneal transplantation combined with anterior and posterior segment
      surgery in Qingdao Eye Hospital, Shandong Eye Institute. And compare the changes
      of the indications between the first five years and the last five years. METHODS:
      The patients who received PKP, LKP and corneal transplantation combined with
      anterior and posterior segment surgeries in Qingdao Eye Hospital, Shandong Eye
      Institute between January 2000 and December 2009 were reviewed retrospectively.
      From 2000 to 2009, 3649 cases (3741 eyes) of corneal transplantations have
      complete data, including male 2518 cases (2582 eyes), female 1131 cases (1159
      eyes); PKP 2594 cases (2667 eyes), LKP 1055 cases (1074 eyes). Compare and
      analysis the indications and its changes between 2000 - 2004 and 2005 - 2009 two
      periods. RESULTS: During the first period, the leading indications for PKP, in
      order of decreasing frequency, were purulent keratitis (440 cases, 442 eyes),
      keratoconus (241 cases, 274 eyes), herpes simplex keratitis (HSK) (229 cases, 229
      eyes), the leading indications for LKP were purulent keratitis (221 cases, 221
      eyes), corneal burn (including thermal and chemical burn) (106 cases, 106 eyes),
      others (mainly refers to the phlyctenular keratitis, interstitial keratitis, et
      al) (79 cases, 79 eyes), the ratio of PKP and LKP is 2.5 to 1.0. During the
      second period the leading indications for PKP, in order of decreasing frequency,
      were purulent keratitis (330 cases, 330 eyes), HSK (124 cases, 124 eyes),
      keratoconus (99 cases, 105 eyes), the leading indications for LKP were purulent
      keratitis (230 cases, 236 eyes), keratoconus (97 cases, 101 eyes), corneal
      dystrophy and degeneration (42 cases, 49 eyes), the ratio of PKP and LKP is 1.7
      to 1.0. CONCLUSIONS: Purulent keratitis is the main indication of corneal
      transplantation, the choice of LKP significantly increase. LKP has become the
      first surgical choice of purulent keratitis and keratoconus.

PMID- 22041489
TI  - [Relationship between central visual acuity and retinal volume of macular fovea
      accessed by spectral domain optical coherence tomography in Stargardt disease].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between central visual acuity and retinal
      volume of macular fovea in patients with Stargardt disease by spectral-domain
      optical coherence tomography (SD OCT). METHODS: It was a retrospective case
      series study. Twenty eyes of 10 patients with Stargardt disease were investigated
      by three-dimensional spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. SD OCT images
      were obtained and retrospectively analyzed. The retinal volumes of macular fovea
      were measured by SD OCT, whose diameters were set as 3 mm and 1 mm separately
      (volume 3 and volume 1). The retinal thickness of macular fovea (macular
      thickness) and the width of IS/OS conjunction loss of macular fovea (IS/OS loss)
      were also measured by SD OCT. We correlated the logMAR BCVA with IS/OS loss,
      macular thickness, volume 3 and volume 1 by linear regression analysis. RESULTS:
      LogMAR BCVA was from 0.3 to 1.22. IS/OS loss was from 847 um to 5306 um. Macular
      thickness was from 20 um to 126 um. Volume 3 and volume 1 was from 1.06 to 1.76
      mm(3) and 0.06 to 0.13 mm(3). LogMAR BCVA correlated with the IS/OS loss (r =
      0.695, P < 0.05), macular thickness (r = -0.601, P < 0.05), and volume 3(r = 
      0.725, P < 0.05). LogMAR BCVA did not correlate with volume 1(r = -0.364, P >
      0.05). CONCLUSIONS: SD OCT could demonstrate the retinal structure of Stargardt
      disease clearly. The retinal volume of macular fovea accessed by SD OCT
      correlated with the visual acuity of Stargardt disease.

PMID- 22041490
TI  - [Pathological changes of grafted vein after repairing lacrimal canaliculus with
      autogenous vein graft in rabbits].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the pathological changes of grafted vein after repairing
      lacrimal canaliculus with autogenous vein graft in rabbits. METHODS: Experimental
      research. Sixty rabbits were used in the present study. One side of lacrimal
      canaliculus was disconnected to produce an experimental model. The canaliculus
      injury was repaired by autogenous vein graft. Pathological changes and cell
      proliferation of grafted vein segment were observed by routine HE stain and
      immunohistochemistry. The cell ultrastructure changes were observed by scanning
      electron microscope at 1, 3, 5, 7, 14 and 28 day after the operation. RESULTS:
      Experimental models were successfully established in 60 rabbits. Endothelial
      cells of grafted vein segment gradually disappeared after operation, the vein
      lumen was covered by canalicular epithelial cells 7 days after the operation. At
      the same time some variations of epithelial cells and exposed collagen fiber
      structure in subendothelial layer were found by scanning electron microscope. The
      vein lumen was completely covered with stratified squamous epithelium 28 days
      after the operation and no epithelial defect could be found by scanning electron
      microscope. Inflammatory cell infiltration, smooth muscle cell degeneration and
      fibroblast proliferation were observed in the subepithelial connective tissues.
      The reconstruction of propria lamina required more than 28 day. CONCLUSION: After
      autogenous vein graft repairing lacrimal canaliculus, endothelial cells of
      grafted vein were replaced by canalicular epithelial cells and the propria lamina
      of grafted vein segment was reconstructed.

PMID- 22041491
TI  - [Research of factors related to invasion and metastasis in choroidal melanoma].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of factors related to invasion and
      metastasis in choroidal melanoma and to determine their relationships with
      malignant features. METHODS: The expression of Connexin43 (Cx43), epithelial
      cadherin (E-cadherin), phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and connective tissue
      growth factor (CTGF) in choroidal melanoma and nevi were detected by
      immunohistochemistry, and the correlation between these factors and
      clinicopathological features were analyzed. RESULTS: Positive rates of Cx43, E
      cadherin, PI3K and CTGF were 74.07% (20/27), 44.4% (12/27), 74.07% (20/27) and
      66.67% (18/27) in choroidal melanoma tissues, respectively; and 33.33% (5/15),
      86.67% (13/15), 33.33% (5/15) and 20.00% (3/15) in the nevi tissues,
      respectively. There were significant differences in the expression of these
      markers between the two groups (chi(2) = 5.060, P = 0.024; chi(2) = 5.490, P =
      0.019; chi(2) = 5.060, P = 0.024; chi(2) = 6.637, P = 0.010). The expression
      rates of Cx43 protein were 40% (4/10), 88.89% (8/9) and 100% (8/8) in spindle,
      mixed and epithelioid cell type, respectively. The expression of these data was
      related to histological type (chi(2) = 9.874, P = 0.007). The expression rates of
      PI3K protein were 42.86% (3/7), 75% (9/12) and 100% (8/8), in small, medium and
      large tumors, respectively, and their expression were co-related to the tumor
      size (chi(2) = 6.357, P = 0.042). Positive rates of Cx43, E-cadherin, PI3K and
      CTGF were 50% (6/12), 83.33% (10/12), 50% (6/12) and 41.66% (5/12), respectively,
      in choroidal melanoma tissues without sclera invasion and were 93.33% (14/15),
      40% (6/15), 93.33% (14/15) and 86.67% (13/15), respectively, in choroidal
      melanoma tissues with violation involved the sclera. There were significant
      differences of the expression of these markers between the two groups (chi(2) =
      4.457, P = 0.016; chi(2) = 3.546, P = 0.028; chi(2) = 4.457, P = 0.016; chi(2) =
      4.218, P = 0.019). CONCLUSION: Increased expression of Cx43, PI3K and CTGF and
      decreased expression of E-cadherin are involved in the processes of invasion and
      metastasis of choroidal melanoma.

PMID- 22041492
TI  - [Analysis of authors and endemic distribution of articles published in Chinese
      Journal of Ophthalmology from 2000 to 2009].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the authors, the institution and endemic distribution
      of these authors of Chinese Journal of Ophthalmology, and understand the current
      situation and problems in the field of Ophthalmology. METHODS: Using the
      bibliometrics methods, we analyzed the authors, the co-authors and the core
      authors of papers published between 2000 to 2009. The distribution of institution
      and region and highly quantitative organization were also analyzed. RESULTS: The
      2495 papers were published by the Journal within 10 years. 1091 authors (72.68%
      of total first authors) published only one paper. There were 705 (28.26%) papers
      from 105 (7.00%) core authors. There were 2238 papers with one or more co
      authors, the cooperative rate and degree were 89.70% and 3.91, respectively. 257
      papers were written by single author, which accounted for 10.30% of total papers.
      According to the distribution of Province, Beijing was the first of rank with 726
      (29.10%) papers, the second was Guangdong Province by 335 (13.43%) papers,
      Shanghai was the third with 257 (10.30%) papers. The number of papers from
      affiliated hospital, provincial or municipal hospitals, county hospitals,
      military hospitals were 1853 (74.27%), 227 (9.10%), 17 (0.68%) and 164 (6.57%),
      respectively. 1391 (55.75%) papers were from 16 high-productivity institutes.
      CONCLUSIONS: Authors of the Chinese Journal of Ophthalmology are from widely
      distributed area and have a highly cooperative rate, but the distribution was
      disproportion. The core authors are active and talented, who have a great
      influence on this journal. The highly-productivity Province are Beijing,
      Guangdong and Shanghai, even the authors were from widely distributed area.

PMID- 22041493
TI  - [Protein post-translational modification and age-related cataract].
AB  - Cataract is the main cause of vision impairment, and age-related cataract is the
      most common type of cataract. Protein post-translational modification is the
      enzymatic processing of a polypeptide chain after translation from messenger RNA
      and after peptide bond formation has occurred. Deamidation, glycation and
      oxidation are age-related processes. They can change the structure or solubility
      of crystallin and result in the opacity of lens while acetylation and methylation
      may be related to the protection of lens protein. Although much effort has been
      directed towards slowing progression or preventing the occurrence of cataract,
      the management of cataract remains surgical. This review deals with the relations
      between different kinds of protein post-translational modification and age
      related cataract as well as some protective methods aiming at the process of post
      translational modification.

PMID- 22041494
TI  - [Ocular toxicity associated with drugs].
AB  - The clinical manifestation of ocular toxicity associated with drugs are various.
      The ocular toxic manifestations and the degree of impairment are different due to
      the variety, dose, and routes of exposure and so on. It is difficult to diagnose
      the cause of the toxicity. If we can't find the toxic factor immediately, stop
      the damage to the eyes, and treat in time, the patient's vision will be impaired
      or even lose. This article reviews ocular toxicity caused by drugs, including the
      variety of drugs, clinical manifestations, etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, treatment
      and prevention.

PMID- 22041495
TI  - Prevalence, awareness, treatment, and control of dyslipidemia among adults in
      Beijing, China.
AB  - AIM: The present study aimed to determine the up-to-date prevalence, awareness,
      treatment, and control of dyslipidemia, and their distribution and related
      influencing factors in adults in Beijing, China. METHOD: A cross-sectional study
      was conducted in 2008, using a four-stratified cluster sampling. Data from a
      questionnaire, physical examination, and blood sampling were obtained from 5761
      adults aged 18-79 years. RESULTS: The prevalence of high TC, high LDL-C, low HDL
      C and TG was 12.2%, 17.9%, 12.0% and 15.1%, respectively. The prevalence of
      dyslipidemia was 35.4% (42.9% in men and 30.1% in women), and was similar in
      rural (35.3%) and urban (35.8%) areas. Dyslipidemia was associated with male
      gender, age, a family history of dyslipidemia, education at college or above,
      current smoker, overweight and obesity, intermediate and high waist
      circumference, hypertension and diabetes. Among all participants with
      dyslipidemia, 22.2% were aware of the diagnosis, 10.2% were receiving treatment,
      and 3.8% had dyslipidemia controlled. The proportion of those aware of their
      condition and those who were treated increased with age in both sexes. Of those
      aware of their dyslipidemia, 46.1% were on treatment, 51.0% had modified their
      lifestyle, and 24.5% were not receiving treatment or modifying their lifestyle.
      CONCLUSIONS: The major type of dyslipidemia in Beijing is high LDL-C rather than
      high TG. The prevalence of dyslipidemia is similarly high in rural and urban
      areas, with low awareness, treatment and control. A comprehensive strategy toward
      the prevention, screening, treatment, and control of dyslipidemia is needed to
      slow the epidemic of cardiovascular disease.

PMID- 22041496
TI  - [Impact factor, H-index and other variable to observe the relative importance of
      an investigator].

PMID- 22041497
TI  - Assessment of sacrificial anode impact by aluminum accumulation in mussel Mytilus
      edulis: a large-scale laboratory test.
AB  - Since the early 1960s, the application of aluminum alloy sacrificial anodes to
      mitigate marine corrosion has been well known. The aim of this work was to study
      aluminum bioconcentration in Mytilus edulis by an in vitro test performed in two
      tanks: the first containing non-contaminated water (NCW) and the second
      containing aluminum-contaminated water (CW) (530 MUg L(-1)) released by
      sacrificial anode. The mussels were collected and examined over a period of 8
      weeks. A comparison between the aluminum concentrations in the digestive glands
      of mussels from the CW and NCW tanks shows that the highest value (1700 mg/kg
      d.w.) was found in the CW mussels collected after 13 days. In NCW, the mean
      aluminum concentration in digestive glands during the test was 281 mg/kg d.w. The
      rapid concentration decrease in digestive glands is probably due to the
      inhibition of filtering activity due to valve closure at the high concentration
      as well as the induction of the detoxification response.

PMID- 22041498
TI  - Fish consumption and risk of contamination by mercury---considerations on the
      definition of edible parts based on the case study of European sea bass.
AB  - In the present study, the risk to humans by consuming European sea bass
      (Dicentrarchus labrax), captured at three sites along a Hg contamination
      gradient, was evaluated by comparing muscle and kidney total Hg (T-Hg) levels
      with the European regulations for marketed fish. Moreover, T-Hg and organic Hg (O
      Hg) levels in muscle were compared with the Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake
      (PTWI) and the Reference Dose (RfD). Although T-Hg levels in muscle were below
      the European value allowable for marketed fish, kidney's levels were higher than
      the set value, stressing the importance of redefining the concept of edible
      tissue and which tissues should be considered. Mercury weekly ingestion in the
      contaminated areas was higher than the PTWI, and O-Hg daily ingestion rates were
      higher than the RfD in all sampling sites. Thus, populations consuming sea bass
      from the contaminated sites may be at risk, with particular relevance for
      children and pregnant women.

PMID- 22041499
TI  - Shock priming enhances the efficacy of SSRIs in the foot shock-induced ultrasonic
      vocalization test.
AB  - Data on the effect of acutely administered serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
      in animal anxiety models have been inconsistent. In some of the models these
      compounds showed anxiolytic properties, while in others they were ineffective or
      even anxiogenic. In the foot shock-induced ultrasonic vocalization (USV) test in
      the adult rat, SSRIs were reported to be effective, however, they were only
      tested with protocols using multiple shocking design. In the present study,
      anxiolytic effects of various SSRI compounds (sertraline, fluoxetine, paroxetine,
      escitalopram) were tested in three distinct USV test protocols in comparison with
      alprazolam and 8-OH-DPAT. In the single shocking protocol, animals were exposed
      to one shocking session after the drug treatment. In the multiple shocking
      protocol, rats went through a foot shock priming session before each drug test.
      On priming days animals received foot shocks without drug treatment. On the test
      day (the day after), rats received drug treatment and then were shocked again. In
      the context conditioning protocol animals were exposed to foot shocks on two
      consecutive days before the drug test. On the third, test day, after drug
      treatment animals were replaced to the shocking chamber, but this time shocks
      were not delivered. SSRIs were ineffective using the single shocking protocol. In
      the context conditioned protocol, all SSRIs showed linear dose-response
      relationship with ED50 values of 8.5, 2.2, 0.77 and 0.93 mg/kg i.p. for
      fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine and escitalopram, respectively. Using the
      multiple shocking protocol, SSRIs were only partially effective with maximum
      inhibitions ranging between 44% and 62%. In contrast to SSRIs, the benzodiazepine
      anxiolytics, alprazolam showed anxiolytic activity with linear dose-response
      relationship in all of the test protocols, with ED50 values varying from 1.3 to
      4.0 mg/kg i.p. The serotonin 5HT1A receptor antagonist 8-OH-DPAT also showed
      linear dose-response relationship in all protocols, but this compound was less
      potent in the single shocking design (ED50 values were 0.27, 0.04 and 0.07 mg/kg
      i.p. in the single shocking, multiple shocking and context conditioned protocol,
      respectively). In conclusion, our results show that priming has a major impact on
      the effectiveness of SSRIs in the USV test, and the three test protocols applied
      in this study have different predictive and face validity.

PMID- 22041500
TI  - Dietary choline deficiency causes DNA strand breaks and alters epigenetic marks
      on DNA and histones.
AB  - Dietary choline is an important modulator of gene expression (via epigenetic
      marks) and of DNA integrity. Choline was discovered to be an essential nutrient
      for some humans approximately one decade ago. This requirement is diminished in
      young women because estrogen drives endogenous synthesis of phosphatidylcholine,
      from which choline can be derived. Almost half of women have a single nucleotide
      polymorphism that abrogates estrogen-induction of endogenous synthesis, and these
      women require dietary choline just as do men. In the US, dietary intake of
      choline is marginal. Choline deficiency in people is associated with liver and
      muscle dysfunction and damage, with apoptosis, and with increased DNA strand
      breaks. Several mechanisms explain these modifications to DNA. Choline deficiency
      increases leakage of reactive oxygen species from mitochondria consequent to
      altered mitochondrial membrane composition and enhanced fatty acid oxidation.
      Choline deficiency impairs folate metabolism, resulting in decreased thymidylate
      synthesis and increased uracil misincorporation into DNA, with strand breaks
      resulting during error-prone repair attempts. Choline deficiency alters DNA
      methylation, which alters gene expression for critical genes involved in DNA
      mismatch repair, resulting in increased mutation rates. Any dietary deficiency
      which increases mutation rates should be associated with increased risk of
      cancers, and this is the case for choline deficiency. In rodent models, diets low
      in choline and methyl-groups result in spontaneous hepatocarcinomas. In human
      epidemiological studies, there are interesting data that suggest that this also
      may be the case for humans, especially those with SNPs that increase the dietary
      requirement for choline.

PMID- 22041501
TI  - Effect of one-year subcutaneous and sublingual immunotherapy on clinical and
      laboratory parameters in children with rhinitis and asthma: a randomized, placebo
      controlled, double-blind, double-dummy study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It has been reported that both sublingual (SLIT) and subcutaneous
      (SCIT) allergen-specific immunotherapy have clinical efficacy, yet there are
      rather few comparative placebo studies of children. We aimed to investigate the
      clinical and immunological efficacy of mite-specific SLIT and SCIT versus a
      placebo in rhinitis and asthma in children. METHODS: The outcomes of this 1-year,
      randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind, double-dummy study were symptom and
      medication scores, visual analog scores (VAS), titrated skin prick tests, nasal
      and bronchial allergen provocation doses, serum house dust mite-specific
      immunglobulin E (HDM-sIgE), sIgG4, IL-10 and IFN-gamma levels. RESULTS: Clinical
      and laboratory parameters were evaluated in 30 patients. SCIT significantly
      diminished symptom and medication scores for rhinitis and asthma (p = 0.03 and p
      = 0.05 for rhinitis; p = 0.01 and p = 0.05 for asthma) and VAS. SLIT also reduced
      VAS, symptoms associated with rhinitis and asthma as well as medication usage for
      rhinitis, but this reduction was not significant when compared with the placebo.
      Skin reactivitiy to HDM and HDM-sIgE levels was reduced significantly in both
      immunotherapy groups. Serum IL-10 levels and nasal provocative doses increased
      significantly with both SCIT and SLIT. Nasal eosinophil increments after nasal
      challenge decreased with two treatment modes, but bronchial provocative doses and
      sputum eosinophil increments after bronchial challenge were reduced only with
      SCIT. In both treatment arms, there was no change in IFN-gamma levels. Serum
      sIgG4 levels increased significantly only in the SCIT group. CONCLUSION: Based on
      the limited number of patients at the end of the 1-year immunotherapy, the
      clinical efficacy of SCIT on rhinitis and asthma symptoms was more evident when
      compared with the placebo.

PMID- 22041502
TI  - The synthesis of highly water-dispersible and targeted CdS quantum dots and it is
      used for bioimaging by confocal microscopy.
AB  - Synthesis of a highly dispersed hydrophilic CdS nanocrystals and their use as
      fluorescence labeling for live cell imaging is reported here. By carefully
      manipulating the surface of CdS nanocrystals, the dispersions of CdS-MAA-PEI-FA
      nanocrystals with high photostability is prepared. The receptor-mediated delivery
      of folic acid conjugated quantum dots into folate-receptor-positive cell lines
      such as CBRH7919 liver cancer cells was demonstrated by confocal microscopy. In
      the future, the further modified CdS nanoparticles can be used for the tissue
      imaging in vivo studies.

PMID- 22041503
TI  - Inclusion complexes of phosphorylated daidzein derivatives with beta
      cyclodextrin: Preparation and inclusion behavior study.
AB  - In the present work the feasibility of beta-cyclodextrin in complexation was
      explored, as a tool for improving the solubility and biological ability of
      daidzein derivatives. A series of phosphorylated daidzein derivatives featuring
      different chain lengths were synthesized through a modified Atherton-Todd
      reaction and their inclusion complexes with betaCD were prepared by
      coprecipitation method. The inclusion complexation behavior was studied by
      fluorescence, UV, FT-IR, MS and (1)H NMR. The results showed that only
      phosphorylated daidzein derivative carrying small substituent group
      ((C(2)H(5)O)(2)PO) entered the cavity of betaCD and formed 1:1 inclusion complex.
      The formation constant was 175(mol/L)(-1).

PMID- 22041504
TI  - Population genetic analysis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis Beijing subgroup
      strains.
AB  - Population genetic analysis using variable-number tandem repeat (VNTR) data of 23
      loci (15 "optimized MIRU" loci and eight "Beijing option" loci) was done on
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis Beijing lineage strains isolated in Japan. These
      strains were divided into Beijing subgroups (B(SUB)) B1-B5 and T2 by minimum
      spanning tree (MST) analysis. The Phi(PT) values among the B(SUB), a measure of
      their molecular variance, were significantly different from zero with 999
      permutations, indicating the validity of B(SUB) classification using the 23 VNTR
      loci. Higher number of migrants (Nm) values were observed between B1 and T2, B4
      and T2, B3 and T2, and B3 and B4 in a phylogenetic network model reconstructed
      from previously reported single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data. These B(SUB)
      combinations, except B3 and B4, shared SNP types; i.e., ST19 was in B1 and T2 and
      in B4 and T2, and STK was in B3 and T2. These results taken together suggested
      that shared SNP types were not due to homoplasy, but to strong genetic
      relatedness between those B(SUB). Haploid genetic diversity and standardized
      index of association values were different in each B(SUB), indicating that the
      diversity of each B(SUB) was different. Although the differences in B(SUB)
      diversity were mostly in accordance with the relative divergence order of the
      B(SUB) in a phylogenetic network model, the diversity of B4 was biased by a
      significant increase in the number of strains in this study from patients born
      after 1964 (Fisher's exact test P<0.01). The different diversity of each B(SUB)
      indicated increased diversity of Beijing lineage strains, perhaps contributing to
      the survival and dissemination of these strains.

PMID- 22041505
TI  - Molecular epidemiological approaches to study the epidemiology of tuberculosis in
      low-incidence settings receiving immigrants.
AB  - Although in most wealthy western countries the total incidence of tuberculosis
      (TB) steadily decreased in the last decades, the proportion of cases in
      immigrants from high-burden TB countries generally increased and to date a large
      proportion of all new active cases, often exceeding 50%, occurs among foreign
      born individuals. In this context, molecular typing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
      isolates has significantly contributed to understand the epidemiology of TB,
      allowing an objective evaluation of the dynamics and the risk of TB importation
      and transmission within low-incidence host countries. Many molecular studies have
      shown that a large part of active TB cases in immigrants yield unique,
      unclustered DNA fingerprints; this finding reflects reactivation of remote latent
      infections, rather than recent TB infections, and, at the same time, indicates a
      low rate of disease transmission within the host country. Some studies however
      express more concern on the basis of higher rates of transmission within the host
      country with foreign-born index cases. Molecular analysis of isolates also showed
      that TB infections in migrants may be acquired after arrival in the host country
      and that TB transmission between foreign-born and autochthonous individuals may
      occur in both directions. Molecular typing of isolates has been also profitably
      used to evaluate the diffusion of M. tuberculosis strain families across
      different geographic areas and human populations and to monitor the diffusion of
      threatening strains, such as Beijing and/or (multi)drug-resistant strains. To
      date, based on the contribution of molecular epidemiology, it is possible to
      adapt or design appropriate strategies for a rational control of TB in low
      incidence countries.

PMID- 22041506
TI  - Evidence for inter- and intra-clade recombinations in rabies virus.
AB  - Homologous recombination is considered rare in negative-strand RNA viruses and
      has not been reported for rabies virus. In this study, full-length genomes of 44
      rabies virus strains were analyzed for potential homologous recombination events.
      Phylogenetic analysis classified these strains into three clades. By applying six
      different recombination detection methods, one inter-clade and one intra-clade
      potential recombination events were identified with high confidence values.
      Software-predicted recombination break points of the two events were all located
      within the polymerase gene. This report presents the first evidence suggesting
      the possibility of homologous recombination in rabies virus, which could provide
      valuable insights for understanding the diversity and evolution of rabies virus
      as well as other negative-strand RNA viruses.

PMID- 22041507
TI  - Intrahost passage alters SigB-dependent acid resistance and host cell-associated
      kinetics of Listeria monocytogenes.
AB  - Listeria monocytogenes is a foodborne pathogen that causes gastroenteritis,
      maternofetal infections and meningoencephalitis in humans. Here we report that an
      intrahost genome mutation alters bacterial acid resistance and the abilities for
      replication/invasion in tissue cell culture. Among the L. monocytogenes isolates
      from the recent outbreak in Japan, we found that one food strain, 668, exhibited
      the greatest acid resistance, whereas one human clinical strain, 690, sharing
      identical pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and ribotyping patterns,
      exhibited an acid-sensitive phenotype. Passage of the 668 food strain through the
      mouse intestine increased its acid sensitivity without altering the
      macrogenotypes, indicating intrahost alteration of the bacterial acid-resistant
      phenotype. Genetic and proteomic analyses revealed a link between acid resistance
      and SigB (RNA polymerase SigmaB subunit) activity. Compared with the strain 668,
      the clinical and 4 of 5 mice-passaged strains showed a mutation in the rsbW
      locus, whose product controls the regulation of SigB activity. Corresponding to
      the SigB activity, the host-passaged strains had reduced abilities to survive
      inside macrophages and to invade Caco-2 cells, compared with the food strain 668.
      Overall, we have demonstrated the first example of a host environment promoting
      the alteration of SigB-dependent acid resistance and host cell-associated actions
      of L. monocytogenes. Our study provides new insight into the potential role of
      intrahost environment in the process of bacterial evolution.

PMID- 22041508
TI  - In vitro activity of avibactam (NXL104) in combination with beta-lactams against
      Gram-negative bacteria, including OXA-48 beta-lactamase-producing Klebsiella
      pneumoniae.
AB  - The objective of this study was to investigate the in vitro antibacterial
      activity of avibactam (formerly NXL104) in combination with imipenem, cefepime or
      ceftazidime against Gram-negative bacteria. Bacterial isolates included:
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa harbouring PER-1 beta-lactamase (n=14); Acinetobacter
      baumannii harbouring PER-1, OXA-51 and OXA-58 (n=20); carbapenem-non-susceptible
      Klebsiella pneumoniae (n=25) and Escherichia coli (n=1) harbouring OXA-48;
      carbapenem-non-susceptible E. coli (n=1) harbouring both IMP-1 metallo-beta
      lactamase and extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL); carbapenem-non-susceptible
      Serratia marcescens (n=1); and carbapenem-susceptible E. coli (n=20) and K.
      pneumoniae isolates (n=12) with CTX-M-15 ESBL. Minimum inhibitory concentrations
      (MICs) of imipenem, cefepime and ceftazidime were determined in combination with
      4 mg/L avibactam by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) method
      on Mueller-Hinton agar. Imipenem/avibactam and ceftazidime/avibactam displayed
      limited potency against A. baumannii isolates, whereas cefepime/avibactam and
      ceftazidime/avibactam were active against P. aeruginosa. Klebsiella pneumoniae
      isolates with OXA-48 beta-lactamase were resistant to imipenem [MIC for 90% of
      the organisms (MIC(90)) >=4 mg/L]. MIC(90) values for the combination of
      avibactam 4 mg/L with imipenem, cefepime and ceftazidime were in the susceptible
      range for all strains (MIC(90)<=0.5mg/L). All E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates
      with CTX-M-15 beta-lactamase were inhibited at <=1 mg/L for combinations with
      avibactam and 100% were susceptible by CLSI breakpoint criteria to imipenem,
      cefepime and ceftazidime. In conclusion, combinations of imipenem, cefepime and
      ceftazidime with avibactam may present a promising therapeutic strategy to treat
      infections due to K. pneumoniae with OXA-48 enzyme as well as K. pneumoniae and
      E. coli with CTX-M-15 enzyme.

PMID- 22041509
TI  - Chemotherapy before liver resection of colorectal metastases: friend or foe?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We conducted a systematic review of the published literature to
      critically assess benefits and risks of the use of preoperative chemotherapy in
      patients presenting with colorectal liver metastases. BACKGROUND: In many
      centers, chemotherapy is used before hepatic resection of colorectal metastases,
      even in the presence of a single lesion. Application of chemotherapy requires
      clear conceptual distinction between patients presenting with resectable lesions
      (neoadjuvant) versus patients presenting with unresectable lesions, for which
      chemotherapy is used to reach a resectable situation (downsizing). METHODS: The
      literature (PubMed) was systematically reviewed for publications related to liver
      surgery and chemotherapy according to the methodology recommended by the Cochrane
      Collaboration. RESULTS: For unresectable liver metastases, combination regimens
      result in enhanced tumor response and resectability rates up to 30%, although the
      additional benefit from targeted agents such as bevacizumab or cetuximab is
      marginal. For resectable lesions, studies on neoadjuvant chemotherapy failed to
      convincingly demonstrate a survival benefit. Most reports described increased
      postoperative complications in a subset of patients due to parenchymal
      alterations such as chemotherapy-associated steatohepatitis or sinusoidal
      obstruction syndrome. CONCLUSION: Preoperative standard chemotherapy can be
      recommended for downsizing unresectable liver metastases, but not for resectable
      lesions, for which adjuvant chemotherapy is preferred.

PMID- 22041510
TI  - Cytology adds value to imaging studies for risk assessment of malignancy in
      pancreatic mucinous cysts.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Evaluate the value of cytology relative to imaging features in risk
      assessment for malignancy as defined in the Sendai Guidelines. BACKGROUND: The
      Sendai Guidelines list symptoms, cyst size >30 mm, dilated main pancreatic duct
      (MPD) >6 mm, mural nodule (MN) and "positive" cytology as high risk stigmata for
      malignancy warranting surgical triage. METHODS: We reviewed clinical,
      radiological and cytological data of 112 patients with histologically confirmed
      mucinous cysts of the pancreas evaluated in a single tertiary medical center.
      Cytology slides were blindly re-reviewed and epithelial cells grouped as either
      benign or high-grade atypia (HGA) [>=high-grade dysplasia]. Histologically,
      neoplasms were grouped as benign (low-grade and moderate dysplasia) and malignant
      (in situ and invasive carcinoma). Performance characteristics of cytology
      relative to other risk factors were evaluated. RESULTS: Dilated MPD, MN, and HGA
      were independent predictors of malignancy (p < 0.0001), but not symptoms (p =
      0.29) or cyst size >30 mm (p = 0.51). HGA was the most sensitive predictor of
      malignancy in all cysts (72%) and in small (<=30 mm) branch-duct intraductal
      papillary mucinous neoplasm (BD IPMN; 67%), whereas also being specific (85 and
      88%, respectively). MN and dilated MPD were highly specific (>90%), but
      insensitive (39%-44%). Cytology detected 30% more cancers in small cysts than
      dilated MPD or MN and half of the cancers without either of these high-risk
      imaging features. CONCLUSIONS: Cytology adds value to the radiological assessment
      of predicting malignancy in mucinous cysts, particularly in small BD IPMN.

PMID- 22041512
TI  - Time for a (re) definition of (recurrent) sigmoid diverticulitis?

PMID- 22041514
TI  - Risk of cancer in Meckel's diverticulum.

PMID- 22041515
TI  - Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery:  where should we draw the line?

PMID- 22041516
TI  - Impact of age, and cognitive and coping resources on coping.
AB  - To explore the predictive value of cognitive and coping resources for problem-
      and emotion-focused coping with age, we collected data from community-dwelling
      adults between 20 and 90 years old. We hypothesized that age, perceived stress,
      self-efficacy, working-memory capacity, and mental flexibility were predictors of
      coping. We collected data using French versions of the Perceived Stress Scale,
      General Self-Efficacy Scale, and Way of Coping Checklist. Cognitive assessments
      comprised the WAIS III digit-span subtest and the Trail Making Test parts A and
      B. In multivariate analyses, neither working-memory nor mental-flexibility
      deficit predicted problem-focused coping. Age was found to predict only problem
      focused coping. Self-efficacy predicted problem-focused coping, and perceived
      stress predicted emotion-focused coping. Our results confirmed that use of an
      emotion-focused coping style would not significantly change with age. Problem
      focused coping increases with age and depends primarily on participants'
      confidence in their ability to successfully solve problems (i.e., self-efficacy).

PMID- 22041517
TI  - The planar cell polarity pathway in vertebrate epidermal development, homeostasis
      and repair.
AB  - The planar cell polarity (PCP) pathway plays a critical role in diverse
      developmental processes that require coordinated cellular movement, including
      neural tube closure and renal tubulogenesis. Recent studies have demonstrated
      that this pathway also has emerging relevance to the epidermis, as PCP signaling
      underpins many aspects of skin biology and pathology, including epidermal
      development, hair orientation, stem cell division and cancer. Coordinated
      cellular movement required for epidermal repair in mammals is also regulated by
      PCP signaling, and in this context, a new PCP gene encoding the developmental
      transcription factor Grainyhead-like 3 (Grhl3) is critical. This review focuses
      on the role that PCP signaling plays in the skin across a variety of epidermal
      functions and highlights perturbations that induce epidermal pathologies.

PMID- 22041518
TI  - Ganglioglioma of the thoracolumbar spinal cord in a patient with
      neurofibromatosis type 1: a case report and literature review.
AB  - Gangliogliomas of the spinal cord are rare, and the conus medullaris is an
      extremely rare site for their occurrence. The authors present a case in which a
      ganglioglioma was found in the thoracolumbar spinal cord, including the conus
      medullaris, of a 5-year-old female patient with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1)
      who presented with paraparesis and urinary disturbance. MRI revealed an
      intramedullary lesion within the thoracolumbar spinal cord, including the conus
      medullaris, which was surgically removed. Pathological investigation showed a
      ganglioglioma consisting of glioneuronal tumor cells. This is the first report to
      provide a pathological description of a spinal cord ganglioglioma in a patient
      with NF1. Because gangliogliomas usually have a good prognosis following
      resection, it is important to clearly distinguish them from other NF1-associated
      lesions, even though ganglioglioma of the thoracolumbar spinal cord, including
      the conus medullaris, is an extremely rare condition.

PMID- 22041519
TI  - [Thrombosis and new antithrombotic agents].

PMID- 22041520
TI  - Predictive factors for ovarian necrosis in torsion of ovarian tumor.
AB  - Most cases of ovarian torsion require emergency surgery; the ovary has become
      necrotic and cannot be conserved.  Preoperative determination of the ovarian
      necrosis extent is difficult but it may increase the likelihood of the ovary
      conservation.  In this study, we retrospectively evaluated the findings in
      ovarian torsion among patients with ovarian tumors who underwent emergency
      surgery at a single hospital for possible preoperative indicators of ovarian
      viability.  We thus evaluated 77 patients who were intraoperatively diagnosed
      with torsion of ovarian tumor between 1995 and 2010.  These patients were
      classified into three groups depending on the postoperative histopathological
      findings: necrotic, congestive, and normal.  Preoperative C-reactive protein
      (CRP) level, leukocyte count, and body temperature, along with tumor size, degree
      of torsion, time from the onset of abdominal pain to surgery, and incidence of
      acute abdomen were compared among the three groups.  The sensitivity,
      specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the preoperative
      serum CRP levels for ovarian necrosis were calculated.  The CRP level, degree of
      torsion, and time from the onset of abdominal pain to surgery were significantly
      higher in the necrotic group than in the normal group.  The sensitivity and
      specificity of the CRP level for necrosis were 35% and 83%, respectively, and
      positive and negative predictive values were 38% and 82% respectively.  The
      potential for ovary conservation in suspected ovarian torsion should be greater
      if the tumor is non-malignant, the time from the onset of abdominal pain to
      operation is short, and the CRP level is < 0.3 mg/dl.

PMID- 22041521
TI  - A p53 gene mutation in malignant fibrous histiocytoma associated with bone
      infarction.
AB  - Transformed sarcomas rarely arise from bone infarct lesions, although the
      majority of bone sarcomas are primary in origin.  However, the pathogenesis of
      the condition is unknown.  In this report, we describe a malignant fibrous
      histiocytoma with a p53 gene mutation.  A 59-year-old woman complained of having
      pain in her left knee for three months.  Plain radiographs of the distal
      metaphysis of her left femur revealed an ill-defined lytic lesion, which was
      consistent with a malignant tumor in the infarct lesion.  An open biopsy specimen
      did not show any evidence of malignancy.  Immunohistochemical examination of the
      biopsy specimen failed to show p53 protein-positive cells.  However, a mutation
      in the p53 gene was detected when polymerase chain reaction/single-strand
      conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) analysis was performed.  A functionally
      relevant p53 missense mutation in codon 273 of exon 8 [CGT (Arg) -> CAT (His)]
      was confirmed by direct sequencing.  We concluded that this lesion was a
      malignant bone tumor arising from the bone infarct lesion, and we thus performed
      a wide resection.  The histopathological diagnosis of the resected specimen was
      that it was a malignant fibrous histiocytoma associated with bone infarction. 
      Immunohistochemistry revealed that the tumor cells were positive for the p53
      protein.  To our knowledge, our patient is the first patient having a bone
      infarct-associated sarcoma with a p53 gene mutation.  Identification of the p53
      mutation helps in diagnosing the malignant transformation of the bone infarct
      lesion.  One pathogenesis of this condition may be a mutation in the p53 gene.

PMID- 22041522
TI  - Monoamine oxidase A gene polymorphism and suicide: an association study and meta
      analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Abnormalities in brain monoamine transmission have been implicated in
      the pathogenesis of suicidal behavior. Studies examining the association between
      monoamine oxidase A (MAOA)-uVNTR polymorphism and suicide revealed inconsistent
      findings. This study aims to evaluate the possible association between the MAOA
      uVNTR polymorphism and suicidal behaviors by examining our own subjects and
      conducting a meta-analytic review. METHODS: 373 unrelated psychiatric patients
      (including 160 suicide attempters and 213 non-suicide attempters) were genotyped
      for the MAOA-uVNTR polymorphism. A meta-analysis was then performed by pooling
      data from seven case-control association studies by random effects model.
      RESULTS: Our results indicate that there is no association between the MAOA-uVNTR
      polymorphism and suicide attempts in both genders. It also reveals that there is
      no association with violent suicide attempts. In the meta-analysis, there is no
      association between the polymorphism and suicidal behaviors. Also, there is no
      difference in the allelic distribution between psychiatric patients with and
      without suicidal behaviors. Limitations Our study was constrained by the
      insufficient information about environmental risk factors of suicide.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our study is the first one to use meta-analysis in exploring the
      role of the MAOA-uVNTR polymorphism in suicidal behavior in psychiatric patients.
      No significant association was found in our study, suggesting MAOA-uVNTR
      polymorphism is unlikely to contribute significantly to suicide behavior. Further
      studies investigating the gene-environment interaction or focusing on the genetic
      risk factors of endophenotypes of suicidal behaviors are warranted.

PMID- 22041523
TI  - Assessment in vitro of cytogenetic and genotoxic effects of propolis on human
      lymphocytes.
AB  - We evaluated the genetic damage by ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP) induced to
      human lymphocytes which were exposed to increasing concentrations (0-2000MUgml(
      1)). The results indicated that EEP reduced significantly the mitotic index (MI)
      and proliferation index (PI) when high concentrations of EEP were used. Sister
      chromatid exchange (SCE) rates indicated that EEP could have genotoxic effects at
      high concentrations. Exposure of the cells to the amount of ethanol used as
      solvent did not alter either the MI and cell proliferation kinetics (CPK), or the
      rate of SCE. The results showed: (a) statistical increase in the percentage the
      cells with CAs and in the frequency of SCE at the highest concentrations, (b) a
      decrease in MI and in the CPK values was observed, (c) no effect was noticed in
      negative controls. In conclusion, it can be assumed that high concentrations of
      EEP have a cyto and genotoxic effect, in vitro, for human peripheral lymphocytes.

PMID- 22041524
TI  - DSM Science & Technology Awards (south) event 2011: the role of micronutrients in
      human nutrition.
AB  - On 21 June 2011, the DSM Science & Technology Awards recognized and rewarded
      outstanding innovative young scientists active in fundamental and applied
      research. As in previous years, an international judging committee honored
      creative and groundbreaking PhD research. Twelve finalists, the top candidates
      from Switzerland, Austria, France and southern Germany, were invited for the
      final competition followed by the award ceremony attended by numerous
      representatives of universities, non-governmental organizations, institutes of
      technology and industry.

PMID- 22041525
TI  - Negativity of the basophil activation test in quinolone hypersensitivity: a
      breakthrough for provocation test decision-making.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Quinolone hypersensitivity reactions are being more frequently
      reported. Skin tests in investigations of patients are known to not be fully
      reliable. The provocation test thus remains the gold standard in the definitive
      diagnosis of allergy, despite the risks involved. The aim of this study was to
      evaluate basophil activation tests (BATs) in the diagnosis of immediate-type
      reactions to quinolones. METHODS: Thirty-four patients who presented an immediate
      type hypersensivity reaction less than an hour after quinolone administration
      were studied. The allergologic workup of these patients consisted of a careful
      clinical history, a skin test and a BAT with the culprit quinolone. If not
      contraindicated, and in the case of high probability of a nonallergic reaction,
      provocation tests were performed to assess the nonimmunologic nature of the
      hypersensitivity. RESULTS: Among the 34 patients studied, 17 (50%) presented a
      negative BAT to the suspected quinolone, while the other 17 (50%) patients
      presented a positive BAT for quinolone at the time of their reaction. Among the
      17 patients with negative BATs, 15 (2 of whom had had positive skin tests) had
      quinolone successfully reintroduced. CONCLUSIONS: Our report suggests that the
      BAT, if negative for the culprit quinolone, is a valuable tool in the decision
      whether or not to perform provocation tests in patients with a history of
      immediate-type reaction to quinolones, in order to exclude an allergic reaction.

PMID- 22041526
TI  - Anti-neutrophilic inflammatory activity of ASP3258, a novel phosphodiesterase
      type 4 inhibitor.
AB  - Neutrophil-dominant pulmonary inflammation is an important feature of chronic
      obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Here, we evaluated the in vitro and in vivo
      anti-neutrophilic inflammatory activities of ASP3258, a novel, orally active, and
      selective phosphodiesterase (PDE) 4 inhibitor with anti-inflammatory potency
      comparable to that of second-generation compound roflumilast but with lower
      emetic activity in vivo. In in vitro experiments using human peripheral blood
      neutrophils, PDE4 inhibitors ASP3258, cilomilast, and roflumilast inhibited fMLP
      induced superoxide production in a concentration-dependent manner with IC50
      values of 5.0, 96, and 4.7 nM, respectively. ASP3258, cilomilast, and roflumilast
      also attenuated fMLP-induced neutrophil chemotaxis in a concentration-dependent
      manner with IC30 values of 18, 270, and 9.7 nM, respectively. In contrast, the
      glucocorticoid prednisolone inhibited neither superoxide production nor
      chemotaxis up to 1 MUM. In a rat model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced lung
      inflammation, orally administered ASP3258, cilomilast, roflumilast, and
      prednisolone (at 10 or 30 mg/kg) dose-dependently attenuated pulmonary
      accumulation of neutrophils. The inhibitory effect of ASP3258 was more potent
      than cilomilast and almost the same as roflumilast and prednisolone. Treatment
      with ASP3258 inhibited the elevation of TNF-alpha in the bronchoalveolar lavage
      fluid following LPS instillation. Histological examination revealed significant
      inhibition of neutrophil and macrophage infiltration into alveoli by ASP3258.
      Overall, these findings suggest that ASP3258 has therapeutic potential for
      treating neutrophilic inflammation such as COPD, partly through direct inhibition
      of neutrophil activation as well as possibly through inhibition of the TNF-alpha
      mediated pathway.

PMID- 22041527
TI  - Ready or not? Here it comes!

PMID- 22041528
TI  - Hepatitis B and C virus infection and hepatocellular carcinoma in China: a review
      of epidemiology and control measures.
AB  - China has one of the highest carrier prevalences of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in
      the world: nearly 10% of the general population. The disease burden of HBV
      infection and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is also believed to be among the
      world's largest, and that of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is likely to be
      substantial as well. However, the epidemiology and measures to control HBV and
      HCV infection in China remain relatively unknown outside the country. We review
      the epidemiology of HBV and HCV infection, the disease burden of and risk factors
      for HCC, and current control measures against HBV and HCV infection in China. We
      also discuss the relevant literature and implications for future studies of
      hepatitis and HCC in China.

PMID- 22041529
TI  - Association between feeling upon awakening and use of information technology
      devices in Japanese children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to clarify the relationship between
      feeling upon awakening (FA) and time spent using information technology (IT)
      devices by children in kindergartens, elementary schools, and junior high schools
      in Shimane, Japan. METHODS: In October 2008, a self-report survey was distributed
      to 2075 children in kindergartens (n = 261), elementary schools (n = 1162), and
      junior high schools (n = 652) in Shimane, Japan. The questionnaire gathered data
      on sex, school year, feeling upon awakening, and time spent using IT devices
      after school (television, videos on television, video games, personal computers,
      and cellular phones). After adjusting for sex and school year, data were analyzed
      by multivariate logistic regression analysis to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and
      95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: A total of 2030 children completed this
      survey (response rate, 97.8%). Negative FA was associated with watching
      television more than 2 hours/day (OR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.23-1.85), playing video
      games more than 30 minutes/day (1.50, 1.20-1.87), and using personal computers
      more than 30 minutes/day (1.35, 1.04-1.75). CONCLUSIONS: Time spent using IT
      devices affected the FA of children in kindergarten through junior high school.
      We propose the development of guidelines regarding the appropriate amount of time
      this population should spend using IT devices.

PMID- 22041530
TI  - Effect of the interaction between outdoor air pollution and extreme temperature
      on daily mortality in Shanghai, China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Both outdoor air pollution and extreme temperature have been
      associated with daily mortality; however, the effect of their interaction is not
      known. METHODS: This time-series analysis examined the effect of the interaction
      between outdoor air pollutants and extreme temperature on daily mortality in
      Shanghai, China. A generalized additive model (GAM) with penalized splines was
      used to analyze mortality, air pollution, temperature, and covariate data. The
      effects of air pollutants were stratified by temperature stratum to examine the
      interaction effect of air pollutants and extreme temperature. RESULTS: We found a
      statistically significant interaction between PM10/O3 and extreme low
      temperatures for both total nonaccidental and cause-specific mortality. On days
      with "normal" temperatures (15th-85th percentile), a 10-ug/m3 increment in PM10
      corresponded to a 0.17% (95% CI: 0.03%, 0.32%) increase in total mortality, a
      0.23% (0.02%, 0.44%) increase in cardiovascular mortality, and a 0.26% (-0.07%,
      0.60%) increase in respiratory mortality. On low-temperature days (<15th
      percentile), the estimates changed to 0.40% (0.21%, 0.58%) for total mortality,
      0.49% (0.13%, 0.86%) for cardiovascular mortality, and 0.24% (-0.33%, 0.82%) for
      respiratory mortality. The interaction pattern of O3 with lower temperature was
      similar. The interaction between PM10/O3 and lower temperature remained robust
      when alternative cut-points were used for temperature strata. CONCLUSIONS: The
      acute health effects of air pollution might vary by temperature level.

PMID- 22041531
TI  - White matter hyperintensities and prepulse inhibition in a mixed elderly
      population.
AB  - Prepulse inhibition (PPI) of the startle response, a measure for sensorimotor
      gating, exhibits a relatively high inter-individual variability in elderly
      subjects. The aim of this study was to investigate whether white matter
      hyperintensities (WMH), frequently identified on cranial magnetic resonance
      imaging (MRI) in elderly subjects with and without cognitive impairment, may
      contribute to variations in PPI. A passive acoustic PPI paradigm was applied in
      92 human subjects (53 healthy and 39 patients with Alzheimer's disease or mild
      cognitive impairment) between 60 and 85years of age. WMH were rated visually on
      craniel MRI FLAIR images using the Fazekas scale. WMH were identified in 70% of
      all subjects. The latency to peak of the startle response increased significantly
      with increasing WMH load, whereas the inhibition of the startle response (PPI)
      was neither significantly related to the degree of WMH nor to cognitive
      performance. We conclude that the presence of WMH in the fronto-striatal brain
      circuit may affect the latency of the startle response, but not information
      processing in elderly subjects.

PMID- 22041533
TI  - No seasonal variation in human midbrain serotonin transporter availability in
      Taiwan.
AB  - Sunlight exposure is considered responsible for seasonal serotonin changes. Sixty
      six healthy participants were recruited, and single photon emission computed
      tomography ([123I]-ADAM SPECT) was used to investigate the association between
      serotonin transporter (SERT) availability and duration of sunlight exposure in
      Taiwan, a subtropical country. No significant correlation between SERT
      availability and the duration of sunlight exposure was found.

PMID- 22041532
TI  - Amygdalar, hippocampal, and thalamic volumes in youth at high risk for
      development of bipolar disorder.
AB  - Children of parents with bipolar disorder (BD), especially those with attention
      deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and symptoms of depression or mania, are at
      significantly high risk for developing BD. As we have previously shown amygdalar
      reductions in pediatric BD, the current study examined amygdalar volumes in
      offspring of parents (BD offspring) who have not yet developed a full manic
      episode. Youth participating in the study included 22 BD offspring and 22 healthy
      controls of comparable age, gender, handedness, and IQ. Subjects had no history
      of a manic episode, but met criteria for ADHD and moderate mood symptoms. MRI was
      performed on a 3T GE scanner, using a 3D volumetric spoiled gradient echo series.
      Amygdalae were manually traced using BrainImage Java software on positionally
      normalized brain stacks. Bipolar offspring had similar amygdalar volumes compared
      to the control group. Exploratory analyses yielded no differences in hippocampal
      or thalamic volumes. Bipolar offspring do not show decreased amygdalar volume,
      possibly because these abnormalities occur after more prolonged illness rather
      than as a preexisting risk factor. Longitudinal studies are needed to determine
      whether amygdalar volumes change during and after the development of BD.

PMID- 22041534
TI  - The implication of functional connectivity strength in predicting treatment
      response of major depressive disorder: a resting EEG study.
AB  - Predicting treatment response in major depressive disorder (MDD) has been an
      important clinical issue given that the initial intent-to-treat response rate is
      only 50 to 60%. This study was designed to examine whether functional
      connectivity strengths of resting EEG could be potential biomarkers in predicting
      treatment response at 8 weeks of treatment. Resting state 3-min eyes-closed EEG
      activity was recorded at baseline and compared in 108 depressed patients. All
      patients were being treated with selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors.
      Baseline coherence and power series correlation were compared between responders
      and non-responders evaluated at the 8th week by Hamilton Depression Rating Scale.
      Pearson correlation and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses were
      applied to evaluate the performance of connectivity strengths in
      predicting/classifying treatment responses. The connectivity strengths of right
      fronto-temporal network at delta/theta frequencies differentiated responders and
      non-responders at the 8th week of treatment, such that the stronger the
      connectivity strengths, the poorer the treatment response. ROC analyses supported
      the value of these measures in classifying responders/non-responders. Our results
      suggest that fronto-temporal connectivity strengths could be potential biomarkers
      to differentiate responders and slow responders or non-responders in MDD.

PMID- 22041535
TI  - Lateral ventricle volume and psychotic features in adolescents and adults with
      bipolar disorder.
AB  - This magnetic resonance imaging study demonstrates increased lateral ventricle
      volume (LVV) in adolescents and adults with bipolar disorder (BD) with psychotic
      symptoms, but not without psychosis, compared to healthy adolescents and adults.
      This suggests LVV is a morphologic feature associated with psychosis in BD,
      present by adolescence.

PMID- 22041536
TI  - Supreme Court asked to decide future of US health care.

PMID- 22041537
TI  - The World Cancer Declaration: from resolution to action.

PMID- 22041538
TI  - Pharmacokinetics of gefitinib and erlotinib.

PMID- 22041539
TI  - The MARS feasibility trial: conclusions not supported by data.

PMID- 22041541
TI  - Pitfalls in the assessment of prognostic factors.

PMID- 22041542
TI  - Herbal medicine regulation: buyers beware.

PMID- 22041543
TI  - Reduction of serum lipids by the intake of the extract of garlic fermented with
      Monascus pilosus: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: A dietary supplement containing garlic fermented with Monascus
      pilosus (MGFE) may be useful to decrease the lipid concentrations in serum
      without serious adverse effects. The aim of the study was to assess whether MGFE
      decreases serum lipid contents in volunteers with mild hyperlipidemia in a
      randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial. METHODS:
      Healthy subjects (n = 55) with serum triglyceride concentrations of 120-200mg/dL
      were randomly assigned to take either MGFE or placebo capsules for 12 wk.
      RESULTS: A borderline, but not significant effect, to decrease triglyceride
      concentrations in serum (approximately 15% reduction at maximum, P = 0.062, in
      time * treatment interaction effect) was observed by the MGFE intake for 12 wk.
      The decreased reading exhibited a significant difference at wk-8 between the MGFE
      and placebo groups (unpaired t test, P = 0.007). The total cholesterol (P =
      0.003) and LDL cholesterol (P = 0.001) contents in the serum and the LDL/HDL
      ratio (P < 0.001) were significant in time * treatment interaction effects by the
      MGFE intake. However, no alteration in the body fat percentage and abdominal
      circumference was observed. CONCLUSIONS: The intake of MGFE decreased
      triglyceride and cholesterol in serum with no appreciable adverse effects in
      normal to mildly hyperlipidemic individuals, suggesting that it may be effective
      to improve and prevent the metabolic syndrome. This clinical trial was registered
      with Clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00938249.

PMID- 22041544
TI  - Efficacy of Seprafilm(r) in abdominal surgery for ventriculoperitoneal shunt
      malfunction: a report of two pediatric cases.
AB  - Temporary external drainage with adequate antibiotic treatment followed by
      ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt reinsertion is necessary to treat VP shunt
      malfunction with infection. In surgeries for VP shunt reinsertion, the key
      factors that determine whether the reinserted VP shunt will function sufficiently
      are adequate adhesiolysis and safe placement of the VP shunt within a
      satisfactory peritoneal location. Based on these factors, the prevention of
      postoperative adhesions after surgery for VP shunt malfunction is very important.
      We present two cases of shunt malfunction related to infection and report their
      successful treatment using Seprafilm(r). Seprafilm may improve the safety of VP
      shunt reinsertion and preserve the function of the reinserted VP shunt after VP
      shunt malfunction with infection.

PMID- 22041545
TI  - Cause, care, cure: research priorities for Alzheimer's disease and related
      dementias.
AB  - Part of Ontario's strategy on Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD)
      was to develop research priorities and recommend strategies for building research
      capacity. The process to achieve these objectives included an environmental scan,
      key informant interviews, surveys, and a consensus workshop; this process
      involved over 100 researchers, clinicians, persons with early dementia, and
      family caregivers. This article describes the process undertaken, key issues
      identified, and recommendations for research priorities and for building research
      capacity; and provides a strategic direction for dementia research in Ontario
      that is relevant for other jurisdictions. ADRD research in all aspects is
      required to advance knowledge of ADRD cause, care, and cure; gaps currently exist
      in understanding effective approaches to care and knowledge transfer. Capacity
      for high-calibre research hinges on maintaining attractive career paths for
      researchers, solid infrastructures, and strong partnerships. For research to
      inform policy and practice, better mechanisms are needed for knowledge exchange.

PMID- 22041546
TI  - Recognition of greater diversity of Bacillus species and related bacteria in
      human faeces.
AB  - In a study looking at culturable aerobic Actinobacteria associated with the human
      gastrointestinal tract, the vast majority of isolates obtained from dried human
      faeces belonged to the genus Bacillus and related bacteria. A total of 124
      isolates were recovered from the faeces of 10 healthy adult donors. 16S rRNA gene
      sequence analyses showed the majority belonged to the families Bacillaceae (n=81)
      and Paenibacillaceae (n=3), with Bacillus species isolated from all donors.
      Isolates tentatively identified as Bacillus clausii (n=32) and Bacillus
      licheniformis (n=28) were recovered most frequently, with the genera
      Lysinibacillus, Ureibacillus, Oceanobacillus, Ornithinibacillus and Virgibacillus
      represented in some donors. Phenotypic data confirmed the identities of isolates
      belonging to well-characterized species. Representatives of the phylum
      Actinobacteria were recovered in much lower numbers (n=11). Many of the bacilli
      exhibited antimicrobial activity against one or more strains of Clostridium
      difficile, Clostridium perfringens, Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus
      aureus, with some (n=12) found to have no detectable cytopathic effect on HEp-2
      cells. This study has revealed greater diversity within gut-associated aerobic
      spore-formers than previous studies, and suggests that bacilli with potential as
      probiotics could be isolated from the human gut.

PMID- 22041547
TI  - Discovery of novel biopreservation agents with inhibitory effects on growth of
      food-borne pathogens and their application to seafood products.
AB  - Selection of protective cultures is relevant in order to biopreserve and improve
      the functional safety of food products, mainly through inhibition of spoilage
      and/or pathogenic bacteria. Accordingly, the present study investigated potential
      applications of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in the biopreservation of fish and
      shellfish products. For this purpose, a collection of 84 LAB strains isolated
      from sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) and sea bream (Sparus aurata) was identified
      and characterized for their inhibitory activities against the most relevant
      seafood-spoilage and pathogenic bacteria potentially present in commercial
      products. The bioactive strains belonged to the genus Enterococcus and exhibited
      inhibition against Carnobacterium sp, Bacillus sp, Listeria monocytogenes,
      Aeromonas salmonicida, Aeromonas hydrophila and Vibrio anguillarum. Treatment of
      cell-free extracts of the LAB strains with proteases revealed the proteinaceous
      nature of the inhibition. Interestingly, the cell-free extracts containing
      bacteriocins remained 100% active after treatment up to 100  degrees C for 30 min
      or 121  degrees C for 15 min. Molecular analysis led to identification of the
      bacteriocins investigated, including enterocins A, B, L50 and P. All of these
      proteins demonstrated remarkable anti-Listeria activity and were found to be heat
      resistant small class IIa bacteriocins. The results presented in this work open
      the way for potential applications of these LAB strains to the biopreservation of
      minimally-processed seafood products.

PMID- 22041548
TI  - From metallic cages to transient bioresorbable scaffolds: change in paradigm of
      coronary revascularization in the upcoming decade?

PMID- 22041549
TI  - Psychosis, depression, and high risk for sudden cardiac death: time for co
      operation between psychiatrists and cardiologists.

PMID- 22041550
TI  - Left atrial appendage closure: a percutaneous transcatheter approach for stroke
      prevention in atrial fibrillation.
AB  - Atrial fibrillation is a frequent cause of stroke; in the elderly, more than 20%
      of strokes are attributed to this common arrhythmia. Anticoagulation with
      warfarin reduces the risk of stroke by ~60%; however, a large proportion of
      patients with atrial fibrillation do not receive this treatment because of
      relative/absolute contraindications. Moreover, patients often discontinue
      warfarin for a variety of reasons and chronic warfarin administration rates
      remain suboptimal. Although the compliance with anticoagulation may improve with
      novel anticoagulants and bleeding risk can be somewhat reduced when compared with
      warfarin, there is still a progressive increase in bleeding complications over
      time. Accordingly, new approaches for stroke prevention in these patients are
      being explored and tested. In transoesophageal echocardiographic (TEE) studies,
      more than 90% of thrombi were found in the left atrial appendage (LAA) in non
      valvular atrial fibrillation, and transcatheter LAA closure is developed and
      examined as a novel approach to reduce the risk of stroke in these patients. The
      PROTECT-AF study provides first evidence from a randomized clinical trial that a
      strategy of LAA occlusion using the Watchman device can be non-inferior to
      anticoagulation with warfarin for a combined endpoint in patients with non
      valvular atrial fibrillation (mean CHADS(2) score 1.8). In successfully occluded
      patients fulfilling TEE criteria (86%), warfarin was stopped after 45 days,
      followed by aspirin and clopidogrel for 6 months after randomization and
      subsequently aspirin. The PREVAIL trial is further evaluating this concept.
      Limited data are available for another LAA occlusion system, the Amplatzer
      Cardiac Plug (ACP) device, for which the ACP trial has been initiated. Left
      atrial appendage occlusion needs to be performed with meticulous care by
      experienced operators because periprocedural complications such as pericardial
      effusion or stroke have been documented. With increased operator experience and
      technical improvements of the device, these complications can be minimized.

PMID- 22041551
TI  - De-risking the clinical development of cholesteryl ester transfer protein
      inhibitors: how much is good enough?

PMID- 22041552
TI  - An unusual cause of embolic myocardial infarction.

PMID- 22041553
TI  - Safety and efficacy of a pharmaco-invasive reperfusion strategy in rural ST
      elevation myocardial infarction patients with expected delays due to long
      distance transfers.
AB  - AIMS: To determine the safety and efficacy of a pharmaco-invasive reperfusion
      strategy utilizing half-dose fibrinolysis combined with transfer for immediate
      percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in ST-elevation myocardial infarction
      (STEMI) patients presenting to remote rural hospitals. Primary PCI is preferred
      for STEMI if performed in a timely manner. However, <20% of STEMI patients
      transferred for PCI in the USA have door-to-balloon times <2 h. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: Prospective data from the Level 1 MI programme were analysed. All STEMI
      patients presenting to the Minneapolis Heart Institute or 31 referral hospitals
      received aspirin, clopidogrel, and unfractionated heparin (UFH) at the presenting
      hospital and those presenting to hospitals >=60 miles away also received half
      dose fibrinolytic with transfer for immediate PCI. From April 2003 through
      December 2009, we enrolled 2634 consecutive STEMI patients in the Level 1 MI
      database including 660 transferred from remote hospitals utilizing pharmaco
      invasive therapy and 600 patients who presented directly to the PCI centre. There
      were no significant differences in 30-day mortality (5.5 vs. 5.6%; P= 0.94),
      stroke (1.1 vs. 1.3%; P= 0.66) or major bleeding (1.5 vs. 1.8%; P= 0.65), or re
      infarction/ischaemia (1.2 vs. 2.5%; P= 0.088) in patients receiving a pharmaco
      invasive strategy compared with patients presenting directly to the PCI centre,
      despite a significantly longer door-to-balloon time. CONCLUSION: Within a
      regional STEMI system of care, half-dose fibrinolysis combined with immediate
      transfer for PCI may be a safe and effective option for STEMI patients with
      expected delays due to long-distance transfer.

PMID- 22041554
TI  - Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers are
      beneficial in normotensive atherosclerotic patients: a collaborative meta
      analysis of randomized trials.
AB  - AIMS: It is unclear whether angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE-I) or
      angiotensin receptor blockers (ARB) are beneficial in individuals with, or at
      increased risk for, atherosclerotic vascular disease who are normotensive.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: Two investigators independently searched MEDLINE, Embase,
      and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from 1980 to 2011,
      bibliographies, and contacted primary study authors for randomized placebo
      controlled outcome trials evaluating ACE-I or ARB which enrolled at least 1000
      patients with, or at increased risk for, atherosclerotic vascular disease and
      followed them for at least 12 months. We approached all eligible trials to obtain
      data stratified by baseline systolic pressures. We pooled data from 13 trials of
      80 594 patients; outcomes included 9043 all-cause deaths, 5674 cardiovascular
      deaths, 3106 myocardial infarctions, and 4452 strokes. Angiotensin-converting
      enzyme inhibitors or ARB reduced the composite primary outcome of cardiovascular
      death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, or non-fatal stroke by 11% (95%
      confidence interval 7-15%), with no variation in efficacy across baseline
      systolic blood pressure strata. In patients with baseline systolic pressure <130
      mmHg, ACE-I or ARB reduced the composite primary outcome by 16% (10-23%) and all
      cause mortality by 11% (4-18%)-this benefit was consistent across all subgroups
      examined including those without systolic heart failure (OR: 0.81, 95% CI: 0.75
      0.88) and those without diabetes (OR: 0.79, 95% CI: 0.70-0.89). CONCLUSION:
      Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or ARB are beneficial in patients with,
      or at increased risk for, atherosclerotic disease even if their systolic pressure
      is <130 mmHg before treatment.

PMID- 22041555
TI  - Involvement of estrogen receptors in the resveratrol-mediated increase in
      dopamine transporter in human dopaminergic neurons and in striatum of female
      mice.
AB  - Treatment with resveratrol (RSV) has been shown to protect vulnerable neurons
      after various brain injuries and in neurodegenerative diseases. The mechanisms
      for the effects of RSV in brain are not fully understood, but RSV may affect the
      expression of various gene products. RSV is structurally related to the synthetic
      estrogen, diethylstilbestrol so the effects of RSV may be gender-specific. Here
      we studied the role of RSV in the regulation of dopamine transporter (DAT) in the
      striatum using male and female mice. The basic levels of DAT in the striatum
      showed no sex difference, but the levels increased significantly by RSV (20 mg/kg
      i.p.) in female but not in male mice. Pretreatment of mice with the selective
      estrogen receptor (ER), ERalpha- and ERbeta antagonist ICI 182,780, led to a
      complete block of RSV effect on DAT protein levels, suggesting that ERs are
      involved in the up-regulation of DAT by RSV. Similar data was also obtained in
      culture using human MESC2.10 and mouse SN4741 dopaminergic cells after treatment
      with RSV. Data further showed that RSV specifically induced gene transcription of
      DAT in the dopaminergic cells. These results show that estrogen receptors are
      involved in the up-regulation of DAT by RSV in the dopaminergic neurons,
      demonstrating a sex-dependent effect of RSV in the brain that may be of clinical
      importance. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Post-Traumatic
      Stress Disorder'.

PMID- 22041556
TI  - [Contributions to translational medicine from cancer epidemiological and
      etiological studies].

PMID- 22041557
TI  - [Hybrid Escherichia coli: the pathogen of 2011 Germany pandemic].

PMID- 22041558
TI  - [The association between polymorphism of transforming growth factor-beta1 and
      radiochemotherapy response and survival in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
      patients].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association between polymorphism of transforming
      growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1)-509C/T and radiochemotherapy response and
      survival in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients. METHODS: The
      genotype of TGF-beta1-509C/T was detected by polymerase chain reaction-based
      restriction fragment length polymorphism assay (PCR-RFLP) in 230 ESCC patients
      receiving radiotherapy alone or in combination with chemotherapy. Unconditional
      multivariate logistic regression analysis was done to estimate adjusted odds
      ratios (ORs) along with the corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for the
      polymorphism and radiochemotherapy response. The associations between overall
      survival time or hazard ratio (HR) of ESCC patients and genetic variation or the
      clinical data were estimated by applying univariate and multivariate Cox
      regression analyses. RESULTS: Among 208 patients with upper gastrointestinal
      contrast assessment, 87 cases were susceptible to radiochemotherapy treatment and
      the TGF-beta1-509CC, CT and TT genotype patients were 17 (19.5%), 48 (55.2%) and
      22 (25.3%), respectively. Among the patients who were insensitive to
      radiochemotherapy treatment (n = 121), the TGF-beta1-509CC, CT and TT genotype
      patients were 39 (32.2%), 54 (44.6%) and 28 (23.2%), respectively. Compared with
      TGF-beta1-509CC genotype, the CT and TT genotype carriers had a significantly
      better treatment response (adjusted OR = 2.07, 95%CI, 1.05 - 4.09, P = 0.036).
      The median survival time of CC genotype patients was 17.0 (95%CI, 12.0 - 23.0)
      months, CT genotype patients was 22.0 (95%CI, 16.0 - 33.0) months and TT genotype
      patients was 25.0 (95%CI, 15.0 - 41.0) months. Compared to CC genotype patients,
      the survival time difference of CT and TT group was close to the statistical
      break point (P = 0.063). Our data showed that the subjects with CT or TT genotype
      had an decreased HR respectively as compared with those with CC genotype (CT,
      adjusted HR = 0.81, 95%CI, 0.52 - 1.24; TT, adjusted HR = 0.86, 95%CI, 0.65 -
      1.12), but the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). However,
      tumor location, clinical stage and radiochemotherapy response affected the
      overall survival time of the patient significantly (adjusted HR = 1.28, 95%CI:
      1.01 - 1.61, P = 0.040; 1.49, 95%CI, 1.17 - 1.88, P = 0.001; 1.55, 95%CI, 1.06 -
      2.26, P = 0.023, respectively). CONCLUSION: These results suggest that TGF-beta1
      509C/T polymorphisms were associated with radiochemotherapy for esophageal
      squamous cell carcinoma which might be genetic markers for prediction of the
      radiochemotherapy response in ESCC patients.

PMID- 22041559
TI  - [The correlation between polymorphisms of Toll-like receptor 2 and Toll-like
      receptor 9 and susceptibility to gastric cancer].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between the polymorphisms of Toll-like
      receptor 2 (TLR2) and TLR9 and the susceptibility to gastric cancer. METHODS: A
      population-based case-control study was conducted at Linqu county, Shandong
      province, China, including a total of 248 cases of gastric cancer. Another total
      of 496 age and sex-matched controls were randomly selected from the same cohorts.
      TLR2 rs3804099 and TLR9 rs187084 were detected by polymerase chain reaction
      restriction fragment length polymorphism method. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95%
      confidence interval (CI) were computed from logistic regression models after
      adjusting for age, sex, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection and smoking
      status. RESULTS: The frequencies of TT, TC and CC genotype on TLR2 rs3804099 in
      control group were 43.5% (216/496), 46.6% (231/496) and 9.9% (49/496),
      respectively; whereas those in case group were 53.2% (132/248), 39.9% (99/248)
      and 6.9% (17/248), respectively. Significant differences in the frequencies of
      TLR2 rs3804099 were found between case and control groups (chi(2) = 6.665, P =
      0.036). It was found that compared with the TT genotype, TC + CC genotype
      carriers obviously less susceptible to gastric cancer (OR = 0.68, 95%CI: 0.50 -
      0.93). Joint effects analysis indicated that the TLR2 rs3804099 TT genotype
      carriers and H.pylori infectors had higher susceptibility to gastric cancer(OR =
      3.42, 95%CI: 2.16 - 5.42), compared with TC + CC genotype carriers and non
      H.pylori infection group. The frequencies of TT, TC and CC genotype on TLR9
      rs187084 in control group were 33.3% (165/496), 49.0% (243/496) and 17.7%
      (88/496), respectively; whereas those in case group were 35.9% (89/248), 50.0%
      (124/248) and 14.1% (35/248), respectively. No significant association with
      gastric cancer was observed for TLR9 rs187084 polymorphism (chi(2) = 1.684, P =
      0.431). CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that TLR2 rs3804099 is closely
      associated with susceptibility to gastric cancer.

PMID- 22041560
TI  - [The relationship between gene polymorphism of telomerase reverse transcriptase
      and susceptibility to hepatocellular carcinoma].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the correlation between single-nucleotide polymorphisms
      (SNPs) of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) rs2736098 and rs2736100 and the
      susceptibility to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: This case-control
      study design included 1300 diagnosed HCC patients with HBsAg positive and 1344
      HBsAg positive people as control-group.rs2736098 and rs2736100 on TERT were
      selected as research sites, whose polymorphisms were detected by TaqMan allelic
      discrimination assay. The OR values (95%CI) were calculated by logistic
      regression to compare the correlation between different genotype and
      susceptibility to HCC. RESULTS: The distribution frequencies of three genotypes
      as GG, AG and AA on rs2736098 were separately 39.3% (500/1273), 44.2% (563/1273)
      and 16.5% (210/1273) in case group; while respectively 39.6% (526/1328), 45.5%
      (604/1328) and 14.9% (198/1328) in control group. The distribution frequencies of
      three genotypes as AA, AC and CC on rs2736100 were separately 33.7% (428/1269),
      49.9% (633/1269) and 16.4% (208/1269) in case group; while respectively 34.0%
      (449/1322), 49.2% (651/1322) and 16.8% (222/1322) in control group. The multi
      variates logistic regression analysis showed that there was no significant
      difference between rs2736098 mutated A carriers and genotype GG carriers in the
      susceptibility to HCC after adjusting by age, sex, smoking and drinking factors
      (rs2736098, AA + AG vs GG: adjusted OR = 1.00 (95%CI: 0.86 - 1.18)); and there
      was no significant different between rs2736100 mutated C carriers and genotype AA
      carriers in the susceptibility to HCC either (AC + CC vs AA: adjusted OR = 1.03
      (95%CI: 0.87 - 1.22)). CONCLUSION: The polymorphisms of rs2736098 and rs2736100
      on TERT may not play a landmark role in susceptibility to HCC among Chinese
      population.

PMID- 22041561
TI  - [Downregulation of chromobox protein homolog 7 expression in multiple human
      cancer tissues].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between chromobox protein homolog 7
      (cbx7) expression and the occurrence and development of colorectal carcinoma
      (CRC), gastric carcinoma (GC) and hepatocarcinoma (HCC) tissues. METHODS: The
      samples of neoplastic tissues and the corresponding cutting-edge normal tissues
      from 22 cases of CRC, 20 cases of GC, 30 cases of HCC were surgically collected.
      Level of cbx7 mRNA was detected with a fluorescent quantitative RT-PCR assay, and
      the correlationship among expression of cbx7 mRNA, the patients'
      clinicopathologic features and the surviving time after surgery was analyzed.
      RESULTS: The relative copy number of cbx7 mRNA in carcinomas and the normal
      tissues was 0.010 +/- 0.015 vs 0.053 +/- 0.042 for CRCs, 0.197 +/- 0.195 vs 1.891
      +/- 1.254 for GCs, and 0.008 +/- 0.008 vs 0.030 +/- 0.021 for HCCs, respectively.
      Compared with the corresponding normal tissues, cbx7 expression was significantly
      downregulated in CRCs, GCs, and HCCs (t = -7.351, -5.417 and -6.680,
      respectively, P < 0.01). The expression of cbx7 mRNA in CRCs had significant
      differences not only between two age groups (the relative copy number of cbx7
      mRNA in age > 55 group was 0.007 +/- 0.015, but 0.017 +/- 0.012 in age <= 55
      group, t = -2.586, P = 0.022); but also between vascular embolus-positive and
      negative groups (the level of cbx7 mRNA in positive and negative group was 0.022
      +/- 0.021 vs 0.006 +/- 0.011, t = -3.175, P = 0.010). The area under the receiver
      operating characteristics (ROC) curve is 0.769 (P = 0.033). when the Cut-off
      value of the relative copy number of cbx7 mRNA was 0.002 in CRCs. The values less
      than 0.002 were defined as low expression. The CRC patients with low expression
      of cbx7 had a shorter overall survival time; whose 5 years survival rate was only
      30.8% (4/13); while the rate was 77.8% (7/9) in high expression of cbx7 group.
      The difference had statistical significance (chi(2) = 4.329, P = 0.037). The
      similar differences could not be found among GC and HCC patients. CONCLUSION:
      Downregulation of cbx7 expression was very common among multiple carcinomas
      cases, and the downregulation influenced the prognosis of CRC patients.

PMID- 22041562
TI  - [Primary evaluation of a mass screening program for colorectal tumor in China].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a colorectal cancer screening program by tumor detection
      rate and discussing its application values. METHOD: In total, 43 713 subjects
      were recruited in the screening program who were the registered people aged 40 -
      74 in Xiacheng and Jiashan during year 2007 - 2009. The first screening involved
      questionnaire survey of colorectal cancer related risk factors and fecal occult
      blood test (FOBT), colonoscopy was performed when a positive result was observed
      in the first screening. If polyps were found during colonoscopy, biopsy and
      pathological diagnosis were carried out. The screening data were analyzed and the
      tumor detection rate was calculated according to age or sex. RESULTS: 6489
      subjects (14.85%) belonged to the high risk group of colorectal cancer in the
      first screening, in which 4701 subjects finished complete colonoscopy. Finally,
      569 colorectal neoplasm were diagnosed, the detection rate was 12.10% (95%CI:
      11.17% - 13.04%). It included 52 colorectal cancer (1.11%, 95%CI: 0.81% - 1.41%),
      183 advanced adenoma (3.89%, 95%CI: 3.34% - 4.45%), 334 non-advanced adenoma
      (7.10%, 95%CI: 6.37% - 7.84%). The highest detective rate was observed in male
      group that aged 70 - 74 (22.81%, 95%CI: 16.98% - 28.70%), the lowest detective
      rate was observed in female group aged 40 - 44 (2.49%, 95%CI: 0.79% - 4.20%).
      CONCLUSION: The current colorectal cancer screening program in China works well,
      but the revision of the program is necessary.

PMID- 22041563
TI  - [Analysis of sensitivity and specificity of sputum cytology screening for lung
      cancer with different positive criteria].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To discuss the effect of different positive criteria on the
      sensitivity and specificity of sputum cytology screening for lung cancer among
      Yunnan tin miners. METHODS: 9223 Yunnan tin miners who received at least one
      annual sputum cytology screening for lung cancer during the period between 1992
      and 1999 were recruited in the study. At time of enrollment, all participants
      were aged over 40 years old, had at least 10 years of employment as an
      underground miner and(or) smelter, and had not been diagnosed with malignancy. In
      our study, a true positive was categorized as having at least one prior positive
      sputum screening and a diagnosis of lung cancer, while a true negative, by our
      definition, signified negative sputum examinations and no diagnosis of lung
      cancer during the follow up time. Based on different positive criteria,
      sensitivity and specificity of sputum cytology were computed and receiver
      operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was conducted. Z statistic was used
      to test the differences of the area under ROC based on Hanley and McNeil method.
      RESULTS: By the end of following up on December 31, 2001, a total 500 lung cancer
      cases were diagnosed among 9223 participants: most were squamous cell carcinoma
      (55.8% (222/398)) and central lung cancers (68.5% (316/461)). 150 lung cancer
      cases had a previous positive sputum screening result. When positive criteria
      were taken as grave atypical metaplasia, moderate atypical metaplasia and slight
      atypical metaplasia, the corresponding sensitivities were 30.0% (150/500), 36.4%
      (182/500), 53.0% (265/500) respectively; while the corresponding specificities
      were 98.9% (8628/8723), 95.1% (8611/8723), 77.9% (7033/8723) respectively. The
      areas under ROC curve according to different positive criterias were 0.645
      (95%CI: 0.635 - 0.654), 0.657 (95%CI: 0.668 - 0.667), 0.655 (95%CI: 0.645 -
      0.664) respectively. There were no significant differences found in the
      comparisons between grave and moderate atypical metaplasia, grave and slight
      atypical metaplasia, moderate and slight atypical metaplasia(Z statistics were
      0.780, 0.645, 0.209 respectively, all P values > 0.05). CONCLUSION: While the
      standard of positive criteria for diagnosis of lung cancer decreased, the
      sensitivity of sputum cytology screening increased and the specificity decreased.
      Since there were no significant differences of accuracy for different positive
      criteria.

PMID- 22041564
TI  - [Survey and analysis of ethyl carbamate in commercial fermented foods in Hangzhou
      in 2010].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the ethyl carbamate concentrations in different commercial
      fermented foods in Hangzhou in 2010. METHODS: In 2010, 237 commercial fermented
      food samples of eight categories, including yellow wine, white spirit, wine,
      beer, cooking wine, sauce, vinegar and fermented bean curd, were purchased from 3
      different size markets respectively in Hangzhou. The ethyl carbamate was measured
      by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry in selection ion mode, after the samples
      were coupled with D5-ethyl carbamate, and purified by diatomite solid phase
      extraction column. RESULTS: The results showed that ethyl carbamate was detected
      in all samples analyzed (100%) with the range from 2.0 ug/kg to 515.0 ug/kg. The
      ethyl carbamate average (median) levels in 8 food categories were descending with
      fermented red bean curd (182.2 ug/kg (161.2 ug/kg)), yellow wine (159.6 ug/kg
      (121.0 ug/kg)), cooking wine (86.8 ug/kg (95.6 ug/kg)), white spirit (72.0 ug/kg
      (60.5 ug/kg)), soy sauce (47.2 ug/kg (40.7ug/kg)), vinegar (26.7 ug/kg (31.8
      ug/kg)), wine (15.7 ug/kg (16.8 ug/kg)) and beer (2.2 ug/kg (2.3 ug/kg)).
      CONCLUSION: The ethyl carbamate was detected in all fermented foods in Hangzhou
      in 2010, and the levels of ethyl carbamate in red bean curd and yellow wine were
      higher than others.

PMID- 22041565
TI  - [Study on the mutations within the whole genome of influenza virus subtype A/H3N2
      strains circulated in Zhejiang province from 1998 to 2009].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze the consistency of evolution condition between HA gene and
      the whole genome of influenza virus subtype A/H3N2 strains isolated in Zhejiang
      province from 1998 to 2009, and to study the potential antigenic region on the
      whole genome. METHODS: The sequences of whole genome of 19 Zhejiang influenza
      virus isolates circulated from 1998 to 2009, which conserved by influenza
      laboratory of Zhejiang Provincial Centre for Disease Prevention and Control, were
      amplified using RT-PCR assays. The obtained sequences were used to conduct
      phylogenetic analysis with 10 contemporaneous vaccine strains. Three methods,
      including comparison of the amino acid substitutions, calculation of the entropy
      value and the filtering of positive selection sites, were used to confirm the
      mutable sites on each gene. RESULTS: The whole genome of influenza virus subtype
      A/H3N2 was 4466 amino acids in length, with 137 stable mutations. The 144, 158 aa
      of HA gene mutate four and three times respectively; 93, 143, 307, 370, 372 aa of
      NA gene and 450 aa of NP gene mutate twice, and there were 29% (12/41) and 77%
      (24/31) mutations of HA and NA genes occurred on the non-epitope regions
      respectively. Analysis of the entropy value suggest that many amino acid sites on
      the non-epitope regions were prone to mutation, including 3, 225, 361 aa of HA
      gene; 93, 143, 147, 150, 372 aa of NA gene; 113, 576, 586 aa of PB1 gene;
      101,256, 382, 421, 437 aa of PA; 377, 450 aa of NP gene; 218 aa of M1 gene and 31
      aa of M2 gene. CONCLUSION: Based on the whole genome of influenza virus subtype
      A/H3N2 strains isolated in Zhejiang province in 1998 to 2009, there may be
      several unknown or new antigen sites existing on the non-epitope regions of HA
      and NA genes and parts of internal genes. The phylogenetic tree constructed based
      on the complete sequence was more comprehensive than on the HA gene to reflect
      the genetic relationship and law of evolution among the influenza virus strains.

PMID- 22041566
TI  - [The prevalence of HIV-1 drug resistance and associated factors in AIDS patients
      receiving HAART in Zhecheng county, Henan province].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To understand the prevalence of HIV-1 drug resistance and its main
      factors in AIDS patients receiving to HAART in Zhecheng county, Henan province.
      METHODS: By cross-sectional survey, 378 AIDS patients who had received the
      national free antiretroviral therapy from July 2003 to March 2009 in Zhecheng
      county of Henan were selected. All recruits were interviewed and blood samples
      were collected. HIV-1 viral loads were measured by real-time polymerase chain
      reaction, HIV genotypic resistance was determined by an in-house polymerase chain
      reaction to amplify the HIV-1 pol gene region. RESULTS: Among 378 subjects
      receiving antiretroviral therapy, the prevalence of successful viral suppression
      was 42.9% (162/378), and HIV-1 drug resistance was detected in 47.1% (178/378)
      patients. The rate of resistance-associated mutations to non-nucleotide reverse
      transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors
      (NRTIs) and protease inhibitors (PIs) was 46.6% (176/378), 37.8% (143/378) and
      1.9% (7/378), respectively. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that
      the main risk factors associated with the prevalence of drug resistance included
      drug non-adherence (ratio of on-time drug intake in the past month < 90%:>= 90% =
      64.5% (40/62):43.7% (138/316), OR = 2.3, 95%CI: 1.3 - 4.1), and initiation of
      anti-retroviral therapy (ART) with didanosine (DDI) (ART with DDI:ART with
      lamivudine (3TC) = 53.3% (137/257):33.9% (41/121), OR = 2.3, 95%CI = 1.1 - 4.5).
      CONCLUSION: The prevalence of HIV-1 drug resistance among ART patients in
      Zhecheng county of Henan was high. Drug non-adherence and initiation of ART with
      DDI were the main factors of drug resistance.

PMID- 22041567
TI  - [The etiological identification of an aseptic encephalitis outbreak (ten cases)
      in a hospital of Xiamen city, 2011].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify the etiology of an aseptic encephalitis outbreak (ten
      cases) in a hospital of Xiamen city from 11 to 17 May, 2011. METHODS: A total of
      ten patients' throat swabs, anal swabs and cerebrospinal fluid were collected and
      detected by RT-PCR for pan-enterovirus. The samples containing detectable pan
      enterovirus were tested by PCR with genotype-specific general primers located in
      VP1 region of enterovirus genotype A, B and C (HEV-A, B and C). The PCR products
      of VP1 segment were purified and sequenced, and phylogenetic analysis was
      performed. Meanwhile, the pathogens in those samples were isolated in Vero cell
      culture. Homologous analysis of VP1 sequences were carried out for the cultured
      virus samples and the original clinical samples to identify the outbreak
      etiology. RESULTS: Among the ten cases, seven cases were positive for pan
      enterovirus nucleic acid. When tested by genotype-specific PCR, the throat and
      anal swab samples from those 7 patients were positive with HEV-B VP1 primers.
      Meanwhile, the HEV-B VP1 segments were sequenced and phylogenetic analyzed, which
      indicated the seven cases were all infected by enterovirus Echo 30. The sequences
      from those samples had homology of 95.3% - 97.1% with the epidemic strains in
      Zhejiang, 2004. Out of the seven cases, the sequences of XM2, XM3, XM4, XM8
      throat swab samples and XM3, XM6 throat samples showed 99.4% - 100.0% homology
      which were different from the sequence of XM1, and the homology was 92.8% -
      93.4%. Furthermore, the viruses were isolated using Vero cells from XM1, XM2,
      XM3, XM4 and XM8 throat swab samples, and the VP1 sequence showed more than 99.9%
      homology with the original specimens. CONCLUSION: The local outbreak of aseptic
      encephalitis was caused by Echo 30 of enterovirus genotype B, and the epidemic
      strains may have different genetic background.

PMID- 22041568
TI  - [The cytotoxic effect and injury mechanism of deoxynivalenol on articular
      chondrocytes in human embryo].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study was to explore the cytotoxic effect and the related injury
      mechanism of deoxynivalenol (DON) on articular chondrocytes in human embryo.
      METHODS: Articular cartilage cells were isolated from knees of human embryo and
      cultured in DMEM/F12 medium. The cells of the 4th generation were divided into
      five groups and incubated with varying concentrations of DON as the followings:
      control group and group with DON of 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 1.0 ug/ml. The effects of DON
      were observed 72 hours after incubation. Cell apoptosis was assayed by flow
      cytometry (FCM) with Annexin V-FITC/PI staining; MMP-13 and PGE2 were detected by
      ELISA kits; NO was measured by Griess assay with spectrophotometer. Inducible
      nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and collagen II in cells were detected by FCM. The
      expression levels of iNOS, mRNA and collagen II mRNA were measured with RT-PCR.
      RESULTS: The rates of cell apoptosis in DON groups were 6.78% - 19.05%, which
      were significantly higher than that in control (1.20%, F = 174.761, P < 0.05).
      The levels of NO in DON groups were 20.8 - 40.7 umol/L, which were significantly
      higher than that in control (10.2 umol/L, F = 91.966, P < 0.05). The levels of
      MMP-13 in DON groups were 0.25 - 0.56 umol/L, which were significantly higher
      than that in control (0 umol/L, F = 78.420, P < 0.05). The levels of PGE2 in DON
      groups were 3.2-20.6 umol/L, which were significantly higher than that in control
      (11.6 umol/L, F = 276.453, P < 0.05). The proportions of cells with positive iNOS
      in DON groups were 14.8% - 56.8% which were significantly higher than that in
      controls (7.1%, F = 214.614, P < 0.05). The proportions of cells with positive
      collagen II in groups with DON of 0.4 ug/ml and 1.0 ug/ml were 56.7% and 52.7%,
      which were significantly lower than that in control (62.2%, F = 5.134, P < 0.05).
      The relative absorbance values of iNOS mRNA in DON groups were 1.07 - 1.33, which
      were significantly higher than that in control (0.62, F = 8.358, P < 0.05). The
      levels of collagen II mRNA in groups with DON of 0.4 ug/ml and 1.0 ug/ml were
      0.83 and 0.82, which were significantly lower than that in control (1.14, F =
      7.887, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: DON could promote anabolism of NO in articular
      cartilage cells by which up-regulated the expression of PGE2 and MMP-13, which
      both promoted resolution of articular cartilage matrix such as collagen II. DON
      induced apoptosis in articular cartilage cells.

PMID- 22041569
TI  - [The effect of birth weight and early growth on body fat composition and insulin
      sensitivity].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of birth weight and early growth on body fat
      composition and insulin sensitivity. METHODS: The birth and growth data of 258
      children of 6 to 7 years old in Guangzhou were collected from Jun.2009 to Feb.
      2010. Physical and laboratory examination were preformed, which included body
      weight, body height and body fat composition index (body mass index (BMI),
      percentage of body fat (PBF), waist circumference to height ratio (WtHR), etc).
      Fasting blood glucose and insulin were measured. The homeostasis model assessment
      model for insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) was calculated. According to birth
      weight, the children were divided into three groups from light to heavy: BW-I, BW
      II, BW-III group. Then according to change in weight SDS between 0 and 36 months,
      the children were divided into three groups: changers up (CU), non-changers (NC),
      changers down (CD) group. The effect of birth weight and early growth on body fat
      composition and insulin sensitivity were analyzed. RESULTS: Change in weight SDS
      between 0 and 36 months was higher in BW-I group (1.06 +/- 1.29) than in the BW
      II group (-0.19 +/- 0.94) and BW-III group (-0.10 +/- 1.20) (all P values <
      0.01). Birth weight of the CU group ((2.90 +/- 0.47) kg) was lower than that of
      the NC group ((3.22 +/- 0.34) kg) and the CD group ((3.57 +/- 0.37) kg) (all P
      values < 0.01). The body fat composition index of BMI, PBF and WtHR were higher
      in the BW-III group ((16.35 +/- 2.13) kg/m(2), (17.03 +/- 5.88)%, (0.479 +/-
      0.033)) than in the BW-I group ((15.46 +/- 2.06) kg/m(2), (14.06 +/- 5.25)%,
      (0.459 +/- 0.032)) and BW-II group ((15.47 +/- 1.58) kg/m(2), (14.09 +/- 5.01)%,
      (0.460 +/- 0.025)) (P < 0.01), while there was no significant difference between
      the BW-I group and the BW-II group (P > 0.05). The body fat composition index of
      BMI, PBF and WtHR were higher in the CU group ((16.44 +/- 2.20) kg/m(2), (16.51
      +/- 5.78)%, (0.473 +/- 0.034)) than in the NC group ((15.62 +/- 1.74) kg/m(2),
      (14.49 +/- 5.30)%, (0.463 +/- 0.030)) and the CD group ((15.26 +/- 1.85) kg/m(2),
      (14.24 +/- 5.54)%, (0.462 +/- 0.031)) (all P values < 0.05). In the CU group,
      BMI, PBF and WtHR were higher in the BW-III-CU group ((18.76 +/- 2.56) kg/m(2),
      (22.19 +/- 8.28)%, (0.512 +/- 0.029)) than in the BW-I-CU group ((16.04 +/- 2.14)
      kg/m(2), (15.54 +/- 5.28)%, (0.467 +/- 0.034)) and BW-II-CU group ((16.70 +/-
      1.36) kg/m(2), (17.12 +/- 4.44)%, (0.474 +/- 0.017)) (all P values < 0.05), while
      there was no significant difference between the BW-I-CU group and the BW-II-CU
      group (P > 0.05). HOMA-IR was higher in the CU group (1.27 +/- 0.44) than in the
      NC group (1.08 +/- 0.31) and the CD group (1.00 +/- 0.36) (all P values < 0.01).
      In the CU group, HOMA-IR was higher in the BW-III-CU group (1.69 +/- 0.48) than
      in the BW-I-CU group (1.21 +/- 0.41) and the BW-II-CU group (1.27 +/- 0.44) (all
      P values < 0.01), while there was no significant difference between the BW-I-CU
      and BW-II-CU group (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: According to birth weight tertile,
      both lower birth weight individuals with more weight change-up growth postnatal
      early and higher birth weight individuals had greater body fat composition in
      childhood. They were high-risk people of insulin resistance.

PMID- 22041570
TI  - [The relationship between occupational stress and metabolic syndrome among
      policemen].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the occupational stress factors associated with the
      prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MS) among male policemen. METHODS: Using
      cluster sampling method, we selected four Public Security Bureau within the
      jurisdiction of the station now in some city. All the male police were included
      as research objects, and finally 1490 persons were selected, health and
      occupational stress inventory-revised (OSI-R) questionnaire were used for
      epidemiological surveys, and anthropometric examination and chemical indicators
      were also measured at the same time. The analysis methods were chi-square test
      and unconditional logistical regression. RESULTS: Among the 1490 of research
      objects, 1483 completed the questionnaire, and 1480 of the eligible
      questionnaires were available.237 cases were MS, and the prevalence rate was
      16.0%(237/1480). The number of cases who were high, moderate and lack of
      occupational stress in MS group were 8, 39 and 23, that in non-MS were 14, 114
      and 131, respectively. The odds of occupational stress with the highest and
      medium among policemen than who were lack were 4.82 (95%CI: 1.50 - 15.41) and
      3.33 (95%CI: 1.62 - 6.79); the average score of role ambiguity, role
      insufficiency and responsibility in the group of MS were (38.76 +/- 6.83), (25.74
      +/- 7.22), (25.76 +/- 6.27); and that in non-MS were (37.55 +/- 6.85), (24.50 +/-
      6.58), (25.05 +/- 5.95). The logistical regression analysis showed that: the
      likely three occupational risk stress factors which influencing the prevalence of
      MS were role ambiguity, role insufficiency and responsibility, and the OR (95%CI)
      were 1.06 (1.02 - 1.10), 1.04 (1.02 - 1.07) and 1.03 (1.01 - 1.06), respectively.
      CONCLUSION: Role ambiguity, role insufficiency and responsibility were the
      occupational risk stress factors associated with the prevalence of MS among male
      policemen.

PMID- 22041571
TI  - [Effect of early vitamin D supplementation on lung inflammatory factors in baby
      rat with asthma].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of different doses of 1,25-(OH)(2)VitD(3) early
      supplementation on airway inflammation and lung inflammatory factors in baby rats
      with asthma. METHODS: Forty male weaned Wistar rats were divided into normal
      group, model group, low 1,25-(OH)(2)VitD(3) group, middle 1,25-(OH)(2)VitD(3)
      group, high 1,25-(OH)(2)VitD(3) group using random number table (8 rats each
      group). The rats in low, middle and high 1,25-(OH)(2)VitD(3) groups were given 1,
      4, 10 ug/kg of 1,25-(OH)(2)VitD(3) every other day by intraperitoneal injection
      respectively for 25 days. Except normal group, the rats in other groups were
      challenged with ovalbumin to establish the asthma model. The pathologic changes
      of lung tissue, the total white blood cell and classified cell counts in
      bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were measured. The concentrations of IL-4, IL
      5 and IFN-gamma in serum and BALF were measured by ELISA method. RESULTS: The
      level of total white blood cell counts in BALF were (5.98 +/- 1.67)*10(5)/ml,
      (25.34 +/- 4.28)*10(5)/ml, (17.24 +/- 3.3)*10(5)/ml, (9.31 +/- 3.37)*10(5)/ml,
      (45.1 +/- 15.75)*10(5)/ml, respectively (F = 33.453, P < 0.01). The percent ratio
      of EOS in BALF were (1.44 +/- 0.78)%, (17.81 +/- 6.88)%, (15.00 +/- 5.70)%, (8.89
      +/- 3.66)%, (25.88 +/- 5.57)%, respectively (F = 27.299, P < 0.01). The level of
      IL-4 in serum of normal, model, low, middle and high-1,25-(OH)(2)VitD(3) groups
      were (0.62 +/- 0.54), (7.57 +/- 1.04), (3.58 +/- 0.56), (2.70 +/- 0.78) and (5.27
      +/- 0.30) pg/ml, respectively (F = 116.287, P < 0.01); IL-5 in resume were (32.20
      +/- 4.23), (67.14 +/- 18.14), (37.51 +/- 0.47), (40.69 +/- 2.47) and (124.60 +/-
      36.19) pg/ml, respectively (F = 23.902, P < 0.01); IFN-gamma in serum were (79.71
      +/- 10.08), (49.06 +/- 4.46), (59.15 +/- 2.51), (59.27 +/- 2.33) and (53.85 +/-
      1.97) pg/ml, respectively (F = 39.954, P < 0.01). Also in BLAF, the IL-4 of all
      groups were (0.51 +/- 0.30), (102.92 +/- 54.61), (8.64 +/- 4.07), (3.10 +/- 1.28)
      and (33.67 +/- 8.1) pg/ml, respectively (F = 24.062, P < 0.01); the IFN-gamma
      were (247.37 +/- 189.18), (43.82 +/- 13.76), (81.32 +/- 17.07), (86.50 +/- 14.26)
      and (59.89 +/- 34.17) pg/ml, respectively (F = 7.157, P < 0.01); the IL-5 in BALF
      were (38.81 +/- 0.60), (80.48 +/- 17.90), (45.11 +/- 1.33), (43.39 +/- 1.11) and
      (149.60 +/- 45.87) pg/ml, respectively (F = 35.978, P < 0.01). Pathologic changes
      in lung of asthma rat groups were obvious. The lung pathologic changes in low and
      middle dose groups showed a significant improvement compared to the asthma group
      and high dosage group showed more serious pathologic changes compared to the low
      and middle dose groups. CONCLUSION: Intervention with appropriate dose of 1,25
      (OH)(2)VitD(3) in the early life could improve lung pathologic changes and reduce
      the effect of inflammatory factors in air way of baby rat asthma model. However,
      overdose might play detrimental effect.

PMID- 22041572
TI  - [Translation and adjustment into Spanish language of the screening tool for mild
      cognitive impairment].
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The Test Your Memory (TYM) scale is a screening tool,
      which assesses mild cognitive impairment (MCI). It has shown better psychometric
      outcomes than the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). We aimed to translate and
      adjust into Spanish a conceptually equivalent version. SUBJECTS AND METHOD:
      Translation-back translation method, complemented with qualitative methods, and
      pilot survey with 42 healthy Spanish people from different group of age to ensure
      the right comprehension. RESULTS: While translating, 54% of the items presented
      no difficulty at all; 27%, medium difficulty; 18% high difficulty. Some
      adaptations were made for cultural, grammatical and conceptual reasons. The pilot
      survey showed a good comprehension of the test. CONCLUSIONS: The TYM test could
      be a good choice for detecting MCI in the Spanish population and could resolve
      the problems caused by the limitations of the MMSE.

PMID- 22041573
TI  - Knee osteochondral fractures in skeletally immature patients: French multicenter
      study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Femoral or patellar osteochondral fractures complicating patellar
      dislocation are more frequently observed in adolescents than in adults. These
      incidental lesions of vulnerable joint cartilage are often neglected in the
      initial phase, which is regrettable given their good capacity for healing after
      repositioning. The objective of this study was to investigate the characteristics
      and analyze the results of repositioning these fractures in skeletally immature
      patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: This retrospective multicenter study grouped 14
      patients and knees (seven females). The mean age at the time of the accident was
      12.9 years (range, 11.2-14.9 years) for the girls and 14 years (range, 12.2-15
      years) for the boys. These fractures involved the lateral condyle in nine cases
      and the patella in five cases. The injury mechanism was secondary to demonstrated
      patellar dislocation (n=9) or a direct impact (n=4). In nine cases out of 14, a
      leisure sports accident was the cause. The injury was treated a mean 5.2 days
      (range, 0-20 days) after the accident. All of the detached fragments were
      repositioned surgically with screw fixation (n=5), resorbable pins (n=5), or pull
      out suture (n=4). Biological glue was added for six patients. Patellar
      stabilization was associated during the same procedure in two cases. RESULTS: No
      postoperative complications were observed. The results at the mean follow-up of
      30 months (range, 15-89 months) showed no revision for failure, with all of the
      fractures demonstrating union at the final examination. The mean IKDC 2000
      subjective score was 88+/-6 (range, 79-98) out of 100 points. The subjective
      satisfaction level was very satisfied in two cases and satisfied in the 12
      others. The final IKDC score was A for eight patients, B for five patients, and C
      for one patient. Three patients underwent secondary patellar stabilization
      surgery. CONCLUSION: Better knowledge of this fracture and attentive reading of
      the radiographic images of a knee with hemarthrosis should result in more
      frequent diagnosis of this condition and adapted treatment. Unexplained
      hemarthrosis in a context of trochlear dysplasia should be considered to be
      associated with an OCF until proof of the contrary. A fragment released in a
      weightbearing zone should ideally be repositioned within 10 days but remains
      possible at 2 months. It regularly provides bone union and good results in
      children.

PMID- 22041574
TI  - Damage control orthopaedics in the context of battlefield injuries: the use of
      temporary external fixation on combat trauma soldiers.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to analyze the use of temporary
      external fixation within the perspective of a damage control orthopedics attitude
      in the management of battlefield extremity injuries. HYPOTHESIS: Damage control
      orthopaedics (DCO) is a valuable treatment option for easy and rapid limb
      fracture stabilization in an unfavorable surgical environment. METHODS: Sixteen
      French soldiers wounded on the battlefield between 2004 and 2009 and managed by
      damage control orthopedics were included in this retrospective series. All
      patients were males with a mean age of 30 years (20-53 years). Eighteen external
      fixators were applied on the theater of operations for multiple injuries (five
      cases), closed fractures of the pelvis or long bones (three cases) and open
      osteoarticular lesions (ten cases). RESULTS: After medical evacuation from
      original theater, conversion to internal fixation was possible in five cases.
      External fixation was maintained in thirteen cases due to the severity of the
      lesions or infectious complications. Bone union was achieved in all cases. The
      mean time for bone union was 2.8 months (2 to 3 months) in case of conversion to
      internal fixation, and 6.3 months (1.5 to 17 months) when external fixation was
      extended. To achieve bone union, three devices were removed after a three or four
      month period and converted to rigid internal fixation associated with bone
      grafting. No case of septic complication was observed after early conversion. The
      only case of post-conversion infection occurred after three months of external
      fixation. After a mean follow-up of 19 months (6 to 49 months) all patients
      recovered functional autonomy and thirteen could return to duty. CONCLUSION: When
      possible, early conversion from external to internal fixation improves bone union
      and functional recovery after war limb injuries in properly selected patients.

PMID- 22041575
TI  - Extension of life span of Drosophila melanogaster by the inhibitors of tryptophan
      kynurenine metabolism.
AB  - Upregulation of kynurenine (KYN) formation from tryptophan (TRY) was associated
      with aging in animal and human studies. TRY - KYN metabolism is affected by the
      activities of TRY 2,3-dioxygenase 2 (TDO) and ATP-binding cassette (ABC)
      transporter regulating TRY access to intracellular TDO. We studied the effects of
      TDO inhibitor, alpha-methyl tryptophan (aMT), and ABC transported inhibitor, 5
      methyl tryptophan (5MT), on the life span of wild strain female Drosophila flies
      (Oregon-R). aMT and 5MT prolonged mean and maximum life span (by 27% and 43%, and
      21% and 23%, resp.). The present results are the first observation of the
      extension of life span of Drosophila melanogaster by inhibitors of TRY - KYN
      metabolism, and in line with literature and previous studies on prolonged life
      span of TDO- and ABC-deficient female Drosophila mutants. Inhibition of TDO and
      ABC transporter activity might offer the new target for anti-aging and anti-AAMPD
      interventions.

PMID- 22041576
TI  - Genetic characterization of ebi reveals its critical role in Drosophila wing
      growth.
AB  - The ebi gene of Drosophila melanogaster has been implicated in diverse signalling
      pathways, cellular functions and developmental processes. However, a thorough
      genetic analysis of this gene has been lacking and the true extent of its
      biological roles is unclear. Here, we characterize eleven ebi mutations and find
      that ebi has a novel role in promoting growth of the wing imaginal disc: viable
      combinations of mutant alleles give rise to adults with small wings. Wing discs
      with reduced EBI levels are correspondingly small and exhibit down-regulation of
      Notch target genes. Furthermore, we show that EBI colocalizes on polytene
      chromosomes with Smrter (SMR), a transcriptional corepressor, and Suppressor of
      Hairless (SU(H)), the primary transcription factor involved in Notch signalling.
      Interestingly, the mammalian orthologs of ebi, transducin beta-like 1 (TBL1) and
      TBL-related 1 (TBLR1), function as corepressor/coactivator exchange factors and
      are required for transcriptional activation of Notch target genes. We hypothesize
      that EBI acts to activate (de-repress) transcription of Notch target genes
      important for Drosophila wing growth by functioning as a corepressor/coactivator
      exchange factor for SU(H).

PMID- 22041577
TI  - Scratching for food: an original feeding behavior in an African flower breeding
      Drosophila.
AB  - Drosophila suma is a flower breeding species widespread in the Afrotropical
      region. We describe an original and so far unique feeding behavior in that
      species. Strong black spines on the fore tarsus of both sexes are used for
      scratching the surface of the petals: the juice pouring out from the scratched
      cells is immediately ingested and this might be the only source of food. D. suma
      has been investigated on two kinds of flowers, Ipomoea and Crinum. In spite of
      the very different shape and color of these flowers, the feeding behavior of the
      flies is the same. Various morphological and anatomical adaptations are
      described, especially those related to laying a few very big eggs. The taxonomic
      position of D. suma has long remained and still is elusive. Further taxonomic and
      phylogenetic investigations would thus be needed to understand how adaptation to
      flower breeding has evolved.

PMID- 22041578
TI  - Systemic lupus erythematosus one disease or many?
AB  - Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) characterizes by a variety of clinical
      manifestations and the presence of a wide profile of autoantibodies. This
      clinical and serological heterogeneity raised the question: is SLE a single
      disease with varied phenotypes, or a similar phenotype shared by different
      diseases with diverse pathogenic mechanisms? Herein we debate the clinical,
      genetic, hormonal and serological differences typically observed in SLE on the
      one hand, and the numerous similarities between subtypes of this disease on the
      other. Leading to the conclusion that SLE may be considered not as a single
      disease but rather as a single syndrome, which defines by a set of signs,
      symptoms, or phenomena that occur together and suggest a particular abnormality.
      Additionally, the accumulated knowledge on gene expression pathways,
      autoantibodies clusters, hormonal and environmental factors associated with SLE
      may allow a better classification of this syndrome and updating of SLE criteria.
      This may further allow targeted biologics and other therapies as well as
      "personalized medicine" to begin.

PMID- 22041579
TI  - Autoantibodies in lupus: culprits or passive bystanders?
AB  - Several autoantibodies are culprits in the pathogenesis of organ damage in
      systemic lupus erythematosus, by means of established or postulated mechanisms,
      whereby inducing a perturbation of cell structure and function, with consequent
      tissue-organ impairment. Common autoantibody-mediated mechanisms of damage
      include cell surface binding with or without cytolysis, immune complex-mediated
      damage, penetration into living cells, binding to cross-reactive extracellular
      molecules. Experimental data from both murine models and humans have recently
      clarified the key role of autoantibodies in severe organ involvements, including
      nephritis, neuropsychiatric (NP) dysfunction, and cerebrovascular disease (CVD).
      In lupus nephritis early and late phases are distinguishable and mediated by
      different processes in which anti-chromatin antibodies are both inducing and
      perpetuating agents, by immune-complex formation and massive deposition in
      mesangial matrix at first, and in glomerular basement membrane at end-stage. Also
      NP abnormalities occur very early, much earlier than other systemic
      manifestations, and exacerbate with the increase in autoantibody titers. Among
      the autoantibodies mainly implicated in neurolupus, anti-beta2 glycoprotein I
      (beta2GPI) antibodies are preferentially involved in focal NP events which are a
      consequence of non-inflammatory microangiopathy; otherwise, anti-ribosomal P
      protein antibodies and N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antibodies cause
      diffuse NP events through a direct cytotoxic effect on neuronal cells at specific
      brain zones.

PMID- 22041580
TI  - Genes, epigenetic regulation and environmental factors: which is the most
      relevant in developing autoimmune diseases?
AB  - Autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus,
      multiple sclerosis and inflammatory bowel disease, have complex pathogeneses and
      likely multifactorial etiologies. The current paradigm for understanding their
      development is that the disease is triggered in genetically-susceptible
      individuals by exposure to environmental factors. Some of these environmental
      factors have been specifically identified, while others are hypothesized and not
      yet proven, and it is likely that most have yet to be identified. One interesting
      hypothesis is that environmental effects on immune responses could be mediated by
      changes in epigenetic regulation. Major mechanisms of epigenetic gene regulation
      include DNA methylation and histone modification. In these cases, gene expression
      is modified without involving changes in DNA sequence. Epigenetics is a new and
      interesting research field in autoimmune diseases. We review the roles of genetic
      factors, epigenetic regulation and the most studied environmental risk factors
      such as cigarette smoke, crystalline silica, Epstein-Barr virus, and reproductive
      hormones in the pathogenesis of autoimmune disease.

PMID- 22041581
TI  - The role of liver transplantation for intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma: a single
      center experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is not a widely accepted
      indication for liver transplantation (LT). The present study describes our
      institutional experience with patients who underwent transplantation for ICC.
      METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on 11 consecutive patients with
      ICC who underwent LT between October 2003 and November 2008 at our institution.
      RESULTS: At a median patient follow-up interval of 10 months (2-56), the median
      survival time was 9 months (2.5-53). The perioperative mortality and the
      recurrence rate were 0 and 45.5%, respectively. Five patients are currently alive
      10, 12, 41, 51 and 53 months after LT, respectively. One patient died 3 months
      after LT as a result of bile leak and toxic shock, and 5 patients died of tumor
      recurrences at 2.5, 8, 8, 9 and 10 months post-LT, respectively. The 1-, 2-, 3-
      and 4-year disease-free survival rates and overall survival rates of all the
      patients were 51.9, 51.9, 51.9 and 51.9%, and 50.5, 50.5, 50.5 and 50.5%,
      respectively. CONCLUSION: With better and strict patient selection, the prognosis
      of LT for ICC could be improved. ICC patients with lymph node involvement,
      vascular or bile duct invasion are contraindicated for LT.

PMID- 22041582
TI  - Kinetic and in silico analysis of the slow-binding inhibition of human poly(A)
      specific ribonuclease (PARN) by novel nucleoside analogues.
AB  - Poly(A)-specific ribonuclease (PARN) is a 3'-exoribonuclease that efficiently
      degrades poly(A) tails and regulates, in part, mRNA turnover rates. We have
      previously reported that adenosine- and cytosine-based glucopyranosyl nucleoside
      analogues with adequate tumour-inhibitory effect could effectively inhibit PARN.
      In the present study we dissect the mechanism of a more drastic inhibition of
      PARN by novel glucopyranosyl analogues bearing uracil, 5-fluorouracil or thymine
      as the base moiety. Kinetic analysis showed that three of the compounds are
      competitive inhibitors of PARN with K(i) values in the low MUM concentration and
      significantly lower (11- to 33-fold) compared to our previous studies. Detailed
      kinetic analysis of the most effective inhibitor, the uracil-based nucleoside
      analogue (named U1), revealed slow-binding behaviour. Subsequent molecular
      docking experiments showed that all the compounds which inhibited PARN can
      efficiently bind into the active site of the enzyme through specific
      interactions. The present study dissects the inhibitory mechanism of this novel
      uracil-based compound, which prolongs its inhibitory effect through a slow
      binding and slow-release mode at the active site of PARN, thus contributing to a
      more efficient inhibition. Such analogues could be used as leading compounds for
      further rationale design and synthesis of efficient and specific therapeutic
      agents. Moreover, our data reinforce the notion that human PARN can be
      established as a novel molecular target of potential anti-cancer agents through
      lowering mRNA turnover rates.

PMID- 22041583
TI  - Exposure to cadmium chloride influences astrocyte-elevated gene-1 (AEG-1)
      expression in MDA-MB231 human breast cancer cells.
AB  - It is known that cadmium (Cd) is able to regulate gene expression, drastically
      affecting the pattern of transcriptional activity and intracellular signalization
      in normal and pathological human cells. We have already shown that Cd exerts a
      cytotoxic effect on neoplastic MDA-MB231 cells from the human breast, which is
      characterized by the onset of a "non-classical" apoptotic kind of death,
      impairment of mitochondrial activity and drastic changes in gene expression
      pattern. In the present study, employing a combination of conventional and
      differential display-PCR techniques, immunocytochemical, ELISA and Western
      analyses, we extended the knowledge on the transcriptional modulation exerted by
      the metal demonstrating that in MDA-MB231 cells 5 MUM CdCl(2) treatment for 96 h
      selectively down-regulates astrocyte-elevated gene-1 (AEG-1) and reduces the
      accumulation of its protein product which appears to be associated with the
      internal cytomembranes and also present in the nucleoplasm. In addition, due to
      the acknowledged role of AEG-1 in the intranuclear shuttling of NF-kappaB p65
      subunit, we also showed that CdCl(2) treatment determines the decrease of p65
      amount in nuclear extracts and the down-regulation of the NF-kappaB downstream
      genes c-fos and c-jun, thus providing a new contribution to the comprehension of
      the intracellular molecular mechanisms implicated in Cd-breast cancer cell
      interactions.

PMID- 22041585
TI  - On the relationship between mouth opening and "broken mirror neurons" in autistic
      individuals.
AB  - Electromyographies of the mylohyoid muscle (MH) during the execution of the goal
      oriented action "grasping to eat" have been used to determine the time
      relationship between the opening of the mouth and the beginning of the movement.
      This has been used to distinguish the behaviour of typical developing (TD)
      children from that of highly functioning autistic (ASD) individuals. The results
      of previous studies appeared to provide evidence of a deficit in action chain
      organization in ASD subjects and prompted the hypothesis of a "broken" mirror
      neuron system (MNS) for these individuals. Our results show the MH activation
      timing is not reliable in discriminating between TD and ASD children and the
      distance between the food and the subject plays a key role on the MH activation
      timing and cannot be neglected when analysing these type of data. The preliminary
      investigation on the effects of external perturbations also shows that these
      might have an effect on the results and further investigations are warranted. It
      appears that there is not enough evidence to support a link between ASD and a
      broken mirror network system (MNS), and the experimental results must be
      carefully interpreted before developing therapeutic or rehabilitative protocols.

PMID- 22041584
TI  - Caveolin-1 promotes pancreatic cancer cell differentiation and restores
      membranous E-cadherin via suppression of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition.
AB  - Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest cancers due to early rapid metastasis
      and chemoresistance. Recently, epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) was
      shown to play a key role in the pathogenesis of pancreatic cancer. To understand
      the role of caveolin-1 (Cav-1) in EMT, we over-expressed Cav-1 in a pancreatic
      cancer cell line, Panc 10.05, that does not normally express Cav-1. Here, we show
      that Cav-1 expression in pancreatic cancer cells induces an epithelial phenotype
      and promotes cell-cell contact, with increased expression of plasma membrane
      bound E-cadherin and beta-catenin. Mechanistically, Cav-1 induces Snail
      downregulation and decreased activation of AKT, MAPK and TGF-beta-Smad signaling
      pathways. In vitro, Cav-1 expression reduces cell migration and invasion, and
      attenuates doxorubicin-chemoresistance of pancreatic cancer cells. Importantly,
      in vivo studies revealed that Cav-1 expression greatly suppresses tumor formation
      in a xenograft model. Most interestingly, Panc/Cav-1 tumors displayed organized
      nests of differentiated cells that were totally absent in control tumors.
      Confirming our in vitro results, these nests of differentiated cells showed
      reexpression of E-cadherin and beta-catenin at the cell membrane. Thus, we
      provide evidence that Cav-1 functions as a crucial modulator of EMT and cell
      differentiation in pancreatic cancer.

PMID- 22041586
TI  - Multiplex detection of bacteria in complex clinical and environmental samples
      using oligonucleotide-coupled fluorescent microspheres.
AB  - Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a recurring polymicrobial syndrome that is
      characterized by a change in the "normal" microbiota from Lactobacillus-dominated
      to a microbiota dominated by a number of bacterial species, including Gardnerella
      vaginalis, Atopobium vaginae, and others. This condition is associated with a
      range of negative health outcomes, including HIV acquisition, and it can be
      difficult to manage clinically. Furthermore, diagnosis of BV has relied on the
      use of Gram stains of vaginal swab smears that are scored on various numerical
      criteria. While this diagnostic is simple, inexpensive, and well suited to
      resource-limited settings, it can suffer from problems related to subjective
      interpretations and it does not give a detailed profile of the composition of the
      vaginal microbiota. Recent deep sequencing efforts have revealed a rich, diverse
      vaginal microbiota with clear differences between samples taken from individuals
      that are diagnosed with BV compared to those individuals that are considered
      normal, which has resulted in the identification of a number of potential targets
      for molecular diagnosis of BV. These studies have provided a wealth of useful
      information, but deep sequencing is not yet practical as a diagnostic method in a
      clinical setting. We have recently described a method for rapidly profiling the
      vaginal microbiota in a multiplex format using oligonucleotide-coupled
      fluorescent beads with detection on a Luminex platform. This method, like current
      Gram stain-based methods, is rapid and simple but adds the additional advantage
      of exploiting molecular knowledge arising from sequencing studies in probe
      design. This method therefore provides a way to profile the major microorganisms
      that are present in a vaginal swab that can be used to diagnose BV with high
      specificity and sensitivity compared to Gram stain while providing additional
      information on species presence and abundance in a semi-quantitative and rapid
      manner. This multiplex method is expandable well beyond the range of current
      quantitative PCR assays for particular organisms, which is currently limited to 5
      or 6 different assays in a single sample. Importantly, the method is not limited
      to the detection of bacteria in vaginal swabs and can be easily adapted to
      rapidly profile nearly any microbial community of interest. For example, we have
      recently begun to apply this methodology to the development of diagnostic tools
      for use in wastewater treatment plants.

PMID- 22041587
TI  - Contamination risk of reusing daily disposable contact lenses.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study investigated contamination of saline and daily disposable
      contact lens (DDCL) stored overnight after use in the original blister pack and
      the practices of a group of DDCL users. METHODS: Twenty DDCL wearers placed their
      lenses after 1 day's use back into the blister pack saline (BPS) and left them
      overnight before transferring both lens and BPS to a new CL case. The lens and
      BPS were cultured the following day, and total number of organisms,
      Staphylococci, and gram negative organisms enumerated. Each subject submitted
      five pairs of lenses over a 1 month period. RESULTS: Ninety-five percent of
      subjects had at least one pair of contaminated lenses, and the BPS yielded
      similar results to the contaminated lenses, with staphylococcal contamination
      being predominant. Three subjects admitted to not washing their hands before
      handling their lenses and six to habitual reuse of their lenses with storage in
      the BPS. There was a higher risk of contamination in male subjects. CONCLUSIONS:
      Reuse of lenses poses an important risk for DDCL users because they are unlikely
      to have received proper training in cleaning and disinfection of lenses and do
      not use a lens case or disinfecting solutions. Overnight storage in BPS results
      in contaminated lenses which if reused increases the infection risk especially
      with Staphylococci. It is important that practitioners carefully educate their
      patients in correct use of DDCL and, as cost of lenses is a major factor in
      willingness to reuse, ensure that DDCL is the most suitable choice when
      prescribing.

PMID- 22041588
TI  - New bi-sign aspheric IOL and its application.
AB  - PURPOSE: To present a bi-sign aspheric intraocular lens (IOL) and make
      theoretical comparisons with spherical and one-sign aspheric IOLs for retinal
      image quality in mesopic conditions and intermediate image capability in photopic
      conditions. METHODS: Using ray-tracing in pseudophakic eye models, retinal image
      quality in terms of modulation transfer function was analyzed between the bi-sign
      aspheric and three types of one-sign aspheric IOLs and the spherical IOL for the
      range of corneal asphericities and different lens misalignments at 5 mm pupil
      diameter; comparison is made with the spherical IOL at defocus conditions
      characterized by negative refractive errors at 3 mm pupil diameter. RESULTS:
      Retinal image quality of the bi-sign aspheric lens was equal to or exceeded the
      one-sign aspheric and spherical IOLs in the majority of anterior cornea
      asphericities and lens misalignments within the spatial frequencies of 6 to 15
      c/deg. Intermediate image capability of the bi-sign aspheric exceeded the
      spherical IOL. CONCLUSIONS: A new bi-sign aspheric lens produces regions of
      opposite spherical aberrations in the eye model with pupil diameters above 3 mm
      to balance out aberrations within the lens itself in addition to compensating
      corneal aberration as with a one-sign aspheric lens. This allows reduction in the
      variability of the retinal image quality at different anterior cornea
      asphericities and lens misalignments, when compared with a one-sign aspheric and
      spherical lens. The bi-sign aspheric produces positive longitudinal spherical
      aberration in the eye model within 3 mm pupil diameter that improves intermediate
      image capability when compared with the spherical IOL.

PMID- 22041589
TI  - Effect of phospholipid deposits on adhesion of bacteria to contact lenses.
AB  - PURPOSE: Protein and lipid deposits on contact lenses may contribute to clinical
      complications. This study examined the effect of phospholipids on the adhesion of
      bacteria to contact lenses. METHODS: Worn balafilcon A (n = 11) and senofilcon A
      (n = 11) were collected after daily wear and phospholipids were extracted in
      chloroform:methanol. The amount of phospholipid was measured by electrospray
      ionization mass spectrometry. Unworn lenses soaked in phospholipids were exposed
      to Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. After 18 h incubation, the
      numbers of P. aeruginosa or S. aureus that adhered to the lenses were measured.
      Phospholipid was tested for possible effects on bacterial growth. RESULTS: A
      broad range of sphingomyelins (SM) and phosphatidylcholines (PC) were detected
      from both types of worn lenses. SM (16:0) (m/z 703) and PC (34:2) (m/z 758) were
      the major phospholipids detected in the lens extracts. Phospholipids did not
      alter the adhesion of any strain of P. aeruginosa or S. aureus (p > 0.05).
      Phospholipids (0.1 mg/mL) showed no effect on the growth of P. aeruginosa 6294 or
      S. aureus 031. CONCLUSIONS: Phospholipids adsorb/absorb to contact lenses during
      wear, however, the major types of phospholipids adsorbed to lenses do not alter
      bacterial adhesion or growth.

PMID- 22041590
TI  - Ametropias in school-age children in Fada N'Gourma (Burkina Faso, Africa).
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess epidemiological aspects of refractive errors in school-age
      children in Burkina Faso (west-central Africa). METHODS: A total of 315 school
      children (ranging from 6 to 16 years of age and belonging to different ethnic
      groups) taken at random from two urban schools in eastern Burkina Faso were
      examined to assess their refractive error, which was determined by non
      cycloplegic retinoscopy with optical fogging. The standard Refractive Error Study
      in Children (RESC) definitions of refractive errors were used: myopia <=-0.5 D
      spherical equivalent (SE) in at least one eye, hyperopia >=2 D SE in at least one
      eye, astigmatism <=-0.75 D cylinder in at least one eye, and anisometropia >=1 D
      SE difference between the two eyes. RESULTS: Unilateral myopia and bilateral
      myopia were found in 2.5 and 1%, respectively; unilateral hyperopia in 17.1%,
      bilateral hyperopia in 8.6%; astigmatism in at least one eye in 11.7%. The
      highest prevalence value (18.4%) of astigmatism (<=-0.75 D) in at least one eye
      was found in the Gourmantche ethnic group. The low prevalence of large refractive
      errors makes visual acuity in these children very good (visual acuity logarithm
      of the minimum angle of resolution -0.073 +/- 0.123 SD). CONCLUSIONS: There was a
      low prevalence of myopia in these African school children. Clinically significant
      high hyperopia (>=+2 D SE) was also uncommon. There were no significant
      differences between the distributions of refractive errors according to gender or
      ethnicity. With respect to age groups, the prevalences of hyperopia and
      astigmatism were significantly higher in the younger age groups.

PMID- 22041591
TI  - [How are the abstracts reviewed and submitted to the French Pediatric Society?].

PMID- 22041592
TI  - [Multidisciplinary consultation at the home of children with cystic fibrosis:
      experience of a specialized center].

PMID- 22041593
TI  - [Health care workers' knowledge and vaccination coverage against pertussis in a
      French pediatric and maternity ward].

PMID- 22041594
TI  - [Prepubertal urethritis in boys].

PMID- 22041595
TI  - [Interventional cardiac catheterization in children].
AB  - With the technological progress, the role of the cardiac catheterization has
      dramatically changed, moving from diagnostic to therapeutic and becoming adjuvant
      to surgical procedures. In various congenital heart defects, it allows to
      postpone the need for surgery or even cancel the surgical indication being less
      invasive and as powerful as surgery. It is thanks to many technological advances,
      in particular with the development of devices with memory alloy, that the
      catheterization makes such great strides today, and the miniaturization of the
      prosthetic material makes it possible to push back more and more the limits of
      feasibility which remain related to the smallness of the vascular accesses at the
      newborn age. The future of this discipline lies in the hybrid procedures, where a
      true teamwork between the surgeons and the pediatric cardiologists makes it
      possible to bring the best therapeutic strategy for patients with congenital
      heart defects.

PMID- 22041596
TI  - [Turner Syndrome: what's new in medical care?].
AB  - Turner syndrome is a rare genetic disorder, affecting approximately one in 2500
      live-born female, due to total or partial absence of the X chromosome. Typical
      clinical features are short stature and premature ovarian failure and less
      constantly phenotypic particularities such as congenital malformations, acquired
      cardiovascular, otological (hearing impairment), autoimmune and metabolic
      pathologies. The phenotype is highly variable with slight or even normal
      phenotype. Several studies have shown that growth hormone treatment improves
      adult height. The possibility of pregnancies after oocyte donation highlights the
      high risk of these pregnancies requiring a careful follow-up, especially in terms
      of cardiovascular issues. Although the quality of life seems similar to the
      normal population, the presence of cardiovascular and otological diseases, and
      delayed feminisation are associated with an impaired quality of life. Early
      diagnosis and regular screening for potentials associated complications are
      essential in the medical follow-up of these patients. The recent publication of
      recommendations should lead to an optimization and harmonisation of the medical
      practices and follow-up from paediatric age to adulthood, a lowering morbidity
      and self-esteem improvement. The interest of ovarian cryopreservation at an early
      age in these patients is under investigation.

PMID- 22041597
TI  - [Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome or Kawasaki disease? Two case studies of
      children with group A streptococcal pneumonia empyema].
AB  - We report 2 cases of children with group A streptococcus pyogenes
      pleuropneumonia, in one child associated with Kawasaki disease and in the other
      with streptococcal toxic shock syndrome. These 2 features, with theoretically
      well-defined clinical and biological criteria, are difficult to differentiate in
      clinical practice, however, likely due to their pathophysiological links. In case
      of clinical doubt, an echocardiography needs to be performed to search for
      coronary involvement and treatment including intravenous immunoglobulins, and an
      antibiotic with an anti-toxin effect such as clindamycin has to be started early.

PMID- 22041598
TI  - [Spinal muscular atrophy: frequent cause of congenital hypotonia in Morocco].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Congenital hypotonia is a non specific symptom frequently seen in
      newborns and infants, and whose etiological diagnosis is often difficult due to
      the lack of specialized and affordable explorations. Childhood-onset proximal
      spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive disorder caused by
      degeneration of the anterior horn cells of the spinal cord, leading to
      progressive paralysis with muscular atrophy. In more than 95% of the cases, it
      results from deletion of exon 7 of the SMN gene localized on 5q13, easily
      identified by molecular biology. OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence of the
      deletion of exon 7 of the SMN gene in congenital hypotonia with an unknown cause
      in Morocco. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We investigated the deletion of exon 7 of the
      SMN gene in 87 newborns and infants with congenital hypotonia. The cause of
      congenital hypotonia could not be determined in 60 of them, while 27 had
      electrophysiological evidence for an involvement of the anterior horn cells.
      RESULTS: The homozygous deletion of the SMN gene was detected in 23 of the
      newborns with unknown cause for hypotonia (38%) and in 21 of the infants whose
      electromyogram suggested infantile spinal amyotrophy (78%). CONCLUSION: This
      study underlines the advantages of a systematic search for the deletion of exon 7
      of the SMN gene in every infant suffering from congenital hypotonia due to an
      unknown cause, particularly when the child's vital prognosis is at stake. This
      genetic test, easily implemented, should be systematically proposed after an
      attentive clinical evaluation in countries where the etiological diagnosis of
      congenital hypotonia is not systematic.

PMID- 22041599
TI  - Cerebral aneurysmal childhood arteriopathy.

PMID- 22041600
TI  - Detection of chromogranin A in the adrenal gland extracts of different animal
      species by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using Thomsen-Friedenreich
      antigen-specific Amaranthus caudatus lectin.
AB  - The reactivity of different lectins with crude chromogranin A (CgA) obtained from
      different animals, namely, cow, horse, dog, pig, and dolphin, was examined to
      identify lectin(s) that would be useful as coating reagent(s) in a sandwich
      enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Of the different lectins studied, the
      Amaranthus caudatus lectin (ACA), which is specific for the Thomsen-Friedenreich
      (T)-antigen (Galbeta1-3GalNAc), was found to react with the CgA from different
      animals by western blotting. Purified rabbit anti-bovine CgA antibody was also
      found to cross-react with the crude CgA preparations. On the basis of these
      findings, a sandwich ELISA was developed with ACA as the coating reagent and anti
      bovine CgA antibody as the probing antibody. Using this method, concentration
      dependent curves ranging from 0.003 MUg/mL to 25 MUg/mL and from 0.02 MUg/mL to
      25 MUg/mL were obtained for bovine CgA and canine CgA, respectively. Similarly,
      concentration-dependent curves were obtained for the equine, swine, and dolphin
      crude CgA extracts. Thus, ACA is concluded to be a valuable reagent for CgA
      detection in crude extracts from different animal species, and for CgA
      isolation/purification.

PMID- 22041601
TI  - A novel method to load topotecan into liposomes driven by a transmembrane NH4EDTA
      gradient.
AB  - Antitumor drugs not only cause cytocidal effect on cancer cells, but also damage
      on normal healthy tissues, resulting in side effects. Liposome encapsulation can
      result in reduced systematic distribution due to the enhanced permeability and
      retention (EPR) effect, accompanied by drug accumulation in liver, spleen, and
      other immune organs, which can cause damage to those organs. It has been
      demonstrated that EDTA, frequently used as a chelator, possesses a synergistic
      antitumor effect. Indeed, our previous study showed that EDTA could reduce the
      toxicity of anthracyclines to the heart and immune organs. In this study, we
      intended to encapsulate topotecan within liposome adopting transmembrane
      NH(4)EDTA gradient in order to increase the antitumor activity and decrease the
      toxicity against normal immune organs. Regarding the encapsulation efficiency of
      topotecan liposomes, both the pH value of the buffer and the cholesterol content
      showed significant effects on encapsulation and drug retention. Liposome
      encapsulation dramatically increased the antitumor activity of topotecan compared
      to free drug (p<0.05), while similar efficacy was obtained from liposomes
      prepared by a NH(4)EDTA gradient or a (NH(4))(2)SO(4) gradient (tumor inhibition
      ratios were 85.6% and 84.1%, respectively). However, a significant decrease in
      toxicity against the immune organs was found in liposomes prepared by a NH(4)EDTA
      gradient compared to those prepared by a (NH(4))(2)SO(4) gradient. These results
      suggest the superiority of the proposed gradient for topotecan encapsulation in
      decreasing its toxicity on immune systems.

PMID- 22041602
TI  - Bioavailability enhancement of zaleplon via proliposomes: Role of surface charge.
AB  - The present systematic study focused to investigate the combined advantage of
      proliposomes and surface charge for improved oral delivery of zaleplon. The
      zaleplon loaded proliposomes were prepared using hydrogenated
      soyphosphatidylcholine (HSPC) and cholesterol (CHOL) in varying ratios, and the
      optimized formulation was tailored with dicetyl phosphate and stearylamine to
      obtain negative and positive charged vesicles, respectively. The formulations
      were characterized for micromeritics, size, zeta potential, and entrapment
      efficiency. Further, in vitro release and dissolution study carried out provide
      an insight on the stability and enhanced dissolution of zaleplon from proliposome
      formulations. The solid state characterization (SEM, DSC, and PXRD) studies
      unravel the transformation of zaleplon to amorphous or molecular state from the
      native crystalline form. To depict the conclusions, in situ single-pass perfusion
      and bioavailability studies were carried out in rats. The significant increase in
      effective permeability coefficient (Peff) and rate and extent of absorption from
      cationic vesicles indicate the importance of surface charge for effective uptake
      across the gastrointestinal tract. Overall a two- to fivefold enhancement in
      bioavailability in comparison with control confers the potential of proliposomes
      as suitable carriers for improved oral delivery of zaleplon.

PMID- 22041603
TI  - Acute and general medicine on opposite sides of the world.

PMID- 22041604
TI  - Complications of emergency refeeding in anorexia nervosa: case series and review.
AB  - The refeeding syndrome is common among patients with anorexia nervosa. It may be
      lethal and has many manifestations. We report a case series of 14 anorexic
      patients admitted for feeding to a single British centre. There was a high
      prevalence of the refeeding syndrome, with three cases requiring higher
      dependency unit support and one death. We present a review of the refeeding
      syndrome in anorectics and highlight our impression that infection among such
      patients may be serious and under-recognised.

PMID- 22041605
TI  - Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma (AACG): an important differential diagnosis for
      acute severe headache.
AB  - Acute headache is a common presenting symptom in the acute medical unit. We
      present a case of Acute Angle Closure Glaucoma (AACG) presenting with acute
      severe headache. It highlights the importance of remembering this ophthalmologic
      emergency and reminds us of its clinical presentation. The rapid assessment and
      diagnosis of AACG allowed prompt treatment and likely prevented the patient from
      losing her vision.

PMID- 22041606
TI  - Isolated syncope - an uncommon presenting feature of pulmonary embolism.
AB  - We describe a case of a 62 year old man who presented with transient loss of
      consciousness following exertion. On presentation to hospital, he was
      haemodynamically stable and was not breathless, tachycardic or hypoxic at rest.
      The finding of exercise-induced desaturation on pulse oximetry triggered further
      investigations which confirmed the presence of PE.

PMID- 22041607
TI  - Mucositis, conjunctivitis but no rash - the "Atypical Stevens - Johnson
      syndrome".
AB  - The Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) classically involves a rash, conjunctivitis
      and mucositis. We describe the case of a young adult male with isolated mucositis
      and conjunctivitis . Previous rare reports of severe SJS like syndromes without a
      rash are confined to children, usually with mycoplasma pnemoniae infection.(1)
      Terminology for this syndrome includes - "Stevens-Johnson Syndrome without skin
      lesions", or "Atypical Stevens - Johnson Syndrome".(2) This case highlights the
      importance of maintaining an open mind when a "full house" of clinical features
      is absent. It also illustrates the use of a rapid electronic literature review as
      a clinical tool. The importance of updating records when a drug has been cleared
      of causing harm is highlighted.

PMID- 22041608
TI  - Preventing deaths in ambulatory care from isolated pelvic vein deep vein
      thrombosis: Mortality and Mortality meetings have a key role.
AB  - Isolated Pelvic vein Deep Venous Thrombosis (DVT) is a relatively rare
      phenomenon, but is usually not identified by conventional lower limb duplex
      Ultrasound scanning. We present two cases of isolated iliac vein thrombosis; the
      first resulting in the patient's death from Pulmonary Embolism (PE) after normal
      lower limb duplex scan. The second case was identified and successfully treated
      after introduction of a revised investigation algorithm following the first case.
      The literature supports the use of magnetic resonance imaging, CT venography, or
      ascending venography, to diagnose this condition.

PMID- 22041609
TI  - The acute medicine - speciality interface: experience in a large teaching
      hospital.

PMID- 22041610
TI  - The acute medicine - speciality interface: experience in a district general
      hospital.

PMID- 22041611
TI  - Meeting the challenges of Acute Care Quality Indicators.
AB  - The Royal College of Physicians and Society of Acute Medicine have proposed the
      introduction of Acute Care Quality Indicators. These include the need for rapid
      initial patient assessment and instigation of a management plan.1 Reductions in
      junior doctor working hours may impact on our ability to meet these standards. We
      present the result of a service review of 297 consecutive admissions to a large
      acute medical unit. This has identified a marked dichotomy between waiting times
      during daytime and out-of-hours, despite appropriate response to initial triage.
      We conclude that further service redevelopment is required to reach the standards
      proposed in the current Acute Care Quality Indicators.

PMID- 22041614
TI  - Falls in older people - an overview for the acute physician.
AB  - Falls are common amongst older adults inflicting a substantial socioeconomic
      burden. Aetiology is often multifactorial. Comprehensive individualised
      assessment is pivotal to direct effective interventions. We provide an overview
      of falls and highlight an approach for acute physicians who will increasingly
      encounter this mode of presentation in an ageing population.

PMID- 22041615
TI  - The emergency management of the patient presenting with shock.

PMID- 22041616
TI  - Quality improvement and acute medicine.

PMID- 22041617
TI  - A traveller with haemoptysis.

PMID- 22041618
TI  - Hypokalaemia, drugs and the QT interval - a recipe for disaster.

PMID- 22041619
TI  - The clinician's responsibility in relation to DVLA guidance.

PMID- 22041620
TI  - Outpatient parenteral antibiotic therapy for cellulitis.

PMID- 22041622
TI  - Incidental detection of breast apocrine carcinoma via endometrial cytology.
AB  - Breast apocrine carcinoma is a rare malignancy characterized histologically by a
      predominance of acidophilic tumor cells exhibiting apocrine metaplasia.  Apocrine
      tumors represent only about 0.4% of all breast cancers.  Many cases are diagnosed
      at stage I or II; thus, the prognosis is better than that for other types of
      breast cancer.  Here we present a 57-year-old female patient with primary
      apocrine breast carcinoma that was incidentally discovered by endometrial
      cytology.  The patient had undergone routine uterine cancer screening at the age
      of 56 with resulting positive endometrial cytology.  Subsequent histological
      examination of an endometrial biopsy revealed suspected metastatic uterine
      adenocarcinoma.  Further evaluation revealed a 3-cm mass in the left breast,
      which was histopathologically diagnosed as breast cancer.  Dual procedures were
      performed at the departments of gynecology and breast surgery.  The patient
      underwent a modified radical mastectomy of the left breast and left axillary
      lymph node dissection.  Laparotomy revealed multiple adhesions throughout the
      peritoneal cavity that suggested invasive metastatic cancer, and a right
      adnexectomy was performed.  Histopathological examination of the resected left
      breast and right ovary tissues revealed apocrine carcinoma.  Thus, stage IV
      breast cancer was diagnosed.  The patient finished 6 cycles of paclitaxel and is
      now under observation on an outpatient basis.  In this patient, breast cancer was
      discovered incidentally through a detailed work-up after a positive result of
      endometrial cytology.  Uterine cancer screening has the potential, although rare,
      to detect metastatic cancer originating elsewhere.  This should be taken into
      consideration during the work-up due to positive endometrial cytology.

PMID- 22041623
TI  - Evidence of mephedrone chronic abuse through hair analysis using GC/MS.
AB  - Mephedrone is a synthetic derivative of cathinone which is becoming more common
      on the recreational drug market. Several intoxications following mephedrone abuse
      have been reported though published papers have focused essentially on analytical
      approaches for biological fluids and only one has involved a hair sample. After
      the development and validation of a new method, the first series of positive
      results for mephedrone in hair specimens is reported here. After decontamination
      of the hair strand in methylene chloride, hair segments were cut into small
      pieces with scissors, weighed and incubated overnight in Soerensen buffer pH 7.0
      in the presence of deuterated 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) at 40
      degrees C. The incubation medium was extracted using ethyl acetate after
      alkalinisation with 1N sodium hydroxide (NaOH). Before injection, the dry extract
      was derivatized using a mixture of heptafluorobutyric anhydride/ethyl acetate
      (100:50, v/v), evaporated and dissolved in ethyl acetate (25MUl). After
      introduction of 1MUl of the extract onto a splitless injector, chromatographic
      separation was achieved on a HP 6890 gas chromatograph equipped with a 5-MS
      capillary column. Detection was achieved in single ion monitoring mode (m/z 254
      119-210 for mephedrone, m/z 258-213 for MDMA-d5) using a 5973 MSD operating in
      electron impact mode. Sixty-seven hair specimens were tested for mephedrone.
      Thirteen of them were found positive for mephedrone with concentrations ranging
      from 0.2 to 313.2ng/mg with a mean concentration of 26.8ng/mg. It was difficult
      to compare our findings due to a lack of reference data, nevertheless mephedrone
      seems well incorporated into hair (concentrations in the ng/mg range) like other
      stimulant drugs such as amphetamines or cocaine. The aim of this work was to
      develop a specific and accurate method for mephedrone analysis in hair specimens
      and its application to a large number of samples (n=67). The developed analytical
      method appears sensitive enough to reveal occasional to regular use of
      mephedrone.

PMID- 22041624
TI  - [Opportunity and challenge of sustainable development for oral and maxillofacial
      surgery].

PMID- 22041625
TI  - [Early orthodontic treatment: indications and treatment modalities].

PMID- 22041626
TI  - [Association of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase A1298C polymorphisms with non
      syndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between a polymorphism of
      methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase with Non-syndromic cleft lip with or without
      cleft palate (NSCL/P) in Chinese population. METHODS: The polymerase chain
      reaction (PCR)-based restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) technique
      was used to detect a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), rs1801131, at the
      methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene in both 158 patients with NSCL/P
      and 192 healthy individuals. The Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium for genotypic
      distributions was estimated by the goodness-of-fit test. The UNPHASED program was
      applied to perform the association analysis. RESULTS: The genotypic distribution
      of A1298C was not deviated from the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in both controls
      and patients. No association was found between cleft lip with or without palate
      (CL/P) and controls. There was significant difference of cleft palate only (CPO)
      and the healthy individuals (chi(2) = 4.256, P = 0.039). The frequency of AC + CC
      genotype was higher in control group than that in CPO group (OR = 0.8, 95%CI =
      0.381 - 1.683), 26 among 100 healthy individuals carried AC + CC genetypes, which
      were carried by 22% of CPO patients. CONCLUSIONS: The polymorphism of MTHFR
      A1298C may be involved in the occurrence of non-syndromic cleft palate only in
      Chinese population.

PMID- 22041627
TI  - [Pilot clinical study of the dental cone beam CT examination before the impacted
      mandibular third molar extraction].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of the cone beam computed
      tomography (CBCT) in judging the relationship between the impacted mandibular
      third molar (IMTM) and the inferior alveolar canal (IAC). METHODS: Sixty IMTM
      superimposing on the canal partially or touching the canal in line on panoramic
      radiograms were examined by CBCT. All CBCT images of these cases were observed by
      two dentists respectively. Then, all these IMTM were extracted by minimally
      invasive surgery, and the conditions of the IMTM sockets were observed. Two
      dentists observed the CBCT images independently and reached a consensus.
      Diagnosis test was performed in this study. RESULTS: Eight IMTM sockets were
      bleeding during the extracted operation, and whether the IAC wall was broken
      could not be judged. The other 52 IMTM sockets were clear and the walls of IAC
      were broken in 29 IMTM extractions. The sensitivity, specificity, Youden index,
      positive predictive value and negative predictive value of CBCT were 82.8%,
      87.0%, 88.9% and 80.0% respectively. The diagnostic accuracy judged by the two
      dentists and Kappa coefficient were calculated as 84.6% and 0.800. CONCLUSIONS:
      The CBCT examination had good authenticity and reliability, and it was very
      helpful in predicting the actual relationship between the IMTM and IAC.

PMID- 22041628
TI  - [Effects of local application of zoledronic acid on bone healing of tooth
      extraction in rats].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of local application of zoledronic acid (ZA)
      on the expression of type I collagen and vascular endothelial growth factor
      (VEGF). METHODS: Fifty-four male Wistar rats were divided into ZA group, gelatin
      sponge group, and blank control group after one-side tooth extraction. The
      expression of type I collagen and VEGF were detected with SP immunohistochemistry
      method 1, 2 and 4 weeks after operation. RESULTS: The gray value of type I
      collagen in ZA group (60.00 +/- 1.81, 63.47 +/- 3.02) was lower than those in
      gelatin sponge group (68.58 +/- 2.90, 71.15 +/- 5.57) and blank control group
      (69.16 +/- 9.63, 72.50 +/- 4.10, P < 0.05) in the 1 and 2 week. In the ZA and
      gelatin sponge groups, the gray values of type I collagen were higher in the 4th
      week than in the 1st and 2nd week (P < 0.05). The expression of VEGF was higher
      in ZA group (69.93 +/- 2.74) than in gelatin sponge group (60.86 +/- 4.79) and
      blank control group (61.52 +/- 2.28) in the 1st week (P < 0.05). There was
      significant difference in VEGF expression between the 2nd week and 1st and 4th
      week (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Local application of ZA could enhance the
      expression of type I collagen but inhibit the expression of VEGF in the early
      stage.

PMID- 22041629
TI  - [Effects of interleukin-1beta on mineralization potential of dental pulp stem
      cells].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin
      1beta (IL-1beta) on mineralization potential of dental pulp stem cells (DPSC).
      METHODS: Rat DPSC were cultured in vitro and randomly divided into three groups,
      IL-1beta (10 ug/L), osteogenic inductive medium and non-osteogenic inductive
      medium. After 3, 7, and 12 days of treatment, the cultures were evaluated for
      cell proliferation and calcium deposit. Real-time polymerase chain reaction was
      used to detect the gene expression levels of osteocalcin (OC), bone sialoprotein
      (BSP), dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) and dentin matrix protein 1 (DMP-1). In
      vivo test, after 3 day's treatment with IL-1beta, the cell-scaffold complexes
      were implanted subcutaneously in mice for 8 weeks. Histological analysis was
      performed to evaluate hard tissue formation. RESULTS: In vitro test, after 3
      day's treatment, IL-1beta improved cell proliferation to 137.22 DNA ug/L and cell
      viability becomes (97.12 +/- 7.18)% of control. The gene expression levels of OC,
      BSP, DSPP and DMP-1 are (378.19 +/- 16.22)%, (427.12 +/- 18.22)%, (247.19 +/-
      10.11)% and (198.29 +/- 10.23)% respectively. The results of IL-1beta's group was
      notable increased compared with non-osteogenic induction medium and the
      statistical differences are significant. IL-1beta induced the odontogenic
      differentiation of DPSC. However, these effects tended to continuously decrease
      with treatment time. Histological analysis demonstrated that in the group treated
      with IL-1beta hard tissue was markedly formed in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: IL-1beta may
      induce the mineralization of DPSC and play an important role in host defenses and
      tissue repair.

PMID- 22041630
TI  - [Effects of muramyl dipeptide on the differentiation of human dental pulp cells].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-2 (NOD-2)
      gene expression in deep caries and the effects of NOD-2 agonist muramyl dipeptide
      (MDP) on the differentiation of human dental pulp cells (hDPC). METHODS: NOD-2
      gene level in deep caries and healthy pulp tissue was determined by real-time
      quantitative polymerase chain reaction (realtime-PCR). Realtime-PCR, Western
      blotting and immunofluorescence were performed to evaluate NOD-2 gene and protein
      expression. Dentin sialoprotein (DSP) protein level was assessed when hDPC were
      challenged by different concentrations of MDP for 24 hours, and
      sialophosphoprotein (DSPP), osteocalcin (OCN) mRNA and osteopontin (OPN) protein
      level were detected at different time points after incubation with 0.1 mg/L MDP.
      RESULTS: NOD-2 mRNA level was higher in pulp tissue of deep caries (0.2610 +/-
      0.0824) than that in healthy controls (0.0024 +/- 0.0002), P < 0.05. The
      expression of NOD-2 gene and protein increased in a time denpendent manner upon
      stimulation with MDP. Immunofluorescence confirmed that NOD-2 protein was located
      in cytoplasm. Moreover, 0.1 mg/L MDP augmented DSP protein level. DSPP and OCN
      mRNA were elevated with time and reached the peak at 12 h and down-regulated. OPN
      protein level also increased with time. CONCLUSIONS: Dental pulp NOD-2 expression
      are up-regulated in pulp tissue of deep caries. MDP may be related to the
      differentiation of hDPC.

PMID- 22041631
TI  - [Three-dimensional finite element analysis of maxillary incisor retraction with
      step-shaped vertical closing loop].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the displacement and stress distribution of upper
      incisors in three-dimensional (3D) space controlled by step-shaped vertical
      closing loop. METHODS: The maxillary teeth and alveolar bone of a volunteer with
      normal occlusion were scanned with 3D spiral CT. Modeling and calculation were
      only carried out on right upper central incisor, lateral incisor and their
      alveolar bone in order to simplify the procedures. A 3D finite element model of
      archwire-brackets-upper incisors and periodontal tissues was developed using
      Ansys finite element package. Finally, a 3D finite element model of archwire
      brackets-upper incisors and periodontal tissues was established based on mirror
      symmetry principle. The displacement of maxillary incisors and stress
      distribution in periodontal tissues were analyzed. RESULTS: When step-shaped
      vertical closing loop was simply drew back 1 mm, the maximum displacement of
      upper central incisor in labial and lingual direction were 5.29 * 10(-2) and 0.71
      * 10(-2) mm; 10.47 * 10(-3) and 10.20 * 10(-3) mm in gingival and occlusal
      direction, 10.26 * 10(-3) and 1.63 * 10(-3) mm in medial and distal direction;
      the maximum displacement of upper lateral incisor in labial and lingual direction
      were 3.31 * 10(-2) and 0.41 * 10(-2) mm, 10.52 * 10(-3) and 5.10 * 10(-3) mm in
      gingival and occlusal direction, 6.29 * 10(-3) and 4.64 * 10(-3) mm in medial and
      distal direction, the displacement trend of them were moving lingually and
      gingivally similar to bodily movement. The stress peach of upper central incisor,
      periodontal ligament and alveolar bone were 31.35, 2.52 and 4.64 MPa, the stress
      peach of upper lateral incisor, periodontal ligament and alveolar bone were
      19.59, 1.28 and 4.12 Mpa, the stress distribution of them were similar and the
      periodontal ligament buffered the stress imposed on the tooth.

PMID- 22041632
TI  - [Application of computer aided design-computer aided manufacture technique in
      mandible defect reconstruction with individual titanium prosthesis].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the application of computer aided design-computer aided
      manufacture (CAD-CAM) technique in the reconstruction of mandible defect with
      individual titanium prosthesis. METHODS: Six patients with large mandibular ramus
      and angle tumor were spiral CT scanned preoperatively, and the CAD-CAM was used
      to design and make individual titanium prosthesis for reconstructing the
      mandibular defects after resection of the tumor. The prosthesis were assembled
      during operation. Postoperative follow-up period was 9 - 38 months. RESULTS: The
      design and manufacture of titanium prosthesis by use of CAD-CAM technique was
      convenient and the prosthesis fitted the defects very well. The outline of the
      face, the occlusion and function were restored. After 9 - 38 months of follow-up,
      the mandibular symmetry was good. CONCLUSIONS: The application of CAD-CAM
      provided accurate simulation and fast manufacturing process for the titanium
      prosthesis in the repair of mandibular defect.

PMID- 22041633
TI  - [The acceleration of titanium implant osseointegration by low intensity pulsed
      ultrasound: an experimental study in rats].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To establish an animal model of titanium implant and to investigate
      the effects of low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) on the implant
      osseointegration. METHODS: Twenty-four female Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were used.
      Titanium implants were inserted into tibia metaphysis bilaterally in each SD rat.
      Since the second day following implant surgery, LIPUS stimulation were carried
      out around the implant on the right side for 20 minutes per day, and implants on
      the left side remain untouched as self-control. Eight rats were sacrificed and
      tibiae specimens were harvested on the end of the 4th, 8th, and 12th week
      respectively. X-ray picture, micro-CT analysis and histological sections were
      performed to evaluate the effects of LIPUS on the implant osseointegration.
      RESULTS: Osseointegration at the interface between the implant and bone tissue
      was observed bilaterally. In the micro-CT histomorphometry analysis, the
      percentage of osseointegration (%OI) of experiment side were (45.708 +/- 3.316)%,
      (46.231 +/- 1.954)%, and (46.807 +/- 1.451)% on the end of the 4th, 8th, and 12th
      week. Meanwhile, the %OI of control side were (43.021 +/- 3.558)%, (44.272 +/-
      3.023)%, and (44.894 +/- 4.215)% respectively. The %OI on the 4th weekend, bone
      volume ratio (BV/TV) on the 4th and 8th weekend, trabecular thickness (Tb. Th)
      and degree of anisotropy (DA) on the 8th and 12th weekend of the experiment side
      tibia were significantly greater than those on the control side (P < 0.05). The
      histological examination showed that the thickness of new bone around the implant
      and the bone-implant contact area was obviously greater in the LIPUS treated side
      compared to the control side. CONCLUSIONS: The LIPUS therapy may accelerate the
      bone healing and osseointegration at the interface between titanium implant and
      bone, and promote remodeling of bone trabecula on the early stage.

PMID- 22041634
TI  - [Low intensity pulsed ultrasound combined with guided tissue regeneration for
      promoting the repair of defect at canines periodontal fenestration in Beagle
      dogs].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of low intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS)
      combined with guided tissue regeneration (GTR) for the repair of the periodontal
      fenestration defect at the canines in Beagle dogs. METHODS: Four Beagle dogs were
      used for establishing the periodontal fenestration defect. Sixteen canines of
      four Beagle dogs were simple randomly assigned into experimental group 1 [LIPUS
      (60 mW/cm(2), 20 min/d) irradiation + GTR + the periodontal fenestration defect],
      experimental group 2 [LIPUS (60 mW/cm(2), 20 min/d) irradiation + the periodontal
      fenestration defect], experimental group 3 (GTR + the periodontal fenestration
      defect) and control group (the periodontal fenestration defect). Experiments
      conducted 28 d. The temperature of the gingive's surface of each group was tested
      every 14 days (analyzed by Wilcoxon rank sum test with SPSS 13.0). The
      demineralized bone tissue slices of the periodontal fenestration were obtained
      for histologic staining after 4 weeks treatment. RESULTS: Clinically all the
      treatment groups healed well. The change of gingive's surface temperature [M(Q)]
      before and after LIPUS irradiating were: 0.225 (0.463) degrees C (experimental
      group 1), 0.265 (0.133) degrees C (experimental group 2), 0.090 (0.115) degrees C
      (experimental group 3); -0.175 (0.370) degrees C (control group). The P value of
      experimental group 1 and 2 with pre-and post-treatment each time were both 0.027.
      Histology of the demineralized bone tissue revealed that in experimental group 1,
      the bone defect was filled with fresh bone-like tissues, proliferatively active
      osteoblasts and newly formed cementum-like tissues along the defect surface. In
      experimental group 3, there were more new cementum- and bone-like tissues than in
      experimental group 2 and control group. In experimental group 2, the new bone
      collagen was more mature than in experimental group 3 and control group. In
      control group, there was less growth of new cementum along the notch, and the new
      bone collagen was immature. CONCLUSIONS: LIPUS combined with GTR may have the
      potential of promoting the repair of periodontal fenestration defect.

PMID- 22041635
TI  - [Expression of excision repair cross-complementation gene in drug-resistant
      process of carboplatin administration in tongue squamous cell cancer (Tca8113)].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlations between the resistant degree of
      Tca8113 agaist carboplatin and the expression of excision repair cross
      complementation 1 (ERCC-1). METHODS: Tca8113 cells were exposed in the
      carboplatin solutions of gradually increasing concentration. Cancer cells were
      divided into six experimental groups and a control group. In the course of
      culture, the half inhibitory concentration (IC(50)) of each groups were detected
      by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT). The expressions of ERCC-1 at mRNA and
      protein level were detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction
      (RT-PCR) and Western blotting. RESULTS: With the increase of drug resistance, the
      expression of ERCC-1 increased gradually at mRNA level (control group: 0.84 +/-
      0.06, group 1: 0.96 +/- 0.06, group 2: 1.07 +/- 0.11, group 3: 1.13 +/- 0.09,
      group 4: 1.19 +/- 0.08, group 5: 1.29 +/- 0.07, group 6: 1.47 +/- 0.08), values
      between neighboring or interval groups have significant differences (P < 0.05);
      the expression of ERCC-1 increased gradually at protein level (control group:
      0.69 +/- 0.05, group 1: 0.86 +/- 0.04, group 2: 1.01 +/- 0.04, group 3: 1.24 +/-
      0.09, group 4: 1.44 +/- 0.14, group 5: 1.56 +/- 0.19, group 6: 1.88 +/- 0.22),
      values between neighboring or interval groups have significant differences (P <
      0.05). The gradually increasing RT-PCR gray values were related to the gradually
      increasing IC(50) in all groups (r = 0.91, P < 0.01), and the gradually
      increasing western blotting gray values were also related to the gradually
      increasing IC(50) in all groups (r = 0.88, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The high
      expression of ERCC-1 may become an indicator of Tca8113 resisting carboplatin.
      This might provide a potential target to reverse tongue squamous cell cancer
      (Tca8113) that has resistance to carboplatin.

PMID- 22041636
TI  - [Fiber post and its key point of application].

PMID- 22041637
TI  - Timing of coronary angiography and outcome in patients with non-ST elevation
      acute coronary syndromes and kidney disease: real-world data from the acute
      coronary syndromes Israeli survey.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Patients with kidney disease (KD) who present with non-ST segment
      elevation acute coronary syndromes (NSTE-ACS) may benefit from coronary
      intervention. We evaluated the outcome of these patients who were referred for
      early or late coronary angiography. METHODS: The risk of 1-year mortality
      according to the presence of KD [estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60
      ml/min/1.73 m(2)] and the time of coronary angiography [categorized as early
      (<=48 h from admission) or late (>48 h from admission)] was assessed among 2,001
      NSTE-ACS patients enrolled in the ACS Israeli Survey between 2004 and 2008. A
      propensity score for early angiography was included in the proportional hazards
      modeling of mortality. RESULTS: Patients with KD (n = 729) experienced a 2.7-fold
      increased risk of death compared with non-KD patients (p < 0.001). Early coronary
      angiography was associated with a lower rate of in-hospital complications and 30
      day mortality. Both early and late angiography were associated with a lower
      adjusted risk of 1-year mortality [hazard ratios (HRs) 0.46 (p < 0.001) and 0.59
      (p = 0.002), respectively] compared with no angiography. In patients with severe
      KD (eGFR <30 ml/min/1.73 m(2)), only early coronary angiography was associated
      with a lower mortality risk (HR 0.25, 95% confidence interval 0.08-0.81).
      CONCLUSIONS: An early invasive strategy is associated with a low mortality risk
      in NSTE-ACS patients with KD and a more pronounced effect among those with severe
      KD.

PMID- 22041638
TI  - Utilizing environmental, socioeconomic data and GIS techniques to estimate the
      risk for ascariasis and trichuriasis in Minas Gerais, Brazil.
AB  - The impact of intestinal helminths on human health is well known among the
      population and health authorities because of their wide geographic distribution
      and the serious problems they cause. Geohelminths are highly prevalent and have a
      big impact on public health, mainly in underdeveloped and developing countries.
      Geohelminths are responsible for the high levels of debility found in the younger
      population and are often related to cases of chronic diarrhea and malnutrition,
      which put the physical and intellectual development of children at risk. These
      geohelminths have not been sufficiently studied. One obstacle in implementing a
      control program is the lack of knowledge of the prevalence and geographical
      distribution. Geographical information systems (GIS) and remote sensing (RS) have
      been utilized to improve understanding of infectious disease distribution and
      climatic patterns. In this study, GIS and RS technologies, as well as
      meteorological, social, and environmental variables were utilized for the
      modeling and prediction of ascariasis and trichuriasis. The GIS and RS
      technologies specifically used were those produced by orbital sensing including
      the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) and the Shuttle Radar
      Topography Mission (SRTM). The results of this study demonstrated important
      factors related to the transmission of ascariasis and trichuriasis and confirmed
      the key association between environmental variables and the poverty index, which
      enabled us to identify priority areas for intervention planning in the state of
      Minas Gerais in Brazil.

PMID- 22041640
TI  - Laparoscopic adrenalectomy: Single centre experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is an attractive alternative to the
      traditional open approach in the surgical excision of an adrenal gland. It has
      replaced open adrenalectomy in our institution and we review our experience to
      date. METHODS: All cases of laparoscopic adrenalectomies in our hospital over
      eight years (from 2001 to May 2009) were retrospectively reviewed. Patient
      demographics, diagnosis, length of hospital stay, histology and all operative and
      post-operative details were evaluated. RESULTS: Fifty-five laparoscopic
      adrenalectomies (LA) were performed on 51 patients over eight years. The mean age
      was 48 years (Range 16-86 years) with the male: female ratio 1:2. Twenty-three
      cases had a right adrenalectomy, 24 had a left adrenalectomy and the remaining
      four patients had bilateral adrenalectomies. 91% were successfully completed
      laparoscopically with five converted to an open approach. Adenomas (functional
      and non functional) were the leading indication for LA, followed by
      phaeochromocytomas. Other indications for LA included Cushing's disease, adrenal
      malignancies and rarer pathologies. There was one mortality from necrotising
      pancreatitis following a left adrenalectomy for severe Cushing's disease, with
      subsequent death 10 days later. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is
      effective for the treatment of adrenal tumours, fulfilling the criteria for the
      ideal minimally invasive procedure. It has replaced the traditional open approach
      in our centre and is a safe and effective alternative. However, in the case of
      severe Cushing's disease, laparoscopic adrenalectomy has the potential for
      significant adverse outcomes and mortality.

PMID- 22041641
TI  - Acute pancreatitis in the elderly - Can we perform better?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite age traditionally being a criterion for stratification of
      severity in acute pancreatitis (AP), the condition is not common in the elderly
      population (>80 years) and very few studies have examined outcome in this cohort.
      The aim of this study was to evaluate our experience and outcome in this
      expanding population. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed of all
      patients over 80 years of age who were admitted with AP (defined as a serum
      amylase >400 IU/L) between January 2004 and January 2007. The modified Glasgow
      score was used for severity stratification. RESULTS: Forty patients with AP were
      admitted during the study period, of whom 23 were females. The mean age was 84
      (SD 4.1) years. Fifteen patients (37%) had severe AP as indicated by a Glasgow
      score of 3 or more. The aetiologies were gallstones (n = 28; 70%), drug-induced
      (n = 4; 10%) and idiopathic (n = 8; 20%). Ten patients (25%) died during their
      initial admission to hospital, of whom 5 died before undergoing any form of
      imaging to determine the cause of AP. Six patients, 5 of whom had gallstones were
      subsequently readmitted with a further attack of AP. Eleven patients underwent an
      ERCP during their initial admission and a further 4 patients underwent ERCP
      during their subsequent admission. Only 3 patients with gallstone-induced AP
      underwent a cholecystectomy, all performed laparoscopically. CONCLUSIONS: AP in
      octogenarians is a significant problem and carries a high mortality irrespective
      of the Glasgow severity score. Early intervention by means of ERCP is indicated
      to try and improve outcome in this group with biliary pancreatitis. Laparoscopic
      cholecystectomy must be considered as a definitive treatment in these patients as
      available evidence suggests that this can be performed with acceptable morbidity
      and mortality in this group.

PMID- 22041642
TI  - Does using the WHO surgical checklist improve compliance to venous
      thromboembolism prophylaxis guidelines?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Using the World Health Organisation (WHO) surgical checklist has been
      shown to improve the safety of patients undergoing surgery. Its effect on the
      compliance to venous thromboembolism (VTE) guidelines has not been established
      before. Our objective was to assess if using the WHO checklist improved
      compliance to VTE prophylaxis guidelines. METHODS: Compliance to NICE VTE
      guidelines were prospectively assessed in all general surgery patients over two
      separate audit periods, before and after 6 months of the routine use of the WHO
      checklist. Correct completion of the checklist was verified. RESULTS: 370
      patients (173 [47%] male, 197 [53%] female, mean age 61.6 yrs). Non compliance to
      NICE VTE guidelines was reduced form 16/233 (6.9%) to 3/137 (2.1%) after
      introduction of the checklist (p = 0.046 Fisher exact test). Non compliance was
      reduced in both emergency and elective procedures. CONCLUSIONS: Establishment of
      the WHO checklist for routine use in all general surgery patients may
      significantly improve VTE guideline compliance of all general surgery patients.

PMID- 22041643
TI  - Specialist anatomy: Is the structure of teaching adequate?
AB  - BACKGROUND: A knowledge and understanding of specialist anatomy, which includes
      radiological, laparoscopic, endoscopic and endovascular anatomy is essential for
      interpretation of imaging and development of procedural skills. METHODS AND
      MATERIALS: Medical students, specialist trainees and specialists from the London
      (England, UK) area were surveyed to investigate individual experiences and
      recommendations for: (1) timing of the introduction of specialist anatomy
      teaching, and (2) pedagogical methods used. Opinions relating to radiological,
      laparoscopic, endoscopic and endovascular anatomy were collected. Non-parametric
      tests were used to investigate differences in recommendations between specialist
      trainees and specialists. RESULTS: Two hundred and twenty-eight (53%) individuals
      responded to the survey. Imaging was most commonly used to learn radiological
      anatomy (94.5%). Procedural observation was most commonly used to learn
      laparoscopic (89.0%), endoscopic (87.3%) and endovascular anatomy (66.2%).
      Imaging was the most recommended method to learn radiological anatomy (92.1%).
      Procedural observation was the most recommended method for learning laparoscopic
      (80.0%), endoscopic (81.2%) and endovascular anatomy (42.5%). Specialist trainees
      and specialists recommended introduction of specialist anatomy during
      undergraduate training. CONCLUSION: Although the methods for specialist anatomy
      learning are in practice, there is no consensus on timing and structure within
      the anatomy curriculum. Recommendations from trainees and specialists should be
      considered so that the existing curriculum can be refined to maximise learning
      outcomes.

PMID- 22041644
TI  - Femoral neck fractures in patients on Clopidogrel. The effect of delaying surgery
      and the introduction of the new SIGN guidelines.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Femoral neck fractures are an increasingly common injury in the
      elderly. Frequently these patients present taking Clopidogrel, an irreversible
      inhibitor of platelet aggregation. Although this is associated with an increased
      risk of intra-operative bleeding and also an increased risk of spinal haematoma
      where regional anaesthesia is employed, the recent SIGN (Scottish Intercollegiate
      Guidance Network) guidelines recommend that surgery should not be delayed.
      METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of consecutive patients admitted
      with femoral neck fractures between April 2008 and October 2009. Patients on
      Clopidogrel were identified and data including ASA grade, time to operation,
      medical co-morbidities, and post-admission complications were recorded.
      Comparative information from the National Hip Fracture Database was used.
      RESULTS: 405 patients were included. 27 patients were taking Clopidogrel on
      admission and they were all ASA 3 or 4. Mean time to theatre was 8 days. Post
      admission medical complications occurred in 7 patients (25.9%). A further 4
      patients (14.8%) died, 3 of them post-operatively. From the study population a
      control group of 72 ASA 3 and 4 patients was further studied. The mean time to
      operation was 2.3 days. Post-admission medical complications occurred in 13
      patients (18%) and 8 patients (11%) died post-operatively. The difference in the
      mortality and morbidity of these two groups was found to be statistically not
      significant. In 2009 the national mean time to operation was 2.19 days with an
      associated mortality rate of 8.67%. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Patients receiving
      Clopidogrel have complex medical co-morbidities and a higher anaesthetic risk.
      Delaying operative management might be contributing to the increased rate of
      mortality and morbidity. In accordance with the SIGN guidelines we recommend
      early operative intervention in these high risk patients.

PMID- 22041645
TI  - Study on the feasibility of provision of distance learning programmes in surgery
      to Malawi.
AB  - Medical educational opportunities and resources are considerably limited in the
      developing world. The expansion of computing and Internet access means that there
      exists a potential to provide education to students through distance learning
      programmes. This study investigated the feasibility of providing distance
      learning course in surgery in Malawi. The study investigated the user
      requirements, technical requirements and Internet connections in two teaching
      hospitals in Malawi. In addition the appropriateness of current course material
      from the Edinburgh Surgical Sciences Qualification to Malawi trainees was
      assessed. The study found a high degree of interest from Malawian trainees in
      distance learning. The provision of basic science modules such as anatomy and
      physiology and the ability to access journals were considered highly desirable.
      The current ESSQ course would require extensive re-modelling to make it suitable
      to an African trainee's requirements. Internet speeds remain slow and access is
      currently expensive. There is considerable interest in distance learning
      programmes in Malawi but access to them is limited partly because of slow and
      expensive Internet access. Understanding the needs of trainees in countries such
      as Malawi will allow better direction of educational aid and resources to support
      surgical training.

PMID- 22041646
TI  - Gene therapy in vascular disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: Peripheral artery disease is a highly
      prevalent disease which is characterised by high unmet medical need particularly
      in the more advanced stages of disease. Options comprise the need for vessel
      regeneration using therapeutic angiogenic gene therapy as well as the prevention
      of restenosis post-angioplasty using local gene therapy. Both problems have been
      addressed by extensive research. Recent advances in the knowledge of the complex
      regulation of angiogenesis and arteriogenesis and ways to its induction offer
      hope for a novel strategy that is based on the generation of such new vessels.
      This strategy termed "therapeutic angiogenesis" is a concept based on the use of
      angiogenic factors or stem cells or their combination to promote
      neovascularisation for the treatment of ischaemic tissues. This manuscript
      summarises the development of therapeutic angiogenic strategies using gene
      therapy. METHODS: Review of current publications of phase I, II and III clinical
      trials and websites. MAIN FINDINGS: Phase II trials performed so far are
      difficult to compare due to different genes, vectors and applications routes used
      and different endpoints evaluated. Recently, the largest phase III trial did not
      confirm efficacy of non-viral gene transfer using the gene for fibroblast growth
      factor 1 in critical limb ischaemia. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiovascular gene therapy,
      particularly, therapeutic angiogenesis has been shown to be safe, however, did
      not prove consistently efficacious in randomised controlled trials.

PMID- 22041647
TI  - Bionic prosthetic hands: A review of present technology and future aspirations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bionic prosthetic hands are rapidly evolving. An in-depth knowledge
      of this field of medicine is currently only required by a small number of
      individuals working in highly specialist units. However, with improving
      technology it is likely that the demand for and application of bionic hands will
      continue to increase and a wider understanding will be necessary. METHODS: We
      review the literature and summarise the important advances in medicine, computing
      and engineering that have led to the development of currently available bionic
      hand prostheses. FINDINGS: The bionic limb of today has progressed greatly since
      the hook prostheses that were introduced centuries ago. We discuss the ways that
      major functions of the human hand are being replicated artificially in modern
      bionic hands. Despite the impressive advances bionic prostheses remain an
      inferior replacement to their biological counterparts. Finally we discuss some of
      the key areas of research that could lead to vast improvements in bionic limb
      functionality that may one day be able to fully replicate the biological hand or
      perhaps even surpass its innate capabilities. CONCLUSION: It is important for the
      healthcare community to have an understanding of the development of bionic hands
      and the technology underpinning them as this area of medicine will expand.

PMID- 22041648
TI  - A clinical review of single-incision laparoscopic surgery.
AB  - Laparoscopic surgery is one of the most significant surgical advances of the
      twentieth century. Recently, the focus has been on the development of minimally
      invasive techniques in the form of single-incision laparoscopic surgery. The
      single-incision technique provides a less invasive alternative to conventional
      laparoscopic surgery, requiring only one incision disguised within the umbilical
      folds in contrast to the three to five incisions in conventional laparoscopic
      surgery. The availability of a number of specialised ports has aided the
      development of single-incision laparoscopic surgery, and led to its widespread
      use. The successful use of single-incision laparoscopic surgery has been reported
      for a number of surgical procedures, and offers several potential benefits versus
      conventional laparoscopic surgery, including reduced pain, reduced time to
      recovery and improved cosmesis. This review of international literature assesses
      the current status, as well as the experience, of single-incision laparoscopic
      surgery within general, colorectal, bariatric, metabolic, gynaecological and
      urological surgery. The challenges faced with single-incision laparoscopic
      surgery are discussed, as well as the clinical studies that are required in order
      to establish single-incision surgery as a significant improvement to conventional
      laparoscopic surgery in terms of reduced pain and improved cosmesis.

PMID- 22041649
TI  - Laparoscopic TAP block for laparoscopic cholecystectomy: Description of a novel
      technique.

PMID- 22041650
TI  - A novel traction assembly for shoulder arthroscopy.

PMID- 22041651
TI  - Laparoscopy through a groin hernia: An everyday application of natural orifice
      surgery.

PMID- 22041652
TI  - Red flag symptoms and signs for diagnosing perilunate dislocation.

PMID- 22041653
TI  - Condensation of the isoprenoid and amino precursors in the biosynthesis of domoic
      acid.
AB  - Understanding how environmental signals regulate production of domoic acid in
      blooms of Pseudo-nitzschia spp. at a molecular level requires description of the
      biochemical pathway to this kainoid neurotoxin. Precursor feeding studies have
      suggested domoic acid arises from the condensation of the C(10) isoprenoid
      geranyl diphosphate with glutamate, but the specific reactions leading to domoic
      acid from these precursors remain undescribed. Here, we develop a method to
      derivatize domoic acid with propyl chloroformate that enables gas chromatography
      mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis to measure incorporation of stable isotopes
      into domoic acid generated in cultures incubated with isotopically-labeled
      substrates. We apply this method to demonstrate that both (2)H from [1
      (2)H(2)]geraniol are incorporated into domoic acid, suggesting that the
      condensation of geranyl diphosphate with an amino group occurs by nucleophilic
      substitution of the diphosphate rather than by oxidation of geraniol to the
      aldehyde before reaction with an amino group to form an imine. Ultimately, these
      and similar studies will facilitate the identification of DA biosynthetic enzymes
      and genes which will enable the study of how environmental factors regulate DA
      biosynthesis at the molecular level.

PMID- 22041654
TI  - Glial activation in the spinal ventral horn caudal to cervical injury.
AB  - Microglia and astrocytes play complex roles following spinal cord injury (SCI),
      contributing to inflammatory processes that both exacerbate injury and promote
      functional recovery by supporting neuro-protection and neuroplasticity. The
      crossed phrenic phenomenon (CPP) is an example of respiratory plasticity in which
      C(2) cervical hemisection (C(2)HS) strengthens crossed-spinal synaptic pathways
      to phrenic motor neurons ipsilateral to injury. We hypothesized that microglia
      and astrocytes are activated in the phrenic motor nucleus caudal and ipsilateral
      to C(2)HS, suggesting their potential for involvement in the CPP. To test this
      hypothesis, an incomplete cervical spinal hemisection (C(2) lateral injury;
      C(2)LI) was performed, and rats were allowed to recover for 1, 3, 14 or 28 days
      before collecting perfused spinal tissues. Microglia (via OX42) and astrocytes
      [via glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)] were visualized with
      immunofluorescence microscopy in the C(4)-C(5) ventral horn, the region
      encompassing most of the phrenic motor nucleus. OX42-occupied fractional area
      ipsilateral to injury increased with C(2)LI (vs. sham) at 1 (12.5+/-1.8%,
      p<0.001), 3 (29.0+/-1.9%, p<0.001), 14 (26.1+/-3.1%, p<0.001) and 28 (19.2+/
      2.0%, p<0.001) days post-C(2)LI. GFAP-occupied fractional area also increased
      with C(2)LI at 3 (24.4+/-3.2%, p<0.001) and 14 (16.8+/-8.3%, p=0.012) days, but
      not at 1 (6.2+/-3.9%, p=0.262) or 28 (10.6+/-3.9%, p=0.059) days post-C(2)LI.
      Thus, microglia and astrocytes are activated in the phrenic motor nucleus caudal
      to C(2)LI, suggesting that they play a role in functional deficits and/or
      recovery following spinal injury.

PMID- 22041655
TI  - If at first you do not succeed: try another phase! Rescue reconstruction of an
      anomalous coronary artery in a patient with atrial fibrillation.

PMID- 22041656
TI  - GHRH antagonist MZ-5-156 increases the expression of AMPK in A549 lung cancer
      cells.
AB  - AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) regulates cellular proliferation, growth and
      metabolism. Targeted activation of AMPK is considered an important therapeutic
      strategy for cancer treatment. To evaluate the effect of growth hormone-releasing
      hormone (GHRH) and its antagonist MZ-5-156 on the phosphorylation of AMPK and
      other related regulatory intracellular proteins we employed human non-small cell
      lung cancer cell line A549, which expresses GHRH receptors. Treatment of A549
      cells with GHRH antagonist decreased cell proliferation and activated AMPK as
      well as glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)3beta. Furthermore, MZ-5-156 inhibited Akt,
      the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) and its downstream target eIF4E which
      controls protein synthesis and cell growth. GHRH(1-29)NH2 counteracted all these
      effects. HeLa human endometrial cancer cells which do not express any GHRH
      receptors were used as a negative control and GHRH did not induce the AMPK
      activation in these cells. Our results demonstrate for the first time that GHRH
      antagonists can regulate the AMPK metabolic pathway, which is crucial for the
      growth of non-small cell lung cancer and other major cancers.

PMID- 22041657
TI  - DNA ligase III: a spotty presence in eukaryotes, but an essential function where
      tested.
AB  - DNA ligases are crucial for most DNA transactions, including DNA replication,
      repair, and recombination. Recently, DNA ligase III (Lig3) has been demonstrated
      to be crucial for cell survival due to its catalytic function in mitochondria.
      This review summarizes these recent results and reports on a hitherto
      unappreciated widespread phylogenetic presence of Lig3 in eukaryotes, including
      in some organisms before the divergence of metazoa. Analysis of these putative
      Lig3 homologs suggests that many of them are likely to be found in mitochondria
      and to be critical for mitochondrial function.

PMID- 22041658
TI  - Epidemiology and diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.
AB  - Multiple sclerosis is an inflammatory disease of the CNS. The disease is
      predominantly diagnosed in young adults, with long-term implications for both
      their personal and professional lives. The economic impact of the condition is
      particularly significant as the majority of patients are of working age, costing
      the UK economy approximately L1.4 billion (McCrone et al, 2008).

PMID- 22041659
TI  - The critically ill patient:  making the referral to intensive care.
AB  - Intensive care units are responsible for looking after patients with reversible
      life-threatening conditions, who need frequent and often invasive monitoring as
      well as support from mechanized equipment and pharmacological therapies to
      maintain normal body function and physiological parameters. A previous article
      highlighted how to recognize and stabilize the sick patient (Elnour and Shankar
      Hari, 2011). Some patients may continue to deteriorate despite appropriate and
      prompt intervention. This article outlines the criteria for advanced life support
      interventions and hence admission to critical care. The focus of discussion will
      be patients in need of level 2 to 3 care requiring priority 1 to 2 admissions.

PMID- 22041660
TI  - The Babinski sign.
AB  - Joseph Babinski (1857-1932), a French neurologist of Polish descent, was the
      first person to describe extension of the big toe following stimulation of the
      sole of the foot on 22 February 1896 (Babinski, 1896). He referred to the sign as
      'phenomene des orteils' (toes phenomenon) but it is now usually referred to
      eponymously as the 'Babinski sign' or descriptively as the extensor plantar
      response.

PMID- 22041661
TI  - So you want a career in pain medicine.
AB  - The treatment of patients in pain is a fundamental skill of all doctors. From the
      junior doctor to the senior GP all will require an ability to manage the
      commonest presenting symptom. So why would you want to specialize in pain
      medicine? Well, the burden of pain is huge. Surveys estimate that almost 20% of
      adults in Britain are suffering from significant long-term painful symptoms. The
      consequences both to health of the nation and the economy are huge. But all is
      not lost - pain is rarely intractable and it is seldom that 'nothing can be
      done'.

PMID- 22041662
TI  - Functional calcium imaging in developing cortical networks.
AB  - A hallmark pattern of activity in developing nervous systems is spontaneous,
      synchronized network activity. Synchronized activity has been observed in intact
      spinal cord, brainstem, retina, cortex and dissociated neuronal culture
      preparations. During periods of spontaneous activity, neurons depolarize to fire
      single or bursts of action potentials, activating many ion channels.
      Depolarization activates voltage-gated calcium channels on dendrites and spines
      that mediate calcium influx. Highly synchronized electrical activity has been
      measured from local neuronal networks using field electrodes. This technique
      enables high temporal sampling rates but lower spatial resolution due to
      integrated read-out of multiple neurons at one electrode. Single cell resolution
      of neuronal activity is possible using patch-clamp electrophysiology on single
      neurons to measure firing activity. However, the ability to measure from a
      network is limited to the number of neurons patched simultaneously, and typically
      is only one or two neurons. The use of calcium-dependent fluorescent indicator
      dyes has enabled the measurement of synchronized activity across a network of
      cells. This technique gives both high spatial resolution and sufficient temporal
      sampling to record spontaneous activity of the developing network. A key feature
      of newly-forming cortical and hippocampal networks during pre- and early
      postnatal development is spontaneous, synchronized neuronal activity (Katz &
      Shatz, 1996; Khaziphov & Luhmann, 2006). This correlated network activity is
      believed to be essential for the generation of functional circuits in the
      developing nervous system (Spitzer, 2006). In both primate and rodent brain,
      early electrical and calcium network waves are observed pre- and postnatally in
      vivo and in vitro (Adelsberger et al., 2005; Garaschuk et al., 2000; Lamblin et
      al., 1999). These early activity patterns, which are known to control several
      developmental processes including neuronal differentiation, synaptogenesis and
      plasticity (Rakic & Komuro, 1995; Spitzer et al., 2004) are of critical
      importance for the correct development and maturation of the cortical circuitry.
      In this JoVE video, we demonstrate the methods used to image spontaneous activity
      in developing cortical networks. Calcium-sensitive indicators, such as Fura 2-AM
      ester diffuse across the cell membrane where intracellular esterase activity
      cleaves the AM esters to leave the cell-impermeant form of indicator dye. The
      impermeant form of indicator has carboxylic acid groups which are able to then
      detect and bind calcium ions intracellularly. The fluorescence of the calcium
      sensitive dye is transiently altered upon binding to calcium. Single or multi
      photon imaging techniques are used to measure the change in photons being emitted
      from the dye, and thus indicate an alteration in intracellular calcium.
      Furthermore, these calcium-dependent indicators can be combined with other
      fluorescent markers to investigate cell types within the active network.

PMID- 22041663
TI  - Fourth ventricular hamartoma presenting with status epilepticus treated with
      emergency surgery in an infant.
AB  - A 4-week-old infant presented with hemifacial spasms noticed from the 4th day
      after delivery. These progressed in severity, with generalization every 3-4 h. On
      admission, the infant went into refractory status epilepticus and had to be
      electively ventilated and taken for surgery on a semi-emergency basis. MRI showed
      a fourth ventricular hamartoma and video EEG showed spikes that were synchronous
      with the facial 'twitches' with generalization. Following the first surgery, the
      infant had an initial complete recovery, but developed recurrence of facial
      twitches after 2 weeks. Repeat MRI showed a small residual tumor which was re
      operated and completely excised (at 8 weeks). Following this, the patient had
      complete recovery from seizures (5-year follow-up). This is the youngest patient
      reported presenting with status epilepticus with a fourth ventricular hamartoma
      operated successfully.

PMID- 22041664
TI  - Study of the ascending lumbar and iliolumbar veins: surgical anatomy, clinical
      implications and review of the literature.
AB  - The surgical anatomy (geometrical features, metric relations, and drainage
      pattern) of the ascending lumbar vein (ALV) and iliolumbar vein (ILV) is
      clinically important. Notwithstanding, the available literature comprises but a
      small number of studies and a limited number of specimens involved. The present
      study constitutes a detailed description and classification of the drainage
      pattern of both these veins. The detailed anatomy of ALV and ILV was examined in
      both sides in 59 embalmed adult human cadavers of Caucasian origin. Cases with
      anatomical variations (9 cadavers) of the inferior vena cava (IVC), common iliac
      vein (CIV), external iliac vein (EIV) and internal iliac vein (IIV) were excluded
      from subsequent study and analysis. In the remaining 50 cadavers (100 sides) two
      main drainage types of the lower end of ALV were found. In Type I (54%, 54/100)
      the ALV presented the same pattern in both sides. In Type II, the ALV differed in
      pattern from one side to the other (46%, 46/100). Four subtypes were recorded for
      each Type. An ALV-ILV common trunk occurred in 15% (15/100). The percentage of
      variations of ALV was 34% and ILV 91%. The number of variations of the two veins
      differed significantly (p<0.001). No statistically significant difference was
      found relating to side or gender. Thorough knowledge of the surgical anatomy of
      ALV and ILV prevents injury, bleeding and further complication of many operations
      in the retroperitoneal space and pelvis. Awareness of the geometrical features of
      ALV and ILV helps avoiding or aids early recognition of a misplacement of a
      vascular catheter into the ALV during femoral vein catheterizations.

PMID- 22041665
TI  - Purinergic P2X3 heteroreceptors enhance parasympathetic motor drive in isolated
      porcine detrusor, a reliable model for development of P2X selective blockers for
      detrusor hyperactivity.
AB  - Various forms of low urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) seem dependant upon
      dysregulation of the purinergic pathway which produces sensory- or motor
      activated incontinence. A body of evidence in human urinary bladders supports a
      link between up-regulation of purinergic activity and the pathogenesis of
      detrusor instability. This study investigated the potential role of adenosine 5'
      triphosphate (ATP) in the control of detrusor motor drive in a model of porcine
      urinary bladder. The involvement of ATP on excitatory activity was assessed by
      measuring neurally-evoked [(3)H]-acetylcholine (ACh) release and smooth muscle
      contraction in detrusor strips. Epithelium-deprived preparations were used to
      minimize the influence of non-neural sources of ACh and ATP on parasympathetic
      neurotransmission. ACh release and smooth muscle contractility were not
      significantly affected by neural ATP in normal detrusor, but markedly enhanced
      when ATP hydrolysis was reduced by ectoATPase inhibitors, as well as by
      alpha,beta-methylene-ATP (ABMA), agonist resistant to ecto-enzymes degradation.
      Prejunctional P2X receptors located on cholinergic nerves are involved in such
      potentiating effect. These purinergic heteroreceptors were characterized as
      P2X(3) subunits by means of the putative antagonists: NF449 (P2X(1,3) selective),
      NF023 (P2X(1,3) selective), PPNDS (P2X(1) selective) and A-317491 (P2X(3)
      selective). In porcine detrusor, P2X(3) receptors are functionally expressed at
      neural site facilitating neurogenic ACh release. When purine breakdown is
      experimentally down-regulated to mimicking the impaired purinergic pathway
      observed in pathological human bladders, endogenous ATP can markedly enhance
      detrusor contractility through activation of these receptors. Since P2X(3)
      blockade represents a potential therapeutic approach for diseases of the urinary
      tract, isolated porcine detrusor represents a reliable model for development of
      novel selective P2X(3) antagonists beneficial in the treatment of detrusor
      hyperactivity.

PMID- 22041666
TI  - Limonoids from the fruits of Melia toosendan.
AB  - Fifteen limonoids, meliatoosenins E-S (1-15), and 10 known compounds were
      isolated from the fruits of Melia toosendan. Their structures were elucidated on
      the basis of extensive spectroscopic methods including DEPT, HSQC, HMBC, (1)H
      (1)H COSY, and ROESY experiments. All the compounds were evaluated for
      antiproliferative activity using A-549 and HL-60 cell lines.

PMID- 22041667
TI  - [Efforts to promote the innovation and development of arthroscopic surgery of
      China].

PMID- 22041668
TI  - [International developing tendency and the rise of China in arthroscopic
      surgery].

PMID- 22041669
TI  - [Both the medial and lateral meniscal allograft transplantation following the
      anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction by arthroscopic surgical technique].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To discuss the minimal invasive arthroscopic surgery technique and
      clinical results of both the medial and lateral meniscal transplantation
      following the anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with double bundles and
      bone tunnels. METHODS: In August 2008 a minimal invasive surgery of both the
      medial and lateral meniscal allograft transplantation following anterior cruciate
      ligament reconstruction was preformed for 1 case with both the medial and lateral
      meniscectomy by arthroscopic surgery. The method of two bone plugs attached on
      tibial plateau was employed for medial meniscal allograft transplantation and the
      technique the bridge in slot for lateral meniscal allograft transplantation. The
      VAS, Lysholm score and IKDC rating were recorded before and after operation. The
      stability of knee was assessed by Lachman test, drawer sign and pivot shift test.
      RESULTS: The patient was followed up 26 month after the operations. The degrees
      of knee flexion, extension and function of walk were normal. The Lachman test,
      drawer sign and pivot shift test were nearly normal. The VAS after operation was
      2 points lower than that before operation. The Lysholm score post-operation was
      20 points higher than pre-operation. The IKDC became B degree in late following
      up from C degree before the operation. MRI revealed anterior cruciate ligament
      graft was continuous and the meniscal allograft was normal shape on year 1 after
      the operation. The posterior horn of medial meniscal allograft and anterior
      corner of lateral meniscal allograft showed slightly shrunk. The second-look
      arthroscopy showed that the healing occurring between meniscal allograft and the
      capsule and meniscal allograft was normal shape on month 18 after the operation.
      The anterior horn of medial and lateral meniscus was slightly worn. CONCLUSIONS:
      Both the medial and lateral meniscal transplantation following the anterior
      cruciate ligament reconstruction in appropriately selected patients with the
      medial and lateral meniscus-deficient knee may recover the knee mechanic balance
      and stability, which is a option of treatment for that young and activity
      patients. It is proposed that the medial and lateral meniscal grafts harvested
      from a single donator. Attention should be paid to the direction of the bone
      tunnels fixing the horns of the meniscus in order to avoid communication with the
      tunnels of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

PMID- 22041670
TI  - [Arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with remnant
      preservation: a prospective comparison study].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical significance of arthroscopic anterior
      cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction using the remnant-preserved technique.
      METHODS: From August 2008 to September 2009, 70 cases with the remnant of injured
      ACL were included in the trials, which were randomized into the remnant
      preservation (RP) group and the control group, 35 cases in each group. All
      patients in the two groups underwent arthroscopic ACL reconstruction surgeries,
      with ACL-remnant preserving technique in RP group and ACL-remnant resection in
      control group, respectively. The injured ACL was reconstructed with allograft in
      all cases. Postoperative follow-up assessment included the International Knee
      Documentation Committee (IKDC) grading and Lysholm score, Lachman test, pivot
      shift test and KT-1000 measurement, proprioception measurements and the
      arthroscopic second look evaluation. RESULTS: Sixty-one (61/70, 87%) cases were
      available for an average of 13.1 months follow-up assessment postoperatively.
      There were no significant differences between the RP and control group in
      functional outcome as evaluated with Lysholm score (96.4 vs. 94.9, P = 0.71) and
      IKDC grading (cases with A and B gradings: 30 vs. 29, P = 0.586). Regarding
      objective stability, there were no differences between the 2 group in mean side
      to-side difference of KT-1000 (1.69 mm vs. 1.65 mm, P = 0.83), Lachman test
      (negative cases: 29 vs. 28, P = 1.00) and pivot shift test (negative cases: 31
      vs. 27, P = 0.225). There was also no difference between the groups in
      proprioception evaluation measured with angle repetitive test (4.56 degrees  vs.
      4.28 degrees , P = 0.522). During second look arthroscopic examination, the
      grafts synovial coverage rates were found to be 85% in the RP group and 84.2% in
      the control group, without significant difference (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS:
      Arthroscopic ACL reconstruction with the remnant preserving technique using
      tendon allograft do not improve the postoperative knee-joint function scores,
      stability, proprioception and synovial coverage of grafts.

PMID- 22041671
TI  - [Arthroscopic single-bundle anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with six
      strand hamstring tendon and patellar tendon allograft].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcome of arthroscopic single-bundle anterior cruciate
      ligament (ACL) reconstruction with six-strand hamstring tendon and patellar
      tendon allograft. METHODS: From October 2006 to December 2009, 108 patients with
      arthroscopic single-bundle ACL reconstruction were retrospectively reviewed, with
      58 patients with six-strand hamstring tendon (Group H), and 50 patients with
      patellar tendon allograft (Group P). Patients were available for clinical
      evaluation with KT-1000 arthrometer measurements, Lachman and pivot-shift test,
      and knee function with the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC),
      Lysholm scores. RESULTS: All the patients were followed up at an average of 28.6
      months (range 12 - 38 months). The average side-to-side difference was lesser for
      group H (1.2 +/- 1.2) mm than group P (1.8 +/- 1.5) mm (P < 0.05). On the pivot
      shift test, 55 (94.8%) patients were negative and 3 (5.2%) were positive in group
      H, whereas 41 (82.0%) were negative and 9 (18.0%) were positive in group P, with
      significant difference between two groups (P < 0.05). All knee function scores
      were improved postoperatively, without statistically significant difference
      between the two groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic single-bundle ACL
      reconstruction with six-strand hamstring tendon will achieve better knee
      stability than patellar tendon allograft.

PMID- 22041672
TI  - [Arthroscopic Bankart repair with suture anchors: results and risk factors of
      recurrence of instability].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate retrospectively the results of arthroscopic Bankart repair
      using suture anchors for recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation with a minimum 1
      year follow-up and to assess risk factors for recurrence. METHODS: From March
      2002 to March 2010, 259 patients with recurrent anterior shoulder dislocation
      underwent arthroscopic Bankart repair with suture anchors. And 188 patients (50
      athletes, 138 nonathletes) were available for follow-up. The mean age at the time
      of surgery was 25.3 years (range, 13 - 58 years). The mean follow-up was 38.6
      months (range, 12 - 110 months). All of the 188 patients were evaluated
      preoperatively and postoperatively with the American Shoulder and Elbow Society
      (ASES) shoulder score and Rowe score system. The rate of recurrent instability,
      range of motion, and risk factors for postoperative recurrence were evaluated.
      The ASES score was 72.6 preoperatively, and Rowe score was 33.4. RESULTS: The
      ASES scores improved significantly to 91.9 postoperatively (P < 0.001). The Rowe
      scores improved to 81.9 postoperatively (P < 0.001). And 152 patients were
      greatly satisfied with the results, 16 satisfied and 20 unsatisfied. The
      satisfactory rate was 89.4%. 24 patients (12.8%) suffered a recurrence after
      surgery, 14 athletes and 10 nonathletes. The recurrence rates were 28.0% in the
      athlete group and 7.2% in the nonathlete group. On average there was no
      significant loss of external rotation postoperatively (average, 75.2 degrees 
      preoperatively and 67.2 degrees  postoperatively). Patients under age 20, and
      athlete patients were associated with recurrence (P < 0.05). Other factors
      including length of time until surgery, type of anchors, number of anchors,
      presence of bony Bankart lesion, presence of a superior labrum, anterior and
      posterior tear, presence of posterior or inferior labrum lesion, presence of
      rotator cuff tear, ligamentous laxity and rotator interval closure did not
      influence the recurrence rate (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Arthroscopic Bankart
      repair is a good option for the treatment of recurrent anterior shoulder
      dislocation. Identification of risk factors for recurrence allows for
      consideration of open stabilization. In the series, patients under age 20 and
      athlete patients are the most important risk factors for recurrence.

PMID- 22041673
TI  - [Clinical results after all arthroscopic reduction and fixation of bony Bankart
      lesion].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the shoulder function after arthroscopic reduction and
      internal fixation in patients with bony Bankart lesion. METHODS: Between May 2004
      and May 2008, 45 patients with bony Bankart lesion who were treated with all
      arthroscopic reduction and internal fixation with metal anchors were included in
      this study. Among them 40 patients were male and 5 patients were female. The
      average age at the surgery was 27.6 years (16.5 - 50.1 years). The average
      duration of follow-up was 29.7 months (24.8 - 49.0 months). A history of
      recurrent dislocation of affected shoulder was found in all patients. Metal
      anchors were used to fix the bony Bankart lesion during the surgery. Hill-Sachs
      remplissage technique was used to treat the Engaging Hill-Sachs lesion. The
      preoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Society (ASES) score, Constant-Murley
      score, Rowe score and the VAS score for instability were 84 +/- 14, 95.1 +/- 4.6,
      39.4 +/- 2.9 and 5 +/- 3 respectively. RESULTS: No significant change was found
      regarding active forward elevation, external rotation and internal rotation after
      the surgery. The ASES score, Constant-Murley score, Rowe score and the VAS score
      of stability were 95 +/- 7, 98.3 +/- 2.2, 84.5 +/- 22.0 and 1 +/- 2, improved
      significantly higher after the surgery (P < 0.01). One subluxation and 3
      redislocation were happened during follow-up. The overall failure rate was 8.9%
      (4/45). CONCLUSIONS: All arthroscopic reduction and fixation of bony Bankart
      lesion can achieve a good result.

PMID- 22041674
TI  - [Combination with vascular resection and reconstruction in resection of hilar
      cholangiocarcinoma].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the value of vascular resection and reconstruction in
      resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma. METHODS: The clinical data of 17 patients
      with hilar cholangiocarcinoma received resection in combination with vascular
      resection and reconstruction from January 2000 to September 2009 was
      retrospectively analyzed. Among the 17 patients, 6 underwent portal vein
      segmental resection and end-to-end anastomosis, 3 underwent portal vein wedge
      resection, 1 underwent hepatic artery ligature, 2 underwent hepatic artery
      segmental resection and end-to-end anastomosis, 1 underwent portal vein
      arterialization, 1 underwent portal vein wedge resection and hepatic artery
      ligature simultaneously, 2 underwent portal vein segmental resection and hepatic
      artery segmental resection and end-to-end anastomosis simultaneously, 1 underwent
      portal vein segmental resection and right hepatic artery and gastroduodenal
      artery end-to-end anastomosis simultaneously. RESULTS: Four patients died and the
      mortality was 4/17. Three patients died of renal dysfunction followed with
      multiple organ dysfunction and 1 patient died of sepsis shock. Among the 13
      survive patients, 6 had a smooth postoperative recover and 7 developed
      complications: 3 had bile leakage, 1 had respiratory failure, 1 had cholangitis
      due to obstruction of U tube, 1 had abdominal infection and thrombosis in portal
      vein system and 1 had portal vein stenosis and liver abscess. Follow-up
      investigation showed that the median survival time was 18 months and four
      patients still alive. CONCLUSIONS: Combination of vascular resection and
      reconstruction in the resection of hilar cholangiocarcinoma may help to improve
      the resection rate but still have a high postoperative risk. The complications of
      renal dysfunction should be alert during the postoperative observation. The
      procedure of hepatic arterial reconstruction may help to reduce postoperative
      morbidity.

PMID- 22041675
TI  - [Clinical analysis of level V occult metastasis of papillary thyroid carcinoma].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze the occult level V lymph node (LN) metastases in papillary
      thyroid carcinoma (PTC) with clinical factors. METHODS: The clinical data of 203
      PTC patients with clinical positive neck lymph nodes in level II, III and IV
      based on preoperative ultrasonography, who underwent therapeutic lateral neck
      dissection (level II-V) between January 2001 and June 2009 were retrospectively
      reviewed. There were 60 male and 143 female patients in the study. The median age
      at diagnosis was 42 years (ranging from 16 to 76 years). The 203 patients had
      undergone ipsilateral thyroidectomy and simultaneously neck dissections (II-VI).
      All patients had no suspicion of clinical positive neck nodes in level V.
      Univariate and Multivariate analysis were performed using the Pearson chi-square
      test and a binary logistic regression test, respectively. RESULTS: The rate of
      metastatic at levels II, III and IV was 47.3%(96/203), 79.8%(162/203), 81.3%
      (165/203), respectively. The rate of occult metastatic at level V were observed
      in 14.3%(29/203). In univariate analysis, LN metastasis in level V was
      statistically significantly more frequent in patients with positive level IV LNs
      (chi(2) = 5.651, P = 0.017) and positive LNs throughout the lateral neck (level
      III+IV) (chi(2) = 10.936, P = 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that positive
      LN involvement in all lateral neck (level III+IV) is an independent predictive
      factor of level V LN metastasis (P = 0.046, OR = 4.550). CONCLUSION: In PTC
      patients without suspicious LNs in neck level IV by preoperative ultrasound,
      prophylactic level V LN dissection may be omitted.

PMID- 22041676
TI  - [Clinical application of redo coronary artery bypass grafting].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the clinical characteristics and outcomes of redo CABG.
      METHODS: The outcomes of 42 consecutive patients who underwent redo CABG from
      January 2002 to December 2010 was analyzed. There were 29 males and 13 females,
      aging from 46 to 78 years old with a mean of (61.2 +/- 2.1) years. Off-pump CABG
      was applied for 31 patients and on-pump CABG for 11 patients. There were 1
      patient underwent concomitant aortic valve replacement and 1 patient underwent
      aortic root and right aortic arch replacement respectively. RESULTS: Three
      patients died of right ventricle rupture, heart failure and multiple system organ
      failure respectively and the perioperative mortality rate was 4.8%. The post
      operatively mechanical ventilation time varied from 9 to 27 h with a mean of (17
      +/- 7) h. There was no residual angina and perioperative myocardial infarction in
      the remaining patients who were all discharged uneventfully. Intraoperative 6
      patients had accepted intraaortic balloon counterpulsation. During the follow-up
      from 6 months to 4.5 years for 38 patients, which showed no evidence of recurrent
      angina and postoperative coronary CT angiography in 12 patients showed the
      patency of grafts is good. CONCLUSION: Satisfactory outcome of redo coronary
      artery bypass grafting can be achieved if proper indication were choose and
      reasonable management were performed.

PMID- 22041677
TI  - [Treatment and prognostic analysis of 1638 patients with non-small cell lung
      cancer].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the prognosis and prognostic factors of non-small-cell lung
      carcinoma (NSCLC) according the new TNM stage system. METHODS: Clinic data of
      1638 inpatient cases admitted from January 2001 to January 2005 were
      retrospectively reviewed. There were 1083 male and 555 female patients in the
      study and the average age was 59.5 years. All the patients received surgical
      procedures. RESULTS: The overall 1, 3, 5-year survival rate was 80.0%, 52.3%,
      39.0%. The main prognostic factors were bronchial stump, operation type, T stage,
      N stage, the number of lymph nodes (LNs) in lymph nodes dissection (1 - 10, 11 -
      20, and > 20), overall N stations (< 4 and >= 4) and postoperative radiotherapy
      (all P < 0.05). Cox regression suggested that T stage (P = 0.000), N stage (P =
      0.000), operation type (P = 0.001) and LNs (P = 0.013) were independent factors
      affecting the prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: The overall survival rate of NSCLC is poor.
      T stage, N stage, operation type and LNs are independent factors affecting the
      prognosis.

PMID- 22041678
TI  - [Treatment of developmental dysplasia of hip by modified Sutherland pelvic
      osteotomy].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical results of modified Sutherland pelvic
      osteotomy for developmental dysplasia of hip (DDH). METHODS: Sutherland pelvic
      osteotomy were performed in 10 patients (11 hips) with DDH. Among them, there
      were 3 male (3 hips) and 7 female (8 hips) patients, aged (32 +/- 8) years.
      During operation, arthroscopes were performed additionally to remove the existing
      hyperplasia tissue in the fossae ovalis and trimming acetabulum and glenoid
      labrum, thus to insure the better match between the femoral head and the
      realigned acetabulum. The change of imaging indexes were acquired by comparing
      the preoperative X-ray with the postoperative X-ray. The change of hip function
      and life quality were acknowledged according to contrast and analysis Harris hip
      score and Short Form 12-items Health Survey (SF-12) before and after osteotomy.
      RESULTS: All patients were followed up for a mean of (5.2 +/- 2.3) years, the
      osteotomy were all union in 3 months. The acetabular head index was 71 +/- 8
      before operation, and 86 +/- 4 after operation. The pre- and post-operative
      centre edge angle were (7 +/- 9) degrees  and (33 +/- 9) degrees , sharp angle
      were (48 +/- 4) degrees  and (37 +/- 5) degrees , acetabular index angle were (24
      +/- 8) degrees  and (11 +/- 5) degrees  respectively. The average Harris score
      improved from 42 +/- 13 preoperatively to 90 +/- 5 postoperatively, with 100%
      excellent and good results. Every domains of SF-12 was improved in the different
      extents postoperatively, the improvement of physical component summary was more
      conspicuous than mental component summary. The imaging indexes, Harris and SF-12
      were all improved with significant difference (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The
      modified Sutherland pelvic osteotomy is effective. It could increase the load
      bearing capacity of hip, and improve the quality of life.

PMID- 22041679
TI  - [Selective thoracic fusion in the scoliosis associated with syringomyelia].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the surgical results of selective thoracic fusion (STF)
      for scoliosis associated with syringomyelia. METHODS: From January 2001 to
      January 2009, 93 cases of scoliosis associated with syringomyelia were
      retrospectively reviewed. There were 11 cases who underwent STF and were followed
      up more than 2 years, which included 8 female and 3 male, the mean age was 14.9
      years (9 - 21 years). Curve type, coronal and sagittal Cobb angle, apical
      vertebral rotation apical vertebral translation, flexibility, trunk shift were
      recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: There were 9 double curves and 2 triple curves,
      the Lenke type of thoracolumbar/lumbar curve included Lenke A in 2 cases, Lenke B
      in 7 cases and Lenke C in 2 cases. The average coronal Cobb angle of thoracic
      curve before and after surgery were 62.6 degrees  and 19.0 degrees  respectively,
      and the average correction rate was 69.6%. The average coronal Cobb angle of
      thoracolumbar/lumbar curve before and after surgery were 36.1 degrees  and 11.6
      degrees  respectively, and the average spontaneous correction rate was 67.9%. The
      followed up time ranged from 24 to 48 months (mean 29.5 months), the average loss
      of correction rate was 6.8%. Only one trunk decompensation was noted at final
      follow-up. Pedicle screw nut loosening occurred in one patient and this patient
      underwent revision surgery, no neurological complication was noted at final
      follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: STF could be safely performed in scoliosis associated
      with syringomyelia. Thoracolumbar/lumbar curve in these patients has similar
      spontaneous correction ability compared with idiopathic scoliosis patients. The
      satisfactory result could be achieved according to the STF criteria for IS.

PMID- 22041680
TI  - [Expression of chondromodulin-1 in the adult degenerative intervertebral disc].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the expression of chondromodulin-1 (ChM-I) in human
      adult degenerative intervertebral disc (IVD) cells and the relationship between
      ChM-I expression and disc degeneration. METHODS: Three degenerated disc specimens
      obtained from patients in the treatment of disc degenerative disease from March
      to April 2009 were used for cell culture. ChM-I expression in IVD cells was
      examined by RT-PCR and Western blot. The effect of basic fibroblast growth factor
      (bFGF) on the expression of ChM-I was assessed by real-time PCR and Western blot.
      From October 2008 to October 2009, 26 human IVD tissues were obtained from
      patients in the surgical treatment of disc degenerative disease at different
      stage of degeneration according to MRI. Six IVD tissues removed from patients
      with metastatic spinal tumor were used as normal control. The expression of ChM-I
      determined by immunohistochemical analysis was correlated with MRI degeneration
      grade. RESULTS: RT-PCR and Western blot examination showed that ChM-I was
      expressed in both adult degenerative anulus fibrosus and nucleus pulposus cells.
      The mRNA and protein expression of ChM-I were both down-regulated by
      administration of bFGF with dose-dependent way (P < 0.05). Immunohistochemical
      analysis showed the percent of ChM-I immunopositive cells in the control group
      was 0.12 +/- 0.03, and the number increased significantly in the advanced
      degeneration group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The current results demonstrate that
      IVD cells express ChM-I. Administration of bFGF down-regulates the expression of
      ChM-I. The expression of ChM-I is correlated with the degree of IVD degeneration
      which means it may involve in the process of IVD degeneration.

PMID- 22041681
TI  - [Construction and biological assessment of tissue engineering intervertebral
      disc].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the value of bone marrow-mesenchymal stem cells (BM
      MSCs) transformed by nucleus pulposus (NPs) for construction of tissue
      engineering disc. METHODS: BM-MSCs and fetal NPs were cultured in vitro, planted
      on polylactic acid-polyglycolic acid copolymer (PLGA), and observed with inverted
      microscope and scanning electronic microscope. PLGA scaffolds with adherent BM
      MSCs and NPs, as well as BM-MSCs and NPs suspension were implanted into
      intervertebral discs of New Zealand white rabbits, respectively. Intervertebral
      signal intensity was evaluated by Thompson grading 12 weeks later. Proteoglycan
      and type IIcollagen were determined by spectrophotometric method and
      immunohistochemistry, respectively. RESULTS: Spindle or multi-angular BM-MSCs
      turned into fibro-like phenotype coculture of BM-MSCs and NPs, which grew well
      with normal morphology when they attached on PLGA scaffolds. There was
      statistical difference in intervertebral signal intensity, and the expression of
      proteoglycan and type IIcollagen between PLGA scaffolds group and control group
      (P < 0.05), the content of proteoglycan was (3.93 +/- 0.31) mg/100 mg in the PLGA
      scaffolds group whereas (3.52 +/- 0.26) mg/100 mg in the control group.
      CONCLUSIONS: BM-MSCs can be induced into NPs by cocultivation, and PLGA scaffolds
      can provide good growing conditions, and maintain high mechanical properties and
      spacial structure which meet the requirement of tissue engineering disc to
      prevent degeneration.

PMID- 22041682
TI  - [Clinical analysis of robotic mitral valve repair].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the safety and efficacy of robotic mitral valve repair
      using da Vinci S Surgical system. Method From January 2007 to April 2011, over
      400 cases of robotic cardiac surgery have been performed, in which 60 patients
      with isolated mitral valve insufficiency underwent robotic mitral valve repair,
      including 42 male and 18 female patients with a mean age of (44 +/- 13) years
      (ranging from 14 to 70 years). Forty-eight patients were in NYHA class I-II and
      12 patients in class III. Fourteen patients were concomitant with atrial
      fibrillation. Surgery approach was achieved through 4 right chest ports with
      femoral perfusion and Chitwood aortic occlusion. Antegrade cold blood
      cardioplegia was administered directly via chest for myocardial protection. The
      transesophageal echocardiography was used intraoperatively to estimate the
      surgical results. RESULTS: All patients had successful valve repair including
      quadrangular resections, sliding plasties and chordal replacement. There was no
      conversion to median sternotomy. The mean cardiopulmonary bypass and arrested
      heart time were (132 +/- 30) min and (88 +/- 22) min. One patient had hemolysis
      after operation, and required mitral valve replacement. Echocardiographic follow
      up revealed trace to mild regurgitation in 2 patients with a mean of (16 +/- 9)
      months. CONCLUSION: Robotic mitral valve repair is safe and efficacious in the
      patients with isolated mitral valve insufficiency.

PMID- 22041683
TI  - [The application of cervical arthroplasty with Mobi-C for treatment of cervical
      spondylotic radiculopathy].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical effectiveness of cervical arthroplasty
      with Mobi-C prosthesis for treatment of cervical spondylotic radiculopathy.
      METHODS: From March 2008 to November 2009, a group of 67 patients with cervical
      spondylotic radiculopathy were analyzed retrospectively. The short form-36
      physical component summary (SF-36) and visual analogue scale (VAS) score were
      used to compare clinical outcome pre- and postoperatively. The follow-up was
      performed at 3 d, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year postoperatively. Static and
      dynamic radiography were taken to evaluate height of disc space, range of motion
      (ROM) and heterotopic ossification (HO) of index levels. RESULTS: Fifty-one cases
      were followed up, 16 cases were lost. Average follow-up was for 19.7 months (13 -
      31 months). All of patients had improvement for clinical symptoms. There was a
      significant difference on SF-36 between pre- and postoperatively. The significant
      difference was found in VAS score in which neck pain was decreased from
      preoperative 4.6 +/- 0.4 to postoperative 2.0 +/- 0.5 (P < 0.05), arm pain was
      decreased from preoperative 6.5 +/- 0.4 to postoperative 1.3 +/- 0.4 (P < 0.05).
      There was a significant difference in height of disc space which was increased
      from preoperative (6.5 +/- 1.1) mm to (7.7 +/- 0.9) mm (P < 0.05). ROM was
      increased from preoperative 7.2 degrees  +/- 3.1 degrees  to latest follow-up 8.1
      degrees  +/- 3.2 degrees , however, no significant difference was found
      concerning ROM pre- and postoperatively (P > 0.05). No other complications were
      met during follow-up period other than the 17 cases of heterotopic ossification
      in ClassI, the 7 cases in Class II in 1 year postoperatively, but no any
      correlation were found between the radiographic finding in HO and clinical
      symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Cervical arthroplasty with Mobi-C could improve
      neurofunctional symptoms, maintain ROM of index level and height of disc space.
      For accurate patient selection, long term follow-up is still needed in
      prospective randomized study.

PMID- 22041688
TI  - Relationship between oxidative stress and cardiomyopathic changes in
      ovariectomized rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Menopause has a negative effect on cardiovascular functions. However,
      very little is known of the overall effect of menopause on the cardiac
      ultrastructure or the pathophysiological basis of this. METHODS: A group of 12
      week-old female Sprague Dawley rats were randomly allocated to healthy control (n
      = 6) and ovariectomy groups (n = 6). Twelve weeks after ovariectomy, the rats'
      cardiac tissues were histopathologically analyzed for determination of oxidant
      and antioxidant enzymes [activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase
      (SOD), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) and amount of glutathione (GSH) and lipid
      peroxidation (LPO)]. RESULTS: When compared to the control group, the ovariectomy
      group showed cardiomyopathic changes. In tissue, activities of CAT (185 +/- 2.4
      vs. 112 +/- 1.4 mmol/min/mg tissue; p < 0.05), SOD (153 +/- 1.0 vs. 146 +/- 0.7
      mmol/min/mg tissue; p < 0.05) and MPO (19 +/- 0.8 vs. 8.6 +/- 0.11 MUmol/min/mg
      tissue; p < 0.05) and LPO levels (32.1 +/- 0.77 vs. 14.4 +/- 0.20 nmol/g tissue;
      p < 0.05) were significantly increased in the ovariectomy group when compared to
      the control group. However, GSH levels (3.43 +/- 0.02 vs. 3.73 +/- 0.01 nmol/g
      tissue; p < 0.05) were significantly lower in the ovariectomy group when compared
      to the control group. CONCLUSION: Using an experimental animal model, we were
      able to demonstrate that menopause causes cardiomyopathic changes, and we propose
      that these changes could be mediated by oxidative stress.

PMID- 22041689
TI  - Supramolecular assemblies of dimolybdenum transoids built by Mo2-enhanced
      perfluorophenyl-perfluorophenyl synthons.
AB  - Two supramolecular assemblies were developed by the dimmolybdenum paddlewheel
      complex trans-Mo(2)(DAniF)(2)(O(2)CC(6)F(5))(2) (1) (ancillary ligand DAniF =
      N,N'-di-(p-anisyl)formamidinate) through intermolecular offset face to face
      C(6)F(5)...C(6)F(5) interactions. The two networks are different because of the
      presence and absence of tetrahydrofuran (THF) axial coordination to the Mo(2)
      units, but feature commonly short interplanar distances between the two paired
      perfluorophenyl groups, that is, 3.30 A and 3.23 A, respectively, which are
      similar to the shortest intermolecular C...F contacts between two atoms in meta
      and ortho positions. Consistently, as indicated by the Mulliken population
      analysis, the dipole moments for the meta and ortho C-F bonds are considerably
      enlarged because the pentafluorobenzoate groups are bonded to the dimetal unit.
      In comparison, X-ray structural and theoretical analyses were also made for the
      parent molecule pentafluorobenzoic acid. The resultant data show that charge
      distribution on the perfluorophenyl group has a major influence on the
      C(6)F(5)...C(6)F(5) binding mode. Therefore, it is evidenced that the dimetal
      unit plays a role in further polarizing the highly polarized C-F bonds and the
      intermolecular perfluorophenyl-perfluorophenyl interactions are dominated by the
      C...F dipole-dipole interaction, rather than aromatic-aromatic pi-pi stacking.

PMID- 22041690
TI  - [Breast reconstruction with TRAM flap after selective embolization of the deep
      inferior epigastric artery (series of 69 patients)].
AB  - Vascular complications of the unipedicled TRAM flap pointed out the need for
      solutions to decrease such occurrences. The flap surgical delay before transfer
      has been advocated to improve the blood supply but, at the same time, it
      increases the risk of wound infection at the donor site and imposes a general
      anesthesia. The DIEP and the free TRAM flap are more complex procedures and need
      heavy structural resources. Preferential use of the ipsilateral muscular pedicle
      suggests a lower partial flap necrosis rate. Selective embolization of the deep
      inferior epigastric arteries prior to surgery realizes an alternative delay and
      brings a decrease in the vascular complication rate as shown in a study of 40
      patients by Scheufler in 2000. We present a series of 69 patients who were
      reconstructed by means of a delayed pedicled TRAM flap with selective
      embolization and a predominant use of the ispsilateral pedicle. Sonographic
      studies performed in 48 patients prior to surgery showed no significative
      difference in the diameter of the superior epigastic arteries, with or without
      previous radiotherapy. The mean interval between embolization and surgery was 30
      days; the embolization was performed bilateraly in five patients (4 %), and
      unilaterally in 64 patients (96 %). The mean age of patients was 54 years,
      radiotherapy was applied in 43 patients (62 %), smoking patients: 11 (16 %),
      obesity: five (7 %). The ispsilateral pedicled was used in 67 patients (97 %),
      controlateral pedicle in two patients (3 %). Postoperative flap complications
      were comprised of partial flap necrosis in two cases (2,9 %), fat necrosis in six
      cases (8,7 %), impaired wound healing in three cases (4,3 %), abdominal wall
      weakness in two cases (2,9 %). We compared the present study of ispsilateral
      delayed pedicled flap to a study from the same authors concerning controlateral
      pedicled flaps without delay. It has been demonstrated that the complications
      rate of partial necrosis was divided by four in the first study compared to the
      second. The preoperative selective embolization of the deep inferior epigastric
      artery in association with the use of ipsilateral pedicule in TRAM flap decrease
      the complications rate significatively compared to the controlateral pedicled
      flap in TRAM flaps.

PMID- 22041691
TI  - [Historical research on cinchona cultivation in Japan].
AB  - Cinchona is one of the most important medicinal plants as it contains quinine, a
      potent medicine for malaria. In this review, I reveal the history of cinchona
      introduction and cultivation in Japan. Cinchona was first introduced to Japan in
      1876 from Java based on the proposal submitted by Takeaki Enomoto to the Meiji
      government. However, the cultivation attempt ended in failure. Later in 1922,
      Hoshi Pharmaceutical Co. succeeded for the first time in cultivating cinchona in
      Taiwan, which was then under Japanese colonial rule, and in manufacturing quinine
      from the cinchona tree in 1934. This was a historic feat in Japan, completing an
      entire process from cinchona cultivation to quinine manufacture all within the
      confines of the country. To commemorate this undertaking, the company dedicated a
      cinchona log harvested for the first time to the Imperial court. It was revealed
      that a log of unknown origin, which had been left untouched for years at Hoshi
      University, was the cinchona log from the time of commemoration. Yasusada Tashiro
      (1856-1928), who has made a great contribution to cinchona cultivation in Japan
      for over 50 years, led Hoshi Pharmaceutical Co. to success in cultivation.

PMID- 22041692
TI  - [Regulation and analysis of intracellular trafficking of nucleic acids based on
      quantitative and dynamic imaging].
AB  - In the 21st century the category of biomedicine is now expanding from low
      molecular drugs to recombinant proteins, antibodies, and nucleic acids (e.q.,
      siRNA and plasmid DNA). In this era also, development of a novel nanotechnology
      to control intracellular trafficking is highly desired. For a promising gene
      therapy, an efficient nuclear delivery vector is a minimum requirement.
      Quantitative and mechanism-based information on differences in transfection
      efficiency between viral and non-viral vectors would be highly useful to improve
      the effectiveness of non-viral vectors. In this review, we will summarize our
      recent progress in quantitative comparison and underlying mechanisms of the
      intracellular trafficking between adenovirus vectors and plasmid DNA (pDNA)
      transfected by non-viral vectors. Our analysis has revealed that poor post
      nuclear delivery events, as well as the nuclear delivery process itself are key
      processes to focus on. Especially, less effective transcription and translation
      are most likely due to poor nuclear decondensation and excess electrostatic
      interaction between mRNA and the gene carrier, respectively. Meanwhile, we have
      developed a multi-functional envelope-type nano device (MEND), in which the
      pDNA/polycation core is encapsulated in the lipid bilayers. Based on feedback
      information concerning the rate-limiting processes of gene carriers, we
      controlled the number of lipid envelopes to enhance the decoating of encapsulated
      pDNA from the envelope structure. As an expanded application of this concept, we
      have developed a tetra-lamellar MEND (T-MEND), which is designed to overcome the
      endosome and nuclear membranes by step-wise membrane fusion.

PMID- 22041693
TI  - [Novel therapeutic approach based on recent understanding of the development of
      metabolic syndrome].
AB  - Obesity is associated with metabolic syndrome, a cluster of symptoms including
      diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension and arteriosclerosis, which can cause
      serious health problems. Accumulating evidence suggests that endoplasmic
      reticulum stress (ER stress) is associated with metabolic syndrome. Leptin is an
      anti-obesity hormone, which is secreted from adipose tissue. Circulating leptin
      acts at the brain hypothalamus and reduces food intake. As most forms of obesity
      indicate a state of leptin resistance, elucidation of the mechanisms of leptin
      resistance would be an important subject. We and other groups have recently
      suggested that leptin resistance may be derived from ER stress. These results
      raised the possibility that attenuating ER stress would be effective treatment
      for the disease. In the present review article, recent understanding of the
      mechanisms of the development of obesity and the potential novel therapeutic
      approaches targeting ER stress are discussed.

PMID- 22041694
TI  - [Development of domino reactions based on skeletal rearrangement].
AB  - Domino reactions, which enable formations of several chemical bonds and multi
      step transformation in one-pot process, have received much attention as an
      efficient synthetic methodology to preserve chemists from time-consuming
      purification protocols and protection-deprotection procedures. Furthermore, the
      domino processes containing skeletal rearrangement have been utilized for
      constructions of complex molecules because of their potential that they could
      afford entirely different valuable structures from readily available simple
      substrates. We recently developed novel domino reactions including ring
      enlargement process, which could afford biologically important cyclopentanones
      and nitrogen heterocycles. In this review, we will describe 1) a novel type of
      palladium-catalyzed domino insertion-ring expansion reaction of
      dienylcyclobutanols, which could enable a stereospecific synthesis of (Z)-2-(3
      aryl-1-propenyl)cyclopentanones, 2) ruthenium-catalyzed domino ring expansion
      insertion reaction of 1-acetylenylcyclobutanols for a construction of 2
      alkylidenecyclopentanones, and 3) DIBALH-mediated reductive ring expansion
      reaction of oximes and studies on the reaction mechanisms. The rationales for the
      observed stereoselectivities in each reaction are also discussed.

PMID- 22041695
TI  - [Ligand recognition mechanism of lipocalin-type prostaglandin D synthase].
AB  - Lipocalin-type prostaglandin (PG) D synthase (L-PGDS) is a multi functional
      protein acting as a PGD(2) synthesizing enzyme, a transporter or scavenger of
      various lipophilic ligands, and an amyloid beta chaperon in the brain. L-PGDS is
      a member of the lipocalin superfamily and has the ability to bind various
      lipophilic molecules such as prostanoid, retinoid, bile pigment, and amyloid beta
      peptide. However, the molecular mechanism for a wide variety of ligand binding
      has not been well understood. In this study, we determined by NMR the structure
      of recombinant mouse L-PGDS and L-PGDS/PGH(2) analog complex. L-PGDS has the
      typical lipocalin fold, consisting of an eight-stranded beta-barrel and a long
      alpha-helix. The interior of the barrel formed a hydrophobic cavity opening to
      the upper end of the barrel, the size of which was larger than those of other
      lipocalins and the cavity contained two pockets. Kinetic studies and molecular
      docking studies based on the result of NMR titration experiments provide the
      direct evidence for two binding sites for PGH(2) and retinoic acid in the large
      cavity of L-PGDS. Structural comparison of L-PGDS/U-46619 complex with apo-L-PGDS
      showed that the H2-helix, CD-loop, and EF-loop located at the upper end of the
      beta-barrel change the conformation to cover the entry of the cavity upon U-46619
      binding. These results indicated that the two binding sites in the large cavity
      and induced fit mechanism were responsible for the broad ligand specificity of L
      PGDS.

PMID- 22041696
TI  - [Non-invasive drug delivery system with the claudin binder].
AB  - The intercellular spaces between adjacent epithelial cells are sealed by tight
      junctions (TJs). Modulation of TJ-seal is a potent strategy for drug absorption.
      Claudin is a key structural and functional component of TJ-seal. Claudin
      comprises a tetra-transmembrane protein family consisting of more than 20
      members, whose expression profiles and barrier-function differ among tissues. For
      instance, claudin-1 plays roles in the epidermal and mucosal barriers, and
      claudin-4 regulates the mucosal barrier. Claudin forms homo- and hetero-type TJ
      strands. Properties of TJ-seal are determined by combination of the claudin
      family members. Some claudin strands work as size-selective or charge-selective
      paracellular routes for solutes. Thus, claudin modulators will make it possible
      to deliver drugs in a solute- and tissue-specific manner. The C-terminal fragment
      of the Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (C-CPE) is the most characterized
      claudin modulator. In this review, we describe potency of claudin-targeting
      mucosal absorption, and we mentioned development of a novel claudin modulator
      using C-CPE as a prototype.

PMID- 22041697
TI  - [Genetic polymorphisms of SLCO1B1 for drug pharmacokinetics and its clinical
      implications].
AB  - Various drug transporters are selectively expressed in single or multiple
      tissues, such as the intestine, liver and kidney, where these transporters play
      various roles in drug absorption, distribution and excretion. Genetic
      polymorphisms in drug transporters as well as drug-metabolizing enzymes are
      associated with interindividual differences in drug disposition, efficacy and
      toxicity. Organic anion transporting polypeptide 1B1 (OATP1B1, gene SLCO1B1) is
      expressed on the basolateral membrane of hepatocytes and can facilitate hepatic
      uptake of certain clinically relevant drugs such as statins except for
      fluvastatin, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor
      antagonists, antidiabetic drug (repaglinide) and anticancer drugs (SN-38 and
      methotrexate). Some single nucleotide polymorphisms or haplotypes of the SLCO1B1
      gene have been identified and demonstrated to have functional significance for
      transporter activity. For examples, the SLCO1B1*15 haplotype (or 521T>C genotype)
      results in decreased uptake activity of SN-38 from systemic circulation, leading
      to increased plasma concentration of SN-38 and an enhanced risk of neutropenia.
      This review focuses on the impact of genetic polymorphisms of the SLCO1B1 gene on
      transport activity, and implications for the clinical efficacy and toxicity of
      clinically useful drugs.

PMID- 22041698
TI  - [Effect of the active adult learning/patient oriented clerkship on affective
      reaction of students ~ from the results of student survey].
AB  - We have previously reported the efficacy of the Patient Oriented Clerkship (POC)
      in the clinical clerkship in Showa University Hospitals, by a trial with old four
      year pharmacy program students. In the unique clerkship, each student has a
      patient in charge, and follows his/her clinical conditions throughout the
      rotation. The aim of the POC is that having the students learn spontaneously
      (Active Learning) and actively (Adult Learning) promoted by student's commitment
      and responsibility by communicating with patients and health professionals in a
      team. As the POC requires students both Active Learning and Adult Learning, we
      define the POC as Active Adult Learning (AAL). Having a patient in charge for
      each student gives them many opportunities to participate in the medical team and
      foster their problem solving skills. Our previous study eventually showed
      positive results of the POC in the one-month short clerkship in the four-year
      program. On the other hand, the effect of the unique hospital clerkship in the
      new six-year program is not known. We conducted a student survey to clarify the
      learning effect in the new six-year education system which was revised and 2.5
      month clinical clerkship was scheduled according to the model core clerkship
      curriculum. This report is the first report to show a challenge of the AAL/POC
      clerkship in the new six-year pharmacy education program.

PMID- 22041699
TI  - [Face-to-face questionnaire survey on the use of multiple antipsychotics and the
      manifestation of side effects in outpatients with schizophrenia].
AB  - We investigated the use of multiple antipsychotics and the manifestation of side
      effects in outpatients with schizophrenia and compared the results of patients
      who received 1 antipsychotic (monotherapy) with those of patients who received
      more than 1 antipsychotic (multidrug therapy). To achieve this, we visited 8
      community life-support centers and conducted a face-to-face questionnaire survey
      with 47 outpatients. Sixteen (34%) of these patients had received monotherapy and
      31 (66%), multidrug therapy. Complaints involving the central nervous system,
      anticholinergic symptoms, metabolic symptoms (weight gain, increase in blood
      glucose, etc.), and extrapyramidal symptoms were seen across the patients. The
      average incidence of side effects was 2.2 per person in the monotherapy group and
      4.8 in the multidrug-therapy group. The number of nonantipsychotic drugs used
      concomitantly in the monotherapy group was also smaller than that used in the
      multidrug-therapy group (2.3 and 5.0 per person, respectively). Further, we
      analyzed the 47 patients as described above; 20 patients received typical
      antipsychotics (TA group), 10 patients received atypical antipsychotics (AA
      group), and 17 patients received both typical and atypical antipsychotics (MIX
      group). The average incidence of side effects in the TA, AA, and MIX groups was
      2.8, 3.2, and 5.5 per person, respectively, and the number of nonantipsychotic
      drugs used concomitantly was 2.2, 3.2, and 6.1, respectively. On the basis of our
      results, it can be suggested that monotherapy with an atypical antipsychotic can
      reduce both the number of nonantipsychotic drugs used concomitantly and the
      average incidence of side effects.

PMID- 22041700
TI  - Effects of keishibukuryoganryokayokuinin (gui-zhi-fu-ling-wanliao-jia-yiyiren) on
      the epidermal pigment cells from DBA/2 mice exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) and/or
      progesterone.
AB  - The production of melanin is not only activated by external factors such as
      sunlight or UV-exposure, but is also considered to be triggered by hormonal
      factors, particularly sex hormones such as ovarian hormones. Previously,
      keishibukuryoganryokayokuinin (KBY) was reported to increase the pigmentation and
      moisture content of dermis in women during the luteal phase of the menstrual
      cycle, thus suggesting that progesterone could play a critical role in the
      development of skin pigmentation. In the present study, female DBA/2 mice, a
      dilute brown strain, were used to examine the effects of KBY on the increase in
      epidermal pigment cells in mice exposed to ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation or
      progesterone in an attempt to elucidate its mechanism. An increase in epidermal
      pigment cells was observed in mice exposed to progesterone. To the best of our
      knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate that progesterone causes
      pigmentation in vivo. Furthermore, administration of KBY to progesterone-exposed
      mice significantly reduced the number of epidermal pigment cells. However, KBY
      had no such effects on UVB-induced pigmentation. Another important finding was
      the gain in body weight in progesterone-exposed mice, while body weight gain was
      reduced by KBY. The body weight gain was believed to be due to sodium and fluid
      retention, a kind of adverse effect of progesterone, which may further affect the
      intracellular pH of melanosomes, which synthesize melanin, in turn, leading to
      melanin production because tyrosinase activity is linked to the intracellular pH
      environment. This may help explain the mechanism of the role of KBY in
      pigmentation.

PMID- 22041701
TI  - Evaluation of a practical training program for drug information services for
      fifth-year pharmacy students in a hospital.
AB  - Drug information (DI) services is an essential resource for pharmacists to
      provide counseling to patients and guide appropriate medication use. We devised a
      DI practical training course that incorporated an inquiry-based practical
      training program and evaluated its effectiveness. A total of 91 fifth-year
      students in Pharmaceutical Sciences at Fukuoka University took part in the
      following DI sessions based on specific behavioral objectives (SBOs) for DI in
      the Model Core Curriculum for Practical Training: inquiry practice, simulated
      pharmacy and therapeutics committee, DI newsletter, use of emergency and safety
      information, off-label use in clinical trials, PRE-AVOID (Be prepared to avoid
      the adverse drug reactions), adverse drug reactions, and small group discussions
      about drug poisoning. The level of understanding of the SBOs for DI training was
      >4.2 for each item assessed, and the level of satisfaction for each practice was
      >3.9. This DI practical training successfully facilitated students' ability to
      provide DI. The number of students interested in DI services significantly
      increased (p<0.01). After the DI practical training, many students made
      statements such as "I realized that DI services is a very important job" and "I
      feel that pharmacists have much to contribute to DI services by evaluating the
      most appropriate information from a pharmacist's standpoint." It appears that
      students recognized the pharmacist's role and importance of DI services in
      clinical practice through the DI training. These results suggest that this DI
      practical training program was effective.

PMID- 22041702
TI  - [Evaluation of the symptoms, adherence and satisfaction after pharmaceutical care
      at asthma clinic for outpatient].
AB  - In the present study, we investigated whether counseling at an outpatient asthma
      clinic improved asthma symptoms, adherence and patient satisfaction: The asthma
      control test (ACT) and asthma control questionnaire (ACQ) were used to assess
      subjective symptoms, 10-item version of the drug attitude inventory (DAI-10) was
      used to determine medication adherence, and 8-item Japanese version of the client
      satisfaction questionnaire (CSQ-8J) was used to ascertain patient satisfaction.
      All scores of inhalation technique, PEF (peak expiratory flow) value/predicted
      PEF value (%), ACT, ACQ and DAI-10 in 26 patients with asthma increased after
      counseling at the outpatient asthma clinic compared to those before counseling.
      The average CSQ-8J score of 28 points (highest possible score: 32 points)
      indicated that the patients were satisfied with services provided by this clinic.
      These results indicate that counseling provided by pharmacists at the outpatient
      clinic is a valuable way improving subjective symptoms, lung function and
      medication adherence. These results also indicate that counseling at the asthma
      clinic by pharmacists improves the quality of life of patients with asthma.

PMID- 22041703
TI  - [Physicopharmaceutical characteristics of ulinastatin vaginal suppositories
      prepared in a hospital].
AB  - We studied a locally applied vaginal preparation (vaginal suppositories) of
      ulinastatin (urinary trypsin inhibitor, UTI), designed to threatened premature
      delivery and maintain pregnancy. Witepsol S55 was chosen as the basic component
      of the vaginal suppositories based on the physical pharmaceutical characteristics
      of three kinds of hard fats. The average particle size of the UTI aqueous
      injection was approximately 70% as compared with that of the UTI lyophilized
      product, used as the base material for the preparation of UTI vaginal
      suppositories. We compared the physical pharmaceutical properties of UTI vaginal
      suppositories with water contents of 2.5%, 5.0%, and 7.5%, respectively.
      Preparation strength negatively correlated with the water content. The
      coefficient of viscosity positively correlated with the water content of the
      preparation. UTI vaginal suppositories with a water content of 5.0% had the
      highest average drug release rate on moment analysis. A comprehensive evaluation
      of the properties of UTI vaginal suppositories, including high strength due to
      disintegration resistance, the coefficient of viscosity and its influence on
      local retention, and drug release and its influence on the duration of effect,
      indicated that a 5.0% UTI aqueous solution for injection combined with Witepsol
      S55 as the base was the optimal formulation for the hospital preparation of
      vaginal suppositories.

PMID- 22041704
TI  - [Comparison in dissolution behavior of ethical and over-the counter scopolamine
      butylbromide].
AB  - Marketing authorization holders do not disclose any information on the
      pharmaceutical properties of over-the-counter drugs (OTC). When a drug is
      switched from a prescription drug to OTC, pharmacists can acquire that
      information from the corresponding ethical drug (ED) through the package insert,
      interview form, and so on. However, the pharmaceutical equivalence between ED and
      OTC is unclear. In this study, we examined the drug dissolution behavior of both
      ED and OTCs containing scopolamine butylbromide. Dissolution tests were performed
      by the paddle method using Japanese Pharmacopeia (JP) XV test fluids at pH 1.2,
      4.0 and 6.8 and water based on the guidelines for bioequivalence studies of
      generic products. The dissolution profiles of OTCs differed significantly from ED
      showing a similarity factor (f2) value ranging from 8.9 to 42.9. Time until 85%
      dissolution ranged from 23 to 95 min and from 17 to 174 min at pH 1.2 and pH 6.8,
      respectively. Then JP XV disintegration tests were conducted to investigate
      differences in the disintegration process. The disintegration time of
      preparations showing delayed dissolution was prolonged compared to that of
      others, suggesting that the disintegration of the tablet or capsule is one of the
      important factors affecting the drug dissolution. These differences in the
      disintegration and drug dissolution might cause differences in the
      bioavailability of the drug. For patient safety, more detailed product
      information of OTCs should be supplied by the manufacturer, and not be assumed
      from that of corresponding ED.

PMID- 22041705
TI  - [Antimicrobial activity and frequency of spontaneous gentamicin-resistant mutants
      in bacteria related skin infections].
AB  - Gentamicin is used in an ointment form for the treatment of skin infections. To
      investigate the effect of gentamicin used as an ointment, the antimicrobial
      susceptibilities against Staphylococcus aureus, coagulase-negative staphylococci,
      Streptococcus pyogenes, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolated from community and
      medical settings were studied and compared with other antibacterial agents such
      as fradiomycin, chloramphenicol, and bacitracin used as active ingredient for
      each ointment. Gentamicin showed antibacterial activities for all standard
      bacteria tested, but fradiomycin and chloramphenicol showed no such activities
      for St. pyogenes and P. aeruginosa, respectively. Bacitracin showed activity for
      St. pyogenes only. The strains of staphylococci isolated from healthy people were
      highly susceptible to gentamicin, while 49.3% of the isolates from the patients
      with skin infections were resistant to gentamicin and 96.4% of the gentamicin
      resistant staphylococci carried the aminoglycoside-resistance gene aacA-aphD. The
      growths of all strains tested, except for two strains of P. aeruginosa, were
      inhibited by close below 128 ug/ml of gentamicin. Furthermore, the frequencies of
      spontaneous mutants resistant to gentamicin, fradiomycin, and chloramphenicol
      were each investigated using S. aureus, S. epidermidis, St. pyogenes, and P.
      aeruginosa. At doses of more than 32 ug/ml of gentamicin, no resistant mutants in
      any of bacteria strains tested were obtained. The concentration of gentamicin on
      the skin was calculated at approximately 895 ug/ml at least when the commercially
      used 0.1% gentamicin ointment was applied to the skin. Therefore, our study
      strongly indicates that the gentamicin ointment used has a potency of
      sufficiently inhibiting the growth of bacteria, including gentamicin-resistant
      strains, which cause skin infections in the community.

PMID- 22041706
TI  - [Induced nausea and vomiting induced by mFOLFOX6 and FOLFIRI with advanced
      colorectal cancer: a retrospective survey].
AB  - Controlling of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) is very important
      for the continuation of chemotherapy, especially for outpatients. CINV can
      significantly affect a patient's quality of life, leading to poor compliance with
      further chemotherapy treatment. In this retrospective study, we investigated the
      incidence of CINV induced by mFOLFOX6 and FOLFIRI in 59 outpatients (32 males and
      27 females) with advanced colorectal cancer to evaluate CINV severity using the
      Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v.3.0. The incidence of nausea in
      the female group receiving FOLFIRI (grade 1: 66.7% and grade 2: 20.0%) was
      significantly higher than that in the male group (grade 1: 23.1% and grade 2:
      7.7%, p=0.0066). The incidence of nausea in the younger (<63 years old) group
      receiving FOLFIRI (grade 1: 57.1% and grade 2: 28.6%) was significantly higher
      than that in the older (?63 years old) group (grade 1: 35.7%, p=0.0031).
      Multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that patients who were
      female or younger had a significantly higher incidence of nausea or vomiting than
      patients who were male or older, respectively, when treated with FOLFIRI. This
      suggests that gender (female) and age (younger) are factors predicting poor
      antiemetic control in outpatients receiving FOLFIRI, but not those treated with
      mFOLFOX6. Information on such predictive factors should be useful to promote the
      effectiveness of cancer chemotherapy.

PMID- 22041707
TI  - [Activation of natural killer T cells by NK-4, a criptocyanine dye].
AB  - We previously reported that oral administration of NK-4, a criptocyanine dye,
      enhances interleukin (IL)-12-depend- ent interferon (IFN)-gamma production by
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated mouse splenocytes. These findings raised a
      possibility that NK-4 potentiated IFN-gamma production by T cells, natural killer
      (NK) cells or natural killer T (NKT) cells in response to IL-12 produced by
      macrophage and dendritic cells. To explore this possibility, we first analyzed
      percentages of T, NK or NKT cells in splenocytes of mice that were administered
      NK-4 orally for three days. The percentage of NKT cells in splenocytes from NK-4
      treated mice was significantly (p<0.05) increased compared to vehicle-treated
      mice. When splenocytes were stimulated with alpha-galactosylceramide (alpha
      GalCer), an NKT cell ligand, IFN-gamma production by splenocytes from NK-4
      treated mice tended to increase, while no difference in the IL-4 production and
      proliferation were observed between the vehicle- and NK-4-treated mice. When IFN
      gamma/IL-4 ratios were calculated in individual mice, the ratios were
      significantly (p<0.05) elevated in NK-4-treated mice. Furthermore, IL-12
      production by alpha-GalCer-stimulated splenocytes from NK-4-treated mice was also
      significantly (p<0.05) increased. These results suggest that oral administration
      of NK-4 increases the population of type I NKT cells with potent IFN-gamma
      producing activities. Since IL-12 and IFN-gamma have been shown to play important
      roles in anti-tumor immunity as well as in the defence against bacterial
      infection, our results further imply that NK-4 may provide a potential
      therapeutic tool in cancer immunotherapy.

PMID- 22041708
TI  - 3D thermoplastic elastomer microfluidic devices for biological probe
      immobilization.
AB  - Microfluidics has emerged as a valuable tool for the high-resolution patterning
      of biological probes on solid supports. Yet, its widespread adoption as a
      universal biological immobilization tool is still limited by several technical
      challenges, particularly for the patterning of isolated spots using three
      dimensional (3D) channel networks. A key limitation arises from the difficulties
      to adapt the techniques and materials typically used in prototyping to low-cost
      mass-production. In this paper, we present the fabrication of thin thermoplastic
      elastomer membranes with microscopic through-holes using a hot-embossing process
      that is compatible with high-throughput manufacturing. The membranes provide the
      basis for the fabrication of highly integrated 3D microfluidic devices with a
      footprint of only 1 * 1 cm(2). When placed on a solid support, the device allows
      for the immobilization of up to 96 different probes in the form of a 10 * 10
      array comprising isolated spots of 50 * 50 MUm(2). The design of the channel
      network is optimized using 3D simulations based on the Lattice-Boltzmann method
      to promote capillary action as the sole force distributing the liquid in the
      device. Finally, we demonstrate the patterning of DNA and protein arrays on hard
      thermoplastic substrates yielding spots of excellent definition that prove to be
      highly specific in subsequent hybridization experiments.

PMID- 22041709
TI  - An organocatalytic approach to enantiomerically enriched alpha-arylcyclohexenones
      and cyclohexanones.
AB  - The presence of a p-nitrophenyl group converts acetone into an excellent and
      versatile nucleophile in organocatalytic processes, able to react with alpha,beta
      unsaturated aldehydes affording beta-substituted alpha-arylcyclohexenones via a
      Michael reaction/aldol reaction/dehydration sequence, which occurs in good
      yields, ee up to 96% and complete diastereoselectivity. The resulting compounds
      are excellent synthons for the diastereoselective preparation of a variety of
      synthetically useful polysubstituted cyclohexanones and derivatives.

PMID- 22041710
TI  - Genetics and clinical characteristics of hereditary pheochromocytomas and
      paragangliomas.
AB  - Pheochromocytomas (PCCs) and paragangliomas (PGLs) are rare neuroendocrine tumors
      of the adrenal glands and the sympathetic and parasympathetic paraganglia. They
      can occur sporadically or as a part of different hereditary tumor syndromes.
      About 30% of PCCs and PGLs are currently believed to be caused by germline
      mutations and several novel susceptibility genes have recently been discovered.
      The clinical presentation, including localization, malignant potential, and age
      of onset, varies depending on the genetic background of the tumors. By reviewing
      more than 1700 reported cases of hereditary PCC and PGL, a thorough summary of
      the genetics and clinical features of these tumors is given, both as part of the
      classical syndromes such as multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2), von
      Hippel-Lindau disease, neurofibromatosis type 1, and succinate dehydrogenase
      related PCC-PGL and within syndromes associated with a smaller fraction of
      PCCs/PGLs, such as Carney triad, Carney-Stratakis syndrome, and MEN1. The review
      also covers the most recently discovered susceptibility genes including
      KIF1Bbeta, EGLN1/PHD2, SDHAF2, TMEM127, SDHA, and MAX, as well as a comparison
      with the sporadic form. Further, the latest advances in elucidating the cellular
      pathways involved in PCC and PGL development are discussed in detail. Finally, an
      algorithm for genetic testing in patients with PCC and PGL is proposed.

PMID- 22041712
TI  - Iron-catalysed, hydride-mediated reductive cross-coupling of vinyl halides and
      Grignard reagents.
AB  - An iron-catalysed, hydride-mediated reductive cross-coupling reaction has been
      developed for the preparation of alkanes. Using a bench-stable iron(II) pre
      catalyst, reductive cross-coupling of vinyl iodides, bromides and chlorides with
      aryl- and alkyl Grignard reagents successfully gave the products of formal sp(3)
      sp(3) cross-coupling reactions.

PMID- 22041711
TI  - Regulation of beta-adrenergic receptor function: an emphasis on receptor
      resensitization.
AB  - G protein-coupled receptors are the largest family of cell surface receptors
      regulating multiple cellular processes. beta-adrenergic receptor (betaAR) is a
      prototypical member of GPCR family and has been one of the most well studied
      receptors in determining regulation of receptor function. Agonist activation of
      betaAR leads to conformational change resulting in coupling to G protein
      generating cAMP as secondary messenger. The activated betaAR is phosphorylated
      resulting in binding of beta-arrestin that physically interdicts further G
      protein coupling leading to receptor desensitization. The phosphorylated betaAR
      is internalized and undergoes resensitization by dephosphorylation mediated by
      protein phosphatase 2A in the early endosomes. Although desensitization and
      resensitization are two sides of the same coin maintaining the homeostatic
      functioning of the receptor, significant interest has revolved around
      understanding mechanisms of receptor desensitization while little is known about
      resensitization. In our current review we provide an overview on regulation of
      betaAR function with a special emphasis on receptor resensitization and its
      functional relevance in the context of fine tuning receptor signaling.

PMID- 22041713
TI  - Inhibition of X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis with embelin differentially affects
      male versus female behavioral outcome following neonatal hypoxia-ischemia in
      rats.
AB  - Hypoxia-ischemia (HI; concurrent oxygen/blood deficiency) and associated
      encephalopathy represent a common cause of neurological injury in premature/low
      birth-weight infants and term infants with birth complications. Resulting
      behavioral impairments include cognitive and/or sensory processing deficits, as
      well as language disabilities, and clinical evidence shows that male infants with
      HI exhibit more severe cognitive deficits compared to females with equivalent
      injury. Evidence also demonstrates activation of sex-dependent apoptotic pathways
      following HI events, with males preferentially activating a caspase-independent
      cascade of cell death and females preferentially activating a caspase-dependent
      cascade following neonatal hypoxic and/or ischemic insults. Based on these
      combined data, the 'female protection' following HI injury may reflect the
      endogenous X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP), which effectively binds
      effector caspases and halts downstream cleavage of effector caspases (thus
      reducing cell death). To test this theory, the current study utilized neonatal
      injections of vehicle or embelin (a small molecule inhibitor of XIAP) in male and
      female rats with or without induced HI injury on postnatal day 7 (P7). Subsequent
      behavioral testing using a clinically relevant task revealed that the inhibition
      of XIAP exacerbated HI-induced persistent behavioral deficits in females, with no
      effect on HI males. These results support sex differences in mechanisms of cell
      death following early HI injuries, and suggest a potential clinical benefit from
      the development of sex-specific neuroprotectants for the treatment of HI.

PMID- 22041714
TI  - Distraction arthrodesis with intramedullary nail and mixed bone grafting after
      failed infected total knee arthroplasty.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the success rate of the
      distraction arthrodesis, which was attempted to maintain the limb length during
      arthrodesis using an intramedullary nail and mixed bone grafting, in terms of the
      eradication of infection, solid union, and functional outcome. The hypothesis was
      that distraction arthrodesis would be successful in union and elimination of
      infection with minimal limb shortening and a satisfactory functional outcome
      despite large bone defects. METHODS: Eight patients were managed by arthrodesis
      using a Huckstep intramedullary nail and massive corticocancellous bone chip
      grafts from autologous iliac bone and deep-frozen femoral head allografts were
      included in the study. The mean age of the patients was 65.5 +/- 7.1 years, and
      the follow-up duration was 52.1 +/- 21.3 months. A mean of 5.3 +/- 1.3 surgical
      procedures had been performed before arthrodesis. The mean longest and shortest
      distances of the bone defect were 58.6 +/- 10.3 and 34.6 +/- 7.0 mm,
      respectively. RESULTS: Radiological union was obtained in all cases at a mean of
      9.9 +/- 1.9 months. The mean postoperative limb shortening was 11.0 +/- 7.3 mm
      when compared to the contralateral knee. The mean Knee Society score was 59.9 +/-
      9.2, and the function score was 38.8 +/- 13.3. No additional procedures were
      required for any of the patients. CONCLUSION: Distraction arthrodesis of infected
      knees following total knee arthroplasty demonstrated union and eradication of
      infection in all patients and a large tibiofemoral gap due to the severe bone
      defect could be managed with massive bone chip grafts. This method of arthrodesis
      would be a reliable and an effective method for failed total knee arthroplasty
      when two-staged reimplantation fails or is not attainable.

PMID- 22041715
TI  - Alteration in skin sensation following knee arthroplasty and its impact on
      kneeling ability: a comparison of three common surgical incisions.
AB  - PURPOSE: Disturbance in skin sensation is a recognised, often unpleasant
      consequence of knee replacement for many patients and may affect function
      especially kneeling. The aim of this study was to compare post-operative changes
      in skin sensation following total (TKA) and unicompartmental knee (UKA)
      arthroplasties using three different incision types and its effect on kneeling
      ability. METHODS: Skin sensation was recorded using a purpose-designed grid over
      the front of the knee in 72 patients (78 knees) following knee arthroplasty.
      Surface area of sensory change, length of incision, and kneeling ability were
      recorded and compared between three different types of incision; long antero
      medial and midline for TKA, and short medial for UKA. RESULTS: The average length
      of the long antero-medial incision was 19 +/- 5 cm with an average area of
      sensory alteration of 88 +/- 56 cm(2). The average length of the midline incision
      was 18 +/- 3 cm with an average area of sensory alteration of 57 +/- 52 cm(2).
      The short medial incision used for UKA averaged 11 +/- 3 cm in length with an
      average area of sensory alteration of 54 +/- 45 cm(2). Long antero-medial
      produced a significantly greater area of sensory alteration than standard short
      medial (P = 0.017), but not the midline incision. There was a significant
      positive correlation of incision length with reduced sensation. Patients unable
      to kneel demonstrated a significantly larger area of hypersensitivity than
      patients who could kneel (P = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: Increased length of incision
      results in a greater surface area of sensory change in the front of the knee.
      This finding was greatest in the long antero-medial incisions used in TKA. The
      inability to kneel following knee arthroplasty is associated with increased area
      of hypersensitivity of the anterior knee. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prospective
      comparative study, Level II.

PMID- 22041716
TI  - Internal tibial rotation during in vivo, dynamic activity induces greater sliding
      of tibio-femoral joint contact on the medial compartment.
AB  - PURPOSE: Although extensive research has been conducted on rotational kinematics,
      the internal/external rotation of the tibio-femoral joint is perhaps less
      important for protecting joint health than its effect on joint contact mechanics.
      The purpose of this study was to evaluate tibio-femoral joint contact paths
      during a functional activity (running) and investigate the relationship between
      these arthrokinematic measures and traditional kinematics (internal/external
      rotation). METHODS: Tibio-femoral motion was assessed for the contralateral
      (uninjured) knees of 29 ACL-reconstructed individuals during downhill running,
      using dynamic stereo X-ray combined with three-dimensional CT bone models to
      produce knee kinematics and dynamic joint contact paths. The joint contact
      sliding length was estimated by comparing femoral and tibial contact paths. The
      difference in sliding length between compartments was compared to knee rotation.
      RESULTS: Sliding length was significantly larger on the medial side (10.2 +/- 3.8
      mm) than the lateral side (2.3 +/- 4.0 mm). The difference in sliding length
      between compartments (mean 7.8 +/- 3.0 mm) was significantly correlated with
      internal tibial rotation (P < 0.01, R (2) = 0.74). CONCLUSION: The relationship
      between rotational knee kinematics and joint contact paths was specifically
      revealed as greater tibial internal rotation was associated with larger magnitude
      of sliding motion in the medial compartment. This could suggest that lateral
      pivot movement occurs during running. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Rotational kinematics
      abnormality should be treated for restoring normal balance of joint sliding
      between medial and lateral compartments and preventing future osteoarthritis.
      LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic studies, Level II.

PMID- 22041717
TI  - Second-generation arthroscopic autologous chondrocyte implantation for the
      treatment of degenerative cartilage lesions.
AB  - PURPOSE: Degenerative cartilage lesions present a negative joint environment,
      which may have a negative effect on the process of cartilage regeneration. The
      aim of this study is to analyze the clinical outcome obtained with the treatment
      for isolated degenerative knee cartilage lesions by second-generation
      arthroscopic autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI). METHODS: Fifty-eight
      consecutive patients affected by focal degenerative chondral lesions of the
      femoral condyles and trochlea were treated by second-generation arthroscopic ACI.
      The mean age at surgery was 34.7 +/- 9.1 years and the average defect size was
      2.3 +/- 0.9 cm(2). The patients were prospectively evaluated with IKDC, EQ-VAS,
      and Tegner scores preoperatively, at 2 and 6 years. RESULTS: A statistically
      significant improvement was observed in all scores from the basal evaluation to
      the final follow-up. The IKDC subjective score improved from 39.3 +/- 13.6 to
      68.8 +/- 22.7 and 68.5 +/- 23.9 at the 2- and 6-year follow-ups, respectively,
      with a significant improvement (P < 0.0005) and stable results over time; the
      same trend was confirmed by the EQ-VAS and Tegner scores. The worst results were
      found in patients with a low physical activity level, women, and those having
      undergone previous surgery, whereas the symptom duration before surgery did not
      influence the final outcome. The failure rate was 18.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a
      significant improvement, the results were lower with respect to the outcome
      reported in different study populations, and the number of failures was markedly
      higher, too. Tissue-engineered cartilage implantation is a promising approach for
      the treatment of degenerative chondral lesions, but graft properties, besides
      mechanical and biochemical joint environment, have to be improved. LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: Case series, Level IV.

PMID- 22041718
TI  - Caenorhabditis elegans as a chemical screening tool for the study o f
      neuromuscular disorders. Manual and semi-automated methods.
AB  - We previously reported the use of the cheap and fast-growing nematode
      Caenorhabditis elegans to search for molecules, which reduce muscle degeneration
      in a model for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). We showed that Prednisone, a
      steroid that is generally prescribed as a palliative treatment to DMD patients,
      also reduced muscle degeneration in the C. elegans DMD model. We further showed
      that this strategy could lead to the discovery of new and unsuspected small
      molecules, which have been further validated in a mammalian model of DMD, i.e.
      the mdx mouse model. These proof-of-principles demonstrate that C. elegans can
      serve as a screening tool to search for drugs against neuromuscular disorders.
      Here, we report and discuss two methodologies used to screen chemical libraries
      for drugs against muscle disorders in C. elegans. We first describe a manual
      method used to find drugs against DMD. We further present a semi-automated
      method, which is currently in use for the search of drugs against the Schwartz
      Jampel Syndrome (SJS). Both assays are simple to implement and can be readily
      transposed and/or adapted to screens against other muscle/neuromuscular diseases,
      which can be modeled in the worm. Finally we discuss, with respect to our
      experience and knowledge, the different parameters that have to be taken into
      account before choosing one or the other method.

PMID- 22041719
TI  - GPCR stabilization using the bicelle-like architecture of mixed sterol-detergent
      micelles.
AB  - The biophysical characterization of purified membrane proteins typically requires
      detergent mediated extraction from native lipid membrane environments. In the
      case of human G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), this process has been
      complicated by their conformational heterogeneity and the general lack of
      understanding the composition and interactions within the diverse human cellular
      membrane environment. Several successful GPCR structure determination efforts
      have shown that the addition of cholesterol analogs is often critical for
      maintaining protein stability. We have identified sterols that substantially
      increase the stability of the NOP receptor (ORL-1), a member of the opioid GPCR
      family, in a mixed micelle environment. Using dynamic light scattering and small
      angle X-ray scattering, we have determined that the most thermal stabilizing
      sterol, cholesteryl hemisuccinate, induces the formation of a bicelle-like
      micelle architecture when mixed with dodecyl maltoside detergent. Together with
      mutagenesis studies and recent GPCR structures, our results provide indications
      that stabilization is attained through a combination of specific sterol binding
      to GPCRs and modulation of micelle morphology.

PMID- 22041720
TI  - Translating the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC): can we use
      tobacco control as a model for other non-communicable disease control?
AB  - Tobacco use is the single most preventable cause of death in the world today.
      Unchecked, tobacco-related deaths will increase to more than eight million per
      year by 2030. Galvanized by the seriousness of the threat, the Member States of
      the World Health Organization (WHO) negotiated the WHO Framework Convention on
      Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC), which entered into force in 2005. The treaty has
      enjoyed tremendous global success, with more than 170 Parties, and is often
      called the most powerful tool in the fight against tobacco-related morbidity and
      mortality. As the world undergoes the long-predicted transition from communicable
      to noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) posing the greater health burden, seminal
      ideas, processes, and outcomes like the WHO FCTC can be used to inform decision
      making and policy-making. To help begin such knowledge transfer, this paper first
      examines how tobacco control evolved to become a reasonable, politically feasible
      topic for treating in the highly globalized context of public health and NCDs.
      Next, some of the key achievements and challenges that have occurred over the
      past six years of WHO FCTC implementation are discussed. Finally, a consideration
      of how some of the successes and lessons learned in tobacco control appear in
      other NCD contexts is presented.

PMID- 22041721
TI  - Celebrating 45 years of  postgraduate medical education.
AB  - We are delighted to be celebrating 45 years of publication of the British Journal
      of Hospital Medicine. The first issue was published in October 1966 (see right)
      and its introductory editorial is reproduced on p. 546-7. Here we have some brief
      thoughts from Professor John Blandy, one of the original members of the editorial
      board, from Mark Allen, the publisher who took the journal over from its previous
      publishers Thomson in 1985, and from Professor Rob Miller and Rebecca Linssen,
      the current Editor-in-Chief and Editor.

PMID- 22041722
TI  - Patient safety: culture eats strategy for breakfast.
AB  - 'One morning recently, a professor conducted a ward round on an elderly medicine
      ward in a London teaching hospital. The entourage stopped at an 82-year-old man's
      bed. The elderly patient was confused and so, unfortunately, was the junior
      doctor who presented the case.

PMID- 22041724
TI  - Otitis externa: a clinical review.
AB  - This article provides a clinical overview of otitis externa, focusing on clinical
      aspects of the aetiology, diagnosis and management of this important and
      debilitating condition.

PMID- 22041725
TI  - Carotid body tumours.
AB  - Carotid body tumours are a rare class of paraganglionoma arising from the upper
      neck, but should be considered in the differential diagnosis of neck lumps. A
      wrong diagnosis of cervical lymphadenopathy followed by excision biopsy may have
      serious consequences. The only way to minimize such risk is to be aware of their
      existence.

PMID- 22041726
TI  - Use of coblation in otolaryngology, head and neck surgery.
AB  - Coblation is a relatively new, low-temperature electrosurgery technique that has
      established its place in various surgical fields. This article summarizes the
      published work on the use of coblation in the field of otorhinolaryngology.

PMID- 22041727
TI  - Management of the hyperthermic patient.
AB  - Undifferentiated body temperature of greater than 38 degreesC can herald a number
      of important clinical syndromes essential to diagnose besides just infectious
      aetiologies. This review examines the pathophysiology, clinical features and
      approach to the management of hyperthermia that will lead to appropriate
      diagnosis and treatment.

PMID- 22041728
TI  - Preventing fractures in the elderly.
AB  - Fractures in the elderly are devastating, causing premature death and compromised
      independence among survivors. With demographic changes, their occurrence is
      expected to double. Given their crippling consequences, the identification and
      treatment of osteoporosis and prevention of falls are priorities.

PMID- 22041729
TI  - Disproportionate elevation of jugular venous pressure in pleural effusion.
AB  - Constrictive pericarditis is characterized by elevation in jugular venous
      pressure disproportionate to the severity of concurrent breathlessness. As
      pleural effusion may be an associated feature it is recommended that jugular
      venous pressure should be documented in all patients who present with pleural
      effusion.

PMID- 22041730
TI  - Online generic induction for doctors in training:  an end to repetition?
AB  - Multi-professional collaboration across the West Midlands has developed an online
      generic induction package consisting of 18 statutory, mandatory and general
      modules. The material incorporates best practises in e-learning, including an
      assessment component.

PMID- 22041731
TI  - Sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease  presenting as a stroke mimic590.
AB  - Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is a rare neurodegenerative disease in which there is
      an abnormal accumulation of prion protein. It occurs with an incidence of
      approximately 1 per million per year. Sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease occurs
      in approximately 85% of cases, with familial, variant and iatrogenic forms less
      common. Typically sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease presents with a rapidly
      progressive dementia, but sub-variants include the Heidenhain and Oppenheimer
      Brownell variants. The former presents with visual disturbance and the latter
      with ataxia. This article describes a 75-year-old man with a Heidenhain variant
      of sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease who presented with a sudden onset of
      homonymous hemianopia mimicking a stroke.

PMID- 22041732
TI  - A rare cause of haematemesis and chest pain.
AB  - This article discusses an elderly woman presenting with haematemesis and chest
      pain who underwent urgent oesophago-gastroduodenoscopy. This revealed a large
      dissecting intramural oesophageal haematoma, initially mistaken for a varix. This
      is a rare cause of haematemesis and chest pain but has characteristic endoscopic
      findings. It is a benign condition that may be managed conservatively and both
      clinicians and endoscopists should be aware of its classical presentation.
      Misdiagnosis of the chest pain as cardiac ischaemia may have an adverse outcome
      if antiplatelet or anticoagulation therapy is commenced. Follow up endoscopy a
      week later showed complete resolution of the lesion leaving a linear mucosal
      defect.

PMID- 22041733
TI  - Parkinson's tremor mimicking torsades de pointes.
AB  - A 72-year-old woman with Parkinson's disease presented to outpatients with a
      history of falls. The falls were not associated with loss of consciousness, and
      the history suggested gait and balance problems leading to falls. A 12-lead
      electrocardiogram, as shown in Figure 1, had the appearance of torsades de
      pointes. However, the patient was cardiologically asymptomatic, and the
      electrocardiogram appearance was thought to be caused by a Parkinson's disease
      associated artefact.

PMID- 22041734
TI  - Paraganglioma mimicking adrenal incidentaloma.
AB  - Paragangliomas can be confused with adrenal incidentalomas because of their
      proximity to the adrenal glands. A 71-year-old man presented with left-sided
      abdominal pain. A computed tomography scan showed a large cystic mass with a
      solid component arising from the left adrenal gland (Figure 1).

PMID- 22041735
TI  - Matthew Baillie: pioneer of systematic pathology.
AB  - This year is the 250th anniversary of the birth of Matthew Baillie, whose
      textbook Morbid Anatomy of the Human Body, published in 1793, and its
      accompanying atlas, published 6 years later, constituted the first textbook which
      dealt exclusively with system-based pathology. This adopted a new and convenient
      method of describing pathology according to the organs involved rather than
      according to symptoms, as Giovanni Morgagni (1682-1771) of Padua had adopted in
      his De Sedibus et Causis Morborum (On the sites and causes of disease). This,
      published in 1760, was rightly regarded as the first textbook which correlated
      symptoms in life with the appearance of the viscera at autopsy.

PMID- 22041737
TI  - Protect your most important asset: yourself.
AB  - You have worked hard to get to where you are today, so it would be foolish to
      risk it all by not ensuring your income and your assets are protected.  Cars,
      homes and valuables are among the first things we insure, but many people forget
      about protecting the most valuable asset we have - our income.

PMID- 22041739
TI  - Should sevoflurane be used  for maintenance of anaesthesia in children?
AB  - Sevoflurane is used for inhalational induction of anaesthesia because of its
      pleasant odour and quick onset. However, its use for maintenance of anaesthesia
      in children has been questioned because of the risk of emergence delirium.  
      Emergence delirium is defined by Sikich and Lerman (2004) as a disturbance in
      awareness of, and attention to, the environment with disorientation and
      perceptual alterations including hypersensitivity to stimuli and hyperactive
      motor behaviour in the immediate post-anaesthesia period. Its incidence is
      between 10 and 80% following general anaesthesia, and it has the potential to
      cause injury to the child or care provider, may cause intravenous lines or drains
      to become dislodged, often requires additional nursing support and delays
      recovery time (Vlajkovic and Sindjelic, 2007).

PMID- 22041740
TI  - Public health and clinical importance of amoebiasis in Malaysia: a review.
AB  - Entamoeba histolytica, the causative agent of human amoebiasis remains a
      significant cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries and is
      responsible for up to 100,000 deaths worldwide each year. Entamoeba dispar,
      morphologically indistinguishable from E. histolytica is more common in humans in
      many parts of the world. Similarly Entamoeba moshkovskii, which was long
      considered to be a free-living amoeba is also morphologically identical to E.
      histolytica and E. dispar, and is highly prevalent in some E. histolytica endemic
      countries. Humans are the host of infection and there would not appear to be
      other meaningful animal reservoirs of E. histolytica. Entamoeba. histolytica can
      be present in sewage and contaminated water. The infection is mainly transmitted
      via ingestion of water or food contaminated by faeces containing E. histolytica
      cysts. Clinical features of amoebiasis range from asymptomatic colonization to
      amoebic dysentery and invasive extraintestinal amoebiasis, which is manifested
      most commonly in the form of abscesses in liver and lungs. The epidemiology of
      amoebiasis has dramatically changed since the separation of E. histolytica and E.
      dispar species and the worldwide prevalence of these species has not been
      estimated until recently. Morever, E. moshkovskii, another morphologically
      indistinguishable human parasitic Entamoeba was not mentioned or considered as a
      contributor to the prevalence figures in endemic areas. Amoebiasis is still a
      major health problem especially in aboriginal settlements and amongst people
      living in remote area in Malaysia. However, until now there is only one data
      currently available to indicate the true prevalence and incidence of E.
      histolytica and E. dispar. Further studies are needed to determine the burden of
      E. histolytica, E. dispar and E. moshkovskii infections in Malaysia. In the
      present review, we briefly summarize all methods use in diagnosing Entamoeba
      species, ranging from microscopic identification to molecular detection such as
      culture and isoenzyme analysis, antibody detection tests, antigen detection
      tests, immunochromatographic assays, conventional PCR, real-time PCR and loop
      mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP).

PMID- 22041741
TI  - Antigenic profile of Blomia tropicalis, Aleuroglyphus ovatus and Glycycometus
      malaysiensis.
AB  - House dust mites and storage mites are well-known causes for allergenic diseases.
      The aim of this study was to investigate the immunogenic sites of Blomia
      tropicalis,   Aleurogyphus ovatus and Glycycometus malaysiensis. The mites were
      maintained in a   culture medium at 25oC and 75% relative humidity. Mites were
      harvested either with heat   escape or floatation method, purified, homogenized,
      quantified and used for the production of   polyclonal antibody and
      immunostaining. For each species of mites, five male mice and five   male rats
      were randomly selected and immunized intraperitoneally with respective crude  
      mite extract at two-weekly intervals. Blomia tropicalis, A. ovatus or G.
      malaysiensis whole   mites and paraffin-embedded mite sections were immunostained
      with the respective polyclonal   antibody. The faecal pellets of mites were
      intensely stained for all the three species in the   present study. The legs of
      sectioned A. ovatus were not immunogenic as compared with   those of G.
      malaysiensis and B. tropicalis. The outer layer (cuticle) of whole mites and the 
      eggs for these species were very immunogenic. Hence, the polyclonal antibodies
      obtained in   this study may serve as potential tools in detecting the eggs and
      immature mites in   environmental samples. Future studies should focus on the
      antigenic components of eggs   since they were relatively abundant in dust and
      highly antigenic as seen in the present study.

PMID- 22041742
TI  - Aedes larval population dynamics and risk for dengue epidemics in Malaysia.
AB  - Early detection of a dengue outbreak is an important first step towards
      implementing   effective dengue interventions resulting in reduced mortality and
      morbidity. A dengue   mathematical model would be useful for the prediction of an
      outbreak and evaluation of   control measures. However, such a model must be
      carefully parameterized and validated   with epidemiological, ecological and
      entomological data. A field study was conducted to   collect and analyse various
      parameters to model dengue transmission and outbreak. Dengue prone   areas in
      Kuala Lumpur, Pahang, Kedah and Johor were chosen for this study. Ovitraps   were
      placed outdoor and used to determine the effects of meteorological parameters on 
      vector breeding. Vector population in each area was monitored weekly for 87
      weeks. Weather   stations, consisting of a temperature and relative humidity data
      logger and an automated rain   gauge, were installed at key locations in each
      study site. Correlation and Autoregressive   Distributed Lag (ADL) model were
      used to study the relationship among the variables. Previous   week rainfall
      plays a significant role in increasing the mosquito population, followed by  
      maximum humidity and temperature. The secondary data of rainfall, temperature and
      humidity   provided by the meteorological department showed an insignificant
      relationship with the   mosquito population compared to the primary data recorded
      by the researchers. A well fit   model was obtained for each locality to be used
      as a predictive model to foretell possible   outbreak.

PMID- 22041743
TI  - The effect of Piper aduncum Linn. (Family: Piperaceae) essential oil as aerosol
      spray against Aedes aegypti (L.) and Aedes albopictus Skuse.
AB  - The bioefficacy of Piper aduncum L. essential oil formulated in aerosol cans was 
      evaluated against Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus in a simulated room. The
      aerosol spray   test was based on the Malaysian test standard for aerosol (MS
      1221:1991UDC 632.982.2   modified from WHO 2009 methodology) and examined the
      knockdown effect within 20   minutes of exposure. Mortality rate after 24 hour of
      holding period was also determined. A   commercial aerosol spray (0.09%
      prallethrin 0.05% d-phenothrin) was also tested as a   comparison. Our results
      showed that the knockdown effect of the commercial aerosol spray   and P. aduncum
      essential oil spray (8% and 10% concentrations) was significantly higher in   Ae.
      albopictus adult females, when compared with that of Ae. aegypti adult females
      (P<0.05).   There was a significant difference in knockdown between commercial
      aerosol spray and   essential oil spray for both Aedes spp. (P<0.05). The
      essential oil induced significantly higher   mortality in Ae. aegypti (80%) than
      in Ae. albopictus (71.6%) (P<0.05). The commercial aerosol   spray caused 97.7%
      and 86.5% mortality against Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus respectively  
      (P<0.05). Based on these data, P. aduncum essential oil has the potential to be
      used as an   aerosol spray against Aedes spp.

PMID- 22041744
TI  - Morphometric and meristic characterization of Phlebotomus argentipes species
      complex in northern Sri Lanka: evidence for the presence of potential
      leishmaniasis vectors in the country.
AB  - The transmission of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is of public health concern in
      Sri   Lanka. The parasite Leishmania donovani is reported to be the causative
      agent for CL in Sri   Lanka. However there is no report on the vector of CL in
      the country. Phlebotomus argentipes   sensu lato is the well known vector of L.
      donovani which causes visceral leishmaniasis (VL)   in the nearby South India.
      The taxon Ph. argentipes previously reported to occur as a species   complex
      comprising of two morphospecies namely A and B. The taxonomy of the Argentipes  
      complex was reassessed recently and reported to have three species viz.
      Phlebotomus   glaucus, Ph. argentipes sensu stricto and Ph. annandalei. A study
      was carried out in Jaffna   mainland, where three CL patients have been recorded,
      and two associated islands in northern   Sri Lanka to record the presence of the
      members of the Argentipes complex. Sandflies were   collected using human landing
      and cattle baited collections. Collected samples were analyzed   based on
      reported morphometric and meristic characteristics. The study revealed the
      presence   of all three members of the complex in which Ph. glaucus and Ph.
      argentipes s.s. are reported   for the first time in Sri Lanka.

PMID- 22041745
TI  - Identification of local clinical Candida isolates using CHROMagar CandidaTM as a
      primary identification method for various Candida species.
AB  - The objective of our study was to study the effectiveness of CHROMagar CandidaTM 
      as the primary identification method for various clinical Candida isolates,
      other than the   three suggested species by the manufacturer. We studied 34
      clinical isolates which were   isolated from patients in a local teaching
      hospital and 7 ATCC strains. These strains were first   cultured in Sabouraud
      dextrose broth (SDB) for 36 hours at 35oC, then on CHROMagar plates   at 30oC,
      35oC and 37oC. The sensitivity of this agar to identify Candida albicans, Candida
      dubliniensis, Candida tropicalis, Candida glabrata, Candida rugosa, Candida
      krusei and   Candida parapsilosis ranged between 25 and 100% at 30oC, 14% and
      100% at 35oC, 56% and   100% at 37oC. The specificity of this agar was 100% at
      30oC, between 97% and 100% at 35oC,   92% and 100% at 37oC. The efficiency of
      this agar ranged between 88 and 100% at 30oC, 83%   and 100% at 35oC, 88% and
      100% at 37oC. Each species also gave rise to a variety of colony   colours
      ranging from pink to green to blue of different colony characteristics.
      Therefore, the   chromogenic agar was found to be useful in our study for
      identifying clinical Candida isolates.

PMID- 22041746
TI  - Scanning electron micrographs of medically important dust mite, Suidasia
      pontifica (Acari: Astigmata: Saproglyphidae) in Malaysia.
AB  - Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of dust mites, Suidasia pontifica, is  
      presented to provide an improved visualization of the taxonomic characters of
      these mites.   Suidasia pontifica can easily be identified by its scale-like
      cuticle, presence of external   vertical setae (ve), longer external scapular
      setae (sce) compared to internal scapular setae   (sci) and 3 ventral spines on
      apex of tarsus I. The differences in morphology of male and   female S. pontifica
      are also discussed.

PMID- 22041747
TI  - Tegumental alterations of Fasciola gigantica due to in vitro treatment with Ro
      354.
AB  - Triclabendazole is the drug of choice against Fasciola infections in humans and  
      animals. However, parasite resistance against triclabendazole is spreading in
      veterinary   field, and there are no drugs of comparable activity currently
      available for the treatment and   control of fascioliasis. The efficacy of a new
      rhodanine derivative Ro-354 against adult   Fasciola gigantica in vitro was
      investigated. One hour post incubation, scanning and   transmission electron
      microscopic examination revealed an evident disruption of the tegument   of F.
      gigantica as blebbing, swelling and furrowing. Moreover, an increase in severity
      of   tegumental damage as sloughing and absence of spines was observed. In
      conclusion, Ro-354   shows potent activity against F. gigantica in vitro, and,
      the authors recommend carrying out   more studies to detect its efficacy in vivo.

PMID- 22041748
TI  - Protective efficacy of Anopheles minimus CYP6P7 and CYP6AA3 against cytotoxicity
      of pyrethroid insecticides in Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) insect cells.
AB  - Cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (P450s) are enzymes known to metabolize a   wide
      variety of compounds including insecticides. Their overexpression leading to
      enhanced   insecticide detoxification could result in insecticide resistance in
      insects. The increased   mRNA expression of two P450 genes, CYP6P7 and CYP6AA3,
      has been previously observed   in laboratory-selected deltamethrin-resistant
      Anopheles minimus, a major malaria vector in   Southeast Asia, suggesting their
      role in detoxification of pyrethroids. In this study CYP6P7   and CYP6AA3 were
      expressed in insect Spodoptera frugiperda (Sf9) cells via baculovirusdirected  
      expression system. Insecticide detoxification capabilities of Sf9 cells with and 
      without expression of CYP6P7 or CYP6AA3 were evaluated using 3-(4,5-dimethyl
      thiazol-2-   yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays. The results
      revealed that CYP6P7- or   CYP6AA3-expressing cells showed significantly higher
      cytoprotective capability than parental   Sf9 cells against cytotoxicity of
      pyrethroids including permethrin, cypermethrin and   deltamethrin. Such
      cytoprotective effect was not observed for bioallethrin (pyrethroid),  
      chlorpyrifos (organophosphate) and propoxur (carbamate). Moreover, expression of
      CYP6AA3,   but not CYP6P7, could protect cells against lambda-cyhalothrin
      cytotoxicity. In MTT assays upon   co-incubation with piperonyl butoxide (P450
      inhibitor), cytoprotective ability of CYP6P7 and   CYP6AA3 against deltamethrin
      was diminished, implying that pyrethroid detoxification was   due to activities
      of P450 enzymes. Insecticide detoxification capabilities of CYP6P7 and   CYP6AA3
      observed from MTT assays were correlated to their pyrethroid metabolizing
      activities   observed from in vitro reconstitution enzymatic assays. Thus MTT
      assays using cells   expressing P450 enzymes of interest could be primarily used
      to determine detoxification   activities of enzymes against cytotoxic
      insecticides.

PMID- 22041749
TI  - Factors influencing the seasonal abundance of Aedes (Stegomyia) aegypti and the
      control strategy of dengue and dengue haemorrhagic fever in Thanlyin Township,
      Yangon City, Myanmar.
AB  - From June 2006 to May 2007, mosquito surveys were conducted in Thanlyin  
      Township, Yangon City, Myanmar, to determine factors influencing the abundance of
      Aedes   aegypti (Stegomyia aegypti) during the rainy season. Both the biological
      and environmental   factors were included in this study. Increase in the
      hatchability of egg, larval survival rate,   the shortened larval life-span and
      increased pupation rates supplemented by rainfall (i.e.   continuous flooding of
      the containers, stimulate the continuous hatching of eggs) were   observed for
      correlation with the increase in population density of Ae. aegypti during the  
      rainy season in the study area. Control strategy of Ae. aegypti to analyze the
      infestation in the   community (study area) with larval Ae. aegypti, integrated
      management measures including   health education, attitudes and practices
      regarding dengue and dengue haemorrhagic fever,   transmission of the disease and
      possible preventive measures, reduction of breeding sites   and testing the
      efficacy of Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (B.t.i.) with respect to the  
      reduction level of Ae. aegypti larvae in breeding sources, were taken into
      consideration.

PMID- 22041750
TI  - Field observation on the efficacy of Toxorhynchites splendens (Wiedemann) as a
      biocontrol agent against Aedes albopictus (Skuse) larvae in a cemetery.
AB  - This study explored the efficacy of Toxorhynchites splendens, predator of Aedes
      albopictus as a biocontrol agent. There was a negative correlation between Ae.
      albopictus larval population and Tx. splendens larval population in ovitraps (r=
      0.287, R2=0.0821). The correlation is higher between the mean number of Ae.
      albopictus larvae per ovitrap and the number of Tx. splendens larvae in an
      ovitrap (r=-0.987, R2=0.9737). Larvae of Tx. splendens were observed to co-exist
      with larvae of Ae. albopictus and Culex fuscocephala in the ovitraps placed in
      the study area. The existence of Tx. splendens larvae in the study area coincides
      with their habit, preferring to breed in bamboo stumps. A total of 480 ovitraps
      were inspected for 30-week study period and 281 ovitraps were positive with Ae.
      albopictus larvae respectively. There was a significant difference between
      numbers of ovitrap positive for Ae. albopictus larvae with number of Tx.
      splendens larvae in the ovitraps (ANOVA, F((4,475)) 2.655, p<0.05). Of 281
      ovitraps positive with Ae. albopictus larvae, 255 ovitraps contained only one Tx.
      splendens larva each. Only one ovitrap contained four, the most number of Tx.
      splendens larvae (p< 0.05). Thus, Tx. splendens could be utilised as an
      alternative for dengue vector control programme.

PMID- 22041751
TI  - Hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes in a group of Sri Lankan patients with chronic
      infection.
AB  - Hepatitis B infection causes a wide spectrum of liver diseases. Previous analyses
      of hepatitis B virus (HBV) genome have revealed eight HBV genotypes (A-H), with
      distinct   geographical distribution worldwide. The epidemiology of HBV genotypes
      and their   implications for natural history of disease progression and response
      to anti viral therapy have   been increasingly recognized. This study was
      undertaken to determine the HBV genotypes in   a group of Sri Lankan patients
      with chronic infection who presented for investigation prior to   treatment.
      Genotypes were determined (2007-2009) in 25 patients with evidence of chronic  
      HBV infection. A genotyping system based on multiplex-nested PCR using type
      specific primers   was employed in assigning genotypes A through F. Genotypes G
      and H were not determined.   Among the 25 patients tested, genotypes B [9 (36%)],
      C [4 (16%)], D [3 (12%)], A [2 (8%)] and   E [1 (4%)] were detected. There was a
      relatively high prevalence of mixed infections with   genotypes B+C (3), A+D (1),
      and B+D (2), which overall constituted 24% of patients. Although   this is a non
      representative sample, HBV infections among this group of Sri Lankan patients  
      were predominantly genotypes B, C and D.

PMID- 22041752
TI  - Scanning electron microscopic evaluation of the successful sterilization of
      Lucilia cuprina (Wiedemann) utilized in maggot debridement therapy (mdt).
AB  - In Malaysia, maggot debridement therapy (MDT) utilizes maggots of Lucilia  
      cuprina (Wiedemann) to debride necrotic tissue from wound surface, reduce
      bacterial infection   and therefore, enhance wound healing process. To evaluate
      the sterility of the sterile maggots   produced after sterilization process
      before delivering onto patient wounds. Sterility of sterile   maggots is crucial
      in ensuring the safe usage of MDT and patient's health. Eggs of L. cuprina  
      collected from a laboratory colony were divided into treated group (sterilized)
      and control   group (non-sterilized). Treated group underwent sterilization while
      eggs from control group   were allowed to hatch without sterilization. Sodium
      hypochlorite and formaldehyde were the   main disinfectants used in this
      sterilization process. Scanning electron microscope (SEM)   was used to examine
      and ascertain the sterility of sterile maggots. SEM results showed that   all
      sterilized L. cuprina eggs and maggots achieved sterility and all were cleared
      from   bacterial contamination. In contrast, all non-sterilized eggs and maggots
      were found to be   colonized by microorganisms. Sterilization method employed to
      sterilize eggs and maggots   used in Malaysia MDT was proven successful and MDT
      is safe to be used as wound management   tools.

PMID- 22041753
TI  - Mitochondrial DNA and STR analyses for human DNA from maggots crop contents: a
      forensic entomology case from central-southern China.
AB  - Insect larvae and adult insects found on human corpses can provide important  
      forensic evidence however it is useful to be able to prove evidence of
      association. Without   this, it could be claimed that the insect evidence was a
      contaminant or had been planted on   the body. This paper describes how
      mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and STR analysis of the crop   contents of larvae of
      the blowfly Aldrichina grahami collected from separated body parts   was used to
      provide evidence of association.

PMID- 22041754
TI  - Neonatal Plasmodium vivax malaria.
AB  - Congenital malaria is a condition rarely diagnosed, even in endemic countries.  
      This tropical disease is associated with high mortality in the absence of timely
      recognition   and prompt therapy, particularly when is due to Plasmodium
      falciparum, however Plasmodium   vivax can also lead to relevant morbidity and
      mortality. We report an unusual case of a 19-   day-old male newborn with
      neonatal vivax malaria, suspected primarily on the basis of   positive maternal
      history, which presented with low birth weight, thrombocytopenia and a  
      significant parasitemia. He responded satisfactorily to chloroquine antimalarial
      therapy, being   successfully discharged 10 days after admission. Blood smears
      remained negative during the   first 2 months of follow up. At 8 weeks of follow
      up, she showed remarkable weight gain and   was developing normally with age
      appropriate anthropometry with no subsequent   complications.

PMID- 22041755
TI  - Toxicological properties of several medicinal plants from the Himalayas (India)
      against vectors of malaria, filariasis and dengue.
AB  - The leaves of five plants namely Nyctanthes arbortistis (Oleaceae), Catharanthus 
      roseus (Apocynaceae), Boenininghusenia albiflora (Rutaceae), Valeriana
      hardwickii   (Valerianaceae) and Eupatorium odoratum (Asteraceae) were selected
      for the first time   from the Garhwal region of north west Himalaya to
      investigation its toxicological properties   against mosquito vectors of malaria,
      filariasis and dengue. In a laboratory study, using different   polarity solvents
      (petroleum ether, chloroform and methanol) were tested against important   larvae
      of malaria, filariasis and dengue vectors in India. It was observed that
      petroleum ether   fraction of all selected plant possess good larvicidal
      properties than other solvent fraction.   The LC(50) values of isolates from
      Nyctanthes arbortistis (HAR-1), C. roseus (CAT-1), B. albiflora   (BOA-1), V.
      hardwickii (SUG-1) and E. odoratum (EUP-1) against Anopheles stephensi were   185
      ppm, 150 ppm, 105 ppm, 225 ppm and 135 ppm, respectively. The results therefore  
      suggest that the fraction code BOA-1 has excellent larvicidal properties and
      could be   incorporated as botanical insecticides against mosquito vectors with
      high safety to nontarget   organisms. The same fraction was tested against adult
      vectors of malaria, filariasis   and dengue, but no mortality was observed.

PMID- 22041756
TI  - Screening method for detection of immediate amino acid decarboxylases--producing
      bacteria implicated in food poisoning.
AB  - Assessment of amino acid decarboxylase activity can be conducted using tubed
      broth or plated agar. In this study, the test was carried out in microtitre
      plates containing lysine, ornithine, arginine, tyrosine, tryptophan,
      phenylalanine or histidine as biogenic amine precursors. Moller decarboxylase
      base broth (MDB) with or without 1% of a known amino acid were added to wells of
      a 96 well-microtitre plate. The wells were inoculated with Escherichia coli,
      Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter anitratus or Staphylococcus aureus to the
      final concentration of 6.0 x 10(7) cfu/ml and incubated at 35oC. The absorbance
      of the culture broth was read at 570 nm at 0, 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, 4.0, 5.5, 6.5 and
      7.5 hour. Comparison of means of A'(570) between 0 hour and a specified
      incubation time was determined statistically. Positive decarboxylase activities
      were detected in the media inoculated with E. coli and K. pneumoniae in less than
      6 hours. The current method is suitable for immediate producers of amino acid
      decarboxylase enzymes. It costs less as it uses less amino acid and it has the
      potential to be used for screening aliquots of food materials for amino acid
      decarboxylase activities.

PMID- 22041757
TI  - Occurrence of gastrointestinal helminths in Bactrian camel in Iran.
AB  - A study on naturally acquired gastrointestinal helminthic parasites in Bactrian  
      camel was carried out in Ardabil province, northwest of Iran, which is the main
      site of this   species in Iran. This species has importance in Iran due to its
      low population. A total of 25   faecal samples (25% of population) were examined
      by Clayton Lane method to determine the   egg count of different types of
      helminths in different age groups. Helminth eggs were found   in 13 (52%) of the
      faecal samples (0-191 eggs/gm, 51.96+/-13.82). Bactrian camels were infected  
      with Nematodirus sp. (32%), Trichuris sp. (32%), Marshallagia sp. (28%), Moniezia
      sp. (28%)   and Strongyloides sp. (16%). The age of the infected Bactrian camels
      was significantly higher   than the non-infected camels (p<0.01) and there was a
      significant correlation between age   and the intensity of infection (r=0.583,
      p=0.002). No significant difference in the ratio of the   affected camels and in
      the intensity of infection was found between the two sexes. The   results of the
      current study showed that helminthic infection is a serious problem in this  
      animal in Iran.

PMID- 22041758
TI  - Seasonal distribution of phlebotomine sand flies (Diptera: Psychodidae) in Tham
      Phra Phothisat temple, Saraburi province, Thailand.
AB  - Phlebotomine sand flies have long been incriminated as vectors of leishmaniasis
      in   various parts of both the Old and New World. Prompted by recent indigenous
      cases of   leishmaniasis in Thailand, a bionomic study of sand flies was
      undertaken in Tham Phra   Phothisat temple, Saraburi province. In this study,
      sand flies were collected using Centers for   Disease Control (CDC) light traps,
      to clarify the activity patterns and species composition of   the sand flies.
      Traps were laid from August 2005 to July 2006. The insects were collected  
      monthly between 1800-0600 hours. A total of 8,131 sand flies were collected with
      a   female:male ratio of 1.9:1. Sixteen species were identified, of which 5
      belonged to the genus   Phlebotomus, 9 to Sergentomyia and 1 to Chinius. Species
      comprised the abundant species   (Sergentomyia silvatica 35.6%, Sergentomyia
      barraudi 18.1%, Sergentomyia anodontis,   17.1%, Sergentomyia iyengari 11.9%, and
      Sergentomyia gemmea 11.2%); the less common   species (<2%) were Sergentomyia
      dentata 1.8%, Phlebotomus stantoni 1.1%, Sergentomyia   indica 1.0%, Phlebotomus
      argentipes 0.8%, Sergentomyia perturbans 0.4%, Chinius barbazani   0.3%,
      Phlebotomus asperulus 0.2%, Phlebotomus philippinensis gouldi 0.1%, Phlebotomus  
      major major 0.1%, Sergentomyia quatei 0.1% and Sergentomyia bailyi 0.1%. The
      results   revealed seasonal variation in sand fly prevalence, with the highest
      peak in July. Soil samples   collected were characterized by alkaline (pH 7.6).

PMID- 22041759
TI  - Polytene chromosomes of Simulium arakawae, a pest species in the Simulium
      venustum group (Diptera: Simuliidae) from Japan.
AB  - The chromosomal relationships of Simulium arakawae, a black fly of medical
      veterinary importance, are resolved relative to other members of the Simulium
      venustum species group and to the standard reference map for the subgenus
      Simulium. Simulium arakawae differs from the subgeneric standard by eight fixed
      inversions, apparently none of which are shared with any of the other 17
      chromosomally studied nominal members of the group. The chromosomal features that
      indicate group membership might have been lost in S. arakawae, particularly if
      they were polymorphic in an ancestor.

PMID- 22041760
TI  - Detection of faecal Cryptosporidium parvum antigen in diarrheic Holstein dairy
      cows.
AB  - Over a one-year period, based on a random cluster sampling design, 661 faecal  
      samples from natural cases of diarrheic calves were taken in Fars province of
      Iran. The   samples were taken from the 267 diarrheic calves of high and 394
      diarrheic calves of average   producing Holstein dairy cows. Faecal samples were
      collected directly from the rectum.   Herd selection was based on geographical
      location and density of cattle in the region.   Samples were collected based on 5
      percent of herd population in 4 geographical regions:   North, West, East and
      South of Fars province. The herds were stratified into small, medium   and large
      size. Laboratory investigation consisted of a direct identification test for
      antigen of   Cryptosporidium parvum. All herds had HPDC and APDC Cryptosporidium
      infected diarrheic   calves in their population. Diarrheic Cryptosporidium
      infected HPDC calves in southern   region of Fars province were at much lower
      risk (P<0.05) than APDC calves. The rate of   Cryptosporidium infection in
      diarrheic APDC calves in southern region of Fars province was   highest when
      compared to other geographical locations. When considering the effect of age,  
      diarrheic Cryptosporidium affected APDC Holstein calves of younger dams (>2 to
      3years)   showed a higher rate of infection when compared to diarrheic HPDC
      Cryptosporidium   infected ones. There were no differences among the occurrence
      of Cryptosporidium infection   in diarrheic HPDC and APDC calves of different
      herd size groups.

PMID- 22041761
TI  - Simulium (Gomphostilbia) sofiani, a new species of black fly (Diptera:
      Simuliidae) from peninsular Malaysia.
AB  - Simulium (Gomphostilbia) sofiani sp. nov. is described on the basis of reared
      adult female, male, pupal and larval specimens collected from Cameron Highlands,
      Pahang state, Malaysia. This new species is placed in the ceylonicum species
      group within the subgenus Gomphostilbia and is easily distinguished from all the
      related known species by the combination of the following characteristics: an
      elongate sensory vesicle and yellow hair tuft on the stem vein of the wing in the
      female, the greater number of large upper-eye facets (15 or 16 vertical columns
      and 15 or 16 horizontal rows) and almost entirely darkened hind basitarsus in the
      male, and the gill bearing a long common basal stalk and 8 filaments arranged as
      [(1+2)+(1+2)] +2 filaments from dorsal to ventral in the pupa.

PMID- 22041762
TI  - How common is intestinal parasitism in HIV-infected patients in Malaysia?
AB  - Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals have greater
      susceptibility to infections by a myriad of microorganisms which can cause
      significant morbidity and mortality compared to immunocompetent individuals. Of
      these microbial infections, intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) however are
      receiving less attention than bacterial and viral infections, hence, the lack of
      information of parasitic infections in HIV individuals. Prevalence of IPIs among
      346 HIV-infected individuals in Malaysia was determined in this study. The
      overall prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections (IPIs) was 37.9% (131 of
      346) with protozoa infections (18.8%) being more common compared to helminth
      infections (7.5%). Observed protozoa include Entamoeba histolytica/dispar
      (16.8%), Cryptosporidium parvum (12.4%), Isospora belli (10.1%), Cyclospora
      cayetanensis (4.9%) and Giardia duodenalis (intestinalis) (3.2%) whilst
      helminthes which were detected comprised of Ascaris lumbricoides (13.9%),
      Trichuris trichiura (6.4%) and hookworms (0.6%). Among those 131 infected, 50.4%
      had multiple infections and 48.9% had single parasitic infection. The CD4 counts
      were significantly lower (i.e., 200 cells/mm3) in patients harbouring IPIs. Of
      those individuals infected with intestinal parasites, 49% were intravenous drug
      users and 58% were not on any antiretroviral therapy. Most were asymptomatic and
      had concurrent opportunistic infections (OIs) mainly with Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis infection. These results confirmed that IPIs are ubiquitous among
      HIV-infected individuals, especially those presenting with low CD4 T cells
      counts, and provide useful insights into the epidemiology of these infections
      among HIV-infected patients in Malaysia. It is therefore recommended, that
      diagnosis of these intestinal parasitic pathogens should be conducted on a
      routine basis for better management of gastrointestinal illnesses among HIV
      individuals.

PMID- 22041763
TI  - In vitro cultivation of axenic amastigotes and the comparison of antioxidant
      enzymes at different stages of Leishmania tropica.
AB  - The present study aimed to establish a simple method to yield large amounts of  
      Leishmania tropica amastigote-like forms in axenic cultures and to compare the
      superoxide   dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) enzymes at
      different stages of L. tropica.   Different culture conditions were tested to
      find the optimum condition of axenic amastigotes   generation. Superoxide
      dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities were   determined at
      logarithmic and stationary phases and axenic amastigote stage of the parasite.  
      A high proportion (88%) of amastigote-like forms of L. tropica was observed in
      BHI medium   supplemented with 20% FCS, pH 4.5, and incubated at 37oC with 5%
      CO(2). The results showed   that SOD activity was at the lowest level in the
      logarithmic phase of promastigotes and   increased towards the stationary phase
      of promastigotes and amastigote stage. The results   showed that the optimum
      condition for differentiation of L. tropica promastigotes to axenic   amastigotes
      was BHI medium containing 20% FCS at pH 4.5, incubated at 37oC in the presence  
      of 5% CO(2). It seems that SOD, but not GPX is a major determinant of
      intracellular survival of   the parasite.

PMID- 22041764
TI  - Treatment outcome of Paederus dermatitis due to rove beetles (Coleoptera:
      Staphylinidae) on guinea pigs.
AB  - Linear dermatitis (or dermatitis linearis, DL) is a skin blistering inflammatory 
      lesion caused by exposure to the pederin toxin from rove beetles. Although it is
      prevalent   in many countries of the Middle East region, this is not a notifiable
      disease. In recent   years, a number of clinical symptoms outbreaks of DL has
      been reported from a few   neighboring countries of Iran, but no report of
      experimental treatment among small   laboratory rodents is known. This is a
      prerequisite to ascertain the nature of the best   treatment strategy in cases of
      infestation with these beetles, as it occurs among local   settlers during hot
      seasons in certain parts of the southern Iranian province of Fars.   Live
      Paederus beetles were collected, identified to species level, sexed apart and
      partly   processed to obtain their hemolymph toxin pederin in ethanol for dermal
      application on   guinea pigs. Two Paederus species were found. Paederus ilsae
      (Bernhauer) (Coleoptera:   Staphylinidae) was more abundant than P. iliensis
      (Coiffait). Recovery from DL due to   live P. ilsae beetles was quicker and less
      complex than that of pederin in ethanol on   guinea pigs. The application of
      potassium permanganate with calamine to heal DL was   also more effective than
      fluocinolone treatment. This topical corticosteroid is thus   considered less
      able to avert the cytotoxic action of pederin on the skin of guinea pigs   than
      the antipruritic and cleansing agents. It seems likely that fluocinolone has
      certain   effects which delays the recovery period for the treated skin.

PMID- 22041765
TI  - Insecticide resistance development in Aedes aegypti upon selection pressure with
      malathion.
AB  - Bioassay test against malathion had been carried out with larval and adult stages
      of Aedes aegypti. The mosquitoes were under selection pressure against malathion
      for forty-five consecutive generations. The rate of resistance development was
      measured by LC(50) and LT(50) values. The larvae and adult females, after
      subjection to malathion selection for 45 generations, developed high resistance
      level to malathion, with resistance ratio of 52.7 and 3.24 folds, respectively
      over control mosquitoes. Cross-resistance towards the same and different groups
      of insecticides was determined using the F44 and F45 malathion-selected adult
      females. Insecticides tested were DDT (4.0%), permethrin (0.75%), propoxur
      (0.1%), fenitrothion (1%), lambda-cyhalothrin (0.05%) and cyfluthrin (0.15%).
      Results indicated that the mosquitoes were highly resistant to DDT and
      fenitrothion, moderately resistant to propoxur, tolerant to permethrin and lambda
      cyhalothrin, and very low resistant to cyfluthrin.

PMID- 22041766
TI  - Diversity and killer activity of yeasts in Malaysian fermented food samples.
AB  - The biodiversity and the killer activity of yeasts isolated from various types of
      fermented food in Malaysia were investigated in this study. Of 252 yeasts
      isolated from 48   fermented food samples in this study, 19 yeast species were
      identified based on sequence   analysis of the ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 partial fragments
      of the yeasts. A total of 29 (11.5%) of the   yeast isolates demonstrated killer
      activity to at least one Candida species tested in this   study; including 22
      isolates of Trichosporon asahii, 4 isolates of Pichia anomala, and one   isolate
      each of Pichia norvegensis, Pichia fermentans and Issatchenkia orientalis,  
      respectively. The presence of killer yeasts reflects antagonism that occurs
      during microbial   interaction in the fermented food, whereby certain yeasts
      produce killer toxins and possibly   other toxic substances in competition for
      limited nutrients and space. The anti-Candida   activity demonstrated by killer
      yeasts in this study should be further explored for development   of alternative
      therapy against candidiasis.

PMID- 22041767
TI  - Cryptococcal osteomyelitis of the femur: a case report and review of literature.
AB  - Fungal osteomyelitis is a rare opportunistic infection. It exhibits some clinical
      and   radiological similarities to several other bone pathologies. A diagnostic
      delay may result in   significant increase in morbidity. We report a case of a 37
      year-old man with underlying   hypogammaglobulinaemia presented with isolated
      cryptococcal osteomyelitis of the femur.

PMID- 22041768
TI  - Human hydatidosis in Tehran, Iran: a retrospective epidemiological study of
      surgical cases between 1999 and 2009 at two university medical centers.
AB  - This study was conducted to evaluate retrospectively 203 patients diagnosed with
      hydatid cyst disease and treated surgically at two university medical centers
      between 1999 and 2009 in Tehran, the capital of Iran. Cystic echinococcosis (CE)
      affected more females 117 (57.6%) than males 86 (42.4%). A remarkable gender
      difference skewed towards females was observed, and the male/female ratio among
      CE cases <=20 and >=61 years old was 1.18 and 0.52, respectively. The age of the
      patients ranged from 8 to 82 years, and the age group 21-40 years (42.8%) was the
      most affected. A significantly higher number of hydatid cysts were recorded in
      the liver than in other sites (P<0.001), and more females had higher hepatic
      cysts (48.8%) than males (35.0%). The ratio of hepatic hydatidosis to pulmonary
      hydatidosis was about 11. There was a relative direct relationship between the
      ratio of liver to lung cases and age, and this ratio was significantly (P<0.01)
      higher in individuals >40 years of age (liver/lung ratio >=43) than in those <40
      years of age (liver/lung ratio 2.8-7.6). Unusual cyst locations in kidneys, brain
      and pelvic area, followed by spleen and spine was also observed. Single organ
      involvement was found in 95% of the patients, and was more common in females
      (55.2%) than in males (39.9%). Housewives had the highest rate of infection
      (53.5%) followed by labourers with 14.8%, which showed a significant difference
      (P<0.001). Similarly, urban dwellers was also over-represented among the cases
      (87% urban vs. 13% rural; P<0.001). In 69.5% of cases there was only one cyst,
      16.3% had two cysts, 4.7% with three cysts, and 9.5% had four cysts or more. The
      results showed that further studies are needed to determine the prevalence,
      economic impact and risk factors of the disease in the area.

PMID- 22041769
TI  - Sequence analysis on the mitochondrial COXI gene of recent clinical isolates of
      Plasmodium knowlesi in Klang Valley, peninsular Malaysia.
AB  - The cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COXI) gene sequences of three recent (2007
      2008) clinical Plasmodium knowlesi isolates from Klang Valley, peninsular
      Malaysia, were determined and compared with those of older (1960's) peninsular
      Malaysia, recent isolates from Sarawak (on Borneo Island), and an isolate from
      Thailand. Multiple alignment of the sequences showed that the three clinical
      isolates were more similar to the older peninsular Malaysia isolates than to
      those from Sarawak and Thailand. Phylogenetic tree based on the COXI sequences
      revealed three distinct clusters of P. knowlesi. The first cluster consisted of
      isolates from peninsular Malaysia, the second consisted of Sarawak isolates and
      the third composed of the Thailand isolate. The findings of this study highlight
      the usefulness of mitochondrial COXI gene as a suitable marker for
      phylogeographic studies of P. knowlesi.

PMID- 22041770
TI  - Assessing the susceptibility status of Aedes albopictus on Penang Island using
      two different assays.
AB  - Routine surveillance on resistant status of field mosquito populations is
      important   to implement suitable strategies in order to prevent pest outbreaks.
      WHO test kit bioassay is   the most frequent bioassay used to investigate the
      susceptibility status of field-collected   mosquitoes, as it is relatively
      convenient to be carried out in the field. In contrast, the topical   application
      of active ingredient is less popular in investigating the susceptibility status
      of   mosquitoes. In this study, we accessed the susceptibility status of Aedes
      albopictus Skuse   collected from two dengue hotspots on Penang Island: Sungai
      Dua and Persiaran Mayang   Pasir. Two active ingredients: permethrin and
      deltamethrin, were used. WHO test kit bioassay   showed that both wild strains
      collected were susceptible to the two active ingredients; while   topical
      application assay showed that they were resistant. This indicated that WHO test
      kit   bioassay less sensitive to low level of resistance compared to topical
      application assay.   Hence, topical application is expected to be more indicative
      when used in a resistance   surveillance programme.

PMID- 22041771
TI  - [Old topic, new perspective: idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis].

PMID- 22041772
TI  - [Evaluation of diagnostic methods for sarcoidosis].

PMID- 22041773
TI  - [The effect of cyclophosphamide on cytokines in patients with primary Sjogren's
      syndrome-associated interstitial lung disease].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the mechanisms of cyclophosphamide sequential therapy
      for patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome-associated interstitial lung disease
      (PSS-ILD). METHODS: This was a retrospective review of 15 patients (2005 - 2008)
      with PSS-ILD who underwent cyclophosphamide sequential therapy. Peripheral blood
      and bronchoalveolar lavage (BALF) were obtain before and 3, 6, 12, 24 months
      after the treatment. The TNF-alpha and TGF-beta(1)mRNA levels in peripheral blood
      were measured using reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
      Serum and BALF TNF-alpha, TGF-beta(1)and MMP-9 levels were measured using
      sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: (1) The average
      levels of serum TNF-alpha (0.39 +/- 0.22) and TGF-beta(1) (0.31 +/- 0.18) mRNA in
      patients with PSS-ILD were higher compared with that in patients with PSS without
      ILD. TNF-alpha level (0.23 +/- 0.19) was significantly decreased 3 months after
      cyclophosphamide treatment (t = 2.533, P < 0.05), and TGF-beta(1) (0.31 +/- 0.18)
      level markedly decreased after 6 months of treatment (t = 2.617, P < 0.05). (2)
      The levels of serum TNF-alpha (11.2 +/- 2.6) ug/L, TGF-beta(1) (72 +/- 19) ug/L
      and MMP-9 (38 +/- 9) ug/L in patients with PSS-ILD were higher than that in
      patients with PSS without ILD. TGF-beta(1) (36 +/- 12) ug/L level decreased
      significantly after 3 months of treatment (t = 2.526, P < 0.05), and TNF-alpha
      level (7.1 +/- 1.3) ug/L markedly decreased after 6 months of therapy (t = 2.578,
      P < 0.05). MMP-9 level (18 +/- 4) ug/L decreased significantly after 12-month
      treatment (t = 2.329, P < 0.05). (3) The levels of BALF TNF-alpha (17.1 +/- 3.5)
      ug/L, TGF-beta(1) (36 +/- 17) ug/L and MMP-9 (27 +/- 10) ug/L in patients with
      PSS-ILD were higher than that in patients with PSS without ILD. TGF-beta(1) (21
      +/- 14) ug/L level decreased significantly after 3-month treatment, and TNF-alpha
      level (9.4 +/- 1.7) ug/L was decreased after 6 months of cyclophosphamide
      treatment (t = 2.215, P < 0.05). MMP-9 level (13 +/- 5) ug/L decreased after 12
      months of cyclophosphamide treatment (t = 2.576, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The
      mechanisms of cyclophosphamide treatment may be associated with its inhibition on
      production of TNF-alpha, TGF-beta(1)and MMP-9.

PMID- 22041774
TI  - [The effect of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 on embryonic lung fibroblasts
      from rats].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) on
      the proliferation and conversion of rat embryonic lung fibroblasts and the
      synthesis of collagen, and therefore to explore the function of PAI-1 in
      pulmonary fibrosis. METHODS: The embryonic lung fibroblasts from pregnant Wistar
      rats were isolated and cultured in vitro. The reproduction rate of fibroblasts at
      12 h, 24 h, and 48 h after being stimulated by PAI-1 with different
      concentrations (5, 10, 20, 40, 80, and 100 ug/L) was measured by MTT assay. After
      being stimulated by PAI-1 with the most suitable concentration (20 ug/L) for 48 h
      and 72 h, the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) was
      measured by immunocytochemical technique, and the mRNA expression of alpha-SMA
      and type-1 collagen at 24 h and 48 h was measured by real-time PCR. RESULTS: PAI
      1 with different concentrations stimulated the proliferation of fibroblasts. The
      highest proliferation rate and absorbance in concentration of 20 ug/L and at 12 h
      were 62.6% and 0.573 +/- 0.039. The comparison of different concentrations showed
      that the difference was significant (F = 111.112, P = 0.000). Therefore, 20 ug/L
      was selected as the most suitable concentration. Using immunocytochemical method,
      the optical density of PCNA at 48 h and 72 h were 3685 +/- 686 and 2530 +/- 477
      after being stimulated with 20 ug/L PAI-1. The comparison showed significant
      difference (F = 7.85, P = 0.02). The expression of alpha-SMA increased (230 +/-
      11)% and (159 +/- 9)% at 24 h and 48 h after being stimulated with 20 ug/L PAI-1,
      and the difference was significant (F = 39.92, P = 0.0003). The expression of
      type-1 collagen increased (92 +/- 8)% and (65 +/- 12)%, the difference being
      significant (F = 32.61, P = 0.0006). CONCLUSION: PAI-1 can promote the
      proliferation and conversion of fibroblasts and the synthesis of collagen, which
      may be involved in the pathogenesis of pulmonary interstitial fibrosis.

PMID- 22041775
TI  - [The values of fractional exhaled nitric oxide in the diagnosis and treatment of
      chronic cough].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the values of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FENO) in
      the diagnosis and treatment of chronic cough. METHODS: Based on the protocol from
      The Chinese Respiratory Society guidelines for management of cough, 75
      consecutive subjects with chronic cough and normal chest radiographs were
      recruited from the outpatient clinic of the Department of Respiratory Diseases in
      China-Japan Friendship Hospital from January to June 2010. All the patients
      accepted FENO tests, sputum cell counts, pulmonary function tests, bronchial
      hyperresponsiveness (BHR), serum IgE, cough symptom scores and Leicester cough
      Questionnaire (LCQ) before and after treatment of 4 weeks. RESULTS: The final
      diagnosis of the subjects included 29 with cough variant asthma (CVA), 19 with
      eosinophilic bronchitis (EB) and 27 with other causes (Others). FENO levels in
      CVA (58 +/- 26) ppb were significantly higher than those in EB (36 +/- 18) ppb
      and Others (20 +/- 7) ppb, and the FENO levels in EB were higher than Others (F =
      28.2, P < 0.01). FENO levels showed significant correlations with sputum
      eosinophils, BHR, cough symptom scores, non-specific IgE, and LCQ scores. The
      mean baseline FENO level of the subjects whose coughs were relieved after inhaled
      corticosteroid therapy was (63 +/- 42) ppb, higher than those of the non
      responders (28 +/- 13) ppb (t = 3.91, P < 0.01). There were significant
      correlations between the percentage of FENO decrease and the percentage of sputum
      eosinophil decrease or the cough symptom score decrease. CONCLUSION: FENO could
      be used as a inflammation marker of chronic cough because of its good correlation
      with sputum eosinophils, AHR, atopy, and cough symptoms. FENO also has a
      potential to predict the response of anti-inflammatory therapy because FENO
      decrease is correlated with the decrease of eosinophilic inflammation and
      improvement of cough symptoms.

PMID- 22041776
TI  - [A case-control study of the transmission of pandemic influenza A (H1N1) virus in
      families].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the characteristics of transmission of pandemic influenza
      A/H1N1, and to analyze the possible factors of influencing transmission in
      families and to provide scientific evidence for formulating strategies of H1N1
      prevention and control. METHODS: A 1:2 matched case-control study was conducted.
      The case was defined as a household with 2 or more cases and the control was
      defined as that with 1 case. Face-to-face interview with questionnaire was used
      to collect information of work and family life of the study participants.
      Conditional logistic regression was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Univariate
      analysis showed that factors such as education level of the secondary case, the
      number of family members, per capita living space, flu-like symptom, insulation
      of case, ventilation, hand-washing, and influenza A/H1N1 vaccine immunization
      were all associated with infection of influenza A/H1N1. Results of multivariate
      logistic regression analysis showed that variables such as education level of
      secondary case (OR = 0.42), insulation of case (OR = 3.29), ventilation, (OR =
      0.28), hand-washing (OR = 0.71), influenza A/H1N1 vaccine immunization (OR =
      0.05) were all correlated to infection of influenza A/H1N1. CONCLUSIONS: Factors
      such as vaccine, insulation, ventilation, and hand-washing can help persons in
      protection from infection of influenza A/H1N1, suggesting the importance of good
      hygienic habit and immunization with influenza A/H1N1 vaccine.

PMID- 22041777
TI  - [Application of Berlin questionnaire in the screening of obstructive sleep apnea
      hypopnea syndrome].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the value of Berlin questionnaire in screening
      obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS) among Chinese. METHODS: A total
      of 302 cases with suspected OSAHS were referred to our sleep laboratory. The
      Berlin questionnaire scores and polysomnography (PSG) monitoring data were
      analyzed. According to the Berlin questionnaire score, the patients were divided
      into high and lower risk groups for OSAHS. In terms of the PSG monitoring
      results, the patients were classified into non-OSAHS, mild, moderate and severe
      OSAHS groups. The age, gender, apnea hypopnea index (AHI), body mass index, and
      the Berlin questionnaire (BQ) result were compared among the 4 groups. The
      correlation of Berlin questionnaire result with age, AHI, the lowest SpO2 (LSpO2)
      and microarousal index (MAI) were analyzed. RESULTS: There were significant
      differences in the Berlin questionnaire results among non-OSAHS and the other 3
      groups (chi(2) = 13.961, 8.466, 42.156, P < 0.0083); and between the severe OSAHS
      and the other 2 groups (chi(2) = 9.439, 11.162, P < 0.0083). There was no
      statistical difference between the mild and moderate groups (P > 0.0083). The
      ratio of the high BQ risk patients had an increasing tendency as the severity of
      OSAHS was increased (chi(2) = 34.211, P < 0.01). The Berlin questionnaire results
      showed a positive correlation with age, AHI or MAI (r = 0.125, 0.346, 0.198, all
      P < 0.05, respectively) but a negative correlation with LSpO2 (r = -0.371, P <
      0.01). The Berlin questionnaire results showed no correlation with gender (P >
      0.05). The sensitivity and the specificity of the Berlin questionnaire in
      predicting sleep apnea were 0.71 and 0.72, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: With the
      moderate sensitivity and the specificity, the Berlin questionnaire has some value
      in screening patients with OSAHS. However, it is not correlated with the severity
      of OSAHS in Chinese patients. Thus Berlin questionnaire has limited value in the
      screening of OSAHS among Chinese.

PMID- 22041778
TI  - [Expression of P-glycoprotein and multidrug resistance-associated protein in
      peripheral blood mononuclear cells from multidrug resistant tuberculosis
      patients].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the expression of P-glycoprotein (P-pg) and multidrug
      resistance-associated protein (MRP) mRNA levels in peripheral blood mononuclear
      cells from multidrug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) patients. METHODS: The
      subjects of this study included 3 groups: a non-TB control group, a TB control
      group and a MDR-TB group. The 31 subjects in the non-TB control group were staff
      from Wuhan Tuberculosis Prevention and Treatment Institute. The 55 cases in the
      TB control group were in-patients during September 2004 to December 2007 who were
      diagnosed as having pulmonary tuberculosis. The 89 cases in the MDR-TB group were
      in-patients during the same period, but who were diagnosed as having MDR-TB.
      Peripheral mononuclear cells were isolated and mRNA levels of P-pg and MRP were
      measured by real-time PCR. Comparisons of the data between different groups were
      performed using one-way ANOVA, and SNK q was used for comparison between 2
      groups. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the relative P-pg mRNA
      levels among the MDR-TB group (1.34 +/- 0.32), the non-TB control group (1.05 +/-
      0.16) and the TB control group (1.12 +/- 0.23), F = 0.536, P > 0.05. The relative
      MRP mRNA level (3.45 +/- 0.43) was the highest in the MDR-TB group (3.45 +/-
      0.43), as compared to the TB control group (1.23 +/- 0.34) and the non-TB control
      group (1.04 +/- 0.12), F = 24.241, P < 0.05. CONCLUSION: Higher expression of MRP
      in peripheral mononuclear cells might be related to multidrug resistance in MDR
      TB patients.

PMID- 22041779
TI  - [The effect of erythromycin on transforming growth factor-beta(1) and secretory
      leukocyte proteinase inhibitor in a rat model of chronic obstructive pulmonary
      disease].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the protective mechanism of erythromycin in the process of
      COPD. METHODS: Thirty-six male Wistar rats, grade SPF, weight (220 +/- 20) g,
      were randomly divided into 3 groups, 12 each: a control group, a COPD model group
      and an erythromycin treated group. Measurement of rat pulmonary function and the
      pathological changes were performed, and the expression of transforming growth
      factor-beta(1) (TGF-beta(1)) and secretory leukocyte proteinase inhibitor (SLPI)
      in the lung of rats were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and reverse
      transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Analysis of variance, pairwise
      comparison between groups using SNK-q test, Pearson linear correlation analysis
      were carried out for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The rats in the COPD model
      group showed sign of less activity, loss of appetite and weight, dry and yellow
      hair, and sometimes wheezing, which were less or milder in the group treated with
      erythromycin. FEV(0.3)/FVC [(58 +/- 7)%] and Cdyn [(0.16 +/- 0.07) L/cm H2O, 1 cm
      H2O = 0.098 kPa] were significantly lower in the model group as compared to the
      control group [(83 +/- 7)% and (0.33 +/- 0.16) L/cm H2O], RI [(0.69 +/- 0.14) cm
      H2O*L(-1)*s(-1)], but was significantly higher than the control group [(0.33 +/-
      0.11) cm H2O*L(-1)*s(-1)]. FEV(0.3)/FVC [(65 +/- 9)%] and Cdyn [(0.23 +/- 0.08)
      L/cm H2O] were significantly higher in the erythromycin treated group as compared
      to the model group [(58 +/- 7)% and (0.16 +/- 0.07) L/cm H2O], RI [(0.50 +/-
      0.13) cm H2O*L(-1)*s(-1)], but was significantly lower than the model group
      [(0.69 +/- 0.14) cm H2O*L(-1)*s(-1)]. The expression of TGF-beta(1)protein
      (integral optical density value) and mRNA (absorbance value) (6.7 +/- 1.5 and
      0.45 +/- 0.13) were lower in the erythromycin treated group as compared to the
      model group (10.7 +/- 1.9 and 0.66 +/- 0.18), but the expression of SLPI protein
      (integral optical density value) and mRNA (absorbance value) (9.9 +/- 1.7 and
      0.69 +/- 0.34) were higher than those of the model group (8.1 +/- 1.7 and 0.41 +/
      0.27). The expressions of TGF-beta(1)and SLPI were negatively associated (r = 
      0.686, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The expression of SLPI was decreased but the
      expression of TGF-beta(1)was increased significantly in the bronchial and lung
      tissues of rats with COPD. Airway inflammation was inhibited by erythromycin
      which was able to reduce the inhibitory effect of TGF-beta(1)to SLPI, indicating
      a partial protective effect of erythromycin.

PMID- 22041780
TI  - [Recent advances in IgG4-related lung disease].

PMID- 22041781
TI  - [Research status of smoking cessation methods for chronic obstructive pulmonary
      disease].

PMID- 22041782
TI  - [Progress of research on angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 in lung diseases].

PMID- 22041783
TI  - Supramolecular dioxygen receptors composed of an anionic water-soluble
      porphinatoiron(II) and cyclodextrin dimers.
AB  - Three types of per-O-methylated beta-cyclodextrin dimers, Im2CD, Im3NHCD and
      Py3NHCD, were prepared as globin models. Im2CD was synthesized by the
      condensation reaction of mono(2(A)-amino)-per-O-methylated beta-cyclodextrin with
      3-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)pentanedioic acid. Im3NHCD and Py3NHCD were obtained through
      the S(N)2 reactions of mono(2(A),3(A)-epoxy)-per-O-methylated beta-cyclodextrin
      with 3-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)pentane-1,5-diamine and 3,5-bis(aminomethyl)pyridine,
      respectively. These cyclodextrin dimers formed 1:1 supramolecular inclusion
      complexes of tetrakis(4-sulfonatophenyl)porphinatoiron(II) (Fe(II)TPPS) in
      aqueous solution. The supramolecular complexes bound dioxygen (O(2)), with the
      O(2) affinity of the Fe(II)TPPS/Im3NHCD complex (P(1/2)(O2) = 1.5 +/- 0.1 Torr)
      being much higher than those of the Fe(II)TPPS/Im2CD (36 +/- 2 Torr) and
      Fe(II)TPPS/Py3NHCD complexes (70 +/- 5 Torr). On the basis of the results of the
      present study and previous results, it is concluded that the imidazole axial
      ligand at the linker attached at the 3- and 3'-positions of the cyclodextrin
      units causes higher O(2) affinity as compared with the imidazole ligand at the 2-
      and 2'-positions and the pyridine ligand at the 2,2'- or 3,3'-positions. The
      electron donating ability and orientation of the axial ligand may control the
      O(2) affinity of a supramolecular receptor.

PMID- 22041784
TI  - The relation between 6-n-propylthiouracil sensitivity and caries activity in
      schoolchildren.
AB  - Caries activity tests are being used to assess caries risk in children. In recent
      years the purpose of most studies has been to develop practical, quick, reliable
      and economic tests. Clinical studies showed that the difference in sensitivity to
      the bitter taste of 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) is a heritable trait and may
      influence children's nutritional habits and caries development. The aim of this
      study was to investigate the relation between PROP sensitivity and caries
      activity in schoolchildren, in comparison with different caries activity tests.
      One hundred and twenty children aged between 7 and 12 years (mean age 9.97 +/-
      1.59) were investigated to determine socioeconomic status and oral hygiene
      habits, fluoride consumption, DMFT, DMFS, df, dfs, plaque indexes, and
      nutritional habits. Children were divided into three groups according to their
      caries risk status based on the Cariogram. The solution test and the PROP
      impregnated filter paper test were used together to determine PROP sensitivity.
      After all associated factors had been controlled, stepwise regression analyses
      revealed that DMFT and dfs scores were important determinants of PROP. According
      to dfs, the sensitivity of the Cariogram and of PROP tests was 0.85 and 0.70,
      respectively, and specificity was 0.32 and 0.33, respectively. There was an
      inverse significant relationship between PROP sensitivity and DMFT, DMFS, and dfs
      results (p < 0.01). In conclusion, PROP nontasters were significantly more likely
      to have high caries risk than PROP tasters (p < 0.01).

PMID- 22041788
TI  - LC-MS-based metabolomics.
AB  - Metabolomics aims at identification and quantitation of small molecules involved
      in metabolic reactions. LC-MS has enjoyed a growing popularity as the platform
      for metabolomic studies due to its high throughput, soft ionization, and good
      coverage of metabolites. The success of a LC-MS-based metabolomic study often
      depends on multiple experimental, analytical, and computational steps. This
      review presents a workflow of a typical LC-MS-based metabolomic analysis for
      identification and quantitation of metabolites indicative of
      biological/environmental perturbations. Challenges and current solutions in each
      step of the workflow are reviewed. The review intends to help investigators
      understand the challenges in metabolomic studies and to determine appropriate
      experimental, analytical, and computational methods to address these challenges.

PMID- 22041790
TI  - Oligohydramnios, small for gestational age and pregnancy outcomes: an analysis
      using precise measures.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Marginal or decreased amniotic fluid volume by ultrasound
      estimate and fetal growth restriction have been shown to be significantly
      associated with perinatal mortality. The association of fetal growth restriction
      and precisely measured amniotic fluid volume is unknown. The purpose of this
      study was to determine if adverse pregnancy outcomes are more likely in
      pregnancies complicated by small-for-gestational-age (SGA) neonates and dye
      determined oligohydramnios. METHODS: Admissions to neonatal intensive care unit
      (NICU) and other pregnancy outcomes were analyzed in parturients with known
      amniotic fluid volume, calculated by the dye-dilution technique. The pregnancy
      outcomes of those with oligohydramnios and SGA were compared with pregnancies
      complicated by just one of these two conditions and pregnancies with normal fluid
      and birth weight. RESULTS: Of 202 patients, oligohydramnios was present in 26%
      (53), SGA in 15% (30) and both conditions in (5%) (11). Logistic regression,
      controlling for gestational age, demonstrated that the combination of
      oligohydramnios and SGA, compared to normal growth and fluid strongly predicted
      NICU admission (OR 11.1; 95% CI 2.1-59.2) but not other complications. (OR 4.8;
      95% CI 0.3-62.9). CONCLUSIONS: SGA with oligohydramnios significantly increases
      the likelihood of a NICU admission, but not other morbidity.

PMID- 22041791
TI  - Content and completeness of care plans after implementation of standardized
      nursing terminologies and computerized records.
AB  - The nursing process and standardized nursing terminologies are essential elements
      to structure nursing documentation in daily nursing information management. The
      aim of this study was to describe sustainability and whether and how standardized
      nursing terminologies, in handwritten versus preprinted versus computerized
      nursing care plans, changed the content and completeness of documented nursing
      care. Three audits of patient records were performed: a pretest (n = 291) before
      a yearlong implementation of standardized nursing terminologies in nursing care
      plans followed by two posttests: (1) 3 weeks after implementation of nursing
      terminologies (n = 299) and (2) 22 months after implementation of nursing
      terminologies and 8 months after implementation of a computerized system (n =
      281) in a university hospital. Content and completeness of documented nursing
      care improved after implementation of standardized nursing terminologies.
      Documentation of nursing care plans, signs and symptoms, related factors, and
      nursing interventions increased, whereas mean number of nursing diagnoses per
      patient did not change between audits. Computerized nursing care plans had the
      biggest impact, with more variety of nursing diagnoses and increased
      documentation of signs and symptoms, related factors, and nursing interventions.
      The use of standardized nursing terminologies improved nursing content in the
      nursing care plans. Moreover, computerized nursing care plans, in comparison with
      handwritten and preprinted care plans, increased documentation completeness.

PMID- 22041789
TI  - The rice thylakoid lumenal cyclophilin OsCYP20-2 confers enhanced environmental
      stress tolerance in tobacco and Arabidopsis.
AB  - The role that the putative thylakoid lumenal cyclophilin (CYP) CYP20-2 locates in
      the thylakoid, and whether CYP20-2 is an essential gene, have not yet been
      elucidated. Here, we show that CYP20-2 is well conserved in several
      photosynthetic plants and that the transcript level of the rice OsCYP20-2 gene is
      highly regulated under abiotic stress. We found that ectopic expression of rice
      OsCYP20-2 in both tobacco and Arabidopsis confers enhanced tolerance to osmotic
      stress and extremely high light. Based on these results, we suggest that although
      the exact biochemical function of OsCYP20-2 in the thylakoid lumen (TL) remains
      unclear, it may be involved in photosynthetic acclimation to help plants cope
      with environmental stress; the OsCYP20-2 gene may be a candidate for enhancing
      multiple abiotic stress tolerance.

PMID- 22041792
TI  - Highly diastereoselective Friedel-Crafts reaction of arenes with N-tert
      butanesulfinylimino ester towards the efficient synthesis of alpha-arylglycines.
AB  - Lewis acid-catalyzed highly diastereoselective asymmetric Friedel-Crafts
      alkylation of arenes with a chiral N-tert-butanesulfinylimino ester is described.
      The reaction can be accomplished with ease in the presence of a catalytic amount
      of In(OTf)(3) at room temperature, providing a series of enantiomerically
      enriched alpha-arylglycines in good yields and with excellent
      diastereoselectivities (up to 99% de). Highly stereoselective double Friedel
      Crafts alkylation to afford dialkylation product was also investigated.

PMID- 22041793
TI  - Laboratory evaluation in patients with anorexia nervosa: usefulness and limits.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Eating Disorders (ED), anorexia nervosa (AN) in particular, are
      significant causes of morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study is to
      evaluate how laboratory studies can help to diagnose AN and to choose the type of
      care according to the degree of medical compromission, particularly in primary
      care. PATIENTS AND METHODS: During the years 2002-2009, in our Eating Disorder
      Centre, we evaluated 298 ED patients diagnosed by criteria Diagnostic and
      Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DMS-IVR) using anthropometric and
      laboratory tests. RESULTS: In our 298 ED patients we identified 264 with a BMI
      value below 17.5 Kg/m(2) (Anorexia Nervosa patients) and 34 subjects with a BMI
      higher than 17.5 Kg/m(2), but lower than 20 (Eating Disorder Not Otherwise
      Specified patients). Sixty percent of the subjects showed normal values with
      respect to the 38 common laboratory tests used in the clinical setting. In the
      subgroup of AN patients with more severe malnutrition (BMI lower than 14.15
      Kg/m(2)), the percentage of abnormal laboratory values was higher, but always
      below fifty percent; in 19 laboratory test we found a significant correlation
      between the BMI value and that of the laboratory test. CONCLUSIONS: The
      laboratory tests may result as normal even in AN subjects with severe
      malnutrition and their use without a multi-dimensional evaluation may be
      misleading, and can even delay the care of patients.

PMID- 22041794
TI  - Knowledge of iodoprophylaxis and iodized salt consumption among medical students
      in Italy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Iodine deficiency is still a notable health-care problem in several
      regions of Europe and can be responsible for maternal and fetal goiter,
      miscarriages, stillbirths, reduced fetal growth, congenital hypothyroidisms,
      damaged reproduction in adult life, and inadequate development and maturation of
      the fetal brain, which is the major preventable cause of mental defects. The aim
      of this study was to assess the medical students' knowledge and practices
      regarding the program of iodized-salt-use and active iodine prophylaxis program
      launched by the Italian Ministry of Health. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A self
      administered, anonymous, 19 single-item questionnaire was developed. We have
      collected 294 filled forms: 86 from first-year, 118 from fourth-year and 90 from
      sixth-year medical students at the First Medical School of 'Sapienza' University
      of Rome, Italy, in May 2009. RESULTS: Two hundred eighty four students (96.6%)
      affirm that they know of the existence iodized salt, even though only 199 (67.7%)
      report personal consumption. This level is quite far from the target (consumption
      by almost 80% of the general population) suggested by the international
      literature. No statistically relevant difference was observed between the answers
      of male and female students. CONCLUSIONS: Our study proves that clinical students
      have a more detailed knowledge on iodized salt if compared with pre-clinical
      students, but such knowledge remains overall defective and in some cases
      absolutely incorrect. Additional education is probably needed to prepare
      physicians to play a critical role in counseling about iodine prophylaxis.

PMID- 22041795
TI  - [Pain assessment in terminally-ill cancer patients on admission in hospice and
      its modification after the first three days of care. A monocentric experience].
AB  - AIMS: Pain is among the most frequent and distressing symptoms in terminally-ill
      cancer and, to date, many patients still experience uncontrolled pain. In this
      paper we evaluated prevalence and intensity of pain on admission in our
      palliative care center and during the first three days of care. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: From September 2009 to October 2009 we consecutively recruited 96
      terminally-ill cancer patients : on admission more than 50% had severe pain and
      only 4% referred to be pain-free. 54% of patients was on treatment with strong
      opioids. RESULTS: After three days from admission in our palliative care unit
      only 7% of patients experienced severe pain, 25% reported absence of pain and 80%
      of patients was on treatment with strong opioids. CONCLUSIONS: The beginning of
      palliative care led to a meaningful and rapid reduction of pain in the vast
      majority of terminally-ill cancer patients evaluated in this study.

PMID- 22041796
TI  - Foramina on the zygomatic bone: its clinical significance.
AB  - AIM: To study the anatomy of zygomatico-orbital, zygomatico-facial and zygomatico
      temporal foramina in south Indian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 50 dry adult
      skulls of south Indian origin were studied. The number of ZO, ZF and ZT were
      recorded on each side. The distances of these foramina to the nearest palpable
      bony points, infero-lateral angle of the orbit and infra-orbital foramen were
      measured using Vernier's calipers. RESULTS: Variable number of ZO and ZF
      foramina, ranging from 0 to 4 was seen. Single ZO foramen in 56% and 44%, double
      in 6% and 12%, absent in 38% and 44% on right and left sides were seen. Distance
      of ZO foramen from inferolateral angle of orbit was 9+2.51 mm and 7.8+1.74 mm on
      right and left side respectively. The mean distance from infraorbital foramen was
      29.93+2.76 mm and 30.19+ 3.52 mm on right and left side respectively. Single ZF
      foramen in 40% and 42%, double in 10% and 8%, 3 in 4% on right side and 4 in 2%
      on left sides were seen. In the remaining 46% and 48% of bones, the ZF foramen
      was absent. Mean distance from inferolateral angle of orbit was 8.05+2.68 and
      9.15+2.11 mm respectively on the right and left side. Mean distance from
      infraorbital foramen was 25.45+4.35 mm and 25.42+4 mm respectively on right and
      left side. CONCLUSION: The location of ZO and ZF foramen can be population
      specific and knowledge of its location is important during stabilization of
      zygomatic fractures, in endoscopic subperiosteal facelift.

PMID- 22041797
TI  - Unilateral anomalous brachial and antebrachial musculature associated with
      duplication of anterior interosseous nerve: a case report.
AB  - The present case aims to provide an accurate anatomical description of coexistent
      accessory heads of flexor pollicis longus in the arm and forearm, extra muscular
      slips of the accessory belly of flexor pollicis longus to flexor digitorum
      profundus, and double anterior interosseous nerves. The morphology of the
      anomalous accessory muscle bellies is correlated with their clinical significance
      and embryological basis. Knowledge of such muscular and neuroanatomical variants
      is imperative prior to traumatic evaluation and reconstructive surgery.

PMID- 22041798
TI  - Aortic aneurysm: a case report with emphasize on microscopic and surgical
      anatomy.
AB  - We report a case of fusiform type of abdominal aortic aneurysm which was found
      during the routine dissection of a cadaver, done for teaching the undergraduate
      medical students. The aneurysm was seen unruptured and positioned below the renal
      arteries, just above the aortic bifurcation. This study illustrates the
      microscopic and surgical anatomy of the aneurysm with added literature review and
      clinical implications. We believe that the knowledge of this vascular pathology
      will be enlightening for broad specialties of medicine and medical science
      researchers alike.

PMID- 22041799
TI  - Papillary thyroid cancer in a young woman affected by giant congenital
      melanocytic nevus, ultrasound diagnosis.
AB  - Data literatures report numerous association between giant congenital nevus and
      development alteration; only two cases describe its coexistence with thyroid
      disorders. However, we report the association of papillary thyroid cancer and
      giant congenital nevus. Papillary thyroid cancer is the most common
      differentiated thyroid cancer and has high prevalence in young women. In this
      paper we report: the case of a 18 years-old woman, affected by giant congenital
      melanocytic nevus on her back, who came to our observation because of one month
      of fever and increased volume of latero-cervical lymph nodes. Negative serologic
      tests allowed us to exclude lymphoma and mononucleosis. Because of the high risk
      (6%) that giant congenital melanocytic nevi could transform into malignant
      melanoma, we performed an ultrasound examination (US) of the cervical lymph
      nodes. The examination extended to the thyroid gland enabled us to visualize the
      same parenchyma alteration in both thyroid gland and lymph nodes. At last, fine
      needle percoutaneus aspiration on thyroid lesion confirmed the presence of
      papillary carcinoma. In our case, thank to the optimal visualization of the
      parenchyma structure, US was diriment allowing a diagnosis of primitive thyroid
      lesion with an involvement of all lymph nodes in the neck. This findings
      legitimate the role of US as an accurate, noninvasive, radiation free and low
      cost imaging technique in detecting differential diagnosis in the cervical
      lymphadenopathy, as well in preoperative staging thyroid carcinoma.

PMID- 22041800
TI  - Anomalous disposition of profunda femoris artery: a clinicoanatomical appraisal.
AB  - During educational dissection of the left lower limb of an adult Indian male
      cadaver, an unusual variation of the branches of the femoral artery and profunda
      femoris artery (PFA), were observed. The profunda femoris artery and medial
      circumflex femoral artery took origin from a common arterial trunk from the
      medial side of femoral artery. The PFA coursed lateral to the femoral vein. The
      lateral circumflex femoral artery (LCFA) took origin, 1.2 cm proximal to the
      origin of the latter. The lateral circumflex femoral artery (LCFA) took origin
      directly from the femoral artery. The femoral vein was constantly medial to the
      PFA and coursed between it and femoral artery. The great saphenous vein was
      observed to course medial to the PFA and at its termination coursed anterior to
      the latter to drain into the femoral vein. Changes in caliber of femoral artery
      were recorded at the site of origin of the variant branches.

PMID- 22041801
TI  - An unique case of dyspareunia leading to the diagnosis of urachal cyst in a
      nulliparous 28-year-old woman.
AB  - Urachal cysts are usually asymptomatic. Symptoms, when present, are usually acute
      abdominal pain, fever, midline hypogastric tenderness, palpable mass, evidence of
      urinary infection or haematuria due to infection of the cyst. We report an unique
      case of dyspareunia and "abdominal fluid flowing feeling" caused by an urachal
      cyst in a 28 year-old nulliparous woman. Diagnosis was achieved by US and MRI.
      Cystography excluded any cyst-bladder communication. Laparoscopic surgery was
      performed without perioperative complications. Patient obtained immediate relief
      of symptoms still continuing at a 24 months follow up.

PMID- 22041802
TI  - Efficacy of electrochemotherapy in ulcerated basal cell carcinoma.
AB  - Basal cell carcinoma is the most common cutaneous malignant tumor, accounting for
      up to 80% of non melanoma skin cancers. Surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy
      have been for long time the main options for its treatment. Electrochemotherapy
      (ECT) is a novel local treatment successfully used in primary skin tumors. We
      report a case of a man affected by ulcerated basal cell carcinoma treated with
      ECT. In our case ECT was successful in the management of extensive basal cell
      carcinoma in clinical conditions whereas other approaches, would have been
      dangerous and inappropriate. To our knowledge, ECT must be considered as an
      alternative of traditional techniques when they are contraindicated in relation
      to the appearance of the lesions or the patient medical history.

PMID- 22041803
TI  - Atypical (symplastic) leiomyoma of the uterus--a case report.
AB  - A 30-year-old, nulliparous woman presented with a history of subfertility. On
      examination she was found to have uterine fibroid of 28 weeks size of gravid
      uterus and subsequently laporatomy myomectomy was performed. Multilobulated
      masses, with diameters ranging from 22 mm to 160 mm were found. Cut sections of
      the lobulated masses showed whitish whorled cut surface. One of the
      multilobulated masses had a cystic cavity, measuring 60x50x35 mm(3). Light
      microscopic findings of the mass with the cystic cavity showed a well
      circumscribed cellular tumour composed of cells exhibiting moderate nuclear
      atypia which were enlarged, nuclei with prominent chromatin clumping and were
      distributed in areas. Some tumour cells showed large nuclear pseudoinclusions,
      multinucleated or multilobated tumour giant cells, smudging and few enlarged
      nucleoli. Mitotic activity was 4 MFs per 10 HPFs. Occasional cells with
      intracytoplasmic inclusions resembling rhabdoid - like features were seen. There
      were no atypical mitoses or tumour necroses were noted. Diagnosis of atypical
      leiomyoma or symplastic leiomyoma was made. Atypical or symplastic leiomyomas are
      rare in the region of Malaysia and the present case discusses its incidence in
      younger age, its morphological features along with diagnosis and clinical
      outcome.

PMID- 22041804
TI  - Gallbladder metastases of breast cancer: from clinical-pathological patterns to
      diagnostic and therapeutic strategy.
AB  - Gallbladder metastasis of breast cancer are rare, particularly linked to lobular
      histotype and synchronous just in 1/4 cases. A review of the literature has been
      performed aimed to evidence the patterns of gallbladder metastases of breast
      cancer finding 15 cases to whom we added a 48 years old post-menopausal woman. 3
      weeks after surgery for mixed ductal-lobular breast carcinoma she showed at the
      abdominal ultrasound, performed for staging, diffuse thickening of the
      gallbladder wall , coherent with a chronic cholecystitis and with the mild right
      upper-abdominal pain that the patient complained in the last months. After
      laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the pathology report showed a metastatic lobular
      carcinoma of the breast. Two years later she presented with SNC metastases and
      died four months later. Lobular histotype is the most frequent breast neoplasm
      associated with gallbladder metastases. Usually metachronous, these metastases
      are sinchronous in 28% of cases. Symptoms are usually linked to coexisting acute
      or cronic cholecystitis. Rarely massive invasions lead to acute abdomen or
      jaundice. Imaging is rarely diagnostic for neoplasm. Our experience and data from
      literature lead to careful evaluate every anomaly observed in breast cancer
      patients. A careful evaluation of abdominal symptoms and of routine imaging
      examinations performed for staging and for treatment planning, could consent to
      detect and radically treat the metastases and appropriately assign the
      chemotherapy. Such approach can lead to discrete survival even in these
      unfortunate patients. Surgeons and gastroenterologists should be aware of the
      risk hidden behind apparently benign, mild diseases in such patients.

PMID- 22041805
TI  - [Extramotor disorders in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: multisystem disease?].
AB  - The purpose of this article is to review several studies on extramotor feature in
      Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), its association with cognitive impairment,
      dementia, sensory and autonomic abnormalities suggesting that ALS is a
      multisystem disorder rather than a pure motor neuron disease. Evidence from
      neuroimaging, neuropsychological and histologic studies suggests that other brain
      regions can be involved in the pathologic process. However, the extent of the
      extramotor involvement remains unclear. A recent finding on the deposition of
      pathological TDP-43 (43 kDA transactivating responsive sequence DNA binding
      protein) in the Central Nervous System of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis patients
      implies that ALS may be situated of clinicopathological spectrum of multisystem
      degeneration including Fronto-Temporal Lobar degeneration, that is related to the
      same protein.

PMID- 22041806
TI  - [Media Studies: a diachronic and cross-curricular approach].
AB  - Studies on Media have generated analysis and remarks involving many different
      disciplines. We have just entered the age of Mass Communication. Each media
      (papers, radio, movie, TV and web too) wants to interpret reality and offer it to
      its audience. Each message coming from media is sifted and proposed according to
      the structural and technical characteristics of the media itself (as M.McLuhan
      said "the medium is the message"). In time there have been interpretations in
      favour or against as well, as experts detractors or defenders of media; U Eco
      called them "apocalyptic" and "integrated". In Medicine there are many different
      pathologies referable to excessive or incorrect utilization of mass-media:
      obesity due to high-calorie intake caused by sedentary use of TV, anorexia caused
      by forced imitation of models created by media, anxiety and sleeping disorders in
      teen-agers caused by watching TV news. Research are being carried out on mental
      effort due to incorrect use of screen, similar to the research on VDU operators.
      Categories gathered from Cognitive Ergonomics are suggested to hypothesize models
      of correct use of media and maybe the capacity of getting free from the influence
      of media so that aware audience can have a conscious perspective and not the
      perception of reality based entirely on the use of any media.

PMID- 22041807
TI  - [Er:YAG laser: tissue interaction and histomorphological characterization].
AB  - Authors describe Er:YAG laser interaction with tissues, in particular their
      histomorphological characteristics to identify a specific clinic area for laser
      application through the examination of different clinical international trials.
      This study includes experimental trials about pig and rat skin laser application
      to know laser Er: YAG capability and limits; investigation is extended to laser
      application in human soft tissues as mucosa, periosteum and bones, its utility in
      cutaneous pathologies and in antiageing treatments.

PMID- 22041808
TI  - Preliminary evidence of focal muscle vibration effects on spasticity due to
      cerebral palsy in a small sample of Italian children.
AB  - AIMS: Effects of muscle mechanical vibration on movement disorders still need
      accumulation of a pertinent body of evidence. The aim of this study was to
      explore the effects of repeated muscle vibration stimulation (rMV) using a
      protocol, previously demonstrated able to induce plastic reorganization of the
      primary motor cortex in an experimental model. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study
      was carried out in a cohort of 8 pediatric patients (6-15 years) with lower limb
      spasticity due to cerebral palsy. rMV was applied for 3 consecutive days, 30
      min/day, with fixed frequency (100 Hz) and low amplitude (<0.5 mm peak-to-peak),
      on the triceps surae. Outcome was measured using the modified Ashworth scale
      (MAS) and ankle range of movement (ROM) and spasticity was evaluated at T0, T1
      (24 hours afterwards), T2 (30 days afterwards) and T3 (12 weeks afterwards).
      RESULTS: Spasticity ameliorated with a 40% reduction of the MAS value and a 7.7%
      improvement of the ankle ROM at T1. Similar results were observed in T2 and T3,
      thus suggesting long-lasting effects of the treatment. CONCLUSIONS: This study
      remarks the possible role of rMV in a mini-invasive and cost-effective setting of
      treatment for spasticity due to cerebral palsy. Further studies are needed in
      order to confirm this preliminary results.

PMID- 22041809
TI  - Histological examination of bone fragments of unknown origin.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Recognition and identification of bone fragments are of primary
      importance to confirm or exclude the human origin of skeletal remains. When badly
      degraded fragments of bone are found, this may be impossible by gross morphology
      alone, and histological methods have to be used. Aim of this study is to
      correlate the compact bone tissue microstructure in various classes of mammals,
      including humans, and birds in order to find an adequate identification key.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used long bone diaphysis samples. Bone fragments had
      been fixed in 4% formalin and then decalcified in EDTA (ethylene-diamin-tetra
      acetate). After decalcification, samples had been processed for routine paraffin
      inclusion. Transverse sections had been cut and stained with hematoxylin-eosin
      staining, and examined by light microscopy (Nikon Eclipse E400(r)). RESULTS: The
      results of our study show that in bone tissue samples from various classes of
      mammals, including humans, and birds the osteonic structure shows peculiar
      features, often depending on the rate of bone remodeling, different in different
      animal species. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that a careful microscopic analysis of
      bone tissue and the characterization of distinctive osteonic features could give
      a major contribution to forensic medicine to obtain a more reliable recognition
      of bone fragments of unknown origin.

PMID- 22041810
TI  - Aminaphtone in the treatment of pseudophakic cystoid macular edema: a case
      report.
AB  - PURPOSE: Cystoid macular edema (CME) following cataract surgery has been
      recognized for over 50 years as an important cause of suboptimal post-operative
      vision. The incidence of CME varies widely, but is likely in the range of 1-2%
      using modern cataract extraction techniques. We report the case of resolution of
      post-operative CME after treatment with aminaphtone 75 mg three time a day for
      one month. METHODS: A 74-year-old causasian woman presented with reduced vision
      in the left eye after one month from uneventful cataract phacoemulsification. She
      underwent a complete ophthalmological examination comprehensive of spectral
      domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) which showed CME and a central
      foveal thickness (CFT) of 703 micron. The patient was treated with aminaphtone
      for one month. RESULTS: CME disappeared, the CFT was within normal limits when
      aminaphtone was ceased, and best corrected visual acuity was 20/20 at the end of
      the treatment. CONCLUSION: Aminaphtone is a novel proposal in the treatment of
      pseudophakic cystoid macular edema.

PMID- 22041811
TI  - Migrating radicular pain caused by gas-collection in the lumbar epidural region:
      case report.
AB  - Finding gas into the intervertebral disc space is a relatively common occurrence,
      whereas lumbar disc herniations containing gas or lumbar epidural gas-collections
      are rarely observed. The Author reports a very rare case of a patient who first
      suffered from right-side sciatica and then, a few months after being treated,
      from left-side cruralgy; both symptoms were found to be caused by epidural gas
      collection at different levels of the spinal canal.

PMID- 22041812
TI  - Is non-directive communication in genetic counseling possible?
AB  - In 2007, over 560,000 genetic tests were performed in Italy. However, only 70,154
      genetic counseling sessions were conducted. Some say that non-directive
      counseling is necessary so that the patient understands the test results and the
      different options available and that the physician should not influence the
      patient's free choice. We need to clarify the meaning of non-directive
      consultation and if it is in fact possible. Each doctor has his own values and,
      in order to achieve the intended purpose, he will give information that, with his
      verbal, para-verbal and body language will guide the patient to one decision or
      another. Taking into account the axiom of effective communication "You can't NOT
      communicate", non-directive counseling is very difficult or even impossible. In
      genetic counseling, the knowledge that the patient receives of the correct
      diagnosis and related medical facts and of the applicable genetic considerations
      is basic to the entire process. Nonetheless, such knowledge in itself is not
      sufficient if it cannot be appropriately imparted to the interested person or
      persons. We think "persuasion" is not the right method, but instead "convince"
      meaning "co-win", "win together" may be the best approach to a problem of such
      great importance. The counselor will have achieved the desired goal with his
      patient if he is able to channel the emotion towards a mutually beneficial
      objective. The primary goal is not to persuade but to win-together (convince)
      with the patient and the unborn child.

PMID- 22041813
TI  - [The ketogenic diet: an underappreciated therapeutic option?].
AB  - Obesity is reaching epidemic proportions in Western countries and is a strong
      risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Despite the constant recommendations of
      health care organizations regarding the importance of weight control, this goal
      often fails. Although there is a common agreement about the concept that exercise
      and diet are two key factors for the control of body weight, the ideal amount and
      type of exercise and also the ideal diet for weight control are still under
      debate. A widely accepted nutritional regime is the Mediterranean diet that has
      evident health benefits although less attention has been paid to see if the
      effects are due to other lifestyle factors which may contribute to the health
      benefits perhaps as much as specific food choices. There are several other
      options available to the physician that may produce good weight loss results in
      the short/medium term and also for maintenance of the goal achieved. One of these
      strategies is the ketogenic diet or VLCKD (very low carbohydrate ketogenic diet)
      that has been widely studied in recent years. Most studies show that this diet
      has a solid physiological and biochemical basis which is able to induce effective
      weight loss and improvement of several parameters of cardiovascular risk. This
      review discusses the physiological basis of VLCKD and the main applications
      together with its strengths and weaknesses compared to common dietary
      recommendations.

PMID- 22041814
TI  - Missing heritability in the tails of quantitative traits? A simulation study on
      the impact of slightly altered true genetic models.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Genome-wide association studies have identified robust associations
      between single nucleotide polymorphisms and complex traits. As the proportion of
      phenotypic variance explained is still limited for most of the traits, larger and
      larger meta-analyses are being conducted to detect additional associations. Here
      we investigate the impact of the study design and the underlying assumption about
      the true genetic effect in a bimodal mixture situation on the power to detect
      associations. METHODS: We performed simulations of quantitative phenotypes
      analysed by standard linear regression and dichotomized case-control data sets
      from the extremes of the quantitative trait analysed by standard logistic
      regression. RESULTS: Using linear regression, markers with an effect in the
      extremes of the traits were almost undetectable, whereas analysing extremes by
      case-control design had superior power even for much smaller sample sizes. Two
      real data examples are provided to support our theoretical findings and to
      explore our mixture and parameter assumption. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings support
      the idea to re-analyse the available meta-analysis data sets to detect new loci
      in the extremes. Moreover, our investigation offers an explanation for discrepant
      findings when analysing quantitative traits in the general population and in the
      extremes.

PMID- 22041815
TI  - Protein-directed reduction of graphene oxide and intracellular imaging.
AB  - We demonstrate a facile, one-step, protein-directed approach to preparing a new
      functional reduced graphene oxide via simultaneous reduction and surface
      functionalization of graphene oxide sheets with herceptin and show its potential
      application as a novel biological imaging agent.

PMID- 22041816
TI  - Diagnostic value of some less frequently considered blink reflex parameters in
      idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia.
AB  - AIM OF THE STUDY: We have done a study investigating the value of some less
      frequently considered Blink reflex parameters for establishing the diagnosis of
      idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia. PATIENTS: The study was done on 50 patients
      suffering from idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia, diagnosed according to the
      guidelines of the International Classification of Headache Disorders, with no
      other apparent illness. METHODS: We have stimulated the supraorbital nerve at the
      forehead (foramen n. supraorbitalis) and recorded the reflex response on both mm.
      orbiculares oculi. Incidence of following findings was determined: (1) occurrence
      of ipsilateral R3 component, (2) prolonged duration (>25 ms) of R2 when
      stimulating the affected side and (3) occurrence of R1 component during the
      stimulation of contralateral supraorbital nerve. We have compared these findings
      to those of 50 healthy subjects from the control group (Chi-square, p < 0.05).
      Sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic value for individual parameters were
      determined. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: All three parameters tested proved to have a
      significantly higher incidence in the group of subjects. The occurrence of R3
      component on the affected side showed the highest diagnostic value. SIGNIFICANCE:
      We believe these findings could electrophysiologically reinforce the clinically
      established diagnosis of idiopathic trigeminal neuralgia.

PMID- 22041817
TI  - Notch signaling mediates p63-induced quiescence: a new facet of p63/Notch
      crosstalk.

PMID- 22041818
TI  - Effects of YC-1 on hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha in hypoxic human bladder
      transitional carcinoma cell line T24 cells.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: It was the aim of this study to explore the effects of 3-(5'
      hydroxymethyl-2'-furyl)-l-benzyl indazole (YC-1) on transcription activity, cell
      proliferation and apoptosis of hypoxic human bladder transitional carcinoma cells
      (BTCC), mediated by hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha (HIF-1alpha). METHODS: BTCC
      cell line T24 cells were incubated under normoxic or hypoxic conditions, adding
      different doses of YC-1. The protein expression of HIF-1alpha and HIF-1alpha
      mediated genes was detected by Western blotting. RT-PCR was used to detect HIF
      1alpha mRNA expression. Cell proliferation, apoptosis and migration activity were
      determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay,
      flow cytometry and transwell migration assay. The cells were pretreated by two
      ERK/p38 MAPK pathway-specific inhibitors, PD98059 or SB203580, and then incubated
      with YC-1 treatment under hypoxic condition. HIF-1alpha protein expression was
      detected by Western blotting. RESULTS: Hypoxic T24 cells expressed a higher level
      of HIF-1alpha, vascular endothelial growth factor, matrix metalloproteinases-2, B
      cell lymphoma/leukemia-2 protein and HIF-1alpha mRNA compared with normoxic
      controls, in which the above-mentioned expression was downregulated by YC-1 in a
      dose-dependent manner. Cell proliferation and migration activity were inhibited
      while apoptosis was induced by YC-1 under hypoxic condition. Moreover, YC-1
      downregulated HIF-1alpha expression was reversed by PD98059 and SB203580,
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: YC-1 inhibits HIF-1alpha and HIF-1alpha-mediated gene
      expression, cell proliferation and migration activity and induces apoptosis in
      hypoxic BTCC. The ERK/p38 MAPK pathway may be involved in YC-1-mediated
      inhibition of HIF-1alpha.

PMID- 22041819
TI  - [Lead poisoning and basal ganglia hyperintensities].

PMID- 22041820
TI  - [Seizures in neurofibromatosis. What is the risk?].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The prevalence and the type of seizures associated with
      neurofibromatosis 1 (NF1) and 2 (NF2) are not adequately characterized. STATE OF
      THE ART: NF1 has a birth incidence of one in 2500, and NF2 one in 25000. Seizures
      are an occasional complication in NF1 patients and there is no data for NF2
      patients. Central nervous system tumors are always suspected, since NF1 and NF2
      are caused by mutations in tumor suppressor gene controlling cell proliferation
      and differentiation. PERSPECTIVES: The aim of this article is to provide a
      synthetic overview about epilepsy associated with NF1 and NF2 based on published
      studies. In NF1, the type of seizures and their response to therapy are reported,
      the heterogeneity of etiology is also discussed. For NF2 patients, no specific
      data are available; the current knowledge comes from series of NF2 patients for
      which seizures has revealed the disease or from isolated case reports of tumors
      associated with seizures. CONCLUSION: Cryptogenic epilepsy without anatomic
      defect is likely to be related to NF1, while seizures seem to be secondary to
      leptomeningeal tumors (meningioma, meningioangiomatosis) in NF2 patients.

PMID- 22041821
TI  - Neurosyphilis is a treatable cause of dementia not systematically searched for,
      but still worth to be considered.

PMID- 22041822
TI  - Metronidazole-cerebellopathy associated with peripheral neuropathy, downbeat
      nystagmus, and bilateral ocular abduction deficit.

PMID- 22041823
TI  - [Neuralgic amyotrophy revealed by diaphragmatic palsy].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Neuralgic amyotrophy is considered to be a form of mononeuropathy
      multiplex which generally involves the nerves of the upper limbs. OBSERVATIONS:
      We describe four cases of neuralgic amyotrophy revealed by dyspnea due to phrenic
      nerve involvement, with asymptomatic motor deficit in the upper part of the
      brachial plexus. CONCLUSION: Phrenic nerve involvement revealed by dyspnea is
      rare. Associated with neurologic signs, the diagnosis is evocative. In case of an
      isolated attack, the key to diagnosis is the electromyographic exam.

PMID- 22041824
TI  - [Psychiatric and cognitive signs associated with inborn errors of metabolism].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Inborn errors of metabolism are rare disease and forms with
      presenting psychiatric signs are even rarer. However, some of them are treatable
      and early treatment (which may start when psychiatric signs are the only
      manifestation) may lead to more efficacy and better improvement for either
      psychiatric and organic signs. Recognition by psychiatrist, and non-specialized
      practionners, is therefore a major issue for patients and health care.
      OBSERVATION: After an illustrating case report, we propose a short description of
      psychiatric signs, focusing on presenting signs, associated with neurometabolic
      disease. We also propose a pragmatic and simple clinical diagnostic strategy for
      practionners when facing to atypical psychiatric signs leading to a minimum
      reasonable exploratory assessment. CONCLUSION: Atypical psychiatric signs must be
      known by psychiatrists in order to seek neurometabolic disease. Multidisciplinary
      approach, especially between psychiatrists and neurologists, is crucial in this
      topic.

PMID- 22041825
TI  - [Working memory in multiple sclerosis: a review].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Impairment of working memory (WM) is frequently reported in
      multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. However, the various methodologies used, as
      well as the populations selected for study, hinder the interpretation of results.
      The aim of this study is to propose a review about WM in MS. METHOD: Twenty
      studies have presented results on WM with neuropsychological assessment. RESULTS:
      All studies conclude that WM is impaired in MS. Reduced processing speed would be
      central, with major impact on WM performance. According to Baddeley's model,
      difficulties may be located at the level of the central executive. MS patients
      would be sensitive to tasks with a high cognitive load. However, performances
      seem to become better when the processing speed is adapted. Explanatory models
      relating to this kind of impairment have been proposed from imaging studies.
      Compensation could mask deficits in WM at the early stage of the disease, but
      would become blurred with advancing illness and increasing load required for the
      task. CONCLUSIONS/PROSPECTS: In order to assess WM, adapted tools should be
      proposed to MS patients. Focus should be placed on processing speed. Further
      studies are needed, for instance to examine the dissociation of the processes
      operating within the central executive as described in Miyake's model. Imaging
      investigations have provided essential data helpful for understanding
      compensation mechanisms. These data should be useful for developing adapted
      remediation plans to compensate for the crippling impairment observed in everyday
      life.

PMID- 22041826
TI  - The evolving role of surgeons and surgery in the changing NHS.

PMID- 22041828
TI  - Core Training: evidence-based medicine for doctors in training.

PMID- 22041827
TI  - Rivaroxaban: direct factor Xa inhibition to treat acute deep vein thrombosis.

PMID- 22041829
TI  - Preventing acute kidney injury: identifying risk and reducing injury.

PMID- 22041830
TI  - Renal failure in chronic liver disease and the hepatorenal syndrome.

PMID- 22041831
TI  - Medical management of  renal stone disease.

PMID- 22041832
TI  - Venous complications of  thoracic outlet syndrome.

PMID- 22041833
TI  - Anaesthesia in obese patients.

PMID- 22041834
TI  - How to self train in basic laparoscopic skills.

PMID- 22041835
TI  - Clinical leadership: the challenge for senior leaders.

PMID- 22041836
TI  - Removal of a titanium alloy ring.

PMID- 22041837
TI  - Conn's syndrome unmasked by  thiazide-induced hypokalaemia.

PMID- 22041839
TI  - Dissecting thoracic aneurysm:  an unusual presentation.

PMID- 22041838
TI  - Hepatorenal syndrome precipitated  by infective endocarditis.

PMID- 22041841
TI  - Teaching of anatomy through cadaveric dissection: are we really satisfied?

PMID- 22041842
TI  - The increasing cost of education.

PMID- 22041844
TI  - Perioperative epidurals: the controversy goes on.

PMID- 22041845
TI  - Immunocytochemical studies on the effect of 405-nm low-power laser irradiation on
      human-derived A-172 glioblastoma cells.
AB  - The application of low-power laser irradiation (LLI) affects the cell cycle and
      cell proliferation in various kinds of cells. LLI at a wavelength of 808 nm and a
      power of 30 mW has been found to significantly decrease the proliferation rate of
      cells of the human-derived glioblastoma cell line A-172. To determine if this
      effect of LLI is specific to 808-nm LLI, the present study was designed to reveal
      the effects of 405-nm LLI under the same experimental conditions. A-172
      glioblastoma cells were cultured in 96-well plates according to the conventional
      protocol. Two different schedules of 405-nm LLI (27 mW) were tested: longer
      periods of 20, 40 and 60 min and shorter periods of 1, 2, 3, 5, 10 and 15 min.
      Cells on a digital image displayed on a computer monitor were counted and the
      proliferation ratio was determined using MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5
      diphenyl-2H-tetrazolium bromide) staining. Annexin-V-FLUOS staining and acridine
      orange/ethidium-bromide staining were in an immunocytochemical assay to determine
      if cells were viable or dead (due to apoptosis or necrosis). Cell counting and
      MTT staining showed that longer 405-nm LLI significantly suppressed the
      proliferation of A-172 cells at 48 h after LLI (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01) and that
      the effect of LLI tended to be dose-dependent with morphological changes
      including cell death. At 90 min after LLI, shorter 405-nm LLI caused necrotic as
      well as apoptotic cell death, and these effects depended on irradiation time,
      power and energy density. Detailed analysis revealed that this lethal effect
      occurred after LLI and was not sustainable. It is concluded that 405-nm LLI has a
      lethal effect on human-derived glioblastoma A-172 cells, that is different from
      the suppressive effect without morphological changes induced by 808-nm LLI.

PMID- 22041846
TI  - Patient responses to Er:YAG laser when used for conservative dentistry.
AB  - The utilization of laser technology in conservative dentistry offers several
      advantages compared with traditional instruments, but one of the still unsolved
      problems is the difficulty in describing and explaining these advantages to
      patients. The aims of this study were to verify the efficacy of the way patients
      are informed and to evaluate their satisfaction with laser-assisted treatment.
      Before treatment, 100 patients were given a brochure that explained the relevant
      laser-assisted dental procedures, and after dental treatment an 11-item
      questionnaire was administered to the patients to evaluate their satisfaction
      with the treatment. Statistical analysis showed high levels of satisfaction for
      all the questions, especially those regarding the choice between laser therapy
      and traditional instruments (100%), choosing laser in the future (89%), and
      recommending it to family and friends (84%). This study may be relevant when
      determining the overall satisfaction of patients with this new technology.

PMID- 22041847
TI  - Air movements interfere with laser speckle contrast imaging recordings.

PMID- 22041848
TI  - Punctal occlusion is safe and efficient for the treatment of keratoconjunctivitis
      sicca in patients with ocular GvHD.
AB  - The use of punctal plugs in the treatment of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) in
      inflammatory eye disease remains controversial because of the potentially
      increased retention time of tears enriched with inflammatory cytokines that may
      aggravate eye inflammation. We describe the safety and efficacy of punctal
      occlusion in a retrospective analysis of 19 patients (16 men) with KCS due to
      chronic GvHD (cGvHD). Efficacy and safety were assessed by subjective and
      objective criteria (symptoms, corneal fluorescein staining, tear film break-up
      time (BUT), Schirmer I test, Jones test and visual acuity). Follow-up was from
      plug insertion until maximum one year after punctal occlusion. After punctal
      occlusion, patients reported a significant increase in subjective comfort (1.10
      vs 0.59 on a scale ranging from no symptoms (0) to severe impairment (2),
      P<0.001). Pathological corneal fluorescein staining decreased significantly
      (P<0.001) and tear film BUT remained unchanged (5.98 vs 4.0 s, P=0.79).
      Measurement of tear secretion or retention time showed a non-significant trend
      for improvement in the Schirmer I (3.0 vs 3.40 mm, P=0.08) and Jones (1.36 vs 2.8
      mm, P=0.08) tests. The logMAR visual acuity remained unchanged. Punctal occlusion
      achieved a significant improvement in subjective symptoms and objective findings
      in ocular GvHD without increasing ocular inflammation.

PMID- 22041849
TI  - Indolent T-cell large granular lymphocyte leukaemia after haematopoietic SCT: a
      clinicopathologic and molecular analysis.
AB  - Four women and three men after allogeneic (n=4) and autologous (n=3)
      haematopoietic SCT (HSCT) were observed to have an increase in T-cell large
      granular lymphocytes (T-LGLs) of CD3+CD8+ phenotype for a median of 41 (15-118)
      months. Clonal rearrangement of the T-cell receptor gene was verified by two PCR
      techniques and direct DNA sequencing, confirming that the cases were neoplastic
      and therefore classifiable as T-LGL leukaemia. In the allogeneic HSCT cases, T
      LGL leukaemia was derived from donor T cells in three patients, as shown by DNA
      chimerism analysis, and recipient T cells in one patient who had graft failure
      previously. None of the patients showed cytopenia, autoimmune phenomenon or organ
      infiltration, which were features typical of de novo T-LGL leukaemia. Six
      patients had remained asymptomatic with stable large granular lymphocyte counts.
      One patient died from cerebral relapse of the original lymphoma. T-LGL leukaemias
      occurring post-HSCT are distinct from de novo T-LGL leukaemia and may have a
      different pathogenesis and clinical course. Patients did not require specific
      treatment, and the disease remained stable for long periods.

PMID- 22041850
TI  - Factors associated with the efficiency of PBSC collection in POEMS syndrome
      patients undergoing autologous PBSC transplantation.

PMID- 22041851
TI  - Differences in mothers' and fathers' psychological distress after pediatric SCT:
      a longitudinal study.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to examine longitudinally psychological distress
      and its correlates in mothers and fathers of children who undergo SCT, up to 2
      years post SCT. A total of 111 parents of patients diagnosed mainly with leukemia
      completed standardized measures of depression and anxiety symptoms as indicators
      of psychological distress, 85 at 1 year pre-SCT and 81 at 2 years post SCT.
      Parents' age and gender, child's age, diagnosis, radiation history, behavior and
      physical health were examined as potential related factors. Linear mixed models
      for repeated measures with appropriate covariance structure were used in the
      analysis. Depression and anxiety scores significantly decreased by 2 years for
      mothers and fathers. Mothers reported significantly more depression symptoms than
      did fathers, but reported comparable symptoms of anxiety. Pre-SCT depression and
      anxiety scores, mother's age (younger), child's behavior problems, radiation
      history and diagnosis of neuroblastoma predicted maternal distress 2 years post
      SCT; pre-SCT depression and anxiety scores, father's age (older) and child's
      diagnosis predicted father's distress. This study highlights differences and
      similarities in mothers' and fathers' psychological distress and identifies
      related risk factors. The results can guide interventions for mothers and fathers
      whose children undergo SCT based on their pre-SCT psychosocial risk.

PMID- 22041852
TI  - Subset characterization of myeloid-derived suppressor cells arising during
      induction of BM chimerism in mice.
AB  - To date, myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) have been best studied in
      cancer, where they represent an escape mechanism for immune surveillance. MDSC
      are now also gaining interest in the context of transplantation. Suppressive
      CD11b(+) myeloid progenitor cells have been reported to expand endogenously
      during BM chimerism induction in mice; in particular, in irradiated MHC-matched
      BM chimeras and in parent-in-F1 BM chimeras. Myeloid cell expansion coincided
      with a time frame where donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) therapy-mediated GVL
      effects without GVHD. Hypothesizing that regulatory myeloid cells may have a role
      in regulating post-transplant T-cell alloreactivity, we performed a detailed
      phenotypic and functional characterization of these cells in the parent-in-F1
      C57BL/6 -> [C57BL/6xDBA2] model. We found that transiently expanding CD11b(+)
      myeloid progenitor cells comprise the two phenotypically and functionally
      distinct mononuclear and polymorphonuclear MDSC subsets that were recently
      described in tumor-bearing mice. Both MDSC subsets suppressed in vitro and in
      vivo alloreactive T-cell proliferation. Also, both the subsets mediated enhanced
      in vitro suppression when harvested from chimeras, given a prior in vivo
      challenge with non-tolerant donor T cells, indicating that allo-activated T cells
      can activate MDSC in vivo. This study provides the basis to investigate the
      potentially beneficial-role of expanding MDSC in influencing the risk of GVHD
      during chimerism induction.

PMID- 22041853
TI  - Opportunistic screening of hospital staff using primary colonoscopy:
      participation, discomfort and willingness to repeat the procedure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Participation in and tolerability of primary colonoscopy screening
      are presumed to be relatively low. The present study aimed to test its
      feasibility in a well-informed population of hospital staff using an intensive
      information campaign, and to identify factors associated with screening
      colonoscopy rated as uncomfortable. METHODS: Data were collected using
      standardized forms. RESULTS: Out of 1,090 invited employees (50-65 years), 447
      (41.0%) participated. Bowel preparation and colonoscopy were rated as 'somewhat
      to very uncomfortable' by 79.5 and 21.9%, respectively. 96.3% of participants
      were willing to repeat colonoscopy in the future. Participants rating colonoscopy
      as uncomfortable were more likely unwilling to repeat the procedure (OR 8.026, CI
      2.667-24.154). Multivariate analysis (age- and gender-adjusted) showed an
      association of colonoscopy rated as uncomfortable with: abdominal pain during
      colonoscopy (OR 3.185, CI 1.642-6.178), other pain (OR 2.428, CI 1.335-4.416),
      flatulence (OR 2.175, CI 1.219-3.881), embarrassment (OR 2.843, CI 1.350-5.989),
      abdominal pain after colonoscopy (OR 1.976, CI 1.041-3.751), and a prolonged
      procedure time (OR 1.000, CI 1.000-1.001). CONCLUSIONS: Acceptance of primary
      colonoscopy screening for colorectal neoplasia was high, although participants
      with symptoms during and after colonoscopy were more likely to rate colonoscopy
      as uncomfortable. This type of opportunistic screening procedure is suitable for
      the introduction of screening programs and may be useful in areas that have no
      access to population-based screening.

PMID- 22041854
TI  - Hollow mesoporous zeolite microspheres: hierarchical macro-/meso-/microporous
      structure and exceptionally enhanced adsorption properties.
AB  - We report the synthesis of a new kind of uniform hollow zeolite microspheres with
      hierarchical macro-/meso-/microporosity by an efficient strategy combining bi
      templating, steam-assisted crystallization and then a mild alkaline etching
      method. This novel product has a hollow architecture, highly crystallized zeolite
      shells and more importantly, high dye adsorption capabilities.

PMID- 22041855
TI  - Eligibility, compliance and persistence of sequential therapy with aromatase
      inhibitors following 2-3 years of tamoxifen in endocrine adjuvant breast cancer
      therapy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the eligibility, compliance and persistence of
      sequential therapy, i.e. a switch to an aromatase inhibitor (AI) following 2-3
      years of tamoxifen, in adjuvant endocrine breast cancer (BC) treatment. METHODS:
      Data concerning 388 BC patients (age <=70 years) who started endocrine adjuvant
      therapy between 1998 and 2008 were analyzed. RESULTS: From the 263 patients who
      started therapy with tamoxifen, 167 (63.5%) were eligible for a sequential
      therapy. Fifty-nine patients (35.3%) were offered a switch by their physicians;
      women who had their follow-up at oncological units received the offer more often
      when compared to those treated by general practitioners (p < 0.001). Out of these
      59 patients, 50 followed the proposal (compliance 84.7%). Of those who agreed to
      a sequential therapy, 2 (4%) were non-persistent to endocrine therapy; in 9 cases
      (18.0%), a re-switch to tamoxifen was done due to AI-related adverse side
      effects. CONCLUSIONS: Only a minority of the patients who started an endocrine
      adjuvant BC therapy was eligible for sequential therapy. Patients who underwent a
      switch had a high rate of persistence. Efforts should be made to make sure that
      all physicians, above all general practitioners, who are involved in the
      treatment of BC patients, are provided with current therapy guidelines.

PMID- 22041856
TI  - Twin epidemics: asthma and obesity.

PMID- 22041857
TI  - Clinical usefulness of CEA, CA19-9, and CYFRA 21-1 as tumor markers for
      urothelial bladder carcinoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the usefulness of measuring serum CEA, CA19-9, and CYFRA
      21-1 levels for the diagnosis and monitoring of bladder cancer. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Serum levels of CEA, CA19-9, and CYFRA 21-1 were measured in 85 patients
      with bladder cancer. The absolute level of each marker and the positive rate were
      compared with the clinical stage and histological grade of the tumor. Changes of
      the markers were assessed in patients with or without disease progression, and
      the correlations between survival and positivity/negativity of these markers were
      also evaluated. RESULTS: A higher serum level of CYFRA 21-1 was significantly
      correlated with higher tumor stage (p < 0.01) and higher grade (p < 0.05). In
      contrast, serum CEA and CA19-9 levels did not differ significantly among each
      stage and grade. The CYFRA 21-1 level increased significantly along with disease
      progression (from 7.33 +/- 13.3 to 55.9 +/- 127 ng/ml, p < 0.01). Patients who
      were positive for CYFRA 21-1 had significantly worse disease-specific survival (p
      < 0.0001, log rank test). CONCLUSION: Serum CYFRA 21-1 seems to be a marker of
      advanced- and high-grade urothelial carcinoma of the bladder. It is useful for
      monitoring this disease and for predicting the prognosis. In contrast, the
      clinical usefulness of CEA and CA19-9 as tumor markers was not demonstrated.

PMID- 22041858
TI  - Titanium preferential binding sites in human serum transferrin at physiological
      concentrations.
AB  - Serum transferrin (Tf) is an iron binding glycoprotein that plays a central role
      in the metabolism of this essential metal but it also binds other metal ions.
      Four main transferrin forms containing different iron binding states can be
      distinguished in human serum samples: monoferric (C-site or N-site),
      holotransferrin (with two Fe atoms) and apotransferrin (with no metal). Recently,
      it has been reported that Tf binds also Ti even more tightly than does Fe, in
      artificially Ti(iv) spiked solutions. However, very limited work has been done on
      the Ti binding to Tf at physiological concentrations in patients carrying
      intramedullary Ti nails. Here we report the chemical association of Ti to Tf "in
      vivo" under different chromatographic conditions by elemental mass spectrometry
      using double focusing inductively coupled plasma (DF-ICP-MS) as detector. For the
      separation of the Ti/Fe-Tf forms different gradient conditions have been
      explored. The observed results reveal that human serum Ti (from patients carrying
      intramedullary Ti nails) is uniquely associated to the N-lobe of Tf. The
      investigation of the influence of sialic acid in the carbohydrate chain of human
      serum Tf, studied by incubating the protein with neuraminidase (sialidase) to
      obtain the monosialilated species, revealed that the binding affinity of Ti was
      similar for monosialo-Tf and for native-Tf and occurs in the N-lobe. These
      results suggest that the species Fe(C)Ti(N)-TF might provide a route for Ti entry
      into cells via the transferrin receptors after the release of the metal from its
      implants.

PMID- 22041859
TI  - Visible-light photoredox catalyzed oxidative Strecker reaction.
AB  - An aerobic photocatalytic oxidative cyanation of tertiary amines providing
      valuable alpha-aminonitriles in good to excellent yields was developed. Mild
      reaction conditions and low catalyst loading are attractive features of the
      protocol.

PMID- 22041862
TI  - Functionalized 2,3-dihydrofurans via palladium-catalyzed oxyarylation of alpha
      allyl-beta-ketoesters.
AB  - The palladium-catalyzed reaction of (hetero)aryl bromides, chlorides, and
      nonaflates with alpha-allyl-beta-ketoesters provides ready efficient access to
      functionalized 2,3-dihydrofurans. The reaction tolerates several useful
      substituents including chloro, fluoro, ether, ketone, ester, cyano, and nitro
      groups.

PMID- 22041865
TI  - IL-31 expression by inflammatory cells is preferentially elevated in atopic
      dermatitis.
AB  - Interleukin-31 (IL-31) is a recently discovered cytokine expressed in many human
      tissues, and predominantly by activated CD4(+) T cells. IL-31 signals through a
      heterodimeric receptor consisting of IL-31 receptor alpha (IL-31RA) and
      oncostatin M receptor beta (OSMR). Earlier studies have shown involvement of IL
      31 and its receptor components IL-31RA and OSMR in atopic dermatitis, pruritus
      and Th2-weighted inflammation at the mRNA level. The aim of this study was to
      investigate IL-31 protein expression in skin of such conditions.
      Immunohistochemical staining for IL-31, IL-31RA and OSMR was performed in
      formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded biopsy specimens. IL-31 expression was increased
      in the inflammatory infiltrates from skin biopsies taken from subjects with
      atopic dermatitis, compared with controls (p <= 0.05). IL-31, IL-31RA and OSMR
      protein immunoreactivity was not increased in biopsies from subjects with other
      Th2-weighted and pruritic skin diseases. Our results confirm, at the protein
      level, the relationship between IL-31 expression and atopic dermatitis. Our
      results do not support a general relationship between expression of IL-31/IL-31R
      and pruritic or Th2-mediated diseases.

PMID- 22041864
TI  - Decreased serum sclerostin levels in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism: a
      cross-sectional and a longitudinal study.
AB  - Decreased serum sclerostin was evident in patients with primary
      hyperparathyroidism and was inversely related to parathyroid hormone (PTH).
      Sclerostin normalized earlier than biochemical bone turnover markers (BTMs)
      following parathyroidectomy. INTRODUCTION: There is limited information on the
      changes of serum sclerostin in conditions with chronic PTH excess in humans. The
      main objectives of the present study were to: (1) examine cross-sectionally the
      changes of serum sclerostin levels in patients with primary hyperparathyroidism
      (PHPT), (2) study the time course changes in serum sclerostin in PHPT patients
      following parathyroidectomy (PTX) followed up longitudinally for 12 months, and
      (3) compare the changes in serum sclerostin to that of BTMs. METHODS: We studied
      60 PHPT patients and compared them with 74 PTX patients together with 268 age-
      and sex-matched healthy controls. Also, we followed 27 PTX patients
      longitudinally at 2, 4, 6, 10, 30, 60, 180, and 360 days postoperatively. Serum
      sclerostin, BTMs, and minerals were measured. Also, bone mineral density was
      determined by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. RESULTS: Patients with PHPT
      exhibited significantly lower mean serum sclerostin [mean, in picomoles per
      liter; 95% confidence interval (CI)] (28.98; 27.94-30.03) than that obtained for
      PTX patients (37.01; 35.75-38.27) and healthy controls (46.22; 45.13-47.31) (P <
      0.0001, for each case), respectively. Serum PTH inversely correlated with serum
      sclerostin (r = -0.651, P < 0.0001). Serum sclerostin was normalized in PTX
      patients by the tenth day postoperatively and remained within the expected
      reference range thereafter. CONCLUSIONS: Significantly decreased serum sclerostin
      was evidenced in PHPT patients as compared with PTX and euparathyroid controls.
      The inverse PTH and sclerostin relationship suggests that sclerostin is
      downregulated by PTH in humans. Serum sclerostin normalized earlier than BTMs
      following parathyroidectomy.

PMID- 22041866
TI  - Multicenter, randomized study of genetically modified recombinant human
      interleukin-11 to prevent chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia in cancer
      patients receiving chemotherapy.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of
      genetically modified recombinant human IL-11 (mIL-11), using original IL-11 as an
      active control, in a multicenter randomized trial involving 88 cancer patients
      undergoing chemotherapy METHODS: Eighty-eight subjects who had platelets <= 75 *
      10(9)/L during the prior chemotherapy were randomized to the MR or RM group.
      Cohort MR consists of subcutaneous injection of mIL-11 (7.5 MUg/kg/day) for 10
      days, beginning 72 h after chemotherapy for a 21-day chemotherapy cycle (cycle-1)
      followed by that of recombinant human interleukin-11 (rhIL-11) (25 MUg/kg/day)
      for another 10 days (cycle-2). Cohort RM represents the reverse sequence. Intent
      to-treat populations of mIL-11 (n = 73) or rhIL-11 (n = 80) were analyzed to
      evaluate the safety. RESULTS: The incidence of drug-related adverse events of mIL
      11 (32.9%) was lower than that of rhIL-11 (51.3%) (p = 0.033). There were no
      unexpected >= grade-3 adverse events, and no subject developed antibodies to the
      mIL-11 protein. Sixty-two subjects were analyzed for efficacy by measuring
      average platelet levels. Both mIL-11 and rhIL-11 increased nadir platelet levels
      (62.6 +/- 34.9 * 10(9)/L for mIL-11 vs. 60.2 +/- 31.7 * 10(9)/L for rhIL-11) as
      compared with the untreated control group (41.2 +/- 17.7 * 10(9)/L) (p < 0.0001).
      There was no statistical difference in average platelet levels and platelet
      recovery rate between mIL-11 and rhIL-11. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that mIL
      11 is well tolerated and has thrombopoietic activity equivalent to one third of
      the clinical dose of rhIL-11, indicating the potential of mIL-11 for use in the
      treatment of CIT.

PMID- 22041867
TI  - Small cell carcinoma arising from the bulbar urethra: a case report and
      literature review.
AB  - Primary neuroendocrine carcinomas of the genitourinary tract are rare and
      aggressive tumors carrying a bad prognosis. With squamous cell and transitional
      cell carcinoma being the most commonly reported urethral malignancies, primary
      small cell carcinoma (SCC) of the urethra is extremely rare. To date, only 5
      cases have been reported in the literature. We present the first case of primary
      SCC occurring in the bulbar urethra in an 89-year-old male. We discuss the
      clinical, histological and immunohistochemical features of SCC of the urethra.
      Furthermore, we summarize the available literature and discuss the possible
      treatment options for this rare yet aggressive neoplasm.

PMID- 22041868
TI  - The efficiency of micrometastasis by sentinel node navigation surgery using
      indocyanine green and infrared ray laparoscopy system for gastric cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The clinical application of sentinel node navigation surgery (SNNS)
      for patients with gastric cancer requires accurate intraoperative diagnosis of
      lymph node metastasis. However, the clinical significance of the diagnosis of
      lymph node micrometastasis for gastric cancer has not been established. In this
      study, we evaluated lymph nodes dissected during SNNS by immunohistochemistry
      with anti-cytokeratin antibody (IHC) staining for gastric cancer to investigate
      the usefulness of SNNS. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The subjects were 130 patients with
      gastric cancer (3,381 lymph nodes) who underwent SNNS with infrared ray
      observation and lymph node dissection of D1+alpha or more. The dissected lymph
      nodes were stained with IHC (CAM 5.2), and the results were compared with intra-
      and postoperative diagnoses by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. In addition,
      the association of metastatic lymph nodes and ICG-positive lymph nodes was
      examined. RESULTS: The number of patients (lymph nodes) with lymph node
      metastasis by HE and IHC staining was 16 (52 nodes) and 31 (91 nodes),
      respectively. Fifteen patients (27 nodes) diagnosed with pN0 by HE staining were
      diagnosed to be metastatic by IHC staining. The tumor depth of these patients was
      pT1 in ten patients (m, 3; sm, 7) and pT2 in five (mp, 4; ss, 1). Regarding the
      histological type, three patients were classified as well-differentiated type,
      while six patients each had moderately and poorly differentiated types. The grade
      of lymphatic invasion was ly0 in 5, ly1 in 6, and ly2 in 4, respectively.
      Histological assessment of 27 IHC-positive and HE-negative cells indicated 5
      single cells, 16 clusters, and 6 micrometastases. These lymph nodes were all
      included in the sentinel nodes (SN) identified during surgery. All but one
      patient (0.8%) were recurrence-free at 2-8 years after surgery (median 74.7
      months). The one patient developed anastomotic recurrence 4.5 years after the
      first operation and died. CONCLUSION: Since all 27 lymph nodes in 15 patients
      with metastasis by IHC staining but not by HE staining were micrometastasis or
      less and included in the SN, ICG-positive lymphatic basin dissection by SNNS with
      infrared ray observation seems to be an adequate method of lymph node dissection
      for gastric cancer.

PMID- 22041870
TI  - Gender differences in examinee performance on the Step 2 Clinical Skills data
      gathering (DG) and patient note (PN) components.
AB  - Multiple studies examining the relationship between physician gender and
      performance on examinations have found consistent significant gender differences,
      but relatively little information is available related to any gender effect on
      interviewing and written communication skills. The United States Medical
      Licensing Examination (USMLE) Step 2 Clinical Skills (CS) examination is a multi
      station examination where examinees (physicians in training) interact with, and
      are rated by, standardized patients (SPs) portraying cases in an ambulatory
      setting. Data from a recent complete year (2009) were analyzed via a series of
      hierarchical linear models to examine the impact of examinee gender on
      performance on the data gathering (DG) and patient note (PN) components of this
      examination. Results from both components show that not only do women have higher
      scores on average, but women continue to perform significantly better than men
      when other examinee and case variables are taken into account. Generally, the
      effect sizes are moderate, reflecting an approximately 2% score advantage by
      encounter. The advantage for female examinees increased for encounters that did
      not require a physical examination (for the DG component only) and for encounters
      that involved a Women's Health issue (for both components). The gender of the SP
      did not have an impact on the examinee gender effect for DG, indicating a
      desirable lack of interaction between examinee and SP gender. The implications of
      the findings, especially with respect to the validity of the use of the
      examination outcomes, are discussed.

PMID- 22041869
TI  - The flow angle beneath the gastrojejunostomy predicts delayed gastric emptying in
      Roux-en-Y reconstruction after distal gastrectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Delayed gastric emptying without mechanical obstruction after Roux-en
      Y reconstruction has been defined as Roux stasis syndrome. It occurs in 10-30% of
      patients after such reconstruction. So far, the cause of this stasis has not been
      completely identified. This study aimed to reduce Roux stasis using surgical
      techniques. METHODS: From November 2007 to October 2010, we performed 101 distal
      gastrectomies with Roux-en-Y reconstruction. All the gastrojejunostomies were
      performed with end-to-end anastomoses. Roux stasis was analyzed with respect to
      tumor location, extent of the dissection, tumor progression, operation time,
      antecolic/retrocolic reconstruction, and the shape of the gastrojejunostomy. The
      shape of the gastrojejunostomy was evaluated by contrast gastroradiography 4 days
      after the operation. RESULTS: Roux stasis syndrome was observed in 17 of the 101
      patients. There was no relationship between the extent of the dissection, tumor
      progression, or operation time and the occurrence of Roux stasis. There was no
      difference in the incidence of Roux stasis between antecolic and retrocolic
      reconstructions. However, the group that displayed a straight anastomotic shape
      on contrast radiography demonstrated an apparently lower incidence of Roux stasis
      (p = 0.0003). In addition, Roux-en-Y reconstruction following gastric cancer was
      more frequently followed by Roux stasis in the antrum than in the midstomach (p =
      0.0036). Cases of Roux stasis occurred 11.8 days after surgery on average and
      resolved within 2 weeks on average. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings demonstrate the
      substantial benefits of a straight anastomosis of the gastrojejunostomy for the
      prevention of Roux stasis syndrome.

PMID- 22041871
TI  - Student perceptions of the progress test in two settings and the implications for
      test deployment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Progress Test (PT) was developed to assess student learning
      within integrated curricula. Whilst it is effective in promoting and rewarding
      deep approaches to learning in some settings, we hypothesised that implementation
      of the curriculum (design and assessment) may impact on students' preparation for
      the PT and their learning. Aim To compare students' perceptions of and
      preparations for the PT at two medical schools. METHOD: Focus groups were used to
      generate items for a questionnaire. This was piloted, refined, and then delivered
      at both schools. Exploratory factor analysis identified the main factors
      underpinning response patterns. ANOVA was used to compare differences in response
      by school, year group and gender. RESULTS: Response rates were 640 (57%) and 414
      (47%) at Schools A and B, respectively. Three major factors were identified: the
      PT's ability to (1) assess academic learning (2) support clinical learning; (3)
      the PT's impact on exam preparation. Significant differences were found between
      settings. In the school with early clinical contact, more frequent PTs and no end
      of unit tests, students were more likely to appreciate the PT as a support for
      learning, perceive it as fair and valid, and use a deeper approach to learning
      but they also spent longer preparing for the test. CONCLUSION: Different
      approaches to the delivery of the PT can impact significantly on student study
      patterns. The learning environment has an important impact on student perceptions
      of assessment and approach to learning. Careful decisions about PT deployment
      must be taken to ensure its optimal impact.

PMID- 22041872
TI  - Performance of fluorodeoxyglucose-positron-emission tomography/computed
      tomography for evaluating tumor response to nonsurgical treatment.

PMID- 22041873
TI  - Applications of statistics to medical science (1) Fundamental concepts.
AB  - The conceptual framework of statistical tests and statistical inferences are
      discussed, and the epidemiological background of statistics is briefly reviewed.
      This study is one of a series in which we survey the basics of statistics and
      practical methods used in medical statistics. Arguments related to actual
      statistical analysis procedures will be made in subsequent papers.

PMID- 22041874
TI  - Pathophysiology of functional dyspepsia.
AB  - Functional dyspepsia is a highly prevalent and heterogeneous disorder. Functional
      dyspepsia involves many pathogenic factors, such as gastric motility disorders,
      visceral hypersensitivity, psychological factors, Helicobacter pylori infection,
      and excessive gastric acid secretion. The present article provides an overview of
      pathogenetic factors and pathophysiologic mechanisms.

PMID- 22041875
TI  - Microinjection of different doses of corticotropin-releasing factor into the
      medial prefrontal cortex produces effects opposing anxiety-related behavior in
      rats.
AB  - Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is
      suggested to play an important role in mediating fear, anxiety, and depression.
      The results of the studies of the actions of CRF in the mPFC regarding anxiety
      related behavior, however, seem contradictory. In one study, microinjection of
      CRF into the mPFC produced an increase in anxiety-related behavior on the
      elevated plus maze, whereas in another study CRF produced an anxiolytic-like
      effect. To test whether the different doses of CRF used in these experiments are
      responsible for the differing results, we examined the dose-dependent effects of
      CRF (0.015, 0.05, 0.15, 0.5, and 1.0 ug/0.5 uL/site) microinjected into the
      bilateral mPFC of male Wistar rats on anxiety-related behavior in the elevated
      plus maze. We found that microinjection of 0.05 ug CRF significantly decreased
      the number of open-arm entries, whereas 1.0 ug CRF significantly increased the
      time spent on the open arms. The results indicate that CRF has effects opposing
      anxiety-related behavior in the elevated plus maze: anxiety-related behavior at a
      lower dose and an anxiolytic-like effect at a higher dose.

PMID- 22041876
TI  - Use of ultrasonic cleansing in managing the couplers of dialyzer systems.
AB  - Dialysis-related complications have become a major concern as the number of
      patients receiving long-term maintenance dialysis increases. One cause of
      complications is contamination of the dialysis fluid. When dialysis fluid
      contaminated by bacteria or endotoxin (ET) or both has been used for a long time,
      cytokine production in vivo is enhanced and can lead to such complications as
      dialysis amyloidosis. The rate of dialysis-related complications might be reduced
      with a hemopurification method that uses a large amount of dialysis fluid as a
      substitution fluid (on-line hemodiafiltration) or an efficient dialyzer with
      enhanced internal filtration in which the dialysis fluid returns to the body as a
      replacement fluid; however, at the same time, there is an increased risk of ET
      entering the body because the dialysis fluid might be contaminated. Therefore,
      the dialysis fluid must be made aseptic, and the dialysis fluid line must be
      properly managed to prevent contamination of the dialysis fluid. A half-opened
      line is at great risk of contamination by living microbes, which can grow in dead
      spaces and where the flow of dialysis fluid is interrupted. The management of
      couplers is an important measure for maintaining cleanliness at the end of the
      dialysis fluid flow. We attempted to separate and regularly clean the main body
      of the coupler with ultrasonic equipment as a method of managing the conventional
      coupler. Using improved types of coupler, the water quality of the postcoupler
      flow was maintained at a level as high as that of the precoupler flow for the
      duration of the evaluation period without separate cleansing being done. Although
      separate once-a-week cleansing of the conventional coupler was able to keep ET
      values less than the detection limit, viable cell counts were unstable. On the
      other hand, twice-a-week ultrasonic cleansing eliminated almost all viable cells.
      No definite difference in ET values or viable cell counts was found between the
      cleansing groups, and ultrasonic cleansing was able, by itself, to provide a
      sufficient cleansing effect. We conclude that ultrasonic cleansing of
      conventional couplers is a useful method for maintaining the water quality of the
      postcoupler flow because the cleansing of the coupler twice or more a week is
      sufficient to keep the water quality of the postcoupler flow as high as that of
      the precoupler flow.

PMID- 22041877
TI  - Autopsy cases of miliary tuberculosis: clinicopathologic features including
      background factors.
AB  - To assist physicians, especially young physicians, in identifying tuberculosis
      (TB) infection before the terminal stage, we analyzed 7 cases of numerous
      tuberculous granulomas in multiple organs and compared clinical and autopsy
      findings between cases. Patients ranged in age from 41 to 86 years at the time of
      death. The main chief complaint was fever of unknown origin (3 of 7 cases [43%]).
      The main underlying conditions were liver cirrhosis (2 of 7 cases [29%]) and
      chronic renal failure (2 of 7 cases [29%]). Two patients (29%) had been given
      methylprednisolone pulse therapy for various lung disorders. Active TB was not
      diagnosed before autopsy in 4 of 7 (57%) patients. Calcified lesions indicative
      of old TB were present in 4 of 7 (57%) patients. Thus, miliary tuberculosis may
      represent a re-emergence of latent TB infection in these cases. Various
      histologic features of nonreactive exudative inflammation were seen, along with
      granulomas containing Langhans giant cells with or without caseous necrosis in
      hypervascular organs, such as the lung, liver, and bone marrow. Physicians should
      be mindful of the possibility of miliary TB when older patients with hepatorenal
      disease and a history of TB infection have undergone immunosuppressive treatment.
      Active tuberculous infection can depend on the presence of an underlying disease
      and immunocompromise.

PMID- 22041878
TI  - Intracystic hemorrhage required no treatment from one of multiple hepatic cysts.
AB  - We describe a patient with intracystic hemorrhage from one of multiple hepatic
      cysts. A 66-year-old woman was admitted to Nippon Medical School Hospital because
      of pain in the right upper quadrant of the abdomen. The medical history included
      multiple hepatic cysts and angina pectoris, which had been treated with aspirin.
      Three weeks before presentation, pain occurred in the right upper quadrant of the
      abdomen but resolved spontaneously. Ultrasonography revealed multiple hepatic
      cysts. One of the cysts in segment 8 had a hypoechoic structure and contained
      fluid. Computed tomography showed an area of homogenous density (diameter, 6 cm)
      which was slightly greater than that of the other hepatic cysts in segment 8.
      There was calcification of the cyst wall. On magnetic resonance imaging, this
      cyst showed heterogeneous hyperintensity on T1- and T2- weighted sequences which
      was greater than that of the other hepatic cysts. Intracystic hemorrhage of one
      of the multiple hepatic cysts was diagnosed. The pain gradually resolved without
      drainage, embolization, or operation, and the patient was discharged. After
      discharge, the upper abdominal pain did not recur. On magnetic resonance imaging
      14 months later, the cyst showed heterogeneous hyperintensity on T1- and T2-
      weighted sequences which was less than that on the previous scan.

PMID- 22041879
TI  - Hepatic angiomyolipoma with a giant hemangioma.
AB  - Hepatic angiomyolipoma is a rare hepatic mesenchymal tumor. We report a case of
      hepatic angiomyolipoma that was successfully resected along with a giant
      hemangioma. A 53-year-old Japanese woman was admitted to our hospital for further
      evaluation of a liver tumor in segment 4. The tumor was detected on positron
      emission tomography during a health check-up. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed
      a well-defined mass of mixed echogenicity, 1.5 cm in diameter, in segment 4, and
      a giant hemangioma of mixed echogenicity, 7 cm in diameter, in segment 7. On
      enhanced computed tomography, the tumor in segment 4 showed hyperattenuation in
      the early phase and hypoattenuation in the delayed phase. On magnetic resonance
      imaging, the tumor in segment 4 showed hypointensity on T1-weighted images,
      hyperintensity on T2-weighted images, and hyperintensity on diffusion-weighted
      images. On angiography, the tumor in segment 4 appeared as a circumscribed
      hypervascular mass in the early phase and a slightly hypovascular mass in the
      delayed phase. The imaging findings suggested a primary hepatocellular carcinoma.
      The patient consented to resection of the tumor in segment 4 along with the giant
      hemangioma in segment 7. These tumors were resected with tumor-free surgical
      margins by partial resection of segments 4 and 7 of the liver. The cut surface of
      the resected specimen of segment 4 showed a yellowish tumor consisting of mature
      adipose tissue. The histopathological diagnoses of the resected specimens were
      angiomyolipoma in segment 4 and cavernous hemangioma in segment 7. The tumor in
      segment 4 consisted of mature lipocytes with angiomatous and small lymphocytic
      components, but no mitotic figures. The tumor showed immunoreactivity to smooth
      muscle antigen and homatropine methylbromide 45 and no immunoreactivity to AE/E3.
      The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient remains well 1 year
      after the operation.

PMID- 22041880
TI  - Infantile case of early manifestation of SLE-like symptoms in complete C1q
      deficiency.
AB  - C1q deficiency is a rare complement deficiency in the early part of the
      complement cascade. Patients with C1q deficiency have severe recurring life
      threatening infections and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)-like symptoms. We
      report on a boy with recurrent life-threatening infections and SLE-like recurrent
      skin conditions before 2 years of age. Immunological studies revealed an
      undetectable level of C1q. No abnormality was observed in the urine, but renal
      biopsy showed segmental granulonephritis. However, the changes observed were
      atypical for SLE nephritis. This case of C1q deficiency was unusual because the
      SLE-like symptoms appeared earlier than that normally seen in complement
      deficiency. Therefore, this case provides insights into the development of
      autoimmune disease, particularly in the early phase of component deficiency, and
      in managing renal disease that may develop in the future.

PMID- 22041881
TI  - Ritodrine-induced pustular eruptions distinctly resembling impetigo
      herpetiformis.
AB  - A 27-year-old nulligravida woman without a history of dermatosis was hospitalized
      for threatened preterm labor at 29 weeks' gestation; therefore, continuous
      infusion of ritodrine hydrochloride was started. At 31 weeks' gestation,
      erythematous plaques appeared and spread over the body surface; therefore, a
      topical steroid preparation was applied. At 32 weeks' gestation, the eruptions
      developed into irregular annular areas of erythema with multiple pustules
      accompanied by severe itching, and oral prednisolone treatment was started.
      Bacterial cultures of the pustules were negative, and a crural cutaneous biopsy
      revealed Kogoj's spongiform pustules. Based on the clinicopathological findings,
      the most likely diagnosis was impetigo herpetiformis, which causes cutaneous
      symptoms closely resembling pustular psoriasis in pregnant females without a
      history of psoriasis. To rule out ritodrine-induced pustular eruptions, the
      ritodrine infusion was stopped and treatment with an MgSO(4) preparation was
      started at 33 weeks' 3 days' gestation; however, the uterine contractions could
      not be suppressed. Because of the patient's highly edematous, severely painful
      feet, a cesarean section was performed the same day. Within several days of
      delivery, the eruptions began to resolve, and no recurrence was observed after
      treatment with oral prednisolone was stopped 31 days after delivery. On the basis
      of a positive patch test for ritodrine, we diagnosed pustular drug eruptions
      caused by ritodrine hydrochloride. Although ritodrine-induced pathognomonic
      cutaneous eruptions are rare, we would like to emphasize that ritodrine can cause
      drug-induced pustular eruptions distinctly resembling life-threatening impetigo
      herpetiformis.

PMID- 22041883
TI  - Electric-field response of discotic hexabenzocoronene (HBC) liquid crystals.
AB  - A HBC derivative bearing six branched, space-demanding, alkyl side chains
      containing ether linkages has been synthesized and its thermotropic properties
      were investigated by polarization optical microscopy (POM) and differential
      scanning calorimetry (DSC). To our surprise, this molecule can respond to
      electric fields, and the influences of alternating current (AC) and directing
      current (DC) electric field on the assembly of this molecule in liquid crystal
      cells were discussed.

PMID- 22041882
TI  - Birth before arrival at a hospital in eastern Tokyo, Japan.
AB  - Delivery before arrival at a hospital did not cause major perinatal
      complications; however, it may reflect a serious problem of perinatal medicine in
      eastern Tokyo, Japan.

PMID- 22041884
TI  - Structure of salvioccidentalin, a diterpenoid with a rearranged neo-clerodane
      skeleton from Salvia occidentalis.
AB  - From the aerial parts of Salvia occidentalis (Labiatae) a new diterpenoid with a
      rearranged neo-clerodane skeleton was isolated. This new compound was named
      salvioccidentalin and its structure was established by spectroscopic means. A
      probable biogenetic relationship with salvigenolide from S. fulgens and
      salvileucalin A and spiroleucantholide from Salvia leucantha is proposed.

PMID- 22041885
TI  - Discordant electrical and mechanical atrial delays affect intracavitary
      electrogram-based cardiac resynchronization therapy optimization.
AB  - AIMS: It has been shown that atrioventricular (AV) delay optimization improves
      cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) response. Recently, an automatic
      algorithm (QuickOptTM, St Jude Medical), able to quickly identify the individual
      optimal AV interval, has been developed. The algorithm suggests an AV delay based
      on atrial intracavitary electrogram (IEGM) duration. We hypothesized that the
      difference between electrical and mechanical atrial delays could affect the
      effectiveness of QuickOpt method. The aim of this study was to test this
      hypothesis in 23 CRT patients who were recipients of St. Jude Medical devices.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: Using echocardiography, aortic flow velocity time integral
      (VTI) was evaluated at baseline, at QuickOpt suggested AV delay and after
      reducing it by 25 and 50%. Mechanical inter-atrial delay (MIAD) derived from
      echo/Doppler and electrical inter-atrial delay (EIAD) derived from IEGM were also
      analysed. Optimal AV delay was identified by the maximal VTI. In 11 patients
      (Group 1) the maximal VTI was achieved at the AV delay suggested by the
      algorithm, in 6 patients (Group 2) after a 25% reduction, and in 6 patients
      (Group 3) after a 50% reduction. While EIAD was similar among the three groups,
      MIAD was significantly different (P< 0.001). MIAD was longer than EIAD in Group 1
      (P= 0.028) and shorter than EIAD in Groups 2 (P= 0.028) and 3. (P< 0.001).
      Mechanical inter-atrial delay was the only independent predictor of the AV
      interval associated with the best VTI (R(2) = 0.77; P< 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our
      results show that MIAD plays the main role in determining the optimal AV delay,
      thus caution should be taken when optimizing AV by IEGM-based methods.

PMID- 22041886
TI  - The value of defibrillator far-field electrograms for ablation of idiopathic
      ventricular fibrillation.
AB  - We report a case of idiopathic ventricular fibrillation treated by catheter
      ablation of the monomorphic initiating premature beat. The initiating focus was
      identified using intacardiac defibrillator electrograms (EGMs).

PMID- 22041888
TI  - Ligand field-tuned single-molecule magnet behaviour of 2p-4f complexes.
AB  - Three new 2p-4f complexes of [Ln(acac)(3)(NIT-2Py)].0.5NIT-2Py [Ln(III) = Gd(1),
      Dy(2)] and [Dy(tfa)(3)(NIT-2Py)].0.5C(7)H(16) (3) (NIT-2Py = 2-(2'-pyridyl)-
      4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide; acac = acetylacetonate and tfa =
      trifluoroacetylacetonate) have been synthesized, and structurally and
      magnetically characterized. The X-ray structural analysis exhibits that the three
      complexes show similar mononuclear structures, in which NIT-2Py radical chelates
      the Ln(III) ion through the oxygen atom of the NO group and the nitrogen atom
      from the pyridine ring. The static magnetic measurements on the three complexes
      exhibit ferromagnetic coupling between the lanthanide ion and the radical.
      Compared to the silence of the out-of-phase ac susceptibility of complex 3, the
      magnetic relaxation behavior of complex 2 is observed, suggesting single-molecule
      magnet behavior. The different magnetic relaxation behaviours of 2 and 3 are due
      to their slightly different crystal structure around the Dy(III) ions. It was
      demonstrated that the spin dynamic can be modified by the careful adjustment of
      the ligand field around the metal center.

PMID- 22041887
TI  - Anti-estrogen resistance in breast cancer is induced by the tumor
      microenvironment and can be overcome by inhibiting mitochondrial function in
      epithelial cancer cells.
AB  - Here, we show that tamoxifen resistance is induced by cancer-associated
      fibroblasts (CAFs). Coculture of estrogen receptor positive (ER+) MCF7 cells with
      fibroblasts induces tamoxifen and fulvestrant resistance with 4.4 and 2.5-fold
      reductions, respectively, in apoptosis compared with homotypic MCF7 cell
      cultures. Treatment of MCF7 cells cultured alone with high-energy mitochondrial
      "fuels" (L-lactate or ketone bodies) is sufficient to confer tamoxifen
      resistance, mimicking the effects of coculture with fibroblasts. To further
      demonstrate that epithelial cancer cell mitochondrial activity is the origin of
      tamoxifen resistance, we employed complementary pharmacological and genetic
      approaches. First, we studied the effects of two mitochondrial "poisons," namely
      metformin and arsenic trioxide (ATO), on fibroblast-induced tamoxifen resistance.
      We show here that treatment with metformin or ATO overcomes fibroblast-induced
      tamoxifen resistance in MCF7 cells. Treatment with the combination of tamoxifen
      plus metformin or ATO leads to increases in glucose uptake in MCF7 cells,
      reflecting metabolic uncoupling between epithelial cancer cells and fibroblasts.
      In coculture, tamoxifen induces the upregulation of TIGAR (TP53-induced
      glycolysis and apoptosis regulator), a p53 regulated gene that simultaneously
      inhibits glycolysis, autophagy and apoptosis and reduces ROS generation, thereby
      promoting oxidative mitochondrial metabolism. To genetically mimic the effects of
      coculture, we next recombinantly overexpressed TIGAR in MCF7 cells. Remarkably,
      TIGAR overexpression protects epithelial cancer cells from tamoxifen-induced
      apoptosis, providing genetic evidence that increased mitochondrial function
      confers tamoxifen resistance. Finally, CAFs also protect MCF7 cells against
      apoptosis induced by other anticancer agents, such as the topoisomerase inhibitor
      doxorubicin (adriamycin) and the PARP-1 inhibitor ABT-888. These results suggest
      that the tumor microenvironment may be a general mechanism for conferring drug
      resistance. In summary, we have discovered that mitochondrial activity in
      epithelial cancer cells drives tamoxifen resistance in breast cancer and that
      mitochondrial "poisons" are able to re-sensitize these cancer cells to tamoxifen.
      In this context, TIGAR may be a key "druggable" target for preventing drug
      resistance in cancer cells, as it protects cancer cells against the onset of
      stress-induced mitochondrial dys-function and aerobic glycolysis.

PMID- 22041889
TI  - Improvement of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced gastrointestinal
      symptoms during proton pump inhibitor treatment: are G-protein beta3 subunit
      genotype, Helicobacter pylori status, and environmental factors response
      modifiers?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are associated with
      significant upper and lower gastrointestinal (GI) morbidity. AIM: To determine
      the efficacy and safety of pantoprazole versus placebo in controlling GI symptoms
      during treatment with NSAIDs and to evaluate the influence of potential response
      modifiers. METHODS: 800 patients with GI complaints during NSAID treatment were
      randomized to pantoprazole 20 mg once daily or placebo for 4 weeks in this double
      blind, multicenter trial. Assessments included the difference in cumulated
      overall symptom load of any GI complaint during treatment (primary endpoint),
      proportion of days without GI symptoms, and influence of risk factors such as
      gender, age, alcohol consumption, smoking, Helicobacter pylori status, and GNB3
      genotype SNP rs5443 (825C>T) on symptom load. RESULTS: At 4 weeks, cumulated
      overall symptom load was significantly lower in pantoprazole than placebo
      recipients [p < 0.0001; intent-to-treat (ITT)]; the effect was statistically
      significant after 7 days' treatment. Pantoprazole versus placebo recipients had
      54 versus 29% of days without GI symptoms (p < 0.0001; ITT). Neither common risk
      factors nor GNB3 genotype were significantly associated with therapeutic
      response, while GNB3 825TT versus CT was associated with a significantly higher
      baseline symptom load (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: In the population studied,
      treatment with the proton pump inhibitor pantoprazole significantly improves GI
      symptoms during NSAID therapy, irrespective of the risk factors investigated or
      GNB3 genotype.

PMID- 22041890
TI  - SNX3 controls Wingless/Wnt secretion through regulating retromer-dependent
      recycling of Wntless.
AB  - Drosophila Wingless (Wg) acts as a morphogen during development. Wg secretion is
      controlled by a seven-pass transmembrane cargo Wntless (Wls). We have recently
      identified retromer as a key regulator involved in Wls trafficking. As sorting
      nexin (SNX) molecules are essential components of the retromer complex, we
      hypothesized that specific SNX(s) is required for retromer-mediated Wnt
      secretion. Here, we generated Drosophila mutants for all of the eight snx
      members, and identified Drosophila SNX3 (DSNX3) as an essential molecule required
      for Wg secretion. We show that Wg secretion and its signaling activity are
      defective in Dsnx3 mutant clones in wing discs. Wg levels in the culture medium
      of Dsnx3-depleted S2 cells are also markedly reduced. Importantly, Wls levels are
      strikingly reduced in Dsnx3 mutant cells, and overexpression of Wls can rescue
      the Wg secretion defect observed in Dsnx3 mutant cells. Moreover, DSNX3 can
      interact with the retromer component Vps35, and co-localize with Vps35 in early
      endosomes. These data indicate that DSNX3 regulates Wg secretion via retromer
      dependent Wls recycling. In contrast, we found that Wg secretion is not defective
      in cells mutant for Drosophila snx1 and snx6, two components of the classical
      retromer complex. Ectopic expression of DSNX1 or DSNX6 fails to rescue the Wg
      secretion defect in Dsnx3 mutant wing discs and in Dsnx3 dsRNA-treated S2 cells.
      These data demonstrate the specificity of the DSNX3-retromer complex in Wls
      recycling. Together, our findings suggest that DSNX3 acts as a cargo-specific
      component of retromer, which is required for endocytic recycling of Wls and
      Wg/Wnt secretion.

PMID- 22041891
TI  - Definitions, criteria and global classification of mast cell disorders with
      special reference to mast cell activation syndromes: a consensus proposal.
AB  - Activation of tissue mast cells (MCs) and their abnormal growth and accumulation
      in various organs are typically found in primary MC disorders also referred to as
      mastocytosis. However, increasing numbers of patients are now being informed that
      their clinical findings are due to MC activation (MCA) that is neither associated
      with mastocytosis nor with a defined allergic or inflammatory reaction. In other
      patients with MCA, MCs appear to be clonal cells, but criteria for diagnosing
      mastocytosis are not met. A working conference was organized in 2010 with the aim
      to define criteria for diagnosing MCA and related disorders, and to propose a
      global unifying classification of all MC disorders and pathologic MC reactions.
      This classification includes three types of 'MCA syndromes' (MCASs), namely
      primary MCAS, secondary MCAS and idiopathic MCAS. MCA is now defined by robust
      and generally applicable criteria, including (1) typical clinical symptoms, (2) a
      substantial transient increase in serum total tryptase level or an increase in
      other MC-derived mediators, such as histamine or prostaglandin D(2), or their
      urinary metabolites, and (3) a response of clinical symptoms to agents that
      attenuate the production or activities of MC mediators. These criteria should
      assist in the identification and diagnosis of patients with MCAS, and in avoiding
      misdiagnoses or overinterpretation of clinical symptoms in daily practice.
      Moreover, the MCAS concept should stimulate research in order to identify and
      exploit new molecular mechanisms and therapeutic targets.

PMID- 22041892
TI  - Towards the role of metal ions in the structural variability of proteins: CdII
      speciation of a metal ion binding loop motif.
AB  - A de novo designed dodecapeptide (HS), inspired by the metal binding loops of
      metal-responsive transcriptional activators, was synthesized. The aim was to
      create a model system for structurally promiscuous and intrinsically unstructured
      proteins, and explore the effect of metal ions on their structure and dynamics.
      The interaction with Cd(II) was investigated by UV, synchrotron radiation CD,
      (1)H NMR, and perturbed angular correlation (PAC) of gamma-rays spectroscopy, pH
      potentiometry, and molecular modelling. The peptide mainly displays
      characteristics of random coil in the CD spectra, and the molecular dynamics
      simulations demonstrate that it is unstructured with transient and varying
      helical content. The spectroscopic studies revealed the formation of loop
      structures with the coordination of the two Cys-thiolates close to each end of
      the HS peptide, in the presence of one equivalent of Cd(II) per ligand. The
      imidazole moiety from histidine is also bound to Cd(II) at neutral pH and above.
      In the presence of 0.5 equivalent of Cd(II) per HS metal bridged structures with
      e.g. CdS(2)N(2) and possibly CdS(4) coordination geometries are formed above pH
      ~6. In an equilibrium of several co-existing species the peptide is exchanging
      between a number of structures also in its metal ion bound state(s), as indicated
      by NMR and PAC data.

PMID- 22041894
TI  - The role of the organic layer functionalization in the formation of
      silicon/organic layer/metal junctions with coinage metals.
AB  - The design of silicon/alkyl layer/metal junctions for the formation of optimal
      top metal contacts requires knowledge of the mechanistic and energetic aspects of
      the interactions of metal atoms with the modified surface. This involves (a) the
      interaction of the metal with the terminal groups of the organic layer, (b) the
      diffusion of metal atoms through the organic layer and (c) the reactions of metal
      atoms with the silicon surface atoms. The diffusion through the monolayer and the
      metal catalyzed breakage of Si-C bonds must be avoided to obtain high quality
      junctions. In this work, we performed a comprehensive density functional theory
      investigation to identify the reaction pathways of all these processes. In the
      absence of a reactive terminal group, gold atoms may penetrate through a compact
      alkyl monolayer on Si(111) with no energy barrier. However, the presence of thiol
      terminal groups introduces a high energy barrier which blocks the diffusion of
      metals into the monolayer. The diffusion barriers increase in the order Ag < Au <
      Cu and correlate with the stability of metal-thiolate complexes whereas the
      barriers for the formation of metal silicides increase in the order Cu < Au < Ag
      in correlation with the increasing metallic radii. The reactivity of gold
      clusters with functionalized Si(111) surfaces was also investigated. Metal
      silicide formation can only be avoided by a compact monolayer terminated by a
      reactive functional group. The mechanistic and energetic picture obtained in this
      work contributes to understanding of the factors that influence the quality of
      top metal contacts during the formation of silicon/organic layer/metal junctions.

PMID- 22041895
TI  - Salt sensitivity of minimal twin arginine translocases.
AB  - Bacterial twin arginine translocation (Tat) pathways have evolved to facilitate
      transport of folded proteins across membranes. Gram-negative bacteria contain a
      TatABC translocase composed of three subunits named TatA, TatB, and TatC. In
      contrast, the Tat translocases of most Gram-positive bacteria consist of only
      TatA and TatC subunits. In these minimal TatAC translocases, a bifunctional TatA
      subunit fulfils the roles of both TatA and TatB. Here we have probed the
      importance of conserved residues in the bifunctional TatAy subunit of Bacillus
      subtilis by site-specific mutagenesis. A set of engineered TatAy proteins with
      mutations in the cytoplasmic hinge and amphipathic helix regions were found to be
      inactive in protein translocation under standard growth conditions for B.
      subtilis or when heterologously expressed in Escherichia coli. Nevertheless,
      these mutated TatAy proteins did assemble into TatAy and TatAyCy complexes, and
      they facilitated membrane association of twin arginine precursor proteins in E.
      coli. Interestingly, most of the mutated TatAyCy translocases were salt-sensitive
      in B. subtilis. Similarly, the TatAC translocases of Bacillus cereus and
      Staphylococcus aureus were salt-sensitive when expressed in B. subtilis. Taken
      together, our present observations imply that salt-sensitive electrostatic
      interactions have critical roles in the preprotein translocation activity of
      certain TatAC type translocases from Gram-positive bacteria.

PMID- 22041896
TI  - Early contacts between substrate proteins and TatA translocase component in twin
      arginine translocation.
AB  - Twin-arginine translocation (Tat) is a unique protein transport pathway in
      bacteria, archaea, and plastids. It mediates the transmembrane transport of fully
      folded proteins, which harbor a consensus twin-arginine motif in their signal
      sequences. In Gram-negative bacteria and plant chloroplasts, three membrane
      proteins, named TatA, TatB, and TatC, are required to enable Tat translocation.
      Available data suggest that TatA assembles into oligomeric pore-like structures
      that might function as the protein conduit across the lipid bilayer. Using site
      specific photo-cross-linking, we have investigated the molecular environment of
      TatA under resting and translocating conditions. We find that monomeric TatA is
      an early interacting partner of functionally targeted Tat substrates. This
      interaction with TatA likely precedes translocation of Tat substrates and is
      influenced by the proton-motive force. It strictly depends on the presence of
      TatB and TatC, the latter of which is shown to make contacts with the
      transmembrane helix of TatA.

PMID- 22041897
TI  - Monosaccharide absorption activity of Arabidopsis roots depends on expression
      profiles of transporter genes under high salinity conditions.
AB  - Plant roots are able to absorb sugars from the rhizosphere but also release
      sugars and other metabolites that are critical for growth and environmental
      signaling. Reabsorption of released sugar molecules could help reduce the loss of
      photosynthetically fixed carbon through the roots. Although biochemical analyses
      have revealed monosaccharide uptake mechanisms in roots, the transporters that
      are involved in this process have not yet been fully characterized. In the
      present study we demonstrate that Arabidopsis STP1 and STP13 play important roles
      in roots during the absorption of monosaccharides from the rhizosphere. Among 14
      STP transporter genes, we found that STP1 had the highest transcript level and
      that STP1 was a major contributor for monosaccharide uptake under normal
      conditions. In contrast, STP13 was found to be induced by abiotic stress, with
      low expression under normal conditions. We analyzed the role of STP13 in roots
      under high salinity conditions where membranes of the epidermal cells were
      damaged, and we detected an increase in the amount of STP13-dependent glucose
      uptake. Furthermore, the amount of glucose efflux from stp13 mutants was higher
      than that from wild type plants under high salinity conditions. These results
      indicate that STP13 can reabsorb the monosaccharides that are released by damaged
      cells under high salinity conditions. Overall, our data indicate that sugar
      uptake capacity in Arabidopsis roots changes in response to environmental
      stresses and that this activity is dependent on the expression pattern of sugar
      transporters.

PMID- 22041898
TI  - Nitric oxide modulates sodium vitamin C transporter 2 (SVCT-2) protein expression
      via protein kinase G (PKG) and nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB).
AB  - Ascorbate is an important antioxidant, which also displays important functions in
      neuronal tissues, including the retina. The retina is responsible for the initial
      steps of visual processing, which is further refined in cerebral high-order
      centers. The retina is also a prototypical model for studying physiologic aspects
      of cells that comprise the nervous system. Of major importance also is the
      cellular messenger nitric oxide (NO). Previous studies have demonstrated the
      significance of NO for both survival and proliferation of cultured embryonic
      retinal cells. Cultured retinal cells express a high-affinity ascorbate
      transporter, and the release of ascorbate is delicately regulated by ionotropic
      glutamate receptors. Therefore, we proposed whether there is interplay between
      the ascorbate transport system and NO signaling pathway in retinal cells. Here we
      show compelling evidence that ascorbate uptake is tightly controlled by NO and
      its downstream signaling pathway in culture. NO also modulates the expression of
      SVCT-2, an effect mediated by cGMP and PKG. Kinetic studies suggest that NO
      increases the transport capacity for ascorbate, but not the affinity of SVCT-2
      for its substrate. Interestingly, NO utilizes the NF-kappaB pathway, in a PKG
      dependent manner, to modulate both SVCT-2 expression and ascorbate uptake. These
      results demonstrate that NO exerts a fine-tuned control of the availability of
      ascorbate to cultured retinal cells and strongly reinforces ascorbate as an
      important bioactive molecule in neuronal tissues.

PMID- 22041899
TI  - Dual specificity of anti-CXCL10-CXCL9 antibodies is governed by structural
      mimicry.
AB  - Dual-specific antibodies are characterized by an antigen-combining site mediating
      specific interactions with two different antigens. We have generated five dual
      specific single chain variable fragments (scFv) that neutralize the activity of
      the two chemokines, CXCL9 and CXCL10, to bind to their receptor CXCR3. To better
      understand how these dual-specific scFvs bind these two chemokines that only
      share a 37% sequence identity, we mapped their epitopes on human CXCL9 and CXCL10
      and identified serine 13 (Ser(13)) as a critical residue. It is conserved between
      the two chemokines but not in the third ligand for CXCR3, CXCL11. Furthermore,
      Ser(13) is exposed in the tetrameric structure of CXCL10, which is consistent
      with our finding that the scFvs are able to bind to CXCL9 and CXCL10 immobilized
      on glycosaminoglycans. Overall, the data indicate that these dual-specific scFvs
      bind to a conserved surface involved in CXCR3 receptor interaction for CXCL10 and
      CXCL9. Thus, structural mimicry between the two targets is likely to be
      responsible for the observed dual specificity of these antibody fragments.

PMID- 22041900
TI  - Phospholipase Cgamma2 (PLCgamma2) is key component in Dectin-2 signaling pathway,
      mediating anti-fungal innate immune responses.
AB  - C-type lectin receptors (CLRs) such as Dectin-2 function as pattern recognition
      receptors to sense fungal infection. However, the signaling pathways induced by
      these receptors remain largely unknown. Previous studies suggest that the CLR
      induced signaling pathway may utilize similar signaling components as the B cell
      receptor-induced signaling pathway. Phospholipase Cgamma2 (PLCgamma2) is a key
      component in B cell receptor signaling, but its role in other signaling pathways
      has not been fully characterized. Here, we show that PLCgamma2 functions
      downstream of Dectin-2 in response to the stimulation by the hyphal form of
      Candida albicans, an opportunistic pathogenic fungus. Using PLCgamma2- and
      PLCgamma1-deficient macrophages, we found that the lack of PLCgamma2, but not
      PLCgamma1, impairs cytokine production in response to infection with C. albicans.
      PLCgamma2 deficiency results in the defective activation of NF-kappaB and MAPK
      and a significantly reduced production of reactive oxygen species following
      fungal challenge. In addition, PLCgamma2-deficient mice are defective in clearing
      C. albicans infection in vivo. Together, these findings demonstrate that
      PLCgamma2 plays a critical role in CLR-induced signaling pathways, governing
      antifungal innate immune responses.

PMID- 22041902
TI  - Caenorhabditis elegans Delta12-desaturase FAT-2 is a bifunctional desaturase able
      to desaturate a diverse range of fatty acid substrates at the Delta12 and Delta15
      positions.
AB  - Caenorhabditis elegans FAT-2 has been characterized as fatty acid Delta12
      desaturase able to desaturate C16 and C18 fatty acids. However, in this report we
      show that when expressed in yeast cells this enzyme can also catalyze Delta15
      desaturation. This results in the production of both linoleic acid (omega6
      C18:2Delta9,12) and linolenic acid (omega3 C18:3Delta9,12,15) from oleic acid
      (C18:1Delta9) substrate, and hexadecadienoic acid (omega4 C16:2Delta9,12) and
      hexadecatrienoic acid (omega1 C16:3Delta9,12,15) from palmitoleic acid
      (C16:1Delta9) substrate. In addition, this enzyme can also produce
      C14:2Delta9,12, C15:2Delta9,12, C17:2Delta9,12, and C18:4Delta6,9,12,15 when
      C14:1Delta9, C15:1Delta9, C17:1Delta9, and C18:3Delta6,9,12 substrates are
      available in yeast cells. Mass spectrometry analysis of 2,4-dimethyloxazoline
      modification of fatty acid methyl esters confirms the positions of all newly
      formed double bonds. These results indicate that when expressed in yeast the C.
      elegans Delta12-desaturase CeFAT-2 shows a characteristic of a bifunctional
      Delta12/Delta15-desaturase and has a great deal of elasticity with respect to
      fatty acid chain length in being able to accept fatty acids ranging from C14 to
      C18. Interestingly, despite possessing a bifunctional Delta12/Delta15
      desaturation activity, phylogenetic analysis suggests that C. elegans Delta12
      desaturase CeFAT-2 might have arisen independently from other reported dual
      Delta12/Delta15-desaturases from fungi and protozoa.

PMID- 22041901
TI  - Type II arginine methyltransferase PRMT5 regulates gene expression of inhibitors
      of differentiation/DNA binding Id2 and Id4 during glial cell differentiation.
AB  - PRMT5 is a type II protein arginine methyltranferase that catalyzes
      monomethylation and symmetric dimethylation of arginine residues. PRMT5 is
      functionally involved in a variety of biological processes including embryo
      development and circadian clock regulation. However, the role of PRMT5 in
      oligodendrocyte differentiation and central nervous system myelination is
      unknown. Here we show that PRMT5 expression gradually increases throughout
      postnatal brain development, coinciding with the period of active myelination.
      PRMT5 expression was observed in neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes. siRNA
      mediated depletion of PRMT5 in mouse primary oligodendrocyte progenitor cells
      abrogated oligodendrocyte differentiation. In addition, the PRMT5-depleted
      oligodendrocyte progenitor and C6 glioma cells expressed high levels of the
      inhibitors of differentiation/DNA binding, Id2 and Id4, known repressors of glial
      cell differentiation. We observed that CpG-rich islands within the Id2 and Id4
      genes were bound by PRMT5 and were hypomethylated in PRMT5-deficient cells,
      suggesting that PRMT5 plays a role in gene silencing during glial cell
      differentiation. Our findings define a role of PRMT5 in glial cell
      differentiation and link PRMT5 to epigenetic changes during oligodendrocyte
      differentiation.

PMID- 22041903
TI  - Survival impact of adjuvant paclitaxel and carboplatin for early-stage ovarian
      clear-cell carcinoma with complete surgical staging.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to estimate the survival impact of adjuvant
      paclitaxel and carboplatin (TC) compared to cisplatin (CDDP)-based chemotherapies
      for early-stage ovarian clear-cell carcinoma (CCC). METHODS: Clinicopathologic
      information on 99 stage I-II CCC patients was obtained between 1987 and 2005. All
      patients underwent complete surgical staging including systemic lymphadenectomy,
      followed by TC or various CDDP-based regimens. In the present study, only CCC
      patients with no residual tumor were enrolled. RESULTS: The median age was 53
      years and ranged from 30 to 69 years. Fifty-three (53.5%) patients received TC
      and 46 (46.5%) patients underwent various CDDP-based chemotherapies after initial
      surgery. Five-year progression-free survival (PFS) rates of TC and various CDDP
      groups were 66.5 and 75.8%, respectively (n.s., p = 0.933). In addition, 5-year
      overall survival (OS) rates of TC and various CDDP groups were 82.4 and 82.3%,
      respectively (n.s., p = 0.583). In multivariate analyses of OS and PFS, the
      regimen of chemotherapywas not a significant prognostic factor (OS, p = 0.502;
      PFS, p = 0.977. CONCLUSIONS: In our current examination of the long-term survival
      of early-stage CCC patients, we did not identify a superiority of TC over various
      CDDP-based regimens as frontline adjuvant chemotherapy.

PMID- 22041904
TI  - Enhancement of affinity in molecular recognition via hydrogen bonds by POSS-core
      dendrimer and its application for selective complex formation between guanosine
      triphosphate and 1,8-naphthyridine derivatives.
AB  - We report that a polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS) core in a dendrimer
      can enhance the affinity of the molecular recognition via hydrogen bonds between
      1,8-naphthyridine and guanosine nucleotides. The complexation of the
      naphthyridine ligands with a series of guanosine nucleotides was investigated,
      and it is shown that the POSS core should play a significant role in the
      stabilization of the complexes via hydrogen bonds. Finally, we demonstrate that
      the 1,8-naphthyridine ligand can selectively recognize guanosine triphosphate by
      assisting with the POSS-core dendrimer.

PMID- 22041905
TI  - Highly shape-selective guest encapsulation in the precisely defined cavity of a
      calix[4]arene-capped metalloporphyrin.
AB  - We developed a metalloporphyrin-based molecular container capped with a
      calix[4]arene, and its rigid cavity distinguished the slight structural
      differences in the aromatic guests.

PMID- 22041906
TI  - A case series of individuals with analytically confirmed acute diphenyl-2
      pyrrolidinemethanol (D2PM) toxicity.
AB  - PURPOSE: There is increasing interest in the use of pipradrol and pipradrol
      derivatives, such as diphenylproplinol [diphenyl-2-pyrrolidinemethanol (D2PM)]
      and desoxypipradrol [2-diphenylmethylpiperidine (2-DPMP)], as recreational drugs.
      There is limited information on the acute toxicity related to both D2PM and 2
      DPMP. We report here a case series of five individuals with acute toxicity
      related to the use of D2PM. CASE SERIES: Five patients aged between 21 and 33
      years old presented to the Emergency Department (ED) on unrelated occasions
      having used a range of different novel psychoactive substances; none had actually
      purchased D2PM. They presented with ongoing prolonged neuropsychiatric symptoms
      of agitation, anxiety and insomnia lasting 24-96 h post-ingestion. None had
      evidence of sympathomimetic toxicity on presentation to the ED. All were
      reassured and discharged home after review. TOXICOLOGICAL SCREENING: Urine
      collection at the time of presentation to the ED was subsequently analysed by gas
      chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). All of the urine samples tested
      positive for D2PM and benzophenone. Additional screening by liquid chromatography
      tandem mass-spectrometry (LC-MS-MS) demonstrated that the benzophenone detected
      was an analytical artefact due to the high-injection temperature of the GC-MS
      analysis. CONCLUSIONS: This descriptive case series provides more detailed
      information on the acute toxicity related to the use of D2PM. This information is
      useful for clinical pharmacologists and clinicians managing these individuals to
      be able to provide more appropriate advice on the acute toxicity associated with
      the use of D2PM, particularly in relation to the prolonged neuropsychiatric
      symptoms seen.

PMID- 22041907
TI  - Continuous in situ generation and reaction of phosgene in a microflow system.
AB  - Continuous in situ generation of phosgene and its use in acid chloride formation
      in a microflow system were demonstrated. The acid chloride was subsequently
      coupled with an amine in high yield without severe epimerization.

PMID- 22041908
TI  - Flow behavior of digesta and the absorption of nutrients in the gastrointestine.
AB  - Digesta flow-behavior types in the intestinal lumen, such as turbulent and
      laminar flow, should define modes of digestion and absorption. This review
      presents a simulation of flow behavior in the intestinal lumen and discusses the
      behavior of nutrients and enzymes in the intestinal lumen under laminar-flow
      conditions. The significance of digesta viscosity for glucose and water
      absorption and digestion and fermentation in the intestine is also discussed.

PMID- 22041909
TI  - Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) or vitamin K2 (menaquinone-4) induces intestinal
      alkaline phosphatase gene expression.
AB  - Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) hydrolyzes a variety of monophosphate esters into
      inorganic acid and alcohol at a high optimum pH (pH 8-10). Previously, we
      identified a significant increase of intestinal ALP (IAP) activity in the rat
      intestine on long-term dietary vitamin K supplementation. However, it was unclear
      whether the induction of ALP gene expression was caused by vitamin K intake. In
      the present study, we examined the effects of vitamin K on IAP gene expression. A
      total of 21 male ICR strain mice (7 wk old) were divided into three groups:
      control, PK, and MK groups. Mice were orally administered a 0.1-mL solution of
      physiological saline in the control group, phylloquinone (3 mg/kg mouse) in the
      PK group, and menaquinone-4 (3 mg/kg mouse) in the MK group. Four hours after
      administration, we determined the ALP activity of the intestinal mucosa in three
      areas (duodenum, jejunum, and ileum). In the MK groups, the levels of ALP
      activity in the jejunum increased significantly compared with the control.
      Moreover, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis using
      specific primers revealed that IAP mRNA expression was significantly enhanced in
      the jejunum in both PK and MK groups. Interestingly, vitamin K administration
      also increased the expression of pregnane X receptor mRNA. This is the first
      report concerning IAP mRNA expression induced by oral administration of vitamin
      K. The results support the possible involvement of vitamin K in the regulation of
      IAP mRNA expression as a novel pharmacological effect of vitamin K.

PMID- 22041910
TI  - High dose of pyridoxine induces IGFBP-3 mRNA expression in MCF-7 cells and its
      induction is inhibited by the p53-specific inhibitor pifithrin-alpha.
AB  - It has been reported that supplementation with high-dose vitamin B(6) (B(6))
      exerts antitumor effects in rodent models of cancer. However, the mechanism of
      these effects remains poorly understood. High-dose B(6) also suppresses cell
      proliferation and induces apoptosis of human breast adenocarcinoma MCF-7 cells.
      Based on preliminary experiments using DNA microarray analyses, we hypothesized
      that high-dose pyridoxine (PN) might induce IGF-binding protein-3 (IGFBP-3)
      expression in MCF-7 cells. In this study, we investigated IGFBP-3 induction by 3
      or 10 mM PN using a quantitative real-time PCR method. We found that the
      induction reached a maximum of 24-fold with 10 mM PN for 72 h compared with non
      treated cells. The induction of IGFBP-3 by PN was inhibited by a p53-specific
      inhibitor, pifithrin-alpha, in a dose-dependent manner, but was not affected by
      PD169316 (MAPK inhibitor), AS601245 (c-Jun N-terminal kinase inhibitor) or SL327
      (MEK1/2 inhibitor). High-dose PN did not induce p53 mRNA expression. The IGFBP-3
      induction by PN seemed to be related to p53 activation.

PMID- 22041911
TI  - Effect of dietary gamma-aminobutyric acid on the brain protein synthesis rate in
      hypophysectomized aged rats.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to determine whether the regulation of brain
      protein synthesis was mediated through changes in the plasma concentration of
      growth hormone (GH) when dietary gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) treatment was
      manipulated in hypophysectomized or sham-operated aged rats. Experiments were
      done on four groups of hypophysectomized and sham-operated (24-wk-old) male rats
      given 0% or 0.5% GABA added to a 20% casein diet. The concentrations of plasma GH
      and fractional rates of protein synthesis in the brains increased significantly
      with the 20% casein+0.5% GABA compared with the 20% casein diet alone in the sham
      operated rats. However GABA treatment to the basal diet did not affect the rates
      of protein synthesis in the hypophysectomized rats. In the cerebral cortex and
      cerebellum, the RNA activity [g protein synthesized/(g RNA.d)] significantly
      correlated with the fractional rate of protein synthesis. The RNA concentration
      (mg RNA/g protein) was also related to the fractional rate of protein synthesis
      in these organs. The results suggest that treatment with GABA is likely to
      increase the concentrations of GH and the rate of brain protein synthesis in sham
      operated rats only, not in hypophysectomized rats, and that the GABA-induced
      increase in the concentration of GH may be primarily responsible for changes in
      the brain protein synthesis. The RNA activity is at least partly related to the
      fractional rate of brain protein synthesis.

PMID- 22041912
TI  - Acidic xylooligosaccharide preserves hepatic iron storage level in adult female
      rats fed a low-iron diet.
AB  - Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is one of the most serious forms of malnutrition.
      This experiment was conducted to investigate whether acidic xylooligosaccharide
      (U-XOS), expected to have a high iron bioavailability, was useful in the
      prevention of iron deficiency. Experiment 1: Nineteen female Sprague-Dawley rats
      (20 wk old) were fed three different diets for 28 d; a U-XOS-supplemented low
      iron diet (LI-X, n=7), a low-iron diet (LI, n=6), and a control diet (C, n=6). On
      day 28, the LI-X and LI groups showed iron deficiency without anemia. A
      significant difference in the total and unsaturated iron binding capacity, and
      serum transferrin saturation level was shown in the LI-X and LI groups, compared
      with the C group. However, the decrease of hepatic iron content of the LI-X group
      was suppressed compared with the LI group. Experiment 2: Eleven male Sprague
      Dawley rats (7 wk old) were fed a U-XOS-supplemented diet (X, n=5) or a control
      diet (C, n=6) for 7 d. No significant difference in body weight gain or food
      intake was demonstrated between the two groups; the apparent iron absorption rate
      of the X group increased clearly compared with that of the C group. These results
      suggested that a U-XOS diet could preserve storage of hepatic iron in adult
      female rats fed a low-iron diet and could prevent IDA by promotion of dietary
      iron absorption, inhibition of iron excretion, and/or improvement of iron
      bioavailability.

PMID- 22041913
TI  - Mammalian selenocysteine lyase is involved in selenoprotein biosynthesis.
AB  - Selenocysteine lyase (SCL) catalyzes the decomposition of L-selenocysteine to
      yield L-alanine and selenium by acting exclusively on l-selenocysteine. The X-ray
      structural analysis of rat SCL has demonstrated how SCL discriminates L
      selenocysteine from L-cysteine on the molecular basis. SCL has been proposed to
      function in the recycling of the micronutrient selenium from degraded
      selenoproteins containing selenocysteine residues, but the role of SCL in
      selenium metabolism in vivo remains unclear. We here demonstrate that the (75)Se
      labeling efficiency of selenoproteins with (75)Se-labeled selenoprotein P (Sepp1)
      as a selenium source was decreased in HeLa cells transfected with SCL siRNA as
      compared to the cells transfected with control siRNA. Immunocytochemical analyses
      showed high SCL expression in kidney and liver cells, where selenocysteine is
      recovered from selenoproteins. Mature testes of mice exhibited a specific
      staining pattern of SCL in spermatids that actively produce selenoproteins.
      However, SCL was weakly expressed in Sertoli cells, which receive Sepp1 and
      supply selenium to germ cells. These demonstrate that SCL occurs in the cells
      requiring selenoproteins, probably to recycle selenium derived from
      selenoproteins such as Sepp1.

PMID- 22041914
TI  - Protective effect of red-stemmed type of Ipomoea aquatica Forsk against CCl4
      induced oxidative damage in mice.
AB  - Water spinach (Ipomoea aquatica Forsk; I. aquatica) of the green-stemmed type
      (green type) is widely consumed, but there also exists a red-stemmed variety (red
      type). In the present study, the antioxidant capacity of the red type was
      compared to that of the green type in carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-treated mice.
      CCl(4)-induced thiobarbituric acid reactive substrate (TBARS) formation in the
      liver was significantly suppressed in mice fed 5% red-type I. aquatica, while the
      green type showed no effect. Hydrophobic oxygen radical absorbance capacity (H
      ORAC(FL)) in the red type showed a lower level than that in the green type;
      however, lipophilic ORAC (L-ORAC(FL)) and total-ORAC(FL) levels were
      significantly higher in the red type than in the green type. alpha-Tocopherol,
      anthocyanidin/proanthocyanidin, and beta-carotene contents were all significantly
      higher in the red type than in the green type. These results suggest that the
      wild red-type I. aquatica contains certain lipophilic components that exert
      antioxidant capacities not only in vitro but also in vivo. Such effective
      components in the red type would be beneficial phytochemicals for suppressing
      several diseases related to oxidative stress.

PMID- 22041915
TI  - Tube-enteral feeding for frail elderly patients with oropharyngeal dysphagia--not
      only yes or no, but when?

PMID- 22041916
TI  - IUNS Workshop on Capacity and Leadership Development in Nutritional Sciences held
      in Tokyo 2010.

PMID- 22041917
TI  - Chronic herpes zoster duplex bilateralis.
AB  - Although varicella zoster virus latency has been demonstrated in several sensory
      ganglia, herpes zoster usually effects only one single, either left or right,
      dermatome in half of the body. In immunocompromised patients, more than one
      contiguous unilateral dermatome may be involved. Bilateral non-contiguous herpes
      zoster, also termed herpes zoster duplex, is rarely reported. Chronic varicella
      zoster virus skin infection is another rare entity encountered in HIV-infected
      and immunocompromised patients, often associated with aciclovir resistance. We
      describe here a patient with chronic lymphocytic leukaemia, who presented
      simultaneously non-contiguous bilateral and chronic herpes zoster lasting for
      more than 2 months, with resistance to aciclovir. To our knowledge, this is the
      first report of chronic herpes zoster duplex bilateralis. Physicians should be
      aware of and recognize these atypical manifestations of varicella zoster virus.

PMID- 22041918
TI  - Combination of angiotensin II receptor blockers promotes proton pump inhibitor
      based healing of reflux esophagitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several studies have described factors associated with the failure of
      proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to effect endoscopic healing of reflux esophagitis
      (RE), but few studies have addressed factors promoting PPI-based endoscopic
      healing. We performed post hoc analysis of a multicenter prospective cohort of RE
      patients to identify factors encouraging endoscopic healing of this disorder.
      METHODS: Patients with RE received 10 or 20 mg rabeprazole for 8 weeks, and
      endoscopic findings before and after treatment were studied. To evaluate the
      effects of patient background factors on endoscopic healing, we performed
      multiple logistic regression analysis and determined the respective odds ratios
      (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: A total of 454 patients who
      underwent endoscopy at baseline and again at week 8 were included in the
      analysis. After 8 weeks of treatment, improvement in endoscopic findings was
      observed in 94.1% (427/454) of patients, and endoscopic healing was seen in 76.7%
      (348/454). Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that a combination of
      angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs) had a significant positive impact on
      endoscopic healing (OR 3.9, 95% CI 1.411-10.903), but no significant positive
      relationship was seen for other concomitant drugs such as nonsteroidal anti
      inflammatory drugs and calcium channel blockers. Severe RE at baseline (OR 0.365,
      95% CI 0.281-0.475) and PPI therapy prior to enrollment (OR 0.154, 95% CI 0.052
      0.453) were found to have significant negative effects on endoscopic healing.
      CONCLUSIONS: Concomitant use of ARBs may promote endoscopic healing of RE treated
      with PPIs.

PMID- 22041920
TI  - Glycogen synthase kinase 3beta inhibition sensitizes pancreatic cancer cells to
      gemcitabine.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pancreatic cancer is obstinate and resistant to gemcitabine, a
      standard chemotherapeutic agent for the disease. We previously showed a
      therapeutic effect of glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (GSK3beta) inhibition
      against gastrointestinal cancer and glioblastoma. Here, we investigated the
      effect of GSK3beta inhibition on pancreatic cancer cell sensitivity to
      gemcitabine and the underlying molecular mechanism. METHODS: Expression,
      phosphorylation, and activity of GSK3beta in pancreatic cancer cells (PANC-1)
      were examined by Western immunoblotting and in vitro kinase assay. The combined
      effect of gemcitabine and a GSK3beta inhibitor (AR-A014418) against PANC-1 cells
      was examined by isobologram and PANC-1 xenografts in mice. Changes in gene
      expression in PANC-1 cells following GSK3beta inhibition were studied by cDNA
      microarray and reverse transcription (RT)-PCR. RESULTS: PANC-1 cells showed
      increased GSK3beta expression, phosphorylation at tyrosine 216 (active form), and
      activity compared with non-neoplastic HEK293 cells. Administration of AR-A014418
      at pharmacological doses attenuated proliferation of PANC-1 cells and xenografts,
      and significantly sensitized them to gemcitabine. Isobologram analysis determined
      that the combined effect was synergistic. DNA microarray analysis detected
      GSK3beta inhibition-associated changes in gene expression in gemcitabine-treated
      PANC-1 cells. Among these changes, RT-PCR and Western blotting showed that
      expression of tumor protein 53-induced nuclear protein 1, a gene regulating cell
      death and DNA repair, was increased by gemcitabine treatment and substantially
      decreased by GSK3beta inhibition. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that GSK3beta
      inhibition sensitizes pancreatic cancer cells to gemcitabine with altered
      expression of genes involved in DNA repair. This study provides insight into the
      molecular mechanism of gemcitabine resistance and thus a new strategy for
      pancreatic cancer chemotherapy.

PMID- 22041919
TI  - Different subtypes of intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm in the pancreas
      have distinct pathways to pancreatic cancer progression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN) is recognized as a
      precursor lesion to pancreatic cancer, a unique pathological entity. IPMN has
      subtypes with different clinical characteristics. However, the molecular
      mechanisms of cancer progression from IPMN remain largely unknown. In this study
      we examined the differences in genetic alteration(s) among the IPMN subtypes.
      METHODS: Surgically resected IPMNs (n = 25) were classified into four subtypes by
      hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and mucin immunostaining. Mutations in KRAS, BRAF,
      and PIK3CA genes and expression of CDKN2A, TP53, SMAD4, phospho-ERK, and phospho
      SMAD1/5/8 proteins were examined. RESULTS: There were 11 gastric, 11 intestinal,
      one pancreatobiliary, and two oncocytic types in this study. We then compared the
      two major subtypes, gastric-type and intestinal-type IPMN. Gastric-type IPMN
      showed a significantly higher incidence of KRAS mutations (9/11, 81.8%) compared
      with intestinal type (3/11, 27.3%; p < 0.05), although the intestinal type showed
      a higher grade of dysplasia than gastric type (p < 0.01). All cases with KRAS
      mutations showed phospho-ERK immunostaining. In contrast, intestinal type (9/11,
      81.8%) showed more frequent SMAD1/5/8 phosphorylation compared with gastric-type
      IPMN (3/11, 27.3%; p < 0.05%). CONCLUSIONS: There may be distinct mechanisms of
      pancreatic cancer progression in the different subtypes of IPMN. In particular,
      KRAS mutation and bone morphogenetic protein-SMAD signaling status may be crucial
      diverging steps for the two representative pathways to pancreatic cancer in IPMN
      patients.

PMID- 22041921
TI  - Diagnosis of gastroenterological diseases by metabolome analysis using gas
      chromatography-mass spectrometry.
AB  - Recently, metabolome analysis has been increasingly applied to biomarker
      detection and disease diagnosis in medical studies. Metabolome analysis is a
      strategy for studying the characteristics and interactions of low molecular
      weight metabolites under a specific set of conditions and is performed using mass
      spectrometry and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. There is a strong
      possibility that changes in metabolite levels reflect the functional status of a
      cell because alterations in their levels occur downstream of DNA, RNA, and
      protein. Therefore, the metabolite profile of a cell is more likely to represent
      the current status of a cell than DNA, RNA, or protein. Thus, owing to the rapid
      development of mass spectrometry analytical techniques metabolome analysis is
      becoming an important experimental method in life sciences including the medical
      field. Here, we describe metabolome analysis using liquid chromatography-mass
      spectrometry, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), capillary
      electrophoresis-mass spectrometry, and matrix assisted laser desorption
      ionization-mass spectrometry. Then, the findings of studies about GC-MS-based
      metabolome analysis of gastroenterological diseases are summarized, and our
      research results are also introduced. Finally, we discuss the realization of
      disease diagnosis by metabolome analysis. The development of metabolome analysis
      using mass spectrometry will aid the discovery of novel biomarkers, hopefully
      leading to the early detection of various diseases.

PMID- 22041922
TI  - Patterns of care studies in oncology: considerable potential utility, but risk of
      serious bias.

PMID- 22041923
TI  - Prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms in Austrian males: update 2009.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The prevalence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) in a
      representative sample of Austrian males aged 15-89 years was assessed in 2009.
      The results were compared with the findings of a similar study conducted in 1995.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: A population-based cross-sectional survey on LUTS was
      conducted in 2009 in Austria. A quota sample of 1,926 Austrians was selected. The
      sample comprised 0.03% of the population and was representative in terms of age,
      sex, occupational status and area of residence. RESULTS: Some degree of LUTS is
      reported by 64.6% of the male population in Austria aged 15-89 years. IPSS
      correlates significantly with age. In all age groups storage symptoms are more
      prevalent than voiding symptoms. The prevalence of voiding symptoms (IPSS >0)
      among Austrian males is 35.5% and the prevalence of storage symptoms is 61.6%. In
      both groups the prevalence increases with age. Compared to 1995, the prevalence
      of dissatisfaction declined significantly. An extrapolated number of more than
      35,000 men are 'terribly' dissatisfied with their current urinary condition.
      CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of LUTS in Austria meliorated in Austria
      significantly between 1995 and 2009. This in part may be attributed to
      intensified contact of males with urologists in the past.

PMID- 22041924
TI  - Capsule-endoscopic findings of ulcerative colitis patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease
      characterized by diffuse mucosal inflammation, traditionally regarded as being
      limited to the colorectum. Although several gastroduodenal lesions have also been
      reported recently in cases of UC, in general, small-bowel lesions in UC are
      believed to be extremely rare. The aim of this study was to examine the small
      bowel by capsule endoscopy in patients with UC. METHODS: The study was conducted
      in 23 well-documented UC patients and 23 control volunteers. The frequency of
      small-bowel lesions, the number of small-bowel lesions per patient and the
      capsule endoscopy score were comparatively evaluated between the two groups.
      RESULTS: Of the 23 UC patients, 13 (57%) showed small-bowel lesions, and 8 (35%)
      had erosions. There were significant differences in the frequency of the small
      bowel lesions (p < 0.001) and erosions (p = 0.009) between the two groups. The
      capsule endoscopy score was correlated with the UC disease activity index (r =
      0.718, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first capsule-endoscopic study
      conducted to examine the small-bowel involvement in UC patients as compared with
      the healthy volunteers. It was concluded that UC, a chronic inflammatory bowel
      disease, can also involve the small bowel.

PMID- 22041925
TI  - CD1d-independent activation of mouse and human iNKT cells by bacterial
      superantigens.
AB  - Invariant NKT (iNKT) cells are infrequent but important immunomodulatory
      lymphocytes that exhibit CD1d-restricted reactivity with glycolipid Ags. iNKT
      cells express a unique T-cell receptor (TCR) composed of an invariant alpha
      chain, paired with a limited range of beta-chains. Superantigens (SAgs) are
      microbial toxins defined by their ability to activate conventional T cells in a
      TCR beta-chain variable domain (Vbeta)-specific manner. However, whether iNKT
      cells are directly activated by bacterial SAgs remains an open question. Herein,
      we explored the responsiveness of mouse and human iNKT cells to a panel of
      staphylococcal and streptococcal SAgs and examined the contribution of major
      histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II and CD1d to these responses. Bacterial
      SAgs that target mouse Vbeta8, such as staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB), were
      able to activate mouse hybridoma and primary hepatic iNKT cells in the presence
      of mouse APCs expressing human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR4. iNKT cell-mediated
      cytokine secretion in SEB-challenged HLA-DR4-transgenic mice was CD1d-independent
      and accompanied by a high interferon-gamma:interleukin-4 ratio consistent with an
      in vivo Th1 bias. Furthermore, iNKT cells from SEB-injected HLA-DR4-transgenic
      mice, and iNKT cells from SEB-treated human PBMCs, showed early activation by
      intracellular cytokine staining and CD69 expression. Unlike iNKT cell stimulation
      by alpha-galactosylceramide, stimulation by SEB did not induce TCR downregulation
      of either mouse or human iNKT cells. We conclude that Vbeta8-targeting bacterial
      SAgs can activate iNKT cells by utilizing a novel pathway that requires MHC class
      II interactions, but not CD1d. Therefore, iNKT cells fulfill important effector
      functions in response to bacterial SAgs and may provide attractive targets in the
      management of SAg-induced illnesses.

PMID- 22041926
TI  - Non-surgical approach to small cell carcinoma of the esophagus: does this rare
      disease have the same tumor behavior as SCLC?
AB  - BACKGROUND: We conducted a retrospective analysis to clarify the clinical profile
      of a nonsurgical approach to small cell carcinoma of the esophagus (SCEC).
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: SCEC patients in our database were reviewed. Consistent
      with the standard approach to small cell carcinoma of the lung (SCLC),
      chemoradiotherapy was the first choice for limited disease (LD)-SCEC in our
      institution while chemotherapy was the first choice for extensive disease (ED)
      SCEC. Our strategy did not include prophylactic cranial irradiation. RESULTS:
      Eighteen patients were treated between January 1996 and December 2006, of whom 10
      had LD-SCEC and 8 had ED-SCEC. Regarding response to chemoradiotherapy in
      patients with LD-SCEC, CR rate at the primary site was 90% (9/10) and total CR
      rate was 80% (8/10). With a median follow-up period of 55.3 months, median
      survival time in LD-SCEC and ED-SCEC patients was 17.3 and 13.9 months,
      respectively, showing no significant difference (p = 0.57). Brain metastases
      occurred in only one patient. On follow-up, eight patients with LD-SCEC and seven
      with ED-SCEC died of disease. Only 2 patients died of local progression, while
      the remaining 13 died of disease progression of distant metastases. CONCLUSION:
      Despite providing good local control, chemoradiotherapy appeared to have
      insufficient potential to cure LD-SCEC. Prophylactic brain irradiation for SCEC
      is unnecessary.

PMID- 22041927
TI  - The prognostic analysis of clinical breast cancer subtypes among patients with
      liver metastases from breast cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To determine whether the inferior outcome noted with triple-negative
      breast cancer (TNBC) reflects a higher risk population among patients with breast
      cancer liver metastases. METHODS: A total of 123 patients with breast cancer
      liver metastases diagnosed at Tianjin Medical University Cancer Hospital were
      included in this study. Breast cancer subtype was assigned using
      immunohistochemistry or fluorescence in situ hybridization: hormone receptor (HR)
      positive (+)/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) negative (-),
      HR+/HER2+, HR-/HER2+ and triple-negative subtype. Clinical features and survival
      were evaluated in different subtypes. RESULTS: The median age at breast cancer
      diagnosis was 47 years (range, 23-67 years). Breast cancer subtype was confirmed
      in all patients (39.8% with HR+/HER2-, 24.4% with HR+/HER2+, 15.3% with HR-/HER2+
      and 20.3% with TNBC). The median overall survival after liver metastases was 29
      months (range, 4-89 months), and the overall 1-, 2- and 3-year survival rate was
      68.3, 48.0 and 34.1%, respectively. Survival was found to be impacted by breast
      cancer subtype (P = 0.001), and was shortest for patients with TNBC. Time to
      liver metastases (TTLM) less than 24 months and liver metastasis lesions >=3 were
      found to be important predictors of poor survival after liver metastases (P =
      0.009 and 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that clinical
      breast cancer subtype remains an independent prognostic predictor among patients
      with breast cancer liver metastases. Liver metastases arising from TNBC confers
      the worst prognosis, and novel agents capable of controlling intrahepatic and
      extrahepatic TNBC are needed.

PMID- 22041928
TI  - Caffeine-potentiated chemotherapy for clear cell sarcoma: a report of five cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clear cell sarcoma is a rare malignant tumor of soft tissue which is
      most commonly encountered in the extremities, especially in the foot and ankle.
      This tumor is slow-growing and looks like a benign tumor; it is therefore often
      treated inadequately and its high rate of recurrence and metastases results in a
      poor prognosis. Caffeine has been used as a chemotherapy potentiator that
      inhibits DNA damage repair and enhances the cytocidal effects of anti-cancer
      drugs. This study reports the effect of caffeine-potentiated chemotherapy for
      clear cell sarcoma in five patients. METHODS: Caffeine-potentiated chemotherapy
      was administered to five patients with clear cell sarcoma. Three to five courses
      of intra-arterial chemotherapy using cisplatin, doxorubicin and caffeine were
      administered preoperatively, at 3-week intervals. Conservatively, wide margin
      surgery was performed following the preoperative chemotherapy. Intravenous
      cisplatin and doxorubicin with caffeine were administered three to six times to
      the patients who responded to the preoperative chemotherapy. This study evaluated
      the response to chemotherapy, recurrence, metastasis and the overall prognosis in
      these five patients. RESULTS: Four of the eligible patients responded to
      preoperative chemotherapy. Local recurrence occurred in only one of the five
      patients. Distant metastasis newly developed in one patient. All five patients
      survive. CONCLUSION: Caffeine-potentiated chemotherapy can be effective treatment
      for clear cell sarcoma not only as initial therapy, but also as salvage therapy.

PMID- 22041929
TI  - A case of intimal sarcoma of the pulmonary artery successfully treated with
      chemotherapy.
AB  - Intimal sarcoma of pulmonary artery (PAIS) is a rare disease with no
      characteristic symptoms. No standard therapeutic guidelines have been established
      so far. A 55-year-old woman who underwent pulmonary endarterectomy in 2005 with a
      pathological and immunohistochemical result of PAIS was re-admitted to our
      hospital on August 24, 2009, presenting with cough and dyspnea. The thoracic
      computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a 12.5 cm * 9 cm well-defined mass in the
      right lobe, considered a local neoplasm recurrence after a 44 month symptom-free
      period. As surgical resection was not proposed, she received combined
      chemotherapy consisting of doxorubicin, cisplatin, and ifosfamide for two cycles.
      Because of intolerable side effects, she received vinorelbine and cisplatin for
      the next four cycles. CT scans after six cycles showed remarkable regression of
      the tumor. After that, she began to take oral cyclophosphamide (50 mg t.i.d)
      everyday as a maintenance therapy. As of the time of writing, 19 months after the
      onset of the recurrence, she remains stable. Several antineoplastic drugs have
      been reported to be used in PAIS, with poor effects in most cases. To our
      knowledge, this is the first case of PAIS that has been successfully treated by a
      vinorelbine-based regimen used as second-line chemotherapy. Vinorelbine is a
      promising drug that may be relatively well tolerated in heavily pretreated
      patients with PAIS.

PMID- 22041932
TI  - Vaginal cleansing practices in HIV infected Zambian women.
AB  - Vaginal practices are a variety of behavioral techniques that women use to manage
      their sexual life and personal hygiene. Women perceive vaginal practices as a
      beneficial practice. However, vaginal cleansing has been identified as one of the
      main risk factors for bacterial vaginosis and is potentially implicated in Human
      Immune Deficiency Virus (HIV) and sexually transmitted infection transmission.
      This study examined the prevalence of vaginal practices and the types of
      practices used among a sample of HIV positive women living in Lusaka, Zambia.
      Over 90% of all women recruited engaged in vaginal practices. Certain practices,
      such as use of water or soap, were more frequently used for hygiene reasons.
      Herbs and traditional medicines were mainly used to please sexual partner.
      Strategies to decrease VP appear urgently needed in the Zambian community.

PMID- 22041930
TI  - The role of multiple identities in adherence to medical appointments among
      gay/bisexual male adolescents living with HIV.
AB  - Adolescents living with HIV require engagement with care providers in order to
      access the critical medical and psychosocial services they need. The current
      study sought to explore developmental determinants of adherence to medical
      appointments as one aspect of engagement in care among a geographically diverse
      sample of 200 gay/bisexual male adolescents (16-24 years) living with HIV, with a
      specific focus on ethnic identity, sexual orientation identity, and identity as a
      young man living with HIV. Ethnic identity affirmation (OR = 0.6; 95% CI: 0.3,
      0.9), morality of homosexuality (OR = 1.7; 95% CI: 1.2, 2.5), and HIV-positive
      identity salience (OR = 1.5; 95% CI: 0.9, 2.4) were associated with significantly
      higher risk for missed appointments in the past 3 months. These findings
      highlight the importance of attending to developmental factors, such as the
      development of multiple identities, when attempting to increase engagement in
      care for gay/bisexual male adolescents living with HIV.

PMID- 22041933
TI  - Bioluminescent yeast estrogen assay (BLYES) as a sensitive tool to monitor
      surface and drinking water for estrogenicity.
AB  - Estrogenic Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) are a concern due to their
      ubiquity and recognized adverse effects to humans and wildlife. Methods to assess
      exposure to and associated risks of their presence in aquatic environment are
      still under development. The aim of this work is to assess estrogenicity of raw
      and treated waters with different degrees of pollution. Chemical analyses of
      selected EDCs were performed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry,
      and estrogenic activity was evaluated using in vitro bioluminescent yeast
      estrogen assay (BLYES). Most raw water samples (18/20) presented at least one EDC
      and 16 rendered positive in BLYES. When EDCs were detected, the bioassay usually
      provided a positive response, except when only bisphenol A was detected at low
      concentrations. The highest values of estrogenic activity were detected in the
      most polluted sites. The maximum estrogenic activity observed was 8.7 ng equiv.
      of E2 L(-1). We compared potencies observed in the bioassay to the relative
      potency of target compounds and their concentrations failed to fully explain the
      biological response. This indicates that bioassay is more sensitive than the
      chemical approach either detecting estrogenic target compounds at lower
      concentrations, other non-target compounds or even synergistic effects, which
      should be considered on further investigations. We have not detected either
      estrogenic activity or estrogenic compounds in drinking water. BLYES showed good
      sensitivity with a detection limit of 0.1 ng equiv. E2 L(-1) and it seems to be a
      suitable tool for water monitoring.

PMID- 22041931
TI  - HIV-infected individuals with co-occurring bipolar disorder evidence poor
      antiretroviral and psychiatric medication adherence.
AB  - The contribution of bipolar disorder (BD), a prevalent serious mental illness
      characterized by impulsivity and mood instability, to antiretroviral (ART) and
      psychiatric medication adherence among HIV-infected (HIV+) individuals is
      unknown. We examined medication adherence among 44 HIV+/BD+ persons as compared
      to 33 demographically- and medically-comparable HIV+/BD- persons. Classification
      of adherent (>= 90%) or non-adherent (<90%) based on proportion of correctly
      taken doses over 30 days was determined using electronic medication monitoring
      devices. HIV+/BD+ persons were significantly less likely to be ART adherent
      (47.7%) as compared to HIV+/BD- (90.9%) persons. Within the HIV+/BD+ group, mean
      psychiatric medication adherence was significantly worse than ART medication
      adherence, although there was a significant correlation between ART and
      psychiatric adherence levels. Importantly, 30-day ART adherence was associated
      with plasma virologic response among HIV+/BD+ individuals. Given the high overlap
      of HIV and BD, and the observed medication adherence difficulties for these
      persons, specialized adherence improvement interventions are needed.

PMID- 22041934
TI  - CPK12: A Ca2+-dependent protein kinase balancer in abscisic acid signaling.
AB  - Ca2+ is believed to be a critical second messenger in ABA signal transduction.
      Ca2+-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs) are the best characterized Ca2+ sensors in
      plants. Recently, we identified an Arabidopsis CDPK member CPK12 as a negative
      regulator of ABA signaling in seed germination and post-germination growth, which
      reveals that different members of the CDPK family may constitute a regulation
      loop by functioning positively and negatively in ABA signal transduction. We
      observed that both RNA interference and overexpression of CPK12 gene resulted in
      ABA-hypersensitive phenotypes in seed germination and post-germination growth,
      suggesting a high complexity of the CPK12-mediated ABA signaling pathway. CPK12
      stimulates a negative ABA-signaling regulator (ABI2) and phosphorylates two
      positive ABA-signaling regulators (ABF1 and ABF4), which may partly explain the
      ABA hypersensitivity induced by both downregulation and upregulation of CPK12
      expression. Our data indicate that CPK12 appears to function as a balancer in ABA
      signal transduction in Arabidopsis.

PMID- 22041936
TI  - Study of lead accumulation in bones of Wistar rats by X-ray fluorescence
      analysis: aging effect.
AB  - The accumulation of lead in several bones of Wistar rats with time was determined
      and compared for the different types of bones. Two groups were studied: a control
      group (n = 20), not exposed to lead and a contaminated group (n = 30), exposed to
      lead from birth, first indirectly through mother's milk, and then directly
      through a diet containing lead acetate in drinking water (0.2%). Rats age ranged
      from 1 to 11 months, with approximately 1 month intervals and each of the
      collections had 3 contaminated rats and 2 control rats. Iliac, femur, tibia
      fibula and skull have been analysed by Energy Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence
      Technique (EDXRF). Samples of formaldehyde used to preserve the bone tissues were
      also analysed by Electrothermal Atomic Absorption (ETAAS), showing that there was
      no significant loss of lead from the tissue to the preservative. The bones mean
      lead concentration of exposed rats range from 100 to 300 MUg g(-1) while control
      rats never exceeded 10 MUg g(-1). Mean bone lead concentrations were compared and
      the concentrations were higher in iliac, femur and tibia-fibula and after that
      skull. However, of all the concentrations in the different collections, only
      those in the skull were statistically significantly different (p < 0.05) from the
      other types of bones. Analysis of a radar chart also allowed us to say that these
      differences tend to diminish with age. The Spearman correlation test applied to
      mean lead concentrations showed strong and very strong positive correlations
      between all different types of bones. This test also showed that mean lead
      concentrations in bones are negatively correlated with the age of the animals.
      This correlation is strong in iliac and femur and very strong in tibia-fibula and
      skull. It was also shown that the decrease of lead accumulation with age is made
      by three plateaus of accumulation, which coincide, in all analysed bones, between
      2nd-3rd and 9th-10th months.

PMID- 22041935
TI  - Knock-down of protein phosphatase 2A subunit B'gamma promotes phosphorylation of
      CALRETICULIN 1 in Arabidopsis thaliana.
AB  - Controlled protein dephosphorylation by protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) regulates
      diverse signaling events in plants. Recently, we showed that a specific B'gamma
      regulatory subunit of PP2A mediates basal repression of immune reactions in
      Arabidopsis thaliana. Knock-down pp2a-b'gamma mutants display constitutive
      defense reactions and premature yellowing conditionally under moderate light
      intensity. Here we show that knock-down of PP2A-B'gamma renders CALRETI CULIN 1
      (CRT 1) highly phosphorylated. Calreticulins are ER-resident chaperonins that
      operate in the unfolded protein response to prevent ER-stress, components of
      which are differentially regulated at mRNA level in pp2a-b'gamma leaves. We
      speculate that in dephosphorylated state, CRT 1 promotes the degradation of
      unfolded proteins in ER. Our findings suggest that in wild type plants,
      dephosphorylation of CRT 1 is mediated by PP2A-B'gamma dependent signaling
      effects. In pp2a-b'gamma, strong phosphorylation of CRT 1 may partially imbalance
      the quality control of protein folding, thereby eliciting ER-stress and premature
      yellowing in leaves.

PMID- 22041937
TI  - In search of a vaccine for mouse allergy: significant reduction of Mus m 1
      allergenicity by structure-guided single-point mutations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mouse urinary proteins are relevant allergens from mice urine. We
      used the recombinant protein Mus m 1 as an allergen model to identify if, by
      altering Mus m 1 architecture via single-point mutations, we could effectively
      modify its allergenicity. METHODS: Based on structural considerations, we
      synthesized two single-point mutants, Mus m 1-Y120A and Mus m 1-Y120F, which were
      expected to harbor large structural alterations. Circular dichroism and
      fluorescence analysis showed significant conformational rearrangements of the
      aromatic side chains in the internal cavity of Mus m 1-Y120A when compared to Mus
      m 1-Y120F and Mus m 1. Evaluation of the allergenic potential of the recombinant
      molecules was performed in vitro with both immunochemical approaches and assays
      based on the measurement of basophil degranulation. Moreover, to assess the
      integrity of the T cell epitopes and as an in vitro measure of immunogenicity, we
      tested the reactivity of T lymphocytes from subjects allergic to mouse urine
      against proteins and synthetic peptides encompassing the immunodominant linear
      epitope containing the mutation. RESULTS: We found that the selected point
      mutation was able to modulate the protein allergenicity, and to severely impair
      the recognition of Mus m 1 by IgE, while T cell reactivity was fully maintained.
      CONCLUSIONS: In silico predicted, minimum selected structural modifications
      allowed to design one protein with reduced allergenicity and preserved
      immunogenicity. Structurally guided mutations can direct the design of proteins
      with reduced allergenicity which can be used as vaccines for a safer and more
      effective immunotherapy of allergic disorders.

PMID- 22041941
TI  - Complexes of amino acids with a crown-ether derivative of 4-styrylpyridine.
      Monotopic or ditopic?
AB  - An E-4-styrylpyridine derivative endowed with 18-crown-6 as a substituent (E-1)
      was prepared and evaluated in acetonitrile as a potential ditopic ligand for
      protonated amino acids. The interactions of E-1 with the protonated amino acid
      perchlorates, ClO(4)(-) H(3)N(+)(CH(2))(n)COOH (n = 2, 5 and 10, A2, A5 and A10,
      respectively), were studied by optical methods, (1)H NMR and mass spectroscopy.
      Complex formation involves coordination of the ammonium ion at the crown ether
      moiety of E-1. The spectral changes were evaluated by comparison with results
      obtained on protonation of E-1 with HClO(4) and on association with ammonium
      perchlorate. Protonation by the protonated amino acid perchlorates was thwarted
      due to reversal of carboxyl/pyridinium pK(A) order in acetonitrile relative to
      water. Evidence for ditopic hydrogen bonding complex formation was especially
      sought for A10 because its CH(2) chain is sufficiently long to bridge the
      distance between the crown ether and pyridyl N sites of E-1. Despite some subtle
      hints to the contrary, the absence of NOE interaction between the pyridyl protons
      of E-1 and the methylene protons of A10 indicates that the E-1.A10 complex is in
      the main monotopic, as is the case for A2 and A5. The photophysical and
      photochemical behaviour of the complexes change significantly on protonation by
      HClO(4). The optical response of E-1 on binding the amino acids as ammonium salts
      allows convenient monitoring of complex formation.

PMID- 22041938
TI  - Mechanistic insight into the h(2)o/d (2)o isotope effect in the proton transport
      of the influenza virus m2 protein.
AB  - The M2 proton channel is essential for the replication of the flu virus and is a
      known drug target. The functional mechanism of channel activation and conductance
      is key to both the basic biology of viral replication and the design of drugs
      that can withstand mutations. A quantitative model was previously developed for
      calculating the rate of proton transport through the M2 channel. The permeant
      proton was assumed to diffuse to the pore, obligatorily bind to the His37 tetrad,
      and then dissociate and be released to either side of the tetrad. Here the model
      is used to calculate the effect of a change in solvent from H(2)O to D(2)O on the
      rate of proton transport. The solvent substitution affects two parameters in the
      model: the proton diffusion constant and the pK (a) for proton binding to the
      His37 tetrad. When the known effects on these two parameters are included, the
      deuterium isotope effect calculated from the model is in quantitatively agreement
      with experimental results. This strict test of the theoretical model provides
      strong support for the hypothesis that the permeant proton obligatorily binds to
      and then unbinds from the His37 tetrad. This putatively essential role of the
      His37 tetrad in the functional mechanism of the M2 channel makes it a promising
      target for designing mutation-tolerant drugs.

PMID- 22041942
TI  - In vitro and in vivo effects of ketamine on generation and function of dendritic
      cells.
AB  - The question about how intravenous anesthetic reagents affect the development and
      function of dendritic cell subsets still has no comprehensive answers. Bone
      marrow cells differentiated with FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand in vitro
      represented the steady-state dendritic cell subsets. The effects of ketamine on
      the generation and function of dendritic cell subsets were investigated. We found
      that dendritic cell subsets responded to the anesthetic reagent ketamine in
      several aspects: 1) The in vitro and in vivo development of plasmacytoid
      dendritic cells were inhibited by ketamine at high concentrations; 2) The
      endocytosis of dendritic cells were not influenced by ketamine at concentrations
      from 50 - 200 uM; 3) The maturation markers of conventional dendritic cells were
      not changed by ketamine upon LPS or CpG stimulation, although the cytokines mRNA
      profiles were affected; 4) The allogenic-stimulatory activity of dendritic cells
      was suppressed by ketamine. In conclusion, ketamine hampered plasmacytoid
      dendritic cell subset development both in vivo and in vitro. The dendritic cells
      maturation and downstream responses towards different toll-like receptor stimuli
      were differently regulated by ketamine treatment.

PMID- 22041943
TI  - Protection against dopaminergic neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease-model
      animals by a modulator of the oxidized form of DJ-1, a wild-type of familial
      Parkinson's disease-linked PARK7.
AB  - DJ-1, Parkinson's disease PARK7, acts as an oxidative stress sensor in neural
      cells. Recently, we identified the DJ-1 modulator UCP0054278 by in silico virtual
      screening. However, the effect of the peripheral administration of UCP0054278 on
      an in vivo Parkinson's disease (PD) model is unclear. Therefore, in the present
      study, we examined the effects of the peripheral administration of UCP0054278 on
      both 6-OHDA-microinjected rats and rotenone-treated mice as acute and chronic
      animal models of PD, respectively. The peripheral administration of UCP0054278
      prevented 6-OHDA- and rotenone-induced dopaminergic neural cell death and
      restored the defect in locomotion in these models of PD. In addition, 6-OHDA- or
      rotenone-induced neural cell death and the production of reactive oxygen species
      were significantly inhibited by UCP0054278 in normal SH-SY5Y cells, but not in DJ
      1-knockdown cells. These results suggest that UCP0054278 interacts with
      endogenous DJ-1 and then produces antioxidant and neuroprotective responses in
      both in vivo and in vitro models of PD. The present study raises the possibility
      that DJ-1 stimulatory modulators, such as UCP0054278, may be a new type of
      dopaminergic neuroprotective drug for the treatment of PD.

PMID- 22041944
TI  - Cutaneous diphtheria in a German man with travel history.

PMID- 22041945
TI  - Yoga for chronic low back pain: a randomized trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies indicate that yoga may be an effective treatment for
      chronic or recurrent low back pain. OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of
      yoga and usual care for chronic or recurrent low back pain. DESIGN: Parallel
      group, randomized, controlled trial using computer-generated randomization
      conducted from April 2007 to March 2010. Outcomes were assessed by postal
      questionnaire. (International Standard Randomised Controlled Trial Number
      Register: ISRCTN 81079604) SETTING: 13 non-National Health Service premises in
      the United Kingdom. PATIENTS: 313 adults with chronic or recurrent low back pain.
      INTERVENTION: Yoga (n = 156) or usual care (n = 157). All participants received a
      back pain education booklet. The intervention group was offered a 12-class,
      gradually progressing yoga program delivered by 12 teachers over 3 months.
      MEASUREMENTS: Scores on the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) at 3
      (primary outcome), 6, and 12 (secondary outcomes) months; pain, pain self
      efficacy, and general health measures at 3, 6, and 12 months (secondary
      outcomes). RESULTS: 93 (60%) patients offered yoga attended at least 3 of the
      first 6 sessions and at least 3 other sessions. The yoga group had better back
      function at 3, 6, and 12 months than the usual care group. The adjusted mean RMDQ
      score was 2.17 points (95% CI, 1.03 to 3.31 points) lower in the yoga group at 3
      months, 1.48 points (CI, 0.33 to 2.62 points) lower at 6 months, and 1.57 points
      (CI, 0.42 to 2.71 points) lower at 12 months. The yoga and usual care groups had
      similar back pain and general health scores at 3, 6, and 12 months, and the yoga
      group had higher pain self-efficacy scores at 3 and 6 months but not at 12
      months. Two of the 157 usual care participants and 12 of the 156 yoga
      participants reported adverse events, mostly increased pain. LIMITATION: There
      were missing data for the primary outcome (yoga group, n = 21; usual care group,
      n = 18) and differential missing data (more in the yoga group) for secondary
      outcomes. CONCLUSION: Offering a 12-week yoga program to adults with chronic or
      recurrent low back pain led to greater improvements in back function than did
      usual care. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE: Arthritis Research UK.

PMID- 22041946
TI  - Net clinical benefit of adding clopidogrel to aspirin therapy in patients with
      atrial fibrillation for whom vitamin K antagonists are unsuitable.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adding clopidogrel to aspirin therapy reduces stroke in patients with
      atrial fibrillation (AF) but increases hemorrhage. OBJECTIVE: To quantify the net
      benefit of adding clopidogrel to aspirin therapy, accounting for differences in
      clinical significance between ischemic and hemorrhagic events. DESIGN:
      Observational cohort study to assign the relative weighting of events and post
      hoc analysis of randomized trial data to assess net benefit of dual antiplatelet
      therapy in the ACTIVE (Atrial Fibrillation Clopidogrel Trial with Irbesartan for
      Prevention of Vascular Events) clinical trials. SETTING: Global randomized
      clinical trial. PATIENTS: 10,041 patients with AF, 7554 of whom were not
      candidates for warfarin therapy. MEASUREMENTS: Ischemic events (ischemic stroke
      or myocardial infarction) and hemorrhagic events (hemorrhagic stroke or subdural
      or extracranial bleeding), weighted by the hazard ratio for death (or death or
      disability) after an event relative to death (or death or disability) after
      ischemic stroke. The net clinical benefit of dual antiplatelet therapy in the
      ACTIVE A trial participants was defined as the sum of weighted event incidence
      with dual antiplatelet therapy subtracted from the sum of weighted event
      incidence on control treatment, expressed as ischemic stroke equivalents
      prevented per 100 patients years. RESULTS: Adding clopidogrel to aspirin therapy
      prevented 0.57 ischemic stroke equivalent (95% CI, -0.12 to 1.24) per 100 patient
      years of treatment when weighted by hazard for death after ischemia or hemorrhage
      and 0.67 ischemic stroke equivalent (CI, -0.03 to 1.18) when weighted by death or
      disability after ischemia or hemorrhage. LIMITATION: No attempt was made to
      relate deaths used for weighting to events; disability data were missing for more
      than one half of patients. CONCLUSION: Adding clopidogrel to aspirin therapy
      resulted in a modest net benefit among patients with AF for whom warfarin was
      unsuitable. The benefit would probably be clinically relevant for some patients,
      but estimates could not exclude the possibility of either no benefit or very
      small harm in this population. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE: Bristol-Myers Squibb and
      sanofi-aventis.

PMID- 22041947
TI  - Safety of screening procedures with hand-held metal detectors among patients with
      implanted cardiac rhythm devices: a cross-sectional analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Case reports suggest that the hand-held metal detectors used for
      security screening generate electromagnetic fields that may interfere with
      pacemaker and implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) function. OBJECTIVE:
      To assess changes in function of pacemakers and ICDs after exposure to hand-held
      metal detectors. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Two medical centers in
      Europe. PATIENTS: 388 patients (209 with pacemakers and 179 with ICDs) presenting
      for routine follow-up of device function between September 2009 and December
      2010. MEASUREMENTS: Abnormalities on electrocardiography suggestive of rhythm
      device malfunction (pacing inhibition, loss of capture, inappropriate mode
      switch, ventricular oversensing, and spontaneous reprogramming) after 30 seconds
      of exposure to 2 widely used hand-held metal detectors with a maximal
      electromagnetic flux density of 6.3 uT. RESULTS: No change in device function,
      including pacing or sensing abnormalities or device reprogramming, was observed
      in any patient. LIMITATIONS: The study included a convenience sample of patients,
      and the number of different device models tested was small. Testing was conducted
      in 2 clinic settings. CONCLUSION: Hand-held metal detectors did not affect the
      function of pacemakers or ICDs in this sample. The use of hand-held metal
      detectors for security screening is probably safe for patients with pacemakers
      and ICDs, but these findings require confirmation. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE: None.

PMID- 22041948
TI  - Enhancing communication between oncologists and patients with a computer-based
      training program: a randomized trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Quality cancer care requires addressing patients' emotions, which
      oncologists infrequently do. Multiday courses can teach oncologists skills to
      handle emotion; however, such workshops are long and costly. OBJECTIVE: To test
      whether a brief, computerized intervention improves oncologist responses to
      patient expressions of negative emotion. DESIGN: Randomized, controlled, parallel
      group trial stratified by site, sex, and oncologic specialty. Oncologists were
      randomly assigned to receive a communication lecture or the lecture plus a
      tailored CD-ROM. (ClinicalTrials.gov registration number: NCT00276627) SETTING:
      Oncology clinics at a comprehensive cancer center and Veterans Affairs Medical
      Center in Durham, North Carolina, and a comprehensive cancer center in
      Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. PARTICIPANTS: 48 medical, gynecologic, and radiation
      oncologists and 264 patients with advanced cancer. INTERVENTION: Oncologists were
      randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive an interactive CD-ROM about
      responding to patients' negative emotions. The CD-ROM included tailored feedback
      on the oncologists' own recorded conversations. MEASUREMENTS: Postintervention
      audio recordings were used to identify the number of empathic statements and
      responses to patients' expressions of negative emotion. Surveys evaluated
      patients' trust in their oncologists and perceptions of their oncologists'
      communication skills. RESULTS: Oncologists in the intervention group used more
      empathic statements (relative risk, 1.9 [95% CI, 1.1 to 3.3]; P = 0.024) and were
      more likely to respond to negative emotions empathically (odds ratio, 2.1 [CI,
      1.1 to 4.2]; P = 0.028) than control oncologists. Patients of intervention
      oncologists reported greater trust in their oncologists than did patients of
      control oncologists (estimated mean difference, 0.1 [CI, 0.0 to 0.2]; P = 0.036).
      There was no significant difference in perceptions of communication skills.
      LIMITATIONS: Long-term effects were not examined. The findings may not be
      generalizable outside of academic medical centers. CONCLUSION: A brief
      computerized intervention improves how oncologists respond to patients'
      expressions of negative emotions. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE: National Cancer
      Institute.

PMID- 22041949
TI  - Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in hospitalized medical patients and those
      with stroke: a background review for an American College of Physicians Clinical
      Practice Guideline.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis has been recommended for
      nonsurgical patients, but its effectiveness remains uncertain. PURPOSE: To assess
      the benefits and harms of prophylaxis in hospitalized adult medical patients and
      those with acute stroke. DATA SOURCES: MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library from 1950
      through April 2011, reference lists, and study authors. STUDY SELECTION: English
      language randomized trials were included if they provided clinical outcomes and
      evaluated therapy with low-dose heparin or related agents or mechanical measures
      compared with placebo, no treatment, or other active prophylaxis in the target
      population. DATA EXTRACTION: Two independent investigators extracted data on
      study characteristics and clinical outcomes up to 120 days after randomization.
      The primary outcome was total mortality. DATA SYNTHESIS: In medical patients,
      heparin prophylaxis did not reduce total mortality but did result in fewer
      pulmonary embolisms (PEs) (odds ratio [OR], 0.69 [95% CI, 0.52 to 0.90], but with
      evidence of publication bias) and an increase in all bleeding events (risk ratio
      [RR], 1.34 [CI, 1.08 to 1.66]). Heparin prophylaxis had no statistically
      significant effect on any outcome in patients with acute stroke except for an
      increase in major bleeding events (OR, 1.66 [CI, 1.20 to 2.28]). When trials of
      medical patients and those with stroke were considered together (18 studies;
      36,122 patients), heparin prophylaxis reduced the incidence of PE (OR, 0.70 [CI,
      0.56 to 0.87]; absolute reduction, 3 events per 1000 patients treated [CI, 1 to 5
      events]) but increased the incidence of all bleeding (RR, 1.28 [CI, 1.05 to
      1.56]) and major bleeding events (OR, 1.61 [CI, 1.23 to 2.10]), with an absolute
      increase of 9 bleeding events per 1000 patients treated (CI, 2 to 18 events), 4
      of which were major (CI, 1 to 7 events). A reduction in total mortality
      approached statistical significance (RR, 0.93 [CI, 0.86 to 1.00]; P = 0.056;
      absolute decrease, 6 deaths per 1000 patients treated [CI, 0 to 11 deaths]). No
      statistically significant differences in clinical outcomes were observed in the
      14 trials that compared unfractionated heparin with low-molecular-weight heparin.
      No improvements in clinical outcomes were seen in the 3 studies of mechanical
      prophylaxis in patients with stroke, but more patients had lower-extremity skin
      damage (RR, 4.02 [CI, 2.34 to 6.91])-an increase of 39 events per 1000 patients
      treated (CI, 17 to 77 events). LIMITATION: Non-English-language studies were not
      included, but these were few and small. CONCLUSION: Heparin prophylaxis had no
      significant effect on mortality, may have reduced PE in medical patients and all
      patients combined, and led to more bleeding and major bleeding events, thus
      resulting in little or no net benefit. No differences in benefits or harms were
      found according to type of heparin used. Mechanical prophylaxis provided no
      benefit and resulted in clinically important harm to patients with stroke.
      PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE: American College of Physicians.

PMID- 22041950
TI  - Emerging magnetic resonance imaging technologies for musculoskeletal imaging
      under loading stress: scope of the literature.
AB  - Imaging under loading stress is hypothesized to improve the diagnostic value of
      magnetic resonancel imaging (MRI) for musculoskeletal conditions. This article
      reviews 57 studies about MRI under physiologic loading stress performed in an
      upright or sitting position or under axial loading by using a compression device.
      The most commonly imaged regions were the spine (33 studies) and knee (13
      studies). Most studies had a cross-sectional (n = 37) or case-control (n = 13)
      design and reported on anatomical measurements rather than patient-relevant end
      points. Studies were generally small: The median (25th, 75th percentile) number
      of case patients was 26 (17, 45), and the median (25th, 75th percentile) number
      of control participants was 13 (12, 20 for case-control studies). Fifteen of 57
      studies used at least 2 imaging tests and reported on diagnostic or patient
      relevant outcomes but did not report meaningful information on the relative
      performance of the tests. In 10 studies that included information on adverse
      effects, 5% to 15% of participants reported new-onset or worsening pain and
      neuropathy during MRI under loading stress. Overall, evidence is insufficient to
      support the clinical utility of MRI under loading stress for musculoskeletal
      conditions.

PMID- 22041951
TI  - Venous thromboembolism prophylaxis in hospitalized patients: a clinical practice
      guideline from the American College of Physicians.
AB  - DESCRIPTION: The American College of Physicians (ACP) developed this guideline to
      present the evidence and provide clinical recommendations on prophylaxis of
      venous thromboembolism for hospitalized nonsurgical patients (medical patients
      and patients with acute stroke). METHODS: This guideline is based on published
      literature on the topic from 1950 through April 2011 that was identified by using
      MEDLINE, the Cochrane Library, and reference lists of pertinent randomized trials
      and systematic reviews to identify additional reports. Searches were limited to
      randomized trials and English-language publications. The primary outcome for this
      guideline was total mortality up to 120 days after randomization. Secondary
      outcomes included symptomatic deep venous thrombosis; all pulmonary embolisms;
      fatal pulmonary embolism; all bleeding events; major bleeding events; and, for
      mechanical prophylaxis, effects on skin. This guideline grades the evidence and
      recommendations by using the ACP's clinical practice guidelines grading system.
      RECOMMENDATION 1: ACP recommends assessment of the risk for thromboembolism and
      bleeding in medical (including stroke) patients prior to initiation of
      prophylaxis of venous thromboembolism (Grade: strong recommendation, moderate
      quality evidence). RECOMMENDATION 2: ACP recommends pharmacologic prophylaxis
      with heparin or a related drug for venous thromboembolism in medical (including
      stroke) patients unless the assessed risk for bleeding outweighs the likely
      benefits (Grade: strong recommendation, moderate-quality evidence).
      RECOMMENDATION 3: ACP recommends against the use of mechanical prophylaxis with
      graduated compression stockings for prevention of venous thromboembolism (Grade:
      strong recommendation, moderate-quality evidence). POLICY IMPLICATION: ACP does
      not support the application of performance measures in medical (including stroke)
      patients that promotes universal venous thromboembolism prophylaxis regardless of
      risk.

PMID- 22041952
TI  - Retainer medicine: an ethically legitimate form of practice that can improve
      primary care.
AB  - Retainer medicine has become an important yet controversial form of primary care
      practice in the United States, coming under attack for its purported failure to
      measure up to professional ethics. Critics opine that retainer medicine obstructs
      professional commitments to health care access and social justice. Some ethicists
      urge that society should restrict or ban retainer medicine; professional
      organizations have yet to take a stand. The authors believe that retainer
      medicine is compatible with professional ethics and will more likely aid in
      solving the difficulties facing primary care rather than add to them. Although
      professional ethics should evolve to address new conditions, a condemnation of
      retainer medicine is warranted neither by traditional ethical precepts nor by
      contemporary developments in medical ethics. Any move to sanction retainer
      medicine under the banner of professionalism or professional ethics will be
      counterproductive. The primary care shortage will only get worse if physicians in
      retainer practice leave primary care altogether, a likely outcome of legal or
      professional condemnation of retainer practice.

PMID- 22041953
TI  - Selecting the optimal stroke prevention therapy in atrial fibrillation.

PMID- 22041954
TI  - Evidence-based performance measures: preventing unintended consequences of
      quality measurement.

PMID- 22041955
TI  - Retainer medicine: why not for all?

PMID- 22041956
TI  - Discovery at the bedside.

PMID- 22041957
TI  - Chris' tears.

PMID- 22041958
TI  - Prognosis.

PMID- 22041959
TI  - Thyrotoxicosis: a lesson from the slaughterhouse.

PMID- 22041960
TI  - Human diphtheria infection from a cat bite.

PMID- 22041961
TI  - Episodic monocular vision loss after implantation of a vagal nerve stimulator.

PMID- 22041962
TI  - False-positive blood glucose and ketone values with lightening cream.

PMID- 22041963
TI  - Pharyngeal painful tonic spasms: paroxysmal painful swallowing.

PMID- 22041964
TI  - Summaries for patients: Are hand-held metal detectors used in airports safe for
      people with pacemakers and defibrillators?

PMID- 22041965
TI  - Summaries for patients: Preventing venous thromboembolism in hospitalized
      patients: recommendations from the American College of Physicians.

PMID- 22041966
TI  - In the clinic. Atopic dermatitis (eczema).
AB  - This issue provides a clinical overview of atopic dermatitis (exzema) focusing on
      prevention, diagnosis, treatment, practice improvement, and patient information.
      Readers can complete the accompanying CME quiz for 1.5 credits. Only ACP members
      and individual subscribers can access the electronic features of In the Clinic.
      Non-subscribers who wish to access this issue of In the Clinic can elect "Pay for
      View." Subscribers can receive 1.5 category 1 CME credits by completing the CME
      quiz that accompanies this issue of In the Clinic. The content of In the Clinic
      is drawn from the clinical information and education resources of the American
      College of Physicians (ACP), including PIER (Physicians' Information and
      Education Resource) and MKSAP (Medical Knowledge and Self Assessment Program).
      Annals of Internal Medicine editors develop In the Clinic from these primary
      sources in collaboration with the ACP's Medical Education and Publishing division
      and with assistance of science writers and physician writers. Editorial
      consultants from PIER and MKSAP provide expert review of the content. Readers who
      are interested in these primary resources for more detail can consult
      www.acponline.org, http://pier.acponline.org, and other resources referenced
      within each issue of In the Clinic.

PMID- 22041967
TI  - Sirtuins in neurodegenerative diseases: a biological-chemical perspective.
AB  - Sirtuins, commonly known as NAD(+)-dependent class III histone deacetylase
      enzymes, have been extensively studied to evaluate their potential role in
      different disease states. Based on the published literature, sirtuins have been
      implicated in providing a myriad of intrinsic and extrinsic biological effects,
      which in turn may play an important role in the treatment of various disorders
      such as type II diabetes, obesity, cancer, aging and different neurodegenerative
      diseases. In particular, a number of studies have unequivocally supported the
      idea of sirtuins having therapeutic potential in neurodegenerative diseases such
      as stroke, ischemic brain injury, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease,
      Huntington's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. To exploit the
      therapeutic potential of sirtuins, their manipulation in terms of development of
      small-molecule modulators, inhibitors and analogs has increased dramatically
      since their inception, in both scientific and industrial worlds. Studies on the
      structure and catalytic core of sirtuins along with chemical mechanisms and
      substrate specificity have provided important input into the design and synthesis
      of sirtuin modulators. To study the role of sirtuins in the biological system, it
      has become extremely important to understand the molecular and chemical structure
      of sirtuins. In this review, we have discussed the biological role of sirtuins in
      various neurodegenerative diseases, and also provided an insight into their
      chemical structure.

PMID- 22041968
TI  - Distinct Young's modulus of nanostructured materials in comparison with
      nanocrystals.
AB  - Young's modulus (Y) of nanostructured materials (NSs) free of porosity is modeled
      with regard to the coordination number imperfection at grain boundaries. In light
      of it, Y of NSs is suppressed substantially in the whole solid temperature range,
      differing from the case of nanocrystals (NCs) where Y is enhanced at lower
      temperature (T) but weakened at higher T. It is found that, similar to NCs, the
      thermally-driven decline associated with the melting point depression plays an
      increasing role in suppressing Y of NSs on raising T. On the other hand, the
      lattice expansion and the bond weakening lead to a further suppression in Y of
      NSs independent of T, while the lattice contraction and the reinforced bonding
      strength result in an enhancement in Y of NCs, which should be responsible for
      the distinction in Y between NSs and NCs. The established functions were
      supported by available experimental and computer simulation results.

PMID- 22041969
TI  - Effects of neostigmine on bronchoconstriction with continuous electrical
      stimulation in rats.
AB  - PURPOSE: When neostigmine is used to reverse muscle relaxants in patients with
      asthma without signs of airway inflammation, asthma attack is occasionally
      encountered. It is likely that abnormally increased electrical impulses traveling
      from the brain through cholinergic nerves to airway smooth muscles may be one of
      the pathogeneses of asthma attack. We applied continuous electrical field
      stimulation (c-EFS) or continuous electrical stimulation (c-ES) of low frequency
      to the vagal nerve of the rat in vitro and in vivo to determine the role of
      cholinergic nerve activation in inducing airway constriction. METHODS: Fifty
      seven male Wistar rats were used. In an in vitro study we examined whether
      tetrodotoxin (TTX), an Na(+)-channel blocker, 4-DAMP, a muscarinic M(3) receptor
      antagonist, or neostigmine could affect c-EFS-induced contraction of the tracheal
      ring. In an in vivo study, we examined whether c-ES of the vagal nerve could
      increase maximum airway pressure (P (max)) and whether neostigmine could
      potentiate c-ES-induced P (max). RESULTS: TTX and 4-DAMP completely inhibited c
      EFS-induced contraction whereas neostigmine potentiated c-EFS-induced contraction
      dose-dependently. P (max) was not increased by neostigmine. P (max) was not
      increased by 2-Hz c-ES, but was increased by the addition of neostigmine. P (max)
      was increased by 5-Hz c-ES, and further increased by the addition of neostigmine.
      CONCLUSION: The contractile response of the tracheal ring to c-EFS is potentiated
      by neostigmine. P (max) is increased by c-ES of the vagal nerve, and is
      potentiated by neostigmine. These data suggest that increased activity of the
      cholinergic nerve could be involved in asthma attack.

PMID- 22041970
TI  - Safety and efficacy of oral rehydration therapy until 2 h before surgery: a
      multicenter randomized controlled trial.
AB  - PURPOSE: In many countries, patients are generally allowed to have clear fluids
      until 2-3 h before surgery. In Japan, long preoperative fasting is still common
      practice. To shorten the preoperative fasting period in Japan, we tested the
      safety and efficacy of oral rehydration therapy until 2 h before surgery.
      METHODS: Three hundred low-risk patients scheduled for morning surgery in six
      university-affiliated hospitals were randomly assigned to an oral rehydration
      solution (ORS) group or to a fasting group. Patients in the ORS group consumed up
      to 1,000 ml of ORS containing balanced glucose and electrolytes: 500 ml between
      2100 the night before surgery and the time they woke up the next morning and 500
      ml during the morning of surgery until 2 h before surgery. Patients in the
      fasting group started fasting at 2100 the night before surgery. Primary endpoints
      were gastric fluid volume and pH immediately after anesthesia induction. Several
      physiological measures of hydration and electrolytes including the fractional
      excretion of sodium (FENa) and the fractional excretion of urea nitrogen (FEUN)
      were also evaluated. RESULTS: Mean (SD) gastric fluid volume immediately after
      anesthesia induction was 15.1 (14.0) ml in the ORS group and 17.5 (23.2) ml in
      the fasting group (P = 0.30). The mean difference between the ORS group and
      fasting group was -2.5 ml. The 95% confidence interval ranged from -7.1 to +2.2
      ml and did not include the noninferior limit of +8 ml. Mean (SD) gastric fluid pH
      was 2.1 (1.9) in the ORS group and 2.2 (2.0) in the fasting group (P = 0.59). In
      the ORS group, mean FENa and FEUN immediately after anesthesia induction were
      both significantly greater than those in the fasting group (P < 0.001 for both
      variables). The ORS group reported they had been less thirsty and hungry before
      surgery (P < 0.001, 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Oral rehydration therapy until 2 h before
      surgery is safe and feasible in the low-risk Japanese surgical population.
      Physicians are encouraged to use this practice to maintain the amount of water in
      the body and electrolytes and to improve the patient's comfort.

PMID- 22041971
TI  - Peripheral nerve block in a patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.

PMID- 22041972
TI  - Trastuzumab treatment beyond progression in advanced breast cancer: patterns of
      care in six Swiss breast cancer centers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Trastuzumab is an established treatment for HER2-positive breast
      cancer (BC). We analyzed Swiss patterns of care in patients with HER2-positive BC
      after disease progression on trastuzumab-containing therapy for metastatic BC
      (MBC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed in six Swiss
      BC centers. Patients with HER2-positive MBC treated with at least one infusion of
      trastuzumab for advanced disease between January 2006 and December 2007 were
      identified. Treatment patterns in first and further lines were analyzed. RESULTS:
      All of the 72 identified patients received trastuzumab as their first palliative
      anti-HER2 therapy, either as monotherapy (n = 23) or in combination with
      chemotherapy (typically taxane or vinorelbine; n = 49). Median time to
      progression was 8.1, 8.0 and 7.9 months in the monotherapy, trastuzumab-taxane
      and trastuzumab-vinorelbine cohorts, respectively. After progression on first
      line anti-HER2 therapy, trastuzumab was continued in 67 of 68 patients who
      received further therapy. One patient received second-line lapatinib plus
      capecitabine. The median duration of anti-HER2 therapy was 20 months. Patients
      received a median of 4 lines of anti-HER2 therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Durable responses
      were achieved with repeated exposure to anti-HER2 therapy. In a selected patient
      population, trastuzumab monotherapy appears to be a reasonable first-line
      treatment option.

PMID- 22041973
TI  - Structure, regulation and function of ghrelin.
AB  - Ghrelin is a stomach hormone that acts as an endogenous ligand of orphan G
      protein-coupled receptor. Ghrelin is a 28-amino acid peptide existing in two
      major forms: n-octanoyl-modified ghrelin, which possesses an n-octanoyl
      modification on serine-3 and des-acyl ghrelin. Fatty acid modification of ghrelin
      is essential for ghrelin-induced growth hormone release from the pituitary and
      appetite stimulation. This acyl-modification of ghrelin is catalysed by ghrelin-O
      acyl transferase recently identified. Despite the number of innovative
      advancements in this field of research, there are still many aspects of ghrelin
      function and biosynthesis process that remain to be clarified. Here, we review
      the current understanding of the structure, regulation and function of ghrelin;
      this review is intended for researchers who will be involved in this field in the
      future.

PMID- 22041974
TI  - Oral biofilm analysis of palatal expanders by fluorescence in-situ hybridization
      and confocal laser scanning microscopy.
AB  - Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) of natural heterogeneous biofilm is
      today facilitated by a comprehensive range of staining techniques, one of them
      being fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). We performed a pilot study in
      which oral biofilm samples collected from fixed orthodontic appliances (palatal
      expanders) were stained by FISH, the objective being to assess the three
      dimensional organization of natural biofilm and plaque accumulation. FISH creates
      an opportunity to stain cells in their native biofilm environment by the use of
      fluorescently labeled 16S rRNA-targeting probes. Compared to alternative
      techniques like immunofluorescent labeling, this is an inexpensive, precise and
      straightforward labeling technique to investigate different bacterial groups in
      mixed biofilm consortia. General probes were used that bind to Eubacteria (EUB338
      + EUB338II + EUB338III; hereafter EUBmix), Firmicutes (LGC354 A-C; hereafter
      LGCmix), and Bacteroidetes (Bac303). In addition, specific probes binding to
      Streptococcus mutans (MUT590) and Porphyromonas gingivalis (POGI) were used. The
      extreme hardness of the surface materials involved (stainless steel and acrylic
      resin) compelled us to find new ways of preparing the biofilm. As these surface
      materials could not be readily cut with a cryotome, various sampling methods were
      explored to obtain intact oral biofilm. The most workable of these approaches is
      presented in this communication. Small flakes of the biofilm-carrying acrylic
      resin were scraped off with a sterile scalpel, taking care not to damage the
      biofilm structure. Forceps were used to collect biofilm from the steel surfaces.
      Once collected, the samples were fixed and placed directly on polysine coated
      glass slides. FISH was performed directly on these slides with the probes
      mentioned above. Various FISH protocols were combined and modified to create a
      new protocol that was easy to handle. Subsequently the samples were analyzed by
      confocal laser scanning microscopy. Well-known configurations could be
      visualized, including mushroom-style formations and clusters of coccoid bacteria
      pervaded by channels. In addition, the bacterial composition of these typical
      biofilm structures were analyzed and 2D and 3D images created.

PMID- 22041975
TI  - Expanded endonasal endoscopic approach for resection of a skull base low-grade
      smooth muscle neoplasm.
AB  - Benign smooth muscle tumors rarely occur in the head and neck and, to the best of
      our knowledge, have not been reported in the pterygopalatine fossa. In this
      report, we describe a 15-year-old adolescent who presented with facial pain and
      was found to have a large skull base tumor centered in the pterygopalatine fossa.
      The patient underwent an expanded endonasal endoscopic approach for complete
      resection of this lesion with resolution of his symptoms. Pathology revealed a
      well-differentiated smooth muscle neoplasm consistent with a leiomyoma. This case
      adds to the growing body of literature supporting a role for endoscopic
      procedures in the treatment of skull base pathologies in pediatric patients.

PMID- 22041976
TI  - Is the presence or absence of tumour necrosis a significant predictor of survival
      in renal cell cancer?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Currently when renal cancer pathology is assessed the presence or
      absence of necrosis is simply reported. It has been suggested that a presence or
      absence response ignores heterogeneity and a classification based on the extent
      of necrosis involvement would aid prognostic value in cancer-specific survival.
      The aim of this study was to determine whether a quantitative assessment of
      tumour necrosis would provide additional prognostic information. METHODS: We
      studied the pathological features and cancer-specific survival of 47 patients
      with renal cancer undergoing surgery with curative intent. A quantitative
      assessment of tumour necrosis was compared to the presence or absence of
      necrosis. RESULTS: Tumour necrosis was present in 27 of 47 cases. A simple
      assessment of the presence or absence was not associated with cancer-specific
      survival (p = 0.052). When assessed quantitatively, tumour necrosis was
      associated with decreased cancer-specific survival (p < 0.001). A 2-tiered
      assessment, <25% and >25% involvement of necrosis, was further utilised and shown
      to predict cancer-specific survival (p < 0.001). On multivariate analysis, using
      this 2-tiered assessment of <25% and >25% involvement of necrosis was retained as
      a significant independent factor for cancer-specific survival (HR 11.84, 95% CI
      3.81-36.75, p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: A simple assessment of the presence/absence
      of tumour necrosis is reported to be a prognostic factor in renal cell cancer. In
      this study, the presence/absence was not shown to be a significant prognostic
      marker of cancer-specific survival. However, a more accurate quantitative
      assessment of tumour necrosis, whereby a 2-tiered response is still utilised, but
      basing this on <25% and >25% involvement of necrosis was statistically
      significant and independent in predicting cancer-specific survival.

PMID- 22041977
TI  - Verminephrobacter aporrectodeae sp. nov. subsp. tuberculatae and subsp.
      caliginosae, the specific nephridial symbionts of the earthworms Aporrectodea
      tuberculata and A. caliginosa.
AB  - Clone library-based studies have shown that almost all lumbricid earthworm
      species harbour host-specific symbiotic bacteria belonging to the novel genus
      Verminephrobacter in their nephridia (excretory organs). To date the only
      described representative from this genus is Verminephrobacter eiseniae, the
      specific symbiont of the earthworm Eisenia fetida. In this study two novel rod
      shaped, non-endosporeforming, betaproteobacterial symbionts were isolated from
      the nephridia of two closely related earthworm species. Both isolates were
      affiliated with the genus Verminephrobacter by 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis.
      Similarly to V. eiseniae, the two isolates grew aerobically with a preference for
      low oxygen concentrations on a range of sugars, fatty acids and amino acids and
      fermentatively on glucose and pyruvate. These phenotypes match well with the
      conditions reported or inferred for the nephridial environment. Based on 16S rRNA
      gene similarity, DNA-DNA hybridization value and phenotypic characteristics the
      two isolates are clearly distinct from V. eiseniae. Phenotypic characteristics
      could not clearly differentiate the two strains as separate species but a low DNA
      DNA hybridization value of 57.3%, their earthworm host specificity, differing
      temperature ranges and pH optima suggest that they represent two subspecies of a
      novel species of Verminephrobacter. For this species, the name V. aporrectodeae
      sp. nov. is proposed, with the two subspecies V. aporrectodeae subsp.
      tuberculatae (type strain, At4(T) = DSM 21361(T) = LMG 25313(T)) and V.
      aporrectodeae subsp. caliginosae (type strain, Ac9(T) = DSM 21895(T) = LMG
      25312(T)) isolated from the nephridia of the earthworms Aporrectodea tuberculata
      and A. caliginosa, respectively.

PMID- 22041978
TI  - Systematics of prokaryotes: the state of the art.
AB  - The term taxonomy is often used synonymously with systematics but it should be
      regarded more as a specific part of the latter and comprises the orderly
      arrangements of (defined) units in addition to the nomenclature, i.e. labelling
      of these units defined by classification, and also identification of these units
      defined by classification and labeled by nomenclature. Similar to all biological
      disciplines, taxonomic approaches in microbiology aim at the establishment of a
      system that mirrors the "order in nature" as closely as possible with the
      ultimate goal to describe the whole evolutionary order back to the origin of
      life. With the recognition of molecular markers present in all organisms (here in
      particular the small subunit rRNAs, ssRNSs), the achievement of this goal has
      become more and more feasible and the generation of gene and increasing numbers
      of genome sequences allow nowadays the generation of large amounts of data and
      often a very detailed insight into the genetic potential of prokaryotes. The
      possibility to generate whole genome sequences in a very short period of time
      leads to a strong tendency to base the taxonomic system more and more on sequence
      data. However, a comprehensive understanding of all the information behind
      sequence data is lagging far behind their accumulation. Genes and genomes may (or
      may not) function only in a given "environment", with the cell as basic entity
      for the display of this potential. Prokaryotic taxonomy still has its focus on
      the whole organism. In this context, natural selection drives evolution selecting
      the existing phenotypes and it is the phenotype that "exhibits" this process both
      in a given cellular and also environmental context. The term polyphasic taxonomy,
      which was coined almost 40 years ago and aimed at the integration of many levels
      of information (from molecular to ecological data) thereby allowing a more
      holistic view, should be revisited in the light of the enormous potential of the
      novel information associated with large data sets.

PMID- 22041979
TI  - The physiological characteristics of the yeast Dekkera bruxellensis in fully
      fermentative conditions with cell recycling and in mixed cultures with
      Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
AB  - The yeast Dekkera bruxellensis plays an important role in industrial fermentation
      processes, either as a contaminant or as a fermenting yeast. In this study, an
      analysis has been conducted of the fermentation characteristics of several
      industrial D. bruxellensis strains collected from distilleries from the Southeast
      and Northeast of Brazil, compared with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. It was found
      that all the strains of D. bruxellensis showed a lower fermentative capacity as a
      result of inefficient sugar assimilation, especially sucrose, under anaerobiosis,
      which is called the Custer effect. In addition, most of the sugar consumed by D.
      bruxellensis seemed to be used for biomass production, as was observed by the
      increase of its cell population during the fermentation recycles. In mixed
      populations, the surplus of D. bruxellensis over S. cerevisiae population could
      not be attributed to organic acid production by the first yeast, as previously
      suggested. Moreover, both yeast species showed similar sensitivity to lactic and
      acetic acids and were equally resistant to ethanol, when added exogenously to the
      fermentation medium. Thus, the effects that lead to the employment of D.
      bruxellensis in an industrial process and its effects on the production of
      ethanol are multivariate. The difficulty of using this yeast for ethanol
      production is that it requires the elimination of the Custer effect to allow an
      increase in the assimilation of sugar under anaerobic conditions.

PMID- 22041980
TI  - Kinetics of exercise-induced neural activation; interpretive dilemma of altered
      cerebral perfusion.
AB  - Neural activation decreases cerebral deoxyhaemoglobin (HHb(C)) and increases
      oxyhaemoglobin concentration (O(2)Hb(C)). In contrast, patients who present with
      restricted cerebral blood flow, such as those suffering from cerebral ischaemia
      or Alzheimer's disease, and during the course of ageing the converse occurs, in
      that HHb(C) increases and O(2)Hb(C) decreases during neural activation. In the
      present study, we examined the interpretive implications of altered exercise
      induced cerebral blood flow for cortical oxygenation in healthy subjects. Both
      O(2)Hb(C) and HHb(C) (prefrontal cortex) were determined in 11 healthy men using
      near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Middle cerebral artery mean blood velocity
      (MCA V(mean)) was determined via transcranial Doppler ultrasonography.
      Measurements were performed during contralateral hand-grip exercise during
      suprasystolic bilateral thigh-cuff occlusion (Cuff+) and within 2 s of cuff
      release (Cuff-) for the acute manipulation of cerebral perfusion. During Cuff+,
      both MCA V(mean) and O(2)Hb(C) increased during exercise, whereas HHb(C)
      decreased. In contrast, the opposite occurred during the Cuff- manipulation.
      These findings highlight the inverse relationship between cerebral blood flow and
      cerebral oxygenation as determined by NIRS, which has interpretive implications
      for the kinetics underlying exercise-induced neural activation.

PMID- 22041981
TI  - Dopaminergic modulation of exercise hyperpnoea via D(2) receptors in mice.
AB  - Dopamine is related to behaviour (including arousal, motivation and motor control
      of locomotion), and its turnover in the brain is increased during exercise. We
      examined the hypothesis that dopamine D(2) receptors contribute to exercise
      hyperpnoea via central neural pathways using the D(2)-like receptor antagonist,
      raclopride. We simultaneously measured ventilation and pulmonary gas exchange for
      the first time in mice. Mice injected with saline and raclopride (2 mg (kg body
      weight)(-1); i.p.) were compared for respiratory responses to constant-load
      exercise at 6 m min(-1). Each mouse was set in an airtight treadmill chamber. In
      the resting state, raclopride-treated mice had reduced respiratory frequency
      (f(R)) and minute ventilation (V) compared with saline-treated mice, but arterial
      P(CO(2)) and pulmonary gas exchange were not affected, showing that alveolar
      ventilation was maintained. Inhalation of hyperoxic gas maintained V in saline
      treated mice, and hypercapnic ventilatory responses between the two groups were
      similar. Treadmill exercise produced an abrupt increase in V to a maximal level
      within 1 min and declined to a steady-state level in both groups. Raclopride
      treated mice had reduced f(R) and V compared with saline-treated mice during
      steady states, but showed a similar increase in f(R) and V at exercise onset.
      Minute ventilation in the steady state was controlled, along with the increase in
      pulmonary O(2) uptake in both groups, but was lowered in raclopride-treated mice.
      Thus, D(2) receptors participate in resting breathing patterns to raise f(R) and
      exercise hyperpnoea in the steady state, probably through behavioural control and
      not central motor command, at exercise onset.

PMID- 22041982
TI  - Cost-free and sustainable incentive increases healthy eating decisions during
      elementary school lunch.
AB  - We aimed to develop a cost-free and sustainable program to influence healthier
      eating decisions during elementary school lunch. Baseline food and beverage
      choices were assessed for 9 days during lunch service at two racially and
      economically diverse elementary schools in Spartanburg County, SC, USA. After
      being informed that the labeled items on the daily lunch menu represented the
      healthiest choice, students were allowed to ring a call bell in the cafeteria for
      public recognition when they chose all of the identified healthiest food and
      beverage items during lunch service. Using menus matched to the baseline phase,
      food and beverage choices were measured during a 9-day intervention phase. After
      30 days, food and beverage choices were reassessed during a 3-day follow-up
      phase. Healthiest food & beverage choices increased 49% with >60% of students
      choosing non-flavored milk over flavored milk during the intervention phase.
      There was no difference in the success of the program between the two schools.
      The program continued and healthy eating decisions were significantly sustained
      at a 30-day follow-up assessment. Public recognition through bell ringing appears
      to be an effective practice to sustain increases in healthy eating decisions
      during elementary school lunch and warrants expansion to larger scale,
      longitudinal trials.

PMID- 22041983
TI  - Recapitulation of genome-wide association studies on body mass index in the
      Korean population.
AB  - Obesity is a risk factor for multiple disorders such as diabetes and
      cardiovascular disease. Recently, a genome-wide association study for body mass
      index (BMI) was conducted in 249 796 individuals of European ancestry by the
      Genetic Investigation of Anthropometric Traits (GIANT) consortium. They
      identified 14 known obesity susceptibility loci and 18 new loci associated with
      BMI at the genome-wide significance level (P<5 * 10-8). Because the prevalence
      and severity of obesity vary among ethnic groups, it is worthy to investigate
      these results in another ethnic population. We examined the BMI association of 19
      single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) out of the 32 in 8842 individuals from the
      Korean Association Resource data, and found 12 SNPs to be associated with BMI in
      the Korean population. Eight loci, rs10968576 (BDNF), rs3817334 (MTCH2),
      rs1558902 (FTO), rs571312 (MC4R), rs543874 (SEC16B), rs987237 (TFAP2B), rs2867125
      (TMEM18) and rs7138803 (FAIM2), were previously known obesity susceptibility
      loci, and the remaining four loci, rs1514175 (TNNI3K), rs206936 (NUDT3),
      rs4771122 (MTIF3) and rs2241423 (MAP2K5), were newly identified as BMI loci by
      the GIANT study. Further, all 12 SNPs showed the same direction of effect on BMI
      between the two ethnic groups, suggesting a similar genetic architecture
      governing the obesity.

PMID- 22041984
TI  - Sensitization of food reinforcement is related to weight status and baseline food
      reinforcement.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Food reinforcement is an empirical index of motivation to obtain
      food. Higher levels of food reinforcement are associated with increased energy
      intake and increased body weight. Food reinforcement can vary over repeated food
      presentations, as people may show reduced reinforcing value if they satiate to
      repeated reinforcers, or they may show sensitization, or an increase in
      reinforcing value with repeated presentations. Over the past few years, our
      laboratory has been studying the impact of repeated administration of large
      portions of high energy density snack foods on food reinforcement. We have shown
      in three separate studies that the majority of non-obese individuals become
      satiated after 2 weeks of the same snack food administration, but that a subset
      of obese individuals sensitize after this same manipulation. OBJECTIVE: The
      purpose of the study presented here was to identify predictors of reinforcer
      satiation or sensitization. SUBJECTS: For the analyses presented here, we
      combined data sets from three previous studies for a total of 67 adult
      participants. RESULTS: We found that higher body mass index (BMI) and higher
      baseline motivation to eat predicted sensitization, and baseline motivation to
      eat moderated the effects of BMI, such that higher baseline responding for food
      predicted sensitization in obese individuals, but satiation in non-obese
      individuals. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that repeated exposure to high
      energy density snack foods may result in sensitization to those foods, with
      similar effects as drugs of abuse in susceptible individuals, and that an
      individual's BMI and baseline responding act as predictors of this response.

PMID- 22041985
TI  - Childhood obesity and risk of the adult metabolic syndrome: a systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: While many studies have demonstrated positive associations between
      childhood obesity and adult metabolic risk, important questions remain as to the
      nature of the relationship. In particular, it is unclear whether the associations
      reflect the tracking of body mass index (BMI) from childhood to adulthood or an
      independent level of risk. This systematic review aimed to investigate the
      relationship between childhood obesity and a range of metabolic risk factors
      during adult life. OBJECTIVE: To perform an unbiased systematic review to
      investigate the association between childhood BMI and risk of developing
      components of metabolic disease in adulthood, and whether the associations
      observed are independent of adult BMI. DESIGN: Electronic databases were searched
      from inception until July 2010 for studies investigating the association between
      childhood BMI and adult metabolic risk. Two investigators independently reviewed
      studies for eligibility according to the inclusion/exclusion criteria, extracted
      the data and assessed study quality using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. RESULTS:
      The search process identified 11 articles that fulfilled the inclusion and
      exclusion criteria. Although several identified weak positive associations
      between childhood BMI and adult total cholesterol, low-density lipo protein
      cholesterol, triglyceride and insulin concentrations, these associations were
      ameliorated or inversed when adjusted for adult BMI or body fatness. Of the four
      papers that considered metabolic syndrome as an end point, none showed evidence
      of an independent association with childhood obesity. CONCLUSIONS: Little
      evidence was found to support the view that childhood obesity is an independent
      risk factor for adult blood lipid status, insulin levels, metabolic syndrome or
      type 2 diabetes. The majority of studies failed to adjust for adult BMI and
      therefore the associations observed may reflect the tracking of BMI across the
      lifespan. Interestingly, where adult BMI was adjusted for, the data showed a weak
      negative association between childhood BMI and metabolic variables, with those at
      the lower end of the BMI range in childhood, but obese during adulthood at
      particular risk.

PMID- 22041986
TI  - The identification of two subgroups of obese women with differing endometrial
      proliferation levels: potential consequences in the development of endometrial
      cancer.
AB  - Enhanced endometrial proliferation correlates obesity to type-I (estrogen
      dependent) endometrial cancer (EC). Our aim was to distinguish obese women
      (without EC) with differing endometrial proliferation. Endometrial and blood
      samples were obtained from normal-weight and obese women without EC. Type-I EC
      samples were obtained from obese patients. On measuring endometrial proliferation
      (Ki67 and phosphorylated histone H3 (p-H3)), two groups of obese women without EC
      were identified: obese(High Proliferating) (O(HP)) and obese(Low Proliferating)
      (O(LP)). Increased Ki67 (88.5%, P<0.001), p-H3 (62.6%, P<0.01), 17beta
      estradiol/progesterone ratio (46.3%, P<0.01) and endometrial estrogen receptor
      alpha (ERalpha) (82.2%, P<0.001) were observed in O(HP) compared with O(LP)
      patients. ECs possessed similar ERalpha and enhanced proliferation as O(HP),
      suggesting that O(HP) women are at higher risk of type-I EC. O(LP) women were
      indistinguishable from normal-weight women regarding these determinants of
      endometrial proliferation, ERalpha and 17beta-estradiol/progesterone ratio. Our
      data may further define the obesity phenotype in regards to type-I EC risk and
      may help identify obese women more susceptible to develop type-I EC, allowing
      early intervention and a potential reduction in mortality.

PMID- 22041987
TI  - Usefulness of linezolid in the treatment of hospital-acquired pneumonia caused by
      MRSA: a prospective observational study.
AB  - Clinical results for linezolid (LZD) treatment of hospital-acquired pneumonia
      (HAP) caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), particularly
      microbiologically evaluable or severe cases, are limited in Japan. A prospective
      observational study was conducted in order to assess the usefulness of LZD in
      Japanese patients with MRSA pneumonia. The study tracked fifteen participants
      treated with LZD for pneumonia who met the criteria of the HAP guidelines and
      were confirmed to have pneumonia caused by MRSA. Of these, six were severe and 13
      had received antibiotic treatment before treatment with LZD. Of the 13
      participants assessed for their clinical responses, seven were rated as cures,
      three were rated as failures, and three were indeterminate. The overall cure rate
      (cure/cure + failure) was 70.0% (7/10), and the cure rate by severity was 33.3%
      (1/3) for severe cases and 85.5% (6/7) for moderate cases. The one severe case
      with a clinical response rating of cure had failed to respond to vancomycin.
      Among the seven participants with a clinical response rating of cure, the
      microbiological response was eradication in three, presumed eradication in three,
      and indeterminate in one. Three serious adverse events occurred in two of the 15
      participants, but none were considered to be causally related to LZD. The results
      suggest that LZD has high potential for severe and multidrug-resistant cases. A
      higher cure rate was achieved in moderate cases. In cases of pneumonia that are
      most likely MRSA infections with poor prognosis, it was suggested to be important
      for patient outcome to implement the most effective therapy before the patient's
      condition becomes serious.

PMID- 22041988
TI  - Apoptosis of bladder cancer by sodium butyrate and cisplatin.
AB  - The effects of sodium butyrate (SB), a histone deacetylase inhibitor, in
      combination with cisplatin (CDDP), for inhibition of cell growth and induction of
      apoptosis were investigated in bladder cancer cell lines in vitro. Bladder cancer
      cell lines T24, 253J, and UMUC3 were treated with different concentrations of
      CDDP or SB. Cell proliferation was studied by XTT assay. Cell-cycle analysis and
      induction of apoptosis were analyzed by laser scanning cytometry (LSC). Western
      blot analysis was used to determine expression of p21, p27, TRADD, FADD, caspase
      2, and caspase-7. We observed that SB in combination with CDDP induced
      significant inhibition of cell growth in a dose-dependent manner through G1
      arrest and apoptosis, as determined by LSC. When bladder cancer cell lines were
      treated with SB plus CDDP, Western blotting showed increased expression of p21
      but not p27 in T24 cells, whereas both p21 and p27 increased in 253J and UMUC3
      cells. All cell lines exhibited a moderate increase in TRADD and decrease in
      procaspase-2 but no significant change in FADD and procaspase-7. The results
      showed the synergistic anticancer effect of SB in combination with CDDP, their
      potential for treatment of bladder cancer, and their mechanism of action in terms
      of cell signal transduction and induction of apoptosis.

PMID- 22041989
TI  - Influence of abiotic stress signals on secondary metabolites in plants.
AB  - Plant secondary metabolites are unique sources for pharmaceuticals, food
      additives, flavors, and industrially important biochemicals. Accumulation of such
      metabolites often occurs in plants subjected to stresses including various
      elicitors or signal molecules. Secondary metabolites play a major role in the
      adaptation of plants to the environment and in overcoming stress conditions.
      Environmental factors viz. temperature, humidity, light intensity, the supply of
      water, minerals, and CO2 influence the growth of a plant and secondary metabolite
      production. Drought, high salinity, and freezing temperatures are environmental
      conditions that cause adverse effects on the growth of plants and the
      productivity of crops. Plant cell culture technologies have been effective tools
      for both studying and producing plant secondary metabolites under in vitro
      conditions and for plant improvement. This brief review summarizes the influence
      of different abiotic factors include salt, drought, light, heavy metals, frost
      etc. on secondary metabolites in plants. The focus of the present review is the
      influence of abiotic factors on secondary metabolite production and some of
      important plant pharmaceuticals. Also, we describe the results of in vitro
      cultures and production of some important secondary metabolites obtained in our
      laboratory.

PMID- 22041990
TI  - Delay of flower senescence and abscission in Arabidopsis transformed with an
      FOREVER YOUNG FLOWER homolog from Oncidium orchid.
AB  - The ectopic expression of FOREVER YOUNG FLOWER (FYF), a MADS box gene in
      Arabidopsis, caused significant delay of senescence and a deficiency of
      abscission in flowers of transgenic Arabidopsis. It was proposed that the
      function of the FYF gene was related to the regulation of senescence and
      abscission. This hypothesis was further supported by one line of evidence
      reported in this study. The evidence is the similar delay of flower senescence
      and abscission observed in transgenic Arabidopsis ectopically expressing OnFYF,
      an FYF homolog from the Oncidium orchid, a monocot. This data suggested that the
      function of FYF homologs in regulating flower senescence and abscission was
      highly conserved in both dicot and monocot plants.

PMID- 22041991
TI  - High throughput chemical screening supports the involvement of Ca2+ in cyclic
      nucleotide-gated ion channel-mediated programmed cell death in Arabidopsis.
AB  - Recently, we reported the role of Arabidopsis cyclic nucleotide-gated ion channel
      (AtCNGC) 11 and 12 in Ca2+-dependent physiological responses. AtCNGC11 and 12
      have been reported to be involved in plant immunity, but whether these channels
      play additional physiological roles was not clear before. Using single and double
      knockout mutants, we have found that these channels play significant roles in
      Ca2+ signaling, which mediates several physiological processes, such as
      gravitropic bending and senescence. Here, we conducted a high throughput, non
      biased chemical screen using the gain-of-function mutant of AtCNGC11 and 12,
      cpr22. Our data presented here indicates that Ca2+ but not K+ channel blockers
      suppress AtCNGC11/12-induced lethality. Our data further suggest that AtCNGC11
      and 12 are involved in Ca2+-dependent, but not K+-dependent physiological
      responses in planta.

PMID- 22041992
TI  - Chemical amination of graphene oxides and their extraordinary properties in the
      detection of lead ions.
AB  - A strategy for the ultra-sensitive detection of Pb(2+) in aqueous media has been
      developed. The combination of oxidative exfoliation of graphite and subsequent
      chemical amination resulted in an amine functionalized graphene oxide, which
      showed ultra-high sensitivity in detecting Pb(2+), as it is an active material in
      modified anodic stripping voltammetry. A detection limit of as low as 10(-13) M
      (0.1 pM) has been reached, which is comparable to the result obtained from atomic
      absorption spectrometry, but is dramatically lower than that from other reported
      electrochemical analysis methods. This simple and economic approach opens up a
      new window for the portable, quick, and ultra-sensitive detection of lead ions.

PMID- 22041993
TI  - Re: efficiency of percutaneous nephrolithotomy in pediatric patients using adult
      type instruments.

PMID- 22041994
TI  - Percutaneous nephrolithotomy: keeping the bridge for one night.
AB  - This study was conducted to compare nephrostomy-free percutaneous nephrolithotomy
      (PCNL) with early nephrostomy tube removal (after 1 day). A prospective study
      started from January 2008 through December 2009 and included patients who
      underwent non-complicated PCNL through a single tract without intra-operative
      residual stones. Nephrostomy-free technique was performed during 2008
      (nephrostomy-free group). During 2009, a nephrostomy tube was placed for 1 day (1
      day nephrostomy group). Both groups were compared for post-operative events, dose
      of analgesia, hemoglobin deficit and hospital stay. The study included 55
      patients (27 in nephrostomy-free group and 28 in 1-day nephrostomy group). There
      were no statistically significant differences between patients, renal and stone
      characteristics of both groups. Post-operative events were significantly more in
      nephrostomy-free group (26 vs. 14.3%, p = 0.039). They include hematuria in three
      (11.1%) of nephrostomy-free patients and one (3.6%) of 1-day nephrostomy patient,
      severe renal colic in four patients of nephrostomy-free group (14.8%), and
      temporary urinary leakage via the nephrostomy site in three patients of 1-day
      nephrostomy group (10.7%). Mean dose of post-operative analgesia, mean hemoglobin
      deficit and hospital days were comparable for both groups (p = 0.946, 0.541,
      0.807, respectively). A second look PCNL was performed through the already
      present tract to retrieve residual stones in two patients with nephrostomy. In
      conclusion, 1-day nephrostomy technique after PCNL showed significantly better
      post-operative course. It was comparable to nephrostomy-free technique in
      analgesic requirements and hospital stay. The nephrostomy tube provided a bridge
      for second look nephroscopy.

PMID- 22041995
TI  - The Munich outbreak of cutaneous cowpox infection: transmission by infected pet
      rats.
AB  - Cowpox virus infection of humans is an uncommon, potentially fatal, skin disease.
      It is largely confined to Europe, but is not found in Eire, or in the USA,
      Australasia, or the Middle or Far East. Patients having contact with infected
      cows, cats, or small rodents sporadically contract the disease from these
      animals. We report here clinical aspects of 8 patients from the Munich area who
      had purchased infected pet rats from a local supplier. Pet rats are a novel
      potential source of local outbreaks. The morphologically distinctive skin lesions
      are mostly restricted to the patients' necks, reflecting the infected animals'
      contact pattern. Individual lesions vaguely resemble orf or Milker's nodule, but
      show marked surrounding erythema, firm induration and local adenopathy. Older
      lesions develop eschar, leaving slow-healing, deep ulcerative defects after
      eschar separation. Severe flu-like illness may be present in the acute phase.
      Smallpox-vaccinated patients tend to develop less severe reactions and heal more
      quickly. The differential diagnosis may include other localized orthopoxvirus
      infections, herpes simplex, bacterial infection, anthrax, foreign body granuloma,
      and primary tuberculosis. Dermatologists should be aware of the diagnostic and
      therapeutic algorithms for handling this disease.

PMID- 22041996
TI  - Primary care health workforce in the United States.
AB  - As a result of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, more than 30
      million people are expected to be newly insured, many of whom will be seeking a
      source for primary care. At the same time, media reports and some studies are
      proclaiming a current or imminent shortage of primary care providers. This
      Synthesis examines the evidence on the primary care workforce including: the
      supply and distribution of the workforce; the historical and projected demand on
      the primary care workforce; the effects of payment policies and scope of practice
      laws on the workforce; and how the primary care workforce is evolving.

PMID- 22041997
TI  - Colonization and community structure of root-associated microorganisms of Sabina
      vulgaris with soil depth in a semiarid desert ecosystem with shallow groundwater.
AB  - Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) have been observed in deep soil layers in arid
      lands. However, change in AMF community structure with soil depth and vertical
      distributions of the other root-associated microorganisms are unclear. Here, we
      examined colonization by AMF and dark septate fungi (DSF), as well as the
      community structure of AMF and endophytic fungi (EF) and endophytic bacteria (EB)
      in association with soil depth in a semiarid desert with shallow groundwater.
      Roots of Sabina vulgaris and soils were collected from surface to groundwater
      level at 20-cm intervals. Soil chemistry (water content, total N, and available
      P) and colonization of AMF and DSF were measured. Community structures of AMF,
      EF, and EB were examined by terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism
      analysis. AMF colonization decreased with soil depth, although it was mostly
      higher than 50%. Number of AMF phylotypes decreased with soil depth, but more
      than five phylotypes were observed at depths up to 100 cm. Number of AMF
      phylotypes had a significant and positive relationship with soil moisture level
      within 0-15% of soil water content. DSF colonization was high but limited to soil
      surface. Number of phylotypes of EF and EB were diverse even in deep soil layers,
      and the community composition was associated with the colonization and community
      composition of AMF. This study indicates that AMF species richness in roots
      decreases but is maintained in deep soil layers in semiarid regions, and change
      in AMF colonization and community structure associates with community structure
      of the other root-associated microorganisms.

PMID- 22041998
TI  - Cereal fiber and coronary heart disease: a comparison of modeling approaches for
      repeated dietary measurements, intermediate outcomes, and long follow-up.
AB  - The appropriate manner of incorporating incident angina, coronary artery bypass
      surgery (CABG), percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), diabetes, hypertension,
      and hypercholesterolemia, which may be both intermediate events and time
      dependent confounders, into analyses of diet and coronary heart disease (CHD) is
      not clear. Using data from 72,266 women in the Nurses' Health Study between 1984
      and 2006, the authors examined the relation between report of intermediate events
      and change in cereal fiber intake and used different proportional hazards models
      to evaluate the association between cereal fiber and CHD. Cereal fiber intake
      increased significantly among participants who reported hypercholesterolemia
      (0.42 g/day; 95% CI: 0.34, 0.51 g/day) and diabetes (0.07 g/day with each
      additional 2-year increment; 95% CI: 0.01, 0.13 g/day). However, angina,
      CABG/PCI, and hypertension were not associated with a change in cereal fiber
      intake and thus were not important time-dependent confounders. Cereal fiber
      intake was inversely associated with risk of CHD in all proportional hazards
      models, but results varied modestly depending on the approach used to incorporate
      multiple measures of diet. Because stopping the updating of dietary variables
      when an intermediate event is diagnosed may lead to misclassification, future
      analyses should consider updating diet even after these diagnoses to best
      represent long-term intake. To best evaluate associations with incidence of
      disease, considerations should include the temporal trends in diet, changes in
      intake following intermediate events, and latency patterns. Sensitivity analyses
      can also be useful.

PMID- 22041999
TI  - Case fatality of acute myocardial infarction: an emerging gender gap.
AB  - There has been a cardiovascular revolution since the 1970s in many industrialized
      countries with rapidly declining mortality rates especially for coronary heart
      disease (CHD). This has been most striking for men. A slower decline in out-of
      hospital mortality for women below 55 has been demonstrated in Finland. This, and
      indications of increasing incidence of CHD in the younger segments of the female
      populations may be pointing at a shift in the incidence and mortality pattern of
      this disorder. These findings should be taken seriously, reminding us that
      younger women are not protected against coronary heart disease.

PMID- 22042000
TI  - Superposition-additive approach: thermodynamic parameters of clusterization of
      monosubstituted alkanes at the air/water interface.
AB  - The applicability of the superposition-additive approach for the calculation of
      the thermodynamic parameters of formation and atomization of conjugate systems,
      their dipole electric polarisabilities, molecular diamagnetic susceptibilities,
      pi-electron circular currents, as well as for the estimation of the thermodynamic
      parameters of substituted alkanes, was demonstrated earlier. Now the
      applicability of the superposition-additive approach for the description of
      clusterization of fatty alcohols, thioalcohols, amines, carboxylic acids at the
      air/water interface is studied. Two superposition-additive schemes are used that
      ensure the maximum superimposition of the graphs of the considered molecular
      structures including the intermolecular CH-HC interactions within the clusters.
      The thermodynamic parameters of clusterization are calculated for dimers, trimers
      and tetramers. The calculations are based on the values of enthalpy, entropy and
      Gibbs' energy of clusterization calculated earlier using the semiempirical
      quantum chemical PM3 method. It is shown that the proposed approach is capable of
      the reproduction with sufficiently enough accuracy of the values calculated
      previously.

PMID- 22042003
TI  - Lipid bilayer assembly at a gold nanocavity array.
AB  - The assembly of lipid bilayer membranes, using ultrasonic disruption of liposomes
      of L-alpha-Dimyristoyl phosphatidylcholine, across 820 nm diameter spherical cap
      gold cavity arrays is demonstrated.

PMID- 22042002
TI  - Walnut allergy in peanut-allergic patients: significance of sequential epitopes
      of walnut homologous to linear epitopes of Ara h 1, 2 and 3 in relation to
      clinical reactivity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Peanut allergy is a frequent and potentially life-threatening food
      allergy. Despite the large taxonomic distance between the plants, peanut-allergic
      patients often react to tree nuts such as walnuts. While the allergens of peanut
      and walnut have a high degree of homology in their amino-acid sequences, it is
      unknown whether this similarity is responsible for the observed co-reactivity.
      Therefore, we analyzed the binding of specific IgE antibodies to sequential
      epitopes of peanut and walnut in peanut-allergic patients with and without walnut
      allergy. METHODS: The IgE binding to previously described sequential epitopes of
      peanut and the homologous regions of walnut was assessed in 32 peanut-allergic
      patients using a peptide microarray technology. Twelve patients had a clinically
      relevant walnut allergy and 20 were tolerant to walnut. Inhibition assays with
      peanut peptides and corresponding walnut sequences were performed to show
      specific binding to sequential epitopes. RESULTS: No differences in the
      recognition of sequential epitopes could be found between peanut-allergic
      patients with or without walnut allergy. Only a few patients showed IgE binding
      to walnut sequences that corresponded to sequential epitopes of peanut. In the
      inhibition assays, no relevant cross-reacting IgE antibodies could be detected
      for the peptides analyzed. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that although they
      share a rather high degree of homology with the corresponding regions of walnut
      allergens, the sequence stretches previously identified as sequential IgE binding
      epitopes of Ara h 1, Ara h 2 and Ara h 3 have no IgE binding equivalents in
      walnut allergens.

PMID- 22042001
TI  - Role of p53 in neurodegenerative diseases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: p53 plays an important role in many areas of cellular physiology and
      biology, ranging from cellular development and differentiation to cell cycle
      arrest and apoptosis. Many of its functions are attributed to its role in
      assuring proper cellular division. However, since the establishment of its role
      in cell cycle arrest, damage repair, and apoptosis (thus also establishing its
      importance in cancer development), numerous reports have demonstrated additional
      functions of p53 in various cells. In particular, p53 appears to have important
      functions as it relates to neurodegeneration and synaptic plasticity. OBJECTIVE:
      In this review, we will address p53 functions as it relates to various
      neurodegenerative diseases, mainly its implications in the development of HIV
      associated neurocognitive disorders. CONCLUSION: p53 plays a pivotal role in the
      development of neurodegenerative diseases through its interaction with cellular
      factors, viral factors, and/or small RNAs that have the ability to promote the
      development of these diseases. Hence, inhibition of p53 may present an ideal
      target to restore neuronal functions.

PMID- 22042004
TI  - Independent regulation of Na+ and K+ balance by the kidney.
AB  - The understanding of the independent regulation of sodium and potassium by the
      kidney has remained elusive. Recent evidence now points to dissimilar regulatory
      mechanisms in ion handling, dependent on the presence of either aldosterone alone
      or angiotensin II with aldosterone among other factors. This review summarizes
      past and present information in an attempt to reconcile the current concepts of
      differential regulation of sodium and potassium balance through the with-no
      lysine (K) kinase (WNK) system and the previous knowledge regarding ion transport
      mechanisms in the distal nephron.

PMID- 22042005
TI  - Estrogen modulates abdominal adiposity and protects female mice from obesity and
      impaired glucose tolerance.
AB  - PURPOSE: Obesity increases the risk of diabetes. The dysregulation of estrogen
      metabolism has been associated with the susceptibility to obesity and diabetes.
      Here, we explore the role estrogen plays in sex differences in obesity and
      glucose metabolism, specifically adipocyte biology. METHODS: We randomized
      C57BL/6 J male, non-ovariectomized female, ovariectomized female, and
      ovariectomized female mice supplemented with 17beta estradiol to receive a
      calorie-restricted, low- or a high-fat diet (15 mice per group). We measured
      weight gained, calories consumed, percent body fat, abdominal adipose tissue,
      adipocyte size, lipogenic and adipogenic gene expression, and glucose tolerance.
      RESULTS: Male mice had a higher susceptibility to obesity than intact female
      mice. However, removal of the ovaries in female mice eliminated the protection to
      obesity and estrogen supplementation restored this protection. Male and
      ovariectomized female mice gained weight predominately in the form of abdominal
      adipose tissue possibly due to an increase in adipocyte size. Moreover, for mice
      consuming the high-fat diet, male and ovariectomized female mice had
      significantly higher levels of leptin mRNA and lower hormone-sensitive lipase
      mRNA relative to intact female mice and ovariectomized female mice supplemented
      with estrogen. Additionally, estrogen had a strong inhibitory effect on key
      adipogenic genes in non-ovariectomized female and ovx-female mice supplemented
      with estrogen. Finally, we show that male and ovariectomized female mice
      consuming the high-fat diet had a higher incidence of glucose intolerance.
      CONCLUSION: Estrogen protects female mice from obesity and impaired glucose
      tolerance possibly by modulating the expression of genes regulating adipogenesis,
      lipogenesis, and lipolysis.

PMID- 22042006
TI  - Influence of bread crust-derived Maillard reaction products on phosphorus balance
      in rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Maillard reaction products (MRP) improve food palatability and are
      linked to some positive biological actions. However, diverse negative
      consequences, some related to protein damage and mineral availability, have been
      established. AIM OF STUDY: We investigated the effects of MRP, from a bread crust
      diet, on phosphorus bioavailability and tissue distribution in rats to determine
      whether these effects are related to the molecular weight of browning products.
      METHODS: During a study period of 88 days, rats were fed either a control diet or
      one of the following: with bread crust as a source of MRP, or one with its
      soluble high molecular weight, soluble low molecular weight or insoluble fraction
      (bread crust, HMW, LMW and insoluble diets, respectively). In the final week, a
      phosphorus balance was performed, after which the animals were sacrificed and
      some organs removed to analyse phosphorus content. A second balance was carried
      out throughout the experimental period to calculate phosphorus retention.
      RESULTS: Phosphorus balance in the last week was unchanged. However, considering
      the whole experimental period, a trend towards improved bioavailability,
      significant in the HMW group, was observed. Higher phosphorus concentrations were
      measured in the small intestine and bone. CONCLUSIONS: The consumption of MRP
      derived from bread did not alter phosphorus retention, due to increased
      bioavailability, especially concerning HMW compounds. The overall phosphorus body
      content remained unchanged and there were no changes in the bone, its principal
      metabolic destination. However, MRP consumption markedly raised phosphorus levels
      at the digestive level, especially when consumed as isolate fractions. The slower
      rate of stomach emptying is assumed to be related to this effect.

PMID- 22042009
TI  - Diagnosis of uveal melanoma.
AB  - The diagnosis of uveal melanoma is based on clinical examination with the slit
      lamp and indirect ophthalmoscope together with ultrasonography of the eye. Large
      to medium-sized melanomas are reliably diagnosed using these methods. The
      challenge lies in early detection. Small melanomas are more difficult to tell
      from presumed naevi. A useful mnemonic 'to find small ocular melanomas' reminds
      the general ophthalmologist to look for tumour thickness of more than 2 mm,
      subretinal fluid, visual symptoms, orange pigment and location of the tumour
      margin at the optic disc. Optical coherence tomography and fundus
      autofluorescence imaging help in identifying subretinal fluid and orange pigment
      and in measuring the thickness of thin choroidal tumours. Each of the risk
      characteristics roughly doubles the likelihood of growth so that the risk for
      growth is about 30 times higher when all five characteristics are present as
      compared to their absence. In addition, a low acoustic profile, the absence of a
      halo around the tumour and the absence of drusen over it increase the likelihood
      of growth. Patients with a choroidal melanocytic tumour with at least one risk
      characteristic benefit from referral to an ocular oncologist. We recommend that
      the rest of the patients be made aware of their presumed naevus and that they
      should be observed periodically. The patients should also be told to return
      immediately if they develop new visual symptoms. Finally, the trend is toward
      taking a biopsy of suspicious small choroidal tumours as an alternative to
      documenting growth before treating them as melanomas.

PMID- 22042007
TI  - Procyanidin B2 induces Nrf2 translocation and glutathione S-transferase P1
      expression via ERKs and p38-MAPK pathways and protect human colonic cells against
      oxidative stress.
AB  - PURPOSE: Procyanidin B2 (PB2) is a naturally occurring flavonoid widely found in
      cocoa, red wine and grape juice. Recent studies have suggested that PB2 could
      protect against oxidative stress- and chemical-induced injury in colonic cells by
      modulating the endogenous cellular defence. However, the precise mechanism for
      this protection is not fully understood. Herein, we examined the effect of PB2 on
      the expression of one of the major antioxidant/detoxificant enzymes related to
      intestinal protection, the glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1), and the
      molecular mechanisms involved. METHODS: Human colonic Caco-2 cells were treated
      with PB2 at different times and enzymatic activity, and mRNA and protein levels
      of GSTP1 were evaluated. The nuclear translocation of the transcription factor NF
      erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) and the phosphorylation states of specific
      proteins central to intracellular signalling cascades were also investigated.
      RESULTS: PB2 induced the expression and activity of GSTP1 and the nuclear
      translocation of Nrf2. Interestingly, two important signalling proteins involved
      in Nrf2 translocation, the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases (ERKs)
      and the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) were also activated. Further
      experiments with specific inhibitors of both pathways confirmed their critical
      role in the beneficial effects induced by PB2. CONCLUSIONS: The present results
      show that PB2 protects against oxidative injury in colonic cells and up-regulate
      the expression of GSTP1 via a mechanism that involves ERK and p38 MAPK activation
      and Nrf2 translocation. These results provide a molecular basis for the potential
      contribution of PB2 in the prevention of oxidative stress-related intestinal
      injury and gut pathologies.

PMID- 22042010
TI  - Treatment selection for uveal melanoma.
AB  - Uveal melanomas can be treated by various forms and combinations of radiotherapy,
      phototherapy and local resection, which need to be tailored to the tumour size,
      location and extent as well as the patient's needs, fears and wishes. Many
      factors complicate the process of treatment selection and these include limited
      resources, incomplete knowledge of the patient's condition (e.g. genetic tumour
      type) and inadequate scientific evidence on which to base decision making. In
      this chapter, I describe how I select treatment for small, large, juxtapapillary,
      ciliary and iridal melanomas, respectively, and for melanocytic tumours of
      indeterminate malignancy. I also describe how I interact with patients so as to
      select the most suitable treatment in a personalised manner. Finally, I discuss
      challenges and shortcomings in this aspect of patient care, also providing
      suggestions for further research in this field.

PMID- 22042011
TI  - Ruthenium-106 brachytherapy.
AB  - Brachytherapy is the most common method for treating uveal melanoma, and
      currently the ruthenium-106 (Ru-106) and iodine-125 (I-125) applicators are the
      most frequently used. Ru-106 applicators were introduced by Prof. Peter
      Lommatzsch in the 1960s, and since then have been used widely by many ocular
      oncologists, mainly in Europe. The Ru-106 isotope is a beta ray (electron)
      emitter, and as such it has a limited depth of penetration. This is the reason
      why many experts use Ru-106 applicators for tumors with a maximal thickness of up
      to 7.0 mm, although others use it successfully for thicker tumors. The Ru-106
      applicators are manufactured commercially and have a half-life of about 1 year.
      Ru-106 brachytherapy for uveal melanoma provides excellent local control rates
      and eye preservation with a relatively low recurrence rate. The main advantage of
      Ru-106 over other isotopes is the better preservation of vision in the treated
      eye, and less damage to the healthy parts of the eye due to its limited range of
      radiation. This can also be achieved by positioning the Ru-106 plaque
      eccentrically, away from the macula and optic nerve head. Ru-106 brachytherapy
      can be used in combination with other methods of treatment of uveal melanoma,
      such as local resection or transpupillary thermotherapy, and is sporadically
      combined with other isotopes, such as gamma-emitting cobalt-60 and I-125.

PMID- 22042012
TI  - Treatment of uveal melanoma by accelerated proton beam.
AB  - Proton beam irradiation of uveal melanoma has great advantages compared to
      brachytherapy because of the homogenous dose delivered to the tumor and the
      possibility of sparing normal tissue close to the tumor. We describe the
      technique of proton beam therapy including the surgical technique of clip
      positioning, the radiotherapy delivery technique and the dose administered (60 Gy
      cobalt relative biological effectiveness in 4 fractions). Indications of proton
      beam are given and the follow-up procedure is described. An inactive residual
      tumor scar is observed after 2-3 years. Results are given comparing the most
      recent series of patients treated at the Institut Curie-Orsay proton therapy
      center with the data published in the literature. The metastasis rate at 10 years
      varies between 25 and 30%. Local control is excellent. The local recurrence rate
      at 10 years is usually around 5%. Secondary enucleation is performed in 10-15% of
      patients either due to complications or local recurrence. Complications such as
      retinal detachment, maculopathy, papillopathy, cataract, glaucoma, vitreous
      hemorrhage and dryness are described. The severest complication that usually
      leads to secondary enucleation is neovascular glaucoma and it is encountered
      after irradiation of large to extra-large tumors. The toxic tumor syndrome has
      recently been described. It is hypothesized that the residual tumor scar may
      produce proinflammatory cytokines and VEGF leading to intraocular inflammation
      and neovascular glaucoma. Additional treatments after proton beam such as
      transpupillary thermotherapy, endoresection of the tumor scar or intravitreal
      injections of anti-VEGF may reduce the rate of these complications.

PMID- 22042013
TI  - Stereotactic photon beam irradiation of uveal melanoma.
AB  - Stereotactic photon beam irradiation has been under clinical investigation for
      the treatment of uveal melanoma for over 15 years. Single-fraction stereotactic
      radiosurgery (SRS) is usually done with a gamma knife as well as more recently
      with a cyberknife. The therapeutic single dose has been reduced to as low as 35
      Gy over the past few years without reduction in tumor control. Doses of 40 Gy
      delivered at the 50% isodose result in good local tumor control and acceptable
      toxicity. Since radiobiological studies indicate a possible advantage of
      hypofractionated treatment over a single very large fraction to sterilize uveal
      melanoma cell lines, fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT)has gained
      additional interest. Besides increased tumor control, toxicity should
      theoretically be reduced by fractionation. Linear accelerators (LINAC) have the
      advantage of a feasible fractionation. Most LINAC studies employ a
      hypofractionated scheme of 4-5 fractions and total doses between 50 and 70 Gy.
      The efficacy of SRT for uveal melanoma has been proven in different studies with
      local tumor control rates reported over 90%, 5 and 10 years after treatment.
      Radiogenic side effects after SRT are reported similarly to other forms of
      radiotherapy, with cataract development, radiation retinopathy, opticopathy and
      neovascular glaucoma being responsible for the majority of secondary vision
      losses and secondary enucleations. Overall, stereotactic photon beam
      radiotherapies (SRS and SRT) are considered effective treatment modalities for
      uveal melanoma, with promising late tumor control and toxicity rates. Additional
      studies and longer follow-up are indicated to finally confirm optimal treatment
      modalities.

PMID- 22042014
TI  - Local resection of uveal melanoma.
AB  - Local resection of uveal melanoma is aimed at conserving the eye and useful
      vision while removing any threat of metastatic spread. The tumour can be removed
      en bloc through a scleral opening (i.e., 'exoresection') or in a piecemeal
      fashion with a vitreous cutter passed through the retina (i.e., 'endoresection').
      Variations of exoresection include iridectomy, iridocyclectomy,
      cyclochoroidectomy, and choroidectomy. Endoresection can be performed through a
      retinotomy or under a large retinal flap. Both exoresection and endoresection can
      be undertaken as a primary procedure, or after other conservative therapy as
      treatment for recurrent or toxic tumour. Each can be performed in combination
      with some form of radiotherapy, which can precede or follow the surgical
      resection. Endoresection should be relatively straightforward for experienced
      vitreoretinal surgeons; however, exoresection is more challenging, particularly
      with large and posterior tumours, because of the need for hypotensive anaesthesia
      and other measures to control intra-operative haemorrhage. In addition to their
      technical complexities, exoresection and endoresection are limited by intuitive
      concerns regarding iatrogenic tumour dissemination. When these obstacles are
      overcome, local resection preserves eyes that would otherwise be inoperable and
      produces relatively large tumour samples, which are useful for prognostication
      and research and which may one day have therapeutic value.

PMID- 22042015
TI  - Biopsies in uveal melanoma.
AB  - The ability to obtain the proper clinical diagnosis in cases of suspected
      intraocular tumors has greatly advanced during the past 50 years. The clinical
      characteristics of most intraocular tumors (size, shape, color, and texture) are
      detectable by skilled ophthalmoscopic examination and, with the use of adjunctive
      techniques (mainly ultrasonography), the proper diagnosis can be reached without
      invasive procedures. Notwithstanding, some intraocular tumors need to be biopsied
      to obtain a reliable diagnosis. In the cytogenetic era, intraocular tumor
      management is changing, and tumor-sampling procedures are becoming the main
      prognostic (and theoretically also diagnostic) tools for uveal melanoma. In spite
      of the widespread use of biopsies in general surgical practice, in ophthalmic
      oncology, indications and contraindications for biopsy continue to be under
      debate. The purpose of this paper is to critically evaluate the role of uveal
      melanoma biopsy in current clinical practice.

PMID- 22042016
TI  - Analysis of intraocular biopsies.
AB  - In this chapter, the importance of intraocular biopsies in the
      diagnosis/exclusion of ocular malignancies and prognostication is outlined.
      Despite improvements in ancillary studies in ophthalmology, intraocular biopsies
      are increasingly being performed in many ocular oncology centres. Experience is
      required in taking these biopsies, in their transport to the pathology
      laboratory, in their triaging and processing, and in their interpretation. To
      optimize the biopsy yield, well-tested and practical standard operational
      procedures for morphological, immunocytological and molecular genetic analyses
      are necessary. 'Tips and tricks' for the fixation and processing of intraocular
      tissue and fluid biopsies are provided. For example, a fixative such as Cytolyt
      or HOPE fixation is recommended for vitreous biopsies, allowing for all
      investigations to be performed, including DNA-based molecular genetic techniques,
      such as polymerase chain reaction used in clonality analysis in lymphoma
      diagnosis and in organism identification in endophthalmitis. Most solid tissue
      samples can be placed in buffered formalin, with the exception of those requiring
      RNA-based molecular techniques, here fresh tissue being preferable. The
      importance of incorporating data from all investigations and summarizing them as
      an integrated report is emphasized. The pitfalls of using any single test (e.g. a
      molecular genetic test) as a 'stand-alone' investigation are highlighted.
      Communication with relevant clinical information between surgeon and pathologist
      is essential at each stage: for sample delivery, for exclusion of differential
      diagnoses and for rapid result transmission. The current molecular genetic
      techniques for uveal melanoma prognostication are summarized, and how their data
      can be used for instigation of individualized management plans for patients
      discussed.

PMID- 22042017
TI  - Anti-angiogenic therapy in uveal melanoma.
AB  - For several decades, targeting of tumor-related vessels has been regarded as a
      potential anticancer therapy. Such anti-angiogenic therapy is based on the
      assumption that a tumor cannot grow beyond the limits of diffusion (about 1-2 mm)
      of oxygen and nutrients from capillaries, unless angiogenesis takes place.
      Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a key role in angiogenesis,
      regulating vasopermeability as well as the proliferation and migration of
      endothelial cells. In several types of cancer (colon carcinoma, soft tissue
      sarcomas and gastric cancer), serum VEGF levels are a marker for disease stage
      and an indicator of metastasis. VEGF levels are significantly elevated in uveal
      melanoma patients with metastatic disease compared to patients without
      metastases. Anti-angiogenic therapy, such as bevacizumab, is currently used for
      the treatment of metastases of several malignancies. Anti-angiogenic therapy has
      not yet been tested for the treatment of primary uveal melanoma or related
      metastatic disease. Clinicians, however, have a broad experience with anti
      angiogenic agents in patients with uveal melanoma by treating the complications
      of radiation therapy. We will discuss tumor angiogenic processes and related
      molecular pathways in uveal melanoma. The role of VEGF and the potential use of
      current commercially and experimentally available anti-angiogenic drugs for the
      treatment of primary uveal melanoma and/or metastatic disease will be explained
      below.

PMID- 22042018
TI  - Immunotherapy of uveal melanoma.
AB  - Uveal melanoma is a malignancy with exceptional features for treatment with
      immunotherapy. Primary uveal melanoma can be treated with a variety of therapies
      that may limit the growth of the primary tumor in the eye and partially preserve
      vision. However, none of these treatment modalities prevents the development of
      metastases, which predominantly arise in the liver and universally remain fatal.
      Novel therapies are being explored for their effectiveness against uveal melanoma
      metastases and immunotherapy may be a potential option as an alternative or
      adjunctive treatment, even in the prophylactic setting. Uveal melanoma may be
      particularly responsive to T-cell-based immunotherapy because it originates in
      the immune-privileged eye. The localization of the primary tumor in the immune
      privileged eye excuses the tumor cells from continuous immunological pressure.
      This may render primary uveal melanoma more immunogenic than tumor cells from non
      privileged sites and allow expression of novel tumor antigens to which the
      patient's endogenous T cell repertoire is not tolerized. The clinical and genetic
      differences between cutaneous and uveal melanomas underscore the need for
      immunotherapy specifically designed for uveal melanoma patients. In this review,
      the current developments in the field of immunotherapy for uveal melanoma are
      discussed, with a special emphasis on T-cell-based strategies.

PMID- 22042019
TI  - Genetic determinants of uveal melanoma.
AB  - Uveal melanoma (UM) arises from neural crest-derived melanocytes of the choroid
      and the ciliary body. About 50% of patients develop metastatic disease despite
      efficient control of the primary tumor. For about 15 years, cytogenetic and,
      recently, genome-wide analysis techniques have shown that UM can be classified
      into 2 genomic groups correlating with prognostic clinicopathologic features:
      class 1 tumors, with a low risk of metastases, typically characterized by a gain
      of the 6p chromosome arm, often associated with a gain of the distal part of the
      8q chromosome arm, and class 2 tumors, with a high metastatic risk, presenting
      loss of the entire chromosome 3 and gain of the entire 8q, related to the
      formation of isochromosomes. Genome-wide expression profiling has proved to be a
      powerful tool for separating these 2 classes. However, despite advances in the
      genomic and prognostic characterization of UM, the knowledge of pathways
      deregulated in these tumors is just emerging and, in contrast to cutaneous
      melanoma, no major predisposing genes are known. Altered or deregulated genes are
      reviewed in this chapter. Inactivating mutations have recently been identified by
      exome sequencing in gene BAP1, mapping to 3p21.1, in class 2 tumors. Among other
      discriminant genes identified from genome-wide expression profiling, PTP4A3,
      mapping to 8q24.3, coding for a protein promoting cell migration, is highly
      overexpressed in class 2 tumors. The overall expression signature of class 2
      tumors suggests they may originate from neuroectodermal stem cells.

PMID- 22042020
TI  - Therapeutic options in metastatic uveal melanoma.
AB  - Systemic treatments for metastatic uveal melanoma patients give poor results. R0
      resection of liver metastases showed a real benefit in survival in a very highly
      selected population. Based on our multivariate analysis, we propose surgical
      treatment to metastatic patients with time from diagnosis of uveal melanoma to
      liver metastases > 24 months, number of liver metastases <=4 lesions, and absence
      of detectable miliary disease. Liver MRI is currently the best imaging method in
      this context even if miliary disease is still difficult to diagnose. Molecular
      and chromosomal classification strongly predicting metastatic death has to be
      used to identify genetic profiles and pathways involved in the pathogenesis of
      uveal melanoma leading to new targeted therapeutic strategies.

PMID- 22042021
TI  - Stem cell transplantation strategies for the restoration of cognitive dysfunction
      caused by cranial radiotherapy.
AB  - Radiotherapy often provides the only clinical recourse for those afflicted with
      primary or metastatic brain tumors. While beneficial, cranial irradiation can
      induce a progressive and debilitating decline in cognition that may, in part, be
      caused by the depletion of neural stem cells.  Given the increased survival of
      patients diagnosed with brain cancer, quality of life in terms of cognitive
      health has become an increasing concern, especially in the absence of any
      satisfactory long-term treatments. To address this serious health concern we have
      used stem cell replacement as a strategy to combat radiation-induced cognitive
      decline.  Our model utilizes athymic nude rats subjected to cranial irradiation. 
      The ionizing radiation is delivered as either whole brain or as a highly focused
      beam to the hippocampus via linear accelerator (LINAC) based stereotaxic
      radiosurgery.  Two days following irradiation, human neural stem cells (hNSCs)
      were stereotaxically transplanted into the hippocampus.  Rats were then assessed
      for changes in cognition, grafted cell survival and for the expression of
      differentiation-specific markers 1 and 4-months after irradiation.  Our cognitive
      testing paradigms have demonstrated that animals engrafted with hNSCs exhibit
      significant improvements in cognitive function.  Unbiased stereology reveals
      significant survival (10-40%) of the engrafted cells at 1 and 4-months after
      transplantation, dependent on the amount and type of cells grafted.  Engrafted
      cells migrate extensively, differentiate along glial and neuronal lineages, and
      express a range of immature and mature phenotypic markers. Our data demonstrate
      direct cognitive benefits derived from engrafted human stem cells, suggesting
      that this procedure may one day afford a promising strategy for the long-term
      functional restoration of cognition in individuals subjected to cranial
      radiotherapy.  To promote the dissemination of the critical procedures necessary
      to replicate and extend our studies, we have provided written and visual
      documentation of several key steps in our experimental plan, with an emphasis on
      stereotaxic radiosurgey and transplantation.

PMID- 22042022
TI  - The effects of spirotetramat on life history traits and population growth of
      Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae).
AB  - The effects of spirotetramat, a tetramic acid derivative, on gross fertility, net
      fertility, female longevity and the instantaneous rate of increase of two-spotted
      spider mite, Tetranychus urticae (Acari: Tetranychidae) were investigated after
      treatment of female teleiochrysalises (the first assay) and pre-ovipositional
      females (the second assay). Spirotetramat was applied to the leaf discs by Potter
      spray tower and the following series of concentrations was applied: 200, 60, 18,
      5.4 and 1.62 mg/l. In both assays after 24 h of exposure, surviving females
      without symptoms of poisoning were used for further procedure. In the first
      assay, gross fertility of treated females was reduced by 2.4-64.7% and net
      fertility by 12.4-88.8%, compared to the control. Gross fertility of the females
      treated with 1.62 and 5.4 mg/l did not significantly differ from the control,
      whereas all concentrations, except the lowest, significantly reduced net
      fertility and female longevity. Treatments with 200, 60, and 18 mg/l
      significantly reduced the instantaneous rate of increase. In the second assay,
      gross fertility and net fertility were reduced by 43.7-93.3% and 73.8-98.5%,
      respectively. All concentrations, except the lowest, significantly reduced gross
      fertility, whereas net fertility and longevity in all treated females were
      significantly lower compared to the control. All concentrations, except the
      lowest, significantly reduced the instantaneous rate of increase, provided that
      concentrations of 200, 60 and 18 mg/l caused population decline. The effects of
      spirotetramat and its impact on T. urticae management are discussed.

PMID- 22042024
TI  - The European Renal Best Practice Advisory Board's dialysis initiation guidelines:
      one size won't fit all.

PMID- 22042027
TI  - Hypertension in pediatric patients with childhood-onset chronic kidney disease:
      much to be learned, more to be done.
AB  - Pediatric patients with chronic kidney disease are increasingly recognized as
      being at increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease as adults. Numerous
      risk factors contribute, hypertension being one of the most identifiable and
      potentially modifiable. Despite this, numerous studies have demonstrated that
      hypertension is common and is frequently underrecognized and/or undertreated in
      this population. Greater efforts are needed to identify and effectively treat
      hypertension in these vulnerable patients to reduce the future burden of adult
      cardiovascular disease.

PMID- 22042028
TI  - Fibrinogen as a damage-associated mitogenic signal for the renal fibroblast.
AB  - Fibroblast proliferation is central to the evolution of renal tubulointerstitial
      fibrosis. Using both in vivo and in vitro approaches, Sorensen et al. describe a
      role for fibrinogen as a cell-surface-receptor-mediated mitogen for renal
      fibroblasts. This interaction, likely to be initiated by injury and extravasation
      and to signal principally via Toll-like receptors, implicates fibrinogen in renal
      fibrosis beyond its textbook description as a scaffold precursor at the end of
      the coagulation cascade.

PMID- 22042029
TI  - Short-term effects of vitamin D receptor activation on serum creatinine,
      creatinine generation, and glomerular filtration.
AB  - Vitamin D receptor activation may have pleiotropic effects in a variety of
      tissues. Experimental studies with vitamin D receptor activation demonstrate an
      ability to delay progression of renal disease. In humans, vitamin D receptor
      activation reduces albuminuria. Yet some clinical studies demonstrate that
      patients receiving vitamin D supplementation have an elevation in serum
      creatinine and a decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate. These
      observations may be explainable by an effect of vitamin D receptor activation on
      creatinine metabolism.

PMID- 22042030
TI  - How best to improve survival in hemodialysis patients: solute clearance or volume
      control?
AB  - How much dialysis is required for optimal well-being and long-term survival? The
      Frequent Hemodialysis Network completed two prospective trials examining the
      effect of more frequent, short hours and, now, of nocturnal hemodialysis compared
      with standard thrice-weekly treatments. Whereas the short-hours trial reported
      benefits with more frequent dialysis, somewhat paradoxically, nocturnal
      hemodialysis had fewer advantages. However, this trial was probably underpowered,
      and confounded by the beneficial effects of home hemodialysis in the control
      group.

PMID- 22042032
TI  - On ANCA-associated glomerulonephritis in the very elderly.

PMID- 22042034
TI  - The apoptotic program promotes tissue remodeling and fibrosis.

PMID- 22042035
TI  - Hydrogen sulfide increases after a single hemodialysis session.

PMID- 22042036
TI  - Brown tumor: still an old disease?

PMID- 22042037
TI  - Effects of cytokines on potassium channels in renal tubular epithelia.
AB  - Renal tubular potassium (K(+)) channels play important roles in the formation of
      cell-negative potential, K(+) recycling, K(+) secretion, and cell volume
      regulation. In addition to these physiological roles, it was reported that
      changes in the activity of renal tubular K(+) channels were involved in
      exacerbation of renal cell injury during ischemia and endotoxemia. Because
      ischemia and endotoxemia stimulate production of cytokines in immune cells and
      renal tubular cells, it is possible that cytokines would affect K(+) channel
      activity. Although the regulatory mechanisms of renal tubular K(+) channels have
      extensively been studied, little information is available about the effects of
      cytokines on these K(+) channels. The first report was that tumor necrosis factor
      acutely stimulated the single channel activity of the 70 pS K(+) channel in the
      rat thick ascending limb through activation of tyrosine phosphatase. Recently, it
      was also reported that interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and interleukin-1beta (IL
      1beta) modulated the activity of the 40 pS K(+) channel in cultured human
      proximal tubule cells. IFN-gamma exhibited a delayed suppression and an acute
      stimulation of K(+) channel activity, whereas IL-1beta acutely suppressed the
      channel activity. Furthermore, these cytokines suppressed gene expression of the
      renal outer medullary potassium channel. The renal tubular K(+) channels are
      functionally coupled to the coexisting transporters. Therefore, the effects of
      cytokines on renal tubular transporter activity should also be taken into
      account, when interpreting their effects on K(+) channel activity.

PMID- 22042039
TI  - A comparison of the teratogenicity of methylmercury and selenomethionine injected
      into bird eggs.
AB  - Methylmercury chloride and seleno-L-methionine were injected separately or in
      combinations into the fertile eggs of mallards (Anas platyrhynchos), chickens
      (Gallus gallus), and double-crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus), and the
      incidence and types of teratogenic effects were recorded. For all three species,
      selenomethionine alone caused more deformities than did methylmercury alone. When
      mallard eggs were injected with the lowest dose of selenium (Se) alone (0.1
      MUg/g), 28 of 44 embryos and hatchlings were deformed, whereas when eggs were
      injected with the lowest dose of mercury (Hg) alone (0.2 MUg/g), only 1 of 56
      embryos or hatchlings was deformed. Mallard embryos seemed to be more sensitive
      to the teratogenic effects of Se than chicken embryos: 0 of 15 chicken embryos or
      hatchlings from eggs injected with 0.1 MUg/g Se exhibited deformities. Sample
      sizes were small with double-crested cormorant eggs, but they also seemed to be
      less sensitive to the teratogenic effects of Se than mallard eggs. There were no
      obvious differences among species regarding Hg-induced deformities. Overall, few
      interactions were apparent between methylmercury and selenomethionine with
      respect to the types of deformities observed. However, the deformities spina
      bifida and craniorachischisis were observed only when Hg and Se were injected in
      combination. One paradoxical finding was that some doses of methylmercury seemed
      to counteract the negative effect selenomethionine had on hatching of eggs while
      at the same time enhancing the negative effect selenomethionine had on creating
      deformities. When either methylmercury or selenomethionine is injected into avian
      eggs, deformities start to occur at much lower concentrations than when the Hg or
      Se is deposited naturally in the egg by the mother.

PMID- 22042038
TI  - Aldosterone stimulates nuclear factor-kappa B activity and transcription of
      intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and connective tissue growth factor in rat
      mesangial cells via serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible protein kinase-1.
AB  - Several clinical and experimental data support the hypothesis that aldosterone
      contributes to the progression of renal injury. To determine the signaling
      pathway of aldosterone in relation to fibrosis and inflammation in mesangial
      cells, we investigated the effects of aldosterone on expression and activation of
      serum- and glucocorticoid-inducible protein kinase-1 (SGK1), the activation of
      nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kappaB activation, and the expressions of
      intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and connective tissue growth factor
      (CTGF). Aldosterone stimulated SGK1 expression, phosphorylation (Ser-256), and
      kinase activity. The increments of phosphorylation and expression of SGK1 induced
      by aldosterone were inhibited by mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) inhibitor
      (eplerenone). Aldosterone stimulated NF-kappaB activity measured by NF-kappaB
      responsive elements, luciferase assay, and the levels of inhibitor of kappa B
      (IkappaB) phosphorylation. This aldosterone-induced activation of NF-kappaB was
      inhibited by the transfection of dominant-negative SGK1. Furthermore, aldosterone
      augmented the promoter activities and protein expressions of ICAM-1 and CTGF. The
      effects of aldosterone on ICAM-1 and CTGF promoter activities and protein
      expressions were inhibited by the transfection of dominant-negative SGK1 and
      dominant-negative IkappaBalpha. We also found that the MR antagonist
      significantly ameliorated the glomerular injury and enhancements in SGK1, ICAM-1,
      and CTGF expressions induced by 1% sodium chloride and aldosterone in vivo. In
      conclusion, our findings suggest that aldosterone stimulates ICAM-1 and CTGF
      transcription via activation of SGK1 and NF-kappaB, which may be involved in the
      progression of aldosterone-induced mesangial fibrosis and inflammation. MR
      antagonists may serve as useful therapeutic targets for the treatment of
      glomerular inflammatory disease.

PMID- 22042040
TI  - Hepatic concentrations of inorganic contaminants and their relationships with
      nutrient reserves in autumn-migrant common loons at Lake Erie.
AB  - Common loons (Gavia immer) are piscivorous, high-trophic level feeders that
      bioaccumulate inorganic contaminants at concentrations that can negatively impact
      their health and reproduction. Concentrations of inorganic contaminants,
      especially mercury (Hg), in blood, organs, and muscle have been quantified in
      common loons on breeding grounds, but these data are limited for migrating loons.
      We investigated sex- and age-related hepatic concentrations of inorganic
      contaminants in common loons (n = 53) that died from botulism and were salvaged
      at a Great Lakes staging area (i.e., Long Point, Lake Erie) during November 2005.
      We also investigated if hepatic concentrations of inorganic contaminants
      influenced lipid, protein, and mineral in our sample of migrant common loons.
      Last, we determined if there was correlation between Hg and selenium (Se).
      Consistent with data from breeding grounds, mean concentrations of Hg in liver
      were approximately 2.5 times greater in adult ([Formula: see text] = 14.64 +/-
      16.69 MUg g(-1)) compared with juvenile birds ([Formula: see text] = 3.99 +/-
      2.27 MUg g(-1)). Elements detected in liver at potentially harmful levels were Hg
      and Se, of which lipid reserves varied negatively with Hg concentrations but
      positively with Se concentrations. In addition, Hg and Se were correlated (r =
      0.65) at greater then a demethylation threshold (total Hg >= 8.5 MUg g(-1) dw)
      but not lower than that. Concentrations of inorganic contaminants did not
      influence protein and mineral levels in our sample of common loons. Our results
      suggest that Hg accumulation negatively affects lipid levels in migrant common
      loons. Results are also consistent with a nontoxic Hg-Se protein complex
      protecting loons migrating through areas that are relatively Se rich. Although
      the acquisition of Se during the nonbreeding season may decrease the toxicity of
      Hg, future research should consider the synergistic Hg-Se effect on reproduction
      in common loons that migrate through Se-rich locales, such as the Great Lakes.

PMID- 22042041
TI  - Dose-creep of Infliximab during psoriasis treatment: an observational study.

PMID- 22042042
TI  - Municipal solid waste generation in growing urban areas in Africa: current
      practices and relation to socioeconomic factors in Jimma, Ethiopia.
AB  - As one of cities in the developing countries, a rapid population growth and
      industrial activities pose many environmental challenges for Jimma city,
      Ethiopia. One aspect of urban growth posing a threat on sustainable development
      is poor solid waste management, which results in environmental pollution. The
      purpose of this study is to evaluate the quantity, composition, sources of waste
      generated, their current disposal practices, and to recommend appropriate
      management technologies. The total waste generated daily in Jimma city was ca.
      88,000 kg, and the average per capita generation rate was 0.55 +/- 0.17
      kg/capita/day. Eighty-seven percent of the waste was produced by households and
      13% by institutions, and a negligible fraction (0.1%) was generated by street
      sweepings. During the rainy season, 40% more waste was generated than in the dry
      season because of the increased availability of agricultural food product.
      Further analysis showed that biodegradable organic waste constitutes 54% by
      weight with an average moisture content of 60% that falls within the required
      limits for composting. The nonbiodegradable components constitute 46% of which
      30% of it was nonrecyclable material. Only 25% of the community uses municipal
      containers for disposal at the selected landfill site. Fifty-one percent of the
      households disposed their waste in individually chosen spots, whereas 22% burned
      their waste. Finally 2% of households use private waste collectors. The
      socioeconomic analysis showed that higher family income and educational status is
      associated more with private or municipal waste collection and less with the
      application of backyard or open dumping. These insights into generated waste and
      management practice in Jimma city allow making suggestions for improved
      collection, treatment, and disposal methods. A primary conclusion is that the
      biodegradable waste is a major fraction having suitable properties for recycling.
      As such an economic benefit can be obtained from this waste while avoiding the
      need for disposal.

PMID- 22042043
TI  - Modeling pollen tube growth: feeling the pressure to deliver testifiable
      predictions.
AB  - The frequency and amplitude of oscillatory pollen tube growth can be altered by
      changing the osmotic value of the surrounding medium. This has motivated the
      proposition that the periodic change in growth velocity is caused by changes in
      turgor pressure. Using mathematical modeling we recently demonstrated that the
      oscillatory pollen tube growth does not require turgor to change but that this
      behavior can be explained with a mechanism that relies on changes in the
      mechanical properties of the cell wall which in turn are caused by temporal
      variations in the secretion of cell wall precursors. The model also explains why
      turgor and growth rate are correlated for oscillatory growth with long growth
      cycles while they seem uncorrelated for oscillatory growth with short growth
      cycles. The predictions made by the model are testifiable by experimental data
      and therefore represent an important step towards understanding the dynamics of
      the growth behavior in walled cells.

PMID- 22042045
TI  - Solitary eosinophilic granuloma of the adult lumbar spine.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Eosinophilic granuloma (EG) is a benign bone tumor that rarely
      occurs in adults. It is usually found occurring in flat and long bones, but spine
      is often affected too. EG is of unknown aetiology, and the course of the disease
      is unpredictable. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two cases of EG of the adult lumbar
      spine are reported, representing a difficult challenge for diagnosis and
      treatment. CONCLUSION: CT scan guided trocar biopsy allowed to achieve a
      definitive diagnosis, and CT scan guided intralesional infiltrations of
      corticosteroids were the successful treatment.

PMID- 22042044
TI  - The impact of halo-gravity traction on curve rigidity and pulmonary function in
      the treatment of severe and rigid scoliosis and kyphoscoliosis: a clinical study
      and narrative review of the literature.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The treatment of rigid and severe scoliosis and kyphoscoliosis is a
      surgical challenge. Presurgical halo-gravity traction (HGT) achieves an increase
      in curve flexibility, a reduction in neurologic risks through gradual traction on
      a chronically tethered cord and an improvement in preoperative pulmonary
      function. However, little is known with respect to the ideal indications for HGT,
      its appropriate duration, or its efficacy in the treatment of rigid deformities.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: To investigate the use of HGT in severe deformities, we
      performed a retrospective review of 45 patients who had severe and rigid
      scoliosis or kyphoscoliosis. The analysis focused on the impact of HGT on curve
      flexibility, pulmonary function tests (PFTs), complications and surgical outcomes
      in a single spine centre. RESULTS: PFTs were used to assess the predicted forced
      vital capacity (FVC%). The mean age of the sample was 24+/-14 years. 39 patients
      had rigid kyphoscoliosis, and 6 had scoliosis. The mean apical rotation was 3.6
      degrees +/-1.4 degrees , according to the Nash and Moe grading system. The curve
      apices were mainly in the thoracic spine. HGT was used preoperatively in all the
      patients. The mean preoperative scoliosis was 106.1 degrees +/-34.5 degrees , and
      the mean kyphosis was 90.7 degrees +/-29.7 degrees . The instrumentation used
      included hybrids and pedicle screw-based constructs. In 18 patients (40%), a
      posterior concave thoracoplasty was performed. Preoperative PFT data were
      obtained for all the patients, and 24 patients had >=3 assessments during the
      HGT. The difference between the first and the final PFTs during the HGT averaged
      7.0+/-8.2% (p<.001). Concerning the evolution of pulmonary function, 30 patients
      had complete data sets, with the final PFT performed, on average, 24 months after
      the index surgery. The mean preoperative FVC% in these patients was 47.2+/-18%,
      and the FVC% at follow-up was 44.5+/-17% (a difference that did not reach
      statistical significance). The preoperative FVC% was highly predictive of the
      follow-up FVC% and the response during HGT. The mean flexibility of the scoliosis
      curve during HGT was only 14.8+/-11.4%, which was not significantly different
      from the flexibility measures achieved on bending radiographs or Cotrel traction
      radiographs. In rigid curves, the Cobb angle difference between the first and
      final radiographs during HGT was only 8 degrees +/-9 degrees  for scoliosis and 7
      degrees +/-12 degrees  for kyphosis. Concerning surgical outcomes, 13 patients
      (28.9%) experienced minor and 15 (33.3%) experienced major complications. No
      permanent neurologic deficits or deaths occurred. Additional surgery was
      indicated in 12 patients (26.7%), including 7 rib-hump resections. At the final
      evaluation, 69% of the patients had improved coronal balance, and at a mean
      follow-up of 33+/-23.3 months, 39 patients (86.7%) were either satisfied or very
      satisfied with the overall outcome. CONCLUSION: The improvement of pulmonary
      function and the restoration of sagittal and coronal balance are the main goals
      in the treatment of severe and rigid scoliosis and kyphoscoliosis. A review of
      the literature showed that HGT is a useful tool for selected patients.
      Preoperative HGT is indicated in severe curves with moderate to severe pulmonary
      compromise. HGT should not be expected to significantly improve severe curves
      without a prior anterior and/or posterior release. The data presented in this
      study can be used in future studies to compare the surgical and pulmonary
      outcomes of severe and rigid deformities.

PMID- 22042046
TI  - Cobalt-phosphate complexes catalyze the photoelectrochemical water oxidation of
      BiVO4 electrodes.
AB  - BiVO(4) semiconductor electrodes were coupled with cobalt-phosphate complexes
      (CoPi) to enhance the photoelectrochemical (PEC) performance for water oxidation
      reaction. CoPi was deposited on a 550 nm-thick BiVO(4) film via electrodeposition
      (ED) and photodeposition (PD) methods for comparison of their effects. The CoPi
      on BiVO(4) exhibited Co : P atomic ratios of approximately 1 : 7 for the
      electrodeposited sample and approximately 1 : 18 for the photodeposited sample,
      and Co(2+) and Co(3+) co-existed in both samples. Optimized CoPi ED resulted in a
      CoPi overlayer of approximately 850 nm thick, which showed an electrochromic-like
      behavior that was likely due to limited access of phosphate into BiVO(4) across
      the CoPi layer. Optimized CoPi PD, however, had very thin and rather uniform CoPi
      dispersion and did not show electrochromic-like behavior. Despite the lesser
      amount of CoPi, the PEC performance of BiVO(4)/CoPi (PD) was comparable to that
      of BiVO(4)/CoPi (ED). Real-time measurements of the headspace molecular oxygen
      that evolved from water oxidation indicated that CoPi enhances O(2) production
      and photocurrent generation at BiVO(4) by a factor of around 15 and a maximum of
      20, respectively, at 0.576 V(SCE) (equivalent to 1.23 V(RHE)) under air mass 1.5
      irradiation (400 mW cm(-2)). Prolonged irradiation of BiVO(4)/CoPi (ED) resulted
      in a reduced Co : P ratio to 1 : 1.77 without changing the mixed valency of
      Co(II/III). This finding indicates that incorporation of phosphate into the CoPi
      was kinetically slower than water oxidation. The primary role of CoPi has been
      suggested as a hole-conducting electrocatalyst making the photogenerated
      electrons more mobile and, consequently, increasing conductivity and boosting the
      PEC water oxidation performance of BiVO(4).

PMID- 22042047
TI  - Fluid and electrolyte management: putting a plan in motion.
AB  - Fluid and electrolyte management is challenging for clinicians, as electrolytes
      shift in a variety of settings and disease states and are dependent on osmotic
      changes and fluid balance. The development of a plan for managing fluid and
      electrolyte abnormalities should start with correcting the underlying condition.
      In most cases, this is followed by an assessment of fluid balance with the goal
      of achieving euvolemia. After fluid status is understood and/or corrected,
      electrolyte imbalances are simplified. Many equations are available to aid
      clinicians in providing safe recommendations or at least to give a starting point
      for correcting the abnormalities. However, these equations do not take into
      consideration the vast differences between clinical scenarios, thus making
      electrolyte management more challenging. The supplementation plan, whether
      delivered intravenously or orally, must include an assessment of renal and
      gastrointestinal function, as most guidelines are established under the
      assumption of normal digestion, absorption and excretion. After the plan is
      developed, frequent monitoring is vital to regain homeostasis. A fluid and
      electrolyte management plan developed by a multidisciplinary team is advantageous
      in promoting continuity of care and producing safe outcomes.

PMID- 22042048
TI  - Retinol binding protein: marker for insulin resistance and inflammation postburn?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Burn injury leads to vast changes in both metabolic and
      inflammatory responses and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality.
      Insulin resistance (IR) and hyperglycemia are major components of the
      hypermetabolic response found in burn-injured patients and subsequently
      contribute to adverse outcomes. Studies have shown that increased systemic
      retinol binding protein (RBP) levels are associated with IR and hyperinflammation
      in diabetic and obese patients. The aim of this study was to determine RBP
      profiles and to test the hypothesis that elevated RBP levels are associated with
      both IR and the inflammatory response in burned patients. METHODS: RBP was
      measured in 372 patients during the acute stay postburn. Patients' demographics,
      glucose levels, and insulin administration were recorded. Cytokines, hormones,
      plasma proteins, and organ markers were measured. The average of all measurements
      of RBP (2.1 mg/dL) was used to divide patients into high and low groups.
      Statistical analysis was performed by Student t test. Statistical significance
      was accepted at P < .05. RESULTS: Fifty-one patients (high group) had elevated
      RBP levels during acute hospitalization and demonstrated a significant higher
      incidence of multiorgan failure, sepsis, and mortality (P < .05). Moreover, in
      the high group, a significant increase of IR, inflammatory cytokines, and
      catabolic and organ-specific markers were detected (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS:
      Increased RBP levels postburn correlate with increased IR, inflammatory and
      catabolic responses, incidence of multiorgan failure, and mortality. RBP may be a
      novel biomarker to monitor these detrimental responses postburn.

PMID- 22042049
TI  - Reduced parenteral nutrition requirements following anastomosis of a short
      residual colonic segment to a short jejunum.
AB  - A 22-year-old man suffered an acute small bowel infarct leading to extensive
      bowel resection, resulting in only 20 cm of jejunum to a jejunostomy, although he
      also had 50 cm of residual colon with a mucous fistula. The patient was out on
      long-term home parenteral nutrition (PN) but endured high stomal losses of 5-6 L
      per day and, despite all conventional measures, required 6.1 L of fluid
      (including PN) and 555 mmol sodium per day. Although body mass index was
      maintained, he suffered debilitating malaise and recurrent episodes of catheter
      related sepsis and also developed persistently abnormal liver function tests. He
      was considered a potential intestinal transplant patient, but before taking that
      step, he opted for reanastomosis of his residual colon to his jejunum, ending in
      a colostomy. At surgery, only 30 cm of additional bowel lengthening could be
      achieved, but despite this, the patient's stomal losses reduced to 2.5 L per day,
      intravenous fluid requirements reduced to 4.1 L per day, and liver function
      normalized. The patient also gained 7.5 kg despite no change in PN caloric
      prescription, and his quality of life was dramatically enhanced. The case
      illustrates that even a small length of colon can grant significant improvements,
      probably via improvements in small bowel transit and adaptive changes, better
      sodium and water resorption with decreased hyperaldosteronism, and enhanced
      energy and nitrogen recovery. Reanastomosis of defunctioned colon should
      therefore always be considered a management option in short bowel syndrome.

PMID- 22042050
TI  - Route and type of nutrition and surgical stress influence secretory phospholipase
      A2 secretion of the murine small intestine.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The function of secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) is site dependent.
      In tissue, sPLA2 regulates eicosanoid production; in circulation, sPLA2 primes
      neutrophils; and in the intestinal lumen, sPLA2 provides innate bactericidal
      immunity as a defensin-related protein. Since parenteral nutrition (PN) primes
      leukocytes while suppressing intraluminal mucosal immunity, the authors
      hypothesized that (1) PN would diminish luminal sPLA2 activity but increase
      activity in intestinal tissue and serum and (2) stress would accentuate these
      changes. METHODS: Mice received chow, a complex enteral diet (CED), intragastric
      PN (IG-PN), or PN in experiment 1 and chow, chow+stress, PN, or PN+stress in
      experiment 2. RESULTS: In experiment 1, luminal sPLA2 activity was greatest in
      chow and decreased in CED, IG-PN, and PN, with PN lower than CED and IG-PN.
      Compared to that after chow, serum sPLA2 activity dropped after CED, IG-PN, and
      PN. Serum sPLA2 was higher in portal than systemic serum. In experiment 2, PN
      lowered luminal sPLA2 activity vs chow. Stress lowered luminal sPLA2 activity in
      chow, without change in PN. Following stress, luminal immunoglobulin A increased
      in chow but not PN. Serum sPLA2 activity increased in PN. CONCLUSIONS: PN
      attenuates sPLA2 activity in intestinal fluid, consistent with suppressed innate
      mucosal defense. Stress suppresses luminal fluid sPLA2 activity in chow but not
      the immunoglobulin A response; PN impairs both. Stress significantly elevates
      serum sPLA2 in PN-fed mice, consistent with known increased neutrophil priming
      with PN. PN reduces innate bactericidal immunity of the gut but upregulates serum
      proinflammatory products poststress.

PMID- 22042055
TI  - Amyloid peptides incorporating a core sequence from the amyloid beta peptide and
      gamma amino acids: relating bioactivity to self-assembly.
AB  - A series of heptapeptides comprising the core sequence Abeta(16-20), KLVFF, of
      the amyloid beta peptide coupled with paired N-terminal gamma-amino acids are
      investigated in terms of cytotoxicity reduction and binding to the full Abeta
      peptide, both pointing to inhibition of fibrillisation for selected compounds.
      This is related to the self-assembly capacity of the heptapeptides.

PMID- 22042057
TI  - Cultured human mast cells are heterogeneous for expression of the high-affinity
      IgE receptor FcepsilonRI.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We determined the density of FcepsilonRI on mast cells cultured from
      cord (CBMC) and peripheral blood (PBMC) and studied the kinetics of the response
      through FcepsilonRI. METHODS: Mast cells were cultured from CD133+ progenitors
      from peripheral or cord blood. FcepsilonRI was stabilized by culture with 2
      MUg/ml IgE. Cells were activated by addition of anti-FcepsilonRI antibody (1
      ng/ml-10 MUg/ml). Maximal activation, sensitivity, and cooperativity were
      determined. RESULTS: All cultures were homogeneous for tryptase and metachromasy.
      All cells expressing FcepsilonRI could be activated by cross-linking FcepsilonRI
      to upregulate CD63. PBMC bind 203,000 molecules of IgE/cell. Stabilization of
      FcepsilonRI with IgE doubled the number of CD63+ cells (p = 0.0001) and increased
      the sensitivity (from 0.083 to 0.013 MUg/ml anti-FcepsilonRI) and the slope
      factor (from 10.8 to 68) of PBMC but not of CBMC. Anti-IgE reversed these effects
      (p = 0.0002) but did not reduce activation levels below that of cell lines not
      stabilized with IgE. CONCLUSION: Baseline expression of FcepsilonRI is
      independent of anti-IgE. The fraction of PBMC that binds high levels of IgE can
      be activated through FcepsilonRI.

PMID- 22042058
TI  - From stress to postpartum mood and anxiety disorders: how chronic peripartum
      stress can impair maternal adaptations.
AB  - The peripartum period, in all mammalian species, is characterised by numerous
      adaptations at neuroendocrine, molecular and behavioural levels that prepare the
      female for the challenges of motherhood. These changes have been well
      characterised and, while they are necessary to ensure the survival and nurturance
      of the offspring, there is growing belief that they are also required for
      maternal mental health. Thus, while increased calmness and attenuated stress
      responsivity are common characteristics of the peripartum period, it also
      represents a time of increased susceptibility to mood disorders. While a number
      of risk factors for these disorders are known, their underlying aetiology remains
      poorly understood, due at least in part to a lack of appropriate animal models.
      One translatable risk factor is stress exposure during the peripartum period. In
      the following review we first describe common peripartum adaptations and the
      impact postpartum mood disorders have on these. We then discuss the known
      consequences of peripartum stress exposure on such maternal adaptations that have
      been described in basic research.

PMID- 22042059
TI  - Comparison between one injection and three monthly injections of intravitreal
      bevacizumab for myopic choroidal neovascularization.
AB  - AIM: To compare the effects of one intravitreal bevacizumab (IVB) injection with
      three monthly injections for myopic choroidal neovascularization. METHODS: Group
      A included 13 patients treated with one IVB injection; group B included 19
      patients treated with three monthly 1.25-mg IVB injections. All patients were
      followed monthly for 12 months with additional injections performed as needed.
      The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and the central foveal thickness (CFT) on
      optical coherence tomography were evaluated before and after treatment. RESULTS:
      The mean logMAR BCVA improved from 0.59 to 0.49 at 12 months in group A (p =
      0.21) and from 0.65 to 0.29 in group B (p < 0.001); the improved logMAR BCVA
      differed significantly between the groups (p < 0.05). The mean CFT decreased from
      231 MUm at baseline to 150 MUm at 12 months in group A (p < 0.05) and from 279 to
      156 MUm in group B (p < 0.001). During the follow-up, 6 of 13 eyes in group A and
      5 of 19 eyes in group B received additional injections. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment
      starting with three monthly IVB injections may achieve better functional outcomes
      with fewer retreatments compared with treatment starting with one IVB injection.

PMID- 22042056
TI  - Factors associated with insulin resistance among children and adolescents
      perinatally infected with HIV-1 in the pediatric HIV/AIDS cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Because of prior inconsistent findings, we studied a large
      cohort of HIV-infected children to determine: (1) prevalence of insulin
      resistance (IR); (2) anthropometric and clinical correlates of IR, and (3)
      concomitant abnormalities of glucose tolerance. METHODS: The study population
      consisted of 451 children from the Pediatric HIV/AIDS Cohort Study. The outcome
      of interest was HOMA-IR. Covariates included demographic, metabolic, growth, body
      composition, HIV laboratory tests, and treatment characteristics. Children
      meeting triggers for IR underwent oral glucose tolerance tests and hemoglobin A1c
      (HbA1c) measurements. RESULTS: Among 402 children with glucose and insulin
      measurements, 15.2% had IR of whom 79% were pubertal. IR was associated with
      higher alanine aminotransferase, body mass index, and nadir CD4%, Tanner stage 5,
      and ever having received amprenavir. Of those with IR, three had impaired fasting
      glucose (IFG), three impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), one IFG and IGT, none
      diabetic glucose tolerance, and three HbA1c between 6.1 and 6.5%. CONCLUSION: In
      our cohort of HIV-infected adolescents, we observed a 15.2% prevalence of IR more
      closely linked to obesity than any other variable. This finding mirrors the high
      prevalence of obesity-mediated IR in American youth. However, associations with
      CD4 count and use of protease inhibitors may indicate some effect of HIV and/or
      its treatment.

PMID- 22042060
TI  - Quantifying cognitive decrements caused by cranial radiotherapy.
AB  - With the exception of survival, cognitive impairment stemming from the clinical
      management of cancer is a major factor dictating therapeutic outcome. For many
      patients afflicted with CNS and non-CNS malignancies, radiotherapy and
      chemotherapy offer the best options for disease control. These treatments however
      come at a cost, and nearly all cancer survivors (~11 million in the US alone as
      of 2006) incur some risk for developing cognitive dysfunction, with the most
      severe cases found in patients subjected to cranial radiotherapy (~200,000/yr)
      for the control of primary and metastatic brain tumors. Particularly problematic
      are pediatric cases, whose long-term survival plagued with marked cognitive
      decrements results in significant socioeconomic burdens. To date, there are still
      no satisfactory solutions to this significant clinical problem. We have addressed
      this serious health concern using transplanted stem cells to combat radiation
      induced cognitive decline in athymic rats subjected to cranial irradiation.
      Details of the stereotaxic irradiation and the in vitro culturing and
      transplantation of human neural stem cells (hNSCs) can be found in our companion
      paper (Acharya et al., JoVE reference). Following irradiation and transplantation
      surgery, rats are then assessed for changes in cognition, grafted cell survival
      and expression of differentiation-specific markers 1 and 4-months after
      irradiation. To critically evaluate the success or failure of any potential
      intervention designed to ameliorate radiation-induced cognitive sequelae, a
      rigorous series of quantitative cognitive tasks must be performed. To accomplish
      this, we subject our animals to a suite of cognitive testing paradigms including
      novel place recognition, water maze, elevated plus maze and fear conditioning, in
      order to quantify hippocampal and non-hippocampal learning and memory. We have
      demonstrated the utility of these tests for quantifying specific types of
      cognitive decrements in irradiated animals, and used them to show that animals
      engrafted with hNSCs exhibit significant improvements in cognitive function. The
      cognitive benefits derived from engrafted human stem cells suggest that similar
      strategies may one day provide much needed clinical recourse to cancer survivors
      suffering from impaired cognition. Accordingly, we have provided written and
      visual documentation of the critical steps used in our cognitive testing
      paradigms to facilitate the translation of our promising results into the clinic.

PMID- 22042061
TI  - [Pseudohypoaldosteronism type 1: an uncommon electrolyte emergency. Report of
      four cases].
AB  - Pseudohypoaldosteronism type 1 is a rare syndrome of resistance to aldosterone
      manifested by salt wasting, hyponatremia, hyperkalemia, hyperchloremic metabolic
      acidosis, and hiperreninemic hyperaldosteronism. The syndrome may be genetic,
      secondary to uropathies and urinary tract infection among other causes or it may
      occur sporadically. The salt wasting may be systemic and severe or localized to
      the kidney usually with better prognosis. The clinical picture is prevalent in
      the first seven months of life, failure to thrive and recurrent vomiting are
      usually the common clinical signs, an electrolyte emergency in the form of
      hypovolemic shock, hyperkalemic cardiac arrhythmias and hyponatremic seizures is
      rare. Four patients presenting with an electrolyte emergency are reported.

PMID- 22042062
TI  - [Pachydermodactyly: case report].
AB  - Pachydermodactyly is a type of benign digital fibromatoses, a rare condition that
      affects mostly young men. The cause is unknown but some authors suggest that
      traumatism can be involved. A 16-year-old man presented with symmetrical painless
      swellings on the fingers of both hands. He used to rub his fingers together. The
      control of living habits must be enphasized in order to avoid repeteated
      injuries. Hence, our consultation work is with the patient and his family. We
      describe a new case of pathology with a common clinical diagnosis, whose
      ignorance could lead us to carry out unnecesary tests involving inconvenience to
      the patient. It is important to emphasize the modification of the patient's
      living habits in order to achieve its improvement.

PMID- 22042063
TI  - [Unilateral nasal obstruction in children: Pai syndrome].
AB  - Unilateral obstruction of the nasal cavity in children is mainly caused by the
      introduction of foreign bodies further stated with rhinorrhea and fetid odor.
      Less commonly, it can be traumatic, neoplastic, due to congenital malformation or
      iatrogenic. Symptoms of congenital intranasal mass may present at birth, or go
      unnoticed and be a finding in a routine pediatric examination. Patient evaluation
      should include imaging studies to guide the diagnosis and rule out intracranial
      extension. A syndrome associated with congenital nasal tumor should be suspected
      when other abnormalities are present. Pai syndrome is a rare genetic disorder.
      Its manifestations are craniofacial being congenital nasal polyp his main marker.
      We present a patient with unilateral nasal respiratory failure secondary to
      congenital nasal lipoma, with craniofacial anomalies belonging to Pai syndrome.
      Nasal obstruction was successfully surgically resolved.

PMID- 22042064
TI  - [Priapism in pediatrics: initial presentation of chronic myeloid leukemia].
AB  - Priapism is a prolonged penis erection, triggered by sexual stimulation or not;
      it is uncommon in children, but its knowledge is of great importance since it may
      lead to suspect serious diseases, such as leukemia, and it can lead to permanent
      erectile dysfunction if appropriate treatment is not timely done. We present the
      case of a 16-year-old boy with priapism which lead to a diagnosis of chronic
      myeloid leukemia. Knowledge of an uncommon pathology in children, like priapism,
      it is very important in order to establish the suitable and timely treatment, to
      prevent the irreversible sequelaes and complications of this disease.

PMID- 22042065
TI  - [Interdisciplinary approach in Pediatrics at 100 years of the Sociedad Argentina
      de Pediatria].

PMID- 22042066
TI  - [Second-hand smoking, knowledge and legislation].

PMID- 22042067
TI  - [Breast feeding and sudden infant death syndrome prevention].

PMID- 22042068
TI  - [Body mass index and blood pressure at one year of age by birth weight, weight
      gain and early feeding patterns].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Abnormal early growth patterns have been associated with overweight
      and other related diseases along the life course. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the
      association between changes in growth patterns and nutrition status during the
      second semester of life and blood pressure (BP), according to weight for
      gestational age (GE), and early dietary patterns, in a sample of healthy
      children. METHODS: Prospective study from a sample of healthy children followed
      between 6-12 months of age, between 10/07 and 3/08 at Hospital P. Elizalde.
      Gender, weight and gestational age at birth, weight, height and body mass index
      (BMI, WHO ref.) at 6, 9 and 12 months, length of breastfeeding, and blood
      pressure (BP) at 12 months of age were assessed. RESULTS: One hundred twenty
      infants were follow- up. Variation in standardized BMI between 6-12 months of age
      is the main predictor of BMI at 12 months of age (R2 0.12; Coef b 0.34; error
      estandar 0.11; p 0.006). The interaction term between length of breastfeeding and
      small for gestational age is the main predictor of changes in BMI between 6-12
      months of age (R2 0.11; Coef b -0.15; error estandar 0.04, p < 0.001). Each
      standardized unit increment in BMI implies an increase of 1.76 mmHg in diastolic
      blood pressure at one year. CONCLUSION: Length of gestation, birth weight and
      early feeding patterns are associated with weight gain during the first year of
      life, which is linked at the same time to BMI and BP. The positive change in BMI
      was associated with shorter duration of breastfeeding and this in turn to higher
      blood pressure at one year.

PMID- 22042069
TI  - [Nosocomial infections in a neonatal unit: surveillance program].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Nosocomial infections in neonatal units are frequent and require
      having a surveillance program which allows detection and implementation of
      preventive strategies. OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence and distribution of
      hospital infections and the rate of use of devices in a neonatal unit compared
      with international standards. METHODS: Epidemiological, observational,
      analytical, prospective cohort study. We developed and carried out a monitoring
      program, stratifying infants by birth weight, recording the use of central
      catheters, mechanical ventilation, parenteral nutrition and bladder catheter. We
      calculated the total patient days, the device utilization rates and episodes of
      hospital infection. The data were compared with those of the National Nosocomial
      Infection Surveillance. RESULTS: 1530 infants were admitted to the Neonatal Care
      Unit from 01/01/2006 to 31/12/2008 totaling 22 237 days patients. We identified
      138 episodes of hospital infections, adjusted overall rate 6.23 episodes per 1000
      patient/days. Overall rates of devices' use were: central catheter 32.3%,
      mechanical ventilation 14.2%, bladder catheter 4.6%. The overall rate of
      nosocomial infection associated with central catheter was 8.6 0/00. All groups
      had rates within the published rates, except the group of infants <1000 grams
      (19.7 0/00), that exceeded the 90th percentile. With regard to ventilator
      associated pneumonia (overall rate 1.90/00), rates were comparable. CONCLUSION:
      The description of the occurrence and distribution of nosocomial infections and
      their association with risk factors could be determined and generally showed to
      be found within the published percentiles.

PMID- 22042070
TI  - [Non-symbolic addition in preschool children from Argentina].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Children take years to learn symbolic arithmetic. Nevertheless,
      such as animals and human adults, infants and children can represent approximate
      number in arrays of objects and sequences of events, and use these capacities to
      perform approximate addition and subtraction. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether
      preschool children without formal education could perform non-symbolic additions,
      through abstract representations. METHODS: We evaluated 17 preschoolers from a
      private kindergarten recruited from the city of Buenos Aires. They had to add to
      groups of blue dots, and then compare their addition with a third group of red
      dots, determining if the blue or the red dots were more numerous. We measured
      accuracy of responses of each child. RESULTS: Across all the problems, children
      performed well above chance (67.89%, chance= 50%, t(16)= 6.89, p <0.001), showing
      the characteristic ratio effect [F(1, 16)= 8.45, p <0.01, ANOVA], and without
      resort to non-arithmetic strategies. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides further
      evidence regarding the non-symbolic arithmetic skill present before formal
      education, and together with recent research, raises important contributions in
      education, trying to understand how children learn mathematics and to establish
      new methods of teaching.

PMID- 22042071
TI  - [What do we call health and mental disorders in pediatrics? A reflexive outlook
      on the psychiatry diagnosis and its relation with the new subjetive theories in
      children].
AB  - Conceptual basis for Infant and Juvenile Psychiatry are discussed taking into
      account the clear differences in the definition of Health and Mental Illness. It
      is emphasized that the mind is not simply a biological phenomenon and, thus,
      there is a need for assessment parameters that include subjective states, as well
      as a shift from lineal thoughts to complex forms that include the value of
      experience, fate, and event, amongst other ideas. This allows a change of
      perspective: the acknowledgement of the Positive Indicators of Mental Health and
      not only the absence of symptoms or disorders.

PMID- 22042072
TI  - [Lymphatic malformations: percutaneus treatment with bleomycin].
AB  - Lymphatic malformations are developmental abnormalities of the lymphatic system,
      which tend to complicate during their evolution. In the last decade, therapy with
      sclerosing agents has gained popularity over surgery due to its effectiveness,
      fewer complications, and excellent cosmetic results. We present a series of 24
      patients treated with percutaneous bleomycin injection. Results were excellent
      (volume reduction >= 95%, without symptoms) in 12 patients, good (volume
      reduction between 50% and 95%, without symptoms) in 5 patients, fair (volume
      reduction <50%, without symptoms) in 4 patients, and poor (no change in volume
      from baseline and persistence of symptoms) in 3 patients. These results were
      directly related to the type of lymphatic malformation. The complications found
      had little clinical relevance. Sclerotherapy with bleomycin is an effective and
      safe treatment for patients with unicystic or macrocystic lymphatic
      malformations. It could also be used in patients with microcystic or cavernous
      lymphatic malformation undergoing surgery to reduce both the malformation size
      and postoperative lymphorrhea, and in postoperative symptomatic patients whose
      malformation could not be totally resected.

PMID- 22042073
TI  - [The prognosis for children of mothers with preeclampsia. Part 1: short-term
      effects].
AB  - Preeclampsia affects between 4 to 8% of all human pregnancies. It compromised
      both mothers and offspring beyond perinatal period. This is the first o two
      papers related whit this phenomenon and shows the available evidence about the
      effect of preeclampsia over the preeclamptic offspring from cohort studies. It is
      devoted to develop all facts related with respiratory distress syndrome, sepsis,
      neurological issues and other problems presented over neonatal period.

PMID- 22042074
TI  - [Current concepts in perinatal brachial plexus palsy. Part 2: late phase.
      Shoulder deformities].
AB  - The incidence of obstetric brachial palsy is high and their sequelaes are
      frequent. Physiotherapy, microsurgical nerve reconstruction and secondary
      corrections are used together to improve the shoulder function. The most common
      posture is shoulder in internal rotation and adduction, because of the antagonist
      weakness. The muscle forces imbalance over the osteoarticular system, will result
      in a progressive glenohumeral joint deformity which can be recognized with a
      magnetic resonance image. Tendon transfers of the internal rotators towards the
      external abductor/rotator muscles, has good results, but has to be combined with
      antero-inferior soft-tissue releases, if passive range of motion is limited.

PMID- 22042075
TI  - [Facebook and Twitter, are they already in the pediatrician's office? Survey on
      the use of social networks].
AB  - The Web 2.0 has democratized the use of services and applications, being Facebook
      and Twitter its leading exponents and it even has been proposed that there exists
      a Medicine 2.0. A survey for professionals subscribed to discussion lists of
      Argentine Pediatric Society (SAP) and for visitors to the Website was carried out
      to know the use of Web 2.0. In 377 responses (76% pediatricians), 81.3% of users
      use Facebook and Twitter 16.5%. Facebook is used in an 85% for personal purposes,
      while the professional use of it is 41.2%. Pediatricians frequently use other web
      2.0 applications such as YouTube (80.3%), sharing images (52.2%) and listening to
      Podcasts (34.8%). Around 50% of the professionasl surveyed showed interest in
      receiving information on the professional activites carried out by SAP.
      Clinicians should recognize these new tools to incorporate them into their
      professional activities.

PMID- 22042076
TI  - [Fungal infections in a pediatric burn care].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Retrospective description of fungal infections in a specialized
      intensive care burn unit. RESULTS: A total of 41 (21%) of 195 patients admitted
      from January 2002 to March 2006 developed fungal infections at any site. The
      median age of patients was 48 months (interquartile range: 18-84), and the
      affected burn surface was 40% (interquartile range 30 and 65% The median time
      lapse between admission and fungal infections was 13 days (interquartile range 8
      20 d) The most frequent site of isolation was burnt wound in 38 patients (93%)
      and in blood cultures in 3 patients (7%). In 93% of patients bacterial infections
      were also found. The predominant fungus recovered was Candida spp in 20 patients
      (49%); followed by Aspergillus sp in 6 patients (15%), Anphotericin B was the
      drug of choice. The median time of complete treatment was 23 days (interquartile
      range: 15-30). One patient died (2%) from causes related to fungal infection.
      CONCLUSION: A total of 41 (21%) of 195 patients admitted from January 2002 to
      March 2006 developed fungal infections. Candida sp was the most frequently found.
      Mortality was low.

PMID- 22042077
TI  - [The handicapped adolescents and their sexuality].
AB  - Adolescents with different types of motor handicapping have desires, needs, and
      feelings, and have the right to express them in the best possible and acceptable
      way. Sexual education provided to young people with these handicaps is generally
      more limited than that offered to their normal peers. These adolescents are
      inadvertently excluded, and some may find difficult to establish a steady couple
      relationship. Health-care professionals should bear in mind the needs and worries
      of their handicapped patients and include the topic of sexuality in their visits
      from the start insisting on the fact that it is a normal activity in the context
      of a variety of associated problems.

PMID- 22042078
TI  - [Duchenne muscular dystrophy].

PMID- 22042080
TI  - [Recommendations in Neonatal Resuscitation 2011. 1rst part: initial steps -
      further evaluation].

PMID- 22042081
TI  - Pyridoxine-derived bicyclic aminopyridinol antioxidants: synthesis and their
      antioxidant activities.
AB  - A few facile synthetic pathways for bicyclic aminopyridinol antioxidants are
      presented. Attachment of a long alkyl chain to the bicyclic pyridinol scaffold
      was established using ester linkage. Non-substituted pyrrolopyridinols and 1,3
      oxazine-fused pyridinols were also synthesized as novel antioxidant scaffolds.
      Antioxidant activities were measured by a radical clock method and new compounds
      prepared are comparable to the best bicyclic aminopyridinol antioxidants.

PMID- 22042082
TI  - The anti-TNF-alpha antibody infliximab indirectly regulates PECAM-1 gene
      expression in two models of in vitro blood cell activation.
AB  - Chronic inflammatory bowel diseases can be successfully treated with antibodies
      against the acute phase mediator TNF-alpha. The process of activation and of
      extravasation of inflammatory cells from the blood into the 'stressed' tissue
      site is controlled by cytokines and chemokines, which attract leukocytes and by
      adhesion molecules, which mediate their attachment and transmigration toward the
      affected cell(s). The changes in the gene expression of adhesion molecules taking
      place in those cells before attachment have been less investigated. Changes of
      PECAM-1, ICAM-1 and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) gene expression
      were studied in phytohaemagglutinin (PHA)- and lipolysaccharide (LPS)-treated
      human peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs), granulocytes and the human monocyte
      cell line U-937. Cells were treated either with PHA or with LPS in the presence
      or absence of infliximab and incubated with TNF-alpha, IFN-gamma and/or
      transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) and treated as above. Activation of
      PBLs by PHA or LPS treatment triggered a sharp upregulation of ICAM-1, VCAM-1
      gene expression and a time-dependent downregulation of PECAM-1 gene expression
      reaching a minimum 4 h from start of the experiment. The anti-TNF-alpha antibody
      infliximab, by neutralizing TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma production, completely
      reversed PECAM-1 mRNA downregulation and ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 upregulation.
      Immunostaining of PBLs cytospins with antibodies against PECAM-1 and ICAM-1
      confirmed RT-PCR and western blot results. PBLs IFN-gamma or TNF-alpha treatment
      downregulated PECAM-1 in parallel with the upregulation of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 gene
      expression, whereas TGF-beta upregulated PECAM-1- and downregulated ICAM-1 and
      VCAM-1 gene expression counteracting the effect of TNF-alpha or IFN-gamma.
      Similar results were obtained in human U937 cells and in granulocyte cultures by
      TNF-alpha or IFN-gamma treatment. Taken together, these results suggest that
      infliximab, blocking TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma production, exerts its anti
      inflammatory effect through inhibiting downregulation of PECAM-1 gene expression
      and upregulation of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression in leukocytes of the peripheral
      blood. These results also suggest that TGF-beta may thus be of therapeutic
      importance as an anti-inflammatory agent.

PMID- 22042084
TI  - Replication of Crohn's disease-associated AIEC within macrophages is dependent on
      TNF-alpha secretion.
AB  - Adherent and invasive Escherichia coli (AIEC) associated with Crohn's disease are
      able to survive and to replicate extensively in active phagolysosomes within
      macrophages. AIEC-infected macrophages release large amounts of tumour necrosis
      factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and do not undergo cell death. The aim of the present
      study was to determine what benefit AIEC bacteria could gain from inducing the
      release of large amounts of TNF-alpha by infected macrophages and to what extent
      the neutralization of TNF-alpha could affect AIEC intramacrophagic replication.
      Our results showed that the amount of TNF-alpha released by infected macrophages
      is correlated with the load of intramacrophagic AIEC bacteria and their
      intracellular replication. TNF-alpha secretion was not related to the number of
      bacteria entering host cells because when the number of bacteria internalized in
      macrophage was decreased by blocking lipid raft-dependent and clathrin-coated
      pits-dependent endocytosis, the amount of TNF-alpha secreted by infected
      macrophages was not modified. Interestingly, dose-dependent increases in the
      number of intracellular AIEC LF82 bacteria were observed when infected
      macrophages were stimulated with exogenous TNF-alpha, and neutralization of TNF
      alpha secreted by AIEC-infected macrophages using anti-TNF-alpha antibodies
      induced a significant decrease in the number of intramacrophagic bacteria. These
      results indicate that AIEC bacteria use TNF-alpha as a Trojan horse to ensure
      their intracellular replication because replication of AIEC bacteria within
      macrophages induces the release of TNF-alpha, which in turn increases the
      intramacrophagic replication of AIEC. Neutralizing TNF-alpha secreted by infected
      macrophages may represent an effective strategy to control AIEC intracellular
      replication.

PMID- 22042083
TI  - Pentosan polysulfate inhibits atherosclerosis in Watanabe heritable
      hyperlipidemic rabbits: differential modulation of metalloproteinase-2 and -9.
AB  - Pentosan polysulfate (PPS), a heparinoid compound essentially devoid of
      anticoagulant activity, modulates cell growth and decreases inflammation. We
      investigated the effect of PPS on the progression of established atherosclerosis
      in Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic (WHHL) rabbits. After severe atherosclerosis
      developed on an atherogenic diet, WHHL rabbits were treated with oral PPS or tap
      water for 1 month. The aortic intima-to-media ratio and macrophage infiltration
      were reduced, plaque collagen content was increased, and plaque fibrous caps were
      preserved by PPS treatment. Plasma lipid levels and post-heparin hepatic lipase
      activity remained unchanged. However, net collagenolytic activity in aortic
      extracts was decreased, and the levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and
      tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) activity were increased by PPS.
      Moreover, PPS treatment decreased tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha)
      stimulated proinflammatory responses, in particular activation of nuclear factor
      kappaB and p38, and activation of MMPs in macrophages. In conclusion, oral PPS
      treatment prevents progression of established atherosclerosis in WHHL rabbits.
      This effect may be partially mediated by increased MMP-2 and TIMP activities in
      the aortic wall and reduced TNFalpha-stimulated inflammation and MMP activation
      in macrophages. Thus, PPS may be a useful agent in inhibiting the progression of
      atherosclerosis.

PMID- 22042085
TI  - HBcAg induces PD-1 upregulation on CD4+T cells through activation of JNK, ERK and
      PI3K/AKT pathways in chronic hepatitis-B-infected patients.
AB  - Hyper-expression of programmed death-1 (PD-1) is a hallmark of exhausted T cells.
      In chronic hepatitis-B virus (HBV)-infected patients, PD-1 upregulation on T
      cells was often observed. The mechanism of it has not been fully understood. In
      this study, we examined the dynamic changes of PD-1 expression on T cells during
      the natural history of chronic HBV infection and explored the signaling pathway
      of PD-1 upregulation by the hepatitis-B core antigen (HBcAg). Sixty-seven chronic
      HBV-infected patients were categorized into an immune tolerance group, an immune
      clearance group and an inactive virus carrier group, and 20 healthy volunteers
      were chosen as normal control group. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from
      patients and healthy volunteers, and T lymphocytes from healthy volunteers were
      separated. Results showed that the PD-1 expression level on CD4(+)T cells in
      every phase of chronic HBV infection was significantly higher than that in
      healthy volunteers, whereas such effects were not observed on CD8(+)T cells. In
      the immune clearance phase, a positive correlation was found between serum HBV
      DNA level and the PD-1 expression level on CD4(+)T cells. In all phases, no
      correlation was shown between serum alanine amino transferase (ALT) level and PD
      1 expression level. Phosphorylation of JNK, ERK and AKT was induced by HBcAg, and
      inhibitors of JNK, ERK and PI3K/AKT significantly decreased the HBcAg-induced PD
      1 upregulation on CD4(+)T cells. In conclusion, the PD-1 expression level on
      CD4(+)T cells was upregulated in every phase of chronic HBV infection, which was
      induced by HBcAg through JNK, ERK and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways.

PMID- 22042086
TI  - Microvascular density as an independent predictor of clinical outcome in renal
      cell carcinoma: an automated image analysis study.
AB  - Tumor microvascular density (MVD) has been shown to correlate with the
      aggressiveness of several cancers. With the introduction of targeted anti
      angiogenic therapy, assessment of MVD has the potential not only as a prognostic
      but also as a therapeutic marker. The significance of tumor vascularity in clear
      cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) has been debated, with studies showing
      contradictory results. Previous studies were limited by manual quantification of
      MVD within a small area of tumor. Since then, the validity of this method has
      been questioned. To avoid the inaccuracies of manual quantification, we employed
      a computerized image analysis, which allowed assessment of large areas of tumor
      and adjacent normal tissue. The latter was used as an internal reference for
      normalization. MVD and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were assessed in
      57 cases of ccRCC. Sections were immunostained for CD34 and VEGF. Areas of ccRCC
      and normal kidney medulla were analyzed within scanned images using software that
      counted CD34-positive vessels and measured the intensity of VEGF staining. We
      obtained unadjusted values from tumoral areas and calculated adjusted values as
      tumor/normal ratios. Unadjusted MVD had no association with clinical outcome.
      However, similarly to tumor stage, higher adjusted MVD was associated with
      shorter disease-free survival (log-rank P=0.037, Cox P=0.02). This was
      significant in univariate and multivariate analyses. MVD did not correlate with
      tumor stage, pointing to its independent prognostic value. As expected due to the
      known molecular abnormalities in ccRCC, most tumors showed higher VEGF expression
      than normal tissue. Higher adjusted VEGF was associated with high tumor grade
      (P=0.049). The finding of increased MVD as an independent marker of tumor
      aggressiveness may prove useful in the development of new tests for prognostic
      and therapeutic guidance. Digital techniques can provide more accurate assessment
      of immunomarkers and may reveal less obvious associations.

PMID- 22042087
TI  - Patella tendon length after patella arthroplasty.
AB  - AIM: The study aimed to assess tendon length change following patello-femoral
      replacement (PFR) surgery and total knee replacement (TKR). METHOD: A
      retrospective analysis was conducted of 40 patients undergoing PFR surgery and 40
      patients undergoing TKR and an unoperated control group. Immediate preoperative
      radiographs were compared with those at 1 year postoperatively. Intra/inter
      observer error was assessed in four observers. RESULT: In the unoperated patients
      the mean shortening was 0.6% (range 6% shortening to 3% lengthening). The mean
      shortening after PFR surgery was 0.1% of shortening (range 14% shortening to 11%
      lengthening). The mean shortening after TKR was 7.14% (range 25% shortening to 7%
      lengthening). CONCLUSION: Shortening of the patella tendon after PFR surgery
      occurs infrequently and less severely compared with TKR. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level
      2 prognostic study.

PMID- 22042088
TI  - Ultrasound-based computer navigation of the acetabular component: a feasibility
      study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This feasibility study investigated the accuracy of anterior pelvic
      reference plane (APP) registration and acetabular cup orientation in two cadavers
      with different BMIs. METHOD: Five observers each registered the APP five times in
      the 2 cadavers (BMIs: 32 kg/m(2) and 25 kg/m(2)) using an ultrasound-based
      navigation system. By comparison against the CT-derived reference landmarks, the
      errors in determining the individual landmarks defining the APP, as well as the
      resulting errors in the orientation of the APP and the acetabular cup orientation
      were determined. RESULTS: Across all measurements obtained with the ultrasound
      navigation system, the errors in rotation and version in determining the APP were
      0.5 degrees  +/- 1.0 degrees  and -0.4 degrees  +/- 2.0 degrees , respectively.
      The cup abduction and anteversion errors determined from all measurements of the
      five investigators for both cadavers together were -0.1 degrees  +/- 1.0 degrees 
      and -0.4 degrees  +/- 2.7 degrees , respectively. The data further demonstrated a
      high reproducibility of the measurements for the resulting cup adduction and
      anteversion angle. CONCLUSION: Our preliminary results confirm that ultrasound
      navigation is a highly accurate tool that allows a reproducible registration of
      the APP and thereby enables accurate and precise intraoperative determination of
      the acetabular cup orientation also in patients with increased BMI.

PMID- 22042089
TI  - The message is clear to save an additional 100,000 lives per year in Europe:
      'harder and faster for cardiopulmonary resuscitation'!

PMID- 22042090
TI  - How to write a good title.

PMID- 22042091
TI  - Cyanosis in a 9-month-old child after repair of total anomalous pulmonary venous
      return.
AB  - A 9-month-old girl presented with cyanosis after correction of total anomalous
      pulmonary venous return (TAPVR) to the coronary sinus in the neonatal period.
      During corrective surgery, the right superior vena cava (RSVC) was damaged and re
      anastomosed to the right atrium. Echocardiography showed increased flow velocity
      in the pulmonary venous confluence. Therefore, pulmonary venous obstruction was
      suspected. However, subsequent cardiac MRI revealed a stenosed RSVC as well as a
      dilated left superior vena cava (LSVC) draining from the left innominate vein
      into the pulmonary venous confluence. The re-recruited LSVC drained deoxygenated
      blood into the systemic circulation, causing cyanosis. After uncomplicated
      placement of a stent in the narrowed RSVC and occlusion of the LSVC,
      transcutaneous saturations normalised immediately.

PMID- 22042092
TI  - Absence of Swedish new variant Chlamydia trachomatis (nvCT) and C. trachomatis
      genotype distribution in Gipuzkoa, Spain, 2009-2010.

PMID- 22042093
TI  - Developmental changes and regional localization of Dspp, Mepe, Mimecan and
      Versican in postnatal developing mouse teeth.
AB  - It has been implicated noncollagenous proteins act as important regulators during
      odontogenesis. To test the hypothesis that the roles of Dspp, Mepe, Versican and
      Mimecan in the regulation of odontogenesis may be complementary, comparative
      investigations on the localization of four proteins were performed by
      immunohistochemical staining using mouse first molar at different developmental
      stages as a model. In postnatal 1- day-old mice, all the proteins, excluding
      Mepe, showed co-expression in young odontoblasts. At postnatal 3, strong
      immunoreactions for all proteins were detected in odontoblasts. Interestingly,
      Mepe was present within both cytoplasm and nucleus in odontoblasts. In mice older
      than 5 days, the expression of Dspp, Mimecan and Versican accumulated in
      subodontoblastic layer of the coronal pulp at high levels while the co-expression
      of Mepe and Mimecan significantly existed in predentin. The temporal-spatial
      specific pattern and unique co-localization of Dspp, Mepe, Mimecan and Versican
      suggest they play complementary roles during odontogenesis.

PMID- 22042094
TI  - Cyclooxygenase-2 expression in central giant cell lesion of the jaws: an
      immunohistochemical study.
AB  - Central Giant Cell Lesion (CGCL) is an uncommon benign jaw lesion, with uncertain
      etiology, and a variable clinical behavior. Studies of molecular markers of CGCL,
      may help understanding better the nature and behavior of this lesion, and
      eventually may represent a definitive target to pharmacological approach in the
      treatment of CGCL. Chronic inflammation has been found to mediate a wide variety
      of diseases including neoplasms. Among the gene products involved in the
      induction of the inflammatory process, Cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) has been shown to
      have a close relationship with tumorigenesis, however COX-2 expression has never
      been evaluated in CGCL. The aim of the study was to investigate the expression of
      COX-2 in CGCL. Immunohistochemical assessment for COX-2 expression was performed
      in 18 patients previously diagnosed with CGCL. Multinucleated giant cells (MGC)
      and mononucleated stromal cells (MSC) were used in the slide analysis. Among the
      patients studied, 10 were male and 8 were female, with a median age of 15.4
      years. Lesions in the mandible were observed in 11 cases and 7 were found in the
      maxilla. There were 9 aggressive and 9 non-aggressive CGCLs. COX-2
      immunopositivity was present in only 3 cases stained in both MGC and MSC. All 3
      cases presented with ulcerations in the mucosa lesion, suggesting that the COX-2
      expression is due to the presence of inflammation. This study does not support
      the involvement of COX-2 in the etiophatogenesis of CGCL.

PMID- 22042095
TI  - The distribution of IGF2 and IMP3 in osteosarcoma and its relationship with
      angiogenesis.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the expression patterns of IGF2 and IMP3
      in osteosarcoma as well as its relationship with angiogenesis in the tumor. IGF2
      and IMP3 expression was detected by immunohistochemical staining in the serial
      sections of the osteosarcoma. The impacts of IGF2 and IMP3 expression patterns on
      tumor angiogenesis were evaluated by statistics. The IGF2 and IMP3 staining had
      different expression patterns in different osteosarcoma. Twelve out of the sixty
      four cases of conventional osteosarcoma showed nuclear staining patterns, and
      twenty-nine showed cytoplasmic staining of IGF2 and IMP3 simultaneously. On the
      other hand, fourteen cases showed nuclear IGF2 staining but cytoplasmic IMP3
      expression, and nine cases showed nuclear IMP3 staining and cytoplasmic IGF2
      expression. Twenty-eight out of forty-seven cases of parosteal osteosarcoma
      showed nuclear IGF2 and IMP3 expression, nine showed cytoplasmic IGF2 and IMP3
      expression simultaneously. Seven out of forty-seven cases of parosteal
      osteosarcoma expressed IGF2 with nuclear staining but expressed IMP3 with
      cytoplasmic staining. Meanwhile, three cases expressed IGF2 with cytoplasmic
      staining but expressed IMP3 with nuclear staining. Similar to the parosteal
      osteosarcoma, the periosteal osteosarcoma expressed IGF2 and IMP3 mainly with
      nuclear staining simultaneously, forty out of fifty-five cases of periosteal
      osteosarcoma did that. Five out of fifty-five cases expressed IGF2 and IMP3 with
      cytoplasmic staining at the same time. Four cases showed nuclear IGF2 staining
      and cytoplasmic IMP3 staining. In the parosteal and periosteal osteosarcoma,
      there was no significant difference in IGF and IMP3 expression patterns (P =
      0.216). However, compared with conventional osteosarcoma, the parosteal and
      periosteal osteosarcoma showed significant difference in IMP3 and IGF2 expression
      (P = 0.016, P = 0.023). IGF2 and IMP3 expression patterns were positive
      correlation in the different osteosarcoma (r = 0.1021, P = 0.032). The
      Microvessel density (MVD) in osteosarcoma with IGF2 and IMP3 cytoplasmic staining
      was more than that with nuclear expression of IGF2 and IMP3, and the difference
      was significant (P = 0.024). Moreover, the conventional osteosarcoma with
      cytoplasmic IGF and IMP3 showed more MVD than parosteal and periosteal
      osteosarcoma with cytoplasmic IGF and IMP3, and the difference was significant (P
      = 0.035). IGF2 and IMP3 had different expression patterns, which might be
      associated with angiogenesis. However, cytoplasmic and nuclear expression of IGF2
      and IMP3 might play different roles in the angiogenesis of osteosarcoma.

PMID- 22042096
TI  - Interplay between the structural and magnetic probes in the elucidation of the
      structure of a novel 2D layered [V4O4(OH)2(O2CC6H4CO2)4].DMF.
AB  - The title compound has been synthesized under solvothermal conditions by reacting
      vanadium(V) oxytriisopropoxide with terephthalic acid in N,N-dimethylformamide. A
      combination of synchrotron powder diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, scanning
      and transmission electron microscopy, and thermal and chemical analysis
      elucidated the chemical, structural and microstructural features of a new 2D
      layered inorganic-organic framework. Due to the low-crystallinity of the final
      material, its crystal structure has been solved from synchrotron X-ray powder
      diffraction data using a direct space global optimization technique and
      subsequent constraint Rietveld refinement.
      [V(4)O(4)(OH)(2)(O(2)CC(6)H(4)CO(2))(4)].DMF crystallizes in the monoclinic
      system (space group P2/m (No. 10)); cell parameters: a = 20.923(4) A, b =
      5.963(4) A, c = 20.425(1) A, beta = 123.70(6) degrees , V = 2120.1(9) A(3), Z =
      2. The overall structure can be described as an array of parallel 2D layers
      running along [-101] direction, consisting of two types of vanadium oxidation
      states and coordination polyhedra: face-shared trigonal prisms (V(4+)) and
      distorted corner-shared square pyramids (V(5+)). Both configurations form
      independent parallel chains oriented along the 2-fold symmetry crystallographic b
      axis mutually interlinked with terephthalate ligands in a monodentate mode
      perpendicular to it. The morphology of the compound exhibits long nanofibers,
      with the growth direction along the layered [-101] axis. The magnetic
      susceptibility measurements show that the magnetic properties of
      [V(4)O(4)(OH)(2)(O(2)CC(6)H(4)CO(2))(4)].DMF can be described by a linear
      antiferromagnetic chain model, with the isotropic exchange interaction of J = -75
      K between the nearest V(4+) neighbours of S = 1/2.

PMID- 22042097
TI  - Behcet's disease and genes within the major histocompatibility complex region.
AB  - The role of genetic background in the development of Behcet's disease (BD) is
      best reflected by the strong association between HLA-B*51 and BD that has been
      demonstrated across various ethnic groups. The contributions made by other HLA or
      non-HLA genes to disease susceptibility have been suggested by the results of a
      number of gene association studies, although the true associations between the
      genes located within the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) region and BD
      have often been doubted due to the possibility of linkage disequilibrium of those
      genes with HLA-B*51. The presence of a true susceptibility gene in the vicinity
      of HLA-B*51 has also been extensively investigated because of the limited
      evidence that directly relates HLA-B*51 to the pathogenesis of BD. However,
      recent genome-wide association studies have confirmed that HLA-B*51 is primarily
      associated with BD and that there are multiple susceptibility loci other than HLA
      B*51. In this review, we discuss BD-associated genes within the MHC region and
      their biological roles in the pathogenesis of BD.

PMID- 22042098
TI  - Antiribosomal-P protein antibodies are associated with proliferative
      glomerulonephritis more strongly than with membranous glomerulonephritis in
      Japanese patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

PMID- 22042099
TI  - Content of vascular endothelial growth factor in stratum corneum well correlates
      to local severity of acute inflammation in patients with atopic dermatitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an inflammatory skin disease, characterized
      by existence of both acute and chronic eczema. Various markers are used to
      clinically evaluate the severity of AD as a whole. However, little is known
      regarding markers that can efficiently indicate the severity of a localized
      lesion. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a potent activator of vascular
      permeability, is known to be increased in AD lesions. In order to establish
      whether the VEGF content in the stratum corneum (scVEGF) can be used as a marker
      to evaluate severity of AD lesions, we evaluated the association between scVEGF
      and symptom scores of localized lesions. METHODS: Fifty patients with AD and 12
      healthy subjects were enrolled. Skin lesions were evaluated and transepidermal
      water loss and skin water content of the lesions were measured. Stratum corneum
      samples were collected from the skin of back, neck and arm by the tape stripping
      technique. The scVEGF were evaluated using a VEGF-specific ELISA method after
      extracting protein from the scales. RESULTS: The scVEGF levels were significantly
      higher in patients with AD than in healthy controls. Moreover, the scVEGF levels
      highly correlated with the manifestation scores of erythema and edema/papulation,
      and weakly correlated with the scores of excoriation, xerosis and itch. They also
      correlated significantly with transepidermal water loss and skin water content.
      CONCLUSIONS: The scVEGF levels correlated well with the severity of clinical
      conditions, especially erythema and edema/papulation. scVEGF level is considered
      to be a useful marker to evaluate acute inflammatory conditions in individual AD
      lesions.

PMID- 22042101
TI  - Liver cirrhosis on the colonic anastomotic healing in rats.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of cirrhosis on colonic anastomosis healing
      in rats. METHODS: Fifty five Wistar male rats were used (23 in the control group
      and 32 in the cirrhosis group). On the first day of the procedure, the rats in
      the cirrhosis group underwent double ligation and folding of the common bile duct
      to induce liver cirrhosis, and the control rats underwent a laparotomy and
      intestinal manipulation. On the fourteenth and thirty-fifth days, all of the
      animals were biochemically assessed for serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST),
      alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin, total protein,
      and albumin and for liver histopathology. On the thirty-fifth day, cirrhosis was
      confirmed. On the twenty-eighth day, all of the animals were subjected to left
      colon transection and anastomosis. On the seventh day after the colonic
      anastomosis, the rats were sacrificed and macroscopically evaluated for
      dehiscence. The region of the colonic anastomosis was removed and subjected to
      hydroxyproline content measurement, conventional histology, and the
      immunohistochemical determination of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)
      and matrix metalloproteinase type 1 (MMP 1). RESULTS: The biochemical and
      histopathological examinations confirmed cirrhosis in all of the animals in the
      cirrhosis group. More deaths occurred after anastomosis in the cirrhosis group
      (5/25) than in the control group (0/21), and anastomotic dehiscence was more
      frequent in the cirrhosis group (8/25) than in the control group (0/21). The
      average hydroxyproline concentration was lower in the cirrhosis group than in the
      control group. The immunohistochemical studies showed that the average VEGF
      expression in the cirrhosis group was lower than in the control group, and the
      average MMP1 expression was higher in the cirrhosis group. CONCLUSION: Hepatic
      cirrhosis leads to increased mortality and colonic anastomotic dehiscence, an
      increased distance between the mucosal edges of the anastomosis area, and a lower
      hydroxyproline concentration in the colonic anastomosis; therefore, these
      conditions are deleterious to healing.

PMID- 22042102
TI  - A new proposal to evaluate the healing of open skin wounds: volumetry.
AB  - PURPOSE: To present a new proposal to evaluate the healing of an open
      subcutaneous and skin wound, which we termed "volumetry". METHODS: A total of 32
      circular wounds were performed in the subcutaneous tissues and skin of four feet
      of pigs (8 each). Each wound had about 1 cm in diameter and was 0.2 cm deep.
      Volume was calculated from the wound filled with saline and mass Xantopren. With
      the aid of a magnifying glass and local lighting, the liquid was dripped with a
      micropipette inside the wound until complete fullness. Volume repletion was
      calculated in microliters, corresponding to the volume of the wound. The mass of
      Xantopren was placed inside the wound to obtain a mold of the lesion. Mold volume
      was calculated using the formula of the volume of a cylinder closest resembling a
      geometric figure with mold. RESULTS: The calculation of wound volume was possible
      with both Xantopren and mold techniques. Volume as calculated by micropipette was
      119.37 +/- 30.87 microliters while the volume calculated by mold was 122.41 +/-
      33.90 mm3 (p=0.79). CONCLUSIONS: Volumetry in pig feet is simple and
      reproducible. Volumetry perfomed with saline did not differ from the volumetry
      with mass Xantopren. This method may be a useful tool to help evaluate the
      healing of open skin wounds in experimental and clinical research.

PMID- 22042103
TI  - The use of Portland cement in the repair of mandibular fractures in rats.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the bone healing of mandibular fractures following the use
      of Portland cement. METHODS: Thirty-two male Wistar rats were divided into
      control and experimental groups. In the control group the rats were submitted to
      a mandibular fracture, which was reduced, and the soft tissues were sutured. In
      the experimental group the rats had the mandibular fracture reduced and
      maintained with the Portland cement. The animals were euthanized 7 and 21 days
      after surgery by injecting a lethal dose of anesthetic. The following variables
      were studied: weight of the animals, radiographic images, histopathological
      features and time of surgery. RESULTS: A weight loss was observed in the
      specimens of both groups at the different times of evaluation, a greater
      difference in weight before and after surgery being found in the experimental
      group, which was statistically significant (p <0.05, p = 0.041). From the
      histological point of view, with a margin of error (5.0%) the only two
      significant differences (p <0.05) recorded in the variables were "Material
      deployed" and "Bone resorption" during the evaluations at 7 and 21 days,
      respectively. CONCLUSION: The Portland cement served to promote bone healing.

PMID- 22042104
TI  - Effects of bromopride on abdominal wall healing with induced peritoneal sepsis
      after segmental colectomy and colonic anastomosis in rats.
AB  - PURPOSE: Evaluate the effects of bromopride on abdominal wall healing of rats
      with induced peritoneal sepsis after segmental colectomy and colonic anastomosis.
      METHODS: Forty rats underwent sectioning of the left colon and end-to-end
      anastomosis and were divided into two groups of 20 animals for the administration
      of bromopride (bromopride group - B) or saline solution (control group - C). Each
      group was divided into subgroups of 10 animals each to be killed on the third
      (GB3 and GC3) or seventh postoperative day (GB7 and GC7). It was analyzed the
      following characteristics: breaking strength of the abdominal wall's wound;
      surgical and histopathological features of the abdominal wall; and clinical
      features of the rats. RESULTS: There was no difference between the groups in
      relation to the weight of the rats and the breaking strength of the abdominal
      wall's wound. The GB7 group presented less edema and less quantity of fibrin
      during histopathological evaluation compared to the GC7 group. CONCLUSION:
      Bromopride did not have harmful effects on the healing of abdominal wall in rats.

PMID- 22042105
TI  - Pretreatment with pentoxifylline attenuates lung injury induced by intestinal
      ischemia/reperfusion in rats.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the protective effect of pentoxifylline against the lung
      injury observed after intestinal ischemia (I) followed by a period of reperfusion
      (R). METHODS: Twenty-eight male Wistar rats were equally divided into 4
      experimental groups and operated under ketamine-xylazine anesthesia. (1) Sham:
      falsely-operated animals; (2) SS+IR: intestinal ischemia was accomplished by
      clipping the superior mesenteric artery during 60 minutes, with an administration
      of a standard volume of saline solution (SS) 5 min before the end of the ischemia
      period; the clip was then releases or a 120-min period of reperfusion; (3)
      I+PTX+R: ischemia as above, PTX was administered (25 mg/kg) and the gut
      reperfused as above; (4) PTX+I+PTX+R: Five minutes before arterial occlusion PTX
      was administered; the superior mesenteric artery was then clipped for 60 minutes.
      After 55-min ischemia, an additional dosis of PTX was administered; the clip was
      removed for reperfusion as above. At the 60th min of reperfusion a third dosis of
      PTX was administered. RESULTS: PTX markedly attenuated lung injury as manifested
      by significant decreases (all P<0.001 as compared with the SS+IR group) of
      pulmonary wet/dry tissue weight ratio, total protein content, myeloperoxidase
      activity and tumor necrosis factor-alpha. Moreover, it was apparent that in the
      group PTX+I+PTX+R the improvements have been even more significant. CONCLUSION:
      PTX exerted a protective effect on the lung from the injuries caused by
      intestinal ischemia/reperfusion.

PMID- 22042107
TI  - Histological analysis and the blood flux in kidneys submitted to different
      periods of ischemia/reperfusion.
AB  - PURPOSE: Evaluate the renal blood flow by using a laser flow meter, Laserflow
      Vasamedics(r), after the ischemia/reperfusion in two different times of the
      arterial renal vessel clamping. METHODS: The renal blood flow was evaluated by
      using a laser flow meter after two different times of ischemia/reperfusion
      procedure, 30 and 60 minutes. It was used 20 Wistar male rats, divided in two
      groups of 10 rats: Group A (30 minutes of ischemia on the left kidney, with later
      analysis of the blood flow in 1, 5 and 20, after the renal reperfusion start) and
      Group B (60 minutes of ischemia on the left kidney, with later analysis of the
      blood flow in 1, 5 and 20 minutes, after the renal reperfusion start). RESULTS:
      In the first minute, there were not significant differences between the two
      groups (p=0.789). In the 5th minute there were not significant differences also,
      but there was a tendency (p=0.068). In the 20th minute, there was a significant
      difference between the 2 groups (p=0.022). When the means are observed, it is
      possible to notice that Group A has a larger flux than Group B. CONCLUSION: The
      kidneys submitted to 30' of ischemia/reperfusion are subject to a larger
      restitution of the blood flow in comparison to the Group which had a longer time.

PMID- 22042106
TI  - Effect of glutamine on the total antioxidant system of rats subjected to renal
      ischemia and reperfusion.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the protective effects of glutamine administered before
      renal ischemia-reperfusion on plasma antioxidant protection, and lung and renal
      tissue injury. METHODS: 33 rats underwent right nephrectomy. On the eighth
      postoperative day, animals were randomized into three groups (n=11): glutamine,
      control and sham. Each group of animals received, by gavage, a particular diet
      for 7 days. On day 14 following nephrectomy, the animals were subjected to left
      renal ischemia-reperfusion. After this, blood samples were collected and the
      animals were killed. At necropsy the kidney and lung were removed for histology.
      RESULTS: The levels of total antioxidant capacity were higher in the glutamine
      group and control group compared with the sham group. The levels of glutathione
      peroxidase in both the sham and glutamine groups were higher when compared with
      the control group (p<0.05). The level of superoxide dismutase in the sham group
      was clearly higher than that in the glutamine and control groups. Histological
      examination showed no differences between the three groups. CONCLUSION: Prior
      intake of glutamine improves total antioxidant capacity and increases glutathione
      peroxidase levels in rats subjected to renal ischemia-reperfusion.

PMID- 22042108
TI  - Protective perioperative strategy using a third generation hydroxyethyl starch
      during surgery in a murine model of liver reperfusion injury.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate whether a third generation colloid, hydroxyethyl starch
      (HES 130/0.4), used for perioperative fluid therapy, protects the rat liver
      against the late-phase response of ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) and if
      inhibition of neutrophil hepatic infiltration plays a part in this mechanism.
      METHODS: Wistar rats were used (8 in each group). Three groups had IRI induced by
      lobar vascular occlusion (60 minutes) and reperfusion (24 hours) and received HES
      (13 mL/kg iv), 7.5% saline (HS) (13 mL/kg iv) or no fluid. Three other groups
      were sham-operated and received the same fluid as the test groups. After 24 hours
      of reperfusion, blood was drawn for alanine aminotransferase (ALT) quantification
      and ischemic liver samples were taken for histological study (hematoxylin and
      eosin and chloroacetate staining of neutrophils). RESULTS: HES treatment
      attenuated the elevation in serum ALT (P=0.001) and reduced the extent of
      hepatocellular necrosis (P<0.01) compared with the IRI controls. HES-mediated
      cytoprotection was associated with a decrease of infiltration of neutrophils in
      the necrotic areas (P<0.05) compared with the untreated IRI rats, but not with
      the volume control IRI rats (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Hydroxyethyl starch suppresses
      inflammatory response and ameliorates the late-phase response of hepatic
      ischemia/reperfusion injury.

PMID- 22042109
TI  - Effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on the intestinal ischemia reperfusion
      injury.
AB  - PURPOSE: Adequate tissue oxygenation is essential for healing. Hyperbaric oxygen
      therapy (HBOT) has potential clinical applications to treat ischemic pathologies,
      however the exact nature of any protective effects are unclear at present. We
      therefore investigated the potential role of HBOT in modulating the
      ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury response in intestinal model of I/R injury.
      METHODS: Male Wistar rats were subjected to surgery for the induction of
      intestinal ischemia followed by reperfusion. HBOT was provided before and/or
      after intestinal ischemia. Cell viability in the intestinal tissue was assessed
      using the MTT assay and by measuring serum malondealdehyde (MDA). Microvascular
      density and apoptosis were evaluated by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: The
      results indicate that HBOT treatment pre- and post-ischemia reduces lesion size
      to the intestinal tissue. This treatment increases cell viability and reduces the
      activation of caspase-3, which is associated with increased number of tissue CD34
      cells and enhanced VEGF expression. CONCLUSION: The hyperbaric oxygen therapy can
      limit tissue damage due to ischemia/reperfusion injury, by inducing reparative
      signaling pathways.

PMID- 22042110
TI  - Effect of laser on the remnant liver after the first 24 hours following 70%
      hepatectomy in rats.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the mitochondrial function of the remnant liver (RL) in the
      early phase of liver regeneration in rats after 70% partial hepatectomy (PH).
      METHODS: Sixty male Wistar rats (200-250g) submitted to 70% PH were divided into
      five groups according to the time of euthanasia and application or not of laser
      light: C = Control, time zero; 2 minutes, 4, 6 and 24 hours after PH. The dose of
      laser radiation was 22.5 J/cm(2), wavelength of 660 nm (visible/red), in the
      remnant liver. We studied the respiration activated by ADP (state 3), basal
      mitochondrial respiration (state 4), respiratory control ratio (RCR) and
      mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). RESULTS: The mitochondrial function of RL
      changed at 4 and 6 hours after PH, with a significant increase in state 3 and a
      concomitant increase in state 4 and with maintenance of RCR. MMP differed
      significantly between the groups biostimulated with laser radiation and the
      control group 4 hours after HP, with a substantial reduction in the non-laser
      groups. CONCLUSION: The laser light at the dose used in this study did not induce
      additional damage to the RL and seems to have delayed the hepatocellular
      metabolic overload of the remnant liver.

PMID- 22042111
TI  - Effects of ionizing radiation on bone neoformation: histometric study in Wistar
      rats tibiae.
AB  - PURPOSE: Comparing the ionizing radiation effects on bone neoformation of rats
      tibiae previously submitted to radiotherapy with a single dosage of 30Gy with the
      contralateral tibiae that have received secondary radiation. METHODS: In thirty
      male Wistar rats, 30 days before surgical procedure when round defects would be
      created on the bone, the right tibia was irradiated with 30Gy and the left tibia
      received a calculated secondary radiation dose of 7Gy. Sacrifices were performed
      after 4, 7, 14, 21, 56 and 84 postoperative days and both tibiae were removed for
      histological processing. RESULTS: The left tibiae that received the dose of 7Gy
      has shown more bone neoformation from 14(th) postoperative days, giving evidences
      of less damage to cellular population responsible by bone neoformation. On the
      other hand, the dose of 30Gyon right tibiae did not exhibit significant
      differences among the periods, suggesting damage of long-lasting or even
      permanent duration. CONCLUSION: Tibiae submitted to radiation dose of 30Gy have
      shown more damage to bone cells than tibiae that received secondary radiation
      dose of 7Gy, especially observed on 14(th), 56(th) and 84(th) postoperative days.

PMID- 22042112
TI  - Methylene blue administration in the compound 48/80-induced anaphylactic shock:
      hemodynamic study in pigs.
AB  - PURPOSE: To verify if the methylene blue (MB) administration prevents and/or
      reverses the compound 48/80 (C48/80)-induced anaphylactic shock in pigs. METHODS:
      Female Dalland pigs were anesthetized and had the hemodynamic parameters recorded
      during the necessary time to administer some drugs and observe their effect. The
      animals were randomly assigned to one of the five groups: 1) control; 2) MB: the
      animals received a bolus injection of MB (2 mg/kg) followed by continuous
      infusion of MB (2.66 mg/Kg/h delivered by syringe infusion pump); 3) C48/80: the
      animals received a bolus injection of C48/80 (4 mg/kg); 4) C48/80+MB: the animals
      received a bolus injection of C48/80 (4 mg/kg) and 10 minutes after the C48/80
      administration the animals received a bolus injection of MB (2 mg/kg) followed by
      continuous infusion of MB (2.66 mg/Kg/h delivered by syringe infusion pump); 5)
      MB+C48/80: the animals received a bolus injection of MB (2 mg/kg) and 3 minutes
      later they received a bolus injection of C48/80 (4 mg/kg). RESULTS: The
      intravenous infusion of MB alone caused no changes in the mean arterial pressure
      (MAP) showing that the administered MB dose was safe in this experimental model.
      The C48/80 was effective in producing experimental anaphylactic shock since it
      was observed a decrease in both MAP and cardiac output (CO) after its
      administration. The MB did not prevent or reverse the C48/80-induced anaphylactic
      shock in this model. In fact, the MAP of the animals with anaphylactic shock
      treated with MB decreased even more than the MAP of the animals from the C48/80
      group. On the other hand, the C48/80-induced epidermal alterations disappeared
      after the MB infusion. CONCLUSION: Despite our data, the clinical manifestations
      improvement brings some optimism and does not allow excluding the MB as a
      possible therapeutic option in the anaphylactic shock.

PMID- 22042113
TI  - Assessment of gait dynamics in rats submitted to limb ischemia.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe a method for the assessment of gait dynamics in rats
      submitted to limb ischemia. METHODS: Twenty-four male Wistar rats (150-160g) were
      used. Twelve animals were submitted to limb ischemia by ligation of the common
      left iliac artery (ischemic group: n = 12); and a sham-operated group was used as
      control (n=12). After a recovery period of 6 weeks, gait dynamics was assessed by
      counting the complete footprints and the number of hindlimb-floor contacts during
      a treadmill test for five minutes at a speed of 12 m.min(-1) and angulation of 15
      degrees . The number of contacts of the left hindlimb was divided by the right
      hindlimb values (LRR) for group comparisons. Ischemic disability was quantified
      by comparing the area under curve (AUC) created by plotting each contact versus
      time for each hindlimb. The left hindlimb ischemic disability index (LHDI), which
      was compared between groups, was defined by the formula: LHDI = (1- AUC (left) /
      AUC (right)) x 100. RESULTS: Surgery was well tolerated by all animals. Rats did
      not suffer tissue loss or ulcerations. Complete footprint LRR was 0.3 +/- 0.08
      for the ischemic group and 1.3 +/- 0.9 for controls (p=0.0043). Number of
      contacts LLR was 0.5 +/- 0.2 for the ischemic group and 1.0 +/- 0.1 for the
      control group (p=0.0051). LHDI was 56.83 +/- 10.67 for the ischemic group and
      2.50 +/- 13.10 for the control group (P = 0.031). CONCLUSION: Assessment of gait
      dynamics in rats submitted to limb ischemia could be done by footprint analysis
      and hindlimb contact recording during a treadmill test.

PMID- 22042114
TI  - Small bowel transplantation in outbred rats.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical evolution of orthotopic small bowel
      transplantation in outbred rats. METHODS: Seventy-two outbred Wistar rats
      weighting from 250 to 300g were used as donor and recipient in 36 consecutives
      ortothopic small intestine transplantation without immunosuppression. The graft
      was transplanted into the recipient using end-to-side aortic and portacaval
      microvascular anastomosis. Procedure duration, animal clinical course and
      survival were evaluated. Survival shorter than four days was considered technical
      failure. Recipients were sacrificed with signs of severe graft rejection or
      survival longer than 120 days. Necropsies were performed in all recipients to
      access histopathological changes in the graft. RESULTS: Median time for the
      procedure was 107 minutes. Six recipients (16.7%) presented technical failure.
      Twenty-seven recipients were sacrificed due to rejection, being nineteen (52.7%)
      between 7(th) and 15(th) postoperative day and eight (22.2%) between 34(th) and
      47(th) postoperative day. Graft histology confirmed severe acute cellular
      rejection in those recipients. Uneventful evolution and survival longer than 120
      days without rejection were observed in three recipients (8.3%). CONCLUSION:
      Intestinal transplantation in outbred rats without immunosuppressant regiment
      accomplishes variable clinical evolution.

PMID- 22042115
TI  - Metabolic and hematologic consequences of colectomy associated to hepatectomy in
      rats.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the influence of partial colectomy associated with
      hepatectomy on the biodistribution of the (99m)Tc-phytate, on metabolic
      parameters, as well as labeling and morphology of red blood cells. METHODS:
      Wistar rats were distributed into three groups (each with six), nominated as
      colectomy, colectomy+hepatectomy and sham. In the 30(th) postoperative day all
      rats were injected with (99m)Tc-phytate 0.1mL i.v. (radioactivity 0.66 MBq).
      After 15 minutes, liver sample was harvested and weighed. Percentage
      radioactivity per gram of tissue (%ATI/g) was determined using an automatic gamma
      counter. Serum AST, ALT, alkaline phosphatase and red blood cells labeling were
      determined. RESULTS: The liver %ATI/g and red blood cells labeling were lower in
      colectomy and colectomy+hepatectomy rats than in sham rats (p <0.05), and no
      difference was detected comparing the colectomy and colectomy+hepatectomy groups.
      Red blood cells morphology did not differ among groups. Serum levels of AST, ALT
      and alkaline fosfatase were significantly higher in colectomy+hepatectomy than in
      colectomy rats (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Hepatectomy associated with colectomy
      lowered the uptake of radiopharmaceutical in liver and in red blood cells in
      rats, coinciding with changes in liver enzymatic activity.

PMID- 22042116
TI  - Intrapleural analgesia after endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare analgesia traditionally used for thoracic sympathectomy to
      intrapleural ropivacaine injection in two different doses. METHODS: Twenty-four
      patients were divided into three similar groups, and all of them received
      intravenous dipyrone. Group A received intravenous tramadol and intrapleural
      injection of saline solution. Group B received intrapleural injection of 0.33%
      ropivacaine, and Group C 0.5% ropivacaine. The following aspects were analyzed:
      inspiratory capacity, respiratory rate and pain. Pain was evaluated in the
      immediate postoperative period by means of the visual analog scale and over a one
      week period. RESULTS: In Groups A and B, reduced inspiratory capacity was
      observed in the postoperative period. In the first postoperative 12 hours, only
      12.5% of the patients in Groups B and C showed intense pain as compared to 25% in
      Group A. In the subsequent week, only one patient in Group A showed mild pain
      while the remainder reported intense pain. In Group B, half of the patients
      showed intense pain, and in Group C, only one presented intense pain. CONCLUSION:
      Intrapleural analgesia with ropivacaine resulted in less pain in the late
      postoperative period with better analgesic outcomes in higher doses, providing a
      better ventilatory pattern.

PMID- 22042117
TI  - Can Wistar rats be used as the normotensive controls for nerve morphometry
      investigations in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR)?
AB  - PURPOSE: We compared the sural nerve morphology among Wistar (WR), Wistar-Kyoto
      (WKY) and Spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) rats, including the nerve fascicles
      and myelinated fibers morphometry. METHODS: Age matched (20 weeks) female WR
      (N=6), WKY (N=6) and SHR (N=7) had their right and left sural nerves removed,
      embedded in epoxy resin, and observed by light microscopy. Morphometric analysis
      was performed with the aid of computer software. RESULTS: Despite presenting the
      same age, WR were heavier than WKY and SHR, as were SHR compared to WKY. Systolic
      arterial pressure was higher in SHR compared to WR, but no differences between
      SHR and WKY or WR and WKY were observed. The sural nerves were morphometrically
      symmetric between proximal and distal segments on the same side and between sides
      in all strains with no differences in the myelinated fiber number. Schwann cell
      number and density were smaller in SHR and G ratio was larger in SHR, indicating
      that SHR have thinner myelinated fibers. CONCLUSION: Sural nerve morphology is
      similar between WKY and WR, allowing the use of WR as the SHR controls in
      morphological investigations involving peripheral neuropathies.

PMID- 22042118
TI  - Morphometric analysis of dendritic cells from anal mucosa of HIV-positive
      patients and the relation to intraepithelial lesions and cancer seen at a
      tertiary health institution in Brazil.
AB  - PURPOSE: To morphometrically quantify CD1a+ dentritic cells and DC-SIGN+
      dendritic cells in HIV-positive patients with anal squamous intraepithelial
      neoplasia and to evaluate the effects of HIV infection, antiretroviral therapy
      and HPV infection on epithelial and subepithelial dendritic cells. METHODS: A
      prospective study was performed to morphometrically analyze the relative volume
      of the dendritic cells and the relationship between anal intraepithelial
      neoplasia and cancer in HIV-positive patients from the Tropical Medicine
      Foundation of Amazonas, Brazil. All patients were submitted to biopsies of
      anorectal mucosa to perform a classic histopathological and immunohistochemical
      analysis, employing antibodies against CD1a and DC-SIGN for the morphometric
      quantification of dendritic cells. RESULTS: HIV-negative patients displayed a
      CD1a DC density significantly higher than that of HIV-positives patients (3.75
      versus 2.54) (p=0.018), and in patients with severe anal intraepithelial
      neoplasia had correlated between DC CD1a density with levels of CD4 + cells (p:
      0.04) as well as the viral load of HIV-1 (p: 0.035). A not significant rise in
      the median density of CD1a+ DC was observed in the HIV positive/ HAART positive
      subgroup compared to the HIV positive/ HAART negative subgroup. The CD1a+ DC were
      also significantly increased in HIV-negative patients with anorectal condyloma
      (2.33 to 3.53; p=0.05), with an opposite effect in HIV-positive patients.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our data support an enhancement of the synergistic action caused by
      HIV-HPV co-infection on the anal epithelium, weakening the DC for its major role
      in immune surveillance. Notoriously in patients with severe anal intraepithelial
      neoplasia, the density of CD1a+ epithelial dendritic cells was influenced by the
      viral load of HIV-1. Our study describes for the first time the density of
      subepithelial DC-SIGN+ dendritic cells in patients with anal severe anal
      intraepithelial neoplasia and points to the possibility that a specific therapy
      for HIV induces the recovery of the density of epithelial DC.

PMID- 22042119
TI  - Analysis of 83 consecutive liver transplants performed at a tertiary care
      reference hospital in the interior of the state of Sao Paulo.
AB  - PURPOSE: To analyze pre-, intra- and immediate postoperative parameters of
      patients submitted to liver transplantation. METHODS: Eighty-three consecutive
      orthotopic liver transplants performed from January 2009 to July 2011 were
      analyzed. The patients were divided into 2 groups: A, survivors (MELD between 9
      and 60) and B, non-survivors (MELD between 14 and 40), with 30.6% of group A
      patients being CHILD C, 51c/o CHILD B and 18,4c/o CHILD A. In group B, 32.1c/o of
      the patients were CHILD C, 42,9c/o CHILD B, and 25c/o CHILD A. All orthotopic
      liver transplantations were performed using the piggyback technique without a
      portacaval shunt. Systemic arterial pressure and serum ALT and AST levels were
      determined preoperatively and 5, 60 and 1440 minutes after arterial graft
      revascularization. Serum ALT and AST profiles were evaluated for seven days after
      surgery. RESULTS: Systemic arterial blood pressure levels, time of hot and
      hypothermic ischemia and time of graft implant were statistically similar for the
      two groups (p>0.05). Serum levels (U/L) of ALT and AST at the 5, 60 and 1440
      minute time points after arterial revascularization of the graft were also
      similar for the two groups studied, as also were the serum ALT and AST profiles.
      CONCLUSIONS: No statistically significant difference in any of the parameters
      studied was detected between the two groups. Under the conditions of the present
      study and on the basis of the parameters evaluated, no direct relation was
      detected between the intraoperative period and the type of patient outcome in the
      two groups studied.

PMID- 22042120
TI  - The use of perioperative serial blood lactate levels, the APACHE II and the
      postoperative MELD as predictors of early mortality after liver transplantation.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the accuracy of different parameters in predicting early
      (one-month) mortality of patients submitted to orthotopic liver transplantation
      (OLT). METHODS: This is a retrospective study of forty-four patients (38 males
      and 10 females, mean age of 52.2 +/- 8.9 years) admitted to the Intensive Care
      Unit of a tertiary hospital. Serial lactate blood levels, APACHE II, MELD post
      OLT, creatinine, bilirubin and INR parameters were analyzed by receiver-operator
      characteristic (ROC) curves as evidenced by the area under the curve (AUC). The
      level of significance was set at 0.05. RESULTS: The mortality of OLT patients
      within one month was 17.3%. Differences in blood lactate levels became
      statistically significant between survivors and nonsurvivors at the end of the
      surgery (p<0.05). The AUC was 0.726 (95%CI = 0.593-0.835) for APACHE II (p =
      0.02); 0.770 (95%CI = 0.596-0.849) for blood lactate levels (L7-L8) (p = 0.03);
      0.814 (95%CI = 0.690-0.904) for MELD post-OLT (p < 0.01); 0.550 (95%CI = 0.414
      0.651) for creatinine (p = 0.64); 0.705 (95%CI = 0.571-0.818) for bilirubin (p =
      0.05) and 0.774 (95%CI = 0.654-0.873) for INR (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Among the
      studied parameters, MELD post-OLT was more effective in predicting early
      mortality after OLT.

PMID- 22042121
TI  - Perioperative care in an animal model for training in abdominal surgery: is it
      necessary a preoperative fasting?
AB  - PURPOSE: Demonstrate that the rabbit may be used in the training of surgery, in
      addition to present its perioperative care. METHODS: Thirty two animals, with age
      and weight, respectively, from 3 to 5.5 months old and 3000 to 4200 grams, were
      undergone different periods of pre-operative fasting, exclusive intramuscular
      anesthesia (ketamine+xylazine), laparotomy with total gastrectomy and total
      splenectomy. It was dosed the pre-operative (initial) and post-surgical (end)
      serum blood glucose, in addition to quantify the gastric content after the
      resection of the part. RESULTS: The anesthetical-surgical procedure presented a
      mortality rate of 3.125% (1:32) and a morbidity rate of 6.25% (2:32). It was
      evidenced an initial mean blood glucose = 199.4 mg/dl and the end = 326.1 mg/dl.
      In spite of extended fasting (minimum of 2 hours for the absolute fasting and
      maximum of 8.5 hours for liquids, and 20.5 hours for solids) all animals
      presented at the end of the surgical procedure any gastric content and a blood
      glucose increase. Those with fasting for liquids and solids when compared to the
      quantity of solid gastric content, presented a moderate negative degree of
      correlation. CONCLUSION: The rabbit is a good model to be used in training of
      surgery, with a low morbi-mortality, able to be anesthetized intramuscularly,
      with no need of pre-operative fasting and does not present hypoglycemia even with
      the extended fasting period.

PMID- 22042122
TI  - Assessing the placement of a cochlear electrode array by multidimensional
      scaling.
AB  - Correct placement of the electrode is crucial for cochlear implantation (CI)
      surgery. It determines the access to the auditory nerve and subsequent hearing
      performance. Here, we propose an objective measures tool that can partially
      verify the electrode position. The intracochlear spread of the electrical fields
      is measured and analyzed by means of multidimensional scaling resulting in an
      intuitive visual representation. The user can then detect major issues, such as
      electrode foldover or ossification. Other implantation issues, such as electrode
      migration into the scala vestibuli, may not significantly alter the electrical
      conduction pattern and remain undetected. Still, as the measurement is quick and
      readily available, it may be a valuable intraoperative verification tool.

PMID- 22042123
TI  - Multiscale mathematical modeling to support drug development.
AB  - It is widely recognized that major improvements are required in the methods
      currently being used to develop new therapeutic drugs. The time from initial
      target identification to commercialization can be 10-14 years and incur a cost in
      the hundreds of millions of dollars. Even after substantial investment, only 30
      40% of the candidate compounds entering clinical trials are successful. We
      propose that multiscale mathematical pathway modeling can be used to decrease
      time required to bring candidate drugs to clinical trial and increase the
      probability that they will be successful in humans. The requirements for multiple
      time scales and spatial scales are discussed, and new computational paradigms are
      identified to address the increased complexity of modeling.

PMID- 22042124
TI  - Stochastic modeling of the relationship between copy number and gene expression
      based on transcriptional logic.
AB  - DNA copy number alterations (CNAs) can cause genetic diseases, and studies have
      revealed a relationship between CNAs and gene expression; however, the manner in
      which CNAs relate to gene expression and what regulatory mechanisms underlying
      the relationship remain unclear. In many instances, real data have revealed a
      nonlinear relationship between copy number and gene expression. In this paper,
      queueing theory is used to model this relationship, with the basic structural
      parameters involving transcription factor (TF) arrival and departure rates. A key
      finding is that the ratio of TF arrival rate to TF departure rate is critical:
      small and large ratios corresponding to nonlinear and linear relationships,
      respectively. Indeed, copy number amplifications do not necessarily lead to
      expression increases: when one of the regulatory TFs exists in a small amount,
      copy number gains can cause a down regulation. Using the concept of mutual
      information, we show that the TF with minimum activation probability can have
      maximum dependence in regulation: a TF in small amount could result in a
      nonlinear copy-number-gene-expression relationship and play a major role in
      regulation. The expectation-maximization algorithm is used to estimate the ratio
      of TF arrival rate to TF departure rate. The theoretical results are illustrated
      via simulations.

PMID- 22042125
TI  - A miniature vibrotactile sensory substitution device for multifingered hand
      prosthetics.
AB  - A multisite, vibrotactile sensory substitution system, that could be used in
      conjunction with artificial touch sensors in multifingered prostheses, to deliver
      sensory feedback to upper limb amputees is presented. The system is based on a
      low cost/power/size smart architecture of off-the-shelf miniaturized vibration
      motors; the main novelty is that it is able to generate stimuli where both
      vibration amplitude and frequency as well as beat interference can be modulated.
      This paper is aimed at evaluating this system by investigating the capability of
      healthy volunteers to perceive-on their forearms-vibrations with different
      amplitudes and/or frequencies. In addition, the ability of subjects in spatially
      discriminating stimulations on three forearm sites and recognizing six different
      combinations of stimulations was also addressed. Results demonstrate that
      subjects were able to discriminate different force amplitudes exerted by the
      device (accuracies greater than 75%); when both amplitude and frequency were
      simultaneously varied, the pure discrimination of amplitude/frequency variation
      was affected by the variation of the other. Subjects were also able to
      discriminate with an accuracy of 93% three different sites and with an accuracy
      of 78% six different stimulation patterns.

PMID- 22042126
TI  - Implantable polyimide cable for multichannel high-data-rate neural recording
      microsystems.
AB  - To avoid or minimize postimplantation injury as a result of brain micromotion
      relative to the skull, a flexible multichannel polyimide (PI) cable was designed
      and microfabricated for data and power transmission between an intracranial IC
      recording from a neural probe array and an extracranial IC exchanging power and
      data wirelessly with an external unit. Surface characteristics, electrical
      properties, and cytocompatibility of the PI ribbon cable were investigated in
      this study. Scanning electron microscopic examination and atomic force microscopy
      analyses showed that the surface of the PI ribbon cable became significantly
      rougher due to the reactive oxygen ion etching process to open bonding pads. The
      enhanced surface roughness was also responsible for the increase in wettability
      and water absorption rate. However, water permeability measurement revealed that
      the micromachining fabrication process did not meaningfully affect the acceptable
      water vapor transmission rate of PI. Moreover, electrical properties, such as
      insertion loss, isolation between channels and data transmission capacity, were
      assessed for each channel of the PI ribbon cable on the basis of scattering
      parameter (S-parameter) measurement. Finally, 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5
      diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay and live/dead intracellular staining tests were
      carried out to evaluate cell behaviors on the PI ribbon cable, indicating that
      the PI ribbon cable did not have acute cytotoxicity and appeared to be as
      cytocompatible as blank PI foils.

PMID- 22042127
TI  - Switchable Faraday shielding with application to reducing the pain of internal
      cardiac defibrillation while permitting external defibrillation.
AB  - Switchable Faraday shielding is desirable in situations where electric field
      shielding is required at certain times and undesirable at other times. In this
      study, electrostatic finite element modeling was used to assess the effect of
      different shield geometries on the leakage of an internally applied field and
      penetration of an externally applied field. "Switching OFF" the shield by
      electrically disconnecting shield faces from each other was shown to
      significantly increase external field penetration. Applying this model to
      defibrillation, we looked at the effect of spacing and size of shield panels to
      maximize the ability to deliver an external defibrillation shock to the heart
      when shield panels are disconnected while providing acceptably low leakage of
      internal defibrillation shocks to avoid painful skeletal muscle capture when
      shield panels are connected. This analysis may be useful for designing internal
      defibrillator electrodes that preserve the efficacy of internal and external
      defibrillation while avoiding the significant morbidity associated with painful
      defibrillator shocks. Similar analysis could also guide optimizing the switchable
      Faraday shielding concept for other applications.

PMID- 22042128
TI  - Herbivore- and elicitor-induced resistance in groundnut to Asian armyworm,
      Spodoptera litura (Fab.) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).
AB  - Induced defense was studied in three groundnut genotypes ICGV 86699 (resistant),
      NCAc 343 (resistant) and TMV 2 (susceptible) in response to Spodoptera litura
      infestation and jasmonic acid (JA) application. The activity of the oxidative
      enzymes [peroxidase (POD) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO)] and the amounts other
      host plant defense components [total phenols, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2),
      malondialdehyde (MDA), and protein content] were recorded at 24, 48, 72 and 96 h
      in JA pretreated (one day before) plants and infested with S. litura, and JA
      application and simultaneous infestation with S. litura to understand the defense
      response of groundnut genotypes against S. litura damage. Data on plant damage,
      larval survival and larval weights were also recorded. There was a rapid increase
      in the activities of POD and PPO and in the quantities of total phenols, H2O2,
      MDA and protein content in the JA pretreated + S. litura infested plants. All the
      three genotypes showed quick response to JA application and S. litura infestation
      by increasing the defensive compounds. Among all the genotypes, higher induction
      was recorded in ICGV 86699 in most of the parameters. Reduced plant damage, low
      larval survival and larval weights were observed in JA pretreated plants. It
      suggests that pretreatment with elicitors, such as JA could provide more
      opportunity for plant defense against herbivores.

PMID- 22042129
TI  - Serum levels of bone resorption markers are decreased in patients with type 2
      diabetes.
AB  - Previous studies of bone turnover markers in diabetes are limited, and the
      results are conflicting. Our aim was to evaluate differences in bone turnover
      markers and i-PTH between T2DM and non-diabetes subjects. Cross-sectional study
      including 133 subjects (78 T2DM, 55 without diabetes). BMD were measured by dual
      X-ray absorptiometry. Bone turnover markers were determined in serum. Serum
      levels of bone resorption markers (CTX and TRAP5b) were lower in T2DM compared
      with non-diabetes subjects. There were no differences in bone formation markers.
      i-PTH serum levels were lower in T2DM: 38.35 +/- 18.20 pg/ml versus 50.22 +/-
      18.99 pg/ml, P < 0.05. TRAP5b and CTX were positively correlated with i-PTH (CTX:
      r = 0.443, P < 0.001; TRAP5b: r = 0.180, P = 0.047). There was an inverse
      relationship between TRAP5b levels and diabetes duration (r = -0.269, P = 0.021).
      T2DM patients have lower levels of bone resorption markers, and i-PTH compared
      with subjects without diabetes. Lower levels of PTH may induce a low turnover
      state as reflected by lower levels of bone resorption markers, and this situation
      may influence the higher risk of fracture of T2DM.

PMID- 22042130
TI  - Angiotensin-(1-7) suppresses oxidative stress and improves glucose uptake via Mas
      receptor in adipocytes.
AB  - Although reactive oxygen species (ROS) contribute to glucose intolerance induced
      by the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is well documented, the role of the newly
      discovered pathway of RAS, angiotensin (Ang)-(1-7)/Mas axis, in this process
      remains unknown. Here, we examined the effect of Ang-(1-7) on oxidative stress
      and glucose uptake in adipocytes. We used primary cultured epididymal adipocytes
      from C57 mice to study Ang-(1-7) effects on glucose uptake. We also treated fully
      differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes with exogenous Ang-(1-7) or overexpression of
      angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) to induce endogenous generation of Ang-(1
      7) to clarify its effects on ROS production. Intracellular ROS was measured by
      flow cytometry, dihydroethidium (DHE), and nitroblue tetrazolium assay. Levels of
      NADPH oxidase and adiponectin mRNA were measured by real-time PCR. Ang-(1-7)
      improved glucose uptake both in basal and insulin-stimulated states. ROS
      production was slightly but significantly decreased in adipocytes treated with
      Ang-(1-7). Additionally, Mas receptor antagonist D-Ala7-Ang-(1-7) (A779) reversed
      the effect of Ang-(1-7) on glucose uptake and oxidative stress. Furthermore,
      treatment of adipocytes with Ang-(1-7) decreased NADPH oxidase mRNA levels. We
      also found that oxidative stress induced by glucose oxidase-suppressed expression
      of adiponectin, an insulin-sensitive protein. However, the suppression of
      oxidative stress by Ang-(1-7) restored adiponectin expression, while A779
      agonists these changes induced by Ang-(1-7). In conclusion, Ang-(1-7) can protect
      against oxidative stress and improve glucose metabolism in adipocytes. These
      results show that Ang-(1-7) is a novel target for the improvement of glucose
      metabolism by preventing oxidative stress.

PMID- 22042131
TI  - Structural damage in diabetic nephropathy is associated with TNF-alpha system
      activity.
AB  - In experimental animal studies, tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)
      contributed to renal hypertrophy during diabetes, and antibodies against TNF
      alpha have led to improved histological lesions in animals with nephrotoxicity
      and diabetic nephropathy. We aimed to evaluate TNF-alpha system activity in
      association with renal histology in patients with type 2 diabetes. This is a
      prospective, cross-sectional study of 22 patients with type 2 diabetes (16 men),
      13 with microalbuminuria and 9 with normoalbuminuria. Plasma-soluble TNF-alpha
      receptor 1 and 2 (sTNFR1 and sTNFR2) concentrations were used as surrogates of
      TNF-alpha system activity. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was analysed using
      I(125)-Iodothalamine. Albumin excretion rate (AER) and a renal biopsy were
      performed in all subjects. AER did not associate significantly with mesangial
      expansion or interstitial fraction in these subjects (r < 0.12, P > 0.5). AER was
      also not associated with either sTNFR1 or sTNFR2 levels. However, after
      controlling for GFR, the correlation between AER and sTNFR1 became significant (r
      = 0.47, P = 0.03). sTNFR1 correlated with age (r = 0.65, P < 0.001), mesangial
      expansion (r = 0.59, P = 0.004) and interstitial fraction (r = 0.58, P = 0.005).
      After controlling for age, body mass index and blood pressure, the association of
      TNFR1 with mesangial expansion persisted significant. Circulating sTNFR2
      concentrations were not significantly associated with histological changes. In
      summary, structural kidney damage in patients with type 2 diabetes is associated
      with TNF-alpha system activity and specifically with plasma sTNFR1
      concentrations.

PMID- 22042133
TI  - Does ranibizumab (Lucentis(r)) change retrobulbar blood flow in patients with
      neovascular age-related macular degeneration?
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the effects of intravitreal ranibizumab on retrobulbar
      blood flow in patients with neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
      METHODS: Thirty-one eyes of 30 patients with neovascular AMD were examined
      prospectively by both color Doppler imaging and fundus fluorescein angiography.
      Color Doppler imaging was used to measure the maximum and minimum velocities of
      the central retinal vein, peak systolic/end-diastolic velocities of blood flows,
      and pulsatility index and resistivity index values in the central retinal artery,
      nasal/temporal posterior ciliary arteries (NPCA/TPCA) and ophthalmic artery. The
      t test for paired samples was used for comparing retrobulbar blood flow values
      before and after intravitreal ranibizumab (Lucentis(r)) injection in the study
      and control groups. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant (p < 0.05)
      difference between the pre-injection and post-injection end-diastolic velocities
      of the NPCA and TPCA and resistivity index values of TPCA. The other parameters
      showed no statistically significant difference. CONCLUSION: Our results show that
      intravitreal ranibizumab injection increases retrobulbar blood flow.

PMID- 22042136
TI  - Decision making for health care managers and supervisors: theory into practice.
AB  - Health care managers and supervisors make decisions throughout the day. Often,
      they use the common steps of decision making. This article describes common
      decision theories that underpin the steps. The article includes specific examples
      of applications of the theories and a glossary of terms. Experienced and novice
      health care managers and supervisors can improve their decision making by
      matching concepts from the decision theories to their problems.

PMID- 22042134
TI  - Heat shock factor 1 protects against lung mycoplasma pneumoniae infection in
      mice.
AB  - Heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) is a transcriptional factor that controls the
      induction of heat shock proteins (e.g. HSP70) in response to stress. Bacterial
      infections contribute to the pathobiology of chronic lung diseases such as
      chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma. Whether HSF1 is critical to
      lung bacterial infection remains unknown. This study is aimed at investigating
      the impact of HSF1 deficiency on lung Mycoplasma pneumoniae (Mp) infection and
      elucidating the underlying molecular mechanisms, such as Toll-like receptor 2
      (TLR2) signaling. HSF1(-/-) and HSF1(+/+) mice were intranasally infected with Mp
      or saline and sacrificed 4, 24 and 72 h after treatment. HSF1(-/-) mice had a
      higher lung Mp load than HSF1(+/+) mice. Mp-induced lung TLR2, nuclear factor
      kappaB and associated inflammation [e.g. keratinocyte-derived chemokine (KC),
      neutrophils and histopathology] were delayed in HSF1(-/-) mice as compared to
      HSF1(+/+) mice. HSP70 protein levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of HSF1(-/-)
      mice were decreased. Furthermore, in response to Mp infection, HSF1(-/-) alveolar
      macrophages had less TLR2 mRNA expression and KC production than HSF1(+/+)
      counterparts. Nuclear factor-kappaB activity and KC production in HSF1(-/-)
      macrophages could be rescued by addition of exogenous HSP70 protein. These data
      suggest that HSF1 is necessary to initiate host defense against bacterial
      infection partly through promoting early TLR2 signaling activation.

PMID- 22042137
TI  - Serving distinct populations: performance in Medicaid HMOs and commercial HMOs.
AB  - The objective of this study was to compare the preventable emergency department
      (ED) admissions of Medicaid health maintenance organization (HMO) beneficiaries
      and commercial HMO beneficiaries in the state of Florida, in addition to
      analyzing the effect of HMO market conditions in relation to these admissions.
      Paired and unpaired t tests and 10 regression equations were estimated using ED
      hospital admission data to examine the differences between Medicaid and
      commercial HMOs in 5 commonly recognized preventable hospitalization conditions.
      For the same preventable ED admissions, Medicaid and commercial HMO beneficiaries
      had statistically different rates of admission. In 3 of 5 conditions, Medicaid
      HMO beneficiaries had more preventable ED admissions than did commercial HMOs for
      the same conditions. HMO market conditions did not have a statistically
      significant association with preventable ED admissions for either beneficiary
      group, whereas teaching status and the percentage of females admitted to the
      hospital under a given HMO payer type had the greatest effect on preventable ED
      admissions. Whereas uncontrolled comparisons of preventable ED admissions are
      statistically different between Medicaid and commercial HMO beneficiaries,
      controlling for hospital and patient characteristics, market conditions do not
      affect the rate of preventable ED admissions.

PMID- 22042138
TI  - The improving efficiency frontier of inpatient rehabilitation hospitals.
AB  - This study uses a linear programming technique called data envelopment analysis
      to identify changes in the efficiency frontier of inpatient rehabilitation
      hospitals after implementation of the prospective payment system. The study
      provides a time series analysis of the efficiency frontier for inpatient
      rehabilitation hospitals in 2003 immediately after implementation of PPS and then
      again in 2006. Results indicate that the efficiency frontier of inpatient
      rehabilitation hospitals increased from 84% in 2003 to 85% in 2006. Similarly, an
      analysis of slack or inefficiency shows improvements in output efficiency over
      the study period. This clearly documents that efficiency in the inpatient
      rehabilitation hospital industry after implementation of PPS is improving.
      Hospital executives, health care policymakers, taxpayers, and other stakeholders
      benefit from studies that improve health care efficiency.

PMID- 22042140
TI  - Compassion fatigue and burnout: what managers should know.
AB  - Most health care employees experience and are bolstered by compassion
      satisfaction as they deal with patients in need. However, the more empathetic a
      health care provider is, the more likely he or she will experience compassion
      fatigue. Compassion fatigue is a negative syndrome that occurs when dealing with
      the traumatic experiences of patients, and examples of symptoms include intrusive
      thoughts, sleeping problems, and depression. Compassion fatigue is different from
      burnout. Compassion fatigue is a rapidly occurring disorder for primary health
      care workers who work with suffering patients, whereas burnout, a larger
      construct, is a slowly progressing disorder for employees who typically are
      working in burdensome organizational environments. Managers can mitigate problems
      associated with compassion fatigue with a number of interventions including
      patient reassignments, formal mentoring programs, employee training, and a
      compassionate organizational culture. With burnout, health care managers will
      want to focus primarily on chronic organizational problems.

PMID- 22042141
TI  - An empirical investigation of the differences between male and female medical
      school physicians.
AB  - The purpose of this research was to investigate gender-related differences among
      medical school faculty in a variety of areas such as information technology,
      medical malpractice, compensation, patient care, and carrier satisfaction. The
      Center for Studying Health System Change's 2008 Health Tracking Physician survey
      data consisting of 326 medical school faculty belonging to the American Medical
      Association were used in this study. t Tests indicate that female physicians
      practicing in medical schools were younger, had less experience, reported lower
      compensation, and were more likely to be primary care physicians. Male medical
      school physicians were significantly more concerned about being involved in a
      malpractice lawsuit. They reported a significantly higher percentage on income
      based on productivity-related factors. Male physicians also reported getting a
      significantly higher level of goods and services from drug companies. They also
      provided more hours of medical service for no or reduced fee in the previous
      month and higher levels of career satisfaction. Implications of this research are
      discussed.

PMID- 22042142
TI  - Electronic fall surveillance system model.
AB  - Of primary concern to health care facilities today is the reduction of
      preventable injuries such as patient falls that often lead to serious and fatal
      injuries and result in increased lengths of stays, resource demands, costs, and
      lawsuits. Although all patients have the capacity to fall, a major challenge is
      to identify the presence of key risk factors exhibited by a patient as soon as
      possible to reduce the likelihood of an adverse fall event. Currently, fall risk
      assessment and prevention practices focus on nurses identifying the risk factors
      for falls with a limited use of technology. This article introduces a preliminary
      falls risk assessment and prevention model that uses standardized clinical and
      operational performance indicators linked through the Web to the patient's
      electronic health record to produce an electronic Fall Surveillance System. The
      use of an integrated Fall Surveillance System linked directly to the electronic
      health record allows for the implementation of quick "real-time" preventive
      intervention that would dramatically improve the quality and costs of patient
      care.

PMID- 22042143
TI  - A conceptual framework for achieving balance between innovation and resilience in
      optimizing emergency department operations.
AB  - This study presents a comprehensive review of theories and practices pertaining
      to emergency department operations, service innovations, and risk management,
      focusing on the areas of value creation and operational resilience. It includes a
      critical examination of how these 2 important areas both contrast with and
      complement each other. A dynamic systems view was applied to this effect to
      illuminate the interactions. On the basis of the knowledge gained from this
      exercise, a system-level conceptual framework was developed to suggest how to
      rationally optimize emergency department operations.

PMID- 22042144
TI  - The manager and equipment decisions: the capital budget.
AB  - As part of his or her role in preparing a departmental budget, a manager must
      often become involved in budgeting for capital expenditures, those purchases that
      are of a type and sufficient dollar value to be capitalized and depreciated.
      Depending on the value of a proposed purchase, the department manager may have
      only a partial voice in the process; some significant purchases will require
      administrative approval, whereas some major acquisitions will require approval by
      the board of directors. Planning for possible capital purchases should begin well
      before the start of the annual budget exercise. Listing a capital item in the
      department's budget request does not imply approval; often, there are many more
      "needs" than there are capital funds available. Therefore, there must be a
      consistent process for identifying the proposed purchases that will be funded,
      such process necessarily including detailed specification of the need for a
      particular capital purchase, identification of all reasonable alternatives,
      consideration of any constraints, detailed financial comparison of alternatives,
      assessment of intangible factors, and a recommended choice.

PMID- 22042145
TI  - Ebf2 marks early cortical neurogenesis and regulates the generation of cajal
      retzius neurons in the developing cerebral cortex.
AB  - Mammalian cortical neurogenesis occurs on a precise time schedule during
      development. The earliest born neurons form the preplate and later separate into
      layer 1, which includes Cajal-Retzius (C-R) neurons, and the subplate. The
      preplate and its derivatives play a critical role in regulating subsequent neuron
      migration and cortical lamination. Using an early B cell factor 2 (Ebf2)-enhanced
      green fluorescent protein (EGFP) transgenic mouse line, we show that Ebf2-EGFP is
      expressed in the preplate and persists in C-R neurons, allowing us to follow the
      development of these early born neurons. Therefore, Ebf2 is a genetic marker for
      preplate neurons from the earliest stage of their differentiation and C-R cells
      after the preplate is split. Additionally, we examined the function of Ebf2 in
      the development of C-R neurons using both lentiviral-mediated knock-down
      overexpression approaches to perturb Ebf2 expression. Our data show that Ebf2
      overexpression increases the generation of early born neurons including C-R
      cells, while Ebf2 knock-down decreases it, without affecting the generation of
      other layer-specific neurons in vitro. These results indicate that Ebf2 is
      important for early cortical neurogenesis and regulates the generation of C-R
      neurons in the developing cerebral cortex.

PMID- 22042146
TI  - Asymmetric cyanation of nitroalkenes catalyzed by a salen-titanium catalyst.
AB  - The salen-Ti complex catalyzed cyanation of nitroolefins was accomplished via the
      silyl nitronate intermediate for the synthesis of chiral beta-nitronitriles with
      e.r. up to 92 : 8 and high yields (up to 90%). The catalyst also kept a high
      turnover frequency at room temperature. The yield and enantioselectivity of the
      protocol were slightly affected even in a 10 mmol scale.

PMID- 22042147
TI  - Hematopoietic cell transplantation for primary plasma cell leukemia: results from
      the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research.
AB  - There are limited data on hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) in primary
      plasma cell leukemia (pPCL), an aggressive plasma cell disorder. We report
      outcomes of 147 patients with pPCL receiving autologous (n=97) or allogeneic
      (n=50) HCT within 18 months after diagnosis between 1995 and 2006. Median age was
      56 years and 48 years for autologous HCT and allogeneic HCT, respectively.
      Progression-free survival (PFS) at 3 years was 34% (95% confidence interval (CI),
      23-46%) in the autologous group and 20% (95% CI, 10-34%) in the allogeneic group.
      Cumulative incidence of relapse at 3 years was 61% (95% CI, 48-72%) in the
      autologous group and 38% (95% CI, 25-53%) in the allogeneic group. Overall
      survival (OS) at 3 years was 64% (95% CI, 52-75%) in the autologous group and 39%
      (95% CI, 26-54%) in the allogeneic group. Non-relapse mortality (NRM) at 3 years
      was 5% (95% CI, 1-11%) in the autologous group and 41% (95% CI, 28-56%) in the
      allogeneic group. The encouraging OS after autologous HCT, establishes the safety
      and feasibility of this consolidative treatment option after initial induction
      therapy for pPCL. Allogeneic HCT, although associated with a significantly lower
      relapse rate, carries a much higher risk of NRM and no OS benefit.

PMID- 22042148
TI  - Passive markers for tracking surgical instruments in real-time 3-D ultrasound
      imaging.
AB  - A family of passive echogenic markers is presented by which the position and
      orientation of a surgical instrument can be determined in a 3-D ultrasound
      volume, using simple image processing. Markers are attached near the distal end
      of the instrument so that they appear in the ultrasound volume along with the
      instrument tip. They are detected and measured within the ultrasound image, thus
      requiring no external tracking device. This approach facilitates imaging
      instruments and tissue simultaneously in ultrasound-guided interventions. Marker
      based estimates of instrument pose can be used in augmented reality displays or
      for image-based servoing. Design principles for marker shapes are presented that
      ensure imaging system and measurement uniqueness constraints are met. An error
      analysis is included that can be used to guide marker design and which also
      establishes a lower bound on measurement uncertainty. Finally, examples of marker
      measurement and tracking algorithms are presented along with experimental
      validation of the concepts.

PMID- 22042149
TI  - Spread spectrum magnetic resonance imaging.
AB  - We propose a novel compressed sensing technique to accelerate the magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) acquisition process. The method, coined spread spectrum
      MRI or simply s(2)MRI, consists of premodulating the signal of interest by a
      linear chirp before random k-space under-sampling, and then reconstructing the
      signal with nonlinear algorithms that promote sparsity. The effectiveness of the
      procedure is theoretically underpinned by the optimization of the coherence
      between the sparsity and sensing bases. The proposed technique is thoroughly
      studied by means of numerical simulations, as well as phantom and in vivo
      experiments on a 7T scanner. Our results suggest that s(2)MRI performs better
      than state-of-the-art variable density k-space under-sampling approaches.

PMID- 22042150
TI  - Neural tube closure in mouse whole embryo culture.
AB  - Genetic mouse models are an important tool in the study of mammalian neural tube
      closure (Gray & Ross, 2009; Ross, 2010).  However, the study of mouse embryos in
      utero is limited by our inability to directly pharmacologically manipulate the
      embryos in isolation from the effects of maternal metabolism on the reagent of
      interest.  Whether using a small molecule, recombinant protein, or siRNA,
      delivery of these substances to the mother, through the diet or by injection will
      subject these unstable compounds to a variety of bodily defenses that could
      prevent them from reaching the embryo. Investigations in cultures of whole
      embryos can be used to separate maternal from intrinsic fetal effects on
      development. Here, we present a method for culturing mouse embryos using highly
      enriched media in a roller incubator apparatus that allows for normal neural tube
      closure after dissection (Crockett, 1990).  Once in culture, embryos can be
      manipulated using conventional in vitro techniques that would not otherwise be
      possible if the embryos were still in utero.  Embryo siblings can be collected at
      various time points to study different aspects of neurulation, occurring from E7
      7.5 (neural plate formation, just prior to the initiation of neurulation) to E9.5
      10 (at the conclusion of cranial fold and caudal neuropore closure, Kaufman,
      1992).  In this protocol, we demonstrate our method for dissecting embryos at
      timepoints that are optimal for the study of cranial neurulation.  Embryos will
      be dissected at E8.5 (approx. 10-12 somities), after the initiation of neural
      tube closure but prior to embryo turning and cranial neural fold closure, and
      maintained in culture till E10 (26-28 somities), when cranial neurulation should
      be complete.

PMID- 22042151
TI  - Analysis of lymph node metastatic pattern according to the depth of in-growth in
      the muscularis propria in T2 rectal cancer for lateral lymph node dissection.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: The biological behavior of rectal cancers that invade the
      muscularis propria (pT2) has not been well studied. We retrospectively studied
      the pattern of lymph node metastases in patients with T2 rectal cancer. METHODS:
      We enrolled 88 patients who had undergone curative resection of T2 colorectal
      cancer through mesorectal excision and lateral pelvic lymph node dissection; we
      microscopically estimated the maximum depth of muscularis propria invasion and
      classified the results into 3 groups representing distinct growth patterns.
      RESULTS: In cases of pT2 colorectal carcinomas, lateral pelvic lymph node
      metastases depended on the degree of muscularis propria invasion, and the
      frequency of metastasis increased with the depth of muscularis propria invasion.
      Lateral pelvic lymph node metastases were not observed when the depth of
      muscularis propria invasion was less than half of the thickness of the inner
      circular layer. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that lateral pelvic lymph
      node metastasis of pT2 colorectal cancer depends on the depth of vertical
      invasion, which is analogous to the findings in pT1 and pT3 cancers. This
      information will be useful in select cases in which resection of the lateral
      pelvic lymph node is required for the treatment of rectal cancer invading the
      muscularis propria (pT2).

PMID- 22042153
TI  - Nonlinear system identification by Gustafson-Kessel fuzzy clustering and
      supervised local model network learning for the drug absorption spectra process.
AB  - This paper deals with the problem of fuzzy nonlinear model identification in the
      framework of a local model network (LMN). A new iterative identification approach
      is proposed, where supervised and unsupervised learning are combined to optimize
      the structure of the LMN. For the purpose of fitting the cluster-centers to the
      process nonlinearity, the Gustafsson-Kessel (GK) fuzzy clustering, i.e.,
      unsupervised learning, is applied. In combination with the LMN learning
      procedure, a new incremental method to define the number and the initial
      locations of the cluster centers for the GK clustering algorithm is proposed.
      Each data cluster corresponds to a local region of the process and is modeled
      with a local linear model. Since the validity functions are calculated from the
      fuzzy covariance matrices of the clusters, they are highly adaptable and thus the
      process can be described with a very sparse amount of local models, i.e., with a
      parsimonious LMN model. The proposed method for constructing the LMN is finally
      tested on a drug absorption spectral process and compared to two other methods,
      namely, Lolimot and Hilomot. The comparison between the experimental results when
      using each method shows the usefulness of the proposed identification algorithm.

PMID- 22042152
TI  - Bioinspired neural network for real-time cooperative hunting by multirobots in
      unknown environments.
AB  - Multiple robot cooperation is a challenging and critical issue in robotics. To
      conduct the cooperative hunting by multirobots in unknown and dynamic
      environments, the robots not only need to take into account basic problems (such
      as searching, path planning, and collision avoidance), but also need to cooperate
      in order to pursue and catch the evaders efficiently. In this paper, a novel
      approach based on a bioinspired neural network is proposed for the real-time
      cooperative hunting by multirobots, where the locations of evaders and the
      environment are unknown and changing. The bioinspired neural network is used for
      cooperative pursuing by the multirobot team. Some other algorithms are used to
      enable the robots to catch the evaders efficiently, such as the dynamic alliance
      and formation construction algorithm. In the proposed approach, the pursuing
      alliances can dynamically change and the robot motion can be adjusted in real
      time to pursue the evader cooperatively, to guarantee that all the evaders can be
      caught efficiently. The proposed approach can deal with various situations such
      as when some robots break down, the environment has different boundary shapes, or
      the obstacles are linked with different shapes. The simulation results show that
      the proposed approach is capable of guiding the robots to achieve the hunting of
      multiple evaders in real-time efficiently.

PMID- 22042154
TI  - Reduced-size kernel models for nonlinear hybrid system identification.
AB  - This brief paper focuses on the identification of nonlinear hybrid dynamical
      systems, i.e., systems switching between multiple nonlinear dynamical behaviors.
      Thus the aim is to learn an ensemble of submodels from a single set of input
      output data in a regression setting with no prior knowledge on the grouping of
      the data points into similar behaviors. To be able to approximate arbitrary
      nonlinearities, kernel submodels are considered. However, in order to maintain
      efficiency when applying the method to large data sets, a preprocessing step is
      required in order to fix the submodel sizes and limit the number of optimization
      variables. This brief paper proposes four approaches, respectively inspired by
      the fixed-size least-squares support vector machines, the feature vector
      selection method, the kernel principal component regression and a modification of
      the latter, in order to deal with this issue and build sparse kernel submodels.
      These are compared in numerical experiments, which show that the proposed
      approach achieves the simultaneous classification of data points and
      approximation of the nonlinear behaviors in an efficient and accurate manner.

PMID- 22042155
TI  - Synchronization of continuous dynamical networks with discrete-time
      communications.
AB  - In this paper, synchronization of continuous dynamical networks with discrete
      time communications is studied. Though the dynamical behavior of each node is
      continuous-time, the communications between every two different nodes are
      discrete-time, i.e., they are active only at some discrete time instants.
      Moreover, the communication intervals between every two communication instants
      can be uncertain and variable. By choosing a piecewise Lyapunov-Krasovskii
      functional to govern the characteristics of the discrete communication instants
      and by utilizing a convex combination technique, a synchronization criterion is
      derived in terms of linear matrix inequalities with an upper bound for the
      communication intervals obtained. The results extend and improve upon earlier
      work. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the proposed communication
      scheme. Some relationships between the allowable upper bound of communication
      intervals and the coupling strength of the network are illustrated through
      simulations on a fully connected network, a star-like network, and a nearest
      neighbor network.

PMID- 22042156
TI  - Symmetric nonnegative matrix factorization: algorithms and applications to
      probabilistic clustering.
AB  - Nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF) is an unsupervised learning method useful
      in various applications including image processing and semantic analysis of
      documents. This paper focuses on symmetric NMF (SNMF), which is a special case of
      NMF decomposition. Three parallel multiplicative update algorithms using level 3
      basic linear algebra subprograms directly are developed for this problem. First,
      by minimizing the Euclidean distance, a multiplicative update algorithm is
      proposed, and its convergence under mild conditions is proved. Based on it, we
      further propose another two fast parallel methods:  alpha-SNMF and  beta -SNMF
      algorithms. All of them are easy to implement. These algorithms are applied to
      probabilistic clustering. We demonstrate their effectiveness for facial image
      clustering, document categorization, and pattern clustering in gene expression.

PMID- 22042157
TI  - Hydrodynamic flow in a synaptic cleft during exocytosis.
AB  - It is shown that exocytosis in a chemical synapse may be accompanied by
      "microjet" formation due to the overpressure that exists in the vesicles. This
      mechanism may take place either at complete fusion of a vesicle with the
      presynaptic membrane or in the so-called kiss-and-run mode of neurotransmitter
      release. A simple hydrodynamic model of the viscous incompressible flow arising
      in the synaptic cleft is suggested. The occurrence of hydrodynamic flow
      (microjet) leads to more efficient transport of neurotransmitter than in the case
      of classical diffusive transport.

PMID- 22042158
TI  - The pH-dependent induction of lipid membrane ionic permeability by N-terminally
      lysine-substituted analogs of gramicidin A.
AB  - Insertion of charged groups at the N-terminus of the gramicidin A (gA) amino acid
      sequence is considered to be fatal for  peptide channel-forming activity because
      of hindrance to the head-to-head dimer formation. Here the induction of ionic
      conductivity in planar bilayer lipid membranes (BLM) was studied with gA analogs
      having lysine either in the first ([Lys1]gA) or the third ([Lys3]gA) position. If
      added to the bathing solution at neutral or acidic pH, these analogs, being
      protonated and thus positively charged, were unable to induce ionic current
      across BLM. By contrast, at pH 11 the induction of BLM conductivity was observed
      with both lysine-substituted analogs. Based on the dependence of the macroscopic
      current on the side of the peptide addition, sensitivity to calcium ions and
      susceptibility to sensitized photoinactivation, as well as on the single-channel
      properties of the analogs, we surmise that at alkaline pH [Lys1]gA formed
      channels with predominantly single-stranded structure of head-to-head helical
      dimers, whereas [Lys3]gA open channels had the double-stranded helical structure.
      CD spectra of the lysine-substituted analogs in liposomes were shown to be pH
      dependent.

PMID- 22042159
TI  - The mere anticipation of an interaction with a woman can impair men's cognitive
      performance.
AB  - Recent research suggests that heterosexual men's (but not heterosexual women's)
      cognitive performance is impaired after an interaction with someone of the
      opposite sex (Karremans et al., 2009). These findings have been interpreted in
      terms of the cognitive costs of trying to make a good impression during the
      interaction. In everyday life, people frequently engage in pseudo-interactions
      with women (e.g., through the phone or the internet) or anticipate interacting
      with a woman later on. The goal of the present research was to investigate if
      men's cognitive performance decreased in these types of situations, in which men
      have little to no opportunity to impress her and, moreover, have little to no
      information about the mate value of their interaction partner. Two studies
      demonstrated that men's (but not women's) cognitive performance declined if they
      were led to believe that they interacted with a woman via a computer (Study 1) or
      even if they merely anticipated an interaction with a woman (Study 2). Together,
      these results suggest that an actual interaction is not a necessary prerequisite
      for the cognitive impairment effect to occur. Moreover, these effects occur even
      if men do not get information about the woman's attractiveness. This latter
      finding is discussed in terms of error management theory.

PMID- 22042160
TI  - The second to fourth digit ratio and age at first marriage in semi-nomadic people
      from Namibia.
AB  - The second to fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) is used as a potential marker for
      prenatal androgen exposure. It is associated with many behavioral and biological
      variables, including fertility and sexual behavior. However, direct association
      between 2D:4D and reproductive success--in populations where no contraceptives
      are used--has not been investigated. Here, we present a study conducted among the
      semi-nomad Himba population living in northern Namibia. 2D:4D ratios were
      calculated for a sample of this population (N=99; 60 women, 39 men), and the
      results were correlated with age, marital status, age at first marriage, number
      of children, and number of marriages. As found in the majority of previous
      studies, males had lower 2D:4D ratios than females. The 2D:4D ratio did not
      correlate with number of children. Females and males with a more masculine 2D:4D
      were married earlier and were more likely to have a husband or wife. We suggest
      that mating preferences for females with masculine 2D:4D are related to
      masculinity of phenotypic and personality traits of such women, which are
      beneficial in harsh environmental conditions and/or higher facial masculinity,
      which influences the perceived age of an individual. At the same time, masculine
      (physically strong, dominant, and hardworking) males might gather resources
      necessary to marry their first wife earlier.

PMID- 22042161
TI  - Risk, individual differences, and environment: an Agent-Based Modeling approach
      to sexual risk-taking.
AB  - Risky sexual behaviors, including the decision to have unprotected sex, result
      from interactions between individuals and their environment. The current study
      explored the use of Agent-Based Modeling (ABM)-a methodological approach in which
      computer-generated artificial societies simulate human sexual networks-to assess
      the influence of heterogeneity of sexual motivation on the risk of contracting
      HIV. The models successfully simulated some characteristics of human sexual
      systems, such as the relationship between individual differences in sexual
      motivation (sexual excitation and inhibition) and sexual risk, but failed to
      reproduce the scale-free distribution of number of partners observed in the real
      world. ABM has the potential to inform intervention strategies that target the
      interaction between an individual and his or her social environment.

PMID- 22042163
TI  - On the mathematical properties of the structural similarity index.
AB  - Since its introduction in 2004, the structural similarity (SSIM) index has gained
      widespread popularity as a tool to assess the quality of images and to evaluate
      the performance of image processing algorithms and systems. There has been also a
      growing interest of using SSIM as an objective function in optimization problems
      in a variety of image processing applications. One major issue that could
      strongly impede the progress of such efforts is the lack of understanding of the
      mathematical properties of the SSIM measure. For example, some highly desirable
      properties such as convexity and triangular inequality that are possessed by the
      mean squared error may not hold. In this paper, we first construct a series of
      normalized and generalized (vector-valued) metrics based on the important
      ingredients of SSIM. We then show that such modified measures are valid distance
      metrics and have many useful properties, among which the most significant ones
      include quasi-convexity, a region of convexity around the minimizer, and distance
      preservation under orthogonal or unitary transformations. The groundwork laid
      here extends the potentials of SSIM in both theoretical development and practical
      applications.

PMID- 22042164
TI  - Drug-induced pseudoleucoderma: a commentary.

PMID- 22042165
TI  - Laparoscopic type 7 total hysterectomy and adnexectomy with or without Burch
      colposuspension: operative technique with the LigaSure device and results.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The purpose of the present study was to investigate the use of an
      operative technique incorporating the LigaSure vessel sealing system in patients
      undergoing type 7 total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) and adnexectomy with or
      without Burch colposuspension. METHODS: Data were collected for 68 patients who
      underwent type 7 TLH with adnexectomy. Analyzed variables included patient
      characteristics (age, body mass index (BMI), parity, medical and surgical
      history, indications for hysterectomy, weight of the removed uterus), operative
      data (operative time, procedures performed in addition to TLH, intraoperative
      blood loss), complications, difference between preoperative and postoperative
      hemoglobin levels, and length of hospital stay. RESULTS: Mean age was 53.7 +/-
      6.9 years (range 46-74) and mean body mass index was 27.9 +/- 6.1 kg/m(2) (range
      19.4-45.7). Overall mean operative time was 100.4 +/- 31.7 min (range 60-180),
      mean intraoperative blood loss was 98.1 +/- 96.9 ml (range 0-700), and the mean
      difference between preoperative and postoperative hemoglobin levels was 1.39 +/-
      0.6 g/dl (range 0-3.4). Mean weight of the removed uteruses was 229.4 +/- 174.8 g
      (range 60-750). Mean hospital stay was 1.12 +/- 0.7 days (range 1-7). Additional
      operative procedures included Burch colposuspension (15; 22.1%), adhesiolysis (9;
      13.2%), cholecystectomy (2; 2.9%), transabdominal preperitoneal hernia repair (1;
      1.5%) and repair of intraoperative bladder injury (1; 1.5%). Major intraoperative
      complications were encountered in two patients. In one, the left ureter was
      injured and in the other the bladder was injured. Conversion to open surgery was
      not needed in any of the patients. CONCLUSION: The procedure we describe here for
      type 7 TLH with adnexectomy, performed alone or with additional Burch
      colposuspension, appears to be safe and effective.

PMID- 22042167
TI  - Subsequent pregnancy after two uterine artery embolizations.

PMID- 22042166
TI  - Lower urinary tract symptoms in primiparous women before and during pregnancy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS), in particular urinary
      incontinence (UI), commonly develops during pregnancy or following delivery. This
      study was conducted to investigate the prevalence of the LUTS before and during
      pregnancy, and to demonstrate the relationships between various obstetric
      parameters and UI. METHODS: For this observational study, 1,501 consecutive
      primiparae who delivered at >= 36 gestational weeks were recruited in a tertiary
      hospital. A urogynecological questionnaire was used to assess the prevalence of
      LUTS before and during pregnancy. The relationships between various obstetric
      parameters and UI were analyzed. RESULTS: Prevalence of LUTS increased over the
      course of pregnancy. The most commonly reported LUTS symptoms, regardless of
      pregnancy trimester, were nocturia (51.1%) and frequency (40.3%), UI (37.5%),
      urgency (31.1%), incomplete bladder emptying (26.3%), straining (15.3%), and
      voiding difficulty (14.5%). Stress UI (SUI) (26.7%) was more common during
      pregnancy than mixed UI (6.1%) or urge UI (4.7%). Women with a prepregnancy BMI
      >30 were at increased risk of developing de novo SUI during pregnancy. Urge
      incontinence during pregnancy was associated with smoking. CONCLUSIONS: The
      prevalence of LUTS generally increased with gestational age. UI during pregnancy
      was associated with prepregnancy BMI and smoking.

PMID- 22042168
TI  - Ta2O5 nanowires: a novel synthetic method and their solar energy utilization.
AB  - Single-crystalline uniform Ta(2)O(5) nanowires are prepared by a novel synthetic
      route. The formation of the nanowires involves an oriented attachment process
      caused by the reduction of surface energy. The nanowires are successfully applied
      to photocatalytic H(2) evolution, contaminant degradation, and dye-sensitized
      solar cells (DSCs). The Ta(2)O(5)-based DSCs reveal a significant photovoltaic
      response, which has not been reported. As a photocatalyst, the Ta(2)O(5)
      nanowires possess high H(2) evolution efficiency under Xe lamp irradiation,
      nearly 27-fold higher than the commercial powders. A better performance of
      photocatalytic contaminant degradation is also observed. Such improvements are
      ascribed to better charge transport ability for the single-crystalline wire and a
      higher potential energy of the conduction band. This new synthetic approach using
      a water-soluble precursor provides a versatile way to prepare nanostructured
      metal oxides.

PMID- 22042169
TI  - LDA merging and splitting with applications to multiagent cooperative learning
      and system alteration.
AB  - To adapt linear discriminant analysis (LDA) to real-world applications, there is
      a pressing need to equip it with an incremental learning ability to integrate
      knowledge presented by one-pass data streams, a functionality to join multiple
      LDA models to make the knowledge sharing between independent learning agents more
      efficient, and a forgetting functionality to avoid reconstruction of the overall
      discriminant eigenspace caused by some irregular changes. To this end, we
      introduce two adaptive LDA learning methods: LDA merging and LDA splitting. These
      provide the benefits of ability of online learning with one-pass data streams,
      retained class separability identical to the batch learning method, high
      efficiency for knowledge sharing due to condensed knowledge representation by the
      eigenspace model, and more preferable time and storage costs than traditional
      approaches under common application conditions. These properties are validated by
      experiments on a benchmark face image data set. By a case study on the
      application of the proposed method to multiagent cooperative learning and system
      alternation of a face recognition system, we further clarified the adaptability
      of the proposed methods to complex dynamic learning tasks.

PMID- 22042170
TI  - DP2 (CRTh2) antagonism reduces ocular inflammation induced by allergen challenge
      and respiratory syncytial virus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Allergic conjunctivitis is characterized by itchy, watery and swollen
      eyes which occur in response to exposure to seasonal or environmental allergens.
      The early phase reaction of allergic conjunctivitis is primarily mediated by mast
      cell degranulation while the late phase reaction is driven by Th2 cells and
      eosinophils. Prostaglandin D(2) (PGD(2)), released from mast cells, is present in
      allergic conjunctival tears and may elicit classical allergic responses via
      interaction with the high-affinity DP2 receptor (chemoattractant receptor
      homologous molecule expressed on Th2 cells, CRTh2). Furthermore, antagonism of
      this receptor is well known to inhibit eosinophil chemotaxis, basophil activation
      and Th2 cytokine production. PGD(2), therefore, may be involved in both early and
      late phase reactions in response to allergen challenge. METHODS: Thus, we
      explored whether our novel and selective DP2 antagonist AM156 would be
      efficacious in animal models of allergic conjunctivitis. Furthermore, as
      respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of
      allergic conjunctivitis, we examined the effects of DP2 antagonism in a murine
      model of RSV ocular infection. RESULTS: Utilizing a guinea pig ovalbumin model
      and a murine ragweed model we demonstrated that AM156 reduces redness, discharge
      and swelling in response to allergen challenge. These effects were equal to or
      greater than those of current clinical treatment options for allergic
      conjunctivitis including topical corticosteroids and a dual-mechanism
      antihistamine and decongestant. AM156 significantly reduced RSV-induced ocular
      inflammation and IL-4 production. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that a
      topical DP2 antagonist such as AM156 may represent a novel therapeutic for
      allergic conjunctivitis.

PMID- 22042171
TI  - Dementia associated with Parkinson's disease: usefulness of the Movement Disorder
      Society diagnostic criteria in Brazil.

PMID- 22042172
TI  - Dementia in Parkinson's disease: a Brazilian sample.
AB  - To determine the prevalence of dementia associated with Parkinson's disease (PD
      D) in a Brazilian sample adopting clinical and diagnostic procedures recommended
      by the Movement Disorders Society (MDS). Sixty-seven patients were consecutively
      submitted to neurological, neuropsychological and functional examinations. PD-D
      was established according to MDS clinical criteria (Level II) and clinical
      procedures for PD-D (Level I) and prevalence rate was compared between the levels
      adopted. Ten patients (14.9%) were diagnosed as demented by Level I criteria
      whereas sixteen (23.8%) were diagnosed based on Level II criteria. Level I
      criteria had low sensitivity in detecting PD-D (31.25%), but greater specificity
      (90.19). The PD-D group had significantly worse performance on all
      neuropsychological tests, were older (p<0.001), had an older age of onset of
      disease (p<0.01), had lower educational level (p<0.02) and had higher scores on
      functional scales. Current age (p=0.046) and Hoehn & Yahr score (p=0.048) were
      predictors for developing PD-D.

PMID- 22042173
TI  - Health self-perception by dementia family caregivers: sociodemographic and
      clinical factors.
AB  - Caring for a demented family member has been associated with burden. Studies
      concerning health self-perception of family caregivers are still scarce.
      OBJECTIVE: To investigate caregivers perceived health and to look into
      relationships with patients and caregivers' sociodemographic and clinical data.
      METHOD: Dyads of dementia outpatients and family caregivers (n=137) were assessed
      with Mini Mental State Examination, Functional Activities Questionnaire,
      Neuropsychiatric Inventory and Clinical Dementia Rating. Caregivers answered
      Sociodemographic Questionnaire, Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventories, Zarit
      Burden Interview and Maslach Burnout Inventory. RESULTS: Caregivers poor
      perceived health was associated with emotional exhaustion, burden, depression and
      anxiety. Logistic regression analyses revealed caregivers' age, anxiety and
      physical problem as the main predictors of health self-perception. CONCLUSION:
      Aged family caregivers with anxiety who also report physical problem characterize
      a group at risk for poor self-perceived health. Evaluation of health self
      perception may be useful for designing interventions to improve anxiety and
      physical health.

PMID- 22042174
TI  - Botulinum toxin type A and cervical dystonia: a seven-year follow-up.
AB  - Most cases of cervical dystonia (CD) are idiopathic, and focal injections of
      botulinum toxin A (BoNT/A) are the treatment of choice. The objective of our
      study was to document the effects of long-term BoNT/A treatment in idiopathic CD
      patients. Fifty-eight patients with idiopathic CD were recruited from March 2001
      to May 2002. Twenty-eight of the subjects were available for reassessment after
      seven years. During this period, all had received regular treatment with BoNT/A
      injections. Clinical information about patients and the severity of CD (TWSTRS
      and VAPS) at baseline assessment (2001-2002) and follow-up (2008-2009) was
      compared. Significant motor improvement was detected based on TWSTRS scale
      scores, which were used to analyze clinical severity (19.6 +/- 6.6 and 17.7 +/-
      4.8; p<0.05). There was no improvement in the severity of cervical pain (p=0.43).
      In conclusion, BoNT/A was a safe and effective long-term therapy for CD.

PMID- 22042175
TI  - Neuroleptic malignant syndrome.
AB  - Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a potentially fatal adverse event
      associated with the use of antipsychotics (AP). The objective of this study was
      to investigate the profile of cases of NMS and to compare our findings with those
      published in similar settings. A series of 18 consecutive patients with an
      established diagnosis of NMS was analyzed, gathering data on demography, symptoms
      and signs. Two thirds of all cases involved woman with a past medical history of
      psychiatric disorder receiving relatively high doses of AP. The signs and
      symptoms of NMS episodes were similar to those reported in other series and only
      one case had a fatal outcome, the remaining presenting complete recovery. As
      expected, more than two thirds of our cases were using classic AP (68%), however
      the clinical profile of these in comparison with those taking newer agent was
      similar. Newer AP also carry the potential for NMS.

PMID- 22042176
TI  - Lees' syndrome: a case series.
AB  - We report a case series of dopamine dysregulation syndrome, previously known as
      hedonistic homeostatic dysregulation in patients with Parkinson's disease on
      dopamine replacement therapies, now designated as Lees' syndrome.

PMID- 22042177
TI  - Electronystagmography findings in spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) and type 2
      (SCA2).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the alterations observed in electronystagmography (ENG) of
      patients with spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) types 2 and 3. METHOD: Sixteen
      patients were studied and the following procedures were carried out: anamnesis,
      otorhinolaryngological and vestibular evaluations. RESULTS: The clinical findings
      in the entire group of patients were: gait disturbances (93.75%), dysarthria
      (43.75%), headache (43.75%), dizziness (37.50%) and dysphagia (37.50%). In the
      vestibular exam, the rotatory (62.50%) and caloric (75%) tests were among those
      which presented the largest indexes of abnormalities; the presence of alterations
      in the exams was 87.50%, with a predominance of central vestibular disorders in
      68.75% of the exams. CONCLUSION: Vestibular exams could be an auxiliary tool to
      investigate SCAs, besides a precise clinical approach and, particularly,
      molecular genetic tests.

PMID- 22042178
TI  - Mortality in children with severe epilepsy: 10 years of follow-up.
AB  - Epilepsy is the main neurological condition in children and adolescents.
      Unfortunately patients with medical refractory epilepsy are more susceptible for
      clinical complications and death. We report a prospectively evaluated cohort of
      children followed for approximately 10 years. Fifty-three of 1012 patients died.
      Forty-two patients died due to epilepsy or its clinical complications and the
      main causes of death were pneumonia (in 16 cases), sepsis (in 9 patients), status
      epilepticus (in 8 patients). In 11 patients cause of death was sudden unexpected
      death in epilepsy (SUDEP). Mental retardation was significantly more frequent in
      patients who did not die from SUDEP. SUDEP may be a significant condition
      associated with mortality in children and adolescents with epilepsy.

PMID- 22042179
TI  - Self-esteem, social support perception and seizure controllability perception in
      adolescents with epilepsy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Compare the self-esteem of adolescents with epilepsy and adolescents
      without epilepsy and relate it to social support and seizure controllability
      perception. METHOD: The study sample consisted: case participants (34 subjects)
      attending the pediatric epilepsy clinic of University Hospital and control
      participants (30 subjects) from public schools in Campinas-SP. The instruments
      utilized were: identification card with demographic and epilepsy data, a semi
      structured interview on aspects of the disease, and a Self-Esteem
      Multidimensional Scale. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the
      two groups but majority of adolescents with epilepsy presented higher self esteem
      rate, have knowledge about epilepsy, presented high levels of social support and
      seizure controllability perception. There was no significant relationship between
      social support and seizure controllability perception with self-esteem.
      CONCLUSION: Knowledge about epilepsy, social support such good controllability
      seizure perception seem are important contingencies for a better evaluation of
      self esteem in adolescents with epilepsy.

PMID- 22042180
TI  - Depression in patients with refractory temporal lobe epilepsy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the comorbidity of depressive disorders in patients with
      refractory temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). METHOD: We evaluated 25 consecutive
      patients with refractory TLE (16 women and 9 men), using semi-structured
      psychiatric interviews, according to the International Classification of Diseases
      (ICD-10), and the Beck Depression Inventory. RESULTS: Seventeen of 25 patients
      (68%) had depressive disorder: 6 with dysthymia, three with major depressive
      episodes and 8 with recurrent depressive disorders. Two (8%) were diagnosed with
      mixed anxiety and depression. Only 5 of 17 patients (29.4%) were previously
      diagnosed with depressive disorder and received prior antidepressant treatment.
      Duration of epilepsy was significantly higher in patients with depressive
      disorder (p=0.016), but there was no relationship between depression and seizure
      frequency. CONCLUSION: This study confirmed that depressive disorders are common
      and underdiagnosed in patients with TLE refractory to AEDs. Patients with longer
      duration of epilepsy are at higher risk of having depression.

PMID- 22042181
TI  - Low educational level effects on the performance of healthy adults on a
      Neuropsychological Protocol suggested by the Commission on Neuropsychology of the
      Liga Brasileira de Epilepsia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess cognitive measures and impact of education on cognitive
      performance (CP) of low educational levels healthy adults (LELHA) on a
      Neuropsychological Protocol (NP) suggested by the Liga Brasileira de Epilepsia.
      METHOD: 138 subjects from an Education Program for Adults divided into two, age
      and gender matched groups of 69 subjects, answered the NP: Group 1 (mean of 6.9
      +/- 2.95 months of formal education) and Group 2, 47.8 +/- 10 months. Data were
      compared as z-scores. RESULTS: The mean IQ was 77.1 +/- 5.50 and 79.4 +/- 3.30 in
      Groups 1 and 2, respectively (p=0.001). Both performed below the normal curve and
      Group 1 worse than 2. CP correlated with schooling, especially executive
      functions (54.1% vs 36.2%) and language (52.9% vs 25.7%). CONCLUSION: LELHA
      showed significant cognitive impairment in verbal and visuospatial areas. If
      these results had been obtained in epilepsy patients they would be interpreted as
      global cognitive impairment.

PMID- 22042182
TI  - Swallowing disorders after ischemic stroke.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate occurrences of swallowing disorders after ischemic
      stroke. METHOD: This was a retrospective study on 596 medical files. The
      inclusion criterion was that the patients needed to have been hospitalized with a
      diagnosis of ischemic stroke; the exclusion criteria were the presence of
      associated cardiac problems and hospital stay already more than 14 days. RESULTS:
      50.5% were men and 49.5% women; mean age 65.3 years (SD= +/- 11.7) (p <= 0.001).
      Among the risk factors, 79.4% had hypertension, 36.7% had diabetes (p <= 0.001)
      and 42.7% were smokers. 13.3% of the patients died. Swallowing disorders occurred
      in 19.6%, among whom 91.5% had mild difficulty and 8.5% had severe difficulty.
      87.1% had spontaneous recovery after a mean of 2.4 months. A lesion in the
      brainstem region occurred in 6.8% (p <= 0.001). CONCLUSION: Swallowing disorders
      occurred in almost 20% of the population and most of the difficulty in swallowing
      found was mild. The predictors for swallowing disorders were older age, diabetes
      mellitus and lesions in the brainstem region.

PMID- 22042183
TI  - A topographic study on the evaluation of speech and language in the acute phase
      of a first stroke.
AB  - Evaluation of speech and language may help in localization of site and extension
      of brain lesions, particularly in the absence of other neurological signs or
      radiologically defined injuries. OBJECTIVE: To verify what language tasks are
      best correlated to which brain regions, in order to develop a test for
      neurologists in emergency settings. METHOD: Thirty-seven adult first-stroke
      patients were submitted to cognitive and language tests, and then paired with
      thirty-seven healthy controls. Patients underwent CT and/or MRI for topographic
      correlation with test results (p<0.05). RESULTS: All tests were able to
      distinguish patients from controls, but only word/sentence repetition, naming,
      ideomotor praxis and, non-significantly, comprehension and counting 1-20
      predicted left hemisphere lesions. Repetition was related to perisylvian
      structures, comprehension to the posterior portion of the middle cerebral artery
      territory, and fluency to frontal lesions, while naming was accurate only for
      lesion side. CONCLUSION: Language and cognitive tasks can help in the
      localization of acute stroke lesions.

PMID- 22042184
TI  - Therapeutic effects of a horse riding simulator in children with cerebral palsy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of horse ridding simulator on the sitting
      postural control of children with spastic diplegia. METHOD: Forty children were
      randomly divided in a group using the simulator (RS) and a group performing
      conventional physical therapy (CT). FScan/Fmat equipment was used to register
      maximal displacement in antero-posterior (AP) and medio-lateral (ML) directions
      with children in sitting position. At the pre and post intervention stage both
      groups were classified according to the Gross Motor Function Classification
      System (GMFCS) and, after intervention, by the AUQEI questionnaire
      (Autoquestionnaire Qualite de vie Enfant Image). RESULTS: Comparison between
      groups disclosed statistically significant pos-intervention improvement both in
      the AP (p<0.0001) as in the ML (p<0.0069) direction in the RS group. CONCLUSION:
      The horse ridding simulator produced significant improvement in the postural
      control of children in sitting position, additionally showing a higher motor
      functionality and a better acceptance of the therapeutic intervention.

PMID- 22042185
TI  - Oropharyngeal examination as a predictor of obstructive sleep apnea: pilot study
      of gag reflex and palatal reflex.
AB  - Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) has high prevalence and may cause serious
      comorbidities. The aim of this trial was to show if simple noninvasive methods
      such as gag reflex and palatal reflex are prospective multivariate assessments of
      predictor variables for OSA. METHOD: We evaluate gag reflex and palatal reflex,
      of fifty-five adult patients, and their subsequent overnight polysomnography.
      RESULTS: Forty-one participants presented obstructive sleep apnea. The most
      relevant findings in our study were: [1] absence of gag reflex on patients with
      severe obstructive apnea (p=0.001); [2] absence of palatal reflex on moderate
      obstructive apnea patients (p=0.02). CONCLUSION: Gag reflex and palatal reflex, a
      simple noninvasive test regularly performed in a systematic neurological
      examination can disclose the impact of the local neurogenic injury associated to
      snoring and/or obstructive sleep apnea syndrome.

PMID- 22042186
TI  - Sight-dependent quality of life and ophthalmic findings in a group of Brazilian
      patients with multiple sclerosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the visual quality of life in patients with multiple
      sclerosis (MS), and to observe whether this parameter could be correlated to the
      findings of the ophthalmologic examination. METHOD: The translated and validated
      25-Item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (VFQ-25) was used to
      assess the visual quality of life. Clinical data on MS, visual acuity, visual
      fields, optic coherence tomography (OCT) and disc cupping were used for assessing
      correlation with VFQ-25. RESULTS: The mean VFQ-25 value was 78.6 +/- 18.2% in 27
      patients. VFQ-25 did not correlate with patients' ages, with disability (EDSS),
      disease duration or medication use. Visual acuity showed a relatively poor (<60%)
      correlation to VFQ-25, while no correlation could be established between visual
      fields, OCT and disc cupping with VFQ-25. CONCLUSION: MS patients present several
      alterations in their eyes and sight that cannot be assessed by isolated measures.
      Ophthalmological examination of these patients must include many parameters not
      usually used in standard ophthalmologic consultations.

PMID- 22042187
TI  - Verbal fluency tests reliability in a Brazilian multicentric study, ELSA-Brasil.
AB  - Verbal Fluency Tests (VFT) are commonly used to assess executive functions and
      language in clinical and epidemiological studies. These tests were included to
      access cognitive function and predictors to its decline in ELSA-Brasil
      (Longitudinal Study of Adults' Health), a cohort that investigates incidence and
      predictors of chronic diseases among 15,000 civil servants from six public
      educational institutions. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the reliability of VFT
      scoring by supervisors of. ELSA research centers, who independently judged 120
      category (animals) and 120 phonemic (F letter) tests. METHOD: Their scores were
      compared to a reference standard score obtained by independent judgment of two
      experts. Intraclass correlation coefficient ratings reliability and Bland-Altman
      plot examined patterns of ratings disagreement. RESULTS: Scores were very similar
      among ELSA centers and a high level of agreement was observed between each center
      and the reference standard. CONCLUSION: The high consistency of VFT scores
      confirms reliability and validity of the test and assures quality for its use in
      multicenter studies.

PMID- 22042188
TI  - Posterior fossa decompression with tonsillectomy in 104 cases of basilar
      impression, Chiari malformation and/or syringomyelia.
AB  - The prime objective in the surgical treatment of basilar impression (BI), Chiari
      malformation (CM) and/or syringomyelia (SM) is based on the restoration of the
      normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics at the craniovertebral junction through
      the creation of a large artificial cisterna magna. A small suboccipital
      craniectomy has been emphasized to avoid caudal migration of the hindbrain
      structures into the vertebral canal. Nevertheless, the results showed downward
      migration of the hindbrain related to that type of craniectomy. The authors
      present, otherwise, the results of 104 cases of BI, CM and/or SM, whose surgical
      treatment was characterized by a large craniectomy with the patient in the
      sitting position, tonsillectomy, large opening of the fourth ventricle and
      duraplasty with creation of a large artificial cisterna magna. A significant
      upward migration of the posterior fossa structures was detected by postoperative
      magnetic resonance imaging.

PMID- 22042189
TI  - Atypical presentations of neuromyelitis optica.
AB  - Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is an inflammatory disease of central nervous system
      classically characterized by acute, severe episodes of optic neuritis and
      longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis, usually with a relapsing course.
      The identification of an autoantibody exclusively detected in NMO patients
      against aquaporin-4 (AQP-4) has allowed identification of cases beyond the
      classical phenotype. Brain lesions, once thought as infrequent, can be observed
      in NMO patients, but lesions have different characteristics from the ones seen in
      multiple sclerosis. Additionally, some AQP-4 antibody positive patients may
      present with a variety of symptoms not being restricted to optic neuritis and
      acute myelitis during the first attack or in a relapse. Examples are not limited
      to, but may include patients only with brain and/or brainstem lesions, narcolepsy
      with hypothalamic lesions or patients with intractable hiccups, nausea and
      vomiting. The prompt identification of NMO patients with atypical presentations
      may benefit these patients with institution of early treatment to reduce
      disability and prevent further attacks.

PMID- 22042190
TI  - Non-epileptiform EEG abnormalities: an overview.
AB  - More than 80 years after its introduction by Hans Berger, the
      electroencephalogram (EEG) remains as an important supplementary examination in
      the investigation of neurological disorders and gives valuable and accurate
      information about cerebral function. Abnormal EEG findings may include ictal
      patterns, interictal epileptiform activity and non-epileptiform abnormalities.
      The aim of this study is to make an overview on the main non-epileptiform EEG
      abnormalities, emphasizing the pathologic findings and the importance of their
      recognition, excluding periodic patterns and EEG physiologic changes. Scientific
      articles were selected from MEDLINE and PubMed database. The presence of non
      epileptiform EEG abnormalities provide evidence of brain dysfunction that are not
      specific to a particular etiology and may be related to a number of disorders
      affecting the brain. Although these abnormalities are not specific, they can
      direct attention to the diagnostic possibilities and guide the best treatment
      choice.

PMID- 22042191
TI  - The pyramidal syndrome and the pyramidal tract: a brief historical note.
AB  - The discovery of the pyramidal syndrome and tract is briefly reviewed with
      emphasis on a few key historical aspects. The pursuit of the relationship between
      the lateralized deficits resulting from contralateral head trauma begins in the
      fourth century BC with the Hippocratic School and continues until the present
      day.

PMID- 22042192
TI  - Women neurologist: a worldwide and Brazilian struggle.
AB  - The main aim of this paper was to present some pioneer women neurologist, their
      struggle to pursue their career and the barriers mainly encountered at the
      beginning of their professional lives. It was also presented the progressive
      increasing of the feminine participation in medicine and in the neurology with
      study based on data of the School of Medicine of the Federal University of Rio de
      Janeiro and Brazilian Academy of Neurology. Their composition were analyzed
      according to gender, class and academic rank. In spite of this feminization,
      there is lack of a women's parallel advancement into leadership positions despite
      no visible barriers ("glass ceiling").

PMID- 22042193
TI  - Spinocerebellar ataxia type 10: disproportionate cerebellar symptoms among at
      risk subjects induced by small amounts of alcohol.

PMID- 22042194
TI  - Temporal primary cerebral Ewing sarcoma extended to skull.

PMID- 22042195
TI  - Isolated hypoglossal nerve palsy: an unusual rare presentation in systemic lupus
      erythematosus.

PMID- 22042196
TI  - Pituitary metastasis from adenocarcinoma.

PMID- 22042197
TI  - Seizure-like activity during etomidate-modified Wada test interfere with the
      evaluation of cognitive functions?

PMID- 22042198
TI  - Intramedullary granuloma suggestive of tuberculoma.

PMID- 22042199
TI  - Anchored fat-fascia graft for clival skull base reconstruction.

PMID- 22042200
TI  - Cerebellar cryptococcoma in a non-HIV patient.

PMID- 22042201
TI  - Epidemiological profile in multiple sclerosis patients, Uberaba, MG, Brazil.

PMID- 22042202
TI  - Pregnancy, epilepsy and quality of life.

PMID- 22042207
TI  - A novel fluorescent probe for NAD-consuming enzymes.
AB  - A novel, fluorescent NAD derivative is processed as substrate by three different
      NAD-consuming enzymes. The new probe has been used to monitor enzymatic activity
      in a continuous format by changes in fluorescence and, in one case, to directly
      visualize alternative reaction pathways.

PMID- 22042209
TI  - Anisotropic elasticity in confocal studies of colloidal crystals.
AB  - We consider the theory of fluctuations of a colloidal solid observed in a
      confocal slice. For a cubic crystal we study the evolution of the projected
      elastic properties as a function of the anisotropy of the crystal using numerical
      methods based on the fast Fourier transform. In certain situations of high
      symmetry we find exact analytic results for the projected fluctuations.

PMID- 22042210
TI  - Genomic analysis of bacteriophage ESP2949-1, which is virulent for Cronobacter
      sakazakii.
AB  - Virulent phage ESP2949-1, which was isolated from sewage, has an icosahedral
      head, a contractile tail, and a double-stranded DNA genome with a length of
      49,116 bp with 50.09% G+C content. Phage ESP2949-1 showed 3% similarity to
      enterobacteria phage TLS. Bioinformatics analysis of the phage genome revealed 43
      putative open reading frames (ORFs). Predicted protein products of the ORFs were
      determined and described. Based on its morphology, phage ESP2949-1 can be
      classified as a member of the family Myoviridae. To our knowledge, this is the
      first report of the genomic sequence and characterization of phage ESP2949-1
      isolated from sewage.

PMID- 22042211
TI  - Quantification of HIV-based lentiviral vectors: influence of several cell type
      parameters on vector infectivity.
AB  - A human immunodeficiency virus type (HIV-1)-based lentiviral vector pseudotyped
      with the vesicular stomatitis virus envelope glycoprotein and encoding the GFP
      reporter gene was used to evaluate different methods of lentiviral vector
      titration. GFP expression, viral DNA quantification and the efficiency of vector
      DNA integration were assayed after infection of conventional HIV-1-permissive
      cell lines and human primary adult fibroblasts with the vector. We found that
      vector titers based on GFP expression determined by flow cytometry may vary by
      more than 50-fold depending on the cell type and the promoter-cell combination
      used. Interestingly, we observed that the viral integration process in primary
      HDFa cells was significantly more efficient compared to that in SupT1 or 293T
      cells. We propose that determination of the amount of integrated viral DNA by
      quantitative PCR be used in combination with the reporter gene expression assay.

PMID- 22042212
TI  - Preoperative tumor studies using MRI or CT in patients with clinically suspected
      insulinoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: Insulinomas are rare tumors that originate from the islet cells of the
      pancreas. The aims of this study were to localize insulinomas preoperatively
      using CT and/or MRI in correlation with postoperative pathological results.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between December 2001 and June 2010, 27 consecutive
      patients with clinically suspected insulinoma were surgically treated in our
      university hospital. Preoperative CT (14 of 27 patients) and MRI studies (14 of
      27 patients, one patient had both MRI and CT), operation reports, intraoperative
      ultrasonography reports, and pathological diagnoses were analyzed
      retrospectively. For each lesion, images were analyzed based on the presence of
      enhancement or the characteristics of signal intensities. Pathologic correlation
      was available for all the lesions. RESULTS: The female: male ratio was 2.9, with
      a mean age of 47.5 years (range 12-82) . Preoperative tumor localization was
      achieved by means of MRI and CT. A focal pancreatic lesion, which was hypointense
      on T(1)-weighted sequences, was detected on all the MR images (14 of 27 patients;
      100%). These lesions were isointense (4 cases) to slightly hyperintense (10 of 14
      cases) on T(2)-weighted sequences. In T(1)-weighted fat-suppressed contrast
      enhanced sequences, there were two types of enhancement: homogeneously
      hyperintense lesions (in 10 of 14 cases) or peripherally hyper-, centrally
      isointense (in 4 of 14 cases). On all the CT images (14 of 27 patients), there
      was no detectable lesion on precontrast series; on arterial series in 13 of 14
      patients (arterial series has not been done in one patient), lesions enhanced
      hypervascular in contrast to the rest of the pancreas with a mean enhancement of
      147 HU (range 113-248) and 95 HU (range 65-141), respectively. On venous series
      in 13 of 14 patients (venous series has not been done in one patient), there was
      an enhanced lesion in contrast to the rest of the pancreas with a mean
      enhancement of 110 HU (range 91-151) and 86 HU (range 65-137), respectively.
      Intraoperative ultrasonography was performed in 11 of 27 patients to localize the
      tumor, which correlated with the results of the mentioned preoperative studies.
      Tumor size ranged from 9 * 11 to 31 * 37 mm. Enucleation was carried out in 14
      patients, Whipple in 5, segmental resection in 3 and left distal pancreatectomy
      in 5 patients. The mortality rate was 0. Pathological findings were insulinoma or
      neuroendocrine tumors in 26 of 27 cases. One patient had a pathological finding
      of chronic pancreatic disease with intraepithelial neoplasia (grade 1A).
      CONCLUSION: We conclude that the preoperative localization of insulinoma in
      clinically suspected patients can be made on the basis of MRI and/or CT studies.
      A hallmark lesion is hypointense in T(1)-weighted sequences, homogeneously or
      peripherally hyperintense in T(1)-weighted fat-suppressed contrast-enhanced
      sequence using MRI (100% of cases) or/and a hypervascular enhanced lesion on
      arterial (100% of CT studies) and on venous series using CT (66.7% of CT
      studies).

PMID- 22042213
TI  - Theory and practice in the design and conduct of graduate medical education.
AB  - Medical education practice is more often the result of tradition, ritual,
      culture, and history than of any easily expressed theoretical or conceptual
      framework. The authors explain the importance and nature of the role of theory in
      the design and conduct of graduate medical education. They outline three groups
      of theories relevant to graduate medical education: bioscience theories, learning
      theories, and sociocultural theories. Bioscience theories are familiar to many
      medical educators but are often misperceived as truths rather than theories.
      Theories from such disciplines as neuroscience, kinesiology, and cognitive
      psychology offer insights into areas such as memory formation, motor skills
      acquisition, diagnostic decision making, and instructional design. Learning
      theories, primarily emerging from psychology and education, are also popular
      within medical education. Although widely employed, not all learning theories
      have robust evidence bases. Nonetheless, many important notions within medical
      education are derived from learning theories, including self-monitoring,
      legitimate peripheral participation, and simulation design enabling sustained
      deliberate practice. Sociocultural theories, which are common in the wider
      education literature but have been largely overlooked within medical education,
      are inherently concerned with contexts and systems and provide lenses that
      selectively highlight different aspects of medical education. They challenge
      educators to reconceptualize the goals of medical education, to illuminate
      maladaptive processes, and to untangle problems such as career choice,
      interprofessional communication, and the hidden curriculum.Theories make visible
      existing problems and enable educators to ask new and important questions. The
      authors encourage medical educators to gain greater understanding of theories
      that guide their educational practices.

PMID- 22042214
TI  - The history of calls for reform in graduate medical education and why we are
      still waiting for the right kind of change.
AB  - The author reviews the history of calls for reform of graduate medical education
      (GME), beginning with the Rappleye report of 1940, the first report on GME.
      Several continuities emerge. First, the reports have regularly called for GME to
      serve the "health needs of society." However, these perceived "needs" have
      continually been shifting as medicine and society evolve, thereby presenting GME
      a moving target. Second, the reports have regularly called for GME to focus more
      on education and less on service in order to avoid exploiting residents and
      compromising their training. Third, GME is a multifaceted subject. Reports on GME
      have typically addressed one part or another but not the subject as a whole. In
      their selectivity, the reports have reflected the particular perspective of the
      sponsoring groups. What the reports have generally not discussed, but what is
      underscored by calls for reform, is that GME is expensive, and any effort to
      improve its quality will be costly in terms of money, faculty time, or both.
      Thus, the profession has become complicit in maintaining the status quo. Any
      successful effort toward reform must acknowledge that GME functions as part of
      the larger health care delivery system, whose fate will ultimately determine the
      quality and robustness of GME in America.

PMID- 22042215
TI  - Statement of the American Society Of Addiction Medicine Consensus Panel on the
      use of buprenorphine in office-based treatment of opioid addiction.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Opioid addiction affects over 2 million patients in the United
      States. The advent of buprenorphine and the passage of the Drug Addiction
      Treatment Act in 2000 have revolutionized the opioid treatment delivery system by
      granting physicians the ability to administer office-based opioid treatment
      (OBOT), thereby giving patients greater access to treatment. The purpose of this
      consensus panel was to synthesize the most current evidence on the use of
      buprenorphine in the office-based setting and to make recommendations that will
      enable and allow additional physicians to begin to treat opioid-addicted
      individuals. METHODS: Literature published from 2000 to 2009 was searched using
      the PubMed search engine and yielded over 375 articles published in peer-reviewed
      journals, including some that were published guidelines. These articles were
      submitted to a consensus panel composed of researchers, educators, and clinicians
      who are leaders in the field of addiction medicine with specific expertise in the
      use of OBOT. The panel discussed results and agreed upon consensus
      recommendations for several facets of OBOT. RESULTS: : On the basis of the
      literature review and consensus discussions, the panel developed a series of
      findings, conclusions, and recommendations regarding the use of buprenorphine in
      office-based treatment of opioid addiction. CONCLUSIONS: Therapeutic outcomes for
      patients who self-select office-based treatment with buprenorphine are
      essentially comparable to those seen in patients treated with methadone programs.
      There are few absolute contraindications to the use of buprenorphine, although
      the experience and skill levels of treating physicians can vary considerably, as
      can access to the resources needed to treat comorbid medical or psychiatric
      conditions--all of which affect outcomes. It is important to conduct a targeted
      assessment of every patient to confirm that the provider has resources available
      to meet the patient's needs. Patients should be assessed for a broad array of
      biopsychosocial needs in addition to opioid use and addiction, and should be
      treated, referred, or both for help in meeting all their care needs, including
      medical care, psychiatric care, and social assistance. Current literature
      demonstrates promising efficacy of buprenorphine, though further research will
      continue to demonstrate its effectiveness for special populations, such as
      adolescents, pregnant women, and other vulnerable populations. Since the time of
      this review, several new studies have provided new data to continue to improve
      our understanding of the safety and efficacy of buprenorphine for special patient
      populations.

PMID- 22042216
TI  - Understanding and treating comorbid anxiety disorders in substance users: review
      and future directions.
AB  - Anxiety disorders commonly occur among those with substance use disorders. This
      article reviews the literature describing the prevalence and patterns of this
      comorbidity in epidemiological and clinical samples and theoretical models
      explaining this comorbidity, and reviews the effects of anxiety disorders on
      substance use outcomes and data from clinical trials that target comorbid anxiety
      disorders to examine the effects of treating anxiety disorders on substance use
      outcomes. Next, this review outlines evidence-based pharmacological and
      psychological treatments for anxiety disorders and provides treatment
      recommendations for those treating this comorbid population. Finally, a
      discussion of treatment-delivery issues is presented to address the important
      issues that arise when treating anxiety disorders in typical addictions-treatment
      settings.

PMID- 22042217
TI  - Treatment of comorbid substance use and anxiety disorders: a case study.
AB  - This case study of combined anxiety with both alcohol and benzodiazepine
      dependence illustrates key issues in presentation, differential diagnosis and
      management. The case is discussed from a biopsychosocial perspective with each of
      the discussants focusing on their particular area of experience and expertise,
      then the treatment package is presented in an integrated fashion. Of particular
      interest is how social anxiety disorder may become a significant barrier to
      engagement and retention, and thus outcome in persons presenting for addiction
      treatment, and how a treatment plan for such patients can be built.

PMID- 22042218
TI  - Tautomerism in Schiff bases. The cases of 2-hydroxy-1-naphthaldehyde and 1
      hydroxy-2-naphthaldehyde investigated in solution and the solid state.
AB  - Schiff bases derived from hydroxyl naphthaldehydes and o-substituted anilines
      have been prepared and their tautomerism assessed by spectroscopic,
      crystallographic, and computational methods. Tautomeric equilibria have also been
      studied and reveal in most cases a slight preference of imine tautomers in
      solution; a fact supported by DFT calculations in the gas phase as well as
      incorporating solvent effects through the SMD model. To simulate the effect
      exerted by the crystal lattice on tautomer stability, we have developed a
      computational protocol in the case of 1-tert-butyl-2-(2-hydroxy-1
      naphthylmethylene)aminobenzene whose data have been obtained experimentally at
      120 K. Although a rapid imine-enamine interconversion may be occurring in the
      solid state, the imine tautomer becomes the most stable form and the energy
      difference should be related to the difference in the packing of the molecules.

PMID- 22042219
TI  - Molecular imaging for stem cell transplantation in neuroregenerative medicine.
AB  - Stem cell transplantation is a promising new therapeutic option in different
      neurological diseases. However, it was not yet possible to translate its
      potential from animal models to clinical application. One of the main problems of
      applying stem cell transplantation in clinical medium is the difficulty of
      detection, localization, and examination of the stem cells in vivo at both
      cellular and molecular levels. State-of-the-art molecular imaging techniques
      provide new and better means for noninvasive, repeated, and quantitative tracking
      of stem cell implant or transplant. From initial deposition to the survival,
      migration, and differentiation of the transplant/implanted stem cells, current
      molecular imaging methods allow monitoring of the infused cells in the same live
      recipient over time. The present review briefly summarizes and compares these
      molecular imaging methods for cell labeling and imaging in animal models as well
      as in clinical application and sheds light on consecutive new therapeutic options
      if appropriate.

PMID- 22042220
TI  - Cannabis use patterns and their association with DSM-IV cannabis dependence and
      gender.
AB  - AIMS: To investigate the gender differences in the patterns of cannabis use (CU),
      namely frequency, times of day, social context and methods and in their
      association with DSM-IV cannabis dependence. METHODS: A sample of 3,904 students
      from German universities was recruited via an internet survey. Logistic
      regressions and associated areas under the ROC curve (AUC) were calculated among
      current cannabis users (at least once a month, n = 843). RESULTS: CU using a
      water pipe was more often reported by males (50 vs. 34.6%). Usual CU 'before
      going to sleep at night' was more often reported by females (47.3 vs. 35.7%).
      Most CU patterns showed a similar association with DSM-IV cannabis dependence in
      both genders. The association of CU 'with strangers' was stronger in females (AUC
      0.68 vs. AUC 0.56). Slightly different multiple models were found (females AUC
      0.86, males AUC 0.77). CONCLUSIONS: There are considerable gender differences in
      the CU patterns and, thus, in the way CU functions. In the association of CU
      patterns with cannabis dependence, the similarities are rather great. Examining
      the CU patterns might make a considerable contribution to the better detection of
      high-risk population segments for prevention and early intervention in both
      genders.

PMID- 22042221
TI  - Glucocorticoid receptor dimerization is required for survival in septic shock via
      suppression of interleukin-1 in macrophages.
AB  - Sepsis is controlled by endogenous glucocorticoids (GCs). Previous studies
      provided evidence that crosstalk of the monomeric GC receptor (GR) with
      proinflammatory transcription factors is the crucial mechanism underlying the
      suppressive GC effect. Here we demonstrate that mice with a dimerization
      deficient GR (GR(dim)) are highly susceptible to sepsis in 2 different models,
      namely cecal ligation and puncture and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced septic
      shock. TNF-alpha is normally regulated in these mice, but down-regulation of IL-6
      and IL-1beta is diminished. LPS-treated macrophages derived from GR(dim) mice are
      largely resistant to GC actions in vitro in terms of morphology, surface marker
      expression, and gene expression. Treatment with recombinant IL-1 receptor
      antagonist improved survival of GR(dim) mice and mice lacking the GR in
      macrophages (GR(LysMCre)) mice. This suggests that regulation of IL-1beta in
      macrophages by GCs is pivotal to control sepsis.

PMID- 22042222
TI  - Activated platelets contribute to oxidized low-density lipoproteins and
      dysfunctional high-density lipoproteins through a phospholipase A2-dependent
      mechanism.
AB  - Plasma activity of secretory phospholipase A2 (sPLA2) increases in patients with
      cardiovascular disease. The present study investigated whether platelet-released
      sPLA2 induces low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)
      modifications that translate into changes in lipoprotein function. Activated but
      not resting platelets induced oxidative modifications of human native LDLs and
      HDLs, which render these particles dysfunctional. Platelet-incubated LDLs
      stimulated the incorporation of cholesterol oleate into macrophages, and modified
      HDLs lost their cholesterol efflux capacity and antioxidant properties. In vitro
      and ex vivo experiments showed that lysophophatidylcholine accumulated in the
      platelet-modified LDLs and HDLs of mice expressing sPLA2 (Balb/c and transgenic
      C57Bl/6 mice expressing human sPLA2) but not in the lipoproteins of naturally
      sPLA2-deficient mice (C57Bl/6). Unlike C57Bl/6 mice, Balb/c mice injected with
      leptin (67 MUg/mouse, i.p.) as an in vivo prothrombotic agent displayed increased
      plasma sPLA2 activity, reduced clotting time, higher plasma levels of oxidation
      products, increased production of nonesterified fatty acids, and more substantial
      platelet-mediated modification of lipoproteins. These effects were blocked
      completely by injection of the platelet inhibitor ticlopidine (5 mg/kg, i.p.) or
      by a sPLA2 inhibitor (LY311727, 3 mg/kg, i.p.). These results demonstrate that
      stimulated platelets are major contributors to plasma sPLA2 activity in vivo and
      account to a large extent for the adverse modification of circulating
      lipoproteins.

PMID- 22042223
TI  - Autocrine abscisic acid plays a key role in quartz-induced macrophage activation.
AB  - Inhalation of quartz induces silicosis, a lung disease where alveolar macrophages
      release inflammatory mediators, including prostaglandin-E(2) (PGE(2)) and tumor
      necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha). Here we report the pivotal role of abscisic
      acid (ABA), a recently discovered human inflammatory hormone, in silica-induced
      activation of murine RAW264.7 macrophages and of rat alveolar macrophages (AMs).
      Stimulation of both RAW264.7 cells and AMs with quartz induced a significant
      increase of ABA release (5- and 10-fold, respectively), compared to untreated
      cells. In RAW264.7 cells, autocrine ABA released after quartz stimulation
      sequentially activates the plasma membrane receptor LANCL2 and NADPH oxidase,
      generating a Ca(2+) influx resulting in NFkappa B nuclear translocation and
      PGE(2) and TNF-alpha release (3-, 2-, and 3.5-fold increase, respectively,
      compared to control, unstimulated cells). Quartz-stimulated RAW264.7 cells
      silenced for LANCL2 or preincubated with a monoclonal antibody against ABA show
      an almost complete inhibition of NFkappa B nuclear translocation and PGE(2) and
      TNF-alpha release compared to controls electroporated with a scramble
      oligonucleotide or preincubated with an unrelated antibody. AMs showed similar
      early and late ABA-induced responses as RAW264.7 cells. These findings identify
      ABA and LANCL2 as key mediators in quartz-induced inflammation, providing
      possible new targets for antisilicotic therapy.

PMID- 22042224
TI  - Inhibition of TLR2 promotes graft function in a murine model of renal transplant
      ischemia-reperfusion injury.
AB  - Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are important molecules involved in the activation of
      innate and subsequent development of adaptive immunity. TLRs are ligated by
      exogenous ligands from pathogens and by endogenous ligands released in
      inflammatory diseases. Activation of TLR leads to activation of NF-kappaB and
      release of proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6 and TNF-alpha. TLRs play an
      important role in the pathogenesis of renal diseases. Increased expression of
      TLRs have been associated with ischemic kidney damage, acute kidney injury, end
      stage renal failure, acute renal transplant rejection, and delayed allograft
      function. OPN301 is a mouse anti-human TLR2 antibody that cross-reacts with mouse
      TLR2. We show that inhibition of TLR2 promotes graft function in an isograft
      model of renal transplantation. Recipient mice were treated intravenously with
      OPN301 before reperfusion of the transplanted kidney that had been subjected to
      30 min of cold ischemia. After 5 d, the residual native kidney was removed, and
      renal transplant function was assessed 24 h later by measurement of blood urea
      nitrogen. Renal function in both saline- and isotype-treated mice was similar,
      with significant improvement in OPN301-treated mice (isotype-treated vs. OPN301
      treated: 33.9+/-3.2 vs. 19.8+/-1.9 MUM; P<0.01). The histopathological appearance
      corresponded with renal functional results. In OPN301-treated recipients, renal
      structure was well preserved, whereas in the saline-treated group, tubular injury
      was severe, with marked tubular thinning, epithelial shedding, cast formation and
      necrosis. Inhibition of TLR2 also leads to a decrease in C3d deposition, although
      it is unclear whether this is due directly to TLR2 inhibition or a decrease in
      renal inflammation. This study shows that inhibition of TLR2 with a therapeutic
      agent (OPN301) provides significant protection from ischemia/reperfusion injury
      in a model of kidney transplantation.

PMID- 22042225
TI  - Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully (CALM): a qualitative study of a brief
      individual psychotherapy for individuals with advanced cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although psychosocial care has been regarded as central to palliative
      and supportive care, there have been few empirically tested approaches to
      individual intervention. AIM: The subjective experience of advanced cancer
      patients receiving a new manualized brief individual psychotherapy, referred to
      as Managing Cancer and Living Meaningfully (CALM), was examined prior to the
      initiation of a randomized controlled trial testing the effectiveness of this
      intervention. DESIGN: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with patients who
      had a diagnosis of advanced cancer, and who underwent the intervention.
      SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: Patients were recruited from a large urban regional cancer
      center in Toronto, Canada. The 10 interviewees included seven women and three
      men. All had completed between three to six CALM sessions prior to the interview.
      RESULTS: The CALM intervention was associated with profound and unique patient
      identified benefits and no patient-identified risks or concerns. Five
      interrelated benefits of the intervention were identified: (1) a safe place to
      process the experience of advanced cancer; (2) permission to talk about death and
      dying; (3) assistance in managing the illness and navigating the healthcare
      system; (4) resolution of relational strain; and (5) an opportunity to 'be seen
      as a whole person' within the healthcare system. These benefits were regarded by
      participants as unique in their cancer journey. CONCLUSIONS: Findings from a
      qualitative study suggest that the CALM intervention provides substantial
      benefits for patients with advanced cancer prior to the end of life. Findings
      informed the development of a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the
      effectiveness of this intervention.

PMID- 22042226
TI  - Feeling severely affected by multiple sclerosis: what does this mean?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The situation for people feeling severely affected by Multiple
      Sclerosis (MS) remains largely unexamined and the term 'severe MS' is not clearly
      defined. AIM: Our study describes this sub-group of patients utilizing
      exclusively a subjective inclusion criterion to analyse their reasons for feeling
      severely affected and document their perceived unmet needs. DESIGN: A
      questionnaire with open- and closed-ended items addressing only patients feeling
      severely affected was sent out nationwide. Expanded Disability Status Score
      (EDSS) and subjectively severe affectedness were analysed for correlation. After
      dichotomizing both scores by a median split, the answers were allocated to these
      groups and tested for significant differences. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: 1,110
      questionnaires were analysed regarding the closed-ended questions while a
      subsample of 40% (n = 445) was analysed regarding the open-ended questions.
      Average age of participants was 51.87 years. Average time since diagnosis was
      16.6 years. Main course of the disease was secondary progressive (35.5%).
      RESULTS: The most frequently mentioned reasons for feeling severely affected were
      lack of mobility (56.4%) and fatigue (27.4%). Significant percentages for unmet
      needs were seen in the categories of funding services (31.0%), better social
      integration (24.7%) and medical support (25.2%). A significant correlation was
      observed between EDSS and subjectively felt affectedness (p <= 0.01). Motor
      disorders explained differences in patient needs behind a higher EDSS score;
      higher severe affectedness referred to other issues like dependency and
      immobility. CONCLUSIONS: EDSS is insufficient for usage as the sole instrument
      for measuring severe affectedness as it does not take into account other
      potential reasons. Complex patient needs necessitate multi-professional care as
      offered by palliative medicine.

PMID- 22042227
TI  - BACE1 in central nervous system myelination revisited.

PMID- 22042229
TI  - Communication breakdown: delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol effects on pre-speech
      neural coherence.

PMID- 22042228
TI  - Genome-wide association analysis of copy number variation in recurrent depressive
      disorder.
AB  - Large, rare copy number variants (CNVs) have been implicated in a variety of
      psychiatric disorders, but the role of CNVs in recurrent depression is unclear.
      We performed a genome-wide analysis of large, rare CNVs in 3106 cases of
      recurrent depression, 459 controls screened for lifetime-absence of psychiatric
      disorder and 5619 unscreened controls from phase 2 of the Wellcome Trust Case
      Control Consortium (WTCCC2). We compared the frequency of cases with CNVs against
      the frequency observed in each control group, analysing CNVs over the whole
      genome, genic, intergenic, intronic and exonic regions. We found that deletion
      CNVs were associated with recurrent depression, whereas duplications were not.
      The effect was significant when comparing cases with WTCCC2 controls (P=7.7 * 10(
      6), odds ratio (OR) =1.25 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.13-1.37)) and to
      screened controls (P=5.6 * 10(-4), OR=1.52 (95% CI 1.20-1.93). Further analysis
      showed that CNVs deleting protein coding regions were largely responsible for the
      association. Within an analysis of regions previously implicated in
      schizophrenia, we found an overall enrichment of CNVs in our cases when compared
      with screened controls (P=0.019). We observe an ordered increase of samples with
      deletion CNVs, with the lowest proportion seen in screened controls, the next
      highest in unscreened controls and the highest in cases. This may suggest that
      the absence of deletion CNVs, especially in genes, is associated with resilience
      to recurrent depression.

PMID- 22042230
TI  - DNA methylation: bisulphite modification and analysis.
AB  - Epigenetics describes the heritable changes in gene function that occur
      independently to the DNA sequence. The molecular basis of epigenetic gene
      regulation is complex, but essentially involves modifications to the DNA itself
      or the proteins with which DNA associates. The predominant epigenetic
      modification of DNA in mammalian genomes is methylation of cytosine nucleotides
      (5-MeC). DNA methylation provides instruction to gene expression machinery as to
      where and when the gene should be expressed. The primary target sequence for DNA
      methylation in mammals is 5'-CpG-3' dinucleotides (Figure 1). CpG dinucleotides
      are not uniformly distributed throughout the genome, but are concentrated in
      regions of repetitive genomic sequences and CpG "islands" commonly associated
      with gene promoters (Figure 1). DNA methylation patterns are established early in
      development, modulated during tissue specific differentiation and disrupted in
      many disease states including cancer. To understand the biological role of DNA
      methylation and its role in human disease, precise, efficient and reproducible
      methods are required to detect and quantify individual 5-MeCs. This protocol for
      bisulphite conversion is the "gold standard" for DNA methylation analysis and
      facilitates identification and quantification of DNA methylation at single
      nucleotide resolution. The chemistry of cytosine deamination by sodium bisulphite
      involves three steps (Figure 2). (1) Sulphonation: The addition of bisulphite to
      the 5-6 double bond of cytosine (2) Hydrolic Deamination: hydrolytic deamination
      of the resulting cytosine-bisulphite derivative to give a uracil-bisulphite
      derivative (3) Alkali Desulphonation: Removal of the sulphonate group by an
      alkali treatment, to give uracil. Bisulphite preferentially deaminates cytosine
      to uracil in single stranded DNA, whereas 5-MeC, is refractory to bisulphite
      mediated deamination. Upon PCR amplification, uracil is amplified as thymine
      while 5-MeC residues remain as cytosines, allowing methylated CpGs to be
      distinguished from unmethylated CpGs by presence of a cytosine "C" versus thymine
      "T" residue during sequencing. DNA modification by bisulphite conversion is a
      well-established protocol that can be exploited for many methods of DNA
      methylation analysis. Since the detection of 5-MeC by bisulphite conversion was
      first demonstrated by Frommer et al. and Clark et al., methods based around
      bisulphite conversion of genomic DNA account for the majority of new data on DNA
      methylation. Different methods of post PCR analysis may be utilized, depending on
      the degree of specificity and resolution of methylation required. Cloning and
      sequencing is still the most readily available method that can give single
      nucleotide resolution for methylation across the DNA molecule.

PMID- 22042231
TI  - Characterization of a recombinant aryl beta-glucosidase from Neosartorya fischeri
      NRRL181.
AB  - An isolated gene from Neosartorya fischeri NRRL181 encoding a beta-glucosidase
      (BGL) was cloned, and its nucleotide sequence was determined. DNA sequence
      analysis revealed an open reading frame of 1,467 bp, capable of encoding a
      polypeptide of 488 amino acid residues. The gene was over-expressed in
      Escherichia coli, and the protein was purified using nickel-nitrilotriacetic acid
      chromatography. The purified recombinant BGL showed a high level of catalytic
      activity, with V (max) of 886 MUmol min(-1) mg-protein(-1) and a K (m) of 68 mM
      for p-nitrophenyl-beta-D: -glucopyranoside (pNPG). The optimal temperature for
      enzyme activity was about 40 degrees C, and the optimal pH was about 6.0. A
      homology model of N. fischeri BGL1 was constructed based on the X-ray crystal
      structure of Phanerochaete chrysosporium BGLA. Molecular dynamics simulation
      studies of the enzyme with the pNPG and cellobiose shed light on the unique
      substrate specificity of N. fischeri BGL1 only towards pNPG.

PMID- 22042232
TI  - Rapid detection of rRNA group I pseudomonads in contaminated metalworking fluids
      and biofilm formation by fluorescent in situ hybridization.
AB  - Metalworking fluids (MWFs), used in different machining operations, are highly
      prone to microbial degradation. Microbial communities present in MWFs lead to
      biofilm formation in the MWF systems, which act as a continuous source of
      contamination. Species of rRNA group I Pseudomonas dominate in contaminated MWFs.
      However, their actual distribution is typically underestimated when using
      standard culturing techniques as most fail to grow on the commonly used
      Pseudomonas Isolation Agar. To overcome this, fluorescent in situ hybridization
      (FISH) was used to study their abundance along with biofilm formation by two
      species recovered from MWFs, Pseudomonas fluorescens MWF-1 and the newly
      described Pseudomonas oleovorans subsp. lubricantis. Based on 16S rRNA sequences,
      a unique fluorescent molecular probe (Pseudo120) was designed targeting a
      conserved signature sequence common to all rRNA group I Pseudomonas. The
      specificity of the probe was evaluated using hybridization experiments with whole
      cells of different Pseudomonas species. The probe's sensitivity was determined to
      be 10(3) cells/ml. It successfully detected and enumerated the abundance and
      distribution of Pseudomonas indicating levels between 3.2 (+/- 1.1) * 10(6) and
      5.0 (+/- 2.3) * 10(6) cells/ml in four different industrial MWF samples collected
      from three different locations. Biofilm formation was visualized under stagnant
      conditions using high and low concentrations of cells for both P. fluorescens MWF
      1 and P. oleovorans subsp. lubricantis stained with methylene blue and Pseudo120.
      On the basis of these observations, this molecular probe can be successfully be
      used in the management of MWF systems to monitor the levels and biofilm formation
      of rRNA group I pseudomonads.

PMID- 22042233
TI  - Topical TRPM8 agonist (icilin) relieved vulva pruritus originating from lichen
      sclerosus et atrophicus.

PMID- 22042235
TI  - The effect of varying carboxylate ligation on the electronic environment of
      N2O(x) (x = 1-3) nonheme iron: a DFT analysis.
AB  - Mononuclear nonheme iron oxygenase (MNO) enzymes contain a subclass of
      metalloproteins capable of catalyzing the O(2)-dependent hydroxylation of
      unactivated substrates at a ferrous ion center coordinated to a highly conserved
      His-His-Glu/Asp motif. These enzymes, which utilize additional reducing
      equivalents obtained from the decarboxylation of a coordinated alpha
      ketoglutarate (alphaKG) cofactor, do not readily interact with O(2) in the
      absence of alphaKG binding. Density functional theory calculations with the B3LYP
      functional were performed to gain insight into the electrochemical behavior of
      three sets of Fe(II/III) complexes containing a core N, N, O facial binding motif
      in which the number of carboxylate ligands was systematically altered, to provide
      one, two (cis) or three (fac) labile sites. The calculated trend in Fe(II/III)
      reduction potentials was observed to parallel that observed in cyclic voltammetry
      experiments, showing a decrease in potential (stabilized oxidized state) with
      increasing carboxylate ligation. This trend does not appear to be the result of
      differential charge on the metal complex. Changes in the redox-active molecular
      orbital (RAMO) energy due to covalent effects dominate across the series of
      complexes when chloride is modeled as the labile ligand, with the pi anti-bonding
      nature of the RAMO being an important factor. With water molecules as the labile
      ligands, however, a much steeper redox dependence on the number of carboxylate
      ligands is observed and this effect seems to be largely electrostatic in origin.
      Differential relaxation of the occupied molecular orbitals in the ferric
      complexes appears to contribute to the redox trend as well. Finally, these
      observations are placed in the context of MNO enzyme mechanisms.

PMID- 22042234
TI  - Externalizing behaviors are associated with SNPs in the CHRNA5/CHRNA3/CHRNB4 gene
      cluster.
AB  - There is strong evidence for shared genetic factors contributing to childhood
      externalizing disorders and substance abuse. Externalizing disorders often
      precede early substance experimentation, leading to the idea that individuals
      inherit a genetic vulnerability to generalized disinhibitory psychopathology.
      Genetic variation in the CHRNA5/CHRNA3/CHRNB4 gene cluster has been associated
      with early substance experimentation, nicotine dependence, and other drug
      behaviors. This study examines whether the CHRNA5/CHRNA3/CHRNB4 locus is
      correlated also with externalizing behaviors in three independent longitudinally
      assessed adolescent samples. We developed a common externalizing behavior
      phenotype from the available measures in the three samples, and tested for
      association with 10 SNPs in the gene cluster. Significant results were detected
      in two of the samples, including rs8040868, which remained significant after
      controlling for smoking quantity. These results expand on previous work focused
      mainly on drug behaviors, and support the hypothesis that variation in the
      CHRNA5/CHRNA3/CHRNB4 locus is associated with early externalizing behaviors.

PMID- 22042236
TI  - Volume and attenuation computed tomography measurements for interim evaluation of
      Hodgkin and follicular lymphoma as an additional surrogate parameter for more
      confident response monitoring: a pilot study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To retrospectively determine the potential role of additional computed
      tomography (CT) attenuation measurements for interim response evaluation in
      residual masses of patients with Hodgkin disease (HD) and follicular non-Hodgkin
      lymphoma (NHL). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study, 39 patients
      with HD and 35 patients with NHL presented with residual masses at mid-treatment
      CT (after 2-4 cycles of chemotherapy) and were assessed via contrast-enhanced CT
      at baseline, mid-treatment and post-treatment. Volume was recorded as whole
      tumour volume. A tumour attenuation ratio (TAR) was calculated as the quotient of
      attenuation between tumour and muscle at the respective point in time versus
      baseline. The standard deviation of attenuation values within the tumour volume
      was recorded to estimate tumour heterogeneity. Results were correlated with
      relapse-free survival determined at a minimum of 12 months after end-treatment
      CT. RESULTS: Tumour volume and TAR at interim versus baseline control were
      significantly reduced in responders compared with non-responders, even after
      controlling for age, stage, treatment regimen, and baseline tumour volume. No
      significant differences with respect to the standard deviation of attenuation
      values within the tumour volumes (tumour heterogeneity) were observed. The volume
      and attenuation CT (VACT) criteria yielded the highest sensitivities and
      specificities for the identification of non-response at a threshold of a >20%
      increase in volume and an increase in TAR at interim control, i.e. 88% (NHL 80%,
      HD 100%) and 98% (NHL 97%, HD 100%), respectively. The negative predictive values
      reached by VACT analysis were >=97%, according to both parameters. CONCLUSION:
      Mid-treatment response assessment of residual masses in patients with HD and NHL
      using VACT may aid in the risk stratification as an additional surrogate
      parameter.

PMID- 22042237
TI  - Anti-inflammatory activity of chondroitin sulphate: new functions from an old
      natural macromolecule.
AB  - Chondroitin sulphate (CS) is recommended by the European League Against
      Rheumatism as a symptomatic slow-acting drug for the treatment of osteoarthritis
      on the basis of numerous clinical trials and meta-analyses. Furthermore, recent
      clinical trials have also demonstrated the possible structure-modifying effects
      of CS. This review focuses on recent experimental results and data available in
      the scientific literature regarding the anti-inflammatory properties of CS with a
      view to understanding the molecular basis responsible for its activity. Several
      animal studies have demonstrated that orally administered CS significantly
      inhibited hind paw oedema, synovitis and destruction of the articular cartilage
      in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, CS proved to have a beneficial effect in
      slowing down the development of adjuvant arthritis and in reducing disease
      markers, findings which support its beneficial activity in humans as a
      chondroprotective drug. Finally, several in vitro studies have focused on the
      hypothesis that CS may reduce inflammatory processes by acting on the nuclear
      translocation of NF-kappaB, which is closely associated with the blood biomarkers
      of inflammation, primarily IL-1, IL-6 and C-reactive protein.

PMID- 22042238
TI  - Burn wound mucormycosis:  a case report.

PMID- 22042239
TI  - Clinical characteristics and comparative study of different modalities of
      treatment of pseudocyst pinna.
AB  - The aims of the article were to study the clinical characteristic of patients
      with pseudocysts and to compare different common modalities of treatment and
      introduce the concept of observation in pseudocyst management. Twenty-eight
      patients were diagnosed with pseudocyst of the auricle between June 2009 and June
      2011 in a medical college hospital. The patients were divided into four groups
      each of seven patients on the basis of primary treatment offered. Four primary
      treatments offered were simple aspiration, aspiration with intralesional steroid,
      incision and drainage with removal of anterior cartilage leaflet with buttoning,
      and lastly, simple observation and reassurance. All 28 patients were male with
      involvement of right side more than left and no one had bilateral involvement.
      Adults in the age group of 30-40 were commonly affected. Most of the patients had
      history of significant trauma by security forces. Most common site of involvement
      was scaphoid and triangular fossa. The best form of treatment with minimum
      recurrence was incision and drainage with removal of anterior cartilage leaflet
      with buttoning. Simple observation as a treatment option was found to be as good
      as intralesional steroids. Pseudocyst of the pinna is a benign condition of
      unknown etiology affecting the pinna, commonly encountered in middle-aged men. It
      is a rare condition and is hardly encountered in routine ENT practice. Bilateral
      diseases are uncommon. Most common site of occurrence is triangular and scaphoid
      fossa. Many modalities of treatment have been recommended in literature with
      varied recurrence and failure rates. The best treatment is surgical deroofing
      followed by buttoning with minimum recurrences. An option of simple observation
      for 2-3 months should be discussed with each patient and was found to be as good
      as intralesional steroids.

PMID- 22042240
TI  - Evaluation of nodal response after intra-arterial chemoradiation for node
      positive head and neck cancer.
AB  - This retrospective study aimed to compare the accuracy of two nodal evaluation
      criteria using computed tomography after intra-arterial chemoradiation in node
      positive head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. Computed tomography was used to
      evaluate radiographic nodal response 4-8 weeks after intra-arterial
      chemoradiation. We compared the accuracy of two different criteria: criterion 1
      (radiographic complete response was recorded in the absence of focal
      abnormalities and if the maximum diameter of the metastatic node was less than 15
      mm), and criterion 2 (radiographic complete response was recorded in the absence
      of focal abnormalities and if the minimum diameter of metastatic nodes was less
      than 7 mm in level II and if the minimum diameter of metastatic nodes in the rest
      of the neck was less than 6 mm). Positive predictive values were criterion 1:
      69.2%, criterion 2: 47.8%; negative predictive values were criterion 1: 88.5%,
      criterion 2: 90.5%. Positive likelihood ratios were criterion 1: 7.50, criterion
      2: 3.06. The difference between each criteria was statistically significant using
      McNemar's test (p = 0.0016). Computed tomography evaluation accuracy of nodal
      response after intra-arterial chemoradiation was comparable to recent reports,
      and it was feasible to perform salvage neck dissection by computed tomography
      evaluation for nodal response. We recommend using criterion 1 because of its
      simplicity and reliability.

PMID- 22042241
TI  - Postoperative complications in cochlear implants: a retrospective analysis of 438
      consecutive cases.
AB  - Our objective is to determine the complication rate in a population of infants,
      children, adolescents and adults, from a University Hospital Cochlear Implant
      program and to discuss their causes and treatments. The methods include a
      retrospective study of 438 consecutive patients in a tertiary referral centre,
      the Audiology Department of the University Hospital of Ferrara. All patients
      receiving cochlear implants, between 1 January 2003 and 31 December 2009, have
      been included. All complications and treatments were systematically reviewed with
      an average duration of follow-up of 46 months (range 10-84 months). The results
      reveal that the overall rate of complications in our group was 9.1% (40 of 438),
      and most of them were minor. Wound swelling and infections represent the most
      common complication occurred. There were no cases of transient or permanent
      facial palsy following surgery, and also we did not register any case of
      postsurgical meningitis. Thirteen patients (3.0%) underwent explantation followed
      by reimplantation. In conclusion, we find that Cochlear implantation is a safe
      low-morbility technique with a relatively low complication rate in the presented
      population.

PMID- 22042242
TI  - Olfactory function in patients with ischemic stroke: a pilot study.
AB  - The aim of this pilot study was to investigate olfactory function in unselected,
      cooperative patients with ischemic stroke and to gain information about olfactory
      perception in patients with distinct stroke localizations. Three ischemic stroke
      patients underwent olfactory testing using the Sniffin' Sticks test and olfactory
      event-related potentials recording. All stroke patients were found to be
      normosmic or only slightly hyposmic when using a psychophysical testing device
      with age-adjusted norms. No responses or longer latencies on the affected side
      were found, however, when recording evoked potentials. This seems to argue for
      the idea that on the affected side it is often possible to document the objective
      lesion although the subjective perception of the patient appears normal.

PMID- 22042243
TI  - Practical diagnosis of red cell disorders in southern Spain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hereditary red cell disorders are associated with a protective effect
      against malaria, which results in an increased prevalence in malaria-endemic
      areas. Migratory flows from these areas are resulting in a marked increase in
      such abnormalities in Southern Spain. METHODS: All hemoglobin disorders diagnosed
      between 1997 and 2010 have been recorded. Since 2008, we have performed
      systematic screening for hemoglobinopathies on African patients. A high-pressure
      liquid chromatography system was used as screening method for structural
      hemoglobinopathies and for separation of hemoglobin (Hb) F and A(2). RESULTS: We
      detected 666 cases in patients of foreign origin and 308 in native Spanish
      patients. Thalassemias (thal) are the most frequent disorders amongst the local
      population: beta-thal minor, 57.1% (176/308); alpha-thal, 18.2% (56/308), and
      deltabeta-thal, 7.8% (24/308). In ethnic minorities, there is a huge variety of
      hemoglobinopathies: heterozygous Hb S, 45% (300/666); heterozygous Hb C, 15%
      (100/666); beta-thal minor, 13.7% (91/666); alpha-thal, 10.2% (68/666); Hb SS in
      14 patients, and Hb CC in 9 patients. Of the native patients, 14 were found to
      have Hb AS and 9 Hb AC. CONCLUSION: Given the modern migratory flows, greater
      knowledge of these disorders is needed by all medical staff, and new practical
      and cost/time-effective diagnostic approaches have to be devised.

PMID- 22042244
TI  - Mucinous cystic neoplasms of the pancreas: definition of preoperative imaging
      criteria for high-risk lesions.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Pancreatic mucinous cystic neoplasms (MCN) are premalignant
      lesions whose natural history is poorly known. Whether the dysplasia grade might
      be determined with precision by preoperative clinical and imaging criteria is not
      known. We aimed to determine if CT scan data might be useful to predict the grade
      of dysplasia in a series of 60 histologically proven MCN. METHODS: All
      consecutive patients who were operated on with pathological confirmation of MCN
      were included. Careful CT scan evaluation was reviewed without knowledge of
      pathological results. Imaging and pathological results were correlated. RESULTS:
      Sixty patients (59 females) were included. Low- and intermediate-grade dysplasias
      were identified in 47 and 3 patients (benign MCN), respectively, and high-grade
      dysplasia and invasive carcinoma in 7 and 3 patients (malignant MCN),
      respectively. Patients with benign lesions were significantly younger. None of
      the studied clinical data were statistically different to distinguish benign and
      malignant MCN, except age (42 vs. 48 years, p < 0.05). Only maximal diameter and
      mural nodules on CT scan were significantly more frequent in the malignant group.
      No malignant MCN had a maximal diameter <40 mm. At a 40-mm threshold, the
      sensitivity and specificity of the maximal diameter to diagnose malignant MCN
      were 100 and 54%, respectively. Mural nodules seen on CT scan were confirmed in
      all cases but one upon pathological examination of the surgical specimen. The
      sensitivity and specificity of the presence of a mural nodule seen on CT scan for
      the diagnosis of a malignant lesion were 100 and 98%, respectively. CONCLUSION:
      Preoperative CT scan detection of a mural nodule within a cystic pancreatic
      neoplasm suggestive of MCN strongly suggests malignancy. A diameter <40 mm is
      associated with no risk of malignancy.

PMID- 22042245
TI  - Chromatographic purification of highly active yeast ribosomes.
AB  - Eukaryotic ribosomes are much more labile as compared to their eubacterial and
      archael counterparts, thus posing a significant challenge to researchers. 
      Particularly troublesome is the fact that lysis of cells releases a large number
      of proteases and nucleases which can degrade ribosomes.  Thus, it is important to
      separate ribosomes from these enzymes as quickly as possible.  Unfortunately,
      conventional differential ultracentrifugation methods leaves ribosomes exposed to
      these enzymes for unacceptably long periods of time, impacting their structural
      integrity and functionality.  To address this problem, we utilize a
      chromatographic method using a cysteine charged Sulfolink resin.  This simple and
      rapid application significantly reduces co-purifying proteolytic and nucleolytic
      activities, producing high yields of intact, highly biochemically active yeast
      ribosomes.  We suggest that this method should also be applicable to mammalian
      ribosomes.  The simplicity of the method, and the enhanced purity and activity of
      chromatographically purified ribosome represents a significant technical
      advancement for the study of eukaryotic ribosomes.

PMID- 22042246
TI  - A new cyclopamine glucuronide prodrug with improved kinetics of drug release.
AB  - We prepared a new glucuronide prodrug of cyclopamine designed to target
      selectively the Hedgehog signalling pathway of cancer cells. This prodrug
      includes a novel self-immolative linker bearing a hydrophilic side chain that can
      be easily introduced via"click chemistry". With this design, the prodrug exhibits
      reduced toxicity compared to the free drug on U87 glioblastoma cells. However, in
      the presence of beta-glucuronidase, the prodrug conducts to the quick release of
      cyclopamine thereby restoring its antiproliferative activity.

PMID- 22042247
TI  - Response to cutaneous immunization with low-molecular-weight subunit keyhole
      limpet hemocyanin.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study was carried out to determine whether humoral and cellular
      immune responses would be provoked by cutaneous administration of keyhole limpet
      hemocyanin (KLH) and in particular by scarification of the skin (SS). METHODS:
      This was an unblinded, single-center, 8-week pilot study in healthy young adults.
      Twenty-four subjects assigned to 4 groups completed the study. Each group was
      immunized twice, with a 3-week interval, either by SS or intradermally (ID), with
      an SS dose of 50 or 250 MUg and an ID dose of 100 or 250 MUg. Serum was collected
      for antibody assays at baseline and 3 weeks after both the first and second
      immunizations. Delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) testing was performed before
      the first immunization and 3 weeks after the second. RESULTS: In the 250-MUg SS
      group, there was a significant increase from day 0 to day 47 in anti-KLH IgG (p =
      0.02; day 0: 3.46 +/- 5.49 mg/dl, day 47: 7.54 +/- 8.87 mg/dl) and anti-KLH IgA
      (p = 0.04; day 0: 4.78 +/- 9.15 mg/dl, day 47: 11.42 +/- 13.62 mg/dl). One
      subject in each treatment group showed a positive DTH test result representing
      20% (50-MUg SS), 10% (250-MUg SS), 25% (100-MUg ID) and 20% (250-MUg ID) of the
      subjects. CONCLUSIONS: It was possible to induce both humoral and cellular immune
      responses by SS administration despite the limited antigenic potency of the low
      molecular-weight KLH preparation. This approach may be useful for studying the
      mechanisms of immune response in allergic skin diseases such as atopic
      dermatitis.

PMID- 22042249
TI  - One-pot, single-component synthesis of functional emulsion-templated hybrid
      inorganic-organic polymer capsules.
AB  - Multi-purpose amphiphilic branched copolymer surfactants can be used to
      simultaneously stabilise and cross-link emulsion droplets to produce encapsulated
      spheres and hollow capsules.

PMID- 22042248
TI  - Abnormal microRNA expression in Ts65Dn hippocampus and whole blood: contributions
      to Down syndrome phenotypes.
AB  - Down syndrome (DS; trisomy 21) is one of the most common genetic causes of
      intellectual disability, which is attributed to triplication of genes located on
      chromosome 21. Elevated levels of several microRNAs (miRNAs) located on
      chromosome 21 have been reported in human DS heart and brain tissues. The Ts65Dn
      mouse model is the most investigated DS model with a triplicated segment of mouse
      chromosome 16 harboring genes orthologous to those on human chromosome 21. Using
      ABI TaqMan miRNA arrays, we found a set of miRNAs that were significantly up- or
      downregulated in the Ts65Dn hippocampus compared to euploid controls.
      Furthermore, miR-155 and miR-802 showed significant overexpression in the Ts65Dn
      hippocampus, thereby confirming results of previous studies. Interestingly, miR
      155 and miR-802 were also overexpressed in the Ts65Dn whole blood but not in lung
      tissue. We also found overexpression of the miR-155 precursors, pri- and pre-miR
      155 derived from the miR-155 host gene, known as B cell integration cluster,
      suggesting enhanced biogenesis of miR-155. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that
      neurodevelopment, differentiation of neuroglia, apoptosis, cell cycle, and
      signaling pathways including ERK/MAPK, protein kinase C, phosphatidylinositol 3
      kinase, m-TOR and calcium signaling are likely targets of these miRNAs. We
      selected some of these potential gene targets and found downregulation of mRNA
      encoding Ship1, Mecp2 and Ezh2 in Ts65Dn hippocampus. Interestingly, the miR-155
      target gene Ship1 (inositol phosphatase) was also downregulated in Ts65Dn whole
      blood but not in lung tissue. Our findings provide insights into miRNA-mediated
      gene regulation in Ts65Dn mice and their potential contribution to impaired
      hippocampal synaptic plasticity and neurogenesis, as well as hemopoietic
      abnormalities observed in DS.

PMID- 22042250
TI  - Association between leptin levels and doses of clomethiazole during alcohol
      withdrawal: a pilot study.
AB  - AIMS: The issue of leptin as a putative state marker of alcohol use and its role
      in craving has been raised in the last few years. Recently, a strong GABA-ergic
      modulation of leptin was postulated. The aim of the pilot study was to examine
      leptin levels in correlation with the strongly GABA-mimetic active substance
      clomethiazole. The main hypothesis was that higher doses of the strong GABA
      mimetic clomethiazole are positively correlated with higher leptin levels.
      METHODS: Twenty-eight alcohol-dependent patients (3 females, median age 36 years)
      undergoing alcohol withdrawal were included. In 18 patients with and 10 without
      clomethiazole, serum leptin was analyzed at day 1 and day 7 of alcohol
      withdrawal. Both groups did not differ by age, BMI, or alcohol use
      characteristics. RESULTS: In the clomethiazole group, significant correlations
      were found between leptin levels at day 1 and clomethiazole dose (p = 0.004),
      clomethiazole and leptin at day 1/BMI (p = 0.009) and leptin at day 1 and
      clomethiazole/body surface (p = 0.006). Furthermore, patients with higher
      clomethiazole doses demonstrated significant higher leptin levels at day 1 (p =
      0.044) and day 7 (p = 0.046). CONCLUSIONS: Our pilot data show a strong
      association between leptin levels and clomethiazole doses, thus supporting
      further research.

PMID- 22042251
TI  - How to connect an IgE-driven response with CTL activity?
AB  - One of the goals of cell-based immune therapy in cancer is the induction of tumor
      specific cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) responses. To achieve this objective, the
      ability of dendritic cells (DC) to cross-present tumor antigens can be exploited.
      One of the most efficient pathways for the induction of CTLs by cross
      presentation is mediated by immunoglobulins of the IgG class, which are used by
      DCs to sample antigen in the form of immune complexes via Fc-gamma receptors.
      Could DCs use an IgE-mediated cross-presentation mechanism in a comparable manner
      to induce CTLs? We here discuss the potential of two human IgE Fc receptors,
      FcepsilonRI and FcepsilonRII, to serve as antigen uptake receptors for IgE
      mediated cross-presentation. We conclude that the existence of an IgE-mediated
      cross-presentation pathway would provide a direct link between IgE-driven immune
      responses and CTL activity.

PMID- 22042252
TI  - Utility of PCA3 in patients undergoing repeat biopsy for prostate cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Men with persistently elevated and/or rising PSA levels after
      negative prostate biopsy often undergo multiple repeat biopsies. Prostate cancer
      antigen 3 (PCA3) has emerged as a predictor of prostate cancer. METHODS: We
      sought to define the utility of PCA3 in combination with other clinical data in
      predicting the risk of prostate cancer on repeat biopsy. We retrospectively
      obtained PCA3, PSA, PSA density (PSAD), digital rectal examination (DRE) and
      transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) findings from 103 patients at a single institution
      who had at least one prior negative prostate biopsy. The sensitivity and
      specificity of PCA3 in detecting prostate cancer was determined. Receiver
      operating characteristics curves were produced for each variable individually and
      in multivariable analysis, controlling for PCA3, PSAD, TRUS, PSA and DRE. A
      nomogram was created, internally validated and compared to another recently
      published nomogram. RESULTS: Of the 103 patients, 37 (31%) had prostate cancer on
      repeat biopsy. The sensitivity and specificity of PCA3 (using a cut point of 25)
      was 0.67 and 0.64, respectively. In multivariable analyses, PCA3 was
      independently associated with prostate cancer (odds ratio: 1.02, 95% confidence
      interval: 1.01-1.04), with area under the curve (AUC) of 0.64. A multivariable
      model containing PCA3, PSAD, PSA, DRE and TRUS findings showed the most
      diagnostic accuracy (AUC: 0.82). CONCLUSIONS: In the setting of prior negative
      biopsies, PCA3 was independently associated with prostate cancer in a
      multivariable model. In combination with other clinical data, PCA3 is a valuable
      tool in assessing the risk of prostate cancer on repeat biopsy.

PMID- 22042253
TI  - Lanthanide-doped chitosan nanospheres as cell nuclei illuminator and fluorescent
      nonviral vector for plasmid DNA delivery.
AB  - Lanthanide-doped chitosan nanospheres (LDCNs) and lanthanide-Fe(3)O(4)-doped
      chitosan nanospheres (Fe(3)O(4)-LDCNs) are fabricated and show fluorescence, MRI
      effectiveness and desirable biocompatibility. Superior to most nanoparticles that
      were found retained in cytoplasmic organelles rather than the nucleus, the
      prepared chitosan nanospheres preferentially enter and illuminate the cell
      nuclei. Complexation of plasmid DNA (pDNA) to the nanospheres was accomplished
      via electrostatic forces between positively charged chitosan and negatively
      charged pDNA. Satisfactory results of the complexation indicate that the prepared
      chitosan nanospheres can serve as a potential fluorescent nonviral vector for
      pDNA delivery that can fulfill gene delivery and transfer efficiency assessment
      simultaneously, without an additional step of tagging fluorophores to the vectors
      carried out in fabrications of currently available pDNA delivery vectors.

PMID- 22042254
TI  - The maintenance gap: a new theoretical perspective on the evolution of aging.
AB  - One of the prevailing theories of aging, the disposable soma theory, views aging
      as the result of the accumulation of damage through imperfect maintenance. Aging,
      then, is explained from an evolutionary perspective by asserting that this lack
      of maintenance exists because the required resources are better invested in
      reproduction. However, the amount of maintenance necessary to prevent aging,
      'maintenance requirement' has so far been largely neglected and has certainly not
      been considered from an evolutionary perspective. To our knowledge we are the
      first to do so, and arrive at the conclusion that all maintenance requirement
      needs an evolutionary explanation. Increases in maintenance requirement can only
      be selected for if these are linked with either higher fecundity or better
      capabilities to cope with environmental challenges to the integrity of the
      organism. Several observations are suggestive of the latter kind of trade-off,
      the existence of which leads to the inevitable conclusion that the level of
      maintenance requirement is in principle unbound. Even the allocation of all
      available resources to maintenance could be unable to stop aging in some
      organisms. This has major implications for our understanding of the aging process
      on both the evolutionary and the mechanistic level. It means that the expected
      effect of measures to reallocate resources to maintenance from reproduction may
      be small in some species. We need to have an idea of how much maintenance is
      necessary in the first place. Our explorations of how natural selection is
      expected to act on the maintenance requirement provides the first step in
      understanding this.

PMID- 22042256
TI  - A bis-bipyridine osmium(II) complex with an N,S-chelating 2-aminoethanesulfinate:
      photoinduced conversion of an amine to an imine donor group by air oxidation.
AB  - Treatment of [Os(bpy)(2)Cl(2)] (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine) with 2-aminoethanethiolate
      was accompanied by air oxidation to give [Os(2-aminoethanesulfinato
      N,S)(bpy)(2)](+) ([1](+)), which was further oxidized by air to be converted into
      [Os(2-iminoethanesulfinato-N,S)(bpy)(2)](+) ([2](+)) under photoirradiation.
      Complex [2](+) was reverted back to [1](+) by treatment with BH(4)(-).

PMID- 22042255
TI  - The prevalence of triggers in paediatric migraine: a questionnaire study in 102
      children and adolescents.
AB  - The prevalence and characterization of migraine triggers have not been rigorously
      studied in children and adolescents. Using a questionnaire, we retrospectively
      studied the prevalence of 15 predefined trigger factors in a clinic-based
      population. In 102 children and adolescents fulfilling the Second Edition of The
      International Headache Classification criteria for paediatric migraine, at least
      one migraine trigger was reported by the patient and/or was the parents'
      interpretation in 100% of patients. The mean number of migraine triggers reported
      per subject was 7. Mean time elapsed between exposure to a trigger factor and
      attack onset was comprised between 0 and 3 h in 88 patients (86%). The most
      common individual trigger was stress (75.5% of patients), followed by lack of
      sleep (69.6%), warm climate (68.6%) and video games (64.7%). Stress was also the
      most frequently reported migraine trigger always associated with attacks (24.5%).
      In conclusion, trigger factors were frequently reported by children and
      adolescents with migraine and stress was the most frequent.

PMID- 22042257
TI  - Lymphomatoid papulosis followed by pityriasis lichenoides: a common pathogenesis?
AB  - Pityriasis lichenoides (PL) and lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) are uncommon
      idiopathic eruptions with overlapping clinical and histological features.
      Although current opinion indicates that PL and LyP are distinct and separate
      entities, molecular genetic evidence of T-cell clonality in both conditions
      suggests that an etiopathogenic relationship may exist. We report a patient who
      was diagnosed with LyP type B in 1985 followed by PL after 11 years. We
      hypothesize that LyP followed by PL in the same patient reflects differences in
      the host immune response to a common antigenic stimulus.

PMID- 22042258
TI  - Intravascular schwannoma.
AB  - Schwannoma is defined as a benign nerve sheath neoplasm of Schwann cell origin.
      Cutaneous schwannoma typically manifests along the course of peripheral nerves as
      a solitary, well-defined, skin-colored nodule within the deep dermis or subcutis
      of the flexor aspects of the extremities. Schwannoma enlarges slowly and
      typically follows a benign course, with local recurrence and malignant
      transformation being exceedingly rare. Although involvement of the vasculature by
      neurofibroma has been rarely reported, intravascular schwannoma has not been
      documented to date. We present a unique case of cutaneous schwannoma, as
      confirmed by histological morphology and immunohistochemistry, within the dermal
      venous system. Presentation of this case is followed by a discussion of the
      differential diagnoses of schwannoma, the possible etiologies of the extension of
      this lesion into the vasculature, and the significance of such a phenomenon.

PMID- 22042259
TI  - The differential diagnosis between primary cutaneous large B-cell lymphoma and
      cutaneous follicular lymphoma: prognostic and therapeutic implications.
AB  - The differential diagnosis between primary cutaneous diffuse large B-cell
      lymphoma and cutaneous follicular lymphoma is one of the most difficult aspects
      of dermatopathology, even though morphological criteria are well established and
      a wide panel of antibodies is available to every laboratory. Such diagnosis is,
      however, not trivial because it has important prognostic and therapeutic
      implications. Nevertheless, when the literature is reviewed, there is a feeling
      that the diagnostic deficits from the past could perhaps be responsible for the
      differences observed in the therapeutic results with less aggressive treatments,
      such as rituximab. The current report briefly revises some cases of primary
      cutaneous diffuse large B-cell lymphoma treated with rituximab, which have been
      reported in the literature. It also presents an additional case emphasizing the
      current approach to the differential diagnosis.

PMID- 22042260
TI  - Calcified bodies in New World cutaneous leishmaniasis.
AB  - We report a case of a 9-year-old boy who presented with 2 lesions that were
      compatible clinically with cutaneous leishmaniasis of the New World. A skin
      biopsy showed tuberculoid granulomas with rounded calcified bodies. The diagnosis
      was supported by a positive leishmanin test and a positive polymerase chain
      reaction. The patient responded to specific treatment for leishmaniasis. These
      calcified bodies, described under different names in the literature (Michaelis
      Gutmann bodies, Schaumann bodies, psammoma bodies, or conchoidal bodies), have
      been reported in an experimental leishmaniasis and, only once before, in a case
      of human leishmaniasis of the Old World.

PMID- 22042261
TI  - Nonnecrobiotic necrobiotic xanthogranuloma as an initial manifestation of
      paraproteinemia and small lymphocytic lymphoma in a patient with Sjogren
      syndrome.
AB  - We report a unique case of periocular nonnecrobiotic necrobiotic xanthogranuloma
      in a 52-year-old white woman with Sjogren syndrome who was subsequently found to
      have an immunoglobulin G paraproteinemia and coexisting small lymphocytic
      lymphoma. Therapy with fludarabine, cytoxan, and rituximab (FCR) resulted in a
      dramatic resolution of her sicca symptoms and periocular xanthogranulomas. This
      case further illustrates the association of hematolymphoid disorders with
      cutaneous xanthogranulomatous disease and the importance of additional
      appropriate laboratory and radiologic investigation for the accurate diagnosis of
      an underlying malignancy.

PMID- 22042262
TI  - Cutaneous granulomatous reaction after herpes zoster in drug-induced
      hypersensitivity syndrome.

PMID- 22042263
TI  - Ossifying trichilemmal cyst.
AB  - Although a trichilemmal cyst is a relatively common benign cutaneous condition
      and ossification has been observed within many cutaneous lesions to our
      knowledge, the association between ossification and trichilemmal cyst has not
      been previously reported. We describe for the first time the case of a
      trichilemmal cyst with marked osseous metaplasia arising on the scalp of a 46
      year-old woman. Microscopically the lesion showed the typical features of a
      trichilemmal cyst with the finding of intra-extraluminal foci of calcification
      and the exceptional feature of mature bone formation. No areas of mature
      cartilage were observed near the focus of ossification. The cutaneous bone may
      have been directly formed from osteogenic stromal elements without a
      cartilaginous precursor (membranous or mesenchymal ossification). The dystrophic
      calcification might also contribute to the bone-forming process.

PMID- 22042264
TI  - A "high-risk" epithelioid hemangioendothelioma presenting as a solitary,
      ulcerated, subcutaneous tumor.
AB  - So-called "high-risk" epithelioid hemangioendotheliomas are uncommon neoplasms
      that demonstrate classic histopathologic features of epithelioid
      hemangioendotheliomas and a size larger than 3 cm or >3 mitotic figures per 50
      high power fields. These neoplasms show an increased rate of metastasis (25% of
      cases) and are associated with a poor 5-year survival (59%). They may pose a
      diagnostic challenge for dermatopathologists as they mimic metastatic carcinoma,
      malignant mixed tumor, melanocytic neoplasms, epithelioid sarcoma, and
      epithelioid angiosarcoma. High-risk epithelioid hemangioendothelioma has not been
      previously reported as a solitary ulcerated mass in the skin. Here, we describe
      one such lesion that developed as a rapidly growing ulcerative skin tumor in a 33
      year-old African American man with a remote history of Burkitt lymphoma. We also
      review the evolution and controversies in the understanding and classification of
      this neoplasm.

PMID- 22042267
TI  - Diversity of 16S rRNA genes from bacteria of sugarcane rhizosphere soil.
AB  - Sugarcane is an important agricultural product of Brazil, with a total production
      of more than 500 million tons. Knowledge of the bacterial community associated
      with agricultural crops and the soil status is a decisive step towards
      understanding how microorganisms influence crop productivity. However, most
      studies aim to isolate endophytic or rhizosphere bacteria associated with the
      plant by culture-dependent approaches. Culture-independent approaches allow a
      more comprehensive view of entire bacterial communities in the environment. In
      the present study, we have used this approach to assess the bacterial community
      in the rhizosphere soil of sugarcane at different times and under different
      nitrogen fertilization conditions. At the high taxonomic level, few differences
      between samples were observed, with the phylum Proteobacteria (29.6%)
      predominating, followed by Acidobacteria (23.4%), Bacteroidetes (12.1%),
      Firmicutes (10.2%), and Actinobacteria (5.6%). The exception was the
      Verrucomicrobia phylum whose prevalence in N-fertilized soils was approximately
      0.7% and increased to 5.2% in the non-fertilized soil, suggesting that this group
      may be an indicator of nitrogen availability in soils. However, at low taxonomic
      levels a higher diversity was found associated with plants receiving nitrogen
      fertilizer. Bacillus was the most predominant genus, accounting for 19.7% of all
      genera observed. Classically reported nitrogen-fixing and/or plant growth
      promoting bacterial genera, such as Azospirillum, Rhizobium, Mesorhizobium,
      Bradyrhizobium, and Burkholderia were also found although at a lower prevalence.

PMID- 22042266
TI  - Do interactions between gut ecology and environmental chemicals contribute to
      obesity and diabetes?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gut microbiota are important factors in obesity and diabetes, yet
      little is known about their role in the toxicodynamics of environmental
      chemicals, including those recently found to be obesogenic and diabetogenic.
      OBJECTIVES: We integrated evidence that independently links gut ecology and
      environmental chemicals to obesity and diabetes, providing a framework for
      suggesting how these environmental factors may interact with these diseases, and
      identified future research needs. METHODS: We examined studies with germ-free or
      antibiotic-treated laboratory animals, and human studies that evaluated how
      dietary influences and microbial changes affected obesity and diabetes. Strengths
      and weaknesses of studies evaluating how environmental chemical exposures may
      affect obesity and diabetes were summarized, and research gaps on how gut ecology
      may affect the disposition of environmental chemicals were identified. RESULTS:
      Mounting evidence indicates that gut microbiota composition affects obesity and
      diabetes, as does exposure to environmental chemicals. The toxicology and
      pharmacology literature also suggests that interindividual variations in gut
      microbiota may affect chemical metabolism via direct activation of chemicals,
      depletion of metabolites needed for biotransformation, alteration of host
      biotransformation enzyme activities, changes in enterohepatic circulation,
      altered bioavailability of environmental chemicals and/or antioxidants from food,
      and alterations in gut motility and barrier function. CONCLUSIONS: Variations in
      gut microbiota are likely to affect human toxicodynamics and increase individual
      exposure to obesogenic and diabetogenic chemicals. Combating the global obesity
      and diabetes epidemics requires a multifaceted approach that should include
      greater emphasis on understanding and controlling the impact of interindividual
      gut microbe variability on the disposition of environmental chemicals in humans.

PMID- 22042268
TI  - The effect of microgravity on tissue structure and function of rat testis.
AB  - To explore whether an environment of weightlessness will cause damage to the
      reproductive system of animals, we used the tail-suspension model to simulate
      microgravity, and investigated the effect of microgravity on the tissue structure
      and function of the testis in sexually mature male rats. Forty-eight male Wistar
      rats weighing 200-250 g were randomly assigned to three groups (N = 16 each):
      control, tail traction, and tail suspension. After the rats were suspended for 7
      or 14 days, morphological changes of testis were evaluated by histological and
      electron microscopic methods. The expression of HSP70, bax/bcl-2 and AR (androgen
      receptor) in testis was measured by immunohistochemistry. Obvious pathological
      lesions were present in the testis after the rats were suspended for 7 or 14
      days. We detected overexpression of HSP70 and an increase of apoptotic cells,
      which may have contributed to the injury to the testis. The expression of AR, as
      an effector molecule in the testis, was significantly decreased in the suspended
      groups compared to control (P < 0.01). We also observed that, with a longer time
      of suspension, the aforementioned pathological damage became more serious and
      some pathological injury to the testis was irreversible. The results demonstrated
      that a short- or medium-term microgravity environment could lead to severe
      irreversible damage to the structure of rat testis.

PMID- 22042269
TI  - New frontiers of primary antibody deficiencies.
AB  - Primary antibody deficiencies (PAD) form the largest group of inherited disorders
      of the immune system. They are characterized by a marked reduction or absence of
      serum immunoglobulins (Ig) due to disturbed B cell differentiation and by a poor
      response to vaccination. PAD can be divided into agammaglobulinemia, Ig class
      switch recombination deficiencies, and idiopathic hypogammaglobulinemia. Over the
      past 20 years, defects have been identified in 18 different genes, but in many
      PAD patients the underlying gene defects have not been found. Diagnosis of known
      PAD and discovery of new PAD is important for good patient care. In this review,
      we present the effects of genetic defects in the context of normal B cell
      differentiation, and we discuss how new technical developments can support
      understanding and discovering new genetic defects in PAD.

PMID- 22042270
TI  - Nanobiochips.
AB  - The actual progress towards biological chip devices consisting of nanostructured
      functional entities is summarized. The practical aspects of molecular
      nanobiochips are discussed, including the main surface chemistry platforms, as
      well as conventional and unconventional fabrication tools. Several successful
      biological demonstrations of the first generation of nanobiochip devices (mainly,
      different nanoarrays) are highlighted with the aim of revealing the potential of
      this technology in life sciences, medicine, and related areas.

PMID- 22042271
TI  - CD95-mediated cell signaling in cancer: mutations and post-translational
      modulations.
AB  - Apoptosis has emerged as a fundamental process important in tissue homeostasis,
      immune response, and during development. CD95 (also known as Fas), a member of
      the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNF-R) superfamily, has been initially cloned
      as a death receptor. Its cognate ligand, CD95L, is mainly found at the plasma
      membrane of activated T-lymphocytes and natural killer cells where it contributes
      to the elimination of transformed and infected cells. According to its
      implication in the immune homeostasis and immune surveillance, and since several
      malignant cells of various histological origins exhibit loss-of-function
      mutations, which cause resistance towards the CD95-mediated apoptotic signal,
      CD95 has been classified as a tumor suppressor gene. Nevertheless, this
      assumption has been recently challenged, as in certain pathophysiological
      contexts, CD95 engagement transmits non-apoptotic signals that promote
      inflammation, carcinogenesis or liver/peripheral nerve regeneration. The focus of
      this review is to discuss these apparent contradictions of the known function(s)
      of CD95.

PMID- 22042272
TI  - Ten experiments that would make a difference in understanding immune mechanisms.
AB  - Jacques Monod used to say, "Never trust an experiment that is not supported by a
      good theory." Theory or conceptualization permits us to put order or structure
      into a vast amount of data in a way that increases understanding. Validly
      competing theories are most useful when they make testably disprovable
      predictions. Illustrating the theory-experiment interaction is the goal of this
      exercise. Stated bleakly, the answers derived from the theory-based experiments
      described here would impact dramatically on how we understand immune behavior.

PMID- 22042273
TI  - Asparaginases:  a successful class of drugs against leukemias and lymphomas.

PMID- 22042274
TI  - Analysis of significant decrease in platelet count and thrombocytopenia, graded
      according to NCI-CTC, as prognostic risk markers for mortality and morbidity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In adult intensive care unit, both thrombocytopenia (TP) and >=30%
      decrease in platelet count are associated with increased mortality, morbidity,
      and length of stay (LOS). The above mentioned observations have not been well
      reported in pediatric population. National Cancer Institute (NCI) common
      terminology criteria (CTC) is mainly used to report the adverse effects of cancer
      therapy, but not for grading TP. METHOD: Retrospective review of medical records
      was done for 204 patients. TP was graded according to the NCI-CTC. Each grade of
      TP and significant decrease (>=30%) in platelet count were studied for their
      association with LOS, mortality, and morbidity such as hospital-acquired
      pneumonia and positive blood culture. Four study groups were formed according to
      presence and/or absence of TP and significant decrease in platelet count. These
      groups were also studied for their association with mortality and LOS. RESULTS:
      Both >=30% decrease in platelets and TP (58.3% and 25% of patients, respectively)
      were associated with higher mortality and longer LOS (P<0.0001). Both have
      association also with infection. There was a trend of increased mortality with
      higher TP grade. Grade 4 TP was significantly associated with increased LOS
      (P=0.0001). When compared with neither group, groups with positive significant
      decrease were associated with higher mortality and LOS, even in the absence of
      TP. CONCLUSIONS: We can use the NCI-CTC for classification of TP, which would
      enable the standardization of TP grading system. A >=30% decrease in platelet
      count, even without TP, is a prognostic risk marker for mortality, morbidity, and
      LOS.

PMID- 22042275
TI  - Thalassemia-like phenotype in a novel complex hemoglobinopathy with alpha, beta,
      delta globin chain abnormalities.
AB  - The occurrence of multiple abnormalities of alpha, beta, delta, and gamma globin
      genes may lead to unusual and complex phenotypes when they arise simultaneously
      in the same individual. Here, we report the findings of an African American boy
      who coinherited 3 heterozygous globin gene abnormalities: the unstable beta
      globin chain variant; hemoglobin (Hb) Showa-Yakushiji [beta110(G12) Leu->Pro],
      the delta-globin chain variant; HbB2 [delta16(A13) Gly->Arg] and alpha
      thalassemia (alpha-thal); (alpha-/alphaalpha). Hb Showa-Yakushiji had been
      previously described in Japanese, Indian, and European populations. We report its
      first occurrence in a child of African ancestry who presented with anemia not
      responsive to iron and an incomplete beta-thalassemia minor phenotype. Although
      the clinical and laboratory features of Hb Showa-Yakushiji mimic those of a beta
      thalassemia, the coinheritance of the delta-globin chain variant Hb B2 suppressed
      the relative increase in Hb A2 usually observed in heterozygotes for the Hb Showa
      Yakushiji mutation. Protein-based methods detected only a trace amount of HbB2
      and failed to reveal presence of Hb Showa-Yakushiji and alpha-thal. The latter
      were only identified through DNA analyses. The diagnostic difficulties, molecular
      characteristics, and genotype/phenotype correlations of this novel complex
      hemoglobinopathy syndrome are reviewed.

PMID- 22042276
TI  - Reirradiation and concomitant metronomic temozolomide:  an efficient combination
      for local control in medulloblastoma disease?
AB  - Medulloblastoma (MB) is the most common malignant pediatric brain tumor and a
      rare adulthood tumor. Twenty percent to 30% of patients relapses and displays a
      poor prognosis. The management of recurrent disease represents a medical
      challenge as salvage therapy with high-dose chemotherapy is disappointing. We
      report a pilot study of reirradiation and concomitant metronomic temozolomide of
      MB focal recurrence. Five patients from 10 to 27 years old at time of first
      diagnosis were treated initially with upfront radiation therapy at full dose.
      They relapsed focally and progressed under chemotherapy with a time recurrence
      ranged from 2 to 15 years after initial diagnosis. Patients were then treated
      with 3-dimensional conformal reirradiation focused on the relapsed disease with a
      median dose of 28 Gy (1.8 Gy per fraction) and concomitant temozolomide (75
      mg/m/d) alone or as part of a multidrug metronomic regimen. Five complete
      responses were obtained at the end of metronomic radiochemotherapy. The median
      follow-up was 28 months. At last follow-up, 3 patients progressed outside
      radiation field under maintenance chemotherapy, and 1 is free of disease. Only 1
      patient relapsed in the reirradiation field. No neurological toxicity was
      observed. These results indicate a possible radiosensitizing effect of
      concomitant metronomic temozolomide with radiation therapy. This association
      could play a role in the management of high-risk MB patient with oligometastasis
      disease to increase local control.

PMID- 22042277
TI  - Polyethylene Glycol-conjugated L-asparaginase versus native L-asparaginase in
      combination with standard agents for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
      in second bone marrow relapse: a Children's Oncology Group Study (POG 8866).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Administration of L-asparaginase is limited by hypersensitivity
      reactions mediated by anti-asparaginase antibodies. To overcome this problem,
      native Escherichia coli L-asparaginase was conjugated to polyethylene glycol
      (PEG) to formulate PEG-L-asparaginase, a preparation with decreased
      immunogenicity and increased circulating half-life. In early trials, PEG-L
      asparaginase was tolerated by patients known to be hypersensitive to the native
      E. coli product. METHODS: The Pediatric Oncology Group conducted a phase II,
      randomized trial to compare the efficacy and toxicity of PEG-L-asparaginase
      compared with native E. coli asparaginase in children with acute lymphoblastic
      leukemia in second bone marrow relapse. All patients (n=76) received standard
      doses of vincristine and prednisone. Nonhypersensitive patients (n=34) were
      randomized to receive either PEG-L-asparaginase of 2500 IU/m/dose intramuscularly
      on days 1 and 15 (treatment I) or native E. coli asparaginase of 10,000 IU/m/dose
      intramuscularly on days 1, 3, 5, 8, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, and 26 (treatment
      II). Patients with a clinical history of an allergic reaction to unmodified
      asparaginase were directly assigned to treatment with PEG-L-asparaginase (n=42).
      Asparaginase levels and anti-asparaginase antibody titers were monitored in all
      patients. Response and toxicity were scored using conventional criteria. RESULTS:
      The complete response rate for the total study population was 41%. There was no
      difference in complete response between patients randomized to PEG (47%) and
      native asparaginase (41%). PEG was well tolerated even in patients with prior
      allergic reactions to native asparaginase. PEG half-life was shorter in patients
      with prior allergy. CONCLUSIONS: PEG asparaginase is a useful agent in patients
      with allergic reactions to native asparaginase.

PMID- 22042278
TI  - In silico engineering of L-asparaginase to have reduced glutaminase side activity
      for effective treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
AB  - L-Asparaginase, an enzyme drug used for the treatment of acute lymphoblastic
      leukemia and its effective usage in clinical arena is complicated owing to the
      significant Glutaminase side activity. To develop variants of the enzyme with
      reduced Glutaminase activity, in silico mutagenesis was done by replacing amino
      acids in the vicinity of the ligand binding site. It was identified that
      replacement of enzyme's active site amino acid Asp96 with Alanine decreased the
      Glutaminase activity by 30% and also increased the Asparaginase activity by 40%.
      Docking studies were carried out by Autodock 4.0 and binding energy for native
      enzyme when docked with glutamine was found to be -8.08 Kcal/mole, whereas for
      mutated protein it was found to be -5.97 Kcal/mole. It was also observed that
      replacement of active site with amino acids other than alanine did not show
      considerable change in both Asparaginase and Glutaminase activities. The designed
      enzyme model with reduced Glutaminase side activity may help to develop a variant
      of enzyme drug through protein engineering by site-directed mutagenesis and thus
      to produce a drug with reduced side effect for treating acute lymphoblastic
      leukemia in children.

PMID- 22042279
TI  - Acquired von Willebrand disease in an osteosarcoma patient.
AB  - Acquired von Willebrand disease is likely underdiagnosed due to the clinical
      variability in presentation and variety of conditions, including
      lymphoproliferative and myeloproliferative syndromes, autoimmunity, solid tumors,
      hypothyroidism, and cardiovascular disease, in which it can present. Pediatric
      patients with Wilms tumor have been reported in the literature with acquired von
      Willebrand disease and it has been theorized to occur in other pediatric solid
      tumors. Here we present the first reported case of acquired von Willebrand
      disease secondary to osteosarcoma in an adolescent patient, resolving
      spontaneously with treatment of her underlying disease.

PMID- 22042280
TI  - Co-occurrence of Chiari malformations and sickle cell disease-a diagnostic
      dilemma: a report of 4 cases and review of literature.
AB  - The co-occurrence of sickle cell disease (SCD) and Chiari malformation (CM) poses
      clinical and diagnostic challenge since symptoms of both conditions may overlap.
      Although SCD and CM do not have a causal relationship, the overlapping neurologic
      symptoms may pose a diagnostic dilemma. To the best of our knowledge, the
      clinical manifestations and long-term consequence of CM in children with SCD has
      hitherto not been reported in the literature. We describe clinical manifestations
      of co-occurrence of SCD and CM in a case series of 4 African American children.

PMID- 22042281
TI  - A patient with familial bone marrow failure and an inversion of chromosome 8.
AB  - Familial bone marrow failure has been associated with a variety of chromosomal
      aberrations. Chromosome 8 abnormalities have been described in association with
      neoplastic and hematologic disorders; however, to our knowledge, inversion of the
      long arm of chromosome 8 has not been described in the context of familial bone
      marrow failure. We describe a 9-year-old female with familial bone marrow failure
      and an inversion of chromosome 8 [inv (8) (q22, q24.3)]. Given the importance of
      considering the genetic determinants of familial bone marrow failure, the
      potential role of chromosome 8 abnormalities in the development of marrow failure
      is discussed.

PMID- 22042282
TI  - Cutaneous Ewing sarcoma: report of 2 cases and literature review of presentation,
      treatment, and outcome of 76 other reported cases.
AB  - Cutaneous Ewing sarcoma is a rare variant that has been poorly characterized and
      has no standard therapy. We report 2 patients with cutaneous Ewing sarcoma and
      review 76 other cases reported in the literature for demographics, presentation,
      treatment, and outcome. Only 2 patients presented with metastatic disease, and
      only 8 patients developed metastatic disease. Ninety-one percent of all patients
      are alive despite wide variations in treatment regimens. On the basis of this
      summary, treatment consisting of local control with surgery and/or radiation and
      abbreviated chemotherapy is proposed as a treatment option for this less
      aggressive Ewing sarcoma.

PMID- 22042283
TI  - Oral voriconazole versus intravenous low dose amphotericin B for primary
      antifungal prophylaxis in pediatric acute leukemia induction:  a prospective,
      randomized, clinical study.
AB  - PURPOSE: Invasive fungal infections (IFI) are a major cause of infection-related
      mortality during induction chemotherapy of acute leukemia (AL) patients. Data on
      antifungal prophylaxis (AFP) in children are limited by retrospective design,
      small sample size, and variability of chemotherapy phases having different risk
      of IFI. There are no data comparing voriconazole versus amphotericin B (AmB) as
      AFP in either adult/pediatric AL. The objectives of this study were to compare
      efficacy and toxicity of AmB and voriconazole as AFP in pediatric AL patients.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: As a pilot study, total 100 children (<=15 y) with denovo
      acute myeloid leukemia and acute lymphoblastic leukemia were randomized to either
      oral voriconazole or low dose intravenous AmB as AFP during induction
      chemotherapy. RESULTS: Failure of prophylaxis occurred in 14/50 patients in
      voriconazole arm (1 proven mucormycosis, 1 possible IFI, 11 empirical antifungal
      therapy, and 1 withdrawal owing to hepatotoxicity) and 17/50 patients in AmB arm
      (3 possible IFI, 13 empirical antifungal therapy, and 1 withdrawal owing to
      difficult venous access) (P=0.66). Of the 29 patients who had failure of
      prophylaxis unrelated to drug toxicity, computed tomography of the chest showed
      infiltrates in 10 patients with 3/12 in voriconazole arm and 7/16 in AmB arm
      (P=0.43). Drug-related serious adverse events were 6% versus 30% in voriconazole
      and AmB arms, respectively (P<0.01). Further, total number of toxicities per
      patient in AmB arm were significantly higher as compared with voriconazole arm
      (P<0.0001). CONCLUSION: This is the first randomized study comparing voriconazole
      with AmB in pediatric AL patients as AFP during induction chemotherapy; our
      results showed that oral voriconazole seems to be comparable with AmB with less
      toxicity and more convenience. (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00624143).

PMID- 22042284
TI  - A novel splice site mutation in ANTXR2 (CMG2) gene results in systemic
      hyalinosis.
AB  - Systemic hyalinosis is a rare autosomal recessive inheritance disease
      characterized by accumulation of amorphous, unidentified hyaline material in skin
      and other organs, which leads to papulonodular skin lesions, gingival
      hypertrophy, flexion contractures of the joints, and large subcutaneous tumors.
      It is composed of 2 allelic syndromes, infantile systemic hyalinosis and juvenile
      hyaline fibromatosis. Here we describe a patient with juvenile hyaline
      fibromatosis confirmed by clinical and histopathologic findings, and genetic
      analysis, which revealed a novel homozygous splice site mutation IVS14+1G->T on
      exon 14 in anthrax toxin receptor 2 gene.

PMID- 22042285
TI  - In Utero diagnosis and management of a fetus with homozygous alpha-Thalassemia in
      the second trimester: a case report and literature review.
AB  - Alpha thalassemia with the absence of 4 alpha-globin genes leads to fetal hydrops
      and fetal death from anemia. Historically considered a lethal condition, optimal
      in utero management of homozygous alpha-thalassemia is unclear. A fetus of
      Filipino descent at 26 weeks gestation presented with ultrasound evidence of
      anemia. Cordocentesis confirmed anemia and homozygous alpha-thalassemia (--/--).
      Intrauterine transfusion corrected anemia but fetal growth restriction and
      oligohydramnios persisted. Intrauterine exchange transfusion improved hemoglobin
      parameters, fetal growth, and oligohydramnios. The late preterm infant was
      delivered with classic limb reduction defects. Hemoglobin Bart's is nonfunctional
      for oxygen transport, and intrauterine exchange transfusion may be effective
      first-line therapy and further investigation is warranted.

PMID- 22042286
TI  - Microquantity for macroquality:  case study on the effect of selenium on chronic
      neutropenia.
AB  - Chronic neutropenia is a myeloid hematologic disorder with a broad spectrum of
      etiological factors. Selenium trace element deficiency was recently identified as
      one. We tested the impact of selenium replacement therapy in a patient with
      chronic neutropenia. All known etiological factors of neutropenia were ruled out
      and only selenium deficiency was retained. After administration of selenium in
      the form of seleno-yeast supplement 50 ug daily for 2 month, notable increase in
      white blood cell (WBC) count and absolute neutrophil count (ANC) was recorded.
      The supplementation was discontinued for 2 month and monitoring of WBC and ANC
      revealed gradual decrease of both WBC count and neutrophils. The latter absolute
      count returned to the prior baseline before selenium supplementation. This
      suggested that selenium had a clear effect on correcting the low level of WBC
      specifically neutrophils back to normal level thus reducing the condition of
      neutropenia in this particular patient.

PMID- 22042287
TI  - Primary hepatic Burkitt lymphoma in a child and review of literature.
AB  - Primary hepatic non-Hodgkin lymphoma is extremely rare in childhood and can be
      overlooked in differential diagnosis of liver masses. In this study, we describe
      an unusual case of primary hepatic Burkitt lymphoma in childhood.

PMID- 22042288
TI  - Myelomastocytic Leukemia With t(8;21) in a 3-year-old Child.
AB  - Here we report a 3-year-old boy with myelomastocytic leukemia. The patient
      presented with fatigue and right eye proptosis. Bone marrow revealed acute
      myeloid leukemia with t(8;21) and trisomy 8. Induction therapy produced marked
      reduction in marrow myeloblasts with the emergence of 13% atypical mast cells.
      These cells were subsequently identified in retrospect in the diagnostic marrow
      consistent with myelomastocytic leukemia. His clinical course was notable for the
      difficulty in the eradication of the leukemic process and resembled that of
      adults with systemic mastocytosis with associated hematologic non-mast cell
      lineage disease. To the best of our knowledge, this is the youngest individual
      reported. The implications of mast cell lineage involvement in acute myeloid
      leukemia are reviewed.

PMID- 22042290
TI  - The Trier Social Stress Test protocol for inducing psychological stress.
AB  - This article demonstrates a psychological stress protocol for use in a laboratory
      setting. Protocols that allow researchers to study the biological pathways of the
      stress response in health and disease are fundamental to the progress of research
      in stress and anxiety. Although numerous protocols exist for inducing stress
      response in the laboratory, many neglect to provide a naturalistic context or to
      incorporate aspects of social and psychological stress. Of psychological stress
      protocols, meta-analysis suggests that the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) is the
      most useful and appropriate standardized protocol for studies of stress hormone
      reactivity. In the original description of the TSST, researchers sought to design
      and evaluate a procedure capable of inducing a reliable stress response in the
      majority of healthy volunteers. These researchers found elevations in heart rate,
      blood pressure and several endocrine stress markers in response to the TSST (a
      psychological stressor) compared to a saline injection (a physical stressor).
      Although the TSST has been modified to meet the needs of various research groups,
      it generally consists of a waiting period upon arrival, anticipatory speech
      preparation, speech performance, and verbal arithmetic performance periods,
      followed by one or more recovery periods. The TSST requires participants to
      prepare and deliver a speech, and verbally respond to a challenging arithmetic
      problem in the presence of a socially evaluative audience. Social evaluation and
      uncontrollability have been identified as key components of stress induction by
      the TSST. In use for over a decade, the goal of the TSST is to systematically
      induce a stress response in order to measure differences in reactivity, anxiety
      and activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) or sympathetic-adrenal
      medullary (SAM) axis during the task. Researchers generally assess changes in
      self-reported anxiety, physiological measures (e.g. heart rate), and/or
      neuroendocrine indices (e.g. the stress hormone cortisol) in response to the
      TSST. Many investigators have adopted salivary sampling for stress markers such
      as cortisol and alpha-amylase (a marker of autonomic nervous system activation)
      as an alternative to blood sampling to reduce the confounding stress of blood
      collection techniques. In addition to changes experienced by an individual
      completing the TSST, researchers can compare changes between different treatment
      groups (e.g. clinical versus healthy control samples) or the effectiveness of
      stress-reducing interventions.

PMID- 22042291
TI  - Fluid dynamics simulation of aqueous humour in a posterior-chamber phakic
      intraocular lens with a central perforation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A modified implantable collamer lens (ICL) with a central hole
      (diameter, 0.36 mm), a "Hole-ICL", was created to improve aqueous humour
      circulation. The aim of this study was to investigate the fluid dynamic
      characteristics of aqueous humour in a Hole-ICL using computational fluid
      dynamics. METHODS: Fluid dynamics simulation using an ICL was performed with
      thermal-hydraulic analysis software FloEFD V5 (Mentor Graphics Corp.). For the
      simulation, three-dimensional eye models based on a modified Liou-Brennan model
      eye with conventional ICL (Model ICM, STAAR SURGICAL) and a Hole-ICL were used.
      Both ICLs were -9.0 diopters (D) and 12.0 mm in length, with an optic of 5.5 mm.
      The vaulting was 0.50 mm. The quantity of aqueous humour produced by the ciliary
      body was set at 2.80 MUl/min. Flow distribution between the anterior surface of
      the crystalline lens and the posterior surface of the ICL was also calculated,
      and trajectory analysis was performed. RESULTS: The flow velocity 0.25 mm in
      front of the centre of the crystalline lens was 1.52 * 10(-1) mm/sec for the Hole
      ICL and 1.21 * 10(-5) mm/sec for the conventional ICL. Outward flow from the hole
      in the Hole-ICL was confirmed by trajectory analysis. CONCLUSION: These results
      suggest that Hole-ICLs improve the circulation of aqueous humour to the anterior
      surface of the crystalline lens.

PMID- 22042292
TI  - Effect of Escherichia coli-produced recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein
      2 on the regeneration of canine segmental ulnar defects.
AB  - Because bone morphogenetic protein 2 gene transfected Escherichia coli (E-BMP-2)
      produce recombinant human BMP-2 (rhBMP-2) more efficiently than mammalian cells
      (Chinese hamster ovary [CHO]-BMP-2), they may be a more cost-effective source of
      rhBMP-2 for clinical use. However, use of E-BMP-2 for regenerating long bones in
      large animals has not been reported. In the current study, we evaluated the
      healing efficacy of E-BMP-2 in a canine model. We created 2.5-cm critical-size
      segmental ulnar defects in test animals, then implanted E-BMP-2 and 700 mg of
      artificial bone (beta-tricalcium phosphate; beta-TCP) into the wounds. We
      examined the differential effects of 5 E-BMP-2 treatments (0, 35, 140, 560, and
      2240 MUg) across 5 experimental groups (control, BMP35, BMP140, BMP560, and
      BMP2240). Radiography and computed tomography were used to observe the
      regeneration process. The groups in which higher doses of E-BMP-2 were
      administered (BMP560 and BMP2240) displayed more pronounced bone regeneration;
      the regenerated tissues connected to the host bone, and the cross-sectional areas
      of the regenerated bone were larger than those of the originals. The groups in
      which lower doses of E-BMP-2 were administered (BMP35 and BMP140) experienced
      relatively less bone regeneration; furthermore, the regenerated tissues failed to
      connect to the host bone. In these groups, the cross-sectional areas of the
      regenerated bone were equal to or smaller than those of the originals. No
      regeneration was observed in the control group. These findings suggest that, like
      CHO-BMP-2, E-BMP-2 can be used for the regeneration of large defects in long
      bones and that its clinical use might decrease the cost of bone regeneration
      treatments.

PMID- 22042293
TI  - Regulation of auxin response by miR393-targeted transport inhibitor response
      protein 1 is involved in normal development in Arabidopsis.
AB  - miR393, which is encoded by MIR393a and MIR393b in Arabidopsis, post
      transcriptionally regulates mRNAs for the F-box auxin receptors TIR1 (Transport
      Inhibitor Response Protein 1), AFB1 (Auxin Signaling F-box Protein 1), AFB2 and
      AFB3. However, biological functions of the miR393-TIR1/AFBs module in auxin
      response and plant development is not fully understood. In the study herein, we
      demonstrate that miR393 accumulated in response to exogenous IAA treatment, and
      its induction was due to enhanced MIR393b transcription but not MIR393a.
      Overexpression of a miR393-resistant form of TIR1 (mTIR1) enhanced auxin
      sensitivity and led to pleiotropic effects on plant development including
      inhibition of primary root growth, overproduction of lateral roots, altered leave
      phenotype and delayed flowering. Furthermore, miR393 level was increased in
      35S:mTIR1 plant, suggesting that TIR1 promoted the expression of miR393 by a
      feedback loop. The interaction between miR393 and its target indicates a fine
      adjustment to the roles of the miR393-TIR1 module, which is required for auxin
      responses in plant development.

PMID- 22042294
TI  - Laparoendoscopic single-site lateral pancreaticojejunostomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic pancreatitis is mainly managed with drugs, but surgery is
      required in selected groups of patients. The Partington procedure is still the
      procedure of choice for patients with a dilated main pancreatic duct but without
      an inflammatory pancreatic head mass. The same equivalent can be achieved by
      laparoscopic approach. Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery gained tremendous
      attention in the past few years. Complex surgeries are being reported using this
      technique. We report in this paper the first laparoendoscopic single-site lateral
      pancreaticojejunostomy (LPJ) for chronic calcific pancreatitis with dilated
      pancreatic duct. PATIENT AND METHOD: The procedure was performed on a 32-year-old
      female diagnosed to have chronic calcific pancreatitis. A single vertical 2.5-cm
      umbilical incision and one 10-mm and two 5-mm ports were made. The procedure was
      completed in 220 min without any intraoperative complication. There were no
      postoperative complications, and the patient was discharged on day 5 when she
      started taking routine diet. CONCLUSION: This preliminary experience suggests
      that single-incision laparoscopic LPJ is feasible and safe when performed by an
      experienced laparoscopic surgeon. It has a cosmetic advantage over laparoscopic
      LPJ. However, it remains to be determined if this technique offers additional
      advantages of decreased analgesia, decreased hospital stay or cost effectiveness.
      Further studies are required to analyze these factors.

PMID- 22042295
TI  - DNA-catalyzed reactivity of a phosphoramidate functional group and formation of
      an unusual pyrophosphoramidate linkage.
AB  - During in vitro selection for DNA-catalyzed lysine reactivity, we identified a
      deoxyribozyme that instead catalyzes nucleophilic attack of a phosphoramidate
      functional group at a 5'-triphosphate-RNA, forming an unusual pyrophosphoramidate
      (N-P(V)-O-P(V)) linkage. This finding highlights the relatively poor
      nucleophilicity of nitrogen using nucleic acid catalysts, indicating a major
      challenge for future experimental investigation.

PMID- 22042296
TI  - Preparation of graphene/tetrathiafulvalene nanocomposite switchable surfaces.
AB  - A one step process for simultaneous reduction and functionalization of graphene
      oxide using tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) is described. Chemical oxidation of TTF to
      TTF(2+) using an aqueous solution of Fe(ClO(4))(3) expels the charged molecule
      from the graphene nanosheets, while subsequent immersion in neutral TTF solution
      allows the capture of the TTF molecules.

PMID- 22042297
TI  - The Rick Hansen Spinal Cord Injury Registry (RHSCIR): a national patient
      registry.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Development of a prospective patient registry. OBJECTIVE: To
      develop a patient registry for persons with traumatic spinal cord injuries (SCI),
      which can be used to answer research questions and improve patient outcomes.
      SETTING: Nine provinces in Canada. METHODS: The Rick Hansen Spinal Cord Injury
      Registry (RHSCIR) is part of the Translational Research Program of the Rick
      Hansen Institute. The launch of RHSCIR in 2004 heralded the initiation of the
      first nation-wide SCI patient registry within Canada. Currently, RHSCIR is being
      implemented in 14 cities located in 9 provinces, and there are over 1500
      individuals who have sustained an acute traumatic SCI registered to date. Data
      are captured from the pre-hospital, acute and rehabilitation phases of care, and
      participants are followed in the community at 1, 2, 5 and then every 5 years post
      injury. RESULTS: During the development of RHSCIR, there were many challenges
      that were overcome in selecting data elements, establishing the governance
      structure, and creating a patient privacy and confidentiality framework across
      multiple provincial jurisdictions. The benefits of implementing a national
      registry are now being realized. The collection of an internationally
      standardized set of clinical information is helping inform clinicians of
      beneficial interventions and encouraging a shift towards evidence-based
      practices. Furthermore, through RHSCIR, a network is forming amongst SCI
      clinicians and researchers, which is fostering new collaborations and the launch
      of multi-center clinical trials. CONCLUSIONS: For networks that are establishing
      SCI registries, the experiences and lessons learned in the development of RHSCIR
      may provide useful insights and guidance.

PMID- 22042298
TI  - Associations between psychological factors and quality of life ratings in persons
      with spinal cord injury: a systematic review.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Systematic review. OBJECTIVES: To review the literature on
      relationships between psychological factors and quality of life (QOL) of persons
      with spinal cord injury (SCI). SETTING: NA. METHODS: A systematic literature
      search was conducted in several online databases (PubMed, Embase and PsychInfo).
      Articles were included if they provided quantitative information on associations
      between QOL-related dependent variables and psychological factors as independent
      variables in an SCI population. The search was limited to empirical studies
      published in English. The methodological quality of the included articles was
      assessed. RESULTS: A total of 48 studies were included. Total locus of control,
      sense of coherence, self-worth, hope, purpose in life and positive affect were
      consistently associated with greater QOL. Negative affect and posttraumatic
      cognitions were consistently associated with lower QOL. Inconsistent evidence was
      found for subscales of locus of control, the role of attribution of blame,
      spirituality, personality, appraisals, passive coping and emotion-focused coping.
      No evidence was found for an association between active problem-focused coping
      styles and QOL. CONCLUSION: Many psychological factors were strongly and
      consistently related to QOL, but for some others no or inconsistent evidence was
      found. Further research should (1) use larger study groups, preferably in
      longitudinal designs, (2) improve terminological precision and avoid conceptual
      overlap between determinants and outcomes, (3) increase uniformity of
      questionnaires and (4) reexamine concepts that have been abandoned prematurely,
      such as personality and social comparison.

PMID- 22042299
TI  - George Riddoch: the man who found Ludwig Guttmann.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: This is a review article. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the role played
      by George Riddoch in the setting up of spinal units in the UK and the appointment
      of Ludwig Guttmann. SETTING: Wendover, UK. METHODS: Review of the literature and
      the public records. RESULTS: Not applicable. CONCLUSIONS: George Riddoch's
      contribution to our understanding of the treatment for spinal injuries by means
      of his research on the patho-physiology, treatment and the setting up of spinal
      injury units in World Wars I and II was outstanding, especially his role in
      finding, appointing and supervising Ludwig Guttmann at the National Spinal
      Injuries Centre.

PMID- 22042300
TI  - Controversy over the pharmacological treatments of storage symptoms in spinal
      cord injury patients: a literature overview.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Our aim was to locate research and communicate the evidence found
      from scientific studies pertaining to the treatment of neurogenic detrusor
      overactivity (NDO) in the chronic stage of spinal cord injury (SCI). OBJECTIVE:
      To address the controversy over the traditional (antimuscarinics) and the 'new'
      treatments for NDO and try to offer an insight on the rationale underlying the
      development of new drugs such as botulinum toxin (BTX), vanilloids,
      nociceptin/orphanin FQ. As a final point, to provide information on a new class
      of cation channels, the Degenerin/Epithelial Na(+)Channel (Deg/ENaC) Family that
      could be future targets for the management of NDO. SETTING: International.
      METHODS: Overview of English literature on drug management of NDO. RESULTS:
      Agents that block the 'efferent' function of micturition reflex, such as
      antimuscarinics, are currently first-line therapy for NDO. They reach the highest
      level of evidence (1a) and grade of recommendation (A). However, many patients
      and physicians believe that the 'efferent' pharmacological management of NDO is
      not completely satisfactory. Consequently, research is trying to address issues
      of efficacy, tolerability and convenience of new therapeutic strategies targeting
      the 'afferent' function. CONCLUSION: Antimuscarinic therapy increases the bladder
      capacity and delays the initial urge to void. However, in some patients they fail
      to achieve the patient's therapeutic goals. New interesting approaches have been
      investigated in the last few years. BTX seems to be very promising in treating
      neurogenic overactive bladder (OAB), but other compounds are now on the horizon.

PMID- 22042301
TI  - Validation of the REMA score for predicting mast cell clonality and systemic
      mastocytosis in patients with systemic mast cell activation symptoms.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A variable percentage of patients with systemic mast cell (MC)
      activation symptoms meet criteria for systemic mastocytosis (SM). We
      prospectively evaluated the clinical utility of the REMA score versus serum
      baseline tryptase (sBt) levels for predicting MC clonality and SM in 158 patients
      with systemic MC activation symptoms in the absence of mastocytosis in the skin
      (MIS). METHODS: World Health Organization criteria for SM were applied in all
      cases. MC clonality was defined as the presence of KIT-mutated MC or by a clonal
      HUMARA test. The REMA score consisted of the assignment of positive or negative
      points as follows: male (+1), female (-1), sBt <15 MUg/l (-1) or >25 MUg/l (+2),
      presence (-2) or absence (+1) of pruritus, hives or angioedema and presence (+3)
      of presyncope or syncope. Efficiency of the REMA score for predicting MC
      clonality and SM was assessed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve
      analyses and compared to those obtained by means of sBt levels alone. RESULTS:
      Molecular studies revealed the presence of clonal MC in 68/80 SM cases and in
      11/78 patients who did not meet the criteria for SM. ROC curve analyses confirmed
      the greater sensitivity and a similar specificity of the REMA score versus sBt
      levels (84 vs. 59% and 74 vs. 70% for MC clonality and 87 vs. 62% and 73 vs. 71%
      for SM, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm the clinical utility of
      the REMA score to predict MC clonality and SM in patients suffering from systemic
      MC activation symptoms without MIS.

PMID- 22042302
TI  - Salt effect of nisin Z isolated from a marine fish on the growth inhibition of
      Streptococcus iniae, a pathogen of streptococcosis.
AB  - A bacteriocin-producing Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis was isolated from the
      intestine of olive flounder. The bacteriocin was identified as nisin Z. It was
      active against Gram-positive bacteria. Nisin Z at 3,200 arbitrary units (AU) was
      more effective in seawater than in PBS; growth of Streptococcus iniae was
      completely inhibited within 3 h. Nisin Z preparations with 3.5% (w/v) NaCl was
      the most effective against S. iniae being similar to nisin Z in seawater. Nisin Z
      is thus a good alternative to antibiotics to prevent streptococcosis caused by S.
      iniae aquaculture systems.

PMID- 22042303
TI  - Enhancement of pH stability and activity of glycerol dehydratase from Klebsiella
      pneumoniae by rational design.
AB  - Glycerol dehydratase (GDHt) is a key and rate-limiting enzyme in the pathway of
      1,3-propanediol (1,3-PD) synthesis. The improvement of GDHt's stability and
      enzymatic activity is desirable for the biosynthesis of 1,3-PD. The gldABC gene
      encoding GDHt of Klebsiella pneumoniae was cloned and expressed in Escherichia
      coli XL10-Gold, and the mutation sites of GDHt were obtained through prediction
      by PoPMuSiC program. Consequently, two mutants (KpG60 and KpG525) were developed
      by rational design through site-mutagenesis based on 3D structure which was
      constructed from homology modeling. Analyses of enzymatic properties showed that
      pH stability of the mutants was about 1.25-2 times higher than that of the wild
      type, and specific activity, V(max) and K(cat)/K(m) of KpG525 were about 1.5-2
      times higher than those of the wild type. This work presented a simple and useful
      measure to improve the performance of industrial enzyme.

PMID- 22042304
TI  - Outcomes of anterior and posterior instrumentation under different surgical
      procedures for treating thoracic and lumbar spinal tuberculosis in adults.
AB  - PURPOSE: There are few articles in the literature comparing outcomes between
      anterior and posterior instrumentation in the management of thoracic and lumbar
      spinal tuberculosis (TB). METHODS: Between January 2004 and December 2009, 217
      adult patients, average age 39 (range 16-67) years with thoracic and lumbar
      spinal TB were treated by anterior radical debridement and fusion plus
      instrumentation, anterior radical debridement with fusion and posterior fusion
      with instrumentation, posterolateral debridement and fusion plus posterior
      instrumentation or transpedicular debridement and posterior fusion with
      instrumentation in a single- or two-stage procedure. We followed up 165 patients
      for 22-72 (mean 37) months. Of these, 138 underwent more than three weeks
      chemotherapy with isoniazid, rifampin, pyrazinamide and ethambutol, and the
      remaining 27 underwent operation for neurological impairment within six to 18
      hours of the same chemotherapy regimen. In no case did relapse occur. Apart from
      eight patients with skip lesions treated by hybrid anterior and posterior
      instrumentation, anterior instrumentation was used in 74 patients (group A) and
      83 patients (group B) were fixed posteriorly. RESULTS: In both groups, local
      symptoms were relieved significantly one to three weeks postoperatively; ten of
      14 patients (71%) in group A and 14 of 19 (74%) in group B with neurological
      deficit had excellent or good clinical results (P > 0.05). Erythrocyte
      sedimentation rates (ESR) returned from 43.6 mm/h and 42.7 mm/h, respectively,
      preoperatively to normal levels eight to 12 weeks postoperatively. Kyphosis
      degree was corrected by a mean of 11.5 degrees  in group A and 12.6 degrees  in
      group B, respectively (P < 0.01). Correction loss was 6.8 degrees  in group A and
      6.1 degrees  in group B at the last follow-up (P < 0.01). Fusion rates of the
      grafting bone were 92.5% and 91.8%, respectively, at final follow-up (P > 0.05).
      Severe complications did not occur. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that both
      anterior and posterior instrumentation attain good results for correction of the
      deformity and maintaining correction, foci clearance, spinal-cord decompression
      and pain relief in the treatment of thoracic and lumbar spinal TB providing that
      the operative indication is accurately identified. However, the posterior
      approach may be superior to anterior instrumentation to correct deformity and
      maintain that correction.

PMID- 22042305
TI  - Video-rate scanning confocal microscopy and microendoscopy.
AB  - Confocal microscopy has become an invaluable tool in biology and the biomedical
      sciences, enabling rapid, high-sensitivity, and high-resolution optical
      sectioning of complex systems. Confocal microscopy is routinely used, for
      example, to study specific cellular targets, monitor dynamics in living cells,
      and visualize the three dimensional evolution of entire organisms. Extensions of
      confocal imaging systems, such as confocal microendoscopes, allow for high
      resolution imaging in vivo and are currently being applied to disease imaging and
      diagnosis in clinical settings. Confocal microscopy provides three-dimensional
      resolution by creating so-called "optical sections" using straightforward
      geometrical optics. In a standard wide-field microscope, fluorescence generated
      from a sample is collected by an objective lens and relayed directly to a
      detector. While acceptable for imaging thin samples, thick samples become blurred
      by fluorescence generated above and below the objective focal plane. In contrast,
      confocal microscopy enables virtual, optical sectioning of samples, rejecting out
      of-focus light to build high resolution three-dimensional representations of
      samples. Confocal microscopes achieve this feat by using a confocal aperture in
      the detection beam path. The fluorescence collected from a sample by the
      objective is relayed back through the scanning mirrors and through the primary
      dichroic mirror, a mirror carefully selected to reflect shorter wavelengths such
      as the laser excitation beam while passing the longer, Stokes-shifted
      fluorescence emission. This long-wavelength fluorescence signal is then passed to
      a pair of lenses on either side of a pinhole that is positioned at a plane
      exactly conjugate with the focal plane of the objective lens. Photons collected
      from the focal volume of the object are collimated by the objective lens and are
      focused by the confocal lenses through the pinhole. Fluorescence generated above
      or below the focal plane will therefore not be collimated properly, and will not
      pass through the confocal pinhole, creating an optical section in which only
      light from the microscope focus is visible. (Fig 1). Thus the pinhole effectively
      acts as a virtual aperture in the focal plane, confining the detected emission to
      only one limited spatial location. Modern commercial confocal microscopes offer
      users fully automated operation, making formerly complex imaging procedures
      relatively straightforward and accessible. Despite the flexibility and power of
      these systems, commercial confocal microscopes are not well suited for all
      confocal imaging tasks, such as many in vivo imaging applications. Without the
      ability to create customized imaging systems to meet their needs, important
      experiments can remain out of reach to many scientists. In this article, we
      provide a step-by-step method for the complete construction of a custom, video
      rate confocal imaging system from basic components. The upright microscope will
      be constructed using a resonant galvanometric mirror to provide the fast scanning
      axis, while a standard speed resonant galvanometric mirror will scan the slow
      axis. To create a precise scanned beam in the objective lens focus, these mirrors
      will be positioned at the so-called telecentric planes using four relay lenses.
      Confocal detection will be accomplished using a standard, off-the-shelf
      photomultiplier tube (PMT), and the images will be captured and displayed using a
      Matrox framegrabber card and the included software.

PMID- 22042307
TI  - The big picture: storytelling ability in adults with autism spectrum conditions.
AB  - Previous work on story-telling ability in autism spectrum conditions (ASC) has
      found a pattern of relatively intact use of story grammar in ASC narratives;
      however, prior analysis has concentrated primarily on whether specific story
      components are included, rather than how they are included. The present study
      analyzes an existing narrative dataset, concentrating on the kind of information
      that individuals with and without high functioning autism or Asperger syndrome
      include about story elements such as setting, character, conflict, and
      resolution. This analysis showed that individuals with ASC are biased toward
      providing local over global details about each element, regardless of whether the
      element involved mental content. These results are discussed in terms of the Weak
      Central Coherence and Hyper-Systemizing theories.

PMID- 22042308
TI  - Empathic responding in toddlers at risk for an autism spectrum disorder.
AB  - Empathy deficits represent an important social impairment in autism spectrum
      disorders (ASD), but little is known about the early development of empathy prior
      to diagnosis. This study examined empathic responding to parental distress in
      toddlers at risk for an ASD. Children later diagnosed with an ASD engaged in less
      empathic responding at 24 and 30 months than children with no later diagnosis.
      Lower empathic responding was associated with higher autism symptomatology at 30
      months. This is the first study to examine empathy deficits in response to
      parental distress in toddlers prior to ASD diagnosis. Early empathic responding
      may represent a unique developing social skill that indexes the overall severity
      of later ASD symptomatology in at-risk children.

PMID- 22042309
TI  - Using individualized reinforcers and hierarchical exposure to increase food
      flexibility in children with autism spectrum disorders.
AB  - Inflexibility is a major characteristic of autism. In the present study we
      addressed inflexible mealtime behaviors and collected longitudinal data across 48
      foods for 3 children, ages 6.4-7.8 years, diagnosed with autism spectrum
      disorder, for up to 22 weeks. Participants exhibited severe challenges with
      adherence to an extremely restricted repertoire of foods. We employed clinical
      replication and multiple baseline designs across participants to assess the
      effects of individualized reinforcement and hierarchical exposure to increase
      flexibility. Results showed that following intervention, all participants
      expanded their food repertoire and spontaneously requested new foods during
      follow up/generalization. Implications for clinical practice and directions for
      further research are discussed.

PMID- 22042311
TI  - Substance use disorders and comorbid mental disorders in first-time admitted
      patients from a catchment area.
AB  - AIM: To describe lifetime mental disorders in patients with substance use
      disorders (SUD) admitted for the first time to specialized treatment for
      psychiatric or addiction problems from a catchment area. METHODS: Special efforts
      were made to include all eligible patients and secure completion of thorough
      assessments, including the Psychiatric Research Interview for Substance and
      Mental Disorders (PRISM) and the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV axis II
      personality disorders (SCID-II). The strength of this study lies in its rigorous
      patient recruitment and assessment methods. RESULTS: Of 61 patients, 53 had
      alcohol use disorder (AUD). Of these, 28 had AUD only, and 25 had an additional
      drug use disorder (DUD). 89% had comorbid axis I (85%) or axis II (46%)
      disorders. The most prevalent axis I disorders were major depressive disorder
      (71%), social phobia (31%) and posttraumatic stress disorder (18%). Among those
      with comorbid psychiatric disorders (n = 54), 25 (41% of the sample) had
      disorders considered to be independent of their substance use only, 4 patients
      (7%) had substance-induced disorders only, and 23 patients (38%) had both
      independent and substance-induced disorders. CONCLUSION: Comorbid mental
      disorders were remarkably prevalent in these SUD patients who were admitted for
      the first time.

PMID- 22042312
TI  - Silver metallation of hen egg white lysozyme: X-ray crystal structure and NMR
      studies.
AB  - The X-ray crystal structure, NMR binding studies, and enzyme activity of
      silver(I) metallated hen egg white lysozyme are presented. Primary bonding of
      silver is observed through His15 with secondary bonding interactions coming from
      nearby Arg14 and Asp87. A covalently bound nitrate completes a four coordinate
      binding pocket.

PMID- 22042313
TI  - [Acromegalic cardiomyopathy].
AB  - Acromegaly is an endocrine disease with specific somatic changes due to an excess
      of growth hormone. The majority of cases are caused by growth hormone producing
      pituitary tumors. Cardiovascular complications, which can be detected even in the
      early stages of the disease, are considered as major contributing factors in the
      increased morbidity and mortality of the patients. In this review authors briefly
      summarize clinical characteristics of acromegalic cardiomyopathy.

PMID- 22042314
TI  - [Affective temperaments: from neurobiological roots to clinical application].
AB  - The Temperament Evaluation of Memphis, Pisa, Paris, and San Diego
      Autoquestionnaire (TEMPS-A) has grown to be a clinically important outcome
      measure in the diagnosis and the clinical course of mood disorders. However,
      temperaments, which represent the biologically stable core of personality, are
      not just antecedents of major affective disorders, but also serve as a reservoir
      of genetically advantageous traits for the survival of different cultures. The
      rapidly growing body of research in psychiatric and non-psychiatric fields even
      raises the question of temperament as a common root in psychiatric and somatic
      disorders, providing a new meaning for the construct of psychosomatic disorders.
      In this review we aim to summarize current knowledge on both the neurobiological
      background and clinical importance of affective temperaments including
      implications for future research.

PMID- 22042315
TI  - [Ultrasonography in the diagnosis of ovarian and endometrial carcinoma].
AB  - Transvaginal sonography has become a crucial part of the routine gynecologic
      examination. It offers now a great help in the diagnosis of almost all
      gynecological diseases. Transvaginal ultrasound means the first step in the
      diagnosis of the first two most common gynecological malignancies, and in many
      cases we are able to set up a diagnosis of its own. The purpose of this article
      is to emphasize the significant role of transvaginal ultrasonography in the
      diagnosis of these two dieseases mentioned above, with summarizing the latest
      developments regarding the capabilities of sonography (Doppler-technique, three
      dimensional ultrasonograpy).

PMID- 22042316
TI  - [Translational medicine].
AB  - Translational medicine is the emerging scientific discipline of the last decade
      which will set the benchmark for the pharmaceutical industry research and
      development, integrates inputs from the basic sciences of computer modeling and
      laboratory research through the pre-clinical and clinical phases of human
      research to the assimilation of new therapies and treatments into everyday
      practice of patient care and prevention. With this brief insight authors tried in
      their humble way to summarize the underlying basis, the present and the potential
      future of this emerging view, to draw attention to some of the challenges and
      tasks it faces and to highlight some of the promising approaches, trends and
      model developments and applications.

PMID- 22042317
TI  - ["Hannibal ante portas" -- technical development and health care reorganization].
AB  - Authors intend to analyze the impact of medical technical development on the
      Hungarian health care system and try to draw attention to potentially necessary
      measures for professional and structural health care reorganization.

PMID- 22042318
TI  - [Tomato peel: rare cause of biliary tract obstruction].
AB  - Foreign bodies in the biliary tree are rare causes of obstructive jaundice. Food
      bezoars are infrequent as well. They can cause biliary obstruction after biliary
      tract interventions, or in the presence of biliary-bowel fistula or duodenum
      diverticulum. Food bezoars usually pass the gastrointestinal tract without any
      symptoms, but they can cause abdominal pain and obstructive jaundice in the case
      of biliary tract obstruction. Endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography has
      the major role in the diagnosis and the treatment of the disease. Authors
      summarize the medical history of a 91-year-old female patient, who developed
      vomiting and right subcostal pain due to the presence of tomato peel within the
      ductus choledochus.

PMID- 22042320
TI  - Halichonines A, B, and C, novel sesquiterpene alkaloids from the marine sponge
      Halichondria okadai Kadota.
AB  - Novel sesquiterpene alkaloids, halichonines A (1), B (2), and C (3), were
      identified from the marine sponge Halichondria okadai Kadota. By spectroscopic
      analyses and synthesis, their structures were revealed to include a 6,6-bicyclic
      ring system and two prenylated amine moieties. In addition, 2 induced apoptosis
      in HL60 human leukemia cells.

PMID- 22042321
TI  - Is it time to reconsider the role of patient co-payments for pharmaceuticals in
      Europe?

PMID- 22042322
TI  - Epilepsy in Sweden: health care costs and loss of productivity--a register-based
      approach.
AB  - PURPOSE: The objective was to estimate health care costs and productivity losses
      due to epilepsy in Sweden and to compare these estimates to previously published
      estimates. METHODS: Register data on health care utilisation, pharmaceutical
      sales, permanent disability and mortality were used to calculate health care
      costs and costs that accrue due to productivity losses. By linkage of register
      information, we were able to distinguish pharmaceuticals prescribed against
      epilepsy from prescriptions that were prompted by other indications. RESULTS: The
      estimated total cost of epilepsy in Sweden in 2009 was <euro>441 million, which
      corresponds to an annual per-patient cost of <euro>8,275. Health care accounted
      for about 16% of the estimated total cost, and drug costs accounted for about 7%
      of the total cost. The estimated health care cost corresponded to about 0.2% of
      the total health care cost in Sweden in 2009. Indirect costs were estimated at
      <euro>370 million, 84% of which was due to sickness absenteeism. Costs resulting
      from epilepsy-attributable premature deaths or permanent disability to work
      accounted for about 1% of the total indirect cost in Sweden in 2009. DISCUSSION:
      The per-patient cost of epilepsy is substantial. Thus, even though the prevalence
      of the illness is relatively small, the aggregated cost that epilepsy incurs on
      society is significant.

PMID- 22042323
TI  - Vascular resistance of central retinal and ophthalmic arteries in postmenopausal
      women after use of tibolone.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of tibolone on
      vascular resistance of the central retinal and ophthalmic artery in
      postmenopausal women and to compare this effect with that of placebo using
      transorbital ultrasound with Doppler velocimetry. METHODS: We performed a
      prospective randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study. A total of 100
      healthy postmenopausal women (follicle-stimulating hormone, >40 IU/L) younger
      than 65 years were studied. The participants were randomly allocated to two
      groups: placebo (n = 50) and tibolone (2.5 mg; n = 50). Transorbital Doppler
      velocimetric ultrasound was performed before treatment and 80 days after.
      RESULTS: The mean age was similar in both groups. Participants who received
      tibolone did not show any difference in pulsatility index, resistance index, and
      systole/diastole ratio of the central retinal and ophthalmic arteries after
      treatment. The same was observed in participants who received placebo.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that tibolone administration to healthy
      postmenopausal women does not affect the resistance of small-caliber cerebral
      arteries.

PMID- 22042324
TI  - Development and validation of a simple model based on anthropometry:  estimating
      fat mass for white postmenopausal women.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to develop and validate a simple
      anthropometric model that estimates the fat mass of white postmenopausal women
      and compare it to other models available in the literature. METHODS:
      Anthropometric data such as height, weight, waist and gluteal circumferences,
      biceps, triceps, suprailiac, and subscapular skinfolds, which were incorporated
      for the development and validation of this model, were derived from 276 white
      postmenopausal women. Dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry was used as the reference
      method. Furthermore, a comparison with other models was made using Bland-Altman
      analysis and intraclass correlation coefficient. RESULTS: The model developed in
      the current study was: fat mass = 0.069 * biceps + 0.553 * weight - 14.655 *
      height + 0.218 * gluteal circumference - 9.830 (r = 0.934, P < 0.001). The Bland
      Altman reliability analysis on the validation cohort showed a non-statistically
      significant bias of 0.158 kg and limits of agreement of +/-4.21 kg; the
      intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.983. Furthermore, the validity of the
      current model also remained significant in different levels of BMI, ranging from
      20.5-42 kg/m. When other models available in the literature were tested in the
      current cohort, bias ranged from -1.239 to -6.996 kg, while the limits of
      agreement from +/-5.25 to +/-8.05 kg. CONCLUSIONS: The model developed in the
      current work was found to be valid for the assessment of postmenopausal women's
      fat mass at normal, overweight and obese BMI ranges, and can be easily applied in
      clinical practice and research.

PMID- 22042325
TI  - Neuroprotection of green tea catechins on surgical menopause-induced overactive
      bladder in a rat model.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: A rat model of ovariectomy-induced voiding dysfunction has been
      established, which mimicked the urge incontinence in postmenopausal women.
      Previous studies have identified strong anti-inflammatory/antioxidant properties
      of green tea and its associated polyphenols. The aim of this study was to
      evaluate whether the green tea extract, epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), could
      prevent an ovariectomy-induced overactive bladder. METHODS: The study included 48
      female Sprague-Dawley rats, which were divided into four groups. After bilateral
      ovariectomy during the following 6-month period, 12 rats received an
      intraperitoneal injection of saline, 24 rats received either a low-dose (1 MUM
      kg(-1) d(-1)) or a high-dose (10 MUM kg(-1) d(-1)) EGCG intraperitoneal
      injection. The sham group consisted of twelve rats that were not ovariectomized.
      In vivo isovolumetric cystometrograms were performed in all groups before the
      animals were euthanized. The immunofluorescence study used neurofilament stains
      to evaluate intramural nerve damage. Western immunoblots and real-time polymerase
      chain reaction were performed to determine M2 and M3 muscarinic cholinergic
      receptors (MChRs) at both protein and messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions. RESULTS:
      Long-term ovariectomy significantly increased non-voiding contractions, whereas
      treatment with EGCG significantly attenuated the frequency of non-voiding
      contractions. Ovariectomy significantly decreased the numbers of neurofilament
      and increased M2 and M3 MChR protein and mRNA expressions. Treatment with EGCG
      restored the amount of neurofilament staining and decreased M2 and M3 MChR
      protein and mRNA overexpressions. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirmed that ovary
      hormone deficiency induced overactive bladder dysfunction via intramural nerve
      damage and muscarinic receptor overexpression. EGCG prevented ovariectomy-induced
      bladder dysfunction through neuroprotective effects in a dose-dependent fashion.

PMID- 22042326
TI  - Symptom clusters at midlife:  a four-country comparison of checklist and
      qualitative responses.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the frequency and clustering
      of somatic symptoms as reported by women aged 45 to 55 years in four countries,
      to compare women's responses to open-ended questions with those derived from
      structured checklists, and to assess the extent to which bodily symptoms grouped
      with emotional complaints. METHODS: The Decisions at Menopause Study recruited
      1,193 women from the general population in Beirut, Lebanon; Rabat, Morocco;
      Madrid, Spain; and central Massachusetts. Women participated in semistructured
      interviews on health, menopause, and bodily changes at midlife. The women's
      responses to symptom checklists and their statements in response to open-ended
      questions were analyzed through factor and textual analyses. RESULTS: There was
      considerable consistency between the frequencies of quantitative and qualitative
      responses, and analyses of qualitative data illustrate the extent to which women
      associate somatic and emotional complaints. As shown in their responses to the
      open-ended questions, the women in Massachusetts and Spain did not often cluster
      somatic with emotional symptoms. In Morocco, dizziness, fatigue, and headaches
      were clustered with emotional symptoms. Women in Lebanon explicitly associated
      shortness of breath, chest pain, palpitations, dizziness, fatigue,
      gastrointestinal complaints, headaches, and, to a lesser extent, joint pain and
      numbness with emotional symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The number of volunteered symptom
      responses was small because the respondents were relatively healthy; however, the
      extent and pattern of association between somatic and emotional symptoms varied
      across sites. Certain somatic symptoms may be more likely to communicate
      psychosocial distress in particular cultures. These results have implications for
      patterns of healthcare utilization.

PMID- 22042327
TI  - Expression and functional analysis of NUCLEAR FACTOR-Y, subunit B genes in
      barley.
AB  - NUCLEAR FACTOR-Y, subunit B (NF-YB) comprises a multigene family in plants and
      has been shown to play important roles in growth, development, and response to
      environmental stress. In this study, five NF-YBs containing the full-length
      coding region were obtained from barley (Hordeum vulgare) through database
      sequence analysis, cloning, and sequencing. Sequence alignment and phylogenetic
      analysis showed that HvNF-YB3 and HvNF-YB1 were clustered with NF-YB2 and NF-YB3
      in Arabidopsis, suggesting these NF-YBs are evolutionary and functionally
      related. To test this hypothesis, HvNF-YB3 and HvNF-YB1 were overexpressed in
      Arabidopsis. Overexpression of HvNF-YB1 greatly promoted early flowering in
      Arabidopsis, supporting that HvNF-YB1may have conserved gene function in
      flowering time control as NF-YB2 and NF-YB3 in Arabidopsis. Overexpression of
      HvNF-YB3 in Arabidopsis had no effect on flowering time. An analysis of barley
      single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data, however, revealed a significant
      association between an HvNF-YB3 SNP and heading date. While it is unknown whether
      HvNF-YB3 directly contributes to heading date regulation, the results implied
      that HvNF-YB3 may also have conserved function in flowering time (heading date in
      barley) control. Further studies are needed to directly verify these gene
      functions in barley. Barley NF-YBs showed different expression patterns
      associated with tissue types, developmental stages, and response to different
      stress treatments, suggesting that barley NF-YBs may be involved in other
      physiological processes.

PMID- 22042329
TI  - Elucidation of structure-function relationships in plant major light-harvesting
      complex (LHC II) by nonlinear spectroscopy.
AB  - Conventional linear and time-resolved spectroscopic techniques are often not
      appropriate to elucidate specific pigment-pigment interactions in light
      harvesting pigment-protein complexes (LHCs). Nonlinear (laser-) spectroscopic
      techniques, including nonlinear polarization spectroscopy in the frequency domain
      (NLPF) as well as step-wise (resonant) and simultaneous (non-resonant) two-photon
      excitation spectroscopies may be advantageous in this regard. Nonlinear
      spectroscopies have been used to elucidate substructure(s) of very complex
      spectra, including analyses of strong excitonic couplings between chlorophylls
      and of interactions between (bacterio)chlorophylls and "optically dark" states of
      carotenoids in LHCs, including the major antenna complex of higher plants, LHC
      II. This article shortly reviews our previous study and outlines perspectives
      regarding the application of selected nonlinear laser-spectroscopic techniques to
      disentangle structure-function relationships in LHCs and other pigment-protein
      complexes.

PMID- 22042328
TI  - Characterization of StABF1, a stress-responsive bZIP transcription factor from
      Solanum tuberosum L. that is phosphorylated by StCDPK2 in vitro.
AB  - ABF/AREB bZIP transcription factors mediate plant abiotic stress responses by
      regulating the expression of stress-related genes. These proteins bind to the
      abscisic acid (ABA)-responsive element (ABRE), which is the major cis-acting
      regulatory sequence in ABA-dependent gene expression. In an effort to understand
      the molecular mechanisms of abiotic stress resistance in cultivated potato
      (Solanum tuberosum L.), we have cloned and characterized an ABF/AREB-like
      transcription factor from potato, named StABF1. The predicted protein shares 45
      57% identity with A. thaliana ABFs proteins and 96% identity with the S.
      lycopersicum SlAREB1 and presents all of the distinctive features of ABF/AREB
      transcription factors. Furthermore, StABF1 is able to bind to the ABRE in vitro.
      StABF1 gene is induced in response to ABA, drought, salt stress and cold,
      suggesting that it might be a key regulator of ABA-dependent stress signaling
      pathways in cultivated potato. StABF1 is phosphorylated in response to ABA and
      salt stress in a calcium-dependent manner, and we have identified a potato CDPK
      isoform (StCDPK2) that phosphorylates StABF1 in vitro. Interestingly, StABF1
      expression is increased during tuber development and by tuber-inducing conditions
      (high sucrose/nitrogen ratio) in leaves. We also found that StABF1 calcium
      dependent phosphorylation is stimulated by tuber-inducing conditions and
      inhibited by gibberellic acid, which inhibits tuberization.

PMID- 22042330
TI  - Probing the topography of the photosystem II oxygen evolving complex: PsbO is
      required for efficient calcium protection of the manganese cluster against dark
      inhibition by an artificial reductant.
AB  - The photosystem II (PSII) manganese-stabilizing protein (PsbO) is known to be the
      essential PSII extrinsic subunit for stabilization and retention of the Mn and
      Cl(-) cofactors in the oxygen evolving complex (OEC) of PSII, but its function
      relative to Ca(2+) is less clear. To obtain a better insight into the
      relationship, if any, between PsbO and Ca(2+) binding in the OEC, samples with
      altered PsbO-PSII binding properties were probed for their potential to promote
      the ability of Ca(2+) to protect the Mn cluster against dark-inhibition by an
      exogenous artificial reductant, N,N-dimethylhydroxylamine. In the absence of the
      PsbP and PsbQ extrinsic subunits, Ca(2+) and its surrogates (Sr(2+), Cd(2+))
      shield Mn atoms from inhibitory reduction (Kuntzleman et al., Phys Chem Chem Phys
      6:4897, 2004). The results presented here show that PsbO exhibits a positive
      effect on Ca(2+) binding in the OEC by facilitating the ability of the metal to
      prevent inhibition of activity by the reductant. The data presented here suggest
      that PsbO may have a role in the formation of the OEC-associated Ca(2+) binding
      site by promoting the equilibrium between bound and free Ca(2+) that favors the
      bound metal.

PMID- 22042331
TI  - A cationic iridium(III) complex showing aggregation-induced phosphorescent
      emission (AIPE) in the solid state: synthesis, characterization and properties.
AB  - We report the synthesis and characterization of two cationic iridium(III)
      complexes with dendritic carbazole ligands as ancillary ligands, namely,
      [Ir(ppy)(2)L3]PF(6) (1) and [Ir(ppy)(2)L4]PF(6) (2), where L3 and L4 represent
      3,8-bis(3,6-di-tert-butyl-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-1,10-phenanthroline and 3,8-bis(3',6'
      di-tert-butyl-6-(3,6-di-tert-butyl-9H-carbazol-9-yl)-3,9'-bi(9H-carbazol)-9-yl)
      1,10-phenanthroline, respectively. Their photophysical properties have been
      investigated and compared. The results have shown that complex 2 is aggregation
      induced phosphorescent emission (AIPE) active and exhibits the highest
      photoluminescent quantum yield (PLQY) of 16.2% in neat film among the reported
      cationic Ir(III) complexes with AIPE activity. In addition, it also enjoys redox
      reversibility, good film-forming ability, excellent thermal stability as well as
      off/on luminescence switching properties, revealing its potential application as
      a candidate for light-emitting electrochemical cells and organic vapor sensing.
      To explore applications in biology, 2 was used to image cells.

PMID- 22042332
TI  - Adaptive alternative splicing correlates with less environmental risk of
      parkinsonism.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Environmental exposure to anti-acetylcholinesterases
      (AChEs) aggravates the risk of Parkinsonism due to currently unclear
      mechanism(s). We explored the possibility that the brain's capacity to induce a
      widespread adaptive alternative splicing response to such exposure may be
      involved. METHODS: Following exposure to the dopaminergic neurotoxin 1-methyl-4
      phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), brain region transcriptome profiles
      were tested. RESULTS: Changes in transcript profiles, alternative splicing
      patterns and splicing-related gene categories were identified. Engineered mice
      over-expressing the protective AChE-R splice variant showed less total changes
      but more splicing-related ones than hypersensitive AChE-S over-expressors with
      similarly increased hydrolytic activities. Following MPTP exposure, the
      substantia nigra and prefrontal cortex (PFC) of both strains showed a nuclear
      increase in the splicing factor ASF/SF2 protein. Furthermore, intravenous
      injection with highly purified recombinant human AChE-R changed transcript
      profiles in the striatum. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings are compatible with the
      working hypothesis that inherited or acquired alternative splicing deficits may
      promote parkinsonism, and we propose adaptive alternative splicing as a strategy
      for attenuating its progression.

PMID- 22042333
TI  - Significant selective constraint at 4-fold degenerate sites in the avian genome
      and its consequence for detection of positive selection.
AB  - A major conclusion from comparative genomics is that many sequences that do not
      code for proteins are conserved beyond neutral expectations, indicating that they
      evolve under the influence of purifying selection and are likely to have
      functional roles. Due to the degeneracy of the genetic code, synonymous sites
      within protein-coding genes have previously been seen as "silent" with respect to
      function and thereby invisible to selection. However, there are indications that
      synonymous sites of vertebrate genomes are also subject to selection and this is
      not necessarily because of potential codon bias. We used divergence in ancestral
      repeats as a neutral reference to estimate the constraint on 4-fold degenerate
      sites of avian genes in a whole-genome approach. In the pairwise comparison of
      chicken and zebra finch, constraint was estimated at 24-32%. Based on three
      species alignments of chicken, turkey, and zebra finch, lineage-specific
      estimates of constraint were 43%, 29%, and 24%, respectively. The finding of
      significant constraint at 4-fold degenerate sites from data on interspecific
      divergence was replicated in an analysis of intraspecific diversity in the
      chicken genome. These observations corroborate recent data from mammalian genomes
      and call for a reappraisal of the use of synonymous substitution rates as neutral
      standards in molecular evolutionary analysis, for example, in the use of the well
      known d(N)/d(S) ratio and in inferences on positive selection. We show by
      simulations that the rate of false positives in the detection of positively
      selected genes and sites increases several-fold at the levels of constraint at 4
      fold degenerate sites found in this study.

PMID- 22042335
TI  - [Current state of neoadjuvant therapy principles].

PMID- 22042334
TI  - Retrogenes in rice (Oryza sativa L. ssp. japonica) exhibit correlated expression
      with their source genes.
AB  - Gene duplication occurs by either DNA- or RNA-based processes; the latter
      duplicates single genes via retroposition of messenger RNA. The expression of a
      retroposed gene copy (retrocopy) is expected to be uncorrelated with its source
      gene because upstream promoter regions are usually not part of the retroposition
      process. In contrast, DNA-based duplication often encompasses both the coding and
      the intergenic (promoter) regions; hence, expression is often correlated, at
      least initially, between DNA-based duplicates. In this study, we identified 150
      retrocopies in rice (Oryza sativa L. ssp japonica), most of which represent
      ancient retroposition events. We measured their expression from high-throughput
      RNA sequencing (RNAseq) data generated from seven tissues. At least 66% of the
      retrocopies were expressed but at lower levels than their source genes. However,
      the tissue specificity of retrogenes was similar to their source genes, and
      expression between retrocopies and source genes was correlated across tissues.
      The level of correlation was similar between RNA- and DNA-based duplicates, and
      they decreased over time at statistically indistinguishable rates. We extended
      these observations to previously identified retrocopies in Arabidopsis thaliana,
      suggesting they may be general features of the process of retention of plant
      retrogenes.

PMID- 22042336
TI  - Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation of motor cortex after stroke: a
      focused review.
AB  - Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) is known to modulate cortical
      excitability and has thus been suggested to be a therapeutic approach for
      improving the efficacy of rehabilitation for motor recovery after stroke. In
      addition to producing effects on cortical excitability, stroke may affect the
      balance of transcallosal inhibitory pathways between motor primary areas in both
      hemispheres: the affected hemisphere (AH) may be disrupted not only by the
      infarct itself but also by the resulting asymmetric inhibition from the
      unaffected hemisphere, further reducing the excitability of the AH. Conceptually,
      therefore, rTMS could be used therapeutically to restore the balance of
      interhemispheric inhibition after stroke. rTMS has been used in two ways: low
      frequency stimulation (<=1 Hz) to the motor cortex of the unaffected hemisphere
      to reduce the excitability of the contralesional hemisphere or high-frequency
      stimulation (>1 Hz) to the motor cortex of the AH to increase excitability of the
      ipsilesional hemisphere. The purpose of this systematic review is to collate
      evidence regarding the safety and efficacy of high-frequency rTMS to the motor
      cortex of the AH. The studies included investigated the concurrent effects of
      rTMS on the excitability of corticospinal pathways and upper-limb motor function
      in adults after stroke. This review suggests that rTMS applied to the AH is a
      safe technique and could be considered an effective approach for modulating brain
      function and contributing to motor recovery after stroke. Although the studies
      included in this review provide important information, double-blinded, sham
      controlled Phase II and Phase III clinical trials with larger sample sizes are
      needed to validate this novel therapeutic approach.

PMID- 22042337
TI  - Can sonoelastography detect plantar fasciitis earlier than traditional B-mode
      ultrasonography?

PMID- 22042338
TI  - Radial deviation of distal interphalangeal joint because of overuse of hand
      pincers tool.

PMID- 22042339
TI  - Internal and external hemipelvectomy or flail hip in patients with sarcomas:
      quality-of-life and functional outcomes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the quality-of-life of patients who have had an internal
      hemipelvectomy with and without (flail hip) prosthetic reconstruction and
      external hemipelvectomy. DESIGN: We reviewed the cases of 15 patients who had
      undergone either internal or external hemipelvectomy for tumor. Fifteen patients
      who were previously treated operatively with either a type II periacetabular
      internal (n = 5) or external (n = 10) hemipelvectomy were evaluated using the
      Toronto Extremity Salvage Score (TESS), Musculoskeletal Tumor Society (MSTS), and
      the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey. There were 11 (73%) men and 4 (27%) women
      in the study, with a mean age at operation of 46.9 +/- 18.0 yrs (range, 18-69
      yrs). RESULTS: Follow-up was 30.6 +/- 19.6 mos (range, 6-70 mos). Overall mean
      MSTS score was 45.2 (range, 6.7 to 83.3), and TESS score was 60.4 +/- 16.1
      (range, 31.8-88.0). The 36-item Short-Form Health Survey physical component score
      results were lower than the general population. TESS and MSTS were all positively
      correlated to physical component score. There were no significant influences of
      postsurgery time on MSTS, TESS, or physical component score. Age had a negative
      correlation with physical function. CONCLUSIONS: Quality-of-life and functional
      outcome were significantly reduced for patients with internal and external
      hemipelvectomies on the TESS, MSTS, and the 36-item Short-Form Health Survey
      physical component scores.

PMID- 22042340
TI  - Cardiorespiratory function of pediatric heart transplant recipients in the early
      postoperative period.
AB  - In this study, we sought to assess the cardiopulmonary functions in three
      pediatric heart transplant recipients, two of whom are with dilated
      cardiomyopathy, whereas one is with cyanotic heart disease, in early
      postoperative period. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing was performed using an
      incremental cycling at 1 mo after surgery. The results revealed that our study
      subjects had obvious impairment in workload, oxygen consumption, and oxygen pulse
      at peak exercise and ventilatory threshold at 1 mo after orthotropic heart
      transplantation. The pediatric orthotropic heart transplantation recipients also
      showed a high resting heart rate (90-106 beats/min), a low peak heart rate (109
      117 beats/min) during exercise, and continuous heart rate acceleration till 1 to
      3 mins after the cessation of exercise. In conclusion, pediatric orthotropic
      heart transplant recipients have a low cardiopulmonary endurance during the early
      postoperative period. An early structured, individualized cardiopulmonary
      rehabilitation program for pediatric orthotropic heart transplant recipients will
      be an area for future evaluation and research.

PMID- 22042341
TI  - Synthesis and biological evaluation of potential new inhibitors of the bacterial
      transferase MraY with a beta-ketophosphonate structure.
AB  - Stable analogs of bacterial transferase MraY substrate or product with a
      pyrophosphate surrogate in their structure are described. beta-ketophosphonates
      were designed as pyrophosphate bioisosteres and were investigated as UDP-GlcNAc
      mimics. The developed strategy allows introduction of structural diversity at a
      late stage of the synthesis. The biological activity of the synthesized compounds
      was evaluated on the MraY enzyme.

PMID- 22042342
TI  - [Prof. Heonir Rocha 2011 Prize].

PMID- 22042343
TI  - [In memoriam: Professor Jose Silverio Santos Diniz (1935-2011)].
AB  - Professor Jose Silverio Santos Diniz, an exponent of the Brazilian Pediatric
      Nephrology, died on 23 May, 2011. This editorial is a brief description of the
      career of this great Brazilian teacher, physician and researcher.

PMID- 22042344
TI  - [Evaluation of dental insertion loss in patients with chronic kidney disease].
AB  - Chronic kidney failure (CKF) is a clinical syndrome due to the slow, progressive
      and irreversible loss of the glomerular filtration rate. CKF may be associated
      with several oral manifestations, such as xerostomia, uremic stomatitis and
      periodontitis, diagnosed as clinical attachment loss (CAL). 92 patients, from the
      Prontorim Hemodialysis Clinic of Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil, were investigated.
      Only 34 patients (37%) were eligible for periodontal investigation, which
      consisted of CAL measurement (values grater than 2 mm diagnosing periodontitis).
      CAL measurements ranged from 1.31 to 5.27 mm (2.30 +/- 0.96 mm). 18 (52.9%)
      patients had smaller than 2 mm CAL, while 16 (47.1%) had periodontitis. Tooth
      loss and considerable CAL were observed in this study. Nevertheless, factors such
      as social status should be considered in further investigations.

PMID- 22042345
TI  - [Demographic, clinical and laboratory data of patients with urinary lithiasis in
      Fortaleza, Ceara].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the demographic, clinical and laboratory data of patients
      with urolithiasis in Fortaleza, Ceara, Brazil. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Secondary
      data were collected from the medical records of 197 patients with urolithiasis,
      during the period 1996-2006. Clinical evaluation and 24-h urine collection for
      measurements of urinary volume, creatinine, calcium, phosphorous, uric acid,
      sodium, potassium and magnesium were performed. Density and pH value were
      determined in a first-voided morning urine sample. Cystinuria was detected by
      stone and/or crystal analysis. RESULTS: The male/female ratio was 1:1.7. The
      average age of symptom onset was 35.8 +/- 13.3 years, with no significant
      difference between the genders. The most affected age range was 20-39 years
      (56.3%). Patients reported renal colic (72.4%), emergency room attendance
      (69.5%), a single episode of lithiasis (46.7%) or recurrent episodes (53.3%). The
      right kidney was most often affected in women (44.4%), while men suffered
      predominantly from bilateral lithiasis (39.7%). The main metabolic changes
      observed were hypernatriuria (80.7%), hypercalciuria (48.7%), hyperuricosuria
      (17.3%), and cystinuria in 5 patients (2.5%). The average pH value and density
      were 5.74 +/- 0.59 and 1015.6 +/- 7.1, respectively. Urinary volume was low in
      43% of the cases. CONCLUSION: Lithiasis was most prevalent in adults aged 20-39
      years, and affected predominantly women in our region. The most frequent
      metabolic changes, in descending order, were hypernatriuria, followed by
      hypercalciuria and hyperuricosuria, associated with low fluid intake.

PMID- 22042346
TI  - [Factors related to interdialytic weight gain in hemodialysis patients].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Studies have shown that interdialytic weight gain (IDWG) of
      hemodialysis (HD) patients is influenced by many factors, a high IDWG negatively
      affecting the blood pressure (BP) of this population. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the
      relation of clinical, demographic and nutritional factors and the IDWG of HD
      patients. METHODS: Cross-sectional study of 278 HD (54% males; age=54.4 +/- 14.4
      years) from 6 dialysis centers in the State of Santa Catarina, Brazil. The means
      of percentage interdialytic weight gain (%IDWG) and BP during a four-week period
      were calculated. Body mass index (BMI) and the 7-point subjective global
      assessment (SGA) scale were used to assess nutritional status. RESULTS: The means
      were: %IDWG 4.06 +/- 1.55%, pre-HD BP 140 +/- 50 / 99 +/- 25 mmHg, and post-HD BP
      110 +/- 27 / 78 +/- 10 mmHg. %IDWG inversely correlated with age and BMI and
      directly correlated with pre-HD systolic BP and time on HD. Women and patients
      without diabetes mellitus had higher %IDWG. Only the younger subgroup of patients
      with SGA-defined malnutrition had higher %IDWG than well-nourished ones. When
      malnutrition was BMI-defined, higher %IDWG was found in the whole study
      population and in the female and younger age subgroups. 24% of the patients had
      increased %IDWG (> 5%) and, when compared with those with adequate %IDWG, had
      inadequate and higher levels of systolic BP (144 +/- 21 versus 138 +/- 20 mmHg, p
      < 0.05), were younger and had lower BMI. CONCLUSION: These results showed that
      %IDWG of HD patients was influenced by gender, time on dialysis, age and
      nutritional status, and that high %IDWG adversely affected the BP of this
      population.

PMID- 22042347
TI  - Are serum cystatin C levels influenced by steroid doses in lupus nephritis
      patients?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Cystatin C is considered a promising test to evaluate glomerular
      filtration rate, since it has characteristics of an ideal endogenous marker,
      being similar or even superior to serum creatinine according to some studies.
      However, it is possible that some factors (as corticotherapy) could have an
      influence on serum cystatin C levels regardless of the glomerular filtration
      rate. The aim of this study was to investigate if different doses of
      glucocorticoid could have an influence on serum cystatin C levels in lupus
      nephritis patients. METHODS: We evaluated 42 patients with lupus nephritis that
      performed 109 different blood collections; their mean age was 37.7 +/- 13.1 years
      old, and 88% were female; the mean estimated glomerular filtration rate was of
      61.9 +/- 20.0 mL/min. Patients were divided according to their glucocorticoid
      dose in two groups: A - high (pulse therapy with methylprednisolone and
      prednisone > 0.5 mg/kg/d, n = 14) versus B - low doses (prednisone <= 0.5
      mg/kg/d, n = 28). Serum creatinine levels were used as parameters for renal
      function comparison. Cystatin C was determined by an in-house methodology, using
      Luminex system flow citometry. RESULTS: Considering these groups, cystatin C
      levels were different only in the second visit (p = 0.106). But, when the serum
      creatinine levels were considered in the same groups, a marginally significant
      difference among them (p = 0.070) was observed, which suggested that the
      difference in cystatin C levels between the groups was caused by their respective
      glomerular filtration rate. There was not any difference between those groups
      that received or did not receive pulse therapy. CONCLUSION: Although some
      previous studies have shown that glucocorticoid has an influence on serum
      cystatin C levels, we have not observed such interference in the lupus nephritis
      patients submitted to corticotherapy.

PMID- 22042349
TI  - [Clinical and laboratorial characteristics associated with biopsy proved
      hypertensive nephroangiosclerosis].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Hypertensive nephroangiosclerosis is a major cause of chronic
      kidney disease requiring dialysis. Clinical characteristics that distinguish a
      patient with hypertension that evolves to nephroangiosclerosis from another that
      keeps stable renal function are not well established because of the difficulty in
      ensuring that the carriers of that disease are not actually suffering from
      glomerulonephritis or other kidney diseases. Thus, our objective was to identify
      clinical or laboratory features that distinguish the patients who developed
      chronic renal failure from hypertension, confirmed by renal biopsy, of those who,
      even with arterial hypertension, did not develop nephroangiosclerosis. METHODS:
      We conducted a retrospective comparison of clinical and laboratory data of 15
      patients with hypertensive nephroangiosclerosis confirmed by renal biopsy and 15
      hypertensive patients from the outpatient clinic of the Hypertension Center,
      whose lack of nephroangiosclerosis was defined as absence of proteinuria. The
      groups were matched for age and gender. RESULTS: Among the evaluated variables,
      duration of hypertension, pulse pressure, blood glucose, uric acid, creatinine
      and frequency of use of diuretics and sympatholytic differed statistically
      between the two groups. All these variables were higher in nephroangiosclerosis
      patients. CONCLUSION: This study links biopsy proven hypertensive
      nephroangiosclerosis with metabolic features, hypertension intensity and
      duration, corroborating the idea that primary prevention of hypertension,
      postponing its initiation, a more intensive hemodynamic control (when
      hypertension is well established) and metabolic control of these patients have
      the potential to prevent hypertensive nephroangiosclerosis.

PMID- 22042348
TI  - [The value of Cockcroft-Gault equation for the screening of decreased renal
      function in patients with systemic arterial hypertension].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Arterial hypertension is a worldwide public health problem and one
      of the major risk factors for chronic kidney disease development. METHODS: In
      order to compare the Cockcroft-Gault (CG) equation with serum creatinine and 24
      hour creatinine clearance (CrCl) for the screening of reduced renal function, a
      cross-sectional study of 198 hypertensive patients was undertaken at a basic
      health unit. The demographic, nutritional, and clinical laboratory data were
      analyzed. Renal function was assessed by serum creatinine and 24hour CrCl.
      Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was also estimated according to Cockcroft-Gault
      equation. RESULTS: The patients had a mean age of 60.6 +/- 11.6 years-old, and
      73.7% were female. The prevalence of serum creatinine > 1.2 mg/dL was 7.6% and
      the prevalence of GFR < 60 mL/minute was 24.2%, when evaluated by the CrCl and CG
      equation. Reduced GFR was observed in older male patients, with lower body mass
      index, normal values of fasting blood glucose, and higher levels of serum uric
      acid and of systolic blood pressure. DISCUSSION: The prevalence of decreased
      renal function among hypertensive patients varies considerably, depending on the
      laboratory investigation used. CG-estimated CrCl has shown to be more accurate
      than serum creatinine for assessing GFR. CONCLUSIONS: CG-estimated CrCl was
      highly similar to 24-hour CrCl, proving to be a reliable primary care screening
      test for the early diagnosis of renal impairment in hypertensives.

PMID- 22042350
TI  - Clinical and pathological correlations of C4d immunostaining and its influence on
      the outcome of kidney transplant recipients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: C4d is a marker of antibody-mediated rejection (ABMR) in kidney
      allografts, although cellular rejection also have C4d deposits. OBJECTIVE: To
      correlate C4d expression with clinico-pathological parameters and graft outcomes
      at three years. METHODS: One hundred forty six renal transplantation recipients
      with graft biopsies by indication were included. C4d staining was performed by
      paraffin-immunohistochemistry. Graft function and survival were measured, and
      predictive variables of the outcome were determined by multivariate Cox
      regression. RESULTS: C4d staining was detected in 48 (31%) biopsies, of which 23
      (14.7%) had diffuse and 25 (16%) focal distribution. Pre-transplantation panel
      reactive antibodies (%PRA) class I and II were significantly higher in C4d
      positive patients as compared to those C4d negative. Both glomerulitis and
      pericapillaritis were associated to C4d (p = 0.002 and p < 0.001, respectively).
      The presence of C4d in biopsies diagnosed as no rejection (NR), acute cellular
      rejection (ACR) or interstitial fibrosis/ tubular atrophy (IF/TA) did not impact
      graft function or survival. Compared to NR, ACR and IF/TA C4d-, patients with
      ABMR C4d+ had the worst graft survival over 3 years (p = 0.034), but there was no
      difference between ABMR versus NR, ACR and IF/TA that were C4d positive (p =
      0.10). In Cox regression, graft function at biopsy and high %PRA levels were
      predictors of graft loss. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirmed that C4d staining in
      kidney graft biopsies is a clinically useful marker of ABMR, with well defined
      clinical and pathological correlations. The impact of C4d deposition in other
      histologic diagnoses deserves further investigation.

PMID- 22042351
TI  - [Effects of the overlapping between an experimental model of neuroendocrine
      obesity with arterial hypertension under blood pressure, body weight and
      metabolic and renal parameters in rats].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Increased body mass index and the metabolic syndrome are associated
      with decreased renal function and the development of end-stage kidney disease.
      OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of the overlap between an experimental model of
      obesity and genetic hypertension on the blood pressure, body weight and metabolic
      and kidney parameters of rats. METHODS: We studied male rats of the Wistar (WST)
      and spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) strains. Monosodium glutamate (MSG) was
      administered in the neonatal period to both strains, to make up two groups: WST +
      MSG and SHR + MSG. Animals in the control groups (WST and SHR) received saline.
      After completing three months of life, a 12-week follow-up period ensued, during
      which bi-weekly measurements of body weight (BW) and tail-cuff blood pressure
      (TCBP) were obtained. Microalbuminuria was analyzed at weeks 0, 4, 8 and 12. At
      the end of the follow-up period, blood was obtained for fasting glucose, plasma
      creatinine, and lipid profile determinations. The kidneys were removed, stained,
      and the glomerular sclerosis index was calculated. RESULTS: The administration of
      MSG produced higher percentage body weight gain, higher fasting blood glucose and
      a higher degree of glomerular injury in WST-MSG and MSG-SHR rats, compared to
      their controls. Greater urinary albumin excretion was observed in SHR + MSG rats,
      when compared to SHR. There was no statistical difference in the TCBP,
      creatinine, and lipid profile. CONCLUSIONS: The association of neuroendocrine
      obesity and arterial hypertension promoted morphological and functional changes
      in the glomerulus. These changes were more severe than those observed in
      hypertensive-only rats.

PMID- 22042352
TI  - [Ten-year follow-up of kidney transplantation with living unrelated donor].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In the current era of scarcity of kidneys available for
      transplantation, and chronic anti-HLA-mediated rejection as a main cause of graft
      loss, continuous demonstration of the long-term survival of grafts from living
      unrelated kidney donors (LURD) is paramount. OBJECTIVE: Analyze long-term kidney
      graft and patient outcomes using LURD, and compare them with living related
      donors (LRD). METHODS: We analyzed the 389 first renal transplantations performed
      with a living donor (281 LRD and 108 LURD), in a single center, from January 1998
      through December 2007. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between LRD
      and LURD as refers to patient survival (89.1% vs. 84.7%, p = 0.40, respectively)
      and graft survival (81.1% vs. 68.9%, p = 0.77, respectively), 10 years post
      transplantation. On Cox proportional regression model of multivariate analysis,
      panel reactive antibodies (PRA) > 10% and the occurrence of acute rejection in
      the first year posttransplantation were the only independent predictors of graft
      loss (HR 2.54, 95% CI 1.35 -4.78; p < 0.05 and HR 4.1, 95% CI 2.04 - 4.78; p <
      0.05, respectively). CONCLUSION: LURD are an important source of organs for renal
      transplantation, with results similar to those obtained with LRD, regardless of
      HLA matching.

PMID- 22042353
TI  - [Inflammation in chronic kidney disease: the role of cytokines].
AB  - Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a serious public health problem whose prevalence
      has increased in the last few years. Its progression is associated with high
      morbidity and mortality. Several factors are associated with the onset and
      progression of CKD, such as obesity, hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Beyond
      these factors, there is evidence of a pathophysiological role for inflammation in
      CKD. Several cytokines and chemokines have been detected in the plasma and urine
      of patients at early stages of CKD, and have also been related to CKD
      complications. The expression of these mediators and renal injury may be
      influenced by drugs such as angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, statins and
      antagonists of cytokine receptors. Modulation of the immune-inflammatory response
      can become a target for CKD treatment. The aim of this study was to review the
      scientific evidence on the role of inflammation in CKD, especially the effects of
      cytokines and chemokines.

PMID- 22042354
TI  - [V Brazilian guidelines for ambulatory monitoring of arterial pressure and III
      Brazilian guidelines for home monitoring of blood pressure].

PMID- 22042355
TI  - Hepatitis B vaccination in hemodialysis patients: different points of view for
      conclusion.
AB  - The present letter to the editor shows the other aspect of Hepatitis B
      vaccination in hemodialysis patients.

PMID- 22042357
TI  - Association between body mass index and asthma among Japanese adults: risk within
      the normal weight range.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Increasing amounts of data have shown that some Asian populations are
      more susceptible to increased weight and development of noncommunicable disease
      than Western populations. However, little is known about the association between
      increased weight, particularly within the normal range, and the development of
      asthma among Asian populations. METHODS: To examine the association between
      increased body mass index (BMI) and asthma among Japanese adults, data from a
      nationwide population-based cross-sectional survey of asthma prevalence in Japan
      were analyzed (n = 22,962; age range 20-79 years). BMIs were classified into 7
      categories considering WHO recommendations (cutoff points: 17.00, 18.50, 23.00,
      25.00, 27.50 and 30.00), and the association between BMI and the prevalences of
      asthma as well as asthma symptoms were assessed by multivariate logistic
      regression. RESULTS: The prevalences of obesity (BMI >= 30.00) in this population
      were relatively low (males 3.0%, females 2.3%). BMI categories of 25.00 or higher
      in both genders were significantly associated with an increased risk of asthma
      compared with the reference category (BMI 18.50-22.99). Even in females with a
      BMI of 23.00-24.99, the prevalence of asthma significantly increased (adjusted
      odds ratio 1.49, 95% confidence interval 1.16-1.92) compared with that in the
      reference category. CONCLUSIONS: An increase in the prevalence of asthma among
      Japanese females starts at a BMI of 23.00, which was relatively lower than those
      reported from Western countries. This finding suggests that the Japanese
      population is likely to have asthma with a lesser degree of obesity than Western
      populations.

PMID- 22042358
TI  - Breast reshaping with dermaglandular flaps after giant lipoma removal:
      versatility of oncoplastic techniques.
AB  - Lipomas of the breast are benign lesions that do not raise great interest in the
      literature and their incidence is unclear. They usually are small, benign soft
      tissue tumors of fat cells that can be treated by simple excision. Although
      lipoma is a banal condition, it often causes diagnostic and therapeutic
      uncertainty. The first reason for this is the normal fatty composition of the
      breast. Second, it may be difficult to distinguish a lipoma from other benign or
      malignant lumps. This report presents a rare case involving giant lipoma of the
      breast that compromised most of the mass of the breast. After resection, the
      remaining breast was reshaped using multiple dermaglandular flaps to restore the
      breast mound, and contralateral breast mammaplasty was performed for symmetry.
      This case is a good illustration of the oncoplastic reconstruction options
      available after wide local excision.

PMID- 22042359
TI  - Synergistic effects of cryolipolysis and shock waves for noninvasive body
      contouring.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Excess body fat, localized adiposity, and cellulite represent
      important social problems. To date, techniques using radiofrequencies, cavitation
      and noncavitation ultrasound, and carbon dioxide have been studied as treatments
      for noninvasive body contouring. Ice-Shock Lipolysis is a new noninvasive
      procedure for reducing subcutaneous fat volume and fibrous cellulite in areas
      that normally would be treated by liposuction. It uses a combination of acoustic
      waves and cryolipolysis. Shock waves, used normally in the treatment of renal
      calculi and musculoskeletal disorders, are focused on the collagen structure of
      cellulite-afflicted skin. When used on the skin and underlying fat, they cause a
      remodeling of the collagen fibers, improving the orange-peel appearance typical
      of the condition. Cryolipolysis, on the other hand, is a noninvasive method used
      for the localized destruction of subcutaneous adipocytes, with no effects on
      lipid or liver marker levels in the bloodstream. The combination of the two
      procedures causes the programmed death and slow resorption of destroyed
      adipocytes. METHODS: In this study, 50 patients with localized fat and cellulite
      were treated with a selective protocol for the simultaneous use of two
      transducers: a Freezing Probe for localized fatty tissue and a Shock Probe for
      fibrous cellulite. RESULTS: The procedure significantly reduced the circumference
      in the treated areas, significantly diminishing fat thickness. The mean reduction
      in fat thickness after treatments was 3.02 cm. Circumference was reduced by a
      mean of 4.45 cm. Weight was unchanged during the treatment, and no adverse
      effects were observed. Histologic and immunohistochemical analysis confirmed a
      gradual reduction of fat tissue by programmed cell death. Moreover, the reduction
      in fat thickness was accompanied by a significant improvement in
      microcirculation, and thus, the cellulite. The safety of the method also has been
      highlighted because it is accompanied by no significant increase in serum liver
      enzymes or serum lipids. CONCLUSION: The study aimed to observe the effects of
      the new technique in the treatment of localized fat associated with cellulite in
      order to assess adipose tissue alterations, cellular apoptosis, and levels of
      serum lipid or liver markers. The findings show that the action of Ice-Shock
      Lipolysis is a safe, effective, and well-tolerated noninvasive procedure for body
      contouring. In particular, the authors believe that this could be an ideal
      alternative to liposuction for patients who require only small or moderate
      amounts of adipose tissue and cellulite removal or are not suitable candidates
      for surgical approaches to body contouring.

PMID- 22042360
TI  - Patients have a right to safe surgery.

PMID- 22042361
TI  - Recording large-scale neuronal ensembles with silicon probes in the anesthetized
      rat.
AB  - Large scale electrophysiological recordings from neuronal ensembles offer the
      opportunity to investigate how the brain orchestrates the wide variety of
      behaviors from the spiking activity of its neurons. One of the most effective
      methods to monitor spiking activity from a large number of neurons in multiple
      local neuronal circuits simultaneously is by using silicon electrode arrays.
      Action potentials produce large transmembrane voltage changes in the vicinity of
      cell somata. These output signals can be measured by placing a conductor in close
      proximity of a neuron. If there are many active (spiking) neurons in the vicinity
      of the tip, the electrode records combined signal from all of them, where
      contribution of a single neuron is weighted by its 'electrical distance'. Silicon
      probes are ideal recording electrodes to monitor multiple neurons because of a
      large number of recording sites (+64) and a small volume. Furthermore, multiple
      sites can be arranged over a distance of millimeters, thus allowing for the
      simultaneous recordings of neuronal activity in the various cortical layers or in
      multiple cortical columns (Fig. 1). Importantly, the geometrically precise
      distribution of the recording sites also allows for the determination of the
      spatial relationship of the isolated single neurons. Here, we describe an acute,
      large-scale neuronal recording from the left and right forelimb somatosensory
      cortex simultaneously in an anesthetized rat with silicon probes (Fig. 2).

PMID- 22042362
TI  - Epigenetic silencing of the tumor suppressor klotho in human breast cancer.
AB  - Klotho is a single pass transmembrane protein, associated with premature aging.
      We identified tumor suppressor activities for klotho, associated with reduced
      expression in breast cancer. We now aimed to analyze klotho expression in early
      stages of breast tumorigenesis and elucidate mechanisms leading to klotho
      silencing in breast tumors. We studied klotho expression, using
      immunohistochemistry, and found high klotho expression in all normal and mild
      hyperplasia samples, whereas reduced expression was associated with moderate and
      atypical ductal hyperplasia. Promoter methylation and histone deacetylation were
      studied as possible mechanisms for klotho silencing. Using bisulfite sequencing,
      and methylation-specific PCR, we identified KLOTHO promoter methylation in five
      breast cancer cell lines and in hyperplastic MCF-12A cells, but not in the non
      tumorous mammary cell line HB2. Importantly, methylation status inversely
      correlated with klotho mRNA levels, and treatment of breast caner cells with 5
      aza-2-deoxycytidine elevated klotho expression by up to 150-fold. KLOTHO promoter
      methylation was detected in 8/23 of breast cancer samples but not in normal
      breast samples. Chromatin immunoprecipitation revealed that in HB2 KLOTHO
      promoter was enriched with AcH3K9; however, in breast cancer cells, H3K9 was
      deacetylated, and treatment with the histone deacetylase inhibitor
      suberoylanilide bishydroxamide (SAHA) restored H3K9 acetylation. Taken together,
      these data indicate loss of klotho expression as an early event in breast cancer
      development, and suggest a role for DNA methylation and histone deacetylation in
      klotho silencing. Klotho expression and methylation may, therefore, serve as
      early markers for breast tumorigenesis.

PMID- 22042363
TI  - Women's features and inter-/intra-rater agreement on mammographic density
      assessment in full-field digital mammograms (DDM-SPAIN).
AB  - Measurement of mammographic density (MD), one of the leading risk factors for
      breast cancer, still relies on subjective assessment. However, the consistency of
      MD measurement in full-digital mammograms has yet to be evaluated. We studied
      inter- and intra-rater agreement with respect to estimation of breast density in
      full-digital mammograms, and tested whether any of the women's characteristics
      might have some influence on them. After an initial training period, three
      experienced radiologists estimated MD using Boyd scale in a left breast cranio
      caudal mammogram of 1,431 women, recruited at three Spanish screening centres. A
      subgroup of 50 randomly selected images was read twice to estimate short-term
      intra-rater agreement. In addition, a reading of 1,428 of the images, performed 2
      years before by one rater, was used to estimate long-term intra-rater agreement.
      Pair-wise weighted kappas with 95% bootstrap confidence intervals were
      calculated. Dichotomous variables were defined to identify mammograms in which
      any rater disagreed with other raters or with his/her own assessment,
      respectively. The association between disagreement and women's characteristics
      was tested using multivariate mixed logistic models, including centre as a random
      effects term, and taking into account repeated measures when required. All
      quadratic-weighted kappa values for inter- and intra-rater agreement were
      excellent (higher than 0.80). None of the studied women's features, i.e. body
      mass index, brassiere size, menopause, nulliparity, lactation or current hormonal
      therapy, was associated with higher risk of inter- or intra-rater disagreement.
      However, raters differed significantly more in images that were classified in the
      higher-density MD categories, and disagreement in intra-rater assessment was also
      lower in low-density mammograms. The reliability of MD assessment in full-field
      digital mammograms is comparable to that for original or digitised images. The
      reassuring lack of association between subjects' MD-related characteristics and
      agreement suggests that bias from this source is unlikely.

PMID- 22042364
TI  - Comparison between screen-detected and symptomatic breast cancers according to
      molecular subtypes.
AB  - Breast cancer screening programs make it possible to detect early cancer, thus
      reducing breast cancer mortality. We studied the clinicopathologic
      characteristics and prognosis of screen-detected invasive breast cancer compared
      with symptomatic breast cancer. And we compared the result according to molecular
      subtypes (luminal A, luminal B, Her2, and triple negative), with the goal of
      identifying the role of screening in each subtypes. From January 2002 to June
      2008, 3,141 patients who underwent surgery for the treatment of invasive ductal
      carcinoma at Samsung Medical Center were included. Among them, 1,025 patients
      were screen-detected, and 2,116 patients who were screened over 2 years or never
      were symptomatic. We retrospectively reviewed the clinical and pathologic data.
      Screen-detected breast cancer was associated with older age, smaller tumor size,
      more hormone-receptor positive, less lymph node involvement, earlier stage, and
      reduced mortality compared with symptomatic breast cancer (P < 0.001). According
      to the molecular subtype, luminal A was most common (63.6%) and showed the most
      obvious survival benefit in screen-detected tumors in comparison with symptomatic
      tumors (5-year OS: 99.7 vs. 96.5%, 5-year DFS: 96.4 vs. 90.7%). Screen detection
      was independently associated with improved overall and disease-free survival
      outcomes after adjustment for covariates (HR 0.32, P = 0.035; HR 0.58, P = 0.020,
      respectively) only in the luminal A subtype. Differences in pathological features
      such as tumor size, nodal status, grade, and age at diagnosis with different
      molecular subtype distributions may explain the survival advantage of patients
      with screen-detected breast cancer. Screening programs seem to have a different
      efficacy depending on the molecular subtype of the breast cancer, especially in
      the luminal A subtype, for which screen detection acts as an independent
      prognostic factor itself.

PMID- 22042365
TI  - Rates of upgrade to malignancy for 271 cases of flat epithelial atypia (FEA)
      diagnosed by breast core biopsy.
AB  - Flat epithelial atypia (FEA) is a borderline lesion that might represent an early
      stage in the development of certain low-grade carcinomas in situ and invasive
      cancers. There are no guidelines on its management. Our objectives were to
      determine the upgrade to malignancy rate and identify a subpopulation of patients
      that might undergo just mammographic surveillance. We retrospectively reviewed
      the data for 271 FEA cases among 5,555 breast core biopsies obtained over a 7
      year period (January 2003-2010). We collated clinical data (age, history of
      cancer, menopausal status), radiological data (lesion type, size, Bi-Rads
      category), technical data (number of biopsies, needle gauge, excision quality)
      and histological data and sought correlations between these factors and upgrade
      rate. The 271 FEA comprised 128 cases of pure FEA, 135 cases of FEA + atypical
      ductal hyperplasia, and 8 cases of FEA + atypical lobular hyperplasia. Overall,
      184 patients underwent surgery and 46 mammographic surveillance. Surgery detected
      34 cases of malignancy (23 CIS, 7 invasive cancers, and 4 mixed cases) giving a
      15% upgrade rate. Quality of excision was the only factor associated with under
      diagnosis. The presence of FEA at biopsy warrants surgery.

PMID- 22042366
TI  - Chromosome 17 centromere (CEP17) duplication as a predictor of anthracycline
      response: evidence from the NCIC Clinical Trials Group (NCIC CTG) MA.5 Trial.
AB  - HER2 gene amplification and topoisomerase IIalpha gene (TOP2A) alteration have
      been associated with increased benefit from anthracycline compared to non
      anthracycline containing adjuvant breast cancer chemotherapy in some but not
      other studies. Chromosome 17 centromere (CEP17) duplication was measured on TMAs
      from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens obtained from 639 of 716
      premenopausal women with node positive breast cancer who received
      cyclophosphamide, epirubicin and fluorouracil (CEF) or cyclophosphamide,
      methotrexate and fluorouracil (CMF) in the randomized controlled mammary 5 (MA.5)
      adjuvant trial. The prognostic impact of CEP17 duplication and its interactions
      with treatment were studied for relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival
      (OS). Overall, CEP17 duplication was not significantly associated with RFS or OS
      in multivariate analysis. For patients whose tumours had normal CEP17 copy number
      there were no apparent benefits for CEF compared to CMF for RFS (HR 0.98; 95% CI
      0.68-1.42) or OS (HR 1.10; 95% CI 0.72-1.69). For patients whose tumours had
      CEP17 duplication, there was significant benefit for CEF compared to CMF for RFS
      (HR 0.54; CI 0.33-0.89) and a trend towards significance for OS (HR 0.64; CI 0.37
      1.09). The adjusted P values for interaction between treatment and CEP17
      duplication were 0.09 for RFS and 0.13 for OS. This study suggests that CEP17
      duplication has a borderline association with clinical responsiveness to
      anthracycline containing chemotherapy similar to previous results seen with HER2
      amplification and TOP2A alteration in MA.5. An appropriately powered meta
      analysis is required to discriminate the predictive value of these three
      candidate markers.

PMID- 22042367
TI  - Epstein-Barr virus is seldom found in mammary epithelium of breast cancer tissue
      using in situ molecular methods.
AB  - Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) has been proposed as a possible etiological agent of
      breast cancer based on 21 reports of EBV in malignant breast tissues. Most of
      these studies used standard and nested solution polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
      techniques, both disadvantaged by susceptibility to contamination from laboratory
      EBV, and the inability to localize the signal to a specific cell type. To avoid
      these issues, we used in situ molecular methods of viral detection to reassess
      the frequency of EBV in malignant breast tissue. We used a commercial in situ
      hybridization (ISH) system with an EBER genome target, and a non-commercial in
      situ PCR (IS-PCR) method using primers specific for the BamH1 region. The assays
      were performed on malignant breast tissue sections from 70 breast cancer patients
      at the M. D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX. EBV was found in mammary
      epithelial cells, the cell type from which most breast cancers arise, in 2/70
      (2.9%) of specimens using IS-PCR and in none of the specimens using ISH. Based on
      these findings that EBV was present in human mammary epithelial cells so
      infrequently, it is unlikely to play a causative role in most types of breast
      cancer.

PMID- 22042368
TI  - Comparison of breast cancer recurrence risk and cardiovascular disease incidence
      risk among postmenopausal women with breast cancer.
AB  - The majority of breast cancers are diagnosed in postmenopausal women. Competing
      comorbidities, particularly cardiovascular disease (CVD), should be considered
      when individualizing adjuvant therapies for these women. We compared the 10-year
      predicted breast cancer recurrence risk with CVD risk among postmenopausal women
      with hormone receptor-positive (HR+), non-metastatic breast cancer. CVD risk
      factor data were prospectively collected from postmenopausal women with stage I
      III, HR+ breast cancer initiating adjuvant aromatase inhibitor therapy. We
      compared predicted 10-year CVD risk, including the composite index heart age,
      computed from modified Framingham risk score, with predicted 10-year risk of
      breast cancer recurrence using Adjuvant! Online. We created multivariable
      logistic regression models to estimate the odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence
      intervals (CI) for greater CVD risk than breast cancer recurrence risk. Among 415
      women, mean age and heart age were 60 and 67 years, respectively. Overall, 43% of
      women had a predicted 10-year CVD risk equivalent to breast cancer recurrence
      risk and 37% had CVD risk higher than breast cancer recurrence risk. Predicted
      CVD risk was higher than breast cancer recurrence risk for stage I disease (OR:
      6.1, 95% CI: 3.4-11.2) or heart age >65 (OR: 12.4, 95% CI: 7.0-22.6). The
      majority of postmenopausal women with HR+ early breast cancer had a predicted 10
      year CVD risk that was equivalent to or higher than breast cancer recurrence
      risk. Physicians should weigh competing risks and offer early screening and
      cardiac prevention strategies for women at a greater risk for CVD.

PMID- 22042369
TI  - Triggering of Toll-like receptor 4 on metastatic breast cancer cells promotes
      alphavbeta3-mediated adhesion and invasive migration.
AB  - Triggering of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) on tumor cells has been found to
      promote tumor progression by promoting tumor cell proliferation and survival. So
      far, however, the effect of TLR4 signaling on tumor metastasis has not been well
      elucidated. Here, we report that triggering of TLR4 on metastatic breast cancer
      cells could reciprocally regulate the expression of alphavbeta3 and the
      expressions of TPM1 and maspin, and promote alphavbeta3-mediated adhesion and
      invasive migration of the cells. In metastatic breast cancer cells, TLR4
      signaling increased the expression of integrin alphavbeta3 by activating NF
      kappaB, resulting in the increased adhesion capacity of tumor cells to the ligand
      for alphavbeta3, and the increased polymerization of actin and production of MMP
      9 in tumor cells in response to ECM. HoxD3 was required for the up-regulation of
      alphav and beta3 expressions by NF-kappaB. Moreover, TLR4 signaling increased the
      expression of miR-21 in breast cancer cells by activating NF-kappaB. Accordingly,
      the expressions of TPM1 and maspin were decreased at protein level, whereas the
      transcription activity of these genes was not influenced. Consistent with the
      promoting effect on alphavbeta3-mediated adhesion and invasive migration, TLR4
      signaling promoted the arrest of metastatic breast cancer cells in circulation
      and following invasion. The effect of TLR4 signaling could be abrogated by
      inhibiting NF-kappaB. These findings suggest that metastatic breast cancer cells
      could acquire higher metastatic potential due to triggering of TLR4 and
      activation of NF-kappaB in the cells, and that both TLR4 and NF-kappaB could be
      therapeutic targets for preventing metastasis of breast cancer cells.

PMID- 22042370
TI  - A plea for the biopsy marker: how, why and why not clipping after breast biopsy?
AB  - In the last decade, percutaneous breast biopsies have become a standard for the
      management of breast diseases. Biopsy clips allow for precise lesion
      localization, thus minimizing the volume of breast to be resected at the time of
      surgery. With the development of many imaging techniques (including mammography,
      sonography, and breast magnetic resonance imaging), one of the challenges of the
      multidisciplinary became to synthesize all informations obtained from the various
      imaging procedures. The use of biopsy markers after percutaneous biopsy is one of
      the keys for optimal patient management, helping the radiologist to deal with
      multiple lesions, to insure correlation across different imaging modalities and
      to follow-up benign lesions, helping the oncologist by marking a tumor prior to
      neoadjuvant chemotherapy, helping the surgeon by facilitating preoperative needle
      localization, to precisely mark the margins of extensive disease and to guide
      intraoperative tumor resection, and helping the pathologist to insure the lesion
      of interest has been removed and to identify the region of interest in a
      mastectomy specimen. We believe biopsy clip markers should be deployed after all
      percutaneous interventions and present in this review the arguments to support
      this statement. Minimal indications for clip deployment will also be detailed.

PMID- 22042371
TI  - Breast tenderness and breast cancer risk in the estrogen plus progestin and
      estrogen-alone women's health initiative clinical trials.
AB  - The associations between breast tenderness during use of conjugated equine
      estrogen (CEE) therapy with or without medroxyprogesterone (MPA) therapy and
      subsequent breast cancer risk are unknown. We analyzed data from the Women's
      Health Initiative Estrogen plus Progestin (N = 16,608, 5.6 years intervention)
      and estrogen-alone (N = 10,739, 6.8 years intervention) clinical trials until
      trial close-out (Spring 2005). At baseline and annually, participants underwent
      mammography and clinical breast exam. Self-reported breast tenderness was
      assessed at baseline and 12 months. Invasive breast cancer was confirmed by
      medical record review. The risk of new-onset breast tenderness after 12 months
      was significantly higher among women assigned to active therapy than placebo (CEE
      alone vs. placebo risk ratio [RR] 2.15, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.97-2.35;
      CEE + MPA vs. placebo RR 3.07, 95% CI 2.85-3.30). CEE + MPA doubled the risk of
      invasive breast cancer among women with baseline breast tenderness (hazard ratio
      [HR] 2.16, 95% CI 1.29-3.74), but had a smaller effect among women without
      baseline breast tenderness (HR 1.17; 95% CI 0.97-1.41). New-onset breast
      tenderness was associated with a higher risk of breast cancer among women
      assigned to CEE + MPA (HR 1.33, 95% CI 1.02-1.72, P = 0.03), but not among women
      assigned to CEE-alone (HR 0.98, 95% CI 0.62-1.53). New-onset breast tenderness
      during use of CEE + MPA was associated with increased subsequent breast cancer
      risk. The association of CEE + MPA therapy with increased breast cancer risk was
      especially pronounced among women with baseline breast tenderness.

PMID- 22042372
TI  - A phase I/II prospective, single arm trial of gefitinib, trastuzumab, and
      docetaxel in patients with stage IV HER-2 positive metastatic breast cancer.
AB  - Inhibition of the HER-2 pathway via the monoclonal antibody trastuzumab has had a
      major impact in treatment of HER-2 positive breast cancer, but de novo or
      acquired resistance may reduce its effectiveness. The known interplay between the
      epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and HER-2 receptors and pathways creates
      a rationale for combined anti-EGFR and anti-HER-2 therapy in HER-2 positive
      metastatic breast cancer (MBC), and toxicities associated with the use of
      multiple chemotherapeutic agents together with biological therapies may also be
      reduced. We conducted a prospective, single arm, phase I/II trial to determine
      the efficacy and toxicity of the combination of trastuzumab with the EGFR
      inhibitor gefitinib and docetaxel, in patients with HER-2 positive MBC. The
      maximum tolerated dose (MTD) was determined in the phase I portion. The primary
      end point of the phase II portion was progression-free survival (PFS).
      Immunohistochemical analysis of biomarker expression of the PKA-related proteins
      cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), phospho-CREB and DARPP-32 (dopamine
      and cAMP-regulated phosphoprotein of 32 kDa) plus t-DARPP (the truncated isoform
      of DARPP-32); PTEN; p-p70 S6K; and EGFR was conducted on tissue from metastatic
      sites. Nine patients were treated in the phase I portion of the study and 22 in
      the phase II portion. The MTD was gefitinib 250 mg on days 2-14, trastuzumab 6
      mg/kg, and docetaxel 60 mg/m(2) every 21 days. For the 29 patients treated at the
      MTD, median PFS was 12.7 months, with complete and partial response rates of 18
      and 46%, and a stable disease rate of 29%. No statistically significant
      correlation was found between response and expression of any biomarkers. We
      conclude that the combination of gefitinib, trastuzumab, and docetaxel is
      feasible and effective. Expression of the biomarkers examined did not predict
      outcome in this sample of HER-2 overexpressing metastatic breast cancer.

PMID- 22042373
TI  - Physical activity and quality of life of amputees in southern Brazil.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Physical activity is a positive component of human health. Its
      effects are associated with improvement in physical, psychological and social
      aspects of quality of life. Physical activity is therefore an important factor in
      the rehabilitation of amputees. OBJECTIVE: To analyse the relationship between
      physical activity and quality of life for amputees in southern Brazil. STUDY
      DESIGN: Descriptive, cross-sectional design with nonrandomized sample. METHODS: A
      total of 40 questionnaire instruments were distributed to subjects who met the
      inclusion criteria, with a response rate of 55% (22 individuals, n = 15 males, n
      = 7 females). Outcome measurements were obtained through the International
      Physical Activity Questionnaire and World Health Organization Quality of Life
      Bref. RESULTS: The sample was characterized by physically active adult male
      prosthetic users with positive quality of life, and amputation below the right
      knee caused by mechanical trauma related to traffic accidents with motorcycles.
      Significant correlations were identified between all domains of quality of life
      and between level of physical activity and psychological quality of life. No
      correlation was identified between gender and quality of life variables or
      physical activity levels. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that in very active
      amputees of both genders, level of physical activity is not associated with
      quality of life except for the psychological domain.

PMID- 22042374
TI  - Undergraduate prosthetics and orthotics programme objectives:a baseline for
      international comparison and curricular development.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prosthetics and orthotics is a relatively recent addition to the
      suite of undergraduate professional preparation programmes. There has been
      limited publication regarding international patterns of curriculum development,
      particularly concerning how objectives differ across global regions. OBJECTIVES:
      This paper compares current prosthetics and orthotics curricula from a range of
      regions and identifies both common and distinctive objectives. STUDY DESIGN:
      Mixed method: document analysis followed by modified Delphi process. METHODS:
      Documents were analysed qualitatively to compare various curricula and emergent
      features were evaluated by a group of expert prosthetics and orthotics
      instructors. RESULTS: There was substantial agreement that programmes should
      improve student knowledge and understanding. They should establish and extend
      student fabrication, communication skills and professional co-operation. However,
      there appeared to be regional differences in the priority given to critical
      thinking and clinical reasoning; integration of theory and practice and
      particular approaches to teaching prosthetics and orthotics. CONCLUSIONS: This
      study revealed substantial consensus regarding the importance of clear programme
      objectives dealing with student abilities, professional skills and contemporary
      understanding. However, this study also revealed regional differences that may
      well reward further investigation.

PMID- 22042375
TI  - In silico prediction of acyl glucuronide reactivity.
AB  - Drugs and drug candidates containing a carboxylic acid moiety, including many
      widely used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often metabolized
      to form acyl glucuronides (AGs). NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen are amongst the most
      widely used drugs on the market, whereas similar carboxylic acid drugs such as
      Suprofen have been withdrawn due to adverse events. Although the link between
      these AG metabolites and toxicity is not proven, there is circumstantial
      literature evidence to suggest that more reactive acyl glucuronides may, in some
      cases, present a greater risk of exhibiting toxic effects. We wished therefore to
      rank the reactivity of potential new carboxylate-containing drug candidates, and
      performed kinetic studies on synthetic acyl glucuronides to benchmark our key
      compounds. Driven by the desire to quickly rank the reactivity of compounds
      without the need for lengthy synthesis of the acyl glucuronide, a correlation was
      established between the degradation half-life of the acyl glucuronide and the
      half life for the hydrolysis of the more readily available methyl ester
      derivative. This finding enabled a considerable broadening of chemical property
      space to be investigated. The need for kinetic measurements was subsequently
      eliminated altogether by correlating the methyl ester hydrolysis half-life with
      the predicted (13)C NMR chemical shift of the carbonyl carbon together with
      readily available steric descriptors in a PLS model. This completely in silico
      prediction of acyl glucuronide reactivity is applicable within the earliest
      stages of drug design with low cost and acceptable accuracy to guide intelligent
      molecular design. This reactivity data will be useful alongside the more complex
      additional pharmacokinetic exposure and distribution data that is generated later
      in the drug discovery process for assessing the overall toxicological risk of
      acidic drugs.

PMID- 22042376
TI  - Modeling the pharmacodynamics of passive membrane permeability.
AB  - Small molecule permeability through cellular membranes is critical to a better
      understanding of pharmacodynamics and the drug discovery endeavor. Such
      permeability may be estimated as a function of the free energy change of barrier
      crossing by invoking the barrier domain model, which posits that permeation is
      limited by passage through a single "barrier domain" and assumes diffusivity
      differences among compounds of similar structure are negligible. Inspired by the
      work of Rezai and co-workers (JACS 128:14073-14080, 2006), we estimate this free
      energy change as the difference in implicit solvation free energies in chloroform
      and water, but extend their model to include solute conformational affects. Using
      a set of eleven structurally diverse FDA approved compounds and a set of thirteen
      congeneric molecules, we show that the solvation free energies are dominated by
      the global minima, which allows solute conformational distributions to be
      effectively neglected. For the set of tested compounds, the best correlation with
      experiment is obtained when the implicit chloroform global minimum is used to
      evaluate the solvation free energy difference.

PMID- 22042378
TI  - Chiral squaramide-catalyzed highly diastereo- and enantioselective direct Michael
      addition of nitroalkanes to nitroalkenes.
AB  - An efficient highly diastereo- and enantioselective direct Michael addition of
      nitroalkanes to nitroalkenes catalyzed by chiral squaramide catalyst has been
      developed. This organocatalytic reaction with a low catalyst loading (2 mol%)
      proceeded well to afford synthetically useful 1,3-dinitro compounds in high
      yields with high diastereoselectivities (up to 95 : 5 dr) and excellent
      enantioselectivities (up to 97% ee).

PMID- 22042377
TI  - Conformational studies of immunodominant myelin basic protein 1-11 analogues
      using NMR and molecular modeling.
AB  - Tauwo dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance studies complimented by molecular
      dynamics simulations were conducted to investigate the conformation of the
      immunodominant epitope of acetylated myelin basic protein residues 1-11 (Ac-MBP(1
      11)) and its altered peptide ligands, mutated at position 4 to an alanine (Ac
      MBP(1-11)[4A]) or a tyrosine residue (Ac-MBP(1-11)[4Y]). Conformational analysis
      of the three analogues indicated that they adopt an extended conformation in DMSO
      solution as no long distance NOE connectivities were observed and seem to have a
      similar conformation when bound to the active site of the major
      histocompatibility complex (MHC II). The interaction of each peptide with MHC
      class II I-A(u) was further investigated in order to explore the molecular
      mechanism of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis induction/inhibition in
      mice. The present findings indicate that the Gln(3) residue, which serves as a T
      cell receptor (TCR) contact site in the TCR/peptide/I-A(u) complex, has a
      different orientation in the mutated analogues especially in the Ac-MBP(1-11)[4A]
      peptide. In particular the side chain of Gln(3) is not solvent exposed as for the
      native Ac-MBP(1-11) and it is not available for interaction with the TCR.

PMID- 22042379
TI  - Recognition memory without awareness during transient global amnesia.

PMID- 22042381
TI  - Effect of bending rigidity in a dynamic model of a polyurethane prosthetic mitral
      valve.
AB  - We investigate the behaviour of a dynamic fluid-structure interaction model of a
      chorded polyurethane mitral valve prosthesis, focusing on the effects on valve
      dynamics of including descriptions of the bending stiffnesses of the valve
      leaflets and artificial chordae tendineae. Each of the chordae is attached at one
      end to the valve annulus and at the other to one of two chordal attachment
      points. These attachment points correspond to the positions where the chords of
      the real prosthesis would attach to the left-ventricular wall, although in the
      present study, these attachment points are kept fixed in space to facilitate
      comparison between our simulations and earlier results obtained from an
      experimental test rig. In our simulations, a time-dependent pressure difference
      derived from experimental measurements drives flow through the model valve during
      diastole and provides a realistic pressure load during systole. In previous
      modelling studies of this valve prosthesis, the valve presents an unrealistically
      large orifice at beginning of diastole and does not close completely at the end
      of diastole. We show that including a description of the chordal bending
      stiffness enables the model valve to close properly at the end of the diastolic
      phase of the cardiac cycle. Valve over-opening is eliminated only by
      incorporating a description of the bending stiffnesses of the valve leaflets into
      the model. Thus, bending stiffness plays a significant role in the dynamic
      behaviour of the polyurethane mitral valve prosthesis.

PMID- 22042382
TI  - Bioabsorbable Gore BIO-A plug and patch hernia repair in young adults.

PMID- 22042383
TI  - Prosthetic repair of umbilical hernias in adults with local anesthesia in a day
      case setting: a comprehensive report from a specialized hernia center.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Umbilical hernia is a common surgical problem. However, there seems
      to be a certain discrepancy between its importance and the attention it has
      received in the literature to date. This prospective study aimed to report a
      detailed analysis of prosthetic umbilical hernia repairs with local anesthesia in
      a day-case setting. METHODS: It was planned to enroll 100 consecutive patients
      who underwent an elective umbilical hernia repair with local anesthesia. Patients
      who required general anesthesia and simultaneous hernia repairs were excluded.
      The procedure including local anesthesia and intravenous sedation was explained
      to the patients in detail by the operating surgeons and the anesthesiologist. The
      following parameters were strictly recorded: gender, age, body mass index (BMI),
      concomitant diseases, history of hernia (primary/recurrent), size of fascial
      defect, duration of operation, level of intravenous sedation (light/moderate),
      discharge time, and complications. RESULTS: There were 54 male and 46 female
      patients. The mean age was 48.6 years (24-78 years). Four patients were older
      than 70 years of age. Forty-one patients had 84 concomitant diseases. Eleven
      patients had a recurrent hernia. Female patients more frequently presented with a
      recurrent hernia than male patients (19.6 vs. 3.7%, P = 0.009). A standard
      polypropylene mesh was used in the onlay position in 91 cases. In nine cases, a
      light mesh was placed in the preperitoneal space. A closed vacuum drain was left
      in situ in 37 cases. Light sedation was set in 86 cases, whereas 12 patients
      received a moderate sedation. Monitored anesthesia care was used in two cases.
      When moderate sedation was needed, a concurrent increase in lidocaine dose and
      total volume was recorded. There was a positive correlation between increased
      lidocaine use and high midazolam dose and additional propofol requirement. The
      mean total local anesthetic volume was 33 ml (10-63 ml). Lidocaine doses
      displayed a large range between the cases (70-600 mg). The mean lidocaine dose
      was 263.3 mg (standard deviation [SD]: 103.4). No bupivacaine was given in 19
      cases, whereas the mean bupivacaine dose was 35.1 mg (0-100 mg) in 81 cases. The
      mean duration in the operation room was 69 min (25-150 min). It was significantly
      longer for recurrent hernias than primary ones (95 vs. 65 min; P = 0.0001).
      Higher total volume and higher lidocaine doses were required for the repair of
      recurrent hernias. In addition, it was observed that the longer the operation
      time, then the longer the lidocaine dose and the higher the total volume of local
      anesthetic agents. The patient satisfaction rate was 97%. The mean discharge time
      was 122 +/- 58 min (45-420 min). Sixty-seven patients were sent home within 2 h.
      Early wound problems were observed in 11 patients. Small seromas and hematomas
      developed in six cases, and dissolved without drainage. Three superficial
      surgical site infections diagnosed by erythema and enduration were recorded
      without obvious suppuration. No recurrence was recorded after a mean follow-up of
      17 months (5-41 months). One patient complained of pain at the lower edge of a
      standard polypropylene mesh at the third postoperative month. CONCLUSIONS: The
      repair of umbilical hernias with local anesthesia in a day-case setting is a good
      option, with low infection and recurrence rates. Most patients can be discharged
      early as planned. Separate doses and total volume of local anesthetic agents
      needed for umbilical hernia repair are clearly higher than those used in inguinal
      hernia repair. Patients with higher BMI, recurrent hernia, and defects larger
      than 3 cm may require higher local analgesic doses. The patient satisfaction is
      very good when the patients are provided with detailed information about day
      surgery and local anesthesia.

PMID- 22042384
TI  - Beck Hopelessness Scale: exploring its dimensionality in patients with
      schizophrenia.
AB  - Hopelessness is a pre-eminent risk factor for suicide and non-fatal self-harm.
      Although the Beck Hopelessness Scale is often used for schizophrenia, its factor
      structure has been given relatively little consideration in this context. This
      study aimed to examine the reliability and validity of the Taiwanese version of
      the Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS-T) in a chronic schizophrenia out-patient
      sample. One hundred and two (102) outpatients were evaluated using the translated
      Taiwanese version of the BHS (BHS-T), as well as several Beck-related symptom
      rating scales and the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) for psycho
      pathology. The patients were also evaluated for suicidal intent using the
      critical items of the Scale for Suicide Ideation (SSI) and suicide attempts. The
      psychometric properties of the BHS-T were also evaluated, including construct
      validity, internal consistency, test-retest reliability, convergence, and
      discriminative validity. The BHS-T showed good overall reliability and stability
      over time. This translated scale comprised a two-factor solution corresponding
      negative expectation and loss of motivation dimensions. Differences in mean
      hopelessness scores between participants with and without suicidal intent were
      significant. The results also indicated that, among individuals with
      schizophrenia, "negative expectation in the future" is more closely linked to
      suicide intent than "loss of motivation for the future". The BHS-T is a reliable
      and valid instrument for measuring the multi-dimensionality of hopelessness and
      may complement clinical suicidal risk assessments in individuals with
      schizophrenia.

PMID- 22042386
TI  - The new irrationalism in weaning.

PMID- 22042385
TI  - Prenatal excess glucocorticoid exposure and adult affective disorders: a role for
      serotonergic and catecholamine pathways.
AB  - Fetal glucocorticoid exposure is a key mechanism proposed to underlie prenatal
      'programming' of adult affective behaviours such as depression and anxiety.
      Indeed, the glucocorticoid metabolising enzyme 11beta-hydroxysteroid
      dehydrogenase type 2 (11beta-HSD2), which is highly expressed in the placenta and
      the developing fetus, acts as a protective barrier from the high maternal
      glucocorticoids which may alter developmental trajectories. The programmed
      changes resulting from maternal stress or bypass or from the inhibition of 11beta
      HSD2 are frequently associated with alterations in the hypothalamic-pituitary
      adrenal (HPA) axis. Hence, circulating glucocorticoid levels are increased either
      basally or in response to stress accompanied by CNS region-specific modulations
      in the expression of both corticosteroid receptors (mineralocorticoid and
      glucocorticoid receptors). Furthermore, early-life glucocorticoid exposure also
      affects serotonergic and catecholamine pathways within the brain, with changes in
      both associated neurotransmitters and receptors. Indeed, global removal of 11beta
      HSD2, an enzyme that inactivates glucocorticoids, increases anxiety- and
      depressive-like behaviour in mice; however, in this case the phenotype is not
      accompanied by overt perturbation in the HPA axis but, intriguingly, alterations
      in serotonergic and catecholamine pathways are maintained in this programming
      model. This review addresses one of the potential adverse effects of
      glucocorticoid overexposure in utero, i.e. increased incidence of affective
      behaviours, and the mechanisms underlying these behaviours including alteration
      of the HPA axis and serotonergic and catecholamine pathways.

PMID- 22042387
TI  - [Six-minute walk test: necessary in order to understand patient limitations].

PMID- 22042388
TI  - Six-minute walk test: reference values for healthy adults in Brazil.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To develop regression equations for six-minute walk distance (6MWD) in
      healthy adults (20-80 years of age) in Brazil. METHODS: We included 132
      volunteers (66 males) without respiratory disease, cardiac disease, or
      comorbidities that affect ambulation. The volunteers completed three six-minute
      walk tests. Prior to and at the end of each test, we obtained SpO2 and maximal
      HR, as well as the Borg scale scores for sensation of dyspnea and lower limb
      fatigue. The data included in the final analysis were derived from the test with
      the greatest 6MWD. RESULTS: The mean 6MWD values were 566 +/- 87 m and 538 +/- 95
      m in males and females, respectively (p = 0.08). The 6MWD was greater in taller
      individuals and decreased in parallel with increases in age or body index mass
      (BMI). The best adjusted model was the quadratic model. We derived the following
      equation (valid for both genders): 6MWD = 511 + stature2 (cm) * 0.0066 - age2 *
      0.030 - BMI2 * 0.068. This equation explained 55% of the variance in 6MWD.
      CONCLUSIONS: Reference values explaining a high proportion of the variance were
      derived by a quadratic regression model in healthy adults (of a wide range of
      ages) in Brazil.

PMID- 22042389
TI  - Acute asthma management in children: knowledge of the topic among health
      professionals at teaching hospitals in the city of Recife, Brazil.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Knowledge of acute asthma management in children is a subject that has
      rarely been explored. The objective of this study was to assess the level of such
      knowledge among health professionals in the city of Recife, Brazil. METHODS: This
      was a cross-sectional survey involving 27 pediatricians and 7 nurses, all with at
      least two years of professional experience, at two large pediatric teaching
      hospitals in Recife. The participants completed a self-administered multiple
      choice questionnaire. RESULTS: The pediatricians and nurses all possessed
      insufficient knowledge regarding the use of metered dose inhalers, nebulization,
      and types/doses of medications, as well as techniques for decontamination and
      disinfection of the equipment. CONCLUSIONS: Insufficient knowledge of acute
      asthma management in children can lead to less effective treatment in hospitals
      such as those evaluated here. Educational programs should be developed in order
      to minimize this problem.

PMID- 22042390
TI  - An experimental rat model of ex vivo lung perfusion for the assessment of lungs
      after prostacyclin administration: inhaled versus parenteral routes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To present a model of prostaglandin I2 (PGI2) administration (inhaled
      vs. parenteral) and to assess the functional performance of the lungs in an ex
      vivo lung perfusion system. METHODS: Forty Wistar rats were anesthetized and
      placed on mechanical ventilation followed by median sterno-laparotomy and
      anticoagulation. The main pulmonary artery was cannulated. All animals were
      maintained on mechanical ventilation and were randomized into four groups (10
      rats/group): inhaled saline (IS); parenteral saline (PS); inhaled PGI2 (IPGI2);
      and parenteral PGI2 (PPGI2). The dose of PGI2 used in the IPGI2 and PPGI2 groups
      was 20 and 10 ug/kg, respectively. The heart-lung blocks were submitted to
      antegrade perfusion with a low potassium and dextran solution via the pulmonary
      artery, followed by en bloc extraction and storage at 4oC for 6 h. The heart-lung
      blocks were then ventilated and perfused in an ex vivo lung perfusion system for
      50 min. Respiratory mechanics, hemodynamics, and gas exchange were assessed.
      RESULTS: Mean pulmonary artery pressure following nebulization decreased in all
      groups (p < 0.001), with no significant differences among the groups. During the
      ex vivo perfusion, respiratory mechanics did not differ among the groups,
      although relative oxygenation capacity decreased significantly in the IS and PS
      groups (p = 0.04), whereas mean pulmonary artery pressure increased significantly
      in the IS group. CONCLUSIONS: The experimental model of inhaled PGI2
      administration during lung extraction is feasible and reliable. During
      reperfusion, hemodynamics and gas exchange trended toward better performance with
      the use of PGI2 than that with the use of saline.

PMID- 22042391
TI  - Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: pulmonary function tests and post
      transplant mortality.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the results of pulmonary function tests carried
      out in patients subsequently submitted to hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
      (HSCT) are associated with post-HSCT mortality. METHODS: This was a prospective
      study involving patients older than 15 years of age who were submitted to
      allogenic HSCT between January of 2007 and March of 2008 at the Hospital das
      Clinicas da Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, located in the city of Belo
      Horizonte, Brazil. Prior to HSCT, all of the patients underwent spirometry,
      determination of lung volumes, and determination of DLCO. Those same tests were
      repeated six months, one year, and two years after HSCT. Kaplan-Meier curves and
      two-tailed log-rank tests were used for survival analysis. The relative risk (RR)
      and 95% CI were calculated using the Cox proportional hazards model. The Cox
      regression model was used in the multivariate analysis. RESULTS: The pre-HSCT
      pulmonary function results were normal in 40 (74.1%) of the 54 patients
      evaluated, 19 (35.2%) of whom died within the first 100 days after HSCT. By the
      end of the two-year follow-up period, 23 patients (42.6%) had died, the most
      common causes of death being septicemia, observed in 11 (47.8%), and septicemia
      related respiratory insufficiency, observed in 10 (43.4%). The only variables
      significantly associated with post-HSCT mortality were alterations in spirometry
      results prior to HSCT (RR = 3.2; p = 0.016) and unrelated donor (RR = 9.0; p <
      0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Performing spirometry prior to HSCT provides baseline values
      for future comparisons. Although alterations in spirometry results reveal a
      higher risk of post-HSCT mortality, such alterations do not contraindicate the
      procedure.

PMID- 22042392
TI  - Reference equations for the performance of healthy adults on field walking tests.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To develop regression equations for predicting six-minute and
      incremental shuttle walk distances (6MWD and ISWD, respectively), based on
      demographic characteristics, anthropometric variables, and grip strength.
      METHODS: We evaluated 6MWD and ISWD in 98 healthy adults. Height, weight, and
      grip strength were also assessed. Using data from 90 of the participants (40
      males; 60 +/- 9 years of age), we devised linear equations adjusted for age,
      gender, height, and weight, and we developed alternate models that included grip
      strength. We prospectively applied the equations in the 8 remaining participants
      (4 males; 59 +/- 10 years), who had been randomly separated from the initial
      sample. RESULTS: Age, gender, height, and weight collectively explained 54.5% and
      64.9% of the variance in 6MWD and ISWD, respectively, whereas age, height,
      weight, and grip strength collectively explained 54.4% and 69.0% of the
      respective variances. There was no significant difference between the measured
      and predicted 6MWD using equations with and without grip strength (14 +/- 57 vs.
      13 +/- 67 m). Similar results were observed for ISWD (25 +/- 104 vs. 25 +/- 93
      m). CONCLUSIONS: Grip strength is a determinant of ISWD and 6MWD; however, it
      could not improve the power of equations adjusted by demographic and
      anthropometric variables. The validity of our models including grip strength
      should be further evaluated in patients with skeletal muscle dysfunction.

PMID- 22042393
TI  - Spirometric reference values for healthy adults in the Mazandaran province of
      Iran.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: One of the major issues in the use of spirometry is the evaluation of
      the values obtained in comparison with standardized reference values. Such
      reference values should be determined by studying populations similar to the
      population in which they are intended to be used. Considering the anthropometric
      differences among races and the effect of regional issues, such as climate and
      air quality, it is recommended that these standards be set and used regionally.
      The objective of this study was to measure the spirometric values in residents of
      the Mazandaran province in Iran, as well as to determine which standardized
      reference values most closely correlate with the values obtained and to devise
      predictive equations for the target population. METHODS: This was a cross
      sectional study of 1,499 volunteers, from whom demographic and anthropometric
      data were collected. After having been instructed in the correct procedure, each
      volunteer underwent spirometry. From each volunteer, we obtained three spirometry
      curves that met the acceptability criteria established by the American Thoracic
      Society. The test with the highest values of FEV1 and FVC was employed in the
      analysis. RESULTS: We observed significant correlations between the measured
      values and the reference values, for both genders. The strongest correlations
      were with the European Respiratory Society reference values and with the 18-20
      year age bracket. The predictive equations devised were based on the regression
      coefficients obtained and the demographic data collected. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      results show that the European Respiratory Society standard is the most
      appropriate standard for use in the population studied.

PMID- 22042394
TI  - Influenza A (H1N1)-associated pneumonia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the characteristics of patients with influenza A (H1N1)
      associated pneumonia treated at two hospitals in the region of Liguria, Italy, as
      well as to describe their treatment and outcomes. METHODS: This was a prospective
      observational study including all patients older than 16 years of age with a
      confirmed diagnosis of influenza A (H1N1) who were admitted to Villa Scassi
      Hospital, in the city of Genoa, Italy, or to the Sestri Levante General Hospital,
      in the city of Sestri Levante, Italy, between September of 2009 and January of
      2010. The primary outcome measure was mortality within 60 days after diagnosis.
      Secondary outcome measures were the need for mechanical ventilation and the
      length of hospital stay. RESULTS: Of the 40 patients with a confirmed diagnosis
      of influenza A (H1N1), 27 presented pneumonia during the study period. The mean
      age of the 27 patients was 42.8 +/- 14.8 years, and the mean length of hospital
      stay was 11.6 +/- 8.2 days. Of the 27 patients, 20 had respiratory failure, 4
      underwent invasive mechanical ventilation, and 5 underwent noninvasive
      ventilation. One patient had comorbidities, developed multiple organ failure, and
      died. CONCLUSIONS: During the influenza A (H1N1) pandemic, the associated
      mortality rate was lower in Italy than in other countries, and cases reported in
      the country typically had a milder course than did those reported elsewhere.
      Nevertheless, 9 of our cases (33%) rapidly evolved to respiratory failure,
      requiring mechanical ventilation.

PMID- 22042395
TI  - Restriction enzyme analysis of the hsp65 gene in clinical isolates from patients
      suspected of having pulmonary tuberculosis in Teresina, Brazil.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify mycobacterial species in the sputum of patients suspected
      of having pulmonary tuberculosis and to determine the impact that the acquisition
      of this knowledge has on the therapeutic approach. METHODS: We evaluated 106
      patients suspected of having pulmonary tuberculosis and referred to the
      pulmonology department of a public hospital in the city of Teresina, Brazil.
      Morning sputum specimens were evaluated for the presence of mycobacteria by
      sputum smear microscopy and culture. We used PCR and restriction enzyme analysis
      of the hsp65 gene (PRA-hsp65) to identify the strains of mycobacteria isolated in
      culture. RESULTS: A total of 206 sputum samples were analyzed. Patient ages
      ranged from 15 to 87 years, and 67% were male. There was cough in 100% of the
      cases. The predominant radiographic pattern was moderate disease, observed in
      70%. Smear positivity was 76%, and isolation in culture occurred in 91% of the
      cultures. Traditional tests identified nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) in 9% of
      the isolates. The PRA-hsp65 method confirmed these data, showing seven band
      patterns that were able to identify the isolated species of NTM: Mycobacterium
      kansasii; M. abscessus 1; M. abscessus 2; M. smegmatis; M. flavescens 1; M.
      gordonae 5; and M. gordonae 7. All of the patients with NTM were over 60 years of
      age, and bronchiectasis was seen in 88% of the X-rays. There were two cases of
      reinfection, initially attributed to M. abscessus and M. kansasii. CONCLUSIONS:
      In immunocompetent patients, NTM can infect the lungs. It is important to
      identify the specific NTM in order to establish the correct diagnosis and choose
      the most appropriate therapeutic regimen. The PRA-hsp65 method is useful in
      identifying NTM species and can be implemented in molecular biology laboratories
      that do not specialize in the identification of mycobacteria.

PMID- 22042396
TI  - Active tuberculosis among health care workers in Portugal.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence of active tuberculosis (TB) in a cohort of
      health care workers (HCWs). METHODS: Descriptive study of active TB cases
      identified in an occupational health screening of 6,112 HCWs between 2005 and
      2010. Cases of active TB were defined as those in which Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis was identified by direct microscopy or culture; those in which there
      were symptoms or clinical signs of TB and necrotizing granuloma, as detected by
      histology; and those in which the radiological findings were consistent with
      active TB. RESULTS: Among the 6,112 HCWs evaluated, we identified 62 cases of
      active TB: pulmonary TB (n = 43); pleural TB (n = 15); lymph node TB (n = 2);
      pericardial TB (n = 1); and cutaneous TB (n = 1). Seven HCWs were asymptomatic at
      the time of diagnosis. Of the 62 cases of active TB, 48 developed within the
      first 10 years of occupational exposure in the workplace, 36 of those occurring
      within the first 5 years. Physicians and nurses accounted for the highest numbers
      of cases (22 and 21, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In HCWs employed in Portugal,
      the TB burden is high. Physicians and nurses are the HCWs who are at the highest
      risk of developing active TB. We found the risk of developing this disease to be
      highest in the first years of exposure, as has been reported in previous studies.
      In high-incidence countries, TB screening of HCWs is important for controlling
      the transmission of this disease.

PMID- 22042397
TI  - Tuberculin skin test: operational research in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul,
      Brazil.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate operational aspects of tuberculin skin test (TST) use
      in tuberculosis control programs and at specialized Brazilian National Sexually
      Transmitted Diseases/AIDS and Viral Hepatitis Program health care clinics in
      priority municipalities for tuberculosis control in the state of Mato Grosso do
      Sul, Brazil. METHODS: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional, epidemiological
      survey. Data on qualifications/training of professionals administering TSTs,
      timing of the TST, procedures in cases of loss to follow-up (reading), material
      availability, and material storage were collected through interviews and
      technical visits. For the 2008-2009 period, we determined the numbers of
      screenings in vulnerable populations, of TSTs performed, and of patients treated
      for latent tuberculosis. RESULTS: We interviewed 12 program managers in six
      municipalities. Some programs/clinics did not perform TSTs. Nursing teams
      administered the TSTs, results were read by non-specialists, and
      specialization/refresher courses were scarce. The PPD RT23 was stored in 5-mL
      flasks under appropriate conditions. Insulin syringes were commonly used. Testing
      was available during business hours, three times a week. In cases of loss to
      follow-up, telephone calls or home visits were made. Of the 2,305 TSTs evaluated,
      1,053 (46%) were performed in indigenous populations; 831 (36%) were screenings
      in prisons, performed for training; and only 421 (18%) involved contacts of
      tuberculosis patients or vulnerable populations. Four vulnerable patients and 126
      indigenous subjects were treated for latent tuberculosis. CONCLUSIONS: These
      priority municipalities showed operational difficulties regarding human
      resources, materials, and data records.

PMID- 22042398
TI  - Occurrence of influenza among patients hospitalized for suspicion of influenza A
      (H1N1) infection in 2010 at a sentinel hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil.
AB  - In 2010, 96 patients suspected of being infected with the influenza A (H1N1)
      virus were hospitalized at the Hospital Sao Paulo, located in the city of Sao
      Paulo, Brazil. Of those 96 patients, 4 (4.2%) were found to be infected with
      influenza A virus-3 with influenza A (H1N1) and 1 with seasonal influenza A-and 2
      patients (2.1%) were found to be infected with influenza B virus. Most (63.5%) of
      the suspected cases occurred in children, as did half of the positive cases. The
      second wave of influenza A (H1N1) infection was weaker in Sao Paulo. The decrease
      in the number of hospitalizations for H1N1 infection in 2010 might be
      attributable to vaccination.

PMID- 22042399
TI  - Negative expiratory pressure test: a new, simple method to identify patients at
      risk for obstructive sleep apnea.
AB  - The objective of this article was to describe a new method for assessing
      expiratory flow limitation during spontaneous breathing, using the negative
      expiratory pressure test to identify patients at risk for obstructive sleep
      apnea. Upper airway collapsibility is evaluated by measuring decreases in flow
      and in expired volume in the first 0.2 seconds after negative expiratory pressure
      application at 10 cmH2O. The negative expiratory pressure test is easily applied
      and could be adopted for the evaluation of expiratory flow limitation caused by
      upper airway obstruction in patients with obstructive sleep apnea.

PMID- 22042400
TI  - Identification of Mycobacterium bovis among mycobacterial isolates from human
      clinical specimens at a university hospital in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
AB  - In 2005 and 2006, 8,121 clinical specimens submitted to the Mycobacteriology
      Laboratory of the Clementino Fraga Filho University Hospital/Thoracic Diseases
      Institute, in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, were inoculated on Lowenstein
      Jensen medium containing glycerol and pyruvate. There were 79 mycobacteria
      isolates that presented growth only on pyruvate-containing medium, and those
      isolates were selected for the presumptive identification of Mycobacterium bovis.
      The selected isolates were screened with biochemical tests, PCR amplification
      (with the specific primers Rv0577 and Rv1510), and pyrazinamide susceptibility
      tests. All of the strains isolated showed specific phenotypical and genotypical
      patterns characteristic of M. tuberculosis, and no M. bovis strains were
      detected.

PMID- 22042401
TI  - Predictive parameters for weaning from mechanical ventilation.
AB  - The use of predictive parameters for weaning from mechanical ventilation is a
      rather polemic topic, and the results of studies on this topic are divergent.
      Regardless of the use of these predictive parameters, the spontaneous breathing
      trial (SBT) is recommended. The objective of the present study was to review the
      utility of predictive parameters for weaning in adults. To that end, we searched
      the Medline, LILACS, and PubMed databases in order to review articles published
      between 1991 and 2009, in English or in Portuguese, using the following search
      terms: weaning/desmame, extubation/extubacao, and weaning indexes/indices de
      desmame. The use of clinical impression is an inexact means of predicting weaning
      outcomes. The most widely used weaning parameter is the RR/tidal volume (V T)
      ratio, although this parameter presents heterogeneous results in terms of
      accuracy. Other relevant parameters are MIP, airway occlusion pressure (P0.1),
      the P0.1/MIP ratio, RR, V T, minute volume, and the index based on compliance,
      RR, oxygenation, and MIP. An index created in Brazil, the integrative weaning
      index, has shown high accuracy. Although recommended, the SBT is inaccurate,
      approximately 15% of extubation failures going unidentified in SBTs. The main
      limitations of the weaning indexes are related to their use in specific
      populations, the cut-off points selected, and variations in the types of
      measurement. Since the SBT and the clinical impression are not 100% accurate, the
      weaning parameters can be useful, especially in situations in which the decision
      as to weaning is difficult.

PMID- 22042402
TI  - Gastroesophageal reflux disease and airway hyperresponsiveness: concomitance
      beyond the realm of chance?
AB  - Gastroesophageal reflux disease and asthma are both quite common the world over,
      and they can coexist. However, the nature of the relationship between these two
      diseases remains unclear. In this study, we review controversial aspects of the
      relationships among asthma, airway hyperresponsiveness, and gastroesophageal
      reflux disease in adults and in children.

PMID- 22042403
TI  - Pulmonary actinomycosis as a pseudotumor: a rare presentation.
AB  - Some lung diseases are true diagnostic challenges due to their various clinical
      presentations. Actinomycosis is one such disease, potentially affecting various
      organs and systems. We report the case of a patient with pulmonary actinomycosis
      as a pseudotumor, which is usually only diagnosed by thoracotomy or thoracoscopy.

PMID- 22042404
TI  - Robotic thymectomy for myasthenia gravis.

PMID- 22042405
TI  - Diaphragmatic pacing: unusual indication with successful application.

PMID- 22042406
TI  - Nonfunctional middle mediastinal paraganglioma: diagnostic and surgical
      management.

PMID- 22042407
TI  - A framework for responding to coral disease outbreaks that facilitates adaptive
      management.
AB  - Predicted increases in coral disease outbreaks associated with climate change
      have implications for coral reef ecosystems and the people and industries that
      depend on them. It is critical that coral reef managers understand these
      implications and have the ability to assess and reduce risk, detect and contain
      outbreaks, and monitor and minimise impacts. Here, we present a coral disease
      response framework that has four core components: (1) an early warning system,
      (2) a tiered impact assessment program, (3) scaled management actions and (4) a
      communication plan. The early warning system combines predictive tools that
      monitor the risk of outbreaks of temperature-dependent coral diseases with in
      situ observations provided by a network of observers who regularly report on
      coral health and reef state. Verified reports of an increase in disease
      prevalence trigger a tiered response of more detailed impact assessment, targeted
      research and/or management actions. The response is scaled to the risk posed by
      the outbreak, which is a function of the severity and spatial extent of the
      impacts. We review potential management actions to mitigate coral disease impacts
      and facilitate recovery, considering emerging strategies unique to coral disease
      and more established strategies to support reef resilience. We also describe
      approaches to communicating about coral disease outbreaks that will address
      common misperceptions and raise awareness of the coral disease threat. By
      adopting this framework, managers and researchers can establish a community of
      practice and can develop response plans for the management of coral disease
      outbreaks based on local needs. The collaborations between managers and
      researchers we suggest will enable adaptive management of disease impacts
      following evaluating the cost-effectiveness of emerging response actions and
      incrementally improving our understanding of outbreak causation.

PMID- 22042408
TI  - Effects of river restoration on riparian biodiversity in secondary channels of
      the Pite River, Sweden.
AB  - Between 1850 and 1970, rivers throughout Sweden were channelized to facilitate
      timber floating. Floatway structures were installed to streamline banks and
      disconnect flow to secondary channels, resulting in simplified channel
      morphologies and more homogenous flow regimes. In recent years, local authorities
      have begun to restore channelized rivers. In this study, we examined the effects
      of restoration on riparian plant communities at previously disconnected secondary
      channels of the Pite River. We detected no increase in riparian diversity at
      restored sites relative to unrestored (i.e., disconnected) sites, but we did
      observe significant differences in species composition of both vascular plant and
      bryophyte communities. Disconnected sites featured greater zonation, with mesic
      hydric floodplain species represented in plots closest to the stream and mesic
      xeric upland species represented in plots farthest from the stream. In contrast,
      restored sites were most strongly represented by upland species at all distances
      relative to the stream. These patterns likely result from the increased water
      levels in reconnected channels where, prior to restoration, upland plants had
      expanded toward the stream. Nonetheless, the restored fluvial regime has not
      brought about the development of characteristic flood-adapted plant communities,
      probably due to the short time interval (ca. 5 years) since restoration. Previous
      studies have demonstrated relatively quick responses to similar restoration in
      single-channel tributaries, but secondary channels may respond differently due to
      the more buffered hydrologic regimes typically seen in anabranching systems.
      These findings illustrate how restoration outcomes can vary according to
      hydrologic, climatic and ecological factors, reinforcing the need for site
      specific restoration strategies.

PMID- 22042409
TI  - Do postfire mulching treatments affect plant community recovery in California
      coastal sage scrub lands?
AB  - In recent years, the use of postfire mulch treatments to stabilize slopes and
      reduce soil erosion in shrubland ecosystems has increased; however, the potential
      effects on plant recovery have not been examined. To evaluate the effects of
      mulching treatments on postfire plant recovery in southern California coastal
      sage scrub, we conducted a field experiment with three experimental treatments,
      consisting of two hydromulch products and an erosion control blanket, plus a
      control treatment. The area burned in 2007, and treatments were applied to six
      plot blocks before the 2008 growing season. Treatment effects on plant community
      recovery were analyzed with a mixed effects ANOVA analysis using a univariate
      repeated measures approach. Absolute plant cover increased from 13 to 90% by the
      end of the second growing season, and the mean relative cover of exotic species
      was 32%. The two hydromulch treatments had no effect on any plant community
      recovery response variable measured. For the erosion control blanket treatment,
      the amount of bare ground cover at the end of the second growing season was
      significantly lower (P = 0.01), and greater shrub height was observed (P < 0.01).
      We conclude that postfire mulch treatments did not provide either a major benefit
      or negative impact to coastal sage scrub recovery on the study area.

PMID- 22042411
TI  - The wee hours.

PMID- 22042410
TI  - Isozyme-specific effects of protein kinase C in pain modulation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Protein kinase C (PKC) is a family of serine/threonine kinases that
      contains more than 10 isozymes. Evidence suggests that PKC may play important
      roles in pain modulation, but the isozyme-specific effects of PKC on different
      aspects of pain modulation are not fully understood. We hypothesize that
      different PKC isozymes play different roles in different aspects of pain
      modulation. METHODS: The nociceptive behaviors of mice with deletion of PKCalpha,
      beta, gamma, or delta in multiple pain models were compared with their respective
      wild-type littermates. Also, morphine analgesia and the development of morphine
      tolerance in mice with deletion of PKCgamma were compared with their respective
      wild-type littermates. RESULTS: Thermal hyperalgesia induced by complete Freund's
      adjuvant injection was significantly attenuated by the deletion of PKCbeta,
      gamma, or delta, but not PKCalpha. Deletion of PKCgamma significantly attenuated
      neuropathic mechanical allodynia induced by spared nerve injury, whereas deletion
      of PKCalpha enhanced this allodynia. Baseline thermal and mechanical sensitivity,
      nociceptive behaviors induced by formalin, mechanical allodynia induced by
      complete Freund's adjuvant injection, were not altered by deletion of PKCalpha,
      beta, gamma, or delta. Finally, morphine analgesia and the development of
      morphine tolerance were not altered in PKCgamma-deficient mice. CONCLUSIONS: PKC
      has isozyme-specific effects in pain modulation.

PMID- 22042412
TI  - Evaluation of prothrombin complex concentrate and recombinant activated factor
      VII to reverse rivaroxaban in a rabbit model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: As a potent anticoagulant agent, rivaroxaban exposes a risk of
      bleeding. An effective way to reverse its effects is needed. Objectives were to
      study efficacy and safety of recombinant activated factor VII (rFVIIa) and
      prothrombin complex concentrate (PCC) to reverse the anticoagulant effect of an
      overdose of rivaroxaban in a rabbit model of bleeding and thrombosis. METHODS:
      First, a dose-ranging study assessed the minimal rivaroxaban dose that increased
      bleeding. Then, 48 anesthetized and ventilated rabbits were randomized into four
      groups: control (saline), rivaroxaban (rivaroxaban and saline), rFVIIa
      (rivaroxaban and rFVIIa), and PCC (rivaroxaban and PCC). The Folts model was
      applied: a stenosis and an injury were carried out on the carotid artery,
      inducing thrombosis, detected as cyclic flow reductions, which were recorded over
      20 min. Then the following were measured: ear immersion bleeding time, clotting
      times, anti-Xa activity, thrombelastometric parameters, and thrombin generation
      test. Ultimately, a hepatosplenic section was performed and the total amount of
      blood loss after 15 min was evaluated as primary endpoint. RESULTS: Rivaroxaban
      increased blood loss (17 g [8-32] vs. 7 g [5-18] for control (median [range]), P
      = 0.0004), ear bleeding time, clotting times, thrombelastographic clotting time,
      and decreased thrombin generation. In contrast, rFVIIa decreased ear bleeding
      time (92 s [65-115] vs. 140 s [75-190], P < 0.02), but without efficacy on blood
      loss. PCC and rFVIIa decreased activated partial thromboplastin time as well as
      thrombelastographic clotting time. Regarding safety, neither rFVIIa nor PCC
      increased cyclic flow reductions. CONCLUSION: rFVIIa and PCC partially improved
      laboratory parameters, but did not reverse rivaroxaban induced-bleeding.

PMID- 22042413
TI  - [What is new in prostate imaging?].

PMID- 22042414
TI  - Towards a low-spin configuration in extended metal atom chains. Theoretical study
      of trimetallic systems with 22 metal electrons.
AB  - Different electronic configurations of a series of trinuclear heterometallic
      chains with 22 metallic electrons, MM'M(dpa)(4)X(2) (M = Co, Rh; M' = Ni, Pd; X =
      Cl, NCS), have been modelled in search of new systems with novel electrical
      properties. For this purpose, we explore the possibility of obtaining low-spin
      (extensively closed-shell) states by introducing chemical changes to the
      reference compound CoPdCo(dpa)(4)Cl(2) (1), isoelectronic to the herein studied
      systems, but possessing magnetically coupled localized electrons. The discussion
      is based on the orbital energies obtained by the DFT methodology. Among the
      systems herein analysed, CoNiCo(dpa)(4)(NCS)(2) has only two unpaired electrons
      vs. six in the case of 1, its closed-shell configuration appearing at high
      energies. For Rh(2)M-based chains, changes go a step further and the
      RhPdRh(dpa)(4)Cl(2) and RhPdRh(dpa)(4)(NCS)(2) molecules present a closed-shell
      ground state in close competition with the broken symmetry solution with S = 1/2
      on each Rh(II). One-electron reduction of the latter compounds has been computed
      with marked structural changes. Our calculations show that the two lowest 23
      electron states are separated by 7-8 kcal mol(-1) in favour of the state with an
      unpaired localized electron on the delta(Pd-N)* orbital instead of the
      delocalized one (sigma(nb))(2)(sigma*)(1).

PMID- 22042415
TI  - [Are proton pump inhibitors effective in asthmatics with gastroesophageal reflux
      disease?].
AB  - Effects of proton pump inhibitors in asthmatics with gastroesophageal reflux
      disease (Korean J Gastroenterol 2011;58:178-183).

PMID- 22042416
TI  - [Inflammatory bowel disease and lymphoproliferative disorders].
AB  - The risk of lymphoproliferative disorders (LPDs) has been reported to be
      increased in autoimmune diseases and chronic inflammatory diseases. Similar with
      other chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, there is a
      concern about the risk of LPDs in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
      Generally, in IBD patients, the risk of LPDs appears to be similar with or very
      slightly higher, compared to the general population. The association of
      therapeutic agents with the risk of LPDs is difficult to evaluate due to multiple
      other potentially involved factors and co-treatment with other agents. To date,
      data show that thiopurine is associated with a moderately increased risk of LPDs
      in patients with IBD. Evidence regarding the risk of LPDs in IBD patients using
      methotrexate is not sufficient, but the risk of LPDs seems low. The
      responsibility of anti-TNF-a agents on the risk of LPDs is difficult to
      determine, because most of IBD patients receiving anti-TNF-a agents are co
      treated with thiopurines. Attention should be given to the high risk of
      hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma in young male patients treated with anti-TNF-a
      agents together with thiopurines. The risk and benefit of immunosuppressive
      therapy for IBD should be carefully evaluated and individualized considering the
      risk of LPDs.

PMID- 22042417
TI  - [Effects of proton pump inhibitors in asthmatics with gastroesophageal reflux
      disease].
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is common in asthma
      patients. Proton pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy improves symptoms of asthma in some
      patients. The objective of this study was to investigate endoscopic findings of
      GERD in asthma patients and to assess the effect of gastric acid suppression with
      the PPIs on symptom improvement and pulmonary function. METHODS: From 105
      consecutive patients with GERD symptoms during follow up for asthma, 45 patients
      were enrolled. Patients enrolled to this study were asked about GERD symptoms
      before and after treating with PPI. Endoscopic findings were described according
      to Los Angeles classification. The improvement of asthma symptoms and follow-up
      pulmonary function test were investigated after administration of PPIs. RESULTS:
      Esophageal symptoms such as heartburn and acid reflux were present in 25 patients
      (55.6%), and patients without esophageal symptoms were 20 (44.4%). The degree of
      endoscopic abnormality was not significantly different between groups with or
      without esophageal symptoms. The improvement of symptoms was seen in 44 patients
      (97.8%) except 1 patient after administration of PPIs. The number of patients
      classified to the low-dose group was 7 patients (15.6%) and that of patients
      classified to the standard-dose group was 38 patients (84.4%). The follow-up
      pulmonary function test, peak expiratory flow rate (L/sec) was improved in 3
      patients (3 of 7, 42.9%) of the low-dose group, and in 24 patients (24 of 38,
      63.2%) of the standard-dose group. The improvement of ventilatory function was
      not significantly different according to dose of PPIs. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment
      with PPIs is expected to improve subjective symptoms and ventilatory function in
      asthma patients.

PMID- 22042418
TI  - [Clinical factors predicting for neoplastic transformation of gastric
      hyperplastic polyps].
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Hyperplastic polyps (HPs) are the most common cause of all
      benign epithelial gastric polyps, constituting 30 to 93%. Although gastric HPs
      are usually considered as benign lesions compared with adenoma, neoplastic
      transformation has been known to occur rarely. We aimed to identify the clinical
      factors of gastric HPs predicting for neoplastic transformation. METHODS: Between
      January 2002 to August 2010, a total of 274 gastric HPs, which had been removed
      by endoscopic polypectomy or surgical resection from 210 patients, were analyzed
      retrospectively. RESULTS: Neoplastic transformation was found in 15 cases (5.5%)
      of 274 HPs including 10 cases of low grade dysplasia (3.7%), 2 cases of high
      grade dysplasia (0.7%) and 3 cases of adenocarcinoma (1.1%). Neoplastic
      transformations were significantly associated with >1 cm in size (n=10 [66.7%]
      vs. n=91 [35.1%], p=0.024), with pedunculated shape (n=9 [60.0%] vs. n=62
      [23.9%], p=0.002), with previous history of gastrectomy (n=3 [20.0%] vs. n=3
      [1.2%], p=0.002) and with synchronous neoplastic lesions occurring elsewhere in
      the gastric mucosa (n=5 [33.3%] vs. n=31 [12.0%], p=0.021). However, no
      significant difference was found between HPs with and without neoplastic
      transformation in terms of age, sex, number of polyps detected per patient,
      location, macroscopic appearance such as erosion, hyperemia. CONCLUSIONS:
      Neoplastic transformation of gastric HPs had significant relationships with ?1 cm
      in size, pedunculated shape, postgastectomy state, and synchronous neoplastic
      lesion. Therefore, endoscopic polypectomy should be considered in these HPs to
      avoid the risk of missing HPs with neoplastic potential.

PMID- 22042419
TI  - [MicroRNA expression pattern in intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm].
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms (IPMN) are precursor
      lesions of fatal pancreatic cancer. Physiological function of microRNA is to
      regulate the stability and translation of mRNA. The aberrant microRNA expression
      is commonly observed in many cancers. The aim of this study was to analyze the
      expression pattern of microRNA in IPMN and evaluate the role of the microRNA.
      METHODS: Using two paraffin-embedded IPMN tissues, microRNA expression of normal
      tissue, IPMN adenoma and carcinoma were compared by cDNA-mediated annealing,
      selection, extension and ligation microarray assay. Using real time PCR,
      expression levels of aberrantly up-regulated microRNAs were assessed in another
      20 IPMNs, four pancreatic cancer cell lines (Panc1, MiaPaCa-2, XPA-3, BxPC-3) and
      immortalized pancreatic ductal cell line (HPNE). Effect of suppressing highly
      over-expressed two microRNAs in pancreatic cancer cell lines with anti-microRNA
      inhibitors were evaluated using CCK-8 assay. RESULTS: Among aberrantly expressed
      122 microRNAs in IPMN, miR-552, miR-25*, miR-183, miR-1300, miR-196a, miR-182*,
      and miR-30c-1* were consistently increased more than 3-fold. On average, miR-196a
      and miR-183 increased 10,824 folds and 26,519 folds in four pancreatic cancer
      cell lines compared with HPNE. These two microRNAs were also over-expressed in 20
      IPMNs compared with HPNE. After applying anti-miRNA inhibitors, cell survival of
      four pancreatic cancer cell lines decreased by 24.5% with anti-miR-196a and by
      14.2% with anti-miR-183 on average. CONCLUSIONS: Aberrant expression of 122
      microRNAs was observed in IPMN. Two microRNAs, miR-196a and miR-183-increased in
      IPMN and pancreatic cancer cell lines compared with immortalized dancreatic
      ductal cell line. The inhibitions of these microRNAs repressed cell proliferation
      of pancreatic cancer cell lines. (Korean J Gastroenterol 2011;58:190-200).

PMID- 22042421
TI  - [A case of gastric lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma presenting as panperitonitis
      by perforation of stomach].
AB  - Gastric lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma is a rare carcinoma among gastric
      malignant tumor but has a good prognosis. The carcinoma has histologic feature
      characterized by small nest of cancer cells mixed with lymphoid stroma. We report
      a case with lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma of stomach initially presenting as
      panperitonitis because of spontaneous tumor perforation. A 56-year-old man
      visited our emergency room because of epigastric pain. A preoperative abdominal
      CT scan showed a massive pneumoperitoneum in the upper abdomen, and the presence
      of gastric cancer in the lesser curvature of the stomach. An emergent laparotomy
      was performed followed by radical subtotal gastrectomy. Pathologic examination
      revealed that the tumor was a lymphoepithelioma-like gastric carcinoma.

PMID- 22042420
TI  - [The effect of periampullary diverticulum on the outcome of bile duct stone
      treatment with endoscopic papillary large balloon dilation].
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Periampullary diverticulum (PAD) causes difficulty in the
      extraction of common bile duct (CBD) stones with conventional endoscopic therapy.
      Our study was designed to evaluate the effect of PAD on endoscopic large balloon
      dilation (EPLBD) with/without limited endoscopic sphincterotomy (EST) for CBD
      stone treatment. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed cases of 141 patients
      treated CBD stones by EPLBD with/without limited EST at Gachon Gil Medical Center
      from September 2008 to February 2010. PAD were classified into three groups
      according to the location of the papilla and diverticulum. Clinical parameters,
      endoscopic parameters, and procedure outcomes were analyzed. RESULTS: PAD were
      identified in 46.1% (65/141), with 23 male (35.4%) and 42 female (64.6%) and a
      mean age of 72.9+/-11.1 years. Mean diameter of the stones was 14.8+/-6.0 mm and
      mean diameter of CBD was 21.6+/-7.7 mm. PAD group was significantly older than
      control group (72.9 vs. 68.6, p=0.043) and the incidence of large stone (>=15 mm)
      was higher in PAD group (60.0% vs. 42.1%, p=0.034). Success rate of complete
      removal of stones in the first session was 32/65 patients (49.2%) and overall
      successful complete stone removal rates was 63/65 (96.9%). There was no
      significant difference between the PAD and control groups in success rate. Major
      complications were similar between two groups. CONCLUSIONS: PAD is associated
      with an increased incidence of large bile duct stones and older age. PAD seems to
      not increase technical failure rate or complication risk on EPLBD with/without
      limited EST.

PMID- 22042422
TI  - Retroperitoneal hemorrhage after endoscopic removal of a fish bone stuck in the
      duodenum of a patient receiving hemodialysis.
AB  - Fish bones are often ingested accidently. Most of them passes out through the
      gastrointestinal tract safely, but serious complications, such as perforation,
      abscess, obstruction, and bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, can occur. An
      ingested fish bone can be easily removed by endoscopy, and surgery is rarely
      required. However, there may be complications related to the endoscopic procedure
      including mucosal laceration, bleeding, fever, and perforation. Here, we report a
      case of retroperitoneal hemorrhage developed after endoscopic removal of a fish
      bone stuck in the duodenal wall, and then resolved spontaneously by conservative
      care.

PMID- 22042423
TI  - Small bowel carcinoma in young patient detected by double-balloon enteroscopy.
AB  - A 17-year old female presented with a chief complaint of melena and epigastric
      pain. She had a family history of colon cancer, her mother having been diagnosed
      with hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal carcinoma (HNPCC). After close
      examination including double-balloon enteroscopy, the patient was diagnosed with
      small bowel carcinoma, in spite of her young age. Here we report this rare case
      of small bowel carcinoma in a young patient with a family history of HNPCC.

PMID- 22042424
TI  - [A case of idiopathic sclerosing mesenteritis with retroperitoneal fibrosis].
AB  - Sclerosing mesenteritis is a rare inflammatory disease of the bowel mesentery. It
      produces tumor-like masses of the mesentery composed of varying degrees of
      fibrosis, chronic inflammation, and fat necrosis. It has been described variously
      as fibrosing mesenteritis, retractile mesenteritis, mesenteric Weber Christian
      disease, and systemic nodular panniculitis. The etiology and pathogenesis of the
      disease are as yet unknown, but autoimmune disorder, previous abdominal surgery,
      trauma, and ischemia could play a role. The clinical features include abdominal
      pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Occasionally, patients with this
      condition may present with bowel obstruction. Rarely, It can be associated with
      other idiopathic inflammatory disorders such as retroperitoneal fibrosis,
      sclerosing cholangitis, and orbital pseudotumors. We report a case of idiopathic
      sclerosing mesenteritis with retroperitoneal fibrosis in a 58-year-old man.

PMID- 22042425
TI  - [Eosinophilic liver abscess caused by Toxocara canis].

PMID- 22042427
TI  - The reactivity of quaternary ammonium- versus potassium-fluorides supported on
      metal oxides: paving the way to an instantaneous detoxification of chemical
      warfare agents.
AB  - The reactions of the chemical warfare agents (CWAs) 2,2'-dichloroethyl sulfide
      (HD), O-ethyl S-2-(diisopropylamino)-ethyl methylphosphonothioate (VX) and
      isopropyl methylphosphonofluoridate (GB) with various metal oxide-supported
      quaternary ammonium fluorides (QAF) and/or potassium fluoride (KF) reagents are
      described. These active sorbents, which were prepared by a modified procedure,
      include alumina, silica and titania, enriched with "available" (not bound to the
      surface) fluoride ions. Alumina-based fluoride reagents were found to be more
      active than their silica or titania counterparts. QAF/Al(2)O(3) reagents,
      compared to KF/Al(2)O(3), exhibit an exceptional reactivity toward HD, as
      demonstrated both in reaction rates and product identity. For example, with TBAF,
      t(1/2) is 15 min for the formation of the elimination product divinyl sulfide
      (DVS), while with KF, t(1/2) is 10 h for the formation of the hydrolysis product
      thiodiglycol (TDG). On the other hand, both sorbents reacted similarly against
      the nerve agents GB or VX. In order to increase the "available" fluoride content
      on the solid surface, the mixed active sorbent TBAF/KF/Al(2)O(3) (20/20/60) was
      developed. On this powder, all three CWAs were degraded instantaneously at the
      low loading of 1 wt% (t(1/2) < 2 min) and rapidly at the higher loadings of 5-10
      wt% (t(1/2) of minutes scale). We assume that the relatively large amount of
      inorganic fluoride (KF) acts synergistically as a reservoir for the more reactive
      organic fluorides (TBAF). Moreover, the alumina surface hydroxyl groups may also
      operate as a water reservoir for the hydrolysis of VX or GB. Therefore,
      TBAF/KF/Al(2)O(3) might be considered as a promising destructive sorbent for
      CWAs.

PMID- 22042428
TI  - Should we rely on OCT to assess the improvements of new generation drug-eluting
      stents?

PMID- 22042429
TI  - Self-gated PROPELLER-encoded cine cardiac imaging.
AB  - This study uses the k-space center over-sampling property of PROPELLER encoding
      to detect cardiac and respiratory motion using raw k-space data. Using the motion
      information, cine cardiac imaging is self-gated. The data acquisition process
      requires neither electrocardiography triggering nor patient breath-holding. Using
      physiology motion information, this post-processing method rearranges the k-space
      data into groups corresponding to cardiac and respiratory phases. The PROPELLER
      blades of the same groups are combined to produce cine high-resolution images.
      This approach reduces the potential discrepancy of the k-space data and the
      motion-related artifacts in the reconstructed image because all blades in a group
      are acquired at consistent cardiac and respiratory phases. The study concludes
      that self-gated cine cardiac imaging is feasible using PROPELLER encoding. It is
      a potentially practical tool for cine cardiac imaging.

PMID- 22042430
TI  - Next-generation sequencing reveals regional differences of the alpha-synuclein
      methylation state independent of Lewy body disease.
AB  - The alpha-synuclein gene (SNCA) plays a major role in the aetiology of Lewy body
      disease (LBD) including Parkinson's disease (PD). Point mutations and genetic
      alterations causing elevated gene expression are causally linked to familial PD.
      To what extent epigenetic changes play a role in the regulation of alpha
      synuclein expression and may contribute to the aetiology of sporadic LBD is a
      matter of debate. We analysed the methylation state of the promoter region and a
      CpG-rich region of intron 1 of alpha-synuclein in several brain regions in
      sporadic LBD and controls using 454 GS-FLX-based high-resolution bisulphite
      sequencing. Our results indicate that there are significant differences in the
      level of methylation between different brain areas. The overall methylation
      levels in the promoter and intron 1 of alpha-synuclein are rather low in controls
      and-in contrast to previously reported findings-are not significantly different
      from LBD. However, single CpG analysis revealed significant hyper- and
      hypomethylation at different positions in various brain regions and LBD stages. A
      slight overall increase in methylation related to LBD patients' age was detected.

PMID- 22042431
TI  - GENPLAT: an automated platform for biomass enzyme discovery and cocktail
      optimization.
AB  - The high cost of enzymes for biomass deconstruction is a major impediment to the
      economic conversion of lignocellulosic feedstocks to liquid transportation fuels
      such as ethanol. We have developed an integrated high throughput platform, called
      GENPLAT, for the discovery and development of novel enzymes and enzyme cocktails
      for the release of sugars from diverse pretreatment/biomass combinations. GENPLAT
      comprises four elements: individual pure enzymes, statistical design of
      experiments, robotic pipeting of biomass slurries and enzymes, and automated
      colorimeteric determination of released Glc and Xyl. Individual enzymes are
      produced by expression in Pichia pastoris or Trichoderma reesei, or by
      chromatographic purification from commercial cocktails or from extracts of novel
      microorganisms. Simplex lattice (fractional factorial) mixture models are
      designed using commercial Design of Experiment statistical software. Enzyme
      mixtures of high complexity are constructed using robotic pipeting into a 96-well
      format. The measurement of released Glc and Xyl is automated using enzyme-linked
      colorimetric assays. Optimized enzyme mixtures containing as many as 16
      components have been tested on a variety of feedstock and pretreatment
      combinations. GENPLAT is adaptable to mixtures of pure enzymes, mixtures of
      commercial products (e.g., Accellerase 1000 and Novozyme 188), extracts of novel
      microbes, or combinations thereof. To make and test mixtures of ~10 pure enzymes
      requires less than 100 MUg of each protein and fewer than 100 total reactions,
      when operated at a final total loading of 15 mg protein/g glucan. We use enzymes
      from several sources. Enzymes can be purified from natural sources such as fungal
      cultures (e.g., Aspergillus niger, Cochliobolus carbonum, and Galerina
      marginata), or they can be made by expression of the encoding genes (obtained
      from the increasing number of microbial genome sequences) in hosts such as E.
      coli, Pichia pastoris, or a filamentous fungus such as T. reesei. Proteins can
      also be purified from commercial enzyme cocktails (e.g., Multifect Xylanase,
      Novozyme 188). An increasing number of pure enzymes, including glycosyl
      hydrolases, cell wall-active esterases, proteases, and lyases, are available from
      commercial sources, e.g., Megazyme, Inc. (www.megazyme.com), NZYTech
      (www.nzytech.com), and PROZOMIX (www.prozomix.com). Design-Expert software (Stat
      Ease, Inc.) is used to create simplex-lattice designs and to analyze responses
      (in this case, Glc and Xyl release). Mixtures contain 4-20 components, which can
      vary in proportion between 0 and 100%. Assay points typically include the extreme
      vertices with a sufficient number of intervening points to generate a valid
      model. In the terminology of experimental design, most of our studies are
      "mixture" experiments, meaning that the sum of all components adds to a total
      fixed protein loading (expressed as mg/g glucan). The number of mixtures in the
      simplex-lattice depends on both the number of components in the mixture and the
      degree of polynomial (quadratic or cubic). For example, a 6-component experiment
      will entail 63 separate reactions with an augmented special cubic model, which
      can detect three-way interactions, whereas only 23 individual reactions are
      necessary with an augmented quadratic model. For mixtures containing more than
      eight components, a quadratic experimental design is more practical, and in our
      experience such models are usually statistically valid. All enzyme loadings are
      expressed as a percentage of the final total loading (which for our experiments
      is typically 15 mg protein/g glucan). For "core" enzymes, the lower percentage
      limit is set to 5%. This limit was derived from our experience in which yields of
      Glc and/or Xyl were very low if any core enzyme was present at 0%. Poor models
      result from too many samples showing very low Glc or Xyl yields. Setting a lower
      limit in turn determines an upper limit. That is, for a six-component experiment,
      if the lower limit for each single component is set to 5%, then the upper limit
      of each single component will be 75%. The lower limits of all other enzymes
      considered as "accessory" are set to 0%. "Core" and "accessory" are somewhat
      arbitrary designations and will differ depending on the substrate, but in our
      studies the core enzymes for release of Glc from corn stover comprise the
      following enzymes from T. reesei: CBH1 (also known as Cel7A), CBH2 (Cel6A),
      EG1(Cel7B), BG (beta-glucosidase), EX3 (endo-beta1,4-xylanase, GH10), and BX
      (beta-xylosidase).

PMID- 22042432
TI  - Measurement of tumour necrosis factor receptors for immune response in colon
      cancer patients.
AB  - Immune system is crucial to tumour's initiation, progress and establishment and
      is contributing to prevent upcoming damaging invasion. Tumour development and
      surgical resection are both immunosuppressive processes. Immune response could be
      evaluated by ex vivo lipopolysaccharide (LPS) test, measuring cytokines and
      receptors release. The aim of the study is to investigate the postoperative
      immune recovery of cancer patients upon discharge. Twenty-two patients with colon
      cancer, without pre-treatment, and 16 healthy volunteers (HV) were enrolled in
      the study. Ten ml of whole blood were collected from every patient on admission
      (PRE) and upon discharge (POD7) and every HV. Diluted whole blood samples were
      stimulated with 500 pg/ml LPS, at 37 degrees C, for 4H. Cell culture supernatants
      (CCSP) were removed after centrifugation and stored at -70 degrees C. Tumour
      necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interleukin-6 and interleukin-10 (IL-6, IL
      10), soluble TNF receptors (sTNFRs) were measured in serum and CCSP by
      enzymelinked immunosorbent assay. Serum cytokines and receptors, PRE and POD7,
      were significantly elevated compared to HV (P < 0.001) and significant
      correlations were found between POD7 IL-6 and sTNFRs (Spearman's rho 0.47, P <
      0.05). Ex vivo, TNF-alpha, IL-6 and TNFRI release were lower either PRE or POD7,
      while IL-10 and TNFRII were higher, than in HV. No significant differences (P >
      0.05) were found between PRE and POD7 levels in serum or CCSP. Cancer patients
      are not postoperatively immune restored until discharge. The trend of anti
      inflammatory TNFRs release could account for alternative marker for the control
      of cancer patients immune response and the schedule of their following
      therapeutic treatment.

PMID- 22042433
TI  - Bioinformatic survey of Haliotis midae microsatellites reveals a non-random
      distribution of repeat motifs.
AB  - Recent studies have shown the non-random distribution of microsatellite motifs
      between genomic regions within a particular species. This study investigates such
      microsatellite distributions in the genome of the economically important abalone
      Haliotis midae, via a bioinformatic survey. In particular, the association of
      specific repeat motifs to coding regions and transposable elements is
      investigated. An understanding of microsatellite genomic distribution will
      facilitate more efficient use and development of this popular molecular marker. A
      bias toward di- and tetranucleotide repeats was found in the H. midae genome. CA
      microsatellite units were the most abundant repeat motif, but were notably
      underrepresented in genic regions where GAGT repeats predominate. Approximately
      17.5% and 21% of the microsatellites showed gene and/or transposable element
      associations, respectively. This could explain the high genomic frequencies of
      particular motifs across the genome and may allude to a possible functional role.
      The data presented in this study are the first to demonstrate such non-random
      dispersal of microsatellites in abalone and support previous findings arguing in
      favor of non-random distribution of repeat motifs.

PMID- 22042434
TI  - Anchor ice and benthic disturbance in shallow Antarctic waters: interspecific
      variation in initiation and propagation of ice crystals.
AB  - Sea ice typically forms at the ocean's surface, but given a source of supercooled
      water, an unusual form of ice--anchor ice--can grow on objects in the water
      column or at the seafloor. For several decades, ecologists have considered anchor
      ice to be an important agent of disturbance in the shallow-water benthic
      communities of McMurdo Sound, Antarctica, and potentially elsewhere in polar
      seas. Divers have documented anchor ice in the McMurdo communities, and its
      presence coincides with reduced abundance of the sponge Homaxinella balfourensis,
      which provides habitat for a diverse assemblage of benthic organisms. However,
      the mechanism of this disturbance has not been explored. Here we show
      interspecific differences in anchor-ice formation and propagation characteristics
      for Antarctic benthic organisms. The sponges H. balfourensis and Suberites
      caminatus show increased incidence of formation and accelerated spread of ice
      crystals compared to urchins and sea stars. Anchor ice also forms readily on
      sediments, from which it can grow and adhere to organisms. Our results are
      consistent with, and provide a potential first step toward, an explanation for
      disturbance patterns observed in shallow polar benthic communities. Interspecific
      differences in ice formation raise questions about how surface tissue
      characteristics such as surface area, rugosity, and mucus coating affect ice
      formation on invertebrates.

PMID- 22042435
TI  - Properties of bacteria that trigger hemocytopenia in the Atlantic blue crab,
      Callinectes sapidus.
AB  - In the blue crab Callinectes sapidus, injection with the bacterial pathogen
      Vibrio campbellii causes a decrease in oxygen consumption. Histological and
      physiological evidence suggests that the physical obstruction of hemolymph flow
      through the gill vasculature, caused by aggregations of bacteria and hemocytes,
      underlies the decrease in aerobic function associated with bacterial infection.
      We sought to elucidate the bacterial properties sufficient to induce a decrease
      in circulating hemocytes (hemocytopenia) as an indicator for the initiation of
      hemocyte aggregation and subsequent impairment of respiration. Lipopolysaccharide
      (LPS), the primary component of the gram-negative bacterial cell wall, is known
      to interact with crustacean hemocytes. Purified LPS was covalently bound to the
      surfaces of polystyrene beads resembling bacteria in size. Injection of these
      "LPS beads" caused a decrease in circulating hemocytes comparable to that seen
      with V. campbellii injection, while beads alone failed to do so. These data
      suggest that in general, gram-negative bacteria could stimulate hemocytopenia. To
      test this hypothesis, crabs were injected with different bacteria--seven gram
      negative and one gram-positive species--and their effects on circulating
      hemocytes were assessed. With one exception, all gram-negative strains caused
      decreases in circulating hemocytes, suggesting an important role for LPS in the
      induction of this response. However, LPS is not necessary to provoke the immune
      response given that Bacillus coral, a gram-positive species that lacks LPS,
      caused a decrease in circulating hemocytes. These results suggest that a wide
      range of bacteria could impair metabolism in C. sapidus.

PMID- 22042436
TI  - Metamorphic remodeling of a planktotrophic larva to produce the predatory feeding
      system of a cone snail (Mollusca, Neogastropoda).
AB  - I used histological sections and 3D reconstructions to document development
      through metamorphosis of the foregut and proboscis in the conoidean neogastropod
      Conus lividus. A goal was to determine how highly derived features of the post
      metamorphic feeding system of this gastropod predator develop without interfering
      with larval structures for microherbivory. A second goal was to compare foregut
      development in this conoidean with previous observations on foregut development
      in the buccinoidean neogastropod Nassarius mendicus. These two neogastropods both
      have a feeding larval stage, but they show major differences in post-metamorphic
      foregut morphology. Basic events in development of the proboscis and proboscis
      sheath in C. lividus and N. mendicus were similar. However, the elongate buccal
      tube of C. lividus forms during metamorphosis as a composite of apical epidermal
      tissue that grows inward and ventral foregut tissue that extends outward. The
      larval mouth is not carried through metamorphosis. Comparative observations on
      foregut development in caenogastropods, which now include data on C. lividus,
      suggest that the foregut incorporates dorsal and ventral modules having different
      ontogenetic and functional fates. This developmental modularity may have
      facilitated evolutionary diversification of the post-metamorphic foregut. Foregut
      diversification in predatory gastropods may have been further fast-tracked by
      developmental uncoupling of larval and post-metamorphic mouths.

PMID- 22042437
TI  - Effects of temperature on hatching time and hatchling proportions in a
      poecilogonous population of Haminoea zelandiae.
AB  - Poecilogony is a relatively uncommon life-history strategy that results in the
      production of two different larval forms from the same egg mass (e.g., free
      swimming lecithotrophic larvae and post-metamorphic, crawling juveniles). In this
      study, a population of the opisthobranch gastropod Haminoea zelandiae from
      Pauatahanui Inlet, New Zealand, was found to exhibit poecilogony. Further,
      differences in development, hatching times and proportion of hatchlings that were
      veligers or juveniles were examined for egg masses in two temperature regimes in
      the laboratory: cool (15-17  degrees C), and warm (21-23  degrees C). Hatching
      proportions were also examined for egg masses collected from the field (where
      temperatures ranged from 21-23  degrees C) for varying lengths of time (1 d, 5 d,
      and 10 d post-spawning). Hatchlings from egg masses in warmer temperatures
      developed faster and hatched earlier than those in cool temperatures. In the
      laboratory, egg masses in warm conditions hatched a greater proportion of post
      metamorphic juveniles (45.4%) compared to egg masses in cool conditions (24.6%)
      Further, egg masses that had been in the field 10 d before hatching (i.e., more
      days at warmer temperatures) exhibited a greater proportion of post-metamorphic
      juveniles (67.9%) than those that were collected after only 1 d in the field
      (25.1%). Together these results suggest that temperature may have an important
      role in mediating dispersal strategies in this poecilogonous species.

PMID- 22042438
TI  - Spermatozoon ultrastructure of Gyliauchen sp. (Digenea: Gyliauchenidae), an
      intestinal parasite of Siganus fuscescens (Pisces: Teleostei).
AB  - The ultrastructure of the mature spermatozoon of Gyliauchen sp., a parasite of
      the dusky rabbitfish Siganus fuscescens, was studied by transmission electron
      microscopy. The spermatozoon possesses two axonemes of the 9+"1" pattern of
      Trepaxonemata, four attachment zones, one mitochondrion, a nucleus, cortical
      microtubules, external ornamentation of the plasma membrane, and spine-like
      bodies. The main characteristics of this spermatozoon are the presence of one
      mitochondrion, spine-like bodies not associated with the external ornamentation,
      and a posterior extremity of type 3 that is characterized by the following
      sequence: posterior extremity of the nucleus then posterior extremity of the
      second axoneme. Numerous other ultrastructural features are also discussed and
      compared to the digenean spermatology literature. This is the first study of a
      member of the Gyliauchenidae and the fourth within the Lepocreadioidea. The
      results show that many ultrastructural characters are variable within this
      superfamily and could be useful for phylogeny.

PMID- 22042439
TI  - Embryonic development and expression analysis of Distal-less in Caprella scaura
      (Crustacea, Amphipoda, Caprellidea).
AB  - The Caprellidea generally possess rudimentary abdomens and degenerated third and
      fourth pereopods. Previous molecular phylogenetic studies support the concept
      that their unique body plan is derived from a gammarid-like body plan from which
      the abdomen or third and fourth pereopods have been lost in the Caprellidea. To
      understand the developmental and genetic mechanisms for the morphological
      evolution of the Caprellidea, we observed the embryonic development of Caprella
      scaura. Although in the early embryonic stage limb buds appeared in all of the
      pereonites, we found that elongation of the limb buds did not occur in the third
      and fourth pereonites; instead, only oval projections (possibly primordial gills)
      were observed. We next examined the gene expression of Distal-less (Dll) by in
      situ hybridization and found that Dll was not expressed in the third and fourth
      pereonites. This suggests that the suppression of Dll expression is responsible
      for the reduction of Caprellidea pereopods.

PMID- 22042440
TI  - Neurogenesis in the procerebrum of the snail Helix aspersa: a quantitative
      analysis.
AB  - The procerebrum, a specialized structure for olfaction in terrestrial pulmonate
      molluscs, contains 20,000 to 50,000 small, uniformly sized neurons that increase
      in number with age. Here I show the likely source of neurons added to the
      procerebrum of Helix aspersa and that the rate of neuron addition depends on
      snail weight. After hatching, during the initial exponential growth phase, H.
      aspersa adds neurons to the procerebral apex by mitosis and from a cerebral tube.
      In the logistic growth phase beginning 30-40 days post-hatch, neurons also seem
      to be added to the procerebrum from the peritentacular and olfactory nerves,
      causing the rate of neuron addition to approximately double; but as in the
      earlier exponential growth phase, this rate remains a function of snail weight.
      This neuron addition throughout the life of the snail can be predicted by snail
      weight. In the two growth phases, the number of neurons in the procerebrum is
      given by logarithmic functions of snail weight. The results here for H. aspersa
      provide the basis for experiments to determine the peripheral origin and
      destination of neuronal precursors that are added to the procerebrum and to
      determine how neuron addition affects the function of the procerebrum.

PMID- 22042441
TI  - Accumulation of the major yolk protein and zinc in the agametogenic sea urchin
      gonad.
AB  - Sea urchins of both sexes store the nutrients necessary for gametogenesis in
      nutritive phagocytes of the agametogenic gonad. A zinc-binding protein termed the
      major yolk protein (MYP) is stored here as two isoforms: the egg-type
      (predominant in egg yolk granules) and the coelomic fluid-type (a precursor with
      greater zinc-binding capacity). MYP is used during gametogenesis as material for
      synthesizing gametic proteins and other components. We investigated its
      accumulation and relationship to zinc contents in gonads during the non
      reproductive season in Pseudocentrotus depressus. MYP constituted most of the
      protein in coelomic fluid and gonads. Both ovaries and testes grew gradually,
      accumulating MYP and zinc during the year. Total zinc contents and the ratio of
      coelomic fluid-type to egg-type protein were higher in ovaries than in testes as
      gametogenesis approached. Most of the zinc in the coelomic fluid was bound to
      MYP, and the concentrations of MYP and zinc were elevated toward the onset of
      oogenesis in the female coelomic fluid. Thus, MYP accumulates in the agametogenic
      ovaries and testes during the non-reproductive season, playing a role as a
      carrier to transport zinc to the gonad. Transportation of zinc by MYP is more
      active in females than in males.

PMID- 22042442
TI  - Contribution of matrix metalloproteinase 2 to joint destruction in group B
      Streptococcus-induced murine arthritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the role of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP-2) in the
      evolution of septic arthritis induced by group B streptococci (GBS) in mice.
      METHODS: Mice deficient in MMP-2 (MMP-2(-/-) ) and wild-type controls were
      injected intravenously with 1 * 10(7)  colony-forming units of type IV GBS
      (strain 1/82). Levels of MMP-2, mortality rates, evolution of arthritis,
      bacterial clearance, joint histopathologic features, and production of cytokines
      and chemokines were examined in both experimental groups of mice on days 3, 6,
      and 9 after infection. RESULTS: MMP-2 was produced during GBS infection.
      Disruption of the gene for MMP-2 resulted in a decrease in the incidence and
      severity of arthritis, as demonstrated by both clinical and histologic findings,
      without affecting mortality rates. Amelioration of arthritis was accompanied by a
      dramatic reduction in the local production of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), IL-6,
      macrophage inflammatory protein 1alpha (MIP-1alpha), and MIP-2 and a reduced
      bacterial burden. CONCLUSION: MMP-2, produced early during GBS infection in mice,
      is involved in the degradation of extracellular matrix components at the level of
      the joint. This degradation is the first step in a cascade of events (joint
      invasion by GBS, extravasation and accumulation of inflammatory cells,
      proinflammatory cytokine production), all of which contribute to the damage of
      articular tissue. Thus, MMP-2 should be regarded as a potential therapeutic
      target in GBS-induced arthritis.

PMID- 22042443
TI  - Redundant information encoding in primary motor cortex during natural and
      prosthetic motor control.
AB  - Redundant encoding of information facilitates reliable distributed information
      processing. To explore this hypothesis in the motor system, we applied concepts
      from information theory to quantify the redundancy of movement-related
      information encoded in the macaque primary motor cortex (M1) during natural and
      neuroprosthetic control. Two macaque monkeys were trained to perform a delay
      center-out reaching task controlling a computer cursor under natural arm movement
      (manual control, 'MC'), and using a brain-machine interface (BMI) via volitional
      control of neural ensemble activity (brain control, 'BC'). During MC, we found
      neurons in contralateral M1 to contain higher and more redundant information
      about target direction than ipsilateral M1 neurons, consistent with the
      laterality of movement control. During BC, we found that the M1 neurons directly
      incorporated into the BMI ('direct' neurons) contained the highest and most
      redundant target information compared to neurons that were not incorporated into
      the BMI ('indirect' neurons). This effect was even more significant when
      comparing to M1 neurons of the opposite hemisphere. Interestingly, when we
      retrained the BMI to use ipsilateral M1 activity, we found that these neurons
      were more redundant and contained higher information than contralateral M1
      neurons, even though ensembles from this hemisphere were previously less
      redundant during natural arm movement. These results indicate that ensembles most
      associated to movement contain highest redundancy and information encoding, which
      suggests a role for redundancy in proficient natural and prosthetic motor
      control.

PMID- 22042445
TI  - Translation and validation of Korean Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy
      Esophageal (FACT-E) scale with squamous cell carcinoma and chemoradiation-only
      patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: The Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Esophageal (FACT-E) Scale
      version 4 has been used to assess quality of life in patients with squamous cell
      carcinoma undergoing chemoradiation. We sought to determine whether this scale
      can be used to assess quality of life in Korean patients with esophageal cancer
      undergoing chemoradiation. METHODS: The FACT-E scale version 4 was cross
      culturally translated into Korean. Its reliability and validity were assessed in
      a group of 146 esophageal cancer patients who were scheduled for neoadjuvant
      chemoradiation (CRT). This procedure was followed by esophagectomy that took
      place between 2007 and 2010 at Asan Medical Center. All patients completed the
      FACT-E, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and Functional Living Index
      Cancer (FLIC) questionnaires at baseline (pre-treatment) and 1 month after two
      cycles of induction chemotherapy followed by CRT. RESULTS: In validating the FACT
      E, we found high internal consistency coefficients ranging from 0.72 to 0.91.
      Good convergent and divergent validities were demonstrated by the FLIC and HADS
      scales. The FACT-E showed good clinical validity and effectively differentiated
      between patient groups with different performance status ratings and stages.
      Changes in clinical status were reflected by changes in FACT-E scores,
      demonstrating responsiveness to neoadjuvant CRT. CONCLUSION: The FACT-E has been
      shown to be a reliable and valid instrument that can now be used to prospectively
      evaluate the quality of life of Korean patients with esophageal cancer.

PMID- 22042444
TI  - Energy-based stochastic control of neural mass models suggests time-varying
      effective connectivity in the resting state.
AB  - Several studies posit energy as a constraint on the coding and processing of
      information in the brain due to the high cost of resting and evoked cortical
      activity. This suggestion has been addressed theoretically with models of a
      single neuron and two coupled neurons. Neural mass models (NMMs) address mean
      field based modeling of the activity and interactions between populations of
      neurons rather than a few neurons. NMMs have been widely employed for studying
      the generation of EEG rhythms, and more recently as frameworks for integrated
      models of neurophysiology and functional MRI (fMRI) responses. To date, the
      consequences of energy constraints on the activity and interactions of ensembles
      of neurons have not been addressed. Here we aim to study the impact of
      constraining energy consumption during the resting-state on NMM parameters. To
      this end, we first linearized the model, then used stochastic control theory by
      introducing a quadratic cost function, which transforms the NMM into a stochastic
      linear quadratic regulator (LQR). Solving the LQR problem introduces a regime in
      which the NMM parameters, specifically the effective connectivities between
      neuronal populations, must vary with time. This is in contrast to current NMMs,
      which assume a constant parameter set for a given condition or task. We further
      simulated energy-constrained stochastic control of a specific NMM, the Wilson and
      Cowan model of two coupled neuronal populations, one of which is excitatory and
      the other inhibitory. These simulations demonstrate that with varying weights of
      the energy-cost function, the NMM parameters show different time-varying
      behavior. We conclude that constraining NMMs according to energy consumption may
      create more realistic models. We further propose to employ linear NMMs with time
      varying parameters as an alternative to traditional nonlinear NMMs with constant
      parameters.

PMID- 22042446
TI  - Sex differences and left-right asymmetries in expression of insulin and insulin
      like growth factor-1 receptors in developing rat hippocampus.
AB  - Sex differences and laterality of rat hippocampus with respect to insulin-like
      growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) and insulin receptor (InsR) expression as two
      important contributors to/regulators of developmental and cognitive functions
      were examined using real-time PCR and western blot analysis at P0, P7 and P14.
      Expression of the IGF-1R gene was lowest at P0 in all studied hippocampi. In
      males, we found the highest expression at P7 in the right hippocampus, and at P14
      in the left one. In contrast, the peaked IGF-1R expression occurred at P7 in
      female hippocampi independent of laterality. Hippocampal InsR expression in males
      decreased significantly between P0 and P7, followed by a marked upregulation at
      P14. Conversely, the expression of InsR in females peaked at P7 and then
      decreased again significantly at P14. We found significant interhemispheric
      differences in IGF-1R mRNA levels in both male and female hippocampi at different
      time points. In contrast, we only found significant interhemispheric differences
      in InsR mRNA expression in P14 male rats, with higher values in the left
      hippocampus. Interestingly, changes in mRNA expression and in protein levels
      followed the same developmental pattern, indicating that IGF-1R and InsR
      transcription is not subject to modulatory effects during the first two weeks of
      development. These findings indicate that there are prominent interhemispheric
      and sex differences in IGF-1R and InsR expression in the developing rat
      hippocampus, suggesting a probable mechanism for the control of gender and
      laterality differences in development and function of the hippocampus.

PMID- 22042448
TI  - [Second line AUO (Working Group Urological Oncology) study AB 35/09 on
      metastasized urothelial carcinoma. Phase II study with RAD001 in combination with
      paclitaxel for patients with metastasized urothelial carcinoma of the urinary
      bladder after failure of platinum-based chemotherapy (CRAD001)].

PMID- 22042447
TI  - The phosphoinositide phosphatase Sac1 is required for midline axon guidance.
AB  - Sac1 phosphoinositide (PI) phosphatases are important regulators of PtdIns(4)P
      turnover at the ER, Golgi, and plasma membrane (PM) and are involved in diverse
      cellular processes including cytoskeletal organization and vesicular trafficking.
      Here, we present evidence that Sac1 regulates axon guidance in the embryonic CNS
      of Drosophila. Sac1 is expressed on three longitudinal axon tracts that are
      defined by the cell adhesion molecule Fasciclin II (Fas II). Mutations in the
      sac1 gene cause ectopic midline crossing of Fas II-positive axon tracts. This
      phenotype is rescued by neuronal expression of wild-type Sac1 but not by a
      catalytically-inactive mutant. Finally, sac1 displays dosage-sensitive genetic
      interactions with mutations in the genes that encode the midline repellent Slit
      and its axonal receptor Robo. Taken together, our results suggest that Sac1
      mediated regulation of PIs is critical for Slit/Robo-dependent axon repulsion at
      the CNS midline.

PMID- 22042453
TI  - Investigation of factors affecting loosening of Ilizarov ring-wire external
      fixator systems at the bone-wire interface.
AB  - The potential for peri-implant bone yielding and subsequent loosening of Ilizarov
      ring-wire external fixation systems was investigated using non-linear finite
      element (FE) analyses. A strain-based plasticity model was employed to simulate
      bone yielding. FE models also incorporated contact behavior at the wire-bone
      interface, orthotropic elasticity, and periosteal-endosteal variation of bone
      properties. These simulations were used to determine the extent and location of
      yielding with change in age-related bone structure and properties for the bone
      Ilizarov construct at the tibial midshaft. At critical wire-bone interfaces, the
      predicted volume of yielded bone with four wires (on either side of the fracture)
      was ~40% of that with two wires. Old-aged cases showed considerably greater bone
      yielding at the wire-bone interface than young cases (1.7-2.2 times greater
      volumes of yielded bone). The volume of yielded bone at all wire-bone interfaces
      decreased with an increase in wire pre-tension. The absence of continuous through
      thickness yielding offers an explanation for the clinical observation that
      Ilizarov ring-wire fixation can provide stable fracture fixation even in bone
      with high porosity.

PMID- 22042454
TI  - Retrievable inferior vena cava filters: factors that affect retrieval success.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report and analyze the indications, procedural success, and
      complications of retrievable inferior vena cava filters (rIVCF) placement and to
      identify parameters that influence retrieval attempt and failure. METHODS:
      Between January 2005 and December 2010, a total of 200 patients (80 men, median
      age 67 years, range 11-95 years) received a rIVCF with the clinical possibility
      that it could be removed. All patients with rIVCF were prospectively entered into
      a database and followed until retrieval or a decision not to retrieve the filter
      was made. A retrospective analysis of this database was performed. RESULTS: Sixty
      one percent of patients had an accepted indication for filter placement; 39% of
      patients had a relative indication. There was a tendency toward a higher
      retrieval rate in patients with relative indications (40% vs. 55%, P = 0.076).
      Filter placement was technically successful in all patients, with no procedure
      related mortality. The retrieval rate was 53%. Patient age of >80 years (odds
      ratio [OR] 0.056, P > 0.0001) and presence of malignancy (OR 0.303, P = 0.003)
      was associated with a significantly reduced probability for attempted retrieval.
      Retrieval failure occurred in 7% (6 of 91) of all retrieval attempts. A time
      interval of > 90 days between implantation and attempted retrieval was associated
      with retrieval failure (OR 19.8, P = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Patient age >80 years
      and a history of malignancy are predictors of a reduced probability for retrieval
      attempt. The rate of retrieval failure is low and seems to be associated with a
      time interval of >90 days between filter placement and retrieval.

PMID- 22042455
TI  - A fast and selective decarboxylative difunctionalization and cyclization for easy
      access to gem-dihalo alcohol, ether, ester and bromo-1,4-dioxane.
AB  - A general strategy for fast decarboxylative difunctionalization to gem
      dihalohydrin, gem-dihaloether, gem-dibromoester and cyclized bromo-1,4-dioxane
      synthons with outstanding regio- and stereoselectivity is demonstrated.

PMID- 22042456
TI  - Preparation of chitosan films using different neutralizing solutions to improve
      endothelial cell compatibility.
AB  - The development of chitosan-based constructs for application in large-size
      defects or highly vascularized tissues is still a challenging issue. The poor
      endothelial cell compatibility of chitosan hinders the colonization of vascular
      endothelial cells in the chitosan-based constructs, and retards the establishment
      of a functional microvascular network following implantation. The aim of the
      present study is to prepare chitosan films with different neutralization methods
      to improve their endothelial cell compatibility. Chitosan salt films were
      neutralized with either sodium hydroxide (NaOH) aqueous solution, NaOH ethanol
      solution, or ethanol solution without NaOH. The physicochemical properties and
      endothelial cell compatibility of the chitosan films were investigated. Results
      indicated that neutralization with different solutions affected the surface
      chemistry, swelling ratio, crystalline conformation, nanotopography, and
      mechanical properties of the chitosan films. The NaOH ethanol solution
      neutralized chitosan film (Chi-NaOH/EtOH film) displayed a nanofiber-dominant
      surface, while the NaOH aqueous solution-neutralized film (Chi-NaOH/H(2)O film)
      and the ethanol solution-neutralized film (Chi-EtOH film) displayed nanoparticle
      dominant surfaces. Moreover, the Chi-NaOH/EtOH films exhibited a higher stiffness
      as compared to the Chi-NaOH/H(2)O and Chi-EtOH films. Endothelial cell
      compatibility of the chitosan films was evaluated with a human microvascular
      endothelial cell line, HMEC-1. Compared with the Chi-NaOH/H(2)O and Chi-EtOH
      films, HMECs cultured on the Chi-NaOH/EtOH films fully spread and exhibited
      significantly higher levels of adhesion and proliferation, with retention of the
      endothelial phenotype and function. Our findings suggest that the surface
      nanotopography and mechanical properties contribute to determining the
      endothelial cell compatibility of chitosan films. The nature of the neutralizing
      solutions can affect the physicochemical properties and endothelial cell
      compatibility of chitosan films. Therefore, selection of suitable neutralization
      methods is highly important for the application of chitosan in tissue
      engineering.

PMID- 22042457
TI  - Ex vivo bio-compatibility of honey-alginate fibrous matrix for HaCaT and 3T3 with
      prime molecular expressions.
AB  - Honey's inherent compositional diversity, bio-compatibility and time tested
      therapeutic efficacy, especially in tissue repair as a topical agent, attract
      researchers towards harnessing its biomaterial potential particularly in
      developing matrix for tissue engineering applications. Hence, this study
      fabricates fibrous mat from optimum honey-alginate formulation and alginate
      solution using wet spinning technology. The physical and morphological properties
      of the scaffolds are assessed and finally their comparative biological
      performances are evaluated through in vitro studies on adherence, viability and
      prime molecular expression of HaCaT and 3T3 cells. The honey-alginate scaffold
      demonstrates better performance than that of alginate in terms of cellular
      adherence, viability and proper expression of cell-cell adhesion molecule (E
      cadherin) and prime molecules of extra cellular matrix (Collagen I and III) by
      HaCaT and 3T3 respectively. 

PMID- 22042458
TI  - Influence of topographical features on the fluoride corrosion of Ni-Ti
      orthodontic archwires.
AB  - Different manufacturing processes of Ni-Ti archwires respond differently to
      corrosion due to the surface conditions involved. In this study, several
      topographical features and their influence upon fluoride corrosion were studied.
      Four topographies (smooth, dimple, scratch, and crack) according to the main
      surface defect were characterized (n = 40). Static corrosion tests were performed
      in artificial saliva with fluorated prophylactic gel (12500 ppm) for 28 days. The
      surface was characterized by SEM and laser confocal microscopy. Standard
      electrochemical corrosion (open circuit potential, corrosion potential and
      corrosion current density) was performed. Statistical analysis was carried out
      using the ANOVA test (alpha <= 0.05). An increase was observed in the surface
      defects and/or roughness of the cracked and scratched surfaces. These defects
      produced an important increase in corrosion behavior. The best surfaces for the
      orthodontic archwires were the smooth and dimpled surfaces, respectively. The
      increase in defects was independent of roughness. Manufacturing processes that
      produce surface cracks should be avoided in orthodontic applications.

PMID- 22042459
TI  - High speed insertion of bone fracture fixation pins: a finite element penetration
      model with experimental comparisons.
AB  - A new method of bone fracture fixation is considered in which small pins/darts
      are dynamically inserted into bone to prevent translation and rotation at the
      fracture site. An ABAQUS model was developed to analyze dart penetration in
      cortical and cancellous bone for varying dart diameter, material, and velocity,
      and cortical thickness. The method is advocated for bioresorbable darts, so
      polylactide (PLA) and magnesium are the materials examined in this study.
      Numerical results showed that magnesium darts can achieve full penetration in
      bone while suffering little damage. The PLA darts penetrated thin bone well, but
      substantial deformation was seen as the cortical thickness increased, especially
      for small diameter darts. As partial validation, prototype PLA fixation darts
      were fired into cadaveric bone with a custom nailer. As in the model, the PLA
      darts could penetrate thin cortices but saw gross deformation when impacted
      against thicker bone.

PMID- 22042461
TI  - Phytic acid derived bioactive CaO-P2O5-SiO2 gel-glasses.
AB  - The possibility of using phytic acid as a precursor to synthesize CaO-P(2)O(5)
      SiO(2) glasses by sol-gel method has been explored and the pseudo ternary phase
      diagram has been established. It was shown that gel-glasses over a broader range
      of compositions could be prepared compared to other phosphorus precursors or melt
      quenching method. Furthermore, phytic acid was found to assist calcium being
      incorporated into glass networks. In vitro tests in simulated body fluid (SBF)
      were performed on the above gel-glasses and it was found that they were bioactive
      over a much broader compositional range especially at high phosphate content,
      thus enabling one to design bioactive materials with various degradation rates by
      adjusting the phosphate content.

PMID- 22042460
TI  - Fabrication of novel biofibers by coating silk fibroin with chitosan impregnated
      with silver nanoparticles.
AB  - Nanoparticle based agents often applied as coatings on biomaterials have shown
      promise in delivering the improved sterility against variety of microbes. In the
      present study, silk fibers (SF) were coated with chitosan impregnated with silver
      nanoparticles (Ag-C-SF). These Ag-C-SF fibers were characterized using scanning
      electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray analysis, atomic force
      microscopy (AFM), Infra Red spectroscopy, Thermogravimetric Analysis and
      Microbiological assay techniques. AFM studies have confirmed the nano sized
      silver particles in chitosan solution; SEM pictures have exhibited the coating of
      chitosan along with silver nanoparticles on the silk fibroin. The modified fibers
      have also shown anti-microbial activity and improved thermal stability. The Ag-C
      SF fibers may be explored as wound dressing and tendon reconstruction material in
      future.

PMID- 22042462
TI  - Fabrication of nano-macroporous glass-ceramic bioscaffold with a water soluble
      pore former.
AB  - Recently, several methods have been reported for fabricating tailored amorphous
      multi porosity bioscaffolds for bone regeneration and tissue engineering. In
      particular, the melt-quench-heat-etch method appears attractive for making large
      and/or complex shape structures or fibers for flexible products. However, often
      the macropore size has been limited to <100 MUm. In this paper we report an
      improved method for fabricating nano-macroporous soda lime phosphosilicate glass
      using sucrose as a macropore former. The composite compact consisting of soda
      lime phosphosilicate glass and sucrose powders is pressed in a die at room
      temperature. 3D interconnected macroporous structure is formed first by
      dissolving the sucrose part in water at room temperature, and then sintering the
      compact at temperatures above the glass transition temperature. Thus,
      interconnected macropores with controlled size (>=100 microns) are formed
      readily. The sintering heat-treatment also induces nanoscale phase separation,
      which is then exploited for introducing nanoscale porosity. For the latter goal,
      the sample is leached in HCl under optimized conditions to yield desired nano
      macroporous glass for bone scaffold or other applications.

PMID- 22042463
TI  - Acute toxicity of high dosage carboxymethyl chitosan and its effect on the blood
      parameters in rats.
AB  - This experiment was aimed to study whether Carboxymethyl chitosan has acute
      toxicity and effects on the blood parameters of rats, which were treated with
      high dosage carboxymethyl chitosan (1350 mg/kg) through a laparotomy. Acute
      toxicity was first studied and then kinds of blood parameters were detected at
      different time points after the laparotomy, which contain coagulant parameters
      (thrombin time, prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplatin time and
      fibrinogen), anticoagulant parameter (antithrombin III), fibrinolytic parameters
      (plasminogen and fibrin degradation product) and hemorheology parameters (blood
      viscosity). Results showed that no acute toxicity was detected and no significant
      effects were found on the parameters of coagulation, anticoagulation,
      fibrinolysis or hemorheology of rats after the laparotomy, which indicated that
      carboxymethyl chitosan has no significant toxicity on the blood system of rats
      after being absorbed in the abdominal cavity and degraded gradually in the blood.
      And this study has provided experimental basis for carboxymethyl chitosan to be
      applied in the field of biomedical materials.

PMID- 22042464
TI  - Fabrication and in vivo osteogenesis of biomimetic poly(propylene carbonate)
      scaffold with nanofibrous chitosan network in macropores for bone tissue
      engineering.
AB  - A biomimetic poly(propylene carbonate) (PPC) porous scaffold with nanofibrous
      chitosan network within macropores (PPC/CSNFs) for bone tissue engineering was
      fabricated by a dual solid-liquid phase separation technique. PPC scaffold with
      interconnected solid pore wall structure was prepared by the first phase
      separation, which showed a high porosity of 91.9% and a good compressive modulus
      of 14.2 +/- 0.56 MPa, respectively. By the second phase separation, nanofibrous
      chitosan of 50-500 nm in diameter was formed in the macropores with little
      influence on the pore structure and the mechanical properties of PPC scaffold.
      The nanofibrous chitosan content was calculated to be 9.78% by elemental
      analysis. After incubation in SBF for 14 days, more apatite crystals were
      deposited on the pore surface as well as the nanofibrous chitosan surface of
      PPC/CSNFs scaffold compared with PPC scaffold. The in vitro culture of bone
      mesenchymal stem cells showed that PPC/CSNFs scaffold exhibited a better cell
      viability than PPC scaffold. After implantation in rabbits for 16 weeks, the
      defect was entirely repaired by PPC/CSNFs scaffold, as opposed to the incomplete
      healing for PPC scaffold. It indicated that PPC/CSNFs scaffold showed a faster in
      vivo osteogenesis rate than PPC scaffold. Hereby, PPC/CSNFs scaffold will be a
      potential candidate for bone tissue engineering.

PMID- 22042465
TI  - To be or not to be a general surgeon!

PMID- 22042466
TI  - A prognostic score to predict major complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate a simple prognostic score to predict major
      postoperative complications after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). BACKGROUND: PD
      still carries a high rate of severe postoperative complications. No specific
      score is currently available to stratify the patient's risk of major morbidity.
      METHODS: Between 2002 and 2010, preoperative, intraoperative, and outcome data
      from 700 consecutive patients undergoing PD in our institution were prospectively
      collected in an electronic database. Major complications were defined as levels
      III to V of Clavien-Dindo classification. On the basis of a multivariate
      regression model, the score was developed using a random two-thirds of the
      population (n = 469) and was validated on the remaining 231 patients. RESULTS:
      Major complication rate was 16.7% (117/700). Significant predictors included in
      the scoring system were: pancreas texture, pancreatic duct diameter, operative
      blood loss, and ASA score. The mean risk of developing major postoperative
      complications was 7% in patients with score 0 to 3, 13% in patients with score 4
      to 7, 23% in patients with score 8 to 11, and 36% in patients with score 12 to
      15. In the validation population, the predicted risk of major complications was
      15.2% versus a 16.9% observed risk (C-statistic index = 0.743). CONCLUSION: This
      new score may accurately predict a patient's postoperative outcome. Early
      identification of high-risk patients could help the surgeon to adopt
      intraoperative and postoperative strategies tailored on individual basis.

PMID- 22042467
TI  - Biliary complications after liver transplantation using grafts from donors after
      cardiac death: results from a matched control study in a single large volume
      center.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the incidence and impact of biliary complications in
      recipients transplanted from donors after cardiac death (DCD) at one single large
      institution. BACKGROUND: Shortage of available cadaveric organs is a significant
      limiting factor in liver transplantation (LT). The use of DCD offers the
      potential to increase the organ pool. However, early results with DCD liver
      grafts were associated with a greater incidence of ischemic cholangiopathy (IC),
      leading to several programs to abandoning this source of organs. METHODS: A
      retrospective analysis of a prospective database from April 2001 to 2010 focused
      on 167 consecutive DCD-LT. Each DCD transplant was matched with 2 brain death
      donors (DBD) grafts (n = 333) according to the period of transplantation. Primary
      outcome measures were biliary complications including the severity of
      complications, graft survival and patient survival. Minimum follow-up was 3
      months. RESULTS: Anastomotic stricture was the most common biliary complication
      (DCD = 30, 19% vs. DBD = 41, 13%). Most were treated endocoscopically (grade IIIa
      = 72%), whereas hepatico-jejunostomy (grade IIIb) was performed in 22%. Primary
      IC occurred in 4 (2.5%) recipients from the DCD group and was absent in the DBD
      group (P = 0.005). However, none of these patients required retransplantation.
      Patient and graft survival at 1, 3, and 5 years were similar between DCD and DBD
      groups (P = 0.106, P = 0.138, P = 0.113, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The
      encouraging results with DCD-LT are probably due to the selection of DCD grafts
      and clear definition of warm ischemia.

PMID- 22042468
TI  - Are there better guidelines for allocation in liver transplantation? A novel
      score targeting justice and utility in the model for end-stage liver disease era.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To design a new score on risk assessment for orthotopic liver
      transplantation (OLT) based on both donor and recipient parameters. BACKGROUND:
      The balance of waiting list mortality and posttransplant outcome remains a
      difficult task in the era of the model for end-stage liver disease (MELD).
      METHODS: Using the United Network for Organ Sharing database, a risk analysis was
      performed in adult recipients of OLT in the United States of America between 2002
      and 2010 (n = 37,255). Living donor-, partial-, or combined-, and donation after
      cardiac death liver transplants were excluded. Next, a risk score was calculated
      (balance of risk score, BAR score) on the basis of logistic regression factors,
      and validated using our own OLT database (n = 233). Finally, the new score was
      compared with other prediction systems including donor risk index, survival
      outcome following liver transplantation, donor-age combined with MELD, and MELD
      score alone. RESULTS: Six strongest predictors of posttransplant survival were
      identified: recipient MELD score, cold ischemia time, recipient age, donor age,
      previous OLT, and life support dependence prior to transplant. The new balance of
      risk score stratified recipients best in terms of patient survival in the United
      Network for Organ Sharing data, as in our European population. CONCLUSIONS: The
      BAR system provides a new, simple and reliable tool to detect unfavorable
      combinations of donor and recipient factors, and is readily available before
      decision making of accepting or not an organ for a specific recipient. This score
      may offer great potential for better justice and utility, as it revealed to be
      superior to recent developed other prediction scores.

PMID- 22042469
TI  - Selective targeting of genetically engineered mesenchymal stem cells to tumor
      stroma microenvironments using tissue-specific suicide gene expression suppresses
      growth of hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The use of engineered mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) as therapeutic
      vehicles for the treatment of experimental pancreatic and breast cancer has been
      previously demonstrated. The potential application of MSCs for the treatment of
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been controversial. The general approach uses
      engineered MSCs to target different aspects of tumor biology, including
      angiogenesis or the fibroblast-like stromal compartment, through the use of
      tissue-specific expression of therapeutic transgenes. The aim of the present
      study was (1) to evaluate the effect of exogenously added MSCs on the growth of
      HCC and (2) the establishment of an MSC-based suicide gene therapy for
      experimental HCC. METHODS: Mesenchymal stem cells were isolated from bone marrow
      of C57/Bl6 p53(-/-) mice. The cells were injected into mice with HCC xenografts
      and the effect on tumor proliferation and angiogenesis was evaluated. The cells
      were then stably transfected with red fluorescent protein (RFP) or Herpes simplex
      virus thymidine kinase (HSV-Tk) gene under control of the Tie2 promoter/enhancer
      or the CCL5 promoter. Mesenchymal stem cells were injected intravenously into
      mice with orthotopically growing xenografts of HCC and treated with ganciclovir
      (GCV). RESULTS: Ex vivo examination of hepatic tumors revealed tumor-specific
      recruitment, enhanced tumor growth, and increased microvessel density after
      nontherapeutic MSC injections. After their homing to the hepatic xenografts,
      engineered MSCs demonstrated activation of the Tie2 or CCL5 promoter as shown by
      RFP expression. Application of CCL5/HSV-TK transfected MSCs in combination with
      GCV significantly reduced tumor growth by 56.4% as compared with the control
      group and by 71.6% as compared with nontherapeutic MSC injections. CCL5/HSV-TK(+)
      transfected MSCs proved more potent in tumor inhibition as compared with Tie2/HSV
      TK(+) MSCs. CONCLUSION: Exogenously added MSCs are recruited to growing HCC
      xenografts with concomitant activation of the CCL5 or Tie2 promoters within the
      MSCs. Stem cell-mediated introduction of suicide genes into the tumor followed by
      prodrug administration was effective for treatment of experimental HCC and thus
      may help fill the existing gap in bridging therapies for patients suffering from
      advanced HCCs.

PMID- 22042470
TI  - Additional resection of an intraoperative margin-positive proximal bile duct
      improves survival in patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the survival benefit of additional resection of an
      intraoperative positive proximal bile duct margin (BD(Marg)) in patients
      undergoing hepatectomy for hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HCCA). SUMMARY BACKGROUND
      DATA: Intraoperative evidence of invasive cancer at the proximal (BD(Marg)) is
      associated with a dismal survival irrespective of whether a final negative
      (BD(Marg)) is achieved with an additional resection. METHODS: Clinicopathologic,
      operative, and survival data of consecutive patients undergone curative intent
      hepatectomy with bile duct resection (n = 75) for HCC (1989-2010) were analyzed.
      RESULTS: Frozen-section examination of the proximal (BD(Marg)) revealed invasive
      cancer in 19 of the 67 patients. After additional resection, which was possible
      in 18 cases, a secondary R0 (BD(Marg)) resection was achieved in 15 patients
      (83.3%), with 2 of these having, at final pathology, positive radial and distal
      margins. Eventually, 8 patients were classified as R1 and 67 as R0 (54 primary R0
      and 13 secondary R0). Median survival of patients who had a secondary R0
      resection (30.6 months) was similar to that of primarily R0-resected patients
      (29.3 months) and significantly better than that of R1 patients (14.9 months) (P
      = 0.026). Median time to recurrence and site of recurrence were similar in R0
      patients independently of the performance of an additional resection. The
      incidence of biliary fistula was significantly increased (44.4% vs 17.5%; P =
      0.02) in patients necessitating a margin re-resection. CONCLUSIONS: Additional
      resection of a positive proximal (BD(Marg)) , albeit associated with an increased
      risk of biliary fistula, offers a significant survival benefit and should be
      attempted whenever possible.

PMID- 22042471
TI  - Prediction of prognosis is not improved by the seventh and latest edition of the
      TNM classification for colorectal cancer in a single-center collective.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To compare the prognostic value of the sixth and seventh editions of
      the TNM classification, and of additional prognostic factors, in colorectal
      cancer. BACKGROUND: The seventh TNM edition was released in 2009 with the aim of
      providing a more precise prediction of prognosis. METHODS: Clinical and
      histopathological data of 2229 patients with colorectal cancer who underwent
      tumor resection between 1990 and 2006 were analyzed and compared by using the
      sixth and seventh editions of the TNM classification and a statistically
      calculated model of prognostic factors. RESULTS: With the sixth edition, 5-year
      survival was 96% for stage I, 90% for IIA, 86% for IIB, 90% for IIIA, 72% for
      IIIB, 48% for IIIC, and 13% for IV. With the seventh edition, 5-year survival was
      96% for stage I, 90% for IIA, 84% for IIB, 87% for IIC, 89% for IIIA, 72% for
      IIIB, 36% for IIIC, 15% for IVA, and 10% for IVB. The stage shifted for only 155
      (7%) patients: from IIB to IIC (2%), from IIIB to IIIC (1%), and from IIIC to
      IIIA/B (4%). The performance of the seventh edition [concordance index (c-index)
      0.83; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.82-0.85] revealed no relevant improvement
      compared with the sixth edition (c-index 0.83; 95% CI, 0.82-0.84), or compared to
      a model based on independent prognostic factors (c-index 0.84; 95% CI, 0.83
      0.86). CONCLUSIONS: The seventh TNM edition did not provide greater accuracy in
      predicting colorectal cancer patients' prognosis but resulted in a more complex
      classification for daily clinical use.

PMID- 22042472
TI  - Prognostic impact of upper, middle, and lower third mucosal or submucosal
      infiltration in early esophageal cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify differences in survival of patients with pT1 esophageal
      cancer relating to depth of wall infiltration. BACKGROUND DATA: Histologic
      analysis of mucosal and submucosal infiltration in thirds has shown an increasing
      rate of lymph node metastases (LNM) according to the depth of wall infiltration
      in pT1 esophageal cancer. METHODS: One hundred seventy-one patients had
      transthoracic en bloc (n = 161) or transhiatal esophagectomy (n = 10) for pT1
      esophageal cancer [121 adenocarcinomas (AC), 50 squamous cell carcinomas (SCC)].
      The histologic analysis of the specimen comprised depth of wall penetration of
      the carcinoma in thirds of pT1a = mucosa (m1, m2, m3) or pT1b = submucosa (sm1,
      sm2, sm3) and number and infiltration of the resected lymph nodes. RESULTS: The
      rate of LNM was 0% for 70 mucosal carcinomas and 34% for 101 submucosal
      carcinomas (P = 0.001). For sm1, this rate was 13%, for sm2 19% and for sm3 56%.
      The 5-year survival rate (5Y-SR) was 82% for pN0 and 45% for pN+ patients (P <
      0.001). There was no significant prognostic difference between AC and SCC (5Y-SR:
      74% vs 71%). The 5Y-SR of the pT1a group was 87% compared with 66% for pT1b (P =
      0.046). The 5-year survival rate for sm1 and sm2 were similar; sm1 + sm2 were
      together significantly better (80%) than sm3 (46%) (P = 0.008). In multivariate
      analysis, only sm3 was an independent prognostic factor (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS:
      After esophagectomy, the prognosis of patients with sm1/sm2 infiltration is as
      good as for patients with mucosal carcinoma. Sm3 infiltration is the worst
      prognostic factor in pT1 esophageal cancer.

PMID- 22042473
TI  - Hedgehog inhibition with the orally bioavailable Smo antagonist LDE225 represses
      tumor growth and prolongs survival in a transgenic mouse model of islet cell
      neoplasms.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study was designed to evaluate the role of the hedgehog pathway
      in tumor progression of murine islet cell tumors. Blockade of aberrant hedgehog
      activation has recently been proposed as a therapeutic target, but effects in
      models of islet cell tumors with a new orally bioavailable Smoothened (Smo)
      antagonist LDE225 have not been examined. MATERIAL AND METHODS: To assess in vivo
      effects, transgenic Rip1Tag2 mice, which develop islet cell neoplasms, were
      treated with vehicle or LDE225 (80 mg/kg/d) from week 5 until death. The resected
      pancreata were evaluated macroscopically and microscopically by
      iummohistochemsistry. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction was
      performed for hedgehog target genes with RNA from islet, isolated from treated
      and untreated Rip1Tag2 mice. RESULTS: LDE225 significantly reduced tumor volume
      by 95% compared with untreated control mice. Hedgehog inhibition with LDE225
      significantly prolonged median survival in the used transgenic mouse model (105
      vs 116 days; P = 0.02). Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction for
      downstream hedgehog target genes demonstrated significant downregulation in the
      islet cell tumors of Rip1Tag2 mice treated with LDE225, confirming the ability to
      achieve effective pharmacologic levels of LDE225 within the desired tissue site,
      in vivo. CONCLUSION: This is the first study to show that the orally bioavailable
      Smo antagonist LDE225 may provide a new option for therapy of islet cell
      neoplasms.

PMID- 22042474
TI  - Influence of surgical margins on outcome in patients with intrahepatic
      cholangiocarcinoma: a multicenter study by the AFC-IHCC-2009 study group.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Define the optimal surgical margin in patients undergoing surgery for
      intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (IHCC). BACKGROUND DATA: Surgery is the most
      effective treatment for IHCC. However, the influence of R1 resection on outcome
      is controversial and that of margin width has not been evaluated. METHODS: We
      studied 212 patients undergoing curative resection of mass-forming-type IHCC. The
      respective influences on survival of resection status (R0 vs R1), surgical margin
      width, pTNM stage, and the latter's components were evaluated. RESULTS: Incidence
      of R1 resection was 24%. Overall, R1 resection was not an independent predictor
      of survival [odds ratio (OR) 1.2 (0.7-2.1)] in contrast to the pTNM stage [OR
      2.10 (1.2-3.5)]. In the 78 pN+ patients, survival was similar after R0 and R1
      resections (median: 18 vs 13 months, respectively, P = 0.1). In the 134 pN0
      patients, R1 resection was an independent predictor of poor survival [OR 9.6 (4.5
      20.4)], as was the presence of satellite nodules [OR 1.9 (1.1-3.2)]. In the 116
      pN0 patients with R0 resections, median survival was correlated with margin width
      (<=1 mm: 15 months; 2-4 mm: 36 months; 5-9 mm: 57 month; >=10 mm: 64 month, P <
      0.001) and a margin >5 mm was an independent predictor of survival [OR 2.22 (1.59
      3.09)]. CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing surgery for IHCC are at high risk of R1
      resections. In pN0 patients, R1 resection is the strongest independent predictor
      of poor outcome and a margin of at least 5 mm should be created. The survival
      benefits of resection in pN+ patients and R1 resection in general are very low.

PMID- 22042478
TI  - Is retrieval of >25 lymph nodes a superior criterion for locally advanced gastric
      cancer surgery?

PMID- 22042479
TI  - Inpatient insulin orders: are patients getting what is prescribed?
AB  - BACKGROUND: In-hospital insulin administration is associated with many medication
      errors, but the frequency and reasons for insulin administration errors are
      poorly described. To document types and frequency of errors related to insulin
      administration, an examination of 4 units was conducted. METHODS: Using snapshot
      methodology, 4 non-intensive care unit (ICU) areas (medicine, cardiology,
      transplant, and surgery) were examined in an observational, prospective manner
      for 4 weeks. Each patient on insulin on the first day was followed for 7 days.
      Definitions and error categories were defined prior to data collection. Error
      types and numbers were collected and quantified on per-day or per-patient basis.
      RESULTS: A total of 116 patient audit periods covering a total of 378 inpatient
      hospital days were examined. Inpatient insulin regimens on day 1 included
      correctional insulin only (51.7% of cases), neutral protamine Hagedorn ([NPH]
      12%), and glargine (28.4%). A total of 199 administration errors occurred at a
      rate of 1.72 errors/patient-period and 0.53 errors/patient day. Missing
      documentation of doses (15.5% of all patients) and insulin being held without an
      order (25% of patients) were the most frequently occurring events. Other errors
      include transcription (7.5%), timing errors (22.7%), and lack of documentation of
      physician notification of hypoglycemia (12.6%). CONCLUSIONS: Errors associated
      with insulin in the hospital are common and reveal a number of system errors that
      should be addressed. These data provide a foundation for future performance
      improvement.

PMID- 22042480
TI  - Eicosanoids and other lipid mediators and the tumor hypoxic microenvironment.
AB  - Hypoxia is a pathological hallmark feature of solid tumors. Though hypoxia is an
      adverse physiological state, tumors have evolved to utilize this unsuitable
      environment to their own advantage by activating key biochemical and cellular
      pathways that are important in progression, survival, and metastasis. Several
      studies have emphasized the importance of lipid mediators in regulating key
      biomolecules in the hypoxic microenvironment, for example hypoxia inducible
      factor-1 (HIF-1), the master regulator of hypoxia. Lipid mediators have been
      reported to enhance the levels and activity of HIF-1, which subsequently signal
      to stimulate angiogenesis and tumor cell survival under hypoxic conditions. There
      are also reports of hypoxia and HIF-1 enhancing the levels of some lipid
      mediators mostly by upregulating the levels of the enzymes responsible for their
      biosynthesis. This review gives a brief overview of these two mechanisms and the
      role played by bioactive lipid mediators in the regulation of tumor progression
      and survival under hypoxia.

PMID- 22042481
TI  - Analysis of gene expression profiles of two near-isogenic lines differing at a
      QTL region affecting oil content at high temperatures during seed maturation in
      oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.).
AB  - Seed oil production in oilseed rape is greatly affected by the temperature during
      seed maturation. However, the molecular mechanism of the interaction between
      genotype and temperature in seed maturation remains largely unknown. We developed
      two near-isogenic lines (NIL-9 and NIL-1), differing mainly at a QTL region
      influencing oil content on Brassica napus chromosome C2 (qOC.C2.2) under high
      temperature during seed maturation. The NILs were treated under different
      temperatures in a growth chamber after flowering. RNA from developing seeds was
      extracted on the 25th day after flowering (DAF), and transcriptomes were
      determined by microarray analysis. Statistical analysis indicated that genotype,
      temperature, and the interaction between genotype and temperature (G * T) all
      significantly affected the expression of the genes in the 25 DAF seeds, resulting
      in 4,982, 19,111, and 839 differentially expressed unisequences, respectively.
      NIL-9 had higher seed oil content than NIL-1 under all of the temperatures in the
      experiments, especially at high temperatures. A total of 39 genes, among which
      six are located at qOC.C2.2, were differentially expressed among the NILs
      regardless of temperature, indicating the core genetic divergence that was
      unaffected by temperature. Increasing the temperature caused a reduction in seed
      oil content that was accompanied by the downregulation of a number of genes
      associated with red light response, photosynthesis, response to gibberellic acid
      stimulus, and translational elongation, as well as several genes of importance in
      the lipid metabolism pathway. These results contribute to our knowledge of the
      molecular nature of QTLs and the interaction between genotype and temperature.

PMID- 22042482
TI  - QTL mapping under truncation selection in homozygous lines derived from
      biparental crosses.
AB  - In plant breeding, a large number of progenies that will be discarded later in
      the breeding process must be phenotyped and marker genotyped for conducting QTL
      analysis. In many cases, phenotypic preselection of lines could be useful.
      However, in QTL analyses even moderate preselection can have a significant effect
      on the power of QTL detection and estimation of effects of the target traits. In
      this study, we provide exact formulas for quantifying the change of allele
      frequencies within marker classes, expectations of marker contrasts and the
      variance of the marker contrasts under truncation selection, for the general case
      of two QTL affecting the target trait and a correlated trait. We focused on
      homozygous lines derived at random from biparental crosses. The effects of
      linkage between the marker and the QTL under selection as well as the effect of
      selection on a correlated trait can be quantified with the given formulas.
      Theoretical results clearly show that depending on the magnitude of QTL effects,
      high selection intensities can lead to a dramatic reduction in power of QTL
      detection and that approximations based on the infinitesimal model deviate
      substantially from exact solutions. The presented formulas are valuable for
      choosing appropriate selection intensity when performing QTL mapping experiments
      on the data on phenotypically preselected traits and enable the calculation and
      bias correction of the effects of QTL under selection. Application of our theory
      to experimental data revealed that selection-induced bias of QTL effects can be
      successfully corrected.

PMID- 22042483
TI  - Divergent synthetic approach to 6''-modified alpha-GalCer analogues.
AB  - A synthetic approach is presented for the synthesis of galacturonic acid and D
      fucosyl modified KRN7000. The approach allows for late-stage functionalisation of
      both the sugar 6''-OH and the sphingosine amino groups, which enables convenient
      synthesis of promising 6''-modified KRN7000 analogues.

PMID- 22042484
TI  - The source of leptin, but not leptin depletion in response to food restriction,
      changes during early pregnancy in mice.
AB  - Maternal food restriction during pregnancy results in adverse consequences for
      offspring, including obesity and cardiovascular disease. Early pregnancy is a
      critical period for this programming effect. Leptin is a regulator of energy
      homeostasis that also affects placental and fetal development. As food
      restriction results in decreased serum leptin levels, at least in non-pregnant
      animals, leptin depletion may be one mechanism by which food restriction affects
      development. The objective of this study was to test whether moderate food
      restriction affects serum leptin concentrations during the first half of
      pregnancy. We found that restriction to 50% of ad libitum consumption levels
      resulted in a significant decrease in serum leptin concentrations in both
      pregnant and non-pregnant female mice. There was no significant difference in
      serum leptin concentrations between non-pregnant females and at pregnancy day
      11.5 when fed ad libitum. However, there was a difference in the source of leptin
      during pregnancy, with greater production in visceral fat in pregnant mice, and
      greater production in subcutaneous fat in non-pregnant mice. Leptin
      concentrations were dependent on time of day and time of sampling relative to
      feeding, particularly in restricted mice. There was a significant difference in
      serum leptin concentrations between fed and restricted mice when they were fed
      and sampled in afternoon, but not when they were fed and sampled in morning. We
      conclude that food restriction results in a significant decrease in leptin
      concentration during the first half of pregnancy in mice, but that detection of
      this relationship is subject to experimental design considerations.

PMID- 22042485
TI  - The association of serum chemerin level with risk of coronary artery disease in
      Chinese adults.
AB  - Chemerin is a newly discovered adipokine which has been found closely associated
      with obesity, metabolic syndrome (MetS), and inflammatory status. This study will
      investigate whether serum chemerin levels are associated with coronary artery
      disease (CAD) independently of other cardiovascular risk factors. This study
      included a total of 430 subjects (239 with CAD and 191 with non-CAD) who
      underwent coronary angiography. Anthropometric measurements were performed and
      chemerin, glucose, lipid profiles, and other biochemical characteristics were
      measured. The severity of coronary atherosclerosis was estimated by the total
      number of diseased vessels and Gensini score. Serum chemerin levels were
      significantly higher in the CAD group than in the non-CAD group (P = 0.011). The
      odds ratios (95% CI) of CAD across increasing quartiles of serum chemerin were
      1.04 (0.61-1.78), 1.08 (0.63-1.83), and 1.87 (1.07-3.24), (P = 0.386, 0.508, and
      0.012, respectively). Adjusting for age, sex, and other conventional risk factors
      for CAD did not appreciably alter the results. Serum chemerin levels were
      significantly increased with an increasing of number of diseased vessels (P =
      0.024). In conditional linear regression models, chemerin levels were positively
      related to Gensini score even after established cardiovascular risk factors (beta
      = 0.13, P = 0.019). Correlation analysis showed serum chemerin levels were
      significantly associated with TG levels, TC levels, fasting serum insulin, HOMA
      IR and MetS (all P < 0.05). Higher serum chemerin levels were associated with
      increased risk of CAD and metabolic parameters in Chinese adults. Chemerin may
      represent a novel link between metabolic signals and atherosclerosis.

PMID- 22042486
TI  - An ontogenic study of adrenomedullin gene expression in the rat lung, adrenal,
      kidney, and heart.
AB  - In this study, the gene expression of adrenomedullin (Adm) in the peripheral
      tissues which include lung, adrenal, kidney, and heart during development was
      investigated in the rat. The preproadrenomedullin (preproAdm) mRNA and mRNAs of
      its related receptor components, calcitonin receptor-like receptor (Crlr), and
      receptor activity-modifying proteins (Ramp1, 2 and 3) of the lung, adrenal,
      kidney, and heart were measured by real-time RT-PCR and the ADM peptide measured
      by radioimmunoassay in 1-, 7-, 21-day-old rats and the adult rats. From day 1 to
      21, preproAdm mRNA levels increased with age in the lung, the kidney, and the
      heart but decreased with age in the adrenal. ADM levels, however, increased with
      age in the lung but decreased with age in the kidney, the adrenal, and the heart.
      The preproAdm levels in the lung, in the kidney, and in the adrenal all increased
      in the adult rat. ADM peptide levels, however, decreased in the adult rat. Crlr
      and Ramp2 gene expression increased with age in the lung, in the kidney, and in
      the heart but decreased with age in the adrenal in the prepubertal rats. The
      results indicate that the levels of preproAdm mRNA, ADM peptide and its receptor
      component mRNAs in different tissues followed different patterns of changes
      during development.

PMID- 22042487
TI  - Primary aldosteronism: from bench to bedside.
AB  - Primary aldosteronism is now thought to be the commonest potentially curable and
      specifically treatable form of hypertension. The detection of primary
      aldosteronism is of utmost importance not only because it provides an opportunity
      for a targeted treatment, but also because it has been demonstrated that patients
      with primary aldosteronism are more prone to cardiovascular events and target
      organ damage than essential hypertensives. Normalization of blood pressure and
      hypokalemia should not be the only goal of treatment. Normalization of
      circulating aldosterone or mineralocorticoid blockade is necessary to prevent
      aldosterone-induced tissue damage that occurs independent of blood pressure. This
      review will focus on the current understanding and comprehensive management
      review of primary aldosteronism, highlighting the new evidence that has become
      recently available.

PMID- 22042488
TI  - Comparative analysis of peptide p5 and serum amyloid P component for imaging AA
      amyloid in mice using dual-isotope SPECT.
AB  - PURPOSE: I-labeled human serum amyloid P component (SAP) is used clinically only
      in the UK for imaging visceral amyloidosis to assist with diagnosis, disease
      staging, and monitoring response to therapy. We compare a new amyloid-reactive
      probe, peptide p5, with SAP for imaging amyloidosis. PROCEDURES: Dual-energy
      SPECT/CT images were acquired of (125)I-labeled SAP and (99m)Tc-labeled p5 in
      mice with systemic AA amyloidosis (n = 3). Twelve organs and tissues were
      harvested for radiotracer biodistribution assessment and for micro
      autoradiographic analysis. RESULTS: I-SAP and (99m)Tc-p5 localized equivalently
      in amyloid deposits in liver (~10% injected dose (ID)/g) whereas (125)I-SAP was
      twofold higher in the spleen (~20% ID/g; (99m)Tc-p5, ~10% ID/g). In contrast,
      (99m)Tc-p5 was bound to pancreatic and intestinal amyloid approximately fivefold
      more efficiently as evidenced in biodistribution data. CONCLUSIONS: Radiolabeled
      p5 is an effective amyloid-imaging radiotracer as compared to SAP in the murine
      model of amyloidosis and may be rapidly translated for imaging patients with
      visceral amyloidosis in the USA.

PMID- 22042489
TI  - Synthesis of the first heterometalic star-shaped oxido-bridged MnCu3 complex and
      its conversion into trinuclear species modulated by pseudohalides (N3(-), NCS-
      and NCO-): structural analyses and magnetic properties.
AB  - A tetra-nuclear, star-shaped hetero-metallic copper(II)-manganese(II) complex,
      [{CuL(H(2)O)}(2)(CuL)Mn](ClO(4))(2) (1) has been synthesized by reacting the
      "complex as ligand" [CuL] with Mn(ClO(4))(2) where H(2)L is the tetradentate di
      Schiff base derived from 1,3-propanediamine and 2-hydroxyacetophenone. Upon
      treatment with the polyatomic anions azide, cyanate, or thiocyanate in methanol
      medium, complex 1 transforms into the corresponding trinuclear species
      [(CuL)(2)Mn(N(3))(2)] (2), [(CuL)(2)Mn(NCO)(2)] (3) and [(CuL)(2)Mn(NCS)(2)] (4).
      All four complexes have been structurally and magnetically characterized. In
      complex 1 the central Mn(II) ion is encapsulated by three terminal [CuL] units
      through the formation of double phenoxido bridges between Mn(II) and each Cu(II).
      In complexes 2-4 one of the CuL units is replaced by a couple of terminal azide,
      N-bonded cyanate or N-bonded thiocyanate ions respectively and the central Mn(II)
      ion is connected to two terminal Cu(II) ions through a double asymmetric
      phenoxido bridge. Variable temperature magnetic susceptibility measurements show
      the presence of moderate ferrimagnetic exchange interactions in all the cases
      mediated through the double phenoxido bridges with J values (H = -JS(i)S(i + 1))
      of -41.2, -39.8 and -12.6 cm(-1) (or -40.5 and -12.7 cm(-1) if we use a model
      with two different exchange coupling constants) for the tetranuclear MnCu(3)
      cluster in compound 1 and -20.0, -17.3 and -32.5 cm(-1) for the symmetric
      trinuclear MnCu(2) compounds 2-4. These ferrimagnetic interactions lead to spin
      ground states of 1 (5/2 - 3*1/2) for compound 1 and 3/2 (5/2 - 2*1/2) for
      compounds 2-4.

PMID- 22042490
TI  - Th17 cells in systemic lupus erythematosus share functional features with Th17
      cells from normal bone marrow and peripheral tissues.
AB  - This study was designed to investigate the functional heterogeneity of human Th17
      and how their plasticity shapes the nature of immune cell responses to
      inflammation and autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
      We evaluated functional Th17 cell subsets based on the profile of cytokine
      production in peripheral blood (PB), bone marrow aspirates (BM) and lymph node
      biopsies (LN) from healthy individuals (n = 35) and PB from SLE patients (n =
      34). Data were analysed by an automated method for merging and calculation of
      flow cytometric data, allowing us to identify eight Th17 subpopulations. Normal
      BM presented lower frequencies of Th17 (p = 0.006 and p = 0.05) and lower amount
      of IL-17 per cell (p = 0.03 and p = 0.02), compared to normal PB and LN biopsies.
      In the latter tissues were found increased proportions of Th17 producing TNF
      alpha or TNF-alpha/IL-2 or IFN-gamma/TNF-alpha/IL-2, while in BM, Th17 producing
      other cytokines than IL-17 was clearly decreased. In SLE patients, the frequency
      of Th17 was higher than in control, but the levels of IL-17 per cell were
      significantly reduced (p < 0.05). Among the eight generated subpopulations,
      despite the great functional heterogeneity of Th17 in SLE, a significant low
      proportion of Th17 producing TNF-alpha was found in inactive SLE, while active
      SLE showed a high proportion producing only IL-17. Our findings support the idea
      that the functional heterogeneity of Th17 cells could depend on the cytokine
      microenvironment, which is distinct in normal BM as well as in active SLE,
      probably due to a Th1/Th2 imbalance previously reported by our group.

PMID- 22042491
TI  - Prevalence of overweight in Moroccan patients with rheumatoid arthritis and its
      relationships with disease features.
AB  - We aimed to estimate the prevalence of overweight in Moroccan patients with
      rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and its relationships with disease activity, functional
      disability, structural damage, and immunological status. Two hundred fifty
      patients with RA were consecutively included. Patients' characteristics were
      specified. The following data were collected: age, disease duration, disease
      activity (evaluated with physical examination data, biological tests (erythrocyte
      sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein), and the disease activity score
      (DAS28)), radiographic changes (assessed by the Sharp's method), functional
      disability (assessed by using the Health Assessment Questionnaire), extra
      articular manifestations, immunological status, and treatment details. Overweight
      was defined according to the body mass index (BMI) values: underweight, <18.5;
      normal weight, 18.5-24.9; overweight, 25-29.9; and obesity, >=30. The mean age of
      patients was 46.31 +/- 12.64 years. The mean disease duration was 9.46 +/- 8.43
      years. Seventy-five patients (30%) were overweight, 42 (16.8%) were obese, and
      133 (53.2%) were normal. Increased BMI was associated with the activity of
      disease (DAS28) (r = 0.426), structural damage (Sharp total score) (r = 0.297),
      the rate of rheumatoid factor (r = 0.311), and with the rate of anti-cyclic
      citrullinated protein antibodies (for all p <= 0.01). There were no statistically
      significant differences in BMI according to gender, dose and duration of
      corticosteroids, or functional impairment. In our sample, overweight seems to be
      prevalent in our RA patients. Overweight seems to occur independently of
      treatment and shown to be mainly associated to disease activity, structural
      damage, and immunological status. Large studies are needed to confirm those
      results.

PMID- 22042492
TI  - Primary biliary cirrhosis in a rheumatoid arthritis patient treated with
      rituximab, a case-based review.
AB  - Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is an autoimmune disease in which intrahepatic
      bile ducts are targeted by an immune-mediated injury. This disease tends to
      progress to fibrosis and cirrhosis with hepatic failure. The authors report a
      case of a 50-year-old rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patient, with erosions and
      seropositive for rheumatoid factor and anti-citrullinated peptide antibodies,
      with 18 years disease duration refractory to prednisolone and several disease
      modifying antirheumatic drugs, either conventional or biological (adalimumab and
      etanercept). In April 2007, she started therapy with rituximab (RTX) with good
      European League Against Rheumatism response achieved 9 months later. In June
      2008, she was admitted with intrahepatic cholestasis, steatorrhea, and
      spontaneous fractures of various ribs. After excluding cholelitiasis, as well as
      infectious and neoplastic diseases a liver biopsy was performed that was
      compatible with the diagnosis of PBC. The antinuclear antibodies (1/160) were
      positive as well as the antimitochondrial antibodies (1/640). Other antibodies
      were negative such as anti-SSA and anti-SSB. Afterwards, the patient started
      ursodesoxycholic acid 15 mg kg(-1) day(-1) with progressive improvement of
      cholestatic markers. A labial salivary gland biopsy was performed and showed
      findings compatible with the concomitant diagnosis of Sjogren's syndrome. Based
      on this clinical report, a detailed review of the clinical aspects of PBC is
      presented as well as its association with other immune-mediated inflammatory
      diseases, particularly, with RA.

PMID- 22042493
TI  - The relationship between level of processing and hippocampal-cortical functional
      connectivity during episodic memory formation in humans.
AB  - New episodic memory traces represent a record of the ongoing neocortical
      processing engaged during memory formation (encoding). Thus, during encoding,
      deep (semantic) processing typically establishes more distinctive and retrievable
      memory traces than does shallow (perceptual) processing, as assessed by later
      episodic memory tests. By contrast, the hippocampus appears to play a processing
      independent role in encoding, because hippocampal lesions impair encoding
      regardless of level of processing. Here, we clarified the neural relationship
      between processing and encoding by examining hippocampal-cortical connectivity
      during deep and shallow encoding. Participants studied words during functional
      magnetic resonance imaging and freely recalled these words after distraction.
      Deep study processing led to better recall than shallow study processing. For
      both levels of processing, successful encoding elicited activations of bilateral
      hippocampus and left prefrontal cortex, and increased functional connectivity
      between left hippocampus and bilateral medial prefrontal, cingulate and
      extrastriate cortices. Successful encoding during deep processing was
      additionally associated with increased functional connectivity between left
      hippocampus and bilateral ventrolateral prefrontal cortex and right
      temporoparietal junction. In the shallow encoding condition, on the other hand,
      pronounced functional connectivity increases were observed between the right
      hippocampus and the frontoparietal attention network activated during shallow
      study processing. Our results further specify how the hippocampus coordinates
      recording of ongoing neocortical activity into long-term memory, and begin to
      provide a neural explanation for the typical advantage of deep over shallow study
      processing for later episodic memory.

PMID- 22042494
TI  - Development of automated detection of radiology reports citing adrenal findings.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine the feasibility of automated detection of
      adrenal nodules, a common finding on CT, using a newly developed search engine
      that mines dictated radiology reports. To ensure Health Insurance Portability and
      Accountability Act compliance, we utilized a preexisting de-identified database
      of 32,974 CT reports from February 1, 2009 to February 28, 2010. Common adrenal
      descriptors from 29 staff radiologists were used to develop an automated rule
      based algorithm targeting adrenal findings. Each sentence within the free text of
      reports was searched with an adapted NegEx negation algorithm. The algorithm was
      refined using a 2-week test period of reports and subsequently validated using a
      6-week period. Manual review of the 3,693 CT reports in the validation period
      identified 222 positive reports while the algorithm detected 238 positive
      reports. The algorithm identified one true positive report missed on manual
      review for a total of 223 true positive reports. This resulted in a precision of
      91% (217 of 238) and a recall of 97% (217 of 223). The sensitivity of the query
      was 97.3% (95% confidence interval (CI), 93.9-98.9%), and the specificity was
      99.3% (95% CI, 99.1-99.6%). The positive predictive value of the algorithm was
      91.0% (95% CI, 86.6-94.3%), and the negative predictive value was 99.8% (95% CI,
      99.6-99.9%). The prevalence of true positive adrenal findings identified by the
      query (7.1%) was nearly identical to the true prevalence (7.2%). Automated
      detection of language describing common findings in imaging reports, such as
      adrenal nodules on CT, is feasible.

PMID- 22042495
TI  - Temperature mediated generation of armoured bubbles.
AB  - This communication describes a novel strategy for the continuous microfluidic
      generation of highly monodispersed particle-coated microbubbles using temperature
      dependent dissolution of carbon dioxide.

PMID- 22042496
TI  - Selective CO2 conversion to formate in water using a CZTS photocathode modified
      with a ruthenium complex polymer.
AB  - Highly selective photoelectrochemical CO(2) reduction (>80% selectivity) in water
      was successfully achieved by combining Cu(2)ZnSnS(4) (CZTS) with a metal-complex
      electrocatalyst. CZTS, a sulfide semiconductor that possesses a narrow band gap
      and consists of earth-abundant elements, is demonstrated to be a candidate
      photoabsorber for a CO(2) reduction hybrid photocatalyst.

PMID- 22042497
TI  - The making of platyrrhine semifolivores: models for the evolution of folivory in
      primates.
AB  - Among living New World monkeys, Howlers and Muriquis are by far the most
      folivorous. We examine how well the morphology and behavior of Alouatta and
      Brachyteles conform to leaf-eating adaptational models derived from other
      studies. Both genera match these expectations unevenly, which suggests a broader
      conception of primate folivory is in order. Hence the notion of "semifolivory."
      While their dentitions prove highly sensitive to selection for leaf-eating, core
      features relating to body size, brain size, ranging behavior and presumed energy
      budgets are less predictable corollaries. Leaf-eating in atelines and colobines
      may have evolved from a preadaptive reliance on seed-eating, which would have
      necessitated comparable gastric adaptations. Fossils suggest semifolivory in the
      low-energy Howler lineage may have begun with an increase in body size, a
      relatively small brain and, possibly, a concomitantly enlarged gut, followed by
      dental adaptations. It may have advanced via body-size reduction, part of a
      pioneering adaptation in marginal ecologies on the periphery of rich Amazonian
      habitats or as a strategy to minimize competition among an abundance of
      frugivores within the lowland forest-perhaps not as a fallback scheme. In the
      high-energy Muriqui, semifolivory may have evolved in more intensely seasonal,
      low-yield forests where frugivores were constrained and rare, a model more
      consistent with the fallback paradigm. The seed-to-leaves evolutionary pathway
      hypothesized for anthropoid leaf-eaters may be a widespread phenomenon in
      primates. We propose it is ultimately rooted in a pre-euprimate reliance on the
      seeds and seed coats of primitive angiosperms before the latter evolved
      attractive sugary fruits to coax primates into becoming dispersers of seeds,
      instead consumers.

PMID- 22042498
TI  - Automatic data binning for improved visual diagnosis of pharmacometric models.
AB  - Visual Predictive Checks (VPC) are graphical tools to help decide whether a given
      model could have plausibly generated a given set of real data. Typically, time
      course data is binned into time intervals, then statistics are calculated on the
      real data and data simulated from the model, and represented graphically for each
      interval. Poor selection of bins can easily lead to incorrect model diagnosis. We
      propose an automatic binning strategy that improves reliability of model
      diagnosis using VPC. It is implemented in version 4 of the MONOLIX:  software.

PMID- 22042499
TI  - Highly efficient aldol additions of DHA and DHAP to N-Cbz-amino aldehydes
      catalyzed by L-rhamnulose-1-phosphate and L-fuculose-1-phosphate aldolases in
      aqueous borate buffer.
AB  - Aldol addition reactions of dihydroxyacetone (DHA) to N-Cbz-amino aldehydes
      catalyzed by L-rhamnulose-1-phosphate aldolase (RhuA) in the presence of borate
      buffer are reported. High yields of aldol adduct (e.g. 70-90%) were achieved with
      excellent (>98 : 2 syn/anti) stereoselectivity for most S or R configured
      acceptors, which compares favorably to the reactions performed with DHAP. The
      stereochemical outcome was different and depended on the N-Cbz-amino aldehyde
      enantiomer: the S acceptors gave the syn (3R,4S) aldol adduct whereas the R ones
      gave the anti (3R,4R) diastereomer. Moreover, the tactical use of Cbz protecting
      group allows simple and efficient elimination of borate and excess of DHA by
      reverse phase column chromatography or even by simple extraction. This, in
      addition to the use of unphosphorylated donor nucleophile, makes a useful and
      expedient methodology for the synthesis of structurally diverse iminocyclitols.
      The performance of aldol additions of dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP) to N-Cbz
      amino aldehydes using RhuA and L-fuculose-1-phosphate aldolase (FucA) catalyst in
      borate buffer was also evaluated. For FucA catalysts, including FucA F131A, the
      initial velocity of the aldol addition reactions using DHAP were between 2 and 10
      times faster and the yields between 1.5 and 4 times higher than those in
      triethanolamine buffer. In this case, the retroaldol velocities measured for some
      aldol adducts were lower than those without borate buffer indicating some
      trapping effect that could explain the improvement of yields.

PMID- 22042500
TI  - Characteristic fragmentation of polysiloxane monolayer films by bombardment with
      monatomic and polyatomic primary ions in TOF-SIMS.
AB  - This study reports the characteristic fragmentation patterns from two
      polysiloxane polymers that form ordered overlayer on silver substrates. Results
      are compared for the bombardment of various monatomic and polyatomic projectiles
      of Cs(+), C(60)(+) (10 keV), Bi(1)(+), and Bi(3)(+) (25 keV) in the high mass
      range time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) spectra. Results
      are reported from sub-monolayer (solution cast) coverages of
      poly(dimethylsiloxane)s with the number average molecular weights (M(n)) of 2200
      and 6140 Da, respectively, and Langmuir-Blodgett monolayers of
      poly(methylphenylsiloxane) with molecular weights (MW) from 600 and 1000 Da. For
      each film, Bi projectiles resulted in the emission of positive silver cluster
      ions from the substrate under the polymer overlayer and peaks corresponding to
      silver cluster ions with larger mass were observed by impact of polyatomic 25 keV
      Bi(3)(+) projectiles. In addition, depending on the change of energy of Bi (3)
      (+) , a different pattern of fragments was observed. With Cs(+) and C(60)(+)
      impact, however, the emission of silver cluster ions was not detected. In the
      case of C(60)(+) impact for PDMS-6140, peaks corresponding to silver-cationized
      intact oligomers were not observed. In this paper, these results are explained by
      the possible bombardment mechanism for each projectile, based on its mass,
      energy, and split trajectories of the component atoms under the polyatomic
      impact.

PMID- 22042501
TI  - Organochlorine pesticide levels in female adipose tissue from Puebla, Mexico.
AB  - The objective of this study was to determine the levels of organochlorine
      pesticides HCB, alpha-beta-gamma-HCH, pp'DDE, op'DDT and pp'DDT in adipose tissue
      of females living in Puebla, Mexico. Organochlorine pesticides were analyzed in
      75 abdominal adipose tissue samples taken during 2010 by autopsy at the Forensic
      Services of Puebla. The results were expressed as mg/kg on fat basis. In analyzed
      samples the following pesticides were detected: p,p'-DDE in 100% of samples at
      mean 1.464 mg/kg; p,p'-DDT in 96.0.% of samples at mean 0.105 mg/kg; op'DDT in
      89.3% of monitored samples at mean 0.025 mg/kg and beta-HCH in 94.7% of the
      samples at mean 0.108 mg/kg. To show if organochlorine pesticide levels in
      monitored female's adipose tissues are age dependant, the group was divided in
      three ages ranges (13-26, 26-57 and 57-96 years). The mean and median levels of
      all organochlorine pesticides increase significantly (p < 0.05) from the first to
      second and from the first to third group. At the same time, the increase of mean
      and medians levels from the second to third group were not statistically
      significant (p > 0.05). The present results compared to previous ones from 2008
      indicates an increase in the concentrations during the 2010 study, but only the
      differences for pp'DDE and op'DDT were statistically significant. The 2010 group
      of females was older compared to the 2008 group. The presence of organochlorine
      pesticide residues is still observed, indicating uniform and permanent exposure
      to the pesticides by Puebla inhabitants.

PMID- 22042502
TI  - Validation of models to estimate the fumigant and larvicidal activity of
      Eucalyptus essential oils against Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae).
AB  - The aim of this work is to validate the pre-existing models that relate the
      larvicidal and adulticidal activities of the Eucalyptus essential oils on Aedes
      aegypti. Previous works at our laboratory described that the larvicidal activity
      of Eucalyptus essential oils can be estimated from the relative concentration of
      two main components (p-cymene and 1,8-cineole) and that the adulticidal
      effectiveness can be explained, to a great extent, by the presence of large
      amounts of the component 1,8-cineole in it. In general, the results show that the
      higher adulticidal effect of essential oils the lower their larvicidal activity.
      Fresh leaves was harvested and distilled. Once the essential oil was obtained,
      the chemical composition was analysed, evaluating the biological activity of 15
      species of the genus Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus badjensis Beuzev and Welch,
      Eucalyptus badjensis * nitens, Eucalyptus benthamii var Benthamii Maiden and
      Cambage, Eucalyptus benthamii var dorrigoensis Maiden and Cambage, Eucalyptus
      botryoides Smith, Eucalyptus dalrympleana Maiden, Eucalyptus fastigata Deane and
      Maiden, Eucalyptus nobilis L.A.S. Johnson and K.D.Hill, Eucalyptus polybractea R.
      Baker, Eucalyptus radiata ssp radiata Sieber ex Spreng, Eucalyptus resinifera
      Smith, Eucalyptus robertsonii Blakely, Eucalyptus robusta Smith, Eucalyptus
      rubida Deane and Maiden, Eucalyptus smithii R. Baker). Essential oils of these
      plant species were used for the validation of equations from preexistent models,
      in which observed and estimated values of the biological activity were compared.
      The regression analysis showed a strong validation of the models, re-stating the
      trends previously observed. The models were expressed as follows: A, fumigant
      activity [KT(50(min)) = 10.65-0.076 * 1,8-cineole (%)](p < 0.01; F, 397; R (2),
      0.79); B, larval mortality (%)((40 ppm)) = 103.85 + 0.482 * p-cymene (%) - 0.363
      * alpha-pinene (%) - 1.07 * 1,8-cineole (%) (p < 0.01; F, 300; R (2), 0.90).
      These results confirmed the importance of the mayor components in the biological
      activity of Eucalyptus essential oils on A. aegypti. However, it is worth
      mentioning that two or three species differ in the data estimated by the models,
      and these biological activity results coincide with the presence of minor
      differential components in the essential oils. According to what was previously
      mentioned, it can be inferred that the model is able to estimate very closely the
      biological activity of essential oils of Eucalyptus on A. aegypti.

PMID- 22042503
TI  - Real-time PCR assay targeting the actin gene for the detection of Cryptosporidium
      parvum in calf fecal samples.
AB  - Cryptosporidium parvum infection is very important with respect to public health,
      owing to foodborne and waterborne outbreaks and gastrointestinal illness in
      immunocompetent and immunocompromised persons. In cattle, infection with this
      species manifests either as a subclinical disease or with diarrheal illness,
      which occurs more often in the presence of other infectious agents than when
      alone. The aim of this study was to develop a real-time polymerase chain reaction
      (PCR) assay for the detection of C. parvum in calf fecal samples and to compare
      the results of this assay with those of the method routinely used for the
      diagnosis of Cryptosporidium spp., nested PCR targeting the 18S rRNA gene. Two
      hundred and nine fecal samples from calves ranging in age from 1 day to 6 months
      were examined using real-time PCR specific for the actin gene of C. parvum and by
      a nested PCR targeting the 18S rRNA gene of Cryptosporidium spp. Using real-time
      PCR detection, 73.2% (153 out of 209) of the samples were positive for C. parvum,
      while 56.5% (118 out of 209) of the samples were positive for Cryptosporidium
      spp. when the nested PCR amplification method was used for the detection. The
      analytical sensitivity of the real-time PCR was approximately one C. parvum
      oocyst. There was no significant nonspecific DNA amplification of any of the
      following species and genotype: Cryptosporidium andersoni, Cryptosporidium
      baileyi, Cryptosporidium bovis, Cryptosporidium canis, Cryptosporidium galli,
      Cryptosporidium ryanae, Cryptosporidium serpentis, or avian genotype II. Thus, we
      conclude that real-time PCR targeting the actin gene is a sensitive and specific
      method for the detection of C. parvum in calf fecal samples.

PMID- 22042504
TI  - In vitro and in vivo antiparasitic activity of Azadirachtin against Argulus spp.
      in Carassius auratus (Linn. 1758).
AB  - Argulus is one of the most common and predominant ectoparasites which cause
      serious parasitic disease and is a potent carrier of viruses and bacteria in the
      ornamental fish industry. In recent years, organic (herbs)-based medicines are
      widely used to cure the disease, and neem (Sarbaroganibarini) medicine is very
      popular and effective throughout the world. The present study was conducted to
      find the effects of Azadirachtin against Argulus spp. on Carassius auratus under
      in vitro and in vivo conditions. The 96-h median lethal concentration (LC(50))
      for Azadirachtin EC 25% against Carassius auratus was found to be 82.115 mg L(
      1). The antiparasitic activity test under in vitro and in vivo was evaluated at 1
      (T1), 5 (T2), 10 (T3), 15 (T4) and 20 mg L(-1) (T5) to treat Argulus for 3 h and
      72 h, respectively. In vitro effect of Azadirachtin solution led to 100%
      mortality of Argulus at 20 and 15 mg L(-1) for 2.5 and 3 h, respectively.
      Whereas, under in vivo test, the 100% antiparasitic efficacy of Azadirachtin
      solution was found at 15 and 20 mg L(-1) for 72 and 48 h, respectively. The
      EC(50) for 48 h was 20 mg L(-1), and thus, therapeutic index is 4.10. The results
      provided evidence that Azadirachtin can be used as a potential agent for
      controlling Argulus.

PMID- 22042505
TI  - A novel herbal formulation against dengue vector mosquitoes Aedes aegypti and
      Aedes albopictus.
AB  - The objective of this study was to develop a herbal formulation to control dengue
      vector mosquitoes. PONNEEM, a novel herbal formulation prepared using the oils of
      neem (Azadirachta indica), karanj (Pongamia glabra) and their extracts, was
      tested for larvicidal, ovicidal and oviposition deterrent activities against
      Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus at 1, 0.5, 0.3 and 0.1 ppm concentrations.
      Cent percent larvicidal and ovicidal activities were observed at 0.1 ppm in the
      two mosquito species under laboratory and sunlight-exposed conditions up to 12
      months from the date of manufacture. Oviposition deterrent activity of 69.97% and
      71.05% was observed at 1 ppm concentration of PONNEEM against A. aegypti and A.
      albopictus, respectively. Reduction in enzyme levels for alpha-esterase was 0.089
      +/- 0.008 and 0.099 +/- 0.140 MUg napthol produced/min/mg larval protein; for
      beta-esterase, it was 0.004 +/- 0.009 and 0.001 +/- 0.028 MUg napthol
      produced/min/mg larval protein; for glutathione S-transferase, it was 10.4814 +/-
      0.23 and 11.4811 +/- 0.21 MUmol/min/mg larval protein and for total protein, it
      was 0.177 +/- 0.010 and 0.008 +/- 0.005 mg/individual larva in treated groups of
      A. aegypti and A. albopictus, respectively. The nontarget organisms such as
      Gambusia affinis and Diplonychus indicus were not affected. No mortality was
      observed in control. PONNEEM can be used effectively for the management of human
      vector mosquitoes.

PMID- 22042506
TI  - Protective effect of isorhynchophylline against beta-amyloid-induced
      neurotoxicity in PC12 cells.
AB  - Beta-amyloid peptide (Abeta), a major protein component of senile plaques, has
      been considered as a critical cause in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease
      (AD). Modulation of the Abeta-induced neurotoxicity has emerged as a possible
      therapeutic approach to ameliorate the onset and progression of AD. The present
      study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of isorhynchophylline, an oxindole
      alkaloid isolated from a Chinese herb Uncaria rhynchophylla, on Abeta-induced
      neurotoxicity in cultured rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells. The results showed
      that pretreatment with isorhynchophylline significantly elevated cell viability,
      decreased the levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species and
      malondialdehyde, increased the level of glutathione, and stabilized mitochondrial
      membrane potential in Abeta(25-35)-treated PC12 cells. In addition,
      isorhynchophylline significantly suppressed the formation of DNA fragmentation
      and the activity of caspase-3 and moderated the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax. These results
      indicate that isorhynchophylline exerts a neuroprotective effect against Abeta(25
      35)-induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells, at least in part, via inhibiting
      oxidative stress and suppressing the mitochondrial pathway of cellular apoptosis.

PMID- 22042507
TI  - Primary mucinous adenocarcinoma of the bladder: complete response with FOLFOX-4
      regimen.

PMID- 22042508
TI  - Polysomnography reveals unexpectedly high rates of organic sleep disorders in
      patients with prediagnosed primary insomnia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: It is a matter of debate whether patients with primary insomnia
      require a polysomnographic examination in order to exclude specific sleep
      disorders such as sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) or periodic limb movements (PLM).
      Using a prospective design, we investigated the prevalence of organic sleep
      disorders by means of polysomnography (PSG) in a series of patients who were
      previously diagnosed with primary insomnia. This diagnosis was based on a
      clinical exam and an ambulatory monitoring device or previous PSG. METHODS:
      Seventy-seven women and 16 men (mean age 55.12 +/- 13.21 years) who were admitted
      for cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia were evaluated by PSG including
      cardiorespiratory parameters and tibialis EMG. Among them, 50 patients had
      undergone a clinical exam by a sleep specialist; in 18 patients, actigraphy or
      portable monitoring had been performed to exclude SAS or PLM; 25 patients had
      undergone PSG in another sleep lab previously. RESULTS: In 32 patients (34% of
      the sample), a PSG revealed a specific sleep disorder (SAS 16; PLMD 11; both 5),
      resulting in therapeutic consequences for 21 patients (SAS 10; PLMD 9; both 2).
      SAS and PLM patients were older and SAS patients had a higher body mass index
      than insomnia patients without additional findings. CONCLUSION: Indications for a
      PSG should be handled less restrictively in the diagnostic workup of older
      insomnia patients since they have a higher risk of comorbid sleep disorders even
      in the absence of the clinical signs of SAS or PLM.

PMID- 22042509
TI  - NaGe3P3: a new ternary germanium phosphide featuring an unusual [Ge3P7] ring.
AB  - A new ternary germanium phosphide, NaGe(3)P(3), was obtained for the first time
      with the use of NaP as the reactive flux. It crystallizes in the orthorhombic
      space group Pmc2(1). The basic structural unit is an unprecedented [Ge(3)P(7)]
      ring built from one Ge(P)(4) tetrahedron, one Ge(Ge)(P)(3) tetrahedron and one
      Ge(Ge)(P)(2) trigonal pyramid with Ge in mixed valences of 4+, 3+ and 1+. The
      bonding between a tetrahedrally coordinated Ge atom and a trigonal pyramidally
      coordinated Ge atom (with 4s(2) lone pair of electrons) is observed for the first
      time in inorganic compounds. These [Ge(3)P(7)] rings are connected with each
      other to form two-dimensional [Ge(3)P(3)](-) layers separated by Na(+) cations.
      An optical band gap of 2.06(2) eV was deduced from the diffuse reflectance
      spectrum. Based on the electronic structure calculation, NaGe(3)P(3) is an
      indirect gap semiconductor with the Ge  4s, Ge  4p and P  3p orbitals strongly
      hybridizing around the Fermi level.

PMID- 22042510
TI  - Carbon dioxide narcosis modifies the patch leaving decision of foraging
      parasitoids.
AB  - Gleaning information is a way for foragers to adjust their behavior in order to
      maximize their fitness. Information decreases the uncertainty about the
      environment and could help foragers to accurately estimate environmental
      characteristics. In a patchy resource, information sampled during previous patch
      visits is efficient only if it is retained in the memory and retrieved upon
      arrival in a new patch. In this study, we tested whether the braconid Asobara
      tabida, a parasitoid of Drosophila larvae, retains information gleaned on patch
      quality in the memory and adjusts its foraging behavior accordingly. Females were
      anesthetized with CO(2) after leaving a first patch containing a different number
      of hosts and were allowed to visit a second patch containing only kairomones.
      CO(2) is known to erase unconsolidated information from the memory. We show that
      in the absence of a short CO(2) narcosis, females responded according to their
      previous experience, whereas anesthetized females did not. The anesthetized
      females stayed a given time in the second patch irrespective of what they
      encountered before. CO(2) narcosis had no effect on the residence time of the non
      experienced females in a patch containing hosts or only kairomones in comparison
      with the non-anesthetized females that had a previous foraging experience. We
      conclude that CO(2) narcosis erases the effect of the previous patch quality,
      perhaps due to a memory disruption. Direct information processing is likely to be
      involved in parasitoid decision making through retention of the information on
      the previous patch quality into a CO(2) sensitive memory.

PMID- 22042511
TI  - Interdisciplinary teamwork in hospitals: a review and practical recommendations
      for improvement.
AB  - Recognizing the importance of teamwork in hospitals, senior leadership from the
      American College of Physician Executives (ACPE), the American Hospital
      Association (AHA), the American Organization of Nurse Executives (AONE), and the
      Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM) established the High Performance Teams and the
      Hospital of the Future project. This collaborative learning effort aims to
      redesign care delivery to provide optimal value to hospitalized patients. With
      input from members of this initiative, we prepared this report which reviews the
      literature related to teamwork in hospitals. Teamwork is critically important to
      provide safe and effective hospital care. Hospitals with high teamwork ratings
      experience higher patient satisfaction, higher nurse retention, and lower
      hospital costs. Elements of effective teamwork have been defined and provide a
      framework for assessment and improvement efforts in hospitals. Measurement of
      teamwork is essential to understand baseline performance, and to demonstrate the
      utility of resources invested to enhance it and the subsequent impact on patient
      care. Interventions designed to improve teamwork in hospitals include
      localization of physicians, daily goals of care forms and checklists, teamwork
      training, and interdisciplinary rounds. Though additional research is needed to
      evaluate the impact on patient outcomes, these interventions consistently result
      in improved teamwork knowledge, ratings of teamwork climate, and better
      understanding of patients' plans of care. The optimal approach is implementation
      of a combination of interventions, with adaptations to fit unique clinical
      settings and local culture.

PMID- 22042513
TI  - Non-classical heteroacenes: synthesis and properties of anthra[2,3-c:6,7
      c']dithiophene derivatives.
AB  - A new class of linear heteroacenes, anthra[2,3-c:6,7-c']dithiophenes, containing
      non-classical (non-Kekule) thiophene in a 22-electron pi-conjugated system have
      been prepared by electrochemical reduction. The electronic properties have been
      studied by DFT calculations and spectroelectrochemistry, supporting the formation
      of a triplet electronic structure.

PMID- 22042512
TI  - Transcallosal sensorimotor fiber tract structure-function relationships.
AB  - Recent studies have demonstrated neuroanatomically selective relationships among
      white matter tract microstructure, physiological function, and task performance.
      Such findings suggest that the microstructure of transcallosal motor fibers may
      reflect the capacity for interhemispheric inhibition between the primary motor
      cortices, although full characterization of the transcallosal inhibitory
      sensorimotor network is lacking. Thus, the goal of this study was to provide a
      comprehensive description of transcallosal fibers connecting homologous
      sensorimotor cortical regions and to identify the relationship(s) between fiber
      tract microstructure and interhemispheric inhibition during voluntary cortical
      activity. To this end, we assessed microstructure of fiber tracts connecting
      homologous sensorimotor regions of the cortex with diffusion tensor imaging. We
      also assessed interhemispheric inhibition by eliciting the ipsilateral silent
      period (iSP) within the same participants. We mapped mutually exclusive
      transcallosal connections between homologous sensorimotor regions and computed
      quantitative metrics of each fiber tract. Paralleling work in non-human primates,
      we found the densest interhemispheric sensorimotor connections to be between the
      medial motor areas. Additionally, we provide a midsagittal callosal atlas in
      normalized Montreal Neurological Institute (MNI) space for future studies to use
      when investigating callosal fiber tracts connecting primary and secondary
      sensorimotor cortices. Finally, we report a strong, positive relationship (r =
      0.76) between strength of interhemispheric inhibition (iSP) and microstructure of
      interhemispheric fibers that is specific to tracts connecting the primary motor
      cortices. Thus, increased fiber microstructure in young adults predicts
      interhemispheric inhibitory capacity.

PMID- 22042514
TI  - Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic study on amrubicin and amrubicinol in
      Japanese patients with lung cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: The pharmacokinetic (PK)-pharmacodynamic (PD) relationship of amrubicin
      and its active metabolite, amrubicinol, has only been evaluated using trough
      levels of these agents since the full PK profiles not yet been clarified so far.
      This study was performed to analyze the full PK profiles of amrubicin and
      amrubicinol and to evaluate their toxicity-PK relationships in Japanese patients.
      METHODS: Amrubicin (35-40 mg/m(2)) was administered to 21 lung cancer patients on
      days 1-3 every 3-4 weeks. Fourteen blood samples were obtained per patient over
      the course of 3 administration days. The plasma concentrations of amrubicin and
      amrubicinol were quantitated by HPLC, and the relationships between PK parameters
      of these compounds and hematological toxicities were evaluated. RESULTS: The
      overall PK profiles of amrubicin and amrubicinol were well characterized using a
      3-compartment model and a 1-compartment model with a first-order metabolic
      process, respectively. The major toxicities were hematological. The clearance of
      amrubicinol was significantly correlated with grade 4 neutropenia (P = 0.01). The
      percentage decreases in the neutrophil count, hemoglobin level and platelet count
      were well correlated with the amrubicinol AUC. CONCLUSION: The pharmacokinetic
      profiles of amrubicin and amrubicinol were clarified, and the subsequent PK-PD
      analyses indicate that the clearance of amrubicinol is the major determinant of
      neutropenia.

PMID- 22042515
TI  - A systematic approach to the management of patients with brain metastases of
      known or unknown primary site.
AB  - PURPOSE: To establish an empirical systematic approach for the management of
      brain metastases from a variety of cancers. METHODS: The English literature was
      reviewed from 2000 to 2011 and all clinical trials (phase II, phase III and
      retrospective studies) regarding therapy of brain metastases were selected for
      more detailed review. Some key articles published prior to 2000 were also
      included in the review as are supplemental recommendations based on our clinical
      experience. RESULTS: Patients with brain metastases from small cell lung cancer
      (SCLC) at the initial cancer diagnosis can be treated with concomitant whole
      brain radiation therapy (WBRT) and chemotherapy or first with chemotherapy
      followed by WBRT. In all other cases, brain metastases are currently treated
      independently of the management of the extracranial disease with surgery or
      radiosurgery followed by WBRT. In radioresistant tumors (melanoma, sarcoma, renal
      cell carcinoma), WBRT may be omitted initially but administered at recurrence.
      Where surgery or radiosurgery is not an option for patients, WBRT should be
      administered. Prophylactic WBRT should be given in patients with SCLC and
      considered in patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Apart from its use in
      SCLC, chemotherapy for the treatment of brain metastases is reserved for patients
      enrolled in clinical trials. CONCLUSION: Brain metastases should be treated
      aggressively and independently of the primary site tumor especially if the
      performance status of the patient is good. The role of chemotherapy should be
      addressed in the context of clinical trials.

PMID- 22042518
TI  - Evolutionary morphology, platyrrhine evolution, and systematics.
AB  - This special volume of the Anatomical Record focuses on the evolutionary
      morphology of New World monkeys. The studies range from three-dimensional surface
      geometry of teeth to enamel ultrastructure; from cranioskeletal adaptations for
      eating leaves and seeds to the histology of taste bud proxies; from the
      architecture of its bones to the mechanoreceptors of the tail's skin; from the
      physical properties of wild foods to the feeding biomechanics of jaws and skull;
      from the shapes of claws and fingertips, and of elbows, to the diversity and
      morphology of positional behavior; from the vomeronasal organ and its biological
      roles to links between brains, guts, sociality, and feeding; from the gum-eating
      adaptations of the smallest platyrrhines to the methods used to infer how big the
      largest fossil platyrrhines were. They demonstrate the power of combining
      functional morphology, behavior, and phylogenetic thinking as an approach toward
      reconstructing the evolutionary history of platyrrhine primates. While
      contributing new findings pertaining to all the major clades and ecological
      guilds, these articles reinforce the view that platyrrhines are a coherent
      ecophylogenetic array that differentiated along niche dimensions definable
      principally by body size, positional behavior, and feeding strategies. In
      underlining the value of character analysis and derived morphological and
      behavioral patterns as tools for deciphering phylogenetic and adaptational
      history, doubts are raised about a competing small-bore morphological method,
      parsimony-based cladistic studies. Intentionally designed not to enlist the rich
      reservoir of platyrrhine evolutionary morphology, an empirical assessment of the
      costs incurred by this research stratagem reveals inconsistent, nonrepeatable,
      and often conflicting results.

PMID- 22042516
TI  - Prediction of ketoacyl synthase family using reduced amino acid alphabets.
AB  - Ketoacyl synthases are enzymes involved in fatty acid synthesis and can be
      classified into five families based on primary sequence similarity. Different
      families have different catalytic mechanisms. Developing cost-effective
      computational models to identify the family of ketoacyl synthases will be helpful
      for enzyme engineering and in knowing individual enzymes' catalytic mechanisms.
      In this work, a support vector machine-based method was developed to predict
      ketoacyl synthase family using the n-peptide composition of reduced amino acid
      alphabets. In jackknife cross-validation, the model based on the 2-peptide
      composition of a reduced amino acid alphabet of size 13 yielded the best overall
      accuracy of 96.44% with average accuracy of 93.36%, which is superior to other
      state-of-the-art methods. This result suggests that the information provided by n
      peptide compositions of reduced amino acid alphabets provides efficient means for
      enzyme family classification and that the proposed model can be efficiently used
      for ketoacyl synthase family annotation.

PMID- 22042517
TI  - Recombinatorial biosynthesis of polyketides.
AB  - Modular polyketide synthases (PKSs) from Streptomyces and related genera of
      bacteria produce many important pharmaceuticals. A program called CompGen was
      developed to carry out in silico homologous recombination between gene clusters
      encoding PKSs and determine whether recombinants have cluster architectures
      compatible with the production of polyketides. The chemical structure of
      recombinant polyketides was also predicted. In silico recombination was carried
      out for 47 well-characterised clusters. The predicted recombinants would produce
      11,796 different polyketide structures. The molecular weights and average degree
      of reduction of the chemical structures are dispersed around the parental
      structures indicating that they are likely to include pharmaceutically
      interesting compounds. The details of the recombinants and the chemical
      structures were entered in a database called r-CSDB. The virtual compound library
      is a useful resource for computer-aided drug design and chemoinformatics
      strategies for finding pharmaceutically relevant chemical entities. A strategy to
      construct recombinant Streptomyces strains to produce these polyketides is
      described and the critical steps of mobilizing large biosynthetic clusters and
      producing new linear cloning vectors are illustrated by experimental data.

PMID- 22042519
TI  - A new practical synthesis of triaryl and trisindolylmethanes under solvent-free
      reaction conditions.
AB  - An efficient and practical synthesis of triaryl and trisindolylmethanes is
      reported via the bisarylation of aryl aldehydes with activated arenes. The new
      method features mild solvent-free reaction conditions, in most cases nearly
      stoichiometric reagent ratios, catalytic amount of the readily available, easily
      handled, recoverable and reusable Bronsted acid catalyst o-benzenedisulfonimide.

PMID- 22042520
TI  - Effect of changes over time in the performance of a customized SAPS-II model on
      the quality of care assessment.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of our study was to explore, using an innovative method, the
      effect of temporal changes in the mortality prediction performance of an existing
      model on the quality of care assessment. The prognostic model (rSAPS-II) was a
      recalibrated Simplified Acute Physiology Score-II model developed for very
      elderly Intensive Care Unit (ICU) patients. METHODS: The study population
      comprised all 12,143 consecutive patients aged 80 years and older admitted
      between January 2004 and July 2009 to one of the ICUs of 21 Dutch hospitals. The
      prospective dataset was split into 30 equally sized consecutive subsets. Per
      subset, we measured the model's discrimination [area under the curve (AUC)],
      accuracy (Brier score), and standardized mortality ratio (SMR), both without and
      after repeated recalibration. All performance measures were considered to be
      stable if <2 consecutive points fell outside the green zone [mean +/- 2 standard
      deviation (SD)] and none fell outside the yellow zone (mean +/- 4SD) of pre
      control charts. We compared proportions of hospitals with SMR>1 without and after
      repeated recalibration for the year 2009. RESULTS: For all subsets, the AUCs were
      stable, but the Brier scores and SMRs were not. The SMR was downtrending,
      achieving levels significantly below 1. Repeated recalibration rendered it stable
      again. The proportions of hospitals with SMR>1 and SMR<1 changed from 15 versus
      85% to 35 versus 65%. CONCLUSIONS: Variability over time may markedly vary among
      different performance measures, and infrequent model recalibration can result in
      improper assessment of the quality of care in many hospitals. We stress the
      importance of the timely recalibration and repeated validation of prognostic
      models over time.

PMID- 22042521
TI  - The relationship between neighborhood characteristics and recruitment into
      adolescent family-based substance use prevention programs.
AB  - Youth in disadvantaged neighborhoods are at risk for poor health outcomes.
      Characteristics of these neighborhoods may translate into intensified risk due to
      barriers utilizing preventive care such as substance use prevention programs.
      While family-level risks affect recruitment into prevention programs, few studies
      have addressed the influence of neighborhood risks. This study consists of 744
      families with an 11- to 12-year-old child recruited for a family-based substance
      use prevention program. Using US Census data, logistic regressions showed
      neighborhoods were related to recruitment, beyond individual characteristics.
      Greater neighborhood unemployment was related to decreased agreement to
      participate in the study and lower rates of high school graduation were related
      to lower levels of actual enrolment. Conversely, higher rates of single-female
      headed households were related to increased agreement. Recruitment procedures may
      need to recognize the variety of barriers and enabling forces within the
      neighborhood in developing different strategies for the recruitment of youth and
      their families.

PMID- 22042522
TI  - Correlated regions of cerebral blood flow with clinical parameters in Parkinson's
      disease; comparison using 'Anatomy' and 'Talairach Daemon' software.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We assign the anatomical names of functional activation regions in
      the brain, based on the probabilistic cyto-architectonic atlas by Anatomy 1.7
      from an analysis of correlations between regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) and
      clinical parameters of the non-demented Parkinson's disease (PD) patients by
      SPM8. We evaluated Anatomy 1.7 of SPM toolbox compared to 'Talairach Daemon' (TD)
      Client 2.4.2 software. METHODS: One hundred and thirty-six patients (mean age
      60.0 +/- 9.09 years; 73 women and 63 men) with non-demented PD were selected. Tc
      99m-HMPAO brain single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) scans were
      performed on the patients using a two-head gamma-camera. We analyzed the brain
      image of PD patients by SPM8 and found the anatomical names of correlated regions
      of rCBF perfusion with the clinical parameters using TD Client 2.4.2 and Anatomy
      1.7. The SPM8 provided a correlation coefficient between clinical parameters and
      cerebral hypoperfusion by a simple regression method. To the clinical parameters
      were added age, duration of disease, education period, Hoehn and Yahr (H&Y) stage
      and Korean mini-mental state examination (K-MMSE) score. RESULTS: Age was
      correlated with cerebral perfusion in the Brodmann area (BA) 6 and BA 3b assigned
      by Anatomy 1.7 and BA 6 and pyramis in gray matter by TD Client 2.4.2 with p <
      0.001 uncorrected. Also, assigned significant correlated regions were found in
      the left and right lobules VI (Hem) with duration of disease, in left and right
      lobules VIIa crus I (Hem) with education, in left insula (Ig2), left and right
      lobules VI (Hem) with H&Y, and in BA 4a and 6 with K-MMSE score with p < 0.05
      uncorrected by Anatomy 1.7, respectively. Most areas of correlation were
      overlapped by two different anatomical labeling methods, but some correlation
      areas were found with different names. CONCLUSION: Age was the most significantly
      correlated clinical parameter with rCBF. TD Client found the exact anatomical
      name by the peak intensity position of the cluster while Anatomy 1.7 of SPM8
      toolbox, using the cyto-architectonic probability maps, assigned the anatomical
      name by percentage value of the probability.

PMID- 22042523
TI  - Lemming winter habitat choice: a snow-fencing experiment.
AB  - The insulative value of early and deep winter snow is thought to enhance winter
      reproduction and survival by arctic lemmings (Lemmus and Dicrostonyx spp). This
      leads to the general hypothesis that landscapes with persistently low lemming
      population densities, or low amplitude population fluctuations, have a low
      proportion of the land base with deep snow. We experimentally tested a component
      of this hypothesis, that snow depth influences habitat choice, at three Canadian
      Arctic sites: Bylot Island, Nunavut; Herschel Island, Yukon; Komakuk Beach,
      Yukon. We used snow fencing to enhance snow depth on 9-ha tundra habitats, and
      measured the intensity of winter use of these and control areas by counting
      rodent winter nests in spring. At all three sites, the density of winter nests
      increased in treated areas compared to control areas after the treatment, and
      remained higher on treated areas during the treatment. The treatment was relaxed
      at one site, and winter nest density returned to pre-treatment levels. The
      rodents' proportional use of treated areas compared to adjacent control areas
      increased and remained higher during the treatment. At two of three sites,
      lemmings and voles showed significant attraction to the areas of deepest snow
      accumulation closest to the fences. The strength of the treatment effect appeared
      to depend on how quickly the ground level temperature regime became stable in
      autumn, coincident with snow depths near the hiemal threshold. Our results
      provide strong support for the hypothesis that snow depth is a primary
      determinant of winter habitat choice by tundra lemmings and voles.

PMID- 22042524
TI  - Population and behavioural responses of native prey to alien predation.
AB  - The introduction of invasive alien predators often has catastrophic effects on
      populations of naive native prey, but in situations where prey survive the
      initial impact a predator may act as a strong selective agent for prey that can
      discriminate and avoid it. Using two common species of Australian small mammals
      that have persisted in the presence of an alien predator, the European red fox
      Vulpes vulpes, for over a century, we hypothesised that populations of both would
      perform better where the activity of the predator was low than where it was high
      and that prey individuals would avoid signs of the predator's presence. We found
      no difference in prey abundance in sites with high and low fox activity, but
      survival of one species-the bush rat Rattus fuscipes-was almost twofold higher
      where fox activity was low. Juvenile, but not adult rats, avoided fox odour on
      traps, as did individuals of the second prey species, the brown antechinus,
      Antechinus stuartii. Both species also showed reduced activity at foraging trays
      bearing fox odour in giving-up density (GUD) experiments, although GUDs and
      avoidance of fox odour declined over time. Young rats avoided fox odour more
      strongly where fox activity was high than where it was low, but neither adult R.
      fuscipes nor A. stuartii responded differently to different levels of fox
      activity. Conservation managers often attempt to eliminate alien predators or to
      protect predator-naive prey in protected reserves. Our results suggest that, if
      predator pressure can be reduced, otherwise susceptible prey may survive the
      initial impact of an alien predator, and experience selection to discriminate
      cues to its presence and avoid it over the longer term. Although predator
      reduction is often feasible, identifying the level of reduction that will
      conserve prey and allow selection for avoidance remains an important challenge.

PMID- 22042525
TI  - Above- and belowground responses to nitrogen addition in a Chihuahuan Desert
      grassland.
AB  - Increased available soil nitrogen can increase biomass, lower species richness,
      alter soil chemistry and modify community structure in herbaceous ecosystems
      worldwide. Although increased nitrogen availability typically increases
      aboveground production and decreases species richness in mesic systems, the
      impacts of nitrogen additions on semiarid ecosystems remain unclear. To determine
      how a semiarid grassland responds to increased nitrogen availability, we examined
      plant community structure and above- and belowground net primary production in
      response to long-term nitrogen addition in a desert grassland in central New
      Mexico, USA. Plots were fertilized annually (10 g N m(-2)) since 1995 and NPP
      measured from 2004 to 2009. Differences in aboveground NPP between fertilized and
      control treatments occurred in 2004 following a prescribed fire and in 2006 when
      precipitation was double the long-term average during the summer monsoon.
      Presumably, nitrogen only became limiting once drought stress was alleviated.
      Belowground NPP was also related to precipitation, and greatest root growth
      occurred the year following the wettest summer, decreasing gradually thereafter.
      Belowground production was unrelated to aboveground production within years and
      unrelated to nitrogen enrichment. Species richness changed between years in
      response to seasonal precipitation variability, but was not altered by nitrogen
      addition. Community structure did respond to nitrogen fertilization primarily
      through increased abundance of two dominant perennial grasses. These results were
      contrary to most nitrogen addition studies that find increased biomass and
      decreased species richness with nitrogen fertilization. Therefore, factors other
      than nitrogen deposition, such as fire or drought, may play a stronger role in
      shaping semiarid grassland communities than soil fertility.

PMID- 22042527
TI  - The role of three-center/four-electron bonds in superelectrophilic dirhodium
      carbene and nitrene catalytic intermediates.
AB  - Three-center/four-electron (3c/4e) bonds are important bonding motifs that
      dictate the electronic structure, and thereby the reactivity, of metal-metal
      bonded carbene and nitrene intermediate complexes that are crucial to the
      dirhodium-catalyzed functionalization of hydrocarbons. In this Perspective
      article, general features of the 3c/4e bond are presented and discussed in
      comparison to two-center/two-electron (2c/2e) bonds. Specifically, 3c/4e bonding
      interactions lead to longer distances between the atoms involved and measurably
      weaker bonds. Additionally, excited states derived from the 3c/4e bonding
      manifold are lower in energy than those derived from a 2c/2e manifold, signifying
      a greater degree of reactivity in the former case. Three coterminous 3c/4e Ru-Ru
      N bonds are present in metal-metal/metal-ligand multiply bonded diruthenium
      terminal nitrido compounds. This bonding situation results in an unusual
      superelectrophilic character of the nitride nitrogen atom, exemplified by its
      insertion into aryl C-H bonds via an electrophilic aromatic substitution
      mechanism. The key catalytic intermediates in dirhodium-catalyzed C-H
      functionalization reactions, dirhodium carbene and dirhodium nitrene complexes,
      may also be described as superelectrophilic by virtue of 3c/4e Rh-Rh-C(or N)
      sigma and pi bonds. These 3c/4e bonding interactions set apart dirhodium carbene
      and nitrene intermediates from other, less electrophilic, carbene or nitrene
      species.

PMID- 22042526
TI  - A guided tour of large genome size in animals: what we know and where we are
      heading.
AB  - The study of genome size diversity is an ever-expanding field that is highly
      relevant in today's world of rapid and efficient DNA sequencing. Animal genome
      sizes range from 0.02 to 132.83 pg but the majority of animal genomes are small,
      with the most of these genome sizes being less than 5 pg. Animals with large
      genomes (> 10 pg) are scattered within some invertebrates, including the
      Platyhelminthes, crustaceans, and orthopterans, and also the vertebrates
      including the Actinopterygii, Chondrichthyes, and some amphibians. In this paper,
      we explore the connections between organismal phenotype, physiology, and ecology
      to genome size. We also discuss some of the molecular mechanisms of genome
      shrinkage and expansion obtained through comparative studies of species with full
      genome sequences and how this may apply to species with large genomes. As most
      animal species sequenced to date have been in the small range for genome size
      (especially invertebrates) due to sequencing costs and to difficulties associated
      with large genome assemblies, an understanding of the structural composition of
      large genomes is still lacking. Studies using next-generation sequencing are
      being attempted for the first time in animals with larger genomes. Such analyses
      using low genome coverage are providing a glimpse of the composition of
      repetitive elements in animals with more complex genomes. These future studies
      will allow a better understanding of factors leading to genomic obesity in
      animals.

PMID- 22042528
TI  - The effect of age and personality on the main cognitive processes in drivers.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is the evaluation of how the decline of
      cognitive abilities caused by aging is moderated by biologically determined
      personality dimensions: Neuroticism (N) and Extraversion (E). MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: The research was conducted with the participation of 160 men in good
      physical health, professional drivers, aged 20-70 (Mean = 40, SD = 11).
      Personality traits were measured using Eysenck's Personality Questionnaire -
      Revised (EPQ-R), while Ravens Progressive Matrices, Go/noGo Task and Peripheral
      Perception Test were used to evaluate cognitive processes. The score of Ravens
      Progressive Matrices was treated as a control variable. RESULTS: The results of
      the study, based on a Hierarchical Multiple Regression Analysis, indicate that
      besides the intelligence level, age is the best predictor of cognitive
      functioning level and that this influence is additionally moderated by the N
      trait level as well as, less frequently, by the interaction of age and E.
      CONCLUSION: This means that high N trait level increases the influence of age on
      cognitive functions decline. When the N trait level was low, the age differences
      in measures of cognitive performance were not significant. Thus, the level of N
      trait may play an important role in the process of cognitive aging. The results
      are discussed in the context of a driving safety research.

PMID- 22042530
TI  - Carpometacarpal subchondral cysts due to repetitive movements in shoemaker: a
      case report.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Subchondral carpometacarpal cysts are classic and almost
      pathognomonic lesions found in workers using vibrating instruments over prolonged
      periods of time. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We present the case of a 53-year-old
      woman who worked for 30 years sewing shoe uppers, a task which required grasping
      firmly a pear-shaped handle awl and pushing it through the leather upper and the
      sole of the shoe, with combined flexion and supination movement of the wrist.
      After approximately 20 years of working, the patient noted gradual onset of
      paresthesias in the dominant (right) hand, with increasing difficulty in grasping
      the awl. Subsequent diagnosis of carpal tunnel syndrome was confirmed by
      electrophysiologic testing and its surgical release was performed. Nevertheless,
      hand pain, paresthesias and weakness persisted. RESULTS: Ultrasound of the
      snuffbox tendons excluded DeQuervain tenosynovitis. Radiographic imaging of the
      symptomatic hand showed carpometacarpal subchondral cystic formations.
      CONCLUSIONS: In addition to demonstrating the usefulness of radiographic imaging
      in patients with persistent hand pain post-carpal release, this case is important
      in illustrating that repetitive movements with high pressure over the palmar
      carpal area may cause bone cysts, even if the subjects do not use vibrating
      tools.

PMID- 22042531
TI  - Energy cost of spontaneous walking in Parkinson's disease patients.
AB  - In healthy subjects, comfortable walking minimizes the energy cost (E (c)) of
      locomotion. In Parkinson's disease (PD) patients walking is slower than in
      healthy subjects: this may increase E (c). Our aims were to analyze gait and E
      (c) in PD patients during walking, particularly at self-selected speed, and the
      possible pathological, mechanical, and cardiorespiratory limitations. Fourteen
      mild-to-moderate PD and 14 control subjects were enrolled. Subjects underwent 5
      min walking tests at two speeds: self-selected and as-fast-as-possible speeds.
      Cardiopulmonary and gait parameters (heart rate, ventilation, gas exchanges, step
      count) were recorded. Velocity was reduced in PD compared to control subjects at
      both speeds (P < 0.05), and PD patients had shorter strides (P < 0.05) at both
      speeds and reduced cadence (P = 0.01) at fastest speed. No significant difference
      was found in E (c) at self-selected (0.12 +/- 0.04 versus 0.11 +/- 0.02 mLO(2)
      kg(-1) m(-1) in PD and control subjects, respectively) and maximal (0.14 +/- 0.03
      versus 0.15 +/- 0.02 mLO(2) kg(-1) m(-1) in PD and control subjects,
      respectively) speed. However, the E (c) increment from self-selected to fastest
      velocity was significantly lower (P = 0.02) in PD patients. PD patients failed to
      walk at a self-selected speed, which minimizes the E (c). This could be mainly
      due to the inability to develop a wider stride. Cardiorespiratory adaptation was
      not affected, except for the possible reduced cardiac adaptation observed in some
      (28%) cases. Presumably, rehabilitation procedures that improve flexibility and
      step length may help maintain walking ability.

PMID- 22042532
TI  - Patient satisfaction with hospital care provided by hospitalists and primary care
      physicians.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Compared to hospital care provided by primary care physicians (PCPs),
      the hospitalist model provides equal-to-superior efficiency and outcomes;
      however, little is known about how the model affects patient satisfaction.
      METHODS: Random patient satisfaction telephone interviews were conducted on
      discharged adult medicine inpatients at 3 Massachusetts hospitals between 2003
      and 2009. Questionnaires included variables assessing patient satisfaction with
      various physician care domains. Patient age, gender, admission year, education
      level, language, illness severity, emergency room admission status, institution,
      and attending physician type were extracted from billing records. We used
      adjusted multivariable models to compare patient satisfaction with hospitalists
      and PCPs for domains of: physician care quality, physician behavior, pain
      management, communication. RESULTS: Inpatients completed discharge surveys for
      8295 encounters (3597 hospitalist, 4698 PCP). Multivariate-adjusted satisfaction
      scores for physician care quality were slightly higher for PCPs than hospitalists
      (4.24 vs 4.20, P = 0.04); there was no statistical difference at any individual
      hospital, and no difference among different hospitalist groups. Patient ratings
      of hospitalists and PCPs for behavior, pain control, and communication were
      equivalent (all P values >0.23). In multivariable models, hospitalists and PCPs
      had similar adjusted proportions in the highest satisfaction category (79.2% vs
      80.5%, respectively, P = 0.17) and lowest category (5.1% vs 4.5%, respectively, P
      = 0.19). Quality ratings of both groups improved equivalently (P slope
      interaction = 0.47) but significantly over time (PCP 4.21 (2003) to 4.36 (2009),
      hospitalist 4.11 to 4.33, P Delta <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients appear similarly
      satisfied with inpatient care provided by several hospitalist models and by
      primary care physicians.

PMID- 22042533
TI  - Impact of acute stress on human brain microstructure: An MR diffusion study of
      earthquake survivors.
AB  - A characterization of the impact of natural disasters on the brain of survivors
      is critical for a better understanding of posttraumatic responses and may inform
      the development of more effective early interventions. Here we report alterations
      in white matter microstructure in survivors soon after Wenchuan earthquake in
      China in 2008. Within 25 days after the Wenchuan earthquake, 44 healthy survivors
      were recruited and scanned on a 3T MR imaging system. The survivors were divided
      into two groups according to their self-rating anxiety scale (SAS) score,
      including the SAS(+) (SAS > 55 after correction) group and "SAS(-)" (SAS < 55
      after correction) group. Thrity-two healthy volunteers were also recruited as
      control group before earthquake. Individual maps of fractional anisotropy (FA)
      were calculated and voxel-based analysis (VBA) was performed to allow the
      comparison between survivors and controls using ANCOVAs in SPM2. In addition, a
      correlation between SAS score and regional FA value was examined using Pearson's
      correlation analysis in SPSS 11.5. Compared with the healthy cohort, the whole
      group of 44 survivors showed significantly decreased FA values in the right
      prefrontal lobe, the parietal lobe, the basal ganglia, and the right
      parahippocampus. These effects did not appear to depend on self-rating anxiety.
      For the first time we provide evidence that acute trauma altered cerebral
      microstructure within the limbic system; furthermore, these alterations are
      evident shortly after the traumatic event, highlighting the need for early
      evaluation and intervention for trauma survivors.

PMID- 22042534
TI  - Traveling wave solutions in a plant population model with a seed bank.
AB  - We propose an integro-difference equation model to predict the spatial spread of
      a plant population with a seed bank. The formulation of the model consists of a
      nonmonotone convolution integral operator describing the recruitment and seed
      dispersal and a linear contraction operator addressing the effect of the seed
      bank. The recursion operator of the model is noncompact, which poses a challenge
      to establishing the existence of traveling wave solutions. We show that the model
      has a spreading speed, and prove that the spreading speed can be characterized as
      the slowest speed of a class of traveling wave solutions by using an asymptotic
      fixed point theorem. Our numerical simulations show that the seed bank has the
      stabilizing effect on the spatial patterns of traveling wave solutions.

PMID- 22042535
TI  - Mathematical properties of pump-leak models of cell volume control and
      electrolyte balance.
AB  - Homeostatic control of cell volume and intracellular electrolyte content is a
      fundamental problem in physiology and is central to the functioning of epithelial
      systems. These physiological processes are modeled using pump-leak models, a
      system of differential algebraic equations that describes the balance of ions and
      water flowing across the cell membrane. Despite their widespread use, very little
      is known about their mathematical properties. Here, we establish analytical
      results on the existence and stability of steady states for a general class of
      pump-leak models. We treat two cases. When the ion channel currents have a linear
      current-voltage relationship, we show that there is at most one steady state, and
      that the steady state is globally asymptotically stable. If there are no steady
      states, the cell volume tends to infinity with time. When minimal assumptions are
      placed on the properties of ion channel currents, we show that there is an
      asymptotically stable steady state so long as the pump current is not too large.
      The key analytical tool is a free energy relation satisfied by a general class of
      pump-leak models, which can be used as a Lyapunov function to study stability.

PMID- 22042536
TI  - Iowa Gambling Task in de novo Parkinson's disease: a comparison between good and
      poor performers.

PMID- 22042537
TI  - Inflammation regulates microRNA expression in cooperation with p53 and nitric
      oxide.
AB  - microRNA (miRNA) are small non-coding RNA targeting mRNAs leading to their
      instability and diminished translation. Altered expression of miRNA is associated
      with cancer. Inflammation and nitric oxide modulates the development of lymphomas
      in p53 knockout mice and there exists a negative feedback loop between p53 and
      NOS2. Using a genetic strategy, we tested the hypothesis that inflammation
      induced oxidative and nitrosative stress modulates miRNA expression in mouse
      model deficient in either p53 or NOS2. Mice treated with Corynebacterium parvum
      (C. parvum), to induce inflammation, clearly separated from controls by their
      miRNA profiles in wild-type, p53- and NOS2-knockout genetic backgrounds. C.
      parvum-induced inflammation significantly (p < 0.005) increased miR-21, miR-29b
      and miR-34a/b/c and decreased (p < 0.005) mir-29c and mir-181a/c expression in
      the spleen of C57BL mice. However, p53-knockout C57BL mice did not show a
      significant increase in the mir-34b/c or a decrease in mir-29c expression
      following C. parvum-induced inflammation. Expression of mir-21, mir-29b and mir
      181a was independent of p53-status. NOS2-knockout C57BL mice showed a significant
      increase in miR-21 and miR-34a/b/c and decrease in miR-181a similar to the wild
      type (WT) mice following C. parvum-induced inflammation. However, in contrast to
      the WT mice, miR-29b/c expression was not affected following C. parvum-induced
      inflammation in NOS2 knockout mice. N-acetyl cysteine, an anti-oxidant, reduced
      the expression of miR-21 and miR-29b in C. parvum-treated WT mice (p < 0.005) as
      compared with control C. parvum-treated mice. These data are consistent with the
      hypothesis that inflammation modulates miRNA expression in vivo and the
      alteration in specific miRNA under an inflammatory microenvironment, can be
      influenced by p53 (miR-34b/c) and NO(*)  (29b/c).

PMID- 22042538
TI  - Possibilities and limitations for high resolution small animal MRI on a clinical
      whole-body 3T scanner.
AB  - OBJECT: To investigate the potential of a clinical 3 T scanner to perform MRI of
      small rodents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Different dedicated small animal coils and
      several imaging sequences were evaluated to optimize image quality with respect
      to SNR, contrast and spatial resolution. As an application, optimal grey-white
      matter contrast and resolution were investigated for rats. Furthermore, manganese
      enhanced MRI was applied in mice with unilateral crush injury of the optic nerve
      to investigate coil performance on topographic mapping of the visual projection.
      RESULTS: Differences in SNR and CNR up to factor 3 and more were observed between
      the investigated coils. The best grey-white matter contrast was achieved with a
      high resolution 3D T (2)-weighted TSE (SPACE) sequence. Delineation of the retino
      tectal projection and detection of defined visual pathway damage on the level of
      the optic nerve could be achieved by using a T (1)-weighted, 3D gradient echo
      sequence with isotropic resolution of (0.2 mm)(3). CONCLUSIONS: Experimental
      studies in small rodents requiring high spatial resolution can be performed by
      using a clinical 3 T scanner with appropriate dedicated coils.

PMID- 22042539
TI  - Prioritizing obesity in the city.
AB  - A decade ago, the World Health Organization declared obesity to be a global
      epidemic. Accordingly, there is a growing body of research examining how
      "obesogenic environments" contribute to the increasing prevalence of obesity.
      Using the ANGELO Framework, this research explores the role of municipal policies
      and practices in constructing obesogenic environments in two Southern Ontario
      cities in order to examine how socio-cultural and political environments shape
      excess body weight. Data was collected from municipal policy documents, public
      health websites, and key informants in Hamilton and Mississauga, Ontario, Canada.
      Results indicate that while the cities took different approaches to dealing with
      obesity, they both reflected the cities' overall prioritizing of health.
      Additionally, the findings reveal the pervasiveness of values and attitudes held
      in the socio-cultural environment in further shaping (and being shaped by)
      political as well as economic and physical environments in the cities. The
      importance of explicitly acknowledging the official discourse of the city, which
      this study demonstrates to be a significant factor in constructing obesogenic
      environments, is highlighted. Theoretical contributions and policy implications
      are also discussed.

PMID- 22042540
TI  - Are we looking for loads in all the right places? New research directions for
      studying the masticatory apparatus of New World monkeys.
AB  - New World monkeys display a wide range of masticatory apparatus morphologies
      related to their diverse diets and feeding strategies. While primatologists have
      completed many studies of the platyrrhine masticatory apparatus, particularly
      morphometric analyses, we collectively acknowledge key shortcomings in our
      understanding of the function and evolution of the platyrrhine feeding apparatus.
      Our goal in this contribution is to review several recent, and in most cases
      ongoing, efforts to address some of the deficits in our knowledge of how the
      platyrrhine skull is loaded during feeding. We specifically consider three broad
      research areas: (1) in vivo physiological studies documenting mandibular bone
      strains during feeding, (2) metric analyses assessing musculoskeletal functional
      morphology and performance, as well as (3) the initiation of a physiological
      ecology of feeding that measures in vivo masticatory mechanics in a natural
      environment. We draw several conclusions from these brief reviews. First, we need
      better documentation of in vivo strain patterns in the platyrrhine skull during
      feeding given their empirical role in developing adaptive hypotheses explaining
      masticatory apparatus form. Second, the greater accuracy of new technologies,
      such as CT scanning, will allow us to better describe the functional consequences
      of jaw form. Third, performance studies are generally lacking for platyrrhine
      jaws, muscles, and teeth and offer exciting avenues for linking form to feeding
      behavior and diet. Finally, attempts to bridge distinct research agendas, such as
      collecting in vivo physiological data during feeding in natural environments,
      present some of the greatest opportunities for novel insights into platyrrhine
      feeding biology.

PMID- 22042541
TI  - Presenting data: can you follow a recipe?

PMID- 22042542
TI  - Seamless networks of myocardial bioenergetics.

PMID- 22042543
TI  - Are we ready for a new mechanism of action underlying digitalis toxicity?

PMID- 22042544
TI  - Sex differences in the control of acral skin blood flow in humans: differential
      regulation of cyclooxygenase in alpha-adrenergic signalling.

PMID- 22042545
TI  - Serotonin, presynaptic 5-HT3 receptors and synaptic plasticity in the developing
      cerebellum.

PMID- 22042546
TI  - Purinergic regulation of K+ and Na+ transport by immortalized human mammary
      epithelial cell monolayers.

PMID- 22042548
TI  - Statistical perspectives: all together NOT.

PMID- 22042550
TI  - Development of a pediatric hospitalist sedation service: training and
      implementation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: There is growing demand for safe and effective procedural sedation in
      pediatric facilities nationally. Currently, these needs are being met by a
      variety of providers and sedation techniques, including anesthesiologists,
      pediatric intensivists, emergency medicine physicians, and pediatric
      hospitalists. There is currently no consensus regarding the training required by
      non-anesthesiologists to provide safe sedation. We will outline the training
      method developed at St. Louis Children's Hospital. METHODS: In 2003, the Division
      of Pediatric Anesthesia at St. Louis Children's Hospital approached the Division
      of Pediatric Hospitalist Medicine as a resource to provide pediatric sedation
      outside of the operating room. Over the last seven years, Pediatric Hospitalist
      Sedation services have evolved into a three-tiered system of sedation providers.
      The first tier provides sedation services in the emergency unit (EU) and the
      Center for After Hours Referral for Emergency Services (CARES). The second tier
      provides sedation throughout the hospital including the EU, CARES, inpatient
      units, Ambulatory Procedure Center (APC), and Pediatric Acute Wound Service
      (PAWS); it also provides night/weekend sedation call for urgent needs. The third
      tier provides sedation in all of the second-tier locations, as well as utilizing
      propofol in the APC. RESULTS: This training program has resulted in a successful
      pediatric hospitalist sedation service. Based on fiscal year 2009 billing data,
      the division performed 2,471 sedations. We currently have 43 hospitalists
      providing Tier-One sedation, 18 Tier-Two providers, and six Tier-Three providers.
      CONCLUSIONS: A pediatric hospitalist sedation service with proper training and
      oversight can successfully augment sedation provided by anesthesiologists.

PMID- 22042551
TI  - A comparative study of recombinant mouse and human apurinic/apyrimidinic
      endonuclease.
AB  - Mammalian apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease (APE1) initiates the repair of
      abasic sites (AP-sites), which are highly toxic, mutagenic, and implicated in
      carcinogenesis. Also, reducing the activity of APE1 protein in cancer cells and
      tumors sensitizes mammalian tumor cells to a variety of laboratory and clinical
      chemotherapeutic agents. In general, mouse models are used in studies of basic
      mechanisms of carcinogenesis, as well as pre-clinical studies before
      transitioning into humans. Human APE1 (hAPE1) has previously been cloned,
      expressed, and extensively characterized. However, the knowledge regarding the
      characterization of mouse APE1 (mAPE1) is very limited. Here we have expressed
      and purified full-length hAPE1 and mAPE1 in and from E. coli to near homogeneity.
      mAPE1 showed comparable fast reaction kinetics to its human counterpart. Steady
      state enzyme kinetics showed an apparent K(m) of 91 nM and k(cat) of 4.2 s(-1) of
      mAPE1 for the THF cleavage reaction. For hAPE1 apparent K(m) and k(cat) were 82
      nM and 3.2 s(-1), respectively, under similar reaction conditions. However,
      k(cat)/K(m) were in similar range for both APE1s. The optimum pH was in the range
      of 7.5-8 for both APE1s and had an optimal activity at 50-100 mM KCl, and they
      showed Mg(2+) dependence and abrogation of activity at high salt. Circular
      dichroism spectroscopy revealed that increasing the Mg(2+) concentration altered
      the ratio of "turns" to "beta-strands" for both proteins, and this change may be
      associated with the conformational changes required to achieve an active state.
      Overall, compared to hAPE1, mAPE1 has higher K(m) and k(cat) values. However,
      overall results from this study suggest that human and mouse APE1s have mostly
      similar biochemical and biophysical properties. Thus, the conclusions of mouse
      studies to elucidate APE1 biology and its role in carcinogenesis may be
      extrapolated to apply to human biology. This includes the development and
      validation of effective APE1 inhibitors as chemosensitizers in clinical studies.

PMID- 22042552
TI  - Thermodynamic and kinetic behaviour of [Pt(2-methylthiomethylpyridine)(OH2)2]2+.
AB  - The diaqua complex [Pt(2-methylthiomethylpyridine)(OH(2))(2)](2+), Pt(mtp), was
      synthesized and investigated thermodynamically as well as kinetically.
      Spectrophotometric acid-base titrations were performed to determine the pK(a)
      values of the two coordinated water ligands. A low pK(a1) value of 3.15 was
      observed for the water molecule trans to the pyridine donor, whereas a pK(a2)
      value of 6.84 was found for the water molecule trans to the labilising sulphur
      donor. The substitution of coordinated water by a series of sterically hindered S
      containing nucleophiles, viz. thiourea (tu), N,N'-dimethylthiourea (dmtu) and
      N,N,N',N'-tetramethylthiourea (tmtu), was studied under pseudo first-order
      conditions as a function of nucleophile concentration, pH (2, 4.75, 7.4),
      temperature and pressure, using stopped-flow techniques and UV-vis spectroscopy.
      In general the first substitution reaction takes place trans to the sulphur
      donor. At pH 2 the nucleophiles react in the order tu (634 +/- 10) > dmtu (507 +/
      5) ? tmtu (165 +/- 3 M(-1) s(-1) at 25  degrees C), which is caused by steric
      hindrance. The second observed reaction involves two steps, viz. the displacement
      of the second water ligand and dechelation of the pyridine ring with the third
      order rate constants 73.3 +/- 0.8 (tu), 22.1 +/- 0.1 (dmtu) and 6.8 +/- 0.2 M(-2)
      s(-1) (tmtu) at 25  degrees C. At pH 4.75 the reactions are in general slower due
      to the presence of aqua-hydroxo species. The same order in reactivity was found,
      viz. tu (106 +/- 1) > dmtu (72 +/- 1) ? tmtu (14.1 +/- 0.5 M(-1) s(-1) at 25 
      degrees C). No evidence for ring-dechelation could be observed under these
      conditions. At pH 7.4 the inert dihydroxo species is predominantly present in
      solution and consequently no substitution reaction was observed. Quantum chemical
      calculations were performed to support the interpretation and discussion of the
      experimental results.

PMID- 22042553
TI  - Differential microstructure and physiology of brain and bone metastases in a rat
      breast cancer model by diffusion and dynamic contrast enhanced MRI.
AB  - Pharmacological approaches to treat breast cancer metastases in the brain have
      been met with limited success. In part, the impermeability of the blood brain
      barrier (BBB) has hindered delivery of chemotherapeutic agents to metastatic
      tumors in the brain. BBB-permeable chemotherapeutic drugs are being developed,
      and noninvasively assessing the efficacy of these agents will be important in
      both preclinical and clinical settings. In this regard, dynamic contrast enhanced
      (DCE) and diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) are magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
      techniques to monitor tumor vascular permeability and cellularity, respectively.
      In a rat model of metastatic breast cancer, we demonstrate that brain and bone
      metastases develop with distinct physiological characteristics as measured with
      MRI. Specifically, brain metastases have limited permeability of the BBB as
      assessed with DCE and an increased apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measured
      with DWI compared to the surrounding brain. Microscopically, brain metastases
      were highly infiltrative, grew through vessel co-option, and caused extensive
      edema and injury to the surrounding neurons and their dendrites. By comparison,
      metastases situated in the leptomenengies or in the bone had high vascular
      permeability and significantly lower ADC values suggestive of hypercellularity.
      On histological examination, tumors in the bone and leptomenengies were solid
      masses with distinct tumor margins. The different characteristics of these tissue
      sites highlight the influence of the microenvironment on metastatic tumor growth.
      In light of these results, the suitability of DWI and DCE to evaluate the
      response of chemotherapeutic and anti-angiogenic agents used to treat co-opted
      brain metastases, respectively, remains a formidable challenge.

PMID- 22042554
TI  - Down-regulation of matrix metalloproteinase-7 inhibits metastasis of human
      anaplastic thyroid cancer cell line.
AB  - Epigenetic drugs such as histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACIs) possess
      anticancer properties due to its ability to regulate genes associated with tumor
      growth, differentiation, apoptosis and metastasis. In addition to its apoptotic
      effect, phenylbutyrate (PB), a carboxylic acid HDACI, inhibited an anaplastic
      (ATC) thyroid cancer cell line ARO from penetrating a matrigel coated transwell
      with concomitant suppression of a metastasis-associated gene, matrix
      metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) and stimulation of a transformation suppressor
      protein, reversion-inducing- cysteine-rich protein with Kazal motifs without
      affecting MMP-2 expression levels. Direct evidence suggesting MMP-7 down
      regulated cancer metastasis came from the observation of a decreased pulmonary
      metastasis in SCID mice xeno-transplanted with MMP-7-knocked-down ARO cells. In
      addition, H-89, a protein kinase A inhibitor, remarkably restored the down
      regulaed MMP-7 level treated by PB. Thus, the suppressive effect of PB on MMP-7
      was partially carried out through H3 phosphoacetylation. To conclude, our
      findings suggest PB inhibits MMP-7 expression epigenetically through
      phosphoacetylation of histone proteins, and thereby, reduced invasive ability of
      an ATC thyroid cancer cell line.

PMID- 22042555
TI  - Cervical carcinoma-associated fibroblasts are DNA diploid and do not show
      evidence for somatic genetic alterations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have been recognized as
      important contributors to cancer development and progression. However, opposing
      evidence has been published whether CAFs, in addition to epigenetic, also undergo
      somatic genetic alterations and whether these changes contribute to
      carcinogenesis and tumour progression. METHODS: We combined multiparameter DNA
      flow cytometry, flow-sorting and 6K SNP-arrays to study DNA aneuploidy, % S
      phase, loss of heterozygosity (LOH) and copy number alterations (CNAs) in
      cervical cancer-associated stromal cell fractions (n = 57) from formalin-fixed,
      paraffin-embedded (FFPE) samples. Tissue sections were examined for the presence
      of CAFs. Microsatellite analysis was used to confirm LOH findings. RESULTS:
      Smooth muscle actin and vimentin immunohistochemistry verified the presence of
      CAFs in all cases tested. However, we found no evidence for DNA aneuploidy,
      somatic genetic alterations in the vimentin-positive stromal cell fractions of
      any samples, while high frequencies of DNA content abnormalities (43/57) and
      substantial numbers of CNAs and LOH were identified in the keratin-positive
      epithelial cell fractions. LOH hot-spots on chromosomes 3p, 4p and 6p found were
      confirmed by microsatellite analysis. CONCLUSION: From our study we conclude that
      stromal cell fractions from cervical carcinomas are DNA diploid, have a genotype
      undistinguishable from patient-matched normal tissue and are genetically stable.
      Using flow cytometry and SNP-arrays, stromal genetic changes do not seem to play
      a role during cervical carcinogenesis and progression. In addition, the stromal
      cell fraction of cervical carcinomas can be used as reference allowing large
      retrospective studies of archival FFPE tissues for which no normal reference
      tissue is available.

PMID- 22042556
TI  - The association between deployment-related posttraumatic growth among U.S. Army
      soldiers and negative behavioral health conditions.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study assessed posttraumatic growth (PTG) in a sample of U.S.
      Army Soldiers using the Post-Traumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), and the
      relationship between PTG and negative behavioral health (BH) conditions. DESIGN:
      A sample of Soldiers with prior combat deployment experience (n = 1,834)
      completed an anonymous survey including demographics, the PTGI, and negative BH
      conditions. RESULTS: Among previously deployed Soldiers, those reporting the
      highest number of combat experiences also reported significantly higher overall
      PTG. A significant inverse relationship was observed between PTG and recent
      suicidal ideation, whereby Soldiers reporting recent suicidal ideation reported
      significantly lower overall PTG. CONCLUSIONS: This study quantified PTG resulting
      from deployment and demonstrated the degree to which combat experiences might
      result in PTG.

PMID- 22042557
TI  - Chloroform aerobic cometabolism by butane-growing Rhodococcus aetherovorans BCP1
      in continuous-flow biofilm reactors.
AB  - This work focuses on chloroform (CF) cometabolism by a butane-grown aerobic pure
      culture (Rhodococcus aetherovorans BCP1) in continuous-flow biofilm reactors. The
      goals were to obtain preliminary information on the feasibility of CF
      biodegradation by BCP1 in biofilm reactors and to evaluate the applicability of
      the pulsed injection of growth substrate and oxygen to biofilm reactors. The
      attached-cell tests were initially conducted in a 0.165-L bioreactor and, then,
      scaled-up to a 1.772-L bioreactor. Glass cylinders were utilized as biofilm
      carriers. The continuous supply of growth substrate (butane), which led to the
      attainment of the highest CF degradation rate (8.4 mg(CF) day(-1) m (biofilm
      surface)(-2)), was compared with four schedules of butane and oxygen pulsed
      feeding. The pulsed injection technique allowed the attainment of a ratio of CF
      mass degraded per unit mass of butane supplied equal to 0.16 mg(CF) mg (butane)(
      1), a value 4.4 times higher than that obtained with the continuous substrate
      supply. A procedure based on the utilization of integral mass balances and of
      average concentrations along the bioreactors resulted in a satisfactory match
      between the predicted and the experimental CF degradation performances, and can
      therefore be utilized to provide a guideline for optimizing the substrate pulsed
      injection schedule.

PMID- 22042558
TI  - Characterization of Th1- and Th2-type immune response in human multidrug
      resistant tuberculosis.
AB  - Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) has become a lethal global threat.
      Insights into the immune regulation of MDR-TB are urgently needed for the
      development of new treatments; however, the T cell response to an MDR-TB
      infection in human remains unclear. In the present study, the proportion of Th1
      and Th2 cell subsets and the level of related T cell subset cytokines in
      peripheral blood were investigated. We detected that an MDR-TB infection resulted
      in suppressed Th1 and Th2 cell activation, which was more remarkable in patients
      with MDR-TB than that in drug-sensitive tuberculosis (DS-TB) sufferers when
      compared to healthy controls (HCs). In addition, MDR-TB infection down-regulated
      the expression of IFN-gamma, IL-2, and IL-10, and up-regulated IL-4, IL-6, and
      TNF-alpha expression. Our data suggest that the disturbance between protective
      and pathogenic effects induced by the immunosuppression of Th1- and Th2-type
      responses is a substantial characteristic of MDR-TB infections.

PMID- 22042559
TI  - The effect of diabetic control status on the clinical features of pulmonary
      tuberculosis.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine whether control status of diabetes
      mellitus influences clinical and radiographic manifestations and treatment
      responses in patients with tuberculosis (TB). The medical records of 492 patients
      who started anti-TB medication between January 2005 and December 2009 were
      retrospectively reviewed. Diabetes was diagnosed in 124 patients (25.2%). Of
      these, 74 (59.7%) were uncontrolled (HbA1C>=7.0), 25 (20.2%) were controlled
      (HbA1C<7.0), and HbA1C levels were not assessed in the remaining 25 (20.2%).
      There were no differences in clinical symptoms between diabetics and non
      diabetics, regardless of diabetes control status. There were also no differences
      in radiographic findings or AFB results between controlled diabetics and non
      diabetics. However, uncontrolled diabetics had more cavitary lesions (p=0.008)
      and higher positive smear rates (p<0.001) compared with non-diabetics. After
      adjustment for age, cavities and positive smears before initiation of treatment,
      uncontrolled diabetes was a significant risk factor for a positive sputum culture
      at 2 months (odds ratio, 4.316; 95% CI, 1.306-14.267; p=0.017). Uncontrolled
      diabetics seem to have more cavities, higher positive smear rates and lack of
      culture conversion after two months of therapy. Therefore, TB patients with
      uncontrolled diabetes should be carefully managed and treated.

PMID- 22042560
TI  - Diversity of Mycobacterium avium subsp. hominissuis mycobacteria causing
      lymphadenitis, France.
AB  - The knowledge of Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) genotypes responsible for
      lymphadenitis is limited. We retrospectively characterized all of the MAC
      isolates made in our laboratory in the last 18 years by sequence-based
      identification and genotyping, and compared the clinical and laboratory data for
      lymphadenitis-associated and non-lymphadenitis-associated MAC isolates. Of 67 MAC
      infected patients, 25 lymphadenitis patients were significantly younger than 42
      non-lymphadenitis patients, while the male/female ratio did not significantly
      differ between the two groups. Cervical topography found in 76.5% of
      lymphadenitis patients was significantly more frequent in non-immunocompromised
      patients (p=0.04). M. avium subsp. hominissuis was identified in 53 patients (24
      lymphadenitis, 29 non-lymphadenitis), M. colombiense in six patients (five non
      lymphadenitis, one lymphadenitis), M. intracellulare in four non-lymphadenitis
      patients, and M. chimaera in three non-lymphadenitis patients, while negative
      controls remained negative. M. hominissuis was significantly associated with
      lymphadenitis (p=0.03). M. hominissuis isolates yielded 15 genotypes in 29 non
      lymphadenitis isolates (molecular diversity, 0.622) versus 11 genotypes in 24
      lymphadenitis isolates (molecular diversity, 0.578), demonstrating a non
      significant lower diversity of M. hominissuis isolates cultured from
      lymphadenitis. The genotypes did not correlate with the clinical features. These
      data suggest the presence of several environmental reservoirs for M. hominissuis
      causing lymphadenitis in France.

PMID- 22042561
TI  - Outcome of medium-dose VP-16/CY/TBI superior to CY/TBI as a conditioning regimen
      for allogeneic stem cell transplantation in adult patients with acute
      lymphoblastic leukemia.
AB  - The choice of conditioning regimen before allogeneic stem cell transplantation
      (SCT) in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is important. We
      retrospectively compared outcomes of medium-dose VP-16/cyclophosphamide/total
      body irradiation (VP/CY/TBI) regimen and CY/TBI. Five hundred and twenty-nine
      patients (VP/CY/TBI: n = 35, CY/TBI: n = 494) who met all of the following
      criteria were compared: first time for SCT, aged 15-59 years; first or second
      complete remission at SCT; bone marrow or peripheral blood as stem cell source;
      and HLA phenotypically matched donor. Median age of the patients was 34 years,
      and patients who received VP/CY/TBI were younger (28 vs. 34 years, P = 0.02).
      Cumulative incidences of relapse and non-relapse mortality (NRM) were higher for
      patients who received CY/TBI (P = 0.01 for relapse, P < 0.01 for NRM). After a
      median follow-up period of 36.9 months, 5-year overall survival (OS) rates were
      82.2% in the VP/CY/TBI group and 55.2% in the CY/TBI group. OS, and disease-free
      survival (DFS) in the VP/CY/TBI group were shown to be significantly better by
      multivariate analysis [hazard ratio: 0.21 (95% confidence interval: 0.06-0.49)
      for DFS, hazard ratio: 0.25 (95% confidence interval: 0.08-0.59) for OS].
      VP/CY/TBI was associated with a lower relapse rate and no increase in NRM,
      resulting in better survival than that in CY/TBI for adult ALL patients.

PMID- 22042562
TI  - GGF2 (Nrg1-beta3) treatment enhances NG2+ cell response and improves functional
      recovery after spinal cord injury.
AB  - The adult spinal cord contains a pool of endogenous glial precursor cells, which
      spontaneously respond to spinal cord injury (SCI) with increased proliferation.
      These include oligodendrocyte precursor cells that express the NG2 proteoglycan
      and can differentiate into mature oligodendrocytes. Thus, a potential approach
      for SCI treatment is to enhance the proliferation and differentiation of these
      cells to yield more functional mature glia and improve remyelination of surviving
      axons. We previously reported that soluble glial growth factor 2 (GGF2)- and
      basic fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2)-stimulated growth of NG2(+) cells
      purified from injured spinal cord in primary culture. This study examines the
      effects of systemic administration of GGF2 and/or FGF2 after standardized
      contusive SCI in vivo in both rat and mouse models. In Sprague-Dawley rats, 1
      week of GGF2 administration, beginning 24 h after injury, enhanced NG2(+) cell
      proliferation, oligodendrogenesis, chronic white matter at the injury epicenter,
      and recovery of hind limb function. In 2',3'-cyclic-nucleotide 3'
      phosphodiesterase-enhanced green fluorescent protein mice, GGF2 treatment
      resulted in increased oligodendrogenesis and improved functional recovery, as
      well as elevated expression of the stem cell transcription factor Sox2 by
      oligodendrocyte lineage cells. Although oligodendrocyte number was increased
      chronically after SCI in GGF2-treated mice, no evidence of increased white matter
      was detected. However, GGF2 treatment significantly increased levels of P0
      protein-containing peripheral myelin, produced by Schwann cells that infiltrate
      the injured spinal cord. Our results suggest that GGF2 may have therapeutic
      potential for SCI by enhancing endogenous recovery processes in a clinically
      relevant time frame.

PMID- 22042563
TI  - Multiple ileal perforations in a patient with Wegener's granulomatosis: a case
      report and literature review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Wegener's granulomatosis (WG) is a chronic, multisystemic disease
      of unknown etiology characterized by necrotizing vasculitis and granulomatous
      inflammation. WG primarily involves the upper and lower respiratory tract and
      kidneys, but it may also affect multiple other organs or tissues, including the
      gastrointestinal system. DISCUSSION: Gastrointestinal involvement is an extremely
      rare manifestation of this disease. Moreover, during the course of WG, intestinal
      perforation is extremely rare in patients with gastrointestinal involvement. To
      our knowledge, only 13 WG cases with intestinal perforation have been reported in
      the English language literature as of September 2011. CASE REPORT AND LITERATURE
      REVIEW: We herein present the case of a 47-year-old male patient with WG who was
      diagnosed with multiple ileal perforations and ileovesical fistulae. The exact
      pathogenesis of intestinal perforation in WG is not fully understood. However,
      early surgical intervention and appropriate management with immunosuppressive
      therapy can be important to lifesaving measures. A review of 13 cases reported in
      the English language literature is also discussed, together with the pathogenesis
      of this serious complication.

PMID- 22042564
TI  - Gastrointestinal metabolic surgery for the treatment of diabetic patients: a
      multi-institutional international study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gastrointestinal metabolic surgery has been proposed for the
      treatment of not well-controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with a
      body mass index (BMI) <35 kg/m(2). This study aims to describe recent experience
      with surgical treatment of T2DM in Asian centers. METHODS: Patients aged 20 to 70
      years with not well-controlled T2DM [glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C) >7.0%] and BMI <
      35 kg/m(2) were included at five institutes between 2007 and 2010. The end point
      is T2DM remission, defined by fasting plasma glucose <110 mg/dl and HbA1C <6.0%.
      RESULTS: Of the 200 patients, 172 (86%) underwent gastric bypass, 24 (12%)
      underwent sleeve gastrectomy, and the other 4 underwent adjustable banding.
      Laparoscopic access was used in all the patients. Gender (66.5% female), age
      (mean 45.0 +/- 10.8), and HbA1C (mean 9.3 +/- 1.9%) did not differ between the
      procedure among the groups. Until now, 87 patients had 1-year data. One year
      after surgery, the mean BMI decreased from 28.5 +/- 3.0 to 23.4 +/- 2.3 kg/m(2)
      and HbA1C decreased to 6.3 +/- 0.5%. Remission of T2DM was achieved in 72.4% of
      the patients. Patients with a diabetes duration of <5 years had a better diabetes
      remission rate than patients with duration of diabetes >5 years (90.3% vs. 57.1%;
      p = 0.006). Patients with BMI > 30 kg/m(2) had a better diabetes remission rate
      than those with BMI < 30 kg/m(2) (78.7% vs. 62.5%; p = 0.027). Individuals who
      underwent gastric bypass loss more weight and had a higher diabetes remission
      rate than individuals who underwent restrictive-type procedures. Multivariate
      analysis confirmed that the duration of diabetes and the type of surgery predict
      the diabetes remission. No mortalities were reported and two (1.0%) patients had
      major morbidities. CONCLUSION: Gastrointestinal metabolic surgery is an effective
      treatment for not well-controlled T2DM treatment. Diabetes remission is
      significantly higher in those with duration of diabetes less than 5 years and BMI
      > 30 kg/m(2).

PMID- 22042565
TI  - Biliary dyskinesia: how effective is cholecystectomy?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Studies on biliary dyskinesia have been based on short-term
      surgical follow-up and do not take into consideration that most patients are
      discharged from surgical follow-up after the first postoperative visit and that
      for persistent or recurrent symptoms they are frequently seen by primary care
      providers and subsequently referred to gastroenterologists. We aimed to study
      this pattern and assess which factors predict patients that will benefit from
      cholecystectomy. METHOD: This is a retrospective analysis of medical records of
      patients who underwent cholecystectomy for biliary dyskinesia from February 2001
      to January 2010 with a minimum postoperative follow-up of 6 months. RESULTS: At
      initial surgical follow-up, 19 of 141 (13.4%) patients said they had persistent
      symptoms. However, when subsequent visits were analyzed, 61 of 141 (43.3%)
      patients with persistent or recurrent symptoms saw their primary care provider.
      These symptoms were epigastric or right upper quadrant pain in 43 patients or 30%
      of those undergoing cholecystectomy. The only factor that distinguished patients
      with and without resolution of symptoms after cholecystectomy was the pathologic
      finding of inflammation (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: Cholecystectomy does not appear
      to be as effective for biliary dyskinesia when long-term follow-up is evaluated.

PMID- 22042566
TI  - Pain control and quality of life after pancreatectomy with islet
      autotransplantation for chronic pancreatitis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In selected patients with chronic pancreatitis, total
      pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation can be effective for the treatment
      of intractable pain while ameliorating postoperative diabetes. Improved quality
      of life scores and decreased daily narcotic use, as indicators of successful pain
      relief, are expected after total pancreatectomy. These outcomes and their
      relationship have not been well examined in this patient group. METHODS: A
      prospectively collected database of patients undergoing extensive pancreatectomy
      with islet autotransplantation for pancreatitis was reviewed. Data pertaining to
      daily oral morphine equivalents (MEs) and quality of life (QOL), as measured by
      the SF-12 questionnaire, in the preoperative and postoperative period were
      reviewed. Approval from the IRB for the evaluation of human subjects was
      obtained. RESULTS: Over a 20-month period, 33 patients (25 women, median age 42)
      underwent extensive pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation for
      pancreatitis. Mean follow-up was 9 months with a range of 6-12 months.
      Postoperative complications occurred in 16 patients (48%). Preoperative QOL
      scores were a mean 25 for physical component and 32 for mental health component.
      Postoperatively, physical component scores averaged 33 at 6 months (p = 0.025)
      and 36 at 12 months (mean increase of 11); the mental health component scores
      averaged 43 at 6 months (p = 0.007) and 44 at 12 months (mean increase of 12).
      Preoperative MEs averaged 357 mg daily. At discharge from the hospital, this
      number increased to 536 mg average MEs daily, a 50% increase, as expected after
      major surgery in the chronic pain patient. At 6 months, 15 out of 31 patients
      (48%) required less daily MEs than preoperatively and averaged 161 mg daily (
      55%). By 12 months, 11 out of 17 patients (65%) required less daily MEs than
      preoperatively and averaged 128 mg daily (-64%); four were narcotic-free (23%).
      Of the six patients who did not decrease their analgesic requirements at 1 year,
      five (83%) still had an improved physical QOL score (one patient was unchanged)
      and all six had an improved mental health QOL. CONCLUSION: Total pancreatectomy
      with islet autotransplant is an effective surgery for end-stage chronic
      pancreatitis. Quality of life improves early postoperatively while decreased
      narcotic analgesia requirements occur later. Both improved quality of life and
      decreased narcotic analgesia requirements continue to occur at least up to 1 year
      postoperatively. Further investigation is needed to assess the durability of
      total pancreatectomy with islet autotransplantation for severe chronic
      pancreatitis with respect to pain relief and improved quality of life.

PMID- 22042567
TI  - Regulation of retinoblastoma protein (Rb) by p21 is critical for adaptation to
      massive small bowel resection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adaptation following massive intestinal loss is characterized by
      increased villus height and crypt depth. Previously, we demonstrated that p21
      null mice do not adapt after small bowel resection (SBR). As retinoblastoma
      protein (Rb) levels are elevated in p21-null crypt cells, we first sought to
      determine whether Rb is required for normal adaptation. Next, we tested whether
      Rb expression is responsible for blocked adaptation in p21-nulls. METHODS:
      Genetically manipulated mice and wild-type (WT) littermates underwent either 50%
      SBR or sham operation. The intestine was harvested at 3, 7, or 28 days later and
      intestinal adaptation was evaluated. Enterocytes were isolated and protein levels
      evaluated by Western blot and quantified by optical density. RESULTS: Rb-null
      mice demonstrated increased villus height, crypt depth, and proliferative rate at
      baseline, but there was no further increase following SBR. Deletion of one Rb
      allele lowered Rb expression and restored resection-induced adaptation responses
      in p21-null mice. CONCLUSION: Rb is specifically required for resection-induced
      adaptation. Restoration of adaptation in p21-null mice by lowering Rb expression
      suggests a crucial mechanistic role for Rb in the regulation of intestinal
      adaptation by p21.

PMID- 22042568
TI  - Laparoscopic assisted ERCP in Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Performing endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) in
      patients with prior Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery is challenging.
      Despite advancements in endoscopic technology, reaching the duodenum and entering
      the bile duct is still difficult. Laparoscopic assisted ERCP (LAERCP) allows the
      duodenum to be accessed through the excluded stomach. OBJECTIVES: The objective
      of this study is to evaluate the success rates and complications in patients with
      prior RYGB anatomy who underwent LAERCP in a tertiary care center. PATIENTS:
      Consecutive patients undergoing LAERCP between 2005 and 2010 were used for this
      study. OUTCOMES: Biliary/pancreatic cannulation, endoscopic/laparoscopic
      interventions, postprocedure complications, postprocedure hospital stay, and
      procedure time were observed in this study. RESULTS: Fifteen patients with post
      RYGB surgery underwent LAERCP. Endoscopic antegrade access to the papilla was
      achieved through the gastric remnant in all. Cannulation and interventions in the
      pancreaticobiliary tree were successful in all cases. Therapeutic interventions
      included biliary sphincterotomy in 14 and pancreatic sphincterotomy in two
      patients. There were no postoperative complications related to the endoscopic
      portion of the procedure. The mean duration of the procedure and the median
      postprocedure hospital stay were 45 min and 2 days, respectively. CONCLUSION:
      Laparoscopic assisted ERC is a useful approach in the diagnosis and treatment of
      pancreaticobiliary conditions in patients with RYGB.

PMID- 22042569
TI  - Chronic noninfectious uveitis associated with Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease
      treated with low-dose weekly systemic methotrexate.

PMID- 22042570
TI  - OPA1 mutations in Japanese patients suspected to have autosomal dominant optic
      atrophy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report three types of heterozygous mutations in the OPA1 gene in five
      patients from three families with autosomal dominant optic atrophy (ADOA,
      MIM#165500). METHODS: DNA was extracted from the leukocytes of the peripheral
      blood. For mtDNA, mutations were examined at positions 11778, 3460 and 14484. For
      the OPA1 gene, the exons were amplified by PCR and mutations were detected by
      restriction enzymes or the dye terminator method. RESULTS: We detected three
      types of OPA1 mutation but no mtDNA mutations. In the OPA1 gene, heterozygous
      frameshift mutations from codon 903 due to a four-base pair deletion in exon 27
      were detected in three patients from one family (c.2708_2711delTTAG,
      p.V903GfsX905). A heterozygous mutation due to a three-base pair deletion in exon
      17, leading to a one-amino acid deletion (c.1618_1620delACT, p.T540del), and a
      heterozygous mutation due to a one-base substitution in exon 11, leading to a
      stop codon (c.1084G>T, p.E362X), were detected in sporadic cases. CONCLUSION:
      OPA1 mutations existed in three Japanese families with ADOA. After a detailed
      clinical assessment of the proband, the screening of the OPA1 gene may be helpful
      for precise diagnosis of ADOA, provided the relevant information of the family
      members is limited.

PMID- 22042571
TI  - Molecular analysis of Korean patients with oculocutaneous albinism.
AB  - PURPOSE: To perform molecular analysis of five Korean patients with
      oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) and review the clinical and genetic characteristics
      of 21 Korean OCA patients. METHODS: TYR, OCA2 and SLC45A2 were analyzed by direct
      DNA sequencing in five unrelated OCA patients who received thorough ophthalmic
      evaluation. RESULTS: We identified three different TYR mutations in three
      patients (c.929dupC, R278X, and R52I), among which the latter two had been
      previously reported in other populations, but are reported here for the first
      time in a Korean context. In one patient we identified two different mutations of
      OCA2 [c.1784+1G>A and c.1842G>T (K614N)]. One patient was confirmed to have OCA4
      by detecting two SLC45A2 mutations [c.469G>A (D157N) and c.686G>A (C229Y)]. OCA1A
      (66.7%) was the most common subtype in 21 Korean albinism patients, and 70% of
      patients were heterozygotes for 2 different mutational alleles. c.929dupC (54.8%)
      and R77Q (16.1%) were the most frequent mutational alleles of TYR in Koreans.
      CONCLUSIONS: Three mutational alleles, R278X and R52I of the TYR gene and C229Y
      of the SLC45A2 gene, are added to the mutational spectra of Korean patients with
      OCA, and we report the first Korean case of OCA2 with the OCA2 gene mutations.

PMID- 22042572
TI  - Diversity of long terminal repeat retrotransposon genome distribution in natural
      populations of the wild diploid wheat Aegilops speltoides.
AB  - The environment can have a decisive influence on the structure of the genome,
      changing it in a certain direction. Therefore, the genomic distribution of
      environmentally sensitive transposable elements may vary measurably across a
      species area. In the present research, we aimed to detect and evaluate the level
      of LTR retrotransposon intraspecific variability in Aegilops speltoides (2n = 2x
      = 14), a wild cross-pollinated relative of cultivated wheat. The
      interretrotransposon amplified polymorphism (IRAP) protocol was applied to detect
      and evaluate the level of retrotransposon intraspecific variability in Ae.
      speltoides and closely related species. IRAP analysis revealed significant
      diversity in TE distribution. Various genotypes from the 13 explored populations
      significantly differ with respect to the patterns of the four explored LTR
      retrotransposons (WIS2, Wilma, Daniela, and Fatima). This diversity points to a
      constant ongoing process of LTR retrotransposon fraction restructuring in
      populations of Ae. speltoides throughout the species' range and within single
      populations in time. Maximum changes were recorded in genotypes from small
      stressed populations. Principal component analysis showed that the dynamics of
      the Fatima element significantly differ from those of WIS2, Wilma, and Daniela.
      In terms of relationships between Sitopsis species, IRAP analysis revealed a
      grouping with Ae. sharonensis and Ae. longissima forming a separate unit, Ae.
      speltoides appearing as a dispersed group, and Ae. bicornis being in an
      intermediate position. IRAP display data revealed dynamic changes in LTR
      retrotransposon fractions in the genome of Ae. speltoides. The process is
      permanent and population specific, ultimately leading to the separation of small
      stressed populations from the main group.

PMID- 22042573
TI  - Altitudinal variation at duplicated beta-globin genes in deer mice: effects of
      selection, recombination, and gene conversion.
AB  - Spatially varying selection on a given polymorphism is expected to produce a
      localized peak in the between-population component of nucleotide diversity, and
      theory suggests that the chromosomal extent of elevated differentiation may be
      enhanced in cases where tandemly linked genes contribute to fitness variation. An
      intriguing example is provided by the tandemly duplicated beta-globin genes of
      deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus), which contribute to adaptive differentiation
      in blood-oxygen affinity between high- and low-altitude populations. Remarkably,
      the two beta-globin genes segregate the same pair of functionally distinct
      alleles due to a history of interparalog gene conversion and alleles of the same
      functional type are in perfect coupling-phase linkage disequilibrium (LD). Here
      we report a multilocus analysis of nucleotide polymorphism and LD in highland and
      lowland mice with different genetic backgrounds at the beta-globin genes. The
      analysis of haplotype structure revealed a paradoxical pattern whereby perfect LD
      between the two beta-globin paralogs (which are separated by 16.2 kb) is
      maintained in spite of the fact that LD within both paralogs decays to background
      levels over physical distances of less than 1 kb. The survey of nucleotide
      polymorphism revealed that elevated levels of altitudinal differentiation at each
      of the beta-globin genes drop away quite rapidly in the external flanking regions
      (upstream of the 5' paralog and downstream of the 3' paralog), but the level of
      differentiation remains unexpectedly high across the intergenic region. Observed
      patterns of diversity and haplotype structure are difficult to reconcile with
      expectations of a two-locus selection model with multiplicative fitness.

PMID- 22042574
TI  - Sperm development and motility are regulated by PP1 phosphatases in
      Caenorhabditis elegans.
AB  - Sperm from different species have evolved distinctive motility structures,
      including tubulin-based flagella in mammals and major sperm protein (MSP)-based
      pseudopods in nematodes. Despite such divergence, we show that sperm-specific PP1
      phosphatases, which are required for male fertility in mouse, function in
      multiple processes in the development and motility of Caenorhabditis elegans
      amoeboid sperm. We used live-imaging analysis to show the PP1 phosphatases GSP-3
      and GSP-4 (GSP-3/4) are required to partition chromosomes during sperm meiosis.
      Postmeiosis, tracking fluorescently labeled sperm revealed that both male and
      hermaphrodite sperm lacking GSP-3/4 are immotile. Genetic and in vitro activation
      assays show lack of GSP-3/4 causes defects in pseudopod development and the rate
      of pseudopodial treadmilling. Further, GSP-3/4 are required for the localization
      dynamics of MSP. GSP-3/4 shift localization in concert with MSP from fibrous
      bodies that sequester MSP at the base of the pseudopod, where directed MSP
      disassembly facilitates pseudopod contraction. Consistent with a role for GSP-3/4
      as a spatial regulator of MSP disassembly, MSP is mislocalized in sperm lacking
      GSP-3/4. Although a requirement for PP1 phosphatases in nematode and mammalian
      sperm suggests evolutionary conservation, we show PP1s have independently evolved
      sperm-specific paralogs in separate lineages. Thus PP1 phosphatases are highly
      adaptable and employed across a broad range of sexually reproducing species to
      regulate male fertility.

PMID- 22042575
TI  - Estimation of quantitative trait locus effects with epistasis by variational
      Bayes algorithms.
AB  - Bayesian hierarchical shrinkage methods have been widely used for quantitative
      trait locus mapping. From the computational perspective, the application of the
      Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method is not optimal for high-dimensional
      problems such as the ones arising in epistatic analysis. Maximum a posteriori
      (MAP) estimation can be a faster alternative, but it usually produces only point
      estimates without providing any measures of uncertainty (i.e., interval
      estimates). The variational Bayes method, stemming from the mean field theory in
      theoretical physics, is regarded as a compromise between MAP and MCMC estimation,
      which can be efficiently computed and produces the uncertainty measures of the
      estimates. Furthermore, variational Bayes methods can be regarded as the
      extension of traditional expectation-maximization (EM) algorithms and can be
      applied to a broader class of Bayesian models. Thus, the use of variational Bayes
      algorithms based on three hierarchical shrinkage models including Bayesian
      adaptive shrinkage, Bayesian LASSO, and extended Bayesian LASSO is proposed here.
      These methods performed generally well and were found to be highly competitive
      with their MCMC counterparts in our example analyses. The use of posterior
      credible intervals and permutation tests are considered for decision making
      between quantitative trait loci (QTL) and non-QTL. The performance of the
      presented models is also compared with R/qtlbim and R/BhGLM packages, using a
      previously studied simulated public epistatic data set.

PMID- 22042576
TI  - Complex population dynamics and the coalescent under neutrality.
AB  - Estimates of the coalescent effective population size N(e) can be poorly
      correlated with the true population size. The relationship between N(e) and the
      population size is sensitive to the way in which birth and death rates vary over
      time. The problem of inference is exacerbated when the mechanisms underlying
      population dynamics are complex and depend on many parameters. In instances where
      nonparametric estimators of N(e) such as the skyline struggle to reproduce the
      correct demographic history, model-based estimators that can draw on prior
      information about population size and growth rates may be more efficient. A
      coalescent model is developed for a large class of populations such that the
      demographic history is described by a deterministic nonlinear dynamical system of
      arbitrary dimension. This class of demographic model differs from those typically
      used in population genetics. Birth and death rates are not fixed, and no
      assumptions are made regarding the fraction of the population sampled.
      Furthermore, the population may be structured in such a way that gene copies
      reproduce both within and across demes. For this large class of models, it is
      shown how to derive the rate of coalescence, as well as the likelihood of a gene
      genealogy with heterochronous sampling and labeled taxa, and how to simulate a
      coalescent tree conditional on a complex demographic history. This theoretical
      framework encapsulates many of the models used by ecologists and epidemiologists
      and should facilitate the integration of population genetics with the study of
      mathematical population dynamics.

PMID- 22042577
TI  - Transcriptional regulation and the diversification of metabolism in wine yeast
      strains.
AB  - Transcription factors and their binding sites have been proposed as primary
      targets of evolutionary adaptation because changes to single transcription
      factors can lead to far-reaching changes in gene expression patterns.
      Nevertheless, there is very little concrete evidence for such evolutionary
      changes. Industrial wine yeast strains, of the species Saccharomyces cerevisiae,
      are a geno- and phenotypically diverse group of organisms that have adapted to
      the ecological niches of industrial winemaking environments and have been
      selected to produce specific styles of wine. Variation in transcriptional
      regulation among wine yeast strains may be responsible for many of the observed
      differences and specific adaptations to different fermentative conditions in the
      context of commercial winemaking. We analyzed gene expression profiles of wine
      yeast strains to assess the impact of transcription factor expression on
      metabolic networks. The data provide new insights into the molecular basis of
      variations in gene expression in industrial strains and their consequent effects
      on metabolic networks important to wine fermentation. We show that the metabolic
      phenotype of a strain can be shifted in a relatively predictable manner by
      changing expression levels of individual transcription factors, opening
      opportunities to modify transcription networks to achieve desirable outcomes.

PMID- 22042578
TI  - Measuring selection coefficients below 10(-3): method, questions, and prospects.
AB  - Measuring fitness with precision is a key issue in evolutionary biology,
      particularly in studying mutations of small effects. It is usually thought that
      sampling error and drift prevent precise measurement of very small fitness
      effects. We circumvented these limits by using a new combined approach to
      measuring and analyzing fitness. We estimated the mutational fitness effect (MFE)
      of three independent mini-Tn10 transposon insertion mutations by conducting
      competition experiments in large populations of Escherichia coli under controlled
      laboratory conditions. Using flow cytometry to assess genotype frequencies from
      very large samples alleviated the problem of sampling error, while the effect of
      drift was controlled by using large populations and massive replication of
      fitness measures. Furthermore, with a set of four competition experiments between
      ancestral and mutant genotypes, we were able to decompose fitness measures into
      four estimated parameters that account for fitness effects of our fluorescent
      marker (alpha), the mutation (beta), epistasis between the mutation and the
      marker (gamma), and departure from transitivity (tau). Our method allowed us to
      estimate mean selection coefficients to a precision of 2 * 10(-4). We also found
      small, but significant, epistatic interactions between the allelic effects of
      mutations and markers and confirmed that fitness effects were transitive in most
      cases. Unexpectedly, we also detected variation in measures of s that were
      significantly bigger than expected due to drift alone, indicating the existence
      of cryptic variation, even in fully controlled experiments. Overall our results
      indicate that selection coefficients are best understood as being distributed,
      representing a limit on the precision with which selection can be measured, even
      under controlled laboratory conditions.

PMID- 22042579
TI  - Contarini's syndrome: bilateral pleural effusion, each side from different
      causes.
AB  - Bilateral pleural effusions usually have a single causative factor, such as heart
      failure or malignancy. Contarini's syndrome refers to the occurrence of bilateral
      pleural fluid accumulation which can be explained by a different cause for each
      side. Literature search finds, along with 5 new descriptions from our center,
      totaled 12 cases. A frequent combination is that of a parapneumonic effusion that
      triggers heart failure, which in turn produces a contralateral transudate.

PMID- 22042580
TI  - Obsessive-compulsive disorder with predominantly scrupulous symptoms: clinical
      and religious characteristics.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Scrupulosity is a relatively common but understudied subtype of
      obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) characterized by religious or moral fears. It
      is difficult to treat and frequently disabling. We examined scrupulosity as it
      relates to (a) treatment-seeking behavior and perceived treatment gains, (b) the
      perceived effect of symptoms on religious experience, and (c) conceptions of God.
      METHOD: Seventy-two individuals with scrupulous OCD (mean age = 36; 70% women)
      and 75 individuals with nonscrupulous OCD (mean age = 38; 81% women) completed an
      internet-based survey. RESULTS: The groups did not differ on demographic
      variables or overall OCD severity. Compared with the nonscrupulous group, the
      scrupulous group was (a) more religious, (b) more likely to seek pastoral
      counseling, (c) less likely to seek medication treatment, and (d) more likely to
      report that symptoms interfered with their religious experience. Indeed, most
      scrupulous individuals endorsed that their symptoms interfered with their
      religious experience. Scrupulous individuals with a more negative concept of God
      experienced more severe symptoms, whereas a positive description of God was
      unrelated to severity of scrupulosity in this group. Nearly one in five
      scrupulous participants reported no religious affiliation. CONCLUSIONS:
      Scrupulous individuals have unique treatment-seeking preferences. Moreover, most
      scrupulous individuals perceive their symptoms as interfering with their
      religious experience. Focusing on the religious costs and benefits of scrupulous
      rituals might have clinical utility. Finally, scrupulous individuals with a more
      negative concept of God experienced more severe symptoms. Future research is
      necessary to evaluate whether addressing such concepts can improve treatment
      outcome.

PMID- 22042581
TI  - A (New World monkey) tree grows in Brooklyn.

PMID- 22042582
TI  - Mentorship for participants in a laparoscopic colectomy course.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite data suggesting improved outcomes with laparoscopic colectomy
      (LC), less than 10% of colectomies in the Unites States are currently performed
      laparoscopically. One mechanism for incorporating LC into practice is to attend
      an LC course (LCC). Postcourse mentorship is recommended by the Society of
      American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons (SAGES) and the American
      Society of Colon and Rectal Surgeons (ASCRS), in addition to course
      participation, to encourage adoption of the new techniques. Recommendations also
      include access to at least 25 colectomies annually. Because the use of LC likely
      will increase, access to mentorship is an important consideration for LCC
      participants. This study aimed to evaluate mentorship access and related factors
      for participants in an ongoing LCC. METHODS: Participants in seven consecutive
      single-center LCCs were anonymously surveyed regarding age, specialty, surgical
      experience, practice, and mentorship availability. Factors associated with
      mentorship were identified via chi-square and univariate logistic regression.
      RESULTS: Of the 90 participants surveyed, 81 (90%) were men, 51 (56.7%) were
      general surgeons, 43 (48.9%) were older than 40 years, and 49 (54.4%) had access
      to a mentor. A majority of the participants (86.7%) performed five or fewer open
      colorectal cases per month, and 81 (90%) performed five or fewer noncolorectal
      advanced laparoscopic cases monthly. Factors associated with lack of mentor
      access included age older than 40 years (P = 0.004), practice as a general
      surgeon (P = 0.014), and status as a senior attending surgeon (P = 0.029).
      CONCLUSIONS: A significant number of surgeons (45.6%) participating in LCC have
      limited or no access to mentors. In particular, older surgeons, senior attending
      surgeons, and general surgeons have the least access to mentors. To encourage
      adoption of LC, training methods should be adopted that accommodate general
      surgeons, surgeons with a limited advanced laparoscopic case load, and surgeons
      without access to mentors. Possible strategies include longer or multisession
      courses, simulator training, and remote mentoring.

PMID- 22042583
TI  - Miniature surgical robot for laparoendoscopic single-incision colectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aimed to demonstrate the effectiveness of using a
      multifunctional miniature in vivo robotic platform to perform a single-incision
      colectomy. Standard laparoscopic techniques require multiple ports. A miniature
      robotic platform to be inserted completely into the peritoneal cavity through a
      single incision has been designed and built. The robot can be quickly
      repositioned, thus enabling multiquadrant access to the abdominal cavity.
      METHODS: The miniature in vivo robotic platform used in this study consists of a
      multifunctional robot and a remote surgeon interface. The robot is composed of
      two arms with shoulder and elbow joints. Each forearm is equipped with
      specialized interchangeable end effectors (i.e., graspers and monopolar
      electrocautery). RESULTS: Five robotic colectomies were performed in a porcine
      model. For each procedure, the robot was completely inserted into the peritoneal
      cavity, and the surgeon manipulated the user interface to control the robot to
      perform the colectomy. The robot mobilized the colon from its lateral
      retroperitoneal attachments and assisted in the placement of a standard stapler
      to transect the sigmoid colon. This objective was completed for all five
      colectomies without any complications. CONCLUSIONS: The adoption of both
      laparoscopic and single-incision colectomies currently is constrained by the
      inadequacies of existing instruments. The described multifunctional robot
      provides a platform that overcomes existing limitations by operating completely
      within one incision in the peritoneal cavity and by improving visualization and
      dexterity. By repositioning the small robot to the area of the colon to be
      mobilized, the ability of the surgeon to perform complex surgical tasks is
      improved. Furthermore, the success of the robot in performing a completely in
      vivo colectomy suggests the feasibility of using this robotic platform to perform
      other complex surgeries through a single incision.

PMID- 22042584
TI  - Observational clinical human reliability analysis (OCHRA) for competency
      assessment in laparoscopic colorectal surgery at the specialist level.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are no valid and reliable tools to assess competency in
      advanced laparoscopic surgery at a specialist level. The observational clinical
      human reliability analysis (OCHRA) may have the required characteristics of such
      a tool. The aim of this study was to evaluate construct and concurrent validity
      of OCHRA for competency assessment at a specialist level. METHODS: Thirty-two
      video-recorded laparoscopic colorectal resections, performed by experts and
      delegates of the National Training Program in England, were evaluated. Each video
      was analysed using OCHRA by identifying errors enacted during surgery. The number
      of tissue-handling, instrument-misuse, and consequential errors was recorded
      using video-rating software. Times spent on dissecting (D) and on exposing (E)
      tissues were also measured (D/E ratio). In addition, two independent expert
      surgeons globally assessed each video regarding competency (pass vs. fail).
      Logistic regression was used to predict outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 399 errors
      were identified. There was a significant difference when comparing the expert,
      pass, and fail groups for total errors (median counts for experts = 4, pass = 10,
      fail = 17; P < 0.001). When comparing the pass and fail groups excluding experts,
      differences could be found for tissue-handling errors (7 vs. 12; P = 0.005), but
      not for consequential errors (4 vs. 7; P = 0.059) and instrument-handling errors
      (4 vs. 5; P = 0.320). The D/E ratio was significantly lower for delegates than
      for experts (0.6 vs. 1.0; P = 0.001). When all four independent variables were
      used to predict delegates who passed or failed, the area under the receiver
      operating characteristic curve was 0.867, sensitivity was 71.4%, and specificity
      was 90.9%. CONCLUSION: OCHRA is a valid tool for assessing competency at a
      specialist level in advanced laparoscopic surgery. It has the potential to be
      used for recertification and revalidation of specialists.

PMID- 22042585
TI  - Therapeutic approach of human peritoneal carcinomatosis with Dbait in combination
      with capnoperitoneum: proof of concept.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Peritoneal carcinomatosis is an unmet medical need. Laparoscopy
      offers a unique opportunity to control and to steer the operating environment
      during surgery by loading carbon dioxide with a therapeutic substance and
      creating the so-called therapeutic capnoperitoneum. We have treated a human
      sample of peritoneal carcinomatosis from an endometrial adenocarcinoma ex vivo
      just after surgery. METHODS: A nontoxic therapeutic agent (Dbait) was aerosolized
      into a box containing diseased human peritoneum under a pressure of 12 mmHg
      CO(2). Dbait (noncoding DNA fragments) acts through jamming DNA damage sensing
      and signaling, ultimately inhibiting DNA repair system of cancer cells. Dbait
      were coupled to cholesterol molecules to facilitate intracellular uptake, and to
      Cyanine (Cy5) to allow detection by fluorescence. In a control experiment, the
      same solution was applied to the other half of the sample using conventional
      lavage. RESULTS: Physical results revealed fluorescence within the tumor up to 1
      mm depth in the therapeutic capnoperitoneum sample and no uptake in the lavage
      sample. Biological results showed intranuclear phosphorylation of H2AX in the
      nebulized sample and no activity in the lavage sample. Importantly, tumor nodules
      showed more activity than the neighbor, normal peritoneum. Detection of histone
      gamma-H2AX (phosphorylated H2AX) reveals activation of DNA-dependent protein
      kinase (DNA-PK) by Dbait, which has been shown to be the key step for
      sensitization to genotoxic therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Dbait are taken up by cancer
      cells and have a biological activity up to 1 mm depth. Nebulization of the
      molecule is significantly more effective than conventional lavage. This proof of
      principle supports the need for clinical studies applying therapeutic
      capnoperitoneum together with Dbait for treating peritoneal carcinomatosis.

PMID- 22042586
TI  - Laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication with or without short gastric vessel division:
      a meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this work is to systematically analyse the prospective
      randomised controlled trials on laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication (LNF) with and
      without short gastric vessel division (SGVD) for management of gastro-oesophageal
      reflux disease (GORD). METHODS: After an extensive literature search, all
      previous trials on laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication with and without SGVD for
      management of GORD were assessed. Those meeting study quality criteria were
      analysed to generate summative data expressed by standardised mean difference
      (SMD) and risk ratio (RR). RESULTS: Five randomised controlled trials on 388
      patients qualified for the meta-analysis. There were 194 patients in the no-SGVD
      group and 194 patients in the SGVD group. No-SGVD was associated with shorter
      operative time and length of stay. In both fixed- and random-effects models,
      there were no statistically significant differences in laparoscopic to open
      conversion rate or complications between the two groups. Three trials presented
      data on 1-year follow-up, with 118 patients in the no-SGVD group and 112 patients
      in the SGVD group. There was no statistically significant difference in
      heartburn, dysphagia, regurgitation or gas bloat syndrome between these two
      groups. Two trials presented data on 10-year follow-up, with 84 patients in the
      no-SGVD group and 86 patients in the SGVD group. There was no significant
      difference in heartburn, dysphagia, regurgitation or gas bloat syndrome between
      these two groups either. There was no heterogeneity between trials. CONCLUSIONS:
      Based on this review, SGVD in LNF is associated with longer operative time and
      hospital stay. However, there is no difference in terms of functional outcomes
      for 1- and 10-year follow-up. Routine use of SGVD may therefore not be necessary
      in LNF.

PMID- 22042587
TI  - Comprehensive evaluation of endoscopic fundoplication using the EsophyXTM device.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are limited studies that evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic
      fundoplication (EF) for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with the EsophyXTM
      device, especially with the most recent procedural iteration (TIF-2). This study
      was a prospective evaluation of our early experience with this device and
      procedure. METHODS: Data were collected prospectively on 23 consecutive patients
      undergoing EF (March 2009 to August 2010). All patients completed a symptom
      questionnaire assessing frequency and severity of gastrointestinal and
      respiratory symptoms, 24-h pH, and manometry studies preoperatively and were
      encouraged to repeat these at 6 months. RESULTS: All patients had abnormal pH
      studies and were on proton-pump inhibitor (PPI) therapy prior to EF. Median age
      was 47 years (19-62 years), and six (23%) were male. Nine (41%) patients had Body
      Mass Index (BMI) >= 30 kg/m(2), and three (14%) had a small hiatal hernia (<= 2
      cm). The procedure was aborted in two patients for retained food. Three patients
      underwent subsequent laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication for persistent or
      recurrent symptoms. Median hospitalization was 1 day, and there were no major
      perioperative complications. At 6 month follow-up, 19 (86%) patients completed a
      symptom questionnaire, and 14 (64%) and 11 (50%) patients underwent pH and
      manometry studies, respectively. There was a significant reduction in heartburn
      (P = 0.02), total percentage acid contact time (P = 0.002), DeMeester score (P =
      0.002), and PPI use (P = 0.003). Overall, 8 out of 14 (57%) patients had abnormal
      pH studies and 11 out of 19 (58%) remained on PPI therapy at 6 months.
      CONCLUSION: EF with EsophyXTM is associated with significant reduction in
      heartburn and abnormal acid exposure at 6 months, although the majority of
      patients did not experience normalization of their pH studies and remained on PPI
      therapy. The procedure has an acceptable safety profile, but the question remains
      as to whether it is effective enough to warrant a place in the armamentarium for
      the treatment of GERD.

PMID- 22042588
TI  - Benefit of "transparent soft-short-hood on the scope" for colonoscopy among
      experienced gastroenterologists and gastroenterologist trainee: a randomized,
      controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The attachment of a transparent hood to the colonoscope tip has been
      reported to offer some benefits, such as enabling the endoscopist to perform the
      colonoscopy more easily and to save time. However, there have been no randomized,
      controlled trials concerning these benefits, nor have any reports been published
      regarding the use of hoods for the purpose of training colonoscopists. Therefore,
      we conducted this study to evaluate the possible benefits of the transparent soft
      short hood when used by both experienced and trainee endoscopist groups. METHODS:
      This randomized, controlled trial to assess the results of using a transparent
      soft short hood attached to the tip of the colonoscope was undertaken by two
      groups of investigators: experienced endoscopists and gastroenterologist
      trainees. The cecal and ileal intubation times, as well as the doses of sedative
      medication required, were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 112 patients, 65 of whom
      were female, underwent colonoscopy by 2 endoscopists and 5 gastroenterologist
      trainees. Colonoscopy was complete in 100% of the patients. The study showed
      significant shortening of the cecal intubation time when using the soft short
      hood, in both the endoscopist and gastroenterologist trainee groups (6.8/4.61
      min, P = 0.006; and 9.36/7.36 min, P = 0.03). The ileal intubation time had a
      trend to be significantly less when using the transparent hood in the trainee
      group (126.4/52.9 s), although this was not statistically significant (P = 0.08).
      The average dose of propofol, when using the transparent hood, was significantly
      lower in the endoscopist group (180/120 mg, P = 0.001). No significant
      complications occurred in the hood or non-hood groups. CONCLUSIONS: The
      transparent soft short hood shortened the cecal intubation time in both the
      experienced endoscopist and gastroenterologist trainee groups, as well as
      reducing the dose of sedative medication required in the experienced endoscopist
      group. Interestingly, it also reduced the trainee ileal intubation time. The
      attachment of this type of hood enabled both the experienced endoscopists and
      gastroenterological trainees to perform colonoscopy more quickly and easily,
      without any complications.

PMID- 22042589
TI  - Endoscopic full-thickness plication versus laparoscopic fundoplication: a
      prospective study on quality of life and symptom control.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Endoscopic antireflux techniques have emerged as alternative
      therapies for gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). Endoscopic plication
      receives continuing interest as an effective and safe procedure. This treatment
      option has not been the subject of comparison with well-established operative
      therapies to date. The present study aimed at comparatively evaluating the
      effectiveness of endoscopic plication and laparoscopic fundoplication in terms of
      quality of life and symptom control. METHODS: Between October 2006 and April
      2010, 60 patients with documented GERD were randomly assigned to undergo either
      endoscopic plication or laparoscopic fundoplication. Quality-of-life scores and
      symptom grading were recorded before treatment and at 3- and 12-month follow-up.
      Outcomes were compared with the statistical significance set at a p value of
      0.05. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients from the endoscopic group and 27 patients
      from the operative group were available at follow-up. Quality-of-life scores
      showed a substantial and similar increase for both groups after treatment.
      Symptoms of heartburn (p < 0.02), regurgitation (p < 0.004), and asthma (p =
      0.03) were significantly improved in the endoscopic group, whereas laparoscopic
      fundoplication was more effective in controlling symptoms of heartburn (p < 0.01)
      and regurgitation (p < 0.05) compared to the endoscopic procedure. CONCLUSIONS:
      Endoscopic plication and laparoscopic fundoplication resulted in significant
      symptom improvement with similar quality-of-life scores in a selected patient
      population with GERD, whereas operative treatment was more effective in the
      relief of heartburn and regurgitation at the expense of higher short-term
      dysphagia rates.

PMID- 22042590
TI  - Laser application enables awake thoracoscopic resection of pulmonary nodules with
      minimal access.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Thoracoscopic resection of indeterminate pulmonary nodules is most
      commonly performed through three trocars using an endoscopic stapler. We assessed
      the safety, feasibility, and results of laser resection via minimal access under
      only local anesthesia. METHODS: Between September 2009 and June 2010, excision of
      subpleural nodules using laser application under only local anesthesia was
      performed in 28 patients (Laser group). A 2-mm trocar (minigrasper) and an 11-mm
      trocar (operating scope) were used. Anesthesia time, surgery time, global
      operating room time, chest tube time, piritramid dose, and hospital stay were
      assessed and compared with data from a patient group (n = 28) that required
      nodule resection through three trocars using an endoscopic stapler under general
      anesthesia (Control group). RESULTS: There was no mortality or major morbidity.
      There was no difference in technical feasibility between the groups. Two patients
      in the Laser group and one patient in the Control group required conversion to
      thoracotomy due to severe adhesions. The mean nodule size was 0.9 +/- 0.2 cm in
      the Laser group and 1.0 +/- 0.3 cm in the Control group (P = 0.05). Comparisons
      of Laser group results with Control group results showed that in the Laser group,
      anesthesia time (3 +/- 0.7 vs. 42 +/- 6.3 min, P < 0.001), global operating room
      time (51 +/- 4.8 vs. 88 +/- 10.8 min, P < 0.001), piritramid dose (65.9 +/- 30.5
      vs. 109.1 +/- 21.9 mg, P < 0.001), and hospital stay (2.3 +/- 0.9 vs. 3.2 +/- 0.6
      days, P < 0.001) were significantly reduced. Patients' satisfaction was high.
      Ninety-eight percent of patients said they would undergo this surgery again.
      CONCLUSION: Awake thoracoscopic laser resection of subpleural pulmonary nodules
      proved safe and feasible. This technique may enable further reduction of
      invasiveness, length of hospital stay, and costs in selected patients.

PMID- 22042591
TI  - Management of non-midline incisional hernia by the laparoscopic approach: results
      of a long-term follow-up prospective study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The role of the laparoscopic approach in the repair of non-midline
      incisional hernias is controversial due to the absence of adequate scientific
      studies. This study aimed to determine the safety and efficacy of laparoscopic
      repair for non-midline incisional hernias. METHODS: This prospective clinical
      study was conducted in an abdominal wall unit of a teaching hospital. Patients
      underwent surgery for non-midline incisional hernias using the laparoscopic
      approach (n = 73) and were classified into three groups: subcostal, iliac, and
      lumbar. The primary end point was recurrence. The secondary end points were
      intraoperative parameters, comorbidity, and patient outcomes. The median follow
      up period was 62 months (range, 36-170 months). RESULTS: No hospital stay was
      needed for 34% of the patients. The remaining patients needed an average hospital
      stay of 2.7 days. The most frequent morbidity was hematoma. The overall
      recurrence rate was 8.2% and was higher for the subcostal hernias (25%). The
      three groups differed in size, local morbidity, and recurrence (P < 0.05). The
      independent risk factors for recurrence were size (hazard ratio [HR], 2.16; 95%
      confidence interval [CI], 1.08-4.33) and local morbidity (HR 30.62; 95% CI 1.22
      768-82). The best predictor of recurrence was a hernia diameter greater than 15
      cm. The only predictive factor of local morbidity was obesity (P < 0.007).
      CONCLUSIONS: The laparoscopic approach is a safe and effective treatment for non
      midline incisional hernias. Caution should be taken with subcostal hernias, obese
      patients, and a defect size greater than 15 cm. An algorithm is suggested to
      guide the "rational" treatment of non-midline incisional hernias.

PMID- 22042592
TI  - Criterion-based laparoscopic training reduces total training time.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The benefits of criterion-based laparoscopic training over time
      oriented training are unclear. The purpose of this study is to compare these
      types of training based on training outcome and time efficiency. METHODS: During
      four training sessions within 1 week (one session per day) 34 medical interns (no
      laparoscopic experience) practiced on two basic tasks on the Simbionix LAP Mentor
      virtual-reality (VR) simulator: 'clipping and grasping' and 'cutting'. Group C
      (criterion-based) (N = 17) trained to reach predefined criteria and stopped
      training in each session when these criteria were met, with a maximum training
      time of 1 h. Group T (time-based) (N = 17) trained for a fixed time of 1 h each
      session. Retention of skills was assessed 1 week after training. In addition,
      transferability of skills was established using the Haptica ProMIS augmented
      reality simulator. RESULTS: Both groups improved their performance significantly
      over the course of the training sessions (Wilcoxon signed ranks, P < 0.05). Both
      groups showed skill transferability and skill retention. When comparing the
      performance parameters of group C and group T, their performances in the first,
      the last and the retention training sessions did not differ significantly (Mann
      Whitney U test, P > 0.05). The average number of repetitions needed to meet the
      criteria also did not differ between the groups. Overall, group C spent less time
      training on the simulator than did group T (74:48 and 120:10 min, respectively; P
      < 0.001). Group C performed significantly fewer repetitions of each task, overall
      and in session 2, 3 and 4. CONCLUSIONS: Criterion-based training of basic
      laparoscopic skills can reduce the overall training time with no impact on
      training outcome, transferability or retention of skills. Criterion-based should
      be the training of choice in laparoscopic skills curricula.

PMID- 22042593
TI  - Minimally invasive esophagectomy: thoracoscopic esophageal mobilization for
      esophageal cancer with the patient in prone position.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Surgical resection is the mainstay treatment for resectable
      esophageal cancer. Minimally invasive esophagectomy is performed with increasing
      frequency and proves to be a safe and effective surgical alternative to the open
      technique. Minimally invasive esophagectomy using thoracoscopic esophageal
      mobilization with the patient in prone position seems to offer some advantages
      with regard to surgeon ergonomics and clinical outcome. METHODS: Between July
      2005 and September 2010, 46 patients (35 men and 11 women) underwent minimally
      invasive esophagectomy in the prone position at the authors' institution. Three
      patients had previously undergone a thoracic intervention (one patient had
      previously undergone left pneumonectomy because of lung cancer). The preoperative
      indication was squamous cell carcinoma for 35 patients and adenocarcinoma for 11
      patients. In one case, the histology of the biopsy samples showed a squamous cell
      carcinoma with neuroendocrine differentiation. Neoadjuvant treatment was
      administered to 15 patients. RESULTS: All 46 patients underwent esophagectomy
      using minimally invasive thoracic mobilization of the esophagus with the patient
      in prone position. The abdominal stage of intervention was performed by
      laparoscopy for 37 patients and by laparotomy for 9 patients. No thoracotomic
      conversion was performed. In all cases, a cervical end-to-side anastomosis was
      performed using a circular stapler. The mean operative time was 263 min. The
      median intensive care unit stay was 2 days, and the median postoperative hospital
      stay was 15 days. The mean number of procured lymph nodes was 13. The
      perioperative morbidity rate was 37%, and the perioperative mortality rate was
      4.4%. CONCLUSIONS: Minimally invasive esophagectomy is safe and technically
      feasible. It entails a lower mortality rate and a shorter hospital stay than
      those reported in most open series. Thoracoscopy with the patient in prone
      position offers results comparable with those obtained using other minimally
      invasive techniques regarding the number of procured lymph nodes. This technique
      shows considerable advantages such as improved surgeon ergonomics, increased
      operative field exposure, and satisfactory respiratory results.

PMID- 22042594
TI  - Complex caring trajectories in community mental health: contingencies, divisions
      of labor and care coordination.
AB  - The concept of 'trajectory' refers to the unfolding of individual service users'
      health and illness experiences, the organization of health and social care work
      surrounding them and the impact this work has on people involved. Using
      qualitative data from a study completed in two sites in Wales we first reveal the
      complex character of trajectories encountered in the community mental health
      field. We show how these can be shaped by features peculiar to mental ill-health
      per se, and by features with organizational origins. We then use our data to lay
      bare true divisions of labor. Mental health professionals featured prominently in
      our study. We also reveal relatively invisible contributions made by
      professionals on the periphery, support workers, unpaid lay carers and service
      users. In examining the significance of our findings we identify particular
      lessons for mental health practitioners, managers and policymakers sharing
      concerns for the coordination of care. 

PMID- 22042595
TI  - Is 26 + 26 smaller than 24 + 28? Estimating the approximate magnitude of repeated
      versus different numbers.
AB  - It has recently been suggested that regardless of the dimension at hand (i.e.,
      numerosity, length, time), similar operational mechanisms are involved in the
      comparison process based on approximate magnitude representation. One piece of
      evidence for this hypothesis lies in the presence of similar behavioral effects
      for any comparison (i.e., the distance effect). In the case of length comparison,
      the comparison process can be biased by summation toward either an
      underestimation or an overestimation: The sum of equal-size stimuli is
      underestimated, whereas the sum of different-size stimuli is overestimated.
      Relying on the hypothesis that similar operational mechanisms underlie the
      comparison process of any magnitude, we aim at extending these findings to
      another magnitude dimension. A number comparison task with digit numbers was used
      in the two experiments reported presently. The objective was to investigate
      whether summation also biases magnitude representation of numerical and symbolic
      information. The results provided evidence that the summation bias can also apply
      to numerical magnitude comparison, since the sum of repeated numbers (26 + 26)
      was underestimated whereas the sum of different numbers (24 + 28) was
      overestimated. We propose that these effects could be accounted for by a
      heuristic linking cognitive effort and magnitude estimation.

PMID- 22042596
TI  - Parafoveal processing in reading.
AB  - The present review summarizes research investigating how words are identified
      parafoveally (and foveally) in reading. Parafoveal and foveal processing are
      compared when no other concurrent task is required (e.g., in single-word
      recognition tasks) and when both are required simultaneously (e.g., during
      reading). We first review methodologies used to study parafoveal processing
      (e.g., corpus analyses and experimental manipulations, including gaze-contingent
      display change experiments such as the boundary, moving window, moving mask, and
      fast priming paradigms). We then turn to a discussion of the levels of
      representation at which words are processed (e.g., orthographic, phonological,
      morphological, lexical, syntactic, and semantic). Next, we review relevant
      research regarding parafoveal processing, summarizing the extent to which words
      are processed at each of those levels of representation. We then review some of
      the most controversial aspects of parafoveal processing, as they relate to
      reading: (1) word skipping, (2) parafoveal-on-foveal effects, and (3) n + 1 and n
      + 2 preview benefit effects. Finally, we summarize two of the most advanced
      models of eye movements during reading and how they address foveal and parafoveal
      processing.

PMID- 22042597
TI  - Sense of self-determination and the suicidal experience. A phenomenological
      approach.
AB  - In this paper phenomenological descriptions of the experiential structures of
      suicidality and of self-determined behaviour are given; an understanding of the
      possible scopes and forms of lived self-determination in suicidal mental life is
      offered. Two possible limits of lived self-determination are described: suicide
      is always experienced as minimally self-determined, because it is the last active
      and effective behaviour, even in blackest despair; suicide can never be
      experienced as fully self-determined, even if valued as the authentic thing to
      do, because no retrospective re-evaluation from some future vantage is possible.
      The phenomenological descriptions of the possible scope of lived self
      determination in suicidality, presented in this paper, should prove to be
      extremely helpful in three different fields of interest: (a) ethical debates
      regarding the pros and cons of autonomous or heteronomous suicide; (b) clinical
      day-to-day practice with respect to treating suicidal people; (c) people who
      suffered a suicidal crisis, attempted suicide or lost loved ones through
      suicides. (155 words).

PMID- 22042598
TI  - The principle of proportionality revisited: interpretations and applications.
AB  - The principle of proportionality is used in many different contexts. Some of
      these uses and contexts are first briefly indicated. This paper focusses on the
      use of this principle as a moral principle. I argue that under certain conditions
      the principle of proportionality is helpful as a guide in decision-making. But it
      needs to be clarified and to be used with some flexibility as a context-dependent
      principle. Several interpretations of the principle are distinguished, using
      three conditions as a starting point: importance of objective, relevance of
      means, and most favourable option. The principle is then tested against an
      example, which suggests that a fourth condition, focusing on non-excessiveness,
      needs to be added. I will distinguish between three main interpretations of the
      principle, some primarily with uses in research ethics, others with uses in other
      areas of bioethics, for instance in comparisons of therapeutic means and ends.
      The relations between the principle of proportionality and the precautionary
      principle are explored in the following section. It is concluded that the
      principles are different and may even clash. In the next section the principle of
      proportionality is applied to some medical examples drawn from research ethics
      and bioethics. In concluding, the status of the principle of proportionality as a
      moral principle is discussed. What has been achieved so far and what remains to
      be done is finally summarized.

PMID- 22042599
TI  - Immobilized thermolysin for highly efficient production of low-molecular-weight
      protamine--an attractive cell-penetrating peptide for macromolecular drug
      delivery applications.
AB  - Macromolecules present a remarkable potential as future therapeutics. However,
      their translation into clinical practice has been hampered by an inherently low
      bioavailability. Cell-penetrating peptides (CPP) have been recently shown to
      significantly improve on the bioavailability of macromolecules. Yet, the high
      cost associated with development and production of these peptides is a major
      factor hindering their rapid deployment beyond the laboratory. Here, we describe
      a facile and robust methodology for efficient and large-scale production of low
      molecular-weight protamine-a potent CPP of great clinical potential. Our
      methodology is based on the immobilization of thermolysin, an enzyme catalyzing
      digestion of native protamine, on chemically surface-modified gels produced by
      silica sol-gel chemistry. Thermolysin was immobilized at extremely high matrix
      loading of 733 mg/g matrix and exhibited good thermal and pH stability,
      indicating robustness with respect to processing conditions. The mechanical
      properties of the silica matrix further allowed utilization of the immobilized
      thermolysin in both batch and packed-bed reactor systems to produce the LMWP
      peptide in high yields. Results presented here are of high significance as this
      efficient and cost-effective production of high purity LMWP could enable clinical
      translation of many potential macromolecular drugs.

PMID- 22042600
TI  - Lysosomal exocytosis in Schwann cells contributes to axon remyelination.
AB  - Myelin biogenesis is a complex process involving coordinated exocytosis,
      endocytosis, mRNA transport, and cytoskeletal dynamics. Although abnormalities of
      myelin are common in lysosomal storage diseases, our understanding of the role of
      lysosomes in the formation and maintenance of myelin is still limited. Here, we
      show that late endosomes/lysosomes in Schwann cells contain abundant myelin
      protein P0, which accounts for over half the total protein of compact myelin in
      the peripheral nervous system and exhibit Ca(2+) -dependent exocytosis in
      response to various stimuli. Downregulation of Rab27a, a small GTPase required
      for the trafficking of the secretory lysosomes to the plasma membrane, largely
      blocked lysosomal exocytosis in Schwann cells and reduced the remyelination of
      regenerated sciatic nerve. These findings highlight a novel role for lysosomes in
      Schwann cells and suggest that the regulated lysosome exocytosis in Schwann cells
      may have important physiological and pathological significance in the peripheral
      nervous system.

PMID- 22042601
TI  - Punctuated equilibria and Indonesian art.

PMID- 22042602
TI  - Average group behavior does not represent individual behavior in classical
      conditioning of the honeybee.
AB  - Conditioned behavior as observed during classical conditioning in a group of
      identically treated animals provides insights into the physiological process of
      learning and memory formation. However, several studies in vertebrates found a
      remarkable difference between the group-average behavioral performance and the
      behavioral characteristics of individual animals. Here, we analyzed a large
      number of data (1640 animals) on olfactory conditioning in the honeybee (Apis
      mellifera). The data acquired during absolute and differential classical
      conditioning differed with respect to the number of conditioning trials, the
      conditioned odors, the intertrial intervals, and the time of retention tests. We
      further investigated data in which animals were tested for spontaneous recovery
      from extinction. In all data sets we found that the gradually increasing group
      average learning curve did not adequately represent the behavior of individual
      animals. Individual behavior was characterized by a rapid and stable acquisition
      of the conditioned response (CR), as well as by a rapid and stable cessation of
      the CR following unrewarded stimuli. In addition, we present and evaluate
      different model hypotheses on how honeybees form associations during classical
      conditioning by implementing a gradual learning process on the one hand and an
      all-or-none learning process on the other hand. In summary, our findings advise
      that individual behavior should be recognized as a meaningful predictor for the
      internal state of a honeybee--irrespective of the group-average behavioral
      performance.

PMID- 22042603
TI  - Morphological correlates of the grooming claw in distal phalanges of platyrrhines
      and other primates: a preliminary study.
AB  - Grooming claws are present on the second pedal digits of strepsirhines and on the
      second and third pedal digits of tarsiers. However, their presence in New World
      monkeys is often overlooked. As such, the absence of a grooming claw is generally
      considered an anthropoid synapomorphy. This study utilizes a quantitative
      multivariate analysis to define grooming claw morphology and document its
      presence in platyrrhine monkeys. Our results show that owl monkeys possess
      grooming claws similar to those of strepsirhines, while titi monkeys possess
      grooming claw-like morphology. Therefore, we conclude that anthropoids are not
      clearly united by the absence of a grooming claw. Furthermore, due to their
      presence in three major primate clades, we infer that it is likely that a
      grooming claw was present on the second pedal digit of the ancestor of living
      primates. Therefore, we advise the reassessment of fossil adapids in light of the
      anatomical correlates described here. This should increase resolution on the
      homology and polarity of grooming claw morphology, and, therefore, will help
      provide a sharper picture of primate evolution.

PMID- 22042605
TI  - Health care reform and the primary care workforce bottleneck.
AB  - To establish and sustain the high-performing health care system envisioned in the
      Affordable Care Act (ACA), current provisions in the law to strengthen the
      primary care workforce must be funded, implemented, and tested. However, the
      United States is heading towards a severe primary care workforce bottleneck due
      to ballooning demand and vanishing supply. Demand will be fueled by the "silver
      tsunami" of 80 million Americans retiring over the next 20 years and the expanded
      insurance coverage for 32 million Americans in the ACA. The primary care
      workforce is declining because of decreased production and accelerated attrition.
      To mitigate the looming primary care bottleneck, even bolder policies will be
      needed to attract, train, and sustain a sufficient number of primary care
      professionals. General internists must continue their vital leadership in this
      effort.

PMID- 22042606
TI  - Evaluation of sun protection factor of cosmetic formulations by a simple visual
      in vitro method mimicking the in vivo method.
AB  - A new concept for in vitro visual evaluation of sun protection factor (SPF) of
      cosmetic formulations based on a supramolecular ultraviolet (UV) dosimeter was
      clearly demonstrated. The method closely parallels the method validated for in
      vivo evaluation and relies on the determination of the slightest perceptible
      bleaching of an iron-complex dye/nanocrystalline-titanium dioxide interface (UV
      dosimeter) in combination with an artificial skin substrate simulating the actual
      human skin in the presence and absence of a cosmetic formulation. The successful
      evaluation of SPF was ensured by the similarity of the erythema response of our
      dosimeter and human skin to UV light irradiation. A good linear correlation of in
      vitro and in vivo data up to SPF 40 confirmed the effectiveness of such a simple,
      cheap, and fast method. In short, here we unravel a convenient and accessible
      visual FPS evaluation method that can help improving the control on cosmetic
      products contributing to the reduction of skin cancer, one of the critical public
      health issues nowadays.

PMID- 22042607
TI  - Unveiling the mysteries in the trees: the anatomical record explores the anatomy
      and evolution of New World monkeys.

PMID- 22042608
TI  - Olive oil mill wastewaters before and after treatment: a critical review from the
      ecotoxicological point of view.
AB  - The olive oil mill wastewater (OMW) is a problematic and polluting effluent which
      may degrade the soil and water quality, with critical negative impacts on
      ecosystems functions and services provided. The main purpose of this review paper
      is presenting the state of the art of OMW treatments focusing on their efficiency
      to reduce OMW toxicity, and emphasizing the role of ecotoxicological tests on the
      evaluation of such efficiency before the up-scale of treatment methodologies
      being considered. In the majority of research works, the reduction of OMW
      toxicity is related to the degradation of phenolic compounds (considered as the
      main responsible for the toxic effects of OMW on seed germination, on bacteria,
      and on different species of soil and aquatic invertebrates) or the decrease of
      chemical oxygen demand content, which is not scientifically sound. Batteries of
      ecotoxicological tests are not applied before and after OMW treatments as they
      should be, thus leading to knowledge gaps in terms of accurate and real
      assessment of OMW toxicity. Although the toxicity of OMW is usually high, the
      evaluation of effects on sub-lethal endpoints, on individual and multispecies
      test systems, are currently lacking, and the real impacts yielded by its
      dilution, in freshwater trophic chains of receiving systems can not be assessed.
      As far as the terrestrial compartment is considered, ecotoxicological data
      available include tests only with plants and the evaluation of soil microbial
      parameters, reflecting concerns with the impacts on crops when using OMW for
      irrigation purposes. The evaluation of its ecotoxicity to other edaphic species
      were not performed giving rise to a completely lack of knowledge about the
      consequences of such practice on other soil functions. OMW production is a great
      environmental problem in Mediterranean countries; hence, engineers, chemists and
      ecotoxicologists should face this problem together to find an ecologically friend
      solution.

PMID- 22042609
TI  - Identification of novel potential HIF-prolyl hydroxylase inhibitors by in silico
      screening.
AB  - Suppression of HIF-prolyl hydroxylase (PHD) activity by small-molecule inhibitors
      leads to the stabilization of hypoxia inducible factor and has been recognized as
      promising drug target for the treatment of ischemic diseases. In this study,
      pharmacophore-based virtual screening and molecular docking approaches were
      concurrently used with suitable modifications to identify target-specific PHD
      inhibitors with better absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion
      properties and to readily minimize false positives and false negatives. A
      customized method based on the active site information of the enzyme was used to
      generate a pharmacophore hypothesis (AAANR). The hypothesis was validated and
      utilized for chemical database screening and the retrieved hit compounds were
      subjected to molecular docking for further refinement. AAANR hypothesis comprised
      three H-bond acceptor, one negative ionizable group and one aromatic ring
      feature. The hypothesis was validated using decoy set with a goodness of fit
      score of 2 and was used as a 3D query for database screening. After manual
      selection, molecular docking and further refinement based on the molecular
      interactions of inhibitors with the essential amino acid residues, 18 hits with
      good absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) properties were
      selected as excellent PHD inhibitors. The best pharmacophore hypothesis, AAANR,
      contains chemical features required for the effective inhibition of PHD. Using
      AAANR, we have identified 18 potential and diverse virtual leads, which can be
      readily evaluated for their potency as novel inhibitors of PHD. It can be
      concluded that the combination of pharmacophore, molecular docking, and manual
      interpretation approaches can be more successful than the traditional approach
      alone for discovering more effective inhibitors.

PMID- 22042610
TI  - VCl3 catalyzed imine-based multicomponent reactions for the facile access of
      functionalized tetrahydropyridines and beta-amino carbonyls.
AB  - A simple, mild, and highly efficient method has been developed for the
      preparation of functionalized tetrahydropyridines and beta-amino carbonyls from
      the multicomponent reactions involving in situ imines and vanadium (III) chloride
      as a Lewis acid. The multicomponent reaction of two equivalents of aromatic
      aldehyde, two equivalents of amine, and one equivalent beta-keto ester in the
      presence of catalytic amount of VCl(3) provides highly atom economic five
      component tetrahydropyridines in very good yields. The same catalyst was found
      useful for the efficient synthesis of a wide variety of beta-amino ketones using
      direct-type Mannich reaction of aromatic aldehyde, amine, and aromatic ketones.
      The notable advantages of this method are simple procedure, short reaction time
      and good yields, and applicable to broad range of substrates.

PMID- 22042611
TI  - Prevention and treatment of alopecia areata with quercetin in the C3H/HeJ mouse
      model.
AB  - Alopecia areata (AA) is an autoimmune non-scarring hair loss disorder. AA can be
      acute, recurrent, or chronic. Current therapeutic options for AA are limited, and
      there is no effective prevention for recurrent AA. We have previously shown a
      correlation between the expression of HSP70 (HSPA1A/B), a heat shock protein
      involved in the inflammatory response, and the onset of AA in the C3H/HeJ mouse
      model. In this study, we tested the effects of quercetin, a bioflavonoid with
      anti-inflammatory properties, on AA development and HSP70 expression in the
      C3H/HeJ model. Mice with spontaneous AA were treated with subcutaneous quercetin
      or sham injections. Hair regrowth was observed in lesional areas in all the
      quercetin-treated mice, but in none of the sham-treated mice. In addition, non
      alopecic C3H/HeJ mice were heat-treated to induce alopecia, along with quercetin
      or sham injections. Whereas 24% of the heat-treated mice with sham injections
      developed alopecia, none of the mice receiving quercetin injections did. As
      expected, the level of HSP70 expression in quercetin-treated areas was comparable
      to control. Furthermore, we showed that systemic delivery of quercetin by
      intraperitoneal injections prevented/reduced spontaneous onset of AA. Our results
      demonstrated that quercetin provided effective treatment for AA as well as
      prevention of onset of AA in the C3H/HeJ model, and warrant further clinical
      studies to determine whether quercetin may provide both treatment for preexisting
      AA and prevention of recurrent AA. The ready availability of quercetin as a
      dietary supplement may lead to increased patient compliance and positive outcomes
      for AA.

PMID- 22042612
TI  - Editorial: LGBT health issues and nursing.

PMID- 22042613
TI  - California hospitals response to state and federal policies related to health
      care-associated infections.
AB  - In October 2008, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) denied
      payment for ten selected health care-associated infections (HAI). In January
      2009, California enacted mandatory reporting of infection prevention processes
      and HAI rates. This longitudinal mixed-methods study examined the impact of
      federal and state policy changes on California hospitals. Data on structures,
      processes, and outcomes of care were collected pre- and post-policy changes. In
      depth interviews with hospital personnel were performed after policy
      implementation. More than 200 hospitals participated with 25 personnel
      interviewed. We found significant increases in adoption of and adherence to
      evidence-based practices and decreased HAI rates (p < .05). Infection
      preventionists (IP) spent more time on surveillance and in their offices and less
      time on education and in other locations (p < .05). Qualitative data confirmed
      mandatory reporting had intended and unintended consequences and highlighted the
      importance of technology and organizational climate in preventing infections and
      the changing IPs' role. This is especially relevant because the California
      Department of Public Health has since mandated hospitals to report data on 29
      different for surgical site infections and a lawsuit has been filed to delay the
      implementation of these requirements.

PMID- 22042614
TI  - Exploring infection prevention: policy implications from a qualitative study.
AB  - Health care-associated infections (HAIs) are common and costly patient safety
      problems that are largely preventable. As a result, numerous policy changes have
      recently taken place including mandatory reporting and lack of reimbursement for
      HAIs. A qualitative approach was used to obtain dense description and gain
      insights about the current practice of infection prevention in California. Twenty
      three in-depth, semistructured interviews were conducted at six acute care
      hospitals. Content analysis revealed 4 major interconnected themes: (a) impacts
      of mandatory reporting; (b) impacts of technology on HAI surveillance; (c)
      infection preventionists' role expansion; and (d) impacts of organizational
      climate. Personnel reported that interdisciplinary collaboration was a major
      facilitator for implementing effective infection prevention, and organizational
      climate promoting a shared accountability is urgently needed. Mandatory reporting
      requirements are having both intended and unintended consequences on HAI
      prevention. More research is needed to measure the long-term effects of these
      important changes in policy.

PMID- 22042615
TI  - Comparison of nurse managed health centers with federally qualified health
      centers as safety net providers.
AB  - Nurse Managed Health Centers (NMHCs) provide a critical safety net function in
      their communities, yet they often remain invisible and challenged in terms of
      financial sustainability. This paper presents a comparison of demographics and
      financial status of NMHCs and Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs). The
      comparison is based on four years of annual NMHC national survey data that
      includes 42 NMHCs overall and the 2008 FQHC data in the Uniform Data System.
      Findings indicate that NMHCs and FQHCs serve very similar diverse populations yet
      funding and revenue differences were significant. NMHCs tend to rely more on
      grants and donations from the private sector as well as contracts while FQHCs
      have access to considerable federal support that is cost based when serving the
      underserved. In addition, NMHCs are challenged by the array of state, federal and
      third party insurers' regulations that often disadvantage nurse practitioners as
      primary care providers.

PMID- 22042616
TI  - Benny Geiger: a force in the study of focal adhesions. Interview by Caitlin
      Sedwick.

PMID- 22042617
TI  - Impenetrable barriers or entry portals? The role of cell-cell adhesion during
      infection.
AB  - Cell-cell adhesion plays a fundamental role in cell polarity and organogenesis.
      It also contributes to the formation and establishment of physical barriers
      against microbial infections. However, a large number of pathogens, from viruses
      to bacteria and parasites, have developed countless strategies to specifically
      target cell adhesion molecules in order to adhere to and invade epithelial cells,
      disrupt epithelial integrity, and access deeper tissues for dissemination. The
      study of all these processes has contributed to the characterization of molecular
      machineries at the junctions of eukaryotic cells that have been better understood
      by using pathogens as probes.

PMID- 22042618
TI  - CIIA functions as a molecular switch for the Rac1-specific GEF activity of SOS1.
AB  - Son of sevenless 1 (SOS1) is a dual guanine nucleotide exchange factor (GEF) that
      activates the guanosine triphosphatases Rac1 and Ras, which mediate signaling
      initiated by peptide growth factors. In this paper, we show that CIIA is a new
      binding partner of SOS1. CIIA promoted the SOS1-Rac1 interaction and inhibited
      the SOS1-Ras interaction. Furthermore, CIIA promoted the formation of an SOS1
      EPS8 complex and SOS1-mediated Rac1 activation, whereas it inhibited SOS1
      mediated activation of Ras. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) up
      regulated the expression of CIIA and thereby promoted the association between
      CIIA and SOS1 in A549 human lung adenocarcinoma cells. Depletion of CIIA in these
      cells by ribonucleic acid interference inhibited the TGF-beta-induced interaction
      between SOS1 and EPS8, activation of Rac1, and cell migration. Together, these
      results suggest that CIIA mediates the TGF-beta-induced activation of SOS1-Rac1
      signaling and cell migration in A549 cells. They further show that CIIA functions
      as a molecular switch for the GEF activity of SOS1, directing this activity
      toward Rac1.

PMID- 22042619
TI  - Selective repression of MEF2 activity by PKA-dependent proteolysis of HDAC4.
AB  - Histone deacetylase 4 (HDAC4) regulates numerous gene expression programs through
      its signal-dependent repression of myocyte enhancer factor 2 (MEF2) and serum
      response factor (SRF) transcription factors. In cardiomyocytes,
      calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) signaling promotes
      hypertrophy and pathological remodeling, at least in part by phosphorylating
      HDAC4, with consequent stimulation of MEF2 activity. In this paper, we describe a
      novel mechanism whereby protein kinase A (PKA) overcomes CaMKII-mediated
      activation of MEF2 by regulated proteolysis of HDAC4. PKA induces the generation
      of an N-terminal HDAC4 cleavage product (HDAC4-NT). HDAC4-NT selectively inhibits
      activity of MEF2 but not SRF, thereby antagonizing the prohypertrophic actions of
      CaMKII signaling without affecting cardiomyocyte survival. Thus, HDAC4 functions
      as a molecular nexus for the antagonistic actions of the CaMKII and PKA pathways.
      These findings have implications for understanding the molecular basis of
      cardioprotection and other cellular processes in which CaMKII and PKA exert
      opposing effects.

PMID- 22042620
TI  - Brr6 drives the Schizosaccharomyces pombe spindle pole body nuclear envelope
      insertion/extrusion cycle.
AB  - The fission yeast interphase spindle pole body (SPB) is a bipartite structure in
      which a bulky cytoplasmic domain is separated from a nuclear component by the
      nuclear envelope. During mitosis, the SPB is incorporated into a fenestra that
      forms within the envelope during mitotic commitment. Closure of this fenestra
      during anaphase B/mitotic exit returns the cytoplasmic component to the
      cytoplasmic face of an intact interphase nuclear envelope. Here we show that Brr6
      is transiently recruited to SPBs at both SPB insertion and extrusion. Brr6 is
      required for both SPB insertion and nuclear envelope integrity during anaphase
      B/mitotic exit. Genetic interactions with apq12 and defective sterol assimilation
      suggest that Brr6 may alter envelope composition at SPBs to promote SPB insertion
      and extrusion. The restriction of the Brr6 domain to eukaryotes that use a polar
      fenestra in an otherwise closed mitosis suggests a conserved role in fenestration
      to enable a single microtubule organizing center to nucleate both cytoplasmic and
      nuclear microtubules on opposing sides of the nuclear envelope.

PMID- 22042621
TI  - The C terminus of talin links integrins to cell cycle progression.
AB  - Integrins are cell adhesion receptors that sense the extracellular matrix (ECM)
      environment. One of their functions is to regulate cell fate decisions, although
      the question of how integrins initiate intracellular signaling is not fully
      resolved. In this paper, we examine the role of talin, an adapter protein at cell
      matrix attachment sites, in outside-in signaling. We used lentiviral small
      hairpin ribonucleic acid to deplete talin in mammary epithelial cells. These
      cells still attached to the ECM in an integrin-dependent manner and spread. They
      had a normal actin cytoskeleton, but vinculin, paxillin, focal adhesion kinase
      (FAK), and integrin-linked kinase were not recruited to adhesion sites. Talin
      deficient cells showed proliferation defects, and reexpressing a tail portion of
      the talin rod, but not its head domain, restored integrin-mediated FAK
      phosphorylation, suppressed p21 expression, and rescued cell cycle. Thus, talin
      recruits and activates focal adhesion proteins required for proliferation via the
      C terminus of its rod domain. Our study reveals a new function for talin, which
      is to link integrin adhesions with cell cycle progression.

PMID- 22042622
TI  - Clathrin phosphorylation is required for actin recruitment at sites of bacterial
      adhesion and internalization.
AB  - Bacterial pathogens recruit clathrin upon interaction with host surface receptors
      during infection. Here, using three different infection models, we observed that
      host-pathogen interactions induce tyrosine phosphorylation of clathrin heavy
      chain. This modification was critical for recruitment of actin at bacteria-host
      adhesion sites during bacterial internalization or pedestal formation. At the
      bacterial interface, clathrin assembled to form coated pits of conventional size.
      Because such structures cannot internalize large particles such as bacteria, we
      propose that during infection, clathrin-coated pits serve as platforms to
      initiate actin rearrangements at bacteria-host adhesion sites. We then showed
      that the clathrin-actin interdependency is initiated by Dab2 and depends on the
      presence of clathrin light chain and its actin-binding partner Hip1R, and that
      the fully assembled machinery can recruit Myosin VI. Together, our study
      highlights a physiological role for clathrin heavy chain phosphorylation and
      reinforces the increasingly recognized function of clathrin in actin cytoskeletal
      organization in mammalian cells.

PMID- 22042623
TI  - In vitro differentiation and biocompatibility of mesenchymal stem cells on a
      novel platelet releasate-containing injectable composite.
AB  - Underlying changes in subchondral and cancellous bone precede joint degeneration
      in spinal discs, knees, hips, and other joints. We hypothesize that an early bone
      remodeling intervention therapy may alleviate or postpone the later manifestation
      of joint failure. Utilization of a novel biomaterial for injection deliverability
      to the underlying subchondral and cancellous bone during the onset of osseous
      changes, before severe cartilaginous damage, is proposed. In this preliminary
      study, we introduced novel platelet releasate-containing alginate/calcium
      phosphate composites for this intervention therapy and evaluated them in vitro
      through mesenchymal stem cell biocompatibility and induction of osteochondral
      differentiation. DNA quantification and gene expression profiles suggested
      mesenchymal stem cells were directed along an osteochondral differentiation
      pathway, more specifically, to the immature nonhypertrophic chondrocyte
      phenotype. These conclusions were based on reduced mitogenic activity, a rapid
      upregulation followed by suppression of Runx2 transcription factor mRNA,
      sustained upregulation of Sox9 transcription factor mRNA and the absence of late
      marker expressions for both mature articular chondrocytes and osteoblasts over
      the course of 14 days. Initial findings in regard to the use of these materials
      for bone remodeling were positive and support the execution of future studies
      evaluating the inflammatory and angiogenic aspects of the materials. In this
      study, we have considered one of the many aspects of the endochondral
      ossification process; neovascularization and resorption of bone with an irregular
      physiology need to be evaluated.

PMID- 22042624
TI  - Analysis of fluid flow and wall shear stress patterns inside partially filled
      agitated culture well plates.
AB  - The appearance of highly resistant bacterial biofilms in both community and
      hospitals environments is a major challenge in modern clinical medicine. The
      biofilm structural morphology, believed to be an important factor affecting the
      behavioral properties of these "super bugs", is strongly influenced by the local
      hydrodynamics over the microcolonies. Despite the common use of agitated well
      plates in the biology community, they have been used rather blindly without
      knowing the flow characteristics and influence of the rotational speed and fluid
      volume in these containers. The main purpose of this study is to characterize the
      flow in these high-throughput devices to link local hydrodynamics to observed
      behavior in cell cultures. In this work, the flow and wall shear stress
      distribution in six-well culture plates under planar orbital translation is
      simulated using Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD). Free surface, flow pattern
      and wall shear stress for two shaker speeds (100 and 200 rpm) and two volumes of
      fluid (2 and 4 mL) were investigated. Measurements with a non-intrusive optical
      shear stress sensor and High Frame-rate Particle Imaging Velocimetry (HFPIV) are
      used to validate CFD predictions. An analytical model to predict the free surface
      shape is proposed. Results show a complex three-dimensional flow pattern, varying
      in both time and space. The distribution of wall shear stress in these culture
      plates has been related to the topology of flow. This understanding helps explain
      observed endothelial cell orientation and bacterial biofilm distributions
      observed in culture dishes. The results suggest that the mean surface stress
      field is insufficient to capture the underlying dynamics mitigating biological
      processes.

PMID- 22042625
TI  - Assessment of material by-product fate from bioresorbable vascular scaffolds.
AB  - Fully bioresorbable vascular scaffolds (BVS) are attractive platforms for the
      treatment of ischemic artery disease owing to their intrinsic ability to uncage
      the treated vessel after the initial scaffolding phase, thereby allowing for the
      physiological conditioning that is essential to cellular function and vessel
      healing. Although scaffold erosion confers distinct advantages over permanent
      endovascular devices, high transient by-product concentrations within the
      arterial wall could induce inflammatory and immune responses. To better
      understand these risks, we developed in this study an integrated computational
      model that characterizes the bulk degradation and by-product fate for a
      representative BVS composed of poly(L-lactide) (PLLA). Parametric studies were
      conducted to evaluate the relative impact of PLLA degradation rate, arterial
      remodeling, and metabolic activity on the local lactic acid (LA) concentration
      within arterial tissue. The model predicts that both tissue remodeling and PLLA
      degradation kinetics jointly modulate LA fate and suggests that a synchrony of
      these processes could minimize transient concentrations within local tissue.
      Furthermore, simulations indicate that LA metabolism is a relatively poor tissue
      clearance mechanism compared to convective and diffusive transport processes.
      Mechanistic understanding of factors governing by-product fate may provide
      further insights on clinical outcome and facilitate development of future
      generation scaffolds.

PMID- 22042626
TI  - Microfluidic platforms for hepatocyte cell culture: new technologies and
      applications.
AB  - In this article, we summarize the key elements of microfluidic platforms for
      mimicking in vivo hepatocyte cell culture and the major recent advances in this
      area. Specifically, we will give brief background and rationale for key design
      requirements for mimicking in vivo hepatocyte cell culture, and then summarize
      findings, applications, and limitations from microfluidic platforms that
      addressed these design requirements. Although no ideal microfluidic platform has
      so far been developed for fully mimicking in vivo hepatocyte cell culture, some
      approaches and designs have demonstrated great potential in this area.

PMID- 22042627
TI  - Reconstructing the locomotor repertoire of Protopithecus brasiliensis. II.
      Forelimb morphology.
AB  - The majority of previous publications have suggested that the large-bodied
      subfossil Protopithecus brasiliensis was a suspensory ateline with a locomotor
      repertoire similar to that of extant Ateles and Brachyteles. This is unexpected,
      as the cranial morphology of Protopithecus is very similar to Alouatta, a genus
      usually classified as a deliberate quadrupedal climber. Complicating matters
      further, as Protopithecus is twice as large as Ateles and Brachyteles, its
      ability to be as suspensory as those two genera is suspect and a terrestrial
      component of the locomotor repertoire has also been hypothesized. The forelimbs
      of Protopithecus, while relatively elongated as would be expected in a suspensory
      animal, are also quite robust and show several adaptations for climbing. To test
      these hypotheses about the fossil locomotor repertoire, three-dimensional
      geometric morphometric techniques were used to quantify the shapes of the fossil
      distal humerus and proximal ulna and then compare them to a broad sample of
      extant primates with varying body sizes and locomotor patterns. Results indicate
      that Protopithecus is similar to Ateles and Brachyteles in terms of its forelimb
      joint surface morphology; however, the overall locomotor repertoire of the fossil
      is reconstructed as more flexible to include forelimb suspension, climbing, and
      potentially some terrestrial ground use. The combination of suspensory locomotion
      and quadrupedal climbing supported here indicates the beginnings of the
      evolutionary transition from a more acrobatic style of locomotion in the last
      common ancestor of alouattins and atelins to the current pattern of howler
      locomotion.

PMID- 22042628
TI  - Symmetrical peripheral gangrene: a rare presentation of antiphospholipid
      syndrome.

PMID- 22042629
TI  - Melanonychia secondary to hydroxyurea.

PMID- 22042630
TI  - Does a lower diagnostic threshold of sensitive plasma troponin I assay improve
      clinical outcomes of patients with chest pain?

PMID- 22042631
TI  - Relative brain size, gut size, and evolution in New World monkeys.
AB  - The dynamics of brain evolution in New World monkeys are poorly understood. New
      data on brain weight and body weight from 162 necropsied adult individuals, and a
      second series on body weight and gut size from 59 individuals, are compared with
      previously published reports based on smaller samples as well as large databases
      derived from museum records. We confirm elevated brain sizes for Cebus and
      Saimiri and also report that Cacajao and Chiropotes have relatively large brains.
      From more limited data we show that gut size and brain mass have a strongly
      inverse relationship at the low end of the relative brain size scale but a more
      diffuse interaction at the upper end, where platyrrhines with relatively high
      encephalization quotients may have either relatively undifferentiated guts or
      similar within-gut proportions to low-EQ species. Three of the four main
      platyrrhine clades exhibit a wide range of relative brain sizes, suggesting each
      may have differentiated while brains were relatively small and a multiplicity of
      forces acting to maintain or drive encephalization. Alouatta is a likely
      candidate for de-encephalization, although its "starting point" is difficult to
      establish. Factors that may have compelled parallel evolution of relatively large
      brains in cebids, atelids and pitheciids may involve large social group sizes as
      well as complex foraging strategies, with both aspects exaggerated in the hyper
      encephalized Cebus. With diet playing an important role selecting for digestive
      strategies among the seed-eating pitheciins, comparable in ways to folivores,
      Chiropotes evolved a relatively larger brain in conjunction with a moderately
      large and differentiated gut.

PMID- 22042632
TI  - Second-language experience modulates first- and second-language word frequency
      effects: evidence from eye movement measures of natural paragraph reading.
AB  - We used eye movement measures of first-language (L1) and second-language (L2)
      paragraph reading to investigate whether the degree of current L2 exposure
      modulates the relative size of L1 and L2 frequency effects (FEs). The results
      showed that bilinguals displayed larger L2 than L1 FEs during both early- and
      late-stage eye movement measures, which are taken to reflect initial lexical
      access and postlexical access, respectively. Moreover, the magnitude of L2 FEs
      was inversely related to current L2 exposure, such that lower levels of L2
      exposure led to larger L2 FEs. In contrast, during early-stage reading measures,
      bilinguals with higher levels of current L2 exposure showed larger L1 FEs than
      did bilinguals with lower levels of L2 exposure, suggesting that increased L2
      experience modifies the earliest stages of L1 lexical access. Taken together, the
      findings are consistent with implicit learning accounts (e.g., Monsell, 1991),
      the weaker links hypothesis (Gollan, Montoya, Cera, Sandoval, Journal of Memory
      and Language, 58:787-814, 2008), and current bilingual visual word recognition
      models (e.g., the bilingual interactive activation model plus [BIA+]; Dijkstra &
      van Heuven, Bilingualism: Language and Cognition, 5:175-197, 2002). Thus, amount
      of current L2 exposure is a key determinant of FEs and, thus, lexical activation,
      in both the L1 and L2.

PMID- 22042633
TI  - Survival processing in times of stress.
AB  - Recent studies have found that processing information according to an
      evolutionary relevant (i.e., survival) scenario improves its subsequent
      memorability, potentially as a result of fitness advantages gained in the
      ancestral past. So far, research has not revealed much about any proximate
      mechanisms that might underlie this so-called survival processing advantage in
      memory. Intriguingly, research has shown that the memorability of stressful
      situations is enhanced via the release of stress hormones acting on brain regions
      involved in memory. Since survival situations habitually involve some degree of
      stress, in the present study, we investigated whether stress serves as a
      proximate mechanism to promote survival processing. Participants rated words for
      their relevance to either a survival or a neutral (moving) scenario after they
      had been exposed to a psychosocial stressor or a no-stress control condition.
      Surprise retention tests immediately following the rating task revealed that
      survival processing and acute stress independently boosted memory performance.
      These results therefore suggest that stress does not serve as a proximate
      mechanism of the survival processing advantage in memory.

PMID- 22042634
TI  - Fatal Histoplasma capsulatum mitral endocarditis in a French patient treated for
      rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - Histoplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by the inhalation of Histoplasma
      capsulatum spores, a fungus encountered in many diverse areas around the world.
      Although this infection is often asymptomatic, it may become dramatic in
      immunocompromised patients. In November 2005, an endocarditis due to Histoplasma
      capsulatum was diagnosed in a French woman treated for rheumatoid arthritis and
      who had traveled to South America 2 years earlier. We confirmed the biological
      diagnosis by mycological, serological, and histological methods. In spite of
      receiving the appropriate treatment, the patient died 3 months later of cardiac
      insufficiency. We report here this additional case of Histoplasma endocarditis,
      by hoping to help rapid and accurate diagnosis of such infections in their early
      stages of development, in non-endemic areas.

PMID- 22042635
TI  - Antibody-based protein profiling of the human chromosome 21.
AB  - The Human Proteome Project has been proposed to create a knowledge-based resource
      based on a systematical mapping of all human proteins, chromosome by chromosome,
      in a gene-centric manner. With this background, we here describe the systematic
      analysis of chromosome 21 using an antibody-based approach for protein profiling
      using both confocal microscopy and immunohistochemistry, complemented with
      transcript profiling using next generation sequencing data. We also describe a
      new approach for protein isoform analysis using a combination of antibody-based
      probing and isoelectric focusing. The analysis has identified several genes on
      chromosome 21 with no previous evidence on the protein level, and the isoform
      analysis indicates that a large fraction of human proteins have multiple
      isoforms. A chromosome-wide matrix is presented with status for all chromosome 21
      genes regarding subcellular localization, tissue distribution, and molecular
      characterization of the corresponding proteins. The path to generate a chromosome
      specific resource, including integrated data from complementary assay platforms,
      such as mass spectrometry and gene tagging analysis, is discussed.

PMID- 22042636
TI  - Plasma omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and survival in patients with chronic
      heart failure and major depressive disorder.
AB  - The omega-3 fatty acid (FA) concentration is low in patients with coronary heart
      disease (CHD). Supplement of omega-3 FA improves cardiovascular outcomes in
      patients with CHD and heart failure (HF). However, plasma omega-3 FA and its role
      for prognosis in HF patients have not been examined previously. In this study, we
      explore the prognostic value of omega-3 polyunsaturated FA in HF patients with
      major depressive disorder (MDD). Plasma was obtained from HF patients with MDD
      who participated in the Sertraline Against Depression and Heart Disease in
      Chronic Heart Failure trial. FA methyl esters were analyzed by the method of a
      flame ionization detector. Weight percent is the unit of the omega compounds. The
      primary outcome was survival which was analyzed using Cox proportional hazards
      regression modeling. A total of 109 depressed HF patients had adequate volume for
      completion of the FA assays. Plasma total omega-3 (hazard ratio [HR] 0.65, 95%
      confidence interval [CI] 0.43-0.98) and EPA_(0.1 unit) (HR 0.73, 95% CI 0.56
      0.96) were significantly associated with survival of patients with HF and co
      morbid MDD. The results suggest that low plasma omega-3 FA is a significant
      factor for reduced survival in HF patients with MDD.

PMID- 22042637
TI  - Routine invasive versus conservative management in non-ST-elevation acute
      coronary syndromes.
AB  - Coronary angiography as part of the management of non-ST-segment-elevation acute
      coronary syndrome (ACS) patients has several advantages but also carries some
      risks if done routinely. The advantage of a planned early invasive approach in
      moderate to high-risk patients appears to be clear and is recommended by
      guidelines. This is often not mirrored by real world practice; however, only
      about 50% to 70% of ACS patients do undergo a diagnostic catheterization. In
      addition, the optimal timing of an angiography or intervention in relation to
      contemporary antithrombotic regimens remains unclear. In this paper, the current
      evidence for routine invasive management as well as the timing of catheterization
      in non-ST-ACS is reviewed.

PMID- 22042638
TI  - Improving the sensitivity of immunoassays with PEG-COOH-like film prepared by
      plasma-based technique.
AB  - Herein we report on a preparation and performance of stable, hydrophilic and
      biocompatible polymeric material suitable for functionalization of disposable
      substrates used in biosensors. This new material features ?COOH surface groups
      cross-linked with ethylene glycol molecules and was prepared in situ on
      disposable, plastic substrate by high-throughput and environmentally friendly
      technique called plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD). The film is
      grafted to the plasma activated plastic by sequential deposition of
      tetraethylorthosilicate, forming a bonding layer, and mixed vapors of acrylic
      acid and diethyleneglycol dimethylether (AA/PEG) that provide the desired
      functional groups forming a sensing, contact layer. A superior performance of the
      AA/PEG coating as suitable material for substrates in biomedical devices was
      demonstrated in a model fluorescence linked immunosorbent assay. The results were
      compared with other commonly used surface materials prepared by wet chemistry
      methods. The unique characteristic of the AA/PEG film is that the immunoassay can
      be executed without the need for a blocking step, typically using albumins,
      without negative consequences on the bioassay results. In fact, the superior
      quality of the materials modified with AA/PEG film was highlighted by improving
      the sensitivity of an immunoassay by two orders of magnitude when compared with
      substrates prepared by standard surface chemistry methods.

PMID- 22042640
TI  - Craniofacial adaptations to tree-gouging among marmosets.
AB  - Many primates rely on exudates as dietary items, but comparatively few elicit
      exudates via tree-gouging. Marmosets are the only haplorhines to extensively
      utilize this behavior during feeding. Several studies have explored craniofacial
      adaptations to this behavior, but its morphological correlates are a matter of
      debate. Various studies suggest that gougers exhibit bite-force maximizing
      adaptations, load resistance adaptations, and/or jaw-gape maximizing
      characteristics. All of these seemingly incompatible biomechanical adaptations
      have previously been argued for marmosets. This study utilizes multivariate and
      univariate analyses to compare gouging and non-gouging callitrichids for 25
      biomechanically relevant craniofacial variables to address this form-function
      debate. We show that marmosets differ from non-gouging callitrichids in few
      craniofacial characteristics. Specifically, three craniofacial features
      differentiate them from non-gougers: relatively longer basicrania, narrower
      palates, and shorter coronoid processes. We suggest that these characteristics
      are consistent with a mosaic model for gouging adaptations. In particular, we
      argue that: (a) shortening the coronoid processes facilitates relatively larger
      maximum jaw-gapes, (b) basicranial elongation facilitates the extended neck/head
      posture utilized by marmosets during gouging to maximize gapes, and (c) narrowing
      the palate serves to more effectively dissipate forces through the maxillary
      canines during substrate anchoring. Previous studies have documented some of
      these characters as typical of marmosets, but this combination has not been
      interpreted as core elements of the marmoset adaptive complex. Marmosets exhibit
      a unique anatomical repertoire that biomechanically adapts them to both increased
      jaw-gape and the force dissipation regime associated with tree-gouging.
      Comparisons among marmoset taxa may enlighten the evolutionary history of the
      features reported here.

PMID- 22042641
TI  - Tissue distribution of alpha- and gamma-tocotrienol and gamma-tocopherol in rats
      and interference with their accumulation by alpha-tocopherol.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate tissue distribution of vitamin E isoforms
      such as alpha- and gamma-tocotrienol and gamma-tocopherol and interference with
      their tissue accumulation by alpha-tocopherol. Rats were fed a diet containing a
      tocotrienol mixture or gamma-tocopherol with or without alpha-tocopherol, or were
      administered by gavage an emulsion containing tocotrienol mixture or gamma
      tocopherol with or without alpha-tocopherol. There were high levels of alpha
      tocotrienol in the adipose tissue and adrenal gland, gamma-tocotrienol in the
      adipose tissue, and gamma-tocopherol in the adrenal gland of rats fed tocotrienol
      mixture or gamma-tocopherol for 7 weeks. Dietary alpha-tocopherol decreased the
      alpha-tocotrienol and gamma-tocopherol but not gamma-tocotrienol concentrations
      in tissues. In the oral administration study, both tocopherol and tocotrienol
      quickly accumulated in the adrenal gland; however, their accumulation in adipose
      tissue was slow. In contrast to the dietary intake, alpha-tocopherol, which has
      the highest affinity for alpha-tocopherol transfer protein (alphaTTP), inhibited
      uptake of gamma-tocotrienol to tissues including adipose tissue after oral
      administration, suggesting that the affinities of tocopherol and tocotrienol for
      alphaTTP in the liver were the critical determinants of their uptake to
      peripheral tissues. Vitamin E deficiency for 4 weeks depleted tocopherol and
      tocotrienol stores in the liver but not in adipose tissue. These results indicate
      that dietary vitamin E slowly accumulates in adipose tissue but the levels are
      kept without degradation. The property of adipose tissue as vitamin E store
      causes adipose tissue-specific accumulation of dietary tocotrienol.

PMID- 22042642
TI  - Locus- and domain-dependent control of DNA methylation at mouse B1
      retrotransposons during male germ cell development.
AB  - In mammals, germ cells undergo striking dynamic changes in DNA methylation during
      their development. However, the dynamics and mode of methylation are poorly
      understood for short interspersed elements (SINEs) dispersed throughout the
      genome. We investigated the DNA methylation status of mouse B1 SINEs in male germ
      cells at different developmental stages. B1 elements showed a large locus-to
      locus variation in methylation; loci close to RNA polymerase II promoters were
      hypomethylated, while most others were hypermethylated. Interestingly, a mutation
      that eliminates Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), which are involved in methylation
      of long interspersed elements (LINEs), did not affect the level of B1
      methylation, implying a piRNA-independent mechanism. Methylation at B1 loci in
      SINE-poor genomic domains showed a higher dependency on the de novo DNA
      methyltransferase DNMT3A but not on DNMT3B, suggesting that DNMT3A plays a major
      role in methylation of these domains. We also found that many genes specifically
      expressed in the testis possess B1 elements in their promoters, suggesting the
      involvement of B1 methylation in transcriptional regulation. Taken altogether,
      our results not only reveal the dynamics and mode of SINE methylation but also
      suggest how the DNA methylation profile is created in the germline by a pair of
      DNA methyltransferases.

PMID- 22042643
TI  - Deep-transcriptome and ribonome sequencing redefines the molecular networks of
      pluripotency and the extracellular space in human embryonic stem cells.
AB  - Recent RNA-sequencing studies have shown remarkable complexity in the mammalian
      transcriptome. The ultimate impact of this complexity on the predicted proteomic
      output is less well defined. We have undertaken strand-specific RNA sequencing of
      multiple cellular RNA fractions (>20 Gb) to uncover the transcriptional
      complexity of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). We have shown that human
      embryonic stem (ES) cells display a high degree of transcriptional diversity,
      with more than half of active genes generating RNAs that differ from conventional
      gene models. We found evidence that more than 1000 genes express long 5' and/or
      extended 3'UTRs, which was confirmed by "virtual Northern" analysis. Exhaustive
      sequencing of the membrane-polysome and cytosolic/untranslated fractions of hESCs
      was used to identify RNAs encoding peptides destined for secretion and the
      extracellular space and to demonstrate preferential selection of transcription
      complexity for translation in vitro. The impact of this newly defined complexity
      on known gene-centric network models such as the Plurinet and the cell surface
      signaling machinery in human ES cells revealed a significant expansion of known
      transcript isoforms at play, many predicting possible alternative functions based
      on sequence alterations within key functional domains.

PMID- 22042644
TI  - Biological and therapeutic applications of small RNAs.

PMID- 22042645
TI  - Hybrid modeling framework for process analytical technology: application to
      Bordetella pertussis cultures.
AB  - In the process analytical technology (PAT) initiative, the application of sensors
      technology and modeling methods is promoted. The emphasis is on Quality by
      Design, online monitoring, and closed-loop control with the general aim of
      building in product quality into manufacturing operations. As a result, online
      high-throughput process analyzers find increasing application and therewith high
      amounts of highly correlated data become available online. In this study, an
      hybrid chemometric/mathematical modeling method is adopted for data analysis,
      which is shown to be advantageous over the commonly used chemometric techniques
      in PAT applications. This methodology was applied to the analysis of process data
      of Bordetella pertussis cultivations, namely online data of near-infrared, (NIR),
      pH, temperature and dissolved oxygen, and off-line data of biomass, glutamate,
      and lactate concentrations. The hybrid model structure consisted of macroscopic
      material balance equations in which the specific reactions rates are modeled by
      nonlinear partial least square (PLS). This methodology revealed a significant
      higher statistical confidence in comparison to PLSs, translated in a reduction of
      mean squared prediction errors (e.g., individual root mean squared prediction
      errors calibration/validation obtained through the hybrid model for the
      concentrations of lactate: 0.8699/0.7190 mmol/L; glutamate: 0.6057/0.2917 mmol/L;
      and biomass: 0.0520/0.0283 OD; and obtained through the PLS model for the
      concentrations of lactate: 1.3549/1.0087 mmol/L; glutamate: 0.7628/0.3504 mmol/L;
      and biomass: 0.0949/0.0412 OD). Moreover, the analysis of loadings and scores in
      the hybrid approach revealed that process features can, as for PLS, be extracted
      by the hybrid method.

PMID- 22042646
TI  - Affective norms for 380 Spanish words belonging to three different semantic
      categories.
AB  - Emotional words are increasingly used in the study of word processing. To
      elucidate whether the experimental effects obtained with these words are due
      either to their affective content or to other semantic characteristics, it is
      necessary to conduct experiments with affectively valenced words obtained from
      different semantic categories. In the present article, we present affective
      ratings for 380 Spanish words belonging to three semantic categories: animals,
      people, and objects. The norms are based on the assessments made by 504
      participants, who rated about 47 words either in valence and arousal, by using
      the Self-Assessment Manikin (Bradley & Lang, Journal of Behavioral Therapy and
      Experimental Psychiatry, 25, 49-59. 1994), or in concreteness and familiarity.
      These ratings will help researchers select stimuli for experiments in which both
      the affective properties of words and their membership to a given semantic
      category have to be taken into account. The database is available as an online
      supplement for this article.

PMID- 22042647
TI  - Primary intraosseous cavernous hemangioma of the toe.
AB  - Intraosseous cavernous hemangioma is an uncommon benign vascular tumor. A 21-year
      old man presented with a small painless swelling of the left foot's long toe. X
      ray examination showed an outgrowing bony lesion that has cortical continuity in
      the tip of the long toe's distal phalanx lateral aspect. Preoperative examination
      yielded no final diagnosis. En bloc resection was performed. The histological
      diagnosis was intraosseous cavernous hemangioma. To the best of our knowledge,
      this case is a first report of primary intraosseous cavernous hemangioma of the
      toe. 

PMID- 22042648
TI  - Isolated rupture of biceps femoris tendon.
AB  - Authors present a case of rupture of the distal end of the biceps femoris.
      Injuries at this site are relatively rare. Clinical assessment can be aided by
      instrumental examinations such as ultrasound and especially NMR. Delayed
      treatment because of erroneous diagnosis or failure of conservative therapy can
      result in proximal retraction and atrophy of the muscle belly, requiring more
      complex surgery. Despite the limited data in the literature, Authors favor
      immediate surgical treatment of both complete and partial injury of the biceps
      femoris tendon, particularly in a patient who requires a high level of function. 

PMID- 22042649
TI  - Sustained release of neurotrophin-3 and chondroitinase ABC from electrospun
      collagen nanofiber scaffold for spinal cord injury repair.
AB  - Nerve regeneration after spinal cord injuries (SCI) remains suboptimal despite
      recent advances in the field. One major hurdle is the rapid clearance of drugs
      from the injury site, which greatly limits therapeutic outcomes. Nanofiber
      scaffolds represent a potential class of materials for enhancing nerve
      regeneration because of its biomimicking architecture. In this study, we
      investigated the feasibility of incorporating neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) and
      chondroitinase ABC (ChABC) onto electrospun collagen nanofibers for SCI
      treatment. By using microbial transglutaminase (mTG) mediated crosslinking,
      proteins were loaded onto electrospun collagen nanofibers at an efficiency of ~45
      48%. By combining NT-3 with heparin during the protein incorporation process, a
      sustained release of NT-3 was obtained (~96% by day 28). As indicated by dorsal
      root ganglion outgrowth assay, NT-3 incorporated collagen scaffolds supported
      neuronal culture and neurite outgrowth for a longer time period than bolus
      delivery of NT-3. The presence of heparin also protected ChABC from degradation.
      Specifically, as evaluated by dimethylmethylene blue assay, bioactive ChABC was
      detected from collagen scaffolds for at least 32 days in vitro in the presence of
      heparin (~32% of bioactivity retained). In contrast, ChABC bioactivity was only
      ~1.9% by day 22 in the absence of heparin. Taken together, these results clearly
      demonstrated the feasibility of incorporating NT-3 and ChABC via mTG
      immobilization to produce protein-incorporated collagen nanofibers. Such
      biofunctional nanofiber constructs may find useful applications in SCI treatment
      by providing topographical signals and multiple biochemical cues that can promote
      nerve regeneration while antagonizing axonal growth inhibition for CNS
      regeneration.

PMID- 22042650
TI  - Comment on the paper "indexing molecules with chemical graph identifiers" by
      Elisabeth Gregori-Puigjane, Rut Garriga-Sust, and Jordi Mestres.

PMID- 22042651
TI  - Effect of epidermal growth factor on follicle-stimulating hormone-induced
      proliferation of granulosa cells from chicken prehierarchical follicles.
AB  - The development of ovarian follicular cells is controlled by multiple circulating
      and local hormones and factors, including follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and
      epidermal growth factor (EGF). In this study, the stage-specific effect of EGF on
      FSH-induced proliferation of granulosa cells was evaluated in the ovarian
      follicles of egg-laying chickens. Results showed that EGF and its receptor (EGFR)
      mRNAs displayed a high expression in granulosa cells from the prehierarchical
      follicles, including the large white follicle (LWF) and small yellow follicle
      (SYF), and thereafter the expression decreased markedly to the stage of the
      largest preovulatory follicle. SYF represents a turning point of EGF/EGFR mRNA
      expression during follicle selection. Subsequently the granulosa cells from SYF
      were cultured to reveal the mediation of EGF in FSH action. Cell proliferation
      was remarkably increased by treatment with either EGF or FSH (0.1-100 ng/ml).
      This result was confirmed by elevated proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)
      expression and decreased cell apoptosis. Furthermore, EGF-induced cell
      proliferation was accompanied by increased mRNA expressions of EGFR, FSH
      receptor, and the cell cycle-regulating genes (cyclins D1 and E1, cyclin
      dependent kinases 2 and 6) as well as decreased expression of luteinizing hormone
      receptor mRNA. However, the EGF or FSH-elicited effect was reversed by
      simultaneous treatment with an EGFR inhibitor AG1478. In conclusion, EGF and EGFR
      expressions manifested stage-specific changes during follicular development and
      EGF mediated FSH-induced cell proliferation and retarded cell differentiation in
      the prehierarchical follicles. These expressions thus stimulated follicular
      growth before selection in the egg-laying chicken.

PMID- 22042652
TI  - Development of an indirect competitive ELISA for simultaneous detection of
      enrofloxacin and ciprofloxacin.
AB  - Modified 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropy) carbodiimide (EDC) method was employed
      to synthesize the artificial antigen of enrofloxacin (ENR), and New Zealand
      rabbits were used to produce anti-ENR polyclonal antibody (pAb). Based on the
      checkerboard titration, an indirect competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
      (ELISA) standard curve was established. This assay was sensitive and had a linear
      range from 0.6 to 148.0 MUg/kg (R(2) = 0.9567), with the half maximal inhibitory
      concentration (IC(50)) and limit of detection (LOD) values of 9.4 MUg/kg and 0.2
      MUg/kg, respectively. Of all the competitive analogues, the produced pAb
      exhibited a high cross-reactivity to ciprofloxacin (CIP) (87%), the main
      metabolite of ENR in tissues. After optimization, the matrix effects can be
      ignored using a 10-fold dilution in beef and 20-fold dilution in pork. The
      overall recoveries and coefficients of variation (CVs) were in the ranges of 86%
      109% and 6.8%-13.1%, respectively. It can be concluded that the established ELISA
      method is suitable for simultaneous detection of ENR and CIP in animal tissues.

PMID- 22042653
TI  - Effect of quantum therapy on pork quality.
AB  - In this study the impact of quantum therapy on meat quality of slaughtered pigs
      was investigated. For this purpose the pigs were treated with different doses of
      magnet-infrared-laser (MIL) radiation. Animals were divided into four groups
      according to radiation doses (4096, 512, and 64 Hz, and control without
      application), which were applied in the lumbar area of musculus longissimus dorsi
      (loin) at various time intervals prior to the slaughter (14 d, 24 h, and 1 h).
      Animals were slaughtered and the meat quality was evaluated by determining of pH
      value (1, 3, and 24 h post slaughter), drip loss, colour, and lactic acid and
      phosphoric acid amounts. MIL therapy can be used in various fields of veterinary
      medicine as are surgery and orthopaedics, internal medicine, dentistry,
      pulmonology, gastroenterology, gynaecology, urology, nephrology, and dermatology.
      The results achieved showed that MIL radiation used in a short period before
      slaughter (1 h) can cause a change in the meat quality, as reflected by the non
      standard development of pH values, increases in drip loss, and changes of meat
      colour.

PMID- 22042654
TI  - Involvement of basolateral amygdala GABAA receptors in the effect of
      dexamethasone on memory in rats.
AB  - In this study we investigated whether GABA(A) receptors of the basolateral
      amygdala (BLA) interact with the effect of dexamethasone on the retrieval stage
      of memory. Adult male Wistar rats were bilaterally cannulated in the BLA by
      stereotaxic surgery. The animals were trained in step-through apparatus by
      induction of electric shock (1.5 mA, 3 s) and were tested for memory retrieval
      after 1 d. The time of latency for entering the dark compartment of the
      instrument and the time spent by rats in this chamber were recorded for
      evaluation of the animals' retrieval in passive avoidance memory. Administration
      of dexamethasone (0.3 and 0.9 mg/kg, subcutaneously (s.c.)), immediately after
      training, enhanced memory retrieval. This effect was reduced by intra-BLA
      microinjection of muscimol (0.125, 0.250 and 0.500 ug/rat), when administered
      before 0.9 mg/kg of dexamethasone. Microinjection of bicuculline (0.75 ug/rat,
      intra-BLA) with an ineffective dose of dexamethasone (0.1 mg/kg, s.c.) increased
      memory retrieval. However, the same doses of muscimol and bicuculline without
      dexamethasone did not affect memory processes. Our data support reports that
      dexamethasone enhances memory retrieval. It seems that GABA(A) receptors of the
      BLA mediate the effect of dexamethasone on memory retrieval in rats.

PMID- 22042655
TI  - Growth rate, catalase and superoxide dismutase activities in rock carp (Procypris
      rabaudi Tchang) exposed to supersaturated total dissolved gas.
AB  - Total dissolved gas supersaturation (TDGS) appears when the pressures of gases in
      a solution exceed the barometric pressures. TDGS is often caused by flood
      discharge at dams. It may lead to gas bubble disease (GBD) for fish and
      biochemical responses of selected fish and other aquatic organisms. The purpose
      of this study was to determine the impact of long-term TDGS levels on the growth
      and biochemical responses of rock carp (Procypris rabaudi Tchang) dwelling in the
      upper reaches of the Yangtze River. Three-year-old rock carp were exposed to TDGS
      levels at 100%, 104%, 108%, 112%, and 116% for 42 d. Samples were taken every 7 d
      after the start of the trial in order to determine catalase (CAT) and superoxide
      dismutase (SOD) activities in gill and muscle tissues. Samples were taken at Days
      0 and 42 of exposure to determine growth rate. Little effect was found on growth
      rate in all treatment groups. SOD and CAT activities varied in different tissues,
      according to time of exposure and TDGS levels. The biochemical response of fish
      exposed to TDGS was more obvious in gill tissue than in muscle tissue. Surveys of
      SOD and CAT activities in different tissues offer important information about the
      effect of TDGS on the rare fish in the Yangtze River, and may help evaluate the
      risk to the aquatic eco-environment and aquatic ecosystem in the downstream of
      the Yangtze River.

PMID- 22042656
TI  - Antioxidants in aqueous extract of Myristica fragrans (Houtt.) suppress mitosis
      and cyclophosphamide-induced chromosomal aberrations in Allium cepa L. cells.
AB  - In this study, freeze-dried water extract from the leaves of Myristica fragrans
      (Houtt.) was tested for mutagenic and antimutagenic potentials using the Allium
      cepa assay. Freeze-dried water extract alone and its combination with
      cyclophosphamide (CP) (50 mg/kg) were separately dissolved in tap water at 500,
      1000, 2000, and 4000 mg/kg. Onions (A. cepa) were suspended in the solutions and
      controls for 48 h in the dark. Root tips were prepared for microscopic
      evaluation. 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radicals' scavenging power
      of the extract was tested using butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated
      hydroxytoluene (BHT) as standards. Water extract of Myristica fragrans scavenged
      free radicals better than BHA, but worse than BHT. The extract alone, as well as
      in combination with CP suppressed cell division, and induced chromosomal
      aberrations that were insignificantly different from the negative control (P <=
      0.05). However, cytotoxic and mutagenic actions of CP were considerably
      suppressed. The observed effects on cell division and chromosomes of A. cepa may
      be principally connected to the antioxidant properties of the extract. The
      obtained results suggest mitodepressive and antimutagenic potentials of water
      extract of the leaves of M. fragrans as desirable properties of a promising
      anticancer agent.

PMID- 22042657
TI  - Production of conjugated linoleic acids by Lactobacillus plantarum strains
      isolated from naturally fermented Chinese pickles.
AB  - Naturally fermented pickles harbour many lactic acid bacteria (LAB). Forty-three
      LAB strains with conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)-producing ability were isolated
      from three naturally fermented pickle brines. Of these isolates, lp15 identified
      as Lactobacillus plantarum by API 50 CHL system and full-length 16S rDNA sequence
      analysis exhibited the highest CLA-producing ability (26.1% conversion) at 48 h
      in de Man Rogosa Sharpe (MRS) broth in the presence of 100 ug/ml of linoleic acid
      (LA). Compared to other strains, L. plantarum strain lp15 showed the highest
      tolerance upon increased levels of LA in the medium, i.e., up to 600 ug/ml. This
      strain converted about 25% of LA into CLA isomers [predominantly cis-9, trans-11
      CLA (9-CLA) and trans-10, cis-12 CLA (10-CLA)], of which 75% was 9-CLA.
      Interestingly, though the conversion rate of LA into CLA by lp15 remained stable
      between 100 to 600 ug/ml LA levels in the medium, it dropped sharply at 1000
      ug/ml. Taken together, the lp15 strain displayed relatively high LA tolerance
      with higher conversion rate, which implies that this strain is a valuable
      candidate for enhancing the CLA content in food-sources like pickles.

PMID- 22042658
TI  - Preparation of glucosamine by hydrolysis of chitosan with commercial alpha
      amylase and glucoamylase.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In order to overcome the defects of chemical hydrolysis approach to
      prepare glucosamine, an enzymatic hydrolysis method was developed. METHODS:
      Glucosamine was prepared by hydrolyzing chitosan, employing alpha-amylase
      initially, and subsequently, glucoamylase. RESULTS: The optimal hydrolyzing
      conditions were as follows: reaction time, 4 h; pH, 5.0; temperature, 50  degrees
      C; and, alpha-amylase, 80 U/g for the initial reaction. Subsequently,
      glucoamylase was added in the presence of alpha-amylase. The optimal reaction
      conditions were found to be: reaction time, 8 h; pH, 4.5; temperature, 55 
      degrees C; and, glucoamylase, 4000 U/g. The hydrolysates were subject to
      filtrating, concentrating to about 20% (w/w), precipitating with five volumes of
      ethanol, and drying at 60  degrees C for 2 h. The content and the yield of
      glucosamine in the dried precipitate were 91.3% (w/w) and 86.2% (w/w),
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The method developed in this study is a promising
      option in the preparation of glucosamine.

PMID- 22042659
TI  - DNA methylation polymorphism in flue-cured tobacco and candidate markers for
      tobacco mosaic virus resistance.
AB  - DNA methylation plays an important role in the epigenetic regulation of gene
      expression during plant growth, development, and polyploidization. However, there
      is still no distinct evidence in tobacco regarding the distribution of the
      methylation pattern and whether it contributes to qualitative characteristics. We
      studied the levels and patterns of methylation polymorphism at CCGG sites in 48
      accessions of allotetraploid flue-cured tobacco, Nicotiana tabacum, using a
      methylation-sensitive amplified polymorphism (MSAP) technique. The results showed
      that methylation existed at a high level among tobacco accessions, among which
      49.3% sites were methylated and 69.9% allelic sites were polymorphic. A cluster
      analysis revealed distinct patterns of geography-specific groups. In addition,
      three polymorphic sites significantly related to tobacco mosaic virus (TMV)
      resistance were explored. This suggests that tobacco breeders should pay more
      attention to epigenetic traits.

PMID- 22042660
TI  - A recessive gene controlling male sterility sensitive to short daylength/low
      temperature in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).
AB  - Utilization of a two-line breeding system via photoperiod-thermo sensitive male
      sterility has a great potential for hybrid production in wheat (Triticum aestivum
      L.). 337S is a novel wheat male sterile line sensitive to both short
      daylength/low temperature and long daylength/high temperature. Five F(2)
      populations derived from the crosses between 337S and five common wheat varieties
      were developed for genetic analysis. All F(1)'s were highly fertile while
      segregation occurred in the F(2) populations with a ratio of 3 fertile:1 sterile
      under short daylength/low temperature. It is shown that male sterility in 337S
      was controlled by a single recessive gene, temporarily designated as wptms3.
      Bulked segregant analysis (BSA) coupled with simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers
      was applied to map the sterile gene using one mapping population. The wptms3 gene
      was mapped to chromosome arm 1BS and flanked by Xgwm413 and Xgwm182 at a genetic
      distance of 3.2 and 23.5 cM, respectively. The accuracy and efficiency of marker
      assisted selection were evaluated and proved essential for identifying homozygous
      recessive male sterile genotypes of the wptms3 gene in F(2) generation.

PMID- 22042663
TI  - Reconstructing the locomotor repertoire of Protopithecus brasiliensis. I. Body
      size.
AB  - An accurate body size estimate is essential for reconstructing and interpreting
      many aspects of the paleobiology of an extinct taxon. With this in mind, the
      purpose of this study is two-fold: first, to create statistically robust
      predictive regression equations for body mass, total body length, and head and
      body length from postcranial elements using a platyrrhine reference sample, data
      that do not exist elsewhere in the literature; and, second, to apply those
      regression equations to the "giant" subfossil platyrrhine Protopithecus
      brasiliensis, a little-studied taxon represented by a nearly complete skeleton.
      Building on results of previous work with other primate groups, different
      skeletal elements, subgroups of the reference sample, and regression models lead
      to different body size estimates with different standard errors and prediction
      errors. However, relatively tight clusters of estimates around 20 kg, total
      length of 1,675 mm, and head and body length of 710 mm are obtained, placing the
      fossil in the size range of a large male baboon. While not quite as large as the
      original 25 kg body mass estimate for the fossil, this new estimate is still
      approximately 150% larger than the largest living New World monkey. Confirmation
      of its place in a large-bodied size class of platyrrhines has a profound effect
      on reconstructing the locomotor repertoire of Protopithecus and the evolutionary
      trajectory of the alouattin lineage.

PMID- 22042662
TI  - Work ability of survivors of breast, prostate, and testicular cancer in Nordic
      countries: a NOCWO study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Cancer can cause adverse effects on survivors' work ability. We
      compared the self-assessed work ability of breast, testicular, and prostate
      cancer survivors to that of people without cancer. We also investigated the
      association of disease-related and socio-demographic factors and job-related
      resources (organizational climate, social support, and avoidance behavior) with
      work ability and looked at whether these associations were different for the
      survivors and reference subjects. METHODS: Working aged cancer patients diagnosed
      between 1997 and 2002 were identified from hospital or cancer registries in
      Denmark, Finland, Iceland, and Norway (Nordic Study on Cancer and Work). A cancer
      free reference group was selected from population registries. We collected
      information on work ability and other factors from 1,490 employed survivors and
      2,796 reference subjects via a questionnaire. RESULTS: The adjusted mean value of
      work ability was slightly lower among the breast and prostate cancer survivors
      compared to the cancer-free population. Co-morbidity, chemotherapy, low workplace
      support, and low organizational commitment were associated with reduced work
      ability. Avoidance behavior from supervisors or colleagues was only related to
      work ability among the cancer survivors. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: More
      attention should be paid to assisting cancer survivors in work life, particularly
      those who have chronic diseases or have undergone chemotherapy. Although most
      factors affecting the work ability of the survivors and reference subjects were
      the same, survivors' work ability seemed to be particularly sensitive to
      avoidance behavior. The results suggest that there is a need to improve
      communication at the workplace and develop supportive leadership practices in
      order to avoid isolating behavior towards cancer survivors.

PMID- 22042661
TI  - How confident are young adult cancer survivors in managing their survivorship
      care? A report from the LIVESTRONGTM Survivorship Center of Excellence Network.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This study examined the association between sociodemographic,
      cancer treatment, and care delivery factors on young adult cancer survivors'
      confidence in managing their survivorship care. METHODS: Survivors aged 18-39
      years (n = 376) recruited from the LIVESTRONGTM Survivorship Center of Excellence
      Network sites completed a survey assessing self-reported receipt of survivorship
      care planning, expectations of their providers, and confidence in managing their
      survivorship care. Multivariate logistic regression identified characteristics of
      those reporting low confidence in managing their survivorship care. RESULTS: Mean
      age was 28 years; mean interval from diagnosis was 9 +/- 8 years. Seventy-one
      percent reported currently attending an oncology survivorship clinic. Regarding
      survivorship care planning, 33% did not have copies of their cancer-related
      medical records, 48% did not have a treatment summary, and 55% had not received a
      survivorship care plan. Seventy percent identified the oncologist as the most
      important health care provider for decisions regarding test and treatment
      decisions while 10% reported using a "shared-care model" involving both primary
      care providers and oncologists. Forty-one percent were classified as having low
      confidence in managing survivorship care. In multivariate analysis, low
      confidence was associated with non-white ethnicity and lack of a survivorship
      care plan (both p < 0.05). DISCUSSION/CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that
      provision of survivorship care plans for young adult cancer survivors can be used
      to improve confidence in managing survivorship care, particularly for ethnic
      minorities. IMPLICATIONS FOR CANCER SURVIVORS: Survivors should consider
      advocating for receipt of a survivorship care plan as it may facilitate
      confidence as a consumer of survivorship care.

PMID- 22042664
TI  - Differential survival in Europe and the United States: estimates based on
      subjective probabilities of survival.
AB  - Cross-country comparisons of differential survival by socioeconomic status (SES)
      are useful in many domains. Yet, to date, such studies have been rare. Reliably
      estimating differential survival in a single country has been challenging because
      it requires rich panel data with a large sample size. Cross-country estimates
      have proven even more difficult because the measures of SES need to be comparable
      internationally. We present an alternative method for acquiring information on
      differential survival by SES. Rather than using observations of actual survival,
      we relate individuals' subjective probabilities of survival to SES variables in
      cross section. To show that subjective survival probabilities are informative
      proxies for actual survival when estimating differential survival, we compare
      estimates of differential survival based on actual survival with estimates based
      on subjective probabilities of survival for the same sample. The results are
      remarkably similar. We then use this approach to compare differential survival by
      SES for 10 European countries and the United States. Wealthier people have higher
      survival probabilities than those who are less wealthy, but the strength of the
      association differs across countries. Nations with a smaller gradient appear to
      be Belgium, France, and Italy, while the United States, England, and Sweden
      appear to have a larger gradient.

PMID- 22042665
TI  - The apparent voltage dependence of GABAA receptor activation and modulation is
      inversely related to channel open probability.
AB  - The GABA type A receptor (GABA(A)R) is expressed ubiquitously throughout the
      brain and is a target for many therapeutic agents, including general anesthetics
      and benzodiazepines, which enhance receptor function by increasing the open
      probability (P(o)) of the ion channel. It is commonplace for in vitro studies of
      receptor pharmacological characteristics to use negative membrane holding
      potentials to mimic the resting potential of neurons and symmetrical chloride to
      eliminate Goldman rectification, which results in chloride flow in the opposite
      direction, compared with in vivo conditions. This critical difference is usually
      overlooked because the GABA(A)R has been reported to behave as an ohmic pore, but
      our results show that the current-voltage relationship is nonlinear with respect
      to P(o). Specifically, we found that currents were outwardly rectifying at low
      P(o) and linear at high P(o). We confirmed the correlation between P(o) and
      rectification with a partial agonist, piperidine-4-sulfonic acid, and a gating
      impaired mutation, alpha1(L277A); both exhibited enhanced outward rectification.
      Furthermore, this correlation was independent of Goldman rectification and
      persisted under altered chloride gradient conditions, which suggests that
      rectification is linked to the direction of chloride flux. Finally, our results
      showed that the degree of potentiation by general anesthetics (etomidate,
      propofol, and isoflurane) was greater at negative membrane potentials.
      Traditional in vitro experiments thus overestimate the action of positive
      allosteric modulators of the GABA(A)R. Our results show that the direction of the
      driving force on the permeant ion, as well as P(o), must be considered together
      for a complete understanding of drug actions on ligand-gated ion channels.

PMID- 22042666
TI  - Managing two cultural identities: the malleability of bicultural identity
      integration as a function of induced global or local processing.
AB  - Increasingly, individuals identify with two or more cultures. Prior research has
      found the degree to which individuals chronically integrate these identities
      (bicultural identity integration; BII) moderates responses to cultural cues: High
      BII individuals assimilate (adopting biases that are congruent with norms of the
      cued culture), whereas low BII individuals contrast (adopting biases that are
      incongruent with these norms). The authors propose BII can also be a
      psychological state and modulated by shifts in processing styles. In four
      experiments, the authors induced a global or local processing style using
      physical posture (Experiment 1) and cognitive manipulations (Experiments 2-4) and
      found that BII is enhanced in contexts facilitating a more global processing
      style (i.e., smiling, high-level construal, and similarity focus). The authors
      also found that contrastive responses to cultural cues are diminished when BII is
      situationally enhanced. Implications for research on processing style, identity
      integration, and performance in culture-based situations are discussed.

PMID- 22042667
TI  - Stigma building blocks: how instruction and experience teach children about
      rejection by outgroups.
AB  - Gaining an understanding of intergroup relations and outgroup rejection is an
      important childhood development. Children learn about rejection by outgroups via
      their own experiences and external instruction. A comparison of the impact of
      experience and instruction on first-, third-, and fifth-grade children's
      evaluations of rejection by outgroups in a minimal-groups paradigm suggests that
      the relative impact of experience and instruction differs as children age. In
      Study 1, younger children were more influenced by instruction, and older children
      were more influenced by what they experienced for themselves. In Study 2, younger
      children were more influenced by instruction, even when that instruction
      conflicted with what they experienced; older children were more influenced by
      their own experiences, even when those experiences contradicted what they were
      told to expect. These findings suggest that children begin learning about
      outgroup rejection through instruction but start to rely more on their own
      experiences as they age.

PMID- 22042668
TI  - Planning and monitoring of patients for electrical cardioversion for atrial
      fibrillation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study evaluated the waiting list for elective electrical
      cardioversion (ECV) for persistent atrial fibrillation (AF), focusing on when and
      why procedures were postponed. We compared the effects of management of the
      waiting list conducted by physicians versus management by nurse practitioners
      (NPs) and we evaluated the safety of our anticoagulating policy by means of
      bleeding or thromboembolic complications during and after ECV. BACKGROUND: Not
      all patients selected for ECV receive their treatment at the first planned
      instance due to a variety of reasons. These reasons are still undocumented.
      METHODS: We evaluated 250 consecutive patients with persistent AF admitted to our
      clinic for elective ECV. RESULTS: Within 5 to 6 weeks, 186 of 242 patients (77%)
      received ECV. The main reason for postponing an ECV was an inadequate
      international normalised ratio (INR); other reasons included spontaneous sinus
      rhythm and switch to rate control. A total of 23 of the 147 patients (16%)
      managed by the research physician were postponed due to an inadequate INR at
      admission versus 4 out of 98 patients (4%) managed by NPs (p = 0.005) CONCLUSION:
      An inadequate INR is the main reason for postponing an ECV. Management of ECV by
      NPs is safe and leads to less postponing on admission.

PMID- 22042669
TI  - Is nanotechnology the key to unravel and engineer biological processes?
AB  - Regenerative medicine is an emerging field aiming to the development of new
      reparative strategies to treat degenerative diseases, injury, and trauma through
      developmental pathways in order to rebuild the architecture of the original
      injured organ and take over its functionality. Most of the processes and
      interactions involved in the regenerative process take place at subcellular
      scale. Nanotechnology provides the tools and technology not only to detect, to
      measure, or to image the interactions between the different biomolecules and
      biological entities, but also to control and guide the regenerative process. The
      relevance of nanotechnology for the development of regenerative medicine as well
      as an overview of the different tools that contribute to unravel and engineer
      biological systems are presented in this chapter. In addition, general data about
      the social impact and global investment in nanotechnology are provided.

PMID- 22042670
TI  - Synthesis of genetically engineered protein polymers (recombinamers) as an
      example of advanced self-assembled smart materials.
AB  - In this chapter, we describe two methods for bio-producing recombinant repetitive
      polypeptide polymers for use in biomedical devices. These polymers, known as
      elastin-like recombinamers (ELRs), are derived from the repetition of selected
      amino acid domains of extracellular matrix proteins with the aim of recreating
      their mechanical and physiological features. The proteinaceous nature of ELRs
      allows us to make use of the natural biosynthetic machinery of heterologous hosts
      to express advanced and large polymers or "recombinamers." Despite the
      essentially unlimited possibilities for designing recombinamers, the production
      of synthetic genes to encode them should allow us to overcome the difficulties
      surrounding bioproduction of these non-natural monotonous DNA and protein
      sequences. The aim of this work is to supply the biotechnologist with fine-tuning
      methods to biosynthesize advanced self-assembled smart materials.

PMID- 22042671
TI  - Design of biomolecules for nanoengineered biomaterials for regenerative medicine.
AB  - An important goal in the development of highly functional organic materials is to
      design self-assembling molecules that can reproducibly display chemical signals
      across length scales. Within the biomedical field, biomolecules are highly
      attractive candidates to serve as bioactive building blocks for the next
      generation of biomaterials. The peptide amphiphiles (PAs) developed by the Stupp
      Laboratory at Northwestern University generated a highly versatile self-assembly
      code to create well-defined bioactive nanofibers that have been proven to be very
      effective at signaling cells in vitro and in vivo. Here, we describe the basic
      steps necessary for synthesis and assembly of PA molecules into functional
      nanostructures.

PMID- 22042672
TI  - Stimuli responsive polymers for nanoengineering of biointerfaces.
AB  - There is an increasing demand on the development of "smart" switchable interfaces
      since controlling surface topography and chemical functionality on a nanometer
      scale is crucial for numerous biomedical applications. Those surfaces, which are
      based on stimuli responsive polymers (SRPs), are able to modify their
      interactions with cells, biomolecules responding to different physical (e.g.,
      temperature) or chemical (e.g., pH) stimuli. Such behavior may partially mimic
      complex dynamic properties of natural systems that are regulated by many
      biological stimuli. This paper reviews major studies and applications of SRPs as
      biointerfaces in a form of thin polymeric films (gels) and surface tethered
      polymers (brushes).

PMID- 22042673
TI  - Micro/nanopatterning of proteins using a nanoimprint-based contact printing
      technique.
AB  - Micro and nanoscale protein patterning based on microcontact printing technique
      on large substrates have often resolution problems due to roof collapse of the
      poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) stamps used. Here, we describe a technique that
      overcomes these issues by using instead a stamp made of poly(methyl methacrylate)
      (PMMA), a much more rigid polymer that do not collapse even using stamps with
      very high aspect ratios (up to 300:1). Conformal contact between the stamp and
      the substrate is achieved because of the homogeneous pressure applied via the
      nanoimprint lithography instrument, and it has allowed us to print lines of
      protein 150 nm wide, at a 400 nm period. This technique, therefore, provides an
      excellent method for the direct printing of high-density submicrometer scale
      patterns, or, alternatively, micro/nanopatterns spaced at large distances.

PMID- 22042675
TI  - Fabrication of PEG hydrogel microwell arrays for high-throughput single stem cell
      culture and analysis.
AB  - Microwell arrays are cell culture and imaging platforms to assess cells at a
      single cell level and in high-throughput. They allow the spatial confinement of
      single cells in microfabricated cavities on a substrate and thus the continuous
      long-term observation of single cells and their progeny. The recent development
      of microwell arrays from soft, biomimetic hydrogels further increases the
      physiological relevance of these platforms, as it substantially enhances stem
      cell survival and the efficiency of self-renewal or differentiation. This
      protocol describes the microfabrication of such hydrogel microwell arrays, as
      well as the cell handling and imaging.

PMID- 22042674
TI  - Functionalization of surfaces with synthetic oligonucleotides.
AB  - There is a large interest in the use of nucleic acids covalently bound to
      surfaces for a variety of biomedical uses: biosensors, microarrays, drug
      delivery, lab-on-chip devices, and gene therapy, etc. Most of these applications
      require the covalent attachment of oligonucleotides via specific reactive groups
      on both modified oligonucleotide and/or surface. The purpose of this chapter is
      to provide experimental protocols for the synthesis of oligonucleotides and for
      the immobilization of these synthetic oligonucleotides onto surfaces such as gold
      and silicon oxide.

PMID- 22042676
TI  - Preparation of polyelectrolyte nanocomplexes containing recombinant human
      hepatocyte growth factor as potential oral carriers for liver regeneration.
AB  - The large number of cytokines and growth factors implicated in the regulation of
      liver regeneration has led to the possibility of using these molecules in
      therapy, namely, in the case of recombinant human hepatocyte growth factor
      (rhHGF). The importance and potential clinical usefulness of rhHGF has been
      extensively studied and documented, with results suggesting that this molecule
      could be a powerful tool toward increased success in hepatic regenerative
      therapy. However, the peptidic nature of this drug presents several challenges
      toward its effective administration and targeting. The possibility of
      encapsulating rhHGF in dextran sulfate/chitosan nanoparticles to allow its oral
      administration and direct liver-targeting is discussed in this manuscript.
      Details of a rapid and simple method for the preparation of such rhHGF-loaded
      nanocomplexes are presented. Beyond the practical aspects of the method,
      characterization techniques and main experimental features of obtained
      nanocarriers are also briefly analyzed and discussed.

PMID- 22042677
TI  - Electrospinning technology in tissue regeneration.
AB  - Electrospinning is one of the most versatile and effective tools to produce
      nanostructured fibers in the biomedical science fields. The nanofibrous structure
      with diameters from tens to hundreds of nanometers largely mimics the native
      extracellular matrix (ECM) of many tissues. Thus far, a range of compositions
      including polymers and ceramics and their composites/hybrids have been
      successfully applied for generating electrospun nanofibers. Different processing
      tools in electrospinning set-ups and assemblies are currently developed to tune
      the morphology and properties of nanofibers. Herein, we demonstrate the
      electrospinning process and the electrospun biomaterials for specific use in
      tissue regeneration with some examples, involving different material combinations
      and fiber morphologies.

PMID- 22042678
TI  - Protein adsorption characterization.
AB  - Protein adsorption from (aqueous) solutions onto a (solid) surface is a common
      process that takes place at biological interfaces. This phenomenon, that
      spontaneously occurs, changes the properties of the surface and can induce
      structural modifications on proteins. Proteins in solution can be easily
      identified/quantified using classical biochemical methods. However, adsorbed
      proteins are more difficult to assess since they are always associated with a
      substrate. The selection of the analytical method depends on the type of
      substrate used, the amount of adsorbed protein, the type of solution (single
      protein solution vs. complex biological media), and the type of information that
      is demanded (quantification of the adsorbed protein, adsorption kinetics,
      conformation, and orientation of the adsorbed protein). Until now, none of the
      techniques available are capable by its own to characterize all the protein
      adsorption process. Therefore, a multitechnique analysis is required. During this
      chapter, the methodologies to measure human serum albumin to poly(ethylene
      terephthalate) using the three different techniques, radiolabeling, ellipsometry,
      and quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation - QCM-D, are described in
      detail. The specific preparation of polymeric surfaces to be used with each
      technique is also presented.

PMID- 22042679
TI  - Measuring wettability of biosurfaces at the microscale.
AB  - Determining the contact angle of a liquid on a solid surface is a simple method
      to assess the surface wettability. The most common method to measure the contact
      angle of a liquid consists of capturing the profile of a sessile drop of a few
      microliters on the surface using an optical system. Currently, this is a widely
      used technique to analyze wettability both in researched materials and in
      products of multiple technological fields. However, the drop dispensed by a
      traditional macroscopic contact angle meter is too big to assess the wettability
      properties of individual topographical features and/or chemical patterns at the
      micro/nanoscale. Recently, contact angle meters that can discharge drops that are
      microscopic, with volumes in the range of 1 * 10(-3) to 10(-5) MUL have been
      developed. The novel microscopic contact angle meter uses a pneumatic injection
      system to discharge the drop of the liquid through a capillary of a few
      micrometers of internal diameter and a high-resolution ultrafast digital camera.
      We have tested different biosurfaces - microimprinted polymers for biosensors,
      calcium-phosphate cements with different topographical microfeatures, orthodontic
      wires - and assessed the potential applicability in the field in comparison with
      the conventional macroscopic contact angle meters. This protocol describes the
      basic tasks needed to test wettability on biosurfaces with a microscopic contact
      angle meter. The focus of the protocol is on the challenging methodological steps
      and those that differentiate the use of this equipment to the use of a
      traditional macroscopic contact angle meter.

PMID- 22042680
TI  - AFM to study bio/nonbio interactions.
AB  - This chapter describes a versatile approach to immobilize proteins and other
      biomolecules on reactive self-assembled monolayers on gold as a means to study
      interactions (forces) between these biomolecules and nonbiological entities.
      Biomolecules are either immobilized on the surface of flat substrates or on the
      surface of gold-coated atomic force microscopy (AFM) probe tips. In addition to
      the immobilization protocols, the actual AFM experiments in liquid and the
      quantitative analysis of adhesive forces receive attention. With these procedures
      and tools at hand, a wide variety of problems in the area of bio/nonbio
      interactions can be addressed experimentally.

PMID- 22042681
TI  - Evaluation of cytocompatibility and cell response to boron nitride nanotubes.
AB  - While in the last years applications of carbon nanotubes in the field of
      biotechnology have been largely proposed, so far biomedical applications of boron
      nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) are still totally unexplored. BNNTs show very
      interesting physical properties that might be exploited in the nanomedicine
      field. To fill up the lack of biocompatibility studies on BNNTs, our group has
      recently begun a rational investigation on interactions between BNNTs and
      different cell lines. This chapter reports on preliminary cytocompatibility
      studies carried out on human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) and on mouse myoblast
      (C2C12) cell lines as model of neural and skeletal muscle cells, respectively,
      highlighting the methods that allowed us to evaluate the main parameters of
      interests for cytocompatibility, such as cell viability, metabolism, apoptosis,
      and differentiation.

PMID- 22042682
TI  - Nanobiosensors for in vitro and in vivo analysis of biomolecules.
AB  - This chapter presents as a proof of concept the development of a nanosensor based
      on the localized surface plasmon resonance for the analysis of biomolecules. The
      method presented take advantage of the plasmon generated in the surrounding of
      gold nanoparticles (i.e., 100 nm) for the specific interaction between antigen
      and antibody. The procedure for the optimization of an assay for the
      determination of biomolecules consisted mainly of four steps. First, the
      immobilization of gold nanoparticles over the glass surface using the appropriate
      ratio, concentration and time-contact of amino-sylilating agent, and nonreactive
      sylilating agent. Next, the suitable concentration of coating antigen in order to
      obtain the maximum signal LSPR. Following this step, the interaction between
      antigen and antibody (specific antibody) is evaluated by measuring the signal
      LSPR. Finally, a calibration curve was obtained for the detection of a small
      organic molecule such as stanozolol using this nanobiosensor. As a proof of
      concept, the use of a model is performed that in this case is for the detection
      of an anabolic androgenic steroid, such as stanozolol which is banned for the
      European Commission (EC) as a growth promoter and for the World Anti-Doping
      Agency (WADA) as a doping agent. The nanosensor developed demonstrates its
      feasibility for screening purposes due to the limit of detection achieved (0.7
      MUg/L) is under the MRPL required for both organizations (10 MUg/L). A protocol
      such as that presented here may be generally applied for the analysis of other
      pollutant such as pesticides or antibiotics, or for biomedical applications for
      the analysis of biomarkers using the LSPR principle using gold nanoparticles
      (i.e., 30-120 nm).

PMID- 22042683
TI  - Novel strategies to engineering biological tissue in vitro.
AB  - Tissue engineering creates biological tissues that aim to improve the function of
      diseased or damaged tissues. In this chapter, we examine the promise and
      shortcomings of "top-down" and "bottom-up" approaches for creating engineered
      biological tissues. In top-down approaches, the cells are expected to populate
      the scaffold and create the appropriate extracellular matrix and
      microarchitecture often with the aid of a bioreactor that furnish the set of
      stimuli required for an optimal cellular viability. Specifically, we survey the
      role of cell material interaction on oxygen metabolism in three-dimensional (3D)
      in vitro cultures as well as the time and space evolution of the transport and
      biophysical properties during the development of de novo synthesized tissue
      engineered constructs. We show how to monitor and control the evolution of these
      parameters that is of crucial importance to process biohybrid constructs in vitro
      as well as to elaborate reliable mathematical model to forecast tissue growth
      under specific culture conditions. Furthermore, novel strategies such as bottom
      up approaches to build tissue constructs in vitro are examined. In this fashion,
      tissue building blocks with specific microarchitectural features are used as
      modular units to engineer biological tissues from the bottom up. In particular,
      the attention will be focused on the use of cell seeded microbeads as functional
      building blocks to realize 3D complex tissue. Finally, a challenge will be the
      potential integration of bottom-up techniques with more traditional top-down
      approaches to create more complex tissues than are currently achievable using
      either technique alone by optimizing the advantages of each technique.

PMID- 22042684
TI  - Enabling biomedical research with designer quantum dots.
AB  - Quantum Dots (QDs) are a new class of semiconductor nanoparticulate luminophores,
      which are actively researched for novel applications in biology and nanomedicine.
      In this review, the recent progress in the design and applications of QD labels
      for in vitro and in vivo imaging of cells is presented. Surface chemical
      engineering of hydrophobic QDs is required to render them water soluble and
      biocompatible. Further surface modification and attachment of bioactive molecules
      to the surface of QDs, such as peptides, aptamers, or antibodies are intensively
      explored for targeted imaging of living cells, and disease states in animals.
      Specially designed surface coatings can drastically decrease nonspecific
      interactions between QDs and cells, minimize degradation of QDs under in vivo
      physiological conditions, reduce the cytotoxicity of QDs, and prolong circulation
      lifetimes in animals. New generations of QD probes are also promising for imaging
      cellular processes at the single-molecule level. Ultimately, QDs as components of
      complex therapeutic nanosystems are poised to contribute significantly to the
      field of personalized medicine.

PMID- 22042685
TI  - The role of nanophotonics in regenerative medicine.
AB  - Cells respond to biochemical and mechanical stimuli through a series of steps
      that begin at the molecular, nanometre level, and translate finally in global
      cell response. Defects in biochemical- and/or mechanical-sensing, transduction or
      cellular response are the cause of multiple diseases, including cancer and immune
      disorders among others. Within the booming field of regenerative medicine, there
      is an increasing need for developing and applying nanotechnology tools to bring
      understanding on the cellular machinery and molecular interactions at the
      nanoscale. Nanotechnology, nanophotonics and in particular, high-resolution-based
      fluorescence approaches are already delivering crucial information on the way
      that cells respond to their environment and how they organize their receptors to
      perform specialized functions. This chapter focuses on emerging super-resolution
      optical techniques, summarizing their principles, technical implementation, and
      reviewing some of the achievements reached so far.

PMID- 22042686
TI  - Molecular dynamics methods for modeling complex interactions in biomaterials.
AB  - The molecular dynamics method is a powerful computer simulation technique which
      provides access to the detailed time evolution (trajectory) of a system in
      specified conditions, such as a particular temperature or pressure. The full
      trajectory of the system can be analyzed using statistical mechanics tools to
      obtain thermodynamical quantities and dynamical properties; the mechanism of
      chemical reactions and other time-dependent processes, such as diffusion, can
      also be revealed in high detail. When applied to model extended and complex
      system such as biomaterials, MD simulations represent an invaluable tool to
      discover structure-activity relationships and rationalize biomedical
      applications.

PMID- 22042687
TI  - Regenerative nanomedicine: ethical, legal, and social issues.
AB  - Advances in regenerative nanomedicine raise a host of ethical, legal, and social
      questions that healthcare providers and scientists will need to consider. These
      questions and concerns include definitions, appropriate applications, dual use,
      potential risks, regulations, and access. In this chapter, we provide an overview
      of the questions and concerns and recommend proactive consideration and
      solutions.

PMID- 22042688
TI  - Paleodiet of extinct platyrrhines with emphasis on the Caribbean forms: three
      dimensional geometric morphometrics of mandibular second molars.
AB  - A three-dimensional geometric morphometric approach was employed to examine shape
      variation in laser-scan generated models of lower second molars and its
      relationship to diet in a sample of 9 extant and 16 extinct platyrrhine genera.
      Principal component analysis of twenty-three x,y,z landmarks describing the
      occlusal table and sidewalls showed that dental relief was the main contributing
      factor to variation along the first axis. Discriminant function analysis (DFA) of
      PC 1 scores and centroid size accurately classified extant platyrrhines according
      to dietary preference; however, without centroid size, the DFA was less
      successful. Within this framework, most of the fossil platyrrhines, including
      specimens from Patagonia, Colombia, Brazil, and the Caribbean, were predicted to
      have had a frugivorous diet, but several taxa were classified as having a
      frugivorous/insectivorous diet, the middle Miocene Neosaimiri, Patasola, and
      Laventiana, all from La Venta. Alouattins, including the La Ventan Stirtonia and
      the Cuban Paralouatta, showed variable classification as either frugivores or
      folivore/frugivores. Xenothrix, from Jamaica, was classified either as a
      frugivore or frugivore/omnivore. Dietary profiles across different extinct
      platyrrhine communities are compared and discussed in a paleoecological context.

PMID- 22042689
TI  - MATCH: an atom-typing toolset for molecular mechanics force fields.
AB  - We introduce a toolset of program libraries collectively titled multipurpose atom
      typer for CHARMM (MATCH) for the automated assignment of atom types and force
      field parameters for molecular mechanics simulation of organic molecules. The
      toolset includes utilities for the conversion of multiple chemical structure file
      formats into a molecular graph. A general chemical pattern-matching engine using
      this graph has been implemented whereby assignment of molecular mechanics atom
      types, charges, and force field parameters are achieved by comparison against a
      customizable list of chemical fragments. While initially designed to complement
      the CHARMM simulation package and force fields by generating the necessary input
      topology and atom-type data files, MATCH can be expanded to any force field and
      program, and has core functionality that makes it extendable to other
      applications such as fragment-based property prediction. In this work, we
      demonstrate the accurate construction of atomic parameters of molecules within
      each force field included in CHARMM36 through exhaustive cross validation studies
      illustrating that bond charge increment rules derived from one force field can be
      transferred to another. In addition, using leave-one-out substitution it is shown
      that it is also possible to substitute missing intra and intermolecular
      parameters with ones included in a force field to complete the parameterization
      of novel molecules. Finally, to demonstrate the robustness of MATCH and the
      coverage of chemical space offered by the recent CHARMM general force field
      (Vanommeslaeghe, et al., J Comput Chem 2010, 31, 671), one million molecules from
      the PubChem database of small molecules are typed, parameterized, and minimized.

PMID- 22042690
TI  - Correlation between BIS and GCS in patients suffering from head injury.
AB  - OBJECTIVES AND BACKGROUND: Glasgow coma scale (GCS) is considered an important
      parameter to predict the clinical outcome in head injury; however, in some cases
      such as the use of sedative drugs the estimate of GCS would not be precise.
      Bispectral index (BIS) is an electrophysiological parameter to determine the
      clinical state of anesthesia. The aim of the present study is to evaluate
      correlation between GCS and BIS in patients suffering from head injury and to see
      if we can use BIS values as a prognostic factor in head trauma. METHODS: In this
      analytic study 61 consecutive patients with traumatic head injury admitted to the
      intensive care unit from January till June 2010 were examined. In each case the
      GCS and BIS values were measured and compared regarding different degrees of head
      injuries. RESULTS: Mean BIS in mild injury group was 96.20 +/- 3.27 and in
      moderate injury group was 45.57 +/- 1.28 and in severe injury group was 31.37 +/-
      2.08. There was a significant correlation between GCS and mean BIS (r = 0.88; P <
      0.05). Mean BIS values were significantly different between mild, moderate and
      severe head injuries (96.2 +/- 3.2, 45.5 +/- 1.2, and 31.3 +/- 2.08,
      respectively; P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: We found significant correlation between GCS
      and BIS in patients with traumatic head injury, so BIS can be used in addition to
      GCS for prediction of outcome in these patients specially in patients who are
      sedated or are intubated or in other case in whom GCS values cannot be determined
      accurately.

PMID- 22042691
TI  - Biocompatibility and biodegradation of polycaprolactone-sebacic acid blended
      gels.
AB  - Tissue engineering aims at creating biological body parts as an alternative for
      transplanting tissues and organs. A current new approach for such materials
      consists in injectable biodegradable polymers. Their major advantages are the
      ability to fill-in defects, easy incorporation of therapeutic agents or cells,
      and the possibility of minimal invasive surgical procedures. Polycaprolactone
      (PCL) is a promising biodegradable and elastic biomaterial, with the drawback of
      low-degradation kinetics in vivo. In this work a biodegradable injectable gel of
      PCL blended with sebacic acid (SA) was prepared, to improve the degradation rate
      of the biomaterial. SA is known for its high degradation rate, although in high
      concentrations it could originate a pH decrease and thus disturb the
      biocompatibility of PCL. Degradation tests on phosphate buffered saline were
      carried out using 5% of SA on the blend and the biomaterial stability was
      evaluated after degradation using differential scanning calorimetry, dynamical
      mechanical analysis, and scanning electronic microscopy. After degradation the
      elastic properties of the blend decreased and the material became more
      crystalline and stiffer, although at a lower extent when compared with pure PCL.
      The blend also degraded faster with a loss of the crystalline phase on the
      beginning (30 days), although its thermal and mechanical properties remained
      comparable with those of the pure material, thus showing that it achieved the
      intended objectives. After cell assays the PCL-SA gel was shown to be
      cytocompatible and capable of maintaining high cell viability (over 90%).

PMID- 22042692
TI  - Related transplantation with HLA-1 Ag mismatch in the GVH direction and HLA-8/8
      allele-matched unrelated transplantation: a nationwide retrospective study.
AB  - To clarify which is preferable, a related donor with an HLA-1 Ag mismatch at the
      HLA-A, HLA-B, or HLA-DR loci in the graft-versus-host (GVH) direction (RD/1AG-MM
      GVH) or an HLA 8/8-allele (HLA-A, HLA-B, HLA-C, and HLA-DRB1)-matched unrelated
      donor (8/8-MUD), we evaluated 779 patients with acute leukemia, chronic
      myelogenous leukemia, or myelodysplastic syndrome who received a T cell-replete
      graft from an RD/1AG-MM-GVH or 8/8-MUD. The use of an RD/1AG-MM-GVH donor was
      significantly associated with a higher overall mortality rate than the use of an
      8/8-MUD in a multivariate analysis (hazard ratio, 1.49; P < .001), and this
      impact was statistically significant only in patients with standard-risk diseases
      (P = .001). Among patients with standard-risk diseases who received
      transplantation from an RD/1AG-MM-GVH donor, the presence of an HLA-B Ag mismatch
      was significantly associated with a lower overall survival rate than an HLA-DR Ag
      mismatch because of an increased risk of treatment-related mortality. The HLA-C
      Ag mismatch or multiple allelic mismatches were frequently observed in the HLA-B
      Ag-mismatched group, and were possibly associated with the poor outcome. In
      conclusion, an 8/8-MUD should be prioritized over an RD/1AG-MM-GVH donor during
      donor selection. In particular, an HLA-B Ag mismatch in the GVH direction has an
      adverse effect on overall survival and treatment-related mortality in patients
      with standard-risk diseases.

PMID- 22042693
TI  - B-cell replication history and somatic hypermutation status identify distinct
      pathophysiologic backgrounds in common variable immunodeficiency.
AB  - Common variable immunodeficiency disorder (CVID) is the most prevalent form of
      primary idiopathic hypogammaglobulinemia. Identification of genetic defects in
      CVID is hampered by clinical and immunologic heterogeneity. By flow cytometric
      immunophenotyping and cell sorting of peripheral B-cell subsets of 37 CVID
      patients, we studied the B-cell compartment at the B-cell subset level using the
      kappa-deleting recombination excision circle assay to determine the replication
      history and the Igkappa-restriction enzyme hot-spot mutation assay to assess the
      somatic hypermutation status. Using this approach, 5 B-cell patterns were
      identified, which delineated groups with unique replication and somatic
      hypermutation characteristics. Each B-cell pattern reflected an immunologically
      homogenous patient group for which we proposed a different pathophysiology: (1) a
      B-cell production defect (n = 8, 18%), (2) an early peripheral B-cell maturation
      or survival defect (n = 4, 11%), (3) a B-cell activation and proliferation defect
      (n = 12, 32%), (4) a germinal center defect (n = 7, 19%), and (5) a postgerminal
      center defect (n = 6, 16%). The results of the present study provide for the
      first time insight into the underlying pathophysiologic background in 5
      immunologically homogenous groups of CVID patients. Moreover, this study forms
      the basis for larger cohort studies with the defined homogenous patient groups
      and will facilitate the identification of underlying genetic defects in CVID.

PMID- 22042694
TI  - FTY720 increases CD74 expression and sensitizes mantle cell lymphoma cells to
      milatuzumab-mediated cell death.
AB  - Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is an aggressive B-cell malignancy with a short median
      survival despite multimodal therapy. FTY720, an immunosuppressive drug approved
      for the treatment of multiple sclerosis, promotes MCL cell death concurrent with
      down-modulation of phospho-Akt and cyclin D1 and subsequent cell-cycle arrest.
      However, the mechanism of FTY720-mediated MCL cell death remains to be fully
      clarified. In the present study, we show features of autophagy blockage by FTY720
      treatment, including accumulation of autolysosomes and increased LC3-II and p62
      levels. We also show that FTY720-induced cell death is mediated by lysosomal
      membrane permeabilization with subsequent translocation of lysosomal hydrolases
      to the cytosol. FTY720-mediated disruption of the autophagic-lysosomal pathway
      led to increased levels of CD74, a potential therapeutic target in MCL that is
      degraded in the lysosomal compartment. This finding provided rationale for
      examining combination therapy with FTY720 and milatuzumab, an anti-CD74 mAb.
      Treatment of MCL cell lines and primary tumor cells with FTY720 and milatuzumab
      resulted in statistically significant enhanced cell death, which was synergistic
      in blastic variant MCL cell lines. Significant in vivo therapeutic activity of
      combination treatment was also demonstrated in a preclinical, in vivo model of
      MCL. These findings support clinical evaluation of this combination in patients
      with MCL.

PMID- 22042695
TI  - Population pharmacokinetics of recombinant factor VIII: the relationships of
      pharmacokinetics to age and body weight.
AB  - Comparison of the pharmacokinetics (PK) of a coagulation factor between groups of
      patients can be biased by differences in study protocols, in particular between
      blood sampling schedules. This could affect clinical dose tailoring, especially
      in children. The aim of this study was to describe the relationships of the PK of
      factor VIII (FVIII) with age and body weight by a population PK model. The
      potential to reduce blood sampling was also explored. A model was built for FVIII
      PK from 236 infusions of recombinant FVIII in 152 patients (1-65 years of age)
      with severe hemophilia A. The PK of FVIII over the entire age range was well
      described by a 2-compartment model and a previously reported problem, resulting
      from differences in blood sampling, to compare findings from children and adults
      was practically abolished. The decline in FVIII clearance and increase in half
      life with age could be described as continuous functions. Retrospective reduction
      of blood sampling from 11 to 5 samples made no important difference to the
      estimates of PK parameters. The obtained findings can be used as a basis for PK
      based dose tailoring of FVIII in clinical practice, in all age groups, with
      minimal blood sampling.

PMID- 22042696
TI  - Critical role for perforin and Fas-dependent killing of dendritic cells in the
      control of inflammation.
AB  - After stimulation of antigen-specific T cells, dendritic cell (DCs) are
      susceptible to killing by these activated T cells that involve perforin and Fas
      dependent mechanisms. Fas-dependent DC apoptosis has been shown to limit DC
      accumulation and prevent the development of autoimmunity. However, a role for
      perforin in the maintenance of DC homeostasis for immune regulation remains to be
      determined. Here we show that perforin deficiency in mice, together with the
      deletion of Fas in DCs (perforin(-/-)DC-Fas(-/-)), led to DC accumulation,
      uncontrolled T-cell activation, and IFN-gamma production by CD8+ T cells,
      resulting in the development of lethal hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis.
      Consistently, adoptive transfer of Fas(-/-) DCs induced over-activation and IFN
      gamma production in perforin(-/-) CD8+ T cells. Neutralization of IFN-gamma
      prevented the spreading of inflammatory responses to different cell types and
      protected the survival of perforin(-/-)DC-Fas(-/-) mice. Our data suggest that
      perforin and Fas synergize in the maintenance of DC homeostasis to limit T cell
      activation, and prevent the initiation of an inflammatory cascade.

PMID- 22042697
TI  - Gfi1 expressed in bone marrow stromal cells is a novel osteoblast suppressor in
      patients with multiple myeloma bone disease.
AB  - Protracted inhibition of osteoblast (OB) differentiation characterizes multiple
      myeloma (MM) bone disease and persists even when patients are in long-term
      remission. However, the underlying pathophysiology for this prolonged OB
      suppression is unknown. Therefore, we developed a mouse MM model in which the
      bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) remained unresponsive to OB differentiation
      signals after removal of MM cells. We found that BMSCs from both MM-bearing mice
      and MM patients had increased levels of the transcriptional repressor Gfi1
      compared with controls and that Gfi1 was a novel transcriptional repressor of the
      critical OB transcription factor Runx2. Trichostatin-A blocked the effects of
      Gfi1, suggesting that it induces epigenetic changes in the Runx2 promoter. MM
      BMSC cell-cell contact was not required for MM cells to increase Gfi1 and repress
      Runx2 levels in MC-4 before OBs or naive primary BMSCs, and Gfi1 induction was
      blocked by anti-TNF-alpha and anti-IL-7 antibodies. Importantly, BMSCs isolated
      from Gfi1(-/-) mice were significantly resistant to MM-induced OB suppression.
      Strikingly, siRNA knockdown of Gfi1 in BMSCs from MM patients significantly
      restored expression of Runx2 and OB differentiation markers. Thus, Gfi1 may have
      an important role in prolonged MM-induced OB suppression and provide a new
      therapeutic target for MM bone disease.

PMID- 22042698
TI  - Dual functions of cell-autonomous and non-cell-autonomous ADAM10 activity in
      granulopoiesis.
AB  - Previous studies have revealed various extrinsic stimuli and factors involved in
      the regulation of hematopoiesis. Among these, Notch-mediated signaling has been
      suggested to be critically involved in this process. Herein, we show that
      conditional inactivation of ADAM10, a membrane-bound protease with a crucial role
      in Notch signaling (S2 cleavage), results in myeloproliferative disorder (MPD)
      highlighted by severe splenomegaly and increased populations of myeloid cells and
      hematopoietic stem cells. Reciprocal transfer of bone marrow cells between wild
      type and ADAM10 mutant mice revealed that ADAM10 activity in both hematopoietic
      and nonhematopoietic cells is involved in the development of MPD. Notably, we
      found that MPD caused by lack of ADAM10 in nonhematopoietic cells was mediated by
      G-CSF, whereas MPD caused by ADAM10-deficient hematopoietic cells was not. Taken
      together, the present findings reveal previously undescribed nonredundant roles
      of cell-autonomous and non-cell-autonomous ADAM10 activity in the maintenance of
      hematopoiesis.

PMID- 22042699
TI  - miR-135b mediates NPM-ALK-driven oncogenicity and renders IL-17-producing
      immunophenotype to anaplastic large cell lymphoma.
AB  - Many transformed lymphoma cells show immune-phenotypes resembling the
      corresponding normal lymphocytes; thus, they provide a guide for proper diagnosis
      and present promising routes to improve their pathophysiologic understanding and
      to identify novel therapeutic targets. However, the underlying molecular
      mechanism(s) of these aberrant immune-phenotypes is largely unknown. Here, we
      report that microRNA-135b (miR-135b) mediates nucleophosmin-anaplastic lymphoma
      kinase (NPM-ALK)-driven oncogenicity and empowers IL-17-producing immunophenotype
      in anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL). NPM-ALK oncogene strongly promoted the
      expression of miR-135b and its host gene LEMD1 through activation of signal
      transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3. In turn, elevated miR-135b
      targeted FOXO1 in ALCL cells. miR-135b introduction also decreased
      chemosensitivity in Jurkat cells, suggesting its contribution to oncogenic
      activities of NPM-ALK. Interestingly, miR-135b suppressed T-helper (Th) 2 master
      regulators STAT6 and GATA3, and miR-135b blockade attenuated IL-17 production and
      paracrine inflammatory response by ALCL cells, indicating that miR-135b-mediated
      Th2 suppression may lead to the skewing to ALCL immunophenotype overlapping with
      Th17 cells. Furthermore, antisense-based miR-135b inhibition reduced tumor
      angiogenesis and growth in vivo, demonstrating significance of this "Th17 mimic"
      pathway as a therapeutic target. These results collectively illuminated unique
      contribution of oncogenic kinase-linked microRNA to tumorigenesis through
      modulation of tumor immune-phenotype and microenvironment.

PMID- 22042700
TI  - Bone microstructural changes revealed by high-resolution peripheral quantitative
      computed tomography imaging and elevated DKK1 and MIP-1alpha levels in patients
      with MGUS.
AB  - Recent population-based studies demonstrate an increased fracture risk with
      monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS). The etiology of this
      increased risk remains unclear, however, because areal bone mineral density
      (aBMD) measurements by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry cannot assess bone
      microstructural properties critical to determining bone quality and strength. To
      better define the skeletal effects of MGUS, we performed aBMD and high-resolution
      peripheral quantitative computed tomography volumetric bone mineral density
      (vBMD) measurements in 50 MGUS patients (20 females, 30 males; mean +/- SEM age,
      70.5 +/- 1.4 years) and 100 matched control subjects. Relative to controls, MGUS
      patients had decreased aBMD at the femoral neck (P = .05) and total femur (P <
      .05) but no differences at other sites. In contrast, high-resolution peripheral
      quantitative computed tomography showed markedly diminished cortical thickness (P
      < .05) and increased endocortical area (P < .01). Average vBMD (P < .01),
      cortical vBMD (P < .001), and trabecular thickness (P < .01) were all
      significantly decreased in MGUS patients, suggestive of impaired bone formation.
      Serum levels of the Wnt pathway inhibitor Dickkopf-related protein 1 (P < .001)
      and osteoclast-activating factor MIP-1alpha (P < .05) also were significantly
      elevated in MGUS patients. Our data provide the first evidence of altered bone
      microstructure in MGUS and suggest that cytokines elevated in osteolytic myeloma
      also may be associated with bone loss in MGUS.

PMID- 22042701
TI  - Dependency on the polycomb gene Ezh2 distinguishes fetal from adult hematopoietic
      stem cells.
AB  - Polycomb-group (PcG) proteins are essential regulators of hematopoietic stem
      cells (HSCs). In contrast to Bmi1, a component of Polycomb repressive complex 1
      (PRC1), the role of PRC2 and its components in hematopoiesis remains elusive.
      Here we show that Ezh2, a core component of PRC2, is essential for fetal, but not
      adult, HSCs. Ezh2-deficient embryos died of anemia because of insufficient
      expansion of HSCs/progenitor cells and defective erythropoiesis in fetal liver.
      Deletion of Ezh2 in adult BM, however, did not significantly compromise
      hematopoiesis, except for lymphopoiesis. Of note, Ezh2-deficient fetal liver
      cells showed a drastic reduction in trimethylation of histone H3 at lysine 27
      (H3K27me3) accompanied by derepression of a large cohort of genes, whereas on
      homing to BM, they acquired a high level of H3K27me3 and long-term repopulating
      capacity. Quantitative RT-PCR revealed that Ezh1, the gene encoding a backup
      enzyme, is highly expressed in HSCs/progenitor cells in BM compared with those in
      fetal liver, whereas Ezh2 is ubiquitously expressed. These findings suggest that
      Ezh1 complements Ezh2 in the BM, but not in the fetal liver, and reveal that the
      reinforcement of PcG-mediated gene silencing occurs during the transition from
      proliferative fetal HSCs to quiescent adult HSCs.

PMID- 22042702
TI  - Best evidence in critical care medicine: The role of neuromuscular blocking drugs
      in early severe acute respiratory distress syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is defined as severe
      hypoxemic respiratory failure resulting from diffuse lung injury and secondary to
      direct and indirect insults. Despite advances, mortality remains as high as 40
      60%. Neuromuscular blocking agents (NMBAs) are used to facilitate mechanical
      ventilation in patients with ARDS and have been shown to improve arterial partial
      pressure of oxygen. However, the association between NMBAs and mortality is
      unclear. Furthermore, morbidity concerns exist, particularly regarding a putative
      role in intensive care unit (ICU)-acquired weakness. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of
      this study was to compare survival in adult patients with early ARDS who were
      randomized to receive either a 48-hr infusion of the NMBA, cisatracurium, or a
      placebo. DESIGN AND SETTING: This study was a multicentre double-blinded
      randomized controlled trial involving 20 ICUs in France from March 2006 to March
      2008. PATIENTS: Eligible patients were > 18 yr with an intubated trachea and
      ventilated lungs for acute hypoxemic respiratory failure. Their PaO(2)/F(i)O(2)
      ratio was < 150 at a tidal volume of 6-8 mL.kg(-1) ideal body weight and a
      positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) >= 5 cm H(2)O for < 48 hr. Additional
      inclusion criteria were radiographic evidence of bilateral pulmonary infiltrates
      and the absence of left atrial hypertension. Exclusion criteria included patients
      already receiving NMBA at enrolment; those who had increased intracranial
      pressure, severe chronic respiratory disease, or severe chronic liver disease;
      those who had received a bone marrow transplant or had chemotherapy-induced
      neutropenia; those who had a pneumothorax; and those who were expected to require
      mechanical ventilation for < 48 hr or were enrolled in another trial within 30
      days. INTERVENTION: Three hundred twenty-six patients were screened, and 340 of
      these underwent randomization in blocks of four and received either a 48-hr
      infusion of cisatracurium (15 mg bolus followed by 37.5 mg.hr(-1)) or a volume
      equivalent placebo. One hundred and seventy-eight patients received a
      cisatracurium infusion, and one patient withdrew leaving 177 patients included in
      the analysis. One hundred and sixty-two patients received the placebo infusion.
      Prior to either infusion, patients were sedated to a Ramsay sedation score of 6.
      Patients' lungs were ventilated by a volume assist-controlled mode according to
      the ARDS Clinical Network Mechanical Ventilation Protocol
      (http://www.ardsnet.org/) with the goal SpO(2) of 88-95% (or PaO(2) 55-80 mmHg)
      and goal plateau pressure <= 35 cm H(2)O. Open-label boluses of cisatracurium 20
      mg (maximum of two per 24-hr period) were allowed if plateau pressures remained >
      32 cm H(2)O despite increased sedation and despite decreased PEEP and decreased
      tidal volumes. Monitoring of paralysis via peripheral nerve stimulation was not
      permitted. MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome was death before hospital discharge
      and within 90 days of study enrolment. It was determined a priori that this would
      be adjusted for imbalance in key risk factors at baseline, as derived from Cox
      regression. Secondary outcomes included 28-day mortality, number of ventilator
      free days, number of days outside of ICU, number of days without organ system
      failure, rate of barotrauma, and rate of ICU-acquired paresis (as defined by a
      Medical Research Council [MRC] score < 48) on day 28 and at ICU discharge. MAIN
      RESULTS: With regard to the primary outcome, crude 90-day mortality was 31.6% in
      the cisatracurium group vs 40.7% in the placebo group. This outcome did not reach
      statistical significance (P = 0.08). However, post hoc analysis found a reduction
      in 90-day mortality in the cisatracurium group compared with placebo (95%
      confidence interval 0.48 to 0.98; P = 0.04). Results suggest that the reduction
      in 90-day mortality in the cisatracurium group was confined to those patients
      with a PaO(2)/F(i)O(2) ratio < 120. Additionally, 28-day mortality was
      significantly lower in the cisatracurium group (absolute difference -9.6%; P =
      0.05). The cisatracurium group also had significantly more ventilator-free days,
      more days outside of the ICU, and more days free of organ-failure. Similarly,
      pneumothorax developed more often and earlier in the placebo group than in the
      cisatracurium group. The rate of ICU-acquired weakness at day 28 or at ICU
      discharge did not differ significantly between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS:
      Treatment in early severe ARDS with the NMBA, cisatracurium, for 48 hr was
      associated with lower adjusted 90-day mortality. It was also associated with
      decreased morbidity, which included increased ventilator-free days, increased ICU
      free days, and increased organ failure-free days. These benefits occurred without
      increasing the incidence of ICU-acquired weakness.

PMID- 22042703
TI  - Effect of dexamethasone on postoperative morbidity after dental rehabilitation in
      children.
AB  - PURPOSE: Dexamethasone reduces postoperative morbidity after adenotonsillectomy,
      strabismus surgery, and third molar extraction. Our hypothesis was that
      dexamethasone would reduce pain and other morbidity in children undergoing dental
      surgery for up to 24 hr postoperatively. METHODS: A triple-blinded, randomized,
      controlled trial was carried out on 200 children undergoing prolonged dental
      rehabilitation under general anesthesia. Subjects were randomized into two
      groups: group D, given dexamethasone 0.3 mg.kg(-1); group S, given normal saline.
      The primary outcome measure was pain over 24 hr as evaluated by a parental 0-10
      numerical rating scale (NRS). Key secondary outcomes included oral intake on a
      four-point scale at 24 hr and the overall incidence of postoperative vomiting
      (POV). Analysis for the primary outcome consisted of comparison of means in the
      NRS with the Wilcoxon rank sum test and for occurrence of POV with Fisher's test.
      RESULTS: After eliminating 22 subjects for protocol violations and withdrawals,
      178 subjects were analyzed. There was no significant difference in pain scores
      (NRS) at 24 hr or the worst NRS experienced over the preceding 24 hr. There was
      no difference in the quality of oral intake between the groups. There was a
      significant difference in the percentage of patients who vomited during the first
      24 hr: eight of 91 in group S and one of 87 in group D. Therefore, 7.74% more
      vomited in group S (P = 0.045), with a 95% confidence interval of 0.32 to15.16
      for the difference in percentages. CONCLUSIONS: Dexamethasone, 0.3 mg.kg(-1), did
      not reduce pain over 24 hr in healthy children undergoing dental rehabilitation
      under general anesthesia. The quality of oral intake was also unaffected by
      dexamethasone at 24 hr. Dexamethasone did produce a significant reduction in
      postdischarge vomiting, beyond the incidence found with ondansetron alone.

PMID- 22042704
TI  - Persistent left superior vena cava: implications during central venous
      cannulation.

PMID- 22042707
TI  - Neuropsychological features of mild cognitive impairment and preclinical
      Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Detectable cognitive decline occurs in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD)
      well before the clinical diagnosis can be made with any certainty. Studies
      examining this preclinical period identify decline in episodic memory as the
      earliest manifestation of the disease (i.e., a condition of amnestic Mild
      Cognitive Impairment). The episodic memory impairment is characterized by
      deficits in a number of processes including delayed recall, the recollective
      aspect of recognition memory, associative memory necessary for "binding"
      representations of two or more stimuli, pattern separation necessary to
      distinguish between two similar memory representations, prospective memory
      required to remember a delayed intention to act at a certain time in the future,
      and autobiographical memory for specific episodes that occurred in one's past. A
      growing body of evidence suggests that cognitive changes in preclinical AD may be
      more global in nature. Deterioration of semantic knowledge is evident on
      demanding naming and category fluency tasks, and "executive" dysfunction is
      apparent on tasks that require concurrent mental manipulation of information
      (e.g., working memory) or cue-directed behavior (e.g., set-shifting). Asymmetric
      cognitive test performance may also be apparent prior to significant decline in
      cognitive ability. The pattern and progression of these neuropsychological
      changes fit well with the proposed distribution and spread of AD pathology and
      serve as important cognitive markers of early disease.

PMID- 22042705
TI  - Glidescope(r) video-laryngoscopy versus direct laryngoscopy for endotracheal
      intubation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The Glidescope((r)) video-laryngoscopy appears to provide better
      glottic visualization than direct laryngoscopy. However, it remains unclear if it
      translates into increased success with intubation. METHODS: We systematically
      searched electronic databases, conference abstracts, and article references. We
      included trials in humans comparing Glidescope((r)) video-laryngoscopy to direct
      laryngoscopy regarding the glottic view, successful first-attempt intubation, and
      time to intubation. We generated pooled risk ratios or weighted mean differences
      across studies. Meta-regression was used to explore heterogeneity based on
      operator expertise and intubation difficulty. RESULTS: We included 17 trials with
      a total of 1,998 patients. The pooled relative risk (RR) of grade 1 laryngoscopy
      (vs >= grade 2) for the Glidescope((r)) was 2.0 [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.5
      to 2.5]. Significant heterogeneity was partially explained by intubation
      difficulty using meta-regression analysis (P = 0.003). The pooled RR for
      nondifficult intubations of grade 1 laryngoscopy (vs >= grade 2) was 1.5 (95% CI
      1.2 to 1.9), and for difficult intubations it was 3.5 (95% CI 2.3 to 5.5). There
      was no difference between the Glidescope((r)) and the direct laryngoscope
      regarding successful first-attempt intubation or time to intubation, although
      there was significant heterogeneity in both of these outcomes. In the two studies
      examining nonexperts, successful first-attempt intubation (RR 1.8, 95% CI 1.4 to
      2.4) and time to intubation (weighted mean difference -43 sec, 95% CI -72 to -14
      sec) were improved using the Glidescope((r)). These benefits were not seen with
      experts. CONCLUSION: Compared to direct laryngoscopy, Glidescope((r)) video
      laryngoscopy is associated with improved glottic visualization, particularly in
      patients with potential or simulated difficult airways.

PMID- 22042708
TI  - Academic integrity in a mandatory physics lab: the influence of post-graduate
      aspirations and grade point averages.
AB  - Research on academic cheating by high school students and undergraduates suggests
      that many students will do whatever it takes, including violating ethical
      classroom standards, to not be left behind or to race to the top. This behavior
      may be exacerbated among pre-med and pre-health professional school students
      enrolled in laboratory classes because of the typical disconnect between these
      students, their instructors and the perceived legitimacy of the laboratory work.
      There is little research, however, that has investigated the relationship between
      high aspirations and academic conduct. This study fills this research gap by
      investigating the beliefs, perceptions and self-reported academic conduct of
      highly aspirational students and their peers in mandatory physics labs. The
      findings suggest that physics laboratory classes may face particular challenges
      with highly aspirational students and cheating, but the paper offers practical
      solutions for addressing them.

PMID- 22042709
TI  - Life-history correlates of enamel microstructure in cebidae (Platyrrhini,
      Primates).
AB  - Previous studies have examined tooth eruption as it relates intrinsically to body
      mass, brain mass, and other life history variables, and extrinsically to
      ecological factors (e.g., age at foraging independence, environmental risk
      aversion, and maternal investment). Different models have been explored wherein
      each of these variables impacts ontogeny. However, anthropoid and strepsirhine
      primates exhibit interesting differences in the relationships of these ecological
      and life history variables with tooth eruption. Moreover, interactions between
      ecological variables and dental tissue growth have only been explored in the
      lemurs. This study examines dental microstructure of the New World monkey family,
      Cebidae, to provide further insight into forces influencing the evolution of
      primate dental ontogeny. The Cebidae were chosen because they are a diverse group
      which is distinct in ecology and phylogeny from the better known catarrhines of
      the Old World. Using phylogenetic generalized least squares analyses (PGLS), we
      test whether brain mass, body mass, or the three above-mentioned ecological
      variables have stronger correlations with enamel growth. Results show that
      ecological factors have stronger relationships with cebid dental growth rates
      than brain or body mass. Foraging independence has the most impact on overall
      enamel growth as it has the strongest correlation with enamel extension rates.
      However, another estimate of enamel growth, rate of secretion, has the highest
      correlation with maternal investment. Our results suggest that an overarching
      ecological model encompassing the three current ecological hypotheses is needed
      to further understand the evolution of dental ontogeny within primates.

PMID- 22042710
TI  - Theoretical study on the reaction CX3 + SiH(CH3)3 (X = H, F).
AB  - Theoretical investigations are carried out on the multiple-channel reactions,
      CH(3) + SiH(CH(3))(3) -> products and CF(3) + SiH(CH(3))(3) -> products. The
      minimum energy paths (MEP) are calculated at the MP2/6-311 + G(d,p) level, and
      energetic information is further refined by the MC-QCISD (single point) method.
      The rate constants for major reaction channels are calculated by the canonical
      variational transition state theory (CVT) with small-curvature tunneling (SCT)
      correction over the temperature range 200-1500 K. The theoretical rate constants
      are in good agreement with the available experimental data and are found to be
      k(1a)(T) = 1.93 * 10(-24) T(3.15) exp(-1214.59/T) and k(2a)(T) = 1.33 * 10(-25)
      T(4.13) exp(-397.94/T) (in unit of cm(3) molecule(-1) s(-1)). Our calculations
      indicate that hydrogen abstraction channel from SiH group is the major channel
      due to the smaller barrier height among five channels considered.

PMID- 22042711
TI  - Polyvinylidene fluoride for proliferation and preservation of bovine corneal
      endothelial cells by enhancing type IV collagen production and deposition.
AB  - In this study, biomaterials with different hydrophobic properties including
      polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), poly(ethylene-co-vinyl alcohol) (EVAL), tissue culture
      polystyrene (TCPS), and polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) were examined in the
      bovine corneal endothelial cells (BCECs) culture system to elucidate their
      possible impact on clinical demand and scientific interest. It was found that
      BCECs were inhibited to attach onto the PVA surface. Conversely, relatively more
      hydrophobic biomaterials EVAL, TCPS, and PVDF successfully initiate BCEC
      adhesion. Compared to EVAL, cultured BCECs on TCPS and PVDF exhibited higher
      viability. Furthermore, fibroblastic transformation on EVAL and TCPS was observed
      at day 17, but BCECs maintained typical hexagonal shape on the PVDF surface at
      day 21. This phenomenon can be rescued by previously coating type IV collagen on
      TCPS but not on EVAL. In addition, when BCECs were cultured on PVDF, the
      expressions of gap junction connexin-43, differentiation marker N-cadherin, and
      tight junction ZO-1 were well-developed, resembling the physiological phenotypes.
      After examining the type IV collagen expression by Western blot analysis and
      protein absorption test, a possible explanation for the better proliferation and
      preservation of BCECs on the PVDF substrate is that PVDF is a bioactive
      substratum which enables BCECs to synthesize and reserve more extracellular
      matrix type IV collagen, paving an important way to provide a more preferential
      environment for BCEC cultures. Accordingly, promoting CEC growth effects after
      cell-biomaterial association may be applied to the tissue engineering of corneal
      endothelium.

PMID- 22042712
TI  - Alleviating emotional exhaustion in oncology nurses: an evaluation of
      Wellspring's "Care for the Professional Caregiver Program".
AB  - A high level of burnout has been demonstrated in oncologists, nurses, and other
      health professionals. Interventions developed in response demonstrate mixed
      results. Wellspring, a community cancer support organization, has developed a 1
      day session called Care for the Professional Caregiver Program (CPCP) and has
      delivered it to over 700 healthcare workers. The present study assessed the
      effects of the CPCP on three groups of oncology nurses (pediatric, surgical, and
      general oncology staff) and one group of nurse managers. Subjects completed the
      Maslach burnout inventory (MBI), the General health questionnaire (GHQ) and the
      short form of the Marlowe-Crowne social desirability scale (M-C) prior to
      receiving the intervention. They then completed the MBI and GHQ at 1-month and 7
      month follow-ups. Six months after the original session, a small subset of
      subjects was randomly selected to participate in a 1-day CPCP booster session. At
      baseline, one third of the nurses showed high burnout on the MBI. The nurses
      demonstrated a significant decrease in emotional exhaustion and an improvement on
      the GHQ, at the 1-month follow-up testing (p = 0.003 and 0.001, respectively) and
      7-month follow-up testing (p = 0.002 and 0.001). The booster session proved
      difficult to deliver because of institutional scheduling problems due to nurse
      shortages, so only a small percentage (22%) of the sample participated; however,
      it was well received. Thus, the CPCP is effective in ameliorating emotional
      exhaustion, an intrinsic aspect of burnout.

PMID- 22042713
TI  - The role of alcohol dehydrogenase genes in head and neck cancers: a systematic
      review and meta-analysis of ADH1B and ADH1C.
AB  - Alcohol drinking is a major risk factor for head and neck cancer (HNC). This risk
      may be modified by alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) genes, particularly ADH1B and
      ADH1C, that oxidise ethanol to its carcinogenic metabolite, acetaldehyde. A meta
      analysis was conducted to assess the association between ADH1B and ADH1C and HNC
      risk. Twenty-nine studies from 28 articles identified from a literature search
      were included. Summary odds ratios (meta-ORs) were generated using random effect
      models. A reduced risk for HNC was associated with carrying the ADH1B*2 and
      ADH1C*1 alleles that confer faster metabolism of ethanol to acetaldehyde [meta-OR
      ADH1B, 0.50; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.37-0.68, 13 studies; meta-OR ADH1C,
      0.87; 95% CI: 0.76-0.99, 22 studies]. ADH1B*2 and ADH1C*1 alleles appear to be
      protective for HNC, possibly due to: (i) decreasing the opportunity for oral
      microflora to produce acetaldehyde locally from a prolonged systemic circulation
      of ethanol, (ii) preventing ethanol from acting as a solvent for other
      carcinogens, and (iii) decreasing the amount of ethanol a person consumes since a
      consequent peak in systemic acetaldehyde could cause discomfort. These results
      underscore the importance of ADH1B and ADH1C in the association between alcohol
      consumption and the risk for HNC.

PMID- 22042714
TI  - Difference in susceptibility to morphological changes in the nucleus to aneugens
      between p53-competent and p53-abrogated lymphoblastoid cell lines (TK6 and NH32
      cells) in the in vitro micronucleus assay.
AB  - We previously reported that the proportion of large-size micronuclei (MN) can be
      a reliable parameter to discriminate aneugens from clastogens in the in vitro MN
      assay using Chinese hamster lung cells. The frequencies of polynuclear (PN) and
      mitotic (M) cells are also supposed to be useful parameters for the same purpose
      since they are known to be increased by aneugens. In the present study, we
      investigated whether morphological observations of the cell nucleus can be
      applied for the in vitro MN assay using the p53-competent human lymphoblastoid
      cell line, TK6 cells. Our present MN assay with six clastogens and six aneugens
      revealed that the frequencies of large-size MN or PN cells cannot distinguish
      aneugens from clastogens, while the frequencies of M cells can distinguish them,
      suggesting that the M-cell frequency is a recommended parameter to determine a
      mode of action for MN induction in the in vitro MN assay using TK6 cells. Our
      further investigation using p53-null mutant NH32 cells showed that the
      frequencies of large-size MN or PN cells induced by aneugen treatments were
      higher than those in TK6 cells but not by clastogen treatments. These findings
      suggest that p53 abrogation promotes the susceptibility for morphological changes
      in the nucleus to aneugens and that morphological observation of the cell nucleus
      including size-classifying MN counting could distinguish aneugens from clastogens
      in the MN assay using NH32 cells.

PMID- 22042715
TI  - Prevalence of scrotal calculi and their relationship with pain.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of scrotal
      calculi in men referred for scrotal ultrasonography (US), to identify any
      associated pathologies, and to investigate if any relationship exists between
      scrotal lithiasis and pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a retrospective study
      in which 4084 scrotal US examinations in 3435 men were evaluated. Scrotal US was
      performed using a high-frequency linear transducer. Forty patients were
      questioned as to whether scrotal pain was present. Patients were asked to grade
      their scrotal pain intensity using the Numerical Rating Scale. RESULTS: Sixty
      seven of the 3435 patients with scrotal US examinations had scrotal calculi with
      a mean size of 3.7 +/- 1.4 mm (range, 1.6-7 mm). Twenty patients with scrotal
      calculi had no scrotal pain. Nine patients with scrotal pain (22.5%) had no US or
      clinical abnormalities except scrotal calculi. CONCLUSION: The frequency of
      scrotal calculi was 1.95%. Approximately one-quarter of patients with scrotal
      calculi and pain had no additional abnormalities. Therefore, scrotal calculi
      should be considered in the differential diagnosis of scrotal pain.

PMID- 22042716
TI  - Value-based care in the management of spinal disorders: a systematic review of
      cost-utility analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Spinal disorders are a major cause of disability and compromise in
      health-related quality of life. The direct and indirect costs of treating spinal
      disorders are estimated at more than $100 billion per year. With limited
      resources, the cost-utility of interventions is important for allocating
      resources. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We therefore performed a systematic review of the
      literature on cost-utility for nonoperative and operative interventions for
      treating spinal disorders. METHODS: We searched four databases for cost-utility
      analysis studies on low back pain management and identified 1004 items. The
      titles and abstracts of 752 were screened before selecting 27 studies for
      inclusion; full texts of these 27 studies were individually evaluated by five
      individuals. RESULTS: Studies of nonoperative treatments demonstrated greater
      value for graded activity over physical therapy and pain management; spinal
      manipulation over exercise; behavioral therapy and physiotherapy over advice; and
      acupuncture and exercise over usual general practitioner care. Circumferential
      fusion and femoral ring allograft had greater value than posterolateral fusion
      and titanium cage, respectively. The relative cost-utility of operative versus
      nonoperative interventions was variable with the most consistent evidence
      indicating superior value of operative care for treating spinal disorders
      involving nerve compression and instability. CONCLUSION: The literature on cost
      utility for treating spinal disorders is limited. Studies addressing cost-utility
      of nonoperative and operative management of low back pain encompass a broad
      spectrum of diagnoses and direct comparison of treatments based on cost-utility
      thresholds for comparative effectiveness is limited by diversity among disorders
      and methods to assess cost-utility. Future research will benefit from uniform
      methods and comparison of treatments in cohorts with well-defined pathology.

PMID- 22042717
TI  - Does previous reconstructive surgery influence functional improvement and
      deformity correction after periacetabular osteotomy?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Bernese periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) is commonly used to
      surgically treat residual acetabular dysplasia. However, the degree to which
      function and radiographic deformity are corrected in patients with more severe
      deformities that have undergone previous reconstructive pelvic or femoral
      osteotomies is unclear. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We evaluated hip pain and function,
      radiographic deformity correction, complications, reoperations, and early
      failures (conversion to THA) associated with PAO in hips treated with previous
      reconstructive hip surgery. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 63 patients who
      had undergone 67 PAOs after a previous reconstructive hip procedure. We compared
      preoperative hip scores and radiographic parameters with postoperative values at
      most recent followup. We recorded complications, need for nonarthroplasty
      revision surgery, and failures. Minimum followup was 2 years. RESULTS: Five of
      the 67 hips (8%) were converted to THA between 24 and 118 months. The average
      followup for the remaining 62 hips was 60 months (range, 24-147 months). The
      average Harris hip score improved 11 points, and postoperatively, 83% of the hips
      had pain component scores of greater than 30 (none, slight, or mild pain).
      Radiographically, there were improvements in lateral center-edge angle (25
      degrees ), anterior center-edge angle (23 degrees ), Tonnis angle (17 degrees ),
      and medialization of the hip center (8 mm). Complications occurred in 13 hips
      (19%). Seven hips (10%) underwent a subsequent surgical procedure to address
      residual pain or deformity. CONCLUSIONS: PAO performed after previous
      reconstructive hip surgery improves hip function and corrects residual dysplasia
      deformities. These procedures are inherently more complex than primary PAO and
      are associated with a considerable risk of perioperative complications,
      reoperations, and early treatment failures. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV,
      therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of
      levels of evidence.

PMID- 22042718
TI  - Tail architecture and function of Cebupithecia sarmientoi, a Middle Miocene
      platyrrhine from La Venta, Colombia.
AB  - Cebupithecia sarmientoi, an early pitheciine from the Middle Miocene of La Venta,
      Colombia, preserves an almost complete caudal vertebral sequence (18 vertebrae).
      Behavioral reconstructions for this taxon based on appendicular elements suggest
      a locomotor profile similar to that of Pithecia for which vertical clinging
      postures and leaping behavior are frequently adopted. General tail morphology
      suggests some similarity with prehensile-tailed Cebus in the proximal tail
      region, although overwhelming similarity with nonprehensile-tailed Pithecia is
      evident in the distal tail region. Indices of caudal muscle attachment sites show
      marked similarities to nonprehensile-tailed platyrrhines, especially Pithecia.
      However, the cortices of Cebupithecia caudal vertebral bodies are thicker than
      those of most other nonprehensile-tailed New World primates. Mechanically, this
      would provide high resistance to bending and torsional stresses, falling within
      the range exhibited by prehensile-tailed monkeys. These results suggest that
      Cebupithecia may have employed its tail differently than most nonprehensile
      tailed platyrrhines living today, behaviors that possibly involved tail-bracing
      or twisting during hindlimb (pedal grasping) suspensory behaviors. Such behaviors
      may serve as a preadaptive model for the full-fledged evolution of below-branch
      tail suspension and prehensility seen in other New World primates.

PMID- 22042719
TI  - Theoretical investigation on redox-switchable second-order nonlinear optical
      responses of push-pull Cp*CoEt2C2B4H3-expanded (metallo)porphyrins.
AB  - The second-order nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of the
      Cp*Co(C(2)H(5))(2)C(2)B(4)H(3)-expanded (metallo)porphyrins (Cp* = C(5)Me(5))
      have been investigated by using ab inito RHF and density functional theory (DFT)
      methods. The investigation shows that the compound with expand porphyrin
      possesses remarkable large molecular hyperpolarizability beta(tot) value, ~414.1
      * 10(-30) esu (at LC-omegaPBE level), and might be an excellent second-order NLO
      material. From the character of charge transfer (CT) transition, it indicates
      that the -Cp*Co(C(2)H(5))(2)C(2)B(4)H(3) acts as an electron donor in this kind
      of systems. As a result of the redox behavior on expanded (metallo)porphyrin, the
      redox switching character of the NLO responses for the systems 2a-4a has also
      been studied. The results show that the beta(tot) values of reduced forms are
      larger than that of neutral ones. Furthermore, the time-dependent DFT calculation
      illustrates that reduced forms have a significant difference on the CT patterns
      versus neutral ones. The present investigation provides insight into the
      comparison with DFT results on estimating first hyperpolarizability and the NLO
      properties of the series of push-pull compounds.

PMID- 22042720
TI  - A new approach to dose estimation and in-phantom figure of merit measurement in
      BNCT by using artificial neural networks.
AB  - In-phantom figures of merit of the radiobiological dose distribution are the main
      criteria for evaluation of the boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) plan and
      neutron beam evaluation. Since in BNCT there are several reactions, which
      contribute to the total dose of the tissue, the calculation of the dose
      distribution is complicated and requires lengthy and time-consuming simulations.
      Any changes in the beam shaping assembly (BSA) design would lead to the change of
      the neutron/gamma spectrum at exit of therapeutic window. As a result of any
      changes in the beam spectrum, the dose distribution in the tissue will be
      altered; therefore, another set of lengthy and time-consuming simulations to
      recalculate the dose distribution would have to be performed. This study proposes
      a method that applies artificial neural network (ANN) for quick dose prediction
      in order to avoid lengthy calculations. This method allows us to estimate the
      depth-dose distribution and in-phantom figures of merit for any energy spectrum
      without performing a complete Monte Carlo code (MCNP) simulation. To train the
      ANNs for modeling the depth-dose distribution, this study used a database
      containing 500 simulations of the neutron depth-dose distribution and 280
      simulations of the gamma depth-dose distribution. The calculations were carried
      out by the MCNP for various mono-energetic neutrons, ranging from thermal up to
      10 MeV energy and 280 gamma energy group, ranging from 0.01 MeV up to 20 MeV,
      through the SNYDER head phantom which is located at the exit of the BSA. The
      trained ANN was capable of establishing a map between the neutron/gamma beam
      energy and the dose distribution in the phantom as an input and a response,
      respectively. The current method is founded upon the observation that the dose
      which is released by the beam of composite energy spectrum can be decomposing
      into the various energy components which make the neutron/gamma spectrum.
      Therefore, in this procedure the neutron/gamma energy spectrum was converted into
      several energy groups and dose response of each group was predicted by the
      trained ANN. Total dose distribution of the entire spectrum is equal to summation
      of dose response of each group. If the neutron/gamma spectrum as an input
      changes, the dose response of that as an output can be predicted by the trained
      ANN in no time rather than hours or days by MCNP simulations. To check the
      validity of this method, this study compared full calculation of the depth-dose
      distribution with prediction of ANN for that. The result of this comparison shows
      that artificial neural networks model the dose distribution in phantom
      successfully and result in a great accurate prediction.

PMID- 22042721
TI  - Impact of heart failure on hip fracture outcomes: a population-based study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hip fracture and heart failure are becoming more prevalent conditions
      in hospitalized patients. Despite differences in postoperative outcomes from
      other intermediate risk procedures, guidelines classify hip fracture repair as an
      intermediate risk operation. OBJECTIVE: This population-based study sought to
      examine the prevalence and incidence of heart failure in hip fracture patients.
      DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS: We conducted a population-based historical cohort
      study of 1116 Olmsted County, MN residents undergoing 1212 hip surgeries from
      1988 through 2002. Data were obtained through medical record review. Heart
      failure was defined by Framingham criteria. RESULTS: The prevalence of
      preoperative heart failure in our study population was 27% (327 of 1212 cases).
      Those with preoperative heart failure demonstrated longer lengths of stay, were
      more often discharged to a skilled facility, and had higher inpatient mortality
      rates. Rates of postoperative heart failure were 6.7% at seven days and 21.3% at
      one year. Postoperative heart failure was more common among those with
      preoperative heart failure (HR 3.0), and those with preoperative heart failure
      demonstrated higher postoperative mortality rates. Men had a higher risk of
      postoperative mortality compared to women. Overall survival was lowest among
      those with both preoperative and postoperative heart failure. CONCLUSIONS: Heart
      failure represents a common and serious perioperative condition in hip fracture
      patients. Hip fracture patients with and without heart failure carry higher
      postoperative risk than guidelines may suggest. Future work must focus on the
      perioperative management of hip fracture patients with and without heart failure
      to mitigate postoperative morbidity.

PMID- 22042722
TI  - Role of aging on innate responses to viral infections.
AB  - Older people exhibit increased morbidity and mortality after viral infections
      than younger people. Additionally, vaccines are less protective in older people
      than in younger people. As the immune system is critical for host defense to
      viral infections and for vaccine efficacy, the implications are that aging
      negatively affects immunity. The immune system is broadly categorized into
      adaptive and innate systems. The innate immune system acts as a first line of
      defense to pathogen invasion. In this review, I focus on how aging affects the
      innate immune response to viral infection.

PMID- 22042723
TI  - Higher Healthy Eating Index-2005 scores are associated with better physical
      performance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Little is known regarding the relationship between overall diet
      quality and physical performance among older adults. We examined the association
      between overall diet quality, as measured by the US Department of Agriculture's
      Healthy Eating Index-2005 (HEI-2005), and physical performance, as measured by
      gait speed (n = 2,132) and knee extensor power (n = 1,392), among adults aged 60
      years or older. METHODS: Using data from the 1999-2002 National Health and
      Nutrition Examination Survey, multiple linear regression models controlling for
      age, gender, race/ethnicity, education, smoking status, comorbidities, medication
      use, cognitive function, body mass index, and physical activity were used in the
      analyses. RESULTS: After adjusting for age, gender, race/ethnicity, education,
      and smoking status, total HEI-2005 scores were positively associated with both
      gait speed (p for trend = .02) and knee extensor power (p for trend = .05). Older
      adults with higher HEI-2005 scores had a faster gait speed (p = .03 for both
      Quartile 3 and Quartile 4 vs quartile 1) compared with those with HEI-2005 scores
      in the lowest quartile. Those with HEI-2005 scores in Quartile 4 had a greater
      knee extensor power compared with those with HEI-2005 scores in the lowest
      quartile (p = .04). The associations between HEI-2005 scores and physical
      performance remained after further adjustment for comorbidities, medication use,
      cognitive function, and body mass index. However, the associations were no longer
      statistically significant after further adjustment for physical activity.
      CONCLUSION: Adherence to overall dietary recommendations is associated with
      better physical performance among older adults.

PMID- 22042724
TI  - Balance between macronutrients affects life span and functional senescence in
      fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster.
AB  - It has recently been demonstrated that as the ratio of protein to carbohydrate
      (P:C) in the diet declines, life span increases in Drosophila. Here we explored
      how extremely low dietary ratios of protein to carbohydrate affected longevity
      and a selection of variables associated with functional senescence. An increase
      in P:C ratio from 1:57 to 1:20 shortened life span by increasing age-dependent
      mortality; whereas a further decline in P:C from 1:57 to 1:95 caused a modest
      decrease in life span. Female flies consuming the 1:20 and 1:38 diets laid more
      eggs than those consuming the lower P:C diets. Flies fed diets with higher ratios
      were more resistant to heat stress. Flies consuming the diets with lowest P:C
      ratios needed more time to restore activity after paralysis. Our study has
      therefore extended to very low P:C ratios available data demonstrating that
      dietary P:C ratio affects life span, fecundity and heat stress resistance, with
      fecundity and heat stress responses showing the opposite trend to life span.

PMID- 22042725
TI  - Completion and return of fall diaries varies with participants' level of
      education, first language, and baseline fall risk.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Consensus guidelines recommend the use of prospective fall diaries in
      studies of fall rates. We sought to determine the characteristics associated with
      return and successful completion of a falls diary and whether characteristics
      such as gender, education level, native language, income, and falls risk
      influenced self-reported fall rates. METHODS: Two hundred and seventy people aged
      65 years and older participating in a randomized controlled trial evaluating two
      exercise programmes. Fall diaries were collected for 6 months, then evaluated for
      correct completion and falls reported. RESULTS: An increasing risk of falls was
      associated with a reducing odds of returning diaries (odds ratio for a one unit
      increase in Falls Risk Assessment Tool score 0.71, 95% confidence interval 0.53
      0.96). Native English speakers were more likely to complete more than half the
      diaries correctly (odds ratio 2.63, 95% confidence interval 1.20-5.75).
      CONCLUSIONS: Problems arise in the correct completion of falls diaries among
      those for whom English is not their first language. Diaries may underreport the
      rate of falls as those at higher risk were less likely to return diaries but more
      likely to report falls. Careful consideration should be given to the analysis of
      falls diaries as missing data are unlikely to be missing completely at random. We
      recommend additional training in the use of falls diaries for these groups or the
      utilization of simpler instruments.

PMID- 22042726
TI  - Mind your errors: evidence for a neural mechanism linking growth mind-set to
      adaptive posterror adjustments.
AB  - How well people bounce back from mistakes depends on their beliefs about learning
      and intelligence. For individuals with a growth mind-set, who believe
      intelligence develops through effort, mistakes are seen as opportunities to learn
      and improve. For individuals with a fixed mind-set, who believe intelligence is a
      stable characteristic, mistakes indicate lack of ability. We examined performance
      monitoring event-related potentials (ERPs) to probe the neural mechanisms
      underlying these different reactions to mistakes. Findings revealed that a growth
      mind-set was associated with enhancement of the error positivity component (Pe),
      which reflects awareness of and allocation of attention to mistakes. More growth
      minded individuals also showed superior accuracy after mistakes compared with
      individuals endorsing a more fixed mind-set. It is critical to note that Pe
      amplitude mediated the relationship between mind-set and posterror accuracy.
      These results suggest that neural mechanisms indexing on-line awareness of and
      attention to mistakes are intimately involved in growth-minded individuals'
      ability to rebound from mistakes.

PMID- 22042727
TI  - A face only an investor could love: CEOs' facial structure predicts their firms'
      financial performance.
AB  - Researchers have theorized that innate personal traits are related to leadership
      success. Although links between psychological characteristics and leadership
      success have been well established, research has yet to identify any objective
      physical traits of leaders that predict organizational performance. In the
      research reported here, we identified leaders' facial structure as a specific
      physical trait that correlates with organizational performance. Specifically, we
      found that firms whose male CEOs have wider faces (relative to facial height)
      achieve superior financial performance. Decision-making dynamics within a firm's
      leadership team moderate this effect, such that the relationship between a given
      CEO's facial measurements and his firm's financial performance is stronger in
      firms with cognitively simple leadership teams.

PMID- 22042728
TI  - Big time is not always long: numerical magnitude automatically affects time
      reproduction.
AB  - To reproduce the duration of an event precisely, one needs to represent the
      temporal information without being influenced by other magnitude attributes
      (e.g., size) of the event. In the present study, however, task-irrelevant
      numerical magnitude automatically affected participants' reproduction of the
      duration of a stimulus. In Experiment 1, participants made key-press responses to
      reproduce the duration of numbers. Reproduced durations were shorter for small
      numbers (e.g., 1) than for large numbers (e.g., 9). In contrast, in Experiment 2,
      participants' reproductions of a standard duration were longer when their key
      press response was accompanied by visual presentation of a small number than when
      it was accompanied by presentation of a large number. These results clearly
      demonstrate that number-time interference extends beyond simple mapping between
      stimulus categories and response alternatives. The findings support the notion
      that either a common magnitude representation or closely connected magnitude
      representations underlie numerical and temporal processing.

PMID- 22042729
TI  - Cardiac neoplasms and pseudotumors: imaging findings on multidetector CT
      angiography.
AB  - A wide spectrum of masses can affect the heart, ranging from non-malignant    
      entities, such as thrombi, to aggressive primary cardiac tumors, such as    
      angiosarcomas. Echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging have    
      traditionally formed the mainstay techniques for assessing these lesions. Recent 
      technological advances have seen ECG-gated multi-detector computed tomography 
      (MDCT) emerge as a valuable complimentary technique for assessing a suspected 
      cardiac mass because it provides high spatial resolution, fast acquisition    
      times, and the ability to definitively characterize fat and calcification. This  
      article reviews the MDCT features of the spectrum of cardiac neoplasms and    
      pseudotumors and describes important diagnostic criteria.

PMID- 22042730
TI  - Successful treatment of delayed aortobifemoral graft thrombosis with manual
      aspiration thrombectomy.
AB  - We present a 67-year-old man who had undergone aortobifemoral synthetic graft    
      surgery one year earlier. The patient experienced thrombosis of the graft nine   
      months after the operation, and thrombectomy of the graft was planned. However, 
      the patient refused to undergo repeat surgery for thrombus removal and was    
      referred to our center for possible endovascular treatment. We treated the    
      patient with percutaneous aspiration thrombectomy. The thrombi were chronic in   
      nature but could be removed with minimal residue in any part of the graft by    
      using repeated aspiration thrombectomy with 7 F guiding catheters. Underlying    
      stenosis of both distal graft anastomoses was treated with percutaneous balloon  
      angioplasty, and a self-expanding stent was deployed on the right distal    
      anastomosis. A small fragment of thrombus embolized to the right popliteal    
      artery and was removed with aspiration thrombectomy through a second antegrade   
      puncture on the right side. We believe this is the first report of aspiration   
      thrombectomy for an aortobifemoral graft thrombosis. The method was successful  
      despite the chronic nature of the thrombi. Manual aspiration thrombectomy with 
      largebore guiding catheters can be used as an effective recanalization method 
      for delayed aortobifemoral graft occlusion and could be regarded as a good    
      alternative technique to surgical thrombectomy in selected patients.

PMID- 22042731
TI  - The impact of pre-procedural waiting period and anxiety level on pain perception
      in patients undergoing transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of pre-procedural waiting period and anxiety
      level on pain perception during transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients who had undergone transrectal ultrasound
      guided prostate biopsy were enrolled in this prospective study. The subjects were
      asked to fill out the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory Scale-1 to measure the level
      of state anxiety at three times: 1) at the time of the procedure request, 2)
      before the procedure, and 3) before getting the result. Just after biopsy, the
      patients were asked to fill out a visual analog scale to evaluate pain perception
      resulting from the biopsy. RESULTS: The mean pre-procedural level of state
      anxiety score was well correlated with the visual analog scale score (r=0.498; P
      < 0.001). The mean level of state anxiety scores before biopsy (39.7+/-9.4) and
      before getting the result (39.9+/-8.4) were significantly higher than the mean
      level of state anxiety score when the procedure was requested (31.4+/-7.9) (P <
      0.001 for both). The patient group was divided into two subgroups according to
      the waiting time between the request and the procedure itself; the cut-off value
      between the short and long groups was 10 days. The difference between the mean
      visual analog scale scores from transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy
      patients with the short (n=23, 1.49+/-0.95) and long (n=37, 2.35+/-1.12) waiting
      periods was statistically significant (P = 0.003). CONCLUSION: In conclusion,
      performing the transrectal ultrasound-guided prostate biopsy procedure as soon as
      possible and using more effective anesthetic methods, especially for patients
      with high level of state anxiety scores, may have a positive impact on patient
      tolerance.

PMID- 22042732
TI  - Resveratrol ameliorates the deleterious effect of severe acute pancreatitis.
AB  - Resveratrol (RES) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine having anti
      inflammatory properties. We sought to explore the role of RES in intestinal
      injury during severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) in a rat model study. For this
      purpose, RES-treated and sham-operated (SO) SAP rat models were established, and
      SAP was induced in rats by injecting 4% sodium taurocholate into the biliary
      pancreatic duct. In the RES group, RES was infused intravenously immediately
      after the SAP induction in rats; SO group served as controls. Histopathological
      analysis, determination of tissue levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and
      malondialdehyde (MDA) and serum levels of TNF-alpha as well as ICAM-1 and VCAM-1
      expression were carried out at 3, 6, and 12 h following SAP induction. The data
      show that following SAP induction, SOD levels decreased and MDA levels increased
      along with ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression in the intestine. Serum TNF-alpha levels
      increased in the SAP group. Importantly, RES treatment significantly reversed all
      the pathological changes. In conclusion, this study confirmed the anti
      inflammatory properties of RES and demonstrated the prevention of injury to the
      intestinal barrier in the rat SAP model.

PMID- 22042733
TI  - Mechanoreceptivity of prehensile tail skin varies between ateline and cebine
      primates.
AB  - Prehensile tails evolved independently twice in primates: once in the ateline
      subfamily of platyrrhine primates and once in the genus Cebus. Structurally, the
      prehensile tails of atelines and Cebus share morphological features
      distinguishing them from nonprehensile tails (e.g., robust and strong caudal
      vertebrae, well developed lateral tail musculature, etc.). However, because of
      their independent evolutionary histories, the prehensile tails of atelines
      exhibit some differences from the Cebus prehensile tail. Ateline tails are
      relatively longer than those of Cebus, and they have less well-developed extensor
      compartment musculature. However, perhaps the most obvious difference is the
      distinctive hairless friction pad on the ventrodistal surface of the ateline
      tail; the tail of Cebus is completely covered in hair. This study documents the
      presence of four epicritic histologic mechanoreceptors in the friction pad of
      atelines: Meissner's corpuscles, Pacinian corpuscles, Ruffini corpuscles, and
      Merkel discs. Ruffini corpuscles and Merkel cells were also identified in the
      ventrodistal skin of the Cebus tail. However, Meissner's and Pacinian corpuscles
      (not typically associated with hairy skin) were not found in Cebus. Cebus was
      also compared to its closest living sister taxon, nonprehensile-tailed Saimiri,
      in which genus only Ruffini corpuscles are observed (no Merkel discs). The
      differences in mechanoreceptor type and morphology are attributed to the
      contrasting behavioral and tactile demands of the tail as it is used in posture
      and locomotion, which also distinguishes atelines from Cebus.

PMID- 22042734
TI  - Mechanism for the reaction of 2-naphthol with N-methyl-N-phenyl-hydrazine
      suggested by the density functional theory investigations.
AB  - For the first time the computed mechanisms for the novel reaction of 2-naphthol
      with N-methyl-N-phenylhydrazine, leading to 1-amino-2-naphthol (Tang et al., J Am
      Chem Soc 2008, 130, 5840), have been investigated using the density functional
      theory. Four distinct possible pathways were evaluated: two amination mechanisms
      with the attack of NH(2) group respectively at the alpha-position C1 and beta
      position C3 atoms of 2-naphthol (pathways 1 and 2) as well as two rearrangement
      processes with displacement of the phenolic hydroxyl group followed by the
      benzidine-like rearrangement at the alpha-position C1 and beta-position C3 atoms
      of 2-naphthol, respectively (pathways 3 and 4). Solvent effect has been tested
      based on the optimized geometries of the stationary points in solution at the
      B3LYP/PCM/6-31+G(d,p) level of theory with an averaged dielectric constant of
      binary solvent. Single-point energies of the optimized structures have been
      calculated using three hybrid density functionals, B3LYP, MPW3LYP, and B3PW91
      with the 6-311++G(3df,2p) basis set. Our computed results clearly manifest that
      pathway 1 (alpha-amination) has the highest possibility to occur, with the Gibbs
      free energies being lower by 6 to 20 kcal/mol compared with the other three
      pathways, which leads to 1-amino-2-naphthol and N-methylaniline as products. It
      is in excellent agreement with the experimental observation.

PMID- 22042735
TI  - CURB-65 and SMRT-CO in the prediction of early transfers to the intensive care
      unit among patients with community-acquired pneumonia initially admitted to a
      general ward.
AB  - BACKGROUND: No study has assessed the ability of pneumonia severity scores to
      identify the risk for early intensive care unit (ICU) transfer in patients with
      community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) admitted to general wards (GW). We aimed to
      compare the ability of CURB-65 (confusion, urea level, respiratory rate, blood
      pressure, and age >=65 years) and SMRT-CO (systolic blood pressure, multilobar
      chest radiography involvement, respiratory rate, tachycardia, confusion, and
      oxygenation) scores to predict early ICU transfers in these patients. DESIGN:
      Retrospective, case-control study. Cases were defined as patients admitted to GW
      with CAP that required ICU transfer within 48 hours. Controls were defined as
      patients admitted to GW with CAP that did not require ICU transfer. CURB-65 and
      SMRT-CO scores were calculated on presentation to emergency department (ED), and
      upon admission to GW. Composite scores were calculated combining data from ED and
      GW. Sensitivities, specificities, likelihood ratios, and areas-under-the-curve
      (AUC) were calculated for each score. RESULTS: From 2003 to 2009, 115 cases and
      345 controls were identified. Both groups had similar baseline characteristics.
      Composite scores combining data from ED and GW had better sensitivity and AUC
      than scores calculated only with ED or GW data (P < 0.001). A composite SMRT-CO
      score >=2 had 76.5% (95% CI, 67.7 to 83.9) sensitivity, 67.5% (95% CI, 62.3 to
      72.4) specificity, and 0.81 (95% CI, 0.77 to 0.85) AUC. A composite CURB-65 score
      >=3 had 36.5% (95% CI, 27.7 to 46.0) sensitivity, 86.3% (95% CI, 82.3 to 89.8)
      specificity, and 0.66 (95% CI, 0.60 to 0.72) AUC to predict early ICU transfers.
      Composite SMRT-CO had higher sensitivity and AUC (P < 0.001) than composite CURB
      65. CONCLUSIONS: Composite SMRT-CO had a better combination of sensitivity and
      specificity than CURB-65 for predicting early ICU transfers. Prospective studies
      to confirm our findings are needed.

PMID- 22042736
TI  - SONNE: solar-based man-made carbon cycle and the carbon dioxide economy.

PMID- 22042737
TI  - Interleukin-1beta enhances cartilage-to-cartilage integration.
AB  - The failure of cartilages to fuse, particularly in the case of articular
      cartilage under conditions of repair is due to morphological and structural
      constraints of the tissue. Factors that impede integration include, non
      vascularisation, low cellularity, and proteoglycan in the surrounding
      extracellular matrix acting as a natural barrier to cellular migration. We
      hypothesised that brief activation of a catabolic cascade by cytokines followed
      by culture under anabolic conditions would promote tissue fusion in a ring-disk
      model of cartilage integration. Our results show that transient exposure to 10 ng
      mL(-1) interleukin-1beta, followed by two weeks post-culture under anabolic
      conditions, enhanced cartilage-cartilage integration compared to untreated
      explants. Quantitative PCR analysis of catabolism-related genes ADAMTS4 and MMP13
      showed both were transiently upregulated and these findings correlated with
      evidence of extracellular matrix remodelling. At the level of histology, we
      observed chondrocytes readily populated the interfacial matrix between fused
      explants in interleukin-1beta treated explants, whereas in control explants this
      region was relatively acellular in comparison. Catabolic cytokine treated
      explants exhibited 29-fold greater adhesive strength (0.859 MPa versus 0.028 MPa,
      P < 0.05) than untreated counterparts. Collectively, our results demonstrate that
      a single short catabolic pulse followed by an anabolic response is sufficient to
      generate mechanically robust, integrative cartilage repair.

PMID- 22042738
TI  - Physical properties of fruit and seeds ingested by primate seed predators with
      emphasis on sakis and bearded sakis.
AB  - Several primate radiations exhibit dental adaptations that enable them to gain
      access to seeds embedded in well-protected fruit. To a database drawn from
      published sources in which hardness of fruit and seeds were tested in the field,
      we added an additional 100+ species of plants used as resources by pitheciin
      primates (specifically, South American white-faced sakis (Pithecia pithecia) and
      bearded sakis (Chiropotes spp.). This sample allowed us to compare hardness of
      fruit and seeds and deduce the relative incisive and masticatory capability of
      several primate taxa (New World monkeys, Old World monkeys, prosimians and
      chimpanzees). Pitheciins have very well developed and highly modified anterior
      dentition that they use in gaining access to mechanically-protected fruit. In
      addition, their molars bear thin, but decussated enamel that protects the tooth
      enamel from crack proliferation. The ability of sakis (Chiropotes spp. and
      Pithecia pithecia) to open fruit orally was comparable to larger-bodied Old World
      seed predators-Lophocebus and Cercocebus. But, baboons and chimpanzees masticate
      seeds that are two to three orders of magnitude harder than sakis or mangabeys.
      In spite of their puncture abilities, ~40% of foods ingested by pitheciins were
      in the range of a ripe fruit eater (Ateles paniscus). This raises the possibility
      that pitheciins exemplify Liem's paradox, that is, "that phenotypic
      specialization [is] not accompanied by ecological specialization" (Robinson and
      Wilson, 1998:224). Last, we examined the possibility that seeds may serve as
      fallback resources for primate seed predators. While pericarp hardness may vary
      seasonally for some seed predators (e.g., mangabeys), our data on bearded sakis
      and white-faced sakis suggest that seeds are their primary resources year round
      and pericarp hardness is unrelated to seasonal variation in rainfall. Pitheciins
      evolved specialized dentition that affords them access to relatively abundant and
      high-quality resources, a feeding strategy that results in minimal variation in
      resource availability seasonally.

PMID- 22042739
TI  - Improving the discharge process by embedding a discharge facilitator in a
      resident team.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hospital discharges are vulnerable periods for patient safety,
      especially in teaching hospitals where discharges are done by residents with
      competing demands. We sought to assess whether embedding a nurse practitioner on
      a medical team to help physicians with the discharge process would improve
      communication, patient follow-up, and hospital reutilization. METHODS: A 5-month
      randomized controlled trial was conducted on the medical service at an academic
      tertiary-care hospital. A nurse practitioner was randomly assigned to 1 resident
      team to complete discharge paperwork, arrange follow-up appointments and
      prescriptions, communicate discharge plans with nursing and primary care
      physicians, and answer questions from discharged patients. RESULTS: Intervention
      patients had more discharge summaries completed within 24 hours (67% vs. 47%, P <
      0.001). Similarly, they had more follow-up appointments scheduled by the time of
      discharge (62% vs. 36%, P < 0.0001) and attended those appointments more often
      within 2 weeks (36% vs. 23%, P < 0.0002). Intervention patients knew whom to call
      with questions (95% vs. 85%, P = 0.003) and were more satisfied with the
      discharge process (97% vs. 76%, P < 0.0001). Attending rounds on the intervention
      team finished on time (45% vs. 31%, P = 0.058), and residents signed out on
      average 46 minutes earlier each day. There was no significant difference between
      the groups in 30-day emergency department visits or readmissions. CONCLUSIONS:
      Helping resident physicians with the discharge process improves many aspects of
      discharge communication and patient follow-up, and saves residents' time, but had
      no effect on hospital reutilization for a general medicine population.

PMID- 22042740
TI  - A modified technique of pancreaticojejunostomy after pancreatoduodenectomy: a
      preliminary experience.
AB  - Pancreatoduodenectomy currently represents the treatment of choice for resectable
      pancreatic and periampullary malignant tumours, symptomatic chronic pancreatitis,
      duodenal cystic dystrophy, large adenomas, diverticula and benign periampullary
      tumours. Pancreato-jejunostomy failure remains the main complication following
      pancreatoduodenectomy, even leading to death. To improve the safety of this
      anastomosis, a modified technique of pancreato-jejunal anastomosis with posterior
      double-layer suture and Wirsung duct evagination is proposed. We report our
      experience in eight consecutive patients (4 females, 4 males; average age 66,
      range 57-74) undergoing Traverso-Longmire pylorus-preserving
      pancreatoduodenectomy using Wirsung duct evagination and posterior double-layer
      suture technique. There was no mortality; the post-operative recovery was
      uneventful with no pancreatic anastomotic leakage. The mean post-operative stay
      was 15 days (range 12-19). This proposed procedure could be considered an
      additional opportunity in the performance of a pancreato-enteric anastomosis,
      yielding good results and preserving from post-operative pancreatic ductal
      obstruction.

PMID- 22042741
TI  - A comparison of new bone formation in patients with ankylosing spondylitis and
      patients with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis: a retrospective cohort
      study over six years.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and diffuse idiopathic skeletal
      hyperostosis (DISH) are both characterized by new bone formation in the spine but
      presumably have a different pathogenesis. This study was undertaken to compare
      the natural course of new bone formation in AS and DISH. METHODS: Lateral
      radiographs of the cervical and lumbar spine from AS and DISH patients obtained
      at >=2 time points within 6 years were analyzed to quantify osteophyte
      development. Radiographs were scored in a blinded manner by 2 readers using the
      modified Stoke AS Spine Score (mSASSS). Bone spurs were categorized as having an
      angle of <45 degrees  or >45 degrees . RESULTS: AS patients (n = 146) were
      younger than DISH patients (n = 141) (mean +/- SD 54.2 +/- 12.3 years versus 60.3
      +/- 7.7 years). Symptom duration (mean +/- SD) was 23.6 +/- 11.2 years in AS
      patients and 21.6 +/- 12.4 years in DISH patients. The mSASSS at baseline was
      lower in DISH patients (mean +/- SD 14.3 +/- 6.7) than in AS patients (20.5 +/-
      14.5) but had increased by a similar amount at followup (3.3 +/- 4.2 versus 4.1
      +/- 9.5). The mean mSASSS progression rate per year (1.3 units) was also
      comparable. The mean +/- SD number of syndesmophytes per patient was higher in AS
      (5.7 +/- 5.5) than DISH (2.7 +/- 2.8) patients (P < 0.001), while degenerative
      bone spurs (mean +/- SD) were more frequent in DISH (1.4 +/- 1.8) than AS (1.0 +/
      1.4) patients. AS patients developed more new bone spurs with an angle of <45
      degrees  than >45 degrees  per patient (mean +/- SD 2.1 +/- 2.7 versus 0.6 +/-
      0.9) (P < 0.001), while similar amounts of both types of bone formation were seen
      in DISH patients. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that the rates of new bone
      formation in AS and DISH are largely similar. Both groups show osteophyte
      development, but as expected, syndesmophytes are more frequent in AS patients
      while DISH patients have more degenerative bone spurs. The nature of the
      different mechanisms of bone formation needs further study.

PMID- 22042742
TI  - Is physical activity associated with low-risk health behaviours among 15-year-old
      adolescents in Finland?
AB  - AIMS: To investigate the associations between physical activity and the pattern
      of risk health behaviour consisting of smoking, alcohol consumption, snuff
      (snus), cannabis, and condom use among 15-year-old adolescents, taking their
      educational aspirations and family affluence into account. METHODS: The data were
      collected in the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) study in Finland
      in 2006. Standardised questionnaires were issued at schools to a 15-year-old
      nationally representative sample, of which 84.5% (1710 pupils) participated.
      Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the associations between
      physical activity, pattern of risk health behaviour, family affluence, and
      educational aspirations. Separate models for daily moderate-to-vigorous physical
      activity (MVPA) and leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) were tested. Multi
      level analysis was performed in order to control the nested characteristics of
      the data. RESULTS: Boys were significantly more physically active and used
      alcohol, cannabis, and snuff more often than girls. Girls had used a condom in
      their last intercourse less often than boys. The educational aspirations for
      higher education had the strongest association with the low-risk health
      behaviour, with the odds ratios in the MVPA model 3.30 (95% CI 2.41-4.55) for the
      boys and 3.46 (95% CI 2.56-4.67) for the girls. In the LTPA model, the
      corresponding odds ratios were 3.31 (95% CI 2.40-4.56) for the boys and 3.52 (95%
      CI 2.60-4.56) for the girls. CONCLUSIONS: Physical activity was not significantly
      associated with the low-risk health behaviour, whereas educational aspirations
      for higher education showed the strongest association. The results support the
      earlier studies indicating a social gradient in health-related behaviour already
      in adolescence.

PMID- 22042743
TI  - Calcium signaling in response to fluid flow by chondrocytes in 3D alginate
      culture.
AB  - Quantifying the effects of mechanical loading on the metabolic response of
      chondrocytes is difficult due to complicated structure of cartilage ECM and the
      coupled nature of the mechanical stimuli presented to the cells. In this study we
      describe the effects of fluid flow, particularly hydrostatic pressure and wall
      shear stress, on the Ca(2+) signaling response of bovine articular chondrocytes
      in 3D culture. Using well-established alginate hydrogel system to maintain
      spherical chondrocyte morphology, we altered solid volume fraction to change
      scaffold mechanics. Fluid velocities in the bulk of the scaffolds were directly
      measured via an optical technique and scaffold permeability and aggregate modulus
      was characterized to quantify the mechanical stimuli presented to cells. Ca(2+)
      signaling response to direct perfusion of chondrocyte-seeded scaffolds increased
      monotonically with flow rate and was found more directly dependent on fluid
      velocity rather than shear stress or hydrostatic pressure. Chondrocytes in
      alginate scaffolds responded to fluid flow at velocities and shear stresses 2-3
      orders of magnitude lower than seen in previous monolayer studies. Our data
      suggest that flow-induced Ca(2+) signaling response of chondrocytes in alginate
      culture may be due to mechanical signaling pathways, which is influenced by the
      3D nature of cell shape.

PMID- 22042744
TI  - Behavioral and ecological consequences of sex-based differences in gustatory
      anatomy in Cebus apella.
AB  - Fungiform papillae (FPs) are the only gustatory structures on the anterior
      tongue. Taste buds (TBs), which are located in FPs, house taste receptors. Each
      TB has a taste pore (TP) by which tastants are transmitted. In humans, FP and TB
      densities correlate with taste sensitivity and food preferences. Females have
      higher FP densities than males in Homo, Pan, and Cebus. Homo, Pan, and Cebus also
      have larger brains, slower ontogenetic development, and higher maternal
      investment in offspring compared to most primates. An increase in maternal
      investment places intense pressure on females to 1) obtain high-quality foods,
      and 2) detect potential toxins at low levels. This study examines sex differences
      in FPs and TPs (a TB surrogate) in 11 Cebus apella to test the hypothesis that
      higher FP density in females may be an adaptation specific to reproductive
      strategies of females. Tongues were imaged using an environmental scanning
      electron microscope; from these images FP surface area, FP density, TP count, and
      TP densities were calculated. We found that there were no significant differences
      between males and females in the number of TPs per FP. However, we did find that
      females do have larger FP surface areas and higher FP densities than males. The
      anatomical evidence indicates that females may have greater taste sensitivity
      than males because females have more FP than males. Future research on food
      preference and selection in Cebus is expected to show sex-specific behaviors
      similar to those observed in Homo and Pan.

PMID- 22042745
TI  - Health literacy and medication understanding among hospitalized adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients' ability to accurately report their preadmission medications
      is a vital aspect of medication reconciliation, and may affect subsequent
      medication adherence and safety. Little is known about predictors of preadmission
      medication understanding. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional evaluation of
      patients at 2 hospitals using a novel Medication Understanding Questionnaire
      (MUQ). MUQ scores range from 0 to 3 and test knowledge of the medication purpose,
      dose, and frequency. We used multivariable ordinal regression to determine
      predictors of higher MUQ scores. RESULTS: Among the 790 eligible patients, the
      median age was 61 (interquartile range [IQR] 52, 71), 21% had marginal or
      inadequate health literacy, and the median number of medications was 8 (IQR 5,
      11). Median MUQ score was 2.5 (IQR 2.2, 2.8). Patients with marginal or
      inadequate health literacy had a lower odds of understanding their medications
      (odds ratio [OR] = 0.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.34 to 0.84; P = 0.0001;
      and OR = 0.49; 95% CI, 0.31 to 0.78; P = 0.0001; respectively), compared to
      patients with adequate health literacy. Higher number of prescription medications
      was associated with lower MUQ scores (OR = 0.52; 95% CI, 0.36 to 0.75; for those
      using 6 medications vs 1; P = 0.0019), as was impaired cognitive function (OR =
      0.57; 95% CI, 0.38 to 0.86; P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Lower health literacy, lower
      cognitive function, and higher number of medications each were independently
      associated with less understanding of the preadmission medication regimen.
      Clinicians should be aware of these factors when considering the accuracy of
      patient-reported medication regimens, and counseling patients about safe and
      effective medication use.

PMID- 22042746
TI  - Substance P and norepinephrine modulate murine chondrocyte proliferation and
      apoptosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Substance P (SP) and norepinephrine (NE) containing sensory and
      sympathetic nerve fibers innervate bone and fracture callus. They are involved in
      controlling vascularization and matrix differentiation during skeletal growth.
      Both types of nerve fibers are known to modulate growth and metabolic activity of
      osteoblasts and osteoclasts. The aim of this study was to understand the roles of
      SP and NE in chondrocyte metabolism and their impact on chondrocyte
      proliferation, apoptosis, and cell adhesion. METHODS: Primary costal chondrocytes
      were isolated from newborn mice. Micromass and monolayer cell culture regimens
      were used to analyze the effects of SP and NE on matrix formation, as determined
      by quantitative polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry. The effects
      of SP and NE on proliferation, adhesion, and apoptosis of chondrocytes were
      determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, bromodeoxyuridine, TUNEL, and
      morphometric analyses. RESULTS: SP, neurokinin type 1 (NK-1) receptor, alpha
      adrenergic receptor (alpha-AR), and beta-AR were abundantly expressed in primary
      costal chondrocytes. Stimulation with SP or NE did not affect extracellular
      matrix formation with respect to types I, II, and IX collagen and aggrecan in
      micromass pellets. SP dose-dependently increased the rate of proliferation of
      chondrocytes via the NK-1 receptor, whereas NE decreased the apoptosis rate of
      chondrocytes by stimulating beta-AR. Both neurotransmitters induced the formation
      of focal adhesion contacts. CONCLUSION: Transmitters of sympathetic and sensory
      nerve fibers modulate the metabolic activity of chondrocytes. Endogenous SP, NK-1
      receptor, and adrenoceptor expression in chondrocytes implicates as-yet-unknown,
      presumably trophic, functions of neurotransmitter for skeletal growth and might
      be of interest for use in cartilage regenerative medicine.

PMID- 22042747
TI  - Locomotor diversification in new world monkeys: running, climbing, or clawing
      along evolutionary branches.
AB  - Modern platyrrhines exhibit a remarkable diversity of locomotor and postural
      adaptations, which evolved along multiple trajectories since the initial
      immigration to the island continent of South America. We trace this
      diversification by reviewing the available paleontological and neontological data
      for postcranial morphology and ecological adaptation. Fossil platyrrhines are
      notably diverse, from the Oligocene Branisella, to the varied Patagonian early
      Miocene quadurpedal-leaping and quadrupedal-climbing fossils of disputed
      affinities, on through the rich middle Miocene Colombian quadurpedal-leaping
      forms. More recent taxa exhibit even more derived positional patterns, from the
      largest suspensory atelids in Pleistocene Brazil, to the remarkable Antillean
      radiation with suspensory forms and also semiterrestrial species, with
      postcranial morphology convergent on some Old World monkeys. Field studies of
      positional behavior of modern platyrrhines set the framework for a spectrum of
      locomotor adaptations. Central within this spectrum is a cluster of medium-sized
      species with generalized locomotion (quadrupedal-leaping). At opposite poles lie
      the more derived conditions: large-bodied species exhibiting locomotor
      specializations for climbing-suspension; small-bodied species exhibiting
      adaptations for claw climbing and leaping. This behavior-based spectrum of
      locomotor diversification is similarly evident in a morphology-based pattern,
      that is, that produced by the shape of the talus. The implications of the record
      of platyrrhine postcranial evolution for the competing hypotheses of platyrrhine
      phylogenetic patterns, the "long lineage hypothesis" and the "stem platyrrhine
      hypothesis," are considered.

PMID- 22042748
TI  - Biomechanical properties of the transverse carpal ligament under biaxial strain.
AB  - The transverse carpal ligament (TCL) influences carpal stability and carpal
      tunnel mechanics, yet little is known about its mechanical properties. We
      investigated the tissue properties of TCLs extracted from eight cadaver arms and
      divided into six tissue samples from the distal radial, distal middle, distal
      ulnar, proximal radial, proximal middle, and proximal ulnar regions. The 5% and
      15% strains were applied biaxially to each sample at rates of 0.1, 0.25, 0.5, and
      1%/s. Ligament thickness ranged from 1.22 to 2.90 mm. Samples from the middle of
      the TCL were thicker proximally than distally (p < 0.013). Tissue location
      significantly affected elastic modulus (p < 0.001). Modulus was greatest in the
      proximal radial samples (mean 2.8 MPa), which were 64% and 44% greater than the
      distal radial and proximal ulnar samples, respectively. Samples from the middle
      had a modulus that was 20-39% greater in the proximal versus more distal samples.
      The TCL exhibited different properties within different locations and in
      particular greater moduli were found near the carpal bone attachments. These
      properties contribute to the understanding of carpal tunnel mechanics that is
      critical to understanding disorders of the wrist.

PMID- 22042749
TI  - Comparison of montelukast and mometasone furoate in the prevention of recurrent
      nasal polyps.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of our study was to compare the effects of montelukast and
      mometasone furoate nasal spray on the postoperative course of patients with nasal
      polyposis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty patients diagnosed with nasal polyposis
      between March 2006 and August 2007 were included in the study. All patients
      underwent bilateral endoscopic sphenoethmoidectomy and were randomized
      postoperatively into two groups. Group A (n = 25) received 10 mg montelukast per
      day and group B (n = 25) received 400 ug mometasone furoate nasal spray twice
      daily. All patients were followed up for 6 months. Sino-Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT)
      22 scores, polyp grades, computerized tomography (CT) scores (Lund-Mackay),
      eosinophils in peripheral blood and polyp tissue were evaluated before and after
      surgery. RESULTS: There was a significant reduction in SNOT-22 scores in both
      groups throughout the study period. There was a significant difference in the
      recurrence rate between both groups with a marginal advantage of mometasone
      furoate nasal spray. Eosinophils in peripheral blood were found to be effective
      on the recurrence rate (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, both drugs seem to
      have a complementary action and further studies are needed to determine which
      patients should receive which treatment.

PMID- 22042750
TI  - Behaviors of successful interdisciplinary hospital quality improvement teams.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although interdisciplinary hospital quality improvement (QI) teams
      are both prevalent and associated with success of (QI) efforts, little is known
      about the behaviors of successful interdisciplinary QI teams. OBJECTIVE: We
      examined the specific behaviors of interdisciplinary QI teams in hospitals that
      successfully redesigned care for patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction
      (STEMI) and reduced door-to-balloon times. DESIGN: Qualitative study.
      PARTICIPANTS: Researchers interviewed 122 administrators, providers, and staff in
      11 hospitals with substantial improvements in door-to-balloon times.
      MEASUREMENTS: Using data from the in-depth qualitative interviews, the authors
      identified themes that described the behaviors of interdisciplinary QI teams in
      successful hospitals. RESULTS: Teams focused on 5 behaviors: (1) motivating
      involved hospital staff toward a shared goal, (2) creating opportunities for
      learning and problem-solving, (3) addressing the impact of changes to care
      processes on staff, (4) protecting the integrity of the new care processes, and
      (5) representing each involved clinical discipline effectively. CONCLUSIONS: The
      behaviors observed may enhance a QI team's ability to motivate the various
      disciplines involved, understand the care process they must change, be responsive
      to front-line concerns while maintaining control over the improvement process,
      and share information across all levels of the hospital hierarchy. Teams in
      successful hospitals did not avoid interdisciplinary conflict, but rather allowed
      each discipline to contribute to the team from its own perspective. Successful QI
      teams addressed the concerns of each involved discipline, modified protocols
      guided by clinical outcomes, and became conduits of information on changes to
      care processes to both executive managers and front-line staff.

PMID- 22042751
TI  - The vomeronasal organ of New World monkeys (platyrrhini).
AB  - Although all platyrrhine primates possess a vomeronasal organ (VNO), few species
      have been studied in detail. Here, we revisit the microanatomy of the VNO and
      related features in serially sectioned samples from 41 platyrrhine cadavers (14
      species) of mixed age. Procedures to identify terminally differentiated
      vomeronasal sensory neurons (VSNs) via immunolabeling of olfactory marker protein
      (OMP) were used on selected specimens. The VNO varies from an elongated
      epithelial tube (e.g., Ateles fusciceps) to a dorsoventrally expanded sac (e.g.,
      Saguinus spp.). The cartilage that surrounds the VNO is J-shaped or U-shaped in
      most species, and articulates with a groove on the bony palate. Preliminary
      results indicate a significant correlation between the length of this groove and
      length of the VNO neuroepithelium, indicating this feature may serve as a
      skeletal correlate. The VNO neuroepithelium could be identified in all adult
      primates except Alouatta, in which poor preservation prevented determination. The
      VNO of Ateles, described in detail for the first time, had several rows of VSNs
      and nerves in the surrounding lamina propria. Patterns of OMP-reactivity in the
      VNO of perinatal platyrrhines indicate that few or no terminally differentiated
      VSNs are present at birth, thus supporting the hypothesis that some platyrrhines
      may have delayed maturation of the VNO. From a functional perspective, all
      platyrrhines studied possess structures required for chemoreception (VSNs,
      vomeronasal nerves). However, some microanatomical findings, such as limited
      reactivity to OMP in some species, indicate that some lineages of New World
      monkeys may have a reduced or vestigial vomeronasal system.

PMID- 22042752
TI  - Management of deep vein thrombosis and prevention of post-thrombotic syndrome.

PMID- 22042753
TI  - Dabigatran etexilate versus warfarin in management of non-valvular atrial
      fibrillation in UK context: quantitative benefit-harm and economic analyses.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the incremental net health benefits of dabigatran
      etexilate 110 mg and 150 mg twice daily and warfarin in patients with non
      valvular atrial fibrillation and to estimate the cost effectiveness of dabigatran
      in the United Kingdom. DESIGN: Quantitative benefit-harm and economic analyses
      using a discrete event simulation model to extrapolate the findings of the RE-LY
      (Randomized Evaluation of Long-Term Anticoagulation Therapy) study to a lifetime
      horizon. SETTING: UK National Health Service. Population Cohorts of 50,000
      simulated patients at moderate to high risk of stroke with a mean baseline
      CHADS(2) (Congestive heart failure, Hypertension, Age >= 75 years, Diabetes
      mellitus, previous Stroke/transient ischaemic attack) score of 2.1. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURES: Quality adjusted life years (QALYs) gained and incremental cost per
      QALY of dabigatran compared with warfarin. RESULTS: Compared with warfarin, low
      dose and high dose dabigatran were associated with positive incremental net
      benefits of 0.094 (95% central range -0.083 to 0.267) and 0.146 (-0.029 to 0.322)
      QALYs. Positive incremental net benefits resulted for high dose dabigatran in 94%
      of simulations versus warfarin and in 76% of those versus low dose dabigatran. In
      the economic analysis, high dose dabigatran dominated the low dose, had an
      incremental cost effectiveness ratio of L23,082 (?26,700; $35,800) per QALY
      gained versus warfarin, and was more cost effective in patients with a baseline
      CHADS(2) score of 3 or above. However, at centres that achieved good control of
      international normalised ratio, such as those in the UK, dabigatran 150 mg was
      not cost effective, at L42,386 per QALY gained. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis
      supports regulatory decisions that dabigatran offers a positive benefit to harm
      ratio when compared with warfarin. However, no subgroup for which dabigatran 110
      mg offered any clinical or economic advantage over 150 mg was identified. High
      dose dabigatran will be cost effective only for patients at increased risk of
      stroke or for whom international normalised ratio is likely to be less well
      controlled.

PMID- 22042754
TI  - A 34 year old man with bilateral anterior uveitis and a rash.

PMID- 22042755
TI  - Cost of dabigatran for atrial fibrillation.

PMID- 22042756
TI  - Global health cannot be achieved without efforts to curb population growth.

PMID- 22042757
TI  - Analysts disagree over whether spending on health has risen or fallen.

PMID- 22042758
TI  - Effect of 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 and 1 alpha,25 dihydroxyvitamin D3 on
      differentiation and apoptosis of human osteosarcoma cell lines.
AB  - Osteosarcoma (OS) is a malignant bone tumor predominantly affecting children and
      adolescents. OS has a 60% survival rate with current treatments; hence, there is
      a need to identify novel adjuncts to chemotherapeutic regimens. In this pilot
      study, we investigated the dose-response to 1alpha,25-dihdroxyvitamin D(3)
      (1,alpha 25(OH)(2) D(3)) and 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3) (25(OH)D(3)) by human OS cell
      lines, SaOS-2, and 143B. We hypothesized that 1,alpha 25(OH)(2) D(3) and
      25(OH)D(3) would stimulate differentiation and induce apoptosis in OS cells in a
      dose-dependent manner. Human OS cell lines, SaOS-2, and 143B, were treated with
      1,alpha 25(OH)(2)D(3) or 25(OH)D(3) or an ethanol control, respectively, at
      concentrations ranging from 1 to 1,000 nM. Ki67 (a marker of cellular
      proliferation) immunocytochemistry revealed no significant changes in the
      expression of Ki-67 or MIB-1 in 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) or 25(OH)D(3) treated SaOS-2
      or 143B cells. Both control and 1alpha,25(OH)(2) D(3) treated SaOS-2 and 143B
      cells expressed vitamin D receptor (VDR). Markers of osteoblastic differentiation
      in 143B cells and SaOS-2 cells were induced by both 25(OH)D(3) and
      1alpha,25(OH)(2) D, and evident by increases in alkaline phosphatase (ALP)
      activity, osteocalcin (OCN) mRNA expression, and mineralization of extra-cellular
      matrix (ECM) by alizarin red staining. An increasing trend in apoptosis in
      response to 25(OH)D(3), in both SaOS-2 and 143B cells was detected by terminal
      deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT)-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL)
      staining. With 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) treatment, apoptosis was evident at higher
      concentrations only. These preliminary findings suggest that OS cells express VDR
      and respond to 25(OH)D(3) and 1alpha,25(OH)(2)D(3) by undergoing differentiation
      and apoptosis.

PMID- 22042759
TI  - Near and far space: Understanding the neural mechanisms of spatial attention.
AB  - Visuospatial neglect is a multicomponent syndrome, and one dissociation reported
      is between neglect for near (peripersonal) and far (extrapersonal) space. Owing
      to patient heterogeneity and extensive lesions, it is difficult to determine the
      precise neural mechanisms underlying this dissociation using clinical
      methodology. In this study, transcranial magnetic stimulation was used to examine
      the involvement of three areas in the undamaged brain, while participants
      completed a conjunction search task in near and far space. The brain areas
      investigated were right posterior parietal cortex (rPPC), right frontal eye field
      (rFEF), and right ventral occipital cortex (rVO), each of which has been
      implicated in visuospatial processing. The results revealed a double
      dissociation, whereby rPPC was involved for search in near space only, whilst rVO
      only became necessary when the task was completed in far space. These data
      provide clear evidence for a dorsal and ventral dissociation between the
      processing of near and far space, which is compatible with the functional roles
      previously attributed to the two streams. For example, the involvement of the
      dorsal stream in near space reflects its role in vision for action, because it is
      within this spatial location that actions can be performed. The results also
      revealed that rFEF is involved in the processing of visual search in both near
      and far space and may contribute to visuospatial attention and/or the control of
      eye-movements irrespective of spatial frame. We discuss our results with respect
      to their clear ramifications for clinical diagnosis and neurorehabilitation.

PMID- 22042760
TI  - Adults' future time perspective predicts engagement in physical activity.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to examine how the relations among known predictors of
      physical activity, such as age, sex, and body mass index, interact with future
      time perspective (FTP) and perceived functional limitation to explain adults'
      engagement in physical activity. METHOD: Self-report data from 226 adults (range
      20-88 years) were collected to examine the hypothesis that a more expansive FTP
      is associated with engagement in physical activity. RESULTS: Results indicated a
      good fit of the data to the model chi(2) (4, N = 226) = 7.457, p = .14 and
      accounted for a moderate amount of variance in adults' physical activity (R(2) =
      15.7). Specifically, results indicated that perceived functional limitation (beta
      = -.140) and FTP (beta = .162) were directly associated with physical activity.
      Age was indirectly associated with physical activity through its association with
      perceived functional limitation (beta = -.264) and FTP (beta = .541). DISCUSSION:
      Results indicate that FTP may play an important role in explaining engagement in
      health promoting behaviors across the life span. Researchers should consider
      additional constructs and perhaps adopt socioemotional selectivity theory when
      explaining adults' engagement in physical activity.

PMID- 22042761
TI  - Partner discrepancies and age differences in marital quality: distinguishing the
      ideal, expected, and perceived partner.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Previous studies have observed a rebound of marital quality in later
      adulthood. This study tested whether partner discrepancy was a mediator of the
      age differences in marital quality. METHOD: The present study assessed partner
      discrepancies and marital quality in 56 couples, 20-79 years old. Two levels of
      partner standards (ideal and expected standards) and 2 domains of partner
      characteristics (personality and support) were examined. RESULTS: Husbands'
      partner discrepancies, but not wives', were found to mediate the curvilinear age
      differences in martial quality. DISCUSSION: Consistent with the life-span theory
      of control, the results suggest that adjusting cognition about the partner is
      essential to the typically higher marital quality in later adulthood. The results
      also suggest that the level of comparison standards and the specific domain of
      partner characteristics should be considered in future studies.

PMID- 22042762
TI  - Correlates of caregiver burden among family caregivers of older Korean Americans.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Despite the rapid growth of older ethnic minority populations,
      knowledge is limited about informal caregiving among these groups. Our aim was to
      identify correlates of caregiver burden among family caregivers of older Korean
      Americans (KAs). METHOD: A cross-sectional survey collected data from 146 KA
      caregivers. Using a modified stress-appraisal model, we examined background and
      context characteristics (caregiver sex, relationship to care recipient, college
      education, English proficiency, time in caregiving role, family support network,
      friend support network), a primary stressor (care recipient functional
      dependency), a primary appraisal (caregiving hours), and resources (family
      agreement, care management self-efficacy, service use self-efficacy) as potential
      correlates of caregiver burden. Interactions between the primary stressor,
      primary appraisal, and resources were also tested. RESULTS: Being female and the
      care recipient's spouse were associated with higher burden. Conversely, a larger
      family support network, greater family agreement, and greater care management
      self-efficacy were associated with lower burden. A significant interaction was
      detected between functional dependency and family agreement; higher levels of
      family agreement moderated the association between care recipient functional
      dependency and caregiver burden. DISCUSSION: Interventions to reduce caregiver
      burden in KA caregivers may be more effective if they include approaches
      specifically designed to build family support, improve family agreement, and
      increase caregivers' self-efficacy.

PMID- 22042763
TI  - Personal and neighborhood resources, future time perspective, and social
      relations in middle and older adulthood.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Aging-related changes in motivation and the availability of resources
      have been hypothesized to result in social network changes in later life.
      However, few studies have examined associations of both motivation and resources
      with different aspects of social network composition in the same analytical
      context. The present study examined associations of key motivational (future time
      perspective [FTP]) and resource variables (partner status, physical health, and
      perceived neighborhood cohesion) with social network size and positive and
      negative social exchanges. METHOD: A population-based sample of midlife (aged 55
      59 years, n = 169) young-old (aged 60-74 years, n = 306) and old-old (aged 75+
      years, n = 77) adults completed a questionnaire. RESULTS: Those who were
      partnered reported larger networks with family, whereas never-married individuals
      reported larger networks with neighbors. Perceived neighborhood cohesion was
      related to larger networks with family, neighbors, and friends. Open-ended FTP
      was associated with larger networks of friends and more frequent positive social
      exchanges. DISCUSSION: Our results point to FTP and resources having different
      implications for social engagement across network domains.

PMID- 22042764
TI  - Comparing the pulmonary embolism severity index and the prognosis in pulmonary
      embolism scores as risk stratification tools.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Multiple risk stratification scoring systems exist to forecast
      outcomes in patients with acute pulmonary embolism (PE). OBJECTIVE: We evaluated
      the comparative validity of the PE severity index (PESI) and the prognosis in
      pulmonary embolism (PREP) scores to predict mortality in acute PE. DESIGN:
      Retrospective observational cohort study. SETTING: Washington Hospital Center,
      Washington, DC. PATIENTS: Consecutive adults (aged >18 years) diagnosed with
      acute PE. INTERVENTION: The PESI and PREP scores were calculated. MEASUREMENTS:
      Raw PESI scores were segregated into risk class (I-V) and then dichotomized into
      low (I-II) versus high (III-V) risk groups; the raw PREP scores were divided into
      low (0-7) versus high (>7) risk groups. The primary endpoint was 30-day and 90
      day mortality. We determined the negative predictive value and computed the area
      under the receiver operating characteristics (AUROC) curves to compare the
      ability of these scoring tools. RESULTS: The cohort consisted of 302 subjects.
      Thirty-day mortality was 3.0%, and 4.0% died within 90 days. The PESI and the
      PREP performed similarly (PESI AUROC: 0.858 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.773
      0.943] vs 0.719 [95% CI, 0.563-0.875] for PREP). Segregating these scores into
      risk categories did not affect their discriminatory power (AUROC: 0.684 [95% CI,
      0.559-0.810] for PESI and 0.790 [95% CI, 0.679-0.903] for PREP). The negative
      predictive value for death of being classified as low risk by the PESI or PREP
      was 100% and 99%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The PREP score performed comparably
      to the PESI score for identifying PE patients at low risk for short-term and
      intermediate-term mortality.

PMID- 22042765
TI  - Partial support for ZNF804A genotype-dependent alterations in prefrontal
      connectivity.
AB  - Genome-wide association studies identified the single nucleotide polymorphism
      rs1344706 in ZNF804A as a common risk-variant for schizophrenia and bipolar
      disorder. Whereas the molecular function of ZNF804A is yet unclear, recent
      imaging genetics studies have started to characterize the neural systems
      architecture linking rs1344706 genotype to psychosis. Carring rs1344706 risk
      alleles was associated with a decrease in functional connectivity within the
      dorsolateral prefrontal cortices (DLPFCs) as well as an increase in connectivity
      between the DLPFC and the hippocampal formation (HF) in the context of a working
      memory task. The present study aimed at replicating these findings in an
      independent sample of 94 healthy subjects. Subjects were genotyped for rs1344706
      and performed a working memory task during functional magnetic resonance imaging.
      Results indicate no support for a decrease of functional coupling between the
      bilateral DLPFCs at higher ZNF804A risk status. However, the current data show
      the previously described alteration in functional coupling between the right
      DLPFC and the HFs, albeit with weaker effects. Decoupled by default, the
      functional connectivity between the right DLPFC and anterior HFs increased with
      the number of rs1344706 risk alleles. The present data support fronto-hippocampal
      dysconnectivity as intermediate phenotype linking rs1344706 genotype to
      psychosis. We discuss the issues in replicating the interhemispheric DLPFC
      coupling in light of the effect sizes rs1344706 genotype has on brain function,
      concluding that further independent replication studies are fundamentally needed
      to ascertain the role of rs1344706 in the functional integration of neural
      systems.

PMID- 22042766
TI  - Hospital quality and patient safety competencies: development, description, and
      recommendations for use.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hospitalists are poised to have a tremendous impact on improving the
      quality of care for hospitalized patients. However, many hospitalists are
      inadequately prepared to engage in efforts to improve quality, because medical
      schools and residency programs have not traditionally emphasized healthcare
      quality and patient safety in their curricula. METHODS: Through a multistep
      process, the Society of Hospital Medicine (SHM) Quality Improvement Education
      (QIE) subcommittee developed the Hospital Quality and Patient Safety (HQPS)
      Competencies to provide a framework for developing and assessing curricula and
      other professional development experiences. This article describes the
      development, provides definitions, and makes recommendations on the use of the
      HQPS Competencies. RESULTS: The 8 areas of competence include: Quality
      Measurement and Stakeholder Interests, Data Acquisition and Interpretation,
      Organizational Knowledge and Leadership Skills, Patient Safety Principles,
      Teamwork and Communication, Quality and Safety Improvement Methods, Health
      Information Systems, and Patient Centeredness. Reflecting differing levels of
      hospitalist involvement in healthcare quality, 3 levels of expertise within each
      area of competence have been established: basic, intermediate, and advanced.
      Standards for each competency area use carefully selected action verbs to reflect
      educational goals for hospitalists at each level. CONCLUSIONS: Formal
      incorporation of the HQPS Competencies into professional development programs,
      and innovative educational initiatives and curricula, will help provide current
      hospitalists and the next generations of hospitalists with the needed skills to
      be successful.

PMID- 22042768
TI  - Elucidation of the sugar recognition ability of the lectin domain of UDP
      GalNAc:polypeptide N-acetylgalactosaminyltransferase 3 by using unnatural
      glycopeptide substrates.
AB  - Mucin-type glycosylation [alpha-N-acetyl-D-galactosamine (alpha-GalNAc)-O
      Ser/Thr] on proteins is initiated biosynthetically by 16 homologous isoforms of
      GalNAc-Ts (uridine diphosphate-GalNAc:polypeptide N
      acetylgalactosaminyltransferases). All the GalNAc-Ts consist of a catalytic
      domain and a lectin domain. Previous reports of GalNAc-T assays toward peptides
      and alpha-GalNAc glycopeptides showed that the lectin domain recognized the sugar
      on the substrates and affected the reaction; however, the details are not clear.
      Here, we report a new strategy to give insight on the sugar recognition ability
      and the function of the GalNAc-T3 lectin domain using chemically synthesized
      natural-type (alpha-GalNAc-O-Thr) and unnatural-type [beta-GalNAc-O-Thr, alpha
      Fuc-O-Thr and beta-GlcNAc-O-Thr] MUC5AC glycopeptides. GalNAc-T3 is one of
      isoforms expressed in various organs, its substrate specificity extensively
      characterized and its anomalous expression has been identified in several types
      of cancer (e.g. pancreas and stomach). The glycopeptides used in this study were
      designed based on a preliminary peptide assay with a sequence derived from the
      MUC5AC tandem repeat. Through GalNAc-T3 and lectin-inactivated GalNAc-T3,
      competition assays between the glycopeptide substrates and product analyses
      (MALDI-TOF MS, RP-HPLC and ETD-MS/MS), we show that the lectin domain strictly
      recognized GalNAc on the substrate and this specificity controlled the
      glycosylation pathway.

PMID- 22042767
TI  - A new glycoengineered insect cell line with an inducibly mammalianized protein N
      glycosylation pathway.
AB  - The inability to produce recombinant glycoproteins with authentic N-glycans is a
      limitation of many heterologous protein expression systems. In the baculovirus
      insect cell system, this limitation has been addressed by glycoengineering insect
      cell lines with mammalian genes encoding protein N-glycosylation functions
      ("glycogenes") under the transcriptional control of constitutive promoters.
      However, a potential problem with this approach is that the metabolic load
      imposed by the expression of multiple transgenes could adversely impact the
      growth and/or stability of glycoengineered insect cell lines. Thus, we created a
      new transgenic insect cell line (SfSWT-5) with an inducibly mammalianized protein
      N-glycosylation pathway. Expression of all six glycogenes was induced when
      uninfected SfSWT-5 cells were cultured in growth medium containing doxycycline.
      Higher levels of expression and induction were observed when SfSWT-5 cells were
      cultured with doxycycline and infected with a baculovirus. Interestingly, there
      were no major differences in the short-term growth properties of SfSWT-5 cells
      cultured with or without doxycycline. Furthermore, there were no major
      differences in the phenotypic stability of these cells after continuous culture
      for over 300 passages with or without doxycycline. Baculovirus-infected Sf9 and
      SfSWT-5 cells produced about the same amounts of a model recombinant
      glycoprotein, but only the latter sialylated this product and sialylation was
      more pronounced when the cells were treated with doxycycline. In summary, this is
      the first report of a lower eukaryotic system with an inducibly mammalianized
      protein N-glycosylation pathway and the first to examine how the presumed
      metabolic load imposed by multiple transgene expression impacts insect cell
      growth and stability.

PMID- 22042769
TI  - Element content analysis by WDXRF in pistachios grown under organic and
      conventional farming regimes for human nutrition and health.
AB  - In this investigation, the elemental composition of various Antep pistachios
      (Pistacia vera L.) samples was determined using a sensitive method called
      wavelength dispersive x-ray fluorescence (WDXRF). A total of 27 elements, such as
      Al, As, Bi, Ca, Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, P, S, Sr, Zn, Cl, Pb, K, Mg, Na, Ba, Rb, Si,
      Br, Sn, Au, La, Ti and Zr, were determined in pistachios samples (n = 10) grown
      under organic and conventional farming regimes. The obtained results from each
      group were analyzed statistically using SPSS statistic program. It was observed
      that the concentration and peak intensity values of Ca, Fe, Mn, P, Mg, Cl, Na and
      K elements were higher in the pistachios samples grown under organic farming
      regime. Similarly, Al was found in higher level in the samples grown under
      conventional farming regime. As, Bi, Cd, Pb, Ti, La, Sn and Zr contents were
      measured. Their contents were below the detection limits. Our findings clearly
      revealed that organic pistachios are likely to have higher nutritional mineral
      content. The pistachios samples grown under conventional farming regime could
      contain harmful metals like Al that might damage various systems and/or organs of
      humans and animals.

PMID- 22042770
TI  - Occupational genotoxicity among copper smelters.
AB  - Occupational exposure in a copper smelting industry may produce various adverse
      health effects including cancer. Despite a number of well-documented studies
      reporting an increased risk of cancer among copper smelter workers, the data on
      genotoxic effects in this industry are scarce. In view of the above, an
      assessment of DNA damage in peripheral blood leukocytes by Comet assay from
      copper smelter workers was undertaken. Additionally, the proton-induced X-ray
      emission (PIXE) analysis was assessed to determine the metal content of samples.
      The study was conducted with all workers from a copper smelter (males; n = 11),
      and a control group (n = 11) was recruited. The results of our study showed a
      significant increase (p < 0.001; Mann-Whitney test) in DNA damage in peripheral
      blood lymphocytes of smelter workers, compared to the controls (p < 0.001; Mann
      Whitney test). No correlation between DNA damage or metal concentration and age
      mean or time of exposure was found under study. Our findings indicate that copper
      smelter workers have increased levels of DNA damage in somatic cells, suggesting
      a potential health risk for the workers. PIXE results show the presence of
      copper, iron, and other metals.

PMID- 22042771
TI  - Treatment with folic acid ameliorated the histopathological alterations caused by
      propylthiouracil-induced hypothyroid rat testes.
AB  - Hypothyroidism is an underactive thyroid gland that cannot  make enough thyroid
      hormone to keep the body running normally. Here we studied the histopathological,
      immunohistochemical, and ultrastructural changes in the hypothyroid rat testes at
      the postpubertal stage, in addition to the ameliorating role of folic acid in
      enhancing spermatogenesis, boosting sperm concentration and building up the
      antioxidant status against the oxidants. A total of 50 male albino rats were
      equally divided into 5 groups; the first and second groups comprised the control
      and folic acid groups, respectively; while the third group comprised the
      hypothyroid group in which rats received 6-n-propyl-2-thiouracil in drinking
      water for 6 weeks to induce hypothyroidism. The fourth and fifth groups comprised
      hypothyroid rats treated with folic acid for 4 weeks and dissected after 6 and 10
      weeks, respectively. Testes in the hypothyroid rats showed marked morphological
      and histological changes in the seminiferous tubules with a reduction in sperm
      count. Our results indicate that hypothyroidism adversely affects
      spermatogenesis, suggesting that thyroid hormone might play an important role not
      only in controlling normal testicular development but also in maintaining normal
      testicular function and spermatogenesis. Further, we suggested an ameliorating
      role of folic acid in the relief of testicular tissue from changes due to
      hypothyroidism. However, we found that the best results were found in cases where
      folic acid was used as an adjuvant therapy for returning to the euthyroid state.

PMID- 22042772
TI  - Employing volcanic tuff minerals in interior architecture design to reduce
      microbial contaminants and airborne fungal carcinogens of indoor environments.
AB  - Indoor volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have posed significant risks to human
      health since people have both shifted to a life spent, for the most part,
      indoors. Further, changes in materials used in the construction of buildings,
      furnishings, and tools either leak or encourage the production of VOCs. Whether
      these enclosed areas are residences, hospitals or workplaces (specifically
      composting facilities or closed farm buildings for raising livestock), VOCs can
      rise to levels that threaten people's health. VOCs can either originate from
      phenolic and benzene-like compounds in building materials and office furniture or
      from molds (fungi) growing inside improperly ventilated or sealed buildings.
      Regardless of the source, exposure to VOCs could lead to significant health
      concerns from sick-building syndrome, 'leukemia houses,' in-hospital fungemia
      cases or occupation-associated cancer epidemics due to aflatoxicosis. Innovative
      21st-century building materials could offer solutions to these challenges. We
      propose that volcanic materials, clays and minerals (volcanic tuff, modified clay
      montmorillonite and mineral clinoptilolite), in their original or chemically
      modified form, could act like synthetic lungs in building walls, breathing and
      filtering VOCs, and thus limiting human exposure to disease.

PMID- 22042773
TI  - MicroRNA-mediated dysregulation of neural developmental genes in HPRT deficiency:
      clues for Lesch-Nyhan disease?
AB  - Mutations in the gene encoding the purine biosynthetic enzyme hypoxanthine
      guanine phosphoribosyltransferase (HPRT) cause the intractable neurodevelopmental
      Lesch-Nyhan disease (LND) associated with aberrant development of brain dopamine
      pathways. In the current study, we have identified an increased expression of the
      microRNA miR181a in HPRT-deficient human dopaminergic SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma
      cells. Among the genes potentially regulated by miR181a are several known to be
      required for neural development, including Engrailed1 (En1), Engrailed2 (En2),
      Lmx1a and Brn2. We demonstrate that these genes are down-regulated in HPRT
      deficient SH-SY5Y cells and that over-expression of miR181a significantly reduces
      endogenous expression of these genes and inhibits translation of luciferase
      plasmids bearing the En1/2 or Lmx1a 3'UTR miRNA-binding elements. Conversely,
      inhibition of miR181a increases the expression of these genes and enhances
      translation of luciferase constructs bearing the En1/2 and Lmx1a 3'UTR miRNA
      binding sequences. We also demonstrate that key neurodevelopmental genes (e.g.
      Nurr1, Pitx3, Wnt1 and Mash1) known to be functional partners of Lmx1a and Brn2
      are also markedly down-regulated in SH-SY5Y cells over-expressing miR181a and in
      HPRT-deficient cells. Our findings in SH-SY5Y cells demonstrate that HPRT
      deficiency is accompanied by dysregulation of some of the important pathways that
      regulate the development of dopaminergic neurons and dopamine pathways and that
      this defect is associated with and possibly due at least partly to aberrant
      expression of miR181a. Because aberrant expression of miR181a is not as apparent
      in HPRT-deficient LND fibroblasts, the relevance of the SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma
      cells to human disease remains to be proven. Nevertheless, we propose that these
      pleiotropic neurodevelopment effects of miR181a may play a role in the
      pathogenesis of LND.

PMID- 22042774
TI  - Rare missense variants in CHRNB4 are associated with reduced risk of nicotine
      dependence.
AB  - Genome-wide association studies have identified common variation in the CHRNA5
      CHRNA3-CHRNB4 and CHRNA6-CHRNB3 gene clusters that contribute to nicotine
      dependence. However, the role of rare variation in risk for nicotine dependence
      in these nicotinic receptor genes has not been studied. We undertook pooled
      sequencing of the coding regions and flanking sequence of the CHRNA5, CHRNA3,
      CHRNB4, CHRNA6 and CHRNB3 genes in African American and European American
      nicotine-dependent smokers and smokers without symptoms of dependence. Carrier
      status of individuals harboring rare missense variants at conserved sites in each
      of these genes was then compared in cases and controls to test for an association
      with nicotine dependence. Missense variants at conserved residues in CHRNB4 are
      associated with lower risk for nicotine dependence in African Americans and
      European Americans (AA P = 0.0025, odds-ratio (OR) = 0.31, 95% confidence
      interval (CI) = 0.31-0.72; EA P = 0.023, OR = 0.69, 95% CI = 0.50-0.95).
      Furthermore, these individuals were found to smoke fewer cigarettes per day than
      non-carriers (AA P = 6.6 * 10(-5), EA P = 0.021). Given the possibility of
      stochastic differences in rare allele frequencies between groups replication of
      this association is necessary to confirm these findings. The functional effects
      of the two CHRNB4 variants contributing most to this association (T375I and T91I)
      and a missense variant in CHRNA3 (R37H) in strong linkage disequilibrium with
      T91I were examined in vitro. The minor allele of each polymorphism increased
      cellular response to nicotine (T375I P = 0.01, T91I P = 0.02, R37H P = 0.003),
      but the largest effect on in vitro receptor activity was seen in the presence of
      both CHRNB4 T91I and CHRNA3 R37H (P = 2 * 10(-6)).

PMID- 22042775
TI  - Banning abortion and contraception infringes women's right to health, UN assembly
      hears.

PMID- 22042776
TI  - Watchdog uncovers "a culture of abuse" at Essex hospital.

PMID- 22042777
TI  - Switzerland needs more GPs if it is to tackle growing burden of chronic disease.

PMID- 22042778
TI  - Ninety per cent of violent deaths are unrelated to wars.

PMID- 22042779
TI  - Pharmacists may be allowed to change prescriptions without consulting prescriber.

PMID- 22042780
TI  - US committee recommends HPV vaccine for boys.

PMID- 22042781
TI  - Bahraini doctors' salaries are axed as they await retrial for crimes against the
      state.

PMID- 22042782
TI  - New NHS commissioning board gets to work.

PMID- 22042783
TI  - Phase III randomized trial of dose intensive neoadjuvant chemotherapy with or
      without G-CSF in locally advanced breast cancer: long-term results.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the pathologic complete response (pCR) rate of patients
      treated with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide (FAC)
      versus dose-intense FAC plus G-CSF in the neoadjuvant setting and to compare the
      delivered dose intensity, disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS)
      times, and toxicity between treatment arms in patients with breast cancer.
      METHODS: Patients were randomized to receive preoperative FAC (5-FU, 500 mg/m(2);
      doxorubicin, 50 mg/m(2); cyclophosphamide, 500 mg/m(2)) every 21 days for four
      cycles or dose-intense FAC (5-FU, 600 mg/m(2); doxorubicin, 60 mg/m(2);
      cyclophosphamide, 1,000 mg/m(2)) plus G-CSF every 18 days for four cycles.
      RESULTS: Two hundred two patients were randomly assigned. The median follow-up
      was 7.5 years. Patients randomized to FAC plus G-CSF had a higher pCR rate as
      well as clinical complete response rate; however, these differences were not
      statistically different from those with the FAC arm. Patients in the FAC + G-CSF
      arm had a higher delivered dose intensity of doxorubicin in the neoadjuvant and
      adjuvant settings than those in the standard FAC arm. DFS and OS times were not
      significantly different between the two groups. However, the OS and DFS rates
      were significantly higher for patients who achieved a pCR than for those who did
      not. Thrombocytopenia, febrile neutropenia, and infection rates were higher in
      the FAC + G-CSF arm. CONCLUSIONS: A higher delivered dose intensity of
      doxorubicin with the FAC + G-CSF regimen did not result in a statistically
      significant higher pCR rate. However, patients who achieved a pCR experienced
      longer DFS and OS times.

PMID- 22042784
TI  - Clinical development of VEGF signaling pathway inhibitors in childhood solid
      tumors.
AB  - Angiogenesis is a target shared by both adult epithelial cancers and the
      mesenchymal or embryonal tumors of childhood. Development of antiangiogenic
      agents for the pediatric population has been complicated by largely theoretical
      concern for toxicities specific to the growing child and prioritization among the
      many antiangiogenic agents being developed for adults. This review summarizes the
      mechanism of action and preclinical data relevant to childhood cancers and early
      phase clinical trials in childhood solid tumors. Single-agent adverse event
      profiles in adults and children are reviewed with emphasis on cardiovascular,
      bone health, and endocrine side effects. In addition, pharmacological factors
      that may be relevant for prioritizing clinical trials of these agents in children
      are reviewed. Considerations for further clinical evaluation should include
      preclinical data, relative potency, efficacy in adults, and the current U.S. Food
      and Drug Administration approval status. Toxicity profiles of vascular
      endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling pathway inhibitors may be age
      dependent and ultimately, their utility in the treatment of childhood cancer will
      require combination with standard cytotoxic drugs or other molecularly targeted
      agents. In combination studies, toxicity profiles, potential drug interactions,
      and late effects must be considered. Studies to assess the long-term impact of
      VEGF signaling pathway inhibitors on cardiovascular, endocrine, and bone health
      in children with cancer are imperative if these agents are to be administered to
      growing children and adolescents with newly diagnosed cancers.

PMID- 22042785
TI  - Acinar cell carcinoma of the pancreas: new genetic and treatment insights into a
      rare malignancy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acinar cell carcinoma (ACC) of the pancreas is a rare neoplasm,
      accounting for 1% of all pancreatic neoplasms. There remains a lack of data
      regarding the use of systemic therapy in this disease. We present a series of 40
      consecutive cases of ACC of the pancreas treated at Memorial Sloan-Kettering
      Cancer Center, with an emphasis on evaluation of activity of new therapeutic
      agents. METHODS: Patients reviewed at our institution from January 2000 through
      January 2011 were identified from an institutional database with prior
      institutional review board approval. Pathology was confirmed in all cases as ACC
      or a closely related entity. RESULTS: Forty patients were identified; 29 were
      male (73%). The median age at diagnosis was 65 years (range, 16-87 years). The
      median overall survival (OS) time for patients with localized, resectable disease
      was 56.9 months and the OS time for patients with metastatic ACC (n = 18) was
      19.6 months. Six patients with metastatic or recurrent ACC had a partial response
      to chemotherapy and five patients had stable disease for >=6 months on systemic
      chemotherapy. Clinical observation was made of a patient with ACC and hereditary
      nonpolyposis colorectal cancer and a patient with ACC and a BRCA1 germline
      mutation. CONCLUSIONS: ACC is moderately chemoresponsive to agents that have
      activity in pancreatic adenocarcinoma and colorectal carcinoma. A potential
      association between germline mutations in DNA mismatch repair genes and ACC
      warrants further evaluation.

PMID- 22042786
TI  - Hot flashes: a review of pathophysiology and treatment modalities.
AB  - Many therapies are being studied for the treatment of hot flashes for individuals
      with cancer, yet few studies have demonstrated safe and effective clinical
      benefit for those who suffer from this distressing symptom. The purpose of this
      paper is to assess the current options for the management of hot flashes,
      examining key endpoints from recent clinical trials and reviewing future
      directions. Hot flashes are a common stressful symptom for individuals with
      cancer, particularly women with a history of breast cancer and men with prostate
      cancer. Lifestyle modifications are proposed as the first step in the management
      of less severe hot flashes. Several publications have addressed nonhormonal
      agents as a treatment option for hot flashes. Newer antidepressant and
      anticonvulsant agents have been studied and show potential in treating vasomotor
      symptoms. Although many complementary and alternative therapies, including herbal
      medications and phytoestrogens, have been studied for the treatment of hot
      flashes, none are clinically recommended at this time. Additionally, further
      evidence is needed for supportive exercise such as yoga and relaxation
      techniques. Acupuncture may warrant further investigation in the reduction and
      severity of hot flashes in both men and women. Hormonal therapies, including
      estrogens and progestogens, are the most well-known and efficient agents in
      alleviating hot flashes; however, the safety of these agents is disputable.

PMID- 22042787
TI  - Second malignancies among elderly survivors of cancer.
AB  - The U.S. population is aging, life expectancy is increasing, and cancer is a
      disease associated with aging. Advances in screening and therapeutics have led to
      a growing number of cancer survivors who are at risk for the development of
      secondary malignancies. Although the risks for the development of second
      malignancies following a first diagnosis of cancer are well described for
      survivors of childhood malignancies, there are fewer data for malignancies common
      in older adults. With the aging of the U.S. population, and with improving
      survival statistics in many adult malignancies, there is an increasing need to
      identify those second malignancies that might develop in the older adult survivor
      of cancer. In this paper, we describe the types and rates of second malignancies
      following cancers commonly seen in older adults and review the literature on
      these malignancies. Comparisons are made between older and younger adults with
      regard to the risks for developing treatment-related cancers with different
      modalities. Recommendations for early detection of second malignancies are
      summarized, though there remains an unmet need for evidence-based guidelines for
      screening for second malignancies in the older adult in particular.

PMID- 22042788
TI  - Survival prediction for terminally ill cancer patients: revision of the
      palliative prognostic score with incorporation of delirium.
AB  - PURPOSE: An existing and validated palliative prognostic (PaP) score predicts
      survival in terminally ill cancer patients based on dyspnea, anorexia, Karnofsky
      performance status score, clinical prediction of survival, total WBC, and
      lymphocyte percentage. The PaP score assigns patients to three different risk
      groups according to a 30-day survival probability--group A, >70%; group B, 30%
      70%; group C, <30%. The impact of delirium is known but was not incorporated into
      the PaP score. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Our aim was to incorporate information on
      delirium into the PaP score based on a retrospective series of 361 terminally ill
      cancer patients. We followed the approach of "validation by calibration,"
      proposed by van Houwelingen and later adapted by Miceli for achieving score
      revision with inclusion of a new variable. The discriminating performance of the
      scores was estimated using the K statistic. RESULTS: The prognostic contribution
      of delirium was confirmed as statistically significant (p < .001) and the
      variable was accordingly incorporated into the PaP score (D-PaP score). Following
      this revision, 30-day survival estimates in groups A, B, and C were 83%, 50%, and
      9% for the D-PaP score and 87%, 51%, and 16% for the PaP score, respectively. The
      overall performance of the D-PaP score was better than that of the PaP score.
      CONCLUSION: The revision of the PaP score was carried out by modifying the cutoff
      values used for prognostic grouping without, however, affecting the partial
      scores of the original tool. The performance of the D-PaP score was better than
      that of the PaP score and its key feature of simplicity was maintained.

PMID- 22042789
TI  - Assessing acid retention.

PMID- 22042791
TI  - Feeling different: the experience of living with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In Canada the incidences of Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is
      estimated to be in 1 in 100 live births caused by prenatal exposure to alcohol,
      the disorder is the leading cause of developmental and cognitive disabilities
      among Canadian children and its effects are life lasting. No research has
      attempted to describe the experience of living with FASD from the perspective of
      Canadian children. PURPOSE: The main purpose of this study was to describe the
      children's experience of living with FASD. METHODS: A qualitative method was used
      to examine the children's experiences. Twenty-two (22) children, aged 6 to 18
      years, living in urban and rural communities across Canada participated in an
      unstructured in-depth interview. Data was analysed using Colaizzi's qualitative
      method. RESULTS: For all children in this study, living day-to-day with FASD
      meant feeling different. Within this construct knowing the disability; feeling
      alone-feeling supported, and overcoming the disability were dominant themes which
      emerged. CONCLUSION: Implications for practice and research have been described.
      KEYWORDS: Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, children's experience, qualitative
      research.

PMID- 22042792
TI  - Dual IGF-1R/InsR inhibitor BMS-754807 synergizes with hormonal agents in
      treatment of estrogen-dependent breast cancer.
AB  - Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling has been implicated in the resistance
      to hormonal therapy in breast cancer. Using a model of postmenopausal, estrogen
      dependent breast cancer, we investigated the antitumor effects of the dual IGF
      1R/InsR tyrosine kinase inhibitor BMS-754807 alone and in combination with
      letrozole or tamoxifen. BMS-754807 exhibited antiproliferative effects in vitro
      that synergized strongly in combination with letrozole or 4-hydroxytamoxifen and
      fulvestrant. Similarly, combined treatment of BMS-754807 with either tamoxifen or
      letrozole in vivo elicited tumor regressions not achieved by single-agent
      therapy. Notably, hormonal therapy enhanced the inhibition of IGF-1R/InsR without
      major side effects in animals. Microarray expression analysis revealed
      downregulation of cell-cycle control and survival pathways and upregulation of
      erbB in response to BMS-754807 plus hormonal therapy, particularly tamoxifen.
      Overall, these results offer a preclinical proof-of-concept for BMS-754807 as an
      antitumor agent in combination with hormonal therapies in hormone-sensitive
      breast cancer. Cooperative cell-cycle arrest, decreased proliferation, and
      enhanced promotion of apoptosis may contribute to antitumor effects to be gauged
      in future clinical investigations justified by our findings.

PMID- 22042794
TI  - Angiopoietin-like protein 2 is an important facilitator of inflammatory
      carcinogenesis and metastasis.
AB  - Chronic inflammation plays important roles at different stages of cancer
      development, including carcinogenesis, tumor invasion, and metastasis, but
      molecular mechanisms linking inflammation to cancer development have not been
      fully clarified. Here, we report that expression of angiopoietin-like protein 2
      (Angptl2), recently identified as a chronic inflammation mediator, is highly
      correlated with the frequency of carcinogenesis in a chemically induced skin
      squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) mouse model. Furthermore, Angptl2 expression in SCC
      is highly correlated with the frequency of tumor cell metastasis to distant
      secondary organs and lymph nodes. When SCC was induced in transgenic mice
      expressing Angptl2 in skin epithelial cells, epithelial-to-mesenchymal
      transitions in SCC as well as tumor angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis were
      significantly increased, resulting in increased tumor cell metastasis and
      shortened survival compared with wild-type mice. Conversely, in a chemically
      induced SCC mouse model, carcinogenesis and metastasis were markedly attenuated
      in Angptl2 knockout mice, resulting in extended survival compared with wild-type
      mice. Overall, we propose that Angptl2 contributes to increased carcinogenesis
      and metastasis and represents a novel target to antagonize these pathologies.

PMID- 22042793
TI  - In vivo magnetic resonance imaging of the estrogen receptor in an orthotopic
      model of human breast cancer.
AB  - Histologic overexpression of the estrogen receptor alpha (ER) is a well
      established prognostic marker in breast cancer. Noninvasive imaging techniques
      that could detect ER overexpression would be useful in a variety of settings
      where patients' biopsies are problematic to obtain. This study focused on
      developing, by in vivo MRI, strategies to measure the level of ER expression in
      an orthotopic mouse model of human breast cancer. Specifically, novel ER-targeted
      contrast agents based on pyridine-tetra-acetate-Gd(III) chelate (PTA-Gd)
      conjugated to 17beta-estradiol (EPTA-Gd) or to tamoxifen (TPTA-Gd) were examined
      in ER-positive or ER-negative tumors. Detection of specific interactions of EPTA
      Gd with ER were documented that could differentiate ER-positive and ER-negative
      tumors. In vivo competition experiments confirmed that the enhanced detection
      capability of EPTA-Gd was based specifically on ER targeting. In contrast, PTA-Gd
      acted as an extracellular probe that enhanced ER detection similarly in either
      tumor type, confirming a similar vascular perfusion efficiency in ER-positive and
      ER-negative tumors in the model. Finally, TPTA-Gd accumulated selectively in
      muscle and could not preferentially identify ER-positive tumors. Together, these
      results define a novel MRI probe that can permit selective noninvasive imaging of
      ER-positive tumors in vivo.

PMID- 22042795
TI  - Care and outcomes in patients with ischemic stroke with and without preexisting
      dementia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe clinical characteristics and evaluate processes of care
      and outcomes at discharge in patients with ischemic stroke with and without
      preexisting dementia. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study using the Registry of
      the Canadian Stroke Network including patients presenting with an acute ischemic
      stroke between 2003 and 2008. Preexisting dementia was defined as any type of
      dementia that was present prior to the index stroke case. Palliative patients
      were excluded. Demographic information, clinical presentation, selected process
      measures (e.g., thrombolysis, admission to stroke unit, carotid imaging, stroke
      prevention), pneumonia, death, disability, and disposition at discharge were
      analyzed. RESULTS: Among 9,304 eligible patients with an acute ischemic stroke,
      702 (9.1%) had a history of dementia. Patients with dementia were older (mean age
      81 vs 70 years; p < 0.001), had more severe strokes (Canadian Neurological Scale
      score <4, 20.7% vs 10.5%; p < 0.001), and were more likely to have atrial
      fibrillation (22.8% vs 15.3%; p < 0.001) than those without dementia. Patients
      with dementia were slightly less likely to be admitted to a stroke unit (63% vs
      67.6%; odds ratio [OR] 0.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.70-0.96) or to
      receive thrombolysis (10.5% vs 15.7%; OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.49-0.81). There were no
      differences in other performance measures. Patients with preexisting dementia had
      higher disability at discharge (OR 3.20, 95% CI 2.64-3.87) and were less likely
      to be discharged to their prestroke place of residence (24% vs 45%; p < 0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: In patients with stroke, preexisting dementia is associated with
      high rates of disability and institutionalization, representing an increasing
      challenge for the health care system.

PMID- 22042797
TI  - Subspecialization in neurology: the role of the United Council for Neurologic
      Subspecialties.

PMID- 22042798
TI  - Suppression of extrapyramidal side effects of doxepin by thalamic deep brain
      stimulation for Tourette syndrome.

PMID- 22042799
TI  - Comment on "Chronic cerebrospinal venous insufficiency: have we found the cause
      and cure of MS?".

PMID- 22042800
TI  - Comment on "Upholding professionalism: the disciplinary process of the American
      Academy of Neurology".

PMID- 22042801
TI  - Teaching NeuroImages: neuroferritinopathy.

PMID- 22042802
TI  - Teaching NeuroImages: platybasia and basilar invagination in osteogenesis
      imperfecta.

PMID- 22042803
TI  - Teaching NeuroImages: cochleitis: a rare cause of acute deafness in a patient
      with HCV.

PMID- 22042804
TI  - Social-Event-Driven Camera Control for Multicharacter Animations.
AB  - In a virtual world, a group of virtual characters can interact with each other,
      and these characters may leave a group to join another. The interaction among
      individuals and groups often produces interesting events in a sequence of
      animation. The goal of this paper is to discover social events involving mutual
      interactions or group activities in multicharacter animations and automatically
      plan a smooth camera motion to view interesting events suggested by our system or
      relevant events specified by a user. Inspired by sociology studies, we borrow the
      knowledge in Proxemics, social force, and social network analysis to model the
      dynamic relation among social events and the relation among the participants
      within each event. By analyzing the variation of relation strength among
      participants and spatiotemporal correlation among events, we discover salient
      social events in a motion clip and generate an overview video of these events
      with smooth camera motion using a simulated annealing optimization method. We
      tested our approach on different motions performed by multiple characters. Our
      user study shows that our results are preferred in 66.19 percent of the
      comparisons with those by the camera control approach without event analysis and
      are comparable (51.79 percent) to professional results by an artist. 

PMID- 22042805
TI  - Direct Feature Visualization Using Morse-Smale Complexes.
AB  - In this paper, we characterize the range of features that can be extracted from
      an Morse-Smale complex and describe a unified query language to extract them. We
      provide a visual dictionary to guide users when defining features in terms of
      these queries. We demonstrate our topology-rich visualization pipeline in a tool
      that interactively queries the MS complex to extract features at multiple
      resolutions, assigns rendering attributes, and combines traditional volume
      visualization with the extracted features. The flexibility and power of this
      approach is illustrated with examples showing novel features. 

PMID- 22042806
TI  - Acute and subacute effects of the great East Japan earthquake on home blood
      pressure values.

PMID- 22042807
TI  - Resistant hypertension or resistant prescribing?

PMID- 22042808
TI  - Renal denervation for sleep apnea and resistant hypertension: alternative or
      complementary to effective continuous positive airway pressure treatment?

PMID- 22042809
TI  - Description of antihypertensive use in patients with resistant hypertension
      prescribed four or more agents.
AB  - Data describing the use of recommended antihypertensive agents in the resistant
      hypertension population are limited. Treatment recommendations for resistant
      hypertension include maximizing diuretic therapy by using chlorthalidone and/or
      adding an aldosterone antagonist. Additional recommendations include combining
      antihypertensive agents from different drug classes. This retrospective cohort
      study describes antihypertensive use in patients with resistant hypertension
      defined as the concurrent use of >=4 antihypertensive agents. Claims data from
      the Medstat MarketScan Commercial Claims and Encounter database were used to
      identify patients with resistant hypertension based on International
      Classification of Diseases, 9th Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM)
      diagnosis codes and National Drug Codes between May 1, 2008 and June 30, 2009. Of
      the 5 442 410 patients with hypertension in the database, 140 126 met study
      criteria. The most frequently prescribed antihypertensive classes were
      angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and/or angiotensin receptor blockers
      (96.2%), diuretics (93.2%), calcium channel blockers (83.6%), and beta-blockers
      (80.0%). Only 3.0% and 5.9% of patients were on chlorthalidone or an aldosterone
      antagonist, respectively. A total of 15.6% of patients were treated with
      angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor plus angiotensin receptor blocker. Our
      findings demonstrate that frequently prescribed antihypertensive agents for the
      treatment of resistant hypertension included guideline-recommended first-line
      agents. However, evidence-based and recommended agents, such as chlorthalidone
      and aldosterone antagonists, were underused. Moreover, minimally efficacious
      combinations, such as an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor with an
      angiotensin receptor blocker, were prescribed at higher rates than evidence-based
      and recommended agents.

PMID- 22042811
TI  - Gene expression profiling reveals renin mRNA overexpression in human hypertensive
      kidneys and a role for microRNAs.
AB  - The kidney has long been invoked in the etiology of essential hypertension. This
      could involve alterations in expression of specific genes and microRNAs (miRNAs).
      The aim of the present study was to identify, at the transcriptome-wide level,
      mRNAs and miRNAs that were differentially expressed between kidneys of 15
      untreated hypertensive and 7 normotensive white male subjects of white European
      ancestry. By microarray technology we found 14 genes and 11 miRNAs that were
      differentially expressed in the medulla. We then selected and confirmed by real
      time quantitative PCR expression differences for NR4A1, NR4A2, NR4A3, PER1, and
      SIK1 mRNAs and for the miRNAs hsa-miR-638 and hsa-let-7c. Luciferase reporter
      gene experiments in human kidney (HEK293) cells confirmed the predicted binding
      of hsa-let-7c to the 3' untranslated region of NR4A2 mRNA. In the renal cortex we
      found differential expression of 46 genes and 13 miRNAs. We then confirmed
      expression differences for AIFM1, AMBP, APOE, CD36, EFNB1, NDUFAF1, PRDX5, REN,
      RENBP, SLC13A1, STX4, and TNNT2 mRNAs and for miRNAs hsa-miR-21, hsa-miR-126, hsa
      miR-181a, hsa-miR-196a, hsa-miR-451, hsa-miR-638, and hsa-miR-663. Functional
      experiments in HEK293 cells demonstrated that hsa-miR-663 can bind to the REN and
      APOE 3' untranslated regions and can regulate REN and APOE mRNA levels, whereas
      hsa-miR-181a regulated REN and AIFM1 mRNA. Our data demonstrated for the first
      time that miRNAs can regulate renin expression. The observed downregulation of 2
      miRNAs in hypertension could explain the elevation in intrarenal renin mRNA.
      Renin, CD36, and other mRNAs, as well as miRNAs and associated pathways
      identified in the present study, provide novel insights into hypertension
      etiology.

PMID- 22042812
TI  - Blood oxygen level-dependent magnetic resonance imaging identifies cortical
      hypoxia in severe renovascular disease.
AB  - Atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis has a range of manifestations depending on
      the severity of vascular occlusion. The aim of this study was to examine whether
      exceeding the limits of adaptation to reduced blood flow ultimately leads to
      tissue hypoxia, as determined by blood oxygen level dependent MRI. We compared 3
      groups of hypertensive patients, 24 with essential hypertension, 13 with
      "moderate" (Doppler velocities 200-384 cm/s), and 17 with "severe"
      atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (ARAS; velocities >384 cm/s and loss of
      functional renal tissue). Cortical and medullary blood flows and volumes were
      determined by multidetector computed tomography. Poststenotic kidney size and
      blood flow were reduced with ARAS, and tissue perfusion fell in the most severe
      lesions. Tissue medullary deoxyhemoglobin, as reflected by R2* values, was higher
      as compared with the cortex for all of the groups and did not differ between
      subjects with renal artery lesions and essential hypertension. By contrast,
      cortical R2* levels were elevated for severe ARAS (21.6+/-9.4 per second) as
      compared with either essential hypertension (17.8+/-2.3 per second; P<0.01) or
      moderate ARAS (15.7+/-2.1 per second; P<0.01). Changes in medullary R2* after
      furosemide administration tended to be blunted in severe ARAS as compared with
      unaffected (contralateral) kidneys. These results demonstrate that severe
      vascular occlusion overwhelms the capacity of the kidney to adapt to reduced
      blood flow, manifest as overt cortical hypoxia as measured by blood oxygen level
      dependent MRI. The level of cortical hypoxia is out of proportion to the medulla
      and may provide a marker to identify irreversible parenchymal injury.

PMID- 22042813
TI  - Pregnancy upregulates large-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) channel activity
      and attenuates myogenic tone in uterine arteries.
AB  - Uterine vascular tone significantly decreases whereas uterine blood flow
      dramatically increases during pregnancy. However, the complete molecular
      mechanisms remain elusive. We hypothesized that increased Ca(2+)-activated K(+)
      (BK(Ca)) channel activity contributes to the decreased myogenic tone of uterine
      arteries in pregnancy. Resistance-sized uterine arteries were isolated from
      nonpregnant and near-term pregnant sheep. Electrophysiological studies revealed a
      greater whole-cell K(+) current density in pregnant compared with nonpregnant
      uterine arteries. Tetraethylammonium and iberiotoxin inhibited K(+) currents to
      the same extent in uterine arterial myocytes. The BK(Ca) channel current density
      was significantly increased in pregnant uterine arteries. In accordance,
      tetraethylammonium significantly increased pressure-induced myogenic tone in
      pregnant uterine arteries and abolished the difference in myogenic responses
      between pregnant and nonpregnant uterine arteries. Activation of protein kinase C
      produced a similar effect to tetraethylammonium by inhibiting BK(Ca) channel
      activity and increasing myogenic tone in pregnant uterine arteries. Chronic
      treatment of nonpregnant uterine arteries with physiologically relevant
      concentrations of 17beta-estradiol and progesterone caused a significant increase
      in the BK(Ca) channel current density. Western blot analyses demonstrated a
      significant increase of the beta1, but not alpha, subunit of BK(Ca) channels in
      pregnant uterine arteries. In accordance, steroid treatment of nonpregnant
      uterine arteries resulted in an upregulation of the beta1, but not alpha, subunit
      expression. The results indicate that the steroid hormone-mediated upregulation
      of the beta1 subunit and BK(Ca) channel activity may play a key role in
      attenuating myogenic tone of the uterine artery in pregnancy.

PMID- 22042814
TI  - Body mass index-mortality paradox in hemodialysis: can it be explained by blood
      pressure?
AB  - Unlike the general population, among hemodialysis patients body mass index (BMI)
      is related to blood pressure (BP) and mortality inversely. To explore the reasons
      for this risk-factor paradox, the cross-sectional association of obesity with the
      following factors was examined: the prevalence of hypertension, its control, and
      echocardiographic left ventricular mass index (LVMI). Longitudinal follow-up
      explored the relationship of BMI with all-cause mortality. Furthermore, it
      explored whether poorer survival in leaner individuals was related to either high
      BP or greater LVMI. Among 368 hemodialysis patients, both the prevalence of
      hypertension and its poor control were inversely related to BMI. BMI was also
      inversely associated with evidence of excess extracellular fluid volume, but
      adjustment for this variable did not completely remove the inverse relationship
      between BP and BMI. Over 1122 patient-years of cumulative follow-up (median: 2.7
      years), 119 patients (32%) died. In the first 2 years of follow-up, the mortality
      hazard for the lowest BMI group was increased; thereafter, the survival curves
      were similar. Adjusting for several risk factors including BP and LVMI did not
      remove the inverse relationship of BMI with mortality. In conclusion, leaner
      patients on dialysis have a higher prevalence of hypertension, poorer control of
      hypertension, more LVMI, and greater evidence of extracellular fluid volume
      excess. However, volume explains the greater prevalence or poorer control of
      hypertension only partially. Leaner patients have an accelerated mortality rate
      in the first 2 years; this is not completely explained by BP, LVMI, or other
      cardiovascular or dialysis-specific risk factors.

PMID- 22042815
TI  - Body mass index-mortality paradox in hemodialysis patients: blood pressure, blood
      volume, and nutritional status.

PMID- 22042816
TI  - Adolescents and HIV infection: the pediatrician's role in promoting routine
      testing.
AB  - Pediatricians can play a key role in preventing and controlling HIV infection by
      promoting risk-reduction counseling and offering routine HIV testing to
      adolescent and young adult patients. Most sexually active youth do not feel that
      they are at risk of contracting HIV and have never been tested. Obtaining a
      sexual history and creating an atmosphere that promotes nonjudgmental risk
      counseling is a key component of the adolescent visit. In light of increasing
      numbers of people with HIV/AIDS and missed opportunities for HIV testing, the
      Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends universal and routine HIV
      testing for all patients seen in health care settings who are 13 to 64 years of
      age. There are advances in diagnostics and treatment that help support this
      recommendation. This policy statement reviews the epidemiologic data and
      recommends that routine screening be offered to all adolescents at least once by
      16 to 18 years of age in health care settings when the prevalence of HIV in the
      patient population is more than 0.1%. In areas of lower community HIV prevalence,
      routine HIV testing is encouraged for all sexually active adolescents and those
      with other risk factors for HIV. This statement addresses many of the real and
      perceived barriers that pediatricians face in promoting routine HIV testing for
      their patients.

PMID- 22042817
TI  - Providing a primary care medical home for children and youth with cerebral palsy.
AB  - All primary care providers will care for children with cerebral palsy in their
      practice. In addition to well-child and acute illness care, the role of the
      medical home in the management of these children includes diagnosis, planning for
      interventions, authorizing treatments, and follow-up. Optimizing health and well
      being for children with cerebral palsy and their families entails family-centered
      care provided in the medical home; comanagement is the most common model. This
      report reviews the aspects of care specific to cerebral palsy that a medical home
      should provide beyond the routine health care needed by all children.

PMID- 22042818
TI  - Substance use screening, brief intervention, and referral to treatment for
      pediatricians.
AB  - As a component of comprehensive pediatric care, adolescents should receive
      appropriate guidance regarding substance use during routine clinical care. This
      statement addresses practitioner challenges posed by the spectrum of pediatric
      substance use and presents an algorithm-based approach to augment the
      pediatrician's confidence and abilities related to substance use screening, brief
      intervention, and referral to treatment in the primary care setting. Adolescents
      with addictions should be managed collaboratively (or comanaged) with child and
      adolescent mental health or addiction specialists. This statement reviews
      recommended referral guidelines that are based on established patient-treatment
      matching criteria and the risk level for substance abuse.

PMID- 22042819
TI  - Antagonistic action of strigolactone and cytokinin in bud outgrowth control.
AB  - Cytokinin (CK) has long been implicated as a promoter of bud outgrowth in plants,
      but exactly how this is achieved in coordination with other plant hormones is
      unclear. The recent discovery of strigolactones (SLs) as the long-sought branch
      inhibiting hormone allowed us to test how CK and SL coordinately regulate bud
      outgrowth in pea (Pisum sativum). We found that SL-deficient plants are more
      sensitive to stimulation of bud growth by low concentrations of locally applied
      CK than wild-type plants. Furthermore, in contrast with SL mutant plants, buds of
      wild-type plants are almost completely resistant to stimulation by CK supplied to
      the vasculature. Regardless of whether the exogenous hormones were supplied
      locally or to the xylem stream, SL and CK acted antagonistically on bud
      outgrowth. These data suggest that SLs do not affect the delivery of CK to
      axillary buds and vice versa. Rather, these data combined with dose-response
      experiments suggest that SLs and CK can act directly in buds to control their
      outgrowth. These hormones may converge at a common point in the bud outgrowth
      regulatory pathway. The expression of pea BRANCHED1, a TCP transcription factor
      expressed strongly in buds and thought to act downstream of SLs in shoot
      branching, is regulated by CK and SL without a requirement for protein synthesis
      and in a manner that correlates with observed bud growth responses.

PMID- 22042822
TI  - Vitreoschisis in diabetic macular edema.

PMID- 22042827
TI  - Plasminogen receptor S100A10 is essential for the migration of tumor-promoting
      macrophages into tumor sites.
AB  - Macrophages are critical drivers of tumor growth, invasion, and metastasis.
      Movement of macrophages into tumors requires the activity of cell surface
      proteases such as plasmin. In this study, we offer genetic evidence that
      plasminogen receptor S100A10 is essential for recruitment of macrophages to the
      tumor site. Growth of murine Lewis lung carcinomas or T241 fibrosarcomas was
      dramatically reduced in S100A10-deficient mice compared with wild-type mice. The
      tumor growth deficit corresponded with a decrease in macrophage density that
      could be rescued by intraperitoneal injection of wild-type but not S100A10
      deficient macrophages. Notably, macrophages of either genotype could rescue tumor
      growth if they were injected into the tumor itself, establishing that S100A10 was
      required specifically for the migratory capability needed for tumor homing.
      Conversely, selective depletion of macrophages from wild-type mice phenocopied
      the tumor growth deficit seen in S100A10-deficient mice. Together, our findings
      show that S100A10 is essential and sufficient for macrophage migration to tumor
      sites, and they define a novel rate-limiting step in tumor progression.

PMID- 22042829
TI  - Things are not always what they appear to be.

PMID- 22042831
TI  - Fatal Prototheca wickerhamii bloodstream infection in a cardiac allograft
      recipient.

PMID- 22042830
TI  - Serial quantitative PCR assay for detection, species discrimination, and
      quantification of Leishmania spp. in human samples.
AB  - The Leishmania species cause a variety of human disease syndromes. Methods for
      diagnosis and species differentiation are insensitive and many require invasive
      sampling. Although quantitative PCR (qPCR) methods are reported for leishmania
      detection, no systematic method to quantify parasites and determine the species
      in clinical specimens is established. We developed a serial qPCR strategy to
      identify and rapidly differentiate Leishmania species and quantify parasites in
      clinical or environmental specimens. SYBR green qPCR is mainly employed, with
      corresponding TaqMan assays for validation. The screening primers recognize
      kinetoplast minicircle DNA of all Leishmania species. Species identification
      employs further qPCR set(s) individualized for geographic regions, combining
      species-discriminating probes with melt curve analysis. The assay was sufficient
      to detect Leishmania parasites, make species determinations, and quantify
      Leishmania spp. in sera, cutaneous biopsy specimens, or cultured isolates from
      subjects from Bangladesh or Brazil with different forms of leishmaniasis. The
      multicopy kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) probes were the most sensitive and useful for
      quantification based on promastigote standard curves. To test their validity for
      quantification, kDNA copy numbers were compared between Leishmania species,
      isolates, and life stages using qPCR. Maxicircle and minicircle copy numbers
      differed up to 6-fold between Leishmania species, but the differences were
      smaller between strains of the same species. Amastigote and promastigote
      leishmania life stages retained similar numbers of kDNA maxi- or minicircles.
      Thus, serial qPCR is useful for leishmania detection and species determination
      and for absolute quantification when compared to a standard curve from the same
      Leishmania species.

PMID- 22042833
TI  - Mycobacterial interspersed repetitive-unit locus PCR amplification and Beijing
      strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

PMID- 22042836
TI  - Potential effects of the APOE epsilon2 allele and of family history of
      Alzheimer's disease on brain amyloid-beta in normal elderly.

PMID- 22042837
TI  - High T(c) electron doped Ca10(Pt3As8)(Fe2As2)5 and Ca10(Pt4As8)(Fe2As2)5
      superconductors with skutterudite intermediary layers.
AB  - It has been argued that the very high transition temperatures of the highest T(c)
      cuprate superconductors are facilitated by enhanced CuO(2) plane coupling through
      heavy metal oxide intermediary layers. Whether enhanced coupling through
      intermediary layers can also influence T(c) in the new high T(c) iron arsenide
      superconductors has never been tested due the lack of appropriate systems for
      study. Here we report the crystal structures and properties of two iron arsenide
      superconductors, Ca(10)(Pt(3)As(8))(Fe(2)As(2))(5) (the "10-3-8 phase") and
      Ca(10)(Pt(4)As(8))(Fe(2)As(2))(5) (the "10-4-8 phase"). Based on -Ca-(Pt(n)As(8))
      Ca-Fe(2)As(2)- layer stacking, these are very similar compounds for which the
      most important differences lie in the structural and electronic characteristics
      of the intermediary platinum arsenide layers. Electron doping through partial
      substitution of Pt for Fe in the FeAs layers leads to T(c) of 11 K in the 10-3-8
      phase and 26 K in the 10-4-8 phase. The often-cited empirical rule in the
      arsenide superconductor literature relating T(c) to As-Fe-As bond angles does not
      explain the observed differences in T(c) of the two phases; rather, comparison
      suggests the presence of stronger FeAs interlayer coupling in the 10-4-8 phase
      arising from the two-channel interlayer interactions and the metallic nature of
      its intermediary Pt(4)As(8) layer. The interlayer coupling is thus revealed as
      important in enhancing T(c) in the iron pnictide superconductors.

PMID- 22042838
TI  - Bayesian modeling to unmask and predict influenza A/H1N1pdm dynamics in London.
AB  - The tracking and projection of emerging epidemics is hindered by the disconnect
      between apparent epidemic dynamics, discernible from noisy and incomplete
      surveillance data, and the underlying, imperfectly observed, system. Behavior
      changes compound this, altering both true dynamics and reporting patterns,
      particularly for diseases with nonspecific symptoms, such as influenza. We
      disentangle these effects to unravel the hidden dynamics of the 2009 influenza
      A/H1N1pdm pandemic in London, where surveillance suggests an unusual dominant
      peak in the summer. We embed an age-structured model into a bayesian synthesis of
      multiple evidence sources to reveal substantial changes in contact patterns and
      health-seeking behavior throughout the epidemic, uncovering two similar infection
      waves, despite large differences in the reported levels of disease. We show how
      this approach, which allows for real-time learning about model parameters as the
      epidemic progresses, is also able to provide a sequence of nested projections
      that are capable of accurately reflecting the epidemic evolution.

PMID- 22042839
TI  - Hyperpolarized 13C dehydroascorbate as an endogenous redox sensor for in vivo
      metabolic imaging.
AB  - Reduction and oxidation (redox) chemistry is involved in both normal and abnormal
      cellular function, in processes as diverse as circadian rhythms and
      neurotransmission. Intracellular redox is maintained by coupled reactions
      involving NADPH, glutathione (GSH), and vitamin C, as well as their corresponding
      oxidized counterparts. In addition to functioning as enzyme cofactors, these
      reducing agents have a critical role in dealing with reactive oxygen species
      (ROS), the toxic products of oxidative metabolism seen as culprits in aging,
      neurodegenerative disease, and ischemia/ reperfusion injury. Despite this strong
      relationship between redox and human disease, methods to interrogate a redox pair
      in vivo are limited. Here we report the development of [1-(13)C] dehydroascorbate
      [DHA], the oxidized form of Vitamin C, as an endogenous redox sensor for in vivo
      imaging using hyperpolarized (13)C spectroscopy. In murine models, hyperpolarized
      [1-(13)C] DHA was rapidly converted to [1-(13)C] vitamin C within the liver,
      kidneys, and brain, as well as within tumor in a transgenic prostate cancer
      mouse. This result is consistent with what has been previously described for the
      DHA/Vitamin C redox pair, and points to a role for hyperpolarized [1-(13)C] DHA
      in characterizing the concentrations of key intracellular reducing agents,
      including GSH. More broadly, these findings suggest a prognostic role for this
      new redox sensor in determining vulnerability of both normal and abnormal tissues
      to ROS.

PMID- 22042840
TI  - In vitro reconstitution and steady-state analysis of the fatty acid synthase from
      Escherichia coli.
AB  - Microbial fatty acid derivatives are emerging as promising alternatives to fossil
      fuel derived transportation fuels. Among bacterial fatty acid synthases (FAS),
      the Escherichia coli FAS is perhaps the most well studied, but little is known
      about its steady-state kinetic behavior. Here we describe the reconstitution of
      E. coli FAS using purified protein components and report detailed kinetic
      analysis of this reconstituted system. When all ketosynthases are present at 1
      MUM, the maximum rate of free fatty acid synthesis of the FAS exceeded 100 MUM/
      min. The steady-state turnover frequency was not significantly inhibited at high
      concentrations of any substrate or cofactor. FAS activity was saturated with
      respect to most individual protein components when their concentrations exceeded
      1 MUM. The exceptions were FabI and FabZ, which increased FAS activity up to
      concentrations of 10 MUM; FabH and FabF, which decreased FAS activity at
      concentrations higher than 1 MUM; and holo-ACP and TesA, which gave maximum FAS
      activity at 30 MUM concentrations. Analysis of the S36T mutant of the ACP
      revealed that the unusual dependence of FAS activity on holo-ACP concentration
      was due, at least in part, to the acyl-phosphopantetheine moiety. MALDI-TOF mass
      spectrometry analysis of the reaction mixture further revealed medium and long
      chain fatty acyl-ACP intermediates as predominant ACP species. We speculate that
      one or more of such intermediates are key allosteric regulators of FAS turnover.
      Our findings provide a new basis for assessing the scope and limitations of using
      E. coli as a biocatalyst for the production of diesel-like fuels.

PMID- 22042841
TI  - Prototypical model for tensional wrinkling in thin sheets.
AB  - The buckling and wrinkling of thin films has recently seen a surge of interest
      among physicists, biologists, mathematicians, and engineers. This activity has
      been triggered by the growing interest in developing technologies at ever
      decreasing scales and the resulting necessity to control the mechanics of tiny
      structures, as well as by the realization that morphogenetic processes, such as
      the tissue-shaping instabilities occurring in animal epithelia or plant leaves,
      often emerge from mechanical instabilities of cell sheets. Although the most
      basic buckling instability of uniaxially compressed plates was understood by
      Euler more than two centuries ago, recent experiments on nanometrically thin
      (ultrathin) films have shown significant deviations from predictions of standard
      buckling theory. Motivated by this puzzle, we introduce here a theoretical model
      that allows for a systematic analysis of wrinkling in sheets far from their
      instability threshold. We focus on the simplest extension of Euler buckling that
      exhibits wrinkles of finite length--a sheet under axisymmetric tensile loads. The
      first study of this geometry, which is attributed to Lame, allows us to construct
      a phase diagram that demonstrates the dramatic variation of wrinkling patterns
      from near-threshold to far-from-threshold conditions. Theoretical arguments and
      comparison to experiments show that the thinner the sheet is, the smaller is the
      compressive load above which the far-from-threshold regime emerges. This
      observation emphasizes the relevance of our analysis for nanomechanics
      applications.

PMID- 22042842
TI  - Cytoplasmic activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) exists in stoichiometric
      complex with translation elongation factor 1alpha (eEF1A).
AB  - Activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) is a B lymphocyte-specific DNA
      deaminase that acts on the Ig loci to trigger antibody gene diversification. Most
      AID, however, is retained in the cytoplasm and its nuclear abundance is carefully
      regulated because off-target action of AID leads to cancer. The nature of the
      cytosolic AID complex and the mechanisms regulating its release from the
      cytoplasm and import into the nucleus remain unknown. Here, we show that
      cytosolic AID in DT40 B cells is part of an 11S complex and, using an
      endogenously tagged AID protein to avoid overexpression artifacts, that it is
      bound in good stoichiometry to the translation elongation factor 1 alpha (eEF1A).
      The AID/eEF1A interaction is recapitulated in transfected cells and depends on
      the C-terminal domain of eEF1A (which is not responsible for GTP or tRNA
      binding). The eEF1A interaction is destroyed by mutations in AID that affect its
      cytosolic retention. These results suggest that eEF1A is a cytosolic retention
      factor for AID and extend on the multiple moonlighting functions of eEF1A.

PMID- 22042843
TI  - Marriage exchanges, seed exchanges, and the dynamics of manioc diversity.
AB  - The conservation of crop genetic resources requires understanding the different
      variables-cultural, social, and economic-that impinge on crop diversity. In small
      scale farming systems, seed exchanges represent a key mechanism in the dynamics
      of crop genetic diversity, and analyzing the rules that structure social networks
      of seed exchange between farmer communities can help decipher patterns of crop
      genetic diversity. Using a combination of ethnobotanical and molecular genetic
      approaches, we investigated the relationships between regional patterns of manioc
      genetic diversity in Gabon and local networks of seed exchange. Spatially
      explicit Bayesian clustering methods showed that geographical discontinuities of
      manioc genetic diversity mirror major ethnolinguistic boundaries, with a southern
      matrilineal domain characterized by high levels of varietal diversity and a
      northern patrilineal domain characterized by low varietal diversity. Borrowing
      concepts from anthropology--kinship, bridewealth, and filiation--we analyzed the
      relationships between marriage exchanges and seed exchange networks in
      patrilineal and matrilineal societies. We demonstrate that, by defining marriage
      prohibitions, kinship systems structure social networks of exchange between
      farmer communities and influence the movement of seeds in metapopulations,
      shaping crop diversity at local and regional levels.

PMID- 22042844
TI  - Evolution to carbapenem-hydrolyzing activity in noncarbapenemase class D beta
      lactamase OXA-10 by rational protein design.
AB  - Class D beta-lactamases with carbapenemase activity are emerging as carbapenem
      resistance determinants in gram-negative bacterial pathogens, mostly
      Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Carbapenemase activity is an
      unusual feature among class D beta-lactamases, and the structural elements
      responsible for this activity remain unclear. Based on structural and molecular
      dynamics data, we previously hypothesized a potential role of the residues
      located in the short-loop connecting strands beta5 and beta6 (the beta5-beta6
      loop) in conferring the carbapenemase activity of the OXA-48 enzyme. In this
      work, the narrow-spectrum OXA-10 class D beta-lactamase, which is unable to
      hydrolyze carbapenems, was used as a model to investigate the possibility of
      evolving carbapenemase activity by replacement of the beta5-beta6 loop with those
      present in three different lineages of class D carbapenemases (OXA-23, OXA-24,
      and OXA-48). Biological assays and kinetic measurements showed that all three OXA
      10-derived hybrids acquired significant carbapenemase activity. Structural
      analysis of the OXA-10loop24 and OXA-10loop48 hybrids revealed no significant
      changes in the molecular fold of the enzyme, except for the orientation of the
      substituted beta5-beta6 loops, which was reminiscent of that found in their
      parental enzymes. These results demonstrate the crucial role of the beta5-beta6
      loop in the carbapenemase activity of class D beta-lactamases, and provide
      previously unexplored insights into the mechanism by which these enzymes can
      evolve carbapenemase activity.

PMID- 22042845
TI  - Positive affect measured using ecological momentary assessment and survival in
      older men and women.
AB  - Links between positive affect (PA) and health have predominantly been
      investigated by using measures of recollected emotional states. Ecological
      momentary assessment is regarded as a more precise measure of experienced well
      being. We analyzed data from the English Longitudinal Study of Aging, a
      representative cohort of older men and women living in England. PA was assessed
      by aggregating momentary assessments over a single day in 3,853 individuals aged
      52 to 79 y who were followed up for an average of 5 y. Respondents in the lowest
      third of PA had a death rate of 7.3%, compared with 4.6% in the medium-PA group
      and 3.6% in the high-PA group. Cox proportional-hazards regression showed a
      hazard ratio of 0.498 (95% confidence interval, 0.345-0.721) in the high-PA
      compared with the low-PA group, adjusted for age and sex. This was attenuated to
      0.646 (95% confidence interval, 0.436-0.958) after controlling for demographic
      factors, negative affect, depressed mood, health indicators, and health
      behaviors. Negative affect and depressed mood were not related to survival after
      adjustment for covariates. These findings indicate that experienced PA, even over
      a single day, has a graded relationship with survival that is not caused by
      baseline health status or other covariates. Momentary PA may be causally related
      to survival, or may be a marker of underlying biological, behavioral, or
      temperamental factors, although reverse causality cannot be conclusively ruled
      out. The results endorse the value of assessing experienced affect, and the
      importance of evaluating interventions that promote happiness in older
      populations.

PMID- 22042846
TI  - Archaic human ancestry in East Asia.
AB  - Recent studies of ancient genomes have suggested that gene flow from archaic
      hominin groups to the ancestors of modern humans occurred on two separate
      occasions during the modern human expansion out of Africa. At the same time,
      decreasing levels of human genetic diversity have been found at increasing
      distance from Africa as a consequence of human expansion out of Africa. We
      analyzed the signal of archaic ancestry in modern human populations, and we
      investigated how serial founder models of human expansion affect the signal of
      archaic ancestry using simulations. For descendants of an archaic admixture
      event, we show that genetic drift coupled with ascertainment bias for common
      alleles can cause artificial but largely predictable differences in similarity to
      archaic genomes. In genotype data from non-Africans, this effect results in a
      biased genetic similarity to Neandertals with increasing distance from Africa.
      However, in addition to the previously reported gene flow between Neandertals and
      non-Africans as well as gene flow between an archaic human population from
      Siberia ("Denisovans") and Oceanians, we found a significant affinity between
      East Asians, particularly Southeast Asians, and the Denisova genome--a pattern
      that is not expected under a model of solely Neandertal admixture in the ancestry
      of East Asians. These results suggest admixture between Denisovans or a Denisova
      related population and the ancestors of East Asians, and that the history of
      anatomically modern and archaic humans might be more complex than previously
      proposed.

PMID- 22042847
TI  - Proteolytic targeting of Rab29 by an effector protein distinguishes the
      intracellular compartments of human-adapted and broad-host Salmonella.
AB  - Unlike broad-host Salmonella serovars, which cause self-limiting disease,
      Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi can infect only humans causing typhoid fever, a
      life-threatening systemic disease. The molecular bases for these differences are
      presently unknown. Here we show that the GTPase Rab29 (Rab7L1) distinguishes the
      intracellular vacuole of human-adapted and broad-host Salmonella serovars. A
      screen to identify host factors required for the export of typhoid toxin, which
      is exclusively encoded by the human-specific Salmonella enterica serovars Typhi
      (S. Typhi) and Paratyphi (S. Paratyphi) identified Rab29. We found that Rab29 is
      recruited to the S. Typhi-containing vacuole but not to vacuoles containing broad
      host Salmonella. We observed that in cells infected with broad-host Salmonella
      Rab29 is specifically cleaved by the proteolytic activity of GtgE, a unique type
      III secretion effector protein that is absent from S. Typhi. An S. Typhi strain
      engineered to express GtgE and therefore able to cleave Rab29 exhibited increased
      intracellular replication in human macrophages. These findings indicate
      significant differences in the intracellular biology of human-adapted and broad
      host Salmonella and show how subtle differences in the assortment of effector
      proteins encoded by highly related pathogens can have a major impact in their
      biology.

PMID- 22042848
TI  - Comparing shapes, understanding evolution.

PMID- 22042849
TI  - Long-term RNA interference gene therapy in a dominant retinitis pigmentosa mouse
      model.
AB  - RNA interference (RNAi) gene silencing is a potential therapeutic strategy for
      dominant retinal degeneration disorders. We used self-complementary (sc) AAV2/8
      vector to develop an RNAi-based gene therapy in a dominant retinal degeneration
      mouse model expressing bovine GCAP1(Y99C). We established an in vitro shRNA
      screening assay based on EGFP-tagged bovine GCAP1, and identified a shRNA that
      effectively silenced the bovine GCAP1 transgene with ~80% efficiency. Subretinal
      injection of scAAV2/8 carrying shRNA expression cassette showed robust expression
      as early as 1 wk after injection. The gene silencing significantly improved
      photoreceptor survival, delayed disease onset, and increased visual function. Our
      results provide a promising strategy toward effective RNAi-based gene therapy by
      scAAV2/8 delivery for dominant retinal diseases.

PMID- 22042850
TI  - Estrogen-related receptor-alpha is a metabolic regulator of effector T-cell
      activation and differentiation.
AB  - Stimulation of resting CD4(+) T lymphocytes leads to rapid proliferation and
      differentiation into effector (Teff) or inducible regulatory (Treg) subsets with
      specific functions to promote or suppress immunity. Importantly, Teff and Treg
      use distinct metabolic programs to support subset specification, survival, and
      function. Here, we describe that the orphan nuclear receptor estrogen-related
      receptor-alpha (ERRalpha) regulates metabolic pathways critical for Teff. Resting
      CD4(+) T cells expressed low levels of ERRalpha protein that increased on
      activation. ERRalpha deficiency reduced activated T-cell numbers in vivo and
      cytokine production in vitro but did not seem to modulate immunity through
      inhibition of activating signals or viability. Rather, ERRalpha broadly affected
      metabolic gene expression and glucose metabolism essential for Teff. In
      particular, up-regulation of Glut1 protein, glucose uptake, and mitochondrial
      processes were suppressed in activated ERRalpha(-/-) T cells and T cells treated
      with two chemically independent ERRalpha inhibitors or by shRNAi. Acute ERRalpha
      inhibition also blocked T-cell growth and proliferation. This defect appeared as
      a result of inadequate glucose metabolism, because provision of lipids, but not
      increased glucose uptake or pyruvate, rescued ATP levels and cell division.
      Additionally, we have shown that Treg requires lipid oxidation, whereas Teff uses
      glucose metabolism, and lipid addition selectively restored Treg--but not Teff-
      generation after acute ERRalpha inhibition. Furthermore, in vivo inhibition of
      ERRalpha reduced T-cell proliferation and Teff generation in both immunization
      and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis models. Thus, ERRalpha is a
      selective transcriptional regulator of Teff metabolism that may provide a
      metabolic means to modulate immunity.

PMID- 22042851
TI  - Natural killer (NK)-dendritic cell interactions generate MHC class II-dressed NK
      cells that regulate CD4+ T cells.
AB  - Natural killer (NK) cells contribute to not only innate but also to adaptive
      immunity by interacting with dendritic cells (DCs) and T cells. All activated
      human NK cells express HLA-DR and can initiate MHCII-dependent CD4(+) T-cell
      proliferation; however, the expression of MHCII by mouse NK cells and its
      functional significance are controversial. In this study, we show that NK-DC
      interactions result in the emergence of MHCII-positive NK cells. Upon in vitro or
      in vivo activation, mouse conventional NK cells did not induce MHCII transcripts,
      but rapidly acquired MHCII protein from DCs. MHCII H2-Ab1-deficient NK cells
      turned I-A(b)-positive when adoptively transferred into wild-type mice or when
      cultured with WT splenic DCs. NK acquisition of MHCII was mediated by
      intercellular membrane transfer called "trogocytosis," but not upon DAP10/12- and
      MHCI-binding NK cell receptor signaling. MHCII-dressed NK cells concurrently
      acquired costimulatory molecules such as CD80 and CD86 from DCs; however, their
      expression did not reach functional levels. Therefore, MHCII-dressed NK cells
      inhibited DC-induced CD4(+) T-cell responses rather than activated CD4(+) T cells
      by competitive antigen presentation. In a mouse model for delayed-type
      hypersensitivity, adoptive transfer of MHCII-dressed NK cells attenuated footpad
      swelling. These results suggest that MHCII-dressed NK cells generated through NK
      DC interactions regulate T cell-mediated immune responses.

PMID- 22042852
TI  - Light-dependent attenuation of phycoerythrin gene expression reveals convergent
      evolution of green light sensing in cyanobacteria.
AB  - The colorful process of chromatic acclimation allows many cyanobacteria to change
      their pigmentation in response to ambient light color changes. In red light,
      cells produce red-absorbing phycocyanin (PC), whereas in green light, green
      absorbing phycoerythrin (PE) is made. Controlling these pigment levels increases
      fitness by optimizing photosynthetic activity in different light color
      environments. The light color sensory system controlling PC expression is well
      understood, but PE regulation has not been resolved. In the filamentous
      cyanobacterium Fremyella diplosiphon UTEX 481, two systems control PE synthesis
      in response to light color. The first is the Rca pathway, a two-component system
      controlled by a phytochrome-class photoreceptor, which transcriptionally
      represses cpeCDESTR (cpeC) expression during growth in red light. The second is
      the Cgi pathway, which has not been characterized. We determined that the Cgi
      system also regulates PE synthesis by repressing cpeC expression in red light,
      but acts posttranscriptionally, requiring the region upstream of the CpeC
      translation start codon. cpeC RNA stability was comparable in F. diplosiphon
      cells grown in red and green light, and a short transcript that included the 5'
      region of cpeC was detected, suggesting that the Cgi system operates by
      transcription attenuation. The roles of four predicted stem-loop structures
      within the 5' region of cpeC RNA were analyzed. The putative stem-loop 31
      nucleotides upstream of the translation start site was required for Cgi system
      function. Thus, the Cgi system appears to be a unique type of signal transduction
      pathway in which the attenuation of cpeC transcription is regulated by light
      color.

PMID- 22042853
TI  - Crucial role for TNF receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2) in regulating NFkappaB2
      signaling that contributes to autoimmunity.
AB  - TNF receptor-associated factor 2 (TRAF2) is a key intracellular signaling
      mediator that acts downstream of not only TNFalpha but also various members of
      the TNFalpha superfamily. Here, we report that, despite their lack of TNFalpha
      signaling, TRAF2(-/-)TNFalpha(-/-) mice develop an inflammatory disorder
      characterized by autoantibody accumulation and organ infiltration by T cells with
      the phenotypes of activated, effector, and memory cells. RAG1(-/-) mice
      reconstituted with TRAF2(-/-)TNFalpha(-/-) bone marrow cells showed increased
      numbers of hyperactive T cells and rapidly developed progressive and eventually
      lethal inflammation. No inflammation was observed in RAG1(-/-) mice reconstituted
      with TRAF2(-/-)TNFalpha(-/-)T-cell receptor beta(-/-) or TRAF2(-/-)TNFalpha(-/
      )NFkappaB-induced kinase(+/-) bone marrow cells. The pathogenic TRAF2(-/
      )TNFalpha(-/-) T cells showed constitutive NFkappaB2p52 activation and produced
      elevated levels of T-helper 1 and T-helper 17 cytokines. Our results suggest that
      a regulatory circuit consisting of TRAF2-NFkappaB-induced kinase-NFkappaB2p52 is
      essential for the proper control of effector T-cell polarization and that loss of
      T-cell TRAF2 function induces constitutive NFkappaB2p52 activity that drives
      fatal autoimmune inflammation independently of TNFalpha signaling. The
      involvement of this regulatory circuit in controlling autoimmune responses
      highlights the delicate balance required to avoid paradoxical adverse events when
      implementing new targeted anti-inflammatory therapies.

PMID- 22042854
TI  - Depletion of beta-catenin from mature hepatocytes of mice promotes expansion of
      hepatic progenitor cells and tumor development.
AB  - Depletion of beta-catenin impairs regeneration of the rapid turn-over gut
      epithelial cells, but appears dispensable for that of the slow turn-over mature
      hepatocytes in mice until 1 y of age. As the life span of mature murine
      hepatocytes is about 400 d, we studied conditional beta-catenin knockout mice
      (Alb-Cre;Ctnnb1(flx/flx)) until 20 mo of age to determine the function of beta
      catenin in the postnatal liver. beta-catenin was absent from the hepatocytes of
      beta-catenin knockout mice 4 wk after delivery. From 9 mo of age, hepatocytes
      were gradually replaced by newly formed beta-catenin-positive hepatocytes, which
      constituted about 90% of hepatocytes at 18-20 mo of age. This process was
      accompanied by active proliferation of bile duct/ductule cells. beta-catenin
      positive hepatocytes exhibited elevated proliferation activity and expression of
      progenitor cell markers, but lower albumin and Cre. This might explain their
      intact beta-catenin protein, and suggest their origins from hepatic progenitor
      cells. Liver tumors arose spontaneously from beta-catenin-positive cells, and
      tumorigenesis was accelerated by hepatitis B X protein. These results indicate
      beta-catenin critical for the regeneration of mature hepatocytes. Failure to
      regenerate mature hepatocytes results in proliferation of hepatic progenitor
      cells that are able to maintain liver function but are predisposed to form liver
      tumors.

PMID- 22042855
TI  - Ancient DNA suggests the leading role played by men in the Neolithic
      dissemination.
AB  - The impact of the Neolithic dispersal on the western European populations is
      subject to continuing debate. To trace and date genetic lineages potentially
      brought during this transition and so understand the origin of the gene pool of
      current populations, we studied DNA extracted from human remains excavated in a
      Spanish funeral cave dating from the beginning of the fifth millennium B.C.
      Thanks to a "multimarkers" approach based on the analysis of mitochondrial and
      nuclear DNA (autosomes and Y-chromosome), we obtained information on the early
      Neolithic funeral practices and on the biogeographical origin of the inhumed
      individuals. No close kinship was detected. Maternal haplogroups found are
      consistent with pre-Neolithic settlement, whereas the Y-chromosomal analyses
      permitted confirmation of the existence in Spain approximately 7,000 y ago of two
      haplogroups previously associated with the Neolithic transition: G2a and
      E1b1b1a1b. These results are highly consistent with those previously found in
      Neolithic individuals from French Late Neolithic individuals, indicating a
      surprising temporal genetic homogeneity in these groups. The high frequency of
      G2a in Neolithic samples in western Europe could suggest, furthermore, that the
      role of men during Neolithic dispersal could be greater than currently estimated.

PMID- 22042856
TI  - Large-scale production of functional human serum albumin from transgenic rice
      seeds.
AB  - Human serum albumin (HSA) is widely used in clinical and cell culture
      applications. Conventional production of HSA from human blood is limited by the
      availability of blood donation and the high risk of viral transmission from
      donors. Here, we report the production of Oryza sativa recombinant HSA (OsrHSA)
      from transgenic rice seeds. The level of OsrHSA reached 10.58% of the total
      soluble protein of the rice grain. Large-scale production of OsrHSA generated
      protein with a purity >99% and a productivity rate of 2.75 g/kg brown rice.
      Physical and biochemical characterization of OsrHSA revealed it to be equivalent
      to plasma-derived HSA (pHSA). The efficiency of OsrHSA in promoting cell growth
      and treating liver cirrhosis in rats was similar to that of pHSA. Furthermore,
      OsrHSA displays similar in vitro and in vivo immunogenicity as pHSA. Our results
      suggest that a rice seed bioreactor produces cost-effective recombinant HSA that
      is safe and can help to satisfy an increasing worldwide demand for human serum
      albumin.

PMID- 22042857
TI  - Cell-autonomous circadian clock of hepatocytes drives rhythms in transcription
      and polyamine synthesis.
AB  - The circadian clock generates daily rhythms in mammalian liver processes, such as
      glucose and lipid homeostasis, xenobiotic metabolism, and regeneration. The
      mechanisms governing these rhythms are not well understood, particularly the
      distinct contributions of the cell-autonomous clock and central pacemaker to
      rhythmic liver physiology. Through microarray expression profiling in Met murine
      hepatocytes (MMH)-D3, we identified over 1,000 transcripts that exhibit circadian
      oscillations, demonstrating that the cell-autonomous clock can drive many
      rhythms, and that MMH-D3 is a valid circadian model system. The genes represented
      by these circadian transcripts displayed both cophasic and antiphasic
      organization within a protein-protein interaction network, suggesting the
      existence of competition for binding sites or partners by genes of disparate
      transcriptional phases. Multiple pathways displayed enrichment in MMH-D3
      circadian transcripts, including the polyamine synthesis module of the
      glutathione metabolic pathway. The polyamine synthesis module, which is highly
      associated with cell proliferation and whose products are required for initiation
      of liver regeneration, includes enzymes whose transcripts exhibit circadian
      oscillations, such as ornithine decarboxylase and spermidine synthase. Metabolic
      profiling revealed that the enzymatic product of spermidine synthase, spermidine,
      cycles as well. Thus, the cell-autonomous hepatocyte clock can drive a
      significant amount of transcriptional rhythms and orchestrate physiologically
      relevant modules such as polyamine synthesis.

PMID- 22042858
TI  - Tomosyn-dependent regulation of synaptic transmission is required for a late
      phase of associative odor memory.
AB  - Synaptic vesicle secretion requires the assembly of fusogenic SNARE complexes.
      Consequently proteins that regulate SNARE complex formation can significantly
      impact synaptic strength. The SNARE binding protein tomosyn has been shown to
      potently inhibit exocytosis by sequestering SNARE proteins in nonfusogenic
      complexes. The tomosyn-SNARE interaction is regulated by protein kinase A (PKA),
      an enzyme implicated in learning and memory, suggesting tomosyn could be an
      important effector in PKA-dependent synaptic plasticity. We tested this
      hypothesis in Drosophila, in which the role of the PKA pathway in associative
      learning has been well established. We first determined that panneuronal tomosyn
      knockdown by RNAi enhanced synaptic strength at the Drosophila larval
      neuromuscular junction, by increasing the evoked response duration. We next
      assayed memory performance 3 min (early memory) and 3 h (late memory) after
      aversive olfactory learning. Whereas early memory was unaffected by tomosyn
      knockdown, late memory was reduced by 50%. Late memory is a composite of stable
      and labile components. Further analysis determined that tomosyn was specifically
      required for the anesthesia-sensitive, labile component, previously shown to
      require cAMP signaling via PKA in mushroom bodies. Together these data indicate
      that tomosyn has a conserved role in the regulation of synaptic transmission and
      provide behavioral evidence that tomosyn is involved in a specific component of
      late associative memory.

PMID- 22042859
TI  - Intracellular neutralization of viral infection in polarized epithelial cells by
      neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn)-mediated IgG transport.
AB  - IgG was traditionally thought to neutralize virions by blocking their attachment
      to or penetration into mucosal epithelial cells, a common site of exposure to
      viruses. However, we describe an intracellular neutralizing action for an
      influenza hemagglutinin-specific monoclonal antibody, Y8-10C2 (Y8), which has
      neutralizing activity only at an acidic pH. When Y8 was applied to the
      basolateral surface of Madin-Darby canine kidney cells expressing the rat
      neonatal Fc receptor for IgG (FcRn), it significantly reduced viral replication
      following apical exposure of the cell monolayer to influenza virus. Virus
      neutralization by Y8 mAb was dependent on FcRn expression and its transport of
      IgG. As both FcRn and Y8 mAb bind their partners only at acidic pH, the Y8 mAb is
      proposed to carry out its antiviral activity intracellularly. Furthermore, the
      virus, Y8 mAb, and FcRn colocalized within endosomes, possibly inhibiting the
      fusion of viral envelopes with endosomal membranes during primary uncoating, and
      preventing the accumulation of the neutralized viral nucleoprotein antigen in the
      nucleus. Prophylactic administration of Y8 mAb before viral challenge in WT mice,
      but not FcRn-KO mice, conferred protection from lethality, prevented weight loss,
      resulted in a significant reduction in pulmonary virus titers, and largely
      reduced virus-induced lung pathology. Thus, this study reveals an intracellular
      mechanism for viral neutralization in polarized epithelial cells that is
      dependent on FcRn-mediated transport of neutralizing IgG.

PMID- 22042860
TI  - High levels of nuclear heat-shock factor 1 (HSF1) are associated with poor
      prognosis in breast cancer.
AB  - Heat-shock factor 1 (HSF1) is the master transcriptional regulator of the
      cellular response to heat and a wide variety of other stressors. We previously
      reported that HSF1 promotes the survival and proliferation of malignant cells. At
      this time, however, the clinical and prognostic significance of HSF1 in cancer is
      unknown. To address this issue breast cancer samples from 1,841 participants in
      the Nurses' Health Study were scored for levels of nuclear HSF1. Associations of
      HSF1 status with clinical parameters and survival outcomes were investigated by
      Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazard models. The associations were
      further delineated by Kaplan-Meier analysis using publicly available mRNA
      expression data. Our results show that nuclear HSF1 levels were elevated in ~80%
      of in situ and invasive breast carcinomas. In invasive carcinomas, HSF1
      expression was associated with high histologic grade, larger tumor size, and
      nodal involvement at diagnosis (P < 0.0001). By using multivariate analysis to
      account for the effects of covariates, high HSF1 levels were found to be
      independently associated with increased mortality (hazards ratio: 1.62; 95%
      confidence interval: 1.21-2.17; P < 0.0013). This association was seen in the
      estrogen receptor (ER)-positive population (hazards ratio: 2.10; 95% confidence
      interval: 1.45-3.03; P < 0.0001). In public expression profiling data, high HSF1
      mRNA levels were also associated with an increase in ER-positive breast cancer
      specific mortality. We conclude that increased HSF1 is associated with reduced
      breast cancer survival. The findings indicate that HSF1 should be evaluated
      prospectively as an independent prognostic indicator in ER-positive breast
      cancer. HSF1 may ultimately be a useful therapeutic target in cancer.

PMID- 22042861
TI  - CD47-signal regulatory protein-alpha (SIRPalpha) interactions form a barrier for
      antibody-mediated tumor cell destruction.
AB  - Monoclonal antibodies are among the most promising therapeutic agents for
      treating cancer. Therapeutic cancer antibodies bind to tumor cells, turning them
      into targets for immune-mediated destruction. We show here that this antibody
      mediated killing of tumor cells is limited by a mechanism involving the
      interaction between tumor cell-expressed CD47 and the inhibitory receptor signal
      regulatory protein-alpha (SIRPalpha) on myeloid cells. Mice that lack the
      SIRPalpha cytoplasmic tail, and hence its inhibitory signaling, display increased
      antibody-mediated elimination of melanoma cells in vivo. Moreover, interference
      with CD47-SIRPalpha interactions by CD47 knockdown or by antagonistic antibodies
      against CD47 or SIRPalpha significantly enhances the in vitro killing of
      trastuzumab-opsonized Her2/Neu-positive breast cancer cells by phagocytes.
      Finally, the response to trastuzumab therapy in breast cancer patients appears
      correlated to cancer cell CD47 expression. These findings demonstrate that CD47
      SIRPalpha interactions participate in a homeostatic mechanism that restricts
      antibody-mediated killing of tumor cells. This provides a rational basis for
      targeting CD47-SIRPalpha interactions, using for instance the antagonistic
      antibodies against human SIRPalpha described herein, to potentiate the clinical
      effects of cancer therapeutic antibodies.

PMID- 22042862
TI  - Genetic dissection of the biotic stress response using a genome-scale gene
      network for rice.
AB  - Rice is a staple food for one-half the world's population and a model for other
      monocotyledonous species. Thus, efficient approaches for identifying key genes
      controlling simple or complex traits in rice have important biological,
      agricultural, and economic consequences. Here, we report on the construction of
      RiceNet, an experimentally tested genome-scale gene network for a
      monocotyledonous species. Many different datasets, derived from five different
      organisms including plants, animals, yeast, and humans, were evaluated, and 24 of
      the most useful were integrated into a statistical framework that allowed for the
      prediction of functional linkages between pairs of genes. Genes could be linked
      to traits by using guilt-by-association, predicting gene attributes on the basis
      of network neighbors. We applied RiceNet to an important agronomic trait, the
      biotic stress response. Using network guilt-by-association followed by focused
      protein-protein interaction assays, we identified and validated, in planta, two
      positive regulators, LOC_Os01g70580 (now Regulator of XA21; ROX1) and
      LOC_Os02g21510 (ROX2), and one negative regulator, LOC_Os06g12530 (ROX3). These
      proteins control resistance mediated by rice XA21, a pattern recognition
      receptor. We also showed that RiceNet can accurately predict gene function in
      another major monocotyledonous crop species, maize. RiceNet thus enables the
      identification of genes regulating important crop traits, facilitating
      engineering of pathways critical to crop productivity.

PMID- 22042863
TI  - Mst1 and Mst2 protein kinases restrain intestinal stem cell proliferation and
      colonic tumorigenesis by inhibition of Yes-associated protein (Yap)
      overabundance.
AB  - Ablation of the kinases Mst1 and Mst2, orthologs of the Drosophila
      antiproliferative kinase Hippo, from mouse intestinal epithelium caused marked
      expansion of an undifferentiated stem cell compartment and loss of secretory
      cells throughout the small and large intestine. Although median survival of mice
      lacking intestinal Mst1/Mst2 is 13 wk, adenomas of the distal colon are common by
      this age. Diminished phosphorylation, enhanced abundance, and nuclear
      localization of the transcriptional coactivator Yes-associated protein 1 (Yap1)
      is evident in Mst1/Mst2-deficient intestinal epithelium, as is strong activation
      of beta-catenin and Notch signaling. Although biallelic deletion of Yap1 from
      intestinal epithelium has little effect on intestinal development, inactivation
      of a single Yap1 allele reduces Yap1 polypeptide abundance to nearly wild-type
      levels and, despite the continued Yap hypophosphorylation and preferential
      nuclear localization, normalizes epithelial structure. Thus, supraphysiologic Yap
      polypeptide levels are necessary to drive intestinal stem cell proliferation. Yap
      is overexpressed in 68 of 71 human colon cancers and in at least 30 of 36 colon
      cancer-derived cell lines. In colon-derived cell lines where Yap is overabundant,
      its depletion strongly reduces beta-catenin and Notch signaling and inhibits
      proliferation and survival. These findings demonstrate that Mst1 and Mst2
      actively suppress Yap1 abundance and action in normal intestinal epithelium, an
      antiproliferative function that frequently is overcome in colon cancer through
      Yap1 polypeptide overabundance. The dispensability of Yap1 in normal intestinal
      homeostasis and its potent proliferative and prosurvival actions when
      overexpressed in colon cancer make it an attractive therapeutic target.

PMID- 22042864
TI  - Characterization of dsRNA-induced pancreatitis model reveals the regulatory role
      of IFN regulatory factor 2 (Irf2) in trypsinogen5 gene transcription.
AB  - Mice deficient for interferon regulatory factor (Irf)2 (Irf2(-/-) mice) exhibit
      immunological abnormalities and cannot survive lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus
      infection. The pancreas of these animals is highly inflamed, a phenotype
      replicated by treatment with poly(I:C), a synthetic double-stranded RNA.
      Trypsinogen5 mRNA was constitutively up-regulated about 1,000-fold in Irf2(-/-)
      mice compared with controls as assessed by quantitative RT-PCR. Further knockout
      of IFNalpha/beta receptor 1(Ifnar1) abolished poly(I:C)-induced pancreatitis but
      had no effect on the constitutive up-regulation of trypsinogen5 gene, indicating
      crucial type I IFN signaling to elicit the inflammation. Analysis of Ifnar1(-/-)
      mice confirmed type I IFN-dependent transcriptional activation of dsRNA-sensing
      pattern recognition receptor genes MDA5, RIG-I, and TLR3, which induced poly(I:C)
      dependent cell death in acinar cells in the absence of IRF2. We speculate that
      Trypsin5, the trypsinogen5 gene product, leaking from dead acinar cells triggers
      a chain reaction leading to lethal pancreatitis in Irf2(-/-) mice because it is
      resistant to a major endogenous trypsin inhibitor, Spink3.

PMID- 22042865
TI  - Forced TR2/TR4 expression in sickle cell disease mice confers enhanced fetal
      hemoglobin synthesis and alleviated disease phenotypes.
AB  - Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a hematologic disorder caused by a missense mutation
      in the adult beta-globin gene. Higher fetal hemoglobin (HbF) levels in red blood
      cells of SCD patients have been shown to improve morbidity and mortality. We
      previously found that nuclear receptors TR2 and TR4 repress expression of the
      human embryonic epsilon-globin and fetal gamma-globin genes in definitive
      erythroid cells. Because forced expression of TR2/TR4 in murine adult erythroid
      cells paradoxically enhanced fetal gamma-globin gene expression in transgenic
      mice, we wished to determine if forced TR2/TR4 expression in a SCD model mouse
      would result in elevated HbF synthesis and thereby alleviate the disease
      phenotype. In a "humanized" sickle cell model mouse, forced TR2/TR4 expression
      increased HbF abundance from 7.6% of total hemoglobin to 18.6%, accompanied by
      increased hematocrit from 23% to 34% and reticulocyte reduction from 61% to 18%,
      indicating a significant reduction in hemolysis. Moreover, forced TR2/TR4
      expression reduced hepatosplenomegaly and liver parenchymal necrosis and
      inflammation in SCD mice, indicating alleviation of usual pathophysiological
      characteristics. This article shows that genetic manipulation of nonglobin
      proteins, or transcription factors regulating globin gene expression, can
      ameliorate the disease phenotype in a SCD model animal. This proof-of-concept
      study demonstrates that modulating TR2/TR4 activity in SCD patients may be a
      promising therapeutic approach to induce persistent HbF accumulation and for
      treatment of the disease.

PMID- 22042866
TI  - A chemical-genetic screen to unravel the genetic network of CDC28/CDK1 links
      ubiquitin and Rad6-Bre1 to cell cycle progression.
AB  - Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) control the eukaryotic cell cycle, and a single
      CDK, Cdc28 (also known as Cdk1), is necessary and sufficient for cell cycle
      regulation in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Cdc28 regulates cell
      cycle-dependent processes such as transcription, DNA replication and repair, and
      chromosome segregation. To gain further insight into the functions of Cdc28, we
      performed a high-throughput chemical-genetic array (CGA) screen aimed at
      unraveling the genetic network of CDC28. We identified 107 genes that strongly
      genetically interact with CDC28. Although these genes serve multiple cellular
      functions, genes involved in cell cycle regulation, transcription, and chromosome
      metabolism were overrepresented. DOA1, which is involved in maintaining free
      ubiquitin levels, as well as the RAD6-BRE1 pathway, which is involved in
      transcription, displayed particularly strong genetic interactions with CDC28. We
      discovered that DOA1 is important for cell cycle entry by supplying ubiquitin.
      Furthermore, we found that the RAD6-BRE1 pathway functions downstream of
      DOA1/ubiquitin but upstream of CDC28, by promoting transcription of cyclins.
      These results link cellular ubiquitin levels and the Rad6-Bre1 pathway to cell
      cycle progression.

PMID- 22042867
TI  - Quantitative assessment of Plasmodium falciparum sexual development reveals
      potent transmission-blocking activity by methylene blue.
AB  - Clinical studies and mathematical models predict that, to achieve malaria
      elimination, combination therapies will need to incorporate drugs that block the
      transmission of Plasmodium falciparum sexual stage parasites to mosquito vectors.
      Efforts to measure the activity of existing antimalarials on intraerythrocytic
      sexual stage gametocytes and identify transmission-blocking agents have, until
      now, been hindered by a lack of quantitative assays. Here, we report an
      experimental system using P. falciparum lines that stably express gametocyte
      specific GFP-luciferase reporters, which enable the assessment of dose- and time
      dependent drug action on gametocyte maturation and transmission. These studies
      reveal activity of the first-line antimalarial dihydroartemisinin and the partner
      drugs lumefantrine and pyronaridine against early gametocyte stages, along with
      moderate inhibition of mature gametocyte transmission to Anopheles mosquitoes.
      The other partner agents monodesethyl-amodiaquine and piperaquine showed activity
      only against immature gametocytes. Our data also identify methylene blue as a
      potent inhibitor of gametocyte development across all stages. This thiazine dye
      almost fully abolishes P. falciparum transmission to mosquitoes at concentrations
      readily achievable in humans, highlighting the potential of this chemical class
      to reduce the spread of malaria.

PMID- 22042868
TI  - Biliverdin inhibits Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) expression through nitric oxide
      dependent nuclear translocation of biliverdin reductase.
AB  - The cellular response to an inflammatory stressor requires a proinflammatory
      cellular activation followed by a controlled resolution of the response to
      restore homeostasis. We hypothesized that biliverdin reductase (BVR) by binding
      biliverdin (BV) quells the cellular response to endotoxin-induced inflammation
      through phosphorylation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). The
      generated NO, in turn, nitrosylates BVR, leading to nuclear translocation where
      BVR binds to the Toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) promoter at the Ap-1 sites to block
      transcription. We show in macrophages that BV-induced eNOS phosphorylation (Ser
      1177) and NO production are mediated in part by Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent
      kinase kinase. Furthermore, we show that BVR is S-nitrosylated on one of three
      cysteines and that this posttranslational modification is required for BVR
      mediated signaling. BV-induced nuclear translocation of BVR and inhibition of
      TLR4 expression is lost in macrophages derived from Enos(-/-) mice. In vivo in
      mice, BV provides protection from acute liver damage and is dependent on the
      availability of NO. Collectively, we elucidate a mechanism for BVR in regulating
      the inflammatory response to endotoxin that requires eNOS-derived NO and TLR4
      signaling in macrophages.

PMID- 22042869
TI  - A homolog of male sex-determining factor SRY cooperates with a transposon-derived
      CENP-B protein to control sex-specific directed recombination.
AB  - Schizosaccharomyces pombe cells switch mating type by replacing genetic
      information at the expressed mat1 locus with sequences copied from mat2-P or mat3
      M silent donor loci. The choice of donor locus is dictated by cell type, such
      that mat2 is the preferred donor in M cells and mat3 is the preferred donor in P
      cells. Donor choice involves a recombination-promoting complex (RPC) containing
      Swi2 and Swi5. In P cells, the RPC localizes to a specific DNA element located
      adjacent to mat3, but in M cells it spreads across the silent mating-type region,
      including mat2-P. This differential distribution of the RPC regulates nonrandom
      choice of donors. However, cell-type-specific differences in RPC localization are
      not understood. Here we show that the mat1-M-encoded factor Mc, which shares
      structural and functional similarities with the male sex-determining factor SRY,
      is highly enriched at the swi2 and swi5 loci and promotes elevated levels of RPC
      components. Loss of Mc reduces Swi2 and Swi5 to levels comparable to those in P
      cells and disrupts RPC spreading across the mat2/3 region. Mc also localizes to
      loci expressed preferentially in M cells and to retrotransposon LTRs. We
      demonstrate that Mc localization at LTRs and at swi2 requires Abp1, a homolog of
      transposon-derived CENP-B protein and that loss of Abp1 impairs Swi2 protein
      expression and the donor choice mechanism. These results suggest that Mc
      modulates levels of recombination factors, which is important for mating-type
      donor selection and for the biased gene conversion observed during meiosis, where
      M cells serve as preferential donors of genetic information.

PMID- 22042870
TI  - Gating charge interactions with the S1 segment during activation of a Na+ channel
      voltage sensor.
AB  - Voltage-gated Na(+) channels initiate action potentials during electrical
      signaling in excitable cells. Opening and closing of the pore of voltage-gated
      ion channels are mechanically linked to voltage-driven outward movement of the
      positively charged S4 transmembrane segment in their voltage sensors. Disulfide
      locking of cysteine residues substituted for the outermost T0 and R1 gating
      charge positions and a conserved negative charge (E43) at the extracellular end
      of the S1 segment of the bacterial Na(+) channel NaChBac detects molecular
      interactions that stabilize the resting state of the voltage sensor and define
      its conformation. Upon depolarization, the more inward gating charges R2 and R3
      engage in these molecular interactions as the S4 segment moves outward to its
      intermediate and activated states. The R4 gating charge does not disulfide-lock
      with E43, suggesting an outer limit to its transmembrane movement. These
      molecular interactions reveal how the S4 gating charges are stabilized in the
      resting state and how their outward movement is catalyzed by interaction with
      negatively charged residues to effect pore opening and initiate electrical
      signaling.

PMID- 22042871
TI  - FGF2 gene transfer restores hippocampal functions in mouse models of Alzheimer's
      disease and has therapeutic implications for neurocognitive disorders.
AB  - The adult hippocampus plays a central role in memory formation, synaptic
      plasticity, and neurogenesis. The subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus contains
      neural progenitor cells with self-renewal and multilineage potency. Transgene
      expression of familial Alzheimer's disease-linked mutants of beta-amyloid
      precursor protein (APP) and presenilin-1 leads to a significant inhibition of
      neurogenesis, which is potentially linked to age-dependent memory loss. To
      investigate the effect of neurogenesis on cognitive function in a relevant
      disease model, FGF2 gene is delivered bilaterally to the hippocampi of
      APP+presenilin-1 bigenic mice via an adenoassociated virus serotype 2/1 hybrid
      (AAV2/1-FGF2). Animals injected with AAV2/1-FGF2 at a pre- or postsymptomatic
      stage show significantly improved spatial learning in the radial arm water maze
      test. A neuropathological investigation demonstrates that AAV2/1-FGF2 injection
      enhances the number of doublecortin, BrdU/NeuN, and c-fos-positive cells in the
      dentate gyrus, and the clearance of fibrillar amyloid-beta peptide (Abeta) in the
      hippocampus. AAV2/1-FGF2 injection also enhances long-term potentiation in
      another APP mouse model (J20) compared with control AAV2/1-GFP-injected
      littermates. An in vitro study confirmed the enhanced neurogenesis of mouse
      neural stem cells by direct AAV2/1-FGF2 infection in an Abeta oligomer-sensitive
      manner. Further, FGF2 enhances Abeta phagocytosis in primary cultured microglia,
      and reduces Abeta production from primary cultured neurons after AAV2/1-FGF2
      infection. Thus, our data indicate that virus-mediated FGF2 gene delivery has
      potential as an alternative therapy of Alzheimer's disease and possibly other
      neurocognitive disorders.

PMID- 22042872
TI  - Duplication and partitioning in evolution and function of homoeologous Q loci
      governing domestication characters in polyploid wheat.
AB  - The Q gene encodes an AP2-like transcription factor that played an important role
      in domestication of polyploid wheat. The chromosome 5A Q alleles (5AQ and 5Aq)
      have been well studied, but much less is known about the q alleles on wheat
      homoeologous chromosomes 5B (5Bq) and 5D (5Dq). We investigated the organization,
      evolution, and function of the Q/q homoeoalleles in hexaploid wheat (Triticum
      aestivum L.). Q/q gene sequences are highly conserved within and among the A, B,
      and D genomes of hexaploid wheat, the A and B genomes of tetraploid wheat, and
      the A, S, and D genomes of the diploid progenitors, but the intergenic regions of
      the Q/q locus are highly divergent among homoeologous genomes. Duplication of the
      q gene 5.8 Mya was likely followed by selective loss of one of the copies from
      the A genome progenitor and the other copy from the B, D, and S genomes. A recent
      V(329)-to-I mutation in the A lineage is correlated with the Q phenotype. The 5Bq
      homoeoalleles became a pseudogene after allotetraploidization. Expression
      analysis indicated that the homoeoalleles are coregulated in a complex manner.
      Combined phenotypic and expression analysis indicated that, whereas 5AQ plays a
      major role in conferring domestication-related traits, 5Dq contributes directly
      and 5Bq indirectly to suppression of the speltoid phenotype. The evolution of the
      Q/q loci in polyploid wheat resulted in the hyperfunctionalization of 5AQ,
      pseudogenization of 5Bq, and subfunctionalization of 5Dq, all contributing to the
      domestication traits.

PMID- 22042874
TI  - Transmission of norovirus among NBA players and staff, winter 2010-2011.
AB  - In December 2010, 24 players and staff members from 13 National Basketball
      Association teams were affected with gastroenteritis symptoms. Four of 5 stool
      specimens from ill players and staff tested positive for norovirus genogroup II.
      We document evidence of transmission both within teams and, potentially, between
      teams in 2 instances.

PMID- 22042873
TI  - Garrod's fourth inborn error of metabolism solved by the identification of
      mutations causing pentosuria.
AB  - Pentosuria is one of four conditions hypothesized by Archibald Garrod in 1908 to
      be inborn errors of metabolism. Mutations responsible for the other three
      conditions (albinism, alkaptonuria, and cystinuria) have been identified, but the
      mutations responsible for pentosuria remained unknown. Pentosuria, which affects
      almost exclusively individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry, is characterized by
      high levels of the pentose sugar L-xylulose in blood and urine and deficiency of
      the enzyme L-xylulose reductase. The condition is autosomal-recessive and
      completely clinically benign, but in the early and mid-20th century attracted
      attention because it was often confused with diabetes mellitus and
      inappropriately treated with insulin. Persons with pentosuria were identified
      from records of Margaret Lasker, who studied the condition in the 1930s to 1960s.
      In the DCXR gene encoding L-xylulose reductase, we identified two mutations, DCXR
      c.583DeltaC and DCXR c.52(+1)G > A, each predicted to lead to loss of enzyme
      activity. Of nine unrelated living pentosuric subjects, six were homozygous for
      DCXR c.583DeltaC, one was homozygous for DCXR c.52(+1)G > A, and two were
      compound heterozygous for the two mutant alleles. L-xylulose reductase was not
      detectable in protein lysates from subjects' cells and high levels of xylulose
      were detected in their sera, confirming the relationship between the DCXR
      genotypes and the pentosuric phenotype. The combined frequency of the two mutant
      DCXR alleles in 1,067 Ashkenazi Jewish controls was 0.0173, suggesting a
      pentosuria frequency of approximately one in 3,300 in this population. Haplotype
      analysis indicated that the DCXR c.52(+1)G > A mutation arose more recently than
      the DCXR c.583DeltaC mutation.

PMID- 22042876
TI  - Severe pulmonary involvement in a case attributed to domestically acquired Seoul
      hantavirus in the United States.
AB  - Hantavirus is known to cause 2 distinct clinical syndromes: hemorrhagic fever
      with renal syndrome (HFRS) and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. Seoul virus is an
      Old World hantavirus known to cause HFRS. We report a case attributed to
      domestically acquired Seoul hantavirus with prominent pulmonary involvement and a
      fatal outcome.

PMID- 22042875
TI  - Isolation of sochi virus from a fatal case of hantavirus disease with fulminant
      clinical course.
AB  - Sochi virus, a novel genetic variant of Dobrava-Belgrade virus, was isolated in
      cell culture from a fulminant lethal case of hantavirus disease presenting with
      shock and combined kidney and lung failure. Sochi virus is transmitted to humans
      from host reservoir Apodemus ponticus and must be considered a life-threatening
      emerging agent.

PMID- 22042877
TI  - Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolated from pets living in
      households with MRSA-infected children.

PMID- 22042878
TI  - The incidence of necrotizing changes in adults with pneumococcal pneumonia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Necrotizing pneumonia is generally considered a rare complication of
      pneumococcal infection in adults. We systematically studied the incidence of
      necrotizing changes in adult patients with pneumococcal pneumonia and examined
      the severity of infection, role of causative serotypes, and association with
      bacteremia. METHODS: We used a database of all pneumococcal infections identified
      at our medical center between 2000 and 2010. Original readings of chest X-rays
      (CXR) and computerized tomography (CT) were noted. Images were then independently
      reevaluated by 2 radiologists. The severity of disease at admission was assessed
      using SMART-COP and Pneumonia Outcomes Research Team (PORT) scoring systems.
      RESULTS: In 351 cases of pneumococcal pneumonia, necrosis was reported in no (0%)
      original CXR readings and in 6 of 136 (4.4%) CTs. With rereading, 8 of 351 (2.3%)
      CXR and 15 of 136 (11.0%) CT had necrotizing changes. Overall, these changes were
      identified in 23 of 351 (6.6%) patients. The incidence of bacteremia and the
      admitting SMART-COP and PORT scores were similar in patients with and without
      necrosis (P = 1.00, P = .32, and P = .54, respectively). Type 3 pneumococcus was
      more commonly isolated from patients with necrosis than from patients without
      necrosis (P = .05), but 10 other serotypes were also implicated in 16 cases for
      which the organism was available for typing. CONCLUSIONS: Necrotizing changes in
      the lungs were seen in 6.6% of a large series of adults with pneumococcal
      pneumonia but were often overlooked on initial readings. Patients with necrosis
      were not more likely to have bacteremia or more severe disease. Type 3
      pneumococcus was the most commonly identified serotype.

PMID- 22042879
TI  - Patient reported outcomes in routine care: advancing data capture for HIV cohort
      research.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Computerized collection of standardized measures of patient
      reported outcomes (PROs) provides a novel paradigm for data capture at the point
      of clinical care. Comparisons between data from PROs and Electronic Health
      Records (EHR) are lacking. We compare EHR and PRO for capture of depression and
      substance abuse and their relationship to adherence to antiretroviral therapy
      (ART). METHODS: This retrospective study includes HIV-positive patients at an HIV
      clinic who completed an initial PRO assessment April 2008-July 2009. The
      questionnaire includes measures of depression (PHQ-9) and substance abuse
      (ASSIST). Self-reported ART adherence was modeled using separate logistic
      regression analyses (EHR vs PRO). RESULTS: The study included 782 participants.
      EHR vs PRO diagnosis of current substance abuse was 13% (n = 99) vs 6% (n = 45)
      (P < .0001), and current depression was 41% (n = 317) vs 12% (n = 97) (P <
      .0001). In the EHR model, neither substance abuse (OR = 1.25; 95% CI = 0.70-2.21)
      nor depression (OR = 0.93; 95% CI = 0.62-1.40) was significantly associated with
      poor ART adherence. Conversely, in the PRO model, current substance abuse (OR =
      2.78; 95% CI = 1.33-5.81) and current depression (OR = 1.93; 95% CI = 1.12-3.33)
      were associated with poor ART adherence. DISCUSSIONS: The explanatory
      characteristics of the PRO model correlated best with factors known to be
      associated with poor ART adherence (substance abuse; depression). The
      computerized capture of PROs as a part of routine clinical care may prove to be a
      complementary and potentially transformative health informatics technology for
      research and patient care.

PMID- 22042880
TI  - Cardiovascular-emotional dampening: the relationship between blood pressure and
      recognition of emotion.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Persons with elevated blood pressure (BP) show dampened emotional
      responses to affect-laden stimuli. We sought to further examine cardiovascular
      emotional dampening by examination of the relationship between resting
      hemodynamic measures and recognition of emotion in an African American community
      based sample. METHODS: Participants were 106 African American men and women (55
      women; mean age = 52.8 years), mainly low in socioeconomic status, and part of
      the Healthy Aging in Nationally Diverse Longitudinal Samples pilot study.
      Participants evaluated emotional expressions in faces and sentences using the
      Perception of Affect Test (PAT). Resting BP, total peripheral resistance (TPR),
      cardiac output, and heart rate were obtained continuously using a Portapres BP
      monitor. RESULTS: Total PAT scores were inversely related to systolic (r = -0.30)
      and diastolic (r = -0.24) BPs, TPR (r = -0.36), and age (r = -0.31; p values <
      .01) and were positively related to cardiac output (r = 0.27) and education (r =
      0.38; p values < .01), as well as with mental state (r = 0.25) and body mass
      index (r = -0.20; p values < .05). Accuracy of emotion recognition on the PAT
      tasks remained inversely related to TPR and BP after adjustment for demographic
      variables, medication, mental state, and body mass index. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated
      BP and TPR were associated with reduced perception of affect. TPR was the most
      consistent independent hemodynamic correlate of emotional dampening for the PAT
      scores. These results suggest potentially important links among central nervous
      system regulation of emotions, hemodynamic processes, and hypertension
      development.

PMID- 22042881
TI  - Psychosocial predictors of coronary artery calcification progression in
      postmenopausal women.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Coronary artery calcification (CAC) has been associated with
      psychosocial factors in some but not all cross-sectional analyses. The goal of
      this study was to determine whether positive and negative psychosocial factors
      prospectively predict CAC progression in postmenopausal women. METHODS:
      Participants from the Healthy Women Study who also participated in the Pittsburgh
      Mind-Body Center protocol (n = 149) completed self-report psychosocial measures
      before two electron beam computed tomographic scans of CAC separated by an
      average of 3.3 years. Results of exploratory factor analysis were used to create
      aggregate psychosocial indices: psychological risk (depressive symptoms,
      perceived stress, cynicism, and anger-in) and psychosocial resources (optimism,
      purpose in life, mastery, self-esteem, and social support). RESULTS: The
      psychological risk index predicted significantly greater CAC progression over 3
      years (beta = 0.16, p = .035, DeltaR(2) = 0.03), whereas the psychosocial
      resources index was not predictive of CAC progression (beta = -0.08, p = .30,
      DeltaR(2) = 0.01). On individual scales, higher scores on cynicism emerged as a
      significant predictor of CAC progression, along with a trend linking anger-in to
      atherosclerosis progression. A post hoc analysis showed a significant interaction
      between cynicism and anger-in (beta = 0.20, p = .01, DeltaR(2) = 0.03), such that
      women reporting high levels of both cynicism and anger suppression exhibited the
      most CAC progression. CONCLUSIONS: These findings highlight psychosocial risk
      factors that may accelerate the progression of subclinical atherosclerosis in
      older women, suggest the potential importance of examining combinations of
      psychosocial risk factors, and identify potential targets for psychological
      interventions to reduce cardiovascular risk.

PMID- 22042882
TI  - Prevalence of personality disorders and their clinical correlates in outpatient
      adolescents with anorexia nervosa.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate personality disorder (PD) comorbidity and its clinical
      correlates in a sample of adolescents with anorexia nervosa (AN) and to compare
      them with similar studies on adults. METHODS: One hundred one female AN
      outpatients (16-18 years old)-57 with AN restrictive type and 44 with AN binge
      purging type-and 71 age-matched, healthy, female participants were assessed using
      the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis II Disorders. Five selected
      clinical variables of AN severity were also assessed. RESULTS: Overall, 24.8% of
      AN outpatients had one or more PD compared with 4.2% of the control participants
      (p < .001). PDs most frequently found in AN outpatients were avoidant,
      borderline, and obsessive-compulsive. Associations were found between AN binge
      purging type and borderline PD and between AN restrictive type and obsessive
      compulsive PD. AN outpatients with a PD had an earlier age of onset of AN (mean
      [standard deviation {SD}] = 15.4 [1.2] versus 16.1 [0.9], p = .002), lower
      lifetime lowest BMI (mean [SD] = 14.8 [1.5] versus 15.6 [1.3], p = .01), and more
      hospital admissions for AN (mean [SD] = 1.4 [0.9] versus 0.3 [0.6], p < .001)
      compared with those without PDs. CONCLUSIONS: Associations were found between AN
      and PDs in adolescents similar to those found in adults. The presence of a PD is
      associated with a greater severity of AN. PD assessment of adolescent AN patients
      may permit a more accurate diagnosis and better treatment planning.

PMID- 22042883
TI  - Trigger-based mechanism of the persistence of atrial fibrillation and its impact
      on the efficacy of catheter ablation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We investigated the possibility that a frequent trigger action might
      play a role in the development of persistent atrial fibrillation (PeAF) and the
      presence of a substrate. METHODS AND RESULTS: In 263 consecutive patients who
      underwent catheter ablation (CA) for PeAF, electric cardioversion was performed
      at the beginning of the procedure to determine the presence or absence of an
      immediate recurrence of AF (IRAF). We defined an IRAF as a reproducible AF
      recurrence within 90 s after restoration of sinus rhythm by electric
      cardioversion. We performed a mean+/-SD of 1.3+/-0.5 sessions of CA, including
      pulmonary vein isolation and ablation of the premature atrial contractions that
      triggered the IRAF (IRAF triggers), and observed the patients for 17 (10-27)
      months. An IRAF was observed in 70 patients (27%), but we could not ablate the
      IRAF triggers in 16 (23%) of these IRAF patients. The recurrence rate of PeAF was
      higher in patients with an unsuccessful IRAF trigger ablation than in those with
      successful IRAF trigger ablation (63% versus 11%; P<0.001). A multivariable
      analysis also revealed that an unsuccessful IRAF trigger ablation was 1 of the
      independent predictors of recurrent PeAF (odds ratio, 10.9; 95% CI, 3.4-36.7).
      CONCLUSIONS: In the PeAF patients with an IRAF, successful elimination of the
      IRAF triggers, in addition to pulmonary vein isolation, resulted in a successful
      CA. These results imply that such triggers play a major role in the AF
      persistence in these PeAF patients.

PMID- 22042885
TI  - Derivation and validation of a simple exercise-based algorithm for prediction of
      genetic testing in relatives of LQTS probands.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Genetic testing can diagnose long-QT syndrome (LQTS) in asymptomatic
      relatives of patients with an identified mutation; however, it is costly and
      subject to availability. The accuracy of a simple algorithm that incorporates
      resting and exercise ECG parameters for screening LQTS in asymptomatic relatives
      was evaluated, with genetic testing as the gold standard. METHODS AND RESULTS:
      Asymptomatic first-degree relatives of genetically characterized probands were
      recruited from 5 centers. QT intervals were measured at rest, during exercise,
      and during recovery. Receiver operating characteristics were used to establish
      optimal cutoffs. An algorithm for identifying LQTS carriers was developed in a
      derivation cohort and validated in an independent cohort. The derivation cohort
      consisted of 69 relatives (28 with LQT1, 20 with LQT2, and 21 noncarriers). Mean
      age was 35+/-18 years, and resting corrected QT interval (QTc) was 466+/-39 ms.
      Abnormal resting QTc (females >=480 ms; males >=470 ms) was 100% specific for
      gene carrier status, but was observed in only 48% of patients; however, mutations
      were observed in 68% and 42% of patients with a borderline or normal resting QTc,
      respectively. Among these patients, 4-minute recovery QTc >=445 ms correctly
      restratified 22 of 25 patients as having LQTS and 19 of 21 patients as being
      noncarriers. The combination of resting and 4-minute recovery QTc in a screening
      algorithm yielded a sensitivity of 0.94 and specificity of 0.90 for detecting
      LQTS carriers. When applied to the validation cohort (n=152; 58 with LQT1, 61
      with LQT2, and 33 noncarriers; QTc=443+/-47 ms), sensitivity was 0.92 and
      specificity was 0.82. CONCLUSIONS: A simple algorithm that incorporates resting
      and exercise-recovery QTc is useful in identifying LQTS in asymptomatic
      relatives.

PMID- 22042884
TI  - Association of genetic variants and incident coronary heart disease in
      multiethnic cohorts: the PAGE study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Genome-wide association studies identified several single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNP) associated with prevalent coronary heart disease (CHD), but
      less is known of associations with incident CHD. The association of 13 published
      CHD SNPs was examined in 5 ancestry groups of 4 large US prospective cohorts.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: The analyses included incident coronary events over an
      average 9.1 to 15.7 follow-up person-years in up to 26 617 white individuals
      (6626 events), 8018 black individuals (914 events), 1903 Hispanic individuals
      (113 events), 3669 American Indian individuals (595 events), and 885
      Asian/Pacific Islander individuals (66 events). We used Cox proportional hazards
      models (with additive mode of inheritance) adjusted for age, sex, and ancestry
      (as needed). Nine loci were statistically associated with incident CHD events in
      white participants: 9p21 (rs10757278; P=4.7 * 10(-41)), 16q23.1 (rs2549513;
      P=0.0004), 6p24.1 (rs499818; P=0.0002), 2q36.3 (rs2943634; P=6.7 * 10(-6)),
      MTHFD1L (rs6922269, P=5.1 * 10(-10)), APOE (rs429358; P=2.7*10(-18)), ZNF627
      (rs4804611; P=5.0 * 10(-8)), CXCL12 (rs501120; P=1.4 * 10(-6)) and LPL (rs268;
      P=2.7 * 10(-17)). The 9p21 region showed significant between-study heterogeneity,
      with larger effects in individuals age 55 years or younger and in women.
      Inclusion of coronary revascularization procedures among the incident CHD events
      introduced heterogeneity. The SNPs were not associated with CHD in black
      participants, and associations varied in other US minorities. CONCLUSIONS:
      Prospective analyses of white participants replicated several reported cross
      sectional CHD-SNP associations.

PMID- 22042886
TI  - Renal function after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Kidney function is a known predictor of cardiovascular morbidity and
      mortality. Although patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) often have kidney
      dysfunction, less is known about the association between AF and kidney function.
      We sought to assess changes in kidney function after catheter ablation of AF.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients who underwent catheter ablation of AF were
      recruited for the present prospective study. Estimated glomerular filtration rate
      (eGFR) was evaluated before and 1 year after the ablation. Three hundred eighty
      six patients (paroxysmal AF, 135; persistent AF, 106; longstanding persistent AF,
      145) were studied. Their baseline eGFR was 68 +/- 14 mL . min(-1) . 1.73 m(-2).
      Sixty-six percent and 26% of patients had eGFR of 60 to 89 and 30 to 59 mL . min(
      1) . 1.73 m(-2), respectively. Overall, 278 patients (72%) were arrhythmia free
      over a 1-year follow-up. In patients free from arrhythmia, eGFR increased 3
      months later and was maintained until 1 year, whereas in patients with
      recurrences, eGFR had decreased over 1 year. Changes in eGFR over 1 year in
      patients free from arrhythmia differed significantly compared with those with
      recurrences (3 +/- 8 versus -2 +/- 8 mL . min(-1) . 1.73 m(-2); P<0.0001). In all
      quartiles of baseline eGFR, changes in eGFR over 1 year after the ablation were
      greater in patients free from arrhythmia compared with those with recurrences.
      CONCLUSION: Elimination of AF by catheter ablation was associated with
      improvement of kidney function over a 1-year follow-up in patients with mild to
      moderate kidney dysfunction.

PMID- 22042887
TI  - Randomized trial of cutting balloon compared with high-pressure angioplasty for
      the treatment of resistant pulmonary artery stenosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We sought to determine the safety and efficacy of Cutting Balloon
      therapy (CB) compared with conventional high-pressure balloon therapy (HPB) for
      the treatment of pulmonary artery stenosis. METHODS AND RESULTS: This
      prospective, randomized, multicenter, investigational device exemption trial
      compared CB with HPB. Patient eligibility was determined at the
      precatheterization assessment; vessel eligibility was determined at
      catheterization. In all vessels, low-pressure balloon dilation to 8 atm was
      performed, and if it was not successful, the vessel was randomized to CB or HPB.
      The primary efficacy outcome was percent change in minimum lumen diameter. A core
      laboratory performed all vessel measurements and angiographic assessment of
      vessel damage. The primary safety outcome was any serious adverse event
      attributable to vessel dilation as assessed by the Data and Safety Monitoring
      Board. Seventy-three patients from 8 institutions were enrolled between 2004 and
      2008. In these patients, 72 vessels responded to low-pressure balloon dilation.
      Of the 173 vessels that met eligibility criteria, 107 were randomized to CB and
      66 to HPB. In randomized vessels, CB therapy was associated with greater percent
      increase in lumen diameter (85% versus 52%; P=0.004). After crossover was
      introduced, 26 of 47 vessels treated with HPB underwent CB therapy and
      experienced an additional 48% increase in lumen diameter; the final diameter
      after CB was 99% greater than the initial diameter. There were no serious adverse
      events related to treatment in a study vessel. CONCLUSION: CB therapy for
      pulmonary artery stenosis not responsive to low-pressure balloon is more
      effective than HPB therapy and has an equivalent safety profile.

PMID- 22042888
TI  - Controlling for high-density lipoprotein cholesterol does not affect the
      magnitude of the relationship between alcohol and coronary heart disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study tested the hypothesis that moderate alcohol intake exerts
      its cardioprotective effect mainly through an increase in the serum level of high
      density lipoprotein cholesterol. METHODS AND RESULTS: In the Cohort of Norway
      (CONOR) study, 149 729 adult participants, recruited from 1994 to 2003, were
      followed by linkage to the Cause of Death Registry until 2006. At recruitment,
      questionnaire data on alcohol intake were collected, and the concentration of
      high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in serum was measured. Using Cox regression,
      we found that the adjusted hazard ratio for men for dying from coronary heart
      disease was 0.52 (95% confidence interval, 0.39-0.69) when consuming alcohol more
      than once a week compared with never or rarely. The ratio changed only slightly,
      to 0.55 (0.41-0.73), after the regression model included the serum level of high
      density cholesterol. For women, the corresponding hazard ratios were 0.62 (0.32
      1.23) and 0.68 (0.34-1.34), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Alcohol intake is related
      to a reduced risk of death from coronary heart disease in the follow-up of a
      large, population-based Norwegian cohort study with extensive control for
      confounding factors. Our findings suggest that the serum level of high-density
      cholesterol is not an important intermediate variable in the possible causal
      pathway between moderate alcohol intake and coronary heart disease.

PMID- 22042891
TI  - Handling uncertainty in science.

PMID- 22042892
TI  - Science as organized scepticism.
AB  - Real progress in understanding how the natural world works only truly began with
      the Enlightenment, with its guiding principle that the truth is to be found not
      by appeal to authority but by experimental tests and evidence. Unfortunately, but
      understandably, science is too often seen--in school, in university and
      especially on quiz shows--as certainty. In fact, science (including social
      sciences, engineering and medicine along with the more narrowly defined physical
      and biological sciences) is better seen as organized scepticism: a journey, over
      time, toward contingent understanding guided by experimental tests and sceptical
      questioning. Essentially all such journeys are beset by uncertainties of various
      kinds. This article sketches some of the consequent problems, particularly in
      relation to science advice, policy making and public engagement.

PMID- 22042893
TI  - Curious and sublime: the connection between uncertainty and probability in
      physics.
AB  - From its first significant appearance in physics, the notion of probability has
      been linked in the minds of physicists with the notion of uncertainty. But the
      link may prove to be tenuous, if quantum mechanics, construed in terms of the
      Everett interpretation, is anything to go by.

PMID- 22042894
TI  - Sources of uncertainty in deterministic dynamics: an informal overview.
AB  - The discovery of chaotic dynamics implies that deterministic systems may not be
      predictable in any meaningful sense. The best-known source of unpredictability is
      sensitivity to initial conditions (popularly known as the butterfly effect), in
      which small errors or disturbances grow exponentially. However, there are many
      other sources of uncertainty in nonlinear dynamics. We provide an informal
      overview of some of these, with an emphasis on the underlying geometry in phase
      space. The main topics are the butterfly effect, uncertainty in initial
      conditions in non-chaotic systems, such as coin tossing, heteroclinic connections
      leading to apparently random switching between states, topological complexity of
      basin boundaries, bifurcations (popularly known as tipping points) and collisions
      of chaotic attractors. We briefly discuss possible ways to detect, exploit or
      mitigate these effects. The paper is intended for non-specialists.

PMID- 22042895
TI  - Don't know, can't know: embracing deeper uncertainties when analysing risks.
AB  - Numerous types of uncertainty arise when using formal models in the analysis of
      risks. Uncertainty is best seen as a relation, allowing a clear separation of the
      object, source and 'owner' of the uncertainty, and we argue that all expressions
      of uncertainty are constructed from judgements based on possibly inadequate
      assumptions, and are therefore contingent. We consider a five-level structure for
      assessing and communicating uncertainties, distinguishing three within-model
      levels--event, parameter and model uncertainty--and two extra-model levels
      concerning acknowledged and unknown inadequacies in the modelling process,
      including possible disagreements about the framing of the problem. We consider
      the forms of expression of uncertainty within the five levels, providing numerous
      examples of the way in which inadequacies in understanding are handled, and
      examining criticisms of the attempts taken by the Intergovernmental Panel on
      Climate Change to separate the likelihood of events from the confidence in the
      science. Expressing our confidence in the adequacy of the modelling process
      requires an assessment of the quality of the underlying evidence, and we draw on
      a scale that is widely used within evidence-based medicine. We conclude that the
      contingent nature of risk-modelling needs to be explicitly acknowledged in advice
      given to policy-makers, and that unconditional expressions of uncertainty remain
      an aspiration.

PMID- 22042896
TI  - Uncertainty in weather and climate prediction.
AB  - Following Lorenz's seminal work on chaos theory in the 1960s, probabilistic
      approaches to prediction have come to dominate the science of weather and climate
      forecasting. This paper gives a perspective on Lorenz's work and how it has
      influenced the ways in which we seek to represent uncertainty in forecasts on all
      lead times from hours to decades. It looks at how model uncertainty has been
      represented in probabilistic prediction systems and considers the challenges
      posed by a changing climate. Finally, the paper considers how the uncertainty in
      projections of climate change can be addressed to deliver more reliable and
      confident assessments that support decision-making on adaptation and mitigation.

PMID- 22042897
TI  - Environmental prediction, risk assessment and extreme events: adaptation
      strategies for the developing world.
AB  - The uncertainty associated with predicting extreme weather events has serious
      implications for the developing world, owing to the greater societal
      vulnerability to such events. Continual exposure to unanticipated extreme events
      is a contributing factor for the descent into perpetual and structural rural
      poverty. We provide two examples of how probabilistic environmental prediction of
      extreme weather events can support dynamic adaptation. In the current climate
      era, we describe how short-term flood forecasts have been developed and
      implemented in Bangladesh. Forecasts of impending floods with horizons of 10 days
      are used to change agricultural practices and planning, store food and household
      items and evacuate those in peril. For the first time in Bangladesh, floods were
      anticipated in 2007 and 2008, with broad actions taking place in advance of the
      floods, grossing agricultural and household savings measured in units of annual
      income. We argue that probabilistic environmental forecasts disseminated to an
      informed user community can reduce poverty caused by exposure to unanticipated
      extreme events. Second, it is also realized that not all decisions in the future
      can be made at the village level and that grand plans for water resource
      management require extensive planning and funding. Based on imperfect models and
      scenarios of economic and population growth, we further suggest that flood
      frequency and intensity will increase in the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Yangtze
      catchments as greenhouse-gas concentrations increase. However, irrespective of
      the climate-change scenario chosen, the availability of fresh water in the latter
      half of the twenty-first century seems to be dominated by population increases
      that far outweigh climate-change effects. Paradoxically, fresh water availability
      may become more critical if there is no climate change.

PMID- 22042898
TI  - Uncertainty in macroeconomic policy-making: art or science?
AB  - Uncertainty is pervasive in economic policy-making. Modern economies share
      similarities with other complex systems in their unpredictability. But economic
      systems also differ from those in the natural sciences because outcomes are
      affected by the state of beliefs of the systems' participants. The dynamics of
      beliefs and how they interact with economic outcomes can be rich and
      unpredictable. This paper relates these ideas to the recent crisis, which has
      reminded us that we need a financial system that is resilient in the face of the
      unpredictable and extreme. It also highlights how such uncertainty puts a premium
      on sound communication strategies by policy-makers. This creates challenges in
      informing others about the uncertainties in the economy, and how policy is set in
      the face of those uncertainties. We show how the Bank of England tries to deal
      with some of these challenges in its communications about monetary policy.

PMID- 22042899
TI  - Uncertainty in science and its role in climate policy.
AB  - Policy-making is usually about risk management. Thus, the handling of uncertainty
      in science is central to its support of sound policy-making. There is value in
      scientists engaging in a deep conversation with policy-makers and others, not
      merely 'delivering' results or analyses and then playing no further role.
      Communicating the policy relevance of different varieties of uncertainty,
      including imprecision, ambiguity, intractability and indeterminism, is an
      important part of this conversation. Uncertainty is handled better when
      scientists engage with policy-makers. Climate policy aims both to alter future
      risks (particularly via mitigation) and to take account of and respond to
      relevant remaining risks (via adaptation) in the complex causal chain that begins
      and ends with individuals. Policy-making profits from learning how to shift the
      distribution of risks towards less dangerous impacts, even if the probability of
      events remains uncertain. Immediate value lies not only in communicating how
      risks may change with time and how those risks may be changed by action, but also
      in projecting how our understanding of those risks may improve with time (via
      science) and how our ability to influence them may advance (via technology and
      policy design). Guidance on the most urgent places to gather information and
      realistic estimates of when to expect more informative answers is of immediate
      value, as are plausible estimates of the risk of delaying action. Risk assessment
      requires grappling with probability and ambiguity (uncertainty in the Knightian
      sense) and assessing the ethical, logical, philosophical and economic
      underpinnings of whether a target of '50 per cent chance of remaining under +2(
      degrees )C' is either 'right' or 'safe'. How do we better stimulate advances in
      the difficult analytical and philosophical questions while maintaining
      foundational scientific work advancing our understanding of the phenomena? And
      provide immediate help with decisions that must be made now?

PMID- 22042900
TI  - Risk, uncertainty and regulation.
AB  - This paper reviews the relationship between scientific evidence, uncertainty,
      risk and regulation. Risk has many different meanings. Furthermore, if risk is
      defined as the likelihood of an event happening multiplied by its impact,
      subjective perceptions of risk often diverge from the objective assessment.
      Scientific evidence may be ambiguous. Scientific experts are called upon to
      assess risks, but there is often uncertainty in their assessment, or disagreement
      about the magnitude of the risk. The translation of risk assessments into policy
      is a political judgement that includes consideration of the acceptability of the
      risk and the costs and benefits of legislation to reduce the risk. These general
      points are illustrated with reference to three examples: regulation of risk from
      pesticides, control of bovine tuberculosis and pricing of alcohol as a means to
      discourage excessive drinking.

PMID- 22042901
TI  - The Department of Health perspective on handling uncertainties in health
      sciences.
AB  - Recognizing and working with uncertainty in handling risk are part of both
      clinical practice and the policy-making process. The Department of Health
      recognizes the inherent challenges that uncertainty brings and employs a wide
      range of research mechanisms, drawing on a diverse set of disciplines, to provide
      an evidence base to inform both policy creation and implementation, and clinical
      practice. This paper describes a variety of situations and the Government
      response to them, each time highlighting the use of science to reduce unknowns
      and to support decision-making. It highlights the need for a strong research
      infrastructure to support the Department's requirements, and those of the NHS,
      both in real time to respond to emergencies and to establish a high standard of
      care. However, although science provides a powerful tool to reduce uncertainty,
      it will not always produce definitive answers and often provides the start point
      for a dialogue between decision makers and researchers.

PMID- 22042902
TI  - Uncertainty in quantum mechanics: faith or fantasy?
AB  - The word 'uncertainty', in the context of quantum mechanics, usually evokes an
      impression of an essential unknowability of what might actually be going on at
      the quantum level of activity, as is made explicit in Heisenberg's uncertainty
      principle, and in the fact that the theory normally provides only probabilities
      for the results of quantum measurement. These issues limit our ultimate
      understanding of the behaviour of things, if we take quantum mechanics to
      represent an absolute truth. But they do not cause us to put that very 'truth'
      into question. This article addresses the issue of quantum 'uncertainty' from a
      different perspective, raising the question of whether this term might be applied
      to the theory itself, despite its unrefuted huge success over an enormously
      diverse range of observed phenomena. There are, indeed, seeming internal
      contradictions in the theory that lead us to infer that a total faith in it at
      all levels of scale leads us to almost fantastical implications.

PMID- 22042903
TI  - Understanding the receivers and the reception of science's uncertain messages.
AB  - Although much work has been done by scientists in developing communications to
      non-scientist audiences, much less attention has been given by them to the ways
      in which those messages are interpreted. Here, I look at the published work that
      examines the issue. I focus on three contexts in particular: debates over the
      triple vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella, the impacts of the Soufriere Hills
      volcano on the inhabitants of the island of Montserrat and the public
      communication of the results of climate change research. Several common themes
      emerge. The most important conclusions are that scientists communicating with the
      public need to develop their methods deliberatively, involving their target
      audiences; and that they need to avoid undue dependence on traditional media and
      public authorities for such communication, and to develop multiple channels to
      those audiences, including Internet-based and more traditional social networks.
      Their approach to communicating uncertainty should depend on the context but,
      except in some extreme emergencies, transparency is generally a virtue. Above
      all, they need to persist in such public engagements even when the going is rough
      and extends over long periods. They need support in doing so.

PMID- 22042905
TI  - Policy implications of uncertainty.

PMID- 22042904
TI  - The time resolution of the St Petersburg paradox.
AB  - A resolution of the St Petersburg paradox is presented. In contrast to the
      standard resolution, utility is not required. Instead, the time-average
      performance of the lottery is computed. The final result can be phrased
      mathematically identically to Daniel Bernoulli's resolution, which uses
      logarithmic utility, but is derived using a conceptually different argument. The
      advantage of the time resolution is the elimination of arbitrary utility
      functions.

PMID- 22042908
TI  - The Nursing Home Falls Self-Efficacy Scale: development and testing.
AB  - We examined a brief measure of falls self-efficacy in nursing home residents
      participating in a pilot randomized controlled trial to study the effects of hip
      protectors on the prevention of fractures (N = 116, mean age 82 +/- 8, 72%
      female). Internal consistency reliability was acceptable with Cronbach's alpha of
      .79. Factor analysis supported two factors representing self-efficacy
      expectations and outcome expectancy. Contrasted groups comparisons and construct
      validity were examined. We found lower falls self-efficacy in participants who
      needed help with mobility, in people with lower executive function, and in
      participants who reported fear of falling. Scores were not associated with
      prospective falls or adherence with hip protector use. The findings of this study
      provide preliminary support for the reliability and validity of the scale for
      future research.

PMID- 22042909
TI  - Physical activity and body mass perception.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate ethnic perceptual variations in body mass index (BMI) and
      accrued physical activity. Women (n = 204) from the eastern United States were
      stratified into the following ethnic groups: White women (WW; n = 97), Black
      women (BW n = 62) and Others (Hispanic and Asian women, n = 45). Participants
      completed questionnaires and physiologic variables were determined. BW had
      increased weight, BMI, waist circumference, and body fat percentage vs. WW (p <
      .05). Body mass was higher in BW vs. Others (p < .05). There were no differences
      for perception of BMI or body dissatisfaction. BW were the only group in which
      perception of BMI was lower than measured BMI. BW engaged in 50% less domestic
      and total physical activity than WW and Others. Physical activity was not
      correlated to perception of BMI. CONCLUSION: Perception of BMI was similar across
      ethnic groups and not correlated to physical activity levels in young women.

PMID- 22042910
TI  - Cardiovascular disease and risk factors in an indigenous minority population. The
      All-Ireland Traveller Health Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Traveller community are an indigenous minority group in Great
      Britain and Ireland who experience premature mortality. While minority
      populations worldwide are known to have high rates of risk factors for
      cardiovascular disease (CVD), Traveller CVD risk has not previously been defined.
      DESIGN: All-Ireland cross-sectional census survey of the Traveller minority
      population (n = 10,615 families). METHODS: A subsample of adult respondents
      completed a health survey (n = 2023). CVD was defined as self-report of doctor
      diagnosed heart attack, angina, or stroke. CVD risk factors and measures of
      social position were examined in the Traveller group using age-adjusted
      prevalence and prevalence ratios (PR). Comparisons were made with a general
      population sample of low socioeconomic status. RESULTS: Age-adjusted prevalence
      of CVD in the Traveller population was 5.6% (95% CI 4.6-6.8), similar to that in
      the comparator population. Compared to those without CVD, Travellers with CVD had
      a higher prevalence of self-report of diabetes, hypertension,
      hypercholesterolaemia, current smoking, and a measure of distrust. Compared with
      the general population sample, Travellers had a higher prevalence of diabetes
      (adjusted PR 2.8, 95% CI 2.1-3.8) and lifestyle-related risk factors such as
      smoking (PR 1.3, 95% CI 1.2-1.4), fried food consumption (PR 2.8, 95% CI 2.4
      3.2), and physical inactivity (PR 1.3, 95% CI 1.2-1.4). CONCLUSIONS: This
      comprehensive census survey confirms CVD as an important health risk in the
      economically disadvantaged Irish Traveller community. Our findings add to the
      international knowledge base on minority populations and CVD risk.

PMID- 22042911
TI  - Cellular resistance to HIV-1 infection in target cells coincides with a rapid
      induction of X-DING-CD4 mRNA: indication of the unique host innate response to
      virus regulated through function of the X-DING-CD4 gene.
AB  - Clinical reports indicate that some infected individuals control HIV-1
      replication through undefined mechanisms. Our group reported that a human protein
      named X-DING-CD4 holds a potent antiviral activity, blocking transcription of HIV
      1 LTR through the inhibition of NF-kappaB/DNA binding. Based on observations that
      transformed HIV-1 resistant CD4(+) T cells produce higher levels of soluble X
      DING-CD4 protein upon their exposure to virus, we hypothesized that resistance to
      HIV-1 in these cells may be regulated through function of the X-DING-CD4 gene.
      Real-time PCR evaluations of X-DING-CD4 mRNA expression confirmed our hypothesis;
      HIV-1 exposure caused rapid up-regulation of X-DING-CD4 mRNA in resistant, but
      not susceptible, cells; and the burst of X-DING-CD4 mRNA expression correlated
      with restriction of HIV-1 transcription. Subsequently, we examined the activity
      of the X-DING-CD4 gene in monocytes and macrophages from (n = 13) HIV-negative
      donors. The assessment of HIV-1 gag mRNA showed that the majority of cells were
      permissive to virus replication; however, macrophages from four donors were
      refractory to HIV-1 infection. In response to virus, these cells up-regulated X
      DING-CD4 gene expression by 2- to 1000-fold. These data provide evidence that the
      X-DING-CD4 gene contributes to early cellular protection from HIV infection in
      some individuals and this protection depends solely on the unique genetic
      regulation of the host.

PMID- 22042912
TI  - Fever induction by systemic stimulation with macrophage-activating lipopeptide-2
      depends upon TLR2 but not CD36.
AB  - This study was designed to test the responses of TLR2-knockout mice (TLR2-KO) and
      wild- type mice (C57/BL-6), and of CD36 deficient spontaneously hypertensive rats
      (SHR) and their genetic controls [Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats] to systemic
      stimulations with the TLR2/6 agonist MALP-2 and the TLR4 agonist LPS. Fever and
      formation of TNF-alpha and IL-6 induced by intraperitoneal injections of MALP-2
      (1000 ug/kg) were completely blunted in TLR2-KO, while LPS (100 ug/kg)-induced
      responses were not abolished in these animals. In SHR lacking CD36, a reduction
      of fever was observed in response to MALP-2 (100 ug/kg), but LPS-fever was even
      more attenuated in SHR when compared with WKY controls. Concentrations of
      circulating IL-6 tended to be lower in SHR after stimulation with both pyrogens.
      However, the IL-6-mediated activation of the transcription factor STAT3 in the
      brain was identical in both strains, indicating that the brain-controlled
      inflammatory response to MALP-2 (and LPS) is not impaired in the absence of CD36.
      In addition, stimulation of peritoneal macrophages with LPS and MALP-2 (10 ug/ml)
      caused the appearance of similar concentrations of bioactive cytokines in the
      supernatants from cells of both rat strains. These results demonstrate that TLR2
      is essential for the manifestation of MALP-2, but not LPS-induced inflammatory
      responses. A moderate participation of CD36 in MALP-2-induced sickness- and
      cytokine-responses can not be ruled out but is unlikely as LPS-induced
      inflammatory responses were also attenuated in SHR.

PMID- 22042913
TI  - Proactive strategies to avoid infectious disease.
AB  - Infectious disease exerts a large selective pressure on all organisms. One
      response to this has been for animals to evolve energetically costly immune
      systems to counter infection, while another--the focus of this theme issue--has
      been the evolution of proactive strategies primarily to avoid infection. These
      strategies can be grouped into three types, all of which demonstrate varying
      levels of interaction with the immune system. The first concerns maternal
      strategies that function to promote the immunocompetence of their offspring. The
      second type of strategy influences mate selection, guiding the selection of a
      healthy mate and one who differs maximally from the self in their complement of
      antigen-coding genes. The third strategy involves two classes of behaviour. One
      relates to the capacity of the organisms to learn associations between cues
      indicative of pathogen threat and immune responses. The other relates to
      prevention and even treatment of infection through behaviours such as avoidance,
      grooming, quarantine, medicine and care of the sick. In humans, disease avoidance
      is based upon cognition and especially the emotion of disgust. Human disease
      avoidance is not without its costs. There is a propensity to reject healthy
      individuals who just appear sick--stigmatization--and the system may malfunction,
      resulting in various forms of psychopathology. Pathogen threat also appears to
      have been a highly significant and unrecognized force in shaping human culture so
      as to minimize infection threats. This cultural shaping process--moralization-
      can be co-opted to promote human health.

PMID- 22042914
TI  - Infection before pregnancy affects immunity and response to social challenge in
      the next generation.
AB  - Natural selection should favour parents that are able to adjust their offspring's
      life-history strategy and resource allocation in response to changing
      environmental and social conditions. Pathogens impose particularly strong and
      variable selective pressure on host life histories, and parental genes will
      benefit if offspring are appropriately primed to meet the immunological
      challenges ahead. Here, we investigated transgenerational immune priming by
      examining reproductive resource allocation by female mice in response to direct
      infection with Babesia microti prior to pregnancy. Female mice previously
      infected with B. microti gained more weight over pregnancy, and spent more time
      nursing their offspring. These offspring generated an accelerated response to B.
      microti as adults, clearing the infection sooner and losing less weight as a
      result of infection. They also showed an altered hormonal response to novel
      social environments, decreasing instead of increasing testosterone production
      upon social housing. These results suggest that a dominance-resistance trade-off
      can be mediated by cues from the previous generation. We suggest that strategic
      maternal investment in response to an infection leads to increased disease
      resistance in the following generation. Offspring from previously infected
      mothers downregulate investment in acquisition of social dominance, which in
      natural systems would reduce access to mating opportunities. In doing so,
      however, they avoid the reduced disease resistance associated with increased
      testosterone and dominance. The benefits of accelerated clearance of infection
      and reduced weight loss during infection may outweigh costs associated with
      reduced social dominance in an environment where the risk of disease is high.

PMID- 22042915
TI  - Mate preferences and infectious disease: theoretical considerations and evidence
      in humans.
AB  - Mate preferences may operate in part to mitigate the threats posed by infectious
      disease. In this paper, we outline various ways in which preferring healthy mates
      can offer direct benefits in terms of pathogen avoidance and indirect benefits in
      terms of heritable immunity to offspring, as well as the costs that may constrain
      mate preferences for health. We then pay special attention to empirical work on
      mate preferences in humans given the depth and breadth of research on human
      mating. We review this literature and comment on the degree to which human mate
      preferences may reflect preferences for health.

PMID- 22042917
TI  - Behavioural defences in animals against pathogens and parasites: parallels with
      the pillars of medicine in humans.
AB  - No other theme in animal biology seems to be more central than the concept of
      employing strategies to survive and successfully reproduce. In nature,
      controlling or avoiding pathogens and parasites is an essential fitness strategy
      because of the ever-present disease-causing organisms. The disease-control
      strategies discussed here are: physical avoidance and removal of pathogens and
      parasites; quarantine or peripheralization of conspecifics that could be carrying
      potential pathogens; herbal medicine, animal style, to prevent or treat an
      infection; potentiation of the immune system; and care of sick or injured group
      members. These strategies are seen as also encompassing the pillars of human
      medicine: (i) quarantine; (ii) immune-boosting vaccinations; (iii) use of
      medicinal products; and (iv) caring or nursing. In contrast to animals, in
      humans, the disease-control strategies have been consolidated into a consistent
      and extensive medical system. A hypothesis that explains some of this difference
      between animals and humans is that humans are sick more often than animals. This
      increase in sickness in humans leading to an extensive, cognitively driven
      medical system is attributed to an evolutionary dietary transition from mostly
      natural vegetation to a meat-based diet, with an increase in health-eroding free
      radicals and a dietary reduction of free-radical-scavenging antioxidants.

PMID- 22042918
TI  - The behavioural immune system and the psychology of human sociality.
AB  - Because immunological defence against pathogens is costly and merely reactive,
      human anti-pathogen defence is also characterized by proactive behavioural
      mechanisms that inhibit contact with pathogens in the first place. This
      behavioural immune system comprises psychological processes that infer infection
      risk from perceptual cues, and that respond to these perceptual cues through the
      activation of aversive emotions, cognitions and behavioural impulses. These
      processes are engaged flexibly, producing context-contingent variation in the
      nature and magnitude of aversive responses. These processes have important
      implications for human social cognition and social behaviour-including
      implications for social gregariousness, person perception, intergroup prejudice,
      mate preferences, sexual behaviour and conformity. Empirical evidence bearing on
      these many implications is reviewed and discussed. This review also identifies
      important directions for future research on the human behavioural immune system-
      including the need for enquiry into underlying mechanisms, additional behavioural
      consequences and implications for human health and well-being.

PMID- 22042919
TI  - Contamination sensitivity and the development of disease-avoidant behaviour.
AB  - Owing to their developing cognitive abilities and their limited knowledge about
      the biological basis of illness, children often have less expertise at disease
      avoidance than adults. However, affective reactions to contaminants through the
      acquisition of disgust and the social and cultural transmissions of knowledge
      about contamination and contagion provide impetus for children to learn effective
      disease-avoidant behaviours early in their development. In this article, we
      review the ontogenetic development of knowledge about contamination and contagion
      with particular attention to the role of socialization and culture. Together with
      their emerging cognitive abilities and affective reactions to contaminants,
      informal and formal cultural learning shape children's knowledge about disease.
      Through this process, the perceptual cues of contamination are linked to threats
      of disease outcomes and can act as determinants of disease-avoidant behaviours.

PMID- 22042916
TI  - Brain-immune interactions and the neural basis of disease-avoidant ingestive
      behaviour.
AB  - Neuro-immune interactions are widely manifested in animal physiology. Since
      immunity competes for energy with other physiological functions, it is subject to
      a circadian trade-off between other energy-demanding processes, such as neural
      activity, locomotion and thermoregulation. When immunity is challenged, this
      trade-off is tilted to an adaptive energy protecting and reallocation strategy
      that is identified as 'sickness behaviour'. We review diverse disease-avoidant
      behaviours in the context of ingestion, indicating that several adaptive
      advantages have been acquired by animals (including humans) during phylogenetic
      evolution and by ontogenetic experiences: (i) preventing waste of energy by
      reducing appetite and consequently foraging/hunting (illness anorexia), (ii)
      avoiding unnecessary danger by promoting safe environments (preventing disease
      encounter by olfactory cues and illness potentiation neophobia), (iii) help
      fighting against pathogenic threats (hyperthermia/somnolence), and (iv) by
      associative learning evading specific foods or environments signalling danger
      (conditioned taste avoidance/aversion) and/or at the same time preparing the body
      to counteract by anticipatory immune responses (conditioning immunomodulation).
      The neurobiology behind disease-avoidant ingestive behaviours is reviewed with
      special emphasis on the body energy balance (intake versus expenditure) and an
      evolutionary psychology perspective.

PMID- 22042920
TI  - Disease avoidance as a functional basis for stigmatization.
AB  - Stigmatization is characterized by chronic social and physical avoidance of a
      person(s) by other people. Infectious disease may produce an apparently similar
      form of isolation-disease avoidance-but on symptom remission this often abates.
      We propose that many forms of stigmatization reflect the activation of this
      disease-avoidance system, which is prone to respond to visible signs and labels
      that connote disease, irrespective of their accuracy. A model of this system is
      presented, which includes an emotional component, whereby visible disease cues
      directly activate disgust and contamination, motivating avoidance, and a
      cognitive component, whereby disease labels bring to mind disease cues,
      indirectly activating disgust and contamination. The unique predictions of this
      model are then examined, notably that people who are stigmatized evoke disgust
      and are contaminating. That animals too show avoidance of diseased conspecifics,
      and that disease-related stigma targets are avoided in most cultures, also
      supports this evolutionary account. The more general implications of this
      approach are then examined, notably how it can be used to good (e.g. improving
      hygiene) or bad (e.g. racial vilification) ends, by yoking particular labels with
      cues that connote disease and disgust. This broadening of the model allows for
      stigmatization of groups with little apparent connection to disease.

PMID- 22042921
TI  - Disgust: the disease-avoidance emotion and its dysfunctions.
AB  - This review analyses the accumulating evidence from psychological,
      psychophysiological, neurobiological and cognitive studies suggesting that the
      disease-avoidance emotion of disgust is a predominant emotion experienced in a
      number of psychopathologies. Current evidence suggests that disgust is
      significantly related to small animal phobias (particularly spider phobia), blood
      injection-injury phobia and obsessive-compulsive disorder contamination fears,
      and these are all disorders that have primary disgust elicitors as a significant
      component of their psychopathology. Disgust propensity and sensitivity are also
      significantly associated with measures of a number of other psychopathologies,
      including eating disorders, sexual dysfunctions, hypochondriasis, height phobia,
      claustrophobia, separation anxiety, agoraphobia and symptoms of schizophrenia-
      even though many of these psychopathologies do not share the disease-avoidance
      functionality that characterizes disgust. There is accumulating evidence that
      disgust does represent an important vulnerability factor for many of these
      psychopathologies, but when disgust-relevant psychopathologies do meet the
      criteria required for clinical diagnosis, they are characterized by significant
      levels of both disgust and fear/anxiety. Finally, it has been argued that disgust
      may also facilitate anxiety and distress across a broad range of
      psychopathologies through its involvement in more complex human emotions such as
      shame and guilt, and through its effect as a negative affect emotion generating
      threat-interpretation biases.

PMID- 22042922
TI  - Parasite stress promotes homicide and child maltreatment.
AB  - Researchers using the parasite-stress theory of human values have discovered many
      cross-cultural behavioural patterns that inform a range of scholarly disciplines.
      Here, we apply the theory to major categories of interpersonal violence, and the
      empirical findings are supportive. We hypothesize that the collectivism evoked by
      high parasite stress is a cause of adult-on-adult interpersonal violence. Across
      the US states, parasite stress and collectivism each positively predicts rates of
      men's and women's slaying of a romantic partner, as well as the rate of male
      honour homicide and of the motivationally similar felony-related homicide. Of
      these four types of homicide, wealth inequality has an independent effect only on
      rates of male-honour and felony-related homicide. Parasite stress and
      collectivism also positively predict cross-national homicide rates. Child
      maltreatment by caretakers is caused, in part, by divestment in offspring of low
      phenotypic quality, and high parasite stress produces more such offspring than
      low parasite stress. Rates of each of two categories of the child maltreatment-
      lethal and non-lethal--across the US states are predicted positively by parasite
      stress, with wealth inequality and collectivism having limited effects. Parasite
      stress may be the strongest predictor of interpersonal violence to date.

PMID- 22042923
TI  - Why disgust matters.
AB  - The new synthesis about disgust is that it is a system that evolved to motivate
      infectious disease avoidance. There are vital practical and intellectual reasons
      why we need to understand disgust better. Practically, disgust can be harnessed
      to combat the behavioural causes of infectious and chronic disease such as
      diarrhoeal disease, pandemic flu and smoking. Disgust is also a source of much
      human suffering; it plays an underappreciated role in anxieties and phobias such
      as obsessive compulsive disorder, social phobia and post-traumatic stress
      syndromes; it is a hidden cost of many occupations such as caring for the sick
      and dealing with wastes, and self-directed disgust afflicts the lives of many,
      such as the obese and fistula patients. Disgust is used and abused in society,
      being both a force for social cohesion and a cause of prejudice and
      stigmatization of out-groups. This paper argues that a better understanding of
      disgust, using the new synthesis, offers practical lessons that can enhance human
      flourishing. Disgust also provides a model system for the study of emotion, one
      of the most important issues facing the brain and behavioural sciences today.

PMID- 22042924
TI  - Stopping a killer: improving the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of acute
      ascending aortic dissections.

PMID- 22042925
TI  - Ineffective therapy, underpowered studies, or merely too little, too late? Risk
      factors and impact of maternal corticosteroid treatment on outcome in antibody
      associated fetal heart block.

PMID- 22042926
TI  - Circulating MicroRNAs in cardiovascular disease.

PMID- 22042928
TI  - Unilateral pulmonary edema secondary to mitral valve perforation.

PMID- 22042927
TI  - Atrial fibrillation: current knowledge and future directions in epidemiology and
      genomics.

PMID- 22042929
TI  - Cardiology Patient Page. Takotsubo (stress) cardiomyopathy.

PMID- 22042930
TI  - Immunosuppression and the abdominal aortic aneurysm: Doctor Jekyll or Mister
      Hyde?

PMID- 22042931
TI  - Aldosterone, mineralocorticoid receptor activation, and cardiovascular
      remodeling.

PMID- 22042933
TI  - Letter by Raposeiras-Roubin et al regarding article, "mortality associated with
      atrial fibrillation in patients with myocardial infarction: a systematic review
      and meta-analysis".

PMID- 22042934
TI  - Letter by Angelini et al regarding article, "incidence of sudden cardiac death in
      the national collegiate athletic association".

PMID- 22042935
TI  - Is there an ideal way to combine trastuzumab with chemotherapy?

PMID- 22042936
TI  - Personalizing locoregional treatment in the adjuvant setting of early breast
      cancer on the basis of molecular background: an exciting enigma.

PMID- 22042937
TI  - Palliative treatment: anticancer, antisymptom, or end-of-life care?

PMID- 22042938
TI  - Breast conservation versus mastectomy in triple-negative breast cancer: two steps
      forward, one step back?

PMID- 22042939
TI  - Polymicrobial feculent meningitis with detection of Slackia exigua in the
      cerebrospinal fluid of a patient with advanced rectal carcinoma.

PMID- 22042940
TI  - Risk-adapted treatment in clinical stage I testicular seminoma: the third Spanish
      Germ Cell Cancer Group study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To confirm the efficacy of a risk-adapted treatment approach for
      patients with clinical stage I seminoma. The aim was to reduce both the risk of
      relapse and the proportion of patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy while
      maintaining a high cure rate. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 2004 to 2008, 227
      patients were included after orchiectomy in a multicenter study. Eighty-four
      patients (37%) presented no local risk factors, 44 patients (19%) had tumors
      larger than 4 cm, 25 patients (11%) had rete testis involvement, and 74 patients
      (33%) had both criteria. Only the latter group received two courses of adjuvant
      carboplatin, whereas the rest were managed by surveillance. RESULTS: After a
      median follow-up time of 34 months, 16 relapses (7%) have been documented (15
      [9.8%] among patients on surveillance and one [1.4%] among those treated with
      carboplatin). All relapses occurred in retroperitoneal lymph nodes, except for
      one case in pelvic nodes. Median node size was 25 mm, and median time to
      recurrence was 14 months. All patients were rendered disease-free with
      chemotherapy. The actuarial 3-year disease-free survival rate was 88.1% (95% CI,
      82.3% to 93.9%) for patients on surveillance and 98.0% (95% CI, 94.0% to 100%)
      for those treated with adjuvant chemotherapy. Overall 3-year survival was 100%.
      CONCLUSION: With the limitations of the short follow-up duration, we confirm that
      a risk-adapted approach is effective for stage I seminoma. Adjuvant carboplatin
      seems adequate treatment for patients with 2 risk criteria, as is active
      surveillance for those with 0 to one risk factors. More reliable predictive
      factors are needed to improve the applicability of this model.

PMID- 22042941
TI  - Rare phenomenon of extracranial metastasis of glioblastoma.

PMID- 22042942
TI  - Positive sentinel nodes without axillary dissection: implications for the
      radiation oncologist.

PMID- 22042943
TI  - Tumor lysis syndrome and acquired ichthyosis occurring after chemotherapy for
      lung adenocarcinoma.

PMID- 22042944
TI  - Primary follicular dendritic cell sarcoma of liver treated with cyclophosphamide,
      doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone regimen and surgery.

PMID- 22042945
TI  - Use of zidovudine and interferon alfa with chemotherapy improves survival in both
      acute and lymphoma subtypes of adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: Adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATLL) is a mature (post-thymic) T-cell
      lymphoma associated with human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 infection. Survival in
      aggressive subtypes remains poor, and treatment resistance is frequent. Use of
      zidovudine (ZDV) and interferon alfa (IFN-alpha) has been associated with
      improved response rates in small studies and prolonged overall survival in
      leukemic ATLL subtypes in a recent meta-analysis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We report
      the clinicopathologic characteristics, treatment, and outcome of 73 patients with
      aggressive ATLL (acute ATLL, 29; lymphoma ATLL, 44) diagnosed and treated in
      England between 1999 and 2009. The impact of ZDV/IFN-alpha on treatment response
      and survival was assessed. RESULTS: The overall response rate ranged from 49%
      with chemotherapy alone to 81% with combined first-line therapy (chemotherapy
      with concurrent/sequential ZDV/IFN-alpha). Median overall survival (OS) was 9
      months: 7.5 months for acute ATLL and 10 months for lymphoma ATLL. Use of ZDV/IFN
      alpha at any time prolonged survival in acute (P < .001) and lymphoma ATLL (P <
      .001) and was the sole factor associated with reduction in risk of death in
      aggressive ATLL (hazard ratio, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.09 to 0.60; P = .002). Combined
      first-line therapy prolonged median OS in acute (P = .0081) and lymphoma ATLL (P
      = .001) compared with chemotherapy alone. CONCLUSION: These data support the use
      of low-dose ZDV/IFN-alpha with chemotherapy in first-line treatment of acute and
      lymphoma ATLL.

PMID- 22042946
TI  - Disease-related outcomes with long-term follow-up: an updated analysis of the
      intergroup exemestane study.
AB  - PURPOSE: Intergroup Exemestane Study (IES), an investigator-led study in 4,724
      postmenopausal patients with early-stage breast cancer has demonstrated
      clinically important benefits from switching adjuvant endocrine therapy after 2
      to 3 years of tamoxifen to exemestane. Now, with longer follow-up, a large number
      of non-breast cancer-related events have been reported. Exploratory analyses
      describe breast cancer-free survival (BCFS) and explore incidence and patterns of
      the different competing events. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients who were disease
      free after 2 to 3 years of adjuvant tamoxifen were randomly assigned to continue
      tamoxifen or switch to exemestane to complete 5 years of adjuvant endocrine
      therapy. At this planned analysis, the median follow-up was 91 months. Principal
      analysis focuses on 4,052 patients with estrogen receptor (ER) -positive and 547
      with ER-unknown tumors. RESULTS: In all, 930 BCFS events have been reported
      (exemestane, 423; tamoxifen, 507), giving an unadjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 0.81
      (95% CI, 0.71 to 0.92; P = .001) in favor of exemestane in the ER-positive/ER
      unknown group. Analysis partitioned at 2.5 years after random assignment showed
      that the on-treatment benefit of switching to exemestane (HR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.48
      to 0.75; P < .001) was not lost post-treatment, but that there was no additional
      gain once treatment had ceased (HR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.80 to 1.10; P = .60).
      Improvement in overall survival was demonstrated, with 352 deaths in the
      exemestane group versus 405 deaths in the tamoxifen group (HR, 0.86; 95% CI, 0.75
      to 0.99; P = .04). Of these, 222 were reported as intercurrent deaths
      (exemestane, 107; tamoxifen, 115). CONCLUSION: The protective effect of switching
      to exemestane compared with continuing on tamoxifen on risk of relapse or death
      was maintained for at least 5 years post-treatment and was associated with a
      continuing beneficial impact on overall survival.

PMID- 22042948
TI  - Prognostic or predictive? It's time to get back to definitions!

PMID- 22042947
TI  - MET amplification identifies a small and aggressive subgroup of esophagogastric
      adenocarcinoma with evidence of responsiveness to crizotinib.
AB  - PURPOSE: Amplification of the MET proto-oncogene in gastroesophageal cancer (GEC)
      may constitute a molecular marker for targeted therapy. We examined a GEC cohort
      with follow-up and reported the clinical response of four additional patients
      with MET-amplified tumors to the small molecule inhibitor crizotinib as part of
      an expanded phase I cohort study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From 2007 to 2009,
      patients with GEC were genetically screened as a consecutive series of 489 tumors
      (stages 0, I, and II, 39%; III, 25%; IV, 36%; n = 222 esophageal, including n =
      21 squamous carcinomas). MET, EGFR, and HER2 amplification status was assessed by
      using fluorescence in situ hybridization. RESULTS: Ten (2%) of 489 patients
      screened harbored MET amplification; 23 (4.7%) harbored EGFR amplification; 45
      (8.9%) harbored HER2 amplification; and 411 (84%) were wild type for all three
      genes (ie, negative). MET-amplified tumors were typically high-grade
      adenocarcinomas that presented at advanced stages (5%; n = 4 of 80). EGFR
      amplified tumors showed the highest fraction of squamous cell carcinoma (17%; n =
      4 of 23). HER2, MET, and EGFR amplification were, with one exception (MET and
      EGFR positive), mutually exclusive events. Survival analysis in patients with
      stages III and IV disease showed substantially shorter median survival in
      MET/EGFR-amplified groups, with a rank order for all groups by median survival
      (from most to least aggressive): MET (7.1 months; P < .001) less than EGFR (11.2
      months; P = .16) less than HER2 (16.9 months; P = .89) when compared with the
      negative group (16.2 months). Two of four patients with MET-amplified tumors
      treated with crizotinib experienced tumor shrinkage (-30% and -16%) and
      experienced progression after 3.7 and 3.5 months. CONCLUSION: MET amplification
      defines a small and aggressive subset of GEC with indications of transient
      sensitivity to the targeted MET inhibitor crizotinib (PF-02341066).

PMID- 22042949
TI  - Growth hormone secretion after conformal radiation therapy in pediatric patients
      with localized brain tumors.
AB  - PURPOSE: Growth hormone deficiency (GHD) after radiation therapy negatively
      affects growth and development and quality of life in children with brain tumors.
      PATIENTS AND MATERIALS: Between 1997 and 2008, 192 pediatric patients with
      localized primary brain tumors (ependymoma, n = 88; low-grade glioma, n = 51;
      craniopharyngioma, n = 28; high-grade glioma, n = 23; and other tumor types, n =
      2) underwent provocative testing of GH secretion by using the secretogogues
      arginine and L-dopa before and after (6, 12, 36, and 60 months) conformal
      radiation therapy (CRT). A total of 664 arginine/l-dopa test procedures were
      performed. RESULTS: Baseline testing revealed preirradiation GHD in 22.9% of
      tested patients. On the basis of data from 118 patients, peak GH was modeled as
      an exponential function of time after CRT and mean radiation dose to the
      hypothalamus. The average patient was predicted to develop GHD with the following
      combinations of the time after CRT and mean dose to the hypothalamus: 12 months
      and more than 60 Gy; 36 months and 25 to 30 Gy; and 60 months and 15 to 20 Gy. A
      cumulative dose of 16.1 Gy to the hypothalamus would be considered the mean
      radiation dose required to achieve a 50% risk of GHD at 5 years (TD(50/5)).
      CONCLUSION: GH secretion after CRT can be predicted on the basis of dose and time
      after irradiation in pediatric patients with localized brain tumors. These
      findings provide an objective radiation dose constraint for the hypothalamus.

PMID- 22042950
TI  - Breast cancer risk for noncarriers of family-specific BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations:
      findings from the Breast Cancer Family Registry.
AB  - PURPOSE: Women with germline BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations have five- to 20-fold
      increased risks of developing breast and ovarian cancer. A recent study claimed
      that women testing negative for their family-specific BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation
      (noncarriers) have a five-fold increased risk of breast cancer. We estimated
      breast cancer risks for noncarriers by using a population-based sample of
      patients with breast cancer and their female first-degree relatives (FDRs).
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients were women with breast cancer and their FDRs
      enrolled in the population-based component of the Breast Cancer Family Registry;
      patients with breast cancer were tested for BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations, as were
      FDRs of identified mutation carriers. We used segregation analysis to fit a model
      that accommodates familial correlation in breast cancer risk due to unobserved
      shared risk factors. RESULTS: We studied 3,047 families; 160 had BRCA1 and 132
      had BRCA2 mutations. There was no evidence of increased breast cancer risk for
      noncarriers of identified mutations compared with FDRs from families without
      BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations: relative risk was 0.39 (95% CI, 0.04 to 3.81). Residual
      breast cancer correlation within families was strong, suggesting substantial risk
      heterogeneity in women without BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations, with some 3.4% of them
      accounting for roughly one third of breast cancer cases. CONCLUSION: These
      results support the practice of advising noncarriers that they do not have any
      increase in breast cancer risk attributable to the family-specific BRCA1 or BRCA2
      mutation.

PMID- 22042951
TI  - Donor-derived lymphomatoid papulosis in a stem-cell transplantation recipient.

PMID- 22042952
TI  - Duration of short-course androgen suppression therapy and the risk of death as a
      result of prostate cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: We evaluated whether the duration of androgen suppression therapy (AST)
      had an impact on the risk of prostate cancer-specific mortality (PCSM) in men
      with unfavorable-risk prostate cancer (PC) within established Gleason score (GS)
      categories. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between February 2, 1996, and December 27,
      2001, 761 men with unfavorable-risk PC were treated in Australia, New Zealand,
      Ireland, or the United States in a randomized trial with radiotherapy and 3, 4,
      or 6 months of AST (the study cohort). Competing risks regression was used to
      evaluate whether the duration of AST interacted with GS and was significantly
      associated with the risk of PCSM, adjusting for age, trial site, and PC
      prognostic factors. RESULTS: After a median follow-up of 10.9 years, 263 men
      died, 111 (42%) from PC. For all men, 6 versus 3 or 4 months of AST was
      associated with a reduced risk of PCSM (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR], 0.55; 95%
      CI, 0.36 to 0.82; P = .004). AHRs evaluating the impact of the duration of AST on
      the risk of PCSM were 0.67 (95% CI, 0.29 to 1.56; P = .35), 0.47 (95% CI, 0.25 to
      0.85; P = .01), and 0.59 (95% CI, 0.30 to 1.19; P = .14) for men with GS <= 6, 7,
      and 8 to 10 PC, respectively. Therefore, the strongest evidence for this benefit
      was in men with GS 7 PC. CONCLUSION: AST durations of no less than 6 months
      should be considered when treating GS 7 PC with conventional dose RT.

PMID- 22042953
TI  - Idiotype vaccination as consolidation therapy: time for integration into standard
      of care for follicular lymphoma?

PMID- 22042954
TI  - Genetic activation of the MET pathway and prognosis of patients with high-risk,
      radically resected gastric cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate whether prognosis of patients with high-risk gastric
      cancer may depend on MET copy number gain (CNG) or an activating truncation
      within a deoxyadenosine tract element (DATE) in the promoter region of the MET
      ligand HGF. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A single-institution cohort of 230 patients
      with stage II/III gastric cancer was studied. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded
      tumor specimens were used for DNA extraction. Quantitative polymerase chain
      reaction (qPCR) for MET CNG and sequencing for HGF DATE truncation (< 25
      deoxyadenosines instead of 30) were used. Results were analyzed for association
      with disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). To assess the
      reliability of the qPCR measurement, a random sample of cases was reanalyzed
      using an alternative assay (fluorescent in situ hybridization [FISH]) with
      calculation of the intracorrelation coefficient (ICC). RESULTS: In 216 assessable
      patients, MET CNG five or more copies and homozygous HGF-truncated DATE occurred
      in 21 patients (10%) and 30 patients (13%), respectively. Patients with MET CNG
      five or more copies (MET-positive) showed significantly worse prognosis with
      multivariate hazard ratio (HR) of 3.02 (95% CI, 1.71 to 5.33; P < .001) for DFS
      and multivariate HR of 2.91 (95% CI, 1.65 to 5.11; P < .001) for OS. The
      agreement between qPCR and FISH was high, with ICC = 0.9% (95% CI, 0.81% to
      0.95%; the closer the ICC is to 1, the greater is the agreement). HGF-truncated
      DATE did not show relevant prognostic effect. CONCLUSION: In this study, qPCR
      revealed approximately 10% of white patients with gastric cancer harboring MET
      CNG of five or more copies. This marker was significantly associated with
      unfavorable prognosis. This information is relevant to the current clinical
      development of anti-MET compounds.

PMID- 22042956
TI  - Do women remain at risk even if they do not inherit a familial BRCA1/2 mutation?

PMID- 22042955
TI  - Cancer immunotherapy comes of age.
AB  - Cancer immunotherapy comprises a variety of treatment approaches, incorporating
      the tremendous specificity of the adaptive immune system (T cells and antibodies)
      as well as the diverse and potent cytotoxic weaponry of both adaptive and innate
      immunity. Immunotherapy strategies include antitumor monoclonal antibodies,
      cancer vaccines, adoptive transfer of ex vivo activated T and natural killer
      cells, and administration of antibodies or recombinant proteins that either
      costimulate immune cells or block immune inhibitory pathways (so-called immune
      checkpoints). Although clear clinical efficacy has been demonstrated with
      antitumor antibodies since the late 1990s, other immunotherapies had not been
      shown to be effective until recently, when a spate of successes established the
      broad potential of this therapeutic modality. These successes are based on
      fundamental scientific advances demonstrating the toleragenic nature of cancer
      and the pivotal role of the tumor immune microenvironment in suppressing
      antitumor immunity. New therapies based on a sophisticated knowledge of immune
      suppressive cells, soluble factors, and signaling pathways are designed to break
      tolerance and reactivate antitumor immunity to induce potent, long-lasting
      responses. Preclinical models indicate the importance of a complex integrated
      immune response in eliminating established tumors and validate the exploration of
      combinatorial treatment regimens, which are anticipated to be far more effective
      than monotherapies. Unlike conventional cancer therapies, most immunotherapies
      are active and dynamic, capable of inducing immune memory to propagate a
      successful rebalancing of the equilibrium between tumor and host.

PMID- 22042957
TI  - DNMT3A mutations in acute myeloid leukemia: impact on low-risk patients with
      CEBPA mutations.

PMID- 22042958
TI  - Sequential versus concurrent trastuzumab in adjuvant chemotherapy for breast
      cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: NCCTG (North Central Cancer Treatment Group) N9831 is the only
      randomized phase III trial evaluating trastuzumab added sequentially or used
      concurrently with chemotherapy in resected stages I to III invasive human
      epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive breast cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS:
      Patients received doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide every 3 weeks for four cycles,
      followed by paclitaxel weekly for 12 weeks (arm A), paclitaxel plus sequential
      trastuzumab weekly for 52 weeks (arm B), or paclitaxel plus concurrent
      trastuzumab for 12 weeks followed by trastuzumab for 40 weeks (arm C). The
      primary end point was disease-free survival (DFS). RESULTS: Comparison of arm A
      (n = 1,087) and arm B (n = 1,097), with 6-year median follow-up and 390 events,
      revealed 5-year DFS rates of 71.8% and 80.1%, respectively. DFS was significantly
      increased with trastuzumab added sequentially to paclitaxel (log-rank P < .001;
      arm B/arm A hazard ratio [HR], 0.69; 95% CI, 0.57 to 0.85). Comparison of arm B
      (n = 954) and arm C (n = 949), with 6-year median follow-up and 313 events,
      revealed 5-year DFS rates of 80.1% and 84.4%, respectively. There was an increase
      in DFS with concurrent trastuzumab and paclitaxel relative to sequential
      administration (arm C/arm B HR, 0.77; 99.9% CI, 0.53 to 1.11), but the P value
      (.02) did not cross the prespecified O'Brien-Fleming boundary (.00116) for the
      interim analysis. CONCLUSION: DFS was significantly improved with 52 weeks of
      trastuzumab added to adjuvant chemotherapy. On the basis of a positive risk
      benefit ratio, we recommend that trastuzumab be incorporated into a concurrent
      regimen with taxane chemotherapy as an important standard-of-care treatment
      alternative to a sequential regimen.

PMID- 22042959
TI  - Evaluating survivorship care plans: results of a randomized, clinical trial of
      patients with breast cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: An Institute of Medicine report recommends that patients with cancer
      receive a survivorship care plan (SCP). The trial objective was to determine if
      an SCP for breast cancer survivors improves patient-reported outcomes. PATIENTS
      AND METHODS: Women with early-stage breast cancer who completed primary treatment
      at least 3 months previously were eligible. Consenting patients were allocated
      within two strata: less than 24 months and >= 24 months since diagnosis. All
      patients were transferred to their own primary care physician (PCP) for follow
      up. In addition to a discharge visit, the intervention group received an SCP,
      which was reviewed during a 30-minute educational session with a nurse, and their
      PCP received the SCP and guideline on follow-up. The primary outcome was cancer
      related distress at 12 months, assessed by the Impact of Event Scale (IES).
      Secondary outcomes included quality of life, patient satisfaction,
      continuity/coordination of care, and health service measures. RESULTS: Overall,
      408 survivors were enrolled through nine tertiary cancer centers. There were no
      differences between groups on cancer-related distress or on any of the patient
      reported secondary outcomes, and there were no differences when the two strata
      were analyzed separately. More patients in the intervention than control group
      correctly identify their PCP as primarily responsible for follow-up (98.7% v
      89.1%; difference, 9.6%; 95% CI, 3.9 to 15.9; P = .005). CONCLUSION: The results
      do not support the hypothesis that SCPs are beneficial for improving patient
      reported outcomes. Transferring follow-up to PCPs is considered an important
      strategy to meet the demand for scarce oncology resources. SCPs were no better
      than a standard discharge visit with the oncologist to facilitate transfer.

PMID- 22042960
TI  - CYP2D6 and tamoxifen: awaiting the denouement.

PMID- 22042961
TI  - Is it time for (survivorship care) plan B?

PMID- 22042962
TI  - Therapy for pediatric brain tumors and the risk of growth hormone deficiency.

PMID- 22042963
TI  - Large-cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the lung harboring EGFR mutation and
      responding to gefitinib.

PMID- 22042964
TI  - Ectopic choriocarcinoma masquerading as a persisting pregnancy of unknown
      location: case report and review of the literature.

PMID- 22042965
TI  - Survival is not a good outcome for randomized trials with effective subsequent
      therapies.

PMID- 22042966
TI  - MET signaling pathway: a rational target for cancer therapy.

PMID- 22042967
TI  - Longer-term outcomes of letrozole versus placebo after 5 years of tamoxifen in
      the NCIC CTG MA.17 trial: analyses adjusting for treatment crossover.
AB  - PURPOSE: The interim analysis of the National Cancer Institute of Canada Clinical
      Trials Group MA.17 trial showed that letrozole was significantly better than
      placebo in disease-free survival (DFS) for postmenopausal women with hormone
      receptor-positive breast cancer following about 5 years of tamoxifen therapy.
      When patients were unblinded, those on placebo were offered letrozole. Longer
      term efficacy of letrozole, especially survival, was of particular interest
      because the median follow-up of the first interim analysis was only 2.5 years.
      Efficacy was difficult to assess because more than 60% of placebo patients
      crossed over to letrozole after being unblinded. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two
      statistical approaches were used to adjust for the potential effects of treatment
      crossover: one was based on the inverse probability of censoring weighted (IPCW)
      Cox model and the other on a Cox model with time-dependent covariates. RESULTS:
      With a median follow-up of 64 months, the hazard ratios (HRs) of letrozole and
      placebo from the IPCW analyses were HR of 0.52 (95% CI, 0.45 to 0.61; P < .001)
      for DFS, HR of 0.51 (95% CI, 0.42 to 0.61; P < .001) for distant disease-free
      survival (DDFS), and HR of 0.61 (95% CI, 0.52 to 0.71; P < .001) for overall
      survival (OS). The results from the analyses based on the Cox model with time
      dependent covariates were similar for letrozole and placebo: HR of 0.58 (95% CI,
      0.47 to 0.72; P < .001) for DFS, HR of 0.68 (95% CI, 0.52 to 0.88; P = .004) for
      DDFS, and HR of 0.76 (95% CI, 0.60 to 0.96; P = .02) for OS. CONCLUSION:
      Exploratory analyses based on longer follow-up and adjusting for treatment
      crossover suggest that extended adjuvant letrozole was superior to placebo in
      DFS, DDFS, and OS.

PMID- 22042968
TI  - Alpha particle and proton relative thermoluminescence efficiencies in
      LiF:Mg,Cu,P:is track structure theory up to the task?
AB  - Low-energy alpha particle and proton heavy charged particle (HCP) relative
      thermoluminescence (TL) efficiencies are calculated for the major dosimetric glow
      peak in LiF:Mg,Cu,P (MCP-N) in the framework of track structure theory (TST). The
      calculations employ previously published TRIPOS-E Monte Carlo track segment
      values of the radial dose in condensed phase LiF calculated at the Instituto
      National de Investigaciones Nucleares (Mexico) and experimentally measured
      normalised (60)Co gamma-induced TL dose-response functions, f(D), carried out at
      the Institute of Nuclear Physics (Poland). The motivation for the calculations is
      to test the validity of TST in a TL system in which f(D) is not supralinear (f(D)
      >1) and is not significantly dependent on photon energy contrary to the behaviour
      of the dose-response of composite peak 5 in the glow curve of LiF:Mg,Ti (TLD
      100). The calculated HCP relative efficiencies in LiF:MCP-N are 23-87% lower than
      the experimentally measured values, indicating a weakness in the major premise of
      TST which exclusively relates HCP effects to the radiation action of the
      secondary electrons liberated by the HCP slowing down. However, an analysis of
      the uncertainties involved in the TST calculations and experiments (i.e.
      experimental measurement of f(D) at high levels of dose, sample light self
      absorption and accuracy in the estimation of D(r), especially towards the end of
      the HCP track) indicate that these may be too large to enable a definite
      conclusion. More accurate estimation of sample light self-absorption, improved
      measurements of f(D) and full-track Monte Carlo calculations of D(r)
      incorporating improvements of the low-energy electron transport are indicated in
      order to reduce uncertainties and enable a final conclusion.

PMID- 22042969
TI  - Estimation of beta-ray skin dose from exposure to fission fallout from the
      Hiroshima atomic bomb.
AB  - Beta-ray skin dose due to the fission fallout from the Hiroshima atomic bomb is
      potentially related to the epilation in the black rain area. The absorbed dose to
      the skin from beta-rays emitted by fission fallout has been estimated for an
      initial 137Cs deposition of 1 kBq m-2 on the ground at 0.5 h after the explosion.
      The estimated skin dose takes into account both external exposure from fission
      fallout radionuclides uniformly distributed in 1 mm of soil on the surface of the
      ground and from a 26 MUm thickness of contaminated soil on the skin, using the
      Monte Carlo radiation transport code MCNP-4C. The cumulative skin dose for 1
      month after the explosion is taken as the representative value. The estimated
      skin dose for an initial 137Cs deposition of 1 kBq m-2 was determined to be about
      500 mSv.

PMID- 22042971
TI  - MicroRNA-494 downregulates KIT and inhibits gastrointestinal stromal tumor cell
      proliferation.
AB  - PURPOSE: Gain-of-function mutations and KIT overexpression are well-known
      tumorigenesis mechanisms in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST). This study
      aimed to discover microRNAs (miRNA) that target KIT and reveal the relationship
      between the discovered miRNAs and KIT expression in GISTs. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN:
      Fresh-frozen GISTs from 31 patients were used to confirm the relationship between
      miR-494 and KIT expression using quantitative reverse transcription-PCR to assess
      miR-494 expression levels and Western blotting to assess KIT protein expression
      levels. A luciferase assay was conducted for the target evaluation. The
      functional effects of miR-494 on GIST882 cells (GIST cell line with activating
      KIT mutation) were validated by a cell proliferation assay and fluoresce
      activated cell sorting analysis. RESULTS: An inverse relationship was found
      between the expression levels of miR-494 and KIT in GISTs (r = -0.490, P =
      0.005). The direct targeting of KIT by miR-494 was shown by the reduction in KIT
      expression after miR-494 overexpression and the increase in KIT expression after
      inhibiting endogenous miR-494 expression. We showed that miR-494 regulates KIT by
      binding two different seed match sites. Induced miR-494 overexpression in GIST882
      reduced the expression of downstream molecules in KIT signaling transduction
      pathways, including phospho-AKT and phospho-STAT3. Finally, miR-494
      overexpression provoked apoptosis and inhibited GIST cell growth, which were
      accompanied by changes in G(1) and S phase content. CONCLUSION: Our findings
      indicate that miR-494 is a negative regulator of KIT in GISTs and overexpressing
      miR-494 in GISTs may be a promising approach to GIST treatment.

PMID- 22042970
TI  - 2-(3-{1-Carboxy-5-[(6-[18F]fluoro-pyridine-3-carbonyl)-amino]-pentyl}-ureido)
      pentanedioic acid, [18F]DCFPyL, a PSMA-based PET imaging agent for prostate
      cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: We have synthesized and evaluated in vivo 2-(3-{1-carboxy-5-[(6
      [(18)F]fluoro-pyridine-3-carbonyl)-amino]-pentyl}-ureido)-pentanedioic acid,
      [(18)F]DCFPyL, as a potential imaging agent for the prostate-specific membrane
      antigen (PSMA). PSMA is upregulated in prostate cancer epithelia and in the
      neovasculature of most solid tumors. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: [(18)F]DCFPyL was
      synthesized in two steps from the p-methoxybenzyl (PMB) protected lys-C(O)-glu
      urea precursor using 6-[(18)F]fluoronicotinic acid tetrafluorophenyl ester
      ([(18)F]F-Py-TFP) for introduction of (18)F. Radiochemical synthesis was followed
      by biodistribution and imaging with PET in immunocompromised mice using isogenic
      PSMA PC3 PIP and PSMA- PC3 flu xenograft models. Human radiation dosimetry
      estimates were calculated using OLINDA/EXM 1.0. RESULTS: DCFPyL displays a K(i)
      value of 1.1 +/- 0.1 nmol/L for PSMA. [(18)F]DCFPyL was produced in radiochemical
      yields of 36%-53% (decay corrected) and specific radioactivities of 340-480
      Ci/mmol (12.6-17.8 GBq/MUmol, n = 3). In an immunocompromised mouse model
      [(18)F]DCFPyL clearly delineated PSMA+ PC3 PIP prostate tumor xenografts on
      imaging with PET. At 2 hours postinjection, 39.4 +/- 5.4 percent injected dose
      per gram of tissue (%ID/g) was evident within the PSMA+ PC3 PIP tumor, with a
      ratio of 358:1 of uptake within PSMA+ PC3 PIP to PSMA- PC3 flu tumor placed in
      the opposite flank. At or after 1 hour postinjection, minimal nontarget tissue
      uptake of [(18)F]DCFPyL was observed. The bladder wall is the dose-limiting
      organ. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest [(18)F]DCFPyL as a viable, new positron
      emitting imaging agent for PSMA-expressing tissues.

PMID- 22042972
TI  - Overexpression of ZEB2 at the invasion front of colorectal cancer is an
      independent prognostic marker and regulates tumor invasion in vitro.
AB  - PURPOSE: Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a pivotal role in tumor
      invasion and dissemination. EMT occurs predominantly at the tumor edge where it
      is induced by cytokines, the extracellular matrix environment, or hypoxia. In the
      tumor cell, it is further mediated by several transcription factors and
      microRNAs. The aim of this study was to explore the expression of EMT-associated
      genes at the invasive front in colorectal cancer and to evaluate their prognostic
      significance. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: We evaluated the expression of 13 EMT
      associated genes at the invasion front of 30 colorectal liver metastases by
      quantitative real-time PCR. Immunostaining against zinc finger E-box-binding
      homeobox 2 (ZEB2) was carried out on 175 primary colorectal cancer specimens and
      30 colorectal liver metastases and correlated to clinical and histopathologic
      data. DLD-1 cells were transfected with siRNA and subjected to migration and
      invasion assays. RESULTS: Gene expression analysis and immunohistochemistry
      showed an upregulation of ZEB2 at the invasion front in primary colorectal cancer
      and liver metastases. Overexpression of ZEB2 at the invasion front correlated
      significantly with tumor stage in primary colorectal cancer. Moreover, univariate
      and multivariate analysis revealed overexpression of ZEB2 at the invasion front
      as an independent prognostic marker for cancer-specific survival. Downregulation
      of ZEB2 by siRNA decreased the migration and invasion capacity of DLD-1 cells in
      vitro. CONCLUSIONS: Overexpression of ZEB2 at the invasion front correlates with
      tumor progression and predicts cancer-specific survival in primary colorectal
      cancer. Therefore, ZEB2 may be interesting as biomarker and potential target for
      treatment of colorectal cancer.

PMID- 22042973
TI  - Genomic and molecular characterization of malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor
      identifies the IGF1R pathway as a primary target for treatment.
AB  - PURPOSE: Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor (MPNST) is a rare sarcoma that
      lacks effective therapeutic strategies. We gain insight into the most recurrent
      genetically altered pathways with the purpose of scanning possible therapeutic
      targets. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: We conducted a microarray-based comparative genomic
      hybridization profiling of two cohorts of primary MPNST tissue samples including
      25 patients treated at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and 26
      patients from Tianjin Cancer Hospital. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and cell
      biology detection and validation were carried out on human MPNST tissues and cell
      lines. RESULTS: Genomic characterization of 51 MPNST tissue samples identified
      several frequently amplified regions harboring 2,599 genes and regions of
      deletion including 4,901 genes. At the pathway level, we identified a significant
      enrichment of copy number-altering events in the insulin-like growth factor 1
      receptor (IGF1R) pathway, including frequent amplifications of the IGF1R gene
      itself. To validate the IGF1R pathway as a potential target in MPNSTs, we first
      confirmed that high IGF1R protein correlated with worse tumor-free survival in an
      independent set of samples using IHC. Two MPNST cell lines (ST88-14 and STS26T)
      were used to determine the effect of attenuating IGF1R. Inhibition of IGF1R in
      ST88-14 cells using siRNAs or an IGF1R inhibitor, MK-0646, led to significant
      decreases in cell proliferation, invasion, and migration accompanied by
      attenuation of the PI3K/AKT and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways.
      CONCLUSION: These integrated genomic and molecular studies provide evidence that
      the IGF1R pathway is a potential therapeutic target for patients with MPNST.

PMID- 22042974
TI  - REG-gamma associates with and modulates the abundance of nuclear activation
      induced deaminase.
AB  - Activation-induced deaminase (AID) acts on the immunoglobulin loci in activated B
      lymphocytes to initiate antibody gene diversification. The abundance of AID in
      the nucleus appears tightly regulated, with most nuclear AID being either
      degraded or exported back to the cytoplasm. To gain insight into the mechanisms
      regulating nuclear AID, we screened for proteins interacting specifically with
      it. We found that REG-gamma, a protein implicated in ubiquitin- and ATP
      independent protein degradation, interacts in high stoichiometry with
      overexpressed nuclear AID as well as with endogenous AID in B cells. REG-gamma
      deficiency results in increased AID accumulation and increased immunoglobulin
      class switching. A stable stoichiometric AID-REG-gamma complex can be
      recapitulated in co-transformed bacteria, and REG-gamma accelerates proteasomal
      degradation of AID in in vitro assays. Thus, REG-gamma interacts, likely
      directly, with nuclear AID and modulates the abundance of this antibody
      diversifying but potentially oncogenic enzyme.

PMID- 22042975
TI  - Highly potent human hematopoietic stem cells first emerge in the intraembryonic
      aorta-gonad-mesonephros region.
AB  - Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) emerge during embryogenesis and maintain
      hematopoiesis in the adult organism. Little is known about the embryonic
      development of human HSCs. We demonstrate that human HSCs emerge first in the
      aorta-gonad-mesonephros (AGM) region, specifically in the dorsal aorta, and only
      later appear in the yolk sac, liver, and placenta. AGM region cells transplanted
      into immunodeficient mice provide long-term high level multilineage hematopoietic
      repopulation. Human AGM region HSCs, although present in low numbers, exhibit a
      very high self-renewal potential. A single HSC derived from the AGM region
      generates at least 300 daughter HSCs in primary recipients, which disseminate
      throughout the entire recipient bone marrow and are retransplantable. These
      findings highlight the vast regenerative potential of the earliest human HSCs and
      set a new standard for in vitro generation of HSCs from pluripotent stem cells
      for the purpose of regenerative medicine.

PMID- 22042976
TI  - Chemokines control naive CD8+ T cell selection of optimal lymph node antigen
      presenting cells.
AB  - Naive antiviral CD8(+) T cells are activated in the draining LN (DLN) by
      dendritic cells (DCs) presenting viral antigens. However, many viruses infect LN
      macrophages, which participate in initiation of innate immunity and B cell
      activation. To better understand how and why T cells select infected DCs rather
      than macrophages, we performed intravital microscopy and ex vivo analyses after
      infecting mice with vaccinia virus (VV), a large DNA virus that infects both LN
      macrophages and DCs. Although CD8(+) T cells interact with both infected
      macrophages and DCs in the LN peripheral interfollicular region (PIR), DCs
      generate more frequent and stable interactions with T cells. VV infection induces
      rapid release of CCR5-binding chemokines in the LN, and administration of
      chemokine-neutralizing antibodies diminishes T cell activation by increasing T
      cell localization to macrophages in the macrophage-rich region (MRR) at the
      expense of PIR DCs. Similarly, DC ablation increases both T cell localization to
      the MRR and the duration of T cell-macrophage contacts, resulting in suboptimal T
      cell activation. Thus, virus-induced chemokines in DLNs enable antiviral CD8(+) T
      cells to distinguish DCs from macrophages to optimize T cell priming.

PMID- 22042979
TI  - Clinical quality indicators in laboratory medicine.
AB  - Clinical laboratories have an important role in improving patient care. The past
      decades have seen enormous changes with unpredictable improvements in analytical
      performance, range of tests and capacity to manage large volumes of work. At the
      same time, there has been a dramatic fall in the rate of laboratory errors.
      However, there is now a growing awareness that the testing process includes the
      time before samples reach the laboratory and after reports have been printed and
      that these areas need to be included in the quality assessment of the total
      testing process. Laboratory quality should include a focus on patient safety and
      clinical effectiveness. Services should be patient-centred, timely, efficient and
      equitable, and finally, should be moulded to ensure optimal outcomes. There is a
      need to define quality indicators that will ensure there is appropriate choice
      and selection of tests, use of the appropriate assay standardization and the
      correct interpretation of the assay results at the appropriate time. These are
      the areas in which a quality laboratory can, and should, now involve itself.

PMID- 22042978
TI  - Leaky cell syndrome: a rare cause of pseudohyperkalaemia.
AB  - Life-threatening situations of hyperkalaemia are often caused by renal failure,
      hyperglycaemia or medication. However pseudohyperkalaemia, a falsely elevated
      potassium concentration, is usually caused by haemolysis, repeated clenching of
      the fist during venepuncture or abnormal cell numbers. Another rare cause of
      pseudohyperkalaemia is familial pseudohyperkalaemia, an autosomal dominantly
      inherited trait, with increased leakage of potassium from erythrocytes. Under
      normal in vivo conditions, this increased leakage is compensated by augmented
      activity of the Na(+)/K(+) ATPase pump. However, after venepuncture the blood
      cools down to room temperature, reducing the activity of the Na(+)/K(+) ATPase
      pump whereby the increased potassium leakage becomes more apparent. Here, we
      present a Dutch patient with extreme familial pseudohyperkalaemia. Interestingly,
      his two children also show increased potassium leakage at room temperature,
      albeit at a lower level. Despite the low prevalence of familial
      pseudohyperkalaemia, it can have important clinical implications and rapid
      recognition is desired.

PMID- 22042977
TI  - Follicular dendritic cells help establish follicle identity and promote B cell
      retention in germinal centers.
AB  - Follicular dendritic cells (FDCs) retain and display opsonized antigens in
      primary follicles and germinal centers (GCs). However, their roles beyond antigen
      presentation have been incompletely defined. In this study, we tested the impact
      of selective FDC ablation on short-term follicle and GC function. Within 2 d of
      FDC ablation, primary follicles lost their homogeneity and became disorganized
      bands of cells around T zones. These B cell areas retained CXCL13-expressing
      stromal cells but often exhibited inappropriate ER-TR7 and CCL21 expression.
      Ablation of GC FDCs led to the disappearance of GCs. When B cell death was
      prevented using a Bcl2 transgene, FDC ablation led to splenic GC B cell
      dispersal. Mesenteric lymph node GCs were more resistant but became dispersed
      when sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor-2 was also removed. These experiments
      indicate that FDCs help maintain primary follicles as a B cell exclusive niche
      and define a critical role for FDCs in cell retention within GCs.

PMID- 22042980
TI  - National guidelines for analysis of cerebrospinal fluid for bilirubin in
      suspected subarachnoid haemorrhage.

PMID- 22042981
TI  - Improvement and validation of 125I-high-performance liquid chromatography method
      for determination of total human serum choline and ethanolamine plasmalogens.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Serum plasmalogens (Pls) have gained interest in several clinical
      symptoms such as metabolic syndrome/atherosclerosis or Alzheimer's disease
      possibly because of their antioxidant properties. We have developed a highly
      sensitive and simple method to determine plasmenylcholine (PlsCho; choline
      plasmalogen) and plasmenylethanolamine (PlsEtn; ethanolamine plasmalogen)
      separately, using a radioactive iodine and high-performance liquid chromatography
      ((125)I-HPLC method). The present study reports the improvement and validation of
      (125)I-HPLC method by introducing a quantitative standard (QS) and online
      detection with a flow gamma-counter. METHODS: 1-Alkenyl 2,3-cyclic
      glycerophosphate was prepared as QS from l-alpha-lyso plasmenylcholine by
      enzymatic treatment with phospholipase D. Online detection with a flow gamma
      counter was investigated to be available to quantify Pls. The method validation
      was carried out in terms of selectivity, sensitivity, linearity, precision,
      accuracy and recovery. RESULTS: Linearity was established over the concentration
      range 5-300 MUmol/L for Pls and QS with regression coefficients >0.99. The
      accuracy and reliability were satisfactory. The method has been applied to the
      determination of human serum Pls from healthy subjects and the elderly with
      dementia or artery stenoses. CONCLUSIONS: The improved (125)I-HPLC method is
      useful as an autoanalytical system for a routine diagnostic test of human serum
      Pls.

PMID- 22042982
TI  - Effect of ageing and pulmonary inflammation on the incidence and number of cross
      bridging structures in pneumothorax patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is an improved prognosis for T4 non-small-cell lung cancer in
      patients who show particular patterns of direct mediastinal invasion. The
      particular patterns suggest the presence of direct pathways other than the
      pulmonary hilum between each of the lungs and the mediastinum/chest wall.
      PURPOSE: To determine the incidence and number of such direct pathways in
      pneumothorax patients as well as the factors that affect the development of these
      pathways. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two radiologists independently analyzed
      multidetector computed tomographic images of 81 patients with pneumothorax to
      assess the incidence and distribution pattern of the cross-bridging structures in
      the pleural cavity. RESULTS: Cross-bridging structures were observed in the right
      pneumothorax in 34/54 (63%) patients and in the left pneumothorax in 19/32 (59%)
      patients. The number of cross-bridging structures was found to be positively
      correlated with ageing and pulmonary disease. The distribution patterns of cross
      bridging structures were found to be specific in formation and often in repeated
      locations, regardless of the presence of pulmonary disease or the age of the
      patient. CONCLUSION: Cross-bridging structures in pneumothoraces were found more
      frequently in older patients and in patients with pulmonary disease. However,
      some of the cross-bridging structures may have been congenital because of their
      specific formations and repeated locations.

PMID- 22042983
TI  - Evaluation of cartilage surface injuries using 3D-double echo steady state (3D
      DESS): effect of changing flip angle from 40 degrees  to 90 degrees .
AB  - BACKGROUND: In magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with 3D-double-echo steady-state
      (3D-DESS) sequences, the cartilage-synovial fluid contrast is reported to be
      better with a flip angle of 90 degrees  than with the conventional flip angle of
      40 degrees , and the detection rate of knee cartilage injury may be improved.
      PURPOSE: To compare the diagnostic performance and certainty of diagnosis with 3D
      DESS images made using two flip angle settings, 40 degrees  and 90 degrees , for
      knee cartilage surface lesions of Grade 2 or above confirmed by arthroscopy.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: Images were obtained with 3D-DESS flip angles of 40 degrees
      and 90 degrees  at 1.0T in 13 consecutive patients (2 men, 11 women, age range
      18-68 years) evaluated for superficial cartilage injury by arthroscopy. Two
      radiologists classified the presence or absence of cartilage damage of >=Grade 2
      as 'positive (p)' or 'negative (n)', respectively. The rate of agreement with
      arthroscopic diagnosis was then examined, and the diagnostic performance
      compared. Diagnostic confidence was assessed scoring the presence or absence of
      cartilage damage into three categories: 3 = can diagnose with absolute
      confidence; 2 = can diagnose with a level of certainty as probably present or
      probably absent; and 1 = cannot make a diagnosis. RESULTS: In a comparison of the
      rate of agreement between diagnosis by 3D-DESS images and arthroscopy, the rate
      of agreement was significantly higher and diagnostic performance was better in 90
      degrees  images for the medial femoral condyle only. Diagnostic confidence was
      significantly better with 90 degrees  flip angle images than with 40 degrees 
      flip angle images for all six cartilage surfaces. CONCLUSION: In evaluating knee
      cartilage surface lesions with 3D-DESS sequences, a flip angle setting of 90
      degrees  is more effective than the conventional setting of 40 degrees .

PMID- 22042984
TI  - Comparison of virtual bronchoscopy with fiberoptic bronchoscopy findings in
      patients exposed to sulfur mustard gas.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fiberoptic bronchoscopy (FB) is the best modality for evaluation of
      tracheobronchial endoluminal lesions. Virtual bronchoscopy (VB) with the aid of
      computed tomography (CT) makes it possible to reconstruct endoscopic-like
      visualization of major airways. Sulfur mustard (SM) used during the Iraq-Iran war
      affects respiratory tracts and can lead to tracheobronchial stenosis. PURPOSE: To
      compare VB with FB in SM-exposed patients suspected for airway stenosis. MATERIAL
      AND METHODS: Thirty-one patients were evaluated with CT and bronchoscopic studies
      about 15 years after chemical attacks. The median age of patients was 40 years.
      Spiral CT scans were obtained and data were transferred to a workstation to
      generate VB images of major airways. Less than one week after CT scan, FB was
      performed. RESULTS: For the tracheal pathologies seen in FB, the sensitivity,
      specificity, and accuracy of VB was 90.9%, 95%, and 93.5% for tracheal stenosis,
      40%, 96.2%, and 87.1% for vocal cord problems, 100%, 100%, and 100% for
      postoperative changes, and 100%, 96.7%, and 96.8% for intratracheal nodule. The
      inflammation of mucosal surface could not be assessed by VB. The bronchial
      pathologies seen in FB included eight cases of stenosis, and one case of nodule.
      Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of VB for detection of bronchial stenosis
      was 62.5%, 97.8% and 92.6%, respectively. Overall sensitivity, specificity and
      accuracy of VB in detecting tracheobronchial stenosis were 78.9%, 97.0%, and
      92.9%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our study indicates that VB is an accurate
      method for evaluating stenoses, endoluminal nodules, and poststenotic areas
      within the tracheobronchial tree of SM-exposed victims. This complementary method
      could be helpful in revealing hidden post-stenotic lesions and also better depict
      the long tracheal strictures and their actual length.

PMID- 22042986
TI  - Structural basis for the channel function of a degraded ABC transporter, CFTR
      (ABCC7).
AB  - Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) is a member of the ATP
      binding cassette (ABC) transporter superfamily, but little is known about how
      this ion channel that harbors an uninterrupted ion permeation pathway evolves
      from a transporter that works by alternately exposing its substrate conduit to
      the two sides of the membrane. Here, we assessed reactivity of intracellularly
      applied thiol-specific probes with cysteine residues substituted into the 12th
      transmembrane segment (TM12) of CFTR. Our experimental data showing high reaction
      rates of substituted cysteines toward the probes, strong blocker protection of
      cysteines against reaction, and reaction-induced alterations in channel
      conductance support the idea that TM12 of CFTR contributes to the lining of the
      ion permeation pathway. Together with previous work, these findings raise the
      possibility that pore-lining elements of CFTR involve structural components
      resembling those that form the substrate translocation pathway of ABC
      transporters. In addition, comparison of reaction rates in the open and closed
      states of the CFTR channel leads us to propose that upon channel opening, the
      wide cytoplasmic vestibule tightens and the pore-lining TM12 rotates along its
      helical axis. This simple model for gating conformational changes in the inner
      pore domain of CFTR argues that the gating transition of CFTR and the transport
      cycle of ABC proteins share analogous conformational changes. Collectively, our
      data corroborate the popular hypothesis that degradation of the cytoplasmic-side
      gate turned an ABC transporter into the CFTR channel.

PMID- 22042987
TI  - KCNQ1 subdomains involved in KCNE modulation revealed by an invertebrate KCNQ1
      orthologue.
AB  - KCNQ1 channels are voltage-gated potassium channels that are widely expressed in
      various non-neuronal tissues, such as the heart, pancreas, and intestine. KCNE
      proteins are known as the auxiliary subunits for KCNQ1 channels. The effects and
      functions of the different KCNE proteins on KCNQ1 modulation are various; the
      KCNQ1-KCNE1 ion channel complex produces a slowly activating potassium channel
      that is crucial for heartbeat regulation, while the KCNE3 protein makes KCNQ1
      channels constitutively active, which is important for K(+) and Cl(-) transport
      in the intestine. The mechanisms by which KCNE proteins modulate KCNQ1 channels
      have long been studied and discussed; however, it is not well understood how
      different KCNE proteins exert considerably different effects on KCNQ1 channels.
      Here, we approached this point by taking advantage of the recently isolated Ci
      KCNQ1, a KCNQ1 homologue from marine invertebrate Ciona intestinalis. We found
      that Ci-KCNQ1 alone could be expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes and produced a
      voltage-dependent potassium current, but that Ci-KCNQ1 was not properly modulated
      by KCNE1 and totally unaffected by coexpression of KCNE3. By making chimeras of
      Ci-KCNQ1 and human KCNQ1, we determined several amino acid residues located in
      the pore region of human KCNQ1 involved in KCNE1 modulation. Interestingly,
      though, these amino acid residues of the pore region are not important for KCNE3
      modulation, and we subsequently found that the S1 segment plays an important role
      in making KCNQ1 channels constitutively active by KCNE3. Our findings indicate
      that different KCNE proteins use different domains of KCNQ1 channels, and that
      may explain why different KCNE proteins give quite different outcomes by forming
      a complex with KCNQ1 channels.

PMID- 22042988
TI  - Influence of pH on Ca2+ current and its control of electrical and Ca2+ signaling
      in ventricular myocytes.
AB  - Modulation of L-type Ca(2+) current (I(Ca,L)) by H(+) ions in cardiac myocytes is
      controversial, with widely discrepant responses reported. The pH sensitivity of
      I(Ca,L) was investigated (whole cell voltage clamp) while measuring intracellular
      Ca(2+) (Ca(2+)(i)) or pH(i) (epifluorescence microscopy) in rabbit and guinea pig
      ventricular myocytes. Selectively reducing extracellular or intracellular pH
      (pH(o) 6.5 and pH(i) 6.7) had opposite effects on I(Ca,L) gating, shifting the
      steady-state activation and inactivation curves to the right and left,
      respectively, along the voltage axis. At low pH(o), this decreased I(Ca,L),
      whereas at low pH(i), it increased I(Ca,L) at clamp potentials negative to 0 mV,
      although the current decreased at more positive potentials. When Ca(2+)(i) was
      buffered with BAPTA, the stimulatory effect of low pH(i) was even more marked,
      with essentially no inhibition. We conclude that extracellular H(+) ions inhibit
      whereas intracellular H(+) ions can stimulate I(Ca,L). Low pH(i) and pH(o)
      effects on I(Ca,L) were additive, tending to cancel when appropriately combined.
      They persisted after inhibition of calmodulin kinase II (with KN-93). Effects are
      consistent with H(+) ion screening of fixed negative charge at the sarcolemma,
      with additional channel block by H(+)(o) and Ca(2+)(i). Action potential duration
      (APD) was also strongly H(+) sensitive, being shortened by low pH(o), but
      lengthened by low pH(i), caused mainly by H(+)-induced changes in late Ca(2+)
      entry through the L-type Ca(2+) channel. Kinetic analyses of pH-sensitive channel
      gating, when combined with whole cell modeling, successfully predicted the APD
      changes, plus many of the accompanying changes in Ca(2+) signaling. We conclude
      that the pH(i)-versus-pH(o) control of I(Ca,L) will exert a major influence on
      electrical and Ca(2+)-dependent signaling during acid-base disturbances in the
      heart.

PMID- 22042989
TI  - Nothing to sneeze at.

PMID- 22042990
TI  - National plan for clinical guidelines would elevate quality of care, experts say.

PMID- 22042991
TI  - A qualitative investigation of smoke-free policies on hospital property.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many hospitals have adopted smoke-free policies on their property. We
      examined the consequences of such polices at two Canadian tertiary acute-care
      hospitals. METHODS: We conducted a qualitative study using ethnographic
      techniques over a six-month period. Participants (n=186) shared their
      perspectives on and experiences with tobacco dependence and managing the use of
      tobacco, as well as their impressions of the smoke-free policy. We interviewed
      inpatients individually from eight wards (n=82), key policy-makers (n=9) and
      support staff (n=14) and held 16 focus groups with health care providers and ward
      staff (n=81). We also reviewed ward documents relating to tobacco dependence and
      looked at smoking-related activities on hospital property. RESULTS: Noncompliance
      with the policy and exposure to secondhand smoke were ongoing concerns. Peoples'
      impressions of the use of tobacco varied, including divergent opinions as to
      whether such use was a bad habit or an addiction. Treatment for tobacco
      dependence and the management of symptoms of withdrawal were offered
      inconsistently. Participants voiced concerns over patient safety and leaving the
      ward to smoke. INTERPRETATION: Policies mandating smoke-free hospital property
      have important consequences beyond noncompliance, including concerns over patient
      safety and disruptions to care. Without adequately available and accessible
      support for withdrawal from tobacco, patients will continue to face personal risk
      when they leave hospital property to smoke.

PMID- 22042992
TI  - Early hormone replacement therapy may yield benefits, researchers say.

PMID- 22042993
TI  - Preventing fractures in postmenopausal women: how to assess risk.

PMID- 22042994
TI  - "Poor tax" urged to address mental health issues.

PMID- 22042995
TI  - Early and continuing education: a prescription for achieving patient-centred
      care.

PMID- 22042996
TI  - Muddling thru models.

PMID- 22042997
TI  - Habit or addiction: the critical tension in deciding who should enforce hospital
      smoke-free policies.

PMID- 22042999
TI  - Tension gastrothorax causing cardiac arrest.

PMID- 22043000
TI  - Effectiveness of a quality-improvement program in improving management of primary
      care practices.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The European Practice Assessment program provides feedback and
      outreach visits to primary care practices to facilitate quality improvement in
      five domains (infrastructure, people, information, finance, and quality and
      safety). We examined the effectiveness of this program in improving management in
      primary care practices in Germany, with a focus on the domain of quality and
      safety. METHODS: In a before-after study, 102 primary care practices completed a
      practice assessment using the European Practice Assessment instrument at baseline
      and three years later (intervention group). A comparative group of 102 practices
      was included that completed their first assessment using this instrument at the
      time of the intervention group's second assessment. Mean scores were based on the
      proportion of indicators for which a positive response was achieved by all of the
      practices, on a scale of 0 to 100. RESULTS: We found significant improvements in
      all domains between the first and second assessments in the intervention group.
      In the domain of quality and safety, improvements in scores (mean scores were
      based on the proportion of indicators for which a positive response was achieved
      by all of the practices, on a scale of 0 to 100) were observed in the following
      dimensions: complaint management (from a mean score of 51.2 at first assessment
      to 80.7 at second assessment); analysis of critical incidents (from 79.1 to
      89.6); and quality development, quality policy (from 40.7 to 55.6). Overall
      scores at the time of the second assessment were significantly higher in the
      intervention group than in the comparative group. INTERPRETATION: Primary care
      practices that completed the European Practice Assessment instrument twice over a
      three-year period showed improvements in practice management. Our findings show
      the value of the quality-improvement cycle in the context of practice assessment
      and the use of established organizational standards for practice management with
      the Europeaen Practice Assessment.

PMID- 22043003
TI  - Synergistic reversal of type 1 diabetes in NOD mice with anti-CD3 and interleukin
      1 blockade: evidence of improved immune regulation.
AB  - Inflammatory cytokines are involved in autoimmune diabetes: among the most
      prominent is interleukin (IL)-1beta. We postulated that blockade of IL-1beta
      would modulate the effects of anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody (mAb) in treating
      diabetes in NOD mice. To test this, we treated hyperglycemic NOD mice with
      F(ab')(2) fragments of anti-CD3 mAb with or without IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL
      1RA), or anti-IL-1beta mAb. We studied the reversal of diabetes and effects of
      treatment on the immune system. Mice that received a combination of anti-CD3 mAb
      with IL-1RA showed a more rapid rate of remission of diabetes than mice treated
      with anti-CD3 mAb or IL-1RA alone. Combination-treated mice had increased IL-5,
      IL-4, and interferon (IFN)-gamma levels in circulation. There were reduced
      pathogenic NOD-relevant V7 peptide-V7(+) T cells in the pancreatic lymph nodes.
      Their splenocytes secreted more IL-10, had increased arginase expression in
      macrophages and dendritic cells, and had delayed adoptive transfer of diabetes.
      After 1 month, there were increased concentrations of IgG1 isotype antibodies and
      reduced intrapancreatic expression of IFN-gamma, IL-6, and IL-17 despite normal
      splenocyte cytokine secretion. These studies indicate that the combination of
      anti-CD3 mAb with IL-1RA is synergistic in reversal of diabetes through a
      combination of mechanisms. The combination causes persistent remission from islet
      inflammation.

PMID- 22043005
TI  - Obesity, inflammation, and oral infections: are microRNAs the missing link?

PMID- 22043004
TI  - Gipr is essential for adrenocortical steroidogenesis; however, corticosterone
      deficiency does not mediate the favorable metabolic phenotype of Gipr(-/-) mice.
AB  - Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) promotes glucose-dependent
      insulin secretion. However, GIP also enhances glucocorticoid secretion and
      promotes adiposity. Because obesity and diabetes are glucocorticoid dependent, we
      examined whether the effects of GIP on energy balance and glycemia are regulated
      by glucocorticoids using pharmacological activation of GIP receptor (GIPR)
      signaling with [d-Ala(2)]GIP in mice and in Y1 adrenocortical cells. Genetic
      elimination of GIPR activity was also studied in normal- and high-fat (HF)-fed
      Gipr-deficient (Gipr(-/-)) mice. [d-Ala(2)]GIP increased murine corticosterone
      levels in a GIPR-dependent manner. Conversely, basal corticosterone levels were
      reduced, whereas food deprivation resulted in significantly enhanced plasma
      corticosterone levels in Gipr(-/-) mice. [d-Ala(2)]GIP increased cAMP levels,
      activated extracellular signal?x{2013}related kinase (ERK)1/2, increased
      expression of steroidogenic genes, and increased neutral lipid storage in Y1GIPR
      cells. Gipr(-/-) adrenal glands demonstrated a twofold upregulation of the ACTH
      receptor mRNA and increased sensitivity to ACTH ex vivo. Although HF-fed Gipr(-/
      ) mice exhibited significantly lower plasma corticosterone, glucocorticoid
      treated HF-fed Gipr(-/-) mice had similar energy balance and glycemia compared
      with Gipr(+)(/+) controls. Hence, although the Gipr is essential for adrenal
      steroidogenesis and links HF feeding to increased levels of corticosterone,
      reduced glucocorticoid levels do not significantly contribute to the enhanced
      metabolic phenotypes in HF-fed Gipr(-/-) mice.

PMID- 22043006
TI  - MicroRNA modulation in obesity and periodontitis.
AB  - The aim of this pilot investigation was to determine if microRNA expression
      differed in the presence or absence of obesity, comparing gingival biopsies
      obtained from patients with or without periodontal disease. Total RNA was
      extracted from gingival biopsy samples collected from 20 patients: 10 non-obese
      patients (BMI < 30 kg/m(2)) and 10 obese patients (BMI > 30 kg/m(2)), each group
      with 5 periodontally healthy sites and 5 chronic periodontitis sites. MicroRNA
      expression patterns were assessed with a quantitative microRNA PCR array to
      survey 88 candidate microRNA species. Four microRNA databases were used to
      identify potential relevant mRNA target genes of differentially expressed
      microRNAs. Two microRNA species (miR-18a, miR-30e) were up-regulated among obese
      individuals with a healthy periodontium. Two microRNA species (miR-30e, miR-106b)
      were up-regulated in non-obese individuals with periodontal disease. In the
      presence of periodontal disease and obesity, 9 of 11 listed microRNAs were
      significantly up-regulated (miR-15a, miR-18a, miR-22, miR-30d, miR-30e, miR-103,
      miR-106b, miR-130a, miR-142-3p, miR-185, and miR-210). Predicted targets include
      69 different mRNAs from genes that comprise cytokines, chemokines, specific
      collagens, and regulators of glucose and lipid metabolism. The expression of
      specific microRNA species in obesity, which could also target and post
      transcriptionally modulate cytokine mRNA, provides new insight into possible
      mechanisms of how risk factors might modify periodontal inflammation and may
      represent novel therapeutic targets.

PMID- 22043007
TI  - The role for decorin in delayed-type hypersensitivity.
AB  - Decorin, a small leucine-rich proteoglycan, regulates extracellular matrix
      organization, growth factor-mediated signaling, and cell growth. Because decorin
      may directly modulate immune responses, we investigated its role in a mouse model
      of contact allergy (oxazolone-mediated delayed-type hypersensitivity [DTH]) in
      decorin-deficient (Dcn(-/-)) and wild-type mice. Dcn(-/-) mice showed a reduced
      ear swelling 24 h after oxazolone treatment with a concurrent attenuation of
      leukocyte infiltration. These findings were corroborated by reduced glucose
      metabolism, as determined by (18)fluordeoxyglucose uptake in positron emission
      tomography scans. Unexpectedly, polymorphonuclear leukocyte numbers in Dcn(-/-)
      blood vessels were significantly increased and accompanied by large numbers of
      flattened leukocytes adherent to the endothelium. Intravital microscopy and flow
      chamber and static adhesion assays confirmed increased adhesion and reduced
      transmigration of Dcn(-/-) leukocytes. Circulating blood neutrophil numbers were
      significantly increased in Dcn(-/-) mice 24 h after DTH elicitation, but they
      were only moderately increased in wild-type mice. Expression of the
      proinflammatory cytokine TNF-alpha was reduced, whereas syndecan-1 and ICAM-1
      were overexpressed in inflamed ears of Dcn(-/-) mice, indicating that these
      adhesion molecules could be responsible for increased leukocyte adhesion. Decorin
      treatment of endothelial cells increased tyrosine phosphorylation and reduced
      syndecan-1 expression. Notably, absence of syndecan-1 in a genetic background
      lacking decorin rescued the attenuated DTH phenotype of Dcn(-/-) mice.
      Collectively, these results implicated a role for decorin in mediating DTH
      responses by influencing polymorphonuclear leukocyte attachment to the
      endothelium. This occurs via two nonmutually exclusive mechanisms that involve a
      direct antiadhesive effect on polymorphonuclear leukocytes and a negative
      regulation of ICAM-1 and syndecan-1 expression.

PMID- 22043009
TI  - Quantifying antigen-specific CD4 T cells during a viral infection: CD4 T cell
      responses are larger than we think.
AB  - The number of virus-specific CD8 T cells increases substantially during an acute
      infection. Up to 90% of CD8 T cells are virus specific following lymphocytic
      choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) infection. In contrast, studies identifying virus
      specific CD4 T cell epitopes have indicated that CD4 T cells often recognize a
      broader array of Ags than CD8 T cells, consequently making it difficult to
      accurately quantify the total magnitude of pathogen-specific CD4 T cell
      responses. In this study, we show that CD4 T cells become CD11a(hi)CD49d(+) after
      LCMV infection and retain this expression pattern into memory. During the
      effector phase, all the LCMV-specific IFN-gamma(+) CD4 T cells display a
      CD11a(hi)CD49d(+) cell surface expression phenotype. In addition, only memory
      CD11a(hi)CD49d(+) CD4 T cells make IFN-gamma after stimulation. Furthermore, upon
      secondary LCMV challenge, only CD11a(hi)CD49d(+) memory CD4 T cells from LCMV
      immune mice undergo proliferative expansion, demonstrating that CD11a(hi)CD49d(+)
      CD4 T cells are truly Ag specific. Using the combination of CD11a and CD49d, we
      demonstrate that up to 50% of the CD4 T cells are virus specific during the peak
      of the LCMV response. Our results indicate that the magnitude of the virus
      specific CD4 T cell response is much greater than previously recognized.

PMID- 22043010
TI  - Cross-talk between TCR and CCR7 signaling sets a temporal threshold for enhanced
      T lymphocyte migration.
AB  - Lymphocyte homing to, and motility within, lymph nodes is regulated by the
      chemokine receptor CCR7 and its two ligands CCL19 and CCL21. There, lymphocytes
      are exposed to a number of extracellular stimuli that influence cellular
      functions and determine the cell fate. In this study, we assessed the effect of
      TCR engagement on CCR7-mediated cell migration. We found that long-term TCR
      triggering of freshly isolated human T cells through CD3/CD28 attenuated CCR7
      driven chemotaxis, whereas short-term activation significantly enhanced CCR7
      mediated, but not CXCR4-mediated, migration efficiency. Short-term activation
      most prominently enhanced the migratory response of naive T cells of both CD4 and
      CD8 subsets. We identified distinct roles for Src family kinases in modulating
      CCR7-mediated T cell migration. We provide evidence that Fyn, together with
      Ca(2+)-independent protein kinase C isoforms, kept the migratory response of
      naive T cells toward CCL21 at a low level. In nonactivated T cells, CCR7
      triggering induced a Fyn-dependent phosphorylation of the inhibitory Tyr505 of
      Lck. Inhibiting Fyn in these nonactivated T cells prevented the negative
      regulation of Lck and facilitated high CCR7-driven T cell chemotaxis. Moreover,
      we found that the enhanced migration of short-term activated T cells was
      accompanied by a synergistic, Src-dependent activation of the adaptor molecule
      linker for activation of T cells. Collectively, we characterize a cross-talk
      between the TCR and CCR7 and provide mechanistic evidence that the activation
      status of T cells controls lymphocyte motility and sets a threshold for their
      migratory response.

PMID- 22043008
TI  - PTEN negatively regulates engulfment of apoptotic cells by modulating activation
      of Rac GTPase.
AB  - Efficient clearance of apoptotic cells by phagocytes (efferocytosis) is critical
      for normal tissue homeostasis and regulation of the immune system. Apoptotic
      cells are recognized by a vast repertoire of receptors on macrophage that lead to
      transient formation of phosphatidylinositol-3,4,5-trisphosphate
      [PtdIns(3,4,5)P(3)] and subsequent cytoskeletal reorganization necessary for
      engulfment. Certain PI3K isoforms are required for engulfment of apoptotic cells,
      but relatively little is known about the role of lipid phosphatases in this
      process. In this study, we report that the activity of phosphatase and tensin
      homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN), a phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphatase, is
      elevated upon efferocytosis. Depletion of PTEN in macrophage results in elevated
      PtdIns(3,4,5)P(3) production and enhanced phagocytic ability both in vivo and in
      vitro, whereas overexpression of wild-type PTEN abrogates this process. Loss of
      PTEN in macrophage leads to activation of the pleckstrin homology domain
      containing guanine-nucleotide exchange factor Vav1 and subsequent activation of
      Rac1 GTPase, resulting in increased amounts of F-actin upon engulfment of
      apoptotic cells. PTEN disruption also leads to increased production of anti
      inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and decreased production of proinflammatory IL-6 and
      TNF-alpha upon engulfment of apoptotic cells. These data suggest that PTEN exerts
      control over efferocytosis potentially by regulating PtdIns(3,4,5)P(3) levels
      that modulate Rac GTPase and F-actin reorganization through Vav1 exchange factor
      and enhancing apoptotic cell-induced anti-inflammatory response.

PMID- 22043011
TI  - A comparative analysis of viral peptides presented by contemporary human and
      chimpanzee MHC class I molecules.
AB  - Genetic factors such as the MHC influence the immunocompetence of an individual.
      MHC genes are the most polymorphic genes in primates, which is often interpreted
      as an adaptation to establish good T cell responses to a wide range of (evolving)
      pathogens. Chimpanzee MHC (Patr) genes are less polymorphic than human MHC (HLA)
      genes, which is surprising because chimpanzee is the older species of the two and
      is therefore expected to display more variation. To quantify the effect of the
      reduced polymorphism, we compared the peptide binding repertoire of human and
      chimpanzee MHC molecules. Using a peptide-MHC binding predictor and proteomes of
      >900 mammalian viruses, we show that, at the population level, the total peptide
      binding repertoire of Patr-A molecules is ~36% lower than that of their human
      counterparts, whereas the reduction of the peptide binding repertoire of the Patr
      B locus is only 15%. In line with these results, different Patr-A molecules turn
      out to have largely overlapping peptide binding repertoires, whereas the Patr-B
      molecules are more distinct from each other. This difference is somewhat less
      apparent at the individual level, where we found that only 25% of the viruses are
      significantly better presented by "simulated" humans with heterozygous HLA-A and 
      B loci. Taken together, our results indicate that the Patr-B molecules recovered
      more after the selective sweep, whereas the Patr-A locus shows the most signs of
      the selective sweep with regard to its peptide binding repertoire.

PMID- 22043012
TI  - Structure-based selection of small molecules to alter allele-specific MHC class
      II antigen presentation.
AB  - Class II major histocompatibility molecules are the primary susceptibility locus
      for many autoimmune disorders, including type 1 diabetes. Human DQ8 and I-A(g7),
      in the NOD mouse model of spontaneous autoimmune diabetes, confers diabetes risk
      by modulating presentation of specific islet peptides in the thymus and
      periphery. We used an in silico molecular docking program to screen a large
      "druglike" chemical library to define small molecules capable of occupying
      specific structural pockets along the I-A(g7) binding groove, with the objective
      of influencing presentation to T cells of the autoantigen insulin B chain peptide
      consisting of amino acids 9-23. In this study we show, using both murine and
      human cells, that small molecules can enhance or inhibit specific TCR signaling
      in the presence of cognate target peptides, based upon the structural pocket
      targeted. The influence of compounds on the TCR response was pocket dependent,
      with pocket 1 and 6 compounds inhibiting responses and molecules directed at
      pocket 9 enhancing responses to peptide. At nanomolar concentrations, the
      inhibitory molecules block the insulin B chain peptide consisting of amino acids
      9-23, endogenous insulin, and islet-stimulated T cell responses. Glyphosine, a
      pocket 9 compound, enhances insulin peptide presentation to T cells at
      concentrations as low as 10 nM, upregulates IL-10 secretion, and prevents
      diabetes in NOD mice. These studies present a novel method for identifying small
      molecules capable of both stimulating and inhibiting T cell responses, with
      potentially therapeutic applications.

PMID- 22043013
TI  - Paxillin associates with the microtubule cytoskeleton and the immunological
      synapse of CTL through its leucine-aspartic acid domains and contributes to
      microtubule organizing center reorientation.
AB  - The cytoskeletal adaptor protein paxillin localizes to the microtubule organizing
      center (MTOC) in T cells and, upon target cell binding, is recruited to the
      supramolecular activation complex (SMAC). We mapped the region of paxillin that
      associates with both the MTOC and SMAC to the leucine-aspartic acid (LD) domains
      and showed that a protein segment containing LD2-4 was sufficient for MTOC and
      SMAC recruitment. Examination of the localization of paxillin at the SMAC
      revealed that paxillin localizes to the peripheral area of the SMAC along with
      LFA-1, suggesting that LFA-1 may contribute to its recruitment. LFA-1 or CD3
      engagement alone was insufficient for paxillin recruitment because there was no
      paxillin accumulation at the site of CTL contact with anti-LFA-1- or anti-CD3
      coated beads. In contrast, paxillin accumulation was detected when beads coated
      with both anti-CD3 and anti-LFA-1 were bound to CTL, suggesting that signals from
      both the TCR and LFA-1 are required for paxillin accumulation. Paxillin was shown
      to be phosphorylated downstream of ERK, but when we generated a mutation
      (S83A/S130A) that abolished the mobility shift as a result of phosphorylation, we
      found that paxillin still bound to the MTOC and was recruited to the SMAC.
      Furthermore, ERK was not absolutely required for MTOC reorientation in CTL that
      require ERK for killing. Finally, expression of the LD2-4 region of paxillin
      substantially reduced MTOC reorientation. These studies demonstrated that
      paxillin is recruited, through its LD domains, to sites of integrin engagement
      and may contribute to MTOC reorientation required for directional degranulation.

PMID- 22043014
TI  - Selective upregulation of microRNA expression in peripheral blood leukocytes in
      IL-10-/- mice precedes expression in the colon.
AB  - IL-10(-/-) mice, an animal model of Th1-mediated inflammatory bowel disease, were
      screened for the expression of 600 microRNAs (miRNAs) using colonic tissues and
      PBLs from animals having either mild inflammation or severe intestinal
      inflammation. The development of colonic inflammation in IL-10(-/-) mice was
      accompanied by upregulation in the expression of 10 miRNAs (miR-19a, miR-21, miR
      31, miR-101, miR-223, miR-326, miR-142-3p, miR-142-5p, miR-146a, and miR-155).
      Notably, the expression of all of these miRNAs plus miR-375 was elevated in PBLs
      of IL-10(-/-) mice at a time when colonic inflammation was minimal, suggesting
      that changes in specific miRNAs in circulating leukocytes may be harbingers of
      ensuing colonic pathology. In vitro exposure of colonic intraepithelial
      lymphocytes to IL-10 resulted in downregulation of miR-19a, miR-21, miR-31, miR
      101, miR-223, and miR-155. Interestingly, unlike IL-10(-/-) mice, changes in
      miRNAs in PBL of dextran sulfate sodium-treated mice were minimal but selectively
      elevated in the colon after pathology was severe. We further show that miR-223 is
      a negative regulator of the Roquin ubiquitin ligase, Roquin curtails IL-17A
      synthesis, and the 3' untranslated region of Roquin is a target for miR-223, thus
      defining a molecular pathway by which IL-10 modulates IL-17-mediated
      inflammation. To identify additional miRNAs that may be involved in the
      regulation of Roquin, transcriptome analysis was done using cDNAs from HeLa cells
      transfected with 90 miRNA mimics. Twenty-six miRNAs were identified as potential
      negative regulators of Roquin, thus demonstrating functional complexity in gene
      expression regulation by miRNAs.

PMID- 22043015
TI  - Attenuated atherosclerotic lesions in apoE-Fcgamma-chain-deficient hyperlipidemic
      mouse model is associated with inhibition of Th17 cells and promotion of
      regulatory T cells.
AB  - Though the presence of antioxidized low-density lipoprotein IgG is well
      documented in clinical and animal studies, the role for FcgammaRs to the
      progression of atherosclerosis has not been studied in detail. In the current
      study, we investigated the role for activating FcgammaR in the progression of
      atherosclerosis using apolipoprotein E (apoE)-Fcgamma-chain double-knockout (DKO)
      mice. Relative to apoE knockout (KO) mice, arterial lesion formation was
      significantly decreased in apoE-Fcgamma-chain DKO mice. Bone marrow chimera
      studies showed reduced lesions in apoE KO mice receiving the bone marrow of apoE
      Fcgamma-chain DKO mice. Compared to apoE KO mice, antioxidized low-density
      lipoprotein IgG1 (Th2) and IgG2a (Th1), IL-10, and IFN-gamma secretion by
      activated T cells was increased in apoE-Fcgamma-chain DKO mice. These findings
      suggest that reduced atherosclerotic lesion in apoE-Fcgamma-chain DKO mice is not
      due to a Th1/Th2 imbalance. Interestingly, the number of Th17 cells and the
      secretion of IL-17 by activated CD4(+) cells were decreased in apoE-Fcgamma-chain
      DKO mice. Notably, the number of regulatory T cells, expression of mRNA, and
      secretion of TGF-beta and IL-10 were increased in apoE-Fcgamma-chain DKO mice.
      Furthermore, secretions of IL-6 and STAT-3 phosphorylation essential for Th17
      cell genesis were reduced in apoE-Fcgamma-chain DKO mice. Importantly, decrease
      in Th17 cells in apoE-Fcgamma-chain DKO mice was due to reduced IL-6 release by
      APC of apoE-Fcgamma-chain DKO mice. Collectively, our data suggest that
      activating FcgammaR promotes atherosclerosis by inducing a Th17 response in the
      hyperlipidemic apoE KO mouse model.

PMID- 22043017
TI  - Lung CD103+ dendritic cells efficiently transport influenza virus to the lymph
      node and load viral antigen onto MHC class I for presentation to CD8 T cells.
AB  - The uptake, transport, and presentation of Ags by lung dendritic cells (DCs) are
      central to the initiation of CD8 T cell responses against respiratory viruses.
      Although several studies have demonstrated a critical role of
      CD11b(low/neg)CD103(+) DCs for the initiation of cytotoxic T cell responses
      against the influenza virus, the underlying mechanisms for its potent ability to
      prime CD8 T cells remain poorly understood. Using a novel approach of fluorescent
      lipophilic dye-labeled influenza virus, we demonstrate that
      CD11b(low/neg)CD103(+) DCs are the dominant lung DC population transporting
      influenza virus to the posterior mediastinal lymph node as early as 20 h
      postinfection. By contrast, CD11b(high)CD103(neg) DCs, although more efficient
      for taking up the virus within the lung, migrate poorly to the lymph node and
      remain in the lung to produce proinflammatory cytokines instead.
      CD11b(low/neg)CD103(+) DCs efficiently load viral peptide onto MHC class I
      complexes and therefore uniquely possess the capacity to potently induce
      proliferation of naive CD8 T cells. In addition, the peptide transporters TAP1
      and TAP2 are constitutively expressed at higher levels in CD11b(low/neg)CD103(+)
      DCs, providing, to our knowledge, the first evidence of a distinct regulation of
      the Ag-processing pathway in these cells. Collectively, these results show that
      CD11b(low/neg)CD103(+) DCs are functionally specialized for the transport of Ag
      from the lung to the lymph node and also for efficient processing and
      presentation of viral Ags to CD8 T cells.

PMID- 22043016
TI  - Negative selection by IgM superantigen defines a B cell central tolerance
      compartment and reveals mutations allowing escape.
AB  - To analyze B lymphocyte central tolerance in a polyclonal immune system, mice
      were engineered to express a superantigen reactive to IgM of allotype b (IgM(b)).
      IgM(b/b) mice carrying superantigen were severely B cell lymphopenic, but small
      numbers of B cells matured. Their sera contained low levels of IgG and
      occasionally high levels of IgA. In bone marrow, immature B cells were normal in
      number, but internalized IgM and had a unique gene expression profile, compared
      with those expressing high levels of surface IgM, including elevated recombinase
      activator gene expression. A comparable B cell population was defined in wild
      type bone marrows, with an abundance suggesting that at steady state ~20% of
      normal developing B cells are constantly encountering autoantigens in situ. In
      superantigen-expressing mice, as well as in mice carrying the 3H9 anti-DNA IgH
      transgene, or 3H9 H along with mutation in the murine kappa-deleting element RS,
      IgM internalization was correlated with CD19 downmodulation. CD19(low) bone
      marrow cells from 3H9;RS(-/-) mice were enriched in L chains that promote DNA
      binding. Our results suggest that central tolerance and attendant L chain
      receptor editing affect a large fraction of normal developing B cells. IgH(a/b)
      mice carrying the superantigen had a ~50% loss in follicular B cell numbers,
      suggesting that escape from central tolerance by receptor editing from one IgH
      allele to another was not a major mechanism. IgM(b) superantigen hosts
      reconstituted with experimental bone marrow were demonstrated to be useful in
      revealing pathways involved in central tolerance.

PMID- 22043018
TI  - Molecular characterization of a Streptococcus gallolyticus genomic island
      encoding a pilus involved in endocarditis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Streptococcus gallolyticus is a causative agent of infective
      endocarditis associated with colon cancer. Genome sequence of strain UCN34
      revealed the existence of 3 pilus loci (pil1, pil2, and pil3). Pili are long
      filamentous structures playing a key role as adhesive organelles in many
      pathogens. The pil1 locus encodes 2 LPXTG proteins (Gallo2178 and Gallo2179) and
      1 sortase C (Gallo2177). Gallo2179 displaying a functional collagen-binding
      domain was referred to as the adhesin, whereas Gallo2178 was designated as the
      major pilin. METHODS: S. gallolyticus UCN34, Pil1(+) and Pil1(-), expressing
      various levels of pil1, and recombinant Lactococcus lactis strains,
      constitutively expressing pil1, were studied. Polyclonal antibodies raised
      against the putative pilin subunits Gallo2178 and Gallo2179 were used in
      immunoblotting and immunogold electron microscopy. The role of pil1 was tested in
      a rat model of endocarditis. RESULTS: We showed that the pil1 locus (gallo2179-78
      77) forms an operon differentially expressed among S. gallolyticus strains. Short
      pilus appendages were identified both on the surface of S. gallolyticus UCN34 and
      recombinant L. lactis-expressing pil1. We demonstrated that Pil1 pilus is
      involved in binding to collagen, biofilm formation, and virulence in experimental
      endocarditis. CONCLUSIONS: This study identifies Pil1 as the first virulence
      factor characterized in S. gallolyticus.

PMID- 22043019
TI  - Disseminated varicella infection caused by varicella vaccine strain in a child
      with low invariant natural killer T cells and diminished CD1d expression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Live attenuated varicella vaccine is considered a safe vaccine with
      serious adverse effects reported only in immunocompromised children. We describe
      a severe life-threatening infection with varicella vaccine virus causing rash and
      pneumonitis in a 6-year-old boy with no apparent immunodeficiency. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analysis of vesicle swab samples
      demonstrated varicella zoster virus (VZV). Sequencing of the PCR product
      demonstrated 100% homology with human herpesvirus 3 strain VZV-Oka ORF62 gene.
      Routine immunologic investigations failed to demonstrate any abnormality. Total
      leukocyte, lymphocyte, and neutrophil counts and lymphocyte subsets were normal.
      Immunoglobulins, C3, C4, and CH50 were intact. Specific IgG to protein and
      polysaccharide antigens and to Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus were
      present. Normal lymphocyte proliferation to phytohemagglutinin and VZV antigens
      was detected. Neutrophil function and natural killer (NK) cell activity were
      normal. The analysis of invariant NK T (iNKT) cell numbers and function revealed
      diminished iNKT cells, reported once previously and unique to our patient,
      deficient expression of the cognate receptor, CD1d. CONCLUSIONS: This report
      provides a further link between deficiency of the iNKT/CD1d pathway and increased
      susceptibility to varicella vaccine virus, suggesting an important role of this
      innate pathway in host defense against yet another member of the herpesvirus
      family.

PMID- 22043020
TI  - Unmasking potential intracellular roles for dysferlin through improved
      immunolabeling methods.
AB  - Mutations in the DYSF gene that severely reduce the levels of the protein
      dysferlin are implicated in muscle-wasting syndromes known as dysferlinopathies.
      Although studies of its function in skeletal muscle have focused on its potential
      role in repairing the plasma membrane, dysferlin has also been found, albeit
      inconsistently, in the sarcoplasm of muscle fibers. The aim of this article is to
      study the localization of dysferlin in skeletal muscle through optimized
      immunolabeling methods. We studied the localization of dysferlin in control rat
      skeletal muscle using several different methods of tissue collection and
      subsequent immunolabeling. We then applied our optimized immunolabeling methods
      on human cadaveric muscle, control and dystrophic human muscle biopsies, and
      control and dysferlin-deficient mouse muscle. Our data suggest that dysferlin is
      present in a reticulum of the sarcoplasm, similar but not identical to those
      containing the dihydropyridine receptors and distinct from the distribution of
      the sarcolemmal protein dystrophin. Our data illustrate the importance of tissue
      fixation and antigen unmasking for proper immunolocalization of dysferlin. They
      suggest that dysferlin has an important function in the internal membrane systems
      of skeletal muscle, involved in calcium homeostasis and excitation-contraction
      coupling.

PMID- 22043021
TI  - Deficiency of pro-apoptotic Hrk attenuates programmed cell death in the
      developing murine nervous system but does not affect Bcl-x deficiency-induced
      neuron apoptosis.
AB  - The BCL-2 family includes both pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins, which regulate
      programmed cell death during development and in response to various apoptotic
      stimuli. The BH3-only subgroup of pro-apoptotic BCL-2 family members is critical
      for the induction of apoptotic signaling, by binding to and neutralizing anti
      apoptotic BCL-2 family members. During embryonic development, the anti-apoptotic
      protein BCL-X(L) plays a critical role in the survival of neuronal populations by
      regulating the multi-BH domain protein BAX. In this study, the authors
      investigated the role of Harakiri (HRK), a relatively recently characterized BH3
      only molecule in disrupting the BAX-BCL-X(L) interaction during nervous system
      development. Results indicate that HRK deficiency significantly reduces
      programmed cell death in the nervous system. However, HRK deficiency does not
      significantly attenuate the widespread apoptosis seen in the Bcl-x (-/-)
      embryonic nervous system, indicating that other BH3-only molecules, alone or in
      combination, may regulate BAX activation in immature neurons.

PMID- 22043022
TI  - Subcellular distribution and relative expression of fibrocyte markers in the CD/1
      mouse cochlea assessed by semiquantitative immunogold electron microscopy.
AB  - Spiral ligament fibrocytes function in cochlear homeostasis, maintaining the
      endocochlear potential by participating in potassium recycling, and fibrocyte
      degeneration contributes to hearing loss. Their superficial location makes them
      amenable to replacement by cellular transplantation. Fibrocyte cultures offer one
      source of transplantable cells, but determining what fibrocyte types they contain
      and what phenotype transplanted cells may adopt is problematic. Here, we use
      immunogold electron microscopy to assess the relative expression of markers in
      native fibrocytes of the CD/1 mouse spiral ligament. Caldesmon and aquaporin 1
      are expressed more in type III fibrocytes than any other type. S-100 is strongly
      expressed in types I, II, and V fibrocytes, and alpha1Na,K-ATPase is expressed
      strongly only in types II and V. By combining caldesmon or aquaporin 1 with S-100
      and alpha1Na,K-ATPase, a ratiometric analysis of immunogold density distinguishes
      all except type II and type V fibrocytes. Other putative markers (creatine kinase
      BB and connective tissue growth factor) did not provide additional useful
      analytical attributes. By labeling serial sections or by double or triple
      labeling with combinations of three antibodies, this technique could be used to
      distinguish all except type II and type V fibrocytes in culture or after cellular
      transplantation into the lateral wall.

PMID- 22043023
TI  - Expression of dentin sialophosphoprotein in non-mineralized tissues.
AB  - Dentin sialophosphoprotein (DSPP) and its cleaved products, dentin phosphoprotein
      (DPP) and dentin sialoprotein (DSP), play important roles in biomineralization.
      Believed to be tooth specific, the authors' group revealed its expression in
      bone, and more recently, they and other groups also showed its expression in a
      few types of soft tissues. In this study, the authors systematically examined the
      expression of DSPP in a variety of non-mineralized tissues using reverse
      transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), real-time PCR, Western
      immunoblotting, and immunohistochemistry analyses in wild-type mice as well as
      beta-galactosidase assays in the Dspp lacZ knock-in mice. These approaches showed
      the presence of DSPP in the salivary glands, cartilage, liver, kidney, and brain
      and its absence in the heart and spleen. Real-time PCR showed that the expression
      levels of DSPP mRNA in salivary glands, cartilage, liver, and kidney were higher
      than in the bone. Interestingly, DSPP was observed in the pericytes of blood
      vessels in the dental pulp, which are believed to be able to differentiate into
      odontoblasts. On the basis of these observations, the authors conclude that DSPP
      and/or its cleaved products may fulfill important functions in certain non
      mineralized tissues in addition to its role in biomineralization.

PMID- 22043024
TI  - Claudins and ki-67: potential markers to differentiate low- and high-grade
      transitional cell carcinomas of the urinary bladder.
AB  - Updated classification of urothelial cell cancer differentiates low-grade and
      high-grade cancers, which determines potential clinical outcome. Substantial
      interobserver variability necessitates new biomarkers to ensure classification.
      Claudins' specific expression pattern characterizes normal tissues, different
      tumor types, and defined grades of tumor differentiation. The aim of this study
      was to examine the expression pattern of claudins and proliferation marker Ki-67
      in low-grade and high-grade urothelial cell cancers compared with independent
      control samples of non-tumorous urothelium, as well as to reveal the predictive
      usefulness of claudins. The expression of claudins-1, -2, -3, -4, -5, -7, and -10
      and Ki-67 was studied with quantitative immunohistochemistry and real-time RT-PCR
      with relative quantification in 103 samples: 86 urothelial cell cancers (27 low
      grade, 59 high grade) and 17 non-tumorous urothelia. Results were analyzed
      regarding overall survival and recurrence-free period as well. High-grade tumors
      overall showed significantly higher claudin-4 and Ki-67 and significantly lower
      claudin-7 expression when compared with low-grade ones. High-grade tumors
      revealed significantly shorter overall survival in Kaplan-Meier analysis. Claudin
      4, claudin-7, and Ki-67 might be used as potential markers to differentiate low
      grade and high-grade urothelial cell cancers, thereby possibly enhancing accuracy
      of pathological diagnosis and adding further information to clinical outcome.

PMID- 22043025
TI  - Internalizing problems of adults with learning disabilities: a meta-analysis.
AB  - In this article the authors report a meta-analysis that examines the association
      between internalizing problems (anxiety and depressive symptoms) and learning
      disabilities (LD) in adults. Two hypotheses about the relationship between
      internalizing problems and LD in adults are posited and tested: the abeyance
      hypothesis (internalizing problems decline in adulthood) and the continuance
      hypothesis (internalizing problems continue in adulthood). From an initial pool
      of 171 relevant studies, 15 studies met the inclusion criteria, with eight
      published articles and seven dissertations yielding 48 effect sizes, N Total =
      16,239). The overall effect size was significant and of medium magnitude (d =
      0.51, p < .001). Results from the study suggest support for the continuance
      hypothesis, with rates of adult internalizing problems similar to those found in
      studies of children and adolescents with LD. Moderating variables are explored,
      and implications for practice and research are offered.

PMID- 22043026
TI  - An exploratory study of a number sense program to develop kindergarten students'
      number proficiency.
AB  - This study examined the effectiveness of a number sense program on kindergarten
      students' number proficiency and responsiveness to treatment as a function of
      students' risk for mathematics difficulties. The program targeted development of
      relationships among numbers (e.g., spatial, more and less). A total of 101
      kindergarten students (not at risk: 22 control and 36 experimental; at risk: 18
      and 25) from five classrooms in a high-poverty elementary school participated in
      the study. Using a quasi-experimental design, classrooms were randomly assigned
      to either the intervention (number sense instruction, NSI) or control condition.
      Results indicated significant differences favoring the treatment students on all
      measures of number sense (e.g., spatial relationships, more and less
      relationships, benchmarks of five and ten, nonverbal calculations) at posttest
      and on a 3-week retention test. Furthermore, the effects were not mediated by at
      risk status, suggesting that NSI may benefit a wide range of students.
      Implications in terms of preventing early mathematical learning difficulties are
      discussed.

PMID- 22043027
TI  - Early writing deficits in preschoolers with oral language difficulties.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to investigate whether preschool children with
      language impairments (LI), a group with documented reading difficulties, also
      experience writing difficulties. In addition, a purpose was to examine if the
      writing outcomes differed when children had concomitant cognitive deficits in
      addition to oral language problems. A group of 293 preschool children were
      administered an assessment battery that included measures to examine oral
      language, nonverbal cognition, emergent reading, and writing. Children were
      divided into four groups based on their language and cognitive performance. The
      findings from this study show that as early as preschool, children with weaker
      oral language skills lag behind their peers with stronger oral language skills in
      terms of their writing-related skills. Children with oral language and cognitive
      deficits performed more poorly than children whose deficits were confined to oral
      language. A child's cognitive ability also has an impact on emergent writing
      skills, but it appears to be moderated by oral language skills. These results are
      consistent with research documenting links between preschool language and
      emergent reading in children with a history of LI. 

PMID- 22043032
TI  - Sex work and sexually transmitted infections in Asia: a biosocial analysis.
AB  - The Harvard University Asia Center hosted a symposium in October 2010 focused on
      sex work and sexually transmitted infections in Asia, engaging a biosocial
      approach to promote sexual health in this region. Asia has an estimated 151
      million cases of curable sexually transmitted infections (STIs; eg, syphilis,
      gonorrhea, chlamydia) each year, with commercial sex interactions playing a large
      role in ongoing transmission. Substantial human movement and migration, gender
      inequalities, and incipient medical and legal systems in many states stymie
      effective STI control in Asia. The articles in this supplement provide
      theoretical and empirical pathways to improving the sexual health of those who
      sell and purchase commercial sex in Asia. The unintended health consequences of
      various forms of regulating commercial sex are also reviewed, emphasizing the
      need to carefully consider the medical and public health consequences of new and
      existing policies and laws.

PMID- 22043033
TI  - Reframing the interpretation of sex worker health: a behavioral-structural
      approach.
AB  - Expanding sexually transmitted infection (STI) epidemics in many parts of Asia
      increase the importance of effective human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/STI
      prevention programs for female sex workers. Designing sex worker health research
      and programs demands a well-stated conceptual approach, especially when one is
      interpreting the relationship between local policy environments and sex worker
      health. However, the core principles of the 2 most common conceptual approaches
      used in sex worker health programs--abolitionism and empowerment--have frequently
      divergent assumptions and implications. The abolitionist approach sees major
      aspects of the sex industry as fundamentally coercive and exploitative of women
      and supports dismantling all or parts of the sex sector. The empowerment approach
      strengthens sex workers' agency and rights in order to build collective self
      efficacy and have women invested in implementing their own HIV/STI prevention
      programs. This review compares these approaches using implication analysis and
      empirical cases from Asia. The misperception of an unresolvable gap between the 2
      approaches ignores common ground that forms the basis of a new behavioral
      structural conceptual framework. Explicitly accounting for the interaction
      between female sex worker behaviors and larger structures and policies, a
      behavioral-structural approach may provide a solid foundation for sex work
      research and programs.

PMID- 22043034
TI  - Clients of female sex workers: a population-based survey of China.
AB  - The control of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STI) is a challenge
      in China, with female sex workers (FSW) and male clients suspected as bridge
      groups. This study used a 2006 national probability survey of 2,707 adult men.
      Among men 15-49 years old, the prevalence of FSW contacts last year was 4.2% (95%
      CI, 3.3-5.2) overall, with 7.2% (CI, 5.9-8.7) in urban and 1.8% (CI, 1.0-3.3) in
      rural areas. In urban areas, the men most at risk for FSW were high income, often
      traveled, engaged in business entertaining, ages 25-39, and had early sex
      histories. When compared to men with only wife or stable sex partner, those most
      likely to report STI last year also reported FSW sex of any type (aOR,13.10; CI,
      5.87-29.42). Additionally, when compared to men reporting consistent condom use
      with FSW, men with inconsistent condom use had elevated STI (aOR, 3.71; CI, 1.18
      11.66). Additional efforts are needed for high income men in urban areas, and on
      consistent condom use with FSW.

PMID- 22043035
TI  - HIV, sex work, and civil society in China.
AB  - Harm reduction programs for sex workers have been hampered by the prioritization
      of law enforcement over AIDS prevention. For example, the April 2010 "strike
      hard" campaign against prostitution in Beijing, during which bars, nightclubs,
      saunas, and karaoke bars were raided, created an atmosphere that critically
      impeded human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) outreach activities for sex workers.
      In China, criminalization has limited the growth of a coherent and cohesive set
      of nongovernmental organization (NGO) actors working with sex workers to prevent
      HIV infection. Compared with other risk groups for HIV sexual transmission, such
      as men who have sex with men, the NGO community for sex workers is fragmented and
      poorly coordinated with government efforts, and basic rights for sex workers are
      often violated. This article examines civil society groups working on AIDS
      prevention and care for female sex workers in China and reviews constraints to
      their operations. China's HIV prevention programs for sex workers are compared
      with sex worker HIV prevention in other Asian states where more well-developed
      NGOs exist and criminalization has been better balanced with harm reduction
      approaches, and recommendations are offered on improving China's policies and
      programs.

PMID- 22043036
TI  - Police-related experiences and HIV risk among female sex workers in Andhra
      Pradesh, India.
AB  - Research suggests experiences with police are related to human immunodeficiency
      virus (HIV) sexual risk among women working as sex workers. However, little is
      known about the links between specific police-related behaviors and HIV
      vulnerability. We examine whether 5 police-related experiences are associated
      with measures of HIV risk and violence among a sample of female sex workers
      (FSWs) in Andhra Pradesh, India, and consider the implications for HIV
      prevention. FSWs at least 18 years of age (n = 835) were recruited through
      respondent-driven sampling for a cross-sectional survey conducted as part of
      Avahan, the India AIDS Initiative. Using logistic regression models adjusted for
      age, age at start of sex work, and sex work venue, we assessed police-related
      experiences reported by FSWs in relation to HIV risk behaviors and violence.
      Results showed having sex with police to avoid trouble, giving gifts to police to
      avoid trouble, having police take condoms away, experiencing a workplace raid,
      and being arrested were associated with sexually transmitted infection symptoms,
      inconsistent condom use, acceptance of more money for sex without a condom, and
      experience of client violence. These findings suggest a need for interventions
      targeting police-FSW interactions to reduce HIV vulnerability among FSWs.

PMID- 22043037
TI  - Sex trafficking and initiation-related violence, alcohol use, and HIV risk among
      HIV-infected female sex workers in Mumbai, India.
AB  - Female sex workers (FSWs) are the group at greatest risk for human
      immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in India. Women and girls trafficked (ie,
      forced or coerced) into sex work are thought to be at even greater risk because
      of high exposure to violence and unprotected sex, particularly during the early
      months of sex work, that is, at initiation. Surveys were completed with HIV
      infected FSWs (n = 211) recruited from an HIV-related service organization in
      Mumbai, India. Approximately 2 in 5 participants (41.7%) reported being forced or
      coerced into sex work. During the first month in sex work, such FSWs had higher
      odds of sexual violence (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 3.1; 95% confidence interval
      [CI], 1.6-6.1), >= 7 clients per day (AOR, 3.3; 1.8-6.1), no use of condoms (AOR,
      3.8, 2.1-7.1), and frequent alcohol use (AOR, 1.9; 1.0-3.4) than HIV-infected
      FSWs not entering involuntarily. Those trafficked into sex work were also at
      higher odds for alcohol use at first sex work episode (AOR, 2.2; 95% CI, 1.2
      4.0). These results suggest that having been trafficked into sex work is
      prevalent among this population and that such FSWs may face high levels of sexual
      violence, alcohol use, and exposure to HIV infection in the first month of sex
      work. Findings call into question harm reduction approaches to HIV prevention
      that rely primarily on FSW autonomy.

PMID- 22043038
TI  - Violence in contract work among female sex workers in Andhra Pradesh, India.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Female sex workers (FSWs) are vulnerable to physical and sexual
      violence at work. This article examines the prevalence of recent physical and
      sexual violence victimization and associations of type of sex work among a large
      sample of young FSWs. METHOD: We used data from a cross-sectional survey on sex
      trafficking and sex work in southern India that included 1138 FSWs aged 18-25
      years residing in 3 districts of Andhra Pradesh state. The independent variable
      was organization of sex work. FSWs on contract at sex work establishments outside
      their home district were classified as contract workers, as compared with women
      who worked autonomously within their home district. Using logistic regression
      models adjusted for sociodemographic factors, we assessed the relation between
      contract/ non-contract sex work and various forms of violence experienced by
      FSWs. RESULTS: Results indicate a high prevalence of work-related physical and
      sexual violence; 50% FSWs reported physical violence, and 77% reported sexual
      violence. FSWs performing contract work were at increased risk of physical and
      sexual violence at work, compared with women engaged in sex work in their home
      districts. CONCLUSIONS: The findings that contract work outside the home district
      increases the vulnerabilities faced by FSWs in India suggest that violence and
      disease prevention services aimed at FSWs would be more effective if organization
      of sex work--as contract or noncontract--is taken into account.

PMID- 22043039
TI  - Differentiation therapy: targeting human renal cancer stem cells with interleukin
      15.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many renal cancer patients experience disease recurrence after
      immunotherapy or combined treatments due to persistence of cancer stem cells
      (CSCs). The identification of reliable inducers of CSC differentiation may
      facilitate the development of efficient strategies for eliminating CSCs. We
      investigated whether interleukin 15 (IL-15), a regulator of kidney homeostasis,
      induces the differentiation of CD105-positive (CD105(+)) CSCs from human renal
      cancers. METHODS: CD105(+) CSCs were cultured to preserve their stem cell
      properties and treated with recombinant human IL-15 (rhIL-15) to evaluate their
      ability to differentiate, to acquire sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs, and
      to form spheroids in vitro and tumors in vivo. Expression of stem cell and
      epithelial markers were studied by flow cytometry, immunocytochemistry, and
      immunoblotting. Identification of a CSC side population fraction and its
      sensitivity to chemotherapy drugs and expression of ATP-binding cassette (ABC)
      transporters and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activities were determined by flow
      cytometry. Spheroid formation was determined in limiting dilution assay.
      Xenograft tumors were generated in severe combined immunodeficient mice (n = 12
      18 mice per group). All statistical tests were two-sided. RESULTS: CD105(+) CSCs
      treated with rhIL-15 at 10 pg/mL differentiated into cells expressing epithelial
      markers. rhIL-15 induced epithelial differentiation of all CD105(+) CSCs subsets
      and blocked CSC self-renewal (sphere-forming ability) and their tumorigenic
      properties in severe combined immunodeficient mice. Vinblastine and paclitaxel
      induced statistically significant higher levels of apoptosis in rhIL-15
      differentiated epithelial cells compared with CD105(+) CSCs (mean percentage of
      apoptotic cells, vinblastine: 33% vs 16.5%, difference = 16.5%, 95% confidence
      interval = 12.25% to 20.74%, P = .0025; paclitaxel: 35% vs 11.6%, difference =
      23.4%, 95% confidence interval = 22.5% to 24.24%, P = .0015). The higher
      sensitivity of rhIL-15-differentiated epithelial cells to chemotherapeutic drugs
      was associated with loss of detoxifying mechanisms such as ALDH and ABC
      transporter activities. CONCLUSION: IL-15 directs the epithelial differentiation
      of renal CSCs and meets the criteria for a treatment strategy: CSC pool depletion
      and generation of differentiated nontumorigenic cells that are sensitive to
      chemotherapeutic agents.

PMID- 22043040
TI  - The treatment of individual patients is more than a trial.

PMID- 22043041
TI  - Strategies to translate preclinical information to breast cancer patient benefit.
AB  - Despite the progress in understanding breast cancer biology, translation of basic
      findings into clinical applications still appears to be a complex process, and
      few molecular markers/signatures are in routine clinical use or currently
      challenged for their clinical utility. Disease complexity, certainly, represents
      an obstacle to successful translation, but methodological pitfalls in development
      and validation steps also contribute. Translational research should be planned as
      a round-trip from the bench to the bedside and back. The preoperative/neoadjuvant
      setting represents an ideal model because it allows identification and validation
      of treatment response predictors and of pharmacodynamic markers associated with
      clinical downstaging, investigations on in vivo action mechanism of drugs, and
      indirect validation of findings from preclinical models. Availability of well
      annotated, high-quality biospecimens; standardized, reproducible, and robust
      assays to detect molecular markers/signatures even on few cells; prospective
      planning of study design; and regulatory issues adequately fitting preclinical
      and clinical needs represent fundamental assets for translational studies.

PMID- 22043042
TI  - The value of genomic analysis of breast cancer in drug development.
AB  - Improving the success rate and reducing the time that it takes to bring a new
      drug to the market represent important challenges for both academia and the
      pharmaceutical industry. High-throughput genomic analysis of cancer may assist
      streamlining this process through providing clinically relevant response markers,
      suggesting rational combination treatment strategies for biologically targeted
      agents and defining the next generation of therapeutic targets.

PMID- 22043043
TI  - Biomarkers predicting clinical benefit: fact or fiction?
AB  - Preoperative therapy is increasingly used in operable disease to improve the
      chance for breast-conservative surgery. Moreover, this strategy allows for a
      better definition of patient prognosis. Independently from stage at diagnosis and
      breast cancer subtype, the achievement of a pathological complete response (pCR)
      is a surrogate marker for long-term outcome. The likelihood of pCR depends on
      tumor biology, being poorly differentiated tumors with ductal histology, absence
      of hormone receptors, and high proliferation rate those with a higher chance of
      achieving a CR. However, pCR is a late efficacy parameter that can be evaluated
      at the end of the preoperative treatment; moreover, a pCR is achieved in a
      minority of patients and is not an appropriate efficacy measure for neoadjuvant
      endocrine therapy. The predictive role of tumor biomarkers such as p53,
      microtubule-associated tau protein, and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase will be
      reviewed along with potential markers of early treatment effect.

PMID- 22043044
TI  - Molecular oncology and the neoadjuvant setting: the perfect blend for treatment
      personalization and clinical trial design.
AB  - Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease. Predictive molecular markers are
      crucial in patient management, but the only recommended predictive biomarkers are
      estrogen and progesterone receptors and HER2. There are many new targeted
      therapies, and although the target pathway expression is readily analyzed on
      conventional pathology, the dynamic response cannot be assessed and pathway
      expression is no guarantee it has a major driver role, even if mutated. Selecting
      therapies requires considering the patient, the molecular characteristics of the
      tumor, and the microenvironment of the tumor. Thus, the integration of molecular
      pathology, imaging, and early tumor biological response to therapy may provide
      evidence of drug activity and allow more rapid changes of therapy. The adaptive
      response of the tumor is a key resistance mechanism that can be assessed readily
      in the neoadjuvant setting. Although there are no markers that meet all surrogacy
      criteria, their use could provide crucial information on mechanisms of drug
      sensitivity/resistance. Validation of such markers requires a major emphasis on
      neoadjuvant trials to relate early-biomarker response to outcome.

PMID- 22043045
TI  - Assessing early therapeutic response to bevacizumab in primary breast cancer
      using magnetic resonance imaging and gene expression profiles.
AB  - Antiangiogenic therapy is a promising approach for the treatment of breast
      cancer. In practice, however, only a subset of patients who receive
      antiangiogenic drugs demonstrate a significant response. A key challenge,
      therefore, is to discover biomarkers that are predictive of response to
      antiangiogenic therapy. To address this issue, we have designed a window-of
      opportunity study in which bevacizumab is administered as a short-term first-line
      treatment to primary breast cancer patients. Central to our approach is the use
      of a detailed pharmacodynamic assessment, consisting of pre- and post-bevacizumab
      multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging scans and core biopsies for exon
      array gene expression analysis. Here, we illustrate three intrinsic patterns of
      response to bevacizumab and discuss the molecular mechanisms that may underpin
      each. Our results illustrate how the combination of dynamic imaging data and gene
      expression profiles can guide the development of biomarkers for predicting
      response to antiangiogenic therapy.

PMID- 22043047
TI  - kConFab: a familial breast cancer consortium facilitating research and
      translational oncology.
AB  - In 2005, 100,514 Australians were diagnosed with cancer, and over 10,000 of these
      cancers will be due to heritable causes. The impact of familial cancer by
      definition extends beyond the individual, affecting tens of thousands of parents,
      siblings, and children. The study of familial cancer causes has arguably made the
      greatest single contribution to our understanding of cancer biology. This
      knowledge is used clinically to guide investment in screening and prevention, as
      well as being translated into new treatments.

PMID- 22043046
TI  - Tissue and soluble biomarkers in breast cancer and their applications: ready to
      use?
AB  - Breast cancer therapies are in continuous evolution: From surgery to hormonal
      therapy, from classical and new combined chemotherapies to emerging targeted
      agents of recent introduction to the clinic. The attempt to personalize the best
      treatment for each patient is driven by efficacy and safety parameters and tumor
      biology investigations of markers for aggressiveness and response to treatment.
      The plethora of targeted therapies has provided momentum for the quest to better
      understand not only target mechanisms of action, but also tumor behavior.
      Moreover, how to monitor response to these agents is crucial today to achieve
      better resource-sharing and to find cheaper, less invasive, and standardized
      detection techniques for clinically validated biomarkers. In this report, we
      briefly summarize data on the major tissue and soluble biomarkers focusing on
      their actual use in daily practice, as well as their emerging role and possible
      future applications in breast cancer treatment.

PMID- 22043048
TI  - The HER2 World: Better Treatment Selection for Better Outcome.
AB  - Understanding the mechanisms of trastuzumab efficacy and resistance is a step
      toward optimizing treatment outcome in HER2-positive breast carcinoma patients.
      Preclinical studies have indicated different trastuzumab antitumor mechanisms,
      that is, cytostatic inhibition of tumor proliferation, antibody-dependent cell
      cytotoxicity, and inhibition of HER2-mediated DNA repair. Clinical studies point
      to the clinical setting dependence of these mechanisms, with antibody-dependent
      cell cytotoxicity predominating when trastuzumab is used as monotherapy in
      neoadjuvant and metastatic settings, whereas inhibition of DNA repair
      predominates in neoadjuvant and adjuvant settings involving concomitant
      trastuzumab and chemotherapy; in sequential protocols, the antibody appears to
      act primarily through cytostatic activity by inhibiting HER2-mediated cell
      proliferation. Because the mechanisms of resistance to trastuzumab likely depend
      directly on those of its antitumor activity, resistance mechanisms must also be
      considered with respect to the different clinical settings. Moreover, the
      response to this reagent should be assessed according to its ability to induce
      tumor cytotoxic or cytostatic activity.

PMID- 22043049
TI  - The pathologic complete response open question in primary therapy.
AB  - Accurate pathological diagnosis of tumor mass before treatment and careful
      examination of specimens after treatment are two main objectives in the
      diagnostic process of neoadjuvant-treated breast cancer. To achieve the first
      objective, multiple core biopsies can be taken to assess intratumor heterogeneity
      and thus to address a more targeted therapeutic protocol. At the same time, fine
      needle aspiration cytology of lymph nodes found suspicious at ultrasound
      examination may be useful to plan surgical treatment. As for the second
      objective, a careful examination of specimens after primary systemic therapy is
      mandatory to evaluate the effect of treatment. In fact, clinical response does
      not necessarily correlate with pathological response. Pathological complete
      response (no residual invasive tumor, in situ carcinoma can be present, and no
      residual lymph node metastasis) constitutes an independent predictor of outcome
      in neoadjuvant-treated patients. Residual isolated tumor cells in primary tumor
      and in lymph nodes do not affect patient outcome.

PMID- 22043050
TI  - Surrogate markers for targeted therapy-based treatment activity and efficacy.
AB  - Predictive biomarkers capable of discriminating individuals who will benefit from
      a given therapy from those who will not are key to personalized medicine. New
      drugs are developed in patients with advanced disease, when ethical and practical
      shortcomings limit the collection of tumor specimens. The neoadjuvant setting
      offers a unique opportunity for overcoming these limitations. Tumor samples are
      collected at diagnosis and posttreatment surgery as part of a routine therapeutic
      approach. Pathological complete response has been consistently associated with
      long-term survival and may be useful as an intermediate endpoint in developing
      and evaluating predictive, as well as surrogate, biomarkers. In window-of
      opportunity studies, new drugs are administered shortly before planned surgery,
      and the effect of the intervention can be assessed by comparing diagnostic biopsy
      with the surgical specimen. Until now, clinically useful and validated predictive
      markers for targeted therapy are rare, but appropriate investigations in
      neoadjuvant studies will likely change this.

PMID- 22043051
TI  - Mechanisms of resistance to HER2 target therapy.
AB  - In the past years, several agents targeting signaling proteins critical for
      breast cancer growth and dissemination entered clinical evaluation. They include
      drugs directed against the HER/ErbB family of receptor tyrosine kinases,
      especially HER2; several downstream signal transducers; and proteins involved in
      tumor angiogenesis and dissemination. Unfortunately, resistance to targeted
      agents is a quite common feature, and understanding of the molecular mechanisms
      predicting response or failure has become a crucial issue to optimize treatment
      and select patients who are the best candidates to respond. The neoadjuvant
      setting offers unique opportunities allowing tumor sampling and search for
      molecular determinants of response. A variety of tumor and host factors may
      account for the onset of resistance. Major progress has been made in the
      understanding of the mechanisms involved in the primary and acquired resistance
      to targeted agents, especially the anti-HER2 drugs, which play a pivotal role in
      the weaponry against breast cancer.

PMID- 22043052
TI  - Predictive immunohistochemical biomarkers in the context of neoadjuvant therapy
      for breast cancer.
AB  - The adoption of personalized medicine has led to the search for prognostic and
      predictive markers that can be applied to individual patients to give optimal
      information for their clinical management. We have used samples from randomized
      clinical trials of hormonal and chemotherapy to identify relevant markers of
      sensitivity and resistance using a neoadjuvant approach by linking expression of
      a panel of proteins involved in growth factor receptor signaling, angiogenesis,
      estrogen receptor signaling, and hypoxia to individual patient response. We
      evaluated samples from randomized clinical trials of epirubicin with or without
      tamoxifen, and letrozole with or without metronomic cyclophosphamide, to study
      chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, and antiangiogenic effects. We present a proof of
      principle of this approach in identifying several key pathways that are
      associated with clinical and pathological response. Thus, we have shown that the
      hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) pathway, mitogen activated protein kinase, and
      phosphorylated estrogen receptor-alpha can identify patients who are likely to
      respond to hormonal therapy and that HIF signaling is also a marker of resistance
      for anthracycline-based chemotherapy. To redress the role of HIF, we then
      evaluated samples from a randomized control trial of an anthracycline
      chemotherapy with and without erythropoietin. These studies demonstrate that the
      approach of using primary systemic therapy in breast can identify markers of
      response and potentially targets for rationale design of new therapies.

PMID- 22043053
TI  - Dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging and blood oxygenation level
      dependent magnetic resonance imaging for the assessment of changes in tumor
      biology with treatment.
AB  - Functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques are rapidly gaining
      importance as methods of exploring the pathophysiological properties of breast
      carcinomas. In the neoadjuvant setting where the primary tumor remains in situ,
      functional MRI is able to noninvasively evaluate microenvironmental features such
      as blood flow and oxygenation. Dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI provides information
      on tumor vascularity with evidence suggesting a role in predicting response to
      neoadjuvant chemotherapy. The spatial heterogeneity of response to anti
      angiogenic and vascular disrupting agents can also be depicted. There is
      preliminary data supporting blood oxygenation level-dependent MRI as a potential
      marker of tumor oxygenation, with the ability to characterize tissue oxygenation
      changes with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Additionally, advanced MR sequences such
      as diffusion-weighted MRI and MR spectroscopy have the potential to provide
      information relating to cellularity and metabolism, respectively.

PMID- 22043055
TI  - Positron emission tomography and neoadjuvant therapy of breast cancer.
AB  - The increasing use of neoadjuvant therapy for breast cancer has led to the
      development of early surrogate markers of response. Positron emission tomography
      (PET) allows noninvasive study of fundamental biologic processes in the tumor;
      furthermore, PET provides various markers to assess tumor response early in the
      course of therapy. Numerous studies have shown that changes in tumor glucose
      metabolism during therapy are significantly correlated with final response and
      patient outcome. Moreover, new PET tracers that are currently being developed or
      under evaluation, providing specific information on tumor characteristics or
      receptor expression, will assist the development of new targeted anticancer
      agents.

PMID- 22043054
TI  - The triple-negative subtype: new ideas for the poorest prognosis breast cancer.
AB  - Triple-negative breast cancer accounts for about 15%-20% of all breast cancers.
      Patients with triple-negative subtype have a significantly increased risk of
      relapse and death. A panel of specific molecular alterations like high rate of
      p53 mutations, frequent loss of function of BRCA1, and several tyrosine kinase
      activations has been shown in this specific phenotype. An optimal chemotherapy
      regimen for these cancers remains to be determined, representing a major
      challenge for patient management. DNA alkylating agents, as cisplatin, were shown
      to be particularly effective in the neoadjuvant setting for patients with the
      disease. Targeted therapies are being successfully developed. Poly (ADP-ribose)
      polymerase-1 inhibitors induce tumor response as a single agent in BRCA1-mutated
      breast cancer and might sensitize cancer cells to cisplatin in the triple
      negative subpopulation. Chemotherapy is a cornerstone of current clinical
      practice for this type of disease. Progress might derive from refined biology
      driven phase II trials that will also integrate targeted agents with
      chemotherapy.

PMID- 22043056
TI  - Neoadjuvant chemotherapy and targeted therapies: a promising strategy.
AB  - Neoadjuvant therapy in breast cancer has emerged as an important setting for the
      development of targeted drugs. Because tumor material is available before
      treatment, at the moment of surgery, and possibly during treatment, precise
      correlations can be made between target identification, target blockade, and
      tumor response. Significant improvements have already been achieved by
      introducing targeted agents to neoadjuvant modalities. In the HER2 patient
      population, anti-HER2 targeted therapies have consistently demonstrated increased
      rates of pathological complete response. In the hormone receptor-positive
      setting, identifying early surrogate markers able to predict response to
      treatment has the potential to accelerate the development of targeted therapies.
      Ongoing neoadjuvant research programs such as NeoBIG and I-SPY 2 (Investigation
      of Serial Studies to Predict Your Therapeutic Response with Imaging And moLecular
      Analysis 2) are scientifically strong and will most likely demonstrate that the
      "neoadjuvant step" can lead directly to large, phase III adjuvant registration
      trials. This implies that the time between drug discovery and regulatory approval
      can be significantly shortened, which ultimately benefits patients.

PMID- 22043058
TI  - Gene profiling assay and application: the predictive role in primary therapy.
AB  - Several treatment options, including endocrine therapy, chemotherapy, and
      targeted therapy, have been shown to improve survival of breast cancer patients.
      Currently, clinical tests for predicting cancer response are not available, and
      individual markers have shown little predictive value. Several gene expression
      profiling studies have been carried out in the attempt to identify predictive
      signatures. The neoadjuvant setting revealed to be ideal for this purpose because
      it allows the direct assessment of response to treatment, and tumor is readily
      available for multiple time point biopsies. Although the results are promising,
      at the moment, none of these signatures has been proven to be of sufficient
      discriminatory power to be used in clinical setting. More effective therapies
      targeted to specific subsets of patients, accurate and standardized definition of
      therapeutic response, and properly designed clinical trials are required before
      microarrays can reliably be used as tools for clinical decision making.

PMID- 22043057
TI  - Endocrine therapy, new biologicals, and new study designs for presurgical studies
      in breast cancer.
AB  - The preoperative setting is increasingly popular for the clinical investigation
      of hormonal agents and new biological drugs. The effectiveness of endocrine
      agents is well established for estrogen receptor-positive disease, and the
      emphasis in preoperative studies is on their combination with agents targeted at
      resistance mechanisms over 3 or more months. New agents are also being assessed
      for early evidence of clinical efficacy in shorter-term window-of-opportunity
      studies. The establishment of Ki67 as an intermediate marker of treatment benefit
      and of long-term outcome, with endocrine drugs, provides the opportunity for new
      trial designs with Ki67 as the primary endpoint. The PeriOperative Endocrine
      Therapy for Individualizing Care (POETIC) trial is randomizing (2:1) 4000
      estrogen receptor-positive patients to 2 weeks presurgical treatment with a
      nonsteroidal aromatase inhibitor or no presurgical treatment. It provides a
      unique opportunity for detailed study of the determinants of response and
      resistance to estrogen deprivation as well as testing the role of presurgical
      therapy for improved biomarker-based estimates of prognosis.

PMID- 22043059
TI  - New omics information for clinical trial utility in the primary setting.
AB  - Cancer is a complex cellular disease caused by multiple factors via genetic
      mutations (hereditary or somatic) or environmental factors. The emerging omics
      technologies, including genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics,
      metabolomics, and interactomics, are increasingly being used for cancer research
      and personalized medicine; they have provided new opportunities in the molecular
      analysis of human cancer with unprecedented speed and detail. The omic approach
      has brought powerful ability to screen cancer cells at different levels from gene
      to metabolite and to search for novel drug targets, expounding the drug mechanism
      of action, identifying adverse effects in unexpected interaction, validating
      current drug targets, exploring potential applications for novel drugs, and
      enabling the translation from bench to bedside. As a clinical research tool, the
      neoadjuvant approach in breast cancer is the perfect setting for
      individualization of treatment based on clinical, pathological, image-guided, or
      molecular assessment, based on the omics techniques of tumors during treatment;
      neoadjuvant treatment offers the ability to discern treatment effect in vivo and
      may allow smaller trials targeting specific breast cancer subtypes.

PMID- 22043060
TI  - Bridging the gap between translational research and clinical application.
AB  - Protocols employing primary systemic therapy provide important basic knowledge
      about tumor behavior/response to therapy, but major challenges remain in how to
      obtain and use this information practically in the clinical setting.

PMID- 22043061
TI  - Neoadjuvant chemotherapy: early response as a guide for further treatment:
      clinical, radiological, and biological.
AB  - Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) was initially developed as a treatment strategy
      for patients with locally advanced breast cancer to improve operability and
      locoregional control. Today, NACT has become an equivalent option along with
      adjuvant treatment, and it is regarded as standard treatment approach for
      patients with locally advanced cancer because it enables breast-conserving
      therapy to these patients. In addition, there is increasing information on NACT
      in operable breast disease that supports its use in routine practice for operable
      tumor stages. According to the German S3 and AGO guidelines, NACT is indicated
      for every patient with breast cancer, who would need adjuvant chemotherapy after
      evaluation of radiological, histological, and clinical prognostic factors. Based
      on a broad range of clinical studies during the last 10 years, it has been
      demonstrated that NACT leads to an increasing rate of breast-conserving
      operations, reduced mortality, and less toxicity. A very important issue is to
      obtain early information about the responsiveness of the primary tumor to
      chemotherapy, so that individualized therapeutical strategies can be developed.
      The decision to proceed with NACT is depending on several considerations
      including surgical aspects, pretreatment diagnostic evaluations, and efficacy
      monitoring as well as biological aspects to predict response.

PMID- 22043062
TI  - Intermediate endpoints of primary systemic therapy in breast cancer patients.
AB  - Primary systemic therapy (PST) in breast cancer offers the opportunity to explore
      interactions between tumor biology and administered treatment. Changes in
      clinical, tissue-based, or imaging markers can provide information on the
      mechanisms of PST activity (activity endpoints) or predict treatment efficacy
      (surrogate endpoints). The most frequently used intermediate endpoint for PST is
      pathological complete response, but its role as a surrogate parameter of efficacy
      has not yet been demonstrated. Changes in tumor biology after PST may occur
      already a few days after treatment start; this implies that new potential
      surrogates occurring much earlier than pathological complete response (ie, the
      proliferation marker Ki67) can be identified and that short-term preoperative
      trials (window-of-opportunity trials) can be designed using a biological
      parameter as a primary endpoint. From these small trials, crucial information can
      be gleaned about the activity of new drugs for the design of large clinical
      trials.

PMID- 22043063
TI  - International expert consensus on primary systemic therapy in the management of
      early breast cancer: highlights of the Fourth Symposium on Primary Systemic
      Therapy in the Management of Operable Breast Cancer, Cremona, Italy (2010).
AB  - A panel of international breast cancer experts formulated a declaration of
      consensus regarding many key issues in the use of primary systemic therapy (PST)
      either in clinical routine or research practice. The attainment of pathological
      complete response (pCR), defined as no residual invasive tumor in the surgical
      specimens both in breast and in axillary nodes, is one of the main goals of PST,
      and pCR can be used as the primary objective in prospective clinical trials.
      However, pCR is not a reliable endpoint with all treatment approaches, and
      alternatives such as Ki67 index of the residual invasive disease or after 2 weeks
      of PST are also potential endpoints. PST has several advantages: breast
      conservation and the unique opportunity to obtain information on the interaction
      between treatment and tumor biology. Changes in tumor biology after PST are an
      early phenomenon; so, an additional core biopsy performed after 14 days from
      treatment start should be considered in clinical trials.

PMID- 22043064
TI  - The renin-angiotensin system in thyroid disorders and its role in cardiovascular
      and renal manifestations.
AB  - Thyroid disorders are among the most common endocrine diseases and affect
      virtually all physiological systems, with an especially marked impact on
      cardiovascular and renal systems. This review summarizes the effects of thyroid
      hormones on the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and the participation of the RAS
      in the cardiovascular and renal manifestations of thyroid disorders. Thyroid
      hormones are important regulators of cardiac and renal mass, vascular function,
      renal sodium handling, and consequently blood pressure (BP). The RAS acts
      globally to control cardiovascular and renal functions, while RAS components act
      systemically and locally in individual organs. Various authors have implicated
      the systemic and local RAS in the mediation of functional and structural changes
      in cardiovascular and renal tissues due to abnormal thyroid hormone levels. This
      review analyzes the influence of thyroid hormones on RAS components and discusses
      the role of the RAS in BP, cardiac mass, vascular function, and renal
      abnormalities in thyroid disorders.

PMID- 22043065
TI  - Effective communication.

PMID- 22043066
TI  - Veterinary medical ethics. An ethicist's commentary on buying free-range eggs.

PMID- 22043067
TI  - Incorporation of exercise, using an underwater treadmill, and active client
      education into a weight management program for obese dogs.
AB  - Physical activity improves outcome of weight loss in obese humans, but limited
      information exists for dogs. Eight obese dogs (body condition score 5/5), of
      various breeds and genders, undertook a 3-month weight-loss program which
      included exercise using lead walks and underwater treadmill exercise. The median
      number of treadmill exercise sessions per dog was 13 (range: 5 to 17). Median
      distance walked per session was 0.97 km (range: 0.05 to 2.7 km) (0.6 miles;
      range: 0.03 to 1.70 miles) and this increased sequentially over the course of the
      study (P < 0.001). Mean [+/- standard deviation (s)] percentage of starting
      weight loss over the 3 mo was 18.9 +/- 5.44%, equivalent to a rate of weight loss
      of 1.5 +/- 0.43% per week. Thoracic and abdominal girth also declined
      significantly during the program (P < 0.0001 for both). This study demonstrates
      the potential benefit of including an organized exercise regimen, utilizing an
      underwater treadmill, in conventional canine weight management programs.

PMID- 22043068
TI  - A survey of intestinal parasites in dogs from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan.
AB  - Fresh fecal samples from 124 apparently healthy dogs and 333 random source canine
      fecal samples from dog walking areas were analyzed by centrifuged flotation in
      Sheather's solution to determine the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in
      dogs from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Fecal flotation was positive in 4.4% of
      samples. Roundworm species were found in 1.5% of samples, hookworm species were
      found in 0.4% of samples, whipworm species were found in 0.7%, Strongyloides spp.
      were found in 0.6%, Giardia spp., Cystoisospora spp., and Alaria spp. were found
      in 0.4% of samples.

PMID- 22043069
TI  - Clinical evaluation of a single daily dose of phenylpropanolamine in the
      treatment of urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence in the bitch.
AB  - The objective of this retrospective study was to determine the efficacy of a
      single daily oral dose of phenylpropanolamine (PPA) in the treatment of urethral
      sphincter mechanism incompetence (USMI) in bitches. Nine bitches diagnosed with
      USMI were treated with a single daily dose [1.5 mg/kg body weight (BW)] of PPA
      for at least 1 month. Urethral pressure profiles (UPP) were performed in 7 dogs
      before treatment and repeated in 4 of them after treatment. Treatment with PPA
      resulted in long-term continence in 8/9 bitches. One dog did not respond to PPA
      and was treated surgically later. Recheck UPPs showed a significant increase in
      maximal urethral closure pressure in the 4 bitches after treatment with PPA
      compared to before treatment. In conclusion, long-term continence can be achieved
      in bitches affected with USMI after administration of a single daily dose of PPA
      (1.5 mg/kg BW).

PMID- 22043070
TI  - Insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus associated with presumed autoimmune
      polyendocrine syndrome in a mare.
AB  - A 5-year-old Thoroughbred-cross mare was diagnosed with insulin-dependent
      diabetes mellitus. Partial glycemic control and clinical improvement were
      achieved with daily insulin administration for 18 mo. The mare subsequently
      developed evidence of hypoadrenocorticism and died. Necropsy findings included
      lymphocytic infiltration of the pancreas, adrenal cortex, adrenal medulla, and
      thyroid glands, suggestive of an immune-mediated polyendocrinopathy.

PMID- 22043071
TI  - Submandibular lymph node abscess caused by Actinomyces denticolens in a horse in
      Ontario.
AB  - This is the first report of the isolation of Actinomyces denticolens, an
      opportunistic pathogen, from a draining submandibular lymph node abscess in a
      horse in Ontario. Due to the similarity of the clinical signs with strangles,
      this pathogen should be included in the differential diagnosis of submandibular
      lymphadenopathy in the horse.

PMID- 22043072
TI  - Proximal mandibular nerve block, using electrolocation, for rostral
      mandibulectomy in a geriatric dog.
AB  - We describe a case of proximal mandibular nerve block with ropivacaine, using
      electrolocation, for perioperative pain management in a geriatric dog undergoing
      rostral mandibulectomy. The patient did not require intraoperative analgesia or
      analgesic supplementation for 8 h after the end of the surgery.

PMID- 22043073
TI  - Trauma resulting in hemarthrosis and long medial collateral ligament desmitis of
      the tarsocrural joint in a horse.
AB  - A horse was initially diagnosed with hemarthrosis and desmitis of the long medial
      collateral ligament of the right tarsus and later developed prominent
      enthesiophytosis at the site of insertion of the ligament's deep portion.
      Hemarthrosis due to intra- or peri-articular pathology can cause recurrent
      lameness, even without evident external trauma.

PMID- 22043074
TI  - Clinical outcome of calves with failure of passive transfer as diagnosed by a
      commercially available IgG quick test kit.
AB  - The efficacy of an IgG quick test in detecting calves with failure of passive
      transfer was assessed. The test was carried out on 97 male calves, 38% of which
      were negative (IgG < 10 mg/mL). Morbidity and mortality due to infectious
      diseases were significantly higher in the negative group showing that the quick
      test is useful in identifying calves more susceptible to infectious disease.

PMID- 22043075
TI  - Seroprevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Ehrlichia
      canis, and Dirofilaria immitis among dogs in Canada.
AB  - The seropositivity of dogs to Borrelia burgdorferi, Anaplasma phagocytophilum,
      and Ehrlichia canis antibodies, and Dirofilaria immitis antigen was assessed in
      Canada. Borrelia burgdorferi had the highest seroprevalence, while that of
      Dirofilaria immitis has not changed significantly in the past 20 y. The risk for
      these vector-borne infectious agents in Canadian dogs is low but widespread with
      foci of higher prevalence.

PMID- 22043076
TI  - The efficacy of pour-on ivermectin in bison (Bison bison).
AB  - To test the effectiveness of pour-on ivermectin in parasitized bison, changes in
      fecal parasite egg counts after treatment with ivermectin injectable or pour-on
      preparations were compared to a negative control group. There was no difference
      between the two ivermectin groups, and both forms of ivermectin were effective in
      reducing fecal parasite egg counts in parasitized bison.

PMID- 22043077
TI  - A case of biphasic mesothelioma with osseous and chondromatous differentiation in
      a cat.
AB  - An 11-year-old domestic short hair cat with dyspnea, cyanosis, and pleural
      effusion died. Necropsy revealed several nodules and masses on the parietal
      pleura, pericardium, and diaphragm. The tumor contained epithelial and
      mesenchymal components and displayed osseous and chondromatous differentiation.
      Tumors cells were positive for pancytokeratin and vimentin. This is the first
      report of a biphasic mesothelioma with osseous and chondromatous differentiation
      in this species.

PMID- 22043078
TI  - Granulocytic anaplasmosis in a horse from Nova Scotia caused by infection with
      Anaplasma phagocytophilum.
AB  - A 16-year-old Paint stallion was presented with intermittent fever, inappetance,
      lethargy, icterus, distal limb edema, and submandibular lymphadenopathy. The
      horse was native to Nova Scotia and had never left that province. Morulae were
      detected in granulocytes. Ananaplasma phagocytophilum infection was confirmed by
      serology and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The horse responded to treatment
      with oxytetracycline.

PMID- 22043079
TI  - A case of valvular pulmonic stenosis and an aberrant coronary artery in a
      Brittany spaniel.
AB  - Valvular pulmonic stenosis and aberrancy of the right coronary artery with
      subsequent subvalvular stenosis was found on echocardiographic evaluation of a 9
      month-old Brittany spaniel. Previous echocardiography at 4 mo of age revealed the
      pulmonic stenosis; however, the aberrant coronary artery only became apparent
      during the second evaluation.

PMID- 22043080
TI  - Genetic engineering of animals: ethical issues, including welfare concerns.

PMID- 22043081
TI  - Lifestyle improvements call for reduction in full-time equivalent status.

PMID- 22043082
TI  - Multiple pyogranulomas in a Katahdin ewe.

PMID- 22043083
TI  - Strain Hardening and Strain Softening of Reversibly Cross-linked Supramolecular
      Polymer Networks.
AB  - The large amplitude oscillatory shear behavior of metallo-supramolecular polymer
      networks formed by adding bis-Pd(II) cross-linkers to poly(4-vinylpyridine) (PVP)
      in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) solution is reported. The influence of scanning
      frequency, dissociation rate of cross-linkers, concentration of cross-linkers,
      and concentration of PVP solution on the large amplitude oscillatory shear
      behavior is explored. In semidilute unentangled PVP solutions, above a critical
      scanning frequency, strain hardening of both storage moduli and loss moduli is
      observed. In the semidilute entangled regime of PVP solution, however, strain
      softening is observed for samples with faster cross-linkers (k(d) ~ 1450 s(-1)),
      whereas strain hardening is observed for samples with slower cross-linkers (k(d)
      ~ 17 s(-1)). The mechanism of strain hardening is attributed primarily to a
      strain-induced increase in the number of elastically active chains, with possible
      contributions from non-Gaussian stretching of polymer chains at strains
      approaching network fracture. The divergent strain softening of samples with
      faster cross-linkers in semidilute entangled PVP solutions, relative to the
      strain hardening of samples with slower cross-linkers, is consistent with
      observed shear thinning/shear thickening behavior reported previously and is
      attributed to the fact that the average time that a cross-linker remains detached
      is too short to permit the local relaxation of polymer chain segments that is
      necessary for a net conversion of elastically inactive to elastically active
      cross-linkers. These and other observations paint a picture in which strain
      softening and shear thinning arise from the same set of molecular mechanisms,
      conceptually uniting the two nonlinear responses for this system.

PMID- 22043092
TI  - The national prevention strategy: shifting the nation's health-care system.

PMID- 22043093
TI  - Identification of structural interventions for HIV/AIDS prevention: the concept
      mapping exercise.
AB  - Structural interventions have been defined as those prevention interventions that
      include physical, social, cultural, organizational, community, economic, legal,
      and policy factors. In an effort to examine the feasibility, evaluability, and
      sustainability of structural interventions for HIV prevention, the Centers for
      Disease Control and Prevention implemented a project that involved asking experts
      in HIV prevention and other areas of public health-including injury and violence
      prevention, tobacco control, drug abuse, and nutrition-to provide input on the
      identification of structural interventions based on the aforementioned
      definition. The process resulted in a list of 123 interventions that met the
      definition. The experts were asked to group these interventions into categories
      based on similarity of ideas. They were also asked to rate these interventions in
      terms of impact they would have, if implemented, on reducing HIV transmission.
      The findings highlight the need for conducting further research on structural
      interventions, including feasibility of implementation and effectiveness of
      reducing HIV transmission risks.

PMID- 22043094
TI  - Exploring geographic variation in lung cancer incidence in Kentucky using a
      spatial scan statistic: elevated risk in the Appalachian coal-mining region.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We examined geographic patterns of lung cancer incidence in Kentucky.
      Recent research has suggested that the coal-mining industry contributes to lung
      cancer risk in Appalachia. We focused on the southeastern portion of the state,
      which has some of the highest lung cancer rates in the nation. METHODS: We
      implemented a spatial scan statistic to identify areas with lung cancer incidence
      rates that were higher than expected, after adjusting for age, gender, and
      smoking. The Kentucky Cancer Registry supplied information on cases (1995-2007).
      The U.S. Census (2000) and several years of Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance
      System data (1996-2006) provided county-level population and smoking data. We
      compared the results with coal-mining data from the Mining Safety and Health
      Administration and public water utility data from the Kentucky Division of Water.
      RESULTS: We identified three clusters of counties with higher-than-expected
      rates. Cluster 1 (relative risk [RR] = 1.21, p<0.01) included 12 counties in
      southeastern Kentucky. Cluster 2 (RR=1.17, p<0.01) included three nearby counties
      in the same region. Several of the 15 counties in Cluster 3 (RR=1.04, p=0.01)
      were part of the Louisville, Kentucky, or Cincinnati, Ohio, metropolitan areas.
      All of the counties in Clusters 1 and 2 produced significant amounts of coal.
      CONCLUSION: Environmental exposures related to the coal-mining industry could
      contribute to the high incidence of lung cancer in southeastern Kentucky. Lack of
      evidence for this effect in western Kentucky could be due to regional differences
      in mining practices and access to public water utilities. Future research should
      collect biological specimens and environmental samples to test for the presence
      of trace elements and other lung carcinogens.

PMID- 22043095
TI  - Adverse birth outcomes among nulliparous vs. multiparous women.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Previous studies indicate that nulliparous women (i.e., women having
      no previous births) are at higher risk for adverse birth outcomes than
      multiparous women (i.e., women having had at least one previous birth). We
      examined whether part of the difference in adverse outcome rates is attributable
      to nulliparous women with poor pregnancy outcomes being less likely (through
      choice or fecundity differences) to have a subsequent live birth within the same
      time period as nulliparous women without adverse outcomes. METHODS: Using
      deterministic matching, we linked nulliparous women from the North Carolina
      Detailed Birth Record to subsequent births. We employed statistical and
      simulation-based analyses to estimate first birth outcome rate differences
      between nulliparous women who did have a subsequent live birth vs. those who did
      not. Our Markov simulations focused on preterm birth (PTB). RESULTS: Among
      nulliparous women who were not linked to a second birth, maternal age-adjusted
      rates of multiple adverse outcomes were all statistically higher compared with
      rates for linked women. These results also held in race/ethnicity-specific
      analyses. Simulations found that the relative risk of PTB associated with a
      history of PTB was underestimated if some women who would have been at risk for
      PTB did not experience a second birth. CONCLUSIONS: The observed differences in
      rates of adverse outcomes between nulliparous and multiparous women are partly
      attributable to higher-risk women not having a subsequent live birth, either by
      choice or due to fecundity differences.

PMID- 22043096
TI  - Breast and cervical cancer screening patterns among American Indian women at IHS
      clinics in Montana and Wyoming.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We investigated factors associated with primary and secondary breast
      and cervical cancer screening among American Indian (AI) women receiving care
      from the Indian Health Service (IHS) in Montana and Wyoming. METHODS: Rates of
      primary screening (i.e., screening without evidence of a prior abnormal) and
      secondary screening during a three-year period (2004-2006) were determined in an
      age- and clinic-stratified random sample of 1,094 women at six IHS units through
      medical record review. RESULTS: Three-year mammography prevalence rates among AI
      women aged >=45 years were 37.7% (95% confidence interval [CI] 34.1, 41.3) for
      primary and 58.7% (95% CI 43.9, 73.5) for secondary screening. Among women aged
      >=18 years, three-year Pap test prevalence rates were 37.8% (95% CI 34.9, 40.6)
      for primary and 53.2% (95% CI 46.0, 60.4) for secondary screening. Primary
      mammography screening was positively associated with number of visits and
      receiving care at an IHS hospital (both p<0.001). Primary Pap test screening was
      inversely associated with age and positively associated with the number of
      patient visits (both p<0.001). Secondary mammography screening was inversely
      associated with driving distance to an IHS facility (p=0.035). CONCLUSION: Our
      results are consistent with other surveys among AI women, which report that
      Healthy People 2010 goals for breast (90%) and cervical (70%) cancer screening
      have not been met. Improvements in breast and cervical cancer screening among AI
      women attending IHS facilities are needed.

PMID- 22043097
TI  - Changing trends in viral hepatitis-associated hospitalizations in the American
      Indian/Alaska Native population, 1995-2007.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We described the changing epidemiology of viral hepatitis among the
      American Indian/Alaska Native (AI/AN) population that uses Indian Health Service
      (IHS) health care. METHODS: We used hospital discharge data from the IHS National
      Patient Information Reporting System to determine rates of hepatitis A-, B-, and
      C-associated hospitalization among AI/ANs using IHS health care from 1995-2007
      and summary periods 1995-1997 and 2005-2007. RESULTS: Hepatitis A-associated
      hospitalization rates among AI/AN people decreased from 4.9 per 100,000
      population during 1995-1997 to 0.8 per 100,000 population during 2005-2007 (risk
      ratio [RR] = 0.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.1, 0.2). While there was no
      significant change in the overall hepatitis B-associated hospitalization rate
      between time periods, the average annual rate in people aged 45-64 years
      increased by 109% (RR=2.1, 95% CI 1.4, 3.2). Between the two time periods, the
      hepatitis C-associated hospitalization rate rose from 13.0 to 55.0 per 100,000
      population (RR=4.2, 95% CI 3.8, 4.7), an increase of 323%. The hepatitis C
      associated hospitalization rate was highest among people aged 45-64 years, males,
      and those in the Alaska region. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatitis A has decreased to near
      eradication levels among the AI/AN population using IHS health care. Hepatitis C
      associated hospitalizations increased significantly; however, there was no
      significant change in hepatitis B-associated hospitalizations. Emphasis should be
      placed on continued universal childhood and adolescent hepatitis B vaccination
      and improved vaccination of high-risk adults. Prevention and education efforts
      should focus on decreasing hepatitis C risk behaviors and identifying people with
      hepatitis C infection so they may be referred for treatment.

PMID- 22043098
TI  - Smoke-free laws, gender, and reduction in hospitalizations for acute myocardial
      infarction.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We examined gender differences in the incidence of acute myocardial
      infarction (AMI) after the passage of a smoke-free law in Lexington, Kentucky.
      The initial legislation had exemptions not covering manufacturing facilities and
      government buildings, which may have put men at greater risk for AMI. METHODS: We
      examined the effect of Lexington's smoke-free public places law on
      hospitalizations for AMI (i.e., heart attack) among men and women 40 months prior
      to and 32 months after enactment of the law. We used the statewide administrative
      database (Comp Data) for all hospital billing records for the four health-care
      systems in Lexington-Fayette County. Cases were included in the analysis if (1)
      the patient was $35 years of age; (2) the patient had a primary discharge
      diagnosis of AMI, with an International Classification of Diseases, Ninth
      Revision code in the range of 410.00 to 410.99; and (3) the date of service was
      between January 1, 2001, and December 31, 2006. RESULTS: Among women, AMI
      hospitalizations declined 23% after the law took effect. The rate of AMI events
      among men did not change significantly. There was an overrepresentation of women
      in the hospitality industry and a disproportionate number of men working in
      manufacturing facilities and government worksites not mandated by the law.
      CONCLUSIONS: We found gender differences in the reduction of AMI hospitalizations
      following implementation of a smoke-free law that covered only some sectors of
      the workforce. Enacting smoke-free laws that cover all places of employment and
      strengthening existing partial laws may extend protection against AMIs to female
      and male workers.

PMID- 22043100
TI  - Wild mushroom exposures in Florida, 2003-2007.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Exposure to wild mushrooms can lead to serious illness and death.
      However, there is little information on the epidemiology of mushroom exposures
      nationwide, as there is no specific surveillance for this outcome. We described
      mushroom exposures in Florida using available data sources. METHODS: We performed
      a population-based study of mushroom exposure calls to the Florida Poison
      Information Center Network (FPICN) and cases of mushroom poisoning reported in
      hospital inpatient and emergency department (ED) data from 2003 through 2007.
      RESULTS: There were 1,538 unduplicated mushroom exposures reported during this
      period, including 1,355 exposure calls and 428 poisoning cases. Most exposures
      reported to FPICN occurred in children <=6 years of age (45%) and males (64%),
      and most were unintentional ingestions (60%). Many exposures resulted in no
      effect (35%), although 21% reported mild symptoms that resolved rapidly, 23%
      reported prolonged/systemic (moderate) symptoms, and 1% reported life-threatening
      effects. Most calls occurred when in or en route to a health-care facility (43%).
      More than 71% of poisonings identified in hospital records were managed in an ED,
      and most occurred in young adults 16-25 years of age (49%), children <=6 years of
      age (21%), adults >25 years of age (21%), and males (70%). No deaths were
      reported. CONCLUSIONS: Combined, these data were useful for describing mushroom
      exposures. Most exposures occurred in males and in young children (<=6 years of
      age) and young adults (16-25 years of age), with 78% resulting in contact with a
      health-care facility. Education should target parents of young children
      especially during summer, when mushrooms are more abundant-and young adults who
      are likely experimenting with mushrooms for their potential hallucinogenic
      properties.

PMID- 22043099
TI  - Black-white differences in self-reported disability outcomes in the U.S.: early
      childhood to older adulthood.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We examined black-white differences in activities of daily living
      (ADLs), functional limitations (FLs), vision/hearing/sensory impairment, and
      memory/learning problems in a large, nationally representative sample of
      community-dwelling and institutionalized people across the lifespan. METHODS:
      Data are from the 2006 American Community Survey (n=2,288,800). We included data
      on non-Hispanic black respondents (125,985 males and 145,780 females) and non
      Hispanic white respondents (977,792 males and 1,039,243 females) >=5 years of
      age. We used logistic regression to examine the black-white odds for each
      disability outcome. The overall response rate was 97.5%. RESULTS: For FLs, ADL
      limitations, and memory/learning problems, black people experienced higher odds
      of disability across the adult lifespan compared with white people. Black-white
      differences narrowed in older age. For vision/hearing problems, a black-white
      crossover was found in older age (>=85 years), where odds of vision/hearing
      problems were lower among black people than among white people. For all
      disability outcomes, black-white differences peaked in midlife (50-69 years of
      age), with black people having approximately 1.5 to two times the odds of
      disabilities as their white peers. CONCLUSIONS: The study findings suggest the
      need to address black-white disparities across a range of disability outcomes
      throughout the lifespan. Future work identifying the factors accounting for this
      pattern of disparities will help inform the development of appropriate prevention
      strategies.

PMID- 22043101
TI  - Adverse respiratory symptoms and environmental exposures among children and
      adolescents following Hurricane Katrina.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Children and adolescents are especially vulnerable to environmental
      exposures and their respiratory effects. Following Hurricane Katrina in 2005,
      residents experienced multiple adverse environmental exposures. We characterized
      the association between upper respiratory symptoms (URS) and lower respiratory
      symptoms (LRS) and environmental exposures among children and adolescents
      affected by Hurricane Katrina. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study
      following the return of the population to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina
      (October 2005 and February 2006) among a convenience sample of children and
      adolescents attending New Orleans health facilities. We used uni-, bi-, and
      multivariable analyses to describe participants, exposures, and associations with
      URS/LRS. RESULTS: Of 1,243 participants, 47% were Caucasian, 50% were male, and
      72% were younger than 11 years of age. Multiple environmental exposures were
      identified during and after the storm and at current residences: roof/glass/storm
      damage (50%), outside mold (22%), dust (18%), and flood damage (15%). Self
      reported URS and LRS (76% and 36%, respectively) were higher after the hurricane
      than before the hurricane (22% and 9%, respectively, p<0.0001). Roof/glass/storm
      damage at home was associated with URS (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.59, 95%
      confidence interval [CI] = 1.15, 2.21) and LRS (AOR=1.35, 95% CI 1.01, 1.80),
      while mold growth at home was associated with LRS (AOR=1.47, 95% CI 1.02, 2.12).
      CONCLUSIONS: Children and adolescents affected by Hurricane Katrina experienced
      environmental exposures associated with increased prevalence of reported URS and
      LRS. Additional research is needed to investigate the long-term health impacts of
      Hurricane Katrina.

PMID- 22043102
TI  - Increased fall-related mortality rates in New Mexico, 1999-2005.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In 2000, fall injuries affected 30% of U.S. residents aged >=65 years
      and cost $19 billion. In 2005, New Mexico (NM) had the highest fall-related
      mortality rate in the United States. We described factors associated with these
      elevated fall-related mortality rates. METHODS: To better understand the
      epidemiology of fatal falls in NM, we used state and national (Web-based Injury
      Statistics Query and Reporting System) vital records data for 1999-2005 to
      identify unintentional falls that were the underlying cause of death. We
      calculated age-adjusted mortality rates, rate ratios (RRs), and 95% confidence
      intervals (CIs) by sex, ethnicity, race, and year. RESULTS: For 1999-2005
      combined, NM's fall-related mortality rate (11.7 per 100,000 population) was 2.1
      times higher than the U.S. rate (5.6 per 100,000 population). Elevated RRs
      persisted when stratified by sex (male RR=2.0, female RR=2.2), ethnicity
      (Hispanic RR=2.5, non-Hispanic RR=2.1), race (white RR=2.0, black RR=1.7,
      American Indian RR=2.3, and Asian American/Pacific Islander RR=3.1), and age
      (>=50 years RR=2.0, <50 years RR=1.2). Fall-related mortality rates began to
      increase exponentially at age 50 years, which was 15 years younger than the
      national trend. NM non-Hispanic individuals had the highest demographic-specific
      fall-related mortality rate (11.8 per 100,000 population, 95% CI 11.0, 12.5).
      NM's 69.5% increase in fall-related mortality rate was approximately twice the
      U.S. increase (31.9%); the increase among non-Hispanic people (86.2%) was twice
      that among Hispanic people (43.5%). CONCLUSIONS: NM's fall-related mortality rate
      was twice the U.S. rate; exhibited a greater increase than the U.S. rate; and
      persisted across sex, ethnicity, and race. Fall-related mortality
      disproportionately affects a relatively younger population in NM. Characterizing
      fall etiology will assist in the development of effective prevention measures.

PMID- 22043103
TI  - Veterinary public health capacity in the United States: opportunities for
      improvement.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: In 2006, the Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges
      reported that the shortage (>= 1,500) of public health veterinarians is expected
      to increase tenfold by 2020. In 2008, the Centers for Disease Control and
      Prevention (CDC) Preventive Medicine Fellows conducted a pilot project among CDC
      veterinarians to identify national veterinary public health workforce concerns
      and potential policy strategies. METHODS: Fellows surveyed a convenience sample
      (19/91) of public health veterinarians at CDC to identify veterinary workforce
      recruitment and retention problems faced by federal agencies; responses were
      categorized into themes. A focus group (20/91) of staff veterinarians
      subsequently prioritized the categorized themes from least to most important.
      Participants identified activities to address the three recruitment concerns with
      the highest combined weight. RESULTS: Participants identified the following three
      highest prioritized problems faced by federal agencies when recruiting
      veterinarians to public health: (1) lack of awareness of veterinarians'
      contributions to public health practice, (2) competitive salaries, and (3)
      employment and training opportunities. Similarly, key concerns identified
      regarding retention of public health practice veterinarians included: (1) lack of
      recognition of veterinary qualifications, (2) competitive salaries, and (3)
      seamless integration of veterinary and human public health. CONCLUSIONS: Findings
      identified multiple barriers that can affect recruitment and retention of
      veterinarians engaged in public health practice. Next steps should include
      replicating project efforts among a national sample of public health
      veterinarians. A committed and determined long-term effort might be required to
      sustain initiatives and policy proposals to increase U.S. veterinary public
      health capacity.

PMID- 22043105
TI  - Accountable care organizations.

PMID- 22043107
TI  - Incorporating tuberculosis content into public health core curricula: the TB
      curriculum development project.

PMID- 22043108
TI  - The relationship between local food sources and open space to body mass index in
      urban children.

PMID- 22043109
TI  - Manganese-based MRI contrast agents: past, present and future.
AB  - Paramagnetic and superparamagnetic metals are used as contrast materials for
      magnetic resonance (MR) based techniques. Lanthanide metal gadolinium (Gd) has
      been the most widely explored, predominant paramagnetic contrast agent until the
      discovery and association of the metal with nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF),
      a rare but serious side effects in patients with renal or kidney problems.
      Manganese was one of the earliest reported examples of paramagnetic contrast
      material for MRI because of its efficient positive contrast enhancement. In this
      review, manganese based contrast agent approaches are discussed with a particular
      emphasis on their synthetic approaches. Both small molecules based typical blood
      pool contrast agents and more recently developed novel nanometer sized materials
      are reviewed focusing on a number of successful molecular imaging examples.

PMID- 22043110
TI  - Hydrogen-bonding 2D metal-organic solids as highly robust and efficient
      heterogeneous green catalysts for Biginelli reaction.
AB  - Two new Zn(II) and Cd(II) MOFs have been synthesized. These MOFs have been
      applied as heterogeneous catalysts for the green synthesis of a variety of
      dihydropyrimidinone derivatives through the Biginelli reaction and the desired
      products were obtained in high yields with short reaction time under mild solvent
      free conditions. Moreover, the MOF catalysts may be readily recovered after the
      reaction and reused for many cycles.

PMID- 22043111
TI  - Genetic underpinnings of obstructive sleep apnea: are we making progress?

PMID- 22043112
TI  - Searching for the missing heritability.

PMID- 22043113
TI  - Back to the future or forward to the past?

PMID- 22043114
TI  - Are short bad sleep nights a hindrance to a healthy heart?

PMID- 22043115
TI  - Toward a multi-level approach to CPAP adherence.

PMID- 22043116
TI  - A review of genetic association studies of obstructive sleep apnea: field
      synopsis and meta-analysis.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVES: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a multifactorial disorder with
      a heritable component. We performed a field synopsis of genetic association
      studies of OSA to synthesize the available evidence. DESIGN: Systematic
      literature review and meta-analysis. SETTING: Genetic association studies.
      PATIENTS OR PARTICIPANTS: We searched multiple databases to identify studies of
      non-HLA genetic associations in OSA. We assessed the power of the primary studies
      to identify odds ratios (OR) in a plausible range and performed random effects
      meta-analyses for genetic associations investigated by at least 3 studies. We
      explored the consistency of the findings between population- and family-based
      studies. INTERVENTIONS: None MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: We identified a total of
      31 population-based case-control studies reporting allele-frequency data on 48
      polymorphism-OSA associations. Sample sizes were generally small (median number
      of cases = 102, 25th-75th percentile = 55-151; median number of controls = 79,
      25th-75th percentile = 58-137), and genetic effects were moderate in magnitude
      (median OR = 1.15, 25th-75th percentile = 0.89-1.40). Studies were severely
      underpowered to detect ORs as high as 2; only eight comparisons (in 6 studies)
      had more than 90% power to identify a genetic effect of that magnitude at its
      current sample size. Four genetic associations had been investigated in >= 3
      studies: TNFA (-308 A/G) rs1800629, ACE I/D, APOE epsilon2, and APOE epsilon4.
      Only TNFA rs1800629 was significantly associated with OSA under an allele
      frequency model (3 studies, odds ratio [OR] = 1.82, 95% confidence interval [CI]
      1.26-2.61). These results were robust to alternative genetic models; findings for
      APOE variants were consistent with those from family-based studies. CONCLUSIONS:
      The developing field of OSA genetics is currently dominated by small and
      underpowered investigations. Promising findings regarding TNFA rs1800629 need to
      be replicated in larger studies using more comprehensive genotyping methods.

PMID- 22043117
TI  - Identification of causal genes, networks, and transcriptional regulators of REM
      sleep and wake.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVE: Sleep-wake traits are well-known to be under substantial genetic
      control, but the specific genes and gene networks underlying primary sleep-wake
      traits have largely eluded identification using conventional approaches,
      especially in mammals. Thus, the aim of this study was to use systems genetics
      and statistical approaches to uncover the genetic networks underlying 2 primary
      sleep traits in the mouse: 24-h duration of REM sleep and wake. DESIGN: Genome
      wide RNA expression data from 3 tissues (anterior cortex, hypothalamus,
      thalamus/midbrain) were used in conjunction with high-density genotyping to
      identify candidate causal genes and networks mediating the effects of 2 QTL
      regulating the 24-h duration of REM sleep and one regulating the 24-h duration of
      wake. SETTING: Basic sleep research laboratory. PATIENTS OR PARTICIPANTS: Male
      [C57BL/6J * (BALB/cByJ * C57BL/6J*) F1] N(2) mice (n = 283). INTERVENTIONS: None.
      MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: The genetic variation of a mouse N2 mapping cross was
      leveraged against sleep-state phenotypic variation as well as quantitative gene
      expression measurement in key brain regions using integrative genomics approaches
      to uncover multiple causal sleep-state regulatory genes, including several
      surprising novel candidates, which interact as components of networks that
      modulate REM sleep and wake. In particular, it was discovered that a core network
      module, consisting of 20 genes, involved in the regulation of REM sleep duration
      is conserved across the cortex, hypothalamus, and thalamus. A novel application
      of a formal causal inference test was also used to identify those genes directly
      regulating sleep via control of expression. CONCLUSION: Systems genetics
      approaches reveal novel candidate genes, complex networks and specific
      transcriptional regulators of REM sleep and wake duration in mammals.

PMID- 22043118
TI  - Treating obstructive sleep apnea with hypoglossal nerve stimulation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Reduced upper airway muscle activity during sleep is fundamental to
      obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) pathogenesis. Hypoglossal nerve stimulation (HGNS)
      counteracts this problem, with potential to reduce OSA severity. STUDY
      OBJECTIVES: To examine safety and efficacy of a novel HGNS system (HGNS, Apnex
      Medical, Inc.) in treating OSA. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-one patients, 67% male, age
      (mean +/- SD) 53.6 +/- 9.2 years, with moderate to severe OSA and unable to
      tolerate continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). DESIGN: Each participant
      underwent surgical implantation of the HGNS system in a prospective single-arm
      interventional trial. OSA severity was defined by apnea-hypopnea index (AHI)
      during in-laboratory polysomnography (PSG) at baseline and 3 and 6 months post
      implant. Therapy compliance was assessed by nightly hours of use. Symptoms were
      assessed using the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Functional Outcomes of Sleep
      Questionnaire (FOSQ), Calgary Sleep Apnea Quality of Life Index (SAQLI), and the
      Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). RESULTS: HGNS was used on 89% +/- 15% of nights
      (n = 21). On these nights, it was used for 5.8 +/- 1.6 h per night. Nineteen of
      21 participants had baseline and 6-month PSGs. There was a significant
      improvement (all P < 0.05) from baseline to 6 months in: AHI (43.1 +/- 17.5 to
      19.5 +/- 16.7), ESS (12.1 +/- 4.7 to 8.1 +/- 4.4), FOSQ (14.4 +/- 2.0 to 16.7 +/-
      2.2), SAQLI (3.2 +/- 1.0 to 4.9 +/- 1.3), and BDI (15.8 +/- 9.0 to 9.7 +/- 7.6).
      Two serious device-related adverse events occurred: an infection requiring device
      removal and a stimulation lead cuff dislodgement requiring replacement.
      CONCLUSIONS: HGNS demonstrated favorable safety, efficacy, and compliance.
      Participants experienced a significant decrease in OSA severity and OSA
      associated symptoms. CLINICAL TRIAL INFORMATION: NAME: Australian Clinical Study
      of the Apnex Medical HGNS System to Treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea. REGISTRATION
      NUMBER: NCT01186926. URL: http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01186926.

PMID- 22043119
TI  - Sleep duration and sleep quality in relation to 12-year cardiovascular disease
      incidence: the MORGEN study.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVES: We studied sleep duration and sleep quality in relation to
      cardiovascular disease (CVD) incidence. DESIGN/SETTING: Dutch population-based
      cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: 20,432 men and women aged 20-65 and with no history
      of CVD. INTERVENTIONS: N/A. MEASUREMENTS: Sleep duration and sleep quality were
      assessed by a self-administered questionnaire. Morbidity data, vital status, and
      causes of death were obtained through linkage with several national registries.
      Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated using
      Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS: During 10-15 years of follow-up, 1,486
      CVD and 1,148 coronary heart disease (CHD) events occurred. Short sleepers (<= 6
      h) had a 15% higher risk of total CVD (HR: 1.15; 95%CI: 1.00-1.32) and a 23%
      higher risk of CHD (HR: 1.23 [1.04-1.45]) compared to normal sleepers (7 h) after
      adjustment for all confounders. Additional adjustment for intermediate biological
      risk factors attenuated these relative risks to 1.11 (0.97-1.27) for total CVD
      and to 1.19 (1.00-1.40) for CHD. Short sleepers with poor sleep quality had a 63%
      higher risk of CVD (HR: 1.63 [1.21-2.19]) and a 79% higher risk of CHD incidence
      (HR: 1.79 [1.24-2.58]) compared to normal sleepers with good sleep quality, after
      adjustments for all confounders. We observed no associations between long sleep
      duration (>= 9 h) and CVD or CHD incidence. CONCLUSIONS: Short sleepers,
      especially those with poor sleep quality, have an increased risk of total CVD and
      CHD incidence. Future investigations should not only focus on sleep duration, but
      should also take sleep quality into account.

PMID- 22043120
TI  - Poor sleep quality is associated with preterm birth.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVES: Preterm birth (PTB) is a major public health priority and the
      most common adverse pregnancy outcome. Several risk factors have been identified,
      but a gap in the understanding of the underlying etiology of PTB persists. Poor
      sleep quality is a correlate of adverse health outcomes. Therefore, we evaluated
      whether sleep quality during pregnancy was a clinically relevant risk factor for
      PTB. DESIGN: Observational. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Participants included 166
      pregnant women (mean age = 28.6 +/- 5.5 years). Self-report questionnaires,
      including the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), were administered at 14-16,
      24-26, and 30-32 weeks gestation. Logistic regression models were used to
      evaluate whether sleep quality was associated with preterm delivery. Poor sleep
      quality was a predictor of preterm birth, with the largest effects in early
      pregnancy (14-16 weeks) (OR: 1.25 95% CI [1.04-1.50], P = 0.02) and more modest
      effects in later pregnancy (30-32 weeks) (OR: 1.18 95% CI [0.98-1.42], P = 0.07).
      With every one-point increase on the PSQI, the odds of preterm birth increase 25%
      in early pregnancy and 18% in later pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: Poor sleep quality,
      in both early and late pregnancy, is associated with an increased risk of
      delivering preterm. Currently the specific pathway(s) through which disturbed
      sleep contributes to PTB are unknown. We suggest that poor sleep may contribute
      to increased risk for PTB both independently, as well as in conjunction with
      other established risk factors, such as stress.

PMID- 22043121
TI  - Poor sleep quality predicts deficient emotion information processing over time in
      early adolescence.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVES: There is deepening understanding of the effects of sleep on
      emotional information processing. Emotion information processing is a key aspect
      of social competence, which undergoes important maturational and developmental
      changes in adolescence; however, most research in this area has focused on
      adults. Our aim was to test the links between sleep and emotion information
      processing during early adolescence. DESIGN: Sleep and facial information
      processing were assessed objectively during 3 assessment waves, separated by 1
      year lags. SETTING: Data were obtained in natural environments-sleep was assessed
      in home settings, and facial information processing was assessed at school.
      PARTICIPANTS: 94 healthy children (53 girls, 41 boys), aged 10 years at Time 1.
      INTERVENTIONS: N/A. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Facial information processing was
      tested under neutral (gender identification) and emotional (emotional expression
      identification) conditions. Sleep was assessed in home settings using actigraphy
      for 7 nights at each assessment wave. Waking > 5 min was considered a night
      awakening. Using multilevel modeling, elevated night awakenings and decreased
      sleep efficiency significantly predicted poor performance only in the emotional
      information processing condition (e.g., b = -1.79, SD = 0.52, confidence
      interval: lower boundary = -2.82, upper boundary = -0.076, t(416.94) = -3.42, P =
      0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Poor sleep quality is associated with compromised emotional
      information processing during early adolescence, a sensitive period in socio
      emotional development.

PMID- 22043122
TI  - The Childhood Adenotonsillectomy Trial (CHAT): rationale, design, and challenges
      of a randomized controlled trial evaluating a standard surgical procedure in a
      pediatric population.
AB  - Each year, over 500,000 adenotonsillectomies (AT), mostly for the treatment of
      pediatric obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are performed in the US in children under
      15 years of age. No definitive study, however, has been yet conducted that has
      rigorously evaluated the effectiveness of AT for not only improving sleep
      disordered breathing, but also for improving clinically relevant outcomes, such
      as neurocognitive function, behavior, and quality of life. The Childhood
      Adenotonsillectomy Trial (CHAT) was designed to assess neuropsychological and
      health outcomes in children randomized to receive early AT (eAT) as compared to
      Watchful Waiting with Supportive Care (WWSC). Important secondary goals of the
      study are to evaluate outcomes in subgroups defined by obesity and race. This
      paper addresses key elements in the design and implementation of a controlled
      trial for a widely used "standard practice" surgical intervention in a pediatric
      population, that include establishment of standardized data collection procedures
      across sites for a wide variety of data types, establishment of equipoise, and
      approaches for minimizing unblinding of selected key personnel. The study
      framework that was established should provide a useful template for other
      pediatric controlled studies or other studies that evaluate surgical
      interventions.

PMID- 22043123
TI  - Loneliness is associated with sleep fragmentation in a communal society.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVE: Loneliness has been shown to predict poor health. One
      hypothesized mechanism is that lonely individuals do not sleep as well as
      individuals who feel more connected to others. Our goal was to test whether
      loneliness is associated with sleep fragmentation or sleep duration. DESIGN:
      Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Members of a traditional, communal, agrarian
      society living in South Dakota. PARTICIPANTS: Ninety-five participants (mean age
      39.8 years, 55% female) who were >= 19 years of age at the study's inception.
      INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: We conducted interviews
      querying loneliness, depression, anxiety, and stress, as well as subjective sleep
      quality and daytime sleepiness. Study participants wore a wrist actigraph for one
      week to measure objective sleep properties; the two studied here were sleep
      fragmentation and sleep duration. Higher loneliness scores were associated with
      significantly higher levels of sleep fragmentation (beta = 0.073, t = 2.55, P =
      0.01), controlling for age, sex, body mass index, risk of sleep apnea, and
      negative affect (a factor comprising symptoms of depression and anxiety, and
      perceived stress). Loneliness was not associated with sleep duration or with
      either subjective sleep measure. CONCLUSIONS: Loneliness was a significant
      predictor of sleep fragmentation. Humans' social nature may partly be manifest
      through our dependence on feeling secure in our social environment to sleep well.

PMID- 22043124
TI  - State-dependent changes in cortical gain control as measured by auditory evoked
      responses to varying intensity stimuli.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVES: Auditory evoked potential (AEP) components correspond to
      sequential activation of brain structures within the auditory pathway and reveal
      neural activity during sensory processing. To investigate state-dependent
      modulation of stimulus intensity response profiles within different brain
      structures, we assessed AEP components across both stimulus intensity and state.
      DESIGN: We implanted adult female Sprague-Dawley rats (N = 6) with electrodes to
      measure EEG, EKG, and EMG. Intermittent auditory stimuli (6-12 s) varying from 50
      to 75 dBa were delivered over a 24-h period. Data were parsed into 2-s epochs and
      scored for wake/sleep state. RESULTS: All AEP components increased in amplitude
      with increased stimulus intensity during wake. During quiet sleep, however, only
      the early latency response (ELR) showed this relationship, while the middle
      latency response (MLR) increased at the highest 75 dBa intensity, and the late
      latency response (LLR) showed no significant change across the stimulus
      intensities tested. During rapid eye movement sleep (REM), both ELR and LLR
      increased, similar to wake, but MLR was severely attenuated. CONCLUSIONS:
      Stimulation intensity and the corresponding AEP response profile were dependent
      on both brain structure and sleep state. Lower brain structures maintained
      stimulus intensity and neural response relationships during sleep. This
      relationship was not observed in the cortex, implying state-dependent
      modification of stimulus intensity coding. Since AEP amplitude is not modulated
      by stimulus intensity during sleep, differences between paired 75/50 dBa stimuli
      could be used to determine state better than individual intensities.

PMID- 22043125
TI  - Antagonizing corticotropin-releasing factor in the central nucleus of the
      amygdala attenuates fear-induced reductions in sleep but not freezing.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVES: Contextual fear is followed by significant reductions in rapid
      eye movement sleep (REM) that are regulated by the central nucleus of the
      amygdala (CNA). Corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) plays a major role in
      regulating the stress response as well as arousal, and CRF in CNA is implicated
      in stress-related behavior. To test the hypothesis that CRF regulation of CNA is
      involved in fear-induced alterations in REM, we determined the effects of
      microinjections into CNA of the CRF1 antagonist, antalarmin (ANT) on fear-induced
      reductions in REM. We also evaluated c-Fos activation in the hypothalamic
      paraventricular nucleus (PVN), locus coeruleus (LC), and dorsal raphe nucleus
      (DRN) to determine whether activation of these regions was consistent with their
      roles in regulating stress and in the control of REM. DESIGN: On separate days,
      rats were subjected to baseline and 2 shock training sessions (S1 and S2). Five
      days later, the rats received bilateral microinjections of ANT (4.8 mM) or
      vehicle (VEH) prior to exposure to the fearful context. Sleep was recorded for 20
      h in each condition. Freezing was assessed during S1, S2, and context. Separate
      groups of rats received identical training and microinjections or handling
      control (HC) only, but were sacrificed 2 h after context exposure to assess c-Fos
      expression. SETTING: NA. PATIENTS OR PARTICIPANTS: NA. INTERVENTIONS: NA.
      MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Compared to baseline, S1 and S2 significantly reduced
      REM. Exposure to the fearful context reduced REM in VEH treated rats, whereas REM
      in ANT treated rats did not differ from baseline. ANT did not significantly alter
      freezing. Fear-induced c-Fos expression was decreased in PVN and LC after ANT
      compared to VEH. CONCLUSIONS: The results demonstrate that CRF receptors in CNA
      are involved in fear-induced reductions in REM and neural activation (as
      indicated by c-Fos) in stress and REM regulatory regions, but not in fear-induced
      freezing.

PMID- 22043126
TI  - Sleep-stage dynamics in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome with or without
      fibromyalgia.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVES: Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and fibromyalgia (FM) are
      medically unexplained conditions that often have overlapping symptoms, including
      sleep-related complaints. However, differences between the 2 conditions have been
      reported, and we hypothesized that dynamic aspects of sleep would be different in
      the 2 groups of patients. PARTICIPANTS: Subjects were 26 healthy control
      subjects, 14 patients with CFS but without FM (CFS alone), and 12 patients with
      CFS and FM (CFS+FM)-all women. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: We studied transition
      probabilities and rates between sleep stages (waking, rapid eye movement [REM]
      sleep, stage 1 [S1], stage 2 [S2], and slow-wave sleep [SWS]) and duration
      distributions of each sleep stage. We found that the probability of transition
      from REM sleep to waking was significantly greater in subjects with CFS alone
      than in control subjects, which may be the specific sleep problem for people with
      CFS alone. Probabilities of (a) transitions from waking, REM sleep, and S1 to S2
      and (b) those from SWS to waking and S1 were significantly greater in subjects
      with CFS+FM than in control subjects; in addition, rates of these transitions
      were also significantly increased in subjects with CFS+FM. Result (a) might
      indicate increased sleep pressure in subjects with CFS+FM whereas result (b) may
      be the specific sleep problem of subjects with CFS+FM. We also found that shorter
      durations of S2 sleep are specific to patients with CFS+FM, not to CFS alone.
      CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that CFS and FM may be different illnesses
      associated with different problems of sleep regulation.

PMID- 22043127
TI  - Evaluation of the association of menopausal status with delta and beta EEG
      activity during sleep.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVES: Women report increasing sleep difficulties during menopause,
      but polysomnographic measures do not detect sleep disturbances. We examined
      whether two spectral analysis sleep measures, delta and beta power, were related
      to menopausal status. DESIGN: The Study of Women's Health Across the Nation
      (SWAN) Sleep Study compared cross-sectionally spectral sleep measures in women in
      different stages of menopause. SETTING: Sleep EEG was recorded in the
      participants' homes with ambulatory recorders. PARTICIPANTS: A multi-ethnic
      cohort of premenopausal and early perimenopausal (n = 189), late perimenopausal
      (n = 73), and postmenopausal (n = 59) women. MEASUREMENTS: EEG power in the delta
      and beta frequency bands was calculated for all night NREM and all night REM
      sleep. Physical, medical, psychological, and socioeconomic data were collected
      from questionnaires and diaries. RESULTS: Beta EEG power in NREM and REM sleep in
      late perimenopausal and postmenopausal women exceeded that in pre- and early
      perimenopausal women. Neither all night delta power nor the trend in delta power
      across the night differed by menopausal status. In a multivariate model that
      controlled for the physical, demographic, behavioral, psychological, and health
      related changes that accompany menopause, beta power in both NREM and REM sleep
      EEG was significantly related to menopausal status. The frequency of hot flashes
      explained part but not all of the relation of beta power to menopausal status.
      CONCLUSIONS: Elevated beta EEG power in late perimenopausal and postmenopausal
      women provides an objective measure of disturbed sleep quality in these women.
      Elevated beta EEG activity suggests that arousal level during sleep is higher in
      these women.

PMID- 22043129
TI  - Self-reported sleep duration and time in bed as predictors of physical function
      decline: results from the InCHIANTI study.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVES: To characterize elderly persons into sleep/rest groups based on
      their self-reported habitual total sleeping time (TST) and habitual time in bed
      (TIB) and to examine the prospective association between sleep/rest behavior on
      physical function decline. DESIGN: Population-based InCHIANTI study with 6 years
      follow-up (Tuscany, Italy). SETTING: Community. PARTICIPANTS: Men and women aged
      >= 65 years (n = 751). MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: At baseline, participants were
      categorized into 5 sleep/rest behavior groups according to their self-reported
      TST and TIB, computed from bedtime and wake-up time. Physical function was
      assessed at baseline and at 3- and 6-year follow-ups as walking speed, the Short
      Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and self-reported mobility disability
      (ability to walk 400 m or climb one flight of stairs). Both long (>= 9 h) TST and
      long TIB predicted accelerated decline in objectively measured physical
      performance and greater incidence in subjectively assessed mobility disability,
      but short (<= 6 h) TST did not. After combining TST and TIB, long sleepers (TST
      and TIB >= 9 h) experienced the greatest decline in physical performance and had
      the highest risk for incident mobility disability in comparison to mid-range
      sleepers with 7-8 h TST and TIB. Subjective short sleepers reporting short (<= 6
      h) TST but long (>= 9 h) TIB showed a greater decline in SPPB score and had a
      higher risk of incident mobility disability than true short sleepers with short
      (<= 6 h) TST and TIB <= 8 hours. CONCLUSIONS: Extended time in bed as well as
      long total sleeping time is associated with greater physical function decline
      than mid-range or short sleep. TIB offers important additive information to the
      self-reported sleep duration when evaluating the consequences of sleep duration
      on health and functional status.

PMID- 22043128
TI  - Quantification of the fragmentation of rest-activity patterns in elderly
      individuals using a state transition analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Recent interest in the temporal dynamics of behavioral states has
      spurred the development of analytical approaches for their quantification.
      Several analytical approaches for polysomnographic data have been described.
      However, polysomnography is cumbersome, perturbs behavior, and is limited to
      short recordings. Although less physiologically comprehensive than
      polysomnography, actigraphy is nonintrusive, amenable to long recordings, and
      suited to use in subjects' natural environments, and provides an indirect measure
      of behavioral state. We developed a probabilistic state transition model to
      quantify the fragmentation of human rest-activity patterns from actigraphic data.
      We then applied this to the study of the temporal dynamics of rest-activity
      patterns in older individuals. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SETTING: Community-based.
      PARTICIPANTS: 621 community-dwelling individuals without dementia participating
      in the Rush Memory and Aging Project. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: We analyzed
      actigraphic data collected for up to 11 days. We processed each record to give a
      series of transitions between the states of rest and activity, calculated the
      probabilities of such transitions, and described their evolution as a function of
      time. From these analyses, we derived metrics of the fragmentation of rest or
      activity at scales of seconds to minutes. Regression modeling of the relationship
      of these metrics with clinical variables revealed significant associations with
      age, even after adjusting for sex, body mass index, and a broad range of medical
      comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS: Probabilistic analyses of the transition dynamics of
      rest-activity data provide a high-throughput, automated, quantitative, and
      noninvasive method of assessing the fragmentation of behavioral states suitable
      for large scale human and animal studies; these methods reveal age-associated
      changes in the fragmentation of rest-activity patterns akin to those described
      using polysomnographic methods.

PMID- 22043130
TI  - Ethnic disparities in CPAP adherence in New Zealand: effects of socioeconomic
      status, health literacy and self-efficacy.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVES: We aimed to investigate the influence of ethnicity on adherence
      with continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in a sample of New Zealand
      patients. DESIGN: Observational study over one month. SETTING: A university-based
      sleep laboratory. PATIENTS: 126 consecutively consenting CPAP-naive patients
      (19.8% Maori, mean+/-SD apnea-hypopnea index 57.9 +/- 38.9 events/h, CPAP 11.1 +/
      3.1 cm H2O). INTERVENTIONS: Patients underwent a 4-week supervised home trial of
      CPAP following pressure titration. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS: Self-identified
      ethnicity (Maori/non-Maori), Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Self-Efficacy Measure for
      Sleep Apnea, Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine, New Zealand
      Deprivation Index (calculated from residential address), New Zealand Individual
      Deprivation Index (validated 8-item questionnaire), educational history, income,
      and employment assessed at baseline were compared to objective CPAP adherence
      after one month. Maori demonstrated significantly lower usage than non-Maori
      (median 5.11, interquartile range 2.24 h/night compared with median 5.71,
      interquartile range 2.61 h/night, P = 0.05). There were no significant
      relationships between adherence and subjective sleepiness, health literacy, or
      self-efficacy. In a multivariate logistic regression model incorporating 5
      variables (ethnicity, eligibility for government-subsidized healthcare,
      individual deprivation scores, income, and education), non-completion of tertiary
      education, and high individual socioeconomic deprivation remained significant
      independent predictors of average CPAP adherence not reaching >= 4 h (odds ratio
      0.25, 95% CI 0.08-0.83, P = 0.02; odds ratio 0.10, 95% CI 0.02-0.86, P = 0.04,
      respectively). The overall model explained approximately 23% of the variance in
      adherence. CONCLUSIONS: The disparity in CPAP adherence demonstrated between
      Maori and non-Maori can be explained in part by lower education levels and
      socioeconomic status.

PMID- 22043131
TI  - Increased aortic root size is associated with nocturnal hypoxia and diastolic
      blood pressure in obstructive sleep apnea.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVES: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is known as a major
      cardiovascular risk factor, and high prevalence of OSA has been reported in
      patients with thoracic aortic dissection. The aim of our study was to assess the
      relationship between OSA, its vascular consequences, and aortic root size.
      DESIGN/PATIENTS: 156 newly diagnosed apneic patients free of cardiovascular
      disease and medication were included. Patients underwent cardiac ultrasound for
      measuring aortic root diameter, polysomnography, office and 24-h ambulatory blood
      pressure (BP) measurements, baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), and arterial stiffness
      evaluation by carotid-to-femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV). MEASUREMENTS AND
      RESULTS: In univariate analysis, greater aortic root size was associated with
      older age (P = 0.03) and severity of OSA as expressed by mean nocturnal oxygen
      saturation (SpO2) (P = 0.015). Moreover, greater aortic root size was associated
      with higher diastolic BP, measured both clinically (P = 0.0005) or by 24-h
      ambulatory BP monitoring (P = 0.02), and PWV (P = 0.03). Mean nocturnal SpO(2)
      was correlated with BRS (P = 0.0008), thus potentially influencing BP values and
      arterial stiffness. In multivariate stepwise regression analysis, diastolic BP
      was the only significant factor for aortic root size (P = 0.0003). CONCLUSIONS:
      In OSA patients, nocturnal hypoxemia decreased BRS and increased diastolic BP,
      which was the main factor influencing aortic root size.

PMID- 22043133
TI  - VALUES AND LIMITATIONS OF STATISTICAL MODELS.
AB  - Methodological consequences of population heterogeneity for the sequential logit
      model in studies of education transitions are now well understood. There are two
      main mechanisms by which heterogeneity may cause biases to parameter estimates in
      sequential logit models: outcome incommensurability and population
      incommensurability. These methodological problems are intrinsic to the
      substantive research question and thus are not easily remediable with better
      statistical models. All statistical solutions require extra information in the
      form of additional data or additional assumptions. In some settings, the
      researcher may explicitly introduce a form of heterogeneity into the sequential
      logit model and then evaluate the model. In other settings, the researcher may
      wish to stay with the conventional sequential logit model and interpret the
      results descriptively.

PMID- 22043134
TI  - Tracking Passive Sentence Comprehension in Agrammatic Aphasia.
AB  - People with agrammatic aphasia often experience greater difficulty comprehending
      passive compared to active sentences. The Trace Deletion Hypothesis (TDH;
      Grodzinsky, 2000) proposes that aphasic individuals cannot generate accurate
      syntactic representations of passive sentences and, hence, use an agent-first
      processing strategy which leads to at-chance performance. We tested this claim
      using the eyetracking-while-listening paradigm in order to reveal online
      processing routines. Ten agrammatic aphasic participants and 10 age-matched
      controls listened to passive and active sentences and performed a sentence
      picture matching task (i.e., selecting between two pictures with reversed
      thematic roles), while their eye movements were monitored. Control participants'
      performance was at ceiling, whereas accuracy for the aphasic participants was
      above chance for active sentences and at chance for passive sentences. Further,
      for the control participants, the eye movement data showed an initial agent-first
      processing bias, followed by fixation on the correct picture in the vicinity of
      the verb in both active and passive sentences. However, the aphasic participants
      showed no evidence of agent-first processing, counter the predictions of the TDH.
      In addition, in active sentences, they reliably fixated the correct picture only
      at sentence offset, reflecting slowed processing. During passive sentence
      processing, fixations were at chance throughout the sentence, but different
      patterns were noted for correct and incorrect trials. These results are
      consistent with the proposal that agrammatic sentence comprehension failure
      involves lexical processing and/or lexical integration deficits.

PMID- 22043135
TI  - Study yourself too.

PMID- 22043136
TI  - Baby boy blue - why is this newborn lethargic?

PMID- 22043137
TI  - The need for public involvement when operating a regionalized neonatal care
      system at maximum capacity.

PMID- 22043138
TI  - Case 1: A not-so-routine case of fever for five days.

PMID- 22043139
TI  - Case 2: Where have all the white cells gone?

PMID- 22043140
TI  - Deformity of the tongue in an infant: Riga-Fede disease.
AB  - Riga-Fede is the rare condition of benign ulceration caused by repetitive trauma
      to the lingual tissues by the teeth in children younger than two years of age.
      The differential diagnosis includes infective and neoplastic conditions.
      Histological diagnosis is required when the symptoms fail to resolve with
      standard management. The case involving an 11-month-old girl who presented with
      ulceration of the tongue, resulting in a reasonable defect of the tongue tip, is
      reported in the present article. Following excisional biopsy, the lesion healed
      without subsequent recurrence. Riga-Fede disease should be considered in infants
      presenting with oral ulceration. Extraction of the offending teeth should be
      considered when associated with failure to thrive or failed conservative
      management.

PMID- 22043141
TI  - Development of an integrated child health information system for children who are
      deaf or hard of hearing.
AB  - Young children who are deaf or hard of hearing typically participate in health
      and early intervention service structures involving multiple agencies and service
      providers, all of whom may be responsive to a child's and family's needs, but
      remain mutually distinct with minimal interdependence. Lack of coordination may
      result in fragmented service delivery and may be counterproductive to the
      provision of family centred services. Increasingly, advancements in technology,
      such as the development of integrated child health information systems, have
      facilitated greater coordination and integration of service delivery in
      multidisciplinary and multisite program contexts. In the present article, the
      process of developing an integrated child health information system for a new
      provincial early hearing detection and intervention program in British Columbia
      is described. Key considerations for system development included the following:
      the nature of the preprogram structure for information management and sharing;
      the need for modifications of the structure; and ways that the structure could be
      improved.

PMID- 22043142
TI  - Newborn screening for cystic fibrosis in Alberta: Two years of experience.
AB  - On April 1, 2007, Alberta became the first province in Canada to introduce cystic
      fibrosis (CF) to its newborn screening program. The Alberta protocol involves a
      two-tier algorithm involving an immunoreactive trypsinogen measurement followed
      by molecular analysis using a CF panel for 39 mutations. Positive screens are
      followed up with sweat chloride testing and an assessment by a CF specialist. Of
      the 99,408 newborns screened in Alberta during the first two years of the
      program, 221 had a positive CF newborn screen. The program subsequently
      identified and initiated treatment in 31 newborns with CF. A relatively high
      frequency of the R117H mutation and the M1101K mutation was noted. The M1101K
      mutation is common in the Hutterite population. The presence of the R117H
      mutation has created both counselling and management dilemmas. The ability to
      offer CF transmembrane regulator full sequencing may help resolve diagnostic
      dilemmas. Counselling and management challenges are created when mutations are
      mild or of unknown clinical significance.

PMID- 22043143
TI  - Human milk banking.
AB  - It is universally accepted that breast milk is the optimum exclusive source of
      nutrition for the first six months of life, and may remain part of the healthy
      infant diet for the first two years of life and beyond. Despite advances in
      infant formulas, human breast milk provides a bioactive matrix of benefits that
      cannot be replicated by any other source of nutrition. When the mother's own milk
      is unavailable for the sick, hospitalized newborn, pasteurized human donor breast
      milk should be made available as an alternative feeding choice followed by
      commercial formula. There is a limited supply of donor breast milk in Canada and
      it should be prioritized to sick, hospitalized neonates who are the most
      vulnerable and most likely to benefit from exclusive human milk feeding.

PMID- 22043144
TI  - Antifungal agents for the treatment of systemic fungal infections in children.
AB  - Traditionally, the mainstay of systemic antifungal therapy has been amphotericin
      B deoxycholate (conventional amphotericin B). Newer agents have been developed to
      fulfill special niches and to compete with conventional amphotericin B by virtue
      of having more favourable toxicity profiles. Some agents have displaced
      conventional amphotericin B for the treatment of specific fungal diseases. For
      example, voriconazole has emerged as the preferred treatment for invasive
      pulmonary aspergillosis. This notwithstanding, conventional amphotericin B
      remains a useful agent for the treatment of paediatric fungal infections.
      Knowledge of the characteristics of the newer agents is important, given the
      increasing numbers of patients who are being treated with these drugs. Efforts
      need to be directed at research aimed at generating paediatric data where these
      are lacking. The antifungal agents herein described are most often used as
      monotherapy regimens because there is no uniform consensus on the value of
      combination therapy, except for specific scenarios.

PMID- 22043145
TI  - Using path analysis to understand parents' perceptions of their children's
      weight, physical activity and eating habits in the Champlain region of Ontario.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Parents have a fundamental role in promoting the healthy weight of
      their children. OBJECTIVES: To determine parental perceptions of their child's
      body weight, eating and physical activity (PA) behaviours, and to test a
      predictive model of parental perceptions regarding their child's PA and healthy
      eating behaviours. METHODS: A random-digit telephone survey was conducted among
      parents of children four to 12 years of age living in the Champlain region of
      Ontario. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the responses. Path
      analysis was used to identify predictors of parental perceptions of PA and
      healthy eating. RESULTS: The study sample consisted of 1940 parents/caregivers.
      Only 0.2% of parents reported their child as being obese; 8.6% reported their
      child as being overweight. Most parents perceived their child to be physically
      active and eating healthily. Approximately 25% of parents reported that their
      child spent 2 h/day or more in front of a screen, and that their child consumed
      less than three servings of fruits and vegetables daily, and regularly consumed
      fast food. Variables that correlated with PA perceptions included time spent
      reading/doing homework, interest in PA, perceived importance of PA, frequency of
      PA, level of parental PA, participation in organized sport, child weight and
      parental concern for weight. Variables that predicted perceptions regarding
      healthy eating were parental education, household income, preparation of home
      cooked meals, fruit and vegetable intake, and concern for and influence on the
      child's weight. CONCLUSIONS: Parents in the present study sample did not appear
      to understand, or had little knowledge of the recommendations for PA and healthy
      eating in children. Parents appeared to base their judgment of healthy levels of
      PA or healthy eating behaviours using minimal criteria; these criteria are
      inconsistent with those used by health professionals to define adequate PA and
      healthy eating. The present survey highlights an important knowledge gap between
      scientific opinion and parental perceptions of the criteria for healthy PA and
      eating behaviours.

PMID- 22043146
TI  - Diffusion tensor imaging: exploring the motor networks and clinical applications.
AB  - With the advances in diffusion magnetic resonance (MR) imaging techniques,
      diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) has been applied to a number of neurological
      conditions because DTI can demonstrate microstructures of the brain that are not
      assessable with conventional MR imaging. Tractography based on DTI offers gross
      visualization of the white matter fiber architecture in the human brain in vivo.
      Degradation of restrictive barriers and disruption of the cytoarchitecture result
      in changes in the diffusion of water molecules in various pathological
      conditions, and these conditions can also be assessed with DTI. Yet many factors
      may influence the ability to apply DTI clinically, so these techniques have to be
      used with a cautious hand.

PMID- 22043147
TI  - Time-resolved 3D contrast-enhanced MRA on 3.0T: a non-invasive follow-up
      technique after stent-assisted coil embolization of the intracranial aneurysm.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the usefulness of time-resolved contrast enhanced magnetic
      resonance angiography (4D MRA) after stent-assisted coil embolization by
      comparing it with time of flight (TOF)-MRA. MATERIALS AND METHODS: TOF-MRA and 4D
      MRA were obtained by 3T MRI in 26 patients treated with stent-assisted coil
      embolization (Enterprise:Neuroform = 7:19). The qualities of the MRA were rated
      on a graded scale of 0 to 4. We classified completeness of endovascular treatment
      into three categories. The degree of quality of visualization of the stented
      artery was compared between TOF and 4D MRA by the Wilcoxon signed rank test. We
      used the Mann-Whitney U test for comparing the quality of the visualization of
      the stented artery according to the stent type in each MRA method. RESULTS: The
      quality in terms of the visualization of the stented arteries in 4D MRA was
      significantly superior to that in 3D TOF-MRA, regardless of type of the stent (p
      < 0.001). The quality of the arteries which were stented with Neuroform was
      superior to that of the arteries stented with Enterprise in 3D TOF (p < 0.001)
      and 4D MRA (p = 0.008), respectively. CONCLUSION: 4D MRA provides a higher
      quality view of the stented parent arteries when compared with TOF.

PMID- 22043148
TI  - Lymphomatoid granulomatosis: CT and FDG-PET findings.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Lymphomatoid granulomatosis (LG) is a rare, aggressive extranodal
      Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-positive B-cell lymphoproliferative disease. The purpose
      of our study was to analyze the CT and fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission
      tomography (FDG-PET) findings of pulmonary LG. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between
      2000 and 2009, four patients with pathologically proven pulmonary LG and chest CT
      were identified. Two of these patients also had FDG-PET. Imaging features of LG
      on CT and PET were reviewed. RESULTS: Pulmonary nodules or masses with
      peribronchovascular, subpleural, and lower lung zonal preponderance were present
      in all patients. Central low attenuation (4 of 4 patients), ground-glass halo (3
      of 4 patients), and peripheral enhancement (4 of 4 patients) were observed in
      these nodules and masses. An air-bronchogram and cavitation were seen in three of
      four patients. FDG-PET scans demonstrated avid FDG uptake in the pulmonary
      nodules and masses. CONCLUSION: Pulmonary LG presents with nodules and masses
      with a lymphatic distribution, as would be expected for a lymphoproliferative
      disease. However, central low attenuation, ground-glass halo and peripheral
      enhancement of the nodules/masses are likely related to the angioinvasive nature
      of this disease. Peripheral enhancement and ground-glass halo, in particular, are
      valuable characteristic not previously reported that can help radiologists
      suggest the diagnosis of pulmonary LG.

PMID- 22043149
TI  - 3D whole-heart coronary MR angiography at 1.5T in healthy volunteers: comparison
      between unenhanced SSFP and Gd-enhanced FLASH sequences.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To validate the optimal cardiac phase and appropriate acquisition
      window for three-dimensional (3D) whole-heart coronary magnetic resonance
      angiography (MRA) with a steady-state free precession (SSFP) sequence, and to
      compare image quality between SSFP and Gd-enhanced fast low-angle shot (FLASH) MR
      techniques at 1.5 Tesla (T). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty healthy volunteers
      (M:F = 25:5; mean age, 35 years; range, 24-54 years) underwent a coronary MRA at
      1.5T. 3D whole-heart coronary MRA with an SSFP was performed at three different
      times: 1) at end-systole with a narrow (120-msec) acquisition window (ESN), 2)
      mid-diastole with narrow acquisition (MDN); and 3) mid-diastole with wide (170
      msec) acquisition (MDW). All volunteers underwent a contrast enhanced coronary
      MRA after undergoing an unenhanced 3D true fast imaging with steady-state
      precession (FISP) MRA three times. A contrast enhanced coronary MRA with FLASH
      was performed during MDN. Visibility of the coronary artery and image quality
      were evaluated for 11 segments, as suggested by the American Heart Association.
      Image quality was scored by a five-point scale (1 = not visible to 5 =
      excellent). The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR)
      were evaluated at the proximal coronary arteries. RESULTS: The SSFP sequence
      rendered higher visibility coronary segments, higher image quality, as well as
      higher SNR and CNR than the Gd-enhanced FLASH technique at 1.5T (p < 0.05). The
      visibility of coronary segments, image quality, SNR and CNR in the ESN, MDN and
      MDW with SSFP sequence did not differ significantly. CONCLUSION: An SSFP sequence
      provides an excellent method for the 3D whole-heart coronary MRA at 1.5T.
      Contrast enhanced coronary MRA using the FLASH sequence does not help improve the
      visibility of coronary segments, image quality, SNR or CNR on the 3D whole-heart
      coronary MRA.

PMID- 22043150
TI  - Isolated noncompaction of ventricular myocardium: a magnetic resonance imaging
      study of 11 patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively summarize the cardiac magnetic resonance imaging
      (CMRI) findings of isolated noncompaction of ventricular myocardium (INVM).
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eleven patients (M:F = 9:2; mean age, 35 years) were
      evaluated. Steady-state free precession (SSFP), fast spin echo (SE) sequence,
      SSFP cine imaging, and delayed enhanced inversion recovery spoiled gradient echo
      (IR-SPGR) sequence were used for showing abnormal myocardium, measuring ratio of
      noncompacted/compacted myocardium layers (NC/C ratio), and detecting myocardial
      viability. The left ventricle was divided into nine segments and a NC/C ratio >
      2.3 in diastole was used as cutoff value in diagnosing left INVM. The right
      ventricle was assessed qualitatively. RESULTS: Cardiac MRI indicated left INVM in
      seven patients, right INVM in one patient and biventricle INVM in three patients.
      Characteristic CMRI changes included prominent trabeculations, deep
      intertrabecular recesses and an increase in the NC/C ratio. The most frequently
      involved segments was left ventricular apex. Three patients had abnormal high
      signals within the trabecular structures on SE T2 weighted image. One ventricular
      aneurysm and one apical thrombus were also observed. Delayed enhancement was seen
      in six of nine patients with subendocardial and transmural patterns. CONCLUSION:
      There are CMRI features that might be characteristic for INVM.

PMID- 22043151
TI  - Hepatocellular carcinomas smaller than 4 cm supplied by the intercostal artery:
      can we predict which intercostal artery supplies the tumor?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To predict which intercostal artery supplies a tumor by examining the
      spatial relationship between hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the intercostal
      artery feeding the tumor on transverse computed tomography (CT) images. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Between January 2000 and September 2009, 46 intercostal arteries
      supplying HCCs smaller than 4 cm were noted in 44 patients, and CT scans and
      angiograms of these patients were retrospectively reviewed. The intercostal
      artery feeding the tumor was marked on the CT scan showing the center of the
      tumor. In addition, its spatial relationship with the tumor center was examined.
      The angle of the tumor location was measured on the transverse CT scan in the
      clockwise direction from the sagittal line on the virtual circle centered in the
      right hemithorax. Correlations between the angle of the tumor location and the
      level of the tumor-feeding intercostal artery were assessed with the Spearman
      rank coefficient. RESULTS: Of 46 intercostal arteries feeding HCC, 39 (85%) were
      the first ones observed from the tumor center in a counterclockwise direction on
      the transverse CT image containing the tumor center. The level of the tumor
      feeding intercostal artery was significantly correlated with the angle of the
      tumor, as the posteriorly located tumor tends to be supplied by lower intercostal
      arteries, while the laterally located tumor by upper intercostal arteries
      (Spearman coefficient = -0.537; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: We can predict the tumor
      feeder with an accuracy of 85% as the first intercostal artery encountered from
      the tumor center in a counterclockwise direction on a transverse CT image.

PMID- 22043152
TI  - CT analysis of retropharyngeal abnormality in Kawasaki disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively compare the imaging characteristics of
      retropharyngeal density and associated findings for Kawasaki disease with those
      for non-Kawasaki disease, and identify the distinguishing features which aid the
      CT diagnosis of Kawasaki disease with retropharyngeal low density. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Among the enhanced neck CT performed in children less than 8-years old
      with clinical presentation of fever and cervical lymphadenopathy over a 6-year
      period, only cases with retropharyngeal low density (RLD) were included in this
      study. The 56 cases of RLD were divided into two groups; group A included cases
      diagnosed as Kawasaki disease (n = 34) and group B included cases diagnosed as
      non-Kawasaki disease (n = 22). We evaluated the CT features including the
      thickness of RLD and its extent into the deep neck spaces, as well as soft tissue
      change in the adjacent structure. We also scored the extent of RLD into the deep
      neck spaces and the soft tissue changes in the adjacent structure. RESULTS: The
      thickness of RLD was greater in group A than in group B (group A, 6.0 +/- 2.1;
      group B, 4.6 +/- 1.5, p = 0.01). The score of the RLD extent into the deep neck
      spaces was significantly greater in group A than in group B (group A, 2.3 +/-
      1.3; group B, 0.8 +/- 1.0, p < 0.01). Also, the score of the adjacent soft tissue
      changes was greater in group A than in group B (group A, 2.0 +/- 1.1; group B,
      1.0 +/- 1.0, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: If children present with fever and cervical
      lymphadenopathy that display retropharyngeal low density with extension into more
      deep neck spaces as well as changes in more adjacent soft tissue, the possibility
      of Kawasaki disease should be considered.

PMID- 22043153
TI  - Temporary placement of stent grafts in postsurgical benign biliary strictures: a
      single center experience.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of temporary stent graft placement in the
      treatment of benign anastomotic biliary strictures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine
      patients, five women and four men, 22-64 years old (mean, 47.5 years), with
      chronic benign biliary anastomotic strictures, refractory to repeated balloon
      dilations, were treated by prolonged, temporary placement of stent-grafts. Four
      patients had strictures following a liver transplantation; three of them in bilio
      enteric anastomoses and one in a choledocho-choledochostomy. Four of the other
      five patients had strictures at bilio-enteric anastomoses, which developed after
      complications following laparoscopic cholecystectomies and in one after a Whipple
      procedure for duodenal carcinoma. In eight patients, balloon-expandable stent
      grafts were placed and one patient was treated by insertion of a self-expanding
      stent-graft. RESULTS: In the transplant group, treatment of patients with bilio
      enteric anastomoses was unsuccessful (mean stent duration, 30 days). The patient
      treated for stenosis in the choledocho-choledochostomy responded well to
      consecutive self-expanding stent-graft placement (total placement duration, 112
      days). All patients with bilio-enteric anastomoses in the non-transplant group
      were treated successfully with stent-grafts (mean placement duration, 37 days).
      CONCLUSION: Treatment of benign biliary strictures with temporary placement of
      stent-grafts has a positive effect, but is less successful in patients with
      strictures developed following a liver transplant.

PMID- 22043154
TI  - A comparison of the use of contrast media with different iodine concentrations
      for multidetector CT of the kidney.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the optimal iodine concentration of contrast media for
      kidney multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) by comparing the degree of renal
      parenchymal enhancement and the severity of the renal streak artifact with
      contrast media of different iodine concentrations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 16
      row MDCT was performed in 15 sedated rabbits by injection of 2 mL contrast
      media/kg body weight at a rate of 0.3 mL/sec. Monomeric nonionic contrast media
      of 250, 300, and 370 mg iodine/mL were injected at 1-week intervals. Mean
      attenuation values were measured in each renal structure with attenuation
      differences among the structures. The artifact was evaluated by CT window
      width/level and three grading methods. The values were compared with iodine
      concentrations. RESULTS: The 370 mg iodine/mL concentration showed significantly
      higher cortical enhancement than 250 mg iodine/mL in all phases (p < 0.05). There
      was however no significant difference in the degree of enhancement between the
      300 mg iodine/mL and 370 mg iodine/mL concentrations in all phases. There is a
      significant difference in attenuation for the cortex-outer medulla between 250 mg
      iodine/mL and 300 mg iodine/mL (p < 0.05). The artifact was more severe with a
      medium of 370 mg iodine/mL than with 250 mg iodine/mL by all grading methods (p <
      0.05). CONCLUSION: The 300 mg iodine/mL is considered to be the most appropriate
      iodine concentration in an aspect of the enhancement and artifact on a kidney
      MDCT scan.

PMID- 22043155
TI  - Correlations of 3T DCE-MRI quantitative parameters with microvessel density in a
      human-colorectal-cancer xenograft mouse model.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation between quantitative dynamic contrast
      enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) parameters and microvascular
      density (MVD) in a human-colon-cancer xenograft mouse model using 3 Tesla MRI.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: A human-colon-cancer xenograft model was produced by
      subcutaneously inoculating 1 * 10(6) DLD-1 human-colon-cancer cells into the
      right hind limbs of 10 mice. The tumors were allowed to grow for two weeks and
      then assessed using MRI. DCE-MRI was performed by tail vein injection of 0.3
      mmol/kg of gadolinium. A region of interest (ROI) was drawn at the midpoints
      along the z-axes of the tumors, and a Tofts model analysis was performed. The
      quantitative parameters (K(trans), K(ep) and V(e)) from the whole transverse ROI
      and the hotspot ROI of the tumor were calculated. Immunohistochemical microvessel
      staining was performed and analyzed according to Weidner's criteria at the
      corresponding MRI sections. Additional Hematoxylin and Eosin staining was
      performed to evaluate tumor necrosis. The Mann-Whitney test and Spearman's rho
      correlation analysis were performed to prove the existence of a correlation
      between the quantitative parameters, necrosis, and MVD. RESULTS: Whole transverse
      ROI of the tumor showed no significant relationship between the MVD values and
      quantitative DCE-MRI parameters. In the hotspot ROI, there was a difference in
      MVD between low and high group of K(trans) and K(ep) that had marginally
      statistical significance (ps = 0.06 and 0.07, respectively). Also, K(trans) and
      K(ep) were found to have an inverse relationship with MVD (r = -0.61, p = 0.06 in
      K(trans); r = -0.60, p = 0.07 in K(ep)). CONCLUSION: Quantitative analysis of T1
      weighted DCE-MRI using hotspot ROI may provide a better histologic match than
      whole transverse section ROI. Within the hotspots, K(trans) and K(ep) tend to
      have a reverse correlation with MVD in this colon cancer mouse model.

PMID- 22043156
TI  - Pancreatic tumors: emphasis on CT findings and pathologic classification.
AB  - Pancreatic tumors can be classified by their morphologic features on CT. The
      subtypes include solid tumors, mixed cystic and solid lesions, unilocular cysts,
      multilocular cystic lesions, and microcystic lesions. Endoscopic US and MRI can
      provide detailed information for classifying pancreatic lesions. Each subtype has
      different kinds of tumors and malignant potential, thus the classification can be
      useful for a better differential diagnosis and treatment planning. For this
      purpose, we suggest an appropriate modified classification system by using the
      imaging features of pancreatic tumors with an emphasis on CT findings and
      illustrate various findings of typical and atypical manifestations.

PMID- 22043157
TI  - Bilateral carotid and vertebral rete mirabile presenting with a prominent
      anterior spinal artery mimicking a spinal dural AV fistula at MRI.
AB  - Bilateral carotid and vertebral rete mirabile (CVRM) is a very rare condition. We
      report a new case of CVRM initially detected by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
      of the cervical spine. MRI demonstrated tortuous vascular signal voids limited to
      the anterior cerebrospinal fluid space mimicking spinal dural arteriovenous
      fistula. A diagnosis of CVRM was confirmed on the basis of angiographic findings
      of rete formation associated with bilateral aplasia of the cavernous internal
      carotid and vertebral arteries without abnormal arteriovenous connection.

PMID- 22043158
TI  - Nontuberculous mycobacterial tenosynovitis in the hand: two case reports with the
      MR imaging findings.
AB  - Nontuberculous mycobacterial infections can cause destructive tenosynovitis of
      the hand. We report on and discuss the clinical course and distinctive radiologic
      findings of two patients with hand tenosynovitis secondary to M. marinum and
      intracellulare infection, which are different from those of the nontuberculous
      mycobacterial infections reported in the previous literature.

PMID- 22043159
TI  - Malignant mesothelioma presenting as a giant chest, abdominal and pelvic wall
      mass.
AB  - Malignant mesothelioma (MM) is a relatively rare carcinoma of the mesothelial
      cells, and it is usually located in the pleural or peritoneal cavity. Here we
      report on a unique case of MM that developed in the chest, abdominal and pelvic
      walls in a 77-year-old female patient. CT and MRI revealed mesothelioma that
      manifested as a giant mass in the right flank and bilateral pelvic walls. The
      diagnosis was confirmed by the pathology and immunohistochemistry. Though rare,
      accurate investigation of the radiological features of a body wall MM may help
      make an exact diagnosis.

PMID- 22043160
TI  - Evaluating a thrombosed azygous vein aneurysm combined with pulmonary arterial
      thromboembolism by ECG-gated multidetector CT: a case report.
AB  - Azygous vein aneurysm is a rare congenital lesion that needs to be differentiated
      from mediastinal mass lesions. Although almost of these anomalies are
      asymptomatic lesions, we experienced an interesting case in which a thrombus
      within an azygous vein aneurysm in a 75-year-old woman caused pulmonary
      thromboembolism. The patient was managed by medical treatment for one month and
      then the thrombus within both the azygous vein aneurysm and the pulmonary
      arteries completely resolved.

PMID- 22043161
TI  - Secondary omental infarction related to open and laparoscopic-assisted distal
      gastrectomy: report of two cases.
AB  - Omental infarction occurring after open and laparoscopic-assisted distal
      gastrectomy with partial omentectomy for gastric cancer was a very rare disease
      in the past, but its incidence has increased as more partial omentectomies are
      now being performed. But there are few case reports or radiologic studies on its
      increasing incidence. It is necessary to differentiate omental infarction from
      carcinomatosis peritonei, since both have similar imaging findings. In this
      report, we describe two cases of omental infarction; each occurred after open and
      laparoscopic-assisted distal gastrectomy in early gastric cancer patients.
      Partial omentectomy was performed in both cases. Omental infarction following
      distal gastrectomy with partial omentectomy can be discriminated from
      carcinomatosis peritonei by comparing with different initial and follow up CT
      findings.

PMID- 22043163
TI  - Genomics of childhood obesity.

PMID- 22043162
TI  - A rare case of epiphyseal chondromyxoid fibroma of the proximal tibia.
AB  - Chondromyxoid fibroma is an uncommon benign cartilaginous tumor of the bone. It
      occurs most frequently in the metaphysis of long tubular bones, and an epiphyseal
      location is exceedingly rare. We present here an unusual case of a chondromyxoid
      fibroma that occurred in the epiphysis of the proximal tibia with an open growth
      plate. MR imaging findings of this tumor, which has, to the best of our
      knowledge, never been described in an epiphyseal location, makes the present case
      unique.

PMID- 22043164
TI  - Molecular basis of obesity: current status and future prospects.
AB  - Obesity is a global health problem that is gradually affecting each continent of
      the world. Obesity is a heterogeneous disorder, and the biological causes of
      obesity are complex. The rapid increase in obesity prevalence during the past few
      decades is due to major societal changes (sedentary lifestyle, over-nutrition)
      but who becomes obese at the individual level is determined to a great extent by
      genetic susceptibility. In this review, we evidence that obesity is a strongly
      heritable disorder, and provide an update on the molecular basis of obesity. To
      date, nine loci have been involved in Mendelian forms of obesity and 58 loci
      contribute to polygenic obesity, and rare and common structural variants have
      been reliably associated with obesity. Most of the obesity genes remain to be
      discovered, but promising technologies, methodologies and the use of "deep
      phenotyping" lead to optimism to chip away at the 'missing heritability' of
      obesity in the near future. In the longer term, the genetic dissection of obesity
      will help to characterize disease mechanisms, provide new targets for drug
      design, and lead to an early diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of obesity.

PMID- 22043165
TI  - Genetics of Obesity: What have we Learned?
AB  - Candidate gene and genome-wide association studies have led to the discovery of
      nine loci involved in Mendelian forms of obesity and 58 loci contributing to
      polygenic obesity. These loci explain a small fraction of the heritability for
      obesity and many genes remain to be discovered. However, efforts in obesity gene
      identification greatly modified our understanding of this disorder. In this
      review, we propose an overlook of major lessons learned from 15 years of research
      in the field of genetics and obesity. We comment on the existence of the genetic
      continuum between monogenic and polygenic forms of obesity that pinpoints the
      role of genes involved in the central regulation of food intake and genetic
      predisposition to obesity. We explain how the identification of novel obesity
      predisposing genes has clarified unsuspected biological pathways involved in the
      control of energy balance that have helped to understand past human history and
      to explore causality in epidemiology. We provide evidence that obesity
      predisposing genes interact with the environment and influence the response to
      treatment relevant to disease prediction.

PMID- 22043166
TI  - Gene-diet interactions in childhood obesity.
AB  - Childhood overweight and obesity have reached epidemic proportions worldwide, and
      the increase in weight-associated co-morbidities including premature type 2
      diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease will soon
      become major healthcare and economic problems. A number of studies now indicate
      that the childhood obesity epidemic which has emerged during the past 30 years is
      a complex multi-factorial disease resulting from interaction of susceptibility
      genes with an obesogenic environment. This review will focus on gene-diet
      interactions suspected of having a prominent role in promoting childhood obesity.
      In particular, the specific genes that will be presented (FTO, MC4R, and NPC1)
      have recently been associated with childhood obesity through a genome-wide
      association study (GWAS) and were shown to interact with nutritional components
      to increase weight gain. Although a fourth gene (APOA2) has not yet been
      associated with childhood obesity, this review will also present information on
      what now represents the best characterized gene-diet interaction in promoting
      weight gain.

PMID- 22043167
TI  - Structural Chromosome Abnormalities Associated with Obesity: Report of Four New
      subjects and Review of Literature.
AB  - Obesity in humans is a complex polygenic trait with high inter-individual
      heritability estimated at 40-70%. Candidate gene, DNA linkage and genome-wide
      association studies (GWAS) have allowed for the identification of a large set of
      genes and genomic regions associated with obesity. Structural chromosome
      abnormalities usually result in congenital anomalies, growth retardation and
      developmental delay. Occasionally, they are associated with hyperphagia and
      obesity rather than growth delay. We report four new individuals with structural
      chromosome abnormalities involving 10q22.3-23.2, 16p11.2 and Xq27.1-q28
      chromosomal regions with early childhood obesity and developmental delay. We also
      searched and summarized the literature for structural chromosome abnormalities
      reported in association with childhood obesity.

PMID- 22043168
TI  - Prader-Willi Syndrome: Obesity due to Genomic Imprinting.
AB  - Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder due to
      errors in genomic imprinting with loss of imprinted genes that are paternally
      expressed from the chromosome 15q11-q13 region. Approximately 70% of individuals
      with PWS have a de novo deletion of the paternally derived 15q11-q13 region in
      which there are two subtypes (i.e., larger Type I or smaller Type II), maternal
      disomy 15 (both 15s from the mother) in about 25% of cases, and the remaining
      subjects have either defects in the imprinting center controlling the activity of
      imprinted genes or due to other chromosome 15 rearrangements. PWS is
      characterized by a particular facial appearance, infantile hypotonia, a poor suck
      and feeding difficulties, hypogonadism and hypogenitalism in both sexes, short
      stature and small hands and feet due to growth hormone deficiency, mild learning
      and behavioral problems (e.g., skin picking, temper tantrums) and hyperphagia
      leading to early childhood obesity. Obesity is a significant health problem, if
      uncontrolled. PWS is considered the most common known genetic cause of morbid
      obesity in children. The chromosome 15q11-q13 region contains approximately 100
      genes and transcripts in which about 10 are imprinted and paternally expressed.
      This region can be divided into four groups: 1) a proximal non-imprinted region;
      2) a PWS paternal-only expressed region containing protein-coding and non-coding
      genes; 3) an Angelman syndrome region containing maternally expressed genes and
      4) a distal non-imprinted region. This review summarizes the current
      understanding of the genetic causes, the natural history and clinical
      presentation of individuals with PWS.

PMID- 22043169
TI  - Fragile x syndrome.
AB  - Recent data from a national survey highlighted a significant difference in
      obesity rates in young fragile X males (31%) compared to age matched controls
      (18%). Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common cause of intellectual
      disability in males and the most common single gene cause of autism. This X
      linked disorder is caused by an expansion of a trinucleotide CGG repeat (>200) on
      the promotor region of the fragile X mental retardation 1 gene (FMR1). As a
      result, the promotor region often becomes methylated which leads to a deficiency
      or absence of the FMR1 protein (FMRP). Common characteristics of FXS include mild
      to severe cognitive impairments in males but less severe cognitive impairment in
      females. Physical features of FXS include an elongated face, prominent ears, and
      post-pubertal macroorchidism. Severe obesity in full mutation males is often
      associated with the Prader-Willi phenotype (PWP) which includes hyperphagia, lack
      of satiation after meals, and hypogonadism or delayed puberty; however, there is
      no deletion at 15q11-q13 nor uniparental maternal disomy. Herein, we discuss the
      molecular mechanisms leading to FXS and the Prader-Willi phenotype with an
      emphasis on mouse FMR1 knockout studies that have shown the reversal of weight
      increase through mGluR antagonists. Finally, we review the current medications
      used in treatment of FXS including the atypical antipsychotics that can lead to
      weight gain and the research regarding the use of targeted treatments in FXS that
      will hopefully have a significantly beneficial effect on cognition and behavior
      without weight gain.

PMID- 22043170
TI  - Alstrom syndrome: genetics and clinical overview.
AB  - Alstrom syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive genetic disorder characterized by
      cone-rod dystrophy, hearing loss, childhood truncal obesity, insulin resistance
      and hyperinsulinemia, type 2 diabetes, hypertriglyceridemia, short stature in
      adulthood, cardiomyopathy, and progressive pulmonary, hepatic, and renal
      dysfunction. Symptoms first appear in infancy and progressive development of
      multi-organ pathology leads to a reduced life expectancy. Variability in age of
      onset and severity of clinical symptoms, even within families, is likely due to
      genetic background.Alstrom syndrome is caused by mutations in ALMS1, a large gene
      comprised of 23 exons and coding for a protein of 4,169 amino acids. In general,
      ALMS1 gene defects include insertions, deletions, and nonsense mutations leading
      to protein truncations and found primarily in exons 8, 10 and 16. Multiple
      alternate splice forms exist. ALMS1 protein is found in centrosomes, basal
      bodies, and cytosol of all tissues affected by the disease. The identification of
      ALMS1 as a ciliary protein explains the range of observed phenotypes and their
      similarity to those of other ciliopathies such as Bardet-Biedl syndrome.Studies
      involving murine and cellular models of Alstrom syndrome have provided insight
      into the pathogenic mechanisms underlying obesity and type 2 diabetes, and other
      clinical problems. Ultimately, research into the pathogenesis of Alstrom syndrome
      should lead to better management and treatments for individuals, and have
      potentially important ramifications for other rare ciliopathies, as well as more
      common causes of obesity and diabetes, and other conditions common in the general
      population.

PMID- 22043171
TI  - A clinical overview of centrosome amplification in human cancers.
AB  - The turn of the 21st century had witnessed a surge of interest in the centrosome
      and its causal relation to human cancer development - a postulate that has
      existed for almost a century. Centrosome amplification (CA) is frequently
      detected in a growing list of human cancers, both solid and haematological, and
      is a candidate "hallmark" of cancer cells. Several lines of evidence support the
      progressive involvement of CA in the transition from early to advanced stages of
      carcinogenesis, being also found in pre-neoplastic lesions and even in
      histopathologically-normal tissue. CA constitutes the major mechanism leading to
      chromosomal instability and aneuploidy, via the formation of multipolar spindles
      and chromosomal missegregation. Clinically, CA may translate to a greater risk
      for initiation of malignant transformation, tumour progression, chemoresistance
      and ultimately, poor patient prognosis. As mechanisms underlying CA are
      progressively being unravelled, the centrosome has emerged as a novel candidate
      target for cancer treatment. This Review summarizes mainly the clinical studies
      performed to date focusing on the mechanisms underlying CA in human neoplasia,
      and highlights the potential utility of centrosomes in the diagnosis, prognosis
      and treatment of human cancers.

PMID- 22043172
TI  - Stability of a long noncoding viral RNA depends on a 9-nt core element at the RNA
      5' end to interact with viral ORF57 and cellular PABPC1.
AB  - Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) ORF57, also known as Mta (mRNA
      transcript accumulation), enhances viral intron-less transcript accumulation and
      promotes splicing of intron-containing viral RNA transcripts. In this study, we
      identified KSHV PAN, a long non-coding polyadenylated nuclear RNA as a main
      target of ORF57 by a genome-wide CLIP (cross-linking and immunoprecipitation)
      approach. KSHV genome lacking ORF57 expresses only a minimal amount of PAN. In
      cotransfection experiments, ORF57 alone increased PAN expression by 20-30-fold
      when compared to vector control. This accumulation function of ORF57 was
      dependent on a structured RNA element in the 5' PAN, named MRE (Mta responsive
      element), but not much so on an ENE (expression and nuclear retention element) in
      the 3' PAN previously reported by other studies. We showed that the major
      function of the 5' PAN MRE is increasing the RNA half-life of PAN in the presence
      of ORF57. Further mutational analyses revealed a core motif consisting of 9
      nucleotides in the MRE-II , which is responsible for ORF57 interaction and
      function. The 9-nt core in the MRE-II also binds cellular PABPC1, but not the E1B
      AP5 which binds another region of the MRE-II. In addition, we found that PAN RNA
      is partially exportable in the presence of ORF57. Together, our data provide
      compelling evidence as to how ORF57 functions to accumulate a non-coding viral
      RNA in the course of virus lytic infection.

PMID- 22043173
TI  - Grafting helps improve photosynthesis and carbohydrate metabolism in leaves of
      muskmelon.
AB  - The most important quality for muskmelon (Cucumis melo L.) is their sweetness
      which is closely related to the soluble sugars content. Leaves are the main
      photosynthetic organs in plants and thus the source of sugar accumulation in
      fruits since sugars are translocated from leaves to fruits. The effects of
      grafting muskmelon on two different inter-specific (Cucurbita maxima*C. moschata)
      rootstocks was investigated with respect to photosynthesis and carbohydrate
      metabolism. Grafting Zhongmi1 muskmelon on RibenStrong (GR) or Shengzhen1 (GS)
      rootstocks increased chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and chlorophyll a+b content and
      the leaf area in middle and late developmental stages of the plant compared to
      the ungrafted Zhongmi1 check (CK). Grafting enhanced the net photosynthesis rate,
      the stomatal conductance, concentration of intercellular CO(2) and transpiration
      rate. Grafting influenced carbohydrates contents by changing carbohydrate
      metabolic enzymes activities which was observed as an increase in acid invertase
      and neutral invertase activity in the functional leaves during the early and
      middle developmental stages compared to CK. Grafting improved sucrose phosphate
      synthase and stachyose synthase activities in middle and late developmental
      stages, thus translocation of sugars (such as sucrose, raffinose and stachyose)
      in GR and GS leaves were significantly enhanced. However, compared with CK,
      translocation of more sugars in grafted plants did not exert feedback inhibition
      on photosynthesis. Our results indicate that grafting muskmelon on inter-specific
      rootstocks enhances photosynthesis and translocation of sugars in muskmelon
      leaves.

PMID- 22043174
TI  - Sphingobium chlorophenolicum dichlorohydroquinone dioxygenase (PcpA) is alkaline
      resistant and thermally stable.
AB  - Dichlorohydroquinone dioxygenase (PcpA) is the ring-cleavage enzyme in the PCP
      biodegradation pathway in Sphingobium chlorophenolicum strain ATCC 39723. PcpA
      dehalogenates and oxidizes 2,6-dichlorohydroquinone to form 2
      chloromaleylacetate, which is subsequently converted to succinyl coenzyme A and
      acetyl coenzyme A via 3-oxoadipate. Previous studies have shown that PcpA is
      highly substrate-specific and only uses 2,6-dichlorohydroquinone as its
      substrate. In the current study, we overexpressed and purified recombinant PcpA
      and showed that PcpA was highly alkaline resistant and thermally stable. PcpA
      exhibited two activity peaks at pH 7.0 and 10.0, respectively. The apparent
      k(cat) and K(m) were measured as 0.19 +/- 0.01 s(-1) and 0.24 +/- 0.08 mM,
      respectively at pH 7.0, and 0.17 +/- 0.01 s(-1) and 0.77 +/- 0.29 mM,
      respectively at pH 10.0. Electron paramagnetic resonance studies showed rapid
      oxidation of Fe(II) to Fe(III) in PcpA and the formation of a stable radical
      intermediate during the enzyme catalysis. The stable radical was predicted to be
      an epoxide type dichloro radical with the unpaired electron density localized on
      C3.

PMID- 22043175
TI  - Early exposure to paraquat sensitizes dopaminergic neurons to subsequent
      silencing of PINK1 gene expression in mice.
AB  - Environmental exposure, genetic modification, and aging are considered risky for
      Parkinson's disease (PD). How these risk factors cooperate to induce progressive
      neurodegeneration in PD remains largely unknown. Paraquat is an herbicide
      commonly used for weed and grass control. Exposure to paraquat is associated with
      the increased incidence of PD. In contrast to familial PD, most sporadic PD cases
      do not have genetic mutation, but may suffer from partial dysfunction of neuron
      protective genes as aging. Using conditional transgenic RNAi, we showed that
      temporal silencing of PINK1 expression in adult mice increased striatal dopamine,
      the phenotype that could not be induced by constitutive gene silencing. Moreover,
      early exposure to paraquat sensitized dopaminergic neurons to subsequent
      silencing of PINK1 gene expression, leading to a significant loss of dopaminergic
      neurons. Our findings suggest a novel pathogenesis of PD: exposure to
      environmental toxicants early in the life reduces the threshold of developing PD
      and partial dysfunction of neuron-protective genes later in the life initiates a
      process of progressive neurodegeneration to cross the reduced threshold of
      disease onset.

PMID- 22043176
TI  - Glatiramer acetate treatment increases stability of spinal synapses and down
      regulates MHC I during the course of EAE.
AB  - The recent discovery that the major histocompatibility complex of class I (MHC I)
      expression has a role in the synaptic elimination process, represented an insight
      into understanding the cross talk between neurons. In the present study, the
      possibility that glatiramer acetate (GA) treatment influences the MHC class I
      expression and the synaptic plasticity process in the spinal cord during the
      course of EAE was investigated. C57BL/6J mice were induced to EAE and submitted
      to treatment either with a placebo solution or with GA (0.05 mg/animal,
      subcutaneously, on a daily basis). All the animals were sacrificed at the peak
      disease (14 days after induction) or at the point of recovery of the clinical
      signs (21 days after induction). The spinal cords were removed and submitted to
      immunohistochemical examination, Western blotting and transmission electron
      microscopy analysis. The results showed that GA treatment was able to decrease
      synaptic loss during the course of EAE, which correlates with the downregulation
      of the MHC I complex. The present results reinforce the neuroprotective role of
      GA treatment, by reducing synaptic loss during the course of the disease. Such
      action may be associated with the recently described role of MHC I regulation
      during the synaptic plasticity process.

PMID- 22043177
TI  - Photoactivation studies of zinc porphyrin-myoglobin system and its application
      for light-chemical energy conversion.
AB  - An artificial zinc porphyrin-myoglobin-based photo-chemical energy conversion
      system, consisting of ZnPP-Mb or ZnPE(1)-Mb as a photosensitizer, NADP(+) as an
      electron acceptor, and triethanolamine as an electron donor, has been constructed
      to mimic photosystem I. The photoirradiated product is able to reduce a single
      electron acceptor protein cytochrome c, but cannot catalyze the two-electron
      reduction of acetaldehyde by alcohol dehydrogenase, thus demonstrating a single
      electron transfer mechanism. Furthermore, the artificial system can
      bifunctionally promote oxidoredox reactions, depending on the presence or absence
      of a sacrificial electron donor, thus suggesting its potential application in
      electrochemical regeneration steps involved in chemical transformation and/or
      energy conversion.

PMID- 22043178
TI  - Evaluation of DNA Force Fields in Implicit Solvation.
AB  - DNA structural deformations and dynamics are crucial to its interactions in the
      cell. Theoretical simulations are essential tools to explore the structure,
      dynamics, and thermodynamics of biomolecules in a systematic way. Molecular
      mechanics force fields for DNA have benefited from constant improvements during
      the last decades. Several studies have evaluated and compared available force
      fields when the solvent is modeled by explicit molecules. On the other hand, few
      systematic studies have assessed the quality of duplex DNA models when implicit
      solvation is employed. The interest of an implicit modeling of the solvent
      consists in the important gain in the simulation performance and conformational
      sampling speed. In this study, respective influences of the force field and the
      implicit solvation model choice on DNA simulation quality are evaluated. To this
      end, extensive implicit solvent duplex DNA simulations are performed, attempting
      to reach both conformational and sequence diversity convergence. Structural
      parameters are extracted from simulations and statistically compared to available
      experimental and explicit solvation simulation data. Our results quantitatively
      expose the respective strengths and weaknesses of the different DNA force fields
      and implicit solvation models studied. This work can lead to the suggestion of
      improvements to current DNA theoretical models.

PMID- 22043179
TI  - Electronic health records will transform practice.

PMID- 22043180
TI  - Why meaningful use matters.

PMID- 22043181
TI  - Electronic health record certification in oncology: role of the certification
      commission for health information technology.
AB  - The transparency and multidisciplinary nature of the CCHIT criteria development
      process ensure that certification is a meaningful and clinically relevant
      achievement for an EHR product.

PMID- 22043182
TI  - Electronic Chemotherapy Order Entry: A Major Cancer Center's Implementation.
AB  - Implementation of a computerized provider order entry system for complex
      chemotherapy regimens at a large cancer center required intense effort from a
      multidisciplinary team of clinical and systems experts with experience in all
      facets of the chemotherapy process. The online tools had to resemble the paper
      forms used at the time and parallel the successful established process as well as
      add new functionality. Close collaboration between the institution and the vendor
      was necessary. This article summarizes the institutional efforts, challenges, and
      collaborative processes that facilitated universal chemotherapy computerized
      electronic order entry across multiple sites during a period of several years.

PMID- 22043183
TI  - Computerized provider order entry in pediatric oncology: design, implementation,
      and outcomes.
AB  - PURPOSE: Pediatric oncology is a challenging environment for computerized
      provider order entry (CPOE). Our goal was to build on the proven safety features
      of CPOE and facilitate input of expert clinicians. METHODS: A standard,
      commercially available CPOE system was implemented throughout the hospital. The
      design of the pediatric oncology implementation was a collaborative effort by a
      multidisciplinary team of clinicians and information technology experts. RESULTS:
      During 9 months of configuration effort, 30 medical logic modules and 110 order
      sets were developed to support pediatric oncology. The proportion of chemotherapy
      orders submitted using specific research protocol or standard-of-care order sets
      increased from 57% to 84% as the number of active order sets grew to 200. The
      number of medication-related patient safety events decreased 39% after
      implementation of CPOE in pediatric oncology. Acceptance of the system is high in
      all clinical disciplines. CONCLUSION: Implementation of CPOE required extensive
      customization but improved patient safety in this highly complex pediatric
      oncology environment.

PMID- 22043184
TI  - Implementation of electronic checklists in an oncology medical record: initial
      clinical experience.
AB  - PURPOSE: The quality of any medical treatment depends on the accurate processing
      of multiple complex components of information, with proper delivery to the
      patient. This is true for radiation oncology, in which treatment delivery is as
      complex as a surgical procedure but more dependent on hardware and software
      technology. Uncorrected errors, even if small or infrequent, can result in
      catastrophic consequences for the patient. We developed electronic checklists
      (ECLs) within the oncology electronic medical record (EMR) and evaluated their
      use and report on our initial clinical experience. METHODS: Using the Mosaiq EMR,
      we developed checklists within the clinical assessment section. These checklists
      are based on the process flow of information from one group to another within the
      clinic and enable the processing, confirmation, and documentation of relevant
      patient information before the delivery of radiation therapy. The clinical use of
      the ECL was documented by means of a customized report. RESULTS: Use of ECL has
      reduced the number of times that physicians were called to the treatment unit. In
      particular, the ECL has ensured that therapists have a better understanding of
      the treatment plan before the initiation of treatment. An evaluation of ECL
      compliance showed that, with additional staff training, > 94% of the records were
      completed. CONCLUSION: The ECL can be used to ensure standardization of
      procedures and documentation that the pretreatment checks have been performed
      before patient treatment. We believe that the implementation of ECLs will improve
      patient safety and reduce the likelihood of treatment errors.

PMID- 22043185
TI  - Integrated information systems for electronic chemotherapy medication
      administration.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Chemotherapy administration is a highly complex and distributed
      task in both the inpatient and outpatient infusion center settings. The American
      Society of Clinical Oncology and the Oncology Nursing Society (ASCO/ONS) have
      developed standards that specify procedures and documentation requirements for
      safe chemotherapy administration. Yet paper-based approaches to medication
      administration have several disadvantages and do not provide any decision support
      for patient safety checks. Electronic medication administration that includes bar
      coding technology may provide additional safety checks, enable consistent
      documentation structure, and have additional downstream benefits. METHODS: We
      describe the specialized configuration of clinical informatics systems for
      electronic chemotherapy medication administration. The system integrates the
      patient registration system, the inpatient order entry system, the pharmacy
      information system, the nursing documentation system, and the electronic health
      record. RESULTS: We describe the process of deploying this infrastructure in the
      adult and pediatric inpatient oncology, hematology, and bone marrow transplant
      wards at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. We have successfully adapted the
      system for the oncology-specific documentation requirements detailed in the
      ASCO/ONS guidelines for chemotherapy administration. However, several limitations
      remain with regard to recording the day of treatment and dose number. CONCLUSION:
      Overall, the configured systems facilitate compliance with the ASCO/ONS
      guidelines and improve the consistency of documentation and multidisciplinary
      team communication. Our success has prompted us to deploy this infrastructure in
      our outpatient chemotherapy infusion centers, a process that is currently
      underway and that will require a few unique considerations.

PMID- 22043186
TI  - Patient-physician e-mail communication: the kaiser permanente experience.
AB  - Kaiser Permanente (KP) is a not-for profit health care organization that provides
      care for approximately 8.7 million members in nine states and the District of
      Columbia. In 2004, it began implementation of its current electronic health
      record (EHR), which by 2010, was in use in all KP regions, in both outpatient and
      inpatient settings. Over the same period, a suite of online services was also
      implemented. Among these services was a password-protected e-mail system
      (referred to as secure messaging) that allowed physicians and patients to
      communicate electronically. Use of secure messaging has increased rapidly. By
      2010, 64% of the 3.6 million KP members in northern California had signed up for
      online access. In 2010, the 7,000 physicians of Northern California KP received
      5.8 million secure messages. Secure messaging has been associated with a decrease
      in office visits, an increase in measurable quality outcomes (at least in primary
      care), and excellent patient satisfaction.

PMID- 22043187
TI  - Outcomes of computerized physician order entry in an electronic health record
      after implementation in an outpatient oncology setting.
AB  - PURPOSE: Computerized physician order entry (CPOE) in electronic health records
      (EHR) has been recognized as an important tool in optimal health care provision
      that can reduce errors and improve safety. The objective of this study is to
      describe documentation completeness and user satisfaction of medical charts
      before and after implementation of an outpatient oncology EHR/ CPOE system in a
      hospital-based outpatient cancer center within three treatment sites. METHODS:
      This study is a retrospective chart review of 90 patients who received one of the
      following regimens between 1999 and 2006: FOLFOX, AC, carboplatin + paclitaxel,
      ABVD, cisplatin + etoposide, R-CHOP, and clinical trials. Documentation
      completeness scores were assigned to each chart based on the number of documented
      data points found out of the total data points assessed. EHR/CPOE documentation
      completeness was compared with completeness of paper charts orders of the same
      regimens. A user satisfaction survey of the paper chart and EHR/CPOE system was
      conducted among the physicians, nurses, and pharmacists who worked with both
      systems. RESULTS: The mean percentage of identified data points successfully
      found in the EHR/CPOE charts was 93% versus 67% in the paper charts (P < .001).
      Regimen complexity did not alter the number of data points found. The survey
      response rate was 64%, and the results showed that satisfaction was statistically
      significant in favor of the EHR/CPOE system. CONCLUSION: Using EHR/CPOE systems
      improves completeness of medical record and chemotherapy order documentation and
      improves user satisfaction with the medical record system. EHR/CPOE requires
      constant vigilance and maintenance to optimize patient safety.

PMID- 22043188
TI  - What Do People Affected by Cancer Think About Electronic Health Information
      Exchange? Results From the 2010 LIVESTRONG Electronic Health Information Exchange
      Survey and the 2008 Health Information National Trends Survey.
AB  - PURPOSE: The Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health
      (HITECH) Act has placed an emphasis on electronic health information exchange
      (EHIE). Research on needs of patient, especially those touched by cancer, has
      been sparse. Here, we present data on preferences for EHIE among those touched by
      cancer compared with a nationally representative sample of American adults.
      METHODS: TWO SURVEYS WERE USED: an online survey designed by LIVESTRONG (the
      Lance Armstrong Foundation) and a dual-frame, nationally representative sample of
      adults collected through the National Cancer Institute's Health Information
      National Trends Survey (HINTS). RESULTS: The LIVESTRONG EHIE survey yielded a
      sample of 8,411 respondents, including 433 currently receiving cancer treatment,
      298 living with cancer as a chronic disease, 2,343 post-treatment survivors, and
      5,337 with no history of cancer. The HINTS sample consisted of 7,674 respondents
      representative of the general adult population. Comparisons revealed a strong
      positive view of the value of EHIE within the cancer-relevant groups, especially
      among those living with cancer as a chronic disease. Only about half of the
      general population showed a similar degree of enthusiasm for EHIE. When asked
      about specific functions for EHRs, respondents valued privacy and security above
      all, followed by improving care coordination and data sharing between providers.
      CONCLUSION: These data suggest that the EHIE needs among those touched by cancer
      may be greater than in the general population. This is particularly important
      because people affected by cancer are among those who access our health care
      system most frequently and who have the most at stake.

PMID- 22043189
TI  - Possibly impossible patients: management of difficult behavior in oncology
      outpatients.
AB  - Angry, threatening, or otherwise disruptive behavior by patients can interfere
      with necessary oncologic treatment, sometimes to the point of rendering continued
      care impossible. We offer oncology clinicians guidance in dealing with difficult
      outpatients by discussing the differential diagnosis and multidisciplinary
      management of treatment-disrupting behavior in the ambulatory oncology setting.We
      review the existing literature on dealing with difficult patients and present
      clinical experience at a comprehensive cancer center where a formalized,
      institutional process for responding to disruptive outpatients has been
      developed.A structured, multidisciplinary approach to deal with difficult
      behavior in oncology outpatients can improve care and staff morale. Staff using
      this approach can identify causes of treatment-disrupting behavior, develop and
      implement appropriate behavior plans, facilitate communication, address mental
      health issues, and ensure that decisions to terminate a relationship with a
      patient are ethical, clinically justified, and supported by due process.In the
      future, clinical recommendations and institutional guidelines for dealing with
      difficult patients should be evaluated with more structured, quantitative
      research.

PMID- 22043190
TI  - Degree of variability in performance on breast cancer quality indicators:
      findings from the Florida initiative for quality cancer care.
AB  - PURPOSE: The Florida Initiative for Quality Cancer Care (FIQCC) comprises 11
      Florida practice sites that participate in comprehensive reviews of quality of
      care specific to patients with cancer. Here, we examined site adherence to
      performance indicators to assess quality of care for patients with breast cancer
      (BC). METHODS: Quality indicators were scripted on the basis of accepted
      guidelines from the Quality Oncology Practice Initiative, National Comprehensive
      Cancer Network, American College of Surgeons, and site-specific expert panel
      consensus. Comprehensive chart reviews, including both medical and surgical
      oncology quality measures, were conducted for patients with BC first seen in 2006
      by a medical oncologist at one of the sites. Statistical comparisons were made by
      the Pearson chi(2) exact test, using Monte Carlo estimation. RESULTS: Charts of
      622 patients were reviewed. Of the 34 indicators, seven for medical oncology and
      four for surgical oncology fell below the 85% level of adherence. A statistically
      significant difference (P < .001) in variation of performance across the sites
      was found for the following medical and surgical oncology indicators:
      documentation of menopausal status, family history, informed consent, planned
      chemotherapy regimen and flow sheet, American Joint Committee on Cancer staging,
      HER2/neu status, reporting of margin orientation and inking of the margins,
      histological grade, having a sentinel lymph node biopsy for invasive BC, and
      obtaining a mammogram within 14 months of definitive surgery. CONCLUSION: The
      FIQCC has identified how multiple aspects of BC care can be improved. Findings
      are being used at the participating institutions to guide quality improvement
      efforts.

PMID- 22043191
TI  - Model for a community-based exercise program for cancer survivors: taking patient
      care to the next level.
AB  - This article describes the development and refinement of a not-for-profit,
      community-based exercise program, the Cancer Foundation For Life (CFFL), designed
      to improve quality of life (QOL) for persons with cancer, regardless of type or
      stage of disease. Beginning in 2001, policies and procedures were developed, and
      personnel were hired and trained. Program evaluation measured safety, exercise
      adherence, demographic variables, and QOL. CFFL had nearly 3,000 referrals and
      handled more than 66,000 patient encounters in 2010. Financial and social
      resources for the program have been established through collaboration with
      existing institutions (churches, cancer centers, hospitals, and community
      centers), in conjunction with community support. American College of Sports
      Medicine guidelines presented at the ASCO 2010 meeting recommend exercise for
      persons with cancer. The CFFL program provides a cost-effective and safe exercise
      program for persons with all types and stages of cancer that meets these
      recommended guidelines.

PMID- 22043192
TI  - Dissemination of Quality-of-Care Research Findings to Breast Oncology Surgeons.
AB  - PURPOSE: In this era of rapidly evolving clinical knowledge, clinicians need to
      be aware of current research and how it might affect their practice. The Internet
      is a widely available, under-assessed tool for providing this information. In
      this two-phase pilot study, a novel Web site (www.cansortsurgeons.org) was
      developed to specifically disseminate relevant clinical information to community
      breast oncology surgeons. METHODS: The first phase targeted a sample of community
      surgeons identified from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results catchment
      areas in Los Angeles, CA and Detroit, MI. The second phase broadened availability
      by linking the site through the American College of Surgeons (ACoS) Commission on
      Cancer (CoC) homepage. An eight-question, Web-based survey was used to obtain
      feedback regarding the Web site's utility and potential application to clinical
      practice. Journal continuing medical education credit was also offered through
      ACoS. RESULTS: For phase 1, of the 315 community surgeons invited to view the
      site, 114 (36%) participated in the study and 98 (86%) responded to the survey.
      Overall, there was a strongly supportive response, with 79 (81%) recommending the
      site to other clinicians. For phase 2, of the 516 site hits, 411 came from the
      ACoS site. Only 10 individuals completed the survey during this phase, but all
      positively endorsed the utility of the site. CONCLUSION: The implication for
      clinical practice is that the Internet is a useful tool for providing relevant
      clinical research to providers. In the future, this could be tailored to an
      individual's needs, aiding synthesis and, hopefully, improving the quality of
      clinical care.

PMID- 22043193
TI  - Oncologist-hospital alignment models built to compensate oncologists fairly.
AB  - Reimbursement for services is down; practice overhead is up; community oncologist
      take-home income continues to erode-that is a common scenario today. No wonder
      community oncologists are interested in exploring alignment relationships with
      hospitals and academic medical centers. It can actually work too: fragmented
      services can be consolidated; oncologist incomes can be stabilized; communities
      can be better served. But what can oncologists entering into these relationships
      expect to be paid for their professional contribution? This article describes
      approaches to structuring an oncologist-hospital alignment relationship and
      compensation methodologies applicable to each.

PMID- 22043194
TI  - A new look at informed consent for cancer clinical trials.
AB  - Informed consent is fundamental to the conduct of clinical trials. Prospective
      participants need to be adequately informed and given the opportunity to ask
      questions and consult with relatives or friends without feeling pressured or
      rushed.

PMID- 22043195
TI  - A financial counselor on the practice staff: a win-win.
AB  - Patients with cancer are often burdened by financial stresses during treatment.
      The presence of a financial counselor can help alleviate these concerns for both
      patients and providers.

PMID- 22043196
TI  - Natural language processing and the oncologic history: is there a match?
AB  - PURPOSE: The widespread adoption of electronic health records (EHRs) is creating
      rich databases documenting the cancer patient's care continuum. However, much of
      this data, especially narrative "oncologic histories," are "locked" within free
      text (unstructured) portions of notes. Nationwide incentives, ranging from
      certification (Quality Oncology Practice Initiative) to monetary reimbursement
      (the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health Act),
      increasingly require the translation of these histories into treatment summaries
      for patient use and into tools to assist in transitions of care. Unfortunately,
      formulation of treatment summaries from these data is difficult and time
      consuming. The rapidly developing field of automated natural language processing
      may offer a solution to this communication problem. METHODS: We surveyed a cross
      section of providers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center regarding the
      importance of treatment summaries and whether these were being formulated on a
      regular basis. We also developed a program for the Informatics for Integrating
      Biology and the Bedside challenge, which was designed to extract meaningful
      information from EHRs. The program was then applied to a sample of narrative
      oncologic histories. RESULTS: The majority of providers (86%) felt that treatment
      summaries were important, but only 11% actually implemented them. The most common
      obstacles identified were lack of time and lack of EHR tools. We demonstrated
      that relevant medical concepts can be automatically extracted from oncologic
      histories with reasonable accuracy and precision. CONCLUSION: Natural language
      processing technology offers a promising method for structuring a free-text
      oncologic history into a compact treatment summary, creating a robust and
      accurate means of communication between providers and between provider and
      patient.

PMID- 22043197
TI  - Effect of an electronic health record on the culture of an outpatient medical
      oncology practice in a four-hospital integrated health care system: 5-year
      experience.
AB  - The electronic health record (EHR) was adopted into the NorthShore University
      HealthSystem, a four-hospital integrated health system located in suburban
      Chicago, in 2003. By 2005, all chemotherapy and medicine order entry was
      conducted through the EHR, completing the incorporation of a fully paperless EHR
      in our hospital-based oncology practice in both the inpatient and outpatient
      settings. The use of the EHR has dramatically changed our practice environment by
      improving efficiency, patient safety, research productivity, and operations,
      while allowing evaluation of adherence to established quality measures and
      incorporation of new quality improvement initiatives. The reach of the EHR has
      been substantial and has influenced every aspect of care at our institution over
      the short period since its implementation. In this article, we describe
      subjective and objective measures, outcomes, and achievements of our 5-year EHR
      experience.

PMID- 22043198
TI  - Creating a process to standardize regimen order sets within an electronic health
      record.
AB  - PURPOSE: US Oncology uses regimen order sets in clinical practice to treat
      patients. However, the process to assure accuracy and upkeep of these order sets
      has not been described. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the regimens
      housed in the electronic health record, iKnowMed, to determine their
      appropriateness and accuracy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: US Oncology conducted an
      audit of its standardized regimen library. A utilization review compared
      chemotherapy regimens in the library and consolidated order sets on the basis of
      past utilization. Next, internal and external clinical pharmacists were
      contracted to verify the accuracy, dose, duration, and cycle length of regimens.
      References cited in the regimen library were evaluated. New or updated references
      or clinical practice standards were added or modified when necessary. US Oncology
      corporate pharmacists reviewed the recommendations and discussed findings with an
      oversight committee. Final proposals were voted on before being incorporated into
      iKnowMed. An internal database tracking system tool for all reviewed
      recommendations was created to track and communicate needed changes to the
      electronic health record. RESULTS: Out of 511 regimen order sets, 51 were
      recommended for removal or consolidation. Of the remaining 460 regimen order
      sets, all had some administrative changes. Specifically, 75% had title changes,
      14% had cycle-related changes, 31% had reference updates, and 13% had dosing
      updates. CONCLUSION: Electronic health records systems, such as iKnowMed, can
      provide standardized order sets for a large oncology network. However, the
      regimens need to be evaluated routinely using standardized procedures to ensure
      they are accurate and current.

PMID- 22043199
TI  - Editorial: crucial role of redox signaling in the regulation of heart health.

PMID- 22043200
TI  - Modulatory Role of Nitric Oxide/cGMP System in Endothelin-1-Induced Signaling
      Responses in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells.
AB  - Nitric oxide (NO) is an important vasoprotective molecule that serves not only as
      a vasodilator but also exerts antihypertrophic and antiproliferative effects in
      vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). The precise mechanism by which the
      antihypertrophic and antiproliferative responses of NO are mediated remains
      obscure. However, recent studies have suggested that one of the mechanisms by
      which this may be achieved includes the attenuation of signal transduction
      pathways responsible for inducing the hypertrophic and proliferative program in
      VSMC. Endothelin-1 is a powerful vasoconstrictor peptide with mitogenic and
      growth stimulatory properties and exerts its effects by activating multiple
      signaling pathways which include ERK 1/2, PKB and Rho-ROCK. Both cGMP-dependent
      and independent events have been reported to mediate the effect of NO on these
      pathways leading to its vasoprotective response. This review briefly summarizes
      some key studies on the modulatory effect of NO on these signaling pathways and
      discusses the possible role of cGMP system in this process.

PMID- 22043201
TI  - Mechanisms of the beneficial actions of ischemic preconditioning on subcellular
      remodeling in ischemic-reperfused heart.
AB  - Cardiac function is compromised by oxidative stress which occurs upon exposing
      the heart to ischemia reperfusion (I/R) for a prolonged period. The reactive
      oxygen species (ROS) that are generated during I/R incur extensive damage to the
      myocardium and result in subcellular organelle remodeling. The cardiac nucleus,
      glycocalyx, myofilaments, sarcoplasmic reticulum, sarcolemma, and mitochondria
      are affected by ROS during I/R injury. On the other hand, brief periods of
      ischemia followed by reperfusion, or ischemic preconditioning (IPC), have been
      shown to be cardioprotective against oxidative stress by attenuating the cellular
      damage and alterations of subcellular organelles caused by subsequent I/R injury.
      Endogenous defense mechanisms, such as antioxidant enzymes and heat shock
      proteins, are activated by IPC and thus prevent damage caused by oxidative
      stress. Although these cardioprotective effects of IPC against I/R injury are
      considered to be a consequence of changes in the redox state of cardiomyocytes,
      IPC is considered to promote the production of NO which may protect subcellular
      organelles from the deleterious actions of oxidative stress. The article is
      intended to focus on the I/R-induced oxidative damage to subcellular organelles
      and to highlight the cardioprotective effects of IPC. In addition, the actions of
      various endogenous cardioprotective interventions are discussed to illustrate
      that changes in the redox state due to IPC are cardioprotective against I/R
      injury to the heart.

PMID- 22043202
TI  - Oxygen Sensing, Cardiac Ischemia, HIF-1alpha and Some Emerging Concepts.
AB  - Oxygen plays a critical role in the perpetuation and propagation of almost all
      forms of life. The primary site of cellular oxygen consumption is the
      mitochondrial electron transport chain and in addition, oxygen is also used as a
      substrate for various enzymes involved in cellular homeostasis. Although our
      knowledge of the biochemistry and physiology of oxygen transport is century old,
      recent development of sophisticated tools of biophysical chemistry revealed that
      tissue oxygenation and oxygen sensing is a highly evolved process, especially in
      mammals. Perturbation of normal oxygen supply is associated with diseases like
      tumorigenesis, myocardial infarction and stroke. Available information suggests
      that when tissue oxygen supply is limited, mitochondria emanate signals involving
      reactive oxygen species generation which in turn stabilizes oxygen sensing
      transcription factor HIF-1. Upon stabilization, HIF-1 elicits necessary genetic
      response to cope with the diminished oxygen level. In view of such critical role
      of HIF-1 in cellular oxygen sensing, recently there has been a heightened
      interest in understanding the biology of HIF-1 in the context of cardiovascular
      system. The following review describes some of the recent advances in this
      regard.

PMID- 22043203
TI  - Indian spices for healthy heart - an overview.
AB  - Spices were some of the most valuable items of trade in the ancient and medieval
      world. Herbalist and folk practitioners have used plant remedies for centuries,
      but only recently have scientist begun to study the powers of common herbs and
      spices. In the current set-up, the anti-proliferative, anti-hypercholesterolemic,
      anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory effects of spices have overriding importance, as
      the key health concern of mankind nowadays is diabetes, cardio-vascular diseases,
      arthritis and cancer. Spices or their active compounds could be used as possible
      ameliorative or preventive agents for these health disorders. Spices are rich in
      antioxidants, and scientific studies suggest that they are also potent inhibitors
      of tissue damage and inflammation caused by high levels of blood sugar and
      circulating lipids. Because spices have very low calorie content and are
      relatively inexpensive, they are reliable sources of antioxidants and other
      potential bioactive compounds in diet. This review outlines the role of some
      spices used in the Indian kitchen for its flavour and taste which are potential
      to maintain a healthy heart.

PMID- 22043205
TI  - The DOCA-Salt Hypertensive Rat as a Model of Cardiovascular Oxidative and
      Inflammatory Stress.
AB  - Oxidative stress and inflammation are two sides of the same coin that are
      intricately combined to elicit a chronic pathophysiological stress state,
      especially as seen in cardiovascular remodelling. In this review, we argue that
      administration of deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA) and sodium chloride to
      uninephrectomised rats, defined as DOCA-salt hypertensive rats, provides a
      reliable animal model of oxidative and inflammatory stress in the cardiovascular
      system. The supporting evidence includes pathophysiological and biochemical
      changes together with pharmacological responses to synthetic and natural
      compounds that lower the concentrations of reactive free radical species and that
      curtail inflammatory responses in the cardiovascular system.

PMID- 22043204
TI  - Role of differential signaling pathways and oxidative stress in diabetic
      cardiomyopathy.
AB  - Diabetes mellitus increases the risk of heart failure independently of underlying
      coronary artery disease, and many believe that diabetes leads to cardiomyopathy.
      The underlying pathogenesis is partially understood. Several factors may
      contribute to the development of cardiac dysfunction in the absence of coronary
      artery disease in diabetes mellitus. There is growing evidence that excess
      generation of highly reactive free radicals, largely due to hyperglycemia, causes
      oxidative stress, which further exacerbates the development and progression of
      diabetes and its complications. Hyperglycemia-induced oxidative stress is a major
      risk factor for the development of micro-vascular pathogenesis in the diabetic
      myocardium, which results in myocardial cell death, hypertrophy, fibrosis,
      abnormalities of calcium homeostasis and endothelial dysfunction. Diabetes
      mediated biochemical changes show cross-interaction and complex interplay
      culminating in the activation of several intracellular signaling molecules.
      Diabetic cardiomyopathy is characterized by morphologic and structural changes in
      the myocardium and coronary vasculature mediated by the activation of various
      signaling pathways. This review focuses on the oxidative stress and signaling
      pathways in the pathogenesis of the cardiovascular complications of diabetes,
      which underlie the development and progression of diabetic cardiomyopathy.

PMID- 22043206
TI  - Modulation of Gi Proteins in Hypertension: Role of Angiotensin II and Oxidative
      Stress.
AB  - Guanine nucleotide regulatory proteins (G-proteins) play a key role in the
      regulation of various signal transduction systems including adenylyl cyclase/cAMP
      and phospholipase C (PLC)/phosphatidyl inositol turnover (PI). These are
      implicated in the modulation of a variety of physiological functions such as
      platelet functions, cardiovascular functions, including arterial tone and
      reactivity. Several abnormalities in adenylyl cyclase activity, cAMP levels and G
      proteins have shown to be responsible for the altered cardiac performance and
      vascular functions observed in cardiovascular disease states. The enhanced or
      unaltered levels of inhibitory G-proteins (Gialpha-2 and Gialpha-3) and mRNA have
      been reported in different models of hypertension, whereas Gsalpha levels were
      shown to be unaltered. These changes in G-protein expression were associated with
      Gi functions. The enhanced levels of Gialpha proteins precede the development of
      blood pressure and suggest that overexpression of Gi proteins may be one of the
      contributing factors for the pathogenesis of hypertension. The augmented levels
      of vasoactive peptides, including angiotensin II (AngII), were shown to
      contribute to enhanced expression of Gialpha proteins and associated adenylyl
      cyclase signaling and thereby increased blood pressure. In addition, enhanced
      oxidative stress in hypertension due to Ang II may also be responsible for the
      enhanced expression of Gialpha proteins observed in hypertension. The mechanism
      by which oxidative stress enhances the expression of Gi proteins appears to be
      through the activation of mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinase activity.

PMID- 22043208
TI  - Tissue Factor/Factor FVII Complex Inhibitors in Cardiovascular Disease. Are
      Things Going Well?
AB  - Blood coagulation is a complex biological mechanism aimed to avoid bleeding in
      which a highly regulated and coordinated interplay of specific proteins and
      cellular components respond quickly to a vascular injury. However, when this
      mechanisms occurs in the coronary circulation, it has not a "protective" effect,
      but rather, it plays a pivotal role in determining acute coronary syndromes.
      Coagulation recognizes Tissue Factor (TF), the main physiological initiator of
      the extrinsic coagulation pathway, as its starter.Since TF:VIIa complex is the
      critical point of the blood coagulation cascade, it is a pharmacological
      attractive issue for the development of agents with anti thrombotic properties
      that can exert their activity by inhibiting complex formation and/or its
      catalytic activity. In fact, it is intuitive that an antithrombotic agent able to
      inhibit this initial step of the coagulation pathway has several theoretical,
      extremely important, advantages if compared with drugs active downstream the
      coagulation pathway, such as FXa or thrombin. The present report gives a brief
      overview of TF pathophysiology, highlighting the most recent advances in the
      field of inhibitors of the complex TF/VIIa potentially useful in cardiovascular
      disease.

PMID- 22043209
TI  - Choosing a revascularization strategy in patients with diabetes and stable
      coronary artery disease: a complex decision.
AB  - Diabetes mellitus is associated with well-known increases in cardiovascular
      morbidity and mortality. In diabetics with stable coronary artery disease, the
      best therapeutic option is widely discussed. Current studies comparing surgical
      to percutaneous revascularization have been unable to definitely demonstrate any
      significant advantage of one strategy over the other regarding the prevention of
      cardiac death or acute myocardial infarction. Therefore, even taking into account
      clinical and angiographic information as well as the risks determined by each
      type of treatment, the decision regarding the best therapeutic strategy in
      diabetics with stable coronary artery disease is still complex.

PMID- 22043210
TI  - AMPK - Activated Protein Kinase and its Role in Energy Metabolism of the Heart.
AB  - Adenosine monophosphate - activated kinase (AMPK) plays a key role in the
      coordination of the heart's anabolic and catabolic pathways. It induces a
      cellular cascade at the center of maintaining energy homeostasis in the
      cardiomyocytes.. The activated AMPK is a heterotrimeric protein, separated into a
      catalytic alpha - subunit (63kDa), a regulating beta - subunit (38kDa) and a
      gamma - subunit (38kDa), which is allosterically adjusted by adenosine
      triphosphate (ATP) and adenosine monophosphate (AMP). The actual binding of AMP
      to the gamma - subunit is the step which activates AMPK. AMPK serves also as a
      protein kinase in several metabolic pathways of the heart, including cellular
      energy sensoring or cardiovascular protection. The AMPK cascade represents a
      sensitive system, activated by cellular stresses that deplete ATP and acts as an
      indicator of intracellular ATP/AMP. In the context of cellular stressors (i.e.
      hypoxia, pressure overload, hypertrophy or ATP deficiency) the increasing levels
      of AMP promote allosteric activation and phosphorylation of AMPK. As the
      concentration of AMP begins to increase, ATP competitively inhibits further
      phosphorylation of AMPK. The increase of AMP may also be induced either from an
      iatrogenic emboli, percutaneous coronary intervention, or from atherosclerotic
      plaque rupture leading to an ischemia in the microcirculation. To modulate energy
      metabolism by phosphorylation and dephosphorylation is vital in terms of ATP
      usage, maintaining transmembrane transporters and preserving membrane potential.
      In this article, we review AMPK and its role as an important regulatory enzyme
      during periods of myocardial stress, regulating energy metabolism, protein
      synthesis and cardiovascular protection.

PMID- 22043207
TI  - Lipid rafts and redox regulation of cellular signaling in cholesterol induced
      atherosclerosis.
AB  - Redox mediated signaling mechanisms play crucial roles in the pathogenesis of
      several cardiovascular diseases. Atherosclerosis is one of the most important
      disorders induced mainly by hypercholesterolemia. Oxidation products and related
      signaling mechanisms are found within the characteristic biomarkers of
      atherosclerosis. Several studies have shown that redox signaling via lipid rafts
      play a significant role in the regulation of pathogenesis of many diseases
      including atherosclerosis. This review attempts to summarize redox signaling and
      lipid rafts in hypercholesterolemia induced atherosclerosis.

PMID- 22043211
TI  - The adult patient with eisenmenger syndrome: a medical update after dana point
      part I: epidemiology, clinical aspects and diagnostic options.
AB  - Eisenmenger syndrome is the most severe form of pulmonary arterial hypertension
      and arises on the basis of congenital heart disease with a systemic-to-pulmonary
      shunt. Due to the chronic slow progressive hypoxemia with central cyanosis, adult
      patients with the Eisenmenger syndrome suffer from a complex and multisystemic
      disorder including coagulation disorders (bleeding complications and paradoxical
      embolisms), renal dysfunction, hypertrophic osteoarthropathy, heart failure,
      reduced quality of life and premature death.For a long time, therapy has been
      limited to symptomatic options or lung or combined heart-lung transplantation. As
      new selective pulmonary vasodilators have become available and proven to be
      beneficial in various forms of pulmonary arterial hypertension, this targeted
      medical treatment has been expected to show promising effects with a delay of
      deterioration also in Eisenmenger patients. Unfortunately, data in Eisenmenger
      patients suffer from small patient numbers and a lack of randomized controlled
      studies.To optimize the quality of life and the outcome, referral of Eisenmenger
      patients to spezialized centers is required. In such centers, specific
      interdisciplinary management strategies of physicians specialized on congenital
      heart diseases and PAH should be warranted. This medical update emphasizes the
      current diagnostic and therapeutic options for Eisenmenger patients with
      particularly focussing on epidemiology, clinical aspects and specific diagnostic
      options.

PMID- 22043214
TI  - Retraction.

PMID- 22043212
TI  - The Adult Patient with Eisenmenger Syndrome: A Medical Update after Dana Point
      Part II: Medical Treatment - Study Results.
AB  - Eisenmenger syndrome is the most severe form of pulmonary arterial hypertension
      and arises on the basis of congenital heart disease with a systemic-to-pulmonary
      shunt. Due to the chronic slow progressive hypoxemia with central cyanosis, adult
      patients with the Eisenmenger syndrome suffer from a complex and multisystemic
      disorder including coagulation disorders (bleeding complications and paradoxical
      embolisms), renal dysfunction, hypertrophic osteoarthropathy, heart failure,
      reduced quality of life and premature death.For a long time, therapy has been
      limited to symptomatic options or lung or combined heart-lung transplantation. As
      new selective pulmonary vasodilators have become available and proven to be
      beneficial in various forms of pulmonary arterial hypertension, this targeted
      medical treatment has been expected to show promising effects with a delay of
      deterioration also in Eisenmenger patients. Unfortunately, data in Eisenmenger
      patients suffer from small patient numbers and a lack of randomized controlled
      studies.To optimize the quality of life and the outcome, referral of Eisenmenger
      patients to spezialized centers is required. In such centers, specific
      interdisciplinary management strategies of physicians specialized on congenital
      heart diseases and PAH should be warranted. This medical update emphasizes the
      current diagnostic and therapeutic options for Eisenmenger patients with
      particularly focussing on the medical treatment and corresponding study results.

PMID- 22043213
TI  - The Adult Patient with Eisenmenger Syndrome: A Medical Update after Dana Point
      Part III: Specific Management and Surgical Aspects.
AB  - Eisenmenger syndrome is the most severe form of pulmonary arterial hypertension
      and arises on the basis of congenital heart disease with a systemic-to-pulmonary
      shunt. Due to the chronic slow progressive hypoxemia with central cyanosis, adult
      patients with the Eisenmenger syndrome suffer from a complex and multisystemic
      disorder including coagulation disorders (bleeding complications and paradoxical
      embolisms), renal dysfunction, hypertrophic osteoarthropathy, heart failure,
      reduced quality of life and premature death.For a long time, therapy has been
      limited to symptomatic options or lung or combined heart-lung transplantation. As
      new selective pulmonary vasodilators have become available and proven to be
      beneficial in various forms of pulmonary arterial hypertension, this targeted
      medical treatment has been expected to show promising effects with a delay of
      deterioration also in Eisenmenger patients. Unfortunately, data in Eisenmenger
      patients suffer from small patient numbers and a lack of randomized controlled
      studies.To optimize the quality of life and the outcome, referral of Eisenmenger
      patients to spezialized centers is required. In such centers, specific
      interdisciplinary management strategies of physicians specialized on congenital
      heart diseases and PAH should be warranted. This medical update emphasizes the
      current diagnostic and therapeutic options for Eisenmenger patients with
      particularly focussing on specific management and surgical aspects.

PMID- 22043215
TI  - Indications of decreasing human PTS concentrations in North West Russia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Russian Arctic covers an enormous landmass with diverse
      environments. It inhabits more than 20 different ethnic groups, all of them with
      various living conditions and food traditions. Indigenous populations with a
      traditional way of living are exposed to a large number of anthropogenic
      pollutants, such as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and toxic metals, mainly
      through the diet. Human monitoring of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and
      heavy metals in the Russian Arctic has only been performed on irregular intervals
      over the past 15 years, thus, there is still a lack of baseline data from many
      ethnic groups and geographical regions. The aim of the current study was to
      investigate concentrations of POPs and toxic metals in three groups of indigenous
      people from the Russian Arctic. Plasma concentrations of POPs were measured in
      one of the locations (Nelmin-Nos) in 2001-2003 which gave the unique opportunity
      to compare concentrations over time in a small Russian arctic community. METHODS:
      During 2009 and early 2010, 209 blood samples were collected from three different
      study sites in North West Russia; Nelmin-Nos, Izhma and Usinsk. The three study
      sites are geographically separated and the inhabitants are expected to have
      different dietary habits and living conditions. All blood samples were analyzed
      for POPs and toxic metals. RESULTS: PCB 153 was present in highest concentrations
      of the 18 PCBs analyzed. p,p'-DDE and HCB were the two most dominating OC
      pesticides. Males had higher concentrations of PCB 138, 153 and 180 than women
      and age was a significant predictor of PCB 153, 180, HCB and p,p'-DDD. Males from
      Izhma had significantly higher concentrations of HCB than males from the other
      study sites and women from Usinsk had higher concentrations of p,p'-DDE. Parity
      was a significant predictor of p,p'-DDE. Hg and Pb concentrations increased with
      increasing age and males had significantly higher concentrations of Pb than
      women. The study group from Izhma had significantly higher concentrations of Cd
      when controlling for age and gender and the study group from Usinsk had higher
      concentrations of Se than the others. Compared to the results from Nelmin-Nos in
      2001-2003, a clear decrease in p,p'-DDE concentrations for both women and men was
      observed. CONCLUSIONS: The current study indicates a significant reduction of
      several PTSs in human blood samples from North West Russia over the past 10
      years.

PMID- 22043216
TI  - Infant mortality of Sami and settlers in Northern Sweden: the era of colonization
      1750-1900.
AB  - The study deals with infant mortality (IMR) that is one of the most important
      aspects of indigenous vulnerability. BACKGROUND: The Sami are one of very few
      indigenous peoples with an experience of a positive mortality transition.
      OBJECTIVE: Using unique mortality data from the period 1750-1900 Sami and the
      colonizers in northern Sweden are compared in order to reveal an eventual infant
      mortality transition. FINDINGS: The results show ethnic differences with the Sami
      having higher IMR, although the differences decrease over time. There were also
      geographical and cultural differences within the Sami, with significantly lower
      IMR among the South Sami. Generally, parity has high explanatory value, where an
      increased risk is noted for children born as number five or higher among
      siblings. CONCLUSION: There is a striking trend of decreasing IMR among the Sami
      after 1860, which, however, was not the result of professional health care. Other
      indigenous peoples of the Arctic still have higher mortality rates, and IMR below
      100 was achieved only after 1950 in most countries. The decrease in Sami infant
      mortality was certainly an important factor in their unique health transition,
      but the most significant change occurred after 1900.

PMID- 22043217
TI  - Climate change and water security with a focus on the Arctic.
AB  - Water is of fundamental importance for human life; access to water of good
      quality is of vital concern for mankind. Currently however, the situation is
      under severe pressure due to several stressors that have a clear impact on access
      to water. In the Arctic, climate change is having an impact on water availability
      by melting glaciers, decreasing seasonal rates of precipitation, increasing
      evapotranspiration, and drying lakes and rivers existing in permafrost grounds.
      Water quality is also being impacted as manmade pollutants stored in the
      environment are released, lowland areas are flooded with salty ocean water during
      storms, turbidity from permafrost-driven thaw and erosion is increased, and the
      growth or emergence of natural pollutants are increased. By 2030 it is estimated
      that the world will need to produce 50% more food and energy which means a
      continuous increase in demand for water. Decisionmakers will have to very clearly
      include life quality aspects of future generations in the work as impact of
      ongoing changes will be noticeable, in many cases, in the future. This article
      will focus on effects of climate-change on water security with an Arctic
      perspective giving some examples from different countries how arising problems
      are being addressed.

PMID- 22043219
TI  - Understanding the mosaic: health services and policy research in Canada.

PMID- 22043218
TI  - Facing the limit of resilience: perceptions of climate change among reindeer
      herding Sami in Sweden.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Arctic area is a part of the globe where the increase in global
      temperature has had the earliest noticeable effect and indigenous peoples,
      including the Swedish reindeer herding Sami, are amongst the first to be affected
      by these changes. OBJECTIVE: To explore the experiences and perceptions of
      climate change among Swedish reindeer herding Sami. STUDY DESIGN: In-depth
      interviews with 14 Swedish reindeer herding Sami were performed, with purposive
      sampling. The interviews focused on the herders experiences of climate change,
      observed consequences and thoughts about this. The interviews were analysed using
      content analysis. RESULTS: One core theme emerged from the interviews: facing the
      limit of resilience. Swedish reindeer-herding Sami perceive climate change as yet
      another stressor in their daily struggle. They have experienced severe and more
      rapidly shifting, unstable weather with associated changes in vegetation and
      alterations in the freeze-thaw cycle, all of which affect reindeer herding. The
      forecasts about climate change from authorities and scientists have contributed
      to stress and anxiety. Other societal developments have lead to decreased
      flexibility that obstructs adaptation. Some adaptive strategies are discordant
      with the traditional life of reindeer herding, and there is a fear among the Sami
      of being the last generation practising traditional reindeer herding.
      CONCLUSIONS: The study illustrates the vulnerable situation of the reindeer
      herders and that climate change impact may have serious consequences for the
      trade and their overall way of life. Decision makers on all levels, both in
      Sweden and internationally, need improved insights into these complex issues to
      be able to make adequate decisions about adaptive climate change strategies.

PMID- 22043220
TI  - The TSX Gives a Short Course in Health Economics: It's the Prices, Stupid!
AB  - The fall in Shoppers Drug Mart shares last April 8 gave a crystal-clear
      demonstration of the link between health expenditures and health incomes.
      Reacting (finally) to the excessive retail prices of generic drugs, the Ontario
      government effectively halved the rate of reimbursement of ingredient costs and
      banned the "professional allowances" (kickbacks) paid to pharmacies by generic
      manufacturers. Taxpayers and private payers will save hundreds of millions of
      dollars, and pharmacy revenues will fall by an equivalent amount. Patients will
      still get their drugs, with no loss of quantity, quality or even convenience; no
      one's health is threatened. But investor profits will fall. There are similar
      savings opportunities throughout the health system. Health costs are primarily a
      political, not an economic, problem.

PMID- 22043221
TI  - The commercialization of genomic research in Canada.
AB  - The commercialization of academic research has been promoted by North American
      policy makers for over 30 years as a means of increasing university financing and
      to ensure that promising research would eventually find its way to the
      marketplace. The following issues paper constitutes a reflection on the impact of
      the Canadian commercialization framework on academic research in the field of
      genomics. It was written following two workshops and two independent studies
      organized by academic groups in Quebec (Centre of Genomics and Policy) and
      Alberta (Health Law Institute). The full sets of recommendations are available
      upon request to the authors.

PMID- 22043222
TI  - Understanding the Unattached Population in Ontario: Evidence from the Primary
      Care Access Survey (PCAS).
AB  - To measure primary care access on an ongoing basis, the Ontario Ministry of
      Health and Long-Term Care implemented the Primary Care Access Survey (PCAS) in
      2006. The PCAS, a cross-sectional telephone survey, samples approximately 8,400
      Ontario adults each year. It collects information on access to a family doctor,
      use of services, health status and socio-demographics. Analysis of the 2007-2008
      PCAS (n=16,560) shows that 7.1% of Ontario's adults were without a family doctor
      (i.e., unattached). The attached and unattached populations differed on socio
      demographic and health characteristics. Emergency department use was similar
      between the two groups, but walk-in clinic use was higher among the unattached.
      The unattached were less likely to have used care for immediate issues but
      accessed care in a more timely fashion than the attached. This initial
      exploration of the PCAS provides a better understanding of some of the
      differences between the attached and unattached populations in Ontario.

PMID- 22043223
TI  - Listening for prescriptions: a national consultation on pharmaceutical policy
      issues.
AB  - OBJECTIVES AND METHODS: Pharmaceutical policy is an increasingly costly,
      essential and challenging component of health system management. We sought to
      identify priority pharmaceutical policy issues in Canada and to translate them
      into research priorities using key informant interviews, stakeholder surveys and
      a deliberative workshop. RESULTS: WE FOUND CONSENSUS ON OVERARCHING POLICY GOALS:
      to provide all Canadians with equitable and sustainable access to necessary
      medicines. We also found widespread frustration that many key pharmaceutical
      policy issues in Canada - including improving prescription drug financing and
      pricing - have been persistent challenges owing to a lack of policy coordination.
      The coverage of extraordinarily costly medicines for serious conditions was
      identified as a rapidly emerging policy issue. CONCLUSION: Targeted research and
      knowledge translation activities can help address key policy issues and,
      importantly, challenges of policy coordination in Canada and thereby reduce
      inequity and inefficiency in policy approaches and outcomes.

PMID- 22043224
TI  - Does Receiving Clinical Preventive Services Vary across Different Types of
      Primary Healthcare Organizations? Evidence from a Population-Based Survey.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To measure the association between primary healthcare (PHC)
      organizational types and patient coverage for clinical preventive services (CPS).
      METHOD: Study conducted in Quebec (2005), including a population-based survey of
      patients' experience of care (N=4,417) and a survey of PHC clinics. OUTCOME
      MEASURES: Patient-reported CPS delivery rates and CPS coverage scores. Multiple
      logistic regressions used to assess factors associated with higher probability of
      receiving CPS. RESULTS: CPS delivery rates were higher among patients with a
      regular source of PHC. Higher CPS score was associated with having a public (OR
      1.79; 95% CI 1.35-2.37) or mixed (OR 1.22; 95% CI 1.01-1.48) type of organization
      as source of PHC compared to a private one, and having had a high number of
      visits to the regular source of PHC in the past two years (<=6: OR 1.83; 95% CI
      1.41-2.38) compared to a single visit. CONCLUSION: Public and mixed PHC
      organizations seem to perform better. CPS delivery is strongly associated with
      having a regular source of care.

PMID- 22043225
TI  - Mapping health services and policy research settings in Canada: following the
      money, the publications and the interest.
AB  - While health services and policy research (HSPR) has an established footing in
      traditional research settings (e.g., universities, hospitals, research
      institutes) in Canada, its presence in other research settings (e.g., government
      agencies, regional health authorities, charitable organizations) is emergent and
      less well understood. Drawing on data from the Canadian Institutes of Health
      Research, the Canadian Health Services Research Foundation, two Canadian HSPR
      focused journals (Healthcare Policy and Healthcare Management Forum) and the
      Canadian Association of Health Services and Policy Research, we mapped HSPR
      settings based on three different measures: (1) HSPR-related funding, (2)
      authorship in Canadian HSPR-focused journals and (3) membership in a professional
      HSPR association. Our findings suggest that while a significant proportion of
      HSPR is directly linked to non-traditional research settings, the nature and
      extent of HSPR activity in those settings are unclear.

PMID- 22043226
TI  - Moral Distress among Healthcare Managers: Conditions, Consequences and Potential
      Responses.
AB  - Moral distress - the physical and emotional response to feeling prevented from
      carrying out ethically proper action - can have serious consequences for health
      professionals and healthcare organizations. We investigated perceived moral
      distress qualitatively with managers in two BC health authorities.RESPONDENTS
      DESCRIBED CONDITIONS UNDER WHICH THEY EXPERIENCED DISTRESS: when they set
      priorities within highly resource-constrained environments, when they observed
      inequities between budget allocations and management responsibilities, and when
      organizational priorities did not align with their personal values. When coping
      proved insufficient, managers would respond by leaving positions, organizations
      or the healthcare field altogether.Respondents asked for leadership development
      and the creation of spaces in which moral distress could be openly discussed.
      However, formal training in priority setting did not appear to be helpful on its
      own. Rather, it increased managers' awareness of the ethical dimensions of
      resource allocation without (in this instance) entrenching supports that would
      help them resolve these concerns.

PMID- 22043227
TI  - A comparison of drug coverage in alberta before and after the introduction of the
      national common drug review process.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The integration of the Common Drug Review (CDR) was a substantial
      change for Canada's public drug plans. Detailed comparisons of time-to-listing
      and proportion of medications covered by the province of Alberta's drug plans
      within the context of the CDR process have not been rigorously conducted.
      METHODS: New drugs approved by Health Canada were identified five years prior to
      the CDR's first recommendation (May 2004) and five years after. The time-to
      listing and proportion of new drugs covered on the Alberta Health and Wellness
      Drug Benefit List (AHWDBL) was compared between these periods. The level of
      agreement between CDR recommendations and coverage in Alberta was calculated
      using a kappa score. RESULTS: Two hundred and twenty new drugs were identified
      and met the study eligibility criteria (118 pre-CDR, 102 post-CDR). The median
      time-to-listing was 312 vs. 524 days in the pre-CDR and post-CDR periods,
      respectively, with the difference largely driven by time from notice of
      compliance (NOC) to the CDR recommendation. The level of agreement between 73
      drugs with CDR recommendations and coverage in Alberta was fair (kappa 0.55).
      CONCLUSION: Following the implementation of the CDR, the proportion of drugs
      covered has decreased and overall median time-to-listing of new drugs has
      increased in the province of Alberta. For drugs listed on the AHWDBL, the
      proportion of time attributable to the CDR process (NOC to CDR recommendation)
      was 63% of the overall time-to-listing.

PMID- 22043228
TI  - The LUCK study: Laxative Usage in patients with GP-diagnosed Constipation in the
      UK, within the general population and in pregnancy. An epidemiological study
      using the General Practice Research Database (GPRD).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite the high prevalence of constipation and its related public
      health implications, there is relatively little research available on the
      condition from large epidemiological studies. The aim of this study was to
      investigate the epidemiology of general practitioner (GP)-diagnosed constipation
      and the prescribing trends for laxatives in the UK, within the general population
      and during pregnancy. METHODS: A cohort study for the period from 2005 to 2009
      was performed using the UK primary care database (General Practice Research
      Database), which contains information on over 3 million individuals. RESULTS: The
      prevalence of GP-diagnosed constipation ranged from 12 per 1000 persons in 2005
      (0.012 per person year) to 12.8 per 1000 in 2009 (0.013 per person year). The
      prevalence was almost twice as high in women as in men, and was higher in older
      patients. In 2005 the most commonly prescribed laxatives were lactulose (37%),
      senna (26%), macrogol (19%), ispaghula (6%), docusate sodium (5%), bisacodyl (4%)
      and glycerol suppositories (2%). By 2009, this pattern had changed: macrogol
      (31%), lactulose (29%), senna (22%), ispaghula (5%), docusate sodium (6%),
      bisacodyl (3%) and glycerol suppositories (3%). In pregnancy, lactulose accounted
      for 81% of laxative use in 2005, falling to 64% by 2009. In contrast, macrogol
      use in pregnancy rose from 13% in 2005 to 32% in 2009. CONCLUSIONS: GP-diagnosed
      constipation is common, accounting for a large number of consultations. Laxative
      prescribing trends have changed over the 5-year study period, prescriptions for
      macrogol becoming increasingly common and prescriptions for lactulose and senna
      less common. Macrogol also appears to have been replacing lactulose for treating
      constipation in pregnant women.

PMID- 22043229
TI  - Management of colonic diverticular disease with poorly absorbed antibiotics and
      other therapies.
AB  - Colonic diverticular disease is common in Western countries and its prevalence
      increases with age. The large majority of patients (80-85%) will remain entirely
      asymptomatic throughout their life. In symptomatic cases, most patients will have
      diverticulosis without inflammation while the remainder will have diverticulitis
      with or without complications. About 1-2% will require hospitalization and 0.5%
      will require surgery. Factors predicting the development of symptoms remain to be
      identified. However, it is generally recognized that diverticular disease is
      probably related to complex interactions between colon structure, intestinal
      motility, diet, and genetic features. Epidemiologic studies have demonstrated an
      association between diverticulosis and diets that are low in fiber and high in
      refined carbohydrates. Although the causes of symptom development are still
      unclear, it is thought that previous episodes of intestinal inflammation may play
      a role. Changes in intestinal microflora could be one of the putative mechanisms
      responsible for low-grade inflammation. In patients with uncomplicated
      diverticulosis, a diet abundant in fruit and vegetables is recommended. The
      current therapeutic approaches in preventing recurrence of symptoms are based on
      nonabsorbable antibiotics, mesalazine, and/or probiotics. Cyclic rifaximin
      administration seems to be an adequate approach to relieving symptoms and
      preventing acute diverticulitis in patients with symptomatic diverticulosis.

PMID- 22043230
TI  - Certolizumab pegol for the treatment of Crohn's disease.
AB  - In this article we provide a contemporary overview of available clinical data on
      certolizumab pegol, a pegylated anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) alpha agent that
      comprises a uniquely small protein, and its emerging role as a therapy for
      Crohn's disease (CD). The results from a comprehensive clinical trial program
      suggest that certolizumab pegol offers rapid and sustained remission of moderate
      to severe CD. Certolizumab pegol is an effective and well-tolerated therapy both
      in patients who have already received biologics and in patients who are anti-TNF
      naive. Benefits of therapy include a stable dosing regimen, which allows for
      rapid induction of a clinical response followed by long-term maintenance of
      response and remission under one fixed dose. Treatment with certolizumab pegol
      has been shown to improve function and quality of life in patients with CD, and
      insights into the potential mechanisms by which certolizumab pegol effects a
      response in CD suggest that this agent may have the potential to slow or even
      modify disease progression. Early therapy is particularly effective and could
      help control CD progression and lessen the burden of disease on patients.

PMID- 22043232
TI  - Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors and hepatitis C virus.
AB  - The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and insulin resistance are higher
      among people chronically infected with hepatitis C (CHC) when compared with the
      general population and people with other causes of chronic liver disease. Both
      insulin resistance and diabetes are associated with adverse outcomes across all
      stages of CHC, including the liver transplant population. CHC is also associated
      with the development of hepatic steatosis, a common histological feature present
      in approximately 55% (32-81%) of cases. There is a complex interrelationship
      between insulin resistance and hepatic steatosis and both are postulated to
      aggravate each other. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are
      nuclear factors involved in the regulation of glucose, lipid homeostasis,
      inflammatory response, cell differentiation, and cell cycle. The relationship
      between hepatitis C virus replication and PPARs has been the focus of recent
      study. Given the availability of potent agonists, PPARs may represent a novel
      pharmacological target in the treatment of CHC.

PMID- 22043231
TI  - Current status of novel antifibrotic therapies in patients with chronic liver
      disease.
AB  - Fibrosis accumulation is a dynamic process resulting from a wound-healing
      response to acute or chronic liver injury of all causes. The cascade starts with
      hepatocyte necrosis and apoptosis, which instigate inflammatory signaling by
      chemokines and cytokines, recruitment of immune cell populations, and activation
      of fibrogenic cells, culminating in the deposition of extracellular matrix. These
      key elements, along with pathways of transcriptional and epigenetic regulation,
      represent fertile therapeutic targets. New therapies include drugs specifically
      designed as antifibrotics, as well as drugs already available with well
      established safety profiles, whose mechanism of action may also be antifibrotic.
      At the same time, the development of noninvasive fibrogenic markers, and
      techniques (e.g. fibroscan), as well as combined scoring systems incorporating
      serum and clinical features will allow improved assessment of therapy response.
      In aggregate, the advances in the elucidation of the biology of fibrosis,
      combined with improved technologies for assessment will provide a comprehensive
      framework for design of antifibrotics and their analysis in well-designed
      clinical trials. These efforts may ultimately yield success in halting the
      progression of, or reversing, liver fibrosis.

PMID- 22043233
TI  - Obesity and bariatrics for the endoscopist: new techniques.
AB  - Obesity and its associated conditions, including type 2 diabetes and
      cardiovascular disease, have reached epidemic proportions. Gastrointestinal
      weight loss surgery (GIWLS) shows the most promise in achieving significant and
      sustained weight loss and diabetes resolution. However, a large mismatch exists
      between the magnitude of the obesity epidemic and the number of surgical
      procedures performed to produce a significant shift in the distribution of
      obesity on a population level. This mismatch is fueled by high surgical costs,
      morbidity and mortality associated with surgical interventions, and the fact that
      the greatest public health burden of obesity comes from those around the center
      of the population body mass index distribution with mild to moderate obesity,
      rather than those at the distribution tail with severe obesity that GIWLS
      targets. New endoscopic methods, capitalizing on advances in our understanding of
      the physiological mechanisms by which GIWLS works, are developing to provide
      viable alternatives in the treatment of bariatric surgical complications, and for
      the primary treatment of obesity. These methods may have the added advantage of
      reduced invasiveness, reversibility, cost-effectiveness, and applicability to a
      larger segment of the population with moderate obesity.

PMID- 22043235
TI  - Rapid generation of in vitro multicellular spheroids for the study of monoclonal
      antibody therapy.
AB  - Tumor microenvironments present significant barriers to penetration by antibodies
      and immunoconjugates and are difficult to study in vitro. Cells cultured as
      monolayers typically exhibit less resistance to therapy than those grown in vivo.
      Therefore, it is important to develop an alternative research model that better
      represents in vivo tumors. We have developed a protocol to produce multicellular
      spheroids, a simple and more relevant model of in vivo tumors that allows for
      further investigations of the microenvironmental effects on drug penetration and
      tumor cell killing. The protocol is used to produce in vitro three-dimensional
      tumor spheroids from established human cancer cell lines and primary cancer cells
      isolated from patients without the use of any extracellular components. To study
      the ability of tumor-targeting immunoconjugates to penetrate these tumor
      spheroids in vitro, we have used an immunotoxin targeting mesothelin, a surface
      protein expressed in malignant mesotheliomas. This method for producing
      consistent, reproducible 3D spheroids may allow for improved testing of novel
      monoclonal antibodies and other agents for their ability to penetrate solid
      tumors for cancer therapy.

PMID- 22043236
TI  - Regulatory Effects of microRNA-92 (miR-92) on VHL Gene Expression and the Hypoxic
      Activation of miR-210 in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: In order to understand the role of miRNAs in renal
      tumorigenesis, we undertook a stepwise approach that included a comprehensive
      differential miRNA expression analysis for the most common histological subtypes
      of human renal neoplasms appearing in either sporadic or hereditary forms. We
      also aimed to test the hypothesis that microRNAs can act as an alternative
      mechanism of VHL gene inactivation and therefore might be correlated with
      tumorigenesis in ccRCC. Finally, we wanted to explore whether the well-known
      hypoxic activation of ccRCC is followed by a specific pattern of miRNA
      expression. METHODS: Tumor and normal adjacent kidney parenchyma from patients
      with RCC were tested for microRNA expression. Twenty cases of different
      histologies were used for profiling by PCR miRNA arrays. For validation, a
      separate cohort of samples used to test specifically miR92a expression and its
      involvement in VHL gene mRNA silencing. Finally, miR210 as a marker of hypoxia
      was evaluated. Expression values were correlated with important clinicopathologic
      features from the patients. RESULTS: We identified unique miRNA expression
      signatures for each histologic subtype of kidney tumors. Expression values for
      downregulated miRNAs ranged from 0.3-fold (in VHL-clear cell RCC) up to 0.393
      fold (in papillary type II (HLRCC) tumors). For the upregulated miRNAs, fold
      changes ranged from 2.1 up to 290-fold. Specific patterns together with type
      specific profiles were observed. Twenty-three miRNAs were found to be
      differentially expressed in both sporadic and VHL-dependent ccRCC. Sporadic clear
      cell tumors showed a unique pattern of 14-miRNA that were absent from the VHL
      dependent tumors. These also showed 15 miRNAs specific to the hereditary type.
      Common miRNAs to both sporadic and hereditary forms included miR-92a and miR-210.
      For miR-92a, and a striking inverse correlation with VHL mRNA levels was found.
      For the hypoxia-regulated miR-210, clear cell tumors showed significantly higher
      expression levels when compared to tumor of non-clear cell histology (9.90-fold
      vs. 1.36, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: microRNA expression seems to be involved in
      every step of RCC pathogenesis: both as an element for tumor development as well
      as a consequence of or in response to the initial malignant transformation and
      part of tumor progression. Our data show consistent disregulation of miRNAs in
      human kidney cancer, some of which are potentially involved in critical gene
      silencing in RCC and others that are activated as part of the pathophysiological
      response in these tumors.

PMID- 22043237
TI  - Dactinomycin-induced Hepatic Sinusoidal Obstruction Syndrome Responding to
      Treatment with N-acetylcysteine.
AB  - Hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome is commonly described in pediatric
      oncology as a complication of chemotherapy. It has also been occasionally
      reported in adult cancer patients. Treatment is largely supportive with fluid
      restriction. A 16-month-old girl with stage II Wilms tumor receiving post
      nephrectomy chemotherapy with dactinomycin and vincristine developed hepatic
      sinusoidal obstruction syndrome with painful hepatomegaly, ascites with
      significant weight gain, grossly deranged liver function, severe
      thrombocytopenia, and reversal of blood flow in the portal vein on Doppler
      sonography. Treatment with N-acetylcysteine was followed by complete resolution
      of clinical signs and amelioration of laboratory abnormalities within 72 hours of
      treatment. N-acetylcysteine is a safe and probably an effective treatment for
      dactinomycin-induced hepatic sinusoidal obstructive syndrome.

PMID- 22043239
TI  - Synthesis of enantiomerically enriched (R)-C-labelled 2-aminoisobutyric acid
      (Aib) by conformational memory in the alkylation of a derivative of L-alanine.
AB  - The method of Kouklovsky and coworkers for the enantioselective alkylation of
      cyclic N-naphthoyl derivatives of amino acids was used to introduce a (13)C label
      into one of the two enantiotopic methyl groups of 2-aminoisobutyric acid (Aib) by
      retentive alkylation of L-alanine with (13)CH(3)I. Conditions were identified for
      optimization of yield and enantiomeric purity, and the absolute configuration of
      the labelled product was established.

PMID- 22043238
TI  - Parathyroid carcinoma: a review with three illustrative cases.
AB  - Parathyroid carcinoma is a rare disease, which accounts for less than 1% of all
      case of primary hyperparathyroidism and is usually not detected until the time of
      surgery or thereafter. For most patients preoperative staging is not available. A
      radical excision remains the standard management; the place of adjuvant
      radiotherapy is not well established yet. Local recurrence and/or the metastases
      are unfortunately frequent. The present paper presents an up to date review of
      the literature illustrated by three clinical cases.

PMID- 22043240
TI  - Ugi post-condensation copper-triggered oxidative cascade towards pyrazoles.
AB  - Pyrazolidinones were prepared in a two-step sequence starting from alpha
      hydrazonocarboxylic acids. After a four-component Ugi coupling, the resulting
      hydrazone was engaged in a copper triggered [3 + 2] cycloaddition/aerobic
      oxidation cascade.

PMID- 22043241
TI  - Directed ortho,ortho'-dimetalation of hydrobenzoin: Rapid access to hydrobenzoin
      derivatives useful for asymmetric synthesis.
AB  - A variety of ortho,ortho'-disubstituted hydrobenzoin derivatives are readily
      accessible through a directed ortho,ortho'-dimetalation strategy in which the
      alcohol functions in hydrobenzoin are deprotonated by n-BuLi and the resulting
      lithium benzyl alkoxides serve as directed metalation groups. The optimization
      and scope of this reaction are discussed, and the utility of this process is
      demonstrated in the one-pot preparation of a number of chiral diols as well as a
      short synthesis of the chiral ligand Vivol.

PMID- 22043242
TI  - Cyclization of 5-hexynoic acid to 3-alkoxy-2-cyclohexenones.
AB  - The one-pot cyclization of 5-hexynoic acid to produce 3-alkoxy-2-cyclohexenones
      proceeds in good yields (58-90%). 3-Hexynoic acid was converted to its acyl
      chloride with the aid of oxalyl chloride and was cyclized to 3-chloro-2
      cyclohexenone upon addition of indium(III) chloride. Subsequent addition of
      alcohol nucleophiles led to the desired 3-alkoxy-2-cyclohexenones.

PMID- 22043243
TI  - Carbamate-directed benzylic lithiation for the diastereo- and enantioselective
      synthesis of diaryl ether atropisomers.
AB  - Diaryl ethers carrying carbamoyloxymethyl groups may be desymmetrised enantio-
      and diastereoselectively by the use of the sec-BuLi-(-)-sparteine complex in
      diethyl ether. Enantioselective deprotonation of one of the two benzylic
      positions leads to atropisomeric products with ca. 80:20 e.r.; an electrophilic
      quench typically provides functionalised atropisomeric diastereoisomers in up to
      97:3 d.r.

PMID- 22043244
TI  - PEG-embedded KBr(3): A recyclable catalyst for multicomponent coupling reaction
      for the efficient synthesis of functionalized piperidines.
AB  - PEG-embedded potassium tribromide ([K(+)PEG]Br(3) (-)) was found to be an
      efficient and recyclable catalyst for the synthesis of functionalized piperidines
      in high yields in a one step, three component coupling between aldehyde, amine
      and beta-keto ester. At the end of the reaction the [K(+)PEG]Br(3) (-) was
      readily regenerated from the reaction mixture by treating the residue containing
      [K(+)PEG]Br(-) with molecular bromine.

PMID- 22043245
TI  - A new phenylethyl alkyl amide from the Ambrostoma quadriimpressum Motschulsky.
AB  - A new phenylethyl alkyl amide, (10R)-10-hydroxy-N-phenethyloctadecanamide (1),
      was isolated from the beetle Ambrostoma quadriimpressum Motschulsky. The
      structure of the amide was determined by NMR and MS. The absolute configuration
      of compound 1 was confirmed by an asymmetric total synthesis, which was started
      from L-glutamic acid. The construction of the aliphatic chain was accomplished by
      the selective protection of the hydroxy groups and two-time implementation of the
      Wittig olefination reaction.

PMID- 22043246
TI  - Efficient and selective chemical transformations under flow conditions: The
      combination of supported catalysts and supercritical fluids.
AB  - This paper reviews the current trends in the combined use of supported catalytic
      systems, either on solid supports or in liquid phases and supercritical fluids
      (scFs), to develop selective and enantioselective chemical transformations under
      continuous and semi-continuous flow conditions. The results presented have been
      selected to highlight how the combined use of those two elements can contribute
      to: (i) Significant improvements in productivity as a result of the enhanced
      diffusion of substrates and reagents through the interfaces favored by the scF
      phase; (ii) the long term stability of the catalytic systems, which also
      contributes to the improvement of the final productivity, as the use of an
      appropriate immobilization strategy facilitates catalyst isolation and reuse;
      (iii) the development of highly efficient selective or, when applicable,
      enantioselective chemical transformations. Although the examples reported in the
      literature and considered in this review are currently confined to a limited
      number of fields, a significant development in this area can be envisaged for the
      near future due to the clear advantages of these systems over the conventional
      ones.

PMID- 22043247
TI  - Translation of microwave methodology to continuous flow for the efficient
      synthesis of diaryl ethers via a base-mediated S(N)Ar reaction.
AB  - Whilst microwave heating has been widely demonstrated as a synthetically useful
      tool for rapid reaction screening, a microwave-absorbing solvent is often
      required in order to achieve efficient reactant heating. In comparison,
      microreactors can be readily heated and pressurised in order to "super-heat" the
      reaction mixture, meaning that microwave-transparent solvents can also be
      employed. To demonstrate the advantages associated with microreaction technology
      a series of S(N)Ar reactions were performed under continuous flow by following
      previously developed microwave protocols as a starting point for the
      investigation. By this approach, an automated microreaction platform
      (Labtrix((r)) S1) was employed for the continuous flow synthesis of diaryl ethers
      at 195  degrees C and 25 bar, affording a reduction in reaction time from tens of
      minutes to 60 s when compared with a stopped-flow microwave reactor.

PMID- 22043249
TI  - Combination of gold catalysis and Selectfluor for the synthesis of fluorinated
      nitrogen heterocycles.
AB  - We herein report the synthesis of 3-fluoro-2-methylene-pyrrolidine (3a) and 
      piperidine (3b) from 1,5- and 1,6-aminoalkynes, respectively, using a combination
      of a gold-catalyzed hydroamination reaction followed by electrophilic trapping of
      an intermediate cyclic enamine by Selectfluor. Careful attention was paid to the
      elucidation of the mechanism and Selectfluor was suggested to play the double
      role of promoting the oxidation of gold(I) to a gold(III) active species and also
      the electrophilic fluorination of the enamine intermediates.

PMID- 22043248
TI  - Efficient syntheses of 25,26-dihydrodictyostatin and 25,26-dihydro-6-epi
      dictyostatin, two potent new microtubule-stabilizing agents.
AB  - The dictyostatins are powerful microtubule-stabilizing agents that have shown
      antiproliferative activity against a variety of human cancer cell lines. Two
      highly active analogs of dictyostatin, 25,26-dihydrodictyostatin and 25,26
      dihydro-6-epi-dictyostatin, were prepared by a new streamlined total synthesis
      route. Three complete carbon fragments were prepared to achieve maximum
      convergency. These were coupled by a Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons reaction sequence
      and an esterification. A late stage Nozaki-Hiyama-Kishi reaction was then used to
      form the 22-membered macrolide. The stereoselectivity of this reaction depended
      on the configurations of the nearby stereocenter at C6.

PMID- 22043250
TI  - Amines as key building blocks in Pd-assisted multicomponent processes.
AB  - In the last few years, palladium-mediated three-component synthesis has emerged
      as an important synthetic methodology to gain access to nitrogen-containing
      structures. The latest developments in this area are discussed in this review.

PMID- 22043251
TI  - Manganese dioxide mediated one-pot synthesis of methyl 9H-pyrido[3,4-b]indole-1
      carboxylate: Concise synthesis of alangiobussinine.
AB  - The carboline ring system is an important pharmacophore found in a number of
      biologically important targets. Development of synthetic routes for the
      preparation of these compounds is important in order to prepare a range of
      analogues containing the carboline heterocyclic moiety. A manganese dioxide
      mediated one-pot method starting with an activated alcohol and consisting of
      alcohol oxidation, Pictet-Spengler cyclisation, and oxidative aromatisation,
      offers a convenient process that allows access to beta-carbolines. This one-pot
      process for the preparation of methyl 9H-pyrido[3,4-b]indole-1-carboxylate has
      subsequently been used as the key step in the synthesis of alangiobussinine and a
      closely related analogue.

PMID- 22043252
TI  - Continuous preparation of carbon-nanotube-supported platinum catalysts in a flow
      reactor directly heated by electric current.
AB  - In this contribution we present for the first time a continuous process for the
      production of highly active Pt catalysts supported by carbon nanotubes by use of
      an electrically heated tubular reactor. The synthesized catalysts show a high
      degree of dispersion and narrow distributions of cluster sizes. In comparison to
      catalysts synthesized by the conventional oil-bath method a significantly higher
      electrocatalytic activity was reached, which can be attributed to the higher
      metal loading and smaller and more uniformly distributed Pt particles on the
      carbon support. Our approach introduces a simple, time-saving and cost-efficient
      method for fuel cell catalyst preparation in a flow reactor which could be used
      at a large scale.

PMID- 22043253
TI  - Development of the titanium-TADDOLate-catalyzed asymmetric fluorination of beta
      ketoesters.
AB  - Titanium-based Lewis acids catalyze the alpha-fluorination of beta-ketoesters by
      electrophilic N-F-fluorinating reagents. Asymmetric catalysis with TADDOLato
      titanium(IV) dichloride (TADDOL = alpha,alpha,alpha',alpha'-tetraaryl-(1,3
      dioxolane-4,5-diyl)-dimethanol) Lewis acids produces enantiomerically enriched
      alpha-fluorinated beta-ketoesters in up to 91% enantiomeric excess, with either F
      TEDA (1-chloromethyl-4-fluoro-1,4-diazoniabicyclo[2.2.2]octane
      bis(tetrafluoroborate)) in acetonitrile solution or NFSI (N
      fluorobenzenesulfonimide) in dichloromethane solution as fluorinating reagents.
      The effects of various reaction parameters and of the TADDOL ligand structure on
      the catalytic activity and enantioselectivity were investigated. The absolute
      configuration of several fluorination products was assigned through correlation.
      Evidence for ionization of the catalyst complex by chloride dissociation,
      followed by generation of titanium beta-ketoenolates as key reaction
      intermediates, was obtained. Based on the experimental findings, a general
      mechanistic sketch and a steric model of induction are proposed.

PMID- 22043254
TI  - Wireless Coexistence and EMC of Bluetooth and 802.11b Devices in Controlled
      Laboratory Settings.
AB  - This paper presents experimental testing that has been performed on wireless
      communication devices as victims of electromagnetic interference (EMI). Wireless
      victims included universal serial bus (USB) network adapters and personal digital
      assistants (PDAs) equipped with IEEE 802.11b and Bluetooth technologies. The
      experimental data in this paper was gathered in an anechoic chamber and a
      gigahertz transverse electromagnetic (GTEM) cell to ensure reliable and
      repeatable results. This testing includes: Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC)
      testing performed in accordance with IEC 60601-1-2, an in-band sweep of EMC
      testing, and coexistence testing. The tests in this study show that a Bluetooth
      communication was able to coexist with other Bluetooth devices with no decrease
      in throughput and no communication breakdowns. However, testing revealed a
      significant decrease in throughput and increase in communication breakdowns when
      an 802.11b source is near an 802.11b victim. In a hospital setting decreased
      throughput and communication breakdowns can cause wireless medical devices to
      fail. It is therefore vital to have an understanding of the effect EMI can have
      on wireless communication devices.

PMID- 22043255
TI  - Minimally invasive treatment of moderate lumbar spinal stenosis with the superion
      interspinous spacer.
AB  - PURPOSE: We evaluated the safety and effectiveness of the minimally invasive
      Superion((r)) Interspinous Spacer (VertiFlex, Inc., San Clemente, CA) in patients
      with moderate LSS. METHODS: This single-arm prospective study enrolled 121
      patients with moderate LSS between February 2008 and August 2009 and were
      followed up at 1 (n=111), 3 (n=96), 6 (n=81), and 12 (n=52) months. All patients
      were treated with the Superion Interspinous Spacer. Main outcomes were back
      function with the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), extremity and axial pain
      severity with an 11-point scale, health-related quality of life with the Physical
      Component Summary (PCS) and Mental Component Summary (MCS) scores from the SF-36,
      and adverse events through 12 months. RESULTS: ODI improved 64% (p<0.001) through
      12 months and clinical success was 92%. Extremity and axial pain improved 53% and
      49% (both p<0.001), respectively, through 12 months with clinical success of 76%
      for axial pain and 86% for extremity pain. Health-related quality of life
      improved 41% for PCS and 22% for MCS (both p<0.001) through 12 months. PCS
      clinical success was 81% and MCS clinical success was 62% at 12 months. Four
      (5.9%) explants were performed although 3 were unrelated to the device. Eight
      procedure-related adverse events, observed in 6 (5.0%) patients, included
      superficial incision seroma (n=5), minor wound pain (n=2), and infection (n=1).
      CONCLUSIONS: Preliminary results with the Superion Interspinous Spacer suggest
      that it is an effective and safe treatment option for patients with moderate LSS
      who are unresponsive to conservative care.

PMID- 22043256
TI  - GM-CSF Fails to Improve Immune Responses to Booster Hepatitis B Vaccination in
      HIV-Infected Individuals.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B (HBV) vaccination is an important preventive intervention
      for HIV-infected population. Data regarding booster HBV vaccine for persons with
      low HBV surface antibody (sAb) titers after vaccination in this immunocompromised
      population is lacking. METHODS: We randomized 60 HIV-infected subjects lacking
      HBV protection after completion of 3 doses of HBV vaccine to receive a booster
      dose of HBV vaccine with 250mcg GM-CSF as an adjuvant or booster vaccine alone.
      RESULTS: GM-CSF was safe with expected side effects. However, only 35% of persons
      receiving GM-CSF developed protective sAb while 50% in vaccine only arm developed
      protection (P = 0.47). Overall, only 28% of subjects maintained protective sAb 1
      year after vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: GM-CSF failed to improve responses to the
      booster HBV vaccination. Overall, response was poor with only 42% of persons
      responding at one month post-vaccination confirming booster vaccination with the
      current HBV vaccine has poor immunogenicity among HIV-infected persons. Further
      research is needed to develop optimal vaccination strategies in HIV-infected
      persons.

PMID- 22043257
TI  - Parasites induced skin allergy: a strategic manipulation of the host immunity.
AB  - The absence of a consistent link between parasitoses and skin allergic symptoms
      in the clinical investigations contrasts to the fact that some parasites are the
      most potent inducers of immunoglobulin E that exist in nature. To shed some light
      into this question, this review is focused on the actual knowledge regarding
      parasites life cycle, interactions with host immunity, the influence on host
      behavior, and finally the role of all these factors on the skin allergy. The
      collected data demonstrate that parasites could manipulate the host behavior for
      its own benefit in different ways, altering its (epi)genetic, biochemical,
      immunologic or physiologic functions as well as altering its behavior and
      activity. In this context, skin allergy may be associated with certain stages of
      the parasites' life cycle and migration into biological barriers, but not
      necessarily with presence of the parasitosis in the host organism. As compared to
      T helper (Th) 1 response, the Th2 one, the eosinophilic infiltration and the
      complement inhibition could assure better conditions for the development of some
      parasites. Taken together, the suggested hypotheses could be a plausible
      explanation for the epidemiological puzzle regarding urticaria occurrence, Th2
      response and parasitoses, but further studies are necessary to provide better
      based conclusions. KEYWORDS: Eosinophilic Infiltration; Host behavior; Parasites
      life cycle; Skin allergy; Th1/Th2 response.

PMID- 22043258
TI  - Bilirubin as a Protective Factor for Rheumatoid Arthritis: An NHANES Study of
      2003 - 2006 Data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis(RA) is a chronic inflammatory, autoimmune
      polyarthritis, with a prevalence estimated at one percent of the United
      States(US) population. Serum bilirubin, because of its antioxidant nature, has
      been conjectured to exert an anti-inflammatory biologic effect. The objective of
      this study is to discern whether higher serum Total Bilirubin(TBili) levels are
      protective against RA. METHODS: This is a secondary analysis of National Health
      and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) data collected between 2003-2006. Study
      participants completed a comprehensive questionnaire regarding their health
      history, underwent a physical examination, and had body fluids collected for
      laboratory studies. In NHANES, to assess for the presence of RA, the following
      questions were asked: Doctor ever said you had arthritis?" If so, Which type of
      arthritis. Statistical analysis was performed, using SAS version 9.1, proc survey
      methods. Participant data were adjusted for demographic characteristics as well
      as risk factors for RA. RESULTS: NHANES 2003-2006 included 20,470 individuals,
      chosen as a representative sampling of the entire US population. Exclusion
      criteria included age less than twenty years or liver dysfunction, defined as
      history of abnormal liver function tests or liver disease. 8,147 subjects did not
      have any exclusion criteria and were included in the data analysis. RA is
      inversely related to the serum level of TBili with an odds ratio of 0.679 (95% CI
      0.533-0.865) and remained significant even after adjusting for age, gender, race,
      education, and tobacco history, with an odds ratio 0.749 (95% CI 0.575 - 0.976).
      CONCLUSIONS: Our study supports the hypothesis that higher TBili levels are
      protective against RA. A plausible mechanism for this association would be that
      the anti-oxidant effects of TBili exert a physiologic anti-inflammatory effect,
      which provides protection against RA. This explanation is supported by prior
      studies which show that higher TBili levels are protective against stroke,
      atherosclerosis, and vasculitis. Further studies are needed to delineate the
      exact nature of the protective properties of TBili. KEYWORDS: Bilirubin;
      Rheumatoid arthritis; Antioxidant; Protective.

PMID- 22043259
TI  - A Comparison Between the StaRRsed Auto-Compact Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate
      Instrument and the Westergren Method.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Westergren method is the golden standard for measuring
      erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). All ESR methods should agree with the
      standardized method of the International Council for Standardization in
      Hematology (ICSH). Citrate samples are commonly used for ESR. This extra sample
      adds costs and can be inconvenient for the patient. Therefore, some new automated
      ESR analyzers use EDTA samples, which are available for other hematology
      measurements. METHODS: We compared ESR measurements with StaRRsed Auto-Compact
      instrument to the ICSH standardized Westergren method in 200 patient samples.
      RESULTS: The correlation between methods was fairly good (R(2) = 0.72, y = 1.066x
      0.24). However, with ESR results over 11 mm/h there were 55 subjects with a
      difference of over 30% between methods. CONCLUSIONS: This may have led to
      different treatment suggestions in 25 cases according to age- and gender
      dependent normal values. The difference may be caused by two different
      anticoagulants used, different measuring times and the correlation equation used.
      The StaRRsed ESR method should be in better agreement with the Westergren method,
      which is the golden standard. ESR results have notable impact on patient
      diagnosis and follow-up. KEYWORDS: ESR; Erythrocyte sedimentation rate; StaRRsed;
      Westergren method.

PMID- 22043260
TI  - Antioxidant Vitamins and Lipoperoxidation in Non-pregnant, Pregnant, and
      Gestational Diabetic Women: Erythrocytes Osmotic Fragility Profiles.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Inconsistent reports are available in the literature regarding the
      oxidative status and antioxidant capacity during the pathogenesis of gestational
      diabetes. Present study was aimed to evaluate oxidative stress during the
      development of gestational diabetes and to evaluate antioxidant capability in non
      pregnant (control), pregnant and gestational diabetics. METHODS: The study
      consisted of non-pregnant, healthy pregnant and patients suffering from
      gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Each group consisted of 23 women. We
      compared their oxidative and anti-oxidative system in blood. Their blood
      malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant vitamins (C, E, A) were determined and
      compared to evaluate the oxidative status and anti-oxidative capacity of these
      groups. We have also compared the osmotic fragility profiles of the erythrocytes
      of these groups. RESULTS: Plasma MDA content in pregnant was significantly higher
      compared to non-pregnant (p < 0.001, 67.5%) and even in gestational diabetics;
      its value was found significantly further elevated (p = 0.001, 13.8%) compared to
      healthy pregnant. There was significant decline (p < 0.001, 41.9%) in the level
      of vitamin C in pregnant as compared to non-pregnant. Although in GDM the
      decrease was significant (p = 0.025, 20.6%) but comparatively lesser when
      compared to healthy pregnant. Vitamin E showed the increase of 9.6% during
      pregnancy, although this alteration was non-significant (p = 0.09), but the level
      was found to decline significantly (p < 0.001, 25.5%) in GDM compared to pregnant
      group. Vitamin A contents were also decreased in pregnant (p = 0.002, 17.4%)
      compared to non-pregnant and in GDM (p = 0.012, 11.2%) compared to pregnant
      group. Osmotic fragility (O.F.) profiles showed insignificant (p = 0.325)
      enhanced mean erythrocyte fragility (MEF) in pregnant but this increase was
      significant (p = 0.003) in case of GDM. The O.F. profiles of pregnant and GDM
      erythrocytes got shifted to the right side of the control one. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      findings indicate highly enhanced lipid peroxidation and significant depletion in
      antioxidant capacity during the development of gestational diabetes, and these
      alterations are not the cause but the consequence of GDM. However, further
      studies are warranted to examine a wider range of biochemical parameters to
      evaluate the potential risks of oxidative damage in GDM. KEYWORDS: Gestational
      diabetes; Oxidative stress; Anti-oxidants; Vitamins C, E, A; Osmotic fragility;
      Non-pregnant; Pregnant; GDM.

PMID- 22043261
TI  - Meralgia paresthetica and femoral acetabular impingement: a possible association.
AB  - Meralgia paresthetica consists of pain and dysesthesia in the anterolateral
      thigh. Etiology is divided into spontaneous and iatrogenic causes. To my
      knowledge this has never been attributed to femoral acetabular impingement. This
      case highlights the presence of lateral femoral cutaneous neuropathy in the
      setting of femoral acetabular impingement syndrome thus raising the possibility
      of an association. KEYWORDS: Femoral acetabular impingement; Lateral femoral
      cutaneous nerve; Dysesthesia; Nerve conduction studies.

PMID- 22043262
TI  - Hematogenous long bone osteomyelitis by prevotella (bacteroides) melaninogenicus.
AB  - Anaerobic infections are difficult to recognize and may lead to life threatening
      complications. We present the case of an acute Prevotella hematogenous infection
      of the humerus in a previously healthy adult patient, treated with a two-stage
      surgical treatment, emphasizing on the importance of the radical surgical
      debridement and the selection of the appropriate antimicrobial agents. To our
      knowledge, such an acute hematogenous infection has not been previously reported
      in the literature. KEYWORDS: Osteomyelitis; Gram-negative hematogenous
      infections; Two stage surgical treatment.

PMID- 22043263
TI  - Intratesticular epidermoid cyst: a rare tumor.
AB  - Testicular epidermoid cyst is extremely rare injury, which in recent studies has
      been regarded as a tumor. Some authors consider this lesion as a cystic
      monodermal teratoma, the histogenesis remains controversial. In this study we
      provide clinical and morphological characteristics of an epidermoid cyst in the
      left testicle in a 16 years old patient, where apparently a nodular lesion in the
      left testicle was detected. KEYWORDS: Cyst; Epidermoid; Intratesticular.

PMID- 22043264
TI  - Case Review of Sarcoidosis Resembling Sjogren's Syndrome.
AB  - We would like to report a case of a 29-year-old male patient who presented with
      multiple lymphadenopathy and vague symptoms of low grade fever, cough, weight
      loss, rashes, vomiting, dry eyes and dry mouth. Physical examination revealed
      submandibular lymphadenopathy, vasculitic rashes over both lower limbs, and
      parotid gland enlargement. Blood investigations showed mild anemia with
      leukocytosis, predominantly eosinophilia and high erythrocyte sedimentation rate
      and C-reactive protein. Computed tomography of the neck, thorax and abdomen
      showed bilateral submandibular, submental adenopathy, mediastinal and para-aortic
      lymphadenopathy with generalized reticulonodular densities in both lower lobes.
      There were hepatomegaly and bilateral enlarged kidneys with renal cyst.
      Histopathological examination from the cervical lymph node later revealed non
      caseating granuloma, consistent of sarcoidosis. Patient responded well to
      prednisolone 50 mg daily with subsequent reduction in the size of cervical
      lymphadenopathy and parotid swelling. KEYWORDS: Lymphadenopathy; Granuloma;
      Sjogren; Sarcoidosis.

PMID- 22043265
TI  - The effects of physical activity on the epiphyseal growth plates: a review of the
      literature on normal physiology and clinical implications.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Children need physical activity and generally do this through the
      aspect of play. Active play in the form of organized sports can appear to be a
      concern for parents. Clinicians should have a general physiological background on
      the effects of exercise on developing epiphyseal growth plates of bone. The
      purpose of this review is to present an overview of the effects of physical
      activity on the developing epiphyseal growth plates of children. METHODS: A
      National Library of Medicine (Pubmed) search was initiated using the keywords and
      combinations of keywords "growth plate", "epiphyseal plate", "child", "exercise",
      and "physical activity." DISCUSSION: Bone is a dynamic tissue with a balance of
      osteoblast and osteoclast formation. The normal functioning of the epiphyseal
      growth plate is an important clinical aspect. Much of the physiology of the
      epiphyseal growth plate in response to exercise includes the important mechanical
      component. Growth hormone, insulin-like growth factor I, glucocorticoid, thyroid
      hormone, estrogen, androgen, vitamin D, and leptin are seen as key physiological
      factors. While there is a need for children to participate in physical activity,
      clinical consideration needs to be given to how the epiphyseal growth plate
      functions. CONCLUSIONS: Mechanical loading of the bone is important for
      epiphyseal plate physiology. Exercise has a healthy function on the normal growth
      of this important biomechanical feature. Clinically, over-exertion in the form of
      increased load bearing on the epiphyseal growth plate creates an ideal injury.
      There is a paucity of research on inactivity on the epiphyseal growth plate
      resulting in stress deprivation. Further research should take into consideration
      what lack of exercise and lessened mechanical load bearing has on the function of
      the epiphyseal growth plate. KEYWORDS: Child; Physical activity; Epiphyseal
      growth plates; Bone; Exercise; Mechanical loading.

PMID- 22043266
TI  - Research on the performance of the spastic calf muscle of young adults with
      cerebral palsy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to find an objective graduation of pes
      equinus in infantile cerebral palsy, especially with regard to functional
      aspects, to allow a differentiated choice of the therapeutic options. Very often
      raises the question of whether a surgical lengthening of the Achilles tendon may
      let expect a functional improvement. METHODS: For this documentation 17 patients
      with pes equinus and a diagnosis of spastic cerebral palsy, primarily of the
      lower limbs, and hemiplegia were examined first clinically and then by a
      procedure for calculating the functional kinetic parameters from an in-shoe
      plantar pressure distribution measurement (novel pedar-X system), which is used
      in many orthopedic practices and clinics as a standard measuring device. Using
      additional video motion analysis, the flexion in the ankle joint and the ankle
      joint torque were determined. From this the physical performance of the
      spastically shortened calf muscle was calculated. The course of the curves of
      torque and joint performance allows a functional classification of the pes
      equinus. RESULTS: Approximately three quarters of all pes equinus demonstrated
      functional activity of the most part of the normal push-off propulsion power.
      Even the rigid pes equinus was capable of performing push-off propulsion work,
      provided it converted energy that was absorbed during the heel-strike phase and
      released it again during the push-off phase. This suggests that the function of
      paretic ankle joint is better than its kinematics of motion. CONCLUSIONS: A heel
      strike with a pes equinus triggers via stretching stimuli in the muscle-ligament
      structure reflex motor functions, thereby causing the typical spastic gait
      pattern. This remarkable gait pattern is often evaluated as dysfunctional and as
      absolutely requiring correction. However, an aspect possibly neglected in this
      instance is the fact that this gait pattern may be efficient for the patient and
      may in fact be a suitable means allowing for economic locomotion despite the
      cerebral control deficits. KEYWORDS: Pes equinus; Cerebral palsy; Pedography;
      Ankle joint performance.

PMID- 22043267
TI  - From Clinical Presentation to the Outcome: the Natural History of PML in a
      Portuguese Population of HIV Infected Patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a demyelinating
      disease of the central nervous system, associated with immunosuppression states.
      As there are only some non-published documents concerning PML in HIV infected
      patients in Portugal, we pretend to characterize natural history of PML infection
      in a population of HIV patients. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed, from 1992
      to 2009, PML cases in a population of 724 HIV infected patients followed in our
      institution. Clinical, biological, imagery features and outcomes were
      characterized. RESULTS: Twenty-five (3.45%) patients were identified as having
      PML. The mean time between HIV and PML diagnosis was 20.4 months. PML was the
      presentation of HIV infection in 40% of the patients, and 92% had CD4 T cell
      count lower than 200/mm(3). Paresis was the most common clinical presentation. No
      specific characteristics were found in cerebrospinal fluid and JCV DNA was
      positive in 3 of 7 patients. MRI revealed characteristic findings. Combined
      antiretroviral therapy was started or changed in 96% of the patients.
      Neurological condition got worse in 12 patients. From the 14 deaths, 5 were
      directly attributed to PML progression. Follow-up was lost in 8 patients.
      CONCLUSIONS: PML was the presentation of HIV infection in more than 1/3 of
      patients, frequently associated with advanced immunocompromise. MRI sensitivity
      to PML is high, and JCV DNA determination in CSF was not revealed to be sensible.
      PML diagnosis should be taken into account in HIV patients presenting any
      neurological symptoms, and HIV infection should be suspected when radiological
      findings suggest PML lesions even in previously healthy individuals. KEYWORDS:
      Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy; JC virus; Human immunodeficiency
      virus; Demyelinating disease.

PMID- 22043268
TI  - Nausea and vomiting as the reasons for encounter in general practice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The present study aimed to explore the consultation prevalence,
      differential diagnoses, and management of patients presenting with nausea or
      vomiting to their family doctors. METHODS: Cross-sectional data were collected
      from randomly selected patients during the SESAM 2 study (October 1, 1999 to
      September 30, 2000). We contacted 2510 doctors; 270 (10.8%) of them participated
      in the study. Data were collected from randomly selected patients previously
      known to the general practitioner. Unpublished but publicly available data from
      the Dutch Transition Project were also analysed. RESULTS: One hundred and sixty
      nine of the total 8874 patients consulted their general practitioner for
      nausea/vomiting; 97 (57.4%) were female and 72 (42.6%) were male. Most patients
      suffering from nausea or vomiting in general practice were aged between 15 and 64
      years. Nearly all patients were given a physical examination. Most diagnoses were
      made without further investigation, additional diagnostic procedures were found
      to be necessary in only 7 patients. Drugs were prescribed as the most frequent
      form of medical treatment, in 76.3% of cases. Non-infectious gastroenteritis or
      colitis was the most frequent diagnosis. Nausea or vomiting was associated with
      diarrhoea, fever, and abdominal pain. Headache, general weakness, and epigastric
      pain were also statistically significantly associated with nausea or vomiting.
      CONCLUSIONS: Many disorders cause nausea or vomiting. Although most of the
      patients were diagnosed with non-infectious gastroenteritis or colitis, the
      general practitioner also has to bear in mind that nausea and vomiting may be
      alarm symptoms. Medication was prescribed in most of the cases and there were
      only a few referrals to a specialist or hospital. Life-threatening disorders
      (appendicitis, bowel obstruction/ileus) were found in a few cases presenting with
      nausea or vomiting. KEYWORDS: Nausea; Vomiting; General practice; Primary care.

PMID- 22043269
TI  - Early Maternal Serum beta-human Chorionic Gonadotropin Measurements After ICSI in
      the Prediction of Long-term Pregnancy Outcomes: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Initial low maternal serum beta-human chorionic gonadotropin (beta
      hCG) is a good predictor of early pregnancy demise. Our objective was to
      determine its predictive value in determining the long-term outcome in ICSI
      pregnancies. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was designed at the Saudi
      Center for Assisted Reproduction. Two hundred and sixty-one women with ICSI
      pregnancies were followed up from initial beta-hCG level determination till the
      end of pregnancy. Accuracy of early beta-hCG in predicting the occurrence of a
      live-birth, ongoing pregnancy, late miscarriage, ectopic pregnancy and early
      miscarriage following ICSI was measured. RESULTS: beta-hCG levels were
      significantly different in pregnancies that reached the stage of an ongoing
      pregnancy and live-birth as compared to early pregnancy loss. The ROC curves
      demonstrated a high sensitivity for identifying patients with ectopic pregnancies
      and early miscarriage (100% and 93.33% respectively). The remaining results
      ranged from a sensitivity of 69% to 79% and specificity of 62% to 75%.
      CONCLUSIONS: In ICSI pregnancies, a single early beta-hCG may help to identify
      pregnancies that will reach full-term and delivery. KEYWORDS: ICSI; Human
      chorionic gonadotropin; Outcome; Pregnancy.

PMID- 22043270
TI  - Effect of skin-to-skin contact on preterm infant skin barrier function and
      hospital-acquired infection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The preterm infants' skin is structurally and functionally immature
      at birth because of immature stratum corneum barrier function, leading to
      problems with fluid loses, thermoregulation, and infection. Two parameters of
      barrier function can be non-invasively assessed: Stratum Corneum Hydration (SCH)
      and Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL). Skin-to-Skin Care (SSC) is the proposed
      independent variable that might affect barrier function by decreasing TEWL and
      increasing SCH, thereby improving stratum corneum barrier function and
      consequently decreasing the rate of infection. No study of SSC's effects on TEWL
      and SCH of preterm infants could be found. The purpose of the study was to
      determine the effect of 5 daily Skin-to-Skin Contact sessions on infant skin
      hydration (SCH), transepidermal evaporated water loss (TEWL), and on SCH when
      TEWL was controlled, and on the presence of hospital acquired infection. METHODS:
      A one-group pretest-test-posttest design with 10 preterm infants (28 - 30 wks GA
      < 32 wks postmenstrual age, and no infection at entry). Test = 90 minutes of SSC;
      pre-test and post-test = 30 minutes each of prone positioning in an incubator.
      SCH and TEWL were taken on Days 1 and 5 at the beginning, middle and end of each
      period using Multi-Probe Adaptor. A 3 X 3 X 2 Repeated Measures Mixed Models
      Design, including a covariate, was used to analyze level of Skin Hydration.
      Specifically, the model tested comparisons in SCH made across repetitions, time,
      and days, as well as all possible interactions while controlling for TEWL.
      Descriptive statistics described the number of positive blood cultures during
      hospitalization and the presence of infections four weeks post-discharge.
      RESULTS: Significant differences in skin hydration were found across TIME (Pre
      SSC, SSC, Post-SSC) (F = 21.86; p < 0.001). One infant had a positive blood
      culture during hospitalization; no infants had signs of infection by 4 weeks post
      discharge. CONCLUSIONS: The study has begun fulfilling the recommendation that
      SSC be tested as a strategy to improve skin hydration, but reveals that
      evaporative loss may be higher during SSC than during incubator care, and that
      the higher transepidermal evaporated water loss values may not necessarily be
      detrimental because few infections occurred even in its presence. A definitive
      randomized controlled trial is recommended. KEYWORDS: Skin-to-skin contact; Skin
      hydration; Transepidermal water loss; Infection; Preterm.

PMID- 22043271
TI  - Talactoferrin immunotherapy in metastatic renal cell carcinoma: a case series of
      four long-term survivors.
AB  - Talactoferrin alfa (also known as recombinant human lactoferrin, rhLF) is a novel
      immunomodulatory protein that has previously demonstrated anti-tumor properties
      in animal models. Following a successful phase I trial, it was administered
      orally to patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in a phase II trial
      conducted at the Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Houston,
      Texas, among other sites. We report a case series of 4 patients treated at our
      institution with very encouraging progression-free survivals, all exceeding 30
      months, in order to suggest that this agent merits further study. These four
      patients with radiographically progressive metastatic RCC received single-agent
      oral talactoferrin in daily doses of 9 grams, given in cycles of 2 weeks on/2
      weeks off, until evidence of toxicity or disease progression. Given the small
      sample size and the heterogenous tumor biology of RCC, tumor growth rate was used
      as a primary endpoint so that each patient could serve as their own control. The
      agent's effectiveness was then determined through radiographic tracking of the
      tumors before, during, and after treatment, with use of the Response Evaluation
      Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) protocol to follow target lesions. The results
      showed that the drug was well tolerated, with no occurrence of talactoferrin
      related grade 3 or 4 adverse events or laboratory anomalies by NCI-CTEP criteria.
      The four patients described in the case series demonstrated very encouraging
      progression-free survivals, all exceeding 30 months. We conclude that decreased
      tumor growth rate may correlate with increased progression-free survival.
      Talactoferrin is a promising, well-tolerated agent whose clinical benefits should
      be evaluated in a randomized phase III study with a placebo control arm.
      KEYWORDS: Talactoferrin; Immunotherapy; Renal cell carcinoma; Metastatic.

PMID- 22043272
TI  - Primary hydatid cyst: an unusual cause of a mass in the supraclavicular region of
      the neck.
AB  - Hydatid disease, also known as echinococcosis or hydatidosis, is an infectious
      disease caused by the cestode Echinococcus. Echinococcus granulosus is the most
      common Echinococcus species affecting human beings. It may affect any organ and
      tissue in the body, in particular the liver and lung. Musculoskeletal or soft
      tissue hydatidosis accounts for about 0.5% 5% of all echinococcal infections in
      endemic areas, and is almost always secondary to the hepatic or pulmonary
      disease. Even in regions where echinococcosis is endemic, hydatidosis of
      cervicofacial region is extremely rare. Herein, we present exceptionally rare
      case with an unusual localization of primary hydatid cyst in the left
      supraclavicular region of the neck. KEYWORDS: Hydatid cyst; Supraclavicular
      region; Neck; Unusual localization.

PMID- 22043273
TI  - Traumatic optic neuropathy and central retinal artery occlusion following blunt
      ocular trauma.
AB  - We present a case as a rare sign of traumatic optic neuropathy and central
      retinal artery occlusion following blunt ocular trauma. A 10-year-old child
      suffered complete loss of the vision of one eye following a blunt ocular injury.
      He sustained an occlusion of the central retinal artery and traumatic optic
      neurupathy of the affected eye. Isolated cases of central retinal vessel
      occlusions and traumatic optic neurapathy following ocular blunt trauma are rare
      conditions. Clinicians to be aware of the potential for blunt ocular trauma to
      cause optic nerve damage and retinal vessel occlusions. KEYWORDS: Blunt ocular
      trauma; Retinal artery occlusion; Traumatic optic neuropathy.

PMID- 22043274
TI  - Meibum lipid composition in Asians with dry eye disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous lipidomic analyses of the human meibum had largely focused
      on individuals from non-Asian populations, despite the higher prevalence of
      dysfunctional tear syndrome (DTS) observed across Asia. Information pertaining to
      the alterations in lipid profiles in relation to DTS onset and progression is
      also lacking and warrants comprehensive experimental analysis.
      METHODOLOGIES/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We examined the meibum lipidome of 27 DTS
      patients and 10 control subjects for a total of 256 lipid species from 12 major
      lipid classes, including cholesteryl ester (CE), wax ester (WE), triacylglyceride
      (TAG), (O-acyl)-omega-hydroxy fatty acid (OAHFA), glycerophospholipids
      (phosphatidylcholine, PC; phosphatidylethanolamine, PE; phosphatidylinositol, PI;
      phosphatidylglycerol, PG) and sphingolipids (sphingomyelin, SM; ceramide, Cer;
      glucosylceramide, GluCer; dihexosylceramide, DihexCer). Neutral lipids were
      analysed using high-performance liquid-chromatography coupled with mass
      spectrometry (HPLC/MS) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) was used for the
      qualitative and quantitative analysis of polar lipid species. DTS patients were
      classified into three severity groups (i.e. mild, moderate and severe) based on
      the ocular surface disease index (OSDI). A significantly lower level of TAG
      (p<0.05) was observed in patients under the moderate category compared to the
      mild category. Notably, a number of OAHFA species displayed consistently
      decreasing levels that correlate with increasing disease severity. An attempt was
      also made to investigate the changes in meibum lipid profiles of DTS patients
      compared to normal individuals classified based on OSDI score. Several
      unsaturated TAG and PC species were found at significantly higher levels (p<0.05)
      in patients than controls. CONCLUSION: The current study presents, for the first
      time, a comprehensive lipidome of meibum from individuals of an Asian ethnicity,
      which can potentially offer new insights into the higher prevalence of DTS
      observed amongst Asian populations. This study also represents an attempt towards
      identification of lipid species in meibum which could serve as marker for DTS.

PMID- 22043275
TI  - Evaluating the combined effectiveness of influenza control strategies and human
      preventive behavior.
AB  - Control strategies enforced by health agencies are a major type of practice to
      contain influenza outbreaks. Another type of practice is the voluntary preventive
      behavior of individuals, such as receiving vaccination, taking antiviral drugs,
      and wearing face masks. These two types of practices take effects concurrently in
      influenza containment, but little attention has been paid to their combined
      effectiveness. This article estimates this combined effectiveness using
      established simulation models in the urbanized area of Buffalo, NY, USA. Three
      control strategies are investigated, including: Targeted Antiviral Prophylaxis
      (TAP), workplace/school closure, community travel restriction, as well as the
      combination of the three. All control strategies are simulated with and without
      regard to individual preventive behavior, and the resulting effectiveness are
      compared. The simulation outcomes suggest that weaker control strategies could
      suffice to contain influenza epidemics, because individuals voluntarily adopt
      preventive behavior, rendering these weaker strategies more effective than would
      otherwise have been expected. The preventive behavior of individuals could save
      medical resources for control strategies and avoid unnecessary socio-economic
      interruptions. This research adds a human behavioral dimension into the
      simulation of control strategies and offers new insights into disease
      containment. Health policy makers are recommended to review current control
      strategies and comprehend preventive behavior patterns of local populations
      before making decisions on influenza containment.

PMID- 22043276
TI  - Amplification of P. falciparum Cytoadherence through induction of a pro-adhesive
      state in host endothelium.
AB  - This study examined the ability of P.falciparum-infected erythrocytes (IE) to
      induce a pro-adhesive environment in the host endothelium during malaria
      infection, prior to the systemic cytokine activation seen in the later phase of
      disease. Previous work had shown increases in receptor levels but had not
      measured to actual impact on IE binding. Using a co-culture system with a range
      of endothelial cells (EC) and IE with different cytoadherent properties, we have
      characterised the specific expression of adhesion receptors and subsequent IE
      binding by FACS and adhesion assays. We have also examined the specific
      signalling pathways induced during co-culture that are potentially involved in
      the induction of receptor expression. The results confirmed that ICAM-1 is up
      regulated, albeit at much lower levels than seen with TNF activation, in response
      to co-culture with infected erythrocytes in all three tissue endothelial cell
      types tested but that up-regulation of VCAM-1 is tissue-dependent. This small
      increase in the levels of EC receptors correlated with large changes in IE
      adhesion ability. Co-culture with either RBC or IE increased the potential of
      subsequent adhesion indicating priming/modulation effects on EC which make them
      more susceptible to adhesion and thereby the recruitment of IE. Trypsin surface
      digestion of IE and the use of a Pfsbp1-knockout (ko) parasite line abrogated the
      up-regulation of ICAM-1 and reduced IE binding to EC suggesting that PfEMP-1 and
      other molecules exported to the IE surface via the PfSBP1 pathway are major
      mediators of this phenotype. This was also supported by the higher induction of
      EC adhesion receptors by adherent IE compared to isogenic, non-adherent lines.

PMID- 22043277
TI  - Importance of correlation between gene expression levels: application to the type
      I interferon signature in rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The analysis of gene expression data shows that many genes display
      similarity in their expression profiles suggesting some co-regulation. Here, we
      investigated the co-expression patterns in gene expression data and proposed a
      correlation-based research method to stratify individuals. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL
      FINDINGS: Using blood from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, we investigated
      the gene expression profiles from whole blood using Affymetrix microarray
      technology. Co-expressed genes were analyzed by a biclustering method, followed
      by gene ontology analysis of the relevant biclusters. Taking the type I
      interferon (IFN) pathway as an example, a classification algorithm was developed
      from the 102 RA patients and extended to 10 systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
      patients and 100 healthy volunteers to further characterize individuals. We
      developed a correlation-based algorithm referred to as Classification Algorithm
      Based on a Biological Signature (CABS), an alternative to other approaches
      focused specifically on the expression levels. This algorithm applied to the
      expression of 35 IFN-related genes showed that the IFN signature presented a
      heterogeneous expression between RA, SLE and healthy controls which could reflect
      the level of global IFN signature activation. Moreover, the monitoring of the IFN
      related genes during the anti-TNF treatment identified changes in type I IFN gene
      activity induced in RA patients. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, we have proposed an
      original method to analyze genes sharing an expression pattern and a biological
      function showing that the activation levels of a biological signature could be
      characterized by its overall state of correlation.

PMID- 22043278
TI  - Brainstem and spinal cord circuitry regulating REM sleep and muscle atonia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous work has suggested, but not demonstrated directly, a
      critical role for both glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons of the pontine
      tegmentum in the regulation of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep.
      METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: To determine the in vivo roles of these fast
      acting neurotransmitters in putative REM pontine circuits, we injected an adeno
      associated viral vector expressing Cre recombinase (AAV-Cre) into mice harboring
      lox-P modified alleles of either the vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (VGLUT2)
      or vesicular GABA-glycine transporter (VGAT) genes. Our results show that
      glutamatergic neurons of the sublaterodorsal nucleus (SLD) and
      glycinergic/GABAergic interneurons of the spinal ventral horn contribute to REM
      atonia, whereas a separate population of glutamatergic neurons in the caudal
      laterodorsal tegmental nucleus (cLDT) and SLD are important for REM sleep
      generation. Our results further suggest that presynaptic GABA release in the cLDT
      SLD, ventrolateral periaqueductal gray matter (vlPAG) and lateral pontine
      tegmentum (LPT) are not critically involved in REM sleep control.
      CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: These findings reveal the critical and divergent in
      vivo role of pontine glutamate and spinal cord GABA/glycine in the regulation of
      REM sleep and atonia and suggest a possible etiological basis for REM sleep
      behavior disorder (RBD).

PMID- 22043279
TI  - No adverse effect of genetically modified antifungal wheat on decomposition
      dynamics and the soil fauna community--a field study.
AB  - The cultivation of genetically modified (GM) plants has raised several
      environmental concerns. One of these concerns regards non-target soil fauna
      organisms, which play an important role in the decomposition of organic matter
      and hence are largely exposed to GM plant residues. Soil fauna may be directly
      affected by transgene products or indirectly by pleiotropic effects such as a
      modified plant metabolism. Thus, ecosystem services and functioning might be
      affected negatively. In a litterbag experiment in the field we analysed the
      decomposition process and the soil fauna community involved. Therefore, we used
      four experimental GM wheat varieties, two with a race-specific antifungal
      resistance against powdery mildew (Pm3b) and two with an unspecific antifungal
      resistance based on the expression of chitinase and glucanase. We compared them
      with two non-GM isolines and six conventional cereal varieties. To elucidate the
      mechanisms that cause differences in plant decomposition, structural plant
      components (i.e. C?N ratio, lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose) were examined and
      soil properties, temperature and precipitation were monitored. The most frequent
      taxa extracted from decaying plant material were mites (Cryptostigmata, Gamasina
      and Uropodina), springtails (Isotomidae), annelids (Enchytraeidae) and Diptera
      (Cecidomyiidae larvae). Despite a single significant transgenic/month interaction
      for Cecidomyiidae larvae, which is probably random, we detected no impact of the
      GM wheat on the soil fauna community. However, soil fauna differences among
      conventional cereal varieties were more pronounced than between GM and non-GM
      wheat. While leaf residue decomposition in GM and non-GM wheat was similar,
      differences among conventional cereals were evident. Furthermore, sampling date
      and location were found to greatly influence soil fauna community and
      decomposition processes. The results give no indication of ecologically relevant
      adverse effects of antifungal GM wheat on the composition and the activity of the
      soil fauna community.

PMID- 22043280
TI  - BID-F1 and BID-F2 domains of Bartonella henselae effector protein BepF trigger
      together with BepC the formation of invasome structures.
AB  - The gram-negative, zoonotic pathogen Bartonella henselae (Bhe) translocates seven
      distinct Bartonella effector proteins (Beps) via the VirB/VirD4 type IV secretion
      system (T4SS) into human cells, thereby interfering with host cell signaling [1],
      [2]. In particular, the effector protein BepG alone or the combination of
      effector proteins BepC and BepF trigger massive F-actin rearrangements that lead
      to the establishment of invasome structures eventually resulting in the
      internalization of entire Bhe aggregates [2], [3]. In this report, we investigate
      the molecular function of the effector protein BepF in the eukaryotic host cell.
      We show that the N-terminal [E/T]PLYAT tyrosine phosphorylation motifs of BepF
      get phosphorylated upon translocation but do not contribute to invasome-mediated
      Bhe uptake. In contrast, we found that two of the three BID domains of BepF are
      capable to trigger invasome formation together with BepC, while a mutation of the
      WxxxE motif of the BID-F1 domain inhibited its ability to contribute to the
      formation of invasome structures. Next, we show that BepF function during
      invasome formation can be replaced by the over-expression of constitutive-active
      Rho GTPases Rac1 or Cdc42. Finally we demonstrate that BID-F1 and BID-F2 domains
      promote the formation of filopodia-like extensions in NIH 3T3 and HeLa cells as
      well as membrane protrusions in HeLa cells, suggesting a role for BepF in Rac1
      and Cdc42 activation during the process of invasome formation.

PMID- 22043281
TI  - Increased cardiovascular reactivity to acute stress and salt-loading in adult
      male offspring of fat fed non-obese rats.
AB  - Diet-induced obesity in rat pregnancy has been shown previously to be associated
      with consistently raised blood pressure in the offspring, attributed to
      sympathetic over-activation, but the relative contributions to this phenotype of
      maternal obesity versus raised dietary fat is unknown. Sprague-Dawley female rats
      were fed either a control (4.3% fat, n = 11) or lard-enriched (23.6% fat, n = 16)
      chow 10 days prior to mating, throughout pregnancy and lactation. In conscious
      adult (9-month-old) offspring cardiovascular parameters were measured
      (radiotelemetry). The short period of fat-feeding did not increase maternal
      weight versus controls and the baseline blood pressure was similar in offspring
      of fat fed dams (OF) and controls (OC). However, adult male OF showed heightened
      cardiovascular reactivity to acute restraint stress (p<0.01; Delta systolic blood
      pressure (SBP) and Deltaheart rate (HR)) with a prolonged recovery time compared
      to male OC. alpha1/beta-adrenergic receptor blockade normalised the response.
      Also, after dietary salt-loading (8%-NaCl ad libitum for 1 week) male OF
      demonstrated higher SBP (p<0.05) in the awake phase (night-time) and increased
      low/high frequency ratio of power spectral density of HR variability versus OC.
      Baroreflex gain and basal power spectral density components of the heart rate or
      blood pressure were similar in male OF and OC. Minor abnormalities were evident
      in female OF. Fat feeding in the absence of maternal obesity in pregnant rats
      leads to altered sympathetic control of cardiovascular function in adult male
      offspring, and hypertension in response to stressor stimuli.

PMID- 22043282
TI  - Cellulosomics, a gene-centric approach to investigating the intraspecific
      diversity and adaptation of Ruminococcus flavefaciens within the rumen.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The bovine rumen maintains a diverse microbial community that serves
      to break down indigestible plant substrates. However, those bacteria specifically
      adapted to degrade cellulose, the major structural component of plant biomass,
      represent a fraction of the rumen microbiome. Previously, we proposed scaC as a
      candidate for phylotyping Ruminococcus flavefaciens, one of three major
      cellulolytic bacterial species isolated from the rumen. In the present report we
      examine the dynamics and diversity of scaC-types both within and between cattle
      temporally, following a dietary switch from corn-silage to grass-legume hay.
      These results were placed in the context of the overall bacterial population
      dynamics measured using the 16S rRNA. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: As many as 117 scaC
      types were estimated, although just nineteen were detected in each of three
      rumens tested, and these collectively accounted for the majority of all types
      present. Variation in scaC populations was observed between cattle, between
      planktonic and fiber-associated fractions and temporally over the six-week
      survey, and appeared related to scaC phylogeny. However, by the sixth week no
      significant separation of scaC populations was seen between animals, suggesting
      enrichment of a constrained set of scaC-types. Comparing the amino-acid
      translation of each scaC-type revealed sequence variation within part of the
      predicted dockerin module but strong conservation in the N-terminus, where the
      cohesin module is located. CONCLUSIONS: The R. flavefaciens species comprises a
      multiplicity of scaC-types in-vivo. Enrichment of particular scaC-types
      temporally, following a dietary switch, and between fractions along with the
      phylogenetic congruence suggests that functional differences exist between types.
      Observed differences in dockerin modules suggest at least part of the functional
      heterogeneity may be conferred by scaC. The polymorphic nature of scaC enables
      the relative distribution of R. flavefaciens strains to be examined and
      represents a gene-centric approach to investigating the intraspecific adaptation
      of an important specialist population.

PMID- 22043283
TI  - Dissociation of progressive dopaminergic neuronal death and behavioral
      impairments by Bax deletion in a mouse model of Parkinson's diseases.
AB  - Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common, late-onset movement disorder with selective
      degeneration of dopaminergic (DA) neurons in the substantia nigra (SN). Although
      the neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) has been used to induce progressive
      degeneration of DA neurons in various animal models of PD, the precise molecular
      pathway and the impact of anti-apoptotic treatment on this neurodegeneration are
      less understood. Following a striatal injection of 6-OHDA, we observed atrophy
      and progressive death of DA neurons in wild-type mice. These degenerating DA
      neurons never exhibited signs of apoptosis (i.e., caspase-3 activation and
      cytoplasmic release of cytochrome C), but rather show nuclear translocation of
      apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF), a hallmark of regulated necrosis. However, mice
      with genetic deletion of the proapoptotic gene Bax (Bax-KO) exhibited a complete
      absence of 6-OHDA-induced DA neuron death and nuclear translocation of AIF,
      indicating that 6-OHDA-induced DA neuronal death is mediated by Bax-dependent AIF
      activation. On the other hand, DA neurons that survived in Bax-KO mice exhibited
      marked neuronal atrophy, without significant improvement of PD-related behavioral
      deficits. These findings suggest that anti-apoptotic therapy may not be
      sufficient for PD treatment, and the prevention of Bax-independent neuronal
      atrophy may be an important therapeutic target.

PMID- 22043284
TI  - Spontaneous hemodynamic oscillations during human sleep and sleep stage
      transitions characterized with near-infrared spectroscopy.
AB  - Understanding the interaction between the nervous system and cerebral vasculature
      is fundamental to forming a complete picture of the neurophysiology of sleep and
      its role in maintaining physiological homeostasis. However, the intrinsic
      hemodynamics of slow-wave sleep (SWS) are still poorly known. We carried out 30
      all-night sleep measurements with combined near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and
      polysomnography to investigate spontaneous hemodynamic behavior in SWS compared
      to light (LS) and rapid-eye-movement sleep (REM). In particular, we concentrated
      on slow oscillations (3-150 mHz) in oxy- and deoxyhemoglobin concentrations,
      heart rate, arterial oxygen saturation, and the pulsation amplitude of the
      photoplethysmographic signal. We also analyzed the behavior of these variables
      during sleep stage transitions. The results indicate that slow spontaneous
      cortical and systemic hemodynamic activity is reduced in SWS compared to LS, REM,
      and wakefulness. This behavior may be explained by neuronal synchronization
      observed in electrophysiological studies of SWS and a reduction in autonomic
      nervous system activity. Also, sleep stage transitions are asymmetric, so that
      the SWS-to-LS and LS-to-REM transitions, which are associated with an increase in
      the complexity of cortical electrophysiological activity, are characterized by
      more dramatic hemodynamic changes than the opposite transitions. Thus, it appears
      that while the onset of SWS and termination of REM occur only as gradual
      processes over time, the termination of SWS and onset of REM may be triggered
      more abruptly by a particular physiological event or condition. The results
      suggest that scalp hemodynamic changes should be considered alongside cortical
      hemodynamic changes in NIRS sleep studies to assess the interaction between the
      autonomic and central nervous systems.

PMID- 22043285
TI  - Liquid facets-related (lqfR) is required for egg chamber morphogenesis during
      Drosophila oogenesis.
AB  - Clathrin interactor 1 [CLINT1] (also called enthoprotin/EpsinR) is an Epsin N
      terminal homology (ENTH) domain-containing adaptor protein that functions in
      anterograde and retrograde clathrin-mediated trafficking between the trans-Golgi
      network and the endosome. Removal of both Saccharomyces cerevisiae homologs,
      Ent3p and Ent5p, result in yeast that are viable, but that display a cold
      sensitive growth phenotype and mistrafficking of various vacuolar proteins.
      Similarly, either knock-down or overexpression of vertebrate CLINT1 in cell
      culture causes mistrafficking of proteins. Here, we have characterized Drosophila
      CLINT1, liquid-facets Related (lqfR). LqfR is ubiquitously expressed throughout
      development and is localized to the Golgi and endosome. Strong hypomorphic
      mutants generated by imprecise P-element excision exhibit extra macrochaetae,
      rough eyes and are female sterile. Although essentially no eggs are laid, the
      ovaries do contain late-stage egg chambers that exhibit abnormal morphology.
      Germline clones reveal that LqfR expression in the somatic follicle cells is
      sufficient to rescue the oogenesis defects. Clones of mutant lqfR follicle cells
      have a decreased cell size consistent with a downregulation of Akt1. We find that
      while total Akt1 levels are increased there is also a significant decrease in
      activated phosphorylated Akt1. Taken together, these results show that LqfR
      function is required to regulate follicle cell size and signaling during
      Drosophila oogenesis.

PMID- 22043286
TI  - Chronic morphine alters the presynaptic protein profile: identification of novel
      molecular targets using proteomics and network analysis.
AB  - Opiates produce significant and persistent changes in synaptic transmission;
      knowledge of the proteins involved in these changes may help to understand the
      molecular mechanisms underlying opiate dependence. Using an integrated
      quantitative proteomics and systems biology approach, we explored changes in the
      presynaptic protein profile following a paradigm of chronic morphine
      administration that leads to the development of dependence. For this, we isolated
      presynaptic fractions from the striata of rats treated with saline or escalating
      doses of morphine, and analyzed the proteins in these fractions using
      differential isotopic labeling. We identified 30 proteins that were significantly
      altered by morphine and integrated them into a protein-protein interaction (PPI)
      network representing potential morphine-regulated protein complexes. Graph theory
      based analysis of this network revealed clusters of densely connected and
      functionally related morphine-regulated clusters of proteins. One of the clusters
      contained molecular chaperones thought to be involved in regulation of
      neurotransmission. Within this cluster, cysteine-string protein (CSP) and the
      heat shock protein Hsc70 were downregulated by morphine. Interestingly, Hsp90, a
      heat shock protein that normally interacts with CSP and Hsc70, was upregulated by
      morphine. Moreover, treatment with the selective Hsp90 inhibitor, geldanamycin,
      decreased the somatic signs of naloxone-precipitated morphine withdrawal,
      suggesting that Hsp90 upregulation at the presynapse plays a role in the
      expression of morphine dependence. Thus, integration of proteomics, network
      analysis, and behavioral studies has provided a greater understanding of morphine
      induced alterations in synaptic composition, and identified a potential novel
      therapeutic target for opiate dependence.

PMID- 22043287
TI  - Functional analysis of the magnetosome island in Magnetospirillum
      gryphiswaldense: the mamAB operon is sufficient for magnetite biomineralization.
AB  - Bacterial magnetosomes are membrane-enveloped, nanometer-sized crystals of
      magnetite, which serve for magnetotactic navigation. All genes implicated in the
      synthesis of these organelles are located in a conserved genomic magnetosome
      island (MAI). We performed a comprehensive bioinformatic, proteomic and genetic
      analysis of the MAI in Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense. By the construction of
      large deletion mutants we demonstrate that the entire region is dispensable for
      growth, and the majority of MAI genes have no detectable function in magnetosome
      formation and could be eliminated without any effect. Only <25% of the region
      comprising four major operons could be associated with magnetite
      biomineralization, which correlated with high expression of these genes and their
      conservation among magnetotactic bacteria. Whereas only deletion of the mamAB
      operon resulted in the complete loss of magnetic particles, deletion of the
      conserved mms6, mamGFDC, and mamXY operons led to severe defects in morphology,
      size and organization of magnetite crystals. However, strains in which these
      operons were eliminated together retained the ability to synthesize small
      irregular crystallites, and weakly aligned in magnetic fields. This demonstrates
      that whereas the mamGFDC, mms6 and mamXY operons have crucial and partially
      overlapping functions for the formation of functional magnetosomes, the mamAB
      operon is the only region of the MAI, which is necessary and sufficient for
      magnetite biomineralization. Our data further reduce the known minimal gene set
      required for magnetosome formation and will be useful for future genome
      engineering approaches.

PMID- 22043288
TI  - Bioenergetic consequences of PINK1 mutations in Parkinson disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mutations of the gene for PTEN-induced kinase 1 (PINK1) are a cause
      of familial Parkinson's disease (PD). PINK1 protein has been localised to
      mitochondria and PINK1 gene knockout models exhibit abnormal mitochondrial
      function. The purpose of this study was to determine whether cells derived from
      PD patients with a range of PINK1 mutations demonstrate similar defects of
      mitochondrial function, whether the nature and severity of the abnormalities vary
      between mutations and correlate with clinical features. METHODOLOGY: We
      investigated mitochondrial bioenergetics in live fibroblasts from PINK1 mutation
      patients using single cell techniques. We found that fibroblasts from PINK1
      mutation patients had significant defects of bioenergetics including reduced
      mitochondrial membrane potential, altered redox state, a respiratory deficiency
      that was determined by substrate availability, and enhanced sensitivity to
      calcium stimulation and associated mitochondrial permeability pore opening. There
      was an increase in the basal rate of free radical production in the mutant cells.
      The pattern and severity of abnormality varied between different mutations, and
      the less severe defects in these cells were associated with later age of onset of
      PD. CONCLUSIONS: The results provide insight into the molecular pathology of
      PINK1 mutations in PD and also confirm the critical role of substrate
      availability in determining the biochemical phenotype--thereby offering the
      potential for novel therapeutic strategies to circumvent these abnormalities.

PMID- 22043289
TI  - Cardiosphere-derived cells improve function in the infarcted rat heart for at
      least 16 weeks--an MRI study.
AB  - AIMS: Endogenous cardiac progenitor cells, expanded from explants via
      cardiosphere formation, present a promising cell source to prevent heart failure
      following myocardial infarction. Here we used cine-magnetic resonance imaging
      (MRI) to track administered cardiosphere-derived cells (CDCs) and to measure
      changes in cardiac function over four months in the infarcted rat heart. METHODS
      AND RESULTS: CDCs, cultured from neonatal rat heart, comprised a heterogeneous
      population including cells expressing the mesenchymal markers CD90 and CD105, the
      stem cell marker c-kit and the pluripotency markers Sox2, Oct3/4 and Klf-4. CDCs
      (2 * 10(6)) expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP+) were labelled with
      fluorescent micron-sized particles of iron oxide (MPIO). Labelled cells were
      administered to the infarcted rat hearts (n = 7) by intramyocardial injection
      immediately following reperfusion, then by systemic infusion (4 * 10(6)) 2 days
      later. A control group (n = 7) was administered cell medium. MR hypointensities
      caused by the MPIOs were detected at all times and GFP+ cells containing MPIO
      particles were identified in tissue slices at 16 weeks. At two days after
      infarction, cardiac function was similar between groups. By 6 weeks, ejection
      fractions in control hearts had significantly decreased (47 +/- 2%), but this was
      not evident in CDC-treated hearts (56 +/- 3%). The significantly higher ejection
      fractions in the CDC-treated group were maintained for a further 10 weeks. In
      addition, CDC-treated rat hearts had significantly increased capillary density in
      the peri-infarct region and lower infarct sizes. MPIO-labelled cells also
      expressed cardiac troponin I, von Willebrand factor and smooth muscle actin,
      suggesting their differentiation along the cardiomyocyte lineage and the
      formation of new blood vessels. CONCLUSIONS: CDCs were retained in the infarcted
      rat heart for 16 weeks and improved cardiac function.

PMID- 22043290
TI  - The simian immunodeficiency virus targets central cell cycle functions through
      transcriptional repression in vivo.
AB  - A massive and selective loss of CD4+ memory T cells occurs during the acute phase
      of immunodeficiency virus infections. The mechanism of this depletion is poorly
      understood but constitutes a key event with implications for progression. We
      assessed gene expression of purified T cells in Rhesus Macaques during acute
      SIVmac239 infection in order to define mechanisms of pathogenesis. We observe a
      general transcriptional program of over 1,600 interferon-stimulated genes induced
      in all T cells by the infection. Furthermore, we identify 113 transcriptional
      changes that are specific to virally infected cells. A striking downregulation of
      several key cell cycle regulator genes was observed and shared promotor-region
      E2F binding sites in downregulated genes suggested a targeted transcriptional
      control of an E2F regulated cell cycle program. In addition, the upregulation of
      the gene for the fundamental regulator of RNA polymerase II, TAF7, demonstrates
      that viral interference with the cell cycle and transcriptional regulation
      programs may be critical components during the establishment of a pathogenic
      infection in vivo.

PMID- 22043291
TI  - Fluorescent cell barcoding as a tool to assess the age-related development of
      intracellular cytokine production in small amounts of blood from infants.
AB  - Fluorescent Cell Barcoding (FCB) is a flow cytometric technique which has been
      used for assessing signaling proteins. This FCB technique has the potential to be
      applied in other multiparameter analyses. Since data on antigen (Ag)-specific T
      cell immune responses, like intracellular cytokine production, are still lacking
      in infants because limited blood volumes can be obtained for analysis, the FCB
      technique could be very useful for this purpose. The objectives of this study
      were to modify the FCB method to be able to measure multiple Ag-specific cytokine
      reponses in T-cells upon simultaneous stimulation by various antigens and
      mitogens in small amounts of blood and to investigate the cytokine pattern of T
      cell subsets in healthy infants aged six and twelve months. Blood samples,
      collected from 20 healthy infants aged six and twelve months, were stimulated in
      vitro with the antigens: phorbol-myristate-acetate (PMA), purified-protein
      derivative (PPD), Tetanus-toxoid (TT), Staphylococcal-enterotoxin-B (SEB), and
      phytohemagglutinin (PHA). Each stimulus was barcoded by labelling with different
      intensities of fluorescent cell barcoding (FCB) markers. Intracellular production
      of interleukin-2, interferon-gamma, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha was measured
      simultaneously in just one blood sample of 600 ul whole blood. Significant age
      related differences in cytokine production were shown for PMA, PHA, and TT in
      CD4(+) T-cells, and for PMA, PHA, SEB, and TT in CD8(+) T-cells. The
      intracellular cytokine production by CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-cells was higher at
      twelve months compared to six months of age for all antigens, except for PMA,
      which was lower at the age of twelve months. Based on the consistency in both T
      cell subsets, we conclude that the new FCB method is a promising tool to
      investigate the age-related development of intracellular cytokine production in
      infants.

PMID- 22043292
TI  - Dinosaur speed demon: the caudal musculature of Carnotaurus sastrei and
      implications for the evolution of South American abelisaurids.
AB  - In the South American abelisaurids Carnotaurus sastrei, Aucasaurus garridoi, and,
      to a lesser extent Skorpiovenator bustingorryi, the anterior caudal ribs project
      at a high dorsolateral inclination and have interlocking lateral tips. This
      unique morphology facilitated the expansion of the caudal hypaxial musculature at
      the expense of the epaxial musculature. Distinct ridges on the ventrolateral
      surfaces of the caudal ribs of Aucasaurus garridoi are interpreted as attachment
      scars from the intra caudofemoralis/ilio-ischiocaudalis septa, and confirm that
      the M. caudofemoralis of advanced South American abelisaurids originated from a
      portion of the caudal ribs. Digital muscle models indicate that, relative to its
      overall body size, Carnotaurus sastrei had a substantially larger M.
      caudofemoralis than any other theropod yet studied. In most non-avian theropods,
      as in many extant sauropsids, the M. caudofemoralis served as the primary femoral
      retractor muscle during the locomotive power stroke. This large investment in the
      M. caudofemoralis suggests that Carnotaurus sastrei had the potential for great
      cursorial abilities, particularly short-burst sprinting. However, the tightly
      interlocking morphology of the anterior caudal vertebrae implies a reduced
      ability to make tight turns. Examination of these vertebral traits in
      evolutionary context reveals a progressive sequence of increasing caudofemoral
      mass and tail rigidity among the Abelisauridae of South America.

PMID- 22043293
TI  - The atypical stimulant and nootropic modafinil interacts with the dopamine
      transporter in a different manner than classical cocaine-like inhibitors.
AB  - Modafinil is a mild psychostimulant with pro-cognitive and antidepressant
      effects. Unlike many conventional stimulants, modafinil has little appreciable
      potential for abuse, making it a promising therapeutic agent for cocaine
      addiction. The chief molecular target of modafinil is the dopamine transporter
      (DAT); however, the mechanistic details underlying modafinil's unique effects
      remain unknown. Recent studies suggest that the conformational effects of a given
      DAT ligand influence the magnitude of the ligand's reinforcing properties. For
      example, the atypical DAT inhibitors benztropine and GBR12909 do not share
      cocaine's notorious addictive liability, despite having greater binding affinity.
      Here, we show that the binding mechanism of modafinil is different than cocaine
      and similar to other atypical inhibitors. We previously established two mutations
      (W84L and D313N) that increase the likelihood that the DAT will adopt an outward
      facing conformational state--these mutations increase the affinity of cocaine
      like inhibitors considerably, but have little or opposite effect on atypical
      inhibitor binding. Thus, a compound's WT/mutant affinity ratio can indicate
      whether the compound preferentially interacts with a more outward- or inward
      facing conformational state. Modafinil displayed affinity ratios similar to those
      of benztropine, GBR12909 and bupropion (which lack cocaine-like effects in
      humans), but far different than those of cocaine, beta-CFT or methylphenidate.
      Whereas treatment with zinc (known to stabilize an outward-facing transporter
      state) increased the affinity of cocaine and methylphenidate two-fold, it had
      little or no effect on the binding of modafinil, benztropine, bupropion or
      GBR12909. Additionally, computational modeling of inhibitor binding indicated
      that while beta-CFT and methylphenidate stabilize an "open-to-out" conformation,
      binding of either modafinil or bupropion gives rise to a more closed
      conformation. Our findings highlight a mechanistic difference between modafinil
      and cocaine-like stimulants and further demonstrate that the conformational
      effects of a given DAT inhibitor influence its phenomenological effects.

PMID- 22043294
TI  - Gut microbiome metagenomics analysis suggests a functional model for the
      development of autoimmunity for type 1 diabetes.
AB  - Recent studies have suggested a bacterial role in the development of autoimmune
      disorders including type 1 diabetes (T1D). Over 30 billion nucleotide bases of
      Illumina shotgun metagenomic data were analyzed from stool samples collected from
      four pairs of matched T1D case-control subjects collected at the time of the
      development of T1D associated autoimmunity (i.e., autoantibodies). From these,
      approximately one million open reading frames were predicted and compared to the
      SEED protein database. Of the 3,849 functions identified in these samples, 144
      and 797 were statistically more prevalent in cases and controls, respectively.
      Genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism, adhesions, motility, phages,
      prophages, sulfur metabolism, and stress responses were more abundant in cases
      while genes with roles in DNA and protein metabolism, aerobic respiration, and
      amino acid synthesis were more common in controls. These data suggest that
      increased adhesion and flagella synthesis in autoimmune subjects may be involved
      in triggering a T1D associated autoimmune response. Extensive differences in
      metabolic potential indicate that autoimmune subjects have a functionally
      aberrant microbiome. Mining 16S rRNA data from these datasets showed a higher
      proportion of butyrate-producing and mucin-degrading bacteria in controls
      compared to cases, while those bacteria that produce short chain fatty acids
      other than butyrate were higher in cases. Thus, a key rate-limiting step in
      butyrate synthesis is more abundant in controls. These data suggest that a
      consortium of lactate- and butyrate-producing bacteria in a healthy gut induce a
      sufficient amount of mucin synthesis to maintain gut integrity. In contrast, non
      butyrate-producing lactate-utilizing bacteria prevent optimal mucin synthesis, as
      identified in autoimmune subjects.

PMID- 22043295
TI  - Examination of triacylglycerol biosynthetic pathways via de novo transcriptomic
      and proteomic analyses in an unsequenced microalga.
AB  - Biofuels derived from algal lipids represent an opportunity to dramatically
      impact the global energy demand for transportation fuels. Systems biology
      analyses of oleaginous algae could greatly accelerate the commercialization of
      algal-derived biofuels by elucidating the key components involved in lipid
      productivity and leading to the initiation of hypothesis-driven strain
      improvement strategies. However, higher-level systems biology analyses, such as
      transcriptomics and proteomics, are highly dependent upon available genomic
      sequence data, and the lack of these data has hindered the pursuit of such
      analyses for many oleaginous microalgae. In order to examine the triacylglycerol
      biosynthetic pathway in the unsequenced oleaginous microalga, Chlorella vulgaris,
      we have established a strategy with which to bypass the necessity for genomic
      sequence information by using the transcriptome as a guide. Our results indicate
      an upregulation of both fatty acid and triacylglycerol biosynthetic machinery
      under oil-accumulating conditions, and demonstrate the utility of a de novo
      assembled transcriptome as a search model for proteomic analysis of an
      unsequenced microalga.

PMID- 22043296
TI  - In vivo SPECT reporter gene imaging of regulatory T cells.
AB  - Regulatory T cells (Tregs) were identified several years ago and are key in
      controlling autoimmune diseases and limiting immune responses to foreign
      antigens, including alloantigens. In vivo imaging techniques including intravital
      microscopy as well as whole body imaging using bioluminescence probes have
      contributed to the understanding of in vivo Treg function, their mechanisms of
      action and target cells. Imaging of the human sodium/iodide symporter via Single
      Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) has been used to image various cell
      types in vivo. It has several advantages over the aforementioned imaging
      techniques including high sensitivity, it allows non-invasive whole body studies
      of viable cell migration and localisation of cells over time and lastly it may
      offer the possibility to be translated to the clinic. This study addresses
      whether SPECT/CT imaging can be used to visualise the migratory pattern of Tregs
      in vivo. Treg lines derived from CD4(+)CD25(+)FoxP3(+) cells were retrovirally
      transduced with a construct encoding for the human Sodium Iodide Symporter (NIS)
      and the fluorescent protein mCherry and stimulated with autologous DCs. NIS
      expressing self-specific Tregs were specifically radiolabelled in vitro with
      Technetium-99m pertechnetate ((99m)TcO(4)(-)) and exposure of these cells to
      radioactivity did not affect cell viability, phenotype or function. In addition
      adoptively transferred Treg-NIS cells were imaged in vivo in C57BL/6 (BL/6) mice
      by SPECT/CT using (99m)TcO(4)(-). After 24 hours NIS expressing Tregs were
      observed in the spleen and their localisation was further confirmed by organ
      biodistribution studies and flow cytometry analysis. The data presented here
      suggests that SPECT/CT imaging can be utilised in preclinical imaging studies of
      adoptively transferred Tregs without affecting Treg function and viability
      thereby allowing longitudinal studies within disease models.

PMID- 22043298
TI  - Human-related factors regulate the spatial ecology of domestic cats in sensitive
      areas for conservation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Domestic cats ranging freely in natural areas are a conservation
      concern due to competition, predation, disease transmission or hybridization with
      wildcats. In order to improve our ability to design effective control policies,
      we investigate the factors affecting their numbers and space use in natural areas
      of continental Europe. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We describe the patterns
      of cat presence, abundance and space use and analyse the associated environmental
      and human constraints in a well-preserved Mediterranean natural area with small
      scattered local farms. We failed in detecting cats in areas away from human
      settlements (trapping effort above 4000 trap-nights), while we captured 30
      individuals near inhabited farms. We identified 130 cats, all of them in farms
      still in use by people (30% of 128 farms). All cats were free-ranging and very
      wary of people. The main factor explaining the presence of cats was the presence
      of people, while the number of cats per farm was mostly affected by the
      occasional food provisioning with human refuse and the presence of people. The
      home ranges of eight radio tagged cats were centred at inhabited farms. Males
      went furthest away from the farms during the mating season (3.8 km on average,
      maximum 6.3 km), using inhabited farms as stepping-stones in their mating
      displacements (2.2 km of maximum inter-farm distance moved). In their daily
      movements, cats notably avoided entering in areas with high fox density.
      CONCLUSIONS: The presence, abundance and space use of cats were heavily dependent
      on human settlements. Any strategy aiming at reducing their impact in areas of
      conservation concern should aim at the presence of settlements and their spatial
      spread and avoid any access to human refuse. The movements of domestic cats would
      be limited in areas with large patches of natural vegetation providing good
      conditions for other carnivore mammals such as red foxes.

PMID- 22043297
TI  - Screening of feral and wood pigeons for viruses harbouring a conserved mobile
      viral element: characterization of novel Astroviruses and Picornaviruses.
AB  - A highly conserved RNA-motif of yet unknown function, called stem-loop-2-like
      motif (s2m), has been identified in the 3' end of the genomes of viruses
      belonging to different RNA virus families which infect a broad range of mammal
      and bird species, including Astroviridae, Picornaviridae, Coronaviridae and
      Caliciviridae. Since s2m is such an extremely conserved motif, it is an ideal
      target for screening for viruses harbouring it. In this study, we have detected
      and characterized novel viruses harbouring this motif in pigeons by using a s2m
      specific amplification. 84% and 67% of the samples from feral pigeons and wood
      pigeons, respectively, were found to contain a virus harbouring s2m. Four novel
      viruses were identified and characterized. Two of the new viruses belong to the
      genus Avastrovirus in the Astroviridae family. We propose two novel species to be
      included in this genus, Feral pigeon astrovirus and Wood pigeon astrovirus. Two
      other novel viruses, Pigeon picornavirus A and Pigeon picornavirus B, belong to
      the Picornaviridae family, presumably to the genus Sapelovirus. Both of the novel
      picornaviruses harboured two adjacent s2m, called (s2m)(2), suggesting a possible
      increased functional effect of s2m when present in two copies.

PMID- 22043299
TI  - Temperature effects on Agrobacterium phytochrome Agp1.
AB  - Phytochromes are widely distributed biliprotein photoreceptors with a conserved N
      terminal chromophore-binding domain. Most phytochromes bear a light-regulated C
      terminal His kinase or His kinase-like region. We investigated the effects of
      light and temperature on the His kinase activity of the phytochrome Agp1 from
      Agrobacterium tumefaciens. As in earlier studies, the phosphorylation activity of
      the holoprotein after far-red irradiation (where the red-light absorbing Pr form
      dominates) was stronger than that of the holoprotein after red irradiation (where
      the far red-absorbing Pfr form dominates). Phosphorylation activities of the
      apoprotein, far red-irradiated holoprotein, and red-irradiated holoprotein
      decreased when the temperature increased from 25  degrees C to 35  degrees C; at
      40  degrees C, almost no kinase activity was detected. The activity of a
      holoprotein sample incubated at 40  degrees C was nearly completely restored when
      the temperature returned to 25  degrees C. UV/visible spectroscopy indicated that
      the protein was not denatured up to 45  degrees C. At 50  degrees C, however, Pfr
      denatured faster than the dark-adapted sample containing the Pr form of Agp1. The
      Pr visible spectrum was unaffected by temperatures of 20-45  degrees C, whereas
      irradiated samples exhibited a clear temperature effect in the 30-40  degrees C
      range in which prolonged irradiation resulted in the photoconversion of Pfr into
      a new spectral species termed Prx. Pfr to Prx photoconversion was dependent on
      the His-kinase module of Agp1; normal photoconversion occurred at 40  degrees C
      in the mutant Agp1-M15, which lacks the C-terminal His-kinase module, and in a
      domain-swap mutant in which the His-kinase module of Agp1 is replaced by the His
      kinase/response regulator module of the other A. tumefaciens phytochrome, Agp2.
      The temperature-dependent kinase activity and spectral properties in the
      physiological temperature range suggest that Agp1 serves as an integrated light
      and temperature sensor in A. tumefaciens.

PMID- 22043300
TI  - Desiccation risk drives the spatial ecology of an invasive anuran (Rhinella
      marina) in the Australian semi-desert.
AB  - Some invasive species flourish in places that impose challenges very different
      from those faced in their native geographic ranges. Cane toads (Rhinella marina)
      are native to tropical and subtropical habitats of South and Central America, but
      have colonised extremely arid regions over the course of their Australian
      invasion. We radio-tracked 44 adult cane toads at a semi-arid invasion front to
      investigate how this invasive anuran has managed to expand its geographic range
      into arid areas that lie outside of its native climatic niche. As predicted from
      their low physiological control over rates of evaporative water loss, toads
      selected diurnal shelter sites that were consistently cooler and damper (and
      thus, conferred lower water loss rates) than nearby random sites. Desiccation
      risk also had a profound influence on rates of daily movement. Under wet
      conditions, toads that were far from water moved further between shelter sites
      than did conspecifics that remained close to water, presumably in an attempt to
      reach permanent water sources. However, this relationship was reversed under dry
      conditions, such that only toads that were close to permanent water bodies made
      substantial daily movements. Toads that were far from water bodies also travelled
      along straighter paths than did conspecifics that generally remained close to
      water. Thus, behavioural flexibility--in particular, an ability to exploit
      spatial and temporal heterogeneity in the availability of moist conditions--has
      allowed this invasive anuran to successfully colonize arid habitats in Australia.
      This finding illustrates that risk assessment protocols need to recognise that
      under some circumstances an introduced species may be able to thrive in
      conditions far removed from any that it experiences in its native range.

PMID- 22043301
TI  - Survival outcomes and effect of early vs. deferred cART among HIV-infected
      patients diagnosed at the time of an AIDS-defining event: a cohort analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We analyzed clinical progression among persons diagnosed with HIV at
      the time of an AIDS-defining event, and assessed the impact on outcome of timing
      of combined antiretroviral treatment (cART). METHODS: Retrospective, European and
      Canadian multicohort study.. Patients were diagnosed with HIV from 1997-2004 and
      had clinical AIDS from 30 days before to 14 days after diagnosis. Clinical
      progression (new AIDS event, death) was described using Kaplan-Meier analysis
      stratifying by type of AIDS event. Factors associated with progression were
      identified with multivariable Cox regression. Progression rates were compared
      between those starting early (<30 days after AIDS event) or deferred (30-270 days
      after AIDS event) cART. RESULTS: The median (interquartile range) CD4 count and
      viral load (VL) at diagnosis of the 584 patients were 42 (16, 119) cells/uL and
      5.2 (4.5, 5.7) log(10) copies/mL. Clinical progression was observed in 165
      (28.3%) patients. Older age, a higher VL at diagnosis, and a diagnosis of non
      Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) (vs. other AIDS events) were independently associated with
      disease progression. Of 366 patients with an opportunistic infection, 178 (48.6%)
      received early cART. There was no significant difference in clinical progression
      between those initiating cART early and those deferring treatment (adjusted
      hazard ratio 1.32 [95% confidence interval 0.87, 2.00], p = 0.20). CONCLUSIONS:
      Older patients and patients with high VL or NHL at diagnosis had a worse outcome.
      Our data suggest that earlier initiation of cART may be beneficial among HIV
      infected patients diagnosed with clinical AIDS in our setting.

PMID- 22043302
TI  - N-CAM exhibits a regulatory function in pathological angiogenesis in oxygen
      induced retinopathy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diabetic retinopathy and retinopathy of prematurity are diseases
      caused by pathological angiogenesis in the retina as a consequence of local
      hypoxia. The underlying mechanism for epiretinal neovascularization (tuft
      formation), which contributes to blindness, has yet to be identified. Neural cell
      adhesion molecule (N-CAM) is expressed by Muller cells and astrocytes, which are
      in close contact with the retinal vasculature, during normal developmental
      angiogenesis. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Notably, during oxygen induced
      retinopathy (OIR) N-CAM accumulated on astrocytes surrounding the epiretinal
      tufts. Here, we show that N-CAM ablation results in reduced vascular tuft
      formation due to reduced endothelial cell proliferation despite an elevation in
      VEGFA mRNA expression, whereas retinal developmental angiogenesis was unaffected.
      CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE: We conclude that N-CAM exhibits a regulatory function in
      pathological angiogenesis in OIR. This is a novel finding that can be of clinical
      relevance in diseases associated with proliferative vasculopathy.

PMID- 22043303
TI  - Comparative proteomic analysis of differentially expressed proteins in the urine
      of reservoir hosts of leptospirosis.
AB  - Rattus norvegicus is a natural reservoir host for pathogenic species of
      Leptospira. Experimentally infected rats remain clinically normal, yet
      persistently excrete large numbers of leptospires from colonized renal tubules
      via urine, despite a specific host immune response. Whilst persistent renal
      colonization and shedding is facilitated in part by differential antigen
      expression by leptospires to evade host immune responses, there is limited
      understanding of kidney and urinary proteins expressed by the host that
      facilitates such biological equilibrium. Urine pellets were collected from
      experimentally infected rats shedding leptospires and compared to urine from non
      infected controls spiked with in vitro cultivated leptospires for analysis by 2-D
      DIGE. Differentially expressed host proteins include membrane metallo
      endopeptidase, napsin A aspartic peptidase, vacuolar H+ATPase, kidney
      aminopeptidase and immunoglobulin G and A. Loa22, a virulence factor of
      Leptospira, as well as the GroEL, were increased in leptospires excreted in urine
      compared to in vitro cultivated leptospires. Urinary IgG from infected rats was
      specific for leptospires. Results confirm differential protein expression by both
      host and pathogen during chronic disease and include markers of kidney function
      and immunoglobulin which are potential biomarkers of infection.

PMID- 22043304
TI  - Multiple TORC1-associated proteins regulate nitrogen starvation-dependent
      cellular differentiation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae undergoes differentiation
      into filamentous-like forms and invades the growth medium as a foraging response
      to nutrient and environmental stresses. These developmental responses are under
      the downstream control of effectors regulated by the cAMP/PKA and MAPK pathways.
      However, the upstream sensors and signals that induce filamentous growth through
      these signaling pathways are not fully understood. Herein, through a biochemical
      purification of the yeast TORC1 (Target of Rapamycin Complex 1), we identify
      several proteins implicated in yeast filamentous growth that directly associate
      with the TORC1 and investigate their roles in nitrogen starvation-dependent or
      independent differentiation in yeast. METHODOLOGY: We isolated the endogenous
      TORC1 by purifying tagged, endogenous Kog1p, and identified associated proteins
      by mass spectrometry. We established invasive and pseudohyphal growth conditions
      in two S. cerevisiae genetic backgrounds (Sigma1278b and CEN.PK). Using wild type
      and mutant strains from these genetic backgrounds, we investigated the roles of
      TORC1 and associated proteins in nitrogen starvation-dependent diploid
      pseudohyphal growth as well as nitrogen starvation-independent haploid invasive
      growth. CONCLUSIONS: We show that several proteins identified as associated with
      the TORC1 are important for nitrogen starvation-dependent diploid pseudohyphal
      growth. In contrast, invasive growth due to other nutritional stresses was
      generally not affected in mutant strains of these TORC1-associated proteins. Our
      studies suggest a role for TORC1 in yeast differentiation upon nitrogen
      starvation. Our studies also suggest the CEN.PK strain background of S.
      cerevisiae may be particularly useful for investigations of nitrogen starvation
      induced diploid pseudohyphal growth.

PMID- 22043305
TI  - Up-regulation of NDRG2 in senescent lens epithelial cells contributes to age
      related cataract in human.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Human N-Myc downstream regulated gene2 (NDRG2), a novel gene has been
      cloned and shown to be related to a number of cellular processes, including
      proliferation, differentiation, stress, and apoptosis. NDRG2 has also been linked
      to age-related Alzheimer's disease. Since the role of this gene in senescence is
      limited, we have investigated the potential role of NDRG2 in human lens
      epithelial cells (HLECs), a paradigm implicated in age-related cataract.
      METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Cultured HLECs (SRA01/04) were subjected to
      prolonged exposure to low dose of H(2)O(2) to simulate senescence. After being
      exposed to 50 uM H(2)O(2) for 2 weeks, HLECs senescent-morphological changes
      appeared, cell viability decreased dramatically, cell proliferation reduced from
      37.4% to 16.1%, and senescence-associated beta-galactosidase activity increased
      from 0 to 90.3%. Ndrg2 protein expression was also significantly increased in
      these senescent cells. To induce overexpression of NDRG2, SRA01/04 cells were
      infected with the adenoviral vector of NDRG2. In these cells, overexpression of
      NDRG2 resulted in a fibroblast-like appearance and the cell viability decreased
      about 20%. In addition, the NDRG2-overexpression cells demonstrated 20% lower
      viability when exposed to 50-200 uM H(2)O(2) for acute oxidative stress.
      Furthermore, the expression of NDRG2 from age-related cataracts was up-regulated
      2-fold at both mRNA and protein levels compared with the clear lenses.
      CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: NDRG2 is up regulated not only in the ageing process of
      HLECs in vitro but also in the cells from human age-related cortical cataract in
      vivo. Up-regulation of NDRG2 induces cell morphological changes, reduces cell
      viability, and especially lowers cellular resistance to oxidative stress. NDRG2
      mediated affects in HLECs may associate with age-related cataract formation.

PMID- 22043306
TI  - Direct identification of insulator components by insertional chromatin
      immunoprecipitation.
AB  - Comprehensive understanding of mechanisms of epigenetic regulation requires
      identification of molecules bound to genomic regions of interest in vivo.
      However, non-biased methods to identify molecules bound to specific genomic loci
      in vivo are limited. Here, we applied insertional chromatin immunoprecipitation
      (iChIP) to direct identification of components of insulator complexes, which
      function as boundaries of chromatin domain. We found that the chicken beta-globin
      HS4 (cHS4) insulator complex contains an RNA helicase protein, p68/DDX5; an RNA
      species, steroid receptor RNA activator 1; and a nuclear matrix protein, Matrin
      3, in vivo. Binding of p68 and Matrin-3 to the cHS4 insulator core sequence was
      mediated by CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF). Thus, our results showed that it is
      feasible to directly identify proteins and RNA bound to a specific genomic region
      in vivo by using iChIP.

PMID- 22043307
TI  - Effect of oxidative stress on homer scaffolding proteins.
AB  - Homer proteins are a family of multifaceted scaffolding proteins that participate
      in the organization of signaling complexes at the post-synaptic density and in a
      variety of tissues including striated muscle. Homer isoforms form multimers via
      their C-terminal coiled coil domains, which allows for the formation of a
      polymeric network in combination with other scaffolding proteins. We hypothesized
      that the ability of Homer isoforms to serve as scaffolds would be influenced by
      oxidative stress. We have found by standard SDS-PAGE of lysates from adult mouse
      skeletal muscle exposed to air oxidation that Homer migrates as both a dimer and
      monomer in the absence of reducing agents and solely as a monomer in the presence
      of a reducing agent, suggesting that Homer dimers exposed to oxidation could be
      modified by the presence of an inter-molecular disulfide bond. Analysis of the
      peptide sequence of Homer 1b revealed the presence of only two cysteine residues
      located adjacent to the C-terminal coiled-coil domain. HEK 293 cells were
      transfected with wild-type and cysteine mutant forms of Homer 1b and exposed to
      oxidative stress by addition of menadione, which resulted in the formation of
      disulfide bonds except in the double mutant (C246G, C365G). Exposure of myofibers
      from adult mice to oxidative stress resulted in decreased solubility of
      endogenous Homer isoforms. This change in solubility was dependent on disulfide
      bond formation. In vitro binding assays revealed that cross-linking of Homer
      dimers enhanced the ability of Homer 1b to bind Drebrin, a known interacting
      partner. Our results show that oxidative stress results in disulfide cross
      linking of Homer isoforms and loss of solubility of Homer scaffolds. This
      suggests that disulfide cross-linking of a Homer polymeric network may contribute
      to the pathophysiology seen in neurodegenerative diseases and myopathies
      characterized by oxidative stress.

PMID- 22043308
TI  - RNA-Seq analyses generate comprehensive transcriptomic landscape and reveal
      complex transcript patterns in hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - RNA-seq is a powerful tool for comprehensive characterization of whole
      transcriptome at both gene and exon levels and with a unique ability of
      identifying novel splicing variants. To date, RNA-seq analysis of HBV-related
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been reported. In this study, we performed
      transcriptome analyses for 10 matched pairs of cancer and non-cancerous tissues
      from HCC patients on Solexa/Illumina GAII platform. On average, about 21.6
      million sequencing reads and 10.6 million aligned reads were obtained for samples
      sequenced on each lane, which was able to identify >50% of all the annotated
      genes for each sample. Furthermore, we identified 1,378 significantly differently
      expressed genes (DEGs) and 24, 338 differentially expressed exons (DEEs).
      Comprehensive function analyses indicated that cell growth-related, metabolism
      related and immune-related pathways were most significantly enriched by DEGs,
      pointing to a complex mechanism for HCC carcinogenesis. Positional gene
      enrichment analysis showed that DEGs were most significantly enriched at
      chromosome 8q21.3-24.3. The most interesting findings were from the analysis at
      exon levels where we characterized three major patterns of expression changes
      between gene and exon levels, implying a much complex landscape of transcript
      specific differential expressions in HCC. Finally, we identified a novel highly
      up-regulated exon-exon junction in ATAD2 gene in HCC tissues. Overall, to our
      best knowledge, our study represents the most comprehensive characterization of
      HBV-related HCC transcriptome including exon level expression changes and novel
      splicing variants, which illustrated the power of RNA-seq and provided important
      clues for understanding the molecular mechanisms of HCC pathogenesis at system
      wide levels.

PMID- 22043309
TI  - Severe obstetric brachial plexus palsies can be identified at one month of age.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To establish whether severe obstetric brachial plexus palsy (OBPP) can
      be identified reliably at or before three months of age. METHODS: Severe OBPP was
      defined as neurotmesis or avulsion of spinal nerves C5 and C6 irrespective of
      additional C7-T1 lesions, assessed during surgery and confirmed by
      histopathological examination. We first prospectively studied a derivation group
      of 48 infants with OBPP with a minimal follow-up of two years. Ten dichotomous
      items concerning active clinical joint movement and needle electromyography of
      the deltoid, biceps and triceps muscles were gathered at one week, one month and
      three months of age. Predictors for a severe lesion were identified using a two
      step forward logistic regression analysis. The results were validated in two
      independent cohorts of OBPP infants of 60 and 13 infants. RESULTS: Prediction of
      severe OBPP at one month of age was better than at one week and at three months.
      The presence of elbow extension, elbow flexion and of motor unit potentials in
      the biceps muscle correctly predicted whether lesions were mild or severe in
      93.6% of infants in the derivation group (sensitivity 1.0, specificity 0.88), in
      88.3% in the first validation group (sensitivity 0.97, specificity 0.76) and in
      84.6% in the second group (sensitivity of 1.0, specificity 0.66). INTERPRETATION:
      Infants with OBPP with severe lesions can be identified at one month of age by
      testing elbow extension, elbow flexion and recording motor unit potentials (MUPs)
      in the biceps muscle. The decision rule implies that children without active
      elbow extension at one month should be referred to a specialized center, while
      children with active elbow extension as well as active flexion should not. When
      there is active elbow extension, but no active elbow flexion an EMG is needed;
      absence of MUPs in the biceps muscle is an indication for referral.

PMID- 22043310
TI  - Patients' and observers' perceptions of involvement differ. Validation study on
      inter-relating measures for shared decision making.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Patient involvement into medical decisions as conceived in the shared
      decision making method (SDM) is essential in evidence based medicine. However, it
      is not conclusively evident how best to define, realize and evaluate involvement
      to enable patients making informed choices. We aimed at investigating the ability
      of four measures to indicate patient involvement. While use and reporting of
      these instruments might imply wide overlap regarding the addressed constructs
      this assumption seems questionable with respect to the diversity of the
      perspectives from which the assessments are administered. METHODS: The study
      investigated a nested cohort (N = 79) of a randomized trial evaluating a patient
      decision aid on immunotherapy for multiple sclerosis. Convergent validities were
      calculated between observer ratings of videotaped physician-patient consultations
      (OPTION) and patients' perceptions of the communication (Shared Decision Making
      Questionnaire, Control Preference Scale & Decisional Conflict Scale). RESULTS:
      OPTION reliability was high to excellent. Communication performance was low
      according to OPTION and high according to the three patient administered
      measures. No correlations were found between observer and patient judges, neither
      for means nor for single items. Patient report measures showed some moderate
      correlations. CONCLUSION: Existing SDM measures do not refer to a single
      construct. A gold standard is missing to decide whether any of these measures has
      the potential to indicate patient involvement. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Pronounced
      heterogeneity of the underpinning constructs implies difficulties regarding the
      interpretation of existing evidence on the efficacy of SDM. Consideration of
      communication theory and basic definitions of SDM would recommend an inter
      subjective focus of measurement. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Controlled-Trials.com
      ISRCTN25267500.

PMID- 22043311
TI  - A systematic screen for micro-RNAs regulating the canonical Wnt pathway.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRs) and the canonical Wnt pathway are known to be dysregulated in
      human cancers and play key roles during cancer initiation and progression. To
      identify miRs that can modulate the activity of the Wnt pathway we performed a
      cell-based overexpression screen of 470 miRs in human HEK293 cells. We identified
      38 candidate miRs that either activate or repress the canonical Wnt pathway. A
      literature survey of all verified candidate miRs revealed that the Wnt-repressing
      miRs tend to be anti-oncomiRs and down-regulated in cancers while Wnt-activating
      miRs tend to be oncomiRs and upregulated during tumorigenesis. Epistasis-based
      functional validation of three candidate miRs, miR-1, miR-25 and miR-613,
      confirmed their inhibitory role in repressing the Wnt pathway and suggest that
      while miR-25 may function at the level of a-catenin (beta-cat), miR-1 and miR-613
      act upstream of beta-cat. Both miR-25 and miR-1 inhibit cell proliferation and
      viability during selection of human colon cancer cell lines that exhibit
      dysregulated Wnt signaling. Finally, transduction of miR-1 expressing
      lentiviruses into primary mammary organoids derived from Conductin-lacZ mice
      significantly reduced the expression of the Wnt-sensitive beta-gal reporter. In
      summary, these findings suggest the potential use of Wnt-modulating miRs as
      diagnostic and therapeutic tools in Wnt-dependent diseases, such as cancer.

PMID- 22043312
TI  - Molecular evolution of the rice blast resistance gene Pi-ta in invasive weedy
      rice in the USA.
AB  - The Pi-ta gene in rice has been effectively used to control rice blast disease
      caused by Magnaporthe oryzae worldwide. Despite a number of studies that reported
      the Pi-ta gene in domesticated rice and wild species, little is known about how
      the Pi-ta gene has evolved in US weedy rice, a major weed of rice. To investigate
      the genome organization of the Pi-ta gene in weedy rice and its relationship to
      gene flow between cultivated and weedy rice in the US, we analyzed nucleotide
      sequence variation at the Pi-ta gene and its surrounding 2 Mb region in 156
      weedy, domesticated and wild rice relatives. We found that the region at and
      around the Pi-ta gene shows very low genetic diversity in US weedy rice. The
      patterns of molecular diversity in weeds are more similar to cultivated rice
      (indica and aus), which have never been cultivated in the US, rather than the
      wild rice species, Oryza rufipogon. In addition, the resistant Pi-ta allele (Pi
      ta) found in the majority of US weedy rice belongs to the weedy group strawhull
      awnless (SH), suggesting a single source of origin for Pi-ta. Weeds with Pi-ta
      were resistant to two M. oryzae races, IC17 and IB49, except for three
      accessions, suggesting that component(s) required for the Pi-ta mediated
      resistance may be missing in these accessions. Signatures of flanking sequences
      of the Pi-ta gene and SSR markers on chromosome 12 suggest that the susceptible
      pi-ta allele (pi-ta), not Pi-ta, has been introgressed from cultivated to weedy
      rice by out-crossing.

PMID- 22043313
TI  - Erythropoietin ameliorates rat experimental autoimmune neuritis by inducing
      transforming growth factor-beta in macrophages.
AB  - Erythropoietin (EPO) is a pleiotropic cytokine originally identified for its role
      in erythropoiesis. In addition, in various preclinical models EPO exhibited
      protective activity against tissue injury. There is an urgent need for potent
      treatments of autoimmune driven disorders of the peripheral nervous system (PNS),
      such as the Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), a disabling autoimmune disease
      associated with relevant morbidity and mortality. To test the therapeutic
      potential of EPO in experimental autoimmune neuritis (EAN) - an animal model of
      human GBS--immunological and clinical effects were investigated in a preventive
      and a therapeutic paradigm. Treatment with EPO reduced clinical disease severity
      and if given therapeutically also shortened the recovery phase of EAN. Clinical
      findings were mirrored by decreased inflammation within the peripheral nerve, and
      myelin was well maintained in treated animals. In contrast, EPO increased the
      number of macrophages especially in later stages of the experimental disease
      phase. Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory cytokine transforming growth factor
      (TGF)-beta was upregulated in the treated cohorts. In vitro experiments revealed
      less proliferation of T cells in the presence of EPO and TGF-beta was moderately
      induced, while the secretion of other cytokines was almost not altered by EPO.
      Our data suggest that EPO revealed its beneficial properties by the induction of
      beneficial macrophages and the modulation of the immune system towards anti
      inflammatory responses in the PNS. Further studies are warranted to elaborate the
      clinical usefulness of EPO for treating immune-mediated neuropathies in affected
      patients.

PMID- 22043314
TI  - Neuropathologic correlates of hippocampal atrophy in the elderly: a clinical,
      pathologic, postmortem MRI study.
AB  - The volume of the hippocampus measured with structural magnetic resonance imaging
      (MRI) is increasingly used as a biomarker for Alzheimer's disease (AD). However,
      the neuropathologic basis of structural MRI changes in the hippocampus in the
      elderly has not been directly assessed. Postmortem MRI of the aging human brain,
      combined with histopathology, could be an important tool to address this issue.
      Therefore, this study combined postmortem MRI and histopathology in 100 elderly
      subjects from the Rush Memory and Aging Project and the Religious Orders Study.
      First, to validate the information contained in postmortem MRI data, we tested
      the hypothesis that postmortem hippocampal volume is smaller in subjects with
      clinically diagnosed Alzheimer's disease compared to subjects with mild or no
      cognitive impairment, as observed in antemortem imaging studies. Subsequently,
      the relations of postmortem hippocampal volume to AD pathology, Lewy bodies,
      amyloid angiopathy, gross infarcts, microscopic infarcts, and hippocampal
      sclerosis were examined. It was demonstrated that hippocampal volume was smaller
      in persons with a clinical diagnosis of AD compared to those with no cognitive
      impairment (P = 2.6 * 10(-7)) or mild cognitive impairment (P = 9.6 * 10(-7)).
      Additionally, hippocampal volume was related to multiple cognitive abilities
      assessed proximate to death, with its strongest association with episodic memory.
      Among all pathologies investigated, the most significant factors related to lower
      hippocampal volume were shown to be AD pathology (P = 0.0018) and hippocampal
      sclerosis (P = 4.2 * 10(-7)). Shape analysis allowed for visualization of the
      hippocampal regions most associated with volume loss for each of these two
      pathologies. Overall, this investigation confirmed the relation of hippocampal
      volume measured postmortem to clinical diagnosis of AD and measures of cognition,
      and concluded that both AD pathology and hippocampal sclerosis affect hippocampal
      volume in old age, though the impacts of each pathology on the shape of the
      hippocampus may differ.

PMID- 22043315
TI  - Lysine 92 amino acid residue of USP46, a gene associated with 'behavioral
      despair' in mice, influences the deubiquitinating enzyme activity.
AB  - Deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) regulate diverse cellular functions by their
      activity of cleaving ubiquitin from specific protein substrates. Ubiquitin
      Specific Protease 46 (USP46) has recently been identified as a quantitative trait
      gene responsible for immobility in the tail suspension test and forced swimming
      test in mice. Mice with a lysine codon (Lys 92) deletion in USP46 exhibited loss
      of 'behavioral despair' under inescapable stresses in addition to abnormalities
      in circadian behavioral rhythms and the GABAergic system. However, whether this
      deletion affects enzyme activity is unknown. Here we show that USP46 has
      deubiquitinating enzyme activity detected by USP cleavage assay using GST-Ub52 as
      a model substrate. Interestingly, compared to wild type, the Lys 92 deletion
      mutant resulted in a decreased deubiquitinating enzyme activity of 27.04%. We
      also determined the relative expression levels of Usp46 in rat tissues using real
      time RT-PCR. Usp46 mRNA was expressed in various tissues examined including
      brain, with the highest expression in spleen. In addition, like rat USP46, both
      human and mouse USP46 are active toward to the model substrate, indicating the
      USP cleavage assay is a simple method for testing the deubiquitinating enzyme
      activity of USP46. These results suggest that the Lys 92 deletion of USP46 could
      influence enzyme activity and thereby provide a molecular clue how the enzyme
      regulating the pathogenesis of mental illnesses.

PMID- 22043316
TI  - Minimal functional sites allow a classification of zinc sites in proteins.
AB  - Zinc is indispensable to all forms of life as it is an essential component of
      many different proteins involved in a wide range of biological processes. Not
      differently from other metals, zinc in proteins can play different roles that
      depend on the features of the metal-binding site. In this work, we describe zinc
      sites in proteins with known structure by means of three-dimensional templates
      that can be automatically extracted from PDB files and consist of the protein
      structure around the metal, including the zinc ligands and the residues in close
      spatial proximity to the ligands. This definition is devised to intrinsically
      capture the features of the local protein environment that can affect metal
      function, and corresponds to what we call a minimal functional site (MFS). We
      used MFSs to classify all zinc sites whose structures are available in the PDB
      and combined this classification with functional annotation as available in the
      literature. We classified 77% of zinc sites into ten clusters, each grouping zinc
      sites with structures that are highly similar, and an additional 16% into seven
      pseudo-clusters, each grouping zinc sites with structures that are only broadly
      similar. Sites where zinc plays a structural role are predominant in eight
      clusters and in two pseudo-clusters, while sites where zinc plays a catalytic
      role are predominant in two clusters and in five pseudo-clusters. We also
      analyzed the amino acid composition of the coordination sphere of zinc as a
      function of its role in the protein, highlighting trends and exceptions. In a
      period when the number of known zinc proteins is expected to grow further with
      the increasing awareness of the cellular mechanisms of zinc homeostasis, this
      classification represents a valuable basis for structure-function studies of zinc
      proteins, with broad applications in biochemistry, molecular pharmacology and de
      novo protein design.

PMID- 22043317
TI  - ATP competitive protein kinase C inhibitors demonstrate distinct state-dependent
      inhibition.
AB  - We previously reported that some ATP competitive protein kinase C (PKC)
      inhibitors are either competitive or uncompetitive inhibitors with respect to
      substrate peptides. In this report, we demonstrate how the interactions between
      PKC and inhibitors change PKC activation kinetics. A substrate competitive
      inhibitor, bisindolylmaleimide I, targets activated PKC and stabilizes PKC in the
      activated conformation. This leads to transient activation and prolonged
      deactivation of PKC in the presence of bisindolylmaleimide I. In contrast, an
      uncompetitive substrate inhibitor, bisindolylmaleimide IV, targets quiescent PKC
      and stabilizes PKC in the quiescent conformation, which generates slower
      activation and suppressed translocation upon activation of PKC.

PMID- 22043318
TI  - Migfilin and filamin as regulators of integrin activation in endothelial cells
      and neutrophils.
AB  - Cell adhesion and migration depend on engagement of extracellular matrix ligands
      by integrins. Integrin activation is dynamically regulated by interactions of
      various cytoplasmic proteins, such as filamin and integrin activators, talin and
      kindlin, with the cytoplasmic tail of the integrin beta subunit. Although filamin
      has been suggested to be an inhibitor of integrin activation, direct functional
      evidence for the inhibitory role of filamin is limited. Migfilin, a filamin
      binding protein enriched at cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix contact
      sites, can displace filamin from beta1 and beta3 integrins and promote integrin
      activation. However, its role in activation and functions of different beta
      integrins in human vascular cells is unknown. In this study, using flow
      cytometry, we demonstrate that filamin inhibits beta1 and alphaIIbbeta3 integrin
      activation, and migfilin can overcome its inhibitory effect. Migfilin protein is
      widely expressed in different adherent and circulating blood cells and can
      regulate integrin activation in naturally-occurring vascular cells, endothelial
      cells and neutrophils. Migfilin can activate beta1, beta2 and beta3 integrins and
      promote integrin mediated responses while migfilin depletion impairs the
      spreading and migration of endothelial cells. Thus, filamin can act broadly as an
      inhibitor and migfilin is a promoter of integrin activation.

PMID- 22043319
TI  - UV-sensitive photoreceptor protein OPN5 in humans and mice.
AB  - A variety of animal species utilize the ultraviolet (UV) component of sunlight as
      their environmental cues, whereas physiological roles of UV photoreception in
      mammals, especially in human beings, remain open questions. Here we report that
      mouse neuropsin (OPN5) encoded by the Opn5 gene exhibited an absorption maximum
      (lambdamax) at 380 nm when reconstituted with 11-cis-retinal. Upon UV-light
      illumination, OPN5 was converted to a blue-absorbing photoproduct (lambdamax 470
      nm), which was stable in the dark and reverted to the UV-absorbing state by the
      subsequent orange light illumination, indicating its bistable nature. Human OPN5
      also had an absorption maximum at 380 nm with spectral properties similar to
      mouse OPN5, revealing that OPN5 is the first and hitherto unknown human opsin
      with peak sensitivity in the UV region. OPN5 was capable of activating
      heterotrimeric G protein Gi in a UV-dependent manner. Immuno-blotting analyses of
      mouse tissue extracts identified the retina, the brain and, unexpectedly, the
      outer ears as the major sites of OPN5 expression. In the tissue sections of mice,
      OPN5 immuno-reactivities were detected in a subset of non-rod/non-cone retinal
      neurons as well as in the epidermal and muscle cells of the outer ears. Most of
      these OPN5-immuno-reactivities in mice were co-localized with positive signals
      for the alpha-subunit of Gi. These results demonstrate the first example of UV
      photoreceptor in human beings and strongly suggest that OPN5 triggers a UV
      sensitive Gi-mediated signaling pathway in the mammalian tissues.

PMID- 22043321
TI  - The heart of the matter.

PMID- 22043320
TI  - Downregulation of RPL6 by siRNA inhibits proliferation and cell cycle progression
      of human gastric cancer cell lines.
AB  - Our previous study revealed that human ribosomal protein L6 (RPL6) was up
      regulated in multidrug-resistant gastric cancer cells and over-expression of RPL6
      could protect gastric cancer from drug-induced apoptosis. It was further
      demonstrated that up-regulation of RPL6 accelerated growth and enhanced in vitro
      colony forming ability of GES cells while down-regulation of RPL6 exhibited the
      opposite results. The present study was designed to investigate the potential
      role of RPL6 in therapy of gastric cancer for clinic. The expression of RPL6 and
      cyclin E in gastric cancer tissues and normal gastric mucosa was evaluated by
      immunohistochemisty. It was found that RPL6 and cyclin E were expressed at a
      higher level in gastric cancer tissues than that in normal gastric mucosa and the
      two were correlative in gastric cancer. Survival time of postoperative patients
      was analyzed by Kaplan- Meier analysis and it was found that patients with RPL6
      positive expression showed shorter survival time than patients that with RPL6
      negative expression. RPL6 was then genetically down-regulated in gastric cancer
      SGC7901 and AGS cell lines by siRNA. It was demonstrated that down-regulation of
      RPL6 reduced colony forming ability of gastric cancer cells in vitro and reduced
      cell growth in vivo. Moreover, down-regulation of RPL6 could suppress G1 to S
      phase transition in these cells. Further, we evidenced that RPL6 siRNA down
      regulated cyclin E expression in SGC7901 and AGS cells. Taken together, these
      data suggested that RPL6 was over-expressed in human gastric tissues and caused
      poor prognosis. Down-regulation of RPL6 could suppress cell growth and cell cycle
      progression at least through down-regulating cyclin E and which might be used as
      a novel approach to gastric cancer therapy.

PMID- 22043322
TI  - Phase II Study of Capecitabine, Oxaliplatin, and Cetuximab for Advanced
      Hepatocellular Carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is frequently resistant to
      chemotherapy. However, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibition has
      demonstrated activity in HCC and overcomes chemotherapy resistance in other
      settings. We studied the efficacy of combining the anti-EGFR antibody cetuximab
      with capecitabine and oxaliplatin in advanced HCC. METHODS: Patients who had
      chemotherapy-naive advanced/unresectable HCC and any Childs-Pugh-class chronic
      liver disease (provided bilirubin was <3 mg/dl) received capecitabine 850 mg/m(2)
      bid days 1-14, oxaliplatin 130 mg/m(2) day 1, and cetuximab 400 mg/m(2) day 1
      then 250 mg/m(2) weekly for each 21 day cycle. RESULTS: Twenty-nine patients
      received any protocol therapy, but 24 completed at least one cycle. Of the 24
      patients evaluable for response, 3 had a partial response (12.5%, 95% confidence
      interval [CI], 3-32%) and 17 had stable disease (71%), for a disease control rate
      of 83%. Of patients with an elevated AFP, 57% had a >50% reduction in AFP. Median
      time to progression was 4.5 months (95% CI, 3.2-6.4), and overall survival was
      4.4 months (95% CI, 2.4-7.3). Most common toxicities included diarrhea (13
      patients, 45%), fatigue (12 patients, 41%), and hypomagnesemia (12 patients,
      41%). Fatigue (6 patients) and diarrhea (5 patients) were the most common grade 3
      4 toxicities. Three patients died within the first 30 days of treatment (one of
      toxicity, two of liver failure presumed to be related to disease progression).
      CONCLUSIONS: The capecitabine/oxaliplatin/cetuximab combination was tolerable,
      though diarrhea was pronounced, in this population. The combination was
      associated with a modest response rate, but a high rate of AFP response and
      radiographic stable disease. Time to progression and overall survival were
      shorter than would be expected for treatment with sorafenib.

PMID- 22043323
TI  - Decreased Posttreatment SUV on PET Scan Is Associated With Improved Local Control
      in Medically Inoperable Esophageal Cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The relationship between local, regional, or distant disease control
      (LC, RC, DC) and maximal posttreatment standardized uptake value (SUV(max)) in
      patients with esophageal cancer has not been elucidated. This study was initiated
      to explore whether a decrease in SUV on positron emission tomography-computed
      tomography (PET-CT) scan is associated with LC, RC, or DC in patients with
      esophageal carcinoma treated with definitive chemoradiotherapy. METHODS: Medical
      records of 40 patients with inoperable esophageal cancer treated with definitive
      intent and who underwent pre- and posttreatment PET-CT scans were reviewed. The
      histology, nodal status, tumor location, and radiotherapy (RT) dose were
      investigated as variables to determine a relationship between SUV(max) and LC,
      RC, and DC as well as disease-free survival (DFS). RESULTS: Decreased
      posttreatment SUV(max) on PET scan (P = .02) and increased RT dose (P = .009)
      were the only significant predictors of improved LC on univariate analysis. Mean
      RT doses in patients with no evidence of disease or with local, regional, or
      distant recurrences were 5,244, 4,580, 5,094, and 4,968, respectively. Decreased
      posttreatment SUV (P = .03) and increased RT dose (P = .008) were also associated
      with an improvement in DFS. Furthermore, decreased posttreatment SUV(max)
      correlated with an improvement in LC (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.3, 95% confidence
      interval [CI] = 1.03-1.6, P = .03) as well as DFS (HR = 1.3, 95% CI = 1.03-1.6, P
      = .03). These findings were maintained on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS:
      Posttreatment decrease in SUV is associated with LC and DFS in esophageal cancer
      patients receiving definitive chemoradiotherapy. RT dose was also associated with
      both LC and DFS. The prognostic significance of these findings warrants
      prospective confirmation.

PMID- 22043324
TI  - Low-lying rectal cancer with anal canal involvement: abdominoperineal or low
      anterior resection after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rectal cancer with anal involvement is typically treated with
      abdominoperineal resection (APR). However, patients treated with neoadjuvant
      chemoradiotherapy with good clinical response and tumor regression from the anus
      present a controversial management dilemma. This is a report of patients treated
      with low anterior resection (LAR) versus APR. METHODS: Patients with T2-3N0-2M0
      (IIA-IIIC) rectal cancer with anal canal involvement were eligible. Anal canal
      involvement was determined by sigmoidoscopy/colonoscopy or endoscopic ultrasound.
      Patients were treated in the prone position with the three-field technique to 45
      50.4 Gy at 1.8 Gy/fraction given concurrently with 5-fluorouracil. Patients then
      underwent APR/LAR via total mesorectal excision 4-6 weeks after
      chemoradiotherapy. LAR was performed in patients with good sphincter function at
      presentation, in those with sufficient tumor regression away from anal canal to
      permit LAR, and in those compliant with close follow-up. RESULTS: A total of 32
      patients with rectal cancer with anal canal involvement were treated with
      neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy. Local control was 85% and 89% for patients treated
      with APR and LAR, respectively. Overall survival was 76% and 86% in patients
      treated with APR and LAR, respectively. Pathologic complete response was seen in
      24% of patients who underwent APR and 27% of patients who underwent LAR.
      CONCLUSION: Rectal cancers with anal involvement with good clinical response
      after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy are typically treated with APR. However, LAR
      may be a feasible alternative, particularly in those with excellent clinical
      response to neoadjuvant treatment with sufficient tumor regression away from the
      anal canal. In these patients close follow-up is necessary, and APR may be
      reserved as salvage when needed.

PMID- 22043325
TI  - Refining docetaxel-containing therapy for gastric cancer.
AB  - Gastric cancer-the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide-is
      a global health problem. Most cases present at advanced stages and are incurable
      due to locally advanced or metastatic disease. Although advanced gastric cancer
      is relatively chemosensitive, a gold standard chemotherapy regimen has yet to
      emerge, and response rates are of short duration. Cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil
      (CF) have emerged as the backbone agents in treating this disease. The pivotal
      V325 trial demonstrated the efficacy benefit of adding docetaxel to CF (DCF).
      DCF, however, is associated with significant toxicity, making it less tolerable
      to patients. As a result, docetaxel-containing regimens have been extensively
      studied and improved upon to mitigate toxicity while maintaining efficacy.
      Various dosing and scheduling permutations of the original DCF regimen have
      emerged, and substitutions with other 5-fluorouraci and platinum analogs have
      been studied. In this review we highlight some of these studies using docetaxel
      based regimens as well as new approaches using targeted therapy, including
      monoclonal antibodies and tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Continuing efforts to
      improve the efficacy and tolerability of docetaxel-based chemotherapy, combining
      pharmacokinetic parameters and pharmacogenetic correlates, will further assist in
      developing optimized regimens. Emerging data using targeted therapy and biologics
      in combination with chemotherapy are promising, but results of ongoing studies
      are required to establish the safety and efficacy of these regimens.

PMID- 22043326
TI  - A case for more intensive systemic therapy for patients with locally advanced
      rectal cancer: even in the face of a pathologic complete response.

PMID- 22043327
TI  - Invasion of a fundoplication sleeve by esophageal squamous-cell carcinoma.

PMID- 22043328
TI  - Rare Primitive Neuroectodermal Tumor (PNET) of Liver in a Young Woman.

PMID- 22043329
TI  - Type 2 Diabetes in Oman: Can we learn from the Lancet editorial.

PMID- 22043330
TI  - An overview of clinical pharmacology of Ibuprofen.
AB  - Ibuprofen was the first member of Propionic acid derivatives introduced in 1969.
      It is a popular domestic and over the counter analgesic and antipyretic for
      adults and children. Ibuprofen has been rated as the safest conventional NSAID by
      spontaneous adverse drug reaction reporting systems in the UK. This article
      summarizes the main pharmacological effects, therapeutical applications and
      adverse drug reactions, drug-drug interactions and food drug interactions of
      ibuprofen that have been reported especially during the last 10 years.

PMID- 22043331
TI  - Care or Cry: Three years from Cyclone Gonu. What have we learnt?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This article examines and evaluates the history of natural disasters
      in Oman and presents the health care response to cyclone Gonu, and highlights the
      health care lessons learnt from the Cyclone as narrated by frontline personnel
      and it puts forward some practical recommendations for health care policy makers
      in order to strengthen the health care disaster preparations to combat future
      natural and man-made disasters. METHODS: The lessons presented in this article
      are based on the reflections of frontline health care personnel who witnessed
      Cyclone Gonu. The reflections of experience collected as a part of a qualitative
      17 semi-structured interviews conducted in Oman between December 2009 and January
      2010. RESULTS: The study found that the lessons from passes events went by un
      noticed and exposed some serious fragmentation in the coordination of different
      governmental sectors involved in emergency management and that there was no well
      planned mechanism of alert and warning dissemination to people and communities.
      CONCLUSION: Overall, the major lessons that learnt from Cyclone Gonu would have
      been very useful if they had been taken into consideration and implemented during
      the health care response to cyclone Phet.

PMID- 22043332
TI  - Association between seminal plasma copper and magnesium levels with oxidative
      stress in iraqi infertile men.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To study the association between copper, magnesium and
      malondialdehyde levels in seminal plasma of oligozoospermic, azoospermic in
      relation to normozoospermic men. METHODS: The present study was conducted at the
      Chemistry and Biochemistry department, College of Medicine, Al-Nahrain
      University, Baghdad-Iraq during September 2007 to February 2008 after obtaining
      approval from the research and ethics committee and obtaining written consent, 78
      infertile men (age range 33.01+/-4.20 years) were recruited at the institute of
      embryo research and infertility treatment, Al-Kadhimiya teaching hospital, Iraq
      and were categorized according to their seminal fluid parameters to
      oligozoospermia (n=43) and azoospermia (n=35). 41 fertile men (age range 30.29+/
      2.30 years) were selected as controls. Seminal plasma copper and magnesium were
      measured by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Malondialdehyde was measured
      calorimetrically using thiobarbituric acid assay which detects thiobarbituric
      acid reactive substances. RESULTS: Seminal plasma copper level was decreased
      significantly (p=0.000) in the azoospermic group compared to the control group.
      Whereas, the level decreased non-significantly in the oligozoospermic group.
      Seminal plasma magnesium levels were decreased significantly (p=0.000) in all the
      infertility groups studied. On the other hand, malondialdehyde levels which is an
      end product of lipid peroxidation were significantly elevated (p=0.000) in all
      the infertility groups studied. CONCLUSION: Copper and magnesium work in
      different ways in order to maintain normal environment for spermatozoa for normal
      fertilization to occur.

PMID- 22043333
TI  - Tissue Factor, Tissue Factor Pathway Inhibitor and Factor VII Activity in
      Cardiovascular Complicated Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Tissue factor (TF) is the main initiator of the extrinsic coagulation
      pathway through factor VII (FVII) activation, which is physiologically inhibited
      by tissue factor pathway inhibitor (TFPI). Alteration of this pathway has been
      described in Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The aim of this study is to assess
      TF and TFPI plasma levels and FVII coagulant activity (FVIIa) in T2DM in relation
      to cardiothrombotic disease and their correlation to metabolic and clinical
      behavior of the patients. METHODS: The study was conducted on 80 T2DM patients
      divided to accordingly; groupI: 40 patients without a history or clinically
      detected heart disease, and groupII: 40 patients with a history of myocardial
      infarction compared to 30 controls. The patients were recruited from Ain Shams
      University diabetes clinic from September 2007 to February 2009 after informed
      consent was obtained. Peripheral blood samples were taken for measurement of
      plasma TF and TFPI levels using ELISA technique and quantitative FVIIa using FVII
      deficient plasma. RESULTS: Plasma levels of TF, TFPI and FVIIa were significantly
      higher in T2DM patients compared to the controls (p<0.001). TF (236.50+/
      79.23)and TFPI (242.33+/-85.84)were significantly higher in group II, compared to
      group I (150.33+/-81.16), (152.8+/- 82.46), (p<0.001). TF and TFPI were
      significantly correlated to body mass index and glycemic control. Also, TF and
      TFPI were significantly higher in hypertensives (p=0.001) and dyslipidemics
      (p=0.006) but not in smokers (p=0.64), (p=0.11) respectively. CONCLUSION: There
      was a correlation between high TF, TFPI plasma levels, FVIIa activity and
      cardiothrombotic complications in T2DM especially in the presence of high risk
      factors such as poor glycemic control, dyslipidemia and obesity. Future target
      therapy against TF may be beneficial for T2DM patients.

PMID- 22043334
TI  - Effects of total light deprivation on dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus of male
      neonate rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study examines the effects of total light deprivation on the
      developing lateral geniculate nucleus, the primary integration centre for visual
      information METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were reared for one month in a dark room
      from 7th postnatal day before eye opening. A group of rats was taken back into
      normal condition for 15 days, and then perfused. Coronal sections of LGN were
      prepared and stained with Cresyl Violet and Cytochrome Oxidase to investigate the
      number of neurons, volume and length, as well as neuronal activity level.
      RESULTS: The results showed that LD for one month causes progressive loss of
      neurons and decreases neuronal activity level in the LGN. CONCLUSION: It can be
      concluded that during early postnatal development of the rats' visual system,
      light deprivation causes structural and functional changes in LGN.

PMID- 22043335
TI  - The spectrum of rheumatoid arthritis in patients attending rheumatology clinic in
      nizwa hospital-oman.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the spectrum and expression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
      in patients attending the rheumatology clinic in Nizwa hospital, Oman. METHODS: 
      SUBJECTS AND METHODS: 66 patients fulfilling the American College of Rheumatology
      (ACR) criteria for the diagnosis of RA were included in the study. The patients
      were either attending for the first time or were already diagnosed and attending
      for follow up. The demographic, clinical, laboratory and radiological findings
      are reported. RESULTS: Of the 66 patients studied, 16 were males and 50 were
      females. The mean age of patients at onset was 44.5 +/-14.5 years, and the
      females were younger than males at presentation. 38 (57.57%) were seropositive
      and two (3.03%) only had rheumatoid nodules. The majority of the patients were
      considered as class 1 or 2 according to the ACR functional classification. The
      commonest extra-articular manifestation was anaemia (27.27%) followed by
      keratoconjuctivitis sicca (24.42%). The upper limb joints were affected more than
      the lower limbs and the most commonly involved joint was the wrist (81%) followed
      by the metacarpophalangeal (MCP) (66.66%) joints, the knee (57.57%), ankle
      (45.45%), elbow (42.42%), shoulder (42.42%), and the proximal interphalangeal
      (PIP) (36.36%) joints. The main associated diseases were hypertension (21%),
      ischemic heart disease (13.63%) and diabetes mellitus (9.03%). Systemic features
      were predominantly morning stiffness (84.5%) and fatigue (45.45%). Reported
      deaths were due to sepsis and cardiac arrhythmia. Thus 63 (95.45%) of the
      patients were on conventional disease modifying antirheumatic drugs. CONCLUSIONS:
      Demographic characteristics were similar to those reported by others, the
      seropositivity rate and nodular form of the disease was less in the studied
      patients and the disease seemed milder than that reported in western countries.

PMID- 22043336
TI  - A Qualitative Study on the Attitudes and Beliefs towards Help Seeking for
      Emotional Distress in Omani Women and Omani General Practitioners: Implications
      for Post-Graduate Training.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aims to explore the attitudes and beliefs of Omani women
      attending primary health care and Omani general practitioners regarding help
      seeking behaviour for emotional distress. The study also intends to clarify the
      understanding of help seeking from both lay and professional perspectives in the
      context of Omani culture exploring factors related to doctors' training and
      health care services. METHODS: A qualitative phenomenological study using semi
      structured interviews was conducted at the Family Medicine Health Care Centre at
      Sultan Qaboos University Hospital. 20 lay informants (Omani women) and 10
      professional informants (Omani family physicians) were interviewed. RESULTS: Two
      main sets of themes are presented in this study; 1). the original themes, which
      are presented in the results section and represent the descriptive level of
      analysis, and 2). the emergent themes are presented in the discussion section and
      represent the interpretive level of analysis. The original themes are: a) self
      help, with subthemes including the role of faith, talking and distraction. b)
      Health care and doctors, with subthemes including: reasons for seeing a doctor,
      reasons for not seeing a doctor, continuity of care, doctor-patient relationship
      and time. c) Traditional (folk) medicine. The emergent themes are: a) Talking b)
      Religious faith c) Cultural beliefs and d) The doctor's role. Cultural and
      religious beliefs were found to shape the experience of help seeking in the study
      group. In addition, factors associated with doctor-patient relationship were
      found to play a major role in determining the help seeking behaviour of women
      experiencing symptoms related to psychological distress. Professional informants
      emphasized the role of their training, availability of supporting services, time
      and continuity of care. The study showed discrepancy between lay and professional
      informants' beliefs regarding the role of family physicians in managing mental
      problems. CONCLUSION: This study recommends paying more attention to factors
      related to cultural beliefs, doctor-patient relationship and family physicians'
      role when planning health services and residency programs, and when planning
      research on aspects related to mental health in non-Western cultures.

PMID- 22043337
TI  - In Vitro Susceptibility Test of Different Clinical Isolates against Ceftriaxone.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Because of the prevailing penicillin resistance in microorganisms,
      broad spectrum cephalosporins are used empirically specially in developing
      countries. The aim of this study is to determine the susceptibility pattern of
      different gram positive and gram negative pathogens against third generation
      cephalosporin-ceftriaxone to explore the existing effectiveness of this
      antibiotic. METHODS: 180 clinical isolates of different gram positive and gram
      negative pathogens including P.mirabilis, S. typhi P.aeruginosa, E. coli, S.
      aureus and Klebsiella were collected from blood and urine samples of in-patients.
      30 isolates of all species were tested against each of six brands of ceftriaxone
      using in vitro sensitivity tests by disc diffusion method (NCCLS criteria). The
      susceptibility limit was >=21 mm zone of inhibition, while moderately susceptible
      was considered at 20-14 mm, and those isolates which showed >13 mm or no zone of
      inhibition were resistant to this antibacterial drug. RESULTS: Ceftriaxone was
      found most effective against S. aureus. While 96.1% of the isolates showed
      susceptibility towards ceftriaxone, followed by E. coli (95%), P. aeruginosa
      (92.7%), K. pneumonia (89.4%) and S. typhi (87.2%). P. mirabilis showed lowest
      susceptibility amongst all the test organisms (83.8%). CONCLUSION: Ceftriaxone
      can be used as a drug of choice in infections caused by S. aureus, E. coli, P.
      aurigenosa, K. pneumonia and S. typhi. However, it should be used with other
      antimicrobial agents in order to increase its effectiveness against P. mirabilis.

PMID- 22043338
TI  - Serum leptin and insulin hormone level in recurrent pregnancy loss.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To measure serum leptin and insulin levels in women with recurrent
      pregnancy loss using modified methods of High Performance Liquid Chromatography
      (HPLC), and to examine their influence on recurrent loss at different pregnancy
      trimesters. METHODS: A case control study was conducted from, 1 September 2008 to
      30 December 2009 in the Obstetric and Gynecological Department-Al-Khadimiya
      Teaching Hospital. HPLC technique with new modified method was used to estimate
      serum leptin and insulin hormones in samples of women with recurrent pregnancy
      loss (patients group, n=64) and healthy pregnant women at the end of the third
      gestational trimester as a control group (n=51). RESULTS: Both serum leptin and
      insulin levels were high in women with pregnancy loss in their three trimesters.
      A significant correlation was found between age (r=0.535, p<0.018) and serum
      total leptin in women with RPL during the first trimester. Also, a highly
      significant correlation was found between serum total leptin and insulin in women
      with RPL during the first, second and third trimesters (r=0.894, r=0.931, and r
      =0.995) respectively. The number of women who lost their pregnancy during the
      first trimester was higher than those losing during other trimesters. CONCLUSION:
      It can be concluded that recurrent pregnancy loss in women at different trimester
      is associated with endocrine abnormalities where serum leptin and insulin levels
      increase in a different way compared with normal healthy pregnant women.

PMID- 22043339
TI  - Blood lead level among fuel station workers.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aims to determine the level of lead in blood of fuel
      station workers and in a group of people not occupationally exposed to lead
      METHODS: 53 control subjects with low risk lead exposure and 45 fuel station
      workers comprising the study group were included in this study in a period from
      September 2008 to December 2009. Blood samples were collected and analyzed for
      each subject by Lead Care Blood Testing System. The average blood lead levels of
      each group were compared using the independent sample (Mann - Whitney U) test.
      RESULTS: The median (range) 14.1 (7.5-56) MUg/dl concentration of lead in the
      blood of fuel stations workers was significantly higher than the median (range)
      6.5 (4.0-1.6) MUg/dl concentration of lead in the blood of the control group (p<
      0.001).The results obtained also showed that the values of blood lead levels in
      many workers were higher than action and upper limits acceptable for adults. In
      fuel station workers, the duration of exposure to leaded fuel was significantly
      correlated with the blood lead level. CONCLUSIONS: Occupational exposure to lead
      is prevalent among many fuel station workers in Basrah. A policy action to
      improve working conditions and to phase out the use of leaded gasoline is
      recommended.

PMID- 22043340
TI  - Precipitating and relieving factors of migraine headache in 200 iraqi kurdish
      patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To study the precipitating and relieving factors of migraine headache
      in a group of Iraqi Kurdish patients including the effect of fasting in Ramadan,
      and to estimate the percentage of family history of migraine. METHODS: A series
      of 200 migraine cases from different parts of the Kurdistan region in the North
      of Iraq attending the out-patient Neurology clinic at Rizgary Teaching Hospital
      and a private Neurology clinic at Erbil City was carried out between October 2007
      and May 2008 were reviewed. The precipitating factors and relieving factors for
      migraine headache were registered and tabulated to be compared with others. Case
      definition of migraine was based on the International Headache Society (IHS)
      criteria. RESULTS: 33% of the patients were aged between 30-39 years, while 40.5%
      of patients experienced their first attack aged between 20-29 years. Stress or
      psychological upset was the commonest triggering factor (80%), followed by
      increasing physical activity (68%), change in weather (65.5%), and in relation to
      fasting (65%). Fasting in Ramadan was a triggering factor for headaches in 65% of
      patients. However, there was no significant association between the triggering
      factors with regards to sex difference. Relief of migraine in the studied sample
      was achieved using NSAIDs in 50% of patients, and sleep (45.5%). Hence, 61% of
      the study population had positive family history of migraine, 32.5% of them
      reported maternal history of migraine. CONCLUSION: Psychological upset, stress
      and excessive physical activity were the commonest triggering factors of migraine
      headache, while NSAID was the commonest relieving factor of migraine in this
      population. Family history was present in 61% of migraine patients based mainly
      from maternal root.

PMID- 22043341
TI  - Gastroesophageal reflux in children with refractory asthma.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between clinical and macroscopic
      findings of GER and severity of refractory asthma (statistical study). METHODS: A
      prospective study in a university-based practice of 75 children who were
      diagnosed with refractory asthma because they exhibited no satisfactory response
      for at least three months of treatment. Medical history, physical examination,
      spirometrical measurements and prick skin test were conducted on all patients.
      Endoscopic and macroscopic evaluations for esophagitis were performed on all
      patients regardless of the presence of GER symptoms. RESULTS: Endoscopy was done
      for 75 children with refractory asthma. GER was symptomatic in 65% of all
      patients with no statistical significance (p>0.05) and the most frequent symptom
      was abdominal pain (67%). The frequency of these symptoms was 50% in mild asthma,
      58% in moderate asthma and 72% in severe asthma with no statistical significance
      (p>0.05). The frequency of macroscopic esophagitis was 71%, distributed in three
      asthmatic groups as in order of 75% in mild asthma, 58.3% in moderate asthma and
      76.6% in severe asthma (p>0.05). Regarding the relationship between GER and
      nocturnal attacks or spasmodic cough, the frequency of the latest was 66.7%. The
      differences have no statistical significance regarding GER symptoms (p>0.05), but
      they are statistically significant regarding the reflux esophagitis (p<0.05).
      Also endoscopic reflux was as frequent as76.3% in non allergic patients, and this
      result is statistically significant (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: In spite of the fact
      that there was no relationship between the severity of asthma and the symptoms of
      GER, or its endoscopic findings, the frequency of GER in asthmatic children was
      higher than its frequency in other children.

PMID- 22043342
TI  - Vehicular Entrapment and Heat Stroke in Three children: Is it a Form of Child
      Neglect?
AB  - The medical records of three children who were entrapped inside vehicles are
      reviewed and their outcome following the incidents were assessed in this report.
      The children developed heat stroke following the incidents and survived after
      several days in coma but with severe cognitive functions impairment. Two of the
      children were left with hyperactivity and attention deficit, while the third had
      active epilepsy.Vehicular entrapment heat stroke is one of the preventable brain
      injuries in children. Several children get entrapped in cars or other vehicles
      yearly and survivors are left with significant brain damage. The usual cause for
      brain damage is heat stroke the lesson learned was to never leave children
      unattended in cars. Therefore, it is essential to double check that doors are
      locked when leaving children unattended near vehicles.

PMID- 22043343
TI  - Torsion of an epiploic appendix pretending as acute appendicitis.
AB  - Torsion of an epiploic appendix is a rare surgical entity. Its unusual
      symptomatology, wide variation in physical findings and the absence of helpful
      laboratory and radiological studies makes it very difficult to diagnose pre
      operatively. This is a report of this rare entity found in a patient upon
      diagnostic laparoscopy performed for suspected acute appendicitis.

PMID- 22043344
TI  - Sanjad-Sakati Syndrome in Omani children.
AB  - Sanjad Sakati Syndrome is an Autosomal Recessive disorder found exclusively in
      people of Arabian origin. It was first reported from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
      in 1988. This is a report of a family with this rare disease in Oman. The
      syndrome comprises of congenital hypoparathyroidism, severe growth retardation,
      low IQ and typical facial features. Supportive treatment in the form of vitamin D
      and growth hormone is often offered to these children.

PMID- 22043345
TI  - A case presentation of a large rhinolith.
AB  - Rhinolith is like a stone formation within the nasal cavity. Although stones
      rarely form in the nasal cavity, the findings of calcified objects or stones
      anywhere within the body has long been a subject of interest. Though infrequently
      observed, nasal concretions can be the source of bad smell from the nose and
      therefore a social concern for the patient. The salient features of such
      Rhinoliths and their relevance to clinical practice are discussed and a case of a
      large Rhinolith is presented in this article. So as to enable the attending
      clinician to be aware of this forgotten entity, which requires a high index of
      suspicion.

PMID- 22043346
TI  - Glycemic control in diabetes.

PMID- 22043347
TI  - Laparo-endoscopic Assisted Percutaneous Drainage Gastrostomy and Feeding
      Jejunostomy.

PMID- 22043348
TI  - Central Nervous System Aspergillosis causing Spinal Cord Compression.

PMID- 22043349
TI  - Lower cranial nerve palsies.

PMID- 22043350
TI  - Hypoglycemia and safe driving.

PMID- 22043351
TI  - Health researchers and policy makers: a need to strengthen relationship.

PMID- 22043352
TI  - Asthma in children: management issues for family doctors.
AB  - Asthma is still one of the leading causes of morbidity in children. Despite the
      improved understanding in the disease pathogenesis and availability of the
      different classes of drugs, the incidence of emergency visits due to acute
      exacerbations and admission rates due to frequent and uncontrolled disease is
      fairly high. Management of bronchial asthma in children is quite different to
      that of adults. Although there are universal guidelines available for the
      management of childhood asthma, there is still confusion especially among the
      family physicians who are largely involved in the management of the children,
      both in acute exacerbations as well as in long term prevention. This article aims
      to simplify all the management issues for family physicians in concurrence with
      the available asthma management guidelines.

PMID- 22043353
TI  - The effects of subacute exposure of peracetic Acid on lipid peroxidation and
      hepatic enzymes in wistar rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study was undertaken to determine the effect of subacute
      exposure of peracetic acid on lipid peroxidation and hepatic enzymes in Wistar
      rats. METHODS: 48 male animals in Treatment Group I, II and III received 0.2%, 2%
      and 20% peracetic acid daily for 2 and 4 weeks. RESULTS: Serum malondialdehyde
      increased and Alanine Transaminase and Aspartate Transaminase decreased
      significantly in groups 2 and 3, compared to the control group. The
      malondialdehyde, Alanine Transaminase and Aspartate Transaminase with 0.2% and 2%
      doses of peracetic acid for 2 weeks do not lead to the alteration of
      malondialdehyde and enzyme activities. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that
      the enhancement of malondialdehyde could provide an oxidative damage induced by
      disinfectant peroxidation at 20% and 2% doses at 2 and 4 weeks. The consumption
      of peroxidation with 20% for 2 weeks and 2% for 4 weeks can cause the increase of
      malondialdehyde and the decrease of enzyme activities, respectively.

PMID- 22043354
TI  - HER2/neu Immunostaining in Invasive Breast Cancer: Analysis of False Positive
      Factors.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: HER2/neu gene amplification by Fluorescent in situ hybridization and
      protein expression by immunohistochemistry have been used for prognosis and
      guidance for the treatment of invasive ductal carcinoma of the breast with
      Trastuzumab. False positive results are a significant problem where
      immunohistochemistry is exclusively used to test HER2/neu protein over
      expression. A minority of cases of breast cancer scoring HER2 (3+) by
      immunohistochemistry using Hercep test may not be associated with amplification
      of the HER2/neu gene by FISH, a test which is a more specific and sensitive than
      immunohistochemistry. This study aims to examine the factors contributing to
      false positive results by immunohistochemistry and subsequently not showing
      HER2/neu gene amplification by FISH analysis. METHODS: A retrospective analysis
      of 18 cases (3+) by immunohistochemistry in the pathology laboratory not
      associated with HER2/neu gene amplification was performed. The histological
      review of these cases was done, the technical error (i.e staining of blood
      vessels or benign ducts) and the interpretation errors were evaluated. RESULTS:
      Polysomy 17 was absent in all the cases studied by FISH analysis. By
      immunohistochemistry, five of the 18 cases were purely interpretation errors and
      the remaining were a combination of technical and interpretational errors.
      CONCLUSION: False positive results related to technical and interpretational
      errors can be prevented by properly educating the technologist and pathologist to
      perform high quality immunostains and to render an accurate diagnosis
      respectively. This issue is of utmost importance as it may have deleterious
      effects on the selection of therapeutic arsenal in invasive ductal carcinoma of
      the breast.

PMID- 22043355
TI  - Safety of simvastatin and goal attainment for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol
      in sultan qaboos university hospital.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Despite the scientific evidence of reducing cardiac events with HMG
      Co-A reductase inhibitors (statins) therapy in both primary and secondary
      preventions, these therapies continue to be underutilized in patients receiving
      convictional care. Simvastatin, a HMG Co-A inhibitor agent, is the most commonly
      used statin in Sultan Qaboos University Hospital. The aim of this study is to
      review the safety and the effectiveness of achieving LDL-C targets with
      Simvastatin according to the NCEP-ATP3 guidelines in patients with different
      cardiovascular risk categories at Sultan Qaboos University Hospital. METHODS: A
      retrospective chart review was conducted for 160 patients. Patients were
      identified by outpatient prescriptions provided by pharmacy department from April
      2008 to May 2008. RESULTS: 98% of the patients were prescribed simvastatin 20 mg
      and only 2% received 40 mg. The mean age of patients was 57 years +/- 12. While
      49% of the patients were male and 45% had diabetes mellitus, 50% had
      cardiovascular disease, 2.5% were smokers, 67% were hypertensive, and 3% had
      positive family history of coronary artery disease. 75% of patients were
      classified as high risk, 7% moderate risk and 18% low risk for coronary artery
      disease. Among all lipid profiles, only LDL-C was changed from baseline with
      simvastatin treatment in all patients (3.60+/-1.03 to 3.25+/-1.34 mmol/L). LDL-C
      level at baseline was higher in the high risk group (4.11+/-1.06 mmol/L) compared
      to low and moderate risk groups (3.68+/-0.89, 3.42+/-1.15) respectively.
      Achievement of LDL-C goals was achieved in only 43% for high risk, 50% in
      moderate risk, and 90% in low risk patients. There was no significant increase in
      liver enzymes and creatinine kinase. CONCLUSION: This study identified that more
      than half of the high risk patients were not at the target LDL-C goals which
      place them at a continuous risk of coronary heart disease. More appropriate lipid
      lowering therapy using more potent statins or combination therapy should be
      optimized to improve achievement of LDL-C goals according to ATP-III guidelines.

PMID- 22043356
TI  - Fasting glucose to leptin ratio as a new diagnostic marker in patients with
      diabetes mellitus.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To identify the fasting glucose/leptin ratio as a new simple method
      for the detection of insulin resistance in Iraqi diabetes mellitus patients, and
      to examine its usefulness as a new marker for insulin resistance. METHODS: A case
      control study conducted at the National Diabetes Center, College of Medicine at
      Al-Mustansiryia University from 1 August 2008 to 30 January 2010. An enzyme
      spectrophotometric method was used to determine fasting glucose, while HPLC
      Technique determined leptin and insulin hormones in serum of patients with
      diabetes mellitus (n=61) and normal healthy subjects as controls (n=63). RESULTS:
      A positive significant correlation with linear regression equations were found
      between fasting insulin and fasting leptin hormones, and fasting glucose/insulin
      and fasting glucose/leptin ratios among the diabetic patient group. While
      negative, significant correlations were found with linear regression equations
      between fasting insulin and fasting glucose/insulin ratio, and fasting insulin
      and fasting glucose/leptin ratio in patients group. Glucopse/leptin ratio had a
      higher sensitivity compared to glucose/insulin ratio, Quantitative Insulin
      Sensitivity Check Index and Homeostasis Model Assessment indexes. CONCLUSION:
      Overall, the glucose/leptin ratio can be used in addition to glucose/insulin
      ratio, Quantitative Insulin-Sensitivity Check Index, and Homeostasis Model
      Assessment to accurately assess insulin resistance in subjects with
      hyperglycemia.

PMID- 22043357
TI  - Terminalia Arjuna (Roxb.) Modulates Circulatory Antioxidants on 7,12
      dimethylbenz(a)anthracene- induced Hamster Buccal Pouch Carcinogenesis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Oral cancer is the fifth most frequent cancer worldwide and India has
      recorded the highest incidence (40-50%) of oral malignancy. This study is
      designed to investigate the effect of aqueous extract of Terminalia arjuna bark
      (TaBet) on circulatory lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status during 7,12
      dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced hamster buccal pouch carcinogenesis.
      METHODS: Male Syrian golden hamsters painted with 0.5% 7,12
      dimethylbenz[a]anthracene on the buccal pouches and developed oral squamous cell
      carcinoma were included in this study. RESULTS: The enhanced Thiobarbituric acid
      reactive substances in circulation of tumor-bearing animals was accompanied by a
      significant decrease in the levels of vitamin C, vitamin E, reduced glutathione,
      superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. Administration of
      TaBet (500 mg/kg body weight) significantly suppressed DMBA-induced hamster
      buccal pouch carcinomas, decreased lipid peroxidation and enhanced the levels of
      antioxidants. CONCLUSION: The chemopreventive potential of TaBet is probably due
      to its antilipidperoxidative effect or the presence of some potent bioactive
      chemopreventive principles in the bark of Terminalia arjuna. The results of the
      present study indicate that T. arjuna may emerge as a putative chemopreventive
      agent against oral carcinogenesis.

PMID- 22043358
TI  - Prevalence of uropathogens in diabetic patients and their corresponding
      resistance pattern: results of a survey conducted at diagnostic centers in dhaka,
      bangladesh.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Urinary tract infection is the second most common clinical indication
      for empirical antibiotic treatment in primary and secondary health care settings.
      The incidence of diabetes mellitus throughout the world is increasing strikingly
      and in the long run, it has some major effects on the genitourinary system which
      makes diabetic patients more liable to urinary tract infection. This study is
      designed to reveal the distribution of uropathogens in diabetic patients
      according to age and sex, and corresponding resistance patterns. METHODS: A six
      month retrospective review of urine culture assay data from August 2009 to
      January 2010 from randomly selected 85 patients who suffered from both urinary
      tract infection and diabetes was conducted. Relevant information was retrieved
      and analyzed statistically using Microsoft(r) Excel 2002 software. RESULTS: The
      study showed that females are more vulnerable to pathogenic attack than males
      throughout a wide age distribution. In terms of pathogenic distribution,
      Escherichia coli was the highest followed by Streptococcus sp., Acinetobacter,
      Klebsiella pneumoniae and few others. Though Meropenem showed no resistance with
      E. coli, Acinetobacter and Klebsiella pneumoniae, in the case of Streptococcus
      sp. it exhibited resistance of 25%. Amikacin exhibited only 3% resistance with E.
      coli, whereas no resistance with Acinetobacter and Klebsiella pneumoniae, and
      most interestingly showed 75% resistance with Streptococcus sp. Gentamicin
      exhibited no resistance with Acinetobacter while 26.9%, 50% and 87.5% resistance
      with E. coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Streptococcus sp. respectively. Hence,
      Nitrofurantoin exhibited less resistance 11.9% compared to 12.5% resistance with
      E. coli and Streptococcus sp. Nitrofurantoin was highly prone to resistance with
      Acinetobacter and Klebsiella pneumoniae (100%, 50% respectively). Cephalosporins
      (cephradine, cefixime, ceftriaxone, cefepime etc.) showed moderate resistance
      (avg. 50%), whereas amoxicillin and ciprofloxacin showed the highest resistance
      in all these cases. CONCLUSION: Pathogens are mostly resistant to antibiotics
      including amoxicillin, ciprofloxacin, cephalosporins and nitrofurantoin, with few
      exceptions including gentamicin, amikacin and meropenem.

PMID- 22043359
TI  - Serum gamma-glutamyltransferase as Oxidative Stress Marker in Pre-and
      Postmenopausal Iraqi Women.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The primary role of gamma-glutamyltransferase is to metabolize
      reduced glutathione by assimilating and utilizing precursor amino acids for
      intracellular glutathione synthesis. The aim of this study is to investigate the
      exact role of gamma- glutamyltransferase enzyme in the oxidative stress
      associated with menopause. METHODS: This study was carried out at the Chemistry
      and Biochemistry department, Al-Nahrain University from October 2009 to January
      2010. The study participants were categorized into two groups; premenopausal
      group (n=17) and postmenopausal group (n=16). Blood specimens were collected from
      each participant by vein puncture procedure. The gamma-glutamyltransferase enzyme
      was measured by kinetic spectrophotometric method while glutathione and
      malondialdehyde were measured by spectrophotometric methods. RESULTS: Serum
      glutathione levels in pre- and postmenopausal women were 0.62+/-0.17 and 0.47+/
      0.11 mmol/L respectively. Serum gamma-glutamyltransferase levels increased
      significantly in the postmenopausal women group (p=0.025) compared to the
      premenopausal women group. Serum malondialdehyde levels were 1.04+/-0.06 and
      1.32+/-0.05 MUmol/L in pre- and postmenopausal groups respectively. CONCLUSION:
      Serum gamma-glutamyltransferase may be considered as an index of oxidative stress
      associated with menopause.

PMID- 22043360
TI  - Effect of Treatment with Metformin on Omentin-1, Ghrelin and other Biochemical,
      Clinical Features in PCOS Patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Polycystic ovary syndrome is associated with insulin resistance and
      obesity. Previous studies suggest that metformin by reducing hyperinsulinemia is
      clinically useful in the treatment of polycystic ovary syndrome. This study's
      Objective is to observe the role of metformin in omentin1, ghrelin, and other
      biochemical, clinical features within three months in hyperinsulinemic women with
      polycystic ovary syndrome. Another aim is to assess the decrease in
      hyperinsulinemia and body weight by metformin in the population. METHODS: This
      study was carried out at the Kamal AL-Samarai Hospital between June 2007 and
      March 2008. 60 women fulfilling the clinical and biochemical criteria for
      polycystic ovary syndrome and hyperinsulinemia were enrolled. Metformin was
      started at an oral dose of 850 mg/day for 3 months. Besides Body Mass Index
      (BMI), Waist Hip Ratio (WHR), serum omentin1, ghrelin, fasting insulin, fasting
      blood sugar and lipid profile levels were performed. After three months, all
      these parameters were assessed. Omentin1, ghrelin and insulin were measured by
      enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, fasting blood glucose and lipid profile were
      measured by colorimetric methods. RESULTS: Mean Body Mass Index and Waist Hip
      Ratio had significantly decreased in the 60 polycystic ovary syndrome patients
      after three months of Metformin therapy. Serum levels of omentin1, ghrelin and
      HDL-cholesterol were increased while the total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratio
      was decreased significantly. Serum concentrations of insulin, Homeostatic Model
      Assessment (HOMA) and HOMA beta-cell % were also decreased significantly, the
      present study showed a significant increase in omentin1: insulin ratio, omentin1:
      HOMA ratio and omentin1: HOMA beta-cell% ratio. CONCLUSION: There was a
      significant an increase in omentin1: insulin ratio, omentin1: HOMA ratio and
      omentin1: HOMA beta-cell% ratio. These results in the present study are shown the
      first time, these factors may be useful in following improvements in insulin
      sensitivity in subjects with polycystic ovary syndrome or obesity treated with
      insulin sensitizers. Further studies are needed to certify these factors in other
      populations with these treatment or with other insulin sensitizers or when
      treated with diet and exercise.

PMID- 22043361
TI  - Resistance pattern of ciprofloxacin against different pathogens.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Ciprofloxacin is a broad-spectrum antibiotic widely prescribed in
      clinical and hospital settings. The emergence of antimicrobial resistance against
      effective antibiotics is a global issue. The objective of study is the
      surveillance of ciprofloxacin against common pathogens. METHODS: To investigate
      the present status of antimicrobial resistance against ciprofloxacin, five
      hundred and twenty four clinical isolates of Escherichia coli (30%),
      Staphylococcus aureus (33%), Salmonella typhi (9%), Klebsiella pneumonia (14%)
      and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (14%) were collected during study from January, 2008
      to February, 2009 from different pathological laboratories running in and out
      side hospitals located in Karachi, Pakistan. These pathogens were isolated from
      specimens of both in and out patients. The in-vitro antimicrobial activity of
      ciprofloxacin was carried out by Disc Diffusion Method (Kirby-Bauer test).
      RESULTS: Showed that ciprofloxacin is 27.02%, 21.95%, 16.66%, 72.22% and 44.44%
      resistant to Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella typhi,
      Klebsiella pneumonia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa respectively. CONCLUSION: It is
      concluded that these clinical isolates have started developing resistance against
      ciprofloxacin due to its irrational and inappropriate use. Continuous
      surveillance is crucial to monitor the antimicrobial resistance among pathogens.

PMID- 22043362
TI  - Puerperal ovarian vein thrombosis presenting as rt loin pain and hydronephrosis:
      report of 2 cases.
AB  - Post-partum ovarian vein thrombosis is an uncommon clinical presentation. 90% of
      cases present as right loin and right iliac fossa pain, within 10 days of the
      puerperal period. Two such cases that were referred to the Imaging department as
      suspected appendicitis/ureteric colic are reported. The findings seen on imaging
      illustrate the difficulty in the clinical and radiological diagnosis of post
      partum ovarian vein thrombosis and highlight the need to include it as a
      differential diagnosis in cases of post partum acute abdomen. Post-partum ovarian
      vein thrombosis can be accurately diagnosed by appropriate non-invasive
      investigations to enable early therapy with anti-coagulants and intravenous
      antibiotics which are the mainstay of treatment. Surgery can be avoided if
      diagnosis is made early.

PMID- 22043363
TI  - Long-Term Survival of Gastric Adenocarcinoma without Therapy: Case Report.
AB  - Planning for treatment of gastric adenocarcinoma in a patient previously treated
      with partial gastrectomy for primary gastric lymphoma is difficult. Long term
      survival of advanced gastric adenocarcinoma is poor with therapy and even worse
      without treatment. The only potentially curative treatment for gastric
      adenocarcinoma is surgical resection with adequate margins. Palliative surgery
      ameliorate symptoms in about 50% of patients Chemotherapy may play a lesser role.
      This report presents a case of gastric adenocarcinoma in a patient who had
      primary gastric lymphoma treated with partial gastrectomy. The patient is still
      alive 6 years after diagnosis with no signs of progression despite the fact that
      no active treatment was given.

PMID- 22043364
TI  - Transplant renal artery false aneurysm: case report and literature review.
AB  - This is a case report of a 59 years old male who had a commercial non-related
      living renal transplantation for his end stage renal insufficiency secondary to
      adult polycystic kidney disease. He suffered an immediate and early post
      operative bleeding, which was managed conservatively. He was presented at Sultan
      Qaboos University Hospital four months after his transplant with abdominal pain,
      nausea, loss of appetite and a rise in serum creatinine levels. Ultrasonography
      and angiography have shown a 4 cm false aneurysm of the transplant renal artery
      at the anastomotic site with the external iliac artery. Surgical exploration with
      resection of the false aneurysm and reanastomosis of the donor renal artery to
      the external iliac artery was carried out successfully with preservation of the
      renal allograft. This is a rare case of an extra-renal false aneurysm at the
      anastomotic site of the transplant renal artery to the external iliac artery four
      months after renal allotransplantation. Literature review on the management and
      outcome of false aneurysms after renal transplant was carried out.

PMID- 22043365
TI  - Proliferations of scientific medical journals: a burden or a blessing.

PMID- 22043366
TI  - Substernal thyroid masses.

PMID- 22043367
TI  - Syncopal attacks and severe abdominal pain.

PMID- 22043368
TI  - Models of International Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Systems.

PMID- 22043369
TI  - Gaps in Goals: The history of Goal-setting in Health Care in India.

PMID- 22043370
TI  - Liquid ventilation.
AB  - Mammals have lungs to breathe air and they have no gills to breath liquids. When
      the surface tension at the air-liquid interface of the lung increases, as in
      acute lung injury, scientists started to think about filling the lung with fluid
      instead of air to reduce the surface tension and facilitate ventilation. Liquid
      ventilation (LV) is a technique of mechanical ventilation in which the lungs are
      insufflated with an oxygenated perfluorochemical liquid rather than an oxygen
      containing gas mixture. The use of perfluorochemicals, rather than nitrogen, as
      the inert carrier of oxygen and carbon dioxide offers a number of theoretical
      advantages for the treatment of acute lung injury. In addition, there are non
      respiratory applications with expanding potential including pulmonary drug
      delivery and radiographic imaging. The potential for multiple clinical
      applications for liquid-assisted ventilation will be clarified and optimized in
      future.

PMID- 22043371
TI  - Efficacy of Thrice-daily versus Twice-daily Insulin Regimens on Glycohemoglobin
      (Hb A1c) in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To improve glycemic control and prevent late complications, the
      patient and diabetes team need to adjust insulin therapy. The aim of this study
      is to evaluate the efficacy of thrice-daily versus twice-daily insulin regimens
      on HbA1c for type 1 diabetes mellitus by a randomized controlled trial in
      Hamedan, west of Iran. METHODS: The study included 125 patients under 19 years of
      age with type 1 diabetes mellitus over a 3-month period. All patients with
      glycohemoglobin (HbA1c) >=8% were followed prospectively and randomized into two
      trial and control groups. The control group received conventional two insulin
      injections per day: a mixture of short-acting (regular) + intermediated acting
      (NPH) insulins pre-breakfast (twice daily), and the trial group was treated by an
      extra dose of regular insulin before lunch (three times daily). Main outcome
      measure was HbA1c at baseline and at the end of 3 months. The mean blood glucose
      level and number of hypoglycemia were recorded. All patients underwent monthly
      intervals follow up for assessing their home blood glucose records and insulin
      adjustment. RESULTS: Overall, 100 patients completed the study protocol. 52% were
      females, mean +/-SD of age of 12.91 +/- 3.9 years. There were no significant
      differences in baseline characteristics including age, gender, pubertal stage,
      adherence to diet, duration of disease and total daily insulin dose (p>0.05).
      There was a significant decrease individually in both groups in HbA1c level
      (p<0.05), but there was no significant difference in HbA1c reduction in patients
      on twice-daily insulin injections and those on thrice-daily insulin injection
      groups (1.12 +/- 2.12 and 0.98+/-2.1% respectively, p>0.05). CONCLUSION: Compared
      with twice daily insulin, a therapeutic regimen involving the addition of one
      dose regular insulin before lunch caused no significant change in the overall
      glycemic control of patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Our results emphasize
      that further efforts for near normoglycemia should be focused upon education of
      patients in terms of frequent outpatient visits, more blood glucose monitoring
      and attention to insulin adjustments.

PMID- 22043372
TI  - The consequence of delayed fixation on subsequent preservation of urine cells.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Degenerative changes caused by delays in urine preservation
      contribute to false-negative and false-positive interpretation of urothelial
      disease in cytology. The aim of this study is to assess whether the delay of
      fixation of urine samples makes any significant difference to urine cytology and
      morphology, and the limit of acceptability of delay for routine use in the
      hospital laboratory. METHODS: Three cell collection fluids were evaluated by
      analyzing the preservation and degeneration of cells in urine samples. In this
      study, 50 voided urine specimens were taken at random from females complaining of
      vaginal discharge. Each specimen was divided into three sterile containers. The
      first was immediately centrifugated and the deposit was smeared onto a cleaned
      micro slide and immediately fixed into 95% ethyl alcohol for 15 minutes. The
      remaining two were prepared in the same manner, however, the second after two
      hours of collection and the third after four hours of collection. The degree of
      degeneration and thus the preservation were assessed by a table of chosen
      criteria, then ranked and analyzed using Friedman's nonparametric test, at
      p=0.05. RESULTS: The results showed a significant difference between the
      preservation and the delay in urine fixation, p<0.0001. CONCLUSION: Any delay in
      fixation of urine specimen for cytology affects the preservation of cells, which
      may result in miss diagnosis. It is recommended that urine samples for cytology
      should be fixed immediately after collection.

PMID- 22043373
TI  - Bronchial anthracosis: a potent clue for diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Occupational exposure to carbon, silica, and quartz particles are
      predisposing factors for bronchial anthracosis. In some cases anthracosis may be
      associated with mycobacterium tuberculosis. This study aims to investigate the
      clinical, radiographic, and bacteriologic findings in bronchial anthracosis
      patients and its association with tuberculosis. METHODS: This is a prospective
      study conducted between 1998 and 2001. A total of 919 patients underwent
      diagnostic bronchoscopy for pulmonary diseases. Of these, 71 patients showed
      evidence of bronchial anthracosis, 32 (45.8%) males and 39 (54.2%) females, age
      range, 30-92 years. The distinctive clinical features, nature of bronchoscopic
      lesions, and radiologic findings were analyzed prospectively and summarized.
      Bacteriologic studies and results of laboratory examinations were also assessed.
      RESULTS: Forty-one (57.8%) patients had positive smears or cultures for
      mycobacterium tuberculosis. Of 71 patients with bronchoscopic evidence of
      pulmonary diseases, 30 had previous occupational exposure, and 41 stated no
      previous exposure. Cavitary lesions on chest radiography, positive purified
      protein derivative tests and high ESR were more prevalent in tuberculous patients
      than the others. CONCLUSION: Bronchial anthracosis was caused by active or
      previous tuberculous infection. Detailed examinations for the presence of active
      tuberculosis should be performed in patients with such bronchoscopic findings in
      order to prevent the spread of tuberculosis and to avoid unnecessary invasive
      procedures.

PMID- 22043374
TI  - Effect of tropicamide and homatropine eye drops on a-scan parameters of the
      phakic normal eyes.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: A prospective study to evaluate the changes in A-Scan axial
      parameters of phakic normal eyes before and after instillation of 1% topical
      Tropicamide and 2% Homatropine eye drops. METHODS: Anterior chamber depth, lens
      thickness, vitreous chamber length, and ocular axial length were measured in 76
      eyes before and after cycloplegia induced by 1% topical Tropicamide, and in 28
      eyes with 2% Homatropine eye drops. RESULTS: Anterior chamber depth demonstrated
      increase from baseline readings with Tropicamide and Homatropine eye drops, while
      lens thickness showed decrease from the baseline readings with both eye drops.
      Effect of both the eye drops on over all axial length and vitreous chamber length
      is statistically seen, but is clinically negligible and not significant.
      CONCLUSION: Cycloplegia induced by 1% Tropicamide eye drops and 2% Homatropine
      eye drops has a significant measurable influence on anterior chamber depth and
      lens thickness, while vitreous chamber length and overall axial length
      demonstrated negligible statistical difference on A-Scan parameters of the normal
      phakic eyes.

PMID- 22043375
TI  - The awareness and prevalence of metabolic syndrome in medical community of
      bahawalpur.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We investigated the frequency of Metabolic Syndrome and evaluated the
      level of awareness about this condition in medical community (healthcare workers)
      of Bahawalpur, Pakistan. METHODS: It was a cross-sectional study. It was carried
      out over a period of one year (June 2008 to May 2009). The following institutions
      took part in the study: Bahawal Victoria Hospital, Quaid-e-Azam Medical College,
      Paramedical and Nursing Schools and Female Jubilee Hospital. A total of one
      hundred and ninety four (194) Doctors and Paramedics (Nurses and Dispensors)
      working in the institutions included in study were selected by simple random
      sampling technique. Demographic, anthropometric, and biochemical data were
      recorded, lifestyle features were inquired about, and the level of awareness
      regarding MetS was surveyed. The criteria recommended by the Adult Treatment
      Panel (ATP) III were used for the diagnosis of MetS. The presence of MetS was
      evaluated in all (194) subjects. RESULTS: Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed in 29
      participants (14.95%), and there was no statistically significant difference
      between men and women in this respectAt least three criteria of MetS were
      correctly listed by 36 participants (18.56%), with physicians showing
      significantly higher awareness levels (p<0.001). The frequency of abdominal
      obesity was 22.68% and it was significantly higher in males than in females
      (29.29% vs 14.74%; p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Current study shows that only a minority
      of medical community are aware of MetS as a clinical entity. Nurses and other
      paramedics are unaware of the problem.

PMID- 22043376
TI  - Attitudes towards informed consent: a comparison between surgeons working in
      saudi arabia and the United kingdom.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Changes in legal standing and new guidelines for consent have
      generated changes in medical culture that doctors must adhere to. This study aims
      to highlight the differences in the way the surgeons in the two cultures view the
      informed consent for surgery processes. METHODS: The attitudes towards informed
      consent of a group of surgeons working in Saudi Arabia (KSA) were compared with
      those of a similar group working in the United Kingdom (UK), a country with a
      longer medical history and a more established medico-legal system. RESULTS: The
      study shows that KSA surgeons tend to view informed consent not only as an
      ethical and legal obligation but also as a benefit to patients. In addition, KSA
      surgeons are more likely to adopt a paternalistic attitude during informed
      consent. They believe that information about harmful risks may dissuade their
      patients from undergoing the operation and they admit that the amount of
      information they provide to their patients is significantly influenced by a
      number of patient and non-patient related factors. CONCLUSION: It is concluded
      that surgeons in KSA should be more aware of the informed consent guidelines and
      they should adhere to them. In addition, there is room for the introduction of
      formal training on informed consent in both countries and for making written
      information more widely available particularly in KSA.

PMID- 22043377
TI  - Recurrent laryngeal nerve injury in thyroid surgery.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Vocal cord paresis or paralysis due to iatrogenic injury of the
      recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLNI) is one of the main problems in thyroid surgery.
      Although many procedures have been introduced to prevent the nerve injury, still
      the incidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve palsy varies between 1.5-14%. The aim
      of the present study is to assess the risk factors of recurrent laryngeal nerve
      injury during thyroid surgery. METHODS: Patients who had thyroid surgery between
      1990 and 2005 and were admitted to the surgical department of King Fahd hospital
      of the University, Al-Khobar, Saudi Arabia were enrolled for this retrospective
      review, Factors predisposing to recurrent laryngeal nerve injury were evaluated
      such as pathology of the lesions and the type of operations and identification of
      recurrent laryngeal nerve intra-operatively. Preoperative and postoperative
      indirect laryngoscopic examinations were performed for all patients. RESULTS: 340
      patients were included in this study. Transient unilateral vocal cord problems
      occurred in 11 (3.2%) cases, and in 1 (0.3%) case, it became permanent (post Rt.
      Hemithyroidectomy). Bilateral vocal cord problems occurred in 2 cases (0.58%),
      but none became permanent. There were significant increases in the incidence of
      recurrent laryngeal nerve injury in secondary operation (21.7% in secondary vs.
      2.8% in primary, p=0.001), total/near total thyroidectomy (7.2% in total vs. 1.9%
      in subtotal, p=0.024), non-identification of RLN during surgery (7.6% in non
      identification vs. 2.6% in identification, p=0.039) and in malignant disease
      (12.8% in malignant vs. 2.9% in benign, p=0.004). However, there was no
      significant difference in the incidence of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury with
      regards to gender (4.1% in male vs 3.8% in female, p=0.849). CONCLUSION: The
      present study showed that thyroid carcinoma, re-operation for recurrent goiter,
      non-identification of RLN and total thyroidectomy were associated with a
      significantly increased risk of operative recurrent laryngeal nerve injury.

PMID- 22043378
TI  - Retrospective Review of Cross Sectional Imaging Findings of Pancreatic Non
      functional Islet Cell Tumor (NFICT) and its Hepatic Metastases.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Review and correlate the computed tomography (CT) imaging features of
      pancreatic Non Functional Islet Cell Tumors (NFICT) and its hepatic metastases.
      METHODS: CT examinations of 28 patients with pathologically proven diagnosis of
      pancreatic NFICT and no clinical symptoms or signs attributed to hormone
      overproduction, performed at Mallinkrodt Institute of Radiology, Saint Louis,
      Missouri, USA between March 2002-July 2006, were retrospectively reviewed by two
      abdominal radiologists. The imaging findings were analyzed and summarized.
      RESULTS: Pancreatic NFICT size ranged from 1.2-13 cm. The commonest pattern of
      enhancement was hypervascular and heterogenous enhancement. The spleen was the
      commonest invaded nearby local structure. The commonest pattern of enhancement
      noted in the metastatic liver lesions was hypervascular heterogenous enhancement.
      26% of the liver metastatic lesions were associated with invasion/encasement of
      nearby vessels. CONCLUSION: Imaging features of pancreatic NFICT can overlap with
      other pancreatic neoplasms. Therefore combining the imaging features of
      pancreatic NFICT and its hepatic metastases helps in narrowing the differential
      diagnosis.

PMID- 22043379
TI  - Serotype Prevalence and Penicillin-susceptibility of Streptococcus pneumoniae in
      Oman.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: to determine the prevalent serotypes of Streptococcus pneumoniae and
      the rate of penicillin-nonsusceptibility among pneumococci in Oman. METHODS:
      Pneumococcal isolates encountered during the period of September 2002 to December
      2007 in the Royal Hospital were serotyped. Clinical information as well as the
      penicillin susceptibility reports were retrieved from the hospital information
      system and medical records. RESULTS: 120 strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae were
      isolated of which 85 strains were seroptyped. 20 different serotypes were
      identified, the most common seroptypes were 9A, 6B, 19F, 14 and 23F. 56% of the
      strains were not susceptible to pencillin, while 99% of these were susceptible to
      ceftriaxone. 74.3% and 46.1% of the serotypes are covered by the pneumococcal
      polysaccharide vaccine and the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine
      respectively. CONCLUSION: Certain few pneumococcal serotypes such as 9A, 6B and
      19F are more prevalent in the Omani community than others. More than half of S.
      pneumoniae are not susceptible to penicillin while the great majority of the
      strains are susceptible to ceftriaxone.

PMID- 22043380
TI  - A rare early complication of tracheostomy.
AB  - A polytrauma patient on ventilator was admitted to ICU with open tracheostomy,
      GCS 8/15 and unequal pupils. After 10 days, he was weaned from the ventilator.
      The patient had respiratory problems i.e. expiratory stridor, shortness of
      breath, dysphonia and dyspnea on closing tracheostomy. It was diagnosed as a case
      of asthma, and the patient responded to salbutamol nebulization and intravenous
      steroid therapy. However, after some time, he desaturated and a plan for rapid
      sequence intubation was made. Endotracheal tube could not be negotiated beyond
      vocal cords, so an unprepared tracheostomy without proper equipment had to be
      immediately done by an anesthetist to save the patient's life. CT scan revealed
      tracheal stenosis. This case demonstrates that patients with a short 15-days
      history of previous tracheostomy may have tracheal stenosis.

PMID- 22043381
TI  - Broncho-Oesophageal Fistula (BOF) Secondary to Missing Partial Denture in an
      Alcoholic in a Low Resource Country.
AB  - The clinical course of a missing partial denture with secondary BOF in an
      alcoholic is presented. In the index case we report an exceptional clinical
      course of a patient who did not ascribe his symptoms to his ''missing'' dentures
      for several years, the odontologist who replaced an unrecovered denture, and the
      generalist who administered the barium swallow in an unsuspected BOF.
      Preoperative optimization of the patient was by blenderized local feeds through a
      feeding tube gastrostomy and by chest physiotherapy. Extraction of the denture
      and closure of fistula were done through a right thoracotomy. The importance of a
      high index of clinical suspicion of BOF in a low resource setting to avoid the
      morbidity and mortality associated with missing dentures is discussed.
      Odontologists, caregivers and clinicians must educate patients on the hazards of
      missing dentures and cases of missing / lost dentures should be adequately
      investigated / explored in the patient's history and clinical assessment before
      they are replaced.

PMID- 22043382
TI  - Tuberculous mastitis presenting as breast abscess.
AB  - Tuberculous mastitis is a rare clinical entity and usually affects women from the
      Indian sub-continent and Africa. It often mimics breast carcinoma and pyogenic
      breast abscess clinically and radiologically, may both co-exist. Routine
      laboratory investigations are not helpful in its diagnosis. Fine needle
      aspiration cytology (FNAC) / biopsy are essential for diagnosis and tuberculosis
      culture when positive may be very useful to guide antimicrobial therapy.
      Antitubercular drugs in combination with aspiration or surgical drainage are
      usually associated with an excellent outcome.

PMID- 22043383
TI  - Extent of surgery for differentiated thyroid cancer: recommended guideline.

PMID- 22043384
TI  - Should we look for celiac disease in irritable bowel syndrome?

PMID- 22043385
TI  - 47 year old patient with pseudo-asthma.

PMID- 22043386
TI  - Pyoderma gangrenosum of abdominal wall: a case report.

PMID- 22043387
TI  - Fetus in Fetu: A Rare presentation in an Adult female.

PMID- 22043388
TI  - "Think research" in everyday clinical practice: fostering research culture in
      health care settings.

PMID- 22043389
TI  - Food-drug interactions.
AB  - The effect of drug on a person may be different than expected because that drug
      interacts with another drug the person is taking (drug-drug interaction), food,
      beverages, dietary supplements the person is consuming (drug-nutrient/food
      interaction) or another disease the person has (drug-disease interaction). A drug
      interaction is a situation in which a substance affects the activity of a drug,
      i.e. the effects are increased or decreased, or they produce a new effect that
      neither produces on its own. These interactions may occur out of accidental
      misuse or due to lack of knowledge about the active ingredients involved in the
      relevant substances. Regarding food-drug interactions physicians and pharmacists
      recognize that some foods and drugs, when taken simultaneously, can alter the
      body's ability to utilize a particular food or drug, or cause serious side
      effects. Clinically significant drug interactions, which pose potential harm to
      the patient, may result from changes in pharmaceutical, pharmacokinetic, or
      pharmacodynamic properties. Some may be taken advantage of, to the benefit of
      patients, but more commonly drug interactions result in adverse drug events.
      Therefore it is advisable for patients to follow the physician and doctors
      instructions to obtain maximum benefits with least food-drug interactions. The
      literature survey was conducted by extracting data from different review and
      original articles on general or specific drug interactions with food. This review
      gives information about various interactions between different foods and drugs
      and will help physicians and pharmacists prescribe drugs cautiously with only
      suitable food supplement to get maximum benefit for the patient.

PMID- 22043390
TI  - Acute Phase Hyperglycemia among Patients Hospitalized with Acute Coronary
      Syndrome: Prevalence and Prognostic Significance.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Regardless of diabetes status, hyperglycemia on arrival for patients
      presenting with acute coronary syndrome, has been associated with adverse
      outcomes including death. The aim of this study is to look at the frequency and
      prognostic significance of acute phase hyperglycemia among patients attending the
      coronary care unit with acute coronary syndrome over the in-hospital admission
      days. METHODS: The study included 287 consecutive patients in the Al-Faiha
      Hospital in Basrah (Southern Iraq) during a one year period from December 2007 to
      November 2008. Patients were divided into two groups with respect to admission
      plasma glucose level regardless of their diabetes status (those with admission
      plasma glucose of <140 mg/dl (7.8 mmol/L) and those equal to or more than that).
      Acute phase hyperglycemia was defined as a non-fasting glucose level equal to or
      above 140 mg/dl (7.8 mmol/L) regardless of past history of diabetes. RESULTS:
      Sixty one point seven percent (177) of patients were admitted with plasma glucose
      of 3140 mg/dl (7.8 mmol/L). There were no differences were found between both
      groups regarding the mean age, qualification, and smoking status, but males were
      predominant in both groups. A family history of diabetes, and hypertension, were
      more frequent in patients with plasma glucose of 3140 mg/dl (7.8 mmol/L). There
      were no differences between the two groups regarding past history of ischemic
      heart disease, stroke, lipid profile, troponin-I levels or type of acute coronary
      syndrome. Again heart failure was more common in the admission acute phase
      hyperglycemia group, but there was no difference regarding arrhythmia, stroke, or
      death. Using logistic regression with heart failure as the dependent variable we
      found that only the admission acute phase hyperglycemia (OR=2.1344, 95% CI=1.0282
      4.4307; p=0.0419) was independently associated with heart failure. While male
      gender, family history of diabetes mellitus, hypertension and diabetes were not
      independently associated with heart failure. CONCLUSION: Admission acute phase
      hyperglycemia of 3140 mg/dl (7.8 mmol/L) was associated with heart failure in
      this study.

PMID- 22043391
TI  - De qeurvian tenosynovitis: clinical outcomes of surgical treatment with
      longitudinal and transverse incision.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: De Quervain disease is a mechanical tenosynovitis due to inadequacy
      volume between abductor pollicis longus, extensor pollicis brevis and their
      tunnel. Treatment methods include immobilization, steroid injections, and
      operation. For the first time Fritz De Quervain described surgical treatment of
      this disease. Since then, various ways of treatment have been reported. The
      purpose of this study is to compare the clinical outcomes of a longitudinal
      incision with a transverse incision in De Quervain disease. METHODS: This was a
      randomized controlled clinical trial conducted in three hospitals in Iran, Yazd
      from March 2003 to September 2008. One hundred-twenty patients with De Quervain
      disease who did not respond to conservative treatment were operated with two
      different incisions. The patients were followed for three months to compare the
      surgical outcomes. RESULTS: During a three month follow-up, a significant
      difference was shown between the two methods (p=0.03). Results of surgical
      treatment with longitudinal incision were excellent (only 5 hypertrophic scars),
      but there were 13 postoperative complaints with transverse incision. CONCLUSION:
      According to our findings, longitudinal incision in surgical treatment of De
      Quervain disease is better than transverse incision.

PMID- 22043392
TI  - Methotrexate treatment of ectopic pregnancy: experience at nizwa hospital with
      literature review.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Ectopic pregnancy occurs when the embryo fails to implant within the
      uterine cavity. Methotrexate, a folic acid antagonist has been widely used to
      treat ectopic pregnancy. The aim of this study is to determine the efficacy of
      methotrexate treatment for ectopic pregnancies in our settings which will in-turn
      help us reduce maternal mortality and morbidity. METHODS: This was a
      retrospective review of 60 cases of ectopic pregnancy treated with single dose
      methotrexate in Nizwa hospital, Oman. Demographic data, clinical presentation,
      treatment progress, outcome, side effects and future fertility follow up were
      analysed using a computer database. Selection criteria included hemodynamically
      stable women with beta-hcg level of <=5000 mIU/ml, adnexal mass <=4 cm, absent
      cardiac activity and hemoperitoneum less than 100 ml. Human chorionic
      gonadotrophin (hcg) assay and clinical presentation were used to determine cases
      which warranted surgical intervention. RESULTS: The success rate of single dose
      methotrexate therapy in our study was 65% (n=39) and 35% (n=21) required surgical
      intervention compared to reported success rate of 67-100% published in various
      studies. Careful selection of cases and confining strictly to the criteria
      improved the success rate from 40% to 60% in five and half years of the study.
      The mean average time of resolution of ectopic pregnancy was 32 days for a single
      dose and 58 days for repeat second or third doses. Eight cases of pregnancy of
      unknown location were treated successfully with Methotrexate. No major side
      effects were noted. A successful fertility outcome of 30% in the first year
      followed by 13.3% in the subsequent second year with a secondary infertility rate
      of 11.6% was observed in this study. CONCLUSION: Methotrexate treatment of
      ectopic pregnancies is safe and effective with no major side effects.
      Intramuscular methotrexate has the advantage of tubal conservation and saves
      patients from requiring surgery. It is easier to administer than intraoperative
      route, which is by laparoscopy and needs expertise. Our study showed single dose
      methotrexate to be an effective treatment option for selected patients with
      unruptured tubal ectopic pregnancy.

PMID- 22043393
TI  - Impact of Implementing Grading Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology in Diagnosis of
      Breast Cancer amongst Sudanese Women.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study estimated the merit of employment of Grading Fine Needle
      Aspiration Cytology (GFNAC) in the assessment of breast lumps, compared to
      conventional Conventional Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (CFNAC). METHODS:
      Seventy-five women with breast lumps were referred to the surgical unit at
      Khartoum Teaching Hospital. Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) materials were obtained
      for cytology and biopsies from the same patients for histopathology. Cytological
      materials were assessed using two diagnostic systems (GFNAC and CFNAC) without
      prior knowledge of the histopathologic diagnosis. RESULTS: Of the 75 patients
      studied, 40 (53.3%) were diagnosed as having breast cancer by Histopathology and
      the remaining 35 (46.7%) were diagnosed with benign lesions. Of the 40 positive
      cases, 35 (87.5%) and 28 (70%) were found positive by CFNAC and GFNAC
      respectively. Of the 35 negative cases, 33 (94.3%) and 35(100%) were found
      negative by CFAC and GFAC correspondingly. CONCLUSION: The obtained Specificity
      of 94.3% and 100% in addition to sensitivity of 87.5%, 70% were credited for
      CFNAC and GFNAC systems respectively. Therefore, it is recommended to merge GFNAC
      as a supplementary to CFNAC for the diagnosis of breast cancer.

PMID- 22043394
TI  - Hypoglycemic Effect of Calotropis gigantea Linn. Leaves and Flowers in
      Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the hypoglycemic and anti-diabetic activity of chloroform
      extract of Calotropis gigantea leaves and flowers in normal rats and
      streptozotocin induced diabetes. METHODS: The hypoglycemic activity in normal
      rats was carried out by treatment using chloroform extract of Calotropis gigantea
      leaf and flower 10, 20 and 50 mg/kg, orally. The oral glucose tolerance test was
      carried out by administering glucose (2 g/kg, p.o), to non-diabetic rats treated
      with leaf and flowers extracts at oral doses 10, 20 and 50 mg/kg, p.o and
      glibenclamide 10 mg/kg. The serum glucose was then measured at 0, 1.5, 3 and 5 hr
      after administration of extracts/drug. Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats were
      administered the same doses of leaf and flower extracts, and standard drugs
      glibenclamide was given to the normal rats or 0.5 ml of 5% Tween-80, for 27 days.
      The blood sample from all groups collected by retro-orbital puncture on 7, 14, 21
      and 27th days after administration of the extracts/drug and used for the
      estimation of serum glucose levels using the glucose kit. RESULTS: The Calotropis
      gigantea leaves and flowers extracts were effective in lowering serum glucose
      levels in normal rats. Improvement in oral glucose tolerance was also registered
      by treatment with Calotropis gigantean. The administration of leaf and flower
      extracts to streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats showed a significant reduction
      in serum glucose levels. CONCLUSION: It is concluded that chloroform extracts of
      Calotropis gigantea leaves and flowers have significant anti-diabetic activity.

PMID- 22043395
TI  - A study measuring the effect of high serum triglyceride and cholesterol on
      glucose elevation in human serum.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to further confirm the results
      documented in previous studies and to test the hypothesis of the presence of any
      correlation and if found, the regression nature of such correlation between
      triglyceride and glucose levels in one hand and cholesterol and glucose levels in
      the other hand. METHODS: Samples were collected between March and August 2009
      from 438 of both males and females from two patient groups; a) non-diabetic
      patients, b) non-insulin dependent type II diabetic patients. The patients' serum
      glucose; cholesterol and triglyceride were simultaneously determined. A
      comparison study was conducted on the effect of the elevated level of each of the
      parameters (Cholesterol and Triglyceride) on glucose elevation. RESULTS: The
      results showed that there was a significant difference in the number of cases
      with high glucose values >110 mg/dl among the three different study groups. There
      was a significant difference in the number of cases with glucose values >110
      mg/dl between the two different study groups; 1) triglyceride <151 mg/dl and
      cholesterol >201 mg/dl, 2) triglyceride >151 mg/dl and cholesterol>201 mg/dl.
      CONCLUSION: The elevation in triglyceride but not cholesterol has the same effect
      of both triglyceride and cholesterol elevation together on the association with
      increasing levels of high glucose in blood.

PMID- 22043396
TI  - Measles in a tertiary institution in bida, niger state, Nigeria: prevalence,
      immunization status and mortality pattern.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Measles is a highly infectious immunizable disease with potential for
      eradication but is still responsible for high mortality among children,
      particularly in developing nations like Nigeria. This study aims to determine the
      hospital based prevalence of measles, describe the vaccination status of children
      managed for measles at the Federal Medical Centre, Bida, Niger state and to
      identify the parental disposition to measles vaccination. METHODS: This is a
      cross-sectional study carried out over a period of 18 months beginning from July
      2007. All children with a diagnosis of measles made clinically and reinforced
      with serological test in the WHO Measles, Rubella and Yellow Fever laboratory in
      Maitama District Hospital, Abuja were recruited. Informed consent was obtained
      from the parents/care givers. Structured questionnaire was used to obtain
      information and data analysis was by SPSS version 15. RESULTS: One hundred and
      nine children were managed for measles, constituting 8% of total admission over
      the study period. The male to female ratio was 1.2:1. Of the 109 children with
      measles, 90 (82%) did not receive measles vaccination. Eighty-eight (80%) of the
      parents or guardian felt vaccination was bad for various reasons. Of the 23
      (21.1%) children whose parents or guardians were positively disposed to
      vaccination, one death was recorded while the remaining seven deaths were
      recorded among children whose parents were negatively disposed to vaccination.
      All the deaths were in the non-vaccinated group below 2 years of age. CONCLUSION:
      Measles is still a major health burden in our community. The majority of affected
      children were not vaccinated due to negative parental disposition. Continuous
      health education is required for change the disposition of the parents/guardian
      and improve vaccination coverage to minimize measles associated morbidity and
      mortality.

PMID- 22043397
TI  - Vascular endothelial growth factor in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in sulfur
      mustard exposed lung patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the levels of vascular endothelial growth factor isoform
      consisting of 165 amino acids (VEGF165) in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid from
      Mustard Exposed Patients. METHODS: Bronchoscopy with Bronchoalveolar Lavage was
      performed on sulphur mustard exposed patients. A total of 39 patients with
      documented exposure to Sulfur Mustard during the Iran-Iraq war participated in
      this study, of which 38 patients were males and one patient was female. RESULTS:
      The mean+/-SD age of patients was 41 +/- 6.6 years. The mean time after exposure
      to sulfur mustard was 19 +/-1.7 years. Eighteen patients had concomitant war
      injuries but they were not related to the respiratory system. While Twenty-two
      patients had a history of submassive persistent hemoptysis. There was no case
      with massive hemoptysis. Most of the patients had small airway obstruction
      (FEV1/FVC% = 78.14 +/- 9.76 and FEV1% =82.79+/-18.23). Twenty-three patients had
      significant air trapping in the chest. High Resolution Computed Tomography was
      compatible with BOS. VEGF165 concentrations in BALF were 36.87 +/- 34.68 pg/ml.
      When corrected to total protein of Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid (BALF) it was
      0.76 +/- 0.70 pg/mg. BALF of VEGF did not correlate with hemoptysis or air
      trapping in chest HRCT. Thus, there was also no correlation between level of
      VEGF165 in BALF and any of PFT indexes (FVC, FEV1, MMEF or PEF). CONCLUSIONS:
      Although VEGF is one of the cytokines which has an important role in chronic
      pulmonary disorders, it seems that it has no essential role in the severity of
      Mustard Lung Disease.

PMID- 22043398
TI  - Tonsillo-Styloidectomy for Eagle's Syndrome: A Review of 15 Cases in KVG Medical
      College Sullia.
AB  - Elongated styloid process causing Eagle's Syndrome is a rare clinical entity and
      the diagnosis is often difficult as a result of its vague symptomatology.
      However, palpation of tonsillar fossa with radiological demonstration of the
      elongated styloid process confirms the diagnosis. This is a report of a
      retrospective study conducted at the KVG Medical College, Hospital, Sullia,
      Karnataka, India where 15 patients who were surgically treated for Eagle's
      syndrome in the ENT department were retrospectively studied. Fourteen patients
      became symptom free after surgery within three months of follow up. Tonsillo
      styloidectomy is the treatment of choice for Eagle's syndrome with a high success
      rate.

PMID- 22043399
TI  - An unusual cause of gastrointestinal obstruction: bezoar.
AB  - Bezoars are concretions of swallowed hair, fruit vegetable fibers, and similar
      substances found in the alimentary canal. The first description of a postmortem
      human bezoar was by Swain in 1854. Although the prevalence of bezoars in humans
      is low, an absence of treatment has been associated with mortality rates as high
      as 30%, primarily because of gastrointestinal bleeding, destruction, or
      perforation.

PMID- 22043400
TI  - Hiccup: an extremely rare presentation of thyrotoxicosis of graves' disease.
AB  - Persistent hiccup is a rare but potentially severe condition that can be
      symptomatic of a variety of diseases or idiopathic. Most episodes last only a few
      minutes and are self-limited, but hiccup can get persistent and become a real
      problem for physician and patient alike. The center of hiccup may be activated by
      a great variety of stimuli travelling along different nerve pathways and bring
      different effecter responses. We report a case of persistent hiccup as a
      presentation of impending thyroid storm of Graves' disease. Though the condition
      is rare, clinicians should remain alert to the possibility of this diagnosis.

PMID- 22043401
TI  - Audit of inpatient management and outcome of limb fractures in children.

PMID- 22043402
TI  - The Role of Pre-emptive Control of Vascular Pedicle in Laparoscopic Splenectomy:
      An Experience with 19 Consecutive Patients.

PMID- 22043403
TI  - Diabetic women with Fever and right flank pain.

PMID- 22043404
TI  - Reproductive health in iran: international conference on population and
      development goals.

PMID- 22043405
TI  - A call for a quite debate on the future of genetics research.

PMID- 22043406
TI  - Patient medication adherence: measures in daily practice.
AB  - Adherence to therapies is a primary determinant of treatment success. Failure to
      adherence is a serious problem which not only affects the patient but also the
      health care system. Medication non adherence in patients leads to substantial
      worsening of disease, death and increased health care costs. A variety of factors
      are likely to affect adherence. Barriers to adherence could be addressed as
      patient, provider and health system factors, with interactions among them.
      Identifying specific barriers for each patient and adopting suitable techniques
      to overcome them will be necessary to improve medication adherence. Health care
      professionals such as physicians, pharmacists and nurses have significant role in
      their daily practice to improve patient medication adherence.

PMID- 22043407
TI  - Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis of PubMed-Indexed Biomedical Publications
      in Oman from years 2005-2009.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Research activities are promoted at the government and the
      institutional levels in Oman. However, the quantity and quality of research
      conducted in various institutes of Oman has not been measured. Therefore, this
      study was conducted to analyze the quantity and quality of biomedical
      publications emanating from Oman over the last five years (2005-2009). METHODS:
      Data regarding the biomedical publications of Omani origin published from January
      2005 to December 2009 were retrieved from Pubmed. All abstracts were manually
      checked to exclude false retrievals. The journal impact factor (IF) for 2008 was
      applied for every publication. Full-length original articles, review articles and
      publications mentioning new research methods/new technique were assigned full IF
      of the journal. However, half of the journal IF were assigned to
      correspondences/commentaries, case reports/series and short communications.
      RESULTS: Of biomedical publications, 752 were retrieved from Pubmed and 519
      publications were included for final analysis after excluding false positives.
      The number of biomedical publications steadily increased over the last five
      years, but it was not statistically significant. Original research articles
      constituted more than half (54.3%) of all the publications, followed by case
      reports/series (30.1%). Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) contributed more than half
      of the biomedical publications (51.5%), followed by the Ministry of Health (MoH),
      which contributed 38% of the publications. Interestingly, the mean IF of the
      publications was not significantly different throughout the years. CONCLUSIONS:
      The number of publications emanating from Oman increased over the last five
      years; however, the quality of research has not improved. Furthermore, the
      research in Oman is mainly conducted by the government-run institutions and there
      is hardly any contribution from the private institutions.

PMID- 22043408
TI  - In Vitro alpha-Amylase Inhibition and Antioxidant Activities of Methanolic
      Extract of Amaranthus Caudatus Linn.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The present study was aimed to investigate the alpha-amylase
      inhibition and antioxidant activities of methanolic extract of Amaranthus
      caudatus Linn (MeAc). METHODS: Methanolic extract of Amaranthus caudatus was
      screened for alpha-amylase inhibition activity by CNPG3 method (2-chloro-p
      nitrophenyl-alpha-D-maltotrioside) and antioxidant activity was evaluated by 1,1
      diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazile (DPPH) free radical scavenging, superoxide dismutase
      (SOD) scavenging, hydroxyl free radical scavenging, nitric oxide (NO) radical
      scavenging, and 2.2'-azinobis-3-ethylbenzothiazole-6-sulfonic acid (ABTS) radical
      scavenging assays. MeAc was also screened for non enzymatic hemoglycosylation.
      RESULTS: The methanolic extract of Amaranthus caudatus showed potent alpha
      amylase inhibition activity (IC(50) 19.233 ug/ml). MeAc showed significant
      antioxidant activity in all the in vitro antioxidant models. Furthermore, the
      MeAc was found to be extremely effective in scavenging ABTS radical activity
      (IC(50) 48.75+/-1.1 ug/ml) when compared to DPPH (IC(50) 77.5+/-0.4 ug/ml), SOD
      (IC(50) 62.5+/-2.1 ug/ml), hydroxyl (IC(50) 88.50+/-1.8 ug/ml) and NO (IC(50)
      67.5+/-2.2 ug/ml) scavenging activity. CONCLUSIONS: The methanolic extract of A.
      caudatus showed potent alpha-amylase inhibition and antioxidant activities.

PMID- 22043409
TI  - Laparoscopic management of malfunctioning peritoneal dialysis catheters.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is an established
      alternative method to hemodialysis for treating end-stage renal disease patients.
      Malfunction of the peritoneal catheter is a frequent complication in peritoneal
      dialysis (PD). Laparoscopy is a minimal invasive technique that allows rescue
      therapy of malfunctioning catheters and consecutive immediate resumption of PD.
      The purpose of this study is to present our experiences with laparoscopic repair
      of peritoneal catheter dysfunction METHODS: Between April 2006 and March 2010, 21
      cases of laparoscopic interventions were performed for the salvage of
      malfunctioning CAPD catheter. Two trocars (5 mm) were used. Recorded data
      included patient demographics, catheter implantation method, date of malfunction,
      cause of dysfunction, procedure performed and complications. RESULTS: The primary
      etiology of dysfunction was omentum and/or small bowel wrapping with adhesions in
      fifteen cases, malpositioning in four cases, and tunnel infection in the
      remaining two cases. Adhesiolysis was performed in cases with adhesions. In the
      cases with malpositioning but no adhesions, the catheters were repositioned in
      the pelvic cavity. Two catheters had to be withdrawn and exchanged because of
      infection. There were no mechanical or infection problems. The overall success
      rate of catheter function (>30 days after laparoscopy) was 100%, except for two
      cases in which the catheters had to be removed. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopy is a
      safe, highly effective and successful method for the evaluation and management of
      peritoneal dialysis catheter dysfunction.

PMID- 22043410
TI  - Proportion of Urinary Schistosomiasis among HIV-Infected Subjects in Benin City,
      Nigeria.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to determine the prevalence of urinary
      schistosomiasis, and the effect of CD4(+) T cell counts and demographics on its
      prevalence among HIV-positive patients in Benin City, Nigeria. METHODS: Urine and
      blood samples were collected from 2000 HIV-positive subjects. A wet preparation
      of the urine deposit was examined microscopically to identify ova of Schistosoma
      haematobium. The blood specimens were analyzed using the flow cytometry for CD4
      (+) T-lymphocyte count. RESULTS: An overall prevalence rate of 0.3% was reported.
      Gender and CD4 count <200 cells/uL did not affect the prevalence of urinary
      schistosomiasis, while HIV patients that were single had significantly higher
      prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis (p=0.002). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of
      urinary schistosomiasis among HIV patients in Benin City is low. CD4(+) count did
      not affect the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis.

PMID- 22043411
TI  - Management of adenomyosis in subfertile women and pregnancy outcome.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess the outcome of treatment with only gonadotropin releasing
      hormone agonists (Gn-RHa) versus combined conservative surgery and Gn-RHa therapy
      in the management of sub-fertile patients with symptomatic uterine adenomyosis.
      METHODS: A retrospective study of the two treatment modalities allocated to 40
      sub-fertile patients with pathology-proven adenomyosis over a period of eight
      years was undertaken at the Obstetrics and Gynecology department, King Fahad
      Hospital, Dammam University, Saudi Arabia. Twenty-two patients (Group A) were
      treated with Gn-RHa alone, and 18 patients (Group B) received combined
      conservative surgery with Gn-RHa therapy. After completion of six courses of Gn
      RHa injections, there was a 3-year follow up period for all patients. Treatment
      outcome included relief of symptoms, pregnancy rate and successful deliveries,
      which were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The patients in group A were
      younger in age, had lower CA-125 levels and shorter infertile years than Group B.
      Three (13.6%) spontaneous pregnancies resulted upto 18 months of stopping Gn-RHa
      in group A, while 8 (44.4%) pregnancies resulted upto 36 months in group B
      patients, which was statistically significant (p=0.0393). Term delivery occurred
      normally in one (4.5%) Group A patient, while 6 (33.3%) patients in Group B had
      cesarean section at term (p=0.0328). CONCLUSION: Combined conservative surgery
      and Gn-RHa may provide effective symptom relief, better reproductive performance
      in subfertile patients with uterine adenomyosis and longer period of pregnancy
      prospects after treatment than patients who recieved Gn-RHa alone. Due to the
      nature of this study, a well conducted randomized trial is needed in the future
      to assess the benefits of the two treatment modalities.

PMID- 22043412
TI  - Prevalence of Intestinal Parasites among Patients of Al-Noor Specialist Hospital,
      Makkah, Saudi Arabia.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of intestinal parasites among patients of
      a tertiary care hospital. METHODS: A total of 12,054 samples received from the
      outpatient as well as inpatient departments from January 1, 2004 to December 31,
      2009 in Al-Noor Specialist Hospital, Makkah, Saudi Arabia. Stool examinations
      were performed by direct method and concentrated Techniques for all patients.
      RESULTS: Overall, the prevalence of intestinal parasites was 6.2% (740 cases).
      Majority of patients were infected by Entamoeba histolytica (4.7%) followed by
      Giardia lamblia (1.3%), while Ankylostoma duodenal (0.02%) exhibited the minimum
      prevalence. Parasitic infections were more frequent in non-Saudis than Saudis
      patients (7.1% vs. 5.8%; p<0.05). There was no significant difference between
      males and females regarding parasitic infections, with a female:male ratio of
      1:1.08. There was a higher prevalence in patients under five years of age (9.1%),
      followed by patients aged 5-14 years (7.5%). CONCLUSION: The notable finding from
      this study is the high prevalence of E. histolytica. Overall, parasitic
      infections were more prevalent in patients under five years of age and in non
      Saudi nationals.

PMID- 22043413
TI  - In vitro activity of vancomycin and teicoplanin against coagulase negative
      staphylococci.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: With the increase in nosocomial infections caused by coagulase
      negative staphylococci (CNS), laboratory diagnosis of CNS with reduced
      susceptibility to glycopeptides (vancomycin and teicoplanin) has become
      important. This study was designed to determine the glycopeptide susceptibility
      of clinical isolates of methicillin resistant coagulase negative staphylococci
      (MRCNS) at the department of microbiology, government medical college and
      hospital, Amritsar, India. METHODS: A total of 250 CNS isolated from various
      clinical specimens were speciated and their methicillin resistance was detected
      by studying the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of oxacillin by macrobroth
      dilution method. Glycopeptide susceptibility of 130 methicillin resistant strains
      obtained was determined for vancomycin by vancomycin screen agar test, MIC of
      vancomycin by macrobroth dilution/and E test. Teicoplanin susceptibility was
      determined using teicoplanin disc diffusion test and MIC was determined by
      macrobroth dilution method. RESULTS: All the MRCNS isolates were found to be
      susceptible to vancomycin and teicoplanin. MIC of vancomycin ranged between <=0.5
      ug/ml to 1 ug/ml and of teicoplanin from <=0.5 ug/ml to 2ug/ml. CONCLUSION:
      Continuous monitoring of MIC of vancomycin in MRCNS is required to prevent the
      emergence of vancomycin resistance in these multidrug resistant organisms.

PMID- 22043414
TI  - Risk Factors for Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus among Children and Adolescents in
      Basrah.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Environmental factors play an important role in the pathogenesis of
      type 1 diabetes mellitus, many of these factors have been uncovered despite much
      research. A case-control study was carried out to determine the potential
      maternal, neonatal and early childhood risk factors for type 1 diabetes mellitus
      in children and adolescents in Basrah. METHODS: A total of 96 diabetic patients
      who have been admitted to the pediatric wards at 3 main hospitals in Basrah, and
      those who have visited primary health care centers over the period from the 4(th)
      of November 2006 to the end of May 2007 were recruited. In addition, 299 non
      diabetic children were included, their age ranged from 18 months to 17 years.
      RESULTS: Family history of type 1 diabetes mellitus and thyroid diseases in first
      and second degree relatives was found to be an independent risk factor for type 1
      diabetes mellitus, (p<0.001). Regarding maternal habits and illnesses during
      pregnancy, the study has revealed that tea drinking during pregnancy is a risk
      factor for type 1 diabetes mellitus in their offspring, (p<0.05). In addition,
      maternal pre-eclampsia and infections were found to be significant risk factor
      for type 1 diabetes mellitus, (p<0.001). Neonatal infections, eczema and rhinitis
      during infancy were also significantly associated with development of type 1
      diabetes mellitus. Moreover, the results revealed that duration of <6 months
      breast feeding is an important trigger of type 1 diabetes mellitus. CONCLUSION:
      Exposure to environmental risk factors during pregnancy (tea drinking, pre
      eclampsia, and infectious diseases), neonatal period (respiratory distress,
      jaundice and infections) and early infancy are thought to play an important role
      in triggering the immune process leading to B-cell destruction and the
      development of type 1 diabetes mellitus.

PMID- 22043415
TI  - Thanatophoric dysplasia: a rare entity.
AB  - Thanatophoric dysplasia is the lethal skeletal dysplasia characterized by marked
      underdevelopment of the skeleton and short-limb dwarfism. The child will be
      having a short neck, narrow thoracic cage and protuberant abdomen. Other
      anatomical features include a relatively enlarged head with frontal bossing,
      prominent eyes, hypertelorism and the depressed nasal bridge. The diagnosis is
      usually made with the ultrasonography in the second trimester. In this study we
      report a case of this rare entity with emphasis on its anatomical features,
      abnormalities and clinical profile with relevant review of literature.

PMID- 22043416
TI  - Dysgerminoma with pregnancy and viable baby: a case report.
AB  - Dysgerminomas are the most common of primitive germ cell tumors of the ovary,
      accounting for 1-5% of all ovarian malignancies. The reproductive age group
      females are most commonly affected, thereby causing problems in conception and if
      pregnancy occurs, it leads to feto-maternal compromise. It is extremely rare to
      have a successful natural pregnancy, with viable child birth with a coexisting
      dysgerminoma, without any assisted reproductive interventions. We hereby report a
      case of successful spontaneous natural pregnancy in a primi gravida, associated
      with dysgerminoma, with no feto-maternal compromise.

PMID- 22043417
TI  - Vitamin d toxicity in adults: a case series from an area with endemic
      hypovitaminosis d.
AB  - Vitamin D deficiency state is endemic to the Kashmir valley of the Indian
      subcontinent. Physicians often treat patients with high doses of vitamin D for
      various ailments and on occasion the prescribed doses far exceed the requirements
      of the patients. Ten cases of hypercalcemia due to vitamin D intoxication are
      presented with features of vomiting, polyuria, polydipsia, encephalopathy and
      renal dysfunction. All the patients had demonstrable hypercalcemia and vitamin D
      levels were high in nine of the 10 cases. The patients had received high doses of
      vitamin D and no other cause of hypercalcemia was identified. Treatment of
      hypercalcemia resulted in clinical recovery in nine cases. We conclude that
      hypervitaminosis D must be considered in the differential diagnosis of patients
      with hypercalcemia in endemically vitamin D deficient areas. A careful history
      and appropriate biochemical investigation will unravel the diagnosis in most of
      the cases.

PMID- 22043418
TI  - General physicians and prescribing pattern in isfahan, iran.

PMID- 22043419
TI  - Arsenic poisoning in bangladesh.

PMID- 22043420
TI  - Cystic pelvic lesion.

PMID- 22043421
TI  - Diagnostic difficulties in differentiating sarcoidosis from tuberculosis.

PMID- 22043422
TI  - An insight: medical tourism, local and international perspective.

PMID- 22043423
TI  - Objective structured clinical examination: the assessment of choice.
AB  - The Objective Structured Clinical Examination is a versatile multipurpose
      evaluative tool that can be utilized to assess health care professionals in a
      clinical setting. It assesses competency, based on objective testing through
      direct observation. It is precise, objective, and reproducible allowing uniform
      testing of students for a wide range of clinical skills. Unlike the traditional
      clinical exam, the OSCE could evaluate areas most critical to performance of
      health care professionals such as communication skills and ability to handle
      unpredictable patient behavior.

PMID- 22043424
TI  - Tropical cyclone gonu: number of patients and pattern of illnesses in the primary
      health centers in a'seeb area, muscat, sultanate of oman.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: On June 6(th) 2007, a tropical Cyclone Gonu striked the coastline of
      Oman. The purpose of this study is to compare number of patients and pattern of
      illnesses between disaster (June 2007) and peace times (June 2006/2008). METHODS:
      Descriptive comparative analysis of all patients who visited primary health
      centers in Wilayat A'Seeb during the index days. Electronic database collected
      from the Health Centers (HC) were grouped into four groups; infection-related,
      trauma-related, acute non trauma-related, and miscellaneous group. Data were
      analyzed to find difference of patient influx and disease patterns between
      disaster and peace times. RESULTS: HC visits during the index days decreased from
      9006 in 2006 to 8687 in 2007 then increased to 8786 in 2008. Neither between
      years variation nor between disaster and peace times difference was found to be
      statistically significant. The proportion of patient visited the HC due to
      infection-related illnesses changed from 30% in 2006, 31% in 2007, and 24% in
      2008 (p<0.0001). The proportion of patients visited the HC due to trauma-related
      illnesses had changed from 4% in 2006, to 6.7% in 2007, and to 4.4% in 2008.
      (p<0.0001). Proportions for acute non trauma-related visits were 27% in 2006, 24%
      in 2007, and 23% in 2008 (p<0.0001). Miscellaneous group accounted for 38% in
      2006, 37% in 2007, and 47% in 2008 (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Tropical Cyclone Gonu
      caused statistically significant increase in percentages of infectious and trauma
      related visits. The overall ratios of total visits did not differ from peace
      times.

PMID- 22043425
TI  - Immunohistochemical Expression of ki-67 and p53 in Colorectal Adenomas: A
      Clinicopathological Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the significance of P53 and Ki-67 expression as
      immunohistochemical markers in early detection of premalignant changes in
      different types of colorectal adenomas. Also, to correlate immunohistochemical
      expression of the two markers with different clinicopathological parameters
      including; age, and sex of the patient, type, site, size and grade of dysplasia
      of colorectal adenomas. METHODS: Forty-seven polypectomy specimens of colorectal
      adenomas were retrieved from the archival materials of the Gastrointestinal and
      Hepatic Diseases Teaching Hospital in Baghdad from 2009 - 2010. Four um section
      specimens were stained by immunohistochemical technique with Ki-67 and P53 tumor
      markers. P-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS:
      Immunohistochemical expressions of Ki-67 and P53 had a significant correlation
      with the size and grade of dysplasia in colorectal adenomas. However, there was
      no significant correlation among the immunohistochemical expression of Ki-67 and
      P53 with the age and gender of the patient, and the type and site of colorectal
      adenomas. There was no significant correlation between Ki-67 and P53 expressions
      in colorectal adenomas. Villous adenomas of colorectum showed a significant
      correlation with the grade of dysplasia, while there was no significant
      correlation between size and site of colorectal adenoma with the grade of
      dysplasia. CONCLUSION: High grade dysplasia with significant positive
      immunohistochemical markers of Ki-67 and P53 could be valuable parameters for
      selecting from the total colorectal adenoma population, those most deserving of
      close surveillance in follow-up cancer prevention programs. It is closely linked
      with increasing age particularly in patients with a large size adenoma of villous
      component in their histology.

PMID- 22043426
TI  - Prevalence of Depressive Symptoms among University Students in Oman.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To study the prevalence of depressive symptoms and its association
      with gender, academic year, and college among university students in Oman.
      METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among Omani students attending the
      students' clinic of the Sultan Qaboos University (SQU). A systematic sampling of
      students, males and females, from different colleges, who visited the clinic
      during the study period, was carried out. The self-administered Patient Health
      Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used to screen for propensity to depression. RESULTS: A
      total of 481 students participated in the study (243 males and 238 females).
      Overall, 133 (27.7%) of the participants (66 males and 67 females) had depression
      of various grades based on the PHQ-9 diagnostic criteria using a cut point of
      more than 11. Depression score at the cut point of 11 was not statistically
      associated with gender, college and the academic year. CONCLUSION: Tendency for
      depression might be a common health problem among college students in Oman
      attending primary health care facilities. Further research on socio-demographic
      characteristics and the effect of depression on the academic performance is
      needed.

PMID- 22043427
TI  - Bloodstream Bacterial Pathogens and their Antibiotic Resistance Pattern in
      Dhahira Region, Oman.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To describe the epidemiological, clinical, microbiological
      characteristics and antimicrobial resistance pattern of Bloodstream infections in
      Dhahira region, Oman. METHODS: Clinical data was collected from all patients with
      positive blood cultures for two years period. Standard laboratory methods were
      used for blood culture. Antibiotic sensitivity was tested using Kirby-Bauer disc
      diffusion method. RESULTS: Of the 360 bacterial pathogens isolated from 348
      patients, 57.8% were gram-positive and 42.2% were gram-negative. The common
      isolates were: Streptococcus species 76 (21.1%), coagulase-negative Staphylococci
      75 (20.8%), Escherichia coli 43 (11.9%), Staphylococcus aureus 41 (11.4%).
      Overall, mortality was 21.3% (74/348). Staphylococcus species (Staphylococcus
      aureus and CoNS) were more commonly resistant to Trimethoprim/ Sulphamethoxazole
      (35.3%) and Penicillin (25.9%). Streptococcus species were resistant to
      Trimethoprim/Sulphamethoxazole (39.1%) and Erythromycin (19.6%). CONCLUSION:
      Bloodstream infections are important causes of morbidity and mortality in our
      patients, especially among chronically ill elderly adult males. Prescription of
      proven resistant antibiotics to suspected bacteremic patients needs attention in
      Dhahira region.

PMID- 22043428
TI  - An audit of hypertension at university health center in oman.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To audit the documentation of medical care provided to hypertensive
      patients and to evaluate the management of hypertension in a primary healthcare
      center, Family Medicine Staff Clinic, Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) in Oman.
      METHODS: An audit of electronic medical records (EMR) was carried out during
      2007and 2008 on a representative sample of 150 patients, selected randomly using
      a simple randomization method. The mean age of the patients was 54.8 +/- 9.9
      years. The majority were Omanis; 53.3% were female, 46.7% were male. All
      patients' records were reviewed for proper recording in a pre designed structured
      form. Re-auditing was done in 2008. McNemar's test was used to compare data in
      2007 with data in 2008. RESULTS: Age, gender, blood pressure recording, renal
      function tests, and lipid levels were sufficiently recorded (>75%) in the
      computer system. Histories of pertinent symptoms and smoking history were poorly
      recorded (<1%). Fifty-five percent of the hypertensive patients were sufficiently
      controlled (BP<140/90). There were significant differences between 2007 and 2008
      with respect to documentation and recording of pertinent symptoms (p<0.001) and
      renal function tests (p=0.026). CONCLUSION: Conducting an audit of EMR is
      essential to evaluate clinical performance and to determine what changes should
      be made to improve quality of care. There was significant improvement in
      documentation of pertinent symptoms in the second audit.

PMID- 22043429
TI  - Effect of Mothers Nutritional Knowledge and Attitudes on Omani Children's Dietary
      Intake.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The study investigates the dietary intakes of Omani preschoolers and
      associations with both socio-demographic characteristics and the mother's
      nutritional knowledge and attitudes. METHODS: A sample of 154 parents of
      preschoolers completed a questionnaire including socio-demographic
      characteristics, a food-frequency questionnaire to assess children's food intake,
      nutritional knowledge and attitudes towards healthy eating. RESULTS: The results
      showed a lower dietary adequacy of children's food intake in mothers with low
      educational levels, high-ranked occupation, and lower levels of both nutritional
      knowledge and food related health attitudes. The highest food intake and healthy
      eating attitude scores were found in children of mothers with high education
      level and mother without a job. The association of the dietary adequacy with
      socio-demographic background can help the Omani healthcare decision makers to
      develop better-tailored nutrition interventions which are more suitable for the
      Omani community. CONCLUSION: The results from this study of mothers' nutritional
      knowledge and attitudes support the inclusion of knowledge and attitudes in
      dietary interventions.

PMID- 22043430
TI  - Incidence of stomach cancer in oman and the other gulf cooperation council
      countries.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Stomach cancer is the most common cancer among males in Oman and the
      second most frequent among females from 1997 to 2007. Reports have suggested the
      rate is higher in Oman than in the other GCC countries. This study aims to
      describe the epidemiology of stomach cancer in Oman and to explore the apparent
      differences in the incidence of stomach cancer between Oman and the other Gulf
      Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. METHODS: Data were obtained from the Omani
      National Cancer Registry (1997 - 2007) and from Gulf Centre for Cancer
      Registration reports (1998 - 2004). RESULTS: The annual average age-adjusted
      incidence rates for stomach cancer in Oman were 10.1 per 100,000 for males and
      5.6 per 100,000 for females between 1997 and 2007. The age-adjusted incidence
      varied by region within Oman, and the incidence rate was higher in Oman than in
      most other GCC countries between 1998 and 2004. CONCLUSION: Further investigation
      of the completeness and accuracy of cancer registration is essential for
      exploration of variations in stomach cancer rates in the GCC countries.

PMID- 22043431
TI  - The association between body mass index, lipid profile and serum estradiol levels
      in a sample of iraqi diabetic premenopausal women.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the association between body mass index (BMI), serum
      lipid profile and estradiol level in a sample of Iraqi diabetic premenopausal
      women at their pre ovulatory period. METHODS: A total of 155 diabetic female
      patients aged between 20-45 years, were enrolled in this study, which was
      conducted in Al Khademiyia Teaching Hospital from July 2008 to January 2010.
      Venous blood samples were taken, each serum sample was analyzed for total
      cholesterol, triglycerides, high density lipoprotein - cholesterol (HDL-C), low
      density lipoprotein - cholesterol (LDL-C), fasting glucose, insulin and
      estradiol. Body weight and height were measured for all patients included to
      calculate their Body Mass Index. RESULTS: The age of diabetic patients was 29.7
      +/- 4.3 years and BMI was 28.3 +/-5.84 kg/m(2). Fifty patients had normal BMI,
      while 50 patients were overweight and 55 were obese. The study revealed a
      positive association between obesity, triglycerides and LDL-C and a negative
      association between serum estradiol, obesity and LDL-C. CONCLUSION: Iraqi
      diabetic pre menopausal women at their pre ovulatory period exhibit a pro
      atherogenic risk profile because of their abnormal BMI, higher LDL-C, lower HDL
      cholesterol and estradiol level.

PMID- 22043432
TI  - Tuberculosis of the tongue clinically masquerading as a neoplasm: a case report
      and literature review.
AB  - Tuberculosis of the tongue is a very rare event even in areas and countries in
      which tuberculosis is endemic. The disease can present itself in a variety of
      clinical appearances, most of which may mimic malignant lingual neoplasms
      clinically. In this case, we present a patient who initially complained of an
      ulcerated lingual swelling, which was suspected to be a squamous cell carcinoma
      on clinical examination. In addition, the diagnosis was missed on the first and
      initial biopsy as it was not representative of the lesion. The diagnosis of
      lingual tuberculosis was made by histopathology on a second biopsy. In this
      article, we described the clinicopathological features of tuberculous glossitis
      with a comparison between our case and other similar reported cases in addition
      to a literature review.

PMID- 22043433
TI  - Native valve endocarditis caused by coagulase negative staphylococci; an appeal
      to start outpatient antimicrobial therapy: an unusual case report.
AB  - Coagulase negative staphylococci (CNS) were a rare cause of native valve
      endocarditis. However, they are emerging as an important cause of native valve
      endocarditis (NVE) in both community and healthcare settings. We describe a 64
      yrs. old male who developed mitral valve endocarditis caused by coagulase
      negative staphylococci. There were no predisposing conditions or underlying
      cardiac disease that could have been the risk factor for the development of
      native valve infection. The patient had good recovery after six weeks of
      treatment with anti-staphylococcal antibiotics.

PMID- 22043434
TI  - Distal renal tubular acidosis, hypokalemic paralysis, nephrocalcinosis, primary
      hypothyroidism, growth retardation, osteomalacia and osteoporosis leading to
      pathological fracture: a case report.
AB  - Renal tubular acidosis (RTA) is a constellation of syndromes arising from
      different derangements of tubular acid transport. Recent advances in the biology
      of urinary acidification have allowed us to discern various molecular mechanisms
      responsible for these syndromes. RTA often presents as renal stone disease with
      nephrocalcinosis, ricket/osteomalacia and growth retardation in children with
      ultimate short stature in adulthood. The case reported here has features of
      distal renal tubular acidosis (dRTA), hypokalemic paralysis, primary
      hypothyroidism, growth retardation, osteomalacia and osteopenia leading to stress
      fracture. All these features presenting in a single case (as in our case) is a
      rare occurrence, so far other cases of distal renal tubular acidosis (dRTA) have
      been reported.

PMID- 22043435
TI  - Familial ectrodactyly syndrome in a nigerian child: a case report.
AB  - Ectrodactyly, also known as Split-Hand/Split-Foot Malformation (SHFM) is a rare
      genetic condition characterized by defects of the central elements of the
      autopod. It has a prevalence of 1:10,000-1:90,000 worldwide. The X-linked and
      autosomal dominant types have been described. It can occur as an isolated
      malformation or in combination with other anomalies, such as tibial aplasia,
      craniofacial defects, and genitourinary abnormalities. Ectrodactyly-ectodermal
      dysplasia-clefting syndrome (EEC) is an example of ectrodactyly syndrome
      accompanied by multiple organ defects. Ectrodactyly has been reported in Africa,
      especially in several families in remote areas of central Africa but there has
      not been any published work on ectrodactyly in Nigeria. A baby was born in
      Ilorin, North Central Zone of Nigeria, with an uneventful prenatal and delivery
      history but was noticed to have malformation of the two hands and the two lower
      limbs at birth which are replica of the father's malformation. We present this
      case to highlight familial ectrodactyly in Nigeria and prepare us to improve upon
      simple prenatal diagnosis and management of the challenges associated with
      patients with congenital malformation in Nigeria and other developing countries.

PMID- 22043436
TI  - Replantation of an amputated hand: a rare case report and acknowledgement of a
      multidisciplinary team input.
AB  - An amputation of the hand is a devastating injury. It adversely affects the
      victim's ability to earn a livelihood, support a family, and carry out daily
      activities. It has a great psychological impact. We report a middle aged male
      with an amputation at the level of the distal forearm who underwent replantation.
      The operative details of this case are described. Awareness of the possibility of
      salvage should be spread among healthcare personnel and the need for immediate
      attention by a multispeciality team is advocated. This report reviews the
      literature related to the operative technique, contraindications and long term
      results.

PMID- 22043437
TI  - An overlooked complication of vancomycin induced acute flaccid paralysis in a
      child with acute leukemia: a case report.
AB  - Vancomycin is a glycopeptide antibiotic which is commonly used to treat
      methicillin-resistant staphylococcal infections. It is commonly used in pediatric
      oncology wards for children with febrile neutropenia. We report a very rare side
      effect of vancomycin induced myopathy in a child with acute lymphoblastic
      leukemia. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case reported from
      Oman.

PMID- 22043438
TI  - Spontaneous rupture of umbilical hernia in pregnancy: a case report.
AB  - A 28 year old woman presented with a spontaneous rupture of an umbilical hernia
      in her seventh month of pregnancy. She had four previous unsupervised normal
      deliveries. There was no history of trauma or application of herbal medicine on
      the hernia. The hernia sac ruptured at the inferior surface where it was attached
      to the ulcerated and damaged overlying skin. There was a gangrenous eviscerated
      small bowel. The patient was resuscitated and the gangrenous small bowel was
      resected and end to end anastomosis done. The hernia sac was excised and the 12
      cm defect repaired. Six weeks later, she had spontaneous vaginal delivery of a
      live baby. We advocate that large umbilical hernias should be routinely repaired
      when seen in women of child bearing age.

PMID- 22043439
TI  - Cholera epidemic in and around kolkata, India: endemicity and management.

PMID- 22043440
TI  - Modification of the surgical morbidity and mortality meetings as a tool to
      improve patient safety.

PMID- 22043441
TI  - Laryngeal mass.

PMID- 22043442
TI  - Problem-based Learning: A Current Model of Education.

PMID- 22043443
TI  - Attitudes towards Informed Consent: A Comparison between Surgeons Working in
      Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom.

PMID- 22043444
TI  - It's the Right Time for Advances in Nutrition.

PMID- 22043445
TI  - Editorial letter.

PMID- 22043446
TI  - (n-3) Fatty Acids: Clinical Trials in People with Type 2 Diabetes.
AB  - Recent human clinical trials of the effects of (n-3) fatty acids on participants
      with type 2 diabetes (T2D) were reviewed, focusing on 11 clinical trials
      conducted within the past 4 y, and subsequent to a Cochrane Database meta
      analysis of this topic. Doses of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic
      acid (DHA) in these studies were mostly in the range of ~2 g/d provided for 6 wk
      to 6 mo. Summarizing across these studies, there were no changes in fasting
      glucose or insulin compared with baseline or placebo. (n-3) Fatty acids generally
      decreased serum triglycerides but had varying effects on serum cholesterol, LDL
      cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol. A few studies indicated beneficial effects of
      (n-3) fatty acids on arterial blood flow. The effects of EPA and/or DHA have not
      yet been studied in clinical trials in participants at risk for T2D; the
      prevention or exacerbation of T2D by fish oil or EPA and DHA supplements of
      amounts >0.5 g/d deserves study. The prevention of adverse vascular effects of
      T2D by (n-3) fatty acids may be a promising direction for further study.

PMID- 22043447
TI  - Epigenetics: A New Bridge between Nutrition and Health.
AB  - Nutrients can reverse or change epigenetic phenomena such as DNA methylation and
      histone modifications, thereby modifying the expression of critical genes
      associated with physiologic and pathologic processes, including embryonic
      development, aging, and carcinogenesis. It appears that nutrients and bioactive
      food components can influence epigenetic phenomena either by directly inhibiting
      enzymes that catalyze DNA methylation or histone modifications, or by altering
      the availability of substrates necessary for those enzymatic reactions. In this
      regard, nutritional epigenetics has been viewed as an attractive tool to prevent
      pediatric developmental diseases and cancer as well as to delay aging-associated
      processes. In recent years, epigenetics has become an emerging issue in a broad
      range of diseases such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, inflammation, and
      neurocognitive disorders. Although the possibility of developing a treatment or
      discovering preventative measures of these diseases is exciting, current
      knowledge in nutritional epigenetics is limited, and further studies are needed
      to expand the available resources and better understand the use of nutrients or
      bioactive food components for maintaining our health and preventing diseases
      through modifiable epigenetic mechanisms.

PMID- 22043448
TI  - Pulse consumption, satiety, and weight management.
AB  - The prevalence of obesity has reached epidemic proportions, making finding
      effective solutions to reduce obesity a public health priority. One part of the
      solution could be for individuals to increase consumption of nonoilseed pulses
      (dry beans, peas, chickpeas, and lentils), because they have nutritional
      attributes thought to benefit weight control, including slowly digestible
      carbohydrates, high fiber and protein contents, and moderate energy density.
      Observational studies consistently show an inverse relationship between pulse
      consumption and BMI or risk for obesity, but many do not control for potentially
      confounding dietary and other lifestyle factors. Short-term (<=1 d) experimental
      studies using meals controlled for energy, but not those controlled for available
      carbohydrate, show that pulse consumption increases satiety over 2-4 h,
      suggesting that at least part of the effect of pulses on satiety is mediated by
      available carbohydrate amount or composition. Randomized controlled trials
      generally support a beneficial effect of pulses on weight loss when pulse
      consumption is coupled with energy restriction, but not without energy
      restriction. However, few randomized trials have been conducted and most were
      short term (3-8 wk for whole pulses and 4-12 wk for pulse extracts). Overall,
      there is some indication of a beneficial effect of pulses on short-term satiety
      and weight loss during intentional energy restriction, but more studies are
      needed in this area, particularly those that are longer term (>=1 y), investigate
      the optimal amount of pulses to consume for weight control, and include
      behavioral elements to help overcome barriers to pulse consumption.

PMID- 22043449
TI  - Functional amino acids in growth, reproduction, and health.
AB  - Amino acids (AA) were traditionally classified as nutritionally essential or
      nonessential for animals and humans based on nitrogen balance or growth. A key
      element of this classification is that all nonessential AA (NEAA) were assumed to
      be synthesized adequately in the body as substrates to meet the needs for protein
      synthesis. Unfortunately, regulatory roles for AA in nutrition and metabolism
      have long been ignored. Such conceptual limitations were not recognized until
      recent seminal findings that dietary glutamine is necessary for intestinal
      mucosal integrity and dietary arginine is required for maximum neonatal growth
      and embryonic survival. Some of the traditionally classified NEAA (e.g.
      glutamine, glutamate, and arginine) play important roles in regulating gene
      expression, cell signaling, antioxidative responses, and immunity. Additionally,
      glutamate, glutamine, and aspartate are major metabolic fuels for the small
      intestine and they, along with glycine, regulate neurological function. Among
      essential AA (EAA), much emphasis has been placed on leucine (which activates
      mammalian target of rapamycin to stimulate protein synthesis and inhibit
      proteolysis) and tryptophan (which modulates neurological and immunological
      functions through multiple metabolites, including serotonin and melatonin). A
      growing body of literature leads to a new concept of functional AA, which are
      defined as those AA that regulate key metabolic pathways to improve health,
      survival, growth, development, lactation, and reproduction of organisms. Both
      NEAA and EAA should be considered in the classic "ideal protein" concept or
      formulation of balanced diets to maximize protein accretion and optimize health
      in animals and humans.

PMID- 22043451
TI  - Choline.

PMID- 22043450
TI  - Control of systemic iron homeostasis by the hemojuvelin-hepcidin axis.
AB  - Systemic iron homeostasis is maintained by the coordinate regulation of iron
      absorption in the duodenum, iron recycling of senescent erythrocytes in
      macrophages, and mobilization of storage iron in the liver. These processes are
      controlled by hepcidin, a key iron regulatory hormone. Hepcidin is a 25-amino
      acid peptide secreted predominantly from hepatocytes. It downregulates
      ferroportin, the only known iron exporter, and therefore inhibits iron efflux
      from duodenal enterocytes, macrophages, and hepatocytes into the circulation.
      Hepcidin expression is regulated positively by body iron load. Although the
      underlying mechanism of iron-regulated hepcidin expression has not been fully
      elucidated, several proteins have been identified that participate in this
      process. Among them, hemojuvelin (HJV) plays a particularly important role. HJV
      undergoes complicated post-translational processing in an iron-dependent manner,
      and it interacts with multiple proteins that are essential for iron homeostasis.
      In this review, I focus on the recent findings that elucidate the role of HJV and
      its interacting partners in the modulation of hepatic hepcidin expression.

PMID- 22043452
TI  - Institute of Medicine. 2010. Strategies to Reduce Sodium Intake in the United
      States. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press.

PMID- 22043453
TI  - C-Raf is required for the initiation of lung cancer by K-Ras(G12D).
AB  - The Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK (extracellular signal-regulated kinase) pathway is primarily
      responsible for mitogenesis in metazoans, and mutational activation of this
      pathway is common in cancer. A variety of selective chemical inhibitors directed
      against the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway are now available for
      clinical investigation and thus the determination of the importance of each of
      the kinases in oncogenesis is paramount. We investigated the role of two Raf
      kinases, B-Raf and C-Raf, in Ras oncogenesis, and found that although B-Raf and C
      Raf have overlapping functions in primary mesenchymal cells, C-Raf but not B-Raf
      is required for the proliferative effects of K-Ras(G12D) in primary epithelial
      cells. Furthermore, in a lung cancer mouse model, C-Raf is essential for tumor
      initiation by oncogenic K-Ras(G12D), whereas B-Raf is dispensable for this
      process. Our findings reveal that K-Ras(G12D) elicits its oncogenic effects
      primarily through C-Raf and suggest that selective C-Raf inhibition could be
      explored as a therapeutic strategy for K-Ras-dependent cancers.

PMID- 22043454
TI  - The atomic force microscope as a mechano-electrochemical pen.
AB  - We demonstrate a method that allows the controlled writing of metallic patterns
      on the nanometer scale using the tip of an atomic force microscope (AFM) as a
      "mechano-electrochemical pen". In contrast to previous experiments, no voltage is
      applied between the AFM tip and the sample surface. Instead, a passivated sample
      surface is activated locally due to lateral forces between the AFM tip and the
      sample surface. In this way, the area of tip-sample interaction is narrowly
      limited by the mechanical contact between tip and sample, and well-defined
      metallic patterns can be written reproducibly. Nanoscale structures and lines of
      copper were deposited, and the line widths ranged between 5 nm and 80 nm,
      depending on the deposition parameters. A procedure for the sequential writing of
      metallic nanostructures is introduced, based on the understanding of the
      passivation process. The mechanism of this mechano-electrochemical writing
      technique is investigated, and the processes of site-selective surface
      depassivation, deposition, dissolution and repassivation of electrochemically
      deposited nanoscale metallic islands are studied in detail.

PMID- 22043455
TI  - Formation of SiC nanoparticles in an atmospheric microwave plasma.
AB  - We describe the formation of SiC nanopowder using an atmospheric argon microwave
      plasma with tetramethylsilane (TMS) as precursor. The impact of several process
      conditions on the particle size of the product is experimentally investigated.
      Particles with sizes ranging from 7 nm to about 20 nm according to BET and XRD
      measurements are produced. The dependency of the particle size on the process
      parameters is evaluated statistically and explained with growth-rate equations
      derived from the theory of Ostwald ripening. The results show that the particle
      size is mainly influenced by the concentration of the precursor material in the
      plasma.

PMID- 22043456
TI  - STM visualisation of counterions and the effect of charges on self-assembled
      monolayers of macrocycles.
AB  - Despite their importance in self-assembly processes, the influence of charged
      counterions on the geometry of self-assembled organic monolayers and their direct
      localisation within the monolayers has been given little attention. Recently,
      various examples of self-assembled monolayers composed of charged molecules on
      surfaces have been reported, but no effort has been made to prove the presence of
      counterions within the monolayer. Here we show that visualisation and exact
      localisation of counterions within self-assembled monolayers can be achieved with
      scanning tunnelling microscopy (STM). The presence of charges on the studied
      shape-persistent macrocycles is shown to have a profound effect on the self
      assembly process at the liquid-solid interface. Furthermore, preferential
      adsorption was observed for the uncharged analogue of the macrocycle on a
      surface.

PMID- 22043457
TI  - Highly efficient ZnO/Au Schottky barrier dye-sensitized solar cells: Role of gold
      nanoparticles on the charge-transfer process.
AB  - Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanorods decorated with gold (Au) nanoparticles have been
      synthesized and used to fabricate dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC). The
      picosecond-resolved, time-correlated single-photon-count (TCSPC) spectroscopy
      technique was used to explore the charge-transfer mechanism in the ZnO/Au
      nanocomposite DSSC. Due to the formation of the Schottky barrier at the ZnO/Au
      interface and the higher optical absorptions of the ZnO/Au photoelectrodes
      arising from the surface plasmon absorption of the Au nanoparticles, enhanced
      power-conversion efficiency (PCE) of 6.49% for small-area (0.1 cm(2)) ZnO/Au
      nanocomposite DSSC was achieved compared to the 5.34% efficiency of the bare ZnO
      nanorod DSSC. The TCSPC studies revealed similar dynamics for the charge transfer
      from dye molecules to ZnO both in the presence and absence of Au nanoparticles. A
      slower fluorescence decay associated with the electron recombination process,
      observed in the presence of Au nanoparticles, confirmed the blocking of the
      electron transfer from ZnO back to the dye or electrolyte by the Schottky barrier
      formed at the ZnO/Au interface. For large area DSSC (1 cm(2)), ~130% enhancement
      in PCE (from 0.50% to 1.16%) was achieved after incorporation of the Au
      nanoparticles into the ZnO nanorods.

PMID- 22043458
TI  - Transport through molecular junctions.

PMID- 22043459
TI  - Interaction of spin and vibrations in transport through single-molecule magnets.
AB  - We study electron transport through a single-molecule magnet (SMM) and the
      interplay of its anisotropic spin with quantized vibrational distortions of the
      molecule. Based on numerical renormalization group calculations we show that,
      despite the longitudinal anisotropy barrier and small transverse anisotropy,
      vibrational fluctuations can induce quantum spin-tunneling (QST) and a QST-Kondo
      effect. The interplay of spin scattering, QST and molecular vibrations can
      strongly enhance the Kondo effect and induce an anomalous magnetic field
      dependence of vibrational Kondo side-bands.

PMID- 22043460
TI  - An MCBJ case study: The influence of pi-conjugation on the single-molecule
      conductance at a solid/liquid interface.
AB  - pi-Conjugation plays an important role in charge transport through single
      molecular junctions. We describe in this paper the construction of a mechanically
      controlled break-junction setup (MCBJ) equipped with a highly sensitive log I-V
      converter in order to measure ultralow conductances of molecular rods trapped
      between two gold leads. The current resolution of the setup reaches down to 10
      fA. We report single-molecule conductance measurements of an anthracene-based
      linearly conjugated molecule (AC), of an anthraquinone-based cross-conjugated
      molecule (AQ), and of a dihydroanthracene-based molecule (AH) with a broken
      conjugation. The quantitative analysis of complementary current-distance and
      current-voltage measurements revealed details of the influence of pi-conjugation
      on the single-molecule conductance.

PMID- 22043461
TI  - Charge transport in a zinc-porphyrin single-molecule junction.
AB  - We have investigated charge transport in ZnTPPdT-Pyr (TPPdT: 5,15-di(p
      thiolphenyl)-10,20-di(p-tolyl)porphyrin) molecular junctions using the
      lithographic mechanically controllable break-junction (MCBJ) technique at room
      temperature and cryogenic temperature (6 K). We combined low-bias statistical
      measurements with spectroscopy of the molecular levels in the form of I(V)
      characteristics. This combination allows us to characterize the transport in a
      molecular junction in detail. This complex molecule can form different junction
      configurations, having an observable effect on the trace histograms and the
      current-voltage (I(V)) measurements. Both methods show that multiple, stable
      single-molecule junction configurations can be obtained by modulating the
      interelectrode distance. In addition we demonstrate that different ZnTPPdT-Pyr
      junction configurations can lead to completely different spectroscopic features
      with the same conductance values. We show that statistical low-bias conductance
      measurements should be interpreted with care, and that the combination with I(V)
      spectroscopy represents an essential tool for a more detailed characterization of
      the charge transport in a single molecule.

PMID- 22043462
TI  - Editorial: EJOI impact factor and EJOI-DENTSPLY Friadent Scientific Awards.

PMID- 22043463
TI  - Flapless versus open flap implant surgery in partially edentulous patients
      subjected to immediate loading: 1-year results from a split-mouth randomised
      controlled trial.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of flapless versus open flap implant placement
      in partially edentulous patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty patients with two
      separate edentulous areas characterised by residual bone at least 5 mm thick and
      10 mm in height had these sites randomised following a split-mouth design to
      receive at least one implant to each side after flap elevation or not. Implants
      were first placed in one site, and after 2 weeks in the other site freehand.
      Implants inserted with a torque >48 Ncm were immediately loaded with full
      occluding acrylic temporary restorations. Definitive single cemented crowns or
      screw-retained metal ceramic fixed dental prostheses were delivered after 2
      months. Outcome measures were prosthesis and implant failures, complications,
      postoperative swelling and pain, consumption of analgesics, patient preference,
      surgical time, marginal bone level changes, and implant stability quotient (ISQ)
      values. RESULTS: Seventy-six implants were placed flapless and 67 after flap
      elevation. In the flapless group, four flaps had to be raised to control the
      direction of the bur, whereas one haemorrhage and one fracture of the buccal bone
      occurred in two patients of the flap elevation group. Four implants did not reach
      the planned stability (three belonging to the flapless group) and they were all
      immediately replaced by larger diameter ones. After 1 year, no drop-outs
      occurred. Two definitive bridges could not be placed when planned (one in each
      group) and two crowns had to be remade (one in each group). Two implants failed
      in each group, all in different patients. There were no statistically significant
      differences for prosthetic and implant failures, complications, ISQ values and
      marginal bone levels between groups. However, flapless implant placement required
      significantly less operation time (17 minutes less, saving almost two-thirds of
      the time for implant placement), induced less postoperative pain, swelling,
      analgesic consumption and was preferred by patients. Mean ISQ values of both
      groups significantly decreased over time. CONCLUSIONS: Implants can be
      successfully placed flapless and loaded immediately, reducing treatment time and
      patient discomfort.

PMID- 22043464
TI  - Treatment of the atrophic edentulous maxilla: short implants versus bone
      augmentation for placing longer implants. Five-month post-loading results of a
      pilot randomised controlled trial.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate whether short (5 to 8.5 mm) dental implants could be a
      suitable alternative to longer (>11.5 mm) implants placed in atrophic maxillae
      augmented with autogenous bone for supporting dental prostheses. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Twenty-eight patients with fully edentulous atrophic maxillae having 5
      to 9 mm of residual crestal bone height at least 5 mm thick, as measured on
      computerised tomography scans, were randomised into two groups either to receive
      4 to 8 short (5 to 8.5 mm) implants (15 patients) or autogenous bone from the
      iliac crest to allow the placement of at least 11.5 mmlong implants (13
      patients). Bone blocks and the windows at maxillary sinuses were covered with
      rigid resorbable barriers. Grafts were left to heal for 4 months before placing
      implants, which were submerged. After 4 months, provisional reinforced acrylic
      prostheses or bar-retained overdentures were delivered. Provisional prostheses
      were replaced, after 4 months, by definitive screw-retained metal-resin cross
      arch fixed dental prostheses. Outcome measures were: prosthesis and implant
      failures, any complications (including prolonged postoperative pain) and patient
      satisfaction. All patients were followed for 5 months after loading. RESULTS: All
      patients could be rehabilitated with implant-supported prostheses and none
      dropped out. One bilateral sinus lift procedure failed due to infection, though
      short implants could be placed. One implant failed in the augmented group versus
      2 short implants in 2 patients. All failures occurred before loading.
      Significantly more complications occurred in augmented patients: 8 complications
      occurred in 5 augmented patients (all complained of pain 1 month after bone
      harvesting from the iliac crest). No complications occurred in the short implant
      group. All patients were fully satisfied with the treatment and would do it
      again. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study suggests that short implants may be a
      suitable, cheaper and faster alternative to longer implants placed in bone
      augmented with autogenous bone for rehabilitating edentulous atrophic maxillae.
      However, these preliminary results need to be confirmed by larger trials with
      follow-ups of at least 5 years.

PMID- 22043465
TI  - Immediate loading of 2 (all-on-2) versus 4 (all-on-4) implants placed with a
      flapless technique supporting mandibular cross-arch fixed prostheses: preliminary
      results from a pilot randomised controlled trial.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical outcome of 2 implants versus 4 implants placed
      flapless in fully edentulous mandibles and immediately restored with metal-resin
      screw-retained cross-arch prostheses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients from
      two different centres were randomised: 30 to the allon- 2 group and 30 to the all
      on-4 group. To be immediately loaded, implants had to be inserted with a minimum
      torque of 40 Ncm. Outcome measures were prosthesis and implant failures, and
      biological and biomechanical complications. RESULTS: Flaps were raised in 18
      patients. Two implants in 2 patients did not reach the planned insertion torque
      and were immediately replaced by larger diameter ones. Four months after loading,
      no drop-out or implant failure occurred. One biomechanical complication occurred
      in the all-on-2 group versus 4 in the all-on-4 group. There were no statistically
      significant differences between groups for complications. There were no
      differences between centres. CONCLUSIONS: These very preliminary results, just 4
      months after loading, suggest that immediately loaded mandibular cross-arch fixed
      dental prostheses can be supported by only 2 dental implants. Longer follow-ups
      (around 10 years) are needed to understand whether cross-arch mandibular
      prostheses can be successfully supported by only 2 dental implants.

PMID- 22043466
TI  - One versus two titanium screw fixation of autologous onlay bone grafts in the
      anterior maxilla: a randomised histological pilot study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the histological presentation of
      local mandibular bone grafts fixed with one screw or two screws in buccal
      anterior maxillary augmentation procedures. STUDY DESIGN: Local buccal defects of
      the anterior maxilla were reconstructed in 12 patients (mean age 47 +/- 17 years,
      range 18 to 67 years) using autogenous cortical bone grafts from the mandibular
      retromolar area. Patients were randomised using envelopes containing study
      identification numbers. After randomisation, two screws were used to fix the bone
      graft in six patients, and one screw was used in the other six patients. Four
      months later during implant placement, a bone biopsy was taken with a trephine.
      The biopsies were processed for light microscope evaluation. RESULTS: The mean
      total bone volume varied from 35.8% to 72.4% (mean 51.1% +/- 13.4%) in the one
      screw group and from 28.7% to 56.6% (mean 40.8% +/- 11.5%) in the two-screw
      group. The mean non-vital bone volume ranged from 0% to 2% (mean 0.9% +/- 0.9%)
      in the one-screw group and from 0% to 8.9% (mean 2.2% +/- 3.7%) in the two-screw
      group. The mean osteoid volume ranged from 2.2% to 7.3% (mean 5.4% +/- 1.7%) in
      the one-screw group and from 2.0% to 16.4% (mean 7.3% +/- 5%) in the two-screw
      group. CONCLUSION: No significant histological differences were found between the
      use of one or two screws to fix an autologous bone graft in buccal bone grafting
      procedures prior to implant placement.

PMID- 22043467
TI  - The rehabilitation of completely edentulous maxillae with different degrees of
      resorption with four or more immediately loaded implants: a 5-year retrospective
      study and a new classification.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report the long-term outcome of immediately loaded implants in the
      rehabilitations of completely edentulous maxillae with different classifications.
      The secondary aim was to evaluate the influence of possible explanatory variables
      on the incidence of biological and mechanical complications. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: In total, 221 patients were consecutively included and classified into
      four groups that allowed implant placement in a vertical position: Group 1 (bone
      available up to first molar), Group 2 (bone available up to second premolar),
      Group 3 (bone available up to first premolar) and Group 4 (bone available up to
      canine). Outcome measures were prosthesis and implant survival, and biological
      and mechanical complications. RESULTS: A total of 995 implants were placed.
      Eighteen patients (8% of the sample) dropped out of the study. After 5 years,
      three patients lost their prosthesis due to implant failures, giving a survival
      rate of 98.6%; 25 patients lost 41 implants, giving a survival rate of 88.7%
      (25/221) and an implant-specific survival rate of 95.8% (41/995). According to
      the edentulism classification, the patient-specific survival rate after 5 years
      was 78.6% for Group 1, 89.3% for Group 2, 92.4% for Group 3 and 91.7% for Group
      4. In total, 129 biological complications occurred affecting 129 implants (13%)
      in 66 patients (30%). Smoking was identified as a risk factor for the incidence
      of biological complications with an OR of 3.03 (95% CI 2.03-4.56; P < 0.0001),
      while 'gender' (male; OR = 0.56; 95% CI 0.37-0.85; P = 0.007) was a factor that
      had a protective effect. A total of 170 mechanical complications occurred,
      affecting 170 implants (17%) in 71 patients (38%). Bruxism was identified as a
      risk factor for the incidence of mechanical complications with an OR of 60.95
      (95% CI 21.40-173.54; P < 0.0001), while a Group 2 edentulism classification had
      a protective effect for the incidence of mechanical complications with an OR of
      0.22 (95% CI 0.07-0.71; P = 0.011). CONCLUSIONS: It is a viable treatment option
      to rehabilitate completely edentulous maxillae using four implants or more to
      support a fixed prosthesis.

PMID- 22043468
TI  - A retrospective cohort study of 105 patients rehabilitated with immediately
      loaded mandibular cross-arch bridges in combination with immediate implant
      placement.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcome of immediately loaded cross-arch bridges 4
      months after loading. A second aim was to compare survival rates of implants
      placed in healed versus fresh extraction sites. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In total,
      105 consecutive patients about to have their mandibles rendered fully edentulous
      (mean extractions per patient: 6.1 teeth) received four to six implants each
      (total number = 448), which were immediately placed in healed sites (266
      implants, 59%) or fresh sockets (182 implants: 41%). Immediate loading of
      provisional prostheses was performed and all patients were followed-up for 4
      months. The success criteria included prosthesis success, assessment of
      individual implant stability and complications. RESULTS: No patient dropped out
      and all 105 patients received definitive fixed prostheses after four months of
      loading. The overall implant survival rate after four months was 98.2%. Eight
      implants were lost in eight patients (8%). Four of them were inserted in fresh
      extraction sockets (2.2%) and four in healed sites (1.5%). No significant
      difference (P = 0.4990) was found for implants placed into healed sites versus
      fresh extraction sites. No complications were reported. CONCLUSIONS: Immediate
      implant placement and loading resulted in high implant as well as prosthetic
      survival rates. Placement in healed or fresh extraction bone sites did not
      influence implant survival.

PMID- 22043469
TI  - Outcome of implant therapy involving localised lateral alveolar ridge and/or
      sinus floor augmentation: a clinical and radiographic retrospective 1-year study.
AB  - AIM: To retrospectively evaluate the 1-year outcome of implant therapy involving
      various types of localised lateral alveolar ridge and/or sinus floor augmentation
      procedures performed before implant placement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-seven
      patients were consecutively treated with oral implants on average 6.5 months
      after bone grafting. A total of 82 regions were augmented and 151 implants were
      inserted. All regions were augmented with autogenous bone harvested intraorally.
      Block grafts (13 regions, 16%), particulate grafts (25 regions, 30%), and a
      combination of block and particulate grafts (44 regions, 54%) were used. The
      particulate grafts were sometimes mixed with less than 25% anorganic porous
      bovine-derived bone mineral (28 regions, 34%). Finally, the grafted areas were in
      most cases covered by either an expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE)
      membrane (58 regions, 71%) or a resorbable collagen membrane (11 regions, 13%).
      The selection of the performed procedure was based upon the experience of the
      surgeon and thorough evaluation of each case. All surgical procedures were
      performed by two oral and maxillofacial surgeons with extensive clinical
      experience with regenerative procedures. The outcome measures were complications
      related to the augmentation procedure, prosthesis survival, implant survival and
      peri-implant marginal bone loss. RESULTS: No dropouts occurred. Complications
      occurred in eight patients (17%) after bone harvesting: temporary paraesthesia
      (two patients, 4%), membrane exposure (five patients, 11%) and acute sinusitis
      (one patient, 2%). Membrane exposure was exclusively observed when an e-PTFE
      membrane was used. However, the subsequent implant placement was not compromised.
      Regarding the patient with acute sinusitis, the graft was removed and
      implant/prosthesis placement was not possible. No further prosthesis failures
      occurred during the 1-year follow-up period. Thus, the prosthesis survival was
      99%. The implant survival involving sinus lift, lateral augmentation, and
      combined sinus lift and lateral augmentation was 91%, 97%, and 100%,
      respectively. A total of four patients (9%) experienced implant failure. The mean
      peri-implant marginal bone loss at patient level involving sinus lift, lateral
      augmentation, and combined sinus lift and lateral augmentation was 0.60 mm
      (range: 0.31-1.25), 0.31 mm (range: 0.00-0.75) and 0.41 mm (range: 0.00-1.25),
      respectively. No technical complications were observed. Moreover, no episodes of
      peri-implant mucositis or peri-implantitis were registered. CONCLUSIONS:
      Localised lateral alveolar ridge and/or sinus floor augmentation performed before
      implant placement seems to be associated with few complications after 1 year.
      However, it should be emphasised that all surgical procedures were selected and
      performed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons with extensive clinical experience
      in the field of regenerative procedures.

PMID- 22043470
TI  - A proposed classification for zygomatic implant patient based on the zygoma
      anatomy guided approach (ZAGA): a cross-sectional survey.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of the present cross-sectional study was to propose a
      classification system based on a cross-sectional survey of zygomatic implant
      cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cone beam computerised tomography (CBCT)
      postoperative images and clinical intra-surgery photographs of 200 sites
      corresponding to 100 patients, treated with a total of 198 zygomatic implants in
      the maxilla according to an anatomy-driven prosthetic approach, were reviewed
      with regard to anatomy and pathway of the zygomatic implant body. The patients
      were consecutively selected independently of the type of surgery performed, with
      the unique requirement of a post-surgical CBCT performed at the moment of
      selection. Of special interest was the morphology of the lateral sinus wall,
      residual alveolar crest and the zygomatic buttress. An attempt was made to divide
      the patients into groups, describing typical anatomies and implant pathways.
      RESULTS: Five basic skeletal forms of the zygomatic buttress-alveolar crest
      complex and subsequent implant pathways could be identified in a sample of 100
      patients. Out of them, 62% were female and 38% male, with ages varying between 36
      and 83 years (mean age 59.6, SD: 9.67). The five groups were classified as ZAGA 0
      to 4 representing 15%, 49%, 20.5%, 9% and 6.5% of the studied sites,
      respectively. Intra-individual anatomical differences affecting the zygomatic
      buttress-alveolar crest complex was also found in 58% of the patients.
      CONCLUSIONS: Five typical anatomical and implant pathway situations could be
      identified. A classification system comprising five groups named ZAGA 0 to 4 is
      proposed. Anatomical intra-individual differences were also found in the 58% of
      the studied population. It is believed that the proposed classification system is
      useful for categorising zygomatic implant cases for therapy planning and for
      scientific follow-up purposes.

PMID- 22043471
TI  - Influence of operator experience on in vitro bond strength of dentin adhesives.
AB  - PURPOSE: To examine the influence of operator experience level on shear bond
      strength (SBS) of a self-etching adhesive (Clearfil SE Bond [CSE], Kuraray) and
      an etch-and-rinse adhesive (Single Bond [SB], 3M ESPE). MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Flat dentin surfaces were created on 120 extracted human third molars. Bonding
      agents and composite resin were applied and light cured according to
      manufacturers' directions (n = 15). Four operators with different levels of
      experience in operative dentistry performed the same specimen preparation steps
      independently: group 1: specialist in operative dentistry; group 2: post-graduate
      student; group 3: undergraduate dental student; group 4: private general
      practitioner. Specimens were stored in distilled water for 24 h at 37 degrees C
      before SBS testing. Statistical analyses were carried out with Mann-Whitney U-
      and Kruskall-Wallis tests. RESULTS: For CSE, mean SBS and standard deviations
      were: (1) 54.4 +/- 15.6(a), (2) 55.3 +/- 7.6(a), (3) 49.4 +/- 10.5(ab), (4) 41.6
      +/- 13.1(b). For SB, they were: (1) 28.6 +/- 10.3(c), (2) 32.7 +/- 11.2(c), (3)
      17.5 +/- 5.6(d), (4) 24.4 +/- 9.5(cd). Groups with the same superscript letters
      are not significantly different. CSE showed higher bond strengths than SB in all
      groups (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in mean bond strengths
      between groups 1 and 2 for each adhesive (p > 0.05). Depending on the adhesives,
      groups 3 and 4 were significantly different from groups 1 and 2, but not
      different from each other. CONCLUSION: Operator experience influences dentin bond
      strength values of dentin adhesives. An increased level of experience with a
      specific adhesive system and the associated application procedures correlates
      with higher SBSs.

PMID- 22043472
TI  - The effects of aging on shear bond strength and nanoleakage expression of an etch
      and-rinse adhesive on human enamel and dentin.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of increasing thermocycling regimens on bond
      strength and nanoleakage of an etch-and-rinse adhesive. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Adper Single Bond (3M ESPE) was used for bonding resin composite to human enamel
      and dentin. Specimens were stored in water (37 degrees C, 24 h) and subjected to
      thermocycling (5 degrees C and 55 degrees C) in five groups: 1. control (no
      thermal cycling), 2. 100, 3. 500, 4. 2000, or 5. 10,000 cycles. The microshear
      bond test was performed at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min (n = 16). Nanoleakage
      specimens were immersed in silver nitrate and FE-SEM micrographs were digitally
      analyzed to calculate silver penetration in three samples. RESULTS: The mean bond
      strength to enamel was not significantly affected by thermocycling. However,
      artificial aging decreased dentin bond strength in groups 4 and 5 compared to
      control. Weibull analysis indicated that the characteristic strength decreased
      gradually with aging in both substrates. All groups exhibited some nanoleakage,
      and a significant increase in silver penetration compared to the control was
      observed in enamel and dentin groups 2 to 5. CONCLUSION: A nanoleakage increase
      was detected in an earlier stage of aging than when a significant drop in bond
      strength was observed, with the dentin bond being more susceptible to
      deterioration.

PMID- 22043473
TI  - Evaluation of a new universal primer for ceramics and alloys.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate in vitro the effect of using a universal primer on the resin
      bond strength to ceramics (silicate and zirconia) and two noble alloys for metal
      ceramic restorations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Disk-like specimens made of four
      dental restoration materials (silicate ceramic, zirconia ceramic, gold-based
      alloy and palladium-based alloy) were ground with abrasive paper, prepared for
      bonding (silicate ceramic: etching with 5% hydrofluoric acid for 60 s; the other
      materials: air abrasion with 50-um Al2O3 at 2.5 bar) and ultrasonically cleaned
      in 96% isopropanol. Eight specimens of each material were primed with a universal
      primer, 8 specimens were primed with a well-established material-specific method
      (silicate ceramic: silanization; zirconia ceramic: phosphate monomer-containing
      primer; alloys: sulfuric monomer-containing primer). Plexiglas tubes filled with
      a composite resin were bonded to the specimens using an alignment apparatus and a
      composite luting resin. After storage in 37 degrees C tap water for three days,
      or 167 days with additional thermocycling, tensile bond strength (TBS) was
      measured in a universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 2 mm/min.
      RESULTS: After 167 days of storage, median TBS values for each material were
      (well-established method/universal primer) 40 MPa/37 MPa (silicate ceramic), 41
      MPa/41 MPa (zirconia ceramic), 20 MPa/17 MPa (gold-based alloy), and 20 MPa/19
      MPa (palladium-based alloy). Statistical analysis revealed no statistically
      significant differences among control groups and test groups. CONCLUSION: The
      universal primer seems to be a promising alternative compared to using three
      different primers for alloys, silicate and zirconia ceramics.

PMID- 22043474
TI  - Ethics of a clinical trial.

PMID- 22043475
TI  - Patellofemoral knee pain treatment using neuromuscular retraining of the hip
      musculature in an adolescent female: a case report.
AB  - The purpose of this case study is to demonstrate the treatment of patella-femoral
      knee pain in an adolescent female athlete with emphasis on neuromuscular training
      of the knee and hip in synergy movement strategies. A 1.67-m, 61.5-kg, 15-year
      old woman athlete reported to rehabilitation with the complaint of a 1-year
      history of bilateral knee pain. The patient noted that the symptoms were
      exacerbated with any sports-specific training. The patient played softball as an
      infielder. The athlete was referred by her family practice physician. After the
      patient was assessed, a clinical hypothesis was generated. It was thought that
      neuromuscular dysfunction of the hips and knees was causing faulty knee
      mechanics. These abnormal mechanics were presenting as patella-femoral knee pain.
      Initially, the athlete was assigned a home exercise program of side-lying hip
      abduction and lateral step-downs. At her first follow-up appointment, she noted
      increased symptoms that were aggravated with her home program. Upon inspecting
      her exercise technique, faulty step-down mechanics were contributing to her
      symptoms. Step-downs were discontinued, and the patient was instructed in and
      performed a chair squatting exercise, which was added to her home program. At her
      next follow-up, the patient noted being asymptomatic for 2 days. Her exercises
      were increased in intensity to include a Stairmaster and hip abduction and
      adduction on a 4-way hip machine. Eventually, over her treatment course,
      perturbation and proprioceptive training were initiated. By the sixth visit, the
      patient reported no symptoms and felt comfortable with self-management. A phone
      interview 3 months later indicated that the patient had no recurrent symptoms and
      was participating in sports without difficulty. This case demonstrates
      effectiveness of using hip and knee joint synergy to treat patella-femoral pain
      (PFP). The use of this synergy promotes proper patella-femoral alignment and
      improved knee mechanics. This case also is unique in the lack of physical agents
      and taping used to improve the patient's condition. It reinforces how exercise
      technique can carry over to functional athletic activities. This study provides a
      case for the use of hip and knee mechanical retraining in the treatment of PFP in
      adolescent female athletes who do not exhibit abnormal foot mechanics in weight
      bearing. It is important that sports medicine professionals be aware of these
      treatment options and are able to use them to correct these deficits in order to
      facilitate return to training and competition as quickly and safely as possible.

PMID- 22043476
TI  - [Medicinal plants against malaria?].

PMID- 22043477
TI  - [Vulgar cochranism in practice].

PMID- 22043478
TI  - The male phenotype in osteopathia striata congenita with cranial sclerosis.
AB  - Osteopathia striata with cranial sclerosis (OSCS) is an X-linked disease caused
      by truncating mutations in WTX. Females exhibit sclerotic striations on the long
      bones, cranial sclerosis, and craniofacial dysmorphism. Males with OSCS have
      significant skeletal sclerosis, do not have striations but do display a more
      severe phenotype commonly associated with gross structural malformations,
      patterning defects, and significant pre- and postnatal lethality. The recent
      description of mutations in WTX underlying OSCS has led to the identification of
      a milder, survivable phenotype in males. Individuals with this presentation can
      have, in addition to skeletal sclerosis, Hirschsprung disease, joint
      contractures, cardiomyopathy, and neuromuscular anomalies. A diagnosis of OSCS
      should be considered in males with macrocephaly, skeletal sclerosis that is most
      marked in the cranium and the absence of metaphyseal striations. The observation
      of striations in males may be indicative of a WTX mutation in a mosaic state
      supporting the contention that this sign in females is indicative of the
      differential lyonization of cells in the osteoblastic lineage.

PMID- 22043479
TI  - Feedback: a perennial problem.

PMID- 22043480
TI  - Relationship between anthropometric and physiological characteristics in youth
      soccer players.

PMID- 22043481
TI  - Team Based-Learning (TBL) as a primary strategy for the development of generic
      competences in medical students: the Peruvian case.

PMID- 22043482
TI  - The road to residency and  beyond for international  medical graduates in the 
      United States.

PMID- 22043483
TI  - Beware the commodification  of medical education?

PMID- 22043484
TI  - Somatic mutations in NKX2-5, GATA4, and HAND1 are not a common cause of tetralogy
      of Fallot or hypoplastic left heart.
AB  - The majority of congenital heart disease (CHD) occurs as a sporadic finding, with
      a minority of cases associated with a known genetic abnormality. Combinations of
      genetic and environmental factors are implicated, with the recent and intriguing
      hypothesis that an apparently high rate of somatic mutations might explain some
      sporadic CHD. We used samples of right ventricular myocardium from patients
      undergoing surgical repair of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) and hypoplastic left
      heart (HLH) to examine the incidence of somatic mutation in cardiac tissue. TOF
      is a common form of cyanotic CHD, occurring in 3.3 per 10,000 live births. HLH is
      a rare defect in which the left side of the heart is severely under-developed.
      Both are severe malformations whose genetic etiology is largely unknown. We
      carried out direct sequence analysis of the NKX2-5 and GATA4 genes from fresh
      frozen cardiac tissues and matched blood samples of nine TOF patients. Analysis
      of NKX2-5, GATA4, and HAND1 was performed from cardiac tissue of 24 HLH patients
      and three matched blood samples. No somatic or germline mutations were identified
      in the TOF or HLH patients. Although limited by sample size, our study suggests
      that somatic mutations in NKX2-5 and GATA4 are not a common cause of isolated TOF
      or HLH.

PMID- 22043485
TI  - Student-led outreach: exploring academic medicine at a pre-university level.

PMID- 22043486
TI  - Does a multi component  palliative care education  programme help medical 
      students talk with patients  at end-of-life?

PMID- 22043487
TI  - Analysis of genomewide association signals for nonsyndromic cleft lip/palate in a
      Kenya African Cohort.
AB  - Nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate is a common birth defect with
      a wide range of prevalence among different populations, apparently highest in
      Asians and Amerindians and lowest in Africans. Recent genomewide association
      studies of European-derived and Asian populations have identified six confirmed
      loci for this phenotype: 1p22.1, 1q32.2 (IRF6), 8q24, 10q25.3, 17q22, and 20q12.
      However, there have thus far been no studies of these loci in African patients
      with nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate. We carried out
      association analysis of SNPs in these six candidate chromosomal regions in 128
      nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate cases and 105 controls from
      the Rift Valley of Kenya. We observed no apparent association of this phenotype
      with any of these SNPs, though there was strong statistical power only for 8q24.
      These results indicate that at least the 8q24 locus does not play a major role in
      the pathogenesis of nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate in east
      Africa, supporting locus heterogeneity for susceptibility to this phenotype among
      different major populations of the world.

PMID- 22043488
TI  - MODY type 2 in Greig cephalopolysyndactyly syndrome (GCPS) as part of a
      contiguous gene deletion syndrome.
AB  - Maturity-onset diabetes of the young type 2 (MODY2) is a form of monogenic
      diabetes, characterized by mild fasting hyperglycemia. MODY2 is caused by
      heterozygous mutations in the GCK gene that encodes the glucokinase enzyme. We
      describe the clinical features and the underlying genetic defect of MODY2 in a
      patient with atypical Greig cephalopolysyndactyly syndrome (GCPS). The patient
      presented with the limb formation and the craniofacial developmental
      abnormalities typical to GCPS, in addition to mental retardation and epilepsy
      (assigned as atypical syndrome). Fasting hyperglycemia in the diabetic range,
      impaired glucose tolerance, and lack of diabetes autoantibodies were compatible
      with MODY2. In order to delineate the genetic aberrations relevant both to MODY2
      and Greig syndrome in this patient, we performed cytogenetic analysis, real-time
      PCR of the GCK gene, and comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) array.
      Cytogenetic study has shown a microscopic detectable deletion in the 7p13-15
      chromosomal region. Real-time PCR demonstrated a deletion of the GCK gene in the
      patient but not her parents, and CGH array revealed a deleted region of
      approximately 12 Mb in the 7p13-15 region. This deleted region included GLI3 and
      GCK genes (where heterozygous mutations cause GCPS and MODY2, respectively), and
      many other contiguous genes. Our patient manifests a unique form of MODY2, where
      GCK gene deletion is part of a large deleted segment in the 7p13-15 chromosomal
      region.

PMID- 22043489
TI  - A de novo 2.1-Mb deletion of 13q12.11 in a child with developmental delay and
      minor dysmorphic features.
AB  - We report on a patient with an interstitial deletion at 13q12.11. He had mild
      developmental delay, craniofacial dysmorphism, a pectus excavatum, narrow
      shoulders, malformed toes, and cafe-au-lait spots. Array CGH analysis disclosed a
      de novo deletion spanning 2.1 Mb,within cytogenetic band 13q12.11.The deletion
      produces hemizygozity for 16 known genes, among which GJA3, GJB2, GJB6, IFT88,
      LATS2, and FGF9 have potential clinical significance. The observed phenotype may
      be due to mutation in one of the 16 genes, or to a combination of deletion and/or
      mutation in a number of them.

PMID- 22043490
TI  - China's fertility policy persists, despite debate.

PMID- 22043491
TI  - Nothing but flowers.

PMID- 22043492
TI  - Doing away with 12-hour shifts.

PMID- 22043493
TI  - Oncoplastic multidisciplinary meetings: a necessity or luxury?
AB  - Although there is scant evidence to support multidisciplinary meetings in any
      cancer specialty, they are now regarded as best practice. We believe the
      oncoplastic multidisciplinary meeting plays a similarly important role,
      consolidating oncoplastic multidisciplinary working and allowing transparent
      decision making, standardisation of care and recording of results. This may drive
      oncoplastic surgery to an evidence-based position from which oncoplastic
      excellence can be achieved.

PMID- 22043494
TI  - [From the lack of transferability of international guidelines for thyroid
      diagnosis].

PMID- 22043496
TI  - Two-finger homodigital web advancement flap.
AB  - Fingertip amputation is a common hand injury and various techniques for
      reconstruction have been described. Important considerations to take into account
      when planning reconstruction are maintaining length and preserving function. This
      paper describes a technique for reconstructing the amputated fingertips of two
      adjacent digits.

PMID- 22043497
TI  - Embolisation of Angio-SealTM device: an unusual case of post-cardiac
      catheterisation limb ischaemia.
AB  - We present the case of a 67-year-old male presenting with critical limb ischaemia
      following cardiac catheterisation. Immediately after deployment of an arterial
      closure device, the patient reported severe lower limb pain with impalpable
      pulses. Magnetic resonance angiography revealed an abrupt disruption of flow in
      the tibioperoneal trunk. Subsequent surgery revealed embolisation of the arterial
      closure device. The patient went on to make an unremarkable recovery.

PMID- 22043498
TI  - Click to join peptides/proteins together.
AB  - Copper(I) is able to catalyze Huisgen 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition in a "click"
      fashion. This copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction
      presents excellent chemoselectivity and occurs over a wide-range of reaction
      conditions. It shows tolerance to variation in both pH and solvent polarity,
      thereby facilitating the ligation of peptides and proteins to produce
      peptidomimetics and synthetic proteins. In addition, the only product formed is a
      1,4-disubstituted-1,2,3-triazole moiety, in many aspects resembling the natural
      peptide bond, including hydrogen-bonding capability, planarity, distance between
      the 1 and 4 substituents, and conformational restriction of the peptide backbone;
      thus the triazole-backbone-modified peptide, in which a triazole replaces the
      amide bond, may be anticipated to present a secondary structure similar to that
      of its natural counterpart. This Focus Review describes the scope and
      applications of copper(I)-catalyzed alkyne-azide cycloaddition in synthetic
      peptide/protein chemistry.

PMID- 22043499
TI  - A highly selective and sensitive polymer-based fluorescence sensor for Hg2+-ion
      detection via click reaction.

PMID- 22043500
TI  - Unraveling gold(I)-specific action towards peptidic disulfide cleavage: a DFT
      investigation.
AB  - Ground-state disulfide dissociation is a target of prime importance in structural
      biochemistry. A main difficulty consists in avoiding competition with carbon
      sulfur and backbone scission pathways. In tandem mass spectrometry, such
      selectivity is afforded using transition elements or coinage-metal ions as
      catalyst. Yet, the underlying gas-phase mechanistic details remain poorly
      understood. Gold(I)-assisted disulfide cleavage is investigated by means of DFT
      calculations, to elucidate the highly selective and specific catalytic action of
      this transition-metal cation, a most promising one in tandem mass spectrometry.
      The preferential cleavage of sulfur-sulfur versus carbon-sulfur linkages on
      dimethyldisulfide, taken as a prototypical aliphatic compound, is rationalized on
      the basis of molecular orbital arguments. Secondly, it is revealed that the
      disulfide dissociation profile is dramatically impacted by a peptidic
      environment. Calculations on L,L-cystine derivatives show two main factors: the
      topological frustration for an embedded -CH(2)-S-S-CH(2)- motif induces a 5 kcal
      mol(-1) penalty, whereas electrophilic assistance via complexation of nitrogen
      and oxygen atoms lowers activation barriers by a factor of 3. S-S weakening is
      both thermodynamically and kinetically driven by the versatile coordination mode
      of gold(I). The influence of amine-terminus group protonation is finally
      sketched: it gives rise to an intermediate reactivity. This study sheds lights on
      the key action of the peptidic environment in tuning the dissociation profile in
      the presence of this transition-metal monocation.

PMID- 22043501
TI  - Prognostic significance of p53 and KAI-1 expression in patients with laryngeal
      squamous cell carcinoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the prognostic significance of the immunohistochemical
      expression of p53 and KAI-1 oncoproteins in patients with laryngeal squamous cell
      carcinoma. STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective evaluation was developed on 82 patients
      with primary laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma treated by primary surgery. For
      the immunohistochemical evaluation, formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded tissue
      blocks from resection were used. Clinicopathologic data were correlated with the
      staining results. RESULTS: The results of the immunohistochemical examination
      showed a statistically significant relationship between down-regulation of KAI-1
      protein expression, increase of the histologic grading, and primary tumors
      associated with lymph node metastases. On the other hand, no statistical
      correlation was evidenced between p53 up-regulation and clinicopathologic data or
      between the two markers. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that KAI-1 may become an
      important biomarker that could help in selection of high-risk patients with
      laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma who may benefit from more aggressive therapy or
      chemoprevention.

PMID- 22043502
TI  - Usefulness and limitations of alpha-methylacyl-CoA racemase expression in the
      hepatobiliary system and pancreas: a wide tissue microarray analysis of normal
      and neoplastic epithelia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To establish the frequency, significance and clinical utility of alpha
      methylacyl-CoA racemase (AMACR) expression in the hepatobiliary system by
      performing a wide immunohistochemical screening of AMACR expression. STUDY
      DESIGN: A total of 204 neoplastic, preneoplastic and normal samples from the
      hepatobiliary and pancreatic system were immunohistochemically studied on tissue
      microarrays for AMACR expression and correlated with clinicopathologic
      parameters. RESULTS: Hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) showed intense AMACR
      expression, which was significantly stronger than in nonmalignant tissues and
      correlated with good differentiation but not with evolution. Weak AMACR
      expression was observed in cholangiocarcinomas and preneoplastic pancreatic
      lesions. HCC showed stronger expression than cholangiocarcinomas and ductal
      pancreatic adenocarcinomas. DISCUSSION: AMACR is strongly expressed in some
      neoplastic and preneoplastic lesions of the hepatobiIiary system, mainly HCC, and
      may play a role in malignant transformation and be useful in the differential
      diagnosis.

PMID- 22043503
TI  - Effects of image resolution and noise on estimating the fractal dimension of
      tissue specimens.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of imaging system noise and resolution on
      the ability to estimate and distinguish relative differences in the fractal
      dimension of tissue specimens. STUDY DESIGN: Mathematically derived test images
      of known fractal dimension mimicking the complexity of epithelial morphology were
      created. The box-counting method was used to compute fractal dimension. To study
      the effects of resolution on fractal dimension, the test images were convolved
      with Gaussian point spread functions (PSF), and effects of noise were studied by
      adding Poisson and Gaussian noise. Application of these findings was illustrated
      by measuring the resolution and noise for a typical optical microscope and
      digital camera (OMDC) system. RESULTS: Poor spatial resolution reduces the
      fractal dimension and has an increased adverse effect on higher dimensions.
      Fractal dimension can be estimated within 7% of the true dimension, and relative
      differences of 0.1 between dimensions are distinguishable provided the PSF of an
      imaging system has a full-width-at-half-maximum < or = 4 pixels and the contrast
      to-noise ratio > 15. These conditions were satisfied by our OMDC. CONCLUSION:
      Effects of noise and resolution from a typical OMDC system do not significantly
      inhibit the ability to estimate and distinguish relative differences in the
      fractal dimension of tissue specimens.

PMID- 22043504
TI  - Quantificational and statistical analysis of the differences in centrosomal
      features of untreated lung cancer cells and normal cells.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To distinguish untreated lung cancer cells from normal cells through
      quantitative analysis and statistical inference of centrosomal features extracted
      from cell images. STUDY DESIGN: Recent research indicates that human cancer cell
      development is accompanied by centrosomal abnormalities. For quantitative
      analysis of centrosome abnormalities, high-resolution images of normal and
      untreated cancer lung cells were acquired. After the images were preprocessed and
      segmented, 11 features were extracted. Correlations among the features were
      calculated to remove redundant features. Ten nonredundant features were selected
      for further analysis. The mean values of 10 centrosome features were compared
      between cancer and normal cells by the two-sample t-test; distributions of the 10
      features of cancer and normal centrosomes were compared by the two-sample
      Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. RESULTS: Both tests reject the null hypothesis; the
      means and distributions of features coincide for normal and cancer cells. The 10
      centrosome features separate normal from cancer cells at the 5% significance
      level and show strong evidence that all 10 features exhibit major differences
      between normal and cancer cells. CONCLUSION: Centrosomes from untreated cancer
      and normal bronchial epithelial cells can be distinguished through objective
      measurement and quantitative analysis, suggesting a new approach for lung cancer
      detection, early diagnosis and prognosis.

PMID- 22043505
TI  - Mean nuclear volume in complex atypical hyperplasia and adenocarcinoma of the
      endometrium.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the possible role of mean nuclear volume (MNV) in
      differentiating complex atypical hyperplasia (CAH) from well-differentiated
      adenocarcinoma (WDAC) of the endometrium. STUDY DESIGN: In this retrospective
      study we measured MNV in 15 cases each of CAH and WDAC using the point intercepts
      method. At least 100 nuclei were selected for MNV estimation in each case.
      RESULTS: The mean MNV in CAH was 430.06 microm3 (SD 232.43); the MNV in WDAC was
      753.14 microm3 (SD 322.87). Independent sample t test showed significant
      difference (p < 0.005) of MNV between CAH and WDAC. CONCLUSION: MNV determination
      resulted in a wide-ranging overlap of distributions for CAH and WDAC cases, such
      that at best only a modest proportion of cases with very low MNV values offer a
      diagnostic clue.

PMID- 22043506
TI  - Mature cystic teratoma of the appendix: a case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Teratomas very rarely arise from the appendix. To our knowledge, only
      one prior case of mature teratoma involving the appendix has been reported in the
      medical literature. CASE: Our case is the second reported case of mature cystic
      teratoma involving the appendix, and, to our knowledge, it is the first reported
      in a female who had two simultaneous teratomas, one arising from the appendix and
      one arising from the right ovary. CONCLUSION: Although mature cystic teratoma is
      a rare tumor of the appendix, it should be considered in the differential
      diagnosis of appendiceal masses. The differential diagnosis of appendiceal
      masses, including clinical and pathologic features, is discussed in detail.

PMID- 22043507
TI  - Coexistence of bladder prostatic-type polyp and urothelial papilloma.

PMID- 22043508
TI  - Mental health of workers.

PMID- 22043509
TI  - The drugs don't work?

PMID- 22043510
TI  - Read all about it.

PMID- 22043511
TI  - What stops those with mental health conditions from returning to work?

PMID- 22043512
TI  - Welfare writes. 'Migration' from incapacity benefit to employment and support
      allowance (ESA).

PMID- 22043513
TI  - Outside the box. Physical and verbal abuse of people with learning disabilities.

PMID- 22043514
TI  - The bigger picture. Mental health treatment is an expensive area of health and
      social care.

PMID- 22043515
TI  - A child in mind.

PMID- 22043516
TI  - Antipsychotic medicine and mental health.

PMID- 22043517
TI  - Doctor's orders.

PMID- 22043518
TI  - For persons with mental disorders, joining a photography club can be a great way
      to meet people.

PMID- 22043519
TI  - The impact of adult and community learning programmes on mental health and
      wellbeing.

PMID- 22043520
TI  - Living in the here and now.

PMID- 22043521
TI  - On the record. Looking at ordinary people's tales of living with their mental
      illness. Interview by Alita Howe.

PMID- 22043522
TI  - [ASLE for chemicals in the air of workplace. History, contemporary state,
      prospects].
AB  - The authors followed historical background of occurrence, development,
      transformation and contemporary state of topic concerning ASLE for chemicals in
      the air of workplace over 1977-2010 in USSR and Russian Federation. The article
      covers prospects to improve regulation and methodic aspects of prompt regulation
      for industrial chemicals in the air of workplace.

PMID- 22043523
TI  - [Regulations for decontamination of surfaces polluted as a result of chemical
      accidents (concept approaches)].
AB  - The threat of industrial chemical accidents and terrorist attacks requires the
      development of safety regulations for the cleanup of contaminated surfaces. This
      paper presents principles and a methodology for the development of a new
      toxicological parameter, "relative value unit" (RVU) as the primary
      decontamination standard.

PMID- 22043524
TI  - [Under the knife for beauty. Also (elderly) men are becoming increasingly more
      vain].

PMID- 22043525
TI  - A moving target, the usual suspects and (maybe) a smoking gun: the problem of
      pinning blame in modern genocide.

PMID- 22043526
TI  - British development policies and malaria in India:    1897-c.1929.

PMID- 22043527
TI  - Findings of research misconduct.

PMID- 22043528
TI  - Common land, poor relief and enclosure: the use of manorial resources in
      fulfilling parish obligations, 1601-1834.

PMID- 22043529
TI  - "Danger is looming here." Moral panic and urban children's and youth culture in
      Denmark, 1890-1914.

PMID- 22043530
TI  - Dangerous media? Panic discourses and dilemmas of modernity.

PMID- 22043531
TI  - Faithful servants and dangerous beasts: race, nationalism and historical
      mythmaking.

PMID- 22043532
TI  - Freudians and feminists in Fin-de-siecle Vienna.

PMID- 22043533
TI  - [We know Frobenius more or less: on the inconclusive in ethnology].

PMID- 22043534
TI  - Abstracts of the COSA (Clinical Oncological Society of Australia) 38th Annual
      Scientific Meeting. November 15-17, 2011. Perth, Western Australia, Australia.

PMID- 22043535
TI  - The zebrafish. Preface.

PMID- 22043536
TI  - Gambling and Venetian noblemen c.1500-1700.

PMID- 22043537
TI  - [Leo Frobenius, or the enthusiasm for German ethnology].

PMID- 22043538
TI  - Marriage transactions in renaissance Italy and Mauss's essay on the Gift.

PMID- 22043539
TI  - "Measures are being taken to eliminate the consequences of the accident":
      ideology and the Soviet response to the Chornobyl accident.

PMID- 22043540
TI  - Methodist education and the social status of the Straits Chinese in colonial
      Singapore (1886-1914).

PMID- 22043541
TI  - Reconstituting the social after the Terror: family, property and the law in
      popular politics.

PMID- 22043542
TI  - Schools of revolt: syndicalist education and workers' culture in pre-World War I
      France.

PMID- 22043543
TI  - Selling racism: history, heritage, gender and the (re)production of prejudice.

PMID- 22043544
TI  - Unruptured intracranial aneurysms: some questions answered, many questions
      remain. Re: Pelz D. CURES and the dilemma of unruptured intracranial aneurysms.
      Can J Neuro Sci. 2011 Mar;38(2):191-2.

PMID- 22043545
TI  - Ethanol abuse after a right temporal lobe resection for intractable epilepsy.

PMID- 22043546
TI  - A case of bilateral homonymous hemianopsia with macular sparing.

PMID- 22043547
TI  - Paraneoplastic encephalomyelitis, stiff person syndrome and breast carcinoma.

PMID- 22043548
TI  - A case of phenytoin-induced encephalopathy in a mathematician with Stage IV
      NSCLC.

PMID- 22043549
TI  - Spinal cord injury after prolonged neck flexion, is it an underestimated risk?

PMID- 22043550
TI  - Isolated unilateral hypoglossal nerve palsy.

PMID- 22043551
TI  - Melanoma-associated retinopathy report of a case and review.

PMID- 22043552
TI  - Optimal positioning of occupational therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Occupation is central to occupational therapy. Although occupation is
      a universal experience, occupational therapists need to consider the risks and
      opportunities of exploring new roles and maintaining existing services. PURPOSE:
      I propose three questions to guide the optimal positioning of occupational
      therapy services. First, how proximal is occupation in the role? Second, how
      strong is the evidence to support occupational therapy in the role? Third, is the
      timing right for change? These questions are applied to the role of occupational
      therapy in primary health care. KEY ISSUES: Occupation is proximal and the
      evidence is emerging to support an occupational therapy role in primary health
      care. Reforms make timing ideal. IMPLICATIONS: If we focus on the underlying
      principles of primary health care reform, the potential for an emerging role in
      primary health care is optimal. The same three questions can be used to transform
      and optimally position occupational therapy.

PMID- 22043553
TI  - [Critical analysis of ADL measuring instruments in pediatrics: executive deficits
      and independence].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although the assessment of the activities of daily living (ADL)
      through task analysis is central to the role of the occupational therapists
      working with children with traumatic brain injury (TBI), no review has revealed
      any study aimed at analyzing the instruments used to this effect, in regard to
      their potential to highlight the deficits associated with the executive functions
      (e.g., formulate a goal, planning). PURPOSE: To determine if any ADL assessment
      tools validated for children 10 to 15 years with a TBI consider executive
      functions. METHODS: Four tools, i.e., "Assessment of Motor and Process Skills'
      the "Children's Kitchen Task Assessment', the "Chocolate Cake Task" and the "ADL
      Profile' were analyzed according to the following criteria: 1) complexity of the
      tasks, 2) non-structured assessment method, and 3) psychometric properties
      appropriate for the target population. RESULTS: These tools are only partially
      consistent with the desired criteria. CONCLUSION: Further research on these tools
      will be necessary to meet the needs of this population.

PMID- 22043554
TI  - Strengthening the Kawa model: Japanese perspectives on person, occupation, and
      environment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Kawa model emerged to meet a need for occupational therapy models
      and theories relevant to Japanese clients and since its inception has evolved
      considerably. PURPOSE: To provide an overview of the Kawa model and to contribute
      to a critique of the model from Japanese perspectives on person, occupation, and
      environment. KEY ISSUES: The paper notes that the Kawa model does not portray
      inner self nor does it integrate one's active belonging; the author identifies
      the challenges of addressing issues related to occupations, and introduces the
      concept of seken (day-to-day community). IMPLICATIONS: The model would be
      strengthened by presenting inner self and a discrete layer of seken in the
      environment to effectively articulate belonging. The ways of presenting
      occupation need to be improved to capture relationships between occupation and
      belonging, effects of occupations, and positive and negative meanings attributed
      to an occupation. Exploring relationships between self occupation, life flow, and
      harmony is warranted.

PMID- 22043555
TI  - Brain injury from a first nations' perspective: teachings from elders and
      traditional healers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is a lack of knowledge about how cultural ideas affect First
      Nations peoples' perception of rehabilitation needs and the ability to access
      services. PURPOSE: The study explored the perceptions of treating and healing
      brain injury from First Nations elders and traditional healers in the communities
      served by Wassay-Gezhig-Na-Nahn-Dah-We-lgamig (Kenora Area Health Access Centre).
      METHODS: A participatory action approach was used, leading to a focus group with
      elders and traditional healers. Findings, established through a framework
      analysis method, were member checked prior to dissemination. FINDINGS: Four
      themes arose from the data: pervasiveness of spirituality, "fixing" illness or
      injury versus living with wellness, working together in treating brain injury,
      and financial support needed for traditional healing. IMPLICATIONS: Funding is
      required for traditional healing services to provide culturallysafe and
      responsive occupational therapy services to First Nations individuals with brain
      injury.

PMID- 22043556
TI  - A phenomenological inquiry into the embodied nature of occupation at end of life.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Occupational therapists propose that occupation is a basic human need
      across the lifespan. However, there is limited understanding of how occupation
      contributes to the end-of-life experience. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was
      to examine the embodied nature of occupation at end of life from the perspectives
      of Canadians 60 years of age or older who are diagnosed with a terminal illness.
      METHODS: The study adopted a phenomenological methodological approach to conduct
      semi-structured interviews with eight participants. FINDINGS: Six themes were
      identified. Participants described orientations toward occupations that involved:
      living with death, reworking everyday life, being guided by the will of the body,
      giving priority to relationships, attending to the small things, and engaging
      existential orientations. IMPLICATIONS: This study contributes to knowledge about
      occupation at end of life and offers a starting point to guide practice that is
      attentive to the lived dimensions of occupation at end of life.

PMID- 22043557
TI  - Introducing the Leadership in Enabling Occupation (LEO) model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Occupational therapy is a broad profession yet access to services
      remains restricted and uneven across Canada. Access to the potential breadth of
      occupational therapy is severely restrained by complex supply, retention, and
      funding challenges. To improve access to occupational therapy, widespread
      leadership is needed by all practitioners. PURPOSE: This brief report introduces
      the Leadership in Enabling Occupation (LEO) Model, which displays the inter
      relationship of four elements of everyday leadership as described in "Positioning
      Occupational Therapy for Leadership," Section IV, of Enabling Occupation II:
      Advancing a Vision of Health, Well-being and Justice through Occupation (Townsend
      & Polatajko, 2007). KEY ISSUES: All occupational therapists have the power to
      develop leadership capacity within and beyond designated leadership positions.
      IMPLICATIONS: LEO is a leadership tool to extend all occupational therapists'
      strategic use of scholarship, new accountability approaches, existing and new
      funding, and workforce planning to improve access to occupational therapy.

PMID- 22043558
TI  - Conceptualizing community development: occupational therapy practice at the
      intersection of health services and community.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite occupational therapy's theoretical commitment to community
      development (CD) approaches, current practice models focus on individual
      interventions rather than community issues. PURPOSE: This research examined three
      cases of Canadian occupational therapists working in CD to conceptualize CD from
      an occupational therapy perspective. METHOD: Data collection occurred over 12-14
      days at each site and included observations, document reviews, and interviews
      with 14 colleagues and program participants. Constructivist grounded theory
      informed data analysis. FINDINGS: A conceptual framework was developed that
      describes the contextual background to CD initiatives and the strategies used:
      nurturing community partnerships, building community capacity, influencing health
      services, and linking sectors. Underlying these strategies was the strategic use
      of self which allowed the sharing of power and legitimacy to create opportunities
      for meaningful occupational engagement. IMPLICATIONS: The conceptual framework
      helps articulate CD's underlying processes and can be used to understand and
      guide practice.

PMID- 22043559
TI  - Prevalence trend of renal replacement therapy in Thailand: impact of health
      economics policy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The national health insurance fund in Thailand initiated by the
      national health security act in November, 2002. In October 2007, the national
      health insurance fund launched the first renal replacement therapy (RRT)
      reimbursement plan by the "Peritoneal Dialysis-First" (PD First) policy. The
      rationale of the PD First Policy resulted from the perspective that PD for end
      stage renal disease (ESRD) treatment offers the most economic and efficient
      outcome. The present study was conducted to determine whether the increase of RRT
      penetration by national health policy could impact the national RRT prevalence.
      MATERIAL AND METHOD: The Thailand Renal Replacement Therapy (TRT) database in
      2007, 2008, and 2009 were retrieved and analyzed. RESULTS: By TRT registry data,
      the total yearly prevalence of RRT increased by an average of 14.8% after the
      implementation of national health insurance and the "PD First" policy from 2007
      to 2009. The total yearly prevalence of hemodialaysis (HD) modestly increased
      (14.7%) while the total yearly prevalence of PD remarkably expanded by 107.3%.
      The yearly incidence of all RRT modalities increased by an average of 34.8% in
      2007 to 2009. The yearly incidence of HD modestly increased (8.1%) while the
      total yearly incidence of PD remarkably elevated by 157.8%. Civil Servants
      Medical Benefit Compensation (CSMBS) was the major funding source of RRT cases
      (34.5%) while national health insurance funding was the second major funding
      source (26.0%). From 2007-2009, the CSMBS funding was the majority of HD while
      national health insurance funding was the majority of PD. The sharing of PD by
      national health insurance increased from 33.9% in 2007, 58.6% in 2208, and 77.2%
      in 2009. CONCLUSION: The coverage ofESRD patients by national health insurance
      fund by the "PD First" policy impacted the RRT prevalence and incidence both the
      total prevalence and total incidence due to the universal penetration to RRT
      treatment of Thai population. Also, the policy altered the RRT modality
      predisposition. PD modality willfinally be the majority ofThaiRRT modalities if
      the policy can be managed successfully.

PMID- 22043560
TI  - The incidence of peritoneal dialysis-related infection in Thailand: a nationwide
      survey.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Implementation of the "Peritoneal Dialysis-First (PD First)" policy,
      mandating PD as the first modality of renal replacement therapy for end-stage
      renal disease patients under universal health coverage, leads to a rapid growth
      of PD cases and centers in Thailand. Since PD-related infection is the Achilles'
      heel of PD, this retrospective study was conducted to examine the magnitude of PD
      related infection in Thailand under the "PD First" policy. MATERIAL AND METHOD:
      All PD centers in Thailand were included in the present study. PD nurse
      specialists in each center were requested to review medical records of all
      patients undergoing PD during October 1, 2009 to September 30, 2010 and to submit
      data to the main investigators. RESULTS: Eighty-eight percent of all active PD
      centers in Thailand (102 out of 116) participated in the present study. One
      hundred and thirty-three nephrologists and 220 PD nurse specialists served 8,201
      PD prevalent patients in these centers (7,925 CAPD and 276 APD). The overall exit
      site infection (ESI) rate was 1 episode/37.7 patient-month (0.32 episodes/patient
      year) while the overall peritonitis rate was 1 episode/25.5 patient-month (0.47
      episode/patient-year). CONCLUSION: Despite the rapid growth of PD cases under the
      limited resource, the PD-related infection rates in Thailand are only small
      degree behind the goal of Asia-Pacific Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) Task
      Force.

PMID- 22043561
TI  - From the "PD First" policy to the innovation in PD care.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Due to the rapid growth of peritoneal dialysis (PD) program under the
      "PD First" policy of Thailand, it is necessary to have many voluntary well
      training PD staffs and a good education program for PD nurses to serve an
      excellent PD outcome. In the present study novel devices, which could be
      practically used in PD patients, were developed by the creative PD trainee idea
      of to facilitate PD self-care and decrease work load of PD staffs. MATERIAL AND
      METHOD: Young PD nurses in the 3rd generation of PD trainee program from King
      Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital were assigned to develop novel tools in order to
      assisting patient care in real practice. The efficacy of these inventions and
      patient satisfaction were assessed by comparing with the standard method.
      RESULTS: The authors presented two interesting innovations in the present study.
      The first one, "Troubleshooting Wheel", contained six common complaints and the
      advice for correcting each problem in the platform of rotating wheel.
      Participants could solve problems more rapidly than using the standard handbook
      for PD (p < 0.01) and also found the correct responses more frequently than the
      handbook (p < 0.01). The second one, "Exit Site Abacus", the sliding platform
      with automatic calculation of the sum of exit site score, was the easier method
      in evaluating the exit site infection than the conventional exit site scoring
      using the Prowant's table or their own memory. CONCLUSION: Reinforcement of the
      development of PD nursing program not only increases the number of PD staffs but
      also contributes to the innovations for improving quality of PD care by the young
      new staffs.

PMID- 22043562
TI  - Prevalence and factors affecting peritonitis in CAPD patients in Maharat Nakhon
      Ratchasima Hospital under universal coverage scheme during 2008-2010: a three
      year experience.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Since 2008, the Thai government has subsidized the package to cover
      chronic ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) for end stage renal disease (ESRD)
      patients under the universal coverage scheme (UCS) in Thailand. The aim of the
      program is to keep longer life in poor people instead of death due to
      inaccessibility to renal replacement therapy as usual. The present study was
      conducted to evaluate the prevalence and factors affecting peritonitis in
      patients with CAPD therapy under the UCS at Renal unit, Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima
      Hospital, during January 1, 2008-December 31, 2010. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Medical
      records of ESRD patients undergoing CAPD under UCS at Maharat Nakhon Ratchasima
      Hospital during January 1, 2008-December 31, 2010 were reviewed. The collected
      data included demographic details, underlying diseases, body mass index (BMI),
      laboratory findings, peritonitis rate, and outcome of therapy at December 31,
      2010. RESULTS: There were 318 ESRD patients with the mean age of 49.9 +/- 14.3
      years and mean BMI of 23.1 +/- 3.9 kg/m2. The common causes of ESRD were
      hypertension (60.1%) and diabetes mellitus (34.9%). In the follow-up period, 318
      patients received the treatment over a total observation period of 3,262.2
      patient-months. The patient survival was 51.0% at 3 years. Most of the patients
      (74.8%) had no peritonitis. There were 128 peritonitis episodes. The mean
      duration from starting CAPD to the first episode of peritonitis was 25.5 patient
      months per episode. Staphylococcus spp. was the most common organism causing
      peritonitis which is the major cause of technical failure. The factors affecting
      peritonitis is included age > 60 years, hypokalemia (< 3.5 mEq/L), and
      hypoalbuminemia (< 3.5 g/dl). CONCLUSION: To improve clinical outcome of CAPD
      patients by decreasing the peritonitis rate, the factors affecting peritonitis
      should be corrected. The patients and care-givers should also be educated about
      the importance of hygiene and exchanging methods to decrease the peritonitis rate
      in CAPD patients.

PMID- 22043563
TI  - Peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis patients: Ramathibodi Hospital experience.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This single center retrospective cohort study was conducted to assess
      peritonitis rate during 2000 to 2010. MATERIAL AND METHOD: All 103 peritoneal
      dialysis (PD) patients during January 2000 to December 2010 were recruited in the
      present study. RESULTS: There were 112 episodes ofperitonitis during 5,238
      patient-month which was 1 episode ofperitonitis in 46.77 patient-month or 0.257
      episode per patient-year. Fifty-eight patients used the previous single bag
      dialysis solution (both safe lock and spike system). During 2003-2005, 35 (60%)
      patients who previously used the single bag system were retrained and changed to
      new double bags connecting system while the remainings were out of program before
      this system was available in the hospital. After the new double bags connecting
      systems and automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) were available, 71 and 7 new
      patients were commenced on double bags system andAPD respectively. The authors
      found 66 peritonitis during 2,686 months in the group of patients who used single
      bag solution which was equall to 1 episode of peritonitis in 40.70 patient-months
      or 0.295 peritonitis per patient-year. In the double bags solution group, there
      were 45 episodes of peritonitis during 2,722 months which equalled 1 peritonitis
      in 60.49 patient-months or 0.198 peritonitis per patient-year, while the authors
      found I episode of peritonitis in 88 patient-month or 0.136 peritonitis per
      patient-year. In the present study, there were 38 (36.9%) diabetic patients.
      There were 35 and 77 episodes of peritonitis within 1,141 and 4,355patient-months
      which means 1 episode of peritonitis every 32.60 and 56.56 months or 0.368 and
      0.212 peritonitis perpatient-year in diabetic and non diabetic patients
      respectively. CONCLUSION: The authors confirmed that diabetes mellitus was the
      risk factor of peritonitis in the authors unit. With the new double bags
      connecting system and APD, peritonitis rate in the authors unit decreased
      significantly. Peritonitis rate in the authors unit was 0.257 episode per patient
      year or 1 episode every 46.77 patient-months which achieved the goal standard.

PMID- 22043564
TI  - A single-centre experience: peritoneal dialysis-related infections in patients on
      long-term dialysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Peritoneal dialysis is a convenient way of maintaining patients with
      end stage renal disease (ESRD) and in the present days, the Thai government
      supports all payments for ESRD patients. Continuous ambulatory peritoneal
      dialysis-(CAPD) related infections are the major cause of morbidity and
      mortality. The present study was conducted to identify the incidence and
      epidemiological data of CAPD-related infection. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Medical
      records of 333 CAPD patients attending the Dialysis Unit of Phramongkutklao
      Hospital from January 1983 to June 2007 were reviewed. The historical cohort
      study was focused on the incidence of CAPD-related infections, causing pathogens,
      risk factors, and patient outcome. RESULTS: In total, 73.3% of episodes developed
      peritoneal infection. The incidences of peritonitis, exit site infection, and
      tunnel infection were 0.864, 0.213, and 0.034 episodes per patient per year,
      respectively. The most common infecting organisms were gram positive cocci
      (49.1%). The main pathogens were Coagulase-negative staphylococcus (15.9%),
      Staphylococcus aureus (15.2%) and Pseudomonas spp. (14.2%). CAPD-related
      infections increased in patients who had age > 60. A total of 81% of the
      infections responded to initial antibiotic therapy administered in the dialysis
      fluid. Overall, there were 10 episodes (1.9%) of the refractory group and 83
      episodes (15.4%) of peritoneal catheter loss, with an overall mortality rate of
      1.1%. Non-vancomycin based regimens were applied in 63.9% of peritoneal infected
      patients. CONCLUSION: The authors' center's CAPD-related infection rate achieved
      the International Society for Peritoneal Dialysis (ISPD) recommendation. A
      significantly enhanced incidence of CAPD-related infection occurred in advanced
      age. Coagulase-negative staphylococcus is still a very common organism that
      generally responds well to antibiotic therapy.

PMID- 22043565
TI  - Risk factors of infectious peritonitis of CAPD patients in Rajavithi Hospital.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is a renal
      replacement therapy for end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. Peritoneal
      infection, peritonitis is a major cause of death and technical failure in ESRD
      patients receiving CAPD treatment. Previous studies demonstrated that lower serum
      albumin, higher body mass index, and diabetic kidney disease were associated with
      increase in incidence of peritonitis. However the demographics of the patients in
      the Rajavithi hospital such as race, gender, age, socioeconomic status and
      various other factors were different from the patients in the previous studies.
      The present study was conducted to investigate the risk factors of peritonitis,
      causative organisms, and route of infection among CAPD patients in Rajavithi
      Hospital. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This is a retrospective descriptive study. All
      patients in the present study are ESRD patients who received CAPD treatment
      during March 2009 to February 2011 and adhered with the treatment for at least 1
      year. The patients were divided into two groups 1) the patients who got
      infectious peritonitis within 1 year after catheter implantation and 2) the
      patients who did not get or got infectious peritonitis after 1 years. The medical
      records were reviewed and the data were analyzed to identify the risk factors of
      peritonitis, frequency of causative organisms, and the route of infection.
      RESULTS: Of 27 patients, 16 patients (59.3%) had peritonitis within the first
      year, and 11 patients (40.7%) had no peritonitis or had peritonitis after the
      first year. The risk factors associated with peritonitis were diabetes (62.5 % in
      patients with peritonitis within first year vs. 18.2% in the patients who had no
      peritonitis or had peritonitis after the first year, p = 0.047) and higher blood
      sugar level (139.5 +/- 34.6 mg/dl in patients with peritonitis within first year
      vs. 115.9 +/- 23.4 mg/dl 18.2% in the patients who had no peritonitis or had
      peritonitis after the first year, p = 0.011). Transluminal peritoneal catheter
      route was the route of infection in every subject in the present study. The major
      causative agents were gram-positive bacteria. CONCLUSION: Diabetic kidney disease
      and high fasting blood sugar were the risk factors of peritonitis and trans
      luminal peritoneal catheter are the major route of infection in the present
      study. Therefore, good blood sugar control and strict adherence with sterile
      technique for peritoneal dialysis would decrease the incidence of peritonitis in
      CAPD patients.

PMID- 22043566
TI  - The changing profile of PD-related peritonitis in Thailand: a single centers
      experience.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The percentage of utilizing peritoneal dialysis (PD) in Thailand was
      increased dramatically since the implementation of PD-First policy in 2008.
      However, peritonitis remains a major obstacle to achieve success of this
      modality. The aim of the present study, was to assess the clinical
      characteristics of PD peritonitis in the PD-first policy era. MATERIAL AND
      METHOD: The PD peritonitis patients in Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital between
      October 2008 and December 2010 were reviewed. Microbiological diagnosis,
      treatment responses, technique, and patient survival were analyzed. RESULTS:
      Since October 2008, 93 peritoneal dialysis patients were followed-up in Bhumibol
      Adulyadej Hospital including 75 new cases. During the present study period of
      1,560 patient-months, 51 episodes of peritonitis from 33 cases were recorded and
      analyzed. The mean age of the peritonitis patients was 57.9 +/- 16.1 years and
      63.6% were females. The most common isolates were gram negative organisms (33.3%)
      followed by gram positive (17.6%) and fungi (5.9%). Nocardiosis was diagnosed in
      1 patient. However, 43.1% of episodes were culture-negative peritonitis.
      Treatment of peritonitis resulted in a complete cure in 74.5% of patients while
      7.8% of patients required catheter removal, and 17.6% died. Event-free survival
      was better in gram positive organisms (43.3 months) compared with those infected
      with gram negative (26.8 months) and culture negative peritonitis (16.1 months).
      CONCLUSION: The proportions of peritonitis due to gram negative organisms were
      increased and associated with less favorable outcome. These findings suggest that
      it is necessary to prepare the appropriate protocol for prevention and treatment
      of PD peritonitis under national PD-First policy scheme.

PMID- 22043567
TI  - The effects of peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion using paramedian versus
      midline approach on CAPD patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Types of peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter design and catheter
      insertion techniques have been shown to affect catheter-associated infection,
      catheter survival, as well as, overall patient survival. Thus far, there have
      been no studies demonstrating a difference in long term outcome between two
      insertion techniques used for PD placement, including midline and paramedian
      incisions. The present study was conducted to compare clinical outcomes among
      CAPD patients who had bedside PD catheter insertion through midline incision vs.
      paramedian incision in terms of early post-operative complications and long term
      outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This is a retrospective study. All CAPD patients
      who received treatments at Maharat Nakhonratchasima Hospital during the year 2008
      2010 were included in the present study. Age, sex, co-morbid diseases, laboratory
      results obtained prior to dialysis, early post-operative complications, and late
      post-operative complications were documented. RESULTS: A total of 392 patients
      were identified. Of these, 43 patients were excluded due to incomplete medical
      records. The remaining 349 cases were collected for analysis, 90 cases having
      paramedian incision and 259 cases having midline incision. The average age was
      51.7 years old, and 52% were male. The baseline characteristics and patient
      parameters were similar in both approaches. The paramedian group was found to
      have lesser early post-operative complications (7.78%) when compared to the
      midline group (18.82%) (p = 0.02). Moreover, the long term outcomes were shown to
      be greater in paramedian approach when compared to the midline group in terms of
      PD catheter survival (985.5 vs. 698.1 days, p = 0.048) and overall patient
      survival (915.4 vs. 700.6 days, p = 0.01). However, there was no significant
      difference in peritonitis-free survival (848.7 vs. 824.3 days, p = 0.93).
      CONCLUSION: Comparing PD catheter insertion using paramedian incision with
      midline incision, paramedian incision was associated with less early post
      operative complications, more prolonged PD catheter survival and better overall
      patient survival. Therefore, paramedian incision should be recommended as the
      preferred method for PD catheter insertion.

PMID- 22043568
TI  - Experiences on bedside Tenckhoff catheter implantation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To clarify the outcome of a bedside technique of peritoneal dialysis
      (PD) catheter implantation which is practiced differently from worldwide
      guidelines in some points. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This retrospective study was
      conducted in end stage renal diseases (ESRD) patients treated with chronic
      ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD). Catheter placement was initiated by the
      authors' bedside technique comprising no antibiotic prophylaxis, dry abdomen, and
      routinely right sided exit site as our protocol. All events within one month
      postimplantation, such as tip mal-position, malfunction, infection, and bleeding
      were analyzed. RESULTS: One hundred and fourteen cases were participated with
      age, ranged from 14 to 78 yrs. Of the participating subjects, 38.5% was female
      and 60.52% was diabetes mellitus (DM). After 1 month, 113 out of 114 cases (99.1
      %) accomplished CAPD. Of these, 79.8 % had good tip position and function after
      the break-in period. Early mal-position and poor flow was detected in 21 cases
      (18.4 %); 9 of them responded to laxative bowel stimulation while 12 cases needed
      surgical correction. Exit-site infection and/or wound infection were found in
      7.9%. The peritonitis rate was 2.63%. All cases with infection were cured.
      Coagulase positive Staphylococcus aureus was the major causative organism.
      CONCLUSION: Bedside Tenckhoff catheter implantation without antibiotic
      prophylaxis in dry abdomen is a safe modality for selected ESRD patients.

PMID- 22043569
TI  - Does previous abdominal operation affect peritoneal dialysis complications and
      outcomes?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Peritoneal dialysis (PD) "First Policy" for end stage renal disease
      (ESRD) patients who are under universal healthcare coverage scheme, was
      implemented in Thailand since January 2008. Now there are about 10,000 PD
      patients all over the country and most of them are in low to medium socio
      economic status. In the past, previous abdominal operation was considered as a
      contra-indication to PD. The purpose of the present study is to compare the
      complications and outcomes between patients with and without previous abdominal
      operation. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The present study was a retrospective review of
      all new PD cases for complications and outcome of the first PD catheter
      implantation. The method of catheter implantation is mini-laparotomy under local
      anesthesia by one surgeon. The bleeding, exit site/wound infection, catheter
      malposition/obstruction, and catheter/technique/patient survival rate were
      compared between two groups. RESULTS: In 730 ESRD patients who underwent catheter
      implantation, there were 106 patients with history of previous abdominal
      operation (14.5%). There were no significant differences between patients "with
      previous abdominal operation" and "without previous abdominal operation", for
      bleeding, exit site/wound infection, catheter malposition/obstruction, and
      catheter/technique/patient survival. CONCLUSION: History of previous abdominal
      operation in ESRD patients is not a contra-indication to PD. The complications
      are low and the outcomes are excellent regardless of previous abdominal
      operation. Dedicated catheter implantation team might be the key of success.

PMID- 22043570
TI  - The technique and outcome of peritoneal dialysis catheter revision.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Tenchkhoff catheter malposition is a significant cause of technical
      failure in patients with peritoneal dialysis (PD). Many surgical revised
      techniques have been reported including wire manipulation and laparoscopy. The
      objective of the present study was to report the outcome of surgical revised
      technique for catheter malposition in patients with PD. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The
      data of one hundred and twenty three patients with peritoneal dialysis at the HRH
      Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn Medical Center were reviewed. The Tenchkhoff
      catheters were revised in ten patients who had delayed outflow drainage and
      failed with nonsurgical treatment. The outcome of catheter placement and revision
      were reported. RESULTS: The longest catheter survival time in the authors'
      patient was 71 months. The Tenchkhoff catheters were revised successfully in ten
      patients. The positions of exit sites were not changed. The immediate
      postoperative complication was not found. The second revision of Tenchkhoff
      catheter was performed in three patients. Five patients died from other causes
      not related to the catheter malposition, one patient was referred to another
      hospital, and four patients had still undergone CAPD. CONCLUSION: The authors
      catheter-revised technique is safe, simple, straightforward and no special
      instrument needed therefore it is suitable to be practiced in Thailand.

PMID- 22043571
TI  - Comparison of the Seldinger technique and surgical technique in Tenckhoff
      catheter insertion in CAPD patients: a single center experience.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare clinical outcomes of catheter placement between surgical
      technique and Seldinger technique, including catheter survival and early post
      operative complications. MATERIAL AND METHOD: This retrospective study was
      conducted in Maharaj Nakhon Si Thammarat Hospital, a tertiary-center hospital in
      southern part of Thailand. Three-year data, during October 2007-2010, were
      retrieved from medical records and hospital database. Early post-operative
      complications, including major bleeding, peritoneal leakage, and peritonitis
      rate, and long-term outcome were assessed. RESULTS: One hundred forty-nine and 56
      out of 205 patients were inserted Tenckhoff catheter by surgical technique and
      Seldinger technique, accordingly. The average age was 49.8 years old. Sixty
      percent of them were male. Neither of early postoperative complication and long
      term outcome was found to have significant difference. However, patients with
      surgical technique received more topical antibiotic [15 (10.0%) vs. 0 (0%), p =
      0.014] and trended to have more episode of early postoperative peritonitis [15
      (10.1%) vs. 3 (5.4%)p = 0.288]. CONCLUSION: Although Seldinger technique is more
      feasible for practical nephrologists and less time consumption; the success,
      early post-operative complications, and long term outcome are comparable with
      surgical technique. The surgeons or nephrologists who perform catheter placement
      should be aware of catheter-related infection, especially in the first few weeks.

PMID- 22043572
TI  - Determination of peritoneal membrane transport characteristics with dialysis
      adequacy and transport test in Thai patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The characteristics of peritoneal membrane transport are useful for
      the determination of dialysis treatment prescription. The peritoneal
      equilibration test (PET) is accepted as a gold standard tool for identification
      of these characteristics. Unfortunately, the process of PET is troublesome and
      unsuitable for clinical practice. Dialysis adequacy and transport test (DATT),
      which is easier and more convenient method, is proposed as an alternative test.
      The aim of the present study was to evaluate the accuracy of the DATT in
      determination of membrane characteristics in Thai patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD:
      Fifteen patients underwent both DATT and PET on the same day. The second DATT was
      performed. The 24-hour dialysate-to-plasma ratio of creatinine (D/Pcr) from each
      DATT was compared with the adjusted 4-hour D/Pcr from the corresponding PET. The
      types of membrane solute transport were classified using the PET proposed by
      Twardowski and the DATT suggested by Rocco into high, high average, low average,
      and low transporter RESULTS: The mean age was 48.1 +/- 16.4 years. The mean value
      of D/Pcr derived from DATT was higher than PET (0.80 +/- 0.10 vs. 0.74 +/- 0.14).
      The results of both D/Pcr were correlated (r = 0.78, p = 0.001). However,
      determinations of characteristics of membrane transport were discordant (kappa
      coefficient = 0.25). The results of the repeated D/Pcr were not different and the
      classification of membrane transport properties were concordant (kappa
      coefficient = 0.68). CONCLUSION: The results of D/Pcr derived from both tests
      were correlated. However determinations of characteristics of membrane transport
      were discordant.

PMID- 22043573
TI  - Insulin resistance in dialysis versus non dialysis end stage renal disease
      patients without diabetes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Insulin resistance is frequently recognized in uremic patients and is
      a predictor of cardiovascular mortality in end stage renal disease (ESRD)
      patients. However sparse data are available regarding the effects of different
      methods of renal dialysis on insulin resistance in ESRD without diabetes. The
      present study was conducted to evaluate the levels of insulin resistance in
      dialysis versus non dialysis ESRD patients without diabetes. MATERIAL AND METHOD:
      A cross-sectional study was carried out in 45 non diabetic ESRD patients
      including continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), hemodialysis (HD),
      and non dialysis ESRD patients. The value of insulin resistance was obtained by
      homeostasis model assessment (HOMA). Estimation of the glomerular filtration rate
      (GFR) was obtained by the four-variable Modification of Diet in Renal Disease
      equation and ESRD was defined when GFR was below 15 ml/min/1.73 m2. RESULTS: Non
      diabetic ESRD patients were studied: 12 patients on CAPD treatment for 67.4
      months, 18 patients on HD treatment for 89.3 months, and 15 patients on
      conservative treatment. HOMA scores (CAPD 5.4 +/- 2.3, HD 6.0 +/- 1.9 vs. non
      dialysis 1.5 +/- 0.9, p < 0.05) and fasting plasma insulin levels (CAPD 21.9 +/-
      7.7 microU/mL, HD 19.5 +/- 8.4 microU/mL vs. non dialysis 4.4 +/- 2.5 microU/mL,
      p < 0.05) of the CAPD and HD groups were significantly higher than the non
      dialysis ESRD group, with no significant differences observed between CAPD and HD
      groups. However, fasting plasma glucose was significantly lower in the HD group
      than the CAPD and non dialysis ESRD groups (CAPD 98.2 +/- 10.6 mg/dL, non
      dialysis 93.0 +/- 11.5 mg/dL vs. HD 76.2 +/- 7.8 mg/dL, p < 0.05). All groups
      showed no significant differences for blood pressure, body weight, body mass
      index, fat free mass, body fat, and serum levels of albumin, total cholesterol,
      LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, and triglycerides. CONCLUSION: Impaired insulin
      sensitivity in both dialysis groups after long term dialysis was still higher
      than that of the non dialysis ESRD group. However, no significant differences
      were noted between CAPD and HD treatments.

PMID- 22043574
TI  - Relationship between malnutrition-inflammation syndrome and ultrafiltration
      volume in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Malnutrition inflammation syndrome may contribute to a change of
      peritoneum, leading to high peritoneal membrane transport, peritoneal albumin
      loss, and increased glucose uptake into systemic circulation and decreased
      ultrafiltration (UF) volume. Fluid overload is a common problem among CAPD
      patients which has an effect on morbidity and mortality in these patients. The
      present study was designed as a pilot to find out a correlation between
      malnutrition and UF volume in CAPD patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A cross
      sectional study was comducted in 42 stable CAPD cases at CAPD clinic, Maharaj
      Chiang Mai Hospital. Subjective global assessment score (SGA), malnutrition
      inflammation score (MIS), and laboratory values were utilized to identify
      nutritional and inflammatory status. Peritoneal equilibration test (PET) was
      performed to measure UF volume while bioelectrical impedance assay was determined
      to measure extracellular fluid volume (ECF), lean body mass (LBM), lean fat mass,
      and fluid status. RESULTS: Of 42 CAPD patients, 30 subjects were classified to
      have normal nutritional status while 12 patients were categorized to have
      malnutrition. Only 1 patient was classified to have malnutrition inflammation
      syndrome. MIS scores and serum albumin were significantly different between 2
      groups (p < 0.001). PET-UF volume was significantly decreased in the malnutrition
      group (p < 0.05), especially when serum albumin was less than 3.0 g/dl. PET-UF
      volume was reduced 137.44 ml for every 1 g/dl of serum albumin below 3.0 g/dl.
      Residual renal function (RRF) was also significantly reduced in malnutrition
      group (p < 0.05). Malnutrition, decreased RRF and decreased UF volume led to ECF
      expansion, hypertension, and fluid overload. Other factors that were correlated
      with UF volume were ACEI and/or ARB use (p < 0.05) and total protein loss per day
      (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: There was a significantly positive correlation between
      malnutrition and reduction of UF volume. Other factors that were correlated with
      UF volume were ACEI and/or ARBS use and total protein loss per day.

PMID- 22043575
TI  - Secondary hyperparathyroidism and risk factors in patients undergoing peritoneal
      dialysis in a tertiary hospital.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) can lead to significant
      morbidity, mortality, and additional healthcare resource utilization in chronic
      kidney disease. Since the introduction of continuous ambulatory peritoneal
      dialysis (CAPD) policy for end stage renal disease patients in Thailand, no large
      studies have been conducted to examine parathyroid dysfunction in these patients.
      The baseline prevalence data are highly required. The present study was conducted
      to determine the prevalence of SHPT and the risk factors associated with this
      dysfunction in CAPD patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The authors analyzed data of
      173 patients who received CAPD at a single center between October 2008 and
      October 2010. Clinical data and laboratory variables related to parathyroid
      function were obtained from each patient. Hyperparathyroidism was diagnosed when
      serum intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) level was above 300 pg/ml. Variables
      predicting the development of hyperparathyroidism were calculated by univariate
      and multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: Hyperparathyroidism was
      identified in 29.48% of the CAPD patients. Significantly lower serum calcium
      levels (p = 0.037), significantly higher serum phosphate levels (p = 0.016) and
      significantly greater serum alkaline phosphatase concentrations (p = 0.029) were
      observed in the patients with hyperparathyroidism. By multiple regression
      analysis, the duration on CAPD showed a significant positive correlation with
      iPTH (r = 0.359, p < 0.01) while the total corrected Ca levels had a significant
      negative correlation with iPTH (r = -0.176, p = 0.023). CONCLUSION: There is a
      high prevalence of hyperparathyroidism in the current Thai CAPD population.
      Duration on CAPD and hypocalcemia are independent risk factors for the
      development of hyperparathyroidism.

PMID- 22043576
TI  - Oral and radiographic findings in patients undergoing continuous ambulatory
      peritoneal dialysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the oral status, cortical and spongy bone density of the
      mandible, and dental pulp calcification between the patients undergoing
      continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) and age- and sex-matched healthy
      controls. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Thirteen end stage renal disease patients
      undergoing CAPD and 17 age- and sex- matched healthy volunteers were enrolled.
      The questionnaires, oral radiography, and intraoral examination, including number
      of decayed teeth, filled teeth, missing teeth, plaque index, gingival index,
      calculus index, and oral hygiene index were performed in both groups. Two views
      of oral radiology, comprising panoramic and bite-wing radiographs, were taken to
      evaluate mandibular bone density and pulp calcification. The data were analyzed
      with t-test and Mann-Whitney U tests. RESULTS: Both groups were similar in
      baseline demographics, including age, sex, and education. Plaque index, calculus
      index, and oral hygiene index of the CAPD patients were significantly worse than
      the controls' (p = 0.025, 0.015, and 0.014, respectively). Percentage of decayed
      teeth and missing teeth of the CAPD patients had a trend to be higher than
      control. The percentage of filled teeth, decayed missing filling tooth (DMFT)
      index, sum of percentage DMFT, gingival index, average of spongy and cortical
      bone densities, and the percentage of pulp calcification were comparable in both
      groups. CONCLUSION: CAPD had poorer oral hygiene than the healthy; however; DMFT
      pulp calcification, and bone density were not differenct from the healthy. This
      urges the medical personnel to examine all CAPD patients in order to prevent
      hematogenous spreading of occult oral infection.

PMID- 22043577
TI  - Health promotion behaviors and related factors in end stage renal disease
      patients treated with continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To present study health promotion behaviors and related factors in end
      stage renal disease (ESRD) patients treated with continuous ambulatory peritoneal
      dialysis (CAPD). MATERIAL AND METHOD: Questionnaires of Pender to evaluate health
      promotion behaviors which measure 5 aspects of health-affected behaviors were
      examined in 90 CAPD patients at dialysis unit of Udornthani Hospital. Results
      were categorized into 3 groups according to Bloom's scale as follows: high,
      moderate, and low levels. The data were displayed as ranges or means +/- standard
      deviation, according to the characteristics of each variable, with a 5% (p <
      0.05) significant level. For nonparametric variables, comparisons were conducted
      by using the Chi-square and Fisher exact tests. Pearson correlation test was
      utilized for statistical analysis where appropriate. RESULTS: Three fourths of
      the participants had high overall and individual rating of health promotion
      behaviors, including health responsibility, interpersonal relationship, spiritual
      improvement, and stress management behaviors. However, the behaviors related to
      personal activities and nutrition fell into moderate category. Of interest, none
      of patients had low overall rating. To assess influence factors on health
      promotion behaviors, only perception of health care promotion usefulness,
      perception of health care promotion obstacle, perception of themselves, and
      social support were related to the health promotion behaviors (r = 0.35, 0.34,
      0.44, and 0.45, respectively; individual p-value was less than 0.01). Caregiver
      also influenced with lower degree correlation compared to the above factors.
      Neither demographics nor patient characteristics affected the behaviors.
      CONCLUSION: The results encourage efforts to monitor and detect health behaviors
      that might impair compliance with PD system. The center should find tailor-made
      strategy with assistance and supports by local community and family member to
      continuously promote and cherish health behaviors of the patients.

PMID- 22043578
TI  - Exfoliated mesothelial cell and CA-125 in automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) and
      continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) becomes the first option for
      peritoneal dialysis, nowadays overtaking continuous ambulatory peritoneal
      dialysis (CAPD) in many countries. The comparison of peritoneal membrane
      alteration in CAPD and APD is inconclusive. The authors therefore compared the
      peritoneal membrane changes in patients undergoing CAPD and APD. MATERIAL AND
      METHOD: In naive end stage renal disease patients, the choice of PD modes (CAPD
      or APD) was dependent on the patient's decision. Thirty-six CAPD and 25APD
      patients with a total of 287 patient-months were compared. The peritoneal mass
      parameter, exfoliated mesothelial cell (MTC) and dialysate CA-125, as well as
      modified peritoneal equilibrium test (mPET) with 4.25% dextrose solution was
      simultaneously evaluated at 1 and 6 month follow-up. RESULTS: Although the
      peritoneal function (as measured by D/P creatinine, D/D0 glucose, sodium dipping,
      and dialysate protein loss), adequacy, serum albumin, nutritional status, and
      residual renal function showed no significant differences between groups at 1 and
      6 months, CA-125 but not MTC was higher in APD compared with CAPD at the first
      month of PD beginning. Due to the single time-point measurement limitation, the
      authors compared the peritoneal mass parameter differences between 1 and 6 month.
      During 6-month follow-up, CA-125 decreased 30 +/- 5% vs. 7 +/- 5% and MTC
      decreased 5 +/- 12% vs. 40 +/- 11% in APD and CAPD, respectively. The higher CA
      125 reduction in APD and greater changes of MTC in CAPD suggested that there was
      less viable mesothelial cell in APD compared with CAPD. CONCLUSION: The authors
      observed that both APD and CAPD damaged peritoneum. However, there might be
      higher peritoneal injury in APD patients. The proper randomization study in
      longer follow-up period is mandatory to confirm this observation.

PMID- 22043579
TI  - Intermittent peritoneal dialysis in acute kidney injury.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The mortality rate of acute kidney injury (AKI) patients is high
      despite of new advanced continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), which has
      widely become the treatment of choice in patients who are hemodynamically
      unstable. Nevertheless, the effectiveness of CRRT in improving the survival
      outcome is still unclear. Therefore, many centers still use intermittent
      peritoneal dialysis (IPD) or intermittent hemodialysis (IHD) in hospital where
      CRRT is unavailable. The present study was carried out to evaluate outcome of AKI
      patients who were treated with IHD and IPD in Saraburi Hospital. MATERIAL AND
      METHOD: A retrospective study of AKI patients requiring dialysis during 2004 to
      2009 was conducted. Patients who were under 15 years old or underwent more than
      one modality of dialysis were excluded. Demographic data and mode of RRT were
      analyzed for survival. RESULTS: Of all 145 patients, 101 were admitted into ICU.
      Mean age of patients was 61.6 +/- 17.8 years and 60.7% of all patients were male.
      Acute tubular necrosis was the most common cause of AKI, whereas volume overload
      was the leading indication for RRT. Overall mortality was 68.3%. There was no
      statistically significant difference in mortality rate between the two modes of
      dialysis. CONCLUSION: The mortality rate of AKI patients is high despite having
      dialysis support. There is no statistically significant difference in mortality
      rate between IHD and IPD among these patients.

PMID- 22043580
TI  - The glucose interference in creatinine measurement using an enzymatic method:
      effect of creatinine concentrations.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence of glucose and creatinine concentrations on
      the determination of creatinine by Jaffe picrate reaction and specific enzymatic
      assay. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Unused dialysate with 4.25% dextrose was diluted to
      obtain seven glucose concentrations. Two series of dialysate were spiked with
      creatinine to yield concentrations of 5 and 10 mg/dl. Creatinine measurements
      were obtained by Jaffe method and enzymatic assay. RESULTS: In unused dialysate
      solution with glucose concentrations from 559 to 4,250 mg/dl, the creatinine
      values obtained by the Jaffe method were higher than the enzymatic assay (0.31 +/
      0.20 vs. 0.08 +/- 0.01 mg/dl, p < 0.05). The correlation coefficient between
      glucose and creatinine from the Jaffe method were 0.98 (p < 0.001) but showed no
      correlation with creatinine measured with the enzymatic assay. On the other hand,
      the mean values of creatinine in dialysate with creatinine concentrations of 5
      and 10 mg/dl derived by Jaffe method were lower than enzymatic assay (5.74 +/-
      0.12 vs. 6.16 +/- 0.36 mg/ dl and 11.56 +/- 0.17 vs. 12.69 +/- 0.66 mg/dl,
      respectively). At creatinine concentration of 10 mg/dl, the correlation between
      glucose concentration and creatinine from enzymatic assay was significant. In
      contrast, at creatinine concentration of 5 mg/ dl, the correlations obtained from
      both methods were significant. CONCLUSION: The patterns of glucose interference
      with creatinine obtained from Jaffe method and enzymatic assay were quite
      different. The magnitude of interference with enzymatic assay was greater at a
      higher creatinine concentration. Therefore, the enzymatic assay might not be
      appropriate for creatinine measurement in patients using dialysate with dextrose
      4.25% and membrane characteristic of high solute transporter.

PMID- 22043581
TI  - Correction formula for creatinine concentration with glucose in dialysate.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Previous studies showed that high glucose in dialysate could interfere
      with creatinine measurement. This error might produce some mistakes in peritoneal
      dialysis (PD) treatment. The correction of creatinine is essentially needed.
      MATERIAL AND METHOD: Creatinine powder diluted in 0.1 N HCl was used as the
      standard reference. Different creatinine measurements obtained from unused
      dialysate solutions in various glucose concentrations were performed. Creatinine
      correction was performed by Twardowski's formula which was recommended by
      Nephrology Society of Thailand and by Tam's formula which utilized unused
      dialysate creatinine and glucose ratio. Comparison of the results in
      determination of membrane transport characteristics was based on the criteria
      proposed by Twardowski et al in used dialysate solutions derived from 17 CAPD
      patients with different approaches. RESULTS: The mean creatinine concentrations
      obtained from the standard creatinine solution and the above two correction
      methods were different. The mean creatinine derived from Twardowski's formula was
      the lowest. The correlation coefficients between glucose and creatinine
      interference obtained by direct measurement and by Twardowski's formula were high
      (r = 0.80-0.98) at all creatinine levels. However, the correlation between
      glucose and creatinine interference were significant only at creatinine
      concentrations of 2.9 and 17.5 mg%. Classification of membrane transport was
      discordant when different correction formulae were used. CONCLUSION: Creatinine
      correction in dialysate was crucial. Creatinine correction with fresh dialysate
      creatinine and glucose ratio might be suitable in clinical practice.

PMID- 22043582
TI  - The in vitro toxicity of peritoneal dialysis fluid.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the toxicity of peritoneal dialysis fluid (PDF)
      components on peritoneal changes in primary human mesothelial cell. MATERIAL AND
      METHOD: To investigate the mechanism of changes, primary human peritoneal
      mesothelial cells (HPMCs) were isolated from human omental tissue and were
      exposed for 15 hours with the various concentrations of conventional PDF and
      various PDF components. The mesothelial injury was determined by calculating a
      ratio of supernatant and total intracellular LDH while mesothelial apoptosis was
      assessed and counted by positive TUNEL staining and flow cytometry, respectively.
      RESULTS: PDF caused mesothelial detachment, de-differentiation, cell injuries,
      and apoptosis and this depended on the concentrations of PDF. The acidic
      condition and high glucose concentration likely played a major role in the HPMC
      injuries and detachment while individual PDF component could not yield
      mesothelial apoptosis as severe as the whole PDF effects. Thus, the additive
      effects of PDF composition, instead of the effect of each component, contributed
      to dialysis-related HPMC damages. CONCLUSION: PDF showed concentration dependent
      fashion-induced HPMC injury, dedifferentiation, and apoptosis. All of the
      abnormalities occurred by the additive effects of PDF components.

PMID- 22043583
TI  - Hypercalcemia and refractory peritonitis alert the condition of tuberculous
      peritonitis: a case report and review literature.
AB  - Hypercalcemia is commonly encountered in peritoneal dialysis patients with
      parathyroid hormone abnormalities; however, most of them have faint clinical
      manifestation and the level usually is less than 13 mg/dL. If severe
      hypercalcemia exists, granulomatous infection and occult malignancy should be of
      concern. Tuberculosis, a granulomatous disease associated with hypercalcemia, is
      commonly prevalent in dialysis patients. Although anti-mycobacterium therapy is
      highly effective nowadays, the mortality rate is still high because most of the
      victims have delayed diagnosis. High index of suspiciousness and early diagnosis
      are mandatory to improve patient outcome. Herein, the authors report a case of TB
      peritonitis that was suspected because of the disclosure of hypercalcemia and
      refractoriness to an empirical antibiotic treatment.

PMID- 22043584
TI  - The "PD First" policy in Thailand: three-years experiences (2008-2011).
AB  - Universal coverage (UC) scheme is a reformed national healthcare insurance that
      has been set up since the year 2002 and covers more than 80% of Thai population
      who are self-employed and do not work as government employees. Initially, this
      scheme offered only basic and comprehensive healthcare while renal replacement
      therapy (RRT), the financial cost of which was high, was not included. Without
      the support from the government healthcare insurance, the patients and their
      families will become insolvency. The benefit of peritoneal dialysis (PD) over
      hemodialysis (HD) has been shown in terms of medical expenses and cost
      effectiveness. The "PD First" policy in Thailand has been implemented on January
      1st 2008 as a model of initial treatment of end stage renal disease (ESRD)
      patients under the UC scheme. During the year 2008-2011, 12,753 cases, 6,177 were
      male and 6,576 were female, registered in this modality. The technical survivals
      at 1, 2 and 3 years were 92, 85 and 80%, respectively while the patient survivals
      were 79, 66 and 57% at 1, 2 and 3 years, respectively. The hematocrit level had
      been significantly increased from 25.9 +/- 5% in October 2009 to 28.0 +/- 5% in
      October 2010. The Peritonitis rate was decreased from 20.7 per patient months
      during the year 2009 to 25.8 per patient months at the year 2011 and the exit
      site infection rate was 1 episode per 40.7 patient months. Currently, there are
      111 PD centers that service for ESRD patients nationwide. There are strong
      supports from The National Health Security Office, The Nephrology Society of
      Thailand, The Dialysis Nurse Association, The Kidney Foundation of Thailand The
      Ministry of Public Health, The Thai Kidney Patient Association, Chulalongkorn
      University, Thai Red Cross Society, community, and social network, all of which
      are the major factors to guarantee the salutary outcomes in the future.

PMID- 22043585
TI  - Nationwide peritoneal dialysis nurse training in Thailand: 3-year experience.
AB  - Peritoneal dialysis (PD) center is not possible to operate if there is no
      availability of dedicated PD nurse. Generally, the nurse has to play many roles,
      including educator coordinator, and sometimes leader. As professionalism, the PD
      nurses need to have both theoretical and practical skills. With the tremendous
      leap of PD population after the launch of "PD First" policy in Thailand, the
      shortage of skillful PD nurse is concerned. Hence, the nationwide PD nurse
      training course was established with the collaborations of many organizations and
      institutes. Until now, 3 generations of 225 PD nurses are the productions of the
      course. This number represents 80 percent of PD nurses distributed throughout the
      whole nation. The survey operated in the year 2010 demonstrated that the output
      of the course was acceptable in terms of quality since most of the trained PD
      nurses had a confidence in taking care of PD patients. The quality of patient
      care is good as indicated by KPIs.

PMID- 22043586
TI  - Practical guidelines for automated peritoneal dialysis.
AB  - The development of APD technologies enables physician to customize PD treatment
      for optimal dialysis. Dialysis dose can be increased with APD alone or in
      conjunction with daytime dwells. Although there is no strong evidence of the
      advantage over CAPD, APD is generally recommended for patients having a high
      peritoneal transport, outflow problems or high intraperitoneal pressure (IPP) and
      those who depend on caregivers for their dialysis. The benefits of APD over CAPD
      depends on the problems and treatment results among dialysis centers. Before
      starting the APD, medical, psychosocial and financial aspects, catheter function,
      residual renal function (RRF), body surface area and peritoneal transport
      characteristic must be evaluated. The recommended starting prescription for APD
      is the dwell volume of 1,500 ml/m2, 2 hours/cycle, and 5 cycles/session, which
      will provides 10-15 L of total volume and 10 hours per session. The IPP should be
      monitored and kept below 18 cmH2O. NIPD is accepted for patients with significant
      RRF. Anuric patients usually require 15-20 L of total fill volume and may need 1
      2 day-dwells of 2L icodextrin or hypertonic glucose solutions. Small solute
      clearances and ultrafiltration depend on the peritoneal catheter function and
      dialysis schedule. The clinical outcomes and small solute clearances must be
      monitored and adjusted accordingly to meet the weekly total Kt/V urea > or = 1.7
      and in low peritoneal transporters, the weekly total CCr should be > or = 45
      L/1.73 m2. The volume status must be normal. To diagnose the peritonitis in NIPD
      patients, 1 L of PDF should be infused and permitted to dwell for 2 hours before
      sending for analysis. The differential of white cell count may be more useful
      than the total cell counts. In Siriraj Hospital, APD patients had 1.5-3 times
      less peritonitis than CAPD patients and most of our anuric patients can achieve
      the weekly total Kt/V urea target with 10 L of NIPD.

PMID- 22043587
TI  - An update on RAAS blockade and peritoneal membrane preservation: the ace of art.
AB  - Peritoneal membrane changes over time in long-term peritoneal dialysis (PD)
      patients lead to dialysis failure and increased morbidity as well as mortality.
      Bio-incompatable PD solution, peritonitis, and uremia are hypothesized in causing
      membrane damage. Fibrous organization and angiogenesis of peritoneum are crucial
      morphological alterations which can diminish the efficacy of exchange and cause
      ultrafiltration failure. Pathophysiologic mechanisms of membrane damage have been
      extensively studied to innovate therapeutic strategies. One of the potential
      mechanisms is a presence of local renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) by
      which injured peritoneal mesothelial cell-derived angiotensin-II (AII) causes
      activations in TGF-beta, VEGF expression, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal
      transition (EMT) which contributes to extracellular matrix accumulation and
      neoangiogenesis in submesothelial tissues. Clinical evidence of RAAS blockade on
      human peritoneal membrane remains under investigation and is still inconclusive
      but relevant data seem to demonstrate its benefit on membrane preservation.
      Longitudinal effect of RAAS blockade on membrane structural, functional, and
      clinical relationships and strategies to use angiotensin converting enzyme
      inhibitor (ACEI), angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB), aldosterone antagonist,
      and direct renin inhibitor are an interesting field to be explored.

PMID- 22043588
TI  - Continuous quality improvement process pin-points delays, speeds STEMI patients
      to life-saving treatment.
AB  - Using a multidisciplinary team approach, the University of California, San Diego,
      Health System has been able to significantly reduce average door-to-balloon
      angioplasty times for patients with the most severe form of heart attacks,
      beating national recommendations by more than a third. The multidisciplinary team
      meets monthly to review all cases involving patients with ST-segment-elevation
      myocardial infarctions (STEMI) to see where process improvements can be made.
      Using this continuous quality improvement (CQI) process, the health system has
      reduced average door-to-balloon times from 120 minutes to less than 60 minutes,
      and administrators are now aiming for further progress. Among the improvements
      instituted by the multidisciplinary team are the implementation of a "greeter"
      with enough clinical expertise to quickly pick up on potential STEMI heart
      attacks as soon as patients walk into the ED, and the purchase of an
      electrocardiogram (EKG) machine so that evaluations can be done in the triage
      area. ED staff have prepared "STEMI" packets, including items such as special IV
      tubing and disposable leads, so that patients headed for the catheterization
      laboratory are prepared to undergo the procedure soon after arrival. All the
      clocks and devices used in the ED are synchronized so that analysts can later
      review how long it took to complete each step of the care process. Points of
      delay can then be targeted for improvement.

PMID- 22043589
TI  - Chest pain units help EDs streamline care, boost throughput for low- to moderate
      risk patients.
AB  - Hospitals that see a high volume of patients who present to the ED with chest
      pain are finding that they can expedite care by establishing a chest pain unit to
      evaluate the low- to moderate-risk patients who have normal initial
      electrocardiograms (EKG), but no other apparent conditions that can explain their
      symptoms. The directors of these units say they have trimmed what used to be a
      two- to three-day hospital stay to a 10- to 18-hour observation period, and
      patients are able to leave the hospital with a definitive diagnosis. In its first
      three weeks of operation, the chest pain ER at Shands Critical Care Center at the
      University of Florida in Gainesville, FL, helped the hospital reduce low- to
      moderate-risk admissions by two-thirds. Data on 30-day outcomes from the chest
      pain center at Providence, RI-based Rhode Island Hospital suggest that only three
      in every 1000 patients treated has had an adverse cardiovascular event following
      discharge. The director of the chest pain unit at Palmetto Health Richland in
      Columbia, SC, says screening and evaluation carried out in the unit have enabled
      providers to pick up cardiac problems in patients who would not have met the
      criteria for admission to the hospital in the past.

PMID- 22043590
TI  - ED diversion: multidisciplinary approach engages high utilizers, helps them
      better navigate the health care system.
AB  - Working with partners, the St. Charles Health System in Bend, OR, has implemented
      an ED diversion project that is helping patients who frequent the ED connect with
      more appropriate settings for their primary care needs. The hospital identifies
      high ED utilizers using claims data, then a multidisciplinary engagement team
      establishes care plans for these patients. The most at-risk patients are paired
      with community health workers to help them better navigate the health care
      system. The ED diversion project has reduced unnecessary ED utilization by 45% to
      70% in cohorts of patients that the hospital has analyzed thus far. The hospital
      contracts with a non-profit organization to supply and train community health
      workers. Community health workers follow a structured model that includes more
      than 80 different pathways to follow, based on patient conditions.

PMID- 22043591
TI  - [Claude Bernard pioneer of experimental medicine and clinical research].
AB  - With the publication of l"Introduction a l'etude de la medecine experimentale
      (Introduction to the Study of Experimental Medicine) in 1865, Claude Bernard
      opened up a new concept in experimental methodology. By stressing the essential
      link between clinical observation, exploration of the "internal medium", and
      animal studies, he established the founding principles of clinical research.

PMID- 22043592
TI  - [How to organize medical research?].
AB  - The creation of University Hospital Centers (CHU) in 1958 paved the way for the
      modern era of medical research in France. A large number of initiatives have
      subsequently been implemented, one on top of the other, without proper
      integration within the existing infrastructure. This has resulted in an
      excessively complex organization of work undertaken in hospitals, universities
      and research agencies. Other countries have adopted different organizational
      models. A recent initiative in France is seeking to create a limited number of so
      called University Hospital Institutes (IHU), within a more flexible system that
      should favor the development of research projects from the laboratory through to
      clinical applications. Nevertheless, IHUs will not integrate the different
      partners' specific missions of each parteners. In the Netherlands, University
      Medical Centers have been created within a single organization. Ten years later
      this set-up has proved to be highly successful and could serve as a model for
      future restructuring of French University Hospital Centers.

PMID- 22043593
TI  - [ECRIN (European clinical research infrastructures network), a pan-European
      infrastructure for clinical research].
AB  - Clinical research plays a key role both in the development of innovative health
      products and in the optimisation of medical strategies, leading to evidence-based
      practice and healthcare cost containment. ECRIN is a distributed ESFRI-roadmap
      pan-European infrastructure designed to support multinational clinical research,
      making Europe a single area for clinical studies, taking advantage of its
      population size to access patients, and unlocking latent scientific providing
      services to multinational. Servicing of multinational trials started during the
      preparatory phase, and ECRIN has applied for ERIC status in 2011. In parallel,
      ECRIN has also proposed an FP7 integrating activity project to further develop,
      upgrade and expand the ECRIN infrastructure built up during the past FP6 and FP7
      projects, facilitating an efficient organization of clinical research in Europe,
      with ECRIN developing generic tools and providing generic services for
      multinational studies, and supporting the construction of pan-European disease
      oriented networks that will in turn act as ECRIN users. This organization will
      improve Europe's attractiveness for industry trials, boost its scientific
      competitiveness, and result in better healthcare for European citizens. The three
      medical areas supported in this project (rare diseases, medical devices, and
      nutrition) will serve as pilots for other biomedical research fields. By creating
      a single area for clinical research in Europe, this structure will contribute to
      the implementation of the Europe flagship initiative 2020 'Innovation Union',
      whose objectives include defragmentation of research and educational capacities,
      tackling the major societal challenges (starting with healthy aging), and
      removing barriers to bringing ideas to the market.

PMID- 22043594
TI  - [Diagnosis of bipolar disorder and rationale of early treatment].
AB  - The earlier bipolarity is diagnosed and treated, the better the chances of
      durable recovery The bipolar spectrum consists of a large panel of clinical
      syndromes with heterogeneous symptoms. Clinical studies show that, on average, a
      period of nine years elapses between onset of the first mood symptoms and
      appropriate prescription of mood stabilizers. Tools such as the bipolarity index
      can help with earlier and more precise diagnosis of bipolarity, and with the
      choice of the best treatment to prevent complications of bipolar illness.

PMID- 22043595
TI  - [Universal implementation of pathogen inactivation in labile blood products is a
      major step towards transfusion safety].
AB  - Transfusion of labile blood products (red cell concentrates, platelet
      concentrates and plasma) is vital in the absence of alternatives. Patients and
      doctors have always feared infections transmitted by blood, blood components and
      blood-derived drugs. It is potentially dangerous to delay implementation of
      pathogen inactivation in labile blood products pending a perfect process.
      Universal implementation of pathogen inactivation in labile blood products is a
      major step towards transfusion safety.

PMID- 22043596
TI  - Agathos Daimon and the Asklepian serpent.
AB  - Much conjecture abounds about the origin of the Asklepian serpent of healing,
      this latter the universal metonym for curative medicine. Iconographic evidence of
      Asklepios with his staff-entwined serpent exists from Hippocratic times. Many
      theories exist about the origin of this reptilian symbol of curative medicine.
      Speculation has ranged from the skin-shed serpent emergent in new and robust
      health to putative associations with earlier Egyptian and Babylonian anguine
      (snake) symbols of life-determining power. Other scholars have drawn attention to
      the Palaeolithic, Neolithic and later Bronze-Age associations with serpent
      veneration in the context of rain and fertility religious invocations in India;
      and in many other cultures. In the South Pacific, in Australia and in Central and
      South America, serpents were regarded as spirits of the earth, often chthonian
      spirits who possessed life-giving powers. In Chaldean and Arabic etymology, the
      words for "serpent" and "life" have a synergy. In Classical Greece, the Agathos
      Daimon was literally the "noble spirit", a personal companion spirit ensuing
      health and good fortune. The Agathos Daimon was portrayed in iconography as a
      serpent, or as a fit and comely youth. This paper conjectures that the serpentine
      Agathos Daimon was one origin of the Asklepian symbol of medicine, portrayed as
      the serpent associated of the Homeric Asklepios. In later Roman times, the
      Agathos Daimon was transliterated to the agathodaemon, a protective companion
      spirit both of individuals and of the homes in which they lived. This benign
      resident spirit featured prominently in Roman art and was a common feature as a
      protective household spirit in first century homes at both Pompeii and
      Herculaneum. The agathodaemon motif also featured on Roman coins, such as bronze
      diobols of Antoninus Plus (138 - 161 A.D.) from Alexandrian mints in Egypt. In
      the twenty-first century, the serpentine Agathos Daimon is honoured not only as
      the symbol of medicine; but is daily acknowledged in toasts to "Good Health".

PMID- 22043597
TI  - The great Russion surgeon Nikolay Ivanovich Pirogov (1810-1881).
AB  - In 2010 we celebrated a great date in the world history of medicine--the
      bicentenary of Nikolay Ivanovich Pirogov, the greatest Russian surgeon and one of
      the greatest military surgeons of all times, the founder of Surgical (or
      Topographical) Anatomy and experimental branch of Surgery, a co-founder of
      Military-field surgery, an educator and a social figure, a man of daring
      humanistic ideals. Each aspect of his fruitful activities is by itself a subject
      of special scientific investigation and deep studies.

PMID- 22043598
TI  - [An encounter between medicine and astronomy: migraine visions].
AB  - Until the second half of the eighteenth century, the very definition of migraine
      as hemicrania (pain felt in one side of the head) eclipsed symptoms that were
      then considered as "marginal", although tingling sensations, speech impairment
      and visual impairment had already been described by Piso and Wepfer. The
      possibility of a migraine without a headache nevertheless started to be
      envisaged, inviting one to re-evaluate the status of these phenomena. But, as
      paradoxical as it may seem, it is in the field of astronomy that some of these
      phenomena such as visual aberrations were analyzed systematically and
      acknowledged to be migrainous. Scintillating scotoma is no exception: it was
      indeed mentioned as early as in the Hippocratic corpus, but until the end of the
      nineteenth century it was addressed as a separate condition to migraine. We limit
      our study to the visual aura. Our purpose is to show that the ophthalmic symptoms
      affecting migraine sufferers were not, by themselves, a medical object--which
      somehow calls into question the very functioning of science.

PMID- 22043599
TI  - The last months of Andreas Vesalius: Part II--From Jerusalem to Zakynthos
      (Zante).
AB  - Returning from his pilgrimage to the Holy Land Vesalius encountered serious
      trouble, as a consequence of which he died on the Greek island Zakynthos.
      Following a discussion of the circumstances of his death and what is known about
      his grave, we examine also Vesalius's intentions for the period after his
      journey.

PMID- 22043600
TI  - Heart failure in Penzance--a cornish enigma.
AB  - Following his discharge from the Royal Navy at the end of the Napoleonic Wars in
      1816, Dr John Forbes (1787-1861) studied at the University of Edinburgh and
      gained his MD degree in the following year. He moved to Cornwall in September
      1817 and started using a primitive stethoscope. In 1821 he translated Laennec's
      classical De L'Auscultation Mediate (1819) into English.As physician to Penzance
      Public Dispensary, his clinical experience in the local population is
      meticulously recorded in a large series of case notes of patients seen by him
      between 10 April and 4 December 1821. The casebooks are now in the care of
      Aberdeen University Library.

PMID- 22043601
TI  - Epidemic waves during Justinian's plague in the Byzantine Empire (6th-8th c. AD).
AB  - The aim of the present study is to collect the epidemic outbreaks and the
      epidemic waves of the bubonic plague of the Byzantine Empire during the first
      pandemic (541-751 AD). Human activities, such as trade and military movements
      have been speculated as underlying factors for the causation of the pandemic.
      Historical data combined with geographical spreading of the plague, allows an
      alternative speculation of suspicious enzootic areas in the Middle East. We
      conclude that the possible existence of enzootic areas in that region might have
      been responsible for the causation of the numerous outbreaks of the bubonic
      plague in the Eastern provinces of the Byzantine Empire during the 6th-8th
      century period.

PMID- 22043602
TI  - Human tumor stem cells, the petri dish and the patient. A tribute to Sydney E.
      Salmon.
AB  - During the last ten years, much work has been devoted to the concept of tumor
      stem cells, a concept first introduced by Virchow in 1855. Despite the importance
      and the quality of these works, they ignore the major step forward made by SE
      Salmon and his group from the University ofArizona atTucson, USA, during the
      seventies'. The purpose of this review is to (i) contribute to the original work
      of SE Salmon as a pioneer in the field of cancer stem cell research (ii)
      emphasize the importance of his contribution in this field of research and (iii)
      underline the other fields of his research, especially in the domain of
      mathematical oncology. Finally, we would like to show that SE Salmon made
      Multiple Myeloma a model in Oncology, many study groups being engaged into
      Myeloma research now in the world.

PMID- 22043603
TI  - Historical sources about diseases, death and embalming regarding the family of
      Jean Antoine Michel Agar, Minister of Finance of Gioacchino Murat.
AB  - Among the mummies preserved in the Basilica of San Domenico Maggiore in Naples,
      there are the bodies of the wife and three children of Jean Antoine Michel Agar,
      Minister of Finance of Naple's Kingdom during the Monarchy of Joachim Murat (1808
      1815). Between 1983 and 1987 paleopathological analyses were performed; in
      particular, X-ray examination allowed investigation of the health status of the
      Agar family members and reconstruction of the embalming processes used to
      preserve the bodies. In addition, an analysis of the historical and archival
      documents was carried out, to formulate hypotheses about the causes of death,
      demonstrating how these sources could become important instruments to obtain
      diagnoses and pathological histories.

PMID- 22043604
TI  - [Smallpox at the Hotel Dieu of Paris in 1900. An unpublished letter of Professor
      Brissaud].
AB  - On November 26, 1900, Rene Monod, resident in Professor E douard Brissaud's
      department, wrote at Brissaud's request a report on the cases of smallpox which
      had happened in his department at the Hotel-Dieu since September. This
      unpublished document attests to Brissaud's interest in hygienism, Pasteurism and
      Jennerian vaccination.

PMID- 22043605
TI  - The essential CEO appraisal.

PMID- 22043606
TI  - Planning under pressure.
AB  - Delivery system transformation brings a new urgency to the strategic planning
      process. Trustees will need to make quicker decisions and embrace far shorter
      timelines.

PMID- 22043607
TI  - The bundled payment battle.
AB  - As hospitals bundle services, administrators will have to take a close look at
      clinical costs. Resolving conflicts with physicians will require strong
      leadership.

PMID- 22043608
TI  - 2012 AHA environmental scan.

PMID- 22043609
TI  - Dangerous board diseases.
AB  - Unproductive meetings? Ill-informed decisions? Ineffective leadership? These and
      other symptoms point to common governance diseases. Learn how to prevent and cure
      them.

PMID- 22043610
TI  - ED throughput.

PMID- 22043611
TI  - Compensatory justice.

PMID- 22043612
TI  - Beyond the brainstorm.
AB  - The secret to innovation? Three Cs: competency, culture and courage.

PMID- 22043613
TI  - Physician-hospital arrangements.

PMID- 22043614
TI  - [How the care of COPD will be better].

PMID- 22043615
TI  - [A "failed" pelvic reservoir doesn't require extirpation. It can instead be
      converted to Kock's pouch--a good therapeutic alternative].

PMID- 22043616
TI  - [Big differences in Swedish child health care. Child health care units decide
      their services--alarming that a national program is missing].

PMID- 22043617
TI  - [Spontaneous intracranial hypotension probably underdiagnosed. Newly occurring
      orthostatic headache a warning of the condition].

PMID- 22043618
TI  - [Psychosocial intervention in schizophrenia or schizophrenia-like conditions. A
      life as normal as possible--the target in new national guidelines].

PMID- 22043619
TI  - [Assessment of dangerousness of narcotics requires better expert evidence
      service].

PMID- 22043620
TI  - [Important to discuss breast feeding].

PMID- 22043621
TI  - [Boxing: traumatology and prevention].
AB  - In 1986, a surgeon who, as an amateur boxer himself was concerned with boxers'
      health, approached a pioneering Parisian neuroimaging unit. Thus began a study in
      close cooperation with the French Boxing Federation, spanning 25 years. In a
      first series of 52 volunteer boxers (13 amateurs and 39 professionals), during
      which MRI gradually replaced computed tomography, ten risk factors were
      identified, which notably included boxing style: only one of 40 "stylists" with a
      good boxing technique had cortical atrophy (4.5 %), compared to 15 % of
      "sloggers". Changes to the French Boxing Federation rules placed the accent on
      medical prevention. The second series, of 247 boxers (81 amateurs and 266
      professionals), showed a clear improvement, as lesions were suspected in 14
      individuals, of which only 4 (1.35 %) were probably due to boxing. The third and
      fourth series were part of a protocol called "Brain-Boxing-Ageing", which
      included 76 boxers (11 having suffered KOs) and 120 MRI scans, with reproducible
      CT and MRI acquisitions (9 sequences with 1.5 T then 3 T, and CT). MRI anomalies
      secondary to boxing were found in 11 % of amateurs and 38 % of professionals
      (atrophy, high vascular T2 signal areas, 2 cases of post-KO subdural bleeding).
      CT revealed sinus damage in 13 % of the amateurs and 19 % of the professionals.
      The risk of acute and chronic facial and brain damage was underline, along with
      detailed precautionary measures (organization of bouts, role of the referee and
      ringside doctor, and application of French Boxing Federation rules).

PMID- 22043622
TI  - [Sport-related sudden death and its prevention].
AB  - Sudden death of sportspersons is frequently in the news but is relatively
      uncommon when the total number of sudden deaths is taken into account (1500 vs 40
      000 per year in France for example). Sport-related sudden death is often due to
      an unrecognized or underestimated cardiovascular disorder. The immediate causes
      of this dramatic event are age-dependent. Before 35, the most frequent causes are
      hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and arythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy,
      while complications of coronary atheroma predominate later. Prevention begins
      with screening, which remains imperfect. Patients with cardiovascular disorders
      at risk of sudden death must adapt their sports activities accordingly. Knowledge
      of life-saving first-aid procedures by those supervising sports activities can
      improve the prognosis.

PMID- 22043623
TI  - [Sports injuries and their prevention in childhood and adolescence].
AB  - Sports injuries are common in children and adolescents. Typical musculoskeletal
      disorders include overuse injuries such as stress fractures and apophyseal
      avulsions. Gymnastics has one of the highest injury rates of all girls' sports.
      Intensive gymnastics can cause chronic spine and wrist trauma. Prevention of
      sport injuries should be a priority for parents, coaches and children themselves.
      Protection (helmet, padding) is mandatory for some activities. Proper education
      and preparation are necessary for all sports activities.

PMID- 22043624
TI  - [Stimulation therapies for Parkinson's disease: over the past two decades].
AB  - Levodopa has been the mainstay of treatment for Parkinson's disease since the
      1960s, but the dyskinesias it induces are a major drawback. High-frequency deep
      brain stimulation offers a safe, reversible alternative. Targets include the
      thalamus, pallidum, subthalamic nucleus and, more recently, the pedunculopntine
      nucleus, which requires low-frequency excitation. The subthalamic nucleus is the
      preferred target in Parkinson's disease. Other treatments such as gene therapy
      are in the pipeline.

PMID- 22043625
TI  - [Update on the pathophysiology of Parkinson' disease].
AB  - Changes in the substantia nigra of patients with Parkinson's disease were
      suspected by Brissaud in the late 19th century. They were subsequently confirmed
      by Tretiakoff but neglected by Lewy, who described the inclusion bodies that bear
      his name. The experimental Parkinsonian syndrome caused by reserpine led Carlsson
      to discover the neuromediatory role of dopamine, a finding at the origin of L
      DOPA therapy. Identification of a mutation of the alpha-synuclein gene in cases
      of familial Parkinson's disease with autosomal dominant transmission was followed
      by the detection of the protein product in Lewy bodies and neurites. Alpha
      synuclein is now recognized as being the main constituent of Lewy bodies. Alpha
      synuclein immunohistochemistry has revealed that lesions can extend from the
      autonomous nervous system to the cortex (in Lewy body dementia). The Lewy body
      itself does not appear to be the direct cause of symptoms, which correlate better
      with neuronal death. Neuronal death could be due to metabolic disturbances
      related to alpha-synuclein accumulation, ubiquitin-proteasome system dysfunction,
      or oxidative stress. Non-autonomous cell death, caused by neuro-inflammation or
      gliosis, has also been incriminated.

PMID- 22043626
TI  - [Psychological and behavioural disorders in Parkinson's disease].
AB  - Psychological and behavioral disorders associated with Parkinson's disease can
      have a major impact on patients' and caregivers' quality of life. Depression,
      anxiety, psychotic symptoms (e.g hallucinations), apathy and impulse-control
      disorders raise questions as to the respective roles of premorbid vulnerability,
      disease-related factors, and drug adverse effects. These disorders are often
      difficult to manage, and there is an unmet need for controlled trials in this
      field.

PMID- 22043627
TI  - [Pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease: an update].
AB  - Considerable progress has been made in the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease
      in the last 25 years. To better understand the nature and diversity of the
      symptoms of Parkinson's disease it is necessary to integrate clinical knowledge
      on 1) the role of dopamine, 2) the anatomical and functional organization of the
      basal ganglia, and 3) the dysfunctions observed in MPTP-treated monkeys. This
      article reviews the principal discoveries in these three research fields and
      their contribution to our understanding of the pathophysiology of Parkinson's
      disease.

PMID- 22043628
TI  - [Tracheal allotransplantation after withdrawal of immunosuppressive therapy].
AB  - Reconstruction of long-segment tracheal defects requires a vascularized
      allograft. We report successful tracheal allotransplantation after indirect
      revascularization of the graft in a heterotopic position. Immunosuppressive
      therapy was administered before the operation, and the tracheal allograft was
      wrapped in the recipient's forearm fascia. Once revascularization was achieved,
      the mucosal lining was replaced progressively with buccal mucosa from the
      recipient. At 4 months, the tracheal chimera was fully lined with mucosa, which
      consisted of respiratory epithelium from the donor and buccal mucosa from the
      recipient. After withdrawal of immunosuppressive therapy, the tracheal allograft
      was moved to its correct anatomical position with an intact blood supply. No
      treatment-limiting adverse effects occurred.

PMID- 22043629
TI  - [Skin engineering for burns treatment].
AB  - Severely burned patients need effective and permanent wound coverage. The outcome
      of massive burn injuries has improved with the use of cultured epithelial
      autografts (CEA), despite their fragility, frequent failure to take, high cost
      and long-term tendency to contract. Combining CEA with dermal substitutes
      provides earlier skin closure and satisfactory functional results. Another
      promising line of research is skin regeneration with epidermal stem cells, which
      have the capacity to differentiate into keratinocytes, to promote wound repair,
      and to regenerate skin appendages. Human mesenchymal stem cells have been
      evaluated in radiation-induced skin damage.

PMID- 22043630
TI  - [Canine atopic dermatitis].
AB  - Canine atopic dermatitis is an inflammatory skin disease characterized by typical
      clinical signs and affecting up to 10 % of dogs aged from 1 to 3 years. The
      diagnosis is mainly clinical and the treatment is complex. This canine form may
      offer a good model of human atopic dermatitis, as the two diseases show many
      pathogenetic, clinical and therapeutic similarities.

PMID- 22043631
TI  - [Epitheliotropic lymphomas: better identification for improved treatment].
AB  - Mycosis fungoides is the most frequent cutaneous T cell lymphoma. Mycosis
      fungoides-related cutaneous T cell lymphomas include folliculotropic mycosis
      fungoides, with or without mucinosis, pagetoid reticulosis and granulomatous
      slack skin. Sezary syndrome is characterized by pruriginous erythroderma,
      adenopathies, atypical lymphocytes in the blood and a more aggressive course. B
      cell lymphomas represent 25 % of cutaneous lymphomas. Primary cutaneous follicle
      center cell lymphomas are the most frequent. They are often located on the head
      and trunk and have an indolent course. Primary cutaneous marginal zone B-cell
      lymphomas, which are more frequently multicentric and located on the limbs, also
      have an indolent course. In contrast, primary cutaneous diffuse large B-cell
      lymphomas, leg type, and primary cutaneous intravascular large B-cell lymphomas
      have a more aggressive course. Treatment must be adapted to each case.
      Unnecessarily aggressive treatments must be avoided in patients with indolent
      lymphomas.

PMID- 22043632
TI  - [Immunotherapy of melanoma].
AB  - This article describes current concepts and future challenges in non specific
      immunotherapy, vaccination, and antigen-specific adoptive immunotherapy of
      melanoma. If these treatments are to realize their full potential, it will be
      essential to understand how the tumor induces immune tolerance.

PMID- 22043633
TI  - [Responsibility for technical dental work].

PMID- 22043634
TI  - [Making extra money].

PMID- 22043635
TI  - [Dentist can detect diseases early. Yes].

PMID- 22043636
TI  - [Dentist can detect diseases early. No].

PMID- 22043637
TI  - [Hans Selye, the father of stress].

PMID- 22043638
TI  - [Problems with the availability of drugs in The Netherlands].
AB  - The withdrawal ofa license to trade can result in problems with the availability
      of drugs. The reasons for withdrawal can be ofan economic nature, but the balance
      between effectiveness and side effects of a drug can also, after a period of
      time, prove disappointing and the drug can, as a result, be withdrawn from sale.
      A scarcity of basic materials, too, can play a role in availability, as can the
      inability of the manufacturer to meet the standards of the relevant authority.

PMID- 22043639
TI  - [Severe odontalgic pain preceding migraine attacks].
AB  - A 30-year-old woman appeared at the gnathology department of a centre for special
      dentistry complaining of migraine attacks which were preceded each time by severe
      odontalgic pain. Furthermore, she suffered from an autoimmune disease as well as
      from tension headaches. The oral health care provider in charge suspected that
      the episodes of odontalgic pain, which lasted for several hours or even several
      days, were caused by bruxism. Treatment of the bruxism resulted in reduced pain
      as well as reduced severity of the migraine attacks.

PMID- 22043640
TI  - [Cosmetic facial surgery. The application of botulinum neurotoxin type A].
AB  - During the past decade, cosmetic facial treatments have become a standard element
      of the work of both dentists and oral and maxillofacial surgeons. A shift has
      taken place from invasive surgical treatments in the direction of minimally
      invasive treatments. One of the most frequently carried out minimally invasive
      treatments is the treatment with botulinum neurotoxin type A. Since botulism was
      first described in the 18th century, this neurotoxin has undergone a slow
      development to botox which is now manufactured. Botox attaches itself to the
      nerve endings and is subsequently taken up in the vesicles which contain
      acetylcholine. Botox blocks, there, the protein which is responsible for the
      production of acetylcholine. Botox reduces wrinkles in the skin at the muscles
      offacial expression and is therefore employed in areas with dynamic wrinkles.
      Appropriate areas include frown lines in the glabella, lines in the forehead,
      lateral periorbital lines, hyperactivity in the muscles of the upper lip,
      hypertrophy of the musculus masseter.

PMID- 22043641
TI  - [Dissertations 25 years after date 29. CO2 laser surgery of leukoplakia of the
      oral mucosa].
AB  - With a CO2 laser superficial lesions of the oral mucosa can be removed by
      evaporation. During CO2 laser evaporation there is minimal damage to the
      surrounding tissue, resulting in minimal scarring after healing. Therefore the
      CO2 laser seems to be a modality which is appropriate for the treatment of
      leukoplakia of the oral mucosa. In 1985, the effect of CO2 laser light on mucosa
      and the healing after CO2 laser evaporation was studied. In addition, clinical
      research was carried out concerning the effectiveness of CO2 laser evaporation in
      the treatment of 103 cases of leukoplakia of the oral mucosa The cure-rate was
      91% and no malignant degenerations were seen in the treated area. The group was
      expanded (282) and evaluated again, with a cure-rate of 90%. In 1% of the cases,
      malignant degenerations were seen. CO2 laser evaporation seems the modality of
      choice for the treatment of leukoplakia of the oral mucosa.

PMID- 22043642
TI  - [Dissertations 25 years after date 30. Oral hygiene and dental hygienists].
AB  - In 1986 the thesis entitled 'Choosing for dental hygienists' was published in The
      Netherlands. It provided the scientific basis for the further development of the
      profession of dental hygienists in The Netherlands. Since then, the profession
      has developed very strongly. In the intervening years, qualified dental
      hygienists have come to be considered capable of taking over simple restorative
      treatments from dentists. As a result, treatment, especially in children, can
      largely be carried out by one person. Nevertheless, recent developments, such as
      the sharp increase in the number of new dental students, suggest that the re
      allocation of responsibilities is proceeding slowly. This suggests that policy
      makers have not yet unambiguously opted for dental hygienists and prevention.

PMID- 22043643
TI  - Nursing home quality, staffing, and malpractice paid-losses.
AB  - Litigation activity against Florida's nursing home providers increased
      dramatically over the past two decades. This has been a significant concern for
      policy makers and nursing home administrators as they attempt to balance the
      realities of negligent behavior with its impact on the overall cost and quality
      of long-term care. This study uses Medicare Cost Report data and OSCAR (Online
      Survey, Certification, and Reporting) data for Florida's nursing facilities over
      a five-year period from 2001 to 2005 to examine the effect of quality and
      staffing on malpractice paid-losses. The results from the multiple regression
      analyses indicate that staffing levels are strongly associated with paid-losses
      for malpractice claims. Nursing homes with higher registered nurse to resident
      ratios are less likely to experience malpractice paid-losses. In contrast, higher
      nursing assistant to resident ratios are significantly related to higher
      probability of malpractice paid-losses. The effect of total deficiency on
      malpractice is not significant. These findings suggest that increases in more
      skilled nurse staffing are associated with lower likelihood of nursing home
      malpractice paid-losses. However, nursing homes need to balance the overall cost
      and quality of their facilities related to staffing and malpractice litigations.

PMID- 22043644
TI  - The effect of health payment reforms on cost containment in Taiwan hospitals: the
      agency theory perspective.
AB  - This study aims to determine whether the Taiwanese government's implementation of
      new health care payment reforms (the National Health Insurance with fee-for
      service (NHI-FFS) and global budget (NHI-GB)) has resulted in better cost
      containment. Also, the question arises under the agency theory whether the
      monitoring system is effective in reducing the risk of information asymmetry.
      This study uses panel data analysis with fixed effects model to investigate
      changes in cost containment at Taipei municipal hospitals before and after
      adopting reforms from 1989 to 2004. The results show that the monitoring system
      does not reduce information asymmetry to improve cost containment under the NHI
      FFS. In addition, after adopting the NHI-GB system, health care costs are
      controlled based on an improved monitoring system in the policymaker's point of
      view. This may suggest that the NHI's fee-for-services system actually causes
      health care resource waste. The GB may solve the problems of controlling health
      care costs only on the macro side.

PMID- 22043645
TI  - Financing development stage biotechnology companies: RMs vs. IPOs.
AB  - We examine reverse mergers (RMs) in the biotechnology industry and find that,
      when compared to initial public offerings (IPOs), RMs are smaller, have
      significantly lower market valuations relative to size, and generally invest
      less. We also find that RMs exhibit positive abnormal returns on the announcement
      date and throughout the first year after the RM event. In looking at liquidity
      measures, we find that RMs tend to be less liquid than IPOs and that illiquidity
      is greater during the six-month lock-up period following the RM event. Thus, RMs
      may be an appropriate alternative financing vehicle in capital intensive, high
      risk biotechnology companies which require accessing deeper and larger pools of
      investors in public capital markets across multiple milestone periods in a "pay
      for progress" environment.

PMID- 22043646
TI  - The impact of competition among health care financing authorities on market
      yields and issuer interest expenses.
AB  - The main source of capital for non-for-profit health care organizations is tax
      exempt municipal bonds. The tax-exempt nature of this debt requires that they be
      issued through financing authorities, which are run by, or affiliated with, state
      or local government agencies. In some states, all tax-exempt health care bonds
      must be issued through a single financing authority, but in other states the
      issuing health care organization has a choice of multiple authorities. Using a
      Herfindahl index of issuer concentration, prior research has found that greater
      competition among authorities results in lower interest costs to the issuing
      health care organization. We pick up where this earlier study left off, examining
      the links between authority competition, the interest expenses to the issuer, and
      the yield to the market investor. Although our analysis of all hospital bonds
      issued between 1994 and 2002 corroborates earlier findings with regard to
      interest expenses to the issuing health care organization, we also find market
      yield is lower for statewide authorities where issuer concentration is lower.
      Thus, authority competition is good from the issuers' point of view, but holds no
      favor in the investors' eyes. On the other hand, the lower market yield
      associated with statewide authorities does not make its way down to the issuer in
      the form of lower interest costs. To help sort through this paradox, we explore
      our findings through interviews of executives in state issuing authorities.

PMID- 22043647
TI  - Hospital specialization: product-line planning during the market reformation.
AB  - Rational expectations theory dictates that firms respond to shifts in the demand
      function as a result of substantial reforms in the insurance marketplace. Federal
      health reform has enhanced the benefits of specialization. Hospital product-line
      specialization trends are studied using multiple regression analysis for the
      period 2001-2010. The observed 32.8 percent rise in specialization was associated
      with a 9.8 percent decline in unit cost per admission. The number of specialized
      hospitals has grown by 174 percent in the past decade. Other hospitals are
      getting more specialized by reducing their product lines. Specialization has been
      highest in competitive West Coast markets and lowest in the rate-regulated states
      (New York and Massachusetts). Hospitals have less incentive to contain costs by
      decreasing the array of services offered in stringent rate-setting states. The
      term "underspecialization" is advanced to capture the inability of some hospitals
      to selectively prune out product lines in order to specialize. Such hospitals
      spread resources so thinly that many good departments suffer. Unit cost per case
      (DRG-adjusted) is higher in the less specialized hospitals.

PMID- 22043648
TI  - Summary of prospective quantification of reimbursement recovery from inpatient
      acute care outliers.
AB  - The purpose of this study is to identify and quantify inpatient acute care
      hospital cases that are eligible for additional financial reimbursement. Acute
      care hospitals are reimbursed by third-party payers on behalf of their patients.
      Reimbursement is a fixed amount dependent primarily upon the diagnostic related
      group (DRG) of the case and the service intensity weight of the individual
      hospital. This method is used by nearly all third-party payers. For a given case,
      reimbursement is fixed (all else being equal) until a certain threshold level of
      charges, the cost outlier threshold, is reached. Above this amount the hospital
      is partially reimbursed for additional charges above the cost outlier threshold.
      Hospital discharge information has been described as having an error rate of
      between 7 and 22 percent in attribution of basic case characteristics. It can be
      expected that there is a significant error rate in the attribution of charges as
      well. This could be due to miscategorization of the case, misapplication of
      charges, or other causes. Identification of likely cases eligible for additional
      reimbursement would alleviate financial pressure where hospitals would have to
      absorb high expenses for outlier cases. Determining predicted values for total
      charges for each case was accomplished by exploring associative relationships
      between charges and case-specific variables. These variables were clinical,
      demographic, and administrative. Year-by-year comparisons show that these
      relationships appear stable throughout the five-year period under study. Beta
      coefficients developed in Year 1 are applied to develop predictions for Year 3
      cases. This was also done for year pairs 2 and 4, and 3 and 5. Based on the
      predicted and actual value of charges, recovery amounts were calculated for each
      case in the second year of the year pairs. The year gap is necessary to allow for
      collection and analysis of the data of the first year of each pair. The analysis
      was performed in two parts. First, cases of myocardial infarction were examined
      to prove feasibility and then a sample of strata of all cases were subjected to
      the same analytical procedure to provide support for the postulation of universal
      applicability. Approximately 85,000 cases could be audited annually in New York
      State, and possibly 1.3 million in the entire United States. Estimated recovery
      from all inpatient cases is approximately $230 million per year in New York State
      and roughly $3.6 billion per year from these payers on a national basis. The cost
      benefits ratio was estimated at 3.6:1. These are considered to be conservative
      estimates.

PMID- 22043649
TI  - Radio frequency identification: the big role player in health care management.
AB  - PURPOSE: This paper seeks to review the fundamental concepts of radio frequency
      identification (RFID) and to discuss the fact that the road to success for
      healthcare systems is the thorough management of patients, employees, equipment,
      medications, and records throughout the industry. Thereafter, it aims to prepare
      a deep review of the technology, study seven new cases on the topic of healthcare
      management and deliver a broad applications area thereof.
      DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The paper identifies key elements of RFID through
      the review of healthcare management literature and case studies. For this
      purpose, seven cases from the healthcare industry are reviewed to demonstrate the
      extent of the applications of RFID in this area. FINDINGS: To make healthcare
      management systems functional and successfully operational, RFID solutions can be
      used to reduce operating costs through management of patients, employees,
      equipment, medications, and records to improve tracking and tracing, and
      preventing the lost of resources under any circumstances. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This
      paper delivers a review of RFID on the healthcare industry. For this reason, the
      basic and key point on RFID technology is discussed and seven cases from the
      literature are reviewed.

PMID- 22043650
TI  - The mediating role of organizational subcultures in health care organizations.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study aims to investigate the mediating role of organizational
      subculture between job satisfaction, organizational commitment (dependent
      variables) and leadership, culture (independent variables) in health care
      organizations. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: A survey on nurses from 26 wards from
      various types of hospital was used. A total of 251 usable returns were collected
      for the analysis (i.e. response rate of 63 per cent). Structural equation
      analysis was conducted to obtain the best fit model and to determine the
      direction of the causal effect between job satisfaction and commitment, and the
      role of subculture as a mediating variable, between commitment of its other
      antecedents. FINDINGS: Comparisons with alternative models confirmed satisfaction
      as an antecedent of commitment and the role of subculture as a mediating
      variable. The results of this study contribute to the clarification of the causal
      relations of the antecedents of commitment, and highlight the important role of
      local leadership and subculture in determining employees' job satisfaction and
      commitment. RESEARCH LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS: The results of this study should
      not be generalized to other industries and other national cultural context.
      Furthermore, a longitudinal study may be necessary to determine the causal
      relationship of variables used in this study. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: The
      findings could provide managers with valuable insight to focus their limited
      resources on improving the level of organizational commitment via the mediating
      role of organizational culture. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: The research findings provide
      managers with a new lens to examine organizational culture using the three
      perspectives of: bureaucratic, supportive, and innovative. Furthermore, the
      results could renew interest in developing other organizational subculture models
      that determine the relationship between organizational subculture and commitment

PMID- 22043651
TI  - Organizational culture based on the example of an Estonian hospital.
AB  - PURPOSE: The concept of organisational culture (also referred to later as OC) is
      one of the approaches in modern organisational analysis exploring the values,
      attitudes and beliefs behind human behaviour in the workplace. OC as a social
      phenomenon is considered to be important for the sustainability of every
      organisation. In the service sector, OC may affect the nature and quality of the
      services provided. The aim of this paper is twofold: on the one hand, to
      highlight the patterns of OC in a hospital; and, on the other hand, to outline
      relationships between OC and patient satisfaction. The study was conducted in
      Tartu University Hospital, one of the most influential health care organisations
      in Estonia. This paper has original value by presenting an insight into
      organisational culture in the Estonian health care sector, and the findings of
      the study will expand knowledge of OC in the health care sector in general.
      DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The OC instrument applied in a quantitative cross
      sectional study was earlier developed according to the Competing Values Framework
      (CVF). Data from 456 medical and non-medical professionals were analysed using
      non-parametric tests of descriptive statistics. A factor analysis was performed
      to assess the instrument's compatibility for analysing the OC pattern in the
      health care sector. FINDINGS: The dominant culture type in all the groups
      investigated was the Internal Processes type, mainly followed by the Rational
      Goal type, while different cultural patterns were observed in professional
      groups. The factor analysis yielded a three-subscale solution. Clinics with high
      patient satisfaction did not score more than clinics with low patient
      satisfaction in terms of the Human Relations type. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: In future
      studies a random sample design and a multidisciplinary approach to OC research
      should be followed in order to further explore OC patterns in hospitals and their
      consequences for different aspects of hospital performance.

PMID- 22043652
TI  - Health care policies and resisting consumers in a prototypical welfare state.
AB  - PURPOSE: It has been argued by researchers from the Anglo-Saxon nations that the
      rationality of the market has increasingly infiltrated the medical field. This
      paper seeks to enquire via policy analysis to what extent these principles have
      affected the prototypical welfare state of Denmark in relation to Danish hearing
      health policies. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The paper is based on qualitative
      methods comprising observations and interviews in two hearing clinics. FINDINGS:
      The paper shows that rather than a "withdrawal" of the state there has been a
      process of reform. The data suggest that a distinguishing mark of the consumer
      role on offer in Denmark is that, along with a free hearing aid, the Danish
      health consumer enjoys a range of rights and reciprocal responsibilities. The
      paper concludes that few of the hearing-impaired patients were able to embrace
      the consumer ethos, and those who chose not to wear their prescribed hearing aids
      experienced the added burden of moral reproach. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: It makes
      little sense to analyse abstracted rationalities without proceeding to analyse
      how they actually function in practice. This paper demonstrates empirically how
      and to what degree governmentality is embedded in social practice in two public
      hearing clinics in Denmark.

PMID- 22043653
TI  - The trade-off between efficiency and quality in hospital departments.
AB  - PURPOSE: Hospital managers are confronted with decisions that have to account for
      multiple objectives, which may be in conflict with regard to efficiency and
      quality of care. In empirical studies occupancy and staffing ratios as well as in
      hospital mortality are frequently used measures for efficiency and quality-of
      care, respectively. Efficiency and quality measures vary on a daily basis.
      However, most empirical studies fail to take this variation into account,
      especially because data of daily staffing levels are lacking. The paper seeks to
      exploit the notion that staffing levels are planned according to expected
      occupancy levels, i.e. estimated daily occupancy levels account for unobserved
      daily staffing levels. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: Using administrative data
      from 2004 for a sample of 62 departments in 33 German hospitals, the relation
      between daily occupancy levels and in-hospital mortality count on the department
      level is analyzed. In an OLS-framework the paper estimates daily occupancy level
      for all departments and then uses the predicted occupancy levels in a zero
      inflated Poisson (ZIP) regression framework to explain in-hospital mortality
      count. FINDINGS: The results show a potential trade-off relation between
      predicted occupancy rates and mortality. More specifically, the paper finds that
      the trade-off relation is less pronounced in hospitals with a higher number of
      available staff per bed. ORIGINALITY/VALUE: First, the paper shows evidence for a
      negative trade-off between measures of managerial and medical performance on a
      day-to-day basis. Second, interactions between single measures of efficiency are
      modeled, namely predicted occupancy rate and staff per bed ratios, and policy
      implications are developed. Third, first empirical results in this respect using
      German data are presented.

PMID- 22043654
TI  - Regulating time commitments in healthcare organizations: managers' boundary
      approaches at work and in life.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this paper is to explore managers' boundary setting in
      order to better understand their handling of time commitment to work activities,
      stress, and recovery during everyday work and at home.
      DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: The paper has qualitatively-driven, mixed method
      design including observational data, individual interviews, and focus group
      discussions. Data were analyzed according to Charmaz' view on constructivist
      grounded theory. FINDINGS: A first step in boundary setting was to recognize
      areas with conflicting expectations and inexhaustible needs. Second, strategies
      were formed through negotiating the handling of managerial time commitment,
      resulting in boundary-setting, but also boundary-dissolving, approaches. The
      continuous process of individual recognition and negotiation could work as a form
      of proactive coping, provided that it was acknowledged and questioned. RESEARCH
      LIMITATIONS/IMPLICATIONS: These findings suggest that recognition of perceived
      boundary challenges can affect stress and coping. It would therefore be
      interesting to more accurately assess stress, coping, and health status among
      managers by means of other methodologies (e.g. physiological assessments).
      PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: In regulating managers' work assignments, work-related
      stress and recovery, it seems important to: acknowledge boundary work as an ever
      present dilemma requiring continuous negotiation; and encourage individuals and
      organizations to recognize conflicting perspectives inherent in the leadership
      assignment, in order to decrease harmful negotiations between them. Such
      awareness would benefit more sustainable management of healthcare practice.
      ORIGINALITY/VALUE: This paper highlights how managers can handle ever-present
      boundary dilemmas in the healthcare sector by regulating their time commitments
      in various ways.

PMID- 22043655
TI  - On tooth movements and associated tissue alterations related to edentulous areas
      and bone defects.
AB  - The aim of the thesis was to study orthodontic tooth movement in relation to
      edentulous areas and infrabony pockets as well as the physiological movement of
      teeth facing an edentulous area. A dog model was used in Studies I and II. Teeth
      were orthodontically moved into and out from inflamed, infrabony periodontal
      pockets (Study I) and into areas of reduced bone height (Study II). Clinical,
      radiographic and histometric analyses were made with respect to changes in tooth
      supporting tissues. Study III involved clinical, radiographic and 3D model
      assessments of changes in periodontal conditions and alveolar ridge dimensions in
      adult patients subjected to tooth movement into areas with reduced ridge
      dimensions. In Study IV, panoramic radiographs of 292 subjects, taken at an
      interval of 12 years, were analyzed with regard to changes in the elongation of
      unopposed molars and tipping of molars facing a mesial edentulous space. In the
      animal study orthodontic bodily movement of teeth with inflamed, infrabony
      pockets caused an enhanced rate of progression of the periodontal lesion (Study
      1), particularly when the tooth movement was directed towards the infrabony
      defect. Teeth with healthy periodontium that were orthodontically moved into
      areas of markedly reduced bone height maintained their periodontal tissue support
      (Study II). Corresponding orthodontic tooth movement in humans (Study III)
      resulted in minor dimensional alterations of the periodontal tissues and an
      increased bucco-lingual width of the alveolar ridge in the area into which the
      tooth had been moved, whereas a decreased width of the newly established
      edentulous area was noted. All teeth that were moved showed lateral root
      resorption at the level of the bone crest on the pressure side, but signs of
      repair were noticed 1-year post-treatment. In the 12-year radiographic study
      (Study IV) unopposed molars showed a significant increase in elongation over the
      12 years of follow-up. The degree of elongation increased with decreased bone
      support. Neither edentulous space nor alveolar bone level were found to have a
      significant effect on tipping. In the presence of both conditions, unopposed
      molars and molars facing a mesial edentulous space, an increase in elongation was
      associated with tipping.

PMID- 22043656
TI  - [The meaning of "apology": the survivors of Nazi medical crimes and the Max
      Planck Society].
AB  - Around the turn of the twenty-first century a new practice in international
      politics became established: representatives of political, economic and religious
      organisations apologised for the historical and political crimes of their own
      collectives, addressing the victims or the victims' descendants. At a public
      event in June 2001, a formal apology of this kind was made by the president of
      the Max Planck Society (MPS), who had previously launched an extensive programme
      of research into the National Socialist history of what was then the Kaiser
      Wilhelm Society. The majority of the eight invited survivors of human
      experimentation in Nazi concentration camps refused forgiveness. Instead, they
      called for the MPS not to content itself with historical research and analysis,
      but to ensure the continued remembrance of the victims and their suffering.
      Starting from this 2001 ritual of repentance, the paper examines the
      participants' diverse views of how to deal with the medical crimes of National
      Socialism, and asks about possibilities of going beyond historical retrospection
      to fulfil the imperative of remembrance.

PMID- 22043657
TI  - [Ants and aliens. An episode in the history of entomological and sociological
      construction of knowledge].
AB  - The frequent use of biological metaphors in descriptions of society is well known
      and has already been investigated. Even the traces of biological theory in
      sociology have been explored. In this field of science, studies of social insects
      play an important role, because ants, bees, and termites have been considered to
      be genuinely political animals and founders of societies. Like men, social
      insects exist only in collectives; thus, the entomologist's research directs him
      from the individual insect, its morphology and taxonomy to the analysis of insect
      societies. Entomologists like Wheeler or Wilson become sociologists and develop
      methods to deal with a society whose members are dumb, soulless, without reason,
      rational choice, or motives. Tools invented to describe the evolution of insect
      societies have been picked up by sociological founders of systems theory like
      Parsons or Luhmann, who were busy building a theory of a society, which for
      heuristic reasons is not composed of men (individuals with souls, motives,
      consciousness and so on) but rather of communications, media, or codes. My paper
      treats 1.) the genealogy of this discursive mixture of problems, methods, and
      focuses on 2.) the rhetorical dimension of this entomological-sociological
      passage. I will sketch certain 'evident' pictures of society, which function as
      media of a subliminal crossing of entomological and sociological premises,
      models, and assumptions. Both can be found in novels like Wilson's Anthill, which
      this paper analyzes with respect to the concepts of society implied by them, that
      is, concepts whose blueprints are based on models of an ant society.

PMID- 22043658
TI  - ["He corrects my view and develops it further." Comments by David von Hansemann
      on the monograph by Theodor Boveri Concerning the origin of malignant tumors
      (1914)].
AB  - According to many authors, the treatise on cancer written by Theodor Boveri in
      1914 demonstrates astonishing foresight with respect to contemporary cancer
      research, in particular with respect to the genomic instability of tumors. In
      some recent publications, however, it has been claimed that not Boveri but
      primarily David von Hansemann deserves credit for these chromosomal theories of
      cancer origin. The claim seems to be unjustified because there are great
      differences, both in conception and in argumentation, between both opinions. In
      addition, it has been ignored that von Hansemann himself said that his views
      "were corrected and developed further by Boveri". In this paper two obviously
      unknown comments regarding Boveri's theory by von Hansemann are presented as
      examples. Furthermore, the paper points out that the pathologist von Hansemann
      was engaged in the formal genesis of tumors using descriptive methods. By
      contrast, the embryologist Boveri developed his hypotheses on the basis of the
      experimentally founded chromosome theory of inheritance in an attempt to explain
      the etiology or causal genesis of tumors. Thus, it can be concluded that Boveri
      developed the first genetic cancer theory in the history of medicine.

PMID- 22043659
TI  - Exploring Greenland: science and technology in Cold War settings.
AB  - This paper explores a vacant spot in the Cold War history of science: the
      development of research activities in the physical environmental sciences and in
      nuclear science and technology in Greenland. In the post-war period, scientific
      exploration of the polar areas became a strategically important element in
      American and Soviet defence policy. Particularly geophysical fields like
      meteorology, geology, seismology, oceanography, and others profited greatly from
      military interest. While Denmark maintained formal sovereignty over Greenland,
      research activities were strongly dominated by U.S. military interests. This
      paper sets out to summarize the limited current state of knowledge about
      activities in the environmental physical sciences in Greenland and their
      entanglement with military, geopolitical, and colonial interests of both the USA
      and Denmark. We describe geophysical research in the Cold War in Greenland as a
      multidimensional colonial endeavour. In a period of decolonization after World
      War II, Greenland, being a Danish colony, became additionally colonized by the
      American military. Concurrently, in a period of emerging scientific
      internationalism, the U.S. military "colonized" geophysical research in the
      Arctic, which increasingly became subject to military directions, culture, and
      rules.

PMID- 22043660
TI  - The history of Italian psychiatry during Fascism.
AB  - Specific features characterized Italian psychiatry during Fascism (1922-45),
      distinguishing it from Nazi psychiatry and giving rise to different operational
      outcomes, so we have investigated the state of Italian psychiatry during this
      period. We review the historical situation that preceded it and describe the
      social and health policies that Fascism introduced following new legislative and
      regulatory acts. We examine the preventive and therapeutic role played by
      psychiatry (the electric shock was an Italian invention) and, thanks to the
      Enciclopedia Italiano published during those years, we are able to highlight
      psychiatry's relationship to psychology, psychoanalysis, philosophy and religion.
      The shortcomings of Italian psychiatric research and practice are also seen in
      terms of what the State failed to do rather than what it did.

PMID- 22043661
TI  - The mental health sector and the social sciences in post- World War II USA. Part
      2: The impact of federal research funding and the drugs revolution.
AB  - The second of two linked papers examining the interactions of psychiatry and the
      social sciences since World War II examines the role of NIMH on these
      disciplines. It analyses the effects of the prominence and the decline of
      psychoanalysis, and the impact of the psychotropic drugs revolution and the
      associated rise of biological psychiatry on relations between psychiatry and
      clinical psychology; and it explores the changing relationships between
      psychiatry and sociology, from collaboration to conflict to mutual disdain.

PMID- 22043662
TI  - Insanity and ethnicity in New Zealand: Maori encounters with the Auckland Mental
      Hospital, 1860-1900.
AB  - This article examines Maori patients at the Auckland Mental Hospital between 1860
      and 1900.We argue that the patient case notes reveal 'European' categories in
      which Maori were situated, and demonstrate the extent to which the authorities at
      the hospital grappled with their appearance, their language and their culture,
      all of which were elements of their ethnicity. We argue that the use of
      institutional case records is highly suggestive of some of the historical
      meanings of insanity for Maori, including the lack of detailed or sustained
      collection of information about patients' tribal affiliations, the interest shown
      in their rights to land in maintenance payment inquiries, the experiences of
      cultural alienation or mate Maori, and the sad outcomes for Maori.

PMID- 22043663
TI  - The American Psychiatric Association and the history of psychiatry.
AB  - The history committee within the American Psychiatric Association was actively
      involved in the history of psychiatry in the early decades of the twentieth
      century, as well as from 1942 to 2009.This paper explores the role of this
      committee in the context of changes in the psychiatric profession over the
      twentieth century.

PMID- 22043664
TI  - What is a'mood-congruent' delusion? History and conceptual problems.
AB  - This article investigates the history of the concept of mood-congruent delusions
      and the problems accompanying this concept. In the late nineteenth century, there
      were conflicting views regarding the relationship between the contents of an
      individual's delusional thought and his/her affective state. The differentiation
      between delusion-like ideas secondary to affective state and incomprehensible
      primary delusions was introduced in the early twentieth century; this
      differentiation is the origin of the present-day distinction between mood
      congruent and -incongruent delusions. Although the themes of delusions are
      clearly described in the operational diagnostic criteria for mood-congruent
      psychotic symptoms, the concept of mood congruence inevitably involves ambiguity.
      This article argues that a dilemma between reliability and validity emerges when
      diagnosing mood-congruent (and -incongruent) psychotic symptoms.

PMID- 22043665
TI  - Evacuation and deprivation: the wartime experience of the Devon and Exeter City
      Mental Hospitals.
AB  - In Exeter, the need for space to treat casualties in World War II led to a
      significant reduction in capacity at one psychiatric hospital and the closure of
      another. In spite of this, inpatient stays were longer than in peacetime, partly
      due to relatives who had to weigh up the advantages and disadvantages of having
      their unwell kin returned to them. In the latter years of the war, admissions
      from the Devon catchment area were higher than in peacetime. Having more patients
      who stayed longer was largely compensated for by utilizing free space as opposed
      to reducing admissions, leading to overcrowding and a restricted inpatient
      regime.

PMID- 22043666
TI  - [Fresh water macroinvertebrates of Costa Rica I].
AB  - This is the first in a series of three volumes on the freshwater
      macroinvertebrates of Costa Rica. The present volume includes an introductory
      chapter summarizing the major types of freshwater environments, the biology of
      freshwater macroinvertebrates (habitats, food, respiration, osmoregulation,
      etc.), ecological and economic importance, conservation and a synopis of the
      major groups, followed by a simplified key. The next two chapters discuss
      collecting methods and biomonitoring. These are followed by chapters on mayflies
      (Ephemeroptera: 10 families), dragonflies (Odonata: 13 families), stoneflies
      (Plecoptera: 1 family) and caddisflies (Trichoptera: 15 families). Both in this
      volume and in those to follow, the chapters treating individual taxa include a
      summary of the natural history, importance, taxonomy, collecting methods,
      morphology and an illustrated key to the families; each family is discussed
      separately and an illustrated key to genera is provided; each chapter ends with a
      bibliography and a table listing all the genera with information on number of
      species, distribution, habitat and tolerance to water pollution. While the
      emphasis is on families and genera known from Costa Rica, additional taxa
      occurring elsewhere in Central America are mentioned. The present volume also
      includes numerous color plates of aquatic macroinvertebrates.

PMID- 22043667
TI  - [Characteristic of moxibustion and its warming-dredging effect].
AB  - Through the analysis on warming stimulation at moxa sites and the inflammatory
      purulent phenomenon by moxibustion, the author points out that moxibustion
      promotes qi and blood circulation is it's effective feature. It is viewed that
      "warming and dredging" is the high summarization of moxibustion effect.
      Moxibustion acts on expelling cold, promoting the circulation in meridian and
      collateral, clearing away heat, detoxification, strengthening the antipathogenic
      qi, preventing from diseases and healthcare, etc. All of these functions depend
      on the effect of moxibustion for circulating qi and blood flow. Hence, "warming
      and dredging" is the nature of moxibustion.

PMID- 22043668
TI  - [Periarthritis of shoulder treated with deep puncture by elongated needle
      combined with spike-hooked needle and cupping: a multicentral randomized
      controlled study].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical efficacy and the safety for periarthritis of
      shoulder treated with deep puncture by elongated needle combined with spike
      hooked needle and cupping. METHODS: A multicentral randomized controlled study
      was adopted. One hundred and twenty cases were divided into an observation group
      and a control group, 60 cases in each one. In observation group, elongated
      needle, spike-hooked needle and cupping were used to stimulate Jianyu (LI 15),
      Naoshu (SI 10), Naohui (TE 13) and Jianqian (Extra). In control group, a
      conventional needling and cupping were applied to the same points as observation
      group. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Melle evaluation for the function activity
      of shoulder joint were adopted to assess and compare the efficacy on analgesia
      and the effect on shoulder joint range of motion before and after treatment in
      two groups. RESULTS: In observation group, the cured and markedly effective rate
      of analgesia was 91.7% (55/60), which was obviously better than 20.4% (12/59) in
      control group (P < 0.001). Concerning to the improvements of the range of motion
      in shoulder joint, the cured and markedly effective rate in observation group was
      91.7% (55/60), which was better than 18. 6% (11/59) in control group (P < 0.001).
      VAS score and Melle score after treatment were apparently improved as compared
      with those before treatment in two groups (all P < 0.001). The improvements in
      observation group were superior to those in control group (both P < 0.001). There
      was no adverse event reported during the treatment in two groups. CONCLUSION: The
      deep puncture by elongated needle combined with spike-hooked needle and cupping
      achieves a significant clinical efficacy on periarthritis of shoulder and has no
      adverse reaction reported.

PMID- 22043669
TI  - [Acupuncture at Jiaji (EX-B2) for 40 cases of allergic rhinitis].

PMID- 22043670
TI  - [Clinical curative effect and factor analysis of depression treated by
      acupuncture].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the curative effect of primary depression treated with the
      main points of Back-shu points of Five-zang and Geshu (BL 17) according to the
      differentiation. METHODS: Sixty cases of primary depression were randomly divided
      into an acupuncture group (31 cases) and a western medication group (29 cases).
      In acupuncture group, Back-shu points of Five-zang and Geshu (BL 17) were applied
      as the main points, Taichong (LR 3) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) were added for
      stagnation of liver qi and spleen deficiency; Shenmen (HT 7) and Sanyinjiao (SP
      6) were added for deficiency of both heart and spleen according to the
      differentiation. In western medication group, Fluoxetine Hydrochloride capsule
      was taken by oral administration for 20 mg, once a day. The treatment lasted for
      6 weeks in both groups. After 2, 4, and 6 weeks treatment, the clinical curative
      effects of both groups were assessed by Hamilton Depression (HAMD) Rating Scale,
      HAMD Factor Analysis and Asberg Side Effect Scale. RESULTS: After 6 weeks
      treatment, the total effective rate was 67.7% (21/31) in acupuncture group and
      65.5% (19/29) in western medication group, indicating the close curative
      effects(P > 0.05). After 2, 4, and 6 weeks treatment, the HAMD score, scores of
      anxious somatization, sleeping and retardation factors were significantly reduced
      (all P < 0.01) in two groups, through the comparison at different time points
      between two groups, scores of anxious somatization, sleeping factors in
      acupuncture group were superior to those in western medication group (both P <
      0.05), but score of retardation factor in western medication group was superior
      to that in acupuncture group (P < 0.05). The Asberg Side Effect Scale in western
      medication group arrived at peak at thesecond week, and then reduced slowly; the
      side effect in acupuncture group was low and steady, and lower than that in
      western medication group after 6 week treatment (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The
      curative effect of depression with acupuncture based on differentiation is equal
      to that of Fluoxetine Hydrochloride capsule with oral administration, while the
      side effect is milder than that of Fluoxetine Hydrochloride capsule.

PMID- 22043671
TI  - [Primary optimization of acupuncture program for dysphagia after cerebral
      infarction].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To optimize primarily acupuncture program for dysphagia after cerebral
      infarction. METHODS: Sixty-three patients with pseudobulbar palsy dysphasia after
      cerebral infarction were selected as the subjects. Water swallow test was adopted
      for observation index. Orthogonal design was used to study the different
      combinations of treatment programs among four factors and three levels, named
      acupuncture opportunity (factor A: A1: 1-10 d, A2: 11-20 d, A3: 21-40 d), point
      combination (factor B: B1: points in the neck, B2: points in the neck + points in
      the glossopharyngeal part, B3: points in the neck + points in the
      glossopharyngeal part + differentiating point), needling depth (factor C: C1:
      shallow puncture, C2: moderate puncture, C3: deep puncture), and treatment
      session (factor D: D1: 2 sessions, D2: 4 sessions, D3: 6 sessions); as well as
      the influences on pseudobulbar palsy dysphagia after cerebral infarction so as to
      determine primarily the optimized acupuncture program for dysphagia after
      cerebral infarction. RESULTS: The direct analysis of orthogonal design indicated
      that the best level and the combination of four factors and three levels were A1
      (or A2), B3, C3 and D3. It meant that for the patients less than 20 days for
      sickness, the points in the neck, points in the glossopharyngeal part and points
      selected according to syndrome differentiation were selected for deep puncture
      and the treatment lasted for 6 sessions. This program achieved the best
      improvement in water swallow test. The comparison between the primary effect and
      secondary effect among four factors (variance analysis) showed that factor A and
      C were the significant factors (P < 0.05), factor B and D were not significant (P
      > 0.05). It was suggested that acupuncture opportunity and needling depth played
      the significant roles in clinical efficacy. The comparison among different levels
      in terms of the significant factors A and C (multiple comparison) presented that
      A1 and A2 were superiorly significant than A3 (P < 0.001), A1 was not different
      in significance from A2 (P > 0.05). C3 was superiorly significant than C2 and C1
      (P < 0.001, P < 0.01) and C2 was superiorly significant than C1 (P < 0.05).
      CONCLUSION: By the comprehensive summarization of direct analysis, variance
      analysis and multiple comparison combined with actual clinical situation, the
      optimal program of acupuncture treatment for pseudobulbar palsy dysphasia after
      cerebral infarction is that in terms of the four factors and three levels, for
      the patients within 1 to 20 days for sickness, acupuncture is applied to the
      points in the neck or combined with points in the glossopbaryngeal part or the
      points se-i lected according to syndrome differentiation, with deep puncture, for
      4 to 6 sessions of treatment.

PMID- 22043672
TI  - [Comparation of effect and cost-benefit analysis between acupoint catgut
      embedding and electroacupuncture on simple obesity].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical effect of acupoint catgut-embedding and
      electroacupuncture on simple obesity and evaluate the economics benefit by cost
      benefit analysis. METHODS: Sixty cases were randomly devided into an acupoint
      catgut-embedding group and an electroacupuncture group, 30 cases in each group.
      Zhongwan (CV 12), Tianshu (ST 25), Daheng (SP 15), Shuifen (CV 9), Qihai (CV 6),
      Guanyuan (CV 4), Zusanli (ST 36) and Ashi acupoints were selected as the main
      acupoints in both groups. The acupoint catgut-embedding group was treated with
      acupoint catgut-embedding, once each week, four weeks as a course for two
      courses. The electroacupuncture group was treated with electroacupuncture, three
      times each week for eight weeks. RESULTS: 1) The total effective rate in the
      acupoint catgut-embedding group was 90.0% (27/30) and in the electroacupuncture
      group was 86.7% (26/30), with the similar therapeutic effect between the two
      groups (P > 0.05). 2) The body mass, body mass index (BMI), waistline, hip
      circumference and waist-to-hip ratio in the two groups were all decreased
      significantly (all P < 0.05). 3) The total medical treatment cost in the acupoint
      catgut-embedding group was 61 500 yuan and the cost per patient was 2050 yuan,
      and in the electroacupuncture group, the total cost was 117 210 yuan and the cost
      per patient was 3907 yuan. The cost effect analysis showed that there were 1857
      yuan of the cost per patient in the acupoint catgut-embedding group less than
      that in the electroacupuncture group. CONCLUSION: Acupoint catgut-embedding has
      significant effect in treating simple obesity with low cost and fine economics
      benefit.

PMID- 22043673
TI  - [Clinical observation on time-dependent analgesic effect of acupuncture at Jiaji
      (EX-B 2) combined with superficial needling for lumbar disc herniation].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the difference of the therapeutic effect of acupuncture at
      Jiaji (EX-B 2) combined with superficial needling for lumbar disc herniation
      (LDH) and to explore the synergy effect between acupuncture at Jiaji (EX-B 2) and
      superficial needling. METHODS: Sixty patients with LDH were randomly divided into
      an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each group. The observation
      group was treated with superficial needling at the corresponding myofascial
      fasciae trigger point (MTrP) and leave the plastic tube in the body for 6 hours,
      and then acupuncture at Jiaji (EX-B 2) and the needle was remained for 30 min.
      The control group was treated with superficial needling simply. Both groups were
      treated once daily, five days in succession with 2 days interval, 10 times
      constituting a treating course for 2 courses. The average onset time of analgesic
      effect and the effect-lasting time after the first treatment were observed. The
      mean pain scores after the first treatment and after two treatment courses were
      compared by McGill pain inquire scale. RESULTS: There was no significant
      difference in the average onset time of the two groups [(5.10 +/- 3.70) min vs
      (5.93 +/- 5.09) min, P > 0.05]. But the effect-lasting time of (13.00 +/- 6.90) h
      in the observation group was longer than that of (6.27 +/- 3.98) h in the control
      group (P < 0.01). Compared with the scores of Pain Rating Index (PRI), Visual
      Analogue Scale (VAS) and Present Pain Intensity (PPI) after the first treatment,
      there were no significant statistical differences between the two groups (all P >
      0.05). But the same comparison after 2 treating courses showed that the scores of
      PRI, VAS and PPI in the observation group were lower than the control group (all
      P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture at Jiaji (EX-B 2) can extend the analgesic
      time and enhance the analgesic effect of the superficial needling.

PMID- 22043674
TI  - [Dynamic moxibustion combined with acupuncture for 35 cases of lumbar disc
      herniation].

PMID- 22043675
TI  - [Comparative research on effect of warm needling therapy on pulmonary function
      and life quality of patients with COPD in the stable phase].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects on chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
      in the stable phase treated with warm needling therapy and Seretide. To make the
      comparison of improvements between two therapies in terms of the clinical
      symptoms and life quality. METHODS: Sixty cases were randomly divided into a warm
      needling group and a Seretide group, 30 cases in each one. In warm needling
      group, acupuncture with filiform needle was applied mainly to Dingchuan (EX-B 1),
      Feishu (BL 13) and Zusanli (ST 36). Warm needling therapy was supplemented on
      back-shu point and Zusanli (ST 36), once every other day, thrice each week. In
      Seretide group, Seretide inhalant was applied, one inhalation, 2 times each day.
      After 8-week treatment, the changes in pulmonary function such as forced
      expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), clinical symptoms, and the score of
      St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) were observed in two groups and the
      comparison of them was conducted between groups and within each group. RESULTS:
      The pulmonary function indices such as FEV1 were all improved effectively in two
      groups (all P < 0.05). After 4-week treatment, the improvement in respiratory
      symptoms was superior in Seretide group as compared with warm needling group (P <
      0.05). In terms of the improvement in general symptoms such as chills and fever,
      the result in warm needling group was better than that in Seretide group (P <
      0.05). The efficacies were similar between two groups in 8-week treatment.
      Concerning to the improvement of life quality, the result in warm needling group
      was slightly better than that in Seretide group (the improvement value 12.8413.43
      vs 10.21 +/- 3.89, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Warm needling therapy improves the
      pulmonary function of the patients with COPD in the stable phase, releases
      clinical symptoms and improves life quality. Its effects are similar to those of
      Seretide.

PMID- 22043676
TI  - [Error recognition of branches of meridians].

PMID- 22043677
TI  - [Effect of moxibustion at Sanyinjiao (SP 6) on delivery stage and postpartum
      bleeding of primipara].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of moxibustion at Sanyinjiao (SP 6) on delivery
      stage of primipara. METHODS: Sixty cases of primipara were divided into a
      moxibustion at Sanyinjiao group, a non-acupoint group and a blank group. When the
      diameter of wormb mouth opened to 2-3 cm, showing that it entered into active
      stage of uterine contraction, moxibustion at Sanyinjiao (SP 6) for primipara was
      applied in moxibustion at Sanyinjiao group; moxibustion was applied at 1 cun
      towards radialis from the region where 2 cun above Kongzui (LU 6) in non-acupoint
      group, 30 minutes treatment was for both groups. There was no intervention in
      blank group. After delivery, the time of first,second and third delivery stages
      and postpartum bleeding 2 hours after delivery were compared among three groups.
      RESULTS: The active duration of first delivery stage in moxibustion at Sanyinjiao
      group was significantly shorter than that in the other two groups (P < 0.05, P <
      0.01); the duration of the second delivery stage in moxibustion at Sanyinjiao
      group was significantly shorter than that in the other two groups (both P < 0.05)
      as well; the postpartum bleeding 2 hours after delivery in moxibustion at
      Sanyinjiao group was less than other two groups and the difference was statistic
      significant between moxibustion at Sanyinjiao group and blank group (P < 0.05).
      CONCLUSION: By moxibustion at Sanyinjiao (SP 6), the active duration of first
      delivery stage and the duration of second delivery stage are markedly shortened,
      postpartum bleeding 2 hours after delivery is obviously reduced, and the safety
      of vaginal delivery is increased.

PMID- 22043678
TI  - [Observation of curative effect of herpes zoster treated with acupuncture based
      on syndrome differentiation combined with pricking and cupping].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the differences of curative effects of herpes zoster
      treated with acupuncture based on syndrome differentiation combined with pricking
      and cupping and simple pricking and cupping. METHODS: Eighty-six cases were
      randomly divided into an observation group (43 cases) and a control group (43
      cases). In observation group, acupoints selection based on syndrome
      differentiation i.e. Quchi (LI 11), Zusanli (ST 36), Sanyinjiao (SP 6), etc. were
      selected and pricking and cupping at affected parts were applied, and the cases
      were classified into damp heat in liver and gallbladder, damp retention and
      spleen deficiency, and qi deficiency and blood stasis. In control group, all the
      cases were simplely treated with pricking and cupping at affected parts. The
      treatment was given once a day, and seven days were made one session. The
      curative effect was evaluated after 2 courses, and the follow-up was carried on
      after 1 month. RESULTS: The cured and markedly effective rate was 93.0% (40/43)
      in observation group, superior to that of 67.4% (29/43) in control group (P <
      0.01). Postherpetic neuralgia: there was 2.3% (1/43) in observation group,
      inferior to that of 14.0% (6/43) in control group. Comparison in 3 types: the
      cured and markedly effective rate of damp heat in liver and gallbladder: 94.7%
      (18/19) in observation group, and 85.7% (18/21) in control group, showing no
      significant difference between groups (P > 0.05). The cured and markedly
      effective rate of damp retention and spleen deficiency: 93.8% (15/16) in
      observation group, superior to that of 60.0% (9/15) in control group (P < 0. 05).
      The cured and markedly effective rate of qi deficiency and blood stasis: 87.5%
      (7/8) in observation group, superior to that of 28.6% (2/7) in control group (P <
      0.05). CONCLUSION: For herpes zoster, acupoints selection based on syndrome
      differentiation combined with pricking and cupping therapy is high pertinent and
      effective, the postherpetic neuralgia can be reduced significantly and the
      curative effect is superior to that of simple pricking and cupping.

PMID- 22043679
TI  - [Effect of acupoints with different tissue on electroacupuncture sensation].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the influence on frequency, intensity and the amount of
      current flow produced by electroacupuncture sensation of acupoints with different
      distributions (meridian category, tissue type and nerve innervations). METHODS:
      Twenty-one healthy volunteers were enrolled. According to the different tissue of
      acupoints, paired acupoints were grouped: Zusanli (ST 36) vs Yanglingquan (GB 34)
      (different meridian categories), Neiguan (PC 6) vs Daling (PC 7) (different
      tissue types), Zusanli (ST 36) vs Shuidao (ST 28) (different nerve innervations),
      Guanyuan (CV 4) vs Zhongwan (CV 12) (different nerve innervations), and Zusanli
      (ST 36) vs Guanyuan (CV 4) (different meridian categories, tissue types and nerve
      innervations). The electric frequency was 15 Hz. The electric current was under
      the participant's tolerance without sharp pain; the electroacupuncture was
      applied for three times with interval, 90 seconds totally. Soreness, numbness,
      fullness, heaviness, tingling, pressure, dull pain, warmness, coolness and amount
      of current flow were recorded, and the frequency, intensity and current amount
      between the paired acupoints were compared. RESULTS: There were no significant
      differences in frequency of needling sensations between paired points (all P >
      0.05). In the 9 electroacupuncture sensations, fullness, numbness and soreness
      were most commonly seen and obvious, heaviness, pressure and tingling came
      second, and dull pain, warmness, and coolness occurred at lower frequency. There
      were differences in the intensity of acupuncture sensation between paired
      acupoints in part of them, the soreness, fullness and heaviness at Zusanli (ST
      36) were stronger than those at Shuidao (ST 28) (all P < 0.05 ); fullness and
      numbness at Zusanli (ST 36) were stronger than those at Guanyuan (CV 4) (both P <
      0.01); fullness at Guanyuan (CV 4) was stronger than that at Zhongwan (CV 12) (P
      < 0.05 ); the current flow of electroacupuncture was similar between paired
      acupoints (all P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: In the situation that there is no obvious
      difference in amount of current flow caused by electroacu puncture sensation, the
      obvious correlations between frequency of electroacupuncture sensation and tissue
      properties of acupoints are not appeared, and the difference of sensation
      intensity between paired acupoints may be associated with different nerve
      innervations. The frequency and intensity of electroacupuncture sensation at one
      acupoint are stable at different times.

PMID- 22043680
TI  - [Observation of effect on contraction function of gallbladde by acupuncture at
      Jianjing (GB 21)].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: By B ultrasound, the changes of contraction function of gallbladder by
      acupuncture at Jianjing (GB 21) were observed and the internal relations between
      Jianjing (GB 21) and cholecystitis were explored, in order to explore the better
      therapy. METHODS: Two hundreds cases who had been diagnosed as cholecystitis
      (acalculous cholecystitis) were classified in observation group, including
      gallbladder expanding (84 cases) and gallbladder constricting (116 cases); 100
      cases who had examined as healthy were taken in control group. Acupuncture at
      Jianjing (GB 21) on right shoulder was applied in both groups. Through B
      ultrasound examination, the changes of gallbladder volume in both groups were
      compared before acupuncture, 15 min after needle insertion and 30 min after
      needle withdrawing. RESULTS: The gallbladder volume of gallbladder expanding and
      gallbladder constricting cases were constricted or expanded 15 min after needle
      insertion and 30 min after needle withdrawing, and there were statistical
      significances (all P < 0.01). Compared the outcomes at different time points
      after acupuncture with that before acupuncture, the changes of gallbladder
      constricting were unobvious (both P > 0.05) in control group. In observation
      group, the pain relief rate for 142 cases companied with shoulder and back pain
      was 98.6% (140/142). CONCLUSION: Acupuncture at Jianjing (GB 21) can improve the
      gallbladder constricting, regulate bidirectional function of expanding and
      constricting, and efficiently relieve shoulder and back pain.

PMID- 22043681
TI  - [Molecular mechanism of acupoint catgut-embedding for experimental colitis in
      rats].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect and its mechanism of acupoint catgut-embedding
      for experimental colitis in rats. METHODS: Eighteen SD rats were randomly divided
      into a normal control (NC) group, a model (MO) group and a acupoint catgut
      embedding (AC) group, 6 rats in each group. Animals in MO group and AC group were
      treated by trinitro-benzene-sulfonic acid (TNBS) to establish model with colitis.
      No other treatment was given to the rats in MO group, but acupoint catgut
      embedding was implanted at "Shangjuxu" (ST 37), "Tianshu" (ST 25) and
      "Dachangshu" (BL 25) in the rats in AC group. The symptoms of diarrhea and bloody
      stool, and histopathology changes in colon were observed 15 days after the
      treatment. Expression of IL-17, beta2AR, NFkappaBp65 were observed by
      immunohistochemistry. Expressions of NF-kappaBp65 and beta2AR in splenic
      lymphocyte were detected by the Western blot method. RESULTS: Diarrhea and mucus
      bloody purulent stool were soon controlled, and colon mucosa injures were
      obviously improved in AC group. The NF-kappaBp65 value in splenic lymphocytes of
      249.70 +/- 13.66 in MO) group was higher than 86.22 +/- 8.09 in NC group (P <
      0.01), and 219.02 +/- 7.42 in AC group was less than that in MO group (P < 0.01).
      The expression of beta2AR in splenic lymphocytes of 594.97 +/- 173.22 in MO group
      was less than 957.45 +/- 171.56 in NC group (P < 0.01), and 1335.93 +/- 244.34 in
      AC group was higher than that in MO group (P < 0.01). The expression of IL-17 in
      colon mucosa in MO group was increased, while the expression of IL-17 in colon
      mucosa in AC group was decreased. CONCLUSION: Acupoint catgut-embedding at
      Shangjuxu (ST 37), Tianshu (ST 25) and Dachangshu (BL 25) has obviously effect in
      treating experimental colitis and the mechanism may be related to regulate the
      expression of IL-17, beta2AR and NF-kappaBp65.

PMID- 22043682
TI  - [Selection points by up-down cross method for ankle sprain].

PMID- 22043683
TI  - [Twenty-one cases of pain caused by earthquake treated mainly with acupuncture at
      Jiaji (EX-B 2)].

PMID- 22043684
TI  - [Current situations and thinking of acupuncture and moxibustion in Jordan].
AB  - The brief history of acupuncture, its current situation, locations for
      acupuncture practitioners, the manipulation and indications of acupuncture in
      Jordan are introduced in this paper. The acupuncture treatment in Jordan started
      in the early 1990s. Now there are more than 20 private acupuncture clinics in
      different size, most in the capital city of Amman. Acupuncture practitioners are
      western doctors who studied acupuncture techniques in China. The indications of
      acupuncture in Jordan are pain and nervous system diseases. Acupuncture therapy
      can be applied single or combined with physical therapy.

PMID- 22043685
TI  - [Acupuncture at Governor Vessel points for 50 cases of facial spasm].

PMID- 22043686
TI  - [Development and prospects of acupuncture therapy in Eritrea].
AB  - It has been over 30 years that acupuncture was first introduced and later used to
      treat patients in Eritrea. There are acupuncture clinics at three hospitals to
      treat various common diseases. As one of the valuable treatments to cure
      diseases, acupuncture has been accepted by the government and the public in
      Eritrea. It is the fruits of public recognition, government support and the
      devotion of Chinese clinic practitioners.

PMID- 22043687
TI  - [Acupuncture at "cervical three points" combined with meridian syndrome
      differentiation for 60 cases of cervical spondylosis of nerve root type].

PMID- 22043688
TI  - [Rethinking on Ashi points].
AB  - Textual research on the naming of Ashi points is carried out. And it is clarified
      that Ashi points are not pain "pain points". According to various comprehensions
      of ancient and modern physicians, it is approved that Ashi points include points
      of 14 meridians and extra points. And it is also concluded through exploration of
      essence of Ashi points that needling sensation of Ashi points is the same with
      regular points and extra points.

PMID- 22043689
TI  - [Acupuncture combined with finger cupping therapy for Raynaud's disease].

PMID- 22043690
TI  - [Study on the mechanisms of cupping therapy].
AB  - Computerized literature searches are performed for articles of the mechanism of
      cupping therapy in the past 10 years. The mechanism of action of local negative
      pressure applied to human body is studied in terms of specific changes in local
      tissue structure, stretch to the nerve and muscle, increasing blood circulation
      and causing autohemolysis. This paper aims to explain the mechanism of cupping
      therapy according to modern science.

PMID- 22043691
TI  - [Acupoint injection of thymopeptide for 64 cases of repeated respiratory
      infection in adults].

PMID- 22043692
TI  - [Modern documentary research on disease menu of acupuncture-moxibustion for
      mental and behavioral disorder].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Dominant disease menu of mental and behavioral disorder of acupuncture
      therapy was summarized and obtained in this article. METHODS: Literatures on
      clinical treatment of mental and behavioral disorder with acupuncture were picked
      up from CBMdisc and CNKI during 1978 to 2007. Types of mental and behavioral
      disorder and report frequency of each disease treated with acupuncture were
      counted. And dominant diseases which were favorable to be treated with
      acupuncture were acquired through analysis and inductive method. RESULTS: Twenty
      nine diseases of mental and behavioral disorder are favorable to be treated with
      acupuncture which were mentioned in totally 1967 related documents. It is found
      that the number of reports of sleep disorder, depression, hysteria aphronesia,
      dementia and sexual disorder are ranked as the top five. CONCLUSION: It is
      concluded that the preponderant diseases of mental and behavioral disorder
      treated by acupuncture are dementia, withdrawal syndrome, mental retardation,
      obsessive-compulsive disorder, sleep disorder, gastrointestinal neurosis
      (gastrointestinal disorders), depression, alcoholism and globus hystericus.

PMID- 22043693
TI  - [Analysis of the distribution of diseases in 6435 inpatients from the department
      of acupuncture and moxibustion].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To understand the distribution of diseases in inpatients from the
      department of acupuncture and moxibustion and to provide the references for the
      scientific research direction of acupuncture and moxibustion. METHODS: By use of
      information management system of the medical records, the first page of the
      medical record of 6435 cases from January 1, 2003 to December 31, 2010 was
      extracted. RESULTS: It shows a clear upward trend in the department of
      acupuncture and moxibustion in 8 years. The vast majority are elderly patients in
      6435 cases, involving in 309 kinds of diseases, the major cases focus on the
      diseases of motor system and cerebrovascular system. The top 10 ranking of
      diseases and the rates are lumbar spondylosis (17.73%), cerebral infarction
      (13.77%), cervical spondylosis (13.66%), sequelae of cerebral infarction (7.47%),
      lumbar disc herniaion (4. 41%), osteoarthropathia (3.40%), cerebral hemorrhage
      (2.91%), herpes zoster (2.33%), postherpetic neuralgia (2.33%), sequelae of
      cerebral hemorrhage (2.32%). CONCLUSION: The people's acceptance of acupuncture
      and moxibustion is increasing and the sufferers treated by acupuncture and
      moxibustion are mostly elderly patients. The research on the motor system
      diseases and cerebrovascular diseases should be strengthened.

PMID- 22043694
TI  - [Wrist-ankle acupuncture for 30 cases of pure sensory stroke].

PMID- 22043695
TI  - [Case analysis on problem-based learning of acupuncture: "a turning round before
      birth"].
AB  - "A turning round before birth" is a problem-based learning (PBL) case in Chinese
      medicine education. It focuses on malposition of fetus, through discussion on a
      series of questions, types and causative factors of malposition of fetus could be
      comprehended, diagnostic time and methods are set up, and manipulations of
      moxibustion at Zhiyin (BL 67) for malposition of fetus can be mastered. Mechanism
      on position correction is explored, and key points in application are clarified.
      Therefore, methods of position correction with easy, safe and effective
      manipulations can be popularized as well as the PBL methods in education of
      Chinese medicine.

PMID- 22043696
TI  - [Long snake moxibustion at Governor Vessel in dog-days for 58 cases of ankylosing
      spondylitis].

PMID- 22043697
TI  - [Shape and functions of shear needle in Internal Classic].
AB  - The shape of shear needle mentioned in Internal Classic was explored according to
      the available documents and the unearthed relics. And the functions of shear
      needle were studied as well. It is held that the initial shape of shear needle is
      the imitation of plowshare. Its head is wide and flat, which is similar to a
      triangle. And it's base and a hypotenuse form an acute angle with narrow and
      sharp blades. The blade of the base and the tip of the acute angle is considered
      as the site of action, which can be applied for fast and superficial insertion or
      cutting at the local area. It can protect the body from damage of interior
      tissues, and at the same time, has the function of clearing heat.

PMID- 22043698
TI  - [Research review on apoplectic urinary incontinence treated with acupuncture
      moxibustion in recent 5 years].
AB  - The relevant documents of apoplectic urinary incontinence treated with
      acupuncture-moxibustion in recent 5 years have been collated and analyzed in
      aspect of current situation of acupuncture-moxibustion treatment, acupoint
      selection, manipulation and problems. The result indicates that the main therapy
      for this disease is acupuncture-moxibustion combined with electroacupuncture or
      other methods, and the acupuncture-moxibustion therapy is superior to the
      medicine. The clinical research has made considerable progress and the great
      importance has been attached to the research method. The main problems are low
      credibility of total quality, inconsistent curative course, incomplete case of
      illness, missing of quality control, disordered standards of clinical diagnosis
      and curative effect evaluation, varied observation index and phatic discussion of
      mechanism. It is suggested to carry on scientific research, enhance research
      lever, expand mind, innovate ideas, and establish uniformed standards of
      diagnosis and curative effect evaluation and observation index.

PMID- 22043699
TI  - [Protective effects of astaxanthin against oxidative damage induced by 60Co gamma
      ray irradiation].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the protection effect of haematococcus pluvialis
      (containing astaxanthin) against the impairment of anti-oxidative system and DNA
      damage in mice induced by 60Co gamma-rays. METHODS: Fifty mice were randomly
      divided into five groups, i.e. three haematococcus pluvialis groups (41.7, 83.3
      and 166.7 mg/kg in vegetable oil, respectively), control group and model group
      (vegetable oil only). All mice except control group were irradiated by 8 Gy 60Co
      gamma-rays 30 days later, and executed in the 4th day after irradiation. Liver
      cells were collected for the analysis of the integrity of DNA by comet assay, as
      well as MDA contents, SOD and GSH-Px activities in liver by commercial kits.
      Peripheral granulocyte and bone marrow nucleated cells were counted by hematocyte
      counter. RESULTS: MDA contents of model group were higher than those of control
      group (P < 0.01), and SOD, GSH-Px activities of model group were lower than those
      of control group (P < 0.01). Compared with the model group, MDA contents were
      decreased (P < 0.01), and SOD and GSH-Px activities were increased (P < 0.01) in
      all haematococcus pluvialis groups, especially in the high haematococcus
      pluvialis group, and the more haematococcus pluvialis in the diet of mice, the
      lower rate of comet tail and OTM value were shown (P < 0.01). Furthermore, the
      counts of peripheral granulocyte and bone marrow nucleated cells of model group
      were lower than those of the control group, while the counts of peripheral
      granulocyte and bone marrow nucleated cells of medium and high haematococcus
      pluvialis groups were increased significantly when compared with the model group
      (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Astaxanthin might have some protective effect against
      oxidative impairment and DNA damage induced by 60Co gamma-rays in mice.

PMID- 22043700
TI  - [Cloning, expression and purification of allergen parvalbumin from Aristichthys
      nobilis and its allergic activity].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To clone, express and identify the parvalbumin gene from Aristichthys
      nobilis, and investigate its allergenicity. METHODS: The parvalbumin gene was
      amplified by RT-PCR and cloned into PMD18-T for sequencing and analysis. Then the
      target gene was subcloned into pET-28a (+) for expression in E. coli BL21 (DE3)
      by IPTG induction. The recombinant protein was purified by metal (Ni2+) chelating
      affinity chromatography. Its allergenicity was examined by Western-blotting
      assay. RESULTS: The length of gene (Accession No. FJ013047) was 330 bp, coding
      109 amino acids. The E. coli strain could express a recombinant protein with a
      molecular weight of 11 537 Da. The recombinant allergen was identified as its
      affinity to specific IgE antibodies from the allergic patient sera by Western
      blotting. CONCLUSION: The parvalbumin gene from Aristichthys nobilis is
      successfully cloned and expressed in this study, and the recombinant protein
      possesses good IgE-binding capacity.

PMID- 22043701
TI  - [Chromosome damage of human bronchial epithelial cells induced by glycidyl
      methacrylate].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observed the chromosome damage of human bronchial epithelial cells
      induced by glycidyl methacrylate (GMA). METHODS: Chromosome aberration analysis
      of human bronchial epithelial cells treated with GMA at different dosages (4, 8,
      12, 16 and 20 microg/ml), times (1, 2 and 3 times), and phases (10th, 30th
      genetation) was detected. RESULTS: In the dosages range from 4 to 20 microg/ml,
      the aberration rates (3%, 6%, 7%, 11% and 14%) were demonstrated increasingly
      with the increase of exposure doses, and dose-effect relationship was found.
      Significant differences were observed when treated with GMA three times (6%, 7%
      and 10%). Structure aberrations were found in the transformed 10th-generation
      cells, while number aberrations were mainly manifested in the transformed 30th
      generation cells. CONCLUSION: The chromosome aberration can be induced by GMA in
      the human bronchial epithelial cells, from the structure aberration at the
      beginning to the lack of normal nuclear style.

PMID- 22043702
TI  - [Differential analysis of two-dimensional gel electrophoresis profiles in the
      protective effects of resveratrol on HaCaT cells induced by UVB irradiation].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analysis the differences of protein expression and possible
      protective mechanisms of resveratrol (Res) on human keratinocytes (HaCaT cells)
      irradiated by ultraviolet B (UVB). METHODS: MTT test was used to assay the
      effects of Res on the proliferation of HaCaT cells. The tested objects were
      divided into four groups, the control, UVB irradiation, Res intervention and UVB
      + Res intervention (r-u) groups. Then the protein of cells in the four groups was
      separated by a two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and the differentially
      expressed protein spots were identified by MALDI-TOF-MS. RESULTS: Ten
      differential expressed protein spots were analyzed, and eight kinds of protein
      were identified. Except for four kinds of uncharacterized protein, the level of
      Histone H1.2 was up-regulated in UVB group (P < 0.05), the levels of TFIIE-beta
      and zinc finger were down-regulated in both UVB and r-u groups, and the level of
      MAGOH was down-regulated significantly in UVB group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The
      differentially expressed protein spots related to the protection of Res on HaCaT
      cells irradiated by UVB were found with the two-dimensional gel electrophoresis.

PMID- 22043703
TI  - [Antagonism effect of MK801 on apoptosis of primary-cultured cortical neuron
      caused by dimethoate].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the antagonism effect of MK801 on apoptosis of primary
      cultured cortical neurons caused by dimethoate. METHODS: Cortical neurons were
      isolated and cultured in serum free medium for 6 days in vitro, then treated with
      100 micromol/L dimethoate for 48h. 50 and 100 micromol/L MK801, a N-methyl-D
      aspartic acid receptor (NMDAR) blocker, were used to intervene 100 micromol/L
      dimethoate group. HPLC-FLD was taken to measure the concentration of excitatory
      amino acid. RT-PCR was used to detect transcription level of NR2B. Florescence
      probe DCFH-DA kit was used to detect ROS level. TUNEL staining was used to
      determine apoptosis. RESULTS: When neurons were treated with 50 and 100
      micromol/L MK801 to 100 micromol/L dimethoate group, Apoptosis decreased to 79.6%
      of 100 micromol/L dimethoate group in higher intervention group (P < 0.01).
      Concentration of EAA decreased in both intervention groups (P < 0.01). The level
      of ROS decreased to 88.9% and 74. 8% of 100 micromol/L dimethoate group (P <
      0.01), while still higher than that of control group (P < 0.01). Transcription
      level of NR2B increased to 1.59 and 2.22 folds of 100 micromol/L dimethoate group
      (P < 0.01) and had big differences with control group (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION:
      Excitatory amino acid system and ROS both contribute to the apoptosis of neurons
      caused by dimethoate. MK801 not only decrease the ROS level but also diminish the
      elevated excitatory amino acid concentration caused by dimethoate, thus abolish
      apoptosis of neuron.

PMID- 22043704
TI  - [Effects of NF-kappaB on the expression of IL-8 in human bronchial epithelial
      cells induced by cigarette smoke condensates].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of NF-kappaB on the expression of IL-8 in
      human bronchial epithelial cells induced by cigarette smoke condensates (CSC).
      METHODS: Both IL-8mNF-kappaB(-) BEAS-2B cells (BEAS-2B cells with mutated NF
      kappaB binding site in IL-8 promoter) and IL-8 WT BEAS-2B cells (wild-type BEAS
      2B cells with completed NF-kappaB binding site in IL-8 promoter) were treated by
      7.5% CSC. The mRNA level of fLCF gene was detected by real-time PCR, and the
      activity of luciferase was measured by luciferase reporter gene activity
      detection kit. RESULTS: After two kinds of BEAS-2B cells were treated by 7.5%
      CSC, the mRNA level of fLCF and the activity of luciferase in IL-8 WT BEAS-2B
      cells was higher than those in IL-8mNF-kappaB(-) BEAS-2B cells (P < 0.001), the
      mRNA level of fLCF in IL-8 WT BEAS-2B cells was 1.32 times as that in IL-8mNF
      kappaB(-) BEAS-2B cells (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The results suggested that NF
      kappaB transcription factor was involved in smoking-induced respiratory
      inflammation through the precise molecular mechanisms of promoting the release of
      IL-8 in BEAS-2B cells treated by CSC.

PMID- 22043705
TI  - [Research of chromosome aberration in Chinese hamster lung fibroblast induced by
      VEGF siRNA].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of VEGF siRNA on chromosome aberration in
      Chinese hamster lung fibroblasts (CHL). METHODS: The chromosome aberrations were
      observed after CHL were transfected with VEGF siRNA for 24 hours and 48h.
      RESULTS: There were a questionable positive in 100nmol/L VEGF siRNA after VEGF
      siRNA were transfected for 24h and the chromosome aberration rate was 6
      percentages. Both 50nmol/L VEGF siRNA and 100nmol/L VEGF siRNA caused the
      questionable positive after VEGF siRNAs were transfected for 48h, and the
      chromosome aberration rates was 6 percentages and 10 percentages separately.
      There were no the chromosome aberration in 25nmol/L VEGF siRNA. The types of
      chromosomal aberration induced by VEGF siRNAs included break, Dicentric grain,
      polyploid, gap, and three trajectories. CONCLUSION: 100nmol/L VEGF siRNA might
      cause CHL chromosome aberration.

PMID- 22043706
TI  - [Value of oxygenic injury sensitive index in the screening of the early coal
      workers' pneumoconiosis].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the significance of oxidative injury in the screening of coal
      workers' pneumoconiosis (CWP). METHODS: With the method of nitrate reductase,
      TBA, et al, the content of NO, MDA and other indexes of peroxidation in plasma
      lipid were detected in 112 patients suffering from coal workers' pneumoconiosis
      and 114 healthy coal workers as controls. RESULTS: There were statistical
      significant between two groups (P < 0.05) with the content or density of MDA,
      CuZn-SOD, GSH-Px, T-AOC, UA, NO and iNOS except CP. As screening index of
      pneumoconiosis, there were statistical significant in area under the curve (AUC)
      of MDA, T-AOC, NO and iNOS between the two groups by ROC. As screening index of
      pneumoconiosis, MDA, T-AOC, NO and iNOS can be selected as early screening index.
      Especially, T-AOC was the best index of four indexes (sensitivity is 70.5%,
      specificity is 68.1%). CONCLUSION: Joint screening of MDA, T-AOC and iNOS is
      better than single index or series of T-AOC and MDA to the screening of CWP.

PMID- 22043707
TI  - [Pollution characteristics of PCBs in electronic waste dismantling areas of
      Zhejiang province].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the pollution level and distribution pattern of
      polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the environment media in electronic waste
      dismantling area of Zhejiang province. METHODS: Water, soil and PM10 were sampled
      in electronic waste dismantling areas. The contents, distribution characteristics
      and toxic equivalents (TEQs) of PCBs in local environment were evaluated by ultra
      trace detection methods. RESULTS: The PCBs contents of water, soil and PM10 in
      Luqiao and Zhenhai, the relatively high polluted areas, were higher than those in
      Longyou, the control area. The dominant PCBs detected from the environment in
      Luqiao were hexa-CBs (PCB138 and PCB153), while penta-CBs were dominant in
      Zhenhai and Longyou. TEQs in electronic waste recycling area were higher than
      those in control areas. The TEQs of PCBs in water and soil were the highest in
      Zhenhai, while the TEQs of PM10 were the highest in Luqiao. CONCLUSIONS: The
      local environment has been polluted by PCBs emitted from electronic waste
      recycling. PCBs pollution monitoring in electronic waste recycling area should be
      strengthened to prevent PCBs-induced health effects.

PMID- 22043708
TI  - [Effects of phytoestrogen, genistein combined with calcium and vitamin D3 on
      preventing osteoporosis in ovariectomized mice].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of different doses of phytoestrogen (genitein)
      combined with calcium and vitamin D3 on preventing osteoporosis in ovariectomized
      (OVX) mice. METHODS: 63 female CD-1 mice, 29g average weight, were randomly
      divided into 7 groups. Including Sham group, OVX group and groups of treatment
      with calcium, vitamin D3 and genistein in high dose (GH, 67 mg/kg), genistein in
      moderate does (GM, 33.5 mg/kg), genistein in low dose(GL,16.75 mg/kg), pure
      genistein (G) and pure 17-betaestradiol (E2). After six weeks treatment, bone
      mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC), Biomechanical characteristics
      bone strength and bone biochemical markers were measured in all mice. RESULT: In
      the groups of GH, GM and GL, it was stimulative effect of genistein on elevating
      uterine weight in ovariectomized mice and the effect in GL group is lower. BMD,
      BMC, length and width of femora were significantly increased in GM group mice
      than those in OVX mice (P < 0.01), as well as BMD of femora in GL group mice were
      markedly increased (P < 0.01). Peak load and resilience of femora were the most
      conspicuously increased in GL group mice than those in others treatment group
      mice (P < 0.01). In GL group, bone alkaline phosphatase (BALP) increased and
      tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) decreased (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: It
      was lower stimulative effect of low dose of phytoestrogen (genitein) combined
      with calcium and vitamin D3 on elevating uterine weight in ovariectomized mice.
      Low dose of Phytoestrogen (genistein) combined with calcium and vitamin D3 might
      increase BMD, improve the mechanical strength of bone, promote bone fromation and
      inhibit bone resorption significantly. It might reduce the dose of genistein
      administrated and be safter than E2.

PMID- 22043709
TI  - [Serum carotenoid concentrations in some Chinese adults from urban, suburban and
      rural communities].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The study was carried out to analyze serum carotenoids concentration
      of some Chinese adults by HPLC. METHODS: One hundred and eighty four 30 - 60 year
      old adults (84 males and 100 females) from three different communities were
      recruited in the investigation. The fast blood samples were collected and
      separated into serum in summer, autumn, winter and spring of the year,
      respectively. The serum were extracted with organic solvents and analyzed with a
      HP1100 HPLC for the concentration of beta-carotene, alpha-carotene, beta
      cryptoxanthin, lycopene, and lutein/zeaxanthin. RESULTS: The average serum
      concentration of carotenoids of investigated population in summer, autumn, winter
      and spring were as followed (inmicromol/L), respectively: beta-carotene, 0.72 +/-
      0.20, 0.71 +/- 0.18, 0.70 +/- 0.19 and 0.63 +/- 0.20; alpha-carotene, 0.037 +/-
      0.018, 0.039 +/- 0.015, 0.038 +/- 0.017 and 0.030 +/- 0.019; beta-cryptoxanthin,
      0.11 +/- 0.03, 0.14 +/- 0.03, 0.13 +/- 0.04 and 0.10 +/- 0.03; lutein +
      zeaxanthin, 0.61 +/- 0.16, 0.45 +/- 0.09, 0.46 +/- 0.12 and 0.47 +/- 0.14;
      lycopene, 0.43 +/- 0.26, 0.11 +/- 0.06, 0.07 +/- 0. 04 and 0.07 +/- 0.03. The
      average serum beta-carotene concentration of total-population was lowest in
      spring, but the descent did not occurred from urban sub-population. There were
      significant seasonal changes in average serum concentrations of alpha-carotene,
      beta-cryptoxanthin, lutein + zeaxanthin, and lycopene from total population.
      Further more, there was significant difference of serum concentration of every
      carotenoid between three sub-populations in every season. CONCLUSIONS: The data
      of serum carotenoid concentration in total 713 blood samples from some Chinese
      adults were reported here, which would be helpful to understanding the population
      distribution of carotenoid concentration in China.

PMID- 22043710
TI  - [Relative validity of food frequency questionnaire for estimating dietary iron
      intake of students with anemia].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the relative validity of food frequency questionnaire (FFQ)
      for estimating dietary iron and its related nutrients and food intakes of
      students with anemia. METHODS: FFQ and weighed dietary records combining with 24h
      dietary recalls (adopted as reference method) were applied respectively to
      investigate the diet of 156 anemic students aged 10 - 12 years. The average
      dietary intakes of iron, haem iron, non-haem iron, vitamin C, meat/fish/poultry
      and eggs were estimated. Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed-rank test, Spearman's rank
      correlation, cross-classification and actual values for surrogate categories were
      performed to assess the relative validity of FFQ. RESULTS: Compared with the
      reference method, dietary iron and its related nutrients and food intakes were
      overestimated by FFQ, and bear poor correlation with reference method. The
      results of cross-classification and actual values for surrogate categories
      indicated that the low and high intakes of all dietary components could not be
      clearly differentiated by FFQ. CONCLUSION: FFQ presents unsatisfactory accuracy
      in assessing dietary intakes of iron and related nutrients of anemic students in
      less developed districts.

PMID- 22043711
TI  - [Effect of dietary protein on serum lipid profile in hypercholesterolemic
      people].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of soy protein on the concentration of serum
      lipids in hypercholesterolemic people and the correlation between dietary protein
      and serum lipids. METHODS: Ninety healthy hypercholesterolemic volunteers were
      given beverages contained either 24 g of casein or 18 g of soy protein plus 6 g
      of casein by random daily for 8 weeks without change of their habitual life. Body
      height, body weight, waist and hip circumference and serum lipids were measured
      before and after the study. RESULT: (1) The body weight and body mass index of
      subjects in the soy group were decreased slightly but significantly (P < 0.05),
      while the waist-to-hip circumference of subjects in casein group was decreased (P
      < 0.05). (2) ApoB and TC/HDL-C ratio were significantly reduced after consuming
      soy protein beverages for 8 weeks (P < 0.05), while in casein group, TC, LDL-C
      and ApoB were reduced significantly (P < 0.05). (3) The reduction in TC
      concentration was negatively correlated with the quantity of dietary protein
      intake (r = - 0.419, P < 0.01), whereas it was positively correlated with the
      quantity of vegetable protein intake (r = 0.521, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The
      effect of soy protein on serum lipids could be influenced by the source and
      quantity of dietary protein.

PMID- 22043712
TI  - [Occurrence of synthetic musks in human milk samples collected from Beijing].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the occurrence of 13 kinds of synthetic musk and
      triclosan in breast milk samples collected from Beijing, and to estimate the
      exposure of breastfed infants. METHODS: Target compounds in 65 milk samples
      collected from 4 districts of Beijing in 2004 were analyzed by means of gas
      chromatography - tandem mass spectrometry (GC - MS/MS) and quantified by internal
      standards. The exposure of infants was analyzed statistically by SPSS software.
      RESULTS: HHCB, AHTN, OTNE, MT and Triclosan were detected in milk samples in the
      range of 0.6 - 174.1 ng/g lipid, with some difference in 4 districts. It is
      estimated that the intake of synthetic musks and triclosan for each infant from
      breast milk would be 13.5 - 3917 ng/d. CONCLUSION: Commonly used synthetic musks
      and tricloson were generally detected in breast milk. Further study should be
      focused on monitoring and tracing the possible source of pollution.

PMID- 22043713
TI  - [Analysis on the quality of life of people born in famine years (1959 -1961) in
      Chongqing city and its influencing factors].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the current quality of life of people born in famine
      years (1959 - 1961) in Chongqing and its influencing factors. METHODS: A total of
      1140 people were selected from five districts or counties of Chongqing by a multi
      stage stratified random sampling method. People born in 1957 - 1959 were set to
      group G1, 1957 -1962 to group G2, and 1960 -1965 to group G3. The second edition
      of SF-36 Health Survey and a general situation questionnaire were used for the
      investigation. The quality of life was evaluated on 8 dimensions and quantified
      by scoring. RESULTS: Among the 8 dimensions of the quality of life, the scores of
      role-physical (RP), role-emotional (RE) and physical function (PF) of people in
      group G1 who experienced famine in fetal period were 84.26 (17.09, 84.57 (16 48
      and 87.57 (15.84 respectively, which was significantly lower than the scores of
      people in group G3 who have never experienced famine (P < 0.05); the physical
      function (PF) score of people group G2 who experienced hunger in infants and
      young children period was 87.65 (15.03, which was significantly less than the
      population in group G3 (P < 0.05), while the vitality (VT) score of group G2 was
      48.26 (9.34, significantly higher than the population in group G3 (P < 0.05). The
      average monthly income, appetite, life satisfaction are the main factors
      influencing the quality of life of people in group G1. The life satisfaction,
      appetite and the situation getting along with other family members are the main
      factors influencing the quality of life of all target population (???).
      DISCUSSION: Strengthening prenatal nutrition has certain influences on improving
      the quality of life in adulthood. However, developing a positive attitude towards
      life, a good appetite and harmonious family relationships are much more important
      for improving the life quality of all population.

PMID- 22043714
TI  - [Whey protein improves insulin resistance via the increase of antioxidant
      capacity in model rats].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of whey protein on insulin resistance in
      model rats. METHODS: Insulin resistance model rats were established by feeding
      high-fat diet in Wistar rats. Model rats were then randomly divided into 4 groups
      of 10 animals each and fed on 0% whey protein (WP), 5% WP and 15% WP. After 8
      weeks, fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting plasma insulin (FINS) were
      determined. Oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) was performed and glucose area
      under the curve (AUC) was calculated. Also, plasma total anti-oxidation capacity
      (T-AOC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione hormone (GSH) and
      malondialdehyde (MDA) were determined. RESULTS: Whey protein intake did not
      affected FBG and glucose AUC. FINS and homeostatic model assessment-insulin
      resistance (HOMA-IR) were significantly lower in 15% WP group than in 0% WP
      group. For antioxidant index,plasma level of T-AOC, SOD and GSH were
      significantly higher in 15% WP group than in 0% WP group (T-AOC : P < 0.01; SOD,
      GSH : P < 0.05); however, MDA was significantly lower in 15% WP group than in 0%
      WP group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Whey protein improves insulin resistance. This
      effect is related to the increase of antioxidant capacity in insulin resistance
      model rats.

PMID- 22043715
TI  - [Effects of lycopene on blood cells and fibrinolytic activity in hyperlipidemic
      rats].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the effects of lycopene on blood cells and fibrinolytic
      activity in hyperlipidemic rats. METHODS: Forty adult male SD rats were divided
      randomly into five groups: normal control group, high fat model group,
      fluvastatin sodium group, lycopene low-dose group and lycopene high-dose group
      based on the level of serum TC. Normal control group was fed with normal animal
      diet, other groups were fed with high fat diet. Fluvastatin sodium and lycopene
      were given by intragastric administration in the last two weeks of experiment.
      The level of serum lipid, SOD, MDA, blood cell parameters, platelet (granule
      membrane protein (GMP-140), tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) and plasminogen
      activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) were measured. The pathological changes of aorta
      were observed and atherosclerosis index was calculated. RESULTS: Hyperlipidemia
      was induced in rats after feeding high fat diet for one week. In comparison with
      high fat diet model group, serum TC, TG, LDL-C and MDA were decreased but HDL-C
      and SOD were increased in lycopene groups. White blood cell count, mean volume of
      red blood cells and platelets, GMP-140 and PAI-1 were decreased, but red blood
      cell count and tPA were increased; atherosclerosis index were decreased, foam
      cells were decreased in intima, pathological changes in aorta were reduced in
      lycopene groups. The effects were obvious in lycopene 44 mg/kg bw group.
      CONCLUSION: The effect of lycopene on protecting blood cell, promoting
      fibrinolytic activity and reducing aortic lesions in hyperlipidemic rats might be
      the result of reducing blood lipids and improving antioxidation.

PMID- 22043716
TI  - [Hydrolysis method for whey protein and the hypoglycemic activity of its peptides
      in diabetic KKAy mice].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the hydrolysis method for whey protein with alkaline
      proteinase, and to investigate the hypoglycemic activity of the peptides in
      diabetic KKAy mice. METHODS: Whey protein was hydrolyzed with alkaline
      proteinase, and the degree of hydrolysis, nitrogen and amino acid content, mass
      spectrographic analysis of the peptides were determined. Changes of fasting blood
      glucose, random blood glucose, glucose tolerance and insulin levels in diabetic
      KKAy mice were measured after the peptides were given by gavage. RESULTS: The
      degree of hydrolysis of whey protein was 14.8%, the nitrogen in the peptides was
      68.2%, and the molecular weight of the peptides was 900 - 1900 Dal, mostly was
      1800 - 1900 Dal. Blood glucose of KKAy mice was decreased at 0.5 and 1 h after
      oral injection of the peptides, and insulin level was increased at 0.5 h after
      ingestion of the peptides. CONCLUSION: Fasting blood glucose and random blood
      glucose levels of type 2 diabetic KKAy mice could be significantly decreased, and
      the glucose tolerance and insulin secretion of mice could be improved by whey
      protein peptides.

PMID- 22043717
TI  - [Cloning and sequencing full-length genome of H5N1 avian influenza A virus and
      molecular evolution analysis of HA gene].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To clone and sequence full-length genome of the avian influenza
      A/Chicken/Hubei/489/ 2004(H5N1) virus, in order to analyze genetic mutation
      patterns of HA gene and polygenetic relationship between A/Chicken/Hubei/489/2004
      (H5N1) virus and other strains since 1996. METHODS: 8 genes of the avian
      influenza A/Chicken/Hubei/489/2004 (H5N1) virus were amplified and cloned, and
      then genetic mutation analysis and phylogenetic trees were made by bioinformatics
      software. RESULTS: Full-length genome of the avian influenza
      A/Chicken/Hubei/489/2004 (H5N1) virus were cloned into the vector of PMD18-T.
      Genetic evolution analysis showed that there is a specific cleavage site of
      "PQRERRRKKR", which was proved be related with virulence. In addition, molecular
      phylogenetic trees of HA gene revealed that A/Chicken/Hubei/ 489/2004 virus were
      closely related to H5N1 viruses of 2000-2006 isolated in Hong Kong and in
      Southeast Asia. CONCLUSION: The influenza A/Chicken/Hubei/489/2004 (H5N1) virus
      was closest genetic relatives to the influenza A/Chicken/HongKong/YU777/2002
      (H5N1) virus, and it was most possible that the avian influenza outbreak was
      caused by the 2002 lineage of Hong Kong.

PMID- 22043718
TI  - [Detection for respiratory viruses in Shanghai with multiplex PCR from 2009 to
      2010].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To characterize the prevalence and occurrence of respiratory viruses
      in children in Shanghai China. METHODS: Respiratory virus were identified from
      aspirates and throat swabs selected from children with respiratory symptom who
      visited the Shanghai Children Hospital during period January 2009 to March 2010.
      Respiratory virus was detected by multiplex PCR. RESULTS: Virus were detected in
      301 patients (58%), among them. RSVB infection were the most frequent 37.5% of
      301 patients. HRV A/B was found in 17.3% (52 patients). Adv and PIV3 in 9% (27
      patients) HMPV in 6% (18 patients). CONCLUSION: The data indicate that RSVB HRV
      A/B and PIV3 Adv is an important etiological agent for respiratory infection in
      children during the survey period. HRV A/B combined other virus are the most
      virus for combined infection.

PMID- 22043719
TI  - [Maternal sulfur dioxide exposure and the risk of low birth-weight babies].
AB  - The relationship between maternal exposure to sulfur dioxide (SO2) and the risk
      of low birth-weight (LBW) babies which has been reported in literatures remained
      inconclusive. In this study, the data on SO2 emission, meteorology, topography as
      well as LBW and control babies in the Dallas-Fort Worth area of the United States
      in 1997 were collected to re-examine the associations between maternal SO2
      exposure and the risk of LBW in babies. A combination of air dispersion modeling,
      Geographic Information System (GIS) spatial interpolation and geo-statistical
      analysis, as well as logistic regression was used for analyses. Results showed
      that the risk of LBW was not significantly increased with the exposure of
      pregnant mothers to higher level of SO2 when all data were considered together as
      one group. However, for mothers at the age 35 or older, the risk of LBW babies
      was higher in exposure to SO2 (OR = 2.31, 95% CI 1.01 - 5.30). Therefore, the
      potential risk of LBW baby might be higher in elder women in exposure to SO2
      during pregnancy.

PMID- 22043720
TI  - [Systematic review of public literatures on HIV-1 genetic subtype in China].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify the characteristics of HIV-1 and their distributions in
      the different infective subject of China, and provide base data for prevention
      and treatment of HIV infection. METHODS: We searched electronic databases such as
      the Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), the Wanfang database and
      the Chinese Science and Technology Journal Full-text Database (VIP). Analysis the
      distributions of HIV subtype according the data acquired. RESULTS: A total of 62
      articles were included with a total of 2091 cases reported. The main subtype
      epidemic in our country were B(12.4%), B(23.9%), CRF01-AE(30.0%) and CRF
      BC(27.2%). There was relationship between the subtypes and the transmission
      routines. The circulation recombinant forms increased recently in our country.
      CONCLUSION: The epidemic of HIV subtype in our country was more complicated, and
      gave more perplex in surveillance, prevention and treatment, meanwhile, it also
      gave more challenge for the vaccinal manufacture.

PMID- 22043721
TI  - Managed care considerations. A new era of advanced prostate cancer management.

PMID- 22043722
TI  - A place to call home. Assisted living providers focus on specialty care.

PMID- 22043723
TI  - Nurse retention review.

PMID- 22043724
TI  - Hearts full of grace.

PMID- 22043725
TI  - Difficult behaviors decoded.

PMID- 22043726
TI  - Superstars: to hire or Not to hire?

PMID- 22043727
TI  - CTAs revisited.
AB  - It is important that you ensure you are billing correctly for CT/CTA studies
      based on what is documented. From a facility perspective, you may know that a CTA
      study is being performed, but if it is not adequately documented you may have a
      refund obligation in the event of a payor audit. This is a key issue that I
      recommend all organizations, regardless of which side you are billing, review to
      ensure compliance.

PMID- 22043728
TI  - ICD-10: diagnostic mammograms.

PMID- 22043729
TI  - Revisit, revamp and revitalize your business plan: Part 4.
AB  - A best practice for all imaging leaders working on a management development
      program should be to invest enough time to complete a detailed planthatsetsgoals,
      objectives, step targets, landmarks, and a timetable for their achievements. Keys
      to success for a management development program include no surprises, active
      participation, and preparation by both the facilitator and the managers involved.
      A successful management team will have trained staff and lean processes mapped
      and documented, as well as be comfortable in a coaching, delegating, and
      consensus management style.

PMID- 22043730
TI  - Full circle.

PMID- 22043732
TI  - There's an app for that!

PMID- 22043731
TI  - Magnetic fields of green.
AB  - By incorporating even the basic elements of a more environmentally friendly,
      "green"construction and design in an MRI setting can create a safer, more
      pleasant space for the patients and staff, better images, and operational cost
      savings. Using building systems that have reduced amounts of steel can decrease
      construction time, increase thermal insulation, and reduce the weight of the
      structure meaning less energy required to transport and install. HVAC systems and
      lighting design can also play a major role in creating a "green"MRI suite. LEED
      certification places a focus on quality of the built environment, life cycle
      cost, and a productive indoor environment, as well as impact on the exterior
      environment. An LEED certified building considers costs and benefits for the
      lifetime of the building.

PMID- 22043733
TI  - Improving satisfaction performance through faster turnaround times.
AB  - In order to increase satisfaction and improve department performance, Florida
      Hospital Memorial Medical Center focused on decreasing report turnaround time
      with a goal of two hours from completion of the examination by the technologist
      to a final signed report by the radiologist. Through the introduction of voice
      recognition software, not only were efficiencies gained, but there was a dramatic
      reduction in transcription costs--from $30,000 per month to less than $300.
      Turnaround times were ultimately reduced, thus improving performance and
      increasing satisfaction. This was made evident by the tracking over time of
      physician satisfaction scores and HCAHPS scores rating patient satisfaction.

PMID- 22043734
TI  - Advanced computed tomography technology and patient dose: a literature review.
AB  - Cumulative patient radiation dose is a hot topic making headlines today.
      Responsible for almost two thirds of the medical radiation dose given to
      patients, computed tomography (CT) has been the major target of these news
      articles. Through this review of peer reviewed publications, an examination of
      the relationship between the advancement of technology in CT equipment and the
      increasing patient dose areexplored. Discussion includes CT scan protocols,
      demands of physicians, equipment capabilities, and possible solutions to address
      the problem. Although most of these issues are well known in the imaging
      community, a few of the results are somewhat surprising. The information
      disclosed will help form a path to a future with lowerradiation doses received by
      all patients.

PMID- 22043735
TI  - A culture of extraordinary care: Part 4.

PMID- 22043736
TI  - Graduation.

PMID- 22043737
TI  - Staying on your your feet.
AB  - CIOs are hard at work coming up with the most effective and affordable strategies
      for protecting electronic data as their hospitals move forward on electronic
      medical records. While the rise of cloud computing and declining network costs
      are offering new opportunities in dealing with potential disasters, many find
      there is no substitute for good planning and constant testing.

PMID- 22043738
TI  - Infrastructure for improvement.
AB  - The fact that many clinical performance measures are now being designed with EHRs
      as their data source may lead to systemic improvements in patient safety.
      Healthcare Informatics looks at four healthcare providers whose IT
      infrastructures already underpin their performance improvement strategies.

PMID- 22043739
TI  - Ambulatory EHR and practice management system demand.

PMID- 22043740
TI  - What HIXs can learn from HIEs.

PMID- 22043741
TI  - Ambulatory information systems: the last frontier.

PMID- 22043742
TI  - Why would I want to work for you?

PMID- 22043743
TI  - Pediatric magnetic resonance research and the minimal-risk standard.

PMID- 22043744
TI  - Misunderstanding, period.

PMID- 22043745
TI  - The merits of procedure-level risk-benefit assessment.

PMID- 22043746
TI  - Researcher experiences with IRBs: a survey of members of the American College of
      Neuropsychopharmacology.

PMID- 22043747
TI  - Latex allergy in dental students: a cross-sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Latex allergy is a major occupational health problem in health care
      workers who regularly use latex gloves. Dentists are one of the high risk groups
      for latex allergy and sensitization as it is generally found that healthcare
      workers (HCW) have 3 times greater prevalence of latex allergy. There are very
      few studies of latex allergy in HCW in Thailand. OBJECTIVE: To study the
      prevalence of latex-related symptoms, latex-sensitization and possible risk
      factors in dental students. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A cross-sectional study was
      performed on all dental students of the Faculty of Dentistry, Chulalongkorn
      University, during Dec 2007 to May 2008, using questionnaires and skin prick
      tests (SPT), using 3 latex extracts prepared from Proglove, Doctor Plus gloves
      and a commercial latex allergen (Stallergenes, France). SPT was done only in
      those who were willing and signed informed consents. RESULTS: There were 617
      completed questionnaires (87.3%). The mean age of the volunteers was 20.9 +/- 1.7
      years with 29.3% male and 70.7% female. The prevalence of latex glove-related
      symptoms was 5.0%. These symptoms were all local, cutaneous symptoms, ranging
      from hand pruritus (64.5%), hand eczema (19.4%) and contact urticaria (16.1%).
      Eight subjects (1.3%) reported pruritus or urticaria on exposure to other rubber
      products while 12 subjects (1.9%) reported reactions to some fruits. The risk
      factors for latex-glove allergy were personal history of allergic diseases
      (atopic dermatitis, urticaria, pruritus and rubber allergy), duration of using
      gloves more than 18 hours per week, more than 3 pairs of gloves used per day and
      timing of glove exposure. The 4th to 6th year students were observed
      significantly more prevalence of symptoms than the 1st to 3rd year students (OR,
      3.69; 95% CI, 1.73-7.87; p = 0.0003). SPT for 3 extracts of latex was done in 247
      cases (40.0%); overall latex sensitization rate was 14.2%. The commercial extract
      had higher incidence of latex sensitization compared to the 2 gloves extract. The
      1st year students had the lowest percentage of latex sensitization (3.2%) and
      positive skin test was significantly found in the 2nd year students (20.8%; OR,
      6.46; 95% CI, 1.87-47.98; p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of latex allergy
      in dental students is 5% and the signs and symptoms were local cutaneous
      reaction; pruritus, eczema and contact urticaria. The latex sensitization rate in
      dental students was14.2%, which is higher than the general population. The
      possible risk factors included personal history of allergic diseases, duration
      and frequency of exposure. Therefore, primary prevention of the occupational
      latex allergy should be carefully considered especially concerning high risk
      factors.

PMID- 22043748
TI  - Effects of temperature and time delay on arterial blood gas and electrolyte
      measurements.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the changes in pH, PaO2, PaCO2 and Na, K, Cl in arterial
      blood samples stored at room temperature or on ice, at 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60
      minutes. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Arterial blood samples were collected in
      heparinized capillary tubes and stored at room temperature (24-26 degrees C) and
      on ice (0-4 degrees C). ABG and electrolytes were measured at 0, 15, 30, 45 and
      60 minute intervals. RESULTS: There were significant decreases in the pH, PaO2,
      Na, Cl and significant increases in PaCO2 and K over time in both groups. The
      changes were greater and faster at room temperature. The significant decrease in
      pH over time was not found until 30 minutes at room temperature and 45 minutes on
      ice. There were significant decreases in PaO2, concurrent with significant
      increases in PaCO2 from 15 minutes onwards in both groups. Both Na and K
      exhibited a significant change at 60 minutes in the room temperature group.
      Significant decreases of Cl over time were not found until 15 minutes at room
      temperature, and 30 minutes on ice. CONCLUSION: For ABG and electrolytes
      analysis, the blood sample should be analyzed within 15 minutes and be stored at
      either room temperature or on ice.

PMID- 22043749
TI  - Combine intravitreal bevacizumab injection with laser treatment for aggressive
      posterior retinopathy of prematurity (AP-ROP).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess a new method the "Combine Treatment" consisted of diode
      laser photocoagulation and intravitreal bevacizumab for treatment of AP-ROP.
      MATERIAL AND METHOD: These retrospective and non-comparative case series study in
      twelve premature infants (7 Male, 5 Female) from ROP clinic with diagnosis of
      aggressive posterior retinopathy of prematurity (AP-ROP) based on indirect
      ophthalmoscopic examination were included in the present study. The "Combine
      Treatment" consisted of one treatment session in which diode laser
      photocoagulation was applied in the avascular zone (anterior and posterior to the
      presumed ridge include vascular nets up to the clear retina) followed by
      intravitreal injection of Bevacizumab (Avastin). Fundus photographs were obtained
      before and after the treatment using a wide-field digital pediatric imaging
      system (RetCam). RESULTS: Twenty-three eyes were treated with the "Combine
      Treatment". The rest were treated with only laser abrasion. All patients got
      favorable anatomical outcomes of all treated eyes. Proliferative tissue started
      regress 2 weeks after treatment and completed regress about 4.92 weeks (range; 3
      7 weeks). There was neither progression of disease nor serious ocular or systemic
      complications. No further treatments were needed. CONCLUSION: In the present
      study, one session of the "Combine Treatment" leads to favorable anatomical
      outcomes for patients with AP-ROP. This new approach prevents aggressive
      progression and offers hope of good future vision to patients. The authors hope
      that this new approach will be another choice of treatment to prevent aggressive
      progression of the disease and gain good vision in the future.

PMID- 22043750
TI  - Result of air enema reduction in 737 cases of intussusception.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To show the success of air enema reduction for intussusception at
      Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health, a tertiary center for children
      in Bangkok, Thailand. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Medical records of patients treated
      for intussusception by air enema reduction between 1992 and 2009 were reviewed
      for the success rate. RESULTS: The treatment for intussusception at Queen Sirikit
      National Institute of Child Health was changed from barium enema to air enema
      reduction since 1992. And was the first institute in Thailand that performed air
      enema reduction by modified the instrument from blood pressure device. The result
      of success rate was 68% from the total of intussusception 737 cases with
      successful reduction of 498 cases. The pressure was not more than 120 mmHg. There
      was bowel perforation in 4 cases (0.5%) but no death occurred. CONCLUSION: The
      success rate is not as high as other countries because of late presentation with
      small bowel obstruction. However, air enema reduction is a safe method and is the
      first method of choice before surgery. Early diagnosis and early treatment help
      the patient from surgery.

PMID- 22043751
TI  - Comparison outcomes of sick babies born to teenage mothers with those born to
      adult mothers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adolescent period is the transitional stage of physical and mental
      development from childhood to adulthood. Pregnancy in teenage girls is generally
      classified to have a higher risk than those in adults. In many previous studies
      reported only the outcome of teenage mothers but no comparative outcome between
      sick babies born to teen mothers and adult mothers, so the authors conducted the
      present study. OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcomes of sick infants born to teenage
      mothers with those born to adult mothers (age > or = 20 years). MATERIAL AND
      METHOD: This prospective study was carried out from October 1st, 2006 to
      September 30th, 2009. The study group consisted of sick babies born to teenage
      mothers and admitted at Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health
      (QSNICH). These babies were compared to sick babies (control group) born to adult
      mothers during the same period. The demographic data of mothers and sick babies
      in both groups were recorded in the designed case record forms. Developmental
      assessment was done until two years of age. RESULTS: A total of 6,342 deliveries
      took place in Rajavithi Hospital during the study period of which 697 babies were
      born to teenage mothers. The incidence of teenage pregnancy was 10.99%. The
      number of sick babies from teenage mothers and adult mothers were 78 and 147
      cases, respectively. There was a significantly higher mortality in the study
      group (7 cases, 9%) than the control group (4 cases, 2.7%). There was
      statistically significant difference in most of the demographic characteristics
      between the teenage and adult mothers except anemia, PROM and MSAF (meconium
      stain amniotic fluid). Although there was a trend of more cases of anemia and
      MSAF in teenage mothers than in adult mothers, there was no statistically
      significant difference. There was a shorter interval time from marriage to
      pregnancy in teen mothers than in adult mothers and a lower number of antenatal
      care visits with late antenatal care among the teenage mothers too. On comparing
      the data in infants, the teenage group had more males and a higher blood pressure
      than those in the adult group. There were significantly more preterm infants and
      higher cesarean section in the adult group too. Gastroschisis cases were found
      only in the teenage group. In follow-up cases, more than seventy percent in both
      groups were assessed for developmental outcome until two years of age. Divorce
      was found in teen mothers more than in adult mothers (17.54 vs. 3%) and more
      cases in teenage infants received care in rural areas by grandparents (36.6 vs.
      12.6%). Delayed speech was found in more cases in the teen group than in the
      adult group (12.28 vs. 6%). CONCLUSION: The number of antenatal care in teenage
      mothers was less than in standard pregnancy care. Cesarean section rate was lower
      in teenage mothers than in the adult mothers. Preterm infants were found in more
      cases in the adult group but gastroschisis was found only in the teenage group.
      More cases of infants in the teenage group received care in rural areas by
      grandparents and divorce occurred more in teen mothers than adult mothers.

PMID- 22043752
TI  - Compare severity of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in neonates with respiratory
      distress syndrome treated with surfactant to without surfactant.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The utilization of surfactant replacement therapy had been limited in
      treatment of respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) due to the high cost especially
      in developing countries. Nowadays, the National Health Insurance Policy has
      covered the cost of surfactant for the patients. Therefore, bronchopulmonary
      dysplasia (BPD) may be found increasing due to increased survival in patients
      with severe RDS. OBJECTIVE: To compare immediate treatment outcome of severity of
      BPD and outcome after hospital discharge in neonates with RDS who were treated
      with or without surfactant. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. MATERIAL
      AND METHOD: The data of 54 infants who developed BPD after RDS at Queen Sirikit
      National Institute of Child Health between January 1st, 2003 and December 31th,
      2005 were kept in database format. The database was analyzed for difference
      between groups and the outcome of immediate treatment, severity of BPD and
      outcome after hospital discharge were compared. The study group was BPD cases
      from RDS treated with surfactant compared to control (BPD cases from RDS treated
      without surfactant) groups. RESULTS: Forty-three (80%) from fifty-four cases had
      completed data and were included into the present study. There was no
      statistically significant difference in maternal conditions and neonatal
      conditions between groups. Antenatal steroid was prescribed more often in RDS
      without surfactant group than surfactant group. The mean birth weight and
      gestational age in surfactant and without surfactant groups were 1,179.1 +/-
      274.3 gm vs. 1,114.4 +/- 338.3 gm and 29 +/- 1.6 weeks vs. 29.2 +/- 2.7 weeks
      respectively, but no significant differences were observed between groups. To
      compare the severity of RDS, only 17.6% of moderate to severe RDS in the control
      group was found, whereas 100% was found in the study group. Moderate to severe
      BPD cases were found more often in the control group (70.6%) than in the study
      group (61.6%), but no statistically significant difference was shown. The
      immediate complications, e.g. pneumothorax (5.9%) and pneumomediastinum (5.9%)
      were found in the control group, but pulmonary hemorrhage occurred more often in
      the study group than the control group (11.5% vs. 5.9%). For long-term follow-up,
      the development outcome was not different between groups. CONCLUSION: The present
      study revealed no statistically significant difference in severity of BPD in
      neonates with RDS treated with and without surfactant groups. In addition,
      surfactant was useful in moderate to severe RDS because no early complication
      such as air leak syndrome was found in this group.

PMID- 22043753
TI  - Eosinophilic gastrointestinal disease: analysis of sixteen cases from ten years
      experience in Thailand.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study eosinophilic gastrointestinal disease (EGIDs) in children
      concerning the clinical presentations, diagnostic methods and results of
      treatment. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A retrospective study of EGIDs was done from
      January 2000 to December 2009. All patients diagnosed as EGIDs according to
      gastrointestinal symptoms combined with eosinophilic infiltration in mucosal,
      muscular or serosal layer of involvement. Exclusion of extraintestinal
      eosinophilic involvement and parasitic infestations were done. Analysis of
      clinical presentations, diagnostic methods and results of treatment were
      reviewed. RESULTS: Sixteen children fulfilled criteria of EGIDs. Mucosal type was
      the most common finding type (12 out of 16 cases) (75%). Muscular and serosal
      type was found in equal numbers (2 of each in 16 cases) (12.5% each). Ages ranged
      from 6 months to 13 years. The male: female ratio was 1: 1.2. Abdominal pain was
      the most common presenting symptom followed by diarrhea. Allergic history was
      detected in 68.75% of all patients. Peripheral eosinophilia was found in only
      37.5% of all cases. Radiographic findings showed non-specific findings. Endoscopy
      was performed in 14 out of 16 cases (87.5%). Lymphoid hyperplasia was the most
      common endoscopic finding especially in mucosal type. Eosinophil (more than 20
      per high power field) was found from biopsied tissues obtained from the
      esophagus, stomach, colon or from ascitic fluid. Prednisolone was used in 13 out
      of 16 cases with satisfactory results in 11 cases. The two resisted cases
      responded to ketotifen in one and the other in combination with montelukast. One
      out of 16 cases subsided with only proton pump inhibitor The last two cases
      improved by allergic food elimination. CONCLUSION: Eosinophilic gastrointestinal
      disease in children presents with varieties of gastrointestinal symptoms.
      Biopsied tissues or ascitic fluid are required to demonstrate significant
      eosinophilic infiltration or presence of eosinophil. Allergic history seems to
      play an important role in more than half of the patients. Specific dietary
      elimination is the most important treatment in allergic cases. Corticosteroid is
      the treatment of choice in the non-allergic group or for those who did not
      improve with food elimination.

PMID- 22043754
TI  - Clinical outcome of patients with gastroschisis: what are the differences from
      the past?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to review the experience in
      management of neonates with gastroschisis and analyze the differences in the
      clinical outcome during a 24-year period. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A retrospective
      study of patients with gastroschisis treated at Queen Sirikit National Institute
      of Child Health (QSNICH) between 1986 and 2009 was conducted. Patients'
      information was compared between the first period (1986-1997) and the second
      period (1998-2009) regarding demographic data, modes of operative procedures and
      results of the treatment. The statistical differences were analyzed by the Chi
      square, Fisher exact and student t-test with a p-value less than 0.05 considered
      significant. RESULTS: During a 24-year period, 919 neonates with gastroschisis
      were treated at QSNICH; 342 cases (161 males and 181 females) in the first 12
      year period and 577 cases (295 males and 282 females) in the second 12-year
      period. The incidence of gastroschisis at Rajavithi Hospital was 0.26: 1,000 live
      births in the first period and 1.03: 1,000 live births in the second period.
      Average birth weight of the patients and average maternal age in both periods
      were not significantly different (p > 0.05). Congenital anomalies were found in
      approximately 15% of the patients in each period. Regarding modes of the
      operative treatment, primary closure of the abdominal wall defect was attempted
      in 23.7% of the patients during the first period and increased to 44% in the
      second period. The overall survival rate in the second period was better than the
      first period with statistical significance (92.4% vs. 75.4%, p < 0.001). In
      addition, complications in the second period were less than those in the first
      period, except for necrotizing enterocolitis, which was more frequent in the
      second period. CONCLUSION: The obvious differences in patients with gastroschisis
      during the 24-year period were the increased incidence, increased successful
      primary closure of the abdominal wall defect and increased overall survival rate
      between 1998-2009. Improvement of the clinical outcomes reflected improved
      neonatal care including surgical techniques, parenteral nutrition, respiratory
      care and anesthetic practice.

PMID- 22043755
TI  - Dengue shock syndrome at the emergency room of Queen Sirikit National Institute
      of Child Health, Bangkok, Thailand.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dengue virus infection is an important mosquito-borne disease with
      the reported 40,000-100,000 cases per year in Thailand. Shock is one of the
      common presentations at the emergency room (ER) and dengue shock syndrome (DSS)
      is among the common causes of shock. Proper and timely management of DSS
      determines the outcomes and prognosis of DSS patients. OBJECTIVE: To find the
      prevalence of DSS at the ER and evaluate the medical management and risk factors
      associated with the outcome of DSS patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A retrospective
      study on patients who presented with shock, including DSS patients at the ER of
      Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health (QSNICH), Bangkok, Thailand,
      from 1st January 2008 to 31st December 2009 was done. The prevalence of patients
      who presented with shock at the ER was retrieved from the Statistical and
      Information Technology Departments. Out-patient cards and In-patient charts of
      DSS patients were reviewed. Clinical and laboratory data were compared between
      recovered and death cases. Statistical analysis was done by using SPSS version
      14.0. RESULTS: There were 109 shock patients seen at the ER during the present
      study period with 59 DSS (54.1%), 30 septic shock (27.5%), 13 hypovolemic shock
      (11.9%), 1 cardiogenic shock (0.9%) and 6 other non-specific shock (5.5%). DSS
      cases were found all year round with the peak prevalence from June to August
      which is the rainy season. Twenty-six of DSS (44.1%) were referred cases and 5 of
      them died, case fatality rate was 8.8%. All death cases had prolonged shock,
      massive bleeding and liver failure at presentation while these findings were
      found in 2 (4.4%), 16 (35.6%) and 10 (22.2%) cases of recovered cases.
      Encephalopathy, renal failure and respiratory failure were found in 80, 60 and
      60% of the death cases while in recovered cases they were found in 11.1, 4.4 and
      2.2%. Acidosis was found higher in the death group (60%) than in recovered group
      (8.9%). Other common presenting findings in death and recovered groups were
      bleeding (35.6 vs 100.0%), fluid over load (31.1 vs. 80%), hyponatremia (40% for
      both groups) and hypocalcemia (83.3 vs. 80%). Among the 45 recovered cases; 3
      cases were misdiagnosed and another 8 cases (17.8%) received no i.v. fluid at the
      ER. Cross matching was done in 32 cases (64%) and blood was transfused in 16
      cases (50% of the cross matching). CONCLUSION: DSS is the most common shock found
      at the ER especially during June to August. ER physicians should be alert for
      making the correct diagnosis of DSS with proper intravenous fluid resuscitation
      and correction of the common complications/laboratory abnormalities, i.e.
      acidosis, hyponatremia, hypocalcemia and cross matching for massive bleeding. A
      referred case with liver failure together with renal and respiratory failure was
      likely associated with mortality while fluid overload and significant bleeding do
      not if they are managed properly. Early signs of shock should be detected in walk
      in cases to prevent later shock after admission.

PMID- 22043756
TI  - Outcome of oral sildenafil therapy on persistent pulmonary hypertension of the
      newborn at Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN) is a common
      problem in the neonates with a high mortality rate. The prevalence ranges from
      0.38-0.99 per 1,000 live births at Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child
      Health. The survival rate has improved after the advent of high-frequency
      ventilation and inhaled nitric oxide. However, inhaled nitric oxide is expensive
      and unavailable in most neonatal centers in Thailand. Sildenafil is a
      phosphodiesterase inhibitor type 5 that selectively reduces pulmonary vascular
      resistance and hence may play a role in the treatment of PPHN. OBJECTIVE: To
      evaluate effectiveness and short-term side effects of oral sildenafil for infants
      > 36 weeks gestational age who have PPHN. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The present study
      was conducted between January 2006 and December 2008 in the neonatal intensive
      care unit (NICU) at Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health. All infants
      > or = 36 weeks gestational age who were diagnosed as PPHN by echocardiogram and
      had an oxygenation index > or = 20 were included in the study. Oral sildenafil
      was given as per study protocol with a starting dose of 0.25-0.5 mg/kg/dose.
      Oxygenation index (OI), oxygen saturations (SpO2), alveolar arterial oxygen
      gradient (A-aDO2) and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) were monitored serially.
      RESULTS: A total of 40 infants were diagnosed with PPHN during this period.
      Eleven infants were included in the present study. The initial median OI was
      31.95 (24.25-48.25). All infants received standard therapy with mechanical
      ventilation, sedation and inotropic drugs. OI decreased 4.6% from base line after
      the first hour of starting oral sildenafil and progressively decreased by 13%,
      27%, 37%, 41% and 90% at 2, 4, 6, 12 and 24 hours respectively. Oral sildenafil
      was discontinued in one infant. It was combined with inhaled iloprost in 2
      infants due to systemic hypotension and with inhaled nitric oxide in one infant
      due to deterioration. One infant died during the present study. CONCLUSION: Oral
      sildenafil may be effective in improving oxygenation in some infants with
      persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn. Systemic hypotension was a
      cause for concern in the present study. Further studies are needed to assess the
      pharmacokinetics, efficacy and long-term side effects of this drug.

PMID- 22043757
TI  - Dengue classification: current WHO vs. the newly suggested classification for
      better clinical application?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: There has been confusion regarding the clinical classification of
      dengue. The current WHO classification used since the 70s classifies dengue into
      dengue fever (DF), dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), dengue shock syndrome (DSS).
      In 2009, a new classification of dengue proposed by WHO Tropical Disease Research
      (TDR) was published in the WHO TDR 2009 dengue guidelines. This new
      classification classifies dengue into dengue (D), dengue with warning signs (DW)
      and severe dengue (SD). OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness in clinical
      management between the current WHO classification and the newly suggested
      classification (TDR) and to assess the 4 criteria of the DHF case definition of
      the current WHO classification for possible modification. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A
      prospective study of suspected dengue patients admitted to the Dengue Unit, Queen
      Sirikit National Institute of Child Health between June-August 2009 was done. All
      cases were managed according to the Thai National Dengue Guidelines 2008. The
      final diagnoses were based on the current WHO Classification together with dengue
      laboratory confirmation. TDR classification was applied later by the author,
      using the data from the present study case report forms of each patient.
      Statistical analysis comparing clinical and laboratory data between each group of
      patients was done by using SPSS version 14. RESULTS: Total 274 confirmed dengue
      patients and 24 non-dengue febrile illnesses (ND) were used for analysis. There
      were 180 DF (65.7%), 53 DHF grade I (19.3%), 19 DHF grade II (6.9%), 19 DHF grade
      II (6.9%) and 3 DHF grade IV (1.1%) as classified by the current WHO
      classification while the suggested TDR classified 85 (31%), 160 (58.4%) and 29
      (1.1%) as D, DW and SD respectively. At least one of the warning signs were found
      in 50, 53.3, 83, 88.2, 100 and 100% of ND, DF, DHF grade I, DHF grade II, DHF
      grade III and DHF grade IV patients. Vomiting and abdominal pain were the 2 most
      common warning signs found in both ND and dengue patients. Intensive monitoring
      and careful medical and i.v. fluid management were needed for 94 DHF patients
      compared to 189 DW and SD patients by the new TDR classification. There were 8
      DSS patients who had AST > 1,000U and one patient presented with encephalopathy.
      These 8 patients cannot be classified properly in the current WHO classification.
      One non-dengue patient who presented with gastrointestinal bleeding was
      classified as SD. Bleeding and/or positive tourniquet test was found in and 69.7%
      of DHF patients. Plasma leakage detected using hemoconcentration, chest x-ray
      (CXR) and ultrasonography. Hemoconcentration could detect plasma leakage in 44.7%
      and CXR added up evidence of plasma leakage to 86.3%. Ultrasonography was the
      most sensitive technique to add evidence of plasma leakage up to 100%. Platelet <
      or = 100,000 cells/mm3 was found in 93.5% of DHF patients. CONCLUSION: Current
      WHO classification is recommended for continuing use because the newly suggested
      TDR classification creates about 2 times the workload to health care personnel.
      In addition, the TDR classification needs dengue confirmatory tests. More than
      90% of DHF defined by WHO case definition are dengue confirmed. However, current
      WHO classification needs to be modified for more simple and friendly use. The
      suggested modification is to address plasma leakage as the major criteria.
      Tourniquet test positive or bleeding symptoms can be considered as minor
      criteria. Unusual dengue is proposed to be added to the current WHO
      classification to cover those patients who do not fit with the current WHO
      classification.

PMID- 22043758
TI  - Stevens-Johnson syndrome in Thai children: a 29-year study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) is a rare and severe life-threatening
      hypersensitivity syndrome. The etiology is unclear but is associated with drug
      exposure or infections and frequently high morbidity and mortality. OBJECTIVE: To
      determine etiologies, treatments and complications of Stevens-Johnson syndrome
      (SJS) in children. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A retrospective descriptive study was
      performed at Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health during 1979 and
      2007 (29-year study). The authors collected and separated data into three phases
      from 1979 to 1987, 1988 to 1997 and 1998 to 2007. Diagnosis was confirmed by
      pediatric dermatologists. RESULTS: There were 189 patients, 56 cases between 1979
      1987, 72 cases between 1988-1997 and 61 cases between 1998-2007. The ratio of
      male to female was 1.6: 1. The range of age was from 2 months to 15 years old
      with a mean age of 5.5 years. One hundred and sixty-five cases (87%) had a
      history of drug taking before onset of the rash. The most common drugs exposure
      were antibiotics in 69 cases (42%), anticonvulsant drugs in 58 cases (35%), non
      steroids anti-inflammatory drugs in 8 cases (5%), antimalarial drugs in 4 cases
      (2%) and unknown drugs in 26 cases (16%). Mycoplasma infections were found in 5
      cases (3%). One hundred and nine cases (58%) were treated with systemic
      corticosteroids. The corticosteroid treatment was increasing from 18% in the
      first phase to 64% and 87% in the second and third phase respectively. The
      overall complications were found in 38 cases (20%) included bacterial skin
      infections in 16 cases (8%), eye complications in 12 cases (6%), hepatitis in 4
      cases (2%) and other complications in 6 cases (2%). Ten patients (5%) died from
      sepsis and underlying diseases. The mortality rate declined from 9% in the first
      phase to 1.5% in the third phase. CONCLUSION: Etiology of SJS in children was
      associated with drug exposure with the most commonly implicated drug being
      antibiotics and anticonvulsants. Corticosteroid may have a role in the treatment
      of SJS.

PMID- 22043759
TI  - Postpartum depression in the mothers of preterm infants at Queen Sirikit National
      Institute of Child Health.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the prevalence of postpartum depression in the mothers of
      preterm infants at Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health. STUDY
      DESIGN: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at 1 to 6 months after
      delivery in 41 postpartum women of healthy preterm infants at the high risk
      clinic, Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health during 1st January to
      31st December 2006. Health-related, self-report (HRSR) scale and the diagnostic
      screening test for depression in a Thai population were used for evaluation.
      Prevalence rate was calculated and analyzed, using SPSS version 12.0. The results
      were presented in percentage. RESULTS: The authors found 41 postpartum women of
      healthy preterm infants at the high risk clinic, Queen Sirikit National Institute
      of Child Health. The prevalence of post-partum maternal depression of preterm
      infants was 22 percent. It was found that all of them (9 cases) met criteria of
      minor depressive disorders, which needed no emergency psychiatric treatment. The
      mean age of depressive mothers were under 20 years old. All of the depressive
      mothers, educational level was lower than bachelor degree. CONCLUSION: The
      prevalence of postpartum depression in mothers of preterm infants was 22 percent.
      All of them suffered from mild depression, this should raise concerns with
      physicians to take care and be prepared for proper management.

PMID- 22043760
TI  - In vitro activities of colistin and ampicillin/sulbactam against Acinetobacter
      baumannii.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to examine the in vitro antimicrobial
      activity of colistin, and ampicillin/sulbactam against A. baumannii isolated from
      pediatric patients and to compare the susceptibility testing using disc diffusion
      with minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) E-test method. MATERIAL AND METHOD:
      One hundred strains of A. baumannii from various clinical isolates were included
      in the present study. Antimicrobial susceptibilities of A. baumannii to colistin,
      ampicillin/sulbactam were determined by disc diffusion and minimal inhibitory
      concentration (MIC) using E-test method. The analysis was stratified by
      carbapenem resistance status. Sensitivity and specificity of the disc diffusion
      test compared to the MIC E-test were estimated. RESULTS: Ninety-seven strains of
      all isolates (97%) were sensitive to colistin using both disc diffusion and E
      test methods. In contrast, 41% and 34% of the isolates were sensitive to
      ampicillin/sulbactam by disc diffusion and MICE-test, respectively. The colistin
      MIC50 and MIC90 for A. baumannii were 0.38 and 1 microg/mL, respectively. The
      ampicillin/sulbactam MIC50 and MIC90 were 16 and 89.6 microg/mL, respectively.
      Based on the results of MIC E-test, ninety-eight (n = 49) and six (n = 3) percent
      of carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii (n = 50) were susceptible to colistin and
      ampicillin/sulbactam, respectively. Sensitivity and specificity of disc diffusion
      test compared to MIC E-test were 99% and 66.7% for colistin and 80.5% and 98.3%
      for ampicillin/sulbactam, respectively. CONCLUSION: The antimicrobial activities
      of colistin against A. baumannii isolates remained high for both cabapenem
      susceptible and -resistant strains. However, the in vitro activity of
      ampicillin/sulbactam against A. baumannii was low. Thus, a combination, rather
      than monotherapy, of ampicillin/sulbactam with other antibiotics is strongly
      recommended when dealing with A. baumannii infection. In addition, disc diffusion
      test appeared to be a useful screening method for susceptibility testing for
      colistin and ampicillin/sulbactam against A. baumanii.

PMID- 22043761
TI  - Growth and development of very low birth weight infants aged 18-24 months at
      Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The number of very low birth weight (VLBW) births is increasing
      worldwide. Despite better care in recent years, they have a high incidence of
      delayed growth and development. There are no previous studies regarding the
      growth and development of these infants at Queen Sirikit National Institute of
      Child Health (QSNICH). OBJECTIVE: To study growth and developmental outcome of
      VLBW infants, aged 18-24 months who were discharged from QSNICH. MATERIAL AND
      METHOD: VLBW infants who were discharged from QSNICH during the year 2007 were
      recruited in the study. Patients with chromosomal abnormalities, major congenital
      anomalies, definite congenital infections and positive maternal anti-HIV tests
      were excluded. At the corrected age of 18-24 months, the parents were called upon
      to bring their infants for complete physical examination and developmental
      evaluation on 2 occasions, two months apart. RESULTS: There were 111 cases of
      VLBW infants who were discharged from QSNICH during the year 2007. Fifty-four
      patients were eligible for the present study. Thirty cases (55.56%) were
      contacted for the first examination. During this examination, there were 3 cases
      (10%) with low head circumference, 1 case (3.33%) with poor weight gain, 5 cases
      (16.67%) with visual defect, 1 case (3.33%) with moderately severe hearing loss,
      1 case (3.33%) with cerebral palsy and 7 cases (23.33%) with delayed development.
      Twenty-one cases could be recalled for a second evaluation. Two of the 5 cases
      had delayed language development. There were no cases with hydrocephalous,
      blindness or profound hearing loss. CONCLUSION: VLBW infants at QSNICH had much
      better survival during recent years. Most of these survivors had normal growth
      and development. Those with delayed growth and development need aggressive
      intervention and long-term follow-up for enhancement of quality of their lives.

PMID- 22043762
TI  - Clinical presentations of pandemic 2009 influenza A (H1N1) virus infection in
      hospitalized Thai children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A novel influenza A (H1N1) virus of swine origin caused human
      infection and acute respiratory illness in Mexico during the spring of 2009.
      After that, the virus spread globally, resulting in the influenza pandemic.
      OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical manifestations of the 2009 pandemic influenza
      A (H1N1) and the epidemic waves of hospitalized children for a period of one
      year. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A prospective observational study of children under
      eighteen years old, confirmed having the 2009 pandemic influenza (H1N1) infection
      by real-time reverse-transcription-polymerase-chain-reaction (RT-PCR), admitted
      at Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health, Bangkok, Thailand during one
      year, from 1st June 2009 to 31st May 2010. RESULTS: A total of 83 pandemic
      influenza infected children were admitted during a one-year period. There were
      two waves of epidemic outbreak, the first wave from June to August 2009 and the
      second wave from January to February 2010. There were 47 cases of males (56.6%),
      with the highest attack rates among children 1-5 years of age (48.2%). The
      youngest case was a 29-day old girl. The correct provisional diagnosis of
      pandemic influenza infection are 39.5%, the other initial diagnosis are
      pneumonia, bronchiolitis, tonsillitis, encephalitis, and dengue infection. Most
      patients coming for care had typical, influenza-like symptoms with fever (98.8%),
      cough (92.6%) and rhinorrhea (74.1%). Systemic symptoms are frequent.
      Gastrointestinal symptoms (including vomiting (46.9%) and diarrhea (24.7%)) occur
      more commonly than seasonal influenza. Pneumonia is the most common complication
      (43.2%); other complications include bronchiolitis, hemoptysis, acute respiratory
      distress syndrome (ARDS) and encephalitis. In one case, a seven year old girl
      suffered from ARDS, sepsis, multi-organ dysfunction syndrome and ventilator
      associated pneumonia, but survived with some neurological sequelae. Radiographic
      findings included diffuse interstitial, alveolar infiltrates and some in lobar
      distributions. Apart from oseltamivir the other antibiotics included ceftriaxone,
      cefotaxime, amplicillin and azithromycin, were added for pneumonia. All patients
      in the present study survived. CONCLUSION: The burden and character of pandemic
      influenza infection in developing countries are still incompletely understood.
      Early therapy with oseltamivir in severely ill patients, without waiting for
      laboratory confirmation for diagnosis, will save patients from severe
      complications.

PMID- 22043763
TI  - Preliminary study on assessment of lead exposure in Thai children aged between 3
      7 years old who live in Umphang district, Tak Province.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Centers of Disease Control of the United States of America (CDC)
      informs Ministry of Public Health, Thailand that up to 13% of Burmese refugee
      children who are transferred to the United States of America during 2007-2009
      have elevated blood lead levels (EBLL, Blood Lead Level > or = 10 microg/dl).
      These are children from a number of refugee camps in Tak Province; two camps are
      near Umphang but other camps are not. In June 2008, CDC, the result of
      investigation of Centers for Disease Control/Thailand Ministry of Public Health
      Collaboration (CDC/TUC) and International Organization for Migration, Thailand
      indicates that 33 of 64 children aged 6 months to 15 years (5.1%) who live in Mae
      La, Umpiem and Nupo camps have elevated blood lead level. However, no study on
      how Thai children who live nearby those camps are exposed to lead. Subsequently,
      Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health, Bangkok, Thailand contacts
      relevant organizations in Tak Province in order to investigate lead exposure and
      evaluate health status of Thai children who live close to Burmese refugee camps.
      OBJECTIVE: 1) Evaluation of lead exposure of Thai children who live nearby
      Burmese refugee camps; 2) Assessment of risk factors on lead exposure of the
      children as mentioned above. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The present study adopts a
      retrospective study based on information gathered from health assessment on 213
      Thai children aged between 3-7 years old who live nearby Burmese refugee camps.
      The health assessment was conducted from April 30th, 2010 to May 5th, 2010. The
      information is from 3 sources. The first source is from blood sampling in order
      to assess lead level and ferritin level. The next source is from interview of
      persons who provide primary care in order to identify risk factors on lead
      exposure of target children. The last source is from physical examination and
      developmental assessment conducted by pediatricians and special nurses for child
      development in order to identify health and developmental problems. RESULTS: The
      population of the present study was 213 of Thai children are 3-7 years old,
      average age is 54.54 +/- 12.41 months-old. The average blood lead level is 7.71
      +/- 4.62 microg/dl (range = 3-25 microg/dl). Elevated blood lead levels of all
      populations show that 57 children (26%) have blood lead level at 10 microg/dl or
      more. Analysis of odds by controlling all risk factors (adjusted OR) that effect
      on blood lead level (> or =10 microg/dl) indicates that only gender and source of
      drinking water are risk factors. To clarify, male children would have 2.8 times
      higher risk than female children. Children who drink water from tap and canal
      have 15 times and 72 times, respectively, higher risk than children drinking from
      bottle water. CONCLUSION: The result of the present study shows that 1 of 4 of
      Thai children at Umphang district, Tak Province who lived near Burmese refugee
      camps aged between 3-7 years old have blood lead level higher than concerning
      level. Thus, it is necessary to identify risk factors on lead exposure and policy
      of blood lead screening in some areas in Thailand.

PMID- 22043764
TI  - Knowledge, attitudes and practices relating to plastic containers for food and
      drinks.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Plastic is widely used in daily life especially as food and drink
      containers. If these containers are used inappropriately, some chemicals such as
      bisphenol A, phthalate, and styrene from plastic may accumulate and impair organ
      function. OBJECTIVE: To assess knowledge, attitudes, and practices relating to
      plastic containers for food and drinks among parents and health personnel.
      MATERIAL AND METHOD: 100 parents and 100 health personnel from Queen Sirikit
      National Institute of Child Health are included in the present study. The
      questionnaires which contained 6 parts measuring knowledge, attitudes and
      practices about plastic containers for food and drinks are used to collect the
      data. RESULTS: There are no differences in knowledge, attitudes and practices
      relating to plastic containers between parents and health personnel. Even though,
      80 percent of participants usually use plastic containers for food and drinks,
      their knowledge about plastic is inadequate. CONCLUSION: Parents and health
      personnel are aware of health effects of plastic containers, but they do not know
      how to use and purchase plastics properly.

PMID- 22043765
TI  - Metabolic syndrome in obese Thai children and adolescents.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prevalence of childhood obesity in Thailand is increasing. Obese
      children are at risk of metabolic syndrome. OBJECTIVE: To determine the
      prevalence of metabolic syndrome in obese Thai children with various degrees of
      obesity and its association with severity of obesity, insulin resistance and C
      reactive protein. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A cross-sectional study of 89 obese Thai
      children and adolescents was conducted at the Department of Pediatrics, Faculty
      of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University. Family histories of
      diabetes mellitus, hypertension, obesity and dyslipidemia were assessed.
      Anthropometry and cardiovascular risks including levels of fasting blood sugar,
      oral glucose tolerance test, insulin, C-reactive protein (CRP) and lipid profile
      were determined. Metabolic syndrome was defined using International Diabetes
      Federation criteria adjusted for age and sex. Univariate and logistic regression
      analysis were used for identification of the independent associated factors.
      RESULTS: The overall prevalence of metabolic syndrome in the present study was
      16.9%. The percentages of metabolic syndrome in subjects with moderate, severe
      and morbid obesity were 10.5, 23.1 and 22.2 respectively. Univariate analysis
      revealed that metabolic syndrome had a statistically significant association with
      insulin level over 25 microIU/mL, homeostasis model for assessment of insulin
      resistance (HOMA-IR) equal to 3.16 or more and CRP over 3 mg/L. Logistic
      regression analysis revealed that only insulin level over 25 microIU/mL was
      independently associated with metabolic syndrome (OR 7.24; 95% CI: 2.01-26.10).
      CONCLUSION: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome is high among obese Thai
      children and adolescents. Prevention and proper management of metabolic syndrome
      including treatment of obesity should be considered in obese children.

PMID- 22043766
TI  - Nutritional status of pediatric patients with congenital heart disease: pre- and
      post cardiac surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Malnutrition is common in infants and children with congenital heart
      disease (CHD). Cardiac surgery has improved patient survival and nutritional
      status. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of cardiac surgery on nutritional
      status of pediatric patients with CHD. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A prospective cohort
      study was conducted in pediatric patients with CHD, admitted for cardiac surgery
      at Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health (QSNICH), Bangkok, from
      August 1st, 2002 to 2003. Demographic data, cardiac and related problems were
      obtained before operation. Anthropometry was performed at the presentation and
      post cardiac surgery. Nutritional status was assessed by Z-score of weight for
      age (ZWA), weight for height (ZWH) and height for age (ZHA). Malnutrition was
      defined as Z-score <- 2 and compared pre- and post-operation using Chi-square.
      Paired t-test was used to compare mean Z-score and p-value < 0.05 was
      statistically significant. RESULTS: All of 161 pediatric patients with CHD
      undergoing cardiac surgery were 41% males and 59% females. Patients' age ranged
      from 1 month to 15 years. The related problems included low birth weight (28%)
      and feeding problem (58%). The most common CHD was ventricular septal defect
      (29%). The nutritional status of the patients before surgery was defined as
      normal 57%, malnutrition 40% and over-nutrition 3%. Malnutrition included
      underweight 28%, wasting 22% and stunting 16%. Post cardiac surgery, the means of
      ZWA, ZWH and ZHA were significantly increased and the prevalence of underweight
      and wasting were decreased to 17% and 6% respectively, with statistically
      significant from the baseline (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Malnutrition was found in
      40% of pediatric patients with CHD and cardiac surgery has a significant positive
      effect on weight gain and nutritional status.

PMID- 22043767
TI  - Post-traumatic stress disorder in children after the tsunami disaster in
      Thailand: a 5-year follow-up.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Children may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder after
      disaster. There was a severe tsunami following an undersea earthquake off the
      Sumatra coast of Indonesia. There were 20,000 children in 6 southwestern
      provinces of Thailand who were possibly affected. OBJECTIVE: To study the
      prevalence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Thai students in the area
      affected by the December 26th, 2004 tsunami disaster, Thailand. MATERIAL AND
      METHOD: One thousand six hundred and fifteen surviving students from two schools
      in Takua Pa district located in Phang-nga Province, Thailand participated in this
      longitudinal study. Screening was done by using Pediatric Symptom Checklists part
      II (PSC-II), Childhood Depressive Intervention (CDI) and the Revised Child Impact
      of Events Scales (CRIES 8). PTSD was diagnosed by child and adolescent
      psychiatrists by using criteria of DSM-IV. The intervention included
      psychological first aid, psycho-education, cognitive-behavioral therapy,
      medication in severe cases, group support for students, parents and teachers
      which was done, beginning at 10 days after the tsunami disaster. Data were
      analyzed by using SPSS version 12.0. RESULTS: The prevalence rates of PTSD in the
      students facing the tsunami disaster in the study group were 573, 46.1, 31.6,
      7.6, 4.5, 3.9 and 2.7% at 6 weeks, 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, 3 years, 4 years
      and 5 years after the disaster, respectively. Female to male ratio was 1.7: 1.
      The peak age was 9-10 years old. The top five on the list of symptoms in PTSD
      were distress with cue, intrusive thought, functioning impairment, startled
      response, terrified and hyper vigilance. Seven cases (3.1%) were diagnosed
      partial PTSD, still exhibited a wide range of PTSD symptoms but did not fulfill
      the DSM-IV diagnostic criteria. The top five on the list of symptoms in partial
      PTSD were avoiding thought/feelings, terrified, avoiding place/activities,
      distress with cue and startled response. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of PTSD among
      tsunami victims was 57.3% at 6 weeks after the disaster. It declined sharply at 2
      years after the event. Despite receiving financial, rehabilitation and mental
      health support, 2.7% of the victims continued to suffer from PTSD 5 years after
      the disaster.

PMID- 22043768
TI  - The effectiveness of brief psychosocial screening in identifying behavioral
      problems in children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Using screening tools to enhance early detection of psychosocial
      problems can lead to timely intervention and appropriate referral to general
      practices. OBJECTIVE: To assess whether the Thai version of Pediatric Symptom
      Checklist (PSC) is suitable for screening of psychosocial dysfunction. MATERIAL
      AND METHOD: A cross sectional study was conducted among 160 children aged 6-11
      years seeking care at Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health from
      November 2006 to December 2007. Parents were asked to complete the Thai version
      of the Pediatric Symptom Checklist (PSC) questionnaire and the Thai Youth
      Behavior Checklist (TYC). Sensitivity specificity, positive and negative
      predictive value were analyzed and reported. RESULTS: The area under the receiver
      operation characteristic (ROC) curve, using the TYC as a gold standard, was
      0.895. The cut-off score of 16 was appropriate for early detection of the
      psychosocial dysfunction. At this cut-off score, the sensitivity was 83.51%, the
      specificity was 79.37%, the positive predictive value was 86.17% and the negative
      predictive value for detecting psychosocial dysfunction among children was
      75.76%. CONCLUSION: The authors' findings suggested that the Thai version, parent
      completed, PSC may be a useful psychosocial screening tool for the children aged
      6-11 years with the recommended cut-off score of 16.

PMID- 22043769
TI  - Childhood myasthenia gravis: clinical features and outcomes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical features, treatment, outcome and factors that
      affected the outcome of myasthenia gravis (MG) in children. MATERIAL AND METHOD:
      Children aged 16 years or less with diagnosed myasthenia gravis (MG) seen at
      Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health over a 15-year period with a
      minimum follow-up of 6 months were reviewed. Demographic, clinical
      characteristics, treatment and the outcome were analyzed. RESULTS: One hundred
      and nineteen MG patients, 100 patients (84%) were ocular MG (OMG) and 19 patients
      (16%) were generalized MG (GMG). Median age of onset was 4.1 years. OMG patients
      had the age of onset earlier than GMG patients (p = 0.01). Female to male ratio
      was 1.8: 1. Ptosis was a clinical feature in 99%, accompanied with
      ophthalmoplegia in 63%, diplopia in 19.3%, extremity weakness in 13.4%,
      respiratory muscle weakness in 9%, head tilt in 10.1%, dysphagia in 7.5%,
      hyperthyroidism in 3.4% and epilepsy in 2.5%. One hundred and six patients who
      had ptosis as the initial symptom 67% were bilateral ptosis, 33% were unilateral
      ptosis, 10 patients progressed to GMG in 2 years. Almost all patients were
      treated with pyridostigmine and prednisolone. At the end of follow-up, 60.5% had
      pharmacological remission for more than 3 months, 18.5% had complete remission
      without medication. No definite factors associated with the remission were
      identified. CONCLUSION: OMG is the majority of MG patients and the age of onset
      is earlier than GMG. Early treatment by prednisolone may have the favorable
      effect on OMG in the progression to GMG and subsequent involvement to the other
      eye.

PMID- 22043770
TI  - Long-term effects of short-acting methylphenidate on growth rates of children
      with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder at Queen Sirikit National Institute
      of Child Health.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Methylphenidate (MPH) is generally considered to be first-line
      treatment for the core symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
      (ADHD). Long-term administration of MPH in childhood may have adverse effects on
      growth. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of long-term, short-acting MPH
      medication on growth. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A retrospective descriptive study was
      employed by gathering the data of patients who were diagnosed as ADHD by child
      psychiatrists at the child and adolescent clinic, Queen Sirikit National
      Institute of Child Health. Subjects were patients received the first dose of
      short-acting methylphenidate from January 1st 2000 to December 31st 2007 and
      continued medication for at least 1 year. Data about height and weight were
      reviewed at the beginning of short-acting MPH medication, 6 months (mo), 1 yr, 2
      yr, 3 yr, 4 yr, 5 yr, 6 yr and 7 yr interval. Collecting data was interpreted
      with INMU-Nutri Stat software program. Paired t-test was used to compare Z score
      of height and weight at different time points. RESULTS: There were 96 cases in
      the present study; the ratio of male to female was 3.6: 1. The first dose of
      short-acting methylphenidate was started at an average age of 8.62 +/- 1.70
      years. Average drug dose ranged from 0.41-0.49 mg/kg/day. The data evaluated at 6
      mo, 1 year 2 years, 3 years, 4 years and 5 years after drug use found that weight
      was not affected. Height decreased at 6 mo. after drug use (p < 0.05) but long
      term treatment was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Prolonged
      medication with short-acting MPH has shown to have minimal impact on height only
      at the first 6 months; however, catch up growth was detected during adolescent
      period.

PMID- 22043771
TI  - Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of respiratory syncytial virus and
      influenza virus associated hospitalization in urban Thai infants.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza infections are among
      the leading cause of hospitalized lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) in
      children especially among those younger than 1 year of age. Few descriptions of
      these 2 important viruses in Thai children less than 1 year of age have been
      published. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The authors conducted a prospective study of
      children 1-12 months old hospitalized at a pediatric tertiary-care hospital in
      Bangkok with LRTI during the period December 2007 to August 2009. Respiratory
      specimens were tested for influenza A/B virus and RSV using a reverse
      transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: Twenty-six (7.3%) had
      RT-PCR positive for influenza and 104 (29.4%) for RSV from 354 infants. Clinical
      diagnoses included pneumonia (73.4%), bronchiolitis (17.55%), croup (6.5%) and
      bronchitis (2.5%) and were similar among groups except the proportion of croup
      was significantly lower in RSV (p = .018). The proportion of RSV infection was
      highest between July and October (42-76%). RSV patients were more likely to
      present with higher temperature than the negative RT-PCR patients (p = .031).
      Oseltamivir was prescribed in 7.7% of influenza infections. Intravenous
      antibiotics were prescribed in 69.2%, 56.7% and 60.7% of the influenza, RSV and
      negative group respectively (p = .736). Percentages of patients requiring
      mechanical ventilation were 3.8, 6.7 and 6.3% among the influenza, RSV and
      negative group respectively (p = .861). Three patients died: 2 from RSV and 1
      from the negative group. All three fatality cases had existing co-morbidity.
      CONCLUSION: A high proportion of RSV was detected in infants hospitalized with
      LRTI especially during July to October. High proportion of antibiotic
      prescription and relatively low rate of oseltamivir treatment were identified.
      Surveillance data and the availability of a rapid and reliable viral diagnostic
      test may help guide treatment, thereby improve outcome of this vulnerable
      population.

PMID- 22043772
TI  - Correlation between serum and salivary phenytoin concentrations in Thai epileptic
      children.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the correlation between serum and salivary phenytoin
      concentration in Thai epileptic children. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Children aged 5 to
      12 years with diagnosed epilepsy who received phenytoin monotherapy seen in the
      neurological clinic at Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health were
      studied. The recruited patients were required to have good compliance, normal
      albumin level, and no evidence of cancer, HIV infection, hepatic, renal and
      salivary glands disease. Blood and saliva samples were collected and measured
      phenytoin level by fluorescence-polarization immunoassay technique. RESULTS:
      Thirty patients, 19 males and 11 females, were studied. The average (mean +/- SD)
      age and weight were 8.24 +/- 2.09 years and 27.76 +/- 9.86 Kilograms. Both serum
      and salivary phenytoin levels correlated with phenytoin doses as exponential type
      (R2 = 0.4188, 0.3682, respectively). Equations for describing serum and salivary
      phenytoin levels by phenytoin dose were y = 0.7403e(0.3952x) and y =
      0.1431e(0.3072x) respectively. Serum and salivary phenytoin levels were closely
      correlated as linear type (R = 0.880, R2 = 0.967). The obtained equation of this
      relationship was y = 10.165x, where y = serum phenytoin level and x = salivary
      phenytoin level. Adverse drug reactions were found in 5 patients (6.6%),
      horizontal nystagmus 2 cases, hirsutism 2 cases and gingival hyperplasia 1 case.
      CONCLUSION: High correlation between serum and salivary phenytoin levels
      supported the use of saliva instead of blood for phenytoin monitoring in Thai
      children which were difficult in blood collection and had psychological trauma.
      The obtained equations in the present study could be applied for adjusting the
      dosage regimen and monitoring by using salivary phenytoin level in clinical
      practice.

PMID- 22043773
TI  - Are infants exclusively breastfed up to 6 months of age at risk of anemia?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the incidence of anemia between infants who received
      exclusive breast feeding (EBF) up to the age of 6 months and those who did not.
      MATERIAL AND METHOD: A cross sectional survey was conducted to examine the
      physical growth, incidence of anemia, mean hematocrit (Hct) level and other red
      cell indices among 6-month-old infants visiting a well-child clinic at QSNICH and
      Ramathibodi Hospital. RESULTS: 63 infants were included in the present study: 24
      (38%) EBF group; and 39 (62%) non-EBF group. Mean Hct of EBF group was 34.5 +/-
      1.7 and Non-EBF group was 35.1 +/- 2.3% respectively. The prevalence of anemia in
      the EBF group was 4.2%, non-EBF group was 12.8%. Even though the findings were
      not statistically significant, the authors found that the red blood cell indices
      in an anemic infant in the EBF group were not caused by iron deficiency, while
      the 4 of 5 anemic infants in the Non-EBF group were related to iron deficiency
      anemia (80%). Other growth parameters were compared between the two groups.
      CONCLUSION: The present study did not show statistical difference regarding the
      different hematocrit and other red blood cell indices including other fundamental
      background but the prevalence of anemia appeared to be higher among Non-EBF
      compared to EBF up to 6 months. The cause of anemia was not related to iron
      deficiency anemia in the EBF group compared to those higher and related to iron
      deficiency anemia in the Non-EBF group. SUGGESTION: EBF up to 6 months should be
      advocated given its substantial health benefit and does not increase the risk of
      anemia. Nevertheless, it is essential that mothers receive adequate nutritional
      supplement including iron during pregnancy and lactation period.

PMID- 22043774
TI  - Improvement of ambulatory function with multilevel soft tissue surgery in
      children with spastic diplegic cerebral palsy.
AB  - Single Event Multilevel soft tissue surgery in spastic diplegic children also was
      effective for improving ambulatory function obviously as multilevel bone and soft
      tissue surgery. Just muscle and tendon surgery seem to be enough for better lever
      arm dysfunction of the lower extremity. It has safe, simple and rapid recovery.
      OBJECTIVE: Gross Motor Functional Classification System (GMFCS) improvement after
      single event multilevel soft tissue surgery had been observed in these study
      groups of patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Retrospective review in 93 spastic
      diplegic children who were more than 3 years old, had ability to understand
      communication, at least leaned sitting and one-hand gross function ability had
      been operated on by single event multilevel soft tissue surgery. GMFCS was
      assessed at the time of pre-operation and 6-12 months after operation. Analyzing
      GMFCS change was performed by statistics. RESULTS: Average 7 site surgery per one
      patient, 84% GMFCS level improvement and 16% GMFCS level non-improvement were
      reported. Nine cases (9.7%) were improved 2 level of GMFCS and 74% improved 1
      level. GMFCS level compared between pre- and post surgery had changed by the
      significant statistic (p < 0.001). The average GMFCS level improvement for all
      groups was 0.93 level. The average age in the improved group (75 months old) was
      less than the non-improved group (92 month old), was a trend difference in
      statistic (p = 0.032). CONCLUSION: Single Event Multilevel Soft tissue surgery
      was effective in improving the GMFCS level average 1 level. It changed ambulatory
      function of spastic diplegic CP children obviously, immediately and safely.
      Younger age might get more benefit than older children.

PMID- 22043775
TI  - Clinical features and outcome of childhood optic neuritis at Queen Sirikit
      National Institute of Child Health.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the clinical features, treatment, outcome and factors
      affecting the outcome of optic neuritis in children. MATERIAL AND METHOD:
      Children under 16 years of age diagnosed with optic neuritis (ON) at Queen
      Sirikit National Institute of Child Health over an 11-year period were reviewed.
      Demographic data, clinical characteristics, treatment and the outcome were
      analyzed. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Mean age
      of onset was 9.2 years. Female to male ratio was 1.8:1. All cases had vision
      loss, bilateral 74.2% and monocular 25.8%, including decreased color vision 35%
      disc edema 54.8% and ocular pain 38.7%. The mean duration of follow-up was 20.38
      months. The final diagnosis of these patients were 2 multiple sclerosis (MS), 2
      neuromyelitis optica (NMO), 3 acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) and 24
      or isolated optic neuritis (ION). There was no statistically significant
      difference in gender, age of onset, number of ocular involvement, severity of
      visual acuity impairment, presented preceding infection, associated symptoms, CSF
      pleocytosis, high protein in CSF, abnormal brain or eye MRI. 93.3% of patients
      had clinical improvement, including 70% complete recovery visual acuity of both
      eyes. The statistically significance was that complete remission in females was
      more than in males. CONCLUSION: Childhood optic neuritis had bilateral vision
      loss and complete recovery. Females with optic neuritis had statistical
      significance with complete recovery, more than males.

PMID- 22043776
TI  - Immunizing children aged 9 to 15 months with live attenuated SA14-14-2 Japanese
      encephalitis vaccine in Thailand.
AB  - The authors aimed to evaluate the safety and immunogenicity of a live attenuated
      SA14-14-2 Japanese Encephalitis (JE) vaccine in healthy Thai infants. One hundred
      and fifty subjects aged 9-15 months were vaccinated with one dose of this
      vaccine. Regarding the vaccine safety, during the 28-day post-vaccination follow
      up, no vaccine-related serious adverse events were reported. In terms of
      immunogenicity, the sero-conversion rate of a single dose vaccination was 95%
      (95% CI, 90.0-97.6%) within 90 days after vaccination and the geometric mean
      titer (GMT) was 66.1. Eight subjects with JE seronegative on days 28-35 post
      vaccination became sero-positive on day 90. Seven subjects who remained sero
      negative during days 28-35 and day 90 post-vaccination were successfully sero
      converted after receiving a second dose 3 months later. Thus, two doses of this
      JE vaccine resulted in a 100% (95% CI, 97.3-100%) sero-conversion rate with the
      GMT of 260.8. Eight children with GMTs lower than protective level after a single
      vaccination demonstrated a booster response with GMT of 1237 after the second
      dose of JE vaccination. In conclusion, the live attenuated SA14-14-2 vaccine was
      safe, well tolerated and highly immunogenic with 95% and 100% sero-conversion
      rate after one and two doses, respectively. Nevertheless, its long-term immune
      response and possible influences from natural dengue infection requires further
      evaluation.

PMID- 22043777
TI  - Predictive factor of severe renal involvement in children with Henoch-Schoenlein
      purpura.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To find out which of the clinical manifestations or laboratory
      findings is the predictive factor of severe renal involvement in children with
      Henoch-Schoenlein purpura (HSP). MATERIAL AND METHOD: Data of clinical
      manifestations and laboratory findings in children with HSP at Queen Sirikit
      National Institute of Child Health between January 2003-December 2007 were
      prospectively collected and analyzed. RESULTS: There were 168 cases, 86 boys and
      82 girls (M:F ratio= 1.05:1), the age ranged from 2 to 15 years (mean +/- SD =
      6.9 +/- 2.6 years, mode = 6.8 years). Development of severe renal involvement was
      identified in 11 cases (6.6%). Abnormal urinalysis (microscopic hematuria or
      proteinuria) on the day of diagnosis was statistically significant (p < 0.001) as
      a predictive factor of severe renal involvement during follow-up. Early systemic
      corticosteroid administration due to severe abdominal pain was not statistically
      significantly different between the patients with or without severe renal
      involvement. CONCLUSION: Abnormal urinalysis on the day of diagnosis was the only
      predictive factor of severe renal involvement in children with Henoch-Schoenlein
      purpura. Early systemic corticosteroid administration due to severe abdominal
      pain did not prevent severe renal involvement.

PMID- 22043778
TI  - Acute hematogenous osteomyelitis and septic arthritis in children: clinical
      characteristics and outcomes study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical features, causative pathogens and outcomes
      related to acute hematogenous osteomyelitis and septic arthritis in pediatric
      patients. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The authors conducted a retrospective cohort study
      of patients under 15 years of age with diagnosis of acute hematogenous
      osteomyelitis (AHO) and/or septic arthritis (SA), treated at Queen Sirikit
      National Institute of Child Health from 1996 to 2006. Demographic data, clinical
      characteristics, bacterial spectrum, and outcomes were collected. Potential risk
      factors for osteoarticular sequelae in the patients who had more than 2 years of
      follow-up were analyzed. RESULTS: One hundred and twenty-nine patients met the
      diagnostic criteria which included 51 cases with SA, 35 cases with AHO and 37
      cases with both SA and AHO. The patient's age ranged between 1 day and 13 years 4
      months, comprising 37 (28.6%) of newborns, 28 (21.7%) of > 1-12 months, 18 (14%)
      of > 1-3 years and 46 (35.7%) of > 3-15 years. Causative bacteria were found in
      103 of 129 patients (80%), the two most common pathogens were methicillin
      sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) in 48 (46.6%) and methicillin-resistant
      Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in 18 (17.5%) cases. The initial temperature on
      admission day was high (> 37.5 degrees C) in only one-third of newborns, one-half
      of infants and two-thirds of the older group. The duration of antibiotic
      administration ranged between 21 and 56 days (mean 42 days). Arthrotomy or
      drainage and bone or joint aspiration underwent in 62% and 17% of cases
      respectively. Outcomes of 79 patients who had more than 2 years of follow-up
      identified osteoarticular sequelae in 23 patients (29%) that consisted of
      avascular necrosis of epiphysis, limb-length discrepancy and pathologic
      fractures. Univariate analysis for potential risk factors compared between
      sequelae and without sequelae groups demonstrated significant association with
      more than 1 week duration of presenting symptoms, newborn age group, hip joint
      infection, infection with MRSA and more than 3 days delayed treatment with
      appropriate antibiotics. CONCLUSION: MSSA was the most common bacterial pathogen
      causing pediatric osteoarticular infections in all age groups but was second to
      MRSA in the newborn group. Osteoarticular sequelae were avascular necrosis of
      epiphysis, limb length discrepancy, and pathologic fracture which were
      significantly related to longer duration of presenting symptoms, newborn age
      group, hip joint involvement, MRSA infection and delayed administration of
      appropriate antibiotics.

PMID- 22043779
TI  - Combined aortic and pulmonic valvular stenosis: report of 2 cases.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To report 2 cases of severe combined aortic and pulmonic valvular
      stenosis. MATERIAL AND METHOD: To find patients with a diagnosis of severe
      combined aortic and pulmonic valvular stenosis, the authors searched in the
      patient profile at the cardiology unit, Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child
      Health (QSNICH) from 1995 to 2010. RESULTS: There are 2 cases of severe combined
      aortic and pulmonic valvular stenosis from 19,416 case records of pediatric
      cardiac patients. The first one is a 9-year-old girl and the other is a male
      neonate. The interval between the presentations of these two cases was 10 years.
      The older patient, who had associated moderate aortic regurgitation, underwent
      aortic root replacement and pulmonic valvulotomy in the year 2000. The neonate,
      who presented in 2010 had undergone bilateral percutaneous balloon aortic and
      pulmonic valvuloplasty and required repeated balloon aortic valvuloplasty at the
      age of two months. Both patients responded well to treatment and were
      asymptomatic at the last follow-up of 10 years and 6 months respectively after
      treatment. CONCLUSION: Combined aortic and pulmonic valvular stenosis is a very
      rare congenital heart disease. The prevalence is 0.01% of congenital heart
      disease at QSNICH. Bilateral balloon valvuloplasty of aortic and pulmonic valve
      is effectively performed in this rare congenital heart disease and can be done
      safely in a sick neonate.

PMID- 22043780
TI  - Hepatocellular carcinoma in children presents with massive upper gastrointestinal
      bleeding: a case report.
AB  - Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a very rare pediatric tumor. The incidence is
      0.5-1.0 cases per million children. The most common clinical sign is abdominal
      mass. HCC often develops in the presence of underlying liver disease and
      cirrhosis, especially viral hepatitis. The authors hereby report a 9-year-old
      girl with hepatocellular carcinoma associated with positive hepatitis B surface
      antigen at Queen Sirikit National Institute of Child Health. She was admitted
      because of massive upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) due to esophageal
      varices. Multiple sessions of esophagogastroscopy with sclerotherapy banding
      ligation and glue injection of esophageal varices were performed but she still
      had massive UGIB. Sengstaken-Blakemore tube was used, after which she developed a
      ruptured esophagus. Finally she passed away. Liver necropsy was performed and
      diagnosed as HCC.

PMID- 22043781
TI  - Invasive Vibrio cholerae non-O1 non-0139 infection in a thalassemic child.
AB  - Invasive, extra-intestinal infection with Vibrio cholerae non-O1, non-O139 is
      rare especially among children. Herein the authors report a 12-year-old girl with
      underlying beta-thalassemia status post-splenectomy presenting with V. cholerae
      non-O1, non-O139 gastroenteritis with concomitant septicemia. The pathogen was
      identified from stool and blood culture and the patient recovered uneventfully
      after antimicrobial and supportive therapy. A review and comparison of clinical
      manifestations and outcomes with the previous four cases of invasive V. cholerae
      non-O1, non-O139 in postsplenectomy thalassemic pediatric patients is reported.

PMID- 22043782
TI  - Report 2 cases of congenital factor XII deficiency: a rare coagulation disorder.
AB  - Factor XII (F.XII, Hageman factor) is one of the contact system factors which
      initiates an intrinsic coagulation pathway. But its definite role is still
      unclear, because many cases of severe F.XII deficiency experience thrombotic
      events instead of a bleeding problem. Moreover most of them are asymptomatic.
      There have only been a few reports of F.XII deficiency in Thailand. The author
      reports two cases of congenital F.XII deficiency in Thai children.

PMID- 22043783
TI  - Dengue hemorrhagic fever grade III with diabetic ketoacidosis: a case report.
AB  - A 16-year-old, previously healthy Thai girl presented with DHF grade III. Fifteen
      hours after the first episode of shock, she had received an excessive amount of
      crystalloid isotonic solution and 20 ml per kilograms of Dextran-40 however she
      still had persistently rapid pulse rate and high hematocrit but also had polyuria
      with more than 4 ml/kg/hr of urine output. She was re-evaluated. Clinical signs
      showed severe dehydration with some ascites without signs of pleural effusion.
      Blood gas revealed increased anion gap metabolic acidosis. The cause of polyuria
      and metabolic acidosis was identified with hyperglycemia, ketouria and
      glucosuria. Afterwards she was diagnosed and treated as DHF grade III and DKA.
      Besides insulin administration, fluid resuscitation was very crucial. Intravenous
      fluid rehydration was needed while the unnecessary extra-volume could cause
      massive plasma leakage and later on fluid overload. Volume replacement was
      adjusted to degree of dehydration when signs of volume overload were monitored
      closely. She was out of DKA at 14 hours after the start of insulin and the
      intravenous fluid was stopped at 27 hours (36 hours after the first episode of
      shock). The final diagnosis was DHF grade III, diabetes mellitus with DKA and
      hepatitis.

PMID- 22043784
TI  - [Genetic engineering of Pichia pastoris expression system for improved secretion
      of heterologous proteins--a review].
AB  - Due to the potential for producing soluble, correctly folded protein with high
      yield, Pichia pastoris is currently one of the most effective hosts for the
      expression of heterologous proteins. However, limitations of expression
      efficiency are often reported for many different heterologous proteins.
      Accumulating evidences suggest that protein folding and processing of
      heterologous protein is a major bottleneck during secretion process in yeast.
      Apart from optimization of the fermentation process, the current strategies for
      strain engineering for improving protein secretion are focused mainly on folding
      and processing, and systematic engineering by high-throughput screening for
      potential secretion enhancers. This article reviews the genetic engineering
      progresses of these aspects.

PMID- 22043785
TI  - [Research progress of VBNC bacteria--a review].
AB  - The viable but non-culturable (VBNC) is a microbial state, in which microbial
      cells are metabolically active but cannot be cultivated by routine methods. In
      this article, we address the formation mechanism, change and variety,
      resuscitation, research significance and application prospects of VBNC state in
      bacteria. Furthermore, we report our research findings on VBNC state of bacteria
      in the past 10 years, including resuscitation, culturable, phylogenetic
      relationship and potential functions.

PMID- 22043786
TI  - [Uncultivated host-specific Bacteroidales markers identification of fecal source
      pollution--a review].
AB  - Bacteroidales has been proposed as a fecal pollution indicator. microbial source
      tracking (MST) based on Bacteroidales host-specific gene markers has recently
      been applied in the fecal pollution identification, which does not require
      culturing the fecal pollution indicator organisms. This method needs to design
      specific primers. The primers are designed based on Bacteroidales specific 16S
      rRNA gene. Once a pair of specific primers was amplified, the fecal pollution can
      be identified. In this paper, the progress of specific primers of Bacteroidales
      in human, swine, ruminant feces were reviewed and discussed. The advantages and
      disadvantages were put forward. Future researchers should be focused on the new
      biological markers and the combination of different MST methods.

PMID- 22043787
TI  - [Origin and evolution of canine parvovirus--a review].
AB  - Canine parvovirus (CPV-2), first recognized in 1978 as a new pathogen of dogs,
      was probably derived from a very closely related virus in cats, feline
      panleukopaenia virus (FPLV) or a closely related carnivore parvovirus (FPLV-like
      virus). CPV-2 is responsible for either myocarditis or fatal gastroenteritis in
      pups with high morbidity and mortality. Shortly after its emergence, CPV-2 has
      become endemic in the global dog population. The original CPV-2 continued to
      evolve, and was subsequently replaced by three different but closely related
      antigenic variants, designated CPV-2a, CPV-2b and CPV-2c, which now coexist in
      dog populations worldwide. The genetic and antigenic variation in CPV-2 also
      correlated with changes in the host range and tissue tropisms of the virus. Here,
      we reviewed variation and evolution of CPV-2 in past 30 years and discussed CPV-2
      as an important model to study virus evolution.

PMID- 22043788
TI  - [Microbial diversity in sediments of core HS-PC 500 from Shenhu Area, northern
      South China Sea].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We studied the microbial diversity in the sediments of different depth
      in a gravity piston core HS-PC500 from Shenhu Area, the northern of South China
      Sea. METHODS: Total DNA was extracted from the sedimental materials; the archaeal
      and bacterial 16S rRNA gene sequences were amplified. The clone libraries were
      used to analyze the microbial systematic development. RESULTS: Group C3 was the
      predominant archaeal group in the top layer (0-5 cm bsf) sediments, and the
      Marine Benthic Group (MBG)-B group became predominant with depth, reaching 38.9%
      and 62.5% in the middle (350-355 cm bsf) and bottom (790-795 cm bsf) sediments.
      Some belonged to MBG-A, Miscellaneous Crenarchaeotic Group (MCG), Thermoprotei,
      Novel Group Crenarchaeota (NGC), Halobacteriales, MBG-E, South African Gold Mine
      Euryarchaeotic Group (SAGMEG). Proteobacteria was the dominant bacterial group in
      the top of the core, but became minor deeper within the sediments. As depth
      increased, Chloroflexi and candidate division JS1 became the predominant groups
      and reached up to 28.1%, 29.2% and 39%, 24.7%. Other sequences respectively
      belonged to Nitrospirae, Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, candidate division OP8,
      Spirochaetes, candidate division TM6, Deferribacteres and Plantomycete.
      CONCLUSION: Down-core variation in microbial abundance in sediments of HS-PC500
      was consistent with the changes of methane concentration in the same core; the
      lower microbial abundance might be probably due to lower total organic carbon
      (TOC) in sediments; However, microbial diversity was relatively high and
      community structure varied apparently with depth; the community was dominated by
      clusters that was dominated in sulfate reduction condition, suggesting that
      microbial metabolization played very important role in the material cycle of
      marine sediments.

PMID- 22043789
TI  - [Analysis of the flgD and figE genes regulated by diffusible signal factor in
      Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate functions of flgDxoc and flgExoc genes regulated by
      diffusible signal factor (DSF) in Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzicola(Xoc)Rs105.
      METHODS: TheflgDxoc and flgExoc genes were amplified by PCR. We constructed
      deltaflgDxoc and deltaflgExoc, the deletion mutants from Rs105 by using double
      crossover method, and determined cell morphology, motility, pathogenicity in host
      rice and hypersensitive response (HR) in nonhost tobacco. We tested the
      differential expression of flgDxoc and flgExoc gene by reverse transcriptional
      polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) between the wide type and deltarpfFxoc (the
      deletion mutant of rpfFxoc gene, which could not produce DSF). RESULTS: We cloned
      flgDxoc and flgExoc from genomic DNA of Rs105. PCR and Southern blot analysis
      demonstrated that the flgDxoc and flgExoc genes were knocked out successfully.
      Both mutants were non-flagellated and significantly attenuated motility on the
      0.3% semi-solid medium. The pathogenicity on rice were obviously attenuated in
      deltaflgDxoc and deltaflgExoc compared to the wild type. All the changes in
      mutant could be restored through the complementation. However, there was no
      significant difference in bacterial growth in MMX medium and induction of HR
      between mutant (deltaflgDxoc or deltaflgExoc) and the wild type. In addition, the
      results of RT-PCR demonstrated that the transcription level of flgDxoc and
      flgExoc were downregulated in deltarpfFxoc. CONCLUSION: This study showed that
      expressions of flgDxoc and flgExoc were positively regulated by DSF, and
      necessary for flagellar hook assembly and flagellar structure in Xoc. Meanwhile,
      FlgD and FlgE contributed to pathogen's virulence, motility and chemotaxis, but
      no differences at growth rate in MMX medium and HR in nonhost. In addition, our
      results provided molecular evidences that the contribution of DSF-type quorum
      sensing to pathogen's virulence might be, at least partially, dependent on
      bacterial flagellar in Xoc.

PMID- 22043790
TI  - [Characterization of the Rela/SpoT homologue slr1325 (syn-rsh) of the
      cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC6803].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Nucleotide guanosine-3', 5'-(bis) pyrophosphate (ppGpp) synthesized by
      (ppGpp) synthesase RelA or bifunctional ppGpp synthase/degradase RelA/SpoT,
      mediates bacterial stringent response to various stressful conditions. Here we
      characterized the slr1325 (syn-rsh) gene encoding a RelA/SpoT homolog (Syn-RSH)
      of the cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC6803. METHODS: We performed phenotypic
      complement test using Escherichia coli strain with(p) ppGpp-synthesis defect to
      determine Syn-RSH function(s), and employed chromatographic analysis of 32P
      labeled cellular mononucleotides to detect the accumulation of ppGpp in
      Escherichia coli strains expressing Syn-RSH and in Synechocystis sp. PCC6803.
      RESULTS: Syn-RSH expression in E. coli relA/spoT double mutant was able to
      restore the cell growth arrest; Chromatographic analysis of 32P-labeled cellular
      mononucleotides revealed that Syn-RSH expression resulted in the synthesis of
      ppGpp in E. coli strain with relA and spoT mutant mutation. Additionally,
      Synechocystis cells accumulated a low level of ppGpp under laboratory growth
      conditions. CONCLUSION: Syn-RSH possesses ppGpp synthase/degradase activities,
      and ppGpp is required for Synechocystis cell viability under normal growth
      conditions.

PMID- 22043791
TI  - [High efficient gene knockout in Verticillium dahliae].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We developed an efficient method of gene knockout in Verticillium
      dahliae, an important soil-borne fungal pathogen that causes cotton vascular wilt
      diseases. METHODS: By using fusion PCR, we constructed gene knockout vectors. By
      using Agrobacterium tumefaciens-mediated transformation and applying a herpes
      simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSVtk) gene in T-DNA as a conditional lethal gene
      to counter-select against ectopic transformants, we developed an efficient method
      to select gene knockout transformants. RESULTS: Gene knockout frequency for ADE4
      and ChsV was 87% and 44% , respectively. CONCLUSION: We developed an efficient
      tool for gene knockout in Verticillium dahliae, which would help clarify the
      infection mechanism of this fungal pathogen.

PMID- 22043792
TI  - [Effect of controlled overexpression of xylulokinase by different promoters on
      xylose metabolism in Saccharomyces cerevisiae].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate xylose metabolism in the Saccharomyces cerevisiae
      stains overexpressing the xylulokinase gene XKS1 at different levels by replacing
      the promoter in the chromosome. METHODS: Based on S. cerevisiae CEN. PK 113-5D,
      we constructed xylose-metabolizing strains where the promoter of xylulokinase
      gene XKS1 was replaced by TEF1 promoter, PGK1 promoter and HXK2 promoter on the
      chromosome. We quantitated the transcriptional level of XKS1 gene (accumulated
      mRNA) and measured the activity of xylulokinase in each stains. Furthermore, we
      also determined the intracellular level of ATP and evaluated the xylose
      fermenting abilities of the engineered strains. RESULTS: The engineered strains
      exhibited higher expression of xylulokinase than the parental strain at both
      transcription and enzyme activity levels. The highest xylulokinase activity was
      observed in the strain whose XKS1 was controlled by PGKlp, and was decreasingly
      followed by the strains whose XKS1 was controlled by TEF1p, HXK2p and native
      promoter. The expression level of xylulokinase negatively correlated with
      intracellular level of ATP and positively correlated with ability of ethanol
      production from xylose. The highest ethanol yield was 0.35 g/g consumed sugars
      while the lowest xylitol yield, which was 0.18 g/g consumed xylose, was observed.
      CONCLUSION: By promoter replacement, xylulokinase was overexpressed at different
      levels. In this work, higher expressional level of xylulokinase improved the
      conversion of xylose to ethanol.

PMID- 22043793
TI  - [Screening of high taxol producing fungi by mutagenesis and construction of
      subtracted cDNA library by suppression subtracted hybridization for
      differentially expressed genes].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To screen mutants with high yield of taxol, and construct cDNA
      subtractive library of obtained mutant and primary strain HD(1-3). METHODS: The
      spores of taxol-producing fungus HD(1-3) were treated by diethyl sulphate (DES),
      ultraviolet radiation and diethyl sulphate (UV + DES). cDNA subtractive library
      of taxol producing fungi from the mRNA of obtained mutant with high yield of
      taxol tester and HD(1-3) driver was constructed by using suppression subtracted
      hybridization (SSH). RESULTS: The optimal conditions for mutagenesis of strain
      HD(1-3) were as follows: the spore suspension was treated with 8% DES for 15 min,
      followed by UV irradiation (30 w, 30 cm distance) for 45 sec under magnetic
      stirring, a mutant UD(14-1) which was able to produce taxol with high yield and
      could be stably passed on genetics was found. Its ability to produce taxol was
      improved from 232.73 +/- 4.61 microg/L (strain HD(1-3)) to 312.81 +/- 7.51
      microg/L (strain UD(14-1)). The tilter of the constructed cDNA library was 1.2 x
      10(7) cfu/mL, the recombinant rate reached to 75.3% and the length of the
      inserted fragments was mostly 300 bp-1.0 kb. CONCLUSION: A mutant UD(14-11) with
      high yield was obtained, and cDNA subtractive library of the mutant UD(14-11) and
      strain HD(1-3) was constructed. The study laid solid foundation for isolation of
      taxol biosynthesis related genes and construction of engineering strains with
      high yield of taxol by genetic techniques.

PMID- 22043794
TI  - [Ribosome engineering of streptomyces sp. FJ3 from Three Gorges reservoir area
      and metabolic product of the selected mutant strain].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore new resource from inactive actinomycete strains, we
      screened resistant mutant strains by ribosome engineering, and analyzed the
      products derived from the selected mutant strains. METHODS: Three Gorges
      reservoir area-derived actinomycete strains including BD20, FJ3, WZ20 and FJ5
      were used as initial strains, which showed no-antibacterial activities. The
      streptomycin-resistant (str(R)) mutants and rifampicin-resistant (rif(R)) mutants
      were screened by single colony isolation on streptomycin-containing plates and
      rifampicin-containing plates according to the method for obtaining drug-resistant
      mutants in ribosome engineering. The four initial strains and their str(R)
      mutants and rif(R)-mutants were fermented in a liquid medium with the same
      composition. Mutants with anti-Staphylococcus aureus activity were obtained by
      paper chromatography. The components of fermentation broth were analyzed by high
      performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and high performance liquid
      chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Furthermore, FJ3 strain was identified
      by 16S rDNA and morphology. RESULTS: The minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC)
      of streptomycin and rifampicin for FJ3 was: 0.5 microg/mL and 110 microg/mL,
      respectively. Twenty-four strR-mutant strains and 20 rif(R)-mutant strains of FJ3
      mutant strains were selected for bioassay. The result of the antibacterial
      activity screening demonstrated that six strains inhibited bacteria. Two strains
      (FJ3-2 and FJ3-6) were screened from the streptomycin-resistance mutants of
      inactive strain FJ3. The result of bioassay showed that the fermentation broth of
      FJ3-2 and FJ3-6 exhibited obvious anti-Staphylococcus aureus activity. The assay
      of paper chromatography showed that the active substance may be nucleic acid
      class antibiotic via using solvent system Doskochilova. Moreover, the results of
      HPLC and LC-MS exhibited that this substance may be thiolutin. CONCLUSION:
      Ribosome engineering for changing the secondary metabolic function of the
      inactive wild-type actinomycete strains was a feasible method for the acquirement
      of active mutant strains, which will be beneficial to exploit the new medical
      actinomycete strains.

PMID- 22043795
TI  - [Mass spectrometry identification of secreted proteins from Bacillus firmus and
      analysis of its secretive sequences].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Bacillus firmus was a common probiotics bacteria in nature and widely
      used in the shrimp aquaculture. In order to construct expression vectors for
      secretive proteins, we identified several major secretive proteins of Bacillus
      firmus by mass spectrometry and analyzed their gene sequences to find signal
      peptide sequences. METHODS: The secreted proteins of Bacillus firmus were
      extracted and separated by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel
      electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The 3 highly expressed protein bands in the SDS-PAGE
      were identified by mass spectrometry Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization
      (MALDI)-Time of Flight (TOF)/Time of Flight (TOF) and the sequences were
      downloaded from National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database.
      Then Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) primers were designed according to the
      downloaded sequences and specific DNA bands were amplified sequenced and
      bioinformatics analyzed. RESULTS: The proteins were identified as the putative
      chitinase, enterotoxin A and protein BCG9842 of Bacillus firmus. Three signal
      peptides were conformed by using the online software SignaIP 3.0, namely bf-43,
      bf-37 and bf-16. The cellular localization of the secreted sequences were
      analyzed by PSORT. And we found that bf-43 located in the outer membrane of
      cells, bf-37 and bf-16 located in the extracellular cell. CONCLUSION: 3 major
      secreted proteins of Bacillus firmus have been identified. 3 possible signal
      peptides were obtained and will be useful for the construction of expression
      vectors for secretive proteins.

PMID- 22043796
TI  - [Homology modeling and molecular docking of xylitol dehydrogenase from
      Aspergillus Oryzae].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We investigated the structure model and function of xylitol
      dehydrogenase from Aspergillus oryzae. METHODS: Xylitol dehydrogenase (XDH) gene
      from Aspergillus oryzae was cloned and sequenced. We constructed four tertiary
      structure models of XDH by homology modeling with Swiss-MODEL and Modeller and
      obtained the best quality model by evaluation of PROCHECK and Prosa2003. The
      dockings of NAD+, Zn2+ and xylitol with XDH were performed by Molsoft program.
      RESULTS: Structure analysis suggested that XDH was a member of medium-chain
      dehydrogenase/reductase (MDR) family. This was supported by the presence of the
      zinc-containing alcohol dehydrogenase signature and a typical alcohol
      dehydrogenase Rossmann fold pattern composed by NAD+ binding domain present in
      MDR superfamily. The molecular docking indicated that amino acid residues Asp206,
      Arg211, Ser255, Ser301 and Arg303 in XDH binding domain had hydrogen bonding with
      NAD+, His72 and Glu73 in catalytic domain had hydrogen bonding with Zn2+, Ile46,
      Ile349, Lys350 and Thr351 in catalytic domain had hydrogen bonding with xylitol.
      CONCLUSION: These key amino acid residues might play a vital role in the XDH
      catalytic reaction and can instruct the further directed modification of XDH.

PMID- 22043797
TI  - [Binding of benzo(a)pyrene by Lactobacilli strains].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We studied the ability of Lactobacillus plantarum 121 and
      Lactobacillus pentosus ML32 to bind benzo(a)pyrene. METHODS: The percentage of
      benzo(a)pyrene bound by the lactobacilli strains was quantitated by HPLC after
      bacterial cells and benzo(a)pyrene were co-incubated in MRS media at 37 degrees C
      for 4 h. RESULTS: The percentage of benzo(a)pyrene-binding was 65.9% for 121 and
      64.9% for ML32. Physical factors affecting binding ability included incubation
      time, temperature, bacterial cell viability, pH and concentrations of Ca2+ and
      Mg2+. Different chemical and enzymatic treatments to cells affected the binding
      of the two strains to benzo(a)pyrene. The simulation of gastrointestinal
      environments showed that the binding ability of the two strains depended largely
      upon pH and bile salt concentrations, but less upon treating time. Trypsin had
      only influence on the ability of 121 to bind benzo(a)pyrene. The presence of
      benzene in washing cell impaired the ability of the two strains to bind
      benzo(a)pyrene. CONCLUSIONS: Strains 121 and ML32 had potential to bind
      benzo(a)pyrene.

PMID- 22043798
TI  - [Antibody responses induced by mucosal DNA vaccine encoding the codon-optimized F
      protein of human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) delivered with attenuated
      Salmonella typhimurium].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In order to investigate antibody responses by musosal DNA vaccines
      encoding the codon-optimized F protein of human respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)
      delivered with attenuated Salmonella typhimurium aroA strain SL7207 (SL7207) via
      intranasal or intragastric routes. METHODS: After the codon-optimized F gene was
      synthesized, we constructed eukaryotic expression plasmid pcDNA3.1/Fsyn and
      transformed it into SL7207 to get recombinant SL7207 of SL7207/pcDNA3.1/Fsyn.
      Then, SL7207/pcDNA3.1/Fsyn was exploited to evaluate its immunogenicity in BALB/c
      mice administered intranasally or intragastrically. The resultant serum and
      mucosal antibody responses were analyzed by indirect ELISA. RESULTS: Compared
      with intragastric immunization group, intranasal immunization group achieved
      higher level of RSV specific serum IgG and secretion IgA (SIgA) (P < 0.05).
      Moreover, F protein expressed by the codon-optimized F gene of Fsyn was of
      elevated immunogenicity, compared with wild type F (Fwt) (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION:
      Intranasal immunization and codon optimization approaches can improve antibody
      responses of RSV DNA vaccine delivered by attenuated Salmonella typhimurium aroA
      strain SL7207.

PMID- 22043799
TI  - [Distribution of putative virulence genes of avian pathogenic Escherichia coli
      IMT5155 in E. coli strains isolated from human and animal].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We investigated the distribution of autotransporter adhesin gene B11
      and other putative virulence genes of APEC IMT5155, which contributed to study
      the pathogenic mechanism of Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC). METHODS:
      PCR and Dot blot were used to detect the distribution of putative virulence genes
      in E. coli strains isolated from different country (101 Chinese strains and 121
      German strains), which were from different sources (human, avian and pig). The
      association of E. coli phylogenetic group and distribution of putative virulence
      genes was also analyzed. RESULTS: The putative virulence genes were most
      prevalent among APEC isolates, 36.4% (32/88) of APEC isolates harboring A1, 53.4%
      (47/88) for A8, 63.6% (56/88) for A10, 37.5% (33/88) for B11, 59.1% (52/88) for
      F3. The isolates positive for putative virulence genes were linked to E. coli
      phylogenetic group B2. Among Neonatal meningitis E. coli isolates, 60%, 80% and
      80% were positive for putative virulence genes D1, E9 and F11, respectively.
      However, all the Neonatal meningitis E. coli strains were negative for B11.
      CONCLUSION: Autotransporter adhesin gene B11 and other putative virulence genes
      were associated to APEC. However, putative virulence genes D1, E9 and F11 were
      associated to Neonatal meningitis E. coli, which indicated that APEC might be a
      virulence gene reservoir for Neonatal meningitis E. coli.

PMID- 22043800
TI  - [Screening of optimal signal peptide for heterologous xylanase secretion by
      Bacillus subtilis].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We searched optimal signal peptide for heterologous and exogenous
      secretion of xylanase in Bacillus subtilis. METHODS: We constructed a screening
      vector for signal peptides from B. subtilis. The Alkali resistance xylanase gene
      (xynA) from Bacillus pumilus was chosen as reporter gene and cloned into E. coli
      and B. subtilis shuttle vector pGJ148 which has maltose-inducible promoter Pglv
      and spectinomycin resistant gene. 24 Sec-type signal peptides (SPs) was amplified
      from B. Subtilis 1A747 and cloned into the screening vector for the expression of
      xynA in B. Subtilis WB700. The xylanase activity of the culture supernatant were
      detected after 24h incubation. RESULTS: The screening of these signal peptides
      revealed differences in xylanase activity of the culture supernatants, The
      recombinant strain containing YnfF signal peptide showed the highest xylanase
      acitivity (37.2 IU/mL). CONCLUSION: Experiment proved screening of signal
      peptides is effective way for optimization of the export of heterologous protein
      in B. subtilis.

PMID- 22043801
TI  - [Stable expression of Mycobacterium tuberculosis protein EspB in RAW264.7].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We established a cell line stably expressing Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis secretory protein EspB in order to provide evidences for studying
      EspB in modulating the functions of macrophage. METHODS: The recombinant plasmid
      pEGFP-C1-EspB was first constructed, then RAW264.7 cell was transfected with
      pEGFP-C1-EspB and pEGFP-C1 by liposome respectively. After screening with a high
      level of G418, the macrophage cell lines that stably expressed EGFP-EspB fusion
      protein or EGFP were established. The gene and protein expression levels were
      further analyzed by RT-PCR, fluorescence microscopy and western blot. RESULTS:
      The EGFP-EspB fusion gene was integrated into the chromosome and the protein was
      stably expressed in the selected macrophage cell line. The macrophage cell lines
      that stably expressed EGFP-EspB fusion protein or EGFP were established.
      CONCLUSION: These results gave us a tool for the future study in the effects of
      EspB protein in modulating the functions of macrophage and its interaction with
      other molecules of macrophage.

PMID- 22043802
TI  - [Construction of a recombination plasmid labelled with green fluorescence and its
      application in Clonostachys rosea].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We constructed a recombinant eukaryotic expression vector harboring
      green fluorescent protein (GFP) and the hygromycin resistance gene hph, and
      observed its expression in Clonostachys rosea. METHODS: We used PCR, enzyme
      digestion, phosphorylation, ligation and transformation to construct the plasmid.
      Using protoplast preparation and transformation technologies, we expressed the
      plasmid in the fungi C. rosea. RESULTS: We created the eukaryotic expression
      vector, transformed it into C. rosea and observed green fluorescence with
      fluorescence microscope. CONCLUSION: The successful construction of the pANGH3
      recombinant plasmid and its expression in C. rosea establishes a new model for
      studying fungal infection mechanisms.

PMID- 22043804
TI  - Apricot carotenoids possess potent anti-amyloidogenic activity in vitro.
AB  - Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and is characterized
      by the progressive accumulation of amyloid beta protein (Abeta) in areas of the
      brain. There has been an increased interest in screening for food-grade anti
      amyloidogenic compounds in foodstuffs. The purpose of this study was to screen
      and identify bioactive compounds with anti-amyloidogenicity in apricot fruits
      using synthetic Abeta(1-42). The anti-amyloidogenicity was investigated using
      thioflavin T fluorescence assay, electron microscopy, and dot blotting analysis.
      The carotenoid fraction from apricot showed strong inhibitory effects against
      oligomer and fibril formation of Abeta and fibril-destabilizing effects. Among
      the peaks in the HPLC chromatogram, lutein showed the strongest inhibitory effect
      on Abeta fibril formation. The inhibitory effect was dependent on the number and
      portion of hydroxyl groups on both sides of carotenoids. These findings suggest
      that lutein in fruits may be useful as a preventive agent for amyloid-associated
      diseases.

PMID- 22043803
TI  - Specific pathogen detection using bioorthogonal chemistry and diagnostic magnetic
      resonance.
AB  - The development of faster and more sensitive detection methods capable of
      identifying specific bacterial species and strains has remained a longstanding
      clinical challenge. Thus to date, the diagnosis of bacterial infections continues
      to rely on the performance of time-consuming microbiological cultures. Here, we
      demonstrate the use of bioorthogonal chemistry for magnetically labeling specific
      pathogens to enable their subsequent detection by nuclear magnetic resonance.
      Antibodies against a bacterial target of interest were first modified with trans
      cyclooctene and then coupled to tetrazine-modified magnetic nanoprobes, directly
      on the bacteria. This labeling method was verified by surface plasmon resonance
      as well as by highly specific detection of Staphylococcus aureus using a
      miniaturized diagnostic magnetic resonance system. Compared to other copper-free
      bioorthogonal chemistries, the cycloaddition reaction reported here displayed
      faster kinetics and yielded higher labeling efficiency. Considering the short
      assay times and the portability of the necessary instrumentation, it is feasible
      that this approach could be adapted for clinical use in resource-limited
      settings.

PMID- 22043805
TI  - Detection of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase in Enterobacter spp.--evaluation of
      six phenotypic tests.
AB  - Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBL) are plasmid-mediated enzymes that
      hydrolyze cephalosporins and monobactams. The lack of a standard method to detect
      ESBL in Enterobacter spp. has led to underestimating its frequency. The aim of
      this study was to evaluate ESBL detection in Enterobacter spp. By the double-disk
      synergy test (DDST) and combined disk test (CDT) assay using cefepime,
      cefotaxime, and ceftazime as substrates for ESBL, plus AmpC inhibitors in
      different associations. A total of 83 Enterobacter spp. ESBL and 31 non-ESBL
      Enterobacter spp. were tested, and a cutoff point >=3 mm was defined using a
      receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for combined disc methods. All
      tests showed 100% specificity. The sensitivity was 89.2% for DDST and CDT without
      AmpC inibitor, 90.4% in the combined disc test in Mueller-Hinton agar containing
      phenylboronic acid (CDT-PBAA), and 94% in the combined disc test in Mueller
      Hinton agar containing cloxacillin (CDT-CLXA). Cefepime was the best substrate,
      mainly when AmpC inhibitors were not used. However, superior results were
      achieved when all cephalosporins were evaluated together. In conclusion, to
      improve ESBL detection in Enterobacter spp., some modifications in phenotypic
      tests are needed, such as to reduce the distance between the discs to 20 mm in
      DDST, to use a cutoff point for >=3 mm on the CDT, and to include a cefepime disk
      or an inhibitor of AmpC in all tests.

PMID- 22043806
TI  - In vivo sequential selection of Escherichia coli with topoisomerase- and efflux
      mediated misleading quinolone resistance phenotypes.
AB  - Two mutants of Escherichia coli (V1 and V2) with acquired mechanisms of
      resistance to fluoroquinolones were isolated sequentially from blood cultures of
      a patient with cholangiocarcinoma treated repeatedly with ofloxacin; a third
      mutant (V3) was isolated under ciprofloxacin therapy. All mutants were related
      clonally. V1 was susceptible to quinolones but with diminished susceptibility to
      ofloxacin. V2 was hypersusceptible to nalidixic acid but had high-level
      resistance to ofloxacin. V3 was resistant to all quinolones. Ofloxacin selected
      for original gyrA and parC mutations, leading to the unusual and misleading
      resistance phenotypes of V1 and V2, whereas efflux played a major role in the
      increased resistance of V3.

PMID- 22043807
TI  - Efficient production and cellular characterization of sheep androgenetic embryos.
AB  - The production of androgenetic embryos in large animals is a complex procedure.
      Androgenetic embryos have been produced so far only in cattle and sheep using
      pronuclear transfer (PT) between zygotes derived from in vitro fertilization
      (IVF) of previously enucleated oocytes. PT is required due to the poor
      developmental potential of androgenotes derived from IVF of enucleated oocytes.
      Here we compare the developemt to blastocyst of androgenetic embryos produced by
      the standard pronuclear transfer and by fertilization of oocytes enucleated in
      Ca2+/Mg2+-free medium, without pronuclear transfer. The enucleation in Ca2+/Mg2+
      free medium abolished almost completely the manipulation-induced activation,
      significantly improving the development to blastocyst of the androgenetic embryos
      (IVF followed by PT; 18.6%: IVF only; 17.7%, respectively). Karyotype analysis of
      IVF revealed a similar proportion of diploid embryos in androgenetic and control
      blastocysts (35% and 36%, respectively), although mixoploid blastocysts were
      frequently observed in both groups (64%). Androgenotes had lower total cell
      numbers than control and parthenogenetic embryos, but more cells in ICM cells
      comparing to parthenogenotes (30.42 vs. 17.15%). Higher expression of the
      pluripotency-associated gene NANOG, and trophoblastic-specific gene CDX2, were
      also observed in androgenotes compared to parthenogenotes and controls. The
      global methytion profile of androgenetic embryos was comparable to controls, but
      was lower than parthenogenetic embryos. The cell composition and methylation
      pattern we have detected in monoparental sheep monoparental embryos are
      unprecedented, and differ considerably from the standard reference mouse embryos.
      Altogether, these finding indicate significant differences across species in the
      molecular mechanisms regulating early development of monoparental embryos, and
      highlights the need to study postimplantation development of androgenetic embryos
      in sheep.

PMID- 22043808
TI  - Cell colony formation induced by Xenopus egg extract as a marker for improvement
      of cloned blastocyst formation in the pig.
AB  - Treatment with cytoplasmic extracts from Xenopus laevis eggs represents a
      potential tool for universal cellular reprogramming. However, the biochemical
      activity and quality of the extract vary from batch to batch. This study aimed to
      evaluate three different extract batches prepared by the same method based on the
      colony formation of cells after extract treatment, and subsequent in vitro
      cloning efficiency using treated cells as chromatin donors. Porcine fetal
      fibroblasts were treated with each batch of extract, and cultured in embryonic
      stem cell (ES) medium for 12 days. The number of forming colonies in treated
      cells was counted on Day 7 after extract treatment and significant variability
      was detected between different batches of extract. Similarly, when using cells
      from colonies at Days 7 to 8 after treatment for handmade cloning, increased
      blastocyst formation rates were observed after the cells were treated with a
      batch showing higher colony formation. In conclusion, assessment of cell colony
      formation may be used as selection marker for Xenopus egg extract used for
      pretreatment of donor cells prior to cloning.

PMID- 22043809
TI  - High performance weak donor-acceptor polymers in thin film transistors: effect of
      the acceptor on electronic properties, ambipolar conductivity, mobility, and
      thermal stability.
AB  - We have studied the electronic, physical, and transistor properties of a family
      of donor-acceptor polymers consisting of diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) coupled with
      different accepting companion units in order to determine the effects of donor
      acceptor interaction. Using the electronically neutral benzene (B), the weakly
      accepting benzothiadiazole (BT), and the strongly accepting benzobisthiadiazole
      (BBT), the accepting strength of the companion unit was systematically modulated.
      All polymers exhibited excellent transistor performance, with mobilities above
      0.1 cm(2)V(-1)s(-1), even exceeding 1 cm(2)V(-1)s(-1) for one of the BBT
      containing polymers. We find that the BBT is the strongest acceptor, enabling the
      BBT-containing polymers to be strongly ambipolar. The BBT moiety also strengthens
      interchain interactions, which provides higher thermal stability and performance
      for transistors with BBT-containing polymers as the active layer.

PMID- 22043810
TI  - Magic acid free generation of antiaromatic dications at room temperature.
AB  - A new method for the generation of dicationic species via ionization of diols is
      described. The method makes use of milder reagents at room temperatures, an
      advantage over use of Magic Acid at -78  degrees C. A series of mono- and
      dications were synthesized successfully, including previously unattainable
      species.

PMID- 22043811
TI  - Photochemistry and photophysics of a Pd(II) metalloporphyrin: Re(I) tricarbonyl
      bipyridine molecular dyad and its activity toward the photoreduction of CO2 to
      CO.
AB  - The photochemistry and photophysics of the cationic molecular dyad, 5-{4
      [rhenium(I)tricarbonylpicoline-4-methyl-2,2'-bipyridine-4'-carboxyamidyl]phenyl}
      10,15,20-triphenylporphyrinatopalladium(II) ([Re(CO)(3)(Pic)Bpy-PdTPP][PF(6)])
      have been investigated. The single crystal X-ray structure for the thiocyanate
      analogue, [Re(CO)(3)(NCS)Bpy-PdTPP], exhibits torsion angles of 69.1(9) degrees ,
      178.1(7) degrees , and 156.8(9) degrees  between porphyrin plane, porphyrin
      linked C(6)H(4) group, amide moiety, and Bpy, respectively. Steady-state
      photoexcitation (lambda(ex) = 520 nm) of [Re(CO)(3)(Pic)Bpy-PdTPP][PF(6)] in
      dimethylformamide (DMF) results in substitution of Pic by bromide at the Re(I)Bpy
      core. When [Re(CO)(3)(Pic)Bpy-PdTPP][PF(6)] is employed as a photocatalyst for
      the reduction of CO(2) to CO in DMF/NEt(3) solution with lambda(ex) > 420 nm, 2
      turnovers (TNs) CO are formed after 4 h. If instead, a two-component mixture of
      PdTPP sensitizer and mononuclear [Re(CO)(3)(Pic)Bpy][PF(6)] catalyst is used, 3
      TNs CO are formed. In each experiment however, CO only forms after a slight
      induction period and during the concurrent photoreduction of the sensitizer to a
      Pd(II) chlorin species. Palladium(II) meso-tetraphenylchlorin, the hydrogenated
      porphyrin analogue of PdTPP, has been synthesized independently and can be
      substituted for PdTPP in the two-component system with
      [Re(CO)(3)(Pic)Bpy][PF(6)], forming 9 TNs CO. An intramolecular electron transfer
      process for the dyad is supported by cyclic voltammetry and steady-state emission
      studies, from which the free energy change was calculated to be DeltaG(ox)* = 
      0.08 eV. Electron transfer from Pd(II) porphyrin to Re(I) tricarbonyl bipyridine
      in [Re(CO)(3)(Pic)Bpy-PdTPP][PF(6)] was monitored using time-resolved infrared
      (TRIR) spectroscopy in the nu(CO) region on several time scales with excitation
      at 532 nm. Spectra were recorded in CH(2)Cl(2) with and without NEt(3).
      Picosecond TRIR spectroscopy shows rapid growth of bands assigned to the pi-pi*
      excited state (2029 cm(-1)) and to the charge-separated state (2008, 1908 cm(
      1)); these bands decay and the parent recovers with lifetimes of 20-50 ps.
      Spectra recorded on longer time scales (ns, MUs, and seconds) show the growth and
      decay of further species with nu(CO) bands indicative of electron transfer to
      Re(Bpy).

PMID- 22043813
TI  - Introducing a novel method to assess cumulative steroid concentrations: increased
      hair cortisol concentrations over 6 months in medicated patients with depression.
AB  - Depression has been linked to increased cortisol concentrations using point
      measures taken from urine, blood, or saliva samples. However, with regard to
      hypercortisolism-induced consequences, long-term cumulative cortisol burden is of
      relevance. Our objective was to use hair analysis as a new method to assess
      cortisol exposure over 6 months in depressed patients and healthy controls. We
      examined 23 depressed patients (8 men and 15 women, mean age: 41.6 years ( +/-
      standard deviation (SD), 13.1 years); mean duration of current depressive episode
      9 months ( +/- SD, 13 months)) and 64 healthy controls, matched for age and
      gender. Cortisol concentrations in two 3-cm hair segments from near to the scalp
      were analyzed, representing cortisol secretion during the 6 months prior to
      sampling. Compared with healthy individuals, depressed patients had higher hair
      cortisol concentrations in the first (mean +/- SD: 26.7 +/- 20.8 vs. 18.7 +/-
      11.5 pg/mg, p < 0.05) and second hair segment (mean +/-  SD: 21.9 +/- 23.7 vs.
      13.4 +/- 9.6 pg/mg, p < 0.05). In conclusion, hair cortisol analysis confirmed
      enhanced cortisol secretion in depressed patients over a prolonged time period.
      Because of the retrospective and cumulative nature of cortisol in hair, the
      assessment of hair cortisol concentration may help in addressing unanswered
      questions regarding hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis overactivity and
      associated health consequences in psychiatric disorders.

PMID- 22043814
TI  - Nickel hexacyanoferrate nanoparticle electrodes for aqueous sodium and potassium
      ion batteries.
AB  - The electrical power grid faces a growing need for large-scale energy storage
      over a wide range of time scales due to costly short-term transients, frequency
      regulation, and load balancing. The durability, high power, energy efficiency,
      and low cost needed for grid-scale storage pose substantial challenges for
      conventional battery technology. (1, 2)  Here, we demonstrate
      insertion/extraction of sodium and potassium ions in a low-strain nickel
      hexacyanoferrate electrode material for at least five thousand deep cycles at
      high current densities in inexpensive aqueous electrolytes. Its open-framework
      structure allows retention of 66% of the initial capacity even at a very high
      (41.7C) rate. At low current densities, its round trip energy efficiency reaches
      99%. This low-cost material is readily synthesized in bulk quantities. The long
      cycle life, high power, good energy efficiency, safety, and inexpensive
      production method make nickel hexacyanoferrate an attractive candidate for use in
      large-scale batteries to support the electrical grid.

PMID- 22043815
TI  - How federal health-care policies interface with urban and rural areas: a
      comparison of three systems.
AB  - Global public health policies span national borders and affect multitudes of
      people. The spread of infectious disease has neither political nor economic
      boundaries, and when elevated to a status of pandemic proportions, immediate
      action is required. In federal systems of government, the national level leads
      the policy formation and implementation process, but also collaborates with
      supranational organisations as part of the global health network. Likewise, the
      national level of government cooperates with sub-national governments located in
      both urban and rural areas. Rural areas, particularly in less developed
      countries, tend to have higher poverty rates and lack the benefits of proper
      medical facilities, communication modes and technology to prevent the spread of
      disease. From the perspective of epidemiological surveillance and intervention,
      this article will examine federal health policies in three federal systems:
      Australia, Malaysia and the USA. Using the theoretical foundations of
      collaborative federalism, this article specifically examines how collaborative
      arrangements and interactions among governmental and non-governmental actors help
      to address the inherent discrepancies that exist between policy implementation
      and reactions to outbreaks in urban and rural areas. This is considered in the
      context of the recent H1N1 influenza pandemic, which spread significantly across
      the globe in 2009 and is now in what has been termed the 'post-pandemic era'.

PMID- 22043816
TI  - Prevention of paraquat-induced apoptosis in human neuronal SH-SY5Y cells by
      lipocalin-type prostaglandin D synthase.
AB  - Paraquat is a widely used herbicide that is structurally similar to the known
      dopaminergic neurotoxicant 1-methyl-4-phenyl-pyridine and acts as a potential
      etiologic factor for the development of Parkinson's disease. In this study, we
      investigated the protective roles of lipocalin-type prostaglandin (PG) D synthase
      (L-PGDS) against paraquat-mediated apoptosis of human neuronal SH-SY5Y cells. The
      treatment of SH-SY5Y cells with paraquat decreased the intracellular GSH level,
      and enhanced the cell death with elevation of the caspase activities. L-PGDS was
      expressed in SH-SY5Y cells, and its expression was enhanced with the peak at 2 h
      after the initiation of the treatment with paraquat. Inhibition of PGD2 synthesis
      and exogenously added PGs showed no effects regarding the paraquat-mediated
      apoptosis. SiRNA-mediated suppression of L-PGDS expression in the paraquat
      treated cells increased the cell death and caspase activities. Moreover, over
      expression of L-PGDS suppressed the cell death and caspase activities in the
      paraquat-treated cells. The results of a promoter-luciferase assay demonstrated
      that paraquat-mediated elevation of L-PGDS gene expression occurred through the
      NF-kappaB element in the proximal promoter region of the L-PGDS gene in SH-SY5Y
      cells. These results indicate that L-PGDS protected against the apoptosis in the
      paraquat-treated SH-SY5Y cells through the up-regulation of L-PGDS expression via
      the NF-kappaB element. Thus, L-PGDS might potentially serve as an agent for
      prevention of human neurodegenerative diseases caused by oxidative stress and
      apoptosis.

PMID- 22043817
TI  - Milk stimulates growth of prostate cancer cells in culture.
AB  - Concern has been expressed about the fact that cows' milk contains estrogens and
      could stimulate the growth of hormone-sensitive tumors. In this study, organic
      cows' milk and two commercial substitutes were digested in vitro and tested for
      their effects on the growth of cultures of prostate and breast cancer cells.
      Cows' milk stimulated the growth of LNCaP prostate cancer cells in each of 14
      separate experiments, producing an average increase in growth rate of over 30%.
      In contrast, almond milk suppressed the growth of these cells by over 30%.
      Neither cows' milk nor almond milk affected the growth of MCF-7 breast cancer
      cells or AsPC-1 pancreatic cancer cells significantly. Soy milk increased the
      growth rate of the breast cancer cells. These data indicate that prostate and
      breast cancer patients should be cautioned about the possible promotional effects
      of commercial dairy products and their substitutes.

PMID- 22043818
TI  - Toll-like receptor-mediated inhibition of Gas6 and ProS expression facilitates
      inflammatory cytokine production in mouse macrophages.
AB  - Activation of Toll-like receptors (TLRs) triggers rapid inflammatory cytokine
      production in various cell types. The exogenous product of growth-arrest-specific
      gene 6 (Gas6) and Protein S (ProS) inhibit the TLR-triggered inflammatory
      responses through the activation of Tyro3, Axl and Mer (TAM) receptors. However,
      regulation of the Gas6/ProS-TAM system remains largely unknown. In the current
      study, mouse macrophages are shown to constitutively express Gas6 and ProS, which
      synergistically suppress the basal and TLR-triggered production of inflammatory
      cytokines, including those of tumour necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6 and
      interleukin-1beta, by the macrophages in an autocrine manner. Notably, TLR
      signalling markedly decreases Gas6 and ProS expression in macrophages through the
      activation of the nuclear factor-kappaB. Further, the down-regulation of Gas6 and
      ProS by TLR signalling facilitates the TLR-mediated inflammatory cytokine
      production in mouse macrophages. These results describe a self-regulatory
      mechanism of TLR signalling through the suppression of Gas6 and ProS expression.

PMID- 22043819
TI  - Symptom burden and quality of life in patients with malignant fungating wounds.
AB  - AIM: This study describes the relationship between symptoms and quality of life
      in patients with malignant fungating wounds. BACKGROUND: Malignant fungating
      wounds are complex wounds that can bleed, become malodorous due to infection and
      are painful causing physical and psychological distress. However, there is a lack
      of literature on the impact that such wounds can have on quality of life.
      METHODS: This was a descriptive, cross-sectional multi-centre study of patients
      with malignant fungating wounds. Participants were recruited from the palliative
      care, hospice, outpatient clinic and oncology units of three medical centres in
      Taiwan. Data were collected from February 2008 to August 2009. A structured
      questionnaire obtained socio-demographic information, medical details, wound
      assessment information and the Taiwanese version of the McGill quality of life
      questionnaire was administered by interview. RESULTS:   McGill quality of life
      scores indicated that the participants had the lowest quality of life. The
      participant's age, dressing change frequency, pain, wound dressing comfort, wound
      symptom, bleeding and malodour had statistically significant negative
      correlations with quality of life. Multiple regression analysis showed that age,
      malodour, pain issues and psychological issues explained 87% of the total
      variance in quality of life. CONCLUSION:   This study contributes to our
      understanding of the impact of malignant fungating wounds and how correct
      assessment and management is necessary to improve quality of life. Educational
      intervention research is needed for patients and caregivers in countries where
      this has not yet been performed. Further research should also identify whether
      nursing competence has a direct impact on quality of life.

PMID- 22043820
TI  - Direct cholangioscopy-based holmium laser lithotripsy of difficult bile duct
      stones by using an ultrathin upper endoscope without a separate biliary
      irrigating catheter.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We investigated the impact of direct peroral cholangioscopy (POC)
      based holmium laser lithotripsy using an ultrathin endoscope with direct
      irrigation via a 2-mm-diameter working channel to remove difficult common bile
      duct (CBD) stones without a separate biliary catheter. BACKGROUND DATA: Few
      clinical studies have reported the successful removal of difficult CBD stones by
      direct POC-based laser lithotripsy using an ultrathin upper endoscope. Previous
      studies used a separate biliary catheter to ensure continuous irrigation.
      METHODS: Ten patients (6 males; mean age 63.3 years) with difficult CBD stones
      who were not amenable to conventional endoscopic procedures were examined. Direct
      POC using an ultrathin upper endoscope was performed in all patients. Holmium
      laser lithotripsy with direct saline irrigation via the operating channel of an
      ultrathin endoscope was performed until stone fragments were captured in a
      basket. RESULTS: The overall success rate of bile duct clearance was 90% (9 of 10
      patients) and the mean number of treatment sessions was 1.2 (range, 1-2).
      Mechanical lithotripsy was performed to complete stone removal in one patient
      (10%) who had a distal CBD stricture. One patient experienced mild cholangitis
      following laser lithotripsy. CONCLUSIONS: Holmium laser lithotripsy under direct
      POC using an ultrathin upper endoscope may be an effective and safe technique for
      removal of difficult CBD stones. Direct irrigation via the 2-mm-diameter working
      channel of the ultrathin endoscope provides sufficient fluid medium and affords
      good endoscopic viewing to assure stone fragmentation without any need for a
      separate biliary catheter.

PMID- 22043821
TI  - Photodynamic therapy with indocyanine green injection and near-infrared light
      irradiation has phototoxic effects and delays paralysis in spinal metastasis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the phototoxic effects of
      photodynamic therapy (PDT) with indocyanine green (ICG) and near-infrared light
      irradiation on rat mammary adenocarcinoma cells, and its therapeutic efficacy in
      a rat model of spinal metastasis. BACKGROUND DATA: Although PDT has been
      successfully used as a non-radiation treatment for many malignancies, it has not
      yet been clinically applied for treating spinal metastasis. METHODS: For the
      phototoxicity study, CRL-1666 cells were treated with PDT and cell viability was
      measured by WST-1 assay. For the efficacy study, 26 female Fischer 344 rats with
      spinal metastasis in the L6 vertebra were divided into three treatment groups:
      PDT with local injection of ICG (9 rats), PDT with systemic injection of ICG (10
      rats), and no treatment or control (7 rats). Both the PDT groups received near
      infrared light irradiation with a total energy of 10 J (1 W for 10 sec). The
      light was delivered directly through a single silica probe which was set on the
      left side of the L6 vertebral body. Hindlimb motor function was monitored
      according to the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) scale. Further, the observation
      periods were calculated to determine the survival time. RESULTS: The PDT exerted
      immediate and persistent phototoxic effects. Furthermore, the PDT with local
      injection of ICG as well as systemic injection of ICG delayed the deterioration
      of paralysis and prolonged the observation period. CONCLUSIONS: PDT with ICG
      injection and near-infrared light irradiation could be an effective local
      adjuvant treatment for spinal metastasis.

PMID- 22043822
TI  - Evolution of the protein corona of lipid gene vectors as a function of plasma
      concentration.
AB  - The concept that the effective unit of interest in the cell-nanomaterial
      interaction is the particle and its corona of associated proteins is emerging.
      Here we investigate the compositional evolution of the protein corona of 1,2
      dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium propane (DOTAP) cationic liposomes (CLs) and
      DOTAP/DNA lipoplexes over a wide range of plasma concentrations (2.5-80%). The
      composition of the hard corona of lipoplexes is quite stable, but that of CLs
      does evolve considerably. We show that the protein corona of CLs is made of both
      low-affinity and competitive-binding proteins whose relative abundance changes
      with the plasma concentration. This result may have deep biological implications
      for the application of lipid-based gene vectors both in vitro and in vivo.

PMID- 22043823
TI  - Effects of surface charge and Gibbs surface energy on the settlement behaviour of
      barnacle cyprids (Balanus amphitrite).
AB  - Gibbs surface energy has long been considered to be an important parameter in the
      design of fouling-resistant surfaces for marine applications. Rigorous testing of
      the hypothesis that settlement is related to Gibbs surface energy however has
      never been accomplished, due mainly to practical limitations imposed by the
      necessary combination of surface engineering and biological evaluation methods.
      In this article, the effects of surface charge and Gibbs surface energy on the
      settlement of cyprids of an important fouling barnacle, Balanus amphitrite, were
      evaluated. Settlement assays were conducted on a range of self-assembled
      monolayers (SAMs) (CH(3)-, OH-, COOH-, N(CH(3))(3) (+)-, NH(2)-terminated),
      presented in gold-coated polystyrene well plates, varying in terms of their
      surface charge and Gibbs surface energy. Contrary to contemporary theory,
      settlement was not increased by high-energy surfaces, rather the opposite was
      found to be the case with cyprids settling in greater numbers on a low-energy
      CH(3)- SAM compared to a high-energy OH- SAM. Settlement was also greater on
      negatively-charged SAMs, compared to neutral and positively-charged SAMs. These
      findings are discussed in the context of data drawn from surfaces that varied in
      multiple characteristics simultaneously, as have been used previously for such
      experiments. The finding that surface charge, rather than total surface energy,
      may be responsible for surface selection by cyprids, will have significant
      implications for the design of future fouling-resistant materials.

PMID- 22043824
TI  - Robust immune response elicited by a novel and unique Mycobacterium tuberculosis
      protein using an optimized DNA/protein heterologous prime/boost protocol.
AB  - An efficacious tuberculosis (TB) vaccine will probably need to induce both CD4
      and CD8 T-cell responses specific to a protective Mycobacterium tuberculosis
      antigen(s). To achieve this broad cellular immune response we tested a
      heterologous DNA/protein combination vaccine strategy. We used a purified
      recombinant protein preparation of a unique M. tuberculosis antigen (rMT1721)
      found in the urine of TB patients, an optimized plasmid DNA expressing this
      protein (DNA-MT1721), and a Toll-like receptor 4 agonist adjuvant. We found that
      priming mice with DNA-MT1721 and subsequently boosting with rMT1721 elicited high
      titres of specific IgG1 and IgG2a antibodies as well as high magnitude and
      polyfunctional CD4(+)  T-cell responses. However, no detectable CD8(+)  T-cell
      response was observed using this regimen of immunization. In contrast, both
      CD4(+)  and CD8(+)  T-cell responses were detected after a prime/boost
      vaccination regimen using rMT1721 as the priming antigen and DNA-MT1721 as the
      boosting immunogen. These findings support the exploration of heterologous
      DNA/protein immunization strategies in vaccine development against TB and
      possibly other infectious diseases.

PMID- 22043825
TI  - In vitro properties of platelets stored in three different additive solutions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: New platelet (PLT) additive solutions (PASs) contain compounds that
      might improve the storage conditions for PLTs. This study compares the in vitro
      function, including hemostatic properties (clot formation and elasticity), of
      PLTs in T-Sol, Composol, or SSP+ during storage for 5 days. STUDY DESIGN AND
      METHODS: Fifteen buffy coats were pooled and divided into three parts. PLT
      concentrates (PCs) with 30% plasma and 70% PAS (T-Sol, Composol, or SSP+) were
      prepared (n = 10). Swirling, PLT count, blood gases, metabolic variables, PLT
      activation markers, and coagulation by free oscillation rheometry (FOR) were
      analyzed on Days 1 and 5. RESULTS: Swirling was well preserved and pH acceptable
      (6.4-7.4) during storage for all PASs. Storage of PLTs in T-Sol led to a decrease
      in PLT count whereas the number of PLTs was unchanged in Composol or SSP+ PCs.
      PLTs in T-Sol showed higher glucose metabolism than PLTs in Composol or in SSP+.
      At the end of storage PLTs in T-Sol had higher spontaneous activation and lower
      ability to respond to an agonist than PLTs in Composol or SSP+. PLTs in all the
      PASs had a similar ability to promote clot formation and clot elasticity.
      CONCLUSION: Storage of PLTs in Composol or in SSP+ improved the quality of PCs in
      terms of better maintained PLT count, lower glucose metabolism, lower spontaneous
      activation, and improved response to a PLT agonist compared to PLTs in T-Sol.
      PLTs stored in the various PASs had similar hemostatic properties. These findings
      make Composol and SSP+ interesting alternatives as PASs.

PMID- 22043826
TI  - Effects of different extraction buffers on peanut protein detectability and
      lateral flow device (LFD) performance.
AB  - The accidental uptake of peanuts can cause severe health reactions in allergic
      individuals. Reliable determination of traces of peanuts in food products is
      required to support correct labelling and therefore minimise consumers' risk. The
      immunoanalytical detectability of potentially allergenic peanut proteins is
      dependent on previous heat treatment, the extraction capacity of the applied
      buffer and the specificity of the antibody. In this study a lateral flow device
      (LFD) for the detection of peanut protein was developed and the capacity of 30
      different buffers to extract proteins from mildly and strongly roasted peanut
      samples as well as their influence on the test strip performance were
      investigated. Most of the tested buffers showed good extraction capacity for
      putative Ara h 1 from mildly roasted peanuts. Protein extraction from dark
      roasted samples required denaturing additives, which were proven to be
      incompatible with LFD performance. High-pH buffers increased the protein yield
      but inhibited signal generation on the test strip. Overall, the best results were
      achieved using neutral phosphate buffers but equal detectability of differently
      altered proteins due to food processing cannot be assured yet for
      immunoanalytical methods.

PMID- 22043827
TI  - Statins as potential treatment for cholesterol gallstones: an attempt to
      understand the underlying mechanism of actions.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Statin therapy is widely used across the globe for the treatment
      and prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD). It is well established that
      statin therapy is associated with significant decreases in low-density
      lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and plasma cholesterol levels. Cholesterol
      gallstones are a common problem, resulting in hospital admission and surgery,
      throughout western healthcare systems. AREAS COVERED: This review describes the
      mechanisms, and addresses the potential, for statins to be used as a treatment
      for gallstones. Medline was searched for the risk factors and treatment of
      cholesterol gallstones. EXPERT OPINION: Obesity, metabolic syndrome, non
      alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), insulin resistance and high-fat diets
      (unsaturated fats) rich in cholesterol are all associated risk factors for
      cholesterol gallstones. In view of the high prevalence of cholesterol gallstones,
      there is an urgent need to understand whether pharmacological therapies can be
      harnessed for the treatment of cholesterol gallstones. Gallstones are shown to be
      associated with an increased risk, not only of mortality, but also of CVD.
      Statins, widely used in prevention of CVD and hypercholesteremia, have been shown
      to dissolve cholesterol gallstones in animal models and human studies,
      highlighting the potential for a pharmacological therapy for gallstones. More
      studies are required to understand the role of statins in the treatment of
      gallstones and for comparison with current treatment strategies.

PMID- 22043828
TI  - Detecting nuclear materials smuggling: performance evaluation of container
      inspection policies.
AB  - In recent years, the United States, along with many other countries, has
      significantly increased its detection and defense mechanisms against terrorist
      attacks. A potential attack with a nuclear weapon, using nuclear materials
      smuggled into the country, has been identified as a particularly grave threat.
      The system for detecting illicit nuclear materials that is currently in place at
      U.S. ports of entry relies heavily on passive radiation detectors and a risk
      scoring approach using the automated targeting system (ATS). In this article we
      analyze this existing inspection system and demonstrate its performance for
      several smuggling scenarios. We provide evidence that the current inspection
      system is inherently incapable of reliably detecting sophisticated smuggling
      attempts that use small quantities of well-shielded nuclear material. To counter
      the weaknesses of the current ATS-based inspection system, we propose two new
      inspection systems: the hardness control system (HCS) and the hybrid inspection
      system (HYB). The HCS uses radiography information to classify incoming
      containers based on their cargo content into "hard" or "soft" containers, which
      then go through different inspection treatment. The HYB combines the radiography
      information with the intelligence information from the ATS. We compare and
      contrast the relative performance of these two new inspection systems with the
      existing ATS-based system. Our studies indicate that the HCS and HYB policies
      outperform the ATS-based policy for a wide range of realistic smuggling
      scenarios. We also examine the impact of changes in adversary behavior on the new
      inspection systems and find that they effectively preclude strategic gaming
      behavior of the adversary.

PMID- 22043830
TI  - Transvaginal ultrasonography of rectosigmoid endometriosis: interobserver
      variation of lesion size.
AB  - This study evaluates the interobserver variation of transvaginal ultrasonographic
      measurements of the size of deep infiltrating endometriosis lesions in the
      rectosigmoid wall performed by an experienced and a less experienced sonographer.
      Fifteen outpatient women were seen for a gynecologic examination and 24 women
      were seen with rectosigmoid endometriosis. Transvaginal ultrasonography was
      performed independently by two observers with a focus on the presence and size of
      rectosigmoid endometriosis. The senior observer had several years of experience,
      whereas the junior observer was a medical student with no prior experience in
      transvaginal ultrasonography. The findings of the two observers were identical
      concerning the identification of rectosigmoid endometriosis. The probability of
      differences in size within 30% of the mean was 0.81, 0.63 and 0.61 for length,
      width and depth, respectively. Our data suggest that fair skills in this
      technique can be acquired by inexperienced examiners within a short period of
      time.

PMID- 22043831
TI  - Effect of molecular weight on the adsorption characteristics of lignosulfonates.
AB  - Sequentially adsorbed multilayers composed of sodium lignosulfonate (SL) and
      poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDAC) were built up by a layer-by-layer
      self-assembly technique to investigate the adsorption characteristics of SL
      microgels for sensitivity improvement. The effect of molecular weight on the
      adsorption characteristics was investigated by light scattering, UV-visible
      spectroscopy, ellipsometer, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), atomic force
      microscopy (AFM), and contact angle measurements. Results show that the self
      assembly of SL microgels and PDAC is not mainly driven by electrostatic
      interaction but by cation-pi interaction and hydrophobic interaction. The Coulomb
      interaction in SL microgels causes a "slow mode" peak in dynamic light scattering
      measurement, but it can be completely suppressed when SL is dissolved in 1.2
      mol/L NaCl solutions due to charge-screening. The SL in 1.2 mol/L NaCl solutions
      can be well adsorbed on a PDAC surface, indicating that the electrostatic
      interaction is not the main driving force. The presence of cation-pi interaction
      between SL and PDAC is detected by a stoichiometric ratio of SL to PDAC in
      SL/PDAC self-assembled films. During SL/PDAC self-assembly, hydrophobic
      interaction plays an important role in determining the adsorption rate, film
      thickness, surface morphology, and surface properties. SL with a higher M(w) has
      a stronger hydrophobic ability in water, so it exhibits a slower adsorption rate,
      a larger film thickness, and a higher film roughness. SL with different M(w) has
      almost the same wettability because of a larger hydrophobic effect that increases
      contact angle and a higher film roughness that decreases contact angle. In this
      case, the opposite effects cancel each other to make no difference in
      wettability, but it still reflects the role of the hydrophobic effect in surface
      properties.

PMID- 22043829
TI  - The regulation and role of T follicular helper cells in immunity.
AB  - It is well established that the generation of a high-affinity long-lived antibody
      response requires the presence of T cells, specifically CD4+ T cells. These CD4+
      T cells support the generation of a germinal centre (GC) response where somatic
      hypermutation and affinity maturation take place leading to the generation of
      memory B cells and plasma cells, which provide long-lasting protection. Greater
      insight into the nature of the CD4+ T cells involved in this process was provided
      by two studies in 2000 that described CD4+ T cells residing in the B cell
      follicle that expressed CXCR5. As a result these cells were named follicular B
      helper T cells, now more commonly known as T follicular helper (Tfh) cells. Since
      then there has been enormous growth in our understanding of these cells, now
      considered a distinct T helper (Th) cell lineage that can arise from naive CD4+ T
      cells following activation. This review summarizes some of the most recent work
      that has characterized Tfh cells and the pathways that lead to their generation.

PMID- 22043832
TI  - The force applied to successfully turn a foetus during reattempts of external
      cephalic version is substantially reduced when performed under spinal analgesia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the forces exerted during external cephalic version (ECV)
      on the maternal abdomen between ( 1 ) the primary attempts performed without
      spinal analgesia (SA), which failed and ( 2 ) the subsequent reattempts performed
      under SA. METHODS: Patients with an uncomplicated singleton breech-presenting
      pregnancy suitable for ECV were recruited. During ECV, the operator wore a pair
      of gloves, which had thin piezo-resistive pressure sensors measuring the contact
      pressure between the operator's hands and maternal abdomen. For patients who had
      failed ECV, reattempts by the same operator was made with patients under SA, and
      the applied force was measured in the same manner. The profile of the exerted
      forces over time during each attempt was analyzed and denoted by pressure-time
      integral (PTI: mmHg sec). Pain score was also graded by patients using visual
      analogue scale. Both PTI and pain score before and after the use of SA were then
      compared. RESULTS: Overall, eight patients who had a failed ECV without SA
      underwent a reattempt with SA. All of them had successful version and the median
      PTI of the successful attempts under SA were lower than that of the previous
      failed attempts performed without SA (127 386 mmHg sec vs. 298,424 mmHg sec; p =
      0.017). All of them also reported a 0 pain score, which was significantly lower
      than that of before (median 7.5; p = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS: SA improves the success
      rate of ECV as well as reduces the force required for successful version.

PMID- 22043833
TI  - Effect of freeze-dried berries on the development of reflux-induced esophageal
      adenocarcinoma.
AB  - The incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma in humans is increasing more rapidly
      than any other malignancy in the United States. Animal studies have demonstrated
      the efficacy of freeze-dried berry supplementation on carcinogen-induced
      esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in rats; however, no such studies have been
      done in esophagoduodenal anastomosis (EDA), an animal model for reflux-induced
      esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) development. Eight-week-old male Sprague-Dawley
      rats were randomized into 3 groups: EDA + control diet (EDA-CD; n = 10); EDA +
      2.5% black raspberry diet (EDA-BRB; n = 11) and EDA + 2.5% blueberry diet (EDA
      BB; n = 12). After 2 wk of feeding the respective diets, the rats underwent EDA
      surgery to induce gastroesophageal reflux and then continued the diet.
      Measurement of feed intake suggested that all EDA-operated animals had lower feed
      intake starting at 10 wk after surgery and this was significant close to
      termination at 24 wk. There were no significant differences in either reflux
      esophagitis (RE), intestinal metaplasia (IM) (70% in CD, 64% in BRB, and 66% in
      BB; P = 0.1) or EAC incidence (30% for CD, 34% for BRB, and 25% for BB; P = 0.2)
      with supplementation. Berry diets did not alter COX-2 levels, but BB diet
      significantly reduced MnSOD levels (1.23 +/- 0.2) compared to control diet (2.05
      +/- 0.14; P < 0.05). We conclude that a dietary supplementation of freeze-dried
      BRB and BB at 2.5% (w/w) was not effective in the prevention of reflux-induced
      esophageal adenocarcinoma in this EDA animal model.

PMID- 22043835
TI  - Differential hepatic gene expression in the broiler chicken in response to the
      combined stressors of food withdrawal, catching and transport at the end of
      production.
AB  - Broiler (meat) chickens experience the combined acute stressors of food
      withdrawal, catching and transport (FCT) prior to slaughter as part of normal
      commercial practice at the end of their lives. This has associated physiological
      consequences, potentially affecting both welfare and meat quality, some of which
      are mediated through altered hepatic function. This study compared global hepatic
      gene expression between control birds and those exposed to commercial FCT using
      20K chicken oligonucleotide microarrays. In response to FCT, 733 genes were
      differentially expressed of which 486 could be mapped onto the genome. The
      principal molecular and cellular functions thus affected by FCT involved lipid
      and carbohydrate metabolism with a suppression of mRNA expression for genes
      involved in lipogenesis, glycolysis and glycogenolysis and an induction of those
      involved in gluconeogenesis, fatty acid metabolism and ketone synthesis. There
      was also significant differential expression of genes associated with cellular
      control and immune function. These stressful events associated with FCT in
      commercial broiler chickens altered expression of hepatic genes associated with
      energy metabolism, with exhaustion of stored hepatic and pectoral muscle
      glycogen. A better understanding of FCT-induced stress through the use of gene
      expression arrays may in future inform husbandry practices, to improve both
      welfare and meat quality.

PMID- 22043836
TI  - If only I had taken my usual route...: age-related differences in counter-factual
      thinking.
AB  - Previous research suggests that young adults can shift between rational and
      experiential modes of thinking when forming social judgments. The present study
      examines whether older adults demonstrate this flexibility in thinking. Young and
      older adults completed an If-only task adapted from Epstein, Lipson, and Huh's
      (1992 , Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 62, 328) examination of
      individuals' ability to adopt rational or experiential modes of thought while
      making a judgment about characters who experience a negative event that could
      have been avoided. Consistent with our expectations for their judgments of the
      characters, young adults shifted between experiential and rational modes of
      thought when instructed to do so. Conversely, regardless of the mode of thought
      being used or the order with which they adopted the different modes of thought
      (i.e., shifting from experiential to rational in Study 1 and from rational to
      experiential in Study 2), older adults consistently offered judgments and
      justifications that reflected a preference for experiential-based thought.

PMID- 22043837
TI  - Acceptability and feasibility of integration of HIV care services into antenatal
      clinics in rural Kenya: a qualitative provider interview study.
AB  - The aim of this study was to explore the perspectives of healthcare providers on
      the advantages and disadvantages of integrating HIV care services, including
      highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), into antenatal care (ANC) clinics
      in rural Kenya. We conducted a qualitative study using in-depth interviews and
      thematic analysis; 36 healthcare providers from six health centres in Nyanza
      Province, Kenya participated. Effects on service providers included increased
      workload due to the incorporation of specialised HIV services into ANC clinics.
      Providers observed that integration results in decreased patient time spent at
      the health facility, increased efficiency and closer provider-patient
      relationships; all leading to increased patient satisfaction. Providers also said
      that women would be more likely to receive HAART and adhere to their treatment as
      a result of improved confidentiality and decreased stigma. However, a minority of
      providers noted that integration could result in longer appointment times for HIV
      positive women at ANC clinics leading to inadvertent disclosure. Integration
      could lead to strengthened ANC, postpartum care, prevention of mother-to-child
      transmission and HIV care for women and their families. However, integration
      efforts need to take into account potential negative effects on ANC provider
      workload, disclosure and the quality of care.

PMID- 22043838
TI  - Quantification of allyl hexanoate in pineapple beverages and yogurts as a case
      study to characterise a source of uncertainty in dietary exposure assessment to
      flavouring substances.
AB  - One source of uncertainty in the estimation of dietary exposure to flavouring
      substances is the uncertainty in the occurrence and concentration levels of these
      substances naturally present or added to foodstuffs. The aim of this study was to
      assess the variability of concentration levels of allyl hexanoate, considered as
      a case study, in two main food categories to which it is often added: pineapple
      juice-based beverages and yogurts containing pineapple. Thirty-four beverages and
      29 yogurts, with pineapple fruit or juice and added flavourings declared as
      ingredients on the package, were purchased from the local market (in Rome) and
      analysed. Analytical methods based on the stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE)
      technique for the isolation of the target analyte, and on GC-MS analysis for
      final determination, were developed for the two food categories. In beverages,
      allyl hexanoate concentrations ranged from less than 0.01 to 16.71 mg l(-1),
      whereas in yogurts they ranged from 0.02 to 89.41 mg kg(-1). Average
      concentrations in beverages and yogurts with pineapple as the main fruit
      ingredient (1.91 mg l(-1) for beverages, 9.61 mg kg(-1) for yogurts) were in fair
      agreement with average use level data reported from industry surveys for the
      relevant food categories (4.5 and 6.0 mg kg(-1), respectively). Within the group
      of yogurts a single product was found to contain a level of allyl hexanoate more
      than 10-fold higher than the average reported use level. The screening techniques
      developed by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) using use level data
      provided by industry gave estimates of exposure that were of the same order of
      magnitude as the estimates obtained for regular consumers who would be loyal to
      the pineapple yogurt and beverage products containing the highest observed
      concentration of the substance of interest. In this specific case the uncertainty
      in the results obtained with the use of standard screening techniques for
      exposure assessment based on industry reported use levels is low.

PMID- 22043839
TI  - Managing the combination of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and metabolic
      syndrome.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
      (NAFLD) are part of the same metabolic defect, both having insulin resistance as
      the main pathogenic mechanism and sharing similar outcomes (i.e., cardiovascular
      and liver-related mortality). The prevalence of NAFLD is expected to rise, owing
      to the increasing worldwide prevalence of obesity and MetS; therefore, the
      identification of factors responsible for disease progression is essential to
      devise therapeutic strategies. AREAS COVERED: The available and potential future
      treatments for NAFLD in combination with MetS are reviewed in this paper,
      following an extensive literature search and personal experience. EXPERT OPINION:
      All NAFLD patients should be evaluated for their metabolic, cardiovascular and
      liver-related risk. Weight loss through lifestyle intervention remains the most
      comprehensive and safe treatment of NAFLD and associated MetS; however, > 50% of
      patients fail to achieve target weight loss. Pharmacologic treatment seems to be
      important for these patients and for NAFLD cases with more advanced liver
      disease. It temporarily reverses metabolic alterations, but liver disease
      progresses after the treatment is stopped. Although current treatments are
      unsatisfactory, new drugs have been proposed and a few innovative compounds are
      in the pipeline of pharmaceutical companies. Before pharmacologic treatment can
      be routinely recommended for NAFLD, long-term randomized trials are needed, along
      with assessments of the safety and benefits of drugs on proper histological
      outcomes or validated surrogate markers. The intensive control of individual
      features of MetS remains mandatory.

PMID- 22043840
TI  - Regional and temporal variation in hysterectomy rates and surgical routes for
      benign diseases in the Netherlands.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To provide descriptive statistics on hysterectomy for benign
      gynecological conditions in the Netherlands and to analyze regional and temporal
      variations in hysterectomy rates and surgical routes. DESIGN: Retrospective
      cohort study. SETTING: Dutch hospitals. POPULATION: All women with a hysterectomy
      for benign gynecological conditions in the Netherlands in 1995-2005. METHODS:
      This study is based on an analysis of the Dutch registry of hospital admissions
      for 1995-2005. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The age-adjusted hysterectomy rate and age-
      and diagnosis-adjusted proportion of vaginal hysterectomies for each Dutch
      healthcare region and time period. RESULTS: The average annual crude hysterectomy
      rate for benign disease only, was 17.2 per 10,000 women of all ages. The vaginal
      route was chosen for 50.8% of the patients. During the study period, the number
      of hysterectomies for bleeding disorders declined almost 25%. Among 27 Dutch
      healthcare regions, the age-adjusted hysterectomy rates for bleeding disorders
      and pelvic organ prolapse varied 2.2- and 2.3-fold, respectively. The average
      annual age- and diagnosis-adjusted proportion of vaginal hysterectomies varied
      from 43.4 to 63.8%. The regional differences with regard to rate and proportion
      declined slightly over time. CONCLUSIONS: The Netherlands is among the countries
      with the lowest hysterectomy rates and the highest proportion of vaginal
      hysterectomies. The regional differences indicate that a further decrease in the
      hysterectomy rates and an increase in the proportion of vaginal hysterectomies
      are possible.

PMID- 22043841
TI  - Comments on the article titled 'Component mode synthesis approach to estimate
      tibial strains in gait', Journal of Medical Engineering & Technology, 33, pp. 488
      495, 2009.

PMID- 22043843
TI  - Modality effect in false recognition: evidence from Chinese characters.
AB  - Using the Deese/Roediger-McDermott (DRM) false memory method, Smith and Hunt (
      1998 ) first reported the modality effect on false memory and showed that false
      recall from DRM lists was lower following visual study than following auditory
      study, which led to numerous studies on the mechanism of modality effect on false
      memory and provided many competing explanations. In the present experiment, the
      authors tested the modality effect in false recognition by using a blocked
      presentation condition and a random presentation condition. The present
      experiment found a modality effect different from the results of the previous
      research; namely, false recognition was shown to be greater following visual
      study than following auditory study, especially in the blocked presentation
      condition rather than in the random presentation condition. The authors argued
      that this reversed modality effect may be due to different encoding and
      processing characteristics between Chinese characters and English words. Compared
      with English words, visual graphemes of critical lures in Chinese lists are
      likely to be activated and encoded in participants' minds, thus it is more
      difficult for participants to discriminate later inner graphemes from those items
      presented in visual modality. Hence visual presentation could lead to more false
      recognition than auditory presentation in Chinese lists. The results in the
      present experiment demonstrated that semantic activation occurring during the
      encoding and retrieve phases played an important role in modality effect in false
      recognition, and our findings might be explained by the activation-monitoring
      account.   Utilisant la methode de fausse memoire de Deese/Roediger-McDermott
      (DRM), Smith et Hunt ( 1998 ) ont d'abord rendu compte de l'effet de modalite sur
      la fausse memoire et ils ont montre que le faux rappel a partir des listes de DRM
      etait plus faible suivant une etude visuelle plutot qu'une etude auditive. Ceci a
      mene a plusieurs etudes sur le mecanisme de l'effet de modalite sur la fausse
      memoire, lesquelles ont fourni plusieurs explications concurrentes. Dans la
      presente experience, les auteurs ont teste l'effet de modalite dans la fausse
      reconnaissance en utilisant une condition de presentation fixe et une condition
      de presentation aleatoire. Cette experience a revele un effet de modalite
      different des resultats obtenus dans les recherches anterieures. En effet, la
      fausse reconnaissance etait plus elevee suivant une etude visuelle plutot qu'une
      etude auditive, specialement dans la condition de presentation fixe. Les auteurs
      suggerent que cet effet de modalite inverse peut etre du a des caracteristiques
      d'encodage et de processus differentes entre les caracteres chinois et les mots
      anglais. Comparativement aux mots anglais, les graphemes visuels des leurres
      critiques dans les listes chinoises sont susceptibles d'etre actives et encodes
      dans l'esprit des participants, rendant plus difficile de discriminer les
      graphemes interiorises plus tard de ces items presentes dans la modalite
      visuelle. Ainsi, la presentation visuelle pourrait mener a davantage de fausse
      reconnaissance que la presentation auditive dans les listes chinoises. Les
      resultats de la presente experience ont demontre que l'activation semantique se
      produisait durant l'encodage et que la phase de retrait jouait un role important
      dans l'effet de modalite dans la fausse reconnaissance. Nos resultats peuvent
      etre expliques par la theorie activation-controle.   Utilizando el metodo de
      Deese/Roediger-McDermott (DRM) de falsa mamoria, Smith y Hunt ( 1998 ) fueron los
      primeros en encontrar el efecto de modalidad en la falsa memoria y demostraron
      que los falsos recuerdos del listado DRM fueron mas bajos despues de un estudio
      visual que despues de un estudio auditivo lo cual llevo a varios estudios sobre
      el mecanismo del efecto de la modalidad sobre falsos recuerdos y proporciono
      varias explicaciones que compiten entre si. En el presente trabajo, los autores
      estudiaron el efecto de la modalidad en el falso reconocimiento utilizando una
      condicion de presentacion en bloques y otra condicion de presentacion de forma
      aleatoria. El presente experimento encontro un efecto de la modalidad diferente
      de los resultados de los estudios anteriores. En concreto, el reconocimiento
      falso ha resultado ser mayor despues del estudio visual que despues del estudio
      auditivo, especialmente en caso de la presentacion en bloques en comparacion con
      la condicion de presentacion aleatoria. Los autores argumentan que este efecto
      inverso de la modalidad puede ser causado por diferentes caracteristicas de
      codificacion y procesamiento entre caracteres chinos y palabras inglesas. En
      comparacion con las palabras inglesas, los grafemas visuales de las palabras
      criticas en chino tienen probabilidad de ser activadas y codificadas en las
      mentes de los participantes, por tanto, es mas dificil discriminar posteriores
      grafemas internos de los que fueron presentados en la modalidad visual. Por
      tanto, la presentacion visual podria conducir a mas falsos reconocimientos que la
      presentacion auditiva en los listados de palabras chinas. Los resultados del
      presente experimento demostraron que la activacion semantica durante las fases de
      codificacion y recuperacion jugo un rol importante en el efecto de falso
      reconocimiento segun modalidad y que nuestros resultados se pueden explicar
      teniendo en cuenta la activacion y la vigilancia.

PMID- 22043844
TI  - Social orientations and adolescent health behaviours in Hungary.
AB  - Adolescent health behaviours are influenced by a variety of social factors,
      including social orientations, such as social comparison or competitiveness. The
      main goal of the present study was to investigate the role that these social
      orientations might play in health behaviours (both health-impairing and health
      promoting). Data were collected from high school students (N = 548; ages 14-20
      years; 39.9% males) in two counties of the Southern Plain Region of Hungary. The
      self-administered questionnaires contained items on sociodemographics, such as
      age, sex, parental schooling, and socioeconomic status (SES) self-assessment;
      school achievement, health behaviours, competitiveness and social comparison.
      Multiple regression analyses suggest that those who scored higher on
      competitiveness engaged in more substance use, a pattern that was not present for
      health-promoting behaviours. Social comparison, however, was associated with
      lower levels of substance use. In addition, in relation to health-impairing
      behaviours, both competitiveness and social comparison interacted with sex; both
      social orientation variables proved to be more important for boys. Social
      comparison also contributed to health-promoting behaviours among boys. Findings
      support the idea that the role of social orientations, such as competitiveness
      and social comparison, can be quite different depending on sex and the nature of
      the health behaviour. While competitiveness may act as a risk factor for
      substance use among boys, social comparison may act as a protection. It appears
      that social orientations play less of a role in girls' health-related behaviours.
      More focus is needed on gender differences in influences on adolescents' health
      related behaviours.   Les comportements de sante des adolescents sont influences
      par une variete de facteurs sociaux, incluant les orientations sociales telles
      que la comparaison sociale ou la competitivite. Le but principal de la presente
      etude etait d'examiner le role que ces orientations sociales peuvent jouer dans
      les comportements de sante (a la fois nefastes et benefiques). Les donnees ont
      ete recueillies aupres d'etudiants collegiaux (N = 548; ages de 14 a 20 ans;
      39.9% masculins) dans deux comtes du sud de la Hongrie. Les questionnaires auto
      administres contenaient des items portant sur les aspects sociodemographiques
      (tels que l'age, le sexe, la scolarite des parents et le niveau economique), la
      performance scolaire, les comportements de sante, la competitivite et la
      comparaison sociale. Des analyses de regression multiple suggerent que ceux qui
      ont obtenu des scores superieurs de competitivite consommaient plus de
      substances, un patron qui n'etait pas present pour les comportements de sante
      benefiques. La comparaison sociale, cependant, etait associee a de faibles
      niveaux de consommation de substances. De plus, en relation avec les
      comportements de sante nefastes, a la fois la competitivite et la comparaison
      sociale interagissaient avec le sexe; les deux variables d'orientation sociale se
      sont revelees etre plus importantes pour les garcons. La comparaison sociale
      contribuait aussi aux comportements de sante benefiques chez les garcons. Ces
      resultats soutiennent l'idee que le role des orientations sociales, telles que la
      competitivite et la comparaison sociale, peut etre assez different dependamment
      du sexe de l'individu et de la nature du comportement de sante. Tandis que la
      competitivite peut agir comme facteur de risque pour la consommation de
      substances chez les garcons, la comparaison sociale peut agir comme facteur de
      protection. Il apparait que les orientations sociales jouent un role moins grand
      en ce qui concerne les comportements de sante des filles. Il est necessaire de
      focaliser davantage sur les differences de genre dans les influences reliees aux
      comportements de sante des adolescents.   Las conductas de salud en adolescentes
      son influenciadas por una variedad de factores sociales, incluyendo las
      orientaciones sociales, la comparacion social, asi como la capacidad de
      competencia. La meta principal de este estudio fue el investigar el rol que
      pueden jugar estas orientaciones sociales sobre las conductas de salud (tanto
      perjudiciales como promotoras de salud). Los datos fueron obtenidos en escolares
      de la escuela secundaria (N = 548; edad 14-20 anos; 39.9 por ciento hombres) en
      dos provincias de la zona sur de Hungria. Los cuestionarios autoadministrados
      incluyen preguntas sobre datos socio-demograficos como edad, sexo, nivel
      educativo de los padres y autoevaluacion del estatus socio-economico; logros
      academicos, conductas de salud, competitividad y comparacion social. Los analisis
      de regresion multiple sugieren que aquellos participantes con altos puntajes en
      la capacidad de competencia estaban mas comprometidos con el uso de substancias,
      un patron que no esta considerado dentro de las conductas de promocion de la
      salud. Por otro lado la comparacion social estuvo asociada con bajos niveles de
      uso de substancias. Adicionalmente en relacion a las conductas perjudiciales para
      la salud, tanto la competitividad como la comparacion social interactuaban con el
      sexo. Se pudo observar que ambas variables de la orientacion social eran mas
      importantes para los muchachos. La comparacion social tambien contribuye con las
      conductas promotoras de salud entre los muchachos. Estos descubrimientos apoyan
      la idea de que el rol de las orientaciones sociales, como la competitividad y la
      comparacion social, pueden actuar de manera diferente, dependiendo del sexo y de
      la naturaleza de la conducta de salud. Mientras que competitividad puede actuar
      como un factor de riesgo respecto del uso de substancias entre muchachos, la
      comparacion social puede actuar como una factor protectivo. Aparentemente las
      orientaciones sociales juegan un rol menos importante en las conductas de salud
      de las muchachas. Por ello se necesita una mayor focalizacion respecto de la
      influencia de las diferencias de genero sobre las conductas asociadas con la
      salud en adolescentes.

PMID- 22043845
TI  - Adult attachment styles and cognitive vulnerability to depression in a sample of
      undergraduate students: the mediational roles of sociotropy and autonomy.
AB  - We analysed the mediational role of the personality dimensions of sociotropy and
      autonomy in the relationship between certain styles of attachment and depressive
      symptoms. In order for us to do so, a group of university students filled out the
      Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), the Revised Personal Style Inventory (PSI-II)
      and the Relationship Questionnaire (RQ). Individuals having attachment styles
      with a negative model of self (preoccupied and fearful) obtained significantly
      higher scores in the BDI than those having attachment styles with a positive
      model of self (secure and dismissing), which coincides with previous research. We
      followed the standard procedure of Baron and Kenny of linear regression in order
      to perform the mediational analyses. The preoccupied attachment style-depressive
      symptoms relationship was mediated by sociotropy. It was also found that autonomy
      exerted a significant mediational effect on the relationship between the fearful
      attachment style and depressive symptoms. These results are consistent with the
      notion that insecure attachment predisposes individuals to the development of
      depressogenic personality styles. Thus, the findings of the present study
      contribute to improving the understanding of the factors involved in the
      development of vulnerability to depression. Furthermore, the results point out
      the importance of evaluating both attachment style and sociotropy/autonomy
      personality dimensions for the treatment of depressive patients.

PMID- 22043846
TI  - Speaking, writing, and memory span in children: output modality affects cognitive
      performance.
AB  - Low-level processes of children's written language production are cognitively
      more costly than those involved in speaking. This has been shown by French
      authors who compared oral and written memory span performance. The observed
      difficulties of children's, but not of adults' low-level processes in writing may
      stem from graphomotoric as well as from orthographic inadequacies. We report on
      five experiments designed to replicate and expand the original results. First,
      the French results were successfully replicated for German third-graders, and for
      university students. Then, the developmental changes of the cognitive costs of
      writing were examined during primary school, comparing the performance of second-
      and fourth-graders. Next, we show that unpractised writing modes, which were
      experimentally induced, also lead to a decrease of memory performance in adults,
      which supports the assumption that a lack of graphomotoric automation is
      responsible for the observed effects in children. However, unpractised
      handwriting yields clearer results than unpractised typing. Lastly, we try to
      separate the influences of graphomotoric as opposed to orthographic difficulties
      by having the words composed through pointing on a "spelling board". This
      attempt, however, has not been successful, probably because the pointing to
      letters introduced other low-level costs. In sum, throughout the four years of
      primary school, German children show worse memory span performance in writing
      compared to oral recall, with an overall increase in both modalities. Thus,
      writing had not fully caught up with speaking regarding the implied cognitive
      costs by the end of primary school. Therefore, conclusions relate to the question
      of how to assess properly any kind of knowledge and abilities through language
      production.   Los procesos de bajo nivel en la produccion de lenguaje escrito en
      ninos son mas costosos a nivel cognitivo que los que estan implicados en el
      habla. Esto ha sido demostrado por autores franceses quienes compararon la
      ejecucion en la capacidad de retencion en la memoria oral y escrita. Las
      dificultades observadas en ninos, pero no en adultos, en procesos de bajo nivel
      en la escritura pueden derivarse de la inadecuacion grafomotriz u ortografica.
      Informamos sobre cinco experimentos disenados para replicar y ampliar los
      resultados originales. Primero, los resultados franceses fueron replicados con
      exito para alemanes en tercer curso y para estudiantes universitarios. Despues,
      los cambios evolutivos en costes cognitivos en la escritura fueron estudiados
      durante la educacion primaria, comparando la ejecucion de los alumnos del segundo
      y cuarto curso. Posteriormente, demostramos que las formas de escribir no
      practicadas, que se han inducido experimentalmente, conducen a la disminucion de
      la ejecucion en la memoria tambien en adultos, lo cual apoya la hipotesis de que
      la falta de la automatizacion grafomotriz es la responsable de los efectos
      encontrados en ninos. Sin embargo, la escritura a mano muestra resultados mas
      claros que la escritura a maquina. Por ultimo, hemos intentado separar la
      influencia de la grafomotricidad frente a las dificultades ortograficas
      componiendo las palabras senalando en una "pizarra de ortografia". Este intento,
      sin embargo, no ha tenido exito, probablemente porque senalar letras ha
      introducido otros costes de bajo nivel. Resumiendo, a lo largo de los cuatro anos
      de la educacion primaria, los ninos alemanes muestran peor ejecucion en retencion
      en memoria en la escritura, en comparacion con el recuerdo oral, con un
      incremento general en ambas modalidades. Por tanto, al final de la educacion
      primaria, la escritura no ha igualado todavia el habla en cuanto a los costes
      cognitivos. Por consiguiente, las conclusiones estan relacionadas con la cuestion
      de como evaluar cualquier tipo de conocimiento o habilidades mediante la
      produccion de lenguaje.   Les processus de bas niveau de la production du langage
      ecrit chez les enfants sont cognitivement plus couteux que ceux impliques dans le
      langage parle. Ceci a ete demontre par des auteurs francais qui ont compare la
      performance de l'etendue de la memoire orale et ecrite. L'observation de
      difficultes dans les processus de bas niveau dans l'ecriture chez les enfants, et
      non chez les adultes, pourrait etre due aux inadequations graphomotoriques et
      orthographiques. Nous rapportons cinq experimentations dont le but etait de
      repliquer et d'elargir les resultats originaux. Premierement, les resultats
      francais ont ete repliques avec succes pour les eleves allemands de troisieme
      annee et pour les etudiants universitaires. Ensuite, les changements
      developpmentaux des couts cognitifs de l'ecriture ont ete examines a l'ecole
      primaire en comparant la performance des eleves de deuxieme et de quatrieme
      annees. Par la suite, nous avons montre que les modes d'ecriture non pratiques
      qui etaient experimentalement induits indiquent une diminution de la performance
      de la memoire, chez les adults aussi, ce qui supporte la supposition qu'un manque
      d'automatisme graphomotorique est responsable des effets observes chez les
      enfants. Cependant, une ecriture a la main sans entrainement mene a des resultats
      plus claires que la dactylographie sans entrainement. Enfin, nous avons tente de
      separer les influences des difficultes graphomotoriques versus difficultes
      orthographiques a travers la composition des mots en les indiquant sur un tableau
      d'ortographe. Cependant, cette tentative n'a pas reussi, probablement a cause du
      fait d'indiquer les lettres presente d'autres couts dont le niveau est bas. En
      resume, a travers les quatre annees de l'ecole primaire, les enfants allemands
      montrent une pire performance de l'etendue de memoire dans l'ecriture, en
      comparaison au rappel oral, avec une augmentation globale dans les deux
      modalites. Ainsi, toujours a la fin de l'ecole primaire, l'ecriture n'a pas
      rattrape l'expression orale en ce qui concerne les couts cognitifs implicites.
      Par consequent, les conclusions se rapportent a la question de comment evaluer
      correctement n'importe quel type de connaissances et d'habiletes a travers la
      production du langage.

PMID- 22043847
TI  - Vertical perceptual span and the processing of visual signals in reading.
AB  - A previous study by Pollatsek et al. ( 1993 ) claims that the perceptual span in
      reading is restricted to the fixated line, i.e. readers typically focus their
      visual attention on the line of text being read. The present study investigated
      whether readers make use of content structure signals (paragraph indentations and
      topic headings) present several lines away from the currently fixated line. We
      reasoned that as these signals are low-resolution visual objects (as opposed to
      letter and word identity), readers may attend to them even if they are located
      some distance away from the fixated line. Participants read a hierarchically
      organized multi-topic expository text containing structure signals in either a
      normal condition or a window condition, where the text disappeared above and
      below a vertical 3 degrees  gaze-contingent region. After reading, participants
      were asked to produce a written recall of the text. The results showed that the
      overall reading rate was not affected by the window. Nevertheless, the headings
      were reread more in the normal condition than in the window one. In addition,
      more topics were recalled in the normal than in the window condition. We
      interpret the results as indicating that the readers visually attend to useful
      text layout features while considering bigger units than single text lines. The
      perception of topic headings located away from the fixated line may favour long
      range regressions towards them, which in turn may favour text comprehension. This
      claim is consistent with previous studies that showed that look-back fixations to
      headings are performed with an integrative intent.

PMID- 22043848
TI  - Effects of country size and language similarity on international attitudes: a six
      nation study.
AB  - Linguistically similar neighbouring nations that differ in size are often
      asymmetrical in their attitudinal relations towards each other: Citizens of
      smaller nations tend to see larger nations as less likeable and less similar than
      vice versa. We hypothesized that the smaller nations' reaction is the consequence
      of a threatened identity due to its relative size combined with too much
      similarity on a vital part of its identity, namely language. To test this
      hypothesis, 832 high-school students from six different ethnic/national entities
      (France, Germany, Austria, the French- and German-speaking parts of Switzerland,
      the French- and Dutch-speaking parts of Belgium, and The Netherlands) completed a
      questionnaire on liking and similarity ratings. The results-to a large extent
      showed that differences in size, in combination with linguistic similarity with
      another nation, pose a threat to the identity of the smaller nation or ethnic
      group. Differences in size, in combination with linguistic similarity, were
      associated with asymmetries in mutual liking on one hand and asymmetrical
      perceptions of similarity to the other country on the other hand. The conclusions
      of this study are consistent with findings of earlier research and stress the
      importance of language for a nation's identity. Moreover, the findings support
      social identity theory as a useful theory for understanding intergroup and
      international relations.   Les nations voisines linguistiquement similaires qui
      different en taille sont souvent asymetriques dans leurs relations attitudinales
      l'une envers l'autre: les citoyens des nations plus petites tendent a voir les
      nations plus grandes comme moins sympathiques et moins semblables et vice-versa.
      Notre hypothese etait que la reaction des nations plus petites est la consequence
      d'un sentiment de menace a l'identite du a leur taille reduite combinee avec trop
      de similitudes concernant une partie vitale de leur identite: c'est-a-dire le
      langage. Pour tester cette hypothese, 832 etudiants collegiaux issus de six
      ethnies/nationalites differentes (la France, l'Allemagne, l'Autriche, la Suisse
      romande et allemande, la Belgique francaise et neerlandaise, les Pays-Bas) ont
      complete un questionnaire sur les taux de sympathie et de similitude. Les
      resultats ont indique que les differences en taille en combinaison avec la
      similitude linguistique avec une autre nation representent une menace pour
      l'identite de la nation ou du groupe ethnique plus petit. Les differences en
      taille en combinaison avec la similitude linguistique etaient associees, d'une
      part, avec des asymetries dans la sympathie mutuelle et, d'autre part, avec des
      perceptions asymetriques de similitude avec l'autre nation. Les conclusions de
      cette etude sont en accord avec les resultats des etudes anterieures et
      soutiennent l'importance du langage pour l'identite d'une nation. De plus, les
      resultats appuient l'utilite de la theorie de l'identite sociale pour comprendre
      les relations intergroupes et internationales.   Naciones vecinas con similitudes
      linguisticas pero que difieren en tamano son frecuentemente asimetricas respecto
      de sus relaciones actitudinales una respecto de la otra. Los cuidadanos de
      naciones pequenas tienden a ver a naciones mas grandes como menos simpaticas y
      parecidas que viceversa. Nosotros hipotetizamos que la reaccion de las naciones
      mas pequenas es la consequencia de una identidad amenazada debido a su menor
      tamano combinada con una similitud muy grande relacionada con una parte vital de
      su identidad: es decir el lenguaje. Para probar esta hipotesis 832 alumnos de la
      escuela secundaria de seis diferentes grupos etnicos/nacionales (Francia,
      Alemania, Austria, regiones en Suiza en las que se habla frances y aleman,
      regiones en Belgica en las que se habla frances y holandes asi como los Paises
      Bajos) completaron un cuestionario sobre gustos y similitudes. Los resultados
      mostraron - en alto grado - que las diferencias en el tamano en combinacion con
      las similitudes linguisticas con otras naciones, se asocian con la amenaza de la
      identidad de las naciones o grupos etnicos mas pequenos. Las diferencias en
      tamano en combinacion con las similitudes linguisticas estuvieron asociadas con
      asimetrias repecto del aprecio mutuo por un lado, asi como por otro lado, con
      percepciones asimetricas de similitud con el otro pais. Las conclusiones de este
      estudio son consistentes con los descubrimientos de estudios previos y recalcan
      la importancia del lenguaje en la identidad de una nacion. Adicionalmente estos
      resultados soportan la Teoria de la Identidad Social como una teoria util en la
      comprension de las relaciones entre grupos asi como a nivel de las relaciones
      internacionales.

PMID- 22043849
TI  - Dispositional optimism among American and Jordanian college students: are
      Westerners really more upbeat than Easterners?
AB  - The present study aimed at assessing some previous research conclusions, based
      primarily on comparisons of North Americans and East Asians, that Westerners tend
      to be optimistic while Easterners tend to be pessimistic. Two samples of European
      American and Jordanian college students were administered a questionnaire
      consisting of items measuring dispositional optimism along with items pertaining
      to risk and self-protective behaviors (e.g., seatbelt use, vehicular speeding,
      smoking) and social and demographic factors (e.g., sex, socioeconomic status,
      religiosity). The findings uncovered dispositional optimism to be stronger for
      American compared to Jordanian participants. Separate analyses of optimism versus
      pessimism revealed that Jordanian participants were more pessimistic, but not
      less optimistic than their American counterparts. No significant correlations
      were found between dispositional optimism and sex, socioeconomic status, or
      religiosity. The levels of optimism displayed by Jordanians in this study are
      inconsistent with previous claims of an optimistic West and a pessimistic East,
      and suggest that self-enhancing processes may not be confined to Western or
      highly individualistic groups. The findings did not uncover an association
      between dispositional optimism and risk or self-protective behaviors. Multiple
      regression analyses showed cultural background and sex to be the best predictors
      of these behaviors. The implications of these findings are discussed.   La
      presente etude avait pour but d'evaluer quelques conclusions de recherches
      passees, fondees principalement sur des comparaisons de nord-americains et
      d'asiatiques de l'est, indiquant que les occidentaux tendent a etre optimistes
      alors que les orientaux tendent a etre pessimistes. Deux echantillons d'etudiants
      americains-europeens et jordaniens du college ont rempli un questionnaire ayant
      des items mesurant l'optimisme dispositionnel avec d'autres items qui portent sur
      les comportements de risque et d'auto-protection (e.g., la ceinture de securite,
      la vitesse au volant, l'usage de tabac), sur les facteurs sociaux et
      demographiques (e.g., le sexe, le statut socio-economique, la religiosite). Les
      resultats ont indique que l'optimisme dispositionnel etait plus fort chez les
      americains en comparaison aux participants jordaniens. Des analyses separees de
      l'optimisme versus le pessimisme ont montre que les participants jordaniens
      n'etaient pas pessimistes mais pas moins optimistes que leurs homologues
      americains. Il n'y avait pas de correlations significatives entre l'optimisme
      dispotionnel et le sexe, le statut socio-economique et la religiosite. Les
      niveaux d'optimisme dispotionnel affiches par les jordaniens dans cette etude
      sont inconsistents avec les affirmations passees d'un occident optimiste et d'un
      orient pessimiste et suggerent que les processus d'auto-amelioration pourraient
      ne pas etre restreints aux occidentaux ou aux groupes hautement individualistes.
      Les resultats n'ont pas devoile une association entre l'optimise dispotionnel et
      les comportements de risque ou les comportements d'auto-protection. Des analyses
      de regression multiples ont indique que le contexte culturel et le sexe sont les
      meilleurs predicteurs de ces comportements. Les implications de ces resultats
      sont discutees.   El presente estudio se baso en la evaluacion de algunas
      conclusiones de investigaciones anteriores, basadas principalmente en
      comparaciones de habitantes de norteamericanos con habitantes del Asia del este,
      en las que se proponia que mientras los occidentales tienden a ser optimistas,
      los orientales tienden a ser pesimistas. En dos muestras de estudiantes de la
      escuela superior europeo-americanos y jordanos se administro un cuestionario que
      consiste en preguntas que miden el optimismo disposicional junto con preguntas
      que evaluan conductas de riesgo y de autoproteccion (p.e., uso de cinturon de
      seguridad, velocidad de manejo, fumar) asi como factores sociales y demograficos
      (p.e., sexualidad, estatus socioeconomico, religiosidad). Las conclusiones
      senalaron que el optimismo disposicional es mas fuerte en los participantes
      americanos en comparacion con los jordanos. Analisis separados del optimismo en
      relacion con el pesimismo revelaron que los participantes jordanos eran mas
      pesimistas, pero no menos optimistas que sus homologos americanos. No se
      encontraron correlaciones significativas entre optimismo disposicional y
      sexualidad, estatus socioeconomico o religiosidad. El nivel de optimismo mostrado
      por los jordanos en este estudio es inconsistente con las propuestas anteriores
      de un Oeste optimista y un Este pesimista, y sugiere que los procesos de
      autodesarrollo no pueden ser limitados a grupos Occidentales o altamente
      individualistas. Las resultados no mostraron una asociacion entre optimismo
      disposicional y conductas de riesgo o autoprotectoras. Los analisis de regresion
      multiples mostraron que el contexto cultural y la sexualidad son los mejores
      predictores de estas conductas. Las implicaciones de estos hallazgos fueron
      discutidas.

PMID- 22043850
TI  - Emotional and behavioural reactions to moral transgressions: cross-cultural and
      individual variations in India and Britain.
AB  - Reactions to moral transgressions are subject to influence at both the cultural
      and individual levels. Transgressions against an individual's rights or against
      social conventions of hierarchy may elicit different reactions in individualistic
      and collectivistic cultures. In the current study, affective and behavioural
      reactions to transgressions of autonomy (rights) and community (hierarchy) were
      examined in India and Britain. Results revealed that although reactions to
      autonomy transgressions are similar in India and Britain, Indian participants
      express more moral outrage than do Britons in response to transgressions of
      community. Results also supported the contention of emotion-specificity in
      affective moral reaction: Participants in both India and Britain reported anger
      in response to autonomy transgressions, but contempt in response to violations of
      community. Importantly, these results extend previous research by demonstrating
      the importance of emotion specificity in moral reactions, as opposed to
      categorization or dilemma resolution. In addition, an individual difference
      measure of respect for persons was shown to moderate reactions to moral
      transgressions. Specifically, participants with high respect for persons were
      less negative to violators of the community ethic, but not the autonomy ethic.
      These findings highlight the importance of examining emotion-specific responses
      in the moral domain and introduce a significant individual difference variable,
      respect for persons, into the psychology of morality.   Les reactions aux
      transgressions morales sont susceptibles d'influence a la fois aux niveaux
      culturel et individuel. Les transgressions contre les droits d'un individu ou
      contre les conventions sociales d'hierarchie peuvent susciter de differentes
      reactions dans les cultures individualiste et collectiviste. Dans la presente
      etude, les reactions affective et comportementale aux transgressions de
      l'autonomie (droits) et de la communaute (hierachie) ont ete examinees en Inde et
      en Grande-Bretagne. Les resultats ont indique que, malgre la similitude des
      reactions aux transgressions de l'autonomie en Inde et en Grande-Bretagne, les
      participants indiens ont exprime plus d'indignation morale que les britanniques
      en reponse aux transgressions de la communaute. Les resultats ont egalement
      appuye la controverse de la specifite de l'emotion dans la relation morale
      affective: les participants a la fois en Inde et en Grande-Bretagne ont rapporte
      de la colere en reponse aux transgressions de l'autonomie mais du mepris en
      reponse aux transgressions de la communaute. De facon importante, ces resultats
      ont elargi la recherche passee en demontrant l'importance de la specificite de
      l'emotion dans les reactions morales, contrairement a la categorisation ou a la
      solution du dilemme. En plus, il a ete demontre qu'une mesure des differences
      individuelles du respect envers les personnes a modere les reactions aux
      transgressions morales. Specifiquement, les participants ayant un grand respect
      envers les personnes ont ete moins negatifs envers les violateurs de l'ethique de
      la communaute mais pas de l'ethique de l'autonomie. Ces resultats soulignent
      l'importance d'examiner les reponses specifique a l'emotion dans le domaine moral
      et introduisent une variable des differences individuelles, soit le respect
      envers les personnes, dans la psychologie de la moralite.   Las reacciones a las
      transgresiones morales estan sujetas a la influencia a niveles culturales e
      individuales. Las transgresiones contra los derechos individuales o convenciones
      sociales de jerarquias pueden provocar distintas reacciones en las culturas
      individualistas y colectivistas. En el presente estudio, se examinaron las
      reacciones afectivas y conductuales a las transgresiones contra la autonomia
      (derechos) y comunidad (jerarquia) en la India y en Gran Bretana. Los resultados
      demostraron que, aunque las reacciones a las transgresiones contra la autonomia
      fueran parecidas en la India y en Gran Bretana, los participantes indios
      expresaron mas indignacion moral que los britanicos en la respuesta a la
      transgresion contra la comunidad. Los resultados tambien apoyan la vision de la
      especificidad emocional en la reaccion afectiva moral: los participantes en la
      India y tambien en Gran Bretana mostraron ira en respuesta a la transgresion
      contra la autonomia y desprecio en respuesta a la violacion de la comunidad. De
      forma importante, estos resultados amplian los estudios anteriores demostrando la
      importancia de la especificidad emocional en las reacciones morales frente a la
      categorizacion o resolucion de los dilemas. Adicionalmente, las medidas de las
      diferencias individuales en el respeto para personas moderan las reacciones a la
      transgresion moral. Especificamente, los participantes con alto respeto para
      personas fueron menos negativos a la hora de violar la etica de la comunidad pero
      no la etica de la autonomia. Estos resultados subrayan la importancia de estudiar
      las respuestas emocionales especificas en el dominio moral e introducen una
      variable de diferencias individuales significativas, respeto para personas,
      dentro de la psicologia de la moralidad.

PMID- 22043851
TI  - Workaholism and work-life imbalance: does cultural origin influence the
      relationship?
AB  - In recent years, workaholism has become prevalent throughout organizations and
      has captured the attention of organizational leaders as well as the academic and
      scientific communities. Most research in this area has focused on the negative
      consequences of workaholism, specifically work-life imbalance. One area of
      research that has largely been ignored is the potential influence of demographic
      variables on the relationship between workaholism and work-life imbalance.
      Therefore, the current study focused on how cultural origin might influence the
      intensity of this relationship. Based on relative deprivation theory and previous
      empirical work, it was expected that cultural origin would moderate the
      relationship between workaholism and work-life imbalance. Specifically, it was
      predicted that Caucasian participants would score higher on levels of workaholism
      than Black participants, and that the relationship between workaholism and work
      life imbalance would be stronger for Caucasians than for Blacks. The results
      revealed that high levels of workaholism were significantly correlated with high
      levels of work-life imbalance. However, results also indicated that cultural
      origin did not moderate the relationship between workaholism and work-life
      imbalance, and there was no significant mean difference between Caucasian and
      Black participants on our measure of workaholism. These findings are important in
      that it is essential for employers to be aware of workaholic tendencies so they
      can better handle the negative consequences that result for the organization, and
      to also help promote the well-being of their employees.   En los ultimos anos la
      adiccion al trabajo se ha vuelto muy popular en las organizaciones y ha capturado
      la atencion tanto de lideres organizacionales, asi como de las comunidades
      cientificas y academicas. La mayoria de investigaciones en esta area se han
      focalizado en las consequencias negativas de la adiccion al trabajo
      (workoholismo), especificamente en el desequilibrio entre trabajo-vida. Una area
      de investigacion que ha sido ignorada por mucho tiempo es la influencia potencial
      de las variables demograficas sobre la relacion entre adiccion al trabajo y el
      desequilibrio trabajo-vida. Por este motivo es que el presente estudio se
      focalizo en como el origen cultural puede influenciar la intensidad de esta
      relacion. Tomando como base la teoria de la deprivacion relativa y estudios
      empiricos previos, se espero que el origen cultural moderaria la relacion entre
      adiccion al trabajo y desequilibrio trabajo-vida. Especificamente se pudo
      predecir que los participantes caucasicos mostraron mas elevados puntajes en los
      niveles de adiccion al trabajo que los participantes negros, y que la relacion
      entre adiccion al trabajo y desequilibrio trabajo-vida era mas intensa entre los
      caucasicos que entre los negros. Los resultados revelaron que elevados niveles de
      adiccion al trabajo correlacionaron significativamente con altos niveles de
      desequilibrio trabajo-vida. Sin embargo los resultados tambien revelaron que el
      origen cultural no moderaba la relacion entre adiccion al trabajo y desequilibrio
      trabajo-vida, y que ademas no habia una diferencia significativa de medias entre
      los participantes caucasicos y negros respecto de nuestras mediciones de adiccion
      al trabajo. Estos resultados son importantes en la medida en que es esencial para
      los empleadores el ser conscientes respecto de las tendencias de adiccion al
      trabajo, lo que les permitira manejar con mayor efectividad las consequencias
      negativas para la empresa resultantes de estas tendencias, y por otro lado apoyar
      a sus empleados en la promocion de su bienestar.   Au cours des dernieres annees,
      le travaillolisme (workaholism) a pris de l'ampleur dans les organisations et a
      capte l'attention a la fois des dirigeants d'organisations et des communautes
      academique et scientifique. La majorite de la recherche dans ce domaine fut
      orientee sur les consequences negatives du travaillolisme et, plus
      specifiquement, sur le conflit travail-vie. Un champ de recherche qui a ete
      largement ignore est l'influence potentielle des variables demographiques sur la
      relation entre le travaillolisme et le conflit travail-vie. La presente etude
      visait a comprendre comment l'origine culturelle peut influencer l'intensite de
      cette relation. Se basant sur la theorie de la privation relative et sur les
      travaux empiriques anterieurs, il etait attendu que l'origine culturelle allait
      jouer un role moderateur dans la relation entre le travaillolisme et le conflit
      travail-vie. Plus specifiquement, il etait predit que les participants caucasiens
      allaient obtenir des scores plus eleves de travaillolisme comparativement aux
      participants noirs, et que la relation entre le travaillolisme et le conflit
      travail-vie allait etre plus forte pour les caucasiens que pour les noirs. Les
      resultats ont revele que des niveaux eleves de travaillolisme etaient
      significativement correles avec des niveaux eleves de conflit travail-vie.
      Cependant, les resultats ont aussi indique que l'origine culturelle ne modere pas
      la relation entre le travaillolisme et le conflit travail-vie. De plus, il n'y
      avait pas de difference significative entre les participants caucasiens et les
      participants noirs sur notre mesure de travaillolisme. Ces resultats sont
      importants puisqu'il est essentiel pour les employeurs d'etre a l'affut des
      tendances travaillolistes pour qu'ils puissent mieux en gerer les consequences
      negatives pour l'organisation, ainsi que pour aider a promouvoir le bien-etre de
      leurs employes. diferenciaban en algunos aspectos.

PMID- 22043852
TI  - Effects of excitation energy on the autodetachment lifetimes of small iodide
      doped ROH clusters (R?H-, CH3-, CH3CH(2)-).
AB  - The effect of excitation energy on the lifetimes of the charge-transfer-to
      solvent (CTTS) states of small (4 <= n <= 10) iodide-doped water and alcohol
      clusters was explored using femtosecond time-resolved photoelectron imaging.
      Excitation of the CTTS state at wavelengths ranging from 272 to 238 nm leads to
      the formation of the I...(ROH)(n)(-) (R?H-, CH(3)-, and CH(3)CH(2)-) species,
      which can be thought of as a vibrationally excited bare solvent cluster anion
      perturbed by an iodine atom. Autodetachment lifetimes for alcohol-containing
      clusters range from 1 to 71 ps, while water clusters survive for hundreds of ps
      in this size range. Autodetachment lifetimes were observed to decrease
      significantly with increasing excitation energy for a particular number and type
      of solvent molecules. The application of Klots' model for thermionic emission
      from clusters to I(-)(H(2)O)(5) and I(-)(CH(3)OH)(7) qualitatively reproduces
      experimental trends and reveals a high sensitivity to energy parametrization
      while remaining relatively insensitive to the number of vibrational modes.
      Experimental and computational results therefore suggest that the rate of
      electron emission is primarily determined by the energetics of the cluster system
      rather than by details of molecular structure.

PMID- 22043854
TI  - Hierarchical Bayesian models to assess between- and within-batch variability of
      pathogen contamination in food.
AB  - Assessing within-batch and between-batch variability is of major interest for
      risk assessors and risk managers in the context of microbiological contamination
      of food. For example, the ratio between the within-batch variability and the
      between-batch variability has a large impact on the results of a sampling plan.
      Here, we designed hierarchical Bayesian models to represent such variability.
      Compatible priors were built mathematically to obtain sound model comparisons. A
      numeric criterion is proposed to assess the contamination structure comparing the
      ability of the models to replicate grouped data at the batch level using a
      posterior predictive loss approach. Models were applied to two case studies:
      contamination by Listeria monocytogenes of pork breast used to produce diced
      bacon and contamination by the same microorganism on cold smoked salmon at the
      end of the process. In the first case study, a contamination structure clearly
      exists and is located at the batch level, that is, between batches variability is
      relatively strong, whereas in the second a structure also exists but is less
      marked.

PMID- 22043853
TI  - Using metal complex reduced states to monitor the oxidation of DNA.
AB  - Metallointercalating photooxidants interact intimately with the base stack of
      double-stranded DNA and exhibit rich photophysical and electrochemical
      properties, making them ideal probes for the study of DNA-mediated charge
      transport (CT). The complexes [Rh(phi)(2)(bpy')](3+) (phi = 9,10
      phenanthrenequinone diimine; bpy' = 4-methyl-4'-(butyric acid)-2,2'-bipyridine),
      [Ir(ppy)(2)(dppz')](+) (ppy = 2-phenylpyridine; dppz' = 6-(dipyrido[3,2-a:2',3'
      c]phenazin-11-yl)hex-5-ynoic acid), and [Re(CO)(3)(dppz)(py')](+) (dppz =
      dipyrido[2,3-a:2',3'-c]phenazine; py' = 3-(pyridin-4-yl)-propanoic acid) were
      each covalently tethered to DNA to compare their photooxidation efficiencies.
      Biochemical studies show that upon irradiation, the three complexes oxidize
      guanine by long-range DNA-mediated CT with the efficiency: Rh > Re > Ir.
      Comparison of spectra obtained by spectroelectrochemistry after bulk reduction of
      the free metal complexes with those obtained by transient absorption (TA)
      spectroscopy of the conjugates suggests that the reduced metal states form
      following excitation of the conjugates at 355 nm. Electrochemical experiments and
      kinetic analysis of the TA decays indicate that the thermodynamic driving force
      for CT, variations in the efficiency of back electron transfer, and coupling to
      DNA are the primary factors responsible for the trend observed in the guanine
      oxidation yields of the three complexes.

PMID- 22043855
TI  - High-performance, all-solution-processed organic nanowire transistor arrays with
      inkjet-printing patterned electrodes.
AB  - Organic nanowire (NW) transistor arrays with a mobility of as high as 1.26
      cm(2).V(-1).S(-1) are fabricated by combining the dip-coating process to align
      the NW into arrays with the inkjet printing process to pattern the source/drain
      electrodes. A narrow gap of ~20 MUm has been obtained by modifying the inkjet
      process. The all-solution process is proven to be a low-cost, high-yield, simple
      approach to fabricating high-performance organic NW transistor arrays over a
      large area.

PMID- 22043856
TI  - Hydrogen exchange mass spectrometry of bacteriorhodopsin reveals light-induced
      changes in the structural dynamics of a biomolecular machine.
AB  - Many proteins act as molecular machines that are fuelled by a nonthermal energy
      source. Examples include transmembrane pumps and stator-rotor complexes. These
      systems undergo cyclic motions (CMs) that are being driven along a well-defined
      conformational trajectory. Superimposed on these CMs are thermal fluctuations
      (TFs) that are coupled to stochastic motions of the solvent. Here we explore
      whether the TFs of a molecular machine are affected by the occurrence of CMs.
      Bacteriorhodopsin (BR) is a light-driven proton pump that serves as a model
      system in this study. The function of BR is based on a photocycle that involves
      trans/cis isomerization of a retinal chromophore, as well as motions of
      transmembrane helices. Hydrogen/deuterium exchange (HDX) mass spectrometry was
      used to monitor the TFs of BR, focusing on the monomeric form of the protein.
      Comparative HDX studies were conducted under illumination and in the dark. The
      HDX kinetics of BR are dramatically accelerated in the presence of light. The
      isotope exchange rates and the number of backbone amides involved in EX2 opening
      transitions increase roughly 2-fold upon illumination. In contrast, light/dark
      control experiments on retinal-free protein produced no discernible differences.
      It can be concluded that the extent of TFs in BR strongly depends on photon
      driven CMs. The light-induced differences in HDX behavior are ascribed to protein
      destabilization. Specifically, the thermodynamic stability of the dark-adapted
      protein is estimated to be 5.5 kJ mol(-1) under the conditions of our work. This
      value represents the free energy difference between the folded state F and a
      significantly unfolded conformer U. Illumination reduces the stability of F by
      2.2 kJ mol(-1). Mechanical agitation caused by isomerization of the chromophore
      is transferred to the surrounding protein scaffold, and subsequently, the energy
      dissipates into the solvent. Light-induced retinal motions therefore act
      analogously to an internal heat source that promotes the occurrence of TFs.
      Overall, our data highlight the potential of HDX methods for probing the
      structural dynamics of molecular machines under "engine on" and "engine off"
      conditions.

PMID- 22043857
TI  - Three-dimensional nanostructures as highly efficient generators of second
      harmonic light.
AB  - Plasmonic nanostructures enable the generation of large electromagnetic fields
      confined to small volumes, potentially providing a route for the development of
      nanoengineered nonlinear optical media. A metal-capped hemispherical
      nanoparticle, also known as a nanocup, generates second harmonic light with
      increasing intensity as the angle between the incident fundamental beam and the
      nanocup symmetry axis is increased. Nanoparticle orientation also modifies the
      emission direction of the second harmonic light. With conversion efficiencies
      similar to those of inorganic SHG crystals, these structures provide a promising
      approach for the design and fabrication of stable, synthetic second-order
      nonlinear optical materials tailored for specific wavelengths.

PMID- 22043858
TI  - Artificial microvascular network: a new tool for measuring rheologic properties
      of stored red blood cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The progressive deterioration of red blood cell (RBC) rheologic
      properties during refrigerated storage may reduce the clinical efficacy of
      transfusion of older units. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: This article describes the
      development of a microfluidic device designed to test the rheologic properties of
      stored RBCs by measuring their ability to perfuse an artificial microvascular
      network (AMVN) comprised of capillary-size microchannels arranged in a pattern
      inspired by the real microvasculature. In the AMVN device, the properties of RBCs
      are evaluated by passing a 40% hematocrit suspension of RBCs through the network
      and measuring the overall perfusion rate. RESULTS: The sensitivity of the AMVN
      device to the storage-induced change in rheologic properties of RBCs was tested
      using five prestorage leukoreduced RBC units stored in AS-1 for 41 days. The AMVN
      perfusion rate for stored RBCs was 26 +/- 4% (19%-30%) lower than for fresh RBCs.
      Washing these stored RBCs in saline improved their performance by 41 +/- 6% (the
      AMVN perfusion rate for washed stored RBCs was still 15 +/- 2% lower than for
      fresh RBCs). CONCLUSIONS: The measurements performed using the AMVN device
      confirm a significant decline in the rheologic properties of RBCs in units
      nearing expiration and demonstrate the sensitivity of the device to these storage
      induced changes. The AMVN device may be useful for testing the effect of new
      storage conditions, additive solutions, and rejuvenation strategies on the
      rheologic properties of stored RBCs in vitro.

PMID- 22043859
TI  - Quality clinical placements for undergraduate nursing students: a cross-sectional
      survey of undergraduates and supervising nurses.
AB  - AIM:   This article is a report of a mixed method study of the quality of
      clinical placements for second year undergraduate nursing students in an acute
      care hospital. BACKGROUND:   In response to the current and predicted workforce
      shortages, greater numbers of nursing undergraduate places are being offered at
      tertiary institutions. This means that requests for clinical places in hospitals
      to support undergraduate students has risen. Little is known about the impact of
      increased numbers on the quality of clinical placement as a learning experience
      and this is of concern as demand grows and the means of assessing capacity is
      still unknown. METHODS:   A 5-point Likert Scale questionnaire, including free
      text fields, was administered to undergraduates (n = 178), clinical facilitators
      (n = 22) and supervising ward nurses (n = 163) at two time points in 2009. The
      survey targeted the quality of the clinical placement in four domains: welcoming
      and belongingness; teaching and learning; feedback; confidence and competence.
      Findings.  The findings demonstrated consistently high scoring of the clinical
      placement experience by both undergraduates and registered nurses. There were
      higher ratings of levels of support from clinical facilitators compared to
      supervising ward nurses evident in data associated with the items on the
      questionnaire relating to teaching and learning. CONCLUSION:   The results are
      indicative of the professional commitment of nursing staff to support the next
      generation of nurses. The findings also give a mechanism to communicate outcomes
      of undergraduate support to nurses in practice, and highlight steps which can be
      taken to ensure high quality clinical placement continues.

PMID- 22043860
TI  - Effect of oestradiol and pathogen-associated molecular patterns on class II
      mediated antigen presentation and immunomodulatory molecule expression in the
      mouse female reproductive tract.
AB  - Cells of the female reproductive tract (FRT) can present antigen to naive and
      memory T cells. However, the effects of oestrogen, known to modulate immune
      responses, on antigen presentation in the FRT remain undefined. In the present
      study, DO11.10 T-cell antigen receptor transgenic mice specific for the class II
      MHC-restricted ovalbumin (OVA) 323-339 peptide were used to study the effects of
      oestradiol and pathogen-associated molecular patterns on antigen presentation in
      the FRT. We report here that oestradiol inhibited antigen presentation of OVA by
      uterine epithelial cells, uterine stromal cells and vaginal cells to OVA-specific
      memory T cells. When ovariectomized animals were treated with oestradiol for 1 or
      3 days, antigen presentation was decreased by 20-80%. In contrast, incubation
      with PAMP increased antigen presentation by epithelial cells (Pam(3)Cys), stromal
      cells (peptidoglycan, Pam(3)Cys) and vaginal cells (Pam(3)Cys). In contrast, CpG
      inhibited both stromal and vaginal cell antigen presentation. Analysis of mRNA
      expression by reverse transcription PCR indicated that oestradiol inhibited CD40,
      CD80 and class II in the uterus and CD40, CD86 and class II in the vagina.
      Expression in isolated uterine and vaginal cells paralleled that seen in whole
      tissues. In contrast, oestradiol increased polymeric immunoglobulin receptor mRNA
      expression in the uterus and decreased it in the vagina. These results indicate
      that antigen-presenting cells in the uterus and vagina are responsive to
      oestradiol, which inhibits antigen presentation and co-stimulatory molecule
      expression. Further, these findings suggest that antigen-presenting cells in the
      uterus and vagina respond to selected Toll-like receptor agonists with altered
      antigen presentation.

PMID- 22043861
TI  - Relative efficiency of porcine and human cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4
      immunoglobulin in inhibiting human CD4+ T-cell responses co-stimulated by porcine
      and human B7 molecules.
AB  - alpha1,3-Galactosyltransferase gene-knockout pigs transgenic for porcine
      cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 immunoglobulin (pCTLA4-Ig) have been produced to
      reduce T-cell-mediated rejection following xenotransplantation. The level of
      soluble pCTLA4-Ig in their blood was greatly in excess of the therapeutic level
      in patients, rendering the pigs immune-incompetent. Soluble pCTLA4-Ig produced by
      these transgenic pigs was evaluated for binding to porcine and human (h) B7
      molecules, and for its inhibitory effect on allogeneic and xenogeneic human T
      cell responses. Porcine CTLA4-Ig-expressing peripheral blood mononuclear cells
      (PBMCs) and aortic endothelial cells (AECs) were evaluated for their direct
      inhibitory effect on hCD4+ T-cell responses. Soluble pCTLA4-Ig and purified
      hCTLA4-Ig showed similar binding to pB7 molecules, but pCTLA4-Ig showed
      significantly less binding to hB7 molecules. The pCTLA4-Ig and hCTLA4-Ig
      inhibited the response of hCD4+ T cells to pAECs equally, but pCTLA4-Ig was less
      successful in inhibiting the human allogeneic response. The hCD4+ T-cell response
      to PBMCs from pCTLA4-Ig pigs was significantly lower than that of non-pCTLA4-Ig
      pigs. Although pCTLA4-Ig was detected in the cytoplasm of pCTLA4-Ig-expressing
      pAECs, only a minimal level of soluble pCTLA4-Ig was detected in the supernatant
      during culture, and pCTLA4-Ig-expressing pAECs did not inhibit the xenogeneic
      direct human T-cell response. High-level tissue-specific production of pCTLA4-Ig
      may be required for sufficient immunosuppression for organ or cell (e.g., islets)
      transplantation.

PMID- 22043862
TI  - Spatial competition with Lactococcus lactis in mixed-species continuous-flow
      biofilms inhibits Listeria monocytogenes growth.
AB  - Surfaces in industrial settings provide a home for resident biofilms that are
      likely to interact with the attachment, growth and survival of pathogens such as
      Listeria monocytogenes. Experimental results have indicated that L. monocytogenes
      cells were inhibited by the presence of a model resident flora (Lactococcus
      lactis) in dual-species continuous flow-biofilms, and are spatially restricted to
      the lower biofilm layers. Using a new, simplified individual-based model (IBM)
      that simulates bacterial cell growth in a three-dimensional space, the spatial
      arrangements of the two species were reconstructed and their cell counts
      successfully predicted. This model showed that the difference in generation times
      between L. monocytogenes and L. lactis cells during the initial stages of dual
      species biofilm formation was probably responsible for the species spatialization
      observed and the subsequent inhibition of growth of the pathogen.

PMID- 22043863
TI  - Increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in the ventral
      tegmental area during cocaine abstinence is associated with increased histone
      acetylation at BDNF exon I-containing promoters.
AB  - Recent evidence suggests that the persistence of cocaine seeking during periods
      of protracted drug abstinence following chronic cocaine exposure is mediated, in
      part, by neuroadaptations in the mesolimbic dopamine system. Specifically,
      incubation of cocaine-seeking behavior coincides with increased brain-derived
      neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protein expression in the ventral tegmental area
      (VTA). However, the molecular mechanisms that regulate time-dependent changes in
      VTA BDNF protein expression during cocaine abstinence are unclear. The goal of
      these experiments was to determine whether VTA BDNF transcript levels are altered
      following cocaine abstinence and identify the molecular mechanisms regulating
      cocaine-induced changes in VTA BDNF transcription. Rats were allowed to self
      administer cocaine (0.25 mg/infusion, i.v.) for 14 days on a fixed-ratio schedule
      of reinforcement followed by 7 days of forced drug abstinence. BDNF protein and
      exon I-containing transcripts were significantly increased in the VTA of cocaine
      experienced rats following 7 days of forced drug abstinence compared to yoked
      saline controls. Cocaine-induced changes in BDNF mRNA were associated with
      increased acetylation of histone 3 and binding of CREB-binding protein to exon I
      containing promoters in the VTA. Taken together, these results suggest that drug
      abstinence following cocaine self-administration remodels chromatin in the VTA
      resulting in increased expression of BDNF, which may contribute to
      neuroadaptations underlying cocaine craving and relapse.

PMID- 22043865
TI  - Low-grade gliomas in adults.
AB  - In recent years, advances in the understanding of low-grade glioma (LGG) biology
      have driven new paradigms in molecular markers, diagnostic imaging, operative
      techniques and technologies, and adjuvant therapies. Taken together, these
      developments are collectively pushing the envelope toward improved quality of
      life and survival. In this article, the authors evaluate the recent literature to
      synthesize a comprehensive review of LGGs in the modern neurosurgical era.

PMID- 22043864
TI  - Rep-Seq: uncovering the immunological repertoire through next-generation
      sequencing.
AB  - Recent scientific discoveries fuelled by the application of next-generation DNA
      and RNA sequencing technologies highlight the striking impact of these platforms
      in characterizing multiple aspects in genomics research. This technology has been
      used in the study of the B-cell and T-cell receptor repertoire. The novelty of
      immunosequencing comes from the recent rapid development of techniques and the
      exponential reduction in cost of sequencing. Here, we describe some of the
      technologies, which we collectively refer to as Rep-Seq (repertoire sequencing),
      to portray achievements in the field and to present the essential and inseparable
      role of next-generation sequencing to the understanding of entities in immune
      response. The large Rep-Seq data sets that should be available in the near future
      call for new computational algorithms to segue the transition from 'classic'
      molecular-based analysis to system-wide analysis. The combination of new
      algorithms with high-throughput data will form the basis for possible new
      clinical implications in personalized medicine and deeper understanding of immune
      behaviour and immune response.

PMID- 22043866
TI  - Improving the quality of life for multiple sclerosis patients using the nurse
      based home visiting model.
AB  - PURPOSE: Multiple sclerosis (MS) sufferers have a high prevalence of co-morbidity
      associated with poor quality of life, high health care costs and increased risk
      for adverse outcomes. These patients are often lacking in optimal home care,
      which may result in subsequent hospital readmissions. However, a specific nurse
      based home visiting model for patients with MS is not yet available in Turkey.
      The aim of this study was to determine the effects of nursing interventions
      according to The North American Nursing Diagnosis Association (NANDA). Using the
      NANDA guidelines, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of home visit
      nursing interventions on the many challenges and quality-of-life (QOL) issues
      faced by patients with MS. METHODS: This study used a pretest-posttest
      experimental group design. The study sample of 45 patients with MS, who had
      previously registered with the MS Society, had 21 participants in the
      intervention group and 24 in the control group. Data were collected with the
      'General Questionnaire Form' and 'Symptom Evaluation Form' and 'Multiple
      Sclerosis Quality-of-Life Scale' (MSQOL-54). The NANDA classification system of
      care plans for conducting eight home visits with the intervention group was also
      used. Our intervention would identify symptoms, give training, consulting and
      care services and be able to recognize when referrals to other medical
      professionals might be necessary. The control group would receive the usual care
      with just two visits. RESULTS: There was a statistically significant difference
      between the intervention and control groups regarding the MSQOL-54P score change
      (p = 0.02), but a nonsignificant difference for the MSQOL-54M. CONCLUSION: This
      model helped to achieve an improvement trend in the QOL scores of the MS patient
      intervention group. This home visit model can also be used to increase the
      quality of care and quality of life for patients with MS.

PMID- 22043867
TI  - Milk consumption and bladder cancer risk: a meta-analysis of published
      epidemiological studies.
AB  - Studies investigating the association of milk consumption with bladder cancer
      risk have reported inconsistent findings. We conducted a meta-analysis of
      published cohort and case-control studies to pool the risk estimates of the
      association between milk intake and bladder cancer. We quantified associations
      with bladder cancer using meta-analysis of odds ratio (OR) associated with the
      highest vs. the lowest category of milk intake using fixed- or random-effect
      models depending on the heterogeneity of effects among studies. Nineteen cohort
      and case-control studies were eligible for inclusion. High milk intake was
      significantly associated with decreased risk of bladder cancer (OR, 0.84; 95% CI,
      0.71-0.97) when comparing the highest with the lowest category of milk intake.
      The inverse association was stronger in Asia (OR, 0.60; 95% CI, 0.40-0.81) than
      North America (OR, 0.89; 95% CI, 0.76-1.03), and no association was observed in
      Europe (OR, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.85-1.26). This relationship also varied significantly
      by specific dairy products. Our results suggest that milk may be related to the
      reduction of bladder cancer risk. Further studies need to clarify the biological
      mechanisms.

PMID- 22043869
TI  - Charge trapping and storage by composite P3HT/PC60BM nanoparticles investigated
      by fluorescence-voltage/single particle spectroscopy.
AB  - Fluorescence-voltage/single particle spectroscopy (F-V/SPS) was employed to study
      exciton-hole polaron interactions and interfacial charge transfer processes for
      pure poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) nanoparticles (NPs) and composite
      P3HT/PC(60)BM NPs in functioning hole-injection devices. F-V/SPS data collected
      on a particle-by-particle basis reveal an apparent bistability in the
      fluorescence-voltage modulation curves for composite NPs of P3HT and [6,6]-phenyl
      C(61)-butyric acid methyl ester (PC(60)BM) that is absent for pure P3HT NPs. A
      pronounced deep trapping of free electrons photogenerated from the composite
      P3HT/PC(60)BM NPs at the NP/dielectric interface and hole trapping by fullerene
      anions in composite P3HT/PC(60)BM NPs under photoexcitation lies at the basis of
      this finding. The deep electron trapping effect reported here for composite
      conjugated polymer/fullerene NPs presents an opportunity for future application
      of these NPs in nanoscale memory and imaging devices.

PMID- 22043868
TI  - Enhancing effects of acute psychosocial stress on priming of non-declarative
      memory in healthy young adults.
AB  - Social stress affects cognitive processes in general, and memory performance in
      particular. However, the direction of these effects has not been clearly
      established, as it depends on several factors. Our aim was to determine the
      impact of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and sympathetic nervous
      system (SNS) reactivity to psychosocial stress on short-term non-declarative
      memory and declarative memory performance. Fifty-two young participants (18 men,
      34 women) were subjected to the Trier Social Stress Task (TSST) and a control
      condition in a crossover design. Implicit memory was assessed by a priming test,
      and explicit memory was assessed by the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test
      (RAVLT). The TSST provoked greater salivary cortisol and salivary alpha-amylase
      (sAA) responses than the control task. Men had a higher cortisol response to
      stress than women, but no sex differences were found for sAA release. Stress was
      associated with an enhancement of priming but did not affect declarative memory.
      Additionally, the enhancement on the priming test was higher in those whose sAA
      levels increased more in response to stress (r(48) = 0.339, p = 0.018). Our
      results confirm an effect of acute stress on priming, and that this effect is
      related to SNS activity. In addition, they suggest a different relationship
      between stress biomarkers and the different memory systems.

PMID- 22043870
TI  - Determination of pesticides and their metabolites in processed cereal samples.
AB  - Fifteen pesticides including some of their metabolites (disulfoton sulfoxide,
      ethoprophos, cadusafos, dimethoate, terbufos, disulfoton, chlorpyrifos-methyl,
      malaoxon, fenitrothion, pirimiphos-methyl, malathion, chlorpyrifos, terbufos
      sulfone, disulfoton sulfone and fensulfothion) were analysed in milled toasted
      wheat and maize as well as in wheat flour and baby cereals. The QuEChERS (quick,
      easy, cheap, effective, rugged and safe) methodology was used and its dispersive
      solid-phase extraction procedure was optimised by means of an experimental design
      with the aim of reducing the amount of co-extracted lipids and obtaining a clean
      extract. Gas chromatography with nitrogen phosphorus detection were used as the
      separation and detection techniques, respectively. The method was validated in
      terms of selectivity, recoveries, calibration, precision and accuracy as well as
      matrix effects. Limits of detection were between 0.07 and 34.8 ug kg(-1) with
      recoveries in the range of 71-110% (relative standard deviations were below 9%).
      A total of 40 samples of different origin were analysed. Residues of pirimiphos
      methyl were found in six of the samples at concentrations in the range 0.08-0.47
      mg kg(-1), which were below the MRLs established for this pesticide in cereal
      grains. Tandem mass spectrometry confirmation was also carried out in order to
      identify unequivocally the presence of this pesticide.

PMID- 22043871
TI  - Memory control beliefs and everyday forgetfulness in adulthood: the effects of
      selection, optimization, and compensation strategies.
AB  - Controlling for age, gender, education, and self-rated health, the present study
      used regression analyses to examine the relationships between memory control
      beliefs and self-reported forgetfulness in the context of the meta-theory of
      Selective Optimization with Compensation (SOC). Findings from this online survey
      (N = 409) indicate that, among adult New Zealanders, a higher sense of memory
      control accounts for a 22.7% reduction in self-reported forgetfulness. Similarly,
      optimization was found to account for a 5% reduction in forgetfulness while the
      strategies of selection and compensation were not related to self-reports of
      forgetfulness. Optimization partially mediated the beneficial effects that some
      memory beliefs (e.g., believing that memory decline is inevitable and believing
      in the potential for memory improvement) have on forgetfulness. It was concluded
      that memory control beliefs are important predictors of self-reported
      forgetfulness while the support for the SOC model in the context of memory
      controllability and everyday forgetfulness is limited.

PMID- 22043872
TI  - Light-induced conical intersections: topological phase, wave packet dynamics, and
      molecular alignment.
AB  - In previous publications (J. Phys. B: At., Mol. Opt. Phys.2008, 41, 221001; J.
      Phys. B: At., Mol. Opt. Phys. 2011, 44, 045603) a novel and physically
      interesting phenomenon was found in the field of light-matter interactions. It
      was shown theoretically that exposing a molecule to a laser field can give rise
      to the appearance of so-called light-induced conical intersections (LICIs). The
      existence of such LICIs may change significantly the field free physical
      properties of a molecular system. In this article we review the LICIs in
      diatomics and provide a new insight to the LICI phenomenon. The sodium dimer is
      chosen as an explicit sample system. We calculated the Berry phase for a contour
      that surrounds the point of LICI and found it to be pi, which is the same value
      as for the case of a "natural" CI in triatomic or larger molecules. We also
      present results to stress the impact of LICIs on molecular wave packet dynamics
      and molecular alignment in different electronic states.

PMID- 22043873
TI  - Spray: single-donor plasma product for room temperature storage.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Spray-drying techniques are commonly utilized in the pharmaceutical,
      dairy, and animal feed industries for processing liquids into powders but have
      not been applied to human blood products. Spray-dried protein products are known
      to maintain stability during storage at room temperature. STUDY DESIGN AND
      METHODS: Plasma units collected at the donor facility were shipped overnight at
      room temperature to a processing facility where single-use spray drying occurred.
      After 48 hours' storage at room temperature, the spray-dried plasma product was
      split in two and rehydrated with 1.5% glycine or deionized water and assayed for
      chemistry analytes and coagulation factors. Matched fresh-frozen plasma was
      analyzed in parallel as controls. RESULTS: Reconstitution was achieved for both
      rehydration groups within 5 minutes (n = 6). There was no significant intergroup
      difference in recovery for total protein, albumin, immunoglobulin (Ig)G, IgA, and
      IgM (96% or higher). With the exception of Factor VIII (58%), the recovery of
      clotting factors in the glycine reconstituted products ranged from 72% to 93%.
      Glycine reconstitution was superior to deionized water. CONCLUSION: We documented
      proteins and coagulation activities were recovered in physiologic quantities in
      reconstituted spray-dried plasma products. Further optimization of the spray
      drying method and reconstitution fluid may result in even better recoveries.
      Spray drying is a promising technique for preparing human plasma that can be
      easily stored at room temperature, shipped, and reconstituted. Rapid
      reconstitution of the microparticles results in a novel plasma product from
      single donors.

PMID- 22043875
TI  - Comparison of PM emissions from a commercial jet engine burning conventional,
      biomass, and Fischer-Tropsch fuels.
AB  - Rising fuel costs, an increasing desire to enhance security of energy supply, and
      potential environmental benefits have driven research into alternative renewable
      fuels for commercial aviation applications. This paper reports the results of the
      first measurements of particulate matter (PM) emissions from a CFM56-7B
      commercial jet engine burning conventional and alternative biomass- and, Fischer
      Tropsch (F-T)-based fuels. PM emissions reductions are observed with all fuels
      and blends when compared to the emissions from a reference conventional fuel, Jet
      A1, and are attributed to fuel properties associated with the fuels and blends
      studied. Although the alternative fuel candidates studied in this campaign offer
      the potential for large PM emissions reductions, with the exception of the 50%
      blend of F-T fuel, they do not meet current standards for aviation fuel and thus
      cannot be considered as certified replacement fuels. Over the ICAO Landing
      Takeoff Cycle, which is intended to simulate aircraft engine operations that
      affect local air quality, the overall PM number-based emissions for the 50% blend
      of F-T fuel were reduced by 34 +/- 7%, and the mass-based emissions were reduced
      by 39 +/- 7%.

PMID- 22043876
TI  - Special issue: Iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia in early infancy;
      etiology, consequences, prevalence, and prevention. Foreword.

PMID- 22043877
TI  - Role of the placenta in regulation of fetal iron status.
AB  - During pregnancy, the developing fetus is entirely dependent on its mother for
      nutrition and waste disposal, which take place almost exclusively across the
      placenta. The placenta is, however, not just a passive mediator; it can also
      regulate the rates and amounts of nutrient transported. This is particularly true
      for iron transport. This review examines how the fetus, and not the mother,
      regulates iron uptake and transfer across the placenta, how these processes
      interact, and how the fetus can modulate iron metabolism in the mother.

PMID- 22043878
TI  - Maternal iron status: relation to fetal growth, length of gestation, and iron
      endowment of the neonate.
AB  - Anemia prevalence is highest in preschool children, women of reproductive age,
      and women who are pregnant. While the etiology of anemia is multifactorial, iron
      deficiency is the most commonly recognized nutritional cause. Observational
      studies imply that supplementation with iron or iron-folic acid should be started
      early in pregnancy, if not before, in order to prevent low-birth-weight and
      preterm delivery. Despite this, findings from clinical trials, even those
      conducted during early pregnancy, are equivocal. Recent follow-up studies of
      children born to women supplemented with iron-folic acid suggest that mortality
      is decreased and that the infant's iron endowment reflects the mother's iron
      status during pregnancy.

PMID- 22043879
TI  - Iron endowment at birth: maternal iron status and other influences.
AB  - The iron endowment at birth depends, in large part, on the newborn's birth weight
      and gestational age. These are determined by many factors, some of which are
      maternal characteristics, including the following: maternal iron stores at her
      own birth and during her own early life, maternal growth and development,
      maternal age at conception, intergenesic intervals, maternal body characteristics
      and iron status at conception and during early pregnancy, gestational body weight
      gain, and iron status throughout gestation, particularly at conception and early
      pregnancy, and gestational body weight gain. Although less studied, paternal
      influences on the initiation and progression of pregnancy and on maternal
      environmental exposures are also important. Even though tools for the
      quantitative evaluation of women's iron status are very well developed, the
      quantitative estimation of body iron in the newborn and young infant remains a
      challenge. This article describes the crucial role played by the placenta in
      protecting the embryo and the fetus. In addition, neonatal health, particularly
      early in pregnancy, is briefly addressed, as are some important aspects of
      antenatal nutritional interventions that include iron.

PMID- 22043880
TI  - Timing of umbilical cord clamping: effect on iron endowment of the newborn and
      later iron status.
AB  - The optimal timing of umbilical cord clamping has been debated in the scientific
      literature for at least the last century, when cord clamping practices shifted
      from delayed towards immediate clamping. Recent research provides evidence for
      the beneficial effect of delayed cord clamping on infant iron status. The present
      review describes the physiological basis for the impact of cord clamping time on
      total body iron at birth and the relationship between birth body iron, as
      affected by cord clamping time, and iron status later in infancy. This research
      is discussed in the context of current clamping practices, which tend towards
      early cord clamping in most settings, as well as the high levels of anemia
      present in young infants in many countries worldwide.

PMID- 22043881
TI  - Consumption of cow's milk as a cause of iron deficiency in infants and toddlers.
AB  - Consumption of cow's milk (CM) by infants and toddlers has adverse effects on
      their iron stores, a finding that has been well documented in many localities.
      Several mechanisms have been identified that may contribute to iron deficiency in
      this young population group. The most important of these is probably the low iron
      content of CM, which makes it difficult for infants to obtain the amounts of iron
      needed for growth. A second mechanism is the occult intestinal blood loss
      associated with CM consumption during infancy, a condition that affects about 40%
      of otherwise healthy infants. Loss of iron in the form of blood diminishes with
      age and ceases after the age of 1 year. A third mechanism is the inhibition of
      non-heme iron absorption by calcium and casein, both of which are present in high
      amounts in CM. Fortification of CM with iron, as practiced in some countries, can
      protect infants and toddlers against CM's negative effects on iron status.
      Consumption of CM produces a high renal solute load, which leads to a higher
      urine solute concentration than consumption of breast milk or formula, thereby
      narrowing the margin of safety during dehydrating events, such as diarrhea. The
      high protein intake from CM may also place infants at increased risk of obesity
      in later childhood. It is thus recommended that unmodified, unfortified CM not be
      fed to infants and that it be fed to toddlers in modest amounts only.

PMID- 22043882
TI  - Long-term brain and behavioral consequences of early iron deficiency.
AB  - Early iron deficiency not only affects brain and behavioral function during the
      period of iron deficiency, it persists long after treatment. The mechanisms
      include long-term alterations in dopamine metabolism, myelination, and
      hippocampal structure and function. Recent studies have demonstrated long-term
      genomic changes, which suggests the regulation of brain function is fundamentally
      altered.

PMID- 22043883
TI  - Estimating the prevalence of iron deficiency in the first two years of life:
      technical and measurement issues.
AB  - National-level data on iron deficiency is not available for most countries and
      many rely on the prevalence of anemia as a proxy estimate, assuming that
      approximately 50% of anemia cases are caused by iron deficiency. Anemia, however,
      has multiple causal factors and the risk attributable to any one cause will
      depend on its relative importance in a population in relation to other causes.
      The present review summarizes current estimates on the prevalence of iron
      deficiency and anemia in children younger than 2 years and evaluates the
      strengths and weaknesses of currently available indicators of iron deficiency in
      children. Anemia prevalence is insufficient to estimate the prevalence of iron
      deficiency in children younger than 2 years. The methods widely used to assess
      iron deficiency at the population level rely on venous blood samples and are
      complicated and costly to implement.

PMID- 22043884
TI  - Evaluation of meat as a first complementary food for breastfed infants: impact on
      iron intake.
AB  - The rationale for promoting the availability of local, affordable, non-fortified
      food sources of bioavailable iron in developing countries is considered in this
      review. Intake of iron from the regular consumption of meat from the age of 6
      months is evaluated with respect to physiological requirements. Two major
      randomized controlled trials evaluating meat as a first and regular complementary
      food are described in this article. These trials are presently in progress in
      poor communities in Guatemala, Pakistan, Zambia, Democratic Republic of the
      Congo, and China.

PMID- 22043885
TI  - Iron deficiency and iron-deficiency anemia in the first two years of life:
      strategies to prevent loss of developmental potential.
AB  - This article examines the association of iron deficiency (ID) and iron deficiency
      anemia (IDA) with children's development and behavior, with the goal of providing
      recommendations to prevent the developmental loss associated with these
      conditions. Children's risk for ID and IDA is particularly high during the second
      6 months of life when prenatal stores are depleted. Longitudinal studies from
      infancy through adolescence and early adulthood suggest that socioemotional
      development is uniquely vulnerable to ID and IDA, perhaps being associated with
      shared neural pathways, and the effects of early iron deficiencies may be
      irreversible. In addition to direct effects on brain function, ID and IDA may
      also affect child development indirectly through non-responsive mother-child
      interactions. Maternal ID is a global problem that may contribute to high rates
      of maternal depression and non-responsive caregiving. Intervention trials
      illustrate that children benefit from both nutritional intervention and early
      learning interventions that promote responsive mother-child interactions.
      Recommendations to reduce the developmental loss associated with ID and IDA are
      to reduce the incidence of these conditions by efforts to prevent premature
      birth, delay cord clamping, ensure adequate maternal iron status, provide iron
      rich complementary foods, and ensure access to postnatal interventions that
      promote responsive mother-infant interaction patterns and early learning
      opportunities for infants.

PMID- 22043886
TI  - Iron supplementation of breastfed infants.
AB  - Reported here are three studies performed with the objective of finding ways to
      improve the iron status of breastfed infants and to prevent iron deficiency (ID).
      Participating infants were exclusively breastfed until 4 months of age;
      thereafter, they could receive complementary foods and, in some studies,
      supplemental formula. In the first study, infants were given medicinal iron
      between the ages of 1 and 5.5 months. During this period, iron status improved
      and ID was prevented; however, these benefits did not continue after the
      intervention ceased. In the second study, infants received medicinal iron or an
      equivalent amount of iron from an iron-fortified cereal between the ages of 4 and
      9 months. Again, iron supplementation largely prevented ID from occurring, while
      non-anemic ID and ID anemia occurred in the control group as well as in the
      intervention groups before the intervention began. In the third study, infants
      received dry cereals fortified with electrolytic iron or with ferrous fumarate
      between the ages of 4 and 9 months. The cereals were equally effective in
      providing relative protection from ID. The results of these three studies
      indicate it is possible to protect breastfed infants from ID and IDA.

PMID- 22043887
TI  - Strategies to prevent iron deficiency and improve reproductive health.
AB  - Anemia and iron deficiency affect billions of people worldwide, especially women
      of reproductive age, pregnant women, and young children. Many countries have iron
      and folic acid supplementation programs for pregnant women. However, the impact
      of these programs is uncertain. Multiple-micronutrient supplementation during
      pregnancy has been advocated; however, it is unclear whether this has additional
      advantages. Overall, programs have shown only modest impact on increasing birth
      weight. This review discusses the present state of knowledge on interventions to
      improve iron status during pregnancy and reproductive health, and investigates
      other possibilities such as supplementation prior to conception to improve
      maternal and child health.

PMID- 22043888
TI  - Dynamic categorization and slot-filler representation in 4- and 6-year-old
      children.
AB  - This experiment was aimed at studying both the role of narrow/contextualized
      categories in the acquisition/organization of conceptual knowledge and the
      dynamics of categorization decisions. A forced-choice categorization task
      contrasting thematic and taxonomic responding was used in 4- and 6-year-old
      children. Before response alternatives were presented, a conceptual organization
      was pre-activated by means of a matching between the target stimulus and a
      thematically related, taxonomically related or slot-filler related object.
      Although taxonomic sorting was prominent overall, it varied as a function of age
      and of the nature of the pre-activated relation. Responses in accordance with the
      thematic or taxonomic activations occurred similarly in 4- and 6-year-old
      children. Age-related effects were however at work in the case of a slot-filler
      activation: 4-year-old children considered the contextual/contiguity relations
      between the stimuli but did not weight the equivalence relations (i.e., same
      occurrence of responses based on the kind of object in the slot-filler and in the
      thematic activation conditions). More diversified processes appeared to be at
      work in 6-year-old children. Slot-filler categories were this time considered
      throughout both their contextual/contiguity structure and their equivalence
      relations. Results were discussed in terms of availability of conceptual
      organizations, flexibility abilities, dynamic categorization and preferences. The
      focus was on implication of slot-filler representations in the construction of
      conceptual knowledge and in the development of categorization. An important point
      was to determine whether the age-related changes observed in the slot-filler
      activation condition could be consistent with Nelson's ( 1983 ) idea that slot
      fillers would help passing from a schema-based to a conventional superordinate
      organization.

PMID- 22043889
TI  - Effects of positive and negative delusional ideation on memory.
AB  - We investigated the relationship between levels of delusional ideation (whether
      positive or negative delusions) and the activation and distortion of memory by
      using pairs of positive and negative adjectives describing personality traits
      where those adjectives had similar meanings. We presented one of each pair of
      adjectives in the learning phase. Immediately after the learning phase in
      Experiment 1, we asked whether each adjective had been presented. Participants
      with high (positive or negative) delusional ideation were more likely to indicate
      that they had learned adjectives that they had not actually learned. This finding
      suggested that non-learned positive (or negative) adjectives that were associated
      with learned negative (or positive) adjectives were more likely to be activated
      in participants prone to positive (or negative) delusional ideation. However, in
      Experiment 2, two forced-choice tests were conducted immediately after the
      learning phase. In this context, participants, regardless of their proneness to
      delusional ideation, could almost always correctly distinguish what had and had
      not been presented, suggesting that the activation of learned items was still
      stronger than that for non-learned items in the immediate test. As time passed,
      the proportion of false alarms for positive or negative adjectives was higher in
      the two forced-choice tests among those with high proneness to (positive or
      negative) delusional ideation, suggesting that participants with delusional
      ideation were increasingly likely to depend on internal conditions for retrieval
      over time.   Nous avons examine la relation entre les niveaux d'ideation
      illusoire (qu'elle soit positive ou negative) et l'activation et la distorsion de
      la memoire, en utilisant des paires d'adjectifs positifs et negatifs a
      significations similaires decrivant des traits de personnalite. Nous avons
      presente un membre de chaque paire d'adjectifs lors d'une phase d'apprentissage.
      Dans une premiere experience, immediatement apres la phase d'apprentissage, nous
      avons demande si chaque adjectif avait ete presente. Les participants ayant un
      niveau d'ideation illusoire (positive ou negative) eleve etaient plus
      susceptibles d'indiquer qu'ils avaient appris les adjectifs qu'ils n'avaient pas
      appris. Ce resultat suggerait que les adjectifs positifs (ou negatifs) non appris
      qui etaient associes a des adjectifs negatifs (ou positifs) appris etaient plus
      susceptibles d'etre actives chez les participants portes a l'ideation illusoire
      positive (ou negative). Dans une deuxieme experience, deux tests a choix forces
      ont ete menes immediatement apres la phase d'apprentissage. Dans ce contexte, les
      participants, independamment de leur tendance a l'ideation illusoire, pouvaient
      presque toujours distinguer correctement ce qui avait ete presente de ce qui
      n'avait pas ete presente, suggerant que l'activation des items appris etait
      encore plus forte que celle des items non appris dans le test immediat. Avec le
      temps, la proportion de fausses alarmes pour les adjectifs positifs ou negatifs
      etait plus elevee dans les deux tests a choix forces chez les participants portes
      a l'ideation illusoire (positive ou negative), ce qui suggere que les
      participants avec ideation illusoire etaient de plus en plus susceptibles de
      dependre de leurs conditions internes lors du rappel a mesure que le temps
      passait.   En este estudio se investigo la relacion entre los niveles de ideacion
      delusional (tanto delusiones positivas como negativas) y la activacion y
      distorsion de la memoria a traves del uso de pares de adjetivos positivos y
      negativos que describen rasgos de personalidad. Estos pares de adjetivos tenian
      significados similares. En la fase de aprendizaje se presento un miembro de cada
      par de adjetivos. Inmediatamente despues de la fase de aprendizaje se realizo el
      primer experimento, en el cual se pregunto al participanten si es que se le
      habian presentado cada uno de los adjetivos. Los participantes con elevada
      ideacion delusiva (positiva o negativa) reportaran con una mayor probabilidad
      haber aprendido adjetivos que en realidad no se les habia presentado. Este
      hallazgo sugiere que adjetivos positivos (o negativos) no aprendidos que estaban
      asociados con adjetivos negativos (o positivos) aprendidos, tenian una mayor
      probabilidad de ser activados en participantes propensos a una ideacion delusiva
      positiva (o negativa). En el segundo experimento se llevaron a cabo
      inmediatamente despues de la fase de aprendizaje dos pruebas de decision forzada.
      En este contexto se pudo observar que los participantes a pesar de su tendencia
      hacia una ideacion delusional, lograron distinguir en la mayoria de los casos
      correctamente entre los adjetivos que les fueron presentado y lo que no. Esto
      sugiere que la activacion de los items aprendidos fue mucho mas intensa que la de
      los items no aprendidos en el test. Sin embargo se pudo observar en los
      participantes de las dos pruebas de decision forzada que con el paso del tiempo
      el porcentaje de falso reconocimiento de adjetivos positivos y negativos fue mas
      elevado entre aquellas personas con una alta tendencia hacia una ideacion
      delusional (positiva o negativa). Esto sugiere que en participantes con ideacion
      delusional el reconocimiento de informacion a lo largo del tiempo probablemente
      es muy dependiente de condiciones internas.

PMID- 22043890
TI  - Comparison of brain mechanisms underlying the processing of Chinese characters
      and pseudo-characters: an event-related potential study.
AB  - Most Chinese characters are composed of a semantic radical on the left and a
      phonetic radical on the right. The semantic radical provides the semantic
      information; the phonetic radical provides information concerning the
      pronunciation of the whole character. The pseudo-characters in the study
      consisted of different sub-lexical parts of real Chinese characters and
      consequently they also had the semantic radical and the phonetic radical. But
      they were not readable and had no actual meaning. In order to investigate the
      spatiotemporal cortical activation patterns underlying the orthographic,
      phonological and semantic processing of Chinese characters, we used event-related
      brain potentials (ERPs) to explore the processing of Chinese characters and
      pseudo-characters when 14 healthy Chinese college students viewed the characters
      passively. Results showed that both Chinese characters and pseudo-characters
      elicited an evident negative potential peaking around 120 ms (N120), which
      appeared to reflect initial orthographic distinction and evaluation. Then,
      Chinese pseudo-characters elicited a more positive ERP deflection (P220) than did
      Chinese characters 200-250 ms after onset of the stimuli. It was similar to the
      recognition potential (RP) and might reflect the integration processes of
      phonological and semantic processing on the basis of early orthographic
      information. Dipole source analysis of the difference wave (pseudo-characters
      minus characters) indicated that a generator localized in the left temporal
      occipital junction contributed to this effect, which was possibly related to
      phonological and perceptual-semantic information integration. Between 350-450 ms,
      a greater negativity (N360) in pseudo-characters as compared to characters was
      found over midline fronto-central scalp regions. Dipole analysis localized the
      generator of N360 in the right parahippocampal cortex. Therefore, the N360 might
      be an N400 component and reflect the higher-level semantic activation on the
      basis of orthographic, phonological and perceptual-semantic processing.   La
      plupart des caracteres chinois sont composes d'un radical semantique a gauche et
      d'un radical phonetique a droite. Le radical semantique peut fournir de
      l'information semantique et le radical phonetique peut fournir de l'information
      concernant la prononciation du caractere entier. Les pseudo-caracteres
      consistaient en differentes parties sous-lexicales des caracteres chinois reels
      et, consequemment, ils avaient aussi un radical semantique et un radical
      phonetique. Mais ils ne pouvaient pas etre lisibles et ils n'ont actuellement
      aucun sens. Afin d'etudier les patrons d'activation spatiotemporels corticaux
      sous-jacents aux traitements orthographique, phonologique et semantique des
      caracteres chinois, nous avons utilise des Potentiels cerebraux relies aux
      evenements (PRE) pour explorer le traitement des caracteres et des pseudo
      caracteres chinois aupres de 14 collegiens chinois visionnant les caracteres
      passivement. Les resultats ont montre qu'a la fois les caracteres et les pseudo
      caracteres chinois provoquaient un potentiel negatif evident atteignant un sommet
      autour de 120 ms (N120), ce qui apparaissait refleter la distinction et
      l'evaluation orthographiques initiales. Puis, les pseudo-caracteres ont provoque
      une deviation PRE plus positive (P220) que les caracteres chinois entre 200 et
      250 ms apres l'apparition des stimuli. Ceci etait similaire au PR (Potentiel de
      reconnaissance) et pouvait refleter les processus d'integration des traitements
      phonologique et semantique sur la base de l'information orthographique initiale.
      L'analyse dipole de source de la difference de courbe (pseudo-caracteres moins
      caracteres) a indique qu'un generateur localise dans la jonction temporo
      occipitale gauche contribuait a cet effet, ce qui etait possiblement relie a
      l'integration de l'information phonologique et perceptuelle-semantique. Entre 350
      et 450 ms, une plus grande negativite (N360) fut observee pour les pseudo
      caracteres comparativement aux caracteres des regions du scalp au-dessus des
      regions medianes fronto-centrales. L'analyse dipole a localise le generateur de
      N360 dans le cortex para-hippocampique droit. Ainsi, le N360 pourrait etre une
      composante N400 et refleter une activation semantique de haut niveau sur la base
      des traitements orthographique, phonologique et perceptuel-semantique.   La
      mayoria de los caracteres chinos estan compuestos por un radical semantico a la
      izquierda y un radical fonetico a la derecha. El radical semantico puede
      proporcionar informacion semantica y el radical fonetico puede proporcionar
      informacion relacionada con la pronunciacion del caracter entero. Los pseudo
      caracteres consistieron en diferentes partes sub-lexicas de los caracteres reales
      chinos y como consecuencia, tambien tenian radicales semanticos y foneticos. Pero
      estos no se podian leer y tampoco tenian un significado real. Para investigar los
      patrones de la activacion cortical espaciotemporal subyacentes de los
      procesamientos ortografico, fonologico y semantico de los caracteres chinos,
      utilizamos potencial relacionado con eventos (ERPs) para explorar el
      procesamiento de caracteres chinos y pseudo-caracteres mientras que 14 sanos
      estudiantes chinos veian los caracteres de forma pasiva. Los resultados
      demostraron que ambos, caracteres y pseudo-caracteres chinos evocaban potenciales
      negativos con picos alrededor de los 120 ms (N120), lo cual parece reflejar
      distincion inicial ortografica y evaluacion. Ademas, los pseudo-caracteres chinos
      provocaban una desviacion ERP mas positiva (P220) en comparacion con los
      caracteres chinos entre 200-250 ms despues de la aparicion de los estimulos. Esto
      fue parecido a RP (potenciales de reconocimiento) y puede reflejar un proceso de
      integracion del procesamiento fonologico y semantico basado en la informacion
      ortografica temprana. Un analisis dipolo de la fuente de la onda de diferencia
      (pseudo-caracteres menos caracteres) indico que un generador localizado en el
      cruce temporal-occipital izquierdo contribuyo a este efecto, lo cual
      probablemente tuvo relacion con la integracion de la informacion fonologica y
      perceptivo-semantica. Se encontro mayor negatividad (N360) entre 350-450 ms, en
      pseudo-caracteres en comparacion con los caracteres situada sobre las regiones de
      la linea media fronto-central craneal. Un analisis dipolo localizo un generador
      de N360 en el cortex parahipocampal derecho. Por tanto, el N360 podria ser un
      componente de N400 reflejando una activacion semantica de mas alto nivel basado
      en el procesamiento ortografico, fonologico y perceptivo-semantico.

PMID- 22043891
TI  - Thinking and feeling in the People's Republic of China: testing the generality of
      the "laws of emotion".
AB  - Cognitive theories of emotion assert that emotional reactions to events depend on
      the manner in which events are interpreted and appraised. From this perspective,
      the same outcome can produce different emotions. For example, a score of 85% on a
      test can evoke positive feelings if it is considered a success or negative
      feelings if it is considered a failure. Among the various appraisal dimensions
      that have been identified, causal attributions are thought to play a particularly
      influential role in shaping emotional reactions to various events. For example,
      success can evoke pride if it is attributed to high ability, gratitude if it is
      attributed to help from others, relief if it is attributed to a stroke of good
      fortune, or guilt if it is attained fraudulently or at the expense of others.
      These cognitive-affective linkages are thought to be universal. In this paper, we
      report two studies that tested the cross-cultural generality of some of these
      assumptions. In Study 1, participants from the People's Republic of China were
      led to succeed or fail on an (alleged) test of their intelligence and creativity.
      Consistent with previous findings with Western samples, attributions to ability
      predicted participants' emotional reactions to their test performance, with high
      ability attributions linked to greater pride following success. In Study 2, we
      extended these findings with American and Chinese participants, using a different
      experimental manipulation of success and failure, and a measure of attributions
      to effort. For both cultural groups, attributions to ability (but not
      attributions to effort) predicted greater emotional reactions to success. We
      conclude that attribution-emotion linkages have cross-cultural validity, and that
      pride is maximized when success is attributed to high ability.

PMID- 22043892
TI  - Longitudinal effects of egoistic and fraternal relative deprivation on well-being
      and protest.
AB  - According to the social justice literature, fraternal relative deprivation causes
      protest, but has little impact on well-being. We consider this view incomplete
      and predict that fraternal relative deprivation can impair well-being if it is
      enduring and difficult to ameliorate. As part of a longitudinal study of the
      German unification process, measures of egoistic relative deprivation, fraternal
      relative deprivation, life satisfaction, mental health, and protest were obtained
      on three occasions of measurement (1996, 1998, 2000) from a demographically
      heterogeneous sample of 1276 East German citizens. Model tests and parameter
      estimation were performed with LISREL. In line with our predictions, unique
      longitudinal effects of fraternal relative deprivation on well-being were
      identified. No longitudinal effect of fraternal relative deprivation on protest
      was identified.

PMID- 22043893
TI  - Parent-child conflict and psychological maladjustment: a mediational analysis
      with reciprocal filial belief and perceived threat.
AB  - Empirical research has shown that parent-child conflict is positively related to
      poor adjustment in adolescents; however, the underlying processes have not been
      adequately examined. To explore the possible mediating pathways, reciprocal
      filial belief and perceived threat were chosen to represent two likely mechanisms
      accounting for how parent-child conflict harms adolescents' perceptions of their
      relationship with their parents and their self-perceptions within their cognitive
      appraisal framework. The former operates by attenuating children's affection
      towards their parents and the latter by lowering their self-perceptions. This
      study also distinguishes internalizing from externalizing problems in order to
      examine whether lower reciprocal filial belief more strongly mediates the
      relation between conflict with parents and adolescents' externalizing problems
      and whether perceived threat more strongly mediates the relation between conflict
      with parents and adolescents' internalizing problems. Hypotheses are as follows:
      (1) the more parent-child conflict adolescents report, the less reciprocal filial
      belief they recognize, which, in turn, leads to more maladjustments, especially
      externalizing ones; (2) the more parent-child conflicts adolescents report, the
      more threat they perceive, which, in turn, leads to more maladjustments,
      especially internalizing ones. Participants consisted of 603 Taiwanese
      adolescents (226 males and 377 females) aged 15 to 19 (average age = 16.95; SD =
      0.78). Structural equation modelling analyses confirmed the hypotheses. However,
      the three direct effects of conflict on internalizing problems, aggression, and
      deviant behaviour were still significant. In addition, a greater effect of the
      paternal than the maternal role on the link between conflict and attenuated
      reciprocal filial belief, and between perceived threat and internalizing
      problems, was identified. Implications for understanding the mediation processes
      responsible for all indirect effects, even the subsidiary ones, and the greater
      impact of conflict with the father than with the mother are discussed.
      Limitations of the study and considerations for future research are also
      addressed.   La recherche empirique a indique que le conflit parent-enfant est
      positivement lie a une faible adaptation chez les adolescents; cependant, les
      processus sous-jacents n'ont pas ete adequatement examines. Pour explorer les
      trajectoires de mediation possibles, la croyance filiale reciproque et la menace
      percue ont ete selectionnees afin de representer deux mechanismes plausiblement
      responsables de comment le conflit parent-enfant nuit aux peceptions des
      adolescents de leur relation avec les parents ainsi que de leurs auto-perceptions
      dans le cadre de leur evaluation cognitive. Le premier fonctionne en attenuant
      l'affection des enfants envers leurs parents et le dernier fonctionne en
      diminuant leurs auto-perceptions. Cette etude distingue aussi les problemes
      internalises de ceux qui sont externalises dans le but d'examiner si la plus
      faible croyance de filiation reciproque medie fortement la relation entre le
      conflit avec les parents et les problemes externalises des adolescents et si la
      menace percue medie plus fortement la relation entre le conflit avec les parents
      et les problemes internalises des adolescents. Les hypotheses sont les suivantes:
      (1) plus il y a de conflit parent-enfant rapporte par les adolescents, moins il y
      aura de croyance filiale reciproque reconnue par les adolescents qui, en
      revanche, menera a plus de mesadaptation surtout externalisee. L'echantillon
      incluait 603 participants (226 males et 377 femelles) ages entre 15 et 19 ans
      (age moyen = 16.95; SD = 0.78). Une analyse de modelisation par equation
      structurelle a confirme les hypotheses. Cependant, les trois effets directs du
      conflit sur les problemes internalises, sur l'agression et sur le comportement
      deviant etaient toujours significatifs. De plus, nous avons observe un plus grand
      effet du role paternel plus que maternel sur le lien entre le conflit et la
      croyance filiale reciproque attenuee ainsi qu'entre la menace percue et les
      problemes internalises. Les implications pour la comprehension des processus de
      mediation responsables pour tous les effets indirects, meme ceux qui sont
      accessoires, et le plus grand impact du conflit avec le pere plus qu'avec la mere
      sont discutes. Les limites de l'etude et les considerations pour la recherche
      future sont aussi abordees.   La investigacion empirica ha demostrado que el
      conflicto entre padres e hijos esta positivamente relacionado con pobre ajuste en
      adolescentes; no obstante, el proceso subyacente no ha sido examinado
      adecuadamente. Para explorar posibles caminos, se eligieron la creencia filial
      reciproca y la amenaza percibida con el objetivo de representar dos posibles
      mecanismos explicativos de como el conflicto padres-hijos dana la percepcion de
      los adolescentes de su relacion con los padres y su auto-percepcion dentro de su
      marco de valoracion cognitiva. El primero actua atenuando el afecto de los hijos
      hacia los padres y el ultimo bajando su auto-percepcion. Este estudio tambien
      distingue los problemas interiorizados de los exteriorizados para examinar si la
      baja creencia filial reciproca es un mediador mas fuerte de la relacion entre el
      conflicto con los padres y los problemas exteriorizados de los adolescentes y si
      la amenaza percibida es un mediador mas fuerte de la relacion entre el conflicto
      con los padres y los problemas interiorizados de los adolescentes. Se han
      planteado las siguientes hipotesis: (1) cuanto mas conflicto entre padres e hijos
      refieran los adolescentes, menor sera el reconocimiento de la creencia filial
      reciproca, lo cual llevara a inadaptacion, sobre todo, exteriorizada; (2) cuanto
      mas conflicto entre padres e hijos refieran los adolescentes, mayor sera la
      amenaza percibida, lo cual llevara a mayor inadaptacion, sobre todo
      interiorizada. La muestra consistio de 603 adolescentes taiwaneses (226 chicos y
      377 chicas) entre 15 y 19 anos de edad (media edad = 16.95; DT = 0.78). Los
      analisis de los modelos de ecuaciones estructurales confirmaron las hipotesis.
      Sin embargo, los tres efectos directos de los conflictos en la internalizacion de
      los problemas, agresion y comportamiento anormal seguian siendo significativos.
      Ademas, se identifico un efecto mayor del rol paternal en comparacion con el rol
      maternal en la relacion entre conflicto y la creencia filial reciproca atenuada y
      entre la amenaza percibida y la internalizacion de los problemas. Se discuten las
      implicaciones para la comprension del proceso mediador responsable de todos los
      efectos indirectos, incluso los subsidiarios, y el mayor impacto del conflicto
      con los padres que con las madres. Igualmente, se discuten las limitaciones del
      estudio y las consideraciones para la investigacion futura.

PMID- 22043894
TI  - Comparison of dysfunctional attitudes and social adjustment among infertile
      employed and unemployed women in Iran.
AB  - This study aims to compare dysfunctional attitudes and social adjustment in
      infertile employed and unemployed females. Due to the stresses of infertility,
      infertile females are faced with a variety of sexual and psychological problems,
      as well as dysfunctional attitudes that can lead to depression. Moreover,
      infertility problems provoke women into maladjustment and inadvertent corruption
      of relationships. In this regard, our goal is to consider the effects of
      employment in conjunction with education on dysfunctional attitudes and social
      adjustment among infertile women in Iran. In this work, we employed the survey
      method. We recruited 240 infertile women, utilizing the cluster random sampling
      method. These women filled out the Dysfunctional Attitudes Scale and the social
      adjustment part of the California Test of Personality. Next, multivariate
      analysis of variance was performed to test the relationship of employment status
      and education with dysfunctional attitudes and social adjustment. Our results
      indicated that dysfunctional attitudes were far more prevalent in infertile
      unemployed women than in infertile employed women. Also, social adjustment was
      better in infertile employed women than in infertile unemployed women. It was
      shown that education level alone does not have significant effect on
      dysfunctional attitudes and social adjustment. However, we demonstrated that the
      employment status of infertile women in conjunction with their education level
      significantly affects the two dimensions of dysfunctional attitudes
      (relationships, entitlements) and has insignificant effects on social adjustment.
      It was revealed that in employed infertile women in Iran, the higher education
      level, the less dysfunctional were attitudes in relationships and entitlements,
      whereas in unemployed infertile women, those with a college degree had the least
      and those with master's or higher degrees had the most dysfunctional attitudes in
      terms of relationships and entitlements.

PMID- 22043895
TI  - Comparative analysis of integrative self-knowledge, mindfulness, and private self
      consciousness in predicting responses to stress in Iran.
AB  - Previous research has established that awareness of self-experience is a stress
      resistance resource. The present study conducted an analysis of measures that
      record different aspects of self-awareness (private self-consciousness,
      mindfulness, and integrative self-knowledge) to explain this stress-resistance
      effect in a sample of Iranian university students (N = 186). These students
      responded to Mindfulness Attention Awareness, Private Self-Consciousness,
      Integrative Self-Knowledge, and Perceived Stress Scales just before the stress of
      a 20-day final examination period, and they then responded to Symptom Checklist
      and Vitality measures at four-day intervals during the final examinations. Prior
      to final examinations, the three self-awareness variables correlated positively
      with each other and negatively with perceived stress. Regression analyses of the
      data obtained during final examinations identified mindfulness to be a better
      operationalization of this stress-resistance resource than private self
      consciousness. Specifically, mindfulness but not private self-consciousness was a
      positive predictor of vitality and a negative predictor of symptoms. Hierarchical
      regression analyses also demonstrated that mindfulness and integrative self
      knowledge both explained resistance to physical symptoms, while integrative self
      knowledge functioned as a protective factor toward one's vitality. These data
      confirm the positive impact that self-awareness has during stress and highlight
      the importance of considering both mindfulness and integrative self-knowledge in
      understanding stress-resistance processes.

PMID- 22043896
TI  - Psychology through international congresses: differences between regions,
      countries, and congresses.
AB  - A published database of presentations from the seven most recent International
      Congresses of Applied Psychology (ICAPs) was compared to a similar but
      unpublished database (Adair, Anguas-Plata, Unik, & Radons, 2009) on the
      International Congresses of Psychology (ICPs) for the years 1996-2004. Analyses
      revealed phenomena characteristic of attendance at both international congresses:
      Participation rates spike dramatically for host countries; less dramatic regional
      surges in participation occur when the congress is held in a neighbouring
      country. Psychologists from 117 different countries participated in the seven
      recent congresses (ICAP and ICP) from 1994 to 2006. Overall ICP was double the
      size of ICAP, and represented a larger set of countries at each of its
      congresses. Regardless of location, most participants at both congresses came
      from the same 11 economically advantaged and seven majority-world countries.
      Congress presentations are dispersed across a much larger number of countries
      than are journal publications. The USA, for example, had modest 14.4% (ICAP) and
      11.6% (ICP) presentation rates, much smaller than its majority share of
      publications (Adair,  2009 ). By contrast, the USA had the greater share of
      invited addresses at both ICAP (33.7%) and ICP (28.9%) congresses. Nonetheless,
      the majority-world countries contributing to both ICAP and ICP are clearly
      indicative of where the discipline is gaining strength and importance to
      international psychology. The emergence of Iran as a new leading national
      contributor to the two most recent international congresses, and the rise in the
      proportion of presentations by majority-world psychologists at ICAPs from only
      about one in five to more than one of every three presentations in recent
      congresses are findings consistent with Zakaria's (2008) analysis of changes
      taking place in the world. Within international congresses, certainly, the "rise
      of the rest" is changing the face of international psychology.

PMID- 22043897
TI  - 'Living a life in shades of grey': experiencing depressive symptoms in the acute
      phase after stroke.
AB  - AIM: The aim of the present study was to describe the lived experience of stroke
      survivors suffering from depressive symptoms in the acute phase; addressing the
      following questions: (a) what is the nature of depression as experienced by post
      stroke patients in the acute phase? (b) what is it like to live with depression
      within the first weeks following stroke? BACKGROUND: Post-stroke depression
      occurs in at least one quarter of stroke survivors and is linked to poorer
      outcomes. METHOD: This qualitative study is methodologically grounded in
      hermeneutic phenomenology, influenced by van Manen and Ricoeur. A descriptive,
      qualitative design was used applying in-depth interviews as the method of data
      collection with nine participants. The data collection took place in 2008.
      RESULTS: The material revealed two main themes that generate the feeling and
      description of 'living a life in shades of grey': (a) being trapped and (b)
      losing oneself. 'Shades of grey' could be understood as being confined in a new
      life-world and losing oneself as the person one knew. CONCLUSION: The
      participants confirmed suffering from depressive symptoms, but depression was not
      seen as meaningful on its own. They related their experiences of post-stroke
      depression in the acute phase to the losses they experienced. Nurses ought to
      take into account the depth of the life changes that stroke survivors may
      experience. There is a need for continued empirical research on how nurses may
      help and support stroke survivors dealing with depressive symptoms in the acute
      phase after stroke and how depressive symptoms develop over time.

PMID- 22043898
TI  - Dental fear in children with a cleft lip and/or cleft palate.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the level of dental fear in children with a cleft lip and/or
      palate, to compare this level with that of a normative group testing the
      hypothesis that children with a cleft lip and/or palate have a higher level of
      dental anxiety than children from the general population, and to assess the
      relation between dental fear and coping. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING:
      VU Medical Centre University Amsterdam. PATIENTS: A total of 110 children (4 to
      12 years old, 50 girls) with a cleft lip and/or palate. INTERVENTIONS: Dental
      fear in the study group was compared with a normative group of Dutch children.
      MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Dental fear was investigated using the parental version of
      the dental subscale of the Children's Fear Survey Schedule for children aged 4
      and 5 years old (n = 36). Also the Inventory of Stressful Situations was
      completed. Children aged 6 to 12 years old also completed the Dental Cope
      Questionnaire. RESULTS: Young children with a cleft lip and/or palate experience
      more dental fear compared with children in a normative control group (Children's
      Fear Survey Schedule dental subscale scores: 30.3 +/- 14.6 compared with 24.6 +/-
      8.6, p < .01). A weak correlation was found between the child's dental anxiety
      (Children's Fear Survey Schedule dental subscale) and his or her coping behavior
      (Dental Coping Questionnaire) (r = .196 p < .05). A clear correlation exists
      between the total Inventory of Stressful Situations and total Children's Fear
      Survey Schedule scores of the youngest age group (r = .507 p < .01). CONCLUSIONS:
      Findings support the hypothesis that dental anxiety is related to a higher level
      of exposure to medical interventions at a young age.

PMID- 22043900
TI  - Interleukin-32 enhances cytotoxic effect of natural killer cells to cancer cells
      via activation of death receptor 3.
AB  - Studies have demonstrated that the anti-tumour effect of natural killer (NK)
      cells is successful for patients with several cancers. Although interleukin-32
      (IL-32) is endogenously expressed in NK cells, cytolytic function of NK cells
      against cancer cells has not been fully demonstrated. In the present study, we
      found that the growth of cancer cells was suppressed when colon cancer cells or
      prostate cancer cells were co-cultured with NK-92 cells, an NK cell line. We also
      found that the expression of tumour necrosis factor receptor 2 and death receptor
      3 (DR3) was increased in PC3 cells, and the expression of FAS and DR3 was
      increased in SW620 cells by co-culture with NK-92 cells. However, cancer cell
      growth inhibition and IL-32 expression were abolished when cancer cells were co
      cultured with NK cells transfected with small interfering (si) RNA of IL-32. DR3
      expression was also diminished by co-culture with IL-32-specific siRNA
      transfected NK-92 cells. Expression of APO3L, a ligand of DR3, was elevated in NK
      cells that were co-cultured with cancer cells. It was also found that expression
      of apoptosis-related proteins such as cleaved caspase-3 and bax was increased in
      cancer cells co-cultured with NK-92 cells, but their expression was abolished by
      co-culture with IL-32 siRNA-transfected NK-92 cells. Moreover, knockdown of DR3
      in co-culture of NK-92 cells with cancer cells by siRNA or antibodies of DR3 and
      APO3L reversed the growth inhibitory effect of NK-92 cells. In conclusion, our
      study showed that IL-32 enhanced the cytotoxic effect of NK-92 cells on the
      cancer cells through activation of DR3 and caspase-3.

PMID- 22043901
TI  - Coexistence of two kinds of fluorinated hydrogenated micelles as building blocks
      for the design of bimodal mesoporous silica with two ordered mesopore networks.
AB  - A simple and effective route has been developed for the synthesis of bimodal (3.6
      and 9.4 nm) mesoporous silica materials that have two ordered interconnected pore
      networks. Mesostructures have been prepared through the self-assembly mechanism
      by using a mixture of polyoxyethylene fluoroalkyl ether and triblock copolymer as
      building blocks. The investigation of the R(F)(8)(EO)(9)/P123/water phase diagram
      shows that in the considered surfactant range of concentrations the system is
      micellar (L(1)). DLS measurements indicate that this micellar phase is composed
      of two types of micelles; the size of the first one at around 7.6 nm corresponds
      unambiguously to the pure fluorinated micelles. The second type of micelles at
      higher diameter consists of fluorinated micelles that have accommodated a weak
      fraction of P123 molecules. Thus, in this study the bimodal mesoporous silica is
      really templated by two kinds of micelles.

PMID- 22043902
TI  - Postpartum rectal adenocarcinoma in a 26-year-old woman.

PMID- 22043903
TI  - Metal-organic frameworks based on unprecedented trinuclear and pentanuclear metal
      tetrazole clusters as secondary building units.
AB  - Solvothermal reactions of manganese(II) chloride tetrahydrate with a bis
      tetrazole ligand, 2,6-di(1H-tetrazol-5-yl)naphthalene (H(2)NDT), in N,N'
      dimethylformamide (DMF)/MeOH mixed solvent at two slightly different
      temperatures, 75 and 100  degrees C, led to two different metal-organic
      frameworks (MOFs), [Mn(II)(3)O(HNDT)(2)(NDT)(DMF)(3)] (1) and
      [Mn(II)(5)O(2)(HNDT)(2)(NDT)(2)(DMF)(8)] (2), with different net topologies.
      Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies reveal that 1 is constructed from an
      unprecedented trinuclear building block, [Mn(II)(3)O(CN(4))(6)], as a 6-connected
      trigonal prismatic secondary building unit (SBU) of topological D(3h) site
      symmetry, and that the ligand in the HNDT(-1)/NDT(2-) deprotonation states is a
      linker, where two tetrazole (CN(4)) groups of the ligand are connected via a
      rigid naphthyl group. The tetrazole groups in 1 adopt a 1,2-MU-bridging mode with
      the manganese(II) ions to form a MU(3)-oxo trinuclear SBU. The trigonalprismatic
      SBU in 1 is connected to six neighboring SBUs to form a three-dimensional MOF of
      acs net topology. 2 is constructed from an unprecedented pentanuclear building
      block, [Mn(II)(5)O(2)(CN(4))(8)], as an 8-connected tetragonal prismatic SBU of
      topological D(4h) site symmetry. The tetrazole groups in 2 adopt monodentate, 1,2
      MU- and 2,3-MU-bridging bidentate and 1,2,3-MU-bridging tridentate binding modes
      with the manganese(II) centers to form a bis-MU(3)-oxo pentanuclear SBU of local
      C(2) site symmetry. The tetragonal prismatic SBU in 2 is connected to eight
      neighboring SBUs to form a 3-D MOF of bcu net topology.

PMID- 22043904
TI  - Severe glomerulonephritis and encephalopathy associated with parvovirus B19
      infection mimicking systemic lupus erythematosus.

PMID- 22043905
TI  - Preface. Prion research in perspective III.

PMID- 22043906
TI  - Generalization of the prion hypothesis to other neurodegenerative diseases: an
      imperfect fit.
AB  - Protein misfolding diseases have been classically understood as diffuse errors in
      protein folding, with misfolded protein arising autonomously throughout a tissue
      due to a pathologic stressor. The field of prion science has provided an
      alternative mechanism whereby a seed of pathologically misfolded protein, arising
      exogenously or through a rare endogenous structural fluctuation, yields a
      template to catalyze misfolding of the native protein. The misfolded protein may
      then spread intercellularly to communicate the misfold to adjacent areas and
      ultimately infect a whole tissue. Mounting evidence implicates a prion-like
      process in the propagation of several neurodegenerative diseases, including
      Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and the
      tauopathies. However, the parallels between the events observed in these
      conditions and those in prion disease are often incomplete. The aim of this
      review was to examine the current state of knowledge concerning the mechanisms of
      protein misfolding and aggregation for neurodegeneration-associated proteins. In
      addition, possible methods of intercellular spread are described that focus on
      the hypothesis that released microvesicles function as misfolded protein delivery
      vehicles, and the therapeutic options enabled by viewing these diseases from the
      prion perspective.

PMID- 22043907
TI  - Upregulation of micro RNA-146a (miRNA-146a), a marker for inflammatory
      neurodegeneration, in sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (sCJD) and Gerstmann
      Straussler-Scheinker (GSS) syndrome.
AB  - A mouse- and human-brain-abundant, nuclear factor (NF)-kB-regulated, micro RNA
      146a (miRNA-146a) is an important modulator of the innate immune response and
      inflammatory signaling in specific immunological and brain cell types. Levels of
      miRNA-146a are induced in human brain cells challenged with at least five
      different species of single- or double-stranded DNA or RNA neurotrophic viruses,
      suggesting a broad role for miRNA-146a in the brain's innate immune response and
      antiviral immunity. Upregulated miRNA-146a is also observed in pro-inflammatory
      cytokine-, Abeta42 peptide- and neurotoxic metal-induced, oxidatively stressed
      human neuronal-glial primary cell cocultures, in murine scrapie and in
      Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain. In AD, miRNA-146a levels are found to
      progressively increase with disease severity and co-localize to brain regions
      enriched in inflammatory neuropathology. This study provides evidence of
      upregulation of miRNA-146a in extremely rare (incidence 1-10 per 100 million)
      human prion-based neurodegenerative disorders, including sporadic Creutzfeldt
      Jakob disease (sCJD) and Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker syndrome (GSS). The
      findings suggest that an upregulated miRNA-146a may be integral to innate immune
      or inflammatory brain cell responses in prion-mediated infections and to
      progressive and irreversible neurodegeneration of both the murine and human
      brain.

PMID- 22043908
TI  - Development of monoclonal antibodies specific for glycated prion protein.
AB  - Transmissive spongiform encephalopathies (TSE) are neurodegenerative diseases
      characterized by depositions of abnormally folded prion protein (PrP(TSE)) in
      brain. PrP(TSE) is at present the only specific biochemical marker of human and
      animal TSE. As deposits of PrP(TSE) remain in the body for long periods, there is
      substantial chance of them being nonenzymatically modified by glycation. The
      detection of glycated PrP(TSE) may have potential to serve as a diagnostic
      marker. Monoclonal antibodies specific for carboxymethyl lysine/arginine-modified
      prion protein were prepared. Recombinant human prion protein (rhPrP) was
      bacterially expressed and purified by affinity chromatography. rhPrP was modified
      by glyoxylic acid that introduces carboxymethyl groups on lysine and arginine
      residues present within the molecule of the protein. Modified rhPrP (rhPrP-CML)
      was used for immunization of 6 mice, and 960 hybridoma cells were prepared.
      Screening of cell supernatants resulted in the selection of four promising
      clones. One of them (EM-31) strongly reacts with human and mouse recombinant PrP
      CML, and three other clones react also with CML in vitro modified human and mouse
      brain PrP. Besides possible implication in TSE diagnostics, the antibodies may
      serve as tolls to advance our knowledge regarding the role of glycation in the
      prion pathophysiology.

PMID- 22043909
TI  - An NMR metabolomics study of elk inoculated with chronic wasting disease.
AB  - Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease affecting both
      farmed and wild cervids, specifically deer and elk, and is a member of the larger
      family of prion diseases. Prion disease transmission is believed to occur through
      exposure to infectious prion material-a misfolded and infectious form of the
      prion protein that is normally present in the host. Chronic wasting disease is
      endemic to regions of central North America and infectious material can persist
      for long periods in the environment, posing challenges for remediation and
      monitoring. The current methods of detection are relatively invasive, require the
      host animal to be in intermediate to late stages of disease incubation, and are
      not without risk to those collecting samples. The potential for a blood test that
      could identify key biomarkers of disease incubation is of great interest. Serum
      from elk (Cervus elaphus) (n = 4) was collected on a monthly schedule before, and
      following, oral inoculation of CWD-positive homogenate, and collection continued
      until clinical signs were apparent. Blood was collected on the same schedule for
      a group of control animals (n = 2) housed under identical conditions. Targeted
      profiling, using (1)H-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, of serum
      metabolites was used to yield metabolite identification as well as quantitation.
      Hierarchical multivariate statistical orthogonal partial least-squares (O-PLS)
      models were generated to identify predictive components in the data. Due to the
      duration of the study (25 mo) a significant aging component was taken into
      account during analysis. Several metabolites were correlated with aging in elk
      inoculated with CWD, but not in the control group.

PMID- 22043910
TI  - Alkylating antitumor drug mechlorethamine conceals a structured PrP domain and
      inhibits in vitro prion amplification.
AB  - Prion diseases are a group of incurable transmissible neurodegenerative
      disorders. The key molecular event in the pathogenesis of prion diseases is the
      conversion of the cellular prion protein (PrP(C)) into its pathological isoform
      (PrP(Sc)), accompanied by a conformational transition of alpha-helix into beta
      sheet structure involving the structured alpha-helix 1 domain from residues 144
      154 of the protein (PrP144-154). Blocking the accessibility of PrP144-152 with
      anti-PrP antibody 6H4 was found to prevent PrP conversion and even to cure prion
      infection in cell models ( Enari et al. 2001 ). Previously,  Yuan et al. (2005 )
      demonstrated that the reduction and alkylation of PrP induced concealment of the
      6H4 epitope. This study examined the ability of mechlorethamine (MCT), an
      alkylating antitumor drug, to conceal the 6H4 epitope and block PrP conversion in
      the presence of a reducing reagent. Mechlorethamine treatment significantly
      decreased in vitro amplification of PrP(Sc) in the highly efficient protein
      misfolding cyclic amplification system. Our findings suggest that MCT may serve
      as a potential therapeutic agent for prion diseases.

PMID- 22043911
TI  - Transcriptional modulation in a leukocyte-depleted splenic cell population during
      prion disease.
AB  - Prion replication in the periphery precedes neuroinvasion in many experimental
      rodent scrapie models, and in natural sheep scrapie and chronic wasting disease
      (CWD) in cervids. Prions propagate in the germinal centers of secondary lymphoid
      organs and are strongly associated with follicular dendritic cells (FDC) and
      possibly circulating dendritic cells and macrophages. Given the importance of
      lymphoid organs in prion disease transmission and pathogenesis, gene expression
      studies may reveal host factors or biological pathways related to prion
      replication and accumulation. A procedure was developed to enrich for FDC,
      dendritic cells, and macrophages prior to the investigation of transcriptional
      alterations in murine splenic cells during prion pathogenesis. In total, 1753
      transcripts exhibited fold changes greater than three (false discovery rates less
      than 2%) in this population isolated from spleens of prion-infected versus
      uninfected mice. The gene for the small leucine-rich proteoglycan decorin (DCN)
      was one of the genes most overexpressed in infected mice, and the splenic protein
      levels mirrored this in mice infected with scrapie as well as bovine spongiform
      encephalopathy (BSE) and variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD). A number of
      groups of functionally related genes were also significantly decreased in
      infected spleens. These included genes related to iron metabolism and
      homeostasis, pathways that have also been implicated in prion pathogenesis in the
      brain. These gene expression alterations provide insights into the molecular
      mechanisms underlying prion disease pathogenesis and may serve as a pool of
      potential surrogate markers for the early detection and diagnosis of some prion
      diseases.

PMID- 22043912
TI  - Diversity and distribution of white-tailed deer mtDNA lineages in chronic wasting
      disease (CWD) outbreak areas in southern Wisconsin, USA.
AB  - Chronic wasting disease (CWD) is a transmissible spongiform encephalopathy
      affecting North American cervids. Because it is uniformly fatal, the disease is a
      major concern in the management of white-tailed deer populations. Management
      programs to control CWD require improved knowledge of deer interaction, movement,
      and population connectivity that could influence disease transmission and spread.
      Genetic methods were employed to evaluate connectivity among populations in the
      CWD management zone of southern Wisconsin. A 576-base-pair region of the
      mitochondrial DNA of 359 white-tailed deer from 12 sample populations was
      analyzed. Fifty-eight variable sites were detected within the sequence, defining
      43 haplotypes. While most sample populations displayed similar levels of
      haplotype diversity, individual haplotypes were clustered on the landscape.
      Spatial clusters of different haplotypes were apparent in distinct ecoregions
      surrounding CWD outbreak areas. The spatial distribution of mtDNA haplotypes
      suggests that clustering of the deer matrilineal groups and population
      connectivity are associated with broad-scale geographic landscape features. These
      landscape characteristics may also influence the contact rates between groups and
      therefore the potential spread of CWD; this may be especially true of local
      disease spread between female social groups. Our results suggest that optimal CWD
      management needs to be tailored to fit gender-specific dispersal behaviors and
      regional differences in deer population connectivity. This information will help
      wildlife managers design surveillance and monitoring efforts based on population
      interactions and potential deer movement among CWD-affected and unaffected areas.

PMID- 22043913
TI  - Using linked household-level data sets to explain consumer response to bovine
      spongiform encepalopathy (BSE) in Canada.
AB  - Household-level Canadian meat purchases from 2002 to 2008 and a Food Opinions
      Survey conducted in 2008 were used to explore consumer responses to bovine
      spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) at the national level in Canada. Consumption in
      terms of the number of unit purchases was analyzed with a random-effects negative
      binomial model. In this study, household heterogeneity in meat purchases was
      partially explained using data from a self-reported food opinions survey. Of
      special interest was the hypothesis that consumers responded consistently to BSE
      in a one-time survey and in actual meat purchase behavior spanning years.
      Regional differences appeared, with consumers in eastern Canada reacting most
      negatively to BSE. Consumers responded more to the perception that food decision
      makers are honest about food safety than to the perception that they are
      knowledgeable, in maintaining beef purchases during BSE events.

PMID- 22043914
TI  - The role of psychological determinants and demographic factors in consumer demand
      for farm-to-fork traceability systems.
AB  - Traceability systems are an important tool (1) for tracking, monitoring, and
      managing product flows through the supply chain for better efficiency and
      profitability of suppliers, and (2) to improve consumer confidence in the face of
      serious food safety incidents. After the global bovine spongiform encephalopathy
      (BSE) crisis affected producers, consumers, trade, and the health status of
      animals and humans, new systems to help confirm the status of cattle products
      along the supply chain from farm to fork were implemented in many countries
      (Trautman et al. 2008 ). In this study, people's overall food safety beliefs are
      explored with the main objective of measuring the link between their food safety
      beliefs and their attitudes toward traceability. A comparison is made among
      English-speaking Canadians, French-speaking Canadians, and Japanese consumers. In
      the study, an Internet-based survey was used to collect data from nationally
      representative samples of the population in Canada-English (1275), Canada-French
      (343), and Japanese (1940) in the summer of 2009. Respondents' interests in
      traceability systems are clearly linked to their sense that the industry is
      primarily responsible for any food safety outbreaks. Moreover, it is clear that
      certain segments of the population in all samples feel strongly about the
      importance of farm to fork traceability in beef; thus, policymakers may wish to
      consider extending traceability beyond the point of slaughter as a way of
      encouraging beef sales in Canada.

PMID- 22043915
TI  - Do beef risk perceptions or risk attitudes have a greater effect on the beef
      purchase decisions of Canadian consumers?
AB  - Cluster analysis is applied in this study to group Canadian households by two
      characteristics, their risk perceptions and risk attitudes toward beef. There are
      some similarities in demographic profiles, meat purchases, and bovine spongiform
      encephalopathy (BSE) media recall between the cluster that perceives beef to be
      the most risky and the cluster that has little willingness to accept the risks of
      eating beef. There are similarities between the medium risk perception cluster
      and the medium risk attitude cluster, as well as between the cluster that
      perceives beef to have little risk and the cluster that is most willing to accept
      the risks of eating beef. Regression analysis shows that risk attitudes have a
      larger impact on household-level beef purchasing decisions than do risk
      perceptions for all consumer clusters. This implies that it may be more effective
      to undertake policies that reduce the risks associated with eating beef, instead
      of enhancing risk communication to improve risk perceptions. Only for certain
      clusters with higher willingness to accept the risks of eating beef might
      enhancing risk communication increase beef consumption significantly. The
      different role of risk perceptions and risk attitudes in beef consumption needs
      to be recognized during the design of risk management policies.

PMID- 22043916
TI  - Consumers' understanding and concerns about bovine spongiform encephalopathy
      (BSE): comparison among Canadian, American, and Japanese consumers.
AB  - In spite of much analysis of the impact of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE)
      on consumer perceptions and meat purchases, there has been little explicit
      analysis of the level of BSE knowledge. In this study the role of knowledge about
      BSE was examined in Canada, the United States, and Japan. In addition, the level
      of knowledge was linked to human health concerns regarding BSE and whether there
      is agreement with paying a premium for beef with BSE animal tests. From a public
      policy perspective, understanding whether higher or lower knowledge is linked to
      public concern and desire for market intervention might help in the design of
      risk communication in any future animal disease outbreak. Should lack of
      knowledge about the disease be related to a public desire for market intervention
      (animal testing, for example), then an increase in detailed information about how
      humans might contract the disease might change public pressure for intervention.
      As compared to U.S. and Canadian respondents, Japanese respondents are more
      knowledgeable regarding the ways in which humans might be exposed to the human
      variant of BSE (variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, vCJD) and are more concerned
      about the disease. However, U.S. respondents are more willing to pay a premium
      for beef tested to ensure that it will not result in vCJD. Japanese respondents
      who are more knowledgeable about BSE are more concerned about the risk of BSE to
      human health. In Canada, subjects who are more knowledgeable about the ways in
      which humans attain vCJD are less concerned about the risk of BSE to human
      health. Knowledge of the ways in which humans develop vCJD does not significantly
      influence concerns about the risk of BSE to human health in the United States or
      willingness to pay for BSE-tested beef in any of the three countries. The links
      between knowledge and concerns about BSE and between knowledge and agreement with
      paying premiums for BSE-tested beef were estimated for each country using ordered
      probit regressions.

PMID- 22043917
TI  - The economic impacts of chronic wasting disease and bovine spongiform
      encephalopathy in alberta and the rest of Canada.
AB  - Input-output analysis was used to calculate the economic impacts from potential
      prion diseases outbreaks in Alberta and the rest of Canada. Both chronic wasting
      disease (CWD) and bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) have the capacity not
      only to affect the farmed cervid and cattle industries, but also to impact all
      industries with direct and indirect links to these sectors. Cervid sector shocks
      yield small spillover effects on the economies of Alberta as well as that of all
      of Canada. In contrast, the cattle sector generates larger multiplier effects in
      both specifically Alberta region and all of Canada. The industries that
      consistently experience the largest impacts from prion disease outbreaks in both
      Alberta and remainder of Canada economic regions are agricultural sectors, mining
      and energy sectors, and industries dedicated to trade, transportation, and
      warehousing.

PMID- 22043918
TI  - The impact of chronic wasting disease and its management on hunter perceptions,
      opinions, and behaviors in Alberta, Canada.
AB  - The goal of this analysis was to identify changes in hunting behavior,
      satisfaction, and perceptions of risk in the presence of chronic wasting disease
      (CWD). Hunters completed an Internet survey containing direct questions regarding
      the impacts of CWD and gathering information about real and hypothetical hunting
      trips. Overall, hunters were satisfied with CWD management, and although certain
      behaviors were altered, the perceived risk by hunters did not seem to be high. A
      travel cost model was used to determine whether differences in trip frequencies
      might be observed in response to CWD. The largest variation in trips was between
      urban and rural hunters, with urban hunters being less averse to traveling but
      more averse to CWD and the management program of extra tags.

PMID- 22043919
TI  - Public risk perception of relaxation of transmissible spongiform encephalopathies
      (TSE) measures in Europe.
AB  - The so-called "TSE roadmap" was published by the European Commission on July 15,
      2005. The transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE) roadmap suggests
      relaxation of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in cattle and other animal
      transmissible spongiform encephalopathies measures in the short, medium, and long
      term. According to the TSE roadmap, "Any relaxation of BSE measures following the
      scientific assessment should be initiated by an open discussion with all
      stakeholders and supported by a strong communication strategy" ( European
      Commission 2005 , 5). Bearing this in mind, a social scientific project was
      designed to (1) involve different stakeholder groups, governmental risk managers,
      and their scientific advisors and (2) obtain their perception of the TSE roadmap
      and of its implications for precautionary consumer protection in five European
      Union (EU) Member States. This study describes the risk perception and risk
      management of TSE in Europe as exemplified by the TSE roadmap. The following
      query guided the international comparative study: How is TSE risk perceived by
      four interviewed stakeholder groups in five studied countries? The risk
      perceptions of TSE of risk managers from the ministries in charge in Belgium,
      France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom, as well as their scientific
      advisors and stakeholder groups, were determined. The stakeholder groups were
      from three different areas involved with TSE, including farmers, consumers, and
      the meat/food industry. The issue to be addressed is roadmapping an adequate
      instrument for stakeholder involvement and for risk decision making.

PMID- 22043921
TI  - Dialkylaluminum hydride-promoted cyclodimerization of silylated 1,3-enynes via
      skeletal rearrangement.
AB  - The dialkylaluminum hydride-promoted reaction of 1-silylalk-3-en-1-ynes gave
      symmetrical 1,2,3,5-tetrasubstituted benzenes as single regioisomers. The novel
      cyclodimerization via skeletal rearrangement can be rationalized by an
      unprecedented mechanism involving sequential hydroalumination, alkene
      isomerization, carboalumination, carbon-carbon bond cleavage, and retro
      hydroalumination.

PMID- 22043920
TI  - CD4+ T helper 2 cells--microbial triggers, differentiation requirements and
      effector functions.
AB  - Over the past 10 years we have made great strides in our understanding of T
      helper cell differentiation, expansion and effector functions. Within the context
      of T helper type 2 (Th2) cell development, novel innate-like cells with the
      capacity to secrete large amounts of interleukin-5 (IL-5), IL-13 and IL-9 as well
      as IL-4-producing and antigen-processing basophils have (re)-emerged onto the
      type 2 scene. To what extent these new players influence alphabeta+  CD4+  Th2
      cell differentiation is discussed throughout this appraisal of the current
      literature. We highlight the unique features of Th2 cell development,
      highlighting the three necessary signals, T-cell receptor ligation, co
      stimulation and cytokine receptor ligation. Finally, putting these into context,
      microbial and allergenic properties that trigger Th2 cell differentiation and how
      these influence Th2 effector function are discussed and questioned.

PMID- 22043922
TI  - H ferritin gene silencing in a human metastatic melanoma cell line: a proteomic
      analysis.
AB  - Ferritin, the major intracellular iron-storage protein, is made of 24 subunits of
      two types, H and L. Besides regulating intracellular iron homeostasis, it has
      been found that ferritin, in particular the H subunit (FHC), is involved in
      different biological events such as cell differentiation and pathologic states
      (i.e., neurodegeneration and cancer). This study is aimed at investigating the
      whole-cell proteome of FHC-expressing and sh-RNA-silenced human metastatic
      melanoma cells (MM07(m)) in the attempt to identify and classify the highest
      number of proteins directly or indirectly controlled by the FHC. We identified
      about 200 differentially expressed proteins and classified them in clusters on
      the basis of their functions, as proteins involved in metabolic processes, cell
      adhesion, migration, and proliferation processes. Some of them have captured our
      attention because of their involvement in metabolic pathways related to tumor
      progression and metastasis. In vitro assays confirmed that the FHC-silenced
      MM07(m) cells are characterized by a decreased growth activity, a reduced
      invasiveness, and a reduced cell adhesion capability. Moreover, nude mice (CD1
      nu/nu), subcutaneously injected with FHC-silenced MM07(m) cells, showed a
      remarkable 4-fold reduction of their tumor growth capacity compared to those who
      received the FHC-unsilenced MM07(m) counterpart. In conclusion, these data
      indicate that gene silencing technology, coupled to proteomic analysis, is a
      powerful tool for a better understanding of H ferritin signaling pathways and
      lend support to the hypothesis that specific targeting of this gene might be an
      attractive and potentially effective strategy for the management of metastatic
      melanoma.

PMID- 22043923
TI  - CD300a and CD300f differentially regulate the MyD88 and TRIF-mediated TLR
      signalling pathways through activation of SHP-1 and/or SHP-2 in human monocytic
      cell lines.
AB  - CD300a, a membrane protein expressed on myeloid lineages and specific subsets of
      CD4(+)  T cells, has been reported to have inhibitory activities in cellular
      activation. However, the role of CD300a in Toll-like receptor (TLR) -mediated
      macrophage activation has not been investigated. The human monocytic cell lines
      THP-1 and U937 were stimulated with various TLR ligands after triggering of
      CD300a with specific monoclonal antibody. Interestingly, CD300a blocked TLR4
      mediated and TLR9-mediated expression of pro-inflammatory mediators without
      affecting TLR3-mediated events. In contrast, CD300f, another member of the CD300
      family, blocked the activation of cells induced by all TLR ligands. A transient
      transfection assay using luciferase reporter gene under the regulation of nuclear
      factor-kappaB binding sites indicated that co-transfection of CD300f blocked
      reporter expression induced by over-expression of both myeloid differentiation
      factor 88 (MyD88) and toll-interleukin 1 receptor-domain-containing adapter
      inducing interferon-beta (TRIF), whereas CD300a blocked only MyD88-induced
      events. Synthetic peptides representing immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibitory
      motifs of CD300a or CD300f mimicked the differential inhibition patterns of their
      original molecules. The use of various signalling inhibitors and Western blotting
      analysis revealed that TLR9/MyD88-mediated signalling was regulated mainly by SH2
      containing tyrosine phosphatase 1 (SHP-1), which could be activated by CD300a or
      CD300f. In contrast, regulation of the TLR3/TRIF-mediated pathway required the
      combined action of SHP-1 and SHP-2, which could be accomplished by CD300f but not
      CD300a. These data indicate that CD300a and CD300f regulate the MyD88 and TRIF
      mediated TLR signalling pathways through differential activation of SHP-1 and SHP
      2.

PMID- 22043924
TI  - Evaluation of antidiabetic and antioxidant potential of lupeol in experimental
      hyperglycaemia.
AB  - Oxidative stress, produced under diabetic conditions, is a possible cause of
      various forms of tissue damage. The concentrations of antioxidant enzymes in
      cases of diabetes are significantly decreased, with a concomitant increase in
      lipid peroxidation. In this study, lupeol, a phytoconstituent from Solanum
      xanthocarpum, is shown to suppress the progression of diabetes after 21 days.
      Lupeol treatment caused decreases in glycated haemoglobin, serum glucose and
      nitric oxide, with a concomitant increase in serum insulin level. Furthermore,
      treatment with lupeol also increased antioxidant levels, with a decrease in the
      level of thiobarbituric acid-reactive oxygen species.

PMID- 22043925
TI  - Virologic and clinical features of primary infection with human parvovirus 4 in
      subjects with hemophilia: frequent transmission by virally inactivated clotting
      factor concentrates.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Human parvovirus 4 (PARV4) is a newly discovered parvovirus prevalent
      in injecting drug users and other groups with histories of parenteral exposure
      including persons with hemophilia exposed to non-virally inactivated clotting
      factor concentrates. To investigate its potential ongoing transmission to persons
      with hemophilia treated with plasma-derived, virally inactivated clotting
      factors, we screened a large cohort of persons with hemophilia for antibody
      seroconversion to PARV4 over a 5-year observation period. STUDY DESIGN AND
      METHODS: Samples from 195 persons with hemophilia enrolled in the Hemophilia
      Growth and Development Study cohort were screened for PARV4 antibodies at the
      start and end of a 5-year period of treatment with exclusively virally
      inactivated clotting factor concentrates. Samples collected at intermediate time
      points from subjects seroconverting over the study period were screened to narrow
      down the seroconversion time and investigate immunoglobulin (Ig)M responses,
      duration of acute viremia, and clinical presentations. RESULTS: PARV4
      seroprevalence at the outset of the study was 44%. Over the observation period,
      nine subjects (seven human immunodeficiency virus positive) seroconverted for
      anti-PARV4 (incidence, 1.7%/year). Infected subjects showed relatively prolonged
      durations of viremia (mean, 7 months) and weak, transient IgM responses during
      acute infections. Clotting factors inactivated by solvent/detergent or by wet or
      dry heat were infectious. The most common clinical presentations were rashes and
      exacerbation of hepatitis. CONCLUSION: This study identifies PARV4 as a
      transfusion-transmissible agent that is resistant to viral inactivation. Of
      concern, infections may still regularly occur in those exposed to plasma-derived
      blood products. Urgent evaluation of the incidence of PARV4 in treated
      individuals and disease associations of PARV4 infections is required.

PMID- 22043926
TI  - Plasma corticosterone elevation inhibits the activation of nuclear factor kappa B
      (NFKB) in the Syrian hamster pineal gland.
AB  - We evaluated how the mild stress-induced increase in endogenous corticosterone
      affected the pineal gland in Syrian hamsters (Mesocricetus auratus). The animals
      were maintained under constant light for 1 day, instead of a cycle of 14:10-h, to
      increase the circulating corticosterone levels during the daytime. The nuclear
      translocation of nuclear factor kappa B (NFKB), which is the pivotal
      transcription factor for stress and injury, presented a daily rhythm in normal
      animals. NFKB nuclear content increased linearly from the onset of light
      [Zeitgeber Time 0 (ZT0)] until ZT11 and decreased after ZT12 when the plasma
      corticosterone peak was detected in normal animals. However, the 24-h profiles of
      the two curves were different, and they did not clearly support an exclusive
      relationship between corticosterone levels and NFKB content. Therefore, we tested
      the effect of increased endogenous corticosterone through inducing mild stress by
      maintaining daytime illumination for one night. This stressful condition, which
      increased daytime corticosterone levels, resulted in a daytime decrease in NFKB
      nuclear content, and this was inhibited by mifepristone. Overall, this study
      shows that NFKB has a daily rhythm in Syrian hamster pineal glands and, by
      increasing endogenous corticosterone with a stressful condition, NFKB activity is
      regulated. Therefore, this study suggests that the pineal gland in the Syrian
      hamster is a sensor of stressful conditions.

PMID- 22043927
TI  - Titanium tert-butoxyimido compounds.
AB  - The synthesis and molecular and electronic structures of the first tert
      butoxyimido complexes of titanium (TiNO(t)Bu functional group) are reported,
      featuring a variety of mono- or poly-dentate, neutral or anionic N-donor ligands.
      Reaction of Ti(NMe(2))(2)Cl(2) with (t)BuONH(2) gave good yields of
      Ti(NO(t)Bu)Cl(2)(NHMe(2))(2) (1). Compound 1 serves as an excellent entry point
      into new tert-butoxyimido complexes by reaction with a variety of fac-N(3) donor
      ligands, namely, Me(3)[9]aneN(3) (trimethyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane),
      HC(Me(2)pz)(3) (tris(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)methane), or Me(3)[6]aneN(3)
      (trimethyl-1,3,5-triazacyclohexane) to give Ti(NO(t)Bu)(Me(3)[9]aneN(3))Cl(2)
      (2), Ti(NO(t)Bu){HC(Me(2)pz)(3)}Cl(2) (3), or Ti(NO(t)Bu)(Me(3)[6]aneN(3))Cl(2)
      (4) in good yield. It was found that 4 could be converted into
      Ti(NO(t)Bu)Cl(2)(py)(3) (5) in very good yield by reaction with an excess of
      pyridine. Compound 5 is effective in a range of salt metathesis reactions with
      lithiated amide or pyrrolide ligands, and reacts with Li(2)N(2)N(py),
      Li(2)N(2)N(Me), LiN(pyr)N(Me(2)), or Li(2)N(2)(pyr)N(Me) to give
      Ti(N(2)N(py))(NO(t)Bu)(py) (6), Ti(N(2)N(Me))(NO(t)Bu)(py) (7),
      Ti(N(pyr)N(Me(2)))(NO(t)Bu)Cl(py)(2) (9), or Ti(N(2)(pyr)N(Me))(NO(t)Bu)(py)(2)
      (10) in moderate to good yields (N(2)N(py) = (2
      NC(5)H(4))C(Me)(CH(2)NSiMe(3))(2); N(2)N(Me) = MeN(CH(2)CH(2)NSiMe(3))(2);
      N(pyr)N(Me(2)) = Me(2)NCH(2)(2-NC(4)H(3)); N(2)(pyr)N(Me) = MeN{CH(2)(2
      NC(4)H(3))}(2)). Compounds 7, 9, and 10 reacted with 2,2'-bipyridyl by pyridine
      exchange reactions forming Ti(N(2)N(Me))(NO(t)Bu)(bipy) (8),
      Ti(N(pyr)N(Me(2)))(NO(t)Bu)Cl(bipy) (11), and Ti(N(2)(pyr)N(Me))(NO(t)Bu)(bipy)
      (12). Ten tert-butoxyimido compounds, namely, 1-6, 11, and 12, have been
      structurally characterized revealing approximately linear Ti-N-O(t)Bu linkages
      with Ti-N distances [range 1.686(2)-1.734(2) A] that are generally intermediate
      between those in the homologous alkylimido and phenylimido analogues, and shorter
      than in the diphenylhydrazido counterparts. Density functional theory (DFT)
      studies on the model compounds Ti(NR)Cl(2)(NHMe(2))(2) (1_R; R = OMe, Me, Ph,
      NMe(2)) confirmed this trend and found that the destabilizing effect of the -OMe
      oxygen 2p(pi) lone pair on one of the Ti-N pi-bonds in 1_OMe is comparable to
      that of the occupied phenyl ring pi orbitals in the phenylimido homologue 1_Ph
      but much less than for the -NMe(2) nitrogen lone pair in 1_NMe(2).

PMID- 22043928
TI  - Abdominal obesity and endometrial cancer in egyptian females with postmenopausal
      bleeding.
AB  - Endometrial cancer is the most common type of female genital tract malignancies.
      We intended to assess the relation between different measures of obesity and the
      risk to develop endometrial cancer in Egyptian females with postmenopausal
      bleeding (PMB). The study was conducted in Alexandria, Egypt and included all
      postmenopausal females presenting to the University Hospital of Gynecology and
      Obstetrics with PMB within the study period (from January 1 to September 30). A
      questionnaire was completed, and data about anthropometric measurements including
      weight, height, and waist circumference were collected. Vaginal sonography,
      dilatation and curettage, and pathological examination were done by experts for
      all participants. Endometrial cancer was diagnosed in 38% of females presenting
      with PMB. Using ROC curve analysis, only the measure of abdominal obesity (waist
      circumference) showed significant accuracy in predicting endometrial cancer (area
      = 0.63, P < .05). The best cutoff point that maximizes accuracy was 88 cm. Body
      mass index (>=30 vs. <=30) showed no significant relation (OR = 1.1, 95%CI 0.5
      2.3), and the ratio between upper and lower body obesity (W/H ratio) showed
      border line significant relation (OR = 2, 95% CI 1-4.1), whereas waist
      circumference (>=88 vs. <=88 cm) showed strikingly high OR (OR = 13.6, 95%CI 4
      46.6). The risk of abdominal obesity on endometrial cancer remains very high (OR
      = 15.8, 95%CI 4.1-60.9) even after adjustment, in a logistic model, for other
      risk factors such as age at presentation, age at menarche, age at menopause,
      family history of malignancy, and gravidity. Abdominal obesity (waist
      circumference >88 cm) is the best measure of obesity to be used in predicting the
      risk of endometrial cancer in Egyptian females with PMB.

PMID- 22043929
TI  - Cortisol and symptoms of psychopathology in Russian and American college
      students.
AB  - Cortisol is a key player in the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis
      response to stress, and has been related to symptoms of depression and other
      stress-related pathology. The present study investigated the relationship between
      cortisol and survey measures of stress and psychopathology as well as lifestyle
      in Russian and American college students. Salivary cortisol was collected upon
      awakening, 30 min later, at 4 p.m., and at 10 p.m. by Russian and American
      college students. Survey measures of anxiety and depression, as measured by the
      Hopkins Symptom Checklist (HSCL-25) were collected as well as scores on the
      Trauma History Questionnaire (THQ). In addition, measures of drinking-related
      problems, as measured by the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT) and
      the "Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, Eye-opener" (CAGE) were also completed.
      Consistent with the typically observed empirical pattern, cortisol levels
      increased in the 30 min after awakening and then declined across the day. Women
      reported more symptoms of anxiety than did men in both Russian and American
      samples. American students reported more symptoms of depression than did Russian
      students, though Russian students reported more traumatic life experiences.
      Americans had higher cortisol levels overall, though Russian students had larger
      changes in cortisol levels across the day, associated with both greater morning
      rises and afternoon declines in cortisol. While more Russian students reported
      smoking, American students reported more problems associated with alcohol use as
      measured by the AUDIT. The relationship between stress and health, mediating
      factors of lifestyle and coping, and the impact of social transition in Russia
      are discussed.

PMID- 22043930
TI  - Exercise interventions and their effects on physical self-perceptions of male
      university students.
AB  - The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of 12-week exercise
      interventions on physical self-perceptions of male university students. The study
      also aimed to investigate the relationships between the changes in physical self
      perceptions and the changes in some physiological measures after 12-week exercise
      programs. Forty-eight male university students aged from 19 to 25 years were
      enrolled in this study. Participants were randomly and equally assigned to
      swimming, running, cycling and control conditions. The Physical Self-Perception
      Profile was administered to all participants before and after 12-week exercise
      programs. Additionally, strength, maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2max)) and body
      compositions were assessed before and after interventions. Participants in the
      exercise groups attended swimming, running or cycling sessions for 40 min per
      day, 3 days per week with 60-70% of their heart rate reserves, while those in the
      control group did not attend any regular physical activity. The results of 4 * 2
      * 5 MANOVA with the dimensions of physical self-perceptions as within-subject
      factor revealed that all groups including the control group revealed better
      physical-self-perceptions from pre- to post-test. Results of 4 * 2 * 3 MANOVA
      with physiological measures as within-subject factor revealed that VO(2max)
      values of participants in the swimming group improved more than the other groups.
      On the other hand, no significant differences were observed in strength scores
      and body fat levels among groups. Furthermore, no significant associations were
      obtained between the changes in physical self-perception dimensions and the
      physiological measures.

PMID- 22043931
TI  - Perceived normative pressure and majority adolescents' implicit and explicit
      attitudes towards immigrants.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to examine if perceived normative pressure
      (i.e., perception of the normative expectations of family and friends regarding
      one's intergroup attitudes) had a direct impact on majority youth's (N = 93)
      explicit attitudes and moderated the relationship between their implicit
      (measured with the ST-IAT) and explicit attitudes towards Russian immigrants in
      Finland. The results indicated that normative pressure is positively associated
      with the explicit attitudes of adolescents, and that the implicit attitudes of
      the adolescents towards immigrants surface on the explicit level only when they
      do not perceive a normative pressure to hold positive intergroup attitudes. More
      specifically, when there is no normative pressure, the explicit attitudes of
      youth are, at best, neutral, and reflect their implicit attitudes. In contrast,
      when normative pressure is perceived to be high, the level of explicit attitudes
      is generally more positive, and the expression of explicit attitudes is not
      determined by implicit attitudes. The effects of age, sex, quality of past
      intergroup contact experiences, and intergroup anxiety were controlled for in the
      analysis. The findings highlight the importance of taking normative pressure into
      consideration when studying socially sensitive ethnic attitudes among
      adolescents.

PMID- 22043932
TI  - Regulatory focus and attitudes to migrants.
AB  - In two studies we examined the role of two regulatory foci (i.e., prevention and
      promotion) in predicting Australian's attitudes to different types of migrants.
      According to regulatory focus theory, promotion-focused self-regulation is
      concerned with nurturance and accomplishment needs and involves the pursuit of
      wishes and aspirations. As such, it results in sensitivity to positive outcomes
      and to relative pleasure from gains. On the other hand, prevention-focused self
      regulation is concerned with security needs and is directed at meeting duties and
      obligations. As such, it results in sensitivity to negative outcome and relative
      pain from losses. In Study 1, as predicted, the extent of promotion focus (i.e.,
      a concern with accomplishment and the pursuit of ideals) predicted more positive
      attitudes to culturally similar and economically beneficial migrants, whereas the
      extent of prevention focus (i.e., concern with security and meeting obligations)
      predicted more negative attitudes to migrants who are culturally dissimilar. In
      Study 2 we replicated and extended these findings, showing that the extent of
      promotion focus and a lack of concern with threats predicted positive attitudes
      to both culturally similar and economically beneficial migrants, which, in the
      case of the latter group, was mediated by a focus on the benefits these migrants
      provide. In the case of culturally dissimilar migrants, the extent of promotion
      focus and a concern with gains predicted more positive attitudes. However, for
      economically less beneficial migrants, neither the extent of promotion nor
      prevention focus was a predictor. Only lower concerns with threat predicted more
      positive attitudes to this migrant group. The results are discussed with respect
      to other determinants of attitudes to migrants and the implications for migration
      and asylum-seeker policy.

PMID- 22043933
TI  - Gender moderates the impact of need for structure on social beliefs: implications
      for ethnocentrism and authoritarianism.
AB  - The present research examines the interplay between individual differences in
      need for structure, social beliefs, and gender. It is well documented that need
      for structure, that is, a preference for structure and simplicity in one's
      thinking, predicts authoritarianism and ethnocentrism. Further, women tend to
      score lower in authoritarianism and ethnocentrism than men. Although there seem
      to be no gender differences in need for structure, the present research
      hypothesizes that the association between need for structure and social beliefs
      is stronger for men than for women. This hypothesis comes from the observation
      that, all else being equal, men tend to think more about the domain of beliefs
      such as authoritarianism and ethnocentrism, which should strengthen the
      relationship between men's cognitive needs and their social beliefs. The
      hypothesis is also motivated by the finding that, more than men, women often give
      priority to caring and compassion when forming beliefs about outgroups. This
      should weaken the link between women's cognitive needs and their social beliefs.
      Three studies conducted in the USA (n = 398) and one study conducted in Germany
      (n = 112) examined whether gender moderated the influence of need for structure
      on authoritarianism and racism. Using a variety of measures, need for structure
      predicted authoritarianism and racism for men, but not for women. The discussion
      focuses on the implications of the present findings for the relationship between
      cognitive orientations and social beliefs. It is argued that research on
      cognitive orientation and social beliefs needs to take gender into account to
      improve its accuracy of prediction.

PMID- 22043934
TI  - Adolescents' evaluative beliefs of failure: explorations in a Chinese Singaporean
      sample.
AB  - Our study explored evaluative beliefs of failure to see whether positive and
      negative beliefs of failure are bivariate in nature within three domains of an
      adolescent's life (academic, social, and athletic) and how such beliefs are
      differentially linked to the importance of a domain, the frequency of failure in
      a domain, and the extremity of negative emotions experienced when encountering
      failure in a domain. A total of 163 Chinese Singaporean students in Secondary 3
      and 4 (Grades 9 and 10) from two Singapore schools participated in the study by
      completing a questionnaire. Results from various analyses converged to
      demonstrate that evaluative beliefs could be distinguished by both valence
      (positive and negative) and domain (academic, social, and athletic). The six
      evaluative beliefs were also distinguished from failure attributions. While there
      was consensus in what constituted negative beliefs of failure across domains,
      positive beliefs of failure showed some domain specificity, with unique aspects
      in particular domains (e.g., the inevitability of failure only in the academic
      domain). Positive and negative beliefs in the different domains were correlated
      among themselves, but positive and negative beliefs were uncorrelated within
      (except for academic) and across domains. Positive and negative beliefs were also
      differentially linked to domain importance, failure frequency, and extremity of
      negative emotion. Unexpectedly, domain importance was not linked to negative
      beliefs but was linked to positive beliefs, while positive and negative beliefs
      showed domain-specific links with failure frequency. As expected, however,
      negative beliefs were (positively) linked to extremity of negative emotions while
      positive beliefs were not linked to such extremity. The conceptual, substantive,
      and practical implications of these results are discussed.

PMID- 22043935
TI  - Personal and general belief in a just world as judgement norms.
AB  - Research on the belief in a just world (BJW) has focused on its intra-individual
      functions (e.g., psychological well-being) and its inter-individual consequences
      (e.g., derogation of victims). Recent theorizing, however, has indicated that the
      BJW may also have more societal functions and consequences, serving as a
      legitimizing device of the status quo. The studies in the current paper focus on
      this latter view and are based on Alves and Correia's ( 2008 ) research which
      found that the expression of high personal and general belief in a just world is
      injunctively normative. Two experimental studies aimed at ascertaining three
      issues: (1) the dimension(s) of social value (social utility and/or social
      desirability) on which the BJW normativity anchors; (2) whether the expression of
      moderate BJW is also injunctively normative; and (3) whether the injunctive
      normativity of the BJW is related to perceptions of truth. Results indicate that
      moderate and high personal and general BJW are normative. Yet, whereas the
      normativity of personal BJW anchors both on social utility and social
      desirability, that of general BJW anchors only on social utility. We discuss
      personal and general BJW as judgement norms, whose normativity may not be
      personally acknowledged (in the case of general BJW) and does not necessarily
      derive from being perceived as true, but from the fact that such norms carry
      social value at least in individualistic societies.

PMID- 22043936
TI  - Public and private schoolteachers' differences in terms of job attitudes in
      Albania.
AB  - In the present study, the attitudinal differences between public and private
      schoolteachers in Albania were investigated. Since the type of the organization
      varies, one would expect different climates for the emergence of job attitudes-
      mainly job satisfaction, job involvement, and organizational commitment, the most
      frequently studied job attitudes in the industrial and organizational psychology
      literature. It was hypothesized that the private schoolteachers would be more
      satisfied than public schoolteachers, especially due to high levels of payment
      and other desirable conditions. However, the public schoolteachers will be more
      involved than the private schoolteachers since they have to justify their
      continued work under the undesirable conditions. The commitment level of the
      private schoolteachers will be higher than the public schoolteachers since there
      is usually high correlation between job satisfaction and organizational
      commitment. Data were gathered from a total of 429 teachers working in public (n
      = 254) and private (n = 175) schools in Albania, in high and middle schools. The
      data were analyzed using multivariate analysis of covariance with age as a
      covariate. The results indicated that the private schoolteachers were more
      satisfied, as expected, revealed a weaker job involvement and were more committed
      to their school than their colleagues in the public sector. The results were
      found to be in line with previous studies conducted in the west. However, this
      study is believed to have a potential contribution to the literature in general,
      and to the Albanian local literature in particular. To the knowledge of the
      authors, there has been no similar study in Albania. Discussion is provided along
      with the limitations of the study and suggestions for future research.

PMID- 22043937
TI  - Fabrication of reversible poly(dimethylsiloxane) surfaces via host-guest
      chemistry and their repeated utilization in cardiac biomarker analysis.
AB  - On the basis of the host-guest interactions between azobenzenes and
      cyclodextrins, a new strategy for the preparation of a dually functionalized
      poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) surface was investigated using surface-initiated
      atom-transfer radical polymerization (SI-ATRP) and click chemistry. The PDMS
      substrates were first oxidized in a H(2)SO(4)/H(2)O(2) solution to transform the
      surface Si-CH(3) groups into Si-OH groups. Then, the SI-ATRP initiator 3-(2
      bromoisobutyramido)propyl(trime-thoxy)silane was grafted onto the substrates
      through a silanization reaction. Sequentially, the poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)
      units were introduced onto the PDMS-Br surfaces via SI-ATRP reaction using
      oligo(ethylene glycol) methacrylate. Afterward, the bromide groups on the surface
      were converted to azido groups via nucleophilic substitution reaction with
      NaN(3). Finally, the azido-grafted PDMS surfaces were subjected to a click
      reaction with alkynyl and PEG-modified beta-cyclodextrins, resulting in the
      grafting of cyclodextrins onto the PDMS surfaces. The composition and chemical
      state of the modified surfaces were characterized via X-ray photoelectron
      spectroscopy, and the stability and dynamic characteristics of the cyclodextrin
      modified PDMS substrates were investigated via attenuated total reflection
      Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and temporal contact angle experiments.
      The surface morphology of the modified PDMS surfaces was characterized through
      imaging using a multimode atomic force microscope. A protein adsorption assay
      using Alexa Fluor594-labeled bovine serum albumin, Alexa Fluor594-labeled chicken
      egg albumin, and FITC-labeled lysozyme shows that the prepared PDMS surfaces
      possess good protein-repelling properties. On-surface studies on the interactions
      between azobenzenes and the cyclodextrin-modified surfaces reveal that the
      reversible binding of azobenzene to the cyclodextrin-modified PDMS surfaces and
      its subsequent release can be reversibly controlled using UV irradiation.
      Sandwich fluoroimmunoassay of the cardiac markers myoglobin and fatty acid
      binding protein demonstrates that the cyclodextrin-modified PDMS surfaces can be
      repeatedly utilized in disease biomarker analysis.

PMID- 22043938
TI  - Re: Clinical periodontal and microbiologic parameters in patients with rheumatoid
      arthritis.

PMID- 22043939
TI  - Re: Association between periodontitis and hemorrhagic stroke among Koreans: a
      case-control study.

PMID- 22043941
TI  - Role of the inflammatory protein serine protease inhibitor Kazal in preventing
      cytolytic granule granzyme A-mediated apoptosis.
AB  - Serine protease inhibitor Kazal (SPIK) is an inflammatory protein whose levels
      are elevated in numerous cancers. However, the role of this protein in cancer
      development is unknown. We have recently found that SPIK suppresses serine
      protease-dependent cell apoptosis. Here, we report that anti-SPIK antibodies can
      co-immmunoprecipitate serine protease granzyme A (GzmA), a cytolytic granule
      secreted by cytotoxic T lymphocytes and natural killer cells during immune
      surveillance, and that SPIK suppresses GzmA-induced cell apoptosis. Deletion
      studies show that the C3-C4 region of SPIK is critical for this suppression.
      These studies suggest that over-expression of SPIK may prevent GzmA-mediated
      immune-killing, thereby establishing the tolerance of cancer cells to the body's
      immune surveillance system. Suppression of over-expressed SPIK can restore the
      susceptibility of these cells to apoptotic death triggered by GzmA. This finding
      implies that it is possible to overcome tolerance of cancer cells to the body's
      immune surveillance system and restore the GzmA-mediated immune-killing by
      suppressing the over-expression of SPIK.

PMID- 22043942
TI  - Controlling the wettability of hierarchically structured thermoplastics.
AB  - Surfaces play an important role in defining the properties of materials,
      controlling wetting, adsorption, or desorption of biomolecules, and
      sealing/bonding of different materials. We have combined microscale features with
      plasma-etched nanoscale roughness and chemical modification to tailor the
      wettability of the substrates. Cyclic olefin polymers and copolymers (COPs/COCs)
      were processed to make a range of surfaces with controlled superhydrophobic or 
      hydrophilic properties. The hydrophobic properties of the polymers were increased
      by the introduction of microstructures of varying geometry and spacing through
      hot embossing. The COC/COP substrates were functionalized by plasma activation in
      O(2), CF(4), and a mixture of both gases. The plasma etching introduces nanoscale
      roughness and also chemically modifies the surface, creating either highly
      hydrophilic or highly hydrophobic (contact angle >150 degrees ) surfaces
      depending on the gas mixture. The influence of geometry and chemistries was
      characterized by atomic force microscopy, contact angle measurements, and X-ray
      photoelectron spectroscopy. Measurements of the contact angle and contact angle
      hysteresis demonstrated long-term stability of the
      superhydrophobic/superhydrophilic characteristics (>6 months).

PMID- 22043943
TI  - Subcomponent self-assembly and guest-binding properties of face-capped Fe4L4(8+)
      capsules.
AB  - A general method for preparing Fe(4)L(4) face-capped tetrahedral cages through
      subcomponent self-assembly was developed and has been demonstrated using four
      different C(3)-symmetric triamines, 2-formylpyridine, and iron(II). Three of the
      triamines were shown also to form Fe(2)L(3) helicates when the appropriate
      stoichiometry of subcomponents was used. Two of the cages were observed to have
      nearly identical Fe-Fe distances in the solid state, which enabled their ligands
      to be coincorporated into a collection of mixed cages. Only one of the cages
      combined a sufficiently large cavity with the sufficiently small pores required
      for guest binding, taking up a wide variety of guest species in size- and shape
      selective fashion.

PMID- 22043944
TI  - Association of 25-hydroxyvitamin D with the incidence of knee and hip
      osteoarthritis: a 22-year follow-up study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In the light of conflicting results from previous studies on the role
      of vitamin D, we studied serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] with regard to its
      prediction of incident knee and hip osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: The study
      population (n = 805) consisted of participants of a national health examination
      survey who had undergone baseline and follow-up clinical examinations at
      intervals of 20-23 years. Knee and hip OA were diagnosed on the basis of a
      standardized clinical examination by physicians with the same diagnostic criteria
      at baseline and follow-up. Information on covariates, including age, sex, season
      of blood draw, education, body mass index (BMI), physical workload, leisure time
      physical activity, smoking history, and previous injuries, was collected at
      baseline. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were determined from baseline serum
      samples kept frozen at -20 degrees C. RESULTS: We found no significant
      association between serum 25(OH)D level and the risk of incident knee or hip OA.
      However, a statistically significant interaction between season of blood draw and
      serum 25(OH)D emerged when predicting the development of definite knee OA (p =
      0.004). After adjusting for all the covariates, the relative odds (95% confidence
      interval) of developing definite knee OA per increment of 1 SD (20.7 ng/mL) in
      winter season 25(OH)D was 1.57 (1.10-2.27), whereas for summer season sera the
      corresponding rate was 0.53 (0.28-1.00). CONCLUSION: The results do not support
      the hypothesis that a low level of serum 25(OH)D contributes to the development
      of OA. Instead, our study suggests that season is a potent effect modifier of
      25(OH)D, which merits attention in future research.

PMID- 22043946
TI  - The Decade of Vaccines Collaboration: developing a global roadmap for saving
      lives.

PMID- 22043947
TI  - Pertussis vaccines: where to now?

PMID- 22043949
TI  - HPV vaccines: what remains to be done? Interview by Lauren Constable.

PMID- 22043950
TI  - A universal influenza vaccine: the BiondVax story. Interview by Paolo Reveglia.

PMID- 22043951
TI  - The seasonal influenza vaccine Agriflu((r)).
AB  - Seasonal influenza continues to have a large impact annually. Combined with
      pneumonia, influenza is the sixth leading cause of death in the USA, and
      vaccination has been the most important tool to prevent it. Agriflu((r)) is an
      egg-derived, subunit, nonadjuvanted trivalent inactivated vaccine indicated for
      immunization to prevent disease caused by influenza virus subtypes A and B
      contained in the vaccine. Agriflu was approved in the USA by the US FDA on 27
      November 2009, for those aged 18 years and older, to prevent disease caused by
      influenza virus subtypes A and B. Based on clinical trial evidence, Agriflu has
      been shown to be safe, with <1% serious adverse event rates, and immunogenic. It
      has been proven to be highly effective to prevent culture-confirmed influenza
      and, thus, is an alternative to previously licensed seasonal influenza vaccines.
      Besides Fluvirin((r)), Agriflu is the only subunit vaccine available in the USA.
      Owing to the economic burden, morbidity and mortality caused by seasonal
      influenza, addition of new, safe and effective vaccines to the available tools,
      to reduce the impact of influenza, is of importance and benefit, especially in
      the face of the recent shortages of influenza vaccines.

PMID- 22043952
TI  - MF59TM-adjuvanted seasonal influenza vaccine in young children.
AB  - Influenza is a viral disease of the upper respiratory tract, which is manifested
      in seasonal epidemic waves associated with excess morbidity and mortality.
      Although efforts at prevention have traditionally been focused on the elderly,
      interest is growing on the specific features of influenza disease in children and
      the opportunities for prevention in this age group. Owing to recent improvements
      in surveillance schemes and diagnostic tools it has been realized that young
      children experience a burden of morbidity due to influenza as high or higher than
      the elderly and that children possibly act as a source of influenza infection and
      determinants of the intensity and the spread of influenza in the community, and
      as a result, the proposition that children should be preferentially targeted for
      influenza vaccination is gaining acceptance in many industrialized countries.
      Traditional seasonal inactivated influenza vaccines have performed poorly in the
      very young and the live-attenuated influenza vaccines, which are highly
      efficacious in this age group, have been associated with a poor safety profile in
      those less than 2 years of age. MF59TM-adjuvanted influenza vaccines that were
      traditionally used in the elderly show a very promising safety and efficacy
      profile in the pediatric population that could overcome the limitations of the
      other currently available influenza vaccines for use in this age group.

PMID- 22043953
TI  - Improving immunogenicity and effectiveness of influenza vaccine in older adults.
AB  - Aging is associated with a decline in immune function (immunosenescence) that
      leads to progressive deterioration in both innate and adaptive immune functions.
      These changes contribute to the subsequent increased risk for infectious diseases
      and their sequelae. Vaccination is the most effective and inexpensive public
      health strategy for prevention of infection, despite the decreased efficacy of
      vaccines in older adults due to immunosenescence. The rapid rise in the older
      adult population globally represents a great challenge for vaccination programs.
      This article first addresses the status of innate and adaptive immune functions
      in aging and then focuses on influenza vaccine. The development history of
      influenza vaccines, current status, and potential strategies to improve the
      immunogenicity and vaccine effectiveness in older adults are discussed.

PMID- 22043954
TI  - Adenovirus-vectored drug-vaccine duo as a potential driver for conferring mass
      protection against infectious diseases.
AB  - The disease-fighting power of vaccines has been a public health bonanza credited
      with the worldwide reduction of mortality and morbidity. The goal to further
      amplify its power by boosting vaccine coverage requires the development of a new
      generation of rapid-response vaccines that can be mass produced at low costs and
      mass administered by nonmedical personnel. The new vaccines also have to be
      endowed with a higher safety margin than that of conventional vaccines. The
      nonreplicating adenovirus-vectored vaccine holds promise in boosting vaccine
      coverage because the vector can be rapidly manufactured in serum-free suspension
      cells in response to a surge in demand, and noninvasively administered by nasal
      spray into human subjects in compliance with evolutionary medicine. In contrast
      to parenteral injection, noninvasive mucosal vaccination minimizes systemic
      inflammation. Moreover, pre-existing adenovirus immunity does not interfere
      appreciably with the potency of an adenovirus-vectored nasal vaccine. Nasal
      administration of adenovirus vectors encoding pathogen antigens is not only fear
      free and painless, but also confers rapid and sustained protection against
      mucosal pathogens as a drug-vaccine duo since adenovirus particles alone without
      transgene expression can induce an anti-influenza state in the airway. In
      addition to human vaccination, animals can also be mass immunized by this class
      of vectored vaccines.

PMID- 22043956
TI  - Developments in virus-like particle-based vaccines for infectious diseases and
      cancer.
AB  - Virus-like particles hold great promise for the development of effective and
      affordable vaccines. Indeed, virus-like particles are suitable for presentation
      and efficient delivery of linear as well as conformational antigens to antigen
      presenting cells. This will ultimately result in optimal B-cell activation and
      cross-presentation with both MHC class I and II molecules to prime CD4(+) T
      helper as well as CD8(+) cytotoxic T cells. This article provides an update on
      the development and use of virus-like particles as vaccine approaches for
      infectious diseases and cancer.

PMID- 22043957
TI  - Chlamydia vaccines: recent developments and the role of adjuvants in future
      formulations.
AB  - Bacteria of the genus Chlamydia cause a plethora of ocular, genital and
      respiratory diseases that continue to pose a considerable public health challenge
      worldwide. The major diseases are conjunctivitis and blinding trachoma, non
      gonococcal urethritis, cervicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, ectopic
      pregnancy, tubal factor infertility and interstitial pneumonia. The rampart
      asymptomatic infections prevent timely and effective antibiotic treatments, and
      quite often clinical presentation of sequelae is the first evidence of an
      infection. Besides, significant broad coverage in population screening and
      treatment is economically and logistically impractical, and mass education for
      public awareness has been ineffective. The current medical opinion is that an
      efficacious prophylactic vaccine is the best approach to protect humans from
      chlamydial infections. Unfortunately, a human vaccine has yet to be realized
      despite successful veterinary vaccines. Fortunately, recent advances in
      chlamydial immunobiology, cell biology, molecular pathogenesis, genomics, antigen
      discovery and animal models of infections are hastening progress toward an
      efficacious vaccine. Thus, it is established that Chlamydia immunity is mediated
      by T cells and a complementary antibody response, and several potential vaccine
      candidates have been identified. However, further advances are needed in
      effective vaccine delivery systems and safe potent adjuvants to boost and sustain
      immune responses for long-lasting protective immunity. This article focuses on
      the current status of human chlamydial vaccine research, specifically how
      application of new delivery systems and human compatible adjuvants could lead to
      a timely achievement of efficacious Chlamydia vaccines. The ranking of the
      candidate vaccine antigens for human vaccine development will await the
      availability of results from studies in which the antigens are tested by
      comparable experimental standards, such as antigen-adjuvant combination, route of
      delivery and possible toxicity.

PMID- 22043955
TI  - Heat shock proteins and cancer vaccines: developments in the past decade and
      chaperoning in the decade to come.
AB  - Molecular chaperone-peptide complexes extracted from tumors (heat shock protein
      [HSP] vaccines) have been intensively studied in the preceding two decades,
      proving to be safe and effective in treating a number of malignant diseases. They
      offer personalized therapy and target a cross-section of antigens expressed in
      patients' tumors. Future advances may rely on understanding the molecular
      underpinnings of this approach to immunotherapy. One property common to HSP
      vaccines is the ability to stimulate antigen uptake by scavenger receptors on the
      antigen-presenting cell surface and trigger T-lymphocyte activation. HSPs can
      also induce signaling through Toll-Like receptors in a range of immune cells and
      this may mediate the effectiveness of vaccines.

PMID- 22043958
TI  - From brain passage to cell adaptation: the road of human rabies vaccine
      development.
AB  - A major challenge for global rabies prevention and control is the lack of
      sufficient and affordable high quality vaccines. Such candidates should be pure,
      potent, safe, effective and economical to produce, with broad cross-reactivity
      against viral variants of public health and veterinary importance. The history of
      licensed human vaccines reviewed herein demonstrates clearly how the field has
      evolved to the current state of more passive development and postexposure
      management. Modern cell culture techniques provide adequate viral substrates for
      production of representative verified virus seeds. In contrast to outdated
      nervous tissue-based rabies vaccines, once a suitable substrate is identified,
      production of high titer virus results in a major qualitative and quantitative
      difference. Given the current scenario of only inactivated vaccines for humans,
      highly cell-adapted and stable, attenuated rabies viruses are ideal candidates
      for consideration to meet the need for seed viruses in the future.

PMID- 22043959
TI  - Vaccination of travelers: how far have we come and where are we going?
AB  - Vaccine recommendations are a prominent part of health preparations before
      international travel. We review progress made in the past decade regarding
      vaccines used primarily by persons traveling from high-income countries to low-
      and middle-income countries. The combined hepatitis A-B vaccine, the recently
      licensed Vero cell-derived Japanese encephalitis vaccine and conjugated
      quadrivalent meningococcal vaccines are discussed. This article provides updates
      on yellow fever vaccine-associated visceral and neurologic adverse events,
      indications for influenza vaccine in travelers, the rapid immunization schedule
      for tick-borne encephalitis vaccine, schedules for postexposure rabies
      prophylaxis, and new insights about oral cholera vaccines following the outbreak
      in Haiti. The future should bring vaccines for serogroup B Neiserria
      meningitidis, dengue and malaria, as well as an inactivated yellow fever vaccine.

PMID- 22043960
TI  - Glycoconjugate vaccines and immune interactions, and implications for vaccination
      schedules.
AB  - Conjugate vaccines using diphtheria toxoid variant (CRM(197)), diphtheria toxoid
      and tetanus toxoid (TT) as carrier protein may induce immune interactions
      (interference or impairment as measured by lower antibody levels, or enhancement
      [higher antibody levels]) when coadministered with other vaccines. Immune
      enhancement occurs when two TT conjugates are coadministered. CRM(197) conjugate
      vaccines induce immune bystander interference when given with diphtheria-tetanus
      acellular pertussis vaccines, which reduces responses to coadministered
      Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine conjugated to TT. These bystander effects
      are greater as the amount of CRM(197) administered increases. When large amounts
      of either TT or CRM(197) are coadministered, dose-related carrier-induced
      epitopic suppression may occur, affecting immune responses to meningococcal or
      pneumococcal polysaccharides. These observations have implications for vaccine
      scheduling. The range of available alternative vaccines means that specific
      vaccine coadministrations can avoid or reduce CRM(197)-induced interference.
      Potential interactions arising from new CRM(197) or TT conjugates will need to be
      thoroughly examined.

PMID- 22043962
TI  - Comparative photodynamic evaluation of new phenothiazinium derivatives against
      Propionibacterium acnes.
AB  - The screening of recently patented derivatives of the standard phenothiazinium
      agents methylene blue and toluidine blue was carried out against
      Propionibacterium acnes, the main bacterium associated with acne vulgaris.
      Comparative tests were made using the topical agent benzoyl peroxide (BPO) and
      standard tetracyclines. Each of the photosensitizers employed, including the lead
      compounds, was photobactericidal at lower concentrations than BPO, and produced a
      much more rapid kill than the tetracyclines. In addition, the tetracyclic and
      pentacyclic phenothiazinium derivatives exhibited high light:dark kill ratios,
      suggesting that these examples might be particularly useful in practice.

PMID- 22043963
TI  - Light is beneficial for infant circadian entrainment: an actigraphic study.
AB  - AIM: This article is a report of an exploratory study of the relation between
      light exposure and circadian rest-activity patterns in infants. BACKGROUND:
      Ambient light is a major environmental stimulus for regulation of circadian
      rhythm of sleep and wake in adults, but few studies have been conducted to
      examine environmental light exposure in relation to rest-activity circadian
      rhythm parameters of infants. METHODS: An intensive within-subject design was
      used with a convenience sample of 22 infants (mean postnatal age 49.8 days) who
      wore a combined light and activity monitoring device for seven consecutive days
      at home. For each infant, light data (lux) were aggregated over the 7 days into
      categories of illumination and expressed in mean minutes/day. Circadian light and
      activity parameters, including mesor, amplitude, acrophase and R(2) cosinor fit,
      were determined using cosinor analysis. Associations between light exposure and
      circadian rest-activity rhythm parameters were examined using correlation and
      regression analyses. Data were collected between 2006 and 2007. RESULTS: Infants
      spent only one-eighth of their daytime hours in an environment with >100 lux
      light level. There was a relatively large statistically significant relation
      between the acrophase of light exposure and the acrophase of activity. Increased
      duration of daily exposure to >100 lux of illumination, and increased amplitude
      of circadian rhythm of light were associated with stronger circadian patterns of
      infant activity. CONCLUSION: Results suggest an association between light and
      activity patterns and that increasing duration of exposure to moderate light
      levels may be a simple and economical nursing intervention during the early
      postnatal weeks.

PMID- 22043964
TI  - Analysis of incurred crystal violet in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.):
      comparison between the analysis of crystal violet as an individual parent and
      leucocrystal violet and as total crystal violet after oxidation with 2,3-dichloro
      5,6-dicyanobenzoquinone.
AB  - Due to on-going concern about the occurrence of triphenylmethane dye residues in
      fish destined for human consumption, a depletion study of crystal violet in
      salmon was carried out. Atlantic salmon less than 12 months old were exposed to
      crystal violet in fresh water at 15 degrees C and subsequently sampled at 1, 7,
      14, 28, 63 and 91 days after exposure. The salmon were then analysed by two
      analytical methods. In the first method, 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyanobenzoquinone
      (DDQ) was used to oxidise leucocrystal violet to its parent form. Total parent
      crystal violet was then analysed by LC-MS/MS. In the second method, crystal
      violet and leucocrystal violet were analysed individually by LC-MS/MS without
      oxidation. Both methods gave comparable results for total crystal violet
      concentrations, with a correlation of r(2)=0.69. Statistical treatment for 88
      incurred salmon samples showed no significant difference between the two sets of
      results with t=1.68 and t(crit)=1.99. Up to 98% of crystal violet was metabolised
      to its leuco form in the salmon after 1 day of exposure and could be detected at
      significant concentrations (approximately 20 ug kg(-1)) 91 days after exposure.
      The depletion data also suggest that crystal violet has a half-life of
      approximately 15-16 days in salmon.

PMID- 22043965
TI  - Thermoresponsive copolymer containing a coumarin-spiropyran conjugate: reusable
      fluorescent sensor for cyanide anion detection in water.
AB  - A simple copolymer consisting of N-isopropylacrylamide and coumarin-conjugated
      spiropyran (CS) units, poly(NIPAM-co-CS), has been synthesized. This polymer
      enables selective fluorometric detection of cyanide anion (CN(-)) in water at
      room temperature. The polymer itself shows almost no fluorescence, but shows a
      strong blue fluorescence in the presence of CN(-) under irradiation of UV light.
      The fluorescence enhancement occurs via a nucleophilic interaction between CN(-)
      and the photoformed merocyanine form of the CS unit, leading to a localization of
      pi-electrons on the coumarin moiety. The polymer enables accurate determination
      of very low levels of CN(-) (>0.5 MUM). The polymer can be recovered from water
      by simple centrifugation at high temperature (>40  degrees C), due to the heat
      induced aggregation of the polymer. In addition, the polymer is regenerated by
      simple acid treatment, and the resulting polymer is successfully reused for
      further CN(-) sensing without loss of sensitivity.

PMID- 22043966
TI  - Ecological and evolutionary functional genomics--how can it contribute to the
      risk assessment of chemicals?

PMID- 22043967
TI  - miR-155 modulates microglia-mediated immune response by down-regulating SOCS-1
      and promoting cytokine and nitric oxide production.
AB  - Innate immunity constitutes the first line of defence against both external and
      endogenous threats in the brain, and microglia cells are considered key mediators
      of this process. Recent studies have shown that microRNAs (miRNAs) may play a
      determinant role in the regulation of gene expression during innate immune
      responses. The major goal of this work was to investigate the contribution of a
      specific miRNA - miR-155 - to the modulation of the microglia-mediated immune
      response. For this purpose, in vitro studies were performed in N9 microglia cells
      to evaluate changes in the levels of this miRNA following microglia activation. A
      strong up-regulation of miR-155 expression was observed following microglia
      exposure to lipopolysaccharide, which was consistent with a decrease in the
      levels of the suppressor of cytokine signalling 1 (SOCS-1) protein, a key
      inhibitor of the inflammatory process and a predicted target of miR-155. The miR
      155 knockdown by anti-miRNA oligonucleotides up-regulated SOCS-1 mRNA and protein
      levels and significantly decreased the production of nitric oxide and the
      expression of inflammatory cytokines and inducible nitric oxide synthase.
      Finally, treatment of neuronal primary cultures with conditioned medium obtained
      from microglia cells, in which miR-155 was inhibited before cell activation,
      decreased inflammatory-mediated neuronal cell death. Overall, our results show
      that miR-155 has a pro-inflammatory role in microglia and is necessary for the
      progression of the immune response through the modulation of SOCS-1, suggesting
      that, in a chronic inflammatory context, miR-155 inhibition can have a
      neuroprotective effect.

PMID- 22043968
TI  - ADHD drugs and serious cardiovascular events in children and young adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adverse-event reports from North America have raised concern that the
      use of drugs for attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) increases the
      risk of serious cardiovascular events. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective
      cohort study with automated data from four health plans (Tennessee Medicaid,
      Washington State Medicaid, Kaiser Permanente California, and OptumInsight
      Epidemiology), with 1,200,438 children and young adults between the ages of 2 and
      24 years and 2,579,104 person-years of follow-up, including 373,667 person-years
      of current use of ADHD drugs. We identified serious cardiovascular events (sudden
      cardiac death, acute myocardial infarction, and stroke) from health-plan data and
      vital records, with end points validated by medical-record review. We estimated
      the relative risk of end points among current users, as compared with nonusers,
      with hazard ratios from Cox regression models. RESULTS: Cohort members had 81
      serious cardiovascular events (3.1 per 100,000 person-years). Current users of
      ADHD drugs were not at increased risk for serious cardiovascular events (adjusted
      hazard ratio, 0.75; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.31 to 1.85). Risk was not
      increased for any of the individual end points, or for current users as compared
      with former users (adjusted hazard ratio, 0.70; 95% CI, 0.29 to 1.72).
      Alternative analyses addressing several study assumptions also showed no
      significant association between the use of an ADHD drug and the risk of a study
      end point. CONCLUSIONS: This large study showed no evidence that current use of
      an ADHD drug was associated with an increased risk of serious cardiovascular
      events, although the upper limit of the 95% confidence interval indicated that a
      doubling of the risk could not be ruled out. However, the absolute magnitude of
      such an increased risk would be low. (Funded by the Agency for Healthcare
      Research and Quality and the Food and Drug Administration.).

PMID- 22043970
TI  - A very late infection of an abdominal mesh following a pedicled TRAM flap
      harvest.
AB  - Pedicled transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM) flap is still a common
      procedure for breast reconstruction. To lessen the incidence of abdominal-wall
      abnormalities, the donor-site defect in the transverse rectus abdominis muscle is
      generally repaired with a prosthetic mesh. This carries the well-known risks of
      foreign-body implantation, the most serious of which is infection. We report here
      a case of a 46-year-old patient who presented with an infected mesh 6.5 years
      after pedicled transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous (TRAM)-flap breast
      reconstruction, requiring subsequent removal of the mesh. This is the latest
      recorded presentation of an abdominal prosthetic mesh infection in the English
      literature. The onset of late mesh infection could be related to a transient
      systemic infection and bacteraemia.

PMID- 22043969
TI  - Short-term and long-term effects of orthopedic biodegradable implants.
AB  - Presently, orthopedic and oral/maxillofacial implants represent a combined $2.8
      billion market, a figure expected to experience significant and continued growth.
      Although traditional permanent implants have been proved clinically efficacious,
      they are also associated with several drawbacks, including secondary revision and
      removal surgeries. Non-permanent, biodegradable implants offer a promising
      alternative for patients, as they provide temporary support and degrade at a rate
      matching tissue formation, and thus, eliminate the need for secondary surgeries.
      These implants have been in clinical use for nearly 25 years, competing directly
      with, or maybe even exceeding, the performance of permanent implants. The initial
      implantation of biodegradable materials, as with permanent materials, mounts an
      acute host inflammatory response. Over time, the implant degradation profile and
      possible degradation product toxicity mediate long-term biodegradable implant
      induced inflammation. However, unlike permanent implants, this inflammation is
      likely to cease once the material disappears. Implant-mediated inflammation is a
      critical determinant for implant success. Thus, for the development of a
      proactive biodegradable implant that has the ability to promote optimal bone
      regeneration and minimal detrimental inflammation, a thorough understanding of
      short- and long-term inflammatory events is required. Here, we discuss an array
      of biodegradable orthopedic implants, their associated short- and long- term
      inflammatory effects, and methods to mediate these inflammatory events.

PMID- 22043971
TI  - Vascular complications in orthopaedic surgery.
AB  - Vascular complications during orthopaedic surgery, although rare, do occur. Most
      vascular complications occur intraoperatively, immediately postoperatively or in
      the late postoperative period; they most commonly include lacerations,
      pseudoaneurysms, thrombosis, and arteriovenous fistulas. The operations most
      commonly associated with vascular injuries are knee arthroplasty, followed by hip
      arthroplasty, spinal surgery, and knee arthroscopy. Most commonly the popliteal
      artery is involved, followed by the tibial, superficial femoral, iliac, common
      and profunda femoral arteries. Color Doppler ultrasound is the initial imaging
      method used to evaluate a vascular injury. Computed tomography and magnetic
      resonance angiography are usually not applicable in joint replacement surgery
      because of the artifacts caused by the prostheses. When noninvasive imaging fails
      to reveal the injury, angiography is required. Traditional management of vascular
      surgical complications have included vascular surgical intervention. However, the
      availability of a vascular surgical team is required, and re-exploration of the
      operative site to treat acute ischemic complications of joint replacement may be
      difficult and may fail because the source of bleeding is not always apparent. In
      this setting, endovascular treatments such as balloon arterial thrombectomy,
      balloon angioplasty with and without stenting, and transcatheteral selective
      arterial embolization have been effective, successful, and safe interventional
      techniques in the acute or late postoperative period after elective orthopedic
      surgery. These techniques should be considered as the first option in the
      treatment of these lesions.

PMID- 22043972
TI  - Bioactive glass S53P4 and autograft bone in treatment of depressed tibial plateau
      fractures - a prospective randomized 11-year follow-up.
AB  - The clinical and radiological outcomes of bioactive glass (BAG)-S53P4 and
      autograft bone (AB) used as bone-graft substitutes in depressed tibial plateau
      fractures were evaluated in a prospective randomized 11-year follow-up study. All
      patients (n = 29) had sustained tibial plateau fractures with a joint-line
      depression of >3 mm. Fifteen patients (5 patients the BAG group, 10 patients in
      the AB group) participated in this long-term follow-up. X-rays were taken
      preoperatively, postoperatively, and at the long-term follow-up, and computed
      tomography (CT) scans were made at the long-term follow-up for evaluation of the
      bone substitute, osteoarthritis, the tibial-femoral angle, and deviation of
      mechanical axes. No material-dependent adverse effects were seen in any patient.
      The means of the articular surface depression on X-rays at the long-term follow
      up were 1.4 mm (range: 0-2 mm) in the BAG group and 1.4 mm (range: 0-4 mm) in the
      AB group, and on CT scans the means were 2.2 mm (range: 2-3 mm), and 2.1 mm
      (range: 0-3), respectively. No significant difference in the tibial-femoral angle
      or deviation of mechanical axes was observed between the two groups. BAG-S53P4
      can be used as a bone substitute in depressed lateral tibial plateau fractures
      with good functional and radiological long-term results.

PMID- 22043973
TI  - Acute renal failure in orthopaedic surgery.
AB  - Orthopaedic diseases affect a broad spectrum of patients, and many of these have
      concomitant medical problems that may differ from those of the general surgical
      population. Acute postoperative renal failure is thought to arise secondary to
      acute tubular necrosis from volume depletion, reduction in glomerular filtration
      rate, hypotension, and nephrotoxic drugs. If acute renal failure occurs and
      necessitates hemodialysis, morbidity and mortality are significantly increased.
      To enhance the literature, we performed this study to review the rates and risk
      factors for acute renal failure in orthopaedic surgery. This information may be
      useful for orthopaedic surgeons and treating physicians during the rehabilitation
      stage, to provide a rationale to stratify a patient's risk of acute renal failure
      or death on the basis of perioperative medical factors and type of surgery, or
      for improved perioperative monitoring, better surveillance, and preventive
      measures to reduce this risk.

PMID- 22043974
TI  - Bone regeneration of tibial segmental defect using isotropic-pore structures
      hydroxyapatite/alumina bi-layered scaffold: in vivo pilot study.
AB  - Bone defects resulting from trauma or pathology represent a common and
      significant clinical problem. In this study, hydroxyapatite (HAp)-alumina bi
      layered scaffolds, which have the benefits of both HAp (i.e., osteointegration,
      osteoconduction) and alumina (i.e., hardness) were used as a bone substitute for
      the repair of large segmental defects (20 mm) created in a beagle tibia model.
      Highly porous bi-layered scaffolds with isotropic-pore structures were fabricated
      using a polymer-template coating technique. The pore sizes obtained using this
      approach ranged between 230 MUm and 470 MUm, and porosity was 91.61+/-1.28%.
      Using scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive spectroscopy, it was
      confirmed that the frame of each bi-layered scaffold consisted of an alumina
      inner layer and HAp outer layer. The evaluation of bone regeneration within each
      scaffold after implantation in the beagle tibia was performed using CT, micro-CT,
      scintigraphy. New bone formation was evident in the large segmental defects
      treated with HAp/alumina scaffolds. It was concluded from this study that the
      HAp/alumina bi-layered scaffold is instrumental in inducing host-scaffold
      engraftment at the distal and proximal ends of the defect as well as distributing
      the newly formed bone throughout each scaffold 8 weeks post-implantation.

PMID- 22043975
TI  - Bioceramics in ossicular replacement prostheses: a review.
AB  - For many decades, bioceramic materials have been used in a variety of biomedical
      applications due to their biocompatibility, hardness, wear resistance and
      compressive strength properties. Bioceramic materials, including Bioglass, glass
      ceramic materials, and hydroxyapatite, have used to create total ossicular
      replacement prostheses and partial ossicular replacement prostheses. This review
      describes design factors associated with middle ear implants as well as clinical
      use of bioceramic materials in middle ear implants.

PMID- 22043976
TI  - Self-assembly of dimeric tetrathiafulvalene-calix[4]pyrrole: receptor for 1,3,5
      trinitrobenzene.
AB  - The synthesis and binding properties of a tetrathiafulvalene (TTF)
      calix[4]pyrrole receptor 2 appended with one 3,5-dinitrobenzoate guest moiety are
      reported. The preliminary studies revealed that the receptor is self-complexing
      into a dimer receptor 2*2. The self-complexation of the receptor leads to
      preorganization--in its 1,3-alternate conformation--and as a result hereof, the
      dimer receptor 2*2 is displaying a 2 order higher binding affinity toward
      analytes (e.g., 1,3,5-trinitrobenzene) than the model tetrathiafulvalene (TTF)
      calix[4]pyrrole receptor 3.

PMID- 22043977
TI  - Attitudes towards abortion among trainees in obstetrics/gynecology and clinical
      genetics.
AB  - This study aimed to provide knowledge about attitudes towards abortion among
      Danish physicians in training in the specialties of obstetrics/gynecology and
      clinical genetics. The study was a questionnaire survey among trainees in these
      specialties. Ninety-six responded. Trainees in clinical genetics were more pro
      abortion than those in obstetrics/gynecology (p=0.04). Of the respondents, 30
      versus 48% found working with early and late abortions unpleasant. Nearly half
      agreed that they had chosen their specialty despite having to counsel and treat
      women having abortions. Twenty-one percent agreed that working with late abortion
      affected their job satisfaction negatively. Those agreeing with the above
      statements had a tendency towards lower pro-abortion scores than those who were
      indifferent or who disagreed but the differences were not significant. A
      substantial fraction of physicians in training have negative feelings associated
      with abortion-related work and require support in handling and coping with these
      challenges.

PMID- 22043978
TI  - Early detection of drug use and bullying in secondary school children by using a
      three-dimensional simulation program.
AB  - The current study analyzes the psychometric properties of an innovative three
      dimensional (3D) simulation program, entitled Mii-School (MS), designed for the
      early detection of drug use and bullying in Secondary School children. This
      computer program showed adequate reliability and construct validity. The
      factorial structure, as well as the explanatory weight of the different factors,
      is presented. In addition, the results of a parallel version in paper and pencil
      format are also presented and compared with those of the computerized version
      (i.e., MS). There was a statistically significant difference between the two
      formats in the total (i.e., combined) sore of risk. When drug use and bullying
      were separately analyzed, differences were found only with regard to drug use.
      The relevance of these results as well as the suitability of this type of 3D
      instrument for the early detection of risky behaviors in young people are
      discussed.

PMID- 22043979
TI  - Humiliation or care? A qualitative study of patients' and health professionals'
      experiences with tuberculosis treatment in Norway.
AB  - AIM: Directly observed treatment (DOT) has been implemented globally as a
      strategy in treatment of tuberculosis. Studies from high-endemic settings show
      that DOT involves social and economical burdens for patients, but little is known
      about experiences with practicing DOT in low-endemic settings. The present study
      explores patients' and health professionals' views and experiences with DOT in
      Norway. METHOD: In-depth interviews were conducted with 22 patients originating
      from Somalia and Ethiopia and with 20 health professionals. Data from the
      interviews were analysed using systematic text condensation. FINDINGS: We found
      that there was little room for patients to negotiate whether or not to consent to
      the organization of treatment (DOT). Patients told that it was difficult to
      question the way treatment was organized, as they got the impression that there
      was no other way of gaining access to medication. Both patients and health
      professionals reported that persuasion based on authority and subtle threats was
      used as means to facilitate patients' acceptance of DOT. A majority of patients
      experienced DOT as humiliating and discriminating, while some had the experience
      of being cared for. Patients who attended school or had occupational obligations
      reported high social costs related to the treatment. Patients with positive
      experiences told that they had been given an opportunity to negotiate flexible
      treatment schedules and emphasized the importance of continuity among health
      professionals. Health professionals had divergent views and practices. Some
      argued that patients should be treated equally, while others argued for an
      individualized and flexible approach. CONCLUSION: The practice of DOT reflects
      societal power structures that influence the clinical interactions between health
      professionals and patients. To avoid experiences of disempowerment and
      humiliation among patients, treatment and care should be organized in a way that
      safeguards patients' right to consent to treatment and that allows patients to
      negotiate an individualized treatment schedule.

PMID- 22043981
TI  - Induction of contact-dependent CD8(+) regulatory T cells through stimulation with
      staphylococcal and streptococcal superantigens.
AB  - The bacterial superantigen exotoxins of Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus
      pyogenes are potent stimulators of polyclonal T-cell proliferation. They are the
      causes of toxic shock syndrome but also induce CD25(+)  FOXP3(+)  regulatory
      cells in the CD4 compartment. Several studies have recently described different
      forms of antigen-induced regulatory CD8(+)  T cells in the context of
      inflammatory diseases and chronic viral infections. In this paper we show that
      bacterial superantigens are potent inducers of human regulatory CD8(+)  T cells.
      We used four prototypic superantigens of S. aureus (toxic shock syndrome toxin-1
      and staphylococcal enterotoxin A) and Str. pyogenes (streptococcal pyrogenic
      exotoxins A and K/L). At concentrations below 1 ng/ml each toxin triggers
      concentration-dependent T-cell receptor Vbeta-specific expression of CD25 and
      FOXP3 on CD8(+)  T cells. This effect is independent of CD4(+)  T-cell help but
      requires antigen-presenting cells for maximum effect. The cells also express the
      activation/regulatory markers cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 and glucocorticoid
      induced tumour necrosis factor receptor-related protein and skin homing adhesins
      CD103 and cutaneous lymphocyte-associated antigen. Superantigen-induced CD25(+) 
      FOXP3(+)  CD8(+)  T cells were as potent as freshly prepared naturally occurring
      CD4(+)  regulatory T cells in suppressing proliferation of CD4(+)  CD25(-)  T
      cells in response to anti-CD3 stimulation. Although superantigen-induced CD8(+) 
      CD25(+)  FOXP3(+)  express interleukin-10 and interferon-gamma their suppressive
      function is cell contact dependent. Our findings indicate that regulatory CD8(+) 
      T cells may be a feature of acute bacterial infections contributing to immune
      evasion by the microbe and disease pathogenesis. The presence and magnitude of
      regulatory CD8(+)  T-cell responses may represent a novel biomarker in such
      infections. Superantigen-induced regulatory CD8(+)  T cells also have therapeutic
      potential.

PMID- 22043982
TI  - A novel homosesquiterpenoid from the stems of Cinnamomum burmanii.
AB  - A novel homosesquiterpenoid, burmanol (1), along with 16 known compounds,
      including one triterpenoid, one quinol, two chlorophylls, two coumarins, two
      steroids, three lignans and five benzenoids were obtained from the stems of
      Cinnamomum burmanii (Lauraceae). The structures of these compounds were
      determined on the basis of spectroscopic analysis.

PMID- 22043983
TI  - Serological monitoring of protection of sheep against Echinococcus granulosus
      induced by the EG95 vaccine.
AB  - Although immunity to Echinococcus granulosus in sheep has been shown to be
      antibody-mediated and complement-dependent and can be passively transferred in
      colostrum, in animals vaccinated with EG95, the relationship between protection
      against an oral challenge infection with E. granulosus eggs and anti-EG95 IgG
      ELISA absorbance values at the time of challenge has not been satisfactorily
      proven. Using a combination of results from three EG95 vaccination trials, we
      have found that the IgG ELISA absorbance at the time of challenge infection
      explains approximately 50% (P <= 0.001) of the variability in the percentage
      protection against an oral challenge with E. granulosus eggs (transformed with
      arcsin).

PMID- 22043984
TI  - Nanoparticle shape anisotropy dictates the collective behavior of surface-bound
      ligands.
AB  - We report on the modification of the properties of surface-confined ligands in
      nanoparticle systems through the introduction of shape anisotropy. Specifically,
      triangular gold nanoprisms, densely functionalized with oligonucleotide ligands,
      hybridize to complementary particles with an affinity that is several million
      times higher than that of spherical nanoparticle conjugates functionalized with
      the same amount of DNA. In addition, they exhibit association rates that are 2
      orders of magnitude greater than those of their spherical counterparts. This
      phenomenon stems from the ability of the flat, extended facets of nonspherical
      nanoparticles to (1) support more numerous ligand interactions through greater
      surface contact with complementary particles, (2) increase the effective local
      concentration of terminal DNA nucleotides that mediate hybridization, and (3)
      relieve the conformational stresses imposed on nanoparticle-bound ligands
      participating in interactions between curved surfaces. Finally, these same trends
      are observed for the pH-mediated association of nanoparticles functionalized with
      carboxylate ligands, demonstrating the generality of these findings.

PMID- 22043985
TI  - Advances in quantitative phosphoproteomics.

PMID- 22043986
TI  - Does physical activity reduce risk for Alzheimer's disease through interaction
      with the stress neuroendocrine system?
AB  - Lack of physical activity (PA) is a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD), and
      PA interventions are believed to provide an effective non-pharmacological
      approach for attenuating the symptoms of this disease. However, the mechanism of
      action of these positive effects is currently unknown. It is possible that the
      benefits may be at least partially mediated by the effects on the neuroendocrine
      stress system. Chronic stress can lead to dysfunction of the hypothalamic
      pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, leading to aberrant basal and circadian patterns of
      cortisol secretion and a cascade of negative downstream events. These factors
      have been linked not only to reduced cognitive function but also increased levels
      of amyloid-beta plaques and protein tau "tangles" (the neuropathological
      hallmarks of AD) in the non-demented mouse models of this disease. However, there
      is evidence that PA can have restorative effects on the stress neuroendocrine
      system and related risk factors relevant to AD. We explore the possibility that
      PA can positively impact upon AD by restoring normative HPA axis function, with
      consequent downstream effects upon underlying neuropathology and associated
      cognitive function. We conclude with suggestions for future research to test this
      hypothesis in patients with AD.

PMID- 22043987
TI  - Ecological-level associations between highly processed food intakes and plasma
      phospholipid elaidic acid concentrations: results from a cross-sectional study
      within the European prospective investigation into cancer and nutrition (EPIC).
AB  - Elaidic acid is the main unnatural trans fatty acid isomer occurring during
      partial hydrogenation of vegetable oils used as ingredients for the formulation
      of processed foods. The main objective is to assess associations between
      processed food intakes and plasma phospholipid elaidic acid concentrations within
      the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition study. A cross
      sectional study was used to determine fatty acid profiles in 3,003 subjects from
      16 centers. Single 24-h dietary recalls (24-HDR) were collected using a
      standardized computerized interview program. Food intakes were computed according
      to their degree of processing (moderately/nonprocessed foods, processed staple
      foods, highly processed foods). Adjusted ecological and individual correlations
      were calculated between processed food intakes and plasma elaidic acid levels. At
      the population level, mean intakes of highly processed foods were strongly
      correlated with mean levels of plasma elaidic acid in men (P = 0.0016) and in
      women (P = 0.0012). At the individual level, these associations remained but at a
      much lower level in men (r = 0.08, P = 0.006) and in women (r = 0.09, P =
      0.0001). The use of an averaged 24-HDR measure of highly processed food intakes
      is adequate for predicting mean levels of plasma elaidic acid among European
      populations.

PMID- 22043989
TI  - Growth inhibition of human non-small lung cancer cells h460 by green tea and
      ginger polyphenols.
AB  - Non small cell lung cancer is known to resist apoptotic stimuli of various
      antitumor agents and become progressively incurable. The present study was
      undertaken to evaluate the in vitro antineoplastic effect of polyphenols
      extracted from both green tea (GTPs) and ginger (GPs) on non-small cell lung
      cancer cells (NSCLC-NCI-H460). METHODS: The direct antitumor effect of GTPs and
      GPs on H460 cells was assessed by investigating the proliferation rate, metabolic
      activity assay (MTT method) and the apoptotic effect (determined by an annexin V
      apoptosis assay). Also, the inhibition concentrations (IC50) of both extracts and
      the levels of P 53 and Bcl-2 proteins were determined. RESULTS: GTPs and GPs have
      inhibited the proliferation of H460 cells in a dose-dependent manner. At the end
      of treatment period (96 h) the cell population has decreased to 16% and 26% when
      treated with 80MUg GTPs or GPs, respectively, compared to the untreated cells.
      The IC50 values of both extracts were 32.9 and 55.5 g/ml, respectively. GTPs was
      more effective in reduction of cell metabolic activity (measured by MTT assay),
      where cell count decreased to 22% compared to 64% in cells treated with similar
      concentration (80MUg) of GPs. Lower concentration (20MUg) of cisplatin induced
      15% reduction in cell metabolic activity. Moreover, 80MUg of GTPs and GPs
      extracts induced apoptosis by 71% and 39% of the living cells, respectively. The
      apoptotic effect of both extracts, especially GTPs, seems to be mediated by both
      P 53 and Bcl-2. CONCLUSION: The study reports the antiproliferative and apoptosis
      mediated cytotoxic effects of green tea and ginger polyphenolic extracts on human
      H460 cell line, indicating their promising chemopreventive effect against lung
      cancer.

PMID- 22043990
TI  - Current and emerging strategies in bladder cancer.
AB  - Urothelial cell carcinoma is one of the most common malignancies of the urinary
      tract. The standard of care, intravesical chemo- and immunotherapy, while
      effective, is associated with a considerable side-effect profile and
      approximately 30% of patients either fail to respond to treatment or suffer
      recurrent disease within 5 years. In the setting of muscle-invasive urothelial
      carcinoma, use of neoadjuvant chemotherapy is associated with overall survival
      benefit. Muscle invasive bladder cancer is life threatening, showing modest
      chemosensitivity, and usually requires radical cystectomy. Although bladder
      cancer is fairly well-genetically characterized, clinical trials with molecularly
      targeted agents have, in comparison to other solid tumors, been few in number and
      largely unsuccessful. Hence, bladder cancer represents a considerable opportunity
      and challenge for alternative therapies. In this review, we will focus on
      promising global or pathway-based approaches (epigenetic modulators, kinase
      inhibitors, angiogenesis blockage, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor
      gamma agonists, apoptosis inductors, virus therapy) supported by a deeper
      understanding of molecular biology of urothelial carcinoma, which have been
      recently tested in clinical trials.

PMID- 22043991
TI  - Recent developments of small molecule EGFR inhibitors based on the quinazoline
      core scaffolds.
AB  - Progress in identifying and understanding the molecular and cellular causes of
      cancer has led to the discovery of anomalies that characterize cancer cells and
      that represent targets for the development of cancer therapeutics. One such
      target is the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a transmembrane protein
      that is frequently dysregulated in cancer cells and associated with the
      development, progression and aggressiveness of a number of malignancies.
      Inhibition of EGFR signaling has thus been identified as an attractive strategy
      in control of tumor proliferation, and over a decade of intense activity in the
      field has culminated in the discoveries and subsequent approvals of gefitinib and
      erlotinib for the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer. However, the drug's
      resistance to gefitinib and erlotinib has been clinically observed. Therefore,
      intensive efforts have been made in the discovery of novel potent and selective
      EGFR inhibitors. This review will focus on the developments of small molecule
      EGFR inhibitors based on the quinazoline core scaffolds in recent 5 years.
      Diverse EGFR inhibitors are classified as 4-anilinoquinazolines and 4
      nonanilininoquinazolines, their biological data are described, and the structure
      activity relationships (SARs) are discussed.

PMID- 22043992
TI  - New targeted therapies for anaplastic thyroid cancer.
AB  - Anaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) is often incurable because it doesn't respond to
      radioiodine, radiotherapy or chemotherapy, and new therapeutic approaches are
      needed. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARg) gene and protein
      are present in ATC cells, and PPARg ligands inhibit cell proliferation, induce
      apoptosis, and also down regulate the invasive potential of ATC cells. Also,
      inhibitors of the Aurora serine/threonine kinases have antineoplastic effect on
      ATC cells in vitro and on ATC xenografts. Tyrosine kinases inhibitors are
      actually under evaluation for the treatment of ATC, for example imanitib or
      sorafenib. Other studies have focused on evaluating antiangiogenic agents for
      treatment of ATC. These agents include: combretastatin A4 phosphate, aplidin,
      PTK787/ZK222584, and human VEGF monoclonal antibodies (bevacizumab, cetuximab).
      Small-molecule adenosine triphosphate (ATP) competitive inhibitors directed
      intracellularly at epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)'s tyrosine kinase,
      such as erlotinib, or gefitinib are also under evaluation. The development of
      drugs that have multiple therapeutic targets and the utilization of multiple
      cancer-targeting agents are both emerging strategies for ATC treatment. For
      example, a preclinical study evaluated the activity of a dual inhibitor of EGFR
      and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), NVP-AEE788, alone and in
      combination with paclitaxel for the treatment of ATC. Even if new therapeutic
      approaches against ATC are under development, more research is needed to finally
      identify therapies able to control and to cure this disease. The possibility of
      testing the sensitivity of primary ATC cells from each subject to different drugs
      could increase the effectiveness of the treatment in the next future.

PMID- 22043993
TI  - Downregulation of hypoxia-related responses by novel antitumor histone
      deacetylase inhibitors in MDAMB231 breast cancer cells.
AB  - The tumor microenvironment is characterized by a poor circulation which results
      in the selection of neoplastic cells that can grow or survive under hypoxic
      conditions. The relationship between hypoxia and histone deacetylase (HDAC)
      inhibitors has been previously established. In this work we evaluated the effects
      of novel HDAC inhibitors (the natural peptide FR235222 and three tetrapeptide
      analogs) in the human breast cancer cell line MDAMB231, cultured under hypoxia
      (2% O2 ?  14 mmHg) or normoxia (20% O2 ?  140 mmHg). First, we found that the
      novel HDAC inhibitors reduced cell proliferation in MDAMB231 cells at an extent
      which was similar or even higher than that exerted by the classic HDAC inhibitors
      trichostatin-A and suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid. More interestingly, the
      antiproliferative effects of the novel HDAC inhibitors were, in general,
      significantly higher in hypoxic cells than in normoxic controls. Hypoxic MDAMB231
      cells expressed high levels of the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1alpha and HIF
      1alpha-related genes, such as vascular endothelial growth factor, Bcl-2/E1B 19
      kDa interacting protein-3, glucose transporter-1, carbonic anhydrase IX, as
      determined by Western blot analysis and qRT-PCR. Finally, we found that HIF
      1alpha and HIF-1alpha-related genes were significantly downregulated by FR235222
      and analogs. In conclusion, the identification of novel effects exerted by the
      HDAC inhibitors, characterized by a strong efficacy in inhibiting the expression
      of HIF-1alpha and its related genes, may have important implications in the
      pharmacological control of several tumors, including breast cancer, characterized
      by the presence of hypoxia, angiogenesis and metabolic derangements.

PMID- 22043995
TI  - Chemoinformatics in multi-target drug discovery for anti-cancer therapy: in
      silico design of potent and versatile anti-brain tumor agents.
AB  - A brain tumor (BT) constitutes a neoplasm located in the brain or the central
      spinal canal. The number of new diagnosed cases with BT increases with the pass
      of the time. Understanding the biology of BT is essential for the development of
      novel therapeutic strategies, in order to prevent or deal with this disease. An
      active area for the search of new anti-BT therapies is the use of
      Chemoinformatics and/or Bioinformatics toward the design of new and potent anti
      BT agents. The principal limitation of all these approaches is that they consider
      small series of structurally related compounds and/or the studies are realized
      for only one target like protein. The present work is an effort to overcome this
      problem. We introduce here the first Chemoinformatics multi-target approach for
      the in silico design and prediction of anti-BT agents against several cell lines.
      Here, a fragment-based QSAR model was developed. The model correctly classified
      89.63% and 90.93% of active and inactive compounds respectively, in training
      series. The validation of the model was carried out by using prediction series
      which showed 88.00% of correct classification for active and 88.59% for inactive
      compounds. Some fragments were extracted from the molecules and their
      contributions to anti-BT activity were calculated. Several fragments were
      identified as potential substructural features responsible of anti-BT activity
      and new molecular entities designed from fragments with positive contributions
      were suggested as possible anti-BT agents.

PMID- 22043994
TI  - Are KRAS/BRAF mutations potent prognostic and/or predictive biomarkers in
      colorectal cancers?
AB  - KRAS and BRAF mutations lead to the constitutive activation of EGFR signaling
      through the oncogenic Ras/Raf/Mek/Erk pathway. Currently, KRAS is the only
      potential biomarker for predicting the efficacy of anti-EGFR monoclonal
      antibodies (mAb) in colorectal cancer (CRC). However, a recent report suggested
      that the use of cetuximab was associated with survival benefit among patients
      with p.G13D-mutated tumors. Furthermore, although the presence of mutated BRAF is
      one of the most powerful prognostic factors for advanced and recurrent CRC, it
      remains unknown whether patients with BRAF-mutated tumors experience a survival
      benefit from treatment with anti-EGFR mAb. Thus, the prognostic or predictive
      relevance of the KRAS and BRAF genotype in CRC remains controversial despite
      several investigations. Routine KRAS/BRAF screening of pathological specimens is
      required to promote the appropriate clinical use of anti-EGFR mAb and to
      determine malignant phenotypes in CRC. The significance of KRAS/BRAF mutations as
      predictive or prognostic biomarkers should be taken into consideration when
      selecting a KRAS/BRAF screening assay. This article will review the spectrum of
      KRAS/BRAF genotype and the impact of KRAS/BRAF mutations on the
      clinicopathological features and prognosis of patients with CRC, particularly
      when differentiating between the mutations at KRAS codons 12 and 13. Furthermore,
      the predictive role of KRAS/BRAF mutations in treatments with anti-EGFR mAb will
      be verified, focusing on KRAS p.G13D and BRAF mutations.

PMID- 22043996
TI  - Genistein and its synthetic analogs as anticancer agents.
AB  - Genistein, one of the predominant isoflavones derived from soybeans, has been
      shown beneficial effects in cancer prevention and treatment. There is an
      accumulating body of experimental evidences suggesting that genistein affects
      cancer progression by increasing apoptosis, inducing cell cycle arrest,modulating
      intracellular signaling pathways, and inhibiting invasion and metastasis of
      cancer cells. During last decade, many researchers have conducted extensive
      studies by synthesizing amounts of structurally-modified derivatives based on the
      isoflavone skeleton of genistein to enhance its anticancer activity, some analogs
      of which possess more potent activities of the prevention and/or treatment of
      various cancers. In this review, we summarized the current knowledge regarding
      anticancer effects,structure-activity relationships and action mechanisms of
      genistein and its synthesized analogs, which would be beneficial to the rational
      design of new genistein derivatives as anticancer drugs.

PMID- 22043997
TI  - Pharmacologic inhibition of mTOR improves lapatinib sensitivity in HER2
      overexpressing breast cancer cells with primary trastuzumab resistance.
AB  - Lapatinib, a dual EGFR/HER2 kinase inhibitor, is approved for use in patients
      with trastuzumab-refractory HER2- overexpressing breast cancer. Increased PI3K
      signaling has been associated with resistance to trastuzumab, although its role
      in lapatinib resistance remains unclear. The purpose of the current study was to
      determine if PI3K/mTOR activity affects lapatinib sensitivity. Reduced
      sensitivity to lapatinib was associated with an inability of lapatinib to inhibit
      Akt and p70S6K phosphorylation. Transfection of constitutively active Akt reduced
      lapatinib sensitivity, while kinase-dead Akt increased sensitivity. Knockdown of
      4EBP1 also increased lapatinib sensitivity, in contrast to p70S6K knockdown,
      which did not affect response to lapatinib. Pharmacologic inhibition of mTOR
      using rapamycin or ridaforolimus increased lapatinib sensitivity and reduced
      phospho-Akt levels in cells that showed poor response to single-agent lapatinib,
      including those transfected with hyperactive Akt. Finally, combination mTOR
      inhibition plus lapatinib resulted in synergistic inhibition of proliferation,
      reduced anchorage-independent growth, and reduced in vivo tumor growth of HER2-
      overexpressing breast cancer cells that have primary trastuzumab resistance. Our
      data suggest that PI3K/mTOR inhibition is critical for achieving optimal response
      to lapatinib. Collectively, these experiments support evaluation of lapatinib in
      combination with pharmacologic mTOR inhibition as a potential strategy for
      inhibiting growth of HER2-overexpressing breast cancers that show resistance to
      trastuzumab and poor response to lapatinib.

PMID- 22043998
TI  - Cranberry as promising natural source of potential anticancer agents: current
      evidence and future perspectives.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Accumulating evidence suggest that dietary modification can lower the
      risk for several cancer types' development. Cranberry in particular, has been
      shown to have anti-oxidative, -inflammatory and -proliferative properties in
      vitro. OBJECTIVE: To present the latest knowledge regarding the role of cranberry
      extracts against human cancer several types. METHODS: A review of the literature
      documenting both in vitro and in vivo anti-cancer effects of whole cranberry
      and/or its extracts is conducted. CONCLUSIONS: Current data provide evidence for
      several anti-cancer properties of either whole cranberry and/or its extracts. The
      discovery of the specific cranberry components and the appropriate concentrations
      that exert such beneficial effects along with verification of the preliminary in
      vitro results in in vivo settings could potentially lead to the invention of
      novel safer and efficient anti-cancer therapeutic agents.

PMID- 22043999
TI  - Hepatocarcinogenesis and ceramide/cholesterol metabolism.
AB  - Sphingolipids (SLs) and cholesterol are critical structural components of
      membrane bilayers. Although recent evidence has revealed an emerging role of both
      lipids in signaling pathways, their contribution to cancer development and
      treatment has been largely overlooked. Sphingolipids comprise a family of
      bioactive lipids with divergent roles in numerous cellular processes. In
      particular, ceramide is the prototype of SLs and identified as a cell death
      effector whose levels increase in response to apoptotic stimuli such as ionizing
      radiation or chemotherapy. In the liver, ceramide/cholesterol accumulation
      contributes to a wide range of pathologies, including the transition from
      steatosis to steatohepatitis, which can further progress to cirrhosis and
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Moreover, different studies have shown that
      either pharmacologic ceramide accumulation or systemic intravenous administration
      of liposomal ceramide is an effective approach against HCC. In addition,
      mitochondrial cholesterol trafficking has emerged as a novel factor regulating
      cell death pathways and HCC tumor growth and chemoresistance. Due to the poor
      efficacy of current HCC treatments, understanding the role of
      ceramide/cholesterol in HCC may open up novel avenues for therapy. Here we
      describe recent evidence indicating that ceramide-generating agents and/or
      pharmacological targeting of sphingolipid/cholesterol metabolism, alone or in
      combination with other chemotherapeutic compounds, may be a promising strategy in
      HCC management.

PMID- 22044000
TI  - The sequence specificity of the anti-tumour drug, cisplatin, in telomeric DNA
      sequences compared with consecutive guanine DNA sequences.
AB  - The sequence specificity of the anti-tumour drug, cisplatin, was determined in a
      DNA sequence that contained seven telomeric repeats and a run of ten consecutive
      guanine bases. Cisplatin preferentially forms DNA adducts at consecutive guanine
      sequences. Hence these DNA sequences were examined in order to gain an insight
      into the important human genomic regions that are damaged by cisplatin. A
      polymerase stop/linear amplification assay was employed with an automated DNA
      capillary sequencer and laser-induced fluorescence detection to quantitatively
      determine the DNA sequence specificity of cisplatin in a plasmid clone containing
      seven telomeric repeats and a sequence of ten consecutive guanine bases. It was
      found that cisplatin preferentially damaged the ten consecutive guanine sequence
      although the telomeric DNA sequences were also a major site of cisplatin adduct
      formation.

PMID- 22044001
TI  - Molecular probing and imaging of histone deacetylase inhibitors in cancer
      treatment.
AB  - Molecules that inhibit histone deacetylases (HDACs) activity have shown a great
      promise as anticancer agents since they interfere with cell proliferation and
      angiogenesis, induce cell differentiation and promote apoptosis. A number of
      HDACIs (for example: SAHA) have been approved by FDA for the treatment of cancer
      in different stages of clinical trials. HDAC inhibition proves to be a worthy
      strategy for cancer therapy. Thus, the distribution and metabolism of HDACIs in
      vivo are of significant clinical value for diagnosis and assessment of
      therapeutic efficacy. Molecular imaging is one of the primary tools used to
      noninvasively evaluate biological processes at the cellular and molecular level
      in living subjects. Various imaging modalities, including optical
      bioluminescence/ fluorescence, PET, SPECT, MRI, CT and US are all successfully
      used to assess the anatomic or functional dissemination of tissues and specific
      molecular targets, such as imaging molecular interactions, tumor vitality,
      apoptosis, angiogenesis and response to cancer treatment in the body. The utility
      of molecular imaging for monitoring HDACIs provides a perfect strategy for deeper
      understanding about cancer. In this article, the recent progresses of molecular
      imaging for assessing HDACIs are reviewed. In addition, how imaging can be used,
      at least experimentally, to assess specific molecular targets is also discussed.

PMID- 22044002
TI  - The stem cell niche as a pharmaceutical target for prevention of skeletal
      metastases.
AB  - Advanced cancers of the prostate and breast commonly progress by metastasizing to
      the skeleton, where they are incurable but cause serious morbidity and contribute
      to mortality. Growth of tumor in bone takes several years, opening a large window
      for pharmaceutical prevention of metastatic progression. Bone provides a unique
      microenvironment for tumor growth, including niches occupied by hematopoietic and
      mesenchymal stem cells. Recent data suggest that circulating tumor cells usurp
      these niches and compete with the normal stem cell occupants. Agents that
      encourage normal hematopoiesis or bone formation could inhibit colonization of
      bone by tumor stem cells and prevent or delay metastatic progression. It may be
      possible to develop high-throughput assays to test compounds for their ability to
      suppress tumor stem cell occupation of skeletal niches, thus decreasing
      metastatic progression in at-risk patients.

PMID- 22044003
TI  - Synthesis of Cis-fused pyran indolocarbazole derivatives that inhibit FLT3 kinase
      and the DNA damage kinase, checkpoint kinase 1.
AB  - Protein kinases are important enzymes in solid tumour and leukaemia pathologies.
      Their structures are well understood at the atomic level and their key role in
      the progression of certain cancers makes them valuable targets for anti-cancer
      therapy. Through medicinal chemical approaches, we developed an efficient
      preparative stereospecific synthesis of N12, N13 pyran-bridged indolocarbazoles
      that opens access to functional diversity within this previously challenging
      series. We focused upon the indolocarbazole class of chemical inhibitors, which
      includes S27888, an inhibitor we previously identified. We used biochemical and
      cell-based assays to identify small molecule inhibitors of Checkpoint kinase 1
      (Chk1), a serine/threonine protein kinase that is activated when cancer cells are
      treated with genotoxic agents. These compounds show a promising inhibitory
      profile on Chk1. Furthermore, these compounds are active against FLT3, which is a
      tyrosine kinase that is frequently activated in human leukaemias. These data
      suggest that this chemical class may provide a source of therapeutic compounds
      for a broad range of human cancers.

PMID- 22044004
TI  - Melanoma and epigenetic treatment: past and future.
AB  - Melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer and advanced stages are
      inevitably resistant to conventional therapeutic agents. In particular,
      epigenetic strategies might open interesting new perspectives in combination with
      conventional ones. Current therapeutic strategies, in particular for metastatic
      melanoma, do not give great results in terms of survival. Herein, I review HDACis
      and microRNAs for melanoma. A critical discussion of all the recent findings on
      this topic is also included. In my view, further studies are needed to understand
      the toxicity of these treatments in order to improve survival of melanoma
      patients.

PMID- 22044005
TI  - Curcumin and its formulations: potential anti-cancer agents.
AB  - Curcumin, one of the most studied chemopreventive agents, is a natural compound
      extracted from Curcuma longa L. Extensive research over the last half century has
      revealed that curcumin can inhibit the proliferation of various tumor cells in
      culture, prevent carcinogen induced cancers in rodents and inhibit the growth of
      human tumors in xenotransplant or orthotransplant animal models. Several phase I
      and phase II clinical trials indicated that curcumin is quite safe and may
      exhibit therapeutic efficacy. The utility of curcumin is limited by its lack of
      water solubility and relatively low in vivo bioavailability. Multiple approaches
      including nanoparticles, liposomes, micelles and phospholipid complexes are being
      sought to overcome these limitations. This review describes the general
      properties of curcumin and its potential effect against cancer including
      evidences of its antitumor action in vitro, in vivo, clinically and the
      strategies to overcome its low bioavailability.

PMID- 22044006
TI  - Tubulin-based structure-affinity relationships for antimitotic Vinca alkaloids.
AB  - The Vinca alkaloids are a group of widely used anticancer drugs, originally
      extracted from the Madagascar periwinkle, that disrupt microtubule dynamics in
      mammalian cells by interfering with proper assembly of alpha,beta-tubulin
      heterodimers. They favor curved tubulin assemblies that destabilize microtubules
      and induce formation of spiral aggregates. Their binding energy profiles have
      been characterized by means of sedimentation velocity assays and the binding site
      of vinblastine at the interface between two tubulin dimers (alpha1beta1 ?
      alpha2beta2) has been ascertained by X-ray crystallographic studies on a complex
      of tubulin with the stathmin-like domain of protein RB3, albeit at relatively low
      resolution. Here we use molecular modeling and simulation techniques to build,
      refine and perform a comparative analysis of the three-dimensional complexes of
      vinblastine, vincristine, vinorelbine and vinflunine with a beta1alpha2-tubulin
      interface in explicit water to rationalize the binding affinity differences in
      structural and energetic terms. Our results shed some more light into the binding
      determinants and the structure-activity relationships of these clinically useful
      agents.

PMID- 22044007
TI  - Combination antiretroviral therapy with protease inhibitors in HIV-infected
      pregnancy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the possible association between protease inhibitor (PI)
      and premature birth and low birth-weight in HIV-infected pregnancies. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Data were collected retrospectively for maternal and pregnancy
      characteristics, antiretroviral medication, lowest CD4 count and highest viral
      load during pregnancy, and pregnancy outcomes. chi(2) Analysis, Student's t-test,
      and multiple logistic regression analysis were performed. RESULTS: Data from 161
      HIV-infected women who delivered singleton gestation were analyzed. Fifty-three
      received an antepartum regimen with PI, 84 received a regimen without PI, and six
      did not receive antepartum treatment. The mean estimated gestational age (EGA)+/-
      SD at delivery was 37.7 +/- 3.2 weeks. The premature birth rate was 18.4%. No
      difference was detected between women receiving the antiretroviral regimen
      including PI and those on the regimen without PI or on no antepartum medication
      with regard to: EGA +/- SD at delivery (37.7 +/- 3.2 vs. 37.6 +/- 3.1 weeks,
      respectively, P=0.87), rate of premature birth (14% vs. 20.6%, respectively,
      P=0.32) and low birth-weight (12.5% vs. 20.2%, respectively, P=0.25). In multiple
      logistic regression analysis, PI was not associated with premature birth or low
      birth-weight. CONCLUSION: Women receiving antiretroviral therapy with PI have a
      similar rate of premature birth and low birth-weight as women receiving
      antiretroviral therapy without PI or on no medication.

PMID- 22044009
TI  - Resolution of activated background information in text comprehension.
AB  - The present experiments explored the resolution of activated background
      information in text comprehension. In Experiment 1, participants read passages
      that contained an elaboration section that was either consistent or qualified
      (inconsistent but then corrected to be consistent) with respect to the
      subsequently presented target sentence (see O'Brien et al., 1998). However, the
      experiment used two target sentences, and several filler sentences were inserted
      between the first and second target sentence. The results showed that the reading
      times for the first target sentence in the qualified elaboration version were
      significantly longer than those in the consistent elaboration version. These were
      consistent with O'Brien's study, and further indicated that the basic process
      captured by the memory-based view appears to generalize to the Chinese reader
      better than does the here-and-now view. More importantly, the results showed that
      the reading times for the second target sentence in the qualified elaboration
      version were as long as those in the consistent elaboration version. These
      further indicated that the activation of background information not only
      maintained the coherence of the text, but also allowed for the relevant
      information to be updated, resulting in a unified information set. When the
      information was reactivated during ongoing reading, it would be in the form of
      unified information. In Experiment 2, the first target sentence in each passage
      from Experiment 1 was converted to a filler sentence, and the second target
      sentence became the target sentence. The results of Experiment 2 showed that the
      reading times for the target sentence in the qualified elaboration version were
      significantly longer than those for the consistent elaboration version. These
      indicated that the delay between the target sentences and the elaboration section
      was not responsible for the lack of differences in Experiment 1, and confirmed
      the conclusion of Experiment 1.

PMID- 22044008
TI  - Prepregnancy body mass index, socioeconomic status, race/ethnicity and
      breastfeeding practices.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: While socioeconomic status (SES) and race/ethnicity are known
      predictors of breastfeeding practices, the added disparity caused by the rising
      rates of obesity among women of childbearing age remains untested. The purpose of
      this study was to examine differences in breastfeeding initiation and duration
      among black, white and Hispanic women of low and middle SES within the context of
      prepregnancy body mass index (BMI). METHODS: Data from the Early Childhood
      Longitudinal Study-Birth Cohort were analyzed. Adjusted logistic regression
      models were built to examine differences in breastfeeding initiation and duration
      for the three racial/ethnic groups of low and middle SES. RESULTS: Normal BMI
      Hispanic women of low SES demonstrated higher rates of breastfeeding initiation
      (74%) compared to other groups. Overweight/obese black women of low SES had lower
      rates of breastfeeding initiation. Overweight/obese Hispanic women of middle SES
      were significantly less likely to continue breastfeeding up to 4 months (OR:
      0.65, 95% CI: 0.41, 0.98) compared to their white counterparts. Among women who
      initiated breastfeeding, overweight/obese white women of low SES had the highest
      rate of stopping within two months of giving birth (66.7%). CONCLUSIONS:
      Examination of SES and racial/ethnic differences within the context of
      prepregnancy weight revealed specific groups with low rates of breastfeeding
      initiation and duration. Interventions tailored for these at-risk groups are
      needed to increase the overall proportion of mothers and infants who benefit from
      the positive health outcomes associated with breastfeeding.

PMID- 22044010
TI  - Exploring the motivation jungle: predicting performance on a novel task by
      investigating constructs from different motivation perspectives in tandem.
AB  - Different theoretical viewpoints on motivation make it hard to decide which model
      has the best potential to provide valid predictions on classroom performance.
      This study was designed to explore motivation constructs derived from different
      motivation perspectives that predict performance on a novel task best. Motivation
      constructs from self-determination theory, self-regulation theory, and
      achievement goal theory were investigated in tandem. Performance was measured by
      systematicity (i.e. how systematically students worked on a problem-solving task)
      and test score (i.e. score on a multiple-choice test). Hierarchical regression
      analyses on data from 259 secondary school students showed a quadratic relation
      between a performance avoidance orientation and both performance outcomes,
      indicating that extreme high and low performance avoidance resulted in the lowest
      performance. Furthermore, two three-way interaction effects were found. Intrinsic
      motivation seemed to play a key role in test score and systematicity performance,
      provided that effort regulation and metacognitive skills were both high. Results
      indicate that intrinsic motivation in itself is not enough to attain a good
      performance. Instead, a moderate score on performance avoidance, together with
      the ability to remain motivated and effectively regulate and control task
      behavior, is needed to attain a good performance. High time management skills
      also contributed to higher test score and systematicity performance and a low
      performance approach orientation contributed to higher systematicity performance.
      We concluded that self-regulatory skills should be trained in order to have
      intrinsically motivated students perform well on novel tasks in the classroom.

PMID- 22044011
TI  - Translating intentions into nutrition behaviors via planning requires self
      efficacy: evidence from Thailand and Germany.
AB  - A first step towards the improvement of daily dietary behaviors is forming an
      intention to change one's nutrition. However, an intention by itself is not
      sufficient for successful action. Rather, to translate intentions into behavior,
      careful planning is recommended. Thus, planning constitutes a mediator between
      the intention and the behavior. However, if a person lacks self-efficacy, this
      mediation might fail. Previous research in Costa Rica and South Korea has
      identified perceived self-efficacy as a moderator of the intention-planning
      behavior relationship. To examine further the moderator role of self-efficacy,
      two additional studies were designed in Thailand and Germany. Study 1 surveyed
      1718 Thai university students in terms of a low-fat diet; Study 2 surveyed 1140
      German internet users in terms of their fruit and vegetable consumption at two
      measurement points in time, 6 months apart. Intentions served as predictor,
      planning as mediator, self-efficacy as moderator, and behaviors as outcomes.
      First, intentions were translated into nutrition behaviors by planning. Second,
      self-efficacy moderated this mediation in both studies: The strength of the
      mediated effect increased along with levels of self-efficacy, even when
      accounting for baseline behaviors. For planning to mediate the intention-behavior
      relation, people must not harbor self-doubts. If they lack self-efficacy,
      intentions are not well translated into nutrition behavior through planning.

PMID- 22044012
TI  - Balanced states of mind in psychopathology and psychological well-being.
AB  - The balanced states of mind (BSOM) model proposes that coping with stress and
      psychological well-being is a function of the BSOM ratio of positive thoughts to
      the sum of positive and negative thoughts. Based on different BSOM ratios,
      different BSOM categories are constructed to quantitatively differentiate levels
      of coping with stress and psychological well-being. The cognitive content
      specificity hypothesis states that there are unique themes of semantic content in
      self-reported automatic thoughts particular to depression or anxiety. This study
      investigated the BSOM model and its cognitive content-specificity for depression,
      anxiety, anger, stress, life satisfaction, and happiness, based on negative and
      positive automatic thoughts. Three hundred and ninety-eight college students from
      Singapore participated in this study. First, BSOM ratio and positive automatic
      thoughts were positively correlated with life satisfaction and happiness, and
      negatively correlated with stress, anxiety, depression, and anger. In contrast,
      negative automatic thoughts were positively correlated with stress, anxiety,
      depression, and anger, and negatively correlated with life satisfaction and
      happiness. Second, levels of psychopathology and psychological well-being were
      statistically differentiable among the BSOM categories for depression, happiness,
      perceived stress, and life satisfaction; and less statistically differentiable
      among the BSOM categories for anxiety and anger, as expected based on the BSOM
      model and cognitive content-specificity hypothesis. Third, the results were more
      supportive of the BSOM model for depression, followed by happiness, perceived
      stress, life satisfaction, anxiety, and anger in terms of percentage of variance
      accounted for by BSOM categories, as expected based on the cognitive content
      specificity hypothesis. Taken together, the results suggested that the more
      moderately positive thoughts one has (balanced by negative thoughts), the better
      mental health outcomes one has. Implications and limitations of these findings
      are discussed.

PMID- 22044013
TI  - Mental health problems among internally displaced persons in Darfur.
AB  - War victims are regarded as one of the highest risk groups for mental
      disturbances. This study investigated the effects of the Darfur conflict on
      mental health of 430 internally displaced persons (IDPs) from three camps located
      around Fasher and Nyala towns. A stratified random sampling technique was used to
      select participants. Male participants represented 50.6% of the sample while
      female participants represented 49.4%. The Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
      Checklist and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) were used in addition to
      a questionnaire measuring demographic variables and living conditions. It was
      hypothesized that high prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
      symptoms and of nonpsychotic psychiatric symptoms will be evident. Results showed
      a high dissatisfaction rate (72%) with living conditions among IDPs. There was
      also high prevalence of PTSD (54%) and general distress (70%) among IDPs. Female
      participants showed more somatic symptoms than their male counterparts. Married
      participants were more distressed, anxious, and showed more social dysfunction,
      while single ones reported more avoidance symptoms. Significant differences
      related to date of displacement were found in PTSD and hyperarousal. The group of
      IDPs displaced in 2003 scored higher on these scales than those displaced in 2004
      and 2005. There was also significant difference related to date of displacement
      in distress, somatic symptoms, depression, anxiety, and social dysfunction. IDPs
      displaced in 2003 scored higher on these scales. Results are discussed in light
      of the study hypotheses and previous findings. It is concluded that three factors
      might affect the dissatisfaction of IDPs with living conditions inside camps.
      These are: lack of employment, unsuitability of food items, and lack of security
      around camps. It was recommended that psychological support services should be
      among the prime relief services provided by aid agencies.

PMID- 22044014
TI  - The moderating effects of gender on the associations between multidimensional
      hostility and psychosomatic symptoms: a Chinese case.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of gender on the
      relationship between multidimensional hostility and psychosomatic symptoms in
      Chinese culture. The participants in this study were 398 Chinese college students
      (40% female) recruited from Taiwan. Four dimensions of multidimensional hostility
      hostility cognition, hostility affect, expressive hostility behavior, and
      suppressive hostility behavior-were measured by the Chinese Hostility Inventory.
      After controlling for the effects of depression and anxiety, the results of path
      analysis revealed that the multidimensional hostility predicted psychosomatic
      symptoms directly, and predicted psychosomatic symptoms indirectly through
      negative health behavior. Furthermore, gender moderated the relationships between
      multidimensional hostility and health outcomes. Expressive hostility exacerbated
      psychosomatic symptom in females but buffered it in males, while affective
      hostility exacerbated psychosomatic symptoms in males. Additionally, suppressive
      hostility behavior was correlated to psychosomatic symptoms indirectly through
      negative health behavior in females. Moreover, expressive hostility was
      correlated to psychosomatic symptoms indirectly through negative health behavior
      more in males than in females.

PMID- 22044015
TI  - Work stressors, Chinese coping strategies, and job performance in Greater China.
AB  - The aim of this research was to jointly test effects of work stressors and coping
      strategies on job performance among employees in the Greater China region. A self
      administered survey was conducted to collect data from three major cities in the
      region, namely Beijing, Hong Kong, and Taipei (N = 380). Four important work
      stressors were assessed: heavy workload, organizational constraints, lack of work
      autonomy, and interpersonal conflict. We used a four-factor model of Chinese
      coping strategies composed of hobbies/relaxation, active action, seeking social
      support, and passive adaptation. Job performance was indicated by both task
      performance (quantity of work, quality of work, job knowledge) and contextual
      performance (attendance, getting along with others). We found that: (1) work
      stressors were related to job performance. Specifically, workload had a positive
      relation with quantity of work, whereas organizational constraints had negative
      relations with quantity of work and attendance. In addition, interpersonal
      conflict had a negative relation with getting along with others. (2) Chinese
      positive coping strategies were positively related to job performance.
      Specifically, seeking social support had positive relations with quantity of work
      and getting along with others, whereas active action had positive relations with
      attendance and job knowledge. (3) Chinese passive adaptation coping behaviors
      were negatively related to job performance. Specifically, passive adaptation had
      negative relations with quantity of work, quality of work, and getting along with
      others. The present study thus found joint effects of work stressors and coping
      behaviors among Chinese employees in the Greater China region, encompassing three
      sub-societies of mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Differential effects of
      Chinese positive and passive coping strategies were also noted. Most importantly,
      all these effects were demonstrated on multiple indicators of job performance, a
      rarely studied but important strain variable from the organizational point of
      view.

PMID- 22044016
TI  - Linking social axioms with indicators of positive interpersonal, social and
      environmental functioning in Iran: an exploratory study.
AB  - Social axioms are people's general beliefs about how the world functions and
      always involve the relationship between two conceptual entities. Social axioms
      have been proposed as a construct that can be useful in helping researchers
      interpret cultures and explain people's behaviors in different cultural contexts.
      Despite the growth of studies on social axioms in various countries, no effort
      has been made so far to investigate specifically the relation between social
      axioms and indicators of interpersonal, social, and environmental functioning. To
      fill this gap, this exploratory study sought to examine the relation between
      social axioms and a set of variables indicating positive interpersonal, social,
      and environmental functioning (namely, gratitude, connectedness to nature, social
      participation, perspective-taking, and empathic concern) in a sample of 303
      Iranian university students. Findings showed that reward for application,
      religiosity, and social complexity significantly predicted gratitude when sex was
      controlled for. Social complexity and reward for application significantly
      contributed to explaining the variance in connectedness to nature over and above
      sex. Social cynicism and social complexity also predicted perspective-taking
      significantly after controlling for sex. Social axioms were not successful in
      predicting social participation and empathic concern. Overall, it is possible to
      conclude that the findings support the utility of social axioms in predicting
      interpersonal, social, and environmental functioning. That is, generalized
      beliefs about oneself, the social and physical environment, or the spiritual
      world are associated with individuals' interpersonal, social, and environmental
      functioning in this Iranian sample.

PMID- 22044017
TI  - Effects of basic human values on host community acculturation orientations.
AB  - Although literature provides evidence for the relationship between values and
      acculturation, the relationship between host community acculturation orientations
      has not yet been investigated. In this study we tested the effects of four high
      order values (openness to change, self-transcendence, conservation, and self
      enhancement, devised according to Schwartz's model) on host community
      acculturation orientations towards immigrants (devised according the interactive
      acculturation model) in the public domain of employment and the private domain of
      endogamy/exogamy. Participants were 264 Italian University students, who
      completed a questionnaire containing the Portrait Values Questionnaire, a measure
      of personal values, and the Host Community Acculturation Scale, aimed at
      measuring Italian acculturation strategies towards three groups of immigrants:
      Immigrants (the general category), Chinese (the valued immigrant group), and
      Albanians (the devalued immigrant group). Results showed that personal values are
      related to the adoption of acculturation orientations: In particular, the values
      that mostly impacted on acculturation orientations were self-transcendence and
      conservation. Values concerning self-transcendence encourage the adoption of
      integrationism, integrationism-transformation, and individualism and reduce the
      adoption of assimilationism, segregationism, and exclusionism. Values concerning
      conservation encourage the adoption of assimilation, segregation and exclusion
      orientations and reduce the adoption of both types of integrationism and
      individualism. Minor effects were found regarding self-enhancement and openness
      to change.

PMID- 22044018
TI  - Migration: a concept analysis from a nursing perspective.
AB  - AIM:   This article is a report of a concept analysis of nurse migration.
      BACKGROUND:   International migration is increasing and nurse migrants are active
      participants in this movement. Migration is a complex term and can be examined
      from a range of perspectives. Analysis of nurse migration is needed to guide
      policy, practice and research. DATA SOURCES:   A literature search was undertaken
      using electronic literature indexes, specific journals and websites, internet
      search engines and hand searches. No timeframe was placed on the search. Most
      literature found was published between 2001 and 2009. A sample of 80 documents
      met the inclusion criteria. METHOD:   Walker and Avant's approach guided the
      analysis. DISCUSSION:   Nurse migration can be defined by five attributes: the
      motivation and decisions of individuals; external barriers and facilitators;
      freedom of choice to migrate; freedom to migrate as a human right, and dynamic
      movement. Antecedents of migration include the political, social, economic,
      legal, historical and educational forces that comprise the push and pull
      framework. The consequences of migration are positive or negative depending on
      the viewpoint and its affect on the individual and other stakeholders such as the
      source country, destination country, healthcare systems and the nursing
      profession. CONCLUSION:   This concept analysis clarified the complexities
      surrounding nurse migration. A nursing-specific middle-range theory was proposed
      to guide the understanding and study of nurse migration.

PMID- 22044019
TI  - Potential health hazards associated with exposures to asbestos-containing drywall
      accessory products: A state-of-the-science assessment.
AB  - Until the late 1970s, chrysotile asbestos was an ingredient in most industrial
      and consumer drywall accessory products manufactured in the US. In 1977, the
      Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) issued a ban of consumer patching
      compounds containing "respirable, free-form asbestos" based on their prediction
      of exceptionally high rates of asbestos-related diseases among individuals using
      patching compounds for as little as a few days. Although hundreds of thousands of
      workers and homeowners handling these products may have experienced exposure to
      asbestos prior to the ban, there has been no systematic effort to summarize and
      interpret the information relevant to the potential health effects of such
      exposures. In this analysis, we provide a comprehensive review and analysis of
      the scientific studies assessing fiber type and dimension, toxicological and
      epidemiological endpoints, and airborne fiber concentrations associated with
      joint compound use. We conclude that: 1) asbestos in drywall accessory products
      was primarily short fiber (< 5 um) chrysotile, 2) asbestos in inhaled joint
      compound particulate is probably not biopersistent in the lung, 3) estimated
      cumulative chrysotile exposures experienced by workers and homeowners are below
      levels known to be associated with respiratory disease, and 4) mortality studies
      of drywall installers have not demonstrated a significantly increased incidence
      of death attributable to any asbestos-related disease. Consequently, contrary to
      the predictions of the CPSC, the current weight of evidence does not indicate any
      clear health risks associated with the use of asbestos-containing drywall
      accessory products. We also describe information gaps and suggest possible areas
      of future research.

PMID- 22044020
TI  - Operation of marine diesel engines on biogenic fuels: modification of emissions
      and resulting climate effects.
AB  - The modification of emissions of climate-sensitive exhaust compounds such as
      CO(2), NO(x), hydrocarbons, and particulate matter from medium-speed marine
      diesel engines was studied for a set of fossil and biogenic fuels. Applied fossil
      fuels were the reference heavy fuel oil (HFO) and the low-sulfur marine gas oil
      (MGO); biogenic fuels were palm oil, soybean oil, sunflower oil, and animal fat.
      Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions related to the production of biogenic fuels were
      treated by means of a fuel life cycle analysis which included land use changes
      associated with the growth of energy plants. Emissions of CO(2) and NO(x) per kWh
      were found to be similar for fossil fuels and biogenic fuels. PM mass emission
      was reduced to 10-15% of HFO emissions for all low-sulfur fuels including MGO as
      a fossil fuel. Black carbon emissions were reduced significantly to 13-30% of
      HFO. Changes in emissions were predominantly related to particulate sulfate,
      while differences between low-sulfur fossil fuels and low-sulfur biogenic fuels
      were of minor significance. GHG emissions from the biogenic fuel life cycle (FLC)
      depend crucially on energy plant production conditions and have the potential of
      shifting the overall GHG budget from positive to negative compared to fossil
      fuels.

PMID- 22044021
TI  - Insights into the initiation of type 2 immune responses.
AB  - Type 2 immune responses, characterized by the differentiation of CD4+ T helper
      type 2 (Th2) cells and the production of the type 2 cytokines interleukin-4 (IL
      4), IL-5, IL-9 and IL-13, are associated with parasitic helminth infections and
      inflammatory conditions such as asthma and allergies. Until recently the
      initiating factors associated with type 2 responses had been poorly understood.
      This review addresses the recent advances in identifying the diverse range of
      antigens/allergens associated with type 2 responses and the function, expression
      and sources of type-2-initiating cytokines (thymic stromal lymphopoietin, IL-25
      and IL-33). We also discuss the latest findings regarding innate lymphoid cells,
      such as nuocytes, as early sources of type 2 cytokines and their importance in
      protective immunity to helminth infections. These developments represent major
      breakthroughs in our understanding of type 2 immunity, and highlight the
      increased complexity existing between the innate and adaptive arms of these
      responses. These additional steps in the type 2 immune pathway also offer
      potential targets for therapeutic intervention.

PMID- 22044022
TI  - Catalytic activity trends of oxygen reduction reaction for nonaqueous Li-air
      batteries.
AB  - We report the intrinsic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity of
      polycrystalline palladium, platinum, ruthenium, gold, and glassy carbon surfaces
      in 0.1 M LiClO(4) 1,2-dimethoxyethane via rotating disk electrode measurements.
      The nonaqueous Li(+)-ORR activity of these surfaces primarily correlates to
      oxygen adsorption energy, forming a "volcano-type" trend. The activity trend
      found on the polycrystalline surfaces was in good agreement with the trend in the
      discharge voltage of Li-O(2) cells catalyzed by nanoparticle catalysts. Our
      findings provide insights into Li(+)-ORR mechanisms in nonaqueous media and
      design of efficient air electrodes for Li-air battery applications.

PMID- 22044023
TI  - Stage-dependent agreement between cerebrospinal fluid proteins and FDG-PET
      findings in Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Cerebral hypometabolism and abnormal levels of amyloid beta (Abeta), total (t
      tau) and phosphorylated tau (ptau) proteins in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are
      established biomarkers of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We examined the agreement
      between these biomarkers in a single center study of patients with AD of severity
      extending over a wide range. Forty seven patients (MMSE 21.4 +/- 3.6, range 13-28
      points) with incipient and probable AD underwent positron emission tomography
      with [18F]-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG-PET) and lumbar puncture for CSF assays of
      Abeta1-42, p-tau181, and t-tau. All findings were classified as either positive
      or negative for AD. Statistical analyses were performed for the whole sample
      (n=47) and for the subgroups stratified as mild (MMSE > 20 points, n=30) and
      moderate (MMSE < 21 points, n=17) AD. In the whole patient sample, the agreement
      with the FDG-PET finding was 77% (chance-corrected kappa [kappa]=0.34, p=0.016)
      for t-tau, 68% (kappa=0.10, n.s.) for p-tau181, and 68% (kappa=0.04, n.s.) for
      Abeta1-42. No significant agreement was found in the mild AD subgroup, while
      there was a strong agreement for t-tau (94%, kappa=0.77, p=0.001) and p-tau181
      (88%, kappa=0.60, p=0.014) in the moderate AD group. A significant agreement
      between the FDG-PET and CSF tau findings in patients with AD supports the view
      that both are markers of neurodegeneration. CSF tau proteins and FDG-PET might
      substitute each other as supportive diagnostic tools in patients with suspected
      moderate-to-severe Alzheimer's dementia, while this is not the case in subjects
      at an earlier disease stage.

PMID- 22044024
TI  - Intrahippocampal amyloid-beta (1-40) injections injure medial septal neurons in
      rats.
AB  - Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating disorder that leads to memory loss and
      dementia. Neurodegeneration of cholinergic neurons in the septum and other basal
      forebrain areas is evident in early stages of AD. Glutamatergic neurons are also
      affected early in AD. In these stages, amyloid-beta-peptide (Abeta) plaques are
      present in the hippocampus and other cortices but not in the basal forebrain,
      which includes the septum. We postulate that early deposition of hippocampal
      Abeta damages the axon terminals of cholinergic and glutamatergic septo
      hippocampal neurons, leading to their degeneration. To determine the mechanisms
      underlying septal degeneration, fibrillar Abeta1-40 was injected into the Cornu
      Ammonis (CA1) hippocampal region of rats. Controls were injected with reverse
      peptide Abeta40-1. A 16% reduction in NeuN+ cells was observed around the
      injection sites when compared to controls (p < 0.05) one week after injections.
      Stereology was used to estimate the number of choline acetyl transferase (ChAT),
      glutamate and glutamic acid decarboxylase 67 (GAD67) immunoreactive septal
      neurons. Medial septal ChAT and glutamate immunoreactive neurons were reduced 38%
      and 26%, respectively by hippocampal injections of Abeta1-40 peptide in relation
      to controls. In contrast, the number of GAD67 inmunoreactive neurons was not
      significantly reduced. Apoptotic cells were detected in the medial septal region
      of Abeta1-40 treated animals but not in controls. These results indicate that
      limited Abeta-induced hippocampal lesions lead to an overall damage of vulnerable
      septal neuronal populations, most likely by Abeta interaction with septo
      hippocampal axon terminals. Thus, axon terminals constitute an important target
      for novel therapeutics dedicated to control Abeta-induced toxicity.

PMID- 22044025
TI  - Altered calmodulin degradation and signaling in non-neuronal cells from
      Alzheimer's disease patients.
AB  - Previous work indicated that changes in Ca(2+)/calmodulin (CaM) signaling pathway
      are involved in the control of proliferation and survival of immortalized
      lymphocytes from Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. We examined the regulation of
      cellular CaM levels in AD lymphoblasts. An elevated CaM content in AD cells was
      found when compared with control cells from age-matched individuals. We did not
      find significant differences in the expression of the three genes that encode
      CaM: CALM1, 2, 3, by real time RT-PCR. However, we observed that the half-life of
      CaM was higher in lymphoblasts from AD than in control cells, suggesting that
      degradation of CaM is impaired in AD lymphoblasts. The rate of CaM degradation
      was found to be dependent on cellular Ca(2+) and ROS levels. CaM degradation
      occurs mainly via the ubiquitin-proteasome system. Increased levels of CaM were
      associated with overactivation of PI3K/Akt and CaMKII. Our results suggest that
      increased levels of CaM synergize with serum to overactivate PI3K/Akt in AD cells
      by direct binding of CaM to the regulatory alpha-subunit (p85) of PI3K. The
      systemic failure of CaM degradation, and thus of Ca(2+)/CaM-dependent signaling
      pathways, may be important in the etiopathogenesis of AD.

PMID- 22044026
TI  - Association of SORL1 alleles with late-onset Alzheimer's disease. findings from
      the GIGAS_LOAD study and mega-analysis.
AB  - The pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is influenced by sorting-protein
      related receptor (sorLa) that is less expressed in AD patients. The gene encoding
      sorLa (SORL1) has been investigated as a susceptibility factor for late-onset AD
      (LOAD) with conflicting results. Our objectives were to confirm the association
      between SORL1 SNPs and LOAD in two independent South-European centers and to
      perform a mega-analysis of published samples. We analyzed three SORL1 SNPs
      (intron 6: rs668387; rs689021; rs641120) from the Greece-Italy Genetic
      Association Study on lateonset AD (GIGAS_LOAD). Greek sample included 96 patients
      with LOAD (DSM-IV) and 120 unrelated controls. In Italy, a community-based sample
      is ongoing. 47 LOAD patients and 165 controls were recruited until study
      endpoint. These samples and previously published ones (Alzgene) were pooled as in
      a single study. A test for trend was used to analyze genotype association. In the
      GIGAS_LOAD sample no association was detected between SORL1 genotypes and LOAD.
      Conversely all SNPs were associated with LOAD in mega-analysis based on ordinal
      classification of genotypes (Armitage's test: p < 0.001). Although our analysis
      of pooled samples has positive results for the association between SORL1 and AD,
      there is substantial heterogeneity across studies. Thus further examination into
      SORL1 SNPs and the population is necessary to determine the role of SORL1 in
      LOAD.

PMID- 22044027
TI  - Tissue distribution and pharmacodynamics of rivastigmine after intranasal and
      intravenous administration in rats.
AB  - The aim of the study was mainly to investigate the relationship between
      concentration of rivastigmine and its inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE)
      and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) following intranasal (IN) and intravenous (IV)
      administration in rats, and to provide a novel nasal delivery route for the brain
      disease therapy. Rivastigmine was administered to male rats at 2 mg/kg by IN and
      IV route. Drug concentration, AChE and BuChE activity were measured in the
      plasma, central nervous system (CNS) regions i.e. olfactory region, hippocampus,
      cerebrum and cerebellum, and peripheral tissues. It was determined that
      rivastigmine was characterized by extremely rapid and complete absorption into
      the systemic circulation followed by a rapid decline in the plasma
      concentrations, and can also quickly distribute into CNS and peripheral tissues
      by the two routes. IN administration showed higher concentration in CNS regions
      and longer action on inhibiting the activity of AChE and BuChE than IV
      administration. More significant decrease of the two enzymes was observed in CNS
      regions than in peripheral tissues for both administrations. A close relationship
      was found between the concentration of rivastigmine and enzyme inhibition in
      plasma and CNS tissues in rats. Based on these findings, it was concluded that
      rivastigmine could cause relatively strong inhibition of AChE and BuChE in plasma
      and brain tissues, especially in hippocampus, cortex and cerebrum. The
      pharmacodynamics was closely related to its concentration in vivo. The intranasal
      route can be strategy for delivering the drug into brain.

PMID- 22044028
TI  - The C677T polymorphism in the MTHFR gene is associated with the toxicity of
      methotrexate in a Spanish rheumatoid arthritis population.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Methotrexate (MTX) is the first-choice drug for the treatment of
      rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. However, 30% of RA patients discontinue
      therapy within 1 year, usually because of adverse effects. Previous studies have
      reported conflicting results on the association of polymorphisms in the MTHFR
      gene with the toxicity of MTX in RA. The aim of this study was to assess the
      involvement of the C677T and A1298C polymorphisms in the MTHFR gene in the
      toxicity of MTX in a Spanish RA population. METHODS: The study included
      retrospectively 468 Spanish RA patients treated with MTX. Single nucleotide
      polymorphism (SNP) genotyping was performed using the oligonucleotide microarray
      technique. Allele and genotype association analyses with regard to MTX toxicity
      and a haplotype association test were also performed. RESULTS: Eighty-four out of
      the 468 patients (18%) had to discontinue therapy due to adverse effects or MTX
      toxicity. The C677T polymorphism (rs1801133) was associated with increased MTX
      toxicity [odds ratio (OR) 1.42, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01-1.98, p =
      0.0428], and the strongest association was shown in the recessive model (OR 1.95,
      95% CI 1.08-3.53, p = 0.0246). The A1298C polymorphism (rs1801131) was not
      associated with increased MTX toxicity (OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.65-1.38, p = 0.761). A
      borderline significant risk haplotype was found: 677T-1298A (OR 1.40, 95% CI 1.00
      1.96, p = 0.0518). CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that the C677T
      polymorphism in the MTHFR gene is associated with MTX toxicity in a Spanish RA
      population.

PMID- 22044029
TI  - Antibacterial performance of polydopamine-modified polymer surfaces containing
      passive and active components.
AB  - A growing number of device-related nosocomial infections, elevated
      hospitalization costs, and patient morbidity necessitate the development of novel
      antibacterial strategies for clinical devices. We have previously demonstrated a
      simple, aqueous polydopamine dip-coating method to functionalize surfaces for a
      wide variety of uses. Here, we extend this strategy with the goal of imparting
      antifouling and antimicrobial properties to substrates, exploiting the ability of
      polydopamine to immobilize polymers and induce metal nanoparticle formation.
      Polydopamine was deposited as a thin adherent film of 4 nm thickness from
      alkaline aqueous solution onto polycarbonate substrates, followed by grafting of
      antifouling polymer polyethylene glycol and in situ deposition of silver
      nanoparticles onto the polydopamine coated polycarbonate substrates. Elemental
      and morphological surface analyses confirmed successful grafting of polyethylene
      glycol brushes onto polydopamine-coated substrates, as well as spontaneous silver
      nanoparticle formation for polydopamine-coated substrates incubated in silver
      nitrate solutions. Sustained silver release was observed over at least 7 days
      from silver-coated substrates, and the release kinetics could be modulated via
      additional polydopamine overlayers. In vitro functional assays employing gram
      negative and positive strains demonstrated dual fouling resistance and
      antibacterial properties of the coatings due to the fouling resistance of grafted
      polyethylene glycol and antibacterial effect of silver, respectively.
      Polycarbonate substrates coated only with silver using a method similar to
      existing commercial coatings provided an antibacterial effect but failed to
      inhibit bacterial attachment. Taking into account the previously demonstrated
      substrate versatility of polydopamine coatings, our findings suggest that this
      strategy could be implemented on a variety of substrate materials to
      simultaneously improve antifouling and antimicrobial performance.

PMID- 22044030
TI  - Antioxidant inhibitors potentiate the cytotoxicity of photodynamic therapy.
AB  - Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an increasingly popular anticancer treatment that
      uses photosensitizer, light and tissue oxygen to generate cytotoxic reactive
      oxygen species (ROS) within illuminated cells. Acting to counteract ROS-mediated
      damage are various cellular antioxidant pathways. In this study, we combined PDT
      with specific antioxidant inhibitors to potentiate PDT cytotoxicity in MCF-7
      cancer cells. We used disulphonated aluminium phthalocyanine photosensitizer plus
      various combinations of the antioxidant inhibitors: diethyl-dithiocarbamate (DDC,
      a Cu/Zn-SOD inhibitor), 2-methoxyestradiol (2-ME, a Mn-SOD inhibitor), l
      buthionine sulfoximine (BSO, a glutathione synthesis inhibitor) and 3-amino-1,2,4
      triazole (3-AT, a catalase inhibitor). BSO, singly or in combination with other
      antioxidant inhibitors, significantly potentiated PDT cytotoxicity, corresponding
      with increased ROS levels and apoptosis. The greatest potentiation of cell death
      over PDT alone was seen when cells were preincubated for 24 h with 300 MUM BSO
      plus 10 mM 3-AT (1.62-fold potentiation) or 300 MUM BSO plus 1 MUM 2-ME (1.52
      fold), or with a combination of all four inhibitors (300 MUM BSO, 10 mM 3-AT, 1
      MUM 2-ME and 10 MUM DDC: 1.4-fold). As many of these inhibitors have already been
      clinically tested, this work facilitates future in vivo studies.

PMID- 22044031
TI  - Advanced Life Support in Obstetrics (ALSO) and post-partum hemorrhage: a
      prospective intervention study in Tanzania.

PMID- 22044032
TI  - Fabrication of surfaces with extremely high contact angle hysteresis from
      polyelectrolyte multilayer.
AB  - High contact angle hysteresis on polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs) ion-paired
      with hydrophobic perfluorooctanoate anions is reported. Both the bilayer number
      of PEMs and the ionic strength of deposition solutions have significant influence
      on contact angle hysteresis: higher ionic strength and greater bilayer number
      cause increased contact angle hysteresis values. The hysteresis values of ~100
      degrees  were observed on smooth PEMs and pinning of the receding contact line on
      hydrophilic defects is implicated as the cause of hysteresis. Surface roughness
      can be used to further tune the contact angle hysteresis on the PEMs. A surface
      with extremely high contact angle hysteresis of 156 degrees  was fabricated when
      a PEM was deposited on a rough substrate coated with submicrometer scale silica
      spheres. It was demonstrated that this extremely high value of contact angle
      hysteresis resulted from the penetration of water into the rough asperities on
      the substrate. The same substrate hydrophobized by chemical vapor deposition of
      1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctyltriethoxysilane exhibits high advancing contact angle
      and low hysteresis.

PMID- 22044033
TI  - Pre-procedural Elevated White Blood Cell Count and Neutrophil-Lymphocyte (N/L)
      Ratio are Predictors of Ventricular Arrhythmias During Percutaneous Coronary
      Intervention.
AB  - AIMS: The absolute white blood cell (WBC) count and neutrophil to lymphocyte
      (N/L) ratio are predictors of death/myocardial infarction in patients who have
      undergone coronary angiography. We hypothesized that a pre-procedural elevated
      WBC count and an elevated N/L ratio would be a predictor of development of
      significant ventricular arrhythmias in subjects undergoing percutaneous coronary
      intervention (PCI). METHODS AND RESULTS: We retrieved the data for all patients
      developing ventricular arrhythmia during PCI between 1999 to 2009 from our cath
      lab database (from 30,798 records), a total of 70 patients (Group I), and
      tabulated their WBC counts and absolute neutrophil and lymphocyte counts as well
      as N/L ratios. We compared the data with a random group of age, gender,
      medications and pre-existing condition matched controls (n=70) (Group II). We
      also adjusted for amount of myocardium under jeopardy. Group I had a
      significantly higher total WBC count (means 14,344 Vs 6852; 95% CI; p=0.0004);
      neutrophil count (means 75.79% Vs 58.06%; 95% CI; p < 0.0001) and N/L ratio
      (means 3.79 Vs 1.56; 95% CI; p < 0.0001) [means compared with t test].
      CONCLUSION: Our data suggests a pre-procedural elevated WBC count, neutrophils
      and elevated N/L ratio are predictors of significant ventricular arrhythmias in
      patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

PMID- 22044034
TI  - Fibrosis, Enzymatic and Non-Enzymatic Cross-Links in Hypertensive Heart Disease.
AB  - Myocardial fibrosis is commonly observed in left ventricular (LV) hypertrophied
      heart during Arterial Hypertension. This pathological change coupled with
      vascular stiffening with aging and diabetes may reduce the cardiovascular system
      elasticity contributing to the functional impairment. Both the LV adaptive
      response to the increasing blood pressure and the oxidative damage contribute to
      myocardial fibrosis; in particular, reactive oxygen species (ROS) induce the
      formation of reactive electrophilic carbonyl species by reacting with lipids and
      sugars which in turn react with proteins forming irreversible adducts (AGEs, ALEs
      and EAGLEs) and cross-links. The vascular wall matrix then becomes less
      distensible, as the formation of the adducts induces greater capacity in collagen
      to resist normal turnover. Therefore, monitoring cardiac fibrosis and markers of
      collagen synthesis, degradation and non-enzymatic cross-linking and the use of
      drugs that revert collagen accumulation and/or prevent/repair non-enzymatic cross
      linking might represent a novel opportunity to alter the natural history of
      hypertensive heart disease. Recent evidences have suggested to target the excess
      of collagen cross-links; initial evidence seems to show that fibrosis is not
      affected to the same degree by all anti-hypertensive agents. ACEI and ARBs appear
      particularly effective. Finally, agents acting as cross-link breakers on AGEs or
      preventing AGEs formation or affecting the TTG activity are emerging. 

PMID- 22044035
TI  - LPS In Patients With Left Ventricular Dysfunction Of Ischemic And Non-Ischemic
      Origin.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We decided to examine whether there are differences in the levels of
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in various groups of patients suffering from left
      ventricular dysfunction, requiring no intravenous therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      We studied 37 patients (ranging from 39 to 80 years, mean age of 59.8 years, SD
      9.5) with left ventricular dysfunction caused by dilated cardiomyopathy, valvular
      heart disease or chronic ischemic cardiomyopathy. These patients were compared to
      29 healthy subjects and 7 acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients. The LPS
      levels were analyzed and correlated to the echocardiographic index of left
      ventricular impairment and to the clinical parameters. RESULTS: The plasma levels
      of LPS were lower in patients with a chronic LV dysfunction than in the control
      group but without reaching any statistical significance (chronic LV dysfunction
      patients 6.33+/-5.03 pg/ml, AMI patients 13.58+/-19.14 pg/ml, healthy controls
      11.12+/-12.97 pg/ml). The values observed in AMI patients were similar to those
      of the control group, without any significant differences. No significant
      correlation of the LPS levels was obseved either with the echocardiographic index
      of left ventricular impairment or with the clinical parameters. CONCLUSIONS: It
      is probable that LPS does not play any major role in the progression of LV
      dysfunction. The possible role of LPS in critical heart failure should therefore
      be better evaluated.

PMID- 22044036
TI  - Anti-Platelet Therapy for Acute Coronary Syndrome: A Review of Currently
      Available Agents and What the Future Holds.
AB  - Dual anti-platelet therapy remains a cornerstone in the management of patients
      suffering from acute coronary syndromes (ACS). The combination of aspirin and
      clopidogrel has been shown to result in significant reductions in cardiovascular
      end points including recurrent infarction and death in several randomised control
      trial of patients with ACS. However, many patients still experience ischaemic
      events on the combination of aspirin and clopidogrel. Aspirin is a relatively
      weak anti platelet agent. Clopidogrel is a pro drug that required activation by
      hepatic metabolism and hence its onset of action is delayed; there is genetic
      variation in the clinical response to the drug, the platelet inhibition is
      irreversible and no intravenous form is available. Consequently new anti-platelet
      agents have been developed to address the short falls of this combination
      therapy. This paper discusses existing anti-platelet regimes and focuses on novel
      antiplatelet agents that are currently under clinical evaluation. 

PMID- 22044037
TI  - Pexelizumab, an Anti-C5 Complement Antibody for Primary Coronary
      Revascularization: A New Insight from Old Versions.
AB  - Pexelizumab, an anti-C5 complement antibody, as adjunctive therapy to reduce
      reperfusion injury after coronary revascularization in acute myocardial
      infarction and severe coronary artery disease had been approved in animal studies
      and further demonstrated clinical benefits in phase II study: the COMMA trial and
      phase III study: the PRIMOCABG trial. However, the negative results of
      pexelizumab were observed in the COMPLY trial and the APEX-AMI trial. In the APEX
      AMI trial, the effectiveness of pexelizumab has reasoned to be prominent in high
      risk patients. Similarly, an exploratory analysis of the combined PRIMO-CABG I
      and II data set using an established predictive risk model demonstrated a
      mortality benefit for high-risk surgical patients. Accordingly, the result of
      these trials supported a moderational model to explain the usefulness of
      pexelizumab affected by the baseline risk profiles of patients. In this regard,
      we have commented that pexelizumab may be hazardous to patients with ST-segment
      elevation myocardial infarction undergoing primary percutaneous coronary
      intervention without using adequate anti-thrombotic agents (glycoprotein IIb-IIIa
      antiplatelet inhibitors, clopidogrel and haparin non-responders) according to the
      results of the experiment by professor Roger and coworkers and the mathematic
      estimations of the relative risks. Herein, we proposed a mediational model to
      account for the effectiveness of pexelizumab. 

PMID- 22044038
TI  - Malignancy and Radiation-Induced Cardiotoxicity.
AB  - Mediastinal mass radiotherapy as adjuvant or primary treatment is usually
      performed for lung, breast and oesophagus cancer, for lymphoma and thymoma.
      However, untoward late cardiac and vascular adverse effects can develop that were
      underrecognized in the past because a very long latency from exposure to clinical
      manifestations is needed. Moreover, the true cumulative incidence of these
      complications is hard to correctly evaluate. Thoracic Radiotherapy (TR) may
      determine pathological involvement of pericardium, myocardium, cardiac valves,
      conduction system, coronary arteries and of subclavian and carotid arteries. The
      main clinical features of radiation induced cardiac and vascular diseases are
      discussed in the review. Recently, an increased risk of strokes and transient
      ischemic attacks (TIAs) has also been shown after TR, and the possible mechanisms
      as well as the measures useful in decreasing the risk are discussed. Other
      emerging aspects of radiation induced damages, just like malfunction of Pace
      Maker and of Implantable Defibrillators as well as malfunction of coronary bypass
      and coronary stents, probably will become more frequent in the next future.
      Finally, the current knowledge concerning the effects of the new modalities of
      administration of TR (doses, techniques) on the cardiovascular risk is reported,
      as well as the important clinical problem linked to the appropriate evaluation of
      the risk/benefit ratio of performing TR in different clinical situations. 

PMID- 22044039
TI  - Regulation of Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase in Pathophysiological Conditions.
AB  - The nitric oxide (NO) cascade and endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) are best known
      for their role in endothelium-mediated relaxation of vascular smooth muscle
      (VSM). NO generated by eNOS has been established as a key regulatory signaling
      molecule in the vasculature. The activities of eNOS are controlled by
      intracellular calcium/calmodulin (CaM) and by binding of the molecular chaperone
      heat-shock protein 90 (Hsp90). A number of studies have demonstrated a close
      association between insulin resistance (IR) and NO bioactivity. Some recent
      studies demonstrate that insulin signaling is essential for normal cardiovascular
      (CV) function and lack of it such as IR result in CV dysfunction and disease. A
      key step in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis is a reduction in
      the bioactivity of endothelial cell-derived NO. Multiple changes in endothelial
      function and eNOS activity accompany the onset and development of Type 2 diabetes
      mellitus (T2DM) and contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease
      (CVD). This review focuses on recent findings about regulation of eNOS in
      pathophysiological conditions such are: IR, T2DM and CVD. 

PMID- 22044040
TI  - Ox-LDL Particles: Modified Components, Cellular Uptake, Biological Roles and
      Clinical Assessments.
AB  - Among concepts proposed to elucidate atherosclerosis process, the oxidative
      modification hypothesis is more considered to be investigated in studies. Based
      on the hypothesis, the LDL components are chemically modified due to oxidative
      stress within subendothelial space of vessels. The cells are able to recognize
      the oxidized LDL (ox-LDL) preparations so that inflammatory events spread through
      intracellular pathways and lead to the cellular dysfunction and the production of
      atherosclerotic plaques. The circulating ox-LDL level is suggested as biomarker
      of atherogenic lesions. However, it is not confirmed in some studies since the
      circulating ox-LDL clearance during the extent of atherosclerosis process is
      related to function of scavenger receptors and the serum anti LDL levels. The
      report is focused on the biochemical characteristics of modified LDL components,
      the cellular internalization of ox-LDL particles through the scavenger receptors,
      prediction of consensus blocks in the receptor sequences and the circulating ox
      LDL assessments in cardiovascular complications. 

PMID- 22044041
TI  - Structural and biophysical determinants of alphabeta T-cell antigen recognition.
AB  - The molecular rules that govern MHC restriction, and allow T-cells to
      differentiate between peptides derived from healthy cells and those from diseased
      cells, remain poorly understood. Here we provide an overview of the structural
      constraints that enable the T-cell receptor (TCR) to discriminate between self
      and non-self peptides, and summarize studies that have attempted to correlate the
      biophysical parameters of TCR/peptide-major histocompatibility complex (pMHC)
      binding with T-cell activation. We further review how the antigenic origin of
      peptide epitopes affects TCR binding parameters and the 'quality' of a T-cell
      response. Understanding the principles that govern pMHC recognition by T-cells
      will unlock pathways to the rational development of immunotherapeutic approaches
      for the treatment of infectious disease, cancer and autoimmunity.

PMID- 22044042
TI  - Importance of steric effects on the efficiency and fidelity of transcription by
      T7 RNA polymerase.
AB  - DNA-dependent RNA polymerases such as T7 RNA polymerase (T7 RNAP) perform the
      transcription of DNA into mRNA with high efficiency and high fidelity. Although
      structural studies have provided a detailed account of the molecular basis of
      transcription, the relative importance of factors like hydrogen bonds and steric
      effects remains poorly understood. We report herein the first study aimed at
      systematically probing the importance of steric and electrostatic effects on the
      efficiency and fidelity of DNA transcription by T7 RNAP. We used synthetic
      nonpolar analogues of thymine with sizes varying in subangstrom increments to
      probe the steric requirements of T7 RNAP during the elongation mode of
      transcription. Enzymatic assays with internal radiolabeling were performed to
      compare the efficiency of transcription of modified DNA templates with a natural
      template containing thymine as a reference. Furthermore, we analyzed effects on
      the fidelity by measuring the composition of RNA transcripts by enzymatic
      digestion followed by two-dimensional thin layer chromatography separation. Our
      results demonstrate that hydrogen bonds play an important role in the efficiency
      of transcription but, interestingly, do not appear to be required for faithful
      transcription. Steric effects (size and shape variations) are found to be
      significant both in insertion of a new RNA base and in extension beyond it.

PMID- 22044043
TI  - A phaeochromocytoma occurring in a patient with Parkinson's disease on L-dopa
      therapy: a diagnostic challenge.

PMID- 22044044
TI  - Oxidative stress in preretinopathic diabetes subjects and antioxidants.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study assessed the effect of a systemic oral treatment with
      antioxidants (AOs) in preretinopathic diabetes (PRD) patients, through the
      evaluation of oxidative stress in plasma and changes in the full-field
      electroretinogram (ERG). METHODS: Thirty-two PRD subjects with good metabolic
      control were recruited. Patients were randomized in two groups, one of which
      received oral AO treatment with alpha-lipoic acid at 400 mg/day in association
      with genistein and vitamins, whereas the other group received a placebo. Free
      radicals and the AO barrier were evaluated in plasma with the Free Radical
      Analytical System 4 instrument (H&D srl, Parma, Italy), and the same day the
      electrophysiological response was measured by ERG. These analyses were performed
      at enrollment and after 30 days of treatment. RESULTS: Statistically significant
      increases of plasma AO levels and ERG oscillatory potential values were observed
      in the group treated with AO, but not in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Results
      of this preliminary study suggest that an oral treatment with AOs in PRD subjects
      may have a protective effect on retinal cells, as detected by ERG analysis,
      through the strengthening of the plasma AO barrier.

PMID- 22044046
TI  - Critiquing fetal alcohol syndrome health communication campaigns targeted to
      American Indians.
AB  - It is widely recognized American Indians and Alaska Natives have suffered from
      far worse health status than that of other Americans. Health communication
      campaigns directed to American Indians and Alaska Natives and their outcomes must
      be grounded in an understanding of the historical and ongoing marginalization and
      cultural dislocation of these groups. The authors draw upon the specific case of
      health communication campaigns to reduce cases of fetal alcohol syndrome among
      American Indians and Alaska Natives. Counteracting stereotyping of American
      Indians and alcohol consumption by mainstream American popular culture and
      mediated discourses, coverage of fetal alcohol syndrome in the media is assessed.
      The study analyzes 429 American Indian news articles from 1990 to 2010.
      Mainstream American and American Indian media should cover health concerns such
      as fetal alcohol syndrome more extensively. Researchers, health communication
      campaign developers, health policy makers, and mainstream media must be
      knowledgeable about American Indian and Alaskan Native identity, cultures, and
      history, and diversity across Nations. Last, and most important, health
      communication strategists and health policy makers must welcome American Indians
      and Alaska Natives to take leadership roles in communicating culture- and Nation
      specific health campaign strategies to eliminate health disparities.

PMID- 22044047
TI  - Work engagement in nursing: a concept analysis.
AB  - AIM:   This article is a report of an analysis of the concept of work engagement.
      Background.  Work engagement is the central issue for 21st century professionals
      and specifically for registered nurses. Conceptual clarity about work engagement
      gives empirical direction for future research and a theoretical underpinning for
      the myriad studies about nurses and their work environment. METHOD:   Walker and
      Avant's method of concept analysis was used. Nursing, business, psychology and
      health sciences databases were searched using Science Direct, CINAHL, OVID,
      Academic One File, ABI INFORM and PsycINFO for publications that were: written in
      English, published between 1990 and 2010, and described or studied work
      engagement in any setting with any population. RESULTS:   Work engagement is a
      positive, fulfilling state of mind about work that is characterized by vigour,
      dedication and absorption. Trust (organizationally, managerially and collegially)
      and autonomy are the antecedents of work engagement. The outcomes of nurses' work
      engagement are higher levels of personal initiative that are contagious,
      decreased hospital mortality rates and significantly higher financial
      profitability of organizations. CONCLUSION:   When work engagement is
      conceptually removed from a transactional job demands-resources model, the
      relational antecedents of trust and autonomy have greater explanatory power for
      work engagement in nurses. Untangling the antecedents, attributes and outcomes of
      work engagement is important to future research efforts.

PMID- 22044045
TI  - Electrochemical sensors and biosensors.

PMID- 22044048
TI  - Catalytic asymmetric construction of spirocyclopentaneoxindoles by a combined Ru
      catalyzed cross-metathesis/double Michael addition sequence.
AB  - Biologically important and synthetically challenging spirocyclopentaneoxindoles
      with four contiguous stereocenters including one spiroquaternary stereocenter
      have been constructed in good yields (72-87%) with excellent diastereoselectivity
      (16:1->30:1 dr) and enantioselectivity (93->99% ee) by a combined Ru-catalyzed
      cross-metathesis/organocatalyzed asymmetric double-Michael addition sequence.

PMID- 22044049
TI  - Understanding the roles of basophils: breaking dawn.
AB  - Early studies that used parasite-infected interleukin-4 (IL-4) reporter animals
      led us to identify basophils as the primary source of IL-4 and hence propose the
      hypothesis that basophils trigger the development of antigen-specific T helper
      type 2 (Th2) immune responses in vivo. These findings appeared to resolve a long
      standing puzzle underlying Th2 immunity, that is, 'what is the source of the
      initial IL-4 necessary for CD4 T-cell differentiation into Th2 effector cells?'.
      However, results from extensive investigations of the contribution of basophils
      to Th2 immunity unveiled some controversial data that cast doubt on the initial
      hypothesis. In this review, the consensus and the controversy regarding the roles
      of basophils in infection and immunity, as well as outstanding questions for the
      future, are discussed.

PMID- 22044050
TI  - Manipulation of Forster energy transfer of coupled fluorophores through
      biotransformation by Pseudomonas resinovorans CA10.
AB  - An alkyne-terminated anthracene and azide-terminated carbazole were joined
      through a copper-catalyzed cycloaddition to form a joined donor/acceptor pair.
      The photonic pair exhibited energy transfer when excited at the peak absorbance
      of carbazole and fluoresced with an anthracene spectral response. The fluorescent
      behavior was confirmed as Forster energy transfer (FRET). The lysate of
      Pseudomonas resinovorans CA10, a member of a predominant group of soil
      microorganisms that can metabolize a host of substrates, was employed to degrade
      the pair and alter the luminance spectral characteristics. The FRET was
      diminished and the corresponding, individual fluorescence of carbazole and
      anthracene returned. This general approach may find applications in single-cell
      metabolic studies and bioactivity assays.

PMID- 22044051
TI  - Scleroderma renal crisis in a Swedish systemic sclerosis cohort: survival, renal
      outcome, and RNA polymerase III antibodies as a risk factor.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To study survival, renal outcome, and RNA polymerase III antibodies
      (RNAP Abs) as a risk factor for scleroderma renal crisis (SRC) in a Swedish
      cohort of systemic sclerosis (SSc) patients. METHODS: SRC was diagnosed in 16 SSc
      patients during the period from 1982 to 2010. For comparison, 112 (seven for each
      SRC patient) SSc patients without SRC were included. RNAP Abs were detected by a
      fully automated fluoroenzyme immunoassay (EliA). Values greater than 15 MUg/L
      were considered positive. Frozen serum samples from the time of diagnosis of SSc
      were used. RESULTS: The 5- and 10-year survival rates were, respectively, 58% and
      40% for SRC patients and 90% and 76% for patients without SRC (p < 0.001). The
      odds ratio (OR) for mortality was 4.39 [95% confidence interval (CI) 2.10-9.16, p
      < 0.001] in patients with SRC compared to those without SRC. Renal outcome was
      good in three patients. Haemodialysis was started in 10 patients and peritoneal
      dialysis in three. Renal function improved in three patients and dialysis was
      terminated. Four patients underwent renal transplantation. Seven SRC patients and
      nine without SRC were positive for RNAP Abs. Anti-RNAP Abs was a strong predictor
      of SRC. The sensitivity and specificity for development of SRC were 0.44 and
      0.92, respectively. The OR for development of SRC was 8.90 (95% CI 2.68-29.6, p =
      0.001) in RNAP-positive patients. CONCLUSIONS: RNAP positivity is a strong risk
      factor for SRC. Renal outcome was variable and survival is still notably
      decreased.

PMID- 22044052
TI  - The effect of acute stress exposure on ischemia and reperfusion injury in rat
      heart: role of oxytocin.
AB  - Previous studies showed the protective effects of oxytocin (OT) on myocardial
      injury in ischemic and reperfused rat heart. Moreover, exposure to various
      stressors not only evokes sudden cardiovascular effects but also triggers the
      release of OT in the rat. The present study was aimed to evaluate the possible
      cardioprotective effects of endogenous OT released in response to stress (St),
      and effects of administration of exogenous OT on the ischemic-reperfused isolated
      heart of rats previously exposed to St. Wistar rats were divided into six groups:
      ischemia/reperfusion (IR); St: rats exposed to swim St for 10 min before
      anesthesia; St+atosiban (ATO): an OT receptor antagonist, was administered (1.5
      mg/kg i.p.) prior to St; St+OT: OT was administered (0.03 mg/kg i.p.) prior to
      St; OT: OT was administrated prior to anesthesia; ATO was given prior to
      anesthesia. Isolated hearts were perfused with Krebs buffer solution by the
      Langendorff method and subjected to 30 min of regional ischemia followed by 60
      min of reperfusion. The infarct size (IS) and creatine kinase MB isoenzyme (CK
      MB) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in coronary effluent were measured.
      Hemodynamic parameters were recorded throughout the experiment. The plasma
      concentrations of OT and corticosterone were significantly increased by St.
      Unexpectedly St decreased IR injury compared with the IR alone group. OT
      administration significantly inhibited myocardial injury, and administration of
      ATO with St abolished recovery of the rate pressure product, and increased IS and
      levels of CK-MB and LDH. These findings indicate that activation of cardiac OT
      receptors by OT released in response to St may participate in cardioprotection
      and inhibition of myocardial IR injury.

PMID- 22044053
TI  - Genomics and transcriptomics across the diversity of the Nematoda.
AB  - The diversity of biology in nematodes is reflected in the diversity of their
      genomes. Parasitic species in particular have evolved mechanisms to invade and
      outwit their hosts, and these offer opportunities for the development of control
      measures. Genomic analyses can reveal the molecular underpinnings of phenotypes
      such as parasitism and thus, initiate and support research programmes that
      explore the manipulation of host and parasite physiologies to achieve favourable
      outcomes. Wide sampling across nematode diversity allows phylogenetically
      informed formulation of research hypotheses, identification of core features
      shared by all species or important evolutionary novelties present in isolated
      clades. Many nematode species have been investigated through the use of the
      expressed sequence tag approach, which samples from the transcribed genome. Gene
      catalogues generated in this way can be explored to reveal the patterns of
      expression associated with parasitism and candidates for testing as drug targets
      or vaccine components. Analysis environments, such as NEMBASE facilitate
      exploitation of these data. The development of new high-throughput DNA-sequencing
      technologies has facilitated transcriptomic and genomic approaches to parasite
      biology. Whole genome sequencing offers more complete catalogues of genes and
      assists a systems approach to phenotype dissection. These efforts are being
      coordinated through the 959 Nematode Genomes initiative.

PMID- 22044054
TI  - International-local remuneration differences across six countries: do they
      undermine poverty reduction work?
AB  - Despite the rhetoric of a single global economy, professionals in poorer
      countries continue to be remunerated differently depending on whether they are
      compensated at a local vs. international rate. Project ADDUP (Are Development
      Discrepancies Undermining Performance?) surveyed 1290 expatriate and local
      professionals (response rate = 47%) from aid, education, government, and business
      sectors in (1) Island Nations (Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands), (2) landlocked
      economies (Malawi, Uganda), and (3) emerging economies (India, China). Difference
      in pay was estimated using purchasing power parity, from the World Bank's World
      Development Indicators 2007. Psychological measures included self-reported pay
      and benefits (remuneration), self-attributed ability, remuneration comparison,
      sense of justice in remuneration, remuneration-related motivation, thoughts of
      turnover and thoughts about international mobility. We included control measures
      of candour, culture shock, cultural values (horizontal/vertical
      individualism/collectivism), personality (from the "big five"), job satisfaction
      and work engagement. Controlling for these and country (small effects) and
      organization effects (medium), (a) pay ratios between international and local
      workers exceeded what were perceived to be acceptable pay thresholds among
      respondents remunerated locally; who also reported a combination of a sense of
      relative (b) injustice and demotivation; which (c) together with job
      satisfaction/work engagement predicted turnover and international mobility. These
      findings question the wisdom of dual salary systems in general, expose and
      challenge a major contradiction between contemporary development policy and
      practice, and have a range of practical, organizational, and theoretical
      implications for poverty reduction work.

PMID- 22044055
TI  - Remuneration discrepancies in the landlocked economies of Malawi and Uganda.
AB  - Although the original study of remuneration differences between local and
      expatriate development workers took place in the landlocked economy of Malawi,
      the study has never been replicated outside of one sector and organization (the
      National University), and took place prior to the 2000 Millennium Development
      Goals. Participating in the present studies were 458 aid and development
      professionals, working across a range of sectors in Malawi (n = 241, response
      rate = 50%) and Uganda (n = 217, response rate = 51%). The size of the gap
      between local and international workers, measured using the World Bank's
      purchasing power parity, was higher in Malawi (4.04:1) than in Uganda (1.97:1).
      The ratio was more clearly within tolerance levels in Uganda than in Malawi.
      Consistent with these differences, and controlling for organization, cultural,
      and demographic factors, locally remunerated workers reported more and expatriate
      workers less injustice and demotivation in Malawi than in Uganda. Although sample
      sizes for the internationally remunerated are small, the findings suggest that
      wider disparities may (1) hinder perspective-taking and (2) decrease motivation.
      In-country workshops with stakeholders and subject-matter experts considered the
      findings, and potential solutions offered through the survey form. They
      recommended the implementation of performance-based remuneration, including
      competency-based job analysis and evaluation. Competencies in such functions can
      be provided by humanitarian work psychology.

PMID- 22044056
TI  - Remuneration disparities in Oceania: Papua New Guinea and Solomon Islands.
AB  - This paper explores the impact of remuneration differences on workers in the
      Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. In these countries remunerative differences
      are linked to government policy (in Papua New Guinea) and job contracts (in the
      Solomon Islands), and have impacted on industrial relations in both settings
      (strike action). A total of N = 350 professionals (n = 60 expatriates) from 54
      organizations in aid, government, higher education and industry (mean response
      rate = 36%) responded to an organizational survey form. Remuneration ratios
      between international and local respondents based on the World Bank's index of
      purchasing power parity approached 9:1. In both sites staff compared pay and
      benefits (remuneration) packages: Internationally remunerated staff rated their
      ability higher than their local counterparts did; locally remunerated groups
      reported more injustice in remuneration, were more demotivated by the gaps, and
      were more likely to be thinking about leaving the organization. In-country
      workshops of N = 40 largely local stakeholders from aid and community
      organizations plus government ministries considered the survey's findings and
      recommended: in Solomon Islands, (a) introducing a policy of localization, (b)
      establishing a remuneration commission (already existent in Papua New Guinea),
      and (c) reducing the remunerative gap; in Papua New Guinea, (d) reversing the
      post-Independence "dual pay system" (currently official policy), (e) instituting
      pay-for-performance, and (f) ensuring the existent localization policy is applied
      to recruitment, selection, and staff career planning and management.

PMID- 22044057
TI  - Remuneration differences in the emerging economies of China and India.
AB  - Emerging economies by definition tend to be less dependent on expatriate skills
      and labour than lower-income countries, yet remuneration (pay plus benefits)
      differences between expatriate and local workers persist in them to some degree.
      According to relative deprivation theory, economic development paradoxically
      elevates the salience of relatively small gaps in remuneration. We therefore
      expected workers to report injustice and demotivation regarding relative
      remuneration, despite the closing of remuneration gaps between expatriate and
      local workers due to the economic development of recent years. To explore that
      possibility, 482 skilled professionals from a variety of sectors and
      organizations in two emerging economies, India (n = 233, response rate = 54%) and
      China (n = 249, response rate = 58%), participated in the research. International
      salaries were greater than local salaries by a factor of 2.73:1 in India and
      1.90:1 in China; these mean ratios bordered on intolerable in the India sample
      and were largely tolerable among the sample from China. In both countries,
      differently remunerated workers differed in their justice cognitions and their
      demotivation, with lowered motivation and fewer justice cognitions in the locally
      salaried, local workers. These differences were however more statistically
      significant between people working in India than in China. Insofar as the
      motivational and justice gaps persisted, the findings support relative
      deprivation theory. Insofar as the same gaps appear to be sharper in the country
      with the higher-not lower-mean remuneration differential, they do not. An in
      country workshop with local experts who interpreted the findings (in India), and
      content analysis of the participants' recommendations (in China) jointly
      recommended linking remuneration to (i) workplace performance instead of (ii)
      economy-of-origin, to help promote (iii) fairness.

PMID- 22044058
TI  - Can professions contribute to the reduction of world-wide poverty?: a case in
      point: organizational psychology and pay diversity.

PMID- 22044059
TI  - Decent work and decent pay: dual salary systems and poverty reduction policy.

PMID- 22044060
TI  - An exploratory assessment of cultural sensitivity in the practices of Lebanese
      researchers in the field of psychology: implications for national development
      efforts.
AB  - The inclusion of the social and cultural characteristics of groups in the concept
      of national development highlights the contributions that culturally sensitive
      psychological research can make to development efforts. It also highlights the
      relevance of assessing and promoting such research, especially in majority world
      countries where development needs are pressing. In the current study, a content
      analysis was conducted to assess the degree to which Lebanese psychological
      researchers in post-civil war Lebanon have engaged in culturally sensitive
      research practices. The Cultural Sensitivity Measure for Published Research,
      which was inspired by Adair, Puhan, and Vohra's ( 1993 ) measure of
      indigenization, was applied to 54 peer-reviewed English- and French-language
      empirical studies conducted by Lebanese researchers on Lebanese samples within
      Lebanon. The results suggest that while cultural sensitivity levels were
      generally low, the sampled researchers engaged in more sensitive practices
      compared to researchers in the region. For example, they used qualitative methods
      more often, made more efforts to ensure the cultural compatibility of their
      methods, and engaged in more complex conceptualizations of culture and its
      relationship with psychological processes. Furthermore, certain practices, such
      as studying diverse groups or using findings to suggest real-life applications,
      were found to be predictive of higher general levels of cultural sensitivity in
      the sampled articles. These research practices could be fostered in institutional
      and intellectual contexts, and such initiatives would go a long way in supporting
      a locally appropriate research infrastructure that contributes to national
      development efforts.

PMID- 22044061
TI  - No need to fake it: reproduction of the Asch experiment without confederates.
AB  - In the present experiment, we replicated Asch's seminal study on social
      conformity without using confederates. We adapted a presentation trick in order
      to present two different stimuli secretly to groups of participants to create
      minorities and majorities without utilizing confederates. One hundred and four
      Japanese undergraduates (40 men and 64 women) carried out Asch-equivalent tasks
      in same-sex groups of four. In each group, we adapted the fMORI Technique to
      present the tasks such that one person (minority participant) observed different
      stimuli than the other three people (majority participants). The same nine
      stimulus sets that Asch had used were carefully reproduced as PowerPoint slides
      and projected onto a half-transparent screen. As for the critical tasks, the top
      part of the standard lines appeared in either green or magenta so that two groups
      of participants would see them differently when they wore two types of polarizing
      sunglasses that filtered either green or magenta to make the lines appear longer
      or shorter. A post-experimental questionnaire confirmed that no participant among
      either the minority or majority viewers noticed the presentation trick. The
      results showed that, in line with Asch's basic findings, the minority women
      participants conformed to the majority. However, our study produced two different
      results: While minority women conformed, minority men did not. Contrary to Asch's
      findings, the frequency of conformity of minority participants was almost the
      same regardless of whether the majority answered unanimously or not.

PMID- 22044062
TI  - Annual Report of the International Union of Psychological Science (IUPsyS).

PMID- 22044063
TI  - Latex of Euphorbia antiquorum induces apoptosis in human cervical cancer cells
      via c-jun n-terminal kinase activation and reactive oxygen species production.
AB  - Latex of Euphorbia antiquorum (EA) has inhibitory effects on several different
      cancer cell lines. However, the molecular mechanism of EA inhibitory effects on
      human cervical cancer HeLa cell growth has not been explored. EA induced
      apoptosis, which was characterized by morphological change, DNA fragmentation,
      increased sub-G1 population, and alterations in levels of apoptosis-associated
      proteins. Treatment with EA increased cell death and expression levels of caspase
      8, -9, and -3. EA suppressed expression of Bcl-2, increased Bax, and reduced
      cleavage of Bid and the translocation of tBid to the mitochondria and the release
      of cytochrome c from mitochondria. EA caused a loss of mitochondrial membrane
      potential (DeltaPsim) and an increase in cellular reactive oxygen species (ROS).
      EA-induced ROS formation was suppressed by cyclosporine A (an inhibitor of the
      DeltaPsim) or allopurinol (an effective scavenger of ROS). EA also increased
      expression of Fas, FasL, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), p38, and mitogen
      activated protein kinase (MAPK) and decreased expression of extracellular signal
      regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2-p. Co-treatment with the JNK inhibitor SP600125
      inhibited EA-induced apoptosis and the activation of caspase-8, -9, and -3.
      Results of this study provide support for the hypothesis that EA causes cell
      death via apoptotic pathways in human cervical adenocarcinoma HeLa cells.

PMID- 22044064
TI  - Separating the air quality impact of a major highway and nearby sources by
      nonparametric trajectory analysis.
AB  - Nonparametric Trajectory Analysis (NTA), a receptor-oriented model, was used to
      assess the impact of local sources of air pollution at monitoring sites located
      adjacent to highway I-15 in Las Vegas, NV. Measurements of black carbon, carbon
      monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur dioxide concentrations were collected from
      December 2008 to December 2009. The purpose of the study was to determine the
      impact of the highway at three downwind monitoring stations using an upwind
      station to measure background concentrations. NTA was used to precisely determine
      the contribution of the highway to the average concentrations measured at the
      monitoring stations accounting for the spatially heterogeneous contributions of
      other local urban sources. NTA uses short time average concentrations, 5 min in
      this case, and constructed local back-trajectories from similarly short time
      average wind speed and direction to locate and quantify contributions from local
      source regions. Averaged over an entire year, the decrease of concentrations with
      distance from the highway was found to be consistent with previous studies. For
      this study, the NTA model is shown to be a reliable approach to quantify the
      impact of the highway on local air quality in an urban area with other local
      sources.

PMID- 22044066
TI  - Real-time NMR studies of electrochemical double-layer capacitors.
AB  - (11)B NMR spectroscopy has been used to investigate the sorption of BF(4)(-)
      anions on a highly porous, high surface area carbon, and different binding sites
      have been identified. By implementing in situ NMR approaches, the migration of
      ions between the electrodes of the supercapacitors and changes in the nature of
      ion binding to the surface have been observed in real time.

PMID- 22044065
TI  - Markers of inflammation in midlife women with intimate partner violence
      histories.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lifetime occurrence of intimate partner violence (IPV) in women has
      been associated with increased prevalence of aging-related chronic diseases,
      including those with a pathophysiology involving inflammation. To begin to
      identify potential biologic mediators of this relationship, this cross-sectional
      study examined associations between past IPV and circulating levels of C-reactive
      protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 (IL-6)-measures linked with emergence of aging
      related diseases-along with in vitro IL-6 production by peripheral blood
      mononuclear cells (PBMC) stimulated with either phytohemagglutinin A (PHA) or
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS). METHODS: Apparently healthy, midlife women with divorce
      histories were recruited from the community. Histories of intimate partner
      psychological aggression, physical assault, sexual coercion, and stalking were
      assessed, along with current depression, posttraumatic stress symptoms, and
      health-related characteristics. At two visits, blood was drawn for assessment of
      biologic measures; measures were averaged across visits. RESULTS: In this sample
      (n=68), a history of being stalked was significantly positively correlated with
      CRP levels; in a multiple regression analysis that included body mass index (BMI)
      and current symptoms, this association was attenuated by adjusting for BMI.
      Physical assault history was significantly negatively correlated with PHA
      stimulated IL-6 production. This was most apparent for severe assault and was not
      accounted for by BMI or symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: IPV histories remitted for an
      average of 10 years were associated with biologic mediators of inflammation. The
      profile was not uniformly proinflammatory, suggesting that in situations of
      traumatic or chronic stress, different aspects of the inflammatory response are
      differentially regulated and subjected to diverse compensatory mechanisms.

PMID- 22044068
TI  - Tuning the molecular order of C60 functionalized phosphonic acid monolayers.
AB  - Mixed self-assembled monolayers (SAM) of alkyl phosphonic acids and C(60)
      functionalized octadecyl phosphonic acids (C(60)C(18)-PA) are deposited on
      alumina substrates from solution and are shown to form well-ordered structures
      with an insulating layer of alkyl chains and a semiconducting layer that
      comprises mainly C(60). Such an ordered structure is a necessity for the
      application of SAMs in organic transistors but is difficult to obtain since
      C(60)C(18)-PA without additional support do self-assemble in dense packaging but
      not in a well-ordered fashion. To avoid disordering of the SAM and to gain a
      better control of the interfacial properties we have investigated the stabilizing
      effects of fluorinated dodecyl phosphonic acids (FC(12)-PA) on the C(60)C(18)-PA
      monolayer. Vibrational sum-frequency (SFG) spectroscopy, ellipsometry, X-ray
      photoelectron spectroscopy, and electrical measurements were applied to study the
      mixed monolayers. Here, we make use of the differently labeled PA to determine
      surface coverages and molecular properties of the two species independently.
      Adsorption of FC(12)-PA gives rise to vibrational bands at 1344 cm(-1) and 1376
      cm(-1) in SFG spectra, while a pronounced vibrational band centered at 1465 cm(
      1) is attributable to C(60) vibrations. The coexistence of the bands is
      indicative for the presence of a mixed monolayer that is composed of both
      molecular species. Furthermore, a pronounced maximum in SFG intensity of the
      C(60) band is observed for SAMs, which are deposited from solutions with ~75%
      C(60)C(18)-PA and ~25% FC(12)-PA. The intensity maximum originates from
      successful stabilization of C(60) modified C(60)C(18)-PA by FC(12)-PA and a
      significantly improved molecular order. Conclusions from SFG spectra are
      corroborated by electric measurements that show best performance at these
      concentrations. Our results provide new information on the morphology and
      composition of C(60) modified SAMs and establish a route to fabricate well
      defined layers for molecular scale organic electronics.

PMID- 22044067
TI  - CNL, a ricin B-like lectin from mushroom Clitocybe nebularis, induces maturation
      and activation of dendritic cells via the toll-like receptor 4 pathway.
AB  - A novel lectin, isolated from the basidiomycete mushroom Clitocybe nebularis and
      termed C. nebularis lectin (CNL), exhibits an immunostimulatory effect on the
      most potent antigen-presenting cells, the dendritic cells (DCs). Treatment of
      human monocyte-derived DCs with CNL in doses from 1 to 10 MUg/ml resulted in a
      dose-dependent induction of overall DC maturation characteristics. Exposure of
      DCs to CNL for 48 hr resulted in extensive up-regulation of co-stimulatory
      molecules CD80 and CD86, as well as of the maturation marker CD83 and HLA-DR
      molecules. Such CNL-matured DCs (CNL-DCs) were capable of inducing a T helper
      type 1-polarized response in naive CD4+  CD45RA+ T cells in 5-day allogeneic co
      cultures. The allostimulatory potential of CNL-DCs was significantly increased
      relative to untreated controls, as was their capacity to produce several pro
      inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-6, interleukin-8 and tumour necrosis
      factor-alpha. By using a specific Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signalling
      inhibitor, CLI-095, as well as Myd88 inhibitory peptide, we have shown that DC
      activation by CNL is completely dependent on the TLR4 activation pathway.
      Furthermore, activation of TLR4 by CNL was confirmed via TLR4 reporter assay.
      Measurement of p65 nuclear factor-kappaB and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase
      (MAPK) phosphorylation levels following CNL stimulation of DCs revealed primarily
      an increase in nuclear factor-kappaB activity, with less effect on the induction
      of p38 MAPK signalling than of lipopolysaccharide-matured DCs. The CNL had the
      ability to activate human DCs in such a way as to subsequently direct T helper
      type 1 T-cell responses. Our results encourage the use of mushroom-derived
      lectins for use in therapeutic strategies with aims such as to strengthen anti
      tumour immune responses.

PMID- 22044069
TI  - Laparoscopic bilateral oophorectomy - feasible migraine management?

PMID- 22044070
TI  - A comparison of immunogenicity of norovirus GII-4 virus-like particles and P
      particles.
AB  - Norovirus (NoV) -derived virus-like particles (VLPs) resemble empty shells of the
      virus and NoV P-particles contain only protruding domains of the NoV capsid. Both
      NoV-derived subviral particles show similar functionality and antigenicity in
      vitro and are considered to be potential vaccine candidates against NoV
      gastroenteritis. BALB/c mice were immunized with baculovirus-produced GII-4 VLPs
      or the corresponding Escherichia coli-produced P-particles by the intramuscular
      or intradermal route and the NoV-specific antibody and T-cell immune responses
      were compared. Elevated antibody levels were induced with a single VLP
      immunization, whereas P-particle immunization required a boost. High avidity
      antibodies were raised only by VLP immunization. VLP immunization resulted in a
      balanced T helper type 1/type 2 immune response whereas P-particles induced a T
      helper type 2-biased response. Only VLP immunization primed T cells for
      interferon-gamma production. Most importantly, cross-reactive B and T cells were
      induced solely by VLP immunization. In addition, VLP antiserum blocked the
      binding of heterotypic VLPs to human histo-blood group antigen receptor and
      saliva. The findings in this study are relevant for the development of NoV
      vaccines.

PMID- 22044071
TI  - Search for variation in the ovine KAP7-1 and KAP8-1 genes using polymerase chain
      reaction-single-stranded conformational polymorphism screening.
AB  - Keratins and keratin-associated proteins (KAPs) are large heterogeneous groups of
      proteins that constitute about 90% of the wool fiber. The genes encoding the high
      glycine-tyrosine (HGT) KAPs are the first sub-group of KAP genes expressed in the
      wool follicle and just after expression of the keratin genes. Little is known
      about variation in these genes, which led us to investigate two HGT-KAP genes,
      KRTAP7-1 and KRTAP8-1. Polymerase chain reaction-single-stranded conformational
      polymorphism analysis was used to investigate these genes in 250 Romney-cross
      sheep. For KRTAP7-1, two unique banding patterns were detected for amplicons that
      spanned the entire coding region. Sequencing confirmed the presence of two
      sequences with only one nucleotide difference (c.173G/A) putatively resulting in
      p.Ser58Asn. One was identical to the published ovine KRTAP7-1 sequence. For
      KRTAP8-1, five unique banding patterns were detected in an amplicon that spanned
      the entire coding region. Sequencing revealed five different DNA sequences, all
      of which were highly homologous to the previously reported ovine KRTAP8-1
      sequence. Among these five sequences, four single-nucleotide substitutions were
      identified and three of them were located in the coding region. One of these was
      nonsynonymous and would putatively result in p.Tyr34Asn. The variation detected
      in KRTAP7-1 and KRTAP8-1 may influence their expression or protein structure.

PMID- 22044072
TI  - Estimating the origin and evolution characteristics for Korean HIV type 1 subtype
      B using Bayesian phylogenetic analysis.
AB  - The majority of Korean human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) isolates are
      composed of the Korean clade B strain that is distinct from the subtype B
      prevalent in North America and Europe. However, it is still not clear how HIV-1
      was introduced, transmitted, and evolved within the Korean population. To
      identify the evolutionary characteristics of Korean HIV-1, we estimate the
      molecular epidemic history of HIV-1 subtype B gp120 env in Korea in comparison
      with sequences isolated from other geographic locations. A Bayesian Markov chain
      Monte Carlo (MCMC) statistical inference was used to estimate the time of
      divergence of subtype B. The estimated time of divergence of subtype B and the
      distinct monophyletic Korean B cluster was estimated to be in the early and mid
      1960s, respectively. Substitution rates were estimated at 7.3*10(-3) and 8.0*10(
      3) substitutions per site per year for HIV-1 subtype B and Korean clade B,
      respectively. The demographic dynamics of two Korean data sets showed that the
      effective number of infections in Korea increased rapidly until the early 1980s,
      and then the rate only slowly increased until the mid-1990s when the population
      growth approached a steady-state. These results suggest that the growth rate of
      prevalent HIV-1 strains in Korea was lower than in other countries, suggesting
      that the evolution of HIV-1 Korean clade B was relatively slow. Furthermore, the
      limited transmission of HIV-1 within the Korean population likely led to the
      independent evolution of this virus to form the HIV-1 Korean clade B.

PMID- 22044073
TI  - Simultaneous analysis of heparan sulfate, chondroitin/dermatan sulfates, and
      hyaluronan disaccharides by glycoblotting-assisted sample preparation followed by
      single-step zwitter-ionic-hydrophilic interaction chromatography.
AB  - Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) play important roles in cell adhesion and growth,
      maintenance of extracellular matrix (ECM) integrity, and signal transduction. To
      fully understand the biological functions of GAGs, there is a growing need for
      sensitive, rapid, and quantitative analysis of GAGs. The present work describes a
      novel analytical technique that enables high throughput cellular/tissue
      glycosaminoglycomics for all three families of uronic acid-containing GAGs,
      hyaluronan (HA), chondroitin sulfate (CS)/dermatan sulfate (DS), and heparan
      sulfate (HS). A one-pot purification and labeling procedure for GAG Delta
      disaccharides was established by chemo-selective ligation of disaccharides onto
      high density hydrazide beads (glycoblotting) and subsequent labeling by
      fluorescence. The 17 most common disaccharides (eight comprising HS, eight CS/DS,
      and one comprising HA) could be separated with a single chromatography for the
      first time by employing a zwitter-ionic type of hydrophilic-interaction
      chromatography column. These novel analytical techniques were able to precisely
      characterize the glycosaminoglycome in various cell types including embryonal
      carcinoma cells and ocular epithelial tissues (cornea, conjunctiva, and limbus).

PMID- 22044074
TI  - Generation of reactive oxygen species mediated by humic-like substances in
      atmospheric aerosols.
AB  - Particulate matter (PM)-mediated reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation has
      been implicated in health effects posed by PM. Humic-like substances (HULIS) are
      an unresolved mixture of water-extracted organic compounds from atmospheric
      aerosol particles or isolated from fog/cloudwater samples. In this study, we use
      a cell-free dithiothreitol (DTT) assay to measure ROS production mediated by
      HULIS. The HULIS samples are isolated from aerosols collected at a rural location
      and a suburban location in the Pearl River Delta, China. In our experiments, ROS
      activities by residue metal ions in the HULIS fraction are suppressed by
      including a strong chelating agent in the DTT assay. Under conditions of DTT
      consumption not exceeding 90%, the HULIS-catalyzed oxidation of DTT follows the
      zero-order kinetics with respect to DTT concentration, and the rate of DTT
      oxidation is proportional to the dose of HULIS. The ROS activity of the aerosol
      HULIS, on a per unit mass basis is 2% of the ROS activity by a reference quinone
      compound, 1,4-naphthoquinone and exceeds that of two aquatic fulvic acids. The
      HULIS fraction in the ambient samples tested exhibits comparable ROS activities
      to the organic solvent extractable fraction, which would contain compounds such
      as quinones, a known organic compound class capable of catalyzing generation of
      ROS in cells. HULIS was found to be the major redox active constituent of the
      water-extractable organic fraction in PM. It is plausible that HULIS contains
      reversible redox sites, thereby serving as electron carriers to catalyze the
      formation of ROS. Our work suggests that HULIS could be an active PM component in
      generating ROS and further work is warranted to characterize its redox
      properties.

PMID- 22044076
TI  - Metagenome-based screening reveals worldwide distribution of LOV-domain proteins.
AB  - Metagenomes from various environments were screened for sequences homologous to
      light, oxygen, voltage (LOV)-domain proteins. LOV domains are flavin binding,
      blue-light (BL)-sensitive photoreceptors present in 10-15% of deposited
      prokaryotic genomes. The LOV domain has been selected, since BL is an ever
      present and sometimes harmful environmental factor for microbial communities. The
      majority of the metagenome material originated from the Sargasso Sea Project and
      from open-ocean sampling. In total, more than 40 million open reading frames were
      investigated for LOV-domain sequences. Most sequences were identified from
      aquatic material, but they were also found in metagenomes from soil and extreme
      environments, e.g. hypersaline ponds, acidic mine drainage or wastewater
      treatment facilities. A total of 578 LOV domains was assigned by three criteria:
      (1) the highly conserved core region, (2) the presence of minimally 14 essential
      amino acids and (3) a minimal length of 80 amino acids. More than three quarters
      of these identified genes showed a sequence divergence of more than 20% from
      database-deposited LOV domains from known organisms, indicating the large
      variation of this photoreceptor motif. The broad occurrence of LOV domains in
      metagenomes emphasizes their important physiological role for light-induced
      signal transduction, stress adaptation and survival mechanisms.

PMID- 22044077
TI  - Intranasal oxytocin and salivary cortisol concentrations during social rejection
      in university students.
AB  - Oxytocin facilitates pro-social behaviour and is proposed as a regulatory factor
      controlling stress reactivity. Previous research on oxytocin and stress has
      focused on achievement-related stressors among male participants. The aims of the
      study were to (1) examine the influence of oxytocin on the affective and cortisol
      response to the Yale Interpersonal Stressor (YIPS), a live social rejection
      paradigm, and (2) to replicate the finding that women exhibit a greater cortisol
      response to interpersonal stress than men (Stroud et al. 2002). Sex differences
      in stress responses: Social rejection versus achievement stress. Biol Psychiat
      53:318-327. Ninety-six undergraduate students underwent the YIPS, where
      participants were excluded from two separate conversations by two same-sex
      confederates. Salivary cortisol concentrations and mood were repeatedly measured
      throughout the study. Participants were administered, in a double-blind design, a
      single dose of intranasal oxytocin (24 IU) or placebo prior to beginning the
      YIPS. The YIPS elicited a significant negative mood response that was more
      pronounced in females than in males. However, no significant cortisol response to
      the stressor and no sex difference in cortisol reactivity were observed. A
      significant effect of drug condition on cortisol levels was observed.
      Participants who were administered oxytocin exhibited a decrease in cortisol
      levels, relative to placebo, during the YIPS, F (4, 184)=4.50, p<0.05. The study
      failed to replicate the sex difference in the cortisol response to interpersonal
      stress reported by Stroud et al. (2002). Intranasal oxytocin, however, appeared
      to reduce cortisol concentrations during an interpersonal challenge.

PMID- 22044078
TI  - Health-related quality of life in patients with atopic dermatitis.
AB  - Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic relapsing condition that can have
      considerable effects on the patients' quality of life (QOL). The aim of this
      study was to measure the health-related QOL in patients with AD, using generic
      and specific instruments, to compare the scores obtained by different instruments
      and to verify the relationship between them. We conducted a cross-sectional study
      of 132 outpatients with AD. To assess the QOL, Short Form 36 (SF-36), Dermatology
      Life Quality Index (DLQI) and Children's Dermatology Life Quality Index (CDLQI)
      were administered. In order to assess the disease severity of AD, we used the
      Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI) and physician assessment of disease
      severity. Stressful life events during the last 12 months were assessed with
      Paykel's Interview for Recent Life Events. Patients with AD had inferior social
      functioning and mental health scores compared with the general population. The
      correlations between the DLQI and SF-36 were found for the mental components of
      the QOL. Increasing disease severity was associated with greater impairment in
      QOL in both, children and adults. Our study found the influence of the stressful
      life events on the role emotional of AD patients. These results demonstrate that
      AD influences health-related QOL, especially in children. This study supports the
      decision to use both generic and skin-specific instruments to assess the impact
      of AD on QOL.

PMID- 22044079
TI  - Self-report versus ultrasound measurement of uterine fibroid status.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Much of the epidemiologic research on risk factors for fibroids, the
      leading indication for hysterectomy, relies on self-reported outcome. Self-report
      is subject to misclassification because many women with fibroids are undiagnosed.
      The purpose of this analysis was to quantify the extent of misclassification and
      identify associated factors. METHODS: Self-reported fibroid status was compared
      to ultrasound screening from 2046 women in Right From The Start (RFTS) and 869
      women in the Uterine Fibroid Study (UFS). Log-binomial regression was used to
      estimate sensitivity (Se) and specificity (Sp) and examine differences by
      ethnicity, age, education, body mass index, parity, and miscarriage history.
      RESULTS: Overall sensitivity was <=0.50. Sensitivity was higher in blacks than
      whites (RFTS: 0.34 vs. 0.23; UFS: 0.58 vs. 0.32) and increased with age. Parous
      women had higher sensitivity than nulliparae, especially in RFTS whites (Se
      ratio=2.90; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.51, 5.60). Specificity was 0.98 in
      RFTS and 0.86 in UFS. Modest ethnic differences were seen in UFS (Sp ratio, black
      vs. white=0.90; 95% CI: 0.81, 0.99). Parity was inversely associated with
      specificity, especially among UFS black women (Sp ratio=0.84; 95% CI: 0.73,
      0.97). Among women who reported a previous diagnosis, a shorter time interval
      between diagnosis and ultrasound was associated with increased agreement between
      the two measures. CONCLUSIONS: Misclassification of fibroid status can differ by
      factors of etiologic interest. These findings are useful for assessing (and
      correcting) bias in studies using self-reported clinical diagnosis as the outcome
      measure.

PMID- 22044080
TI  - Occupational safety management: the role of causal attribution.
AB  - The paper addresses the causal attribution theory, an old and well-established
      theme in social psychology which denotes the everyday, commonsense explanations
      that people use to explain events and the world around them. The attribution
      paradigm is considered one of the most appropriate analytical tools for
      exploratory and descriptive studies in social psychology and organizational
      literature. It affords the possibility of describing accident processes as
      objectively as possible and with as much detail as possible. Causal explanations
      are vital to the formal analysis of workplace hazards and accidents, as they
      determine how organizations act to prevent accident recurrence. Accordingly, they
      are regarded as fundamental and prerequisite elements for safety management
      policies. The paper focuses primarily on the role of causal attributions in
      occupational and industrial accident analyses and implementation of safety
      interventions. It thus serves as a review of the contribution of attribution
      theory to occupational and industrial accidents. It comprises six sections. The
      first section presents an introduction to the classic attribution theories, and
      the second an account of the various ways in which the attribution paradigm has
      been applied in organizational settings. The third and fourth sections review the
      literature on causal attributions and demographic and organizational variables
      respectively. The sources of attributional biases in social psychology and how
      they manifest and are identified in the causal explanations for industrial and
      occupational accidents are treated in the fifth section. Finally, conclusion and
      recommendations are presented. The recommendations are particularly important for
      the reduction of workplace accidents and associated costs. The paper touches on
      the need for unbiased causal analyses, belief in the preventability of accidents,
      and the imperative role of management in occupational safety management.

PMID- 22044081
TI  - Accents in the workplace: their effects during a job interview.
AB  - As the workplace becomes increasingly global, organizations are more likely to
      employ persons from other countries whose accents clearly identify them as
      different from the local workforce. Understanding the impact of accents in the
      workplace is important because accents can be salient in the same way as
      ethnicity, age, gender, and skin color and may be a source of employment
      discrimination. The present study looked at the influence of accents on the
      evaluation of job applicants during an interview for a human resource manager
      position. Participants from the US were asked to evaluate an applicant with one
      of three accents (Midwestern US, French, Colombian) by listening to an audiofile.
      The results showed that the applicant with the Midwestern US accent was evaluated
      more positively than the applicant with the French accent; however, the applicant
      with the Colombian accent did not receive an evaluation that differed
      significantly from those given to the applicants with either the French or the
      Midwestern US accent. Analyses of process variables indicated that the bias
      against the French-accented applicant was mediated by perceived lower similarity.
      These results are consistent with the similarity-attraction hypothesis, which
      states that demographic variables will impact judgments to the extent to which
      they make the decision-maker view the applicant as similar or dissimilar. The
      ability of accent to trigger bias highlights the importance of considering the
      full array of characteristics that can lead to discrimination in employment
      settings. Research on employment discrimination has traditionally focused on
      visual cues such as gender and ethnicity, but in an interview situation, the way
      the applicant speaks is also important.

PMID- 22044082
TI  - Perfectionism, anger, and anger rumination.
AB  - Anger and anger rumination are considered to be detrimental to both physical and
      psychological well being. Furthermore, perfectionism, as a personality construct,
      seems to be related to various types of maladjustment. Whereas perfectionism has
      been characterized as being positive when an individual derives pleasure from
      striving for excellence yet recognizes and accepts individual limitations, it is
      deemed negative when the individual has unrealistic expectations and is never
      satisfied with his or her performance. The present study examined whether
      positive and negative perfectionism was associated with anger and anger
      rumination. The Farsi version of the Positive and Negative Perfectionism Scale
      and the Farsi version of the Anger Rumination Scale, as well as Spielberger's
      State-Trait Anger Scale were completed by 384 Iranian students. Results showed
      that anger and anger rumination were, as expected, associated negatively with
      positive perfectionism and associated positively with negative perfectionism.
      Positive perfectionism enables individuals to strive for success in a flexible
      manner and, thus, to experience satisfaction and pleasure rather than
      dissatisfaction, frustration, and anger. Conversely, negative perfectionism makes
      individuals vulnerable to emotional distress such as predisposition to experience
      anger and anger rumination through setting high standards for performance,
      overgeneralization of perceived failures, negative self-evaluation, self-blame,
      and measuring self-worth in terms of unachievable goals of accomplishment and
      productivity. Hence, perfectionism may be regarded as having both adaptive and
      maladaptive aspects with regard to health.

PMID- 22044083
TI  - The emergence, structure and development of ethnic identity during childhood: the
      case of Roma identity.
AB  - This study investigates the emergence, development and structure of ethnic
      identity during childhood. Forty Roma children living in Greece aged between 2.8
      and 11.9 years answered questions about their awareness/recognition of four
      aspects of their ethnic identity-namely place of habitation, traditional
      costumes, the Roma language, and early betrothal of children-their identity and
      their sense of stability and constancy. The study also investigates how the
      children feel about the abandonment of those four aspects. The evidence from the
      current data supports the hypothesis that awareness of ethnic identity emerges
      before the age of 4. Moreover, this study offers direct empirical evidence of the
      multidimensionality of ethnic identity. A model of three concentric rings is
      proposed, extending from a core containing the most highly valued aspects of
      ethnic identity to the outer annulus that comprises the nonpermanent and
      nonstable aspects of ethnic identity. The aspects in each annulus differ in terms
      of the development of the sense of stability and constancy and the feelings
      associated with loss of the aspects in question. Even the youngest participants
      considered the aspects in the core to be stable and constant as well as
      emotionally charged; and even the 11-year-olds did not consider the aspects
      contained in the outer, more fluid annulus as stable and constant aspects of
      their ethnic identity. The development of an aspect is determined by what the
      majority of adults in a society, at a particular time in history, consider to be
      most important.

PMID- 22044084
TI  - Visual rapid naming and phonological abilities: different subtypes in dyslexic
      children.
AB  - One implication of the double-deficit hypothesis for dyslexia is that there
      should be subtypes of dyslexic readers that exhibit rapid naming deficits with or
      without concomitant phonological processing problems. In the current study, we
      investigated the validity of this hypothesis for Portuguese orthography, which is
      more consistent than English orthography, by exploring different cognitive
      profiles in a sample of dyslexic children. In particular, we were interested in
      identifying readers characterized by a pure rapid automatized naming deficit. We
      also examined whether rapid naming and phonological awareness independently
      account for individual differences in reading performance. We characterized the
      performance of dyslexic readers and a control group of normal readers matched for
      age on reading, visual rapid naming and phonological processing tasks. Our
      results suggest that there is a subgroup of dyslexic readers with intact
      phonological processing capacity (in terms of both accuracy and speed measures)
      but poor rapid naming skills. We also provide evidence for an independent
      association between rapid naming and reading competence in the dyslexic sample,
      when the effect of phonological skills was controlled. Altogether, the results
      are more consistent with the view that rapid naming problems in dyslexia
      represent a second core deficit rather than an exclusive phonological explanation
      for the rapid naming deficits. Furthermore, additional non-phonological
      processes, which subserve rapid naming performance, contribute independently to
      reading development.

PMID- 22044085
TI  - Body dissatisfaction, maternal appraisal, and depressive symptoms in Hong Kong
      adolescents.
AB  - Body dissatisfaction, its risk factors and association with depressed mood have
      been well investigated in the West. However, more studies are needed to examine
      further the relation between body dissatisfaction and depressive symptoms and the
      factors influencing body dissatisfaction in non-Western cultures. The present
      study examined in a sample of Hong Kong Chinese adolescents the relation between
      body dissatisfaction and depressive symptoms, and the relation of maternal
      appraisal of their adolescent's figure to the adolescent's body dissatisfaction
      and depressive symptoms. We obtained information from 379 boys and 254 girls
      about their body dissatisfaction and depressive symptoms. Their mothers provided
      information about their appraisal of their adolescent's body shape and size
      compared to ideal. Body dissatisfaction was related to depressive symptoms in
      girls (B = 2.58, p <.01), but not in boys (B = -0.08, p >.10). Negative maternal
      appraisal did not have direct effects on adolescents' depressive symptoms (B =
      0.14, p =.75), but the association between negative maternal appraisal and body
      dissatisfaction was significantly stronger in adolescents whose ideal was smaller
      than they perceived themselves to be (B = 0.32, p <.01) than those whose ideal
      was larger than their own perception (B = 0.14, p < .01). Our findings suggest
      that maternal appraisal had indirect effects on mood, acting through adolescents'
      body dissatisfaction, and that body dissatisfaction may be a sex-specific risk
      factor for depression. This study points to the need for testing and adapting
      programs to reduce body dissatisfaction particularly in girls at risk for
      depression, and to raise mothers' awareness of the link between their negative
      appraisals and their adolescents' body dissatisfaction and depressive symptoms.

PMID- 22044086
TI  - Belief in a just world and subjective well-being: mothers of normal and Down
      syndrome children.
AB  - A cross-sectional study examined the relationship between three dimensions of the
      belief in a just world and the subjective well-being of Pakistani mothers of
      normal and Down syndrome children (n = 100 each). Personal belief in a just world
      and two dimensions of general belief in a just world-beliefs in immanent and
      ultimate justice-were assessed along with four dimensions of subjective well
      being: life satisfaction, mood, state anxiety, and depression. It was
      hypothesized that personal belief in a just world and belief in ultimate justice
      would be positively associated with subjective well-being for both groups of
      mothers. Results were obtained through moderated regression analyses. In line
      with our hypothesis, personal belief in a just world positively predicted life
      satisfaction and mood level and negatively predicted state anxiety and depression
      in both groups of mothers. In contrast, beliefs in immanent and ultimate justice
      were not consistently adaptive. In particular, the more the mothers of a Down
      syndrome child believed in immanent justice, the more anxiety they experienced
      the previous week. In addition, the more the mothers of normal children believed
      in ultimate justice, the more they experienced anxiety. The pattern of results
      persisted when controlled for mothers' education, the total number of their
      children and marital status. Overall, the results support the role of personal
      belief in a just world as a personal resource in adverse as well as normal life
      circumstances.

PMID- 22044087
TI  - The association between reality-based beliefs and indirectly experienced
      traumatization.
AB  - The purpose of the study was to examine the association between belief types and
      the magnitude of indirect traumatization. Specific types of beliefs were defined
      in terms of the cognitive orientation theory, which is a cognitive-motivational
      approach to the understanding, predicting, and changing of behaviors. Belief
      types that were analyzed included beliefs about self, general beliefs, beliefs
      about norms, and goal beliefs as they relate to personal growth. Study
      participants included 38 rescuers (body handlers), 37 nurses, and 31
      rehabilitation workers who treated injured civilians that had been exposed to
      politically motivated violence. The Cognitive Orientation for Posttraumatic
      Growth Scale was used to assess beliefs about personal growth. The Revised
      Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Inventory was administered to evaluate indirect
      traumatization. The results indicate that three of the four belief types related
      to personal growth were associated with the level of indirect traumatization.
      Optimistic and positive beliefs about self and general beliefs were associated
      with a lower level of indirect traumatization symptomatology, suggesting that
      these types of beliefs may counteract indirect traumatization. On the other hand,
      stronger goal beliefs were associated with greater indirect traumatization. The
      negative association between positive goal beliefs and indirect trauma may be
      related to the gap the individual perceives between the hoped-for ideals and the
      trauma-stricken reality. These results indicate the importance of cognitive
      beliefs and their possible role in determining the response to indirect
      traumatization.

PMID- 22044089
TI  - Long-term outcome in patients with juvenile dermatomyositis: a cross-sectional
      follow-up study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a group of 53 patients with juvenile dermatomyositis
      (JDM), on average 13.9 years after disease onset, in order to describe the long
      term disease outcome and to identify disease-related parameters associated with
      poor disease outcome. METHODS: Baseline information at disease onset was obtained
      from medical records. Disease status at follow-up was evaluated by physical
      examination. The Myositis Damage Index (MDI) and the Myositis Disease Damage by
      Visual Analogue Scale (MYODAM-VAS) were used to describe disease damage. RESULTS:
      Disease damage was seen in 60.4% of patients. The most common damage was
      cutaneous scarring (39.6%) and muscle dysfunction (34%). Calcinosis was found in
      20%, lipodystrophy in 13%, and severe damage affecting more than two organ
      systems in 24.5% of patients. A disease duration > 4 years increased the risk of
      damage based on: MDI score [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 8.3, 95% confidence
      interval (CI) 1.7-41.7], MYODAM-VAS score (AOR 26.2, 95% CI 3.1-223.7), and
      number of affected organs (AOR 16.3, 95% CI 1.1-232.4). Disease onset age >= 7.4
      years increased the risk of more than two affected organs (AOR 15.8, 95% CI 1.9
      129.4). Disease duration >= 4 years increased the risk of calcinosis (OR 4.8, 95%
      CI 1.1-20.9) and continuous muscle dysfunction (OR 4.2, 95% CI 1.1-17.3).
      CONCLUSION: In a long-term follow-up study, 60% of JDM patients had disease
      damage at a mean of 14 years after disease onset. Longer disease duration was the
      most important predictor of damage, calcinosis, and impaired muscle function, and
      higher age at disease onset predicted more organs involved at follow-up.

PMID- 22044092
TI  - Fighting blindness with adeno-associated virus serotype 8.

PMID- 22044090
TI  - Humoral immune responses in humanized BLT mice immunized with West Nile virus and
      HIV-1 envelope proteins are largely mediated via human CD5+ B cells.
AB  - BLT mice, constructed by surgical implantation of human fetal thymus-liver
      tissues and intravenous delivery of autologous CD34+ haematopoietic stem cells
      into adult non-obese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficiency mice, were
      evaluated for vaccine-induced humoral immune responses. Following engraftment,
      these mice developed a human lymphoid system; however, the majority of the
      peripheral human B lymphocytes displayed an immature phenotype as evidenced by
      surface CD10 expression. Over 50% of the human B cells in the periphery but not
      in the bone marrow also expressed the CD5 antigen, which is found only
      infrequently on mature follicular B cells in humans. A single intramuscular
      immunization with recombinant viral envelope antigens, e.g., HIVgp140 and West
      Nile Virus envelope proteins, together with the immune stimulatory KLK/ODN1a
      composition) [corrected] adjuvant resulted in seroconversion characterized by
      antigen-specific human antibodies predominantly of the IgM isotype. However,
      repeated booster immunizations did not induce secondary immune responses as
      evidenced by the lack of class switching and specific IgM levels remaining
      relatively unchanged. Interestingly, the peripheral CD19+  CD5+ but not the CD19+
      CD5- human B lymphocytes displayed a late developing CD27+  IgM+ memory
      phenotype, suggesting that the CD5+ B-cell subset, previously implicated in
      'natural antibody' production, may play a role in the vaccine-induced antibody
      response. Furthermore, human T lymphocytes from these mice demonstrated
      suboptimal proliferative responses and loss of co-stimulatory surface proteins ex
      vivo that could be partially reversed with human interleukin-2 and interleukin-7.
      Therefore, vaccine-induced immune responses in BLT mice resemble a T-cell
      independent pathway that can potentially be modulated in vivo by the exogenous
      delivery of human cytokines/growth factors.

PMID- 22044093
TI  - Progress and prospects: advancements in retroviral vector design, generation, and
      application.

PMID- 22044094
TI  - Adeno-associated viral vectors for hereditary emphysema; progressing along the
      clinical development highway.

PMID- 22044095
TI  - A new diphenyl ether from Phoma sp. strain, SHZK-2.
AB  - A new diphenyl ether methyl 2-(2-formyl-3-hydroxy-5-methylphenoxy)-5-hydroxy-3
      methoxybenzoate (3), together with four known compounds, asterric acid (1),
      methyl asterrate (2), 9(Z),12(Z)-nonadecadienoic acid (4) and orsellinic acid
      (5), were isolated from the Phoma sp. strain SHZK-2, which was isolated from a
      polluted environment in southern China. The structures of these compounds were
      determined by spectroscopic methods. Cytotoxicities of compounds against HEPG2
      cell and Raji cell lines were preliminarily evaluated by the MTT method.

PMID- 22044097
TI  - Vitamin D: one size does not fit all.

PMID- 22044096
TI  - Regulatory T cells play a role in T-cell receptor CDR2 peptide regulation of
      experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.
AB  - Eliciting T-cell receptor (TCR) -specific responsiveness has been known to
      provide an effective autoregulatory mechanism for limiting inflammation mediated
      by T effector cells. Our previous use of TCR peptides derived from the CDR3
      regions of a pathogenic TCR effectively reversed ongoing experimental autoimmune
      encephalomyelitis (EAE) in a humanized TCR transgenic model. In this study, we
      use the TCR BV8S2 CDR2 peptide in the non-transgenic C57BL/6 EAE model to down
      regulate the heterogeneous TCR BV8S2(+)  MOG-35-55-specific pathogenic T-cell
      population and demonstrate successful treatment of EAE after disease onset.
      Suppression of disease was associated with reduced MOG-35-55-specific and non
      specific T-cell production of interleukin-17a and interferon-gamma in the central
      nervous system, as well as reduced numbers of CD4(+)  and Foxp3(+)  T cells in
      the central nervous system. With the use of Foxp3-GFP and Foxp3 conditional
      knockout mice, we demonstrate that the TCR CDR2 peptide treatment effect is
      dependent on the presence of Foxp3(+)  regulatory T cells and that regulatory T
      cell numbers are significantly expanded in the periphery of treated mice. Hence,
      TCR CDR2 peptide therapy is effective in regulating heterogeneous, pathogenic T
      cell populations through the activity of the Foxp3(+)  regulatory T cell
      population.

PMID- 22044098
TI  - Mechanisms and consequences of head injuries in soccer: a study of 451 patients.
AB  - OBJECT: The goal of this study was to evaluate the incidence and mechanisms of
      head injury during soccer games and to describe the results after spontaneous
      resolution of symptoms or after treatment. METHODS: In a retrospective study from
      2005, records on 451 players from the German Soccer Association who had suffered
      various injuries were collected. The study used a questionnaire in which the
      player described the accident and the playing situation as well as the clinical
      course after trauma. This questionnaire also included information about the
      physical symptoms of the players and the length of their rehabilitation. Two
      groups were formed: one with head injuries (case group), and the other with
      injuries of other body parts (control group). RESULTS: Of the injuries reported,
      108 (23.9%) were related to the head, 114 (25.3%) to the knee, 58 (13%) to the
      ankle, 56 (12%) to the calf, and 30 (7%) to the shoulder. The areas of the head
      most frequently involved were the facial and occipital regions. In the head
      injury group, the head duel was the most common playing action to lead to trauma.
      In those cases, the body part that hit the injured player was the elbow, arm, or
      head of the opponent. The most common playing situation was combat in the penalty
      area. The median hospitalization time after the trauma was 2 days for the case
      group and 5 days for the control group. The rehabilitation time for the case
      group was also shorter (median 6.5 days) than for the control group (median 30
      days). CONCLUSIONS: Trivial head injuries in soccer can have a long and
      complicated course. Nevertheless, the temporary disability is shorter in most
      cases than for players with injuries to other parts of the body. Modifying the
      rules of play would be necessary to reduce the incidence of head trauma.

PMID- 22044099
TI  - Axillary nerve injury associated with sports.
AB  - OBJECT: The aim of this retrospective study was to present and investigate
      axillary nerve injuries associated with sports. METHODS: This study
      retrospectively reviewed 26 axillary nerve injuries associated with sports
      between the years 1985 and 2010. Preoperative status of the axillary nerve was
      evaluated by using the Louisiana State University Health Science Center (LSUHSC)
      grading system published by the senior authors. Intraoperative nerve action
      potential recordings were performed to check nerve conduction and assess the
      possibility of resection. Neurolysis, suture, and nerve grafts were used for the
      surgical repair of the injured nerves. In 9 patients with partial loss of
      function and 3 with complete loss, neurolysis based on nerve action potential
      recordings was the primary treatment. Two patients with complete loss of function
      were treated with resection and suturing and 12 with resection and nerve
      grafting. The minimum follow-up period was 16 months (mean 20 months). RESULTS:
      The injuries were associated with the following sports: skiing (12 cases),
      football (5), rugby (2), baseball (2), ice hockey (2), soccer (1), weightlifting
      (1), and wrestling (1). Functional recovery was excellent. Neurolysis was
      performed in 9 cases, resulting in an average functional recovery of LSUHSC Grade
      4.2. Recovery with graft repairs averaged LSUHSC Grade 3 or better in 11 of 12
      cases CONCLUSIONS: Surgical repair can restore useful deltoid function in
      patients with sports-associated axillary nerve injuries, even in cases of severe
      stretch-contusion injury.

PMID- 22044100
TI  - Peroneal nerve injury associated with sports-related knee injury.
AB  - OBJECT: This study analyzes 84 cases of peroneal nerve injuries associated with
      sports-related knee injuries and their surgical outcome and management. METHODS:
      The authors retrospectively reviewed the cases of peroneal nerve injury
      associated with sports between the years 1970 and 2010. Each patient was
      evaluated for injury mechanism, preoperative neurological status,
      electrophysiological studies, lesion type, and operative technique (neurolysis
      and graft repair). Preoperative status of injury was evaluated by using a grading
      system published by the senior authors. All lesions in continuity had
      intraoperative nerve action potential recordings. RESULTS: Eighty-four
      (approximately 18%) of 448 cases of peroneal nerve injury were found to be sports
      related, which included skiing (42 cases), football (23 cases), soccer (8 cases),
      basketball (6 cases), ice hockey (2 cases), track (2 cases) and volleyball (1
      case). Of these 84 cases, 48 were identified as not having fracture/dislocation
      and 36 cases were identified with fracture/dislocation for surgical
      interventions. Good functional outcomes from graft repair of graft length < 6 cm
      (70%) and neurolysis (85%) in low-intensity peroneal nerve injuries associated
      with sports were obtained. Recovery from graft repair of graft length between 6
      and 12 cm (43%) was good and measured between Grades 3 and 4. However, recovery
      from graft repair of graft length between 13 and 24 cm was obtained in only 25%
      of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Traumatic knee-level peroneal nerve injury due to
      sports is usually associated with stretch/contusion, which more often requires
      graft repair. Graft length is the factor to be considered for the prognosis of
      nerve repair.

PMID- 22044101
TI  - Sports-related chronic repetitive head trauma as a cause of pituitary
      dysfunction.
AB  - Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is recognized as a cause of hypopituitarism even
      after mild TBI. Although over the past decade, a growing body of research has
      detailed neuroendocrine changes induced by TBI, the mechanisms and risk factors
      responsible for this pituitary dysfunction are still unclear. Around the world,
      sports-especially combative sports-are very popular. However, sports are not
      generally considered as a cause of TBI in most epidemiological studies, and the
      link between sports-related head trauma and hypopituitarism has not been
      investigated until recently. Thus, there is a paucity of data regarding this
      important concern. Because of the large number of young sports participants with
      near-normal life expectancy, the implications of undiagnosed or untreated
      postconcussion pituitary dysfunction can be dramatic. Understanding the
      pathophysiological mechanisms and risk factors of hypopituitarism caused by
      sports injuries is thus an important issue that concerns both medical staff and
      sponsors of sports. The aim of this paper was to summarize the best evidence for
      understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms and to discuss the current data
      and recommendations on sports-related head trauma as a cause of hypopituitarism.

PMID- 22044102
TI  - Chronic traumatic encephalopathy in an Iraqi war veteran with posttraumatic
      stress disorder who committed suicide.
AB  - Following his discovery of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) in football
      players in 2002, Dr. Bennet Omalu hypothesized that posttraumatic stress disorder
      (PTSD) in military veterans may belong to the CTE spectrum of diseases. The CTE
      surveillance at the Brain Injury Research Institute was therefore expanded to
      include deceased military veterans diagnosed with PTSD. The authors report the
      case of a 27-year-old United States Marine Corps (USMC) Iraqi war veteran, an
      amphibious assault vehicle crewman, who committed suicide by hanging after two
      deployments to Fallujah and Ramadi. He experienced combat and was exposed to
      mortar blasts and improvised explosive device blasts less than 50 m away.
      Following his second deployment he developed a progressive history of cognitive
      impairment, impaired memory, behavioral and mood disorders, and alcohol abuse.
      Neuropsychiatric assessment revealed a diagnosis of PTSD with hyperarousal
      (irritability and insomnia) and numbing. He committed suicide approximately 8
      months after his honorable discharge from the USMC. His brain at autopsy appeared
      grossly unremarkable except for congestive brain swelling. There was no atrophy
      or remote focal traumatic brain injury such as contusional necrosis or
      hemorrhage. Histochemical and immunohistochemical brain tissue analysis revealed
      CTE changes comprising multifocal, neocortical, and subcortical neurofibrillary
      tangles and neuritic threads (ranging from none, to sparse, to frequent) with the
      skip phenomenon, accentuated in the depths of sulci and in the frontal cortex.
      The subcortical white matter showed mild rarefaction, sparse perivascular and
      neuropil infiltration by histiocytes, and mild fibrillary astrogliosis.
      Apolipoprotein E genotype was 3/4. The authors report this case as a sentinel
      case of CTE in an Iraqi war veteran diagnosed with PTSD to possibly stimulate new
      lines of thought and research in the possible pathoetiology and pathogenesis of
      PTSD in military veterans as part of the CTE spectrum of diseases, and as chronic
      sequelae and outcomes of repetitive traumatic brain injuries.

PMID- 22044103
TI  - Development of an iPhone application for sideline concussion testing.
AB  - Professional athletes are taking concussion very seriously, and missed play due
      to concussion is no longer stigmatized. One fortuitous consequence is increased
      awareness of the detrimental effects of concussion among student athletes.
      Whereas professional athletes have access to formal in-competition evaluation and
      out-of-competition monitoring programs, the majority of student athletes,
      especially at the middle school and high school levels, do not. The authors
      therefore set out to create an easy-to-use iPhone application for sideline
      concussion testing and serial monitoring of these at-risk athletes.

PMID- 22044104
TI  - Traumatic brain injury in pediatric patients: evidence for the effectiveness of
      decompressive surgery.
AB  - Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the current leading cause of death in children
      over 1 year of age. Adequate management and care of pediatric patients is
      critical to ensure the best functional outcome in this population. In their
      controversial trial, Cooper et al. concluded that decompressive craniectomy
      following TBI did not improve clinical outcome of the analyzed adult population.
      While the study did not target pediatric populations, the results do raise
      important and timely clinical questions regarding the effectiveness of
      decompressive surgery in pediatric patients. There is still a paucity of evidence
      regarding the effectiveness of this therapy in a pediatric population, and there
      is an especially noticeable knowledge gap surrounding age-stratified
      interventions in pediatric trauma. The purposes of this review are to first
      explore the anatomical variations between pediatric and adult populations in the
      setting of TBI. Second, the authors assess how these differences between adult
      and pediatric populations could translate into differences in the impact of
      decompressive surgery following TBI.

PMID- 22044105
TI  - Definition and measurement of rider-intrinsic physical attributes influencing all
      terrain vehicle safety.
AB  - OBJECT: All-terrain vehicle (ATV) usage has grown tremendously over the years,
      reaching 9.5 million vehicles in use in 2007. Accompanying this growth has been a
      concomitant increase in rider morbidity (including traumatic brain and spine
      injuries) and death, especially in children. The purpose of this study was to
      define and measure, through field testing, those physical attributes intrinsic to
      riders, such as height, weight, and wingspan, which may have implications for ATV
      riders' safety. METHODS: Three field tests (J-hook, brake, and bump) were
      developed and performed to allow direct measurement of the lateral, longitudinal,
      and vertical dynamics in 5 riders of varying heights, weights, and wingspans. Two
      ATVs, a utility and a sport model, were tested for further comparisons. Data were
      acquired using a comprehensive data acquisition system attached to the ATVs.
      Assignment of individual rider/ATV test safety ratings and a rider/ATV Total
      Safety Rating were made from the results of these field tests. RESULTS: The J
      hook test results demonstrated that larger rider wingspans positively influence
      ATV rider safety and mitigate against lateral instability. From the brake test it
      was determined that a 10-in (25.4-cm) longitudinal displacement, such as that
      experienced during a sharp deceleration, for a rider of any height or weight,
      breached the level of defined safety. As rider weight increased, displacement
      decreased. The bump test provided evidence that increased rider weight also
      mitigates against vertical displacement. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with light
      weights and small wingspans, such as those in the pediatric population, are under
      considerable risk of injury when operating an ATV due to lateral, longitudinal,
      and vertical operational instability.

PMID- 22044106
TI  - Cervical spinal stenosis and sports-related cervical cord neurapraxia.
AB  - Cervical cord neurapraxia is a common sports-related injury. It is defined as a
      transient neurological deficit following trauma localizing to the cervical spinal
      cord and can be caused by hyperextension, hyperflexion, or axial load mechanisms.
      Symptoms usually last less than 15 minutes, but can persist up to 48 hours in
      adults and as long as 5 days in children. While a strong causal relationship
      exists between cervical spine stenosis and cervical cord neurapraxia in adult
      patients, this association has not been observed in children. Likewise, while
      repeated episodes of neurapraxia can be commonplace in adult patients,
      recurrences have not been reported in the pediatric population. Treatment is
      usually supportive, but in adults with focal cervical lesions or instability,
      surgery is an option. Surgery for neurapraxia in children is rarely indicated.

PMID- 22044107
TI  - Spinal injury patterns among skiers and snowboarders.
AB  - OBJECT: Skiing and snowboarding injuries have increased with the popularity of
      these sports. Spinal cord injuries (SCIs) are a rare but serious event, and a
      major cause of morbidity and mortality for skiers and snowboarders. The purpose
      of this study is to characterize the patterns of SCI in skiers and snowboarders.
      METHODS: The authors queried the Nationwide Inpatient Sample for the years 2000
      2008 for all patients admitted with skiing or snowboarding as the mechanism of
      injury, yielding a total of 8634 patients. The injury patterns were characterized
      by the ICD-9 diagnostic and procedure codes. The codes were searched for those
      pertaining to vertebral and skull fracture; spinal cord, chest, abdominal,
      pelvic, and vessel injuries; and fractures and dislocations of the upper and
      lower extremity. Statistical analysis was performed with ANOVA and Student t
      test. RESULTS: Patients were predominantly male (71%) skiers (61%), with the
      average age of the skiers being older than that of snowboarders (39.5 vs 23.5
      years). The average length of stay for patients suffering from spine trauma was
      3.8 days and was increased to 8.9 days in those with SCI. Among hospitalized
      patients, SCI was seen in 0.98% of individuals and was equally likely to occur in
      snowboarders and skiers (1.07% vs 0.93%, p < 0.509). Cervical spine trauma was
      associated with the highest likelihood of SCI (19.6% vs. 10.9% of thoracic and 6%
      of lumbar injuries, p < 0.0001). Patients who were injured skiing were more
      likely to sustain a cervical spine injury, whereas those injured snowboarding had
      higher frequencies of injury to the lumbar spine. The most common injury seen in
      tandem with spine injury was closed head injury, and it was seen in 13.4% of
      patients. Conversely, a spine injury was seen in 12.9% of patients with a head
      injury. Isolated spine fractures were seen in 4.6% of patients. CONCLUSIONS:
      Skiers and snowboarders evaluated at the hospital are equally likely to sustain
      spine injuries. Additionally, participants in both sports have an increased
      incidence of SCI with cervical spine trauma.

PMID- 22044108
TI  - Direct surgical repair of spondylolysis in athletes: indications, techniques, and
      outcomes.
AB  - OBJECT: Athletes present with back pain as a common symptom. Various sports
      involve repetitive hyperextension of the spine along with axial loading and
      appear to predispose athletes to the spinal pathology spondylolysis. Many
      athletes with acute back pain require nonsurgical treatment methods; however,
      persistent recurrent back pain may indicate degenerative disc disease or
      spondylolysis. Young athletes have a greater incidence of spondylolysis. Surgical
      solutions are many, and yet there are relatively few data in the literature on
      both the techniques and outcomes of spondylolytic repair in athletes. In this
      study, the authors undertook a review of the surgical techniques and outcomes in
      the treatment of symptomatic spondylolysis in athletes. METHODS: A systematic
      review of the MEDLINE and PubMed databases was performed using the following key
      words to identify articles published between 1950 and 2011: "spondylolysis,"
      "pars fracture," "repair," "athlete," and/or "sport." Papers on both athletes and
      nonathletes were included in the review. Articles were read for data on
      methodology (retrospective vs prospective), type of treatment, number of
      patients, mean patient age, and mean follow-up. RESULTS: Eighteen articles were
      included in the review. Eighty-four athletes and 279 nonathletes with a mean age
      of 20 and 21 years, respectively, composed the population under review. Most of
      the fractures occurred at L-5 in both patient groups, specifically 96% and 92%,
      respectively. The average follow-up period was 26 months for athletes and 86
      months for nonathletes. According to the modified Henderson criteria, 84% (71 of
      84) of the athletes returned to their sports activities. The time intervals until
      their return ranged from 5 to 12 months. CONCLUSIONS: For a young athlete with a
      symptomatic pars defect, any of the described techniques of repair would probably
      produce acceptable results. An appropriate preoperative workup is important. The
      ideal candidate is younger than 20 years with minimal or no listhesis and no
      degenerative changes of the disc. Limited participation in sports can be expected
      from 5 to 12 months postoperatively.

PMID- 22044109
TI  - Sports-related neurosurgical injuries.

PMID- 22044110
TI  - Increased risk of multiple sclerosis after traumatic brain injury: a nationwide
      population-based study.
AB  - The etiology of multiple sclerosis (MS) is still not well known. Previous data
      show conflicting results regarding the association between MS and prior brain
      trauma. This study aims to investigate the risk for MS following a traumatic
      brain injury (TBI) using a large-scale cohort study design. This study used data
      from the National Health Insurance Research Database. A total of 72,765 patients
      with TBI were identified and included as the study cohort, and 218,295 randomly
      selected subjects were matched with the study cohort by sex and age as controls.
      We traced each patient individually for a 6-year period from their index health
      care utilization to identify those who received a subsequent diagnosis of MS. We
      used the Kaplan-Meier method and the log-rank test to compare the difference in 6
      year MS-free survival rates between the two groups. Stratified Cox proportional
      hazard regressions were computed to compare the risk of developing MS for these
      two cohorts. Patients with TBI had a higher incidence of MS during the 6-year
      period than the comparison group (0.055% versus 0.037%). After excluding cases
      who died from non-MS causes, stratifying for hospitalization of cases as a proxy
      for severity, and adjusting for monthly income and geographic region of the
      community in which the patient resided, the hazard ratio (HR) of MS for patients
      with hospital-treated TBI injuries was 1.97 (95% CI 1.31,2.93, p<0.01) that of
      patients without TBI during the 6-year follow-up period after index health care
      use. Our study concludes that patients with TBI are at higher risk for subsequent
      MS over a 6-year follow-up period.

PMID- 22044111
TI  - Micro-CT analyses of apical enlargement and molar root canal complexity.
AB  - AIM: To compare the effectiveness of two rotary hybrid instrumentation techniques
      with focus on apical enlargement in molar teeth and to quantify and visualize
      spatial details of instrumentation efficacy in root canals of different
      complexity. METHODOLOGY: Maxillary and mandibular molar teeth were scanned using
      X-ray microcomputed tomography. Root canals were prepared using either a
      GT/Profile protocol or a RaCe/NiTi protocol. Variables used for evaluation were
      the following: distance between root canal surfaces before and after preparation
      (distance after preparation, DAP), percentage of root canal area remaining
      unprepared and increase in canal volume after preparation. Root canals were
      classified according to size and complexity, and consequences of unprepared
      portions of narrow root canals and intraradicular connections/isthmuses were
      included in the analyses. One- and two-way anova were used in the statistical
      analyses. RESULTS: No difference was found between the two techniques: DAP(apical
      third) (P = 0.590), area unprepared(apical-third) (P = 0.126) and volume
      increase(apical-third) (P = 0.821). Unprepared root canal area became larger in
      relation to root canal size and complexity, irrespective of the technique used.
      Percentage of root canal area remaining unprepared was significantly lower in
      small root canals and complex systems compared to large root canals. The isthmus
      area per se contributed with a mean of 17.6%, and with a mean of 25.7%, when a
      narrow root canal remained unprepared. CONCLUSIONS: The addition of isthmuses did
      not significantly alter the ratio of instrumented to unprepared areas at total
      root canal level. Distal and palatal root canals had the highest level of
      unprepared area irrespective of the two instrumentation techniques examined.

PMID- 22044113
TI  - Ultrafast vibrational frequency shifts induced by electronic excitations:
      naphthols in low dielectric media.
AB  - We study the solvent-induced frequency shifts of the OH-stretching mode of 1
      naphthol and 2-naphthol in nonpolar/weakly polar solvents, subject to electronic
      excitation, with ultrafast UV/mid-infrared pump-probe spectroscopy and
      theoretical modeling based on Pullin's perturbative treatment of vibrational
      solvatochromic effects. The model is parametrized at the density functional
      theory (DFT) level, including the B3LYP/TZVP and TD-B3LYP/TZVP descriptions, for
      the naphthol chromophores in the S(0)- and (1)L(b)-states and accounts for both
      the static and the optical dielectric response of the solvent on time scales
      comparable to that of the OH-stretching vibrational motions. The favorable
      comparison between experimental and theoretical values of the solvent-induced
      vibrational frequency shifts suggests that the ultrafast dielectric response of
      the solvent contributes predominantly to the solvatochromic shifts in solvents of
      moderate polarity where specific solute-solvent interactions are absent.

PMID- 22044112
TI  - In vitro folding of KvAP, a voltage-gated K+ channel.
AB  - In this contribution, we report in vitro folding of the archaebacterial voltage
      gated K(+) channel, K(v)AP. We show that in vitro folding of the K(v)AP channel
      from the extensively unfolded state requires lipid vesicles and that the refolded
      channel is biochemically and functionally similar to the native channel. The in
      vitro folding process is slow at room temperature, and the folding yield depends
      on the composition of the lipid bilayer. The major factor influencing refolding
      is temperature, and almost quantitative refolding of the K(v)AP channel is
      observed at 80  degrees C. To differentiate between insertion into the bilayer
      and folding within the bilayer, we developed a cysteine protection assay. Using
      this assay, we demonstrate that insertion of the unfolded protein into the
      bilayer is relatively fast at room temperature and independent of lipid
      composition, suggesting that temperature and bilayer composition influence
      folding within the bilayer. Further, we demonstrate that in vitro folding
      provides an effective method for obtaining high yields of the native channel. Our
      studies suggest that the K(v)AP channel provides a good model system for
      investigating the folding of a multidomain integral membrane protein.

PMID- 22044114
TI  - Biochemical and pharmacological characterization of nuclear urotensin-II binding
      sites in rat heart.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE During the past decade, a few GPCRs have been
      characterized at the nuclear membrane where they exert complementary
      physiological functions. In this study, we investigated (1) the presence of a
      functional urotensin-II (U-II) receptor (UT) in rat heart nuclear extracts and
      (2) the propensity of U-II and U-II-related peptide (URP) to cross the plasma
      membrane in a receptor-independent manner. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Biochemical and
      pharmacological methods including competitive binding assays, photoaffinity
      labelling, immunoblotting as well as de novo RNA synthesis were used to
      characterize the presence of functional UT receptors in rat heart nuclei. In
      addition, confocal microscopy and flow cytometry analysis were used to
      investigate the cellular uptake of fluorescent U-II and URP derivatives. KEY
      RESULTS The presence of specific U-II binding sites was demonstrated in rat heart
      nuclear extracts. Moreover, such subcellular localization was also observed in
      monkey heart extracts. In vitro transcription initiation assays on rat, freshly
      isolated, heart nuclei suggested that nuclear UT receptors are functional, and
      that U-II, but not URP, participates in nuclear UT-associated gene expression.
      Surprisingly, hU-II and URP efficiently crossed the plasma membrane in a receptor
      independent mechanism involving endocytosis through caveolin-coated pits; this
      uptake of hU-II, but not that of URP, was dependent on extracellular pH.
      CONCLUSION Our results suggest that (1) U-II and URP can differentially modulate
      nuclear UT functions such as gene expression, and (2) both ligands can reach the
      internal cellular space through a receptor-independent mechanism.

PMID- 22044115
TI  - Quantifying plaque during orthodontic treatment:.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the literature on different methods of scoring plaque in
      patients with fixed orthodontic appliances. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic
      electronic and hand search using MEDLINE and PubMed was conducted. RESULTS: Most
      orthodontic trials have used the original Silness and Loe plaque index. Indices
      vary in several potentially important aspects. Only two papers have reported
      reproducibility of methods of plaque scoring in orthodontic patients. CONCLUSION:
      Some plaque indices are inappropriate for orthodontic patients. Newer digital
      planimetric methods are promising if more complex. There is a need to further
      assess the reproducibility and practicability of the advocated methods.

PMID- 22044116
TI  - Longitudinal assessment of periodontal status in patients with nickel allergy
      treated with conventional and nickel-free braces.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To perform a longitudinal comparison of periodontal status in allergic
      individuals treated with conventional and nickel-free braces. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Forty-two individuals allergic to nickel were randomly divided into two
      groups: those receiving conventional braces (n  =  21) and those receiving nickel
      free braces (n  =  21). Periodontal status (gingival hyperplasia, change in color
      and bleeding) was assessed before treatment (T0) and at 3-month intervals for 12
      months (T1, T2, T3, and T4), using the Loe Index. Evaluations were performed
      blindly by a single, calibrated examiner, followed by prophylaxis and
      orientations regarding oral hygiene. Data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U
      test for comparisons of the gingival index between groups and Friedman's test for
      successive comparisons between sessions in the same group (P <= .05). RESULTS:
      Periodontal status did not differ between groups in the initial 9 months of
      treatment, whereas significant differences were found at T3 and T4 (.039 and
      .047, respectively). Individuals wearing conventional appliances had higher mean
      gingival index scores than those wearing nickel-free braces. CONCLUSION:
      Individuals with an allergy to nickel exhibit better periodontal health when
      treated with nickel-free braces than with conventional braces.

PMID- 22044117
TI  - Deflection load characteristics of laser-welded orthodontic wires.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the deflection load characteristics of homogeneous and
      heterogeneous joints made by laser welding using various types of orthodontic
      wires. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four kinds of straight orthodontic rectangular
      wires (0.017 inch * 0.025 inch) were used: stainless-steel (SS), cobalt-chromium
      nickel (Co-Cr-Ni), beta-titanium alloy (beta-Ti), and nickel-titanium (Ni-Ti).
      Homogeneous and heterogeneous end-to-end joints (12 mm long each) were made by
      Nd:YAG laser welding. Two types of welding methods were used: two-point welding
      and four-point welding. Nonwelded wires were also used as a control. Deflection
      load (N) was measured by conducting the three-point bending test. The data (n  = 
      5) were statistically analyzed using analysis of variance/Tukey test (P < .05).
      RESULTS: The deflection loads for control wires measured were as follows: SS:
      21.7 +/- 0.8 N; Co-Cr-Ni: 20.0 +/- 0.3 N; beta-Ti: 13.9 +/- 1.3 N; and Ni-Ti: 6.6
      +/- 0.4 N. All of the homogeneously welded specimens showed lower deflection
      loads compared to corresponding control wires and exhibited higher deflection
      loads compared to heterogeneously welded combinations. For homogeneous
      combinations, Co-Cr-Ni/Co-Cr-Ni showed a significantly (P < .05) higher
      deflection load than those of the remaining homogeneously welded groups. In
      heterogeneous combinations, SS/Co-Cr-Ni and beta-Ti/Ni-Ti showed higher
      deflection loads than those of the remaining heterogeneously welded combinations
      (significantly higher for SS/Co-Cr-Ni). Significance (P < .01) was shown for the
      interaction between the two factors (materials combination and welding method).
      However, no significant difference in deflection load was found between four
      point and two-point welding in each homogeneous or heterogeneous combination.
      CONCLUSION: Heterogeneously laser-welded SS/Co-Cr-Ni and beta-Ti/Ni-Ti wires
      provide a deflection load that is comparable to that of homogeneously welded
      orthodontic wires.

PMID- 22044118
TI  - T-cell-inducing vaccines - what's the future.
AB  - In the twentieth century vaccine development has moved from the use of attenuated
      or killed micro-organisms to protein sub-unit vaccines, with vaccine
      immunogenicity assessed by measuring antibodies induced by vaccination. However,
      for many infectious diseases T cells are an important part of naturally acquired
      protective immune responses, and inducing these by vaccination has been the aim
      of much research. The progress that has been made in developing effective T-cell
      inducing vaccines against viral and parasitic diseases such as HIV and malaria is
      discussed, along with recent developments in therapeutic vaccine development for
      chronic viral infections and cancer. Although many ways of inducing T cells by
      vaccination have been assessed, the majority result in low level, non-protective
      responses. Sufficient clinical research has now been conducted to establish that
      replication-deficient viral vectored vaccines lead the field in inducing strong
      and broad responses, and efficacy studies of T-cell-inducing vaccines against a
      number of diseases are finally demonstrating that this is a valid approach to
      filling the gaps in our defence against not only infectious disease, but some
      forms of cancer.

PMID- 22044119
TI  - Design, synthesis, and qualitative structure-activity evaluations of novel beta
      secretase inhibitors as potential Alzheimer's drug leads.
AB  - We have identified highly selective imidazopyridines armed with benzimidazol
      and/or arylimidazole as potent beta-secretase inhibitors. The most effective and
      selective analogues demonstrated low nanomolar potency for the BACE1 enzyme as
      measured by FRET and cell-based (ELISA) assays and exhibited comparable affinity
      (KI) and high ligand efficiency (LE). In addition, these motifs were highly
      selective (>200) against the structurally related aspartyl protease BACE2. Our
      design strategy followed a traditional SAR approach and was supported by
      molecular modeling studies based on the previously reported hydroxyethylene
      transition state inhibitor derived from isophthalic acid I. Of the most potent
      compounds, 34 displayed an IC50 for BACE1 of 18 nM and exhibited cellular
      activity with an EC50 of 37 nM in the cell-based ELISA assay, as well as high
      affinity (KI=17 nM) and ligand efficiency (LE=1.7 kJ/mol). Compound 34 was found
      to be 204-fold more selective for BACE1 compared to the closely related aspartyl
      protease BACE2.

PMID- 22044120
TI  - Exploring a water/energy trade-off in regional sourcing of livestock feed crops.
AB  - Feed production constitutes a major portion of the energy and water resource
      inputs in modern livestock production. Schemes to reduce these inputs may include
      local sourcing of animal feed. However, in water stressed regions where
      irrigation of feed crops is necessary, a trade-off between local sourcing (with
      high water stress) and transport from less water stressed regions can occur. We
      demonstrate this trade-off in the U.S. by combining state-level irrigation water
      use and pumping energy demand from USDA surveys with fertilizer and
      transportation energy demands for producing major feed crops (corn grain,
      soybean, alfalfa hay, corn silage) in each state and delivering them to two
      hypothetical dairy farms located in Kersey, CO and Rosendale, WI. A back-up
      technology approach is employed to express freshwater resource depletion in units
      of energy, allowing direct comparison with other energy resource demands. Corn
      grain, soybean, and alfalfa hay delivered to CO demonstrate a clear trade-off
      between transportation energy (proportional to the distance between CO and the
      production state) and water stress. On the other hand, transportation burdens
      dominate for corn silage, making local production most attractive, even in water
      stressed regions. All crops delivered to WI (a region of low water stress and
      minimal irrigation) are dominated by transportation burdens, making local
      production preferable, but this is clearly not a universal principal, as other
      cases show. This paper quantitatively elucidates the water-energy trade-off in
      sourcing feed for livestock and the method is expected to be applicable in
      managing supply chain logistics of other farm commodities.

PMID- 22044121
TI  - Higher order classical density functional theory for branched chains and rings.
AB  - We develop a general density functional theory for polyatomic molecules by taking
      the complete association limit of Wertheim's thermodynamic perturbation theory in
      a general way. By enforcing the complete association limit at an early point in
      the derivation and introducing the concept of molecular graphs, a general form
      for the free energy functional and segment densities are developed for both rigid
      and semiflexible molecules. The theory is applicable to branched chains, rings,
      or any other molecular structure. As an example the theory is applied as a second
      order perturbation theory to the case of molecules with a rigid three segment
      head and a fully flexible tail in a slit pore where bond angle of the rigid
      portion is an independent variable.

PMID- 22044122
TI  - Intranasal calcitonin reducing bone pain in a patient with Camurati-Engelmann
      disease.

PMID- 22044125
TI  - Unusual case of desmoplastic fibroblastoma (collagenous fibroma) with ulceration
      on toe: mimicking diabetic foot ulcer.

PMID- 22044123
TI  - Case-control and family-based association studies of novel susceptibility locus
      8q24 in nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate in a Southern Han
      Chinese population located in Guangdong Province.
AB  - Nonsyndromic cleft lip with or without cleft palate (NSCL/P) is one of the most
      common congenital malformations and a susceptibility locus on chromosome 8q24 has
      been replicated as a genetic risk factor for NSCL/P in patients of European and
      Asian descent. However, given considerable variations in allele frequencies
      across geographical regions studied, the aim of this study was to investigate the
      association of rs987525 located at 8q24 with NSCL/P only among the southern Han
      Chinese population from Guangdong province. We recruited 216 NSCL/P cases, their
      parents, and 200 controls to conduct case-control analysis and family-based
      association studies. Genotyping of rs987525 was carried out by the matrix
      assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry method.
      Case-control analysis showed allele and genotype distributions for rs987525 were
      not significantly associated with the risk of NSCL/P in our study population.
      Similar results were found when all cases were stratified into cleft lip only and
      cleft lip with cleft palate. A transmission disequilibrium test showed no
      statistically significant transmission of A nor C alleles and family-based
      association test (FBAT) analysis provided no evidence of NSCL/P risk with single
      markers. These results do not provide evidence for an association between
      rs987525 at 8q24 and the risk of NSCL/P in the southern Han Chinese population
      from Guangdong province.

PMID- 22044126
TI  - Screening method for isopeptides from small ubiquitin-related modifier-conjugated
      proteins by ion mobility mass spectrometry.
AB  - Posttranslational modification by the small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) is
      a highly regulated modification, which is often restricted to very specific
      cellular events. A number of analytical strategies for identification of
      SUMOylated proteins have been previously reported in the literature. A new
      screening method for SUMOylated peptides based on ion mobility mass spectrometry
      is presented. Using poly-SUMO2 as a model system, a two-enzyme
      trypsin/chymotrypsin digestion was performed to reduce the size of the isopeptide
      conjugated to the substrate lysine residue. Traveling wave ion mobility mass
      spectrometry was used to screen for peptides containing the QQQTGG isopeptide tag
      from SUMO, which increases the mass and size of the peptide by 618 Da. This
      increase in mass along with solution conditions to promote higher charge states
      allows the isopeptides to be separated from the typically smaller and lesser
      charged linear peptides. On the basis of these findings, this method can be used
      as a quick and easy screening method for identifying possible SUMO isopeptides.

PMID- 22044127
TI  - Unilateral implicit motor learning deficit in developmental dyslexia.
AB  - It has been suggested that developmental dyslexia involves various literacy,
      sensory, motor skill, and processing speed deficits. Some recent studies have
      shown that individuals with developmental dyslexia exhibit implicit motor
      learning deficits, which may be related to cerebellar functioning. However,
      previous studies on implicit motor learning in developmental dyslexics have
      produced conflicting results. Findings from cerebellar lesion patients have shown
      that patients' implicit motor learning performance varied when different hands
      were used to complete tasks. This suggests that dyslexia may have different
      effects on implicit motor learning between the two hands if cerebellar
      dysfunction is involved. To specify this question, we used a one-handed version
      of a serial reaction time task to compare the performance of 27 Chinese children
      with developmental dyslexics with another 27 age-matched children without reading
      difficulties. All the subjects were students from two primary schools, Grades 4
      to 6. The results showed that children with developmental dyslexic responded more
      slowly than nondyslexic children, and exhibited no implicit motor learning in the
      condition of left-hand response. In contrast, there was no significant difference
      in reaction time between two groups of children when they used the right hand to
      respond. This finding indicates that children with developmental dyslexia
      exhibited normal motor skill and implicit motor learning ability provided the
      right hand was used. Taken together, these results suggested that Chinese
      children with developmental dyslexia exhibit unilateral deficits in motor skill
      and implicit motor learning in the left hand. Our findings lend partial support
      to the cerebellar deficit theory of developmental dyslexia.

PMID- 22044128
TI  - The effects of age and production mode on the bilingual performance of Turkish
      learners of English in a serial recall task.
AB  - The cognitive resources available to the working memory system are finite. Under
      conditions of cognitive overload, a compromise may need to be made between the
      demands of storage and processing. Research suggests that the cognitive cost of
      partially automated transcription processes adversely affects written language
      production in children. Thus, children may be expected to perform the same task
      better orally than in writing. In order to determine whether this is the case in
      a Turkish context, three samples of participants, comprising 16 undergraduate
      students, 16 fifth-grade and 16 third-grade pupils, were required to perform oral
      and written serial recall of Turkish word lists. Recall mode did not interact
      significantly with age. In the adult sample, the combined samples of
      schoolchildren, and the fifth-grade sample of children written recall was
      significantly better than oral recall. This may reflect the transparency of
      Turkish orthography and/or the age of the participating children. However, when
      the test was administered in English, no effect of modality was observed in
      children. This suggests that when the additional cognitive costs of processing a
      less automated language are combined with transcription costs, the resources
      available to children in working memory for the storage of information are
      depleted.

PMID- 22044129
TI  - Morningness-eveningness, use of stimulants, and minor psychiatric disorders among
      undergraduate students.
AB  - Morningness-eveningness dimension in humans have been indicated to influence
      social behavior and individual health. The aim of the present study was to
      investigate the association of the morningness-eveningness dimension with
      behavioral and health aspects in a sample of undergraduate students. We assessed
      demographic data; the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index was used to evaluate sleep
      quality; the Morningness/Eveningness Questionnaire to determine morningness
      eveningness, and the Self-Reporting Questionnaire to assess minor psychiatric
      disorders. A total of 372 students (66.7% females), on average 21.6 years old,
      participated in this study. Among them, 92.2% did not smoke, 58.9% engaged in
      physical activities, and 19.7% were night-shift workers. In regard to morningness
      eveningness, 55.9% of the participants were intermediate between evening (39.5%)
      and morning (4.6%) types. Poor sleep quality (OR = 1.89), minor psychiatric
      disorders (OR = 1.92), and tobacco consumption (OR = 3.65) predominated among
      evening types. Evening types were predominantly males (OR = 1.72). This study
      suggests that evening types are more vulnerable to sleep and psychiatric
      disturbances, and tend to smoke more than morning types.

PMID- 22044130
TI  - Multiple caregivers' touch interactions with young children among the Bofi
      foragers in Central Africa.
AB  - The current study examined the use of three types of touch (caregiving, active
      social-affectionate, and passive social-affectionate) by caregivers with young
      children among the Bofi foragers, a seminomadic group of hunter-gatherers in
      Central Africa. With the purpose of providing a more holistic view of touch
      interactions in early childhood, compared to extant Western mother-centric views,
      this study documents stylistic touch patterns used by multiple caregivers
      (mother, father, adult relatives, and juvenile relatives) with Bofi forager
      children. Thirty-five Bofi forager children, between 18 and 59 months of age, and
      their various caregivers were naturalistically observed over 12 daylight hours
      using a focal child observational technique. Frequencies of each type of touch
      and the rank order of types of touch that children received were compared between
      caregivers and examined by child age and gender. Even though nonmaternal
      caregivers showed high physical involvement with children, mothers exemplified
      the highest level of involvement. Overall, passive social-affectionate touch was
      utilized the most by all types of caregivers. Mothers used more caregiving touch,
      and fathers and adult relatives had similar frequencies of caregiving touch and
      active social-affectionate touch. In contrast, juvenile relatives showed more
      active social-affectionate touch with focal children. This study highlights the
      importance of examining multiple caregivers and physical interactions when
      studying early childhood experiences. Furthermore, by focusing on multiple
      caregivers and multiple types of touch, this study provides a more thorough
      characterization of the touch experiences of young children than previous studies
      of touch. Finally, the current study exemplifies the value of considering non
      Western populations when investigating touch interactions.

PMID- 22044131
TI  - Inverse gender gap in Germany: social dominance orientation among men and women.
AB  - Across cultures studies show that men score higher on social dominance
      orientation than women. This gender gap is considered invariant, but conflicting
      explanations are discussed: Some authors refer to evolutionary psychology and
      perceive the gender gap to be driven by sociobiological factors. Other authors
      argue that social roles or gender-stereotypical self-construals encouraged by
      intergroup comparisons are responsible for attitudinal gender difference. In
      Study 1 we analyzed sex differences in social dominance orientation in three
      German probability surveys (each n > 2300). Unexpectedly, the analyses yielded an
      inverse gender gap with higher values for social dominance orientation in women
      than in men. Interactions with age, education, political conservatism, and
      perceived inequity indicated that the inverse gender gap can be mainly attributed
      to older, conservative, (and less educated) respondents, and those who feel they
      get their deserved share. In Study 2 we replicated the well-known gender gap with
      men scoring higher than women in social dominance orientation among German
      students. Results are interpreted on the basis of biocultural interaction, which
      integrates the sociobiological, social role, and self-construal perspectives. Our
      unusual findings seem to reflect a struggle for status by members of low-status
      groups who consider group-based hierarchy the most promising option to improve
      their status. While younger women take advantage of a relational, feminine self
      construal that leads to lower social dominance orientation in young women than in
      young men, older women are supposed to profit from an agentic self-construal that
      results in stronger social dominance orientation values. Specific characteristics
      of the culture in Germany seem to promote this strategy. Here, we discuss the
      female ideal of the national socialist period and the agentic female social role
      in the post-war era necessitated by the absence of men.

PMID- 22044132
TI  - Analysis of the multidimensionality of hallucination-like experiences in clinical
      and nonclinical Spanish samples and their relation to clinical symptoms:
      implications for the model of continuity.
AB  - Numerous studies have found that hallucinatory experiences occur in the general
      population. But to date, few studies have been conducted to compare clinical and
      nonclinical groups across a broad array of clinical symptoms that may co-occur
      with hallucinations. Likewise, hallucination-like experiences are measured as a
      multidimensional construct, with clinical and subclinical components related to
      vivid daydreams, intrusive thoughts, perceptual disturbance, and clinical
      hallucinatory experiences. Nevertheless, these individual subcomponents have not
      been examined across a broad spectrum of clinically disordered and nonclinical
      groups. The goal of the present study was to analyze the differences and
      similarities in the distribution of responses to hallucination-like experience in
      clinical and nonclinical populations and to determine the relation of these
      hallucination-like experiences with various clinical symptoms. These groups
      included patients with schizophrenia, non-psychotic clinically disordered
      patients, and a group of individuals with no psychiatric diagnoses. The results
      revealed that hallucination-like experiences are related to various clinical
      symptoms across diverse groups of individuals. Regression analysis found that the
      Psychoticism dimension of the Symptom Check List (SCL-90-R) was the most
      important predictor of hallucination-like experiences. Additionally, increased
      auditory and visual hallucination was the only subcomponent that differentiated
      schizophrenic patients from other groups. This distribution of responses in the
      dimensions of hallucination-like experiences suggests that not all the dimensions
      are characteristic of people hearing voices. Vivid daydreams, intrusive thoughts,
      and auditory distortions and visual perceptual distortions may represent a state
      of general vulnerability that does not denote a specific risk for clinical
      hallucinations. Overall, these results support the notion that hallucination-like
      experiences are closer to a quasi-continuum approach and that total scores on
      these scales explain a state of vulnerability to general perceptual disturbance.

PMID- 22044133
TI  - Context effects: the role of collectivism as a moderator.
AB  - Social cognition experts have shown that participants' answers to research
      questions can be influenced by previous questions, something known as context
      effects. It has been suggested that participants from collectivist cultures pay
      more attention to the context, resulting in larger context effects. The present
      investigation examined context effects in an experiment that involved
      manipulating the order in which two questions, one about satisfaction with life
      as a whole and one about satisfaction with romantic life, were answered by a
      representative sample of participants from Mexico City. The results were
      consistent with other investigations that used samples from collectivistic
      cultures. Participants' responses to questions about satisfaction are influenced
      by a previous question, and country of origin affects the amount of attention
      given to the context. The implications of these results are discussed.

PMID- 22044134
TI  - Reacting to headline news: circumstances leading to causal explanations versus
      implicational concerns.
AB  - How do people react to the headline news they receive? According to the model of
      people as intuitive scientists (Kelley, 1972; Ross, 1977), people-like scientists
      make causal explanations (i.e., why did an event take place?) and assign
      responsibility to the person, the situation, or both. However, a more recently
      proposed social-functionalist model (Tetlock, 2002) views people less as
      intuitive scientists trying to understand the world and more as intuitive
      prosecutors trying to protect a fragile social order. Thus, implicational
      concerns (i.e., how would it affect people's lives, properties, and liberties?)
      with the news can also be likely reactions. Given the prescriptions of these
      models, the present authors tested the hypotheses that news reports evoke both
      causal explanations and implicational concerns among viewers, and that the degree
      of the two reactions depends on the valence (positive vs. negative) and theme
      (whether it is unusual or social order-linked) of the news. Singaporeans (N = 80)
      read one piece of headline news that represented a crossed level of valence
      (negative vs. positive) and theme (unusual vs. social order), and indicated the
      likelihood of causal explanations and implicational concerns as their first
      response to it. As hypothesized, positive news led to a greater likelihood of
      showing implicational concerns than of making causal explanations, the difference
      being reversed in the case of negative news; unusual news led to a greater
      likelihood of making causal explanations than of showing implication concerns;
      the likelihood of having implicational concerns with news related to social order
      was higher than making that of causal explanations; and the two responses were
      equally likely in the case of negative news. Overall, these results support a
      view of people as intuitive prosecutors interested in both causal explanations of
      and implicational concerns with a news report.

PMID- 22044135
TI  - Environmentalism as a trait: gauging people's prosocial personality in terms of
      environmental engagement.
AB  - According to Hardin (1968), environmental deterioration stems from self-interest
      undermining people's resource conservation in the collective interest. Not
      surprisingly, selfless prosocial motives, such as personal feelings of moral
      obligation, have often been recognized as a key force behind people's
      environmentalism. In our research, we anticipated that environmentalists-people
      with an inclination for pro-environmental engagement-would possess a propensity
      to generally act prosocially. In an extension of previous work, we expected that
      a well-established self-report measure of past conservation behavior would
      predict people's active participation in a psychological experiment. Based on
      subjects' degree of environmental engagement, originally established in 2003, we
      re-contacted a sample of 502 persons in 2005. Of these 502 (68.5% low, 31.5% high
      in environmentalism), 131 showed up for the announced experiment. Among those
      participants, we found that environmentalists' prosocial personalities were
      additionally reflected in their social value orientations. Ninety percent of the
      environmentalists turned out to be prosocials, whereas only 65% of the less
      environmentally engaged subjects were prosocials. Overall, our findings lend
      credit to a notion of environmentalism as an indicator of even subtle
      quantitative differences in a person's prosocial trait level. By and large,
      environmentalists acted more prosocially even in mundane activities unrelated to
      environmental conservation. Additional evidence comes from the commons dilemma
      experiment in which the participants partook. There, we generally found
      comparatively more cooperation with others for the collective good from people
      high in environmentalism. Our findings represent circumstantial evidence for a
      prosocial propensity dimension along which people differ, and which is also
      reflected in people's pro-environmental behavioral performance. If, however,
      environmentalism has to be regarded as indicative of a prosocial trait rather
      than a state-like motive, high hopes for moral norms and other prosocial motives
      in environmental conservation do not seem warranted.

PMID- 22044136
TI  - Mushroom tyrosinase inhibitors from mung bean (Vigna radiatae L.) extracts.
AB  - A seventy percent ethanol from mung bean (Vigna radiatae L.) was extracted
      further with CH(2)Cl(2), EtOAc and n-BuOH to afford four fractions: CH(2)Cl(2)
      soluble, EtOAc-soluble, n-BuOH-soluble and residual extract fractions. When using
      l-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine as the substrate for mushroom tyrosinase, the EtOAc
      soluble fractions showed the highest inhibitory activity. Two pure flavonoid
      compounds, vitexin and isovitexin, were isolated (using the enzyme assay-guided
      fractionation method) from the EtOAc-soluble fractions. Vitexin and isovitexin
      showed high inhibitory activities, with IC(50) values of 6.3 and 5.6 mg/ml,
      respectively. This is the first study on the active compositions of azuki beans
      against mushroom tyrosinase.

PMID- 22044137
TI  - Molecular detection of circulating Sezary cells in patients with mycosis
      fungoides: could it predict future development of secondary Sezary syndrome? A
      single-institution experience.
AB  - While the majority of patients with early-stage mycosis fungoides (MF) have an
      excellent prognosis, a few cases progress to secondary Sezary syndrome (sSS),
      which carries a dismal clinical outcome. We retrospectively analyzed 135 cases of
      MF/SS and correlated molecular detection of T-cell clones in the skin and blood
      with other clinicopathologic findings. When stratified by the diagnoses, patients
      with MF demonstrated a 26.5% (31/117) positive rate for a blood T-cell clone, of
      which 50% (10/20) had an identical T-cell clone in the skin. Follow-up evaluation
      showed conversion into sSS or leukemic phase in 50% (5/10) of cases with a
      positive blood T-cell clone (estimated mean interval 41.8 months) in comparison
      to no cases in the group without a clone (0/31). Interestingly, 4/5 cases of sSS
      had an identical T-cell clone in the skin, while the remaining case did not have
      the test performed on skin for clonal comparison. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis
      demonstrated a poor clinical outcome in the group with a blood T-cell clone, in
      comparison with the group without, in overall survival (p < 0.0001) and
      progression-free survival (p < 0.0001; HR = 22.6). These findings suggest that
      molecular detection of a blood T-cell clone may have a role in predicting sSS.
      Due to amplification of non-neoplastic T-cell expansion in a significant number
      of cases, comparison of blood T-cell clones with skin may have confirmatory
      value.

PMID- 22044138
TI  - Expression of ABCB5 gene in hematological malignances and its significance.
AB  - We examined ABCB5 gene expression using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
      in leukemia cells from 29 patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), 24
      patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), 42 with acute myeloid leukemia
      (AML), 22 with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), 17 with lymphoma and 10 with
      multiple myeloma (MM). It was confirmed that expression of the ABCB5 gene is
      highly increased in B-precursor ALL and French-American-British (FAB) M1 and M2
      types of AML and lymphoma. The ABCB5 gene is expressed more highly in patients
      with relapsed or refractory disease than in patients with drug sensitive acute
      leukemia. Furthermore, there was an evident positive correlation between ABCB5
      mRNA expression and MDR1 mRNA expression, but no correlation with MRP mRNA
      expression or BCRP mRNA expression. Quantification of the ABCB5 gene by real-time
      PCR offers particular promise as a prognostic marker and a marker for drug
      resistance in acute leukemia. Our findings raise the possibility that ABCB5 may
      be responsible for both the progression and chemotherapeutic refractoriness of
      advanced acute leukemia, and that ABCB5-targeted approaches might therefore
      represent novel and translationally relevant therapeutic strategies for drug
      resistance in leukemia.

PMID- 22044139
TI  - Chronic psychosocial stress increases the risk for inflammation-related colon
      carcinogenesis in male mice.
AB  - Patients with inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) have a higher risk of developing
      colorectal cancer (CRC) than the general population. Furthermore, chronic
      psychosocial stress increases the likelihood of developing IBD and multiple types
      of malignant neoplasms, including CRC. Here, for the first time, we investigate
      the effects of chronic psychosocial stress in male mice on an artificially
      induced CRC, by employing the chronic subordinate colony (CSC) housing paradigm
      in combination with the reliable azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)
      CRC model. Colonoscopy revealed that CSC mice showed accelerated macroscopic
      suspect lesions. In addition, more CSC mice developed low-grade dysplasia (LGD)
      and/or high-grade dysplasia (HGD) in the colonic tissue compared to the single
      housed control mice (SHC). CSC mice showed an increased number of Ki67+ and a
      decreased number of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling
      epithelial cells in colonic tissue. Colonic liver receptor homolog-1 (LRH-1),
      cyclooxygenase II (COXII), tumor necrosis factor, forkhead box P3 (FoxP3) mRNA as
      well as colonic beta-catenin, COXII, and LRH-1 protein expression were also
      increased in CSC compared with SHC mice. Although the number of CD4+ Th cells was
      increased, a tendency toward a decreased colonic interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma)
      mRNA expression was observed. Furthermore, despite an increased percentage of
      CD3+ cells and CD3+/FoxP3+ double-positive cells within mesenteric lymph node
      cells of CSC mice, IFN-gamma secretion from these cells was unaffected.
      Altogether, our results suggest that chronic psychosocial stress increases the
      risk for AOM/DSS-induced and, thus, inflammation-related CRC. Finally, assessment
      of additional time points may test whether the shift from tumor-protective Th1
      cell to regulatory T-cell immunity represents a consequence of increased
      carcinogenesis or a causal factor involved in its development.

PMID- 22044141
TI  - The probe rules in single particle tracking.
AB  - Single particle tracking (SPT) enables light microscopy at a sub-diffraction
      limited spatial resolution by a combination of imaging at low molecular labeling
      densities and computational image processing. SPT and related single molecule
      imaging techniques have found a rapidly expanded use within the life sciences.
      This expanded use is due to an increased demand and requisite for developing a
      comprehensive understanding of the spatial dynamics of bio-molecular interactions
      at a spatial scale that is equivalent to the size of the molecules themselves, as
      well as by the emergence of new imaging techniques and probes that have made
      historically very demanding and specialized bio-imaging techniques more easily
      accessible and achievable. SPT has in particular found extensive use for
      analyzing the molecular organization of biological membranes. From these and
      other studies using complementary techniques it has been determined that the
      organization of native plasma membranes is heterogeneous over a very large range
      of spatial and temporal scales. The observed heterogeneities in the organization
      have the practical consequence that the SPT results in investigations of native
      plasma membranes are time dependent. Furthermore, because the accessible time
      dynamics, and also the spatial resolution, in an SPT experiment is mainly
      dependent on the luminous brightness and photostability of the particular SPT
      probe that is used, available SPT results are ultimately dependent on the SPT
      probes. The focus of this review is on the impact that the SPT probe has on the
      experimental results in SPT.

PMID- 22044142
TI  - Bilayer hydrophobic thickness and integral membrane protein function.
AB  - The influence of the lipid environment on the function of membrane proteins is
      increasingly recognized as crucial. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms
      underlying protein-lipid interactions remain obscure. Membrane lipid composition
      has a regulatory effect on membrane protein activity, and for a number of
      membrane proteins a clear correlation was found between protein activity and
      properties of the membrane bilayer such as fluidity. Membrane thickness is an
      important property of a lipid bilayer. It is expected that hydrophobic thickness
      match the hydrophobic thickness of transmembrane segments of integral membrane
      proteins. Any mismatch between the hydrophobic thicknesses of the lipid bilayer
      and the protein would lead to some modification in either the structure of the
      protein or the structure of the bilayer, or both. Consequent rearrangements may
      result in changes in protein activity. Here we review the behavior of several
      transmembrane proteins whose activity is altered by hydrophobic core thickness.

PMID- 22044140
TI  - Determining the orientation and localization of membrane-bound peptides.
AB  - Many naturally occurring bioactive peptides bind to biological membranes.
      Studying and elucidating the mode of interaction is often an essential step to
      understand their molecular and biological functions. To obtain the complete
      orientation and immersion depth of such compounds in the membrane or a membrane
      mimetic system, a number of methods are available, which are separated in this
      review into four main classes: solution NMR, solid-state NMR, EPR and other
      methods. Solution NMR methods include the Nuclear Overhauser Effect (NOE) between
      peptide and membrane signals, residual dipolar couplings and the use of
      paramagnetic probes, either within the membrane-mimetic or in the solvent. The
      vast array of solid state NMR methods to study membrane-bound peptide orientation
      and localization includes the anisotropic chemical shift, PISA wheels, dipolar
      waves, the GALA, MAOS and REDOR methods and again the use of paramagnetic
      additives on relaxation rates. Paramagnetic additives, with their effect on
      spectral linewidths, have also been used in EPR spectroscopy. Additionally, the
      orientation of a peptide within a membrane can be obtained by the anisotropic
      hyperfine tensor of a rigidly attached nitroxide label. Besides these magnetic
      resonance techniques a series of other methods to probe the orientation of
      peptides in membranes has been developed, consisting of fluorescence-, infrared-
      and oriented circular dichroism spectroscopy, colorimetry, interface-sensitive X
      ray and neutron scattering and Quartz crystal microbalance.

PMID- 22044143
TI  - Quantification of protein-protein interactions within membranes by fluorescence
      correlation spectroscopy.
AB  - The characterization of interactions between membrane proteins as they take place
      within the lipid bilayer poses a technical challenge, which is currently very
      difficult and, in many cases, impossible to overcome. The recent development of a
      method based in the combination two-color fluorescence cross-correlation
      spectroscopy with scanning of the focal volume allows the detection and
      quantification of interactions between biomolecules inserted in biological
      membranes. This powerful strategy has allowed the quantitative analysis of
      diverse systems, such as the association between proteins of the Bcl-2 family
      involved in apoptosis regulation or the binding between a growth factor and its
      receptor during signaling. Here, we review the last developments to quantify
      protein/protein interactions in lipid membranes and focus on the use of
      fluorescence-correlation-spectroscopy approaches for that purpose.

PMID- 22044144
TI  - Novel functions and binding mechanisms of carbohydrate-binding proteins
      determined by force measurements.
AB  - Cell surface carbohydrates are important targets for many cell surface receptors,
      and they mediate crucial biological processes ranging from pathogen infectivity
      to neutrophil adhesion to drug targeting. A central challenge is to identify
      relationships between lectin architecture and function that influence the
      adhesion strength, avidity, and kinetics of receptor-glycan bonds. This
      information is central both to understanding recognition mechanisms and to
      developing effective therapeutic agents for drug targeting or for preventing
      infection. Increasingly, force probes are used to assess structure activity
      relationships of both the glycan ligands and the receptors that bind them, as
      well as molecular mechanisms underlying binding and adhesion. This review
      describes recent advances in the use of different force measurement techniques to
      quantify receptor-glycan bond parameters, and to identify novel features of
      molecular mechanisms underlying recognition and adhesion. The examples discussed
      focus in particular on single bond rupture, surface force measurements, and
      micropipette manipulation. This review emphasizes the often-unique information
      obtained from studies of lectin interactions with carbohydrate ligands that
      complement more common structure determinations and solution binding studies.

PMID- 22044145
TI  - What can we learn from single molecule trajectories?
AB  - Diffusing membrane constituents are constantly exposed to a variety of forces
      that influence their stochastic path. Single molecule experiments allow for
      resolving trajectories at extremely high spatial and temporal accuracy, thereby
      offering insights into en route interactions of the tracer. In this review we
      discuss approaches to derive information about the underlying processes, based on
      single molecule tracking experiments. In particular, we focus on a new versatile
      way to analyze single molecule diffusion in the absence of a full analytical
      treatment. The method is based on comprehensive comparison of an experimental
      data set against the hypothetical outcome of multiple experiments performed on
      the computer. Since Monte Carlo simulations can be easily and rapidly performed
      even on state-of-the-art PCs, our method provides a simple way for testing
      various - even complicated - diffusion models. We describe the new method in
      detail, and show the applicability on two specific examples: firstly, kinetic
      rate constants can be derived for the transient interaction of mobile membrane
      proteins; secondly, residence time and corral size can be extracted for confined
      diffusion.

PMID- 22044146
TI  - Disordered proteins and network disorder in network descriptions of protein
      structure, dynamics and function: hypotheses and a comprehensive review.
AB  - During the last decade, network approaches became a powerful tool to describe
      protein structure and dynamics. Here we review the links between disordered
      proteins and the associated networks, and describe the consequences of local,
      mesoscopic and global network disorder on changes in protein structure and
      dynamics. We introduce a new classification of protein networks into 'cumulus
      type', i.e., those similar to puffy (white) clouds, and 'stratus-type', i.e.,
      those similar to flat, dense (dark) low-lying clouds, and relate these network
      types to protein disorder dynamics and to differences in energy transmission
      processes. In the first class, there is limited overlap between the modules,
      which implies higher rigidity of the individual units; there the conformational
      changes can be described by an 'energy transfer' mechanism. In the second class,
      the topology presents a compact structure with significant overlap between the
      modules; there the conformational changes can be described by 'multi
      trajectories'; that is, multiple highly populated pathways. We further propose
      that disordered protein regions evolved to help other protein segments reach
      'rarely visited' but functionally-related states. We also show the role of
      disorder in 'spatial games' of amino acids; highlight the effects of
      intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) on cellular networks and list some
      possible studies linking protein disorder and protein structure networks.

PMID- 22044147
TI  - The role of intrinsically disordered regions in the structure and functioning of
      small heat shock proteins.
AB  - Small heat shock proteins (sHsp) form a large ubiquitous family of proteins
      expressed in all phyla of living organisms. The members of this family have low
      molecular masses (13-43 kDa) and contain a conservative alpha-crystallin domain.
      This domain (about 90 residues) consists of several beta-strands forming two beta
      sheets packed in immunoglobulinlike manner. The alpha-crystallin domain plays an
      important role in formation of stable sHsp dimers, which are the building blocks
      of the large sHsp oligomers. A large N-terminal domain and a short C-terminal
      extension flank the alpha-crystallin domain. Both the N-terminal domain and the C
      terminal extension are flexible, susceptible to proteolysis, prone to
      posttranslational modifications, and are predominantly intrinsically disordered.
      Differently oriented N-terminal domains interact with each other, with the core
      alpha-crystallin domain of the same or neighboring dimers and play important role
      in formation of large sHsp oligomers. Phosphorylation of certain sites in the N
      terminal domain affects the sHsp quaternary structure, the sHsp interaction with
      target proteins and the sHsp chaperone-like activity. The C-terminal extension
      often carrying the conservative tripeptide (I/V/L)-X-(I/V/L) is capable of
      binding to a hydrophobic groove on the surface of the core alpha-crystallin
      domain of neighboring dimer, thus affecting the plasticity and the overall
      structure of sHsp oligomers. The Cterminal extension interacts with target
      proteins and affects their interaction with the alpha-crystallin domain
      increasing solubility of the complexes formed by sHsp and their targets. Thus,
      disordered N- and C-terminal sequences play important role in the structure,
      regulation and functioning of sHsp.

PMID- 22044148
TI  - Understanding pre-structured motifs (PreSMos) in intrinsically unfolded proteins.
AB  - Intrinsically unfolded proteins (IUPs) do not obey the golden rule of structural
      biology, 3D structure = function, as they manifest their inherent functions
      without resorting to three-dimensional structures. Absence of a compact globular
      topology in these proteins strongly implies that their ligand recognition
      processes should involve factors other than spatially well-defined binding
      pockets. Heteronuclear multidimensional (HetMulD) NMR spectroscopy assisted with
      a stable isotope labeling technology is a powerful tool for quantitatively
      investigating detailed structural features in IUPs. In particular, it allows us
      to delineate the presence and locations of pre-structured motifs (PreSMos) on a
      per-residue basis. PreSMos are the transient local structural elements that
      presage target-bound conformations and act as specificity determinants for IUP
      recognition by target proteins. Here, we present a brief chronicle of HetMulD NMR
      studies on IUPs carried out over the past two decades along with a discussion on
      the functional significance of PreSMos in IUPs.

PMID- 22044149
TI  - Comprehensive comparative assessment of in-silico predictors of disordered
      regions.
AB  - Intrinsic disorder is relatively common in proteins, plays important roles in
      numerous cellular activities, and its prevalence was implicated in various human
      diseases. However, annotations of the disorder lag behind the rapidly increasing
      number of known protein chains. The last decade observed development of a
      relatively large number of in-silico methods that predict the disorder using the
      protein sequence as their input. We perform a first-of-its kind comprehensive
      empirical evaluation of the disorder predictors which is characterized by three
      novel aspects, (1) we evaluate the quality of the disorder predictions at the
      residue, segment, and chain levels; (2) we consider a large number of published
      and accessible to the end user predictors that are evaluated on a relatively big
      dataset with close to 500 proteins; and (3) we assess statistical significance of
      differences between the considered methods. Our study reveals that there is no
      universally superior predictor and that the top-performing methods are
      complementary. We show that while recent consensus-based predictors outperform
      other considered methods for the residue-level predictions, some older methods
      perform better for the prediction of the disordered segments. Our analysis
      indicates that certain predictors are biased to under-predict the disorder, while
      some other solutions tend to over-predict the number of the disordered residues.
      We also evaluate the utility of the predicted residue-level disorder for
      prediction of proteins with long disordered segments and prediction of the
      chainlevel disorder content. Lastly, we provide recommendations concerning
      development of a new generation of consensusbased methods and specialized methods
      for improved prediction of the disorder content.

PMID- 22044151
TI  - HSF transcription factor family, heat shock response, and protein intrinsic
      disorder.
AB  - Intrinsically disordered proteins are highly abundant in all kingdoms of life,
      and several protein functional classes, such as transcription factors,
      transcriptional regulators, hub and scaffold proteins, signaling proteins, and
      chaperones are especially enriched in intrinsic disorder. One of the unique
      cellular reactions to protein damaging stress is the so-called heat shock
      response that results in the upregulation of heat shock proteins including
      molecular chaperones. This molecular protective mechanism is conserved from
      prokaryotes to eukaryotes and allows an organism to respond to various
      proteotoxic stressors, such as heat shock, oxidative stress, exposure to heavy
      metals, and drugs. The heat shock response- related proteins can be expressed
      during normal conditions (e.g., during the cell growth and development) or can be
      induced by various pathological conditions, such as infection, inflammation, and
      protein conformation diseases. The initiation of the heat shock response is
      manifested by the activation of the heat shock transcription factors HSF 1, part
      of a family of related HSF transcription factors. This review analyzes the
      abundance and functional roles of intrinsic disorder in various heat shock
      transcription factors and clearly shows that the heat shock response requires HSF
      flexibility to be more efficient.

PMID- 22044150
TI  - How random are intrinsically disordered proteins? A small angle scattering
      perspective.
AB  - While the crucial role of intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) in the cell
      cycle is now recognized, deciphering their molecular mode of action at the
      structural level still remains highly challenging and requires a combination of
      many biophysical approaches. Among them, small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) has
      been extremely successful in the last decade and has become an indispensable
      technique for addressing many of the fundamental questions regarding the
      activities of IDPs. After introducing some experimental issues specific to IDPs
      and in relation to the latest technical developments, this article presents the
      interest of the theory of polymer physics to evaluate the flexibility of fully
      disordered proteins. The different strategies to obtain 3-dimensional models of
      IDPs, free in solution and associated in a complex, are then reviewed. Indeed,
      recent computational advances have made it possible to readily extract maximum
      information from the scattering curve with a special emphasis on highly flexible
      systems, such as multidomain proteins and IDPs. Furthermore, integrated
      computational approaches now enable the generation of ensembles of conformers to
      translate the unique flexible characteristics of IDPs by taking into
      consideration the constraints of more and more various complementary experiment.
      In particular, a combination of SAXS with high-resolution techniques, such as x
      ray crystallography and NMR, allows us to provide reliable models and to gain
      unique structural insights about the protein over multiple structural scales. The
      latest neutron scattering experiments also promise new advances in the study of
      the conformational changes of macromolecules involving more complex systems.

PMID- 22044152
TI  - Disruption of the V-ATPase functionality as a way to uncouple bone formation and
      resorption - a novel target for treatment of osteoporosis.
AB  - The unique ability of the osteoclasts to resorb the calcified bone matrix is
      dependent on secretion of hydrochloric acid. This process is mediated by a
      vacuolar H+ ATPase (V-ATPase) and a chloride-proton antiporter. The structural
      subunit of the V-ATPase, a3, is highly specific for osteoclasts, and mutations in
      a3 lead to infantile malignant osteopetrosis, a phenomenon characterized by
      increased bone mass, an increased number of non-resorbing osteoclasts, and a
      complete lack of bone resorption. Importantly, these individuals have normal or
      even increased osteoblast numbers and bone formation suggesting that the
      osteoclasts, but not their resorptive capability, relay an anabolic signal, and,
      hence, that bone formation can be uncoupled from bone resorption when the a3
      subunit is eliminated by mutations, or possibly by pharmacological intervention.
      The pharmacological profile of the a3 subunit as a highly specific target with a
      mode of action profile augmenting uncoupling and sustained bone formation, as
      derived from osteopetrotic patients and mice, highlights the relevance of the V
      ATPase in future osteoporosis drug development. However, as illustrated by
      numerous attempts at developing specific inhibitors of the osteoclastic V-ATPase
      it is a very difficult target to work with, and an inhibitor possessing the
      desired profile remains elusive, although highly promising approaches recently
      have been launched.

PMID- 22044153
TI  - Targeting reversible disassembly as a mechanism of controlling V-ATPase activity.
AB  - Vacuolar proton-translocating ATPases (V-ATPases) are highly conserved proton
      pumps consisting of a peripheral membrane subcomplex called V1, which contains
      the sites of ATP hydrolysis, attached to an integral membrane subcomplex called
      Vo, which encompasses the proton pore. V-ATPase regulation by reversible
      dissociation, characterized by release of assembled V1 sectors into the cytosol
      and inhibition of both ATPase and proton transport activities, was first
      identified in tobacco hornworm and yeast. It has since become clear that
      modulation of V-ATPase assembly level is also a regulatory mechanism in mammalian
      cells. In this review, the implications of reversible disassembly for V-ATPase
      structure are discussed, along with insights into underlying subunit-subunit
      interactions provided by recent structural work. Although initial experiments
      focused on glucose deprivation as a trigger for disassembly, it is now clear that
      V-ATPase assembly can be regulated by other extracellular conditions. Consistent
      with a complex, integrated response to extracellular signals, a number of
      different regulatory proteins, including RAVE/rabconnectin, aldolase and other
      glycolytic enzymes, and protein kinase A have been suggested to control V-ATPase
      assembly and disassembly. It is likely that multiple signaling pathways dictate
      the ultimate level of assembly and activity. Tissue-specific V-ATPase inhibition
      is a potential therapy for osteoporosis and cancer; the possibility of exploiting
      reversible disassembly in design of novel V-ATPase inhibitors is discussed.

PMID- 22044154
TI  - Regulation of V-ATPase expression in mammalian cells.
AB  - Vacuolar ATPases (V-ATPases) are large multisubunit complexes that actively
      transport protons across cellular membranes to acidify intracellular
      compartments, thereby serving a critical housekeeping function. In addition,
      VATPases are also expressed on the plasma membrane of cell types such as kidney
      epithelia and osteoclasts, which require high levels of proton secretion to
      perform their specialized activities. This multiplicity of function is achieved
      by the expression of numerous V-ATPase subunit isoforms that are mixed and
      matched to produce complexes required for each cellular activity. Multiple
      regulatory mechanisms are necessary to allow coordinated expression of V-ATPase
      subunit proteins involved in both housekeeping and specialized functions. This
      review will summarize studies during the last two decades that have revealed
      transcriptional and post-transcriptional controls that govern expression of V
      ATPase subunits. These studies are beginning to elucidate overarching mechanisms
      that permit coordinated expression of ubiquitous subunits while directing tissue
      specific expression of others.

PMID- 22044155
TI  - V-ATPase subunit interactions: the long road to therapeutic targeting.
AB  - Over the last three decades, V-ATPases have emerged from the obscurity of poorly
      understood membrane proton transport phenomena to being recognized as ubiquitous
      proton pumps that underlie vital cellular processes in all eukaryotic and many
      prokaryotic cells. These exquisitely complex molecular motors also engage in
      diverse specialized roles contributing to development, tissue function and pH
      homeostasis within complex organisms. Increasingly, mutations and
      misappropriation of V-ATPase function have been linked to diseases, ranging from
      sclerosing bone pathologies and renal tubular acidosis to bone-loss disorders and
      cancer metastasis. Much remains to be learned about the details of V-ATPase cell
      and molecular biology; nevertheless, interest in V-ATPases as potential
      therapeutic targets has burgeoned in recent years. In this review, we present a
      history of our involvement and contributions to the understanding of V-ATPase
      structure and function and our nascent and ongoing contributions to translating
      the knowledge gained from basic research on the nature of V-ATPases into tools
      for drug discovery. We focus here primarily on the treatment of bone-loss
      pathologies, like osteoporosis, and present proof-of-concept for a drug screening
      strategy based on targeting a3-B2 subunit interactions within the V-ATPase
      complex.

PMID- 22044156
TI  - Novel insights into V-ATPase functioning: distinct roles for its accessory
      subunits ATP6AP1/Ac45 and ATP6AP2/(pro) renin receptor.
AB  - The vacuolar (H+)-ATPase (V-ATPase) is a universal proton pump and its activity
      is required for a variety of cell-biological processes such as membrane
      trafficking, receptor-mediated endocytosis, lysosomal protein degradation,
      osteoclastic bone resorption and maintenance of acid-base homeostasis by renal
      intercalated cells. In neuronal and neuroendocrine cells, the V-ATPase is the
      major regulator of intragranular acidification which is indispensable for correct
      prohormone processing and neurotransmitter uptake. In these specialized cells,
      the V-ATPase is equipped with the accessory subunits ATP6AP1/Ac45 and
      ATP6AP2/(pro) renin receptor. Recent studies have shown that Ac45 interacts with
      the V0- sector of the V-ATPase complex, thereby regulating the intragranular pH
      and Ca2+-dependent exocytotic membrane fusion. Thus, Ac45 can be considered as a
      V-ATPase regulator in the neuroendocrine secretory pathway. ATP6AP2 has recently
      been found to be identical to the (pro) renin receptor and has a dual role: (i)
      in the renin-angiotensin system that also regulates V-ATPase activity; (ii)
      acting as an adapter by binding to both the V-ATPase and the Wnt receptor
      complex, thereby recruiting the receptor complex into an acidic microenvironment.
      We here provide an overview of the two V-ATPase accessory subunits as novel key
      players in V-ATPase regulation. We argue that the accessory subunits are
      candidate genes for V-ATPase-related human disorders and promising targets for
      manipulating V-ATPase functioning in vivo.

PMID- 22044157
TI  - Vacuolar H(+)-ATPase signaling pathway in cancer.
AB  - Up-regulated aerobic glycolysis is a hallmark of malignant cancers. Little is
      understood about the reasons why malignant tumors up-regulate glycolysis and
      acidify their microenvironment. Signaling pathways involved in glucose changes
      are numerous. However, the identity of the internal glucose signal remains
      obscure. In this review we address the question of the significance of vacuolar
      proton ATPase (V-ATPase) and its relationship to up-regulated glycolysis in
      tumors. We know that glycolysis is extremely sensitive to changes in pH.
      Importantly, the V-ATPase activity is sensitive to glucose availability.
      Therefore, we propose that pH acts as the glucose signal via the V-ATPase that
      responds to changes in intracellular pH and acts as a sensor. We hypothesize that
      the increase in glycolysis leads to intracellular acidification and activates the
      V-ATPase to maintain a more alkaline intracellular pH in tumors by up-regulating
      glycolysis. This review attempts to provide a comprehensive description of the
      current knowledge about the role of V-ATPase in cancer, highlighting its role as
      a key player in the pH signaling pathway.

PMID- 22044159
TI  - Identification of a unique double-negative regulatory T-cell population.
AB  - Regulatory T (Treg) cells represent one of the main mechanisms of regulating self
      reactive immune cells. Treg cells are thought to play a role in down-regulating
      immune responses to self or allogeneic antigens in the periphery. Although the
      function of Treg cells has been demonstrated in many experimental settings, the
      precise mechanisms and antigen specificity often remain unclear. In a hepatitis B
      e antigen-T-cell receptor (HBeAg-TCR) double transgenic mouse model, we observed
      a phenotypically unique (TCR+)  CD4- /CD8-  CD25(+/-)  GITR(high)  PD-1(high) 
      FoxP3-) HBeAg-specific population that demonstrates immune regulatory function.
      This HBeAg-specific double-negative regulatory cell population proliferates
      vigorously in vitro, in contrast to any other known regulatory population, in an
      interleukin-2-independent manner.

PMID- 22044158
TI  - Rational identification of enoxacin as a novel V-ATPase-directed osteoclast
      inhibitor.
AB  - Binding between vacuolar H+-ATPases (V-ATPases) and microfilaments is mediated by
      an actin binding domain in the B-subunit. Both isoforms of mammalian B-subunit
      bind microfilaments with high affinity. A similar actinbinding activity has been
      demonstrated in the B-subunit of yeast. A conserved "profilin-like" domain in the
      B-subunit mediates this actin-binding activity, named due to its sequence and
      structural similarity to an actin-binding surface of the canonical actin binding
      protein profilin. Subtle mutations in the "profilin-like" domain eliminate actin
      binding activity without disrupting the ability of the altered protein to
      associate with the other subunits of V-ATPase to form a functional proton pump.
      Analysis of these mutated B-subunits suggests that the actin-binding activity is
      not required for the "housekeeping" functions of V-ATPases, but is important for
      certain specialized roles. In osteoclasts, the actin-binding activity is required
      for transport of V-ATPases to the plasma membrane, a prerequisite for bone
      resorption. A virtual screen led to the identification of enoxacin as a small
      molecule that bound to the actin-binding surface of the B2-subunit and
      competitively inhibited B2-subunit and actin interaction. Enoxacin disrupted
      osteoclastic bone resorption in vitro, but did not affect osteoblast formation or
      mineralization. Recently, enoxacin was identified as an inhibitor of the
      virulence of Candida albicans and more importantly of cancer growth and
      metastasis. Efforts are underway to determine the mechanisms by which enoxacin
      and other small molecule inhibitors of B2 and microfilament binding interaction
      selectively block bone resorption, the virulence of Candida, cancer growth, and
      metastasis.

PMID- 22044160
TI  - CD11d Antibody Treatment Improves Recovery in Spinal Cord-Injured Mice.
AB  - Acute administration of a monoclonal antibody (mAb) raised against the CD11d
      subunit of the leukocyte CD11d/CD18 integrin after spinal cord injury (SCI) in
      the rat greatly improves neurological outcomes. This has been chiefly attributed
      to the reduced infiltration of neutrophils into the injured spinal cord in
      treated rats. More recently, treating spinal cord-injured mice with a Ly-6G
      neutrophil-depleting antibody was demonstrated to impair neurological recovery.
      These disparate results could be due to different mechanisms of action utilized
      by the two antibodies, or due to differences in the inflammatory responses
      between mouse and rat that are triggered by SCI. To address whether the anti
      CD11d treatment would be effective in mice, a CD11d mAb (205C) or a control mAb
      (1B7) was administered intravenously at 2, 24, and 48 h after an 8-g clip
      compression injury at the fourth thoracic spinal segment. The anti-CD11d
      treatment reduced neutrophil infiltration into the injured mouse spinal cord and
      was associated with increased white matter sparing and reductions in
      myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, and
      scar formation. These improvements in the injured spinal cord microenvironment
      were accompanied by increased serotonin (5-HT) immunoreactivity below the level
      of the lesion and improved locomotor recovery. Our results with the 205C CD11d
      mAb treatment complement previous work using this anti-integrin treatment in a
      rat model of SCI.

PMID- 22044161
TI  - Mean exposure fractions of human body solar UV exposure patterns for application
      in different ambient climates.
AB  - In this research, the erythemally effective UV measured using miniaturized
      polysulphone dosimeters to over 1250 individual body sites and collected over a 4
      year period is presented relative to the total exposed skin surface area (SSA) of
      a life-size manikin model. A new term is also introduced, the mean exposure
      fraction (MEF). The MEF is used to weight modeled or measured horizontal plane UV
      exposures to the total unprotected SSA of an individual and is defined as the
      ratio of exposure per unit area received by the unprotected skin surfaces of the
      body relative to the exposure received on a horizontal plane. The MEF has been
      calculated for a range of solar zenith angles (SZA) to provide a sunburning
      energy data set weighted to the actual SSA of a typically clothed individual. For
      this research, the MEF was determined as 0.15, 0.26 and 0.41 in the SZA ranges 0
      degrees -30 degrees , 30 degrees -50 degrees  and 50 degrees -80 degrees 
      providing information that can be used in a variety of different ambient,
      latitudinal and seasonal climates where total human body UV exposure information
      is not available.

PMID- 22044162
TI  - New in vitro tools to study human constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) biology:
      discovery and comparison of human CAR inverse agonists.
AB  - The human constitutive androstane receptor (CAR, NR1I3) is one of the key
      regulators of xenobiotic and endobiotic metabolism. The unique properties of
      human CAR, such as the high constitutive activity and the complexity of
      signaling, as well as the lack of functional and predictive cell-based assays to
      study the properties of the receptor, have hindered the discovery of selective
      human CAR ligands. Here we report a novel human CAR inverse agonist, 1-[(2
      methylbenzofuran-3-yl)methyl]-3-(thiophen-2-ylmethyl) urea (S07662), which
      suppresses human CAR activity, recruits the corepressor NCoR in cell-based
      assays, and attenuates the phenytoin- and 6-(4-chlorophenyl)imidazo[2,1
      b][1,3]thiazole-5-carbaldehyde O-(3,4-dichlorobenzyl)oxime (CITCO)-induced
      expression of CYP2B6 mRNA in human primary hepatocytes. The properties of S07662
      are also compared with those of known human CAR inverse agonists by using an
      array of different in vitro and in silico assays. The identified compound S07662
      can be used as a chemical tool to study the biological functions of human CAR and
      also as a starting point for the development of new drugs for various conditions
      involving the receptor.

PMID- 22044163
TI  - Theoretical studies of host-guest interaction in gas hydrates.
AB  - Ab initio calculations and atoms-in-molecules (AIM) analysis have been used to
      investigate the host-guest interaction in dodecahedral water cages using a
      variety of guest species that include monatomic (He, Ne, Ar, Kr, and Xe),
      diatomic (CO, H(2), N(2), O(2), and NO), triatomic (CO(2), NO(2), and O(3)), and
      polyatomic (CH(4) and NH(3)) molecules. Geometry optimization for the guest
      species, host cage, and their complexes was carried out using the second order
      Moller-Plesset perturbation method with the 6-31G** basis set. Single point
      energy calculations using the same method but different basis sets (6-31++G**, 6
      311++G**, aug-cc-pVDZ, and aug-cc-pVTZ) were carried out for the MP2/6-31G**
      optimized geometries. The interaction energy between the guest species and the
      host cage has been obtained in the complete basis set limit by basis set
      extrapolation.

PMID- 22044165
TI  - A new xanthone from Garcinia nitida.
AB  - A detailed chemical study on the stem bark of Garcinia nitida has led to the
      isolation of five xanthones. They are 1,6-dihydroxy-5-methoxy-6,6
      dimethylpyrano[2',3':2,3]-xanthone (1), inophyllin B (2), osajaxanthone (3), 3
      isomangostin (4) and rubraxanthone (5). The structures of these compounds were
      established using mainly 1-D and 2-D NMR spectroscopy ((1)H, (13)C, DEPT, COSY,
      HMBC and HMQC) while molecular masses were determined via MS techniques; 1 is a
      new compound.

PMID- 22044164
TI  - Design and synthesis of 2-heterocyclyl-3-arylthio-1H-indoles as potent tubulin
      polymerization and cell growth inhibitors with improved metabolic stability.
AB  - New arylthioindoles (ATIs) were obtained by replacing the 2-alkoxycarbonyl group
      with a bioisosteric 5-membered heterocycle nucleus. The new ATIs 5, 8, and 10
      inhibited tubulin polymerization, reduced cell growth of a panel of human
      transformed cell lines, and showed higher metabolic stability than the reference
      ester 3. These compounds induced mitotic arrest and apoptosis at a similar level
      as combretastatin A-4 and vinblastine and triggered caspase-3 expression in a
      significant fraction of cells in both p53-proficient and p53-defective cell
      lines. Importantly, ATIs 5, 8, and 10 were more effective than vinorelbine,
      vinblastine, and paclitaxel as growth inhibitors of the P-glycoprotein
      overexpressing cell line NCI/ADR-RES. Compound 5 was shown to have medium
      metabolic stability in both human and mouse liver microsomes, in contrast to the
      rapidly degraded reference ester 3, and a pharmacokinetic profile in the mouse
      characterized by a low systemic clearance and excellent oral bioavailability.

PMID- 22044166
TI  - Cost-effectiveness analysis of burning mouth syndrome therapy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the cost-effectiveness of four alternative treatments for
      burning mouth syndrome (BMS). METHODS: A cost-effectiveness analysis was
      conducted from a healthcare payer perspective of four therapy strategies
      (amisulpride, paroxetine, sertraline and topical clonazepam), using a decision
      tree model that incorporated direct healthcare costs and probabilities associated
      with the possible events and outcomes. Average cost-effectiveness and incremental
      cost-effectiveness ratios were calculated. Sensitivity analyses included the
      costs of brand name and generic drugs in five European countries (France, Italy,
      the Netherlands, Spain and UK), as well as two scenarios with different treatment
      length. RESULTS: Of the drugs analysed, topical clonazepam proved to be the most
      cost-effective therapy. Although generic proved more efficient than brand name
      drugs, they displayed no advantage over brand name topical clonazepam. The
      Netherlands was the country with the highest overall drug efficiency. Sensitivity
      analyses highlighted the robustness of the model, because topical clonazepam
      proved to be the most efficient therapy under all the different scenarios.
      CONCLUSIONS: Topical clonazepam, which previous analyses of clinical evidence
      have shown to be the drug of choice for BMS, also proved to be the most cost
      effective of the drugs analysed for this condition.

PMID- 22044167
TI  - Identification of interactions involved in the generation of nucleophilic
      reactivity and of catalytic competence in the catalytic site Cys/His ion pair of
      papain.
AB  - Understanding the roles of noncovalent interactions within the enzyme molecule
      and between enzyme and substrate or inhibitor is an essential goal of the
      investigation of active center chemistry and catalytic mechanism. Studies on
      members of the papain family of cysteine proteinases, particularly papain (EC
      3.4.22.2) itself, continue to contribute to this goal. The historic role of the
      catalytic site Cys/His ion pair now needs to be understood within the context of
      multiple dynamic phenomena. Movement of Trp177 may be necessary to expose His159
      to solvent with consequent decrease in its degree of electrostatic solvation of
      (Cys25)-S(-). Here we report an investigation of this possibility using computer
      modeling of quasi-transition states and pH-dependent kinetics using 3,3'
      dipyridazinyl disulfide, its n-propyl and phenyl derivatives, and 4,4'
      dipyrimidyl disulfide as reactivity probes that differ in the location of
      potential hydrogen-bonding acceptor atoms. Those interactions that influence ion
      pair geometry and thereby catalytic competence, including by transmission of the
      modulatory effect of a remote ionization with pK(a) 4, were identified. A key
      result is the correlation between the kinetic influence of the modulatory trigger
      of pK(a) 4 and disruption of the hydrogen bond donated by the indole N-H of
      Trp177, the hydrophobic shield of the initial "intimate" ion pair. This hydrogen
      bond is accepted by the amide O of Gln19-a component of the oxyanion hole that
      binds the tetrahedral species formed from the substrate during the catalytic act.
      The disruption would be expected to contribute to the mobility of Trp177 and
      possibly to the effectiveness of the binding of the developing oxyanion.

PMID- 22044168
TI  - The optimal forum for a vigorous, active and informed debate about service
      priorities and therapeutic directions.

PMID- 22044169
TI  - Depolarizing bipolar disorder: both the illness and our views.

PMID- 22044170
TI  - Risk, disorder and diagnosis.

PMID- 22044171
TI  - Translational medicine: a new creed?

PMID- 22044172
TI  - The emerging use of brain stimulation treatments for psychiatric disorders.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to review the current state of development
      and application of a wide range of brain stimulation approaches in the treatment
      of psychiatric disorders. METHOD: The approaches reviewed include forms of
      minimally invasive magnetic and electrical stimulation, seizure induction,
      implanted devices and several highly novel approaches in early development.
      RESULTS: An extensive range of brain stimulation approaches are now being widely
      used in the treatment of patients with psychiatric disorders, or actively
      investigated for this use. Both vagal nerve stimulation (VNS) and repetitive
      transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) have been introduced into clinical
      practice in some countries. A small body of research suggests that VNS has some
      potentially long-lasting antidepressant effects in a minority of patients
      treated. rTMS has now been extensively investigated for over 15 years, with a
      large body of research now supporting its antidepressant effects. Further rTMS
      research needs to focus on defining the most appropriate stimulation methods and
      exploring its longer term use in maintenance protocols. Very early data suggest
      that magnetic seizure therapy (MST) has promise in the treatment of patients
      referred for electroconvulsive therapy: MST appears to have fewer side effects
      and may have similar efficacy. A number of other approaches including surgical
      and alternative forms of electrical stimulation appear to alter brain activity in
      a promising manner, but are in need of evaluation in more substantive patient
      samples. CONCLUSIONS: It appears likely that the range of psychiatric treatments
      available for patients will grow over the coming years to progressively include a
      number of novel brain stimulation techniques.

PMID- 22044173
TI  - Epidemiology of anxiety disorders in the Australian general population: findings
      of the 2007 Australian National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aims of this study were to report 12-month and lifetime prevalence
      for anxiety disorders in the Australian general population, identify
      sociodemographic and clinical correlates of anxiety disorders, and report the
      rates of comorbidity among anxiety, affective, and substance use disorders across
      the lifespan. METHOD: The 2007 National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing was
      a nationally representative, face-to-face household survey of 8841 (60% response
      rate) community residents aged between 16 and 85 years. Diagnoses for anxiety,
      affective and substance use disorders were made according to the DSM-IV using the
      World Mental Health Survey Initiative version of the Composite International
      Diagnostic Interview. RESULTS: 12-month and lifetime prevalence of anxiety
      disorders were 11.8% and 20.0%, respectively. Anxiety disorders had a similar
      median age of onset (19 years) compared to substance use disorders (20 years),
      but earlier than affective disorders (34 years). Social phobia was the earliest
      onset anxiety disorder (median 13 years), with generalized anxiety disorder the
      latest (median 33 years). Significant correlates of the presence of anxiety
      disorders included being female, single, not in the labour force, in the middle
      age groups, not having post-graduate qualifications, having a comorbid physical
      condition, and having a family history of mental disorders. Being in the oldest
      age ranges and being born in another non-English speaking country were associated
      with lower odds of having an anxiety disorder. Body mass index was not associated
      with the presence of an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders were highly comorbid,
      particularly with major depression, dysthymia, and alcohol dependence.
      Comorbidity with substance use disorders reduced with age. Comorbidity with
      affective disorders was high across the lifespan. CONCLUSIONS: Anxiety disorders
      are common, can have an early onset, and are highly comorbid. Prevention, early
      detection, and treatment of anxiety disorders should be a priority.

PMID- 22044175
TI  - Backscattered electron detection in environmental SEM.
AB  - An examination of the backscattered electron imaging status in environmental
      scanning electron microscopy is presented with particular attention to the
      testing and use of cerium doped yttrium aluminium garnet and yttrium aluminium
      perovskite scintillation detectors. A comparison is made with plastic
      scintillating backscattered electron detectors used previously (Nuclear
      Enterprises type NE102A scintillator). Semi-disk, strip and wedge shapes of these
      materials have been tested in conjunction with various light-guide geometries.
      These systems have been combined with two different types of photomultipliers,
      which also play a critical role in the total detector efficiency. The advantage
      of increased light output from the monocrystal materials is gained only if
      matched with suitable light-guides and photomultipliers. The associated problems
      are discussed and proposals for further work are made for the construction of
      most efficient backscattered electron detectors in the environmental scanning
      electron microscope.

PMID- 22044176
TI  - The effect of curing conditions on the physical properties of tricalcium silicate
      cement for use as a dental biomaterial.
AB  - AIM: To investigate the physical properties of tricalcium silicate (TCS) with and
      without the addition of a radiopacifier and compare them with that of Portland
      cement (PC) and radiopaque PC in an mineral trioxide aggregate-like system.
      METHODOLOGY: Tricalcium silicate, PC and radiopacified variants containing 20%
      bismuth oxide were tested for radiopacity, compressive strength, setting time and
      dimensional stability. All the testing was performed at 37  degrees C and under
      different environmental conditions namely at 100% humidity or immersed in either
      water or Hank's balanced salt solution (HBSS). Testing was performed after both 1
      and 28 days. RESULTS: The cements exhibited radiopacity values equivalent to <3
      mm. Addition of 20% bismuth oxide resulted in adequate radiopacity. The strength
      of TCS was independent of the curing conditions. The cements without
      radiopacifier had improved strength characteristics when immersed in HBSS, whilst
      the radiopacified cements exhibited higher strengths when soaked in water.
      Tricalcium silicate demonstrated the shortest setting time. Addition of bismuth
      oxide increased the setting time of the cements while HBSS inhibited the setting
      of bismuth oxide-replaced cements. The PC-based materials exhibited a net
      contraction higher than that recorded for TCS-based cements in all curing
      conditions. The dimensional change exhibited by the specimens was generally
      greater in the first few hours of setting, but then stabilized with time.
      CONCLUSIONS: Tricalcium silicate cement required the addition of a radiopacifying
      agent to make it suitable for use as a dental material. Tricalcium silicate
      exhibited adequate physical properties and thus was shown to be a suitable
      replacement for the PC component in MTA. Bismuth oxide drastically increased the
      setting time of the test cements in phosphate-containing solutions. Alternative
      radiopacifiers that do not retard the setting time need to be investigated.

PMID- 22044177
TI  - Reversal of hemorrhagic shock in rats using the metabolically stable thyrotropin
      releasing hormone analog taltirelin hydrate.
AB  - We investigated the effect of taltirelin hydrate ((-)-N-[(S)-hexahydro-1-methyl-
      2,6-dioxo-4-pyrimidinyl-carbonyl]-L-histidyl-L-prolinamide tetrahydrate;
      taltirelin), a metabolically stable thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) analog,
      on circulatory function, respiratory function, and viable time after bleeding in
      urethane-anesthetized rats. Massive volume-controlled bleeding caused marked
      reductions in mean arterial pressure (MAP) and respiratory rate (RR). The vital
      signs of control rats were lost within an average of 23 min after bleeding.
      Intravenous administration of taltirelin (0.03-0.3 mg/kg) and TRH (1 and 3 mg/kg)
      immediately after bleeding accelerated recovery of MAP and RR, and prolonged
      viable time in a dose-dependent manner. The potency of taltirelin in accelerating
      MAP and RR recovery and prolonging viable time was higher when compared with that
      of TRH. In addition, recovery of MAP and RR and the extension of viable time by
      taltirelin were inhibited by preintraperitoneal administration of atropine
      sulfate, which is a centrally acting muscarinic antagonist, but not by that of
      atropine methylbromide, which is a peripherally acting muscarinic antagonist.
      Taltirelin also recovered decreased arterial pH, bicarbonate ions, and base
      excess, and prevented a decrease in arterial oxygen saturation. In conclusion,
      the anti-shock effect of taltirelin was more potent than that of TRH. Taltirelin
      activity was mediated by the central muscarinic cholinergic system. In addition,
      taltirelin also corrected metabolic acidosis. These results suggest that
      taltirelin could be useful in the treatment of hypovolemic shock.

PMID- 22044179
TI  - Canadian and Spanish youths' risk perceptions of drinking and driving, and riding
      with a drunk driver.
AB  - The present research compared Canadian and Spanish youths' perceptions of the
      potential benefits and drawbacks of driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI)
      and riding with a drunk driver (RDD). Eighty (41 female) Canadian and 87 (71
      female) Spanish undergraduates completed a survey asking about their past and
      forecasted engagement in DUI and RDD, and their perceptions of the benefits and
      drawbacks of DUI and RDD. A sizeable proportion of both samples reported DUI and
      RDD in the past year. Past risk takers forecasted significantly greater chances
      of engaging in these behaviors in the following year compared to those who had
      not engaged in DUI and RDD. Both samples provided significantly more drawbacks
      than benefits of DUI and RDD. Whereas the benefits of both behaviors tended to
      refer to personal effects (e.g., save money, arrive faster) that occurred before,
      during, or after driving, the drawbacks referred to a range of outcomes (e.g.,
      accident, kill/injure, penal sanction) that mostly occurred during driving.
      Although Canada and Spain differ in important respects (e.g., potential penalty
      for DUI), there were similarities in the two samples' perceptions of DUI and RDD.
      Young people are aware of the costs of these risky behaviors but nevertheless
      engage in them. These findings can inform theories of the co-occurrence of risky
      driving behaviors, and the development of prevention programs that focus on
      perceived outcomes.

PMID- 22044180
TI  - Assortative mating in morningness-eveningness.
AB  - Individuals differ in their morningness-eveningness preference (circadian
      preference); that is, some prefer morning hours for intellectual and physical
      activities and others prefer late afternoon or evening hours. This has been
      viewed as an interesting facet of personality. Assortative mating has been
      studied in personality research, but assortative mating in circadian preference
      has rarely been examined. Eighty-four couples participated in this study. They
      filled in the Composite Scale of Morningness; they also supplied data about rise
      times and bedtimes as well as information about relationship satisfaction and
      duration. The results revealed a moderate positive relationship between couple
      partners in morningness-eveningness which persisted after correcting for age.
      Similarly, correlations existed between the sleep-wake variables (rise time and
      bedtime) on weekdays and on the weekends, the association being higher for
      weekends. There was no significant correlation between length of the relationship
      and dissimilarity in morningness-eveningness, suggesting that the above-reported
      correlations reflect an initial assortment rather than convergence effects.
      Further, no significant correlation was found between dissimilarity in
      morningness-eveningness and relationship satisfaction. The results suggest that
      assortative mating in morningness-eveningness is likely and is probably based on
      an initial assortment. The likelihood to meet and mate may also be linked to
      chronotype. When differences in circadian preferences exist between possible
      partners, this reduces the likelihood that these persons meet either by accident
      or during work and leisure activities. Therefore, two extreme chronotypes are
      unlikely to meet each other because they have the smallest overlap in their
      preferred active time during the day due to the circadian rhythmicity.

PMID- 22044181
TI  - Who finds neutral pictures pleasant and relaxing?
AB  - Valence and arousal are independent dimensions of consciously experienced affect.
      The former refers to pleasantness; the latter to the degree of excitement or
      stimulation. The present research explores some of the predictors of these
      dimensions through the hypothesis that valence relates to positive affect and
      lack of negative affect, while arousal is tied to negative affect, and that both
      are predicted by personal wellbeing, considered as a way of achieving happiness.
      The occurrence of depressive symptoms is also considered within the hypothesis:
      as a facet of negative affect, as lack of wellbeing, or as an independent
      dimension placed at the same level as wellbeing, and which relates to both
      positive and negative affect (considered as mediators). Sixty-one participants
      were asked to view on a computer screen a series of 20 neutral pictures, having
      medium valence and low arousal, and complete self-report questionnaires to assess
      affect, personal wellbeing, and the occurrence of depressive symptoms. After
      picture viewing, valence and arousal judgments were requested. In the analysis,
      three competing models with latent variables were tested, to assess at best the
      role depressive symptoms have. They confirmed that valence is predicted by high
      positive and low negative affect, arousal by negative affect and even directly by
      the occurrence of depressive symptoms, and that personal wellbeing and depressive
      symptoms are the starting point. They are negatively correlated and predict
      positive (both) and negative affect (just the occurrence of depressive symptoms).
      The discussion focuses on both theoretical and practical implications.
      Suggestions for future research are given.

PMID- 22044182
TI  - Psychological wellbeing of Turkish university students with physical impairments:
      an evaluation within the stress-vulnerability paradigm.
AB  - Generally, universities in developing countries offer little in the way of
      provisions and support (material, emotional, etc.) for disabled students.
      Therefore, disabled students experience considerable burdens and barriers in
      their educational life. This study investigated the psychological wellbeing of
      disabled Turkish university students by examining influences on stress-related
      growth and psychological distress. Disability is defined within the framework of
      a social model. According to this view, impairment refers to the functional
      limitation(s) that affect(s) a person's body, whereas disability refers to the
      loss or limitation of opportunities owing to social, physical or psychological
      obstacles. Seventy disabled university students with physical impairments were
      administered a questionnaire package, including a sociodemographic information
      sheet, Ways of Coping Questionnaire, Stress-Related Growth Scale,
      Multidimensional Scale of Social Support, Life Events Inventory, and Brief
      Symptom Inventory. Snowball sampling was used and voluntary participation was
      essential. The results showed that disability burden, daily hassles, and
      helplessness coping were significant predictors of psychological symptoms. For
      stress-related growth the only variable that appeared significant was problem
      solving coping. The results pointed out that there may be different pathways to
      distress and growth. In order to decrease psychological distress and enhance
      growth in disabled university students, disability awareness programs, changes in
      the barriers in the academic and physical environments of the university
      campuses, and coping skills training to increase problem-focused coping and to
      combat helplessness may prove to be effective. Reducing daily hassles for the
      disabled students is likely to contribute to their wellbeing by decreasing their
      burdens. Also, a more disability-friendly environment is likely to be empowering
      for disabled university students.

PMID- 22044183
TI  - Hemispheric asymmetry in recognition memory: effects of retention level on the
      recognition of Portuguese words.
AB  - Early findings from Broca and Wernicke led to the classical view of hemispheric
      specialization, where the main idea relates to left-hemisphere language
      capabilities compared to right-hemisphere visual capabilities. Federmeier and
      Benjamin (2005) have suggested that semantic encoding for verbal information in
      the right hemisphere can be more effective when memory demands are higher. In
      light of this, our main goal was to study the effect of retention level of verbal
      information on hemispheric processes. However, regarding the cross-linguistic
      differences in orthography and their subsequent effects on word recognition
      (Frost, Katz, & Bentin, 1987), our intent was also to test prior predictions of
      Federmeier and Benjamin (2005) for a "shallow" orthography language, where words
      have a clear correspondence between graphemes and phonemes, as opposed to
      English, which is a "deep" orthography language. Portuguese concrete nouns were
      selected. The participants were submitted to a visual half-field word
      presentation using a continuous recognition memory paradigm. The retention level
      included 1, 2, 4, 8, 20 or 40 words. Results showed that recognition accuracy was
      higher for words studied in the right visual field, compared to those studied in
      the left visual field, when the retention interval included 2, 4, or 20 words. No
      significant differences were found for the remaining intervals. Further analysis
      on accuracy data for intermediate retention levels showed that recognition
      accuracy was higher for the 2 words retention level than for the levels including
      4, 8, or 20 words; it was higher for left-hemisphere encoding as well. Our
      results also indicated that reaction times were slower for left-hemisphere
      encoding and for the 40 words retention level when compared to that of 20 words.
      In summary, the current results are in partial agreement with those of Federmeier
      and Benjamin (2005) and suggest different hemispheric memory strategies for the
      semantic encoding of verbal information.

PMID- 22044184
TI  - Coping with traumatic stress in journalism: a critical ethnographic study.
AB  - Journalists who witness trauma and disaster events are at risk for physical,
      emotional, and psychological injury. The purpose of this paper is to present the
      results of a critical ethnographic study among 31 Canadian journalists and
      photojournalists with regard to coping strategies used to buffer the effects of
      being exposed to trauma and disaster events and work-related stress. The findings
      are the result of in-depth individual interviews and six workplace observations
      with journalists across Canada. The most commonly reported coping strategies
      were: avoidance strategies at work, use of black humor, controlling one's
      emotions and memories, exercise and other physical activities, focusing on the
      technical aspects, and using substances. Recommendations for addressing the
      effects of work-related stress within this population are provided.

PMID- 22044185
TI  - Cultural context, obsessive-compulsive disorder symptoms, and cognitions: a
      preliminary study of three Turkish samples living in different countries.
AB  - Previous research findings have suggested that recent cognitive accounts of
      obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are valid across different cultural contexts
      for both clinical and nonclinical samples; however, there is evidence that
      cultural differences may have an impact on a number of cognitive variables. For
      this reason, immigration provides an exceptional opportunity for an examination
      of the role of cultural context in cognitions and possible changes in cultural
      characteristics. To this end, the present study examined the interrelationships
      between thought-action fusion, thought control strategies and OCD symptoms in
      three nonclinical samples, taking the immigration factor into consideration.
      Thus, the current study included three Turkish sample groups: those who
      remigrated to Turkey from Bulgaria, those still living in Bulgaria, and those
      that have always resided in Turkey. The findings of the study supported the role
      of thought and action fusion and control strategies in OCD symptoms in a cross
      cultural context. To illustrate, worry, as a thought control strategy for OCD
      symptoms, was a common factor in all three sample groups. However, differences
      were also noted between the groups, despite having the same ethnic origin.
      Although they immigrated back to Turkey and have been living there for a
      considerable period of time, the Turkish remigrants retained similar
      characteristics to the respondents in Bulgaria on cognitions in general.
      Consequently, it may be suggested that cultural context might have a relative
      impact on certain correlates. A replication of these findings using different
      immigration groups and examining various cultural factors is strongly encouraged.

PMID- 22044186
TI  - One-year follow-up analysis of cognitive and psychological consequences among
      survivors of the Wenchuan earthquake.
AB  - The catastrophic Wenchuan earthquake measuring 8.0 on the Richter scale occurred
      on May 12, 2008 in the West of the Sichuan basin in China and caused severe
      damage. A project was undertaken to examine the cognitive and psychological
      effects one year after the disaster among 2080 individuals in the local area. We
      evaluated the influence of gender, age, education level, and ethnic group on five
      aspects: work satisfaction, living satisfaction, health self-perception,
      psychological pressure, and psychological recovery. Male subjects had a better
      performance in all five aspects, which indicated that women were more affected.
      Subjects of different ethnic groups showed significantly different attitudes with
      respect to psychological pressure and psychological recovery. Significant
      differences for all the five aspects were also found in education level and age.
      The results showed that older people and those with a lower education level
      probably had more psychological problems. There were significant correlations
      between work satisfaction and living satisfaction, living satisfaction and health
      self-perception, living satisfaction and psychological recovery, and
      psychological pressure and psychosocial recovery. Living satisfaction and
      education level were significant predictors of psychological pressure. For
      psychological recovery, significant predictors were living satisfaction, age,
      work satisfaction, education level, and gender. The study findings indicated that
      government programs should provide more support for females, older people, those
      with a lower education level, and those in lower living conditions. Attention
      should be given not only to the psychological effects on each victim, but also to
      related issues such as work and living conditions to promote psychological
      wellbeing. Limitations of this study are addressed.

PMID- 22044188
TI  - Intercomparison of thermal-optical methods for the determination of organic and
      elemental carbon: influences of aerosol composition and implications.
AB  - An intercomparison of organic carbon (OC) and elemental carbon (EC) measurements
      was conducted based on ambient aerosol samples collected during four seasons in
      Beijing, China. Dependence of OC and EC values on the temperature protocol and
      the charring correction method is presented and influences of aerosol composition
      are investigated. EC was found to decrease with the peak inert mode temperature
      (T(peak)) such that EC determined by the IMPROVE (the Interagency Monitoring of
      Protected Visual Environments)-A protocol (T(peak) was 580  degrees C) was 2.85
      +/- 1.31 and 3.83 +/- 2.58 times that measured by an alternative protocol with a
      T(peak) of 850  degrees C when using the transmittance and reflectance
      correction, respectively. It was also found that reflectance correction tends to
      classify more carbon as EC compared with transmittance; results from the IMPROVE
      A protocol showed that the ratio of EC defined by reflectance correction (EC(R))
      to that based on transmittance (EC(T)) averaged 1.50 +/- 0.42. Moreover, it was
      demonstrated that emissions from biomass burning would increase the discrepancy
      between EC values determined by different temperature protocols. On the other
      hand, the discrepancy between EC(R) and EC(T) was strongly associated with
      secondary organic aerosol (SOA) which was shown to be an important source of the
      organics that pyrolyze during the inert mode of thermal-optical analysis.

PMID- 22044189
TI  - Short- and long-term effects of juvenile stressor exposure on the expression of
      GABAA receptor subunits in rats.
AB  - During the juvenile period rodents are particularly sensitive to stressors.
      Aversive events encountered during this period may have enduring effects that are
      not evident among animals initially stressed as adults. Interestingly,
      experiencing stressor during juvenile period was found to elicit a biphasic
      behavioral pattern over the course of development. During the juvenile period,
      the expression of several GABAA receptor subunits is subject to elevated
      plasticity, rendering the GABAergic system sensitive to stressors. In the present
      investigation, animals were exposed to a juvenile variable stressor regimen (JUV
      S) at 27-29 postnatal days (PND): 27 PND-acute swim stress (10 min), 28 PND
      elevated platform stress (3 sessions*30 min each), and 29 PND-restraint (2 h).
      One hour following the last exposure to stressor or in adulthood (60 PND),
      anxiety-related behaviors were assessed in a 5-min elevated plus maze test. The
      western blotting technique was used to evaluate whether the juvenile stress
      induced behavioral pattern will be accompanied by respective changes in GABAA
      alpha1, alpha2, and alpha3 protein expression in male rats. Our findings further
      established that juvenile stressor elicits hyper-reactivity when rats were tested
      as juveniles, whereas rats exhibited reduced activity and increased anxiety when
      tested as adults. Additionally, the effects of juvenile stressor on alpha1,
      alpha2, and alpha3 were more pronounced among juvenile stressed rats that were
      challenged as adults compared with rats that were only challenged as juveniles.
      Interestingly, the stress-induced modulation of the subunits was particularly
      evident in the amygdala, a brain region closely associated with anxiety. Thus,
      age- and region-specific alterations of the alpha subunits may contribute to the
      age-specific behavioral alterations observed following juvenile stress exposure.

PMID- 22044191
TI  - MHC class I dimer formation by alteration of the cellular redox environment and
      induction of apoptosis.
AB  - Many MHC class I molecules contain unpaired cysteine residues in their
      cytoplasmic tail domains, the function of which remains relatively
      uncharacterized. Recently, it has been shown that in the small secretory vesicles
      known as exosomes, fully folded MHC class I dimers can form through a disulphide
      bond between the cytoplasmic tail domain cysteines, induced by the low levels of
      glutathione in these extracellular vesicles. Here we address whether similar MHC
      class I dimers form in whole cells by alteration of the redox environment.
      Treatment of the HLA-B27-expressing Epstein-Barr virus-transformed B-cell line
      Jesthom, and the leukaemic T-cell line CEM transfected with HLA-B27 with the
      strong oxidant diamide, and the apoptosis-inducing and glutathione-depleting
      agents hydrogen peroxide and thimerosal, induced MHC class I dimers. Furthermore,
      induction of apoptosis by cross-linking FasR/CD95 on CEM cells with monoclonal
      antibody CH-11 also induced MHC class I dimers. As with exosomal MHC class I
      dimers, the formation of these structures on cells is controlled by the cysteine
      at position 325 in the cytoplasmic tail domain of HLA-B27. Therefore, the redox
      environment of cells intimately controls induction of MHC class I dimers, the
      formation of which may provide novel structures for recognition by the immune
      system.

PMID- 22044190
TI  - Glycine, a simple physiological compound protecting by yet puzzling mechanism(s)
      against ischaemia-reperfusion injury: current knowledge.
AB  - Ischaemia is amongst the leading causes of death. Despite this importance, there
      are only a few therapeutic approaches to protect from ischaemia-reperfusion
      injury (IRI). In experimental studies, the amino acid glycine effectively
      protected from IRI. In the prevention of IRI by glycine in cells and isolated
      perfused or cold-stored organs (tissues), direct cytoprotection plays a crucial
      role, most likely by prevention of the formation of pathological plasma membrane
      pores. Under in vivo conditions, the mechanism of protection by glycine is less
      clear, partly due to the physiological presence of the amino acid. Here,
      inhibition of the inflammatory response in the injured tissue is considered to
      contribute decisively to the glycine-induced reduction of IRI. However,
      attenuation of IRI recently achieved in experimental animals by low-dose glycine
      treatment regimens suggests additional/other (unknown) protective mechanisms.
      Despite the convincing experimental evidence and the large therapeutic width of
      glycine, there are only a few clinical trials on the protection from IRI by
      glycine with ambivalent results. Thus, both the mechanism(s) behind the
      protection of glycine against IRI in vivo and its true clinical potential remain
      to be addressed in future experimental studies/clinical trials.

PMID- 22044192
TI  - PPAD: a tool for presumption of atopic dermatitis.
AB  - Although it is a frequent disease, atopic dermatitis is poorly recognised and
      therefore under-diagnosed. The aim of this study was to define and validate a
      convenient tool allowing presumption of atopic dermatitis for non-dermatologists.
      A 20-item questionnaire (PPAD) and an 8-item short version (PPAD-S) were
      developed in French by a board of experts, then tested on outpatients presenting
      with atopic dermatitis or not. Diagnosis was confirmed by a dermatologist, who
      measured the severity of the disease by using SCORAD. PPAD and PPAD-S proved to
      be efficient tools for presumption of atopic dermatitis, but not tools for
      diagnosis. Scores were correlated to the severity of the disease. PPAD and PPAD-S
      can be considered useful tools for orientating patients with undiagnosed atopic
      dermatitis to a specialised consultation, all the more quickly since atopic
      dermatitis is severe.

PMID- 22044193
TI  - Hydration of proteins: excess partial enthalpies of water and proteins.
AB  - Isothermal batch calorimetry was applied to study the hydration of proteins. The
      hydration process was analyzed by the simultaneous monitoring of the excess
      partial enthalpies of water and the proteins in the entire range of water
      content. Four unrelated proteins (lysozyme, chymotrypsinogen A, human serum
      albumin, and beta-lactoglobulin) were used as models. The excess partial
      quantities are very sensitive to the changes in the state of water and proteins.
      At the lowest water weight fractions (w(1)), the changes of the excess
      thermochemical functions can mainly be attributed to water addition. A transition
      from the glassy to the flexible state of the proteins is accompanied by
      significant changes in the excess partial quantities of water and the proteins.
      This transition appears at a water weight fraction of 0.06 when charged groups of
      proteins are covered. Excess partial quantities reach their fully hydrated values
      at w(1) > 0.5 when coverage of both polar and weakly interacting surface elements
      is complete. At the highest water contents, water addition has no significant
      effect on the excess thermochemical quantities. At w(1) > 0.5, changes in the
      excess functions can solely be attributed to changes in the state of the
      proteins.

PMID- 22044194
TI  - Magnetic drug targeting in a rhabdomyosarcoma rat model using magnetite-dextran
      composite nanoparticle-bound mitoxantrone and 0.6 tesla extracorporeal magnets -
      sarcoma treatment in progress.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Magnetic drug targeting (MDT) is a new treatment principle for
      tumors. Passive MDT (pMDT) uses cytostatics coupled to ferromagnetic
      nanoparticles, whereas in active MDT (aMDT), extracorporeal magnets are
      additionally placed over the tumor area. PURPOSE: Mitoxantrone-magnetite-dextran
      composite particles were used to assess the distribution and effect of MDT.
      METHODS: We conducted two trials with n = 60 rats transfected with R(1)H
      rhabdomyosarcoma cells. In the biodistribution trial (n = 36) mitoxantrone
      concentrations in tumor tissue versus plasma were measured after one or two dose
      administration for aMDT, pMDT, and uncoupled mitoxantrone. The dose/effect trial
      (n = 24) assessed change in tumor volume at day 1 and 7 days after administration
      of 4, 6, or 8 doses of mitoxantrone using aMDT. RESULTS: Mitoxantrone-magnetite
      dextran concentration in blood was significantly (p < 0.05) lower when using aMDT
      and as low as uncoupled mitoxantrone. Concentrations in tumor tissue were always
      significantly higher using MDT when compared to uncoupled mitoxantrone. Two doses
      resulted in drug accumulation inside the tumor. Tumor growth was significantly
      decreased with four doses using aMDT versus no treatment. Tumor size on day 8
      versus day 1 was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced after administration of six
      doses of mitoxantrone-magnetite-dextran. No allergies/toxic reactions were
      observed. CONCLUSIONS: The MDT achieves higher levels of cytostatics in tumor
      tissue without increased systemic concentrations and succeeds in reducing tumor
      volume.

PMID- 22044195
TI  - Effect of pomegranate seed oil on serum TNF-alpha level in dyslipidemic patients.
AB  - Pomegranate punicic acid and pomegranate fruit extracts have the potential
      effects in inhibiting tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and inflammatory
      diseases. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pomegranate seed
      oil (PSO) consumption on serum TNF-alpha level in dyslipidemic patients. Fifty
      one subjects with serum total cholesterol concentration >200 mg/dl and serum
      triglyceride concentrations >150 mg/dl were randomly assigned into the PSO (n =
      25) and placebo (n = 26) groups. Subjects were given 400 mg PSO or placebo
      capsules twice daily for 4 weeks. Six patients were excluded because of
      complications or lack of compliance. Serum TNF-alpha level was measured at
      baseline and after 4 weeks. Mean (SD) serum concentration of TNF-alpha decreased
      from 14.73 +/- 5.25 to 13.28 +/- 3.79 pg/ml in the PSO group (P = NS).
      Corresponding values in the placebo group were 12.46 +/- 1.67 versus 13.14 +/-
      1.67 pg/ml (P = NS). In conclusion, administration of PSO in dyslipidemic
      patients does not affect the serum TNF-alpha.

PMID- 22044196
TI  - Protective effects of zinc, pentoxifylline, and N-acetylcysteine in an animal
      model of laparoscopy-induced ischemia/reperfusion injury of the small intestine.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pneumoperitoneum induced to facilitate laparoscopy is associated with
      splanchnic hypoperfusion, ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, and oxidative
      stress. AIM: This study investigated the effects of pre- and postlaparoscopic
      conditioning, zinc, pentoxifylline, and N-acetylcysteine on markers of I/R injury
      of the small intestine in an animal model. METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats
      (n=56) were randomized to 1 of 7 treatment groups. Except for group 7 (control
      group that underwent sham surgery without pneumoperitoneum), pneumoperitoneum was
      induced in all by use of carbondioxide insufflation under a pressure of 15 mmHg.
      Group 1 (laparoscopic I/R) was subjected to 60 minutes of pneumoperitoneum. Group
      2 (laparoscopic preconditioning plus laparoscopy) was subjected to 5 minutes of
      insufflation and 5 minutes of desufflation followed by 60 minutes of
      pneumoperitoneum. Group 3 (laparoscopy plus laparoscopic postconditioning) was
      subjected to 60 minutes of pneumoperitoneum and 60 minutes of desufflation
      followed by 5 minutes of insufflation and 5 minutes of desufflation. Group 4
      (zinc), group 5 (pentoxifylline), and group 6 (N-acetylcysteine) received a
      single intraperitoneal injection of zinc (50 mg/kg), pentoxifylline (50 mg/kg),
      or N-acetylcysteine (150 mg/kg), respectively, 5 minutes before the desufflation
      period. Animals were killed at the end of the experiments, and small intestine
      samples were tested for malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), glutathione
      peroxidase (GPX), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). RESULTS: There was no
      significant difference for MDA levels between each other in the groups 1, 2, and
      3. But MDA levels were higher significantly in groups 1, 2, and 3 than those of
      groups 4, 5, 6, and 7. SOD and GPX levels of group 3 were significantly higher
      than those of groups 1, 2, 4 through 7. According to the SOD levels, there was no
      significant difference between each other in those of groups 1, 2, 4 through 7.
      GPX levels of group 3 were significantly higher than those of groups 1, 2, 4
      through 7. GPX levels of group 1 were significantly lower than those of groups 5
      and 7. The mean CAT level of groups 1 and 2 was significantly lower than that of
      groups 3, 6, and 7. The mean CAT level of group 3 was significantly higher than
      that of groups 1, 2, 4 through 7. CONCLUSIONS: In this animal model of small
      intestine I/R injury, laparoscopy caused small intestine ischemia as evidenced by
      elevated markers of tissue I/R injury. This effect was significantly attenuated
      by zinc, pentoxifylline, and N-acetylcysteine, but not by prelaparoscopy
      conditioning and postlaparoscopy conditioning.

PMID- 22044197
TI  - Clinical implications of the 5alpha-androstanedione pathway for castration
      resistant prostate cancer.

PMID- 22044199
TI  - Axitinib in the treatment of metastatic renal cell carcinoma.
AB  - Axitinib, an oral small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeted to
      angiogenesis, has demonstrated activity in advanced renal cell carcinoma. Common
      side effects include hypertension, fatigue and dysphonia. Axitinib is currently
      awaiting approval as a second-line agent in the treatment of advanced renal cell
      carcinoma. Trials, which include treatment-naive patients, are ongoing and will
      study the benefit of axitinib in the first-line setting.

PMID- 22044200
TI  - Ipilimumab: showing survival benefit in metastatic melanoma.
AB  - Ipilimumab is a fully humanized monoclonal antibody to cytotoxic T-lymphocyte
      associated antigen 4. Data from preclinical and clinical studies have shown that
      ipilimumab can cause tumor regression in patients with metastatic melanoma with
      response rates of 5.8-22%. Phase III trials have demonstrated a benefit in median
      overall survival in the first-line setting in combination with dacarbazine versus
      dacarbazine alone (11.2 vs 9.1 months) and in the second-line setting in
      combination with gp100 versus gp100 alone (10.1 vs 6.4 months). The main
      toxicities of ipilimumab are immune related, most commonly skin and
      gastrointestinal. Bowel perforation and treatment-related deaths have occurred,
      although prompt use of steroids and other immunosuppressive agents can minimize
      this risk.

PMID- 22044201
TI  - Incidence and prognosis of synchronous colorectal carcinomatosis: evolution since
      1985?
AB  - Evaluation of: Lemmens VE, Klaver YL, Verwaal VJ, Rutten HJ, Coebergh JW, de
      Hingh IH. Predictors and survival of synchronous peritoneal carcinomatosis of
      colorectal origin: a population-based study. Int. J. Cancer 128, 2717-2725
      (2011). Until recently, colorectal peritoneal carcinomatosis was considered
      inaccessible to curative therapy, hence the paucity of epidemiological and
      clinical features available to date regarding the disease. In this retrospective
      study, spanning 1995-2008, approximately 5% of the patients with colorectal
      cancer, recorded in the cancer registry of southern Netherlands, had synchronous
      carcinomatosis, confined to the peritoneum in nearly half of them. Despite
      progress in chemotherapy, surgery and anesthesiology, the survival of patients
      with synchronous carcinomatosis has not increased (median survival of 8 months),
      unlike that of patients with liver metastases. Although, only 11% of the patients
      had undergone complete cytoreductive surgery followed by hyperthermic
      intraperitoneal chemotherapy during the latest period (2006-2008). In the future,
      all patients with isolated colorectal carcinomatosis should be evaluated for
      curative therapy with complete cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic
      intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

PMID- 22044202
TI  - MRI of metastasis-permissive microenvironments.
AB  - One of the earliest documented observations of the importance of the
      microenvironment in metastasis was made by Stephen Paget in 1889. More than a
      century later, the metastatic cascade remains a major cause of mortality from
      cancer. Cancer meets the criterion of a successful organization that is able to
      survive by adapting to changing environments. In fact, the tumor microenvironment
      and stroma are co-opted and shaped by cancer cells to derive a survival
      advantage. Cohesive strategies integrating advances in molecular biology and
      chemistry, with noninvasive multimodality imaging, provide new insights into the
      role of the tumor microenvironment in promoting metastasis from primary tumors as
      well as insights into environments that attract and permit cancer cells to
      establish colonies in distant organs. This article provides an overview of
      molecular and functional imaging characterization of microenvironments that can
      promote or permit cancer cells to metastasize and the microenvironmental
      characteristics of distant metastases.

PMID- 22044204
TI  - Liver metastases from colorectal cancer: how to best complement medical treatment
      with surgical approaches.
AB  - Colorectal liver metastases (CLM) represent a major challenge for oncologists and
      surgeons. In fact, in this setting, the optimal treatment of patients can achieve
      a long-term survival and sometimes a definitive cure of disease. In recent years,
      improvements in both medical therapies and surgical approaches have led to an
      increased rate of patients considered amenable for surgery on CLM. New
      perspectives in the management of CLM underline the need for a comprehensive
      assessment of patient and tumor characteristics, to integrate technical and
      prognostic issues into an individualized therapeutic strategy in different
      patient subgroups. The multidisciplinary evaluation from the onset and during
      treatment remains the key element to maximizing the benefit of more intensive
      treatment modalities.

PMID- 22044205
TI  - Antiangiogenic effects of zoledronate on cancer neovasculature.
AB  - Angiogenesis, one of the hallmarks of cancer, supplies nutrients to cancerous
      tissues to facilitate rapid growth. Targeting cancer-associated angiogenesis is
      an important goal in cancer therapy and there are currently many drugs that
      affect tumor-associated vasculature. In this article, we will focus on the
      antiangiogenic effects of zoledronate (ZA), a bisphosphonate drug routinely used
      in the treatment of cancer-associated bone disease. This article covers the known
      effects of ZA throughout the clinical process. It also covers the animal models
      of cancer that have been treated with ZA and evaluated for angiogenes is,
      concluding with the current clinical data pertaining to angiogenic factors after
      ZA treatment.

PMID- 22044203
TI  - Mechanisms of cancer cell metastasis to the bone: a multistep process.
AB  - For metastasis to occur, tumor cells must first detach from their tissue of
      origin. This requires altering both the tissue of origin and the cancer cell.
      Once detached, cancer cells in circulation must also acquire survival mechanisms.
      Although many may successfully disseminate, variation exists in the efficiency
      with which circulating tumor cells home to and invade the bone marrow as
      metastastic seeds. Disseminated tumor cells that do successfully invade the
      marrow are secured by cell-cell and cell-extracellular matrix adhesion. However,
      establishing a foothold in the marrow is not sufficient for disseminated tumor
      cells to create metastases. A significant latent phase must be overcome by either
      rescuing cellular proliferation or attenuating micrometastatic mass dormancy
      programs. Finally, growing metastases fuel osteolysis, osteoblastogenesis and T
      cell differentiation, creating a variety of tumor phenotypes. Each step in the
      metastatic cascade is rich in biological targets and mechanistic pathways.

PMID- 22044207
TI  - Nanoscale delivery systems for multiple drug combinations in cancer.
AB  - Although drug-delivery systems have been developed to improve drug
      biodistribution and efficiency in cancer therapy, some limitations still hinder
      successful drug targeting and delivery. Multiple drugs in combination seems a
      promising strategy for cancer therapy. It enables drugs to be delivered to
      multiple targets and exhibits the additive or synergistic effects of drugs.
      Physiological barriers are known to be the main obstacles of insufficient drug
      efficacy and delivery in tumors, but they are likely to be potential targets in
      combination therapy as well. This article discusses some general considerations
      for optimizing multiply drug delivery, including drug-release profiles and
      loading strategies.

PMID- 22044206
TI  - DNA damage response and repair: insights into strategies for radiation
      sensitization of gliomas.
AB  - The incorporation of radiotherapy into multimodality treatment plans has led to
      significant improvements in glioma patient survival. However, local recurrence
      from glioma resistance to ionizing radiation remains a therapeutic challenge. The
      tumoricidal effect of radiation therapy is largely attributed to the induction of
      dsDNA breaks (DSBs). In the past decade, there have been tremendous strides in
      understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying DSB repair. The identification
      of gene products required for DSB repair has provided novel therapeutic targets.
      Recent studies revealed that many US FDA-approved cancer agents inhibit DSB
      repair by interacting with repair proteins. This article will aim to provide
      discussion of DSB repair mechanisms to provide molecular targets for radiation
      sensitization of gliomas and a discussion of FDA-approved cancer therapies that
      modulate DSB repair to highlight opportunities for combination therapy with
      radiotherapy for glioma therapy.

PMID- 22044209
TI  - Resorcinol-sn-glycerol derivatives: novel 2-arachidonoylglycerol mimetics endowed
      with high affinity and selectivity for cannabinoid type 1 receptor.
AB  - Since the discovery of the endocannabinoid system, evidence has been
      progressively accumulating to suggest that 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) rather
      than anandamide (AEA) is the endogenous ligand for both cannabinoid (CB)
      receptors. Moreover, other studies have shown that another lipid molecule, 2
      arachidonyl-glycerol ether (2-AGE, noladin ether), which acts as a full agonist
      at cannabinoid receptors, might occur in tissues. Having previously designed a
      resorcinol-AEA hybrid model, in this paper we have explored the cannabinoid
      receptor binding properties, the CB1 functional activity, and the stability to
      plasma esterases of a novel series of compounds characterized by the conversion
      of the amide head into the glycerol-ester or glycerol-ether head, typical of 2-AG
      or the "putative" endocannabinoid 2-AGE, respectively. Glyceryl esters 39 and 41
      displayed greater potency for CB1 (Ki in the nanomolar range) than for CB2
      receptors plus the potential to be exploited as useful hits for the development
      of novel 2-AG mimetics.

PMID- 22044211
TI  - A comparison of screening tools for the assessment of mild cognitive impairment:
      preliminary findings.
AB  - We report a pilot investigation into the utility of screening tools in Mild
      Cognitive Impairment (MCI). The Addenbrooke's Cognitive Examination-Revised (ACE
      R), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and the novel Computer-Administered
      Neuropsychological Screen for Mild Cognitive Impairment (CANS-MCI) were
      administered to 20 elderly controls and 15 MCI cases. Non-parametric Mann-Whitney
      U-tests showed significant differences between groups (p < .0001) on the CANS-MCI
      and MoCA. The ACE-R and MoCA total scores showed high sensitivity (90%) to MCI.
      Area under the curve was consistently significant in discriminating controls and
      MCI for memory scores across all screening instruments. A useful profile of
      quantitative and qualitative information pertaining to cognitive functioning in
      MCI can be obtained with the MoCA, ACE-R, and CANS-MCI.

PMID- 22044210
TI  - gammadelta T cells play a protective role during infection with Nippostrongylus
      brasiliensis by promoting goblet cell function in the small intestine.
AB  - The intestinal epithelium is rich in gammadelta T cells and the gut is a site of
      residence for a wide variety of pathogens, including nematodes. Although CD4+ T
      cell receptor (TCR) -alphabeta+ T helper type 2 T cells are essential for the
      expulsion of intestinal nematodes, little information is available on the
      function of gammadelta T cells in this type of infection. Here, we demonstrate
      two major functions of gammadelta T cells as a potently protective T-cell
      population against Nippostrongylus brasiliensis infection using gammadelta T-cell
      deficient (TCR-delta(-/-) ) mice. First, gammadelta T cells are required to
      initiate rapid expulsion of adult worms from the intestine and to limit egg
      production. Second, gammadelta T cells prevent the pathological intestinal damage
      associated with nematode infection, evident by increased clinical disease and
      more severe microscopic lesions in infected TCR-delta(-/-) mice. gammadelta T
      cell deficiency led to delayed goblet cell hyperplasia in association with
      reduced expression of phosphorylated STAT6, MUC2, Trefoil factor-3 (TFF3) and T
      helper type 2 cytokines including interleukin-13 (IL-13). TCR-delta(-/-) mice
      also produced more interferon-gamma than wild-type mice. Within the
      intraepithelial lymphocyte compartment, gammadelta T cells produced IL-13.
      Adoptive transfer of gammadelta T cells or administration of recombinant IL-13 to
      TCR-delta(-/-) mice successfully reduced the egg production by N. brasiliensis.
      Collectively, these data provide strong evidence that gammadelta T cells play an
      important role in controlling infection with intestinal nematodes and limiting
      infection-induced pathology.

PMID- 22044212
TI  - Host-guest chemistry in the gas phase: complex formation with 18-crown-6 enhances
      helicity of alanine-based peptides.
AB  - The gas-phase helix propensities of alanine-based polypeptides are studied with
      different locations of a Lys residue and host-guest interactions with 18-Crown-6
      (18C6). A series of model peptides Ac-Ala(9-n)-LysH(+)-Ala(n) (n = 0, 1, 3, 5, 7,
      and 9) is examined alone and with 18C6 using traveling wave ion mobility mass
      spectrometry combined with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The gas-phase
      helices are observed from the peptides whose Lys residue is located close to the
      C-terminus so that the Lys exerts its capping effect on the C-terminal carbonyl
      groups. The peptides, which interact with 18C6 in the gas phase, show enhanced
      helical propensities. The enhanced helicity of the peptide in the complex is
      attributed by isolation of the Lys butylammonium group from the helix backbone
      and the interaction of methylene groups of 18C6, which possess localized positive
      partial charges, with C-terminal carbonyl groups serving as a cap to stabilize
      the helix.

PMID- 22044213
TI  - The future of nursing institute of medicine report: one year later.

PMID- 22044214
TI  - Co-providing: understanding the logistics.
AB  - Continuing nursing education providers have sometimes said that they don't want
      to co-provide because "it's too much trouble" or they "won't be able to control
      what happens" or because they don't understand the process. This column clarifies
      the logistics of the co-provider relationship.

PMID- 22044215
TI  - Nursing education innovation: using e-learning technology to meet learners'
      needs.
AB  - Globalization, rapid advances in health care and research, and evidence-based
      practice challenge organizations to meet the continuing education needs of their
      professional staff while functioning within the confines of economic cutbacks.
      This column describes an innovative way technology was used to offer asynchronous
      learning to all members of one organization's nursing staff.

PMID- 22044216
TI  - Emotional intelligence: growing your self-regard.
AB  - This column focuses on one of the most important competencies in emotional
      intelligence--self-regard.

PMID- 22044218
TI  - Effects of altering the Si/Ca molar ratio of a calcium silicate cement on in
      vitro cell attachment.
AB  - AIM: To examine the effects of altering the Si/Ca molar ratio (6 : 4, 5 : 5, and
      4 : 6) of a quick-setting calcium silicate cement on in vitro cell attachment.
      METHODOLOGY: Working time and setting time of three different calcium silicate
      cements were measured. Alamar Blue was used for real-time and repeated monitoring
      of cell attachment and proliferation. The Si and Ca ion concentrations of the
      cell culture medium in the presence of three different calcium silicate cements
      seeded with MG63 cells were measured. Kinetic immunofluorescent staining of MG63
      cells was performed during cell attachment and spreading. Reverse transcription
      polymerase chain reaction was employed to determine gene expression in MG63 cells
      cultured on the cements. One-way analysis of variance was used to evaluate the
      significance of the differences between the mean values. RESULTS: The working
      time (4-7 min) and setting time (17-24 min) of the cements were shortened with an
      increase in the Ca content of the calcium silicate powders after mixing the
      powder with water. In contrast, the higher the Si content in the cement, the more
      the MG63 cells attached to the cement at all culture time-points, accompanying by
      the formation of more obvious actin stress fibres. Cell proliferation and
      differentiation increased significantly (P < 0.05) with an increase in the Si
      content of the calcium silicate cements. Si ion concentration of the culture
      medium increased significantly (P < 0.05) with increasing cement Si content and
      culture time-points. CONCLUSIONS: The higher Si content cement enhanced the
      higher expression of cell attachment, proliferation and differentiation as
      compared to the lower Si content cement.

PMID- 22044219
TI  - Self-assessed oral health, cognitive vulnerability and dental anxiety in
      children: testing a mediational model.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explain the association between children's self-perceived oral
      health status and dental anxiety, by considering their levels of cognitive
      vulnerability. METHODS: Participants were 161 children (47.8% female; mean age =
      11.93 years) who filled in a questionnaire comprising self-assessed oral health
      related status, dental treatment-related cognitive vulnerability and dental
      anxiety measures. Gender, age and number of decayed, missing and filled permanent
      teeth were controlled for. Bivariate correlations, hierarchical regression
      analyses and structural equation modelling were conducted to test the hypotheses.
      RESULTS: Subjective oral health status, cognitive vulnerability variables and
      dental anxiety were strongly correlated. Regression and structural models testing
      the mediating effects of cognitive vulnerability variables on the relationship
      between perceived oral health and dental anxiety were supported. CONCLUSIONS: The
      activation of the cognitive vulnerability schema, as a mediating variable, is a
      mechanism by means of which children's self-perceptions of a poor oral health
      might lead to dental anxiety. Both components of vulnerability analysed (threat
      and disgust) contribute decisively to this potential process.

PMID- 22044220
TI  - Identification of new natural sweet compounds in wine using centrifugal partition
      chromatography-gustatometry and Fourier transform mass spectrometry.
AB  - Sweetness contributes notably to the taste-balance of dry wines and increases
      during oak-barrel aging owing to the release of natural sweeteners from wood. The
      search for such taste-active molecules, which are sometimes present at very low
      concentrations in wine or other complex matrixes, requires both reliable
      purification tools and powerful identification techniques. Here, we report the
      development of an original inductive method using centrifugal partition
      chromatography (CPC) and sensorial analysis. This method, called CPC
      gustatometry, was implemented to isolate a sweet fraction with only four
      compounds from a complex oak wood extract. The recently developed Fourier
      transform mass spectrometry (FT-MS, Orbitrap analyzer) was used jointly with two
      dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance (2D (1)H and (13)C NMR) to obtain the
      structural elucidation of the purified compounds. The tandem mass spectrometry
      (MS/MS) spectra obtained with resonant and nonresonant fragmentation modes were
      compared, thus providing complementary information about the molecular structure.
      Two oleanane-type triterpenoids substituted with galloyl and glucosyl moieties
      were identified, one of which exhibits sweet properties. We term these compounds
      which have never been reported, Quercotriterpenoside I and II.

PMID- 22044223
TI  - TEM image analysis and modelling: application to boehmite nanoparticles.
AB  - Boehmite occurs in the form of nanoparticles. Upon drying, it can form the
      alumina that is common in catalyst support used in refining and petrochemicals.
      The topotactic transformation of boehmite alumina led to an interest in the
      precise shape and size of these nanoparticles which is highly linked to the
      catalyst activity. Boehmite nanoparticles can be observed by transmission
      electron microscopy. Although they are highly aggregated, the analysis of
      transmission electron microscopy images with a specific random model approach,
      here a dilution model, can give an accurate estimate of their size. To use this
      approach, electronic noise and diffraction artefacts on the edges of the
      nanoparticles have to be removed. Covariance measurements on micrographs can be
      performed. They can be used to fit a model. The fitting uses a novel numerical
      method to estimate the covariogram of grains. The model can take into account the
      specific orientations of the nanoparticles. The influence of noise, image filters
      used to remove noise and diffraction artefacts, as well as all the parameters of
      the model are all studied in this paper. We propose nanoparticle size estimations
      procedures based on both single and mixture-of-two particle models.

PMID- 22044222
TI  - 1-Phenylisoquinoline larvicidal activity against Culex quinquefasciatus.
AB  - The larvicidal potential of several dopamine 1-phenylisoquinoline derivatives
      against Culex quinquefasciatus third instar larvae was investigated in a rational
      search for insecticides. The results showed that these isoquinolines presented
      moderate larvicidal activity, that the presence of a substituent is needed on
      carbon 1 for such activity to be presented and that it may be possible to develop
      novel insecticidal compounds having potential use in controlling insects by
      appropriate structural modification of 1-phenylisoquinolines. This article
      presents a possible structure-larvicidal activity relationship for isoquinolinic
      compounds.

PMID- 22044224
TI  - Lipophilic and amphiphilic interactions in glycoprotein 41: targets for therapy.

PMID- 22044221
TI  - Epigenetic landscape of pluripotent stem cells.
AB  - SIGNIFICANCE: Derived from the inner cell mass of the preimplantation embryo,
      embryonic stem cells are prototype pluripotent stem (PS) cells that have the
      ability of self-renewal and differentiation into almost all cell types.
      Exploration of the mechanisms governing this pluripotency is important for
      understanding reprogramming mechanisms and stem cell behavior of PS cells and can
      lead to enhancing reprogramming efficiency and other applications. RECENT
      ADVANCES: Induced pluripotent stem cells are recently discovered PS cells that
      can be derived from somatic cells by overexpression of pluripotency-related
      transcription factors. Recent studies have shown that transcription factors and
      their epigenetic regulation play important roles in the generating, maintaining,
      and differentiating these PS cells. Recent advances in sequencing technologies
      allow detailed analysis of target epigenomes and microRNAs (miRs), and have
      revealed unique epigenetic marks and miRs for PS cells. CRITICAL ISSUES:
      Epigenetic modifications of genes include histone modifications, DNA methylation,
      and chromatin remodeling. Working closely with epigenetic modifiers, miRs play an
      important role in inducing and maintaining pluripotency. FUTURE DIRECTIONS: The
      dynamic changes in epigenetic marks during reprogramming and their role in cell
      fate changes are being uncovered. This review focuses on these new advances in
      the epigenetics of PS cells.

PMID- 22044226
TI  - Amphipathic properties of HIV-1 gp41 fusion inhibitors.
AB  - Small molecule inhibition of HIV fusion has been an elusive goal, despite years
      of effort by both pharmaceutical and academic laboratories. In this review, we
      will discuss the amphipathic properties of both peptide and small molecule
      inhibitors of gp41-mediated fusion. Many of the peptides and small molecules that
      have been developed target a large hydrophobic pocket situated within the grooves
      of the coiled coil, a potential hotspot for inhibiting the trimer of hairpin
      formation that accompanies fusion. Peptide studies reveal molecular properties
      required for effective inhibition, including elongated structure and lipophilic
      or amphiphilic nature. The characteristics of peptides that bind in this pocket
      provide features that should be considered in small molecule development.
      Additionally, a novel site for small molecule inhibition of fusion has recently
      been suggested, involving residues of the loop and fusion peptide. We will review
      the small molecule structures that have been developed, evidence pointing to
      their mechanism of action and strategies towards improving their affinity. The
      data points to the need for a strongly amphiphilic character of the inhibitors,
      possibly as a means to mediate the membrane - protein interaction that occurs in
      gp41 in addition to the protein - protein interaction that accompanies the fusion
      activating conformational transition.

PMID- 22044225
TI  - Targeting HIV-1 gp41-induced fusion and pathogenesis for anti-viral therapy.
AB  - HIV gp41 is a metastable protein whose native conformation is maintained in the
      form of a heterodimer with gp120. The non-covalently associated gp41/gp120
      complex forms a trimer on the virus surface. As gp120 engages with HIV's
      receptor, CD4, and coreceptor, CXCR4 or CCR5, gp41 undergoes several
      conformational changes resulting in fusion between the viral and cellular
      membranes. Several lipophilic and amphiphilic domains have been shown to be
      critical in that process. While the obvious function of gp41 in viral entry is
      well-established its role in cellular membrane fusion and the link with
      pathogenesis are only now beginning to appear. Recent targeting of gp41 via
      fusion inhibitors has revealed an important role of this protein not only in
      viral entry but also in bystander apoptosis and HIV pathogenesis. Studies by our
      group and others have shown that the phenomenon of gp41-mediated hemifusion
      initiates apoptosis in bystander cells and correlates with virus pathogenesis.
      More interestingly, recent clinical evidence suggests that gp41 mutants arising
      after Enfuvirtide therapy are associated with CD4 cell increase and immunological
      benefits. This has in turn been correlated to a decrease in bystander apoptosis
      in our in vitro as well as in vivo assays. Although a great deal of work has been
      done to unravel HIV-1 gp41-mediated fusion mechanisms, the factors that regulate
      gp41-mediated fusion versus hemifusion and the mechanism by which hemifusion
      initiates bystander apoptosis are not fully understood. Further insight into
      these issues will open new avenues for drug development making gp41 a critical
      anti-HIV target both for neutralization and virus attenuation.

PMID- 22044227
TI  - Membrane-transferring regions of gp41 as targets for HIV-1 fusion inhibition and
      viral neutralization.
AB  - The fusogenic function of HIV-1 gp41 transmembrane Env subunit relies on two
      different kinds of structural elements: i) a collapsible ectodomain structure
      (the hairpin or six-helix bundle) that opens and closes, and ii) two membrane-
      transferring regions (MTRs), the fusion peptide (FP) and the membrane-proximal
      external region (MPER), which ensure coupling of hairpin closure to apposition
      and fusion of cell and viral membranes. The isolation of naturally produced short
      peptides and neutralizing IgG-s, that interact with FP and MPER, respectively,
      and block viral infection, suggests that these conserved regions might represent
      useful targets for clinical intervention. Furthermore, MTR-derived peptides have
      been shown to be membrane-active. Here, it is discussed the potential use of
      these molecules and how the analysis of their membrane activity in vitro could
      contribute to the development of HIV fusion inhibitors and effective immunogens.

PMID- 22044228
TI  - Targeting HIV-1 gp41 in close proximity to the membrane using antibody and other
      molecules.
AB  - HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env) spikes are supported at the viral membrane
      interface by a highly conserved and hydrophobic region of gp41, designated the
      membrane-proximal external region (MPER). The MPER is mandatory for infection of
      host cells by HIV-1, and is the target of some of the most broadly neutralizing
      antibodies described to date. As such, the MPER is also of considerable interest
      for HIV vaccine design. However, structural models indicate that the MPER assumes
      distinct conformations prior to and leading up to Env-mediated fusion. Thus, the
      more of these distinct conformations that antibodies and inhibitors can recognize
      will likely be the better for antiviral potency. In addition to its flexibility,
      the MPER is lipophilic and its accessibility to bulky macromolecules is limited
      by steric and kinetic blocks that present particular challenges for eliciting HIV
      1 neutralizing antibodies. Moreover, the ability of the MPER and viral membrane
      to combine as a complex has critical mechanistic implications for molecules that
      target lipid-bound and/or unbound states. Interestingly, membrane affinity
      frequently appears to enhance the potency of both fusion inhibitors and
      antibodies to different sites on gp41. We therefore highlight mechanisms to be
      harnessed in targeting membraneproximal sites on HIV gp41 for both vaccine and
      fusion inhibitor design. Such design efforts will likely need to draw upon
      knowledge of MPER structure and function, and may in turn inform analogous
      approaches to MPERs of other enveloped viruses and systems.

PMID- 22044230
TI  - Culture and the quest for universal principles in moral reasoning.
AB  - The importance of including cultural perspectives in the study of human cognition
      has become apparent in recent decades, and the domain of moral reasoning is no
      exception. The present review focuses on moral cognition, beginning with
      Kohlberg's model of moral development which relies heavily on people's
      justifications for their judgments and then shifting to more recent theories that
      rely on rapid, intuitive judgments and see justifications as more or less
      irrelevant to moral cognition. Despite this dramatic shift, analyses of culture
      and moral decision-making have largely been framed as a quest for and test of
      universal principles of moral judgment. In this review, we discuss challenges
      that remain in trying to understand crosscultural variability in moral values and
      the processes that underlie moral cognition. We suggest that the universalist
      framework may lead to an underestimation of the role of culture in moral
      reasoning. Although the field has made great strides in incorporating more and
      more cultural perspectives in order to understand moral cognition, theories of
      moral reasoning still do not allow for substantial variation in how people might
      conceptualize the domain of the moral. The processes that underlie moral
      cognition may not be a human universal in any simple sense, because moral systems
      may play different roles in different cultures. We end our review with a
      discussion of work that remains to be done to understand cultural variation in
      the moral domain.

PMID- 22044229
TI  - Biochemistry and biophysics of HIV-1 gp41 - membrane interactions and
      implications for HIV-1 envelope protein mediated viral-cell fusion and fusion
      inhibitor design.
AB  - Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), the pathogen of acquired
      immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), causes ~2 millions death every year and still
      defies an effective vaccine. HIV-1 infects host cells through envelope protein -
      mediated virus-cell fusion. The transmembrane subunit of envelope protein, gp41,
      is the molecular machinery which facilitates fusion. Its ectodomain contains
      several distinguishing functional domains, fusion peptide (FP), Nterminal heptad
      repeat (NHR), C-terminal heptad repeat (CHR) and membrane proximal extracellular
      region (MPER). During the fusion process, FP inserts into the host cell membrane,
      and an extended gp41 prehairpin conformation bridges the viral and cell membranes
      through MPER and FP respectively. Subsequent conformational change of the
      unstable prehairpin results in a coiled-coil 6-helix bundle (6HB) structure
      formed between NHR and CHR. The energetics of 6HB formation drives membrane
      apposition and fusion. Drugs targeting gp41 functional domains to prevent 6HB
      formation inhibit HIV-1 infection. T20 (enfuvirtide, Fuzeon) was approved by the
      US FDA in 2003 as the first fusion inhibitor. It is a 36-residue peptide from the
      gp41 CHR, and it inhibits 6HB formation by targeting NHR and lipids. Development
      of new fusion inhibitors, especially small molecule drugs, is encouraged to
      overcome the shortcomings of T20 as a peptide drug. Hydrophobic characteristics
      and membrane association are critical for gp41 function and mechanism of action.
      Research in gp41-membrane interactions, using peptides corresponding to specific
      functional domains, or constructs including several interactive domains, are
      reviewed here to get a better understanding of gp41 mediated virus-cell fusion
      that can inform or guide the design of new HIV-1 fusion inhibitors.

PMID- 22044231
TI  - Parent-adolescent relationships and social adjustment: the case of a
      collectivistic culture.
AB  - This study examined how parent-adolescent relationships are related to adolescent
      loneliness, interpersonal difficulties and school adjustment among Israeli Arabs.
      Two hundred and thirty-one 11th graders (103 boys and 128 girls) and their
      homeroom teachers participated. Four groups of adolescents were identified
      according to parenting practice profiles: Adolescents in the harsh parenting
      group reported the highest levels of loneliness, those in the distant and mixed
      groups reported midway levels of loneliness, and those in the warm group showed
      the lowest degree of loneliness and the lowest levels of interpersonal problems.
      Overall, boys reported higher levels of peer-related loneliness and lower levels
      of affinity for aloneness than girls. Gender interacted significantly with
      parenting group, with girls in the harsh parenting group exhibiting greater
      parent-related loneliness and affinity for loneliness, while boys exhibited more
      peer-related loneliness. The important role that parents play in their children's
      social adjustment is discussed in relation to gender and culture.

PMID- 22044232
TI  - Collective school-type identity: predicting students' motivation beyond academic
      self-concept.
AB  - In Germany, according to their prior achievement students are tracked into
      different types of secondary school that provide profoundly different options for
      their future educational careers. In this paper we suggest that as a result,
      school tracks clearly differ in their social status or reputation. This should
      translate into different collective school-type identities for their students,
      irrespective of the students' personal academic self-concepts. We examine the
      extent to which collective school-type identity systematically varies as a
      function of the school track students are enrolled in, and the extent to which
      students' collective school-type identity makes a unique contribution beyond
      academic self-concept and school track in predicting scholastic motivation. In
      two cross-sectional studies a measure of collective school-type identity is
      established and applied to explain motivational differences between two school
      tracks in Berlin. In Study 1 (N = 39 students) the content of the collective
      school-type identity is explored by means of an open format questionnaire. Based
      on these findings a structured instrument (semantic differential) to measure
      collective school-type identity is developed. In Study 2 (N = 1278 students) the
      assumed structure with four subscales (Stereotype Achievement, Stereotype
      Motivation, Stereotype Social, and Compensation) is proved with confirmatory
      factor analysis. This measure is used to compare the collective school-type
      identity across school tracks and predict motivational outcomes. Results show
      large differences in collective school-type identity between students of
      different school tracks. Furthermore, these differences can explain motivational
      differences between school tracks. Collective school-type identity has
      incremental predictive power for scholastic motivation, over and above the
      effects of academic self-concept and school track.

PMID- 22044233
TI  - The relationship between the need for closure and deviant bias: an investigation
      of generality and process.
AB  - The need for closure predicts an evaluative bias against people whose opinions or
      behaviors deviate from those of other members of their social groups. In the
      present study, we investigated whether the relationship between the need for
      closure and deviant bias generalized to nonsocial stimuli, and we examined the
      process underlying this relationship. Sixty-one undergraduate students completed
      measures of the need for closure, the need for structure, intolerance for
      ambiguity, and the ability to be decisive and achieve cognitive structure. They
      then rated their liking for letters of the Latin alphabet ("A" & "B") whose
      locations were consistent and inconsistent with relevant categories ("A circle"
      and "B circle"). Participants liked category-inconsistent letters less than
      category-consistent letters. Measures related to the need for structure and
      closed-mindedness correlated positively with this deviant bias, whereas measures
      related to the ability to be decisive and achieve cognitive structure did not.
      These results imply that the relationship between the need for closure and
      deviant bias is a relatively basic and pervasive effect that is not unique to
      social deviance and is driven by the need for structure and closed-mindedness.
      Implications for social and nonsocial stimuli are discussed.

PMID- 22044234
TI  - The effect of music-induced mood on attentional networks.
AB  - Attention network theory suggests that there are three separate neural networks
      that execute the discrete functions of alerting, orienting, and executive
      attention. Previous research on the influence of mood on attention has shown
      subtle and inconsistent results. The attention network theory may aid in
      clarifying the influence of mood on attention. The present study investigated the
      influence of mood on attentional networks in a normal population. Participants
      performed the Attention Network Test (ANT), which provides functional measures of
      alerting, orienting, and executive attention. Positive or negative mood was
      induced by listening to music with a positive or negative valence, respectively;
      neutral mood was induced by reading a collection of basic facts about China. The
      results revealed that negative mood led to a significantly higher alerting
      efficiency relative to other moods, while there were no significant mood effects
      on orienting or executive attention efficiency. According to the algorithm
      underlying the ANT, the higher alerting efficiency in the negative mood condition
      can be attributed to relatively greater benefits of cueing effects. The findings
      are discussed in the context of the noradrenergic system and of evolutionary
      significance. Specifically, the increase in the alerting function during negative
      mood states may be due to the modulation effect of negative mood on the
      noradrenergic system, and/or to the survival benefit resulting from an increase
      in automatic vigilance towards negative information. The current results suggest
      that as the influence of negative mood on attention appears to specifically
      consist in an enhanced alerting function, it may not be found in studies where
      the three attentional networks are not dissociated.

PMID- 22044235
TI  - Exploring the factors contributing to empowerment of Turkish migrant women in the
      UK.
AB  - This study examined the role of demographic factors (length of stay, education
      and language level), perceived discrimination, social support, four acculturation
      attitudes, and psychological distress in predicting empowerment among Turkish
      migrant women in the UK. The study sample comprised 248 Turkish migrant women
      (mean age: 34.38; SD: 7.6) living in London. Self-report questionnaires were used
      to assess empowerment, social support, acculturation attitude and psychological
      distress. The study hypothesized that perceived discrimination; acculturation
      attitudes of separation, assimilation and marginalization; and psychological
      distress would be negative predictors of empowerment and that social support and
      an integration acculturation attitude would be positive predictors of
      empowerment. To some extent, the study findings supported this hypothesis.
      Hierarchical regression analysis indicated psychological distress to be the most
      significant predictor of empowerment, with other significant predictors including
      level of education and social support. More specifically, lower levels of
      psychological distress and higher levels of education and social support appeared
      to predict greater empowerment. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that
      level of education and social support may function as protective factors and that
      psychological distress may function as a risk factor for empowerment in the
      migration context. The paper discusses the findings of this study in relation to
      the previous literature and notes their implications for future research and
      practice.

PMID- 22044236
TI  - The relationship between personality, social functioning, and depression: a
      structural equation modeling analysis.
AB  - The relationship between personality, social functioning, and depression remains
      unclear. The present study employs structural equation modeling to examine the
      mediating role of social functioning between harm avoidance (HA), self
      directedness (SD), and depression. A sample of 902 individuals completed a self
      report questionnaire consisting of the following scales: HA and SD subscales of
      the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI),
      and Social Adaptation Self-Evaluation Scale (SASS). Structural equation modeling
      via analysis of moment structure was used to estimate the fit of nine related
      models. Results indicated that social functioning is a mediator between harm
      avoidance or self-directness and depression. Self-directedness was also shown to
      have direct effects on depression. The results support the social reinforcement
      theory of depression and provide a theoretical account of how the variables are
      related based on correlation methods. Suggestions are offered for future
      experimental and longitudinal research.

PMID- 22044238
TI  - Polycationic chitosan-conjugated photosensitizer for antibacterial photodynamic
      therapy.
AB  - The complex nature of bacterial cell membrane and structure of biofilm has
      challenged the efficacy of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy. This study was
      aimed to synthesize a polycationic chitosan-conjugated rose bengal (CSRB)
      photosensitizer and test its antibiofilm efficacy on Enterococcus faecalis (gram
      positive) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (gram negative) using photodynamic therapy.
      During experiments, CSRB was tested along with an anionic photosensitizer rose
      bengal (RB) and a cationic photosensitizer methylene blue (MB) for uptake and
      killing efficacy on 7-day-old E. faecalis and P. aeruginosa biofilms.
      Microbiological culture based analysis was used to analyze the cell viability,
      while laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) was used to examine the structure
      of biofilm. The synthesized CSRB showed absorbance spectrum similar to the RB.
      The concentration of CSRB uptaken by both the bacterial biofilms was
      significantly higher than that of RB and MB (P < 0.05). Photoactivation resulted
      in significantly higher elimination of both bacterial biofilms sensitized with
      CSRB than RB and MB. The structure of biofilm under LSCM was found to be
      disrupted following CSRB treatment. The present study highlighted the importance
      of inherent cell membrane permeabilizing effect of chitosan and increased
      cell/biofilm uptake of conjugated photosensitizer to produce significant
      antibiofilm efficacy during photodynamic therapy.

PMID- 22044239
TI  - Clarifying the relationship between AS dimensions and PTSD symptom clusters: are
      negative and positive affectivity theoretically relevant constructs?
AB  - The association between anxiety sensitivity (AS) and posttraumatic stress
      disorder (PTSD) has been established in contemporary literature; however,
      research is divided over the nature of specific relationships between AS
      dimensions and PTSD symptoms clusters. Further, a paucity of research has
      examined the AS and PTSD relationship while accounting for theoretically relevant
      variables, such as negative (NA) and positive affect (PA). The purpose of the
      current study was twofold: first, to clarify divergent findings regarding the
      contribution of AS dimensions to PTSD symptom clusters, and, second, to further
      assess the relevance of NA and PA within the AS/PTSD relationship. Hierarchal
      regression analyses showed that, beyond shared variance attributable to NA and
      PA, AS somatic concerns were significantly associated with three of four PTSD
      symptom (i.e., reexperiencing, numbing, hyperarousal), AS cognitive concerns were
      only associated with hyperarousal, and AS socially observable symptoms were not
      significantly associated with any PTSD symptom clusters. These findings suggest
      that AS somatic concerns are the most robust predictor of variance within the
      AS/PTSD relationship and further clarify the theoretical importance of NA and PA
      within this relationship. Comprehensive results, implication, and directions for
      future research are discussed.

PMID- 22044240
TI  - Topical tacrolimus ointment for the treatment of lichen sclerosus, comparing
      genital and extragenital involvement.
AB  - Lichen sclerosus is a chronic inflammatory dermatosis presenting with significant
      sclerosis, atrophy and pruritus. The treatment for this condition remains
      unsatisfactory, with potent corticosteroids being the most effective therapy. In
      this study, we investigated the efficacy and safety of tacrolimus ointment in
      patients with genital and extragenital lichen sclerosus. Sixteen patients with
      active lichen sclerosus (10 with anogenital and six with extragenital
      localization) were treated with topical tacrolimus ointment twice daily. The
      therapeutic effects were evaluated according to 3 grades: complete response (>75%
      improvement), partial response (25-75% improvement), or no response (<25%
      improvement). Applications were continued until complete disappearance or
      stabilization of the cutaneous lesions. In addition, we conducted telephone
      surveys to determine the long-term treatment outcome and relapse rate. Objective
      response to therapy occurred in nine of 10 patients (90%) with anogenital and one
      of six patients (16.7%) with extragenital lesions. Out of 10 patients with
      anogenital lichen sclerosus, five showed more than 75% improvement. Complete,
      partial and no response were achieved in five (50%), four (40%) and one (10%)
      patient, respectively. During the follow-up period of a mean of 29.3 months, six
      of nine patients had a relapse of symptoms. However, most patients with
      extragenital involvement did not respond to tacrolimus, except one patient
      showing partial response. No significant adverse effects were observed. Topical
      tacrolimus ointment was a safe and effective treatment for genital lichen
      sclerosus and should be used for long-term duration to prevent relapse. However,
      it was not useful for patients with extragenital lichen sclerosus.

PMID- 22044242
TI  - Fabrication of biomaterials via controlled protein bubble generation and
      manipulation.
AB  - In this work, we utilize a recently developed microbubbling process to generate
      controlled protein (bovine serum albumin, BSA) coated bubbles and then manipulate
      these to fabricate a variety of structures suitable for several generic
      biomedical applications, tissue engineering, and biosensor coatings. Using BSA
      solutions with varying concentrations (20, 25, and 30 wt %) and cross-linking
      (terephthaloyl chloride) mechanisms, structures were fabricated including porous
      thin films with variable pore sizes and thickness (partially cross-linked coupled
      to bubble breakdown), scaffolds with variable pore morphologies (fully cross
      linked), and coated bubbles (no cross-linking), which can be used as stand-alone
      delivery devices and contrast agents. The movement of typical biosensor chemicals
      (catechol and hydrogen peroxide) across appropriate film structures was studied.
      The potential of formed scaffold structures for tissue engineering applications
      was demonstrated using mouse cell lines (L929). In addition to low cost,
      providing uniform structure generation and high output, the size of the bubbles
      can easily be controlled by adjusting simplistic processing parameters. The
      combination of robust processing and chemical modification to uniform
      macromolecule bubbles can be utilized as a competing, yet novel, tool with
      current technologies and processes in advancing the biomaterials and biomedical
      engineering remits.

PMID- 22044241
TI  - Stressful life events, perceived stress, and 12-month course of geriatric
      depression: direct effects and moderation by the 5-HTTLPR and COMT Val158Met
      polymorphisms.
AB  - Although the relation between stressful life events (SLEs) and risk of major
      depressive disorder is well established, important questions remain about the
      effects of stress on the course of geriatric depression. Our objectives were (1)
      to examine how baseline stress and change in stress is associated with course of
      geriatric depression and (2) to test whether polymorphisms of serotonin
      transporter (5-HTTLPR) and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT Val158Met) genes
      moderate this relation. Two-hundred and sixteen depressed subjects aged 60 years
      or older were categorized by remission status (Montgomery-Asberg depression
      rating scale<=6) at 6 and 12 months. At 6 months, greater baseline numbers of
      self-reported negative and total SLEs and greater baseline perceived stress
      severity were associated with lower odds of remission. At 12 months, only
      baseline perceived stress predicted remission. When we examined change in stress,
      12-month decrease in negative SLEs and level of perceived stress were associated
      with improved odds of 12-month remission. When genotype data were included, COMT
      Val158Met genotype did not influence these relations. However, when compared with
      5-HTTLPR L/L homozygotes, S allele carriers with greater baseline numbers of
      negative SLEs and with greater decrease in negative SLEs were more likely to
      remit at 12 months. This study demonstrates that baseline SLEs and perceived
      stress severity may influence the 12-month course of geriatric depression.
      Moreover, changes in these stress measures over time correlate with depression
      outcomes. 5-HTTLPR S carriers appear to be more susceptible to both the effects
      of enduring stress and the benefit of interval stress reduction.

PMID- 22044243
TI  - CD40 and tumour necrosis factor-alpha co-operate to up-regulate inducuble nitric
      oxide synthase expression in macrophages.
AB  - Regulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS2) expression is important
      given the role of this enzyme in inflammation, control of infections and immune
      regulation. In contrast to tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) alone or CD40
      stimulation alone, simultaneous stimulation of mouse macrophages through CD40
      ligation and TNF-alpha led to up-regulation of NOS2 and nitric oxide production.
      This response was of functional relevance because CD40/TNF-alpha-stimulated
      macrophages acquired nitric oxide-dependent anti-Leishmania major activity. CD40
      plus TNF-alpha up-regulated NOS2 independently of interferon-gamma, interferon
      alpha/beta and interleukin-1. TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6), an
      adapter protein downstream of CD40, appears to be required for NOS2 up-regulation
      because a CD40-TRAF6 blocking peptide inhibited up-regulation of NOS2 in CD40/TNF
      alpha-stimulated macrophages. CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-beta (C/EBPbeta), a
      transcription factor activated by TNF-alpha but not CD40, was required for NOS2
      up-regulation because this enzyme was not up-regulated when C/EBPbeta(-/-) 
      macrophages received CD40 plus TNF-alpha stimulation. These results indicate that
      CD40 and TNF-alpha co-operate to up-regulate NOS2, probably via the effect of
      TRAF6 and C/EBPbeta.

PMID- 22044244
TI  - Quantification of Campylobacter and Salmonella in cattle before, during, and
      after the slaughter process.
AB  - Salmonella and Campylobacter cause a significant number of human illnesses
      globally, most of which are food related. Cattle can be asymptomatic carriers of
      both of these pathogens. The objective of this study was to determine the
      association between the concentration of Salmonella and Campylobacter pre- and
      postharvest in cattle. Samples were collected from each of 98 individually
      identified cattle during the periharvest and postharvest period. For each animal,
      four different phases were sampled: on farm (fecal sample), poststunning and
      exsanguination (hide sponge and rectal content sample [lairage]), prechilling
      (carcass sponge), and final product (ground meat). Salmonella and Campylobacter
      were cultured and quantified at each stage by using the direct dilution and most
      probable number (MPN) method. Salmonella was not isolated from any sample. The
      proportion (%) of samples that were Campylobacter positive was 77, 82, 97, 55,
      and 12 for farm, rectal content, hide, carcass, and meat samples respectively.
      The mean Campylobacter concentration for each sample was as follows: fecal sample
      from farm, 3.7*10(4) cfu/g; rectal content sample from lairage, 1.6*10(5) cfu/g;
      hide sponge, 0.9 cfu/cm(2); carcass sponge, 8.7 cfu/half carcass; and meat, 1.1
      cfu/g. There were no associations between Campylobacter concentrations for any
      two sample types. This lack of association could indicate that there is an
      environmental reservoir that can contaminate the final meat product, or since the
      majority of animals were positive entering the slaughter process, that the
      process itself reduces the load of Campylobacter regardless of the initial
      concentration. In addition, contamination of beef may be more strongly associated
      with periharvest practices than animal carriage rates.

PMID- 22044245
TI  - Cucurbitane glucosides from the root of Machilus yaoshansis.
AB  - Seven new cucurbitane triterpene glucosides (1-5, 8, and 9) and five known
      analogues (6, 7, 10, cucurbitacin I 2-O-beta-d-glucopyranoside, and
      khekadaengoside K) have been isolated from an ethanol extract of roots of
      Machilus yaoshansis. Compounds 1 and 2 have an unusual 16,23:22,25-diepoxy unit,
      4 is an uncommon cucurbitane 25-carbamate with the carbamoyl amino group attached
      at C-24 to form an oxazolidinone ring in the side chain, and 8 is the first
      example of a trinorcucurbitane derivative. The configurations in several pairs of
      C-24 epimeric cucurbitacins with 24,25-dihydroxy-22-one side chains were
      assigned, and the validity of J(23a,24) and J(23b,24) values to differentiate the
      configuration at C-24 in these cucurbitane derivatives is discussed. Compounds 2
      4 showed in vitro activity against protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B with IC50
      values of 8.63, 2.81, and 4.26 MUM, respectively. Cucurbitacin E 2-O-beta-d
      glucopyranoside (10) showed selective cytotoxicity against BGC-823 and A549
      cancer cells with IC50 values of 4.98 and 3.20 MUM, respectively.

PMID- 22044246
TI  - Nonlinear deformation of a ferrofluid droplet in a uniform magnetic field.
AB  - This paper reports experimental and numerical results of the deformation of a
      ferrofluid droplet on a superhydrophobic surface under the effect of a uniform
      magnetic field. A water-based ferrofluid droplet surrounded by immiscible mineral
      oil was stretched by a magnetic field parallel to the substrate surface. The
      results show that an increasing flux density increases the droplet width and
      decreases the droplet height. A numerical model was established to study the
      equilibrium shape of the ferrofluid droplet. The governing equations for physical
      fields, including the magnetic field, are solved by the finite volume method. The
      interface between the two immiscible liquids was tracked by the level-set method.
      Nonlinear magnetization was implemented in the model. Comparison between
      experimental and numerical results shows that the numerical model can predict
      well the nonlinear deformation of a ferrofluid droplet in a uniform magnetic
      field.

PMID- 22044250
TI  - Physicochemical characterization of solute retention in solvent resistant
      nanofiltration: the effect of solute size, polarity, dipole moment, and
      solubility parameter.
AB  - Growing interest in nanofiltration for solvent purification requires a
      fundamental understanding of the physicochemical mechanisms of solute retention
      in organic solvent nanofiltration. In this study, the retention of a similar
      series of azo dyes with approximately similar molar mass (around 350 Da) by four
      nanofiltration membranes was studied. The membranes used are commercially
      available polymeric nanofiltration membranes with molecular weight cutoff between
      150 and 300 Da (DuraMem150, StarMem122, NF270 and Desal-Dk). In order to
      correlate the retention with the size of the molecules, which is assumed to be
      one of the main factors that determines the retention, use was made of different
      parameters for the molecular size: molar mass, the Stokes diameter, the
      equivalent molar diameter, and the cavity surface in methanol and ethanol. All
      parameters were calculated by using molecular dynamics simulations. For each size
      parameter, the correlation with retention in nanofiltration experiments was
      calculated. For the StarMem122 membrane, zero retentions were observed due to the
      swelling of the membrane and pore size enlargement in methanol and ethanol. For
      the three other membranes, a fairly good correlation of the retention with the
      size could only be observed if the size difference between compounds is
      sufficiently large. Two other factors were studied by using molecular dynamics,
      i.e., the polarity of the molecule and the electron density of the molecule. The
      importance of these factors depends on the structure of the molecule as well as
      the functional groups of the polymer. A very good correlation has been observed
      for retention of dyes versus their dipole moment. Finally, the effect of
      solubility parameters of dyes on their retention did not show any significant
      effect.

PMID- 22044248
TI  - Tau-targeted treatment strategies in Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - With populations ageing worldwide, the need for treating and preventing diseases
      associated with high age is pertinent. Alzheimer's disease (AD) is reaching
      epidemic proportions, yet the currently available therapies are limited to a
      symptomatic relief, without halting the degenerative process that characterizes
      the AD brain. As in AD cholinergic neurons are lost at high numbers, the initial
      strategies were limited to the development of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors,
      and more recently the NMDA receptor antagonist memantine, in counteracting
      excitotoxicity. With the identification of the protein tau in intracellular
      neurofibrillary tangles and of the peptide amyloid-beta (Abeta) in extracellular
      amyloid plaques in the AD brain, and a better understanding of their role in
      disease, newer strategies are emerging, which aim at either preventing their
      formation and deposition or at accelerating their clearance. Interestingly, what
      is well established to combat viral diseases in peripheral organs - vaccination -
      seems to work for the brain as well. Accordingly, immunization strategies
      targeting Abeta show efficacy in mice and to some degree also in humans. Even
      more surprising is the finding in mice that immunization strategies targeting
      tau, a protein that forms aggregates in nerve cells, ameliorates the tau
      associated pathology. We are reviewing the literature and discuss what can be
      expected regarding the translation into clinical practice and how the findings
      can be extended to other neurodegenerative diseases with protein aggregation in
      brain.

PMID- 22044251
TI  - Surfactant and perfluorocarbon aerosolization during different mechanical
      ventilation strategies by means of inhalation catheters: an in vitro study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Aerosol delivery of surfactant and perfluorocarbon (PFC) is a
      desirable therapeutic approach for the treatment of various lung diseases in
      patients undergoing mechanical ventilation. However, the behavior of these
      substances during aerosolization differs significantly from that of aqueous
      solutions. In particular, the high vapor pressure of many PFCs tends to result in
      greater evaporation during mechanical ventilation. METHODS: Three PFCs and
      surfactant were aerosolized during mechanical ventilation by means of three
      intratracheal inhalation catheters (IC) with different air flow rates (IC-1.23,
      IC-1.1, and IC-1.4), with their aerosol generating tip placed at the distal end
      of the endotracheal tube (i.d. 4 mm). The influence of four different ventilation
      strategies on aerosol production rate and PFC and surfactant recovery was
      studied. The changes in intrapulmonary pressure produced by the air jets of each
      IC were measured. RESULTS: With IC-1.23 and IC-1.1, the highest rates of aerosol
      production were achieved using FC75 (2.27+/-0.18 and 0.76+/-0.01, respectively)
      followed by PFOB (1.74+/-0.06 and 0.56+/-0.04), PFD (0.82+/-0.01 and 0.21+/
      0.01), and surfactant (0.42+/-0.05 and 0.092+/-0.01). With IC-1.4 modest aerosol
      production was obtained irrespective of the aerosolized compound. Mechanical
      ventilation influenced aerosol recovery, with the trend being toward recovering
      higher percentages of the compounds with lower peak inspiratory pressure (PIP)
      and lower respiratory rate (RR) settings. The highest percentages of the initial
      volume were recovered with IC-1.23 (between 65.43%+/-4.2 FC75 and 90.21%+/-4.71
      surfactant) followed by IC-1.1 (between 46.48%+/-4.46 FC75 and 73.19%+/-2.82
      PFOB) and IC-1.4 (between 4.65%+/-4.36 FC75 and 63.24%+/-9.71 surfactant). Each
      of three of the ICs were found to increase the intrapulmonary pressure by about 2
      3 cmH2O during mechanical ventilation. CONCLUSIONS: Despite of mechanical
      ventilation, IC-1.23 and IC-1.1 were able to deliver significant amounts of
      surfactant and perfluorocarbon to the lung model. Changes in PIP and RR directly
      influence the percentage of surfactant and perfluorocarbon recovered.

PMID- 22044252
TI  - Comparison of single-incision laparoscopic distal gastrectomy and laparoscopic
      distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer in a porcine model.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The single-incision laparoscopic approach may be suitable for
      several intra-abdominal surgical interventions, but its usefulness for treating
      gastric cancer has not been established. The aim of this study is to compare the
      perioperative outcomes of single-incision laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (SIDG)
      and conventional laparoscopic distal gastrectomy (LDG) by using a porcine model.
      METHODS: Ten pigs were used to compare the perioperative outcomes of SIDG and
      LDG. All were subjected to the same distal gastrectomy with D1+beta lymph node
      dissection method. Specimens retrieved during the operation were subjected to
      manual lymph node picking and counting. To evaluate the inflammatory reactions,
      white blood cell (WBC) counts and C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6),
      and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha levels were measured before and 1 hour, 1
      day, and 5 days after surgery. The pigs were sacrificed 1 week after surgery.
      RESULTS: The procedures were successfully performed in all pigs. The SIDG group
      lost more weight than the LDG group, but this was not statistically significant
      (3.34+/-2.36 kg versus 1.94+/-1.61 kg, P=.305). The SIDG group was associated
      with a significantly longer operation time (140+/-14.14 minutes versus 93+/-4.47
      minutes, P<.001), but it had a similar mean number of resected lymph nodes (25+/
      2.45 versus 22+/-4.87, P=.393). Variance analysis failed to detect significant
      WBC, CRP, IL-6, or TNF-alpha differences. At sacrifice, one pig from each group
      exhibited anastomosis narrowing. CONCLUSIONS: This animal study shows that SIDG
      can be applicable for treating gastric cancer with similar inflammatory reaction
      and complication rates when compared with LDG. Comparative human study is
      necessary to demonstrate the benefits of SIDG compared with standard laparoscopic
      surgery.

PMID- 22044253
TI  - Emissions impacts of wind and energy storage in a market environment.
AB  - This study examines the emissions impacts of adding wind and energy storage to a
      market-based electric power system. Using Texas as a case study, we demonstrate
      that market power can greatly effect the emissions benefits of wind, due to most
      of the coal-fired generation being owned by the two dominant firms. Wind tends to
      have less emissions benefits when generators exercise market power, since coal
      fired generation is withheld from the market and wind displaces natural gas-fired
      generators. We also show that storage can have greater negative emissions impacts
      in the presence of wind than if only storage is added to the system. This is due
      to wind increasing on- and off-peak electricity price differences, which
      increases the amount that storage and coal-fired generation are used. We
      demonstrate that this effect is exacerbated by market power.

PMID- 22044256
TI  - Structural, elastic constant, and vibrational properties of wurtzite gallium
      nitride: a first-principles approach.
AB  - Perdew-Wang proposed generalized gradient approximation (GGA) is used in
      conjunction with ultrasoft pseudopotential to investigate the structural, elastic
      constant, and vibrational properties of wurtzite GaN. The equilibrium lattice
      parameters, axial ratio, internal parameter, bulk modulus, and its pressure
      derivative are calculated. The effect of pressure on equilibrium lattice
      parameters, axial ratio, internal parameter (u), relative volume, and bond
      lengths parallel and perpendicular to the c-axis are discussed. At 52 GPa, the
      relative volume change is observed to be 17.8%, with an abrupt change in bond
      length. The calculated elastic constants are used to calculate the shear wave
      speeds in the [100] and [001] planes. The finite displacement method is employed
      to calculate phonon frequencies and the phonon density of states. The first- and
      second-order pressure derivative and volume dependent Gruneisen parameter
      (gamma(j)) of zone-center phonon frequencies are discussed. These phonon
      calculations calculated at theoretical lattice constants agree well with existing
      literature.

PMID- 22044255
TI  - Antitumor activity of peptide amphiphile nanofiber-encapsulated camptothecin.
AB  - Self-assembling peptide amphiphile (PA) nanofibers were used to encapsulate
      camptothecin (CPT), a naturally occurring hydrophobic chemotherapy agent, using a
      solvent evaporation technique. Encapsulation by PA nanofibers was found to
      improve the aqueous solubility of the CPT molecule by more than 50-fold. PAs self
      assembled into nanofibers in the presence of CPT as demonstrated by transmission
      electron microscopy. Small-angle X-ray scattering results suggest a slight
      increase in diameter of the nanofiber to accommodate the hydrophobic cargo. In
      vitro studies using human breast cancer cells show an enhancement in antitumor
      activity of the CPT when encapsulated by the PA nanofibers. In addition, using a
      mouse orthotopic model of human breast cancer, treatment with PA nanofiber
      encapsulated CPT inhibited tumor growth. These results highlight the potential of
      this model PA system to be adapted for delivery of hydrophobic therapies to treat
      a variety of diseases including cancer.

PMID- 22044254
TI  - Epithelial barrier biology: good fences make good neighbours.
AB  - The external surfaces of the body, such as the skin and the gastrointestinal
      mucosal membrane, are an important line of defence preventing the invasion of
      microorganisms and their products. Mucosal immune cells, especially
      intraepithelial lymphocytes, are involved in maintaining the integrity of these
      epithelial barriers. They contribute towards the tolerance to commensal
      organisms, which occupy these same sites, and to the immune responses against
      harmful organisms and their products. The composition of the microbiota is
      influenced by immune cells as well as external environmental factors, especially
      the use of antibiotics and diet. There is an increasing appreciation that the
      microbiota affects systemic immune responses in addition to local immunity.
      Failure to control the occupancy by microorganisms may result in the disruption
      of the delicate homeostasis between beneficial and harmful microorganisms and
      contribute to inflammatory pathologies. This review will discuss some of our
      current understanding of the impact of immune cells and diet on the microbiota.

PMID- 22044257
TI  - Circadian cycle and chronotherapeutics: recent trend for the treatment of various
      biological disorders.
AB  - Chronotherapeutics is a novel approach in the treatment of various biological
      disorders. Circadian rhythms are the important factor in the biological cycle
      through which the drug dosing should be matched with the rhythms of the diseases
      for the successful treatment of the illness or the disorder. Through this review
      it shows that different chronotherapeutic approaches have been successfully
      employed for treating different biological disorders through different
      formulation methods, and discussion of recent patents.

PMID- 22044258
TI  - The impact of choice on retributive reactions: how observers' autonomy concerns
      shape responses to criminal offenders.
AB  - The present research examined the psychological origins of retributive reactions,
      which are defined as independent observers' anger-based emotions, demonized
      perceptions, and punishment intentions in response to criminal offenders. Based
      on the idea that society's justice system has an autonomy-protective function, we
      reason that chronic autonomy interacts with situational autonomy cues (i.e.,
      opportunities to make choices) to predict retributive reactions to criminal
      offenders. More specifically, we hypothesized that choice opportunities in an
      unrelated decision-making context would prompt people to display stronger
      retributive reactions to offenders than no-choice opportunities, and that these
      effects of choice would be particularly pronounced among people who chronically
      experience deprivation of autonomy needs. Results from two experiments supported
      this hypothesis. It is concluded that retributive reactions to criminal offenders
      originate from a desire to regulate basic autonomy needs.

PMID- 22044259
TI  - Modification of an acetone-sodium dodecyl sulfate disruption method for cellular
      protein extraction from neurotoxigenic Clostridium botulinum.
AB  - An acetone-sodium dodecyl sulfate disruption method was used for the extraction
      of cellular proteins from neurotoxigenic Clostridium botulinum. The amount of
      protein extracted per gram of dry weight and the protein profile as revealed by
      polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis was comparable to the extracts prepared by
      established methods, namely, sonication or agitation with beads. This method
      allows safer handling of C. botulinum by avoiding mechanical disruption, the
      generation of aerosols, and contamination of the apparatus.

PMID- 22044263
TI  - Congenital hair loss disorders: rare, but not too rare.
AB  - The mammalian hair follicle (HF) is an active skin appendage which operates hair
      cycles throughout life. Recent advances in molecular genetics have led to the
      identification of many genes expressed in the HF. Furthermore, mutations in some
      of these genes have been shown to underlie congenital hair loss disorders in
      humans. Patients with congenital hair loss disorders can show various hair shaft
      anomalies, such as woolly hair and monilethrix. In the Japanese populations, most
      patients with congenital woolly hair/hypotrichosis possess common founder
      mutations in the lipase H (LIPH) gene. Identification of the causative genes for
      hair loss disorders directly demonstrates crucial roles of these genes in HF
      morphogenesis, development and/or hair growth in humans.

PMID- 22044264
TI  - Improving proteomics mass accuracy by dynamic offline lock mass.
AB  - Several methods to obtain low-ppm mass accuracy have been described. In
      particular, online or offline lock mass approaches can use background ions,
      produced by electrospray under ambient conditions, as calibrants. However,
      background ions such as protonated and ammoniated polydimethylcyclosiloxane ions
      have relatively weak and fluctuating intensity. To address this issue, we
      implemented dynamic offline lock mass (DOLM). Within every MS1 survey spectrum,
      DOLM dynamically selected the strongest n background ions for statistical
      treatments and m/z recalibration. We systematically optimized the mass profile
      abstraction method to find one single m/z value to represent an ion and the
      number of calibrants. To assess the influence of the intensity of the analyte
      ions, we used tandem mass spectroscopy (MS/MS) datasets obtained from MudPIT
      analyses of two protein samples with different dynamic ranges. DOLM outperformed
      both external mass calibration and offline lock mass that used predetermined
      calibrant ions, especially in the low-ppm range. The unique dynamic feature of
      DOLM was able to adapt to wide variations in calibrant intensities, leading to
      averaged mass error center at 0.03 +/- 0.50 ppm for precursor ions. Such
      consistently tight mass accuracies meant that a precursor mass tolerance as low
      as 1.5 ppm could be used to search or filter post-search DOLM-recalibrated MS/MS
      datasets.

PMID- 22044265
TI  - Tooth-related risk factors for tooth loss in community-dwelling elderly people.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To appropriately explore risk factors for tooth loss operating at the
      tooth-level, subject-related factors and a hierarchical data structure have to be
      considered. The purpose of this study was to evaluate tooth-related and subject
      related risk factors affecting tooth loss. METHODS: A 10-year longitudinal survey
      was carried out on 286 elderly subjects. At baseline, the prosthodontic status
      and abutment function of the 5574 teeth were recorded. Tooth loss was defined as
      the main outcome variable, and a multilevel logistic regression model considering
      subject and tooth levels was applied. RESULTS: Tooth loss was found in 75% of
      subjects and most frequently in molars. A multivariable, multilevel logistic
      regression revealed that the following tooth-related variables were significantly
      related to tooth loss over 10 years: maxillary teeth, multirooted teeth, single
      crowns, abutment teeth for a fixed/removable partial denture (FPD/RPD), and
      periodontally involved teeth. Among them, single crowns, abutment teeth for an
      FPD, and teeth with severe periodontal disease at baseline had the highest odds
      of 5.1, 6.0, and 7.1, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of this study
      suggest that tooth loss is the result of complex interactions of tooth-related
      factors. Several tooth-related variables including multirooted teeth, abutments,
      and single crowns were found to be possible risk factors for tooth loss. Thus,
      these findings confirm and underline the potential benefit of minimizing
      prosthetic treatment of molars.

PMID- 22044267
TI  - A pattern recognition method for lattice distortion measurement from HRTEM
      images.
AB  - The idea of the method is to analyse a crystal lattice by creating a grid of
      quadrilaterals corresponding to repeated cells that are visible in the image.
      This approach combines image processing elements with a continuum field theory,
      to create a distortion-independent similarity measure that is used to select the
      most appropriate among possible lattice configurations. Subsequently,
      displacement and distortion fields are computed from individual cell positions.
      The method allows one to obtain these fields even for images where a periodic
      cell does not necessarily appear as a single dot of intensity in a high
      resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) image, which results in a
      lower accuracy of commonly used approaches, namely geometric phase and peak
      finding. The results obtained from this method are verified quantitatively by
      comparison with known distortion tensor distributions and Burgers vector values
      on both simulated and real images.

PMID- 22044266
TI  - Targeting cell surface alpha(v)beta(3) integrin increases therapeutic efficacies
      of a legumain protease-activated auristatin prodrug.
AB  - Novel monomethylauristatin E (MMAE) prodrug 8 was designed and prepared that
      bound cell surface glycoprotein integrin alphavbeta3, and was activated using
      legumain protease as a catalyst. Upon activation, prodrug 8 strongly induced the
      death of MDA-MB-435 cells that express integrin alphavbeta3 on cell surface.
      Efficacies of prodrug 8 were also determined in vivo using animal models of 4T1
      murine breast cancer, D121 Lewis lung carcinoma, and MDA-MB-435 human breast
      cancer. The results demonstrated that prodrug 8 decreased tumor growth and
      metastasis effectively. In comparison to the parent cytotoxin, MMAE, and prodrug
      3, prodrug 8 was less toxic to mouse white blood cells. The latter caused no loss
      in weight gain of mice at a dose 3 mg/kg, which is over 30 times in excess to
      MMAE (0.1 mg/kg). We hypothesize that overexpression and colocalization of
      integrin alphavbeta3 and legumain protease on tumor cells, tumor vasculature,
      and/or tumor microenvironments can be exploited to enhance the efficacy and
      selectivity of potent cytotoxins, such as MMAE, which is otherwise too toxic to
      use for therapy.

PMID- 22044268
TI  - Thermodynamic analysis of protegrin-1 insertion and permeation through a lipid
      bilayer.
AB  - Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are used to study the pathway for the
      insertion of the cationic antimicrobial peptide protegrin-1 (PG1) into mixed
      anionic lipid bilayers composed of palmitoyl-oleoyl-phosphatidylglycerol (POPG)
      and palmitoyl-oleoyl-phosphatidylethanolamine (POPE) in a 1:3 ratio (POPG/POPE).
      We calculate the potential of mean force (PMF) during the transfer of the peptide
      from the bulk aqueous phase to the transmembrane (TM) configuration using the
      adaptive biasing force (ABF) method. We find that the PMF has two energy minima
      separated by an energy barrier. One minimum corresponds to the fully
      transmembrane inserted state, with a free energy of -20.1 kcal/mol. The second
      PMF minimum, which corresponds to adsorption to the membrane surface, has a value
      of -2.5 kcal/mol. The PMF also shows the existence of a free energy barrier of
      +6.3 kcal/mol for the insertion process. Using the Kramers theory Langevin
      equation and the Grote-Hynes theory generalized Langevin equation, we calculated
      the transmission coefficient for PG1 diffusion through the potential barrier. We
      focus on the use of the PMF and the time correlation function of the fluctuation
      of the instantaneous force to calculate the rate constants for
      insertion/deinsertion of PG1 from the mixed POPG/POPE membrane. The influence of
      the activation free energy barrier on the dynamics of the insertion and
      permeation of peptides through the membrane are discussed.

PMID- 22044269
TI  - The impact of nontraditionalism on the malleability of gender stereotypes in
      Spain and Germany.
AB  - Gender stereotypes and inequalities are based on and sustained by people's
      perception of gender roles. The evolution of these gender roles, however, might
      be substantially different depending on cultural and social evolution in
      different countries. In a study, we investigated stereotypes in Germany and
      Spain, where residents might have different beliefs about gender roles due to
      their different social evolution after the Second World War and their economic
      and social advances. Results showed that in both countries people's expectations
      of differences in masculine characteristics between men and women were less
      noticeable than perceptions in the past or present. We also demonstrated that
      people perceive an increase in masculinity in women. This increase is more
      evident in Spaniards than in Germans. In estimations about the past, present, and
      future, Spaniards also perceived an increase of gender-stereotypic feminine
      characteristics more in men than in women. Our results are consistent with the
      predictions of social role theory, as gender stereotypes can include dynamic
      aspects and the content of these stereotypes is rooted in social roles.

PMID- 22044270
TI  - Voters and leaders in the mirror of politics: similarity in personality and
      voting choice in Italy and Spain.
AB  - Relations between voting choice and similarity in traits between voters and
      political candidates are examined in two studies. The first study was conducted
      in Spain, where the personalities of Mariano Rajoy and Jose Luis Rodriguez
      Zapatero were assessed. The second study was conducted in Italy, where the
      politicians assessed were Walter Veltroni and Silvio Berlusconi. Results show in
      both cases a similarity between voters' self-reported personality and their
      appraisals of the leaders of the party for which they voted. Similarity is
      generally higher with respect to traits that are the most distinctive for each
      platform and its leader. The findings show a higher similarity between voters and
      their leaders on the markers of agreeableness, such as "loyal" and "sincere."
      Findings hold across countries and political figures, demonstrating the role that
      personal characteristics of both voters and candidates play in orienting
      political preference.

PMID- 22044271
TI  - Relationships between in-role performance and individual values, commitment, and
      organizational citizenship behavior among Israeli teachers.
AB  - This study examines the relationship between (1) individual values, (2)
      organizational and occupational commitment, and (3) organizational citizenship
      behavior (OCB) and in-role performance in a sample of 192 teachers employed in 10
      secular Jewish schools (response rate of 64%). The results showed that individual
      values were related to all commitment forms examined here, but contrary to
      expectations, there was no clear distinction between values that represent
      conservation and self-transcendence and values that represent openness to change
      and self-enhancement in terms of their relationship either to commitment or to
      behavioral outcomes. Likewise, there was no clear distinction between the three
      dimensions of commitment (affective, continuance, and normative) or two
      commitment foci (organizational and occupational) in terms of their relationships
      to different values. Unsurprisingly, the findings showed a strong effect of
      commitment on OCB and in-role performance. The findings show that both individual
      values and commitment are concepts that can increase our understanding of
      employees' behavior in the workplace. We conclude by emphasizing the need for
      further research on the relationship between values, commitment, and performance
      and by suggesting some directions for such research.

PMID- 22044272
TI  - Psychosocial correlates of internet use among Italian students.
AB  - Davis (2001) introduced a cognitive-behavioral theory of generalized pathological
      internet use (GPIU) that attempts to model the etiology, development, and
      outcomes associated with PIU. According to this model, pre-existing psychosocial
      problems (depression, loneliness, or low levels of social support) predispose an
      individual to GPIU cognitions, behaviors, and negative outcomes. An exploratory
      study intended to investigate whether GPIU is associated with psychosocial health
      (loneliness, depression, self-esteem, and shyness), also taking account of types
      of internet services used, was conducted in a sample of Italian undergraduate
      students. A cross-sectional and descriptive correlational design was used. The
      participants were 157 undergraduate students (34 male and 123 female) enrolled at
      The University of Florence. The results revealed a stronger correlation between
      the frequency of use of communicative services (as opposed to leisure or
      informational services) and GPIU levels. Among services, the most significant
      predictor of GPIU was the frequency of use of chat rooms and "adult" websites.
      All psychosocial health variables were correlated with GPIU, with the exception
      of shyness; however, general loneliness was the only significant predictor of
      GPIU. Depression and self-esteem were not significant predictors of GPIU. These
      results are consistent with the assumption that GPIU is related to the social
      aspect of the internet (e.g., online chatting) and arises from the unique
      communicative environment found online. In accordance with recent studies, social
      wellbeing (i.e. loneliness) seems to play a greater role than psychological
      health in deriving negative effects from internet use.

PMID- 22044273
TI  - Gender stereotypes in management: a comparative study of communist and
      postcommunist Romania.
AB  - This study sets out to investigate the changes in the perception of women in
      leading positions in communist and postcommunist Romania. The study uses a
      noninvasive paradigm of analyzing the content of obituaries for women and men in
      leading positions published in a national journal, and shows that the gender gap
      in management widened during the postcommunist period. In postcommunist Romania,
      women are perceived as being less able to lead/manage and more relational in
      their leadership style as compared to men, while in the communist period the
      gender differences were not significant.

PMID- 22044274
TI  - Tell me who you are and I tell you how you feel: expected emotional reactions to
      success and failure are influenced by knowledge about a person's personality.
AB  - The present research investigated the influence of knowledge about a person's
      modesty or arrogance on people's expectations regarding that person's emotional
      reactions to success and failure. Arrogance and modesty reflect the extent to
      which someone is likely to publicize their ability. Accordingly, we predicted
      that observers' expectations regarding a person's tendency to publicize their
      ability should inform expectations about the person's emotional reactions to
      success and failure. In two vignette studies, observers predicted the emotional
      state of a protagonist, as well as the probability that s/he will actually
      express that emotion and share the experience with others. For success,
      participants predicted a protagonist's pride, happiness, schadenfreude, and
      embarrassment if praised for a positive outcome. For failure, participants
      predicted anger, shame, guilt, sadness, and fear reactions. Across studies,
      personality information explained more variance than did gender or status.
      Results showed that the expectations for an arrogant person matched modal
      expectations for success, whereas for failure the expectations for the modest
      individual were closest to the modal expectations. Specifically, both modest and
      arrogant individuals were expected to suppress emotions that do not fit their
      self-presentational styles rather than to exaggerate expressions that do. This
      paper adds to our understanding of the information that people use to predict
      others' emotional reactions.

PMID- 22044275
TI  - Antibonding plasmon modes in colloidal gold nanorod clusters.
AB  - The optical response of nanoplasmonic colloids in disperse phase is strictly
      related to their shape. However, upon self-assembly, new optical features, for
      example, bonding or antibonding modes, emerge as a result of the mutual
      orientations of nanoparticles. The geometry of the final assemblies often
      determines which mode is dominating in the overall optical response. These new
      plasmon modes, however, are mostly observed in silico, as self-assembly in the
      liquid phase leads to cluster formation with a broad range of particle units.
      Here we show that low-symmetry clustering of gold nanorods (AuNRs) in solution
      can also reveal antibonding modes. We found that UV-light irradiation of
      colloidal dispersions of AuNRs in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone (NMP), stabilized by
      poly(vinylpyrrolidone) (PVP) results in the creation of AuNRs clusters with
      ladderlike morphology, where antibonding modes can be identified. We propose that
      UV irradiation induces formation of radicals in solvent molecules, which then
      promote cross-linking of PVP chains on the surface of adjacent particles. This
      picture opens up a number of relevant questions in nanoscience and is expected to
      find application in light induced self-assembly of particles with various
      compositions and morphologies.

PMID- 22044278
TI  - Semisynthesis and biological evaluation of ganodermanontriol and its
      stereoisomeric triols.
AB  - The first synthesis of ganodermanontriol, a bioactive lanostane triterpene from
      the medicinal mushroom Ganoderma lucidum, has been achieved in 15.3% yield over
      nine steps, along with its three stereoisomeric triols and ganoderol A. The key
      steps leading to this family of isomers involve the reconstruction of the
      trisubstituted alkene by stereoselective and chemoselective phosphonate reactions
      and the formation of the unusual Delta7,9(11)-diene core by the mild acidic
      opening of a lanosterone-derived epoxide. Ganodermanontriol showed promising
      activity on the inhibition and proliferation of breast cancer cells. The effect
      of ganodermanontriol and its isomers on cell proliferation was assayed; IC50
      values of 5.8 and 9.7 MUM on breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231,
      respectively, were found for ganodermanontriol.

PMID- 22044279
TI  - Exergy efficiency in industry: where do we stand?
AB  - Efficiency is a term generally used to determine how well a system performs.
      However, efficiency can have different meanings and, unaccompanied by a formal
      definition or taken out of context, can lead to serious misconceptions. In many
      official publications, efficiency is calculated as the ratio of useful output to
      energy input. This measure reflects the first law of thermodynamics (conservation
      of energy) but does not reflect the potential for improvement. A better measure,
      that also reflects the second law of thermodynamics, is the ratio of the
      potential useful (exergy) output to the potential useful (exergy) input. We
      estimate second law efficiencies for the inorganic and organic chemical
      industries to be 29% and 35% respectively. We also estimate the efficiency of the
      U.S. industry sector as a whole to be 37.6%, as compared to only 7.7% for the
      overall U.S. economy. These figures are far lower than the "first law" figures
      published by the U.S. Department of Energy (80% for industry and 42.5% overall)
      and they imply a significant potential for improvement.

PMID- 22044277
TI  - Regulation of CD4+ T-cell polarization by suppressor of cytokine signalling
      proteins.
AB  - Suppressors of cytokine signalling (SOCS) proteins are induced in responses to
      many stimuli and by binding to cytokine receptors and associated janus kinase
      (JAK) proteins, directly regulate the activation of the signal transducers and
      activators of transcription (STATs). STAT proteins regulate the expression of
      many genes required for the differentiation of various CD4(+)  T helper cell
      lineages, and there is now accumulating evidence that SOCS also play essential
      roles in the regulation and maintenance of CD4(+)  T-cell polarization. As it is
      now clear that CD4(+)  T cells are more plastic than initially thought, it is of
      particular importance to understand the molecular mechanisms regulating CD4(+)  T
      cell differentiation. Here we review the current understanding of how STATs and
      SOCS act in concert to influence the polarization of CD4(+)  T cells and
      highlight the relevance of this in disease.

PMID- 22044276
TI  - Nutrition, epigenetics, and metabolic syndrome.
AB  - SIGNIFICANCE: Epidemiological and animal studies have demonstrated a close link
      between maternal nutrition and chronic metabolic disease in children and adults.
      Compelling experimental results also indicate that adverse effects of
      intrauterine growth restriction on offspring can be carried forward to subsequent
      generations through covalent modifications of DNA and core histones. RECENT
      ADVANCES: DNA methylation is catalyzed by S-adenosylmethionine-dependent DNA
      methyltransferases. Methylation, demethylation, acetylation, and deacetylation of
      histone proteins are performed by histone methyltransferase, histone demethylase,
      histone acetyltransferase, and histone deacetyltransferase, respectively. Histone
      activities are also influenced by phosphorylation, ubiquitination, ADP
      ribosylation, sumoylation, and glycosylation. Metabolism of amino acids (glycine,
      histidine, methionine, and serine) and vitamins (B6, B12, and folate) plays a key
      role in provision of methyl donors for DNA and protein methylation. CRITICAL
      ISSUES: Disruption of epigenetic mechanisms can result in oxidative stress,
      obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes, and vascular dysfunction in animals and
      humans. Despite a recognized role for epigenetics in fetal programming of
      metabolic syndrome, research on therapies is still in its infancy. Possible
      interventions include: 1) inhibition of DNA methylation, histone deacetylation,
      and microRNA expression; 2) targeting epigenetically disturbed metabolic
      pathways; and 3) dietary supplementation with functional amino acids, vitamins,
      and phytochemicals. FUTURE DIRECTIONS: Much work is needed with animal models to
      understand the basic mechanisms responsible for the roles of specific nutrients
      in fetal and neonatal programming. Such new knowledge is crucial to design
      effective therapeutic strategies for preventing and treating metabolic
      abnormalities in offspring born to mothers with a previous experience of
      malnutrition.

PMID- 22044281
TI  - Low-cost aerosol exposure system for Guinea pigs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This project designed and tested an economical apparatus to safely
      expose guinea pigs to biohazardous aerosol. The goals were to design a system
      that can be easily decontaminated, fits in a biosafety cabinet, and affordable.
      METHODS: It is composed of three main chambers housed in an outer box that fits
      within a conventionally sized biosafety cabinet. The animal chamber contains a
      removable housing unit for either four or eight guinea pigs. The aerosol chamber
      is separate to minimize contamination. The nebulizer chamber is also sealed to
      reduce risks from leakages. This apparatus is easily decontaminated by immersion
      in disinfectant. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: This system has been tested for safety,
      ergonomics, efficiency of rodent exposure to bacteria, airflow, access points,
      seal mechanisms, and size. This system is effective, consistent, safe and cost
      efficient.

PMID- 22044280
TI  - Diversity of Chlamydomonas channelrhodopsins.
AB  - Channelrhodopsins act as photoreceptors for control of motility behavior in
      flagellates and are widely used as genetically targeted tools to optically
      manipulate the membrane potential of specific cell populations ("optogenetics").
      The first two channelrhodopsins were obtained from the model organism
      Chlamydomonas reinhardtii (CrChR1 and CrChR2). By homology cloning we identified
      three new channelrhodopsin sequences from the same genus, CaChR1, CyChR1 and
      CraChR2, from C. augustae, C. yellowstonensis and C. raudensis, respectively.
      CaChR1 and CyChR1 were functionally expressed in HEK293 cells, where they acted
      as light-gated ion channels similar to CrChR1. However, both, which are similar
      to each other, differed from CrChR1 in current kinetics, inactivation, light
      intensity dependence, spectral sensitivity and dependence on the external pH.
      These results show that extensive channelrhodopsin diversity exists even within
      the same genus, Chlamydomonas. The maximal spectral sensitivity of CaChR1 was at
      520 nm at pH 7.4, about 40 nm redshifted as compared to that of CrChR1 under the
      same conditions. CaChR1 was successfully expressed in Pichia pastoris and
      exhibited an absorption spectrum identical to the action spectrum of CaChR1
      generated photocurrents. The redshifted spectra and the lack of fast inactivation
      in CaChR1- and CyChR1-generated currents are features desirable for optogenetics
      applications.

PMID- 22044283
TI  - Role of alpha1- and alpha2-GABA(A)  receptors in mediating the respiratory
      changes associated with benzodiazepine sedation.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The molecular substrates underlying the respiratory
      changes associated with benzodiazepine sedation are unknown. We examined the
      effects of different doses of diazepam and alprazolam on resting breathing in
      wild-type (WT) mice and clarified the contribution of alpha1- and alpha2-GABA(A)
      receptors, which mediate the sedative and muscle relaxant action of diazepam,
      respectively, to these drug effects using point-mutated mice possessing either
      alpha1H101R- or alpha2H101R-GABA(A) receptors insensitive to benzodiazepine.
      EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Room air breathing was monitored using whole-body
      plethysmography. Different groups of WT mice were injected i.p. with diazepam (1
      100 mg.kg(-1) ), alprazolam (0.3, 1 or 3 mg.kg(-1) ) or vehicle. alpha1H101R and
      alpha2H101R mice received 1 or 10 mg.kg(-1) diazepam or 0.3 or 3 mg.kg(-1)
      alprazolam. Respiratory frequency, tidal volume, time of expiration and time of
      inspiration before and 20 min after drug injection were analysed. KEY RESULTS:
      Diazepam (10 mg.kg(-1) ) decreased the time of expiration, thereby increasing the
      resting respiratory frequency, in WT and alpha2H101R mice, but not in alpha1H101R
      mice. The time of inspiration was shortened in WT and alpha1H101R mice, but not
      in alpha2H101R mice. Alprazolam (1-3 mg.kg(-1) ) stimulated the respiratory
      frequency by shortening expiration and inspiration duration in WT mice. This
      tachypnoeic effect was partially conserved in alpha1H101R mice while absent in
      alpha2H101R mice. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: These results identify a specific
      role for alpha1-GABA(A) receptors and alpha2-GABA(A) receptors in mediating the
      shortening by benzodiazepines of the expiratory and inspiratory phase of resting
      breathing respectively.

PMID- 22044284
TI  - Onset of hydrogen bonded collective network of water in 1,4-dioxane.
AB  - We have studied the evolution of water hydrogen bonded collective network
      dynamics in mixtures of 1,4-dioxane (Dx) as the mole fraction of water (X(w))
      increases from 0.005 to 0.54. The inter- and intramolecular vibrations of water
      have been observed using terahertz time domain spectroscopy (THz-TDS) in the
      frequency range 0.4-1.4 THz (13-47 cm(-1)) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR)
      spectroscopy in the far-infrared (30-650 cm(-1)) and mid-infrared (3000-3700 cm(
      1)) regions. These results have been correlated with the reactivity of water in
      these mixtures as determined by kinetic studies of the solvolysis reaction of
      benzoyl chloride (BzCl). Our studies show an onset of intermolecular hydrogen
      bonded water network dynamics beyond X(w) >= 0.1. At the same concentration, we
      observe a rapid increase of the rate constant of solvolysis of BzCl in water-Dx
      mixtures. Our results establish a correlation between the onset of collective
      hydrogen bonded network with the solvation dynamics and the activity of clustered
      water.

PMID- 22044285
TI  - 1,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 inhibits proliferation but not the suppressive function
      of regulatory T cells in the absence of antigen-presenting cells.
AB  - Vitamin D3 is known to induce regulatory T (Treg) cells by rendering antigen
      presenting cells tolerogenic, its direct effect on human naturally occurring Treg
      cells is unclear. Here, we investigated if and how 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3)
      [1,25(OH)2D3] can directly affect the proliferation and function of human
      naturally occurring Treg cells in vitro. First, we demonstrated that these Treg
      cells express vitamin D receptors that were up-regulated following anti-CD3/CD28
      bead stimulation. 1,25(OH)2D3 inhibited proliferation of Treg cells even when
      exogenous interleukin-2 was provided. Treg cells were more susceptible to the
      inhibitory effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 than conventional T cells(.) 1,25(OH)2D3 neither
      affected the anergic state nor the suppressive function of Treg cells but induced
      a subtle increase in interleukin-10-secreting cells. The cell-division-inhibiting
      effect of 1,25(OH)2D3 on Treg cells was also demonstrated in vivo by
      supplementing vitamin D-deficient HIV-1-infected patients with 2000 IU
      cholecalciferol (vitamin D3). Increased serum 1,25(OH)2D3 levels were associated
      with a drop in the number and percentage of Treg cells, which may be attributed
      to a decrease in the proliferating Foxp3+ Treg cell population. In conclusion,
      1,25(OH)2D3 directly affects Treg cell growth and promotes interleukin-10
      production without apparent effects on activation status and suppressive
      phenotype whereas in vivo, high serum 1,25(OH)2D3 levels are associated with
      reduced Treg cell proliferation and a reduced number of Treg cells.

PMID- 22044286
TI  - Skin manifestations associated with chemotherapy in children with hematologic
      malignancies.
AB  - Chemotherapy used in the treatment of malignancies produces multiple
      mucocutaneous adverse reactions that may be clinically challenging. These
      mucocutaneous reactions are common and sometimes not diagnosed. The objective of
      this study was to determine the clinical patterns of the mucocutaneous
      manifestations during and after chemotherapy in children with a hematologic
      malignancy and to determine whether nutritional status influences the clinical
      presentation. We recruited patients aged 6 months to 16 years diagnosed with
      leukemia and lymphoma from a pediatric hematology outpatient clinic between
      November 2008 and May 2010. The patients were divided into two groups: Group 1,
      recently diagnosed patients, included in the study before receiving chemotherapy,
      and Group 2, patients in surveillance who had not had chemotherapy for at least 3
      months. A dermatologic examination was performed, and biopsy and mycological and
      bacteriological tests were conducted if necessary, with 6 months of follow-up. We
      evaluated 89 patients and included 65 in the study: 40 boys and 25 girls with an
      average age of 8.3 years. All patients had skin lesions at some time during their
      baseline assessment or follow-up. The manifestations found were anagen effluvium,
      xerosis, and acral hyperpigmentation. To our knowledge, this is the first
      comparative study of skin manifestations associated with chemotherapy in a
      Mexican pediatric population. The mucocutaneous manifestations associated with
      chemotherapy are important causes of morbidity. All of the children in our study
      had skin lesions on assessment. We did not find an association between skin
      manifestations and nutritional status.

PMID- 22044287
TI  - S-adenosyl-L-methionine treatment for alcoholic liver disease: a double-blinded,
      randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM) is the methyl donor for all methylation
      reactions and regulates the synthesis of glutathione, the main cellular
      antioxidant. Previous experimental studies suggested that SAM may benefit
      patients with established alcoholic liver diseases (ALDs). The aim of this study
      was to determine the efficacy of SAM in treatment for ALD in a 24-week trial. The
      primary endpoints were changes in serum aminotransferase levels and liver
      histopathology scores, and the secondary endpoints were changes in serum levels
      of methionine metabolites. METHODS: We randomized 37 patients with ALD to receive
      1.2 g of SAM by mouth or placebo daily. Subjects were required to remain
      abstinent from alcohol drinking. A baseline liver biopsy was performed in 24
      subjects, and a posttreatment liver biopsy was performed in 14 subjects. RESULTS:
      Fasting serum SAM levels were increased over timed intervals in the SAM treatment
      group. The entire cohort showed an overall improvement of AST, ALT, and bilirubin
      levels after 24 weeks of treatment, but there were no differences between the
      treatment groups in any clinical or biochemical parameters nor any intra- or
      intergroup differences or changes in liver histopathology scores for steatosis,
      inflammation, fibrosis, and Mallory-Denk hyaline bodies. CONCLUSIONS: Whereas
      abstinence improved liver function, 24 weeks of therapy with SAM was no more
      effective than placebo in the treatment for ALD.

PMID- 22044288
TI  - Prevalence of Listeria monocytogenes, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Staphylococcus
      aureus, and Salmonella spp. in seafood products using multiplex polymerase chain
      reaction.
AB  - Although several etiological agents can be transmitted through seafood
      consumption, Listeria monocytogenes, Vibrio parahaemolyticus, Staphylococcus
      aureus, and Salmonella spp. are considered among the most important pathogens in
      terms of public health and disease. In this study, multiplex polymerase chain
      reaction (PCR), as a rapid and cost-effective method, was used to determine the
      prevalence of these pathogens in 245 samples of raw/fresh, frozen, and ready-to
      eat (RTE) seafood products marketed in Iran. The prevalence of L. monocytogenes
      in raw/fresh fish and shrimp samples was 1.4%, whereas 2.9% of the raw/fresh fish
      and 7.1% of the shrimp samples were contaminated with V. parahaemolyticus. No
      contamination with L. monocytogenes and V. parahaemolyticus was found in frozen
      and RTE seafood products. The prevalence of S. aureus was found to be higher than
      other investigated pathogens. S. aureus was detected in 5% of the raw/fresh
      samples of fish and shrimp, 17.5% of the frozen, and 12.3% of the RTE samples.
      Further, our findings indicate that 2.9% of the fish samples, 4.3% of the shrimp
      samples, and 1.5% of the RTE samples were contaminated with Salmonella spp. Owing
      to the potential hazard of these pathogenic bacteria, multiplex PCR can provide a
      rapid and cost-effective method for the surveillance of these pathogens in
      seafood products.

PMID- 22044289
TI  - Antimicrobial susceptibility testing and genotypic characterization of
      Staphylococcus aureus from food and food animals.
AB  - Staphylococcus aureus is commonly present in humans and animals. The aim of this
      study was to investigate antimicrobial resistance and genetic characteristics of
      S. aureus from food and food animals in Shaanxi Province in China. A total of 332
      nasal swabs, breast skin swabs, raw milk, and pork samples were collected from
      local pig, dairy farms, or local grocery stores and screened for the presence of
      S. aureus. S. aureus isolates were characterized using antimicrobial
      susceptibility, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) analysis, and polymerase
      chain reaction for detecting pvl and mecA genes. Methicillin-resistant S. aureus
      (MRSA) strains were additionally tested for SCCmec type and exfoliative toxin
      genes. The prevalence of S. aureus was 30.6% in pig nasal swabs, 32.5% in pork,
      25.7% in cow nasal swabs, 30.8% in cow breast skin swabs, and 29.3% in milk
      samples. Resistances were common among isolates tested against erythromycin
      (65.7%), tetracycline (65.7%), ciprofloxacin (52.7%), followed by gentamicin
      (36.7%), chloramphenicol (23.1%), cefoxitin (8.3%), and oxacillin (7.7%), but no
      isolate was resistant to vancomycin, amikacin, or cefoperazone. pvl gene was
      found in the isolates from all types of samples except from cow nasal swabs.
      Fourteen isolates from pig nasal swabs contained mecA gene and were considered as
      MRSA. PFGE analysis showed that nasal isolates differed from food isolates, but
      isolates from the same animal source appeared to cluster closely. The PFGE
      patterns of MRSA isolates were different from other S. aureus isolates from pig
      nasal cavity even though they were from the same source. All the MRSA isolates
      belonged to SCCmec type IV(b). No isolates contained exfoliative toxin genes.
      These findings indicated that S. aureus, including multidrug-resistant S. aureus,
      are widely spread in food animals and animal-derived foods in Shaanxi Province,
      China. MRSA isolates from pigs may pose potential health risks for workers in
      swine farms and the community at large.

PMID- 22044291
TI  - Measuring motivation in swine: the food-metric scale.
AB  - Understanding how nonhuman animals such as swine respond to their environment and
      understanding how to provide them with a good quality of life involves using a
      range of experimental approaches. More and more, ethological researchers are
      turning to operant methods to answer some of these questions. Employing an
      operant such as a lever, researchers can assess how hard animals will work to get
      access to environmental resources: increased space or social contact. It is
      difficult, however, to determine how the effort made by the animals relates to
      the degree to which they need the resource and, in particular, how to interpret
      intermediate levels of responding. One approach to understanding the level of
      need is to compare it with familiar states of deprivation such as hunger. Food is
      an environmental resource known to range from low to high value depending on
      deprivation level. Depriving animals of a fixed proportion of their daily ad
      libitum intake allows the animals to demonstrate the levels of responding
      produced at satiation: 23 hr deprivation and a range of intermediate points. The
      resulting scale has both empirical and intuitive value and can help in
      understanding the value of various degrees of operant effort. Ultimately, this
      information will help in deciding which environmental conditions should be
      provided to swine as part of routine husbandry.

PMID- 22044292
TI  - Training large macaws for artificial insemination procedures.
AB  - For some endangered parrot species, captive breeding may be the only insurance
      for their survival. However, many individuals in captivity do not reproduce.
      Artificial insemination (AI) may help overcome reproductive failures or
      geographic distance. For semen collection in birds, massage is the most commonly
      used method. However, this process, which usually requires capture and restraint,
      involves risk of stress and injuries. The aim of this experiment was to train
      large macaws to accept the physical manipulations of their body parts needed for
      the artificial insemination process. Within 15 weeks, a male and a female
      Buffon's macaw (Ara ambiguus) learned to accept handling without apparent stress.
      A pair of green-winged macaws (Ara chloropterus) progressed more slowly and
      displayed some signs of stress. This stress highlights the need to monitor the
      birds' possible signs of discomfort during the training in order to adapt the
      working protocol. These results demonstrate that it is possible to train the AI
      behaviors, thus avoiding the capture, restraint, and anesthesia. An added benefit
      to this is the potential for the training to provide a form of behavioral
      enrichment.

PMID- 22044293
TI  - Is it a good idea to train fillies and colts separately?
AB  - This study compared the physiological response to novel situations in sex
      separated and sex-mixed groups of horses, as measured by heart rate (HR). The
      study evaluated the possibility of training horses in a mixed-sex system. The
      study included 41 Purebred Arabian 21/2-year-olds during their first walk on an
      automated horse walker. Four groups, divided by manner of care and training,
      consisted of 10 colts and 10 fillies kept in separate stables and trained in
      separate male or female groups and 12 colts and 9 fillies kept in the same stable
      and trained together. The study measured HR when horses were at rest before
      exercise, while moving from stable to walker, during 30 min of exercise on
      walker, while moving from walker to stable, and at rest after exercise. Mean HR
      scores recorded from training on the walker were higher in sex-mixed groups.
      Results obtained while horses were moving from stable to walker, then from walker
      to stable, were significantly higher in the sex-mixed groups. The study did not
      recommend training young horses in sex-mixed groups.

PMID- 22044294
TI  - Using fecal hormonal and behavioral analyses to evaluate the introduction of two
      sable antelope at Lincoln Park Zoo.
AB  - Introductions of sable antelope (Hippotragus niger) can be difficult due to the
      potential ensuing aggression compounded by their large horns. The goal was to use
      hormonal assays and behavioral analyses to evaluate the success of an
      introduction of 2 adult females at Lincoln Park Zoo. The objectives were to (a)
      document behavioral and hormonal changes in 2 female sable antelope during the
      introduction, (b) compare fecal glucocorticoid metabolites (FGM) in each
      individual during the introduction stages, (c) measure fecal androgen metabolites
      (FAM) during introduction and compare with dominance rank and observed
      aggression, and (d) monitor estrous cycle synchronization. Results demonstrate
      that FGM were higher before than during and after the introduction. Behavioral
      observations indicated limited aggression between females, although the keeper
      survey results revealed that the new female was more dominant and had higher mean
      FGM and FAM than the resident. Both sable antelope were reproductively active
      throughout the year. Results indicate that fecal hormone analysis can provide zoo
      management with valuable information to minimize the risk of aggression, injury,
      and stress during introductions of nonhuman animals.

PMID- 22044295
TI  - Influence of cinnamon and catnip on the stereotypical pacing of oncilla cats
      (Leopardus tigrinus) in captivity.
AB  - Nonhuman animals in captivity can experience environmental privation that results
      in their exhibiting abnormal behaviors. Environmental enrichment techniques can
      help improve their welfare. This study investigated the behavior of 8 zoo-housed
      oncilla cats (Leopardus tigrinus) in response to 2 odors (catnip and cinnamon)
      introduced individually into the animals' enclosures for 3 consecutive days.
      Proportion of scans spent engaging in stereotypical pacing were compared before,
      during, and after treatments. The addition of cinnamon reduced the proportion of
      pacing during and after enrichment (Wilcoxon: Z = 3.16, p < .001; Z = 3.16, p <
      .001, respectively), indicating a prolonged effect of the enrichment on the
      animals' behavior. Catnip appears to have elicited no significant difference in
      the stereotypic pacing before, during, or after the enrichment (Friedman: X(2) =
      2.69; p = .260). The results highlight the potential use of cinnamon as a method
      of environmental enrichment for small captive-housed cats.

PMID- 22044296
TI  - Welfare assessments based on lifetime health and production data in Danish dairy
      cows.
AB  - The objective of this study was to describe how information about the whole
      lifetime of the cow can be used when defining nonhuman animal-based criteria of
      the welfare of animals on the farm. Often measured over a short period, disease
      occurrence provides information relevant for assessing the current welfare state
      of the herd. Arguably, however, if disease records are to be used as ethically
      relevant welfare indicators, it is also important to record disease occurrence
      over the individual animal's entire life span. Thus, it matters ethically whether
      the burden of an outbreak of disease or other condition affecting animal welfare
      is carried by a few individuals or is distributed more evenly. To illustrate this
      principle, the study obtained data on disease treatment records and production
      from 392,287 cows from the Danish Cattle Database. The average cow had lived for
      5 years and produced more than 22,000 L of milk. The medium number of treatments
      a cow had received for any disease was 2, but 10% of the cows had received more
      than 8 treatments for a disease. The study concluded that lifetime description
      provides a measure of disease occurrence that gives added value of ethical
      relevance to single-point prevalence or short-term incidence.

PMID- 22044300
TI  - Growth of mesoporous silica nanoparticles monitored by time-resolved small-angle
      neutron scattering.
AB  - Since the first development of surfactant-templated mesoporous silicas, the
      underlying mechanisms behind the formation of their structures have been under
      debate. Here, for the first time, time-resolved small-angle neutron scattering
      (tr-SANS) is applied to study the complete formation of mesoporous silica
      nanoparticles. A distinct advantage of this technique is the ability to detect
      contributions from the whole system, enabling the visualization not only of
      particle genesis and growth but also the concurrent changes to the coexistent
      micelle population. In addition, using contrast-matching tr-SANS, it is possible
      to highlight the individual contributions from the silica and surfactant. An
      analysis of the data agrees well with the previously proposed "current bun" model
      describing particle growth: Condensing silica oligomers adsorb to micelles,
      reducing intermicellar repulsion and resulting in aggregation to form initial
      particle nuclei. From this point, the growth occurs in a cooperative manner, with
      condensing silica filling the gaps between further aggregating micelles. The
      mechanistic results are discussed with respect to different reaction conditions
      by changing either the concentration of the silica precursor or the temperature.
      In doing so the importance of in situ techniques is highlighted, in particular,
      tr-SANS, for mechanism elucidation in the broad field of materials science.

PMID- 22044301
TI  - Oxygen as a regulator of MA-10 cell functions: effect of cobalt chloride on
      vascular endothelial growth factor production.
AB  - Mammalian testis functions at a temperature and oxygen tension (pO(2)) lower than
      the core body. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha) mediates the adaptive
      responses to hypoxia such as production of angiogenic vascular endothelial growth
      factor (VEGF) in a variety of cells and tissues. VEGF production in Leydig cells
      is stimulated by luteinising hormone (LH)/cAMP. We have conducted experiments to
      find out whether HIF-1alpha is involved in LH/cAMP-induced secretion of VEGF by
      Leydig cell-derived MA-10 cells. Both cobalt chloride (CoCl(2)), an inducer of
      hypoxia, and 8-Br-cAMP enhanced HIF-1alpha activity followed by an increase in
      VEGF secretion. However, there was no change in mRNA levels of HIF-1alpha.
      Inhibition of HIF-1alpha activity by cyclosporine A (CsA) inhibited a rise in
      VEGF production in response to CoCl(2) as well as 8-Br-cAMP. Inhibitors of
      protein kinase A (PKA), extracellular regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and
      phosphatidyl inositol-3 kinase/Akt (PI3-K/Akt) inhibited the increase in VEGF
      levels in response to both CoCl(2) and 8-Br-cAMP. The data suggest that HIF
      1alpha is a mediator of hypoxia- as well as 8-Br-cAMP-stimulated production of
      VEGF in MA-10 cells; both the stimuli act through a common signalling cascade.

PMID- 22044303
TI  - Selective peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma modulation to reduce
      cardiovascular risk in patients with insulin resistance.
AB  - The thiazolidinediones (TZDs) rosiglitazone and pioglitazone improve glucose
      homeostasis through activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor
      (PPAR)-gamma. Their use, however, has been limited due to adverse effects that
      include body weight gain and edema leading to congestive heart failure. Selective
      PPAR-gamma modulators (SPPARMs) are second generation PPAR-gamma ligands designed
      to improve insulin sensitivity with minimal undesirable effects associated with
      first generation PPAR-gamma agonists. INT131 is one of the first SPPARMs to reach
      human trials. Early phase human studies with INT131 look promising with changes
      in plasma lipids and glucose being equal or better than what is seen with
      rosiglitazone and pioglitazone treatment but without evidence of edema. This
      profile of improved glucose homeostasis, improved plasma lipids, and reduced
      inflammation in the absence of edema would be expected to reduce cardiovascular
      risk in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. Recent patents of novel
      approaches for the use of PPAR-gamma related compounds with the potential for
      this improved risk-benefit ratio are discussed.

PMID- 22044302
TI  - Porous polymer monoliths functionalized through copolymerization of a C60
      fullerene-containing methacrylate monomer for highly efficient separations of
      small molecules.
AB  - Monolithic poly(glycidyl methacrylate-co-ethylene dimethacrylate) and poly(butyl
      methacrylate-co-ethylene dimethacrylate) capillary columns, which incorporate the
      new monomer [6,6]-phenyl-C(61)-butyric acid 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate ester,
      have been prepared and their chromatographic performance have been tested for the
      separation of small molecules in the reversed phase. While addition of the C60
      fullerene monomer to the glycidyl methacrylate-based monolith enhanced column
      efficiency 18-fold, to 85,000 plates/m at a linear velocity of 0.46 mm/s and a
      retention factor of 2.6, when compared to the parent monolith, the use of butyl
      methacrylate together with the carbon nanostructured monomer afforded monolithic
      columns with an efficiency for benzene exceeding 110,000 plates/m at a linear
      velocity of 0.32 mm/s and a retention factor of 4.2. This high efficiency is
      unprecedented for separations using porous polymer monoliths operating in an
      isocratic mode. Optimization of the chromatographic parameters affords near
      baseline separation of 6 alkylbenzenes in 3 min with an efficiency of 64,000
      plates/m. The presence of 1 wt % or more of water in the polymerization mixture
      has a large effect on both the formation and reproducibility of the monoliths.
      Other factors such as nitrogen exposure, polymerization conditions, capillary
      filling method, and sonication parameters were all found to be important in
      producing highly efficient and reproducible monoliths.

PMID- 22044304
TI  - Thrombolysis in ischemic stroke: focus on new treatment strategies.
AB  - Stroke is the third leading cause of death and the main cause of permanent
      disability in western countries. Reperfusion within 3 hours of symptoms-onset is
      the most beneficial of all therapeutic strategies for acute ischemic stroke.
      Alteplase has been the first thrombolytic treatment approved by FDA. However, its
      use is still limited to specific patient subgroups and may be complicated by
      severe side effects, including massive cerebral hemorrhages. This review is aimed
      at investigating the current and future treatment strategies in ischemic stroke,
      including new fibrinolytic drugs, sonothrombolysis, mechanical clot retrievals,
      and recent patents.

PMID- 22044305
TI  - The making of autobiographical memory: intersections of culture, narratives and
      identity.
AB  - Autobiographical memory is a uniquely human form of memory that integrates
      individual experiences of self with cultural frames for understanding identities
      and lives. In this review, we present a theoretical and empirical overview of the
      sociocultural development of autobiographical memory, detailing the emergence of
      autobiographical memory during the preschool years and the formation of a life
      narrative during adolescence. More specifically, we present evidence that
      individual differences in parental reminiscing style are related to children's
      developing autobiographical narratives. Parents who structure more elaborated
      coherent personal narratives with their young children have children who, by the
      end of the preschool years, provide more detailed and coherent personal
      narratives, and show a more differentiated and coherent sense of self. Narrative
      structuring of autobiographical remembering follows a protracted developmental
      course through adolescence, as individuals develop social cognitive skills for
      temporal understanding and causal reasoning that allows autobiographical memories
      to be integrated into an overarching life narrative that defines emerging
      identity. In addition, adolescents begin to use culturally available canonical
      biographical forms, life scripts, and master narratives to construct a life story
      and inform their own autobiographical narrative identity. This process continues
      to be socially constructed in local interactions; we present exploratory evidence
      that parents help adolescents structure life narratives during coconstructed
      reminiscing and that adolescents use parents and families as a source for their
      own autobiographical content and structure. Ultimately, we argue that
      autobiography is a critical developmental skill; narrating our personal past
      connects us to our selves, our families, our communities, and our cultures.

PMID- 22044306
TI  - The role of rehearsals in self-generated prospective memory tasks.
AB  - In order to inquire into the nature of retrieval in prospective memory in a
      naturalistic context, we investigated the number and circumstances of rehearsals
      of different kinds of intentions to be pursued during a single time period.
      Thirty-six students were given four minutes to generate a list of tasks they were
      planning to perform over the course of 10 days. During this retention interval,
      they were provided with pocket-size diaries in which they recorded the details of
      each occasion they thought about the tasks previously listed. As to the nature of
      any triggers or cues that prompted rehearsal, the participants were asked to
      choose one of three alternatives: (1) association with an internal or an external
      cue that accidently appeared in the surroundings (accidental rehearsals), (2)
      deliberate thinking, e.g. while planning (self-initiated rehearsals), (3)
      recollection that spontaneously popped into one's mind for no apparent reason (no
      trigger rehearsals). The results showed that thoughts about intended actions
      appeared more often after accidental cues than for no apparent reason. However,
      the relative contribution of self-initiated triggers to the rehearsal process was
      substantial: Most importantly, it was the self-initiated rehearsal that
      differentiated between executed and unexecuted actions. In addition, the most
      activated intention resulted in a higher frequency of no-trigger and self
      initiated rehearsals than the remaining intentions. Finally, perceived intention
      importance was positively related to both the number of rehearsals and the
      likelihood of successful task completion. The results are discussed with regard
      to which factors may be crucial for the successful performance of participants'
      own self-generated intentions in a natural setting. The role of deliberate
      rehearsal in specifying the details of the intended action and its designated
      retrieval context is highlighted.

PMID- 22044307
TI  - Hope in Africa?: social representations of world history and the future in six
      African countries.
AB  - Data on social representations of world history have been collected everywhere in
      the world except sub-Saharan Africa. Two studies using open-ended data involving
      university students from six African countries fill this gap. In Study 1,
      nominations from Cape Verde and Mozambique for the most important events in world
      history in the past 1000 years were dominated by war and politics, recency
      effects, and Western-centrism tempered by African sociocentrism on colonization
      and independence. The first three findings replicated previous research conducted
      in other parts of the world, but the last pattern contrasted sharply with
      European data. Study 2 employed a novel method asking participants how they would
      begin the narration of world history, and then to describe a major transition to
      the present. Participants most frequently wrote about the evolution of humanity
      out of Africa, followed by war and then colonization as a beginning, and then
      replicated previous findings with war, colonization, and technology as major
      transitions to the present. Finally, when asked about how they foresaw the
      future, many participants expressed hope for peace and cooperation, especially
      those facing more risk of collective violence (Burundi and Congo). A
      colonial/liberation narrative was more predominant in the data from former
      Portuguese colonies (Angola, Cape Verde, and Guinea-Bissau) than from former
      Belgian colonies (Burundi and Congo).

PMID- 22044308
TI  - Japanese children's amae and mothers' attachment status as assessed by the Adult
      Attachment Interview.
AB  - This study explored whether Japanese mothers' attachment status, as judged by the
      Adult Attachment Interview (AAI), would affect the way they perceive their
      child's amae. Amae, an indigenous Japanese concept of relatedness, has troubled,
      fascinated, and even mystified scholars across disciplines. In particular, amae
      has been sometimes misconstrued as the insecure-ambivalent pattern of attachment
      due to their apparent behavioral similarities. In an attempt to explore an
      empirical link between attachment and amae, Japanese mothers' (N = 47) views on
      their six-year-olds' amae were examined based on a brief amae questionnaire,
      given following the standard AAI. Mothers generally reported their child's amae
      similarly for questions of frequency (e.g., how often your child exhibits amae
      behaviors) or situations (e.g., in what circumstances your child most often
      engages in amae). However, a difference emerged when mothers' free descriptions
      of their child's amae were examined for the content quality, categorized, and
      analyzed against their secure/insecure attachment statuses. Secure mothers
      depicted their child's amae as being more affective, thus more welcoming, whereas
      insecure mothers depicted their child's typical amae as being more instrumental
      or manipulative, thus perhaps less welcoming. Japanese mothers' current states of
      mind with respect to attachment do appear to affect the way they perceive their
      child's typical amae. Future research on attachment and amae is discussed.

PMID- 22044309
TI  - Unemployment and mental health in a favorable labor market.
AB  - Labour market variables may moderate the link between unemployment and mental
      health, as has been found in numerous research papers. The aim of this study was
      to test, in the context of a very favorable labor market, (1) the detrimental
      effect of unemployment on mental health and (2) the predictive validity of mental
      health on further employment status. The population of the study comprised 384
      newly registered unemployed persons. Mental health was assessed through four
      variables: self-esteem, psychological distress, perceived stress, and depressive
      symptoms. The results did not confirm previous studies. Using analyses of
      variance for repeated measures and linear regression, a negative change of mental
      health was not found after 6 and 12 months' unemployment, and the four
      measurements of mental health at registration did not predict employment status 6
      and 12 months later. Results are discussed in terms of moderating variables that
      capture Luxembourg labor market specificities.   This research was supported by
      the Luxembourg National Research Fund in the framework of the VIVRE Program;
      grant no. FNR/02/05/07. We would like to thank Mary Devine for the linguistic
      revision of the text.

PMID- 22044310
TI  - Premigration ethnic and national identities: Jewish adolescents planning
      emigration from Russia and Ukraine to Israel.
AB  - The ethnic and national identities of Jewish high-school adolescents planning
      emigration from Russia and Ukraine to Israel were investigated about six months
      before their emigration. The national identities of adolescent emigrants (n =
      243) were compared with those of non-emigrant Russian and Ukrainian adolescents
      (n = 740). The emigrants' attitude to their country of origin was less positive
      and their identification with Russians and Ukrainians was weaker as compared with
      the non-emigrant adolescents. In addition, the attitude of the emigrants towards
      Israel was more positive than their attitude to Russia or Ukraine. Finally, the
      emigrants' strongest identification was with the Jewish people, followed by
      identification with Israelis, while their weakest identification was with
      Russians and Ukrainians. Israeli and Jewish identities of the emigrant
      adolescents were positively correlated, and they were independent of the Russian
      and Ukrainian identities. Perceived discrimination was negatively correlated with
      the emigrants' attitude to Russia or Ukraine, and it was positively correlated
      with the emigrants' identification with Israelis and with the Jewish people.
      Jewish ethnicity was correlated with identification with Jewish people; however,
      it was not correlated with any component of the Israeli or Russian/Ukrainian
      identities. The study results indicate that in the premigration period emigrants
      form a multidimensional system of ethnic and national identities, which reflects
      their partial detachment from their homeland and affiliation with the country of
      provisional immigration. This premigration identity system may be termed
      "anticipatory" (cf. Merton, 1968), because it is not based on real contact with
      the country of provisional immigration, but rather on the emigrants'
      expectations. On the other hand, the premigration identities are reactive, in the
      sense that they reflect the emigrants' reaction to the perceived discrimination
      they experience in their country of origin. The results of the present study are
      discussed in light of social identity theory.

PMID- 22044311
TI  - The catalytic asymmetric Fischer indolization.
AB  - The first catalytic asymmetric Fischer indolization is reported. In the presence
      of a 5 mol % loading of a novel spirocyclic chiral phosphoric acid, 4-substituted
      cyclohexanone-derived phenylhydrazones undergo a highly enantioselective
      indolization. Efficient catalyst turnover was achieved by the addition of a
      weakly acidic cation exchange resin, which removes the generated ammonia. The
      reaction can be conducted under mild conditions and gives various 3-substituted
      tetrahydrocarbazoles in generally high yields.

PMID- 22044312
TI  - Expression of natural killer cell activating receptors in patients with chronic
      lymphocytic leukaemia.
AB  - Recent advances in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) treatment, more
      particularly through upfront use of anti-CD20 monoclonal antibodies, have
      prolonged patient progression-free survival. Nonetheless, apart from allogeneic
      stem cell transplantation, no curative treatment is available. One possible
      explanation for the lack of cure in CLL could be a defective immune anti-tumour
      response. As the result of abnormal HLA class I molecule expression, CLL cells
      escape from specific T-lymphocyte immunity but should be the target for the
      innate natural killer (NK) cell-mediated immune response. Defective NK
      cytotoxicity as the result of decreased expression of the natural cytotoxicity
      receptors (NCRs) NKp30/NCR3, NKp44/NCR2 and NKp46/NCR1 has been described in
      haematological malignancies such as acute myeloid leukaemia. This prompted us to
      focus our attention on NCR expression on NK cells from patients with CLL.
      Although we failed to detect any difference between CLL patients and healthy age
      matched controls, a precise analysis of clinical data showed a correlation
      between decreased NCR expression and poor prognosis factors such as low
      haemoglobin level, high (>30*10(9) per litre) lymphocyte count or elevated C
      reactive protein. Together, these observations support the rationale for
      restoration of normal NK cell functions in patients with CLL, putatively through
      the use of immune therapy protocols that already have demonstrated some benefit
      in acute myeloid leukaemia such as interleukin-2 plus histamine dihydrochloride.

PMID- 22044313
TI  - Interleukin-6 mediates pulmonary vascular permeability in a two-hit model of
      ventilator-associated lung injury.
AB  - To test the hypothesis that interleukin-6 (IL-6) contributes to the development
      of ventilator-associated lung injury (VALI), IL-6-deficient (IL6(-/-)) and wild
      type control (WT) mice received intratracheal hydrochloric acid followed by
      randomization to mechanical ventilation (MV + IT HCl) or spontaneous ventilation
      (IT HCl). After 4 hours, injury was assessed by estimation of lung lavage protein
      concentration and total and differential cell counts, wet/dry lung weight ratio,
      pulmonary cell death, histologic inflammation score (LIS), and parenchymal
      myeloperoxidase (MPO) concentration. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)
      concentration was measured in lung lavage and homogenate, as IL-6 and stretch
      both regulate expression of this potent mediator of permeability. MV-induced
      increases in alveolar barrier dysfunction and lavage VEGF were attenuated in IL6(
      /-) mice as compared with WT controls, whereas tissue VEGF concentration
      increased. The effects of IL-6 deletion on alveolar permeability and VEGF
      concentration were inflammation independent, as parenchymal MPO concentration,
      LIS, and lavage total and differential cell counts did not differ between WT and
      IL6(-/-) mice following MV + IT HCl. These data support a role for IL-6 in
      promoting VALI in this two-hit model. Strategies to interfere with IL-6
      expression or signaling may represent important therapeutic targets to limit the
      injurious effects of MV in inflamed lungs.

PMID- 22044314
TI  - Hydration and temperature dependence of 13C and 1H NMR spectra of the DMPC
      phospholipid membrane and complete resonance assignment of its crystalline state.
AB  - Inhomogeneous line broadening due to conformational distributions of molecules is
      one of the troublesome problems in solid-state NMR spectroscopy. The best
      possible way to avoid it is to crystallize the sample. Here, we present a highly
      resolved (13)C cross-polarization (CP) magic angle spinning (MAS) NMR spectrum of
      the highly ordered crystalline 1,2-dimyrystoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DMPC)
      and completely assigned it using two-dimensional (2D) solid-state NMR spectra,
      dipolar heteronuclear correlation (HETCOR) spectra, scalar heteronuclear J
      coupling based chemical shift correlation (MAS-J-HMQC) spectra, and Dipolar
      Assisted Rotational Resonance (DARR) spectra. A comparison between assigned
      chemical shift values by solid-state NMR in this study and the calculated
      chemical shift values for X-ray crystal DMPC structures shows good agreement,
      indicating that the two isomers in the crystalline DMPC take the same
      conformation as the X-ray crystal structure. The phase diagram of the low
      hydration level of DMPC (3 <= n(W) <= 12) determined by (1)H and (13)C NMR
      spectra indicates that DMPC takes a crystalline state only in a very narrow
      region around n(W) = 4 and T < 313 K. These findings provide us with
      conformational information on crystalline DMPC and the physical properties of
      DMPC at a low hydration level and can possibly help us obtain a highly resolved
      solid-state NMR spectrum of microcrystalline membrane-associated protein samples.

PMID- 22044315
TI  - Modeling inhalational tularemia: deliberate release and public health response.
AB  - Two epidemic modeling studies of inhalational tularemia were identified in the
      published literature, both demonstrating the high number of potential casualties
      that could result from a deliberate aerosolized release of the causative agent in
      an urban setting. However, neither study analyzed the natural history of
      inhalational tularemia nor modeled the relative merits of different mitigation
      strategies. We first analyzed publicly available human/primate experimental data
      and reports of naturally acquired inhalational tularemia cases to better
      understand the epidemiology of the disease. We then simulated an aerosolized
      release of the causative agent, using airborne dispersion modeling to demonstrate
      the potential number of casualties and the extent of their spatial distribution.
      Finally, we developed a public health intervention model that compares 2
      mitigation strategies: targeting antibiotics at symptomatic individuals with or
      without mass distribution of antibiotics to potentially infected individuals. An
      antibiotic stockpile that is sufficient to capture all areas where symptomatic
      individuals were infected is likely to save more lives than treating symptomatic
      individuals alone, providing antibiotics can be distributed rapidly and their
      uptake is high. However, with smaller stockpiles, a strategy of treating
      symptomatic individuals alone is likely to save many more lives than additional
      mass distribution of antibiotics to potentially infected individuals. The spatial
      distribution of symptomatic individuals is unlikely to coincide exactly with the
      path of the dispersion cloud if such individuals are infected near their work
      locations but then seek treatment close to their homes. The optimal mitigation
      strategy will depend critically on the size of the release relative to the
      stockpile level and the effectiveness of treatment relative to the speed at which
      antibiotics can be distributed.

PMID- 22044317
TI  - Cancerous cell death from sensitizer free photoactivation of singlet oxygen.
AB  - Singlet oxygen ((1)O(2)) is an electronic state of molecular oxygen which plays a
      major role in many chemical and biological photo-oxidation processes. It has a
      high chemical reactivity which is commonly harnessed for therapeutic issues.
      Indeed, (1)O(2) is believed to be the major cytotoxic agent in photodynamic
      therapy. In this treatment of cancer, (1)O(2) is created, among other reactive
      species, by an indirect transfer of energy from light to molecular oxygen via
      excitation of a photosensitizer (PS). This PS is believed to be necessary to
      obtain an efficient (1)O(2) production. In this paper, we demonstrate that
      production of (1)O(2) is achieved in living cells from PS-free 1270 nm laser
      excitation of molecular oxygen. The quantity of (1)O(2) produced in this way is
      sufficient to induce an oxidative stress leading to cell death. Other effects
      such as thermal stress are discriminated and we conclude that cell death is only
      due to (1)O(2) creation. This new simplified scheme of (1)O(2) activation can be
      seen as a breakthrough for phototherapies of malignant diseases and/or as a
      noninvasive possibility to generate reactive oxygen species in a tightly
      controlled manner.

PMID- 22044316
TI  - BAY 41-2272, a soluble guanylate cyclase agonist, activates human mononuclear
      phagocytes.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Phagocyte function is critical for host defense against
      infections. Defects in phagocytic function lead to several primary
      immunodeficiencies characterized by early onset of recurrent and severe
      infections. In this work, we further investigated the effects of BAY 41-2272, a
      soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) agonist, on the activation of human peripheral
      blood monocytes (PBM) and THP-1 cells. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: THP-1 cells and PBM
      viability was evaluated by methylthiazoletetrazolium assay; reactive oxygen
      species production by lucigenin chemiluminescence; gene and protein expression of
      NAPDH oxidase components by qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively;
      phagocytosis and microbicidal activity by co-incubation, respectively, with
      zymosan and Escherichia coli; and cytokine release by elisa. KEY RESULTS: BAY 41
      2272, compared with the untreated group, increased spreading of monocytes by at
      least 35%, superoxide production by at least 50%, and gp91(PHOX) and p67(PHOX)
      gene expression 20 to 40 times, in both PBM and THP-1 cells. BAY 41-2272 also
      augmented phagocytosis of zymosan particles threefold compared with control,
      doubled microbicidal activity against E. coli and enhanced the release of TNF
      alpha and IL-12p70 by both PBM and THP-1 cells. Finally, by inhibiting sGC with
      ODQ, we showed that BAY 41-2272-induced superoxide production and phagocytosis is
      not dependent exclusively on sGC activation. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: In
      addition to its ability to induce vasorelaxation and its potential application
      for therapy of vascular diseases, BAY 41-2272 was shown to activate human
      mononuclear phagocytes. Hence, it is a novel pro-inflammatory drug that may be
      useful for controlling infections in the immunocompromised host.

PMID- 22044318
TI  - Femtosecond transient absorption, nanosecond time-resolved resonance Raman, and
      density functional theory study of fenofibric acid in acetonitrile and isopropyl
      alcohol solvents.
AB  - Hydrogen abstraction reaction of fenofibric acid (FA) in acetonitrile and
      isopropyl alcohol solvents was studied by femtosecond transient absorption (fs
      TA) and nanosecond time-resolved resonance Raman (ns-TR(3)) spectroscopy
      experiments. The singlet excite state ((1)FA) (npi*) with a maximum transient
      absorption at 352 nm observed in the fs-TA experiments undergoes efficient
      intersystem crossing (ISC) to convert into a npi* triplet state FA ((3)FA) that
      exhibits two transient absorption bands at 345 and 542 nm. The npi* (3)FA species
      does not decay obviously within 3000 ps. In the ns-TR(3) experiments, the npi*
      (3)FA is also observed and completely decays by 120 ns. Compared with the triplet
      states of benzophenone (BP) and ketoprofen (KP), the npi* (3)FA species seems to
      have a much higher hydrogen abstraction reactivity so that (3)FA decays fast and
      generates a FA ketyl radical like species. In isopropyl alcohol solvent, the npi*
      (3)FA exhibits similar reactivity and promptly abstracts a hydrogen from the
      strong hydrogen donor isopropyl alcohol solvent to generate a ketyl radical
      intermediate. With the decay of the FA ketyl radical, no light absorption
      transient (LAT) intermediate is observed in isopropyl alcohol solvent although
      such a LAT species was observed after similar experiments for BP and KP.
      Comparison of the ns-TR(3) spectra for the species of interest with results from
      density functional theory calculations were used to elucidate the identity,
      structure, properties, and major spectral features of the intermediates observed
      in the ns-TR(3) spectra. This comparison provides insight into the structure and
      hydrogen abstraction reactivity of the triplet states of BP derivatives.

PMID- 22044319
TI  - Risk and markets for ecosystem services.
AB  - Market-based environmental regulations (e.g., cap and trade, "payments for
      ecosystem services") are increasingly common. However, few detailed studies of
      operating ecosystem markets have lent understanding to how such policies affect
      incentive structures for improving environmental quality. The largest U.S. market
      stems from the Clean Water Act provisions requiring ecosystem restoration to
      offset aquatic ecosystems damaged during development. We describe and test how
      variations in the rules governing this ecosystem market shift risk between
      regulators and entrepreneurs to promote ecological restoration. We analyze
      extensive national scale data to assess how two critical aspects of market
      structure - (a) the geographic scale of markets and (b) policies dictating the
      release of credits - affect the willingness of entrepreneurs to enter specific
      markets and produce credits. We find no discernible relationship between policies
      attempting to ease market entry and either the number of individual producers or
      total credits produced. Rather, market entry is primarily related to regional
      geography (the prevalence of aquatic ecosystems) and regional economic growth.
      Any improvements to policies governing ecosystem markets require explicit
      evaluation of the interplay between policy and risk elements affecting both
      regulators and entrepreneurial credit providers. Our findings extend to emerging,
      regulated ecosystem markets, including proposed carbon offset mechanisms,
      biodiversity banking, and water quality trading programs.

PMID- 22044321
TI  - Judge allows bulk ingredients for compounding: ruling favors pharmacy, but FDA
      can still distinguish manufacturing, compounding.

PMID- 22044322
TI  - Unconventional nutritional therapy versus conventional veterinary nutrition.

PMID- 22044323
TI  - What is your diagnosis? Retained surgical sponge.

PMID- 22044324
TI  - Theriogenology question of the month. Hypospadias.

PMID- 22044325
TI  - Animal behavior case of the month. Hyperactivity.

PMID- 22044326
TI  - Pathology in practice. Mycotic dermatitis, cellulitis, and myositis.

PMID- 22044327
TI  - Executive summary of phase 2 of the Bayer veterinary care usage study.

PMID- 22044328
TI  - Epidemiology of struvite uroliths in ferrets: 272 cases (1981-2007).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To confirm that the predominant mineral type in naturally occurring
      uroliths in ferrets is struvite; to determine whether age, breed, sex,
      reproductive status, geographic location, season, and anatomic location are risk
      factors associated with urolith formation in ferrets; to compare features of
      struvite uroliths in cats with those in ferrets; and to determine whether there
      is a logical evidence-based rationale for clinical trials of the safety and
      efficacy of diet-induced dissolution of struvite uroliths in ferrets. DESIGN:
      Retrospective case-control study. ANIMALS: 408 ferrets with uroliths (272
      struvite uroliths) from the Minnesota Urolith Center, and 6,528 control ferrets
      from the Veterinary Medical Database. PROCEDURES: Historical information was
      obtained about each ferret. The association between proposed risk factors and
      outcome (struvite urolith formation) was assessed. RESULTS: Sterile struvite was
      the predominant mineral in uroliths in ferrets. Neutered male ferrets had a
      significantly increased risk of developing sterile struvite uroliths. A
      significant association was also found between increasing age and the detection
      of struvite uroliths. Struvite uroliths in ferrets were more likely to be
      retrieved from the lower urinary tract than from the upper urinary tract.
      CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Knowledge of predominant mineral type in
      uroliths along with insight into etiologic, demographic, and environmental risk
      and protective factors for urolithiasis may facilitate development of
      surveillance strategies that result in earlier detection of uroliths in ferrets.
      Modification of risk factors, including dietary risk factors, may help to
      minimize urolith formation, dissolve existing uroliths, and minimize urolith
      recurrence.

PMID- 22044329
TI  - Mass-to-splenic volume ratio and splenic weight as a percentage of body weight in
      dogs with malignant and benign splenic masses: 65 cases (2007-2008).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether mass-to-splenic volume ratio or splenic weight as
      a percentage of body weight was significantly different between dogs with benign
      versus malignant splenic masses. DESIGN: Retrospective case series. ANIMALS: 65
      dogs that underwent splenectomy. PROCEDURES: Medical records of dogs examined
      between October 2007 and June 2008 because of a splenic mass were reviewed.
      Information obtained included dog age, breed, and weight; whether hemoperitoneum
      was present; splenic weight and dimensions (length, width, and height) at the
      time of splenectomy; dimensions (length, width, and height) of the splenic mass;
      and histologic diagnosis. Information on survival time was recorded when
      available. RESULTS: 30 (46%) dogs had hemangiosarcoma, 10 (15%) had other types
      of malignant masses, and 25 (39%) had benign masses. Dogs with benign splenic
      masses had a significantly higher mean mass-to-splenic volume ratio and higher
      mean splenic weight as a percentage of body weight than did dogs with
      hemangiosarcoma. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Results suggested that mass
      to-splenic volume ratio and splenic weight as a percentage of body weight may be
      useful in differentiating between hemangiosarcoma and benign lesions in dogs with
      splenic masses.

PMID- 22044330
TI  - Use of intravenous lipid emulsion to treat ivermectin toxicosis in a Border
      Collie.
AB  - CASE DESCRIPTION: A 2-year-old spayed female Border Collie was treated with IV
      lipid emulsion (ILE) after ingesting 6 mg/kg (2.73 mg/lb) of an equine ivermectin
      anthelmintic paste 8 hours prior to examination. CLINICAL FINDINGS: On initial
      examination, the dog had stable cardiovascular signs but had diffuse muscle
      tremors and was hyperthermic. Neurologic evaluation revealed that the dog was
      ataxic and had mydriasis with bilaterally absent menace responses and pupillary
      light reflexes. The remaining physical examination findings were unremarkable.
      Results of CBC, serum biochemical analysis, venous blood gas analysis, and
      measurement of plasma lactate concentration were also within reference limits.
      TREATMENT AND OUTCOME: The dog was treated with ILE in addition to supportive
      care with IV fluid therapy and cardiovascular, respiratory, and neurologic
      monitoring. The use of ILE treatment was initiated in this patient on the basis
      of previous clinical and experimental evidence supporting its use for toxicosis
      resulting from lipid-soluble agents. An initial bolus of 1.5 mL/kg (0.68 mL/lb)
      of a 20% sterile lipid solution was administered IV over 10 minutes, followed by
      a constant rate infusion of 0.25 mL/kg/min (0.11 mL/lb/min) over 60 minutes that
      was administered twice to treat clinical signs of ivermectin toxicosis. The dog
      was discharged from the hospital 48 hours after admission and was clinically
      normal within 4 days after ivermectin ingestion. Further diagnostic evaluation
      subsequently revealed that this dog was unaffected by the multidrug resistance
      gene (MDR-1) deletion, known as the ATP-binding cassette polymorphism. CLINICAL
      RELEVANCE: Ivermectin toxicosis in veterinary patients can result in death
      without aggressive treatment, and severe toxicosis often requires mechanical
      ventilation and intensive supportive care. This is particularly true in dogs
      affected by the ATP-binding cassette polymorphism. Novel ILE treatment has been
      shown to be effective in human patients with lipid-soluble drug toxicoses,
      although the exact mechanism is unknown. In the patient in the present report,
      ILE was used successfully to treat ivermectin toxicosis, and results of serial
      measurement of serum ivermectin concentration supported the proposed lipid sink
      mechanism of action.

PMID- 22044331
TI  - Assessment of the tissue diffusion of anesthetic agent following administration
      of a low palmar nerve block in horses.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate tissue diffusion of anesthetic agent following
      administration of low palmar nerve blocks (LPBs) in horses. DESIGN: Randomized
      clinical trial. ANIMALS: 12 adult horses. PROCEDURES: In 9 horses, mepivacaine
      hydrochloride-iohexol (50:50 dilution) injections were administered bilaterally
      (2 or 4 mL/site) to affect the medial and lateral palmar and palmar metacarpal
      nerves (4 sites). Lateral radiographic views of both metacarpal regions were
      obtained before and at 5, 15, 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes after block
      administration; proximal and distal extents of contrast medium (and presumably
      anesthetic agent) diffusion from palmar and palmar metacarpal injection sites
      were measured and summed to determine total diffusion. Methylene blue solution
      was injected in forelimbs of 3 other horses that were subsequently euthanized to
      determine the potential route of anesthetic agent diffusion to the proximal
      suspensory ligament region. RESULTS: Mean extents of proximal and total contrast
      medium diffusion were 4.0 and 6.6 cm, respectively, for the palmar metacarpal
      nerves and 4.3 and 7.1 cm, respectively, for the palmar nerves. Subtle proximal
      diffusion secondary to lymphatic drainage was evident in 17 of the 18 limbs.
      Contrast medium was detected in the metacarpophalangeal joint or within the
      digital flexor tendon sheath in 8 and 7 limbs, respectively. In the cadaver
      limbs, methylene blue solution did not extend to the proximal suspensory ligament
      region. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: In horses, LPBs resulted in minimal
      proximal diffusion of anesthetic agent from the injection sites. Limbs should be
      aseptically prepared prior to LPB administration because inadvertent
      intrasynovial injection may occur.

PMID- 22044332
TI  - Agreement between arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide and saturation of
      hemoglobin with oxygen values obtained by direct arterial blood measurements
      versus noninvasive methods in conscious healthy and ill foals.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine agreement between indirect measurements of end-tidal
      partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PetCO(2)) and saturation of hemoglobin with
      oxygen as measured by pulse oximetry (SpO(2)) with direct measurements of PaCO(2)
      and calculated saturation of hemoglobin with oxygen in arterial blood (SaO(2)) in
      conscious healthy and ill foals. DESIGN: Validation study. ANIMALS: 10 healthy
      and 21 ill neonatal foals. PROCEDURES: Arterial blood gas analysis was performed
      on healthy and ill foals examined at a veterinary teaching hospital to determine
      direct measurements of PaCO(2) and PaO(2) along with SaO(2). Concurrently,
      PetCO(2) was measured with a capnograph inserted into a naris, and SpO(2) was
      measured with a reflectance probe placed at the base of the tail. Paired values
      were compared by use of Pearson correlation coefficients, and level of agreement
      was assessed with the Bland-Altman method. RESULTS: Mean +/- SD difference
      between PaCO(2) and PetCO(2) was 0.1 +/- 5.0 mm Hg. There was significant strong
      correlation (r = 0.779) and good agreement between PaCO(2) and PetCO(2). Mean +/-
      SD difference between SaO(2) and SpO(2) was 2.5 +/- 3.5%. There was significant
      moderate correlation (r = 0.499) and acceptable agreement between SaO(2) and
      SpO(2). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Both PetCO(2) obtained by use of
      nasal capnography and SpO(2) obtained with a reflectance probe are clinically
      applicable and accurate indirect methods of estimating and monitoring PaCO(2) and
      SaO(2) in neonatal foals. Indirect methods should not replace periodic direct
      measurement of corresponding parameters.

PMID- 22044333
TI  - Reflux of drug during intra-vitreal anti-VEGF therapies.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report reflux of anti-VEGF drug during intravitreal injections.
      METHOD: Review of electronic case notes of patients undergoing intra-vitreal anti
      VEGF treatments. Prospective data collection was performed with a specific
      emphasis on presence or absence of reflux. RESULTS: 152 records of 102 eyes were
      available from an 8-month period. 119 Ranibizumab injections and 33 bevazicumab
      injections were considered. Reflux was noted in 48 injections (31%). For eyes
      with first injection of anti-VEGF agent, reflux was noted in 9/23 eyes. Eyes with
      at least one previous injection were observed to have reflux in 24/79 eyes.
      Presence of reflux was statistically tested against posterior vitreous detachment
      and phakic status and was found to be statistically insignificant. CONCLUSION:
      Intra-vitreal anti-VEGF injections with volumes of 0.05  ml appears to produce
      displacement of the conjunctiva with a transient fluid-filled bleb immediately
      after the injection in approximately 1/3 of eyes.

PMID- 22044334
TI  - Treatment for submacular hemorrhage associated with neovascular age-related
      macular degeneration.
AB  - Submacular hemorrhage associated with neovascular age-related macular
      degeneration is a complication known to have potentially devastating effects on
      visual acuity. Multiple treatment modalities have been suggested including
      intravitreal anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections, photodynamic
      therapy, pneumatic displacement with or without adjuvant intravitreal tissue
      plasminogen activator, and pars plana vitrectomy with or without adjuvant
      subretinal tissue plasminogen activator. However, there remains no consensus on
      optimal treatment, as clinical trials for neovascular age-related macular
      degeneration have excluded patients with submacular hemorrhage. This manuscript
      offers guidelines to the management of subretinal hemorrhage based on its size
      and characteristics, and highlights the need for clinical trials in this area.

PMID- 22044335
TI  - Review of ranibizumab trials for neovascular age-related macular degeneration.
AB  - Ranibizumab, a recombinant, humanized, monoclonal antibody antigen-binding
      fragment that neutralizes all VEGF-A isoforms, is the first US FDA-approved
      therapy for neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD) to result in
      improvement in visual acuity. The benefit of intravitreal ranibizumab applies to
      all angiographic subtypes of neovascular AMD and across all lesion sizes. The two
      original phase III studies (ANCHOR and MARINA) demonstrated sustained visual
      acuity (VA) gains over a two-year monthly dosing schedule. Following these
      trials, several studies looked at ways to decrease the treatment burden while
      maintaining similar visual gains. These trials included PIER, PrONTO, EXCITE,
      SUSTAIN, HORIZON, and CATT. Visual acuity data shows that monthly dosing of
      ranibizumab produces superior vision outcomes compared to a less-frequent, fixed
      dosing schedule. Intravitreal ranibizumab is well tolerated and shown to have a
      very low rate of adverse ocular or systemic side-effects.

PMID- 22044336
TI  - Administration of repeat intravitreal anti-VEGF drugs by retina specialists in an
      injection-only clinic for patients with exudative AMD: patient acceptance and
      safety.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report patient acceptance and safety of repeated intravitreal
      injections of anti-VEGF agents for exudative AMD, by retina specialists, without
      an eye examination before every injection. METHODS: Retrospective chart review.
      115 eyes (110 patients) with exudative AMD underwent repeated intravitreal anti
      VEGF injections with limited interval examination and diagnostic testing.
      Medication, laterality, number of injection cycles started and completed, number
      of injections per injection cycle, subjective visual changes, pre- and post
      injection visual acuity (VA), pre- and post-injection intraocular pressure (IOP),
      nurse- and patient-initiated phone calls, emergency (non-scheduled) clinic
      visits, complications, new diagnoses, and patient complaints after each injection
      were recorded. The main outcome measures were complications and patient
      complaints. RESULTS: 396 injections were administered in the injection clinic to
      110 patients in 175 injection cycles (range: 0 to 5 injections per cycle). Of 175
      injection cycles, there were 134 uninterrupted cycles and 41 interrupted cycles
      where an eye exam was performed. Fourteen new diagnoses were made: six during
      emergency visits, three at injection clinic appointments, and five at the next
      full examination after completion of a prescribed injection clinic cycle.
      CONCLUSIONS: Administration of anti-VEGF injections in a designated injection
      clinic, by retina specialists, according to a prescribed schedule, and with
      limited pre-injection testing, for patients with wet AMD, is well-tolerated.

PMID- 22044337
TI  - Rapid resolution of macular edema associated with central retinal vein occlusion
      using ranibizumab after failure with multiple bevacizumab injections.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report improvement in cystoid macular edema from central retinal vein
      occlusion with one injection of ranibizumab after failure with seven injections
      of bevacizumab. METHODS: Case report. RESULTS: A 74-year-old female developed
      persistent blurred vision for three months. Ocular examination revealed macular
      edema secondary to nonischemic central retinal vein occlusion. The patient was
      treated with intravitreal bevacizumab (1.25  mg in 0.05 mL). She received seven
      injections (every 5-6 weeks). Vision fluctuated between 20/30 and 20/60 with
      minimal variation in central foveal thickness (449-574 MUm). However, weeks after
      one injection of ranibizumab the patient's vision improved to 20/20 with near
      resolution of macular edema (CFT = 343 MUm). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with no
      response to bevacizumab injections can show a rapid and large improvement with
      ranibizumab. This underscores the important differences between these two
      medications. Further study is required to determine if these initial effects of
      ranibizumab can be maintained.

PMID- 22044338
TI  - Salt-stress induced physiological and proteomic changes in tomato (Solanum
      lycopersicum) seedlings.
AB  - Soil salinity is one of the major abiotic stress limiting crop productivity and
      the geographical distribution of many important crops worldwide. To gain a better
      understanding of the salinity stress responses at physiological and molecular
      level in cultivated tomato (Solanum lycopersicum. cv. Supermarmande), we carried
      out a comparative physiological and proteomic analysis. The tomato seedlings were
      cultivated using a hydroponic system in the controlled environment growth
      chamber. The salt stress (NaCl) was applied (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 mM), and
      maintained for 14 days. Salt treatment induced a plant growth reduction estimated
      as fresh-dry weight. Photosynthetic pigments (chlorophyll a, b) content of NaCl
      treated tomato plants was significantly decreased as the salinity level
      increased. Proline accumulation levels in leaf and root tissues increased
      significantly with increasing NaCl concentration. Relative electrolyte leakage
      known as an indicator of membrane damage caused by salt stress was increased
      proportionally according to the NaCl concentrations. Roots of control and salt
      stressed plants were also sampled for phenol protein extraction. Proteins were
      separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DGE). Several proteins showed
      up- and downregulation during salt stress. MALDI-TOF/MS analysis and database
      searching of some of the identified proteins indicated that the proteins are
      known to be in a wide range of physiological processes, that is, energy
      metabolism, ROS (reactive oxygen species) scavenging and detoxification, protein
      translation, processing and degradation, signal transduction, hormone and amino
      acid metabolism, and cell wall modifications. All proteins might work
      cooperatively to reestablish cellular homeostasis under salt stress, water
      deficiency, and ionic toxicity.

PMID- 22044340
TI  - Complaint of insomnia as a predictor of aging symptoms in males at a men's health
      clinic.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Issues of men's health have been greatly researched by scholars in
      recent decades. At men's health clinics, many patients complain of both insomnia
      and aging males' symptoms (AMS). These symptoms might be influenced by
      biological, psychological or even social factors. The aim of this study was to
      investigate different aspects of the relationship between insomnia and aging
      symptoms. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 231 males from a men's
      health clinic. Participants completed a set of general data and screening
      assessments, including the AMS rating scale, insomnia severity index (ISI), Beck
      depression inventory-II (BDI-II) and Beck anxiety inventory Chinese version
      (BAI), to investigate the severity of aging symptoms, insomnia, depression and
      anxiety. RESULTS: The ISI correlated significantly with the AMS scale, both with
      (partial correlation coefficient = 0.470) and without (r = 0.580) controlled
      variances of depression and anxiety. Using linear regression, aging symptoms were
      statistically predicted by the severity of the ISI, and a substantial proportion
      of the variance was explained (adjusted R(2) = 0.410). When all variables were
      included, this proportion rose to 55.3% (adjusted R(2) = 0.553). CONCLUSION: We
      suggest that insomnia is a good predictor of aging symptoms across all age groups
      of men.

PMID- 22044339
TI  - Cytomegalovirus-specific CD8+ T cells targeting different peptide/HLA
      combinations demonstrate varying T-cell receptor diversity.
AB  - Cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and reactivation pose a serious threat for
      patients after haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. We have previously shown
      that CD8(+) T cells targeting different CMV epitopes correlate with protection at
      different threshold frequencies in those patients. To investigate if this may
      relate to a different quality of these cells here we analyse the T-cell receptor
      diversity of pp50 (245-253)/HLA-A*0101 specific CD8(+) T cells with that of
      CD8(+) T cells targeting various pp65 peptides. The results from this pilot study
      show differences in the breadth of the T-cell receptor usage of the different
      cell populations. We observe for the first time that the T-cell receptor Vbeta
      CDR3 spectratypes used by CMV pp50 (245-253)/HLA-A*0101-specific CD8(+) T cells
      can reach higher numbers than those used by CD8(+) T cells targeting various pp65
      peptides in our patient cohort. This merits further investigation into the
      effectiveness of the different CMV-specific T cells and their impact on
      immunosenescence, which is important to eventually define the most useful source
      of adoptive therapy and monitoring protocols for cytomegalovirus-specific immune
      responses.

PMID- 22044342
TI  - Transient, transverse melanonychia associated with Graves disease and acute
      hepatitis.
AB  - Melanonychia is a black, tan, or brown streak within the nail plate subsequent to
      activation of melanocytes in the nail matrix. We present a case of a Haitian girl
      who presented with transverse melanonychia involving all 10 fingernails in the
      setting of hyperthyroidism and acute liver injury. Melanonychia has been
      described only one time in the literature in the setting of hyperthyroidism
      though this patient also underwent radium treatment which could have led to nail
      changes.

PMID- 22044343
TI  - Rapid selection of glucose-utilizing variants of the polyhydroxyalkanoate
      producer Ralstonia eutropha H16 by incubation with high substrate levels.
AB  - AIMS: The application of Ralstonia eutropha H16 for producing
      polyhydroxyalkanoates as bioplastics is limited by the incapability of the
      bacterium to utilize glucose as a growth substrate. This study aims in
      characterizing glucose-utilizing strains that arose after incubation with high
      glucose levels, in comparison with previously published mutants, generated either
      by mutagenesis or by metabolic engineering. METHODS AND RESULTS: Cultivations on
      solid and liquid media showed that the application of high substrate
      concentrations rapidly induced a glucose-positive phenotype. The time span until
      the onset of growth and the frequency of glucose-utilizing colonies were
      correlated to the initial glucose concentration. All mutants exhibited elevated
      activities of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase. The glucose-positive phenotype
      was abolished after deleting genes for the N-acetylglucosamine phosphotransferase
      system. CONCLUSIONS: A procedure is provided for selecting glucose-utilizing R.
      eutropha H16 in an unprecedented short time period and without any mutagenic
      treatment. An altered N-acetylglucosamine phosphotransferase system appears to be
      a common motif in all glucose-utilizing mutants examined so far. SIGNIFICANCE AND
      IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The correlation of the applied glucose concentration and the
      appearance of glucose-utilizing mutants poses questions about the randomness or
      the specificity of adaptive mutations in general. Furthermore, glucose-adapted
      strains of R. eutropha H16 could be useful for the production of bioplastics.

PMID- 22044344
TI  - Identifying the mechanisms of polymer friction through molecular dynamics
      simulation.
AB  - Mechanisms governing the tribological behavior of polymer-on-polymer sliding were
      investigated by molecular dynamics simulations. Three main mechanisms governing
      frictional behavior were identified. Interfacial "brushing" of molecular chain
      ends over one another was observed as the key contribution to frictional forces.
      With an increase of the sliding speed, fluctuations in frictional forces reduced
      in both magnitude and periodicity, leading to dynamic frictional behavior. While
      "brushing" remained prevalent, two additional irreversible mechanisms, "combing"
      and "chain scission", of molecular chains were observed when the interfaces were
      significantly diffused.

PMID- 22044345
TI  - High total acrosin activity in varicocele individuals.
AB  - Varicocele is a common cause of male infertility and reports indicate that
      varicocelectomy has a beneficial effect on male fertility. The aims of this study
      were to evaluate and compare the total acrosin activity along with DNA integrity
      in semen samples obtained from 70 varicocele individuals with male factors
      infertility presenting grades II and III varicocele before and after the surgery
      and 30 fertile individuals without any clinical presentation of varicocele. Total
      acrosin activity, protamine deficiency, DNA fragmentation, and semen parameters
      including sperm concentration, motility and sperm morphology were assessed by
      spectrophotometery, CMA3 staining, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP
      nick end labelling (TUNEL) assay and WHO criteria, respectively. Total acrosin
      activity (P = 0.03), percentage CMA3 positivity (P = 0.00) and TUNEL-positive
      spermatozoa (P = 0.04) were higher in the varicocele individuals before the
      surgery compared with the fertile individuals; yet, all the aforementioned
      criteria decreased significantly after surgery (P < 0.05). The results of this
      study reveal that DNA fragmentation and protamine deficiency, as negative
      parameters in fertility, improve post-surgery; however, total acrosin activity as
      a positive parameter in fertility is higher in the varicocele individuals
      compared with fertile and decreases to a value close to the fertile control post
      surgery. High levels of total acrosin activity in varicocele individuals need
      more research in future.

PMID- 22044346
TI  - Quercetin suppresses cytochrome P450 mediated ROS generation and NFkappaB
      activation to inhibit the development of 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)
      induced hamster buccal pouch carcinomas.
AB  - Increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) has long been recognized to
      play a pivotal role in carcinogenesis. Quercetin, a naturally occurring dietary
      flavonoid is known for its ROS scavenging properties. The present study was
      designed to investigate the chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic effects of
      quercetin based on cytochrome P450 (CYP) mediated ROS generation, ROS-induced
      cellular damage and activation of the NFkappaB signalling circuit during 7,12
      dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced hamster buccal pouch (HBP)
      carcinogenesis. Administration of quercetin inhibited the development of DMBA
      induced HBP carcinomas by impairing CYP-mediated ROS production via
      downregulation of the expression of CYP1A1 and CYP1B1, and upregulation of
      antioxidant defences. Attenuation of ROS generation by quercetin in turn
      abrogated NFkappaB signalling by preventing the phosphorylation and degradation
      of IkappaB, nuclear translocation of NFkappaB and transactivation of its target
      genes associated with cell proliferation and apoptosis evasion. Thus dietary
      flavonoids such as quercetin that can block ROS generation and inhibit the redox
      regulated transcription factor NFkappaB, by virtue of their antioxidant potential
      are promising candidates for future antioxidant-based anticancer regimens.

PMID- 22044347
TI  - Mapping nanomagnetic fields using a radical pair reaction.
AB  - We used a fluorescent chemical indicator of magnetic field to visualize the
      magnetic field around ferromagnetic nanostructures. The indicator was a chain
      linked electron donor-acceptor molecule, phenanthrene-(CH2)12-O-(CH2)2
      dimethylaniline, that forms spin-correlated radical pairs upon photoexcitation.
      The magnetic field altered the coherent spin dynamics, yielding an 80% increase
      in exciplex fluorescence in a 0.1 T magnetic field. The magnetic field
      distributions were quantified to precision of 1.8*10(-4) T by image analysis and
      agreed with finite-element nanomagnetic simulations.

PMID- 22044348
TI  - New perspectives of gibberellic acid production: a review.
AB  - The gibberellins (GAs) are an important group of hormones which exert various
      effects on promoter and regulator of plant growth. Gibberellic acid (GA(3)) is a
      natural plant hormone, with great economical and industrial importance. It
      affects stem elongation, germination, elimination of dormancy, flowering, sex
      expression, enzyme induction and leaf and fruit senescence. Despite its diverse
      applications, the use of GA(3) is limited due to its high production costs. The
      industrial process currently used for the production of GA(3) is based on
      submerged fermentation (SmF) techniques. As an alternative for its production,
      solid state fermentation (SSF) has also been investigated for its ability to
      increase the yields of GA(3) with the use of agro-industrial wastes as
      support/substrate, which contributes to the decreased production costs. This
      review describes GA(3)'s physical, chemical and biological properties, its
      production by fermentation and new advances that are being carried out with
      special interest on the SSF technique.

PMID- 22044349
TI  - Localized surface plasmon resonances of anisotropic semiconductor nanocrystals.
AB  - We demonstrate that anisotropic semiconductor nanocrystals display localized
      surface plasmon resonances that are dependent on the nanocrystal shape and cover
      a broad spectral region in the near-IR wavelengths. In-plane and out-of-plane
      dipolar resonances were observed for colloidal dispersions of Cu(2-x)S nanodisks,
      and the wavelengths of these resonances are in good agreement with calculations
      carried out in the electrostatic limit. The wavelength, line shape, and relative
      intensities of these plasmon bands can be tuned during the synthetic process by
      controlling the geometric aspect ratio of the disk or using a postsynthetic
      thermal-processing step to increase the free carrier densities.

PMID- 22044350
TI  - Recent trends in Veterans Affairs chronic condition spending.
AB  - The change in prevalence and total Veterans Affairs (VA) spending were estimated
      for 16 chronic condition categories between 2000 and 2008. The drivers of changes
      in spending also were examined. Chronic conditions were identified through
      diagnoses in encounter records, and treatment costs per patient were estimated
      using VA cost data and regression models. The estimated differences in total VA
      spending between 2000 and 2008 and the contributions of population increase,
      differences in prevalence, and differences in treatment costs were evaluated.
      Most of the spending increases during the study period were driven by the
      increase in the VA patient population from 3.3 million in 2000 to 4.9 million in
      2008. Spending on renal failure increased the most, by more than $1.5 billion,
      primarily because of higher prevalence. Higher treatment costs did not contribute
      much to higher spending; lower costs per patient for several conditions may have
      helped to slow spending for diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease,
      heart conditions, renal failure, dementia, and stroke. Lowering treatment costs
      per patient for common conditions can help slow spending for chronic conditions,
      but most of the increase in spending in the study period was the result of more
      patients seeking care from VA providers and the higher prevalence of conditions
      among patients. As the VA patient population continues to age and to develop more
      co-morbidities, and as returning veterans seek care for service-related problems,
      higher spending on chronic conditions will become a more prominent issue for the
      VA health care system.

PMID- 22044351
TI  - Radicals formed in N-acetylproline by electron attachment: electron spin
      resonance spectroscopy and computational studies.
AB  - In this study, the reactions of electrons with N-acetylproline are investigated
      by electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy and density functional theory.
      Electrons are produced by gamma irradiation or by photoionization of
      K(4)Fe(CN)(6) in neutral 7.5 M LiCl-D(2)O aqueous glasses at low temperatures
      with identical results. Electrons are found to add to both the peptide bond and
      the carboxyl group of the acetyl-proline moiety at 77 K. On annealing, both the
      electron adducts undergo fragmentation of the peptide bond between the nitrogen
      and the alpha carbon of the peptide structure. However, the peptide bond electron
      adduct radical reacts much more rapidly than the carboxyl group electron adduct
      radical. The DFT calculations predict that the carboxyl adduct is substantially
      more stable than the peptide bond adduct, with the activation barrier to N-Calpha
      cleavage 3.7 kcal/mol for the amide electron adducts and 23 kcal/mol for the
      carboxyl electron adducts in inagreement with the relative reactivity found by
      experiment.

PMID- 22044353
TI  - Nasopharyngeal prostaglandin E(2) in infant bronchiolitis.
AB  - The mechanism by which severe bronchiolitis can result in the development of
      recurrent childhood wheeze is unclear. However, mucosal inflammation and immune
      activation may play a major role. Prostaglandin (PG) E(2) has been highlighted as
      a possible therapeutic target for both the treatment of bronchiolitis and the
      prevention of subsequent airway hyperresponsiveness. The aim of this pilot study
      was to examine PGE(2) in the airways of infants hospitalised with bronchiolitis.
      Nasopharyngeal aspirates (NPA) were collected from 18 infants within 12 hours of
      admission and assayed by enzyme immunoassays for PGE(2), interleukin (IL)-10, and
      IL-12, as well as cyclooxygenase (COX) 1 and 2 activity. NPA PGE(2) concentration
      correlated with length of illness preadmission, but was not related to disease
      severity, causal virus, or IL-10. NPA COX 1 and 2 activity and IL-12 were all
      below the level of detection. Neither NPA PGE(2) nor disease severity was related
      to development of recurrent wheeze over 3 years following bronchiolitis. These
      data suggest that nasopharygeal PGE(2) at hospital admission may be neither
      directly causal or diagnostic of severity of infant bronchiolitis, or prognostic
      of development of recurrent wheeze. However, large-cohort temporal examinations
      are required to adequately define this mediator as a therapeutic target for
      bronchiolitis.

PMID- 22044352
TI  - Interleukin-23: as a drug target for autoimmune inflammatory diseases.
AB  - Interleukin-23 (IL-23) is a member of the IL-12 family of cytokines with pro
      inflammatory properties. Its ability to potently enhance the expansion of T
      helper type 17 (Th17) cells indicates the responsibility for many of the
      inflammatory autoimmune responses. Emerging data demonstrate that IL-23 is a key
      participant in central regulation of the cellular mechanisms involved in
      inflammation. Both IL-23 and IL-17 form a new axis through Th17 cells, which has
      evolved in response to human diseases associated with immunoactivation and
      immunopathogeny, including bacterial or viral infections and chronic
      inflammation. Targeting of IL-23 or the IL-23 receptor or IL-23 axis is a
      potential therapeutic approach for autoimmune diseases including psoriasis,
      inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. The
      current review focuses on the immunobiology of IL-23 and summarizes the most
      recent findings on the role of IL-23 in the pre-clinical and ongoing clinical
      studies.

PMID- 22044354
TI  - The role of micafungin and anidulafungin in the treatment of systemic fungal
      infections: applications and patents for two novel echinocandins.
AB  - Fungal infections are becoming an increasing menace in the hospital care setting.
      Among them, non-albicans Candida species have gained significant attention.
      Especially in the ICU setting, therapeutic options are limited in many cases by
      the side-effects of conventional antifungal therapy. Echinocandins are a
      relatively new class of antifungal agents that promise good effectiveness against
      Candida and Aspergillus species. Due to their underlying mechanisms of action,
      they yield good tolerability and few limitations of usage. In the current
      manuscript we describe the patents of two recently approved echinocandins,
      micafungin (US approved 2005) and anidulafungin (2006) and provide an overview of
      the mechanisms, clinical effectiveness and safety of antifungal therapy with
      these agents.

PMID- 22044355
TI  - Antimicrobial activity of carvacrol: current progress and future prospectives.
AB  - During the last few years the scientific community has shown a considerable
      interest in the study of plant materials as sources of new compounds to be
      processed into antimicrobial agents. In this context, carvacrol, a monoterpenic
      phenol, has emerged for its wide spectrum activity extended to food spoilage or
      pathogenic fungi, yeast and bacteria as well as human, animal and plant
      pathogenic microorganisms including drug-resistant and biofilm forming
      microorganisms. The antibacterial activity of carvacrol has been attributed to
      its considerable effects on the structural and functional properties of
      cytoplasmatic membrane. The data reported in this review provide an overview of
      the published literature regarding the antimicrobial properties of carvacrol and
      the recent patents claimed in order to highlight its future applications as a new
      antimicrobial agent. These could concern either the natural preservation in the
      cosmetic and food industries or an alternative which supports the conventional
      antimicrobial protocols. Interestingly, carvacrol alone or associated with one or
      more synergistic products could be incorporated in different formulations for
      biomedical and food packaging applications. However, more detailed safety
      investigations and in vivo studies should be carried out so that this molecule
      could be used in the future.

PMID- 22044356
TI  - Current and emerging antivirals for the treatment of cytomegalovirus (CMV)
      retinitis: an update on recent patents.
AB  - Cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis is the most common ocular opportunistic
      complication and a serious cause of vision loss in immunocompromised patients.
      Even though, a rise in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected individuals
      seems to be a major factor responsible for the prevalence of CMV retinitis, the
      introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) significantly
      reduced the incidence and severity of CMV retinitis. Thorough evaluation of the
      patient's immune status and an exact classification of the retinal lesions may
      provide better understanding of the disease etiology, which would be necessary
      for optimizing the treatment conditions. Current drugs such as ganciclovir,
      valganciclovir, cidofovir and foscarnet have been highly active against CMV, but
      prolonged therapy with these approved drugs is associated with dose-limiting
      toxicities thus limiting their utility. Moreover development of drug-resistant
      mutants has been observed particularly in patients with acquired immunodeficiency
      syndrome (AIDS). Continuous efforts by researchers in the industry and academia
      have led to the development of newer candidates with enhanced antiviral efficacy
      and apparently minimal side effects. These novel compounds can suppress viral
      replication and prevent reactivation in the target population. Though some of the
      novel therapeutics possess potent viral inhibitory activity, these compounds are
      still in stages of clinical development and yet to be approved. This review
      provides an overview of disease etiology, existing anti-CMV drugs, advances in
      emerging therapeutics in clinical development and related recent patents for the
      treatment of CMV retinitis.

PMID- 22044357
TI  - Insights into airway infections by enterococci: a review.
AB  - Enterococcus is an uncommon but emerging agent of upper and lower airway
      diseases, including sinuses, trachea, bronchi, lung and pleural infections. In
      particular, pneumonia and thoracic empyema may jeopardize the clinical outcome of
      compromised, hospitalized hosts, as well as affect outpatients. Treatment may
      feel the effects of inherent and acquired resistances such organisms show to
      commonly used drugs, with the spread of glycopeptide/vancomycin resistant
      enterococci (GRE/VRE, respectively) being of serious concern. With this work, we
      want to unearth the impact of members of the genus in the ambit of respiratory
      infections, and to increase the consciousness of their role as resourceful
      pathogens for human airways. Also, we are revising patents of interest aiming to
      timely screen GRE and soon provide clinicians with speciation and glycopeptide
      resistances.

PMID- 22044358
TI  - Modulation of ligand-field parameters by heme ruffling in cytochromes c revealed
      by EPR spectroscopy.
AB  - Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectra of variants of Hydrogenobacter
      thermophilus cytochrome c(552) (Ht c-552) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa cytochrome
      c(551) (Pa c-551) are analyzed to determine the effect of heme ruffling on ligand
      field parameters. Mutations introduced at positions 13 and 22 in Ht c-552 were
      previously demonstrated to influence hydrogen bonding in the proximal heme pocket
      and to tune reduction potential (E(m)) over a range of 80 mV [Michel, L. V.; Ye,
      T.; Bowman, S. E. J.; Levin, B. D.; Hahn, M. A.; Russell, B. S.; Elliott, S. J.;
      Bren, K. L. Biochemistry 2007, 46, 11753-11760]. These mutations are shown here
      to also increase heme ruffling as E(m) decreases. The primary effect on
      electronic structure of increasing heme ruffling is found to be a decrease in the
      axial ligand-field term Delta/lambda, which is proposed to arise from an increase
      in the energy of the d(xy) orbital. Mutations at position 7, previously
      demonstrated to influence heme ruffling in Pa c-551 and Ht c-552, are utilized to
      test this correlation between molecular and electronic structure. In conclusion,
      the structure of the proximal heme pocket of cytochromes c is shown to play a
      role in determining heme conformation and electronic structure.

PMID- 22044359
TI  - DNA profiling of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia by PCR targeted to its species
      specific repetitive palindromic sequences.
AB  - AIMS: The aim of this study was to develop a simple protocol for a PCR-based
      fingerprinting of Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (SmrepPCR) that utilizes primers
      complementary to repetitive extragenic palindromic elements (REPs) of this micro
      organism. METHODS AND RESULTS: The relatedness of 34 isolates of environmental
      and clinical origin was investigated by two SmrepPCRs with two different primers,
      gyrB sequencing and XbaI macrorestriction followed by pulsed-field gel
      electrophoresis. While SmrepPCR (with primer DIR) results matched data obtained
      from the analysis of gyrB nucleotide sequences and identified several clonal
      complexes, XbaI macrorestriction showed high level of heterogeneity between
      isolates. The macrorestriction-based clustering of isolates did not correspond to
      both gyrB and DIR-SmrepPCR grouping. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that SmrepPCR
      inferred relationship of isolates is in a good agreement with sequence-based
      methods. The combined information from all methods used suggests that rapid
      evolution of S. maltophilia genomes might be predominantly due to high rate of
      rearrangements caused by mobile genetic elements. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE
      STUDY: The presented method is an inexpensive and easy to perform alternative to
      genotype S. maltophilia isolates and to study their population genetics. SmrepPCR
      demonstrates the usefulness of species-specific repetitive elements in genomic
      analyses.

PMID- 22044360
TI  - Refractory symptoms successfully treated with leukotriene inhibition in a child
      with systemic mastocytosis.
AB  - Montelukast was effective in treating refractory abdominal and urinary symptoms
      in a child with systemic mastocytosis.

PMID- 22044361
TI  - Galactolipid deficiency in the early pathogenesis of neuronal ceroid
      lipofuscinosis model Cln8mnd : implications to delayed myelination and
      oligodendrocyte maturation.
AB  - AIMS: CLN8 deficiency underlies one of a group of devastating childhood
      neurodegenerative disorders, the neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses. The function of
      the CLN8 protein is currently unknown, but a role in lipid metabolism has been
      proposed. In human CLN8 diseased brains, alterations in lipid composition have
      been detected. To further investigate the connection of CLN8 to lipid metabolism,
      we characterized the lipid composition of early symptomatic Cln8-deficient mouse
      (Cln8(mnd)) brains. METHODS: For lipid profiling, Cln8(mnd) cerebral cortical
      tissue was analysed by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry. Galactolipid
      synthesis was measured through enzyme activity and real-time mRNA expression
      analyses. Based on the findings, myelination and white matter integrity were
      studied by immunohistochemistry, stereological methods, electron microscopy and
      magnetic resonance imaging. The development of myelin-forming oligodendrocytes
      was also studied in vitro. RESULTS: Sphingolipid profiling showed a selective
      reduction in myelin-enriched galactolipids. The mRNA expression and activity of
      UDP-galactose:ceramide galactosyltransferase (CGT), the key enzyme in the
      galactolipid synthesis, was reduced in the Cln8(mnd) brain. Expression of
      oligodendrocyte markers suggests a maturation defect. The amount of myelin was
      reduced in 1-month-old Cln8(mnd) mice, but reached normal levels by 5 months of
      age. The level of Cln8 gene expression followed the developmental pattern of
      myelin formation and was high in primary oligodendrocytes. CONCLUSIONS: Taken
      together, these observations suggest that galactolipid deficiency and delayed
      myelin maturation characterize the early CLN8 disease pathogenesis through a
      maturation defect of oligodendrocytes.

PMID- 22044363
TI  - Minicraniotomy versus bur holes for evacuation of chronic subdural collections in
      infants-a preliminary single-institution experience.
AB  - OBJECT: Various surgical interventions have been described to evacuate chronic
      subdural collections (CSCs) of infancy. These include transfontanel percutaneous
      aspiration, subdural drains, placement of bur hole(s) with or without a subdural
      drain, and shunting. Shunt placement typically provides good long-term success
      (resolution of the subdural fluid), but comes with well-known early and late
      complications. Recently, the authors have used a mini-osteoplastic craniotomy
      technique with the goal of definitively treating these children with a single
      surgery while avoiding the many issues associated with a shunt. They describe
      their procedure and compare it with the traditional bur hole technique. METHODS:
      In this single-institution retrospective study, the authors evaluated 26 cases
      involving patients who underwent treatment for CSC. Preoperative, intraoperative,
      and postoperative data were reviewed, including radiographic findings (density of
      the subdural fluid and ventricular and subarachnoid space size), neurological
      examination findings, and intraoperative fluid description. The primary outcome
      was treatment failure, defined as the patient requiring any subsequent surgical
      intervention after the index procedure (minicraniotomy or bur hole placement).
      RESULTS: Fifteen patients (10 male and 5 female; median age 5.1 months)
      collectively underwent 27 minicraniotomy procedures (each procedure representing
      a hemisphere that was treated). In the bur hole group, there were 11 patients (6
      male and 5 female; median age 4.6 months) with 18 hemispheres treated. Both
      groups had subdural drains placed. The average follow-up for each treatment group
      was just over 7 months. Treatment failure occurred in 2 patients (13%) in the
      minicraniotomy group compared with 5 patients (45%) in the bur hole group (p =
      0.09). Furthermore, the 2 patients who had treatment failure in the
      minicraniotomy group required 1 subsequent surgery each, whereas the 5 in the bur
      hole group needed a total of 9 subsequent surgeries. Eventually, 80% of the
      patients in the minicraniotomy group and 70% of those in the bur hole group had
      resolution of the subdural collections on the last imaging study. CONCLUSIONS:
      The minicraniotomy technique may be a superior technique for the treatment of
      CSCs in infants compared with bur hole evacuation. The minicraniotomy provides
      greater visualization of the subdural space and allows more aggressive evacuation
      of the fluid, better irrigation of the space, the ability to fenestrate any
      accessible membranes safely, and continued egress of fluid into the subgaleal
      space. Although this preliminary report has obvious limitations, evaluation of
      this technique may be worthy of a prospective, multiinstitutional collaborative
      effort.

PMID- 22044364
TI  - Treatment practices for Chiari malformation type I with syringomyelia: results of
      a survey of the American Society of Pediatric Neurosurgeons.
AB  - OBJECT: The purpose of this study was to report the results of a survey of the
      American Society of Pediatric Neurosurgeons (ASPN) on treatment of Chiari
      malformation Type I (CM-I) with syringomyelia. METHODS: A questionnaire was
      circulated during the 2006 meeting of the ASPN, in which surgeons were surveyed
      on their management of patients with CM-I and syringomyelia. The survey consisted
      of questions about 4 clinical scenarios, common causes of surgical failures, and
      complications. RESULTS: There were 72 respondents, representing more than 90% of
      attendees at the 2006 ASPN meeting and approximately half of the society's
      members. The majority of respondents (85%) reported that they perform posterior
      fossa decompression as first-line treatment for CM-I with syringomyelia. Seven
      percent perform bony decompression alone, 36% open the dura, and 27% shrink the
      tonsils. Very few respondents indicated that they offer syrinx drainage as first
      line therapy (< 3%). Although all respondents reported that they treat
      symptomatic CM-I/syringomyelia patients surgically, 15% of respondents indicated
      that they do not operate on asymptomatic patients. Finally, respondents stated
      that their most common complications are pseudomeningocele and chemical
      meningitis. CONCLUSIONS: This survey, given to a representative group of
      experienced North American pediatric neurosurgeons, confirms that posterior fossa
      decompression is still the preferred treatment modality in children with CM-I and
      syringomyelia, regardless of symptoms. Although most surgeons open the dura,
      preferred techniques for decompression vary. In contrast to the results of past
      surveys, conservative follow-up is now only used by a minority of respondents and
      only in the asymptomatic patient, and primary syrinx drainage seems to have lost
      popularity. A multicenter trial of surgical outcomes has been designed based on
      the information from this survey.

PMID- 22044365
TI  - Sudden onset of Chiari malformation Type I in previously asymptomatic patients.
AB  - Chiari malformation Type I (CM-I) is usually suspected in patients with slowly
      progressing neurological symptoms. However, in some instances, especially if
      syringomyelia is associated, an abrupt clinical onset is reported and is
      accompanied by an acknowledged risk of potentially severe clinical signs or even
      sudden death. Little is known about such a critical course in CM-I/syringomyelia
      complex.   The authors describe 3 challenging cases of the abrupt onset of CM
      I/syringomyelia to reveal more information on the clinical presentation and
      pathogenetic mechanisms of this sudden and potentially severe clinical
      phenomenon: a 38-year-old man experienced acute respiratory failure requiring
      intubation following acute decompensation of hydrocephalus associated with Noonan
      syndrome, a 1-year-old boy had sudden hemiparesis and Horner syndrome after a
      minor head/neck injury, and a 2.5-year-old boy presented with quickly progressing
      tetraplegia and dyspnea after a mild flexion and extension neck injury a few
      hours before. All 3 patients showed a CM-I/syringomyelia complex at diagnosis,
      and all of them had a good neurological outcome after surgery despite the ominous
      clinical presentation.

PMID- 22044366
TI  - Unreliability of intraoperative estimated blood loss in extended sagittal
      synostectomies.
AB  - OBJECT: Intraoperative blood loss represents a significant concern during open
      repair of craniosynostosis, and its reliable measurement remains a serious
      challenge. In this study of extended sagittal synostectomies, the authors
      analyzed the relationship between estimated blood loss (EBL) and calculated blood
      loss (CBL), and investigated predictors of hemodynamic outcomes. METHODS: The
      authors reviewed outcomes in infants with sagittal synostosis who underwent
      primary extended synostectomies (the so-called Pi procedure) between 1997 and
      2009. Patient demographic data, operating time, and mean arterial pressures
      (MAPs) were recorded. Serial MAPs were averaged for a MAP(mean). The EBL was
      based on anesthesia records, and the CBL on pre- and postoperative hemoglobin
      values in concert with transfusion volumes. Factors associated with EBL, CBL, red
      blood cell transfusion (RBCT), and hospital length of stay (LOS) were
      investigated. Hemodynamic outcomes were reported as percent estimated blood
      volume (% EBV), and relationships were analyzed using simple and multiple linear
      and logistic regression models. A p value < 0.05 was considered significant.
      RESULTS: Seventy-one infants with sagittal synostosis underwent primary extended
      synostectomies at a mean age and weight of 4.9 months and 7.3 kg, respectively.
      The average operating time was 1.4 hours, and intraoperative MAP was 54.6 mm Hg
      (21.3% lower than preoperative baseline). There was no association between mean
      EBL (12.7% EBV) and mean CBL (23.6% EBV) (r = 0.059, p = 0.63). The EBL inversely
      correlated with the patient's age (r = -0.07) and weight (r = -0.11) at surgery
      (p < 0.05 in both instances). With regard to intraoperative factors, EBL
      positively trended with operating time (r = 0.26, p = 0.09) and CBL inversely
      trended with MAP(mean) (r = -0.04, p = 0.10), although these relationships were
      only borderline significant. Intraoperative RBCT, which was required in 59.1% of
      patients, positively correlated with EBL (r = 1.55, p < 0.001), yet negatively
      trended with CBL (r = -0.40, p = 0.01). Undertransfusion was significantly more
      common than overtransfusion (40.8% vs 22.5%, p = 0.02, respectively). The mean
      hospital LOS was 2.3 days and was not significantly associated with patient
      demographic characteristics, intraoperative factors, blood loss, RBCT, or total
      fluid requirements. CONCLUSIONS: In extended synostectomies for sagittal
      synostosis, EBL and CBL demonstrated a decided lack of correlation with one
      another. Intraoperative blood transfusion positively correlated with EBL, but
      inversely correlated with CBL, with a significantly higher proportion of patients
      undertransfused than overtransfused. These findings highlight the need for
      reliable, real-time monitoring of intraoperative blood loss to provide improved
      guidance for blood and fluid resuscitation.

PMID- 22044367
TI  - Craniosynostosis following hemispherectomy in a 2.5-month-old boy with
      intractable epilepsy.
AB  - The authors report on the case of a 6-week-old boy who presented with infantile
      spasms. At 2.5 months of age, the patient underwent a right hemispherectomy.
      Approximately 3 months postoperatively, the patient presented with left coronal
      craniosynostosis. Subsequent cranial vault remodeling resulted in satisfactory
      cosmesis. Four years after surgery, the patient remains seizure free without the
      need for anticonvulsant medications. The authors believe this to be the first
      reported case of iatrogenic craniosynostosis due to hemispherectomy, and they
      describe 2 potential mechanisms for its development. This case suggests that, in
      the surgical treatment of infants with intractable epilepsy, minimization of
      brain volume loss through disconnection techniques should be considered, among
      other factors, when determining the best course of action.

PMID- 22044369
TI  - Spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage and multiple intracranial aneurysms in a
      patient with Roberts/SC phocomelia syndrome.
AB  - Roberts/SC phocomelia syndrome (RBS) is a rare but distinct genetic disorder with
      an autosomal recessive inheritance pattern. It has been associated with
      microcephaly, craniofacial malformation, cavernous hemangioma, encephalocele, and
      hydrocephalus. There are no previously reported cases of RBS with intracranial
      aneurysms. The authors report on a patient with a history of RBS who presented
      with a spontaneous posterior fossa hemorrhage. Multiple small intracranial
      aneurysms were noted on a preoperative CT angiogram. The patient underwent
      emergency craniotomy for evacuation of the hemorrhage. A postoperative angiogram
      confirmed the presence of multiple, distal small intracranial aneurysms.

PMID- 22044368
TI  - Left thorascopic sympathectomy for refractory long QT syndrome in children.
AB  - Congenital long QT syndrome (LQTS) is a rare genetic ion transmembrane disorder
      that has been associated with multiple various genetic mutations including life
      threatening cardiac arrhythmias and sudden death. Left thorascopic sympathectomy
      is an effective treatment for patients who are refractory to medical therapy or
      who need frequent epicardial internal cardiodefibrillator intervention. Although
      there is substantial literature about this therapy in adults, few reports detail
      the outcomes in children who undergo left thorascopic sympathectomies to treat
      LQTS.   The authors report the successful use of a left thoracic sympathectomy
      for the treatment of an 11-year-old girl who had persistently symptomatic LQTS,
      even after implantation of an automatic cardioverter-defibrillator. The patient
      remained clinically stable without arrhythmias through 6 months' of follow-up.  
      The authors also reviewed the relevant literature and found that it suggests that
      77% of patients will have immediate resolution of their symptoms/arrhythmias
      after the procedure. When the outcome definition was broadened to include
      patients who had only 1 or 2 cardiac episodes in the follow-up period, 88% of
      cases were considered successful. The results of this case study and literature
      review suggest that left thorascopic sympathectomy is a safe and effective
      approach for treating pediatric patients with LQTS.

PMID- 22044370
TI  - Freehand placement of depth electrodes using electromagnetic frameless
      stereotactic guidance.
AB  - The presurgical evaluation of patients with epilepsy often requires an
      intracranial study in which both subdural grid electrodes and depth electrodes
      are needed. Performing a craniotomy for grid placement with a stereotactic frame
      in place can be problematic, especially in young children, leading some surgeons
      to consider frameless stereotaxy for such surgery. The authors report on the use
      of a system that uses electromagnetic impulses to track the tip of the depth
      electrode. Ten pediatric patients with medically refractory focal lobar epilepsy
      required placement of both subdural grid and intraparenchymal depth electrodes to
      map seizure onset. Presurgical frameless stereotaxic targeting was performed
      using a commercially available electromagnetic image-guided system. Freehand
      depth electrode placement was then performed with intraoperative guidance using
      an electromagnetic system that provided imaging of the tip of the electrode,
      something that has not been possible using visually or sonically based systems.
      Accuracy of placement of depth electrodes within the deep structures of interest
      was confirmed postoperatively using CT and CT/MR imaging fusion. Depth electrodes
      were appropriately placed in all patients. Electromagnetic-tracking-based
      stereotactic targeting improves the accuracy of freehand placement of depth
      electrodes in patients with medically refractory epilepsy. The ability to track
      the electrode tip, rather than the electrode tail, is a major feature that
      enhances accuracy. Additional advantages of electromagnetic frameless guidance
      are discussed.

PMID- 22044371
TI  - Treatment of a supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumor using magnetic
      resonance-guided laser-induced thermal therapy.
AB  - Supratentorial primitive neuroectodermal tumors (PNETs) are rare tumors that
      carry a poorer prognosis than those arising from the infratentorial compartment
      (such as medulloblastoma). The overall prognosis for these patients depends on
      several factors including the extent of resection, age at diagnosis, CSF
      dissemination, and site in the supratentorial space. The authors present the
      first case of a patient with a newly diagnosed supratentorial PNET in which
      cytoreduction was achieved with MR-guided laser-induced thermal therapy. A 10
      year-old girl presented with left-sided facial weakness and a large right
      thalamic mass extending into the right midbrain. The diagnosis of supratentorial
      PNET was made after stereotactic biopsy. Therapeutic options for this lesion were
      limited because of the risks of postoperative neurological deficits with
      resection. The patient underwent MR-guided laser-induced thermal ablation of her
      tumor. Under real-time MR thermometry, thermal energy was delivered to the tumor
      at a core temperature of 90 degrees C for a total of 960 seconds. The patient
      underwent follow-up MR imaging at regular intervals to evaluate the tumor
      response to the thermal ablation procedure. Initial postoperative scans showed an
      increase in the size of the lesion as well as the amount of the associated edema.
      Both the size of the lesion and the edema stabilized by 1 week and then decreased
      below preablation levels at the 3-month postsurgical follow-up. There was a
      slight increase in the size of the lesion and associated edema at the 6-month
      follow-up scan, presumably due to concomitant radiation she received as part of
      her postoperative care. The patient tolerated the procedure well and has had
      resolution of her symptoms since surgery. Further study is needed to assess the
      role of laser-induced thermal therapy for the treatment of intracranial tumors.
      As such, it is a promising tool in the neurosurgical armamentarium. Postoperative
      imaging has shown no evidence of definitive recurrence at the 6-month follow-up
      period, but longer-term follow-up is required to assess for late recurrence.

PMID- 22044373
TI  - Lateral posterior fossa encephalocele with associated migrational disorder of the
      cerebellum in an infant.
AB  - Encephaloceles are acquired or congenital defects in which intracranial contents
      protrude through a defect in the calvaria. The embryogenesis of these lesions is
      incompletely understood. The vast majority of lesions occur at or near the
      anatomical midline. The authors present an extremely rare case of a laterally
      oriented, pathologically proven encephalocele associated with a posterior fossa
      cyst and cerebellar migrational defect in an infant. The authors review past and
      current theories of encephalocele formation as it relates to this case.

PMID- 22044372
TI  - Variation in the BRCA2 gene in a child with medulloblastoma and a family history
      of breast cancer.
AB  - The fact that BRCA genes operate as tumor suppressors is evident from the
      genetics of the different human disorders caused by inherited mutations. Germline
      mutations affecting 1 allele of either BRCA1 or BRCA2 confer susceptibility to
      different types of cancers such as breast cancer and medulloblastoma. A family
      with a history of cancer was identified in Eastern Turkey in which one of the
      family members (a 13-year-old boy) had medulloblastoma. Venous blood was
      collected from available family members. The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes were sequenced
      in the patient with medulloblastoma and the healthy father. An Asn372His
      homozygous variation was noted in the BRCA2 gene in the patient with
      medulloblastoma whereas the variation was heterozygous in the healthy father. A
      biallelic homozygous variation was demonstrated in the BRCA2 gene, which is
      important in medulloblastoma suppression, and may have caused medulloblastoma
      formation in the 13-year-old boy. Further investigations in large human
      populations with medulloblastoma are necessary for further delineation of BRCA
      gene malfunctions and their relationship to medulloblastoma formation, and to
      clarify the therapeutic implications of these malfunctions.

PMID- 22044374
TI  - Endoscopic fenestrations for suprasellar arachnoid cysts.
AB  - OBJECT: The endoscopic treatment of a suprasellar arachnoid cyst (SAC) consists
      mainly of ventriculocystostomy (VC) and ventriculocystocisternostomy (VCC).
      However, the most appropriate treatment for these cysts has not been fully
      determined yet. The authors report on the effectiveness of endoscopic VC for SACs
      communicating with the basal cisterns, which is demonstrated by preoperative CT
      cisternography. METHODS: The authors retrospectively analyzed the surgical
      results of patients with an SAC treated using endoscopic fenestration. The
      patient charts were reviewed for demographic data, clinical presentations,
      surgical therapies, and clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Six consecutive patients with
      SAC were surgically treated using endoscopic fenestration (VC or VCC) between
      March 2004 and February 2011. The mean age was 18.5 months (range 5 days to 37
      months). Five patients were previously untreated, and 1 patient had previously
      undergone ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement. Five patients underwent
      preoperative CT cisternography, and communication between the SAC and the basal
      cisterns was demonstrated in 3 patients, very slight communication in 1, and no
      communication in 1. Four patients, including the 3 with communication between the
      SAC and basal cisterns, underwent VC. Two patients with very slight or no
      communication underwent VCC. In all patients the SAC decreased in size and
      hydrocephalus improved postoperatively. Five patients (3 treated with VC and 2
      with VCC [83%]) have been stable without reoperation (mean follow-up 32.7
      months). All 3 patients with an SAC communicating with the basal cisterns have
      been stable without reoperation following VC. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative
      cisternography may be useful for selecting the optimal endoscopic treatment
      method for SAC. If an SAC communicates with the basal cisterns, a VC could be an
      effective, safe, and simpler treatment option.

PMID- 22044375
TI  - Endoscopic third ventriculostomy in the treatment of childhood hydrocephalus:
      validation of a success score that predicts long-term outcome.
AB  - OBJECT: The goal of this study was to externally validate the proposed Endoscopic
      Third Ventriculostomy Success Score (ETVSS), which predicts successful treatment
      for hydrocephalus on the basis of a child's individual characteristics. METHODS:
      The authors retrospectively identified 181 cases of consecutive endoscopic third
      ventriculostomy (ETV) performed in children at a single neurosurgery center in
      the United Kingdom. They compared actual success at both 6 and 36 months, with
      mean predicted probabilities for low, moderate, and high chance of success strata
      based on the ETVSS. Long-term success was calculated using Kaplan-Meier methods
      and comparisons were made by means of unpaired t-tests. RESULTS: Overall, 166
      primary ETVs were performed; ETV success was 72.9% at 6 and 64.5% at 36 months.
      At long-term follow-up, the mean predicted probability of success was
      significantly higher in those with a successful ETV (99 patients) than in those
      with a failed ETV (67 patients) (p = 0.001). The ETVSS accurately predicted
      outcome at 36 months; the low, medium, and high chance of success strata had mean
      predicted probabilities of success of 82%, 63%, and 36%, and actual success of
      76%, 66%, and 42%, respectively. The overall complication rate was 6%.
      CONCLUSIONS: The ETVSS closely predicted the overall long-term success rates in
      high-, moderate-, and low-risk groups. The results of this study suggest that the
      ETVSS will aid clinical decision making in predicting outcome of ETV.

PMID- 22044376
TI  - Evaluating the Children's Hospital of Alabama endoscopic third ventriculostomy
      experience using the Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy Success Score: an external
      validation study.
AB  - OBJECT: Endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) success is dependent on patient
      characteristics including age, origin of hydrocephalus, and history of shunt
      therapy. Using these factors, an Endoscopic Third Ventriculostomy Success Score
      (ETVSS) model was constructed to predict success of therapy. This study reports a
      single-institution experience with ETV and explores the ETVSS model validity.
      METHODS: A retrospective chart review identified 151 consecutive patients who
      underwent ETV at a pediatric hospital between August 1995 and December 2009. Of
      these 151, 136 patients had at least 6 months of clinical follow-up. Data
      concerning patient characteristics, operative characteristics, radiological
      findings, complications, and success of ETV were collected. The actual success
      rates were compared with those predicted by the ETVSS model. RESULTS: The actual
      success rate of ETV at 6 months was 68.4% (93 of 136 patients), which compared
      well to the predicted ETVSS of 76.5% +/- 12.5% (+/- SD). The C-statistic was 0.74
      (95% CI 0.65-0.83), suggesting that the ability of the ETVSS to discriminate
      failures from successes was good. Secondary ETV was found to have a hazard ratio
      for failure of 4.2 (95% CI 2.4-7.2) compared with primary ETV (p < 0.001). The
      complication rate was 9.3% with no deaths. At the first radiological follow-up,
      the increased size of ventricles had a hazard ratio for failure of 3.0 (95% CI
      1.5-6.0) compared with patients in whom ventricle size either remained stable or
      decreased (p = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS: The ETVSS closely predicts the actual success
      of ETV, fitting the statistical model well. Shortcomings of the model were
      identified in overestimating success in patients with ETVSS <= 70, which may be
      attributable to the poor success of secondary ETVs in the authors' patient
      population.

PMID- 22044378
TI  - Costs and benefits of neurosurgical intervention for infant hydrocephalus in sub
      Saharan Africa.
AB  - OBJECT: Evidence from the CURE Children's Hospital of Uganda (CCHU) suggests that
      treatment for hydrocephalus in infants can be effective and sustainable in a
      developing country. This model has not been broadly supported or implemented due
      in part to the absence of data on the economic burden of disease or any
      assessment of the cost and benefit of treatment. The authors used economic
      modeling to estimate the annual cost and benefit of treating hydrocephalus in
      infants at CCHU. These results were then extrapolated to the potential economic
      impact of treating all cases of hydrocephalus in infants in sub-Saharan Africa
      (SSA). METHODS: The authors conducted a retrospective review of all children
      initially treated for hydrocephalus at CCHU via endoscopic third ventriculostomy
      or shunt placement in 2005. A combination of data and explicit assumptions was
      used to determine the number of times each procedure was performed, the cost of
      performing each procedure, the number of disability-adjusted life years (DALYs)
      averted with neurosurgical intervention, and the economic benefit of the
      treatment. For CCHU and SSA, the cost per DALY averted and the benefit-cost ratio
      of 1 year's treatment of hydrocephalus in infants were determined. RESULTS: In
      2005, 297 patients (median age 4 months) were treated at CCHU. The total cost of
      neurosurgical intervention was $350,410, and the cost per DALY averted ranged
      from $59 to $126. The CCHU's economic benefit to Uganda was estimated to be
      between $3.1 million and $5.2 million using a human capital approach and $4.6
      million-$188 million using a value of a statistical life (VSL) approach. The
      total economic benefit of treating the conservatively estimated 82,000 annual
      cases of hydrocephalus in infants in SSA ranged from $930 million to $1.6 billion
      using a human capital approach and $1.4 billion-$56 billion using a VSL approach.
      The minimum benefit-cost ratio of treating hydrocephalus in infants was estimated
      to be 7:1. CONCLUSIONS: Untreated hydrocephalus in infants exacts an enormous
      price from SSA. The results of this study suggest that neurosurgical intervention
      has a cost/DALY averted comparable to other surgical interventions that have been
      evaluated, as well as a favorable benefit-cost ratio. The prevention and
      treatment of hydrocephalus in SSA should be recognized as a major public health
      priority.

PMID- 22044377
TI  - Five-year survival and outcome of treatment for postinfectious hydrocephalus in
      Ugandan infants.
AB  - OBJECT: Neonatal infection is the most common cause of infant hydrocephalus in
      Uganda. Postinfectious hydrocephalus (PIH) is often accompanied by primary brain
      injury from the original infection. Since 2001, ETV (with or without choroid
      plexus cauterization) has been our primary treatment for PIH. The long-term
      outcome in these children is unknown. METHODS: We studied the 5-year outcome in a
      cohort of 149 infants treated for PIH from 2001 to 2005 and who lived in 4
      districts close to the hospital. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan
      Meier method. Statistical significance was determined using the Fisher, Breslow,
      and log-rank tests. RESULTS: The patients' mean age at presentation was 9.5
      months (median 3.0 months). Eighty-four patients (56.4%) were successfully
      treated without a shunt. Operative mortality was 1.2% for ETV and 4.4% for shunt
      placement (p = 0.3). Five-year survival was 72.8% in the non-shunt-treated group
      and 67.6% in the shunt-treated group, with no difference in survival (log rank p
      = 0.43, Breslow p = 0.46). Of 43 survivors assessed at 5-11 years, those with
      shunts had significantly worse functional outcomes (p = 0.003-0.035), probably
      reflecting treatment selection bias since those with the worst sequelae of
      ventriculitis were more likely to be treated with shunt placement. CONCLUSIONS:
      Nearly one-third of treated infants died within 5 years, and at least one-third
      of the survivors were severely disabled. There was no survival advantage for non
      shunt-treated patients at 5 years. A randomized trial of endoscopic third
      ventriculostomy versus shunt placement for treating PIH may be indicated. Public
      health measures that prevent these infections are urgently needed.

PMID- 22044379
TI  - Effective surgical treatment of cerebral cavernous malformations: a multicenter
      study of 79 pediatric patients.
AB  - OBJECT: Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) are common vascular lesions in
      the brain, affecting approximately 0.5% of the population and representing 10%
      20% of all cerebral vascular lesions. One-quarter of all CCMs affect pediatric
      patients, and CCMs are reported as one of the main causes of brain hemorrhage in
      this age group. Symptoms include epileptic seizures, headache, and focal
      neurological deficits. Patients with symptomatic CCMs can be treated either
      conservatively or with resection if lesions cause medically refractory epilepsy
      or other persistent symptoms. METHODS: The authors retrospectively analyzed 79
      pediatric patients (41 boys and 38 girls) from 3 different centers, who were
      surgically treated for their symptomatic CCMs between 1974 and 2004. The mean age
      of the children at first manifestation was 9.7 years, and the mean age at
      operation was 11.3 years. The main goal was to compare the clinical outcomes with
      respect to the location of the lesion of children who preoperatively suffered
      from epileptic seizures. RESULTS: Of these patients, 77.3% were seizure free
      (Engel Class I) after the resection of the CCM. Significant differences in the
      outcome between children who harbored CCMs at different locations were not found.
      CONCLUSIONS: Resection seems to be the favorable treatment of symptomatic CCMs
      not only in adults but also in children.

PMID- 22044380
TI  - A sacral hydatid cyst mimicking an anterior sacral meningocele.
AB  - Hydatid disease is a zoonosis caused by Echinococcus granulosus. It is a
      progressive disease with serious morbidity risks. Sacral hydatid disease is very
      uncommon, accounting for < 11% of spinal hydatidosis cases. The diagnosis of a
      sacral hydatid cyst is sometimes difficult because hydatidosis can simulate other
      cystic pathologies. The authors report on 9-year-old boy admitted to their
      service with a paraparesis that allowed walking without aid. The boy presented
      with a 2-year history of an evolving incomplete cauda equina syndrome as well as
      a soft cystic mass in the abdomen extending from the pelvis. Radiological
      examination revealed an anterior meningocele. A posterior approach with
      laminectomy from L-5 to S-3 was performed. Three lesions with classic features of
      a hydatid cyst were observed and removed. The diagnosis of hydatid cyst was
      confirmed histopathologically. Antihelmintic treatment with albendazole (15
      mg/kg/day) was included in the postoperative treatment. The patient's condition
      improved after surgery, and he recovered normal mobility.   The unusual site and
      presentation of hydatid disease in this patient clearly supports the
      consideration of spinal hydatid disease in the differential diagnosis for any
      mass in the body, especially in endemic areas.

PMID- 22044381
TI  - Traumatic tiger attack.
AB  - Attacks on humans by large cats are uncommon occurrences and thus the principles
      of managing such injuries are not well documented. The authors here report the
      case of an 11-year-old boy who was mauled by a privately owned tiger. The attack
      resulted in multiple cranial lacerations and fractures, dissection of the
      internal carotid artery, and persistent neurological deficits. This case outlines
      the multiple sources of injury and pathology that can result from such an attack.
      Discussion is focused on the pattern of injury seen in large feline attacks and
      the treatment approach.

PMID- 22044382
TI  - Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome.

PMID- 22044384
TI  - Allogeneic donor peripheral blood "stem cell" apheresis: prospective comparison
      of two apheresis systems.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Granulocyte-colony-stimulating factor-mobilized peripheral blood stem
      cells, collected by white blood cell apheresis, are used for more than 80% of
      allogeneic and most autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantations. Optimal
      donor and recipient outcomes require maximized stem cell collection efficiency
      and minimized non-target cell contamination. Therefore, improved apheresis
      technology is desirable. The safety and feasibility of apheresis collections with
      the novel, electronics-assisted apheresis system Spectra Optia v.5.0
      (CaridianBCT) were recently demonstrated. An unpublished optimization trial had
      furthermore determined that different settings than manufacturer-installed
      default might result in improved apheresis yields. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The
      first prospective comparison of allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell apheresis
      with the Spectra Optia versus the COBE Spectra (CaridianBCT) mononuclear cell
      (MNC) in a routine clinical setting is reported here; "optimized" machine
      settings were used. Assessed variables included collection efficiency, product
      characteristics, donor outcomes, and frequency of operator interventions.
      Outcomes were additionally compared with historical data from the Spectra Optia
      in default mode. RESULTS: The mean CD34+ cell collection efficiency CE1 was 7.9%
      greater with the Spectra Optia than with the COBE Spectra MNC. Variability of
      outcomes was equally great. Reduced platelet (PLT) attrition necessitated 90%
      fewer autologous PLT reinfusions. Spectra Optia products contained 50% fewer red
      blood cells, but 50% more granulocytic lineage cells. Less operator input was
      required, although 26% of Spectra Optia apheresis procedures required triggering
      of the first chamber flush. Apheresis yield and collection efficiency were also
      markedly greater than in default-mode Spectra Optia collections. CONCLUSION:
      Using optimized machine settings, peripheral blood stem cell apheresis outcomes
      with the automated apheresis system Spectra Optia exceed results with the COBE
      Spectra MNC or the Spectra Optia in the default mode.

PMID- 22044385
TI  - An in vitro biofilm model for enamel demineralization and antimicrobial dose
      response studies.
AB  - Microcosm biofilms formed in microplates have demonstrated complex community
      dynamics similar to natural dental biofilm. No simplified microcosm models to
      evaluate enamel demineralization and dose-response effect to anticariogenic
      therapies have yet been established, thus this study was designed to develop a
      pre-clinical model fulfilling this purpose. Experiments were carried out to
      establish the time of biofilm formation and the sucrose concentration and
      exposure regimen. Biofilms were initiated from saliva and grown for up to 10 days
      on bovine enamel discs in 24-well plates, with a saliva analogue medium. Data
      were collected as pH readings and the percentage enamel surface hardness change.
      A dose-response evaluation was performed with chlorhexidine, which significantly
      affected the pH and mineral loss. Overall, the established model parameters, 5
      days of biofilm growth with intermittent 1% sucrose exposure of 6 h per day, was
      suitable as a pre-clinical model for enamel demineralization and dose-response
      studies.

PMID- 22044386
TI  - Spinal cord injury.

PMID- 22044387
TI  - Discovery of salt taste enhancing arginyl dipeptides in protein digests and
      fermented fish sauces by means of a sensomics approach.
AB  - As enzymatic digests of fish proteins were recently reported to enhance salt
      taste, the fish protein protamine was digested by chymotrypsin and trypsin and
      subsequently screened for candidate salt taste modulating (STM) peptides. To
      achieve this, first, a two-step sensory assay was developed and demonstrated to
      be a rather suitable tool for the detection of salt taste enhancers and the
      "quantitation" of their salt taste enhancing activity on the basis of
      isointensities with reference solutions. By means of activity-guided
      fractionation using ultrafiltration, gel permeation chromatography, and
      hydrophilic liquid interaction chromatography in combination with the sensory
      assay for STM activity assessment, a series of arginyl dipeptides, with RP, RA,
      AR, RG, RS, RV, VR, and RM being the most active, as well as l-arginine were
      found as salt taste enhancing molecules in fish protamine digests. For the first
      time, HPLC-MS/MS analysis on a PFP and a HILIC stationary phase, respectively,
      enabled the quantitative analysis of the arginyl peptides in a series of
      commercial and laboratory-made protein hydrolysates as well as fermented fish
      sauces.

PMID- 22044388
TI  - Surface heterogeneity on hemispheres-in-cell model yields all experimentally
      observed non-straining colloid retention mechanisms in porous media in the
      presence of energy barriers.
AB  - Many mechanisms of colloid retention in porous media under unfavorable conditions
      have been identified from experiments or theory, such as attachment at surface
      heterogeneities, wedging at grain to grain contacts, retention via secondary
      energy minimum association in zones of low flow drag, and straining in pore
      throats too small to pass. However, no previously published model is capable of
      representing all of these mechanisms of colloid retention. In this work, we
      demonstrate that incorporation of surface heterogeneity into our hemispheres-in
      cell model yields all experimentally observed non-straining retention mechanisms
      in porous media under unfavorable conditions. We also demonstrate that the
      predominance of any given retention mechanism depends on the coupled colloid
      collector-flow interactions that are governed by parameters such as the size and
      spatial frequency of heterogeneous attractive domains, colloid size, and solution
      ionic strength. The force/torque balance-simulated retention is shown to decrease
      gradually with decreasing solution ionic strength, in agreement with experimental
      observations. This gradual decrease stands in sharp contrast to predictions from
      mean field theory that does not account for discrete surface heterogeneity.

PMID- 22044390
TI  - Fear, numbers, and measles.

PMID- 22044389
TI  - Do multiple concurrent infections in African children cause irreversible
      immunological damage?
AB  - Much of the developing world, particularly sub-Saharan Africa, has high levels of
      morbidity and mortality associated with infectious diseases. The greatest risk of
      invasive disease is in the young, the malnourished and HIV-infected individuals.
      In many regions in Africa these vulnerable groups and the wider general
      population are under constant immune pressure from a range of environmental
      factors, under-nutrition and multiple concurrent infections from birth through to
      adulthood. Intermittent microbial exposure during childhood is required for the
      generation of naturally acquired immunity capable of protection against a range
      of infectious diseases in adult life. However, in the context of a resource-poor
      setting, the heavy burden of malarial, diarrhoeal and respiratory infections in
      childhood may subvert or suppress immune responses rather than protect, resulting
      in sub-optimal immunity. This review will explore how poor maternal health, HIV
      exposure, socio-economic and seasonal factors conspire to weaken childhood immune
      defences to disease and discuss the hypothesis that recurrent infections may
      drive immune dysregulation, leading to relative immune senescence and premature
      immunological aging.

PMID- 22044392
TI  - Unusual adsorption site behavior in PCN-14 metal-organic framework predicted from
      Monte Carlo simulation.
AB  - The adsorption equilibrium of methane in PCN-14 was simulated by the Monte Carlo
      technique in the grand canonical ensemble. A new force field was proposed for the
      methane/PCN-14 system, and the temperature dependence of the molecular siting was
      investigated. A detailed study of the statistics of the center of mass and
      potential energy showed a surprising site behavior with no energy barriers
      between weak and strong sites, allowing open metal sites to guide methane
      molecules to other neighboring sites. Moreover, this study showed that a model
      assuming weakly adsorbing open metal clusters in PCN-14, densely populated only
      at low temperatures (below 150 K), can explain published experimental data. These
      results also explain previously observed discrepancies between neutron
      diffraction experiments and Monte Carlo simulations.

PMID- 22044393
TI  - Reversal of Hall-Petch effect in structural stability of PbTe nanocrystals and
      associated variation of phase transformation.
AB  - Using an in situ synchrotron X-ray diffraction technique, a pressure-induced
      phase transformation of PbTe nanocrystals with sizes of 13 and 5 nm up to ~20 GPa
      was studied. Upon an increase of pressure, we observed that the 13 nm PbTe
      nanocrystals start a phase transformation from rocksalt structure to an
      intermediate orthorhombic structure and finally CsCl-type structure at 8 GPa,
      which is 2 GPa higher than that in bulk PbTe. In contrast, the 5 nm PbTe
      nanocrystals do not display the same type of transition with a further increased
      transition pressure as expected. Instead of orthorhombic or CsCl-type structure,
      the 5 nm PbTe nanocrystals turn to amorphous phase under a similar pressure (8
      GPa). Upon a release of pressure, the 13 nm PbTe nanocrystals transform from high
      pressure CsCl-type structure directly to rocksalt structure, whereas the 5 nm
      PbTe nanocrystals remain their amorphous phase to ambient conditions. The
      structure stability of rocksalt-type PbTe shows a significant reversal of Hall
      Petch effect. On the basis of such an observation with a critical size
      determination of ~9 nm, PbTe nanocrystals appear as the first class of material
      that demonstrates a pressure-induced structural change from order to disorder. By
      sharing the insight of this reversed Hall-Petch effect with associated transition
      types, we tuned our experimental protocol and successfully synthesized a sample
      with "high-pressure metastable structure", amorphous phase at ambient pressure.
      This integrative study provides a feasible pathway to understand nucleation
      mechanism as a function of particle size and to explore novel materials with high
      pressure metastable structure and unique properties under lab-accessible
      conditions.

PMID- 22044397
TI  - Modulation of glucokinase by glucose, small-molecule activator and glucokinase
      regulatory protein: steady-state kinetic and cell-based analysis.
AB  - GK (glucokinase) is an enzyme central to glucose metabolism that displays
      positive co-operativity to substrate glucose. Small-molecule GKAs (GK activators)
      modulate GK catalytic activity and glucose affinity and are currently being
      pursued as a treatment for Type 2 diabetes. GK progress curves monitoring product
      formation are linear up to 1 mM glucose, but biphasic at 5 mM, with the
      transition from the lower initial velocity to the higher steady-state velocity
      being described by the rate constant kact. In the presence of a liver-specific
      GKA (compound A), progress curves at 1 mM glucose are similar to those at 5 mM,
      reflecting activation of GK by compound A. We show that GKRP (GK regulatory
      protein) is a slow tight-binding inhibitor of GK. Analysis of progress curves
      indicate that this inhibition is time dependent, with apparent initial and final
      Ki values being 113 and 12.8 nM respectively. When GK is pre-incubated with
      glucose and compound A, the inhibition observed by GKRP is time dependent, but
      independent of GKRP concentration, reflecting the GKA-controlled transition
      between closed and open GK conformations. These data are supported by cell-based
      imaging data from primary rat hepatocytes. This work characterizes the modulation
      of GK by a novel GKA that may enable the design of new and improved GKAs.

PMID- 22044391
TI  - Accumulation of B1-like B cells in transgenic mice over-expressing catalytically
      inactive RAG1 in the periphery.
AB  - During their development, B lymphocytes undergo V(D)J recombination events and
      selection processes that, if successfully completed, produce mature B cells
      expressing a non-self-reactive B-cell receptor (BCR). Primary V(D)J
      rearrangements yield self-reactive B cells at high frequency, triggering attempts
      to remove, silence, or reprogramme them through deletion, anergy induction, or
      secondary V(D)J recombination (receptor editing), respectively. In principle,
      expressing a catalytically inactive V(D)J recombinase during a developmental
      stage in which V(D)J rearrangement is initiated may impair this process. To test
      this idea, we generated transgenic mice expressing a RAG1 active site mutant
      (dnRAG1 mice); RAG1 transcript was elevated in splenic, but not bone marrow, B
      cells in dnRAG1 mice relative to wild-type mice. The dnRAG1 mice accumulate
      splenic B cells with a B1-like phenotype that exhibit defects in B-cell
      activation, and are clonally diverse, yet repertoire restricted with a bias
      toward Jkappa1 gene segment usage. The dnRAG1 mice show evidence of impaired B
      cell development at the immature-to-mature transition, immunoglobulin deficiency,
      and poorer immune responses to thymus-independent antigens. Interestingly, dnRAG1
      mice expressing the anti-dsDNA 3H9H56R heavy chain fail to accumulate splenic B1
      like cells, yet retain peritoneal B1 cells. Instead, these mice show an expanded
      marginal zone compartment, but no difference is detected in the frequency of
      heavy chain gene replacement. Taken together, these data suggest a model in which
      dnRAG1 expression impairs secondary V(D)J recombination. As a result, selection
      and/or differentiation processes are altered in a way that promotes expansion of
      B1-like B cells in the spleen.

PMID- 22044398
TI  - Effect of guaifenesin on mucin production, rheology, and mucociliary transport in
      differentiated human airway epithelial cells.
AB  - Guaifenesin is widely used to alleviate symptoms of excessive mucus accumulation
      in the respiratory tract. However, its mechanism of action is poorly understood.
      The authors hypothesized that guaifenesin improves mucociliary clearance in
      humans by reducing mucin release, by decreasing mucus viscoelasticity, and by
      increasing mucociliary transport. To test these hypotheses, human differentiated
      airway epithelial cells, cultured at an air-liquid interface, were treated with
      clinically relevant concentrations of guaifenesin by addition to the basolateral
      medium. To evaluate the effect on mucin secretion, the authors used an anzyme
      linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to measure the amounts of MUC5AC protein in
      apical surface fluid and cell lysates. To measure mucociliary transportability,
      additional cultures were treated for 1 or 6 hours with guaifenesin, and the
      movement of cell debris was measured from video data. Further, the authors
      measured mucus dynamic viscoelasticity using a micro cone and plate rheometer
      with nondestructive creep transformation. Guaifenesin suppressed mucin production
      in a dose-dependent manner at clinically relevant concentrations. The reduced
      mucin production was associated with increased mucociliary transport and
      decreased viscoelasticity of the mucus. Viability of the cultures was not
      significantly affected. These results suggest that guaifenesin could improve
      mucociliary clearance in humans by reducing the release and/or production of
      mucins, thereby altering mucus rheology.

PMID- 22044399
TI  - Structure of geminal imidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide dicationic
      ionic liquids: a theoretical study of the liquid phase.
AB  - In this work, we report molecular dynamics simulations of the bulk liquid phase
      of geminal di-imidazolium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide ionic liquids. We
      characterize a few interesting features of the local structure in the liquid
      phase, and we make a comparison both with gas phase structures and with the
      monoimidazolic counterparts. We analyze in detail the diffraction properties of
      these fluids by simulating X-ray and neutron scattering factors and we report on
      the long-range structural order that seems to also arise in one of these
      compounds.

PMID- 22044400
TI  - Functional equivalence and spatial path memory.
AB  - Loomis, Klatzky, Avraamides, Lippa and Golledge ( 2007 ) suggest that, when it
      comes to spatial information, verbal description and perceptual experience are
      nearly functionally equivalent with respect to the cognitive representations they
      produce. We tested this idea for the case of spatial memory for complex paths.
      Paths consisted entirely of unit-length segments followed by 90-degree turns,
      thus assuring that a path could be described with equal precision using either an
      egocentric verbal description or a virtual self-motion experience. The verbal
      description was analogous to driving directions (e.g., turn left and go one
      block, then turn right, etc.) except in three dimensions (allowing rotation
      followed by up or down movement). Virtual self-motion was depicted as first
      person travel through a 3D grid of featureless corridors. Comparison of these two
      conditions produced a result that may be surprising to some, but nevertheless
      appears to support the notion of functional equivalence: Virtual self-motion does
      not produce better path memory than verbal description, when care is taken to
      present equally precise path information. This result holds for even very complex
      paths and despite evidence from proximity-based interference that the memory
      representation of the path is spatial.

PMID- 22044401
TI  - Investigation of the configurational stabilities of chiral isocyanoacetates in
      multicomponent reactions.
AB  - Isocyanoacetates are uniquely reactive compounds characterized by an ambivalent
      isocyano functional group and an enolizable alpha-carbon. It is widely believed
      that chiral alpha-substituted isocyanoacetates are configurationally unstable in
      some synthetically useful isocyanide-based multicomponent reactions. Herein, we
      demonstrate that chiral isocyanoacetates can be used with minimal to negligible
      epimerization in a variety of canonical Ugi four-component condensations as well
      as Joullie-Ugi three-component condensations, reactions that are particularly
      useful for constructing complex peptide structures in a single synthetic
      operation.

PMID- 22044402
TI  - Assessment of the pharmacology and tolerability of PF-04457845, an irreversible
      inhibitor of fatty acid amide hydrolase-1, in healthy subjects.
AB  - AIMS To evaluate the pharmacology and tolerability of PF-04457845, an orally
      available fatty acid amide hydrolase-1 (FAAH1) inhibitor, in healthy subjects.
      METHODS: Double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled single and multiple rising
      dose studies and an open-label, randomized, food effect study were conducted.
      Plasma and urine PF-04457845 concentrations, plasma fatty acid amide
      concentrations and FAAH1 activity in human leucocytes were measured.
      Tolerability, including effects on cognitive function, were assessed. RESULTS: PF
      04457845 was rapidly absorbed (median t(max) 0.5-1.2 h). Exposure increased
      supraproportionally to dose from 0.1 to 10 mg and proportionally between 10 and
      40 mg single doses. The pharmacokinetics appeared dose proportional following 14
      days once daily dosing between 0.5 and 8 mg. Steady-state was achieved by day 7.
      Less than 0.1% of the dose was excreted in urine. Food had no effect on PF
      04457845 pharmacokinetics. FAAH1 activity was almost completely inhibited (>97%)
      following doses of at least 0.3 mg (single dose) and 0.5 mg once daily (multiple
      dose) PF-04457845. Mean fatty acid amide concentrations increased (3.5- to 10
      fold) to a plateau and then were maintained following PF-04457845. FAAH1 activity
      and fatty acid amide concentrations returned to baseline within 2 weeks following
      cessation of dosing at doses up to 4 mg. There was no evidence of effects of PF
      04457845 on cognitive function. PF-04457845, at doses up to 40 mg single dose and
      8 mg once daily for 14 days, was well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: PF-04457845 was
      well tolerated at doses exceeding those required for maximal inhibition of FAAH1
      activity and elevation of fatty acid amides.

PMID- 22044403
TI  - Real time three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography in congenital heart
      disease.
AB  - Diagnosing congenital heart disease (CHD) depends heavily on imaging.
      Traditionally, two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography has been the most widely
      used but since this imaging modality utilizes a 2D technique to evaluate three
      dimensional (3D) structures it suffers from inherent limitations. The more
      recently developed 3D echocardiography is poised to be superior in providing
      comprehensive evaluation prior to intervention on such complex conditions. In
      this review, we summarize the applications of 3D echocardiography in evaluating
      patients with CHD.

PMID- 22044404
TI  - Detection of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli isolates
      in faecal samples of Iberian lynx.
AB  - AIMS: To characterize the diversity of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)
      producing Escherichia coli isolates recovered within the faecal microbiota of
      Iberian lynx. The identification of other associated resistance genes and the
      analysis of clonal relationship were also focused in this study. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: From 2008 to 2010, 128 faecal samples of Iberian lynx (wild and captive
      animals) were collected. Eleven tested samples contained cefotaxime-resistant E.
      coli isolates (all belonging to captive animals) and 10 ESBL-producing isolates
      were showed. CTX-M-14 and SHV-12 ESBL-types were detected and seven different
      patterns were identified by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis analysis.
      CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of unrelated multiresistant E. coli in faecal flora
      of captive specimens of Iberian lynx, including the presence of ESBLs, resistant
      genes in integrons and virulence determinants was showed in this study.
      SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The results obtained in this study
      highlight the environmental problem as future reintroductions of Iberian lynx
      could lead to a spread of resistant bacteria. Additionally, ESBL-producing
      bacteria can represent a health problem for this endangered species.

PMID- 22044405
TI  - Effectiveness of a palliative care outpatient programme in improving cancer
      related symptoms among ambulatory Brazilian patients.
AB  - The focuses of palliative care are to provide symptom relief and improve quality
      of life through an interdisciplinary approach. Previous studies conducted to
      evaluate the effectiveness of palliative care in reducing symptom distress among
      outpatients confirmed the importance of the palliative care approach. To our
      knowledge, there is no published information from Brazil regarding the impact of
      a palliative care outpatient programme in reducing symptom distress. Symptom
      scores from 232 patients were measured using Edmonton Symptom Assessment System
      scales in two consecutive consults. Changes in symptoms at follow-up visit were
      analysed using Wilcoxon signed-rank paired test. The symptom subtraction indices
      (SSI) (follow-up scores minus baseline scores) were calculated and then analysed
      with Spearman's correlation. Edmonton Symptom Assessment System median scores at
      follow-up visits were statistically significant reduced in all symptoms
      evaluated. All the SSI positively correlated with well-being-SSI. Other important
      SSI correlations were: fatigue-SSI and anxiety-SSI, and fatigue-SSI and dyspnoea
      SSI. Our palliative care outpatient programme was able to provide a significant
      improvement in the symptoms evaluated. The well-being-SSI was positively
      correlated with all the SSI, verifying that the control of symptoms in palliative
      care is essential for the patient well-being. Adequate/inadequate control of
      specifically symptoms seems to indirectly improve/worsen other symptoms.

PMID- 22044406
TI  - Oxygen plasma treated interactive polycarbonate DNA microarraying platform.
AB  - A novel DNA microarrying platform based on oxygen plasma activation of
      polycarbonate surface of compact disks (DVD) is presented. Carboxylic acid groups
      are generated in few seconds on polycarbonate in an efficient, fast, and clean
      way. Following this surface activation strategy, amino-modified oligonucleotide
      probes were covalently attached, reaching an immobilization density of 2 pmol cm(
      2). Atomic force microscopy imaging revealed the nondestructive character of this
      treatment when applied for short times, allowing for disk scanning in standard
      DVD drives. DNA assays performed on oxygen plasma treated disks resulted very
      efficient with maximum hybridization yield of 93% and reaching a low limit of
      detection (200 pM) for perfect match synthetic oligonucleotide targets when
      reading the disk with a standard drive as detector. The approach was also
      evaluated by scoring single nucleotide polymorphisms with a discrimination ratio
      of 12.8. As proof of concept, the oxygen plasma treated interactive polycarbonate
      DNA microarraying platform was applied to the detection of PCR products of
      Salmonella spp., reaching a detection limit of 2 nM that corresponds to a DNA
      concentration of only 1 c.f.u./mL. The results confirm the suitability of the
      microarray platform for analysis of biological samples with high sensitivity.

PMID- 22044407
TI  - Synthesis and characterization of a 1-D porous barium carboxylate coordination
      polymer, [Ba(HBTB)] (H3BTB = benzene-1,3,5-trisbenzoic acid).
AB  - The synthesis and characterization of [Ba(HBTB)] is reported. This is the first
      porous framework synthesized with barium using carboxylate ligands. The framework
      has robust microporous character (Langmuir surface area of 879 m(2) g(-1)) and
      possesses unsaturated metal sites when fully desolvated.

PMID- 22044408
TI  - Symmetrical drug-related intertriginous and flexural exanthema (baboon syndrome)
      induced by amoxicillin-clavulanate.
AB  - Systemic drug-related intertriginous and flexural exanthema (SDRIFE), also known
      as Baboon syndrome, is an uncommon, cutaneous reaction that occurs after the
      systemic administration of drug-related allergens. We report the case of a 5-year
      old boy with SDRIFE after systemic administration of amoxicillin-clavulanate.

PMID- 22044409
TI  - Future of the pharmacogenomics of calcineurin inhibitors in renal transplant
      patients.

PMID- 22044410
TI  - Pharmacogenomics of psychotropic drugs.

PMID- 22044412
TI  - Prediction of tumor response to chemoradiotherapy by genetic profile in rectal
      cancer patients.

PMID- 22044413
TI  - Personal account of the discovery of a new disease using next-generation
      sequencing. Interview by Natalie Harrison.

PMID- 22044414
TI  - Genetic and genomic predictors of anti-TNF response.
AB  - The introduction of anti-TNF therapy has dramatically improved the outlook for
      patients suffering from a number of inflammatory conditions including rheumatoid
      arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. Despite this, a substantial proportion
      of patients (approximately 30-40%) fail to respond to these potentially toxic and
      expensive therapies. Treatment response is likely to be multifactorial; however,
      variation in genes or their expression may identify those most likely to respond.
      By targeted testing of variants within candidate genes, potential predictors of
      anti-TNF response have been reported; however, very few markers have replicated
      consistently between studies. Emerging genome-wide association studies suggest
      that there may be a number of genes with modest effects on treatment response
      rather than a few genes of large effect. Other potential serum biomarkers of
      response have also been explored including cytokines and autoantibodies, with
      antibodies developing to the anti-TNF drugs themselves being correlated with
      treatment failure.

PMID- 22044415
TI  - Polymorphisms, hypertension and thiazide diuretics.
AB  - It is 10 years since the discovery of the human genome; however, the study of the
      influence of genetic variants on drug effect - pharmacogenomics - has so far
      failed to create a major impact on day-to-day prescription practices. In the
      present article we analyze the main findings in candidate gene variants, gene
      combinations and whole-genome scans in relation to diuretic treatment. A critical
      analysis of the main reasons for some contrasting results will be discussed. The
      hypertension phases, in clinical trials dealing with genes and related
      pathophysiological mechanisms, may account for these inconsistent findings. The
      use of previously untreated versus treated patients is addressed. Finally, a
      positive study with a new genetic molecular strategy is described.

PMID- 22044416
TI  - Statin dose in Asians: is pharmacogenetics relevant?
AB  - Historically the efficacy and safety of statins has mostly been studied in
      western populations. Few such studies have been carried out in Asians until
      recent years. These studies revealed interesting similarities and differences for
      statin use between Asians and Caucasians. One clinically important question
      subsequently raised is whether Asians need lower statin doses compared with
      Caucasians. Many practicing physicians believe that statin doses are lower in
      Asians because of the generally lower bodyweight and BMI. Whether this belief is
      based on sound scientific evidence needs to be reviewed. Furthermore, since the
      decision of optimal dose is based on both efficacy and safety, both of which may
      be impacted by genetic factors, one may ask whether pharmacogenetics plays a role
      in the dose difference, if such a difference exists. There is a clinical need to
      critically and comprehensively article the literature to answer these questions,
      and summarize future directions of research in the field. This article serves the
      above purpose.

PMID- 22044417
TI  - Detection and characterization of the CYP2D6*9x2 gene duplication in two Spanish
      populations: resolution of AmpliChip CYP450 test no-calls.
AB  - BACKGROUND: CYP2D6 is a major drug-metabolizing enzyme. Polymorphic variation
      includes copy number variants such as gene deletions, duplications and
      multiplications of functional and nonfunctional gene units. In this article we
      describe the first systematic characterization of a CYP2D6*9x2 gene duplication.
      CYP2D6*9 is an allelic variant conferring reduced enzymatic activity. This novel
      gene duplication was discovered in two unrelated Spanish psychiatric patients.
      Both subjects were initially tested with the AmpliChip CYP450 test, which
      indicated the presence of a duplication and the CYP2D6*9 allele, but did not make
      a genotype call. The goal of the study was to resolve this issue by
      characterizing the CYP2D6 gene locus in these patients. MATERIALS & METHODS: Both
      individuals and one offspring were regenotyped using our own CYP2D6 genotyping
      strategy employing long-range PCR and TaqMan-based SNP detection. In addition,
      gene resequencing and genotyping of duplication-specific long-range PCR products
      and quantitative gene copy number analysis was applied. RESULTS: The duplication
      was mapped to the CYP2D6*9 allele and copy number analysis determined a
      CYP2D6*9x2 gene duplication in all three individuals. Because CYP2D6*9x2 is not
      recognized by the AmpliChip CYP450 test, this structural arrangement was
      responsible for the 'no call' on the AmpliChip CYP450 test report. CONCLUSION:
      The full characterization of this allele will aid in the interpretation of
      AmpliChip CYP450 test results for clinical and research applications. Original
      submitted 8 June 2011; Revision submitted 18 July 2011.

PMID- 22044419
TI  - Catalytic itinerary in 1,3-1,4-beta-glucanase unraveled by QM/MM metadynamics.
      Charge is not yet fully developed at the oxocarbenium ion-like transition state.
AB  - Retaining glycoside hydrolases (GHs), key enzymes in the metabolism of
      polysaccharides and glycoconjugates and common biocatalysts used in
      chemoenzymatic oligosaccharide synthesis, operate via a double-displacement
      mechanism with the formation of a glycosyl-enzyme intermediate. However, the
      degree of oxocarbenium ion character of the reaction transition state and the
      precise conformational itinerary of the substrate during the reaction, pivotal in
      the design of efficient inhibitors, remain elusive for many GHs. By means of
      QM/MM metadynamics, we unravel the catalytic itinerary of 1,3-1,4-beta-glucanase,
      one of the most active GHs, belonging to family 16. We show that, in the
      Michaelis complex, the enzyme environment restricts the conformational motion of
      the substrate to stabilize a (1,4)B/(1)S(3) conformation of the saccharide ring
      at the -1 subsite, confirming that this distortion preactivates the substrate for
      catalysis. The metadynamics simulation of the enzymatic reaction captures the
      complete conformational itinerary of the substrate during the glycosylation
      reaction ((1,4)B/(1)S(3) -(4)E/(4)H(3) - (4)C(1)) and shows that the transition
      state is not the point of maximum charge development at the anomeric carbon. The
      overall catalytic mechanism is of dissociative type, and proton transfer to the
      glycosidic oxygen is a late event, clarifying previous kinetic studies of this
      enzyme.

PMID- 22044421
TI  - Interface engineering in high-performance low-voltage organic thin-film
      transistors based on 2,7-dialkyl-[1]benzothieno[3,2-b][1]benzothiophenes.
AB  - We investigated two different (2,7-dialkyl-[1]benzothieno[3,2
      b][1]benzothiophenes; C(n)-BTBT-C(n), where n = 12 or 13) semiconductors in low
      voltage operating thin-film transistors. By choosing functional molecules in
      nanoscaled hybrid dielectric layers, we were able to tune the surface energy and
      improve device characteristics, such as leakage current and hysteresis. The
      dipolar nature of the self-assembled molecules led to a shift in the threshold
      voltage. All devices exhibited high charge carrier mobilities of 0.6-7.0 cm(2) V(
      1) s(-1). The thin-film morphology of BTBT was studied by means of atomic force
      microscopy (AFM), presented a dependency upon the surface energy of the self
      assembled monolayer (SAM) hybrid dielectrics but not upon the device performance.
      The use of C(13)-BTBT-C(13) on hybrid dielectrics of AlO(x) and a F(15)C(18)
      phosphonic acid monolayer led to devices with a hole mobility of 1.9 cm(2) V(-1)
      s(-1) at 3 V, on/off ratio of 10(5), small device-device variation of mobility,
      and a threshold voltage of only -0.9 V, thus providing excellent characteristics
      for further integration.

PMID- 22044420
TI  - Selective culling of high avidity antigen-specific CD4+ T cells after virulent
      Salmonella infection.
AB  - Typhoid fever is a persistent infection caused by host-adapted Salmonella strains
      adept at circumventing immune-mediated host defences. Given the importance of T
      cells in protection, the culling of activated CD4+ T cells after primary
      infection has been proposed as a potential immune evasion strategy used by this
      pathogen. We demonstrate that the purging of activated antigen-specific CD4+ T
      cells after virulent Salmonella infection requires SPI-2 encoded virulence
      determinants, and is not restricted only to cells with specificity to Salmonella
      expressed antigens, but extends to CD4+ T cells primed to expand by co-infection
      with recombinant Listeria monocytogenes. Unexpectedly, however, the loss of
      activated CD4+ T cells during Salmonella infection demonstrated using a
      monoclonal population of adoptively transferred CD4+ T cells was not reproduced
      among the endogenous repertoire of antigen-specific CD4+ T cells identified with
      MHC class II tetramer. Analysis of T-cell receptor variable segment usage
      revealed the selective loss and reciprocal enrichment of defined CD4+ T-cell
      subsets after Salmonella co-infection that is associated with the purging of
      antigen-specific cells with the highest intensity of tetramer staining. Hence,
      virulent Salmonella triggers the selective culling of high avidity activated CD4+
      T-cell subsets, which re-shapes the repertoire of antigen-specific T cells that
      persist later after infection.

PMID- 22044422
TI  - The human immunodeficiency virus-1 genotype diversity and drug resistance
      mutations profile of volunteer blood donors from Chinese blood centers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The global human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 epidemic is becoming
      increasingly diverse and complex. Molecular epidemiologic characteristics were
      studied for HIV-1-infected blood donors from five Chinese regions to determine
      genotype diversity and drug resistance mutations (DRMs) profile. STUDY DESIGN AND
      METHODS: HIV-1 confirmed-reactive serum samples were collected from 172 blood
      donors from five blood centers during 2007 to 2010. HIV-1 Pol including whole
      protease and partial reverse transcriptase genes was amplified, sequenced, and
      analyzed for the subtype determination and drug resistance profile description.
      RESULT: A total of 113 amplified sequences including 82 from Kunming blood center
      and 31 from four other blood centers had the following genotype characteristics:
      G (0.9%), B (2.7%), circulating recombinant form (CRF) 01_AE (32.7%), CRF07_BC
      (22.1%), and CRF08_BC (41.6%). Female donors represent 45.1% of all cases and
      63.9% cases with DRMs. The prevalence of samples with potential low or higher
      resistance among Chinese blood donors is 4.4%. CONCLUSION: HIV-1 infection in
      Chinese blood donors is genetically diverse and the subtype distribution reflects
      that from the high-risk populations. Our results support continuous molecular
      epidemiologic surveillance for HIV-1 in blood donors as a part of a comprehensive
      HIV control program.

PMID- 22044423
TI  - A study of politeness strategies adopted in pediatric clinics in Taiwan.
AB  - Drawing on  Brown and Levinson's (1987)  politeness theory, this study
      investigates the communicative interaction behaviors of physicians, patients, and
      patients' parents in pediatrics in Taiwan. Thirty outpatients and six senior
      physicians from three different levels of hospital participated in the study. The
      analysis results indicate that most of the communicative politeness strategies
      used in pediatrics are bald-on-record, direct, and non-redressed. In addition,
      physicians adopt a higher percentage of bald-on-record and negative politeness
      strategies than patients. In contrast, patients' parents use more positive
      politeness and off-record strategies. These results indicate that while
      physicians display lower levels of politeness and often communicate directly,
      patients' parents express more supportive opinions and adopt more indirect
      communication strategies. The results reveal a preference for efficiency in
      pediatric clinics, with physicians adopting a dominant role in the communication
      process. These results also demonstrate an inherently asymmetric power balance
      between physician and patient. Our findings indicate the presence of several
      commonly seen politeness strategies and dialogue patterns that encourage greater
      self-awareness and self-observation for physicians and patients, leading to more
      effective communication in the clinical context. Finally, also discussed are the
      possible influences of Chinese culture such as face work, harmony, and power.

PMID- 22044424
TI  - Meeting the need for regenerative therapies I: target-based incidence and its
      relationship to U.S. spending, productivity, and innovation.
AB  - Regenerative therapies possess high theoretical potential for medical advance yet
      their success as commercial therapeutics is still open to debate. Appropriate
      data on target opportunities that provide perspective and enable strategic
      decision making is necessary for both efficient and effective translation. Up
      until now, this data have been out of reach to research scientists and many start
      up companies-the very groups currently looked to for the critical advance of
      these therapies. The target-based estimate of opportunity presented in this
      report demonstrates its importance in evaluating medical need and technology
      feasibility. In addition, analysis of U.S. research spending, productivity, and
      innovation reveals that U.S. basic research in this field would benefit from
      greater interdisciplinarity. Overcoming the barriers that currently prevent
      translation into high value therapies that are quickly clinically adopted
      requires simultaneous integration of engineering, science, business, and clinical
      practice. Achieving this integration is nontrivial.

PMID- 22044425
TI  - B-type natriuretic peptide levels at birth predict cardiac dysfunction in
      neonates.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although the B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels in the umbilical
      cord blood (UCB-BNP) and amniotic fluid (AF-BNP) of neonates may be clinically
      useful for identifying newborns with cardiac dysfunction, the effects of various
      clinical factors, such as gestational age at birth, small for gestational age
      (SGA), and neonatal asphyxia, on the UCB-BNP and AF-BNP levels have not been
      studied extensively. METHODS: The present study sought to determine whether the
      UCB-BNP and AF-BNP levels can predict cardiac dysfunction and hypotension in
      preterm infants soon after birth and to evaluate the association between BNP and
      various clinical factors. The UCB-BNP and AF-BNP levels at birth were determined
      in 320 and 195 neonates, respectively, born to mothers with singleton
      pregnancies. RESULTS: The UCB-BNP and AF-BNP levels in infants treated with
      dopamine were significantly higher than those in infants without dopamine
      administration (230.1 vs 33.1 pg/mL and 74.4 vs 18.1 pg/mL, respectively).
      Stepwise multiple regression analyses indicated that gestational age, SGA,
      asphyxia, and chorioamnionitis were significant independent determinants of the
      UCB-BNP level. Cut-off values of >90 pg/mL for UCB-BNP and >36 pg/mL for AF-BNP
      yielded sensitivities of 68% and 93%, respectively, and specificities of 84% and
      81%, respectively, for detecting neonates who required dopamine administration
      after birth. CONCLUSION: High UCB-BNP and AF-BNP levels predict neonatal cardiac
      dysfunction soon after birth.

PMID- 22044426
TI  - Design, synthesis, structure, and acaricidal/insecticidal activity of novel
      spirocyclic tetronic acid derivatives containing an oxalyl moiety.
AB  - A series of novel spirocyclic tetronic acid derivatives containing an oxalyl
      moiety was designed and synthesized via the key intermediate 3-(2,4,6-trimethyl)
      2-oxo-1-oxaspiro[4.4]-decyl-3-en-4-ol. The target compounds were identified by
      (1)H NMR and elemental analysis or high-resolution mass spectrum (HRMS). The
      results of bioassays indicated that most of the target compounds possessed
      excellent acaricidal activities against carmine spider mite larvae and eggs.
      Especially, diisopropylamino oxalyl compound 7g and piperidine oxalyl compound 7h
      were 1.4- and 2.3-fold as high as the activities of commercial Spiromesifen,
      respectively, against spider mite eggs. Moreover, most of the target compounds
      exhibited insecticidal activities against Lepidoptera pest. Interestingly,
      compounds containing alkylamino-substituted oxalyl moiety showed obvious
      selectivity between spider mite larvae and eggs because the activities against
      spider mite eggs of 7g and 7h were 25-fold those against spider mite larvae,
      whereas Spiromesifen had no significant differences in these activities. This
      meant that the introduction of an oxalyl moiety to spirocyclic tetronic acid
      might lead to novel biological activity characteristics.

PMID- 22044427
TI  - B-cell agonists up-regulate AID and APOBEC3G deaminases, which induce IgA and IgG
      class antibodies and anti-viral function.
AB  - B cells express two critical deaminases in the development of adaptive and innate
      immunity. Activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) functions in class switch
      recombination, somatic hypermutation and may result in affinity maturation of
      antibodies. Apolipoprotein B mRNA-editing enzyme catalytic polypeptide-like 3G
      (APOBEC3G; A3G) is an innate anti-retroviral factor that inhibits HIV
      replication. We have studied a number of B-cell agonists with the aim of
      identifying the most effective agents that will up-regulate both deaminases and
      thereby enhance adaptive and innate immunity. CD40 ligand (CD40L) with
      interleukin-4 or HLA-class II antibodies significantly up-regulated both AID and
      A3G in isolated human CD19(+)  B cells. The functions of these deaminases were
      demonstrated by enhancement of B-cell surface expression of IgA and IgG and
      inducing significantly higher IgA and IgG4 antibodies. An enhanced A3G function
      was then demonstrated by inhibition of HIV-1 replication in co-culture of CD4(+) 
      T cells with autologous B cells, treated with CD40L and CD4 or HLA antibodies,
      compared with unstimulated human B cells. The dual B-cell-induced deaminase
      functions may be critical in IgA and IgG antibodies inhibiting pre-entry and A3G
      that of post-entry HIV-1 transmission and suggests a novel strategy of
      immunization, especially relevant to mucosal infections.

PMID- 22044428
TI  - Clozapine functions through the prefrontal cortex serotonin 1A receptor to
      heighten neuronal activity via calmodulin kinase II-NMDA receptor interactions.
AB  - Aberrant dopamine release in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) is believed to underlie
      schizophrenia, but the mechanistic pathway through which a widely used
      antipsychotic, clozapine (Clz), evokes neurotransmitter-releasing electrical
      stimulation is unclear. We analyzed Clz-evoked regulation of neuronal activity in
      the PFC by stimulating axons in layers IV and V and recording the electrical
      effect in the post-synaptic pyramidal cells of layers II and III. We observed a
      Clz-evoked increase in population spike (PS), which was mediated by serotonin 1A
      receptor (5-HT(1A)-R), phospholipase Cbeta, and Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent
      protein kinase II (CaMKII). Immunoblotting demonstrated that the Clz-activation
      of CaMKII was 5-HT(1A)-R-mediated. Intriguingly, the NMDA receptor (NMDA-R)
      antagonist (+/-)2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (APV) eliminated the Clz-mediated
      increase in PS, suggesting that the 5-HT(1A)-R, NMDA-R and CaMKII form a
      synergistic triad, which boosts excitatory post-synaptic potential (EPSP),
      thereby enhancing PS. In corroboration, Clz as well as NMDA augmented field EPSP
      (fEPSP), and WAY100635 (a 5-HT(1A)-R antagonist), APV, and a CaMKII inhibitor
      eliminated this increase. As previously shown, CaMKII binds to the NMDA-R 2B
      (NR2B) subunit to become constitutively active, thereby inducing alpha-amino-3
      hydroxyl-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionate (AMPA) receptor recruitment to the post
      synaptic membrane and an increase in fEPSP. Co-immunoprecipitation demonstrated
      that Clz potentiates interactions among CaMKII, NR2B, and 5-HT(1A)-R, possibly in
      the membrane rafts of the post-synaptic density (PSD), because pretreatment with
      methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (MCD), an agent that disrupts rafts, inhibited both co
      immunoprecipitation as well as fEPSP. In summary, Clz functions in the PFC by
      orchestrating a synergism among 5-HT(1A)-R, CaMKII, and NMDA-R, which augments
      excitability in the PFC neurons of layers II/III.

PMID- 22044429
TI  - Can junior emergency physicians use E-point septal separation to accurately
      estimate left ventricular function in acutely dyspneic patients?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The authors determined if E-point septal separation (EPSS) as
      measured by junior emergency physicians (EPs) correlated with visual estimation
      of left ventricle ejection fraction (LVEF) by senior EPs and cardiologists in
      acutely dyspneic patients presenting to an adult emergency department (ED).
      METHODS: Acutely dyspneic patients were enrolled in a prospective, observational
      study. EPSS was measured using bedside ultrasonography by junior EPs (PGY 3 and
      PGY 4 residents) with variable ultrasound experience. M-mode measurements of EPSS
      were recorded in the parasternal long-axis orientation and were calculated during
      diastole by measuring distance from the tip of the anterior mitral valve leaflet
      to the septal wall. LVEF was visually estimated at the bedside by emergency
      medicine (EM) ultrasound fellows and an EM ultrasound fellowship-trained
      attending physician and was subsequently visually estimated by two cardiologists
      reviewing video clips obtained by the junior EPs. The correlation between EPSS
      and visually estimated LVEF was calculated. RESULTS: Of the 58 patients, the
      median age was 63 years (range = 28 to 90 years) and 66% were women.
      Interobserver reliability between EPs and cardiologists for the visual estimation
      of LVEF was excellent (kappa = 0.75). The correlation between measurements of
      EPSS by junior EPs and visual estimations of LVEF by the senior EPs was rho = 
      0.844 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In this study, junior EPs were able to obtain
      measurements of EPSS that correlated closely with visual estimates of LVEF by
      clinicians with extensive point-of-care and comprehensive echocardiography
      experience.

PMID- 22044430
TI  - Immune response against serial infusion of factor VIII antigen through an
      implantable venous-access device system in haemophilia A mice.
AB  - Haemophilia A is a life long bleeding disorder caused by an inherited deficiency
      of factor VIII (FVIII). About 30% of haemophilia A patients develop neutralizing
      antibodies as a consequence of treatment with FVIII concentrates. Immune
      tolerance protocols for the eradication of inhibitors require daily delivery of
      intravenous FVIII. We evaluated the immune responses to serial intravenous
      administration of FVIII in preimmunized haemophilia A mice. We introduced an
      implantable venous-access device (iVAD) system into haemophilia A mice to
      facilitate sequential infusion of FVIII. After preimmunization with FVIII, the
      haemophilia A mice were subjected to serial intravenous administration of FVIII
      through the iVAD system. In all mice with serial infusion of FVIII, high titers
      of anti-FVIII inhibitory antibodies developed at 10 exposure days (EDs). However,
      the anti-FVIII IgG titers were decreased after 150 EDs of sequential low-dose
      infusion of FVIII [0.05 U g(-1) body weight (BW) five times per week].
      Proliferative response to ex vivo FVIII stimulation was significantly suppressed
      in splenic CD4(+) T cells from mice with serial low-dose FVIII infusion compared
      with those from mice with high-dose FVIII infusion (0.5 U g(-1) BW five times per
      week) or preimmunized mice. Moreover, splenic CD4(+) T cells from mice with
      serial low-dose infusion of FVIII failed to produce interleukin-2 and interferon
      gamma. These data suggest that serial infusion of FVIII could induce T-cell
      anergy in haemophilia A mice with inhibitor antibodies.

PMID- 22044432
TI  - Auto-align - multi-modality fluorescence microscopy image co-registration.
AB  - Multi-modality microscopes incorporate multiple microscopy techniques into one
      module, imaging through a common objective lens. Simultaneous or consecutive
      image acquisition of a single specimen, using multiple techniques, increases the
      amount of measurable information available. In order to benefit from each
      modality, it is necessary to accurately co-register data sets. Intrinsic
      differences in the image formation process employed by each modality result in
      images which possess different characteristics. In addition, as a result of using
      different measurement devices, images often differ in size and can suffer
      relative geometrical deformations including rotation, scale and translation,
      making registration a complex problem. Current methods generally rely on manual
      input and are therefore subject to human error. Here, we present an automated
      image registration tool for fluorescence microscopy. We show that it successfully
      registers images obtained via total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF), or
      epi-fluorescence, and confocal microscopy. Furthermore, we provide several other
      applications including channel merging following image acquisition through an
      emission beam splitter, and lateral stage drift correction. We also discuss areas
      of membrane trafficking which could benefit from application of Auto-Align. Auto
      Align is an essential item in the advanced microscopist's toolbox which can
      create a synergy of single or multi-modality image data.

PMID- 22044433
TI  - Unexpected frequent hepatotoxicity of a prescription drug, flupirtine, marketed
      for about 30 years.
AB  - AIMS: To determine efficacy of the analgesic flupirtine in the treatment of
      overactive bladder syndrome in a proof-of-concept study. METHODS: Double-blind,
      double-dummy, three-armed comparison of flupirtine extended release (400 mg/day,
      titrated to 600 mg/day), tolterodine extended release (4 mg/day) and placebo for
      12 weeks. RESULTS: When major elevations of liver enzymes (more than three times
      the upper normal limit) were detected in several flupirtine-exposed patients, the
      study was prematurely discontinued. Based on study-end data, hepatotoxicity was
      detected in 31% of patients receiving flupirtine for >= 6 weeks. CONCLUSIONS:
      Unexpected frequent and relevant toxicity can occur when testing an established
      drug for a new indication.

PMID- 22044434
TI  - Good quality white-light transurethral resection of bladder tumours (GQ-WLTURBT)
      with experienced surgeons performing complete resections and obtaining detrusor
      muscle reduces early recurrence in new non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer:
      validation across time and place and recommendation for benchmarking.
AB  - Study Type - Therapy (cohort) Level of Evidence 2b What's known on the subject?
      and What does the study add? Apart from bladder tumour multiplicity, size, stage,
      grade and presence of cis, early recurrence following white light TURBT for new
      bladder tumours is also determined by surgeon experience, completeness of
      resection and presence or absence of detrusor muscle in the specimen. This study
      aims to validate surgeon experience and detrusor muscle as independent predictors
      of early recurrence following apparently complete white light TURBT in new
      bladder tumours. OBJECTIVE: To validate in patients undergoing first
      transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT) for non-muscle-invasive bladder
      cancer (NMIBC), the presence/absence of detrusor muscle (DM) in the specimen and
      surgeon experience as independent predictors of the quality of TURBT. PATIENTS
      AND METHODS: Patients with new NMIBC, who had undergone complete first resections
      were recruited from a prospectively maintained cohort from the 1980s at the
      Western General Hospital, Edinburgh, UK and a contemporary cohort from the
      Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, UK.   Tumour size, multiplicity, surgeon category,
      presence or absence of DM in the specimen, grade, stage, findings at first check
      cystoscopy and early re-TURBT were evaluated. Surgeons were stratified into a
      senior group (consultant and trainees in year five or six) and a junior group
      (trainees below year five). Early recurrence, or recurrence rate at the first
      follow up cystoscopy (RRFFC), was used to measure quality and was defined as
      finding pathologically confirmed tumour at early re-TURBT or the first check
      cystoscopy. RESULTS: From a total of 566 patients evaluated from both cohorts,
      473 NMIBC specimens were suitable for analysis. Logistic regression multivariate
      analysis revealed that the absence of DM was associated with a higher RRFFC (odds
      ratio [OR]= 3.6, 95% CI = 1.7-7.5, P < 0.001). Senior surgeons were more likely
      to resect DM (OR = 4.9, 95% CI = 2.3-10.7, P < 0.001) Senior surgeons were
      independently associated with a lower RRFFC (OR = 5.3, 95% CI = 2.1-12.9, P <
      0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Detrusor muscle status at the first, apparently complete,
      TURBT and surgeon's experience independently predict the quality of TURBT. * 
      Documented complete resection by experienced surgeons with DM presence (good
      quality white-light TURBT) should be considered a benchmark for white-light TURBT
      in NMIBC.

PMID- 22044435
TI  - Overexpression of GhSusA1 increases plant biomass and improves cotton fiber yield
      and quality.
AB  - Cotton (Gossypium spp.) is an important economic crop and the largest source of
      textile fiber in the world. However, to date, only a few genes have been
      identified that exhibit critical roles in fiber development, and few has shown
      positive effects on fiber yield and quality in transgenic cotton. Here, we report
      the characterization of a novel sucrose synthase (SusA1) gene from a superior
      quality fiber germplasm line 7235 in Gossypium hirsutum. By association analysis,
      GhSusA1 was highly correlated with fiber qualities in (7235* TM-1) recombinant
      inbred lines based on polymorphism of GhSusA1 between 7235 and TM-1.
      Subsequently, based on an interspecific population of 141 BC1 individuals
      generated from the cross between TM-1 and Gossypium barbadense line, Hai7124, we
      further mapped GhSusA1 genes on homeologous chromosomes A8 (chro.8) and D8
      (chro.24). Suppression of GhSusA1 in transgenic cotton reduced fiber quality and
      decreased the boll size and seed weight. Importantly, overexpression of this gene
      increased fiber length and strength, with the latter indicated by the enhanced
      thickening of cell wall during secondary wall formation stage. Moreover,
      increasing GhSusA1 transcript abundance in vegetative tissues led to elevated
      seedling biomass. Together, these findings identified GhSusA1 as a key regulator
      of sink strength in cotton, which is tightly associated with productivity, and
      hence a promising candidate gene that can be developed to increase cotton fiber
      yield and quality.

PMID- 22044436
TI  - Characterization of the tomato prosystemin promoter: organ-specific expression,
      hormone specificity and methyl jasmonate responsiveness by deletion analysis in
      transgenic tobacco plants.
AB  - Tomato systemin is a bioactive peptide that regulates the systemic activation of
      wound-responsive genes. It is released from its 200 amino acid precursor called
      prosystemin. Initial tissue-localization and hormone-induced expression assays
      indicated that the tomato prosystemin gene (SlPS) accumulates mainly in floral
      tissues and in response to exogenous abscisic acid and methyl jasmonate (MeJA)
      treatments, respectively. Later, the promoter regions of the PS gene in tomato
      (Solanum lycopersicum L. cv. Castlemart), pepper (Capsicum annuum) and potato
      (Solanum tuberosum) were isolated and an in silico analysis of the SlPS promoter
      revealed an over-representation of stress- and MeJA-responsive motifs. A
      subsequent 5' deletion analysis of the SlPS promoter fused to the beta
      glucuronidase reporter (GUS) gene showed that the -221 to +40 bp proximal SlPS
      promoter region was sufficient to direct the stigma, vascular bundle-specific and
      MeJA-responsive expression of GUS in transgenic tobacco plants. Important
      vascular-tissue-specific, light- and MeJA-responsive cis-elements were also
      present in this region. These findings provide relevant information regarding the
      transcriptional regulation mechanisms of the SlPS promoter operating in
      transgenic tobacco plants. They also suggest that its tissue-specificity and
      inducible nature could have wide applicability in plant biotechnology.

PMID- 22044438
TI  - Twist angle plays an important role in photophysical properties of a donor
      acceptor-type conjugated polymer: a combined ensemble and single-molecule study.
AB  - We investigated photophysical properties of a donor-acceptor-type conjugated
      polymer by means of ensemble and single-molecule spectroscopy as well as density
      functional theory (DFT) calculation. The polymer is based on an alkyne-linked 1,8
      carbazole (Cz) and possesses a benzothiadiazole (BT) as an electron acceptor
      moiety. A comparison with model compounds demonstrated that the dimer structure
      is the spectroscopic unit of the polymer. Single-molecule two-color excitation
      fluorescence and fluorescence lifetime experiments showed that the polymer
      molecules displayed broad distributions of fluorescence intensity ratio and
      fluorescence lifetime. Together with the DFT calculation, we demonstrated that
      the twist angle between the Cz and BT moieties played a central role in deciding
      those spectroscopic properties of the polymer. This result was further supported
      by single-molecule fluorescence spectral measurement. The spectral measurement
      also suggested intersegment interactions within the single chains. Furthermore,
      single-molecule defocused and polarization fluorescence imaging suggested
      efficient exciton migration and trapping occurring within the single polymer
      chain. These experiments also revealed changes of the lowest energy site within
      the single polymer molecules.

PMID- 22044437
TI  - Do cancer patients' psychosocial outcomes and perceptions of quality of care vary
      across radiation oncology treatment centres?
AB  - This study aimed to explore whether rates of depression, and anxiety and patient
      views about quality of patient-centred care varied across four metropolitan
      radiation therapy treatment centres in Sydney, Australia. Participants were
      radiation therapy outpatients, aged 18 or older and English-speaking.
      Participants completed a brief survey by touch screen computer while waiting for
      their radiation therapy treatment appointment. For eight indicators of patient
      centred care, participants were asked to indicate whether their well-being would
      have been improved by better care related to the indicator. Participants also
      completed the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. No differences between
      treatment centres were found for rates of anxiety and depression, or for the mean
      number of domains of care endorsed as needing improvement (indicated by agreeing
      or strongly agreeing that their well-being would have been improved by better
      care). The lack of variance in these outcomes may reflect that variation in
      treatment centre characteristics does not influence psychosocial outcomes and
      patient views of their care. Alternatively, it may suggest that the
      characteristics of the four treatment centres which participated in the present
      study were too similar for differences in patient outcomes to be observed.

PMID- 22044439
TI  - The effect of black coral extraction on acute lung inflammation induced by
      cigarette smoke in mice.
AB  - Short-term exposure to cigarette smoke (CS) introduces an abundance of free
      radicals into the lungs, causing oxidative stress and inflammation. CS is an
      important risk factor related to the pathogenesis of several pulmonary diseases,
      especially chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Black coral (BC) is a marine
      biomaterial commonly used for cigarette holders in southeast China. The purpose
      of the present study was to evaluate the in vivo bioactivity of BC extract (BCE).
      Groups of mice (male Kunming) were subjected to ultrasonic atomizing inhalation
      of BCE (0.3, 1.5, and 3 mg/mL) before being exposed to CS (10 cigarettes per day
      for 4 days). The control group and the CS group were administered normal saline
      rather than BCE prior to CS exposure. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde
      (MDA), and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels were measured in lung homogenates.
      Histologic and morphologic studies of the right upper lung were performed. SOD
      activity increased 1.32 times in the CS+BCE (3 mg/mL) group (P < .001) compared
      with the CS group. The MDA content increased 4% (P < .001) in the CS+BCE (3
      mg/mL) group compared with the control group. MPO was reduced 40% in the CS+BCE
      (3 mg/mL) group compared with the CS group (P < .001). Histologic analysis
      revealed decreased inflammation in the BCE group compared with the CS group.
      These results suggest that BCE has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in
      vivo. BCE may protect against lung injury in smokers.

PMID- 22044440
TI  - Disseminated fusariosis and endogenous fungal endophthalmitis in acute
      lymphoblastic leukemia following platelet transfusion possibly due to transfusion
      related immunomodulation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To report a case of disseminated fusariosis with endogenous
      endophthalmitis in a patient with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Transfusion
      associated immune modulation secondary to platelet transfusion could play an
      important role in the pathophysiology of this case. CASE PRESENTATION: A 9 year
      old male with acute lymphoblastic leukemia complicated by pancytopenia and
      disseminated Intravascular coagulation was given platelet transfusion. He
      developed disseminated fusariosis and was referred to the ophthalmology team for
      right endogenous endophthalmitis. The infection was controlled with aggressive
      systemic and intravitreal antifungals. CONCLUSION: Patients with acute
      lymphoblastic leukemia are predisposed to endogenous fungal endophthalmitis.
      Transfusion-associated immune modulation may further increase host susceptibility
      to such opportunistic infections.

PMID- 22044441
TI  - Liposomal formulation of curcumin attenuates seizures in different experimental
      models of epilepsy in mice.
AB  - Contemporary research indicates promising anticonvulsant effect of curcumin.
      However, its poor oral bioavailability is a major hindrance toward its
      pharmacological action. Thus, this study was carried out to evaluate the acute
      effect of liposome-entrapped curcumin on increasing current electroshock seizures
      (ICES) test, pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures, and status epilepticus in
      mice. Liposome-entrapped curcumin in doses 25 and 50 mg/kg demonstrated
      significant increase in seizure threshold current and latency to myoclonic and
      generalized seizures in ICES test and PTZ-induced seizures, respectively.
      Similarly, liposomal-entrapped curcumin also increased the latency to the onset
      and decreased the duration of seizures during status epilepticus in mice. To
      conclude, liposomal-entrapped curcumin possesses anticonvulsant activity against
      status epilepticus in mice.

PMID- 22044442
TI  - Awareness, treatment and control of hypertension among the elderly living in
      their home in Tunisia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hypertension is a cardiovascular disorder rapidly emerging as a major
      public health problem in developing countries. However, the acknowledgement of
      the prevalence and the significant impact of hypertension in elderly are very
      important for health policy. The objective of the present investigation was to
      evaluate the prevalence, awareness and treatment of hypertension among the
      elderly living in their home in Tunisia at Monastir City. We also examined the
      impact of socio-demographic characteristics and known risk factors for high blood
      pressure. METHODS: A community based sample of 598 non-institutionalized elderly
      (age >= 65 years), was selected using probabilistic multistage cluster sampling.
      RESULTS: There was a predominance of female (66%) and mean age was 72.3 +/- 7.4
      years. The prevalence of hypertension was 52% (n = 311), awareness (81%, n =
      252), treatment (78.4%, n = 244) and only 30.7% (n = 75) are correctly treated.
      The prevalence of hypertension was higher for the female population (55.5%) when
      compared to males (45%). No urban/rural differences were observed and no
      difference was observed by educational level. Multiple logistic regression
      analyses identified a higher body mass index, diabetes mellitus and disability as
      important correlates of the prevalence of hypertension. CONCLUSION: These
      findings provide important information on the prevalence, awareness and control
      of hypertension in Monastir City and confirm their association with other cardio
      vascular risk factors. Effective public health measures and strategies are needed
      to improve prevention, diagnosis and access to treatment of this elderly
      population.

PMID- 22044443
TI  - Demographic differences in estimated blood donor eligibility prevalence in the
      United States.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prevalence of blood donor eligibility factors has a major impact
      on the availability of blood donors and thus the blood supply in the United
      States. The prevalence of these factors may differ between demographic groups and
      thus help explain the differences in blood donation rates. STUDY DESIGN AND
      METHODS: The study population (18-69 years old who were African American [AA],
      white, or Hispanic) was 185,073,489. Forty eligibility factors determined by US
      Food and Drug Administration's Code of Federal Regulations and AABB Standards for
      Blood Banks and Transfusion Services were used to calculate whole blood donation
      eligibility rates. Eligibility data were obtained from the 2007 to 2008 National
      Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey,
      US Census Bureau, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Eligibility
      rates were determined by race/ethnicity, sex, and age groups (18-39 and 40-69
      years). RESULTS: In 2007 to 2008, 122 million Americans (65.9% of the study
      population and 41.0% of the total US population) were estimated to be eligible to
      donate blood in the United States. Significant differences in eligibility rates
      by demographic characterizers were determined (p < 0.001): AAs (36.5%), whites
      (46.4%), and Hispanics (40.7%); males (45.4%) and females (42.7%); individuals 18
      to 39 years old (35.8%); and individuals 40 to 69 years old (32.9%). CONCLUSIONS:
      AAs were significantly less eligible to donate blood than whites and Hispanics.
      Disparities in donor eligibility exist by race/ethnicity, sex, and age groups.

PMID- 22044444
TI  - Current evidence on the anticancer potential of Chios mastic gum.
AB  - Chios mastic gum derived from the plant Pistacia lentiscus L. variation chia has
      been shown to exert beneficial effects on a wide range of human disorders. The
      most comprehensive data so far have indicated that mastic gum provides protection
      against gastrointestinal malfunctions and bacterial infections. Substantial
      evidence has also suggested that mastic gum exhibits hepatoprotective and
      cardioprotective, antiinflammatory/antioxidant, and antiatherogenic properties.
      In the last decade, an increasing number of studies further evaluated the
      potential antiproliferative properties of mastic gum against several types of
      human neoplasia. The present review aims to summarize the current data concerning
      the anticancer activities of mastic gum and their major constituents,
      highlighting also the molecular mechanisms through which they exert anticancer
      function. Mastic gum constituents that belong to the chemical class of
      triterpenoids appear to be mainly responsible for its anticancer potential. Thus,
      a brief discussion is dedicated to the anticancer activity of synthetic and
      naturally occurring triterpenoid analogues with similar chemical structure to
      mastic gum constituents. Taking into consideration the available data so far,
      Chios mastic gum could be considered as a conglomeration of effective anticancer
      drugs.

PMID- 22044445
TI  - Validity of assessing inhibitor development in haemophilia PUPs using registry
      data: the EUHASS project.
AB  - Inhibitory antibodies to exogenous FVIII/FIX are a major complication of
      haemophilia treatment. Up to 30% of previously untreated patients (PUPs) with
      severe haemophilia A develop inhibitors, most likely during the initial 50
      exposure days to concentrate. In addition to classical cohort studies, a European
      monitoring system (EUHASS) has been set up to evaluate inhibitor development in
      PUPs. The present study addresses the reliability of estimating the cumulative
      incidence of inhibitor development in this registry. Data from the retrospective
      CANAL cohort study, including 288 PUPs with severe haemophilia A and complete
      treatment records until the 50th exposure to FVIII, were used to simulate the
      consequences of several cross-sectional sampling techniques on the estimated
      incidence of inhibitors. Both mathematical calculus and computer modelling were
      applied to study the effects of sample size and the introduction of a new
      product. For existing concentrates, both longitudinal cohort study methods and
      the EUHASS method yielded similar estimates of the cumulative incidence of
      inhibitor cases over a 5-year time period: 27.9% (95% CI: 21-36) vs. 29.4% (22
      38). For a newly introduced concentrate, a reliable estimate of inhibitor
      incidence with the EUHASS method could only be made after 3-4 years, even in
      large datasets. The results from EUHASS in inhibitor incidence in PUPs are
      expected to be valid. After introduction of a new concentrate, the inhibitor
      incidence on this concentrate can only be reliably determined after an
      observation period of several years.

PMID- 22044446
TI  - Performance of installed cooking exhaust devices.
AB  - The performance metrics of airflow, sound, and combustion product capture
      efficiency (CE) were measured for a convenience sample of 15 cooking exhaust
      devices, as installed in residences. Results were analyzed to quantify the impact
      of various device- and installation-dependent parameters on CE. Measured maximum
      airflows were 70% or lower than values noted on product literature for 10 of the
      devices. Above-the-cooktop devices with flat-bottom surfaces (no capture hood)-
      including exhaust fan/microwave combination appliances--were found to have much
      lower CE at similar flow rates, compared to devices with capture hoods. For
      almost all exhaust devices and especially for rear-mounted downdraft exhaust and
      microwaves, CE was substantially higher for back compared with front burner use.
      Flow rate, and the extent to which the exhaust device extends over the burners
      that are in use, also had a large effect on CE. A flow rate of 95 liters per
      second (200 cubic feet per minute) was necessary, but not sufficient, to attain
      capture efficiency in excess of 75% for the front burners. A-weighted sound
      levels in kitchens exceeded 56 dB* when operating at the highest fan setting for
      all 14 devices evaluated for sound performance. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: Natural
      gas cooking burners and many cooking activities emit pollutants that can reach
      hazardous levels in homes. Venting range hoods and other cooking exhaust fans are
      thought to provide adequate protection when used. This study demonstrates that
      airflows of installed devices are often below advertised values and that less
      than half of the pollutants emitted by gas cooking burners are removed during
      many operational conditions. For many devices, achieving capture efficiencies
      that approach or exceed 75% requires operation at settings that produce
      prohibitive noise levels. While users can improve performance by preferentially
      using back burners, results suggest the need for improvements in hood designs to
      achieve high pollutant capture efficiencies at acceptable noise levels.

PMID- 22044447
TI  - The substrate specificities of sunflower and soybean phospholipases D using
      transphosphatidylation reaction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Phospholipase D (PLD) belongs to a lipolytic enzyme subclass which
      catalyzes the hydrolysis and transesterification of glycerophospholipids at the
      terminal phosphodiester bond. RESULTS: In this work, we have studied the
      substrate specificity of PLDs from germinating sunflower seeds and cultured
      soybean cells, using their capacity of transphosphatidylation. In the presence of
      a nucleophilic acceptor, such as [14C]ethanol, PLD catalyzes the production of
      phosphatidyl-[14C]-ethanol. The resulting product is easily identified since it
      is well separated from the other lipids by thin-layer chromatography. The main
      advantage of this assay is that the phospholipid used as substrate does not need
      to be radiolabelled and thus allow us a large choice of polar heads and fatty
      acids. In vitro, we observed that sunflower and soybean cell PLD show the
      following decreasing order of specificity: phosphatidylcholine,
      phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylglycerol; while phosphatidylserine and
      phosphatidylinositol are utilized much less efficiently. CONCLUSIONS: The
      substrate specificity is modulated by the fatty acid composition of the
      phosphatidylcholine used as well as by the presence of other charged
      phospholipids.

PMID- 22044448
TI  - Incidence of retinopathy of prematurity in extremely premature infants over an 18
      year period.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To report the incidence of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in a
      subgroup of extremely premature infants admitted to an Australian tertiary centre
      over an 18-year period. DESIGN: Retrospective study. Royal Brisbane and Women's
      Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. PARTICIPANTS: Five hundred and fifty-four
      infants admitted between 23 and 25.6 weeks gestational age (GA). METHODS: The 18
      year study was divided into three 6-year periods for analysis: period 1 (1992
      1997), period 2 (1998-2003) and period 3 (2004-2009). Infants were compared based
      on their week of GA and by the study period in which they were born. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURES: GA, birthweight, incidence and severity of ROP. RESULTS: Three hundred
      seventy-three (67.3%) infants survived until ROP screening, and 351 (63.4%)
      survived until discharge. ROP incidence increased from 78.2% in period 1 to 86.1%
      in period 3. Over the entire study, 90.5% of 23-week GA infants had ROP compared
      with 89.7% of 24-week GA infants and 76.1% of 25-week GA infants. Mean
      birthweight was significantly lower in infants with any ROP (725.1 g) and ROP of
      at least stage 3 (720.8 g) compared with infants without ROP (806.5 g) (P <
      0.0001). Twenty-three-week GA infants had more severe ROP (28.6%) than 24 weeks
      (18.3%) and 25 weeks GA (11.9%). CONCLUSIONS: There has been increased survival
      and incidence of ROP in extremely premature infants over the past 20 years. Lower
      birthweight and GA are both associated with higher incidence and more severe ROP.

PMID- 22044449
TI  - Aquagenic wrinkling of the palms and the potential role for genetic testing.
AB  - Aquagenic wrinkling of the palms (AWP) is a condition characterized by excessive
      wrinkling, palmar edema, and whitish papules accompanied by pain, pruritus, or
      discomfort after brief immersion of the hands in water. It is well documented to
      be associated with cystic fibrosis (CF), with several theories regarding the
      pathogenesis having been proposed. We report a case of two sisters with AWP in
      whom CF has not been diagnosed and review the literature on AWP and its
      association with CF and CF carrier status. Because diagnosis of mild forms CF or
      knowledge of an underlying CF genetic mutation is frequently unknown,
      identification of AWP may represent the only sign of such mutations. The
      dermatologist plays an integral role in early detection of AWP, and the
      importance of genetic testing in such patients cannot be overlooked. We recommend
      various measures to apply in clinical practice to ensure diagnosis and decrease
      morbidity and mortality in patients.

PMID- 22044450
TI  - Maternal periodontitis as a risk factor for prematurity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate maternal periodontitis
      associated with prematurity. METHODS: We carried out a case-control study
      including 718 puerperae who experienced a spontaneous delivery: 360 cases
      (premature) and 358 controls (full-term). Sociodemographic, obstetric, prenatal,
      perinatal and periodontal data were obtained within 48 h after delivery.
      Periodontitis was defined as probing depth >= 4 mm and attachment loss >= 3 mm at
      same site, for >= 4 teeth. RESULTS: Periodontitis was associated with prematurity
      (odds ratio 6.95; confidence interval 3.69-13.09). Prematurity was associated
      with maternal age < 20 years, family income < one minimum salary, maternal
      schooling < 8 years, premature birth history, premature membrane rupture,
      ruptured membranes > 24 h, smoking, urinary tract infection, leukorrhea, pre
      eclampsia, prenatal consultations < 3 and precarious housing. After multivariate
      confounder adjustments, periodontitis remained independently associated with
      prematurity (odds ratio 6.05; confidence interval 3.01-12.16). CONCLUSIONS:
      Periodontitis is strongly associated with prematurity, indicating necessity for
      regular periodontal investigation and treatment during pregnancy.

PMID- 22044452
TI  - An analysis of the interrelationship between maternal age, body mass index and
      racial origin in the development of gestational diabetes mellitus.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the individual association between advancing maternal age,
      body mass index (BMI) and racial origin with the development of gestational
      diabetes mellitus (GDM) and the interaction between these factors. DESIGN:
      Retrospective study. SETTING: Fifteen maternity units in northwest London between
      1988 and 2000. POPULATION: The study included 1688 women who developed GDM and
      172,632 who did not. All women were nulliparous. BMI was calculated at first
      antenatal visit and maternal age and racial origin (White European, Black
      African, Black Caribbean or South Asian) were self-reported. METHODS: Binary
      logistic regression analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Development of GDM within
      each racial group. RESULTS: There was a strong positive association between
      advancing maternal age and increasing BMI, individually, and the development of
      GDM (P < 0.01 for both). Compared with White Europeans aged 20-24 years, the odds
      ratios for GDM development were significantly higher in women older than 30 years
      if they were White Europeans (P < 0.001), older than 25 years if they were Black
      Africans (P < 0.001) and older than 20 years if they were South Asians (P <
      0.001). The odds ratios for GDM development were significantly higher in Black
      Africans and South Asians (P < 0.001 for both) irrespective of BMI, compared with
      White Europeans with normal BMI. CONCLUSION: Maternal age and BMI interact with
      racial group in relation to the prevalence of GDM. Both factors are important in
      the development of GDM, particularly so in Black African and South Asian women.

PMID- 22044451
TI  - Pre-B-cell colony-enhancing factor exerts a neuronal protection through its
      enzymatic activity and the reduction of mitochondrial dysfunction in in vitro
      ischemic models.
AB  - Pre-B-cell colony-enhancing factor (PBEF) is known as a rate-limiting enzyme that
      converts nicotinamide (NAM) to NMN in the salvage pathway of mammalian NAD+
      biosynthesis. Previously we found PBEF is exclusively expressed in neurons in the
      mouse brain; heterozygous PBEF knockout (Pbef+/-) mice have larger ischemic
      lesion than wild type mice in photothrombosis-induced ischemia. For the
      mechanistic study of neuronal protective role of PBEF, we used in vitro oxygen
      glucose deprivation (OGD) and glutamate excitotoxicity models of primary cultured
      neurons in current study. Our results showed that the treatments of neurons with
      NAM and NAD+, the substrate and downstream product of PBEF, respectively,
      significantly reduced neuronal death after OGD and glutamate excitotoxicity,
      while treatment of neurons treated with FK866, a PBEF inhibitor, increased
      neuronal death after OGD. Furthermore, over-expression of human PBEF reduced
      glutamate excitotoxicity, while over-expression of human PBEF mutants (i.e. H247A
      and H247E) without enzymatic activity had no effect on neuronal death. We further
      tested the effect of PBEF on mitochondrial function and biogenesis. Our results
      show that addition of NAD+ and NAM increased mitochondrial biogenesis in neurons
      after OGD. Over-expression of PBEF in neurons reduced mitochondrial membrane
      potential depolarization following glutamate stimulation, while over-expression
      of H247A and H247E did not affect mitochondrial membrane potential
      depolarization. We conclude that PBEF has a neuroprotective effect in ischemia
      through its enzymatic activity for NAD+ production that can ameliorate
      mitochondrial dysfunction.

PMID- 22044453
TI  - Oncological outcomes of robot-assisted radical cystectomy.

PMID- 22044454
TI  - How Facebook almost ended my career with a single click.

PMID- 22044455
TI  - Strategies to reduce exposure of fumonisins from complementary foods in rural
      Tanzania.
AB  - Feeding infants with maize can expose them to fumonisin mycotoxins. We assessed
      fumonisin exposure from complementary foods in rural Tanzania and determined
      strategies to reduce the exposure. We conducted a cross-sectional study in four
      villages of Tarakea division, Northern Tanzania. We used a repeat 24-hour dietary
      recall to collect data of maize consumption as complementary food for 254 infants
      aged 6-8 months. Fumonisin concentrations in the maize were also estimated.
      Fumonisin exposure was assessed using @risk analysis software. With the software,
      several maximum fumonisin contamination and maize consumption patterns were
      combined in order to determine effective strategies for minimizing fumonisin
      exposure. Of the infants, 89% consumed maize at amounts up to 158g/person/day
      (mean; 43g/person/day+/-28). The maize was contaminated with fumonisins at levels
      up to 3201ugkg(-1) . Risk of fumonisin intake above the provisional maximum
      tolerable daily limit of 2ugkg(-1) body weight was 15% (95% confidence interval;
      10-19). The risk was minimized when the maximum contamination was set at 150ugkg(
      1) . The risk was also minimized when the maximum consumption was set at
      20g/child/day while keeping the maximum contamination at the European Union (EU)
      maximum tolerated limit (MTL) of 1000ugkg(-1) . Considering the economical and
      technological limitations of adopting good agricultural practices in rural
      Tanzania, it is practically difficult to reduce contamination in maize to
      150ugkg(-1) . We suggest adoption of the EU MTL of 1000ugkg(-1) for fumonisins in
      maize and reduction, by replacement with another cereal, of the maize component
      in complementary foods to a maximum intake of 20g/child/day.

PMID- 22044456
TI  - Porous quaternized chitosan nanoparticles containing paclitaxel nanocrystals
      improved therapeutic efficacy in non-small-cell lung cancer after oral
      administration.
AB  - Clinical application of paclitaxel (PTX) is limited because of its poor
      solubility in aqueous media. To overcome this hurdle, we devised an oral delivery
      system by encapsulating PTX into N-((2-hydroxy-3-trimethylammonium) propyl)
      chitosan chloride (HTCC) nanoparticles. These nanoparticles were small (~130 nm),
      had a narrow size distribution, and displayed high loading efficiency owing to
      the homogeneous distribution of PTX nanocrystals. The matrix hydrophilicity and
      porous structure of the obtained nanoparticles accelerated their degradation and
      improved drug release. In vitro and in vivo transport experiments had proved that
      the presence of positive charges enhanced the intestinal permeability of these
      nanoparticles. Further in vitro experiment of cytotoxicity showed that the PTX
      loaded HTCC nanoparticle (HTCC-NP:PTX) was more effective than native PTX owing
      to enhanced cellular uptake. Drug distribution in tissues and in vivo imaging
      studies confirmed the preferred accumulation of HTCC-NP:PTX in subcutaneous tumor
      tissue. Subsequent tumor xenograft assays demonstrated the promising therapeutic
      effect of HTCC-NP:PTX on inhibition of tumor growth and induction of apoptosis in
      tumor cells. Additional investigation into side effects revealed that HTCC-NP:PTX
      caused lower Cremophor EL-associated toxicities compared with Taxol. These
      results strongly supported the notion that HTCC nanoparticle (HTCC-NP) is a
      promising candidate as an oral carrier of PTX for cancer therapy.

PMID- 22044457
TI  - Thoracoscopic repair of esophageal atresia and tracheo-esophageal fistula in
      neonates: evolution of a technique.
AB  - Advancements in minimally invasive surgical techniques and instruments for
      neonates have allowed even the most complex neonatal procedures to be
      endoscopically approached. In 1999, the first successful thoracoscopic repair of
      an esophageal atresia (EA) was performed in a 2-month-old infant. One year later,
      the first totally thoracoscopic repair of an atresia with distal fistula (tracheo
      esophageal fistula [TEF]) was realized in a newborn. Over the ensuing 10 years,
      this technique was used and modified by a single surgeon in 49 consecutive
      patients. Overall, 43 patients with TEF and 6 with pure EA were repaired by using
      a thoracoscopic approach. An additional 3 patients with H-type TEF were also
      thoracoscopically treated. Weight ranged from 1.2 to 3.8 kg. Operative time
      ranged from 50 to 120 minutes. In fact, 48 out of 49 were successfully completed
      thoracoscopically. There were 2 patients with leaks that resolved with
      conservative management. Thirty percent of patients required at least one
      dilatation, but this number dropped to less than 10% in the second half of the
      series. There were no deaths and no recurrent fistula. Thoracoscopic TEF repair
      has proved to be an effective and safe technique. Evolution of the technique has
      resulted in fewer complications while avoiding the significant short- and long
      term morbidity associated with thoracotomy in neonates.

PMID- 22044458
TI  - Williams syndrome: a relationship between genetics, brain morphology and
      behaviour.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Genetically Williams syndrome (WS) promises to provide essential
      insight into the pathophysiology of cortical development because its ~28 deleted
      genes are crucial for cortical neuronal migration and maturation. Phenotypically,
      WS is one of the most puzzling childhood neurodevelopmental disorders affecting
      most intellectual deficiencies (i.e. low-moderate intelligence quotient,
      visuospatial deficits) yet relatively preserving what is uniquely human (i.e.
      language and social-emotional cognition). Therefore, WS provides a privileged
      setting for investigating the relationship between genes, brain and the
      consequent complex human behaviour. METHODS: We used in vivo anatomical magnetic
      resonance imaging analysing cortical surface-based morphometry, (i.e. surface
      area, cortical volume, cortical thickness, gyrification index) and cortical
      complexity, which is of particular relevance to the WS genotype-phenotype
      relationship in 22 children (2.27-14.6 years) to compare whole hemisphere and
      lobar surface-based morphometry between WS (n = 10) and gender/age matched normal
      controls healthy controls (n = 12). RESULTS: Compared to healthy controls, WS
      children had a (1) relatively preserved Cth; (2) significantly reduced SA and CV;
      (3) significantly increased GI mostly in the parietal lobe; and (4) decreased CC
      specifically in the frontal and parietal lobes. CONCLUSION: Our findings are then
      discussed with reference to the Rakic radial-unit hypothesis of cortical
      development, arguing that WS gene deletions may spare Cth yet affecting the
      number of founder cells/columns/radial units, hence decreasing the SA and CV. In
      essence, cortical brain structure in WS may be shaped by gene-dosage
      abnormalities.

PMID- 22044459
TI  - Abrogation of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity by emodin in rats.
AB  - Nephrotoxicity of the anticancer drug cisplatin (CP) involves the generation of
      reactive oxygen species in renal cortex, and emodin (a rhubarb anthraquinone) has
      strong antioxidant and anticancer actions. Therefore, we tested here the possible
      ameliorative effect of emodin on CP nephrotoxicity in rats. Emodin was given
      orally (10 mg/kg/day for nine consecutive days), and on day 4, some of the
      treated rats were also injected intraperitoneally with either saline or CP (6
      mg/kg). Five days after CP treatment, rats were killed, and blood and urine
      samples, and kidneys were collected for the assessment of histopathological renal
      damage and apoptosis, and for biochemical estimation of creatinine and urea
      concentrations in plasma and urine, several cytosolic antioxidant enzyme
      activities in kidneys, and urinalyses. CP significantly increased the
      concentrations of urea and creatinine, and decreased creatinine clearance. It
      also significantly reduced cortical glutathione concentration and the activity of
      superoxide dismutase. CP treatment significantly increased urine volume and N
      acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase activity and significantly decreased osmolarity and
      protein concentrations. Emodin treatment markedly and significantly mitigated all
      these effects. Sections from saline- and emodin-treated rats showed apparently
      normal proximal tubules. However, kidneys of CP-treated rats had a moderate
      degree of necrosis. This was markedly lessened when CP was given simultaneously
      with emodin. The concentration of CP in the cortical tissues was not
      significantly altered by emodin treatment. The results suggested that emodin had
      ameliorated CP nephrotoxicity in rats. Pending further pharmacological and
      toxicological studies emodin may be considered a potentially useful
      nephroprotective agent.

PMID- 22044460
TI  - Site directed biotinylation of filamentous phage structural proteins.
AB  - Filamentous bacteriophages have been used in numerous applications for the
      display of antibodies and random peptide libraries. Here we describe the
      introduction of a 13 amino acid sequence LASIFEAQKIEWR (designated BT, which is
      biotinylated in vivo by E. coli) into the N termini of four of the five
      structural proteins of the filamentous bacteriophage fd (Proteins 3, 7, 8 and 9).
      The in vivo and in vitro biotinylation of the various phages were compared. The
      production of multifunctional phages and their application as affinity reagents
      are demonstrated.

PMID- 22044461
TI  - Antibody-directed neutralization of annexin II (ANX II) inhibits neoangiogenesis
      and human breast tumor growth in a xenograft model.
AB  - Activation of the fibrinolytic pathway has long been associated with human breast
      cancer. Plasmin is the major end product of the fibrinolytic pathway and is
      critical for normal physiological functions. The mechanism by which plasmin is
      generated in breast cancer is not yet fully described. We previously identified
      annexin II (ANX II), a fibrinolytic receptor, in human breast tumor tissue
      samples and observed a strong positive correlation with advanced stage cancer
      (Sharma et al., 2006a). We further demonstrated that tissue plasminogen activator
      (tPA) binds to ANX II in invasive breast cancer MDA-MB231cells, which leads to
      plasmin generation (Sharma et al., 2010). We hypothesize that ANX II-dependent
      plasmin generation in breast tumor is necessary to trigger the switch to
      neoangiogenesis, thereby stimulating a more aggressive cancer phenotype. Our
      immunohistochemical studies of human breast tumor tissues provide compelling
      evidence of a strong positive correlation between ANX II expression and
      neoangiogenesis, and suggest that ANX II is a potential target to slow or inhibit
      breast tumor growth by inhibiting neoangiogenesis. We now report that
      administration of anti-ANX II antibody potently inhibits the growth of human
      breast tumor in a xenograft model. Inhibition of tumor growth is at least partly
      due to attenuation of neoangiogenic activity within the tumor. In vitro studies
      demonstrate that anti-ANX II antibody inhibits angiogenesis on three dimensional
      matrigel cultures by eliciting endothelial cell (EC) death likely due to
      apoptosis. Taken together, these data suggest that selective disruption of the
      fibrinolytic activity of ANX II may provide a novel strategy for specific
      inhibition of neoangiogenesis in human breast cancer.

PMID- 22044462
TI  - The Arosenius Fund.

PMID- 22044463
TI  - Mutation screening of patients with Alzheimer disease identifies APP locus
      duplication in a Swedish patient.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Missense mutations in three different genes encoding amyloid-beta
      precursor protein, presenilin 1 and presenilin 2 are recognized to cause familial
      early-onset Alzheimer disease. Also duplications of the amyloid precursor protein
      gene have been shown to cause the disease. At the Dept. of Geriatric Medicine,
      Karolinska University Hospital, Sweden, patients are referred for mutation
      screening for the identification of nucleotide variations and for determining
      copy-number of the APP locus. METHODS: We combined the method of microsatellite
      marker genotyping with a quantitative real-time PCR analysis to detect
      duplications in patients with Alzheimer disease. RESULTS: In 22 DNA samples from
      individuals diagnosed with clinical Alzheimer disease, we identified one patient
      carrying a duplication on chromosome 21 which included the APP locus. Further
      mapping of the chromosomal region by array-comparative genome hybridization
      showed that the duplication spanned a maximal region of 1.09 Mb. CONCLUSIONS:
      This is the first report of an APP duplication in a Swedish Alzheimer patient and
      describes the use of quantitative real-time PCR as a tool for determining copy
      number of the APP locus.

PMID- 22044464
TI  - Microtensile bond strength of 4 dentin adhesives to primary dentin.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study's purpose was to evaluate the aging effect on the bond
      strength of 4 adhesive systems on primary dentin 24 hours and 6 months after
      bonding. METHODS: The crowns of extracted, caries-free primary molars were
      grounded and flat surfaces were prepared  and distributed into 4 groups (n=7-9).
      The adhesives Scotchbond Multi-purpose (SMP), Single Bond (SB), Clearfil SE Bond
      (CSB), and Adper Prompt L-Pop (APL) were applied with the composite resin Filtek
      Z-250. Specimens were stored in distilled water (37 degrees C/24h), the crowns
      were sectioned,  and 0.8-mm2 resin-dentin sticks were obtained and divided into 2
      groups: (1) 24h; and (2) 6m. Each group's specimens were tested under tensile at
      0.5 mm/minute until they fractured. The fractured sticks were examined by
      scanning electron microscopy. The data were analyzed by 2-way repeated  measures:
      analysis of variance; Tukey's test (P<.05); and Kruskal-Wallis test (P<.05).
      RESULTS: The mTBS (MPa) means values were: SMP=33.28 (2.05), SB=23.27 (4.78),
      APL=20.64 (10.66), and CSB=18.94 (11.94) for the 24-hour group; and SMP=30.59
      (6.29), SB=22.39  (5.9), CSB=21.50 (10.67), and APL=17.19 (6.88) for the 6-month
      group. The most frequent fracture type found was cohesive failure of the adhesive
      and mixed, with no statistically significant difference found between the groups.
      CONCLUSIONS: Resin bond strength on primary dentin was  not influenced by aging
      for the adhesive systems tested.

PMID- 22044465
TI  - Conservative approach to the treatment of keratocystic odontogenic tumor.
AB  - The odontogenic keratocyst, also known as the keratocystic odontogenic tumor, is
      an aggressive, intraosseous lesion of odontogenic origin that presents a high
      rate of recurrence. Treatment modalities include aggressive surgical procedures
      and more conservative approaches that significantly  influence the lesion's
      recurrence potential. The purpose of this case report was to demonstrate a
      conservative approach in the treatment of an extensive keratocystic odontogenic
      tumor, located in the mandible's posterior region, using decompression and
      enucleation.

PMID- 22044466
TI  - Monitoring pediatric blood pressure at dental appointments.
AB  - Numerous studies have tracked blood pressure from adolescence into adulthood. It
      is increasingly apparent that the recent increase in obesity and resultant end
      organ effects of hypertension originates in childhood. Pediatric hypertension is
      a significant health concern that, if left  untreated, can affect a child's
      cardiovascular, endocrine, renal, and neurologic systems. In 2004, the National
      High Blood Pressure Education Program Working Group on High Blood Pressure in
      Children and Adolescents recommended that bloodpressure should be monitored in
      pediatric patients who  are at least 3-years-old and that this procedure should
      be a part of the health care visit in all health facilities, rather than just
      within the medical office. The purpose of this article was to emphasize the need
      for following these recommendations at oral care visits and suggest a simplified 
      pediatric blood pressure table that dental clinicians can use to identify
      children who need referrals to medical facilities for evaluation of blood
      pressure.

PMID- 22044467
TI  - Prevalence of dental trauma and associated factors among 1- to 4-year-old
      children.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of dental
      trauma among 1- to 4-year-old children and test the association between dental
      trauma and demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical factors. METHODS: Five
      calibrated researchers (intra- and  interexaminer kappa values=0.89 and 0.81,
      respectively) examined a representative sample of 407 children in the city of
      Matozinhos, Minas Gerais, Brazil, during the 2008 national vaccination campaign.
      Statistical analysis was performed via descriptive analysis, chi-square test
      (P<.05),  and logistic regression. RESULTS: The prevalence of dental trauma was
      47%; among the 407 children examined, 187 had suffered dental trauma. The most
      prevalent type of alteration due to dental trauma was enamel fracture (85%),
      followed by enamel-dentin fracture without pulp exposure  (11%) and enamel-dentin
      fracture with pulp exposure (3%). The main location where the trauma occurred was
      at home (89%), with the cause reported by parents as accidents while running,
      playing, or crawling (79%). After adjusting for the variables, the child's age
      (P>.01) and number  of siblings (P>.01) remained associated with the outcome.
      CONCLUSION: Results indicate the need for public health policies that include
      dental trauma as one of the priorities directed at young children.

PMID- 22044468
TI  - Distribution and severity of erosion among 5-year-old children in a city in
      India.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this descriptive, cross-sectional study was to determine
      the prevalence and distribution of dental erosion among 5-year-old schoolchildren
      in Belgaum, North Karnataka, India. METHODS: A random sample of 1,100 5-year-old
      schoolchildren who met  the inclusion criteria were included in the study, of
      whom 1,002 actively participated. The questionnaire given to parents pertained to
      sociodemographic factors, and the parents were instructed to maintain their
      child's 3-day diary to assess his/her existing dietary habits. Later, the
      questionnaire  was collected and a clinical examination for dental erosion was
      performed. A modified Smith and Knight index was used to assess the extent of
      dental erosion. The child's socioeconomic status was assessed using Kuppuswamy's
      classification. Statistical analysis was performed using the chi-square  test,
      Spearman's rank correlation coefficient tests and multiple logistic regression
      analysis. RESULTS: The prevalence of dental erosion was approximately 29% (with a
      higher prevalence observed in females). CONCLUSION: A statistically significant
      association was found  between diet type, type and time of exposure to acidic
      diet and dental erosion.

PMID- 22044469
TI  - Factors affecting early childhood caries among WIC-enrolled children in Linn
      County, Iowa.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the factors associated with
      early childhood caries (ECC) among children enrolled in 3 centers offering Iowa
      Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
      services in Linn County, Iowa. METHODS: Data pertaining to dental caries and its
      determinants were collected for 115 children. Bivariate and multivariable
      analyses were conducted concerning outcome variables of ECC and having greater
      than 50 colony-forming units (CFUs) of salivary mutans streptococcus (>50 CFUs).
      RESULTS: The final logistic regression model for factors associated with ECC
      found that children with presence of visible plaque were 2.78 times more likely
      to have ECC (odds ratio [OR]=3.78, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.41-10.16) and
      children were 0.13 times more likely to have ECC (OR=1.13, 95%  CI=1.04-1.26) for
      each increase of one month in age. A final logistic model concerning greater than
      50 CFUs showed that the children with presence of plaque on any maxillary incisor
      were 2.39 times more likely to have greater than 50 CFUs (OR=3.39, 95% CI=1.28
      8.96) and the children were 0.61  times more likely to have greater than 50 CFUs
      with an increase in cariogenicity of sippy cup contents by 1 level (OR=1.61, 95%
      CI=1.03-2.50). CONCLUSIONS: Presence of visible plaque on maxillary incisors was
      associated with increased risk for presence of early childhood caries.  The
      presence of visible plaque on any maxillary incisor and more cariogenicity of
      sippy cup contents were associated with having more than 50 CFUs.

PMID- 22044470
TI  - Longitudinal changes in parental satisfaction: mixed dentition esthetics.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study's purpose was to report on parents' esthetic perceptions of
      their children's mixed dentition and parental satisfaction changes over time.
      METHODS: A total of 376 parents completed esthetic questionnaires concerning
      satisfaction with their children's  teeth at 9- and 11-years-old. Changes in
      esthetic perceptions were compared based on fluorosis, nonfluoride opacity status
      (evaluated at 9-years-old), and other factors. RESULTS: A total of 36% had
      definitive fluorosis on permanent maxillary incisors. Fluorosis (P=.003) and 
      opacity (P=.02) status were significantly related to reduced likelihood of
      parental satisfaction at 11-years-old. Parents were less satisfied with overall
      tooth color at 11 vs 9-years-old (P=.045), but revealed no significant change in
      satisfaction with overall appearance (P=.17).  Shape and color concerns increased
      (both P=.003), while spacing concerns decreased (P=.004). Parental satisfaction
      increases were associated with higher socioeconomic status (P=.03) and starting
      orthodontic treatment (P=.002), but changes were not significantly  associated
      with fluorosis (P=.38) or opacities (P=.81). CONCLUSIONS: Parents were generally
      less satisfied with overall tooth color at 11 (vs 9) years old and had greater
      concerns about tooth shape and color, but fewer concerns with spacing.
      Improvement in parental  satisfaction with overall appearance was related to
      higher socioeconomic status and having begun orthodontic treatment.

PMID- 22044471
TI  - Giant cell fibroma of the maxillary gingiva in children: a case report.
AB  - The purpose of this paper is to describe a giant cell fibroma in the maxillary
      gingiva of an 11-year-old girl. After excisional biopsy, histological examination
      showed the presence of numerous giant, multinucleated, stellate-shaped cells
      dispersed throughout the fibrous tissue of the  lamina propria. No recurrence was
      observed after the 1-year follow-up. Since this lesion is clinically similar to
      other non-neoplastic lesions and very uncommon in children, establishing a
      correct diagnosis can be difficult and achieved only based on specific
      histological characteristics.  Thus, it is important that pediatric dentists have
      knowledge about this uncommon lesion.

PMID- 22044472
TI  - Allergic contact dermatitis associated with the use of facemask on a patient with
      a history of atopy.
AB  - Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) is a skin inflammation caused by an allergic
      reaction after contact with small external substances capable of being absorbed
      by the skin. There are several studies describing allergic reactions to intraoral
      orthodontic appliances, especially those containing  nickel. Allergic reactions
      due to extraoral appliances are not as frequent, and there are relatively few
      studies about them. Extraoral eactions are attributed to metallic, elastic, or
      textile parts of the extraoral appliances. This article's purpose was to report
      the appearance of an allergic  contact dermatitis reaction in a 9-year, 2-month
      old female patient, with a history of atopic dermatitis, after an orthodontic
      facemask was fitted. Rapid maxillary expansion was also performed with a Hyrax
      appliance while a facemask was used. Early diagnosis of this pathology is
      essential  in order to achieve a total regression of the reaction. Orthodontists
      should be aware that ACD can be caused by facemasks in predisposed patients.

PMID- 22044473
TI  - Complex odontoma: report of a five-year follow-up case.
AB  - Odontomas are odontogenic tumors that usually present as benign lesions. They are
      easily diagnosed and affect individuals in their first and second decades of
      life. In most cases, odontomas are asymptomatic and the presence could be
      suspected due to the delay in tooth eruption or via  routine radiographic
      examinations. Treatment of choice has been surgical removal of the lesion, and
      prognosis is usually favorable because of its benign characteristics and rare
      recurrence. The purpose of this study is to report the case of a complex odontoma
      in a child impacting a permanent  molar and preventing its eruption. The lesion
      was surgically removed, and the eruption of the permanent mandibular left second
      molar tooth occurred after 5 months. Clinical, radiographic, and
      histopathological characteristics were studied in this case.

PMID- 22044475
TI  - Neural intrinsic connectivity networks associated with risk aversion in old age.
AB  - Risk aversion is associated with several important real world outcomes. Although
      the neurobiological correlates of risk aversion have been studied in young
      persons, little is known of the neurobiological correlates of risk aversion among
      older persons. Resting-state functional MRI data were collected on 134 non
      demented participants of the Rush Memory and Aging Project, a community-based
      cohort study of aging. Risk aversion was measured using a series of standard
      questions in which participants were asked to choose between a certain monetary
      payment ($15) versus a gamble in which they could gain more than $15 or gain
      nothing, with potential gains varied across questions. Participants determined to
      be "high" (n=27) and "low" (n=27) in risk aversion were grouped accordingly.
      Using a spherical seed region of interest in the anterior cingulate cortex, voxel
      wise functional connectivity network similarities were observed in bilateral
      frontal, anterior and posterior cingulate, insula, basal ganglia, temporal,
      parietal, and thalamic regions. Differences in functional connectivity were
      observed such that those low in risk aversion had greater connectivity to
      clusters in the superior, middle, and medial frontal regions, as well as
      cerebellar, parietal, occipital, and inferior temporal regions. Those high in
      risk aversion had greater connectivity to clusters in the inferior and orbital
      frontal, parahippocampal, and insula regions, as well as thalamic, parietal,
      precentral gyrus, postcentral gyrus, and middle temporal regions. Similarities
      and differences in functional connectivity patterns may reflect the historical
      recruitment of specific brain regions as a network in the active processing of
      risk in older adults.

PMID- 22044476
TI  - Head and eye movements in rats with pontine reticular lesions in comparison with
      primates: a scientific memoir and a fresh look at some old and 'new' data.
AB  - The author recounts the process of discovery in Philip Teitelbaum's laboratory,
      which began with the observation of vestibular head stabilization in a rat with
      brainstem lesions, of the essential roles of the pontine reticular formation
      (PRF) in the rat in ipsiversive head as well as eye movements. The PRF in the rat
      appears to be in the pathways for most direction-changing movements of the eyes
      and head, leaving vestibular and optokinetic stabilizing movements intact and
      uninterrupted. The author postulates that a response to the sliding of feet or
      paws, or a "substrate-kinetic reflex," works together with vestibular and
      optokinetic reactions to stabilize an animal's directions of gaze and locomotion
      on the ground. Previously unpublished data are presented from later observations
      and recordings of rats with kainic acid lesions in the PRF, which support the
      conclusion that neurons in the PRF are essential for head as well as eye
      movements in the rat. In contrast, Volker Henn observed no obvious loss of head
      movements in monkeys that had a loss of fast eye movements from kainic acid
      lesions of the PRF. The author and others observed that quick phases of head
      nystagmus develop some time after quick phases of ocular nystagmus in normal
      human infants; in other words, after the PRF is functioning for eye movements.
      The author concludes that in primates, the pathway for head movements through the
      PRF has been replaced by a newer pathway, leaving certain PRF regions to be
      devoted to mediating only eye movements.

PMID- 22044477
TI  - Volumetric changes of the graft after maxillary sinus floor augmentation with Bio
      Oss and autogenous bone in different ratios: a radiographic study in minipigs.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of the present study was to learn about the volumetric
      changes of the graft after maxillary sinus floor augmentation with Bio-Oss and
      autogenous bone from the iliac crest or the mandible in different ratios in
      minipigs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Bilateral maxillary sinus floor augmentation was
      performed in 40 minipigs with: (A) 100% autogenous bone, (B) 75% autogenous bone
      and 25% Bio-Oss, (C) 50% autogenous bone and 50% Bio-Oss, (D) 25% autogenous bone
      and 75% Bio-Oss, and (E) 100% Bio-Oss. The autogenous bone graft was harvested
      from the iliac crest or the mandible and the graft composition was selected at
      random and placed concomitant with implant placement. Computed tomographies of
      the maxillary sinuses were obtained preoperatively, immediately postoperatively,
      and at euthanasia after 12 weeks. The volumetric changes of the graft were
      estimated using the Cavalieri principle and expressed as mean percentage with a
      95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: The mean volume of the graft was reduced
      by (A) 65% (95% CI: 60-70%), (B) 38% (95% CI: 35-41%), (C) 23% (95% CI: 21-25%),
      (D) 16% (95% CI: 12-21%), and (E) 6% (95% CI: 4-8%). The volumetric reduction was
      significantly influenced by the ratio of Bio-Oss and autogenous bone (P<0.001),
      but not by the origin of the autogenous bone graft (P=0.2). CONCLUSIONS: The
      volume of autogenous bone grafts from the iliac crest and the mandible is reduced
      significantly after maxillary sinus floor augmentation in minipigs. The graft
      volume is better preserved after the addition of Bio-Oss and the volumetric
      reduction is significantly influenced by the ratio of Bio-Oss and autogenous
      bone. However, further studies are needed addressing the amount of new bone
      formation and bone-to-implant contact before the final conclusion can be made
      about the optimal ratio of Bio-Oss and autogenous bone.

PMID- 22044478
TI  - Molecular characterization of goose- and chicken-type lysozymes in emu (Dromaius
      novaehollandiae): evidence for extremely low lysozyme levels in emu egg white.
AB  - Lysozyme (LZ), a bacteriolytic enzyme, is found in the egg white of many avian
      eggs and plays an important role in host defense; however, LZ activity in emu
      (Dromaius novaehollandiae) egg white is exceptionally undetectable. We cloned and
      characterized emu goose-type LZ (LZG) and chicken-type LZ (LZC) genes. RT-PCR
      analysis revealed very low LZG gene expression levels and absence of LZC gene
      expression in the emu oviduct. Sequencing of full-length LZG and LZC cDNAs
      indicated that their amino acid sequences show high similarities to ostrich LZG
      and LZC, respectively, with conserved catalytic residues for enzymatic
      activities. Whereas recombinant emu LZG prepared using Pichia pastoris exhibited
      similar enzyme activity as ostrich LZG, recombinant emu LZC exhibited
      significantly higher lytic activity than chicken LZC. We concluded that emus have
      functional genes for both LZG and LZC like many other avians, and the LZG gene is
      expressed in oviduct probably as in other ratite, however, its expression levels
      in egg white were low to be detected.

PMID- 22044479
TI  - Fluctuations in relative humidity provided to extremely low-birthweight infants
      (R1).
AB  - BACKGROUND: In extremely low-birthweight infants, the addition of relative
      humidity (RH) improves thermal stability, fluid and electrolyte balance. However,
      during routine care this microenvironment is frequently disturbed. The objective
      of this study was to determine the frequency, magnitude and direction of
      fluctuations in RH provided to extremely low-birthweight infants. METHODS: All
      infants in our study had ambient temperature and RH continuously recorded for 48
      h using a datalogger device (RH32S-C2). A clinically acceptable range for RH was
      defined as the set point +/- 10%. A secondary analysis was performed to compare
      outcomes between infants that spent > 50% of the time out-of-range (OOR) or
      inside the range (IR). A P-value < 0.05 was significant. RESULTS: A total of 20
      infants were included. Important fluctuations were detected by the device with
      infants spending 40% and 14% of the time above and below the range, respectively.
      However, the RH set point did not differ from the mean levels measured over 48 h
      by the RH32S-C2 or the incubator. Infants in the OOR group spent significantly
      more time at values higher than the planned range when compared to IR infants.
      CONCLUSION: Although significant fluctuations in RH above the desired range were
      detected in more than half of the infants, the average values were similar to the
      set points. Nevertheless, knowledge of these dynamic changes may help to optimize
      individualized care.

PMID- 22044480
TI  - Assessment of right ventricular endocardial dysfunction in mild-to-moderate
      mitral stenosis patients using velocity vector imaging.
AB  - PURPOSE: Right ventricular (RV) function plays an important role in the
      development of clinical symptoms, exercise capacity, prognosis, and survival in
      patients with mitral stenosis (MS). The purpose of this study was to evaluate
      global and regional RV systolic functions using a novel technique, VVI, in mild
      to-moderate MS patients without clinical symptoms of heart failure. METHODS: The
      study population consisted of 60 patients (mean age 51.7 +/- 11.6 years; 85%
      female) with isolated rheumatic mitral valve stenosis and 40 age- and sex-matched
      control subjects (mean age 49.1 +/- 10.5 years; 76.7% female). Conventional
      echocardiography, tissue Doppler imaging (TDI), strain (S), and strain rate (SRs)
      analysis were performed in all patients. RESULTS: Transmitral mean pressure
      gradient was 6.1 +/- 3.0 mmHg and mean mitral valve area was 1.41 +/- 0.31 cm(2)
      in patients with MS. TDI systolic velocity was significantly lower in MS patients
      compared to control subjects (0.13 +/- 0.03 m/sec vs. 0.17 +/- 0.03 m/sec; P <
      0.0001). RV-isovolumic acceleration was reduced in MS patients (3.75 +/- 1.09
      m/sec(2) vs. 4.62 +/- 1.0 m/sec(2) ; P = 0.006). RV-myocardial performance index
      was significantly increased in patients with MS (0.75 +/- 0.05 in MS and 0.29 +/-
      0.04 in controls; P < 0.0001) revealing impaired RV systolic and diastolic
      function. The mean longitudinal peak systolic S and SR were significantly reduced
      in patients with MS (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Our data revealed that RV systolic
      performance is reduced in patients with mild-to-moderate MS.

PMID- 22044481
TI  - Incidence of diabetic retinopathy in indigenous Australians within Central
      Australia: the Central Australian Ocular Health Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To estimate the incidence of diabetic retinopathy (DR) within the
      indigenous Australian population living in Central Australia. DESIGN: Clinic
      based cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: One thousand eight hundred eighty-four
      individuals aged >=20 years living in one of 30 remote communities within the
      statistical local area of 'Central Australia'. METHODS: Among those with diabetes
      mellitus (DM) (n = 1040), 432 (42%) were reviewed between 6 months and 3 years
      (median 21 months) after the initial examination. DR in participants with DM was
      graded using the Early Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy Study classification.
      Baseline results were compared with those at follow-up. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
      The incidence of any DR and vision-threatening DR (clinically significant macular
      oedema and/or proliferative DR) in at least one eye. RESULTS: Of those with DM
      but without DR at baseline, 8.41% (9.42% of those aged 40 years or older) per
      year developed DR. Meanwhile, 0.7% (0.92% for those aged >=40 years) of those
      with no DR at baseline developed vision-threatening DR per year, increasing to
      8.4% per year for those with minimal or mild non-proliferative DR, and 28.2% per
      year for those with moderate or severe non-proliferative DR at baseline.
      CONCLUSION: Our study has estimated the annual incidence rates of DR among
      indigenous Australians living within Central Australia. These rates are similar
      to those from the non-indigenous population, and highlight the need for good
      surveillance and service provision in a population where the prevalence of
      diabetes is very high and the logistics of screening are complex.

PMID- 22044482
TI  - Improvement of cognitive function in Alzheimer's disease model mice by genetic
      and pharmacological inhibition of the EP(4)  receptor.
AB  - Amyloid-beta peptide (Abeta), which is generated by the beta- and gamma-secretase
      mediated proteolysis of beta-amyloid precursor protein (APP), plays an important
      role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We recently reported that
      prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2) ) stimulates the production of Abeta through both
      EP(2) and EP(4) receptors and that activation of the EP(4) receptor stimulates
      Abeta production through endocytosis and activation of gamma-secretase. We here
      found that transgenic mice expressing mutant APP (APP23) mice showed a greater or
      lesser apparent cognitive deficit when they were crossed with mice lacking EP(2)
      or EP(4) receptors, respectively. Mice lacking the EP(4) receptor also displayed
      lower levels of Abeta plaque deposition and less neuronal and synaptic loss than
      control mice. Oral administration of a specific EP(4) receptor antagonist, AE3
      208 to APP23 mice, improved their cognitive performance, as well as decreasing
      brain levels of Abeta and suppressing endocytosis and activation of gamma
      secretase. Taken together, these results suggest that inhibition of the EP(4)
      receptor improves the cognitive function of APP23 mice by suppressing Abeta
      production and reducing neuronal and synaptic loss. We therefore propose that
      EP(4) receptor antagonists, such as AE3-208, could be therapeutically beneficial
      for the prevention and treatment of AD.

PMID- 22044483
TI  - Identification and analysis of functionally important amino acids in human
      purinergic 12 receptor using a Saccharomyces cerevisiae expression system.
AB  - The purinergic 12 receptor (P2Y12) is a major drug target for anticoagulant
      therapies, but little is known about the regions involved in ligand binding and
      activation of this receptor. We generated four randomized P2Y12 libraries and
      investigated their ligand binding characteristics. P2Y12 was expressed in a
      Saccharomyces cerevisiae model system. Four libraries were generated with
      randomized amino acids at positions 181, 256, 265 and 280. Mutant variants were
      screened for functional activity in yeast using the natural P2Y12 ligand ADP.
      Activation results were investigated using quantitative structure-activity
      relationship (QSAR) models and ligand-receptor docking. We screened four
      positions in P2Y12 for functional activity by substitution with amino acids with
      diverse physiochemical properties. This analysis revealed that positions E181,
      R256 and R265 alter the functional activity of P2Y12 in a specific manner. QSAR
      models for E181 and R256 mutant libraries strongly supported the experimental
      data. All substitutions of amino acid K280 were completely inactive, highlighting
      the crucial role of this residue in P2Y12 function. Ligand-receptor docking
      revealed that K280 is likely to be a key element in the ligand-binding pocket of
      P2Y12. The results of this study demonstrate that positions 181, 256, 265 and 280
      of P2Y12 are important for the functional integrity of the receptor. Moreover,
      K280 appears to be a crucial feature of the P2Y12 ligand-binding pocket. These
      results are important for rational design of novel antiplatelet agents.

PMID- 22044484
TI  - Aging-associated B7-DC+ B cells enhance anti-tumor immunity via Th1 and Th17
      induction.
AB  - Because most patients with cancer are aged and because immunological functions
      are altered during aging, it is important to account for aging-associated
      immunological alterations in the design of new cancer immunotherapies. We thus
      compared immune populations in young and aged mice and found that B7-DC(+) (PD
      L2/CD273) B cells, a minor population in young mice, were significantly increased
      in aged mice. Induction of both Th1 and Th17 cells was significantly augmented by
      B7-DC(+) B cells from aged mice, and this effect was blocked with anti-B7-DC
      antibodies in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, retardation of tumor growth in aged
      mice was largely B7-DC dependent. Tumor growth in young mice was significantly
      inhibited by immunization with B7-DC(+) B cells from aged mice owing to increased
      induction of tumor antigen-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes. These data indicate
      that B7-DC(+) B cells could play an important role in aging-associated cancer
      immunopathology as well as in other aging-associated diseases and further suggest
      that B7-DC(+) B cells have potential for future cancer immunotherapy.

PMID- 22044485
TI  - Prostate cancer active surveillance and health-related quality of life: results
      of the Finnish arm of the prospective trial.
AB  - Study Type - Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4 What's known on the
      subject? and What does the study add? Active surveillance is a management option
      in patients with localized prostate cancer. One concern is the possible
      psychological burden and quality-of-life effects caused by consciousness of
      living with untreated cancer. Previous studies have reported controversial
      results about the impact of active surveillance on patient's health-related
      quality of life. The data of the present study support the idea that patients
      with low-risk prostate cancer manage well on active surveillance and do not
      develop short-term mental or physical quality-of-life sequelae. OBJECTIVE: To
      analyse longitudinal changes in general, mental and physical health-related
      quality of life (HRQL) and urinary and erectile function in patients with low
      risk prostate cancer (PC) on active surveillance (AS). PATIENTS AND METHODS:
      Patients comprised those (n= 124) enrolled in the Finnish arm of the Prostate
      Cancer Research International: Active Surveillance (PRIAS) study who were
      followed for at least 1 year (n= 80). All patients with PC received validated
      questionnaires at the start of surveillance and after 1 year of follow-up.
      General HRQL was assessed with the RAND 36-Item Health Survey (RAND-36), erectile
      function with the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5), and
      urinary symptoms with the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS)
      questionnaires. Results were also compared with an age-stratified general Finnish
      male population. A paired t-test served to compare results over time and a non
      paired t-test or a corresponding non-parametric test, when applicable, served to
      compare the study group with the general population. Pearson and Spearman
      correlations were analysed between possible HRQL-affecting factors (demographic
      and clinical data) and HRQL data, followed by linear regression analysis to
      further evaluate any possible associations. RESULTS: Of the 124 patients, 105
      (85%) returned the baseline RAND-36 questionnaire, and 75 (94%) of the 80
      patients answered both the baseline and follow-up questionnaires; 15 patients
      (12%) had discontinued AS, all for protocol-based reasons, none due to anxiety or
      distress. No differences existed in the HRQL main categories at the 1-year follow
      up (mental and physical: P= 0.142 and P= 0.154, respectively). When all the eight
      dimensions were analysed separately, the physical role showed statistically
      significant improvement from a mean of 81 to a mean of 89 (P= 0.010). No
      clinically significant correlations appeared between HRQL and age, diagnostic
      prostate-specific antigen (PSA), free PSA or PSA change during follow-up at any
      of the time points; in regression analysis, HRQL was not predictable by any of
      the variables available at diagnosis or during follow-up. No statistically
      significant changes occurred in urinary function as analysed by the IPSS (P=
      0.121) or in erectile function by the IIEF-5 questionnaire (P= 0.583).  Compared
      with an age-stratified Finnish general male population, patients with PC on AS
      had a significantly better general mental and physical HRQL at diagnosis and
      after 1 year of follow-up (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Active surveillance does not
      provoke short-term quality-of-life disturbances as assessed by standardized RAND
      36, IIEF-5 and IPSS questionnaires. None of the patients changed treatment due to
      anxiety. Unexpectedly, PC patients on AS had significantly better general mental
      and physical HRQL than did a general age-stratified Finnish male population.

PMID- 22044486
TI  - Involving relatives in relapse prevention for bipolar disorder: a multi
      perspective qualitative study of value and barriers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Managing early warning signs is an effective approach to preventing
      relapse in bipolar disorder. Involving relatives in relapse prevention has been
      shown to maximize the effectiveness of this approach. However, family-focused
      intervention research has typically used expert therapists, who are rarely
      available within routine clinical services. It remains unknown what issues exist
      when involving relatives in relapse prevention planning delivered by community
      mental health case managers. This study explored the value and barriers of
      involving relatives in relapse prevention from the perspectives of service users,
      relatives and care-coordinators. METHODS: Qualitative interview study nested
      within a randomized controlled trial of relapse prevention for individuals with
      bipolar disorder. The purposive sample of 52 participants comprised service users
      (n = 21), care coordinators (n = 21) and relatives (n = 10). Data were analyzed
      using a grounded theory approach. RESULTS: All parties identified benefits of
      involving relatives in relapse prevention: improved understanding of bipolar
      disorder; relatives gaining a role in illness management; and improved
      relationships between each party. Nevertheless, relatives were often discouraged
      from becoming involved. Some staff perceived involving relatives increased the
      complexity of their own role and workload, and some service users valued the
      exclusivity of their relationship with their care-coordinator and prioritized
      taking individual responsibility for their illness over the benefits of involving
      their relatives. Barriers were heightened when family relationships were poor.
      CONCLUSIONS: Whilst involving relatives in relapse prevention has perceived
      value, it can increase the complexity of managing bipolar disorder for each
      party. In order to fully realize the benefits of involving relatives in relapse
      prevention, additional training and support for community care coordinators is
      needed. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN41352631

PMID- 22044487
TI  - Nucleation and growth of nanoparticles in the atmosphere.

PMID- 22044488
TI  - How Facebook saved our day!
AB  - Facebook and social media networking applications use is ubiquitous across all
      ages and cultures. Facebook has finally begun to appear in the medical-scientific
      press. Today's medical literature is focused on concerns of professionalism in
      young health care practitioners vis-a-vis the lay public as they continuously
      expose themselves through this online social medium. With over 500 million users,
      Facebook hosts many of our patients, who are also exposed to the Internet and
      social media. Nobody so far has considered the opposite issue: that of physician
      invasion of privacy by "looking-up" a patient on Facebook during clinical
      practice for purposes of history-taking or diagnostic clues in situations where
      patients are too ill to provide needed information. We need to consider the
      ethical implications of privacy invasion in the current era of information
      technology. We need to acquire and maintain a certain level of "social media
      competency" to better debate the issues around Facebook and how we integrate on
      line content with our patients' histories of present illness (HPI) or past
      medical histories (if at all).

PMID- 22044489
TI  - Concordance of sibling's recall of measures of childhood socioeconomic position.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Studies of socioeconomic determinants of health often rely on
      recalled information on childhood socioeconomic position, despite limited
      evidence of the validity of this information. This study examined concordance
      between siblings of recalled measures of childhood socioeconomic position.
      METHODS: This cross-sectional study examined reports by 1280 adult sibling pairs
      in the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States of seven
      measures of childhood socioeconomic position: father's occupation (in 9
      categories), father having a professional occupation, father being a supervisor
      at work, father's education level, mother's education level, receipt of welfare
      payments, and subjective appraisal of being better or worse off financially than
      others. RESULTS: Concordance was high for father's professional occupation (0.97;
      95% confidence interval (CI) 0.96, 0.98), father's occupation in 9 categories
      (0.76; 95% CI 0.73, 0.80), and receipt of welfare payments (0.95; 95% CI 0.93,
      0.97). Concordance was lower for father's and mother's education level, and
      lowest for subjective appraisal of socioeconomic position (0.60; 95% CI 0.57,
      0.64). Concordance of parental education was lower for sibling pairs with high
      school educations or less. CONCLUSION: Concordance of recalled measures of
      childhood socioeconomic position by siblings is generally but not uniformly high.

PMID- 22044490
TI  - Chronic hepatitis c genotype-4 infection: role of insulin resistance in
      hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of chronic hepatitis and
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and different HCV genotypes show characteristic
      variations in their pathological properties. Insulin resistance (IR) occurs early
      in HCV infection and may synergize with viral hepatitis in HCC development. Egypt
      has the highest reported rates of HCV infection (predominantly genotype 4) in the
      world; this study investigated effects of HCV genotype-4 (HCV-4) on prevalence of
      insulin resistance in chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and HCC in Egyptian patients.
      METHODS: Fifty CHC patients, 50 HCC patients and 20 normal subjects were studied.
      IR was estimated using HOMA-IR index and HCV-4 load determined using real-time
      polymerase chain reaction. Hepatitis B virus was excluded by enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay. Standard laboratory and histopathological investigations
      were undertaken to characterize liver function and for grading and staging of
      CHC; HCC staging was undertaken using intraoperative samples. RESULTS: HCC
      patients showed higher IR frequency but without significant difference from CHC
      (52% vs 40%, p = 0.23). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed HOMA-IR
      index and International Normalization Ratio independently associated with
      fibrosis in CHC; in HCC, HbA1c, cholesterol and bilirubin were independently
      associated with fibrosis. Fasting insulin and cholesterol levels were
      independently associated with obesity in both CHC and HCC groups. Moderate and
      high viral load was associated with high HOMA-IR in CHC and HCC (p < 0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: IR is induced by HCV-4 irrespective of severity of liver disease. IR
      starts early in infection and facilitates progression of hepatic fibrosis and HCC
      development.

PMID- 22044491
TI  - Experiences of mental health services by people with intellectual disabilities
      from different ethnic groups: a Delphi consultation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patient experience of those accessing mental health services has been
      found to be different between ethnic groups. Although the needs of people with
      intellectual disabilities (ID) from different ethnic communities are being
      increasingly recognised, little has been published about their experiences of
      mental health services. The aim of this study was to establish whether there are
      any differences in the experiences of people with ID and mental health problems
      from two ethnic communities in South London. METHOD: A two-round Delphi process
      was utilised. White British and Black or Black British service users from a
      specialist community-based mental health service for adults with ID completed a
      specially compiled questionnaire. Statements on participants' experiences,
      including satisfaction with care, staff members' attitudes, cultural awareness
      and level of support, were rated using a Likert scale. RESULTS: Twenty-four out
      of 32 participants (75%) completed both rounds of the Delphi consultation.
      Consensus (>=80% agreement with the group median) was reached for 20 items in the
      White group and five items in the Black group. All responses that reached
      consensus were positive about the services that were being received. The Black
      group were less positive about a range of their experiences, including the use of
      medication. CONCLUSIONS: People with ID from two ethnic groups were able to
      successfully complete a Delphi consultation regarding their experiences of mental
      health services. Broad consensus on positive experiences of services was reached
      in the White group but not for the Black participants.

PMID- 22044492
TI  - Accidental gallbladder perforation during laparoscopic cholecystectomy: does it
      have an effect on the clinical outcomes?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Accidental gallbladder perforation during laparoscopic
      cholecystectomy (LC) is on the rise because of increased attempts at minimally
      invasive surgery. There have been a number of studies attempting to determine the
      influence of gallbladder perforation on the clinical outcomes, but the results
      are still conflicting. Therefore, we investigated the clinical outcomes and the
      risk factors in patients who sustained a gallbladder perforation during LC.
      METHODS: We evaluated 198 patients who underwent LC between April 2009 and March
      2010. Data were collected from a prospectively maintained database. RESULTS:
      Thirty-three patients sustained a gallbladder perforation (16.7%) and it
      primarily occurred during dissection of the hepatic fossa in 21 patients (63.6%).
      The mean operative time and duration of postoperative hospitalization were longer
      in the perforated group (P=.015 and P=.001). Visual analog scale scores on the
      first and second postoperative days were higher in the perforated group (P=.009
      and P=.034). Complications such as ileus and trocar site infection developed more
      frequently in patients with a gallbladder perforation (P=.001 and P=.004). There
      was no significant factor related to gallbladder perforation except for male
      gender (P=.017). CONCLUSION: Accidental gallbladder perforation can cause more
      postoperative pain, ileus, and trocar site infection, which consequently
      increases the total duration of hospitalization, undermining the advantages of
      LC. Based on these interesting results, surgeons should make every effort to
      prevent gallbladder perforation by performing meticulous dissection during the
      operation.

PMID- 22044493
TI  - IVF/ICSI outcomes after culture of human embryos at low oxygen tension: a meta
      analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Improved pregnancy, implantation, and birth rates have been reported
      after the use of reduced O2 concentration during embryo culture, mainly due to a
      reduction of the cumulative detrimental effects of reactive oxygen species.
      However, some studies have failed to report any positive effects. The objective
      of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the effect of a low-O2 environment on
      IVF/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) outcomes. METHODS: All available
      published and ongoing randomised trials that compared the effects of low (~5%;
      OC~5) and atmospheric (~20%; OC~20) oxygen concentrations on IVF/ICSI outcomes
      were included. Search strategies included online surveys of databases from 1980
      to 2011. The outcomes measured were fertilisation rate, implantation rate and
      ongoing pregnancy rates. The fixed effects model was used to calculate the odds
      ratio. RESULTS: Seven studies were included in this analysis. The pooled
      fertilisation rate did not differ significantly (P=0.54) between the group of
      oocytes cultured at low O2 tension and the group at atmospheric O2 tension.
      Concerning all cycles, the implantation (P=0.06) and ongoing pregnancy (P=0.051)
      rates were not significantly different between the group receiving transferred
      sets containing only OC~5 embryos and the group receiving transferred sets with
      only OC~20 embryos. In a meta-analysis performed for only those trials in which
      embryos were transferred on day 2/3, implantation (P=0.63) and ongoing pregnancy
      (P=0.19) rates were not significantly different between the groups. In contrast,
      when a meta-analysis was performed using only trials in which embryos were
      transferred on days 5 and 6 (at the blastocyst stage), the group with transferred
      sets of only OC~5 embryos showed a statistically significantly higher
      implantation rate (P=0.006) than the group receiving transferred sets with only
      OC~20 embryos, although the ongoing pregnancy (P=0.19) rates were not
      significantly different between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Despite some promising
      results, it seems too early to conclude that low O2 culture has an effect on IVF
      outcome. Additional randomised controlled trials are necessary before evidence
      based recommendations can be provided. It should be emphasised that the present
      meta-analysis does not provide any evidence that low oxygen concentration is
      unnecessary.

PMID- 22044494
TI  - Factor V and FVIII deficiency in a young Czech woman.

PMID- 22044495
TI  - Immune response to Haemophilus influenzae type b conjugate vaccine in preterm
      infants.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine became available for use
      in Japan in December 2008. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the
      immunogenicity of Hib vaccine in Japanese preterm infants. METHODS: Serum samples
      were obtained from 54 preterm infants before the first vaccination and 1 month
      after the third. Anti-polyribosylribitol phosphate (PRP) antibodies were measured
      using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. Antibody positivity was
      defined as levels >1 ug/mL. RESULTS: Of the 54 preterm infants, 46 (85.2%)
      achieved antibody levels >1 ug/mL. This compares with the 92.4% reported in full
      term infants. The antibody seroconversion rate of infants starting vaccination at
      2 months of age was close to being significantly lower than when vaccination was
      started at 3 months of age (P= 0.060). In addition, the percentage of infants
      achieving a positive response in the group with a history of antenatal steroid
      exposure was significantly higher than in those not exposed (P= 0.046). Thus,
      risk factors for lower Hib antibody concentrations after three doses of vaccine
      were age at first vaccination and lack of use of antenatal steroids. CONCLUSIONS:
      There is a possibility that perinatal factors and the environment unique to
      preterm infants are related to their lower antibody positivity rates compared to
      full-term infants. It may therefore be preferable to modify the proposed
      immunization schedule.

PMID- 22044496
TI  - Targeting the aldosterone pathway in cardiovascular disease.
AB  - Accumulated evidence has demonstrated that aldosterone is a key player in the
      pathogenesis of cardiovascular (CV) disease. Multiple clinical trials have
      documented that intervention in the aldosterone pathway can reduce blood pressure
      and lower albuminuria and improve outcome in patients with heart failure or
      myocardial infarction. Recent studies have unraveled details about the role of
      aldosterone at the cellular level in CV disease. The relative importance of
      glucocorticoids and aldosterone in terms of mineralocorticoid receptor activation
      is currently being debated. Also, studies are addressing which aldosterone
      modulator to use, which timing of treatment to aim for, and in which population
      to intervene. This review provides an overview of recent developments in the
      understanding of the role of aldosterone in CV disease, with particular reference
      to mechanisms and potential targets of intervention. Finally, ongoing or
      desirable clinical trials in the field are highlighted. The review is partly
      based on discussions between basic scientists and clinical trialists at the
      Cardiovascular Clinical Trials Forum 2009 and subsequently updated to encompass
      the most recent developments.

PMID- 22044497
TI  - Immunohistological analysis of extracted anterior cruciate ligament graft
      impinged against posterior cruciate ligament.
AB  - A young female athlete suffered from the residual instability of the knee after
      anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction with hamstring autograft. The 3
      dimensional (3-D) CT scan showed the "high noon" positioning of the primary
      femoral bone tunnel. The revision surgery with anatomic double-bundle technique
      was performed two years after the primary surgery and the femoral tunnels were
      created with the assistance of the 3-D fluoroscopy-based navigation. An
      arthroscopic examination confirmed the ACL graft impingement against posterior
      cruciate ligament (PCL) when the knee was deeply flexed. The histological
      analysis of the resected primary ACL graft showed local inflammatory
      infiltration, enhanced synovial coverage and vascularization at the impinged
      site. The enhanced expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) at the
      impinged area when compared with non-impinged area was observed on
      immunohistochemical analysis. Abnormal mechanical stress by the impingement
      against PCL might have induced chronic inflammation and VEGF overexpression.

PMID- 22044498
TI  - Assessment of mitral annulus (p3 segment) asymmetric deformity in myocardial
      infarction with ischemic regurgitation by real time three-dimensional
      echocardiography.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The three-dimensional (3D) saddle shape of the mitral annulus (MA) is
      well characterized in humans, but segmental MA deformity and regurgitation
      suffered after the ischemic damage of myocardial infarction (MI) is poorly
      understood. In this study, such changes were assessed in patients with ischemic
      mitral regurgitation (IMR) post-MI, using our computerized 3D echo technique.
      METHODS: A patient cohort (n = 72) with IMR due to inferior or anterior MI and
      normal controls (n = 20) were enrolled for 3D MA echo studies. Sequential
      coordinates of MA were manually measured from each of 18 radial planes, cropped
      in midsystole, to generate 3D MA images. In addition, six segmental (A1, A2, A3,
      P1, P2, P3) parameters of MA and global features, such as circumference, area,
      and height, were calculated. RESULTS: All six segments of MA were significantly
      dilated in the IMR group compared with corresponding segments of normal controls.
      Although there were no significant intragroup differences in A1, A2, and A3
      segments, a greater degree of P3 segmental MA deformity was observed only in
      patients following inferior MI. CONCLUSION: The MA dilatation observed in
      patients with IMR after MI was more pronounced in patients with anterior versus
      inferior MI. However, P3 segmental dilatation of MA was significantly greater in
      patients after inferior IM with significant IMR, corresponding with more severe
      asymmetric MA deformity. (Echocardiography 2012;29:42-50).

PMID- 22044499
TI  - Livedoid vasculopathy associated with sickle cell trait: significant improvement
      on aspirin treatment.
AB  - Livedoid vasculopathy (LV) is a chronic, recurrent, painful cutaneous disease
      manifesting as longstanding distal lower extremity ulcers that scar leaving
      stellate atrophic lesions known as 'atrophie blanche'. A significant number of
      cases have been associated with thrombophilic abnormalities. In this study, we
      describe, to the best of our knowledge, the first report of LV only associated
      with sickle cell trait with significant improvement on aspirin.

PMID- 22044500
TI  - Stimulation of pulmonary immune responses by the TLR2/6 agonist MALP-2 and effect
      on melanoma metastasis to the lung.
AB  - Given that metastasized melanoma is a fatal disease in most cases, it is tempting
      to develop strategies to a priori prevent metastasis. We have stimulated the
      pulmonary innate immune system by macrophage-activating lipopeptide-2 (MALP-2), a
      specific agonist at Toll-like receptor (TLR) 2/6, and investigated its impact on
      experimental melanoma metastasis. In C57BL/6 mice, intratracheal application of
      MALP-2 induced a profound influx of neutrophils and macrophages into the lung,
      which peaked after 24 h (sixfold increase) and returned to baseline within 72 h.
      Further analysis revealed that MALP-2 also markedly induced VCAM-1 expression on
      pulmonary blood vessels. In vitro experiments demonstrated that this adhesion
      molecule mediates binding of B16F10 melanoma cells. Furthermore, in vivo or in
      vitro treatment with MALP-2 did not significantly affect the ability of immune
      cells to lyse melanoma cells. As a consequence, notwithstanding the profound
      pulmonary immune response induction and in contrast to conclusions drawn from
      some previous publications, the net extent of experimental metastasis did not
      change significantly, regardless of the application regimen of MALP-2 prior to,
      concomitant with or after tumor cell inoculation. Melanoma cells stably
      transfected with green fluorescent protein allowed tracking of early events after
      tumor cell dissemination and showed that MALP-2-mediated TLR2/6 activation did
      not interfere with pulmonary melanoma cell arrest. Likewise, boosting the immune
      induction after establishment of metastases did not change the clinical outcome.
      These unexpected results vividly counsel caution regarding predictions of
      immunomodulating therapies, as multiple intertwined effects may influence the net
      outcome.

PMID- 22044501
TI  - Type of transrectal ultrasonography probe influences prostate cancer detection
      rates on repeat prostate biopsy.
AB  - It is known that the end-fire probe detects more prostate cancer on initial
      prostate biopsy, but there is no literature looking at the influence of type of
      probe on repeat biopsy. Given that the literature on the influence of
      ultrasonography probe on repeat prostate biopsy is non-existent, the present
      study adds information which may help urologists improve their chances of
      detecting prostate cancer on prostate biopsy. Determining which type of probe to
      use on a prostate biopsy is a simple external factor that may help improve
      patient management. OBJECTIVE: To determine if the type of transrectal
      ultrasonography (TRUS) probe used during repeat prostate biopsy influences
      prostate cancer detection rates. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We conducted a
      retrospective chart review of 680 men undergoing repeat prostate biopsy at our
      institution between 2000 and 2010. Patient mean (range) age was 64.2 (39-95)
      years. The median (range) prostate-specific antigen (PSA) level was 5.5 (0.37
      33.8) ng/mL and median (range) free PSA was 17 (5-45) %. Patient age, PSA,
      prostate volume, number of biopsy cores, time interval between initial and repeat
      biopsy, digital rectal examination and pathological findings were all included in
      a multivariate logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The use of an end-fire
      probe on repeat biopsy significantly increased prostate cancer detection (odds
      ratio [OR] 1.59, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.03-2.46). The time interval
      between 1(st) and 2(nd) biopsy was also significant (OR 1.46, 95% CI: 1.11-1.09).
      On univariate analysis, white race (OR 0.66, 95% CI: 0.44-0.99), increasing
      prostate volume (OR 0.70, 95% CI: 0.55-0.89), and higher free PSA (OR 0.54, 95%
      CI: 0.34-0.84) were associated with a decreased risk of cancer. When evaluating
      the different permutations of using an end-fire or side-fire probe on initial or
      repeat biopsy, there was no difference in prostate cancer detection regardless of
      order of use of an end-fire or side-fire probe. CONCLUSIONS: An end-fire probe is
      associated with improved prostate cancer detection rates on both initial and
      repeat biopsy. The order of probe use does not appear to matter.

PMID- 22044502
TI  - Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in patients with schizophrenia, and metabolic
      changes after 3 months of treatment with antipsychotics--results from a German
      observational study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This observational study explored the prevalence of metabolic
      syndrome (MetS) in adult in- and outpatients with untreated or treated
      schizophrenia at baseline, and month-3 after initiation or switch of
      antipsychotic treatment. METHODS: MetS-prevalence (AHA/NHLB-definition) was
      assessed and Clopper-Pearson 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated.
      Factors associated with MetS were explored through univariate and multivariate
      logistic regressions (both visits). RESULTS: MetS-prevalence was 44.3% (CI
      39.8;48.9) at baseline and 49.6% (CI 45.0;54.2) at month-3. Previously
      unmedicated patients showed the lowest baseline MetS-prevalence (24.7%, CI
      18.3;32.1). MetS-prevalence was not significantly different, regardless if
      patients previously received typical or atypical antipsychotics. Increased MetS
      risk was associated with somatic comorbidity and non-smoking at both visits, and
      with non-psychiatric co-medication, male sex, and increased C-reactive protein at
      month-3. CONCLUSIONS: At baseline, MetS was most prevalent in patients with
      previous antipsychotic medication. Limited metabolic changes were observed 3
      months after switch/initiation of antipsychotic therapy. TRIAL REGISTRATION
      NUMBER: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: n.a.

PMID- 22044503
TI  - Prevalence of uveitis in indigenous populations presenting to remote clinics of
      central Australia: the Central Australian Ocular Health Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND:   To report the prevalence of current and previous uveitis within the
      indigenous population living within Central Australia. DESIGN:   Population-based
      cross-sectional study in Central Australia. PARTICIPANTS:   One thousand eight
      hundred and eighty-four subjects who identified themselves as indigenous
      Australians, presenting to the remote clinics during the 36-month period between
      July 2005 and June 2008. METHODS:   Clinical assessments for active or previous
      uveitis were performed. Data were collected using a standardized form. MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASURES:   Prevalence of various types of uveitis. RESULTS:   Four of
      1881 subjects had evidence of previous or current anterior uveitis, giving a
      prevalence for anterior uveitis of 0.21% (95% confidence interval, 0.01-0.42%).
      Eleven of 1854 patients had signs of previous posterior uveitis, giving a
      prevalence for posterior uveitis of 0.59% (95% confidence interval 0.24-0.94%).
      Nine of the 11 patients with posterior uveitis cases (82%) had presumed
      toxoplasma retinochoroiditis. There were no cases of intermediate uveitis or
      panuveitis observed in this study. There were no observed cases consistent with
      well-recognized clinical uveitic syndromes, such as Behcet's disease or Vogt
      Koyanagi-Harada syndrome. CONCLUSIONS:   A distinct pattern of uveitis appears to
      be present among indigenous population of remote Central Australia. Posterior
      uveitis was commoner than anterior uveitis with a predominance of toxoplasma
      retinochoroiditis. Environmental factors appeared to be more important in this
      genetically distinct population, with infective causes and ocular trauma being
      the most common aetiologies of uveitis.

PMID- 22044504
TI  - An evaluation of statewide emergency department utilization following Tennessee
      Medicaid disenrollment.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: During a series of reforms to the Tennessee Medicaid expansion
      program (TennCare) in 2005, approximately 171,000 adults were disenrolled from
      Medicaid. The objective of this study was to examine the statewide effect of such
      a disenrollment on Tennessee emergency department (ED) utilization. METHODS:
      Administrative data on all ED visits in Tennessee from 2004 through 2006 were
      obtained from the State Emergency Department Database and State Inpatient
      Database under the Healthcare Utilization Project. Population statistics and
      uninsured estimates were obtained from the U.S. Census Bureau, and TennCare
      enrollment data were obtained from the State of Tennessee Department of TennCare.
      The proportion and rate of ED visits, assessed separately by payer type, were
      compared across a predisenrollment period from January 1, 2004, through July 31,
      2005, and across a postdisenrollment period from August 1, 2005, through December
      31, 2006. The proportion and rate of ED visits resulting in hospital admission,
      again assessed separately by payer type, were compared across the same
      disenrollment periods in a similar way. We fitted a series of linear models for
      the total number of ED visits and each proportion and rate, with various degrees
      of adjustment for seasonality and time trend. RESULTS: The mean number of ED
      visits was 45,662 per week during the predisenrollment period and 44,463 per week
      during the postdisenrollment period (mean difference = -1,199; 95% confidence
      interval [CI] -1,722 to -676). By payer category, there was a decrease of 3,119
      visits per week by TennCare beneficiaries and an increase of 2,203 per week by
      the uninsured. After disenrollment, the absolute proportion of ED visits by
      TennCare beneficiaries significantly decreased by 6.2% (95% CI = -6.6% to -5.8%),
      and the absolute proportion of uninsured ED visits increased by 5.3% (95% CI =
      4.9% to 5.7%). The rate of ED visits by TennCare beneficiaries decreased by 
      0.091 ED visits/person/year (95% CI = -0.136 to -0.046) in the disenrollment
      period when controlling for time and seasonality. The rate of ED visits among the
      uninsured increased by 0.038 ED visits/person/year (95% CI = 0.011 to 0.065) in
      the postdisenrollment period when controlling for cubic time trend. The
      proportion of all TennCare ED visits that resulted in hospital admission did not
      change significantly between the two periods after adjusting for time trend and
      seasonality. The proportion of uninsured ED visits resulting in hospital
      admission, however, significantly increased after disenrollment by 2.0% (95% CI =
      1.8% to 2.2%) and by 0.6% (95% CI = 0.0% to 1.2%) after adjusting for time and
      seasonality. CONCLUSIONS: The TennCare disenrollment of 2005 was associated with
      a modest decrease in the number of total ED visits in Tennessee. However, the
      payer mix among the Tennessee ED population shifted abruptly. The increased rate
      of ED visits by Tennessee's uninsured and the increased proportion of uninsured
      ED visits leading to hospital admission suggest an increased burden of illness in
      this highly vulnerable population.

PMID- 22044505
TI  - Electrocardiogram shows reliable heart rates much earlier than pulse oximetry
      during neonatal resuscitation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the usefulness of the three
      lead electrocardiogram (ECG) during neonatal resuscitation. METHODS: Both pulse
      oximetry (PO) and ECG were applied immediately after delivery to measure heart
      rate (HR). We reviewed video recordings of the respective monitors, and checked
      the time at which each monitor started to display reliable rate values. RESULTS:
      In 20 deliveries, ECG showed HR much earlier than PO (median 38 s vs 122 s after
      delivery). ECG displayed reliable HR throughout resuscitation. We were able to
      confirm the effectiveness of the initial respiratory support from the elevation
      in HR. CONCLUSIONS: ECG was a safe and reliable method for showing HR, and was
      used to determine the initiation and the effectiveness of resuscitation in the
      delivery room.

PMID- 22044506
TI  - Loop-mediated isothermal amplification for detection of porcine circovirus type
      2.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) is the primary causative agent of
      the emerging swine disease known as postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome
      (PMWS). Nowadays, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is still the most widespread
      technique in pathogen detection. Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP), a
      novel nucleic acid amplification method developed in 2000, will possibly replace
      PCR in the field of detection. To establish a LAMP method for rapid detection of
      PCV2, two pairs of primers were designed specially from the open reading frame 2
      (ORF2) sequences of PCV2. A LAMP method for rapid detection of PCV2 was
      established. To compare with PCR, sensitivity and specificity of LAMP were
      evaluated using the optimized reaction system. The LAMP products could be
      determined by agarose gel electrophoresis or adding SYBR Green I dye. RESULTS:
      The amplification of LAMP could be obtained at 63 degrees C for 60 min. The
      detection limit was nearly 1 copy of DNA plasmid, more sensitive than PCR. There
      was no cross-reaction with porcine circovirus type 1 (PCV1), porcine pseudorabies
      virus (PRV) and porcine parvovirus (PPV) under the same conditions. CONCLUSIONS:
      LAMP is an useful rapid detection method with high sensitivity and specificity
      for PCV2.

PMID- 22044507
TI  - A neuroimaging proof of principle study of Down's syndrome and dementia: ethical
      and methodological challenges in intrusive research.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Research into specific illnesses and the development of new
      treatments may only become possible as new technologies become available. When
      used for research, such technologies may best be described as 'intrusive', in
      that they require a considerable willingness and commitment on the part of the
      participants. This has increasingly been the case for brain disorders and
      illnesses where novel neuroimaging techniques, often combined with clinical and
      psychological assessments, have the potential to result in new understanding.
      People with intellectual disabilities (ID) have a history of under-representation
      as participants in research using such technologies and are therefore at risk of
      not receiving equal access to state-of-the-art treatments. We propose that
      'intrusive' biomedical research is both possible and ethical in ID, and explore
      some of the methodological challenges by reference to a recent proof of principle
      study that used a relatively new ligand-based brain scanning technique in a group
      of volunteers with Down's syndrome. METHODS: Five overlapping stages of the study
      methodology were identified and evaluated for their acceptability to volunteers
      with mild to moderate ID through discussion, reflection, and analysis of
      structured feedback in the context of key policy documents, ethical guidelines
      and relevant legislation. RESULTS: Identification of key ethical and
      methodological challenges from reflective practice and participant feedback
      facilitated the emergence of strategies that permitted continual refinement of
      the study design. Important areas considered included (1) being clear about the
      purpose and scientific justification for the study; (2) reconciling the potential
      risks and benefits with relevant ethical guidelines and legislation; (3)
      identifying and implementing effective recruitment strategies; (4) optimising and
      assessing capacity to consent; and (5) making the 'intrusive' procedures as
      acceptable as possible to people with ID. CONCLUSION: We were able to demonstrate
      that a proof of principle study incorporating a novel brain scanning technique in
      a group of volunteers with ID was feasible, safe and well tolerated, despite the
      vulnerabilities of the study cohort and the intrusive nature of the research. We
      consider the study within an ethical and historical discourse about the
      principles that define current 'best practice' in ID research and propose a
      number of key recommendations for making intrusive research acceptable in people
      with ID.

PMID- 22044508
TI  - Funding and infrastructure among large-scale clinical trials examining
      cardiovascular diseases in Japan: evidence from a questionnaire survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Large-scale clinical trials with thousands of participants are often
      needed to evaluate the risk reductions of cardiac events and/or death. Many
      recent clinical trials have evaluated the incidences of cardiac events using hard
      endpoints, especially in cardiovascular and metabolic medicine. A high
      investigation cost is involved in conducting a large-scale clinical trial, and
      obtaining sufficient funding is essential. The infrastructural environment of
      clinical trials is currently inadequate in Japan. We conducted a questionnaire
      based survey to address this issue. The present study sought to clarify the
      current situation surrounding large-scale clinical trials in terms of funding and
      infrastructure, and to inform discussion about improving the financial and
      infrastructural situation for clinical trials. METHODS: We sent questionnaires to
      119 sponsors of large-scale clinical trials between August 2007 and December
      2007, and between July 2009 and August 2009. Answers to each question were
      summarized and data were statistically analyzed. RESULTS: We received responses
      from the sponsors of 63 (52.9%) out of 119 trials to which questionnaires were
      sent. The results revealed that 25 trials (39.7%) were funded by foundations, and
      21 trials (33.3%) were funded by public agencies. All of the foundations involved
      in conducting clinical trials, where funding sources were specified, were funded
      by private organizations such as pharmaceutical companies. All of the clinical
      trials with a cost of JPY 300 million (USD 3.27 million) or more were funded by
      private organizations, and none were funded solely by public agencies. The
      sponsors of 23 trials (36.5%) responded that the trial was 'not registered' to
      clinical trial registry. CONCLUSIONS: The questionnaire responses revealed that
      there were still many trials whose funding sources were unclear and many sponsors
      were unaware of their responsibilities in managing and/or financing the costs of
      clinical trials. These findings indicate that further discussion is required to
      establish appropriate frameworks and/or rules regarding funding, while
      considering conflicts of interest. This discussion should take place as soon as
      possible to facilitate appropriate clinical trials.

PMID- 22044509
TI  - An accessory mitral valve leaflet causing left ventricular outflow tract
      obstruction and associated with severe aortic incompetence.
AB  - This case report describes a 20-year-old woman with Turner's syndrome who
      presented with reduced effort tolerance limited by dyspnea. She had previously
      been on pediatric cardiology follow-up for congenital subvalvular aortic stenosis
      first diagnosed at age 7. Unfortunately she defaulted after two visits before any
      intervention could be done. Transthoracic echocardiography demonstrated severe
      aortic incompetence (AI) with a membrane-like structure in the left ventricular
      outflow tract (LVOT). The mean pressure gradient across the LVOT on continuous
      wave Doppler was 41 mmHg. The membranous interventricular septum appeared
      aneurysmal and it was observed that the "subaortic membrane" had a connection to
      the anterolateral papillary muscle via a strand of chordal tissue. Further images
      were captured using two-dimensional and three-dimensional transthoracic and
      transesophageal echocardiography (iE33, Philips Medical Systems, Andover, MA,
      USA). After a review of the literature it was concluded that this appeared to be
      an accessory mitral valve (AMV) leaflet causing LVOT obstruction associated with
      AI. AMV tissue is a rare congenital malformation causing LVOT obstruction.
      Because it is so unusual, it may not be immediately recognizable even in a high
      volume echocardiography laboratory. The clue which helped with the diagnosis was
      the strand of chordal tissue which connected the mass to the papillary muscle.
      This anomaly is often associated with LVOT obstruction.

PMID- 22044510
TI  - Limited sampling strategies for the estimation of atazanavir daily exposure in
      HIV-infected patients.
AB  - Stepwise multiple regression analyses were applied to 44 atazanavir
      pharmacokinetic profiles from 44 HIV-1 infected patients concomitantly treated
      with raltegravir with the goal of identifying limited sampling strategies for the
      prediction of drug AUC(0-12) . Atazanavir trough-based equations failed to
      reliably predict daily drug exposure in patients with low drug bioavailability.
      Conversely, different algorithms based on few samples and associated with good
      correlation, acceptable bias and imprecision with the measured atazanavir AUC(0
      12)  were identified. These models could be used to predict atazanavir exposure
      for clinic or research purposes.

PMID- 22044511
TI  - Molecular dynamics simulations and in silico peptide ligand screening of the Elk
      1 ETS domain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Elk-1 transcription factor is a member of a group of proteins
      called ternary complex factors, which serve as a paradigm for gene regulation in
      response to extracellular signals. Its deregulation has been linked to multiple
      human diseases including the development of tumours. The work herein aims to
      inform the design of potential peptidomimetic compounds that can inhibit the
      formation of the Elk-1 dimer, which is key to Elk-1 stability. We have conducted
      molecular dynamics simulations of the Elk-1 ETS domain followed by virtual
      screening. RESULTS: We show the ETS dimerisation site undergoes conformational
      reorganisation at the alpha1beta1 loop. Through exhaustive screening of di- and
      tri-peptide libraries against a collection of ETS domain conformations
      representing the dynamics of the loop, we identified a series of potential
      binders for the Elk-1 dimer interface. The di-peptides showed no particular
      preference toward the binding site; however, the tri-peptides made specific
      interactions with residues: Glu17, Gln18 and Arg49 that are pivotal to the dimer
      interface. CONCLUSIONS: We have shown molecular dynamics simulations can be
      combined with virtual peptide screening to obtain an exhaustive docking protocol
      that incorporates dynamic fluctuations in a receptor. Based on our findings, we
      suggest experimental binding studies to be performed on the 12 SILE ranked tri
      peptides as possible compounds for the design of inhibitors of Elk-1
      dimerisation. It would also be reasonable to consider the score-ranked tri
      peptides as a comparative test to establish whether peptide size is a determinant
      factor of binding to the ETS domain.

PMID- 22044512
TI  - The prevalence of idiopathic hirsutism and polycystic ovary syndrome in the
      Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is no clear and contemporaneous method for screening of
      idiopathic hirsutism (IH) and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) at the community
      level and current estimates regarding their prevalence are limited. We aimed to
      ascertain the prevalence of IH and PCOS in a randomly selected sample of
      reproductive aged female participants of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study
      (TLGS). METHODS: One thousand and two women, aged 18-45 years, were randomly
      selected from among reproductive aged women who participated in the TLGS. Those
      women with either hirsutism or menstrual dysfunction were assessed for
      biochemical hyperandrogenemia; whereas those participants with hirsutism per se
      were further assessed for subclinical menstrual dysfunction. PCOS were diagnosed
      using the National Institute of Health (NIH) criteria. IH was defined as
      hirsutism without clinical or sub clinical menstrual dysfunction or biochemical
      hyperandrogenemia (BH). RESULTS: The mean+/-SD of age of study population was
      29.2+/-8.7 years. Estimated prevalences of idiopathic hirsutism and pure
      menstrual dysfunction were 13.0% (95% CI: 10.9%-15.1%) and 1.5%(95% CI: 1.1%
      1.9%), respectively. The prevalence of PCOS was 8.5% (95% CI: 6.8%-10.2%); more
      than one third of these cases would possibly have remained undiagnosed or
      misdiagnosed, had we not assessed them for subclinical menstrual dysfunction or
      biochemical hyperandrogenemia. CONCLUSIONS: These data from a large
      representative and non selected population of women confirm the concept that IH
      and PCOS are the two most common gynecological endocrinopathies among
      reproductive aged women. The estimated prevalence of these conditions is highly
      influenced by their screening methods at the community level.

PMID- 22044513
TI  - The panzootic white-nose syndrome: an environmentally constrained disease?
AB  - White-nose syndrome (WNS) is an emerging disease of hibernating bats probably
      caused by a pathogenic fungus, Geomyces destructans. The fungus has dispersed
      rapidly in the Northeastern United States and Canada and is presently a serious
      risk to hibernating bats of the mid-southern United States. Our objectives were
      to investigate how the environmental factors of temperature and resources impact
      the physiology of bats and apply this to explore possible effects of the fungus
      G. destructans on bats. Using a dynamic, physiologically based model
      parameterized for little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus), we found that the
      survival region defined in terms of minimal and maximal cave temperatures and bat
      lipid reserve levels exhibits plasticity as a function of cave temperature.
      During the pre-hibernation period, constellations of increased availability of
      fall and winter prey, reduced energy expenditure and lipogenic factors provide
      fat deposition in hibernator species that engender survival throughout the
      hibernation period. The model-derived survival region is used to demonstrate that
      small increases in lipid reserves allow survival under increasing maximum
      temperatures, which provides flexibility of bat persistence at the higher cave
      temperature ranges that may occur in the Southern United States. Antipodally, the
      lower-temperature survival range is bounded with minimum temperatures. Our
      results suggest that there is an environmental distinction between survival of
      bats in Southern and Northern US states, a relationship that could prove very
      important in managing WNS and its dispersal.

PMID- 22044514
TI  - Laparoscopic pancreatic necrosectomy in a child with severe acute pancreatitis.
AB  - Acute pancreatitis (AP) in children usually follows a mild course but
      occasionally may be severally problematic. We report the case of a 12-year-old
      boy with severe AP who was managed with repeated laparoscopic pancreatic
      necrosectomy. Three weeks later he represented with a pancreatic pseudocyst that
      was treated with endoscopic gastrocystotomy. His abdominal pain persisted and a
      subsequent magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatogram showed multiple gallbladder
      and common bile duct (CBD) stones that were missed on previous imaging
      investigations. He underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy with transcystic
      exploration of the CBD. The patient is currently well, more than 2 years
      following the definitive corrective surgery. To the best of our knowledge, this
      is the first case of laparoscopic pancreatic necrosectomy in a child.

PMID- 22044515
TI  - Enhanced BDNF serum levels in patients with severe pathological gambling.
AB  - Although the pathophysiology of gambling is unknown, an involvement of midbrain
      dopaminergic pathway has been hypothesized. In this study, the association
      between brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and pathological gambling was
      investigated. We measured BDNF serum levels in (1) video players (n=10); (2) card
      players (n=9); (3) mixed players (n=21; both video and card players) and (4) age
      matched controls (n=18). Mixed players had increased BDNF serum levels as
      compared to controls and higher South Oaks Gambling Screen score as compared to
      card or video players. Thus, the data demonstrate that patients affected by
      severe pathological gambling show enhanced BDNF serum levels.

PMID- 22044516
TI  - Intravenous pyogenic granuloma originating in the renal vein.

PMID- 22044517
TI  - Predictors for poststroke outcomes: the Tel Aviv Brain Acute Stroke Cohort
      (TABASCO) study protocol.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent studies have demonstrated that even survivors of mild stroke
      experience residual damage, which persists and in fact increases in subsequent
      years. About 45% of stroke victims remain with different levels of disability.
      Identifying factors associated with poststroke cognitive and neurological decline
      could potentially yield more effective therapeutic opportunities. AIMS AND
      HYPOTHESIS: We hypothesize that data based on biochemical, neuroimaging, genetic
      and psychological measures can, in aggregate, serve as better predictors for
      subsequent disability, cognitive and neurological deterioration, and suggest
      possible interventions. DESIGN: The Tel-Aviv Brain Acute Stroke Cohort (TABASCO)
      study is an ongoing, prospective cohort study that will recruit approximately
      1125 consecutive first-ever mild-moderate stroke patients. It is designed to
      evaluate the association between predefined demographic, psychological,
      inflammatory, biochemical, neuroimaging and genetic markers, measured during the
      acute phase, and long-term outcome: subsequent cognitive deterioration, vascular
      events (including recurrent strokes), falls, affect changes, functional everyday
      difficulties and mortality. DISCUSSION: This study is an attempt to
      comprehensively investigate the long-term outcome of mild-moderate strokes. Its
      prospective design will provide quantitative data on stroke recurrence, the
      incidence of other vascular events and the evaluation of cognitive, affective and
      functional decline. Identifying the factors associated with poststroke cognitive
      and functional decline could potentially yield more effective therapeutic
      approaches.

PMID- 22044518
TI  - Good places for ageing in place: development of objective built environment
      measures for investigating links with older people's wellbeing.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is renewed interest in the role of the built environment in
      public health. Relatively little research to date investigates its impact on
      healthy ageing. Ageing in place has been adopted as a key strategy for coping
      with the challenges of longevity. What is needed is a better understanding of how
      individual characteristics of older people's residential environments (from front
      door to wider neighbourhood) contribute to their wellbeing, in order to provide
      the basis for evidence-based housing/urban design and development of
      interventions. This research aimed to develop a tool to objectively measure a
      large range of built environment characteristics, as the basis for a preliminary
      study of potential relationships with a number of 'place-related' functional,
      emotional and social wellbeing constructs. METHODS: Through a review of urban
      design literature, design documents, and existing measures, a new tool, the
      NeDeCC (Neighbourhood Design Characteristics Checklist) was developed. It was
      piloted, refined, and its reliability validated through inter-rater tests. A
      range of place-related wellbeing constructs were identified and measured through
      interviews with 200 older people living in a wide variety of rural-urban
      environments and different types of housing in England. The NeDeCC was used to
      measure the residential environment of each participant, and significant
      bivariate relationships with wellbeing variables were identified. RESULTS: The
      NeDeCC was found to have convincing face and construct validity and good inter
      rater and test/retest reliability, though it would benefit from use of digital
      data sources such as Google Earth to eliminate the need for on-site survey. The
      significant relationships found in the study suggest that there may be
      characteristics of residential environments of potential relevance for older
      people's lives that have been overlooked in research to date, and that it may be
      worthwhile to question some of the assumptions about where and how older people
      want to live (e.g. villages seem to be positive). They also point to the
      importance of considering non-linear relationships. CONCLUSIONS: The NeDeCC
      provides the basis for generation of evidence-based design guidance if it is used
      in prospective controlled studies or 'natural experiments' in the future.
      Ultimately, this will facilitate the creation of better places for ageing in
      place.

PMID- 22044519
TI  - Chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (RCC): oncological outcomes and prognostic
      factors in a large multicentre series.
AB  - Study Type - Outcomes (cohort) Level of Evidence 2b What's known on the subject?
      and What does the study add? About 80% of RCCs have clear cell histology, and
      consistent data are available about the clinical and histological characteristics
      of this histological subtype. Conversely, less attention has been dedicated to
      the study of non-clear cell renal tumours Specifically, published data show that
      chromophobe RCC (ChRCC) have often favourable pathological stages and better
      nuclear grades as well as a lower risk of metastasizing compared with clear cell
      RCC (ccRCC). Patients with ChRCC were shown to have significantly higher cancer
      specific survival (CSS) probabilities compared with ccRCC. However, an
      independent prognostic role of RCC histotype was not confirmed in some large
      multicenter series and only a few studies have focused on the oncological
      outcomes of ChRCC. The present study is one of the few to evaluate cancer-related
      outcomes of ChRCC and represents to our knowledge the largest series of ChRCCs.
      Consequently, the present findings may assist in elucidating the natural history
      of surgically treated ChRCC. The present study confirms that ChRCCs have good
      prognosis and a low tendency to progress and metastasize. Only 1.3% of patients
      presented with distant metastases at diagnosis, and the 5- and 10-year CSS were
      93% and 88.9%, respectively. However, although ChRCCs are generally characterised
      by an excellent prognosis, we observed that patients with locally advanced or
      metastatic cancers as well as those with sarcomatoid differentiation have a poor
      outcome. The study also investigated prognostic factors for recurrence-free
      survival (RFS) and CSS for this RCC histotype. The definition of outcome
      predictors can be useful for patient counselling, planning of follow-up
      strategies, and patient selection for clinical trials. In the present study,
      gender, clinical T stage, pathological T stage, and presence of sarcomatoid
      differentiation were significantly associated with RFS and CSS at multivariable
      analysis. We also identified N/M stage as an independent predictor of CSS.
      Notably, as Fuhrman grade was not an independent predictor of cancer-related
      outcomes, the present study confirms that this histological variable is not a
      reliable prognostic factor for ChRCC. OBJECTIVES: To investigate cancer-related
      outcomes of chromophobe renal cell carcinoma (ChRCC) in a large multicentre
      dataset. To determine prognostic factors for recurrence-free survival (RFS) and
      cancer-specific survival (CSS) for this RCC histological type. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: In all, 291 patients with ChRCC were identified from a multi
      institutional retrospective database including 5463 patients who were surgically
      treated for RCC at 16 Italian academic centres between 1995 and 2007. Univariable
      and multivariable Cox regression models were used to identify prognostic factors
      predictive of RFS and CSS after surgery for ChRCC. RESULTS: At a median follow-up
      of 44 months, 25 patients (8.6%) had disease recurrence and 18 patients (6.2%)
      died from disease. The 5-year RFS and CSS rates were 89.3% and 93%, respectively.
      Gender (P= 0.014), clinical T stage (P= 0.017), pathological T stage (P= 0.003),
      and sarcomatoid differentiation (P= 0.032) were independent predictors of RFS at
      multivariable analysis. For CSS, there was an independent prognostic role for
      gender (P= 0.032) and T stage (P= 0.019) among the clinical variables and for T
      stage (P= 0.016), N/M stage (P= 0.023), and sarcomatoid differentiation (P=
      0.015) among the pathological variables. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with ChRCC have a
      low risk of tumour progression, metastasis, and cancer-specific death. Patient
      gender, clinical and pathological tumour stage, and sarcomatoid differentiation
      are significant predictors of RFS and CSS for ChRCC.

PMID- 22044520
TI  - Orbicularis oculi: morphological changes mimicking mitochondrial cytopathy in a
      series of control normal muscles.
AB  - INTRODUCTION:   Orbicularis oculi (OO) muscle has recently proposed as a suitable
      muscle for biopsy to diagnose mitochondrial cyopathy: METHODS:   Enzyme
      histochemical and immunohistochemical studies were performed on OO muscle
      obtained from 18 patients aged 37-87 years (median 64 years), 6 males, 12
      females, who were undergoing routine upper blepharoplasty surgery. RESULTS:   We
      confirmed the marked type II fibre (fast myosin heavy chain) predominance (89%)
      but also noted a different proportion and distribution of mitochondria in these
      fibres with occasional pseudo-'ragged-red' fibres with prominent subsarcolemmal
      and cytoplasmic aggregation of mitochondria. Cytochrome oxidase-negative fibres
      and true 'ragged-red' fibres were found at all ages over 40 years at levels that
      approach those used for diagnosis of mitochondrial cytopathy in peripheral or
      limb skeletal muscles. CONCLUSION:   We would therefore urge caution in the use
      of OO as muscle biopsy for diagnosis of mitochondrial cytopathy and advise
      concomitant biopsy of limb skeletal muscle and/or supplementary genetic studies.

PMID- 22044521
TI  - Factors identifying risk for psychological distress in the civilian trauma
      population.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The emergency department (ED) is a valuable setting to initiate
      intervention to prevent future complications following traumatic injury.
      Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) occurs in 10% to 40% of patients after
      single-incident civilian trauma. Prior research suggests that young age is
      associated with increased risk. We hypothesized that other factors correlated
      with age may be responsible. The aim of this study was to determine if factors
      identifiable in the ED can better explain the relationship between younger age
      and PTSD, therefore more specifically identifying those at risk for long-term
      distress. METHODS: The influence of age on PTSD severity scores was isolated
      using data from an established screening program for all admitted trauma patients
      at a Level I trauma center. The PTSD Checklist-Civilian (PCLC) was administered
      prospectively to 527 adult trauma patients to measure PTSD symptom severity
      immediately posttrauma. Patient and trauma characteristics were then reviewed
      using medical records. Hierarchical linear regression modeled and evaluated the
      independent association of age with PTSD symptom severity and explored additional
      variables as better predictors of risk. RESULTS: PTSD symptom severity was
      associated individually with younger age, ethnic minority status, assaultive
      trauma, unemployment, low household income, and being unmarried, but not with
      sex, Injury Severity Score (ISS), or Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score at the scene.
      Multivariate analysis demonstrated assaultive trauma and lower socioeconomic
      status (SES) were best associated with greater PCLC scores, accounting for 9.3%
      of the variance. Age did not account for additional variance. CONCLUSIONS:
      Although young age is associated with increased PTSD symptom severity scores,
      characteristics associated with young age, specifically assaultive trauma and low
      SES, account for this risk. Young age is not an independent risk factor for PTSD.
      Psychological assessment in the ED can be targeted toward assaultive trauma
      patients, especially those of low SES, to establish early intervention and
      hopefully prevent the development of PTSD.

PMID- 22044523
TI  - Focus on elder mistreatment and abuse.

PMID- 22044522
TI  - Tuberculosis genotyping information management system: enhancing tuberculosis
      surveillance in the United States.
AB  - Molecular characterization of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex isolates
      (genotyping) can be used by public health programs to more readily identify
      tuberculosis (TB) transmission. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's
      National Tuberculosis Genotyping Service has offered M. tuberculosis genotyping
      for every culture-confirmed case in the United States since 2004. The TB
      Genotyping Information Management System (TB GIMS), launched in March 2010, is a
      secure online database containing genotype results linked with case
      characteristics from the national TB registry for state and local TB programs to
      access, manage and analyze these data. As of September 2011, TB GIMS contains
      genotype results for 89% of all culture-positive TB cases for 2010. Over 400
      users can generate local and national reports and maps using TB GIMS. Automated
      alerts on geospatially concentrated cases with matching genotypes that may
      represent outbreaks are also generated by TB GIMS. TB genotyping results are
      available to enhance national TB surveillance and apply genotyping results to
      conduct TB control activities in the United States.

PMID- 22044527
TI  - Evidence-based practice guideline: elder abuse prevention.

PMID- 22044529
TI  - The effects of hypertonic fluid administration on the gene expression of
      inflammatory mediators in circulating leucocytes in patients with septic shock: a
      preliminary study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to investigate the effect of hypertonic fluid
      administration on inflammatory mediator gene expression in patients with septic
      shock. DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind
      clinical study in a 15-bed mixed intensive care unit in a tertiary referral
      teaching hospital. INTERVENTIONS: Twenty-four patients, who met standard criteria
      for septic shock, were randomized to receive a bolus of hypertonic fluid (HT, 250
      ml 6% HES/7.2% NaCl) or isotonic fluid (IT, 500 ml 6% HES/0.9% NaCl) administered
      over 15 minutes. Randomization and study fluid administration was within 24 hours
      of ICU admission for all patients. This trial is registered with ANZCTR.org.au as
      ACTRN12607000259448. RESULTS: Blood samples were taken immediately before and 4,
      8, 12, and 24 hours after fluid administration. Real-time reverse transcriptase
      polymerase chain reaction (RT rtPCR) was used to quantify mRNA expression of
      different inflammatory mediators in peripheral leukocytes. In the HT group,
      compared with the IT group, levels of gene expression of MMP9 and L-selectin were
      significantly suppressed (p = 0.0002 and p = 0.007, respectively), and CD11b gene
      expression tended to be elevated (p = NS). No differences were found in the other
      mediators examined. CONCLUSIONS: In septic shock patients, hypertonic fluid
      administration compared with isotonic fluid may modulate expression of genes that
      are implicated in leukocyte-endothelial interaction and capillary leakage.The
      study was performed at the Intensive Care Department, Waikato Hospital, and at
      the Molecular Genetics Laboratory, University of Waikato, Hamilton, New Zealand.
      TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Register (ANZCTR):
      ACTRN12607000259448.

PMID- 22044530
TI  - 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin's suppression of 1-nitropyrene-induced p53
      expression is mediated by cytochrome P450 1A1.
AB  - 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD), 1-nitropyrene (1-NP), and
      benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) are toxic environmental pollutants. TCDD was shown to
      suppress p53 expression in response to genotoxic stress and hypoxic conditions.
      However, the mechanism of TCDD's actions is not clearly understood. Our data
      showed that pretreatment with TCDD abolished 1-NP- but not BaP-induced p53 and
      mouse double minute 2 (MDM2; HDM2 in humans) expressions. TCDD suppressed 1-NP-
      but not BaP-induced p53 activity, and in contrast, pifithrin-alpha (PFT-alpha), a
      p53 inhibitor, suppressed both 1-NP- and BaP-induced p53 activity. In the
      presence of nutlin-3, an HDM2 inhibitor, TCDD was still able to suppress 1-NP
      induced p53 expression. However, TCDD-activated HDM2 did not distinctly cause the
      degradation of BaP- or nutlin-3-induced p53 expression. Accordingly, TCDD's
      suppression of 1-NP-induced p53 expression was compound-specific, and the
      contribution of HDM2 to the abolition of 1-NP-induced p53 was limited. beta
      Naphthoflavon (beta-NF), an aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) agonist, mimicked
      TCDD's action and abolished 1-NP-induced p53 expression. In the presence of CH
      223191, an AHR antagonist, TCDD was unable to abolish 1-NP-induced p53
      expression. Results indicate that activation of the AHR is required for TCDD's
      suppression of 1-NP's induction of p53. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A1 is an AHR
      targeting gene and a xenobiotic-metabolizing enzyme. TCDD was unable to abolish 1
      NP's induction of p53 in CYP1A1-deficient cells, the CYP1A1 transcript of which
      was degraded by small hairpin RNA-CYP1A1. Both TCDD and PFT-alpha are potent
      CYP1A1 inducers and decreased 1-NP-induced cell death and mutagenesis. In
      summary, TCDD induced detoxification of 1-NP's toxicity, which was mediated by
      the CYP1A1 enzyme.

PMID- 22044531
TI  - Improvement of cognitive flexibility and cingulate blood flow correlates after
      atypical antipsychotic treatment in drug-naive patients with first-episode
      schizophrenia.
AB  - The aim of this study was to examine the changes in cognitive flexibility and
      associated cerebral blood flow in the anterior cingulate lobe of drug-naive
      patients with first-episode schizophrenia who were treated with atypical
      antipsychotics for 6 weeks. Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT)
      images were obtained from 8 healthy subjects both at rest and while performing
      the flexibility subtest of the TAP (Test for Attentional Performance). SPECT
      images were obtained in parallel from 8 first-episode drug-naive schizophrenic
      patients while they were performing the same task both before and after 6 weeks
      of neuroleptic treatment. In the control group, an increase in the perfusion
      indices of the dorsal section of the anterior cingulate gyrus was observed in the
      activation condition. Task performance was altered and the level of perfusion of
      the brain region related to the task execution was significantly decreased in the
      patients at baseline. After treatment, there was a significant improvement in
      both task performance and the level of perfusion of the dorsal section of the
      anterior cingulate. We conclude that treatment with second-generation
      neuroleptics improves cognitive flexibility, and there was a relationship between
      such improvements and normalization of perfusion indices of the involved brain
      areas.

PMID- 22044532
TI  - Dissociating behavioral disorders in early dementia-An FDG-PET study.
AB  - Behavioral impairments occur frequently in dementia. Studies with magnetic
      resonance imaging, measuring atrophy, have systematically investigated their
      neural correlates. Such a systematic approach has not yet been applied to imaging
      with [(18)F] fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG-PET), although
      regional hypometabolism may precede and exceed atrophy in dementia. The present
      study related all behavioral disorders as assessed with the Neuropsychiatric
      Inventory to reductions in brain glucose utilization as measured by FDG-PET with
      Statistical Parametric Mapping (SPM5). It included 54 subjects mainly with early
      Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal lobar degeneration, and subjective cognitive
      impairment. Apathy, disinhibition and eating disorders - most frequent in
      frontotemporal lobar degeneration - correlated significantly with regional brain
      hypometabolism. Whereas a single regressor analysis and conjunction analysis
      revealed largely overlapping frontomedian regions that were associated with all
      three behavioral domains, a disjunction analysis identified three specific neural
      networks for each behavioral disorder, independent of dementia severity. Apathy
      was related to the ventral tegmental area, a component of the motivational
      dopaminergic network; disinhibition to both anterior temporal lobes including the
      anterior hippocampi and left amygdala, caudate head, orbitofrontal cortex and
      insulae; and eating disorders to the right lateral (orbito) frontal
      cortex/insula. Our study contributes to the understanding of behavioral deficits
      in early dementia and suggests specific diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.

PMID- 22044533
TI  - Striatal dopamine transporter binding for predicting the development of delayed
      neuropsychological sequelae in suicide attempters by carbon monoxide poisoning: A
      SPECT study.
AB  - Carbon monoxide poisoning (COP) after charcoal burning results in delayed
      neuropsychological sequelae (DNS), which show clinical resemblance to Parkinson's
      disease, without adequate predictors at present. This study examined the role of
      dopamine transporter (DAT) binding for the prediction of DNS. Twenty-seven
      suicide attempters with COP were recruited. Seven of them developed DNS, while
      the remainder did not. The striatal DAT binding was measured by single photon
      emission computed tomography with (99m)Tc-TRODAT. The specific uptake ratio was
      derived based on a ratio equilibrium model. Using a logistic regression model,
      multiple clinical variables were examined as potential predictors for DNS. COP
      patients with DNS had a lower binding on left striatal DAT binding than patients
      without DNS. Logistic regression analysis showed that a combination of initial
      loss of consciousness and lower left striatal DAT binding predicted the
      development of DNS. Our data indicate that the left striatal DAT binding could
      help to predict the development of DNS. This finding not only demonstrates the
      feasibility of brain imaging techniques for predicting the development of DNS but
      will also help clinicians to improve the quality of care for COP patients.

PMID- 22044534
TI  - Gid9, a second RING finger protein contributes to the ubiquitin ligase activity
      of the Gid complex required for catabolite degradation.
AB  - The two major antagonistic pathways of carbon metabolism in cells, glycolysis and
      gluconeogenesis, are tightly regulated. In the eukaryotic model organism
      Saccharomyces cerevisiae the switch from gluconeogenesis to glycolysis is brought
      about by proteasomal degradation of the gluconeogenic enzyme fructose-1,6
      bisphosphatase. The ubiquitin ligase responsible for polyubiquitylation of
      fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase is the Gid complex. This complex consists of seven
      subunits of which subunit Gid2/Rmd5 contains a RING finger domain providing E3
      ligase activity. Here we identify an additional subunit containing a degenerated
      RING finger, Gid9/Fyv10. This subunit binds to Gid2/Rmd5. A mutation in the
      degenerated RING finger of Gid9/Fyv10 abolishes polyubiquitylation and
      degradation of three enzymes specific for gluconeogenesis.

PMID- 22044535
TI  - BLT2 phosphorylation at Thr355 by Akt is necessary for BLT2-mediated chemotaxis.
AB  - BLT2, a low-affinity leukotriene B(4) (LTB(4)) receptor, is a member of the G
      protein-coupled receptor family and is involved in multiple cellular responses,
      including chemotaxis. Despite its biological significance, the mechanisms of BLT2
      regulation, especially by protein kinases, are poorly characterised. In this
      study, we found that Akt phosphorylates BLT2 at its C-terminal Thr(355) residue
      and that this event is critical for BLT2-mediated chemotactic responses. In
      addition, we found that Rac1 stimulation and subsequent reactive oxygen species
      (ROS) production lie downstream of BLT2 phosphorylation, thus mediating
      chemotaxis.

PMID- 22044536
TI  - Understanding adolescent and young adult use of family physician services: a
      cross-sectional analysis of the Canadian Community Health Survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Primary health care is known to have positive effects on population
      health and may reduce at-risk behavior and health problems in adolescence. Yet
      little is known about the factors that are associated with adolescent and young
      adult utilization of family physician services. It is critical to determine the
      factors associated with utilization to inform effective primary health care
      policy. We address this gap in the primary health care literature by examining
      three issues concerning adolescent and young adult family physician use:
      inequity; the unique developmental stage of adolescence; and the distinction
      between utilization (users versus non-users) and intensity (high users versus low
      users). METHODS: We conducted nested logistic regressions for two outcomes:
      utilization and intensity of family physician services for early adolescence,
      middle adolescence, and young adulthood using the 2005 Canadian Community Health
      Survey. RESULTS: Chronic conditions were associated with utilization in early and
      middle adolescence and intensity in all age groups. Respondents from Quebec had
      lower odds of utilization. Those without a regular medical doctor had much lower
      odds of being users. The factors associated with use in early and middle
      adolescence were in keeping with parental involvement while the factors in young
      adulthood show the emerging independence of this group. CONCLUSIONS: We highlight
      key messages not known previously for adolescent and young adult use of family
      physician services. There is inequity concerning regional variation and for those
      who do not have a regular medical doctor. There is variation in factors
      associated with family physician services across the three age groups of
      adolescence. Health care and health care policies aimed at younger adolescents
      must consider that parents are still the primary decision-maker while older
      adolescents are more autonomous. There is variation in the factors associated
      with the two outcomes of utilization and intensity of services. Factors
      associated with utilization must be understood when considering the equitability
      of access to primary health care while factors associated with intensity must be
      understood when considering appropriate use of resources. The understanding
      gained from this study can inform health care policy that is responsive to the
      critical developmental stage of adolescence and young adulthood.

PMID- 22044537
TI  - A model for predicting size distributions delivered from pMDIs with suspended
      drug.
AB  - A new model has been developed for predicting size distributions delivered from
      pressurized metered dose inhalers (pMDIs) that contain suspended drug particles.
      This model enables the residual particle size distribution to be predicted for a
      broad range of formulations. It expands on previous models by allowing for
      polydisperse micronized input drug, multiple suspended drugs, dissolved drug, and
      dissolved or suspended excipient to be included in the formulation. The model
      indicates that for most pMDI configurations, the majority of droplets contain no
      drug or a single drug particle and the residual particle size distribution
      delivered from the pMDI is essentially equivalent to the size distribution of the
      micronized drug used in the formulation. However, for pMDIs with a high drug
      concentration or that use small micronized drug particles, there can be a
      substantial fraction of the droplets that contain multiple drug particles. The
      residual particle size distribution obtained from these pMDIs can be
      substantially larger than the size distribution of the micronized drug. Excellent
      agreement was observed between size distributions predicted using this model and
      those obtained from experimental cascade impactor measurements (r(2)=0.97), thus
      demonstrating the ability of the model to accurately predict the size
      distributions obtained from suspension pMDIs.

PMID- 22044538
TI  - Dissolution of solid lipid extrudates in biorelevant media.
AB  - Solid lipid extrudates with the model drug praziquantel were produced with
      chemically diverse lipids and investigated regarding their dissolution behaviour
      in different media. The lipids used in this study were glyceryl tripalmitate,
      glyceryl dibehenate, glyceryl monostearate, cetyl palmitate and solid paraffin.
      Thermoanalytical and dissolution behaviour was investigated directly after
      extrusion and after 3 and 6 months open storage at 40 degrees C/75% RH.
      Dissolution studies were conducted in hydrochloric acid (HCl) pH 1.2 with
      different levels of polysorbate 20 and with a biorelevant medium containing
      pancreatic lipase, bile salts and phospholipids. Furthermore, the impact of lipid
      digestion on drug release was studied using in vitro lipolysis. The release of
      praziquantel from cetyl palmitate and glyceryl monostearate in the biorelevant
      medium was much faster than in HCl, whereas there was hardly any difference for
      the other lipids. It was shown that drug release from glyceryl monostearate
      matrices is driven by both solubilisation and enzymatic degradation of the lipid,
      whereas dissolution from cetyl palmitate extrudates is dependent only on
      solubilisation by surfactants in the medium. Moreover, storage influenced the
      appearance of the extrudate surface and the dissolution rate for all lipids
      except solid paraffin.

PMID- 22044539
TI  - Reverse aqueous microemulsions in hydrofluoroalkane propellants and their aerosol
      characteristics.
AB  - In this work we describe the structure and environment of reverse aqueous
      microemulsions formed in 1,1,1,2-tetrafluoroethane (HFA134a) propellant in the
      presence of a non-ionic ethoxylated copolymer, and the aerosol characteristics of
      the corresponding pressurized metered dose inhaler (pMDI) formulations. The
      activity of selected polypropylene oxide-polyethylene oxide-polypropylene oxide
      (PO(m)EO(n)PO(m)) amphiphiles at the HFA134a-water interface was studied using in
      situ high-pressure tensiometry, and those results were used as a guide in the
      selection of the most appropriate candidate surfactant for the formation of
      microemulsions in the compressed HFA134a. The environment and structure of the
      aggregates formed with the selected surfactant candidate, PO(22)EO(14)PO(22), was
      probed via UV-vis spectroscopy (molecular probe), and small angle neutron
      scattering (SANS), respectively. High water loading capacity in the core of the
      nanoaggregates was achieved in the presence of ethanol. At a water-to-surfactant
      molar ratio of 21 and 10% ethanol, cylindrical aggregates with a radius of 18A,
      and length of 254A were confirmed with SANS. Anderson Cascade Impactor (ACI)
      results reveal that the concentration of the excipients (C(exp), including
      surfactant, water and ethanol) has a strong effect on the aerosol characteristics
      of the formulations, including the respirable fraction, and the mass mean
      aerodynamic diameter (MMAD), and that the trend in MMAD can be predicted as a
      function of the C(exp) following similar correlations to those proposed to common
      non-volatile excipients, indicating that the nanodroplets of water dispersed in
      the propellant behave similarly to molecularly solubilized compounds.
      Cytotoxicity studies of PO(22)EO(14)PO(22) were performed in A549 cells, an
      alveolar type II epithelial cell line, and indicate that, within the
      concentration range of interest, the surfactant in question decreases cell
      viability only lightly. The relevance of this work stems from the fact that
      aqueous-based HFA-pMDIs are expected to be versatile formulations, with the
      ability to carry a range of medically relevant hydrophilic compounds within the
      nanocontainers, including high potency drugs, drug combinations and
      biomacromolecules.

PMID- 22044540
TI  - Long-circulating non-toxic blood pool imaging agent based on hyperbranched
      polyglycerols.
AB  - PURPOSE: Currently, in vivo or in vitro(99m)Tc-radiolabelled red blood cells are
      the standard blood pool imaging agents. Due to risks associated with handling of
      blood and the problems with the current (99m)Tc shortage, we were interested in a
      long-circulating biocompatible synthetic macromolecule that would be simple to
      prepare and could also be used for PET imaging. METHODS: A high molecular weight
      hyperbranched polyglycerol (HPG) of 500 kDa was derivatized to coordinate
      radioactive gallium and to establish its labelling efficiency, stability and
      pharmacokinetics. RESULTS: The resulting radiopharmaceutical in kit form was
      labelled rapidly within a couple of minutes at room temperature, was stable in
      transferrin and EDTA challenge tests, and was non-toxic in both cell viability
      and different hemocompatibility assays. A pharmacokinetic biodistribution study
      showed that the (67)Ga-HPGN was confined to the blood compartment with a
      biological half life of 50.7h. CONCLUSION: (67)Ga-HPGN is thus a simple to
      prepare blood pool imaging agent for applications where a long biological half
      life is essential, i.e., the diagnosis of internal bleeding. Since radiolabelling
      of the same kit with (68)Ga was also confirmed, we plan to evaluate it shortly as
      a PET blood pool imaging agent for cardiac applications.

PMID- 22044542
TI  - [Constipation in cancer patients. Evidence for nursing     interventions and
      promotion of physical activity].
AB  - Constipation is one of the most frequent problems in cancer     patients.
      Preventing and managing this problem requires tests to prove the     efficacy of
      the method. The aim of this study was to identify the evidence     for nursing
      intervention aimed at promoting physical activity. The author     consulted
      various databases ((PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library) in July     2010, to
      identify studies regarding physical exercise and evacuation and     found that,
      although physical activity is considered useful for preventing     stipsis, only
      a few randomized studied sustain this theory. Current     nursing practice is
      based on the opinion of experts regarding the need to     encourage physical
      activity.

PMID- 22044541
TI  - Molecular characterization of the newly identified human parvovirus 4 in the
      family Parvoviridae.
AB  - Human parvovirus 4 (PARV4) is an emerging human virus, and little is known about
      the molecular aspects of PARV4 apart from its incomplete genome sequence, which
      lacks information of the termini. We analyzed the gene expression profile of
      PARV4 using a nearly full-length HPV4 genome in a replication competent system in
      293 cells. We found that PARV4 utilizes two promoters to transcribe non
      structural protein- and structural protein-encoding mRNAs, respectively, which
      were polyadenylated at the right end of the genome. Three major proteins,
      including the large non-structural protein NS1a, whose mRNA is spliced, and
      capsid proteins VP1 and VP2, were detected. Additional functional analysis of the
      NS1a revealed its capability to induce cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase in ex vivo
      generated human hematopoietic stem cells. Taken together, our characterization of
      the molecular features of PARV4 suggests that PARV4 represents a new genus in the
      family Parvoviridae.

PMID- 22044543
TI  - [The experience of the Root Cause Analysis (RCA) regarding the adverse event
      "missing sample from the patient source"].
AB  - Creation of the Root Cause Analysis (RCA) represents a phase of     clinical risk
      management and is the instrument chosen for reactive     analysis of adverse
      events. It is important to consider RCA in the context     of the entire clinical
      risk management process and to understand the     interrelationships with the
      previous and subsequent phases, in order to     identify the necessary input and
      the expected output of such activity. In     this study the input consisted of
      the adverse event which occurred after a     health worker had been exposed to a
      biological risk and the "source     patient sample" could not be found. The
      hospital and nursing authorities     analyzed the event to understand its
      dynamics and causes. The results, or     output, obtained indicate the steps
      necessary to go on to the next phase,     namely treatment of the risk and the
      need for systemic measures:     improvement of communication , revision of
      hospital procedures for     managing blood samples and modification of the
      laboratory computer     programs.

PMID- 22044544
TI  - [Aggressive behavior toward nursing staff in three different health care
      settings. [corrected].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Health providers, particularly nurses, are at high risk for
      aggression in the workplace. This phenomenon, constantly increasing, it can
      undermine the resilience of the health providers, increasing the burn-out and
      staff turnover. AIM: Highlight the frequency and characteristics of violence in
      different health areas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A questionnaire, the "Violent
      Incident Form" (VIF), was administered to 987 nurses belonging to various
      hospitals and emergency services of Modena. The data, divided into three groups
      related to health areas of origin, the emergency department, medical-surgical and
      psychiatric wards, grouped by risk of such violence and work characteristics,
      were compared with each other. RESULTS: 74% of respondents have suffered at least
      one episode of violence in the last 3 years, with the highest percentage in
      psychiatric area (84%). In the general hospital (64%) and in the emergency
      department (54%), violence was mostly verbal, acted out by patients and by
      members of their family, while, in psychiatric wards, has been frequently
      physical (40%) or physical and verbal (33%), made especially from patients with
      the highest number of physical consequences, never reported to the Court. Only
      31% of nurses expected the attack. CONCLUSIONS: This study confirms, in
      accordance with the literature, that the aggression toward the nurses are a
      remarkable phenomenon, and it suggests that, to prevent such a violence, are
      necessary not only precautions and a structural organization, specific for the
      different health areas, but above all, great awareness and preparation from the
      health providers around this risk.

PMID- 22044545
TI  - [Encouragement and protection of breast-feeding: conoscitive     study].
AB  - The factors associated with exclusive breast-feeding in a Naples health district
      were studied in October 2008 in the period between the first and second
      vaccinations (neonates aged between 60 and 120 days) . Questions regarded both
      the mother and the child and the answers were collected in a database and
      compared with other methods of nutrition or mixed methods. Statistical analysis
      was performed using multivariate logistic regression. Results showed that only
      38.5% of the mothers interviewed practiced breast-feeding alone while 20% did
      mixed feeding and 41.5% preferred artificial feeding. The variables negatively
      related to breast-feeding were: breast problems, older-aged mothers, Cesarean
      section, first experience of breast-feeding, lack of rooming-in and/or prenatal
      preparative courses. Positively associated variables were: higher level of
      education of the mother, higher level of information regarding the advantages of
      breast-feeding. The conclusions of this study confirm those of previous studies
      regarding the relationship between exclusive breast-feeding and biological and
      social factors.

PMID- 22044546
TI  - [Perioperative nursing education and client satisfaction: an     observational
      study].
AB  - Nowadays, an important goal has been reached in recognizing that     the client
      plays a central role in the caring process. The educational     relationship that
      is created between nurses and patients makes it possible     to make the patient
      aware of his health problems and to understand and     actively participate in
      the caring process. The main aim of this study was     to assess the
      effectiveness of the teaching process undertaken by nurses ,     before
      discharging surgical patients , for rendering patients autonomous     once they
      returned home and their level of "satisfaction" regarding the     information
      they received. For this purpose they were asked to fill in a     questionnaire
      when they returned for their first outpatient control.     Results showed that,
      on the whole, patients were satisfied with the     information they received
      during hospitalization, particularly in terms of     postoperative pain,
      prevention of infections, medical therapy,     mobilization and a return to
      normal eating and drinking. Some aspects     still need to be improved regarding
      a post-discharge phone contact and     better hospital-territorial integration.

PMID- 22044547
TI  - [The impact of the computerized unique therapeutic card (Computer Assisted Drug
      Therapy) in a cardiac care setting].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The introduction of a unique therapeutic card represents a valid tool
      for the containment of adverse events during the treatment process, from
      prescribing a drug to its administration. AIMS: This article aims to illustrate
      the development and implementation (through the application of the Deming Cycle)
      of a computerized STU in a cardiac care setting referring to a Department of
      Cardiology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A multi-professional team was formed and
      carried out the following steps: a) analysis of existing clinical documentation
      highlighting the most critical points with respect to the therapeutic
      pharmacological process; b) construction of a computerized STU c) sharing
      information with every member of the professional group involved, d)
      implementation of the STU in order to assess the areas of improvement. RESULTS:
      At the end of this procedure, the critical areas evidenced were shown to be
      markedly improved due to the elimination of errors relating to lack of legibility
      of handwriting (improvement of 71%, chi2 = 102.589, p <5%), dose and drug which
      should be administered (improvement of 29%; chi2 = 42.832, p <5%). Furthermore,
      there is an alignment between the data contained in both medical and nursing
      records (improvement of 26%, chi2 = 110.589, p <5%) and a complete identification
      of the subjects / actors in all stages of the process (improvement of 38%, chi2 =
      32.284, p <5%). CONCLUSIONS: The survey has documented the significant benefits
      of the computerized STU in accordance with prior experience and in line with the
      continuous improvement process of quality of care which is still ongoing.

PMID- 22044548
TI  - Effectiveness of the telephonic-case-management for     treatment of headache. A
      pilot study.
AB  - Chronic or intermittent headache affects the patients' quality     of life, and
      has direct and indirect social costs. Several chronic     illnesses are already
      treated through telephone counseling, however there     is poor evidence in
      literature about headache treatment via telenursing,     and it is not clear
      which role could the nurse play in this specific     field. The study was carried
      out at the headache centre of "G. D'Annunzio"     University - Chieti, and
      involved 62 patients, half of them were assigned     to receive specialized
      telenursing in addiction to the standard care bean.     During the 13 weeks of
      follow up the headache characteristics were     regularly assessed (frequency and
      intensity). Pain assessment was     performed using the VAS, and quality of life
      was assessed at baseline and     at the end of the follow up using the SF-12
      standard V1 questionnaire. The     differences between the two groups are
      statistically significant during     the last 5 week of follow up, (8th -12th;
      0.002<p<0.03). Patients in     the experimental group show a better compliance to
      the therapeutic plan (p     < 0.5), report a better quality of life (p < 0.5),
      and had lesser     contacts with the GP or the casualty clinic. The headache
      frequency did     not differ between the two groups, but the patients in the
      experimental     group reported a lesser intensity of pain. A telephone
      counseling given by     specialized nurses can help to reduce the hospitalization
      rates, as well     as help the patient to comply to the therapeutic plan, and
      increases the     perceived psychophysical well being. During the three months of
      study, the     headache symptoms statistically reduced only during the last 5
      weeks of     follow up. Further studies with a longer follow up are needed to
      better     assess the long term outcomes of this approach (symptoms management
      and     social and healthcare costs).

PMID- 22044550
TI  - Autonomic arousal in adults who stutter prior to various reading tasks intended
      to elicit changes in stuttering frequency.
AB  - This study examined relationships between anticipatory autonomic arousal and
      stuttering in four reading tasks. 13 adult persons who stutter (PWS) reported
      their 'feared' (expected to elicit more stuttering) sounds. They read phrases
      initiated by feared (F) and neutral (N) phonemes. Both stimuli sets were read
      solo (S) and with choral accompaniment (C), creating FS, FC, NS, and NC
      conditions. Skin conductance (SC) and heart rate (HR) measures were made during a
      9s window that followed stimulus presentation and preceded speaking. Only SC
      measures produced significant differences across conditions. Choral conditions
      produced decreases in SC measures and stuttered trials. Feared conditions
      produced increases in SC but not stuttering. HR measures were variable,
      undifferentiated by condition, but produced a gradually increasing triphasic
      response pattern. No differences in anticipatory SC or HR measures were found in
      stuttered versus fluent trial comparisons. However, the NC condition, which
      eliminated stuttering, produced significantly lower SC measures than the fluent
      utterances in the other conditions (FS, FC, NS). Furthermore, SC measures from
      the fluent and stuttered trials were similar in these three conditions. These
      findings suggest that anticipatory autonomic arousal is better differentiated by
      the possibility of stuttering than by a fluent/stuttered speech outcome. Trials
      that produced anticipatory SC responses showed greater final HR deceleration,
      suggesting autonomic coactivation, a response pattern that is associated with
      aversive stimuli and herein, likely indicative of speech-related state anxiety.
      However, these physiological markers of anxiety appear to be neither necessary
      nor sufficient to induce observable stuttering.

PMID- 22044549
TI  - Effects on musculoskeletal pain, work ability and sickness absence in a 1-year
      randomised controlled trial among cleaners.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Only a few workplace initiatives among cleaners have been reported,
      even though they constitute a job group in great need of health promotion. The
      purpose of this trial was to evaluate the effect of either physical coordination
      training or cognitive behavioural training on musculoskeletal pain, work ability
      and sickness absence among cleaners. METHODS: A cluster-randomised controlled
      trial was conducted among 294 female cleaners allocated to either physical
      coordination training (PCT), cognitive behavioural training (CBTr) or a reference
      group (REF). Questionnaires about musculoskeletal pain and work ability were
      completed at baseline and after one year's intervention. Sickness absence data
      were obtained from the managers' records. Analyses were performed according to
      the intention-to-treat-principle (ITT). RESULTS: No overall reduction in
      musculoskeletal pain, work ability or sickness absence from either PCT or CBTr
      compared with REF was found in conservative ITT analyses. However, explorative
      analyses revealed a treatment effect for musculoskeletal pain of the PCT. People
      with chronic neck/shoulder pain at baseline were more frequently non-chronic at
      follow-up after PCT compared with REF (p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The PCT
      intervention appeared effective for reducing chronic neck/shoulder pain among the
      female cleaners. It is recommended that future interventions among similar high
      risk job groups focus on the implementation aspects of the interventions to
      maximise outcomes more distal from the intervention such as work ability and
      sickness absence. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN: ISRCTN96241850.

PMID- 22044551
TI  - ERP correlates of auditory processing during automatic correction of unexpected
      perturbations in voice auditory feedback.
AB  - Auditory sensory processing is an important element of the neural mechanisms
      controlling human vocalization. We evaluated which components of Event Related
      Potentials (ERP) elicited by the unexpected shift of fundamental frequency in a
      subject's own voice might correlate with his/her ability to process auditory
      information. A significant negative correlation between the latency of the N1
      component of the ERP and the Montreal Battery of Evaluation of Amusia scores for
      Melodic organization was found. A possible functional role of neuronal activity
      underling the N1 component in voice control mechanisms is discussed.

PMID- 22044552
TI  - Neuroblastoma research progress--a 2011 perspective.

PMID- 22044553
TI  - An effectiveness study of an integrated, community-based package for maternal,
      newborn, child and HIV care in South Africa: study protocol for a randomized
      controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Progress towards MDG4 in South Africa will depend largely on scaling
      up effective prevention against mother to child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV and
      also addressing neonatal mortality. This imperative drives increasing focus on
      the neonatal period and particularly on the development and testing of
      appropriate models of sustainable, community-based care in South Africa in order
      to reach the poor. A number of key implementation gaps affecting progress have
      been identified. Implementation gaps for HIV prevention in neonates;
      implementation gaps for neonatal care especially home postnatal care; and
      implementation gaps for maternal mental health support. We have developed and are
      evaluating and costing an integrated and scaleable home visit package delivered
      by community health workers targeting pregnant and postnatal women and their
      newborns to provide essential maternal/newborn care as well as interventions for
      Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV. METHODS: The trial is
      a cluster randomized controlled trial that is being implemented in Umlazi which
      is a peri-urban settlement with a total population of 1 million close to Durban
      in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. The trial consists of 30 randomized clusters (15
      in each arm). A baseline survey established the homogeneity of clusters and
      neither stratification nor matching was performed. Sample size was based on
      increasing HIV-free survival from 74% to 84%, and calculated to be 120 pregnant
      women per cluster. Primary outcomes are higher levels of HIV free survival and
      levels of exclusive and appropriate infant feeding at 12 weeks postnatally. The
      intervention is home based with community health workers delivering two antenatal
      visits, a postnatal visit within 48 hours of birth, and a further four visits
      during the first two months of the infants life. We are undertaking programmatic
      and cost effectiveness analysis to cost the intervention. DISCUSSION: The
      question is not merely to develop an efficacious package but also to identify and
      test delivery strategies that enable scaling up, which requires effectiveness
      studies in a health systems context, adapting and testing Asian community-based
      studies in various African contexts.

PMID- 22044554
TI  - Can beta2-adrenoceptor agonists, anticholinergic drugs, and theophylline
      contribute to the control of pulmonary inflammation and emphysema in COPD?
AB  - Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has become a global epidemic disease
      with an increased morbidity and mortality in the world. Inflammatory process
      progresses and contributes to irreversible airflow limitation. However, there is
      no available therapy to better control the inflammatory progression and therefore
      to reduce the exacerbations and mortality. Thus, the development of efficient
      anti-inflammatory therapies is a priority for patients with COPD. beta(2) 
      Adrenoceptor agonists and anticholinergic agents are widely used as first line
      drugs in management of COPD because of their efficient bronchodilator properties.
      At present, many studies in vitro and some data obtained in laboratory animals
      reveal the potential anti-inflammatory effects of these bronchodilators but their
      protective role against chronic inflammation and the development of emphysema in
      patients with COPD remains to be investigated. The anti-inflammatory effects of
      theophylline at low doses have also been identified. Beneficial interactions
      between glucocorticoids and bronchodilators have been reported, and signaling
      pathways explaining these synergistic effects begin to be understood, especially
      for theophylline. Recent data demonstrating interactions between anticholinergics
      with beta(2) -adrenoceptor agonists aiming to better control the pulmonary
      inflammation and the development of emphysema in animal models of COPD justify
      the priority to investigate the interactive effects of a tritherapy associating
      corticoids with the two main categories of bronchodilators.

PMID- 22044555
TI  - Using the Pareto principle in genome-wide breeding value estimation.
AB  - Genome-wide breeding value (GWEBV) estimation methods can be classified based on
      the prior distribution assumptions of marker effects. Genome-wide BLUP methods
      assume a normal prior distribution for all markers with a constant variance, and
      are computationally fast. In Bayesian methods, more flexible prior distributions
      of SNP effects are applied that allow for very large SNP effects although most
      are small or even zero, but these prior distributions are often also
      computationally demanding as they rely on Monte Carlo Markov chain sampling. In
      this study, we adopted the Pareto principle to weight available marker loci,
      i.e., we consider that x% of the loci explain (100 - x)% of the total genetic
      variance. Assuming this principle, it is also possible to define the variances of
      the prior distribution of the 'big' and 'small' SNP. The relatively few large SNP
      explain a large proportion of the genetic variance and the majority of the SNP
      show small effects and explain a minor proportion of the genetic variance. We
      name this method MixP, where the prior distribution is a mixture of two normal
      distributions, i.e. one with a big variance and one with a small variance.
      Simulation results, using a real Norwegian Red cattle pedigree, show that MixP is
      at least as accurate as the other methods in all studied cases. This method also
      reduces the hyper-parameters of the prior distribution from 2 (proportion and
      variance of SNP with big effects) to 1 (proportion of SNP with big effects),
      assuming the overall genetic variance is known. The mixture of normal
      distribution prior made it possible to solve the equations iteratively, which
      greatly reduced computation loads by two orders of magnitude. In the era of
      marker density reaching million(s) and whole-genome sequence data, MixP provides
      a computationally feasible Bayesian method of analysis.

PMID- 22044556
TI  - Global robotic experience and the type of surgical system impact the types of
      robotic malfunctions and their clinical consequences: an FDA MAUDE review.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess annual rates of robotic system malfunctions and compare the
      da Vinci S((r)) system (dVS) and da Vinci((r)) surgical system (dV). To assess
      the types of malfunctions and associated outcomes for robotic cases and determine
      the extent to which experience and technological improvements impact these.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study is a retrospective review of the US Food and
      Drug Administration (FDA) MAUDE (Manufacturer and User Facility Device
      Experience) database, a publicly available, voluntary reporting system
      (http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/cfmaude/search.cfm). The
      database was searched using the two phrases 'da Vinci' and 'Intuitive Surgical'
      from 2003 to 2009. Malfunctions of the instruments, console, patient-side cart,
      camera and cannula were recorded. Data on intraoperative injuries, case delays
      and conversions were also collected. RESULTS: In all, 1914 reports were reviewed
      (991 dVS and 878 dV, 45 unclassified) with peak years for reports of 2008 for dVS
      (571) and 2007 for dV (211), P < 0.001. With respect to time, the proportion of
      console and patient-side cart malfunctions declined from 2007 onward compared
      with the proportions prior to 2007 (5.1% vs 9.4% and 6.6% vs 10.9%). Patient
      injury did not change with year of surgery (0.5-5.4% of malfunctions, P= 0.358),
      open conversions declined (21.3% of malfunctions before 2007 vs 9.9% from 2007
      onward, P < 0.001) and patient deaths increased (0.0013% of cases before 2007 vs
      0.0061% of cases from 2007 onward, P < 0.001). With regard to robotic system,
      console and patient-side cart malfunctions were more frequent with the dV than
      the dVS: 82/878 vs 39/991 and 100/878 vs 48/991, P < 0.001. Open conversion was
      more frequent with dV than dVS (19.3% vs 7.7% of reported malfunctions, P <
      0.001), while patient injury was less with dV than dVS (3.5% vs 5.9%, P= 0.021).
      CONCLUSIONS: The dVS decreased console and patient-side cart errors relative to
      total malfunctions, which were also influenced by surgical year. Open conversions
      were reduced by increased robotic experience and newer surgical system.
      Differences in patient injury may reflect changes in reporting or case
      complexity.

PMID- 22044557
TI  - A randomized placebo controlled trial of early treatment of acute ischemic stroke
      with atorvastatin and irbesartan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cholesterol and blood pressure lowering therapies are effective in
      the secondary prevention of ischemic stroke. AIM: To determine whether 30 days of
      treatment with atorvastatin, or irbesartan, initiated within 96 h of symptom
      onset improves recovery from acute ischemic stroke. METHODS: Eighty-one patients
      with acute ischemic stroke participated in this double-blind, placebo-controlled,
      randomized trial of atorvastatin (80 mg) vs. placebo, and/or irbesartan (150 mg)
      vs. placebo. Fifty-two patients (randomized 53 +/- 22 h after onset of symptoms)
      completed the 30-day primary outcome follow-up. RESULTS: The primary outcome,
      maximal brain infarct size at days 3 and 30 measured by perfusion computed
      tomography, was not significantly altered by random assignment to irbesartan
      (1088 (IQR 216, 2594) mm2 at day 3, compared with 398 (144, 2053) mm2 among the
      placebo group, P= 0.79 controlling for baseline values; and 822 (159, 1717) mm2
      at day 30, cf 280 (76, 1330) mm2; P=0.63); or atorvastatin (454 (107, 1765) mm2
      cf 825 (265, 2509) mm2 at day 3; P= 0.33; and 462 (43, 1399) mm2 cf 280 (128,
      1559) mm2 at day 30, P= 0.79). There were no other significant differences among
      the treatment groups with the exception of: * high sensitivity C-reactive protein
      concentrations, which were lower in the irbesartan treatment group at day 30
      (mean difference 12.6 mg/L; 95% CI: -25.1, - 0.1; P= 0.048); and * the mean
      cerebral blood flow in the affected cerebral hemisphere at 30 days after stroke,
      which was significantly reduced by random assignment to irbesartan compared with
      placebo in both the affected cerebral hemisphere (-7.5 mL/100 mL/min (95% CI: 
      1.7 to - 13.4, P= 0.01)) and in the unaffected hemisphere (- 7.3 mL/100 mL/min
      (95% CI: - 1.3, -13.4; P= 0.02)). Atorvastatin therapy was well tolerated, but
      irbesartan therapy was associated with an increased rate of withdrawal from
      therapy (n=10 (29%), compared with n=3 (9%) who withdrew from placebo, P= 0.04).
      CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with atorvastatin and irbesartan, initiated on day 3 after
      acute ischemic stroke, did not appear to substantially modify infarct growth.

PMID- 22044558
TI  - Admissions related to interstitial cystitis in Japan: an estimation based on the
      Japanese diagnosis procedure combination database.
AB  - We estimated the incidence of admissions related to interstitial cystitis in
      Japan using a national administrative claims database, the Diagnosis Procedure
      Combination database, which included information for 53.6% of urological training
      hospitals certified by the Japanese Urological Association. "Admissions related
      to interstitial cystitis" was defined as those cases whose ICD-10 code for the
      main reason for admission was N301 (interstitial cystitis) between 2007 and 2009.
      Among 8.42 million inpatient cases, 784 female and 212 male patients with
      interstitial cystitis were identified. The ratio of females to males was 3.69 and
      the median age was 67 years (range 5-92 years). The admission incidence (per 100
      000 person-years) in females and males was estimated to be 1.35 (95% confidence
      interval 1.25-1.46) and 0.37 (0.31-0.42), respectively. This incidence is low
      compared with other reports. Possible reasons for this finding include racial
      difference, clinical examination methods, lack of outpatient data and poor health
      care coverage of interstitial cystitis.

PMID- 22044559
TI  - Diagnostic grouping among adults with intellectual disabilities and autistic
      spectrum disorders in staffed housing.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is little evidence to guide the commissioning of residential
      provision for adults with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) in the UK. We aim to
      explore the degree and impact of diagnostic congregation among adults with
      intellectual disabilities (ID) and ASD living in staffed housing. METHODS: One
      hundred and fifty-seven adults with intellectual disabilities from a sample of
      424 in staffed housing were assessed as having the triad of impairments
      characteristic of ASD. They lived in 88 houses: 26 were non-congregate (40% or
      fewer residents had the triad) and 50 congregate (60% or more had the triad); 12
      with intermediate groupings were eliminated. Non-congregate and congregate groups
      were compared on age, gender, adaptive and challenging behaviour, house size,
      staff per resident and various measures of quality of care and quality of
      outcome. Comparisons were repeated for Adaptive Behavior Scale (ABS)-matched,
      congregate and non-congregate subsamples. RESULTS: Non-congregate settings were
      larger, had lower staff per resident and more individualised social milieus.
      Groups were similar in age and gender but the non-congregate group had non
      significantly higher ABS scores. The non-congregate group did more social,
      community and household activities. After matching for ABS, these outcome
      differences ceased to be significant. Non-congregate settings were significantly
      larger and had significantly more organised working methods. CONCLUSIONS: The
      findings are consistent with other research that finds few advantages to
      diagnostic grouping.

PMID- 22044560
TI  - Many ways of communication: from Helicobacter pylori adherence to death,
      disruption, migration and escape.

PMID- 22044561
TI  - Knowledge translation and improving practices in neurological rehabilitation:
      managers' viewpoint.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Studies in neurological rehabilitation have been undertaken in recent
      years to improve knowledge transfer. The manager is an important player in the
      health care system, yet few studies have examined their role in knowledge
      transfer. The main objective was to explore the importance of knowledge transfer
      and improving practices from the viewpoint of managers of neurological
      rehabilitation programs. METHODS: An exploratory qualitative research design was
      used. Three case studies were conducted by way of semi-structured one-on-one
      interviews with neurological rehabilitation program managers. To be eligible,
      managers had to give their informed consent and have had responsibilities
      directly related to the coordination of clinicians working in neurological
      rehabilitation for at least a year. Data collected were recorded and transcribed.
      Each interview was synthesized and its content was carefully analysed. RESULTS:
      The three managers' experience in neurology varied from a year to several
      decades. They believe that knowledge transfer is important but it appears to be
      less of a priority because of their numerous other responsibilities. Participants
      said they perceived their role in this process as being a coach, facilitator,
      motivator, organizer, guide and ambassador. They mentioned reacting to the needs
      expressed by the clinicians but, when asked, said they would like to be more
      proactive and structured in their approach. CONCLUSIONS: This study points up the
      lack of organizational structure fostering uniform knowledge translation across
      all clinicians, although the managers expect it to happen in the near future or
      would like to see it in an ideal world.

PMID- 22044562
TI  - Classic mitral valve prolapse causes enlargement in left ventricle even in the
      absence of significant mitral regurgitation.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether left ventricular size was
      increased in patients with classic bileaflet mitral valve prolapse (MVP) in the
      absence of significant mitral regurgitation (MR). METHOD: Patients with classic
      bileaflet MVP were included as the case group. Two different control groups were
      established. The first control group was composed of the patients with mild MR
      caused by the reasons except MVP. The second control group consisted of healthy
      individuals whose echocardiograms were normal. The patients with moderate or
      severe MR and having abnormality in the other valves were excluded. RESULTS:
      There were 20 patients in each group. Systolic and diastolic diameters and
      volumes of left ventricle (LV) in the MVP group were significantly higher than
      those in the control groups. In 10 of the patients in the MVP group, LV internal
      diastolic diameter (LVIDD) values were measured as >=5.7 cm, whereas increased
      LVIDD value was detected in only one patient in the other two control groups.
      There was a significant difference in terms of the presence of increased LVIDD
      values between the MVP group and the control groups. Despite this enlargement in
      the LV dimension, the LV ejection fractions were found similar in all groups.
      Furthermore, it was found that the lengths of both anterior and posterior mitral
      leaflets in MVP group were significantly higher than those in the control groups.
      CONCLUSION: The LV diameters and volumes of patients with classic bileaflet MVP
      were found to be increased even in the absence of significant MR. These results
      need to be supported by large-scale clinical studies.

PMID- 22044563
TI  - Insulin-like growth factor receptor expression is associated with aggressive
      phenotypes and has therapeutic activity in biliary tract cancers.
AB  - Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-I receptor (IGF-IR) signaling is required for
      carcinogenicity and progression of several cancers but the function of this
      pathway and its utility as a therapeutic target have not been studied
      comprehensively in biliary tract carcinomas (BTC). We investigated the
      immunohistochemical expression of elements of the IGF axis, matrilysin,
      overexpression of p53 and the methylation status of the IGFBP-3 promoter in 80
      surgically resected BTC. We also assessed the effect of IGF-IR blockade on signal
      transduction, proliferation and survival in three BTC cell lines using a new
      tyrosine kinase inhibitor, BMS-536924, and dominant negative IGF-IR (IGF-IR/dn).
      The effects of IGF-IR blockade was also studied in nude mouse xenograft models.
      IGF-I was expressed in 60% and IGF-II in 50% of tumors. High expression was
      associated with tumor size. IGF-IR was expressed in 69% of the cases and was
      associated with advanced stage and matrilysin expression. Hypermethylation of the
      IGFBP-3 promoter was detected in 41% of BTC and was inversely correlated with p53
      expression. BMS-536924 blocked autophosphorylation of IGF-IR and both Akt and ERK
      activation by both IGF-I and insulin. BMS-536924 suppressed proliferation and
      tumorigenicity in vitro in a dose-dependent fashion. This inhibitor upregulated
      chemotherapy-induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent fashion. Moreover, IGF-IR
      blockade was effective against tumors in mice. IGF-IR might identify a subset of
      BTC with a particularly aggressive phenotype and is a candidate therapeutic
      target in this disease. BMS-536924 might have significant therapeutic utility.

PMID- 22044564
TI  - Technical standardization of laparoscopic direct hernia repair in pediatric
      patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this article is to standardize the laparoscopic technique
      to treat direct inguinal hernia in pediatric patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In
      the last 3 years we treated laparoscopically 163 patients with a diagnosis of
      inguinal hernia. In 7 patients we discovered laparoscopically a direct inguinal
      hernia. This study is focused on the management of these 7 cases (4 girls and 3
      boys; median age 4.6 years). They presented a right defect in 4 cases and a left
      defect in 3 cases. Six of 7 patients had been already operated for an inguinal
      hernia and presented a recurrence of the hernia. We used three trocars, 5-mm 0
      degree optic, and two 3-mm instruments. In each case, after the resection of the
      lipoma using the hook cautery, the defect was closed by means of separated
      stitches. In every case we used the vesical ligament as an autologous patch to
      reinforce the closure of the defect. RESULTS: The average operative time was 35
      minutes. All the procedures were performed in a day-hospital setting. We had
      neither conversions nor complications in our series. With a minimum follow-up of
      1 year, we had no recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic identification and repair
      of direct inguinal hernia in children is a safe and effective procedure to adopt.
      The key points of the technique are the resection of the lipoma, the closure of
      the defect using separated, nonabsorbable sutures, and the use of the vesical
      ligament to reinforce the suture. We believe that in case of recurrence of
      inguinal hernias after inguinal approach, laparoscopy is the gold standard
      technique to identify and treat the cause of the recurrence itself.

PMID- 22044565
TI  - Endoscopic thyroidectomy: the development in a Chinese center.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Endoscopic thyroidectomy (ET) precludes the long cervical incision of
      the open procedure. Although endoscopy is an essential tool taught to almost
      every surgeon, its effective use with regard to thyroidectomy requires
      understanding its limitations pertaining to trauma and cancer, as well as an
      understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of the different endoscopic
      approaches. The development of an ET center in China is discussed here. METHODS:
      Overall, 235 patients who had undergone attempted ET in Qilu Hospital of Shandong
      University in China from August 2001 to September 2010 were evaluated. RESULTS:
      Of the 11 men and 224 women on whom the procedure had been attempted, all but
      seven successfully underwent ET, 145 (63.6%) via a modified anterior chest
      approach, and 83 (36.4%) via a breast approach. Age ranged from 17 to 52 years,
      with a mean of 34.5 years. Surgery was limited, in the case of masses, to lesions
      smaller than 6 cm ultrasonographically. All patients were followed for at least 3
      months. The 24 and 48 hours Visual Analog Scale postoperative measurements were
      low. Complications included four cases of cutaneous emphysema, five seromas, four
      episodes of anterior chest discomfort, three transient laryngeal nerve palsies,
      and four episodes of hypocalcemia. The seven procedures that had been converted
      to an open procedure comprised two patients discovered at frozen section to have
      poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma, two with tumors larger than 5 cm, and
      three with thyroiditis. CONCLUSIONS: ET is readily learned, provided the surgeon
      is competent at both laparoscopic technique and open thyroidectomy. Procedural
      advantages of an endoscopic approach include superior cosmesis and decreased
      invasiveness.

PMID- 22044566
TI  - Ready or not--here we go into our future!!!

PMID- 22044567
TI  - Fathers' perceptions of their roles during in-home training for children with
      autism.
AB  - PROBLEM: Currently, most research related to parents of children with autism has
      focused on mothers, and little is known about the fathers' interaction with their
      children. PURPOSE: The purpose of the qualitative study is to assist in more
      fully describing and understanding fathers' perceptions of their roles,
      relationships with their children with autism, and participation in an in-home
      training intervention designed to enhance parent-child interactions as well as
      child language and social interactions. METHODS: In depth semi-structured
      interviews with 10 fathers were conducted at home, videotaped, transcribed, and
      reviewed for common themes and significant statements FINDINGS: Five common
      themes were discovered, fathers expressed their view of their roles, and fathers
      reported the father-directed in-home intervention was effective in enhancing
      father-child relationships. CONCLUSION: Communication between fathers and their
      children appears to be the key to a successful relationship. Although verbal
      communication deficit is a predominant feature of autism, these fathers noted
      other ways of effective communicating including time spent playing or just being
      with the child.

PMID- 22044568
TI  - A relationship-based intervention to improve social connectedness in street
      involved youth: a pilot study.
AB  - PROBLEM: Street-involved youth experience a range of mental health problems with
      elevated rates of psychiatric disorders compared with non-homeless youth. The
      overall objective of this pilot study was to evaluate the impact of a
      relationship-based intervention for homeless youth receiving services from
      agencies in downtown Toronto. METHODS: The final sample included 15 homeless
      youth who met the study inclusion criteria. The intervention and comparison
      groups were compared at baseline and post-treatment on measures of mental health
      symptoms, hopelessness, self-esteem, resilience, and social connectedness.
      FINDINGS: Participants receiving the intervention demonstrated a significant
      improvement in social connectedness, with a trend toward decreased hopelessness.
      Those participants who did not receive the intervention did not demonstrate any
      improvements in social connectedness and hopelessness. CONCLUSION: This
      preliminary pilot study suggests that providing a relationship-based intervention
      to street-involved youth may offer promise to strengthen social relationships and
      to mitigate overwhelming hopelessness and despair.

PMID- 22044569
TI  - Hopefulness among non-U.S.-born Latino youth and young adults.
AB  - PROBLEM: U.S. Latino youths experience disproportionately high rates of health
      and social problems. There is a need to identify protective factors for reducing
      risky behaviors. Little is known about the protective nature of hope among
      immigrant Latino adolescents. METHODS: This descriptive cross-sectional study
      examined hope and expectations for the future in non-U.S.-born Latino adolescents
      and young adults (n= 98) in urban and rural areas in the midwestern United
      States. FINDINGS: Participants reported feeling hopeful about their future;
      however, differences were detected among subgroups. CONCLUSION: Findings affirm
      the potential of hope as a protective factor for immigrant Latino adolescents and
      young adults. Nurses should be aware of hopefulness when implementing mental
      health preventive interventions. Research is needed to identify effective
      mechanisms for promoting and sustaining hope.

PMID- 22044570
TI  - Consequences of intimate partner violence on child witnesses: a systematic review
      of the literature.
AB  - PROBLEM: Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a serious social problem that affects
      all members of a household. Approximately 22% of violent crimes perpetrated
      against women and 3% against men are related to IPV, and often children witness
      these crimes. This paper addresses the evidence related to the short- and long
      term consequences on the physical, psychosocial, and emotional status of child
      witnesses. METHODS: A systemic review and analysis of the literature was
      performed with 24 articles from 2000 to 2010 that were identified through
      electronic search strategies. FINDINGS: Differences were found in the behaviors
      of children who witness and do not witness IPV that have short- and long-term
      consequences and affect relationships with same-sex peers, dating partners, and
      future partners with a clear pattern of dose-response. CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare
      providers can implement theoretically driven, gender and culturally appropriate
      interventions for children with a history of IPV exposure with outcomes that
      positively affect the lives of children.

PMID- 22044571
TI  - Suicidal thought in the adolescent: exploring the relationship between known risk
      factors and the presence of suicidal thought.
AB  - PROBLEM: The purpose of this retrospective study was to explore the relationship
      between recognized risk factors for suicidal thought and the presence or absence
      of self-reported suicidal thought. METHODS: This study was conducted through the
      secondary analysis of data obtained from a larger, prospective, cluster
      randomized intervention study. A subset of 817 recruits between the ages of 17
      and 19 was included in this study. FINDINGS: A personal history of mental
      health/emotional problems and a decreased sense of belonging made unique
      contributions to predicting the presence of suicidal thought. CONCLUSIONS: The
      development of interventions to increase sense of belonging may be a key to
      reducing suicidal thought during stressful events.

PMID- 22044572
TI  - Young people's preferences for emotional well-being support in high school--a
      focus group study.
AB  - PROBLEM: Schools have been identified as a suitable setting for the delivery of
      emotional well-being (EWB) support, but in the United Kingdom there is little
      empirical evidence from young people that can inform the development of
      appropriate school-based interventions. METHODS: Fifty-four students (11-16
      years) from three U.K. high schools discussed the content, delivery, and
      evaluation of acceptable, school-based, EWB support. Focus group methods were
      matched to the school setting and sensitive topic. FINDINGS: Participants
      identified emotional difficulties in school, home, and with peer relationships.
      They said that some problems were too sensitive for them to seek help in school
      setting. They valued confidentiality, support, and effective help that were
      offered by people they experienced as friendly, trustworthy, and skilled.
      Teachers and peer mentors were not thought to fit these criteria, although
      trusted adults in mentor roles could meet their criteria. Participants recognized
      that they could hide their emotions, so their EWB would be difficult to assess.
      They described how the effect of emotional distress on their behavior is
      idiosyncratic, and therefore their EWB should not be judged simply on their
      behavior. CONCLUSION: The way in which EWB support is delivered in school is an
      important aspect of the role of practitioners and educators attempting to provide
      it. Because young people are sensitive to the personal qualities and skills of
      people offering them help, programs to train school staff in emotional support
      roles are important to ensure trust and an environment open to students seeking
      assistance. Interventions for school-based EWB support need to consider
      subjective well-being as well as behavioral change.

PMID- 22044574
TI  - Genetic eye research in Tasmania: a historical overview.
AB  - Although considerable recent work on hereditary eye diseases in Tasmanian
      families has been published, much of this depended on a century of meticulous
      pedigree collection by earlier clinical researchers. This article reviews some of
      the historical papers and the importance they have played in gene discovery and
      understanding of ophthalmic genetics. Tasmanian families have contributed to the
      identification of genes for X-linked megalocornea, Leber's hereditary optic
      neuropathy, retinitis pigmentosa, congenital cataract, ptosis, keratoconus,
      glaucoma and myopia. The true value of the Tasmanian pedigrees will be realized
      with the translation of genetic discoveries into early diagnosis and treatment
      for these eye diseases.

PMID- 22044576
TI  - Primary pulmonary hypertension, congenital heart defect, central nervous system
      malformations, hypo- and aplastic toes: another case of Yunis-Varon syndrome or
      report of a new entity.
AB  - Here we describe a patient with a new malformation syndrome which shows
      similarities with Yunis-Varon syndrome (YVS). Prenatal presentation included
      polyhydramnios, increased nuchal translucency, and bilateral hydrothoraces
      requiring pigtail insertion. Postnatal presentation revealed primary pulmonary
      hypertension (PPH), persistent hydrothoraces, one atrial and two ventricular
      septal defects, hypoplasia of the corpus callosum and cerebellar vermis, dilated
      interhemispheric ventricles, severe developmental delay with general muscular
      hypotonia, retinal anomalies, sparse scalp hair, sparse eyebrows and eyelashes,
      hypo- and aplastic nails, low-set dysplastic ears, loose nuchal skin, hypo- and
      aplastic distal phalanges of the toes as well as postnatal failure to thrive.
      High resolution molecular karyotyping in the patient did not reveal any causative
      chromosomal aberration. Since one patient with YVS and PPH has been previously
      reported, we assume a similar pathogenic pathway. However, molecular confirmation
      of the clinical diagnosis is not yet possible. It remains uncertain if the
      presented syndrome can be classified as YVS with PPH or if it constitutes a new
      YVS like entity.

PMID- 22044575
TI  - Neutrophil extracellular traps promote deep vein thrombosis in  mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Upon activation, neutrophils can release nuclear material known as
      neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which were initially described as a part
      of antimicrobial defense. Extracellular chromatin was recently reported to be
      prothrombotic in vitro and to accumulate in plasma and thrombi of baboons with
      experimental deep vein thrombosis (DVT). OBJECTIVE: To explore the source and
      role of extracellular chromatin in DVT. METHODS: We used an established murine
      model of DVT induced by flow restriction (stenosis) in the inferior vena cava
      (IVC). RESULTS: We demonstrate that the levels of extracellular DNA increase in
      plasma after 6 h IVC stenosis, compared with sham-operated mice.
      Immunohistochemical staining revealed the presence of Gr-1-positive neutrophils
      in both red (RBC-rich) and white (platelet-rich) parts of thrombi. Citrullinated
      histone H3 (CitH3), an element of NETs' structure, was present only in the red
      part of thrombi and was frequently associated with the Gr-1 antigen.
      Immunofluorescent staining of thrombi showed proximity of extracellular CitH3 and
      von Willebrand factor (VWF), a platelet adhesion molecule crucial for thrombus
      development in this model. Infusion of Deoxyribonuclease 1 (DNase 1) protected
      mice from DVT after 6 h and also 48 h IVC stenosis. Infusion of an unfractionated
      mixture of calf thymus histones increased plasma VWF and promoted DVT early after
      stenosis application. CONCLUSIONS: Extracellular chromatin, likely originating
      from neutrophils, is a structural part of a venous thrombus and both the DNA
      scaffold and histones appear to contribute to the pathogenesis of DVT in mice.
      NETs may provide new targets for DVT drug development.

PMID- 22044577
TI  - General practitioners' views and experiences of counselling for physical activity
      through the New Zealand Green Prescription program.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Regular physical activity is beneficial in both the prevention and
      management of chronic health conditions. A large proportion of adult New
      Zealanders, however, are insufficiently active. To help increase population
      levels of physical activity in New Zealand the Green Prescription, a primary care
      physical activity scripting program, was developed. The primary aim of this study
      was to identify why general practitioners (GPs) counsel for physical activity and
      administer Green Prescriptions. A secondary aim was to examine GPs' views and
      experiences of Green Prescription counselling for the management of depression.
      METHODS: Individual face-to-face interviews were conducted with 15 GPs. All
      interviews were audio-taped and transcribed. Data were analysed using an
      inductive thematic approach. RESULTS: Several themes and sub-themes emerged from
      the data. Notably, GPs counselled for physical activity and prescribed Green
      Prescriptions for both primary preventive (e.g., weight control) and secondary
      management (e.g., diabetes management) purposes. GPs reported the benefits of the
      Green Prescription centred around two main themes: (i) a non-medication approach
      to a healthier lifestyle and (ii) the support benefits of physical activity. Time
      constraints within the consultation was the only main theme that emerged
      regarding the barriers GPs perceived to Green Prescription use. Physical activity
      in general, and physical activity prescribed through the Green Prescription, were
      also viewed by GPs as beneficial for the management of depression. CONCLUSIONS:
      The results of this study suggest that New Zealand GPs view the Green
      Prescription program as beneficial for their patients with pre-existing
      conditions and/or weight problems. While this is encouraging, the Green
      Prescription may also be used to promote physical activity in currently healthy
      but low-active and sedentary individuals. Such individuals are currently disease
      free, but are at risk for future health-related problems because of their
      inactive lifestyle. It is recommended that time constraints of the consultation
      in regard to administering Green Prescriptions could be dealt with by delegating
      the more time consuming tasks to the patient support counsellors that support the
      Green Prescription program, and having practice nurses assist in the
      administration of Green Prescriptions. Green Prescription counselling in
      conjunction with antidepressant medication may be beneficial for the management
      of depression and warrants further research.

PMID- 22044578
TI  - Immunomodulatory properties of Xylaria nigripes in peritoneal macrophage cells of
      Balb/c mice.
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Wu Ling Shen, a folklore name for Xylaria
      nigripes (XN), is a high value medicinal fungus used in traditional Chinese
      medicine. AIM OF STUDY: The present study aimed to examine the immunomodulatory
      properties of aqueous (XN-H) and ethanol (XN-E) XN extracts in lipopolysaccharide
      (LPS)-induced peritoneal macrophage cells of Balb/c mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      After treating the macrophage cells with LPS (1 MUg/ml) and different XN
      extracts, the immunomodulatory properties were determined by the responses of
      inflammatory mediators, namely nitrite oxide (NO), prostaglandin E2 (PGE(2)) and
      cytokine (IL-1beta, IL-6, TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma) production, iNOS, COX-2 and
      IkappaB-alpha expression, and NF-kappaB activation. RESULTS: Results showed that
      treatment of macrophages with 5-30 MUg/ml of XN-H or XN-E plus 1 MUg/ml LPS
      exhibited no cytotoxic effect on cell viability. At these concentrations,
      although both XN-H and XN-E showed a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on NO,
      PGE(2), IL-1beta, IL-6, TNF-alpha and IFN-gamma production in LPS-stimulated
      macrophages, a greater potency was noted in the XN-H treated group. RT-PCR assay
      also showed that XN-H possessed a greater inhibition than XN-E on iNOS and COX-2
      RNA expression. Furthermore, XN-H also showed a significant stronger suppression
      than XN-E on the LPS-induced IkappaB-alpha phosphorylation and NF-kappaB
      activation. XN-E showed a higher total flavonoid and phenol contents but a lower
      beta-glucan content than XN-H. CONCLUSION: Taken together, these results conclude
      that XN-H possesses a stronger anti-inflammatory activity than XN-E, and its
      mechanism of action could be mediated by inhibiting iNOS and COX-2 expression via
      the NF-kappaB signaling pathway, and these activities could be contributed by the
      beta-glucan content.

PMID- 22044579
TI  - Diagnosis and management of anaemia and iron deficiency in patients with
      haematological malignancies or solid tumours in France in 2009-2010: the AnemOnHe
      study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the management of anaemia in 2009-2010 in France in
      patients with haematological malignancies (HM) or solid tumours (ST). METHODS:
      Retrospective observational study in 57 centres, enrolling adult patients with HM
      or ST treated for an episode of anaemia (duration of the episode >= 3 months
      occurring in the last 12 months). RESULTS: 220 patients with ST (breast, 18%;
      lung, 18%) and 56 with HM (lymphoma, 60%) were included (median age, 68 years;
      female, 53%). Mean haemoglobin level at anaemia diagnosis was 9.3 +/- 1.4 g/dL
      (<8 g/dL for 16%) and 9.8 +/- 1.1g/dL (<8 g/dL for 6%) in HM and ST patients,
      respectively. At least one parameter of iron deficiency (ferritin, transferrin
      saturation) was assessed in 26% of HM and 19% of ST patients. Treatment of
      anaemia included erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA) for 98% of HM and 89% of
      ST patients. Iron was prescribed to 14% (oral, 12%; intravenous, 2%) of HM
      patients and to 42% (oral, 17%; intravenous, 25%) of ST patients. The rates of
      blood transfusions were high: 70% in HM and 46% in ST patients; transfusions
      alone or administrated with ESA were more frequent in patients with Hb <8 g/dL.
      CONCLUSION: Although recent guidelines recommend evaluating iron deficiency and
      correcting anaemia by using intravenous iron, our study in cancer patients
      evidenced that ESA and blood transfusions are still frequently used as the
      treatment of anaemia in cancer patients. Iron deficiency is insufficiently
      assessed (only one patient among five) and as a consequence iron deficiency is
      most likely insufficiently treated.

PMID- 22044580
TI  - A giant plexiform schwannoma of the brachial plexus: case report.
AB  - We report the case of a patient who noticed muscle weakness in his left arm 5
      years earlier. On examination, a biloculate mass was observed in the left
      supraclavicular area, and Tinel's sign caused paresthesia in his left arm.
      Magnetic resonance imaging showed a continuous, multinodular, plexiform tumor
      from the left C5 to C7 nerve root along the course of the brachial plexus to the
      left brachia. Tumor excision was attempted. The median and musculocutaneous
      nerves were extremely enlarged by the tumor, which was approximately 40 cm in
      length, and showed no response to electric stimulation. We resected a part of the
      musculocutaneous nerve for biopsy and performed latissimus dorsi muscle
      transposition in order to repair elbow flexion. Morphologically, the tumor
      consisted of typical Antoni A areas, and immunohistochemistry revealed a Schwann
      cell origin of the tumor cells moreover, there was no sign of axon
      differentiation in the tumor. Therefore, the final diagnosis of plexiform
      Schwannoma was confirmed.

PMID- 22044581
TI  - A Bayesian model for gene family evolution.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A birth and death process is frequently used for modeling the size of
      a gene family that may vary along the branches of a phylogenetic tree. Under the
      birth and death model, maximum likelihood methods have been developed to estimate
      the birth and death rate and the sizes of ancient gene families (numbers of gene
      copies at the internodes of the phylogenetic tree). This paper aims to provide a
      Bayesian approach for estimating parameters in the birth and death model.
      RESULTS: We develop a Bayesian approach for estimating the birth and death rate
      and other parameters in the birth and death model. In addition, a Bayesian
      hypothesis test is developed to identify the gene families that are unlikely
      under the birth and death process. Simulation results suggest that the Bayesian
      estimate is more accurate than the maximum likelihood estimate of the birth and
      death rate. The Bayesian approach was applied to a real dataset of 3517 gene
      families across genomes of five yeast species. The results indicate that the
      Bayesian model assuming a constant birth and death rate among branches of the
      phylogenetic tree cannot adequately explain the observed pattern of the sizes of
      gene families across species. The yeast dataset was thus analyzed with a Bayesian
      heterogeneous rate model that allows the birth and death rate to vary among the
      branches of the tree. The unlikely gene families identified by the Bayesian
      heterogeneous rate model are different from those given by the maximum likelihood
      method. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to the maximum likelihood method, the Bayesian
      approach can produce more accurate estimates of the parameters in the birth and
      death model. In addition, the Bayesian hypothesis test is able to identify
      unlikely gene families based on Bayesian posterior p-values. As a powerful
      statistical technique, the Bayesian approach can effectively extract information
      from gene family data and thereby provide useful information regarding the
      evolutionary process of gene families across genomes.

PMID- 22044582
TI  - Quantifying the environmental impact of As and Cr in stabilized/solidified
      materials.
AB  - The assessment of the quality of sediment from the Great Backi Canal (Serbia)
      based on the pseudo-total As and Cr content according to the corresponding Dutch
      standards and Canadian guidelines showed its severe contamination with these two
      elements. Microwave assisted BCR sequential extraction procedure was employed to
      assess their potential mobility and risk to the aquatic environment. Comparison
      of the results of sequential extraction and different criteria for sediment
      quality assessment has led to somewhat contradictory conclusions. While the
      results of sequential extraction showed that Cr comes under the medium risk
      category, As shows no risk to the environment, despite of its high pseudo-total
      content. The contaminated sediment, irrespective of the different distribution of
      As and Cr, was subjected to the same immobilization, stabilization/solidification
      (S/S) treatment. Semi-dynamic leaching test was conducted for As and Cr
      contaminated sediment in order to assess the long-term leaching behavior of these
      elements. In order to simulate "worst case" leaching conditions, the test was
      modified using acetic acid and humic acid solution as leachants instead of
      deionized water. The effectiveness of S/S treatment was evaluated by determining
      diffusion coefficients. Four different single-step leaching tests were applied to
      evaluate the extraction potential of As and Cr. A diffusion-based model was used
      to elucidate the controlling leaching mechanisms. The test results indicated that
      all applied S/S treatments were effective in immobilizing As and Cr, irrespective
      of their different availabilities in the untreated samples. In most treated
      samples, the controlling leaching mechanism appeared to be diffusion, which
      indicates that a slow leaching of As and Cr could be expected.

PMID- 22044583
TI  - Influence of source distribution and geochemical composition of aerosols on
      children exposure in the large polymetallic mining region of the Bolivian
      Altiplano.
AB  - The Bolivian Altiplano (Highlands) region is subject to intense mining, tailing
      and smelting activities since centuries because of the presence of large and
      unique polymetallic ore deposits (Ag, Au, Cu, Pb, Sn, Sb, Zn). A large scale
      PM(10), PM(2.5) aerosol monitoring survey was conducted during the dry season in
      one of the largest mining cities of this region (Oruro, 200,000 inhabitants).
      Aerosol fractions, source distribution and transport were investigated for 23
      elements at approximately 1 km(2) scale resolution, and compared to children
      exposure data obtained within the same geographical space. As, Cd, Pb, Sb, W and
      Zn in aerosols are present at relatively high concentrations when compared to
      studies from other mining regions. Arsenic exceeds the European council PM(10)
      guide value (6 ng/m(3)) for 90% of the samples, topping 200 ng/m(3). Ag, As, Cd,
      Cu, Pb and Sb are present at significantly higher levels in the district located
      in the vicinity of the smelter zone. At the city level, principal component
      analysis combined with the mapping of factor scores allowed the identification
      and deconvolution of four individual sources: i) a natural magmatic source (Co,
      Cs, Fe, K, Mn, Na, Rb and U) originating from soil dust, resuspended by the
      traffic activity; ii) a natural sedimentary source (Mg, Ca, Sr, Ba and Th)
      resulting from the suspension of evaporative salt deposits located South; iii) an
      anthropogenic source specifically enriched in mined elements (As, Cd, Cu, Pb, Sb
      and Zn) mainly in the smelting district of the city; and iv) a Ni-Cr source
      homogenously distributed between the different city districts. Enrichment factors
      for As, Cd and Sb clearly show the impact of smelting activities, particularly in
      the finest PM(2.5) fraction. Comparison to children's hair metal contents
      collected in five schools from different districts shows a direct exposure to
      smelting activity fingerprinted by a unique trace elements pattern (Ag, As, Cu,
      Pb, Sb).

PMID- 22044584
TI  - Continuous administration of poloxamer 188 reduces overload-induced muscular
      atrophy in dysferlin-deficient SJL mice.
AB  - Dysferlin-deficient SJL mice are commonly used to study dysferlinopathy. We
      demonstrated that poloxamer 188 (P188), a membrane sealant, is effective in
      reducing the loss of muscle mass in SJL mice when administered using an osmotic
      pump for 6 weeks. We did not observe significant changes over a 2-week
      administration period, suggesting that longthier observation is necessary to
      determine the effectiveness of P188. We also examined exercise endurance in P188
      administered SJL mice using a rolling cage. Phosphorylated p38 was found to be
      reduced in P188-administered SJL mice; additionally, using microarray analysis,
      we found diminished expression of atrogin-1, an E3 ubiquitin ligase, as the
      effector of muscular atrophy. Chronic infusion of P188 to dysferlin-deficient SJL
      mice reduced muscular atrophy, and administering p38 and atrogin-1 in the
      gastrocnemius muscle improved its motor function. These results provide a basis
      for potential treatments for dysferlin-deficient skeletal muscle fibers.

PMID- 22044585
TI  - Endurance exercise modifies the circadian clock in zebrafish (Danio rerio)
      temperature independently.
AB  - AIM: Several rodent and human studies revealed that physical exercise acts as a
      non-photic zeitgeber for the circadian clock. The intrinsic entraining mechanism
      is still unknown, although it was assumed that the exercise-mediated increase in
      core temperature could be the underlying zeitgeber. As the homoeostatic control
      of mammalian core temperature interferes strongly with the investigation of this
      hypothesis, the present study used the poikilotherm zebrafish to answer this
      question. METHODS: Gene transcription levels of the two circadian core clock
      genes period1 and clock1 were quantified using real-time qPCR of whole animal
      zebrafish larvae. RESULTS: Long-term endurance exercise of zebrafish larvae aged
      9-15 days post-fertilization (dpf) or 21-32 dpf at a constant water temperature
      of 25  degrees C caused significantly altered transcription levels of the
      circadian genes period1 and clock1. Cosinor analysis of diurnal transcription
      profiles obtained after 3 days of swim training revealed significant differences
      regarding acrophase, mesor and amplitude of period1, resulting in a phase delay
      of the gene oscillation. After termination of the exercise bout, at 15 dpf,
      oscillation amplitudes of both circadian genes were significantly reduced.
      CONCLUSION: The results showed that physical exercise is able to affect the
      transcription of circadian genes in developing zebrafish larvae. Considering the
      poikilothermy of zebrafish, an exercise-mediated change in body core temperature
      could be excluded as the underlying intrinsic zeitgeber. However, the day-active
      zebrafish arises as a useful model to address the synchronizing effect of
      exercise on the circadian clock.

PMID- 22044586
TI  - Effects of inclusion on the academic achievement and adaptive behaviour of
      children with intellectual disabilities.
AB  - BACKGROUND: While an extensive body of research has examined the outcomes of
      inclusion for pupils with special needs, in particular learning disabilities, its
      effects on the development of children with intellectual disabilities (ID) have
      been less explored. As inclusive practices tend to be more common for this group
      of children, it is important to acquire more knowledge on this issue. METHODS: A
      comparative study with an experimental group of 34 children with ID fully
      included in general education classrooms with support, and a control group of 34
      comparable children in special schools has been conducted. The progress
      accomplished by these two groups in their academic achievement and adaptive
      behaviour has been compared over two school years. RESULTS: Included children
      made slightly more progress in literacy skills than children attending special
      schools. No differences were found between the progress of the two groups in
      mathematics and adaptive behaviour. CONCLUSIONS: Inclusive education is an
      appropriate educational option for primary pupils with ID who require extensive
      support in school.

PMID- 22044588
TI  - p53-TIGAR axis attenuates mitophagy to exacerbate cardiac damage after ischemia.
AB  - Inhibition of tumor suppressor p53 is cardioprotective against ischemic injury
      and provides resistance to subsequent cardiac remodeling. We investigated p53
      mediated expansion of ischemic damage with a focus on mitochondrial integrity in
      association with autophagy and apoptosis. p53(-/-) heart showed that autophagic
      flux was promoted under ischemia without a change in cardiac tissue ATP content.
      Electron micrographs revealed that ischemic border zone in p53(-/-) mice had 5
      fold greater numbers of autophagic vacuoles containing mitochondria, indicating
      the occurrence of mitophagy, with an apparent reduction of abnormal mitochondria
      compared with those in WT mice. Analysis of autophagic mediators acting
      downstream of p53 revealed that TIGAR (TP53-induced glycolysis and apoptosis
      regulator) was exclusively up-regulated in ischemic myocardium. TIGAR(-/-) mice
      exhibited the promotion of mitophagy followed by decrease of abnormal
      mitochondria and resistance to ischemic injury, consistent with the phenotype of
      p53(-/-) mice. In p53(-/-) and TIGAR(-/-) ischemic myocardium, ROS production was
      elevated and followed by Bnip3 activation which is an initiator of mitophagy.
      Furthermore, the activation of Bnip3 and mitophagy due to p53/TIGAR inhibition
      were reversed with antioxidant N-acetyl-cysteine, indicating that this adaptive
      response requires ROS signal. Inhibition of mitophagy using chloroquine in p53(-/
      ) or TIGAR(-/-) mice exacerbated accumulation of damaged mitochondria to the
      level of wild-type mice and attenuated cardioprotective action. These findings
      indicate that p53/TIGAR-mediated inhibition of myocyte mitophagy is responsible
      for impairment of mitochondrial integrity and subsequent apoptosis, the process
      of which is closely involved in p53-mediated ventricular remodeling after
      myocardial infarction.

PMID- 22044589
TI  - Community health service capacity in China: a survey in three municipalities.
AB  - RATIONALE: China is reforming its health care system. It aims to strengthen
      primary health care through building community health facilities and assigning a
      'gate-keeper' role to primary care providers. However, it remains unknown whether
      community health facilities are able to fulfil such a mission. This study
      evaluated the service capacity of a selected sample of community health
      facilities and the competency of primary care practitioners employed by those
      facilities. METHODS: Three municipalities from the east, middle and west of China
      were purposely selected. A questionnaire was undertaken in 45 randomly selected
      community health facilities in the three municipalities and 700 primary care
      practitioners responded to the survey. The survey investigated the capacity of
      the community health facilities in providing diagnostic services and the
      competency of the primary care providers in handling common health problems.
      RESULTS: The most common reasons for doctor-patient encounters were common cold
      and chronic diseases. The capacity of the community health facilities in
      providing diagnostic services was limited. Although the majority of respondents
      believed that they could correctly identify common symptoms, many were unable to
      perform some essential physical examinations. CONCLUSION: The community health
      facilities are not able to fulfil their designated mission because of the limited
      diagnostic capacity and poor competency of the primary care practitioners.
      Priorities should be given to capacity building for the development of community
      health services in the future.

PMID- 22044590
TI  - Effects of rehydration nutrients on H2S metabolism and formation of volatile
      sulfur compounds by the wine yeast VL3.
AB  - In winemaking, nutrient supplementation is a common practice for optimising
      fermentation and producing quality wine. Nutritionally suboptimal grape juices
      are often enriched with nutrients in order to manipulate the production of yeast
      aroma compounds. Nutrients are also added to active dry yeast (ADY) rehydration
      media to enhance subsequent fermentation performance. In this study we
      demonstrate that nutrient supplementation at rehydration also has a significant
      effect on the formation of volatile sulfur compounds during wine fermentations.
      The concentration of the 'fruity' aroma compounds, the polyfunctional thiols 3
      mercaptohexan-1-ol (3MH) and 3-mercaptohexyl acetate (3MHA), was increased while
      the concentration of the 'rotten egg' aroma compound, hydrogen sulfide (H2S), was
      decreased. Nutrient supplementation of the rehydration media also changed the
      kinetics of H2S production during fermentation by advancing onset of H2S
      production. Microarray analysis revealed that this was not due to expression
      changes within the sulfate assimilation pathway, which is known to be a major
      contributor to H2S production. To gain insight into possible mechanisms
      responsible for this effect, a component of the rehydration nutrient mix, the tri
      peptide glutathione (GSH) was added at rehydration and studied for its subsequent
      effects on H2S formation. GSH was found to be taken up during rehydration and to
      act as a source for H2S during the following fermentation. These findings
      represent a potential approach for managing sulfur aroma production through the
      use of rehydration nutrients.

PMID- 22044591
TI  - Which patients are at the highest risk of dying from competing causes <= 10 years
      after radical prostatectomy?
AB  - Study Type - Outcomes (cohort). Level of Evidence 2b. What's known on the
      subject? and What does the study add? Several comorbidity classifications have
      been investigated for their suitability to assist treatment decision-making in
      men with early prostate cancer. In unselected patients, some serious
      comorbidities have been shown to be associated with a 10-year competing mortality
      rate clearly superseding the 50% level. The present study shows that it is hardly
      possible to discern meaningful subsets of patients with a 10-year risk of
      competing mortality of >50% by using comorbidity classifications. This finding
      suggests that the selecting clinicians did well in estimating the medium-term
      survival probability in men referred for radical prostatectomy. OBJECTIVE: * To
      identify subsets of patients who are most likely to die from competing causes <=
      10 years after radical prostatectomy (RP). PATIENTS AND METHODS: * In all, 2205
      consecutive patients who underwent RP for clinically localized prostate cancer
      between 1992 and 2005 were studied. The 10-year cumulative competing mortality
      rates were determined in several worst-case scenarios formed by using comorbidity
      classifications and combinations of them. RESULTS: * In this sample of men
      selected for RP, even those with the most severe comorbidity level had a
      competing mortality risk of <50% <= 10 years after RP. * Depending on the
      comorbidity classification used, the 10-year cumulative competing mortality rates
      differed between 16 and 39% in the whole sample and between 18 and 48% in men
      aged >= 65 years. CONCLUSION: * Clinicians do well in estimating the further life
      span in candidates for RP. Comorbidity classifications may assist treatment
      choice in this population but are not able to discern meaningful subsets to be
      excluded from curative treatment because of a life expectancy falling below a
      limit of 10 years.

PMID- 22044592
TI  - Cor triatriatum dextro iatrogenica: an unusual complication of atrial septal
      defect closure device.
AB  - We present a case of a rare complication of atrial septal defect (ASD) device
      closure causing cor triatriatum dextro iatrogenica. A 29-year-old female
      presented with sudden onset dysarthria and ataxia and was found to have basilar
      and thalamic infarcts. Further evaluation using transthoracic echocardiography
      revealed an ASD which was repaired using the Gore HELEX septal occluder.
      Transesophageal echocardiography done after 2 months of ASD closure revealed an
      interesting finding termed cor triatriatum dextro iatrogenica. We briefly
      describe the case and discuss the relevant literature.

PMID- 22044593
TI  - Central nervous system event in patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in
      the rituximab era.
AB  - Central nervous system (CNS) events, including CNS relapse and progression to
      CNS, are known to be serious complications in the clinical course of patients
      with lymphoma. This study aimed to evaluate the risk of CNS events in patients
      with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in the rituximab era. We performed a
      retrospective survey of Japanese patients diagnosed with diffuse large B-cell
      lymphoma who underwent primary therapy with R-CHOP chemoimmunotherapy between
      September 2003 and December 2006. Patients who had received any prophylactic CNS
      treatment were excluded. Clinical data from 1221 patients were collected from 47
      institutions. The median age of patients was 64 years (range, 15-91 years). We
      noted 82 CNS events (6.7%) and the cumulative 5-year probability of CNS events
      was 8.4%. Patients with a CNS event demonstrated significantly worse overall
      survival (P < 0.001). The 2-year overall survival rate after a CNS event was
      27.1%. In a multivariate analysis, involvement of breast (relative risk [RR]
      10.5), adrenal gland (RR 4.6) and bone (RR 2.0) were identified as independent
      risk factors for CNS events. We conclude that patients with these risk factors,
      in addition to patients with testicular involvement in whom CNS prophylaxis has
      been already justified, are at high risk for CNS events in the rituximab era. The
      efficacy and manner of CNS prophylaxis in patients for each involvement site
      should be evaluated further.

PMID- 22044594
TI  - Extrapyramidal adverse drug reactions associated with trimetazidine: a series of
      21 cases.
AB  - Over the last few years, a number of cases of extrapyramidal disorders associated
      with trimetazidine (TMZ) use has been reported. Here, we report on a series of 21
      cases. All but one of the patients (mean age 74) had been taking TMZ for several
      years. The indication for prescription of TMZ could not be identified in seven
      cases. The TMZ-associated adverse drug reactions were typical parkinsonism
      (akinesia and/or rigidity and/or rest tremor) in 17 cases, gait disorders in
      three cases (one with orthostatic tremor), and restless leg syndrome in one case.
      Discontinuation of TMZ led to complete disappearance of the symptoms in 16 cases
      and a significant reduction in the five other patients. TMZ has the same
      piperazine core as the dopamine antagonists flunarizine and cinnarizine (both of
      which have been reported to induce extrapyramidal symptoms). Hence, striatal D2
      receptor blockade could result in the onset or the worsening of extrapyramidal
      disorders. Even though this adverse drug reaction is now listed in TMZ's Summary
      of Product Characteristics (because of the initial reports), the risk remains
      poorly known by clinicians. There is a need to raise awareness of this phenomenon
      and to reassess TMZ 's risk-benefit ration, especially in the elderly.

PMID- 22044595
TI  - Use of CNS medications and cognitive decline in the aged: a longitudinal
      population-based study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies have found associations between the use of central
      nervous system medication and the risk of cognitive decline in the aged. Our aim
      was to assess whether the use of a single central nervous system (CNS) medication
      and, on the other hand, the combined use of multiple CNS medications over time
      are related to the risk of cognitive decline in an older (>= 65 yrs) population
      that is cognitively intact at baseline. METHODS: We conducted a longitudinal
      population-based study of cognitively intact older adults. The participants were
      65 years old or older and had Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) sum scores of
      24 points or higher. The study included a 7.6-year follow-up. The use of
      benzodiazepines and related drugs (BZDs), antipsychotics (APs), antidepressants
      (ADs), opioids (Ops), anticholinergics (AChs) and antiepileptics (AEs) was
      determined at baseline and after a 7.6-years of the follow-up period. Cognitive
      functioning was used as an outcome variable measured with MMSE at baseline and at
      the mean follow-up of 7.6 years. Control variables were adjusted with analyses of
      covariance. RESULTS: After adjusting for control variables, the use of Ops and
      the concomitant use of Ops and BZDs as well as the use of Ops and any CNS
      medication were associated with cognitive decline. The use of AChs was associated
      with decline in cognitive functioning only in men. CONCLUSIONS: Of all the CNS
      medications analyzed in this study, the use of Ops may have the greatest effect
      on cognitive functioning in the ageing population. Due to small sample sizes
      these findings cannot be generalized to the unselected ageing population. More
      studies are needed concerning the long-term use of CNS medications, especially
      their concomitant use, and their potential cognitive effects.

PMID- 22044596
TI  - Bioengineering of coagulation factor VIII for efficient  expression through
      elimination of a dispensable disulfide loop.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Heterologous expression of factor VIII (FVIII) is about two to three
      orders of magnitude lower than similarly sized proteins. Bioengineering
      strategies aimed at different structural and biochemical attributes of FVIII have
      been successful in enhancing its expression levels. OBJECTIVE: Disulfide bonds
      are vital to the proper folding, secretion and stability of most secretory
      proteins. In an effort to explore additional targeted bioengineering approaches,
      the role of disulfide bonds in FVIII secretion and function was probed in this
      study. METHODS AND RESULTS: Single and paired cysteine mutants were generated by
      substituting with serine or glycine residues and analyzed by transient
      transfection into COS-1 and CHO cells. Seven of the eight disulfide bonds in
      FVIII were found to be indispensable for proper secretion and function. However,
      elimination of the disulfide bond formed by C1899 and C1903 within the conserved
      A3 domain improved the secretion of FVIII. The addition of the C1899G/C1903G
      mutations to a previously described FVIII variant, 226/N6, with high secretion
      efficiency increased its secretion by 2.2-fold. Finally, the addition of the A1
      domain mutation, F309S, in conjunction with the disulfide mutation had an
      additive effect, resulting in a net improvement in secretion of between 35 and 45
      fold higher than wild-type FVIII in CHO cells. CONCLUSION: Such combined targeted
      bioengineering strategies may facilitate more efficient production of recombinant
      FVIII and contribute toward low-cost factor replacement therapy for hemophilia A.

PMID- 22044597
TI  - H. pylori exploits and manipulates innate and adaptive immune cell signaling
      pathways to establish persistent infection.
AB  - Persistent infection with the gastric bacterial pathogen Helicobacter pylori
      causes gastritis and predisposes carriers to a high gastric cancer risk, but has
      also been linked to protection from allergic, chronic inflammatory and autoimmune
      diseases. In the course of tens of thousands of years of co-existence with its
      human host, H. pylori has evolved elaborate adaptations that allow it to persist
      in the hostile environment of the stomach in the face of a vigorous innate and
      adaptive immune response. For this review, we have identified several key immune
      cell types and signaling pathways that appear to be preferentially targeted by
      the bacteria to establish and maintain persistent infection. We explore the
      mechanisms that allow the bacteria to avoid detection by innate immune cells via
      their pattern recognition receptors, to escape T-cell mediated adaptive immunity,
      and to reprogram the immune system towards tolerance rather than immunity. The
      implications of the immunomodulatory properties of the bacteria for the
      prevention of allergic and auto-immune diseases in chronically infected
      individuals are also discussed.

PMID- 22044598
TI  - The Foxconn suicides and their media prominence: is the Werther Effect applicable
      in China?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Media reporting of suicide and its relationship with actual suicide
      has rarely been investigated in Mainland China. The "Foxconn suicides" is a
      description referring to a string of suicides/attempts during 2010, all of which
      were related to a giant electrical manufacturing company, Foxconn. This study
      aimed to examine the clustering and copycat effects of the Foxconn suicides, and
      to investigate temporal patterns in how they were reported by the media in
      Mainland China, Hong Kong (HK), and Taiwan (TW). METHODS: Relevant articles were
      collected from representative newspapers published in three big cities in
      Mainland China (Beijing (BJ), Shenzhen (SZ), and Guangzhou (GZ)), HK, and TW,
      together with searching intensity data on the topic conducted using the Baidu
      search engine in Mainland China. The temporal clustering effects of the Foxconn
      suicides and their media prominence were assessed using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov
      test. The media reports of the Foxconn suicides' temporal patterns were explored
      using a nonparametric curve estimation method (that is, the local linear method).
      The potential mutual interactions between the Foxconn suicides and their media
      prominence were also examined, using logistic and Poisson regression methods.
      RESULTS: The results support a temporal clustering effect for the Foxconn
      suicides. The BJ-based newspapers' reporting and the occurrence of a Foxconn
      suicide/attempt are each found to be associated with an elevated chance of a
      further Foxconn suicide 3 days later. The occurrence of a Foxconn suicide also
      immediately influenced the intensity of both Baidu searching and newspaper
      reporting. Regional diversity in suicide reporting tempo-patterns within Mainland
      China, and similarities between HK and TW, are also demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS:
      The Foxconn suicides were temporally clustered. Their occurrences were influenced
      by the reporting of BJ-based newspapers, and contagion within the company itself.
      Further suicide research and prevention work in China should consider its special
      media environment.

PMID- 22044599
TI  - Visceral and mucosal involvement in neonatal haemangiomatosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Two types of neonatal haemangiomatosis (NH) are distinguished:
      diffuse which is associated with a high rate of mortality linked to
      mucosal/visceral involvement, and benign. OBJECTIVES: First, this study aimed to
      examine the frequency of mucosal and visceral (especially hepatic) involvement in
      NH, according to skin extension, and second, it aimed to examine clinical,
      pathological (with glucose transporter 1 (GLUT-1) immunostaining), and imaging
      features of NH, including follow-up data. METHODS: This was a descriptive
      retrospective study carried out in the University Hospital Center of Tours,
      France. RESULTS: The study included 19 patients with cutaneous NH (number of skin
      haemangiomas ranging from 5 to >100). Mucosal involvement was observed in 32% of
      all cases (100% and 19% in diffuse and other cutaneous cases respectively) and
      hepatic involvement in 42% (67% and 38% respectively). The number of hepatic
      haemangiomas ranged from 1 to >10. Half of the hepatic haemangiomas cases
      exhibited increased hepatic arterial blood flow. CONCLUSIONS: Mucosal and hepatic
      involvement was frequent in cases with a high number of cutaneous haemangiomas
      (>100), but only frequency of mucosal involvement was statistically significant
      (P = 0.021).

PMID- 22044600
TI  - MALDI-TOF MS Andromas strategy for the routine identification of bacteria,
      mycobacteria, yeasts, Aspergillus spp. and positive blood cultures.
AB  - All organisms usually isolated in our laboratory are now routinely identified by
      matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry
      (MALDI-TOF MS) using the Andromas software. The aim of this study was to describe
      the use of this strategy in a routine clinical microbiology laboratory. The
      microorganisms identified included bacteria, mycobacteria, yeasts and Aspergillus
      spp. isolated on solid media or extracted directly from blood cultures. MALDI-TOF
      MS was performed on 2665 bacteria isolated on solid media, corresponding to all
      bacteria isolated during this period except Escherichia coli grown on chromogenic
      media. All acquisitions were performed without extraction. After a single
      acquisition, 93.1% of bacteria grown on solid media were correctly identified.
      When the first acquisition was not contributory, a second acquisition was
      performed either the same day or the next day. After two acquisitions, the rate
      of bacteria identified increased to 99.2%. The failures reported on 21 strains
      were due to an unknown profile attributed to new species (9) or an insufficient
      quality of the spectrum (12). MALDI-TOF MS has been applied to 162 positive blood
      cultures. The identification rate was 91.4%. All mycobacteria isolated during
      this period (22) were correctly identified by MALDI-TOF MS without any
      extraction. For 96.3% and 92.2% of yeasts and Aspergillus spp., respectively, the
      identification was obtained with a single acquisition. After a second
      acquisition, the overall identification rate was 98.8% for yeasts (160/162) and
      98.4% (63/64) for Aspergillus spp. In conclusion, the MALDI-TOF MS strategy used
      in this work allows a rapid and efficient identification of all microorganisms
      isolated routinely.

PMID- 22044601
TI  - Fatty acid profiling and molecular characterization of some freshwater microalgae
      from India with potential for biodiesel production.
AB  - We determined the fatty acid compositions of six species of freshwater microalgae
      belonging to the Chlorophyta, which were isolated from freshwater bodies in
      Assam, India. All six microalgae -Desmodesmus sp. DRLMA7, Desmodesmus elegans
      DRLMA13, Scenedesmus sp. DRLMA5, Scenedesmus sp. DRLMA9 Chlorella sp. DRLMA3 and
      Chlorococcum macrostigmatum DRLMA12-showed similar fatty acid profiles 16:0,
      16:4, 18:1, 18:2, and 18:3 as major components. We also compared fatty acid
      compositions during the late exponential and stationary growth phases of D.
      elegans DRLMA13 and Scenedesmus sp. DRLMA9 in BG11 medium. We observed enhanced
      percentages of total saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids with a concomitant
      decrease in polyunsaturated fatty acid content upon the prolonged cultivation of
      both microalgae. Distinct morphological features of microalgal isolates were
      determined by scanning electron microscopic (SEM) studies. An ornamented cell
      wall was found in D. elegans DRLMA13, which is characteristic of small spineless
      species of Desmodesmus. The isolated microalgae were further distinguished
      through analysis of internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) secondary structures and
      compensatory base changes (CBCs). Analysis of CBCs showed the relatedness of
      Chlorella sp. DRLMA3 with other Chlorella-like organisms, but it does not belong
      to the clade comprising Chlorella sensu stricto, which includes Chlorella
      vulgaris. The CBC count between Scenedesmus sp. DRLMA9 and other species of
      Scenedesmus provides evidence that this isolate represents a new species.

PMID- 22044602
TI  - Generalized shrinkage F-like statistics for testing an interaction term in gene
      expression analysis in the presence of heteroscedasticity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many analyses of gene expression data involve hypothesis tests of an
      interaction term between two fixed effects, typically tested using a residual
      variance. In expression studies, the issue of variance heteroscedasticity has
      received much attention, and previous work has focused on either between-gene or
      within-gene heteroscedasticity. However, in a single experiment,
      heteroscedasticity may exist both within and between genes. Here we develop
      flexible shrinkage error estimators considering both between-gene and within-gene
      heteroscedasticity and use them to construct F-like test statistics for testing
      interactions, with cutoff values obtained by permutation. These permutation tests
      are complicated, and several permutation tests are investigated here. RESULTS:
      Our proposed test statistics are compared with other existing shrinkage-type test
      statistics through extensive simulation studies and a real data example. The
      results show that the choice of permutation procedures has dramatically more
      influence on detection power than the choice of F or F-like test statistics. When
      both types of gene heteroscedasticity exist, our proposed test statistics can
      control preselected type-I errors and are more powerful. Raw data permutation is
      not valid in this setting. Whether unrestricted or restricted residual
      permutation should be used depends on the specific type of test statistic.
      CONCLUSIONS: The F-like test statistic that uses the proposed flexible shrinkage
      error estimator considering both types of gene heteroscedasticity and
      unrestricted residual permutation can provide a statistically valid and powerful
      test. Therefore, we recommended that it should always applied in the analysis of
      real gene expression data analysis to test an interaction term.

PMID- 22044603
TI  - Effect of chloroethene concentrations and granular activated carbon on reductive
      dechlorination rates and growth of Dehalococcoides spp.
AB  - This study focused on the investigation of (i) the tetrachloroethene (PCE)
      toxicity threshold of a reductively dechlorinating mixed culture containing
      Dehalococcoides spp., (ii) the adsorption of PCE on different types of granular
      activated carbon (GAC), and (iii) the bioavailability and reductive
      dechlorination in the presence of GAC. The abundance of Dehalococcoides spp.
      detected by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was found to
      increase by 2-4 orders of magnitude during degradation of PCE. No degradation
      occurred at dissolved concentrations beyond 420 MUM (70 mg/L). Different
      adsorption isotherms were determined for thermally and chemically activated
      carbons. The addition of GAC to biological assays reduced the dissolved PCE
      concentration below the toxicity threshold. The combination of microbial
      reductive dechlorination with GAC adsorption proved to be a promising method for
      remediation of groundwater contaminated by high concentrations of chloroethenes.

PMID- 22044604
TI  - Watching the fetal brain at 'rest'.
AB  - Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has allowed insights into the
      spatiotemporal distribution of human brain networks. According to the
      neurophysiological property of the fetal brain to generate spontaneous activity,
      we aimed to determine the feasibility of investigating the maturation of
      intrinsic networks, beginning at gestational week 20 in healthy human fetuses by
      combining resting-state fMRI and an analytical approach, independent component
      analysis (ICA). In this study, functional images of 16 fetuses with
      morphologically normal brain development, from 20 to 36 gestational weeks of age,
      were acquired on a 1.5T unit (Philips Medical Systems, Best, The Netherlands)
      using single-shot, gradient-recalled echo-planar imaging. After preprocessing
      (motion correction, brain extraction), images were analyzed using single-subject
      ICA. We visualized a bilateral occipital network and medial and lateral
      prefrontal activity pattern that involved the future Brodmann areas 9-11.
      Furthermore, there was one either predominantly right (3/7 cases) or left (4/7
      cases) hemispheric lateralized network that involved the superior temporal
      cortical regions (Brodmann areas 22 and 39). Frequency oscillations were in the
      range of 0.01-0.06Hz for all networks. This study shows that resting-state
      networks (RSNs) are shaped and are detectable in utero. Further investigations of
      resting-state measurements in the fetus may therefore allow developmental brain
      activity monitoring and may provide insights into early brain function.

PMID- 22044605
TI  - Clinical/pathologic features and patient outcome in early onset endometrial
      carcinoma: a population based analysis and an institutional perspective from the
      Detroit metropolitan area, Michigan.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Analyze tumor characteristics and outcomes in patients with
      endometrial carcinoma (EC)<40 years of age and compare them to the
      characteristics of patients >= 40 years of age. METHODS: 10,700 patients (305
      patients <40 years of age) diagnosed between 1988 and 2007 with EC from the
      Metropolitan Detroit Cancer Surveillance System (MDCSS), and 884 patients (42
      patients <40 years of age) diagnosed between 1996 and 2008 with EC from our
      institutional database were identified. Differences in clinical and demographic
      variables by age (<40 vs. >= 40) were assessed for statistical significance by
      chi-square tests. Cox proportional hazards models were used to calculate adjusted
      hazard ratios (HR) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) to assess the risk
      of death from all causes. RESULTS: MDCSS based analysis: Patients<40 were more
      likely to present with low grade tumors (p<0.0001) and endometroid histology
      (p=0.0004) but less likely to undergo surgery (p=0.0007) or radiotherapy
      (p=0.0007). A multivariate analysis confirmed the significance of age, grade, and
      stage in all patients, and that of histologic type, surgery, and race in patients
      >= 40 as independent prognostic factors for overall survival. Institution based
      analysis: Patients<40 had a higher proportion of patients with BM I >= 30
      (p=0.04), and presented with a higher frequency of well differentiated (p=0.04)
      endometrioid tumors (p=0.004) that are less prone to have deep myometrial
      invasion (p=0.008). CONCLUSION: This study supports the hypothesis of a disease
      that is biologically and genetically heterogeneous among women of different ages
      and ethnicities.

PMID- 22044606
TI  - A phase II trial of pemetrexed in combination with carboplatin in patients with
      recurrent ovarian or primary peritoneal cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Carboplatin-based combinations are commonly used in platinum-sensitive
      ovarian cancer (PSOC). Pemetrexed in combination with carboplatin has been shown
      to be feasible in a phase I study in PSOC. The primary objective of this
      subsequent phase II study was to determine the overall response rate (ORR;
      defined by Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors) of this combination in
      patients with recurrent PSOC. Secondary objectives included progression-free
      survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and toxicity. METHODS: Patients with PSOC
      (defined by recurrence >= 6 months after completion of up to two lines of prior
      platinum-based therapy), measurable disease, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group
      performance status of 0 to 2, and adequate organ function were eligible.
      Pemetrexed 500 mg/m(2) was administered as a 10-minute infusion followed by
      carboplatin AUC 6 as a 30-minute infusion on day 1 of a 21-day cycle. RESULTS:
      Sixty-six patients were treated. Of the 61 patients evaluable for response, there
      were 20 responders (one complete response and 19 partial responses), for an ORR
      of 32.8% (95% CI: 21.3%, 46.0%). For the intent-to-treat population (all 66
      patients), the median PFS was 9.4 months (95% CI: 8.3, 11.1), with 22.7%
      censoring. Median OS was not reached due to the high censoring rate. There was
      one drug-related death (multi-organ failure). The most common drug-related grade
      3/4 toxicities were neutropenia (39.4%), thrombocytopenia (24.2%), carboplatin
      hypersensitivity (9.1%), nausea (6.1%), and vomiting (6.1%). CONCLUSIONS:
      Carboplatin AUC 6 and pemetrexed 500 mg/m(2) has a low incidence of serious
      toxicities. Defining the platinum-based combination with the best therapeutic
      index would require a prospective phase III study.

PMID- 22044607
TI  - Xeroderma pigmentosum.
AB  - Xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) is defined by extreme sensitivity to sunlight,
      resulting in sunburn, pigment changes in the skin and a greatly elevated
      incidence of skin cancers. It is a rare autosomal recessive disorder and has been
      found in all continents and racial groups. Estimated incidences vary from 1 in
      20, 000 in Japan to 1 in 250, 000 in the USA, and approximately 2.3 per million
      live births in Western Europe.The first features are either extreme sensitivity
      to sunlight, triggering severe sunburn, or, in patients who do not show this sun
      sensitivity, abnormal lentiginosis (freckle-like pigmentation due to increased
      numbers of melanocytes) on sun-exposed areas. This is followed by areas of
      increased or decreased pigmentation, skin aging and multiple skin cancers, if the
      individuals are not protected from sunlight. A minority of patients show
      progressive neurological abnormalities. There are eight XP complementation
      groups, corresponding to eight genes, which, if defective, can result in XP. The
      products of these genes are involved in the repair of ultraviolet (UV)-induced
      damage in DNA. Seven of the gene products (XPA through G) are required to remove
      UV damage from the DNA. The eighth (XPV or DNA polymerase eta) is required to
      replicate DNA containing unrepaired damage. There is wide variability in clinical
      features both between and within XP groups. Diagnosis is made clinically by the
      presence, from birth, of an acute and prolonged sunburn response at all exposed
      sites, unusually early lentiginosis in sun-exposed areas or onset of skin cancers
      at a young age. The clinical diagnosis is confirmed by cellular tests for
      defective DNA repair. These features distinguish XP from other photodermatoses
      such as solar urticaria and polymorphic light eruption, Cockayne Syndrome (no
      pigmentation changes, different repair defect) and other lentiginoses such as
      Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, Leopard syndrome and Carney complex (pigmentation not sun
      associated), which are inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion. Antenatal
      diagnosis can be performed by measuring DNA repair or by mutation analysis in CVS
      cells or in amniocytes. Although there is no cure for XP, the skin effects can be
      minimised by rigorous protection from sunlight and early removal of pre-cancerous
      lesions. In the absence of neurological problems and with lifetime protection
      against sunlight, the prognosis is good. In patients with neurological problems,
      these are progressive, leading to disabilities and a shortened lifespan.

PMID- 22044608
TI  - Mirror images: fish versus terrestrial animals.

PMID- 22044610
TI  - D-dimer levels as a prognostic factor for determining oncological outcomes in
      musculoskeletal sarcoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Plasma d-dimer levels have been associated with the status of tumor
      progression or oncological outcomes in cancer. Although there are many evidences
      suggesting the involvement of procoagulant trend in musculoskeletal sarcoma, no
      clinical data on d-dimer levels and oncological outcome of musculoskeletal
      sarcoma has been reported. METHODS: In this study, we included a total of 85
      patients who were diagnosed with musculoskeletal sarcoma and treated at our
      institute. Plasma d-dimer levels were determined before performing any clinical
      intervention, including open biopsy, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or tumor
      resection. We evaluated the effect of d-dimer levels and other
      clinicopathological factors on oncological outcomes of patients. RESULTS:
      Upregulation of plasma d-dimer levels proved to be an independent risk factor for
      metastasis and lethal outcome of patients with musculoskeletal sarcoma.
      CONCLUSIONS: Upregulation of plasma d-dimer levels were indicated poor
      oncological outcome in metastasis and total survival rate of musculoskeletal
      sarcoma patients. Hence d-dimer levels may be a helpful marker for evaluating the
      tumor progression status and prognosis of musculoskeletal sarcoma.

PMID- 22044609
TI  - Motivational brief intervention for the prevention of sexually transmitted
      infections in travelers: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are among the frequent risks
      encountered by travelers. Efficient interventions are needed to improve the
      understanding of the risks of STIs. We investigated the potential benefits of a
      motivational brief intervention (BI) and the provision of condoms on the
      engagement in unprotected casual sex. METHODS: 3-arm randomized controlled trial
      performed among single travelers aged 18-44 years visiting a travel clinic in
      Switzerland. The main outcomes were the prevalence of casual unprotected sexual
      intercourse and their predictors. RESULTS: 5148 eligible travelers were seen from
      2006 to 2008. 1681 agreed to participate and 1115 subjects (66%) completed the
      study. 184/1115 (17%) had a casual sexual relationship abroad and overall 46/1115
      (4.1%) had inconsistently protected sexual relations. Women (adjusted OR 2.7
      [95%CI 1.4-5.6]) and travelers with a history of past STI (adjusted OR 2.8 [95%CI
      1.1-7.4]) had more frequent casual sexual relationships without consistent
      protection. Regarding the effect of our intervention, the prevalence of subjects
      using condoms inconsistently was 28% (95%CI16-40) in the motivational BI group,
      24% (95%CI10-37) in the condoms group and 24% (95%CI14-33) in the control group
      (p = 0.7). CONCLUSION: This study showed that a motivational brief intervention
      and/or the provision of free condoms did not modify risky sexual behavior of
      young travelers. The rate of inconsistently protected sexual relationships during
      travel was however lower than expected TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER:
      ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01056536.

PMID- 22044611
TI  - Practical aspects of a visual aid to decision making.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous research has demonstrated that people with mild intellectual
      disabilities (ID) have difficulty in 'weighing up' information, defined as
      integrating disparate items of information in order to reach a decision. However,
      this problem could be overcome by the use of a visual aid to decision making. In
      an earlier study, participants were taught to translate information about the
      pros and cons of different choices into a single evaluative dimension, by
      manipulating green (good) and red (bad) bars of varying lengths (corresponding to
      the value ascribed). Use of the visual calculator increased the consistency of
      performance (and decreased impulsive responding) in a temporal discounting task,
      and increased the amount of information that participants provided to justify
      their decisions in scenario-based financial decision-making tasks. METHODS: The
      present study examined some practical aspects of visual calculator training,
      using a pen-and-paper version of two temporal discounting tasks. Participants
      with mild ID were tested, individually and in a group setting, before and after
      training in the group setting, and 2 months later. RESULTS: (i) The visual aid
      improved temporal discounting performance using pen-and-paper presentation in a
      group setting as effectively as previously demonstrated using computer-based
      individual presentation. (ii) Following withdrawal of the aid, improvements in
      temporal discounting performance were maintained at 1 day post training, but lost
      following a 2-month hiatus; however, participants showed perfect retention, over
      2 months, of how to use the aid. (iii) In addition to decreasing impulsivity in a
      hypothetical task, as previously demonstrated, use of the visual calculator also
      increased the ability of impulsive participants to wait in real time. CONCLUSION:
      The results suggest that the visual calculator has practical applicability to
      support decision making by people with mild ID in community settings.

PMID- 22044612
TI  - Proteinase-activated receptor-4 evoked colorectal analgesia in mice: an
      endogenously activated feed-back loop in visceral inflammatory pain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Activation of proteinase-activated receptor-4 (PAR-4) from the
      colonic lumen has an antinociceptive effect to colorectal distension (CRD) in
      mice in basal conditions. We aimed to determine the functional localization of
      the responsible receptors and to test their role in two different hyperalgesia
      models. METHODS: Mice received PAR-4 activating peptide (PAR-4-AP, AYPGKF-NH(2))
      or vehicle intraperitoneally (IP), and abdominal EMG response to CRD was
      measured. The next group received PAR-4-AP intracolonically (IC) with or without
      2,4,6-triaminopyrimidine, a chemical tight junction blocker, before CRD. The SCID
      mice were used to test the role of lymphocytes in the antihyperalgesic effect.
      The effects of PAR-4-AP and PAR-4-antagonist (P4pal-10) were evaluated in water
      avoidance stress (WAS) model and low grade 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid
      (TNBS) colitis. Spinal Fos protein expression was visualized by
      immunohistochemistry. KEY RESULTS: The antinociceptive effect of PAR-4-AP
      disappeared when was administrered IP, or with the blockade of colonic epithelial
      tight junctions, suggesting that PAR-4-AP needs to reach directly the nerve
      terminals in the colon. The CRD-induced spinal Fos overexpression was reduced by
      43% by PAR-4-AP. The PAR-4-AP was antihyperalgesic in both hyperalgesia models
      and in mice with impaired lymphocytes. The PAR-4-antagonist significantly
      increased the TNBS, but not the WAS-induced colonic hyperalgesia. CONCLUSIONS &
      INFERENCES: The antinociceptive effect of PAR-4-AP depends on its penetration to
      the colonic mucosa. The PAR-4 activation is endogenously involved as a feedback
      loop to attenuate inflammatory colonic hyperalgesia to CRD.

PMID- 22044613
TI  - Assessment of left ventricular mechanical dyssynchrony using real time three
      dimensional echocardiography: a comparative study to Doppler tissue imaging.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess left ventricular mechanical dyssynchrony (LVMD) using real
      time three-dimensional echocardiography (RT3DE) and comparing it with the
      different dyssynchrony indices derived from Doppler tissue imaging (DTI) for the
      same patient. METHODS: The study included 60 consecutive patients who were
      considered candidates for CRT, i.e., having ejection fraction <=35%, NYHA class
      III or ambulatory class IV, QRS duration >=120 msec, on optimal pharmacological
      therapy. Apical RT3DE full volumes were obtained and analyzed to generate the
      systolic dyssynchrony index (SDI-16), which is the standard deviation of the time
      to minimal systolic volume of the 16 segments of LV. Color-coded DTI was
      performed for the three standard apical views with estimation of the mechanical
      dyssynchrony index (12 Ts-SD), which is the standard deviation of the time to
      peak systolic velocity at 12 segments of LV. RESULTS: SDI-16 was 10.96 +/- 3.9%
      (cutoff value: 8.3%), while Ts-SD was 38 +/- 10.2 msec (cutoff value: 32.6 msec).
      The concordance rate for both indices was 75%; however, there was no correlation
      between both indices (r = 0.14, P = 0.3). SDI-16 showed good correlation with QRS
      duration (r = 0.45, P < 0.001) and inverse correlation with left ventricular
      ejection fraction (LVEF) calculated by RT3DE (r =-0.37, P = 0.004), while 12 Ts
      SD index showed no correlation with QRS duration (r =-0.0082, P = 0.51) or 2D
      LVEF (r =-0.26, P = 0.84). CONCLUSIONS: RT3DE can quantify LVMD by providing the
      SDI-16 and it may prove to be more useful than DTI as it shows increasing
      dyssynchrony with increased QRS duration and decreased LVEF.

PMID- 22044614
TI  - Discussing trainee participation in cataract surgery: what are patients told?

PMID- 22044615
TI  - Survival after treatment for carcinoma invading bladder muscle: a Dutch
      population-based study on the impact of hospital volume.
AB  - Study Type - Prognosis (cohort). Level of Evidence 2a. What's known on the
      subject? and What does the study add? The subject of mortality and survival rates
      after radical cystectomies in high-volume hospitals in comparison to low-volume
      hospitals has been extensively studied. Postoperative mortality is known to be
      significantly lower with high-volume providers, but for survival rates there was
      only a trend forwards this finding. For this reason, we performed this Dutch
      population-based study on survival rates, to see if we had enough power to
      support this trend with significant findings. To our knowledge, this is the first
      study of good quality showing a significant beneficial effect for survival in
      high-volume hospitals. OBJECTIVE: * To examine the volume-outcome relationship
      for carcinoma invading bladder muscle (MIBC) with respect to differences in
      survival rates among all hospitals in the Netherlands as a guide for
      regionalization initiatives. MATERIALS AND METHODS: * This population-based
      retrospective study included all patients (n= 13 033) newly diagnosed with MIBC
      during the period 1999-2008 in the Netherlands, selected from the Netherlands
      Cancer Registry. * Data were collected on demographics, morphology, stage at
      diagnosis and after surgery, primary treatment, vital status and date of follow
      up or death. * The relative survival rate (RSR) per treatment was analysed for
      age, stage and hospital surgical volume. RESULTS: * Overall 5 and 10-year RSR for
      all treatments of MIBC was 32% and 25%, respectively. * Although 71.7% of the
      patients featured stages II and III, radical cystectomy was only performed in
      only 42% and 44% of these patients, respectively. * Relative survival for MIBC
      remained unchanged in the two consecutive time periods (1999-2003 and 2004-2008).
      * In all, 34% of patients diagnosed in low-volume hospitals (<10
      cystectomies/year) underwent cystectomy vs 42% of those diagnosed in high-volume
      hospitals (P= 0.000). * In a multivariate analysis long-term survival (>30 days
      after surgery) was significantly lower in patients after cystectomy for stage
      II/III in low-volume hospitals (hazard ratio [HR] 1.17, P= 0.036). A high lymph
      node count (>20) was associated with a lower risk of death (HR 0.52, P= 0.000).
      CONCLUSIONS: * The 10-year RSR for patients with MIBC in the Netherlands was
      modest (25%) and has remained unchanged in the last decade. * The chance of
      undergoing cystectomy is significantly higher in high-volume hospitals. Long-term
      survival after cystectomy is higher in high-volume hospitals. * Regionalization
      of bladder cancer treatments could improve overall outcomes.

PMID- 22044616
TI  - Park gazettement and integrated conservation and development as factors in
      community conflict at Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda.
AB  - Conflicts between protected-area managers and local people are common, but the
      drivers of conflict are rarely analyzed. This limits opportunities to identify
      strategies that reduce conflict and the magnitude of resulting threats to
      conservation. Integrated conservation and development (ICD) was adopted at Bwindi
      Impenetrable Forest, Uganda, to reduce conflict during gazettement of the
      national park, but the success of this approach remains contested. We retrieved
      documents of conflict written by park staff and local people from 1986 through
      2000 (before, during, and after gazettement). We extracted data on 48 incidences
      of violent conflict and categorized them by gazettement period, area, instigator,
      and type to undertake a historical analysis of the triggers of violent conflict
      at Bwindi. Before and during gazettement, local villagers instigated most of the
      conflict incidents when law-enforcement efforts sought to halt commercial
      activities within Bwindi. No conflict arose from the arrest of villagers
      collecting subsistence resources during these periods. After gazettement,
      prohibitions on commercial activities continued to drive conflict even though
      villagers collecting subsistence resources were arrested more frequently than
      before gazettement, and local attitudes toward the park had improved following
      receipt of ICD benefits. Law-enforcement efforts targeted commercial activities
      to reduce this threat to Bwindi's mountain gorillas (Gorilla beringei beringei),
      although the activities remained important income sources for people in villages
      near Bwindi. Losing commercial income following gazettement therefore appeared to
      be their primary motivation for instigating conflict with park rangers.
      Prohibitions on subsistence resource use triggered conflict less often. Our use
      of typologies for a multivariate conflict analysis demonstrates that by
      identifying differences between effects of conservation as drivers of conflict,
      conflict analysis can enable a more strategic deployment of conflict-resolution
      measures that could further conservation efforts. At Bwindi targeting ICD toward
      individuals who lost benefits from commercial activities may strengthen the role
      of ICD in conflict resolution and conservation.

PMID- 22044617
TI  - Genetic modulation of the FV(Leiden)/normal FV ratio and risk of venous
      thrombosis in factor V Leiden heterozygotes.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The factor (F)V Leiden mutation causes activated
      protein C (APC) resistance by decreasing the susceptibility of FVa to APC
      mediated inactivation and by impairing the APC-cofactor activity of FV in FVIIIa
      inactivation. However, APC resistance and the risk of venous thromboembolism
      (VTE) vary widely among FV Leiden heterozygotes. Common F5 genetic variation
      probably contributes to this variability. PATIENTS/METHODS: APC resistance was
      determined in 250 FV Leiden heterozygotes and 133 normal relatives using the
      prothrombinase-based assay, which specifically measures the susceptibility of
      plasma FVa to APC. The effects of 12 F5 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on
      the normalized APC sensitivity ratio (nAPCsr) and on FV levels were determined by
      multiple regression analysis. RESULTS: In FV Leiden heterozygotes,VTE risk
      increased with increasing nAPCsr, reaching an odds ratio (OR) of 9.9 (95%
      confidence interval [CI] 1.2-80.5) in the highest nAPCsr quartile. The minor
      alleles of several F5 SNPs, including 327 A/G (Q51Q), 409 G/C (D79H), 2663
      A/G(K830R, T2 haplotype), 6533 T/C (M2120T) and 6755 A/G (D2194G, R2 haplotype),
      increased the nAPCsr in FV Leiden heterozygotes, but not in their normal
      relatives. Most of these effects could be attributed to a shift in the
      FV(Leiden)/normal FV ratio. Four FV Leiden heterozygotes with extremely high
      nAPCsr turned out to be pseudo-homozygotes, i.e. they carried a deleterious
      mutation on the non-Leiden allele. CONCLUSIONS: In FV Leiden heterozygotes, the
      prothrombinase-based nAPCsr is a marker of VTE risk and is modulated by common F5
      SNPs that affect the FV(Leiden)/normal FV ratio in plasma.

PMID- 22044618
TI  - Complete genomic sequence of a reovirus isolated from grass carp in China.
AB  - A reovirus was isolated from sick grass carp in Guangdong, China in 2009, and
      tentatively named 'grass carp reovirus Guangdong 108 strain' (GCRV-GD108). This
      reovirus was propagated in grass carp snout fibroblast cell line PSF with no
      obvious cytopathic effects. Its genome was 24,703bp in length with a 50% G+C
      content and 11 dsRNA segments encoding 11 proteins instead of 12 proteins. It has
      been classified as an Aquareovirus (AQRV). Sequence comparisons showed that it
      possessed only 7 homologous proteins to grass carp reovirus (GCRV) (with 17.6
      45.8% identities), but 9 homologous proteins to mammalian orthoreoviruses (MRV)
      (with 15-46% identities). GCRV-GD108 lacked homology to VP7, NS4&NS5 and NS3 of
      GCRV, while it had sigma1 and sigma NS homology to MRV. VP2 of GCRV-GD108 shared
      high amino acid sequence identity (44-47%) with AQRVs, whereas VP5 did not
      exhibit much identity (24-25%) to AQRVs. Conserved terminal sequences, 5'-GUAAUUU
      and UUCAUC-3', were found in all of the 11 genomic segments of GCRV-GD108 at the
      5' and 3' non-coding regions (NCRs) of the segments. The 5' NCRs of GCRV-GD108
      was similar to GCRV, but differed from other species of AQRV or Orthoreoviruses
      (ORV). Phylogenetic analysis of coat proteins belonging to Reoviridae, VP1-VP6,
      showed that GCRV-GD108 clustered with AQRVs and grouped with ORVs, suggesting
      that GCRV-GD108 belonged to the genus Aquareovirus but was distinctive from any
      known species of AQRV. Morphological and pathological analyses, and genetic
      characterization of GCRV-GD108 suggested that it may be a new species of AQRV and
      it was more closely related with ORVs than other AQRVs. In addition, RT-PCR
      analysis of diseased grass carp samples collected from different regions of China
      indicated that these viruses displayed high similarities to each other (95.3
      99.4%). They also shared high sequence similarities to GCRV-GD108 (96.7-99.4%),
      indicating that GCRV-GD108 is representative of the prevalence strain in southern
      China.

PMID- 22044619
TI  - Infection of Hantaan virus strain AA57 leading to pulmonary disease in laboratory
      mice.
AB  - Hantaan virus (HTNV) is a causative agent of hemorrhagic fever with renal
      syndrome (HFRS). The pathogenesis of HFRS has not been fully elucidated, mainly
      due to the lack of a suitable animal model. In laboratory mice, HTNV causes
      encephalitis. However, that symptom is dissimilar to human hantavirus infections.
      We found that HTNV strain AA57 (isolated from Apodemus agrarius in Far East
      Russia) caused pulmonary disease in 2-week-old ICR mice. The clinical signs of
      the infected mice were piloerection, trembling, hunching, labored breathing, and
      body-weight loss. A large volume of pleural effusion was collected from thoracic
      cavities of the dead mice. Overall, 45% of the mice inoculated with 3000 focus
      forming units (FFU) of the virus began to show clinical symptoms at 8 days post
      inoculation, and 25% of the inoculated mice died within 3 days of onset of the
      disease. The morbidity and mortality rates of the mice inoculated with 30
      30,000FFU of HTNV strain AA57 were roughly equivalent. The highest rates of virus
      positivity (11/12) and the highest titers of HTNV strain AA57 were detected in
      the lungs of the dead mice, while lower detection rates and viral titers were
      found in the heart, kidneys, spleen, and brain. Interstitial pneumonia,
      perivascular edema, hemorrhage, inflammatory infiltration and vascular failure
      were observed in the lungs of the sick mice. Hantaviral antigens were detected in
      the lung endothelial cells of the sick mice. The symptoms and pathology of this
      mouse model resemble those of hantavirus pulmonary syndrome (HPS) and, to a
      certain extent, those of HFRS. This is the first report that, in laboratory mice,
      the HFRS-related hantavirus causes a HPS-like disease and shares some symptom
      similarities with HFRS.

PMID- 22044620
TI  - Orally active zwitterionic factor Xa inhibitors with long duration of action.
AB  - We have optimized 2-aminomethylphenylamine derivative as a factor Xa inhibitor.
      Several polar functional groups were introduced in the central phenyl ring, and
      we focused on zwitter ionic compound showing continuous inhibitory activity in
      oral administration test. In vitro and oral activities were improved by
      optimization of S1 and S4 ligands. Incorporating the interaction with S1-beta
      pocket enhanced in vitro factor Xa inhibitory activity to less than 1 nM. Many
      zwitter ionic compounds showed long duration of action and potent inhibitory
      activity and high AUC values in oral administration tests to monkeys.

PMID- 22044621
TI  - ortho-Quinone tanshinones directly inhibit telomerase through an oxidative
      mechanism mediated by hydrogen peroxide.
AB  - The tanshinone natural products possess a variety of pharmacological properties
      including anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-neoplastic
      activity. The molecular basis of these effects, however, remains largely unknown.
      In the present study, we explored the direct effect of tanshinones on the enzyme
      telomerase. Telomerase is up-regulated in the majority of cancer cells and is
      essential for their survival, making it a potential anti-cancer drug target. We
      found that the ortho-quinone tanshinone II-A inhibits telomerase in a time- and
      DTT-dependent fashion, and the hydrogen peroxide scavenger catalase protected
      telomerase from inactivation. These findings demonstrate that ortho-quinone
      containing tanshinones can inhibit telomerase owing to their ability to generate
      reactive oxygen species. The results also provide evidence that telomerase is
      directly and negatively regulated by reactive oxygen species.

PMID- 22044624
TI  - Mitochondrial-nuclear co-evolution and its effects on OXPHOS activity and
      regulation.
AB  - Factors required for mitochondrial function are encoded both by the nuclear and
      mitochondrial genomes. The order of magnitude higher mutation rate of animal
      mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) enforces tight co-evolution of mtDNA and nuclear DNA
      encoded factors. In this essay we argue that such co evolution exists at the
      population and inter-specific levels and affect disease susceptibility. We also
      argue for the existence of three modes of co-evolution in the mitochondrial
      genetic system, which include the interaction of mtDNA and nuclear DNA encoded
      proteins, nuclear protein - mtDNA-encoded RNA interaction within the
      mitochondrial translation machinery and nuclear DNA encoded proteins-mtDNA
      binging sites interaction in the frame of the mtDNA replication and transcription
      machineries. These modes of co evolution require co-regulation of the interacting
      factors encoded by the two genomes. Thus co evolution plays an important role in
      modulating mitochondrial activity. This article is part of a Special Issue
      entitled: Mitochondrial Gene Expression.

PMID- 22044625
TI  - Immunotherapy of infections caused by rare filamentous fungi.
AB  - Invasive fungal infections caused by rare filamentous fungi constitute a
      significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with defective immune
      responses. Despite the advent of new antifungal agents, the problem is escalating
      as the number of susceptible hosts increases and virulent, more resistant fungal
      strains emerge. There is evidence that reconstitution of the host immune function
      is a major contributor to the resolution of these infections. Therapeutic
      modalities aimed at increasing phagocyte numbers, such as granulocyte
      transfusions, stimulating the immune response, such as administration of
      haematopoietic growth factors and other proinflammatory cytokines, or indirectly
      augmenting immune function have shown promising results in the preclinical
      setting. Because of the rarity of the infections, multicentre clinical trials are
      needed to demonstrate the efficacy and safety of the new immunomodulating
      approaches.

PMID- 22044622
TI  - The role of epigenetic variation in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus
      erythematosus.
AB  - The focus of the present review is on the extent to which epigenetic alterations
      influence the development of systemic lupus erythematosus. Lupus is a systemic
      autoimmune disease characterized by the production of autoantibodies directed at
      nuclear self-antigens. A DNA methylation defect in CD4+ T cells has long been
      observed in idiopathic and drug-induced lupus. Recent studies utilizing high
      throughput technologies have further characterized the nature of the DNA
      methylation defect in lupus CD4+ T cells. Emerging evidence in the literature is
      revealing an increasingly interconnected network of epigenetic dysregulation in
      lupus. Recent reports describe variable expression of a number of regulatory
      microRNAs in lupus CD4+ T cells, some of which govern the expression of DNA
      methyltransferase 1. While studies to date have revealed a significant role for
      epigenetic defects in the pathogenesis of lupus, the causal nature of epigenetic
      variation in lupus remains elusive. Future longitudinal epigenetic studies in
      lupus are therefore needed.

PMID- 22044626
TI  - Colour homogeneity and visual perception of age, health and attractiveness of
      male facial skin.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Visible facial skin condition in females is known to affect
      perception of age, health and attractiveness. Skin colour distribution in shape-
      and topography-standardized female faces, driven by localized melanin and
      haemoglobin, can account for up to twenty years of apparent age perception.
      Although this is corroborated by an ability to discern female age even in
      isolated, non-contextual skin images, a similar effect in the perception of male
      skin is yet to be demonstrated. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of skin
      colour homogeneity and chromophore distribution on the visual perception of age,
      health and attractiveness of male facial skin. METHODS: Cropped images from the
      cheeks of facial images of 160 Caucasian British men aged 10-70 years were blind
      rated for age, health and attractiveness by a total of 308 participants. In
      addition, the homogeneity of skin images and corresponding
      eumelanin/oxyhaemoglobin concentration maps were analysed objectively using
      Haralick's image segmentation algorithm. RESULTS: Isolated skin images taken from
      the cheeks of younger males were judged as healthier and more attractive.
      Perception of age, health and attractiveness was strongly related to melanin and
      haemoglobin distribution, whereby more even distributions led to perception of
      younger age and greater health and attractiveness. The evenness of melanized
      features was a stronger cue for age perception, whereas haemoglobin distribution
      was associated more strongly with health and attractiveness perception.
      CONCLUSIONS: Male skin colour homogeneity, driven by melanin and haemoglobin
      distribution, influences perception of age, health and attractiveness.

PMID- 22044627
TI  - Liver fluke-induced hepatic oxysterols stimulate DNA damage and apoptosis in
      cultured human cholangiocytes.
AB  - Oxysterols are cholesterol oxidation products that are generated by enzymatic
      reactions through cytochrome P450 family enzymes or by non-enzymatic reactions
      involving reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. Oxysterols have been identified
      in bile in the setting of chronic inflammation, suggesting that biliary
      epithelial cells are chronically exposed to these compounds in certain clinical
      settings. We hypothesized that biliary oxysterols resulting from liver fluke
      infection participate in cholangiocarcinogenesis. Using gas chromatography/mass
      spectrometry, we identified oxysterols in livers from hamsters infected with
      Opisthorchis viverrini that develop cholangiocarcinoma. Five oxysterols were
      found: 7-keto-cholesta-3,5-diene (7KD), 3-keto-cholest-4-ene (3K4), 3-keto
      cholest-7-ene (3K7), 3-keto-cholesta-4,6-diene (3KD), and cholestan
      3beta,5alpha,6beta-triol (Triol). Triol and 3K4 were found at significantly
      higher levels in the livers of hamsters with O. viverrini-induced
      cholangiocarcinoma. We therefore investigated the effects of Triol and 3K4 on
      induction of cholangiocarcinogenesis using an in vitro human cholangiocyte
      culture model. Triol- and 3K4-treated cells underwent apoptosis. Western blot
      analysis showed significantly increased levels of Bax and decreased levels of Bcl
      2 in these cells. Increased cytochrome c release from mitochondria was found
      following treatment with Triol and 3K4. Triol and 3K4 also induced formation of
      the DNA adducts 1,N(6)-etheno-2'-deoxyadenosine, 3,N(4)-etheno-2'-deoxycytidine
      and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2'-deoxyguanosine in cholangiocytes. The data suggest that
      Triol and 3K4 cause DNA damage via oxidative stress. Chronic liver fluke
      infection increases production of the oxysterols Triol and 3K4 in the setting of
      chronic inflammation in the biliary system. These oxysterols induce apoptosis and
      DNA damage in cholangiocytes. Insufficient and impaired DNA repair of such
      mutated cells may enhance clonal expansion and further drive the change in
      cellular phenotype from normal to malignant.

PMID- 22044628
TI  - Helicobacter pylori vacuolating toxin A and apoptosis.
AB  - VacA, the vacuolating cytotoxin A of Helicobacter pylori, induces apoptosis in
      epithelial cells of the gastic mucosa and in leukocytes. VacA is released by the
      bacteria as a protein of 88 kDa. At the outer surface of host cells, it binds to
      the sphingomyelin of lipid rafts. At least partially, binding to the cells is
      facilitated by different receptor proteins. VacA is internalized by a clathrin
      independent mechanism and initially accumulates in GPI-anchored proteins-enriched
      early endosomal compartments. Together with early endosomes, VacA is distributed
      inside the cells. Most of the VacA is eventually contained in the membranes of
      vacuoles. VacA assembles in hexameric oligomers forming an anion channel of low
      conductivity with a preference for chloride ions. In parallel, a significant
      fraction of VacA can be transferred from endosomes to mitochondria in a process
      involving direct endosome-mitochondria juxtaposition. Inside the mitochondria,
      VacA accumulates in the mitochondrial inner membrane, probably forming similar
      chloride channels as observed in the vacuoles. Import into mitochondria is
      mediated by the hydrophobic N-terminus of VacA. Apoptosis is triggered by loss of
      the mitochondrial membrane potential, recruitment of Bax and Bak, and release of
      cytochrome c.

PMID- 22044629
TI  - Identifying features of bipolarity in patients with first-episode postpartum
      depression: findings from the international BRIDGE study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to assess rates of bipolar spectrum
      disorders in women experiencing their first episode of postpartum depression, and
      to find out features indicative of bipolarity in these patients. METHODS: As part
      of the international BRIDGE study designed to detect hypo/mania in patients with
      a major depressive episode, 52 (5.85%) were found to experience a first episode
      of postpartum (FEPP) depression, whereas 833 (94.13%) had a first episode of
      nonpostpartum (FENPP) depression. Hypo/mania was assessed using varying
      definitions of bipolarity, and the two groups compared on sociodemographic,
      family history and clinical characteristics. RESULTS: Compared to FENPP
      depressive patients, women with FEPP depression had higher rates of bipolar
      disorders, with more hypo/mania in first degree relatives. Psychotic symptoms,
      atypical features, mixed depression, younger age at onset, high number of prior
      episodes, episodes of short duration, switches on antidepressants, seasonality of
      mood episodes as well as mood episodes with free intervals were found to be more
      frequent in FEPP depressives. LIMITATIONS: The following are the limitations of
      this study: centres not randomly selected, recall bias, cross-sectional design,
      and limited training of participating psychiatrists. CONCLUSIONS: This study
      confirms, in women experiencing a first depressive episode, high rates (15 to
      50%) of bipolar disorders during the postpartum period and is the first to
      systematically assess and demonstrate the higher prevalence of identifying
      features of bipolarity in FEPP versus FENPP depression. Early recognition of
      bipolarity in these patients may help prevent the harmful consequences of this
      illness.

PMID- 22044630
TI  - Negative affectivity moderated by BDNF and stress response.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gene*environment (G*E) interactions are known to predict
      susceptibility to disorders such as depression and anxiety. Adverse experiences
      in childhood and number of stressful life events (SLEs) have been widely studied
      as environmental risk factors; however, SLE response has not yet been studied.
      Here we present a first attempt at the analysis of the interaction between the
      response to personal and academic stressful events during different life stages
      and the gene polymorphisms 5-HTTLPR, 5-HTTVNTR (STin2), HTR1A C(-1019)G, and BDNF
      Val66Met in the prediction of negative affectivity (NA). METHODS: Standardized
      questionnaires (ST-DEP and STAI) were used to measure negative affectivity
      derived from depression and anxiety in a sample of 303 undergraduate students.
      Response to stressful events during childhood, high school and college years was
      evaluated together with a self-report personal history form. Multiple logistic
      regression analysis was used to perform association and G*E analysis. RESULTS:
      Negative affectivity is strongly associated with childhood maltreatment and
      stress response. Gene associations were observed between 5-HTTVNTR allele 12 and
      the S_12 haplotype with NA derived from high scores in both depression and
      anxiety. The BDNF gene variant was not associated with NA derived from depression
      or anxiety alone, but it was associated with the comorbid presentation. A
      significant G*E interaction was observed between the BDNF Val66Met and stress
      response during childhood and college years although the risk for negative
      affectivity conferred by stress response during childhood was only significant
      among the Met allele carriers, while stress response during college years was a
      significant risk factor regardless of the BDNF Val66Met genotype. A significant
      G*E interaction was also found between the HTR1A C(-1019)G variant and childhood
      maltreatment. LIMITATIONS: The study has two main limitations, sample size is low
      and retrospective recognition of SLEs is a concern. CONCLUSION: Altogether, our
      results demonstrate that the BDNF Val66Met variant moderates the effect of stress
      during both childhood and college years; although this effect seems to be more
      critical during childhood given that the risk conferred by childhood stress was
      restricted to the Met allele carriers. We also found that the HTR1A C(-1019)G
      variant moderates the effect of childhood maltreatment in our study population.

PMID- 22044631
TI  - Distinguishing symptom dimensions of depression and anxiety: an integrative
      approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clark and Watson developed the tripartite model in which a symptom
      dimension of 'negative affect' covers common psychological distress that is
      typically seen in anxious and depressed patients. The 'positive affect' and
      'somatic arousal' dimensions cover more specific symptoms. Although the model has
      met much support, it does not cover all relevant anxiety symptoms and its
      negative affect dimension is rather unspecific. Therefore, we aimed to extend the
      tripartite model in order to describe more specific symptom patterns with
      unidimensional measurement scales. METHOD: 1333 outpatients provided self report
      data. To develop an extended factor model, exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was
      conducted in one part of the data (n=578). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was
      conducted in the second part (n=755), to assess model-fit and comparison with
      other models. Rasch analyses were done to investigate the unidimensionality of
      the factors. RESULTS: EFA resulted in a 6-factor model: feelings of
      worthlessness, fatigue, somatic arousal, anxious apprehension, phobic fear and
      tension. CFA in the second sample showed that a 6-factor model with a
      hierarchical common severity factor fits the data better than alternative 1- and
      3-factor models. Rasch analyses showed that each of the factors and the total of
      factors can be regarded as unidimensional measurement scales. LIMITATIONS: The
      model is based on a restricted symptom-pool: more dimensions are likely to exist.
      CONCLUSION: The extended tripartite model describes the clinical state of
      patients more specifically. This is relevant for both clinical practice and
      research.

PMID- 22044632
TI  - Spatial heterogeneity, frequency-dependent selection and polymorphism in host
      parasite interactions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Genomic and pathology analysis has revealed enormous diversity in
      genes involved in disease, including those encoding host resistance and parasite
      effectors (also known in plant pathology as avirulence genes). It has been
      proposed that such variation may persist when an organism exists in a spatially
      structured metapopulation, following the geographic mosaic of coevolution. Here,
      we study gene-for-gene relationships governing the outcome of plant-parasite
      interactions in a spatially structured system and, in particular, investigate the
      population genetic processes which maintain balanced polymorphism in both
      species. RESULTS: Following previous theory on the effect of heterogeneous
      environments on maintenance of polymorphism, we analysed a model with two demes
      in which the demes have different environments and are coupled by gene flow.
      Environmental variation is manifested by different coefficients of natural
      selection, the costs to the host of resistance and to the parasite of virulence,
      the cost to the host of being diseased and the cost to an avirulent parasite of
      unsuccessfully attacking a resistant host. We show that migration generates
      negative direct frequency-dependent selection, a condition for maintenance of
      stable polymorphism in each deme. Balanced polymorphism occurs preferentially if
      there is heterogeneity for costs of resistance and virulence alleles among
      populations and to a lesser extent if there is variation in the cost to the host
      of being diseased. We show that the four fitness costs control the natural
      frequency of oscillation of host resistance and parasite avirulence alleles. If
      demes have different costs, their frequencies of oscillation differ and when
      coupled by gene flow, there is amplitude death of the oscillations in each deme.
      Numerical simulations show that for a multiple deme island model, costs of
      resistance and virulence need not to be present in each deme for stable
      polymorphism to occur. CONCLUSIONS: Our theoretical results confirm the
      importance of empirical studies for measuring the environmental heterogeneity for
      genetic costs of resistance and virulence alleles. We suggest that such studies
      should be developed to investigate the generality of this mechanism for the long
      term maintenance of genetic diversity at host and parasite genes.

PMID- 22044633
TI  - Genome-wide dynamic changes of DNA methylation of repetitive elements in human
      embryonic stem cells and fetal fibroblasts.
AB  - DNA methylation changes in repetitive elements (REs) are associated with the
      regulation of gene transcription, embryonic development, differentiation and
      carcinogenesis. However, genome-wide analysis of DNA methylation of human REs is
      lacking. Here, we performed genome-wide methylation analysis of REs in nine
      repeat types in human embryonic stem cells (H1) and fetal fibroblasts (IMR90),
      and found that the potential for changes in the DNA methylation of REs was
      different among the nine repeat types and within different genomic regions. DNA
      methylation changes in the nine repeat types were related to the GC content and
      CpG density of the sequence contexts. The differentially methylated REs and
      targeted genes of different repeat types were associated with gene silencing in
      the transition from H1 to IMR90 cells. Our results suggest that a quarter of REs
      are involved in the reprogramming of DNA methylation which may play important
      epigenetic roles during cellular differentiation.

PMID- 22044634
TI  - Projection to latent pathways (PLP): a constrained projection to latent variables
      (PLS) method for elementary flux modes discrimination.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Elementary flux modes (EFM) are unique and non-decomposable sets of
      metabolic reactions able to operate coherently in steady-state. A metabolic
      network has in general a very high number of EFM reflecting the typical
      functional redundancy of biological systems. However, most of these EFM are
      either thermodynamically unfeasible or inactive at pre-set environmental
      conditions. RESULTS: Here we present a new algorithm that discriminates the
      "active" set of EFM on the basis of dynamic envirome data. The algorithm merges
      together two well-known methods: projection to latent structures (PLS) and EFM
      analysis, and is therefore termed projection to latent pathways (PLP). PLP has
      two concomitant goals: (1) maximisation of correlation between EFM weighting
      factors and measured envirome data and (2) minimisation of redundancy by
      eliminating EFM with low correlation with the envirome. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, our
      results demonstrate that PLP slightly outperforms PLS in terms of predictive
      power. But more importantly, PLP is able to discriminate the subset of EFM with
      highest correlation with the envirome, thus providing in-depth knowledge of how
      the environment controls core cellular functions. This offers a significant
      advantage over PLS since its abstract structure cannot be associated with the
      underlying biological structure.

PMID- 22044635
TI  - Clinical indicators of bacterial meningitis among neonates and young infants in
      rural Kenya.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Meningitis is notoriously difficult to diagnose in infancy because
      its clinical features are non-specific. World Health Organization (WHO)
      guidelines suggest several indicative signs, based on limited data. We aimed to
      identify indicators of bacterial meningitis in young infants in Kenya, and
      compared their performance to the WHO guidelines. We also examined the
      feasibility of developing a scoring system for meningitis. METHODS: We studied
      all admissions aged < 60 days to Kilifi District Hospital, 2001 through 2005. We
      evaluated clinical indicators against microbiological findings using likelihood
      ratios. We prospectively validated our findings 2006 through 2007. RESULTS: We
      studied 2,411 and 1,512 young infants during the derivation and validation
      periods respectively. During derivation, 31/1,031 (3.0%) neonates aged < 7 days
      and 67/1,380 (4.8%) young infants aged 7-59 days (p < 0.001) had meningitis. 90%
      of cases could be diagnosed macroscopically (turbidity) or by microscopic
      leukocyte counting. Independent indicators of meningitis were: fever,
      convulsions, irritability, bulging fontanel and temperature >= 39 degrees C.
      Areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve in the validation period
      were 0.62 [95%CI: 0.49-0.75] age < 7 days and 0.76 [95%CI: 0.68-0.85] thereafter
      (P = 0.07), and using the WHO signs, 0.50 [95%CI 0.35-0.65] age < 7 days and 0.82
      [95%CI: 0.75-0.89] thereafter (P = 0.0001). The number needed to LP to identify
      one case was 21 [95%CI: 15-35] for our signs, and 28 [95%CI: 18-61] for WHO
      signs. With a scoring system, a cut-off of >= 1 sign offered the best compromise
      on sensitivity and specificity. CONCLUSION: Simple clinical signs at admission
      identify two thirds of meningitis cases in neonates and young infants. Lumbar
      puncture is essential to diagnosis and avoidance of unnecessary treatment, and is
      worthwhile without CSF biochemistry or bacterial culture. The signs of Meningitis
      suggested by the WHO perform poorly in the first week of life. A scoring system
      for meningitis in this age group is not helpful.

PMID- 22044636
TI  - Exploring the biological basis of haemophilic joint disease: experimental
      studies.
AB  - Haemophilia has been recognized as the most severe among the inherited disorders
      of blood coagulation since the beginning of the first millennium. Joint damage is
      the hallmark of the disease. Despite its frequency and severity, the pathobiology
      of blood-induced joint disease remains obscure. Although bleeding into the joint
      is the ultimate provocation, the stimulus within the blood inciting the process
      and the mechanisms by which bleeding into a joint results in synovial
      inflammation (synovitis) and cartilage and bone destruction (arthropathy) is
      unknown. Clues from careful observation of patient material, supplemented with
      data from animal models of joint disease provide some clues as to the
      pathogenesis of the process. Among the questions that remain to be answered are
      the following: (i) What underlies the phenotypic variability in bleeding patterns
      of patients with severe disease and the development of arthropathy in some but
      not all patients with joint bleeding? (ii) What is the molecular basis underlying
      the variability? (iii) Are there strategies that can be developed to counter the
      deleterious effects of joint bleeding and prevent blood-induced joint disease?
      Understanding the key elements, genetic and/or environmental, that are necessary
      for the development of synovitis and arthropathy may lead to rational design of
      therapy for the targeted prevention and treatment of blood-induced joint disease.

PMID- 22044637
TI  - Benchmarks for flexible and rigid transcription factor-DNA docking.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Structural insight from transcription factor-DNA (TF-DNA) complexes
      is of paramount importance to our understanding of the affinity and specificity
      of TF-DNA interaction, and to the development of structure-based prediction of TF
      binding sites. Yet the majority of the TF-DNA complexes remain unsolved despite
      the considerable experimental efforts being made. Computational docking
      represents a promising alternative to bridge the gap. To facilitate the study of
      TF-DNA docking, carefully designed benchmarks are needed for performance
      evaluation and identification of the strengths and weaknesses of docking
      algorithms. RESULTS: We constructed two benchmarks for flexible and rigid TF-DNA
      docking respectively using a unified non-redundant set of 38 test cases. The test
      cases encompass diverse fold families and are classified into easy and hard
      groups with respect to the degrees of difficulty in TF-DNA docking. The major
      parameters used to classify expected docking difficulty in flexible docking are
      the conformational differences between bound and unbound TFs and the interaction
      strength between TFs and DNA. For rigid docking in which the starting structure
      is a bound TF conformation, only interaction strength is considered. CONCLUSIONS:
      We believe these benchmarks are important for the development of better
      interaction potentials and TF-DNA docking algorithms, which bears important
      implications to structure-based prediction of transcription factor binding sites
      and drug design.

PMID- 22044638
TI  - Node-positive renal cell carcinoma in the absence of distant metastases:
      predictors of cancer-specific mortality in a population-based cohort.
AB  - Nodal metastases, even in the absence of distant metastases, portend a bad
      prognosis. The percentage of positive nodes (PPN) represents an important
      predictor of cancer-specific mortality (CSM) in patients in the group T(any) N(1)
      M(0) . In consequence, universal inclusion of PPN should be considered in
      prospective and retrospective CSM analyses. OBJECTIVES: To examine the outcomes
      of patients with node-positive renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in the absence of
      distant metastases in a large population-based cohort of patients To examine the
      ability of standard risk factors to predict cancer-specific mortality (CSM).
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results
      database, a total of 799 patients with RCC nodal metastases and absence of
      distant metastases undergoing nephrectomy were identified. Univariable and
      multivariable analyses was performed with the aim of identifying independent
      predictors of CSM in this cohort of patients. Specifically, we examined the
      effect of the number of removed nodes (NRN), the number of positive nodes (NPN)
      and the percentage of positive nodes (PPN) on CSM. RESULTS: Actuarial survival
      estimates showed that 53.2, 37.8 and 25.7% of patients survived at 24, 60 and 120
      months after nephrectomy. In Kaplan-Meier analyses, NRN failed to clearly
      discriminate between recorded CSM rates (log rank P = 0.07). Discrimination was
      noted when CSM was stratified according to NPN (log rank P = 0.02) and PPN (log
      rank P = 0.001). In multivariable analyses, age, Fuhrman grade, histological
      subtype, T stage and PPN were independent predictors of CSM. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      data indicate that CSM of patients with exclusive nodal metastases differs
      according to PPN. Consequently, PPN warrants consideration in future prognostic
      schemes.

PMID- 22044639
TI  - Left atrial metastases of poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma diagnosed by
      echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging--case report and review of
      literature.
AB  - Intracardiac metastases of thyroid carcinoma are a rare event. Their incidence is
      low in large autopsy series, and antemortem diagnosis is even less common. We
      present the case of a woman with advanced poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma
      who had extensive intracardiac metastases. This case highlights the usefulness of
      echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging in the diagnosis and differential
      diagnosis of cardiac metastases.

PMID- 22044640
TI  - Further improvements on the factors affecting bone mineral density measured by
      quantitative micro-computed tomography.
AB  - The effects of imaging parameters and special configuration of objects within the
      reconstruction space on the micro computed tomography (MUCT) based mineral
      density have been explored, and a series of density correction curves have been
      presented. A manufacturer-provided calibration phantom (0, 100, 200, 400, 800 mg
      HA/cm(3)) was imaged at all possible imaging conditions (n=216) based on energy,
      resolution, vial diameter, beam hardening correction factor and averaging. For
      each imaging condition, a linear regression model was fitted to the observed
      versus expected densities, and the intercepts (beta(0)) and slopes (beta(1)) of
      the regression lines and each density level were modeled using multiple
      regression modeling. Additionally, a custom made phantom (0, 50, 150, 500, 800,
      1000 and 1500 mg HA/cm(3)) was scanned in order to study the effects of location
      and orientation of an object within the reconstruction space and presence of
      surrounding objects on MUCT based mineral density. The energy, vial diameter and
      beam hardening correction factor were significant predictors of cumineral density
      (P values<0.001), while averaging and resolution did not have a significant
      effect on the observed density values (P values>0.1) except for 0.0 density (P
      values<0.04). Varying the location of an object within the reconstruction space
      from the center to the periphery resulted in a drop in observed mineral density
      up to 10% (P values<0.005). The presence of surrounding densities resulted in
      decreased observed mineral density up to 17% at the center and up to 14% at the
      periphery of the reconstruction space (P values<0.001 for all densities).
      Changing the orientation of the sample also had a significant effect on the
      observed mineral density, resulting in up to 16% lower observed mineral density
      for vertical vs. horizontal orientation at the center of the reconstruction space
      (P value<0.001). We conclude that energy, resolution and post processing
      correction factor are significant predictors of the observed mineral density in
      MUCT.

PMID- 22044642
TI  - The influence of systemic therapy on the serum levels of IL-6 and IL-8 in
      pemphigus vulgaris.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The place of cell-mediated immunity and cytokines in the
      immunopathogenesis of pemphigus vulgaris (PV) has not been fully established.
      OBJECTIVE: To assess the serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, Interleukine
      6 (IL-6) and Interleukine-8 (IL-8), in PV patients before and after therapy, to
      evaluate the influence of therapy on the serum cytokine levels. METHODS: Sixty
      six newly diagnosed PV patients enrolled into the study. The serum levels of IL-8
      and IL-6 were measured in 66 and 64 patients, respectively. According to the
      extent of skin and mucosal involvement, the patients were divided into two groups
      namely mild and severe. The serum levels of cytokines were measured using enzyme
      linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method before and after 4 weeks of
      prednisolone plus azathioprine therapy. RESULTS: In 64 patients studied for the
      serum level of IL-6, the median IL-6 level was significantly decreased from 1.6
      to 0.9 pg/mL by therapy (P-value = 0.001). Segregating the patients according to
      the severity of the disease, the serum level of IL-6 did not differ significantly
      by therapy in patients with a mild disease. However, in patients with a severe
      disease the median serum level of IL-6 decreased significantly from 1.8 to 0.9
      pg/mL after therapy (P-value = 0.001). No significant changes were found in the
      IL-8 level by treatment. CONCLUSION: The significant decrease in the IL-6 level
      after therapy suggests that blocking of IL-6 could have therapeutic benefits for
      the treatment of PV, particularly in severe forms.

PMID- 22044641
TI  - Bacterial communities in sediments of the shallow Lake Dongping in China.
AB  - AIMS: The purpose of this study was to discuss how the environmental inputs and
      anthropogenic activities impact bacterial communities in the sediments of a
      shallow, eutrophic and temperate freshwater lake. METHODS AND RESULTS: Sediment
      cores were collected from Lake Dongping, located in Taian, Shandong, China. All
      samples were processed within 4 h of collection. Total nitrogen, total phosphorus
      (TP), total organic carbon, ammonium nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen content of
      samples were measured by Kjeldahl determination, sulphuric acid-perchloric acid
      digestion and molybdenum blue colorimetry, potassium dichromate titration,
      Nessler's reagent colorimetric and the phenol disulphonic acid colorimetric
      method, respectively. Seasonal and temporal diversity of sediment bacterial
      communities at six stations in Lake Dongping were investigated using molecular
      approaches (terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism and 16S rDNA clone
      libraries). Noticeable seasonal and temporal variations were observed in
      bacterial diversity and composition at all six stations. Sediment bacterial
      communities in Lake Dongping belonged to 16 phyla: Proteobacteria (including
      alpha-Proteobacteria, beta-Proteobacteria, delta-Proteobacteria, epsilon
      Proteobacteria, gamma-Proteobacteria), Acidobacteria, Planctomycetes,
      Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Verrucomicrobia, Nitrospira, Chloroflexi,
      Gemmatimonadetes, Chlorobi, Cyanobacteria, Deferribacteres, Actinobacteria, OP8,
      Spirochaetes and OP11. Members of beta-, delta- and gamma-Proteobacterial
      sequences were predominant in 11 of 12 clone libraries derived from sediment
      samples. Sediment samples collected at stations 1 and 4 in July had the greatest
      bacterial diversity while those collected at station 2 in October had the least
      diversity. TP concentration was significantly correlated with the distribution of
      bacterial communities. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggested that different
      environmental nutrient inputs contribute to seasonal and temporal variations of
      chemical features and bacterial communities in sediments of Lake Dongping. TP
      concentration was significantly correlated with the distribution of bacterial
      communities. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study has an important
      implication for the optimization of integrated ecosystem assessment of shallow
      temperate freshwater lake and provides interesting information for the subsequent
      of the ecosystem.

PMID- 22044643
TI  - Assessing the impact of a Christmas advertisement campaign on Catalan wine
      preference using Choice Experiments.
AB  - Our paper seeks to assess the impact of information and advertisement on
      consumers' preference for wines in special occasions (Christmas) in Catalonia
      (Spain). We apply the Choice Experiments method to study the relative importance
      of attributes that describe consumers' decision to purchase wine by using the
      Heteroskedastic Extreme Value (HEV) model. Data were obtained from two
      questionnaires applied to a pre and post spot samples formed by 299 and 400
      individuals, respectively. Results suggest that the proposed spot does not affect
      the ranking of the preferred attributes, nevertheless this preference is
      heterogeneous. After advertising preferences scores have revealed significant
      differences. The relative importance of the "Catalan" wine has increased compared
      to the "Spanish" wine. The most preferred product is a Catalan wine made from the
      "Cabernet Sauvignon" variety. Wines that have been previously tasted by the
      consumer seem to be preferred over recommended or prestigious wines. However,
      advertising increases the relative importance of prestigious wines.

PMID- 22044645
TI  - Expression of platelet-bound stromal cell-derived factor-1 in  patients with non
      valvular atrial fibrillation and ischemic heart  disease.
AB  - AIMS: Blood cell infiltration and inflammation are involved in atrial remodelling
      during atrial fibrillation (AF) although the exact mechanisms of inflammatory
      cell recruitment remain poorly understood. Platelet-bound stromal cell-derived
      factor-1 (SDF-1) is increased in cases of ischemic myocardium and regulates
      recruitment of CXCR4(+) cells on the vascular wall. Whether platelet-bound SDF-1
      expression is differentially influenced by non-valvular paroxysmal or permanent
      atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with stable angina pectoris (SAP) or acute
      coronary syndrome (ACS) has not been reported so far. METHODS AND RESULTS: A
      total of 1291 consecutive patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing
      coronary angiography were recruited. Among the patients with SAP, platelet-bound
      SDF-1 is increased in patients with paroxysmal AF compared with SR or to
      persistent/permanent AF (P < 0.05 for both). Platelet-bound SDF-1 correlated with
      plasma SDF-1 (r = 0.488, P = 0.013) in patients with AF and ACS, which was more
      pronounced among patients with persistent AF (r = 0.842, P = 0.009). Plasma SDF-1
      was increased in persistent/permanent AF compared with SR. Patients with ACS
      presented with enhanced platelet-bound-SDF-1 compared with SAP. Interestingly,
      among patients with ACS, patients with paroxysmal or persistent/permanent AF
      presented with an impaired platelet-bound SDF-1 expression compared with patients
      with SR. CONCLUSIONS: Differential expression of platelet-bound and plasma SDF-1
      was observed in patients with AF compared with SR which may be involved in
      progenitor cell mobilization and inflammatory cell recruitment in patients with
      AF and ischemic heart disease. Further in vivo studies are required to elucidate
      the role of SDF-1 in atrial remodeling and the atrial fibrillation course.

PMID- 22044644
TI  - Plasma proteomic profiles from disease-discordant monozygotic twins suggest that
      molecular pathways are shared in multiple systemic autoimmune diseases.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Although systemic autoimmune diseases (SAID) share many clinical
      and laboratory features, whether they also share some common features of
      pathogenesis remains unclear. We assessed plasma proteomic profiles among
      different SAID for evidence of common molecular pathways that could provide
      insights into pathogenic mechanisms shared by these diseases. METHODS:
      Differential quantitative proteomic analyses (one-dimensional reverse-phase
      liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry) were performed to assess patterns of
      plasma protein expression. Monozygotic twins (four pairs discordant for systemic
      lupus erythematosus, four pairs discordant for juvenile idiopathic arthritis and
      two pairs discordant for juvenile dermatomyositis) were studied to minimize
      polymorphic gene effects. Comparisons were also made to 10 unrelated, matched
      controls. RESULTS: Multiple plasma proteins, including acute phase reactants,
      structural proteins, immune response proteins, coagulation and transcriptional
      factors, were differentially expressed similarly among the different SAID
      studied. Multivariate Random Forest modeling identified seven proteins whose
      combined altered expression levels effectively segregated affected vs. unaffected
      twins. Among these seven proteins, four were also identified in univariate
      analyses of proteomic data (syntaxin 17, alpha-glucosidase, paraoxonase 1, and
      the sixth component of complement). Molecular pathway modeling indicated that
      these factors may be integrated through interactions with a candidate plasma
      biomarker, PON1 and the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6. CONCLUSIONS: Together,
      these data suggest that different SAID may share common alterations of plasma
      protein expression and molecular pathways. An understanding of the mechanisms
      leading to the altered plasma proteomes common among these SAID may provide
      useful insights into their pathogeneses.

PMID- 22044646
TI  - Meta-analysis of susceptibility of woody plants to loss of genetic diversity
      through habitat fragmentation.
AB  - Shrubs and trees are assumed less likely to lose genetic variation in response to
      habitat fragmentation because they have certain life-history characteristics such
      as long lifespans and extensive pollen flow. To test this assumption, we
      conducted a meta-analysis with data on 97 woody plant species derived from 98
      studies of habitat fragmentation. We measured the weighted response of four
      different measures of population-level genetic diversity to habitat fragmentation
      with Hedge's d and Spearman rank correlation. We tested whether the genetic
      response to habitat fragmentation was mediated by life-history traits (longevity,
      pollination mode, and seed dispersal vector) and study characteristics (genetic
      marker and plant material used). For both tests of effect size habitat
      fragmentation was associated with a substantial decrease in expected
      heterozygosity, number of alleles, and percentage of polymorphic loci, whereas
      the population inbreeding coefficient was not associated with these measures. The
      largest proportion of variation among effect sizes was explained by pollination
      mechanism and by the age of the tissue (progeny or adult) that was genotyped. Our
      primary finding was that wind-pollinated trees and shrubs appeared to be as
      likely to lose genetic variation as insect-pollinated species, indicating that
      severe habitat fragmentation may lead to pollen limitation and limited gene flow.
      In comparison with results of previous meta-analyses on mainly herbaceous
      species, we found trees and shrubs were as likely to have negative genetic
      responses to habitat fragmentation as herbaceous species. We also found that the
      genetic variation in offspring was generally less than that of adult trees, which
      is evidence of a genetic extinction debt and probably reflects the genetic
      diversity of the historical, less-fragmented landscape.

PMID- 22044647
TI  - Attention in action: evidence from on-line corrections in left visual neglect.
AB  - It is widely accepted that the posterior parietal cortex is critical for the on
      line control of action and optic ataxia patients are unable to correct their
      movements in-flight to changes in target position. The current study investigated
      on-line correction in patients with left visual neglect, right brain damaged
      patients without neglect and healthy controls. Participants were asked to reach
      towards a central target that could jump unexpectedly, at movement onset, to the
      right or left sides of space. In response to the jump, participants were asked
      either to follow the target or to stop their movement. Neglect patients were able
      to correct their ongoing movements smoothly and accurately towards right and left
      target jumps. They did so even when told to stop their movement, indicating that
      these corrections occurred automatically (i.e., without instruction). However,
      the timing of corrections to the left was delayed in neglect patients and this
      produced a drastic increase in movement time. To our surprise, we also found that
      neglect patients were impaired at stopping their ongoing reaches, when compared
      to the control groups, in response to either left or right jump trials. We
      suggest that the 'automatic pilot' system for the hand is spared in neglect, but
      its processing speed is unilaterally slowed due to a deficit in orienting of
      attention to the contralesional side. We relate these findings to the breakdown
      of a system that combines information for attention, perception and action.
      Damage to this system may not only slow corrective movements to the
      contralesional side, but also produce non-lateralized deficits in interrupting an
      ongoing reach.

PMID- 22044648
TI  - A "concrete view" of aging: event related potentials reveal age-related changes
      in basic integrative processes in language.
AB  - Normal aging is accompanied by changes in both structural and functional cerebral
      organization. Although verbal knowledge seems to be relatively stable across the
      lifespan, there are age-related changes in the rapid use of that knowledge during
      on-line language processing. In particular, aging has been linked to reduce
      effectiveness in preparing for upcoming words and building an integrated sentence
      level representation. The current study assessed whether such age-related changes
      extend even to much simpler language units, such as modification relations
      between a centrally presented adjective and a lateralized noun. Adjectives were
      used to elicit concrete and abstract meanings of the same, polysemous lexical
      items (e.g., "green book" vs. "interesting book"). Consistent with findings that
      lexical information is preserved with age, older adults, like younger adults,
      exhibited concreteness effects at the adjectives, with more negative responses to
      concrete adjectives over posterior (300-500 ms; N400) and frontal (300-900 ms)
      channels. However, at the noun, younger adults exhibited concreteness-based
      predictability effects linked to left hemisphere processing and imagery effects
      linked to right hemisphere processing, contingent on whether the adjectives and
      nouns formed a cohesive conceptual unit. In contrast, older adults showed neither
      effect, suggesting that they were less able to rapidly link the adjective-noun
      meaning to form an integrated conceptual representation. Age-related changes in
      language processing may thus be more pervasive than previously realized.

PMID- 22044649
TI  - Nouns referring to tools and natural objects differentially modulate the motor
      system.
AB  - While increasing evidence points to a critical role for the motor system in
      language processing, the focus of previous work has been on the linguistic
      category of verbs. Here we tested whether nouns are effective in modulating the
      motor system and further whether different kinds of nouns - those referring to
      artifacts or natural items, and items that are graspable or ungraspable - would
      differentially modulate the system. A Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)
      study was carried out to compare modulation of the motor system when subjects
      read nouns referring to objects which are Artificial or Natural and which are
      Graspable or Ungraspable. TMS was applied to the primary motor cortex
      representation of the first dorsal interosseous (FDI) muscle of the right hand at
      150 ms after noun presentation. Analyses of Motor Evoked Potentials (MEPs)
      revealed that across the duration of the task, nouns referring to graspable
      artifacts (tools) were associated with significantly greater MEP areas. Analyses
      of the initial presentation of items revealed a main effect of graspability. The
      findings are in line with an embodied view of nouns, with MEP measures modulated
      according to whether nouns referred to natural objects or artifacts (tools),
      confirming tools as a special class of items in motor terms. Additionally our
      data support a difference for graspable versus non graspable objects, an effect
      which for natural objects is restricted to initial presentation of items.

PMID- 22044650
TI  - Effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on behaviour and
      electrophysiology of language production.
AB  - Excitatory anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (A-tDCS) over the left
      dorsal prefrontal cortex (DPFC) has been shown to improve language production.
      The present study examined neurophysiological underpinnings of this effect. In a
      single-blinded within-subject design, we traced effects of A-tDCS compared to
      sham stimulation over the left DPFC using electrophysiological and behavioural
      correlates during overt picture naming. Online effects were examined during A
      tDCS by employing the semantic interference (SI-)Effect - a marker that denotes
      the functional integrity of the language system. The behavioural SI-Effect was
      found to be reduced, whereas the electrophysiological SI-Effect was enhanced over
      left compared to right temporal scalp-electrode sites. This modulation is
      suggested to reflect a superior tuning of neural responses within language
      related generators. After -(offline) effects of A-tDCS were detected in the delta
      frequency band, a marker of neural inhibition. After A-tDCS there was a reduction
      in delta activity during picture naming and the resting state, interpreted to
      indicate neural disinhibition. Together, these findings demonstrate
      electrophysiological modulations induced by A-tDCS of the left DPFC. They suggest
      that A-tDCS is capable of enhancing neural processes during and after
      application. The present functional and oscillatory neural markers could detect
      positive effects of prefrontal A-tDCS, which could be of use in the neuro
      rehabilitation of frontal language functions.

PMID- 22044651
TI  - Working memory and amnesia: the role of stimulus novelty.
AB  - Despite the traditional view that damage to the hippocampus and/or surrounding
      areas of the medial temporal lobe (MTL) does not impair short-term or working
      memory (WM), recent research has shown MTL amnesics to be impaired on WM tasks
      that require maintaining a small amount of information over brief retention
      intervals (e.g., maintenance of a single face for one second). However, the types
      of tasks that have demonstrated WM impairments in amnesia tend to have involved
      novel stimuli. We hypothesized that WM may be impaired in amnesia for tasks that
      require maintaining novel information, but may be preserved for more familiar
      material, particularly if the material can be easily rehearsed. To test this
      hypothesis, patient HC, a 22-year-old developmental amnesic with relatively
      preserved semantic memory and 20 age and education matched controls performed a
      delayed match-to-sample task that required maintaining a single famous or non
      famous face for 1-8s, digit span and reading span tasks, and a modified Brown
      Peterson task that required maintaining a single high- or low-frequency word or a
      non-word for 4-8s. HC's performance was impaired for non-famous faces but
      preserved for famous faces, impaired for the reading span task but preserved for
      digit span, and it was impaired for non-words and unfamiliar low-frequency words
      but preserved for familiar words. These results support the hypothesis that an
      intact hippocampus is necessary for maintaining a single novel stimulus in WM.
      However, stimulus familiarity and rehearsal support WM via cortical regions
      independent of the MTL.

PMID- 22044652
TI  - Regulation of the actin cytoskeleton in Helicobacter pylori-induced migration and
      invasive growth of gastric epithelial cells.
AB  - Dynamic rearrangement of the actin cytoskeleton is a significant hallmark of
      Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infected gastric epithelial cells leading to cell
      migration and invasive growth. Considering the cellular mechanisms, the type IV
      secretion system (T4SS) and the effector protein cytotoxin-associated gene A
      (CagA) of H. pylori are well-studied initiators of distinct signal transduction
      pathways in host cells targeting kinases, adaptor proteins, GTPases, actin
      binding and other proteins involved in the regulation of the actin lattice. In
      this review, we summarize recent findings of how H. pylori functionally interacts
      with the complex signaling network that controls the actin cytoskeleton of motile
      and invasive gastric epithelial cells.

PMID- 22044653
TI  - Sleep in children and adolescents with Angelman syndrome: association with parent
      sleep and stress.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sleep concerns are common in children with Angelman syndrome, with 20
      80% of individuals having a decreased sleep need and/or abnormal sleep-wake
      cycles. The impact of these sleep behaviours on parental sleep and stress is not
      known. METHOD: Through the use of standardised questionnaires, wrist actigraphy
      and polysomnography, we defined the sleep behaviours of 15 children/adolescents
      with Angelman syndrome and the association of the child/adolescents sleep
      behaviours on parental sleep behaviours and parental stress. RESULTS: Both
      children/adolescents and their parents exhibited over 1 h of wake time after
      sleep onset and fragmented sleep. Prolonged sleep latency in the child was
      associated with parent insomnia and daytime sleepiness. Additionally, variability
      in child total sleep time was associated with parental stress. CONCLUSIONS: Poor
      sleep in children/adolescents with Angelman syndrome was associated with poor
      parental sleep and higher parental stress. Further work is warranted to identify
      the underlying causes of the poor sleep, and to relate these findings to daytime
      functioning, behaviour and the family unit.

PMID- 22044654
TI  - Optic disc haemorrhage and posterior vitreous haemorrhage from an acute posterior
      vitreous detachment.

PMID- 22044655
TI  - A focus on shoulders.

PMID- 22044656
TI  - Synthesis and in vitro evaluation of analogues of avocado-produced toxin (+)-(R)
      persin in human breast cancer cells.
AB  - A structure-activity study of several new synthetic analogues of the avocado
      produced toxin persin has been conducted, with compounds being evaluated for
      their cytostatic and pro-apoptotic effects in human breast cancer cells. A 4
      pyridinyl derivative demonstrated activity comparable to that of the natural
      product, suggesting future directions for exploration of structure-activity
      relationships.

PMID- 22044657
TI  - Diversity of metalloproteinases in Bothrops neuwiedi snake venom transcripts:
      evidences for recombination between different classes of SVMPs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Snake venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs) are widely distributed in
      snake venoms and are versatile toxins, targeting many important elements involved
      in hemostasis, such as basement membrane proteins, clotting proteins, platelets,
      endothelial and inflammatory cells. The functional diversity of SVMPs is in part
      due to the structural organization of different combinations of catalytic,
      disintegrin, disintegrin-like and cysteine-rich domains, which categorizes SVMPs
      in 3 classes of precursor molecules (PI, PII and PIII) further divided in 11
      subclasses, 6 of them belonging to PII group. This heterogeneity is currently
      correlated to genetic accelerated evolution and post-translational modifications.
      RESULTS: Thirty-one SVMP cDNAs were full length cloned from a single specimen of
      Bothrops neuwiedi snake, sequenced and grouped in eleven distinct sequences and
      further analyzed by cladistic analysis. Class P-I and class P-III sequences
      presented the expected tree topology for fibrinolytic and hemorrhagic SVMPs,
      respectively. In opposition, three distinct segregations were observed for class
      P-II sequences. P-IIb showed the typical segregation of class P-II SVMPs.
      However, P-IIa grouped with class P-I cDNAs presenting a 100% identity in the 365
      bp at their 5' ends, suggesting post-transcription events for interclass
      recombination. In addition, catalytic domain of P-IIx sequences segregated with
      non-hemorrhagic class P-III SVMPs while their disintegrin domain grouped with
      other class P-II disintegrin domains suggesting independent evolution of
      catalytic and disintegrin domains. Complementary regions within cDNA sequences
      were noted and may participate in recombination either at DNA or RNA levels.
      Proteins predicted by these cDNAs show the main features of the correspondent
      classes of SVMP, but P-IIb and P-IIx included two additional cysteines cysteines
      at the C-termini of the disintegrin domains in positions not yet described.
      CONCLUSIONS: In B. neuwiedi venom gland, class P-II SVMPs were represented by
      three different types of transcripts that may have arisen by interclass
      recombination with P-I and P-III sequences after the divergence of the different
      classes of SVMPs. Our observations indicate that exon shuffling or post
      transcriptional mechanisms may be driving these recombinations generating new
      functional possibilities for this complex group of snake toxins.

PMID- 22044658
TI  - Pulmonary complications of pneumococcal community-acquired pneumonia: incidence,
      predictors, and outcomes.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical characteristics, predictors
      and outcomes of pneumococcal pneumonia developing pulmonary complications and the
      distribution of pneumococcal serotypes. It was a prospective study including all
      adult patients admitted to the Hospital Clinic of Barcelona, Spain (2001-2009)
      with the diagnosis of pneumococcal pneumonia. Microbiological investigation was
      systematically performed, including antimicrobial susceptibility and serotype
      distribution (only invasive strains isolated during 2006-2009). Complicated
      pneumonia was defined as the presence of one or more pulmonary complications:
      pleural effusion, empyema, or multilobar infiltrates. We included 626 patients,
      and 235 (38%) had the following pulmonary complications: pleural effusion, 122
      (52%); empyema, 18 (8%); and multilobar infiltration, 151 (64%). Forty-six (20%)
      patients had more than one complication. Patients with pulmonary complications
      showed a higher rate of intensive-care unit admission (34% vs. 13%, p <0.001), a
      higher rate of shock (16% vs. 7%, p <0.001), a longer length of stay (9 days vs.
      6 days, p <0.001), and a lower rate of penicillin resistance (14% vs. 25%, p
      0.013), but similar mortality (9% vs. 8%). No significant differences were
      observed in the serotype distribution between complicated and uncomplicated
      pneumonia. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (OR 0.38, 95% CI 0.23
      0.63; p <0.001) was a protective factor against pulmonary complications, whereas
      chronic liver disease (OR 3.60, 95% CI 1.71-7.60; p 0.001), admission C-reactive
      protein level >=18 mg/dL (OR 2.77, 95% CI 1.91-4.00; p <0.001) and admission
      creatinine level >1.5 mg/dL (OR 2.01, 95% CI 1.31-3.08; p 0.001) were risk
      factors for pulmonary complications. Complicated pneumonia was characterized by a
      more severe clinical presentation, but was not associated with increased
      mortality. Resistance to antibiotics was lower in complicated cases. No
      significant differences were observed in the serotype distribution between
      complicated and uncomplicated pneumonia. In the multivariate analysis, COPD was a
      protective factor against pulmonary complications.

PMID- 22044659
TI  - Effects of intracellular superoxide removal at acupoints with TAT-SOD on obesity.

PMID- 22044660
TI  - Association between 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine excretion and risk of lung cancer in
      a prospective study.
AB  - Oxidative damage to guanine (8-oxoGua) is one of the most abundant lesions
      induced by oxidative stress and documented mutagenic. 8-Oxoguanine DNA
      glycosylase 1 (OGG1) removes 8-oxoGua from DNA by excision. The urinary excretion
      of 8-oxoGua is a biomarker of exposure, reflecting the rate of damage in the
      steady state. The aim of this study was to investigate urinary 8-oxoGua as a risk
      factor for lung cancer. In a nested case-cohort design we examined associations
      between urinary excretion of 8-oxoGua and risk of lung cancer as well as
      potential interaction with the OGG1 Ser326Cys polymorphism in a population-based
      cohort of 25,717 men and 27,972 women aged 50-64 years with 3-7 years follow-up.
      We included 260 cases with lung cancer and a subcohort of 263 individuals matched
      on sex, age, and smoking duration for comparison. Urine collected at entry was
      analysed for 8-oxoGua by HPLC with electrochemical detection. There was no
      significant effect of smoking or OGG1 genotype on the excretion of 8-oxoGua.
      Overall the incidence rate ratio (IRR) (95% confidence interval) of lung cancer
      was 1.06 (0.97-1.15) per doubling of 8-oxoGua excretion. The association between
      lung cancer risk and 8-oxoGua excretion was significant among men [IRR: 1.17
      (1.03-1.31)], never-smokers [IRR: 9.94 (1.04-94.7)], and former smokers [IRR:
      1.19 (1.07-1.33)]. There was no significant interaction with the OGG1 genotype,
      although the IRR was 1.14 (0.98-1.34) among subjects homozygous for Cys326. The
      association between urinary 8-oxoGua excretion and lung cancer risk among former
      and never-smokers suggests that oxidative stress with damage to DNA is important
      in this group.

PMID- 22044661
TI  - Effect of 12 months of testosterone replacement therapy on metabolic syndrome
      components in hypogonadal men: data from the Testim Registry in the US (TRiUS).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent evidence suggests that there may be a bidirectional,
      physiological link between hypogonadism and metabolic syndrome (MetS), and
      testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has been shown to improve some symptoms of
      MetS in small patient populations. We examined the effect of 12 months of TRT on
      MetS components in a large cohort of hypogonadal men. METHODS: Data were obtained
      from TRiUS (Testim(r) Registry in the United States), a 12-month, multicenter,
      prospective observational registry (N = 849) of hypogonadal men prescribed Testim
      1% testosterone gel (5-10 g/day). Data analyzed included age, total testosterone
      (TT), free testosterone (FT), sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and MetS
      components: waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, plasma
      triglycerides, and HDL cholesterol. RESULTS: Of evaluable patients (581/849) at
      baseline, 37% were MetS+ (n = 213) and 63% were MetS- (n = 368). MetS+ patients
      had significantly lower TT (p < 0.0001) and SHBG (p = 0.01) levels. Patients with
      the lowest quartile TT levels (<206 ng/dL [<7.1 nmol/L]) had a significantly
      increased risk of MetS+ classification vs those with highest quartile TT levels
      (>=331 ng/dL [>=11.5 nmol/L]) (odds ratio 2.66; 95% CI, 1.60 to 4.43). After 12
      months of TRT, TT levels significantly increased in all patients (p < 0.005).
      Despite having similar TT levels after TRT, only MetS+ patients demonstrated
      significant decreases in waist circumference, fasting blood glucose levels, and
      blood pressure; lowest TT quartile patients demonstrated significant decreases in
      waist circumference and fasting blood glucose. Neither HDL cholesterol nor
      triglyceride levels changed significantly in either patient population.
      CONCLUSION: Hypogonadal MetS+ patients were more likely than their MetS-
      counterparts to have lower baseline TT levels and present with more comorbid
      conditions. MetS+ patients and those in the lowest TT quartile showed improvement
      in some metabolic syndrome components after 12 months of TRT. While it is
      currently unclear if further cardiometabolic benefit can be seen with longer TRT
      use in this population, testing for low testosterone may be warranted in MetS+
      men with hypogonadal symptoms.

PMID- 22044662
TI  - Healthcare resource utilization among haemophilia A patients in the United
      States.
AB  - Advances in therapy have improved life expectancy and quality of life of patients
      with haemophilia A. Due to the chronic and complex management of this disease,
      particularly, the development of inhibitors, little is known about their health
      resource utilization in the real-life setting over time. The aim was to assess
      the distribution and trend of healthcare resource utilization among US
      haemophilia A patients with and without inhibitors. The MarketScan(r) Database,
      was queried to identify individuals with >=1 year continuous enrolment, two
      medical diagnoses of haemophilia A and claims for factor VIII or bypassing agent
      (to infer inhibitor status) during 2001-2007. Haemophilia-related cost was
      estimated from inpatient, outpatient and pharmacy claims. Annual cost differences
      were assessed by age and over a 4-year period for those with continuous
      enrolment. Among 51 million covered lives, 1044 haemophilia patients were
      identified, of whom 981 (94%; mean age = 21.2 years) did not have an inhibitor.
      The median haemophilia-related cost for these patients was $63,935 per patient
      per year. When normalized by weight, annual cost was stable (no statistically
      significant differences) among 312 non-inhibitor patients (mean age = 21.8 years)
      with 4-year continuous data. While there was a wide distribution of haemophilia
      related cost among the 63 individuals with an inhibitor (mean age = 15.4 years),
      only 0.6% of the total haemophilia patients had costs exceeding $1 million per
      patient per year. This study indicated that most haemophilia A patients were
      inhibitor-free with relatively stable annual costs over time. There was a wide
      distribution of haemophilia-related cost for inhibitor patients, while the
      proportion of patients who incurred extreme high cost was low.

PMID- 22044663
TI  - Outcomes of clomiphene citrate treatment in young hypogonadal men.
AB  - Study Type - Therapy (case series) Level of Evidence 4. What's known on the
      subject? and What does the study add? Hypogonadism is a prevalent problem,
      increasing in frequency as men age. It is most commonly treated by testosterone
      supplementation therapy but in younger patients this can lead to testicular
      atrophy with subsequent exogenous testosterone dependency and may impair
      spermatogenesis. Clomiphene citrate (CC) may be used as an alternative treatment
      in these patients with hypogonadism when maintenance of fertility is desired.
      This study shows that CC is a safe and efficacious drug to use as an alternative
      to exogenous testosterone. Not only have we validated previous findings of other
      papers but have proven our findings over a much longer period (mean duration of
      treatment 19 months). This prospective study is the largest to date assessing
      both the objective hormone response to CC therapy as well as the subjective
      response based on a validated questionnaire. OBJECTIVE: * To prospectively assess
      the andrological outcomes of long-term clomiphene citrate (CC) treatment in
      hypogonadal men. PATIENTS AND METHODS: * We prospectively evaluated 86 men with
      hypogonadism (HG) as confirmed by two consecutive early morning testosterone
      measurements <300 ng/dL. * The cohort included all men with HG presenting to our
      clinic between 2002 and 2006 who, after an informed discussion, elected to have
      CC therapy. CC was commenced at 25 mg every other day and titrated to 50 mg every
      other day. The target testosterone level was 550 +/- 50 ng/dL. * Testosterone
      (free and total), sex hormone binding globulin, oestradiol, luteinizing hormone
      and follicle stimulating hormone were measured at baseline and during treatment
      on all patients. Once the desired testosterone level was achieved,
      testosterone/gonadotropin levels were measured twice per year. * To assess
      subjective response to treatment, the androgen deficiency in aging males (ADAM)
      questionnaire was administered before treatment and during follow-up. RESULTS: *
      Patients' mean (standard deviation [sd]; range) age was 29 (3; 22-37) years.
      Infertility was the most common reason (64%) for seeking treatment. The mean (sd)
      duration of CC treatment was 19 (14) months. * At the last evaluation, 70% of men
      were using 25 mg CC every other day, and the remainder were using 50 mg every
      other day. * All mean testosterone and gonadotropin measurements significantly
      increased during treatment. * Subjectively, there was an improvement in all
      questions (except loss of height) on the ADAM questionnaire. More than half the
      patients had an improvement in at least three symptoms. * There were no major
      side effects recorded and the presence of a varicocele did not have an impact on
      the response to CC. CONCLUSION: * Long-term follow-up of CC treatment for HG
      shows that it appears to be an effective and safe alternative to testosterone
      supplementation in men wishing to preserve their fertility.

PMID- 22044664
TI  - The evolution of metabolic networks of E. coli.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite the availability of numerous complete genome sequences from
      E. coli strains, published genome-scale metabolic models exist only for two
      commensal E. coli strains. These models have proven useful for many applications,
      such as engineering strains for desired product formation, and we sought to
      explore how constructing and evaluating additional metabolic models for E. coli
      strains could enhance these efforts. RESULTS: We used the genomic information
      from 16 E. coli strains to generate an E. coli pangenome metabolic network by
      evaluating their collective 76,990 ORFs. Each of these ORFs was assigned to one
      of 17,647 ortholog groups including ORFs associated with reactions in the most
      recent metabolic model for E. coli K-12. For orthologous groups that contain an
      ORF already represented in the MG1655 model, the gene to protein to reaction
      associations represented in this model could then be easily propagated to other
      E. coli strain models. All remaining orthologous groups were evaluated to see if
      new metabolic reactions could be added to generate a pangenome-scale metabolic
      model (iEco1712_pan). The pangenome model included reactions from a metabolic
      model update for E. coli K-12 MG1655 (iEco1339_MG1655) and enabled development of
      five additional strain-specific genome-scale metabolic models. These additional
      models include a second K-12 strain (iEco1335_W3110) and four pathogenic strains
      (two enterohemorrhagic E. coli O157:H7 and two uropathogens). When compared to
      the E. coli K-12 models, the metabolic models for the enterohemorrhagic
      (iEco1344_EDL933 and iEco1345_Sakai) and uropathogenic strains (iEco1288_CFT073
      and iEco1301_UTI89) contained numerous lineage-specific gene and reaction
      differences. All six E. coli models were evaluated by comparing model predictions
      to carbon source utilization measurements under aerobic and anaerobic conditions,
      and to batch growth profiles in minimal media with 0.2% (w/v) glucose. An
      ancestral genome-scale metabolic model based on conserved ortholog groups in all
      16 E. coli genomes was also constructed, reflecting the conserved ancestral core
      of E. coli metabolism (iEco1053_core). Comparative analysis of all six strain
      specific E. coli models revealed that some of the pathogenic E. coli strains
      possess reactions in their metabolic networks enabling higher biomass yields on
      glucose. Finally the lineage-specific metabolic traits were compared to the
      ancestral core model predictions to derive new insight into the evolution of
      metabolism within this species. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate that a
      pangenome-scale metabolic model can be used to rapidly construct additional E.
      coli strain-specific models, and that quantitative models of different strains of
      E. coli can accurately predict strain-specific phenotypes. Such pangenome and
      strain-specific models can be further used to engineer metabolic phenotypes of
      interest, such as designing new industrial E. coli strains.

PMID- 22044665
TI  - Epidemiology and cost of herpes zoster and postherpetic neuralgia among patients
      treated in primary care centres in the Valencian community of Spain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Data on the epidemiology and costs related to herpes zoster (HZ) and
      postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) in Spain are scarce; therefore, studies are needed
      to evaluate the epidemiological and economic impact of HZ and its most common
      complication, PHN. The present study aimed to estimate the clinical and economic
      burden of HZ and PHN in Valencia (Spain). METHODS: We prospectively analyzed the
      burden of HZ and PHN and their attributable costs in patients from 25 general
      practices in the Autonomous Community of Valencia serving 36,030 persons aged >
      14 years. All patients with a clinical diagnosis of HZ who attended these centers
      between December 1st 2006 and November 30th 2007 were asked to participate.
      Patients included were followed for 1 year. RESULTS: Of the 130 cases of HZ
      followed up, continued pain was experienced by 47.6% (95% confidence interval
      (CI) = 35.6-56.7%) at 1 month after rash onset, by 14.5% (95% CI = 7.8-1.2%) at 3
      months, by 9.0% (95% CI = 3.7-14.3%) at 6 months, and by 5.9% (95% CI = 1.5
      10.3%) at 12 months. The percentage of patients with PHN increased with age, from
      21.4% (95% CI = 8.3-40) in patients < 50 years to 59.2% (95% CI = 44.4-74) in
      patients >= 70 years. The estimated total cost for the 130 HZ cases during the
      follow-up period was ?49,160 ($67,349). Mean cost per patient was ?378 (range 53
      2,830) ($517, range 73-3,877). CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that PHN is a
      relatively common complication of HZ and that both conditions combined give rise
      to a significant clinical and economic burden for patients and providers.

PMID- 22044666
TI  - High resistance of Isaria fumosorosea to carbendazim arises from the
      overexpression of an ATP-binding cassette transporter (ifT1) rather than tubulin
      mutation.
AB  - AIMS: Probing possible mechanisms involved in the resistance of entomopathogenic
      fungus Isaria fumosorosea to carbendazim fungicide. METHODS AND RESULTS: A
      carbendazim-sensitive strain (If116) selected from 15 wild-type strains was
      subjected to NaNO(2) -induced mutagenesis, yielding nine mutants with carbendazim
      resistance increased by 82- to 830-fold and thermotolerance decreased by 15-51%.
      Comparing the protein sequences deduced from the alpha- and beta-tubulin genes of
      If116 and its mutants revealed no traceable site mutation relating to the
      enhanced resistance although the transcripts levels of beta-tubulin gene in all
      mutants were 0.87- to 7.16-fold of that in If116. Three examined mutants showed
      multidrug resistance because they were significantly more resistant to
      glufosinate, imidacloprid and other six fungicides than If116 during growth.
      Further examination of rhodamine-stained blastospores revealed existence of drug
      efflux pump protein(s) in all carbendazim-resistant mutants. Thus, the sequences
      of an ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter gene (ifT1) and its promoter region
      cloned from the wild-type and mutant strains were analysed. Three common point
      mutations were located, respectively, at the binding sites of Gal4, Abf1 and Raf,
      which are crucial transcription factors in the regulative network of numerous
      protein loci. Such point mutations elevated the ifT1 expression by 17 to 137-fold
      in all the mutants. CONCLUSIONS: The overexpression of the ABC transporter caused
      by the point mutations at the binding sites was responsible for the fungal
      resistance to various pesticides including carbendazim. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT
      OF STUDY: The transporter-mediated multidrug resistance found for the first time
      in entomopathogenic fungi is potential for use in improving mycoinsecticide
      compatibility with chemical pesticides.

PMID- 22044667
TI  - Association between olfactory receptor genes, eating behavior traits and
      adiposity: results from the Quebec Family Study.
AB  - Obesity is a major health problem that can be influenced by eating behaviors.
      Evidence suggests that the sensory properties of food influence eating behaviors
      and lead to overeating and overweight. A previous genome-wide linkage scan for
      eating behavior traits assessed with the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire
      (cognitive dietary restraint, disinhibition and hunger) performed in the Quebec
      Family Study (QFS) revealed a quantitative trait locus for disinhibition on
      chromosome 19p13. This region encodes a cluster of seven olfactory receptor (OR)
      genes, including OR7D4, previously associated with odor perceptions. Direct
      sequencing of the OR7D4 gene revealed 16 sequence variants. Nine OR7D4 sequence
      variants with minor allele frequency (MAF)>1% as well as 100 SNPs spanning the
      cluster of OR genes on 19p13 were tested for association with age- and sex
      adjusted eating behaviors as well as adiposity traits in 890 subjects. One OR7D4
      sequence variant (rs2878329 G>A) showed evidence of association with reduced
      levels of adiposity (p=0.03), cognitive dietary restraint (p=0.05) and
      susceptibility to hunger (p=0.008). None of the OR7D4 SNPs was associated with
      disinhibition, but a SNP (rs2240927) in another OR gene (OR7E24) showed evidence
      of association (p=0.03). Another SNP in the OR7G3 gene (rs10414255) was also
      found to be associated with adiposity and eating behaviors. These results are the
      first to suggest that variations in human olfactory receptor genes can influence
      eating behaviors and adiposity. The associations reported in the present study
      should be interpreted with caution considering the number of tests performed and
      considered as potential new hypotheses about the effects OR polymorphisms on
      eating behaviors and obesity that need to be further explored in other
      populations.

PMID- 22044668
TI  - Inverse correlation of free and immune complex-sequestered  anti-ADAMTS13
      antibodies in a patient with acquired  thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura.

PMID- 22044669
TI  - The phosphatase PHLPP1 regulates Akt2, promotes pancreatic cancer cell death, and
      inhibits tumor formation.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: The kinase Akt mediates resistance of pancreatic cancer (PaCa)
      cells to death and is constitutively active (phosphorylated) in cancer cells.
      Whereas the kinases that activate Akt are well characterized, less is known about
      phosphatases that dephosporylate and thereby inactivate it. We investigated
      regulation of Akt activity and cell death by the phosphatases PHLPP1 and PHLPP2
      in PaCa cells, mouse models of PaCa, and human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
      (PDAC). METHODS: We measured the effects of PHLPP overexpression or knockdown
      with small interfering RNAs on Akt activation and cell death. We examined
      regulation of PHLPPs by growth factors and reactive oxygen species, as well as
      associations between PHLPPs and tumorigenesis. RESULTS: PHLPP overexpression
      inactivated Akt, whereas PHLPP knockdown increased phosphorylation of Akt in PaCa
      cells. Levels of PHLPPs were greatly reduced in human PDAC and in mouse genetic
      and xenograft models of PaCa. PHLPP activities in PaCa cells were down-regulated
      by growth factors and Nox4 reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate
      oxidase. PHLPP1 selectively dephosphorylated Akt2, whereas PHLPP2 selectively
      dephosphorylated Akt1. Akt2, but not Akt1, was up-regulated in PDAC, and Akt2
      levels correlated with mortality. Consistent with these results, high levels of
      PHLPP1, which dephosphorylates Akt2 (but not PHLPP2, which dephosphorylates
      Akt1), correlated with longer survival times of patients with PDAC. In mice,
      xenograft tumors derived from PaCa cells that overexpress PHLPP1 (but not PHLPP2)
      had inactivated Akt, greater extent of apoptosis, and smaller size. CONCLUSIONS:
      PHLPP1 has tumor suppressive activity and might represent a therapeutic or
      diagnostic tool for PDAC.

PMID- 22044671
TI  - A single administration of the GnRH antagonist acyline inhibits basal and GnRH
      stimulated serum testosterone concentrations in male dogs.
AB  - The objective of this study was to describe testosterone (T) response to GnRH
      challenge in antagonist-treated dogs over a 30-day period. Eight mongrel dogs
      were randomly assigned to either the GnRH antagonist acyline 330 MUg/kg sc (ACY;
      n = 4) or a placebo group (PLA; n = 4). The dogs were serially challenged with
      the GnRH agonist, buserelin 0.2 MUg/kg sc on days -1, 1, 3, 7, 10, 14, 21 and 30.
      On these days, blood samples for T determinations were collected before (-30 min)
      and 60, 120 and 180 min after the agonist injection. Basal (-30 min) and post
      GnRH agonist stimulation T values were compared by anova for repeated measures.
      Before treatments (day -1), there were no differences in basal T serum
      concentrations between groups (p > 0.1). After treatments, basal T showed a
      significant interaction between treatment and day (p < 0.05). Furthermore, when
      both groups were analysed independently, basal T varied in the ACY (p < 0.01) but
      not in the PLA group (p > 0.1). On day -1, before treatments, the stimulation
      tests had only a time effect (p = 0.05) although on days 1 (p < 0.01), 3 (p <
      0.01), 7 (p < 0.01), 10 (p < 0.01) and 14 (p < 0.05), the response to the agonist
      differed between groups, becoming similar on days 21 (p > 0.05) and 30 (p >
      0.05). It was concluded that, in dogs, a single administration of the GnRH
      antagonist prevented canine gonadal axis to physiologically respond to agonistic
      challenge during 14 days.

PMID- 22044670
TI  - Inflammation and disruption of the mucosal architecture in claudin-7-deficient
      mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Integrity of the intestinal epithelium is required for
      nutrition absorption and defense against pathogens. Claudins are cell adhesion
      molecules that localize at tight junctions (TJs); many are expressed in the
      intestinal tract, but little is known about their functions. Claudin-7 is unique
      in that it has a stronger basolateral membrane distribution than other claudins,
      which localize primarily to apical TJs in the intestinal epithelium. We
      investigated the basolateral functions of claudin-7 and assessed the effects of
      disruption of Cldn7 in intestines of mice. METHODS: We generated Cldn7(-/-) mice
      and examined their intestines by histology, molecular and cellular biology, and
      biochemistry approaches. We performed gene silencing experiments in epithelial
      cell lines using small interfering RNAs (siRNAs). RESULTS: The Cldn7(-/-) mice
      had severe intestinal defects that included mucosal ulcerations, epithelial cell
      sloughing, and inflammation. Intestines of Cldn7(-/-) mice produced significantly
      higher levels of cytokines, the nuclear factor kappaB p65 subunit, and
      cyclooxygenase 2; they also up-regulated expression of matrix metalloproteinases
      (MMPs)-3 and -7. siRNA in epithelial cell lines showed that the increased
      expression of MMP-3 resulted directly from claudin-7 depletion, whereas that of
      MMP-7 resulted from inflammation. Electron microscopy analysis showed that
      intestines of Cldn7(-/-) mice had intercellular gaps below TJs and cell matrix
      loosening. Deletion of Cldn7 reduced expression and altered localization of the
      integrin alpha2 subunit in addition to disrupting formation of complexes of
      claudin-7, integrin alpha2, and claudin-1 that normally form in epithelial
      basolateral compartments of intestines. CONCLUSIONS: In mice, claudin-7 has non
      TJ functions, including maintenance of epithelial cell-matrix interactions and
      intestinal homeostasis.

PMID- 22044672
TI  - Effects of acute and chronic treatment elicited by lamotrigine on behavior,
      energy metabolism, neurotrophins and signaling cascades in rats.
AB  - The present study was aimed to investigate the behavioral and molecular effects
      of lamotrigine. To this aim, Wistar rats were treated with lamotrigine (10 and 20
      mg/kg) or imipramine (30 mg/kg) acutely and chronically. The behavior was
      assessed using forced swimming test. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF),
      nerve growth factor (NGF), Proteina Kinase B (PKB, AKT), glycogen synthase kinase
      3 (GSK-3) and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) levels, citrate synthase, creatine kinase
      and mitochondrial chain (I, II, II-III and IV) activities were assessed in the
      brain. The results showed that both treatments reduced the immobility time. The
      BDNF were increased in the prefrontal after acute treatment with lamotrigine (20
      mg/kg), and the BDNF and NGF were increased in the prefrontal after chronic
      treatment with lamotrigine in all doses. The AKT increased and Bcl-2 and GSK-3
      decreased after both treatments in all brain areas. The citrate synthase and
      creatine kinase increased in the amygdala after acute treatment with imipramine.
      Chronic treatment with imipramine and lamotrigine (10 mg/kg) increased the
      creatine kinase in the hippocampus. The complex I was reduced and the complex II,
      II-III and IV were increased, but related with treatment and brain area. In
      conclusion, lamotrigine exerted antidepressant-like, which can be attributed to
      its effects on pathways related to depression, such as neurotrophins, metabolism
      energy and signaling cascade.

PMID- 22044673
TI  - Pulmonary function and left ventricular mass in African Americans: the
      Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study.
AB  - PURPOSE: Impaired pulmonary function has been associated with increased
      cardiovascular disease incidence and mortality. The objective of this study was
      to investigate associations between pulmonary function and left ventricular (LV)
      mass. METHODS: Participants were African American women (n = 1,069) and men (n =
      555) aged 49-73 years, from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities study. Mean
      pulmonary function values at the first (1987-1989) and second (1990-1992)
      examinations were used. Echocardiograms were performed at the third and early in
      the fourth examinations (1993-1996). Analysis of covariance and linear regression
      were used to assess associations. RESULTS: Mean levels of LV mass decreased with
      increasing quintiles of forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV(1) ) among
      female never smokers (P = 0.039). Forced vital capacity (FVC) showed stronger
      associations than FEV(1) with LV mass. Among men, LV mass was positively
      associated with FEV(1) among current and never smokers, and with FVC among never
      smokers. Additional analyses among never smokers revealed significant inverse
      associations between LV mass and FVC among women with waist-to-hip ratios of
      >0.85 and those with no history of diabetes. In contrast, significant positive
      associations between LV mass and FVC were seen among male never smokers with body
      mass index (BMI) of <=24.9 kg/m(2) , waist-to-hip ratios of <=0.95, no history of
      hypertension or diabetes, and <=60 years old. BMI and waist-to-hip ratio
      significantly modified associations among men. CONCLUSIONS: Among never smokers,
      LV mass and pulmonary function were inversely associated among women and
      positively associated among men. Further studies are warranted.

PMID- 22044674
TI  - Antibiosis of vineyard ecosystem fungi against food-borne microorganisms.
AB  - Fermentation extracts from fungi isolated from vineyard ecosystems were tested
      for antimicrobial activities against a set of test microorganisms, including five
      food-borne pathogens (Staphylococcus aureus EP167, Acinetobacter baumannii
      (clinically isolated), Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1, Escherichia coli O157:H7
      (CECT 5947) and Candida albicans MY1055) and two probiotic bacteria
      (Lactobacillus plantarum LCH17 and Lactobacillus brevis LCH23). A total of 182
      fungi was grown in eight different media, and the fermentation extracts were
      screened for antimicrobial activity. A total of 71 fungi produced extracts active
      against at least one pathogenic microorganism, but not against any probiotic
      bacteria. The Gram-positive bacterium S. aureus EP167 was more susceptible to
      antimicrobial fungi broth extracts than Gram-negative bacteria and pathogenic
      fungi. Identification of active fungi based on internal transcribed spacer rRNA
      sequence analysis revealed that species in the orders Pleosporales, Hypocreales
      and Xylariales dominated. Differences in antimicrobial selectivity were observed
      among isolates from the same species. Some compounds present in the active
      extracts were tentatively identified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry.
      Antimicrobial metabolites produced by vineyard ecosystem fungi may potentially
      limit colonization and spoilage of food products by food-borne pathogens, with
      minimal effect on probiotic bacteria.

PMID- 22044675
TI  - Takotsubo cardiomyopathy has a unique cardiac biomarker profile: NT
      proBNP/myoglobin and NT-proBNP/troponin T ratios for the differential diagnosis
      of acute coronary syndromes and stress induced cardiomyopathy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Takotsubo cardiomyopathy (TC) usually is not recognized until heart
      catheterization reveals typical wall motion abnormalities in the absence of
      significant coronary artery disease. It was our aim to identify TC by its unique
      cardiac biomarker profile at an early stage and, preferably, with non-invasive
      procedures only. METHODS: Ratios of N-terminal prohormone of brain natriuretic
      peptide (NT-proBNP) and myoglobin, NT-proBNP and troponin T (TnT), NT-proBNP and
      creatinekinase-MB (CK-MB) were compared in patients with TC (n=39), patients with
      ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI, n=48) and patients with non-ST
      elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI, n=34). Biomarkers were recorded serially
      at admission and at the three consecutive days. Optimal cut-off values to
      distinguish TC from STEMI and NSTEMI were calculated with receiver operator
      characteristic (ROC) curves. RESULTS: At admission a NT-proBNP (ng/l)/myoglobin
      (MUg/l) ratio of 3.8, distinguished TC from STEMI (sensitivity: 89%, specificity:
      90%), while a NT-proBNP (ng/l)/myoglobin (MUg/l) ratio of 14 separated well
      between TC and NSTEMI (sensitivity: 65%, specificity: 90%). Best differentiation
      of TC and ACS was possible with the ratio of peak levels of NT-proBNP (ng/l)/TnT
      (MUg/l). A cut-off value of NT-proBNP (ng/l)/TnT (MUg/l) ratio of 2889,
      distinguished TC from STEMI (sensitivity: 91%, specificity: 95%), while a NT
      proBNP (ng/l)/TnT (MUg/l) ratio of 5000 separated well between TC and NSTEMI
      (sensitivity: 83%, specificity: 95%). CONCLUSIONS: TC goes along with a singular
      cardiac biomarker profile, which might be useful to identify patients with TC
      among patients presenting with acute coronary syndromes (ACS).

PMID- 22044676
TI  - In vivo and in silico determination of essential genes of Campylobacter jejuni.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the United Kingdom, the thermophilic Campylobacter species C.
      jejuni and C. coli are the most frequent causes of food-borne gastroenteritis in
      humans. While campylobacteriosis is usually a relatively mild infection, it has a
      significant public health and economic impact, and possible complications include
      reactive arthritis and the autoimmune diseases Guillain-Barre syndrome. The rapid
      developments in "omics" technologies have resulted in the availability of diverse
      datasets allowing predictions of metabolism and physiology of pathogenic micro
      organisms. When combined, these datasets may allow for the identification of
      potential weaknesses that can be used for development of new antimicrobials to
      reduce or eliminate C. jejuni and C. coli from the food chain. RESULTS: A
      metabolic model of C. jejuni was constructed using the annotation of the NCTC
      11168 genome sequence, a published model of the related bacterium Helicobacter
      pylori, and extensive literature mining. Using this model, we have used in silico
      Flux Balance Analysis (FBA) to determine key metabolic routes that are essential
      for generating energy and biomass, thus creating a list of genes potentially
      essential for growth under laboratory conditions. To complement this in silico
      approach, candidate essential genes have been determined using a whole genome
      transposon mutagenesis method. FBA and transposon mutagenesis (both this study
      and a published study) predict a similar number of essential genes (around 200).
      The analysis of the intersection between the three approaches highlights the
      shikimate pathway where genes are predicted to be essential by one or more
      method, and tend to be network hubs, based on a previously published
      Campylobacter protein-protein interaction network, and could therefore be targets
      for novel antimicrobial therapy. CONCLUSIONS: We have constructed the first
      curated metabolic model for the food-borne pathogen Campylobacter jejuni and have
      presented the resulting metabolic insights. We have shown that the combination of
      in silico and in vivo approaches could point to non-redundant, indispensable
      genes associated with the well characterised shikimate pathway, and also genes of
      unknown function specific to C. jejuni, which are all potential novel
      Campylobacter intervention targets.

PMID- 22044677
TI  - Light and portable novel device for diabetic retinopathy screening.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To validate the use of an economical portable multipurpose ophthalmic
      imaging device, EyeScan (Ophthalmic Imaging System, Sacramento, CA, USA), for
      diabetic retinopathy screening. DESIGN: Evaluation of a diagnostic device.
      PARTICIPANTS: One hundred thirty-six (272 eyes) were recruited from diabetic
      retinopathy screening clinic of Royal Perth Hospital, Western Australia,
      Australia. METHODS: All patients underwent three-field (optic disc, macular and
      temporal view) mydriatic retinal digital still photography captured by EyeScan
      and FF450 plus (Carl Zeiss Meditec, North America) and were subsequently examined
      by a senior consultant ophthalmologist using the slit-lamp biomicroscopy
      (reference standard). All retinal images were interpreted by a consultant
      ophthalmologist and a medical officer. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The sensitivity,
      specificity and kappa statistics of EyeScan and FF450 plus with reference to the
      slit-lamp examination findings by a senior consultant ophthalmologist. RESULTS:
      For detection of any grade of diabetic retinopathy, EyeScan had a sensitivity and
      specificity of 93 and 98%, respectively (ophthalmologist), and 92 and 95%,
      respectively (medical officer). In contrast, FF450 plus images had a sensitivity
      and specificity of 95 and 99%, respectively (ophthalmologist), and 92 and 96%,
      respectively (medical officer). The overall kappa statistics for diabetic
      retinopathy grading for EyeScan and FF450 plus were 0.93 and 0.95 for
      ophthalmologist and 0.88 and 0.90 for medical officer, respectively. CONCLUSIONS:
      Given that the EyeScan requires minimal training to use and has excellent
      diagnostic accuracy in screening for diabetic retinopathy, it could be
      potentially utilized by the primary eye care providers to widely screen for
      diabetic retinopathy in the community.

PMID- 22044678
TI  - Land trust evaluation of progress toward conservation goals.
AB  - In the United States local land trusts preserve and conserve land to protect
      water quality and supply, farmlands, habitat for native plants and animals, areas
      of cultural or historical significance, and scenic views. We surveyed the 24
      active, local land trusts in North Carolina (U.S.A.) to determine how they report
      progress toward attaining such conservation goals. Twenty-two land trusts
      responded to our survey. Of these, eight reported developing specific
      conservation goals for all of the properties they protect, five identified
      conservation targets on all properties, and two reported monitoring biological
      indicators on all of their protected properties. On the basis of these results,
      we believe most of the land trusts surveyed could not determine whether they were
      meeting conservation goals because most did not identify explicit, measurable
      goals and monitor progress toward them. Instead they reported success in terms of
      the amount of land protected and money raised. We think this is a lost
      opportunity for land trusts to build sound approaches to environmental
      management, engage the public, entice new donors, and attain funding for
      additional conservation activities. We propose conservation professionals help
      local land trusts adopt the Open Standards for the Practice of Conservation, a
      framework developed by a consortium of international conservation organizations,
      to develop conservation goals and measure whether the goals are achieved.

PMID- 22044679
TI  - Molecular mechanisms of gastric epithelial cell adhesion and injection of CagA by
      Helicobacter pylori.
AB  - Helicobacter pylori is a highly successful pathogen uniquely adapted to colonize
      humans. Gastric infections with this bacterium can induce pathology ranging from
      chronic gastritis and peptic ulcers to gastric cancer. More virulent H. pylori
      isolates harbour numerous well-known adhesins (BabA/B, SabA, AlpA/B, OipA and
      HopZ) and the cag (cytotoxin-associated genes) pathogenicity island encoding a
      type IV secretion system (T4SS). The adhesins establish tight bacterial contact
      with host target cells and the T4SS represents a needle-like pilus device for the
      delivery of effector proteins into host target cells such as CagA. BabA and SabA
      bind to blood group antigen and sialylated proteins respectively, and a series of
      T4SS components including CagI, CagL, CagY and CagA have been shown to target the
      integrin beta1 receptor followed by injection of CagA across the host cell
      membrane. The interaction of CagA with membrane-anchored phosphatidylserine may
      also play a role in the delivery process. While substantial progress has been
      made in our current understanding of many of the above factors, the host cell
      receptors for OipA, HopZ and AlpA/B during infection are still unknown. Here we
      review the recent progress in characterizing the interactions of the various
      adhesins and structural T4SS proteins with host cell factors. The contribution of
      these interactions to H. pylori colonization and pathogenesis is discussed.

PMID- 22044680
TI  - Fighting resistant tuberculosis with old compounds: the carbapenem paradigm.

PMID- 22044681
TI  - Service providers' perceptions of active ageing among older adults with lifelong
      intellectual disabilities.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Considerable attention is currently being directed towards both
      active ageing and the revising of standards for disability services within
      Australia and internationally. Yet, to date, no consideration appears to have
      been given to ways to promote active ageing among older adults with intellectual
      disabilities (IDs). METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 16
      Australian professional direct-care support staff (service providers) about their
      perceptions of ageing among older adults with lifelong IDs and what active ageing
      might entail for an individual from this population who is currently under their
      care, in both the present and future. Data were analysed against the six core
      World Health Organization active ageing outcomes for people with IDs. RESULTS:
      Service providers appeared to be strongly focused on encouraging active ageing
      among their clients. However, their perceptions of the individual
      characteristics, circumstances and experiences of older adults with IDs for whom
      they care suggest that active ageing principles need to be applied to this group
      in a way that considers both their individual and diverse needs, particularly
      with respect to them transitioning from day services, employment or voluntary
      work to reduced activity, and finally to aged care facilities. The
      appropriateness of this group being placed in nursing homes in old age was also
      questioned. CONCLUSION: Direct-care staff of older adults with IDs have a vital
      role to play in encouraging and facilitating active ageing, as well as informing
      strategies that need to be implemented to ensure appropriate care for this
      diverse group as they proceed to old age.

PMID- 22044682
TI  - Lymphotoxin-beta receptor blockade reduces CXCL13 in lacrimal glands and improves
      corneal integrity in the NOD model of Sjogren's syndrome.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In Sjogren's syndrome, keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye) is
      associated with infiltration of lacrimal glands by leukocytes and consequent
      losses of tear-fluid production and the integrity of the ocular surface. We
      investigated the effect of blockade of the lymphotoxin-beta receptor (LTBR)
      pathway on lacrimal-gland pathology in the NOD mouse model of Sjogren's syndrome.
      METHODS: Male NOD mice were treated for up to ten weeks with an antagonist, LTBR
      Ig, or control mouse antibody MOPC-21. Extra-orbital lacrimal glands were
      analyzed by immunohistochemistry for high endothelial venules (HEV), by
      Affymetrix gene-array analysis and real-time PCR for differential gene
      expression, and by ELISA for CXCL13 protein. Leukocytes from lacrimal glands were
      analyzed by flow-cytometry. Tear-fluid secretion-rates were measured and the
      integrity of the ocular surface was scored using slit-lamp microscopy and
      fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) staining. The chemokine CXCL13 was measured by
      ELISA in sera from Sjogren's syndrome patients (n = 27) and healthy controls (n =
      30). Statistical analysis was by the two-tailed, unpaired T-test, or the Mann
      Whitney-test for ocular integrity scores. RESULTS: LTBR blockade for eight weeks
      reduced B-cell accumulation (approximately 5-fold), eliminated HEV in lacrimal
      glands, and reduced the entry rate of lymphocytes into lacrimal glands.
      Affymetrix-chip analysis revealed numerous changes in mRNA expression due to LTBR
      blockade, including reduction of homeostatic chemokine expression. The reduction
      of CXCL13, CCL21, CCL19 mRNA and the HEV-associated gene GLYCAM-1 was confirmed
      by PCR analysis. CXCL13 protein increased with disease progression in lacrimal
      gland homogenates, but after LTBR blockade for 8 weeks, CXCL13 was reduced
      approximately 6-fold to 8.4 pg/mg (+/- 2.7) from 51 pg/mg (+/-5.3) in lacrimal
      glands of 16 week old control mice. Mice given LTBR blockade exhibited an
      approximately two-fold greater tear-fluid secretion than control mice (P =
      0.001), and had a significantly improved ocular surface integrity score (P =
      0.005). The mean CXCL13 concentration in sera from Sjogren's patients (n = 27)
      was 170 pg/ml, compared to 92.0 pg/ml for sera from (n = 30) healthy controls (P
      = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Blockade of LTBR pathways may have therapeutic potential
      for treatment of Sjogren's syndrome.

PMID- 22044683
TI  - Age, gender, will, and use of home-visit nursing care are critical factors in
      home care for malignant diseases; a retrospective study involving 346 patients in
      Japan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We aimed to clarify the factors affecting outcomes of home care for
      patients with malignant diseases. METHODS: Of 607 patients who were treated in 10
      clinics specialized in home care between January and December 2007 at Chiba,
      Fukuoka, Iwate, Kagoshima, Tochigi and Tokyo prefectures across Japan, 346 (57%;
      145 men and 201 women) had malignant diseases. We collected information on
      medical and social backgrounds, details of home care, and its outcomes based on
      their medical records. RESULTS: Median age of the patients was 77 years (range,
      11-102), and 335 patients were economically self-sufficient. Their general
      condition was poor; advanced cancer (n = 308), performance status of 3-4 (n =
      261), and dementia (n = 121). At the beginning of home care, 143 patients and 174
      family members expressed their wish to die at home. All the patients received
      supportive treatments including fluid replacement and oxygenation. Median
      duration of home care was 47 days (range, 0-2,712). 224 patients died at home.
      For the remaining 122, home care was terminated due to complications (n = 109),
      change of attending physicians (n = 8), and others (n = 5). The factors which
      inhibited the continuity of home care were the non-use of home-visit nursing care
      (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.78, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.05-3.00, p = 0.03),
      the fact that the patients themselves do not wish to die at home (HR = 1.83, CI:
      1.09-3.07, p = 0.02), women (HR = 1.81, CI: 1.11-2.94, p = 0.02), and age (HR =
      0.98, CI: 0.97-1.00, p = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Continuation of home care is
      influenced by patients' age, gender, will, and use of home-visit nursing.

PMID- 22044685
TI  - Hydrolysis optimization and characterization study of preparing fatty acids from
      Jatropha curcas seed oil.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fatty acids (FAs) are important as raw materials for the
      biotechnology industry. Existing methods of FAs production are based on chemical
      methods. In this study potassium hydroxide (KOH)-catalyzed reactions were
      utilized to hydrolysis Jatropha curcas seed oil. RESULTS: The parameters effect
      of ethanolic KOH concentration, reaction temperature, and reaction time to free
      fatty acid (FFA%) were investigated using D-Optimal Design. Characterization of
      the product has been studied using Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy
      (FTIR), gas chromatography (GC) and high performance liquid chromatography
      (HPLC). The optimum conditions for maximum FFA% were achieved at 1.75M of
      ethanolic KOH concentration, 65 degrees C of reaction temperature and 2.0 h of
      reaction time. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that ethanolic KOH concentration
      was significant variable for J. curcas seed oil hydrolysis. In a 18-point
      experimental design, FFA% of hydrolyzed J. curcas seed oil can be raised from
      1.89% to 102.2%, which proved by FTIR and HPLC.

PMID- 22044686
TI  - Extensive recombination events and horizontal gene transfer shaped the Legionella
      pneumophila genomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Legionella pneumophila is an intracellular pathogen of environmental
      protozoa. When humans inhale contaminated aerosols this bacterium may cause a
      severe pneumonia called Legionnaires' disease. Despite the abundance of dozens of
      Legionella species in aquatic reservoirs, the vast majority of human disease is
      caused by a single serogroup (Sg) of a single species, namely L. pneumophila Sg1.
      To get further insights into genome dynamics and evolution of Sg1 strains, we
      sequenced strains Lorraine and HL 0604 1035 (Sg1) and compared them to the
      available sequences of Sg1 strains Paris, Lens, Corby and Philadelphia, resulting
      in a comprehensive multigenome analysis. RESULTS: We show that L. pneumophila Sg1
      has a highly conserved and syntenic core genome that comprises the many
      eukaryotic like proteins and a conserved repertoire of over 200 Dot/Icm type IV
      secreted substrates. However, recombination events and horizontal gene transfer
      are frequent. In particular the analyses of the distribution of nucleotide
      polymorphisms suggests that large chromosomal fragments of over 200 kbs are
      exchanged between L. pneumophila strains and contribute to the genome dynamics in
      the natural population. The many secretion systems present might be implicated in
      exchange of these fragments by conjugal transfer. Plasmids also play a role in
      genome diversification and are exchanged among strains and circulate between
      different Legionella species. CONCLUSION: Horizontal gene transfer among bacteria
      and from eukaryotes to L. pneumophila as well as recombination between strains
      allows different clones to evolve into predominant disease clones and others to
      replace them subsequently within relatively short periods of time.

PMID- 22044687
TI  - Decreased xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) is associated with a worse prognosis in
      patients with serous ovarian carcinoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR) is a key enzyme in the degradation of
      DNA, RNA and high-energy phosphates. In the human cancers previously studied,
      down-regulated XOR identifies patients with unfavorable prognosis. We assessed
      the clinical relevance of XOR expression in serous ovarian cancer. METHODS: XOR
      protein was determined in tissue microarrays from 474 patients with serous
      ovarian cancer and analyzed with respect to clinical parameters and survival.
      RESULTS: XOR was down regulated in 64% of the tumors as compared to the
      corresponding normal tissue. Decreased XOR was associated with a poorly
      differentiated tumor and an abnormal p53 expression, but not with age at
      diagnosis, FIGO stage, Ki-67 or tumor size. XOR expression was associated with
      outcome, and the five year ovarian cancer specific survival in patients with
      strong XOR expression was 59% compared to 44% in those with moderate (hazard
      ratio, HR; 1.44; P=0.0083) and 26% in patients with lack of XOR (HR, 2.07;
      P=0.0003). This was also true in patients whose tumors were highly differentiated
      (HR, 3.67; P=0.008) and in patients with a small (<1cm) residual tumor (HR, 2.62;
      P=0.017), and in patients whose tumors show a low Ki-67 protein expression (HR,
      3.79; P<0.0001). In multivariate survival analysis, absence of XOR emerged as an
      independent prognostic factor (HR, 1.82; P=0.015). CONCLUSIONS: Decreased XOR is
      associated with poorer prognosis in patients with serous ovarian cancer
      especially in those with an otherwise more favorable prognostic profile.

PMID- 22044688
TI  - Involvement in decision-making about treatment and ovarian cancer survivor
      quality of life.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study sought to better understand the long-term effects on women's
      health related quality of life (HRQOL) of involvement in decision-making about
      their surgical and chemotherapeutic treatments for ovarian cancer treatment and
      about follow-up care after treatment. METHODS: Using a cross-sectional survey
      design, a sample of 219 ovarian cancer patient/survivors from Western Washington
      who were between 3 months and ten years post-diagnosis were recruited via a
      mailed survey sent by their gynecological oncologist and interviewed about their
      ovarian cancer treatment, use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM),
      Health related quality of life, and their involvement in decision-making about
      their cancer treatment and follow-up care. RESULTS: Multivariate regression
      analyses revealed age, but not stage of cancer to be a significant predictor of
      perceived involvement in decision-making about ovarian cancer treatment and
      follow-up. Age also predicted CAM use with older patients using herbal CAM, and
      younger patients using CAM activities and CAM providers (p<0.5). Controlling for
      demographic, disease, and treatment characteristics involvement in decision
      making about surgery and follow-up care were associated with better mental health
      in survivorship (p<0.05). Involvement in decision-making about use of CAM and
      about lifestyle health changes was associated with greater vitality and better
      role-emotional health in survivorship (respectively; both; p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS:
      As has been found in studies of breast cancer survivors, perceived involvement in
      decision-making about ovarian cancer treatment including surgery and follow-up
      care after treatment is associated with better quality of life for cancer
      survivors. Involvement in decision-making about the use of CAM and about changes
      in lifestyle health practices also appear to help survivor's emotional health
      related quality of life. Prospective studies are needed to determine the
      mechanisms by which perceived involvement in decision-making about treatment
      might influence survivor quality of life.

PMID- 22044689
TI  - BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations among ovarian cancer patients from Colombia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The contribution of BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutations to ovarian cancer in
      Colombia has not yet been explored. Five founder mutations have been identified
      in two previous studies of breast cancer patients in the Bogota region [1,2]. It
      is important that the frequency of mutations be established among unselected
      cases of ovarian cancer in order to estimate the genetic burden of this cancer in
      Colombia and to plan genetic and preventive services. METHODS: We enrolled 100
      unselected women with ovarian cancer from the Bogota region, and from northern
      and southern central regions of Colombia. A detailed family history was obtained
      from each patient and a blood sample was processed for DNA analysis. DNA quality
      was adequate for BRCA testing for 96 women. Mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 were
      sought using a Hispanic BRCA mutation testing panel. All mutations were confirmed
      by direct sequencing. RESULTS: Fifteen mutations were identified (two in BRCA2
      and thirteen in BRCA1) representing 15.6% of the total (95% CI: 7.8% to 21.3%).
      Among the 15 mutation-positive families there were nine breast-ovarian cancer
      families, one gastric cancer family, one prostate cancer family, three uterine
      cancer families, and one family with no history of cancer. A single founder
      mutation in BRCA1 (3450del4) was seen in 11 patients. CONCLUSION: In summary,
      BRCA1 founder mutations are common in Colombian women with ovarian cancer.
      Approximately 11.5% of all ovarian cancer cases in the Bogota region are
      attributable to a single BRCA1 founder mutation.

PMID- 22044690
TI  - Characterization of hTERT-immortalized caprine mammary epithelial cells.
AB  - The aim of this article is to demonstrate and characterize caprine mammary
      epithelial cells (CMC) immortalized with human telomerase reverse transcriptase
      (hTERT) gene. Five immortalized CMCs were assigned to either myoepithelial or
      luminal epithelial groups based on their morphology and expression of cell
      lineage-specific intermediate filaments. Telomeric repeat amplification protocol
      revealed various telomerase activities in CMCs associated with their distinct
      proliferation potential. Karyotypic analysis showed three CMCs retained their
      modal Capra hircus chromosome number (2n = 60), whereas the remaining two CMCs
      were abnormal at 2n = 19 and 2n = 36. CMCs with abnormal karyotypes lost p53
      protein after chemical-induced DNA damage and showed anchorage-independent growth
      in soft agar assay. In terms of functional differentiation, luminal CMCs
      organized into alveolus-like structures when grown in Matrigel. Furthermore,
      alphas1- and beta-casein gene was induced in luminal CMCs in response to lacto
      hormones stimulation. Together these results showed that hTERT-immortalized CMCs
      retained major characteristics of mammary epithelial cells, and stability of the
      genome is required for maintaining normal mammary epithelium function.
      Application of CMCs can provide valuable models to study alveologenesis and
      lactogenesis of mammary epithelium and test the feasibility of recombinant
      constructs designed for the generation of transgenic livestock.

PMID- 22044692
TI  - Immunoprotective effect of von Willebrand factor towards therapeutic factor VIII
      in experimental haemophilia A.
AB  - The development of inhibitory anti-factor VIII (FVIII) antibodies in patients
      with haemophilia A following replacement therapy is associated with several types
      of risk factors. Among these, the purity of FVIII concentrates, and in particular
      the presence of von Willebrand factor (VWF), was controversially proposed to
      influence the immunogenicity of exogenous FVIII. We re-assessed in vivo and in
      vitro the immuno-protective effect of VWF towards FVIII. The immuno-protective
      effect of VWF towards FVIII was investigated in vivo, in a model of haemophilia
      A. We studied the endocytosis of FVIII by murine bone marrow-derived dendritic
      cells and evaluated the capacity of VWF to block the internalization of FVIII. We
      characterized the relevance of VWF for the accumulation of FVIII in the marginal
      zone of the spleen, a secondary lymphoid organ where the immune response to
      therapeutically administered FVIII initiates. Our results confirm that VWF
      reduces the immunogenicity of FVIII in FVIII-deficient mice. Paradoxically, VWF
      is important for the accumulation of FVIII in the marginal zone of the spleen. We
      propose that VWF exerts at least two non-mutually exclusive immunoprotective
      roles towards FVIII in haemophilic mice: VWF prevents the endocytosis of FVIII by
      professional antigen-presenting cells by blocking the interaction of FVIII with
      as yet unidentified endocytic receptor(s). Hypothetically, VWF, by virtue of
      increasing the half-life of FVIII in the circulation, may allow an increased
      contact time with tolerogenic marginal zone B cells in the spleen.

PMID- 22044691
TI  - Protein expression, survival and docetaxel benefit in node-positive breast cancer
      treated with adjuvant chemotherapy in the FNCLCC-PACS 01 randomized trial.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The PACS01 trial has demonstrated that a docetaxel addition to
      adjuvant anthracycline-based chemotherapy improves disease-free survival (DFS)
      and overall survival of node-positive early breast cancer (EBC). We searched for
      prognostic and predictive markers for docetaxel's benefit. METHODS: Tumor samples
      from 1,099 recruited women were analyzed for the expression of 34 selected
      proteins using immunohistochemistry. The prognostic and predictive values of each
      marker and four molecular subtypes (luminal A, luminal B, HER2-overexpressing,
      and triple-negative) were tested. RESULTS: Progesterone receptor-negativity (HR =
      0.66; 95% CI 0.47 to 0.92, P = 0.013), and Ki67-positivity (HR = 1.53; 95% CI
      1.12 to 2.08, P = 0.007) were independent adverse prognostic factors. Out of the
      34 proteins, only Ki67-positivity was associated with DFS improvement with
      docetaxel addition (adjusted HR = 0.51, 95% CI 0.33 to 0.79 for Ki67-positive
      versus HR = 1.10, 95% CI 0.75 to 1.61 for Ki67-negative tumors, P for interaction
      = 0.012). Molecular subtyping predicted the docetaxel benefit, but without
      providing additional information to Ki67 status. The luminal A subtype did not
      benefit from docetaxel (HR = 1.16, 95% CI 0.73 to 1.84); the reduction in the
      relapse risk was 53% (HR = 0.47, 95% CI 0.22 to 1.01), 34% (HR = 0.66, 95% CI
      0.37 to 1.19), and 12% (HR = 0.88, 95% CI 0.49 to 1.57) in the luminal B, HER2
      overexpressing, and triple-negative subtypes, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In
      patients with node-positive EBC receiving adjuvant anthracycline-based
      chemotherapy, the most powerful predictor of docetaxel benefit is Ki67
      positivity.

PMID- 22044693
TI  - Hepatic transplant and HCV: a new playground for an old virus.
AB  - Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major global health problem affecting 170
      million people worldwide. The majority of infected individuals fail to resolve
      their infection, with a significant number developing chronic, progressive HCV
      related liver disease. HCV infection is the leading indication for liver
      transplantation and unfortunately, all patients with detectable viral load before
      transplantation will have rapid, recurrent infection. What remain to be
      determined are factors contributing to the severity of HCV recurrence. Such
      factors are unique to the posttransplant setting and include: viral genetic
      diversity and composition, immunosuppression, donor/recipient age and sex,
      genetic factors and the liver microenvironment. Importantly, the possibility that
      the severity of HCV recurrence might be also influenced by factors related to the
      primary course of disease (i.e. viral set point, previously acquired adaptations
      of the virus) must be further evaluated. In this sense, recurrent HCV infection
      should not be regarded merely as another acute infection, but rather, it should
      be cautioned that problems first arising during the primary course of disease may
      be accentuated during recurrence. Development of novel therapeutic approaches
      will require a thorough understanding of viral and host determinants of infection
      resolution and how these factors may change in the posttransplant setting.

PMID- 22044694
TI  - Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of polyphenon E in prostate
      cancer patients before prostatectomy: evaluation of potential chemopreventive
      activities.
AB  - Compelling preclinical and pilot clinical data support the role of green tea
      polyphenols in prostate cancer prevention. We conducted a randomized, double
      blind, placebo-controlled trial of polyphenon E (enriched green tea polyphenol
      extract) in men with prostate cancer scheduled to undergo radical prostatectomy.
      The study aimed to determine the bioavailability of green tea polyphenols in
      prostate tissue and to measure its effects on systemic and tissue biomarkers of
      prostate cancer carcinogenesis. Participants received either polyphenon E
      (containing 800 mg epigallocatechin gallate) or placebo daily for 3 to 6 weeks
      before surgery. Following the intervention, green tea polyphenol levels in the
      prostatectomy tissue were low to undetectable. Polyphenon E intervention resulted
      in favorable but not statistically significant changes in serum prostate-specific
      antigen, serum insulin-like growth factor axis, and oxidative DNA damage in blood
      leukocytes. Tissue biomarkers of cell proliferation, apoptosis, and angiogenesis
      in the prostatectomy tissue did not differ between the treatment arms. The
      proportion of subjects who had a decrease in Gleason score between biopsy and
      surgical specimens was greater in those on polyphenon E but was not statistically
      significant. The study's findings of low bioavailability and/or bioaccumulation
      of green tea polyphenols in prostate tissue and statistically insignificant
      changes in systemic and tissue biomarkers from 3 to 6 weeks of administration
      suggests that prostate cancer preventive activity of green tea polyphenols, if
      occurring, may be through indirect means and/or that the activity may need to be
      evaluated with longer intervention durations, repeated dosing, or in patients at
      earlier stages of the disease.

PMID- 22044696
TI  - Suppressor of cytokine signal 3 and IL28 genetic variation predict the viral
      response to peginterferon and ribavirin.
AB  - AIM:   The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship among the
      expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS 3) in the liver, the SNPs
      in the IL28B locus, and the outcome of interferon therapy. METHODS:   Prior to
      interferon treatment, we immunostained 67 liver specimens from chronic hepatitis
      C (CHC) patients who were receiving peginterferon alpha-2b/ribavirin therapy for
      suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3), and compared the expression of SOCS3,
      IL28 polymorphisms and other clinical factors between the patients and compared
      their eventual outcomes. RESULTS:   Significant differences between the low SOCS3
      group and high SOCS3 group were found in age, as well as in the platelet,
      transaminase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase levels. The incidence of high SOCS3
      was not significantly different between subjects with the TT genotype and the TG
      genotype (TT : TG = 71%:29%, P = 0.250). In a multivariate analysis, age (>=65
      years old) (odds ratio 0.221 [0.120-0.966], P = 0.045), IL28B gene (genotype TT)
      (odds ratio 5.422 [1.254-23.617], P = 0.024) and SOCS3 (high) (odds ratio 0.308
      [0.104-0.948], P = 0.040) were significant predictors of the interferon response.
      In patients with the TT genotype, those with low SOCS3 immunostaining showed a
      high sustained virological response (69%), while the sustained virological rate
      was low (27%) in the patients with high SOCS3 immunostaining. CONCLUSIONS:  
      Using a combination of the SOCS3 immunostained area in the liver and the
      expression of IL28B single nucleotide polymorphisms might be a useful predictor
      of hepatitis C virus clearance by interferon therapy.

PMID- 22044695
TI  - Genetic variants associated with the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary
      disease with and without lung cancer.
AB  - Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a strong risk factor for lung
      cancer. Published studies about variations of genes encoding glutathione
      metabolism, DNA repair, and inflammatory response pathways in susceptibility to
      COPD were inconclusive. We evaluated 470 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP)
      from 56 genes of these three pathways in 620 cases and 893 controls to identify
      susceptibility markers for COPD risk, using existing resources. We assessed SNP-
      and gene-level effects adjusting for sex, age, and smoking status. Differential
      genetic effects on disease risk with and without lung cancer were also assessed;
      cumulative risk models were established. Twenty-one SNPs were found to be
      significantly associated with risk of COPD (P < 0.01); gene-based analyses
      confirmed two genes (GCLC and GSS) and identified three additional genes (GSTO2,
      ERCC1, and RRM1). Carrying 12 high-risk alleles may increase risk by 2.7-fold;
      eight SNPs altered COPD risk without lung cancer by 3.1-fold and 4 SNPs altered
      the risk with lung cancer by 2.3-fold. Our findings indicate that multiple
      genetic variations in the three selected pathways contribute to COPD risk through
      GCLC, GSS, GSTO2, ERCC1, and RRM1 genes. Functional studies are needed to
      elucidate the mechanisms of these genes in the development of COPD, lung cancer,
      or both.

PMID- 22044697
TI  - Morphologic outer retinal abnormalities in white dot syndromes on spectral-domain
      optical coherence tomography.

PMID- 22044699
TI  - Real time triplane echocardiography in the assessment of the functional area of
      prosthetic aortic valves: reliability and feasibility.
AB  - PURPOSE: Our study is aimed at evaluating the feasibility and reliability of a
      simple method for the measurement of the functional area of prosthetic aortic
      valves (EOA). Three-dimensional echocardiography has proven accurate for left
      ventricular volume, stroke volume, and aortic valve area measurement. We studied
      the feasibility and reliability of real time simultaneous triplane
      echocardiography (RT3P) for assessing the EOA with a fast formula based on the
      principle of continuity equation, in which we replaced Doppler-derived stroke
      volume (SV) with SV directly measured with RT3P. METHODS AND RESULTS: EOA of
      prosthetic aortic valves were measured in 23 consecutive patients requiring
      periodical follow up. EOA was calculated using Doppler continuity equation (DCE)
      and the RT3P method by replacing Doppler-derived SV with SV measured with real
      time triplane echocardiography. We compared functional areas obtained with the
      two methods with the prosthetic area indicated in the manufacturer's
      specifications and with the mean transprosthetic gradient. Both methods had a
      good correlation with the area indicated by the manufacturer. RT3P revealed an
      inverse correlation between functional area and mean gradient that was better
      than DCE (P = 0.0359). Inter- and intraobserver variability was not different
      between the two methods. Execution time was significantly shorter for RT3P.
      CONCLUSIONS: RT3P is a simple method that can be performed quite rapidly, and can
      complement the overall assessment of prosthetic valve function. Further studies
      can confirm our technique.

PMID- 22044700
TI  - How can benfluorex-related heart valve disease be identified by echocardiography?

PMID- 22044698
TI  - "Targeted disruption of the epithelial-barrier by Helicobacter pylori".
AB  - Helicobacter pylori colonizes the human gastric epithelium and induces chronic
      gastritis, which can lead to gastric cancer. Through cell-cell contacts the
      gastric epithelium forms a barrier to protect underlying tissue from pathogenic
      bacteria; however, H. pylori have evolved numerous strategies to perturb the
      integrity of the gastric barrier. In this review, we summarize recent research
      into the mechanisms through which H. pylori disrupts intercellular junctions and
      disrupts the gastric epithelial barrier.

PMID- 22044701
TI  - A cross-sectional evaluation of venous thromboembolism risk and use of venous
      thromboembolism prophylaxis in hospitalized patients in Senegal.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Venous thromboembolism is a common and preventable cause of morbidity
      and mortality in hospitalized patients. There is a lack of data on the
      distribution of risk factors and prophylaxis practices in sub-Saharan Africa.
      AIM: To assess the prevalence of venous thromboembolism risk in hospitalized
      patients and to determine the proportion of at-risk patients who receive
      prophylaxis. METHODS: The study was a cross-sectional hospital-based survey. On
      the basis of the global ENDORSE methodology, patients aged>=40 years admitted to
      a medical ward or those aged>=18 years admitted to a surgical ward were assessed
      for risk of venous thromboembolism by hospital chart review. Distribution of risk
      factors and coverage of prophylaxis in at-risk patients were determined using the
      2004 American College of Chest Physicians evidence-based consensus guidelines.
      RESULTS: From October to November 2008, 520 patients (278 medical; 242 surgical)
      were enrolled in 12 hospitals across Senegal. Two hundred and ninety-eight (57%)
      were at risk of venous thromboembolism; 152 (57.4%) medical patients and 146
      (60.3%) surgical patients. Among those at risk, 48 (31.6%) medical patients and
      52 (35.6%) surgical patients received a prescription for prophylaxis. Among
      patients without contraindication to anticoagulants, 33.8% (46/136) on medical
      wards and 37.5% (48/128) on surgical wards received prophylaxis. CONCLUSION: The
      risk of venous thromboembolism was frequent in hospitalized patients in Senegal
      but only a few received the recommended prophylaxis. There is a need to implement
      a programme to improve venous thromboembolism awareness and prophylaxis.

PMID- 22044702
TI  - Usefulness of serum albumin and serum total cholesterol in the prediction of
      hospital death in older patients with severe, acute heart failure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute heart failure (HF) carries high hospital mortality rates in
      older patients; a multimarker strategy may help identify patients at high risk.
      AIMS: To investigate prospectively the prognostic relevance of serum albumin and
      serum total cholesterol (TC) in older patients with severe, acute HF. METHODS:
      Usual prognostic variables were collected on admission in 207 consecutive
      patients aged>70 years with severe, acute HF. Serum albumin and serum TC were
      obtained soon after clinical improvement. RESULTS: Hospital mortality rate was
      19%. Patients who died were similar to patients who survived in terms of age,
      sex, heart rate, serum haemoglobin and left ventricular ejection fraction.
      Patients who died had higher concentrations of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP),
      blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, C-reactive protein and serum troponin I,
      lower systolic blood pressure, and lower concentrations of serum albumin and
      serum TC than patients who survived (P<0.01 for all). Serum albumin was the best
      independent predictor of hospital death (odds ratio 0.82 [0.74-0.90], P<0.001),
      with blood urea nitrogen (P=0.02) and log (BNP) (P=0.02). A simple risk score
      based on serum albumin (<3g/dL; 2 points), BNP (>840pg/mL; 1 point) and blood
      urea nitrogen (>15.3mmol/L; 1 point) discriminated patients without (score 0 to
      1, hospital death 4%) from patients with (score 2 to 4, hospital death 35%,
      P<0.001) a high risk of death. CONCLUSION: Hypoalbuminaemia offers powerful
      additional prognostic information to usual prognostic variables in older patients
      with severe, acute HF, and deserves further attention in multimarker strategies.

PMID- 22044703
TI  - Evolution of acute coronary syndrome with normal coronary arteries and normal
      cardiac magnetic resonance imaging.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) with normal coronary angiography is a
      frequent clinical situation with an uncertain prognosis. Cardiac magnetic
      resonance imaging (CMRI) is a powerful tool for differential diagnosis between
      myocardial infarction (MI), acute myocarditis and Tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy
      (TTC). Data are sparse regarding the evolution of patients presenting an ACS with
      normal coronary arteries and normal CMRI. AIMS: To evaluate the evolution of
      patients presenting an ACS with normal coronary arteries and normal CMRI, with a
      1-year follow-up. METHODS: Eighty-seven consecutive patients (mean age, 53 years;
      40.2% men) presenting an ACS with troponin elevation and normal coronary arteries
      by angiography were prospectively included. All patients underwent CMRI at 3
      Tesla. Adverse events were recorded with 1-year follow-up. RESULTS: A likely
      aetiology for the acute clinical presentation was established by CMRI in 63.2% of
      patients (22.7% MI, 26.4% acute myocarditis, 11.5% TTC). During follow-up, one
      patient in the MI group had a stroke (1.2%). In the myocarditis group, there was
      one initial cardiogenic shock, one episode of congestive heart failure (1.2%) and
      nine patients had recurrent chest pain without troponin elevation (10.3%). Two
      TTC group patients initially presented with cardiogenic shock (2.4%); there were
      no other adverse events in this group during follow-up. In the remaining 36.7%
      patients, no clear diagnosis could be identified by CMRI, and no adverse events
      occurred during follow-up. CONCLUSION: CMRI is a useful tool for the management
      of ACS presenting with normal coronary angiography, as it helps to ascertain the
      diagnosis and adapt treatment in a large proportion of cases. Nonetheless,
      patients with no abnormalities identified by CMRI have an excellent evolution.

PMID- 22044704
TI  - Vascular function and mortality in haemodialysis patients: a pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Haemodialysis patients often have impaired vascular function that can
      contribute to mortality. Endothelial-dependent and -independent vascular function
      can be assessed using the brachial artery reactivity (BAR) technique that
      measures flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) and the response to glyceryl trinitrate
      (GTN), respectively. AIMS: The aim of this pilot study was to determine whether
      BAR measurements in haemodialysis patients were associated with mortality.
      METHODS: Brachial artery responses to FMD and administration of GTN were assessed
      in consecutive haemodialysis patients. Patients were then followed up to 18
      months after BAR measurements. RESULTS: Seventeen patients were included in the
      study. After 18 months of follow-up, patients were divided into two groups:
      survived (n=12) and deceased (n=5). Patients who survived had a significantly
      greater median percentage vasodilatation to GTN than those who died (19.1% vs
      8.8%; P=0.04); and a significantly greater median area under the diameter change
      time curve (318 vs 146 mm/s; P=0.03). However, there were no significant
      differences between survivors and deceased in median percentage vasodilation to
      FMD (6.0% vs 4.3%; P=0.21), time to peak dilation (45 vs 40s; P=0.66) or area
      under the diameter change-time curve (35.5 vs 20 mm/s; P=0.29). CONCLUSION: In
      this pilot study in a small group of haemodialysis patients, endothelial
      independent vasodilatory response to GTN was associated with mortality and was of
      better prognostic value than the endothelial-dependent response to FMD. This
      finding needs to be investigated in a larger cohort.

PMID- 22044705
TI  - Diagnostic accuracy of quantitative heart-fatty acid binding protein assays
      compared with Cardiodetect((r)) in the early detection of acute coronary
      syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Heart-fatty acid binding protein (h-FABP) has been proposed as a
      cardiac marker for the early detection of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). In a
      study of 677 patients admitted to the emergency department (ED) for chest pain,
      we found that a semiquantitative point-of-care test that detects h-FABP
      (Cardiodetect((r))) had low sensitivity for the prediction of ACS. OBJECTIVE: The
      aim of this ancillary study was to analyze and compare the performance of h-FABP
      for early ACS diagnosis in this large cohort of unselected patients, using a
      quantitative immunoassay and Cardiodetect((r)). METHODS: h-FABP was measured with
      a ready-to-use, solid-phase, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 677
      patients admitted to the ED with chest pain and suspected non-ST-segment
      elevation ACS. Two physicians, blinded to the results of the marker, categorized
      patients as having or not having non-ST-segment elevation ACS. RESULTS: Non-ST
      segment elevation ACS was diagnosed in 185 patients (27.3%). The median h-FABP
      level was higher in patients with ACS (1.36MUg/L, interquartile range [IQR] 0.59
      3.55) than in those without ACS (0.58MUg/L, IQR 0.24-1.34; P<0.01). The area
      under the curve was 0.68 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.63-0.73). h-FABP did not
      improve the performance of a model that included the usual diagnostic tools for
      ACS management (odds ratio 0.92, 95% CI 0.32-2.70). The classification agreement
      between the ELISA and Cardiodetect((r)) was 92.1% (kappa 0.39). CONCLUSION: In
      this study, we confirmed that measurement of h-FABP was insufficient to be used
      as a marker of ACS and NSTEMI in ED, whatever the analytical technique used.

PMID- 22044706
TI  - Characteristics of isolated atrial flutter versus atrial flutter combined with
      atrial fibrillation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Atrial flutter (AFL) and atrial fibrillation (AF) are "fellow
      travellers". AF may be a stable, "isolated" rhythm, a bridge between sinus rhythm
      and AF, or both arrhythmias can coexist. Whether the characteristics of isolated
      AFL are different from those of patients with AFL combined with AF is still
      unclear. AIM: To compare the clinical characteristics of patients with isolated
      AFL to those of patients with AFL combined with AF, in a series of patients
      referred for AFL ablation. METHODS: Seventy-six consecutive patients (mean age
      66.9+/-12.2 years; 53 men) with a history of electrocardiogram-documented
      paroxysmal or persistent AFL, referred for catheter ablation, underwent clinical
      work-up including bidimensional echocardiogram. Patients were subdivided into
      group I (44 with isolated AFL) and group II (32 with AFL and a history of AF).
      RESULTS: Underlying heart disease was present in 62 patients (81.6%).
      Hypertension was the most common cardiac disorder (n=44, 57.9%) and was more
      prevalent in group II than in group I (75.0% vs 45.5%; P=0.01). Prevalence of
      prior cardiac surgery was higher in group I (22.7% vs 6.3%; P=0.04). AFL was
      persistent in 35 group I patients and 17 group II patients (79.5% vs 53.1%;
      P=0.01). Class I or III antiarrhythmic drug use was more frequent in group II
      (84.4% vs 45.5%; P=0.001). CONCLUSION: This study showed significant differences
      between patients with isolated AFL and those with AFL combined with AF, in the
      prevalence of underlying heart disease and the use of antiarrhythmic medication,
      which were higher when both atrial arrhythmias were combined. In turn, the
      history of cardiac surgery (including atriotomy), was more common in patients
      with isolated AFL than in those with AFL combined with AF.

PMID- 22044707
TI  - Update on the medical treatment of stable angina.
AB  - Stable angina is a form of coronary artery disease. Its potential to progress
      requires the most appropriate treatment in order to reduce the incapacitating
      effect of an acute angina attack and to avoid long-term cardiovascular events.
      With or without revascularization, pharmacological treatment is an essential
      component of this treatment strategy, which also involves lifestyle and diet.
      Statins and aspirin have been shown to be effective in preventing different
      aspects of coronary artery disease overall. The efficacy of other classes of
      treatment has been demonstrated in contexts such as stable angina (including
      postmyocardial infarction) and heart failure (under specific conditions of
      dosing) for beta-blockers and in contexts such as heart failure, postinfarction
      and following revascularization for angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors.
      Along with the oldest classes of treatment, such as nitrates (and related
      derivatives), beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers, new classes of
      treatments with entirely (trimetazidine, ivabradine) or partly (nicorandil)
      different mechanisms of action have now been added. The latest antianginal to
      obtain marketing authorization, ranolazine, is not yet available in France. The
      different levels of evidence of the efficacy of these pharmacological products
      vary greatly and overall are higher for those developed most recently. None is
      devoid of side effects, which must be taken into account in these patients, many
      of whom are elderly and polymedicated.

PMID- 22044708
TI  - An unusual cause of systolic murmur.

PMID- 22044709
TI  - Use of umbilical venous catheter before performing Rashkind's procedure.

PMID- 22044710
TI  - Unusual monocoronary system and sudden death.

PMID- 22044711
TI  - Incidentally found double-orifice mitral valve in an elderly patient.

PMID- 22044712
TI  - Police encounters with people with intellectual disability: prevalence,
      characteristics and challenges.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study investigated the experiences and perceptions of
      operational members of Victoria Police in relation to their contacts with people
      with intellectual disability (ID). Key interests for exploration included how
      frequently and in what context police reported coming into contact with people
      with ID, how they made this identification, and the challenges they experienced
      at this interface. METHODS: Participants comprised 229 operational police members
      who attended mandatory firearms training sessions over a 2-week period in
      Melbourne, Australia. RESULTS: Police reported coming into contact with people
      they believed to have an ID on a regular basis and for a wide variety of reasons.
      They were most likely to base their knowledge on job-related experiences and were
      most likely to identify individuals on the basis of physical and behavioural
      cues. The most common challenges were communication, and gaining access to
      assistance and co-operation from other service providers. While many considered
      themselves capable in their interactions with those with ID, those who identified
      that they were most in need of training reported lower confidence in how to
      respond in these encounters. CONCLUSIONS: Future training needs to focus on
      differentiating between mental illness and ID, techniques for enhancing
      identification and communication, and the inclusion of hands-on scenario-based
      sessions involving an interdisciplinary approach.

PMID- 22044713
TI  - Examining the stable door after the horse has bolted: why is EIA such a
      challenge?

PMID- 22044714
TI  - Immunological differences in the global release of the major cat allergen Fel d 1
      are influenced by sex and behaviour.
AB  - The biological function of Fel d 1, the major cat allergen released in the
      environment, is still unclear despite studies suggesting a putative role in
      chemical communication. Structural and immunological polymorphisms of Fel d 1
      have been described. This study examined how Fel d 1 immunological polymorphism
      may have a physiological origin by estimating a potential relationship with the
      sex of cats and cat-human interactions. Samples from bath washes of 21 cats were
      screened to study antibody binding to Fel d 1 using an ELISA. Personality and
      Tolerance Handling scores were used to assess the behaviour of the cats. In the
      washes, Fel d 1 concentrations were significantly lower in females than in males
      (P<0.05). Slopes from the ELISA dose-dependent curves varied among the cats:
      males secreted Fel d 1 variants with higher antibody recognition than females
      (P<0.01). Females that were aggressive and difficult to handle displayed a
      diminished slope value, and therefore a weaker Fel d 1 immunoreactivity in global
      washes, compared to females that were sociable (P=0.09) and easy to handle
      (P=0.07). This study shows a variable immunological polymorphism of Fel d 1
      within a cat population, particularly between males and females, and this
      polymorphism appears to be related to cat-human interactions.

PMID- 22044715
TI  - The developmental sequence of tobacco withdrawal symptoms of wanting, craving and
      needing.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The first case series on tobacco addiction suggested that withdrawal
      symptoms evolve through a clear developmental sequence both over the clinical
      course and during an episode of abstinence. The objective of the current study
      was to determine if this observation would be confirmed by a second case series.
      METHODS: The subjects were 25 adolescent and adult smokers. Subjects were
      provided with operational definitions of the withdrawal symptoms of wanting,
      craving and needing. Using nondirective techniques, detailed histories of
      subjects' experiences with these three symptoms during abstinence from tobacco
      were obtained in individual interviews. RESULTS: All 25 subjects identified the
      operational definitions of wanting and craving as symptoms they had experienced,
      and 21 subjects indicated that the definition of needing described a symptom they
      had experienced. All 25 subjects reported that wanting was the first symptom they
      had experienced; 24 of 25 subjects reported that craving was the second symptom
      experienced; and 20 of the 21 subjects that had experienced needing reported that
      this was the third symptom they had experienced. All subjects reported that
      during abstinence symptoms appeared in the order of wanting, craving and needing.
      Subjects reported that stress-induced urges to smoke are not relieved by smoking,
      do not follow a characteristic sequence, and do not have a latency. CONCLUSIONS:
      Abstinence from tobacco provokes characteristic symptoms of wanting, craving and
      needing that are widely endorsed by smokers as symptoms they have experienced.
      These symptoms develop in a set sequence of wanting, craving and needing in all,
      or nearly all, smokers over their clinical course. These symptoms recur in the
      same sequence during acute episodes of abstinence. Smokers can distinguish
      between four symptoms: wanting, craving, needing and stress-induced urges to
      smoke, but these distinctions are not captured by generic 'craving' measures.

PMID- 22044716
TI  - Assessment of risk factors related to healthcare-associated methicillin-resistant
      Staphylococcus aureus infection at patient admission to an intensive care unit in
      Japan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Healthcare-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (HA
      MRSA) infection in intensive care unit (ICU) patients prolongs ICU stay and
      causes high mortality. Predicting HA-MRSA infection on admission can strengthen
      precautions against MRSA transmission. This study aimed to clarify the risk
      factors for HA-MRSA infection in an ICU from data obtained within 24 hours of
      patient ICU admission. METHODS: We prospectively studied HA-MRSA infection in 474
      consecutive patients admitted for more than 2 days to our medical, surgical, and
      trauma ICU in a tertiary referral hospital in Japan. Data obtained from patients
      within 24 hours of ICU admission on 11 prognostic variables possibly related to
      outcome were evaluated to predict infection risk in the early phase of ICU stay.
      Stepwise multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify
      independent risk factors for HA-MRSA infection. RESULTS: Thirty patients (6.3%)
      had MRSA infection, and 444 patients (93.7%) were infection-free. Intubation,
      existence of open wound, treatment with antibiotics, and steroid administration,
      all occurring within 24 hours of ICU admission, were detected as independent
      prognostic indicators. Patients with intubation or open wound comprised 96.7% of
      MRSA-infected patients but only 57.4% of all patients admitted. CONCLUSIONS: Four
      prognostic variables were found to be risk factors for HA-MRSA infection in ICU:
      intubation, open wound, treatment with antibiotics, and steroid administration,
      all occurring within 24 hours of ICU admission. Preemptive infection control in
      patients with these risk factors might effectively decrease HA-MRSA infection.

PMID- 22044717
TI  - Initial survival data of kidney transplant patients with pre-transplant
      monoclonal gammopathy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is the
      presence of a serum monoclonal protein at a concentration of <3 g/dL without
      evidence of lymphoproliferative disease or organ damage. The prevalence of MGUS
      in kidney transplantation (KT) candidates is unknown. The present is a
      retrospective report of patients who underwent evaluation for a KT and were found
      to have MGUS at our center. METHODS: All transplant candidates found to have MGUS
      between the years 2000 and 2007 were included. Variables were collected. Patients
      with MGUS that received a KT were compared with patients with MGUS that were not
      transplanted. RESULTS: Of a total of 1215 KT candidates, 34 were found to have
      MGUS during the KT evaluation. Nine patients with MGUS were transplanted. Myeloma
      or lymphoproliferative disease was not observed. Following transplantation, the
      MGUS group had a lower survival than the non-transplanted group. However,
      survival from the time of MGUS diagnosis was not different between the
      transplanted and non-transplanted MGUS groups. CONCLUSIONS: In this group,
      transplantation did not confer a survival benefit. It is our hope that these
      initial data will serve as a platform for future studies. We suggest MGUS
      screening in all patients older than 50 yr of age undergoing evaluation for
      transplantation.

PMID- 22044718
TI  - Antibacterial activities of selected Cameroonian spices and their synergistic
      effects with antibiotics against multidrug-resistant phenotypes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The emergence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) phenotypes is a major
      public health problem today in the treatment of bacterial infections. The present
      study was designed to evaluate the antibacterial activities of the methanol
      extracts of eleven Cameroonian spices on a panel of twenty nine Gram negative
      bacteria including MDR strains. METHODS: The phytochemical analysis of the
      extracts was carried out by standard tests meanwhile the liquid micro-broth
      dilution was used for all antimicrobial assays. RESULTS: Phytochemical analysis
      showed the presence of alkaloids, phenols and tannins in all plants extracts. The
      results of the antibacterial assays indicated that all tested extracts exert
      antibacterial activities, with the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values
      varying from 32 to 1024 MUg/ml. The extracts from Dichrostachys glomerata,
      Beilschmiedia cinnamomea, Aframomum citratum, Piper capense, Echinops giganteus,
      Fagara xanthoxyloides and Olax subscorpioidea were the most active. In the
      presence of efflux pump inhibitor, PAbetaN, the activity of the extract from D.
      glomerata significantly increased on 69.2% of the tested MDR bacteria. At MIC/5,
      synergistic effects were noted with the extract of D. glomerata on 75% of the
      tested bacteria for chloramphenicol (CHL), tetracycline (TET) and norfloxacin
      (NOR). With B. cinnamomea synergy were observed on 62.5% of the studied MDR
      bacteria with CHL, cefepime (FEP), NOR and ciprofloxacin (CIP) and 75% with
      erythromycin (ERY). CONCLUSION: The overall results provide information for the
      possible use of the studied extracts of the spices in the control of bacterial
      infections involving MDR phenotypes.

PMID- 22044719
TI  - Peripheral regulation by ecdysteroids of olfactory responsiveness in male
      Egyptian cotton leaf worms, Spodoptera littoralis.
AB  - Physiological and behavioral plasticity allows animals to adapt to changes in
      external (environmental) and internal (physiological) factors. In insects, the
      physiological state modulates adult behavior in response to different odorant
      stimuli. Hormones have the potential to play a major role in the plasticity of
      the olfactory responses. To explore if peripheral olfactory processing could be
      regulated by steroid hormones, we characterized the molecular,
      electrophysiological, and behavioral response to changes in endogenous hormone
      levels in adult male Spodoptera littoralis. The expression of the receptor
      complex (EcR/USP) was localized by in situ hybridization in the olfactory
      sensilla of antennae. Injections of 20-hydroxyecdysone (20E) induced an
      ecdysteroid signaling pathway in antennae and increased expression of the nuclear
      receptors EcR, USP and E75. Diacylglycerol kinase (DGK) and CaM expression were
      also up-regulated by 20E. Taken together, these molecular, electrophysiological,
      and behavioral results suggest a hormonal regulation of the peripheral olfactory
      processing in S. littoralis.

PMID- 22044720
TI  - KHA-CARI guideline: biochemical and haematological targets: haemoglobin
      concentrations in patients using erythropoietin-stimulating agents.

PMID- 22044721
TI  - Human leukocyte antigen-G 3' untranslated region polymorphisms are associated
      with better kidney allograft acceptance.
AB  - Human leukocyte antigen-G (HLA-G) plays a well-recognized role in the modulation
      of the immune response, and HLA-G expression has been associated with increased
      graft survival and decreased rejection episodes. To investigate the role of the
      HLA-G 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) in renal transplantation, we evaluated
      several polymorphic sites (14-bp Del/Ins +3003T/C, +3010C/G, +3027C/A, +3035C/T,
      +3142G/C, and +3187A/G) in patients exhibiting or not exhibiting rejection
      episodes. A total of 104 patients (15 with acute and 48 with chronic rejection,
      and 41 with no rejection) and 142 healthy individuals were studied. HLA-G 3'UTR
      was typed by direct sequencing. The +3035C-C genotype was more frequent in
      patients exhibiting chronic rejection compared with healthy controls, and the
      +3035C-T genotype was less frequent in chronic rejection compared with patients
      without rejection (acute plus chronic) or compared with healthy controls. The
      +3187G-A genotype, in which the A allele is associated with increased mRNA
      degradation, showed increased frequency in the rejection group (acute plus
      chronic) when compared with healthy controls. The 14 base pair Deletion/Insertion
      genotype was marginally increased in patients with acute rejection. This is the
      first study to show associations among numerous polymorphic sites in the HLA-G
      3'UTR in kidney allotransplantation, which may contribute to the understanding of
      HLA-G post-transcriptional mechanisms.

PMID- 22044722
TI  - Epidural varicosis as a possible cause of radicular pain: a case report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The incidence rate of epidural varicosis has declined by 0.07% to
      1.2% since the introduction of computed tomography and magnetic resonance
      imaging. Despite the use of these modern imaging methods it can still be
      difficult to distinguish the diagnosis of epidural varicosis from other causes,
      such as nucleus pulposus prolapse. CASE PRESENTATION: We present the case of a 48
      year-old Caucasian woman who had been experiencing sciatic pain for seven years.
      A physical examination showed nerve root pain at L5 on the right side, with
      positive signs of neurotension. During an elective hysterectomy due to
      endometriosis, unusually pronounced varicosis in her lesser pelvis was seen that
      had not previously been detected. Postoperatively, our patient developed a
      symptomatic pulmonary embolism. Findings from magnetic resonance tomography of
      her lumbar spine, in conjunction with our patient's history, were considered by
      the radiologist to be indicative of epidural varicosis. No further pathological
      abnormalities that could have been the cause of the nerve root pain were found.
      CONCLUSIONS: In cases of epidural varicosis with irritation of neural structures
      as a result of inferior vena cava hypoplasia, surgical treatment leads to
      unsatisfactory results. Significantly better results can be achieved by resolving
      the cause of the vena cava pathology. In cases of hypoplasia or aplasia of the
      inferior vena cava this is not always possible; consequently, as in the case of
      our patient, only a symptomatic therapy in combination with an anticoagulant and
      compression therapy can be performed.

PMID- 22044723
TI  - Generation of the first BAC-based physical map of the common carp genome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Common carp (Cyprinus carpio), a member of Cyprinidae, is the third
      most important aquaculture species in the world with an annual global production
      of 3.4 million metric tons, accounting for nearly 14% of the all freshwater
      aquaculture production in the world. Apparently genomic resources are needed for
      this species in order to study its performance and production traits. In spite of
      much progress, no physical maps have been available for common carp. The
      objective of this project was to generate a BAC-based physical map using
      fluorescent restriction fingerprinting. RESULT: The first generation of common
      carp physical map was constructed using four- color High Information Content
      Fingerprinting (HICF). A total of 72,158 BAC clones were analyzed that generated
      67,493 valid fingerprints (5.5 * genome coverage). These BAC clones were
      assembled into 3,696 contigs with the average length of 476 kb and a N50 length
      of 688 kb, representing approximately 1.76 Gb of the common carp genome. The
      largest contig contained 171 BAC clones with the physical length of 3.12 Mb.
      There are 761 contigs longer than the N50, and these contigs should be the most
      useful resource for future integrations with linkage map and whole genome
      sequence assembly. The common carp physical map is available at
      http://genomics.cafs.ac.cn/fpc/WebAGCoL/Carp/WebFPC/. CONCLUSION: The reported
      common carp physical map is the first physical map of the common carp genome. It
      should be a valuable genome resource facilitating whole genome sequence assembly
      and characterization of position-based genes important for aquaculture traits.

PMID- 22044724
TI  - Short women with severe sepsis-related acute lung injury receive lung protective
      ventilation less frequently: an observational cohort study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Lung protective ventilation (LPV) has been shown to improve
      survival and the duration of mechanical ventilation in acute lung injury (ALI)
      patients. Mortality of ALI may vary by gender, which could result from treatment
      variability. Whether gender is associated with the use of LPV is not known.
      METHODS: A total of 421 severe sepsis-related ALI subjects in the Consortium to
      Evaluate Lung Edema Genetics from seven teaching hospitals between 2002 and 2008
      were included in our study. We evaluated patients' tidal volume, plateau pressure
      and arterial pH to determine whether patients received LPV during the first two
      days after developing ALI. The odds ratio of receiving LPV was estimated by a
      logistic regression model with robust and cluster options. RESULTS: Women had
      similar characteristics as men with the exception of lower height and higher
      illness severity, as measured by Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation
      (APACHE) II score. 225 (53%) of the subjects received LPV during the first two
      days after ALI onset; women received LPV less frequently than men (46% versus
      59%, P < 0.001). However, after adjustment for height and severity of illness
      (APACHE II), there was no difference in exposure to LPV between men and women (P
      = 0.262). CONCLUSIONS: Short people are less likely to receive LPV, which seems
      to explain the tendency of clinicians to adhere to LPV less strictly in women.
      Strategies to standardize application of LPV, independent of differences in
      height and severity of illness, are necessary.

PMID- 22044725
TI  - Unusual systemic metastases of malignant seminoma in a dog.
AB  - Unilateral enlargement of left testicle and scrotum was detected in an 8-year-old
      West Highland White Terrier. The histopathological diagnosis after surgery was a
      seminoma (SEM) tumour, and a diagnosis of metastatic foci was also detected in
      vaginal tunic and scrotum. Two months later, new metastatic SEM foci in the skin
      were diagnosed. Twenty-two months after the initial orchiectomy new multiple
      cutaneous nodules and a swelling of periesophageal structures were observed.
      Finally, the necropsy revealed multiple malignant metastatic SEM focus. To the
      author's knowledge, this is the first description of a canine SEM with unusual
      widespread metastasis on the base of tongue, soft palate, trachea and
      pericardium.

PMID- 22044726
TI  - A novel method to detect accidental oesophageal intubation based on ventilation
      pressure waveforms.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Emergency endotracheal intubation results in accidental oesophageal
      intubation in up to 17% of patients. This is frequently undetected thereby adding
      to the morbidity and mortality. No current method to detect accidental
      oesophageal intubation in an emergency setting is both highly sensitive and
      specific. We hypothesized that, based on differences between the mechanical
      properties of the oesophagus and the trachea/lung, ventilation pressures could
      discriminate between tracheal and oesophageal intubation. Such a technique would
      potentially not suffer some of the limitations of current methods to detect
      oesophageal intubation in emergency conditions such as noisy environment (making
      clinical assessment difficult) or low/no flow states (reducing the applicability
      of capnometry). The aim of our study was thus to develop and assess a technique
      that may more rapidly and accurately differentiate oesophageal from tracheal
      intubation based on airway pressure gradients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty adult
      patients undergoing elective surgery were included. In 20 patients the trachea
      was intubated with an endotracheal tube; in 20 patients the oesophagus was
      purposefully intubated using an Easytube((r)) (Rush, Germany). In all patients, a
      thin air-filled catheter was inserted through the tube lumen until its tip was
      1cm from the distal end, and connected to a pressure transducer. Pressure was
      recorded simultaneously from a second catheter at the proximal end of the tube.
      For the first three manual ventilations in each patient, a parameter (D) based on
      temporal (dP/dt) and spatial (dP/ds) pressure gradients (and reflecting flow
      divided by elastance) was calculated and evaluated for its ability to
      discriminate between oesophageal and tracheal intubation. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION:
      For all tracheal ventilations, D-values were >0.5 (range 0.6-47.9), while for all
      oesophageal ventilations D-values were <0.5 (range 0.0005-0.07). CONCLUSION: This
      technique has the potential to provide a diagnosis of failed intubation within
      seconds with high sensitivity and specificity.

PMID- 22044727
TI  - Differential diagnosis and therapy of leg ulcers.
AB  - A leg ulcer is a symptom and the treating physician needs to find out its origin
      by differential diagnostic approaches and procedures. The correct diagnosis leads
      to a specific therapy that ideally accelerates the healing of the ulceration.
      Identifying the pathogenesis of a leg ulcer is the first and main step towards
      healing. Although vascular diseases are the major causes of leg ulcers, one needs
      to consider, in addition to venous and arterial disorders, autoimmune,
      infectious, metabolic and neoplastic causes. The simple truth that one can only
      make a diagnosis that was considered holds particularly true in leg ulcers. The
      differential diagnostic considerations presented here appear in the daily routine
      of a dermatologist and the article provides help in diagnostic approaches and
      therapeutic decisions.

PMID- 22044728
TI  - The role of ultrasonography in the diagnosis of the musculo-skeletal problems of
      haemophilia.
AB  - Recurrent haemarthrosis is the final cause of haemophilic arthrosic disease in
      haemophilia patients. Therefore, it is essential to diagnose it early, both
      clinically and by imaging. In addition, haemophilia patients experience chronic
      synovitis, joint degeneration, muscle haematoma and pseudotumours. The objective
      of this article is to highlight the value of ultrasounds in the diagnosis and
      control of the evolution of musculo-skeletal problems in haemophilia patients. To
      this end, we have performed a literature search in the PubMed, Web of
      Science((r)) (WOS) and SciVerse bases, using the following keywords: hemophilia
      or haemophilia and ultrasonography (US), ultrasound, echography and sonography.
      The search was limited to studies published in English between the years 1991 and
      2011, finding a total of 221 references. After reviewing the title or abstract
      for evidence of the use of US for the diagnosis of musculo-skeletal lesions in
      haemophilia, we selected 24 of these references. We added data collected from our
      experience to the most important data found in the references. Our main
      conclusion is that US is highly valuable for the diagnosis of musculo-skeletal
      diseases in haemophilia. It is a fast, effective, safe, available, comparative,
      real-time technique that can help us confirm the clinical examination. It is
      particularly important in acute haemarthrosis, as it can be used to objectively
      identify the presence of blood in the joints, measure its size, pinpoint its
      location, assess its evolution and confirm its complete disappearance.

PMID- 22044729
TI  - Left ventricular function and exercise capacity in patients with slow coronary
      flow.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Endothelial and microvascular dysfunction have been implicated in
      slow coronary flow (SCF). How and to what extent do these etiological factors
      affect left ventricular (LV) function and exercise capacity? AIM: The aim of the
      study was to evaluate LV systolic and diastolic function by pulsed tissue Doppler
      imaging (TDI) in SCF patients and their effects on exercise capacity. SUBJECTS
      AND METHODS: Sixty SCF patients and 20 control subjects were included in the
      study. Echocardiographic examination, treadmill exercise test, and TDI were
      performed. Isovolumic myocardial acceleration (IVA) and myocardial performance
      index (MPI) were measured. RESULTS: TDI mean parameters for systolic and
      diastolic LV function were significantly impaired in SCF group with decreased Sa,
      IVA, Ea/Aa, and increased MPI (0.31 +/- 0.06 vs. 0.26 +/- 0.04, P < 0.01)
      compared to control. There was significant correlation between thrombolysis in
      myocardial infarction (TIMI) frame count and TDI mean parameters for LV systolic
      function (Sa & IVA, r =-0.53, P < 0.01 & r =-0.36, P < 0.05, respectively). Mean
      TIMI frame count was correlated with MPI and E/Ea. SCF patients had poorer peak
      exercise capacity than the controls (9.9 +/- 1.9 METs vs. 12.7 +/- 2.3, P < 0.01)
      with significant negative correlation with mean TIMI frame count (r =-0.46, P <
      0.01). CONCLUSION: There is impairment of LV systolic and diastolic function in
      SCF patients with clinical impact on exercise capacity which emphasizes the
      importance of close follow-up of these patients for risk stratification.

PMID- 22044730
TI  - Novel scoring system as a useful model to predict the outcome of patients with
      acute liver failure: Application to indication criteria for liver
      transplantation.
AB  - AIM:   In Japan, the indication for liver transplantation in patients with acute
      liver failure (ALF) is currently determined according to the guideline published
      in 1996. However, its predictive accuracy has fallen in recent patients. Thus, we
      attempted to establish a new guideline. METHODS:   The subjects were 1096 ALF
      patients enrolled in a nationwide survey. All patients showed a prothrombin time
      <40% of the standardized value and grade II or more severe hepatic
      encephalopathy. A multiple logistic regression analysis and receiver operating
      characteristic analysis were performed in 698 patients seen between 1998 and 2003
      to identify significant parameters determining the outcome of patients. The
      extracted parameters were graded as numerical scores. An established scoring
      system was validated in patients seen between 2004 and 2008. RESULTS:   Six
      parameters were identified and graded as 0, 1 and/or 2; the interval between
      disease onset and development of hepatic encephalopathy, prothrombin time, serum
      total bilirubin concentration, the ratio of direct to total bilirubin
      concentration, peripheral platelet count and the presence of liver atrophy. When
      the prognosis of the patients with total score of 5 or more was judged as
      "death", the predictive accuracy was 0.80 with sensitivity, specificity, positive
      predictive value and negative predictive value greater than 0.70. The values were
      similarly high in patients for validation. CONCLUSION:   Novel scoring system for
      predicting the outcome of ALF patients may be useful to determine the indication
      of liver transplantation, since the system showed high predictive accuracy even
      after validation.

PMID- 22044731
TI  - I-Stent for treatment of angle recession with raised intraocular pressure.

PMID- 22044732
TI  - Effect of high hydrostatic pressure processing on norovirus infectivity and
      genome stability in strawberry puree and mineral water.
AB  - We report an evaluation of the effect of various combinations of pressures and
      times on the inactivation of norovirus (NoV) in two types of matrices that are
      important in NoV transmission: water and soft fruits. The human NoV surrogate
      murine norovirus was used as the model virus. The effect of HHP on the viral
      genome was evaluated by using RT real-time PCR (RT-qPCR), and infectivity assay
      was used to assess effects on the ability of the virus to attach to and replicate
      in cells. HHP treatments of 400 MPa for 2.5 min proved to be sufficient for
      efficient inactivation of NoV (>99.9% reduction). The efficacy of viral
      inactivation was highly dependent on the matrix in which the virus was present.
      Therefore, the effect of HHP should be carefully studied in all matrices to which
      HHP could potentially be applied. Finally, we found no consistent correlation
      between RT-qPCR and virus infectivity results, and consequently RT-qPCR is not a
      satisfactory tool for predicting risks to human health.

PMID- 22044733
TI  - Bond strength and interfacial micromorphology of etch-and-rinse and self-adhesive
      resin cements to dentin.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the microtensile bond strength and interfacial
      micromorphology of indirect composite restorations to dentin using three
      commercial resin cements after 24 hours and 30 days of water storage. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: The medium dentin of third human molars was exposed (N = 30, n = 10
      per group). Three commercial resin cements were used to cement indirect resin
      composite restorations to dentin: the auto-cured C&B Cement/All Bond 2, the dual
      cured RelyX ARC/Adper Single Bond 2, and the self-adhesive dual-cured RelyX
      Unicem. Teeth were sectioned after water storage at 37 degrees C (24 hours and 30
      days) to obtain beams with a bonded area of 0.8 mm(2) . The specimens were tested
      in a universal testing machine at a 0.5 mm/min crosshead speed. Scanning electron
      microscopic fractographic and interfacial micromorphology analyses were
      performed. Data were analyzed using two-way ANOVA and Tukey's test (alpha= 0.05).
      RESULTS: Mean bond strength (MPa) after 24 hours: C&B Cement 19.5 +/- 3.8, RelyX
      ARC 40.8 +/- 9.4, RelyX Unicem 31.3 +/- 7.4; after 30 days: C&B Cement 24.5 +/-
      5.1, RelyX ARC 44.2 +/- 8.5, RelyX Unicem 28.3 +/- 7.1. The mean bond strengths
      of both dual-cure cements were significantly higher than that obtained with C&B
      Cement after 24 hours. A significant increase in the bond strength of C&B Cement
      was verified after 30 days, reaching values statistically equivalent to those
      produced by RelyX Unicem and RelyX ARC. The self-adhesive cement preserved the
      same level of bond strength after 30 days. Fractographic analysis revealed a
      prevalence of cohesive fractures in the hybrid layer for C&B Cement, mixed
      (cohesive in the cement, hybrid layer, and adhesive) for RelyX ARC, and cohesive
      in the cement for RelyX Unicem. No distinguishable hybrid layer or resin tags
      were observed in the interaction of RelyX Unicem with dentin. CONCLUSIONS: The
      particular interaction of each cement with dentin results in specific bond
      strength and failure patterns that varied among groups in both evaluation times.
      Even though the self-adhesive cement tested exhibited no authentic hybrid layer,
      it was able to promote reliable adhesion with the underlying dentin.

PMID- 22044734
TI  - Cognitive symptoms are common in immune thrombocytopenia and associate with
      autonomic symptom burden.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: People with adult immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) are commonly thought
      to have an isolated blood disorder, but many also describe memory and
      concentration problems. Cognitive impairment commonly associates with autonomic
      dysfunction. Here, we quantified cognitive symptoms in a large cohort of patients
      with ITP compared with controls and explored the relationship with autonomic
      symptoms. METHODS: Patients with ITP were approached in the UK via the national
      ITP Support Association and invited to complete Composite Autonomic Symptom Scale
      (COMPASS; measure of autonomic symptoms) and Cognitive Failures Questionnaire
      (CFQ) together with one from a friend of similar age and sex without ITP.
      RESULTS: Three hundred and ninety-eight patients with ITP completed measures with
      paired data from a representative group of 189 patients and controls (47%). Both
      autonomic and cognitive symptom burden were higher in ITP compared with controls
      (COMPASS score (48 +/- 14 vs. 38 +/- 12; P > 0.0001); CFQ (43 +/- 17 vs. 36 +/-
      13; P < 0.0001). A positive relationship was seen between increasing cognitive
      symptoms and higher COMPASS score (P < 0.0001; r(2) = 0.1). Increasing cognitive
      symptoms did not associate with platelet count (P = 0.08, r(2) = 0.008).
      Multivariate analysis confirmed age and COMPASS independently associated with
      higher CFQ but not platelet count. CONCLUSION: Immune thrombocytopenia is more
      than a bleeding disorder; cognitive symptoms are common and independently
      associate with autonomic symptoms but not disease severity.

PMID- 22044735
TI  - Silencing of ICERs (Inducible cAMP Early Repressors) results in partial
      protection of neurons from programmed cell death.
AB  - ICERs proteins (Inducible cAMP Early Repressors) are the most effective
      endogenous repressors of CREB/CREM/ATF transcription factors family (CREB-cAMP
      Responsive Element Binding protein, CREM-cAMP Responsive Element Modulator, ATF
      Activating Transcription Factor) that have repeatedly been shown to have a
      prosurvival function. It has been reported previously that neuronal death is
      accompanied by increased expression of ICERs and, furthermore, their
      overexpression provokes neuronal cell death in culture. However, it was not
      explained whether endogenously activated by proapoptotic stimuli ICERs contribute
      to the neuronal cell death. Herein, we have examined the involvement of
      endogenous ICERs in the apoptosis by checking whether it is possible to protect
      neurons from cell death by blocking the ICER gene. We applied two different in
      vitro models of neuronal death of primary neuronal cultures: excitotoxic death of
      neurons derived from dentate gyrus, and cortical cell loss provoked by trophic
      deprivation. Using the lentiviral vector (LV) to deliver shRNA, specifically
      silencing ICERs, but not other CREM proteins, we have found that silencing of
      ICERs enhances the CRE-driven transcription and exerts a mild, although
      significant, neuroprotective effect in both models. Since we demonstrated that
      silencing of endogenous ICERs have protective effect on neurons exposed to
      apoptosis-provoking conditions, targeting ICERs might be a novel strategy to
      prevent neuronal loss during degenerative processes.

PMID- 22044736
TI  - A prolonged experimental febrile seizure results in motor map reorganization in
      adulthood.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Clinical studies have suggested that children experiencing a
      febrile seizure (FS) before the age of 1year have persistent deficits, but it is
      unknown whether these seizures lead to permanent cortical reorganization and
      alterations in function. A FS on the background of increased genetic seizure
      susceptibility may also lead to negative long-term consequences. Alterations in
      neocortical motor map expression provide a measure of neocortical reorganization
      and have been reported in both adults with frontal lobe epilepsy and following
      seizure induction in experimental models. The objectives of the present study
      were to determine whether (1) an infantile FS leads to changes to motor map
      expression in adulthood; (2) long-term cortical reorganization is a function of
      the age at FS or genetic seizure susceptibility; and (3) different levels of
      GABA(A) or glutamate receptor subunits or cation-chloride-co-transporters (CCCs)
      at the time of FS correlate with alterations to motor map expression. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: FSs were induced in postnatal day 10 (P10) or P14 Long-Evans (LE)
      rats or in P14 seizure-prone FAST rats by the administration of the bacterial
      endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and a subconvulsant dose of kainic acid. Ten
      weeks later intracortical microstimulation was performed to generate motor maps
      of forelimb movement representations. Sensorimotor neocortex samples were also
      dissected from naive P10 FAST and P10 and P14 LE pups for western blotting with
      antibodies against various GABA(A), NMDA, and AMPA receptor subunits and for
      CCCs. RESULTS: Adult FAST rats had larger motor maps with lower stimulation
      thresholds after a FS at P14, while adult LE rats had significantly lower map
      stimulation thresholds but similar sized maps after a FS at P10 compared to
      controls. There were no differences in neocortical motor map size or stimulation
      thresholds in adult LE rats after a FS at P14. Both P10 LE and P14 FAST rats had
      significantly lower levels of the GABA(A) receptor alpha1 subunit, higher levels
      of the alpha2 subunit, and a higher NKCC1/KCC2 ratio in the sensorimotor cortex
      compared with the P14 LE rat. In addition, the P14 FAST rats had lower levels of
      the GluR2 and NR2A receptor subunits in the sensorimotor cortex compared with the
      P14 LE rats. CONCLUSIONS: A single infantile FS can have long-term effects on
      neocortical reorganization in younger individuals and those with underlying
      seizure susceptibility. These changes may be related to an increased level of
      excitability in the neocortex of younger or genetically seizure-prone rats, as
      suggested by immaturity of their GABAergic and CCC systems. Given the high
      incidence of FSs in children, it will be important to gain a better understanding
      of how age and genetic seizure predisposition may contribute to the long-term
      sequelae of these events.

PMID- 22044737
TI  - Transcriptional changes in adhesion-related genes are site-specific during noise
      induced cochlear pathogenesis.
AB  - Cell-cell junctions and junctions between cells and extracellular matrix are
      essential for maintenance of the structural and functional integrity of the
      cochlea, and are also a major target of acoustic trauma. While morphological
      assessments have revealed adhesion dysfunction in noise-traumatized cochleae, the
      molecular mechanisms responsible for adhesion disruption are not clear. Here, we
      screened the transcriptional expression of 49 adhesion-related genes in normal
      rat cochleae and measured the expression changes in the early phases of cochlear
      pathogenesis after acoustic trauma. We found that genes from four adhesion
      families, including the immunoglobulin superfamily and the integrin, cadherin,
      and selectin families, are expressed in the normal cochlea. Exposure to an
      intense noise at 120dB sound pressure level (SPL) for 2h caused site-specific
      changes in expression levels in the apical and the basal sections of the sensory
      epithelium. Expression changes that occurred in the cochlear sensory epithelium
      were biphasic, with early upregulation at 2h post-noise exposure and subsequent
      downregulation at 1day post-exposure. Importantly, the altered expression level
      of seven genes (Sgce, Sell, Itga5, Itgal, Selp, Cntn1 and Col5a1) is related to
      the level of threshold shift of the auditory brainstem response (ABR), an index
      reflecting functional change in the cochlea. Notably, the genes showing
      expression changes exhibited diverse constitutive expression levels and belong to
      multiple adhesion gene families. The finding of expression changes in multiple
      families of adhesion genes in a temporal fashion (2h vs. 1day) and a spatial
      fashion (the apical and the basal sensory epithelia as well as the lateral wall
      tissue) suggests that acoustic overstimulation provokes a complex response in
      adhesion genes, which likely involves multiple adhesion-related signaling
      pathways.

PMID- 22044739
TI  - Immunogenicity of hepatitis B vaccine among hemodialysis patients: effect of
      revaccination of non-responders and duration of protection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for patients on hemodialysis,
      however, seroprotection after a primary vaccine series is suboptimum. Limited
      data are available on the effect of revaccination of non-responders and on
      persistence of immunity in this population. METHODS: Hepatitis B vaccine (40
      MUg/dose) was given to 77 susceptible patients on hemodialysis (0, 1, and 6 month
      schedule). Levels of hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) were tested >= 28
      days after the third dose was administered, and non-responders revaccinated with
      an additional 3-dose series. Vaccine responders (anti-HBs >=10 mIU/mL) were re
      tested every 6 months and booster doses given as needed. Kaplan-Meier survival
      curve was used to estimate the probability of maintaining protective antibody
      level. Cox-proportional hazards models were used to assess the association
      between time to loss of protective antibody levels and certain explanatory
      variables. RESULTS: Overall primary vaccine-induced response was 79.2% (95% CI
      68.2%, 87.3%), including 49/77 (63.6%; 95% CI 51.8%, 74.7%) patients who received
      the initial primary hepatitis B vaccine series and 12/21 (57.1%; 95% CI 34.4%,
      77.4%) non-responders who were revaccinated with an additional series. Among weak
      responders (anti-HBs level 10.0-99.9 mIU/mL), protective antibody levels
      persisted in 44% for 12 months post-vaccination; whereas among strong responders
      (anti-HBs level >=100 mIU/mL), protective antibody levels persisted in 92% for 12
      months, and 68% for 24 months post-vaccination. A weak post-vaccination response
      increased the risk of losing protective antibody levels (adjusted hazard ratio,
      9.7; 95% confidence interval, 3.5-28.5; p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: Revaccinating
      patients undergoing hemodialysis who do not respond to a primary vaccine series
      substantially increases the pool of protected patients. The threshold for
      defining hepatitis B vaccine-induced immunity should be revisited in this patient
      population to maximize the duration of protection.

PMID- 22044738
TI  - Evaluation of SLOG/TCI-III pediatric system on target control infusion of
      propofol.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The target-controlled infusion-III (SLOG/TCI-III) system was derived
      from a model set up by the local pediatric population for target control infusion
      of propofol. METHODS: The current study aimed at evaluating the difference
      between target concentrations of propofol and performance, which was measured
      using the SLOG/TCI-III system in children. Thirty children fulfilling the I-II
      criteria according to American Society of Anesthesiology were enrolled in the
      study. The target plasma concentration of propofol was fed into the SLOG/TCI-III
      system and compared with the measured concentrations of propofol. Blood samples
      were collected and analyzed by high performance liquid chromatography with
      fluorescence detector. The performance error (PE) was determined for each
      measured blood propofol concentration. The performances of the TCI-III system
      were determined by the median performance error (MDPE), the median absolute
      performance error (MDAPE), and Wobble (the median absolute deviation of each PE
      from the MDPE), respectively. RESULTS: Concentration against target concentration
      showed good linear correlation: concentration = 1.3428 target concentration -
      0.2633 (r = 0.8667). The MDPE and MDAPE of the pediatric system were 10 and 22%,
      respectively, and the median value for Wobble was 24%. MDPE and MDAPE were less
      than 15 and 30%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The performance of TCI-III system
      seems to be in the accepted limits for clinical practice in children.

PMID- 22044740
TI  - Knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about seasonal influenza and H1N1 vaccinations
      in a low-income, public health clinic population.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The Public Health Center Vaccine Survey (PHCVS) examines the
      knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about seasonal influenza and H1N1 vaccinations
      in a largely low-income, urban, public health clinic population in Los Angeles
      County, USA. DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey of vulnerable individuals at risk
      for severe influenza infection was conducted in one of the nation's largest local
      public health jurisdictions. SUBJECTS: A total of 1541 clinic patients were
      recruited in the waiting rooms of five large public health centers in Los Angeles
      County from June to August, 2010. RESULTS: Among prospective respondents who met
      eligibility criteria, 92% completed the survey. The majority was black or Latino
      and most were between the ages of 18 and 44 years. More than half were
      unemployed; two-thirds had no health insurance; and nearly one-half reported
      having a high school education or less. About one-fifth reported they had
      received the H1N1 vaccine during the previous flu season. In comparative
      analyses, negative beliefs about vaccine safety and efficacy were highly
      predictive of H1N1 vaccination. Blacks were less likely than non-black
      respondents to report receiving the H1N1 vaccine (OR=0.7, 95% CI=0.6-1.0). Blacks
      were also less likely than other respondents to agree that vaccines can prevent
      disease (OR=0.4, 95% CI=0.3-0.5), that vaccines are safe (OR=0.5, 95% CI=0.4
      0.6), and that they trust doctors/clinicians who recommend vaccines (OR=0.5, 95%
      CI=0.4-0.7). CONCLUSIONS: Study findings provide a useful risk profile of
      vulnerable groups in Los Angeles County, which may be generalizable to other
      urban jurisdictions in the United States. They also describe real world
      situations that can be used to forecast potential challenges that vaccine beliefs
      may pose to national as well as local influenza pandemic planning and response,
      especially for communities with limited access to these preventive services.

PMID- 22044741
TI  - Immunological adjuvant efficacy of glycyrrhetinic acid liposome against Newcastle
      disease vaccine.
AB  - The aim of this study is to investigate whether the activity of inducing immune
      response of glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) could be enhanced after GA was encapsulated
      with liposome. Three hundred and fifty 14-day-old chickens were randomly assigned
      to 7 groups and vaccinated with Newcastle disease (ND) vaccine. Simultaneously,
      the chickens in experimental groups were injected with the glycyrrhetinic acid
      liposome (GAL) at three doses, GA and blank liposome, respectively. The activity
      of serum antibody titer, concentrations of immunoglobulins G (IgG) and
      immunoglobulins M (IgM), lymphocytes proliferation, the proportions of lymphocyte
      subpopulations (CD4(+) and CD8(+)) was determined after vaccination. GAL was
      evaluated for inducing humoral immunity and cellular immunity in chicken against
      Newcastle disease (ND) vaccine. The results showed that GAL not only could
      significantly enhance the antibody titers, IgG and IgM in ND vaccine immunized
      chicken, but also significantly promote the lymphocyte proliferation and the
      proportions of CD4(+) and CD8(+), as comparison with GA, BL and VC control
      groups. Moreover, the effects appear a dose-dependent manner and a time-dependent
      manner. These indicated that GAL could significantly promote the activation
      potential of humoral immunity and cellular immunity in chicken and present
      certain dose-effect and time-effect relationships. The formulations of GA and
      liposome can further enhance the immune response against ND vaccine compared with
      the adjuvant alone.

PMID- 22044742
TI  - Control of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection utilizing a
      novel immunostimulatory peptide.
AB  - The emergence of community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
      (CA-MRSA) is a serious health concern worldwide that requires new therapeutic
      approaches that extend beyond the development and use of new antibiotics. In this
      study, a conformationally biased, response-selective agonist of human C5a, known
      as EP67, was used to induce host innate immunity as a therapeutic method of
      reducing CA-MRSA infections. Using a murine model of dermonecrosis we show that
      EP67 treatment effectively limits CA-MRSA infection by promoting cytokine
      synthesis and neutrophil influx. In contrast, EP67 was ineffective in reducing
      lesion formation in C5a receptor (CD88(-/-)) knockout mice, indicating that EP67
      activates host innate immunity by engagement of CD88 bearing cells. These results
      suggest that EP67 may serve as a novel immunotherapeutic for prevention and
      treatment of CA-MRSA dermal infection.

PMID- 22044743
TI  - Comparative analysis of the complete genome sequences of two Australian origin
      live attenuated vaccines of infectious laryngotracheitis virus.
AB  - Infectious laryngotracheitis virus (ILTV) is an alphaherpesvirus that causes
      acute respiratory disease in poultry. Live attenuated ILTV vaccines have been
      used extensively to help control outbreaks of disease. Two Australian-origin
      attenuated vaccine strains, SA2 and A20 ILTV, are commercially available and are
      in frequent use in Australia. Both these vaccines are of chicken embryo origin
      (CEO). The A20 ILTV strain was developed from the SA2 ILTV strain by sequential
      passage of SA2 ILTV in tissue culture in order to reduce its residual virulence.
      Previous studies in our laboratories have demonstrated the greater attenuation of
      A20 ILTV under controlled experimental conditions, but the genetic basis of the
      in vivo phenotypes of A20 and SA2 ILTV has not been elucidated. In this study,
      the genetic differences between A20 and SA2 ILTV were examined by performing
      complete genome sequencing and comparative analysis. The genome sequences were
      also compared to a reference sequence from another CEO ILTV vaccine (Serva ILTV:
      GenBank accession number HQ_630064) of European-origin. Additional in ovo studies
      to assess cell to cell spread were performed in order to allow further
      comparisons of the pathogenicity of SA2 and A20 ILTV. The sequencing results
      showed that the genome sizes of SA2 and A20 ILTV were 152,975 and 152,978bp,
      respectively, while Serva ILTV had a genome size of 152,630bp. The genomes of SA2
      and A20 ILTV shared 99.9% nucleotide sequence identity with each other, but only
      99.2% identity with Serva ILTV. In complete genome alignments between SA2 and A20
      ILTV, a total of 24 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified, but
      only two of these were non-synonymous. These were located in the ORF B and UL15
      genes. Four indels were detected in non-coding regions. The findings from this
      study demonstrate the general genetic stability of ILTV, but also show that non
      synonymous changes in the ORF B and UL15 genes have arisen following tissue
      culture passage of SA2 ILTV to produce the A20 vaccine. It is likely that these
      non-synonymous changes are related to the greater attenuation of A20 ILTV
      compared to SA2 ILTV, and to the reduced ability of A20 ILTV to spread from cell
      to cell, as observed in this study. The results from this study also demonstrate
      the divergence between the genomes of the Australian-origin ILTV vaccine strains
      and the Serva vaccine strain.

PMID- 22044744
TI  - Improving inpatient postnatal services: midwives views and perspectives of
      engagement in a quality improvement initiative.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite major policy initiatives in the United Kingdom to enhance
      women's experiences of maternity care, improving in-patient postnatal care
      remains a low priority, although it is an aspect of care consistently rated as
      poor by women. As part of a systems and process approach to improving care at one
      maternity unit in the South of England, the views and perspectives of midwives
      responsible for implementing change were sought. METHODS: A Continuous Quality
      Improvement (CQI) approach was adopted to support a systems and process change to
      in-patient care and care on transfer home in a large district general hospital
      with around 6000 births a year. The CQI approach included an initial assessment
      to identify where revisions to routine systems and processes were required,
      developing, implementing and evaluating revisions to the content and
      documentation of care in hospital and on transfer home, and training workshops
      for midwives and other maternity staff responsible for implementing changes. To
      assess midwifery views of the quality improvement process and their engagement
      with this, questionnaires were sent to those who had participated at the outset.
      RESULTS: Questionnaires were received from 68 (46%) of the estimated 149 midwives
      eligible to complete the questionnaire. All midwives were aware of the revisions
      introduced, and two-thirds felt these were more appropriate to meet the women's
      physical and emotional health, information and support needs. Some midwives
      considered that the introduction of new maternal postnatal records increased
      their workload, mainly as a consequence of colleagues not completing
      documentation as required. CONCLUSIONS: This was the first UK study to undertake
      a review of in-patient postnatal services. Involvement of midwives at the outset
      was essential to the success of the initiative. Midwives play a lead role in the
      planning and organisation of in-patient postnatal care and it was important to
      obtain their feedback on whether revisions were pragmatic and achieved
      anticipated improvements in care quality. Their initial involvement ensured
      priority areas for change were identified and implemented. Their subsequent
      feedback highlighted further important areas to address as part of CQI to ensure
      best quality care continues to be implemented. Our findings could support other
      maternity service organisations to optimise in-patient postnatal services.

PMID- 22044745
TI  - Red blood cell transfusion and increased length of storage are not associated
      with deep vein thrombosis in medical and surgical critically ill patients: a
      prospective observational cohort study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: With prolonged storage times, cell membranes of red blood cells
      (RBCs) undergo morphologic and biochemical changes, termed 'RBC storage lesions'.
      Storage lesions may promote inflammation and thrombophilia when transfused. In
      trauma patients, RBC transfusion was an independent risk factor for deep vein
      thrombosis (DVT), specifically when RBC units were stored > 21 days or when 5 or
      more units were transfused. The objective of this study was to determine if RBC
      transfusions or RBC storage age predicts incident DVT in medical or surgical
      intensive care unit (ICU) patients. METHODS: Using a database which prospectively
      enrolled 261 patients over the course of 1 year with an ICU stay of at least 3
      days, we analyzed DVT and RBC transfusions using Cox proportional hazards
      regression. Transfusions were analyzed with 4 thresholds, and storage age using 3
      thresholds. DVTs were identified by twice-weekly proximal leg ultrasounds.
      Multivariable analyses were adjusted for 4 significant DVT predictors in this
      population (venous thrombosis history, chronic dialysis, platelet transfusion and
      inotropes). RESULTS: Of 261 patients, 126 (48.3%) had at least 1 RBC transfusion;
      46.8% of those transfused had >= 5 units in ICU. Patients receiving RBCs were
      older (68.8 vs 64.1 years), more likely to be female (47.0 vs 30.7), sicker
      (APACHEII 26.8 vs 24.4), and more likely to be surgical (21.4 vs 8.9) (P < 0.05).
      The total number of RBCs per patient was 1-64, mean was 6.3 (SD 7.5), median was
      4 (IQR 2,8). In univariate analyses, there was no association between DVT and RBC
      exposure (1 day earlier, 3 days earlier, 7 days earlier, or ever) or RBC storage
      (<= 7 or > 7 days, <= 14 or > 14 days, <= 21 or > 21 days). Among patients
      transfused, no multivariable analyses showed that RBC transfusion or storage age
      predicted DVT. Trends were counter to the hypothesis (e.g., RBC storage for <= 7
      days suggested a higher DVT risk compared to > 7 days (HR 5.3; 95% CI 1.3-22.1).
      CONCLUSIONS: We were unable to detect any association between RBC transfusions or
      prolonged red cell storage and increased risk of DVT in medical or surgical ICU
      patients. Alternate explanations include a lack of sufficient events or patients'
      interaction, between patient groups, a mixing of red cell storage times creating
      differential effects on DVT risk, and unmeasured confounders.

PMID- 22044747
TI  - Characteristics of the aberrant pyramidal tract in comparison with the pyramidal
      tract in the human brain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aberrant pyramidal tract (APT) refers to the collateral pathway
      of the pyramidal tract (PT) through the medial lemniscus in the midbrain and
      pons. Using diffusion tensor tractography (DTT), we investigated the
      characteristics of the APT in comparison with the PT in the normal human brain.
      RESULTS: In thirty-four (18.3%, right hemisphere: 20, left hemisphere: 14) of the
      186 hemispheres, the APTs separated from the PT at the upper midbrain level,
      descended through the medial lemniscus from the midbrain to the pons, and then
      rejoined with the PT at the upper medulla. Nine (26.5%) of the 34 APTs were found
      to originate from the primary somatosensory cortex without a primary motor cortex
      origin. Values of fractional anisotropy (FA) and tract volume of the APT were
      lower than those of the PT (P < 0.05); however, no difference in mean diffusivity
      (MD) value was observed (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: We found that the APT has
      different characteristics, including less directionality, fewer neural fibers,
      and less origin from the primary motor cortex than the PT.

PMID- 22044748
TI  - Glycolic acid-g-chitosan-gold nanoflower nanocomposite scaffolds for drug
      delivery and tissue engineering.
AB  - This paper reports a simple novel method for the synthesis of flower like gold
      nanoparticle (three dimensional branched nanoparticle) with >30 tips, under
      controlled temperature condition. Formation of flower like Au nanoparticle was
      confirmed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron
      microscopy (TEM). Next step of this paper reveals the potential use of novel
      hybrids of chitosan-g-glycolic acid and gold nanoflower (AuNF) in controlled drug
      delivery and tissue engineering applications. The drug loaded novel nanohybrid
      scaffold is prepared by freeze drying of grafted polymer solution. Grafting of
      glycolic acid to the chitosan and incorporation of drug were evaluated by Fourier
      transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The nanohybrid scaffolds were found to be
      stable towards the pH of the medium. The cell viability study shows that prepared
      nanohybrid scaffolds are biocompatible. Gold nanoflowers were found to control
      the drug release rate in the buffer solution (pH 7.4). Therefore, for the
      glycolic acid grafted chitosan based system, gold nanoflowers are the viable
      additive for drug delivery.

PMID- 22044749
TI  - Effects of the polysaccharide from Pholiota nameko on human cytokine network in
      serum.
AB  - Some physico-chemical characterizations of Pholiota nameko polysaccharides (PNPS
      1) were studied, including sulfate content, UV/visible and infrared spectra, also
      the variation of cytokine communication network in serum to clarify the
      pharmacological effects of PNPS-1 by determination of 39 cytokines in serum of
      healthy volunteers. The result proved that PNPS-1 possessed significant anti
      inflammatory activity. Further, we use Microsoft Visio 2007 software to map out
      the cell-cell communication network diagram. The analysis to the diagram
      suggested that PNPS-1 could take effect on the innate and adaptive immunity and
      hematopoiesis of volunteers.

PMID- 22044750
TI  - Noncollagenous 16A domain of type XVII collagen-reactive CD4+ T cells play a
      pivotal role in the development of active disease in experimental bullous
      pemphigoid model.
AB  - Bullous pemphigoid (BP), the most common autoimmune blistering disease, is caused
      by autoantibodies against type XVII collagen (COL17). We recently demonstrated
      that CD4+ T cells were crucial for the production of anti-COL17 IgG and for the
      development of the BP phenotype by using a novel active BP mouse model by
      adoptively transferring immunized splenocytes into immunodeficient COL17
      humanized mice. Noncollagenous 16A (NC16A) domain of COL17 is considered to
      contain the main pathogenic epitopes of BP, however, the pathogenicity of COL17
      NC16A-reactive CD4+ T cells has never been elucidated. To address this issue, we
      modulated the immune responses against COL17 in active BP model by using anti
      CD40 ligand (CD40L) monoclonal antibody MR1, an inhibitor of the CD40-CD40L
      interaction, in various ways. First, we show the essential role of CD4+ T cells
      in the model by showing that CD4+ T cells isolated from wild-type mice immunized
      with human COL17 enabled naive B cells to produce anti-COL17 NC16A IgG in vivo.
      Second, we show that the activation of anti-COL17 NC16A IgG-producing B cells via
      CD40-CD40L interaction was completed within 5 days after the adoptive transfer of
      immunized splenocytes. Notably, a single administration of MR1 at day 0 was
      enough to inhibit the production of anti-COL17 NC16A IgG and to diminish skin
      lesions despite the presence of restored anti-COL17 IgG at the later stage. In
      contrast, the delayed administration of MR1 failed to inhibit the production of
      anti-COL17 NC16A IgG and the development of the BP phenotype. These results
      strongly suggest that COL17 NC16A-reactive CD4+ T cells play a pivotal role in
      the production of pathogenic autoantibodies and in the development of active
      disease in experimental BP model.

PMID- 22044751
TI  - Heritability and genome-wide association analysis of renal sinus fat accumulation
      in the Framingham Heart Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ectopic fat accumulation in the renal sinus is associated with
      chronic kidney disease and hypertension. The genetic contributions to renal sinus
      fat accumulation in humans have not been well characterized. METHODS: The present
      analysis consists of participants from the Framingham Offspring and Third
      Generation who underwent computed tomography; renal sinus fat and visceral
      adipose tissue (VAT) were quantified. Renal sinus fat was natural log transformed
      and sex- and cohort-specific residuals were created, adjusted for (1) age, (2)
      age and body mass index (BMI), and (3) age and VAT. Residuals were pooled and
      used to calculate heritability using variance-components analysis in SOLAR. A
      genome-wide association study (GWAS) for renal sinus fat was performed using an
      additive model with approximately 2.5 million imputed single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs). Finally, we identified the associations of renal sinus fat
      in our GWAS results with validated SNPs for renal function (n=16), BMI (n=32),
      and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR, n=14), and applied a multi-SNP genetic risk score
      method to determine if the SNPs for each renal and obesity trait were in
      aggregate associated with renal sinus fat. RESULTS: The heritability of renal
      sinus fat was 39% (p<0.0001); results were not materially different after
      adjustment for BMI (39%) or VAT (40%). No SNPs reached genome-wide significance
      in our GWAS. In our candidate gene analysis, we observed nominal, direction
      consistent associations with renal sinus fat for one SNP associated with renal
      function (p=0.01), two associated with BMI (p<0.03), and two associated with WHR
      (p<0.03); however, none remained significant after accounting for multiple
      testing. Finally, we observed that in aggregate, the 32 SNPs associated with BMI
      were nominally associated with renal sinus fat (multi-SNP genetic risk score
      p=0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Renal sinus fat is a heritable trait, even after accounting
      for generalized and abdominal adiposity. This provides support for further
      research into the genetic determinants of renal sinus fat. While our study was
      underpowered to detect genome-wide significant loci, our candidate gene BMI risk
      score results suggest that variability in renal sinus fat may be associated with
      SNPs previously known to be associated with generalized adiposity.

PMID- 22044752
TI  - RNA editing sites exist in protein-coding genes in the chloroplast genome of
      Cycas taitungensis.
AB  - RNA editing is a post-transcriptional process that results in modifications of
      ribonucleotides at specific locations. In land plants editing can occur in both
      mitochondria and chloroplasts and most commonly involves C-to-U changes,
      especially in seed plants. Using prediction and experimental determination, we
      investigated RNA editing in 40 protein-coding genes from the chloroplast genome
      of Cycas taitungensis. A total of 85 editing sites were identified in 25
      transcripts. Comparison analysis of the published editotypes of these 25
      transcripts in eight species showed that RNA editing events gradually disappear
      during plant evolution. The editing in the first and third codon position
      disappeared quicker than that in the second codon position. ndh genes have the
      highest editing frequency while serine and proline codons were more frequently
      edited than the codons of other amino acids. These results imply that retained
      RNA editing sites have imbalanced distribution in genes and most of them may
      function by changing protein structure or interaction. Mitochondrion protein
      coding genes have three times the editing sites compared with chloroplast genes
      of Cycas, most likely due to slower evolution speed.

PMID- 22044753
TI  - Immunomonitoring results of a phase II/III study of malignant ascites patients
      treated with the trifunctional antibody catumaxomab (anti-EpCAM x anti-CD3).
AB  - Patients with malignant ascites secondary to primary carcinomas benefit from
      intraperitoneal therapy with the trifunctional antibody catumaxomab (anti-EpCAM *
      anti-CD3). Here, we report the analysis of peritoneal fluid samples from 258
      patients with malignant ascites randomized to catumaxomab or control groups to
      investigate the molecular effects of catumaxomab treatment. In the catumaxomab
      group, tumor cell numbers and peritoneal levels of VEGF decreased, whereas the
      activation status of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-cell populations increased more than two
      fold after treatment. Notably, CD133(+)/EpCAM(+) cancer stem cells vanished from
      the catumaxomab samples but not from the control samples. In vitro investigations
      indicated that catumaxomab eliminated tumor cells in a manner associated with
      release of proinflammatory Th1 cytokines. Together, our findings show that
      catumaxomab therapy activates peritoneal T cells and eliminates EpCAM(+) tumor
      cells, establishing a molecular and cellular basis to understand in vivo efficacy
      within the immunosuppressed malignant ascites tissue microenvironment.

PMID- 22044754
TI  - Evaluation of the efficacy of immunocastration vaccine composed of gonadotrophin
      releasing hormone conjugated with Salmonella typhimurium flagellin in rats.
AB  - Immunocastration is an alternative method to replace surgical castration that is
      commonly performed in domestic and pet animals. In this study, a new
      immunocastration vaccine was developed, and its efficacy was evaluated in male
      rats. Six tandem copies of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) peptide were
      genetically fused to Salmonella typhimurium flagellin fljB (STF2) that is a
      ligand of toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5). The recombinant STF2-GnRH protein
      expressed in Escherichia coli was used as the immunocastration vaccine. Sixteen
      male rats were equally assigned to four groups. Excluding the control rats, three
      groups were immunized with 100, 200 and 400 MUg of the STF2-GnRH vaccine,
      respectively. All of the immunized rats developed significantly higher titres of
      antibodies to GnRH than the control rats. The size and weight of both testes and
      epididymides from the immunized rats were significantly smaller than those of the
      control rats. Testicular tissues in the immunized rats demonstrated atrophy of
      seminiferous tubules and decreased numbers of both spermatogonia and
      spermatocytes. These data indicate that the newly developed STF2-GnRH vaccine has
      a potent immunogenicity to GnRH and efficiently suppresses the development of
      testes in rats.

PMID- 22044755
TI  - Gene expression profiles of breast biopsies from healthy women identify a group
      with claudin-low features.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Increased understanding of the variability in normal breast biology
      will enable us to identify mechanisms of breast cancer initiation and the origin
      of different subtypes, and to better predict breast cancer risk. METHODS: Gene
      expression patterns in breast biopsies from 79 healthy women referred to breast
      diagnostic centers in Norway were explored by unsupervised hierarchical
      clustering and supervised analyses, such as gene set enrichment analysis and gene
      ontology analysis and comparison with previously published genelists and
      independent datasets. RESULTS: Unsupervised hierarchical clustering identified
      two separate clusters of normal breast tissue based on gene-expression profiling,
      regardless of clustering algorithm and gene filtering used. Comparison of the
      expression profile of the two clusters with several published gene lists
      describing breast cells revealed that the samples in cluster 1 share
      characteristics with stromal cells and stem cells, and to a certain degree with
      mesenchymal cells and myoepithelial cells. The samples in cluster 1 also share
      many features with the newly identified claudin-low breast cancer intrinsic
      subtype, which also shows characteristics of stromal and stem cells. More women
      belonging to cluster 1 have a family history of breast cancer and there is a
      slight overrepresentation of nulliparous women in cluster 1. Similar findings
      were seen in a separate dataset consisting of histologically normal tissue from
      both breasts harboring breast cancer and from mammoplasty reductions. CONCLUSION:
      This is the first study to explore the variability of gene expression patterns in
      whole biopsies from normal breasts and identified distinct subtypes of normal
      breast tissue. Further studies are needed to determine the specific cell
      contribution to the variation in the biology of normal breasts, how the clusters
      identified relate to breast cancer risk and their possible link to the origin of
      the different molecular subtypes of breast cancer.

PMID- 22044756
TI  - BDM1, a phosducin-like gene of Fusarium graminearum, is involved in virulence
      during infection of wheat and maize.
AB  - Fusarium graminearum is a common pathogen of wheat and maize throughout the
      world. Despite recent advances in the elucidation of the genetic basis of
      virulence, significant gaps in the regulatory network underlying pathogenesis
      remain to be filled. In particular, little is known at the molecular level about
      the overlap among mechanisms of pathogenicity on maize and wheat. G-protein
      signalling has been implicated in pathogenesis in F. graminearum, although the
      underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, we investigated
      the involvement of a putative phosducin-like gene (BDM1) in growth, development
      and pathogenesis in F. graminearum. Targeted deletion of BDM1 revealed roles in
      sexual and asexual sporulation, germ tube development, hyphal branching and
      mycelial morphology. During pathogenesis, BDM1 is required for wild-type levels
      of colonization of maize silk tissue and stalks, but is dispensable for the
      colonization of kernels. The deletion of BDM1 also reduced the virulence of F.
      graminearum during the infection of wheat seedlings and heads, resulting in a
      significant reduction in fungal biomass and a delayed spread of visual symptom
      expression (i.e. bleaching in heads). Furthermore, BDM1 is required for wild-type
      levels of deoxynivalenol biosynthesis during the infection of wheat heads and
      maize silks. In summation, BDM1 is one of the few genes characterized to date in
      F. graminearum involved in virulence during infection of both maize and wheat.
      Thus, the functional characterization of BDM1 has established a new regulatory
      link between pathogenesis in maize and wheat, and provides a genetic resource
      through which the regulatory networks underlying virulence in F. graminearum can
      be further elucidated.

PMID- 22044757
TI  - Plasma membrane association of three classes of bacterial toxins is mediated by a
      basic-hydrophobic motif.
AB  - Plasma membrane targeting is essential for the proper function of many bacterial
      toxins. A conserved fourhelical bundle membrane localization domain (4HBM) was
      recently identified within three diverse families of toxins: clostridial
      glucosylating toxins, MARTX toxins and Pasteurella multocida-like toxins. When
      expressed in tissue culture cells or in yeast, GFP fusions to at least one 4HBM
      from each toxin family show significant peripheral membrane localization but with
      differing profiles. Both in vivo expression and in vitro binding studies reveal
      that the ability of these domains to localize to the plasma membrane and bind
      negatively charged phospholipids requires a basic-hydrophobic motif formed by the
      L1 and L3 loops. The different binding capacity of each 4HBM is defined by the
      hydrophobicity of an exposed residue within the motif. This study establishes
      that bacterial effectors utilize a normal host cell mechanism to locate the
      plasma membrane where they can then access their intracellular targets.

PMID- 22044758
TI  - Mandibular flexure and its significance on implant fixed prostheses: a review.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aims of this review are to determine the effect of mandibular
      flexure on the "implant-framework system," and analyze the existing literature on
      the topic. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A MEDLINE and PubMed search was conducted to
      identify any articles in English related to the topic published up to May 2010
      using the search words "mandible,""dental implants,""dental impression
      technique,""jaw movement,""dental stress analysis," and "mechanical stress."
      RESULTS: The search identified 40 and 36 articles from MEDLINE and PubMed,
      respectively. Twenty articles met the inclusion criteria. CONCLUSIONS: Mandibular
      flexure is a multifactorial phenomenon, and the effect of the implant-framework
      system in this is unclear. Studies have focused mainly on the fully edentulous
      mandible. These have found that mandibular flexure should be taken into
      consideration when designing a prosthesis and have suggested that dividing the
      prosthesis at the symphysis region, or into multiple implant fixed dental
      prostheses, may minimize the effect of mandibular flexure on the implant
      prosthesis. At this time, no studies have investigated the effect of mandibular
      flexure on long-span, unilateral, implant fixed prostheses. The clinical
      significance of mandibular flexure on the success of dental implant treatment is
      at this time unclear, and further research is needed.

PMID- 22044759
TI  - Current trends in the diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune hepatitis in Japan.
AB  - While a certain international consensus has been reached regarding the diagnosis
      and treatment of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH), there are some unique clinical
      characteristics of AIH in Japan. For diagnosis of AIH using the new simplified
      criteria proposed by the International Autoimmune Hepatitis Group, it is
      necessary to re-evaluate the antibody titer determined by using HEp-2 cells,
      which are widely used in Japan, and the finding of emperipolesis in liver
      histology, although the criteria are useful for rapid identification of AIH in
      routine clinical practice. The use of azathioprine as first-line therapy for AIH
      is limited in Japan because the drug is not covered by the Japanese national
      health insurance. Concomitant use of ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) to reduce
      corticosteroids and use of UDCA as monotherapy are therefore considered
      promising. Moreover, a relatively good survival rate has been reported in
      patients who developed AIH-induced acute liver failure and underwent living-donor
      liver transplantation. Current trends in the diagnosis and treatment of AIH in
      Japan are described in this report with a review of recent findings.

PMID- 22044760
TI  - CD68 and CD163 as prognostic factors for Korean patients with Hodgkin lymphoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Limited progress had been made in prognostic stratification of
      patients with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) until recent studies suggested that the
      number of CD68-expressing macrophages is prognostic in classical HL. However, its
      significance in Asian patients with HL has not been explored yet perhaps because
      of its low incidence in Asia. METHODS: In this work, we performed
      immunohistochemical analysis of CD163, as well as CD68, in 144 Korean patients
      with HL treated between November 1990 and December 2009 in a single center. The
      relative percentages of CD68+ and CD163+ cells with respect to the overall
      cellularity (CD68 index and CD163 index, respectively) were correlated with
      clinical outcomes. RESULTS: Both high CD68 and CD163 indices (>20%) were
      associated with a rise in treatment-related deaths and poorer event-free survival
      (P = 0.009 and P = 0.0023, respectively), disease-specific survival (P = 0.011
      and P = 0.001), and overall survival (P = 0.023 and P = 0.001). In particular, a
      high CD163 index was related to lower complete response (CR) rate (P = 0.022) and
      shorter duration of CR (P = 0.030). CONCLUSIONS: High index of either CD68 or
      CD163 (>20%) is significantly correlated with poor prognosis in Korean patients
      with HL. CD163, a specific marker of macrophages, seems to be another prognostic
      factor for classical HL.

PMID- 22044761
TI  - Does haemophilia protect against ischaemic cardiovascular disease?

PMID- 22044762
TI  - Transforming care at the bedside for nurse faculty: can continuous quality
      improvement transform nursing education?

PMID- 22044764
TI  - Evidence for behavioral benefits of early dietary supplementation with
      CoEnzymeQ10 in a slowly progressing mouse model of Huntington's disease.
AB  - Controversies surround the usefulness of Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) in Huntington's
      disease (HD), an autosomal dominant, fatal, neurodegenerative disease with no
      cure or disease modifying treatment. CoQ10, an endogenous substrate for electron
      transport and an anti-oxidant, has been shown in some but not all studies to
      improve symptoms and survival in mouse models of HD. Previous studies have been
      conducted in fast-progressing models that better mimic the juvenile forms of HD
      than the much more common middle-age onset form, possibly accounting for mixed
      results. Establishing the usefulness of CoQ10 to alter HD disease course in a
      model that better recapitulates the progressive features of the human disorder is
      important because clinical trials of CoQ10, which is safe and well tolerated, are
      being planned in patients. The CAG140 knock-in (KI) mouse model of HD in which an
      expanded (approximately 120) CAG repeat is inserted in the mouse gene provides a
      model of the mutation in the proper genomic and protein context. These mice
      display progressive motor, cognitive and emotional anomalies, transcriptional
      disturbances and late striatal degeneration. Homozygote mutant CAG140 KI mice and
      wild-type littermates were fed CoQ10 (0.2%, 0.6%) in chow, and behavioral and
      pathological markers of disease were examined. CoQ10 improved early behavioral
      deficits and normalized some transcriptional deficits without altering huntingtin
      aggregates in striatum. The lower dose (0.2%) was more beneficial than 0.6%.
      Similar to previous studies, this low dose also induced deleterious effects in
      open field and rotarod in WT mice, however these effects are of unclear clinical
      significance in view of the excellent safety profile of CoQ10 in humans. These
      data confirm that CoQ10 may be beneficial in HD but suggest that maximum benefit
      may be observed when treatment is begun at early stages of the disease and that
      dosage may be critical.

PMID- 22044766
TI  - Diagnostic utility and clinical usefulness of the pocket echocardiographic
      device.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The pocket echocardiograph (PE) with color Doppler imaging belongs to
      a new class of diagnostic tools, the feasibility and accuracy of which is not
      well established. The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility and
      diagnostic value of transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) performed with the use
      of PE by a cardiology resident (2nd year of training) and by an experienced
      cardiologist. METHODS: The study population comprised 220 consecutive patients
      (142 men, mean age 63 +/- 8 years), 110 of whom were admitted to our intensive
      cardiac care unit (ICU) and 110 patients referred for TTE from the outpatient
      clinic. All patients had PE TTE performed by a resident (60 ICU patients, 60
      outpatients) or a cardiologist (50 ICU patients, 50 outpatients). Within 24 h of
      PE TTE, all subjects had a standard TTE (sTTE) performed by an experienced
      echocardiographer. RESULTS: 96% of patients had echocardiographic measurements
      completed by both PE TTE and sTTE. The dimensions measured with PE TTE by the
      resident and the cardiologist showed good to excellent correlation with sTTE (r =
      0.64-0.96, P < 0.001). The agreement in detection of various pathologies between
      PE TTE performed by the resident and sTTE examinations was moderate to very good,
      whereas it was good to excellent if PE TTE was performed by the experienced
      cardiologist. CONCLUSION: The diagnostic accuracy of the PE in basic assessment
      of cardiac morphology and function as compared to standard echocardiography is
      moderate to very good for a cardiology resident and good to excellent for an
      experienced cardiologist. (Echocardiography 2012;29:1-6).

PMID- 22044765
TI  - Rbfox proteins regulate alternative splicing of neuronal sodium channel SCN8A.
AB  - The SCN8A gene encodes the voltage-gated sodium channel Na(v)1.6, a major channel
      in neurons of the CNS and PNS. SCN8A contains two alternative exons,18N and 18A,
      that exhibit tissue specific splicing. In brain, the major SCN8A transcript
      contains exon 18A and encodes the full-length sodium channel. In other tissues,
      the major transcript contains exon 18N and encodes a truncated protein, due to
      the presence of an in-frame stop codon. Selection of exon 18A is therefore
      essential for generation of a functional channel protein, but the proteins
      involved in this selection have not been identified. Using a 2.6 kb Scn8a
      minigene containing exons 18N and 18A, we demonstrate that co-transfection with
      Fox-1 or Fox-2 initiates inclusion of exon 18A. This effect is dependent on the
      consensus Fox binding site located 28 bp downstream of exon 18A. We examined the
      alternative splicing of human SCN8A and found that the postnatal switch to exon
      18A is completed later than 10 months of age. In purified cell populations,
      transcripts containing exon 18A predominate in neurons but are not present in
      oligodendrocytes or astrocytes. Transcripts containing exon 18N appear to be
      degraded by nonsense-mediated decay in HEK cells. Our data indicate that RBFOX
      proteins contribute to the cell-specific expression of Na(v)1.6 channels in
      mature neurons.

PMID- 22044767
TI  - The development of service users in the provision of verbal feedback to student
      nurses in a clinical simulation environment.
AB  - The School of Nursing and Midwifery at Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, has a
      sustained history of working in partnership with service users in their role as
      patient volunteers. The patient volunteers make a pivotal contribution towards
      the delivery of clinical skills as "real" patients. They work within a scenario
      context, overseen and facilitated by academic staff. Evaluations have identified
      that the patient volunteers find this experience rewarding, worthwhile and a way
      of contributing to the education of student nurses. Whilst this is already a
      successful element of the student's learning, staff were cognisant of the need to
      develop this aspect further. A case study approach was adopted to review the
      experience of the patient volunteers in their provision of feedback to students.
      In accordance with the evidence base, it was proposed to enhance the volunteer
      patient's role in providing verbal face to face feedback to students. An
      educational package for the patient volunteers was developed and a current
      simulation event within the curriculum was identified that would allow the
      volunteers to practice giving feedback. This was then evaluated and following
      ethical approval, a series of focus groups were undertaken with the patient
      volunteers. The data collected identified the strengths and limitations of this
      experience and as a result of this an implementation plan was identified aimed at
      enhancing the patient volunteer's and the student's experience.

PMID- 22044768
TI  - Repeated exposure of adult rats to Aroclor 1254 induces neuronal injury and
      impairs the neurochemical manifestations of the NMDA receptor-mediated
      intracellular signaling in the hippocampus.
AB  - Aroclor 1254 is a mixture of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), a class of
      environmental toxins which cause a wide spectrum of neurotoxic effects. Learning
      and memory deficits are the profound effects of PCBs which may be related to
      hippocampal dysfunction. To get insight into the underlying neurochemical
      mechanisms, we employed the microdialysis technique to investigate the effect of
      repeated exposure of adult male Wistar rats to Aroclor 1254 (10mg/kg b.w., daily,
      ig., for 14days), on the neurochemical parameters of NMDA receptor-mediated
      glutamatergic signaling in the hippocampus in vivo assessed using the
      microdialysis technique. The results demonstrated that exposure to Aroclor 1254,
      which was associated with substantial neuronal damage and loss in the
      hippocampus, markedly decreased the NMDA-induced extracellular accumulation of
      newly loaded (45)CaCl(2), cGMP and glutamate, and reduced the basal content of
      the NO precursor, arginine, indicating inhibition of the NMDA/NO/cGMP pathway.
      Aroclor 1254 exposure also decreased the basal microdialysate content of
      glutamate and glutamine, which may cause inadequate supply of the
      neurotransmitter glutamate, while the level of two other neuroactive amino acids,
      aspartate or taurine was not affected by the exposure. The results underscore
      neuronal lesion and inhibition of NMDA receptor-mediated glutamatergic signaling
      in hippocampus as a potential major contributor to the cognitive deficits
      associated with exposure to PCB.

PMID- 22044769
TI  - Expression, purification of herpes simplex virus type 1 US11 protein, and
      production of US11 polyclonal antibody.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The US11 protein of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is a small,
      highly basic phosphoprotein expressed at late times during infection. To date,
      the function of US11 protein in cell culture and animal models is poorly
      understood. To further investigate the function of the US11 protein, this study
      was undertaken to express the US11 protein and raise a polyclonal antibody.
      RESULTS: The US11 gene was cloned into the prokaryotic expression vector pET-32a
      (+) to express His-tagged US11 protein in Escherichia coli. After purification by
      nickel affinity chromatography and refolding, the recombinant protein was used to
      raise the anti-US11 polyclonal antibody. Western blot analysis demonstrated that
      the US11 protein was specifically recognized by the polyclonal antibody, and
      immunofluorescent assay also showed that the antibody was able to probe the US11
      protein in the cells infected with HSV-1. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, we
      obtained a high-level expression of the recombinant US11 protein as well as high
      titers of rabbit polyclonal antibody specially against US11 protein in HSV-1
      infected cells. This special polyclonal antibody provides a good tool for further
      studying structural and functional characterization of HSV-1 US11 protein.

PMID- 22044770
TI  - Secondhand smoke exposure induces Raf/ERK/MAPK-mediated upregulation of
      cerebrovascular endothelin ETA receptors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cigarette smoking enhances the risk of stroke. However, the
      underlying molecular mechanisms are largely unknown. The present study
      established an in vivo rat secondhand cigarette smoking (SHS) model and examined
      the hypothesis that SHS upregulates endothelin receptors with increased
      cerebrovascular contraction via the Raf/extracellular signal-regulated kinase
      (ERK)/mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) pathway. RESULTS: Rats were
      exposed to SHS for up to 8 weeks. The cerebral artery vasoconstriction was
      recorded by a sensitive myograph. The mRNA and protein expressions for endothelin
      receptors in cerebral arteries were studied by real-time PCR and Western blot.
      Compared to fresh air exposed rats, cerebral arteries from SHS rats exhibited
      stronger contractile responses (P < 0.05) mediated by endothelin type A (ETA)
      receptors. The expressions of mRNA and protein for ETA receptors in the cerebral
      arteries from SHS rats were higher (P < 0.05) than that in control. SHS did not
      affect endothelin type B (ETB) receptor-mediated contractions, mRNA or protein
      levels. The results suggest that SHS upregulates ETA, but not ETB receptors in
      vivo. After SHS exposure, the mRNA levels of Raf-1 and ERK1/2, the protein
      expression of phosphorylated (p)-Raf-1 and p-ERK1/2 were increased (P < 0.05).
      Raf-1 inhibitor, GW5074 suppressed the enhanced ETA receptor-mediated
      contraction, mRNA and protein levels induced by SHS. In addition, GW5074
      inhibited the SHS-caused increased mRNA and phosphorylated protein levels of Raf
      1 and ERK1/2, suggesting that SHS induces activation of the Raf/ERK/MAPK pathway.
      CONCLUSIONS: SHS upregulates cerebrovascular ETA receptors via the Raf/ERK/MAPK
      pathway, which provides novel understanding of mechanisms involved in SHS
      associated stroke.

PMID- 22044771
TI  - Simultaneous cell growth and ethanol production from cellulose by an engineered
      yeast consortium displaying a functional mini-cellulosome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The recalcitrant nature of cellulosic materials and the high cost of
      enzymes required for efficient hydrolysis are the major impeding steps to their
      practical usage for ethanol production. Ideally, a recombinant microorganism,
      possessing the capability to utilize cellulose for simultaneous growth and
      ethanol production, is of great interest. We have reported recently the use of a
      yeast consortium for the functional presentation of a mini-cellulosome structure
      onto the yeast surface by exploiting the specific interaction of different
      cohesin-dockerin pairs. In this study, we engineered a yeast consortium capable
      of displaying a functional mini-cellulosome for the simultaneous growth and
      ethanol production on phosphoric acid swollen cellulose (PASC). RESULTS: A yeast
      consortium composed of four different populations was engineered to display a
      functional mini-cellulosome containing an endoglucanase, an exoglucanase and a
      beta-glucosidase. The resulting consortium was demonstrated to utilize PASC for
      growth and ethanol production. The final ethanol production of 1.25 g/L
      corresponded to 87% of the theoretical value and was 3-fold higher than a similar
      yeast consortium secreting only the three cellulases. Quantitative PCR was used
      to enumerate the dynamics of each individual yeast population for the two
      consortia. Results indicated that the slight difference in cell growth cannot
      explain the 3-fold increase in PASC hydrolysis and ethanol production. Instead,
      the substantial increase in ethanol production is consistent with the reported
      synergistic effect on cellulose hydrolysis using the displayed mini-cellulosome.
      CONCLUSIONS: This report represents a significant step towards the goal of
      cellulosic ethanol production. This engineered yeast consortium displaying a
      functional mini-cellulosome demonstrated not only the ability to grow on the
      released sugars from PASC but also a 3-fold higher ethanol production than a
      similar yeast consortium secreting only the three cellulases. The use of more
      complex cellulosomal structures may further improve the overall efficiency for
      ethanol production.

PMID- 22044772
TI  - Non-invasive assessment of liver fibrosis in patients after the Fontan operation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study analyzed the change in liver fibrosis markers after the
      Fontan operation and investigated their clinical usefulness as an index of
      congestive liver fibrosis. METHODS: The study enrolled 24 patients who underwent
      the Fontan operation between January 1994 and December 2008. We subdivided the
      postoperative period into four intervals and then compared the hepatological
      markers during each. Eighteen patients underwent postoperative cardiac
      catheterization and the correlation between hepatological markers and the
      inferior vena cava (IVC) pressure was analyzed. RESULTS: The mean age of the
      patients was 138.6 months and the mean interval between the Fontan operation and
      the examination was 97.8 months. Type IV collagen was extremely high in every
      interval (I, 286 +/- 93; II, 265 +/- 93; III, 305 +/- 143; IV, 206 +/- 70), while
      none of the laboratory variables changed significantly in each interval. A
      significant positive correlation was observed between type IV collagen and the
      IVC pressure, but no significant correlation with any other hepatological marker
      was detected. CONCLUSIONS: No specific parameter that reflects the progress in
      liver fibrosis was identified in this study. The possibility exists that type IV
      collagen reflects the degree of hepatic congestion.

PMID- 22044773
TI  - Polymerization profile analysis of resin composite dental restorative materials
      in real time.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: In this study, the hypothesis that the polymerization shrinkage
      profile of "low shrinkage" non-methacrylate based composite; Silorane and "low
      shrinkage" high molecular mass methacrylate based composite; Kalore is not
      different from that of three conventional methacrylate based composites (Gradia
      Direct X, Filtek Supreme XT and Beautifil II) was tested. METHODS: Five
      commercially available composites were analysed: one "low shrinkage" non
      methacrylate based composite (Silorane); one "low shrinkage" high molecular mass
      methacrylate based composite (Kalore) and three conventional methacrylate based
      composites (Gradia Direct X, Filtek Supreme XT and Beautifil II). Polymerization
      shrinkage was measured using an electromagnetic balance which recorded changes in
      composite buoyancy occurring due to volumetric changes during polymerization.
      This instrument allowed real time volumetric shrinkage measurements to be made at
      40 ms intervals. RESULTS: All five resin composites demonstrated a similar
      volumetric shrinkage profile during polymerization. The rate of shrinkage of all
      five composites decreased from t=0 at a rate approximating x=t. After 170 s the
      rate of shrinkage of all five composites was at or below 0.01%/s. During the
      initial 5s of light exposure Silorane and Kalore exhibited a significantly lower
      (p<0.05) rate of contraction relative to the three conventional methacrylate
      composites. After 640 s of analysis, Silorane exhibited a significantly lower
      (p<0.05) percentage volumetric contraction compared to the other four analysed
      materials. CONCLUSIONS: The newly developed "low shrinkage" composites (Silorane,
      Kalore) in the present study demonstrated significantly lower (p<0.05) shrinkage
      rates and shrinkage volumes compared to the three conventional methacrylate
      composites. Investigation to identify whether polymerization shrinkage profile
      analysis is a good predictor of relative polymerization contraction stress levels
      generated by different composites, is warranted. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE:
      Clinicians making a resin composite selection with the view to minimizing the
      clinical effects of polymerization shrinkage must consider the rate of
      polymerization as well as the total volumetric shrinkage of a composite. Silorane
      (non methacrylate composite) and Kalore (high molecular mass methacrylate
      composite) have the ability to exhibit lower shrinkage rates and lower shrinkage
      volumes compared to conventional methacrylate composites.

PMID- 22044774
TI  - Colour stability of relined dentures after chemical disinfection. A randomised
      clinical trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This randomised clinical study evaluated the effect of chemical
      disinfection with sodium perborate or chlorhexidine on the colour stability of a
      hard chairside reline resin during six months. METHODS: Hard chairside reline
      resin (Tokuyama Rebase Fast II) was used to reline complete dentures. After
      baseline colour measurements, the patients were randomly divided into 3 groups (n
      = 15) and allocation was concealed with the use of the BioStat program. The
      dentures were cleansed according to three methods: CG (control group)--brushing
      with coconut soap and soft toothbrush, PG (Perborate group)--brushing according
      to previous methods and disinfection with warmed sodium perborate solution
      (Corega Tabs) for 5 min, once a day for 6 months and ChxG (Chlorhexidine Group)-
      brushing according to CG and disinfection with chlorhexidine digluconate 2% for
      5min once a day for 6 months. The data of DeltaE*, DeltaL*, Deltaa* and Deltab*
      were analysed by 2-way repeated-measures ANOVAs and Tukey tests (alpha = 0.05).
      RESULTS: There were significant differences amongst groups for DeltaL, Deltaa and
      Deltab. The time had a significant effect on DeltaE and DeltaL, for all groups
      evaluated. CONCLUSION: Changes in some colour parameters (DeltaL, Deltaa and
      Deltab) of the reline resin Tokuyama Rebase were observed when the dentures were
      disinfected by perborate and chlorhexidine digluconate 2% solutions. The colour
      stability of was also influenced by time, regardless of disinfection or
      nondisinfection. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: Colour stability of the denture materials
      is one variable to be considered when choosing disinfection methods. The data in
      this study will be useful to clinicians when they are selecting disinfectant
      solutions for disinfection of relined denture.

PMID- 22044775
TI  - Results of combined treatment of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is among the most aggressive human
      malignancies. It is associated with a high rate of local recurrence and with poor
      prognosis. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 44 consecutive patients treated
      between 1996 and 2010 at Leon Berard Cancer Centre, Lyon, France. The combined
      treatment strategy derived from the one developed at the Institut Gustave Roussy
      included total thyroidectomy and cervical lymph-node dissection, when feasible,
      combined with 2 cycles of doxorubicin (60 mg/m2) and cisplatin (100 mg/m2) Q3W,
      hyperfractionated (1.2 Gy twice daily) radiation to the neck and upper
      mediastinum (46-50 Gy), and then four cycles of doxorubicin-cisplatin. RESULTS:
      Thirty-five patients received the three-phase combined treatment. Complete
      response after treatment was achieved in 14/44 patients (31.8%). Eight patients
      had a partial response (18.2%). Twenty-two (50%) had progressive disease. All
      patients with metastases at diagnosis died shortly afterwards. Thirteen patients
      are still alive. The median survival of the entire population was 8 months.
      CONCLUSION: Despite the ultimately dismal prognosis of ATC, multimodality
      treatment significantly improves local control and appears to afford long-term
      survival in some patients. There is active ongoing research, and results obtained
      with new targeted systemic treatment appear encouraging.

PMID- 22044776
TI  - Efficient and selective removal of chloroacetyl group promoted with tetra-n
      butylammonium fluoride (TBAF).
AB  - A practical method for the efficient and selective cleavage of chloroacetyl
      protecting group using tetra-n-butylammonium fluoride (TBAF) in THF solution at
      rt was disclosed.

PMID- 22044777
TI  - Mental illness related disparities in diabetes prevalence, quality of care and
      outcomes: a population-based longitudinal study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Health care disparity is a public health challenge. We compared the
      prevalence of diabetes, quality of care and outcomes between mental health
      clients (MHCs) and non-MHCs. METHODS: This was a population-based longitudinal
      study of 139,208 MHCs and 294,180 matched non-MHCs in Western Australia (WA) from
      1990 to 2006, using linked data of mental health registry, electoral roll
      registrations, hospital admissions, emergency department attendances, deaths, and
      Medicare and pharmaceutical benefits claims. Diabetes was identified from
      hospital diagnoses, prescriptions and diabetes-specific primary care claims
      (17,045 MHCs, 26,626 non-MHCs). Both univariate and multivariate analyses
      adjusted for socio-demographic factors and case mix were performed to compare the
      outcome measures among MHCs, category of mental disorders and non-MHCs. RESULTS:
      The prevalence of diabetes was significantly higher in MHCs than in non-MHCs
      (crude age-sex-standardised point-prevalence of diabetes on 30 June 2006 in those
      aged >=20 years, 9.3% vs 6.1%, respectively, P < 0.001; adjusted odds ratio (OR)
      1.40, 95% CI 1.36 to 1.43). Receipt of recommended pathology tests (HbA1c,
      microalbuminuria, blood lipids) was suboptimal in both groups, but was lower in
      MHCs (for all tests combined; adjusted OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.78 to 0.85, at one year;
      and adjusted rate ratio (RR) 0.86, 95% CI 0.84 to 0.88, during the study period).
      MHCs also had increased risks of hospitalisation for diabetes complications
      (adjusted RR 1.20, 95% CI 1.17 to 1.24), diabetes-related mortality (1.43, 1.35
      to 1.52) and all-cause mortality (1.47, 1.42 to 1.53). The disparities were most
      marked for alcohol/drug disorders, schizophrenia, affective disorders, other
      psychoses and personality disorders. CONCLUSIONS: MHCs warrant special attention
      for primary and secondary prevention of diabetes, especially at the primary care
      level.

PMID- 22044778
TI  - Characterization of three homoeologous cDNAs encoding chloroplast-targeted
      aminolevulinic acid dehydratase in common wheat.
AB  - In the tetrapyrrole biosynthetic pathway of higher plants, 5-aminolevulinic acid
      (ALA) is metabolized by ALA dehydratase (ALAD). Here, we isolated ALAD1 cDNA from
      common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and its diploid progenitors, and produced
      transgenic tobacco plants expressing the wheat ALAD1 gene. The ALAD1 genes were
      highly conserved among wheat relatives, and three homoeologous loci of wheat
      ALAD1 (TaALAD1) were equally transcribed in common wheat. A transient expression
      assay of a TaALAD1-GFP (green fluorescent protein) fusion protein suggested that
      TaALAD1 is localized in chloroplasts. Overexpression of TaALAD1 in transgenic
      tobacco resulted in a significant increase in ALAD activity in leaves. Moreover,
      the transgenic tobacco showed vigorous growth and increased survival rate on
      medium containing ALA at herbicidal concentrations. These results indicate that
      wheat ALAD1 has catalytic activity in metabolizing ALA in plastids, and that
      ectopic expression of TaALAD1 in transgenic plants increases their tolerance to
      ALA application at high concentrations.

PMID- 22044779
TI  - Family physician attitudes in managing obesity: a cross-sectional survey study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Obesity is epidemic in primary care. While family physicians care for
      the consequences of obesity, they do not generally feel confident managing
      obesity itself. We examined the barriers to obesity management in a sample of
      family physicians in a primary care practice-based research network (PBRN).
      FINDINGS: 204 family physicians were invited to respond to a survey on physician
      beliefs about obese patients and causes of obesity. A total of 75 physicians
      responded to the survey. Responses were factor analyzed using standard
      techniques. Comments were sorted into ranked themes by the investigators. The
      results show systemic barriers to obesity management. Seven general factors were
      identified, with some discrepancy seen in the role of "psychobehavioral
      causation" between rural and non-rural physicians. Themes derived from the
      comments reflected frustration with the resources and structure of current
      primary care systems to be able to deal with obesity. CONCLUSIONS: Our pilot
      survey suggests that differences in beliefs regarding the causes of obesity may
      exist between rural and non-rural physicians. Further research in larger, more
      diverse samples is necessary to further illuminate practice differences. More
      comprehensive approaches to obesity management, like the Chronic Care Model, are
      suggested by these results.

PMID- 22044780
TI  - Subversion of innate immune responses by bacterial hindrance of NF-kappaB
      pathway.
AB  - Bacterial infections cause substantial mortality and burden of disease globally.
      Induction of a strong innate inflammatory response is the first common host
      mechanism required for elimination of the invading pathogens. The host
      transcription factor, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB) is essential for immune
      activation. Conversely, bacterial pathogens have evolved strategies to interfere
      directly with host cell signalling by regulating or mimicking host proteins.
      Given the key role of NF-kappaB in the host inflammatory response, bacteria have
      expectedly developed virulence effectors interfering with NF-kappaB signalling
      pathways. In this review, we explore the bacterial mechanisms utilized to prevent
      effective NF-kappaB signalling, which in turn usurp the host inflammatory
      response.

PMID- 22044781
TI  - Impact of heteroresistance to colistin in meningitis caused by Acinetobacter
      baumannii.

PMID- 22044782
TI  - Acute appendicitis, a rare complication of varicella: a report of three cases.
AB  - Acute appendicitis is a very rare complication of varicella, and is rarely
      reported in studies of complications of varicella or appendicitis. This report
      describes three cases of acute appendicitis in the course of varicella, diagnosed
      in Clinical Department of Infectious Diseases at Split University Hospital,
      Croatia between 1998 and 2010. Varicella was diagnosed clinically, and in two
      cases confirmed by positive serological tests for varicella-zoster virus (VZV).
      In addition to routine histopathological examination, testing for viral antigens
      or DNA in the appendix, omentum and peripheral blood by genetic and
      immunohistochemistry methods may be important to confirm whether VZV and
      appendicitis are etiopathogenetically connected.

PMID- 22044783
TI  - effect of embryonic genotype on reference gene selection for RT-qPCR
      normalization.
AB  - To obtain more reliable results with biological significance, it requires data
      normalization using an appropriate internal control gene. In rabbits, there are
      classic stable reference genes that have been identified for normalization in
      oocytes and pre-implantation stage embryos. However, effects of embryonic
      genotype on reference gene selection have not been elucidated. The aim of this
      study was to test (i) the stability of mRNA transcription level for histone
      (H2afz) and glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) genes in rabbit
      blastocysts from two lines selected by different criteria (litter size and post
      weaning daily weight gain) and (ii) its influence on biological significance
      examined by means of a set of embryonic transcripts, such as POU5F1 (Oct-4),
      epidermal growth factor receptor (erbB3), transforming growth factor-beta2,
      vascular endothelial growth factor and gamma interferon (Ifn-gamma). The geNorm,
      NormFinder and BestKeeper programs showed similar results, pointing out that
      H2afz and GAPDH were the most stable reference genes in rabbits selected on
      litter size at weaning. Moreover, our study revealed that embryonic genotype
      affected target gene expression when a single reference gene was used to analyse
      mRNA expression in blastocysts. Results showed that GAPDH gene is better than
      H2afz for gene expression studies of both embryo genotypes. A normalization
      factor derived from H2afz and GAPDH is likely to be appropriate when RT-qPCR was
      performed in rabbit embryos with different genotypes.

PMID- 22044784
TI  - Sewer pipe, wire, epoxy, and finger tapping: the start of fMRI at the Medical
      College of Wisconsin.
AB  - In 1991, the Biophysics Research Institute at the Medical College of Wisconsin
      was among the first groups to develop functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging
      (fMRI). Our story is unique on a few levels: We didn't have knowledge of the
      ability to image human brain activation with MRI using blood oxygenation
      dependent (BOLD) contrast until early August of 1991 when we attended the Society
      for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (SMRM) meeting in San Francisco, yet we
      produced our first BOLD-based maps of motor cortex activation about a month
      later. The effort started with two graduate students, Eric Wong and myself. Only
      a few days prior to that extremely important SMRM meeting, we had developed human
      echo planar imaging (EPI) capability in-house. Wong designed, built, and
      interfaced a head gradient coil made out of sewer pipe, wire, and epoxy to a
      standard GE 1.5T MRI scanner. Also, a few months prior to building this human
      head gradient coil he developed the EPI pulse sequences and image reconstruction.
      All of these efforts were towards a different goal--for demonstration of Wong's
      novel approach to perfusion imaging in the human brain. Following SMRM, where a
      plenary lecture by Tom Brady from MGH opened our eyes to human brain activation
      imaging using BOLD contrast, and where we learned that EPI was extremely helpful
      if not critical to its success, we worked quickly to achieve our first results on
      September 14, 1991. The story is also unique in that Jim Hyde had set up the
      Biophysics Research Institute to be optimal for just this type of rapidly
      advancing basic technology research. It was well equipped for hardware
      development, had open and dynamic collaborative relationships with other
      departments, hospitals on campus, and GE, and had a relatively flat hierarchy and
      relaxed, flexible, collegial atmosphere internally. Since these first brain
      activation results, MCW Biophysics has continued to be at the forefront of
      functional MRI innovation, having helped to pioneer real time fMRI, high
      resolution fMRI, and functional connectivity mapping.

PMID- 22044785
TI  - Secretomics identifies Fusarium graminearum proteins involved in the interaction
      with barley and wheat.
AB  - Fusarium graminearum is a phytopathogenic fungus primarily infecting small grain
      cereals, including barley and wheat. Secreted enzymes play important roles in the
      pathogenicity of many fungi. In order to access the secretome of F. graminearum,
      the fungus was grown in liquid culture with barley or wheat flour as the sole
      nutrient source to mimic the host-pathogen interaction. A gel-based proteomics
      approach was employed to identify the proteins secreted into the culture medium.
      Sixty-nine unique fungal proteins were identified in 154 protein spots, including
      enzymes involved in the degradation of cell walls, starch and proteins. Of these
      proteins, 35% had not been identified in previous in planta or in vitro studies,
      70% were predicted to contain signal peptides and a further 16% may be secreted
      in a nonclassical manner. Proteins identified in the 72 spots showing
      differential appearance between wheat and barley flour medium were mainly
      involved in fungal cell wall remodelling and the degradation of plant cell walls,
      starch and proteins. The in planta expression of corresponding F. graminearum
      genes was confirmed by quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain
      reaction in barley and wheat spikelets harvested at 2-6 days after inoculation.
      In addition, a clear difference in the accumulation of fungal biomass and the
      extent of fungal-induced proteolysis of plant beta-amylase was observed in barley
      and wheat. The present study considerably expands the current database of F.
      graminearum secreted proteins which may be involved in Fusarium head blight.

PMID- 22044786
TI  - 5-fluorouracil arterial infusion + interferon therapy for highly advanced
      hepatocellular carcinoma: A multicenter, randomized, phase II study.
AB  - AIM:   The efficacy and safety of 5-fluorouracil arterial infusion + interferon
      therapy (FAIT) was evaluated in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with
      a high degree of vascular invasion associated with poor prognosis, using best
      salvage therapy (BST) as a reference group. METHODS:   Sixty-nine patients with
      advanced HCC with a high degree of vascular invasion (Vp3, Vp4, Vv3) were
      randomly assigned to a FAIT group or a BST group. The FAIT group received
      interferon-alpha and 5-fluorouracil combination therapy; the BST group received
      either combination therapy of cisplatin and 5-fluorouracil (low-dose FP therapy)
      or cisplatin for arterial infusion. RESULTS:   Thirty patients in the FAIT group
      and 31 patients in the BST group were included in the efficacy analysis. The
      response rate (primary endpoint) was 26.7% (eight out of 30 patients) for the
      FAIT group and 25.8% (eight out of 31) for the BST group. The number of
      occurrences of adverse events of grade 3 or higher was 115 in 30 patients in the
      FAIT group and 113 in 29 patients in the BST group. None of the deaths were
      related to the study therapy. CONCLUSIONS:   FAIT exerts modest antitumor effects
      and poses no particular safety concerns. FAIT may be a strategy of choice worth
      trying for advanced HCC with high degree of vascular invasion, which is
      associated with poor prognosis.

PMID- 22044787
TI  - The use of virtual reality for episodic memory assessment: effects of active
      navigation.
AB  - Episodic memory was assessed using Virtual Reality (VR). Forty-four (44) subjects
      visualized a target virtual apartment containing specific objects in each room.
      Then they visualized a second virtual apartment comprised of specific objects and
      objects shared by the two apartments. Subjects navigated in the virtual
      apartments in one of the following two conditions: active and passive. Four main
      episodic memory components were scored from the VR exposures: (1) learning
      effect; (2) active forgetting effect; (3) strategies at encoding and at
      retrieval; and (4) false recognitions (FRs). The effect of navigation mode
      (active vs. passive) on each memory component was examined. Active subjects had
      better learning and retrieval (recognition hits) performances compared to passive
      subjects. A beneficial effect of active navigation was also observed on the
      source-based FR rates. Active subjects made fewer source-based FRs compared to
      passive subjects. These overall results for the effect of active navigation are
      discussed in terms of the distinction between item-specific and relational
      processing.

PMID- 22044788
TI  - Influence of temporal overlap on time course of the Simon effect.
AB  - Two experiments are reported in which we manipulated relevant and irrelevant
      stimulus dimensions to assess whether an increase in temporal overlap would
      influence the time course of a "standard" Simon effect (obtained when visual
      stimuli are presented on the left/right of the screen and left/right responses
      are performed with uncrossed hands). This procedure is new in two ways: First,
      the manipulations were intended to reduce, instead of increase, the distance
      between conditional and unconditional response-activation processes. Second, we
      manipulated the relevant and irrelevant stimulus dimensions in a manner that did
      not vary stimulus onset asynchronies, precues, or go/no go trials, or alter the
      stimulus quality. Results were consistent with the hypothesis that when the two
      response processes are shifted closer to each other, the Simon effect would be
      sustained across time, instead of decreasing as typically found. These findings
      are discussed in line with the temporal overlap hypothesis and with an automatic
      activation account.

PMID- 22044789
TI  - Space-time compatibility effects in the auditory modality.
AB  - Previous research suggests that past and future temporal concepts are spatially
      represented from left to right along a mental line. And these concepts can both
      prime motor responses to left or right space and direct visual spatial attention.
      The present study aimed at investigating the nature of this space-time conceptual
      metaphor in different auditory tasks. In the first experiment, subjects
      categorized time-related words (past or future) that were presented binaurally.
      In the second experiment, subjects detected left-ear or right-ear targets
      following time-related words. The similar space-time compatibility effects were
      found in these two experiments. Our results demonstrate that the activation of
      temporal concepts can both prime motor responses to left or right space and
      influence the orientation of auditory spatial attention, suggesting that the
      modality of the stimulus input is unimportant for the left-right mapping of time.
      These results are explained by the "intermediate coding" account.

PMID- 22044790
TI  - On coding the position of letters in words: a test of two models.
AB  - Open-bigram and spatial-coding schemes provide different accounts of how letter
      position is encoded by the brain during visual word recognition. Open-bigram
      coding involves an explicit representation of order based on letter pairs, while
      spatial coding involves a comparison function operating over representations of
      individual letters. We identify a set of priming conditions (subset primes and
      reversed interior primes) for which the two types of coding schemes give opposing
      predictions, hence providing the opportunity for strong scientific inference.
      Experimental results are consistent with the open-bigram account, and
      inconsistent with the spatial-coding scheme.

PMID- 22044791
TI  - Twenty-four hours of total sleep deprivation selectively impairs attentional
      networks.
AB  - Performance decrements after sleep loss have been extensively studied and are
      usually attributed to generic attentional deficits. This claim, however, is based
      on the view of attention as a unitary construct, despite evidence that it should
      be considered a multidimensional cognitive ability. The aim of the present study
      was to evaluate the impact of one night of sleep deprivation on the efficiency of
      three attentional networks, defined by Posner and Raichle (1994) in anatomical
      and functional terms, as alerting, orienting, and executive control. Thirty
      participants performed the Attention Network Test at 9:00 a.m. following two
      different sleep conditions: baseline (a normal night of sleep) and deprivation
      (24 hrs of wakefulness). Results showed an overall slowing in reaction times and
      a significant decrease in accuracy after sleep deprivation. Sleep deprivation
      selectively affected the three attentional networks, given that only executive
      control efficacy significantly decreased after sleep deprivation. By contrast,
      phasic alerting and orienting showed no differences in the two sleep conditions.
      Thus, performance deficits following sleep deprivation do not reflect global
      attentional deficits.

PMID- 22044792
TI  - Double cardiac silhouette on lateral chest x-ray graphy.

PMID- 22044794
TI  - A prospective registry of European haemophilia B patients receiving nonacog alfa,
      recombinant human factor IX, for usual use.
AB  - Nonacog alfa, a recombinant factor IX (FIX) used for the treatment of haemophilia
      B, was approved in Europe in 1998. In accordance with European Medicines Agency
      requirements, a registry study was conducted from 2002 to 2009. A reformulated
      iso-osmotic version was approved for European use in 2007. This study was
      conducted to evaluate the safety of nonacog alfa in a usual care setting, and
      provide clinical trial and postmarketing surveillance data support. This open
      label, non-interventional, prospective observational cohort study (registry)
      comprised 52 sites in nine European countries. Patients with haemophilia B
      receiving nonacog alfa in either formulation for prevention or treatment were
      followed on a usual care schedule. A total of 218 patients were enrolled, of whom
      66 (30.3%) were <18 years of age. Haemophilia severity was evenly distributed,
      with baseline FIX activity of <1%, 1-5% and >5% in 33.3%, 36.6% and 30.1% of
      patients, respectively. One hundred thirty-eight patients received the original
      formulation alone; 80 switched to or received only the new formulation. There was
      a low incidence of events of special interest (ESIs), with less-than-expected
      therapeutic effect in five patients (2.2%), inhibitor development in two (0.9%),
      thrombosis in one (0.5%) and allergic events in eight (3.7%). These accounted for
      the majority of the 15 serious AEs reported in six patients. Six patients
      discontinued because of AEs, primarily related to hypersensitivity. Nonacog alfa
      was shown to be safe for the treatment of haemophilia B, with a low incidence of
      serious AEs and ESIs.

PMID- 22044795
TI  - Meta-analysis: vertebroplasty for vertebral compression fracture ineffective in
      improving pain and function.

PMID- 22044797
TI  - Social support needs for equity in health and social care: a thematic analysis of
      experiences of people with chronic fatigue syndrome/myalgic encephalomyelitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Needs-based resource allocation is fundamental to equitable care
      provision, which can meet the often-complex, fluctuating needs of people with
      Chronic Fatigue Syndrome/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (CFS/ME). This has posed
      challenges both for those providing and those seeking support providers, in
      building shared understanding of the condition and of actions to address it. This
      qualitative study reports on needs for equity in health and social care expressed
      by adults living with CFS/ME. METHODS: The participants were 35 adults with
      CFS/ME in England, purposively selected to provide variation in clinical
      presentations, social backgrounds and illness experiences. Accounts of
      experienced needs and needs-related encounters with health and social services
      were obtained through a focus group (n = 6) and semi-structured interviews (n =
      35). These were transcribed and needs related topics identified through data-led
      thematic analysis. FINDINGS: Participants emphasised needs for personalised,
      timely and sustained support to alleviate CFS/ME impacts and regain life control,
      in three thematic areas: (1) Illness symptoms, functional limitations and illness
      management; (2) practical support and social care; (3) financial support. Access
      of people with CFS/ME to support from health and social services was seen to be
      constrained by barriers stemming from social, cultural, organisational and
      professional norms and practices, further heightened for disadvantaged groups
      including some ethnic minorities. These reduced opportunities for their illness
      to be explained or associated functional limitations and social disadvantages to
      be addressed through social support. Participants sought more understanding of
      bio-psycho-social aspects of CFS/ME, of felt needs of people with CFS/ME and of
      human rights and disability rights, for providing person-centred, equitable care.
      CONCLUSIONS: Changes in attitudes of health practitioners, policy makers and
      general public and more flexibly organised health and social care provision are
      needed to address equity issues in support needs expressed by people with CFS/ME,
      to be underpinned by research-based knowledge and communication, for public and
      professional education. Policy development should include shared decision-making
      and coordinated action across organizations working for people with CFS/ME, human
      rights and disadvantaged groups. Experiences of people with CFS/ME can usefully
      inform an understanding of equity in their health and social care.

PMID- 22044796
TI  - Parallel screening of FDA-approved antineoplastic drugs for identifying
      sensitizers of TRAIL-induced apoptosis in cancer cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha Related Apoptosis Inducing Ligand (TRAIL)
      and agonistic antibodies to death receptor 4 and 5 are promising candidates for
      cancer therapy due to their ability to induce apoptosis selectively in a variety
      of human cancer cells, while demonstrating little cytotoxicity in normal cells.
      Although TRAIL and agonistic antibodies to DR4 and DR5 are considered safe and
      promising candidates in cancer therapy, many malignant cells are resistant to DR
      mediated, TRAIL-induced apoptosis. In the current work, we screened a small
      library of fifty-five FDA and foreign-approved anti-neoplastic drugs in order to
      identify candidates that sensitized resistant prostate and pancreatic cancer
      cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis. METHODS: FDA-approved drugs were screened for
      their ability to sensitize TRAIL resistant prostate cancer cells to TRAIL using
      an MTT assay for cell viability. Analysis of variance was used to identify drugs
      that exhibited synergy with TRAIL. Drugs demonstrating the highest synergy were
      selected as leads and tested in different prostate and pancreatic cancer cell
      lines, and one immortalized human pancreatic epithelial cell line. Sequential and
      simultaneous dosing modalities were investigated and the annexin V/propidium
      iodide assay, in concert with fluorescence microscopy, was employed to visualize
      cells undergoing apoptosis. RESULTS: Fourteen drugs were identified as having
      synergy with TRAIL, including those whose TRAIL sensitization activities were
      previously unknown in either prostate or pancreatic cancer cells or both. Five
      leads were tested in additional cancer cell lines of which, doxorubicin,
      mitoxantrone, and mithramycin demonstrated synergy in all lines. In particular,
      mitoxantrone and mithramycin demonstrated significant synergy with TRAIL and led
      to reduction of cancer cell viability at concentrations lower than 1 MUM. At
      these low concentrations, mitoxantrone demonstrated selectivity toward malignant
      cells over normal pancreatic epithelial cells. CONCLUSIONS: The identification of
      a number of FDA-approved drugs as TRAIL sensitizers can expand chemotherapeutic
      options for combination treatments in prostate and pancreatic cancer diseases.

PMID- 22044798
TI  - Structure-activity relationship of sphingomyelin analogs with sphingomyelinase
      from Bacillus cereus.
AB  - The aim of this study was to examine how structural properties of different
      sphingomyelin (SM) analogs affected their substrate properties with
      sphingomyelinase (SMase) from Bacillus cereus. Using molecular docking and
      dynamics simulations (for SMase-SM complex), we then attempted to explain the
      relationship between SM structure and enzyme activity. With both micellar and
      monolayer substrates, 3O-methylated SM was found not to be degraded by the SMase.
      2N-methylated SM was a substrate, but was degraded at about half the rate of its
      2NH-SM control. PhytoPSM was readily hydrolyzed by the enzyme. PSM lacking one
      methyl in the phosphocholine head group was a good substrate, but PSM lacking two
      or three methyls failed to act as substrates for SMase. Based on literature data,
      and our docking and MD simulations, we conclude that the 3O-methylated PSM fails
      to interact with Mg(2+) and Glu53 in the active site, thus preventing hydrolysis.
      Methylation of 2NH was not crucial for binding to the active site, but appeared
      to interfere with an induced fit activation of the SMase via interaction with
      Asp156. An OH on carbon 4 in the long-chain base of phytoPSM appeared not to
      interfere with the 3OH interacting with Mg(2+) and Glu53 in the active site, and
      thus did not interfere with catalysis. Removing two or three methyls from the PSM
      head group apparently increased the positive charge on the terminal N
      significantly, which most likely led to ionic interactions with Glu250 and Glu155
      adjacent to the active site. This likely interaction could have misaligned the SM
      substrate and hindered proper catalysis.

PMID- 22044799
TI  - Functional redundancy and compensation among members of gap junction protein
      families?
AB  - Gap junctions are intercellular conduits for small molecules made up by protein
      subunits called connexins. A large number of connexin genes were found in mouse
      and man, and most cell types express several connexins, lending support to the
      view that redundancy and compensation among family members exist. This review
      gives an overview of the current knowledge on redundancy and functional
      compensation - or lack thereof. It takes into account the different properties of
      connexin subunits which comprise gap junctional intercellular channels, but also
      the compatibility of connexins in gap junctions. Most insight has been gained by
      the investigation of mice deficient for one or more connexins and transgenic mice
      with functional replacement of one connexin gene by another. Most single
      deficient mice show phenotypical alterations limited to critical developmental
      time points or to specific organs and tissues, while mice doubly deficient for
      connexins expressed in the same cell type usually show more severe phenotypical
      alterations. Replacement of a connexin by another connexin in some cases gave
      rise to rescue of phenotypical alterations of connexin deficiencies, which were
      restricted to specific tissues. In many tissues, connexin substitution did not
      restore phenotypical alterations of connexin deficiencies, indicating that
      connexins are specialized in function. In some cases, fatal consequences arose
      from the replacement. The current consensus gained from such studies is that
      redundancy and compensation among connexins exists at least to a limited extent.
      This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: The Communicating junctions,
      composition, structure and characteristics.

PMID- 22044800
TI  - Trait anxiety and the dynamics of attentional control.
AB  - According to recent theoretical approaches dispositional anxiety is fundamentally
      linked to neural mechanisms of cognitive control (Braver et al., 2007; Eysenck et
      al., 2007). The present study was conducted to further investigate this topic by
      focusing on the relation between trait anxiety, conflict-processing and dynamic
      adjustments in attentional allocation. Participants completed a modified version
      of the face-word Stroop task while an electroencephalogram was recorded. We
      analyzed behavioral and electrophysiological correlates of conflict processing
      and conflict-driven modulations in target and distractor processing. Anxiety was
      not related to general conflict-sensitivity but to individual differences in
      conflict-driven adjustments in attentional allocation: following a high level of
      stimulus-response conflict, highly anxious participants allocated more
      attentional resources to the processing of predominantly task-relevant
      information and withdrew attention from the processing of predominantly task
      irrelevant information. Thus, trait anxiety appears to be closely related to
      individual differences in dynamic adjustments of attentional control.

PMID- 22044801
TI  - Mapping of positive selection sites in the HIV-1 genome in the context of RNA and
      protein structural constraints.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The HIV-1 genome is subject to pressures that target the virus
      resulting in escape and adaptation. On the other hand, there is a requirement for
      sequence conservation because of functional and structural constraints. Mapping
      the sites of selective pressure and conservation on the viral genome generates a
      reference for understanding the limits to viral escape, and can serve as a
      template for the discovery of sites of genetic conflict with known or unknown
      host proteins. RESULTS: To build a thorough evolutionary, functional and
      structural map of the HIV-1 genome, complete subtype B sequences were obtained
      from the Los Alamos database. We mapped sites under positive selective pressure,
      amino acid conservation, protein and RNA structure, overlapping coding frames,
      CD8 T cell, CD4 T cell and antibody epitopes, and sites enriched in AG and AA
      dinucleotide motives. Globally, 33% of amino acid positions were found to be
      variable and 12% of the genome was under positive selection. Because interrelated
      constraining and diversifying forces shape the viral genome, we included the
      variables from both classes of pressure in a multivariate model to predict
      conservation or positive selection: structured RNA and alpha-helix domains
      independently predicted conservation while CD4 T cell and antibody epitopes were
      associated with positive selection. CONCLUSIONS: The global map of the viral
      genome contains positive selected sites that are not in canonical CD8 T cell, CD4
      T cell or antibody epitopes; thus, it identifies a class of residues that may be
      targeted by other host selective pressures. Overall, RNA structure represents the
      strongest determinant of HIV-1 conservation. These data can inform the combined
      analysis of host and viral genetic information.

PMID- 22044802
TI  - Global disparities in cancer care: the ABCD for access and the inverse care law.

PMID- 22044803
TI  - Human papilloma virus: a new risk factor in a subset of head and neck cancers.
AB  - Head and neck cancer is the sixth most common malignancy worldwide. Tobacco
      smoking and alcohol consumption are two well known behavioral risk factors
      associated with head and neck cancer. Recently, evidence is mounting that
      infection with human papilloma virus, most commonly human papilloma virus-16 is
      responsible for a subset of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma especially
      tumors of tonsillar origin. The molecular pathway used by human papilloma virus
      to trigger malignant transformation of tissue is different from that of other
      well known risk factors, i.e. smoking and alcohol, associated with squamous cell
      carcinoma. Apparently, these subsets of patients with human papilloma virus
      positive tumor are more likely to have a better prognosis than human papilloma
      virus negative tumor. Considering this fact, the human papilloma virus infection
      should be determined in all oropharyngeal cancers since it can have a major
      impact on the decision making process of the treatment.

PMID- 22044804
TI  - Bone health in breast cancer survivors.
AB  - The objective of this paper is to carry out a systemic review of the literature
      investigating issues related to bone health in survivors of breast cancer. Given
      the fact that only a fraction of women with breast cancer receive appropriate
      assessment of their bone health, it is hoped that this review will help raise
      awareness of bone health concerns in this patient population. Articles published
      in the English language addressing issues related to bone health in breast cancer
      were accessed using Pubmed database. Studies were searched using keywords like:
      "Osteoporosis", "osteopenia", "bone health", "breast cancer", "denosumab" and
      "bisphosphonates". Current evidence suggests that women who survive their breast
      cancer are at high risk for significant bone loss. Recent clinical guidelines
      recommend assessment of bone mineral density (BMD) in high-risk patients.
      Nonpharmacologic interventions including lifestyle changes, vitamin D and calcium
      supplements are extremely important. Bisphosphonates, in both oral and parenteral
      formulations, are increasingly used while new agents, like denosumab, have
      recently been approved. Due to the widespread use of screening mammography and
      early detection programs leading to breast cancer diagnosis at a much earlier
      stage and the recent introduction of more effective anticancer therapy, more
      women are surviving their breast cancer, which highlights the need for
      survivorship programs that address issues like bone health. Many recent
      professional societies are addressing these issues and updating their
      recommendations and guidelines.

PMID- 22044805
TI  - Chemotherapy, neurotoxicity, and cognitive changes in breast cancer.
AB  - Chemotherapy-induced cognitive changes have come under immense speculation in
      recent years. This mild cognitive impairment evinced in the form of short-term
      memory loss, and attention and concentration problems, finds itself unavoidably
      attached to the terms 'chemobrain' or 'chemofog'. The predicament between
      chemotherapy (CT) and neurotoxicity has been considerably examined and most of
      its attributes have been documented through neuropsychological studies. Although
      a sizeable portion of literature now covers this phenomenon, certain
      methodological reservations come in the way of its full appreciation, limited
      mostly by standardization issues in neuropsychological studies. The current
      review discusses some of these issues, with emphasis on the underlying mechanisms
      of progressing cognitive dysfunction in the breast cancer population,
      accentuating a frontosubcortical involvement and the use of competent
      neuropsychological batteries and structural and functional imaging techniques, to
      analyze the changes associated with chemotherapy. The relevance of prospective
      longitudinal studies with culture-centric norms has been emphasized, with the
      need for clinical guidelines, to assess and follow the course of neurotoxicity.
      Keeping track of the patient's own perceptive cognitive loss will help harmonize
      the decision-making process during chemotherapy.

PMID- 22044806
TI  - Clinical outcome of patients with uterine sarcomas.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of our retrospective analysis was to study and report the
      clinical outcome of patients with uterine sarcoma (US) treated at our center; and
      to share our experience with literature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We retrieved the
      information regarding the patient's demography, clinico-pathological details,
      treatment given, survival, and complications of all the US patients treated at
      our center between the years 2000-2008. The three-year overall survival (OS) was
      determined with respect to various prognostic factors like age, stage of disease,
      histopathological type, adjuvant RT etc. RESULTS: A total of 50 case records were
      retrieved for this retrospective analysis. Age ranged from 24 to 75 years with a
      median of 50 years. Carcinosarcoma was the commonest histopathological type
      (23/50 patients). FIGO stage distribution was: stage I, 27; stage II, 7; stage
      III, 12; stage IV, 2; and unknown stage, two patients. Forty-eight patients
      underwent surgery; 31 received postoperative radiation therapy (PORT) and 16
      received chemotherapy therapy. Median follow-up period was 34 months (range 2-69
      months). The three-year OS for the entire group of patients was 42%. Stage of the
      disease, histopathological type, and use of PORT were found significant
      prognostic factors for survival. CONCLUSION: Although limited by small sample
      size and retrospective nature, ours is the only study on US being reported from
      India. Our results have demonstrated FIGO stage of the disease, histopathology
      and use of PORT to be the significant prognostic factor for survival. Use of
      chemotherapy in future trials is warranted.

PMID- 22044808
TI  - Quantitative and qualitative analysis of argyrophilic nuclear organizer regions
      in follicular cyst, keratocystic odontogenic tumor and ameloblastoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Multicystic ameloblastoma is a benign odontogenic tumor that exhibits
      a more aggressive behavior than keratocystic odontogenic tumor (KCOT) and
      follicular cyst. AIM: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the proliferation
      index nuclear organizer regions (NORs) and their distribution among the four
      odontogenic lesions with known different clinical invasive behavior. STUDY AND
      DESIGN: In a descriptive-analytical cross-sectional study, 60 paraffin blocks of
      odontogenic lesions were prepared for silver nitrate staining. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: For the quantitative analysis, 100 cells were counted at *100 and the
      mean value was calculated. The morphometric analysis of NORs showed that they can
      be distributed into normal (round to oval-shaped) and abnormal (large, bean
      shaped and cluster-shaped) groups. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and
      multiple comparison with Tukey test were used for the statistical analysis of the
      results. RESULTS: The argyrophilic NOR (AgNOR) numbers in multicystic
      ameloblastoma, unicystic ameloblastoma, KCOT, and follicular cyst were 7.4 +/-
      2.7, 6.1 +/- 2.56, 4.7 +/- 1.84, and 2.82 +/- 1.052, respectively. The difference
      between ameloblastoma (unicystic and multicystic types) and either_KCOT, or
      follicular cyst was statistically significant (P<0.001) and, (P=0.001),
      respectively. In follicular cysts, normal AgNOR dots were not detected outside
      the nuclei. NOR histological patterns of KCOT were large, bean shaped and rarely
      cluster shaped and it was cluster-shaped in multicystic and unicystic
      ameloblastoma. CONCLUSION: The current study suggests that determination of
      clinical behavior of ameloblastoma in comparison with KCOT and follicular cyst in
      silver nitrate staining is related to higher proliferation activity and different
      NORs' distribution pattern. However, further clinical follow-up studies must be
      performed to prove this.

PMID- 22044807
TI  - Assessment of quality of life of cancer patients in a tertiary care hospital of
      South India.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Quality of Life (QOL) measures have now become a vital part of health
      outcome appraisal and an effective way of capturing the personal and social
      context of patients. AIM: To assess the QOL of cancer patients by using a
      validated questionnaire. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A prospective study in the medical
      oncology clinic of a tertiary care hospital of South India. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Patients receiving chemotherapy for different types of cancer were
      subjected to a validated questionnaire and their responses to the factors of the
      questionnaire were scored and analyzed. A Chi-square test was performed to assess
      the effect of age and type of cancer on the QOL of patients. Pearson's
      correlation was done to assess the factors that had greater influence on the QOL.
      RESULTS: A total of 32 (15 males; 17 females) patients were included and majority
      were in the age range of 61-80 years. Eleven types of cancer were identified.
      About 56% of the patients were assessed to have average QOL and 28% had below
      average QOL, 9% had above average, and 2 (6.25%) had significantly high QOL. The
      overall mean QOL score of the study population was 122.38 +/- 13.86. Factors 1
      (psychological well-being), 2 (self-adequacy), 3 (physical wellbeing), 4
      (confidence in self-ability), 6 (pain), 7 (mobility), and 8 (optimism and belief)
      had significant influence on the QOL, while factors 5 (external support), 9
      (interpersonal relationship), and 10 (self-sufficiency and independence) did not
      have a significant effect on QOL. Age (P=0.396) and type of cancer (P=0.371) did
      not have a significant effect on the QOL. CONCLUSION: The study showed that 80%
      of the total study population reported to have average and below average QOL,
      suggesting that an increasing importance is given to the incorporation of Quality
      of Life as an outcome, in addition to other clinical endpoints.

PMID- 22044809
TI  - Study of the cytogenetic and non-cytogenetic factors in cervical carcinoma in the
      Jammu region of J and K state.
AB  - AIM: The present study was aimed to analyze the chromosomal changes and also to
      work out the association of some of the non-cytogenetic factors in the confirmed
      cases of cervical carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Slides for the chromosome
      study were prepared from the tumor growths of 78 patients as the diagnosed cases
      of cervical carcinoma. The slides so prepared were then subjected to G-banding to
      rule the involvement of different chromosomes in the progression of cervical
      cancer. Non-cytogenetic factors that are considered to be the risk factors for
      CaCx were also taken up during the present study to study the etiology of
      cervical cancer. RESULTS: Both the numerical and the structural chromosomal
      changes have been recorded in a majority of these growths. In most of the cases,
      numerical chromosomal changes (95%) outnumbered the structural aberrations.
      DISCUSSION: Aneuploidy was the most common numerical chromosomal aberration
      recorded in the majority of the tumor growths. Structural aberrations included
      translocations and deletions. Non-cytogenetic factors like multiparity, early
      marriage, poor genital hygiene and rural background were highly prevalent in the
      present study.

PMID- 22044810
TI  - Inter and intraobserver variation in gross tumor delineation on megavoltage CT
      images in patients undergoing tomotherapy-based image-guided radiotherapy for
      postoperative vault recurrences.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study was designed to evaluate inter and intraobserver concordance
      in gross tumor volume (GTV) delineation on megavoltage CT (MVCT) images in
      patients with postoperative vault recurrences. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three
      observers delineated GTV on MVCT and CECT and two observers recontoured on MVCT
      images. Tumor volumes were calculated and correlated using Spearman correlation.
      The standard deviation of centre of mass was averaged on per patient basis. The
      ratio of common volume and encompassing volume was used to determine intra and
      interobserver spatial concordance. Lack of difference in spatial concordance
      ratio between MVCT and CECT images was used as an index of usability of MVCT
      images. RESULTS: Thirty six datasets were available for seven patients. High
      intraobserver GTV correlation was recorded for observer 1 and 2 (r = 0.93 and r =
      0.98; P=0.03 and 0.0001). The average intraobserver spatial concordance ratio was
      0.57 and 0.62 respectively. The mean GTV of observers 1, 2 and 3 were 31.6 (18.7
      52.2); 28.2 (16.7-51.8) and 46.3 cc (29.1-90.5) respectively. Average standard
      deviation of centre of mass of all observers was less than 5 mm in either
      direction. Largest interobserver discordance was observed in anterior, inferior
      and lateral direction. The interobserver spatial concordance of GTV on MVCT and
      CECT images was 0.34 and 0.36 (P=0.24) respectively. CONCLUSION: Moderate to good
      inter and intraobserver GTV correlation was observed on MVCT images, however, was
      associated with low interobserver spatial concordance on both MVCT and CECT
      images. Strategies to improve contouring reproducibility on MVCT and KVCT images
      are desirable.

PMID- 22044811
TI  - Additional rectal and sigmoid mucosal points and doses in high dose rate
      intracavitary brachytherapy for carcinoma cervix: a dosimetric study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Late rectal and sigmoid toxicities seen in cervical cancer patients
      are attributed to brachytherapy despite rectal doses within tolerance limits. The
      purpose of this study was to identify additional dosimetric points which may
      better forecast rectal complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen high dose
      rate intracavitary brachytherapy (ICA-HDR) applications with conventional X-ray
      and computed tomography (CT) based planning were studied. In addition to
      International Commission on Radiation Units and Measurement (ICRU) rectal and
      bladder points, proximal and distal rectal and sigmoid points were digitized on
      CT scans and dose volume histograms' (DVHs') parameters were computed and
      correlated. RESULTS: The mean ICRU, additional distal, proximal and sigmoid point
      doses were 486 +/- 152 cGy, 527 +/- 156 cGy, 401 +/- 149 cGy and 838 +/- 254 cGy,
      respectively, for a prescription of 700 cGy to point A. The mean sigmoid point
      dose was significantly higher than the ICRU rectal point doses (P=0.001). The
      high-dose sigmoid points were situated at a mean -8 mm (range -22.95 to 10.43 mm)
      lateral, 10 mm posterior (range -15.87 to 27.82 mm) and 31 mm (range 8.08-62.91
      mm) cranial to the intracavitary applicator flange of central tandem.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our dosimetric study suggests that sigmoid points and 0.1 cm 3
      receive significantly higher doses than rectal points during ICA-HDR in carcinoma
      of the uterine cervix. No definite conclusion on reproducible spatial
      distribution on orthogonal X-rays could be achieved. To document and reduce
      sigmoid doses, some form of 3D image-based planning is necessary.

PMID- 22044812
TI  - A comparative study to evaluate the efficacy of on board imaging with cone beam
      CT using target registration in patients with lung tumors undergoing stereotactic
      body radiation therapy and comparison with ExacTrac using skeletal registration
      on Novalis Tx.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stereotactic body radiation therapy is an advanced technique, which
      delivers ablative doses to lung lesions. Target verification is done either by
      orthogonal x-rays or cone beam CT. This study was undertaken to compare these two
      verification methods. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy of ExacTrac and Cone Beam
      Computed Tomography (CBCT) for target repositioning while delivering Stereotactic
      Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) for lung lesions and derive the population-based
      margin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients who had undergone SBRT for lung
      lesions from February to September 2009 were involved. Patients were immobilized
      using the BodyFix double vacuum immobilization system, indexed to the computed
      tomography (CT) simulator and treatment machine. Four-dimensional (3-D) scan was
      done to generate internal target volume (ITV) and a free breathing CT scan for
      planning was done on the BrainLab iPlan 4.1 software. During treatment, patient's
      position was verified using ExacTrac and CBCT. The resulting vertical, lateral,
      and longitudinal shifts were noted. The random and systematic error were
      calculated and the margin recipe derived using the Van Herk formula. RESULTS:
      Sixteen patients had undergone SBRT for lung tumors from February to September
      2009. Data from eight patients who had undergone 34 sessions of SBRT was
      analyzed. The systematic error for lateral, longitudinal, and vertical shifts for
      ExacTrac and CBCT were 3.68, 4.27, 3.5 mm and 0.53, 0.38, 0.70 mm, respectively.
      The random error were 1.10, 1.51, 1.96 mm and 0.32, 0.81, 0.59 mm. The lateral,
      longitudinal and vertical Van Herk margin recipe for ExacTrac were 9.98, 11.72,
      10.18 mm, respectively, and for CBCT was 2.17, 1.53,1.55 mm. CONCLUSIONS: The
      systematic and random errors for CBCT were significantly lesser as compared to
      the errors with Exactrac.

PMID- 22044813
TI  - Estimation of inhomogenity correction factors for a Co-60 beam using Monte Carlo
      simulation.
AB  - AIM: The aim was to obtain inhomogenity correction factors (ICFs) for lung tissue
      inhomogenity for a Co-60 teletherapy beam using Monte Carlo simulation and to
      compare them with factors obtained from a commercially available treatment
      planning system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Monte Carlo simulation code of EGSnrc
      is used for the depth dose calculations. Two clinical like situations were
      simulated-dose calculation point beyond the lung tissue volume and dose
      calculation point within the lung tissue volume. The variation of ICF with lung
      thicknesses and positions was studied. ICF values were obtained for the similar
      situations from a commercially available treatment planning system, Theraplan
      Plus. RESULTS: Percentage depth dose data obtained from Monte Carlo simulation is
      well matching with the published measurement data. ICFs for lung tissue
      inhomogenity calculated using the Monte Carlo code are in good agreement with
      Theraplan Plus TPS values for small inhomogenity thicknesses. CONCLUSION: These
      results can be used for the verification of TPS calculation or manual treatment
      time calculation.

PMID- 22044814
TI  - In vitro and in vivo targeted delivery of photosensitizers to the tumor cells for
      enhanced photodynamic effects.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Efficacy of photodynamic therapy can be enhanced by improving uptake,
      localization, and sub-cellular localization of sensitizers at the sensitive
      targets. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Uptake, localization, and photodynamic effects of
      hematoporphyrin derivative (HpD, Photosan-3; PS-3) and disulfonated aluminum
      phthalocyanine (AlPcS2) were studied either encapsulated in liposomes or
      conjugated to a monoclonal antibody to carcinoembryonic antigen (anti-CEA) in a
      brain glioma cell line, BMG-1. RESULTS: Although the total uptake with
      encapsulated or conjugated sensitizers was less than the free sensitizers,
      photodynamic efficiency was higher due to the localization of the sensitizer at
      the sensitive targets. Biodistribution of intravenously administered technetium
      (99m Tc)-labeled PS-3 analyzed by gamma camera imaging showed maximum
      accumulation in the liver followed by tumor. Tumor/muscle (T/N) ratio of free PS
      3 was higher compared to encapsulated or conjugated PS-3 but the accumulation of
      PS-3 significantly reduced in brain and cutaneous tissue following modulated
      delivery. Pharmacokinetics suggested faster accumulation of encapsulated and
      conjugated PS-3 in the tumor. CONCLUSION: Localization of sensitizers at
      sensitive targets and reduced accumulation in normal tissues with liposome
      encapsulation and antibody conjugation suggest that these two delivery systems
      can potentially enhance the efficacy of photodynamic treatment.

PMID- 22044815
TI  - Survivin-deltaEx3: a novel biomarker for diagnosis of papillary thyroid
      carcinoma.
AB  - CONTEXT: The most important problem in the case of thyroid nodules is the lack of
      suitable criteria for detecting malignant thyroid tumors from other nodules in
      the early stage. Variable expressions level of survivin, an inhibitory protein in
      apoptotic pathway, and its splice variants in malignant carcinoma versus well
      differentiated normal tissues candidate them as reliable biomarkers in cancers.
      AIM: To semi-quantitative detection of survivin and its splice variant, survivin
      deltaEx3, in thyroid nodules. SETTING AND DESIGN: We evaluated the expression
      level of mentioned biomarkers in thyroid nodules including carcinoma. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Samples were collected from 61 thyroid nodules including malignant,
      adenoma, non-tumoral (goiter and thyroidities) as well as non-neoplastic normal
      tissues. Transcriptional levels were measured using semi-quantitative reverse
      transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and the results were normalized
      to beta2microglubin (beta2m) gene. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Independent sample
      t-test was used to assess the significant variation of expression between
      different groups. RESULT: Our data for a first time revealed that survivin
      deltaEx3 is significantly up-regulated from normal to malignant thyroid carcinoma
      tissues (approximately ten fold). CONCLUSION: High expression level of survivin
      and survivin-deltaEx3 in malignant papillary thyroid carcinoma suggested survivin
      gene expression and its splice variant, survivin-deltaEx3, can be potential new
      markers in diagnosis of human papillary thyroid carcinoma.

PMID- 22044816
TI  - Invasion is not an independent prognostic factor in high-grade glioma.
AB  - PURPOSE: The role of invasion as a prognostic factor in high-grade gliomas (HGG)
      remains controversial. An apparent increase in invasiveness following anti
      angiogenic therapy makes this question clinically relevant. The goal of this
      study is to assess survival differences in patients with newly diagnosed HGG who
      present with diffuse invasive disease compared to those who did not, but went on
      to develop diffuse invasive disease following bevacizumab therapy. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Twenty-three patients presented as newly diagnosed diffuse invasive HGG.
      All patients underwent surgical resection with radiation therapy and temozolomide
      for one year. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were
      compared to a control of 58 patients with focal high-grade glioma who received
      similar therapy, but that included bevacizumab at 10 mg/kg given every two weeks.
      RESULTS: The patient characteristics were similar in each group. The median PFS
      and OS for invasive HGG patients were 6 and 13 months and for the focal HGG
      patients, 11 and 24 months, respectively (P=0.092 and P=0.071). In the subgroup
      of invasive HGG that showed significant angiogenesis, the median PFS and OS were
      3 and 9 months, respectively. 56% of the focal HGG patients recurred as diffuse
      invasive relapse. For patients with focal HGG who recurred as invasive disease,
      the median PFS and OS were 9 and 21 months respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Presence of
      diffuse invasive disease not accompanied by angiogenesis either prior to therapy
      or subsequent to anti-angiogenic therapy does not seem to have prognostic
      significance. However, invasion accompanied by angiogenesis in newly diagnosed
      HGG may confer a poor prognosis.

PMID- 22044817
TI  - Malignant melanoma with osteoclast-like giant cells: A report of two cases.

PMID- 22044818
TI  - Adult T-cell leukemia in India: report of two cases and review of literature.

PMID- 22044819
TI  - Fluoro-deoxy glucose-avid endobronchial inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor
      mimicking bronchial malignancy: report of a case.

PMID- 22044820
TI  - Large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the retromolar trigone.

PMID- 22044821
TI  - Rituximab induced myocardial infarction: A fatal drug reaction.

PMID- 22044822
TI  - A rare cause of acute abdomen: perforated primary sarcomatoid carcinoma of the
      small intestine - report of a case, with a brief review of the literature.

PMID- 22044823
TI  - Synchronous primary gall bladder carcinoma and renal transitional cell carcinoma
      in the same patient: a rare case.

PMID- 22044824
TI  - Solid alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma with spindle-shaped cells and epithelial
      differentiation of the mediastinum in a 68-year-old man: a case report and
      literature review.

PMID- 22044825
TI  - Carcinoma cervix with metastasis to the orbit: a case report and review of
      literature.

PMID- 22044826
TI  - Adenocarcinoma lung in a painter.

PMID- 22044827
TI  - Fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography scan and
      nuclear magnetic resonance findings in a case of Stewart-Treves syndrome.

PMID- 22044828
TI  - A fatal case of pure giant cell carcinoma of the lung.

PMID- 22044829
TI  - Oncological progression of bone plasmacytoma to POEMS syndrome.

PMID- 22044830
TI  - Malignant melanotic neuroectodermal tumor of infancy arising in the mandible.

PMID- 22044831
TI  - Mantle cell lymphoma presenting as Mikulicz syndrome.

PMID- 22044832
TI  - Giant solitary fibrous tumor of the mesentery: a rare case.

PMID- 22044833
TI  - Giant axillary swelling alongwith multiple ulcers: primary malignant adnexal
      tumor-a rare distinct clinicopathologic entity.

PMID- 22044834
TI  - Off-label use of chemotherapy drugs: look before you leap.

PMID- 22044835
TI  - Choriocarcinoma with brain involvement.

PMID- 22044837
TI  - Primary paraganglioma of thyroid presenting as solitary thyroid mass.

PMID- 22044838
TI  - Second primary malignancy of breast in a patient of gastrointestinal stromal
      tumor presenting as fluoro-deoxyglucose-avid breast incidentaloma in fluoro
      deoxyglucose-positron emission tomography.

PMID- 22044839
TI  - Hand-mirror cell morphology of T-cell lymphoproliferative disorder presenting in
      pleural effusion with mediastinal widening.

PMID- 22044840
TI  - Anticancer drug irinotecan inhibits homomeric 5-HT3A and heteromeric 5-HT3AB
      receptor responses.
AB  - It has been shown that anti-cancer drug induces secretion of serotonin (5-HT)
      from small intestine which activates serotonin type 3 (5-HT(3)) receptor to cause
      nausea and vomiting. In general, antagonist for 5-HT(3) receptor is used as anti
      emetics during chemotherapy. However, we found that anti-cancer drug irinotecan
      itself inhibits 5-HT-gated current through the homomeric 5-HT(3A) and heteromeric
      5-HT(3AB) receptor in a concentration-dependent manner. The inhibitory effect of
      irinotecan on 5-HT(3A) receptor was more potent than that on 5-HT(3AB) receptor.
      On the other hand, SN-38, a metabolite of irinotecan, had no effect on the
      responsiveness. Our findings suggest that irinotecan itself could have anti
      emetic activities through inhibition of the 5-HT(3A) and 5-HT(3AB) receptor.

PMID- 22044842
TI  - Factors associated with physical activity in patients with osteoarthritis of the
      hip or knee: a systematic review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To give an overview of factors related to the level of physical
      activity in patients with hip or knee osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS: An extensive
      systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, CINAHL and Embase.
      Inclusion criteria were: studies on patients with a diagnosis of OA of hip and/or
      knee, studies describing factors related to physical activity (objective or
      subjective), full length articles that were published in Dutch, German or English
      language. Two reviewers independently assessed the methodological quality. A best
      evidence synthesis was performed for factors which were investigated in two or
      more studies. RESULTS: Eight studies were included, all with a cross-sectional
      design (five high quality and three low quality studies), resulting in, at most,
      limited evidence in the best-evidence synthesis. For patients with knee OA there
      is limited evidence that a lower level of physical function is associated with a
      lower level of physical activity. There is also limited evidence that depression
      is not associated with the level of physical activity. For patients with hip OA
      there is limited evidence that higher age, higher body mass index (BMI) and a low
      level of physical function is associated with a low level of physical activity.
      CONCLUSION: A high age (hip OA), a high BMI (hip OA) and a low level of physical
      function (both hip and knee OA) are related to a low level of physical activity.
      However, the level of evidence was only limited. Before new strategies and
      interventions to increase physical activity in patients with OA can be developed,
      high quality longitudinal studies are needed to get more insight in the causality
      between factors and low levels of physical activity.

PMID- 22044841
TI  - The diagnostic performance of MRI in osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta
      analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Osteoarthritis (OA) is currently diagnosed using clinical and
      radiographic findings. In recent years magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) use in OA
      has increasingly been studied. This study was conducted to determine the
      diagnostic utility of MRI in OA through a meta-analysis of published studies.
      METHODS: A systematic literature search was undertaken to include studies that
      used MRI to evaluate or detect OA. MRI was compared to various reference
      standards: histology, arthroscopy, radiography, CT, clinical evaluation, and
      direct visual inspection. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value
      (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and receiver operating characteristic
      (ROC) area under the curve (AUC) were calculated. Random-effects models were used
      to pool results. RESULTS: Of 20 relevant studies identified from the literature,
      16 reported complete data and were included in the meta-analysis, with a total of
      1220 patients (1071 with OA and 149 without). Overall sensitivity from pooling
      data of all the included studies was 61% [95% confidence interval (CI) 53-68],
      specificity was 82% (95% CI 77-87), PPV was 85% (95% CI 80-88), and NPV was 57%
      (95% CI 43-70). The ROC showed an AUC of 0.804. There was significant
      heterogeneity in the above parameters (I(2)>83%). With histology as the reference
      standard, sensitivity increased to 74% and specificity decreased to 76% compared
      with all reference standards combined. When arthroscopy was used as the reference
      standard, sensitivity increased to 69% and specificity to 93% compared with all
      reference standards combined. CONCLUSION: MRI can detect OA with an overall high
      specificity and moderate sensitivity when compared with various reference
      standards, thus lending more utility to ruling out OA than ruling it in. The
      sensitivity of MRI is below the current clinical diagnostic standards. At this
      time standard clinical algorithm for OA diagnosis, aided by radiographs appears
      to be the most effective method for diagnosing OA.

PMID- 22044843
TI  - Effect of body mass index-z score on adverse levels of cardiovascular disease
      risk factors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors are associated with body
      mass index z-score (BMISD) and/or insulin resistance (IR). However, the
      correlation between adverse levels of these risk factors and BMISD, and the
      effect of IR on these associations are not fully understood in children. The aim
      of this study was to evaluate the association between adverse levels of CVD risk
      factors and BMISD, and the effect of IR on these associations in schoolchildren.
      METHODS: Conventional CVD risk factors, C-reactive protein (CRP), uric acid (UA)
      and adiponectin were determined in 757 boys and 494 girls aged between 7 and 12
      years. IR was assessed by the homeostasis model approximation index. RESULTS:
      BMISD were linearly associated with relative risks having adverse levels of all
      factors, except for glucose and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in
      boys, and except for glucose, LDL-C and adiponectin in girls (P < 0.01-0.001).
      These associations were weakened after adjustment for IR, but still significant
      in cases of UA and CRP in boys and UA, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and
      CRP in girls (P < 0.01-0.001). CONCLUSION: The relative risk of having adverse
      levels of most CVD risk factors in school children increased across the entire
      range of BMISD. IR contributed to most of these relative risks, but BMISD itself
      also contributed to these relative risks. To prevent future development of CVD,
      it might be important for schoolchildren to maintain BMISD within normal range.
      However, in cases of hyper LDL-cholesterolemia, we should consider causes other
      than BMISD.

PMID- 22044844
TI  - Antiviral mode of action of bovine dialyzable leukocyte extract against human
      immunodeficiency virus type 1 infection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bovine dialyzable leukocyte extract (bDLE) is derived from immune
      leukocytes obtained from bovine spleen. DLE has demonstrated to reduce
      transcription of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 (HIV-1) and inactivate the
      nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kappaB)
      signaling pathway. Therefore, we decided to clarify the mode of antiviral action
      of bDLE on the inhibition of HIV-1 infection through a panel of antiviral assays.
      RESULTS: The cytotoxicity, HIV-1 inhibition activity, residual infectivity of
      bDLE in HIV-1, time of addition experiments, fusion inhibition of bDLE for
      fusogenic cells and the duration of cell protection even after the removal of
      bDLE were all assessed in order to discover more about the mode of the antiviral
      action.HIV-1 infectivity was inhibited by bDLE at doses that were not cytotoxic
      for HeLa-CD4-LTR-beta-gal cells. Pretreatment of HIV-1 with bDLE did not decrease
      the infectivity of these viral particles. Cell-based fusion assays helped to
      determine if bDLE could inhibit fusion of Env cells against CD4 cells by membrane
      fusion and this cell-based fusion was inhibited only when CD4 cells were treated
      with bDLE. Infection was inhibited in 80% compared with the positive (without
      EDL) at all viral life cycle stages in the time of addition experiments when bDLE
      was added at different time points. Finally, a cell-protection assay against HIV
      1 infection by bDLE was performed after treating host cells with bDLE for 30
      minutes and then removing them from treatment. From 0 to 7 hours after the bDLE
      was completely removed from the extracellular compartment, HIV-1 was then added
      to the host cells. The bDLE was found to protect the cells from HIV-1 infection,
      an effect that was retained for several hours. CONCLUSIONS: bDLE acted as an
      antiviral compound and prevented host cell infection by HIV-1 at all viral life
      cycle stages. These cell protection effects lingered for hours after the bDLE was
      removed. Interestingly, bDLE inhibited fusion of fusogenic cells by acting only
      on CD4 cells. bDLE had no virucidal effect, but could retain its antiviral effect
      on target cells after it was removed from the extracellular compartment,
      protecting the cells from infection for hours.bDLE, which has no reported side
      effects or toxicity in clinical trials, should therefore be further studied to
      determine its potential use as a therapeutic agent in HIV-1 infection therapy, in
      combination with known antiretrovirals.

PMID- 22044846
TI  - Robust modeling based on optimized EEG bands for functional brain state
      inference.
AB  - The need to infer brain states in a data driven approach is crucial for BCI
      applications as well as for neuroscience research. In this work we present a
      novel classification framework based on Regularized Linear Regression classifier
      constructed from time-frequency decomposition of an EEG (electro-encephalography)
      signal. The regression is then used to derive a model of frequency distributions
      that identifies brain states. The process of classifier construction,
      preprocessing and selection of optimal regularization parameter by means of cross
      validation is presented and discussed. The framework and the feature selection
      technique are demonstrated on EEG data recorded from 10 healthy subjects while
      requested to open and close their eyes every 30 s. This paradigm is well known in
      inducing Alpha power modulations that differ from low power (during eyes opened)
      to high (during eyes closed). The classifier was trained to infer eyes opened or
      eyes closed states and achieved higher than 90% classification accuracy.
      Furthermore, our findings reveal interesting patterns of relations between
      experimental conditions, EEG frequencies, regularization parameters and
      classifier choice. This viable tool enables identification of the most
      contributing frequency bands to any given brain state and their optimal
      combination in inferring this state. These features allow for much greater detail
      than the standard Fourier Transform power analysis, making it an essential method
      for both BCI proposes and neuroimaging research.

PMID- 22044845
TI  - The vitamin E analog, alpha-tocopheryloxyacetic acid enhances the anti-tumor
      activity of trastuzumab against HER2/neu-expressing breast cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: HER2/neu is an oncogene that facilitates neoplastic transformation
      due to its ability to transduce growth signals in a ligand-independent manner, is
      over-expressed in 20-30% of human breast cancers correlating with aggressive
      disease and has been successfully targeted with trastuzumab (Herceptin(r)).
      Because trastuzumab alone achieves only a 15-30% response rate, it is now
      commonly combined with conventional chemotherapeutic drugs. While the combination
      of trastuzumab plus chemotherapy has greatly improved response rates and
      increased survival, these conventional chemotherapy drugs are frequently
      associated with gastrointestinal and cardiac toxicity, bone marrow and immune
      suppression. These drawbacks necessitate the development of new, less toxic drugs
      that can be combined with trastuzumab. Recently, we reported that orally
      administered alpha-tocopheryloxyacetic acid (alpha-TEA), a novel ether derivative
      of alpha-tocopherol, dramatically suppressed primary tumor growth and reduced the
      incidence of lung metastases both in a transplanted and a spontaneous mouse model
      of breast cancer without discernable toxicity. METHODS: In this study we examined
      the effect of alpha-TEA plus HER2/neu-specific antibody treatment on HER2/neu
      expressing breast cancer cells in vitro and in a HER2/neu positive human
      xenograft tumor model in vivo. RESULTS: We show in vitro that alpha-TEA plus anti
      HER2/neu antibody has an increased cytotoxic effect against murine mammary tumor
      cells and human breast cancer cells and that the anti-tumor effect of alpha-TEA
      is independent of HER2/neu status. More importantly, in a human breast cancer
      xenograft model, the combination of alpha-TEA plus trastuzumab resulted in faster
      tumor regression and more tumor-free animals than trastuzumab alone. CONCLUSION:
      Due to the cancer cell selectivity of alpha-TEA, and because alpha-TEA kills both
      HER2/neu positive and HER2/neu negative breast cancer cells, it has the potential
      to be effective and less toxic than existing chemotherapeutic drugs when used in
      combination with HER2/neu antibody.

PMID- 22044847
TI  - Signals from intraventricular depth electrodes can control a brain-computer
      interface.
AB  - A brain-computer interface (BCI) is a device that enables severely disabled
      people to communicate and interact with their environments using their brain
      waves. Most research investigating BCI in humans have used scalp-recorded
      electroencephalography (EEG). We have recently demonstrated that signals from
      intracranial electrocorticography (ECoG) and stereotactic depth electrodes (SDE)
      in the hippocampus can be used to control a BCI P300 Speller paradigm. We report
      a case in which stereotactic depth electrodes positioned in the ventricle were
      able to obtain viable signals for a BCI. Our results demonstrate that event
      related potentials from intraventricular electrodes can be used to reliably
      control the P300 Speller BCI paradigm.

PMID- 22044848
TI  - Heme iron from meat and risk of adenocarcinoma of the esophagus and stomach.
AB  - Iron can cause oxidative stress and DNA damage, and heme iron can catalyze
      endogenous formation of N-nitroso compounds, which are potent carcinogens.
      Dietary iron promotes esophageal cancer incidence in animal studies and has been
      identified as a growth factor for Helicobacter pylori, an established risk factor
      for stomach cancer. We conducted a population-based case-control study of
      adenocarcinoma of the esophagus (n=124) and stomach (n=154) and 449 controls in
      Nebraska. Heme iron and total iron intake were estimated from a food frequency
      questionnaire and databases of heme and total iron. We used logistic regression
      to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) adjusted for
      known risk factors. Esophageal cancer was positively associated with higher
      intakes of heme iron (ORQ4 vs. Q1=3.04, 95% CI: 1.20-7.72; P trend=0.009) and
      total iron from meat sources (ORQ4 vs. Q1=2.67, 95% CI: 0.99-7.16; P
      trend=0.050). Risk of stomach cancer was elevated among those with higher intakes
      of heme iron (ORQ4 vs.Q1=1.99, 95% CI: 1.00-3.95; P trend=0.17) and total iron
      from meat (OR=2.26, 95% CI: 1.14-4.46; P trend=0.11). Iron intake from all
      dietary sources was not significantly associated with risk of either cancer. Our
      results suggest that high intakes of heme and iron from meat may be important
      dietary risk factors for esophageal and stomach cancer and may partly explain
      associations with red meat.

PMID- 22044850
TI  - Antioxidant agents in the prevention of hepatocellular carcinoma.

PMID- 22044849
TI  - A longitudinal study of the metabolic syndrome and risk of colorectal cancer in
      postmenopausal women.
AB  - The metabolic syndrome is associated with increased risk of diabetes and coronary
      heart disease. Although higher BMI and other related factors have been frequently
      associated with colorectal cancer, whether the metabolic syndrome is associated
      with the risk of colorectal cancer is unclear. We therefore assessed the
      association of the metabolic syndrome with the risk of colorectal cancer in a
      subsample of participants of the Women's Health Initiative who had repeated
      measurements of the components of the syndrome at baseline and during follow-up.
      Women with diabetes at baseline enrollment were excluded. Cox proportional
      hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence
      intervals (95% CI) at baseline and in time-dependent analyses. Among 4862
      eligible women, 81 incident cases of colorectal cancer were identified over a
      median follow-up of 12 years. Presence of the metabolic syndrome at baseline was
      associated with increased risk of colorectal cancer (HR 2.15, 95% CI 1.30-3.53)
      and colon cancer (HR 2.28, 95% CI 1.31-3.98). These associations were largely
      explained by positive associations of serum glucose and systolic blood pressure
      with both outcomes. Time-dependent covariate analyses supported the baseline
      findings. Our results suggest that the positive association of the metabolic
      syndrome with risk of colorectal cancer is largely accounted for by serum glucose
      levels and systolic blood pressure. The biological mechanism underlying these
      associations remains to be clarified.

PMID- 22044851
TI  - Risk of cancer of unknown primary among immigrants to Sweden.
AB  - Incidence of cancer of unknown primary (CUP) varies globally, and environmental
      factors are suspected to be related to its development. Immigrant studies offer
      insights into disease etiology, but no studies have been published on CUP. We
      investigated CUP risk in immigrants to Sweden to search for etiological clues.
      The nationwide Swedish Family Cancer Database was used to calculate standardized
      incidence ratios for CUP in the first-generation immigrants compared with native
      Swedes from 1958 to 2008. A total of 2340 patients with CUP were identified among
      immigrants during a follow-up of 23 million person-years compared with 30 507
      patients with CUP identified in native Swedes who were followed for 260 million
      person-years, showing an overall standardized incidence ratio of 0.88 (95%
      confidence interval: 0.85-0.93). The median age at immigration was 28 years for
      men and 27 for women. Significantly lower CUP risks, ranging from 0.18 to 0.89,
      were mainly observed among Finnish, German, and Asian immigrants. The decreased
      risks tended to be lower for women compared with men. Danes of both sexes had an
      increased risk. The increased or decreased CUP risks observed in this novel study
      suggested that early life environmental risk factors or genetic factors influence
      the development of CUP. The risk patterns were modified by sex. The observed
      differences may give clues about incidence rates in countries of origin for which
      incidence data are lacking.

PMID- 22044852
TI  - A combination of resveratrol and melatonin exerts chemopreventive effects in N
      methyl-N-nitrosourea-induced rat mammary carcinogenesis.
AB  - The neurohormone melatonin is primarily involved in the regulation of circadian
      rhythms, but also acts as an antioxidant and anticarcinogenic agent, especially
      in breast cancer. Resveratrol (3,5,4'-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene) is a widely
      known polyphenolic agent from red wine, which has been shown to exert
      antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticarcinogenic effects. The objective of
      this study was therefore to investigate the effects of melatonin in combination
      with resveratrol in a rat model of experimental mammary carcinogenesis. Female
      Sprague-Dawley rats aged 31 days were used in the experiment. Mammary
      carcinogenesis was induced by N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (NMU), which was
      administered in two intraperitoneal doses (50 mg/kg of body weight).
      Chemoprevention with resveratrol and melatonin started 2 weeks before the first
      dose of NMU and lasted until the end of the experiment. The basic parameters
      evaluated were: tumour incidence, latency period, tumour frequency per group and
      tumour volume. In addition, oestrogen receptors ERalpha and ERbeta, melatonin
      receptor MT1, proliferating cell nuclear antigen and vascular endothelial growth
      factor were determined by immunohistochemical staining. The combination of
      resveratrol and melatonin reduced tumour incidence by approximately 17% and
      significantly decreased the quantity of invasive and in-situ carcinomas. Food
      intake declined in the second and seventh weeks after the administration of
      carcinogen. Resveratrol in combination with melatonin returned food intake to the
      level of intact controls. Resveratrol in combination with melatonin has some
      protective effects on NMU-induced rodent breast cancer. Further studies are
      necessary to confirm these effects of this promising combination.

PMID- 22044853
TI  - Human breast tumor slices as an alternative approach to cell lines to
      individualize research for each patient.
AB  - There are several breast cancer experimental models including cell lines, which
      are commonly used due to ease of handling and storage. However, the continued
      propagation of cell lines and distribution among laboratories results in genetic
      drift and distancing from the in-vivo model. Primary organ culture of breast
      cancer slices may produce biological responses with high standard deviation for
      different samples, reflecting the heterogeneity of different tumors. Thus, the
      organ culture model system offers a new perspective to the results obtained in
      the cell lines and offers an alternative for studies that seek to individualize
      treatment for each patient, an increasingly prominent concern in current cancer
      therapy.

PMID- 22044854
TI  - Comparative effectiveness of efavirenz, protease inhibitors, and raltegravir
      based regimens as first-line treatment for HIV-infected adults: a mixed treatment
      comparison.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Compare the efficacy of 2 NRTIs combined with raltegravir (RAL),
      efavirenz (EFV), or protease inhibitors (PI) in the management of antiretroviral
      naive HIV adult patients. METHODS: By means of a systematic literature view, 7
      randomized controlled trials were identified: 2 RAL vs EFV trials; 1 ritonavir
      boosted lopinavir (LPV/RTV) vs EFV trial; 1 ritonavir-boosted atazanavir
      (ATV/RTV) vs LPV/RTV trial; 1 ritonavir-boosted darunavir (DRV/RTV) vs LPV/RTV
      trial; 1 ritonavir-boosted fosamprenavir (FPV/RTV) vs LPV/RTV trial; and 1
      FPV/RTV vs ATV/RTV trial. Endpoints concerned virological suppression and
      immunologic efficacy. Trials were analyzed with Bayesian mixed treatment
      comparison meta-analysis. RESULTS: For up to 24 weeks of treatment, a PI-based
      regimen resulted in a lower proportion of patients with virological response than
      an EFV-based regimen, whereas RAL seems more efficacious than EFV up to at least
      12 weeks. After 48 weeks, the odds ratio (OR) of virological suppression with RAL
      relative to EFV was 1.34 (95% credible interval [CrI], 0.87-2.07). ORs for PIs
      relative to EFV varied from 0.68 (0.41-1.07) with LPV/RTV to 0.99 (0.52-1.84)
      with DRV/RTV. RAL demonstrated a greater improvement in CD4+ T cell counts than
      EFV at 48 weeks. The PI regimens showed all similar improvements relative to EFV.
      CONCLUSION: Based on available RCTs, the fastest virological suppression is
      expected with RAL followed by EFV and PIs. Over time, RAL appears to be at least
      as good as PI and EFV regimens. CD4+ cell recovery seems the greatest with
      LPV/RTV, DRV/RTV, and RAL. Given the limited number of RCTs, additional studies
      are recommended.

PMID- 22044855
TI  - Incidence rate of and factors associated with loss to follow-up in a longitudinal
      cohort of antiretroviral-treated HIV-infected persons: an AIDS Clinical Trials
      Group (ACTG) Longitudinal Linked Randomized Trials (ALLRT) analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: Examine incidence and factors associated with loss to follow-up (LTFU)
      in the AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) Longitudinal Linked Randomized Trials
      (ALLRT) cohort. METHOD: ALLRT is a prospective cohort of HIV-infected persons
      randomized to antiretroviral (ARV) regimens/strategies in ACTG trials and
      followed long-term after the trial ends. Person-years were calculated from ALLRT
      entry until loss to follow-up (LTFU; defined using off-study reasons or >= 3
      consecutive missed visits), death/ severe debilitation/site closures, or June
      2009 (censored). Poisson regression was used to examine LTFU factors separately
      among participants who were ARV naive or ARV experienced at trial entry. RESULTS:
      Among 4,630 participants (22,524 person-years), 1,140 were lost to follow-up, 237
      died, 29 were severely debilitated, and 443 were at sites that closed. The LTFU
      incidence was 5.5 and 4.2 per 100 person-years among previously ARV-naive and ARV
      experienced participants, respectively. In both groups, age <= 50, site location,
      being off ARVs, and viral load >= 400 copies/mL were associated with a higher
      risk of LTFU. Among ARV-naive participants, male sex, education <16 years,
      intravenous drug use, and cigarette smoking were also associated with LTFU.
      CONCLUSION: Knowledge of differential LTFU can help researchers identify
      participants at risk of LTFU in longitudinal HIV cohorts and design retention
      strategies, thereby limiting study bias. The identified factors should be
      included in inverse probability of weighting models to account for LTFU.

PMID- 22044857
TI  - Assessment of vascular function in HIV-infected patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: The vascular function in HIV-infected persons under HAART and non-HIV
      infected persons was investigated. METHOD: 18 HIV-positive patients and 23 HIV
      negative subjects (14 younger group and 9 older group) were evaluated for
      microvascular vasodilatation during postocclusive reactive hyperemia (PORH) and
      during prolonged local thermal hyperemia; overall microvascular flux increase
      induced by iontophoresis of acetylcholine (ACh) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP)
      and large artery stiffness (SI(DVP)). RESULTS: Cutaneous vascular conductance
      (CVC) responses to ACh were lower in HIV patients compared to both HIV-negative
      groups (mean [SEM]) (HIV positive: 878.2 [99.5]; older HIV negative: 1129.3
      [231.6]; younger HIV negative: 1366.5 [172.6] % baseline). Regarding SNP
      iontophoresis, HIV-positive and older HIV-negative groups showed lower CVC
      responses than younger HIV-negative group (HIV positive: 1043.0 [164.6]; older
      HIV-negative: 980.8 [108.3]; younger HIV-negative: 1757.3 [245.1] % baseline).
      Vasodilatation induced by thermal hyperemia (HIV positive: 1.63 [0.11]; older HIV
      negative: 1.48 [0.08]; younger HIV negative: 1.85 [0.27] perfusion units/mm Hg)
      and PORH (HIV positive: 0.374 [0.025]; older HIV negative: 0.326 [0.025]; younger
      HIV negative: 0.326 [0.037] PU/mm Hg) were similar between all groups. SIDVP was
      greater in HIV and older healthy groups than younger healthy group (HIV positive:
      9.17 [0.42]; older HIV negative: 8.19 [0.43]; younger HIV negative: 6.42 [0.22]
      m/s). CONCLUSION: HIV-infected patients under HAART exhibited slight but
      nonsignificant lower microvascular reactivity to pharmacological stimuli and
      increased arterial stiffness compared to age-matched HIV-negative subjects.
      Comparison of both HIV-positive and older HIV-negative groups with younger HIV
      negative subjects suggests that age plays a major role in microvascular
      reactivity regardless the HIV-infection.

PMID- 22044856
TI  - A randomized clinical trial evaluating therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) for
      protease inhibitor-based regimens in antiretroviral-experienced HIV-infected
      individuals: week 48 results of the A5146 study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We devised an open-label, randomized trial to evaluate whether
      therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of protease inhibitors (PIs) and dose
      escalation based upon a normalized inhibitory quotient (NIQ), which integrates PI
      trough concentration and drug resistance, could improve virologic outcome in PI
      experienced patients with treatment failure. Secondary analyses through 48 weeks
      are presented. METHODS: Eligible HIV-infected subjects with a screening viral
      load of >= 1000 copies/mL initiated a new PI-based regimen at entry and had NIQ
      performed at week 2. Subjects with an NIQ <=1 were randomized at week 4 to a
      standard-of-care (SOC) arm or TDM arm featuring PI dose escalation. RESULTS: One
      hundred and eighty-three subjects were randomized. There was no significant
      treatment difference in change from randomization to week 48 in HIV-1 RNA [ P =
      .13, median (25th, 75th percentile log10 copies/mL change): -0.03 (-0.74, 0.62)
      with TDM and 0.11 (-2.3, 0.82) with SOC]. In subgroup analysis, patients with >=
      0.69 active PIs benefited from TDM compared to those with <0.69 active PIs ( P =
      .05). CONCLUSIONS: While the TDM strategy of PI dose escalation did not improve
      virologic response at week 48 overall, in subgroup analysis, TDM favorably
      impacted virologic outcome in subjects taking PI-based regimens with moderate
      antiviral activity.

PMID- 22044858
TI  - Body mass index and CD4+ T-lymphocyte recovery in HIV-infected men with viral
      suppression on antiretroviral therapy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To better characterize the relationship between body mass index (BMI)
      and CD4+ T-lymphocyte recovery in HIV disease. METHODS: We analyzed the
      association between baseline BMI and CD4+ T-lymphocyte increases, as well as the
      association between BMI and immune activation (CD38 and HLA-DR co-expression on
      CD4+ and CD8+ T-lymphocytes), in male HIV-infected patients who achieved viral
      suppression on antiretroviral therapy (ART). RESULTS: Baseline BMI predicted
      change in CD4+ T-lymphocyte count at weeks 96 ( P = .03, n = 461) and 144 ( P =
      .005, n = 357) but not at week 48 ( P = .38, n = 558). Relative to men with a
      normal BMI, overweight and obese men had increases at week 144 that were 35 and
      113 cells/ mm3 higher, respectively, while underweight men had CD4+ T-lymphocyte
      increases that were 94 cells/mm3 lower. No significant correlations between
      baseline BMI and cellular immune activation were seen. CONCLUSIONS: BMI predicts
      CD4+ T-lymphocyte gains in men started on ART.

PMID- 22044859
TI  - 96-week results of a pilot study of abacavir/lamivudine and raltegravir in
      antiretroviral-naive HIV-1-infected patients: the SHIELD trial.

PMID- 22044862
TI  - A prospective comparison of cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and radionuclide
      ventriculography in the assessment of cardiac function in patients treated with
      anthracycline-based chemotherapy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare cardiac MRI and radionuclide ventriculography (RVG) in
      cardiac monitoring during anthracycline (doxorubicin)-based chemotherapy.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied 10 previously untreated adult non-Hodgkin
      lymphoma patients. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was assessed by MRI
      and RVG simultaneously. In addition, left ventricular (LV) and left atrial size
      were determined by MRI. Both MRI and RVG measurements were determined at baseline
      and then repeated after eight cycles of CHOP chemotherapy (cumulative doxorubicin
      dose of 400 mg/m2). Power calculations were made on the basis of reproducibility
      measurements. RESULTS: Clinical heart failure was not observed in any patient
      during the study. MRI detected a statistically significant increase in LV end
      diastolic volume (128 +/- 39 vs. 151 +/- 46 ml, P<0.05) and LV mass (119 +/- 32
      vs. 146 +/- 49 g, P<0.05) after doxorubicin therapy but no change in LVEF (46 +/-
      8 vs. 47 +/- 11%, P=NS) or left atrial area. A significant LVEF reduction
      compared with baseline was observed by RVG (61 +/- 10 vs. 50 +/- 6%, P<0.01). On
      average, MRI resulted in 7 +/- 10% lower LVEF values compared with RVG.
      CONCLUSION: RVG seems to be a valuable and repeatable tool in detecting early,
      subclinical deterioration in cardiac function and is the method of choice in the
      follow-up of LV function during anthracycline-based chemotherapy. Whether LV
      volumetric and mass changes found in MRI could predict later significant
      permanent cardiac damage should be evaluated in larger studies with long-term
      follow-up.

PMID- 22044863
TI  - Fully automatic synthesis of [18F]FES for reporter gene hERL expression imaging.
AB  - We have developed a fully automatic method for the synthesis of 16alpha
      [18F]fluoroestradiol ([F]FES) using a TRACERlab FXFN module. Following
      [18F]fluorination, the intermediate was hydrolyzed with a mixture of 2 N HCl in
      acetonitrile (CH3CN) and then neutralized with sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3). After
      HPLC purification, the decay-corrected radiochemical yield of [18F]FES was 50 +/-
      2.35% (n=4), which was stable up to 96.1 +/- 0.3% (n=4) at 8 h. This new fully
      automated synthesis method provided high and reproducible yields and the produced
      [F]FES could be used to monitor in-vivo human estrogen receptor alpha ligand
      binding domain gene expression using PET images.

PMID- 22044864
TI  - Evaluation of PET volume segmentation methods:  comparisons with expert manual
      delineations.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: [18F]-Fluorodeoxyglucose PET has become an essential technique in
      oncology. Accurate segmentation is important for treatment planning. With the
      increasing number of available methods, it will be useful to establish a reliable
      evaluation tool. METHOD: Five methods for [F]-fluorodeoxyglucose PET image
      segmentation (MIP-based, Fuzzy C-means, Daisne, Nestle and the 42% threshold
      based approach) were evaluated on non-Hodgkin's lymphoma lesions by comparing
      them with manual delineations performed by a panel of experts. The results were
      analyzed using different similarity measures. Intraoperator and interoperator
      variabilities were also studied. RESULTS: The maximum of intensity projection
      based method provided results closest to the manual delineations set [binary
      Jaccard index mean (SD) 0.45 (0.15)]. The fuzzy C-means algorithm yielded
      slightly less satisfactory results. The application of a 42% threshold-based
      approach yielded results furthest from the manual delineations [binary Jaccard
      index mean (SD) 0.38 (0.16)]; the Daisne and the Nestle methods yielded
      intermediate results. Important intraoperator and interoperator variabilities
      were demonstrated. CONCLUSION: A simple assessment framework based on comparisons
      with manual delineations was proposed. The use of a set of manual delineations
      performed by five different experts as the reference seemed to be suitable to
      take the intraoperator and the interoperator variabilities into account. The
      online distribution of the data set generated in this study will make it possible
      to evaluate any new segmentation method.

PMID- 22044865
TI  - Ultrasound-guided sentinel node procedure for nonpalpable breast carcinoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: Peritumoral and periareolar tracer injection techniques lead to
      different lymphatic drainage in sentinel lymph node biopsy procedures. In a
      prospective study, the visualization and identification rates of the ultrasound
      (US)-guided tracer injection technique for palpable and nonpalpable breast tumors
      were evaluated. METHODS: In 1262 consecutive patients with cT1-2N0 breast cancer,
      sentinel lymph node biopsy was performed following peritumoral tracer injection.
      In the case of nonpalpable breast lesions, Tc-99m nanocolloid injections were
      given using a 7.5 MHz US probe. In the case of ultrasonographically nonvisible
      microcalcifications, the US-guided injection technique was wire guided. RESULTS:
      In 331 patients with nonpalpable breast lesions (26.2%), the lymphoscintigraphic
      visualization and surgical retrieval rates of axillary sentinel lymph nodes
      (SLNs) were 98.5 and 99.4%, respectively. For internal mammary (IM) SLNs, these
      rates were 21.1 and 17.8%, respectively. These rates were similar in patients
      with palpable and nonpalpable tumors. Axillary metastases were detected in 38.7%
      of the patients with palpable tumors versus 16.5% of those with nonpalpable
      tumors (P<0.001), whereas IM metastases were found in 4.8 and 3.0% of patients,
      respectively (P=0.165). CONCLUSION: In nonpalpable breast lesions, the US-guided
      injection technique is an accurate technique for SLN identification and
      retrieval. The substantial rates of IM metastases in both palpable and
      nonpalpable lesions favor a peritumoral tracer injection technique.

PMID- 22044866
TI  - Cortical metabolites as biomarkers in the R6/2 model of Huntington's disease.
AB  - To improve the ability to move from preclinical trials in mouse models of
      Huntington's disease (HD) to clinical trials in humans, biomarkers are needed
      that can track similar aspects of disease progression across species. Brain
      metabolites, detectable by magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), have been
      suggested as potential biomarkers in HD. In this study, the R6/2 transgenic mouse
      model of HD was used to investigate the relative sensitivity of the metabolite
      profiling and the brain volumetry to anticipate the disease progression. Magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) and (1)H MRS data were acquired at 9.4 T from the R6/2
      mice and wild-type littermates at 4, 8, 12, and 15 weeks. Brain shrinkage was
      detectable in striatum, cortex, thalamus, and hypothalamus by 12 weeks.
      Metabolite changes in cortex paralleled and sometimes preceded those in striatum.
      The entire set of metabolite changes was compressed into principal components
      (PCs) using Partial Least Squares-Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA) to increase the
      sensitivity for monitoring disease progression. In comparing the efficacy of
      volume and metabolite measurements, the cortical PC1 emerged as the most
      sensitive single biomarker, distinguishing R6/2 mice from littermates at all time
      points. Thus, neurochemical changes precede volume shrinkage and become potential
      biomarkers for HD mouse models.

PMID- 22044867
TI  - The roles of cerebral blood flow, capillary transit time heterogeneity, and
      oxygen tension in brain oxygenation and metabolism.
AB  - Normal brain function depends critically on moment-to-moment regulation of oxygen
      supply by the bloodstream to meet changing metabolic needs. Neurovascular
      coupling, a range of mechanisms that converge on arterioles to adjust local
      cerebral blood flow (CBF), represents our current framework for understanding
      this regulation. We modeled the combined effects of CBF and capillary transit
      time heterogeneity (CTTH) on the maximum oxygen extraction fraction (OEF(max))
      and metabolic rate of oxygen that can biophysically be supported, for a given
      tissue oxygen tension. Red blood cell velocity recordings in rat brain support
      close hemodynamic-metabolic coupling by means of CBF and CTTH across a range of
      physiological conditions. The CTTH reduction improves tissue oxygenation by
      counteracting inherent reductions in OEF(max) as CBF increases, and seemingly
      secures sufficient oxygenation during episodes of hyperemia resulting from
      cortical activation or hypoxemia. In hypoperfusion and states of blocked CBF,
      both lower oxygen tension and CTTH may secure tissue oxygenation. Our model
      predicts that disturbed capillary flows may cause a condition of malignant CTTH,
      in which states of higher CBF display lower oxygen availability. We propose that
      conditions with altered capillary morphology, such as amyloid, diabetic or
      hypertensive microangiopathy, and ischemia-reperfusion, may disturb CTTH and
      thereby flow-metabolism coupling and cerebral oxygen metabolism.

PMID- 22044868
TI  - Meteorin is a chemokinetic factor in neuroblast migration and promotes stroke
      induced striatal neurogenesis.
AB  - Ischemic stroke affecting the adult brain causes increased progenitor
      proliferation in the subventricular zone (SVZ) and generation of neuroblasts,
      which migrate into the damaged striatum and differentiate to mature neurons.
      Meteorin (METRN), a newly discovered neurotrophic factor, is highly expressed in
      neural progenitor cells and immature neurons during development, suggesting that
      it may be involved in neurogenesis. Here, we show that METRN promotes migration
      of neuroblasts from SVZ explants of postnatal rats and stroke-subjected adult
      rats via a chemokinetic mechanism, and reduces N-methyl-D-asparate-induced
      apoptotic cell death in SVZ cells in vitro. Stroke induced by middle cerebral
      artery occlusion upregulates the expression of endogenous METRN in cells with
      neuronal phenotype in striatum. Recombinant METRN infused into the stroke-damaged
      brain stimulates cell proliferation in SVZ, promotes neuroblast migration, and
      increases the number of immature and mature neurons in the ischemic striatum. Our
      findings identify METRN as a new factor promoting neurogenesis both in vitro and
      in vivo by multiple mechanisms. Further work will be needed to translate METRN's
      actions on endogenous neurogenesis into improved recovery after stroke.

PMID- 22044869
TI  - Neurointensive care biophysiological monitoring.
AB  - Monitoring various physiological parameters and their derangements provides a
      valuable tool for management of severely brain injured patients. The various
      parameters and their monitoring tools include but are not all inclusive are
      cerebral blood flow and oxygen monitoring, jugular bulb oximetry, intracerebral
      microdialysis and continuous electroencephalography. It needs to be seen how
      these devices are applied to improve patient outcomes.

PMID- 22044870
TI  - High rates of depressive symptomatology among injecting drug users in Saskatoon,
      Canada.

PMID- 22044871
TI  - An overview of animal prion diseases.
AB  - Prion diseases are transmissible neurodegenerative conditions affecting human and
      a wide range of animal species. The pathogenesis of prion diseases is associated
      with the accumulation of aggregates of misfolded conformers of host-encoded
      cellular prion protein (PrPC). Animal prion diseases include scrapie of sheep and
      goats, bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) or mad cow disease, transmissible
      mink encephalopathy, feline spongiform encephalopathy, exotic ungulate spongiform
      encephalopathy, chronic wasting disease of cervids and spongiform encephalopathy
      of primates. Although some cases of sporadic atypical scrapie and BSE have also
      been reported, animal prion diseases have basically occurred via the acquisition
      of infection from contaminated feed or via the exposure to contaminated
      environment. Scrapie and chronic wasting disease are naturally sustaining
      epidemics. The transmission of BSE to human has caused more than 200 cases of
      variant Cruetzfeldt-Jacob disease and has raised serious public health concerns.
      The present review discusses the epidemiology, clinical neuropathology,
      transmissibility and genetics of animal prion diseases.

PMID- 22044872
TI  - Maternal exercise decreases maternal deprivation induced anxiety of pups and
      correlates to increased prefrontal cortex BDNF and VEGF.
AB  - Maternal deprivation (MD) may cause neuropsychiatric disorders such as anxiety
      disorder by negatively affecting the cognitive functions and behavior in pups.
      The aim of this study is to investigate whether maternal exercise during
      pregnancy has beneficial effects on anxiety that increases with MD, and on the
      levels of VEGF and BDNF which have anxiolytic effects on the prefrontal cortex,
      the anxiety-related region of the brain. The anxiety level in the deprivation
      group was greater than the control group and found more in male than female pups.
      The prefrontal cortex VEGF and BDNF levels were decreased in the deprivation
      group compared to control group while serum corticosterone levels were increased
      in the deprivation group. Anxiety and serum corticosterone levels were decreased
      in maternally exercised female and male pups, while the prefrontal cortex VEGF
      and BDNF levels were increased, compared to sedentary mother's pups. These
      results indicate that maternal exercise may attenuate the negative effect of
      stresses such as maternal deprivation that can be encountered early in life.

PMID- 22044873
TI  - Association of biomarkers and depressive symptoms in schizophrenia.
AB  - Emergence of depressive symptoms in schizophrenia results in a deteriorating
      course and poor prognosis. Schizophrenia and depressive disorder are both
      associated with low levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and with a
      longstanding low grade inflammatory state. The objective of this study is to
      analyze the relationship between these serum biomarkers and depressive and
      psychotic symptoms in schizophrenic patients. Thirty-nine individuals diagnosed
      with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder by Diagnostic and Statistical
      Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV), assessed by Structured Clinical Interview
      for DSM-IV (SCID), were included. Interviews were conducted with The Positive and
      Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) and The Calgary Depression Scale for
      Schizophrenia (CDSS). Blood samples were collected for determination of BDNF, IL
      1beta, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12 and TNF-alpha measurements. Positive correlations
      between BDNF and CDSS and between IL-1beta and severity in PANSS scores were
      found. BDNF levels were not correlated with any cytokine or with PANSS scores.
      The results of this study suggest that depressive and psychotic symptoms may be
      associated with different profiles of biomarkers in the association between
      schizophrenia and depression.

PMID- 22044874
TI  - The characterization of gene expression during mouse neural stem cell
      differentiation in vitro.
AB  - Neural stem cells (NSCs) are tissue-specific, multipotent stem cells that can
      differentiate into three cell lineages in the central nervous system: neurons,
      astrocytes and oligodendrocytes. The therapeutic potential of NSCs has fueled
      attempts to characterize the expression of genes that regulate their fate. In
      this study, NSCs from embryonic day 15 (E15) mouse embryos were differentiated
      for 1 (DF-1) or 2 (DF-2) days, and the gene expression patterns in the NSCs and
      in the DF-1 and DF-2 cells were measured by microarray and real-time RT-PCR.
      Among the analyzed genes, 1898 genes were up-regulated in the DF-1 and DF-2 cells
      relative to the NSCs, whereas 1642 genes were down-regulated. The up-regulated
      genes included Gfap, Smad6, Fst, Tgfb2 and Cdkn2. The down-regulated genes
      included Ccnb1, Ccnd1 and Ccnd2. We identified gene networks that were associated
      with BMP and TGF-beta2 signaling pathways using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis. Our
      results suggest that the differentiation of E15 NSCs into astrocytes is based on
      a combinatorial network of various signaling pathways, including cell cycle, BMP
      and TGF-beta2 signaling.

PMID- 22044875
TI  - Association between 1425G/A SNP in PRKCH and ischemic stroke among Chinese and
      Japanese populations: a meta-analysis including 3686 cases and 4589 controls.
AB  - AIMS: Meta-analysis was performed to investigate the association between 1425G/A
      SNP in PRKCH (the gene encoding for protein kinase C eta) and ischemic stroke
      among Chinese and Japanese populations. METHODS: The databases of MEDLINE,
      PubMed, Chinese Biomedical Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and
      WANFANG DATA until September 2011 were searched for published case-control
      studies on 1425G/A SNP in PRKCH and ischemic stroke. Strict selection criteria
      and exclusion criteria were determined, and pooled odds ratio (OR) and the 95%
      confidence interval (CI) were calculated using a fixed or random effects model to
      determine the strength of the genetic association. The publication bias was
      further evaluated by calculating the fail-safe number in the included studies.
      RESULTS: Five studies, comprising 3686 cases and 4589 controls, passed all the
      criteria and therefore were included in the meta-analysis. Test for heterogeneity
      showed that P values (P=0.76, 0.24, respectively) in the two meta-analyses were
      both greater than 0.05, therefore the fixed effects model was performed.
      Statistically significant association between 1425G/A SNP in PRKCH and ischemic
      stroke was identified (OR=1.34; 95% CI, 1.22-1.47), and the association was even
      stronger between 1425G/A SNP in PRKCH and lacunar infarction (OR=1.44; 95% CI,
      1.28-1.63). The fail-safe number (N(fs 0.05)) for 1425G/A SNP in PRKCH with
      ischemic stroke and lacunar infarction was 59 and 44, respectively, which were
      greater than the number of studies included in the analyses. CONCLUSIONS: SNP
      1425G/A in PRKCH was associated with ischemic stroke, particularly lacunar
      infarction, in Chinese and Japanese populations. More studies of different
      subtypes of stroke need to be done to confirm the results in other Asian
      populations.

PMID- 22044876
TI  - Increased cutaneous NGF and CGRP-labelled trkA-positive intra-epidermal nerve
      fibres in rat diabetic skin.
AB  - In this study we have determined the amount of Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) and the
      innervation density of the glabrous hindpaw skin of diabetic rats (n=4) and
      controls (n=3). The proportion of intra-epidermal nerve fibres (IENF) expressing
      the high affinity NGF receptor (trkA) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)
      were also determined. Four weeks after induction of diabetes by intraperitoneal
      streptozotocin injection skin was analyzed for: (i) NGF content using ELISA and
      (ii) the innervation density of peptidergic afferents that also expressed trkA
      using immunocytochemistry. NGF levels were approximately three-fold higher in
      diabetic skin compared to controls (diabetic: 134.7+/-24.0 (SD) pgml(-1),
      control: 42.7+/-21.5pgml(-1), p=0.002). As expected there was a significant
      reduction in IENF density in diabetic skin (2.7+/-1.3 fibresmm(-1)) compared to
      controls (6.9+/-1.5 fibresmm(-1); p=0.01). In diabetic rats there was no
      significant difference in the proportion of trkA-labelled IENF (diabetic 74+/
      21%; control 83+/-15%, p=0.6), but significantly more trkA-positive IENF were
      also labelled by CGRP antibodies in diabetic skin compared to controls (diabetic
      89+/-22%; control 38+/-2%, p=0.03). These data suggest that in diabetes the
      upregulation of cutaneous NGF may 'over-troph' the surviving axons, increasing
      CGRP labelling, which may be important in the aetiology of painful diabetic
      neuropathy.

PMID- 22044877
TI  - Protective effects of lycopene against amyloid beta-induced neurotoxicity in
      cultured rat cortical neurons.
AB  - The neurotoxicity of amyloid beta (Abeta) has been implicated as a critical cause
      in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Among antioxidant phytochemicals
      derived from fruit and vegetables, lycopene has recently received considerable
      attention for its potent protective properties already demonstrated in several
      models of oxidative damage. The present study aims to investigate whether
      lycopene could provide protective effects against Abeta-induced neurotoxicity in
      primary cultured rat cortical neurons. The cultured cortical neurons were
      pretreated with different dose of lycopene for 4h, followed by the challenge with
      25 MUM Abeta(25-35) for 24h. The results showed that pretreatment with lycopene
      efficiently attenuated Abeta(25-35)-induced neurotoxicity, as evidenced by the
      improved cell viability and the decreased apoptotic rate. In addition, lycopene
      inhibited the reactive oxygen species generation and mitochondrial membrane
      potential depolarization caused by Abeta(25-35). Lycopene also restored the
      levels of proapoptotic Bax, antiapoptotic Bcl-2, and inhibited caspase-3
      activation. These beneficial effects may contribute to the protection against
      Abeta-induced neurotoxicity. Together, our results suggest that the natural
      antioxidant lycopene has potential for neuroprotection and therefore, may be a
      promising candidate for AD treatment.

PMID- 22044878
TI  - Dual inhibitors of P-glycoprotein and tumor cell growth: (re)discovering
      thioxanthones.
AB  - For many pathologies, there is a crescent effort to design multiple ligands that
      interact with a wide variety of targets. 1-Aminated thioxanthone derivatives were
      synthesized and assayed for their in vitro dual activity as antitumor agents and
      P-glycoprotein (P-gp) inhibitors. The approach was based on molecular
      hybridization of a thioxanthone scaffold, present in known antitumor drugs, and
      an amine, described as an important pharmacophoric feature for P-gp inhibition. A
      rational approach using homology modeling and docking was used, to select the
      molecules to be synthesized by conventional or microwave-assisted Ullmann C-N
      cross-coupling reaction. The obtained aminated thioxanthones were highly
      effective at inhibiting P-gp and/or causing growth inhibition in a chronic
      myelogenous leukemia cell line, K562. Six of the aminated thioxanthones had
      GI(50) values in the K562 cell line below 10 MUM and 1-{[2
      (diethylamino)ethyl]amino}-4-propoxy-9H-thioxanthen-9-one (37) had a GI(50)
      concentration (1.90 MUM) 6-fold lower than doxorubicin (11.89 MUM) in the K562Dox
      cell line. The best P-gp inhibitor found was 1-[2-(1H-benzimidazol-2
      yl)ethanamine]-4-propoxy-9H-thioxanthen-9-one (45), which caused an accumulation
      rate of rhodamine-123 similar to that caused by verapamil in the K562Dox
      resistant cell line, and a decrease in ATP consumption by P-gp. At a
      concentration of 10 MUM, compound 45 caused a decrease of 12.5-fold in the GI(50)
      value of doxorubicin in the K562Dox cell line, being 2-fold more potent than
      verapamil. From the overall results, the aminated thioxanthones represent a new
      class of P-gp inhibitors with improved efficacy in sensitizing a resistant P-gp
      overexpressing cell line (K562Dox) to doxorubicin.

PMID- 22044879
TI  - Single-unit-cell thick Mn3O4 nanosheets.
AB  - Single-unit-cell thick Mn(3)O(4) sheets were synthesized in an aqueous solution
      at room temperature. These nanosheets have a <linear span>001<linear span>
      orientation and are terminated at the Mn(2)O(4) atomic layer. Due to the huge
      shape anisotropy, they demonstrated lower T(C) and much greater coercivity than
      those of bulk Mn(3)O(4), respectively.

PMID- 22044880
TI  - Global epigenetic changes during somatic cell reprogramming to iPS cells.
AB  - Embryonic stem cells (ESCs) exhibit unique chromatin features, including a
      permissive transcriptional program and an open, decondensed chromatin state.
      Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which are very similar to ESCs, hold
      great promise for therapy and basic research. However, the mechanisms by which
      reprogramming occurs and the chromatin organization that underlies the
      reprogramming process are largely unknown. Here we characterize and compare the
      epigenetic landscapes of partially and fully reprogrammed iPSCs to mouse
      embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) and ESCs, which serves as a standard for
      pluripotency. Using immunofluorescence and biochemical fractionations, we
      analyzed the levels and distribution of a battery of histone modifications (H3ac,
      H4ac, H4K5ac, H3K9ac, H3K27ac, H3K4me3, H3K36me2, H3K9me3, H3K27me3, and
      gammaH2AX), as well as HP1alpha and lamin A. We find that fully reprogrammed
      iPSCs are epigenetically identical to ESCs, and that partially reprogrammed iPSCs
      are closer to MEFs. Intriguingly, combining both time-course reprogramming
      experiments and data from the partially reprogrammed iPSCs, we find that
      heterochromatin reorganization precedes Nanog expression and active histone
      marking. Together, these data delineate the global epigenetic state of iPSCs in
      conjunction with their pluripotent state, and demonstrate that heterochromatin
      precedes euchromatin in reorganization during reprogramming.

PMID- 22044881
TI  - Exon-centric regulation of pyruvate kinase M alternative splicing via mutually
      exclusive exons.
AB  - Alternative splicing of the pyruvate kinase M gene (PK-M) can generate the M2
      isoform and promote aerobic glycolysis and tumor growth. However, the cancer
      specific alternative splicing regulation of PK-M is not completely understood.
      Here, we demonstrate that PK-M is regulated by reciprocal effects on the mutually
      exclusive exons 9 and 10, such that exon 9 is repressed and exon 10 is activated
      in cancer cells. Strikingly, exonic, rather than intronic, cis-elements are key
      determinants of PK-M splicing isoform ratios. Using a systematic sub-exonic
      duplication approach, we identify a potent exonic splicing enhancer in exon 10,
      which differs from its homologous counterpart in exon 9 by only two nucleotides.
      We identify SRSF3 as one of the cognate factors, and show that this
      serine/arginine-rich protein activates exon 10 and mediates changes in glucose
      metabolism. These findings provide mechanistic insights into the complex
      regulation of alternative splicing of a key regulator of the Warburg effect, and
      also have implications for other genes with a similar pattern of alternative
      splicing.

PMID- 22044882
TI  - Sputum smear negative pulmonary tuberculosis: sensitivity and specificity of
      diagnostic algorithm.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis in patients with Human
      Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is complicated by the increased presence of sputum
      smear negative tuberculosis. Diagnosis of smear negative pulmonary tuberculosis
      is made by an algorithm recommended by the National Tuberculosis and Leprosy
      Programme that uses symptoms, signs and laboratory results.The objective of this
      study is to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the tuberculosis
      treatment algorithm used for the diagnosis of sputum smear negative pulmonary
      tuberculosis. METHODS: A cross-section study with prospective enrollment of
      patients was conducted in Dar-es-Salaam Tanzania. For patients with sputum smear
      negative, sputum was sent for culture. All consenting recruited patients were
      counseled and tested for HIV. Patients were evaluated using the National
      Tuberculosis and Leprosy Programme guidelines and those fulfilling the criteria
      of having active pulmonary tuberculosis were started on anti tuberculosis
      therapy. Remaining patients were provided appropriate therapy. A chest X-ray,
      mantoux test, and Full Blood Picture were done for each patient. The sensitivity
      and specificity of the recommended algorithm was calculated. Predictors of sputum
      culture positive were determined using multivariate analysis. RESULTS: During the
      study, 467 subjects were enrolled. Of those, 318 (68.1%) were HIV positive, 127
      (27.2%) had sputum culture positive for Mycobacteria Tuberculosis, of whom 66
      (51.9%) were correctly treated with anti-Tuberculosis drugs and 61 (48.1%) were
      missed and did not get anti-Tuberculosis drugs. Of the 286 subjects with sputum
      culture negative, 107 (37.4%) were incorrectly treated with anti-Tuberculosis
      drugs. The diagnostic algorithm for smear negative pulmonary tuberculosis had a
      sensitivity and specificity of 38.1% and 74.5% respectively. The presence of a
      dry cough, a high respiratory rate, a low eosinophil count, a mixed type of
      anaemia and presence of a cavity were found to be predictive of smear negative
      but culture positive pulmonary tuberculosis. CONCLUSION: The current practices of
      establishing pulmonary tuberculosis diagnosis are not sensitive and specific
      enough to establish the diagnosis of Acid Fast Bacilli smear negative pulmonary
      tuberculosis and over treat people with no pulmonary tuberculosis.

PMID- 22044883
TI  - Ectodomain structures of Eph receptors.
AB  - Eph receptors, the largest subfamily of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), and
      their ephrin ligands are important mediators of cell-cell communication that
      regulate axon guidance, long-term potentiation, and stem cell development, among
      others. By now, many Eph receptors and ephrins have also been found to play
      important roles in the progression of cancer. Since both the receptor and the
      ligand are membrane-bound, their interaction leads to the multimerization of both
      molecules to distinct clusters within their respective plasma membranes,
      resulting in the formation of discrete signaling centers. In addition, and unique
      to Eph receptors and ephrins, their interaction initiates bi-directional
      signaling cascades where information is transduced in the direction of both the
      receptor- and the ligand-bearing cells. The Ephs and the ephrins are divided into
      two subclasses, A and B, based on their affinities for each other and on sequence
      conservation. Crystal structures and other biophysical studies have indicated
      that isolated extracellular Eph and ephrin domains initially form high-affinity
      heterodimers around a hydrophobic loop of the ligand that is buried in a
      hydrophobic pocket on the surface of the receptor. The dimers can then further
      arrange by weaker interactions into higher-order Eph/ephrin clusters observed in
      vivo at the sites of cell-cell contact. Although the hetero-dimerization is a
      universal way to initiate signaling, other extracellular domains of Ephs are
      involved in the formation of higher-order clusters. The structures also show
      important differences defining the unique partner preferences of the two ligand
      and receptor subclasses, namely, how subclass specificity is determined both by
      individual interacting residues and by the precise architectural arrangement of
      ligands and receptors within the complexes.

PMID- 22044884
TI  - Ephrin reverse signaling in axon guidance and synaptogenesis.
AB  - Axon-cell and axon-dendrite contact is a highly regulated process necessary for
      the formation of precise neural circuits and a functional neural network. Eph
      ephrin interacting molecules on the membranes of axon nerve terminals and target
      dendrites act as bidirectional ligands/receptors to transduce signals into both
      the Eph-expressing and ephrin-expressing cells to regulate cytoskeletal dynamics.
      In particular, recent evidence indicates that ephrin reverse signal transduction
      events are important in controlling both axonal and dendritic elaborations of
      neurons in the developing nervous system. Here we review how ephrin reverse
      signals are transduced into neurons to control maturation of axonal pre-synaptic
      and dendritic post-synaptic structures.

PMID- 22044885
TI  - Targeting Eph receptors with peptides and small molecules: progress and
      challenges.
AB  - The Eph receptors are a large family of receptor tyrosine kinases. Their kinase
      activity and downstream signaling ability are stimulated by the binding of cell
      surface-associated ligands, the ephrins. The ensuing signals are bidirectional
      because the ephrins can also transduce signals (known as reverse signals)
      following their interaction with Eph receptors. The ephrin-binding pocket in the
      extracellular N-terminal domain of the Eph receptors and the ATP-binding pocket
      in the intracellular kinase domain represent potential binding sites for peptides
      and small molecules. Indeed, a number of peptides and chemical compounds that
      target Eph receptors and inhibit ephrin binding or kinase activity have been
      identified. These molecules show promise as probes to study Eph receptor/ephrin
      biology, as lead compounds for drug development, and as targeting agents to
      deliver drugs or imaging agents to tumors. Current challenges are to find (1)
      small molecules that inhibit Eph receptor-ephrin interactions with high binding
      affinity and good lead-like properties and (2) selective kinase inhibitors that
      preferentially target the Eph receptor family or subsets of Eph receptors.
      Strategies that could also be explored include targeting additional Eph receptor
      interfaces and the ephrin ligands.

PMID- 22044887
TI  - Poor repertoire General Movements predict some aspects of development outcome at
      2 years in very preterm infants.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Observation of the quality of endogenously generated "General
      Movements" has been proved to be a reliable and sensitive tool in the assessment
      of fragile neonates. The absence of fidgety movements at 2-4 months post-term is
      highly predictive of Cerebral Palsy. On the contrary, the presence of a poor
      repertoire pattern during the writhing period is not reliable in predicting motor
      or neurobehavioral disorders at any stage of development. AIM: To examine if the
      presence of a PR pattern at 1 month post-term was associated with lower
      neurodevelopmental quotients at 2 years. STUDY DESIGN: General Movements
      evaluation at 1 and 3 months and the Griffiths Scales of Mental Development at 2
      years were administered to a sample of very preterm infants. Infants were divided
      into two groups: poor repertoire pattern group and normal pattern group.
      Student's t Test and Chi squared test and ANOVA were used to compare neonatal
      variables and results between the two groups. SUBJECTS: 79 very preterm infants
      (birthweight<=1500 g or gestational age<=32 weeks), born January 2003 to December
      2006 who had a follow-up at 2 years. OUTCOME MEASURE: Griffiths developmental
      quotient at 2 years. RESULTS: The Poor Repertoire group had lower Gestational
      Age, lower Birth Weight, lower Apgar scores at birth and lower Developmental
      Quotient at 2 years. Eye and Hand Coordination (subscale D) was the domain mostly
      responsible for such a difference. Quality of fidgety movements (normal or
      abnormal fidgety) at 3 months did not show any correlation with outcome measures
      at 2 years. CONCLUSION: The presence of a PR pattern at 1 month post-term seems
      to predict lower neurodevelopmental scores at 2 years especially in the domain of
      eye and hand coordination. Longer follow-up is necessary in order to ascertain if
      such difference will continue to persist at older ages.

PMID- 22044886
TI  - Eph and ephrin signaling in the formation of topographic maps.
AB  - The axonal connections between the retina and its midbrain target, the superior
      colliculus (SC), is mapped topographically, such that the spatial relationships
      of cell bodies in the retina are maintained when terminating in the SC.
      Topographic map development uses a Cartesian mapping system such that each axis
      of the retina is mapped independently. Along the nasal-temporal mapping axis,
      EphAs and ephrin-As, are graded molecular cues required for topographic mapping
      while the dorsal-ventral axis is mapped in part via EphB and ephrin-Bs. Because
      both Ephs and ephrins are cell surface molecules they can signal in the forward
      and reverse directions. Eph/ephrin signaling leads to changes in cytoskeletal
      dynamics that lead to actin depolymerization and endocytosis guiding axons via
      attraction and repulsion.

PMID- 22044888
TI  - Animal studies of the effects of early nutrition on long-term health.
AB  - Small size at birth is associated with increased risk of a variety of common
      chronic diseases in adulthood. Numerous experimental studies in animals have
      supported the observations in humans, demonstrating that changes in nutrition in
      early life can lead to altered long-term health. Importantly, these effects can
      be independent of size at birth, and can depend on the interaction between
      nutritional events before and after birth. Both macro- and micronutrient intake
      are important. Furthermore, these effects may vary according to the nature,
      timing, severity and duration of the nutritional insult. This review provides
      examples from animal studies of evidence of these long-term effects, and some
      possible underlying mechanisms whereby nutrition in early life can affect long
      term health.

PMID- 22044889
TI  - Dietary lipid quality and long-term outcome.
AB  - Understanding the importance of dietary fat has grown beyond energy metabolism to
      recognition of the complex roles of fatty acids, particularly the omega-6 and
      omega-3 fatty acids in membrane lipids, inter- and intracellular communication
      and in regulating gene expression. The omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids
      accumulated in developing tissues depend on the fatty acids transported across
      the placenta and secreted in breast milk. These in turn are dependent on maternal
      fatty acid intakes, which have changed dramatically in the past century with
      current western diets high in omega-6 linoleic acid and low in omega-3 fatty
      acids. High intakes of omega-6 fatty acid and low intakes of omega-3 fatty acids
      compromise long-chain omega-3 fatty acid accumulation in tissues, and this is
      avoided by dietary docosahexaenoic acid. In addition to the well-known roles in
      neural development, newer studies are beginning to question the importance of
      omega-3 fatty acids as a contributor of metabolic development in other organs,
      with possible implications for the development of feeding behavior and
      integration of the nutrient energy supply.

PMID- 22044890
TI  - How proteins improve the development of preterm infants.
AB  - Amino acids and proteins play a pivotal role during growth and development.
      Besides acting as building blocks during tissue synthesis, amino acids or
      proteins act specifically by upregulating defense systems or by stimulating key
      sites in metabolic pathways. Following premature birth, the neonatologist is
      responsible for delivering the right amount and quality of nutrients to the
      neonate, while exact requirements are largely unknown. However, nutrition
      matters, both in quantity as well in quality, especially during the first few
      weeks and months of life. It is increasingly recognized that proteins and amino
      acids in the immediate postnatal phase have both short- and long-term influence
      on later life.

PMID- 22044891
TI  - The knowns and unknowns of human milk banking.
AB  - The provision of donor human milk instead of formula is an important contribution
      to the nutrition and protection from infections for preterm infants. Systematic
      reviews suggest a lower risk of necrotizing enterocolitis with pasteurized donor
      human milk (PDHM) as opposed to artificial formula, although evidence supporting
      PDHM use from randomized control trials is limited. Human milk banks (HMBs) must
      have a risk management system to maintain a safe product especially as many
      operate in an unregulated environment. To ensure safety, the HMB in Australia has
      committed to meet the appropriate standards recommended in the Code of Good
      Manufacturing Practices (Blood and Tissues) and models risk management during
      processing on Codex HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) requirements.
      There is scope to continually reevaluate the screening of donors and quality
      standards recommended during HMB. This will be most effective if strong networks
      of HMBs are developed with regional reference laboratories to encourage
      compliance with safety guidelines. Further research and development is needed to
      refine technology for treating donor milk such as thermal ultrasound and
      ultraviolet light, aimed at the retention of full bioactivity. HMB networks will
      facilitate collection of evidence for refining HMB practice which should
      translate to improved outcomes for preterm and sick infants. Cost effectiveness
      is most likely when HMBs are associated with large neonatal intensive care units.

PMID- 22044892
TI  - Short- and long-term effects of probiotics administered early in life.
AB  - The concept of manipulating the gut microbiota through the administration of
      probiotics during early life in order to reduce the risk of and prevent or treat
      diseases, including those that manifest in later life, is appealing. However, a
      cautious approach is needed, and the long-term consequences of such
      administration should be carefully evaluated. Concerns related to the early
      administration of probiotics include timing, i.e. the administration often begins
      in early infancy, sometimes at birth, when gut microbiota is not fully
      established, and duration, i.e. the daily administration of such products is
      prolonged (several weeks or months). In the case of non-breastfed infants,
      delivery may be in the form of a specific matrix (infant formula) that could be
      the only source of feeding of an infant over a prolonged period. Finally, the
      fact that beneficial as well as some detrimental effects are seen years after
      administration of probiotics during the first months of life raises concern that
      other long-term effects such as immunosuppression in later life may also occur.
      Currently, while some promising data exist, there are still more questions than
      answers. However, rapid progress in this area of research is expected and no
      doubt will bring about a number of exciting findings.

PMID- 22044893
TI  - New findings from the Feeding Infants and Toddlers Study 2008.
AB  - The purpose of this chapter is to describe the infant feeding practices among
      infants and toddlers (aged 0-24 months) and to describe food group consumption
      patterns of these infants and young children (0-48 months) participating in the
      2008 Feeding Infants and Toddlers Study (FITS). The FITS 2008 is a cross
      sectional survey of a national sample of US children (n = 3,273). Results
      indicate a longer duration of breastfeeding; however, 17% of infants received
      cow's milk before the recommended age of one year. Introduction of complementary
      foods also appears to be delayed until about 4-6 months. There was a decline in
      consumption of infant cereal after 8 months that may be contributing to iron
      deficiencies in the 9-11 months age group. Consumption of 100% juice
      (particularly among infants) and the daily consumption of desserts or candy,
      sweetened beverages (particularly among 12-to 20-month-olds), and salty snacks is
      lower than in the 2002 survey. Overall, 10-20 and 30% of children were not
      consuming any fruit or vegetable, respectively, in a given day. More preschoolers
      were drinking 2% milk than whole milk, but about one third were still drinking
      whole milk. Despite some of these positive changes, improvements in young
      children's diet still are needed.

PMID- 22044894
TI  - Weaning practices in other parts of the world: case study India.
AB  - Infant feeding and weaning practices in India continue to demonstrate that a
      significant number of infants do not receive colostrum (62.8% according to the
      National Family Health Survey, NFHS-2), though breastfeeding is universal and
      continued for a longer period. In NFHS-3 (2005-2006), there is improving trend
      for breastfeeding within the first hour of birth (23.4%) and exclusive
      breastfeeding up to 5 months (46.3%); however, weaning for semisolids is delayed
      (55.8% only at 6-9 months of age). The infant weaning foods are inadequate in
      energy-protein and micronutrients. Further, weaning foods and feeding/cooking
      utensils are contaminated with bacteria, resulting in frequent episodes of
      diarrhea. Indeed, these are the factors responsible for initiation and
      continuation of early malnutrition which the country has failed to control as
      observed in the three NFHS. Over a span of 7 years, i.e. from NFHS-2 (1998-1999)
      to NFHS-3, there was only marginal reduction in undernutrition. Thus,
      uncontrolled fetal malnutrition, poor initiation of breastfeeding, inadequate and
      delayed weaning, and contaminated food and water demand urgency to develop
      affordable hygienic weaning foods, education to clean utensils, timely weaning
      and available potable chlorinated water to prevent and control malnutrition.

PMID- 22044895
TI  - Weaning practices in other parts of the world: case study Russia.
AB  - OBJECTIVES OF THE SURVEY: To evaluate infant feeding and weaning practices and
      anthropometric characteristics of 2-to 24-month-old children in Russia. SURVEY
      METHOD: A comprehensive analysis of data collected from face-to-face interviews
      of a random Russia representative sample of 2,500 mothers of children. We used a
      specially designed questionnaire that includes sections on health, especially
      feeding practices, food intake from the previous day and the measurement of
      height and weight. The survey was conducted within the framework of 'Start
      Healthy Stay Healthy' program in Russia, sponsored by Gerber, Nestle Nutrition.
      RESULTS: Incidence of breastfeeding among children of various age was as follows:
      from 2 to 4 months: 70%, from 4 to 6 months: 60%, from 6 to 9 months: 46%. The
      most common weaning food was fruit juice (59.4% of children), followed by fruit
      puree (18%) and cereals (6.4%). 4.4% of respondents used cow's milk as the first
      weaning food. It was found that examined children were slightly taller (z score
      for height-forage, 0.11) and heavier (z score for weight-for-age, 0.63) than the
      WHO standards. CONCLUSIONS: Evaluation of infant/toddler feeding and weaning
      practice will help to develop guidelines and educational programs to prevent
      nutrition-related diseases in Russia.

PMID- 22044896
TI  - Micronutrient deficiencies and effect of supplements on correcting them.
AB  - The etiology of micronutrient deficiencies in infancy is well described. The
      deficiencies are caused by one of the following four scenarios: (a) low initial
      stores of micronutrients from micronutrient deficiency during gestation,
      premature birth or low birthweight; (b) rapid postnatal growth; (c) ingestion of
      foods with low concentration of micronutrients, and (d) gastrointestinal
      pathology resulting in the malabsorption of nutrients, including micronutrients.
      Understanding the cause of the deficiencies is essential in planning
      interventions to either prevent or treat them. This chapter will focus on the
      dietary causes of micronutrient deficiencies and recent strategies to correct
      them.

PMID- 22044897
TI  - Food allergy and complementary feeding.
AB  - The relationship between complementary feeding and the development of atopic
      disease is the source of significant interest and debate in both the scientific
      and lay communities. A small number of early studies, which had considerable
      influence on recommended feeding practices, reported protective effects
      associated with delaying the introduction of commonly allergenic foods such as
      cow's milk, egg, and nuts. Despite more conservative recommendations, however,
      food allergy prevalence has continued to rise. Our understanding of the
      development of food allergy, its relationship with IgE sensitization and atopic
      dermatitis, and the relationship of each of these outcomes with the timing of
      food introduction has evolved considerably. Based on multiple observational
      studies, and extrapolating from immunotherapy trials and animal models of mucosal
      immunity, there is mounting evidence that delayed introduction or avoidance of
      commonly allergenic foods is at best neutral and may be detrimental with regard
      to atopic outcomes. There is an obvious and critical need for additional high
      caliber studies to further evaluate this connection. In the meantime, multiple
      health considerations, not allergy alone, should be involved in decisions
      regarding nutritional intake, including common allergenic foods, during the
      period of transition to the family diet.

PMID- 22044898
TI  - Early feeding: setting the stage for healthy eating habits.
AB  - Food habits, an integral part of all cultures, have their beginnings during early
      life. This chapter reviews the development of the senses of taste and smell,
      which provide information on the flavor of foods, and discusses how children's
      innate predispositions interact with early-life feeding experiences to form
      dietary preferences and habits. Young children show heightened preferences for
      foods that taste sweet and salty and rejection of that which tastes bitter. These
      innate responses are salient during development since they likely evolved to
      encourage children to ingest that which is beneficial, containing needed calories
      or minerals, and to reject that which is harmful. Early childhood is also
      characterized by plasticity, partially evidenced by a sensitive period during
      early life when infants exhibit heightened acceptance of the flavors experienced
      in amniotic fluid and breast milk. While learning also occurs with flavors found
      in formulae, it is likely that this sensitive period formed to facilitate
      acceptance of and attraction to the flavors of foods eaten by the mother. A basic
      understanding of the development and functioning of the chemical senses during
      early childhood may assist in forming evidence-based strategies to improve
      children's diets.

PMID- 22044899
TI  - Early feeding practices and development of food allergies.
AB  - Despite increasing efforts to prevent food allergies in children, IgE-mediated
      food allergies continue to rise in westernized countries. Previous preventive
      strategies such as prolonged exclusive breastfeeding and delayed weaning onto
      solid foods have more recently been called into question. The present review
      discusses possible risk factors and theories for the development of food allergy.
      An alternative hypothesis is proposed, suggesting that early cutaneous exposure
      to food protein through a disrupted skin barrier leads to allergic sensitization
      and that early oral exposure of food allergen induces tolerance. Novel
      interventional strategies to prevent the development of food allergies are also
      discussed.

PMID- 22044900
TI  - Learning to prefer the familiar in obesogenic environments.
AB  - What has become familiar tends to be preferred while the unfamiliar is avoided.
      Additionally, liking is impacted by associative learning processes where new
      stimuli become liked via repeated pairings with familiar, already-liked stimuli.
      In addition to the ability to learn to like new foods and flavors, infants bring
      genetic taste predispositions to the table, including an unlearned preference for
      sweet and salty tastes and a tendency to reject bitter and sour tastes. When
      diets were plant based, unlearned preferences for sweet and salty tastes promoted
      intake of foods that were relatively rare in nature but were good sources of
      essential nutrients; the presence of the preferred basic tastes in food no longer
      predicts scarce nutrients. Our 'obesogenic' dietary landscape is replete with
      sweet and salty foods that are energy dense, inexpensive, and exquisitely tuned
      to our genetic taste predispositions. In the current environment, early
      familiarization and associative learning can result in unhealthy diets and may
      promote obesity risk, but we suggest applying what we know about how food liking
      is learned to promote healthier diets. We review classic and current evidence
      demonstrating how familiarization and associative learning may be used to promote
      the intake of initially rejected foods like vegetables within an obesogenic
      context.

PMID- 22044901
TI  - Early feeding practices and their impact on development of celiac disease.
AB  - Celiac disease is an immune-mediated enteropathy triggered by the ingestion of
      gluten in genetically susceptible individuals. Gluten is a protein component in
      wheat and other cereals, including rye and barley that are generally introduced
      in the infant's diet at weaning. At present, two schools of thought claim that
      changing early feeding regimens in at-risk infants can either prevent the onset
      of the disease or merely delay it. Recent advances have increased our
      understanding of the molecular basis of this disorder and provide the rationale
      to perform prospective dietary interventional studies to establish the proper
      timing of gluten exposure to minimize the risk of developing celiac disease.

PMID- 22044902
TI  - Infant feeding practices and subsequent development of adipose tissue.
AB  - The main aspects of infant feeding that have been studied in humans in
      association with the subsequent development of adipose tissue include
      breastfeeding, rapid infancy weight gain, and weaning practices. While
      observational studies have consistently shown a protective effect of
      breastfeeding on the development of obesity, these studies may be confounded by
      unmeasured or unknown factors, as suggested by one study using a sibling design
      and one study using a randomized breastfeeding promotion intervention design.
      Observational studies and findings from a limited number of experimental studies
      suggest that rapid weight gain during infancy may be associated with an increased
      risk for obesity in childhood and adulthood. The association of weaning practices
      with later obesity has not been extensively studied, and the preliminary findings
      are inconsistent. Additional research studies, especially randomized
      interventions with long-term follow-up, are necessary in order to assess if short
      nutrition interventions during the critical period of infancy can have long-term
      benefits on the prevention of obesity.

PMID- 22044903
TI  - Early life nutrition and bone development in children.
AB  - Fetal and early life may be a critical period for the development and/or
      programming of metabolic systems, including the skeleton. There are increasing
      human data from cohort studies on the association between early life nutrition
      and bone development in children. Breastfed children initially have lower bone
      mass than bottle-fed children, but longer-term studies suggest that they have
      higher bone mass (size adjusted) by age 8 years, especially in children born at
      term. By the time of peak bone mass, both preterm and term children have higher
      bone mass indicating a different bone accrual trajectory curve. These children
      also have lower fracture risk. Diet in utero has also been associated with
      subsequent bone mass from ages 6 to 16 years (but not fracture). Positive
      associations include milk, phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, protein, folate,
      calcium and vitamin D, while fat intake is negative. Smoking also interferes with
      bone mineralization possibly due to impaired placental function, but this
      deleterious effect on bone mass appears to diminish over time. All of these
      associations are statistically significant and independent of important
      confounders and later environmental exposures, suggesting that osteoporosis
      prevention programs need to start very early in the life cycle.

PMID- 22044904
TI  - Igf-I signaling and effects on longevity.
AB  - Insulin and insulin-like signaling regulate survival and lifespan in a variety of
      animal species, from nematodes and flies to higher vertebrates and mammals.
      Recently, it was shown that brain IGF-I receptor and brain IRS2 control mammalian
      lifespan, and that this occurs through neuroendocrine mechanisms, control of
      energy metabolism and modified stress resistance. Furthermore, it was
      demonstrated that insulin receptor substrate molecules are implicated downstream
      of insulin and IGF receptors in the extension of lifespan. We showed recently
      that early postnatal diet plays a significant role in the development of the
      somatotropic axis, and that part of the neuroendocrine plasticity of growth
      hormone secretion depends on postnatal nutrition. We also showed that the
      prevalence of cardiovascular and metabolic pathologies varied with the
      development of somatotropic function. Neuroendocrine pathways are also prime
      targets for pharmacological treatments, and administration of rapamycin to adult
      mice has indeed recently been reported to prolong lifespan in mice. With respect
      to human aging, new studies identified several genes of the somatotropic axis as
      longevity determinants, and a recent study shows that variants of FOXO3A,
      downstream signaling molecule in the insulin/IGF pathway, are associated with
      extreme longevity in humans. Finally, several functional mutations of the human
      IGF-IR have been discovered in centenarians.

PMID- 22044905
TI  - High throughput virus plaque quantitation using a flatbed scanner.
AB  - The plaque assay is a standard technique for measuring influenza virus
      infectivity and inhibition of virus replication. Counting plaque numbers and
      quantifying virus infection of cells in multiwell plates quickly, accurately and
      automatically remain a challenge. Visual inspection relies upon experience, is
      subjective, often time consuming, and has less reproducibility than automated
      methods. In this paper, a simple, high throughput imaging-based alternative is
      proposed which uses a flatbed scanner and image processing software to quantify
      the infected cell population and plaque formation. Quantitation results were
      evaluated with reference to visual counting and achieved better than 80%
      agreement. The method was shown to be particularly advantageous in titration of
      the number of plaques and infected cells when influenza viruses produce a
      heterogeneous population of small plaques. It was also shown to be insensitive to
      the densities of plaques in determination of neutralization titres and IC(50)s of
      drug susceptibility. In comparison to other available techniques, this approach
      is cost-effective, relatively accurate, and readily available.

PMID- 22044906
TI  - Ethics in emergency medicine conferences.

PMID- 22044907
TI  - Digital pen and paper - introducing a new technology for prehospital data
      recording in German Helicopter Emergency Medical Service.

PMID- 22044908
TI  - Traumatic first costosternal joint subluxation complicated with occult
      pneumothorax:  an unusual case.

PMID- 22044909
TI  - Physician response time when communicating with patients over the Internet.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients want to use electronic communication to access health
      services more easily. Health authorities in several countries see this as a way
      to improve health care. Physicians appear to have conflicting opinions regarding
      the suitability of electronic communication in clinical settings. OBJECTIVES: The
      aim of our study was to measure how long it actually takes physicians to answer
      questions from patients through an electronic communication channel, and whether
      some of the questions are especially time consuming. METHODS: We monitored
      electronic patient-physician communication. A total of 1113 messages from 14
      participating physicians from 7 medical offices were analyzed. The length of
      questions and answers, and the time physicians spent answering the questions were
      recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: Physicians spent an average of 2.3 minutes
      (median 2 minutes) answering questions from patients. The patients' questions had
      an average length of 507.1 characters (95% CI 487.4-526.9, SD 336.2), while
      physicians' answers averaged 119.9 characters (95% CI 189.8-210.0, SD 172.6). The
      results show that the influence of patient question length on time spent
      responding was negligible. For the shortest 25% of the questions the answer time
      was 2.1 minutes (95% CI 1.9-2.3), while it was 2.4 minutes (95% CI 2.2-2.7) for
      the longest 25%. Even extremely long questions had a minimal impact on the time
      spent answering them. A threefold increase in question length from patients
      resulted in only an 18% increase in physician response time. CONCLUSIONS: The
      study shows the potential clinical usefulness of electronic communication between
      patients and health care services by demonstrating the potential for saving time.

PMID- 22044910
TI  - Bioinformatics analysis of rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus genome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rabbit haemorrhagic disease virus (RHDV), as the pathogeny of Rabbit
      haemorrhagic disease, can cause a highly infectious and often fatal disease only
      affecting wild and domestic rabbits. Recent researches revealed that it, as one
      number of the Caliciviridae, has some specialties in its genome, its reproduction
      and so on. RESULTS: In this report, we firstly analyzed its genome and two open
      reading frameworks (ORFs) from this aspect of codon usage bias. Our researches
      indicated that mutation pressure rather than natural is the most important
      determinant in RHDV with high codon bias, and the codon usage bias is nearly
      contrary between ORF1 and ORF2, which is maybe one of factors regulating the
      expression of VP60 (encoding by ORF1) and VP10 (encoding by ORF2). Furthermore,
      negative selective constraints on the RHDV whole genome implied that VP10 played
      an important role in RHDV lifecycle. CONCLUSIONS: We conjectured that VP10 might
      be beneficial for the replication, release or both of virus by inducing infected
      cell apoptosis initiate by RHDV. According to the results of the principal
      component analysis for ORF2 of RSCU, we firstly separated 30 RHDV into two
      genotypes, and the ENC values indicated ORF1 and ORF2 were independent among the
      evolution of RHDV.

PMID- 22044911
TI  - K-ras mutations in the plasma correspond to computed tomographic findings in
      patients with pancreatic cancer.

PMID- 22044913
TI  - A mixed-methods investigation to explore how women living in disadvantaged areas
      might be supported to improve their diets.
AB  - Mixed-methods explored the potential for using Sure Start Children's Centres
      (SSCCs) to deliver an intervention to improve the diets of disadvantaged women
      and their children. In an 'expert' discussion, SSCC staff described gaining
      women's trust, meeting needs and bringing about change as key to engaging women
      successfully. Structured observations in SSCCs showed they host activities in an
      environment conducive to building relationships and meeting women's needs.
      However, staff often missed opportunities to support women to make dietary
      changes. These data suggest that an intervention to help staff make the most of
      these opportunities would have the best chance of success.

PMID- 22044914
TI  - High levels of psychological distress in MSM are independent of HIV status.
AB  - This study assessed psychological distress (PD) in men who have sex with men
      (MSM) accessing primary health clinics in Australia. Relationships between PD,
      HIV status and substance use were explored. A cross-sectional convenience sample
      of 250 MSM completed the Personality Assessment Screener (PAS). One-third (n =
      83) scored in the PAS clinically significant range, suggesting significant mental
      health symptoms. Negative Affect (27 per cent clinically significant), Suicidal
      Thinking (29 per cent clinically significant) and Amphetamine use significantly
      positively correlated with PD. There were no significant differences between HIV
      diagnostic groups on PD. A third of MSM displayed PD. Psychological screening may
      provide valuable information for improving the psychological well-being of MSM,
      regardless of their HIV status.

PMID- 22044915
TI  - The psychosocial determinants of the intention to reduce the number of sexual
      partners among recent traditionally initiated and circumcized men in the Eastern
      Cape Province, South Africa.
AB  - This study focuses on the factors associated with the intention to reduce the
      number of sexual partners. An individual face-to-face interview was used to
      collect data amongst 2337 traditionally initiated and circumcized men in the
      rural areas of Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. About 55.5% reported having a
      main sexual partner and of those 41.4% indicated having other sexual partners.
      The strongest association with intention was found for self-efficacy towards
      having one sexual partner, which accounted for almost 49% of the variance. These
      findings provide specific information for the development of a focused cultural
      sensitive STI/HIV prevention programme in sexually active young men, which can be
      integrated into the initiation and health education practices.

PMID- 22044916
TI  - Interleukin-6 impairs chronotropic responsiveness to cholinergic stimulation and
      decreases heart rate variability in mice.
AB  - Heart rate variability is reduced in several clinical settings associated with
      systemic inflammation. The underlying mechanism of decreased heart rate
      variability during systemic inflammation is unknown. It appears that the
      inflammatory cytokines might play a role, since epidemiologic studies has shown
      that circulating levels of interleukine-6 (IL-6) correlate significantly with
      indexes of depressed heart rate variability in various clinical conditions. The
      present investigation was carried out to study the peripheral and central effects
      of IL-6 on heart rate dynamic in mice. Adult male BALB/c mice were used in the
      study. RT-PCR was performed to study the expression of IL-6 receptor in mouse
      atrial and the results showed that gp130 mRNA was detectable in the atrium. The
      effect of IL-6 was also studies on chronotropic responsiveness of isolated atria
      to adrenergic and cholinergic stimulations. Incubation of isolated atria with 10
      ng/ml of IL-6 was associated with a significant hypo-responsiveness to
      cholinergic stimulation (log IC50 of carbacholine changed from -6.26+/-0.10 in
      controls to -5.59+/-0.19 following incubation with IL-6, P<0.05). The
      chronotropic responsiveness to adrenergic stimulation was identical with or
      without incubation with IL-6. Intraperitoneal injection of IL-6 (200 ng/mouse)
      was associated with a significant decrease in heart rate variability parameters
      (SDNN, SD1, and SD2). While intracerebroventricular injection of IL-6 (50
      ng/mouse) had no significant effect on heart rate variability parameters. These
      data are in line with a peripheral role for IL-6 in the genesis of decreased
      heart rate variability during systemic inflammation.

PMID- 22044917
TI  - Spinal anesthesia with diphenhydramine and pheniramine in rats.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the local anesthetic effects of pheniramine
      and diphenhydramine, two histamine H1 receptor antagonists, on spinal anesthesia
      and their comparison with lidocaine, a commonly used local anesthetic. After rats
      were injected intrathecally with diphenhydramine and pheniramine, the dose
      response curves were obtained. The potency and duration of diphenhydramine and
      pheniramine on spinal anesthesia were compared with lidocaine. We showed that
      diphenhydramine and pheniramine produced dose-dependent spinal blockades in motor
      function, proprioception, and nociception. On a 50% effective dose (ED50) basis,
      the rank of potency of drugs was diphenhydramine=pheniramine>lidocaine (p<0.05
      for the differences). In equianesthetic doses (ED25, ED50, and ED75), the block
      duration caused by diphenhydramine was longer than that caused by pheniramine or
      lidocaine (p<0.01 for the differences). Diphenhydramine, but not pheniramine or
      lidocaine, elicited longer duration of sensory block than that of motor block at
      the same dose of 1.75 MUmol. These preclinical data reported that diphenhydramine
      with a more sensory-selective action over motor blockade demonstrated more potent
      and longer-lasting spinal blockades, compared with pheniramine or lidocaine.

PMID- 22044918
TI  - Effects of phenothiazine-class antipsychotics on the function of alpha7-nicotinic
      acetylcholine receptors.
AB  - The effects of phenothiazine-class antipsychotics (chlorpromazine, fluphenazine,
      phenothiazine, promazine, thioridazine, and triflupromazine) upon the function of
      the cloned alpha7 subunit of the human nicotinic acetylcholine receptor expressed
      in Xenopus oocytes were tested using the two-electrode voltage-clamp technique.
      Fluphenazine, thioridazine, triflupromazine, chlorpromazine, and promazine
      reversibly inhibited acetylcholine (100 MUM)-induced currents with IC50 values of
      3.8; 5.8; 6.1; 10.6 and 18.3 MUM, respectively. Unsubstituted phenothiazine did
      not have a significant effect up to a concentration of 30 MUM. Inhibition was
      further characterized using fluphenazine, the strongest inhibitor. The effect of
      fluphenazine was not dependent on the membrane potential. Fluphenazine (10 MUM)
      did not affect the activity of endogenous Ca2+-dependent Cl- channels, since the
      extent of inhibition by fluphenazine was unaltered by intracellular injection of
      the Ca2+ chelator BAPTA and perfusion with Ca2+-free bathing solution containing
      2 mM Ba2+. Inhibition by fluphenazine, but not by chlorpromazine was reversed by
      increasing acetylcholine concentrations. Furthermore, specific binding of [125I]
      alpha-bungarotoxin, a radioligand selective for alpha7-nicotinic acetylcholine
      receptor, was inhibited by fluphenazine (10 MUM), but not by chlorpromazine in
      oocyte membranes. In hippocampal slices, epibatidine-evoked [3H] norepinephrine
      release was also inhibited by fluphenazine (10 MUM) and chlorpromazine (10 MUM).
      Our results indicate that phenothiazine-class typical antipsychotics inhibit,
      with varying potencies, the function of alpha7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor.

PMID- 22044919
TI  - Resveratrol inhibits interleukin 1beta-mediated inducible nitric oxide synthase
      expression in articular chondrocytes by activating SIRT1 and thereby suppressing
      nuclear factor-kappaB activity.
AB  - In chondrocytes, resveratrol, a natural SIRT1 activator, exerts an anti
      inflammatory response via inhibition of nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB). Given
      that SIRT1 inhibits the transactivation potential of NF-kappaB by deacetylating
      acetylated lysines in p65, the NF-kappaB subunit, we investigated the effects of
      resveratrol-activated SIRT1 on articular chondrocytes. We found that when
      chondrocytes were stimulated with interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta), the time- and
      dose-dependent expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression
      and nitric oxide (NO) production was suppressed by resveratrol. Resveratrol
      activated SIRT1 mediated this suppression. SIRT1 suppressed not only the nuclear
      translocation of NF-kappaB but also the acetylation of p65. Furthermore,
      acetylated Lys310 in p65, which must be present for transactivation activity, was
      the immediate downstream target of SIRT1. Therefore, SIRT1 protects against the
      inflammatory response induced by IL-1beta in articular chondrocytes. Resveratrol,
      as an activator of SIRT1, merits consideration as a therapeutic agent in the
      treatment and prevention of osteoarthritis.

PMID- 22044920
TI  - Regulatory role of the dopamine and norepinephrine transporters in
      pentylenetetrazol-kindled mice: association with effect of antidepressants.
AB  - In clinical practice, patients with epilepsy are frequently associated with
      psychiatric disorders, including cognitive impairment, depression, and attention
      deficit hyperactivity disorder. In fact, patients with epilepsy often take
      centrally acting drugs, such as antidepressants and anxiolytics; however, it
      remains unclear whether epilepsy is associated with psychiatric function. The
      present study examined the effect of kindled epileptic seizures on depression
      like behavior in mice. The immobility time of pentylenetetrazol-kindled mice was
      as long as the immobility time of the controls in both a forced swimming test and
      a tail suspension test. Bupropion (10mg/kg, i.p.) decreased the duration of
      immobility in the forced swimming test of pentylenetetrazol-kindled mice, while
      having no significant effect in controls. Furthermore, atomoxetine (2mg/kg, i.p.)
      caused a significant decrease in the duration of immobility in the tail
      suspension test of the pentylenetetrazol-kindled mice, while having no
      significant effect in controls. Using immunohistochemistry, it was shown that
      there was no significant change in dopamine transporter levels in the striatum;
      however, norepinephrine transporter was significantly increased in the perirhinal
      cortex of the pentylenetetrazol-kindled mice. These results suggested that
      bupropion (in low doses) and atomoxetine are good candidates for the treatment of
      patients with epilepsy who suffer from psychiatric symptoms. Furthermore, this
      mechanism may be involved in the change of norepinephrine transporter expression,
      at least in the perirhinal cortex.

PMID- 22044921
TI  - Brazilin inhibits UVB-induced MMP-1/3 expressions and secretions by suppressing
      the NF-kappaB pathway in human dermal fibroblasts.
AB  - Brazilin (7, 11b-dihydrobenz[b]indeno[1,2-d]pyran-3,6a,9,10 (6H)-tetrol), the
      major component of Caesalpinia sappan L., is a natural red pigment used for
      histological staining. Recent studies have shown that brazilin exhibits distinct
      biological effects, including anti-hepatotoxicity, antiplatelet activity, and
      anti-inflammatory activities. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of
      brazilin on MMP-1 and -3 expressions in human dermal fibroblasts exposed to
      ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation. Brazilin showed protective effect on UVB-induced
      loss of cell viability of fibroblasts. Brazilin also blocked significantly UVB
      induced Reactive Oxygen Species generation in fibroblasts. Brazilin inhibited UVB
      induced MMP-1/3 expressions and secretions in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover,
      UVB-induced NF-kappaB activation was completely blocked by treatment with
      brazilin. These findings suggest that brazilin inhibits UVB-induced MMP-1/3
      expressions and secretions by suppressing of NF-kappaB activation in human dermal
      fibroblasts. Thus, brazilin might be used as a potential agent for treatment of
      UV-induced skin photoaging.

PMID- 22044922
TI  - Brain-derived neurotrophic factor-activated astrocytes produce mechanical
      allodynia in neuropathic pain.
AB  - Neuropathic pain management is challenging for physicians and a vexing problem
      for basic researchers. Recent studies reveal that activated spinal astrocytes may
      play a vital role in nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain, although the
      mechanisms are not fully understood. We have found increased glial fibrillary
      acidic protein (GFAP) expression, a hallmark of reactive gliosis, and elevated
      brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in the dorsal horn in a rat
      model of allodynia induced by spinal nerve ligation (SNL). The high GFAP
      expression and mechanical allodynia that SNL induces were prevented by the
      intrathecal injection of the BDNF-sequestering fusion protein TrkB/Fc.
      Additionally, mechanical allodynia and GFAP overexpression was induced by the
      spinal administration of exogenous BDNF to naive rats, and exogenous BDNF given
      together with fluorocitrate, an astrocytic metabolism inhibitor, inhibited
      allodynia and GFAP upregulation. Exogenous BDNF also activated the astrocytes
      directly when tested in vitro. Furthermore, intrathecal administration of BDNF
      stimulated astrocytes also induced mechanical allodynia in naive rats. All of
      these results indicate that astrocytes activated by BDNF might contribute to
      mechanical allodynia development in neuropathic pain in rats.

PMID- 22044923
TI  - Intrinsically photosensitive ganglion cells of the primate retina express
      distinct combinations of inhibitory neurotransmitter receptors.
AB  - Intrinsically-photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs) express the
      photopigment melanopsin and function as irradiance detectors, responsible for
      crucial non-image forming visual functions. In addition to their intrinsic
      photosensitivity, ipRGCs are also activated by synaptic inputs originating at the
      classical photoreceptors, rods and cones. Little is known about inhibition
      through these retinal pathways, despite ipRGCs receiving massive synaptic inputs
      from inhibitory amacrine interneurons. We performed a wide anatomical screening
      for neurotransmitter receptors possibly involved in the inhibitory modulation of
      ipRGCs in the macaque retina. We investigated both subtypes of primate ipRGCs
      described so far and report that outer-stratifying (M1) cells possess mainly GlyR
      alpha2 and GABA(A)R alpha3 subunits, while inner-stratifying (M2) cells are
      overall subject to less inhibitory modulation. Our results suggest that M1 and M2
      ipRGC subtypes are modulated via distinct inhibitory intraretinal circuits.

PMID- 22044924
TI  - Monaural conductive hearing loss alters the expression of the GluA3 AMPA and
      glycine receptor alpha1 subunits in bushy and fusiform cells of the cochlear
      nucleus.
AB  - The impact of conductive hearing loss (CHL), the second most common form of
      hearing loss, on neuronal plasticity in the central auditory pathway is unknown.
      After short-term (1 day) monaural earplugging, the GluA3 subunits of the AMPA
      receptor (AMPAR) are upregulated at auditory nerve synapses on the projection
      neurons of the cochlear nucleus; glycine receptor alpha1 (GlyRalpha1) subunits
      are downregulated at inhibitory synapses in the same neuronal population. These
      data suggest that CHL affects receptor trafficking at synapses. We examined the
      impact of 7 days of CHL on the general expression of excitatory and inhibitory
      receptors by quantitative biochemistry and immunohistochemistry, using specific
      antibodies to detect AMPAR subunits (GluA1, GluA2, GluA2/3, and GluA4),
      GlyRalpha1, and the GABA(A) receptor subunits beta2/3. Following monaural
      earplugging and an elevation of the hearing threshold by approximately 35 dB, the
      immunolabeling of the antibody for the GluA2/3 subunits but not the GluA2 subunit
      increased on bushy cells (BCs) and fusiform cells (FCs) of the ipsilateral
      ventral and dorsal cochlear nuclei. These same cell types showed a downregulation
      of the GlyRalpha1 subunit. Similar results were observed in the contralateral
      nuclei. The expression levels of GABA(A) beta2/3 were unchanged. These findings
      suggest that, following longer periods of monaural conductive hearing loss, the
      synthesis and subsequent composition of specific glutamate and glycine receptors
      in projection neurons and their synapses are altered; these changes may
      contribute to abnormal auditory processing.

PMID- 22044925
TI  - Predictors of adipose tissue concentrations of organochlorine pesticides in a
      general Danish population.
AB  - Organochlorine pesticides are ubiquitously present in the environment and
      suspected of carcinogenic, neurological and immunological effects. Our objective
      was to identify determinants of adipose tissue levels of organochlorine
      pesticides experienced by a general Danish population. Adipose tissue was
      collected upon enrolment of 245 randomly selected persons from a prospective
      cohort of 57,053 persons enrolled between 1993 and 1997. We examined geography,
      gender, age, lactation, body mass index (BMI) and intake of nine dietary groups
      and tap water drinks, as potential determinants of
      dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT), dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene,
      hexachlorocyclohexane, dieldrin, hexachlorobenzene, cis-nonachlor, trans
      nonachlor and oxychlordane. Living in Copenhagen city and age at enrolment showed
      positive associations with all compounds. BMI was positively associated with all
      compounds except cis-nonachlor. Fatty-fish consumption showed positive
      associations with cis-nonachlor, trans-nonachlor, DDT and dieldrin and fruit and
      vegetables were inversely associated with dieldrin. Determinant estimates of
      trans-nonachlor were similar to estimates of total chlordanes while cis-nonachlor
      and oxychlordane seemed to differ. This is one of the first studies of
      organochlorine pesticides predictors in adipose tissue and contributes to the
      ongoing debate about exposure sources of these compounds. Single determinants
      varied among the individual compounds, even within related chlordane residues,
      suggesting that organochlorine pesticides should not be treated as a homogenous
      group.

PMID- 22044926
TI  - Urinary biomarkers of occupational jet fuel exposure among Air Force personnel.
AB  - There is a potential for widespread occupational exposure to jet fuel among
      military and civilian personnel. Urinary metabolites of naphthalene have been
      suggested for use as short-term biomarkers of exposure to jet fuel (jet
      propulsion fuel 8 (JP8)). In this study, urinary biomarkers of JP8 were evaluated
      among US Air Force personnel. Personnel (n=24) were divided a priori into high,
      moderate, and low exposure groups. Pre- and post-shift urine samples were
      collected from each worker over three workdays and analyzed for metabolites of
      naphthalene (1- and 2-naphthol). Questionnaires and breathing-zone naphthalene
      samples were collected from each worker during the same workdays. Linear mixed
      effects models were used to evaluate the exposure data. Post-shift levels of 1-
      and 2-naphthol varied significantly by a priori exposure group (levels in high
      group>moderate group>low group), and breathing-zone naphthalene was a significant
      predictor of post-shift levels of 1- and 2-naphthol, indicating that for every
      unit increase in breathing-zone naphthalene, there was an increase in naphthol
      levels. These results indicate that post-shift levels of urinary 1- and 2
      naphthol reflect JP8 exposure during the work-shift and may be useful surrogates
      of JP8 exposure. Among the high exposed workers, significant job-related
      predictors of post-shift levels of 1- and 2-naphthol included entering the fuel
      tank, repairing leaks, direct skin contact with JP8, and not wearing gloves
      during the work-shift. The job-related predictors of 1- and 2-naphthol emphasize
      the importance of reducing inhalation and dermal exposure through the use of
      personal protective equipment while working in an environment with JP8.

PMID- 22044927
TI  - Early diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction in patients with pre-existing
      coronary artery disease using more sensitive cardiac troponin assays.
AB  - AIMS: We sought to examine the diagnostic and prognostic utility of sensitive
      cardiac troponin (cTn) assays in patients with pre-existing coronary artery
      disease (CAD). METHODS AND RESULTS: We conducted a multicentre study to examine
      the diagnostic accuracy of one high-sensitive and two sensitive cTn assays in
      1098 consecutive patients presenting with symptoms suggestive of acute myocardial
      infarction (AMI), of whom 401 (37%) had pre-existing CAD. Measurements of Roche
      high-sensitive cTnT (hs-cTnT), Siemens cTnI-Ultra, Abbott-Architect cTnI and the
      standard assay (Roche cTnT) were performed in a blinded fashion. The final
      diagnosis was adjudicated by two independent cardiologists. Acute myocardial
      infarction was the final diagnosis in 19% of CAD patients. Among patients with
      diagnoses other than AMI, baseline cTn levels were elevated above the 99th
      percentile with Roche hs-cTnT in 40%, with Siemens TnI-Ultra in 15%, and Abbott
      Architect cTnI in 13% of them. In patients with pre-existing CAD, the diagnostic
      accuracy at presentation, quantified by the area under the receiver operator
      characteristic curve (AUC), was significantly greater for the sensitive cTn
      assays compared with the standard assay (AUC for Roche hs-cTnT, 0.92; Siemens
      cTnI-Ultra, 0.94; and Abbott-Architect cTnI, 0.93 vs. AUC for the standard assay,
      0.87; P < 0.01 for all comparisons). Elevated levels of cTn measured with the
      sensitive assays predicted mortality irrespective of pre-existing CAD, age, sex,
      and cardiovascular risk factors. CONCLUSION: Sensitive cTn assays have high
      diagnostic accuracy also in CAD patients. Mild elevations are common in non-AMI
      patients and test-specific optimal cut-off levels tend to be higher in CAD
      patients than in patients without history of CAD. Sensitive cTn assays also
      retain prognostic value. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00470587).

PMID- 22044928
TI  - High temperatures and cause-specific mortality.

PMID- 22044929
TI  - The hydrazide/hydrazone click reaction as a biomolecule labeling strategy for
      M(CO)3 (M = Re, (99m)Tc) radiopharmaceuticals.
AB  - Facile reactivity of hydrazides and aldehydes was explored as potential coupling
      partners for incorporation into M(CO)(3) (M = Re, (99m)Tc) based
      radiopharmaceuticals. Both 'click, then chelate' and 'prelabel, then click'
      synthetic routes produced identical products in high yields and lacked metal
      hydrazide/-hydrazone interactions, highlighting the potential of this click
      strategy.

PMID- 22044931
TI  - Delivered oxygen fraction during simulated cardiopulmonary resuscitation
      depending on the kind of resuscitation bag and oxygen flow.
AB  - Emergency cases for resuscitation include built-in oxygen cylinders with limited
      oxygen supply. The use of a bag-valve mask device (BVMD) with a reservoir
      requires a high constant flow of oxygen to maintain a high concentration of
      delivered oxygen. The goal of the study was to analyze what fraction of inspired
      oxygen (FiO2) can be reached and how long it takes using different BVMD with
      their reservoir device and different oxygen flows in order to allow a reduction
      in oxygen requirements during simulated cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
      Experimental analysis was carried out during simulated CPR on the effect in the
      final FiO2 and the time required to reach it using two different models of BVMD
      with their reservoir device: Mark IV and Revivator-Plus and four different oxygen
      flows 5, 10, 15, and 10 l/min during 1 min, followed by 5 l/min (10-5). With both
      the BVMDs studied, the FiO2 values reached at 10, 15, and 10-5 l/min were higher
      than 0.85 [Mark IV=0.87 (0.01); Revivator=0.93 (0.03)] in 60 s. At 5 l/min FiO2
      were lower in 60 s (P<0.001) and were higher than 0.85 [Mark IV=0.90 (0.005);
      Revivator=0.90 (0.005)] in 80 s. The mean FiO2 was lower with the Mark IV
      (P<0.05) (Table 1). To allow a substantial reduction in oxygen requirements, a 10
      l/min for 1 min, followed by 5 l/min of oxygen flow can be used during CPR with
      both BVMDs studied. Increasing supplemental oxygen flow did not appreciably
      increase the FiO2.

PMID- 22044932
TI  - Horizontal subxiphoid landmark optimizes probe placement during the Focused
      Assessment with Sonography for Trauma ultrasound exam.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To introduce an external landmark for optimizing probe placement
      during Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma (FAST) exam. METHODS: This
      prospective study was conducted in two phases. First, the students and emergency
      medicine residents were trained in FAST exam utilizing the horizontal subxiphoid
      (HS) landmark. The landmark consists of the crossing points of a horizontal line
      extending from the xiphoid process to the right midaxillary line (H point) and
      left posterior axillary line (S point). Second, the trained students and
      residents performed FAST among Emergency Departments patients at two teaching
      hospitals. The primary outcome was a target organ acquisition score for each
      view, derived from the number of target organs visualized on an initial probe
      placement. Secondary endpoints included: time required to obtain the requisite
      images, and the impact of patient characteristics on landmark prediction rate.
      RESULTS: Forty-eight providers performed 477 exams. The collective prediction
      rate of the HS landmark was 86.6% for both H and S points upon first attempt
      without further probe adjustments. Operators visualized all required target
      structures at the first probe placement site in 430 out of 477 (90.1%) cases at
      the right upper quadrant, and in 392 out of 474 (82.7%) cases at the left upper
      quadrant without further probe adjustments. Limited probe adjustment (<2 cm from
      the initial landmark site) improved the success rate up to 95.6 and 90% to the
      right upper quadrant and left upper quadrant, respectively. As BMI increased,
      precision score decreased and image acquisition time increased. CONCLUSION: The
      HS line is an external landmark that may optimize probe placement and facilitates
      teaching and performance of FAST examination.

PMID- 22044933
TI  - Verapamil results in increased blood levels of oncolytic adenovirus in treatment
      of patients with advanced cancer.
AB  - Calcium channel blockers including verapamil have been proposed to enhance
      release and antitumor efficacy of oncolytic adenoviruses in preclinical studies
      but this has not been studied in humans before. Here, we studied if verapamil
      leads to increased replication of oncolytic adenovirus in cancer patients, as
      measured by release of virions from tumor cells into the systemic circulation.
      The study was conducted as a matched case-control study of advanced cancer
      patients treated with oncolytic adenoviruses with or without verapamil. We
      observed that verapamil increased mean virus titers present in blood after
      treatment (P < 0.05). The frequency or severity of adverse events was not
      increased, nor were cytokine responses or neutralizing antibody levels different
      between groups. Signs of possible treatment-related clinical benefits were
      observed in both groups, but there was no significant difference in responses or
      survival. Thus, our data suggests that the combination of verapamil with
      oncolytic adenoviruses is safe and well tolerated. Moreover, verapamil treatment
      seems to result in higher virus titers in blood, indicating enhanced overall
      replication in tumors. A randomized trial is needed to confirm these findings and
      to study if enhanced replication results in benefits to patients.

PMID- 22044934
TI  - Functionally enhanced siRNA targeting TNFalpha attenuates DSS-induced colitis and
      TLR-mediated immunostimulation in mice.
AB  - Tumor necrosis factor (TNFalpha) is a proinflammatory cytokine involved in the
      pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Although TNFalpha has been
      extensively targeted using systemic drugs, the use of antisense and small
      interfering RNA (siRNA) to drive down its expression at the site of inflammation
      should provide important advantages. In this study, native and chemically
      modified siRNA against TNFalpha was developed and characterized using a murine
      model of IBD. siRNA with 2'-O-methyl and propanediol modifications (siTNF-OMe-P)
      were resistant to nuclease degradation and provided better silencing efficacy in
      vitro as compared to unmodified siRNA. Every modification reduced nonspecific
      Toll-like receptor (TLR)-mediated immunomodulation in human peripheral blood
      mononuclear cells (PBMC) cells. Intrarectal administration of siTNF-OMe-P
      significantly ameliorated the clinical endpoints and histopathological severity
      in 5% dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-treated mice as compared to unmodified and
      other chemically modified siRNAs. Differential gene expression assessed in siTNF
      OMe-P-treated animals correlated with improved colon integrity and reduced TLR
      activation as compared to all treatment groups. All in all, this study
      demonstrates that propanediol and 2'-O-methyl modifications have profound
      functional consequences for siRNA efficacy in vivo. Consequently, this strategy
      has potential implications for therapeutic intervention in IBD and other
      diseases.

PMID- 22044936
TI  - On the origin of the alternating Diels-Alder reactivity in [n]dendralenes.
AB  - G4(MP2) calculations on Diels-Alder reactions of [3]- and [4]dendralene have
      revealed that reactant dendralene conformer populations and closed-shell singlet
      bis-pericyclic transition states explain their different reactivities.

PMID- 22044935
TI  - Correction of murine Bernard-Soulier syndrome by lentivirus-mediated gene
      therapy.
AB  - Bernard-Soulier syndrome (BSS) is an inherited bleeding disorder caused by a
      defect in the platelet glycoprotein (GP) Ib-IX-V complex. The main treatment for
      BSS is platelet transfusion but it is often limited to severe bleeding episodes
      or surgical interventions due to the risk of alloimmunization. We have previously
      reported successful expression of human GPIbalpha (hGPIbalpha) in human
      megakaryocytes using a lentiviral vector (LV) encoding human GP1BA under control
      of the platelet-specific integrin alphaIIb promoter (2bIbalpha). In this study,
      we examined the efficacy of this strategy for the gene therapy of BSS using
      GPIbalpha(null) as a murine model of BSS. GPIbalpha(null) hematopoietic stem
      cells (HSC) transduced with 2bIbalpha LV were transplanted into lethally
      irradiated GPIbalpha(null) littermates. Therapeutic levels of hGPIbalpha
      expression were achieved that corrected the tail bleeding time and improved the
      macrothrombocytopenia. Sequential bone marrow (BM) transplants showed sustained
      expression of hGPIbalpha with similar phenotypic correction. Antibody response to
      hGPIbalpha was documented in 1 of 17 total recipient mice but was tolerated
      without any further treatment. These results demonstrate that lentivirus-mediated
      gene transfer can provide sustained phenotypic correction of murine BSS,
      indicating that this approach may be a promising strategy for gene therapy of BSS
      patients.

PMID- 22044937
TI  - Prostate-specific antigen testing in Tyrol, Austria: prostate cancer mortality
      reduction was supported by an update with mortality data up to 2008.

PMID- 22044938
TI  - Towards new therapeutic approaches for malignant melanoma.
AB  - Recent progress in understanding the molecular mechanisms of the initiation and
      progression of melanoma has created new opportunities for developing novel
      therapeutic modalities to manage this potentially lethal disease. Although at
      first glance, melanoma carcinogenesis appears to be a chaotic system, it is
      indeed, arguably, a deterministic multistep process involving sequential
      alterations of proto-oncogenes, tumour suppressors and miRNA genes. The scope of
      this article is to discuss the most recent and significant advances in melanoma
      molecular therapeutics. It is apparent that using single agents targeting solely
      individual melanoma pathways might be insufficient for long-term survival.
      However, the outstanding results on melanoma survival observed with novel
      selective inhibitors of B-RAF, such as PLX4032 give hope that melanoma can be
      cured. The fact that melanoma develops acquired resistance to PLX4032 emphasises
      the importance of simultaneously targeting several pathways. Because the most
      striking feature of melanoma is its unsurpassed ability to metastasise, it is
      important to implement newer systems for drug delivery adapted from research on
      stem cells and nanotechnology.

PMID- 22044939
TI  - Impact of SHMT1 polymorphism on the clinical outcome of patients with metastatic
      colorectal cancer treated with first-line FOLFIRI+bevacizumab.
AB  - The impact of thymidylate synthase (TYMS), methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase
      (MTHFR), and serine hydroxymethyltransferase 1 (SHMT1) gene polymorphisms and
      that of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD) enzyme activity, serum total
      homocysteine level, and estimated serum creatinine clearance on first-line 5
      fluorouracil, leucovorin, irinotecan, and bevacizumab (FOLFIRI+bevacizumab)
      regimen efficacy in metastatic colorectal cancer patients was investigated. DNA
      was extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Genotyping was performed
      for TYMS 5'UTR variable number tandem repeat, TYMS 3'UTR ins/del, MTHFR C677T,
      and SHMT1 C1420T polymorphisms. The DPD activity of peripheral blood mononuclear
      cells was also determined. The univariate and multivariate analyses demonstrated
      that the SHMT1 1420T allele was associated with better response (P=0.025) and
      longer progression-free survival (PFS) (P=0.00004) and overall survival (OS)
      (P=0.034). Grade >=2 hypertension was also an independent prognostic factor of
      longer progression-free survival and OS. Bevacizumab-related hypertension might
      be a predictive marker of treatment efficacy (P=0.0002 for OS) in the case of
      wild (CC) SHMT1 1420 genotypes only.

PMID- 22044940
TI  - ADH4 intronic variations are associated with alcohol dependence:  results from an
      Italian case-control association study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the involvement of ADH4 gene polymorphisms in
      the susceptibility to alcohol use disorders. METHODS: Thirty-eight single
      nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in and around the ADH4 gene were investigated in
      136 Italian alcoholics and 276 healthy controls. A new approach based on a
      bioinformatic method selected 26 SNPs that may affect the splicing sites,
      destroying or creating binding sites of splicing regulatory proteins. RESULTS:
      Case-control comparisons for allele and genotype frequencies showed that ADH4
      SNPs were associated with alcohol dependence but not with alcohol abuse. The
      association signal was strongest for rs1009145, rs13148577 (both P=0.0008) and
      rs7689753 (P=0.0007), whose minor alleles were predicted to alter the target
      protein sequences involved in mRNA splicing. A pairwise linkage disequilibrium
      analysis showed that all SNPs except five were located in a single haplotype
      block. Six haplotype tag SNPs were selected to infer haplotypes and to estimate
      their frequency distributions. A logistic regression analysis confirmed the
      association between ADH4 variants and alcohol dependence when sex, age, years of
      education, marital status and the allele genotype, haplotype and diplotype data
      of the six haplotype tag SNP were considered. Haplotype ATAAAT, which contained
      the minor allele of rs10009145 and the major allele of rs7689753, increased the
      risk of alcohol dependence, whereas haplotype GGGGAT, bearing the major allele of
      rs10009145 and the minor allele of rs7689753, protected against it. Again, there
      was no evidence of an association with alcohol abuse. CONCLUSION: These data
      suggest that ADH4 intronic variants play a role in alcohol dependence
      susceptibility in Italian populations. Functional studies are needed to establish
      the role of the genetic variations that seem to affect the splicing mechanism.

PMID- 22044942
TI  - 4-Thiothymidine sensitization of DNA to UVA offers potential for a novel
      photochemotherapy.
AB  - Photochemotherapy, in which ultraviolet radiation (UVR: 280-400 nm) or visible
      light is combined with a photosensitizing drug to produce a therapeutic effect
      that neither drug or radiation can achieve alone, is a proven therapeutic
      strategy for a number of non-malignant hyperproliferative skin conditions and
      various cancers. Examples are psoralen plus UVA (320-400 nm) radiation (PUVA) and
      photodynamic therapy (PDT). All existing photochemotherapies have drawbacks - for
      example the association of PUVA with the development of skin cancer, and pain
      that is often associated with PDT treatment of skin lesions. There is a clear
      need to develop alternative approaches that involve lower radiation doses and/or
      improved selectivity for target cells. In this review, we explore the possibility
      to address this need by exploiting thionucleoside-mediated DNA photosensitisation
      to low, non toxic doses of UVA radiation.

PMID- 22044941
TI  - Patterns of interaction between genetic and nongenetic attributes and
      methotrexate efficacy in rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The contribution of low-penetrance single nucleotide polymorphisms to
      methotrexate efficacy in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is inconsistent between
      studies. We sought to elucidate architecture of methotrexate response in three
      cohorts of patients with RA treated with methotrexate. METHODS: Single nucleotide
      polymorphism frequencies in genes from folate, purine, and pyrimidine pathways
      were measured to develop a model of gene-gene interactions using multifactor
      dimensionality reduction in 439 patients who received methotrexate in the USA and
      The Netherlands. A third cohort of 530 patients with RA from Sweden was used to
      replicate the findings. Methotrexate efficacy was assessed using the European
      League Against Rheumatism criteria in the majority of patients. RESULTS:
      Nonlinear patterns of gene-gene interactions between variants in aminoimidazole
      carboxamide ribonucleotide transformylase (C347G), reduced-folate carrier (G80A)
      and inosine-triphosphate pyrophosphatase (C94A) revealed a predisposing genetic
      attribute significantly associated with methotrexate response in the USA and
      Dutch cohorts [odds ratio (OR)=2.9, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.9-4.2;
      P<0.001]. Although the finding was not replicated in the Swedish cohort (OR=0.9;
      95% CI: 0.64-1.37; P=0.74) a multifactor dimensionality reduction analysis
      superimposing the predisposing genetic attribute with patient's age, sex, and
      anticitrullinated peptide antibodies positivity (ACPA) revealed a pattern of
      interaction significant in all three cohorts (OR=2.2, 95% CI: 1.6-2.9; P<0.01).
      The selective advantage toward response in the presence of the predisposing
      genetic attribute was lost in females and ACPA-positive patients, whereas older
      and male ACPA-negative patients tended to exhibit a greater likelihood of
      response in the absence of the predisposing genetic attribute. CONCLUSION: Gene
      gene interactions together with nongenetic attributes may contribute to
      methotrexate efficacy in RA.

PMID- 22044944
TI  - Role of puerarin in the signalling of neuropathic pain mediated by P2X3 receptor
      of dorsal root ganglion neurons.
AB  - Tissue injury or inflammation of the nervous system may result in chronic
      neuropathic pain characterized by sensitivity to painful stimuli. P2X(3)
      receptors play a crucial role in facilitating pain transmission. Puerarin is an
      active compound of a traditional Chinese medicine Ge-gen, and Ge-gen soup has
      anti-inflammatory effects. The present research investigated the role of puerarin
      in the signalling of chronic neuropathic pain mediated by P2X(3) receptors of rat
      dorsal root ganglion neurons. Chronic constriction injury (CCI) rat model was
      adopted. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into blank control group
      (Ctrl), sham group (Sham), puerarin-treated control group (Ctrl+PUE), chronic
      constriction injury (CCI) group and puerarin-treated CCI group (CCI+PUE).
      Mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) and thermal withdrawal latency (TWL) were
      measured by the von-Frey test and the Hargreaves' test respectively. The stain
      values of P2X(3) protein and mRNA in L4/L5 dorsal root ganglion (DRG) were
      detected by immunohistochemistry, western blot and in situ hybridization. At day
      4-7 after the operation of CCI rats, MWT and TWL in group CCI and CCI+PUE were
      lower than those in group Ctrl, Sham and Ctrl+PUE, while there was no difference
      among group Ctrl, Sham and Ctrl+PUE. At day 7-10 after operation, MWT and TWL in
      group CCI+PUE was higher than those in group CCI, but there was no significant
      difference between group CCI+PUE and group Ctrl (p>0.05). At day 14 after
      operation, the stain values of P2X(3) proteins and mRNAs in L4/L5 DRG of group
      CCI were higher than those in group Ctrl, Sham, Ctrl+PUE and CCI+PUE, while the
      stain values of P2X(3) proteins and mRNAs in group CCI+PUE were significantly
      decreased compared with those in group CCI. Therefore, puerarin may alleviate
      neuropathic pain mediated by P2X(3) receptors in dorsal root ganglion neurons.

PMID- 22044943
TI  - Acute neuregulin-1 signaling influences AMPA receptor mediated responses in
      cultured cerebellar granule neurons.
AB  - Neuregulin-1 (NRG1) is a trophic and differentiation factor that signals through
      ErbB receptor tyrosine kinases to regulate nervous system development. Previous
      studies have demonstrated that NRG1 affects plasticity at glutamatergic synapses
      in principal glutamatergic neurons of the hippocampus and frontal cortex;
      however, immunohistochemical and genetic analyses strongly suggest these effects
      are indirect and mediated via ErbB4 receptors on GABAergic interneurons. Here, we
      used cultured cerebellar granule cells (CGCs) that express ErbB4 to analyze the
      cell-autonomous effects of NRG1 stimulation on glutamatergic function. These
      cultures have the advantage that they are relatively homogenous and consist
      primarily of granule neurons that express ErbB4. We show that acute NRG1
      treatment does not affect whole-cell AMPA or NMDA receptor (NMDAR) mediated
      currents in CGCs at 10-12 days in vitro. NRG1 also does not affect the frequency
      or amplitude of spontaneous AMPAR or NMDAR mediated miniature excitatory post
      synaptic currents (mEPSCs). To further investigate the effects of NRG1 on
      activity-dependent plasticity of glutamatergic synapses in CGCs, we characterized
      the effects of high-glyine/0 Mg(2+) (which activates synaptic NMDARs) on AMPAR
      mEPSC frequency and amplitude. We show that high-glycine induces a form of
      chemical long-term potentiation (chemLTP) in CGCs characterized by an increase in
      AMPAR-mEPSC frequency but not amplitude. Moreover, NRG1 induces a decrease in
      AMPAR-mEPSC frequency following chemLTP, but does not affect AMPAR-mEPSC
      amplitude. CGCs in our cultures conditions express low levels of GluR1, in
      contrast to dissociated hippocampal cultures, but do express the long isoform of
      GluR4. This study provides first evidence that (1) high-glycine can induce
      plasticity at glutamatergic synapses in CGCs, and (2) that acute NRG1/ErbB
      signaling can regulate glutamatergic plasticity in CGCs. Taken together with
      previous reports, our results suggest that, similar to Schaeffer collateral to
      CA1 synapses, NRG1 effects are activity dependent and mediated via modulation of
      synaptic AMPARs.

PMID- 22044946
TI  - Utility of TOMM Trial 1 as an indicator of effort in children and adolescents.
AB  - Although measuring test compliance in a pediatric neuropsychological evaluation
      is important, increasing demands on clinicians' time and the need for efficiency
      during assessments may make it difficult to routinely include effort testing.
      This study investigated whether performance on Trial 1 of the Test of Memory
      Malingering (TOMM) is predictive of overall performance in children and
      adolescents with neurological disorders. Participants included 53 children and
      adolescents between six and 19 years (mean age = 12.4, SD = 4.1) who were
      followed through a neurology clinic at a tertiary care hospital. Several cutoff
      scores were examined, with the goal of maximizing positive predictive (accurate
      detection of failure on the TOMM) and negative predictive (accurate detection of
      passing the TOMM) values. Every participant who scored >=36 on Trial 1 (n = 50)
      went on to pass the TOMM. This study is the first step in providing evidence that
      performance on Trial 1 might be used as a quick screening measure of overall
      performance on the TOMM in children and adolescents. Further research on this
      topic is warranted.

PMID- 22044947
TI  - Clinical and organisational aspects of haemophilia care: the patients' view.

PMID- 22044948
TI  - Factor VIII inhibitor and source of replacement therapy.

PMID- 22044949
TI  - Blood donors' attitudes towards incentives: influence on motivation to donate.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Understanding the factors that motivate donors to donate will
      facilitate improvements in recruitment programmes. Donation incentives are often
      used to improve the effect of recruitment programmes. This cross-sectional study
      was designed to understand donors' attitudes toward incentives. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: Participants (n=421) were recruited among volunteer donors at the Shiraz
      Blood Transfusion Centre when they registered for blood donation. They completed
      a questionnaire with items regarding demographic characteristics, donation status
      (first-time donor or regular donor), and their motivation for donating, their
      attitude towards incentives, and the best type of incentives. Multiple logistic
      regression and chi-squared tests were used to analyse the data with Statistical
      Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) software. RESULTS: The majority of donors
      (85.6%) donated blood for altruistic reasons. One quarter of the donors (25.3%)
      believed that incentives should be offered to encourage them to donate. Most
      donors (84.5%) believed that the most effective incentive was offering specific
      blood tests. Donors who had donated for non-altruistic reasons were more
      interested in receiving incentives. The desire to receive incentives was more
      widespread among younger, married, first-time donors, donors with a lower
      educational level and donors with a history of more than five donations. The
      desire to receive incentives decreased as age increased. DISCUSSION: Most of the
      donors (74.7%) had no desire to receive incentives, and this was even more
      apparent among donors who donated for altruistic reasons. Non-monetary incentives
      may be effective in attracting younger, married, first-time donors, donors with a
      lower educational level and donors with a history of more than five donations.

PMID- 22044950
TI  - Blood conservation strategies for emergency open cardiac surgery in a patient
      with anti-M.

PMID- 22044951
TI  - Long-term persistence of molecular response after discontinuation of interferon
      alpha in two patients with chronic myeloid leukaemia.

PMID- 22044953
TI  - Dimethyl sulphoxide does not contribute to renal failure in patients undergoing
      stem cell transplant for multiple myeloma and primary amyloidosis.

PMID- 22044952
TI  - Emergency reversal of anticoagulation: from theory to real use of prothrombin
      complex concentrates. A retrospective Italian experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prothrombin Complex Concentrates (PCC) are administered to normalise
      blood coagulation in patients receiving oral anticoagulant therapy (OAT). Rapid
      reversal of OAT is essential in case of major bleeding, internal haemorrhage or
      surgery.The primary end-point was to evaluate whether PCC in our hospital were
      being used in compliance with international and national guidelines for the
      reversal of OAT on an emergency basis. The secondary end-point was to evaluate
      the efficacy and safety of PCC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients receiving OAT
      who required rapid reversal anticoagulation because they had to undergo emergency
      surgery or urgent invasive techniques following an overdose of oral
      anticoagulants were eligible for this retrospective observational study. RESULTS:
      Forty-seven patients receiving OAT who needed rapid reverse of anticoagulation
      were enrolled in our study. The patients were divided in two groups: (i) group A
      (n=23), patients needed haemostatic treatment before neurosurgery after a head
      injury and (ii) group B (n=24), patients with critical haemorrhage because of an
      overdose of oral anticoagulants. The International Normalised Ratio (INR) was
      checked before and after infusion of the PCC. The mean INR in group A was 2.7
      before and 1.43 after infusion of the PCC; in group B the mean INR of 6.58,
      before and 1.92 after drug infusion. The use of vitamin K, fresh-frozen plasma
      and red blood cells was also considered. During our study 22 patients died, but
      no adverse effects following PCC administration were recorded. DISCUSSION: In our
      study three-factor-PCC was found to be effective and safe in rapidly reversing
      the effects of OAT, although it was not always administered in accordance with
      international or national guidelines. The dose, time of administration and
      monitoring often differed from those recommended. In the light of these findings,
      we advocate the use of single standard protocol to guide the correct use of PCC
      in each hospital ward.

PMID- 22044954
TI  - Autologous platelet gel for tissue regeneration in degenerative disorders of the
      knee.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The refinement of the use of platelet-derived growth factors that has
      occurred over the last decade has led to a broadening of the fields of use, in
      particular for new treatments in orthopaedics aimed at improving tissue
      regeneration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-seven patients, aged between 18 and
      81 years, with a diagnosis of degenerative joint disease lasting for more than 1
      year were treated. The patients were divided into two groups, one with arthritis
      of the knee, the other with degenerative cartilage disease of the knee. Both
      groups were treated with a therapeutic protocol consisting of a cycle of three
      infiltrations of platelet-rich plasma at weekly intervals.The extemporaneous
      preparation was made from a sample of about 8 mL of venous whole blood collected
      into a specific Fibrin Polymer 2 test-tube from RegenLab((r)) and centrifuged
      before addition of calcium gluconate.During the initial pre-treatment evaluation,
      specific questionnaires were administered, the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) for
      subjective measurement of pain and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities
      Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC); these assessments were repeated 7 days after the
      end of the treatment and at 6 months during the follow-up. RESULTS: The
      parameters evaluated improved in both groups after treatment and there was a
      further improvement after 6 months of follow-up; furthermore, there was a
      substantial decrease in pain right after the first infiltration. DISCUSSION: The
      patients were treated on an out-patient basis by a specifically created
      multidisciplinary team comprising a transfusion specialist, an orthopaedist and a
      radiologist, who collaborate in a symbiotic manner. The out-patient protocol
      exploits the regenerative properties of platelet-rich plasma, which is a low cost
      treatment; in practice, a diagnostic-therapeutic programme of lower intensity,
      but of high technical and professional quality is created. The strategy also
      reduces both the number of hospital services and the pharmacological support
      required, thereby optimising the use of health care resources.

PMID- 22044955
TI  - Reaction to the review article "Troubleshooting in platelet storage temperature
      and new perspectives through proteomics".

PMID- 22044957
TI  - Appropriateness of blood transfusion and physicians' education: a continuous
      challenge for Hospital Transfusion Committees?

PMID- 22044958
TI  - Automated processing of whole blood units: operational value and in vitro quality
      of final blood components.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Community Transfusion Centre in Madrid currently processes whole
      blood using a conventional procedure (Compomat, Fresenius) followed by automated
      processing of buffy coats with the OrbiSac system (CaridianBCT). The Atreus 3C
      system (CaridianBCT) automates the production of red blood cells, plasma and an
      interim platelet unit from a whole blood unit. Interim platelet unit are pooled
      to produce a transfusable platelet unit. In this study the Atreus 3C system was
      evaluated and compared to the routine method with regards to product quality and
      operational value. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Over a 5-week period 810 whole blood
      units were processed using the Atreus 3C system. The attributes of the automated
      process were compared to those of the routine method by assessing productivity,
      space, equipment and staffing requirements. The data obtained were evaluated in
      order to estimate the impact of implementing the Atreus 3C system in the routine
      setting of the blood centre. Yield and in vitro quality of the final blood
      components processed with the two systems were evaluated and compared. RESULTS:
      The Atreus 3C system enabled higher throughput while requiring less space and
      employee time by decreasing the amount of equipment and processing time per unit
      of whole blood processed. Whole blood units processed on the Atreus 3C system
      gave a higher platelet yield, a similar amount of red blood cells and a smaller
      volume of plasma. DISCUSSION: These results support the conclusion that the
      Atreus 3C system produces blood components meeting quality requirements while
      providing a high operational efficiency. Implementation of the Atreus 3C system
      could result in a large organisational improvement.

PMID- 22044960
TI  - Hypercoagulability in congenital haemolytic anaemias.

PMID- 22044959
TI  - Autologous blood in obstetrics: where are we going now?

PMID- 22044961
TI  - Oxidative injury as contributory factor for red cells storage lesion during
      twenty eight days of storage.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Storage of red blood cells at 4  degrees C is associated with
      deleterious metabolic and biochemical changes, collectively referred to as
      "storage lesions". Lipid peroxidation of the red cell membrane leading to lysis
      contributes to these storage lesions. The aim of the present study was to
      investigate oxidative injury to red cells during storage for 28 days and its
      correlation with markers of red cell membrane damage. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Samples from 30 units of red blood cells stored at 4  degrees C for 28 days were
      withdrawn aseptically on day 0, day 14 and day 28 of storage. Markers of membrane
      damage including plasma haemoglobin, plasma potassium and lactate dehydrogenase
      (LDH) concentrations and markers of oxidative injury such as malondialdehyde
      (MDA) levels, haemoglobin oxidation and osmotic fragility were studied in all
      samples. RESULTS: Statistically significant (p<0.001) increases in the mean
      values of plasma haemoglobin, plasma potassium, LDH and markers of oxidative
      injury such as MDA and haemoglobin oxidation were observed over the storage
      period of 28 days. Direct correlations of MDA and haemoglobin oxidation with
      membrane damage, as reflected by plasma haemoglobin concentration, were observed.
      CONCLUSION: Oxidative injury to red blood cells during storage leads to membrane
      damage and lysis. The role of antioxidants in the prevention of this deleterious
      effect of storage warrants investigation.

PMID- 22044962
TI  - Risk of intimate partner violence among young adult males with childhood ADHD.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Research has clearly documented the social dysfunction of youth with
      ADHD. However, little is known about the interpersonal relationships of adults
      diagnosed with ADHD in childhood, including rates of intimate partner violence
      (IPV). METHOD: Using data from the Pittsburgh ADHD Longitudinal Study, analyses
      compared the level of IPV (verbal aggression, violence) reported by young adult
      (18- to 25-year-old) males with childhood ADHD (n = 125) with reports by
      demographically similar males without ADHD histories (n = 88). RESULTS: Males
      with childhood ADHD, especially those with conduct problems persisting from
      childhood, were more likely to be verbally aggressive and violent with romantic
      partners than males without histories of ADHD or conduct problems. CONCLUSIONS:
      Research is needed to replicate these findings, to explore potential mechanisms,
      and to develop effective interventions for romantic relationship discord among
      young adults with ADHD histories, especially those with persistent conduct
      problems.

PMID- 22044963
TI  - Expression of a bacterial chitosanase in rice plants improves disease resistance
      to the rice blast fungus Magnaporthe oryzae.
AB  - Plant fungal pathogens change their cell wall components during the infection
      process to avoid degradation by host lytic enzymes, and conversion of the cell
      wall chitin to chitosan is likely to be one infection strategy of pathogens.
      Thus, introduction of chitosan-degradation activity into plants is expected to
      improve fungal disease resistance. Chitosanase has been found in bacteria and
      fungi, but not in higher plants. Here, we demonstrate that chitosanase, Cho1,
      from Bacillus circulans MH-K1 has antifungal activity against the rice blast
      fungus Magnaporthe oryzae. Introduction of the cho1 gene conferred chitosanase
      activity to rice cells. Transgenic rice plants expressing Cho1 designed to be
      localized in the apoplast showed increased resistance to M. oryzae accompanied by
      increased generation of hydrogen peroxide in the infected epidermal cells. These
      results strongly suggest that chitosan exists in the enzyme-accessible surface of
      M. oryzae during the infection process and that the enhancement of disease
      resistance is attributable to the antifungal activity of the secreted Cho1 and to
      increased elicitation of the host defense response.

PMID- 22044964
TI  - Beyond gibberellins and abscisic acid: how ethylene and jasmonates control seed
      germination.
AB  - Appropriate responses of seeds and fruits to environmental factors are key traits
      that control the establishment of a species in a particular ecosystem. Adaptation
      of germination to abiotic stresses and changing environmental conditions is
      decisive for fitness and survival of a species. Two opposing forces provide the
      basic physiological mechanism for the control of seed germination: the increasing
      growth potential of the embryo and the restraint weakening of the various
      covering layers (seed envelopes), including the endosperm which is present to a
      various extent in the mature seeds of most angiosperms. Gibberellins (GA),
      abscisic acid (ABA) and ethylene signaling and metabolism mediate environmental
      cues and in turn influence developmental processes like seed germination. Cross
      species work has demonstrated that GA, ABA and ethylene interact during the
      regulation of endosperm weakening, which is at least partly based on
      evolutionarily conserved mechanisms. We summarize the recent progress made in
      unraveling how ethylene promotes germination and acts as an antagonist of ABA.
      Far less is known about jasmonates in seeds for which we summarize the current
      knowledge about their role in seeds. While it seems very clear that jasmonates
      inhibit germination, the results obtained so far are partly contradictory and
      depend on future research to reach final conclusions on the mode of jasmonate
      action during seed germination. Understanding the mechanisms underlying the
      control of seed germination and its hormonal regulation is not only of academic
      interest, but is also the ultimate basis for further improving crop establishment
      and yield, and is therefore of common importance.

PMID- 22044965
TI  - Arabidopsis ACA7, encoding a putative auto-regulated Ca(2+)-ATPase, is required
      for normal pollen development.
AB  - Microgametogenesis is a complex process that involves numerous well-coordinated
      cell activities, ending with the production of pollen grains. Pollen development
      has been studied at the cytological level in Arabidopsis and other plant species,
      where its temporal time course has been defined. However, the molecular mechanism
      underlying this process is still unclear, since a relative small number of genes
      and/or processes have been identified as essential for pollen development. We
      have designed a methodology to select candidate genes for functional analysis,
      based on transcriptomic data obtained from different stages of pollen
      development. From our analyses, we selected At2g22950 as a candidate gene; this
      gene encodes a protein belonging to the auto-regulated Ca(2+)-ATPase family,
      ACA7. Microarray data indicate that ACA7 is expressed exclusively in developing
      pollen grains, with the highest level of mRNA at the time of the second pollen
      mitosis. Our RT-PCR experiments showed that ACA7 mRNA is detected exclusively in
      developing flowers. Confocal microscopy experiments showed a plasma membrane
      localization for the recombinant GFP:ACA7 protein. We identified two different
      insertional mutant lines, aca7-1 and aca7-2; plants from both mutant lines
      displayed a normal vegetative development but showed large amounts of dead pollen
      grains in mature flowers assayed by Alexander's staining. Histological analysis
      indicated that abnormalities are detected after the first pollen mitosis and we
      found a strong correlation between ACA7 mRNA accumulation and the severity of the
      phenotype. Our results indicate that ACA7 is a plasma membrane protein that has
      an important role during pollen development, possibly through regulation of
      Ca(2+) homeostasis.

PMID- 22044967
TI  - Management options for symptomatic stenosis after laparoscopic vertical sleeve
      gastrectomy in the morbidly obese.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the incidence, etiology, and management
      options for symptomatic stenosis (SS) after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy
      (LSG). METHODS: A retrospective study reviewed morbidly obese patients who
      underwent LSG between October 2008 and December 2010 to identify patients treated
      for SS. RESULTS: In this study, 230 patients (83% female) with a mean age of 49.5
      years and a mean body mass index (BMI) of 43 kg/m(2) underwent LSG. In 3.5% of
      these patients (100% female; mean age, 42 years; mean BMI, 42.6 kg/m(2)), SS
      developed. The LSG procedure was performed using a 36-Fr. bougie and tissue
      reinforced staplers. Four patients had segmental staple-line imbrication, and
      seven patients underwent contrast study, with 71.4% demonstrating a fixed
      narrowing. Endoscopy confirmed short-segment stenoses: seven located at mid-body
      and one located near the gastroesophageal junction. Endoscopic management was
      100% successful. The mean number of dilations was 1.6, and the median balloon
      size was 15 mm. The mean time from surgery to initial endoscopic intervention was
      48.8 days, and the mean time from the first dilation to toleration of a solid
      diet was 49.6 days. Two patients were referred to our institution after
      undergoing LSG at another facility. The mean time to the transfer was 28.5 days.
      The two patients had a mean age of 35 years and a mean BMI of 42.3 kg/m(2). Both
      patients experienced immediate SS after perioperative complications comprising
      one staple-line hematoma and one leak. Contrast studies demonstrated minimal
      passage of contrast through a long-segment stenosis. Both patients underwent
      multiple endoscopic dilation procedures and endoluminal stenting, ultimately
      requiring laparoscopic conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. The mean time from
      the initial surgery to the surgical revision was 77 days, and the mean time after
      the first intervention to tolerance of a solid diet was 82 days. CONCLUSION:
      Symptomatic short-segment stenoses after LSG may be treated successfully with
      endoscopic balloon dilation. Long-segment stenoses that do not respond to
      endoscopic techniques may ultimately require conversion to Roux-en-Y gastric
      bypass.

PMID- 22044968
TI  - Robotic vs. laparoscopic colorectal surgery: an institutional experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Robotic colorectal surgery is gaining interest in general and
      colorectal surgery. The use of the da Vinci((r)) Robotic system has been
      postulated to improve outcomes, primarily by increasing the dexterity and
      facility with which complex dissections can be performed. We report a large,
      single institution, comparative study of laparoscopic and robotic colectomies,
      attempting to better elucidate the benefits of robotic surgery in patients with
      colorectal disease. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of 171 patients
      who underwent robotic and laparoscopic colectomies (79 and 92, respectively) at
      our institution between November 2004 and November 2009. Patients in both groups
      had well-matched preoperative parameters. All cases were further subdivided by
      their anatomical location into right-sided and left-sided colectomy, and analysis
      was performed within these two subgroups. Perioperative outcomes reported include
      operative time, operative blood loss, time to return of bowel function, time to
      discontinuation of patient controlled analgesia, length of stay, and
      intraoperative or postoperative complications. RESULTS: Our results indicate that
      there is no statistical difference in length of stay, time to return of bowel
      function, and time to discontinuation of patient-controlled analgesia between
      robotic and laparoscopic left and right colectomies. Interestingly, the total
      procedure time difference between the laparoscopic and robotic colectomies was
      much smaller than previously published accounts (mean 140 min vs. 135 min for
      right colectomy; mean 168 min vs. 203 min for left colectomy). CONCLUSIONS: Our
      study is one of the largest reviews of robotic colorectal surgery to date. We
      believe that our results further demonstrate the equivalence of robotic surgery
      to laparoscopic surgery in colorectal procedures. Future research should focus on
      surgeon-specific variables, such as comfort, ergonomics, distractibility, and
      ease of use, as other ways to potentially distinguish robotic from laparoscopic
      colorectal surgery.

PMID- 22044969
TI  - Qualitative and quantitative analysis of women's perceptions of transvaginal
      surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prior surveys evaluating women's perceptions of transvaginal surgery
      both support and refute the acceptability of transvaginal access. Most surveys
      employed mainly quantitative analysis, limiting the insight into the women's
      perspective. In this mixed-methods study, we include qualitative and quantitative
      methodology to assess women's perceptions of transvaginal procedures. METHODS:
      Women seen at the outpatient clinics of a tertiary-care center were asked to
      complete a survey. Demographics and preferences for appendectomy,
      cholecystectomy, and tubal ligation were elicited, along with open-ended
      questions about concerns or benefits of transvaginal access. Multivariate
      logistic regression models were constructed to examine the impact of age,
      education, parity, and prior transvaginal procedures on preferences. For the
      qualitative evaluation, content analysis by independent investigators identified
      themes, issues, and concerns raised in the comments. RESULTS: The completed
      survey tool was returned by 409 women (grouped mean age 53 years, mean number of
      2 children, 82% >= some college education, and 56% with previous transvaginal
      procedure). The transvaginal approach was acceptable for tubal ligation to 59%,
      for appendectomy to 43%, and for cholecystectomy to 41% of the women. The most
      frequently mentioned factors that would make women prefer a vaginal approach were
      decreased invasiveness (14.4%), recovery time (13.9%), scarring (13.7%), pain
      (6%), and surgical entry location relative to organ removed (4.4%). The most
      frequently mentioned concerns about the vaginal approach were the possibility of
      complications/safety (14.7%), pain (9%), infection (5.6%), and recovery time
      (4.9%). A number of women voiced technical concerns about the vaginal approach.
      CONCLUSIONS: As in prior studies, scarring and pain were important issues to be
      considered, but recovery time and increased invasiveness were also in the "top
      five" list. The surveyed women appeared to actively participate in evaluating the
      technical components of the procedures.

PMID- 22044970
TI  - Objective hypoesthesia and pain after transabdominal preperitoneal hernioplasty:
      a prospective, randomized study comparing tissue adhesive versus spiral tacks.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Irritation of inguinal nerves with laparoscopic hernia repair may
      cause chronic neuralgia and hypoesthesia. Hypoesthesia in particular is generally
      not assessed objectively. We objectively investigated hypoesthesia and chronic
      pain after transabdominal preperitoneal inguinal hernia repair (TAPP) with
      titanium spiral tacks (STs) compared with tissue adhesive (TA) for mesh fixation.
      METHODS: Mesh fixation in 80 TAPP procedures was randomized to fixation with ST
      (n = 40) or TA (n = 40). The outcome parameters included hypoesthesia assessed
      with von Frey monofilaments, early postoperative and chronic pain with the visual
      analog scale (VAS), morbidity (surgical-site infection, hematoma/seroma, relapse
      of hernia, trocar hernia), and recovery time to normal activity. RESULTS: Median
      (range) follow-up was 38 (13-56) months. Demographic and baseline parameters were
      similar in the two groups. Prevalence of hypoesthesia was significantly higher at
      all postoperative times in the ST group (6 weeks: 32 vs. 6%; 6 months: 38 vs.
      14%; 12 months: 34 vs. 13%; 13-56 months: 32 vs. 4%). Mean hypoesthesia scores
      over all time points were significantly higher in the ST group. The percentages
      of regions with hypoesthesia (abdominal, inguinal, or genitofemoral) following
      all procedures were higher in the ST group after 6 weeks (14 vs. 2%), 6 months
      (15 vs. 5%), and 13-56 months (22 vs. 4%). The intensity of pain decreased
      significantly in both groups over time. CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative hypoesthesia
      depends on the method of mesh fixation during TAPP and is significantly reduced
      with TA compared with stapling.

PMID- 22044971
TI  - Gastric bypass surgery restores meal stimulation of the anorexigenic gut hormones
      glucagon-like peptide-1 and peptide YY independently of caloric restriction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The effects of gastric bypass surgery on the secretion of the
      anorexigenic gut-derived hormones glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and peptide YY
      (PYY), independent of caloric restriction and due to different dietary
      macronutrients, is not well characterized. This study examines the effects of a
      mixed-nutrient or high-fat liquid meal on the postprandial stimulation of GLP-1
      and PYY following gastric bypass or equivalent hypocaloric diet. METHODS: Total
      PYY and active GLP-1 were measured fasting and at multiple points after
      standardized mixed-nutrient and high-fat liquid meals in two matched groups of
      obese subjects. The meal stimulation tests were performed before and 14.6 +/- 3.3
      days after gastric bypass (GBP, n = 10) and before and after a 7-day hypocaloric
      liquid diet matching the post-GBP diet (control, n = 10). RESULTS: Mixed-nutrient
      and high-fat postprandial GLP-1 levels increased following GBP (mixed-nutrient
      peak: 85.0 +/- 28.6-323 +/- 51 pg/ml, P < 0.01; high-fat peak: 81.8 +/- 9.6-278
      +/- 49 pg/ml, P < 0.01), but not after diet (mixed-nutrient peak: 104.4 +/- 9.4
      114.9 +/- 15.8 pg/ml, P = NS; high-fat peak: 118.1 +/- 16.4-104.4 +/- 10.8 pg/ml,
      P = NS). The postprandial PYY response also increased after GBP but not diet,
      though the increase in peak PYY did not reach statistical significance (GBP mixed
      nutrient peak: 134.8 +/- 26.0-220.7 +/- 52.9 pg/ml, P = 0.09; GBP high-fat peak:
      142.1 +/- 34.6-197.9 +/- 12.7 pg/ml, P = 0.07; diet mixed-nutrient peak: 99.8 +/-
      8.0-101.1 +/- 13.3 pg/ml, P = NS; diet high-fat peak: 105.0 +/- 8.8-103.1 +/-
      11.8 pg/ml, P = NS). The postprandial GLP-1 response was not affected by the
      macronutrient content of the meal. However, following GBP the mixed-nutrient PYY
      total area under the curve (AUC(0-120)) was significantly greater than the high
      fat PYY AUC(0-120) (22,081 +/- 5,662 pg/ml min vs. 18,711 +/- 1,811 pg/ml min, P
      = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Following GBP there is an increase in the postprandial
      stimulation of PYY and GLP-1 that is independent of caloric restriction. The
      phenomenon of "bariatric surgery-induced anorexia" may be linked to the increased
      levels after GBP.

PMID- 22044972
TI  - Recurrent hepatocellular carcinoma successfully treated with laparoscopic thermal
      ablation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Aggressive treatment of intrahepatic recurrence of hepatocellular
      carcinoma (HCC) increases patients' survival. This study aimed to evaluate
      laparoscopic thermal ablation (TA) in the treatment of intrahepatic HCC
      recurrences. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on 88 patients (REC
      group) who underwent laparoscopic TA after prior TA (66 patients.) or partial
      hepatic resection (HR) (22 patients) as initial local treatment. Another 170
      patients with primary HCC tumors (PRIM group) were regarded as the control group.
      RESULTS: The postoperative morbidity rates were similar for the patients with
      prior TA (18%) and those with prior HR (21%) (nonsignificant difference [NS]).
      The overall survival rates were not significantly different between the two
      groups (3-year survival rates of 59 and 78%, respectively; P = 0.1662). Moreover,
      the disease-free survival (DFS) rates did not differ significantly between the
      patients with prior TA and those with prior HR (3-year DFS of 21 and 8%,
      respectively; P = 0.1911). The incidences of morbidity in the whole REC (21%) and
      PRIM (20%) groups were similar (P = NS), and no mortality occurred in either
      group (0%). The cumulative 3-year survival rate was 63% in the REC group and 59%
      in the PRIM group (P = 0.5739), whereas the 3-year DFS rate was 17% in the REC
      group and 22% in the PRIM group (P = 0.5266). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic TA can be
      performed safely and may be effective for intrahepatic HCC recurrence after prior
      TA or HR. It leads to survival and DFS rates similar to those obtained using
      laparoscopic TA for primary HCC without increasing morbidity. Laparoscopic TA
      could be proposed as first-line treatment of intrahepatic HCC recurrence for
      selected patients.

PMID- 22044973
TI  - Learning curve for robot-assisted Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Robot-assisted Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGBP) is rapidly evolving
      as an important surgical approach in the bariatric field. However, the specific
      learning curve associated with this new approach remains poorly investigated.
      This study aimed to evaluate the learning curve for robot-assisted RYGBP.
      METHODS: A series of 64 consecutive robot-assisted RYGBP procedures were
      performed between December 2008 and December 2010 by a single surgeon already
      experienced in advanced laparoscopic procedures but not in bariatric surgery. All
      data were collected prospectively in a database and reviewed retrospectively. The
      learning curve was evaluated using the cumulative sum (CUSUM) method. RESULTS:
      Women comprised 76.6% and men 23.4% of this series. These patients had a mean age
      of 43 years and a mean body mass index (BMI) of 44.5 kg/m(2). The mean operative
      time (OT) was 238.1 min (range, 150-400 min). A total of six complications
      occurred (9.4%). The CUSUM learning curve consisted of two distinct phases: phase
      1 (the initial 14 cases; mean OT, 288.9 min) and phase 2 (the subsequent cases;
      mean OT, 223.6 min), which represented the mastery phase, with a decrease in OT
      (P = 0.0001). The two groups were similar in terms of gender, age, and BMI. The
      two phases did not differ in terms of complications or hospital stay.
      CONCLUSIONS: This series confirms previous study findings concerning the
      feasibility and the safety of robotic RYGBP even after a limited experience with
      laparoscopic RYGBP. The data reported in this article suggest that the learning
      phase for robot-assisted RYGBP can be achieved with 14 cases.

PMID- 22044974
TI  - Video. Radiofrequency fulguration of the spleen under laparoscopy to stop
      iatrogenic hemorrhage.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Iatrogenic splenic injury is a potentially serious complication of
      laparoscopic surgery associated with significant morbidity and mortality. It also
      has an impact on the prognosis of patients who undergo surgery for digestive
      cancer. For iatrogenic splenic injury, splenic salvage is the ultimate goal.
      Various surgical techniques have been developed to achieve hemostasis of the
      spleen. Radiofrequency fulguration (RF) is reported to be a safe method in an
      animal trauma model. However, only three articles report RF for the control of
      splenic hemorrhage in human patients. METHODS: A bicentric, retrospective study
      was performed. From January 2009 to September 2010, all iatrogenic splenic
      hemorrhages uncontrolled by conventional hemostasis techniques were treated using
      RF. The splenic injuries were classified according to the Moore classification
      and a postoperative, abdominal computed tomography scan was performed for each
      patient. RF was performed with a straight electrode needle (Integra, Tuttlingen,
      Germany) introduced percutaneously into the spleen. The electrode was infused
      with isotonic saline and connected to a 500-kHz generator (Elektrotom 106 HFTT;
      Berchtold, Tuttlingen, Germany). During the high-frequency coagulation (375 kHz),
      electrode saline perfusion was automatically regulated from 30 to 110 ml/h
      according to the variation in tissue impedance, and the power of the generator
      was kept at 50 W. RESULTS: Three patients (2 men and 1 woman) with a median age
      of 58 years underwent splenic RF. The splenic injuries (grade 3, Moore
      classification) occurred during laparoscopic proctectomy in two cases and during
      laparoscopic gastrectomy in one case. It was possible to achieve complete
      hemostasis in all the patients during a median time of 10 min. The median blood
      loss was 100 ml, with no blood transfusion. No splenectomy was necessary, and no
      postoperative splenic infarction was diagnosed. No conversion was performed.
      There was no postoperative morbidity or mortality. No recurrent splenic
      hemorrhage occurred during the follow-up period. The financial cost was 350<euro>
      per RF. CONCLUSION: Although RF could potentially induce splenic infarction in
      the event of a large-scale fulguration, it is a safe, quick, and effective spleen
      preserving technique for stopping an iatrogenic splenic hemorrhage when
      conventional hemostasis techniques fail. Furthermore, it is readily available and
      easy to set up in an emergency situation and can be performed easily by
      laparoscopy without an additional port.

PMID- 22044975
TI  - Effect of haptic feedback in laparoscopic surgery skill acquisition.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The benefits of haptic feedback in laparoscopic surgery training
      simulators is a topic of debate in the literature. It is hypothesized that novice
      surgeons may not benefit from the haptic information, especially during the
      initial phase of learning a new task. Therefore, provision of haptic feedback to
      novice trainees in the early stage of training may be distracting and detrimental
      to learning. A controlled experiment was conducted to examine the effect of
      haptic feedback on the learning curve of a complex laparoscopic suturing and knot
      tying task. METHODS: The ProMIS and the MIST-VR surgical simulators were used to
      represent conditions with and without haptic feedback, respectively. A total of
      20 novice subjects (10 per simulator) were trained to perform suturing and knot
      tying and practiced the tasks in 18 sessions of 1 h each. RESULTS: At the end of
      the 3-week training period, the subjects performed equally fast but more
      consistently with haptics (ProMIS) than without haptics (MIST-VR). The subjects
      showed a slightly higher learning rate and reached the first plateau of the
      learning curve earlier with haptic feedback. CONCLUSION: In general, learning
      with haptic feedback was significantly better than learning without it for a
      laparoscopic suturing and knot-tying task, but only during the first 5 h of
      training. Haptic feedback may not be warranted in laparoscopic surgical trainers.
      The benefits of a shorter time to the first performance plateau and more
      consistent initial performance should be balanced with the cost of implementing
      haptic feedback in surgical simulators.

PMID- 22044976
TI  - A randomized comparison of laparoscopic, magnetically anchored, and flexible
      endoscopic cameras in performance and workload between laparoscopic and single
      incision surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the surgeon performance and workload of
      a next-generation magnetically anchored camera compared with laparoscopic and
      flexible endoscopic imaging systems for laparoscopic and single-site laparoscopy
      (SSL) settings. METHODS: The cameras included a 5-mm 30 degrees  laparoscope
      (LAP), a magnetically anchored (MAGS) camera, and a flexible endoscope (ENDO).
      The three camera systems were evaluated using standardized optical characteristic
      tests. Each system was used in random order for visualization during performance
      of a standardized suturing task by four surgeons. Each participant performed
      three to five consecutive repetitions as a surgeon and also served as a camera
      driver for other surgeons. Ex vivo testing was conducted in a laparoscopic
      multiport and SSL layout using a box trainer. In vivo testing was performed only
      in the multiport configuration and used a previously validated live porcine
      Nissen model. RESULTS: Optical testing showed superior resolution for MAGS at 5
      and 10 cm compared with LAP or ENDO. The field of view ranged from 39 to 99
      degrees . The depth of focus was almost three times greater for MAGS (6-270 mm)
      than for LAP (2-88 mm) or ENDO (1-93 mm). Both ex vivo and in vivo multiport
      combined surgeon performance was significantly better for LAP than for ENDO, but
      no significant differences were detected for MAGS. For multiport testing,
      workload ratings were significantly less ex vivo for LAP and MAGS than for ENDO
      and less in vivo for LAP than for MAGS or ENDO. For ex vivo SSL, no significant
      performance differences were detected, but camera drivers rated the workload
      significantly less for MAGS than for LAP or ENDO. CONCLUSION: The data suggest
      that the improved imaging element of the next-generation MAGS camera has optical
      and performance characteristics that meet or exceed those of the LAP or ENDO
      systems and that the MAGS camera may be especially useful for SSL. Further
      refinements of the MAGS camera are encouraged.

PMID- 22044978
TI  - Endoscopic bilateral adrenalectomy in patients with ectopic Cushing's syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bilateral adrenalectomy (BLA) is a treatment option to alleviate
      symptoms in patients with ectopic Cushing's syndrome (ECS) for whom surgical
      treatment of the responsible nonpituitary tumor is not possible. ECS patients
      have an increased risk for complications, because of high cortisol levels, poor
      clinical condition, and metabolic disturbances. This study aims to evaluate the
      safety and long-term efficacy of endoscopic BLA for ECS. METHODS: From 1990 to
      present, 38 patients were diagnosed and treated for ECS in the Erasmus University
      Medical Center, a tertiary referral center. Twenty-four patients were treated
      with BLA (21 endoscopic, 3 open), 9 patients were treated medically, and 5
      patients could be cured by complete resection of the adrenocorticotropic hormone
      (ACTH)-producing tumor. The medical records were retrospectively reviewed and
      entered into a database. For evaluation of the efficacy of BLA, preoperative
      biochemical and physical symptoms were assessed and compared with postoperative
      data. RESULTS: Endoscopic BLA was successfully completed in 20 of the 21
      patients; one required conversion to open BLA. Intraoperative complications
      occurred in two (10%) patients, and postoperative complications occurred in three
      (14%) patients. Median hospitalization was 9 (2-95) days, and median operating
      time was 246 (205-347) min. Hypercortisolism was resolved in all patients.
      Improvements of hypertension, body weight, Cushingoid appearance, impaired muscle
      strength, and ankle edema were achieved in 87, 90, 65, 61, and 78% of the
      patients, respectively. Resolution of diabetes, hypokalemia, and metabolic
      alkalosis was achieved in 33, 89, and 80%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic
      BLA is a safe and effective treatment for patients with ectopic Cushing's
      syndrome.

PMID- 22044977
TI  - SAGES guidelines for the surgical treatment of esophageal achalasia.

PMID- 22044979
TI  - Impact of T3 thoracoscopic sympathectomy on pupillary function: a cause of
      partial Horner's syndrome?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Thoracoscopic bilateral sympathicolysis of the T3 sympathetic ganglia
      is an effective treatment for palmar hyperhidrosis, though not without potential
      complications and consequences such as Horner's syndrome. The objective of our
      study is to evaluate the repercussion of T3 sympathetic denervation on pupillary
      tone in patients with primary hyperhidrosis. METHODS: A prospective descriptive
      study of 25 patients (50 pupils) ranging in age from 18 to 40 years with an
      indication of T3 sympathectomy for palmar hyperhidrosis or palmar-plantar
      hyperhidrosis from 1 December 2009 to 31 December 2010 was carried out. We
      excluded all patients with previous eye surgery or other ocular pathologies and
      those with pathologies that contraindicate denervation surgery and ocular study.
      All patients were evaluated before surgery and at 24 h and 1 month after
      sympathetic denervation. Pupil/iris (P/I) ratio was measured before and after
      instillation of sympathicomimetic eye drops containing 1% apraclonidine. RESULTS:
      No statistically significant differences were found when we compared the
      preoperative P/I ratio of the left eyes versus the right eyes (P = 0.917). We
      found statistically significant differences (P < 0.001) between the preoperative
      P/I ratio [0.40 mm (standard deviation, SD 0.07 mm)] and the postoperative basal
      ratio [0.33 (SD 0.05)] at 24 h. The P/I ratio at 24 h increased from 0.33 to 0.36
      (SD 0.09), a nonsignificant increase (P = 0.45), after instillation of medicated
      eye drops. No differences were observed between the preoperative [0.40 (SD 0.07)]
      and 1-month basal values [0.38 (SD 0.07)], and instillation of apraclonidine no
      longer induced a hypersensitivity response. CONCLUSIONS: T3 sympathectomy leads
      to subclinical pupillary dysfunction with a tendency for miosis, even though this
      impairment is not generally evident on standard physical examination or reported
      by patients. This subclinical dysfunction may be caused by injury to an undefined
      group of presympathetic nerve cell axons in caudocranial direction that
      communicate with the cervical sympathetic ganglia and whose function is mydriatic
      pupillary innervation.

PMID- 22044980
TI  - The role of short-limb Roux-en-Y reconstruction for failed antireflux surgery: a
      single-center 5-year experience.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Revisionary fundoplication is the mainstay of treatment for failed
      previous fundoplication, but is not always feasible. We report our experience
      with use of short-limb Roux-en-Y (RNY) reconstruction for failed antireflux
      procedures. METHODS: Prospectively collected data were retrospectively analyzed
      for morbidity, mortality, pre- and postprocedure symptom scores (scale 0-3), body
      mass index (BMI), and patient satisfaction (scale 1-10). RESULTS: Seventy-two
      patients with 1-4 (median 1) previous antireflux procedures underwent RNY
      reconstruction, either to gastric pouch (n = 64) or to the esophagus (n = 8).
      There were 37 laparoscopic, 24 open abdominal, and two combined thoracic
      abdominal procedures. Nine additional patients underwent conversion from
      laparoscopy to open surgery. Mean follow-up of 20.7 months (+/- 12.9 months) was
      available in 63 (88%) patients. The overall median scores for heartburn,
      regurgitation, dysphagia, chest pain, and nausea were 0 or 1. There were 72 major
      and minor complications noted that affected 33 (46%) patients, with no in
      hospital or 30-day mortality observed. The most common complications were
      anastomotic strictures, bowel obstructions, respiratory complications, and
      dumping. Mean postoperative BMI was 24.6 (+/- 4.4) kg/m(2) compared with
      preoperative BMI of 31.4 (+/- 6.1) kg/m(2). Mean reported satisfaction score was
      8.2 (+/- 2.1), and 89% of the patients would recommend the procedure to a friend.
      Pre- and postoperative symptoms could be compared in 57 patients, and significant
      decrease in median symptom scores for heartburn (2-0, P < 0.05), regurgitation (1
      0, P < 0.05), and dysphagia (2-0, P < 0.05) was confirmed. There was an increase
      in reported nausea (0-1, P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Short-limb RNY reconstruction is
      an effective remedial procedure for a subset of patients with failed antireflux
      surgery, but morbidity is significant.

PMID- 22044981
TI  - Comparison of complications after laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy and
      open distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer using the Clavien-Dindo
      classification.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The complication rate after surgery for gastric cancer varies
      according to the particular definition of morbidity. Complications after
      gastrectomy should be reported using a standardized method. The present study
      retrospectively analyzed patient outcomes after open distal gastrectomy (ODG) and
      laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG) for gastric cancer using a
      standardized classification system of the severity of complications (the Clavien
      Dindo system). METHODS: A total of 1,631 patients who underwent curative ODG or
      LADG for gastric adenocarcinoma between May 2003 and December 2009 were included
      in the study and any risk factors related to complications were analyzed.
      RESULTS: Six hundred twenty-nine patients were treated with ODG and 1,002 with
      LADG. Postoperative complications were less frequent in the LADG group than in
      the ODG group (25.3% vs. 40.1%, P < 0.001), and fewer major complications
      (Clavien-Dindo classification >=IIIa) were observed with LADG than with ODG (2.1%
      vs. 5.4%, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that the laparoscopic surgical
      approach correlated with significantly fewer overall and major complications in
      patients with stage I disease. CONCLUSION: Using the Clavien-Dindo system, we
      observed fewer complications with LADG than with ODG. This shows that the
      laparoscopic approach for treating gastric cancer is less invasive than the open
      approach in terms of morbidity. Future studies will be needed to confirm this.

PMID- 22044982
TI  - Single-port laparoscopic surgery is applicable to most gynecologic surgery: a
      single surgeon's experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of single-port
      laparoscopic surgery in benign gynecologic diseases and to examine its impact on
      surgical outcomes. METHODS: The medical records of 500 consecutive patients who
      underwent laparotomy or laparoscopic surgery performed by a single surgeon for
      benign disease from August 2008 to October 2010 were retrospectively reviewed.
      RESULTS: The surgeries included hysterectomy (n = 239), adnexectomy (n = 212),
      and myomectomy (n = 51). The indications for surgery included adnexal lesions
      (48.1%), uterine fibroids (37.8%), preinvasive cervical disease (7.5%), and
      endometrial pathology (6.6%). Twenty-nine percent of the first 100 cases were
      single-port laparoscopic surgeries. The percentages increased in the second
      (62%), third (72%), fourth (71%), and last (86%) 100 cases. The percentages of
      laparotomy and multiport laparoscopy were 23% and 48%, respectively, in the first
      100 cases; however, in the last 100 cases, the percentages dropped to 4% and 10%,
      respectively. A significant reduction in estimated blood loss and length of
      hospital stay was observed for all diseases. No differences were identified in
      the median operative time or complication rate over the study period. CONCLUSION:
      Single-port laparoscopic surgery can be applied to most benign gynecologic
      surgery without detrimental effects on clinical outcomes.

PMID- 22044983
TI  - Outcome of laparoscopic modified Duhamel procedure with Z-shaped anastomosis for
      Hirschsprung's disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several laparoscopic Duhamel-type procedures for Hirschsprung's
      disease (HD) have been reported, but laparoscopic, Z-shaped, colorectal, side-to
      side anastomosis has not been described. Z-shaped anastomosis has been used as
      the treatment of choice for HD at our clinic for a long time. A laparoscopic
      approach was adopted to perform this Z-shaped anastomosis in 2001. We describe
      herein our experiences with laparoscopic Z-shaped anastomosis and evaluate the
      clinical outcomes. METHODS: Between 2001 and 2010, 26 children with rectosigmoid
      HD underwent a laparoscopic modified Duhamel procedure comprising Z-shaped
      anastomosis. Mean age at operation was 17.2 months. Mean weight was 8.7 kg. No
      children had a colostomy. Seven children had trisomy 21 and one had Klinefelter
      syndrome. Laparoscopic modified Duhamel procedure was performed using three 5-mm
      trocars. Intra- and postoperative complications and functional outcomes were
      evaluated. Patients with trisomy 21 were excluded from the functional evaluation.
      RESULTS: The operation was completed laparoscopically for 25 of the 26 patients,
      with only one patient requiring conversion to an open procedure because of injury
      to the ureter. Mean operating time was 296 min. In one case, a minor leak was
      observed. No infections or related complications were observed. Mean follow-up
      period was 50.4 months. Sudden death secondary to rotaviral enterocolitis
      occurred 8 months postoperatively in one case. Twenty-one of the 25 patients
      (84%) showed episodes of constipation during the early follow-up period, and one
      child required late myectomy due to sphincter achalasia. As the child grew older,
      the need for medication was diminished. Of the 14 patients over 4 years old,
      excluding those patients with trisomy 21, all achieved normal defecation without
      incontinence. CONCLUSIONS: Our series revealed that all patients over 4 years old
      who underwent laparoscopic Z-shaped colorectal anastomosis achieved normal
      defecation without fecal incontinence. Laparoscopic Z-shaped colorectal
      anastomosis for HD appears feasible and safe to perform with good results.

PMID- 22044984
TI  - Prevention of postoperative chylothorax with thoracic duct ligation during video
      assisted thoracoscopic esophagectomy for cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) is a feasible technique that
      has been shown to be safe for the treatment of esophageal cancer. Chylothorax
      remains a challenging and potentially life-threatening postoperative complication
      of MIE. In this retrospective series, we evaluated the results of preventive
      intraoperative thoracic duct ligation in patients who underwent video-assisted
      thoracoscopic esophagectomy for cancer. METHODS: From May 2009 to June 2010, 70
      video-assisted thoracoscopic esophagectomies for cancer of the esophagus (group
      A) were performed without prophylactic thoracic duct ligation. Since June 2010,
      65 patients (group B) with esophageal cancer underwent video-assisted
      thoracoscopic esophagectomy with routine ligation of the thoracic duct during the
      operation. RESULTS: No intraoperative or postoperative complications directly
      related to thoracic duct ligation were recorded. Postoperative chylothorax
      occurred in seven patients in group A and in one patient in group B (P = 0.0375).
      CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that thoracic duct ligation during
      video-assisted thoracoscopic esophagectomy for cancer is an effective and safe
      method for prevention of postoperative chylothorax.

PMID- 22044985
TI  - Intracorporeal circular-stapled Billroth I anastomosis in single-incision
      laparoscopic distal gastrectomy.
AB  - PURPOSE: The intracorporeal anastomotic procedure is one of the most difficult
      components in single-incision laparoscopic gastrectomy. We describe a simple
      surgical technique for intracorporeal circular-stapled Billroth I
      gastroduodenostomy with transumbilical introduction of the instrument. SURGICAL
      TECHNIQUE: After standard laparoscopic mobilization of the distal stomach using a
      mini-loop retractor (diameter, 2 mm), a semi-circumference duodenotomy was made
      just distal to the pyloric ring. The anvil of a circular stapling device, secured
      with a Prolene suture with a needle, was introduced via the duodenotomy. The
      suture was advanced anteriorly such that an anvil shaft transfixed the anterior
      duodenal wall. The duodenum was staple-transected at this point, and the anvil
      shaft was removed from the duodenum by pulling the thread. The anvil shaft was
      advanced against the posterior wall of the stomach and tightly grasped by the
      mini-loop retractor to avoid slippage. After the cartridge-carrying instrument
      was introduced transumbilically with the pneumoperitoneum maintained using a
      surgical glove, the anvil shaft was connected with the center rod of the
      instrument under fine laparoscopic view. The instrument was fired to complete the
      circular-stapled gastroduodenostomy. RESULTS: We employed this technique in 20
      patients. Neither postoperative complications, including anastomotic leakage and
      stricture, nor postoperative mortality were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Our modified
      technique for intracorporeal Billroth I reconstruction in single-incision
      laparoscopic distal gastrectomy is safe and feasible. This technique could be an
      attractive surgical option for all laparoscopic reconstructive procedures using
      circular stapling devices.

PMID- 22044986
TI  - Analysis of parallel and transverse visual cues on the gait of individuals with
      idiopathic Parkinson's disease.
AB  - Idiopathic Parkinson's disease (IPD) has been defined as a chronic progressive
      neurological disorder with characteristics that generate changes in gait pattern.
      Several studies have reported that appropriate external influences, such as
      visual or auditory cues may improve the gait pattern of patients with IPD.
      Therefore, the objective of this study was to use three-dimensional (3D) analysis
      to evaluate the effects of parallel (PVC) and transverse visual spatial cues
      (TVCs) on gait variables (spatiotemporal and kinematic) of individuals with IPD.
      Twelve IPD patients were recruited from the Neurology Clinic, Medical School
      Hospital, Unicamp. The patients were initially evaluated using a modified Hoehn
      and Yahr Scale and subsection III of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating
      Scale. A 3D analysis system consisting of six infrared cameras and 18 markers
      (with a sampling rate of 240 Hz) was used for gait evaluation at the Laboratory
      for Rehabilitation and Biomechanics of the Locomotor System - Unicamp. Patients
      were asked to walk down a walkway under the following circumstances: baseline
      condition (BC, without visual cues), TVCs (20 pieces of white adhesive tape, 5 cm
      width and 50 cm length, placed 45 cm apart) and PVCs (two adhesive white tapes,
      30 cm distance between them, 5 cm width each tape, along the walkway). Compared
      with the patients without visual cues, gait velocity was higher with the aid of
      visual cues (PVCs and TVCs, P=0.003), and the percentage of leg stance time was
      smaller when cues were used (this value was significant for the right leg,
      P=0.008). In addition, stride length was significantly higher with the use of
      TVCs (P=0.006) compared with BC and PVCs. Regarding kinematic variables, TVCs
      resulted in smaller ranges of motion in knee joint flexion at initial contact and
      higher maximal amplitudes of knee flexion during the oscillatory phase compared
      with BC and PVCs. In conclusion, The use of TVCs on the gait evaluation results
      in improved gait variables compared with BC and PVCs. Therefore, the use of TVCs
      in a rehabilitation plan would be ideal for a physiotherapeutic treatment with
      emphasis on gait alterations.

PMID- 22044987
TI  - The responsiveness and correlation between Fugl-Meyer Assessment, Motor Status
      Scale, and the Action Research Arm Test in chronic stroke with upper-extremity
      rehabilitation robotic training.
AB  - Responsiveness of clinical assessments is an important element in the report of
      clinical effectiveness after rehabilitation. The correlation could reflect the
      validity of assessments as an indication of clinical performance before and after
      interventions. This study investigated the correlation and responsiveness of Fugl
      Meyer Assessment (FMA), Motor Status Scale (MSS), Action Research Arm Test (ARAT)
      and the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), which are used frequently in effectiveness
      studies of robotic upper-extremity training in stroke rehabilitation. Twenty
      seven chronic stroke patients were recruited for a 20-session upper-extremity
      rehabilitation robotic training program. This was a rater-blinded randomized
      controlled trial. All participants were evaluated with FMA, MSS, ARAT, MAS, and
      Functional Independent Measure before and after robotic training. Spearman's rank
      correlation coefficient was applied for the analysis of correlation. The
      standardized response mean (SRM) and Guyatt's responsiveness index (GRI) were
      used to analyze responsiveness. Spearman's correlation coefficient showed a
      significantly high correlation (rho=0.91-0.96) among FMA, MSS, and ARAT and a
      fair-to-moderate correlation (rho=0.40-0.62) between MAS and the other
      assessments. FMA, MSS, and MAS on the wrist showed higher responsiveness
      (SRM=0.85-0.98, GRI=1.59-3.62), whereas ARAT showed relatively less
      responsiveness (SRM=0.22, GRI=0.81). The results showed that FMA or MSS would be
      the best choice for evaluating the functional improvement in stroke studies on
      robotic upper-extremity training with high responsiveness and good correlation
      with ARAT. MAS could be used separately to evaluate the spasticity changes after
      intervention in terms of high responsiveness.

PMID- 22044988
TI  - Impact of nonmotor symptoms on disability in patients with Parkinson's disease.
AB  - Patients with Parkinson's disease have nonmotor symptoms (NMS) that, although
      poorly considered, have an impact on their quality of life. In contrast, the
      effect on disability is not systematically evaluated. Adult patients were
      consecutively enrolled and administered the Non-Motor Symptoms Questionnaire and
      the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule. Student's t-test was used to assess the
      difference in the disability score between patients declaring and not declaring
      NMS. In total, 86 patients were enrolled and reported a median of nine NMS.
      Patients reporting symptoms in cognitive, emotional, cardiovascular, and sleep
      functions, as well as those reporting more than nine symptoms as a whole, also
      reported higher disability levels. The presence of NMS, including little
      evaluated areas connected to cardiovascular and sleep functions, negatively
      impacts disability in patients with Parkinson's disease.

PMID- 22044989
TI  - Speckled lentiginous nevus: sometimes, but not always, part of a syndrome.

PMID- 22044991
TI  - Headache in the emergency room: the role of immigrant background on the frequency
      of serious causes and diagnostic procedures.
AB  - Headache is the most frequent neurological chief complaint in the emergency room
      (ER). During diagnostic workup, accurate history taking still is the mainstay for
      identification of patients with a serious underlying disorder. However, in
      patients with an immigrant background, language problems and cultural influences
      on pain perception and pain-associated behavior can pose serious challenges for
      physicians. Here, we have evaluated the epidemiological characteristics of the
      chief complaint headache in ER patients with a probable immigrant background. We
      performed a retrospective study on 4,132 consecutive neurological ER patients.
      Identification of patients with probable immigrant background was done by a name
      based algorithm. Epidemiological characteristics of ER headache patients with and
      without probable immigrant background were evaluated. Patients with a probable
      immigrant background had a higher frequency of headache as chief complaint
      compared to age- and sex-matched control patients (32 vs. 21%). In addition,
      headache patients with a probable immigrant background had a lower frequency of
      serious causes (5.2 vs. 16%). Approximately eight cranial imaging procedures and
      three lumbar punctures were performed for one serious diagnosis in patients with
      a probable immigrant background. In control patients, these ratios were three and
      one, respectively. Taken together, our data suggest that socio-cultural factors
      such as migrational status significantly affect pain-associated behavior of
      headache patients as well as the clinical workup in an ER. Culturally competent
      care may be optimized by interpreters, standardized headache questionnaires and
      easy access to cranial imaging when a benign etiology cannot be firmly
      established.

PMID- 22044992
TI  - Idiopathic bilateral facial palsy: is a causative role of anti-GM1 ganglioside
      and herpes simplex type 1 possible?

PMID- 22044993
TI  - Experimental drying intensifies burning and carbon losses in a northern peatland.
AB  - For millennia, peatlands have served as an important sink for atmospheric CO(2)
      and today represent a large soil carbon reservoir. While recent land use and
      wildfires have reduced carbon sequestration in tropical peatlands, the influence
      of disturbance on boreal peatlands is uncertain, yet it is important for
      predicting the fate of northern high-latitude carbon reserves. Here we quantify
      rates of organic matter storage and combustion losses in a boreal peatland
      subjected to long-term experimental drainage, a portion of which subsequently
      burned during a wildfire. We show that drainage doubled rates of organic matter
      accumulation in the soils of unburned plots. However, drainage also increased
      carbon losses during wildfire ninefold to 16.8+/-0.2 kg C m(-2), equivalent to a
      loss of more than 450 years of peat accumulation. Interactions between peatland
      drainage and fire are likely to cause long-term carbon emissions to far exceed
      rates of carbon uptake, diminishing the northern peatland carbon sink.

PMID- 22044990
TI  - The role of glutamate in neuronal ischemic injury: the role of spark in fire.
AB  - Although being a physiologically important excitatory neurotransmitter, glutamate
      plays a pivotal role in various neurological disorders including ischemic
      neurological diseases. Its level is increased during cerebral ischemia with
      excessive neurological stimulation causing the glutamate-induced neuronal
      toxicity, excitotoxicity, and this is considered the triggering spark in the
      ischemic neuronal damage. The glutamatergic stimulation will lead to rise in the
      intracellular sodium and calcium, and the elevated intracellular calcium will
      lead to mitochondrial dysfunction, activation of proteases, accumulation of
      reactive oxygen species and release of nitric oxide. Interruption of the cascades
      of glutamate-induced cell death during ischemia may provide a way to prevent, or
      at least reduce, the ischemic damage. Various therapeutic options are suggested
      interrupting the glutamatergic pathways, e.g., inhibiting the glutamate synthesis
      or release, increasing its clearance, blocking of its receptors or preventing the
      rise in intracellular calcium. Development of these strategies may provide future
      treatment options in the management of ischemic stroke.

PMID- 22044994
TI  - Super-resolution surface mapping using the trajectories of molecular probes.
AB  - The surface characterization of 'soft' materials presents a significant
      scientific challenge, particularly under 'wet' in situ conditions where a wide
      variety of non-covalent interactions may be relevant. Here we introduce a new
      chemical imaging method, MAPT (mapping using accumulated probe trajectories) that
      generates images of surface interactions by distributing different aspects of
      molecular probe trajectories into distinct locations and then combining many
      trajectories to generate spatial maps. The maps are super-resolution in nature,
      because they are accumulated from highly localized single-molecule observations.
      Unlike other super-resolution techniques, which report only photon or point
      counts, our analysis generates spatial maps of physical quantities (adsorption
      rate, desorption probability, local surface diffusion coefficient, surface
      coverage/occupancy) that are directly associated with the molecular interactions
      between the probe molecule and the surface. We demonstrate the feasibility of
      this characterization using a surface patterned with various degrees of
      hydrophobicity.

PMID- 22044995
TI  - A high-rate long-life Li4Ti5O12/Li[Ni0.45Co0.1Mn1.45]O4 lithium-ion battery.
AB  - Lithium batteries are receiving considerable attention as storage devices in the
      renewable energy and sustainable road transport fields. However, low-cost, long
      life lithium batteries with higher energy densities are required to facilitate
      practical application. Here we report a lithium-ion battery that can be cycled at
      rates as high as 10 C has a life exceeding 500 cycles and an operating
      temperature range extending from -20 to 55  degrees C. The estimated energy
      density is 260 W h kg(-1), which is considerably higher than densities delivered
      by the presently available Li-ion batteries.

PMID- 22044996
TI  - Broadband polarization-independent resonant light absorption using ultrathin
      plasmonic super absorbers.
AB  - Resonant plasmonic and metamaterial structures allow for control of fundamental
      optical processes such as absorption, emission and refraction at the nanoscale.
      Considerable recent research has focused on energy absorption processes, and
      plasmonic nanostructures have been shown to enhance the performance of
      photovoltaic and thermophotovoltaic cells. Although reducing metallic losses is a
      widely sought goal in nanophotonics, the design of nanostructured 'black' super
      absorbers from materials comprising only lossless dielectric materials and highly
      reflective noble metals represents a new research direction. Here we demonstrate
      an ultrathin (260 nm) plasmonic super absorber consisting of a metal-insulator
      metal stack with a nanostructured top silver film composed of crossed trapezoidal
      arrays. Our super absorber yields broadband and polarization-independent resonant
      light absorption over the entire visible spectrum (400-700 nm) with an average
      measured absorption of 0.71 and simulated absorption of 0.85. Proposed
      nanostructured absorbers open a path to realize ultrathin black metamaterials
      based on resonant absorption.

PMID- 22044997
TI  - Giant magnetostriction in annealed Co(1-x)Fe(x) thin-films.
AB  - Chemical and structural heterogeneity and the resulting interaction of coexisting
      phases can lead to extraordinary behaviours in oxides, as observed in
      piezoelectric materials at morphotropic phase boundaries and relaxor
      ferroelectrics. However, such phenomena are rare in metallic alloys. Here we show
      that, by tuning the presence of structural heterogeneity in textured Co(1-x)Fe(x)
      thin films, effective magnetostriction lambda(eff) as large as 260 p.p.m. can be
      achieved at low-saturation field of ~10 mT. Assuming lambda(100) is the dominant
      component, this number translates to an upper limit of magnetostriction of
      lambda(100)~5lambda(eff) >1,000 p.p.m. Microstructural analyses of Co(1-x)Fe(x)
      films indicate that maximal magnetostriction occurs at compositions near the
      (fcc+bcc)/bcc phase boundary and originates from precipitation of an equilibrium
      Co-rich fcc phase embedded in a Fe-rich bcc matrix. The results indicate that the
      recently proposed heterogeneous magnetostriction mechanism can be used to guide
      exploration of compounds with unusual magnetoelastic properties.

PMID- 22044998
TI  - Large-scale DNA editing of retrotransposons accelerates mammalian genome
      evolution.
AB  - Retrotransposons had an important role in genome evolution, including the
      formation of new genes and promoters and the rewiring of gene networks. However,
      it is unclear how such a repertoire of functions emerged from a relatively
      limited number of source sequences. Here we show that DNA editing, an antiviral
      mechanism, accelerated the evolution of mammalian genomes by large-scale
      modification of their retrotransposon sequences. We find numerous pairs of
      retrotransposons containing long clusters of G-to-A mutations that cannot be
      attributed to random mutagenesis. These clusters, which we find across different
      mammalian genomes and retrotransposon families, are the hallmark of APOBEC3
      activity, a potent antiretroviral protein family with cytidine deamination
      function. As DNA editing simultaneously generates a large number of mutations,
      each affected element begins its evolutionary trajectory from a unique starting
      point, thereby increasing the probability of developing a novel function. Our
      findings thus suggest a potential mechanism for retrotransposon domestication.

PMID- 22044999
TI  - Disrupted erythropoietin signalling promotes obesity and alters hypothalamus
      proopiomelanocortin production.
AB  - Although erythropoietin (Epo) is the cytokine known to regulate erythropoiesis,
      erythropoietin receptor (EpoR) expression and associated activity beyond
      haematopoietic tissue remain uncertain. Here we show that mice with EpoR
      expression restricted to haematopoietic tissues (Tg) develop obesity and insulin
      resistance. Tg-mice exhibit a decrease in energy expenditure and an increase in
      white fat mass and adipocyte number. Conversely, Epo treatment of wild-type (WT)
      mice increases energy expenditure and reduces food intake and fat mass
      accumulation but shows no effect in body weight of Tg-mice. EpoR is expressed at
      a high level in white adipose tissue and in the proopiomelanocortin (POMC)
      neurons of the hypothalamus. Although Epo treatment in WT-mice induces the
      expression of the polypeptide hormone precursor, POMC, mice lacking EpoR show
      reduced levels of POMC in the hypothalamus. This study provides the first
      evidence that mice lacking EpoR in non-haematopoietic tissue become obese and
      insulin resistant with loss of Epo regulation of energy homeostasis.

PMID- 22045000
TI  - CD91-dependent programming of T-helper cell responses following heat shock
      protein immunization.
AB  - The immunogenic heat shock proteins (HSPs) gp96, hsp70 and calreticulin (CRT)
      bind to CD91 on antigen-presenting cells (APCs) for cross-presentation of the HSP
      chaperoned peptides. This event leads to priming of T-cell responses. Here we
      show that CD91 serves as a signalling receptor for these HSPs, allowing for the
      maturation of APCs, secretion of cytokines and priming of T-helper (Th) cells.
      Specifically, CD91 is phosphorylated in response to HSPs in a unique pattern and
      phospho-CD91 triggers signalling cascades to activate nuclear factor-kappa B.
      Each HSP-CD91 interaction on APCs stimulates a unique cytokine profile, which
      dictates priming of specific Th cell subsets. Thus, in a transforming growth
      factor-beta tumour microenvironment, immunization with CRT, but not gp96 or
      hsp70, primes Th17-cell responses in a CD91-dependent manner. These results are
      important for development of T-cell responses in situ in tumour-bearing hosts and
      for vaccination against cancer and infectious disease.

PMID- 22045001
TI  - Rational design of a binary metal alloy for chemical vapour deposition growth of
      uniform single-layer graphene.
AB  - Controlled growth of high-quality graphene is still the bottleneck of practical
      applications. The widely used chemical vapour deposition process generally
      suffers from an uncontrollable carbon precipitation effect that leads to
      inhomogeneous growth and strong correlation to the growth conditions. Here we
      report the rational design of a binary metal alloy that effectively suppresses
      the carbon precipitation process and activates a self-limited growth mechanism
      for homogeneous monolayer graphene. As demonstrated by an Ni-Mo alloy, the
      designed binary alloy contains an active catalyst component for carbon source
      decomposition and graphene growth and a black hole counterpart for trapping the
      dissolved carbons and forming stable metal carbides. This type of process
      engineering has been used to grow strictly single-layer graphene with 100%
      surface coverage and excellent tolerance to variations in growth conditions. With
      simplicity, scalability and a very large growth window, the presented approach
      may facilitate graphene research and industrial applications.

PMID- 22045003
TI  - Review of cervical spine anomalies in genetic syndromes.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Focused review of the literature. OBJECTIVE: Assist spine
      specialists in diagnosis and treatment of cervical spine anomalies found in
      selected genetic syndromes. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Cervical spine
      instability and/or stenosis are potentially debilitating problems in many genetic
      syndromes. These problems can be overlooked among the other systemic issues more
      familiar to clinicians and radiologists evaluating these syndromes. It is
      imperative that spine specialists understand the relevant issues associated with
      these particular syndromes. METHODS: The literature was reviewed for cervical
      spine issues in 10 specific syndromes. The information is presented in the
      following order: First, the identification and treatment of midcervical kyphosis
      in Larsen syndrome and diastrophic dysplasia (DD). Next, the upper cervical
      abnormalities seen in Down syndrome, 22q11.2 Deletion syndrome,
      pseudoachondroplasia, Morquio syndrome, Goldenhar syndrome, spondyloepiphyseal
      dysplasia congenita, and Kniest dysplasia. Finally, the chin-on-chest deformity
      of fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva. RESULTS: Midcervical kyphosis in
      patients with Larsen syndrome and DD needs to be evaluated and imaged often to
      track deformity progression. Upper cervical spine instability in Down syndrome is
      most commonly caused by ligamentous laxity at C1 to C2 and occiput-C1 levels.
      Nearly 100% of patients with 22q11.2 deletion syndrome have cervical spine
      abnormalities, but few are symptomatic. Patients with pseudoachondroplasia and
      Morquio syndrome have C1 to C2 instability related to odontoid dysplasia
      (hypoplasia and os odontoideum). Morquio patients also have soft tissue
      glycosaminoglycan deposits, which cause stenosis and lead to myelopathy. Severely
      affected patients with spondyloepiphyseal dysplasia congenita are at high risk of
      myelopathy because of atlantoaxial instability in addition to underlying
      stenosis. Kniest syndrome is associated with atlantoaxial instability. Cervical
      spine anomalies in Goldenhar syndrome are varied and can be severe.
      Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva features severe, deforming heterotopic
      ossification that can become life-threatening. CONCLUSION: It is important to be
      vigilant in the diagnosis and treatment of cervical spine anomalies in patients
      with genetic syndromes.

PMID- 22045002
TI  - Integrating the biophysical and molecular mechanisms of auditory hair cell
      mechanotransduction.
AB  - Mechanosensation is a primitive and somewhat ubiquitous sense. At the inner ear,
      sensory hair cells are refined to enhance sensitivity, dynamic range and
      frequency selectivity. Thirty years ago, mechanisms of mechanotransduction and
      adaptation were well accounted for by simple mechanical models that incorporated
      physiological and morphological properties of hair cells. Molecular and genetic
      tools, coupled with new optical techniques, are now identifying and localizing
      specific components of the mechanotransduction machinery. These new findings
      challenge long-standing theories, and require modification of old and development
      of new models. Future advances require the integration of molecular and
      physiological data to causally test these new hypotheses.

PMID- 22045004
TI  - Cross-cultural adaptation and validity of an adapted Brazilian Portuguese version
      of Scoliosis Research Society-30 questionnaire.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Prospective clinical study developed at a tertiary teaching
      facility to test an adapted Brazilian Portuguese version of the Scoliosis
      Research Society-30 (SRS-30) questionnaire. OBJECTIVE: To perform cross-cultural
      adaptation and evaluate the validity of the adapted Brazilian Portuguese version
      of SRS-30 questionnaire. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Quality-of-life measurement
      is a common practice to assess spine diseases. The SRS questionnaires have been
      proven to be a valid tool in the clinical evaluation of patients diagnosed with
      idiopathic scoliosis in United States. However, adaptation into languages other
      than the source language is necessary to allow multinational use respecting
      cultural and lingual differences. METHODS: A translation/retranslation of the
      English version of the SRS-30 into Brazilian Portuguese was conducted, and all
      steps for cross-cultural adaptation process were performed, including a pretest
      with 20 patients. Sixty-four postoperative patients were submitted to the final
      version of the Brazilian SRS-30 questionnaire, through oral interviews. The
      average age of all patients who joined the study was 18.5 years. Internal
      consistency of the instrument was determined with Cronbach alpha coefficient.
      RESULTS: The study demonstrated high Cronbach alpha values for 4 of the
      corresponding domains (pain, 0.68; self-image, 0.75; mental health, 0.78; and
      function/activity, 0.57). However, the Cronbach alpha value for satisfaction
      domain (0.28) was considerably lower than the original English questionnaire. The
      overall Cronbach alpha values achieved 0.85 for all domains. CONCLUSION: The
      adapted Brazilian version of the SRS-30 questionnaire can be used to assess the
      outcome of treatment for Brazilian Portuguese-speaking patients with idiopathic
      scoliosis.

PMID- 22045005
TI  - Patient comorbidities and complications after spinal surgery: a societal-based
      cost analysis.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Prospective observational study. OBJECTIVE: To determine how
      patient comorbidities and perioperative complications after spinal surgery affect
      the health care costs to society. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Despite efforts to
      reduce adverse events related to spinal surgery, complications are common and
      significantly increased by patient comorbidities. METHODS: Patients who underwent
      spinal surgery at a tertiary academic center during a 6-month period (May 2008 to
      December 2008) were prospectively followed. All demographic data, comorbidities,
      procedural information, and complications to 30-day follow-up were recorded.
      Diagnosis-Related Group codes and Current Procedural Terminology codes were
      captured for each patient. Direct costs were estimated from a societal
      perspective, using 2008 Medicare rates of reimbursement. A multivariable analysis
      was performed to assess the impact of specific patient comorbidities and
      complications on total health care costs. RESULTS: A total of 226 cases were
      analyzed. The mean cost of care for cases with complications was greater than
      that for cases without complications ($13,518.35 [95% confidence interval (CI),
      $9378.80-$17,657.90]; P < 0.0001). These results were consistent across
      degenerative, traumatic, and tumor/infection preoperative diagnoses. Cases with
      major complications were more costly than those with minor complications
      ($13,714.88 [CI, $6353.02-$21,076.74]; P = 0.0001). Systemic malignancy and
      preoperative neurological comorbidity were each associated with an increase in
      the cost of care ($7919 [CI, $2073-$15,225]; P = 0.006] and $5508 [CI, $814
      $11,198; P = 0.02]), respectively, when compared with a baseline cost of care
      derived from all cases in the database. The cost of care was increased by
      pulmonary complications ($7233 [CI, $3982.53-$11,152.88]; P < 0.0001),
      instrumentation malposition ($6968 [CI, $1705.90-$14,277.16]; P = 0.0062), new
      neurological deficit ($4537 [CI, $863.95-$9274.30]; P = 0.013), and by wound
      infection ($4067 [CI, $1682.79-$6872.39]; P = 0.0004), after adjustment for
      covariates. CONCLUSION: Both minor and major complications were found to increase
      the cost of care in a prospective assessment of spine surgery complications.
      Specific patient comorbidities and perioperative complications are associated
      with significant increases in the total cost of care to society.

PMID- 22045006
TI  - Scoliosis Research Society-Schwab adult spinal deformity classification: a
      validation study.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Inter- and intra-rater variability study. OBJECTIVE: On the basis
      of a Scoliosis Research Society effort, this study seeks to determine whether the
      new adult spinal deformity (ASD) classification system is clear and reliable.
      SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: A classification of adult ASD can serve several
      purposes, including consistent characterization of a clinical entity, a basis for
      comparing different treatments, and recommended treatments. Although pediatric
      scoliosis classifications are well established, an ASD classification is still
      being developed. A previous classification developed by Schwab et al has met with
      clinical relevance but did not include pelvic parameters, which have shown
      substantial correlation with health-related quality of life measures in recent
      studies. METHODS: Initiated by the Scoliosis Research Society Adult Deformity
      Committee, this study revised a previously published classification to include
      pelvic parameters. Modifier cutoffs were determined using health-related quality
      of life analysis from a multicenter database of adult deformity patients. Nine
      readers graded 21 premarked cases twice each, approximately 1 week apart. Inter-
      and intra-rater variability and agreement were determined for curve type and each
      modifier separately. Fleiss' kappa was used for reliability measures, with values
      of 0.00 to 0.20 considered slight, 0.21 to 0.40 fair, 0.41 to 0.60 moderate, 0.61
      to 0.80 substantial, and 0.81 to 1.00 almost perfect agreement. RESULTS: Inter
      rater kappa for curve type was 0.80 and 0.87 for the 2 readings, respectively,
      with modifier kappas of 0.75 and 0.86, 0.97 and 0.98, and 0.96 and 0.96 for
      pelvic incidence minus lumbar lordosis (PI-LL), pelvic tilt (PT), and sagittal
      vertical axis (SVA), respectively. By the second reading, curve type was
      identified by all readers consistently in 66.7%, PI-LL in 71.4%, PT in 95.2%, and
      SVA in 90.5% of cases. Intra-rater kappa averaged 0.94 for curve type, 0.88 for
      PI-LL, 0.97 for PT, and 0.97 for SVA across all readers. CONCLUSION: Data from
      this study show that there is excellent inter- and intra-rater reliability and
      inter-rater agreement for curve type and each modifier. The high degree of
      reliability demonstrates that applying the classification system is easy and
      consistent.

PMID- 22045007
TI  - Generation of luminescent noble metal nanodots in cell matrices.
AB  - Cell matrices were used as rich libraries to screen proteins for the production
      of luminescent silver and gold nanodots. The study indicates that the proteins
      for silver and gold nanodot protection are quite different. The identification of
      such proteins in future may enrich the family of luminescent nanodots.

PMID- 22045008
TI  - Facile synthesis of monodisperse porous Co3O4 microspheres with superior ethanol
      sensing properties.
AB  - A solvothermal method was developed to prepare on a large scale monodisperse
      porous beta-Co(OH)(2) microspheres consisting of nanoplatelets. Co(3)O(4)
      microspheres with porous platelets were obtained via subsequent thermal
      decomposition. These Co(3)O(4) microspheres show much higher ethanol sensitivity
      and selectivity at a relatively low temperature (135  degrees C) compared with
      those of commercial Co(3)O(4) nanoparticles.

PMID- 22045009
TI  - The value of HAZWOPER medical surveillance.
AB  - Medical surveillance is mandated for workers with potential exposure to hazardous
      materials. However, little guidance is provided regarding the components of a
      medical surveillance testing program for these individuals. This article
      describes the medical surveillance program for a group of 72 employees who
      respond to hazardous material releases throughout the United States. Conditions
      related to chemical exposures were not identified in this group. However, several
      non-occupational health conditions were identified, including a relatively high
      prevalence of one or more signs of metabolic syndrome. Medical surveillance may
      provide valuable information regarding an individual's underlying health status
      and non-occupational health conditions to be addressed at an early stage.

PMID- 22045010
TI  - The effect of oil spills on workers involved in containment and abatement: the
      role of the occupational health nurse.
AB  - The Deepwater Horizon oil spill is the most recent manmade disaster to challenge
      occupational health nurses caring for a unique worker population. The effects of
      oil spills on wildlife, marine life, and the ecosystem are well studied and
      documented, but the effects on workers who contain and abate such disasters are
      not. These workers can suffer from a multitude of illnesses and injuries, such as
      ataxia, migraines, and various lung diseases, which can be a challenge for
      occupational health nurses.

PMID- 22045011
TI  - An integrated approach to worker self-management and health outcomes: chronic
      conditions, evidence-based practice, and health coaching.
AB  - Employee health, prevention, and maintenance programs are growing exponentially
      each year as costs continue to rise across the health care continuum. Employers
      and payers alike continue to be challenged by chronic health risks, effective
      prevention strategies, optimal health and wellness strategies, and programs that
      are effective for America's work force. In light of these challenges, new and
      exciting health management approaches are evolving. Changes in occupational
      health nursing practice can ultimately affect the way occupational health nurses
      plan, structure, and conduct education sessions. New trends, such as health
      coaching, embrace the incorporation of health research through evidence-based
      practice and standards of care to provide the science clinicians need to support
      interventions. Through knowledge of chronic conditions, evidence-based practice,
      and health coaching, occupational health nurses possess the skills and strategies
      that form the foundation necessary to affect and safely guide employee self
      discovery and self-management and produce optimal health outcomes.

PMID- 22045013
TI  - Soy isoflavones for the prevention of menopausal symptoms and bone loss--a safe
      and effective alternative to estrogen?
AB  - Daily administration of soy isoflavones for 2 years did not prevent bone loss or
      menopausal symptoms.

PMID- 22045014
TI  - Recent advances in cooperative ion pairing in asymmetric organocatalysis.
AB  - Over the last decade, with the surge in the development of organocatalysis, many
      processes involving chiral ion pairs have emerged as powerful tools in the design
      of new efficient organocatalysts. This tutorial review focuses on the recent
      evolutions of these organocatalytic systems in which both anionic and cationic
      parts are working in a cooperative fashion in order to develop unique catalytic
      processes which outperform the existing approaches. In this respect, chiral ion
      pairs opened new avenues in the design of bifunctional organocatalysts by means
      of combinatorial approaches.

PMID- 22045015
TI  - Bivalent effects of wheel running on taste conditioning.
AB  - We replicated the finding of bivalent conditioning of tastes by wheel running by
      Hughes and Boakes (2008), but without pre-exposure to the wheel. Rats received
      six days of conditioning with a flavoured solution presented for 10 min before a
      40-min placement in a running wheel and another flavoured solution presented for
      10 min after. A highly palatable liquid meal replacement was used as a vehicle
      for the flavours to encourage consumption, allowing us to equate before and after
      presentation intervals. Relative to a third flavour, we found that the taste
      preceding wheel running was consumed less, and the taste that followed wheel
      running was consumed more. Novel wheel running can therefore condition both taste
      avoidance and taste preference.

PMID- 22045016
TI  - Statistical analysis of blood pressure measurement errors by oscillometry during
      surgical operations.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Although a validated oscillometry sphygmomanometer satisfies the
      accuracy criteria of Advancement of Medical Instrumentation (AAMI), its long-term
      blood pressure (BP) measurement error during operations remains to be determined.
      We aim to (a) compare the error range throughout surgical operations with the
      accuracy criteria of AAMI, and (b) investigate the probabilities of occurrence of
      abnormal, large errors and clinically meaningful errors. METHODS: BP level were
      measured from 270 participants using oscillometry and arterial cannulation
      (invasive method) in the same BP monitor throughout surgeries. Mean deviation and
      SD (oscillometry vs. invasive method) were calculated from 6640 sets of data and
      presented in the Bland-Altman Plots. Also, the average, the largest, and the
      smallest measurement errors (errormean, errormax, and errormin) per patient were
      obtained. The probability distributions of the three types of errors were shown
      using histograms (percentage vs. SD). In addition, the clinically meaningful
      large errors (>= 10 mmHg) of the adult patients when their systolic blood
      pressure (SBP) values were around 90 mmHg were investigated. RESULTS: The mean
      deviation (1.98 mmHg for SBP and 4.31 mmHg for diastolic blood pressure (DBP)
      satisfies the AAMI criterion (<= 5 mmHg), but the SD (14.87 mmHg for SBP and
      11.21 mmHg for DBP) exceeds the AAMI criterion (<= 8 mmHg). The probability of
      errormax more than 40 mmHg is 14% for SBP and 6% for DBP. The probability of
      errormean more than 24 mmHg (4.07% for SBP and 1.48% for DBP), and that of
      errormin more than 24 mmHg (0.37% for SBP and 0.37% for DBP) are all greater than
      the criterion of 0.26%. The clinically meaningful errors are found in 28.78% of
      the adult patients. CONCLUSION: The SD of long-term BP measurement by our
      oscillometric method during operations exceeds AAMI accuracy criteria. And it is
      important to be aware of the abnormal large errors and clinically meaningful
      errors as their probabilities are rather significant. We analyze the possible
      cause of the major errors and deduce that similar errors may also happen with
      other oscillometric devices.

PMID- 22045017
TI  - Relation between carotid intima-media thickness and aortic knob width in patients
      with essential hypertension.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The assessment of subclinical atherosclerosis is important in the
      evaluation of a hypertensive patient, as it provides information on the severity
      of the hypertension and the cardiovascular risk. The aim of this study was to
      determine the usefulness of the aortic knob width measured on chest radiography
      in the assessment of subclinical atherosclerosis in hypertensive patients. METHOD
      AND RESULTS: A total of 126 consecutive hypertensive patients were enrolled. In
      univariate analysis, there was a strong correlation between carotid intima media
      thickness (CIMT) and aortic knob width (r=0.62, P<0.001). In addition, there were
      statistically significant correlations between CIMT and age (r=0.42, P<0.001),
      systolic pressure (r=0.27, P=0.02), diastolic pressure (r=0.28, P<0.03), and
      pulse pressure (r=0.31, P<0.001). In linear regression analysis, the aortic knob
      width (beta=0.5, P<0.001), age (beta=0.02, P=0.03), and systolic pressure
      (beta=0.03, P=0.005) were the only independent predictors of CIMT. CONCLUSION:
      Observation of aortic knob on chest radiograph in hypertensive patients may
      provide important predictive information of subclinical atherosclerosis.

PMID- 22045018
TI  - Agreement comparison between home and clinic blood pressure measurements in 200
      Chinese participants.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the agreement, mean
      difference, prevalence, and control rates of arterial hypertension between clinic
      (i.e. office) and home blood pressure (BP) measurements in a general population.
      Variations in home BP between morning and evening measurements and the dynamic
      changes during 7 days of measurements were also examined. METHODS: A total of 200
      participants were selected from three communities in the Beijing area. Patients
      underwent a clinical interview and measurement of both clinic and home BP.
      Thresholds for elevated clinic and home BP were defined as at least 140/90 and
      135/85 mmHg. RESULTS: Systolic and diastolic BP measured at clinic was higher
      than at home; the mean difference was 3.1/1.6 mmHg in all participants and
      6.2/1.1 mmHg in hypertensive patients. With home BP monitoring, the first day of
      monitoring showed the highest and most varied (as reflected by standard
      deviation) BP readings. Home diastolic BP was significantly higher in the morning
      (76.6 +/- 10.1 mmHg) than in the evening (74.2 +/- 9.8 mmHg, P<0.0001), but home
      systolic BP was not. The prevalence of hypertension was higher when estimated by
      clinic versus by home BP (53.0 vs. 39.6%, P=0.025); and the control rate of
      hypertension tended to be lower when estimated by clinic versus by home BP (56.1
      vs. 64.1%, P=0.24). The overall agreement between clinic and home BP in diagnosis
      of hypertension was 80.3% (kappa coefficient: 0.6). CONCLUSION: The present study
      in 200 Chinese demonstrates that BP is higher (a) at the clinic setting compared
      with at home and (b) on the first day of initiating home BP monitoring. There is
      moderate agreement between clinic and home BP in diagnosing hypertension. As home
      BP measurements may best represent the 'true' BP level in normotensives and
      hypertensives, its use in clinical practice should be promoted.

PMID- 22045019
TI  - Phylogenetic study of the species within the family Streptomycetaceae.
AB  - Species of the genus Streptomyces, which constitute the vast majority of taxa
      within the family Streptomycetaceae, are a predominant component of the microbial
      population in soils throughout the world and have been the subject of extensive
      isolation and screening efforts over the years because they are a major source of
      commercially and medically important secondary metabolites. Taxonomic
      characterization of Streptomyces strains has been a challenge due to the large
      number of described species, greater than any other microbial genus, resulting
      from academic and industrial activities. The methods used for characterization
      have evolved through several phases over the years from those based largely on
      morphological observations, to subsequent classifications based on numerical
      taxonomic analyses of standardized sets of phenotypic characters and, most
      recently, to the use of molecular phylogenetic analyses of gene sequences. The
      present phylogenetic study examines almost all described species (615 taxa)
      within the family Streptomycetaceae based on 16S rRNA gene sequences and
      illustrates the species diversity within this family, which is observed to
      contain 130 statistically supported clades, as well as many unsupported and
      single member clusters. Many of the observed clades are consistent with earlier
      morphological and numerical taxonomic studies, but it is apparent that
      insufficient variation is present in the 16S rRNA gene sequence within the
      species of this family to permit bootstrap-supported resolution of relationships
      between many of the individual clusters.

PMID- 22045020
TI  - Health-related quality of life among pregnant women with and without depression
      in Hubei, China.
AB  - The role of prenatal depression on physical and mental health among women in
      mainland China has not been previously investigated. The aim of this research was
      to (a) calculate the prevalence of depression during pregnancy, (b) explore the
      relationship between depression sample characteristics and quality of life and
      (c) identify predictors of physical and mental health among pregnant women. This
      study was designed as a cross-sectional and exploratory survey. A total of 454
      pregnant women participated in the study between December 2009 and June 2010 in
      central China. The data was collected using the Medical Outcomes Study short form
      36 v2 and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Participants were recruited
      at outpatient departments of obstetrics and gynecology. Findings show that almost
      40% of pregnant women experience prenatal depression. Depression was
      significantly associated with physical and mental health-related quality of life
      (HRQoL). Depression, increased age, higher gestational age, being employed and
      married were significant predictors of lower physical HRQoL. Depression, lower
      BMI and having an unintended pregnancy were significant predictors of lower
      mental HRQoL. Prenatal depression is very common in women from mainland China.
      Depressed women suffer from impaired physical and mental health; prenatal
      depression has a negative impact on women's HRQoL. We recommend that antenatal
      services integrate screening for depression into routine antenatal care.

PMID- 22045021
TI  - Ego-dystonic pregnancy and prenatal consumption of alcohol among first-time
      mothers.
AB  - This study examines predictors of drinking during pregnancy among first-time
      mothers, in order to distinguish those in need of targeted screening and
      intervention. Data from the prenatal panel of the Parenting for the First Time
      study were used in hierarchical linear regressions to determine likelihood of
      prenatal alcohol consumption among a sample of 645 women. African-American women
      and those of race/ethnicities other than White were less likely to drink,
      regardless of age or level of education. Among all women, being in school was
      associated with abstention (P = 0.05). Among teens, endorsing a perception of
      feeling "pushed around" was a significant indicator of prenatal alcohol
      consumption (P = 0.05), as was not having plans for infant feeding shortly before
      delivery (P = 0.05). Among adults with some level of college education, having a
      first prenatal visit after the fourth month of pregnancy was a significant
      predictor of drinking (P = 0.01). This study indicates that women who evidence
      behaviors or attitudes indicating an ego-dystonic pregnancy (one that is
      psychologically or emotionally uncomfortable), may be more likely to self
      medicate and cope via avoidance through drinking. These behaviors and attitudes
      may be indicators of the need for targeted screening and intervention, as well as
      indicators of underlying problems to be targeted in treatment. Further, among all
      women for whom continued education is a possibility, retaining the ability to
      attend school during the pregnancy can be protective.

PMID- 22045022
TI  - A conceptual framework for future research on mode of delivery.
AB  - Our goal was to develop a comprehensive conceptual research framework on mode of
      delivery and to identify research priorities in this topic area through a Delphi
      process. We convened a multidisciplinary team of 16 experts (North Carolina
      Collaborative on Mode of Delivery) representing the fields of obstetrics and
      gynecology, neonatology, midwifery, epidemiology, psychometrics, decision
      sciences, bioethics, health care engineering, health economics, health
      disparities, and women's studies. We finalized the conceptual framework after
      multiple iterations, including revisions during a one-day in-person conference.
      The conceptual framework illustrates the causal pathway for mode of delivery and
      the complex interplay and relationships among patient, fetal, family, provider,
      cultural, and societal factors as drivers of change from intended to actual mode
      of delivery. This conceptual framework on mode of delivery will help put specific
      research ideas into a broader context and identify important knowledge gaps for
      future investigation.

PMID- 22045023
TI  - TAZ antagonizes the WWP1-mediated KLF5 degradation and promotes breast cell
      proliferation and tumorigenesis.
AB  - Kruppel-like factor 5 (KLF5) is a PY motif-containing transcription factor
      promoting breast cell proliferation. The KLF5 protein is rapidly degraded through
      the proteasome after ubiquitination by E3 ubiquitin ligases, such as WWP1 and
      SCF(Fbw7). In this study, we demonstrated that a transcriptional co-activator
      with the PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) upregulated the KLF5 expression through
      antagonizing the WWP1-, but not Fbw7-, mediated KLF5 ubiquitination and
      degradation. TAZ interacted with KLF5 through the WW domain of TAZ and the PY
      motif of KLF5, which is the binding site for WWP1. TAZ inhibited WWP1-KLF5
      protein interaction and WWP1-mediated KLF5 ubiquitination and degradation in a WW
      domain-dependent manner. Overexpression of TAZ upregulated the protein levels of
      KLF5 and FGF-BP, which is a well-established KLF5 target gene. In addition,
      depletion of TAZ in both 184A1 and HCC1937 breast cells downregulated protein
      levels of KLF5 and FGF-BP and inhibited cell growth. Furthermore, stable
      depletion of either TAZ or KLF5 significantly suppressed HCC1937 xenograft growth
      in immunodeficient mice. Knockdown of LATS1, a TAZ upstream inhibitory kinase, up
      regulated the protein levels of KLF5 and FGF-BP in 184A1 and promoted cell growth
      through TAZ. Finally, both KLF5 and TAZ were co-expressed in a subset of estrogen
      receptor alpha-negative breast cell lines. These results, for the first time,
      suggest that TAZ promotes breast cell growth partially through protecting KLF5
      from WWP1-mediated degradation and enhancing KLF5's activities.

PMID- 22045024
TI  - DHA induces apoptosis and differentiation in human melanoma cells in vitro:
      involvement of HuR-mediated COX-2 mRNA stabilization and beta-catenin nuclear
      translocation.
AB  - The pro-inflammatory phenotype accompanying melanoma progression includes an
      enhanced expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), which plays an important role in
      the acquisition of apoptosis resistance, and is a suitable target for melanoma
      prevention and therapy. We observed that the WM266-4 metastatic melanoma cell
      line showed a constitutive COX-2 expression higher than that of the primary WM115
      cells, an increased cytosolic level of the COX-2 messenger RNA (mRNA)-stabilizer
      human antigen R (HuR) and a lower susceptibility to basal apoptosis. The
      transfection of HuR siRNA induced apoptosis and reduced COX-2 protein abundance
      in both the cells. The same effects were observed treating the cells with the n-3
      polyunsaturated fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which reduced the
      cytoplasmic location and expression of HuR and, correspondently, decreased COX-2
      protein expression and induced apoptosis. DHA also decreased the expression and
      stability of COX-2 mRNA, increased the beta-catenin expression in the nuclei and
      reduced it in the cytosol, where it forms a complex with HuR and COX-2 mRNA. DHA
      had also a pro-differentiating effect, which is compatible with the nuclear
      translocation of beta-catenin. These findings allow us to associate for the first
      time the constitutive expression of COX-2 in melanoma cells to the HuR-mediated
      stabilization of its mRNA and suggest that also beta-catenin may play a role in
      HuR-mediated COX-2 stabilization in these cells. The data demonstrate that the
      HuR-mediated stabilization of COX-2 may represent a target of DHA action in
      melanoma cells and suggest the application of DHA in the prevention and therapy
      of melanoma.

PMID- 22045025
TI  - Consumption of high omega-3 fatty acid diet suppressed prostate tumorigenesis in
      C3(1) Tag mice.
AB  - Prostate cancer incidence and mortality are high in the Western world and high
      omega-6/omega-3 PUFA in the Western diet may be a contributing factor. We
      investigated whether changing from a diet that approximates omega-6 fat content
      of the Western diet to a high omega-3 fat diet at adulthood might reduce prostate
      cancer risk. Female SV 129 mice that had consumed a high omega-6 diet containing
      corn oil for 2 weeks were bred with homozygous C3(1)Tag transgenic male mice. All
      male offspring were weaned to the corn oil diet (CO) until postpuberty when half
      of the male offspring were transferred to a high omega-3 diet containing canola
      oil and fish oil concentrate (FS). High omega-3 diet increased omega-3 and
      decreased omega-6 fat content of mice tissues. Average weights of prostate and
      genitourinary bloc were significantly lower in mice consuming high omega-3 diet
      at adulthood (CO-FS) than mice fed a lifetime high omega-6 diet (CO-CO). There
      was slower progression of tumorigenesis in dorsalateral prostate of CO-FS than in
      CO-CO mice. CO-FS mice had slightly lower plasma testosterone level at 24 and 40
      weeks, significantly lower estradiol level at 40 weeks and significantly less
      expressed androgen receptor (AR) in the dorsalateral prostate at 40 weeks than CO
      CO mice. Consumption of high omega-3 diet lowered the expression of genes
      expected to increase proliferation and decrease apoptosis in dorsalateral
      prostate. Our results suggest that consumption of high omega-3 diet slows down
      prostate tumorigenesis by lowering estradiol, testosterone and AR levels,
      promoting apoptosis and suppressing cell proliferation in C3(1)Tag mice.

PMID- 22045027
TI  - Modulation of AKT activity is associated with reversible dormancy in ascites
      derived epithelial ovarian cancer spheroids.
AB  - Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) metastasis is a direct contributor to high
      recurrence and low survival for patients with this disease. Metastasis in EOC
      occurs by cell exfoliation from the primary tumor into the fluid-filled
      peritoneal cavity, persistence of these cells as non-adherent multicellular
      aggregates or spheroids and reattachment of spheroids to form secondary lesions.
      We have recovered native spheroids from ascites fluid and demonstrated that EOC
      cells within these structures exhibit reduced proliferation, yet regain the
      capacity to attach and reinitiate cell division. To model this process in vitro
      for further investigation, primary EOC cells from patient peritoneal fluid were
      cultured under non-adherent conditions. Here we show that these cells naturally
      form spheroids resembling those observed in ascites. Spheroids exhibit reduced
      cell proliferation and a protein expression pattern consistent with cellular
      quiescence: specifically, decreased phospho-AKT and p45/SKP2 with a concomitant
      increase in p130/RBL2 and p27(Kip1). However, when spheroids are seeded to an
      adherent surface, reattachment occurs rapidly and is followed by reinitiation of
      AKT-dependent cell proliferation. These results were strikingly consistent among
      numerous clinical specimens and were corroborated in the EOC cell line OVCAR3.
      Therefore, our data reveal that EOC cells become quiescent when forming
      spheroids, but reactivate proliferative mechanisms upon attachment to a
      permissive substratum. Overall, this work utilizes a novel in vitro model of EOC
      metastasis that employs primary human EOC cells and introduces the important
      concept of reversible dormancy in EOC pathogenesis.

PMID- 22045026
TI  - Green tea catechin intervention of reactive oxygen species-mediated ERK pathway
      activation and chronically induced breast cell carcinogenesis.
AB  - Long-term exposure to low doses of environmental carcinogens contributes to
      sporadic human breast cancers. Epidemiologic and experimental studies indicate
      that green tea catechins (GTCs) may intervene with breast cancer development. We
      have been developing a chronically induced breast cell carcinogenesis model
      wherein we repeatedly expose non-cancerous, human breast epithelial MCF10A cells
      to bioachievable picomolar concentrations of environmental carcinogens, such as 4
      (methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK) and benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), to
      progressively induce cellular acquisition of cancer-associated properties, as
      measurable end points. The model is then used as a target to identify non
      cytotoxic preventive agents effective in suppression of cellular carcinogenesis.
      Here, we demonstrate, for the first time, a two-step strategy that initially used
      end points that were transiently induced by short-term exposure to NNK and B[a]P
      as targets to detect GTCs capable of blocking the acquisition of cancer
      associated properties and subsequently used end points constantly induced by long
      term exposure to carcinogens as targets to verify GTCs capable of suppressing
      carcinogenesis. We detected that short-term exposure to NNK and B[a]P resulted in
      elevation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), leading to Raf-independent
      extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway activation and subsequent
      induction of cell proliferation and DNA damage. These GTCs, at non-cytotoxic
      levels, were able to suppress chronically induced cellular carcinogenesis by
      blocking carcinogen-induced ROS elevation, ERK activation, cell proliferation and
      DNA damage in each exposure cycle. Our model may help accelerate the
      identification of preventive agents to intervene in carcinogenesis induced by
      long-term exposure to environmental carcinogens, thereby safely and effectively
      reducing the health risk of sporadic breast cancer.

PMID- 22045028
TI  - Mechanistic modelling suggests that the size of preneoplastic lesions is limited
      by intercellular induction of apoptosis in oncogenically transformed cells.
AB  - Selective removal of oncogenically transformed cells by apoptosis induced via
      signalling by surrounding cells has been suggested to represent a natural
      anticarcinogenic process. To investigate its potential effect in detail, a
      mechanistic model of this process is proposed. The model is calibrated against in
      vitro data on apoptosis triggered in transformed cells by defined external
      inducers as well as through signalling by normal cells under coculture
      conditions. The model predicts that intercellular induction of apoptosis is
      capable of balancing the proliferation of oncogenically transformed cells and
      limiting the size of their populations over long times, even if their
      proliferation per se were unlimited. Experimental research is desired to verify
      whether the predicted stable population of transformed cells corresponds to a
      kind of dormancy during early-stage carcinogenesis (dormant preneoplastic
      lesions), and how this process relates to other anticarcinogenic mechanisms
      taking place under in vivo conditions.

PMID- 22045029
TI  - Relationship between 16 susceptibility loci and colorectal cancer phenotype in
      3146 patients.
AB  - Recent genome-wide association studies have identified single-nucleotide
      polymorphisms at 16 genetic loci associated with colorectal cancer risk:
      rs6691170 (1q41), rs10936599 (3q26.2), rs16892766 (8q23.3), rs6983267 (8q24.21),
      rs10795668 (10p14), rs3802842 (11q23.1), rs11169552 (12q13.13), rs4444235,
      rs1957636 (14q22.2), rs4779584 (15q13.3), rs9929218 (16q22.1), rs4939827
      (18q21.1), rs10411210 (19q13.11), rs961253 and rs4813802 (20p12.3) and rs4925386
      (20q13.33). In the present study, we examined whether these variants are
      preferentially associated with tumour subtype-tumour site, stage, degree of
      differentiation and microsatellite instability status-in 3146 patients. Several
      loci showed statistically significant associations with specific phenotypes
      notably rs6691170 and rs3802842 associated with microsatellite stable rectal
      disease; rs4779584, rs961253 and rs4813802 associated with microsatellite stable
      colonic disease and rs4444235 and rs4925386 with microsatellite instability
      colonic disease. These findings are consistent with pathogenic variants in loci
      differentially impacting on distinct morphogenetic pathways consistent with
      aetiologically different risk factors in the development of colorectal cancer.

PMID- 22045031
TI  - Physiologically based pharmacokinetic model use in risk assessment--Why being
      published is not enough.
AB  - A panel of experts in physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling and
      relevant quantitative methods was convened to describe and discuss model
      evaluation criteria, issues, and choices that arise in model application and
      computational tools for improving model quality for use in human health risk
      assessments (HHRAs). Although publication of a PBPK model in a peer-reviewed
      journal is a mark of good science, subsequent evaluation of published models and
      the supporting computer code is necessary for their consideration for use in
      HHRAs. Standardized model evaluation criteria and a thorough and efficient review
      process can reduce the number of review and revision iterations and hence the
      time needed to prepare a model for application. Efficient and consistent review
      also allows for rapid identification of needed model modifications to address
      HHRA-specific issues. This manuscript reports on the workshop where a process and
      criteria that were created for PBPK model review were discussed along with other
      issues related to model review and application in HHRA. Other issues include (1)
      model code availability, portability, and validity; (2) probabilistic (e.g.,
      population-based) PBPK models and critical choices in parameter values to fully
      characterize population variability; and (3) approaches to integrating PBPK model
      outputs with other HHRA tools, including benchmark dose modeling. Two specific
      case study examples are provided to illustrate challenges that were encountered
      during the review and application process. By considering the frequent challenges
      encountered in the review and application of PBPK models during the model
      development phase, scientists may be better able to prepare their models for use
      in HHRAs.

PMID- 22045030
TI  - Modulation of the metabolism of airborne pollutants by glucoraphanin-rich and
      sulforaphane-rich broccoli sprout beverages in Qidong, China.
AB  - Epidemiological evidence has suggested that consumption of a diet rich in
      cruciferous vegetables reduces the risk of several types of cancers and chronic
      degenerative diseases. In particular, broccoli sprouts are a convenient and rich
      source of the glucosinolate, glucoraphanin, which can release the chemopreventive
      agent, sulforaphane, an inducer of glutathione S-transferases. Two broccoli
      sprout-derived beverages, one sulforaphane-rich (SFR) and the other glucoraphanin
      rich (GRR), were evaluated for pharmacodynamic action in a crossover clinical
      trial design. Study participants were recruited from the farming community of He
      Zuo Township, Qidong, China, previously documented to have a high incidence of
      hepatocellular carcinoma with concomitant exposures to aflatoxin and more
      recently characterized with exposures to substantive levels of airborne
      pollutants. Fifty healthy participants were randomized into two treatment arms.
      The study protocol was as follows: a 5 days run-in period, a 7 days
      administration of beverage, a 5 days washout period and a 7 days administration
      of the opposite beverage. Urinary excretion of the mercapturic acids of acrolein,
      crotonaldehyde, ethylene oxide and benzene were measured both pre- and
      postinterventions using liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.
      Statistically significant increases of 20-50% in the levels of excretion of
      glutathione-derived conjugates of acrolein, crotonaldehyde and benzene were seen
      in individuals receiving SFR, GRR or both compared with their preintervention
      baseline values. No significant differences were seen between the effects of SFR
      versus GRR. Intervention with broccoli sprouts may enhance detoxication of
      airborne pollutants and attenuate their associated health risks.

PMID- 22045033
TI  - Selective activation of zebrafish estrogen receptor subtypes by chemicals by
      using stable reporter gene assay developed in a zebrafish liver cell line.
AB  - The number of environmental chemical contaminants suspected to act as endocrine
      disruptor compounds by interacting with estrogen receptor (ER) signaling pathway
      has been continuously increasing. To study such interaction, the use of stable
      reporter gene assays is relevant, but species-specific in vitro screening assays
      are still lacking to address hazard assessment of estrogenic chemicals in aquatic
      vertebrates. Here, we describe the development of stable reporter gene assays
      based on stable expression of subtypes of zebrafish ER (zfERalpha, zfERbeta1, and
      zfERbeta2) coupled to estrogen response element-driven luciferase in a zebrafish
      liver (ZFL) cell line. The three established cell models, named ZELH-zfERalpha,
      ZELH-zfERbeta1, and ZELH-zfERbeta2, expressed stable and significant basal
      luciferase signal, which was induced by 17beta-estradiol (E2) in a sensitive and
      dose-response manner at EC(50)s of 0.2, 0.03, and 0.05 nM, respectively. In
      addition, E2 significantly altered cell proliferation in ZELH-zfERalpha and ZELH
      zfERbeta2 cells, but not in parental ZFL and ZELH-zfERbeta1 cells, suggesting a
      functionality of these two receptors to modulate endogenous gene expression in
      the transfected clones. The screening of various xenoestrogens from different
      classes in the three models resulted in different luciferase response patterns.
      Natural and synthetic estrogens and 1,1,1-trichloro-2-(2 chlorophenyl)-2-(4
      chlorophenyl)ethane were active at lower concentrations in ZELH-zfERbeta1 and
      ZELH-zfERbeta2 than in ZELH-zfERalpha cells, whereas genistein and zearalenone
      metabolites as well as three benzophenone derivatives preferentially activated
      zfERalpha. Altogether, the newly established models provide specific and
      convenient in vitro tool for comparative assessment of zfERs selective activation
      by chemicals within ZFL cell context.

PMID- 22045034
TI  - Transcriptomic concentration-response evaluation of valproic acid, cyproconazole,
      and hexaconazole in the neural embryonic stem cell test (ESTn).
AB  - Alternative developmental toxicity assays are urgently needed to reduce animal
      use in regulatory developmental toxicology. We previously designed an in vitro
      murine neural embryonic stem cell test (ESTn) as a model for neurodevelopmental
      toxicity testing (Theunissen et al., 2010). Toxicogenomic approaches have been
      suggested for incorporation into the ESTn to further increase predictivity and to
      provide mechanistic insights. Therefore, in this study, using a transcriptomic
      approach, we investigated the concentration-dependent effects of three known
      (neuro) developmental toxicants, two triazoles, cyproconazole (CYP) and
      hexaconazole (HEX), and the anticonvulsant valproic acid (VPA). Compound effects
      on gene expression during neural differentiation and corresponding regulated gene
      ontology (GO) terms were identified after 24 h of exposure in relation to
      morphological changes on day 11 of culture. Concentration-dependent responses on
      individual gene expression and on biological processes were determined for each
      compound, providing information on mechanism and concentration-response
      characteristics. All compounds caused enrichment of the embryonic development
      process. CYP and VPA but not HEX significantly enriched the neuron development
      process. Furthermore, specific responses for triazole compounds and VPA were
      observed within the GO-term sterol metabolic process. The incorporation of
      transcriptomics in the ESTn was shown to enable detection of effects, which
      precede morphological changes and provide a more sensitive measure of
      concentration-dependent effects as compared with classical morphological
      assessments. Furthermore, mechanistic insight can be instrumental in the
      extrapolation of effects in the ESTn to human hazard assessment.

PMID- 22045035
TI  - Pathophysiological modeling of obsessive-compulsive disorder: challenges, and
      progress.

PMID- 22045036
TI  - Attention bias modification and the serotonin transporter: personalized treatment
      implications of gene interactions with learning.

PMID- 22045037
TI  - Stress and the baby brain.

PMID- 22045038
TI  - RNA processing in a tiny transcriptome.

PMID- 22045039
TI  - Efficacy and tolerability of extended release quetiapine fumarate monotherapy in
      the acute treatment of generalized anxiety disorder:  a randomized, placebo
      controlled and active-controlled study.
AB  - The main objective of this study was to evaluate efficacy and tolerability of
      once-daily extended release quetiapine fumarate (quetiapine XR) monotherapy in
      generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). This was a 8 week randomized, 2-week follow
      up, double-blind, placebo-controlled, and active-controlled study. Patients were
      randomized to quetiapine XR 150 (n=219) or 300 mg/day (n=207); escitalopram, 10
      mg/day (n=213); or placebo (n=215). The primary endpoint was the change from
      randomization at week 8 in Hamilton Anxiety Rating (HAM-A) total score. Week 8
      mean HAM-A total score was significantly reduced from randomization with
      quetiapine XR 150 mg/day (-13.9, P<0.001), 300 mg/day (-12.3, P<0.05) and
      escitalopram (-12.3, P<0.05) versus placebo (-10.7); significant improvements
      with quetiapine XR (150 and 300 mg/day) versus placebo (P<0.001) were also shown
      at day 4. At week 8, significant improvements versus placebo were observed in HAM
      A psychic [quetiapine XR (both doses) and escitalopram] and somatic (quetiapine
      XR 150 mg/day and escitalopram) cluster scores and HAM-A response and remission
      rates (quetiapine XR 150 mg/day). Most common adverse events were dry mouth,
      somnolence and sedation (quetiapine XR), headache, and nausea (escitalopram). In
      patients with GAD, quetiapine XR (150 and 300 mg/day) demonstrated significant
      efficacy at week 8 with symptom improvement as early as day 4. We concluded that
      quetiapine XR safety and tolerability results were consistent with the known
      profile of quetiapine.

PMID- 22045040
TI  - Effects of Lycium barbarum aqueous and ethanol extracts on high-fat-diet induced
      oxidative stress in rat liver tissue.
AB  - This study evaluated the protective effects of aqueous extract of Lycium barbarum
      (LBAE) and ethanol extract of Lycium barbarum (LBEE) on blood lipid levels, serum
      alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline
      phosphatase (ALP) activities and liver tissue antioxidant enzyme activities in
      rats fed a high fat diet (HF). The rats were randomly divided into seven groups
      of ten rats each and fed a different diet for eight weeks as follows: One group
      (NC group) was fed a standard diet, one group was fed a high-fat diet (HF group),
      one group was fed a high-fat diet and orally fed with 20 mg/kg b.w. simvastatin
      (HF + simvastatin group), and the other group was fed the high fat diet and
      orally fed with 50 mg/kg b.w. or 100 mg/kg b.w. LBAE (HF + LBAE), or 50 mg/kg
      b.w. or 100 mg/kg b.w. LBEE (HF + LBEE), respectively. After eight weeks, the HF
      diet caused deleterious metabolic effects. Rats fed the HF diet alone showed
      increased hepatocellular enzyme activities in plasma, a significant decline in
      antioxidant enzyme activities, and elevated liver lipid peroxidation indices.
      LBAE and LBEE administration significantly reduced liver damage and oxidative
      changes, and brought back the antioxidants and lipids towards normal levels.
      These data suggest that these antioxidants protect against toxicity parameters in
      HF rats.

PMID- 22045041
TI  - Synthesis and antifungal activity of novel sulfone derivatives containing 1,3,4
      oxadiazole moieties.
AB  - A series of new sulfone compounds containing 1,3,4-oxadiazole moieties were
      synthesized. The structures of these compounds were confirmed by spectroscopic
      data (IR, 1H- and 13C-NMR) and elemental analyses. Antifungal tests indicated
      that all the title compounds exhibited good antifungal activities against eight
      kinds of plant pathogenic fungi, and some showed superiority over the commercial
      fungicide hymexazol. Among them, compounds 5d, 5e, 5f, and 5i showed prominent
      activity against B. cinerea, with determined EC50 values of 5.21 MUg/mL, 8.25
      ug/mL, 8.03 ug/mL, and 21.00 ug/mL, respectively. The present work demonstrates
      that sulfone derivatives such as 5d containing a 1,3,4-oxadiazole moiety can be
      used as possible lead compounds for the development of potential agrochemicals.

PMID- 22045042
TI  - Pyrazinecarboxamides as potential elicitors of flavonolignan and flavonoid
      production in Silybum marianum and Ononis arvensis cultures in vitro.
AB  - The effect of new synthetic pyrazinecarboxamide derivatives as potential
      elicitors of flavonolignan and flavonoid production in Silybum marianum and
      Ononis arvensis cultures in vitro was investigated. Both tested elicitors
      increased the production of flavonolignans in S. marianum callus and suspension
      cultures and flavonoids in O. arvensis callus and suspension cultures. Compound
      I, 5-(2-hydroxybenzoyl)-pyrazine-2-carboxamide, has shown to be an effective
      elicitor of flavonolignans and taxifoline production in Silybum marianum culture
      in vitro. The maximum content of silydianin (0.11%) in S. marianum suspension
      culture was induced by 24 h elicitor application in concentration of 1.159 * 10-3
      mol/L. The maximum content of silymarin complex (0.08%) in callus culture of S.
      marianum was induced by 168 h elicitor application of a concentration 1.159 * 10
      4 mol/L, which represents contents of silydianin (0.03%), silychristin (0.01%)
      and isosilybin A (0.04%) compared with control. All three tested concentrations
      of compound II, N-(2-bromo-3-methylphenyl)-5-tert-butylpyrazin-2-carboxamide
      increased the flavonoid production in callus culture of O. arvensis in a
      statistically significant way. The best elicitation effect of all elicitor
      concentrations had the weakest c3 concentration (8.36 * 10-6 mol/L) after 168 h
      time of duration. The maximum content of flavonoids (about 5,900%) in suspension
      culture of O. arvensis was induced by 48 h application of c3 concentration (8.36
      * 10-6 mol/L).

PMID- 22045043
TI  - The stigma of being a long-term foster carer.
AB  - Stigma is a powerful social phenomenon with insidious health implications.
      Understanding stigma as it applies to various populations is imperative for
      nurses as it enables nurses to enhance individual patient care and nurses are
      well positioned to influence both social and health care policies which may
      exacerbate the experience of stigma. This article is a report of a study to
      explore the experiences of women who provide long-term foster care. Interviews
      were conducted with 20 women who provided long-term foster care in Australia.
      Data were coded according to the components of stigma described by Link and
      Phelan (2001). Findings reveal participants rejected the label of foster carer to
      avoid the negative stereotype. When unable to conceal their foster carer label,
      participants experienced social isolation and status loss. Moreover, participants
      felt marginalized and disempowered within the governing systems.

PMID- 22045044
TI  - Hypertension: First-in-class agent lowers BP.

PMID- 22045045
TI  - Imaging of patients with congenital heart disease.
AB  - Congenital defects most-commonly affect the heart, with an estimated incidence of
      up to 10 in 1,000 live births. Over the past few decades, mortality has decreased
      and subsequent survival has increased; approximately 90% of all patients with
      congenital heart disease (CHD) reach adulthood. Echocardiography is sufficient in
      most cases for prenatal and postnatal diagnosis of CHD and to plan an
      intervention, with cardiac MRI and CT providing complementary information on
      vascular and extracardiac abnormalities. During follow-up, cardiovascular
      dysfunction is an important cause of reintervention and death. Therefore, routine
      evaluation of systolic, diastolic, valvular, and vascular function is essential
      in the care of patients with CHD. Application of echocardiography, cardiac MRI,
      and CT during follow-up of patients with CHD ideally identifies patients at risk
      of adverse outcomes, and elucidates the pathophysiological mechanisms that
      underlie cardiovascular dysfunction. The advent of advanced imaging strategies
      might further improve the detection of subclinical cardiovascular failure,
      although further study is required to establish the value of these techniques.
      Finally, imaging beyond the heart is essential for the complete understanding of
      the interaction between CHD and noncardiac organ systems, and to extend the
      success of increased survival to improvements in long-term functional outcome.

PMID- 22045046
TI  - Can we dramatically reduce the incidence of coronary heart disease?
AB  - Thrombotic events caused by atherosclerosis are by far the most common cause of
      death in the world. Advances in treatment have prolonged the life of patients
      with atherosclerotic disease, but treating individuals with clinically manifest
      disease will not result in a cure, and will not prevent the majority of such
      events. This paper explores the possibility that early implementation of a drug
      based approach to the prevention of atherosclerosis and atherothrombotic events
      could dramatically reduce the footprint of this disease. Specifically, we
      consider the potential impact on atherothrombotic events of a population-based,
      pharmacological approach to lowering serum LDL-cholesterol levels in asymptomatic
      adults aged 35-50 years. We also consider the feasibility and basic design
      considerations for a clinical trial to assess the validity of this public health
      and primary prevention approach.

PMID- 22045047
TI  - Identification of novel quantitative trait loci for days to ear emergence and
      flag leaf glaucousness in a bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) population adapted
      to southern Australian conditions.
AB  - In southern Australia, where the climate is predominantly Mediterranean,
      achieving the correct flowering time in bread wheat minimizes the impact of in
      season cyclical and terminal drought. Flag leaf glaucousness has been
      hypothesized as an important component of drought tolerance but its value and
      genetic basis in locally adapted germplasm is unknown. From a cross between Kukri
      and RAC875, a doubled-haploid (DH) population was developed. A genetic linkage
      map consisting of 456 DArT and SSR markers was used to detect QTL affecting time
      to ear emergence and Zadoks growth score in seven field experiments. While ear
      emergence time was similar between the parents, there was significant
      transgressive segregation in the population. This was the result of segregation
      for the previously characterized Ppd-D1a and Ppd-B1 photoperiod responsive
      alleles. QTL of smaller effect were also detected on chromosomes 1A, 4A, 4B, 5A,
      5B, 7A and 7B. A novel QTL for flag leaf glaucousness of large, repeatable effect
      was detected in six field experiments, on chromosome 3A (QW.aww-3A) and accounted
      for up to 52 percent of genetic variance for this trait. QW.aww-3A was validated
      under glasshouse conditions in a recombinant inbred line population from the same
      cross. The genetic basis of time to ear emergence in this population will aid
      breeders' understanding of phenological adaptation to the local environment.
      Novel loci identified for flag leaf glaucousness and the wide phenotypic
      variation within the DH population offers considerable scope to investigate the
      impact and value of this trait for bread wheat production in southern Australia.

PMID- 22045048
TI  - ATRP-mediated continuous assembly of polymers for the preparation of nanoscale
      films.
AB  - The continuous assembly of polymers (CAP) via atom transfer radical
      polymerisation (ATRP) is reported as an efficient approach for the preparation of
      dense, cross-linked, nanoscale engineered films as surface coatings, hollow
      capsules and replica particles. These films can be reinitiated to allow the
      preparation of thicker films without loss of film growth efficiency while
      maintaining similar film density.

PMID- 22045049
TI  - Hepatitis C virus infection among transmission-prone medical personnel.
AB  - Hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected physicians have been reported to infect some of
      their patients during exposure-prone procedures (EPPs). There is no European
      consensus on the policy for the prevention of this transmission. To help define
      an appropriate preventive policy, we determined the prevalence of HCV infection
      among EPP-performing medical personnel in the Academic Medical Center in
      Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The prevalence of HCV infection was studied among 729
      EPP-performing health care workers. Serum samples, stored after post-hepatitis B
      virus (HBV) vaccination testing in the years 2000-2009, were tested for HCV
      antibodies. Repeat reactive samples were confirmed by immunoblot assay and the
      detection of HCV RNA. The average age of the 729 health care workers was 39 years
      (range 18-66), suggesting a considerable cumulative occupational exposure to the
      blood. Nevertheless, only one of the 729 workers (0.14%; 95% confidence interval
      [CI]: <0.01% to 0.85%) was tested and confirmed to be positive for anti-HCV and
      positive for HCV RNA, which is comparable to the prevalence of HCV among
      Amsterdam citizens. Against this background, for the protection of personnel and
      patients, careful follow-up after needlestick injuries may be sufficient. If a
      zero-risk approach is desirable and costs are less relevant, the recurrent
      screening of EPP-performing personnel for HCV is superior to the follow-up of
      reported occupational exposures.

PMID- 22045054
TI  - Radical cystectomy in patients over 70 years of age: impact of comorbidity on
      perioperative morbidity and mortality.
AB  - PURPOSE: To analyze the impact of comorbidity on the perioperative complication
      rate after radical cystectomy in patients over 70 year of age. METHODS: Between
      April 1993 and August 2010, 830 radical cystectomies were performed at our
      institution. Of the 830 patients, 365 patients (44.0%) were >=70-year-old (median
      age 74 year). This group of elderly patients was compared with a younger group of
      465 patients (56.0% of the whole cohort) aged under 70 year (median 63 year).
      RESULTS: The group of elderly patients had a significantly higher prevalence of
      concomitant diseases e.g., hypertension (57.3% vs. 38.5%), coronary heart disease
      (27.1% vs. 14.8%) and diabetes (25.5% vs. 14.6%). Perioperative complications
      were significantly more frequent in the elderly group: 31.0% versus 21.5% overall
      complication rate, P = 0.002. Mortality rate was almost similar in both groups:
      0.6% (elderly) versus 0.5% (younger). Within the elderly group, the overall
      complication rate was significantly higher in patients with an ASA score >=3
      (37.0%) than in patients with an ASA score <=2 (25.0%) (P < 0.02). Multivariate
      logistic regression analysis was used to identify that chronic obstructive lung
      disease, ASA score and age were independent predictive factors for perioperative
      complications. CONCLUSIONS: Elderly patients have a higher prevalence of
      concomitant systemic diseases. Some concomitant diseases can affect surgical
      outcome after radical cystectomy, particularly the frequency and character of
      perioperative complications. It is therefore of paramount importance to conduct a
      comorbidity assessment and preoperative conditioning of each patient, with a
      special focus on the patient's individual risk factors and age.

PMID- 22045055
TI  - Cu(ii)- and disulfide bonds-induced stabilization during the guanidine
      hydrochloride- and thermal-induced denaturation of NAD-glycohydrolase from the
      venom of Agkistrodon acutus.
AB  - NAD-glycohydrolase (AA-NADase) from Agkistrodon acutus venom is a unique
      multicatalytic enzyme with both NADase and AT(D)Pase-like activities. Among all
      identified NADases, only AA-NADase is a disulfide-linked dimer and contains
      Cu(2+). Cu(2+) and disulfide bonds are essential for its multicatalytic activity.
      In this study, the effects of Cu(2+) and disulfide-bonds on guanidine
      hydrochloride (GdnHCl)- and thermal-induced unfolding of AA-NADase have been
      investigated by fluorescence, circular dichroism (CD) and differential scanning
      calorimetry (DSC). Cu(2+) and disulfide bonds not only increase the free energy
      change during the GdnHCl-induced unfolding as determined by fluorescence, but
      also increase the overall enthalpy change and the transition temperature during
      the thermal-induced unfolding as determined by CD and DSC. The slope of the
      GdnHCl-induced unfolding curve at its midpoint and the heat capacity of thermal
      induced unfolding are slightly affected by Cu(2+) but significantly decrease
      after reduction of three disulfide-bonds. This work suggests that Cu(2+)
      stabilizes the folded state by increasing the enthalpy of unfolding, while
      disulfide-bonds stabilize the folded state by increasing the enthalpy of
      unfolding and stabilizing the packing of hydrophobic residues. Thus both Cu(2+)
      and disulfide bonds play a structural role in its multicatalytic activity.

PMID- 22045056
TI  - Dietary selenium regulation of transcript abundance of selenoprotein N and
      selenoprotein W in chicken muscle tissues.
AB  - Selenium (Se), selenoprotein N (SelN) and selenoprotein W (SelW) play a crucial
      role in muscle disorders. Se status highly regulates selenoprotein mRNA levels.
      However, few attempts have been performed on the effect of dietary Se
      supplementation on muscle SelN and SelW mRNA levels in birds. To investigate the
      effects of Se on the regulation of SelN and SelW mRNA levels in muscle tissues,
      one-day-old male chickens were fed either a commercial diet or a Se-supplemented
      diet containing 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 or 5.0 mg/kg sodium selenite for 90 days. Muscle
      tissues (breast, flight, thigh, shank and cardiac muscles) were collected and
      examined for Se content and mRNA levels of SelN and SelW. Moreover,
      Selenophosphate synthetase-1 (SPS-1) and selenocysteine-synthase (SecS) mRNA
      levels were analyzed. Significant increases in SelN mRNA levels were obtained in
      breast, thigh and shank muscles treated with Se, with maximal effects at 3.0 mg
      Se/kg diet, but 2.0 mg Se/kg diet resulted in peak levels of Sel N mRNA in flight
      muscles. Changes in SelW mRNA abundance in thigh and shank muscles increased in
      response to Se supply. After reaching a maximal level, higher Se supplementation
      led to a reduction in both SelN and SelW mRNAs. However, SelN and SelW mRNA
      levels displayed a different expression pattern in different skeletal and cardiac
      muscles. Thus, it suggested that skeletal and cardiac muscles SelN and SelW mRNA
      levels were highly regulated by Se supplementation and different muscle tissues
      showed differential sensitivity. Moreover, Se supplementation also regulated the
      levels of SPS1 and SecS mRNAs. The mRNA levels of SPS1 and SecS were enhanced in
      the Se supplemented groups. These data indicate that Se regulates the expression
      of SelN and SelW gene and affect the mRNA levels of SecS and SPS1.

PMID- 22045057
TI  - Prinzmetal's angina in patients with antiphospholipid syndrome.
AB  - Antiphospholipid syndrome (APS) is an acquired hypercoagulable disease that is
      associated with both arterial and venous thrombosis. It is known to cause a
      spectrum of cardiovascular manifestations including myocardial infarction,
      stroke, valvular abnormalities, as well as vascular and intracardiac thrombosis.
      The pathogenesis of myocardial infarction and angina due to APS is thought to be
      due to coronary thrombosis. Coronary vasospasm without thrombosis can produce
      myocardial ischemia and chest pain, this is known as Prinzmetal's angina. To our
      knowledge, Prinzmetal's angina is not known to be associated with APS. In our
      clinical practice, we came across two cases of APS in which the patients
      presented with angina and were found to have coronary vasospasm without
      thrombosis. The finding of these two uncommon diagnoses in multiple individuals
      raises the possibility that these disorders are associated.

PMID- 22045058
TI  - The association between different monocyte subsets and coronary collateral
      development.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: An increased circulating monocyte count has been found to be related
      to good collateral development in patients with stable coronary artery disease.
      Our aim in this study was to determine any possible relationship between the
      levels of circulating monocyte subsets and coronary collateral development.
      METHODS: Patients who had greater than 95% stenosis of at least one major
      coronary artery in their first coronary angiogram were included consecutively in
      this study. Collateral development was graded as good and poor according to the
      Cohen-Rentrop method. Blood samples were subjected to cytometric analysis for the
      determination of monocyte subsets, CD14++CD16- and CD14+CD16+ monocytes. RESULTS:
      Out of 105 patients, 55 had good and 50 had poor coronary collateral development.
      When the baseline characteristics were compared, the monocyte count was
      significantly higher in the good collateral group (517+/-151 vs. 396+/-109/mm3,
      P<0.001). Cytometric analysis indicated that CD14++CD16- levels were
      significantly higher in the good collateral group (422+/-147 vs. 298+/-105/mm3,
      P<0.001). CD14+CD16+ cells did not differ between groups (80+/-29 vs. 84+/
      29/mm3, P=0.41). When multivariate analysis was performed, increased CD14++CD16-
      levels were still significantly associated with good collateral development [odds
      ratio: 1.009 (1.005-1.014), P<0.001]. CONCLUSION: Our present results are the
      first to show a significant association between increased circulating CD14++CD16-
      monocyte levels and good coronary collateral development. Further studies are
      needed to better understand the relationship between different subsets of
      monocytes and collateralization.

PMID- 22045059
TI  - Cloning and expression analysis of piRNA-like RNAs: adult testis-specific small
      RNAs in chicken.
AB  - Many small RNAs have been cloned from animal gonads, for example, endogenous
      small interfering RNAs (endo-siRNAs) were found in oocytes and piwi-interacting
      RNAs (piRNAs) were found in testis. Gallus gallus (chicken) is an important model
      organism, but few small RNAs have been identified from its gonads. In this study,
      we isolated and cloned 156 small RNAs from adult chicken testes. Since there is a
      reasonably even distribution from 22 to 33 nt, these small RNAs are slightly
      longer than miRNAs and endo-siRNAs. Genome mapping indicated that these small
      RNAs were derived from intergenic regions, exons, introns, and repetitive
      elements including chicken repeat 1, long terminal repeats, and simple repeats.
      Since they are similar with piRNAs, we named them piRNA-like RNAs (pil-RNAs).
      Northern blotting of 16 selected sequences showed that nine are specifically
      expressed in the adult testis. The vast majority of these pil-RNAs are poorly
      conserved between species, suggesting that they are unique to the adult chicken
      testis. Further analysis of the cloned pil-RNAs will improve our understanding of
      the function of small RNAs in animal gonad development.

PMID- 22045060
TI  - Quaternary structural parameters of the congenital cataract causing mutants of
      alphaA-crystallin.
AB  - Pediatric cataract of the congenital type is the most common form of childhood
      blindness and it is clinically and genetically heterogeneous. Mutations in 22
      different genes have been identified to be associated with congenital cataracts,
      and among them, eight mutants belong to alphaA-crystallin. To explain how
      mutations in alphaA-crystallin lead to the development of cataract, quaternary
      structural parameters, and chaperone function have been investigated in alphaA-wt
      and in the following mutants: R12C, R21L, R21W, R49C, R54C, R116C, and R116H.
      Average molar mass, mass at the RI peak, mass across the peak, hydrodynamic
      radius (R(h)), and polydispersity index (PDI) were determined by dynamic light
      scattering measurements. The average molar mass and mass across the peak showed
      major increase in R116C and R116H, moderate increase in R12C, R21W, and R54C, and
      no increase in R21L and R49C as compared to alphaA-wt. PDI and R(h) values were
      significantly increased only in R116C and R116H. Significant secondary structural
      changes, as determined by CD measurements, were seen in R21W, R21L, R116C, and
      R116H, and tertiary structural changes were evident in R21W, R54C, R116C, and
      R116H. Non-reducing SDS-PAGE has shown the presence of dimers presumably formed
      by inter-polypeptide disulfide bonds. Chaperone activity, as measured with ADH as
      the target protein, appeared normal in R49C and R54C, while R12C, R21L, and R21W
      showed moderate loss and R116C and R116H showed significant loss. Although a
      specific change in the alphaA-crystallin behavior that is common to all the
      mutants was not evident, each mutant showed one or more perturbation as the end
      effect that leads to cataract.

PMID- 22045061
TI  - MicroRNA- 1 represses Cx43 expression in viral myocarditis.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are increasingly reported to have important roles in diverse
      biological and pathological processes. Changes in abundance of muscle-specific
      microRNA, miR-1, have been implicated in cardiac disease, including arrhythmia
      and heart failure. However, the specific molecular targets and cellular
      mechanisms involved in the miR-1 function in the heart are only beginning to
      emerge. In this study, we investigated miR-1 expression and its potential role in
      the mouse model of viral myocarditis (VMC). The expression levels of miR-1 and
      its target gene Connexin 43 (Cx43) were measured by real-time PCR and western
      blotting, respectively. The miR-1 expression levels were significantly increased
      in cardiac myocytes from VMC mice in comparison with control samples (relative
      expression: 10 +/- 2.5 vs. 31 +/- 7.6, P < 0.05). Among the target genes of miR
      1, the expression Cx43 protein was significantly reduced in such mice while there
      was no significant difference in the its mRNA levels. Our results revealed an
      inverse correlation between miR-1 levels and Cx43 protein expression in VMC
      samples. Using a bioinformatics-based approach, we found two identical potential
      binding sites were found in mouse miR-1 and Cx43 3'- untranslated region, this
      confirms a possible regulatory role of miR-1. In cultured, miRNA transfected
      myocardial cells, we show overexpression of miR-1 accompanied by a decrease in
      Cx43 protein's expression. There was only a slight (not statistically
      significant) drop in Cx43 mRNA levels. Our results indicate that miR-1 is
      involved in VMC via post-transcriptional repression of Cx43, and might constitute
      potentially valuable data for the development of a new approach in the treatment
      of this disease.

PMID- 22045062
TI  - Elevated expression of RGS19 impairs the responsiveness of stress-activated
      protein kinases to serum.
AB  - Regulators of G protein signaling (RGS proteins) serve as GTPase activating
      proteins for the signal transducing Galpha subunits. RGS19, also known as Galpha
      interacting protein (GAIP), has been shown to subserve other functions such as
      the regulation of macroautophagy and growth factor signaling. We have recently
      demonstrated that the expression of RGS19 in human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293
      cells resulted in the disruption of serum-induced mitogenic response along the
      classical Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathway. Here, we further examined the effect of RGS19
      expression on the stress-activated protein kinases (SAPKs). Both c-Jun N-terminal
      kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) became non
      responsive to serum in 293/RGS19 cells, yet the two SAPKs responded to UV
      irradiation or osmotic stress induced by sorbitol. Kinases upstream of JNK and
      p38 MAPK, including MKK3/6, MKK4, and MLK3, also failed to respond to serum
      stimulation in 293/RGS19 cells. Serum-induced activation of the small GTPases
      Rac1 and Cdc42 was similarly suppressed in these cells. Our results indicate that
      elevated expression of RGS19 can severely disrupt the regulation of MAPKs by
      small GTPases.

PMID- 22045063
TI  - Molecular assessment of c-H-ras p21 expression in Helicobacter pylori-mediated
      gastric carcinogenesis.
AB  - Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection plays a significant role in causing
      gastric cancer; the exact molecular mechanisms of gastric carcinogenesis have not
      yet been fully determined. Therefore, this study was planned to examine the role
      of c-H-ras p21 expression in H. pylori infection at different stages of disease
      progression from precursor lesions to gastric carcinoma. This study was carried
      out in 200 patients, consisting of normal gastric mucosa (n = 20), mucosa with
      chronic gastritis (n = 63), intestinal metaplasia (n = 20), dysplasia (n = 11),
      and gastric adenocarcinoma (n = 86), in which the H. pylori status have been
      analysed. The expression of c-H-ras p21 was studied at mRNA as well as protein
      level using RT-PCR and western blotting, respectively. The localization of c-H
      ras p21 was also studied semiquantitatively by immunohistochemistry. The RT-PCR
      and western blotting results of c-H-ras p21 mRNA and protein expressions were
      significantly increased in chronic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia, dysplasia,
      and gastric adenocarcinoma patients, respectively. Immunohistochemical study also
      showed the increased expression of c-H-ras p21 in the similar way. Overexpression
      of c-H-ras p21 might be due to H-ras mutation at codon 12 of ras gene family in
      H. pylori infection. The rate of expression of ras p21 was higher in the H.
      pylori-infected precursor lesions, chronic gastritis 49/56 (87.5%), intestinal
      metaplasia 16/17 (94%), and dysplasia 9/11(82%) whereas in the case of H. pylori
      negative cases these groups, show 12.5, 5.9, and 18.2%, respectively. The data
      suggested that H. pylori infection may increase the expression of c-H-ras p21
      early in the process of gastric carcinogenesis.

PMID- 22045064
TI  - Activity of tumor necrosis factor-alpha blocked by phytoglycoprotein (38 kDa) at
      initiation stage in N-nitrosodiethylamine-induced ICR mice.
AB  - Hepatocellular carcinoma is becoming one of the most prominent types of cancer in
      the world. Recently, from Styrax japonica Siebold et al. Zuccarini (SJSZ), we
      isolated a glycoprotein which consists of carbohydrate moiety (52.64%) and
      protein moiety (42.35%). We evaluated whether SJSZ glycoprotein prevents
      hepatocarcinogenesis induced by N-nitrosodiethylamine (DEN). The purpose of this
      study was to evaluate the effect of SJSZ glycoprotein in DEN-induced
      hepatocarcinogenesis in ICR mice. To know chemopreventive effect of SJSZ
      glycoprotein on hepatocarcinogenesis, ICR mice were intraperitoneally injected
      with N-nitrosodiethylamine (DEN, 10 mg/kg) for 7 weeks. After sacrifice, we
      evaluated indicators of liver tissue damage [the activities of lactate
      dehydrogenase (LDH) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and thiobarbituric acid
      reactive substances (TBARS)], antioxidative enzymes [activities of superoxide
      dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)], and initiating
      hepatocarcinogenic indicator [heat shock protein (HSP) 27 and 70] and
      hepatocarcinogenic signals [protein kinase C (PKC), extracellular signal
      regulating kinase (ERK) 1/2, nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB (p50 and p65) and tumor
      necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)] using biochemical methods, immunoblot
      analysis, and RT-PCR. The results obtained from this study revealed that SJSZ
      glycoprotein (10 mg/kg, BW) decreased the levels of LDH, ALT, and TBARS, whereas
      the activities of SOD, GPx, and CAT increased in the DEN-induced ICR mice. With
      respect to the hepatocarcinogenic indicator and hepatocarcinogenic signals,
      HSP27, HSP70, PKC, ERK1/2, NF-kappaB (p50 and p65), and TNF-alpha, activity
      decreased. Hence, SJSZ glycoprotein might prevent expression of HSP27 and HSP70
      by DEN.

PMID- 22045065
TI  - Chronic mild hyperhomocysteinemia alters ectonucleotidase activities and gene
      expression of ecto-5'-nucleotidase/CD73 in rat lymphocytes.
AB  - Since mild hyperhomocysteinemia is a risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebral
      diseases and extracellular nucleotides/nucleosides, which are controlled by the
      enzymatic action of ectonucleotidases, can induce an immune response, in the
      present study, we investigated the effect of chronic mild hyperhomocysteinemia on
      ectonucleotidase activities and expression in lymphocytes from mesenteric lymph
      nodes and serum of adult rats. For the chronic chemically induced mild
      hyperhomocysteinemia, Hcy (0.03 MUmol/g of body weight) or saline (control) were
      administered subcutaneously from the 30th to the 60th day of life. Results showed
      that homocysteine significantly decreased ATP, ADP, and AMP hydrolysis in
      lymphocytes of adult rats. E-NTPDases transcriptions were not affected, while the
      ecto-5'-nucleotidase transcription was significantly decreased in mesenteric
      lymph nodes of hyperhomocysteinemic rats. ATP, ADP, and AMP hydrolysis were not
      affected by homocysteine in rat serum. Our findings suggest that Hcy in levels
      similar to considered risk factor to development of vascular diseases modulates
      the ectonucleotidases, which could lead to a pro-inflammatory status.

PMID- 22045066
TI  - Molecular metabolic fingerprinting approach to investigate the effects of borneol
      on metabolic alterations in the liver of nitric oxide deficient hypertensive
      rats.
AB  - Hypertension is one of the major risk factor that underlie a wide range of
      cardiovascular irregularities which causes functional and metabolic alterations
      in vascular system and major organs. Nitric oxide is the central regulator of the
      vascular system and its deficiency leads to increased blood pressure and
      metabolic alterations in liver. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) is
      a vibrational spectroscopic technique that uses infrared radiation to vibrate
      molecular bonds with in the sample that absorbs it and different samples contain
      diverse configurations of molecular bonds. Both wavenumber and area of the
      vibrational spectra can be used to explore the qualitative and quantitative
      constituent of macromolecules. In this study, we intended to evaluate the
      protective role of borneol, a natural terpene on liver metabolism in a nitric
      oxide deficient model of hypertension through interpretation of FTIR spectral
      information. Results demonstrate that FTIR can successfully indicate the
      molecular changes that occur in all groups. The over all findings demonstrate
      that in nitric oxide deficient animal model of hypertension, the liver metabolic
      program is altered through increasing the structural modification in proteins and
      triglycerides, and quantitative alteration in proteins, lipids, and glycogen. All
      the above mentioned modifications were protected by borneol in liver and showed
      its ability to exert a novel defensive action on hepatic metabolism.

PMID- 22045067
TI  - The new Knee Society Knee Scoring System.

PMID- 22045068
TI  - Case report: bilateral proximal epiphyseal clavicular stress-related lesions in a
      male gymnast.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stress lesions of the upper extremity are relatively uncommon, and
      physeal stress lesions of the clavicle are rare. We present a case of bilateral
      physeal stress-related lesions of the proximal clavicular growth plate near the
      sternoclavicular joint in an adolescent male gymnast. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 13-year
      old gymnast presented with a 3-week history of insidious onset of pain in the
      proximal clavicular area of his left shoulder. He had no pain at rest or at
      night. He recently had added a new maneuver to his routine. His radiographs were
      normal, but further study with CT scanning confirmed a stress lesion of his
      proximal clavicular physis. The lesion healed with time, and he returned to
      gymnastics with no symptoms. Approximately 5 months after the initial symptoms on
      the left side, he felt a pop and immediate pain in his right sternoclavicular
      joint area while doing a routine. Imaging revealed a chronic stress lesion of the
      proximal physis similar to that of the other side. The patient achieved healing
      with rest and returned to gymnastics with no limitations. LITERATURE REVIEW:
      Physeal stress-related lesions of the proximal clavicular physis have not been
      reported in the literature. PURPOSE AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Medial clavicle pain
      in adolescent gymnasts may be secondary to stress-related lesions of the proximal
      clavicular growth plate. Such lesions are rare.

PMID- 22045069
TI  - Aseptic failure: how does the Compress((r)) implant compare to cemented stems?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Failure of endoprosthetic reconstruction with conventional stems due
      to aseptic loosening remains a challenge for maintenance of limb integrity and
      function. The Compress((r)) implant (Biomet Inc, Warsaw, IN, USA) attempts to
      avoid aseptic failure by means of a unique technologic innovation. Though the
      existing literature suggests survivorship of Compress((r)) and stemmed implants
      is similar in the short term, studies are limited by population size and followup
      duration. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We therefore compared (1) the rate of aseptic
      failure between Compress((r)) and cemented intramedullary stems and (2) evaluated
      the overall intermediate-term implant survivorship. METHODS: We reviewed 26
      patients with Compress((r)) implants and 26 matched patients with cemented
      intramedullary stems. The patients were operated on over a 3-year period.
      Analysis focused on factors related to implant survival, including age, sex,
      diagnosis, infection, aseptic loosening, local recurrence, and fracture. Minimum
      followup was 0.32 years (average, 6.2 years; range, 0.32-9.2 years). RESULTS:
      Aseptic failure occurred in one (3.8%) patient with a Compress((r)) implant and
      three (11.5%) patients with cemented intramedullary stems. The 5-year implant
      survival rate was 83.5% in the Compress((r)) group and 66.6% in the cemented
      intramedullary stem group. CONCLUSIONS: The Compress((r)) implant continues to be
      a reliable option for distal femoral limb salvage surgery. Data regarding aseptic
      failure is encouraging, with equivalent survivorship against cemented
      endoprosthetic replacement at intermediate-term followup. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
      Level III, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete
      description of levels of evidence.

PMID- 22045070
TI  - High incidence of migration with poor initial fixation of the Accolade stem.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Numerous cementless femoral stem design variations are in clinical
      use. Because initial implant instability and micromotion are associated with
      aseptic loosening of the femoral component, migration analysis provides an early
      assessment of implant survivorship. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We determined the (1)
      migration pattern of the Accolade cementless femoral stem; (2) clinical factors
      predisposing to stem migration; (3) self-reported patient outcomes; and (4) our
      current rate of aseptic stem loosening. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 81
      femoral stems for aseptic migration using Ein-Bild-Roentgen-Analyse-femoral
      component analysis. Postoperatively, patients completed the WOMAC and SF-12
      questionnaires. We assessed radiographic factors potentially associated with
      subsidence: indices of bone shape and quality, canal fill of the implant, and
      radiographic signs of loosening. Minimum followup was 24 months (mean, 29 months;
      range, 24-48 months). RESULTS: The average subsidence at 24 months was 1.3 mm
      (range, 0-1.5 mm). In the first 2 years, 36% of stems subsided more than 1.5 mm.
      Large stem size was associated with subsidence. Radiolucent lines (> 1.5 mm in
      three zones) were present in 10% of stems and associated with lower questionnaire
      scores. The 5-year survivorship for aseptic loosening of the 367 stems was 97%
      with revision as end point and 95% for radiographic failure. CONCLUSIONS: The
      high incidence of migration and stems with radiographic failure raises concerns
      about patient clinical function and long-term survivorship of this stem design.
      This migration pattern may be due to poor initial stability with a subsequent
      lack of osseointegration. Our results differ from radiographic findings and
      clinical durability of other similar cementless stem designs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
      Level IV, therapeutic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete
      description of levels of evidence.

PMID- 22045071
TI  - Causes of failure of ceramic-on-ceramic and metal-on-metal hip arthroplasties.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Few large series of hard bearing surfaces have reported on reasons
      for early failure. A number of unique mechanisms of failure, including fracture,
      squeaking, and adverse tissue reactions, have been reported with these hard
      bearing surfaces. However, the incidence varies among the published studies.
      QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: To confirm the incidences, we identified the etiologies of
      early failures of hard-on-hard bearing surfaces for ceramic-on-ceramic and metal
      on-metal THAs. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed records of 2907 THAs with
      hard-on-hard bearing surfaces implanted between 1996 and 2009; 1697 (58%) had
      ceramic-on-ceramic and 1210 (42%) had metal-on-metal bearing surfaces. We
      recorded bearing-related complications and compared them to nonspecific reasons
      for revision THA. The minimum followup of the ceramic-on-ceramic and metal-on
      metal cohorts was 6 months (mean, 48 months; range, 6-97 months) and 24 months
      (mean, 60 months; range, 24-178 months), respectively. RESULTS: The overall
      revision rate for ceramic-on-ceramic THA was 2.2% (38 of 1697), with aseptic
      loosening accounting for 55% of revisions (femur or acetabulum). The bearing
      accounted for 13% of the revisions in the ceramic-on-ceramic THA cohort. The
      overall metal-on-metal revision rate was 5.4% (65 of 1210), 17 involving adverse
      tissue reactions related to the metal-on-metal bearing surface (17 of 1210, 1.4%
      of cases; 17 of 65, 26% of revisions). CONCLUSIONS: Twenty-six percent of the
      revisions from metal-on-metal and 13% of ceramic-on ceramic were bearing related.
      The overall short- to medium-term revision rate was 2.2% and 5.4% for ceramic-on
      ceramic and metal-on-metal, respectively. The most common etiology of failure was
      loosening of the femoral or acetabular components. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV,
      therapeutic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of
      level of evidence.

PMID- 22045072
TI  - Incidence of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism after Achilles tendon
      rupture.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The use of venous thromboembolism prophylaxis after an Achilles
      rupture is controversial. The rates of reported deep vein thrombosis (DVT) range
      from 6.3% to 34%. There is no agreement regarding prophylactic therapy after an
      Achilles tendon rupture. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We determined the overall risk of
      DVT and pulmonary embolism (PE) after an Achilles tendon rupture and identified
      potential risk factors including surgery. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We
      retrospectively reviewed a large healthcare management organization database and
      identified 1172 patients who had Achilles tendon ruptures. None of the patients
      routinely received anticoagulation. Patients were stratified into surgical versus
      nonsurgical group, age older than 40 years, history of congestive heart failure,
      previous history of DVT or PE, and BMI greater than 30. A patient was considered
      to have symptomatic DVT or PE related to the Achilles tendon rupture if diagnosed
      within 3 months from the injury or surgery. We used a multivariable analysis to
      identify risk factors. RESULTS: The overall rates for DVT and PE after Achilles
      tendon ruptures were 0.43% and 0.34%, respectively. Age older than 40 years,
      congestive heart failure, history of DVT or PE, obesity, and whether a patient
      had surgery did not predict occurrence of DVT or PE. CONCLUSION: We found the
      overall incidence of symptomatic DVT and PE to be low after an Achilles tendon
      rupture and believe routine use of anticoagulation might be unwarranted.

PMID- 22045073
TI  - Pilot study of a new posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens (epi.lens) for
      high myopia.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report the first safety and efficacy results of a new posterior
      chamber phakic intraocular lens (PIOL) (Epi.Lens, Acri.Tec/Carl Zeiss Meditec)
      implanted in the ciliary sulcus to correct high myopia. METHODS: The Epi.Lens was
      implanted for the first time in 48 consecutive eyes of 25 patients in an ongoing
      two-center clinical study. Pre- and postoperative manifest refraction,
      uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), intraocular
      pressure, slit-lamp and funduscopic examination, and ultrasound biomicroscopy
      were evaluated. Follow-up examinations were performed at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24
      months postoperatively. For each patient, the latest follow-up data were
      considered. RESULTS: The study cohort consisted of highly myopic patients with
      mean preoperative manifest refraction spherical equivalent of -9.90 +/- 2.53 D,
      which was reduced to -0.26 +/- 0.84 D postoperatively. Two (4.2%) eyes lost one
      line of CDVA postoperatively, whereas 19 (40%) met and 27 (56%) eyes exceeded
      preoperative CDVA values, thus improving mean CDVA from 0.83 +/- 0.30 to 1.03 +/-
      0.26. Mean postoperative UDVA (0.85 +/- 0.37) was similar to preoperative CDVA
      (0.83 +/- 0.30). When considering all eyes with good visual potential
      (preoperative CDVA >= 1.00 [20/20] [n=25]), 20 (80%) achieved postoperative UDVA
      >= 1.00 (20/20), and 24 (96%) achieved UDVA >= 0.80 (20/25). One lens with a
      small diameter showed contact of the Epi.Lens and crystalline lens with
      subsequent slight anterior subcapsular cataract; however, CDVA was 1.00 (20/20)
      at last follow-up 2 years postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this
      Epi.Lens pilot study demonstrate good safety and efficacy. The preliminary data
      are encouraging, and longer follow-up results are anticipated.

PMID- 22045074
TI  - 2D sheet-like architectures constructed from main-group metal ions, 4,4'-bpno and
      1,2-alternate p-sulfonatothiacalix[4]arene.
AB  - Two novel 2D sheet-like complexes 1 and 2 have been prepared by reaction of p
      sulfonatothiacalix[4]arene (TC4AS) with main-group metal ions (lead(II) or
      barium(II)) and 4,4'-bipyridine-N,N'-dioxide (4,4'-bpno). In both complexes 1 and
      2, TC4AS molecules prefer 1,2-alternate conformation, forming 2D sheet-like
      layers in the presence of divalent ions and 4,4'-bpno ligand. The layers extend
      to 3D architectures via strong hydrogen bonding interactions. In addition,
      complexes 1 and 2 are thermally stable up to ca. 335 and 305  degrees C,
      respectively. It seems that the strong hydrogen bonds between the sheet-like
      layers impart the extraordinarily high degrees of stability to the structures.
      Further analysis indicates that complexes 1 and 2 are significantly different:
      (a) the divalent ions have different coordination environments due to the nature
      of the different ions; (b) TC4AS within complexes 1 and 2 connects to four Pb(II)
      or six Ba(II) ions, respectively; (c) 4,4'-bpno shows different connection modes;
      (d) in the solid state, complex 1 exhibits intense orange luminescence with
      triexponential decays, while complex 2 does not exhibit any obvious luminescence
      at cryogenic temperatures.

PMID- 22045075
TI  - The impact of iso-osmolar contrast use in emergent percutaneous coronary
      intervention for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.
AB  - The incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in primary percutaneous
      coronary intervention (PCI) for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
      (STEMI) was previously reported to be as high as 19%. Iso-osmolar contrast has
      frequently been used for populations at high risk for CIN, but a recent meta
      analysis did not show a significant benefit of using iso-osmolar contrast in
      preventing CIN. The aim of our study is to evaluate the impact of iso-osmolar
      contrast use in patients undergoing emergent PCI. We performed a retrospective
      analysis of patients who underwent primary and rescue PCI for STEMI. The PCI
      strategy, including the contrast choice, was left at the discretion of the
      operator. CIN was defined as an increase in creatinine of more than 0.5 mg or 25%
      from the baseline within 72 hours. Among 212 patients, CIN was seen in 33
      patients (16%). Patients who received iso-osmolar contrast were older, and
      included more patients at risk for CIN. The incidence of CIN was 14% in the low
      osmolar contrast group and 17% in the iso-osmolar contrast group (P=.799). After
      logistic regression analysis, CIN was seen more frequently in patients who had
      lower ejection fraction, post-PCI TIMI flow <3, and lower hemoglobin. The use of
      iso-osmolar contrast was not associated with a lower incidence of CIN in patients
      undergoing emergent PCI for STEMI.

PMID- 22045076
TI  - Preventing contrast-induced nephropathy in patients undergoing primary PCI.

PMID- 22045077
TI  - Comparison of the resource utilization between simultaneous strategy and staged
      strategy to treat two-vessel coronary artery disease by percutaneous coronary
      intervention.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare medical resource use, such
      as total device cost, total contrast volume, and total fluoroscopy time between
      the staged and simultaneous strategies for treating two-vessel disease (2VD) by
      percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). BACKGROUND: 2VD can be treated by the
      staged strategy or the simultaneous strategy. Compared to the staged strategy,
      the simultaneous strategy may reduce medical resource use. METHODS: We identified
      a staged group (138 patients) and simultaneous group (62 patients) from our PCI
      database between January 1, 2008 and December 31, 2010. Total PCI device cost,
      total contrast volume, and total fluoroscopy time were compared between the two
      groups. RESULTS: Total costs for the staged group and the simultaneous group
      given in United States dollars were $21,289 +/- 5633 and $16,571 +/- 5530,
      respectively (P<.0001). Total contrast volumes for the staged group and the
      simultaneous group were 299 +/- 79 mL and 194 +/- 62 mL, respectively (P<.0001).
      Total fluoroscopy times for the staged group and the simultaneous group were 60
      +/- 27 minutes and 40 +/- 15 minutes, respectively (P<.0001). In multivariate
      analysis, the simultaneous strategy was significantly associated with low cost,
      small contrast volume, and short fluoroscopy time even after controlling for age,
      sex, acute coronary syndrome, and lesion complexity. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to the
      staged strategy to treat 2VD by PCI, the simultaneous strategy reduced medical
      resource use, i.e., total device cost, total contrast volume, and total
      fluoroscopy time.

PMID- 22045078
TI  - Dual-source CT angiography for detection and quantification of in-stent
      restenosis in the left main coronary artery: comparison with intracoronary
      ultrasound and coronary angiography.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of dual
      source computed tomography coronary angiography (CTCA) compared to coronary
      angiography (CAG) and intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) for detection and
      quantification of in-stent restenosis after left main (LM) coronary artery
      stenting. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-one patients with percutaneous coronary
      intervention of the LM were prospectively evaluated. Thirty-four of them
      underwent 56 complete follow-up examinations (CTCA, CAG, and IVUS as gold
      standard examination) that focused on detection and quantification of restenosis.
      RESULTS: Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values
      were 100%, 94%, 50%, and 100% for CAG, respectively, and 100%, 74%, 18%, and 100%
      for CTCA, respectively. There was a correlation between the minimal luminal areas
      (MLA) measured by CTCA and IVUS (r = 0.63; P<.01). A Bland-Altman analysis showed
      that the MLA measured by CTCA was underestimated (mean difference, 2.14 +/- 2.24
      mm2). CONCLUSION: Dual-source CTCA has a high negative predictive value and might
      be considered a less invasive alternative to CAG for exclusion of LM in-stent
      restenosis. However, there was only a moderate correlation between the MLA
      measurements by IVUS and CTCA in the stented LMs. Moreover, the present results
      suggest a systematic underestimation of MLAs measured by CTCA. Therefore, finding
      of any restenosis according to CTCA should be re-evaluated by CAG or, better, by
      subsequent IVUS.

PMID- 22045079
TI  - Stent evaluation by coronary computed tomographic angiography and expert
      consensus documents.

PMID- 22045080
TI  - A high dose of adenosine to induce transient asystole for valvuloplasty in
      patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI): is it a valid
      alternative to rapid pacing? A prospective pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rapid right ventricular pacing (RRVP) at rates above 200 beats/minute
      is used to suppress cardiac output during balloon aortic valvuloplasty (BAV) in
      transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVI) patients. A risk of inducing
      myocardial ischemia with RRVP remains, especially in patients with left
      ventricular dysfunction. Alternatively, a transient cardiac arrest can be
      achieved with administration of adenosine. METHODS: The primary endpoint was
      successful valvuloplasty defined by complete balloon inflation and deflation
      across aortic valve during the transient asystole induced by adenosine. Secondary
      endpoints were defined as the failure of adenosine to induce asystole, the
      incidence of ventricular ectopic beats (VEB) during balloon inflation or
      deflation, and balloon displacement. RESULTS: From November 2010 to January 2011,
      twenty consecutive patients who underwent TAVI were included. A balloon for
      valvuloplasty was positioned across the aortic valve. A low-dose (24 mg, n = 10)
      or high-dose (36 mg, n = 10) bolus of adenosine was administrated. A single bolus
      of adenosine-induced atrioventricular (AV) block (mean duration, 18.6 +/- 6.6
      seconds) followed by cardiac asystole in 16 patients (80%) (low-dose, n = 9). A
      successful BAV was achieved in 12 patients (60%) (low-dose, n = 8). Adenosine
      induced only bradycardia in 4 patients (20%) (low-dose, n = 1). A burst of VEB
      during BAV occurred in all patients. Balloon displacement occurred in 6 patients
      (37.5%). CONCLUSION: BAV after administration of adenosine is feasible, safe, and
      may represent an option for high-risk TAVI patients in whom RRVP might not be
      well tolerated. The occurrence of ventricular ectopic contractions triggered by
      balloon inflation and deflations accounts for balloon displacement and crossover
      to RRVP.

PMID- 22045081
TI  - Utility of adenosine sequelae in primer balloon aortic valvuloplasty.

PMID- 22045082
TI  - Simultaneous inflation of two drug-eluting balloons for the treatment of coronary
      bifurcation restenosis: a concept series.
AB  - Coronary bifurcation restenoses are especially challenging lesions to treat. In
      this report, four cases are described in which an innovative approach consisting
      of the simultaneous inflation of two drug-eluting balloons has been successfully
      applied to treat different kinds of bifurcation restenoses following both
      provisional and complex stenting strategies. These selected cases illustrate the
      concept and the advantages of a kissing drug-eluting balloon strategy for the
      treatment of virtually any kind of bifurcation restenosis.

PMID- 22045083
TI  - Transradial percutaneous coronary intervention in patients requiring circulatory
      assist devices.

PMID- 22045084
TI  - Use of embolic capture angioplasty for the treatment of occluded superficial
      femoral artery segments.
AB  - Treatment of peripheral chronic total occlusion (CTO) is one of the most
      challenging lesion subsets in peripheral revascularization. Advanced wire
      technology, novel re-entry catheters and imaging techniques help in crossing such
      lesions. Subintimal dissection using blunt microdissection devices along with
      true lumen reentry techniques have added to the success rates of treating
      peripheral CTOs. After crossing the occlusion, balloon angioplasty and the
      placement of self-expanding nitinol stents are usually performed. Peripheral
      embolization is a known complication of peripheral artery interventions, leading
      to significant lower-extremity ischemia and complications. Such interventions of
      peripheral CTOs have been shown to have higher rates of distal embolization.
      Though no dedicated distal embolic protection strategies are currently available
      for lower-extremity interventions, use of debris capture angioplasty balloon
      (ProteusTM) may be a feasible alternative. We report 3 cases where this device
      has been used during recanalization of peripheral CTOs.

PMID- 22045085
TI  - Major bleeding in acute coronary syndromes.
AB  - Treatment of acute coronary syndrome has been based on the prevention of ischemic
      complications by means of antithrombotic therapy and invasive strategies. The
      desired reduction reached in the recurrence of ischemic events reveals its price,
      an increase in the occurrence of major bleeding. Initially tolerated as a benign
      complication, it is now shown to be an important predictor of mortality. Greater
      attention dedicated to the prognostic impact of bleeding is recent, motivated by
      the development of new antithrombotic agents. Detailed analysis of the risk
      factors for myocardial infarction or bleeding is an important issue and allows
      institution of individualized approach.

PMID- 22045086
TI  - American health care, and notably cardiovascular care, cannot be defined by WHO
      mortality rankings.

PMID- 22045087
TI  - Proximal right coronary artery diverticulum resulting in recurrent distal
      embolization.
AB  - This is a case of a right coronary artery (RCA) diverticulum. We highlight the
      complications of distal embolization and recurrent myocardial infarctions (MI),
      and the successful closure with a covered stent. A 33-year-old Khat user
      experienced non-ST elevation MI (non-STEMI) 3 times over 2 years. His first
      cardiac catheterization showed a proximal RCA ulceration. The last
      catheterization revealed a proximal RCA diverticulum containing a thrombus, and a
      thrombus at the distal PDA. A covered Jomed(r) stent (Jomed International AB) was
      placed into the proximal RCA, closing the diverticulum, and preventing future
      embolizations. Patient's atherosclerotic ulceration led to diverticular disease
      that resulted in blood flow stasis, thrombi, distal embolization, and repeat
      acute coronary events.

PMID- 22045088
TI  - Endovascular treatment of residual type A aortic dissection preserving patency of
      supra-aortic vessels by implantation of the Djumbodis(r) system. No more surgery
      for the aortic arch?
AB  - A persistent distal false lumen perfusion--residual type A aortic dissection--is
      found in 50% to 100% of patients following ascending aorta replacement.
      Complications of persistent or newly developed dissection of the distal aorta are
      often fatal and require reoperation, leading to a higher morbidity and mortality
      rate for these patients than with primary surgery. Thus, many efforts have been
      done to treat this aortic disease by an endovascular approach. Unfortunately,
      patency of the supra-aortic vessel still remains an unresolved issue. The present
      report describes the case of a patient with a residual type A aortic dissection
      persisting after ascending aorta replacement, successfully treated by
      implantation of a new endovascular device, the Djumbodis(r) Dissection System, a
      bare stent with sufficiently large mesh to join the dissected layers without
      occluding main vital branches such as supra-aortic arteries.

PMID- 22045089
TI  - GuideLiner catheter facilitated PCI--a novel device with multiple applications.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The GuideLiner catheter (Vascular Solutions, Inc.) is a monorail
      guiding catheter extension that serves to facilitate stent delivery and is
      approved for providing extra support and coaxial guide engagement. The objective
      of this manuscript is to familiarize interventionalists with this new device,
      describe its versatile uses, and its limitations with case-based examples.
      BACKGROUND: Failure of stent delivery is responsible for 5% of procedural
      failures in coronary interventions in the current era. Different techniques to
      enhance guiding catheter support and facilitate device delivery have been
      described. These include use of buddy wires, anchoring balloons at different
      locations for extra support for device delivery, and even rotational atherectomy
      in the most calcified lesions. METHODS: The database of coronary interventions at
      Banner Good Samaritan Medical Center was queried for use of the GuideLiner
      catheter and stents. The angiograms of all those cases were reviewed and
      selections of cases highlighting different uses of the catheter were chosen for
      inclusion in this manuscript. RESULTS: All potential uses of the GuideLiner
      catheter are described in this manuscript. Nuances about use and tips and tricks
      related to the device are also discussed in the case examples. CONCLUSIONS: The
      manuscript provides a complete summary of the different uses and limitations of
      the catheter and its contemporary role in modern day coronary intervention.

PMID- 22045090
TI  - Successful treatment of a late presentation exercise-induced spontaneous left
      anterior descending artery dissection.
AB  - Spontaneous coronary artery dissection is an unusual condition that mainly
      happens in fit and healthy women in the peripartum period. Strenuous exercise is
      a rare cause of dissection in angiographically normal coronary arteries. There is
      no definitive consensus on the etiology, prognosis and treatment of SCAD. We
      report a case of successful treatment of a late presentation of a coronary artery
      dissection secondary to intense physical activity in a 48 year old cyclist who
      continued to cycle for 3 months post event.

PMID- 22045091
TI  - Successful percutaneous treatment of suspected embolic left main thrombosis in a
      patient with a mechanical aortic valve.
AB  - Left main coronary artery thrombosis is a rare but potentially fatal phenomenon.
      We present the unusual case of total occlusion of the left main coronary artery
      suspected to be secondary to embolized thrombus from a patient's mechanical,
      prosthetic aortic valve resulting in an anterior wall ST elevation myocardial
      infarction and cardiogenic shock. The acute interventional management and review
      of literature of left main thrombosis is described.

PMID- 22045092
TI  - Complex regional pain syndrome following transfemoral catheterization.
AB  - Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) (previously reflex sympathetic dystrophy)
      is a chronic pain condition usually resulting as a consequence of trauma or
      surgery. Though described occasionally after vascular surgery, it is distinctly
      rare after percutaneous cardiovascular procedures. We report a case of CRPS
      following trans- femoral catheterization-related groin pseudoaneurysm. To our
      knowledge, this is the first such report following transfemoral catheterization.
      A 36-year-old female underwent an electrophysiological study and AV node re-entry
      tachycardia ablation using the left femoral vein approach. One month later she
      presented complaining of numbness and tingling in her left foot with swelling and
      mild groin discomfort. A lower extremity duplex scan showed a left common femoral
      artery pseudoaneurysm that was partially thrombosed and subsequently resolved
      spontaneously. The patient had intractable symptoms of pain, temperature changes,
      color changes, and trophic changes of the left foot. Conventional angiography was
      done to rule out occlusive arterial disease but just showed very sluggish flow.
      Further evaluation with transcutaneous oxymetry and 3-phase bone scan was
      consistent with microvascular dysfunction and poor cutaneous blood flow
      suggestive of cold-type CRPS. In this case report, we also review the clinical
      features and the vascular changes associated with CRPS and discuss the
      pathophysiology of the syndrome from a cardiovascular specialist's perspective.
      Interventionalists should be aware that CRPS is a possible, albeit rare,
      condition that may follow many vascular procedures that they perform on a daily
      basis.

PMID- 22045093
TI  - Beyond the bend: a literature review and case report of radial artery loop.
AB  - Transradial cardiac catheterization is an exciting technique that has many
      advantages over the traditional femoral approach. Most importantly it is a safe
      option for PCI with potential same day discharge for uncomplicated cases. Despite
      its advantages, some challenges may be encountered with the transradial approach.
      After arterial access and spasm, vascular artery anomalies constitute a
      significant number of procedural failure. Radial artery anomalies are encountered
      in greater than 17% of cases performed in literature. In particular, radial loop
      is an important cause of transradial procedural failure. We present a literature
      review and a case from our institution and outline techniques in order to
      traverse the loop and make the transradial approach a success.

PMID- 22045095
TI  - Economic analysis of the implementation of guidelines for type 2 diabetes control
      developed by Diabetes Poland: what increase in costs is justified by clinical
      results?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Diabetes Poland has recently published guidelines for the treatment
      of type 2 diabetes. Treatment according to these guidelines is more expensive and
      requires more involvement of the patient than is the case in current clinical
      practice. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to assess to what extent the cost
      of type 2 diabetes treatment according to the Diabetes Poland guidelines may be
      increased when compared with the cost of the current treatment, so that the
      introduction of the guidelines remains cost-effective in the Polish setting.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two hypothetical patients were defined, John and Peter,
      representing the population of newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients. The
      disease progression was simulated assuming that John is treated according to the
      current practice and Peter is treated to achieve and maintain the goals defined
      by Diabetes Poland. The simulation was performed using the CORE model, which has
      been constructed based on the published scientific evidence and includes more
      than a dozen of diabetes complications. The model has been widely validated by
      numerous studies and is broadly used; it enables a reliable estimation of costs
      and clinical effects associated with diabetes. The parameters of the model were
      adapted to the Polish conditions. The analysis was conducted in a life-long
      perspective, discounting of costs/effects was included, and the acceptability
      threshold was set at 25,511 EUR per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY). RESULTS:
      The quality-adjusted life expectancy of John will be 0.3 QALY lower than the life
      expectancy of Peter. The treatment of diabetic complications will be 400 EUR more
      expensive in the case of John compared with that of Peter. Assuming the
      willingness to pay at the level of 7500 EUR/QALY, the cost of diabetes treatment
      of Peter may be 250 EUR higher than that of John's treatment. For the threshold
      level of 15,000 EUR/QALY, the difference in cost may be 450 EUR, and for the
      threshold level of 25,000 EUR/QALY - 725 EUR per year. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment
      according to the guidelines of Diabetes Poland may be cost-effective provided
      that the additional costs associated with intensification of therapy will not
      exceed 725 EUR per year.

PMID- 22045094
TI  - Efficacy and safety comparison of continuous glucose monitoring and self
      monitoring of blood glucose in type 1 diabetes: systematic review and meta
      analysis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Self-monitoring of blood glucose (SMBG) is a crucial element of
      clinical care in type 1 diabetes, but it may not provide adequate glucose
      control. A newer alternative approach is continuous glucose monitoring (CGM)
      system, which allows a more thorough metabolic control. However, the results of
      trials comparing CGM with SMBG are inconsistent. OBJECTIVES: Based on a
      systematic review and meta-analysis, we aimed to assess the efficacy and safety
      of various CGM systems compared with SMBG. METHODS: We searched major medical
      databases up to June 2011 for randomized controlled trials comparing CGM and SMBG
      in type 1 diabetes. Studies of at least 12-week duration were included. Weighted
      mean difference (WMD) or standardized mean difference (SMD) was calculated for
      continuous measures and dichotomous data were expressed as odds ratio (OR) or
      risk ratio. RESULTS: We identified 14 relevant trials including a total of 1268
      type 1 diabetic patients, of whom 670 were randomized to the CGM group and 598 to
      the SMBG group. Patients using CGM had a greater decrease in hemoglobin A1c
      (HbA1c) from baseline compared with those using SMBG (WMD -0.26% [-0.34; -0.19]).
      We found that the magnitude of the effect was similar in the subset of children
      and adolescents (WMD -0.25% [-0.43; -0.08]) to that in adults (WMD -0.33% [-0.46;
      -0.2]). Only real-time devices for CGM improved glycemic control (WMD -0.27% [
      0.34; -0.19]). The percentage of patients achieving target HbA1c was higher in
      the CGM group (OR 2.14 [1.41; 3.26]). Pooled results from 4 studies revealed a
      reduction in hypoglycemic events in the CGM group (SMD -0.32 [-0.52; -0.13]).
      CONCLUSIONS: CGM, partcicularly its real-time system, has a favorable effect on
      glycemic control and decreases the incidence of hypoglycemic episodes in both
      adult and pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes.

PMID- 22045096
TI  - Synergy between pharmacological and mechanical reperfusion in ST-segment
      elevation myocardial infarction patients:  2011 update.

PMID- 22045097
TI  - Lessons learned from advanced intracoronary imaging in patients with acute
      myocardial infarction.
AB  - The use of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) as a primary treatment for
      acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has contributed to save lives. But, in addition
      to this, it has generated new opportunities to study the culprit and non-culprit
      arteries with intracoronary imaging during and after reperfusion treatments, and
      thus to get a richer view of this syndrome. From this perspective, intracoronary
      imaging has contributed to our knowledge of AMI in a number of ways: it has
      complemented the available information on the substrate of AMI with in-vivo
      observations, reinforcing the current pathophysiological paradigm on this entity;
      it has allowed longitudinal documentation on the reparative vascular processes at
      the culprit lesion over the months and years following the acute event; it has
      generated valuable observations on the vascular responses to interventions
      performed during primary PCI, such as implantation of drug eluting stents (DES);
      it has been used to guide or monitor specific interventions, either
      pharmacological agents like antithrombotics or devices like thrombectomy
      catheters or stents, at the culprit stenosis of AMI; and it has revealed the
      characteristics of concomitant atheromatosis in non-culprit vessels. In this
      article, we review the available literature on these different aspects.

PMID- 22045098
TI  - A study of the clinical and biochemical profile of peritoneal dialysis fluid low
      in glucose degradation products.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Although peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a widely accepted form of renal
      replacement therapy, concerns remain regarding the bioincompatible nature of
      standard PD fluid (PDF). Short-term studies of new biocompatible PDFs low in
      glucose degradation products (GDPs) reveal divergent results with respect to
      peritoneal integrity. METHODS: We studied 125 patients on maintenance PD who were
      assigned, by simple randomization, to receive either conventional or low-GDP PDF
      at PD initiation. Parameters of dialysis adequacy and peritoneal transport of
      small solutes were determined at initiation and after a period of maintenance PD
      at the time when serum and overnight effluent dialysate were simultaneously
      collected and assayed for various cytokines, chemokines, adipokines, and cardiac
      biomarkers. All patients were further followed prospectively for an average of 15
      months from the day of serum and effluent collection to determine patient
      survival and cardiovascular events. RESULTS: Patients treated with conventional
      or low-GDP PDF were matched for sex, age, duration of dialysis, dialysis
      adequacy, and incidence of cardiovascular disease or diabetes. After an average
      of 2.3 years of PD treatment, the weekly total and peritoneal creatinine
      clearance, and the total and peritoneal Kt/V were comparable in the groups.
      However, urine output was higher in patients using low-GDP PDF despite there
      having been no difference between the groups at PD initiation. Patients using low
      GDP PDF also experienced a slower rate of decline of residual glomerular
      filtration and urine output than did patients on conventional PDF. Compared with
      serum concentrations, effluent concentrations of tumor necrosis factor alpha,
      hepatocyte growth factor, macrophage migration inhibitory factor, interleukins 8
      and 6, C-reactive protein, and leptin were found to be higher in both groups of
      patients after long-term PD, suggesting that the peritoneal cavity was the major
      source of those mediators. Compared with patients on low-GDP PDF, patients on
      conventional fluid showed elevated leptin and reduced adiponectin levels in serum
      and effluent. The effluent concentration of interleukin 8 was significantly lower
      in patients using low-GDP PDF. The survival rate and incidence of cardiovascular
      complications did not differ between these groups after maintenance PD for an
      average of 3.6 years. CONCLUSIONS: It appears that low-GDP PDF results in an
      improvement of local peritoneal homeostasis through a reduction of chronic
      inflammatory status in the peritoneum.

PMID- 22045099
TI  - Chronic peritoneal dialysis in children with special needs or social disadvantage
      or both: contraindications are not always contraindications.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Our aim in the present study was to identify outcomes in children with
      special needs or social disadvantage, or both, receiving chronic peritoneal
      dialysis (CPD) treatment in a pediatric dialysis unit. METHODS: Among 110
      children started on CPD in our unit during the period between November 1995 and
      November 2008, we identified 13 patients (8 girls, 5 boys) with major physical,
      mental, or psychosocial problems. Age at CPD initiation in the group with
      disability ranged from 4.0 years to 16.5 years (median: 7.5 years). Under lying
      diseases were vesicoureteral reflux (4 patients), neuropathic bladder and
      vesicoureteral reflux (3 patients), chronic pyelonephritis (3 patients),
      amyloidosis (2 patients), and Alport syndrome (1 patient). Challenges encountered
      were adverse family or social circumstances (4 patients), cerebral palsy (3
      patients), Down syndrome (1 patient), rectovesical fistula in conjunction with
      ectopic anus and previous multiple abdominal surgery (1 patient), blindness and
      deafness (1 patient), ventriculoperitoneal shunt (1 patient), colostomy and
      malnutrition (1 patient), and mental retardation and blindness (1 patient). All
      catheters were implanted percutaneously. RESULTS: Median duration of dialysis was
      18 months (range: 6 - 124 months). The frequency of peritonitis was not different
      between children with and without disability (p > 0.05). In children with
      disability compared with children without disability, the frequencies of catheter
      related infections (1 episode/79.3 patient-months vs 1 episode/32.4 patient
      months) and of catheter-related non-infectious complications (1 episode/238
      patient-months vs 1 episode/115.7 patient-months) were lower (p < 0.05). Chronic
      peritoneal dialysis was terminated in 5 children (for renal transplantation in 3,
      switch to hemodialysis in 1, death in 1). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that,
      with appropriate family support and an experienced multidisciplinary team, CPD
      can be effectively performed in children with special needs or social
      disadvantage, or both.

PMID- 22045100
TI  - A peritoneal dialysis regimen low in glucose and glucose degradation products
      results in increased cancer antigen 125 and peritoneal activation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Glucose and glucose degradation products (GDPs) in peritoneal
      dialysis fluids (PDFs) are both thought to mediate progressive peritoneal
      worsening. METHODS: In a multicenter, prospective, randomized crossover study,
      incident continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patients were treated either
      with conventional lactate-buffered PDF (sPD regimen) or with a regimen low in
      glucose and GDPs: Nutrineal*1, Extraneal*1, and Physioneal*2 (NEPP regimen; all
      solutions: Baxter Healthcare, Utrecht, The Netherlands). After 6 months, patients
      were switched to the alternative regimen for another 6 months. After 6 weeks of
      run-in, before the switch, and at the end of the study, 4-hour peritoneal
      equilibration tests were performed, and overnight effluents were analyzed for
      cells and biomarkers. Differences between the regimens were assessed by
      multivariate analysis corrected for time and regimen sequence. RESULTS: The 45
      patients who completed the study were equally distributed over both groups.
      During NEPP treatment, D(4)/D(0) glucose was lower (p < 0.01) and D/P creatinine
      was higher (p = 0.04). In NEPP overnight effluent, mesothelial cells (p <
      0.0001), cancer antigen 125 (p < 0.0001), hyaluronan (p < 0.0001), leukocytes (p
      < 0.001), interleukins 6 (p = 0.001) and 8 (p = 0.0001), and vascular endothelial
      growth factor (VEGF, p < 0.0001) were increased by a factor of 2-3 compared with
      levels in sPD effluent. The NEPP regimen was associated with higher transport
      parameters, but that association disappeared after the addition of VEGF to the
      model. The association between NEPP and higher effluent levels of VEGF could not
      be attributed to glucose and GDP loads. CONCLUSIONS: Study results indicate
      preservation of the mesothelium and increased peritoneal activation during NEPP
      treatment. Whether the increase in VEGF reflects an increase in mesothelial cell
      mass or whether it points to another, undesirable mechanism cannot be determined
      from the present study. Longitudinal studies are needed to finally evaluate the
      usefulness of the NEPP regimen for further clinical use.

PMID- 22045101
TI  - Hemoglobin variability with epoetin beta and continuous erythropoietin receptor
      activator in patients on peritoneal dialysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The extent to which hemoglobin (Hb) cycling occurs in
      peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients is unclear. It is also uncertain whether
      different types of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) affect such cycling.
      We performed a retrospective cohort study of our PD population before and after
      the entire program was switched from epoetin beta (NeoRecormon: Hoffman-LaRoche,
      Basel, Switzerland) to continuous erythropoietin receptor activator [CERA
      (Mircera: Hoffman-LaRoche)]. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, AND MEASUREMENTS: The
      study included 79 patients receiving PD for end-stage renal failure and being
      treated with an ESA. Hemoglobin concentrations were measured monthly, and each
      study period ran for 12 months. Patient demographics and details of intercurrent
      illness and hospital admission were collected. RESULTS: There was a trend to
      fewer patients on CERA (26 patients, 68.4%) than on epoetin beta (36 patients,
      87.8%, p = 0.054) experiencing Hb excursions. The CERA group also required fewer
      dose changes. However, there was no difference in the proportion of patients
      experiencing complete Hb cycles. On logistic regression, the factors associated
      with Hb cycling were ESA dose increase or decrease and hospital admission. We
      also observed a positive correlation between the delta ESA dose and the amplitude
      of Hb excursion, suggesting that the dose changes were causal, rather than
      reactive. CONCLUSIONS: Hemoglobin cycling occurs in PD patients and is largely a
      consequence of current practice in ESA dosing, plus the effects of intercurrent
      illness. The longer half life of CERA may offer a small advantage in reducing the
      degree of Hb variability, possibly because of fewer dose changes per patient.

PMID- 22045102
TI  - Intraperitoneal vancomycin concentrations during peritoneal dialysis-associated
      peritonitis: correlation with serum levels.
AB  - BACKGROUND: For the treatment of peritoneal dialysis-associated peritonitis
      (PDP), it has been suggested that serum concentrations of vancomycin be kept
      above 12 mg/L-15 mg/L. However, studies correlating vancomycin concentrations in
      serum and peritoneal dialysate effluent (PDE) during active infection are sparse.
      We undertook the present study to investigate this issue and to determine whether
      achieving the recommended serum level of vancomycin results in therapeutic levels
      intraperitoneally. METHODS: We studied patients treated with intraperitoneal
      (i.p.) vancomycin for non-gram-negative PDP. We gave a single dose (approximately
      30 mg/kg) at presentation, and we subsequently measured vancomycin levels in PDE
      on day 5; we wanted to determine if efflux of vancomycin from serum to PDE during
      a 4-hour dwell was consistent and resulted in therapeutic levels. RESULTS: Of the
      48 episodes of PDP studied, serum vancomycin concentrations exceeding 12 mg/L
      were achieved in 98% of patients, but in 11 patients (23%), a PDE vancomycin
      level below 4 mg/L--the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) of many gram
      positive organisms--was observed at the end of a 4-hour dwell on day 5. The
      correlation between the concentrations of vancomycin in serum and PDE (from
      efflux of antibiotic over 4 hours) was statistically significant, but poor (R(2)
      = 0.18). CONCLUSIONS: Our data support the International Society for Peritoneal
      Dialysis statement that adequate serum vancomycin concentrations can be achieved
      with intermittent dosing (single dose every 5 days), but cannot guarantee
      therapeutic PDE levels in the treatment of PDP. Intermittent dosing of vancomycin
      may not consistently result in PDE concentrations markedly greater than MIC of
      many important pathogens. Although the clinical significance of this finding
      remains to be determined, it may be preferable to give smaller but more frequent
      doses of PDE vancomycin (continuous dosing) for adults with PDP (as is currently
      recommended for children).

PMID- 22045103
TI  - Modelling the emergence of hallucinations: early acquired vulnerabilities,
      proximal life stressors and maladaptive psychological processes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The study aimed to expand upon existing findings on the vulnerability
      to psychosis by examining synergistic models of hallucination emergence.
      Hypothesised vulnerability factors were separated into three stages of
      vulnerability; early acquired and enduring vulnerabilities (heredity, childhood
      trauma, early cannabis use), proximal life stressors (life hassles) and
      psychological appraisals/coping (metacognitions/experiential avoidance). METHODS:
      Participants were recruited to a non-clinical sample (N = 133) and a clinical
      sample of psychosis patients (N = 100). RESULTS: Path analyses in the non
      clinical sample indicated that experiences of childhood emotional trauma, in
      combination with subsequent experiences of life hassles, best predicted
      vulnerability to both hallucinations in general and auditory hallucinations
      specifically. This pathway was partially mediated by negative metacognitions. The
      models were then replicated in the clinical sample, with two notable differences:
      (1) childhood sexual trauma replaced childhood emotional trauma as the best
      enduring predictor in the clinical model. (2) Experiential avoidance replaced
      metacognitions as the best cognitive predictor of hallucinations. CONCLUSIONS:
      The study's findings highlighted how vulnerability to hallucinations can occur
      developmentally across time, with early acquired vulnerability factors, combining
      additively with more proximal day-to-day factors and cognitive style, to propel a
      person further towards the formation of hallucinations.

PMID- 22045104
TI  - Sunitinib-induced asthenia: from molecular basis to clinical relief.
AB  - Asthenia-fatigue syndrome (AFS) is defined as a persistent, subjective sense of
      tiredness related to cancer or its treatment and greatly impacts quality of life
      among cancer patients. All tyrosine kinase inhibitors, but especially sunitinib,
      may induce AFS. The reason for sunitinib-induced AFS is not yet well understood.
      Adverse events caused by sunitinib associated with AFS may include anemia,
      hypothyroidism, nausea and vomiting. However, AFS is also reported when active
      treatment with sunitinib is ongoing, and no other relevant adverse event can
      justify it. The molecular mechanisms by which sunitinib triggers AFS remain
      elusive. Sunitinib displays multiple off-target tyrosine-kinase interactions and
      competitively inhibits multiple proteins through the blockade of their ATP
      binding sites. The broad spectrum of kinases inhibited may play a key role not
      only in terms of activity but also in terms of toxicity induced by sunitinib.
      This study considered different clinical observations and current metabolic and
      pharmacological knowledge, leading to hypotheses regarding which molecular
      mechanisms may be involved in sunitinib-induced AFS in cancer patients. Deeper
      knowledge of the molecular mode of action of sunitinib may lead to improved
      optimization of its clinical use.

PMID- 22045105
TI  - Vitamin D and falls--are intermittent, high doses better?

PMID- 22045106
TI  - Pediatric SDHB pheochromocytoma: a link to metastasis.

PMID- 22045107
TI  - DES--adverse health outcomes after in utero exposure.

PMID- 22045108
TI  - Efficacy of behavioral interventions in patients with poorly controlled diabetes
      mellitus.

PMID- 22045109
TI  - Bone: low-dose glucocorticoid replacement does not reduce BMD.

PMID- 22045110
TI  - Ratiometric fluorescence detection of cyanide based on a hybrid coumarin
      hemicyanine dye: the large emission shift and the high selectivity.
AB  - A new ratiometric fluorescent cyanide probe was developed based on the
      nucleophilic attack of CN(-) toward the indolium group of a hybrid coumarin
      hemicyanine dye, by which high selectivity as well as large emission shift could
      be achieved.

PMID- 22045111
TI  - Massive bilateral renal angiomyolipomatosis and multifocal micronodular
      pneumocytes hyperplasia associated with tuberous sclerosis: a case report.
AB  - Tuberous sclerosis (TS) is an autosomal-dominant disorder characterized by a
      variety of hamartomatous lesions in various organs. Various organ involvements
      can be detected with radiology: neurologic involvement (cortical tubers,
      subependymal nodules and white matter abnormalities), renal involvement
      (angiomyolipoma) and pulmonary involvement (pulmonary lymphangioleiomyomatosis,
      multifocal micronodular pneumocyte hyperplasia). Here, we are reporting a case of
      tuberous sclerosis with multiple organ involvement and massive bilateral AMLs in
      a 49-year-old female patient.

PMID- 22045112
TI  - Use of OROS(r) hydromorphone in the treatment of osteoarthritis and osteoporosis:
      A pooled analysis of three non-interventional studies focusing on different
      starting doses.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of a lower starting dose of OROS(r)
      hydromorphone compared with a higher starting dose. DESIGN: Data from the first
      15 days of treatment were compared in a combined analysis of three prospective,
      non-interventional studies. SETTING: Non-interventional, carried out in daily
      routine settings. PATIENTS: Patients had chronic severe pain due to
      osteoarthritis or from fragility fractures related to osteoporosis.
      INTERVENTIONS: OROS-ANA-4001 and OROS-ANA-4002 had a daily starting dose of 8 mg
      of OROS(r) hydromorphone; OROS-ANA-4003 had a daily starting dose of 4 mg. MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASURE(S): A post-hoc analysis to assess the effect of a low starting
      dose of OROS(r) hydromorphone on tolerability, pain control, and treatment
      satisfaction overall and for subgroups of opioid-naive patients versus patients
      previously treated with opioids, and patients aged >65 years versus patients aged
      <=65 years. RESULTS: Treatment satisfaction and pain control improved in all
      studies; treatment satisfaction improved in a higher percentage of patients in
      the lower starting dose group. Gastrointestinal disorders were the most frequent
      treatment-emergent adverse events. Incidence of nausea was comparable between
      studies. Incidence of constipation, vomiting, fatigue, and pruritus was less
      frequent with the lower starting dose. In elderly and opioid-naive patients, a
      lower starting dose was associated with lower overall incidence of adverse
      events, treatment-related adverse events, and those leading to discontinuation.
      CONCLUSIONS: A lower starting dose was associated with better tolerability and a
      lower number of treatment terminations at a comparable level of pain control with
      high treatment satisfaction.

PMID- 22045114
TI  - Seasonal and diel dive performance and behavioral ecology of the bimodally
      respiring freshwater turtle Myuchelys bellii of eastern Australia.
AB  - Freshwater turtles have an extraordinary physiological ability to endure dive
      times that can range from days to months using aquatic respiration. In
      cryptodires (e.g., white-lipped mud turtle Kinosternon leucostomum) aquatic
      respiration is via buccal or cutaneous routes whereas in pleurodires (e.g.,
      Fitzroy River turtle Rheodytes leukops), it is achieved primarily via specialized
      cloacal bursae. This study records the voluntary diving performance of the
      western sawshelled turtle Myuchelys bellii in Bald Rock Creek from the temperate
      zone of the Murray-Darling Basin of Australia. Myuchelys bellii has a moderately
      specialized cloacal bursae morphology compared to other pleurodiran turtles and
      displays impressive dive durations spanning more than 15 days during the winter
      months. This is attributed to its ability to maintain aerobic dives via its
      cloacal bursae and low water temperatures in winter. Myuchelys bellii seasonal
      and diel diving performance, including its crepuscular habit, is comparable to R.
      leukops and Elseya albagula. This study also recorded the first aquatic
      hibernation at depth (>3 m) for any freshwater turtle; and only the second
      pleurodire to demonstrate aquatic hibernation as an overwintering strategy.
      Observed thermoregulation behavior in M. bellii is believed to provide multiple
      life history benefits.

PMID- 22045113
TI  - Electroencephalogram bands modulated by vigilance states in an anuran species: a
      factor analytic approach.
AB  - Dramatic changes in neocortical electroencephalogram (EEG) rhythms are associated
      with the sleep-waking cycle in mammals. Although amphibians are thought to lack a
      neocortical homologue, changes in rest-activity states occur in these species. In
      the present study, EEG signals were recorded from the surface of the cerebral
      hemispheres and midbrain on both sides of the brain in an anuran species, Babina
      daunchina, using electrodes contacting the meninges in order to measure changes
      in mean EEG power across behavioral states. Functionally relevant frequency bands
      were identified using factor analysis. The results indicate that: (1) EEG power
      was concentrated in four frequency bands during the awake or active state and in
      three frequency bands during rest; (2) EEG bands in frogs differed substantially
      from humans, especially in the fast frequency band; (3) bursts similar to
      mammalian sleep spindles, which occur in non-rapid eye movement mammalian sleep,
      were observed when frogs were at rest suggesting sleep spindle-like EEG activity
      appeared prior to the evolution of mammals.

PMID- 22045115
TI  - Aluminium, iron and copper in human brain tissues donated to the Medical Research
      Council's Cognitive Function and Ageing Study.
AB  - Aluminium, iron and copper are all implicated in the aetiology of
      neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease. However, there are very
      few large cohort studies of the content of these metals in aged human brains. We
      have used microwave digestion and TH GFAAS to measure aluminium, iron and copper
      in the temporal, frontal, occipital and parietal lobes of 60 brains donated to
      the Cognitive Function and Ageing Study. Every precaution was taken to reduce
      contamination of samples and acid digests to a minimum. Actual contamination was
      estimated by preparing a large number of (170+) method blanks which were
      interspersed within the full set of 700+ tissue digests. Subtraction of method
      blank values (MBV) from tissue digest values resulted in metal contents in all
      tissues in the range, MBV to 33 MUg g(-1) dry wt. for aluminium, 112 to 8305 MUg
      g(-1) dry wt. for iron and MBV to 384 MUg g(-1) dry wt. for copper. While the
      median aluminium content for all tissues was 1.02 MUg g(-1) dry wt. it was
      informative that 41 brains out of 60 included at least one tissue with an
      aluminium content which could be considered as potentially pathological (> 3.50
      MUg g(-1) dry wt.). The median content for iron was 286.16 MUg g(-1) dry wt. and
      overall tissue iron contents were generally high which possibly reflected
      increased brain iron in ageing and in neurodegenerative disease. The median
      content for copper was 17.41 MUg g(-1) dry wt. and overall tissue copper contents
      were lower than expected for aged brains but they were commensurate with aged
      brains showing signs of neurodegenerative disease. In this study we have shown,
      in particular, the value of carrying out significant numbers of method blanks to
      identify unknown sources of contamination. When these values are subtracted from
      tissue digest values the absolute metal contents could be considered as
      conservative and yet they may still reflect aspects of ageing and
      neurodegenerative disease in individual brains.

PMID- 22045116
TI  - Photoinactivation of cell-free human immunodeficiency virus by hematoporphyrin
      monomethyl ether.
AB  - Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) particles that remain in the blood of patients
      are frequently ignored as targets for AIDS treatment. We therefore investigated
      the use of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether
      (HMME) as a means of inactivating cell-free HIV in vitro. Virus particles
      including HIV-1(IIIB), resistant HIV-1 variants, HIV-1 clinical variants, and HIV
      2 variants were incubated with HMME for 40 min, followed by irradiation with a
      630-nm semiconductor laser at an energy density of 0.3 J/cm(2). The antiviral
      effects were evaluated by counting syncytium formation or measuring p24 antigen
      expression levels in supernatants by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The
      relationships between photoinactivation and HMME concentrations, energy density,
      power density and antioxidants (NaN(3) and D: -mannitol) were also assessed using
      the above methods. All the tested virus particles were completely responsive to
      HMME-PDT. HMME concentration and energy density were positively correlated with
      photoinactivation of HIV, while power density was negatively correlated. Both
      sodium azide and D: -mannitol weakened the inhibitory effect of PDT on virus
      induced membrane fusion, with D: -mannitol having a stronger effect. HMME-PDT can
      inactivate HIV particles, and may therefore represent a promising treatment for
      AIDS patients.

PMID- 22045117
TI  - Reactions of nurses to the use of electronic health record alert features in an
      inpatient setting.
AB  - While studies have been conducted to assess nurse perception of electronic health
      records, once electronic health record systems are up and running, there is
      little to guide the use of features within the electronic health record for
      nursing practice. Alerts are a promising tool for implementing best practice for
      patient care in inpatient settings. Yet the use of alerts for inpatient nursing
      is understudied. This study examined nurse attitudes and reactions to alerts in
      the inpatient setting. Focus groups were conducted at three hospitals with 50
      nurses. Nurses were asked about five different alert features. For each alert,
      participants were asked about their feelings and reactions to the alert, how
      alerts help or hinder work, and suggestions for improvements. Findings include
      clear preferences for alert types and content. Nurses preferred a dashboard style
      alert with functions included to accomplish tasks directly in the alert. While
      nurses reported positive reactions to certain alert pages, they also reported low
      use of those features and occasional distrust of the data included in alerts.
      Findings provide guidance for future use of alerts and design of new alerts.
      Findings also identify the important challenge of designing and implementing
      alerts for integration with nursing workflow.

PMID- 22045118
TI  - Glioblastoma survival in the United States before and during the temozolomide
      era.
AB  - The standard-of-care treatment for newly diagnosed glioblastoma changed in 2005,
      when radiation therapy plus temozolomide chemotherapy replaced radiation therapy
      alone. It is not yet clear how this change in treatment has influenced patient
      survival in routine clinical practice, or if a survival benefit extends to
      patients older than those enrolled in the trial. Data from the Surveillance,
      Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program was analyzed to compare survival of
      adult glioblastoma patients diagnosed from 2000-2003 to patients diagnosed from
      2005-2008, in order to evaluate pre-temozolomide and post-temozolomide periods.
      The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards models were used. 6,673
      patients with glioblastoma diagnosed from 2000-2003 and 7,259 patients diagnosed
      from 2005-2008 were identified. Median survival times of all patients diagnosed
      in the 2000-2003 and 2005-2008 periods were 8.1 and 9.7 months, respectively.
      Amongst patients treated with surgery and a radiation-containing regimen, median
      survival was 12.0 months in 2000-2003 and 14.2 months in 2005-2008. In the
      temozolomide era, median survival times ranged from a high of 31.9 months in
      patients age 20-29 to a low of 5.6 months in patients age 80 and older. The
      survival of patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma improved from 2000-2003 to
      2005-2008, likely due to temozolomide use. However, median survival time after
      glioblastoma diagnosis in the SEER population remains well under one year,
      largely driven by poor prognosis in elderly patients.

PMID- 22045119
TI  - A systematic study on the synthesis, reactivity and structure of ortho-palladated
      aryloximes, including the first cyclopalladated aryloximato and iminoaryloxime
      complexes.
AB  - Complexes [Pd{C,N-Ar{C(Me)=NOH}-2}(MU-Cl)](2) (1) with Ar = C(6)H(4),
      C(6)H(3)NO(2)-5 or C(6)H(OMe)(3)-4,5,6, were obtained from the appropriate oxime,
      Li(2)[PdCl(4)] and NaOAc. They reacted with neutral monodentate C-, P- or N-donor
      ligands (L), with [PPN]Cl ([PPN] = Ph(3)P=N=PPh(3)), with Tl(acac) (acacH =
      acetylacetone), or with neutral bidentate ligands N^N (tetramethylethylenediamine
      (tmeda), 4,4'-di-tert-butyl-2,2'-bipyridine ((t)Bubpy)) in the presence of AgOTf
      or AgClO(4) to afford complexes of the types [Pd{C,N-Ar{C(Me)=NOH}-2}Cl(L)] (2),
      [PPN][Pd{C,N-Ar{C(Me)=NOH}-2}Cl(2)] (3), [Pd{C,N-Ar{C(Me)=NOH}-2}(acac)] (4) or
      [Pd{C,N-Ar{C(Me)=NOH}-2}(N^N)]X (X = OTf, ClO(4)) (5), respectively. Complexes 1
      reacted with bidentate N^N ligands in the presence of a base to afford
      mononuclear zwitterionic oximato complexes [Pd{C,N-Ar{C(Me)=NO}-2}(N^N)] (6).
      Dehydrochlorination of complexes 2 by a base yielded dimeric oximato complexes of
      the type [Pd{MU-C,N,O-Ar{C(Me)[double bond, length as m-dash]NO}-2}L](2) (7). The
      insertion of XyNC into the Pd-C(aryl) bond of complex 2 produced the mononuclear
      iminoaryloxime derivative [Pd{C,N-C(=NXy)Ar{C(Me)=NOH}-2}Cl(CNXy)] (8) which, in
      turn, reacted with [AuCl(SMe(2))] to give [Pd{MU-N,C,N-C(=NXy)Ar{C(Me)=NOH}
      2}Cl](2) (9) with loss of XyNC. Some of these complexes are, for any metal, the
      first containing cyclometalated aryloximato (6, 7) or iminoaryloxime (8, 9)
      ligands. Various crystal structures of complexes of the types 2, 3, 6, 7, 8 and 9
      have been determined.

PMID- 22045120
TI  - The efficacy and safety of rifaximin for the irritable bowel syndrome: a
      systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) affects 10-15% of the population, and
      treatment options are limited. Rifaximin is a minimally absorbed antibiotic that
      has shown efficacy in IBS patients. The objective of our study was to perform a
      meta-analysis and systematic review of available randomized, placebo controlled
      trials evaluating the efficacy and tolerability of rifaximin in patients with
      IBS. METHODS: We performed a systematic literature search of multiple online
      electronic databases regardless of language. Inclusion criteria entailed
      randomized, placebo controlled trials and IBS defined by accepted symptom-based
      criteria. Meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the summary odds ratios (ORs)
      and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of combined studies for the primary and
      secondary outcomes using a random-effects model based on the DerSimonian and
      Laird method to reflect both within- and between study variability. We assessed
      heterogeneity using chi(2) test and the inconsistency index statistic (I(2)).
      Significant heterogeneity was defined as I(2) >=25%. Meta-regression was
      performed using generalized linear mixed-effects model and study as random
      effects to estimate the summary OR adjusting for covariate differences across
      studies and treatment group. Publication bias was assessed by funnel plot
      analysis. RESULTS: Systematic review identified 13,700 citations. Eighteen were
      deemed to be potentially relevant, of which five articles met eligibility. Meta
      analysis found rifaximin to be more efficacious than placebo for global IBS
      symptom improvement (OR=1.57; 95% CI=1.22, 2.01; therapeutic gain=9.8%; number
      needed to treat (NNT)=10.2), with mild heterogeneity (P=0.25, I(2)=26%). For the
      key secondary outcome of bloating, raw data were available for four studies.
      Rifaximin was significantly more likely to improve bloating than placebo
      (OR=1.55; 95% CI=1.23-1.96; therapeutic gain=9.9%; NNT=10.1), with no significant
      heterogeneity (P=0.27, I(2)=23%). We found that studies with older patients and
      more females demonstrated higher response rates, which was consistent regardless
      of treatment group. In addition, studies with higher cumulative dose tended to
      report a higher response rate. Of the covariates evaluated, we found age to be
      most predictive of response, with a correlation coefficient of 0.97 between
      aggregate response rate and mean age in the placebo groups. Although studies with
      higher cumulative dose tended to show increased response rates, this was also
      seen consistently in both the treated and placebo groups. Adverse effects were
      similar among patients receiving rifaximin or placebo in all studies. The most
      common adverse events (AEs) (<=10%) with rifaximin were headache, upper
      respiratory infection, nausea, nasopharygitis, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.
      Serious AEs were rare (<1%) and similar with rifaximin and placebo. CONCLUSIONS:
      Rifaximin proved more effective than placebo for global symptoms and bloating in
      IBS patients. The modest therapeutic gain was similar to that yielded by other
      currently available therapies for IBS. AEs were similar between rifaximin and
      placebo.

PMID- 22045121
TI  - Hybrid functional electronic structure of PbPdO2, a small-gap semiconductor.
AB  - PbPdO2, a ternary compound containing the lone pair active ion Pb2+ and the
      square planar d8Pd2+ ion, has attracted recent interest because of the suggestion
      that its electronic structure, calculated within density functional theory using
      either the local density or the generalized gradient approximation, displays zero
      gap behavior. In light of the potential ease of doping magnetic ions in this
      structure, it has been suggested that the introduction of spin, in conjunction
      with zero band gap, can result in unusual magnetic ground states and unusual
      magnetotransport. It is known that most electronic structure calculations do not
      properly obtain a band gap even for the simple oxide PdO, and instead obtain a
      metal or a zero-gap semiconductor. Here we present density functional
      calculations employing a screened hybrid functional which correctly obtain a band
      gap for the electronic structure of PdO. When employed to calculate the
      electronic ground state of PbPdO2, a band gap is again obtained, which is
      consistent with both the experimental data on this compound, as well as a
      consideration of valence states and of metal-oxygen connectivity in the crystal
      structure. We also present comparisons of the absolute positions (relative to the
      vacuum level) of the conduction band minima and the valence band maxima in alpha
      PbO, PdO and PbPdO2, which suggest ease of p-type doping in PbPdO2, that has been
      observed even in nominally pure materials.

PMID- 22045122
TI  - Matrix metalloproteinase 2 induces epithelial-mesenchymal transition in proximal
      tubules from the luminal side and progresses fibrosis in mineralocorticoid/salt
      induced hypertensive rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Excess mineralocorticoids such as deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)
      together with salt are known to cause tubulointerstitial fibrosis, but the
      mechanisms underlying fibrosis progression are unclear. Therefore, we
      investigated the role of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) in the epithelial
      mesenchymal transition and fibrosis progression. METHODS: Uninephrectomized rats
      drank 0.9% NaCl and 0.3% KCl solution and were treated with DOCA alone, DOCA +
      spironolactone, or vehicle for 1, 4, or 8 weeks. SBP, kidney function and
      morphology, and kidney and urine MMP2 activity were compared among the groups.
      RESULTS: At week 4, the DOCA-treated group exhibited hypertension,
      tubulointerstitial fibrosis, increased MMP2 activity in the kidney and urine, and
      overexpression of MMP2 in proximal tubule cells and MMP14 in apical membranes;
      these results were more pronounced at week 8. At week 8, the proximal tubule cell
      apicolateral surface proteins villin, claudin 2, and E-cadherin were
      downregulated, and the mesenchymal marker alpha-smooth muscle actin was
      upregulated in the tubulointerstitium of DOCA-treated rats. These DOCA/salt
      induced changes (except for hypertension) and fibrosis progression observed at
      week 8 were reversed by TISAM (a selective MMP2 inhibitor), which was
      administered from week 4 to week 8. All of the effects of DOCA/salt at week 8
      were attenuated by spironolactone. CONCLUSION: Eight weeks of treatment with
      DOCA/salt activated MMP2, primarily on the apical surface of proximal tubule
      cells, which induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition from the luminal side and
      promoted tubulointerstitial fibrosis progression. These MMP2-induced changes
      occurred via downstream processes regulated by mineralocorticoid receptors.

PMID- 22045123
TI  - Cardiac benefits of exercise training in aging spontaneously hypertensive rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of low-intensity chronic exercise training
      (ExT) on blood pressure (BP), as well as the cardiac alterations associated with
      hypertension in aging hypertensive rats. METHODS: Male spontaneously hypertensive
      rats (SHR; 21 months old) and their normotensive control Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats
      were submitted to low-intensity training protocol for 13 weeks. BP, cardiac
      morphological and morphometric analysis, as well as gene expression of fibrotic
      and inflammatory factors were analyzed at the end of the training period.
      RESULTS: ExT reduced BP and heart rate in aged SHR. Left ventricle hypertrophy,
      collagen volume fraction and wall-to-lumen ratio of myocardium arterioles were
      also decreased in trained SHR. However, ExT was unable to reverse the either
      reduced capillary density or the cardiac myocyte hypertrophy observed in SHR as
      compared with WKY rats. Trained SHR showed higher metalloproteinase-2/tissue
      inhibitor metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2/TIMP-2) ratio and lower levels of alpha
      smooth muscle actin, but similar levels of connective tissue growth factor,
      transforming growth factor beta or IL-1 beta to that of nontrained SHR.
      CONCLUSION: Low to moderate-intensity chronic ExT reverses the cardiac
      alterations associated with hypertension: myocardial arteriole, left ventricle
      hypertrophy, collagen content and tachycardia. These changes could be consequence
      or cause of the reduction in BP observed in trained SHR. In addition, ExT does
      not worsen the underlying inflammatory burden associated with hypertension.
      Therefore, the data support a beneficial effect of ExT in aging SHR similar to
      that reported in young or middle-aged individuals, confirming that exercise is a
      healthy habit that induces cardiac improvements independently of age.

PMID- 22045124
TI  - Salt-inducible kinase 1 influences Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity in vascular smooth
      muscle cells and associates with variations in blood pressure.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Essential hypertension is a complex condition whose cause involves
      the interaction of multiple genetic and environmental factors such as salt
      intake. Salt-inducible kinase 1 (SIK1) is a sucrose-nonfermenting-like kinase
      isoform that belongs to the AMPK (5' adenosine monophosphate-activated protein
      kinase) family. SIK1 activity is increased by high salt intake and plays an
      essential role in regulating the plasma membrane Na(+),K(+)-ATPase. The objective
      of this study was to examine whether SIK1 is present in vascular smooth muscle
      cells (VSMCs) and endothelial cells, whether it affects VSMC Na(+),K(+)-ATPase
      activity and whether human SIK1 (hSIK1) represents a potential candidate for
      blood pressure regulation. METHODS: Localization of SIK1 was performed using
      immunohistochemistry, mRNA and western blot. Functional assays (Na(+),K(+)-ATPase
      activity) were performed in VSMCs derived from rat aorta. Genotype-phenotype
      association studies were performed in three Swedish and one Japanese population
      based cohorts. RESULTS: SIK1 was localized in human VSMCs and endothelial cells,
      as well as a cell line derived from rat aorta. A nonsynonymous single nucleotide
      polymorphism in the hSIK1 gene exon 3 (C->T, rs3746951) results in the amino acid
      change (15)Gly->Ser in the SIK1 protein. SIK1-(15)Ser was found to increase
      plasma membrane Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity in cultured VSMC line from rat aorta.
      Genotype-phenotype association studies in three Swedish and one Japanese
      population-based cohorts suggested that T allele (coding for (15)Ser) was
      associated with lower blood pressure (P = 0.005 for SBP and P = 0.002 for DBP)
      and with a decrease in left ventricular mass (P = 0.048). CONCLUSION: The hSIK1
      appears to be of potential relevance within VSMC function and blood pressure
      regulation.

PMID- 22045125
TI  - Endothelial vasodilatation in newborns is related to body size and maternal
      hypertension.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The fetal response to an adverse intrauterine environment - reflected
      in low birth weight - is thought to cause an increased risk for adult
      hypertension. A possible mechanism by which fetal adaptive responses contribute
      to hypertension is an adverse effect on endothelial function. Identifying
      individuals with endothelial dysfunction as early as possible may assist in
      understanding the inverse association between birth weight and hypertension. The
      present study aimed to identify determinants of endothelial vasodilatation in the
      first week of life. METHODS: One hundred and four term newborns were studied in
      the first week after birth with regard to maximum vasodilatation in response to
      acetylcholine (endothelium-dependent) and nitroprusside (endothelium-independent)
      in the vasculature of the forearm skin, by use of a laser-Doppler device and
      iontophoresis. Bivariable and multivariable linear regression with various
      familial, gestational and neonatal potential covariates were used for the
      analysis. RESULTS: In the bivariable analysis, maximum perfusion after
      administration of acetylcholine was positively associated with birth weight,
      length, head circumference and maternal education level, but negatively
      associated with maternal hypertension during pregnancy. In the multivariable
      analysis, head circumference [b = 11.9 perfusion units/z-score, P = 0.02] and
      hypertension during pregnancy (b = -25.3 perfusion units from nonhypertensive to
      hypertensive, P = 0.02) remained significantly associated. Maximum perfusion
      after administration of nitroprusside was not related to any of the
      anthropometric measures; it was, however, related to gestational age (b = -11.1
      perfusion units/week, P = 0.009). CONCLUSION: This study showed that body size,
      head circumference in particular, is positively associated with endothelial
      vasodilatation in newborns, whereas hypertension during pregnancy is inversely
      associated with endothelial vasodilatation.

PMID- 22045126
TI  - Evaluation of bivalves as bioindicators of metal pollution in freshwater.
AB  - The fresh water bivalves, Lamellidens corrianus, Lamellidens marginalis, and
      Indonaia caeruleus were exposed to chronic concentration of arsenic (0.1719 ppm),
      cadmium (0.1284 ppm), copper (0.033 ppm), lead (1.50 ppm), mercury (0.0443 ppm)
      and zinc (1.858 ppm) separately up to 30 days in laboratory. Dry weight of each
      animal was used to calculate metal concentrations (MUg/g) and the metal body
      burden (MUg/individual). It was observed that lead (1235.4 MUg/g) and arsenic
      (37.9 MUg/g) concentration were highest in Lamellidens corrianus, zinc (3,032.3
      MUg/g) was highest in Lamellidens marginalis, while mercury (5.87 MUg/g), cadmium
      (142 MUg/g) and copper (826.7 MUg/g) was highest in Indonaia caeruleus.

PMID- 22045127
TI  - Addition of N-terminal peptide sequences activates the oncogenic and signaling
      potentials of the catalytic subunit p110alpha of phosphoinositide-3-kinase.
AB  - Addition of short (6 to 16 amino acids) peptide sequences to the N-terminus of
      p110alpha induces a gain of function. Such sequences include the common Flag,
      His, and VSV tags as well as random sequences. An N-terminal myristylation signal
      generally believed to activate p110alpha by providing a constitutive membrane
      address is also activating, if myristylation is mutationally abolished. The gain
      of function seen with N-terminally tagged (NTT) p110alpha constructs extends to
      signaling, oncogenic transformation and stimulation of cell growth. The
      activating effect of N-terminal tags requires a functional Ras-binding domain in
      p110alpha. Mutations in that domain (T208D and K227A) abolish the gains of
      function in oncogenicity and signaling. The dominant negative mutant of Ras,
      RasN17, interferes with transformation induced by NTT p110alpha. In contrast,
      binding to p85 activity is not required for cellular transformation and enhanced
      signaling by NTT p110alpha.

PMID- 22045128
TI  - Assessment of neuromuscular block at the orbicularis oris, corrugator supercilii,
      and adductor pollicis muscles.
AB  - PURPOSE: We studied neuromuscular block at the orbicularis oris, corrugator
      supercilii, and adductor pollicis muscles in anesthetized patients. METHODS:
      Fifty-four adult patients undergoing air-oxygen-sevoflurane-fentanyl and epidural
      anesthesia were randomly divided into orbicularis oris, corrugator supercilii,
      and adductor pollicis groups of 18 patients each. In the three groups, the degree
      of neuromuscular block caused by rocuronium 0.6 mg/kg was monitored at the
      orbicularis oris, corrugator supercilii, and adductor pollicis muscles
      acceleromyographically. RESULTS: Onset of neuromuscular block did not
      significantly differ among the three groups [157 +/- 60, 186 +/- 73, and 148 +/-
      45 s; mean +/- standard deviation (SD)]. Minimum value of 1st stimulation in
      train-of-four (T1)/control at the corrugator supercilii group was significantly
      higher than in the orbicularis oris and adductor pollicis groups (0.108 +/- 0.066
      vs. 0.021 +/- 0.024 and 0.002 +/- 0.007; P < 0.001). T1/control at the
      orbicularis oris group was significantly higher than at the adductor pollicis
      group 30 min after rocuronium (P < 0.05). T1/control at the corrugator supercilii
      group was significantly higher than at the orbicularis oris and adductor pollicis
      groups 10-30 and 10-40 min, respectively, after rocuronium (P < 0.05). Train-of
      four ratios at the orbicularis oris and corrugator supercilii groups were
      significantly higher than at the adductor pollicis group 40-120 min after
      rocuronium (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The corrugator supercilii muscle is more
      resistant to rocuronium than the orbicularis oris and adductor pollicis muscles.
      Recovery of neuromuscular block at the orbicularis oris muscle is slower than
      that at the corrugator supercilii muscle but was faster than that at the adductor
      pollicis muscle.

PMID- 22045129
TI  - The essence of nursing.

PMID- 22045130
TI  - Deviations in endotracheal cuff pressure during intensive care.

PMID- 22045132
TI  - Endotracheal cuff pressure monitoring: another alarm in the ICU?

PMID- 22045134
TI  - Technology and caring.

PMID- 22045135
TI  - Nurses making a difference.

PMID- 22045136
TI  - New technologies create communications challenges.

PMID- 22045138
TI  - Consider alcohol as an element in ventilator weaning failure.

PMID- 22045140
TI  - Caregiving for patients with heart failure: impact on patients' families.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Factors that affect the impact of caregiving on patients' family
      members who provide care to patients with heart failure have not been adequately
      addressed. In addition, social support and positive aspects of caregiving have
      received little attention. OBJECTIVE: To identify factors associated with the
      impact of caregiving. METHODS: Self-report data were collected from 76 dyads of
      patients with heart failure and their family caregivers. Clinical data were
      obtained from medical records. RESULTS: A sense of less family support for
      caregiving was associated with a higher New York Heart Association class of heart
      failure, being a nonspousal caregiver, lower caregivers' perceived control, and
      less social support. More disruption of caregivers' schedules was associated with
      higher class of heart failure, more care tasks, and less social support. Greater
      impact of caregiving on caregivers' health was related to more recent patient
      hospitalization, lower caregivers' perceived control, and less social support.
      Nonwhite caregivers and caregivers whose family member had fewer emergency
      department visits felt more positive about caregiving than did other caregivers.
      Social support had a moderating effect on the relationship between patients'
      comorbid conditions and positive aspects of caregiving. CONCLUSIONS: Caregiving
      has both positive and negative effects on family caregivers of patients with
      heart failure. The findings suggest the need for interventions to increase
      caregivers' sense of control and social support. Family caregivers may need
      additional support immediately after patient hospitalizations to minimize the
      negative impact of caregiving.

PMID- 22045141
TI  - Involving users in the development of effective critical care discharge
      information: a focus group study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Discharge from critical care to a general care unit is a difficult
      period, and more effective information is needed to support patients and their
      families at this time. OBJECTIVES: This study sought the views of patients,
      relatives and health care staff on (1) the most effective methods of delivering
      critical care discharge information, (2) the required information content of any
      proposed strategies, (3) the benefits and limitations of any existing strategies,
      and (4) potential resource implications. METHODS: In this qualitative focus group
      study, 11 adult patients, 8 family members, and 23 health care staff in Eng-land
      took part in 8 focus group interviews at 2 hospitals. The computer software
      program NVIVO7 was used for thematic analysis of the data. RESULTS: Three key
      themes were identified from the data: (1) considerations related to effective
      discharge information, (2) goals of critical care discharge information, and (3)
      resource implications. CONCLUSIONS: This focus group study provides unique user
      insight into what influences successful and unsuccessful information giving.
      Based on real experiences, it adds to the limited international body of current
      evidence. Findings will be of value in designing future critical care discharge
      information and identifying the related resource implications.

PMID- 22045142
TI  - Use of a noninvasive electromagnetic device to place transpyloric feeding tubes
      in critically ill children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The start of transpyloric feedings is often delayed because of
      challenges in reliably placing tubes blindly at the bedside. OBJECTIVE: To
      determine whether tube placement with the guidance of a noninvasive computerized
      electromagnetic device shortens the time needed to achieve accurate placement of
      transpyloric feeding tubes in critically ill children. METHODS: In a prospective,
      randomized trial in a tertiary-care, university-affiliated pediatric intensive
      care unit, 49 children requiring transpyloric feeding tube placement were
      randomized to have their tube placed by using conventional blind technique or
      with the assistance of a noninvasive electromagnetic device. RESULTS: Twenty
      seven patients were randomized to blind placement, and 22 were randomized to the
      electromagnetic device group. The time required to place the tubes successfully
      was significantly longer (P < .03) in the electromagnetic device group (median,
      9.5 minutes; 95% confidence interval, 7-13 minutes) compared with the
      conventional placement group (median, 5 minutes; 95% confidence interval, 4.0-7.0
      minutes). CONCLUSIONS: Placement of transpyloric feeding tubes with the guidance
      of a noninvasive electromagnetic device significantly increases the time required
      for accurate placement. Because placement of transpyloric feeding tubes in
      critically ill children is common practice in many pediatric intensive care
      units, technology that delays satisfactory placement may be counterproductive in
      experienced hands.

PMID- 22045143
TI  - Patients' instability, emergency response, and outcomes in the radiology
      department.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Inpatients may be at risk of cardiopulmonary instability during
      radiologic testing. Calling the medical emergency team is one rescue intervention
      that brings a team of critical care providers to the unstable patient. Little is
      known, however, about patients' instability and activations of the medical
      emergency team in the radiology department (RD-MET). OBJECTIVES: To describe the
      cause of activation of the RD-MET for hospitalized patients, temporal attributes
      of RD-MET involvement, characteristics of RD-MET patients, and characteristics
      associated with good and poor outcomes after RD-MET activation. METHODS:
      Retrospective pilot study of RD-MET calls for 64 inpatients in a tertiary care
      hospital during 2009. RESULTS: Reasons for RD-MET activation were 39%
      neurological, 38% cardiac, and 22% respiratory, and nearly half (42%) occurred
      during a computed tomography scan. Most RD-MET calls were made between 10 am and
      noon. RD-MET patients had a mean age of 61 (SD, 19) years; 52% were female, and
      89% were white. Admitting diagnoses were most commonly neurological (20%),
      cardiovascular (16%), and abdominal (16%). The most common comorbid conditions
      were chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (23%) and diabetes (20%). Half of RD
      MET inpatients were from a general care unit, and 56% required preexisting oxygen
      support. After RD-MET involvement, 61% of patients required a higher level of
      care; 3% died during the MET intervention, and 19% died later in hospitalization.
      Patients with preexisting comorbid conditions were more likely to have poor
      outcomes after the RD-MET intervention (P = .001). CONCLUSIONS: RD-MET patients
      with comorbid conditions, from a general care unit, and at risk for neurological
      deterioration arrive in the radiology department with potentially underestimated
      support needs. Greater support in specific time frames and locations may be
      warranted to improve outcomes.

PMID- 22045144
TI  - Communication difficulties and psychoemotional distress in patients receiving
      mechanical ventilation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Difficulties in communication in intensive care patients receiving
      mechanical ventilation are a source of stressful experiences and psychoemotional
      distress. OBJECTIVES: To examine the association between communication
      characteristics and psychoemotional distress among patients treated with
      mechanical ventilation in a medical intensive care unit and to identify factors
      that may be predictive of psychological outcomes. METHODS: A total of 65
      critically ill patients, extubated within the preceding 72 hours, were included
      in this cross-sectional study. Data were collected by using a structured
      interview. Separate regression analysis of data on 3 psychoemotional outcomes
      (psychological distress, fear, and anger) were used for baseline variables,
      communication characteristics, and stressful experiences. RESULTS: Difficulty in
      communication was a positive predictor of patients' psychological distress, and
      length of anesthesia was a negative predictor. Fear and anger were also
      positively related to difficulty in communication. In addition, the number of
      communication methods was negatively associated with feelings of fear and anger.
      Finally, the stressful experiences associated with the endotracheal tube were
      positively related to feelings of anger. CONCLUSIONS: Patients treated with
      mechanical ventilation experience a moderate to extreme level of psychoemotional
      distress because they cannot speak and communicate their needs. Nurses should be
      aware of the patients' need to communicate. Decreasing stressful experiences
      associated with the endotracheal tube and implementing more appropriate
      communication methods may reduce patients' distress.

PMID- 22045145
TI  - Reducing falls and fall-related injuries in acutely and critically ill patients.

PMID- 22045146
TI  - New QRS criteria.

PMID- 22045147
TI  - Bispectral index monitoring in the management of sedation in an intensive care
      unit patient with locked-in syndrome.
AB  - Locked-in syndrome is an extremely rare neurological state caused by injury of
      the ventral pons. The syndrome is characterized by quadriplegia and anarthria
      with concomitant preservation of cortical function. When a reversible underlying
      pathological abnormality is identified and managed aggressively, meaningful
      recovery is possible. Because patients retain consciousness throughout their
      illness, a dependable method for titrating sedation may improve their quality of
      life. The case presented suggests that bispectral index monitoring may be a cost
      effective and reliable method for managing sedation in patients with locked-in
      syndrome.

PMID- 22045148
TI  - A simplified score for transfer of patients requiring mechanical ventilation to a
      long-term care hospital.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Long-term care hospitals are Medicare providers of postacute care
      that have a mean length of stay of 25 days or more. Early identification and
      timely transfer of patients requiring mechanical ventilation to such hospitals
      may improve the efficiency of inpatient care. OBJECTIVES: To develop a predictive
      model and a simplified score for use on day 7 of hospitalization to assess
      whether a patient receiving mechanical ventilation is likely to require an
      additional 25 days of hospitalization (ie, would qualify for transfer to a long
      term care hospital). METHODS: A retrospective, cross-sectional study using
      hospital discharge and billing data from the 2005 Nationwide Inpatient Sample for
      54 686 Medicare beneficiaries admitted to US community hospitals who met the
      study's eligibility criteria. The outcome was overall length of stay (>=32 vs <32
      days). Split-sample validation was used. Multivariable survey-logistic regression
      analyses were performed to assess predictors and probability of the outcome. A
      simplified score was derived from the final predictive model. RESULTS: The
      discriminatory power of the predictive model was 0.75 and that of the simplified
      score was 0.72. The model calibrated well. All predictors were significantly (P <
      .01) associated with a hospitalization of 32 days or longer; having a
      tracheostomy was the strongest predictor (odds ratio, 4.74). The simplified
      scores ranged from -5 to 110 points and were categorized into 3 classes of risk.
      CONCLUSIONS: Efforts to aid discharge decision making and optimize hospital
      resource planning could take advantage of our predictive model and the simplified
      scoring tool.

PMID- 22045149
TI  - Adverse drug events in intensive care units: a cross-sectional study of
      prevalence and risk factors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adverse drug events are considered determinants of patient safety and
      quality of care. OBJECTIVE: To assess the characteristics of adverse drug events
      in patients admitted to an intensive care unit and determine the impact of
      severity of illness and nursing workload on the prevalence of the events.
      METHODS: A cross-sectional survey based on retrospective analysis of a high
      quality patient data management system for a university-based intensive care unit
      was used. The prevalence of adverse drug events was measured by using a validated
      global trigger tool adapted for the critical care environment. Severity was
      determined by using a validated algorithm. Disease severity and nursing workload
      were assessed by using validated scoring systems. An investigator blinded to the
      study and a panel of experts assessed putative serious adverse drug events for
      each drug taken. Characteristics of patients with and without adverse drug events
      were compared by using univariate and stepwise multivariate logistic regression.
      RESULTS: During 175 of 1009 intensive care unit days screened, 230 adverse drug
      events occurred in 79 patients. The most common events were hypoglycemia,
      prolonged activated partial thromboplastin time, and hypokalemia. Of the adverse
      events, 96% were classified as causing temporary harm and 4% as causing
      complications. Both mean severity of disease and nursing workload were
      significantly higher on days when 1 or more adverse drug events occurred.
      CONCLUSION: Adverse drug events were common in intensive care unit patients and
      were associated with illness severity and nursing workload.

PMID- 22045150
TI  - Oropharyngeal secretion volume in intubated patients: the importance of oral
      suctioning.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Aspiration of secretions that accumulate above the cuff of the
      endotracheal tube is a risk factor for ventilator-associated pneumonia. Routine
      suctioning of oropharyngeal secretions may reduce this risk; the recommended
      frequency for suctioning is unknown. OBJECTIVES: To quantify the volume of
      secretions suctioned from the oropharynx of critically ill patients at 2
      different intervals to assist in identifying a recommended frequency for
      oropharyngeal suctioning. METHODS: A prospective, repeated measure, single-group
      design was used. Twenty-eight patients who were orally intubated and treated with
      mechanical ventilation were enrolled; 2 were extubated during data collection,
      yielding a sample of 26 patients. The patients were suctioned at baseline with a
      deep suction catheter, and the volume and weight of secretions were recorded. The
      procedure was repeated at 2-hour and 4-hour intervals. RESULTS: Most of the
      patients were male (mean age, 49 years). Three suctioning passes were needed to
      clear secretions, with a mean time of 48.1 seconds. The mean volume of secretions
      at the 2-hour interval was 7.5 mL. Five patients required suctioning before the 4
      hour interval. For the remaining 21 patients, the volume retrieved was 6.5 mL at
      the 2-hour interval and 7.5 mL at the 4-hour interval (P = .27). The 5 patients
      who required extra suctioning had significantly more secretions at the 2-hour
      interval (11.6 mL vs 6.5 mL; P = .05). CONCLUSIONS: A minimum frequency of
      oropharyngeal suctioning every 4 hours is recommended. However, more frequent
      suctioning may be needed in a subset of patients.

PMID- 22045151
TI  - Coronary artery surgery in octogenarians: evolving strategies for the improvement
      in early and late results.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to investigate retrospectively early and late
      outcomes of coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) in a large series of
      octogenarians. We retrospectively reviewed the data of 241 octogenarian patients
      who underwent CABG between April 2002 and April 2009 at our institution. Mean age
      was 84.7 +/- 1.8 years. Patients affected by concomitant coexistent organic
      aortic, mitral, or tricuspid valve disease were excluded from the study. Patients
      with functional secondary ischemic mitral incompetence were included in the
      study. The majority of the patients were male. Angina pectoris functional class
      III/IV accounted for 164 patients (68%). Left ventricular ejection fraction <=35%
      was diagnosed in 38 patients (15.8%). Early mortality rate was 5.8% (14
      patients). Causes of death were cardiac related in 10 patients. Preoperative
      independent predictors of in-hospital mortality obtained with multivariate
      analysis were extracardiac arteriopathy, New York Heart Association class III/IV,
      and previous percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA). The overall
      mean follow-up was 41.6 +/- 25.9 months (range 1-87.6 months). Among the 222
      contacted survivors, there were 16 (7.2%) deaths during the follow-up. The
      actuarial survival was 91.9% at 1 year and 83.5% at 5 years. On multivariate
      analysis, time to late death was adversely affected by preoperative extracardiac
      arteriopathy and previous PTCA. Advanced age alone should not be a deterrent for
      CABG if it has been determined that the benefits outweigh the potential risk. A
      careful selection of optimal candidates, based on the evaluation of their
      systemic comorbidities, appears mandatory in order to obtain the greatest benefit
      for these high-risk patients.

PMID- 22045152
TI  - A free-floating left atrial thrombus develops intermittent entrapment in the mid
      ventricle during diastole.
AB  - Free-floating left atrial thrombi are rare. Here we report a case of a 75-year
      old woman with atrial fibrillation who was admitted for treatment of acute
      myocardial infarction. A free-floating left atrial thrombus was found
      incidentally on echocardiography. Ten days after percutaneous coronary
      intervention, the patient had mild faintness with transient hypotension, and it
      was found that the left atrial thrombus had developed intermittent entrapment in
      the mid-ventricle during diastole, with abrupt rebound back to the left atrial
      cavity during systole. Urgent removal of the thrombus was performed successfully.
      Although the free-floating thrombus had appeared to be spherical, like a ball
      thrombus, on echocardiography, the excised thrombus was pedunculated. A cut
      section revealed a laminated thrombus with an onion-skin-like appearance.

PMID- 22045153
TI  - Effects of aliskiren on the fibrinolytic system in patients with coronary artery
      disease receiving angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin II type
      1 receptor blocker.
AB  - Aliskiren is a novel blood pressure-lowering agent acting as an oral direct renin
      inhibitor. We evaluated the effects of aliskiren on the fibrinolytic system in
      patients with coronary artery disease who were receiving angiotensin-converting
      enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs) or angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers (ARBs). We
      studied 17 patients with coronary artery disease whose systolic blood pressure
      was more than 130 mmHg despite treatment with ACEIs or ARBs. Aliskiren (150 mg)
      was added to ACEIs or ARBs, and was continued for 6 weeks. Aliskiren
      significantly decreased systolic blood pressure (140 +/- 6-128 +/- 8 mmHg, P <
      0.001) and plasma renin activity (1.8 +/- 2.3-0.6 +/- 0.9 ng/ml/h, P < 0.01)
      after 6 weeks. However, it did not affect plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (28.8
      +/- 14.5-30.6 +/- 13.6 ng/ml, P = 0.84), fibrinogen (305 +/- 72 vs 301 +/- 71
      mg/dl, P = 0.33), or D-dimer (0.49 +/- 0.24-0.51 +/- 0.28 MUg/ml, P = 0.70)
      levels. Our data suggested that patients receiving ACEIs or ARBs would not be
      expected to have any changes in biomarkers of the fibrinolytic system with
      additional pharmacologic inhibition of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system.

PMID- 22045154
TI  - Sun protective behaviors and vitamin D levels in the US population: NHANES 2003
      2006.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sun protection is recommended for skin cancer prevention, yet little
      is known about the role of sun protection on vitamin D levels. Our aim was to
      investigate the relationship between different types of sun protective behaviors
      and serum 25(OH)D levels in the general US population. METHODS: Cross-sectional,
      nationally representative survey of 5,920 adults aged 18-60 years in the US
      National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003-2006. We analyzed
      questionnaire responses on sun protective behaviors: staying in the shade,
      wearing long sleeves, wearing a hat, using sunscreen and SPF level. Analyses were
      adjusted for multiple confounders of 25(OH)D levels and stratified by race. Our
      primary outcome measures were serum 25(OH)D levels (ng/ml) measured by
      radioimmunoassay and vitamin D deficiency, defined as 25(OH)D levels <20 ng/ml.
      RESULTS: Staying in the shade and wearing long sleeves were significantly
      associated with lower 25(OH)D levels. Subjects who reported frequent use of shade
      on a sunny day had -3.5 ng/ml (p (trend) < 0.001) lower 25(OH)D levels compared
      to subjects who reported rare use. Subjects who reported frequent use of long
      sleeves had -2.2 ng/ml (p (trend) = 0.001) lower 25(OH)D levels. These
      associations were strongest for whites, and did not reach statistical
      significance among Hispanics or blacks. White participants who reported
      frequently staying in the shade or wearing long sleeves had double the odds of
      vitamin D deficiency compared with those who rarely did so. Neither wearing a hat
      nor using sunscreen was associated with low 25(OH)D levels or vitamin D
      deficiency. CONCLUSIONS: White individuals who protect themselves from the sun by
      seeking shade or wearing long sleeves may have lower 25(OH)D levels and be at
      risk for vitamin D deficiency. Frequent sunscreen use does not appear to be
      linked to vitamin D deficiency in this population.

PMID- 22045155
TI  - "The impact of cancer scale" version 1: psychometric testing of the Norwegian
      translation in a heterogeneous sample of cancer survivors.
AB  - PURPOSE: The impact of cancer scale version 1 (IOC-1) from 2006 has only been
      tested psychometrically in a heterogeneous sample of 193 American long-term
      cancer survivors (LTSs). The Norwegian version of IOC-1 compares the psychometric
      findings of that study with those observed in a heterogeneous sample of 809
      Norwegian LTSs. METHODS: We performed exploratory (EFA) and confirmatory (CFA)
      factor analyses, tests of internal consistency, correlational studies with
      various other tests and a change over time examination in order to test
      reliability and validity of the IOC-1. RESULTS: The American factor structure of
      the IOC-1 with 10 dimensions showed adequate fit with CFA in the Norwegian
      sample, but internal consistency was insufficient in 2 dimensions. EFA of the
      Norwegian sample found a 9 factor solution that also showed adequate fit on CFA,
      and with sufficient internal consistencies for all dimensions. The SF-36
      dimensions, anxiety, depression, neuroticism, fatigue and body image all showed
      low correlations with the positive dimensions of the IOC-1, but higher
      correlations with the IOC-1 negative dimensions. The IOC-1 dimensions showed
      considerable stability over time. CONCLUSIONS: In our big heterogeneous sample of
      LTSs, the Norwegian version of the IOC-1 showed discriminant and concurrent
      validity, and reliability was supported.

PMID- 22045156
TI  - Perioperative pregabalin for postoperative pain control and quality of life after
      major spinal surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adequate management of postoperative pain after major spine surgery
      is often difficult to achieve. We investigated the efficacy of an antineuropathic
      pain drug, pregabalin (PG), on postoperative pain control and on improvement of
      quality of life (QoL). METHODS: Sixty patients scheduled for elective
      decompressive spine surgery were enrolled. One hour before surgery patients
      received 300 mg of either oral PG or placebo (PL) and 150 mg of PG or PL twice a
      day for 48 hours postoperatively. During the first 48 postoperative hours, a
      continuous infusion of morphine 0.01 mg/kg/h and ketorolac tromethamine 2.5 mg/h
      was administered. Intravenous morphine in 2-mg aliquots up to a maximum of 10 mg
      was used as rescue therapy. Pain was measured at rest and during movement using a
      visual analog scale (VAS score), and side effects were recorded in the first hour
      and at 4, 8, 12, 24, and 48 hours. Three months and 1 year after discharge,
      patients were contacted by telephone by 1 of the authors to obtain follow-up
      information using the EuroQoL questionnaire. RESULTS: During the first 8
      postoperative hours, VAS scores at rest were significantly lower in the PG group
      than in the PL group (P<0.05), whereas VAS scores on movement were significantly
      lower up to 12 hours after the operation in the PG group (P<0.05). The morphine
      consumption in the PG group was 3+/-2 mg, whereas in the PL group it was 9.5+/
      2.5 mg (P<0.05). Postoperative incidence of constipation and nausea/vomiting was
      higher in the PL group than in the PG group. No significant differences between
      the 2 groups were observed with regard to other adverse effects. QoL measures
      revealed an improvement in outcome, especially in movement and in pain dimensions
      in both groups; however, at 3 months, subjective qualification of overall QoL was
      better in the PG group than in the PL group. There were no differences in QoL
      after the 1-year follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative PG administration
      reduces early postsurgical pain at rest and particularly during movement after
      major spine surgery with less opioid consumption, and it seems to influence the
      improvement of overall QoL 3 months after surgery.

PMID- 22045157
TI  - On a not-dead horse: CPP deserves more respect.

PMID- 22045159
TI  - Screening for colorectal cancer: established and emerging modalities.
AB  - It has been estimated that >95% of cases of colorectal cancer (CRC) would benefit
      from curative surgery if diagnosis was made at an early or premalignant polyp
      stage of disease. Over the past 10 years, most developed nation states have
      implemented mass population screening programs, which are typically targeted at
      the older (at-risk) age group (>50-60 years old). Conventional screening largely
      relies on periodic patient-centric investigation, particularly involving
      colonoscopy and flexible sigmoidoscopy, or else on the fecal occult blood test.
      These methods are compromised by either low cost-effectiveness or limited
      diagnostic accuracy. Advances in the development of diagnostic molecular markers
      for CRC have yielded an expanding list of potential new screening modalities
      based on investigations of patient stool (for colonocyte DNA mutations,
      epigenetic changes or microRNA expression) or blood specimens (for plasma DNA
      mutations, epigenetic changes, heteroplasmic mitochondrial DNA mutations,
      leukocyte transcriptome profile, plasma microRNA expression or protein and
      autoantibody expression). In this Review, we present a critical evaluation of the
      performance data and relative merits of these various new potential methods. None
      of these molecular diagnostic methods have yet been evaluated beyond the proof-of
      principle and pilot-scale study stage and it could be some years before they
      replace existing methods for population screening in CRC.

PMID- 22045160
TI  - Diagnosis: Intestinal inflammation--key to complications in cirrhosis?

PMID- 22045162
TI  - Comparative molecular and microbiological diagnosis of 19 infective endocarditis
      cases in which causative microbes were identified by PCR-based DNA sequencing
      from the excised heart valves.
AB  - Infective endocarditis (IE) is traditionally diagnosed by microbiological
      analysis of blood cultures, following which therapeutic antibiotics are chosen
      based on antimicrobial sensitivity tests. However, such conventional techniques
      do not always lead to an accurate etiological diagnosis. Recently, PCR analysis
      of the 16S rRNA gene has been employed to identify organisms isolated from
      excised heart valves. In this study, we analyzed 19 valve samples from patients
      with confirmed IE, as identified by Duke's criteria. Using broad-range PCR
      amplification, followed by direct gene sequencing, pathological agents were
      identified in all samples. Although blood cultures yielded negative results in 4
      cases, PCR analysis of valve samples showed positive identification of causative
      organisms. In 3 cases, there was a difference between blood culture and PCR in
      identification of pathological agents, which are likely to be misidentified by
      the conventional method based on the phenotypic database. Postoperative
      antibiotics were chosen considering the severity of lesions and the results of
      PCR, Gram staining, and valve cultures. All patients were cured without relapse.
      The broad-range PCR method was therefore beneficial for the management of IE
      because it enabled us to identify pathogens directly from the site of infection,
      even organisms that were difficult to culture or likely to be misidentified by
      the conventional culture method. Identification of the agents provided precise
      knowledge of the microbiological spectrum involved in the cases of IE.

PMID- 22045161
TI  - Paradoxical roles of alveolar macrophages in the host response to Cryptococcus
      neoformans.
AB  - Cryptococcus neoformans (Cn) is a fungal pathogen that is a serious health threat
      to immunocompromised individuals. Upon environmental exposure, infectious fungal
      propagules are inhaled into the host's lungs. The anticryptococcal actions of
      alveolar macrophages (AM), the predominant host phagocyte of the innate immune
      system in the lungs, are fundamental in determining whether containment and
      clearance of the pathogen occurs by the development of an adapted immune response
      or whether infection is established and progresses to disease. However, the
      fungus is also capable of surviving the antimicrobial actions of AM and exploits
      these host phagocytes to establish infection and exacerbate disease. In addition,
      there is evidence suggesting that cryptococcosis may occur following reactivation
      of latent cryptococcal infection. Currently, the role of AM and the fungal
      factors contributing to latent cryptococcosis are unknown. This review examines
      the AM-Cn interaction and how it affects the development of pulmonary disease
      with a focus on host and pathogen factors enabling latency to occur.

PMID- 22045163
TI  - Adalimumab treatment may replace or enhance the activity of steroids in steroid
      refractory tuberculous meningitis.
AB  - We describe a paradoxical response involving the central nervous system in a
      patient with steroid-refractory tuberculous meningitis that was unresponsive to
      systemic corticosteroids but was improved with adalimumab. The immunomodulatory
      effect of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors may have a role in replacing or
      enhancing the activity of steroids in the management of steroid-refractory
      tuberculous meningitis.

PMID- 22045164
TI  - Severe pneumococcal community-acquired pneumonia admitted to medical Tunisian
      ICU.
AB  - Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common cause of community-acquired pneumonia
      (CAP). There are no available data about this disease in Tunisian intensive care
      patients. The objective of this study is to describe the clinical and
      microbiological features of pneumococcal CAP and determine the prognostic
      factors. This is a retrospective cohort study of all pneumococcal CAP cases
      hospitalized in the medical intensive care unit (ICU) of Hospital A. Mami of
      Ariana (Tunisia) between January 1999 and August 2008. Included were 132 patients
      (mean age, 49.5 years; 82.6% males); 30 patients had received antimicrobial
      treatment before hospital admission. The mean of the Simplified Acute Physiology
      Score II was 32.9. All patients had an acute respiratory failure; 34 patients
      (25.8%) had pneumococcal bacteremic CAP. Among the isolated strains, 125
      antimicrobial susceptibility tests were performed. The use of the new Clinical
      and Laboratory Standards Institute breakpoints for susceptibility when testing
      penicillin against S. pneumoniae showed that all isolated strains were
      susceptible to penicillin. The mortality rate was 25%. The need of mechanical
      ventilation at admission [odds ratio (OR), 3.4; 95% confidence interval (CI),
      1.67-6.94; P = 0.001), Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score at
      admission >=4 (OR, 3.1; 95% CI, 1.56-6.13; P = 0.001), and serum creatinine at
      admission >=102 MUmol/l (OR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.02-3.17; P = 0.043) were independent
      factors related to ICU mortality. In conclusion, pneumococcal CAP requiring
      hospitalization in the ICU is associated with high mortality. All isolated stains
      were susceptible to penicillin.

PMID- 22045165
TI  - PdCl2(dppf)-catalyzed in situ coupling of 2-hydroxypyridines with aryl boronic
      acids mediated by PyBroP and the one-pot chemo- and regioselective construction
      of two distinct aryl-aryl bonds.
AB  - We present a PdCl(2)(dppf)-catalyzed synthesis of 2-arylated pyridine derivatives
      via the in situ coupling of 2-OH pyridines and boronic acids mediated by PyBroP.
      In addition, the highly chemo- and regioselective construction of two different
      aryl-aryl bonds via a one-pot operation has also been demonstrated by the
      orthogonal use of this method with the Ni-catalyzed Suzuki-Miyaura coupling of
      phenols.

PMID- 22045166
TI  - Resuscitative effect of hyperoxia fluid on high-altitude hemorrhagic shock in
      rats and antishock mechanisms.
AB  - Pathophysiological characteristics of hemorrhagic shock at high altitude are
      different from that at plain which involve severe injury, high mortality,
      difficult treatment and compromised liquid tolerance. High-altitude
      pulmonary/cerebral edema and multiple-organ dysfunction render the conventional
      treatment ineffective. Herein, we evaluated the resuscitation effects of
      hyperoxia solution on high-altitude hemorrhagic shock in rats. For this purpose,
      a rat model of high-altitude (3,658 m) hemorrhagic shock was established on the
      plateau and hyperoxia solution (4 ml/kg) was infused through external jugular
      vein for resuscitation at 60 min post-hemorrhage. Blood pressure, blood gas, left
      and right ventricular pressure, lung and brain water content, survival time,
      survival rate at 2 h, levels of inflammatory cytokines and free oxygen radicals
      in blood and tissue were determined. After resuscitation with hyperoxia solution,
      blood pressure, arterial oxygen partial pressure, left and right ventricular
      systolic pressure, +/-dp/dt max, survival time and rate were significantly
      increased. Lung and brain water content were unchanged, malondialdehyde activity
      in lung, brain and plasma and levels of TNF-alpha, IL-1, IL-6, and endothelin
      were significantly decreased. Besides, CGRP was elevated with reduced injury and
      improved lung and kidney functions. Concludingly, resuscitation with hyperoxia
      solution is feasible and more effective than other classical liquids, making it
      the first choice of treatment for high-altitude hemorrhagic shock.

PMID- 22045167
TI  - Solution behavior of iron(III) and iron(II) porphyrins in DMSO and reaction with
      superoxide. Effect of neighboring positive charge on thermodynamics, kinetics and
      nature of iron-(su)peroxo product.
AB  - The solution behavior of iron(III) and iron(II) complexes of
      5(4),10(4),15(4),20(4)-tetra-tert-butyl-5,10,15,20-tetraphenylporphyrin
      (H(2)tBuTPP) and the reaction with superoxide (KO(2)) in DMSO have been studied
      in detail. Applying temperature and pressure dependent NMR studies, the
      thermodynamics of the low-spin/high-spin equilibrium between bis- and mono-DMSO
      Fe(II) forms have been quantified (K(DMSO) = 0.082 +/- 0.002 at 298.2 K, DeltaH
      degrees  = +36 +/- 1 kJ mol(-1), DeltaS degrees  = +101 +/- 4 J K(-1) mol(-1),
      DeltaV degrees  = +16 +/- 2 cm(3) mol(-1)). This is a key activation step for
      substitution and inner-sphere electron transfer. The superoxide binding constant
      to the iron(II) form of the studied porphyrin complex was found to be (9 +/- 0.5)
      * 10(3) M(-1), and does not change significantly in the presence of the
      externally added crown ether in DMSO (11 +/- 4) * 10(3) M(-1). The rate constants
      for the superoxide binding (k(on) = (1.30 +/- 0.01) * 10(5) M(-1) s(-1)) and
      release (k(off) = 11.6 +/- 0.7 s(-1)) are not affected by the presence of the
      external crown ether in solution. The resulting iron(II)-superoxide adduct has
      been characterized (mass spectrometry, EPR, high-pressure UV/Vis spectroscopy)
      and upon controlled addition of a proton source it regenerates the starting
      iron(II) complex. Based on DFT calculations, the reaction product without
      neighboring positive charge has iron(II)-superoxo character in both high-spin
      side-on and low-spin end-on forms. The results are compared to those obtained for
      the analogous complex with covalently attached crown ether, and more general
      conclusions regarding the spin-state equilibrium of iron(II) porphyrins, their
      reaction with superoxide and the electronic structure of the product species are
      drawn.

PMID- 22045168
TI  - Brief cognitive assessment in the early stages of Parkinson disease.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Cognitive dysfunction is an integral part of the Parkinson disease
      (PD) symptom spectrum. Early detection of cognitive dysfunction could help to
      delineate prevention strategies. Our main objective was to study the validity of
      brief cognitive tests, the Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) and Mini-Mental State
      Examination (MMSE), as cognitive screening tools for detecting global and
      executive cognitive deficits in early stages of PD, as compared to a healthy
      control population. METHODS: We evaluated 75 early-stage PD patients and 45
      healthy age-matched and education-matched controls with the MMSE (global test)
      and FAB (frontal test), and compared total and subtest scores. We evaluated PD
      motor function with the Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale Part III. We
      assessed the relationship between cognitive and motor variables. RESULTS: Frontal
      and global cognitive dysfunction was significantly more frequent in PD patients.
      PD patients scored significantly lower on FAB total and similarities, motor
      series, and conflicting instructions scores, and on the MMSE total,
      visuoconstructive, and memory scores. MMSE scores correlated significantly with
      Unified Parkinson Disease Rating Scale part III total score, speech, and
      bradykinesia scores. CONCLUSIONS: Early-stage PD patients present with frontal,
      memory, and visuoconstructive deficits in brief cognitive tests. Our results
      suggest that these brief bedside tests are useful for cognitive deficit screening
      in the early stages of PD. Our study did not account for the influence of
      depression in cognition. This constitutes a limitation, because many PD patients
      have depressive symptoms, which some studies have shown can be related to
      cognitive dysfunction.

PMID- 22045169
TI  - The history and anatomy of urologic lymphadenectomy.
AB  - The history of urologic lymphadenectomy is rich and diverse. Our current
      understanding of its use and benefits is a product of the hard work of numerous
      physicians and scientists from many nations. Standard dissection templates for
      the various urologic malignancies are based on a complete understanding of the
      anatomy of the lymphatic system, which has developed immensely since Hippocrates
      first described the white blood of the lymphatic system while performing an
      axillary dissection. It is hoped that the next 100 years will bring even greater
      comprehension of its value and utility.

PMID- 22045170
TI  - Role of lymphadenectomy for prostate cancer: indications and controversies.
AB  - Pelvic lymph node dissection is the only reliable technique to detect low-volume
      lymph node involvement in prostate cancer. Extended lymph node dissections that
      include the internal iliac chain in addition to the external iliac and obturator
      packets have shown a significantly higher proportion of patients to have
      lymphatic involvement than previously recognized. The improved staging afforded
      by a more extended dissection raises several questions. Addressing these
      questions is the focus of this review.

PMID- 22045171
TI  - Lymphadenectomy for bladder cancer: indications and controversies.
AB  - Pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) at the time of cystectomy remains the most
      accurate method of staging and can have a positive impact on cancer control, and
      there is general agreement as to its necessity at the time of surgery. There is,
      however, a lack of consensus regarding the terminology of PLND and controversy
      concerning the optimal extent of lymph node dissection, especially because recent
      investigations have suggested a survival benefit with extended PLND.

PMID- 22045172
TI  - Feasibility of minimally invasive lymphadenectomy in bladder and prostate cancer
      surgery.
AB  - With the rapid and widespread adoption of minimally invasive procedures
      (laparoscopic and robotic) for the treatment of prostate and bladder cancers in
      the last decade, concerns have been raised regarding whether the technique can
      emulate the time-tested gold standard open procedures. This article briefly
      reviews the indications for lymph node dissection for bladder and prostate
      cancer, and reviews the role of extended lymphadenectomy in each procedure. Much
      of the focus of this review is on minimally invasive approaches and the technical
      aspects of the procedures, the feasibility of the robotic technique, and early
      oncologic outcomes.

PMID- 22045173
TI  - The role of lymph node dissection in renal cell carcinoma.
AB  - The role of lymph node dissection (LND) in the staging and treatment of renal
      cell carcinoma has long been a topic of debate. The controversy has focused on
      whether LND is purely an adjunctive staging procedure or has a therapeutic role
      in the management of this disease. Potential benefits include enhanced staging,
      better selection for adjuvant therapies/clinical trials, a decrease in recurrence
      rates, and improved disease-specific and overall survival. This article reviews
      the available literature on LND in renal cell carcinoma and discusses the
      potential benefits of aggressive surgical resection in select high-risk patients.

PMID- 22045174
TI  - The emerging role of lymphadenectomy in upper tract urothelial carcinoma.
AB  - Within the last decade, there has been an increased focus on lymphadenectomy or
      lymph node dissection (LND) in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma
      (UTUC). Although the data with regards to LND in UTUC are sparse, investigators
      are beginning to evaluate the role and define the anatomy to understand how LND
      may affect outcomes in patients with UTUC. This article reviews the history of
      LND for UTUC, outlines the relative anatomy, and evaluates the arguments and
      evidence for, and against, LND in patients with UTUC.

PMID- 22045175
TI  - The role of lymphadenectomy for testicular cancer: indications, controversies,
      and complications.
AB  - Retroperitoneal lymphadenectomy remains an integral component in the
      multidisciplinary management of testicular cancer. Through the evolution of the
      procedure, continued refinements have led to diagnostic and therapeutic benefits
      as well as improvements in perioperative and long-term morbidity. This article
      discusses the surgical management of testicular cancer, specifically addressing
      the indications, controversies, and complications of retroperitoneal lymph node
      dissection for both low-stage and high-stage disease.

PMID- 22045176
TI  - Minimally invasive retroperitoneal lymph node dissection for testicular cancer.
AB  - Testicular cancer is the most common solid organ malignancy in young men between
      the ages of 15 and 35. Although much of this increase in survival can be
      attributed to improvements in systemic chemotherapy, surgery retains a critical
      role in the diagnostic and therapeutic management of testicular cancer.
      Laparoscopic retroperitoneal lymph node dissection is an effective staging and
      therapeutic procedure in patients with low-stage testicular cancer. It is an
      attractive alternative to the open approach, with faster recovery, improved
      cosmesis, and reduced post-operative morbidity driving its application. In
      experienced hands, it can be used in postchemotherapy patients.

PMID- 22045177
TI  - Lymphadenectomy in penile cancer.
AB  - In contrast to many cancers, squamous cell carcinoma of the penis can be cured
      despite the presence of lymph node metastases. This characteristic is shared with
      testicular cancer. But unlike testicular cancer, penile carcinoma is not
      chemosensitive and, therefore, the focus of management has been on surgery. This
      article addresses all aspects of imaging and minimally invasive methods of
      detecting lymph node involvement. It focuses on the indications of surgical
      management of the regional nodes, the extent of the surgery, and its
      complications. Also, neoadjuvant therapy is covered.

PMID- 22045178
TI  - Novel imaging modalities for lymph node imaging in urologic oncology.
AB  - Accurate lymph node staging in genitourinary (GU) malignancies is important for
      planning an appropriate treatment and establishing an accurate prognosis. This
      article discusses the novel imaging techniques for detection of metastases in
      various GU malignancies, including prostate, bladder, penile, and testicular
      cancers. Discussion includes nuclear medicine techniques of (18)F
      fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT),
      (11)C-choline and (18)F-choline PET/CT, and ProstaScint scanning, as well as
      sentinel lymph node mapping. Magnetic resonance (MR) techniques include
      lymphotropic nanoparticle-enhanced MR imaging and diffusion-weighted MR imaging.

PMID- 22045179
TI  - Lymphadenectomy in urologic oncology: pathologic considerations.
AB  - Lymphadenectomy (LAD) is an important staging and treatment modality of oncologic
      surgery. LAD in genitourinary malignancies presents inherent difficulties to the
      urologist and pathologist because of the differences in anatomic sites and
      primary histologic type. This review focuses on pathologic evaluation and how
      communication between urologist and pathologist is necessary to provide optimal
      care. Recommendations covering general specimen submission and processing are
      discussed, as well as more specific recommendations concerning the kidney, upper
      urinary tract, urinary bladder, prostate, testes, and penis. Emerging areas of
      prognostic significance and the impact that improved molecular techniques are
      contributing to diagnostic interpretation are highlighted.

PMID- 22045180
TI  - Role of radiation therapy for the treatment of lymph nodes in urologic
      malignancies.
AB  - Radiation therapy (RT) represents an important therapeutic component in the
      management of genitourinary (GU) malignancies. RT is used to treat patients with
      proven involvement of the regional lymph nodes or delivered electively to
      patients at risk for occult regional lymph node metastases. Advances in treatment
      planning and delivery of various types of RT provide the technology to precisely
      plan, target, and deliver RT with the goal of optimizing the radiation dose to
      the target while sparing normal tissue. This article provides an overview of the
      modalities, indications, and techniques of RT for treatment of the lymphatic
      basins in GU malignancies.

PMID- 22045181
TI  - Complications of lymphadenectomy in urologic surgery.
AB  - Lymphadenectomy in urologic surgery provides accurate staging and may be
      therapeutic in some patients with lymph node metastases. In addition to the
      associated cost, pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND) has the potential for
      morbidity. This article focuses on the complications associated with PLND,
      including lymphocele, thromboembolic events, ureteral injury, nerve injury,
      vascular injury, and lymphedema. With improvements in surgical technique and
      perioperative care, the morbidity associated with lymphadenectomy may be
      minimized.

PMID- 22045182
TI  - Lymphadenectomy in urologic oncology: indications, controversies and
      complications. Preface.

PMID- 22045183
TI  - TYRP1 mRNA expression in melanoma metastases correlates with clinical outcome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clinical outcome of patients with high-risk melanoma cannot be
      reliably predicted on the basis of classical histopathological examination. Our
      study aimed to determine in melanoma metastases a gene expression profile
      associated with patient survival, and to identify and validate marker(s) of poor
      clinical outcome. METHODS: Skin and lymph node metastases from melanoma patients
      (training population) were used to identify candidate prognostic marker(s) based
      on DNA microarray analysis. Additional skin metastases (validation population)
      were used to assess the prognostic value of the first ranked gene by real-time
      PCR. RESULTS: We performed microarray analysis in the training population and
      generated a list of 278 probe sets associated with a shorter survival. We used
      the first ranked gene, tyrosinase-related protein 1 (TYRP1), further measured its
      expression in the validation population by real-time PCR and found it to be
      significantly correlated with distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), overall
      survival (OS) and Breslow thickness. We also found that it was fairly well
      conserved in the course of the disease regardless of the delay to metastasis
      occurrence. Finally, although Tyrp1 protein (immunohistochemistry (IHC)) was only
      detected in about half of the samples, we showed that its expression also
      correlated with Breslow thickness. CONCLUSION: Our data indicate that TYRP1 mRNA
      expression level, at least in skin metastases, is a prognostic marker for
      melanoma, and is particularly useful when prognostic pathology parameters at the
      primary lesion are lacking. Its conserved expression further supports its use as
      a target for therapy.

PMID- 22045184
TI  - Incidence of haematological malignancy by sub-type: a report from the
      Haematological Malignancy Research Network.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ascertainment of cases and disease classification is an acknowledged
      problem for epidemiological research into haematological malignancies. METHODS:
      The Haematological Malignancy Research Network comprises an ongoing population
      based patient cohort. All diagnoses (paediatric and adult) across two UK Cancer
      Networks (population 3.6 million, >2000 diagnoses annually, socio-demographically
      representative of the UK) are made by an integrated haematopathology laboratory.
      Diagnostics, prognostics, and treatment are recorded to clinical trial standards,
      and socio-demographic measures are routinely obtained. RESULTS: A total of 10,729
      haematological malignancies (myeloid=2706, lymphoid=8023) were diagnosed over the
      5 years, that is, from 2004 to 2009. Descriptive data (age, sex, and
      deprivation), sex-specific age-standardised (European population) rates, and
      estimated UK frequencies are presented for 24 sub-types. The age of patients
      ranged from 4 weeks to 99 years (median 70.6 years), and the male rate was more
      than double the female rate for several myeloid and lymphoid sub-types, this
      difference being evident in both children and adults. No relationship with
      deprivation was detected. CONCLUSION: Accurate population-based data on
      haematological malignancies can be collected to the standard required to deliver
      reproducible results that can be extrapolated to national populations. Our
      analyses emphasise the importance of gender and age as disease determinants, and
      suggest that aetiological investigations that focus on socio-economic factors are
      unlikely to be rewarding.

PMID- 22045185
TI  - MicroRNA-15b is induced with E2F-controlled genes in HPV-related cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are important regulators of cellular processes and
      are found to be deregulated in many cancers. We here analysed the miRNA
      expression in anal carcinomas. In a previous study, we found that our anal
      carcinoma tumours were divided into two groups based on the expression of E2F
      regulated genes. Therefore, we searched for miRNAs that could reproduce this
      grouping. METHODS: A global screen of the miRNA population was performed using
      real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) array methods and differentially expressed
      miRNAs were identified. Real-time-qPCR was used to verify the expression levels
      of selected miRNAs and genes in a larger collection of biopsies. A siRNA-mediated
      knockdown of human papilloma virus (HPV)16 E7 in a cervical cell line was
      performed to assess the effect of E7 on miR-15b. RESULTS: The grouping of tumours
      into two groups based on the expression of E2F-controlled genes was confirmed in
      a larger collection of anal carcinoma tumours. The expression of miR-15b was
      shown to be highly correlated with that of five selected E2F-induced genes
      (CCNA2, CCNB1, CCNB2, MSH6 and MCM7). A knockdown of HPV16 E7 resulted in
      decreased levels of miR-15b in Ca Ski cells. CONCLUSION: MiR-15b expression
      correlates with E2F-regulated genes in anal carcinoma and appears to be part of
      the E2F-regulatory network.

PMID- 22045186
TI  - Stromal interaction essential for vascular endothelial growth factor A-induced
      tumour growth via transforming growth factor-beta signalling.
AB  - BACKGROUND: High vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGFA) levels at the time of
      diagnosis confer a worse prognosis to multiple malignancies. Our aim was to
      investigate the role of VEGFA in promoting tumour growth through interaction with
      its environment. METHODS: HL-60 cells were transduced with VEGFA165 or control
      vector using retroviral constructs. Control cells (n=7) or VEGFA165 cells (n=7)
      were subcutaneously injected into NOD/SCID mice. Immunohistochemistry of markers
      for angiogenesis (CD31) and cell proliferation (Ki67) and gene expression
      profiling of tumours were performed. Paracrine effects were investigated by mouse
      specific cytokine arrays. RESULTS: In vivo we observed a twofold increase in
      tumour weight when VEGFA165 was overexpressed (P=0.001), combined with increased
      angiogenesis (P=0.002) and enhanced tumour cell proliferation (P=0.001). Gene
      expression profiling revealed human genes involved in TGF-beta signalling
      differentially expressed between both tumour groups, that is, TGFBR2 and SMAD5
      were lower expressed whereas the inhibitory SMAD7 was higher expressed with
      VEGFA165. An increased expression of mouse-derived cytokines IFNG and interleukin
      7 was found in VEGFA165 tumours, both described to induce SMAD7 expression.
      CONCLUSION: These results suggest a role for VEGFA-driven tumour growth by TGF
      beta signalling inhibition via paracrine mechanisms in vivo, and underscore the
      importance of stromal interaction in the VEGFA-induced phenotype.

PMID- 22045187
TI  - Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase genetic polymorphisms and toxicity to 5-FU
      based chemoradiation in rectal cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is a large degree of variation in tumour response and host
      toxicities associated with neoadjuvant chemoradiation for rectal cancer patients.
      We performed a complimentary pharmacogenetic study to investigate germline
      polymorphisms of genes involved in 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and irinotecan pathways
      and their potential association with clinical outcomes and toxicities from
      neoadjuvant chemoradiation in patients with rectal cancer treated in a
      prospective genotype-directed study. METHODS: The germline DNA of 131 patients
      was genotyped for 10 variants in TYMS, MTHFR, DPYD, UGT1A1, ABCC1 and SLCO1B1
      genes. Ninety-six patients were treated with 5-FU/radiotherapy (RT) and 35
      received 5-FU/RT/irinotecan. Relationships between genetic variants and adverse
      events, tumour response, overall and disease-free survivals were assessed.
      RESULTS: MTHFR 1298A>C and MTHFR diplotypes (for 677C>T and 1298A>C) were
      associated with chemoradiation-related toxicity when 5-FU was used alone. MTHFR
      haplotypes (677C-1298C) and diplotypes (CA-TA and TA-TA) showed, respectively, a
      protective and a negative effect on the incidence of severe diarrhoea or
      mucositis. No association was observed between genetic markers and drug response.
      CONCLUSION: MTHFR polymorphisms can potentially predict toxicity in patients
      treated with 5-FU as a single chemotherapeutic drug.

PMID- 22045188
TI  - Rapid in vivo testing of drug response in multiple myeloma made possible by
      xenograft to turkey embryos.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The best current xenograft model of multiple myeloma (MM) in immune
      deficient non-obese diabetic/severe-combined immunodeficient mice is costly,
      animal maintenance is complex and several weeks are required to establish
      engraftment and study drug efficacy. More practical in vivo models may reduce
      time and drug development cost. We recently described a rapid low-cost xenograft
      model of human blood malignancies in pre-immune turkey. Here, we report
      application of this system for studying MM growth and the preclinical assessment
      of anticancer therapies. METHODS: Cell lines and MM patient cells were injected
      intravenously into embryonic veins on embryonic day 11 (E11). Engraftment of
      human cells in haematopoietic organs was detected by quantitative real-time
      polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry and circulating
      free light chain. RESULTS: Engraftment was detected after 1 week in all embryos
      injected with cell lines and in 50% of those injected with patient cells.
      Injection of bortezomib or lenalinomide 48 h after cell injection at therapeutic
      levels that were not toxic to the bone marrow dramatically reduced MM
      engraftment. CONCLUSION: The turkey embryo provides a practical, xenograft system
      to study MM and demonstrates the utility of this model for rapid and affordable
      testing therapeutics in vivo. With further development, this model may enable
      rapid, inexpensive personalised drug screening.

PMID- 22045189
TI  - Chemoresistant colorectal cancer cells and cancer stem cells mediate growth and
      survival of bystander cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent studies suggest that cancer stem cells (CSCs) mediate
      chemoresistance, but interestingly, only a small percentage of cells in a
      resistant tumour are CSCs; this suggests that non-CSCs survive by other means. We
      hypothesised that chemoresistant colorectal cancer (CRC) cells generate soluble
      factors that enhance survival of chemonaive tumour cells. METHODS: Chemoresistant
      CRC cells were generated by serial passage in oxaliplatin (Ox cells). Conditioned
      media (CM) was collected from parental and oxaliplatin-resistant (OxR) cells. CRC
      cells were treated with CM and growth and survival were assessed. Tumour growth
      rates were determined in nude mice after cells were treated with CM. Mass
      spectrometry (MS) identified proteins in CM. Reverse phase protein microarray
      assays determined signalling effects of CM in parental cells. RESULTS:
      Oxaliplatin-resistant CM increased survival of chemo-naive cells. CSC CM also
      increased growth of parental cells. Parental and OxR mixed tumours grew larger
      than tumours composed of parental or OxR cells alone. Mass spectrometry detected
      unique survival-promoting factors in OxR CM compared with parental CM. Cells
      treated with OxR CM demonstrated early phosphorylation of EGFR and MEK1, with
      later upregulation of total Akt .We identified progranulin as a potential
      mediator of chemoresistance. CONCLUSION: Chemoresistant tumour cells and CSCs may
      promote resistance through soluble factors that mediate survival in otherwise
      chemosensitive tumour cells.

PMID- 22045190
TI  - Novel diagnostic value of circulating miR-18a in plasma of patients with
      pancreatic cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several recent studies have demonstrated that microRNAs (miRNAs) are
      stably detectable in the plasma/serum. We hypothesised that miR-18a in the plasma
      is a potential biomarker in patients with pancreatic cancer. METHODS: miR-18a is
      located in the miR-17-92 cluster and reported to be highly expressed in
      pancreatic cancer tissues. This study was divided into three parts: (1)
      Confirmation of higher miR-18a levels in primary pancreatic cancer tissues and
      cell lines than in normal pancreatic tissues and a human fibroblast cell line.
      (2) Evaluation of the plasma miR-18a assay using quantitative RT-PCR by comparing
      plasma results obtained from 36 patients with pancreatic cancer and from 30
      healthy volunteers. (3) Evaluation of the assay for monitoring tumour dynamics in
      patients with pancreatic cancer. RESULTS: (1) The expression of miR-18a was
      significantly higher in pancreatic cancer tissues (P=0.012) and pancreatic cancer
      cell lines (P=0.015) than in normal tissues and fibroblasts. (2) Plasma
      concentrations of miR-18a were significantly higher in pancreatic cancer patients
      than in controls (P<0.0001). The value of the area under the receiver-operating
      characteristic curve (AUC) was 0.9369. (3) Plasma levels of miR-18a were
      significantly lower in postoperative samples than in preoperative samples
      (P=0.0077). CONCLUSION: Circulating miR-18a might provide new complementary
      tumour markers for pancreatic cancer.

PMID- 22045191
TI  - A microRNA gene expression signature predicts response to erlotinib in epithelial
      cancer cell lines and targets EMT.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Treatment with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitors can
      result in clinical response in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and pancreatic
      ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) for some unselected patients. EGFR and KRAS mutation
      status, amplification of EGFR, or gene expression predictors of response can
      forecast sensitivity to EGFR inhibition. METHODS: Using an NSCLC cell line model
      system, we identified and characterised microRNA (miRNA) gene expression that
      predicts response to EGFR inhibition. RESULTS: Expression of 13 miRNA genes
      predicts response to EGFR inhibition in cancer cell lines and tumours, and
      discriminates primary from metastatic tumours. Signature genes target proteins
      that are enriched for epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) genes.
      Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition predicts EGFR inhibitor resistance and
      metastatic behaviour. The EMT transcription factor, ZEB1, shows altered
      expression in erlotinib-sensitive NSCLC and PDAC, where many signature miRNA
      genes are upregulated. Ectopic expression of mir-200c alters expression of EMT
      proteins, sensitivity to erlotinib, and migration in lung cells. Treatment with
      TGFbeta1 changes expression of signature miRNA and EMT proteins and modulates
      migration in lung cells. CONCLUSION: From these data, we hypothesise that the
      tumour microenvironment elicits TGFbeta1 and stimulates a miRNA gene expression
      program that induces resistance to anti-EGFR therapy and drives lung tumour cells
      to EMT, invasion, and metastasis.

PMID- 22045192
TI  - Inhibition of hyaluronan retention by 4-methylumbelliferone suppresses
      osteosarcoma cells in vitro and lung metastasis in vivo.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hyaluronan (HA) plays crucial roles in the tumourigenicity of many
      types of malignant tumours. 4-Methylumbelliferone (MU) is an inhibitor of HA
      synthesis. Several studies have shown its inhibitory effects on malignant
      tumours; however, none have focused on its effects on osteosarcoma. METHODS: We
      investigated the effects of MU on HA accumulation and tumourigenicity of highly
      metastatic murine osteosarcoma cells (LM8) that have HA-rich cell-associated
      matrix, and human osteosarcoma cell lines (MG-63 and HOS). RESULTS: In vitro, MU
      inhibited HA retention, thereby reducing the formation of functional cell
      associated matrices, and also inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and
      invasion. Akt phosphorylation was suppressed by MU (1.0 mM). In vivo, although MU
      showed only a mild inhibitory effect on the growth of the primary tumour, it
      markedly inhibited (75% reduction) the development of lung metastasis. Hyaluronan
      retention in the periphery of the primary tumour was markedly suppressed by MU.
      CONCLUSION: These findings suggested that MU suppressed HA retention and cell
      associated matrix formation in osteosarcoma cells, resulting in a reduction of
      tumourigenicity, including lung metastasis. 4-Methylumbelliferone is a promising
      therapeutic agent targeting both primary tumours and distant metastasis of
      osteosarcoma, possibly via suppression of HA retention.

PMID- 22045193
TI  - Role of histological type on surgical outcome and survival following radical
      primary tumour debulking of epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube and peritoneal
      cancers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To assess the clinical impact of the two histological types as
      designated in the proposed model for ovarian tumourigenesis in primary epithelial
      ovarian, fallopian tube or peritoneal cancer (EOC) patients. METHODS: All
      consecutive EOC patients (n=632) after primary tumour debulking in our
      institution (09/2000-08/2010) were classified into one of two groups: type I
      tumours (n=100; 15.8%) composed of low-grade serous, low-grade endometrioid,
      clear cell, mucinous and transitional carcinomas; and Type II tumours (n=532;
      84.1%) composed of high-grade serous, high-grade endometrioid, undifferentiated
      and malignant mixed-mesodermal tumours. Kaplan-Meier and logistic/Cox-regression
      analyses were performed to assess the impact of histological type on surgical
      outcome and survival. RESULTS: Type II patients had a significantly higher
      incidence of advanced disease (FIGO III/IV) than Type I patients (79.8% vs 38%,
      respectively; P<0.001). Median CA125 values (438 vs 93 U ml(-1); P=0.001);
      operative time (258 vs 237 min; P=0.001); and incidence of incomplete tumour
      resection (34.4% vs 15%; P<0.001) were significantly higher in patients with Type
      II. During a mean follow-up time of 23 months (range: 1-106), 17% of patients
      with type I vs 34.8% of patients with type II tumours relapsed and/or died
      (P<0.001). Overall survival (P=0.021) and progression-free survival (P=0.003)
      were also significantly higher in patients with type I tumours. Multivariate
      analysis, while identifying postoperative tumour residuals, positive lymph nodes
      and extrapelvic dissemination as independent predictors of survival, failed to
      demonstrate any prognostic significance of histological type. CONCLUSION: Type I
      EOC patients appear to present at earlier stages have significantly higher
      survival and more optimal surgical outcome compared with type II patients.
      However, in advanced stages, histology loses significance as an independent
      prognosticator.

PMID- 22045194
TI  - Combined effect of low-penetrant SNPs on breast cancer risk.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although many low-penetrant genetic risk factors for breast cancer
      have been discovered, knowledge about the effect of multiple risk alleles is
      limited, especially in women <50 years. We therefore investigated the association
      between multiple risk alleles and breast cancer risk as well as individual
      effects according to age-approximated pre- and post-menopausal status. METHODS:
      Ten previously described breast cancer-associated single-nucleotide polymorphisms
      (SNPs) were analysed in a joint European biobank-based study comprising 3584
      breast cancer cases and 5063 cancer-free controls. Genotyping was performed using
      MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, and odds ratios were estimated using logistic
      regression. RESULTS: Significant associations with breast cancer were confirmed
      for 7 of the 10 SNPs. Analysis of the joint effect of the original 10 as well as
      the statistically significant 7 SNPs (rs2981582, rs3803662, rs889312, rs13387042,
      rs13281615, rs3817198 and rs981782) found a highly significant trend for
      increasing breast cancer risk with increasing number of risk alleles (P-trend 5.6
      * 10(-20) and 1.5 * 10(-25), respectively). Odds ratio for breast cancer of 1.84
      (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.59-2.14; 10 SNPs) and 2.12 (95% CI: 1.80-2.50; 7
      SNPs) was seen for the maximum vs the minimum number of risk alleles.
      Additionally, one of the examined SNPs (rs981782 in HCN1) had a protective effect
      that was significantly stronger in premenopausal women (P-value: 7.9 * 10(-4)).
      CONCLUSION: The strongly increasing risk seen when combining many low-penetrant
      risk alleles supports the polygenic inheritance model of breast cancer.

PMID- 22045195
TI  - MRI graduation of osseous reaction and drill hole consolidation after
      arthroscopic Bankart repair with PLLA anchors and the clinical relevance.
AB  - PURPOSE: Conventionally, radiography studies revealed prolonged glenoidal drill
      hole visibilities with an unclear influence to the clinical outcome after
      arthroscopic Bankart repair using Poly-Laevo-Lactic-Acid (PLLA) anchors. The
      primary aim of the present study was the separated assessment of drill hole
      consolidation (DHC) and the concomitant osseous reaction (OR) of the glenoidal
      bio-degradation process in new specific magnetic resonance grading systems. In
      accordance with the specific DHC and the OR graduation, the clinical relevance
      was the secondary focus. METHODS: Twenty-eight patients with arthroscopic Bankart
      repair using knotless PLLA anchors were prospectively followed and analyzed using
      a clinical scoring system (3, 6, 15 and 32 months). The T2-weighted OR and T1
      weighted DHC were assessed using specific magnetic resonance imaging grading
      protocols (15 and 32 months). RESULTS: Longitudinal assessments revealed
      successive clinical status improvements over time (32 months: Rowe 95.7 +/- 3.8;
      Walch-Duplay 93.8 +/- 6.6; Constant 93.9 +/- 4.5; ASES 93.8 +/- 6.9; DASH 28.6 +/
      7.2; NAS(pain) 1.1 +/- 1.3; NAS(function) 1.3 +/- 1.4). The initial OR level
      regressed over the 15-32 month period while the DHC showed significant drill hole
      reductions (P < 0.05). The inferior glenoid revealed a significantly increased
      bio-degradation capacity (P < 0.05) with drill hole enlargements in 14.3%.
      Neither the OR nor the drill hole enlargements influenced the clinical status. In
      no case were clinical or radiologic signs for a foreign body reaction.
      CONCLUSION: Knotless bio-anchors provide secure glenoidal fixation for Bankart
      repair without any specific clinical or MR evidence of an inflammatory response.
      The clinical status remained unaffected by the bio-degradation process. LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: IV.

PMID- 22045196
TI  - Concussion and the adolescent athlete.
AB  - Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a complex and debilitating neurological injury
      that places a significant financial and emotional burden on both families and
      medical providers. Accumulating evidence suggests that mild TBI or concussion
      remains grossly underdiagnosed, as compared with more severe TBI, due to a poor
      understanding of the clinical signs and symptoms involved with a head injury.
      Notably, pediatric head injury may be associated with the subsequent development
      of serious, long-term neurological consequences, emphasizing the need for
      improved diagnosis and acute medical intervention. The purpose of this minireview
      is to summarize the association between participation in youth athletics and the
      occurrence of concussions, a primary source of mild TBI in the adolescent
      population, with the goal of increasing awareness within the nursing profession
      for this clinically important yet underdiagnosed form of brain injury.

PMID- 22045197
TI  - Relative contribution of tissue oedema and the presence of an A2 pulley to
      resistance to flexor tendon movement: an in vitro and in vivo study.
AB  - Increases in the resistance to tendon during movement may lead to rupture or
      gapping of the repaired tendon. The relative contribution of these factors-tissue
      oedema, tendon oedema, and the intact A2 pulley-to resistance to tendon gliding
      is unclear. In in vitro chicken models, we created oedema in subcutaneous tissue
      or tendon. The work of digital flexion (WOF) increased significantly after
      creation of oedema in those tissues. WOF decreased significantly after division
      of the A2 pulley. Preservation of the integrity of the A2 pulley significantly
      increased WOF at post-operative weeks 1 and 2 in the in vivo chicken model;
      increases in WOF were greater than those due to the presence of oedematous
      subcutaneous tissue. Pulley division at the time of surgery reduced WOF more
      drastically than the removal of volar subcutaneous tissue. Presence of an intact
      A2 pulley adds greater resistance to the movement of the repaired flexor tendon
      than volar oedematous subcutaneous tissue.

PMID- 22045198
TI  - Long-term results of major upper extremity replantations.
AB  - We analyzed the long-term functional outcome in patients with major upper
      extremity replantations. Two patients had amputations proximal to the elbow
      joint, two had elbow disarticulations and five patients had amputations at the
      forearm. The mean age was 24 and the mean follow-up time was 18 years. Six
      patients have undergone secondary operations. The mean grip strength was restored
      to 34% of the contralateral extremity. Protective sensation was restored in all
      patients. According to Chen's functional recovery scale, five patients had
      excellent, two had good, and two had fair results. Grip strength, two-point
      discrimination, ranges of motion and Chen's scale did not improve after 5 years.
      However, Semmes-Weinstein monofilament testing and cold intolerance continued to
      improve up to 10 and 12 years, respectively. Replantation of an upper extremity
      proximal to the wrist joint satisfactorily restored the upper extremity function.

PMID- 22045199
TI  - Treatment of an osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture with the StaXx FX
      system resulting in intrathoracic wafers: a serious complication.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report a serious complication of the StaXx FX system used to
      stabilize an osteoporotic vertebral fracture. CASE REPORT: A 76-year-old woman
      presented with a painful vertebral fracture. Treatment by means of a PEEK wafer
      kyphoplasty was complicated by malposition of the wafers. The patient recovered
      fully after removal of the wafers by means of a thoracotomy. CONCLUSIONS: New
      treatment modalities have their own pitfalls and possible complications, as
      demonstrated in this case report. Caution regarding implementation of new
      treatment modalities should be practiced.

PMID- 22045200
TI  - Patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis of Lenke type-1 curve exhibit
      specific pedicle width pattern.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Study aim was to find out if patients with Lenke type 1 curve
      exhibit smaller pedicles and specific pedicle width pattern compared with
      individuals with no scoliosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 4,828 pedicle width
      measurements (T1-L5) in 61 consecutive patients with adolescent idiopathic
      scoliosis of Lenke type 1 curve, 61 control subjects, and 20 patients with Lenke
      type 5 curve, were retrospectively performed by an experienced neuroradiologist.
      RESULTS: Among patients with Lenke type 1 curve, the differences between the
      width of right and left upper thoracic pedicles were statistically significant;
      smallest at right T4 (2.6 mm). At scoliotic apex, the pedicles on the concave
      (left) side were significantly smaller than those on the convex (right) side;
      smallest at left T7 (3.2 mm). Among patients with Lenke type 1 curve, 97% had
      pedicle width <4 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed that patients with Lenke type
      1 curve exhibit smaller pedicles and asymmetric pedicle width compared with
      control subjects.

PMID- 22045201
TI  - A case of acute renal failure after exercise with renal hypouricemia demonstrated
      compound heterozygous mutations of uric acid transporter 1.
AB  - Familial renal hypouricemia is a hereditary disease characterized by
      extraordinary high renal uric acid (UA) clearance and is associated with acute
      renal failure (ARF). A 17-year-old Japanese male developed ARF after anerobic
      exercise. Renal function improved completely after approximately 2 weeks of
      hydration treatment. After remission, hypouricemia became evident (1.0 mg/dL)
      from the initial level of UA (4.8 mg/dL) and fractional excretion of uric acid
      (FEUA) was >50%. His parents showed normal levels of UA and FEUA. Polymerase
      chain reaction of a urate anion exchanger known to regulate UA level [SLC22A12
      gene: UA transporter 1 (URAT1)] demonstrated compound heterozygous mutations
      (Q297X and R90H). Thus, we describe a Japanese male with hypouricemia complicated
      by anerobic exercise-induced ARF, with definite demonstration of a genetic
      abnormality in the responsible gene, URAT1.

PMID- 22045202
TI  - Magnetic behavior in UFe2Zn20 and URu2Zn20 single crystals.
AB  - The magnetic, electrical transport and thermodynamic properties of the compounds
      UFe2Zn20 and URu2Zn20 were studied on single-crystalline specimens over wide
      ranges of temperature and magnetic field. The results indicate that the two
      ternaries are paramagnetic moderately enhanced heavy fermion systems. Their
      physical behavior is governed predominantly by the hybridization of uranium 5f
      orbitals with electronic states of ligands, which brings about considerable
      delocalization of the 5f states.

PMID- 22045203
TI  - The herbal medicine Inchinko-to reduces hepatic fibrosis in cholestatic rats.
AB  - PURPOSE: Several studies have reported the herbal medicine Inchinko-to (ICKT) to
      have an antifibrotic effect which thus leads to an improvement of hepatic injury.
      However, there are still few reports of its use in the treatment of cholestatic
      liver disorder. The aim of this study was to clarify whether the administration
      of ICKT will ameliorate hepatic fibrosis and injury in cholestatic rats.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed bile duct ligation on 7-week-old male
      cholestatic Wistar rats and assigned them to one of three groups according to the
      method of treatment: (1) the SHAM group, (2) the NT-group (non-treatment group),
      and (3) the T-group (treatment-group). Rats in the T-group were orally
      administered ICKT (TJ-135) at a dose of 1 g/kg/day and were killed on the 17th
      postoperative day. We subsequently investigated the levels of fibrosis and
      various clinical markers through measurement of the following: serum levels of
      AST and ALT; tissue transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta1); tissue
      inhibitor metalloprotease-1 mRNA (TIMP-1 mRNA) through real-time PCR analysis;
      and Azan staining and immunohistochemical staining of alfa-smooth muscle actin
      (alfa-SMA) to evaluate the degree of fibrosis. RESULTS: The levels of serum AST,
      serum ALT, and TGF-bata1 in the T-Group were significantly lower than those in
      the NT-Group. In addition, staining of Azan and alfa-SMA in the T-Group was
      significantly lower than those in the NT-Group. CONCLUSION: ICKT may help reduce
      hepatic fibrosis and injury by controlling stellate cell activation.

PMID- 22045204
TI  - Regulating the levels of key factors in cell cycle and DNA repair: new pathways
      revealed by lamins.
AB  - Spatial and temporal organization of the genome represents an additional step in
      the regulation of nuclear functions. The nuclear lamina, a polymeric meshwork
      formed by lamins (A/C and B type) and lamin-associated proteins, plays a key role
      in the maintenance of genome localization, structure and function. Specifically,
      mutations in the LMNA gene encoding lamins A/C or changes in its expression,
      either upregulation or silencing, are associated with defects in DNA replication,
      transcription and repair, as well as alterations in epigenetic modifications of
      chromatin. These data, together with the fact that defects in A-type lamins are
      associated with a whole variety of degenerative disorders, premature aging
      syndromes and cancer, support the notion that these proteins operate as
      caretakers of the genome. However, our understanding of their functions is
      limited due to the lack of well-defined mechanisms behind the genomic instability
      observed in lamin-related diseases. Here, we summarize our recent discovery of
      new pathways that are affected by the loss of A-type lamins. In particular, we
      found that A-type lamins control transcription and degradation of proteins with
      key roles in cell cycle regulation and DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) repair by
      non-homologous end-joining (NHEJ) and homologous-recombination (HR). Importantly,
      the proteins regulated by A-type lamins--Rb family members, 53BP1, BRCA1 and
      RAD51--exert tumor suppressor functions, with their loss being associated with
      cancer susceptibility. Moreover, our studies revealed novel pathways that
      contribute to genomic instability and that can be activated in disease states
      independent of the status of A-type lamins.

PMID- 22045205
TI  - IBD: Risk of colorectal cancer in African Americans with ulcerative colitis.

PMID- 22045214
TI  - Probiotics: Probiotics and diarrhea in children.

PMID- 22045215
TI  - Pediatrics: Liver transplantation in very small recipients.

PMID- 22045216
TI  - Comparative photophysical properties between bicyclo[2.2.2]octadiene (BCOD)- and
      benzo-fused free-base triphyrins (2.1.1).
AB  - We have investigated the photophysical properties of two types of triphyrins with
      focus on the fused-moiety effects by performing various spectroscopic
      measurements and theoretical calculations.

PMID- 22045218
TI  - Rapid one-step assays for on-site monitoring of mouse and rat urinary allergens.
AB  - Allergy to rodent proteins is common among laboratory animal workers. Sensitive
      methods to measure exposure to these allergens have been developed. These assays
      are, however, expensive, time-consuming, and require a laboratory facility and
      methodological expertise. A simple method to screen for allergen spread, or to
      test whether hygiene standards are maintained, would be useful. Lateral flow
      immunoassays (LFIAs) are especially suited for field settings; the tests are
      simple and results are visible within minutes. LFIAs were developed for detection
      of the rodent urinary allergens Mus m 1 and Rat n 1. Pilot studies were performed
      in animal facilities in three countries using both extracts from airborne dust
      samples and samples collected by wiping surfaces. For comparison and
      determination of sensitivity, the concentrations of rodent urinary allergens in
      the samples were also measured using enzyme immunoassays (EIAs). The LFIAs for
      rat and mouse urinary allergens had a detection limit of 31 pg allergen per mL in
      a buffer system with purified allergen standards. Results of environmental dust
      extracts tested in LFIAs correlated well with levels obtained using EIAs. Spread
      of rodent allergens, or non-adherence to hygiene around laboratory animal
      facilities, may aggravate rodent allergy. Using a simple, sensitive one-step
      assay, allergens can be detected to prevent allergen exposure. The results reveal
      that the rapid assays are suited for on-site demonstration of exposure to rodent
      allergens, and thus, useful in occupational hygiene practice.

PMID- 22045217
TI  - A contemporary review of seafood allergy.
AB  - Seafood is common item in the world diet; Asian countries have the highest rates
      of fish consumption in the world, which is higher than world average. Several
      studies have been conducted on the epidemiology and clinical characteristics of
      seafood allergy in different countries, and some of the fish and seafood
      allergens unique to those regions have been characterized. Review on published
      data showed that seafood allergy is very ubiquitous in some regions of the world.
      Fish and shellfish are the most common seafood that cause adverse allergic
      reactions among nations; the symptoms ranged from oral allergy syndromes to
      urticaria and anaphylaxis. The major identified allergens are parvalbumin in fish
      and tropomyosin in shellfish. Nevertheless, such studies are lacking from some
      regions with high fish and seafood consumption. Furthermore, the published data
      are mostly from small groups of populations, which large-scale epidemiological
      studies need to be performed.

PMID- 22045219
TI  - Clinical appraisal of chronic traumatic encephalopathy:  current perspectives and
      future directions.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: There are currently no consensus-based clinical diagnostic
      criteria for chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). This review provides an
      update on recent literature pertaining to clinically relevant procedures that-
      presently or in the future--may be useful for the in-vivo detection,
      characterization, and/or prediction of CTE. RECENT FINDINGS: Preliminary evidence
      about the clinical manifestations of CTE has been accumulating via post-mortem
      medical record review and interviews of friends or family members of individuals
      with neuropathologically documented CTE. This evidence suggests that CTE is
      manifested clinically by changes in cognition (especially memory and executive
      functioning, with dementia later in the disease course), mood (especially,
      depression, apathy, and suicidality), personality and behavior (especially poor
      impulse control and behavioral disinhibition), and movement (including
      parkinsonism and signs of motor neuron disease). At the present time, evidence
      regarding CTE has not been confirmed in a prospective study of a cohort at risk
      for CTE. SUMMARY: On the basis of recent research in the fields of dementia and
      traumatic brain injury, several in-vivo procedures (including neurological
      examination, neuropsychological assessment, neuroimaging techniques, and blood
      and cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers) each have the potential to contribute unique
      information about the manifestations of CTE, including clinical and preclinical
      stages. More research is needed to develop a set of consensus diagnostic criteria
      that provide a reliable and valid indicator of neuropathologically verified CTE.
      Until such criteria are developed, the clinical assessment of CTE should be
      informed by modern research that is of relevance to traumatic brain injury and
      neurodegenerative diseases.

PMID- 22045220
TI  - Advances in ultra-high field MRI for the clinical management of patients with
      brain tumors.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The last 5 years have seen the number of ultra-high field
      (UHF; 7 T and beyond) MRI scanners nearly double. Benefits include improved
      specificity, better sensitivity for signal-starved compounds, and the ability to
      detect, quantify, and monitor tumor activity and treatment effects. This is
      especially important in the current climate in which new treatments alter
      established markers of tumor and the surrounding environment, confounding
      traditional response criteria. RECENT FINDINGS: Intra-tumoral heterogeneity and
      dramatic improvement in spatial localization have been observed with 7 and 8 T
      high-resolution T2-weighted and T2*-weighted imaging. This depiction of lesions
      that were not readily detected at lower field improved the classification of
      glioma. Sub-millimeter visualization of microvasculature has facilitated the
      detection of microbleeds associated with long-term effects of radiation. New
      metabolic markers seen at UHF may also assist in distinguishing tumor progression
      from treatment effect. SUMMARY: Although progress has been limited by technical
      challenges, initial experience has demonstrated the promise of 7-T MRI in
      advancing existing paradigms for diagnosing, monitoring, and managing patients
      with brain tumors. The success of these systems will depend upon what new
      information can be gained by UHF, rather than simply improving the quality of the
      current lower field standard.

PMID- 22045221
TI  - Extracellular superoxide dismutase overexpression can reverse the course of
      hypoxia-induced pulmonary hypertension.
AB  - Hypoxia leads to free radical production, which has a pivotal role in the
      pathophysiology of pulmonary hypertension (PH). We hypothesized that treatment
      with extracellular superoxide dismutase (EC-SOD) could ameliorate the development
      of PH induced by hypoxia. In vitro studies using pulmonary microvascular
      endothelial cells showed that cells transfected with EC-SOD had significantly
      less accumulation of xanthine oxidase and reactive oxygen species than
      nontransfected cells after hypoxia exposure for 24 h. To study the prophylactic
      role of EC-SOD, adult male wild-type (WT) and transgenic (TG) mice, with lung
      specific overexpression of human EC-SOD (hEC-SOD), were exposed to fraction of
      inspired oxygen (FiO(2)) 10% for 10 d. After exposure, right ventricular systolic
      pressure (RVSP), right ventricular mass (RV/S + LV), pulmonary vascular wall
      thickness (PVWT) and pulmonary artery contraction/relaxation were assessed. TG
      mice were protected against PH compared with WT mice with significantly lower
      RVSP (23.9 +/- 1.24 versus 47.2 +/- 3.4), RV/S + LV (0.287 +/- 0.015 versus 0.335
      +/- 0.022) and vascular remodeling, indicated by PVWT (14.324 +/- 1.107 versus
      18.885 +/- 1.529). Functional studies using pulmonary arteries isolated from mice
      indicated that EC-SOD prevents hypoxia-mediated attenuation of nitric oxide
      induced relaxation. Therapeutic potential was assessed by exposing WT mice to
      FiO(2) 10% for 10 d. Half of the group was transfected with plasmid containing
      cDNA encoding human EC-SOD. The remaining animals were transfected with empty
      vector. Both groups were exposed to FiO(2) 10% for a further 10 d. Transfected
      mice had significantly reduced RVSP (18.97 +/- 1.12 versus 41.3 +/- 1.5), RV/S +
      LV (0.293 +/- 0.012 versus 0.372 +/- 0.014) and PVWT (12.51 +/- 0.72 versus 18.98
      +/- 1.24). On the basis of these findings, we concluded that overexpression of EC
      SOD prevents the development of PH and ameliorates established PH.

PMID- 22045222
TI  - The indirect costs of cancer-related absenteeism in the workplace in Poland.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate cancer-related absenteeism
      costs in Poland. METHODS: Data on sickness absences and disability were retrieved
      from the Department of Statistics of the Social Insurance Institution. The cost
      of lost productivity owing to premature death was estimated from data retrieved
      from the Polish National Cancer Registry. Absenteeism costs were estimated on the
      basis of the measure of gross value added per employee. RESULTS: The costs of
      lost productivity owing to sick leave, disability, and premature death were
      estimated to be 1.572 billion EUR, 0.504 billion EUR, and 0.535 billion EUR,
      respectively, in 2009. CONCLUSIONS: The indirect costs of lost productivity owing
      to cancer-related sick leave, disability, and premature death have a substantial
      effect on the Polish economy. In 2009, they accounted for more than 0.8% of GDP.

PMID- 22045223
TI  - Fibre intake in relation to serum total cholesterol levels and CHD risk: a
      comparison of dietary assessment methods.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Prospective diet diaries may be more accurate than
      retrospective food frequency questionnaires (FFQ). The objective of this study
      was to compare FFQ and 7-day diet diary (7DD) measurements of fibre intake with
      the incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD). SUBJECTS/METHODS: We compared 7DD
      and FFQ fibre intake in a nested case-control study in a population of 25639 men
      and women aged 40-79 years, surveyed in 1993-97 and followed up until 2007. Among
      2151 CHD cases and 5354 controls, FFQ and 7DD fibre intake (6 g/day) was examined
      in relation to serum total cholesterol and CHD using linear and logistic
      regression adjusted for age and additionally for body mass index, physical
      activity, smoking status, family history of CHD, social class, diabetes, alcohol,
      energy, saturated fat and use of lipid lowering medication, antihypertensive
      medication or aspirin. RESULTS: Age-adjusted serum total cholesterol was
      inversely associated with 7DD fibre among men and women, but with FFQ fibre among
      men only. In the multivariate analysis, associations with 7DD fibre were
      attenuated among men (regression coefficient -0.036 mmol/l, s.e. 0.021, P-value
      0.087) and women (regression coefficient -0.069 mmol/l, s.e. 0.036, P-value
      0.053), and were non-significant for FFQ fibre. Among men, age-adjusted CHD risk
      was inversely associated with 7DD fibre (odds ratio (OR) 0.84, 95% confidence
      interval (CI) 0.79-0.90), but not with FFQ fibre (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.90-1.12).
      Among women, age-adjusted CHD risk was inversely associated with 7DD fibre (OR
      0.83, 95% CI 0.75-0.93), and had a weaker inverse borderline-significant
      association with FFQ fibre (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.87-1.01). Multivariate models
      yielded similar results. CONCLUSIONS: Inconsistencies in diet-CHD relationships
      in population studies may be associated with the use of different dietary
      assessment methods.

PMID- 22045224
TI  - The potential impact of nutrient profiles on dairy-related energy and nutrient
      intake in German children and adolescents.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the potential impact of nutrient profiling
      based dairy product choices on energy and nutrient intake in German children and
      adolescents. SUBJECTS/METHODS: Consumption data were obtained from product
      specific dietary records in the DONALD Study (Dortmund Nutritional and
      Anthropometric Longitudinally Designed Study). We compared actual intake data
      with intake data that were calculated based on the assumption that participants
      exclusively consumed products that met the criteria of selected nutrient
      profiling models. RESULTS: For most profiling models, the percentage of compliant
      products was unrelated to the percentage of the participants' dairy consumption
      rated eligible. The participants' intake of energy, saturated fatty acids (SAFA),
      sodium, calcium and vitamin D would be reduced significantly (P<0.0001) if only
      qualifying products were consumed. The impact on the participants' nutrient
      intake levels was not directly related to the impact on the product's nutrient
      content levels. Lower fat consumption was correlated with reduced vitamin D
      intake, and the models' disqualification of (semi-) hard cheeses had a negative
      impact on the calcium intake. CONCLUSIONS: The evaluation of product-specific
      intake data was critical to understand the potential impact of any profiling
      scheme on nutrient intake. Selecting dairy products based on nutrient profiling
      could help reduce the intake of less-desirable nutrients, such as SAFA and
      sodium. However, models that are too restrictive might negatively impact calcium
      and vitamin D intake. Ultimately, the effectiveness of nutrient profiling models
      will be determined by the fact whether or not complying foods are consumed.

PMID- 22045225
TI  - Trends in food availability in Switzerland, 1961-2007.
AB  - Trends in food availability in Switzerland were assessed using the Food and
      Agricultural Organization food balance sheets for the period 1961-2007. A
      relatively stable trend in the daily caloric supply was found: 3545 kcal/day in
      1961 and 3465 kcal/day in 2007. Calories associated with carbohydrates decreased
      (slope+/-s.e.: -1.1+/-0.2 kcal/day/year), namely regarding cereals (-2.9+/-0.6
      kcal/day/year) and fruit (-1.5+/-0.1 kcal/day/year), while the availability of
      sugars increased (1.2+/-0.5 kcal/day/year). In 1961, protein, fat, carbohydrates
      and alcohol represented 10.6, 33.5, 50.0 and 5.9% of total caloric supply,
      respectively; in 2007, the values were 10.8, 40.3, 43.7 and 5.2%. In 1961, palm,
      groundnut and sunflowerseed oil represented 3.4, 30.7 and 5.3% of total vegetable
      oils, respectively; in 2007, the values were 10.4, 3.7 and 31.6%. We conclude
      that between 1961 and 2007 total caloric availability remained relatively stable
      in Switzerland; the health effects of the increased and differing fat
      availability should be evaluated.

PMID- 22045226
TI  - Non-contact assessment of waist circumference: will tape measurements become
      progressively obsolete?
AB  - Waist circumference (WC) is a key variable to assess in health management as it
      is a proxy of abdominal fat mass and a surrogate marker of cardiometabolic
      disease risk, including the metabolic syndrome. Recently, a portable non-contact
      device calculating WC (ViScan) has been developed, which hence allows the
      tracking of WC independently of the inter-investigators error. We compared WC
      values obtained with this device with WC measured by simple non-stretchable tape
      in 74 adults of varying body mass indices (range 17-39 kg/m(2)). The correlation
      between the two methods was very high (r=0.97, P<0.0001) and the reproducibility
      (precision) assessed with a rigid phantom was excellent (<1 cm, coefficient of
      variability<1%). The instrument constitutes a potentially valuable tool for
      longitudinal surveys and comparative international studies, which require simple
      but precise measurements of WC in order to track the effect of subtle changes on
      various health outcomes.

PMID- 22045227
TI  - Elevated survivin is associated with a poor response to chemotherapy and reduced
      survival in lung cancer with malignant pleural effusions.
AB  - Survivin has been shown to inhibit apoptosis, enhance proliferation and promote
      angiogenesis. This study aimed to identify diagnostic value of survivin protein
      in malignant pleural effusion (MPE) and to investigate the prediction of response
      to chemotherapy and the prognostic role on pleural survivin in lung cancer
      patients with MPE. Pleural effusion samples were collected from 67 patients with
      MPE (58 lung cancers; 9 extrathoracic tumors), and from 68 patients with benign
      conditions (31 with pneumonia; 37 with tuberculosis). Concentrations of pleural
      fluid survivin, Cyfra 21-1, and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) were measured by
      enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The expression profile of survivin in pleural
      fluid, and its association with survival, were investigated. Survivin levels were
      significantly elevated in patients with MPE, especially primary lung cancer than
      in those of benign origin. Survivin, Cyfra 21-1, and CEA varied in diagnostic
      accuracy for differentiating MPE from benign pleural effusion by 67.5, 68.3, and
      93.4%, respectively. Lung cancer patients with MPE who were positive for survivin
      expression were more refractory to chemotherapy (P = 0.003). Positive for
      survivin expression was correlated with a reduced overall survival in univariate
      (P = 0.0001) and multivariate (P = 0.004) analyses. Using the appropriate cut-off
      points, CEA in pleural fluid has a higher accuracy than other tumor markers, and
      that survivin has a low diagnostic accuracy for differentiating MPE from benign
      pleural effusion. Our findings suggest that positive survivin expression may be
      used as a predictor of a poor response to chemotherapy and shorter survival in
      lung cancer patients with MPE.

PMID- 22045228
TI  - Wobble base-pairing slows in vivo translation elongation in metazoans.
AB  - In the universal genetic code, most amino acids can be encoded by multiple
      trinucleotide codons, and the choice among available codons can influence
      position-specific translation elongation rates. By using sequence-based ribosome
      profiling, we obtained transcriptome-wide profiles of in vivo ribosome occupancy
      as a function of codon identity in Caenorhabditis elegans and human cells.
      Particularly striking in these profiles was a universal trend of higher ribosome
      occupancy for codons translated via G:U wobble base-pairing compared with
      synonymous codons that pair with the same tRNA family using G:C base-pairing.
      These data support a model in which ribosomal translocation is slowed at wobble
      codon positions.

PMID- 22045229
TI  - Laparoscopic total gastrectomy for multiple sporadic gastric gastrointestinal
      stromal tumors: report of a case.
AB  - A 64-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with hematemesis. Emergency upper
      gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed bleeding from a submucosal tumor (SMT) in the
      antrum of the stomach, with two other SMTs at different sites. Based on his
      family history, we diagnosed familial multiple gastric gastrointestinal stromal
      tumors (GISTs) and performed laparoscopic total gastrectomy. Three distinct
      tumors were found: one in the fornix, one in the lesser curvature of the angle,
      and one in the antrum of the stomach. Microscopic examination of the resected
      specimens revealed different cytomorphologies, of the spindle and epithelioid
      type, as well as immunophenotypes in the tumors. Mutation analysis revealed
      different sites of mutation in c-kit and PDGFRA. No mutation was detected in the
      normal tissue of the stomach. These findings confirmed a diagnosis of multiple
      sporadic gastric GISTs. Thus, investigating germline mutation might assist in the
      preoperative diagnosis of multiple gastric GISTs.

PMID- 22045230
TI  - Successful resection of a massive mediastinal liposarcoma that rapidly extended
      into the entire left thoracic cavity: report of a case.
AB  - Primary mediastinal liposarcomas are rare malignancies, comprising fewer than 1%
      of all mediastinal tumors. We herein report a radical resection of a massive
      liposarcoma arising from the anterior mediastinum. A 63-year-old male patient
      presented with a 4-week history of dyspnea that had worsened over the previous
      several days. The patient had also experienced hoarseness for 2 weeks. Chest X
      ray and computed tomography revealed a huge tumor occupying the entire left
      thoracic cavity. Anesthesia was induced when the patient was in the left
      semilateral position. The patient was moved into the right lateral position after
      initially stabilizing anesthesia with separate lung ventilation. The fourth rib
      was initially resected for thoracotomy, but there was no clearance between the
      tumor and the adjacent mediastinal structures, and two more ribs were therefore
      removed. The tumor had not invaded the other structures such as the chest wall,
      lung, or mediastinum. To reduce the tumor blood flow, the left internal mammary
      artery was ligated before the tumor was resected en bloc. The tumor was diagnosed
      as a liposarcoma arising from the thymus. The patient remains alive with no
      evidence of disease recurrence at 22 months after the operation.

PMID- 22045231
TI  - Digital evaluation of the muscle functions of the lower extremities among
      inguinal hernia patients treated using three different surgical techniques: a
      prospective randomized study.
AB  - PURPOSE: An inguinal hernia is a common pathology that can be treated using
      several different surgical procedures. Although there have been many studies
      comparing the clinical results of these techniques, there has so far been no
      digital analysis of the alterations developing secondary to pain with regard to
      the muscle functions of the lower extremities. This prospective randomized trial
      was designed to compare this aspect for subjects treated using the laparoscopic
      techniques and those treated using the conventional method. METHODS: A total of
      75 patients, 25 of whom who had undergone hernia repair using the total
      extraperitoneal technique, 25 of whom who had undergone repair using the
      transabdominal preperitoneal technique, and 25 who had undergone repair using the
      Prolene mesh graft technique, were evaluated preoperatively and on the third
      postoperative day by isometric and isokinetic measurements, the visual analog
      score (VAS), the necessity of postoperative analgesia, complications, and the
      time that had elapsed before returning to work, and these results were recorded.
      RESULTS: Hernia repair using the conventional method led to an average of 3 times
      more muscle function loss compared with the laparoscopic techniques, and this
      difference was shown to be statistically significant. The VAS, postoperative
      complications, and time elapsed before returning to work were lower for
      laparoscopic surgeries and also were compatible with the findings described in
      the previous literature. CONCLUSIONS: Use of a digital environment with numerical
      parameters and measurements recorded using a dynamometer demonstrated that in the
      early postoperative period and on the third postoperative day, open surgery
      causes more functional loss in the lower extremities than laparoscopic methods.
      Therefore, surgeons should use laparoscopic methods whenever possible to reduce
      both pain and loss of muscle function.

PMID- 22045232
TI  - Spontaneous regression of multiple pulmonary recurrences of hepatocellular
      carcinoma after hepatectomy: report of a case.
AB  - Spontaneous regression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an extremely rare
      phenomenon. We herein report the case of a 73-year-old man who showed the
      spontaneous regression of multiple pulmonary recurrences of HCC that had occurred
      after hepatectomy. The patient was undergoing dialysis due to diabetic renal
      failure when ultrasonography revealed a liver tumor (diameter ~ 10 cm). A
      preoperative diagnosis of HCC with hepatic vein thrombosis was made. The liver
      function was well preserved and then the right hepatic vein area was resected.
      Two months after hepatectomy the alpha-fetoprotein level increased, and multiple
      lung nodules were observed on follow-up computed tomography. A diagnosis of
      multiple lung metastases was made, but no therapy was started because of the
      patient's renal failure. Five months after hepatectomy the alpha-fetoprotein
      level normalized, and the metastases regressed completely. The patient is now
      doing well without any recurrence at 13 months after the surgery. The associated
      literature on spontaneous HCC regression is also reviewed.

PMID- 22045233
TI  - Surgical management of small bowel metastases from primary carcinoma of the lung.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the treatment and outcomes in a series of seven cases of
      small bowel metastases from lung cancer. METHODS: A total of 4114 patients with
      lung cancer were referred to this institution from 1995 to 2005. Seven (0.17%)
      developed symptomatic small bowel metastasis and were treated surgically. The
      clinical, radiological, and pathological records were reviewed. RESULTS: Small
      bowel metastases were diagnosed from 0 to 31 months (mean 11.5 months) after the
      diagnosis of lung cancer. The clinical symptoms at presentation were acute
      peritonitis in two patients and abdominal pain in five. Small bowel metastasis
      was suspected on abdominal X-ray in three cases, computed tomography in two,
      small bowel radiography in one, and endogastroduodenoscopy in one. All patients
      underwent surgery and there were no perioperative deaths. Intestinal resection
      was performed in five cases and a bypass in two. A small bowel metastasis was
      found in the ileum in four patients. The mean survival period was 7.7 months
      after surgery. One patient lived for 22 months after bowel resection. Oral intake
      was possible 1 month after surgery in six cases. CONCLUSION: Surgical management
      should be considered as palliative treatment in patients with a bowel obstruction
      or peritonitis caused by primary lung cancer.

PMID- 22045234
TI  - Successful closure of an open-window thoracostomy wound by negative-pressure
      wound therapy: report of a case.
AB  - Negative-pressure wound therapy is a newly developed, noninvasive technique to
      manage a wide variety of wounds. This novel therapy was successfully used to heal
      the wound after open-window thoracostomy without surgical closure. A 46-year-old
      woman was admitted to hospital because of a painful mass on the right side of her
      chest. Radiological findings revealed an abscess on the right chest wall that had
      ruptured into the right lung and caused empyema. Antibiotic therapy did not yield
      sufficient improvement. Open-window thoracostomy was performed to achieve a
      sterile pleural space, and negative-pressure wound therapy was then applied. The
      pleural space was reduced, and the patient was discharged home with self
      administered wound care. The wound healed completely in 5 months without any need
      for surgical closure.

PMID- 22045235
TI  - Will (or can) people pay for headache care in a poor country?
AB  - We asked whether attempts to introduce headache services in poor countries would
      be futile on grounds of cost and unsustainability. Using data from a population
      based survey in the Republic of Georgia, an exemplary poor country with limited
      health care, and against the background of headache-attributed burden, we report
      on willingness to pay (WTP) for effective headache treatment. Consecutive
      households were visited in areas of Tbilisi (urban) and Kakheti (rural), together
      representative of Georgian habitation. Biologically unrelated adults were
      interviewed by medical residents using a structured ICHD-II-based diagnostic
      questionnaire, the MIDAS questionnaire and SF-36. The bidding-game method was
      employed to assess WTP. Of 1,145 respondents, 50.0% had episodic headache
      (migraine and/or tension-type headache) and 7.6% had headache on >=15 days/month,
      which was not further diagnosed. MIDAS scores were higher in people with headache
      on >=15 days/month (mean 11.2) than in those with episodic headache (mean 7.0; P
      = 0.004). People with headache had worse scores in all SF-36 sub-scales than
      those without, but no differences were found between headache types. Almost all
      (93%) respondents with headache reported WTP averaging USD 8 per month for
      effective headache treatment. WTP did not correlate with headache type or
      frequency, or with MIDAS or SF-36 scores. Headache is common and headache
      attributed burden is high in Georgia, with a profound impact on HRQoL. Even those
      less affected indicated WTP for effective treatment, if it were available, that
      would on average cover costs, which locally are low. Headache services in a poor
      country are potentially sustainable.

PMID- 22045236
TI  - Structural changes in the hippocampus and amygdala at first episode of psychosis.
AB  - Hippocampus and amygdala changes have been implicated in the pathophysiology and
      symptomatology of both schizophrenia (SCZ) and bipolar disorder (BD). However
      relationships between illness course, neuropathological changes and variations in
      symptomatology remain unclear. This investigation examined the associations
      between hippocampus and amygdala volumes and symptom dimensions in schizophrenia
      and bipolar disorder patients after their first episode of psychosis. Symptom
      severity was associated with decreases in hippocampus/amygdala complex volume
      across groups. In keeping with previous work bilateral hippocampus and amygdala
      volume reductions were also identified in the SCZ patients while in BD patients
      only evidence of amygdala inflation reached significance. The study concludes
      that there appear to be important relationships between volume changes in the
      hippocampus and amygdala and dimensions and severity of symptomatology in
      psychosis. Structural alterations are apparent in both SCZ and BD after first
      episode of psychosis but present differently in each illness and are more severe
      in SCZ.

PMID- 22045237
TI  - Acute kidney injury: Severity of illness scoring systems in acute kidney injury.

PMID- 22045238
TI  - Dialysis: Initiation of dialysis at higher levels of eGFR: what are the
      implications for patients?

PMID- 22045239
TI  - Clinical usefulness of novel prognostic biomarkers in patients on hemodialysis.
AB  - Prognosis, risk stratification and monitoring the effects of treatment are
      fundamental elements in the decision-making process when implementing prevention
      strategies for chronic kidney disease. The use of biomarkers is increasingly
      proposed as a method to refine risk stratification and guide therapy. In this
      Review, we present basic concepts regarding the validation of biomarkers and
      highlight difficulties inherent to the identification of useful new biomarkers in
      patients on hemodialysis. We focus on prognostic biomarkers that have been
      consistently linked to survival in this group of patients. To date, no biomarker
      has had sufficient full-scale testing to qualify as a useful addition to standard
      prognostic factors or to guide the prescription of specific treatments in this
      population. Furthermore, little information exists on the relative strength of
      various biomarkers for their prediction of mortality. A multimarker approach
      might refine prognosis in patients on hemodialysis, but this concept needs to be
      properly evaluated in large longitudinal studies and clinical trials. The
      potential of proteomics for the identification and study of new biomarkers in the
      pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease in patients with end-stage renal
      disease is also discussed.

PMID- 22045240
TI  - Effluent volume and dialysis dose in CRRT: time for reappraisal.
AB  - The results of several studies assessing dialysis dose have dampened the
      enthusiasm of clinicians for considering dialysis dose as a modifiable factor
      influencing outcomes in patients with acute kidney injury. Powerful evidence from
      two large, multicenter trials indicates that increasing the dialysis dose,
      measured as hourly effluent volume, has no benefit in continuous renal
      replacement therapy (CRRT). However, some important operational characteristics
      that affect delivered dose were not evaluated. Effluent volume does not
      correspond to the actual delivered dose, as a decline in filter efficacy reduces
      solute removal during therapy. We believe that providing accurate parameters of
      delivered dose could improve the delivery of a prescribed dose and refine the
      assessment of the effect of dose on outcomes in critically ill patients treated
      with CRRT.

PMID- 22045241
TI  - Transplantation: Induction of immune tolerance in kidney transplant recipients.

PMID- 22045242
TI  - The podocyte as a target for therapies--new and old.
AB  - Injury to the podocyte results in proteinuria and often leads to progressive
      kidney disease. As podocytes have limited ability to repair and/or regenerate,
      the extent of podocyte injury is a major prognostic determinant in diabetic
      nephropathy and other common causes of end-stage renal disease. Therapies aimed
      at preventing or limiting podocyte injury and/or at promoting podocyte repair or
      regeneration therefore have major potential clinical and economic benefits. Many
      current therapies--including glucocorticosteroids and calcineurin antagonists-
      have potent effects on podocytes. The nonspecific natures of these agents lead to
      undesirable systemic adverse effects: an agent with a more specific focus on
      podocytes would cause less treatment-associated morbidity. Recent years have seen
      dramatic advances in our understanding of podocyte biology and in particular
      regulation of its actin cytoskeleton, the major determinant of the complex
      architecture on which these cells depend for their function. This advance has
      allowed the identification of potential therapeutic targets and the next few
      years should see the development and testing of specific therapies aimed at the
      podocyte. Thus we are about to move from a situation where some of our
      'blunderbuss' older therapies fortuitously happened to have beneficial effects on
      podocytes to a new era where advances in biological knowledge about a key cell
      type in the kidney will allow targeted drug design. As well as being
      intellectually more satisfying, every reason exists to believe that patients of
      the future will benefit and that the scourge of progressive kidney disease will
      be more effectively tackled.

PMID- 22045244
TI  - Persistent photoinduced magnetization in the coexisting spin-glass and
      ferromagnetic phases of Pr0.9Ca0.1MnO3 thin film.
AB  - The persistent photoinduced magnetization (PPM) in the low bandwidth material
      Pr(1-x)Ca(x)MnO3 at the low hole doping level of x = 0.1 is reported. Upon zero
      field cooling under photoexcitation, significant improvement of the ferromagnetic
      (FM) ordering was observed in the low temperature spin-glass phase. However, upon
      field cooling, the FM ordering was found to be suppressed due to weakening of the
      double-exchange interaction. High kinetic energy x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy
      measurements indicated a slight increase in the Mn3+ peak under photoexcitation
      which clarifies the weakening of the FM interaction. The fast relaxation of the
      PPM is discussed in view of localization of spin polarons in sites of magnetic
      disorders and the results are compared with previous reports of PPM in
      intermediate bandwidth Pr0.9Ca0.1MnO3 samples.

PMID- 22045243
TI  - The pathogenesis and diagnosis of acute kidney injury in multiple myeloma.
AB  - Renal failure remains a principal cause of morbidity for patients with multiple
      myeloma. Once reversible factors such as hypercalcemia have been corrected, the
      most common cause of severe renal failure in these patients is a
      tubulointerstitial pathology that results from the very high circulating
      concentrations of monoclonal immunoglobulin free light chains. These endogenous
      proteins can result in isolated proximal tubule cell cytotoxicity,
      tubulointerstitial nephritis and cast nephropathy (myeloma kidney). Less
      frequently, high levels of free light chains can lead to immunoglobulin light
      chain amyloidosis and light chain deposition disease, although these conditions
      are usually associated with insidious progression of renal failure rather than
      acute kidney injury. Unless there is rapid intervention, progressive and
      irreversible damage occurs, particularly interstitial fibrosis and tubular
      atrophy. Despite advances in our understanding of the pathogenesis of these
      processes there has been a gap in translating these achievements into improved
      patient outcomes. The International Kidney and Monoclonal Gammopathy Research
      Group was formed to address this need. In this Review, we discuss the mechanisms
      of disease and diagnostic approaches to patients with acute kidney injury
      complicating multiple myeloma.

PMID- 22045245
TI  - Circadian variation in ictus of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Temporal patterns in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) may
      provide insight into modulation, and therefore, prevention of hemorrhage. We
      investigated the time of hemorrhage and its relationship to traditional risk
      factors among patients admitted with aSAH. METHODS: Admitted patients with aSAH
      were prospectively followed through outcomes and baseline demographics were
      abstracted through chart review. The group temporal distribution by hour of onset
      was summarized with cosinor nonlinear least squares. aSAH onset was gathered into
      night (2300-0500), morning (0500-1100), afternoon (1100-1700), and evening (0500
      2300) daily phases. The odds ratio (OR) with 95% CI was calculated for having an
      aSAH during the morning, afternoon, and evening hours using night as a reference.
      Multinomial logit models were fitted using aSAH cases across time blocks to
      determine their associations with different risk factors. RESULTS: 202 patients
      had the hour of hemorrhage available, and 49 had phase identifiable [total 251:
      38 (15%) night, 98 (39%) morning, 58 (23%) afternoon, 57 (23%) evening]. The peak
      hours of aSAH were between 0700 and 0800 representing 13% of the sample, with a
      significant cosinor-fitted phase of 7.33(95% CI 5.30, 9.36). For all aSAH cases,
      morning onset was significantly more common than night onset (OR = 2.58, 95% CI =
      1.77-3.75). Nonsmokers were more likely to have aSAH in the morning than smokers
      (P = 0.043, OR = 3.10, 95% CI = 1.33-7.23). CONCLUSIONS: aSAH occur in a diurnal,
      morning prevalent pattern regardless of traditional aSAH risk factors. The
      association of these risk factors with existing onset patterns should be
      investigated in future studies.

PMID- 22045246
TI  - Geographic access to US Neurocritical Care Units registered with the
      Neurocritical Care Society.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neurocritical care provides multidisciplinary, specialized care to
      critically ill neurological patients, yet an understanding of the proportion of
      the population able to rapidly access specialized Neurocritical Care Units (NCUs)
      in the United States is currently unknown. We sought to quantify geographic
      access to NCUs by state, division, region, and for the US as a whole. In
      addition, we examined how mode of transportation (ground or air ambulance), and
      prehospital transport times affected population access to NCUs. METHODS: Data
      were obtained from the Neurocritical Care Society (NCS), US Census Bureau and the
      Atlas and Database of Air Medical Services. Empirically derived prehospital time
      intervals and validated models estimating prehospital ground and air travel times
      were used to calculate total prehospital times. A discrete total prehospital time
      interval was calculated for each small unit of geographic analysis (block group)
      and block group populations were summed to determine the proportion of Americans
      able to reach a NCU within discrete time intervals (45, 60, 75, and 90 min).
      Results are presented for different geographies and for different modes of
      prehospital transport (ground or air ambulance). RESULTS: There are 73 NCUs in
      the US using ground transportation alone, 12.8, 20.5, 27.4, and 32.6% of the US
      population are within 45, 60, 75, and 90 min of an NCU, respectively. Use of air
      ambulances increases access to 36.8, 50.4, 60, and 67.3 within 45, 60, 75, and 90
      min, respectively. The Northeast has the highest access rates in the US using
      ground ambulances and for 45, 60, and 75 min transport times with the addition of
      air ambulances. At 90 min, the West has the highest access rate. The Southern
      region has the lowest ground and air access to NCUs access rates for all
      transport times. CONCLUSIONS: Using NCUs registered with the NCS, current
      geographic access to NCUs is limited in the US, and geographic disparities in
      access to care exist. While additional NCUs may exist beyond those identified by
      the NCS database, we identify geographies with limited access to NCUs and offer a
      population-based planning perspective on the further development of the US
      neurocritical care system.

PMID- 22045247
TI  - A neurological complication of a uterine fibroid.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Uterine leiomyoma (or fibroid) can be associated with secondary
      polycythemia and venous thrombosis, but there has been no report of intracranial
      venous thrombosis associated with leiomyoma. METHODS: We describe a case report
      of a cerebral venous thrombosis associated with erythrocytosis and a uterine
      fibroid in a non-smoking female with no history of malignancy or hormone use. The
      hemoglobin and erythropoietin normalized after removal of her uterine fibroid.
      RESULTS: MRI/MRV of this 60-year-old cephalalgic female revealed extensive
      thrombus throughout the sagittal sinus and right transverse sinus. CT of the
      abdomen revealed a 16 * 13 * 12 cm solid mass arising for the uterus consistent
      with a uterine fibroid. PET scan was negative for malignancy. Hemoglobin on
      admission was 18.4 g/dl. Erythropoietin was 16.6 mIU/ml. One month after
      hysterectomy, her hemoglobin was 12.6 g/dl and her erythropoietin was 4.7 mIU/ml.
      CONCLUSIONS: Cerebral vein thrombosis is a potential complication of uterine
      fibroids with erythrocytosis.

PMID- 22045248
TI  - Strategies to decrease the risk of ventricular catheter infections: a review of
      the evidence.
AB  - The use of antibiotic-coated external ventricular catheters has been
      controversial among practitioners; although several papers have documented
      decreased adherence of microbes to catheters treated with antibiotics, there is
      no universally accepted practice standard for the use of coated catheters for the
      prevention of clinical infection. In this paper, we review the in vivo and in
      vitro evidence for antibiotic-coated catheters.

PMID- 22045249
TI  - Ultra-early aneurysmal rebleeding and brainstem destruction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Early secondary neurologic deterioration after aneurysmal
      subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) may have many causes including rebleeding,
      hydrocephalus, parenchymal hematoma, or seizures. METHODS: Case report. RESULTS:
      A 69-year-old woman presented with thunderclap headache and nausea. A head
      computed tomography (CT) showed SAH. On initial evaluation she was awake, alert,
      and confused without focal neurologic deficits. Two episodes of marked clinical
      deterioration occurred, manifesting as acute unresponsiveness and fixed
      anisocoria. Serial head CTs showed massive extension of hemorrhage into the
      brainstem parenchyma and ventricles. CONCLUSIONS: Sudden clinical deterioration
      after SAH with coma and a fixed "blown" pupil may result from hemorrhage
      extension into the brainstem parenchyma rather than oculomotor nerve injury from
      compression or stretch.

PMID- 22045250
TI  - Zwitterionic sulfobetaine lipids that form vesicles with salt-dependent
      thermotropic properties.
AB  - We describe a class of zwitterionic sulfobetaine (SB) lipids with fascinating
      salt-dependent properties. SB lipids are zwitter-neutral across a broad pH range;
      however they have negative surface potentials in the presence of anions and two
      salt-dependent transition temperatures. These new SB lipids provide insight on
      the role of charge orientation at the membrane interface and may be useful
      components in drug delivery systems.

PMID- 22045251
TI  - [Sequelae of burns. Foreword].

PMID- 22045252
TI  - Piezoelectric microelectromechanical resonant sensors for chemical and biological
      detection.
AB  - Piezoelectric microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) resonant sensors, known for
      their excellent mass resolution, have been studied for many applications,
      including DNA hybridization, protein-ligand interactions, and immunosensor
      development. They have also been explored for detecting antigens, organic gas,
      toxic ions, and explosives. Most piezoelectric MEMS resonant sensors are acoustic
      sensors (with specific coating layers) that enable selective and label-free
      detection of biological events in real time. These label-free technologies have
      recently garnered significant attention for their sensitive and quantitative
      multi-parameter analysis of biological systems. Since piezoelectric MEMS resonant
      sensors do more than transform analyte mass or thickness into an electrical
      signal (e.g., frequency and impedance), special attention must be paid to their
      potential beyond microweighing, such as measuring elastic and viscous properties,
      and several types of sensors currently under development operate at different
      resonant modes (i.e., thickness extensional mode, thickness shear mode, lateral
      extensional mode, flexural mode, etc.). In this review, we provide an overview of
      recent developments in micromachined resonant sensors and activities relating to
      biochemical interfaces for acoustic sensors.

PMID- 22045253
TI  - Neural mechanism of conflict control in a number interference task.
AB  - The electrophysiological bases of conflict control in a number interference task
      was measured in 21 healthy study participants using event-related brain
      potentials (ERPs). In the number interference task, participants were instructed
      to ignore the number words meaning and to report the number of the number words.
      The number words were 'two', 'three', or 'four'. We focused on the differences
      between the incongruent condition (e.g. 'two' written four times) and the
      congruent condition (e.g. four written four times). Scalp ERP analysis revealed
      that the incongruent condition elicited a more negative ERP deflection (N350-470)
      than the congruent condition between 350 and 470 ms, and a more late positive
      deflection (LPC) than the congruent condition between 550 and 650 ms. N350-470
      was a critical sign of conflict monitoring in the early phase, and LPC mirrored
      conflict resolution in the terminal stage. The results provided evidence for the
      dissociation between conflict monitoring and conflict resolution in the number
      interference task.

PMID- 22045254
TI  - Reagents that block neuronal death from Huntington's disease also curb oxidative
      stress.
AB  - Patients with Huntington's disease suffer severe neuronal loss and signs of
      oxidative damage in the brain. Previously we found that primary neurons from
      embryonic cortex of mice bearing the Huntington's disease mutation (140
      glutamines inserted into exon 1 of huntingtin) showed higher levels of reactive
      oxygen species before cell death. Here, we treated mutant neurons with known
      neuroprotective agents and determined the effects on neuronal survival and levels
      of reactive oxygen species. Primary neurons were exposed to the neurotrophin,
      brain derived neurotrophic factor, the antioxidant N-acetyl-cysteine or a
      specific inhibitor of glycogen synthase kinase 3-beta, SB216763. Each reagent
      increased the survival of the mutant neurons compared with untreated mutant
      neurons and also reduced the levels of reactive oxygen species to levels of wild
      type neurons. These results suggest that reducing the levels of reactive oxygen
      species may be necessary to protect neurons with the Huntington's disease
      mutation from cell death.

PMID- 22045255
TI  - Protein transduction into the mouse otocyst using arginine-rich cell-penetrating
      peptides.
AB  - The mouse otocyst, an anlage of the inner ear, is an attractive experimental
      target for developing treatment modalities for congenital inner ear diseases and
      for studying inner ear development. Poly-arginine (6-12 residues) is a cell
      penetrating peptide and can be used to deliver cargo into cells. Here, we
      achieved transutero delivery of enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) fused
      to a nine-arginine peptide into mouse embryonic otocysts. The EGFP signal was
      detected both in the lining cells of the otocysts and in their vicinity at 18 h
      post injection. Mice injected with EGFP fused to a nine-arginine peptide had
      normal auditory and vestibular functions. These data suggest that protein
      transduction using poly-arginine may be a useful alternative strategy to commonly
      used gene delivery methods for delivering therapeutically relevant molecules to
      the developing inner ear.

PMID- 22045256
TI  - The involvement of the neurosteroid allopregnanolone in the antihyperalgesic
      effect of paroxetine in a rat model of neuropathic pain.
AB  - Paroxetine increases the levels of neurosteroids, such as allopregnanolone (AP),
      that influence the excitability of the central nervous system by positive
      allosteric modulation of gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptors. Here, we
      investigated the role of AP synthesis on the paroxetine-induced antihyperalgesic
      effect in a rat model of neuropathic pain induced by lumbar spinal nerve ligation
      (SNL). Subcutaneous administration of paroxetine in SNL rats, dose-dependently
      decreased the probability of hyperalgesic response and increased AP levels in the
      spine but not in either brain or serum. Concomitant treatment with an inhibitor
      of the AP-synthesizing enzyme, finasteride, attenuated the paroxetine-induced
      antihyperalgesic effect as well as the paroxetine-induced increase in spinal AP
      levels. Intrathecal injection of exogenous AP mimicked the analgesic effects of
      paroxetine in vehicle-treated SNL rats, whereas no additional analgesic effects
      were observed in paroxetine-treated SNL rats. Our findings suggest that the
      antihyperalgesic effect of paroxetine in a rat neuropathic pain model is AP
      mediated. These results also suggest that pharmacological-based therapies
      targeting AP synthesis might be a promising treatment for neuropathic pain.

PMID- 22045257
TI  - Assessing spatial perception in aging using an adapted Landolt-C technique.
AB  - This study investigated luminance and texture-defined spatial information
      processing in normal aging using an adapted Landolt-C technique. Sensitivity to C
      target stimuli (optotypes) was measured for four age groups: 18-34, 35-49, 50-64,
      and 65+ years. Participants indicated optotype gap-opening orientations (up,
      down, left, or right) at different levels of luminance or texture contrast.
      Although sensitivity did not differ across age group for the luminance-defined
      optotypes, sensitivity for texture-defined optotypes for the 65+ years age group
      was significantly decreased relative to that of the youngest group (18-34 years).
      Results suggest that age-related changes in visual function can be dissociated at
      different levels of processing, and may be better defined using stimuli that
      necessarily depend on higher levels of neural functioning to be perceived.

PMID- 22045258
TI  - The near-miss effect in slot-machine gambling:  modulation of feedback-related
      negativity by subjective value.
AB  - Near-miss plays an important role in the development of gambling addictions. In
      this study, we measured the neural correlates of the process by which near-miss
      outcomes are evaluated in simplified, static, slot-machine gambling using event
      related potentials. Analysis of event-related potentials revealed that the size
      of FRN (feedback-related negativity) for a near miss is between the full miss and
      the win. These results suggest that participants distinguish among near misses,
      full misses, and wins during the early evaluation phase. The subjective value and
      objective value of outcome were assessed separately to discuss FRN on outcome
      evaluation. It is suggested that FRN is mediated not only by the objective value
      of outcomes but also by the subjective value of feedback.

PMID- 22045259
TI  - The relationship in gating effects between short-latency and long-latency
      somatosensory-evoked potentials.
AB  - We investigated the relationship between short-latency and long-latency
      somatosensory-evoked potentials (SEPs) relating to voluntary movement. In
      general, the amplitudes of short-latency components in SEPs are attenuated during
      movement, whereas those of long-latency are enhanced, and this phenomenon is
      termed 'gating effects'. This study aimed to examine the relationship of changes
      in amplitude between short-latency and long-latency SEPs. SEPs were recorded from
      11 participants at Fz, Cz, Pz, and C4' by stimulating the left median nerve. Two
      tasks were conducted; Control and Movement. In Control, the participant was asked
      to relax with no specific task. In Movement, the participant was encouraged to
      continue a rapid drumming motion of all fingers of the left hand at a self-paced
      rate. The amplitudes of short-latency SEPs, the P25 at C4' and N30 at Fz, were
      significantly smaller in the Movement than Control condition. By contrast, the
      amplitudes of long-latency SEPs, the N140 at Fz, Cz, and Pz were significantly
      larger in Movement than Control condition. Moreover, a significant positive
      correlation was observed in the rate of amplitude change between the frontal N30
      and vertex N140, indicating that for the participants with a frontal N30 of
      smaller amplitude during Movement, the amplitude of the vertex N140 was smaller.
      We inferred that the neural activities in movement-related cortices affected the
      sources for the frontal N30 and vertex N140 in the same neuronal network
      simultaneously.

PMID- 22045260
TI  - White matter integrity and math performance in pediatric multiple sclerosis:  a
      diffusion tensor imaging study.
AB  - Multiple sclerosis is associated with reduced white matter integrity and deficits
      in key cognitive processes important for arithmetic. This study examined the
      relationship between white matter microstructure and academic ability in 31
      youths with multiple sclerosis (aged 11-19 years) and 34 demographically matched
      controls. Using diffusion tensor imaging, fractional anisotropy was calculated in
      corpus callosum and in lateralized hemispheric lobes. Difficulties with written
      arithmetic ability were observed in 26% of patients. Arithmetic ability
      correlated with fractional anisotropy values across all segments of the corpus
      callosum and in right frontal and parietal regions, controlling for age (r values
      >0.5, P<0.005). Findings highlight the functional impact of compromised white
      matter microstructure across diffuse regions of the brain on mathematical
      ability.

PMID- 22045261
TI  - Establishment of a prolonged pancreas preservation model for islet isolation
      research in mice.
AB  - Establishing a prolonged pancreas preservation model in a small animal is
      important for islet isolation research. Use of a rat pancreas model has been
      reported, but no published reports have used a mouse pancreas for prolonged cold
      preservation prior to islet isolation. For the model, a mouse is preferred over a
      rat because of its small size, well-known immune characterization, and variety of
      gene-modulated models. In the present study, we established a prolonged pancreas
      preservation model in a mouse for islet isolation research. The collagenase
      solution was injected successfully after 24 and 48 h cold preservations in
      University of Wisconsin solution, and islets could be isolated from both groups
      of preserved pancreata. The islet yields from the control, 24 h preserved, and 48
      h preserved pancreata were 183.9 +/- 13.9, 128.5 +/- 15.5, and 24.6 +/- 12.9 per
      pancreas, respectively. The propidium iodide-positive area assay was
      significantly increased in both preserved groups, and insulin secretion levels in
      response to 20.0 mM glucose and stimulation indices were significantly decreased
      in the 48 h preserved group. Inflammation-related genes mRNA levels were
      significantly upregulated in the 24 h preserved group, as previously shown in the
      human model. Thus, this model might be useful for prehuman islet isolation
      screening research, reserving research using human pancreata for the most
      promising approaches.

PMID- 22045262
TI  - Loss of Bmal1 leads to uncoupling and impaired glucose-stimulated insulin
      secretion in beta-cells.
AB  - The circadian clock has been shown to regulate metabolic homeostasis. Mice with a
      deletion of Bmal1, a key component of the core molecular clock, develop
      hyperglycemia and hypoinsulinemia, suggesting beta-cell dysfunction. However, the
      underlying mechanisms are not fully known. In this study, we investigated the
      mechanisms underlying the regulation of beta-cell function by Bmal1. We studied
      beta-cell function in global Bmal1-/- mice, in vivo and in isolated islets ex
      vivo, as well as in rat insulinoma cell lines with shRNA-mediated Bmal1
      knockdown. Global Bmal1-/- mice develop diabetes secondary to a significant
      impairment in glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS). There is a blunting of
      GSIS in both isolated Bmal1-/- islets and in Bmal1 knockdown cells, as compared
      to controls, suggesting that this is secondary to a loss of cell-autonomous
      effect of Bmal1. In contrast to previous studies, in these Bmal1-/- mice on a
      C57Bl/6 background, the loss of stimulated insulin secretion, interestingly, is
      with glucose but not to other depolarizing secretagogues, suggesting that events
      downstream of membrane depolarization are largely normal in Bmal1-/- islets. This
      defect in GSIS occurs as a result increased mitochondrial uncoupling with
      consequent impairment of glucose-induced mitochondrial potential generation and
      ATP synthesis, due to an upregulation of Ucp2. Inhibition of Ucp2, in isolated
      islets, leads to a rescue of the glucose-induced ATP production and insulin
      secretion in Bmal1-/- islets. Thus, Bmal1 regulates mitochondrial energy
      metabolism to maintain normal GSIS and its disruption leads to diabetes due to a
      loss of GSIS.

PMID- 22045263
TI  - The redundant role of JAK2 in regulating pancreatic beta-cell mass.
AB  - Janus kinase (JAK) 2 is a non-receptor tyrosine kinase that mediates the
      downstream effects of various growth factors, including growth hormone,
      prolactin, placental lactogen, and erythropoietin (EPO). EPO is a hematopoietic
      growth factor that is largely known for its role in promoting proliferation,
      differentiation and survival of cells in the erythroid lineage. Global loss of
      the EPO receptor (EPO-R) has been shown to be embryonically lethal in mice due to
      anemia attributed to defects in erythropoiesis. Interesting, mice with global
      deficiency of JAK2 share a similar developmental phenotype as the EPO-R knockout
      mice, demonstrating that JAK2 is essential in eliciting the biological effects of
      EPO, particularly in erythrocytosis. Recent studies from our group have shown
      that exogenous EPO protects mice against diabetes through direct effects on
      pancreatic beta-cells, and these protective effects are dependent on the presence
      of JAK2 in the beta-cells. Here, we briefly highlight the cytoprotective effects
      of exogenous EPO in the pancreatic beta-cells as well as our new findings on the
      redundant role of JAK2 in beta-cell expansion after high-fat feeding in mice.

PMID- 22045264
TI  - Proangiogenic effects of environmentally relevant levels of bisphenol A in human
      primary endothelial cells.
AB  - Bisphenol A (BPA) is widely used in the manufacturing of consumer products such
      as plastic food containers and food cans. Experimental studies suggest a
      relationship between exposure to BPA and changes in metabolic processes and
      reproductive organs. Also, epidemiological studies report an association between
      elevated exposure to BPA and cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Although
      alterations in the vascular endothelium are implicated in pathological conditions
      associated with BPA, little is known about the effects of BPA in the human
      endothelium. This study aimed to investigate the effects of 0.1 nM-1 MUM of BPA
      on selected biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, and angiogenesis
      in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). The mRNA expression of
      biomarkers was assayed using qRT-PCR, and the production of nitric oxide and
      reactive oxygen species was measured using the H(2)DCFDA and the DAF-FM assays.
      The effect of BPA on phosphorylated eNOS was examined using Western blot and
      immunofluorescence, and the endothelial tube formation assay was used to
      investigate in vitro angiogenesis. BPA (<=1 MUM) increased the mRNA expression of
      the proangiogenic genes VEGFR-2, VEGF-A, eNOS, and Cx43 and increased the
      production of nitric oxide in HUVEC. Furthermore, BPA increased the expression of
      phosphorylated eNOS and endothelial tube formation in HUVEC. These studies
      demonstrate that environmentally relevant levels of BPA have direct proangiogenic
      effects on human primary endothelial cells in vitro suggesting that the human
      endothelium may be an important target for BPA.

PMID- 22045265
TI  - Abnormal multifocal ERG findings in patients with normal-appearing retinal
      anatomy.
AB  - To evaluate eyes with abnormal visual fields and multifocal electroretinograms
      (mfERGs) but normal-appearing frequency-domain optical coherence tomography
      (fdOCT) scans, the thicknesses of the outer retinal layers were measured. A total
      of 25 eyes from 17 patients, including 15 eyes previously tested (Dale et al. in
      Doc Ophthalmol 120(2):175-186, 2009) were examined. All patients were evaluated
      with standard automated perimetry (SAP) using the 24-2 and/or 10-2 program (Zeiss
      Meditec), mfERG with 103 hexagons (Veris, EDI), and fdOCT imaging (3DOCT-2000,
      Topcon) with scans of the macula. All patients had reliable visual fields showing
      macular defects and good quality mfERG and fdOCT results. The mfERG results were
      classified as abnormal based on decreased amplitudes and/or increased latencies
      corresponding to the abnormal visual field. Based on visual inspection, three
      experienced observers classified the fdOCT scans as normal or inconclusive, as
      opposed to clearly abnormal. Retinal layers of the fdOCT scans were manually
      segmented with the aid of a computer program and compared to mean thicknesses
      from 20 controls. The thicknesses of the outer segment plus retinal pigment
      epithelium, total receptor, and inner nuclear layers were measured. Quantitative
      analysis of fdOCT scans demonstrated thinning of the outer retina in some scans
      that was not readily apparent on visual inspection. One or more of the outer
      retinal layers was significantly thinner in 15 of the 25 eyes. The absence of
      significant thinning in the other 10 eyes represents instances in which
      functional loss measured by visual fields and mfERGs can precede clear structural
      changes on fdOCT.

PMID- 22045266
TI  - Calliphora vicina human myiasis: a case report.

PMID- 22045267
TI  - A review of current anesthetic concerns and concepts for cesarean hysterectomy.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Peripartum hemorrhage still remains a significant source of
      maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Abnormal placentation is one of the
      leading causes of peripartum hemorrhage. RECENT FINDINGS: The incidence of
      abnormal placentation is increasing secondary to the increased incidence of
      cesarean section. The main forms of abnormal placentation include placenta
      accreta, placenta previa and low-lying placenta. Historically placenta accreta
      was an incidental finding at the time of delivery and was associated with high
      maternal morbidity and mortality. The development of new imaging techniques such
      as magnetic resonance imaging and transvaginal color Doppler sonography has
      allowed antenatal diagnosis of this condition and elective preoperative planning
      of the obstetric and anesthetic management of these patients. Optimum management
      for most cases requires elective cesarean hysterectomy, performed ideally at
      about 34 weeks' gestation. SUMMARY: The present article is an update on the state
      of-the art multidisciplinary management of parturients undergoing cesarean
      hysterectomy with special emphasis on anesthetic considerations. It summarizes
      the prevention, management and treatment of obstetric hemorrhages in parturients
      with abnormal placentation and highlights recent advances and developments. The
      obstetrician and the obstetric anesthesiologist must know, on the spot, how to
      deal with abnormal placentation-related peripartum bleeding. A multidisciplinary
      approach results in best outcomes.

PMID- 22045268
TI  - A 2020 vision for women's health.

PMID- 22045269
TI  - Longitudinal extensive transverse myelitis--it's not all neuromyelitis optica.
AB  - Longitudinal extensive transverse myelitis (LETM) is defined as a spinal cord
      lesion that extends over three or more vertebrae, as seen on MRI of the spine.
      The clinical presentation of a patient with LETM is often dramatic and can
      consist of paraparesis or tetraparesis, sensory disturbances, and gait, bladder,
      bowel and/or sexual dysfunction. LETM is a characteristic feature of
      neuromyelitis optica, but such spinal lesions can also occur in various other
      autoimmune and inflammatory diseases that involve the CNS--such as multiple
      sclerosis, sarcoidosis or Sjogren syndrome--or in infectious diseases with CNS
      involvement. Patients with a neoplastic disorder or traumatic spinal cord injury
      can also present with longitudinal spinal lesions. In this Review, the signs and
      symptoms that suggest various etiologies and differential diagnoses of LETM are
      described, and illustrated by educational case studies. The best therapeutic
      options for patients with each diagnosis are also discussed.

PMID- 22045271
TI  - Characterization of a bacteriophage, isolated from a cow with mastitis, that is
      lytic against Staphylococcus aureus strains.
AB  - Methicillin-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are now the most
      commonly reported antibiotic-resistant bacterium in clinical settings. Therefore,
      there is an urgent need to develop novel antibacterial agents to control this
      pathogen. Bacteriophage therapy is a potential alternative treatment for MRSA
      infections. The objective of this study was characterization of a novel virulent
      bacteriophage (MSA6) isolated from a cow with mastitis. Electron microscopy
      showed its resemblance to members of the family Myoviridae, with an isometric
      head (66 nm) and a long contractile tail (173 nm). The genome of phage MSA6 was
      tested by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and estimated to be about 143 kb. It
      exhibited rapid adsorption (>82% in 5 min), a short latent period (15 min) and a
      relatively small burst size (23 PFU/cell). Isolated phage was capable of
      infecting a wide spectrum of staphylococcal strains of both human and bovine
      origin. The results of this investigation indicate that MSA6 is similar to other
      bacteriophages belonging to the family Myoviridae (Twort, K, G1, 812) that have
      been successfully used in bacteriophage therapy.

PMID- 22045270
TI  - Neuropsychological assessment of patients with dementing illness.
AB  - Neuropsychological assessment has a distinct role in the detection and monitoring
      of cognitive and functional changes associated with dementing illness. Molecular,
      structural and functional neuroimaging studies have advanced our understanding of
      the anatomy and physiology underlying neurodegenerative disease; however, the
      overlap in pathological features of different dementia-associated diseases limits
      the information that can be obtained by these methods. Incorporation of
      information obtained from multiple sources can help to increase diagnostic and
      prognostic accuracy. Neuropsychological test findings provide unique value as
      biomarkers of dementia, as differentiators of disease topography and in the
      estimation of disease risk and trajectory. However, psychometric test properties-
      such as construct validity, stability and the use of appropriate norms--must be
      understood, because they influence both the application of neuropsychological
      tests and the interpretation of their results. Finally, measurement of cognitive
      strengths and weaknesses in patients at risk of dementia can be helpful to
      predict changes in functional abilities, design appropriate and effective
      interventions, and assist family and health-care providers in the planning of the
      patient's future care needs. This Review describes the key characteristics of
      neuropsychological testing in the assessment of patients at risk of dementia.

PMID- 22045272
TI  - Mapping utility scores from the Barthel index.
AB  - PURPOSE: It is not always possible to collect utility-based outcome data, like EQ
      5D, needed for conducting economic evaluations in populations of older people.
      Sometimes, information on other non-utility outcome measures may have been
      collected. This paper examines the possibility of mapping the EQ-5D from a non
      utility-based outcome, the Barthel index. METHODS: Data for 1,189 UK intermediate
      care patients were used. Ordinary least squares (OLS), censored least absolute
      deviations (CLAD) estimator and multinomial logistic (ML) models were used. The
      mean absolute error (MAE) and root-mean-squared error (RMSE) were used to
      estimate the predictive accuracy of eight regression models. Validation of
      primary models was carried out on random samples of data collected at admission
      and discharge. RESULTS: Models where the EQ-5D was entered as a continuous
      dependent variable and Barthel dimensions used as explanatory variables performed
      better. CLAD performed best on MAE and OLS on the RMSE, while the ML performed
      the worst on both measures. The CLAD predicted EQ-5D scores that matched the
      observed values more closely than the OLS. CONCLUSIONS: It is possible to
      reasonably predict that the EQ-5D from the Barthel using regression methods and
      the CLAD model (4) is recommended.

PMID- 22045274
TI  - Duodenal MALToma with gastric outlet obstruction. case report and review of
      literature.

PMID- 22045273
TI  - Dietary, endocrine, and metabolic factors in the development of colorectal
      cancer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Colorectal cancer is the third cause of death in industrialized
      countries. Genetic susceptibility and diet are determinant of cancer risk and
      tumor behavior. Variation in cancer incidence among and within populations with
      similar dietary patterns suggests that an individual response may reflect
      interactions with genetic factors, which may modify gene, protein, and metabolite
      expression patterns. Nutrigenomics, defined as the interaction between nutrition
      and an individual genome, will likely provide important clues about responders
      and non-responders to nutritional intervention. DISCUSSION: Epidemiological and
      experimental studies suggest a protective role of some normal components of daily
      diet (fish oil, milk, and vegetables), estrogens, and phytoestrogens in
      colorectal cancer. The effect of estrogen seems to be mediated by their binding
      to estrogen receptor beta (ER-beta), one of the two estrogen receptors with high
      affinity for these hormones. Very recently, the demonstration of an involvement
      of ER-beta in the development of adenomatous polyps of the colon has also been
      documented, suggesting the use of selective ER-beta agonists in primary
      colorectal cancer prevention. Phytoestrogens are plant-derived compounds that
      structurally and functionally act as estrogen agonists in mammals. They are
      characterized by a higher binding affinity to ER-beta as compared to estrogen
      receptor alpha (ER-alpha), the other estrogen receptor subtype. These biological
      characteristics explain why the administration of phytoestrogens does not produce
      the classical side effects associated to estrogen administration (cerebro- and
      cardiovascular accidents, higher incidence of endometrial and breast cancer) and
      makes these substances potential candidates for colorectal cancer prevention.

PMID- 22045275
TI  - Primary Signet Ring Cell Anal Adenocarcinoma.

PMID- 22045276
TI  - Activity of Imatinib Mesylate in Metastatic Anorectal Melanoma: A Case Report.

PMID- 22045277
TI  - Localization of ORC1 during the cell cycle in human leukemia cells.
AB  - The interaction of the origin recognition complex (ORC) with replication origins
      is a critical parameter in eukaryotic replication initiation. In mammals the ORC
      remains bound except during mitosis, thus the localization of ORC complexes
      allows localization of origins. A monoclonal antibody that recognizes human ORC1
      was used to localize ORC complexes in populations of human MOLT-4 cells separated
      by cell cycle position using centrifugal elutriation. ORC1 staining in cells in
      early G1 is diffuse and primarily peripheral. As the cells traverse G1, ORC1
      accumulates and becomes more localized towards the center of the nucleus, however
      around the G1/S boundary the staining pattern changes and ORC1 appears
      peripheral. By mid to late S phase ORC1 immunofluorescence is again concentrated
      at the nuclear center. During anaphase, ORC1 staining is localized mainly in the
      pericentriolar regions. These findings suggest that concerted movements of origin
      DNA sequences in addition to the previously documented assembly and disassembly
      of protein complexes are an important aspect of replication initiation loci in
      eukaryotes.

PMID- 22045278
TI  - Multiple ectopic leiomyomas of the abdominal rectus muscles after gasless
      laparoscopic uterine myomectomy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe and analyze the first case of multiple ectopic leiomyomas of
      the abdominal rectus muscles in a patient who had undergone gasless laparoscopic
      uterine myomectomy (GLM) 10 years before. METHODS: A 41-year-old woman, who had
      undergone GLM 10 years before, having presented multiple palpable masses of the
      abdominal wall, underwent minilaparotomic excision of six abdominal masses.
      RESULTS: Six round well-circumscribed masses of the abdominal rectus muscles,
      measuring, respectively, 3.8 * 1.7, 2.9 * 0.9, 0.8 * 0.5, 0.7 * 0.3, 10 * 0.8 and
      0.5 * 0.4 cm, were excised. The major lesion was situated close to the right
      trocar site of the previous GLM, the other smaller tumors were located in the
      umbilical area and left abdominal region. On histopathologic examination, the
      abdominal lumps were categorized as leiomyoma. CONCLUSIONS: Ectopic
      leiomyomatosis is an uncommon complication after GLM, and does not justify follow
      up in all asymptomatic cases. However, the gynecologists should bear this unusual
      condition in mind, and inform the patients that leiomyoma fragments can grow in
      ectopic sites.

PMID- 22045279
TI  - Pure motor monoparesis due to ischemic stroke.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pure motor monoparesis (PMM), an isolated motor deficit that occurs
      after ischemic stroke (IS) in a single arm or leg without accompanying cranial or
      sensory dysfunction, is rare and easily misdiagnosed as other causes of weakness.
      REVIEW SUMMARY: Cortical infarctions of the precentral knob and the anterior
      cerebral artery territory (for upper and lower limbs, respectively) are the most
      commonly reported lesion sites in PMM. Other sites include the subcortex, corona
      radiata, internal capsule, and brainstem; these sites are cited less frequently
      than those afflicted by cortical infarctions. PMM shows a complex weakness
      pattern; however, distal-dominant weakness, as well as the absence of pyramidal
      signs is most commonly observed in PMM owing to IS. Nevertheless, the overall
      prognosis is generally good. CONCLUSIONS: Physicians should carefully assess
      acute monoparesis, particularly in elderly patients with conventional risk
      factors, and should include IS in the differential diagnosis. Diffusion-weighted
      imaging is the most useful tool for diagnosing PMM owing to IS.

PMID- 22045280
TI  - Same or opposite? Association of head-movement weakness with limb paresis in
      stroke.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The precise innervation of the sternocleidomastoids is uncertain. Of
      clinical interest is whether a unilateral hemispheric lesion leads to an
      ispilateral or contralateral sternocleidomastoid weakness. METHODS:
      Sternocleidomastoid strength was assessed in 124 consecutive acute stroke
      patients during yaw, pitch, and roll head movements. This was correlated with
      limb paresis and neuroimaging findings. RESULTS: The incidence and the degree of
      sternocleidomastoid paresis were low (16.9%). In all cases, head rotation
      weakness away from the affected hemisphere was observed. Lateral tilt and
      vertical head rotations were unaffected. No weakness was detected in lesions that
      did not cause manifest limb paresis. CONCLUSIONS: Our data point to an
      ipsihemispheric sternocleidomastoid control. Sternocleidomastoid paresis in
      stroke is expected only with concomitant limb paresis and is always less severe.
      Head tilt is not affected probably due to sparing of ancillary neck-muscle
      function.

PMID- 22045281
TI  - Role of greater occipital nerve blocks and trigger point injections for patients
      with dizziness and headache.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The trigeminocervical system is integral in cervicogenic headache.
      Cervicogenic headache frequently coexists with complaints of dizziness, tinnitus,
      nausea, imbalance, hearing complaints, and ear/eye pain. Controversy exists as to
      whether this constellation of symptoms may be cervically mediated. OBJECTIVES: To
      determine whether a wider spectrum of cervically mediated symptoms exist, and to
      investigate a potential role of greater occipital nerve blocks (GON) and trigger
      point injections (TPI) in these patients. METHODS: Retrospective review of
      GON/TPI performed in a tertiary otoneurology/headache clinic from May 2006 to
      March 2007 for suspected cervically mediated symptoms. Data included chief
      complaint, secondary symptoms, response to injection, pre-GON/TPI posterior
      vertex sensation changes to pinprick, cervical spine examination, and response to
      vibration of cervical and suboccipital musculature. RESULTS: Total number of 147
      patients were included. Chief complaints in decreasing frequency: dizziness
      (93%), tinnitus (4%), headache (3%), and ear discomfort (0.7%). Overall symptoms
      in decreasing frequency: dizziness (97%), headache (88%), neck pain (63%),
      tinnitus (23%), and ear discomfort (22%). Improvements after GON/TPI: neck range
      of motion (71%), headache (57%), neck pain (52%), ear discomfort (47%), dizziness
      (46%), and tinnitus (30%). Dizziness responders had neck position asymmetries
      (84%), reproducible dizziness by cervical and suboccipital musculature vibration
      (75%), and preinjection posterior vertex sensory changes (60%). CONCLUSIONS: A
      wider spectrum of cervically mediated symptoms may exist by influence of
      trigeminocervical and vestibular circuitry through cervical afferent
      neuromodulation. Certain examination findings may help to predict benefit from
      GON/TPI.

PMID- 22045282
TI  - Rasagiline: time to onset of antiparkinson effect is similar when used as a
      monotherapy or adjunct treatment.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Rasagiline, a monoamine oxidase type B inhibitor, is indicated for
      both the initial treatment of Parkinson disease (PD) and as adjunctive (add-on)
      treatment for patients already taking dopaminergic therapy. This open-label
      prospective community-based clinical trial was designed to determine the time-to
      onset and the magnitude of the beneficial effects of rasagiline in PD patients.
      METHODS: Patients received rasagiline of 1.0 mg once daily as monotherapy or 0.5
      mg once daily as adjunct therapy (adjunct therapy dose could be increased to 1
      mg/d if clinically indicated) for 12 weeks. Dietary restrictions and
      recommendations regarding concurrent antidepressant treatment consistent with the
      Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations were in keeping with typical
      usage. Effectiveness was measured as change from baseline in bradykinesia scores
      and physicians' and patients' global impression. Patients were prospectively
      monitored for treatment emergent dopaminergic side effects, tyramine reactions,
      and possible interactions with commonly used antidepressants. RESULTS: Objective
      and subjective measures of symptom severity improved at 1 week in 272 PD patients
      treated with once-daily rasagiline (n=123 monotherapy, n=149 adjunct therapy).
      The magnitude of beneficial effect was similar in monotherapy and adjunct therapy
      patients. No significant dopaminergic side effects, tyramine reactions, or
      interactions with antidepressants were observed in the 12-week trial.
      CONCLUSIONS: Rasagiline has a measurable beneficial effect on PD symptoms within
      1 week of treatment. Rasagiline has a similar magnitude of benefit in monotherapy
      and adjunct therapy patients. Adverse interactions between antidepressants and
      rasagiline were not observed in patients in this trial. The usual use of
      rasagiline in community neurology practice, consistent with the FDA labeling,
      seems safe and effective.

PMID- 22045283
TI  - Nonconvulsive status epilepticus: value of a benzodiazepine trial for predicting
      outcomes.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Managing nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) poses many
      challenges that would benefit from additional early measures to predict patient
      outcomes. Here, we evaluate clinical and electroencephalographic responses to an
      acute antiepileptic drug trial as an added measure for predicting outcomes in
      patients presenting with suspected NCSE. METHODS: We analyzed all patients
      referred to our Neurology Service with suspected NCSE assessed by a standard
      acute intravenous (IV) benzodiazepine (BDZ) protocol. We correlated patients'
      clinical and electrographic (EEG) responses to the BDZ trial with their
      subsequent outcomes, including survival, recovery of consciousness, and
      functional status at hospital discharge. RESULTS: From 1990 to 2001, we
      identified 62 patients with NCSE who were initially evaluated with an acute IV
      BDZ protocol trial. A favorable clinical response with improvement in
      consciousness was observed in 22 patients (35%), whereas 40 (65%) were clinical
      nonresponders. All of the positive clinical responders (100%) survived, recovered
      consciousness, and exhibited good functional outcomes. In contrast, outcomes were
      significantly poorer (P<0.001) for the clinical nonresponders; only 14 (35%)
      recovered consciousness and 22 (55%) survived, with 59% of those survivors
      demonstrating poor functional outcomes. EEG improvement with BDZs also predicted
      better outcome, but it was less robust than the clinical response, with better
      subsequent recovery of consciousness (P<0.05), but not functional outcome or
      survival. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that a clinical and, to a lesser
      degree, EEG response to an acute trial of IV BDZs are predictive of subsequent
      outcome in patients with suspected NCSE, and warrant further consideration and
      investigation for assessing and managing patients.

PMID- 22045284
TI  - Herpes simplex virus type 1 in saliva of patients with vestibular neuronitis: a
      preliminary study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Vestibular neuronitis (VN) is an inflammatory disease of the
      vestibular nerve, presumably caused by reactivation of the herpes simplex virus
      type l (HSV-1). We hypothesized that HSV-1 might be detected in saliva of
      patients with VN due to migration of the reactivated virus from the vestibular
      ganglia to the parotid gland. METHODS: Twenty-one patients with VN and 15 healthy
      controls participated. HSV-1 DNA detection was performed using the real-time
      polymerase chain reaction method. Sera were collected and stored to be later
      analyzed for immunoglobulin (Ig) G and IgM antibody titers against HSV-1 by
      immunofluorescence and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay methods, respectively.
      RESULTS: HSV-1 was detected in saliva of 14% of VN patients and in 6% of controls
      (P>0.05). Serological testing revealed borderline IgM (optical density+/-10%
      average of 2 cut off serums) antibodies to HSV-1 in 75% of patients versus 13% of
      controls (P=0.01). The IgG antibody test was positive in 17 of 20 patients and
      borderline (IgG <=1:16) in 2 of 20 patients tested whereas 13 of 15 controls had
      positive IgG test results (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In this preliminary study we
      found serological evidence of higher exposure of patients with VN to HSV-1 in the
      past. We were not able to demonstrate that the virus can be detected in saliva of
      VN patients as evidence for herpetic infection or reactivation.

PMID- 22045285
TI  - Internal carotid artery dissection heralded by an oculomotor nerve palsy: case
      report and literature review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Acute oculomotor nerve (CN III) palsies are commonly attributed to
      microvascular disease or compressive lesions and aneurysms, but may rarely be
      associated with ischemic large vessel disease. We report a case of an
      extracranial internal carotid artery (ICA) dissection heralded by CN III palsy
      with review of the relevant literature. CASE REPORT: A 24-year-old right-handed
      man presented with right-sided weakness preceded by vomiting 2 days earlier. The
      following day, the family noted his left eye to be deviated outward with enlarged
      pupil and droopy eyelid. On the day of admission, he had a fall owing to right
      sided weakness. His neurological examination revealed significant aphasia, left
      third nerve palsy, right homonymous hemianopsia, and right-sided hemiplegia with
      hemisensory deficits. A brain magnetic resonance image showed an acute ischemic
      infarct in the left middle cerebral artery distribution without mass effect.
      Magnetic resonance angiogram showed a left extracranial internal cerebral artery
      (ICA) dissection with absence of flow within the distal cervical and intracranial
      ICA segments. He underwent a decompressive left hemicraniectomy with partial
      improvement in his deficits. DISCUSSION: Oculomotor nerve palsy as a result of
      ICA disease is a rare entity but has been reported in cases of stenosis,
      occlusion, and dissection. It is likely to be caused by hypoperfusion of CN III
      secondary to low flow or microembolism in the arteries feeding the nerve. The
      risk of CN III palsy in patients with ICA disease is higher in the presence of a
      fetal posterior cerebral artery. CONCLUSIONS: Acute oculomotor nerve palsies with
      pupillary involvement warrant thorough investigation. When routine work-up fails
      to elucidate an etiology, extracranial carotid pathology should be considered.

PMID- 22045286
TI  - Two cases of delayed-onset transient global amnesia after saline-contrast
      transthoracic echocardiography.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: We present 2 cases of transient global amnesia (TGA) with delays of
      1 and 2 hours after saline-contrast transthoracic echocardiography. The unique
      presentation in these cases may help elucidate the possible mechanisms underlying
      TGA. CASES: (1) A 63-year-old woman admitted for lower extremity arterial
      thrombosis with TGA onset 1 hour after saline-contrast echocardiography. (2) A 75
      year-old woman admitted to rule out myocardial infarction with TGA onset 2 hours
      after saline-contrast echocardiography. CONCLUSIONS: The precipitating events of
      TGA are varied and an understanding of the mechanism(s) underlying the phenomenon
      is incomplete. However, the presence of a delay after the trigger event as
      described in these cases is unique and informative in that it lends strength to
      some proposed mechanisms over others in this subset of TGA presentations.

PMID- 22045287
TI  - Exposure to high dosage trihexyphenidyl during pregnancy for treatment of
      generalized dystonia: case report and literature review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Trihexyphenidyl is 1 of the most effective agents for treatment of
      young-onset dystonia. As such, women of childbearing potential use
      trihexyphenidyl despite inadequate information about potential effects on
      pregnancy, labor, and fetal development. CASE REPORT: We report 2 uncomplicated
      pregnancies in 1 woman with early-onset, sporadic, primary generalized dystonia
      (DYT1 negative) treated with high dosage trihexyphenidyl and review the
      literature on antidystonic agents and pregnancy. CONCLUSION: Although there is
      limited data, our case demonstrates that high-dosage trihexyphenidyl treatment is
      not necessarily a contraindication to pregnancy.

PMID- 22045288
TI  - Intraspinal tumors accompanied by hydrocephalus: case report, systematic review,
      and discussion of treatment strategy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Intraspinal tumor accompanied by hydrocephalus is an unusual but
      well-documented condition. Although many authors have proposed a variety of
      possible causes, the etiology is still unknown. Meanwhile, little has been
      discussed about the treatment strategy. CASE REPORT: We report a case of
      intraspinal neurinoma accompanied by hydrocephalus. The patient presented with
      numbness and weakness of the legs, incontinence, and headache. Computed
      tomography scan demonstrated hydrocephalus and obvious peri-ventricular edema.
      She was given ventriculoperitoneal (V-P) shunt, but the shunt system had to be
      removed due to a postoperative intracranial hematoma. To our surprise, the
      hydrocephalus resolved after the tumor resection. We reviewed the literature and
      discussed a reasonable treatment strategy for this condition. CONCLUSIONS: In
      patients presenting with hydrocephalus of unclear etiology, attention should be
      paid to possible spine pathology. If an intraspinal neurinoma is found, a V-P
      shunt is usually not necessary. A V-P shunt is only indicated when hydrocephalus
      does not improve after tumor resection.

PMID- 22045289
TI  - Safety and efficacy of ultrasound-enhanced thrombolysis in the treatment of acute
      middle cerebral artery infarction: a critically appraised topic.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite appropriate therapy with intravenous (IV) tissue plasminogen
      activator (tPA), a significant proportion of patients with acute middle cerebral
      artery (MCA) infarction continue to suffer residual disability or death. The
      therapeutic use of transcranial Doppler ultrasonography (TCD) concomitantly with
      IV tPA is speculated to increase recanalization rates and improve clinical
      outcomes in patients with acute MCA stroke. OBJECTIVE: To critically appraise the
      evidence concerning the safety and efficacy of the simultaneous delivery of IV
      tPA and continuous TCD monitoring as an acute therapy in patients with MCA
      territory infarction. METHODS: The objective was addressed through the
      development of a structured, critically appraised topic. This incorporated a
      clinical scenario, background information, a structured question, literature
      search strategy, results, critical appraisal, clinical bottom line, and expert
      commentary from vascular neurology. RESULTS: In a multicenter phase II randomized
      controlled study, 126 patients with acute MCA stroke were randomized to receive
      treatment with IV tPA and continuous TCD monitoring or placebo monitoring.
      Complete recanalization or dramatic clinical recovery within 2 hours after the
      administration of a tPA bolus occurred in 31 patients in the target group (49%),
      as compared with 19 patients in the control group (30%); P=0.03. At 3 months, of
      the patients eligible for follow-up, 22 of 53 (42%) in the target group and 14 of
      49 (29%) in the control group had favorable outcomes; P=0.20. Four symptomatic
      intracerebral hemorrhages were noted in each group. CONCLUSIONS: Therapeutic use
      of continuous TCD monitoring concomitantly with IV tPA increases recanalization
      rates in patients with acute MCA stroke relative to treatment with IV tPA alone
      without increasing the complication of intracerebral hemorrhage.

PMID- 22045290
TI  - Coin rotation test.

PMID- 22045291
TI  - Combining rails and anchors with laser forcing for selective manipulation within
      2D droplet arrays.
AB  - We demonstrate the combination of a rails and anchors microfluidic system with
      laser forcing to enable the creation of highly controllable 2D droplet arrays.
      Water droplets residing in an oil phase can be pinned to anchor holes made in the
      base of a microfluidic channel, enabling the creation of arrays by the
      appropriate patterning of such holes. The introduction of laser forcing, via
      laser induced thermocapillary forces to anchored droplets, enables the selective
      extraction of particular droplets from an array. We also demonstrate that such
      anchor arrays can be filled with multiple, in our case two, droplets each and
      that if such droplets have different chemical contents, the application of a
      laser at their interface triggers their merging and a chemical reaction to take
      place. Finally by adding guiding rails within the microfluidic structure we can
      selectively fill large scale arrays with monodisperse droplets with significant
      control over their contents. In this way we make a droplet array filled with 96
      droplets containing different concentrations of fluorescent microparticles.

PMID- 22045292
TI  - Validation, repeatability and reproducibility of a noninvasive instrument for
      measuring thoracic and lumbar curvature of the spine in the sagittal plane.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The need for early identification of postural abnormalities without
      exposing patients to constant radiation has stimulated the development of
      instruments aiming to measure the spinal curvatures. OBJECTIVE: To verify the
      validity, repeatability and reproducibility of angular measures of sagittal
      curvatures of the spine obtained using an adapted arcometer, by comparing them
      with Cobb angles of the respective curvatures obtained by using X-rays. METHODS:
      52 participants were submitted to two procedures designed to evaluate the
      thoracic and lumbar curvatures: (1) X-ray examination from which the Cobb angles
      (CA) of both curvatures were obtained, and (2) measuring the angles with the
      arcometer (AA). Two evaluators collected the data using the arcometer, with the
      rods placed at T1, T12, L1 and L5 spinous processes levels in a way as to permit
      linear measurements which, with aid of trigonometry, supplied the AA. RESULTS:
      There was a very strong and significant correlation between AA and CA (r=0.94;
      p<0.01), with no-significant difference (p=0.32), for the thoracic curvature.
      There was a strong and significant correlation for the lumbar curvature (r=0.71;
      p<0.01) between AA and CA, with no-significant difference (p=0.30). There is a
      very strong correlation between intra-evaluator and inter-evaluator AA.
      CONCLUSION: It was possible to quantify reliably the thoracic and lumbar
      curvatures with the arcometer and it can thus be considered valid and reliable
      and for use in evaluating spinal curvatures in the sagittal plane.

PMID- 22045293
TI  - Toxicokinetics/toxicodynamics with damage feedback improves risk assessment for
      tilapia and freshwater clam exposed to arsenic.
AB  - It has been proposed that irreversible responses of organisms exposed to
      contaminants are due to a systems-level feedback. Here we tested this hypothesis
      by reanalyzing the published data on toxicokinetics and survival probability
      based on a systems-level threshold damage model (TDM) incorporating with a
      positive damage feedback to explore the steady-state response and dynamic
      behavior of damage for tilapia and freshwater clam exposed to waterborne arsenic
      (As). We found that ultrasensitivity appeared in As-tilapia and freshwater clam
      systems with Hill coefficient n >= 4, indicating that the positive damage
      feedback mechanism has been triggered. We confirmed that damage can trigger a
      positive feedback loop that together with As stressor increases irreversibility.
      This study also showed that TDM with positive feedback gave a much better
      predictability than that of TDM at As concentrations ranging from 100 to 500 mg
      l(-1) for freshwater clam, whereas for tilapia, two models had nearly same
      performance on predictability. We suggested that mortality-time profile derived
      Hill coefficient could be used as a new risk indicator to assess the survival
      probability for species exposed to waterborne metals. We anticipated that the
      proposed toxicokinetics/toxicodynamics with a positive damage feedback may
      facilitate our understanding and manipulation of complex mechanisms of metal
      susceptibility among species and improve current risk assessment strategies.

PMID- 22045294
TI  - Solid-phase synthesis of arginine-based double-tailed cationic lipopeptides:
      potent nucleic acid carriers.
AB  - Herein we report a highly-efficient solid-phase strategy for the modular
      synthesis of 63 double-tailed lipid-peptide conjugates and their application in
      DNA delivery.

PMID- 22045295
TI  - Unique and atypical deletions in Prader-Willi syndrome reveal distinct
      phenotypes.
AB  - Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a multisystem, contiguous gene disorder caused by
      an absence of paternally expressed genes within the 15q11.2-q13 region via one of
      the three main genetic mechanisms: deletion of the paternally inherited 15q11.2
      q13 region, maternal uniparental disomy and imprinting defect. The deletion class
      is typically subdivided into Type 1 and Type 2 based on their proximal
      breakpoints (BP1-BP3 and BP2-BP3, respectively). Despite PWS being a well
      characterized genetic disorder the role of the specific genes contributing to
      various aspects of the phenotype are not well understood. Methylation-specific
      multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MS-MLPA) is a recently
      developed technique that detects copy number changes and aberrant DNA
      methylation. In this study, we initially applied MS-MLPA to elucidate the
      deletion subtypes of 88 subjects. In our cohort, 32 had a Type 1 and 49 had a
      Type 2 deletion. The remaining seven subjects had unique or atypical deletions
      that were either smaller (n=5) or larger (n=2) than typically described and were
      further characterized by array-based comparative genome hybridization. In two
      subjects both the PWS region (15q11.2) and the newly described 15q13.3
      microdeletion syndrome region were deleted. The subjects with a unique or an
      atypical deletion revealed distinct phenotypic features. In conclusion, unique or
      atypical deletions were found in ~8% of the deletion subjects with PWS in our
      cohort. These novel deletions provide further insight into the potential role of
      several of the genes within the 15q11.2 and the 15q13.3 regions.

PMID- 22045296
TI  - Evolutionary conserved longevity genes and human cognitive abilities in elderly
      cohorts.
AB  - Genetic influences have an important role in the ageing process. The genetic
      factors that influence success in bodily ageing may also contribute to the
      successful ageing of cognitive abilities. A comparative genomics approach found
      longevity genes conserved between yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae and nematode
      Caenorhabditis elegans. We hypothesised that these longevity genes influence
      variance in cognitive ability and age-related cognitive decline in humans. Here,
      we investigated six of these genes that have human orthologs and show expression
      in the brain. We tested AFG3L2 (MIM: 604581, AFG3 ATPase family gene 3-like 2
      (yeast)), FRAP1 (MIM: 601231, a FK506 binding protein 12-rapamycin associated
      protein), MAT1A, MAT2A (MIM: 610550 and 601468, methionine adenosyltransferases I
      alpha and II alpha, respectively), SYNJ1 and SYNJ2 (MIM: 604297 and 609410,
      synaptojanin-1 and synaptojanin-2, respectively) in approximately 1000 healthy
      older Scots: the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936 (LBC1936). They were tested on general
      cognitive ability at age 11 years. At a mean age of 70 years, they re-sat the
      same general cognitive ability test and underwent an additional battery of
      diverse cognitive tests. In all, 70 tag and functional SNPs in the six longevity
      genes were genotyped and tested for association with cognition and cognitive
      ageing in LBC1936. Suggestive associations were detected between SNPs in SYNJ2,
      MAT1A, AFG3L2 and SYNJ1 and a general memory factor and general cognitive ability
      at age 11 and 70 years. Replication studies for cognitive ability associations
      were performed in 2506 samples from the Cognitive Ageing Genetics in England and
      Scotland consortium. A meta-analysis replicated the SYNJ2 association with
      cognitive abilities (lowest P=0.00077). SYNJ2 is a novel gene in which variation
      is potentially associated with cognitive abilities.

PMID- 22045297
TI  - Novel mutation and three other sequence variants segregating with phenotype at
      keratoconus 13q32 susceptibility locus.
AB  - Keratoconus (KTCN), a non-inflammatory corneal disorder characterized by stromal
      thinning, represents a major cause of corneal transplantations. Genetic and
      environmental factors have a role in the etiology of this complex disease.
      Previously reported linkage analysis revealed that chromosomal region 13q32 is
      likely to contain causative gene(s) for familial KTCN. Consequently, we have
      chosen eight positional candidate genes in this region: MBNL1, IPO5, FARP1,
      RNF113B, STK24, DOCK9, ZIC5 and ZIC2, and sequenced all of them in 51 individuals
      from Ecuadorian KTCN families and 105 matching controls. The mutation screening
      identified one mutation and three sequence variants showing 100% segregation
      under a dominant model with KTCN phenotype in one large Ecuadorian family. These
      substitutions were found in three different genes: c.2262A>C (p.Gln754His) and
      c.720+43A>G in DOCK9; c.2377-132A>C in IPO5 and c.1053+29G>C in STK24. PolyPhen
      analyses predicted that c.2262A>C (Gln754His) is possibly damaging for the
      protein function and structure. Our results suggest that c.2262A>C (p.Gln754His)
      mutation in DOCK9 may contribute to the KTCN phenotype in the large KTCN-014
      family.

PMID- 22045298
TI  - Short-term cortical plasticity induced by conditioning pain modulation.
AB  - To investigate the effects of homotopic and heterotopic conditioning pain
      modulation (CPM) on short-term cortical plasticity. Glutamate (tonic pain) or
      isotonic saline (sham) was injected in the upper trapezius (homotopic) and in the
      thenar (heterotopic) muscles. Intramuscular electrical stimulation was applied to
      the trapezius at pain threshold intensities, and somatosensory evoked potentials
      were recorded with 128 channel EEG. Pain ratings were obtained during glutamate
      and sham pain injection. Short-term cortical plasticity to electrical stimulation
      was investigated before, during, and after homotopic and heterotopic CPM versus
      control. Peak latencies at N100, P200, and P300 were extracted and the
      location/strength of corresponding dipole current sources and multiple dipoles
      were estimated. Homotopic CPM caused hypoalgesia (P = 0.032, 30.6% compared to
      baseline) to electrical stimulation. No cortical changes were found for homotopic
      CPM. A positive correlation at P200 between electrical pain threshold after tonic
      pain and the z coordinate after tonic pain (P = 0.032) was found for homotopic
      CPM. For heterotopic CPM, no significant hypoalgesia was found and a dipole shift
      of the P300 z coordinate (P = 0.001) was found between glutamate versus sham pain
      (P = 0.009). This generator was located in the cingulate. A positive correlation
      at P300 between pain ratings to glutamate injection and the x coordinate during
      tonic pain (P = 0.016) was found for heterotopic CPM. Heterotopic CPM caused
      short-term cortical plasticity within the cingulate that was correlated to
      subjective pain ratings. The degree of long-term depressive effect to homotopic
      CPM was correlated to the change in location of the P200 dipole.

PMID- 22045299
TI  - Bimanual Fitts' tasks: Kelso, Southard, and Goodman, 1979 revisited.
AB  - The experiment was designed to replicate and extend to an integrated feedback
      condition the pattern of movement time results found by Kelso et al. (J Exp
      Psychol Hum Percept Perform 5:229-238, 1979a, Science 204:1029-1031, 1979b) where
      the simultaneous movement of one hand to a low ID target and the other to a
      higher ID target indicated "a tight coordinate coupling between the hands" (p.
      229). In the present experiment, a control group was provided feedback that
      depicted the independent movement of the two limbs under low and higher indexes
      of difficulty (ID). A Lissajous group was provided integrated feedback in the
      form of a Lissajous plot. The results indicated a pattern of results for the
      control and Lissajous groups similar to that found by Kelso et al. for one and
      two-limb movements to the same difficulty targets. The control group also
      replicated the finding for two-limb movements to mixed ID tasks. However, the
      Lissajous group simultaneously produced disparate movement in the mixed target
      conditions. The results are consistent with recent findings indicating that when
      provided salient integrated feedback participants can effectively produce
      disparate movements of the two limbs.

PMID- 22045300
TI  - Fish oil normalizes plasma glucose levels and improves liver carbohydrate
      metabolism in rats fed a sucrose-rich diet.
AB  - A sucrose-rich diet (SRD) induces insulin resistance and dyslipidemia with
      impaired hepatic glucose production and gluconeogenesis, accompanied by altered
      post-receptor insulin signaling steps. The aim of this study was to examine the
      effectiveness of fish oil (FO) to reverse or improve the impaired hepatic glucose
      metabolism once installed in rats fed 8 months a SRD. In the liver of rats fed
      SRD in which FO replaced corn-oil during the last 2 months, as dietary fat,
      several key enzyme activities and metabolites involved in glucose metabolisms
      (phosphorylation, glycolysis, gluconeogenesis and oxidative and non oxidative
      glucose pathway) were measured. The protein mass levels of IRS-1 and alphap85 PI
      3K at basal conditions were also analyzed. FO improved the altered activities of
      some enzymes involved in the glycolytic and oxidative pathways observed in the
      liver of SRD fed rats but was unable to restore the impaired capacity of glucose
      phosphorylation. Moreover, FO reversed the increase in PEPCK and G-6-Pase and
      reduced the G-6-Pase/GK ratio. Glycogen concentration and GSa activity returned
      to levels similar to those observed in the liver of the control-fed rats.
      Besides, FO did not modify the altered protein mass levels of IRS-1 and alphap85
      PI-3K. Finally, dietary FO was effective in reversing or improving the impaired
      activities of several key enzymes of hepatic carbohydrate metabolism
      contributing, at least in part, to the normalization of plasma glucose levels in
      the SRD-fed rats. However, these positive effects of FO were not observed under
      basal conditions in the early steps of insulin signaling transduction.

PMID- 22045302
TI  - Hydrostatic fluid pressure in the vestibular organ of the guinea pig.
AB  - Since inner ear hair cells are mechano-electric transducers the control of
      hydrostatic pressure in the inner ear is crucial. Most studies analyzing dynamics
      and regulation of inner ear hydrostatic pressure performed pressure measurements
      in the cochlea. The present study is the first one reporting about absolute
      hydrostatic pressure values in the labyrinth. Hydrostatic pressure of the
      endolymphatic system was recorded in all three semicircular canals. Mean pressure
      values were 4.06 cmH(2)O +/- 0.61 in the posterior, 3.36 cmH(2)O +/- 0.94 in the
      anterior and 3.85 cmH(2)O +/- 1.38 in the lateral semicircular canal. Overall
      hydrostatic pressure in the vestibular organ was 3.76 cmH(2)O +/- 0.36.
      Endolymphatic hydrostatic pressure in all three semicircular canals is the same
      (p = 0.310). With regard to known endolymphatic pressure values in the cochlea
      from past studies vestibular pressure values are comparable to cochlear values.
      Until now it is not known whether the reuniens duct and the Bast's valve which
      are the narrowest passages in the endolymphatic system are open or closed.
      Present data show that most likely the endolymphatic system is a functionally
      open entity.

PMID- 22045301
TI  - The Gp78 ubiquitin ligase: probing endoplasmic reticulum complexity.
AB  - The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) has been classically divided, based on electron
      microscopy analysis, into parallel ribosome-studded rough ER sheets and a tubular
      smooth ER network. Recent studies have identified molecular constituents of the
      ER, the reticulons and DP1, that drive ER tubule formation and whose expression
      determines expression of ER sheets and tubules and thereby rough and smooth ER.
      However, segregation of the ER into only two domains remains simplistic and
      multiple functionally distinct ER domains necessarily exist. In this review, we
      will discuss the sub-organization of the ER in different domains focusing on the
      localization and role of the gp78 ubiquitin ligase in the mitochondria-associated
      smooth ER and on the evidence for a quality control ERAD domain.

PMID- 22045303
TI  - Pro-inflammatory effects of ochratoxin A on nasal epithelial cells.
AB  - Eosinophilic chronic rhinosinusitis (ECRS) largely consists of allergic fungal
      sinusitis, non-allergic fungal rhinosinusitis, aspirin-exacerbated ECRS, and
      superantigen-induced ECRS. The pathophysiology of ECRS is not completely
      understood, in particular, the role of mycotoxins remains unknown. The aim of
      this study was to evaluate the effects of one of the most widespread mycotoxin,
      ochratoxin A (OTA), on the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as
      interleukin-(IL)-6 and the CXC-chemokine IL-8 from nasal epithelial cell cultures
      (NEC) of subjects with and without ECRS. NEC (ECRS group: n = 16; controls: n =
      7) were stimulated with OTA for 24 h. Protein concentrations of IL-6 and IL-8
      levels were measured in NEC supernatants by ELISA prior and 24 h after addition
      of OTA. Baseline levels in the supernatants of NEC were 183.3 pg/ml for IL-6 and
      384.6 pg/ml for IL-8. Stimulation with OTA induced a significant increase of IL-6
      (p < 0.001) and IL-8 (p < 0.001) in both NEC of controls and ECRS, respectively.
      There were no significant differences between controls and ECRS. This is the
      first study evaluating the effects of a mycotoxin on epithelial airway cells. Our
      data show that the ubiquitous mycotoxin OTA has a strong pro-inflammatory effect
      on NEC resulting in the release of IL-6 and IL-8. Mycotoxins may promote
      inflammation in nasal mucosa.

PMID- 22045305
TI  - Reconstitution of regulatory T cells after autologous transplantation in multiple
      myeloma.

PMID- 22045306
TI  - Intravascular B-cell lymphoma with hypercalcemia as the initial presentation.
AB  - Intravascular B-cell lymphoma (IVLBCL) is a rare subtype of extranodal diffuse
      large B-cell lymphoma, which is characterized by the growth of lymphoma cells
      within blood vessel lumina without nodular lesions, and which predominantly
      affects elderly patients. IVLBCL is characterized by B-symptoms and a variety of
      systemic symptoms due to focal obstruction of blood flow, but may be difficult to
      diagnose due to its peculiar intravascular localization and the lack of nodular
      lesions. While hypercalcemia is one of the complications of various types of
      cancerous diseases, it has rarely been reported as the first presentation of
      IVLBCL. In this report, we present the case of a 71-year-old male with IVLBCL who
      showed hypercalcemia accompanied by elevation of serum parathyroid hormone
      related protein (PTH-rP) as the initial presentation. Interestingly,
      immunohistochemical staining revealed that the intravascular lymphoma cells
      expressed high levels of PTHrP. Six courses of immunochemotherapy, consisting of
      rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone (R-CHOP),
      and two courses of high-dose methotrexate induced complete remission (CR) and
      retained CR for 4 months. We also reviewed other IVBCL cases in which
      hypercalcemia was the initial presentation. We suggest that IVLBCL, although
      rare, should be considered as a possible causative in hypercalcemia of unknown
      underlying disease.

PMID- 22045307
TI  - Iron-overload myopathy.

PMID- 22045308
TI  - Update on the pathogenesis and treatment of systemic idiopathic arthritis.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA) is an
      inflammatory condition characterized by fever, lymphadenopathy, rash, arthritis,
      and serositis. Although the ultimate cause of this disorder remains elusive,
      recent work defining cytokine effector mechanisms has led to a new treatment
      paradigm for this condition. In this review, we describe the recent immunological
      reclassification of SJIA as an autoinflammatory disorder as well as detailing the
      dramatic changes in its treatment. RECENT FINDINGS: SJIA is an autoinflammatory
      disorder in which defects of innate immune system pathways lead to significant
      inflammation. Recent studies of the pathophysiology, as well as successful
      treatment trials, have established interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) and IL-6 as key
      cytokines in the pathogenesis of this condition. As a result, their inhibition
      has become the centerpiece of the current SJIA treatment paradigm. SUMMARY: There
      has been a major shift away from the traditional treatments of SJIA towards
      therapeutics that inhibit IL-1beta and IL-6. In fact, the IL-1 blocker anakinra
      is now regarded as standard of care for SJIA patients with systemic symptoms,
      while the IL-6 inhibitor tocilizumab shows great potential. Future research holds
      promise for the development of more efficient cytokine inhibition as well a more
      comprehensive knowledge of the innate cytokine networks in this disease.

PMID- 22045309
TI  - Clinical diagnosis and management of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder in
      preschool children.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To provide an overview of clinical advances and research
      findings related to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in preschool
      children, with an emphasis on assessment and management. RECENT FINDINGS: The
      American Academy of Pediatrics has just released new clinical practice guidelines
      for the diagnosis and management of ADHD. These guidelines are broader in scope,
      now extending down to preschool children (ages 4 and 5 years). With respect to
      diagnosis, the American Psychiatric Association has recently proposed
      modifications to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM
      IV); the current draft version of DSM-V includes changes to the diagnosis
      criteria for ADHD. With respect to treatment of preschool children with ADHD,
      studies continue to support the efficacy of behavioral interventions. Regarding
      pharmacotherapy, a large, recently completed, placebo-controlled study of
      methylphenidate for preschool ADHD identified some age-related medication
      differences. SUMMARY: ADHD can be reliably diagnosed in preschool children.
      Behavior therapy remains the recommended first-line treatment approach;
      pharmacotherapy is sometimes indicated as a treatment adjunct, or, less commonly,
      a treatment alternative.

PMID- 22045311
TI  - Osteoarthritis: Crystal-gazing into the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis.

PMID- 22045310
TI  - Validation of new biomarkers in systemic autoimmune diseases.
AB  - Biomarkers have an important influence on the clinical decision-making processes
      involved in diagnosis, assessment of disease activity, allocation of treatment,
      and determining prognosis. The clinical usefulness of a biomarker is dependant on
      demonstration of its validity. Ideally, biomarkers should provide information not
      available from currently available tests and should be tested as they would be
      used in clinical practice; however, potential biomarkers could be affected by
      many different clinical or patient variables-such as disease activity,
      therapeutic intervention, or the presence of comorbidities--and validation
      studies might not include all the design features that are required to ensure
      that the biomarker is a true measure of the clinical process it is intended to
      reflect. In this Review, we appraise studies that have been conducted to validate
      six promising new biomarkers for diagnosis, disease activity assessment, or
      prognosis in patients with systemic autoimmune diseases. We discuss the validity
      of these six biomarkers with particular reference to the features of the studies
      that lend weight to or distract from their findings. The intent of this
      discussion is to draw attention to elements of validation study design that
      should be considered when evaluating the robustness of a biomarker, which differ
      according to the marker's intended use.

PMID- 22045312
TI  - Voluntary running exercise prevents beta-cell failure in susceptible islets of
      the Zucker diabetic fatty rat.
AB  - Physical activity improves glycemic control in type 2 diabetes (T2D), but its
      contribution to preserving beta-cell function is uncertain. We evaluated the role
      of physical activity on beta-cell secretory function and glycerolipid/fatty acid
      (GL/FA) cycling in male Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats. Six-week-old ZDF rats
      engaged in voluntary running for 6 wk (ZDF-A). Inactive Zucker lean and ZDF (ZDF
      I) rats served as controls. ZDF-I rats displayed progressive hyperglycemia with
      beta-cell failure evidenced by falling insulinemia and reduced insulin secretion
      to oral glucose. Isolated ZDF-I rat islets showed reduced glucose-stimulated
      insulin secretion expressed per islet and per islet protein. They were also
      characterized by loss of the glucose regulation of fatty acid oxidation and GL/FA
      cycling, reduced mRNA expression of key beta-cell genes, and severe reduction of
      insulin stores. Physical activity prevented diabetes in ZDF rats through
      sustaining beta-cell compensation to insulin resistance shown in vivo and in
      vitro. Surprisingly, ZDF-A islets had persistent defects in fatty acid oxidation,
      GL/FA cycling, and beta-cell gene expression. ZDF-A islets, however, had
      preserved islet insulin mRNA and insulin stores compared with ZDF-I rats.
      Physical activity did not prevent hyperphagia, dyslipidemia, or obesity in ZDF
      rats. In conclusion, islets of ZDF rats have a susceptibility to failure that is
      possibly due to altered beta-cell fatty acid metabolism. Depletion of pancreatic
      islet insulin stores is a major contributor to islet failure in this T2D model,
      preventable by physical activity.

PMID- 22045313
TI  - Demonstration of diet-induced decoupling of fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis
      by combining gene expression array and 2H2O quantification.
AB  - The liver is a crossroad for metabolism of lipid and carbohydrates, with acetyl
      CoA serving as an important metabolic intermediate and a precursor for fatty acid
      and cholesterol biosynthesis pathways. A better understanding of the regulation
      of these pathways requires an experimental approach that provides both
      quantitative metabolic flux measurements and mechanistic insight. Under
      conditions of high carbohydrate availability, excess carbon is converted into
      free fatty acids and triglyceride for storage, but it is not clear how excessive
      carbohydrate availability affects cholesterol biosynthesis. To address this,
      C57BL/6J mice were fed either a low-fat, high-carbohydrate diet or a high-fat,
      carbohydrate-free diet. At the end of the dietary intervention, the two groups
      received (2)H(2)O to trace de novo fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis, and
      livers were collected for gene expression analysis. Expression of lipid and
      glucose metabolism genes was determined using a custom-designed pathway focused
      PCR-based gene expression array. The expression analysis showed downregulation of
      cholesterol biosynthesis genes and upregulation of fatty acid synthesis genes in
      mice receiving the high-carbohydrate diet compared with the carbohydrate-free
      diet. In support of these findings, (2)H(2)O tracer data showed that fatty acid
      synthesis was increased 10-fold and cholesterol synthesis was reduced by 1.6-fold
      in mice fed the respective diets. In conclusion, by applying gene expression
      analysis and tracer methodology, we show that fatty acid and cholesterol
      synthesis are differentially regulated when the carbohydrate intake in mice is
      altered.

PMID- 22045314
TI  - Valsartan, independently of AT1 receptor or PPARgamma, suppresses LPS-induced
      macrophage activation and improves insulin resistance in cocultured adipocytes.
AB  - Macrophages are integrated into adipose tissues and interact with adipocytes in
      obese subjects, thereby exacerbating adipose insulin resistance. This study aimed
      to elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying the insulin-sensitizing effect of
      the angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) valsartan, as demonstrated in clinical
      studies. Insulin signaling, i.e., insulin receptor substrate-1 and Akt
      phosphorylations, in 3T3-L1 adipocytes was impaired markedly by treatment with
      tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFalpha) or in the culture medium of
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 murine macrophages, and valsartan
      had no effects on these impairments. However, in contrast, when cocultured with
      RAW 264.7 cells using a transwell system, the LPS-induced insulin signaling
      impairment in 3T3-L1 adipocytes showed almost complete normalization with
      coaddition of valsartan. Furthermore, valsartan strongly suppressed LPS-induced
      productions of cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, and TNFalpha with
      nuclear factor-kappaB activation and c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase phosphorylation
      in RAW 264.7 and primary murine macrophages. Very interestingly, this effect of
      valsartan was also observed in THP-1 cells treated with angiotensin II type 1
      (AT1) siRNA or a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARgamma)
      antagonist as well as macrophages from AT1a receptor-knockout mice. We conclude
      that valsartan suppresses the inflammatory response of macrophages, albeit not
      via PPARgamma or the AT1a receptor. This suppression appears to secondarily
      improve adipose insulin resistance.

PMID- 22045315
TI  - Postprandial endothelial function does not differ in women by race: an insulin
      resistance paradox?
AB  - Insulin resistance is associated with endothelial dysfunction. Because African
      American women are more insulin-resistant than white women, it is assumed that
      African-American women have impaired endothelial function. However, racial
      differences in postprandial endothelial function have not been examined. In this
      study, we test the hypothesis that African-American women have impaired
      postprandial endothelial function compared with white women. Postprandial
      endothelial function following a breakfast (20% protein, 40% fat, and 40%
      carbohydrate) was evaluated in 36 (18 African-American women, 18 white women) age
      and body mass index (BMI)-matched (age: 37 +/- 11 yr; BMI: 30 +/- 6 kg/m(2))
      women. Endothelial function, defined by percent change in brachial artery flow
      mediated dilation (FMD), was measured at 0, 2, 4, and 6 h following a meal. There
      were no significant differences between the groups in baseline FMD, total body
      fat, abdominal visceral fat, and fasting levels of glucose, insulin, total
      cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, or serum estradiol. Although
      African-American women were less insulin-sensitive [insulin sensitivity index
      (mean +/- SD): 3.6 +/- 1.5 vs. 5.2 +/- 2.6, P = 0.02], both fasting triglyceride
      (TG: 56 +/- 37 vs. 97 +/- 49 mg/dl, P = 0.007) and incremental TG area under the
      curve (AUC(0-6hr): 279 +/- 190 vs. 492 +/- 255 mg.dl(-1).min(-1).10(-2), P =
      0.008) were lower in African-American than white women. Breakfast was associated
      with a significant increase in FMD in whites and African-Americans, and there was
      no significant difference in postprandial FMD between the groups (P > 0.1 for
      group * time interactions). Despite being insulin-resistant, postprandial
      endothelial function in African-American women was comparable to white women.
      These results imply that insulin sensitivity may not be an important determinant
      of racial differences in endothelial function.

PMID- 22045316
TI  - Hyperandrogenism sensitizes mononuclear cells to promote glucose-induced
      inflammation in lean reproductive-age women.
AB  - Hyperandrogenism and chronic low-grade inflammation are related in polycystic
      ovary syndrome (PCOS), but it is unknown whether hyperandrogenemia can activate
      inflammation. We determined the effect of oral androgen administration on fasting
      and glucose-stimulated nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) activation and
      expression and related markers of inflammation in mononuclear cells (MNC) of lean
      reproductive-age women. Sixteen lean, ovulatory reproductive-age women were
      treated with 130 mg of DHEA or placebo (n = 8 each) for 5 days in a randomized,
      controlled, double-blind fashion. Nuclear activation of NF-kappaB, p65 and p105
      NF-kappaB subunit RNA, TNFalpha and IL-1beta mRNA, and NF-kappaB p65 and
      inhibitory-kappaB (IkappaB) protein were quantified from MNC obtained while
      fasting and 2 h after glucose ingestion, before and after DHEA or placebo
      administration. Before treatment, subjects receiving DHEA or placebo exhibited no
      differences in androgens or any inflammatory markers while fasting and after
      glucose ingestion. Compared with placebo, DHEA administration raised levels of
      testosterone, androstenedione, and DHEA-S, increased the percent change in
      fasting and glucose-challenged activated NF-kappaB, p65, p105, TNFalpha, and IL
      1beta RNA and p65 protein, and decreased the percent change in fasting and
      glucose-challenged IkappaB protein. We conclude that elevation of circulating
      androgens to the range observed in PCOS upregulates the NF-kappaB inflammation
      pathway in lean reproductive-age women. Thus, hyperandrogenemia activates and
      sensitizes MNC to glucose in this population.

PMID- 22045319
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 22045317
TI  - Epithelial Na+ sodium channels in magnocellular cells of the rat supraoptic and
      paraventricular nuclei.
AB  - The epithelial Na+ channels (ENaCs) are present in kidney and contribute to Na+
      and water homeostasis. All three ENaC subunits (alpha, beta, and gamma) were
      demonstrated in the cardiovascular regulatory centers of the rat brain, including
      the magnocellular neurons (MNCs) in the supraoptic nucleus (SON) and the
      paraventricular nucleus (PVN). However, the functional significance of ENaCs in
      vasopressin (VP) and oxytocin (OT) synthesizing MNCs is completely unknown. In
      this study, we show with immunocytochemical double-labeling that the alpha-ENaC
      is colocalized with either VP or OT in MNCs in the SON and PVN. In addition,
      parvocellular neurons in the dorsal, ventrolateral, and posterior subregions of
      the PVN (not immunoreactive to VP or OT) are also immunoreactive for alpha-ENaC.
      In contrast, immunoreactivity to beta- and gamma-ENaC is colocalized with VP
      alone within the MNCs. Furthermore, immunoreactivity for a known target for ENaC
      expression, the mineralcorticoid receptor (MR), is colocalized with both VP and
      OT in MNCs. Using single-cell RT-PCR, we detected mRNA for all three ENaC
      subunits and MR in cDNA libraries derived from single MNCs. In whole cell voltage
      clamp recordings, application of the ENaC blocker benzamil reversibly reduced a
      steady-state inward current and decreased cell membrane conductance approximately
      twofold. Finally, benzamil caused membrane hyperpolarization in a majority of VP
      and about one-half of OT neurons in both spontaneously firing and quiet cells.
      These results strongly suggest the presence of functional ENaCs that may affect
      the firing patterns of MNCs, which ultimately control the secretion of VP and OT.

PMID- 22045320
TI  - Initial motor symptoms of Parkinson disease.
AB  - Parkinson disease (PD) is characterized by a wide variety of motor and nonmotor
      symptoms. Although recently nonmotor symptoms have gained considerable relevance
      and interest, especially in advanced stages, motor symptoms define the main core
      of PD and are essential for clinical diagnosis. In this article, we review the
      characteristics, presentation, and evolution of motor symptoms in early PD.

PMID- 22045321
TI  - Dopamine receptors, motor responses, and dopaminergic agonists.
AB  - Dopamine receptors are widely distributed within the central nervous system with
      its highest expression in the striatum. Two different families of dopamine
      receptors have been identified. The D1 family comprises D1 and D5 receptors,
      whereas D2, D3, and D4 receptors form the D2 family. These 2 families mediate
      different behavior patterns that are linked to activation of specific
      transduction pathways. The functional relevance of dopamine receptors derives
      from the reduced dopamine content found in the striatum of Parkinson disease (PD)
      patients and the ability of dopamine and dopamine receptors to reverse the motor
      deficits exhibited by PD patients. During the last 2 decades dopamine receptor
      agonists have been used either in de novo PD patients to prevent the appearance
      of dyskinesias or in PD patients with motor fluctuations to reduce the number of
      daily "off" hours. It seems that all dopamine receptors agonists produce similar
      motor responses and adverse effects, but data comparing their effectiveness in
      the treatment of PD are not available. In this article we summarize the main
      characteristics of dopamine receptors, their structure, their signaling pathways,
      and the responses mediated by their independent activation. Here is also
      described the therapeutic value of the different dopamine receptor agonists in
      the treatment of PD.

PMID- 22045322
TI  - Assessment of Parkinson disease: what do we need to show neuroprotection?
AB  - To date, no pharmacological agent has convincingly demonstrated the ability to
      slow the progression of Parkinson disease (PD). The development of treatments
      that slow down the progressive degeneration of the nigrostriatal dopaminergic
      system (true neuroprotection), which is ultimately responsible for the patients'
      functional decline, has become one of the basic goals of PD research. In this
      review, we have attempted to analyze the role of different methods that measure
      PD severity (basically, clinical scales, timed tests, and neuroimaging
      techniques) in the evaluation of the "neuroprotection" provided by different
      types of treatment for the disease, on the basis of clinical evidence.

PMID- 22045323
TI  - Continuous dopaminergic stimulation: clinical aspects and experimental bases.
AB  - In patients with Parkinson disease, pulsatile administration of dopaminergic
      drugs is associated with motor fluctuations and dyskinesias. By contrast,
      treatments that provide more continuous dopaminergic stimulation are associated
      with less intense motor complications. This can be achieved by using drugs with
      longer half-lives, delayed release formulations, and routes of administration
      that permit continuous delivery. The mechanisms by which different modes of
      dopaminergic treatment (pulsatile or continuous) determine the motor response are
      not fully understood. However, the use of experimental models of parkinsonism has
      helped understand the motor complications associated with pulsatile dopamine
      replacement. These studies have provided important insights into the biochemical
      and molecular changes in the basal ganglia in response to continuous stimulation.
      In addition, these models have facilitated the development of new treatments that
      may stabilize the motor response and the biochemical alterations in the basal
      ganglia to provide more efficient forms of continuous dopaminergic stimulation in
      patients with Parkinson disease.

PMID- 22045324
TI  - Sleep disorders in Parkinson disease.
AB  - Sleep is affected in a large number of patients with Parkinson disease. The
      mechanisms by which this occurs and the different types of sleep disorders that a
      patient with Parkinson disease may suffer (insufficient or fragmented sleep,
      persistent excessive daytime sleepiness, sudden onset of sleep episodes,
      obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder, and
      restless legs syndrome) will be reviewed in this study, as well as their
      relationship with the dopaminergic system. Finally, the most effective treatments
      will be proposed.

PMID- 22045325
TI  - Treatment of Parkinson disease, time and dosage:  "does simple dosage facilitate
      compliance and therapeutic goals?".
AB  - Current available treatment for Parkinson disease has many drawbacks: single
      action on the nigrostriatal pathway, no halt of disease progression, pulsatile
      dopaminergic stimulation, complex treatment regimens, and motor complications.
      Compliance with treatment may be irregular in a variable number of patients.
      Factors such as age, education, complexity of posology, stage of disease, disease
      comprehension, cognitive function, or family support significantly influence
      compliance either in a positive or negative way. The consequences of
      noncompliance include withdrawal symptoms, increase in number of admissions, or,
      in severe cases, hyperthermia syndrome secondary to levodopa deficit in the case
      of infradose. In situations of overdose, dyskinesia or psychiatric complications
      may arise. The ideal treatment should have the potency of levodopa but not its
      side effects, act on striatal D2 receptors in a continuous way with a single dose
      and have low potential of addiction. Thus far, simple regimens are only
      applicable in early stages.

PMID- 22045326
TI  - Exercise and physical therapy in early management of Parkinson disease.
AB  - Experimental research has produced evidence in recent years underlying the
      beneficial effects that exercise can have in preventing and deceleration of the
      development of Parkinson disease. These beneficial effects are exerted through
      various mechanisms such as neuroprotection, neurotransmission, plasticity,
      neurogenesis, homeostasis, and neurotrophic factors. Studies on clinical
      application at an early stage are still scarce, although some results are
      encouraging. There are still many questions to determine the most suitable type
      of exercise (forced/voluntary), the time of its implementation, the duration, and
      the combination of strategies. Nonconventional therapies can play an important
      role in addition to exercise, and are so numerous that they could be adapted to
      the circumstances of patients, although there is no evidence to date that they
      could have a neuroprotective effect.

PMID- 22045327
TI  - Neuroprotective role of dopamine agonists: evidence from animal models and
      clinical studies.
AB  - Parkinson disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects, among
      other neurotransmitter systems, the nigrostriatal dopaminergic projection.
      Palliative treatment with levodopa and/or dopamine agonists improves motor
      symptoms even though patients continue to get clinically worse by the
      neurodegenerative process that continues to act as the major factor of
      physiological aging. Studies (in vitro and in vivo) with experimental models have
      shown that dopamine agonists have neuroprotective effects, directly or indirectly
      mediated by their ability to stabilize mitochondria, antioxidant effects,
      synthesis of growth factors, stabilization of the ubiquitin-proteasome system,
      activation of autophagy, antiapoptotic induction of Bcl2 family, or enhancement
      of neurogenesis (proliferation and migration) in the subventricular zone.
      Clinical studies have not completely confirmed these effects. Analysis in better
      characterized groups of patients with similar clinical symptoms, identical
      treatments, and the same evolution time are required. Technological advances
      which enable the learning of the etiology and the pathogenesis (genetic and
      environmental) of the disease, together with clinical assessment methods, bring
      hope to the development of new molecules in the symptomatic treatment of
      Parkinson disease. These molecules must display neuroprotective potential
      (prophylactic and/or therapeutic) which must be able to maintain the brain's
      physiological function and to modify or slow the natural course of the disease.

PMID- 22045328
TI  - Nonmotor disorders and their correlation with dopamine: can they be treated by
      currently available methods?
AB  - Many of the nonmotor symptoms in Parkinson disease have a dopaminergic basis,
      whether the result of dopaminergic degeneration or as a result of dopaminergic
      treatment. In the latter case, the symptoms may be genuine side effects of drugs
      (hypotension, pathologic gambling, etc.) or they may be secondary either to the
      pathoplastic effect they have on the natural course of the disease (nonmotor
      fluctuations) or to the lack of dopamine (apathy, depression, dopamine withdrawal
      syndrome, etc.). In all these cases, dopaminergic treatment can be helpful.
      However, many other nonmotor (and motor) symptoms will have no correlation with
      dopamine; therefore, they require different treatments, very often with little
      efficacy, as in apathy or cognitive decline.

PMID- 22045329
TI  - Triple-negative breast cancers and the human mammary epithelial cell hierarchy.
AB  - Triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) are a diverse set of aggressive breast
      cancers that lack expression of estrogen and progesterone receptors, and lack
      HER2 amplification. Gene expression profiling has revealed distinct subsets of
      TNBCs, each characterized by unique patterns of gene expression and genomic
      changes. Comparative analysis of gene expression profiles also suggests that the
      different subclasses of TNBCs may arise from specific sets of mammary progenitor
      cell populations. In this article, recent data regarding characterization of a
      human mammary stem cell hierarchy and its relationship to the pathogenesis of
      subsets of triple-negative breast cancers will be reviewed.

PMID- 22045330
TI  - Continuous microfluidic DNA and protein trapping and concentration by balancing
      transverse electrokinetic forces.
AB  - Sample pre-concentration can be a critical element to improve sensitivity of
      integrated microchip assays. In this work a converging Y-inlet microfluidic
      channel with integrated coplanar electrodes was used to investigate transverse
      DNA and protein migration under uniform direct current (DC) electric fields to
      assess the ability to concentrate a sample prior to other enzymatic modifications
      or capillary electrophoretic separations. Employing a pressure-driven flow to
      perfuse the microchannel, negatively charged samples diluted in low and high
      ionic strength buffers were co-infused with a receiving buffer of the same ionic
      strength into a main daughter channel. Experimental results demonstrated that,
      depending of the buffer selection, different DNA migration and accumulation
      dynamics were seen. Charged analytes could traverse the channel width and
      accumulate at the positive bias electrode in a low electroosmotic mobility, high
      electrophoretic mobility, high ionic strength buffer or migrated towards an
      equilibrium position within the channel in a high electroosmotic mobility, high
      electrophoretic mobility, low ionic strength buffer. The various migration
      behaviours are the result of a balance between the electrophoretic force and a
      drag force induced by a recirculating electroosmotic flow generated across the
      channel width due to the bounding walls. Under continuous flow conditions, DNA
      samples were concentrated several-fold by balancing these transverse
      electrokinetic forces. The electrokinetic trapping technique presented here is a
      simple technique which could be expanded to concentrate or separate other
      analytes as a preconditioning step for downstream processes.

PMID- 22045331
TI  - Effects of pH and low molecular weight organic acids on competitive adsorption
      and desorption of cadmium and lead in paddy soils.
AB  - The bioavailability and ultimate fate of heavy metals in the environment are
      controlled by adsorption-desorption process. Batch equilibrium experiments were
      performed to assess the effects of pH and low molecular weight organic acids
      (LMWOAs) on competitive adsorption and desorption of cadmium and lead in paddy
      soils from China. The results indicated that both soils exhibited greater
      sorption capacity for lead (Pb) (1.37-1.61-fold) than cadmium (Cd) as estimated
      by the maximum sorption parameter (Q) from the Langmuir equation. The Langmuir
      bonding energy coefficient (b) and distribution coefficient (K (d)) were greater
      for Pb than for Cd, furthermore, b (binary) and K (d) (single) were greater than
      b (single) and K (d binary), indicating that competition for sorption sites
      promote the retention of both metals on more specific sorption sites. Both Cd and
      Pb desorption as a function of solution pH was characteristic of "S" pattern. The
      presence of LMWOAs inhibited Cd or Pb desorption at the low concentrations (<=0.1
      mmol L(-1)) but promoted Cd and Pb desorption at higher concentrations (>=0.5
      mmol L(-1) for citric acid and >=1 mmol L(-1) for malic and oxalic acid). The two
      paddy soils had a greater d (Cd) than d (Pb) in the presence of LMWOAs,
      indicating that Cd desorption was more affected by the presence of LMWOAs in
      binary metal system.

PMID- 22045332
TI  - Mitochondrial permeability transition induced by different concentrations of
      zinc.
AB  - Zinc is one of the required trace elements in animals, and it serves an important
      role in biological systems. However, high levels of zinc are poisonous to
      organisms. So far, there exist conflicting reports about zinc ions-induced
      mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT). We analyzed the effects of Zn2+ on
      MPT by monitoring mitochondrial swelling with the ultraviolet-visible light
      absorption spectrum, characterizing the fluidity of the membrane with
      fluorescence anisotropy, detecting the transmembrane potential (Deltapsi) with
      fluorescence intensity, and observing mitochondrial ultrastructure with
      transmission electron microscopy. Data reveal that low concentrations of zinc
      ions can trigger MPT while high levels of zinc ions cannot, which implies that
      zinc ions' toxicity cannot be the result of a single simple mechanism.

PMID- 22045333
TI  - Cyclophilin 40 facilitates HSP90-mediated RISC assembly in plants.
AB  - Posttranscriptional gene silencing is mediated by RNA-induced silencing complexes
      (RISCs) that contain AGO proteins and single-stranded small RNAs. The assembly of
      plant AGO1-containing RISCs depends on the molecular chaperone HSP90. Here, we
      demonstrate that cyclophilin 40 (CYP40), protein phosphatase 5 (PP5), and several
      other proteins with the tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR) domain associates with
      AGO1 in an HSP90-dependent manner in extracts of evacuolated tobacco protoplasts
      (BYL). Intriguingly, CYP40, but not the other TPR proteins, could form a complex
      with small RNA duplex-bound AGO1. Moreover, CYP40 that was synthesized by in
      vitro translation using BYL uniquely facilitated binding of small RNA duplexes to
      AGO1, and as a result, increased the amount of mature RISCs that could cleave
      target RNAs. CYP40 was not contained in mature RISCs, indicating that the
      association is transient. Addition of PP5 or cyclophilin-binding drug
      cyclosporine A prevented the association of endogenous CYP40 with HSP90-AGO1
      complex and inhibited RISC assembly. These results suggest that a complex of
      AGO1, HSP90, CYP40, and a small RNA duplex is a key intermediate of RISC assembly
      in plants.

PMID- 22045334
TI  - Ablation of Smurf2 reveals an inhibition in TGF-beta signalling through multiple
      mono-ubiquitination of Smad3.
AB  - TGF-beta signalling is regulated by post-translational modifications of Smad
      proteins to translate quantitative difference in ligand concentration into
      proportional transcriptional output. Previous studies in cell culture systems
      suggested that Smad ubiquitination regulatory factors (Smurfs) act in this
      regulation by targeting Smads for proteasomal degradation, but whether this
      mechanism operates under physiological conditions is not clear. Here, we
      generated mice harbouring a target-disrupted Smurf2 allele. Using primary mouse
      embryonic fibroblasts and dermal fibroblasts, we show that TGF-beta-mediated,
      Smad-dependent transcriptional responses are elevated in the absence of Smurf2.
      Instead of promoting poly-ubiquitination and degradation, we show that Smurf2
      actually induces multiple mono-ubiquitination of Smad3 in vivo. Phosphorylation
      of T179, immediately upstream of the Smad3 PY motif, enhances Smurf2 and Smad3
      interaction and Smad3 ubiquitination. We have mapped Smurf2-induced Smad3
      ubiquitination sites to lysine residues at the MH2 domain, and demonstrate that
      Smad3 ubiquitination inhibits the formation of Smad3 complexes. Thus, our data
      support a model in which Smurf2 negatively regulates TGF-beta signalling by
      attenuating the activity of Smad3 rather than promoting its degradation.

PMID- 22045335
TI  - Multiple Cdt1 molecules act at each origin to load replication-competent Mcm2-7
      helicases.
AB  - Eukaryotic origins of replication are selected by loading a head-to-head double
      hexamer of the Mcm2-7 replicative helicase around origin DNA. Cdt1 plays an
      essential but transient role during this event; however, its mechanism of action
      is unknown. Through analysis of Cdt1 mutations, we demonstrate that Cdt1 performs
      multiple functions during helicase loading. The C-terminus of Cdt1 binds Mcm2-7,
      and this interaction is required for efficient origin recruitment of both
      proteins. We show that origin recognition complex (ORC) and Cdc6 recruit multiple
      Cdt1 molecules to the origin during helicase loading, and disruption of this
      multi-Cdt1 intermediate prevents helicase loading. Although dispensable for
      loading Mcm2-7 double hexamers that are topologically linked to DNA, the
      essential N-terminal domain of Cdt1 is required to load Mcm2-7 complexes that are
      competent for association with the Cdc45 and GINS helicase-activating proteins
      and replication initiation. Our data support a model in which origin-bound ORC
      and Cdc6 recruit two Cdt1 molecules to initiate double-hexamer formation prior to
      helicase loading and demonstrate that Cdt1 influences the replication competence
      of loaded Mcm2-7 helicases.

PMID- 22045336
TI  - Symmetry-free cryo-EM structures of the chaperonin TRiC along its ATPase-driven
      conformational cycle.
AB  - The eukaryotic group II chaperonin TRiC/CCT is a 16-subunit complex with eight
      distinct but similar subunits arranged in two stacked rings. Substrate folding
      inside the central chamber is triggered by ATP hydrolysis. We present five cryo
      EM structures of TRiC in apo and nucleotide-induced states without imposing
      symmetry during the 3D reconstruction. These structures reveal the intra- and
      inter-ring subunit interaction pattern changes during the ATPase cycle. In the
      apo state, the subunit arrangement in each ring is highly asymmetric, whereas all
      nucleotide-containing states tend to be more symmetrical. We identify and
      structurally characterize an one-ring closed intermediate induced by ATP
      hydrolysis wherein the closed TRiC ring exhibits an observable chamber expansion.
      This likely represents the physiological substrate folding state. Our structural
      results suggest mechanisms for inter-ring-negative cooperativity, intra-ring
      positive cooperativity, and protein-folding chamber closure of TRiC.
      Intriguingly, these mechanisms are different from other group I and II
      chaperonins despite their similar architecture.

PMID- 22045337
TI  - LRPPRC is necessary for polyadenylation and coordination of translation of
      mitochondrial mRNAs.
AB  - Regulation of mtDNA expression is critical for maintaining cellular energy
      homeostasis and may, in principle, occur at many different levels. The leucine
      rich pentatricopeptide repeat containing (LRPPRC) protein regulates mitochondrial
      mRNA stability and an amino-acid substitution of this protein causes the French
      Canadian type of Leigh syndrome (LSFC), a neurodegenerative disorder
      characterized by complex IV deficiency. We have generated conditional Lrpprc
      knockout mice and show here that the gene is essential for embryonic development.
      Tissue-specific disruption of Lrpprc in heart causes mitochondrial cardiomyopathy
      with drastic reduction in steady-state levels of most mitochondrial mRNAs. LRPPRC
      forms an RNA-dependent protein complex that is necessary for maintaining a pool
      of non-translated mRNAs in mammalian mitochondria. Loss of LRPPRC does not only
      decrease mRNA stability, but also leads to loss of mRNA polyadenylation and the
      appearance of aberrant mitochondrial translation. The translation pattern without
      the presence of LRPPRC is misregulated with excessive translation of some
      transcripts and no translation of others. Our findings point to the existence of
      an elaborate machinery that regulates mammalian mtDNA expression at the post
      transcriptional level.

PMID- 22045338
TI  - Palmitoylated TMX and calnexin target to the mitochondria-associated membrane.
AB  - The mitochondria-associated membrane (MAM) is a domain of the endoplasmic
      reticulum (ER) that mediates the exchange of ions, lipids and metabolites between
      the ER and mitochondria. ER chaperones and oxidoreductases are critical
      components of the MAM. However, the localization motifs and mechanisms for most
      MAM proteins have remained elusive. Using two highly related ER oxidoreductases
      as a model system, we now show that palmitoylation enriches ER-localized proteins
      on the MAM. We demonstrate that palmitoylation of cysteine residue(s) adjacent to
      the membrane-spanning domain promotes MAM enrichment of the transmembrane
      thioredoxin family protein TMX. In addition to TMX, our results also show that
      calnexin shuttles between the rough ER and the MAM depending on its
      palmitoylation status. Mutation of the TMX and calnexin palmitoylation sites and
      chemical interference with palmitoylation disrupt their MAM enrichment. Since ER
      localized heme oxygenase-1, but not cytosolic GRP75 require palmitoylation to
      reside on the MAM, our findings identify palmitoylation as key for MAM enrichment
      of ER membrane proteins.

PMID- 22045339
TI  - Unusual visible luminescence of aluminium polyoxocations in aqueous solution.
AB  - Identification of aluminium polyoxocations, MO(4)Al(12)(OH)(24)(H(2)O)(12)(7/8+)
      (M = Al, Ga and Ge) (K-MAl(12)) and Al(30)O(8)(OH)(56)(H(2)O)(26)(18+) (Al(30)),
      by their luminescence is reported. The fluorescence behavior of K-Al(13) has been
      found to differ with different metal ions and anions, implying a new discovery of
      a potential ion sensor.

PMID- 22045340
TI  - Mood disorders in the light of genes, comorbidity and contemporary treatment.

PMID- 22045341
TI  - Clinical, virologic, and immunologic correlates of HIV-1 intraclade B dual
      infection among men who have sex with men.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the susceptibilities to and consequences of HIV-1 dual
      infection. DESIGN: We compared clinical, virologic, and immunologic factors
      between participants who were dually infected with HIV-1 subtype B and
      monoinfected controls who were matched by ongoing HIV risk factor. METHODS: The
      viral load and CD4 progressions of dually and singly infected participant groups
      were compared with linear mixed-effects models, and individual dynamics before
      and after superinfection were assessed with a structural change test (Chow test).
      Recombination breakpoint analysis (GARD), HLA frequency analysis, and cytotoxic T
      lymphocyte (CTL) epitope mapping were also performed (HIV LANL Database).
      RESULTS: The viral loads of dually infected participants increased more over 3
      years of follow-up than the viral loads of monoinfected controls, whereas CD4
      progressions of the two groups did not differ. Viral escape from CTL responses
      following superinfection was observed in two participants whose superinfecting
      strain completely replaced the initial strain. This pattern was not seen among
      participants whose superinfecting virus persisted in a recombinant form with the
      initial virus or was only detected transiently. Several HLA types were over
      represented in dually infected participants as compared to monoinfected controls.
      CONCLUSIONS: These results identify potential factors for dual infection
      susceptibility and further define its clinical consequences.

PMID- 22045342
TI  - Level of double negative T cells, which produce TGF-beta and IL-10, predicts CD8
      T-cell activation in primary HIV-1 infection.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Persistent immune activation plays a central role in the pathogenesis
      of HIV disease. Besides natural regulatory T cells (nTregs), 'double negative' T
      cells shown to exhibit regulatory properties could be involved in the control of
      harmful immune activation. The aim of this study was to analyze, in patients with
      primary HIV infection (PHI), the relationship between
      CD4(+)CD25(+)CD127(low)FoxP3(+) nTregs or CD3(+)CD4(-)CD8(-) double negative T
      cells and systemic immune activation. DESIGN: A prospective longitudinal study of
      patients with early PHI. METHODS: Twenty-five patients were included.
      Relationships between frequency of Treg subsets and T-cell activation, assessed
      on fresh peripheral blood mononuclear cells, were analyzed using nonparametric
      tests. Cytokine production by double negative T cells was assessed following anti
      CD3/anti-CD28 stimulation. RESULTS: No relationship was found between T-cell
      activation and frequencies of nTregs. In contrast, a strong negative relationship
      was found at baseline between the proportion of double negative T cells and the
      proportion of activated CD8 T cells coexpressing CD38 and HLA-DR (P = 0.005) or
      expressing Ki-67 (P = 0.002). In addition, the frequency of double negative T
      cells at baseline negatively correlated with the frequency of HLA
      DR(+)CD38(+)CD8(+) T cells at month 6, defining the immune activation set point
      (P = 0.031). High proportions of stimulated double negative T cells were found to
      produce the immunosuppressive cytokines transforming growth factor-beta1 and/or
      IL-10. CONCLUSION: The proportion of double negative T cells at baseline was
      found to be predictive of the immune activation set point. Our data strongly
      suggest that double negative T cells may control immune activation in PHI. This
      effect might be mediated through the production of TGF-beta1/IL-10 known to
      downmodulate immune activation.

PMID- 22045343
TI  - A glycomimetic compound inhibits DC-SIGN-mediated HIV infection in cellular and
      cervical explant models.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Dendritic cell-specific intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-3
      grabbing nonintegrin (DC-SIGN) participates in the initial stages of sexually
      transmitted HIV-1 infection by recognizing highly mannosylated structures
      presented in multiple copies on HIV-1 gp120 and promoting virus dissemination.
      Inhibition of HIV interaction with DC-SIGN thus represents a potential
      therapeutic approach for viral entry inhibition at the mucosal level. DESIGN:
      Herein we evaluate the efficacy in inhibiting HIV-1 infection and the potential
      toxicity of a multimeric glycomimetic DC-SIGN ligand (Dendron 12). METHODS: The
      ability of Dendron 12 to block HIV-1 infection was assessed in cellular and human
      cervical explant models. Selectivity of Dendron 12 towards DC-SIGN and langerin
      was evaluated by surface plasmon resonance studies. beta chemokine production
      following stimulation with Dendron 12 was also analyzed. Toxicity of the compound
      was evaluated in cellular and tissue models. RESULTS: Dendron 12 averted HIV-1
      trans infection of CD4(+) T lymphocytes in presence of elevated viral loads and
      prevented HIV-1 infection of human cervical tissues, under conditions mimicking
      compromised epithelial integrity, by multiple clades of R5 and X4 tropic viruses.
      Treatment with Dendron 12 did not interfere with the activity of langerin and
      also significantly elicited the production of the beta chemokines MIP-1alpha, MIP
      1beta and RANTES. CONCLUSION: Dendron 12 thus inhibits HIV-1 infection by
      competition with binding of HIV to DC-SIGN and stimulation of beta-chemokine
      production. Dendron 12 represents a promising lead compound for the development
      of anti-HIV topical microbicides.

PMID- 22045344
TI  - Proximate context of gender-unequal norms and women's HIV risk in sub-Saharan
      Africa.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the proximate context of gender-unequal norms
      about violence against women undermines women's ability to negotiate condom use
      in sexual relationships. DESIGN: Secondary analysis of cross-sectional data
      pooled from 22 Demographic and Health Surveys conducted in sub-Saharan Africa.
      METHODS: Each of the 22 surveys employed a multistage stratified design with
      probabilistic sampling and was designed to be nationally representative of
      reproductive-age women. The outcome was self-reported condom use at last sexual
      intercourse. The primary explanatory variable of interest was a scale consisting
      of five questions about whether the respondent agreed with the appropriateness of
      wife beating under five different scenarios. To measure the proximate context of
      norms about violence against women, this scale was aggregated to the level of the
      primary sampling unit. We fit logistic regression models with cluster-correlated
      robust standard errors and adjustment for country-level fixed effects and
      sociodemographic characteristics. RESULTS: Our analysis sample included data from
      198,806 sexually active women living in 22 sub-Saharan African countries. The
      wife-beating scale was internally consistent (Cronbach's alpha = 0.84), and
      factor analysis confirmed the presence of a single factor. Condom use was
      associated with gender-unequal contextual norms about violence against women
      (adjusted odds ratio = 0.88; 95% confidence interval, 0.85-0.92; P < 0.001). The
      estimated association was robust to adjustment for sociodemographic
      characteristics and several sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSIONS: The proximate
      context of gender-unequal norms about violence against women is associated with
      lack of condom use among women in sub-Saharan Africa.

PMID- 22045345
TI  - Apparent declining efficacy in randomized trials:  examples of the Thai RV144 HIV
      vaccine and South African CAPRISA 004 microbicide trials.

PMID- 22045346
TI  - Efficacy of bipolar release in neglected congenital muscular torticollis
      patients.
AB  - Surgical correction of the congenital muscular torticollis (CMT) is recommended
      for patients with unsuccessful conservative treatment. The aim of this study is
      to evaluate the efficacy of surgical release of congenital muscular torticollis
      in neglected cases. We retrospectively evaluated the data of our patients in
      terms of age, sex, clinical presentation, localization of the lesion, diagnostic
      tests, and additional abnormalities. The age at operation ranged from 6 to 23
      years. Complete muscular release as determined by pre-operative and postoperative
      range of motion measurements was achieved in all of the patients by bipolar
      release. In this study, neck motion and head tilt showed marked improvement with
      surgical treatment in cases with CMT who were admitted to the hospital lately.
      Congenital muscular torticollis patients can benefit from surgical intervention
      above the age of 5. Bipolar release is an adequate and complication-free method.

PMID- 22045347
TI  - Nocturnal asthma.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The aim is to review pathophysiological mechanisms and
      treatment of nocturnal asthma. RECENT FINDINGS: Physiologic changes accompanying
      sleep, as well as the nocturnal phase of circadian rhythms, may have an adverse
      effect on asthma control. Chronotherapeutic principles, which consider circadian
      variation in relevant biologic rhythms, may improve asthma outcomes.
      Administration of long-acting bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids which
      achieve maximum efficacy at night may improve nocturnal asthma. Comorbid
      conditions that may contribute to nocturnal asthma should be considered. The
      prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea is greater in a cohort of patients with
      severe asthma than in moderate asthma and in BMI and age matched nonasthmatic
      controls, suggesting a link between these diseases. A large trial concluded that
      esomeprazole did not improve asthma control even with comorbid acid reflux,
      questioning the importance of acid reflux in asthma. The role of polymorphisms of
      the beta2-adrenergic receptor and their relationship with nocturnal asthma remain
      controversial. SUMMARY: Sleep is a time of vulnerability to respiratory
      compromise, especially in asthma patients experiencing nocturnal exacerbations.
      This asthma phenotype is associated with poorer control, reduced sleep quality,
      daytime somnolence and increased morbidity and mortality. Nocturnal asthma is a
      common but under-recognized problem.

PMID- 22045348
TI  - Inflammatory biomarkers in severe asthma.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Severe asthma remains a condition in search of deeper
      understanding and of newer effective therapies. Risk factors for developing
      severe asthma, phenotyping of disease, characterizing the inflammatory response
      and understanding of poor therapeutic responses to corticosteroids are important
      areas of research. The development of biomarkers for phenotypic diagnosis and
      prognostic reasons is important. RECENT FINDINGS: Severe asthma has been defined
      as asthma that does not respond adequately to asthma medications, particularly
      corticosteroids, with continuing loss of control of asthma and future risk of
      exacerbations and side effects from corticosteroid therapy. This is a
      heterogeneous condition and cluster analyses have yielded phenotypes on the basis
      of age of onset of disease, sex, lung function, atopy and questionnaire data. Use
      of sputum eosinophil counts has further defined a group with persistent
      eosinophilic inflammation despite corticosteroid therapy, and a noneosinophilic
      group with uncontrolled asthma. SUMMARY: Use of a single biomarker provides value
      in phenotyping and in predicting response to treatment but many more biomarkers
      such as those derived from -omic approaches remain to be used in the analysis. A
      systems biology approach to finding novel biomarkers is the way forward to
      stratify severe asthma so that appropriate and distinct therapies can be selected
      for each subtype.

PMID- 22045349
TI  - Complications associated with urinary diversion.
AB  - Radical cystectomy (RC) with subsequent urinary diversion has been assessed to be
      the most difficult surgical procedure in the field of urology. No randomized
      trials have been performed to compare the outcomes of noncontinent conduit
      diversion, neobladder construction and continent cutaneous diversion. Almost all
      studies are of level 3 evidence, meaning the recommendations given in this Review
      are of grade C only. Until recently, significant disparity in the quality of
      surgical complication reporting, as well as the lack of universally accepted
      reporting guidelines, definitions and grading systems, have made it impossible to
      compare the surgical morbidity and outcomes of RC. There is a clear case for the
      standardized reporting of complications. The Clavien system is a straightforward
      and validated instrument that has already been successfully adopted by several
      urological centers. Surgical morbidity following RC is significant and, when
      strict reporting guidelines are incorporated, much higher than previously
      published. Complications can occur up to 20 years after surgery, emphasizing the
      need for more long-term studies to determine the full morbidity spectrum. In
      general, renal function after construction of continent detubularized reservoirs
      compares favorably with ileal conduit diversion, although the literature is
      insufficient to recommend one over the other. The challenge of optimum care for
      elderly patients with comorbidities is best mastered at a high-volume hospital by
      a high-volume surgeon.

PMID- 22045350
TI  - Biomarkers for ovarian cancer: new technologies and targets to address
      persistently unmet needs.

PMID- 22045351
TI  - FDG-PET/CT as a molecular biomarker in ovarian cancer.
AB  - In the clinical setting the vast majority of positron emission tomography (PET)
      procedures use the glucose analogue F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) to visualize
      the increased glucose consumption of malignant lesions. Co-registered PET/CT has
      improved the diagnostic accuracy compared to either imaging procedure alone,
      particularly in ovarian cancer. FDG-PET/CT demonstrates primary malignant ovarian
      tumors; however, it is often unable to accurately differentiate between benign
      and malignant pelvic masses and to visualize borderline ovarian tumors. FDG
      PET/CT has a suggested role for staging, by improving treatment planning in
      individual cases, but it is particularly helpful in the setting of disease
      recurrence when CA125 tumor marker levels are rising and conventional imaging (CT
      or MR) is inconclusive or negative. The aim of this review is to demonstrate the
      value of FDG-PET-CT in diagnosis and management of patients with ovarian
      malignancies, outlining its advantages and limitations.

PMID- 22045352
TI  - Screening for ovarian cancer: old tools, new lessons.
AB  - The early detection of ovarian cancer represents a clinical objective with an
      enormous potential for a meaningful improvement in our ability to treat and cure
      afflicted patients. The magnitude of this potential is matched by the challenges
      associated with attaining it. In addition to the well noted aspects of ovarian
      cancer which have thus far precluded the development a effective screening
      strategies, recent work regarding the differential pathogenesis and origins of
      the various histological subtypes of epithelial ovarian cancer have further
      revealed the challenges ahead. These findings are reviewed here with a particular
      focus on reports describing the early development of high-grade serous
      carcinomas, the most prevalent and aggressive disease subtype. The unique set of
      difficulties associated with the early detection of these tumors is discussed in
      depth. An update on findings stemming from several large randomized screening
      trials is provided. While the current state of ovarian cancer screening remains
      characterized by unmet needs, the ongoing evaluation of those needs is providing
      a strong basis for future advancement. This advancement will rely upon the
      refined application of currently available diagnostic tools based on lessons well
      learned.

PMID- 22045353
TI  - Autoantibodies as biomarkers for ovarian cancer.
AB  - Ovarian cancer (OVCA) has the highest mortality of all gynecologic cancers. The
      poor survival rate is due to the lack of diagnostic screening tests and high
      incidence of recurrence in OVCA patients resistant to chemotherapy that leads to
      a more aggressive form of the disease. Therefore, a search for biomarkers holds
      great promise not only for early detection of OVCA at presymptomatic stage and
      for monitoring the course of the disease during the first-line chemotherapy
      treatment but also for identifying those women whose disease is likely to recur.
      Research efforts have sought to unravel the complexity of the tumor specific
      proteome by profiling immune responses generated against tumor associated
      antigens (TAAs) using multianalyte-based analytical discovery platforms readily
      adaptable to clinical diagnostic screening tests. The occurrence of tumor
      specific autoantibodies directed to respective TAAs can be observed before the
      development of clinical symptoms. Evaluation of the level of tumor autoantibodies
      during the time of tumor debulking followed by first-line chemotherapy for the
      prediction of early recurrence as well as their correlation with other clinical
      parameters to evaluate their prognostic value has been conducted in various
      clinical studies. The anti-tumor immune response against OVCA is the ultimate key
      to the development of multiple immune-based therapeutic strategies that have been
      proposed and tested in different clinical trials that may have beneficial impact
      on the disease outcome in OVCA patients.

PMID- 22045354
TI  - The role of chromatin, microRNAs, and tumor stem cells in ovarian cancer.
AB  - SUMMARY: The term "epigenetics" refers to DNA sequence-independent events that
      regulate gene expression, including DNA methylation, modifications to histone
      proteins, and microRNA-associated post-transcriptional control of protein
      translation. Epigenetic aberrations are now considered a defining characteristic
      of numerous human pathologies, including cancer. However, in contrast to DNA
      sequence mutations, many oncogenic epigenetic modifications are potentially
      reversible, with studies now showing numerous tumor cell types to possess
      remarkable phenotypic "plasticity," strongly supporting possible reversion of
      their malignant status. The "epigenome" of one such malignancy, ovarian cancer,
      has now been studied in depth, with specific epigenetic alterations correlated
      with tumor initiation, progression, metastasis, and therapy resistance. Ovarian
      cancer is the most lethal malignancy of the female reproductive tract, largely
      due to lack or diagnoses of early-stage disease and the eventual develoment of
      drug resistance; thus, reliable early detection biomarkers and alternative
      therapies are urgently needed. In this chapter, we discuss the epigenetics of
      ovarian cancer, including its likely role in the establishment of "cancer stem
      cells," i.e., highly tumorigenic progenitor cells believed to be largely or
      solely responsible for the propagation of malignant, chemotherapy-resistant and
      metastatic disease. Improved understanding of these gene-regulatory phenomena
      could likely result in improved detection and survival of this highly destructive
      malignancy.

PMID- 22045355
TI  - Searching for a system: the quest for ovarian cancer biomarkers.
AB  - The stark difference in clinical outcome for patients with ovarian cancer
      diagnosed at early stages (95% survival at 5 years) versus late stages (27.6%
      survival at 5 years) has driven a decades-long quest for effective biomarkers
      that will enable earlier detection of ovarian cancer. Yet despite intense
      efforts, including the application of modern high throughput technologies
      including transcriptomics and proteomics, there has been little improvement in
      performance compared to the gold standard of quantifying serum CA125
      immunoreactivity paired with transvaginal ultrasound. This review describes the
      strategies that have been used for identification of ovarian cancer biomarkers,
      including the recent introduction of novel bioinformatic approaches. Results
      obtained using high throughput-based vs. biologically rational approaches for the
      discovery of diagnostic early detection biomarkers are compared and analyzed for
      functional enrichment.

PMID- 22045357
TI  - Tumor vascular biomarkers: new opportunities for cancer diagnostics.
AB  - Tumor vasculature varies significantly from its normal counterpart and displays
      unique markers. Recent technological advancements including immunohistochemistry
      laser-capture microdissection (immuno-LCM), genome-wide high-throughput
      screening, and proteomics have uncovered a vast array of vascular bed-specific
      markers that may provide a platform for discovery of new therapeutics directed
      against various malignancies. However, an essential step in the translation of
      these markers to clinical application will be the identification of those
      biomarkers with the highest diagnostic and therapeutic potential. The aim of the
      current review is to provide a synopsis of recent advancements in the
      identification of tumor vasculature biomarkers.

PMID- 22045358
TI  - Glycomic analysis of ovarian cancer: past, present, and future.
AB  - Glycosylation is undeniably the most complex posttranslational modification.
      Glycan structures found on proteins and lipids are diverse, often changing in
      different tissues from normal physiologic conditions to diseases such as cancer.
      Glycomics encompasses the study of glycans along with the proteins and lipids to
      which they are attached. In this review we will discuss the glycomics of ovarian
      cancer from the pre- mass spectrometry era to current discoveries and finally to
      future potential clinical applications of research based on glycomic discoveries.

PMID- 22045359
TI  - Tumor-derived exosomes as mediators of disease and potential diagnostic
      biomarkers.
AB  - Tumor cells release membranous structures, defined as microvesicles or exosomes,
      consisting of an array of macromolecules derived from the originating cells,
      including proteins, lipids, and RNA. The expression of antigenic molecules
      recognizable by T cells originally suggested a role for these vesicles as a cell
      free antigen source for anti-cancer vaccines; however, evidence demonstrates that
      tumor exosomes can exert a broad array of detrimental effects on the immune
      system - ranging from apoptosis of activated cytotoxic T cells to impairment of
      monocyte differentiation into dendritic cells, to induction of myeloid
      suppressive cells. Immunosuppressive exosomes of tumor origin can be found in
      neoplastic lesions and biologic fluids from cancer patients, implying a potential
      role of these pathways in in vivo tumor progression and systemic paraneoplastic
      syndromes. Through the expression of molecules involved in angiogenesis
      promotion, stromal remodeling, signaling pathway activation through growth
      factor/receptor transfer, chemoresistance, and intercellular genetic exchange,
      tumor exosomes could represent a central mediator of the tumor microenvironment.
      Their release by tumor cells may represent the future for targeting therapeutic
      interventions and for development of multiplexed diagnostic biomarkers.

PMID- 22045360
TI  - Discovery and validation of ovarian cancer biomarkers utilizing high density
      antibody microarrays.
AB  - Here we demonstrate the utility of high-density antibody microarrays for ovarian
      cancer biomarker discovery. This report describes the technology and how it can
      be optimized for hypothesis-generating and testing experiments. Our previous
      results validated the high density antibody array technology platform, the
      current work expands on it utilizing a second generation array that we tested
      with a larger set of ovarian case and control serum samples. We then describe our
      strategies and methods for result validation, including Western immunoblots to
      confirm antibody specificity. By comparing and combining the current results with
      our previous study, we solidified the case that the markers found could be used
      for ovarian cancer diagnosis using this technology. These results set the stage
      for further validation of these potential biomarkers and the use of this
      technology in future biomarker discovery studies.

PMID- 22045356
TI  - Prognostic biomarkers in ovarian cancer.
AB  - Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) remains the most lethal gynecological malignancy
      despite several decades of progress in diagnosis and treatment. Taking advantage
      of the robust development of discovery and utility of prognostic biomarkers,
      clinicians and researchers are developing personalized and targeted treatment
      strategies. This review encompasses recently discovered biomarkers of ovarian
      cancer, the utility of published prognostic biomarkers for EOC (especially
      biomarkers related to angiogenesis and key signaling pathways), and their
      integration into clinical practice.

PMID- 22045361
TI  - The Journal of Cancer Survivorship: retrospective and future directions.
AB  - This editorial provides an up-to-date breakdown of the topics accepted for
      publication in the Journal of Cancer Survivorship: Research and Practice. The
      paper also indicates priority problem areas that require attention now and in the
      future. I also want to take this opportunity to announce that the application for
      the journal to receive an impact rating as of 2012 was approved. This completes
      two major milestones (indexing by the National Institute of Medicine and
      calculation of the journal's scientific impact as of 2012). Now it is up to the
      scientific and health care communities to help further ensure the journal's
      position as a major resource for information on cancer survivorship. We seek your
      help in making this a reality.

PMID- 22045362
TI  - Potential pitfalls of crossover and thoughts on iniparib in triple-negative
      breast cancer.
AB  - As recruitment for oncology clinical trials has become more difficult, there
      appears to have been an increase in the number of studies that allow patients in
      the control arm to "crossover" and receive the experimental therapy after disease
      progression. Although some researchers worry that allowing such crossover may
      abolish gains in progression-free survival in the experimental arm, the
      possibility that crossover might inadvertently benefit the experimental arm has
      not been addressed. In clinical trials in which the experimental agent has little
      or no intrinsic activity and is used to modulate an active combination, such
      crossover might negatively affect the overall survival of the control arm.
      Because resistance to the active combination--manifested as disease progression-
      has occurred, the likelihood of benefit from adding the experimental drug is
      reduced. Consequently, patients who were randomly assigned to the control arm
      continue to receive the now inactive combination after crossover, whereas
      patients in the experimental arm who discontinue study participation may seek out
      potentially effective salvage regimens. This difference in subsequent therapies
      may confer an advantage to the experimental arm that is manifested as gains
      beyond those achieved in progression-free survival, gains that occur not because
      the experimental therapy induced a change in tumor biology that persists beyond
      treatment discontinuation but because the control arm suffers by continuing to
      receive a therapy on which their tumor is progressing. Such an outcome may
      explain the recently reported trial results for iniparib in triple-negative
      breast cancer. Given that allowing patients in the control arm to receive the
      experimental agent may confound interpretation of overall survival, such
      crossover should not be used indiscriminately, especially if the experimental
      agent has little or no intrinsic activity.

PMID- 22045363
TI  - The Orthostatic Hypotension Questionnaire (OHQ): validation of a novel symptom
      assessment scale.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is no widely accepted validated scale to assess the
      comprehensive symptom burden and severity of neurogenic orthostatic hypotension
      (NOH). The Orthostatic Hypotension Questionnaire (OHQ) was developed, with two
      components: the six-item symptoms assessment scale and a four-item daily activity
      scale to assess the burden of symptoms. Validation analyses were then performed
      on the two scales and a composite score of the OHQ. METHODS: The validation
      analyses of the OHQ were performed using data from patients with NOH
      participating in a phase IV, double blind, randomized, cross over, placebo
      controlled trial of the alpha agonist midodrine. Convergent validity was assessed
      by correlating OHQ scores with clinician global impression scores of severity as
      well as with generic health questionnaire scores. Test-retest reliability was
      evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients at baseline and crossover in
      a subgroup of patients who reported no change in symptoms across visits on a
      patient global impression scores of change. Responsiveness was examined by
      determining whether worsening or improvement in the patients' underlying disease
      status produced an appropriate change in OHQ scores. RESULTS: Baseline data were
      collected in 137 enrolled patients, follow-up data were collected in 104 patients
      randomized to treatment arm. Analyses were conducted using all available data.
      The floor and ceiling effects were minimal. OHQ scores were highly correlated
      with other patient reported outcome measures, indicating excellent convergent
      validity. Test-retest reliability was good. OHQ scores could distinguish between
      patients with severe and patients with less severe symptoms and responded
      appropriately to midodrine, a pressor agent commonly used to treat NOH.
      CONCLUSION: These findings provide empirical evidence that the OHQ can accurately
      evaluate the severity of symptoms and the functional impact of NOH as well as
      assess the efficacy of treatment.

PMID- 22045364
TI  - Relation between perceived blood loss and vasovagal symptoms in blood donors.
AB  - INTRODUCTION/RESULTS: This study examined whether a belief of significant blood
      loss may be associated with vasovagal symptoms, irrespective of actual blood
      loss. Individual differences in vasovagal symptoms among blood donors who had an
      equivalent amount of blood withdrawn were significantly associated with their
      rating of perceived blood loss. CONCLUSION: The anticipation or belief of blood
      loss, and perhaps more remotely associated ideas, may trigger processes similar
      to those induced by actual hemorrhage though further research is required to
      address other possibilities such as the inflation of ratings by vasovagal
      symptoms.

PMID- 22045365
TI  - Heart rate variability analysis of normal and growth restricted children.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) has been associated with an
      increased risk of cardiovascular disease in later life. The regularity mechanism
      of cardiovascular system is under the control of autonomic nervous system (ANS).
      The non-optimal fetal growth may alter the development of the ANS and this
      appears to persist in later life. The aim of the present work is to analyse the
      synergic activity of the ANS in normal and growth restricted children. MATERIAL
      AND METHODS: Heart rate variability analysis from 24 h ECG recordings of 70
      children between 9 and 10 years old, normal and IUGR was performed using linear
      and non-linear time series analysis techniques. CONCLUSION: The HRV parameters
      showed no significant difference between normal and IUGR children. Low birth
      weight and its association with development of the cardiovascular system and its
      control have been extensively studied. In order to investigate the effect of low
      birth weight on HRV parameters, the IUGR children were further divided into two
      groups: IUGR-1 (birth weight<2.50 kg) and IUGR-2 (birth weight>=2.50 kg). The
      results demonstrated that most of the HRV measures showed significant differences
      between normal versus IUGR-1 as well as IUGR-1 versus IUGR-2 groups. The effect
      of gender on HRV measures was also examined and we noticed that girls had lower
      HRV than boys.

PMID- 22045366
TI  - Foreword: quality improvement efforts: advancing the science of palliative care.

PMID- 22045367
TI  - Implementation and evaluation of an automated patient death notification policy
      at a tertiary pediatric oncology referral center.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Not knowing about a child's death can result in poor quality of care
      coordination among staff and poor quality bereavement care for families. The
      purpose of this project was to create, implement, and evaluate an automated
      Patient Death Notification policy and procedure (PDNPP). MEASURES: Baseline and
      follow-up surveys of clinical staff. INTERVENTION: Implementation of a PDNPP that
      created an automated, systematic process for staff notification of patient
      deaths. OUTCOMES: Ninety-six percent of the staff rated the PDNPP as a
      significant improvement; 91% reported being "very" or "somewhat" satisfied with
      the PDNPP, whereas only 44% of the staff were satisfied with the process at
      baseline. CONCLUSIONS/LESSONS LEARNED: Implementation of an automated PDNPP was
      feasible and improved staff satisfaction about how they were informed of patient
      deaths. Staff also reported being notified about patient deaths more quickly,
      performing their jobs more efficiently, being able to avoid doing something that
      might upset the deceased patient's family, and being able to better provide
      support to bereaved families.

PMID- 22045368
TI  - A rapid two-stage screening protocol for palliative care in the emergency
      department: a quality improvement initiative.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A rapid two-stage screening protocol was developed to improve
      referral for palliative care needs among frail elderly in the emergency
      department (ED). MEASURES: A new triage tool was administered, with assessment
      tools for activities of daily living, performance, functional staging, symptom
      burden, and caregiver distress. INTERVENTION: Stage One identified elderly
      patients meeting criteria for life-limiting conditions. Stage Two referred
      patients with crescendo losses in activities of daily living, high symptom
      burden, and caregiver distress to palliative care or hospice. OUTCOMES: Over
      eight months, 1587 patients were screened, representing 22% of ED visits made by
      patients older than 65 years during this time period. Of these, 140 met
      functional decline criteria, and 51 of these needed palliative care consultation.
      Five patients were referred to hospice, 20 received palliative care, and 26
      received no further service. CONCLUSIONS/LESSONS LEARNED: The project shows unmet
      needs among elderly ED patients, and the feasibility of rapid screening and
      referral using a quality improvement approach. At its peak, the project accounted
      for half the referrals to the palliative care consultation service.

PMID- 22045369
TI  - Collecting data on quality is feasible in community-based palliative care.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Quality measurement in palliative care requires robust data from
      standardized data collection processes. We developed and tested the feasibility
      of the Quality Data Collection Tool version 1.0 (QDACTv1.0) for use in community
      based palliative care. MEASURES: To evaluate for implementation barriers, we
      tested feasibility, acceptability, and utility of the QDACTv1.0 by reviewing use
      patterns, surveying clinician users, and reporting conformance with quality
      metrics. INTERVENTION: Comprising 37 questions within five domains, QDACTv1.0 was
      launched in May 2008 for data collection at point of care. OUTCOMES: Through
      March 2011, data on 5959 patients in 19,734 visits have been collected. We
      observed steady quarterly growth in data collection, positive clinician feedback,
      and successful mapping of data to quality metrics. Information gathered
      characterized practice variations and suggested quality improvement initiatives.
      Clinician feedback has driven updating to Quality Data Collection Tool version
      2.0. CONCLUSIONS/LESSONS LEARNED: Standardized data collection is feasible in
      routine community-based palliative care and is valuable for quality monitoring.

PMID- 22045370
TI  - Implementation and evaluation of a network-based pilot program to improve
      palliative care in the intensive care unit.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intensive care unit (ICU) care could be improved by implementation of
      time-triggered evidence-based interventions including identification of a
      patient/family medical decision maker, the patient's advance directive status,
      and cardiopulmonary resuscitation preferences by Day 1; offer of social work and
      spiritual support by Day 3; and a family meeting establishing goals of care by
      Day 5. We implemented a program to improve care for ICU patients in five
      Department of Veterans Affairs' ICUs. MEASURES: We measured the percent of ICU
      patients with lengths of stay of five or more days that received the care
      processes by the appropriate day. INTERVENTION: Critical care and palliative care
      providers trained ICU nurse teams to improve care through auditing, performance
      feedback, improvement tools, education, and monthly team meetings. OUTCOMES: Pre-
      and postintervention care were compared. Offering social work and spiritual
      support, identification of the medical decision maker, and documentation of
      family meetings significantly improved. CONCLUSIONS/LESSONS LEARNED: ICU nurse
      teams can be engaged to improve care under the aegis of a collaborative quality
      improvement project.

PMID- 22045371
TI  - Using the improving palliative care in the intensive care unit (IPAL-ICU) project
      to promote palliative care consultation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Improving Palliative Care in the Intensive Care Unit (IPAL-ICU)
      project is an initiative designed to improve the quality of palliative care in
      the intensive care unit. One of the problems to be addressed is the
      underutilization of palliative care. MEASURES: The percentage change in number of
      palliative care consults in the Medical ICU (MICU) and Surgical ICU (SICU)
      compared with the same time period the previous year was used as an objective
      measure to indicate increased utilization of palliative care. INTERVENTION: Two
      hundred seventy-three patients were screened for potential palliative care
      consultation. After each patient screening, the attending physician was offered
      the opportunity to consult the palliative care consultation team. OUTCOMES: In
      comparison with the same time period the previous year, an increase in palliative
      care consults of 113% in the MICU and of 51% in the SICU was noted during the
      screening period. CONCLUSIONS/LESSONS LEARNED: The IPAL-ICU project framework and
      recommendations can be effectively used to increase the number of palliative care
      consults in the ICU.

PMID- 22045372
TI  - A model for increasing palliative care in the intensive care unit: enhancing
      interprofessional consultation rates and communication.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Only a minority of patients who die in the medical intensive care
      unit (MICU) receive palliative care services. At the South Texas Veterans Health
      Care System Audie L. Murphy Hospital, only 5% of patients who died in the MICU
      from May to August 2010 received a palliative care consultation. MEASURES: We
      measured the percentage of MICU patients for which there was a palliative care
      consultation during the intervention period. INTERVENTION: Starting October 1,
      2010 and ending April 30, 2011, the palliative care and MICU teams participated
      in daily "pre-rounds" to identify patients at risk for poor outcomes, who may
      benefit from a palliative care consultation. OUTCOMES: Palliative care
      consultation increased significantly from 5% to 59% for patients who died in the
      MICU during the intervention period. Additionally, palliative care consultation
      increased from 5% to 21% for all patients admitted to the MICU during the
      intervention period. CONCLUSIONS/LESSONS LEARNED: Daily pre-rounds between the
      palliative care and MICU teams increased palliative care services for MICU
      patients at risk for poor outcomes, who may benefit from a palliative care
      consultation.

PMID- 22045373
TI  - Characterization of abdominal pain during methylnaltrexone treatment of opioid
      induced constipation in advanced illness: a post hoc analysis of two clinical
      trials.
AB  - CONTEXT: Methylnaltrexone is a selective peripherally acting mu-opioid receptor
      antagonist that decreases the constipating effects of opioids without affecting
      centrally mediated analgesia. In two double-blind, placebo-controlled, Phase III
      studies of methylnaltrexone for opioid-induced constipation in patients with
      advanced illness, abdominal pain was the most common adverse event (AE) reported.
      OBJECTIVES: This analysis sought to further characterize the Medical Dictionary
      for Regulatory Activities-defined abdominal pain AEs experienced in these
      studies. METHODS: A post hoc analysis of verbatim descriptions was used to
      further assess AEs characterized as abdominal pain in both trials. Descriptive
      summary statistics were used to assess severity of abdominal pain, effect of
      abdominal pain on global pain scores, and other characteristics. Logistic
      regression analysis was used to determine the association of baseline
      characteristics with abdominal pain. RESULTS: Most verbatim descriptions of
      abdominal pain referred to "abdominal cramps" or "cramping." Abdominal pain AEs
      were mostly mild to moderate in severity and did not affect patients' global
      evaluation of pain. The incidence of abdominal pain AEs in methylnaltrexone
      treated patients was greatest after the first dose and decreased with subsequent
      doses. No association between abdominal pain AEs and most baseline patient
      characteristics was noted. CONCLUSION: Abdominal pain AEs in methylnaltrexone
      treated patients in clinical trials are usually described as "cramps" or
      "cramping," are mostly mild to moderate in severity, and decrease in incidence
      with subsequent dosing.

PMID- 22045374
TI  - Responding to surrogate requests that seem inconsistent with a patient's living
      will.
AB  - Clinicians may feel conflicted when a patient's legal decision maker is making
      decisions that seem inconsistent with a patient's living will. We provide
      evidence-based information to help clinicians consider whether a surrogate's
      inconsistent decisions are ethically appropriate. Surrogates are not flawless
      translators of their loved one's preferences; they are influenced by their own
      hopes and the current clinical context. Patients may be aware of this, are often
      concerned about burdening their loved ones, and often grant their surrogates
      leeway in interpreting their wishes. When appropriate, clinicians should respect
      surrogates' interpretations of patient values and take steps to decrease
      surrogate stress during the decision-making process. Finally, if clinicians are
      cognizant of their own values and preferences, they may recognize how these may
      affect their responses to certain clinical cases.

PMID- 22045375
TI  - Rembrandt, michelangelo, and stories of healing.
AB  - Two contemporary patient narratives provide an opportunity to reflect on the role
      of clinicians in the healing process, as seen in the works of Rembrandt and
      Michelangelo.

PMID- 22045376
TI  - Anti-epileptic drugs.
AB  - Therapeutic Reviews aim to provide essential independent information for health
      professionals about drugs used in palliative and hospice care. Additional content
      is available on www.palliativedrugs.com. Country-specific books (Hospice and
      Palliative Care Formulary USA, and Palliative Care Formulary, British and
      Canadian editions) are also available and can be ordered from
      www.palliativedrugs.com. The series editors welcome feedback on the articles
      (hq@palliativedrugs.com).

PMID- 22045378
TI  - From adaptation to molecular evolution.

PMID- 22045379
TI  - Dangers of 'adaptation'.

PMID- 22045380
TI  - Evolution of adaptive phenotypic traits without positive Darwinian selection.
AB  - Recent evidence suggests the frequent occurrence of a simple non-Darwinian (but
      non-Lamarckian) model for the evolution of adaptive phenotypic traits, here
      entitled the plasticity-relaxation-mutation (PRM) mechanism. This mechanism
      involves ancestral phenotypic plasticity followed by specialization in one
      alternative environment and thus the permanent expression of one alternative
      phenotype. Once this specialization occurs, purifying selection on the molecular
      basis of other phenotypes is relaxed. Finally, mutations that permanently
      eliminate the pathways leading to alternative phenotypes can be fixed by genetic
      drift. Although the generality of the PRM mechanism is at present unknown, I
      discuss evidence for its widespread occurrence, including the prevalence of
      exaptations in evolution, evidence that phenotypic plasticity has preceded
      adaptation in a number of taxa and evidence that adaptive traits have resulted
      from loss of alternative developmental pathways. The PRM mechanism can easily
      explain cases of explosive adaptive radiation, as well as recently reported cases
      of apparent adaptive evolution over ecological time.

PMID- 22045381
TI  - Centromere repositioning in mammals.
AB  - The evolutionary history of chromosomes can be tracked by the comparative
      hybridization of large panels of bacterial artificial chromosome clones. This
      approach has disclosed an unprecedented phenomenon: 'centromere repositioning',
      that is, the movement of the centromere along the chromosome without marker order
      variation. The occurrence of evolutionary new centromeres (ENCs) is relatively
      frequent. In macaque, for instance, 9 out of 20 autosomal centromeres are
      evolutionarily new; in donkey at least 5 such neocentromeres originated after
      divergence from the zebra, in less than 1 million years. Recently, orangutan
      chromosome 9, considered to be heterozygous for a complex rearrangement, was
      discovered to be an ENC. In humans, in addition to neocentromeres that arise in
      acentric fragments and result in clinical phenotypes, 8 centromere-repositioning
      events have been reported. These 'real-time' repositioned centromere-seeding
      events provide clues to ENC birth and progression. In the present paper, we
      provide a review of the centromere repositioning. We add new data on the
      population genetics of the ENC of the orangutan, and describe for the first time
      an ENC on the X chromosome of squirrel monkeys. Next-generation sequencing
      technologies have started an unprecedented, flourishing period of rapid whole
      genome sequencing. In this context, it is worth noting that these technologies,
      uncoupled from cytogenetics, would miss all the biological data on evolutionary
      centromere repositioning. Therefore, we can anticipate that classical and
      molecular cytogenetics will continue to have a crucial role in the identification
      of centromere movements. Indeed, all ENCs and human neocentromeres were found
      following classical and molecular cytogenetic investigations.

PMID- 22045382
TI  - Intrachromosomal rearrangements in avian genome evolution: evidence for regions
      prone to breakpoints.
AB  - It is generally believed that the organization of avian genomes remains highly
      conserved in evolution as chromosome number is constant and comparative
      chromosome painting demonstrated there to be very few interchromosomal
      rearrangements. The recent sequencing of the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata)
      genome allowed an assessment of the number of intrachromosomal rearrangements
      between it and the chicken (Gallus gallus) genome, revealing a surprisingly high
      number of intrachromosomal rearrangements. With the publication of the turkey
      (Meleagris gallopavo) genome it has become possible to describe intrachromosomal
      rearrangements between these three important avian species, gain insight into the
      direction of evolutionary change and assess whether breakpoint regions are reused
      in birds. To this end, we aligned entire chromosomes between chicken, turkey and
      zebra finch, identifying syntenic blocks of at least 250 kb. Potential optimal
      pathways of rearrangements between each of the three genomes were determined, as
      was a potential Galliform ancestral organization. From this, our data suggest
      that around one-third of chromosomal breakpoint regions may recur during avian
      evolution, with 10% of breakpoints apparently recurring in different lineages.
      This agrees with our previous hypothesis that mechanisms of genome evolution are
      driven by hotspots of non-allelic homologous recombination.

PMID- 22045383
TI  - A concise route to the macrocyclic core of the rakicidins.
AB  - An efficient synthesis of the macrolactone core of the rakicidins is described.
      The rakicidins are cytotoxic lipopeptides with interesting cancer cell
      selectivities including HIF-1-independent hypoxia-selective cytotoxicity and anti
      invasive activity. Access to the core may now allow establishment of preliminary
      SAR and exploration of routes to several members of rakicidins.

PMID- 22045384
TI  - The synthesis and role of taurine in the Japanese eel testis.
AB  - In teleost fish, the progestin 17alpha, 20beta-dihydroxy-4-pregnen-3-one (DHP) is
      an essential component of the spermatogenesis pathway. In a series of
      investigations on the mechanisms underlying progestin-stimulated spermatogenesis,
      we have found that DHP up-regulates the expression of cysteine dioxygenase1
      (CDO1) in the Japanese eel testis. CDO1 is one of the enzymes involved in the
      taurine biosynthesis pathway. To evaluate whether taurine is synthesized in the
      eel testis, cysteine sulfinate decarboxylase (CSD), another enzyme involved in
      taurine synthesis, was isolated from this species. RT-PCR and in vitro eel
      testicular culture revealed that although CSD was also expressed in eel testis,
      neither DHP nor other sex steroids affect CSD mRNA expression in a similar manner
      to CDO1. Using an in vitro eel testicular culture system, we further investigated
      the effects of DHP on taurine synthesis in the eel testis. HPLC analysis showed
      that DHP treatment significantly increases the taurine levels in the eel testis.
      These results suggest that DHP promotes taurine synthesis via the up-regulation
      of CDO1 mRNA expression during eel spermatogenesis. Furthermore, we observed from
      our analysis that although taurine does not induce complete spermatogenesis, it
      promotes spermatogonial DNA synthesis and the expression of Spo11, a meiosis
      specific marker. These data thus suggest that taurine augments the effects of sex
      steroids in the promotion of spermatogonial proliferation and/or meiosis and
      hence that taurine plays important roles in spermatogenesis.

PMID- 22045385
TI  - Intraperitoneal injection of saline modulates hippocampal brain receptor complex
      levels but does not impair performance in the Morris Water Maze.
AB  - The involvement of the hippocampus in pain has been demonstrated but key players,
      i.e. the major brain receptors have not been shown to be modulated by pain. It
      was therefore the aim of the study to show the concerted action and pattern of
      brain receptor complex levels in a non-invasive model of moderate pain. C57BL/6J
      mice were divided into four groups of 14 animals each: trained injected, trained
      non-injected, yoked injected and yoked non-injected. Animals were tested in the
      open field and the elevated plus maze for behavioural evaluation and cognitive
      functions were tested using the Morris Water Maze. Hippocampi were taken 6 h
      following sacrification. Membrane proteins were prepared by ultracentrifugation
      and run on blue native gels to keep the native state, blotted to membranes and
      western blotting was carried out using the primary antibodies against serotonin
      receptor 5HT1A, muscarinic acetylcholine receptor M1 (mAChR-M1), nicotinic
      acetylcholine receptor alpha7 (nAChR-alpha7), glutamate (AMPA) receptor (GluR1)
      and neurokinin receptor 1 (NK-1). There was no difference between performance in
      behaviour or in the MWM between groups. Brain receptor level changes involved all
      receptors given above. Pain affected mAChR-M1, GluR1 and NK-1 complex levels when
      yoked-injected were compared with yoked non-injected animals. Memory mechanisms
      affected mAChR-M1 complex levels when trained non-injected animals were compared
      with yoked non-injected controls. Taken together, the neurochemical basis for
      testing receptor agonists/antagonists on the role of pain and the hippocampus was
      generated that may be useful for interpretations of the role of this complex area
      in moderate pain.

PMID- 22045386
TI  - Transglutaminase 2 and Factor XIII catalyze distinct substrates in
      differentiating osteoblastic cell line: utility of highly reactive substrate
      peptides.
AB  - Differentiated osteoblastic cell line, MC3T3-E1 expresses transglutaminase 2
      (TG2) and Factor XIII (FXIII). In previous studies, we identified isozyme
      specific and highly reactive glutamine-donor substrate peptides (pepF11KA and
      pepT26) for each isozyme. Using these peptides, we compared the reaction products
      with lysine-donor substrates for each isozyme in differentiating MC3T3-E1 cells.
      By this analysis, distinct substrates for the activated TG2 and FXIII were
      detected in cultured cellular extract. Possible substrates that incorporated
      biotin-labeled peptides were further purified using streptavidin-affinity
      chromatography. Several isozyme-specific substrates were identified by mass
      spectrometry analysis of the purified fractions. These analyses also indicate the
      benefit of the substrate peptides for obtaining distinct substrates in a reaction
      mixture where two isozymes co-exist.

PMID- 22045387
TI  - High effectiveness of pandemic influenza A (H1N1) vaccination in healthcare
      workers from a Portuguese hospital.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Vaccination of healthcare workers (HCWs) was made a high priority
      during the phase six pandemic of the novel influenza A H1N1 (pH1N1) virus. We
      surveyed adherence to pH1N1 vaccination and the incidence of pH1N1 infection
      between vaccinated and unvaccinated HCWs. METHODS: Employees at the S. Joao
      Hospital in Porto, Portugal, were offered pH1N1 vaccinations free of charge.
      Pandemrix((r)) was the vaccine administered. As part of the pandemic plan,
      employees with influenza-like symptoms (ILS) were called upon to take an RT-PCR
      H1N1 test. If the test results were positive, they had to stay off work for at
      least 7 days. Sociodemographic data, vaccination status, contact with infectious
      patients, ILS and pH1N1 test results were documented in a standardised manner.
      RESULTS: The survey population comprised 5,592 employees. The vaccination rate
      was 30.8% (n = 1,720) for pH1N1 and 50.4% (n = 2,819) for the 2009/2010 seasonal
      trivalent inactivated influenza vaccine (TIV). One mild anaphylactic reaction
      occurred after pH1N1 vaccination. Minor local side effects occurred more often
      after pH1N1 vaccination than after 2009/2010 seasonal TIV (38.0% vs. 12.3%).
      Pandemic H1N1 infection was diagnosed in 97 HCWs (1.7%). Compared to employees
      with no regular patient contact, nurses (2.8%) had the highest risk of pH1N1
      infection (adjusted OR 3.8; 95% CI 1.2-6.8). Vaccination reduced the pH1N1
      infection risk (OR 0.12; 95% CI 0.05-0.29). Vaccine effectiveness was 90.4% (95%
      CI 73.5-97.3%). CONCLUSION: Vaccination reduced the pH1N1 infection risk
      considerably. The pandemic plan to contain the pH1N1 infection was successful.
      Nurses had the highest risk of pH1N1 infection and are therefore a target group
      for vaccination measures.

PMID- 22045388
TI  - A multicenter study to map genes for Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy:
      baseline characteristics and heritability.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe the methods for family and case-control recruitment for a
      multicenter genetic and associated heritability analyses of Fuchs endothelial
      corneal dystrophy (FECD). METHODS: Twenty-nine enrolling sites with 62 trained
      investigators and coordinators gathered individual and family information, graded
      the phenotype, and collected blood and/or saliva for genetic analysis on all
      individuals with and without FECD. The degree of FECD was assessed in a 0 to 6
      semiquantitative scale using standardized clinical methods with pathological
      verification of FECD on at least 1 member of each family. Central corneal
      thickness was measured by ultrasonic pachymetry. RESULTS: Three hundred twenty
      two families with 330 affected sibling pairs with FECD were enrolled and included
      a total of 650 sibling pairs of all disease grades. Using the entire 7-step FECD
      grading scale or a dichotomous definition of severe disease, heritability was
      assessed in families via sib-sib correlations. Both binary indicators of severe
      disease and semiquantitative measures of disease severity were significantly
      heritable, with heritability estimates of 30% for severe disease, 37% to 39% for
      FECD score, and 47% for central corneal thickness. CONCLUSIONS: Genetic risk
      factors have a strong role in the severity of the FECD phenotype and corneal
      thickness. Genotyping this cohort with high-density genetic markers followed by
      appropriate statistical analyses should lead to novel loci for disease
      susceptibility.

PMID- 22045389
TI  - Tomographic corneal profile analysis of central toxic keratopathy after LASIK.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe a case of bilateral central toxic keratopathy (CTK) in a
      post-laser in situ keratomileusis-treated patient using tomographic methods for
      more than a 1-year follow-up. METHODS: Case report and literature review.
      RESULTS: Tomographic analysis of a patient with bilateral CTK revealed flattening
      of the anterior cornea curvature and thinning at the level of anterior stromal
      bed, with minimal changes of the posterior curvature. A thin central flap was
      also noted on optical coherence tomography (OCT). Over the course of a year, the
      patient's hyperopic shift resolved with steepening of the anterior curvature and
      concomitant thickening of the flap and stromal bed. CONCLUSIONS: Using
      Scheimpflug imaging and Visante OCT, we demonstrated that the hyperopia that
      accompanies CTK is related to anterior corneal curvature changes. We also found
      that the majority of corneal tissue loss occurs at the anterior stromal bed
      mainly in the first postoperative week and is followed by a regeneration of
      tissue. A thin central flap was noted, and it is not clear whether this was
      created intraoperatively or resulted from the presence of CTK, requiring further
      study.

PMID- 22045390
TI  - Fungal keratitis caused by Chaetomium atrobrunneum.
AB  - PURPOSE: We report a case of mycotic keratitis caused by a rare fungus Chaetomium
      atrobrunneum. METHODS: Clinical examination, slit-lamp examination, and
      microbiological evaluation of corneal ulcer were done, and its treatment outcome
      was studied. The fungal etiology was established by conventional microbiological
      techniques: polymerase chain reaction and speciation by DNA sequencing. RESULTS:
      Based on morphological features of the isolate and DNA sequence analysis of the
      internal transcribed spacer region, the isolate was identified as C.
      atrobrunneum. The keratitis was resolved completely by topical natamycin and oral
      ketoconazole. CONCLUSION: To best of our knowledge, this is the first reported
      case of keratitis caused by a rare fungus, C. atrobrunneum, which was
      successfully treated with dual therapy.

PMID- 22045391
TI  - Endothelial keratoplasty in a newborn baby with CHED.
AB  - PURPOSE: Congenital hereditary endothelial dystrophy (CHED) may be present at
      birth in the form of whitish cloudy corneas. Descemet stripping endothelial
      keratoplasty has been attempted to solve the problem but never in babies. We
      report a case of successful bilateral surgery in a 3-month-old baby. METHODS:
      CHED was detected at birth in a newborn female, but surgery was deferred to
      increase the chance of success. At 3 months, endothelial keratoplasty was
      performed in the left eye without any attempt to remove the existing endothelium.
      As the cornea cleared up soon after the surgery, the right eye was operated 4
      weeks later. RESULTS: Both corneas were clear 10 and 9 months after the surgery,
      respectively. Central thickness was 580 MUm in the right eye and 530 MUm in the
      left eye. The baby followed the light and started smiling at the lactating
      mother. There were no signs of graft rejection. Steroid eye drops are currently
      employed. CONCLUSIONS: Endothelial keratoplasty without endothelium removal has
      been successfully employed in a newborn with CHED for the first time. This
      procedure may be the best option for newborns with cloudy corneas.

PMID- 22045393
TI  - Utilization of radionuclide myocardial perfusion imaging in two health care
      systems: assessment with the 2009 ACCF/ASNC/AHA appropriateness use criteria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although differences in the rate of utilization of invasive cardiac
      procedures between Veterans Affairs (VA) hospitals and other health care systems
      are present, noninvasive cardiac imaging use pattern has not been well studied.
      We evaluated the ability of the updated appropriateness use criteria (AUC) to
      determine utilization patterns of myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) and compare
      use between an academic practice and a VA. METHODS: One-hundred fifty stress/rest
      MPI studies in an academic practice and 150 at a VA hospital were retrospectively
      reviewed using the hierarchical approach published in the 2009 AUC. RESULTS: Less
      than 1% of studies were unclassified. A higher percentage of MPI were requested
      for inappropriate reason at the VA, although this difference was not
      statistically significant (P = .248). In the VA, non-physicians requested
      significantly more inappropriate studies than physicians (26.8% vs 20.1%; P <
      .048). Within the academic practice non-cardiologists referred more patients for
      inappropriate indications than cardiologists (23.9% vs 10.1%; P = .001). Five
      most common inappropriate indications accounted for the vast majority of
      inappropriately requested MPI (77%). CONCLUSIONS: The revised 2009 AUC allow for
      near complete categorization of appropriateness in testing. Differences between
      institutions and provider types were noted and areas for improved utilization
      were identified.

PMID- 22045394
TI  - Nomograms for estimating coronary artery disease prognosis with gated stress
      myocardial perfusion SPECT.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nomograms can be useful tools for estimating coronary artery disease
      (CAD) risk. We sought to devise risk-based nomograms for stress myocardial
      perfusion SPECT to include measures of % ischemic myocardium and left ventricular
      function. METHODS: A total of 4,575 patients were consecutively and prospectively
      enrolled in the Myoview Prognosis Registry. Multivariable Cox proportional
      hazards model were employed to estimate CAD death or MI. Nomograms were devised
      from the results of the Cox models. RESULTS: CAD death or MI rates worsened in a
      gradient manner by the % ischemic myocardium. Higher risk patients were those
      with a rest and/or post-stress LVEF <= 45%. A nomogram was developed to estimate
      2-year CAD death or MI-free survival for exercising and pharmacologic stress
      patients by their post-stress LVEF and % ischemic myocardium MPS results.
      Patients undergoing pharmacologic stress with a rest and/or post-stress LVEF <=
      45% with high risk ischemic findings had the lowest CAD death or MI event-free
      survival. For exercising patients with a preserved resting LVEF > 45%, 2-year CAD
      death or MI event-free survival ranged from 99.4% to 89% for 0% to >=20% ischemic
      myocardium. Those at highest risk included patients undergoing pharmacologic
      stress with depressed LVEF. For pharmacologic stress patients with a resting LVEF
      <=45%, 2-year CAD death or MI event-free survival ranged from 89% to 48% for 0%
      to >=20% ischemic myocardium. For pharmacologic stress patients with a post
      stress LVEF <= 45%, 2-year CAD death or MI event-free survival ranged from 88% to
      46% for 0% to >=20% ischemic myocardium. A validation cohort revealed moderate
      strong correlation between observed and predicted survival (r = 0.71). Average
      discordance between observed and predicted survival was <=2% but was greater for
      higher risk patients with lower predicted survival estimates. CONCLUSIONS: Risk
      based nomograms estimating important CAD outcomes may serve as a clinically
      useful tool to target therapeutic intervention for high risk patient subsets.

PMID- 22045396
TI  - Diagnostic and prognostic markers in liver cirrhosis.

PMID- 22045397
TI  - Classification of cirrhosis: the clinical use of HVPG measurements.
AB  - The modern paradigm considers cirrhosis as a dynamic and potentially reversible
      disease. It consists of two different entities, compensated and decompensated
      cirrhosis, each with a distinct prognosis and different predictors of survival.
      The development of portal hypertension is a hallmark in the history of cirrhosis,
      and its progression parallels that of the disease. In consequence, portal
      pressure measurement by means of HVPG allows stratifying cirrhosis in stages with
      defined outcomes, prognosis, and management strategies.

PMID- 22045398
TI  - Non-invasive diagnostic and prognostic evaluation of liver cirrhosis and portal
      hypertension.
AB  - Cirrhosis is the final stage of most of chronic liver diseases, and is almost
      invariably complicated by portal hypertension, which is the most important cause
      of morbidity and mortality in these patients. This review will focus on the non
      invasive methods currently used in clinical practice for diagnosing liver
      cirrhosis and portal hypertension. The first-line techniques include physical
      examination, laboratory parameters, transient elastography and Doppler-US. More
      sophisticated imaging methods which are less commonly employed are CT scan and
      MRI, and new technologies which are currently under evaluation are MR
      elastography and acoustic radiation force imaging (ARFI). Even if none of them
      can replace the invasive measurement of hepatic venous pressure gradient and the
      endoscopic screening of gastroesophageal varices, they notably facilitate the
      clinical management of patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension, and
      provide valuable prognostic information.

PMID- 22045399
TI  - Prognostic markers in patients with ascites and hepatorenal syndrome.

PMID- 22045400
TI  - Prognostic markers in patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension who have
      not bled.
AB  - Prognostic markers of compensated cirrhosis should mainly investigate factors
      involved with progression to decompensation because death in cirrhosis is related
      with decompensation. Portal hypertension plays a crucial role in the
      pathophysiology of most complications of cirrhosis. Accordingly, HVPG monitoring
      has strong prognostic value. An HVPG >= 10 mmHg determines a significantly higher
      risk of developing decompensation. Esophageal varices also can develop when the
      HVPG is >= 10 mmHg, although an HVPG >= 12 mmHg is required for variceal bleeding
      to occur. Monitoring the changes induced by the treatment of portal hypertension
      on HVPG, provides strong prognostic information. In compensated cirrhosis
      hemodynamic response is appropriate when the HVPG decreased to < 10 mmHg or by >
      10% from baseline, because the incidence of complications such as bleeding or
      ascites significantly decrease when these targets are achieved. Whether serum
      markers, such as the FibroTest, they, may be valuable to predict decompensation
      should be established. Transient Elastography is a promising technique that has
      shown an excellent accuracy to detect severe portal hypertension. However,
      whether it can adequately determine clinically significant portal hypertension,
      and risk of developing varices and decompensation, should be established.
      Magnetic Resonance Elastography is also promising.

PMID- 22045401
TI  - Prognostic evaluation of patients with acute variceal bleeding.

PMID- 22045402
TI  - Prognostic markers in patients who have recovered from an acute variceal
      bleeding: role of HVPG measurement.

PMID- 22045403
TI  - Prognostic assessment in patients with hepatic encephalopathy.
AB  - Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a common complication of liver failure that is
      associated with poor prognosis. However, the prognosis is not uniform and depends
      on the underlying liver disease. Acute liver failure is an uncommon cause of HE
      that carries bad prognosis but is potentially reversible. There are several
      prognostic systems that have been specifically developed for selecting patients
      for liver transplantation. In patients with cirrhosis the prognosis of the
      episode of HE is usually dictated by the underlying precipitating factor. Acute
      on-chronic liver failure is the most severe form of decompensation of cirrhosis,
      the prognosis depends on the number of associated organ failures. Patients with
      cirrhosis that have experienced an episode of HE should be considered candidates
      for liver transplant. The selection depends on the underlying liver function
      assessed by the Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) index. There is a
      subgroup that exhibits low MELD and recurrent HE, usually due to the coexistence
      of large portosystemic shunts. The recurrence of HE is more common in patients
      that develop progressive deterioration of liver function and hyponatremia. The
      bouts of HE may cause sequels that have been shown to persist after liver
      transplant.

PMID- 22045404
TI  - Diagnostic and prognostic molecular markers in hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most lethal cancers worldwide,
      representing also the main cause of death among cirrhotic patients. In contrast
      to most other solid tumors, the underlying cirrhotic liver disease in HCC
      patients greatly impairs tumor related prognosis, conferring this neoplasm a
      unique situation, in which accurate prognostic prediction is a relevant and unmet
      need. Although clinical staging systems have improved significantly and now
      comprise tumor characteristics, liver function and patient performance status,
      the integration of molecular data into these algorithms is still hypothetical.
      Molecular profiling of HCC has led to a better understanding of the
      physiopathology of this neoplasm and has allowed developing novel therapeutic
      approaches (e.g. molecular targeted therapies) for a tumor previously considered
      as therapy-refractory. Integrative analysis of different reported genomic
      datasets has revealed common subclasses between different studies, highlighting
      their biological relevance in HCC. Gene signatures derived from tumors and from
      the adjacent tissue have been able to differentiate subclasses with different
      outcomes and have been proposed as potential predictive markers in the clinical
      setting. Genomic characterization of surrounding non-tumor tissue might be of
      particular interest to identify patients at high risk of developing HCC and
      therefore to select those patients that would benefit of potential
      chemopreventive strategies. Epigenetic analyses (methylation and miRNA profiling)
      are adding up to the knowlegde derived from gene expression data and should not
      be forgotten in the molecular diagnosis of HCC. Integrative analyses of genetic
      and epigenetic information of the tumor and the surrounding tissue should be used
      to identify novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets in HCC, to improve existing
      treatment algorithms and to eventually design a more personalized medicine in
      this devastating disease.

PMID- 22045405
TI  - Doping of a dielectric layer as a new alternative for increasing sensitivity of
      the contactless conductivity detection in microchips.
AB  - This communication describes a new procedure to increase the sensitivity of C(4)D
      in PDMS/glass microchips. The method consists in doping the insulating layer
      (PDMS) over the electrodes with nanoparticles of TiO(2), increasing thus its
      dielectric constant. The experimental protocol is simple, inexpensive, and fast.

PMID- 22045406
TI  - Influence of substituent and solvent on the radiative process of singlet excited
      states of novel cyclic azacyanine derivatives.
AB  - The photophysical properties of novel cyclic azacyanine derivatives have been
      investigated in acetonitrile, N-butyronitrile, methanol, ethanol, DMF and water.
      Introduction of electron donating or accepting groups on the cyclic azacyanine
      has a direct impact on the spectroscopic and photophysical properties.
      Irrespective of the nature of the substitution, azacyanine shows a general
      solvent relaxation in accordance with Lippert-Mataga's prediction; however, in
      protic solvent, specific interactions are encountered. Fluorescence lifetime
      decay suggests a relaxation in the nanosecond time scale with monoexponential
      decay in polar solvents and biexponential decay in non polar solvents. The
      fluorescence lifetime of azacyanines are found to be longer than popular cy3
      dyes. An electron donating substituent increases the fluorescence lifetime and
      influences the radiative process, whereas an electron withdrawing group
      marginally increases the excited state lifetime but remarkably enhances the
      radiative process. The fluorescence quantum yield of substituted cyclic
      azacyanine in water is noted to be at least five fold higher than the popular cy3
      dye.

PMID- 22045407
TI  - Determination of paracetamol based on its quenching effect on the
      photoluminescence of CdTe fluorescence probes.
AB  - L-Cysteine capped CdTe nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized in aqueous medium,
      and their application as fluorescence probes in the determination of paracetamol
      was studied. The L-cysteine capped CdTe NPs were characterized by transmission
      electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction spectrometry, spectrofluorometry,
      ultraviolet-visible and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry. Based on the
      distinct fluorescence quenching of CdTe fluorescence probes in the presence of
      paracetamol, a simple, rapid and specific method for paracetamol determination
      was presented. Under optimum conditions, the relative fluorescence intensity of
      CdTe NPs was linearly proportional to paracetamol concentration from 1.0 * 10(-8)
      mol/L to 1.6 * 10(-7) mol/L with a detection limit of 4.2 * 10(-9) mol/L. The
      proposed method was applied to detect paracetamol in commercial tablets with
      satisfactory results.

PMID- 22045408
TI  - Fe-N-modified multi-walled carbon nanotubes for oxygen reduction reaction in
      acid.
AB  - We report a facile synthesis of Fe-N-C catalysts based on the surface
      functionalization of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), which show high
      activity and stability for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in acid. Fe-N-MWCNT
      catalysts, whose ORR mass activities could vary by 3-4 times depending on the
      choice of Fe precursors, were found to have considerably higher ORR mass activity
      and higher stability than N-modified MWCNTs (N-MWCNTs). The Fe-N-MWCNT catalyst
      with a dominant Fe-N(x) moiety (with x ~ 4) and a surface Fe/C ratio of ~0.004
      exhibits the highest ORR mass activity in acid (~0.7 mA mg(-1)(Fe-N-MWCNT) at 0.8
      V vs. RHE), where the lower mass activity of other Fe-N-MWCNT catalysts can be
      attributed to lower Fe/C ratios and Fe-N(x) moieties (with x smaller than 4) as
      revealed from X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and extended X-ray
      absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectroscopy. Moreover, the enhanced stability
      of Fe-N-MWCNTs in comparison to N-MWCNTs can be attributed to less H(2)O(2)
      production during ORR as determined from rotating ring disk electrode (RRDE)
      measurements, and higher activity for H(2)O(2) electro-reduction by rotating disk
      electrode (RDE) measurements. The large surface Fe/C ratio and Fe-N(x) moiety
      corresponding to high ORR activity and stability of Fe-N-MWCNTs demonstrate that
      surface functionalization can be very helpful to graft active catalytic sites
      onto carbon nanostructures, and to provide insights into the ORR mechanism of non
      noble metal catalysts (NNMCs) for proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs).

PMID- 22045410
TI  - Colored noise in the fluctuations of an extended DNA molecule detected by optical
      trapping.
AB  - We studied fluctuations of an optically trapped bead connected to a single DNA
      molecule anchored between the bead and a cover glass or between two optically
      trapped beads. Power spectral densities of the bead position for different
      extensions of the molecule were compared with the power spectral density of the
      position fluctuations of the same bead without the molecule attached. Experiments
      showed that the fluctuations of the DNA molecule extended up to 80% by a force of
      3 pN include the colored noise contribution with spectral dependence 1/f (alpha)
      with alpha ~ 0.75.

PMID- 22045411
TI  - Cardiologists find evidence why too much exercise might be bad for you.

PMID- 22045412
TI  - Sudden cardiac death in marathon runners: can it be prevented?

PMID- 22045413
TI  - The physiological effects of low-intensity neuromuscular electrical stimulation
      (NMES) on short-term recovery from supra-maximal exercise bouts in male
      triathletes.
AB  - This study investigated the acute effects of NMES on blood lactate (BLa) and
      performance parameters in trained male triathletes. On three separate days, 13
      trained male triathletes performed six 30 s Wingate tests (30 WanT) on a cycle
      ergometer. Each session consisted of performing 3 * 30 WanT (bouts 1-3) followed
      by a randomly assigned 30 min recovery intervention of either: (i) passive
      (seated), (ii) active (cycling at 30% VO(2 max)) or (iii) NMES (1 Hz/500 MUs
      ON:OFF 2:6 s). The 3 * 30 WanT bouts were then repeated (bouts 4-6) and compared
      to bouts 1-3 for peak power (PP), mean power (MP) and fatigue index (FI). BLa and
      heart rate (HR) were recorded at designated time points throughout. Data were
      analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA with Tukey's honestly significant
      difference post hoc test. BLa decreased significantly faster during the active
      recovery intervention (P < 0.001), however, there were no significant differences
      between interventions for PP (P = 0.217), MP (P = 0.477) and FI (P = 0.234) when
      the post intervention bouts (4-6) where compared to the pre intervention bouts (1
      3). NMES during recovery was not more effective than active or passive recovery
      for improving subsequent performance. Despite BLa clearing at a significantly
      faster rate for the active recovery intervention, PP, MP or FI did not improve
      significantly compared to NMES and passive. In conclusion, NMES does not appear
      to be more effective than traditional methods for enhancing short-term recovery
      from supra-maximal exercise bouts in trained male triathletes.

PMID- 22045414
TI  - Influence of road incline and body position on power-cadence relationship in
      endurance cycling.
AB  - In race cycling, the external power-cadence relationship at the performance
      level, that is sustainable for the given race distance, plays a key role. The two
      variables of interest from this relationship are the maximal external power
      output (P (max)) and the corresponding optimal cadence (C (opt)). Experimental
      studies and field observations of cyclists have revealed that when cycling uphill
      is compared to cycling on level ground, the freely chosen cadence is lower and a
      more upright body position seems to be advantageous. To date, no study has
      addressed whether P (max) or C (opt) is influenced by road incline or body
      position. Thus, the main aim of this study was to examine the effect of road
      incline (0 vs. 7%) and racing position (upright posture vs. dropped posture) on P
      (max) and C (opt). Eighteen experienced cyclists participated in this study.
      Experiment I tested the hypothesis that road incline influenced P (max) and C
      (opt) at the second ventilatory threshold ([Formula: see text] and [Formula: see
      text]). Experiment II tested the hypothesis that the racing position influenced
      [Formula: see text], but not [Formula: see text]. The results of experiment I
      showed that [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] were significantly lower
      when cycling uphill compared to cycling on level ground (P < 0.01). Experiment II
      revealed that [Formula: see text] was significantly greater for the upright
      posture than for the dropped posture (P < 0.01) and that the racing position did
      not affect [Formula: see text]. The main conclusions of this study were that when
      cycling uphill, it is reasonable to choose (1) a lower cadence and (2) a more
      upright body position.

PMID- 22045415
TI  - Single and combined influence of ACE and ACTN3 genotypes on muscle phenotypes in
      octogenarians.
AB  - We studied the single and combined influence of the ACE I/D and the ACTN3 R577X
      polymorphisms on muscle phenotypes (thigh muscles' cross-sectional area assessed
      with magnetic resonance imaging) and strength (maximal handgrip, 30-s chair stand
      test), functional ability during activities of daily living (Barthel index) and
      bone mineral density (proximal femur) in Caucasian (Spanish) community-dwelling
      old people [n = 81, 59 women; mean age 82.8 +/- 4.8 years (range 71-93 years)].
      We found no significantly differences in the aforementioned phenotypes across ACE
      and ACTN3 genotypes (all P > 0.05), except for handgrip in the ACE I/D recessive
      model (DD 19.5 +/- 6.7 kg, ID 24.0 +/- 9.1 kg, II 22.1 +/- 7.9; P = 0.047), yet
      statistical significance disappeared after correction for multiple comparisons.
      Likewise, the analyses of the combined effects between genotypes did not yield
      any significant difference (all P > 0.05) between the two 'extreme' genotypes
      [theoretically 'power or muscularity oriented' [(ACTN3 RR + RX & ACE DD) versus
      'non-power' (ACTN3 XX & ACE II + ID)]. The aforementioned analyses were adjusted
      by sex, age and physical activity levels as covariates. Logistic regression
      analysis revealed no significant association of single or combined effect of ACE
      and ACTN3 genotypes or genotype combination group (ACE + ACTN3) with sarcopenia
      (i.e. being in the lowest 25th sex-specific percentile for a combined score of
      the muscle and functional phenotypes we measured). Though ACE I/D and ACTN3 R577X
      polymorphisms are candidates to modulate exercise-related phenotypes in adults,
      our data suggest that they do not exert a major influence in the muscle
      phenotypes of old people. More studies with larger sample sizes are needed.

PMID- 22045416
TI  - The effects of a session of resistance training on sleep patterns in the elderly.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of a session of
      resistance training on the sleep patterns of elderly people. Forty men aged 65-80
      years who were sedentary and clinically healthy were divided into two groups: the
      control group (n = 18) and the resistance group (n = 22). Both groups underwent
      two polysomnography tests, one at baseline and another after either a resistance
      training session (the resistance group) or no physical exercise (the control
      group). The resistance training session was based on 60% of one repetition
      maximum (a test that assesses the maximum force). We observed that the frequency
      with which the control group awoke (arousal index) increased from 16.29 +/- 6.06
      events/h to 20.09 +/- 6.9 events/h, and in the resistance group, it decreased
      from 22.27 +/- 11 events/h to 20.41 +/- 8.57 events/h (t = 2.10 and p = 0.04).
      For stage-1 sleep, there was an increase from 4.96% at baseline to 5.40% in the
      control group, and there was a decrease in the resistance group from 8.32 to
      6.21% after the exercise session (t = 2.12 and p = 0.04). A session of resistance
      training at 60% of one repetition maximum was able to modify the sleep pattern in
      men aged 65-80 years, suggesting that physical exercise has a modest influence on
      sleep consolidation.

PMID- 22045417
TI  - Multifaceted SlyD from Helicobacter pylori: implication in [NiFe] hydrogenase
      maturation.
AB  - SlyD belongs to the FK506-binding protein (FKBP) family with both peptidylprolyl
      isomerase (PPIase) and chaperone activities, and is considered to be a ubiquitous
      cytosolic protein-folding facilitator in bacteria. It possesses a histidine- and
      cysteine-rich C-terminus binding to selected divalent metal ions (e.g., Ni(2+),
      Zn(2+)), which is important for its involvement in the maturation processes of
      metalloenzymes. We have determined the solution structure of C-terminus-truncated
      SlyD from Helicobacter pylori (HpSlyDDeltaC). HpSlyDDeltaC folds into two well
      separated, orientation-independent domains: the PPIase-active FKBP domain and the
      chaperone-active insert-in-flap (IF) domain. The FKBP domain consists of a four
      stranded antiparallel beta-sheet with an alpha-helix on one side, whereas the IF
      domain folds into a four-stranded antiparallel beta-sheet accompanied by a short
      alpha-helix. Intact H. pylori SlyD binds both Ni(2+) and Zn(2+), with
      dissociation constants of 2.74 and 3.79 MUM respectively. Intriguingly, binding
      of Ni(2+) instead of Zn(2+) induces protein conformational changes around the
      active sites of the FKBP domain, implicating a regulatory role of nickel. The
      twin-arginine translocation (Tat) signal peptide from the small subunit of [NiFe]
      hydrogenase (HydA) binds the protein at the IF domain. Nickel binding and the
      recognition of the Tat signal peptide by the protein suggest that SlyD
      participates in [NiFe] hydrogenase maturation processes.

PMID- 22045419
TI  - A new cyclizidine analog-JBIR-102-from Saccharopolyspora sp. RL78 isolated from
      mangrove soil.

PMID- 22045420
TI  - Establishment of norvancomycin fluorescence polarization immunoassay for
      therapeutic drug monitoring.
AB  - To establish a rapid and simple fluorescence polarization immunoassay method for
      determination of norvancomycin serum concentration, we collected 300 serum
      samples from the patients receiving norvancomycin in the hospitals localized in
      Shanghai, China. The drug concentrations were measured by the established HPLC
      method and FPIA with vancomycin kit. A FPIA algorithm for the determination of
      norvancomycin concentration was established according to the correlation between
      the FPIA and HPLC results. The methods and algorithm were validated in another 70
      clinical samples. HPLC determination showed a good linear correlation within the
      range of 0.5-100 mg l(-1) of norvancomycin concentrations. The method was
      validated via extraction recovery, intra- and inter-day methodological recovery
      and stability of norvancomycin in serum. Correlation analysis between the
      measurements of HPLC and FPIA in 300 serum samples gave the linear regression
      equation: (concentration by HPLC)=0.760 * (concentration by FPIA)-0.577 (P<0.001,
      R(2)=0.982). An algorithm was derived from this correlation for measuring the
      serum norvancomycin concentrations with FPIA. When it was validated in additional
      70 serum samples from patients, 'FPIA algorithm' showed good accuracy versus
      HPLC: 'FPIA algorithm'=0.93 (HPLC)+0.63, R(2)=0.962, and 94.3% of the results
      from FPIA algorithm fell within the range of -20%/+20% of HPLC. This algorithm
      developed in this study can be easily used for determination of norvancomycin
      using TDx analyzer with vancomycin kit indirectly. It may also be useful for
      norvancomycin therapeutic drug monitoring.

PMID- 22045422
TI  - Current world literature.

PMID- 22045424
TI  - Phosphodiesterase 4 D gene polymorphism in relation to intracranial and
      extracranial atherosclerosis in ischemic stroke.
AB  - In ischemic stroke, extracranial MR angiography (ECMRA) is more frequently
      abnormal in Caucasians and intracranial (ICMRA) in Asians which may have a
      genetic basis. We report phosphodiesterase (PDE4D) gene polymorphism and its
      correlation with MRA findings in patients with ischemic stroke. Consecutive
      patients with MRI proven ischemic stroke undergoing MRA were included in this
      study. The severity of atherosclerotic stenosis on MRA was categorized into
      moderate 50%-80%, severe 80%-99%, and total occlusion 100% using NASCET criteria.
      The polymorphism in SNP 32, SNP 83 and SNP 87 of PDE4D gene was analyzed by PCR
      both in the patients and in 188 controls. Among the 148 patients, MRA was
      abnormal in 77% patients; ECMRA in 53.8%, ICMRA in 66% and both were abnormal in
      42% patients. The frequency of CC genotype of PDE4D83 was significantly higher in
      the patients with ischemic stroke compared to controls (OR 3.38, 95% CI 1.61
      7.11, P= 0.001). The frequency of TT genotype of PDE4D87 was significantly higher
      ICMRA abnormalities (20%) compared to normal ICMRA (2%). The genotype and allele
      frequency of PDE4D83 and PDE4D32 were not significantly related to MRA
      abnormalities. The role of PDE4D87 in atherosclerosis needs confirmation in
      larger studies.

PMID- 22045425
TI  - HLA and bronchopulmonary dysplasia susceptibility: a pilot study.
AB  - There is little data on the association between Human Leucocyte Antigen (HLA)
      alleles and Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD) of the preterm newborn. Our aim was
      to assess associations between HLA alleles and BPD susceptibility. We studied 156
      preterm neonates (82 M/ 74 F) < 32 weeks gestational age, alive at 36 weeks
      gestational age. Detailed clinical data were collected. HLA typing was performed
      by PCR-SSO. HLA allele frequencies where determined by direct counting for BPD
      and no-BPD groups. Comparison between BPD and no BPD groups was performed using t
      test, chi2 test or Fisher exact test and logistic regression as appropriate.
      Relative risks (RR) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were also
      calculated as association measures. We diagnosed 56 (35.9%) neonates with mild
      BPD and 27 (17%) with moderate/ severe BPD. We found a significant association
      between HLA-DRB1*01 and mild BPD (OR=3.48[1.23-10.2]).The alleles HLA-A*24, 
      A*68, -B*51,-Cw*07, -Cw*14, -Cw*15 and -DRB1*01 presented a significant
      association with moderate/ severe BPD. When adjusted to gestational age and birth
      weight HLA-A*68 (OR=5.41[1.46; 20.05]), -B*51 (OR=3.09[1.11; 8.63]) and -Cw*14
      (OR=4.94[1.15; 21.25]) were significantly associated with moderate/ severe BPD.
      Conclusion - Our findings suggest an association between HLA-A*68, -B*51 and 
      C*14 and BPD susceptibility, and that an autoimmune mechanism may be implicated
      in the pathogenesis of the disease.

PMID- 22045426
TI  - Serum progranulin as an independent marker of liver fibrosis in patients with
      biopsy-proven nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Elevated progranulin levels are associated with visceral obesity,
      elevated plasma glucose, and dyslipidemia. Progranulin has not been previously
      investigated as a biomarker of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We
      sought to determine whether serum progranulin levels are altered in patients with
      biopsy-proven NAFLD and if they are associated with their clinical, biochemical,
      and histological characteristics. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We measured serum
      progranulin levels in 95 patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD and 80 age- and sex
      matched controls. The potential associations between progranulin and the
      characteristics of NAFLD patients were examined by multiple linear regression
      analysis. RESULTS: Serum progranulin levels were significantly higher in NAFLD
      patients (34 +/- 13 ng/mL) than in controls (28 +/- 7 ng/mL, P < 0.001). In NAFLD
      patients, serum progranulin levels were associated with lipid levels and the
      degree of hepatic fibrosis. After adjustment for potential confounders, serum
      progranulin remained an independent predictor of the degree of hepatic fibrosis
      in NAFLD patients (beta = 0.392; t = 2.226, P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with
      controls, NAFLD patients have higher serum progranulin concentrations, which are
      closely associated with lipid values and the extent of hepatic fibrosis.

PMID- 22045427
TI  - Absence of kl-vs variant of klotho gene in Iranian cardiac patients (comparison
      to the world populations).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Klotho has an important role in development of coronary artery (CAD)
      disease. A functional variant of klotho gene (kl-vs) has been found as an
      independent risk factor for early-onset occult coronary artery disease (CAD) in
      previous studies. The Frequency of this variant was not known in Iranian
      population. We have examined the allele frequency of the kl-vs variant in a case
      control study in an Iranian population. METHODS AND RESULTS: Genotyping for kl-vs
      variant was carried out in N=107 individuals including N=54 cases and N=53
      control who all underwent coronary angiogram for CAD evaluation. Patients with
      >50% stenosis in vessels considered as case groups (or
      CAD<formula>^{+}</formula>) and patients with normal vessels (or CAD<formula>^{
      }</formula>) as controls. The frequency of kl-vs variant was determined in these
      patients using PCR-RFLP technique. None of the individual was carrying the kl-vs
      mutation in our samples. The frequency of kl-vs mutation was significantly
      different from previous studies in different populations. CONCLUSION: The kl-vs
      variant seems to be scare found in the Iranian population in comparison to other
      populations reported previously. Klotho gene might be a candidate gene of
      atherosclerosis in some populations but not in Iranian population. Further
      studies are required to examine the frequency of kl-vs variant in other
      populations from the Middle East.

PMID- 22045428
TI  - Association of endothelial dysfunction with endothelin, nitric oxide and eNOS
      Glu298Asp gene polymorphism in coronary artery disease.
AB  - The endothelial dysfunction has been implicated as a major event in the
      pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Therefore, this study was planned to determine
      (a) role of endothelium-derived nitric oxide (NO) and endothelin as coronary
      artery disease (CAD) risk markers and (b) intergenotypic variation of endothelial
      nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) Glu298Asp polymorphism in CAD.The endothelin, NO and
      eNOS genotypes were determined in 60 patients with documented history of CAD.
      These were compared with 50 age- and sex- matched healthy controls. The genotype
      frequencies for eNOS gene polymorphism were determined by PCR and RFLP. The
      plasma endothelin in CAD patients was significantly higher (p< 0.001) whereas,
      the NO level in CAD group was significantly lower (p< 0.001) than the control
      group. The genotype frequencies for Glu298/Asp (Glu/Glu and Glu/Asp) genotypes
      were 75% and 25% in CAD subjects and 88% and 12% in control subjects,
      respectively. No Asp/Asp was found in any of the groups. The genotype frequencies
      differed significantly (p< 0.05) between the controls and cases. In conclusion,
      endothelin and NO may be used as markers of endothelial dysfunction in CAD. Asp
      allele might be a risk factor for CAD in the North Indian population.

PMID- 22045429
TI  - Polymorphism in the KCNA3 gene is associated with susceptibility to autoimmune
      pancreatitis in the Japanese population.
AB  - Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP), characterized by irregular narrowing of the main
      pancreatic duct, swelling of the pancreas, and histological evidence of
      lymphoplasmacytic inflammation by high serum immunoglobulin G4, is distinct from
      ordinary pancreatitis. However, genetic factors involved in the etiology and
      pathophysiology of AIP remain unclear. Sixty-four patients with autoimmune
      pancreatitis (53 men, 11 women; mean age, 62.4 years) and 104 healthy Japanese
      controls were enrolled in this study. We performed an association analysis using
      400 microsatellite markers with an average spacing of 10.8 cM in the genome. We
      also evaluated the association of AIP with seven single nucleotide polymorphisms
      (SNPs) within the 20-kb region around the potassium voltage-gated channel, shaker
      related subfamily, member 3 gene (KCNA3). We identified six statistically
      significant markers (D1S2726, D5S410, D6S460, D10S548, D15S128, and D20S186; P<
      0.05) related to susceptibility. The surrounding region showing the strong
      association (P=7.4 * 10<formula>^{-7}</formula>, Pc=0.0015) contained the KCNA3
      gene. Further analysis by SNP genotyping in KCNA3 gene revealed that four SNPs
      (rs2840381, rs1058184, rs2640480, rs1319782) were significantly associated with
      the AIP susceptibility (P< 0.007). KCNA3 is known to be involved in
      immunomodulation of autoreactive effector and memory T cell--mediated autoimmune
      diseases. Our findings provide the first evidence that KCNA3 is associated with
      AIP and suggest that KCNA3 may influence the risk for AIP.

PMID- 22045430
TI  - Human GST loci as markers of evolutionary forces: GSTO1*E155del and GSTO1*E208K
      polymorphisms may be under natural selection induced by environmental arsenic.
AB  - Over the last two decades, significant data has been accumulated linking
      Glutatione S-Transferases (GSTs) with the development of several diseases.
      Contemporary studies have demonstrated the impact of ethnicity on GST allele
      frequencies. The aim is to verify if the variability of GST genes reflects
      population demographic history or rather selective pressures. GST genes (GSTM1,
      GSTO1 GSTO2, GSTT1) were analysed in three Ecuadorian populations (Cayapas,
      n=114; Colorados, n=104; African-Ecuadorian, n=77) and compared with HapMap data.
      GST SNPs were determined using the PCR-RFLP method while GST null phenotype was
      determined using a Multiplex PCR. The population relationship achieved using
      GSTM1 positive/null, GSTO1*A140D, GSTO2*N142D and GSTT1 positive/null are in
      agreement with the data obtained using neutral polymorphisms: Amerindians are
      close to Asian populations and African-Ecuadorians to African populations. To
      what concerns GSTO1*del155 and GSTO1*K208 variants, allele frequencies never
      exceeded 10%, showing no significant differences in the Ecuadorian groups and in
      worldwide populations. The features of GSTO1*del155 and GSTO1*K208 variants and
      their association with arsenic biotransformation deficiency suggest the presence
      of a selection mechanism towards these loci. In particular, this hypothesis is
      strengthened by a possible linkage between these alleles and the susceptibility
      of arsenic-induced male infertility.

PMID- 22045431
TI  - A polymorphism within the connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) gene has no
      effect on non-invasive markers of beta-cell area and risk of type 2 diabetes.
AB  - Chromosomal locus 6q23 is strongly linked to type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and related
      features including insulin secretion in various ethnic populations. Connective
      tissue growth factor (CTGF) gene is an interesting T2DM candidate gene in this
      chromosome region. CTGF is a key mediator of progressive pancreatic fibrosis up
      regulated in type 2 diabetes. In contrast, CTGF inactivation in mice compromises
      islet cell proliferation during embryogenesis. The aim of our study was to
      investigate an impact of CTGF genetic variation on pancreatic beta-cell function
      and T2DM pathogenesis. We studied the effect of a common CTGF polymorphism
      rs9493150 on the risk of the T2DM development in three independent German
      cohorts. Specifically, the association between CTGF polymorphism and non-invasive
      markers of beta-cell area derived from oral glucose tolerance test was studied in
      subjects without diabetes. Neither in the Metabolic Syndrome Berlin Potsdam
      (MESYBEPO) study (n=1026) (OR=0.637, CI (0.387-1.050); p=0.077) nor in the
      European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition-Potsdam (EPIC
      Potsdam) (n=3049) cohort (RR=0.77 CI (0.49-1.20), p=0.249 for the recessive
      homozygote in general model), a significant association with increased diabetes
      risk was observed. The risk allele of rs9493150 had also no effect on markers of
      beta-cell area in the combined analysis of the MESYBEPO and Tubingen Family Study
      (n=1826). In conclusion, the polymorphism rs9493150 in the 5'-untranslated region
      of the CTGF gene has no association with T2DM risk and surrogate markers of beta
      cell area.

PMID- 22045432
TI  - Amphiphilic star-block copolymers and supramolecular transformation of nanogel
      like micelles to nanovesicles.
AB  - Amphiphilic star-block copolymers based on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) with adamantyl
      end-functionalization were synthesized via anionic ring-opening polymerization
      and alkyne-azide "Click Chemistry" coupling. In aqueous medium, the copolymers
      self-assembled into nanogel-like large compound micelles, and transformed into
      vesicular nanostructures under the direction of host-guest interaction between
      the adamantyl end and dimethyl-beta-cyclodextrin.

PMID- 22045433
TI  - Use of a novel technique, solid phase microextraction, to measure tranexamic acid
      in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.
AB  - PURPOSE: Solid phase microextraction (SPME) is a technique widely used and
      accepted in the field of food technology and in environmental and biological
      analyses. Despite its numerous advantages over older analytical methods, it has
      not been studied extensively in the medical sciences. Tranexamic acid (TXA) is
      currently the sole antifibrinolytic agent used during cardiac surgery involving
      the use of cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). The current standard method of measuring
      TXA in plasma is based on plasma protein precipitation (PPP), but this analytical
      approach is time-consuming and not practical for routine use. The aim of the
      current study was to compare plasma TXA levels measured with the PPP method vs
      those acquired with the novel, highly efficient SPME technique. We also
      investigated the use of automated SPME with the aim of improving the technique so
      it could be used efficiently for measuring plasma TXA levels. METHODS: With
      Research Ethics Board approval, we undertook a prospective, investigator-blinded
      study in ten patients undergoing cardiac surgery with CPB. An initial TXA bolus
      of 30 mg.kg(-1) was infused over 15 min followed by a 16 mg.kg(-1).hr(-1)
      infusion until chest closure with a 2 mg.kg(-1) load in the pump prime. Each
      blood sample was divided into two portions and assigned a random number to blind
      the analyzing laboratory. The blood TXA concentration was measured using both PPP
      and SPME. Agreement between the two tests was analyzed using the Bland-Altman
      plot. RESULTS: Comparisons of plasma TXA concentrations measured with the two
      methods (PPP and SPME) showed good agreement. Absolute recovery of TXA for PPP
      was 64.9-78.2%; its precision, as a percentage of the relative standard deviation
      (RSD) was < 10% [with the exception of the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ),
      where the RSD was 18%]; and its accuracy, as the bias against the nominal
      concentration, was < 7% (for LLOQ it was 15%). Thus, extraction with SPME
      compared favourably with the PPP technique. CONCLUSIONS: Solid phase
      microextraction is a relatively simple, rapid extraction technique that can
      facilitate future pharmacokinetic studies analyzing TXA drug concentrations and
      drug dosing in various clinical settings.

PMID- 22045434
TI  - Incorporating sustainability into community-based healthcare practice.
AB  - There is now irrefutable evidence that climate change and increasing
      environmental degradation negatively affect population health. Healthcare plays
      an important role in addressing these emerging environmental challenges,
      considering its core aim is to protect and promote health. Preliminary research
      in Victoria, Australia, suggests that healthcare practitioners are endeavouring
      to factor in environmental concerns into their practice. Health promotion, an
      integral part of the healthcare system, is considered an area of practice that
      can support action on sustainability. Based on five qualitative case studies and
      key stakeholder interviews, this article explores key barriers and facilitators
      to incorporating sustainability into community-based healthcare practice. The
      findings demonstrate that despite multiple barriers, including funding and lack
      of policy direction, health promotion principles and practices can enable action
      on sustainability.

PMID- 22045435
TI  - Should we start prescribing omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in chronic heart
      failure?
AB  - Chronic heart failure (HF) represents a significant health care burden. Over the
      past few decades, there have been considerable data supporting the benefits of
      omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on overall cardiovascular health.
      Reasons for the potential benefits of omega-3 PUFAs are multifactorial and not
      completely understood. It is likely that the culmination of multiple effects
      collectively help to prevent the development and slow the progression of chronic
      HF. A number of key epidemiologic and randomized trials have provided the basis
      of evidence in support of omega-3 PUFA supplementation in HF. This article
      reviews the benefits of omega-3 PUFAs and discusses the implications of recent
      trials. While the benefits seen in patients with chronic HF are modest at best,
      we believe the balance of evidence still favors the continuation of omega-3 PUFA
      supplementation in patients with chronic HF.

PMID- 22045436
TI  - Parallelism in constant comparison analysis.

PMID- 22045437
TI  - Modeling the effects of past relationship and obligation on changes in the health
      and health promotion of women caregivers of family members with dementia.
AB  - Wuest's (1998, 2001) caregiving theory was tested with 282 women self-identified
      as caregivers of family members with dementia to examine how quality of past
      relationship within caregiving dyads and sense of obligation to care affected
      their health outcomes and health promotion over 9 months, using latent growth
      curve analysis. The model explained 62% of the variance in women's health (Time
      4). Health was affected positively by past relationship and negatively by
      obligation. Health promotion was positively affected by health (Time 1) and by
      obligation. Change observed in health promotion was nonlinear and positively
      affected health (Time 4). Findings suggest past relationship and obligation to
      care predict health outcomes for caregivers and that interventions to increase
      caregivers' health promotion may improve health outcomes.

PMID- 22045442
TI  - The role of collective action in enhancing communities' adaptive capacity to
      environmental risk: an exploration of two case studies from Asia.
AB  - BackgroundIn this paper we examine the role of collective action in assisting
      rural communities to cope with and adapt to environmental risks in Nepalgunj,
      Nepal and Krabi Province, Thailand. Drawing upon two case studies, we explore the
      role of collective action in building adaptive capacity, paying particular
      attention to the role of social networks.MethodsData for this paper was gathered
      using a range of different methods across the two different studies. In Nepal
      semi-structured interviews were conducted with a range of stakeholders in
      addition to participant observation and secondary data collection. In Thailand
      the researchers utilised a vulnerability assessment, participatory multi
      stakeholder assessment, a detailed case study and an online dialogue. FindingsWe
      make three key observations: firstly, collective action plays a significant role
      in enhancing adaptive capacity and hence should be more strongly considered in
      the development of climate change adaptation strategies; secondly, social
      networks are a particularly important component of collective action for the
      building of adaptive capacity; and thirdly, the mandate, capacity, and structure
      of local government agencies can influence the effectiveness of collective
      action, both positively and negatively.Conclusions We argue that there is an
      urgent need for further consideration of the different forms of collective action
      within community-based disaster risk management and climate change adaptation.

PMID- 22045443
TI  - Long- and short-term plastic modeling of action prediction abilities in
      volleyball.
AB  - Athletes show superior abilities not only in executing complex actions, but also
      in anticipating others' moves. Here, we explored how visual and motor experiences
      contribute to forge elite action prediction abilities in volleyball players. Both
      adult athletes and supporters were more accurate than novices in predicting the
      fate of volleyball floating services by viewing the initial ball trajectory,
      while only athletes could base their predictions on body kinematics. Importantly,
      adolescents assigned to physical practice training improved their ability to
      predict the fate of the actions by reading body kinematics, while those assigned
      to the observational practice training improved only in understanding the ball
      trajectory. The results suggest that physical and observational practice might
      provide complementary and mutually reinforcing contributions to the superior
      perceptual abilities of elite athletes. Moreover, direct motor experience is
      required to establish novel perceptuo-motor representations that are used to
      predict others' actions ahead of realization.

PMID- 22045446
TI  - Long-term outcomes of patients treated with primary stenting for transplant renal
      artery stenosis: a 10-year case cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate graft and patient
      survival and long-term outcomes of primary endoluminal stenting (PES) as an
      initial treatment for transplant renal artery stenosis (TRAS). METHODS: From
      December 1999 to March 2010, 744 consecutive patients undergoing renal
      transplantation were enrolled. Patients were divided into one of two groups: the
      study group, comprised of 18 patients who underwent PES for TRAS > 60%, and a
      control group, including the remaining 726 recipients who did not develop TRAS
      post-transplantation. Primary outcome measures were death-censored graft failure
      and all-cause mortality. The immediate and long-term effects of PES were
      evaluated by assessing blood pressure (BP) control and biochemical graft
      function. RESULTS: The technical success rate for PES was 100%, and minor
      complication occurred in only one case (5.6% of the study group). With a mean
      follow-up of 7.1 +/- 3.7 and 6.9 +/- 2.4 years in the study and control groups,
      respectively, 4 patients in the study group and 113 patients in the control group
      reached the primary outcome (log rank P = 0.418). The reduction in stenosis
      resulted in immediate improvement in BP control and graft function, which
      persisted throughout the 6 year follow-up period. Restenosis occurred in only one
      patient (5.6%), but restenosis was not the cause of graft failure. CONCLUSIONS:
      This study indicated that both the long-term graft and patient survival were as
      good in TRAS patients treated with PES as in patients without TRAS. The data also
      supported the use of PES as an initial treatment for TRAS.

PMID- 22045447
TI  - Impact of preoperative thrombocytosis on the survival of patients with primary
      colorectal cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although thrombocytosis has been reported in patients with various
      types of cancer, the association between thrombocytosis and the
      clinicopathological features of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) has not
      been fully investigated. We evaluated the clinical features associated with
      thrombocytosis in CRC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The medical records of 636
      consecutive CRC patients undergoing surgery in our department between January
      2002 and July 2008 were retrospectively reviewed. The correlation between the
      clinicopathological variables and the preoperative platelet count was analyzed by
      univariate and multivariate analyses. The impact of thrombocytosis on the
      prognosis of these patients was assessed, in comparison with the other
      clinicopathological variables. RESULTS: Platelet count showed significant
      correlation with gender, age, venous involvement, tumor size, depth of invasion,
      regional lymph node metastasis, distant metastasis in univariate analysis, and
      tumor size and depth of invasion were independent factors in multivariate
      analysis. The cancer-specific survival (CSS) of CRC patients with thrombocytosis
      was significantly shorter than that for those without thrombocytosis (P < 0.001),
      specifically in patients with stage III CRC (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis
      indicated that thrombocytosis was an independent prognostic factor of CSS (hazard
      ratio = 2.96, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.72-5.00). Moreover, within stage
      II CRC, the univariate analysis revealed that disease-free survival (DFS) was
      associated with preoperative thrombocytosis, but not the other
      clinicopathological variables. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative thrombocytosis is not
      only an independent indicator of poor CSS in CRC patients but also an independent
      predictor of poor DFS in patients with stage II CRC.

PMID- 22045448
TI  - How to avoid postoperative liver failure: a novel method.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Postoperative liver failure (PLF) is the most feared and severe
      complication after extensive liver resections. METHODS: We present an innovative
      surgical technique that has been employed for the treatment of three patients
      (two with multiple colorectal liver metastases and one with hilar
      cholangiocarcinoma) whose livers were previously considered locally unresectable
      because of an insufficient future liver remnant (FLR). In-situ liver transection
      with right portal vein ligation was implemented. RESULTS: Six days after surgery
      a volumetric computed tomography (CT)-scan showed 40-80% hypertrophy of the FLR.
      The patients then underwent a completion surgery with right hepatectomy or right
      trisectionectomy. None of the patients developed PLF during a mean hospital stay
      of 16 days. After a mean follow-up of two months, the three of them are free of
      disease. CONCLUSIONS: This technique induced rapid growth of the FLR, greater
      than that reported with portal vein occlusion alone. It represents a promising
      advance in oncological liver surgery that readdresses the current management of
      patients with primarily unresectable liver disease. Such a revolutionary strategy
      allows a two-stage surgical approach during a single hospital stay and without
      PLF. However, further research is needed to determine the long-term outcomes of
      this technique and to explain the occurrence of such enhanced liver regeneration.

PMID- 22045450
TI  - Japanese Orthopaedic Association Hip Disease Evaluation Questionnaire (JHEQ): a
      patient-based evaluation tool for hip-joint disease. The Subcommittee on Hip
      Disease Evaluation of the Clinical Outcome Committee of the Japanese Orthopaedic
      Association.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Japanese Orthopaedic Association Hip Score is widely used in
      Japan, but this tool is designed to reflect the viewpoint of health-care
      providers rather than that of patients. In gauging the effect of medical
      therapies in addition to clinical results, it is necessary to assess quality of
      life (QOL) from the viewpoint of patients. However, there is no tool evaluating
      QOL for Japanese patients with hip-joint disease. METHODS: With the aim of more
      accurately classifying QOL for Japanese patients with hip-joint disease, we
      prepared a questionnaire with 58 items for the survey derived from 464 opinions
      obtained from approximately 100 Japanese patients with hip-joint disease and
      previously devised evaluation criteria. In the survey, we collected information
      on 501 cases, and 402 were subjected to factor analysis. From this, we formulated
      three categories-movement, mental, and pain-each comprising 7 items, for a total
      of 21 items to be used as evaluation criteria for hip-joint function. RESULTS:
      The Cronbach's alpha coefficients for the three categories were 0.93, 0.93, and
      0.95, respectively, indicating the high reliability of the evaluation criteria.
      The 21 items included some related to the Asian lifestyle, such as use of a
      Japanese-style toilet and rising from the floor, which are not included in other
      evaluation tools. CONCLUSIONS: This self-administered questionnaire may become a
      useful tool in the evaluation of not only Japanese patients, but also of members
      of other ethnic groups who engage in deep flexion of the hip joint during daily
      activities.

PMID- 22045451
TI  - Femoral metaphysis bending test of rat: introduction and validation of a novel
      biomechanical testing protocol for osteoporosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The diaphysis bending test is generally accepted to assess the
      biomechanical properties of bone in osteoporotic animals. However, bone strength
      loss was more pronounced at the metaphysis than diaphysis. Therefore, the
      biomechanical test should be focused on the metaphysis. This study aimed to
      validate a novel biomechanical test for femoral metaphysis in ovariectomized
      rats. METHODS: Twenty 5-month-old female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly
      divided into the ovariectomized (OVX) and sham-operated (Sham) groups.
      Examination of femur bone mineral density (BMD) and histomorphometry of the
      distal femur were performed. Femur biomechanical parameters (maximal load, yield
      load, and stiffness) were determined by the diaphysis bending test and a novel
      designed metaphysis bending test. Pearson's correlations were used to analyze the
      relationships between the biomechanical parameters and BMD or bone
      histomorphometry indexes (%Tb.Ar, Tb.N, Tb.Th), respectively. RESULTS: The femur
      BMD, bone histomorphometry indexes, and biomechanical parameters of OVX were
      inferior to those of the Sham group (P < 0.05). In the diaphysis bending test,
      the mean difference of the maximum load and yield load between the OVX and Sham
      groups were 13.83 +/- 5.27 and 15.69 +/- 4.15 N, which were significantly lower
      than in the metaphysis bending test (43.34 +/- 4.27, 48.90 +/- 4.35 N; all P <
      0.05). Positive correlations between biomechanical parameters and femur BMD or
      bone histomorphometry indexes were observed in both the diaphysis bending and
      metaphysis bending test. The biomechanical parameters in the metaphysis bending
      test showed stronger correlations with BMD and bone histomorphometry indexes.
      CONCLUSIONS: The femoral metaphysis bending test was validated to assess
      osteoporosis in our study, and it was more sensitive than the diaphysis bending
      test in evaluating the change of biomechanical properties of the femur in
      osteoporotic rats.

PMID- 22045453
TI  - [Diabetes remission in cats: a review].
AB  - Remission from diabetes is seen in 25 - 50 % of cats during the first months of
      therapy. The likelihood of remission is higher in old cats and cats with normal
      cholesterol than in young cats and cats with increased cholesterol. The results
      of an ongoing study indicate that initial intravenous insulin therapy has
      positive effects on remission rates and quality of metabolic control.

PMID- 22045454
TI  - [FeLV infection in the cat: clinically relevant aspects].
AB  - The feline leukemia virus (FeLV) is a retrovirus of the domestic cat that was
      described almost 50 years ago. The FeLV-infection may lead to fatal diseases in
      domestic and small wild cats. The use of efficacious diagnostics assays and
      vaccines led to a reduction of the FeLV prevalence; however, FeLV still poses a
      problem for the cat presented with the infection. This article aims to describe
      recent developments in diagnostics and findings in the infection pathogenesis
      that are clinically relevant.

PMID- 22045452
TI  - Usefulness of combining intermittent hypoxia and physical exercise in the
      treatment of obesity.
AB  - Obesity is an important public health problem worldwide and is a major risk
      factor for a number of chronic diseases such as type II diabetes, adverse
      cardiovascular events and metabolic syndrome-related features. Different
      treatments have been applied to tackle body fat accumulation and its associated
      clinical manifestations. Often, relevant weight loss is achieved during the first
      6 months under different dietary treatments. From this point, a plateau is
      reached, and a gradual recovery of the lost weight may occur. Therefore, new
      research approaches are being investigated to assure weight maintenance.
      Pioneering investigations have reported that oxygen variations in organic systems
      may produce changes in body composition. Possible applications of intermittent
      hypoxia to promote health and in various pathophysiological states have been
      reported. The hypoxic stimulus in addition to diet and exercise can be an
      interesting approach to lose weight, by inducing higher basal noradrenalin levels
      and other metabolic changes whose mechanisms are still unclear. Indeed, hypoxic
      situations increase the diameter of arterioles, produce peripheral vasodilatation
      and decrease arterial blood pressure. Furthermore, hypoxic training increases the
      activity of glycolytic enzymes, enhancing the number of mitochondria and glucose
      transporter GLUT-4 levels as well as improving insulin sensitivity. Moreover,
      hypoxia increases blood serotonin and decreases leptin levels while appetite is
      suppressed. These observations allow consideration of the hypothesis that
      intermittent hypoxia induces fat loss and may ameliorate cardiovascular health,
      which might be of interest for the treatment of obesity. This new strategy may be
      useful and practical for clinical applications in obese patients.

PMID- 22045455
TI  - [Placement of intraluminal stents for treating tracheal collapse in dogs].
AB  - Tracheal collapse is a progressive disease particularly of small breed dogs. In
      the terminal stage, when dyspnea becomes the dominating sign and is no longer
      manageable with medical treatment, a surgical procedure is necessary. With
      increasing frequency intraluminal tracheal stents are implanted minimal
      invasively. In individual animals this is a lifesaving procedure, leading to
      immediate elimination of dyspnea. In most dogs cough for some time has to be
      anticipated as the stent acts as a foreign body, but severe complications like
      excessive formation of granulation tissue, stent migration or stent fracture are
      rare. Stents represent an attractive treatment modality for tracheal collapse in
      dogs with dyspnea.

PMID- 22045456
TI  - In vivo induction of interferon gamma expression in grey horses with metastatic
      melanoma resulting from direct injection of plasmid DNA coding for equine
      interleukin 12.
AB  - Whole blood pharmacokinetics of intratumourally injected naked plasmid DNA coding
      for equine Interleukin 12 (IL-12) was assessed as a means of in vivo gene
      transfer in the treatment of melanoma in grey horses. The expression of induced
      interferon gamma (IFN-g) was evaluated in order to determine the pharmacodynamic
      properties of in vivo gene transduction. Seven grey horses bearing melanoma were
      injected intratumourally with 250 ug naked plasmid DNA coding for IL-12.
      Peripheral blood and biopsies from the injection site were taken at 13 time
      points until day 14 post injection (p.i.). Samples were analysed using
      quantitative real-time PCR. Plasmid DNA was quantified in blood samples and mRNA
      expression for IFN-g in tissue samples. Plasmid DNA showed fast elimination
      kinetics with more than 99 % of the plasmid disappearing within 36 hours. IFN-g
      expression increased quickly after IL-12 plasmid injection, but varied between
      individual horses. Intratumoural injection of plasmid DNA is a feasible method
      for inducing transgene expression in vivo. Biological activity of the transgene
      IL-12 was confirmed by measuring expression of IFN-g.

PMID- 22045457
TI  - A long life among ruminants: giraffids and other special cases.
AB  - In order to investigate differences in the relative maximum longevity and other
      life history parameter between ruminant species, we collated data on mean body
      mass, maximum longevity, gestation period and newborn mass in wild ruminant and
      camelid species. Among ruminants, giraffids (giraffe Giraffa camelopardalis and
      okapi Okapia johnstoni) have particularly high longevities, long gestation
      periods, and low intrauterine growth rates. A particularly high absolute and
      relative longevity is also achieved by the anoa (Bubalus depressicornis), a
      member of the bovinae (cattle-type ruminants) and an insular dwarf (inhabiting
      the Indonesian island of Sulawesi). The fact that some (but not all) other small
      ruminants also achieve surprisingly high longevities leads to the hypothesis that
      extreme relative longevities in this group are an indication for secondary body
      size reduction.

PMID- 22045458
TI  - [Bursitis with severe tendon and muscle necrosis on the lateral stifle area in
      cattle].
AB  - In 21 animals, chronic swelling on the lateral aspect of the stifle also known as
      "perigonitis", "stable-syndrome" or "bursitis bicipitalis femoris" were
      evaluated. Ultrasonography showed increased fluid in the distal subtendinous
      bursa of the biceps femoris muscle and structural changes in the tendons,
      muscles, subcutis and fasciae. Soft tissue swelling and an irregular contour of
      the lateral tibial condyle were typical signs on radiographs. Macroscopic changes
      were found at the insertion of the biceps femoris muscle, the distal subtendinous
      bursa of the biceps femoris muscle, the lateral collateral ligament of the
      stifle, the origin of muscles on the lateral femoral condyle and the lateral
      tibial condyle. They mainly consisted of tendon and muscle tissue necrosis with
      granulation tissue. Histology revealed areas of coagulation necrosis in tendons
      and ligaments, in which occasionally Onchocerca spp. were seen. The severity of
      lesions correlated well with the clinical signs, which were associated with a
      poor prognosis in advanced cases.

PMID- 22045459
TI  - [Polychondritis: a new disease in Swiss Braunvieh?].
AB  - Over the last 10 years Swiss Braunvieh cattle with malformations of the pinnae
      have repeatedly been reported. Endoscopy revealed a shortened and thickened
      epiglottis and malformations of the arytenoid cartilage in some of these animals.
      In most cases the elastic cartilage was replaced by fibrocartilage and hyaline
      cartilage. The direct cause and pathogenesis of the malformations could not be
      determined.

PMID- 22045461
TI  - [Dogs in the workplace].

PMID- 22045464
TI  - The value of palliative gastrectomy in gastric cancer with distant metastasis.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to examine the value of surgical resection
      and to find prognostic factors for metastatic gastric cancer. METHODS:
      Clinicopathological data of 257 cM1 gastric cancer patients who underwent an
      operation at Seoul National University Hospital from January 1999 to December
      2004 were reviewed. Patients were grouped into the resection (RS, n=165) and
      nonresection groups (NR, n=92). To evaluate whether there was any selection bias,
      patients were stratified according to chemotherapy and preoperative CT findings
      were compared. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in
      clinicopathologic features and preoperative CT findings between the RS and NR
      groups. For chemotherapy, the RS group had a survival benefit (median survival;
      12.7 vs. 11.2 months, p=0.0107). In the subanalysis, there was a survival benefit
      to the RS group when metastasis was confined to one site (14 vs. 9.7 months,
      p=0.04). In patients with no chemotherapy, the RS group had no benefit (p=0.151).
      In univariate and multivariate analyses, resection (p=0.001), chemotherapy
      (p<0.001), the number of organs with metastatic lesions (p=0.003), and elective
      operation (p<0.001) were significant prognostic factors. CONCLUSIONS: This
      retrospective study suggests that surgical resection in metastatic gastric cancer
      may improve survival when combined with chemotherapy, especially when metastasis
      is confined to one site.

PMID- 22045465
TI  - Pathologic nonresponders after neoadjuvant chemoradiation for esophageal cancer
      demonstrate no survival benefit compared with patients treated with primary
      esophagectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neoadjuvant chemoradiation (NCRT) has become the preferred treatment
      for patients with locally advanced esophageal cancer. Survival often is
      correlated to degree of pathologic response; however, outcomes in patients who
      are found to be pathologic nonresponders (pNR) remain uninvestigated. This study
      was designed to evaluate survival in pNR to NCRT compared with patients treated
      with primary esophagectomy (PE). METHODS: Using our comprehensive esophageal
      cancer database, we identified patients treated with NCRT and deemed pNR along
      with patients who proceeded to PE. Clinical and pathologic data were compared
      using Fisher's exact and chi(2), whereas Kaplan-Meier estimates were used for
      survival analysis. RESULTS: We identified 63 patients treated with NCRT and were
      found to have a pNR, and 81 patients who underwent PE. Disease-free (DFS) and
      overall survival (OS) were significantly decreased in the pNR group compared with
      those treated with PE (10 vs. 50 months (0-152), P < 0.001 and 13 vs. 50 months
      (0-152), P < 0.001, respectively). For patients with stage II disease, DFS and OS
      were similarly decreased in pathologic nonresponders (13 vs. 62 months (0-120), P
      < 0.001 and 31 vs. 62 months (0-120), P = 0.024, respectively). There were no
      differences in DFS or OS for patients with stage III disease (10 vs. 14 months (0
      152), P = 0.29 and 10 vs. 19 months (0-152), P = 0.16, respectively).
      CONCLUSIONS: Pathologic nonresponders to NCRT for esophageal cancer receive no
      benefit in DFS or OS compared with patients treated with PE. For patients with
      stage II disease, DFS and OS are, in fact, significantly decreased in the pNR.

PMID- 22045466
TI  - Feasibility of robot-assisted neck dissections via a transaxillary and
      retroauricular ("TARA") approach in head and neck cancer: preliminary results.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recently, robot-assisted neck dissection in thyroid cancer patients
      with lateral neck node metastasis has been demonstrated to be feasible. We
      realized the necessity of technical modification in order to apply robotic system
      to comprehensive neck dissection for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. This
      study examined the feasibility and safety of transaxillary and retroauricular
      ("TARA") approach for robotic neck dissection in patients with head and neck
      squamous cell cancer. METHODS: Four human cadaveric dissections were followed by
      robotic neck dissections in seven patients with oral cavity or laryngopharyngeal
      cancer through TARA incision. RESULTS: In all cases, vital structures including
      major vessels and nerves were preserved. The numbers of retrieved lymph nodes in
      robotic neck dissections were comparable with those in conventional neck
      dissections. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic neck dissection via TARA approach is a feasible
      and useful method with excellent cosmetic results for treating nodal metastasis
      in selected cases of head and neck squamous cell cancer.

PMID- 22045467
TI  - Carcinoma of the ampulla of Vater: patterns of failure following resection and
      benefit of chemoradiotherapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ampullary carcinoma is a rare malignancy. Despite radical resection,
      survival rates remain low with high rates of local failure. We performed a single
      institution outcomes analysis to define the role of concurrent chemoradiotherapy
      (CRT) in addition to surgery. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed of
      all patients undergoing potentially curative pancreaticoduodenectomy for
      adenocarcinoma of the ampulla of Vater at Duke University Hospitals between 1976
      and 2009. Time-to-event analysis was performed comparing all patients who
      underwent surgery alone to the cohort of patients receiving CRT in addition to
      surgery. Local control (LC), disease-free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS),
      and metastases-free survival (MFS) were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method.
      RESULTS: A total of 137 patients with ampullary carcinoma underwent Whipple
      procedure. Of these, 61 patients undergoing resection received adjuvant (n = 43)
      or neoadjuvant (n = 18) CRT. Patients receiving chemoradiotherapy were more
      likely to have poorly differentiated tumors (P = .03). Of 18 patients receiving
      neoadjuvant therapy, 67% were downstaged on final pathology with 28% achieving
      pathologic complete response (pCR). With a median follow-up of 8.8 years, 3-year
      local control was improved in patients receiving CRT (88% vs 55%, P = .001) with
      trend toward 3-year DFS (66% vs 48%, P = .09) and OS (62% vs 46%, P = .074)
      benefit in patients receiving CRT. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term survival rates are low
      and local failure rates high following radical resection alone. Given patterns of
      relapse with surgery alone and local control benefit in patients receiving CRT,
      the use of chemoradiotherapy in selected patients should be considered.

PMID- 22045468
TI  - Risk factors for bronchopleural fistula after right pneumonectomy: does
      eliminating the stump diverticulum provide protection?
AB  - PURPOSE: Bronchopleural fistula (BPF) remains an important source of morbidity
      and mortality after right pneumonectomy. We reviewed our 18-year institutional
      experience with right pneumonectomy to identify risks factors for BPF. METHODS:
      From 1992 to 2010, a total of 145 patients who underwent right pneumonectomy were
      identified from an institutional database. Median age was 56 years. Most patients
      (66.2%) underwent surgery for non-small cell lung cancer. Sixty-seven patients
      (46.2%) received either chemotherapy or radiotherapy before surgery. Medical
      records were reviewed for 14 variables potentially predictive for BPF, including
      two airway closure techniques (standard bronchial closure and carinal closure).
      Variables predictive of BPF by univariate analysis were entered into a logistic
      regression model. RESULTS: The overall mortality rate was 13.1% (n=19), with 15.9
      and 10.5% mortality in the bronchial closure and carinal closure groups,
      respectively (P=0.33). The overall BPF rate was 7.6% (n=11), with a 3.9% (3 of
      76) rate in the carinal closure group compared to 11.6% (8 of 69) in the
      bronchial closure group (P=0.08). Seven of eight bronchial closure patients who
      developed BPF required operative repair. Only one of three patients who developed
      BPF after carinal closure did not spontaneously heal after open drainage.
      Multivariate analysis identified preoperative radiation dose (P=0.042) and
      bronchial closure (P=0.041) as independent risk factors for BPF, while the length
      of postoperative ventilation before development of BPF approached significance
      (P=0.057). CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, higher preoperative radiation doses
      are a risk factor for BPF after right pneumonectomy, while carinal closure exerts
      a protective effect.

PMID- 22045470
TI  - Implications of changes in plasma asymmetric dimethylarginine during treatment of
      hypertension.

PMID- 22045469
TI  - Synthesis of some new s-alkylated 1,2,4-triazoles, their mannich bases and their
      biological activities.
AB  - A series of 1-(4-methoxyphenyl)-2-[5-{(biphenyl-4-yloxy)methyl}4-(substituted
      phenyl)-3-mercapto-(4H)-1,2,4-triazol-3-ylthio)] ethanones (6a-6s) and 4
      (substituted phenyl)-3-(morpholin/pyrrolidin-4-ylmethylthio)-5-(4
      phenylphenoxymethyl)-4H-1,2,4-triazoles (7a-7e) were synthesized in order to
      obtain new compounds with potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity with
      insignificant ulceration. Among the synthesized compounds, (6c), (6e), (6g) and
      (6l) from triazole series and (7b) and (7e) from Mannich base series were found
      to exhibit significant anti-inflammatory activity with 59.69, 59.69, 64.69,
      79.84, 54.54, 79.69% and 52.55, 57.50, 72.52, 83.03, 60.06, 84.08% inhibition of
      paw edema at 3 h and 5 h respectively, in comparison to the standard drug
      ibuprofen (78.93 and 82.58% at 3 h and 5 h). The active compounds were further
      tested for their analgesic activity and gastric ulceration study. Compounds 6g,
      7b and 7e exhibited significant analgesic activity with reaction time (3.60,
      3.22, 3.88 s) respectively at 60 min. without causing any gastric irritation.
      These compounds were also screened for their in vitro antimicrobial activity,
      Compounds 6f, 6g, 6h, 6l, 6o, 6p, 7a, 7b and 7c showed significant zone of
      inhibition against various antimicrobial stains. It is concluded that the
      compounds 6g, 7b and 7e possess a good spectrum of activities. Compound 7e may be
      considered potent for development of better anti-inflammatory agent. The
      antimicrobial activity revealed that most of the compounds showed moderate to
      significant activity. Compounds containing nitro, chloro, bromo and fluoro group
      showing better activity. All the compounds from 7a, 7b and 7e were active against
      gram positive bacteria (S. aureus).

PMID- 22045471
TI  - Determinants of influenza vaccination among young children in an inner-city
      community.
AB  - Few studies have examined potential factors that contribute to low influenza
      vaccination rates among minority children. This study aimed to assess the
      prevalence of early childhood influenza vaccination among young black and Latino
      children, living in inner-city neighborhoods, and examine the effects of child,
      caregiver and health system factors. Secondary data analysis was performed using
      a survey about medical home experiences conducted from May 2007-June 2008. The
      study sample was limited to children >=6 months in any influenza season prior to
      the 2006-2007 influenza season. Bivariate analyses and multivariable logistic
      regression tested associations between influenza vaccination receipt and socio
      demographic and health system characteristics. One-third of children received an
      influenza vaccination by the end of 2006-2007 season, while only 11% received a
      vaccination within their first season of eligibility. Black children were more
      likely than Latino children to have been vaccinated (50% vs. 31%, P<0.01) during
      their first few eligible seasons. Children whose mothers were older, proficient
      in English, and frequent users of healthcare were more likely to obtain
      vaccination. Child attendance at healthcare settings with immunization reminder
      systems was also positively correlated with influenza vaccination. Our findings
      suggest that initial vaccination receipt among minority children from inner-city
      communities might be improved by expanded influenza promotion activities
      targeting younger mothers or those with limited English proficiency. Strategies
      to increase the frequency of child's actual contact with the medical home, such
      as reminder systems, may be useful in improving uptake of influenza vaccination
      among inner-city, minority children.

PMID- 22045472
TI  - VEGF gene alternative splicing: pro- and anti-angiogenic isoforms in cancer.
AB  - Tumor growth and progression depend on angiogenesis, a process of new blood
      vessels formation from a preexisting vascular endothelium. Tumors promote
      angiogenesis by secreting or activating angiogenic factors that stimulate
      endothelial proliferation and migration and capillary morphogenesis. The newly
      formed blood vessels provide nutrients and oxygen to the tumor, increasing its
      growth. Thus, angiogenesis plays a key role in cancer progression and development
      of metastases. An important growth factor that promotes angiogenesis and
      participates in a variety of physiological and pathological processes is the
      vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A or VEGF). Overexpression of VEGF
      results in increased angiogenesis in normal and pathological conditions. The
      existence of an alternative site of splicing at the 3' untranslated region of the
      mRNA results in the expression of isoforms with a C-terminal region which are
      downregulated in tumors and may have differential inhibitory effects. This
      suggests that control of splicing can be an important regulatory mechanism of
      angiogenesis in cancer.

PMID- 22045476
TI  - Mediastinal lymph node uptake in patients with prostate carcinoma on F18-choline
      PET/CT.
AB  - SUMMARY: Fluorine-18-methyl-choline (F18-choline) PET/computed tomography (CT) is
      routinely performed in our hospital for patients with significantly increased or
      rapidly increasing prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels to detect and localize
      recurrent prostate carcinoma. We observed uptake of this PET tracer in
      mediastinal lymph nodes in a significant number of patients. The aim of this
      study was to assess the frequency of this finding and to determine whether it is
      correlated with tumour and nontumour-related aspects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A
      total of 48 consecutive men (mean age: 65.6 years; range: 50-79 years, standard
      deviation: 7.1) with histopathologically proven prostate cancer were referred for
      F18-choline PET/CT imaging for restaging from March 2009 to October 2010. All
      patients had a suspicion of tumour recurrence because of an increased PSA or a
      rapidly increasing PSA. All studies were reviewed, and the results were
      correlated with general data such as age; smoking; chronic obstructive pulmonary
      disease; tumor, lymph nodes and distant metastases stage; Gleason Score and PSA
      level; with a maximum interval of 3 months between serum PSA and the PET/CT scan.
      RESULTS: In 27 patients (56.3%), F18-choline PET/CT showed positive lymph nodes
      in the mediastinum (mean standardized uptake values: 3.75; range: 1.7-13.8,
      standard deviation: 2.4). No histological biopsy was carried out in F18-choline
      positive lymph nodes, but in none of the patients was mediastinal recurrence or
      pulmonary infection observed during a 6-month follow-up. Only one patient had
      histologically proven pulmonary metastasis. No significant relationship was
      observed between mediastinal F18-choline lymph node uptake and serum PSA level
      (P=0.785), initial T stage (P=0.555), N stage (P=0.548), M stage (P=0.426),
      smoking (P=0.537), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (P=0.115) or the
      presence of tumour recurrence on F18-choline PET/CT. CONCLUSION: Mediastinal
      lymph node uptake of F18 choline is frequently observed, without any significant
      relationship with tumour characteristics. Therefore, interpretation of positive
      mediastinal lymph node uptake should be done carefully.

PMID- 22045477
TI  - Prediction of functional recovery after revascularization in patients with
      chronic ischemic myocardial dysfunction:  perfusable tissue index by positron
      emission tomography and contrast-enhanced MRI comparison study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: In patients with chronic ischemic myocardial dysfunction, perfusable
      tissue index (PTI) obtained with positron emission tomography using oxygen-15
      labeled water and carbon monoxide as tracers is inversely related to the extent
      of myocardial scar (nonperfusable tissue). Delayed contrast-enhanced (DCE)
      magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) accurately depicts the regional extent of
      myocardial fibrosis and predicts functional recovery after revascularization in
      patients with ischemic cardiomyopathy. Our aim was to compare PTI as a viability
      marker with DCE MRI. METHODS: Fourteen patients with ischemic left ventricular
      dysfunction were studied with positron emission tomography, using oxygen-15
      labeled water and carbon monoxide as tracers, and with contrast-enhanced MRI.
      RESULTS: Functional improvement occurred in 38 of initially dysfunctional,
      revascularized segments (56%). Mean PTI was 1.04 +/- 0.20 in the improved
      segments versus 0.85 +/- 0.21 in the group without functional improvement
      (P<0.001). The areas under the receiver operator characteristics curves of PTI
      and DCE MRI were 0.7 and 0.74, respectively (P=not significant). Cutoff value of
      25% DCE allowed correct identification of 82% segments with reversible
      dysfunction and 64% segments without reversible dysfunction. A threshold of 0.89
      for PTI yielded the best diagnostic accuracy with sensitivity and specificity
      values of 76 and 54%, respectively. CONCLUSION: PTI can identify viable
      myocardium and predict improvement in regional function after revascularization
      in patients with chronic ischemic left ventricular dysfunction. Its diagnostic
      accuracy is comparable with that of DCE MRI.

PMID- 22045479
TI  - Weight loss and rapid cognitive decline in community-dwelling patients with
      Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Weight loss is a frequent complication of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and a strong
      predictor of adverse outcomes in patients suffering from this disease. The aim of
      this study was to determine whether weight loss was a predictor of rapid
      cognitive decline (RCD) in AD. Four hundred fourteen community-dwelling
      ambulatory patients with a diagnosis of probable AD and a Mini-Mental State
      Examination (MMSE) score between 10 and 26 from the REAL.FR (REseau sur la
      maladie d'ALzheimer FRancais) cohort were studied and followed up during 4 years.
      Patients were classified in 2 groups according to weight loss defined by a loss
      of 4% or more during the first year of follow-up. RCD was defined as the loss of
      3 points or more in MMSE over 6 months. The incidence of RCD was determined among
      both groups over the last 3 years of follow-up. MMSE, Katz's Activity of Daily
      Living scale, Mini-Nutritional Assessment scale, co-morbidities, behavioral and
      psychological symptoms of dementia, medication, level of education, living
      arrangement, and caregiver's burden were assessed every 6 months. Eighty-seven
      patients (21.0%) lost 4% or more of their initial weight during the first year.
      The incidence of RCD for all patients was 57.6 (95% confidence interval (CI) =
      51.6-64.8) per 100 person-year (median follow-up of 15.1 months). In Cox
      proportional hazards models, after controlling for potential confounders, weight
      loss was a significant predictor factor of RCD (adjusted hazard ratio (HR) =
      1.50, 95% CI = 1.04-2.17). In conclusion, weight loss predicted RCD in this
      cohort. Whether the prevention of weight loss (by improving nutritional status)
      impacts cognitive decline remains an open question.

PMID- 22045481
TI  - 39-week toxicity and toxicokinetic study of ponezumab (PF-04360365) in cynomolgus
      monkeys with 12-week recovery period.
AB  - Ponezumab (PF-04360365) is a novel humanized IgG2Deltaa monoclonal antibody that
      binds to amyloid-beta (Abeta). It is designed to have reduced immune effector
      function compared to other passive immunotherapies for Alzheimer's disease (AD).
      Toxicity was evaluated in cynomolgus monkeys treated intravenously with vehicle
      or 10, 30, or 100 mg/kg of ponezumab every 10th day for up to 39 weeks, and after
      a 12-week recovery phase. The Abeta peptide sequence of monkeys is identical to
      that of humans. No substantial difference in test article exposure between sexes
      was observed, and mean plasma Cmax and AUC0-n were approximately dose
      proportional. Ponezumab was detectable approximately 9 weeks after cessation of
      dosing. All animals, except two males given 10 mg/kg, maintained exposure to test
      article. One of these males tested positive for anti-ponezumab antibodies.
      Ponezumab was detected in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of animals given active
      treatment. The estimated CSF/plasma ponezumab concentration ratio was <0.008
      after multiple doses. At the end of the dosing and recovery phases, plasma Abeta1
      40 and Abeta1-x were increased in treated animals versus controls. No test
      article-related effects were seen after ophthalmogical, cardiovascular, physical
      examinations, and clinical and anatomic pathology evaluations. Plasma
      concentrations of ponezumab on day 261 at the no observed adverse effect level of
      100 mg/kg were 22.4 and 5.3 times greater on a Cmax and AUC basis, respectively,
      than human exposures at the highest dose (10 mg/kg) in a single-dose Phase I
      trial. These data suggest an acceptable safety profile for ponezumab as an
      immunotherapy for AD.

PMID- 22045480
TI  - Metabolic reserve as a determinant of cognitive aging.
AB  - Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and Alzheimer's disease (AD) represent points on
      a continuum of cognitive performance in aged populations. Cognition may be
      impaired or preserved in the context of brain aging. One theory to account for
      memory maintenance in the context of extensive pathology involves 'cognitive
      reserve', or the ability to compensate for neuropathology through greater
      recruitment of remaining neurons. In this review, we propose a complementary
      hypothesis of 'metabolic reserve', where a brain with high metabolic reserve is
      characterized by the presence of neuronal circuits that respond adaptively to
      perturbations in cellular and somatic energy metabolism and thereby protects
      against declining cognition. Lifestyle determinants of metabolic reserve, such as
      exercise, reduced caloric intake, and intake of specific dietary components can
      promote neuroprotection, while pathological states arising from sedentary
      lifestyles and excessive caloric intake contribute to neuronal endangerment. This
      bidirectional relationship between metabolism and cognition may be mediated by
      alterations in central insulin and neurotrophic factor signaling and glucose
      metabolism, with downstream consequences for accumulation of amyloid-beta and
      hyperphosphorylated tau. The metabolic reserve hypothesis is supported by
      epidemiological findings and the spectrum of individual cognitive trajectories
      during aging, with additional data from animal models identifying potential
      mechanisms for this relationship. Identification of biomarkers for metabolic
      reserve could assist in generating a predictive model for the likelihood of
      cognitive decline with aging.

PMID- 22045482
TI  - Chronic mild stress accelerates the onset and progression of the Alzheimer's
      disease phenotype in Tg2576 mice.
AB  - The etiology of the more common (sporadic) forms of Alzheimer's disease (AD)
      remains unknown, although age is the most important risk factor. Nevertheless,
      interactions between environmental risk factors and genetic background may also
      influence the onset and progression of sporadic AD. Chronic stress, associated
      with altered memory and other neurological processes, is thought to influence the
      pathogenesis of AD. Hence, we evaluated the effect of unpredictable and
      consecutive chronic mild stressors on the onset of an AD-related pathology in the
      Tg2576 mouse line that overexpresses the human amyloid-beta protein precursor
      with the Swedish mutation (hAbetaPP(Swe)). Two months after exposure to chronic
      mild stress, 4 month-old animals that normally display no pathological features
      of AD, not only expressed pathological markers but also experienced cognitive
      dysfunction in the Morris water maze test. These findings suggest that chronic
      mild stress accelerates the onset of cognitive impairment and produces an
      increase in hippocampal amyloid-beta and phospho-tau levels on a background of AD
      susceptibility.

PMID- 22045483
TI  - Periodontal inflammation in relation to cognitive function in an older adult
      Danish population.
AB  - Inflammation plays a significant role in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis.
      Studies have shown that systemic, peripheral infections affect AD patients.
      Cognitive dysfunction is a consistent finding in AD and periodontal disease is a
      chronic, peripheral infection often resulting in tooth loss. We hypothesized that
      older adults with periodontal inflammation (PI) or many missing teeth would show
      impaired cognition compared to subjects without PI or with few missing teeth, and
      among subjects with PI, those with many missing teeth would show impaired
      cognition compared to those with few missing teeth. The effect of PI/tooth loss
      on cognitive function [measured by Digit Symbol (DST) and Block Design (BDT)
      tests] was assessed in 70-year old Danish subjects. We found: 1) subjects with PI
      obtained lower mean DST scores compared to subjects without PI (p < 0.05); 2)
      subjects with many missing teeth had lower mean DST and BDT scores compared to
      subjects with few missing teeth (p < 0.05); 3) the association of PI with DST and
      BDT scores was dependant on the number of missing teeth (interaction: p = 0.03
      and p = 0.06); and 4) education and previous cognitive scores (age 50) were
      important covariates. Subjects with PI had significantly lower adjusted mean DST
      scores compared to subjects without PI. However for adjusted BDT, the
      significance held only for subjects with few missing teeth. No difference in the
      adjusted DST and BDT scores was seen between subjects with many missing teeth
      compared to those with few missing teeth. These results support the hypothesis
      that PI may affect cognition.

PMID- 22045484
TI  - The BACE1-PSEN-AbetaPP regulatory axis has an ancient role in response to low
      oxygen/oxidative stress.
AB  - Oxygen homeostasis is essential for the development and normal physiology of an
      organism. Hypoxia causes the mitochondrial electron transport chain to generate
      higher levels of reactive oxygen species resulting in oxidative stress. Hypoxia
      can be a direct consequence of hypoperfusion, a common vascular component among
      Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk factors, and may play an important role in AD
      pathogenesis. Beta-site amyloid-beta A4 precursor protein-cleaving enzyme 1
      (BACE1) is responsible, with gamma-secretase, for cleavage of the amyloid-beta
      protein precursor (AbetaPP) to produce amyloid-beta (Abeta) peptide. A recent
      study observed that oxidative stress increases BACE1 expression via a regulatory
      pathway dependent on gamma-secretase cleavage of AbetaPP and this increases Abeta
      peptide production. Zebrafish embryos represent normal cells in which complex and
      subtle manipulations of gene activity can be performed to facilitate analysis of
      genes involved in human disease. Here we identify and describe the expression of
      bace1, the zebrafish ortholog of human BACE1. We observe that the zebrafish AD
      related genes bace1, psen1, psen2, appa, and appb all show increased mRNA levels
      under hypoxia. A dominant negative form of psen1 putatively blocking gamma
      secretase activity blocks bace1 upregulation under hypoxia. Hypoxia increases
      catalase gene mRNA indicating increased oxidative stress but we did not observe
      increased levels of F2-isoprostanes that indicate peroxidation of arachidonic
      acid, possibly due to relatively low levels of arachidonic acid in zebrafish. Our
      results demonstrate that upregulation of PSEN1 & 2, AbetaPP and the gamma
      secretase-dependent upregulation of BACE1 is an ancient, conserved, and thus
      selectively advantageous response to hypoxia/oxidative stress.

PMID- 22045485
TI  - Interrelations between CSF soluble AbetaPPbeta, amyloid-beta 1-42, SORL1, and tau
      levels in Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Recently, light has been shed on possible interrelations between the two most
      important pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD): the amyloid cascade
      and axonal degeneration. In this study, we investigated associations between
      sbetaAPPbeta, a product of the cleavage of the amyloid-beta protein precursor
      (AbetaPP) by beta-secretase, amyloid-beta 1-42 (Abeta42), soluble SORL1 (also
      called LR11 or SORLA), a receptor that is involved in AbetaPP processing, and the
      marker of axonal degeneration tau in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 76 patients
      with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), 61 patients with AD, and 17 patients with
      frontotemporal dementia, which neuropathologically is not related to the amyloid
      pathology. In the AD group, significant associations between sAbetaPPbeta, tau (p
      < 0.001), and soluble SORL1 (p < 0.001) were detected according to linear
      regression models. In patients with MCI, sAbetaPPbeta correlated significantly
      with tau (p < 0.001) and soluble SORL1 (p = 0.003). In the FTD group, only SORL1
      (p = 0.011) was associated with sAbetaPPbeta and not tau. Abeta42 was found to be
      significantly related to tau levels in CSF in the MCI group (p < 0.001) and they
      tended to be associated in the AD group (p = 0.05). Our results provide further
      evidence for a link between the two facets of AD pathology, which is likely to be
      mediated by the binding of Abeta oligomers to specifically targeted neurons,
      resulting in stimulating tau hyperphosphorylation and neurodegeneration.

PMID- 22045486
TI  - Dietary supplementation with S-adenosyl methionine delayed amyloid-beta and tau
      pathology in 3xTg-AD mice.
AB  - S-adenosyl methionine (SAM) contributes to multiple pathways in neuronal
      homeostasis, several of which are compromised in age-related neurodegeneration
      and Alzheimer's disease. Dietary supplementation of transgenic mice with SAM
      maintained acetylcholine levels, cognitive performance, oxidative buffering
      capacity, and phosphatase activity, and reduced aggression, calcium influx,
      endogenous PS-1 expression, gamma-secretase activity, and levels of amyloid-beta
      (Abeta) and phospho-tau. Herein, we examined whether or not SAM could delay
      neuropathology in 3xTg-AD mice, which harbor mutant genes for human AbetaPP, PS-1
      and tau. Mice received a standard AIN-76 diet with or without SAM (100 mg/kg
      diet) for 1 month commencing at 10 months of age or for 3 months commencing at
      12.5 months of age; mice were sacrificed and examined for Abeta and tau
      neuropathology at 11 and 15.5 months of age, respectively. SAM supplementation
      reduced hippocampal intracellular AbetaPP/Abeta and phospho-tau immunoreactivity
      to a similar extent at both sampling intervals. Supplementation reduced the
      number of extracellular Abeta deposits by 80% (p < 0.01) at 11 months of age
      after 1 month of treatment but only by 24% (p < 0.34) at 15.5 months of age after
      3 months of treatment. As anticipated, neurofibrillary tangles were not observed
      in mice at these young ages; however, supplementation reduced levels of phospho
      tau and caspase-cleaved tau within Sarkosyl-insoluble preparations in mice at
      15.5 months of age. These limited analyses indicate that SAM can modulate the
      time course of AD neuropathology, and support further long-term analyses.

PMID- 22045487
TI  - The saturated fatty acid palmitate induces human monocytic cell toxicity toward
      neuronal cells: exploring a possible link between obesity-related metabolic
      impairments and neuroinflammation.
AB  - Obesity is linked to increased risk of Alzheimer's disease and cognitive
      impairment. Microglia-mediated neuroinflammation is implicated in neuronal loss.
      Elevated levels of fatty acids seen in obesity induce inflammation in peripheral
      tissues. Whether fatty acids promote neuroinflammation is unknown. Using an
      established neuroinflammation model involving human microglia-like THP-1 cells
      and SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells, we show that the saturated fatty acid palmitate,
      but not the unsaturated fatty acids oleate or linoleate, induces THP-1 cell pro
      inflammatory cytokine secretion and neurotoxicity. Inhibition of c-Jun NH2
      terminal kinase (JNK) reduces this neurotoxicity. Therefore, elevated saturated
      fatty acids may induce neuroinflammation through pathways involving JNK
      activation.

PMID- 22045488
TI  - Amyloid-beta protein precursor gene expression in alzheimer's disease and other
      conditions.
AB  - Several lines of evidence suggest that AbetaPP gene expression could influence
      risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD). Using a highly sensitive multiplex fluorescent
      RT-PCR assay, we compared peripheral blood cells expression of AbetaPP mRNA among
      sporadic AD patients (n = 133), autosomal dominant early-onset AD cases (ADEOAD,
      n = 21), Down syndrome patients (n = 21), AD patients with AbetaPP duplication (n
      = 9), patients with recent ischemic stroke (n = 25), and healthy controls (n =
      58). Compared to healthy controls (median = 0.98), AbetaPP expression was not
      increased in sporadic AD patients (median = 1.01, p = 0.42) nor in ADEOAD
      patients (median = 0.96, p = 0.26). Down syndrome patients as well as patients
      with AbetaPP duplication had significantly increased levels of AbetaPP mRNA
      compared to controls (median = 1.48 and median = 1.36, p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0007,
      respectively). A weaker but significant increase in relative amount of AbetaPP
      transcripts in patients who suffered from recent stroke was observed (median =
      1.14, p = 0.0007). Our results do not support a pathogenic role of AbetaPP
      overexpression in sporadic AD although a small subset of patients displays
      AbetaPP overexpression in the same range as Down syndrome patients.

PMID- 22045489
TI  - Evidence of important, common disease processes contributing to late-life
      dementia that have not yet been recognized, characterized, or even named.

PMID- 22045490
TI  - Age-dependent and tissue-related glutathione redox status in a mouse model of
      Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Glutathione plays an essential role in the intracellular antioxidant defense
      against oxidant radicals, especially the *OH radical. To understand the early and
      progressive cellular changes in the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD), we
      investigated reduced glutathione/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) status in a
      double mutated AD transgenic mouse model (B6.Cg-Tg), which carries Swedish
      amyloid-beta protein precursor mutation (AbetaPPswe) and exon 9 deletion of the
      PSEN1 gene. In this study, we quantified and compared both GSH/GSSG and mixed
      disulfide (Pr-SSG) levels in blood samples and three anatomic positions in brain
      (cerebrum, cerebellum, and hippocampus) at 3 age stages (1, 5, and 11 months) of
      AD transgenic (Tg)/wild type mice. The present study was designed to characterize
      and provide insight into the glutathione redox state of both brain tissues and
      blood samples at different disease stages of this Tg model. The level of Pr-SSG
      increased in all AD brain tissues and blood compared with controls regardless of
      age. The GSH/GSSG ratio in AD-Tg brain tissue started at a higher value at 1
      month, fell at the transitional period of 5 months, right before the onset of
      amyloid plaques, followed by an increase in GSSG and associated decrease of
      GSH/GSSG at 11 months. These results suggest that formation of Pr-SSG may be an
      early event, preceding amyloid plaque appearance, and the data further implies
      that tissue thiol redox is tightly regulated. Notably, the high basal levels of
      mixed-disulfides in hippocampus suggest a potential for increased oxidative
      damage under oxidizing conditions and increased GSSG in this vulnerable region.

PMID- 22045491
TI  - Impact of less common and "disregarded" neurodegenerative pathologies on dementia
      burden in a population-based cohort.
AB  - Epidemiological studies investigating the pathological bases of late onset
      dementia focus on classical markers such as plaques and tangles. The significance
      of pathologies characteristically associated with rare dementia syndromes such as
      Pick bodies and severe neuronal loss are considered to be well defined. The
      significance of other pathologies, often accepted as a feature of
      neurodegenerative syndromes, such as Hirano bodies and gliosis is not clear. This
      study investigated the significance of these rarer and 'disregarded' pathologies
      to dementia in the population. A total of 627 individuals aged 71-103 from the
      Epidemiological CLInicoPathologial Studies in Europe (EClipSE) project with
      clinical dementia status at death determined were assessed. Pathologies assessed
      included Pick bodies, severe neuronal loss, gliosis, and granulovacuolar
      degeneration (GVD) in the cortex and/or hippocampus, along with brainstem
      plaques, tangles, neuronal loss, gliosis, pigmentary incontinence, and Lewy
      bodies. All pathologies were associated with dementia when controlling for
      plaques and tangles except Hirano bodies, GVD, and brainstem plaques. These
      included hippocampal and entorhinal gliosis; cortical, hippocampal, and
      entorhinal neuronal loss; along with brainstem neuronal loss, gliosis, pigmentary
      incontinence, Lewy bodies, and tangles. Pick bodies were present in five
      individuals, all with clinical dementia. These epidemiological data indicate that
      dementia in old age is associated with a broad range of pathological and
      anatomical substrates pointing to potential areas for future research,
      particularly the brainstem.

PMID- 22045492
TI  - Significance of lutein in red blood cells of Alzheimer's disease patients.
AB  - Red blood cells (RBC) of Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients are known to be in an
      excessively oxidized state (i.e., with a high accumulation of peroxidized
      phospholipids (PLOOH)). Previously we confirmed in vitro, in vivo murine, and in
      human studies that carotenoids can effectively inhibit accumulation of RBC PLOOH.
      Thus, the relationship between RBC carotenoids and PLOOH concentrations in AD
      patients is of interest. In this study, RBC carotenoids and PLOOH were evaluated
      in 28 normal control subjects (age: 74.1 +/- 1.3 years) and 28 patients with AD
      (age: 72.5 +/- 1.4 years). The concentrations of RBC carotenoids, especially
      lutein, in AD patients were significantly lower than in control subjects. An
      inverse relationship was seen between RBC carotenoids, especially lutein, and
      PLOOH concentrations in AD patients. These results suggest that RBC lutein, in
      particular, may contribute to suppression of PLOOH accumulation in RBC of AD
      patients.

PMID- 22045493
TI  - Environmental enrichment can prevent cognitive decline induced by dietary
      oxidative challenge.
AB  - Alzheimer's disease encompasses multiple risk factors; convergence may be
      necessary for clinical manifestation. Mice received a complete diet or one
      lacking folate and vitamin E and containing iron as a pro-oxidant, in a standard
      environment (SE) or a large cage containing objects to stimulate
      exploration/activity (enriched environment; EE). Mice declined in maze navigation
      on the deficient versus complete diet in the SE but not the EE. Mice on the
      complete diet demonstrated superior performance in the EE versus SE. The EE
      reduced brain lipid and protein oxidation. These findings suggest that
      maintaining nutrition and activity may delay age-related cognitive decline.

PMID- 22045494
TI  - c-Jun regulates the stability of anti-apoptotic DeltaNp63 in amyloid-beta-induced
      apoptosis.
AB  - p63, the structural and functional homologue of p53, is expressed either as a
      full-length isoform, containing a transactivation (TA) domain (TAp63), or as a
      truncated isoform, which lacks TA (DeltaNp63). Amyloid-beta (Abeta) incubation of
      neuronal cells results in stress-induced cell death through poorly understood
      mechanisms. We investigated the role of p63 in Abeta-induced stress. Our results
      show that Abeta-induced apoptosis of rat PC12 neuronal-like cells and primary
      cortical neurons was associated with stabilization of pro-apoptotic TAp63 and,
      most importantly, degradation of anti-apoptotic DeltaNp63 through a MAPK- and
      proteasome-dependent mechanism. This was associated with increased c-Jun, and
      partially modulated by tauroursodeoxycholic acid. As expected, classic genotoxic
      insults resulted in c-Jun upregulation and concomitant DeltaNp63 reduction.
      Endogenous and ectopic DeltaNp63 expression was also markedly reduced by c-Jun
      overexpression. Further, Abeta-mediated DeltaNp63 degradation occurred in a c-Jun
      dependent manner. Downregulation of c-Jun expression by specific c-Jun siRNA
      abrogated the reduction of DeltaNp63 levels following Abeta insult, whereas
      overexpression of c-Jun led to its degradation. c-Jun significantly decreased
      DeltaNp63 half-life. Together, these findings demonstrate that the abundance of
      anti-apoptotic DeltaNp63 in response to Abeta-induced cell stress is regulated by
      a c-Jun-dependent mechanism, and highlight the importance of finding novel
      targets for potential therapeutic intervention.

PMID- 22045495
TI  - Corticotrophin releasing factor accelerates neuropathology and cognitive decline
      in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Chronic stress has been suggested to influence the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's
      disease (AD); however, the mechanism underlying this influence remains unknown.
      In this study, we created a triple transgenic mouse model that overexpresses
      corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) and human amyloid-beta protein precursor
      (AbetaPP), to investigate whether increases in the expression of CRF can mimic
      the effects of stress on amyloid metabolism and the neurodegeneration. Tg2576
      mice that overexpresses human AbetaPP gene were crossbreed with Tetop-CRF (CRF)
      mice and CaMKII-tTA (tTA) mice to create a novel triple transgenic mouse model
      that conditioned overexpresses CRF in forebrain and overexpresses human AbetaPP
      (called AbetaPP+/CRF+/tTA+, or TT mice). Then we evaluated serial neuro
      anatomical and behavioral phenotypes on TT mice using histological, biochemical,
      and behavioral assays. TT mice showed a Cushingoid-like phenotype starting at 3
      months of age. At 6 months of age, these mice demonstrated increases in tissue
      soluble amyloid-beta (Abeta) and Abeta plaques in the cortex and hippocampus, as
      compared to control mice. Moreover, TT mice characterized substantial decreases
      in dendritic branching and dendritic spine density in pyramidal neurons in layer
      4 of the frontal cortex and CA1 of the hippocampus. Finally, TT mice showed
      significantly impaired working memory and contextual memory, with a modest
      increase in anxiety-like behavior. Our results suggested genetic increases in the
      brain of CRF expression mimicked chronic stress on the effects of amyloid
      deposition, neurodegeneration, and behavioral deficits. The novel transgenic
      mouse model will provide a unique tool to further investigate the mechanisms
      between stress and AD.

PMID- 22045496
TI  - Monoamine oxidase-A physically interacts with presenilin-1(M146V) in the mouse
      cortex.
AB  - The concentration of presenilin-1 (PS-1) protein at the mitochondrial-associated
      aspect of the endoplasmic reticulum supports the potential for a mitochondrial
      influence of PS-1. Given that carriers of certain Alzheimer's disease (AD)
      related PS-1 variants are predisposed to clinical depression and that depression
      has been historically associated with the mitochondrial enzyme, monoamine oxidase
      A (MAO-A), we investigated cortical MAO-A function in the AD-related PS-1(M146V)
      knock-in mouse. The MAO-A system was clearly altered in the PS-1(M146V) mouse as
      revealed by (a) a mismatch between MAO-A protein expression and MAO-A activity;
      (b) changes in MAO-A-mediated monoaminergic neurotransmitter metabolism; (c)
      changes in non-cognitive behavior following treatment with the irreversible MAO-A
      inhibitor clorgyline; and (d) an increase in the potency of clorgyline in these
      same mice. We next investigated whether PS-1(M146V) could be influencing MAO-A
      directly. We observed (a) an enhanced MAO-A activity in necropsied PS-1(M146V)
      mouse cortical extracts incubated with DAPT (a PS-1 substrate-competitor); (b)
      the proximity of PS-1 with MAO-A and mitochondrial markers in cortical sections
      and in primary cortical neurons; (c) the co-segregation and co
      immunoprecipitation of PS-1 and MAO-A within the mitochondrial fraction; and (d)
      the co-immunoprecipitation of overexpressed PS-1(M146V) and MAO-A proteins from
      N2a lysates. The PS-1(DeltaEx9) and PS-1(D257A) variants, known to have low
      substrate-binding capacity, co-immunoprecipitated weakly with MAO-A. These
      combined data support a physical interaction between PS-1 and MAO-A that could
      influence MAO-A activity and contribute to the monoaminergic disruptions common
      to disorders as seemingly diverse as depression and AD.

PMID- 22045497
TI  - Identification of SPARC-like 1 protein as part of a biomarker panel for
      Alzheimer's disease in cerebrospinal fluid.
AB  - We have used proteomic fingerprinting to investigate diagnosis of Alzheimer's
      disease (AD). Samples of lumbar cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from clinically
      diagnosed AD cases (n = 33), age-matched controls (n = 20), and mild cognitive
      impairment (MCI) patients (n = 10) were used to obtain proteomic profiles,
      followed by bioinformatic analysis that generated a set of potential biomarkers
      in CSF samples that could discriminate AD cases from controls. The identity of
      the biomarker ions was determined using mass spectroscopy. The panel of seven
      peptide biomarker ions was able to discriminate AD patients from controls with a
      median accuracy of 95% (sensitivity 85%, specificity 97%). When this model was
      applied to an independent blind dataset from MCI patients, the intensity of
      signals was intermediate between the control and AD patients implying that these
      markers could potentially predict patients with early neurodegenerative disease.
      The panel were identified, in order of predictive ability, as SPARC-like 1
      protein, fibrinogen alpha chain precursor, amyloid-beta, apolipoprotein E
      precursor, serum albumin precursor, keratin type I cytoskeletal 9, and
      tetranectin. The 7 ion ANN model was further validated using an independent
      cohort of samples, where the model was able to classify AD cases from controls
      with median accuracy of 84.5% (sensitivity 93.3%, specificity 75.7%). Validation
      by immunoassay was performed on the top three identified markers using the
      discovery samples and an independent sample cohort which was from postmortem
      confirmed AD patients (n = 17).

PMID- 22045498
TI  - A phase I study of vinflunine in combination with capecitabine in patients with
      metastatic breast cancer previously treated with anthracyclines and taxanes.
AB  - PURPOSE: A phase I study was performed to determine the maximal tolerated dose
      (MTD), recommended dose (RD), safety and efficacy of vinflunine when combined
      with capecitabine in patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) previously
      treated with anthracyclines and taxanes, with pharmacokinetic blood sampling to
      test potential drug-drug interactions. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixteen patients
      with MBC who had received anthracyclines and taxanes in the neo/adjuvant setting,
      if progression occurred during or within 12 months of chemotherapy completion,
      and/or as first-line chemotherapy of MBC were enrolled. Vinflunine (VFL) was
      given on day 1 with capecitabine (CAPE) twice daily from days 1 to 14, every 3
      weeks. Three dose levels (DL) were investigated (DL1: VFL 280 mg/m2 and CAPE
      1,650 mg/m2/day, DL2: VFL 320 mg/m2 and CAPE 1,650 mg/m2/day and DL3: VFL 280
      mg/m2 and CAPE 2,000 mg/m2/day). RESULTS: The RD was established as vinflunine
      280 mg/m2 on day 1 plus capecitabine 1,650 mg/m2/day on days 1 to 14 given every
      3 weeks. Dose-limiting toxicities were grade 4 neutropenia lasting at least 7
      days for 2 patients, anorexia with fatigue for 1 patient and diarrhoea with
      fatigue, anorexia and febrile neutropenia for 1 patient. Neutropenia was the main
      toxicity of the combination, it was reported in 15 patients (93.8%) with grade 3
      in 7 patients (43.8%) and 22.6% of cycles and grade 4 in 7 patients (43.8%) and
      19.8% of cycles. Complications were rare with only one patient experiencing
      febrile neutropenia at DL exceeding the RD. The most frequent non-haematological
      toxicities were fatigue and gastrointestinal disorders; however, no grade 3 or 4
      episode was observed at the RD. Hand-foot syndrome was reported in 5 patients
      (31.3%) and 22.6% of cycles, no episode of grade 3 was seen. Concerning
      pharmacokinetics, no modifications were detected for VFL, while slight
      accumulation between days 1 and 14 was observed for 5-FU formed from CAPE. The
      risk of clinical significant drug-drug interaction was considered weak. Objective
      partial responses were reported in 7 patients, yielding a response rate of 43.8%
      in the all-treated population according to the investigator assessment.
      CONCLUSIONS: The combination of vinflunine and capecitabine is safe and showed
      promising antitumour activity in MBC patients who have failed prior
      anthracyclines and taxanes. Further clinical development of this combination is
      warranted.

PMID- 22045499
TI  - Combination of frequency and amplitude-modulated model for the synthesis of
      normal and wheezing sounds.
AB  - Based on communication theory, this study proposes a model to synthesize normal
      and wheezing sounds. The model included five parts: the flow source as a
      transmitter, the frequency and amplitude-modulated (FM-AM) sounds, the
      accompanying noise as a modulator, the airway wall as a medium, and the
      microphone as a receiver. The hypothesis of modulation builds on that the
      deviation of frequency and amplitude of the sounds which cause from the deviation
      of collision speed of the air flow on the wall. The model was successful to
      simulate the normal breath and wheezing sounds. Furthermore, it provided a
      correct proof for the CORSA description, which indicates that the wheeze was
      contained in the domain frequency at 400 Hz, but a number of investigators have
      suggested that the range is actually between 80-1,600 Hz and 350-950 Hz by filter
      theory. This study modifies the signal source in Wodicka et al. model, and
      describes it in functional blocks. In fact, the design of the signal source base
      on the knowledge of the lung sound studies, especially the analysis of components
      in the frequency and time domains. We synthesized the required components to
      reproduce the lung sounds, and proposed a mechanism of wheeze which was examined
      by the computer simulation in the points of the system engineering view.

PMID- 22045501
TI  - Rapid progression of rhabdoid components of a composite high-grade glioma and
      rhabdoid tumor in the occipital lobe of an adult.
AB  - We report a very unusual case of a composite high-grade glioma and rhabdoid tumor
      in an adult. A 22-year-old woman presented with scintillating scotoma due to a
      solid tumor with surrounding brain edema in the right occipital lobe. The tumor
      was grossly resected. Histological examinations showed that the tumor was mainly
      composed of INI1-positive high-grade glioma tissue containing an INI1-negative
      rhabdoid component. She received radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Three months
      after the surgery, she again complained of visual disturbances, and tumor
      recurrence within the resection cavity was noted. A second operation was
      performed. The findings of histological examinations of the surgical specimen
      obtained during the second surgery were completely different from those of the
      specimen obtained during the initial surgery. Only the rhabdoid component showed
      remarkable proliferation and did not express INI1. Diffuse dissemination along
      the craniospinal axis eventually progressed, and she died 5 months after the
      initial diagnosis. We suggest that the inactivation of the INI1 gene affects
      potent proliferation activity and resistance to both chemotherapy and radiation
      therapy.

PMID- 22045502
TI  - Automated multiscale vessel analysis for the quantification of MR angiography of
      peripheral arteriogenesis.
AB  - PURPOSE: To automatically analyze the time course of collateralization in a rat
      hindlimb ischemia model based on signal intensity distribution (SID). MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiograms (TOF-MRA) were acquired
      in eight rats at 2, 7, and 21 days after unilateral femoral artery ligation.
      Analysis was performed on maximum intensity projections filtered with multiscale
      vessel enhancement filter. Differences in SID between ligated limb and a
      reference region were monitored over time and compared to manual collateral
      artery identification. RESULTS: The differences in SID correlated well with the
      number of collateral arteries found with manual quantification. The time courses
      of ultrasmall (diameter ?0.5 mm) and small (diameter ~0.5 mm) collateral artery
      development could be differentiated, revealing that maturation of the collaterals
      and enlargement of their feeding arteries occurred mainly after the first week
      postligation. CONCLUSION: SID analysis performed on axial maximum intensity
      projections is easy to implement, fast, and objective and provides more insight
      in the time course of arteriogenesis than manual identification.

PMID- 22045503
TI  - Characterization of the nonallelic homologous recombination hotspot PRS3
      associated with type-3 NF1 deletions.
AB  - Nonallelic homologous recombination (NAHR) is the major mechanism underlying
      recurrent genomic rearrangements, including the large deletions at 17q11.2 that
      cause neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1). Here, we identify a novel NAHR hotspot,
      responsible for type-3 NF1 deletions that span 1.0 Mb. Breakpoint clustering
      within this 1-kb hotspot, termed PRS3, was noted in 10 of 11 known type-3 NF1
      deletions. PRS3 is located within the LRRC37B pseudogene of the NF1-REPb and NF1
      REPc low-copy repeats. In contrast to other previously characterized NAHR
      hotspots, PRS3 has not developed on a preexisting allelic homologous
      recombination hotspot. Furthermore, the variation pattern of PRS3 and its
      flanking regions is unusual since only NF1-REPc (and not NF1-REPb) is
      characterized by a high single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) frequency,
      suggestive of unidirectional sequence transfer via nonallelic homologous gene
      conversion (NAHGC). By contrast, the previously described intense NAHR hotspots
      within the CMT1A-REPs, and the PRS1 and PRS2 hotspots underlying type-1 NF1
      deletions, experience frequent bidirectional sequence transfer. PRS3 within NF1
      REPc was also found to be involved in NAHGC with the LRRC37B gene, the progenitor
      locus of the LRRC37B-P duplicons, as indicated by the presence of shared SNPs
      between these loci. PRS3 therefore represents a weak (and probably evolutionarily
      rather young) NAHR hotspot with unique properties.

PMID- 22045504
TI  - Agreement and reliability of pelvic floor measurements during contraction using
      three-dimensional pelvic floor ultrasound and virtual reality.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Virtual reality is a novel method of visualizing ultrasound data with
      the perception of depth and offers possibilities for measuring non-planar
      structures. The levator ani hiatus has both convex and concave aspects. The aim
      of this study was to compare levator ani hiatus volume measurements obtained with
      conventional three-dimensional (3D) ultrasound and with a virtual reality
      measurement technique and to establish their reliability and agreement. METHODS:
      100 symptomatic patients visiting a tertiary pelvic floor clinic with a normal
      intact levator ani muscle diagnosed on translabial ultrasound were selected.
      Datasets were analyzed using a rendered volume with a slice thickness of 1.5 cm
      at the level of minimal hiatal dimensions during contraction. The levator area
      (in cm(2)) was measured and multiplied by 1.5 to get the levator ani hiatus
      volume in conventional 3D ultrasound (in cm(3)). Levator ani hiatus volume
      measurements were then measured semi-automatically in virtual reality (cm(3) )
      using a segmentation algorithm. An intra- and interobserver analysis of
      reliability and agreement was performed in 20 randomly chosen patients. RESULTS:
      The mean difference between levator ani hiatus volume measurements performed
      using conventional 3D ultrasound and virtual reality was 0.10 (95% CI, - 0.15 to
      0.35) cm(3). The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) comparing conventional
      3D ultrasound with virtual reality measurements was > 0.96. Intra- and
      interobserver ICCs for conventional 3D ultrasound measurements were > 0.94 and
      for virtual reality measurements were > 0.97, indicating good reliability for
      both. CONCLUSION: Levator ani hiatus volume measurements performed using virtual
      reality were reliable and the results were similar to those obtained with
      conventional 3D ultrasonography.

PMID- 22045506
TI  - SPINE X: improving protein secondary structure prediction by multistep learning
      coupled with prediction of solvent accessible surface area and backbone torsion
      angles.
AB  - Accurate prediction of protein secondary structure is essential for accurate
      sequence alignment, three-dimensional structure modeling, and function
      prediction. The accuracy of ab initio secondary structure prediction from
      sequence, however, has only increased from around 77 to 80% over the past decade.
      Here, we developed a multistep neural-network algorithm by coupling secondary
      structure prediction with prediction of solvent accessibility and backbone
      torsion angles in an iterative manner. Our method called SPINE X was applied to a
      dataset of 2640 proteins (25% sequence identity cutoff) previously built for the
      first version of SPINE and achieved a 82.0% accuracy based on 10-fold cross
      validation (Q(3)). Surpassing 81% accuracy by SPINE X is further confirmed by
      employing an independently built test dataset of 1833 protein chains, a recently
      built dataset of 1975 proteins and 117 CASP 9 targets (critical assessment of
      structure prediction techniques) with an accuracy of 81.3%, 82.3% and 81.8%,
      respectively. The prediction accuracy is further improved to 83.8% for the
      dataset of 2640 proteins if the DSSP assignment used above is replaced by a more
      consistent consensus secondary structure assignment method. Comparison to the
      popular PSIPRED and CASP-winning structure-prediction techniques is made. SPINE X
      predicts number of helices and sheets correctly for 21.0% of 1833 proteins,
      compared to 17.6% by PSIPRED. It further shows that SPINE X consistently makes
      more accurate prediction in helical residues (6%) without over prediction while
      PSIPRED makes more accurate prediction in coil residues (3-5%) and over predicts
      them by 7%. SPINE X Server and its training/test datasets are available at
      http://sparks.informatics.iupui.edu/

PMID- 22045507
TI  - Effect of the spray application technique on the deposition of entomopathogenic
      nematodes in vegetables.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The present study compared entomopathogenic nematode delivery at the
      base of savoy cabbage and cauliflower, at the lower side of savoy cabbage and
      cauliflower leaves and in leek stems and the ground deposition using a five
      nozzle spray boom equipped with an ISO 08 flat fan, an air induction flat fan and
      Twinjet spray nozzles. Additionally, an air support system and a row application
      system were evaluated. RESULTS: Approximately 40% of the applied nematodes did
      not reach the foot of the cabbage plants. The use of an air support system or a
      row application system improved nematode deposition at the savoy cabbage base.
      Relative nematode deposition on the lower side of savoy cabbage leaves was
      27.20%, while only 2.64% of the applied nematodes reached the lower side of
      cauliflower leaves. After spraying leek with a standard boom, a low relative
      nematode deposition (26.64%) was measured in the leek stem. Nozzle type affected
      the distribution of nematodes in droplet spots. CONCLUSION: Nozzle type has a
      minor effect on the number of entomopathogenic nematodes delivered on difficult
      to-reach targets. The use of modified spray application techniques directing the
      spray to the target site are necessary to increase the chances of contact of
      entomopathogenic nematodes with their target.

PMID- 22045508
TI  - The interplay of loneliness and depressive symptoms across adolescence: exploring
      the role of personality traits.
AB  - Based on current theories of depression, reciprocal links between loneliness and
      depressive symptoms are expected to occur. However, longitudinal studies on
      adolescent samples are scarce and have yielded conflicting results. The present
      five-wave longitudinal study from mid- to late adolescence (N=428, M age at
      T1=15.22 years; 47% female) examined the direction of effect between loneliness
      and depressive symptoms, using cross-lagged path analysis. In addition, the
      robustness of these prospective associations was tested by examining the role of
      the Big Five personality traits (i.e., extraversion, conscientiousness,
      agreeableness, neuroticism, and openness) as explaining factors and moderators.
      Results indicated that loneliness and depressive symptoms influenced one another
      reciprocally, and these reciprocal associations were not attributable to their
      mutual overlap with personality traits. In addition, neuroticism was found to be
      a moderator, in that the bidirectional effects between loneliness and depressive
      symptoms were only found in adolescents high in neuroticism. Practical
      implications are discussed, and suggestions for future research are outlined.

PMID- 22045509
TI  - Recurrent ovarian cancer: when and how to treat.
AB  - Notwithstanding continuing efforts to improve the primary treatment for ovarian
      cancer, most patients will ultimately develop recurrent disease. The benefits of
      detection and early systemic treatment of recurrence are now in doubt following
      the presentation of the MRC/EORTC CA125 surveillance trial. The impact of
      secondary cytoreductive surgery on survival requires more investigation. The role
      of antiangiogenic and other biological agents such as PARP inhibitors is becoming
      increasingly important for patients as an addition or alternative to the more
      conventional cytotoxic therapies available. Uncertainties and choices abound both
      in the treatment of recurrent ovarian cancer and the timing of such
      interventions. This article not only explores how to treat these patients but
      also the controversial issue of when to treat. Educating and involving the
      patient in decisions about their treatment options is of paramount importance.

PMID- 22045510
TI  - The role of sugars in dendritic cell trafficking.
AB  - Dendritic cells (DCs) are crucial components of the immune response,
      strategically positioned as immune sentinels. Complex trafficking and accurate
      positioning of DCs are indispensable for both immunity and tolerance. This is
      particularly evident for their therapeutic application where an unmet clinical
      need exists for DCs with improved migratory capacity upon adoptive transfer into
      patients. One critical step that directs the trafficking of DCs throughout the
      body is their egress from the vasculature, starting with their adhesive
      interactions with vascular endothelium under shear flow. Both tethering and
      rolling rely on interactions mediated by specific glycans attached to
      glycoproteins and glycolipids present on the DC surface. In DCs, surface
      glycosylation, including the expression of selectin ligands, changes
      significantly depending on the local microenvironment and the functional state of
      the cells. These changes have been documented and have potential implications in
      important cell functions such as migration. In this article, we review the
      glycobiological aspects in the context of DC interaction with endothelium, and
      offer insights on how it can be applied to modulate DC applicability in therapy.

PMID- 22045512
TI  - Synthesis and antimicrobial evaluation of some new cyclooctanones and cyclooctane
      based heterocycles.
AB  - The versatile synthon (E)-2-((dimethyl amino)methylene)cyclooctanone (2) was used
      as a key intermediate for the synthesis of cyclooctanones and cyclooctane-based
      heterocycles with pyrazole, isoxazole, pyrimidine, pyrazolopyrimidine,
      triazolopyrimidine and imidazopyrimidine derivatives via its reactions with
      several nitrogen nucleophiles. The newly synthesized compounds were screened in
      vitro for their antimicrobial activity against pathogenic microorganisms
      (Listeria monocytogenes, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA),
      Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans). Most of the
      tested compounds showed moderate to high antibacterial and antifungal effects
      against the tested pathogenic microorganisms. Among the synthesized compounds, 2
      ((p-sulfonamidophenyl)methylene)cyclooctanone (5) showed excellent activity
      against Listeria monocytogenes.

PMID- 22045511
TI  - The nuts and bolts of low-level laser (light) therapy.
AB  - Soon after the discovery of lasers in the 1960s it was realized that laser
      therapy had the potential to improve wound healing and reduce pain, inflammation
      and swelling. In recent years the field sometimes known as photobiomodulation has
      broadened to include light-emitting diodes and other light sources, and the range
      of wavelengths used now includes many in the red and near infrared. The term "low
      level laser therapy" or LLLT has become widely recognized and implies the
      existence of the biphasic dose response or the Arndt-Schulz curve. This review
      will cover the mechanisms of action of LLLT at a cellular and at a tissular level
      and will summarize the various light sources and principles of dosimetry that are
      employed in clinical practice. The range of diseases, injuries, and conditions
      that can be benefited by LLLT will be summarized with an emphasis on those that
      have reported randomized controlled clinical trials. Serious life-threatening
      diseases such as stroke, heart attack, spinal cord injury, and traumatic brain
      injury may soon be amenable to LLLT therapy.

PMID- 22045513
TI  - Two-photon excited fluorescence lifetime measurements through a double-clad
      photonic crystal fiber for tissue micro-endoscopy.
AB  - This paper presents an endoscopic configuration for measurements of tissue
      autofluorescence using two-photon excitation and time-correlated single photon
      counting detection through a double-clad photonic crystal fiber (DC-PCF) without
      pre-chirping of laser pulses. The instrument performance was evaluated by
      measurements of fluorescent standard dyes, biological fluorophores (collagen and
      elastin), and tissue specimens (muscle, cartilage, tendon). Current results
      demonstrate the ability of this system to accurately retrieve the fluorescence
      decay profile and lifetime of these samples. This simple setup, which offers
      larger penetration depth than one-photon-based techniques, may be combined with
      morphology-yielding techniques such as photoacoustic and ultrasound imaging.

PMID- 22045514
TI  - Cytopathology of subacute thyroiditis.

PMID- 22045515
TI  - A systematic review of the effectiveness of occupational health and safety
      training.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Training is regarded as an important component of occupational health
      and safety (OHS) programs. This paper primarily addresses whether OHS training
      has a beneficial effect on workers. The paper also examines whether higher
      engagement OHS training has a greater effect than lower engagement training.
      METHODS: Ten bibliographic databases were searched for pre-post randomized trial
      studies published in journals between 1996 and November 2007. Training
      interventions were included if they were delivered to workers and were concerned
      with primary prevention of occupational illness or injury. The methodological
      quality of each relevant study was assessed and data was extracted. The impacts
      of OHS training in each study were summarized by calculating the standardized
      mean differences. The strength of the evidence on training's effectiveness was
      assessed for (i) knowledge, (ii) attitudes and beliefs, (iIi) behaviors, and (iv)
      health using the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Guide to
      Community Preventive Services, a qualitative evidence synthesis method. RESULTS:
      Twenty-two studies met the relevance criteria of the review. They involved a
      variety of study populations, occupational hazards, and types of training. Strong
      evidence was found for the effectiveness of training on worker OHS behaviors, but
      insufficient evidence was found of its effectiveness on health (ie, symptoms,
      injuries, illnesses). CONCLUSIONS: The review team recommends that workplaces
      continue to deliver OHS training to employees because training positively affects
      worker practices. However, large impacts of training on health cannot be
      expected, based on research evidence.

PMID- 22045516
TI  - In vivo assessment of neurodegeneration in Niemann-Pick type C mice by
      quantitative T2 mapping and diffusion tensor imaging.
AB  - PURPOSE: To quantitatively and noninvasively assess neurological disease
      progression in a mouse model of Niemann-Pick type C (NPC) disease by measuring
      white matter status with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques of T2
      mapping and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Quantitative
      T2 and DTI experiments were performed in vivo in NPC disease model and control
      mice at three timepoints to quantify differences and changes in white matter with
      measurements of T2 relaxation and DTI parameters. Histological staining for
      myelin content was also performed at two timepoints to compare with the MRI
      findings. RESULTS: The results of the T2 and DTI measurements show significant
      differences in white matter areas of the brain in the NPC disease model compared
      to control mice at several timepoints, and were seen to change over time in both
      groups. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest that quantitative MRI
      measurements may be suitable in vivo biomarkers of disease status for future
      studies of NPC disease models. The changes in white matter measurements between
      timepoints in both control and NPC disease groups suggest that white matter
      structures continue to change and develop over time in the NPC model and can be
      tracked with MRI techniques.

PMID- 22045517
TI  - Factors associated with major infections in patients with granulomatosis with
      polyangiitis and systemic lupus erythematosus treated for deep organ involvement.
AB  - This study is an audit and a comparison of major infective complications in
      patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) and systemic lupus
      erythematosis (SLE). Data were collected on consecutive patients attending a
      single treatment approach, multidisciplinary vasculitis centre who met diagnostic
      criteria for GPA and SLE from 01/01/2006 to 30/06/2006. Immunosuppressive
      treatment is used in this clinic with guidelines targeting avoidance of
      neutropenia. For each patient, documentation was made of disease presentation,
      organ involvement and therapy used. A history of major infections requiring
      hospital admission and intravenous antimicrobials pre- and post-diagnosis was
      recorded. Patients with GPA received a higher cumulative dose of
      cyclophosphamide, had a higher median age, shorter period of follow-up and had
      lower mean and nadir absolute lymphocyte counts and nadir neutrophil counts. GPA
      patients had more major infections per patient years (P = 0.0027) and respiratory
      tract infections (P = 0.0031) per patient years. Relative risk (RR) of major
      infection was significantly increased with methylprednisolone, RR 11.1 (P =
      <0.0001), cyclophosphamide, RR 2.0 (P = 0.0246) and the intensive phase of
      treatment, RR 13.3 (P = <0.0001). Marked lymphopenia was common in both groups
      during follow-up and was associated with an increased risk of major infection (P
      = 0.0020). Major infections, in particular respiratory tract infections, are more
      common in those treated for GPA than SLE. This may be due to a combination of
      factors including greater doses and duration of methyprednisolone and
      cyclophosphamide. We recommend treatment strategies that aim not only to avoid
      neutropenia but that also identify lymphopenia as a risk factor for major
      infection.

PMID- 22045518
TI  - Hypovitaminosis D and response to cholecalciferol supplementation in patients
      with autoimmune and non-autoimmune rheumatic diseases.
AB  - Recent reports suggest a role of hypovitaminosis D in the pathogenesis of
      inflammatory autoimmune diseases (ARD); we investigated 25(OH)vitamin D plasma
      level before and after supplementation in ARD and NARD (non-ARD: osteoporosis
      and/or OA) patients. We retrospectively evaluated 572 consecutive clinical
      records of adult patients at immuno-rheumatology and rehabilitative units of our
      institution from January 2006 to October 2009. We excluded patients with vitamin
      D supplementation or renal failure, primary hyperparathyroidism, liver failure.
      We recorded 25(OH)vitamin D plasma concentration of 245 patients together with
      other clinical data. We then evaluated 25(OH)vitamin D plasma concentration of
      100 (43 ARD and 57 NARD) patients previously included who underwent 750-1,000
      UI/die 25(OH)vitamin D supplementation for at least 6 months. Appropriate
      statistical analysis was performed. The median 25(OH)vitamin D concentration was
      not significantly different between 119 ARD [33.4 (IQR 22.5-54.9) nmol/l] and 126
      NARD patients 32.9 (IQR 18.7-50.2). In stepwise logistic regression, female sex
      (F:13.7), winter-spring season (F:5.6) and older age (F:5.3), but not ARD,
      predicted plasma 25(OH)vitamin D <75 nmol/l. Cholecalciferol supplementation
      increased 25(OH)vitamin D plasma concentration equally in both ARD and NARD;
      however, only 29/100 patients reached a plasma level >=75 nmol/l without
      differences between ARD and NARD (chi(2) = n.s.). Hypovitaminosis D is common in
      rheumatic patients. Sex and age but not ARD are risk factors for this condition.
      750-1,000 UI/die of cholecalciferol is not sufficient to normalize plasma level
      in these patients. Increase of plasma 25(OH)vitamin D after treatment is not
      influenced by the presence of an inflammatory autoimmune disease.

PMID- 22045520
TI  - Complexation and conjugation approaches to evaluate siRNA delivery using
      cationic, hydrophobic and amphiphilic peptides.
AB  - In this study, we used solid phase synthesis to prepare three kinds of peptides
      and then formulated their peptide-siRNA complexes and peptide-siRNA conjugates.
      Both the complexation and conjugation systems were nontoxic and allowed the
      delivery of siRNA into the cytoplasm without the need for any transfection agents
      and with subsequent inhibition of gene expression.

PMID- 22045519
TI  - The effect of vascular endothelial growth factor on aggrecan and type II collagen
      expression in rat articular chondrocytes.
AB  - The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) directly correlates
      with the Mankin score and the degree of cartilage destruction. The biological
      activity of VEGF on articular cartilage remains unknown, so this study was
      performed to investigate the effect of VEGF on aggrecan and type II collagen
      expression in vitro. We carried out this study at the Center Laboratory of Renmin
      Hospital at Wuhan University. Rat articular chondrocytes were cultured in a
      monolayer. Then, the experiment was divided into 4 groups: group A (control
      group), without any disposal; group B, treated with 10 ng/ml VEGF; group C,
      treated with 10 ng/ml IL-1beta; and group D, treated with 10 ng/ml VEGF + 10
      ng/ml IL-1beta. After 48 h, messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of aggrecan and type
      II collagen was evaluated by real-time polymerase chain reaction (real-Time PCR),
      and protein expression of aggrecan and type II collagen was detected by Western
      blotting. VEGF was found to significantly inhibit the expression of aggrecan and
      type II collagen at the gene and protein levels. These findings suggest that VEGF
      may result in degeneration of articular cartilage by inhibiting the synthesis and
      expression of aggrecan and type II collagen.

PMID- 22045521
TI  - [Biologics - nomenclature and classification].
AB  - Biological medicines are a heterogeneous group of drugs that are produced by
      living organisms using genetic or biological technology. Unlike chemically
      derived small molecules biologics are structurally complex making
      characterization and manufacturing difficult. Moreover, biological medicines show
      a great variety concerning their clinical use. To appropriately consider these
      particularities, there are other standards and guidelines for approval of similar
      derivatives of biologics, the so-called biosimilars or follow-on biologics. In
      contrast to a generic medicinal product containing a chemically identical active
      ingredient, a biosimilar is only expected to be similar to the innovator drug.
      Nowadays, monoclonal antibodies, fragments of antibodies, and fusion proteins
      manufactured by recombinant procedures play an important role. They have been
      used in many specialties for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes and are subject
      to continuous further development and improvement. Their nomenclature is based on
      a classification by the WHO which allows drawing conclusions for class of
      substance, origin, and pharmacological target.

PMID- 22045522
TI  - [Proteins in rheumatology and clinical immunology].
AB  - Twelve years ago the tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors revolutionised the
      therapy of rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory rheumatic diseases. Today,
      in addition to anti-cytokine strategies, immunosuppressive biologicals have been
      developed that delete B-lymphocytes or inhibit the activation of T-lymphocytes.
      The spectrum of indications for these protein drugs will broaden substantially in
      the near future and will likely include also diseases with orphan status
      (incidence below 1:10'000). Used in the right indication and with knowledge of
      molecular effects as well as clinical adverse effects these new drugs do not
      appear to be more dangerous than conventional disease modifying agents (DMARDs).

PMID- 22045523
TI  - [Proteins in haematology].
AB  - The introduction of monoclonal antibodies has been a milestone in the treatment
      of hematologic neoplasms. The CD20 antibody rituximab has been a trailblazer and
      represents meanwhile a fixed combination partner of different first- and second
      line chemotherapies in CD20-positive B-cell-non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL).
      Rituximab maintenance is established in follicular lymphoma. The drug is also
      used for the treatment of non-malignant hematologic diseases (i.e.
      immunthrombocytopenia). Rituximab was followed by the CD52 antibody alemtuzumab
      and recently by the CD20 antibody ofatumumab for the therapy of CLL and the
      radioimmunconjugate ibritumomab-tiuxetan indicated for the treatment of
      refractory or relapsed CD20-positive follicular lymphoma or as consolidation
      after induction chemotherapy. In the near future, approval of several new
      antibodies is expected. For the treatment of refractory or relapsed Hodgkin's
      lymphoma and relapsed systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma, the CD30 antibody
      brentuximab vedotin has been shown to be a highly active new treatment option.

PMID- 22045524
TI  - [Recombinant proteins as therapeutic compounds in clinical oncology].
AB  - The in vitro production of recombinant protein molecules has fostered a
      tremendous interest in their clinical application for treatment and support of
      cancer patients. Therapeutic proteins include monoclonal antibodies, interferons,
      and haematopoietic growth factors. Clinically established monoclonal antibodies
      include rituximab (targeting CD20-positive B-cell lymphomas), trastuzumab (active
      in HER-2 breast and gastric cancer), and bevacizumab (blocking tumor-induced
      angiogenesis through blockade of vascular-endothelial growth factor and its
      receptor). Interferons have lost much of their initial appeal, since equally or
      more effective treatments with more pleasant side effects have become available,
      for example in chronic myelogenous leukaemia or hairy cell leukaemia. The value
      of recombinant growth factors, notably granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G
      CSF) and erythropoietin is rather in the field of supportive care than in
      targeted anti-cancer therapy. Adequately powered clinical phase III trials are
      essential to estimate the true therapeutic impact of these expensive compounds,
      with appropriate selection of clinically relevant endpoints and sufficient follow
      up. Monoclonal antibodies, interferons, and growth factors must also, and
      increasingly so, be subjected to close scrutiny by appropriate cost-effectiveness
      analyses to ensure that their use results in good value for money. With these
      caveats and under the condition of their judicious clinical use, recombinant
      proteins have greatly enriched the therapeutic armamentarium in clinical
      oncology, and their importance is likely to grow even further.

PMID- 22045525
TI  - [Proteins influencing the blood coagulation].
AB  - This review describes some natural proteins, which can be employed, either as
      factor concentrates derived from human plasma or as recombinant drug, to modulate
      the coagulation system. I will address some biochemical characteristics and the
      physiological role of von Willebrand factor, the coagulation factors of the
      extrinsic and intrinsic pathways, and the physiological anticoagulant protein C.
      In addition, I will detail the pharmacological compounds, which are available for
      influencing or substituting the coagulation proteins: desmopressin (DDAVP),
      single coagulation factor concentrates, prothrombin complex concentrates, and
      protein C concentrate. In particular, I will address some treatment topics of
      general medical interest, such as the treatment of massive bleeding, the
      correction of the coagulopathy induced by vitamin K-antagonists in patients with
      cerebral haemorrhage, and of the coagulopathy of meningococcemia. Finally, I will
      describe some properties and practical clinical applications of the recombinant
      anticoagulans lepirudin and bivalirudin, which are derived from hirudin, the
      natural anticoagulant of the medical leech.

PMID- 22045526
TI  - [Proteins support stem cells - use of protein therapeutics in hematopoietic stem
      cell transplantation].
AB  - Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has evolved from a largely
      experimental therapeutic approach three decades ago to a well-established therapy
      today for many malignant and non-malignant disorders of the hematopoietic and the
      immune system. Although it is per se a therapy by transmission of cells, protein
      therapeutics such as growth factors and antibodies are relevant in all phases of
      a HSCT and substantially contribute to the success of this often only curative
      treatment. This review discusses HSCT with a particular focus on the protein
      therapeutics involved. Granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) for
      mobilization of stem cells to the peripheral blood, the polyclonal anti-T-cell
      globulin (ATG) and the monoclonal antibodies alemtuzumab and etanercept for
      prophylaxis and therapy of graft versus host disease (GvHD) are highlighted. Also
      rituximab, palivizumab and polyclonal intravenous immunoglobulins for treating
      infections in post-transplant patients are discussed. Since our understanding of
      cell surface receptors, cytokine and signaling pathways is increasing, there will
      emerge new targets for directed therapy by proteins in the future. They may have
      the potential to further improve the success and to widen theapplication of HSCT.

PMID- 22045527
TI  - [Erythropoiesis stimulating agents].
AB  - Since the 90's, human erythropoietin is produced recombinantly and used
      clinically. There are various products from different suppliers, which differ
      primarily in their production but not in their half-life or effectiveness. 2001
      genetically modified darbepoetin alpha was launched, which is characterized by an
      approximately three times longer half-life. A further extension of the half-life
      to 130 hours is achieved with the current continuous erythropoietin receptor
      activator (CERA), which therefore must be applied only once or twice a month. The
      indication for epoetin therapy is primarily for the symptomatic renal anemia and
      chemotherapy-associated anemia. Corrections of low hemoglobin levels in
      asymptomatic patients are not allowed. The generally recommended hemoglobin
      target range is 10-12 g/dl. Hb values > 13 g/dl should be avoided because they
      are associated with significant adverse effects and do not improve patient
      survival.

PMID- 22045529
TI  - [Biosimilars].
AB  - Biosimilars are biological medicinal products referring to an existing biological
      originator product and submitted to regulatory authorities formarketing
      authorization by an independent applicant after the patent has expired. The
      European Medicines Agency (EMA) has issued overarching and specific guidelines
      that should be fulfilled in order to receive approval as biosimilar. In
      accordance with these guidelines biosimilars of recombinant somatropin, epoetin
      alfa, and granulocyte-colony stimulating factor have gained market authorisation
      in the EU. Similarity in terms of quality, safety and efficacy to a reference
      product was demonstrated. Points to consider when switching from the innovator
      product to a biosimilar, or from one biosimilar to another, are reported. INN
      naming, labelling, pharmacovigilance issues, interchangeability, and substitution
      of biosimilars are still a matter of discussion.

PMID- 22045530
TI  - Performing artists, part 1.

PMID- 22045528
TI  - [Immunostimulating drugs and cytokines].
AB  - Cytokines are essential regulators of hematopoesis and the immune system. Genetic
      engineering of recombinant cytokines has facilitated their implementation in many
      clinical areas. In the field of oncology the granulopoetic human growth factors G
      CSF and GM-CSF are of particular importance. They can be applied to prevent
      chemotherapy induced neutropenia. Furthermore, they allow for mobilization of
      hematopoetic stem cells in order to obtain peripheral blood stem cell
      transplants. Another class of cytokines, the interferons, possess
      immunomodulating, antiproliferative, and antiviral properties. While the
      significance of interferon alfa as an antitumor agent is dwindling, it still
      plays a very important role in the therapy of chronic hepatitis b and c.
      Interferon beta is successfully used to treat multiple sclerosis. Among the
      heterogenous group of interleukines in particular interleukin 2 has reached
      clinical practice as an immunostimulating agent in the therapy of metastatic
      renal cell carcinoma. Many other cytokines have yet to undergo clinical trials.

PMID- 22045531
TI  - Incidence of injury and attitudes to injury management in skilled flute players.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The flute is a highly popular instrument, yet little is known about
      the potential injury association with playing this instrument. PARTICIPANTS:
      Twenty flautists from a major music training institution volunteered to
      participate in this project, and had played the flute for a minimum of ten years.
      METHODS: A specifically designed musicians' health questionnaire was used to
      determine injury rates in a group of skilled collegiate flute players majoring in
      music to examine self-reported perceptions of performance-related musculoskeletal
      disorder causation and approaches to managing these conditions. RESULTS: All
      except one player reported suffering from a performance-related musculoskeletal
      disorder, with pain present for longer than 3 months in two thirds of this group.
      The most common approach by the flautists was to take Alexander lessons rather
      than seeking health professional advice. Most attributed their symptoms to long
      hours of practice, poor posture and the presence of performance anxiety.
      CONCLUSIONS: Flautists in this sample reported high rates of performance-related
      musculoskeletal disorders with the majority having been present for longer than 3
      months. The approach to management often did not involve consultation with a
      health professional qualified to diagnose musculoskeletal conditions.

PMID- 22045532
TI  - Development and implementation of an in-house healthcare program for university
      level performing artists.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Performing Arts Medicine (PAM) specializes in providing healthcare to
      performing artists. Participation in the performing arts can cause injury and
      impair performing artists' art and livelihood. While healthcare is often
      available for professionals, university-level students remain underserved.
      Therefore, our objective was to describe the successful development and
      implementation of the George Mason University university-level PAM program as a
      possible template for other institutions. PARTICIPANTS: Collaborations among the
      Athletic Training Education Program, the Department of Dance, and the University
      Central Administration. METHODS: An athletic trainer provided free healthcare
      services that included preventive care, acute emergency and non-emergency injury
      care, assessment and referral, and rehabilitation to the students. RESULTS:
      Nearly 100 different injuries and 300 assessment and treatment healthcare
      sessions were provided in the first year of the program. Program benefits
      included improved healthcare for dancers, increased learning opportunities for
      students, research opportunities, and enhanced university recognition.
      CONCLUSIONS: The PAM program offers primary injury prevention by implementing
      performing artists specific interventions and secondary prevention to improve
      their health outcomes. Overall, we hope the program's success encourages other
      institutions to provide in-house healthcare to their students, eventually helping
      improve healthcare status of all university-level performing artists.

PMID- 22045533
TI  - The lived experience of working as a musician with an injury.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Research and clinical experience have shown that musicians are at risk
      of acquiring playing-related injuries. This paper explores findings from a
      qualitative research study examining the lived experience of professional
      instrumental musicians with playing-related injuries, which has thus far been
      missing from the performing arts health literature. METHODOLOGY: This study
      employed a phenomenological methodology influenced by van Manen to examine the
      lived experiences of professional musicians with playing-related injuries.
      PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS: Ten professional musicians in Ontario, Canada were
      interviewed about their experiences as musicians with playing-related injuries.
      Six of the participants later attended a focus group where preliminary findings
      were presented. RESULTS: The findings demonstrate a need for education about risk
      and prevention of injuries that could be satisfied by healthcare professionals
      and music educators. CONCLUSIONS: The practice and training of healthcare
      professionals should include the "tactful" (van Manen) delivery of care for this
      important and vulnerable population.

PMID- 22045534
TI  - Inter-rater reliability of a musculoskeletal screen as administered to female
      professional contemporary dancers.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to determine the inter-rater reliability
      of commonly used musculoskeletal screening components in a population of
      contemporary professional dancers. PARTICIPANTS: Study participants were 30 women
      from six contemporary dance companies between the ages of 18 and 32, with a mean
      age of 24, and Body Mass Index of 22.4. METHODS: 101 items were assessed in the
      categories of Static Posture, the Beighton 9-Point Hypermobility Test,
      Flexibility, Strength, and Dynamic Posture, based upon the Pilot 2006 Dance USA
      Annual Post-Hire Health Screen for Professional Dancers. Testing was non-ordered,
      using 2 of the 4 available testers, with variable assignment of the lead tester.
      RESULTS: High percent agreement was found for the subcategories of hallux valgus,
      pelvic tilt, and forefoot alignment, flexor hallucis, iliopsoas, hip internal
      rotation flexed, external rotation extended, and soleus extensibility, composite
      Beighton, and for most measures within the dynamic posture category. Low to
      moderate percent agreement was found in the strength tests. CONCLUSION: Although
      this study demonstrated moderate to high percent agreement between raters,
      further test refinement is needed to improve the reliability of the measurement
      components.

PMID- 22045535
TI  - Incorporating flow into practice and performance.
AB  - In the music profession, individuals often work under stress filled conditions.
      This is especially true for individuals making their living as performing
      musicians. Musical performance anxiety has been well documented in both students
      and professionals. For some, the experience may lead to a termination of what
      might otherwise remain a successful performing career. Humans are susceptible to
      anxiety and so the phenomenon of musical performance anxiety is not likely to
      disappear. Learning how to effectively deal with musical performance anxiety is
      paramount for those in the performing arts. Entering a state of flow, in which
      there is total absorption in an activity, allows for the possiblity of any
      ensuing anxiety to become facilitative, rather than debilitative. This article
      will discuss several characteristics of flow, as defined by Mihalyi
      Csikszentmihalyi, and provide practical applications for musical practice and
      performance in an attempt to counterbalance musical performance anxiety.
      Musicians will benefit from a closer examination of the elements of flow and
      means of incorporating these elements into practice and performance.

PMID- 22045536
TI  - Big Five personality traits and performance anxiety in relation to marching arts
      satisfaction.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the Big Five personality traits and performance anxiety in
      relation to marching arts satisfaction. PARTICIPANTS: Data were collected from
      278 instrumentalists (i.e., brass players and percussionists) and color guard
      performers (e.g., dancers) representing six world class drum and bugle corps.
      METHOD: PARTICIPANTS completed three measures: the Adolescent Personal Style
      Inventory was used to measure the Big Five personality factors: Agreeableness,
      Conscientiousness, Emotional Stability, Extraversion, and Openness; the
      Performance Anxiety Questionnaire - used to assess somatic and cognitive symptoms
      of performance anxiety; and the Marching Arts Satisfaction - used to assess for
      the physical, social, and contextual environments of drum and bugle corps.
      RESULTS: Correlation and multiple regression analyses revealed concurrent
      relationships between the Big Five and performance anxiety with satisfaction. A
      linear combination of the Big Five traits and Performance Anxiety accounted for
      36% of the total variance in satisfaction, with Extraversion, Emotional
      Stability, and Performance Anxiety contributing significant unique variance.
      CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the present study suggest that performers who are
      extraverted, conscientious, and effective at managing general stress - and
      performance stress in particular - find a greater sense of satisfaction with
      their participation in world class drum and bugle corps.

PMID- 22045537
TI  - Physical and environmental factors contributing to music related injuries among
      children.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study asserts that a combination of environmental and physical
      factors influence the child pianist's risk for developing a music related injury.
      PARTICIPANTS: 26 participants (10 piano students, 10 parents, and 6 piano
      teachers) were included in this study. Piano students were ages 5 to 11 and
      currently enrolled in piano lessons. METHODS: Three questionnaires addressed the
      factors affecting the participant groups (children, parents, and piano teachers).
      Participants completed one questionnaire about the factors contributing to the
      development of music related injuries in child pianists. Descriptive statistics
      were used to analyze the results. RESULTS: None of the student participants had
      pain, discomfort, or a history of music related injuries. The majority of parents
      and teachers reported that the lighting was the most important environmental
      factor affecting students' playing in the piano lesson. 70% of parents reported
      that the presence of family members most greatly affected students' practicing at
      home. 100% of the teachers and parents reported that the most important physical
      factors contributing to students' injury-free playing were playing with proper
      technique and learning effective practice strategies. All parents and students
      who were taking piano lessons in their homes reported the most satisfaction with
      their piano lesson environment. CONCLUSION: The results of this study do not
      support a relationship between environmental or physical factors and the presence
      of pain, discomfort, or music related injuries in students.

PMID- 22045538
TI  - Postural problems of the left shoulder in an orchestral trombonist.
AB  - Professional musicians require a disciplined and balanced regime of practise and
      performance to enable them to cope with the physical challenges of their chosen
      instrument and to reduce the risk of work- related injury. If practise or
      performance strategies are suddenly changed, permanent damage may occur even in a
      player with a mature, well-established technique. The trombone presents unique
      physical challenges which are heightened by recent developments in instrumental
      design as well as by orchestral working conditions. This study presents the
      experiences of a professional orchestral trombonist who worked as a principal
      player in a UK orchestra until his performing career was cut short by a
      performance related injury. His personal approach to practise is discussed in the
      context of the physical and professional challenges associated with contemporary
      orchestral practices. The case study demonstrates the importance of considering
      the interplay between psychological and physical factors in the development and
      treatment of injury in musicians.

PMID- 22045539
TI  - Is hypermobility syndrome (HMS) a contributing factor for chronic unspecific
      wrist pain in a musician? If so, how is it evaluated and managed?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The musician complaining of chronic pain commonly presents with
      subtle and complicated findings. Joint hypermobility is common in these
      individuals. The diagnosis of joint hypermobility syndrome (HMS) does not merely
      involve joint laxity, but connective tissue impairment throughout the body as
      well as perhaps involving the neurological system. As the aging process gradually
      reduces joint laxity, chronic pain and various impairments may linger. This
      report investigates HMS as it relates to a case study involving a musician
      suffering with chronic joint pain and HMS. METHODS: Literature review and case
      description. RESULTS: HMS involves more than just joint laxity and may be the
      cause of various chronic pain dysfunctions. The prognosis for recovery from HMS
      is poor, but the education and psychological aspect is extremely beneficial to
      the patient's health and well-being. CONCLUSIONS: This case report identified a
      musician with CUWP and HMS. Joint hypermobility syndrome does not merely involve
      joint laxity, but involves connective tissue impairment throughout the body as
      well as perhaps involving the body's neurological system. Joint hypermobility is
      common in musicians.

PMID- 22045540
TI  - Narrative reflections on occupational transitions.

PMID- 22045541
TI  - Knowledge transfer in work practice: challenging the status quo to meet the needs
      of end users.

PMID- 22045542
TI  - Direct determination of gold in rock samples using collision cell quadrupole ICP
      MS.
AB  - This study investigated the determination of Au in rock samples using collision
      cell quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). It is
      essential to remove various interferents using a collision cell because
      polyatomic ions such as (181)Ta(16)O(+) and (180)Hf(16)O(1)H(+) can interfere
      with the direct determination of monoisotopic (197)Au when using ICP-MS. The
      addition of oxygen as a reaction gas removed isobaric interferents by
      transforming TaO(+) and HfOH(+) to TaO(2)(+), TaO(3)(+), and HfO(2)H(+),
      HfO(3)H(+), respectively, in the cell without significant Au(+) loss. The ion
      kinetic energy effect (IKEE) due to the potential difference between the plasma
      and the hexapole affected the reactions in the cell. Au and interfering ions were
      very sensitive to cell bias voltage (Vc) at constant plasma potential (Vp) and
      quadrupole bias voltage (Vq). Under the condition of hot plasma, the transmission
      of ions was promoted, and the maximum Au signal intensity was 50% greater than
      under normal conditions. At Vc > 7 V, TaO(+) ions were removed to background
      level. Optimized conditions for real sample analysis were obtained by introducing
      He as an additional collision gas in hot plasma. TaO(+) ions were removed to
      background level at He flow rates above 0.6 mL min(-1), and the Au signal
      remained high. The detection limit (three times the standard deviation of the
      blank) of this method was 3.06 pg g(-1). The results for reference materials (STM
      1 and DGPM-1) and spiked samples showed good agreement between specified and
      measured concentrations.

PMID- 22045543
TI  - Influence of amino acid composition and phosphorylation on the ion yields of
      peptides in MALDI-MS.
AB  - The influence of arginine (Arg), lysine (Lys), and phenylalanine (Phe) residues
      and phosphorylation on the molecular ion yields of model peptides have been
      quantitatively studied using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI)
      mass spectrometry in both positive- and negative-ion mode. The results obtained
      from these experiments have been interpreted from the standpoint of two different
      components, namely, desorption and ionization, on the basis of the
      physicochemical properties of constituent amino acids of the model peptides. The
      presence of basic residues such as Arg and Lys enhanced the ion yields of
      protonated molecules [M + H](+). An N-terminal rather than a C-terminal Arg
      residue was advantageous for the formation of both [M + H](+) and [M - H](-). The
      presence of the Phe residue resulted in the increase of the ion yields of both [M
      + H](+) and [M - H](-). In contrast, the presence of phosphate group(s)
      contributed to the suppression of the yields of both [M + H](+) and [M - H](-)
      due to the loss of phosphate group. The detection limits for both [M + H](+) and
      [M - H](-) of model peptides have been evaluated.

PMID- 22045544
TI  - Sensitivity "hot spots" in the direct analysis in real time mass spectrometry of
      nerve agent simulants.
AB  - Presented here are findings describing the spatial-dependence of sensitivity and
      ion suppression effects observed with direct analysis in real time (DART).
      Continuous liquid infusion of dimethyl methyl phosphonate (DMMP) revealed that
      ion yield "hot spots" did not always correspond with the highest temperature
      regions within the ionization space. For instance, at lower concentrations (50
      and 100 MUM), the highest sensitivities were in the middle of the ionization
      region at 200  degrees C where there was a shorter ion transport distance, and
      the heat available to thermally desorb neutrals was moderate. Conversely, at
      higher DMMP concentrations (500 MUM), the highest ion yield was directly in front
      of the DART source at 200  degrees C where it was exposed to the highest
      temperature for thermal desorption. In matching experiments, differential analyte
      volatility was observed to play a smaller role in relative ion suppression than
      differences in proton affinity and the relative sampling positions of analytes.
      At equimolar concentrations sampled at the same position, suppression was as high
      as 26* between isoquinoline (proton affinity 952 kJ mol(-1), boiling point 242 
      degrees C) and p-anisidine (proton affinity 900 kJ mol(-1), boiling point 243 
      degrees C). This effect was exacerbated when sampling positions of the two
      analytes differed, reaching levels of relative suppression as high as 4543.0* +/-
      1406.0. To mitigate this level of relative ion suppression, sampling positions
      and molar ratios of the analytes were modified to create conditions in which ion
      suppression was negligible.

PMID- 22045545
TI  - The psychophysics of uneconomical choice: non-linear reward evaluation by a
      nectar feeder.
AB  - Uneconomical choices by humans or animals that evaluate reward options challenge
      the expectation that decision-makers always maximize the return currency. One
      possible explanation for such deviations from optimality is that the ability to
      sense differences in physical value between available alternatives is constrained
      by the sensory and cognitive processes for encoding profitability. In this study,
      we investigated the capacity of a nectarivorous bat species (Glossophaga
      commissarisi) to discriminate between sugar solutions with different
      concentrations. We conducted a two-alternative free-choice experiment on a
      population of wild electronically tagged bats foraging at an array of computer
      automated artificial flowers that recorded individual choices. We used a Bayesian
      approach to fit individual psychometric functions, relating the strength of
      preferring the higher concentration option to the intensity of the presented
      stimulus. Psychometric analysis revealed that discrimination ability increases
      non-linearly with respect to intensity. We combined this result with a previous
      psychometric analysis of volume perception. Our theoretical analysis of choice
      for rewards that vary in two quality dimensions revealed regions of parameter
      combinations where uneconomic choice is expected. Discrimination ability may be
      constrained by non-linear perceptual and cognitive encoding processes that result
      in uneconomical choice.

PMID- 22045546
TI  - Gestational age at cervical length measurement and preterm birth in twins.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To estimate the risk of preterm delivery of twin pregnancies based
      upon sonographic cervical length measurement and gestational age at measurement.
      METHODS: Twin pregnancies that delivered between 1999 and 2005 and that underwent
      sonographic measurement of cervical length between 13 and 34 + 6 weeks' gestation
      were identified and a retrospective review performed. Women with anomalous
      pregnancies, multifetal reduction, cerclage placement or medically indicated
      deliveries before 35 weeks were excluded. Logistic regression analysis was used
      to estimate the risk of preterm delivery before 35 weeks. RESULTS: A total of 561
      women underwent 2975 sonographic cervical length measurements during the study
      period. The rate of preterm delivery before 35 weeks was 19.4%. The risk of
      delivery before 35 weeks decreased by approximately 5% for each additional mm of
      cervical length (odds ratio (OR) 0.95 (95% CI, 0.93-0.97); P < 0.001) and by
      approximately 6% for each additional week at which the cervical length was
      measured (OR 0.94 (95% CI, 0.92-0.96); P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The gestational
      age at which cervical length is measured is an important consideration when
      estimating the risk of spontaneous preterm birth in twins. The risk of preterm
      delivery is increased at earlier gestational ages and as cervical length
      decreases.

PMID- 22045547
TI  - The structure-activity relationship in herbicidal monosubstituted sulfonylureas.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The herbicide sulfonylurea (SU) belongs to one of the most important
      class of herbicides worldwide. It is well known for its ecofriendly, extreme low
      toxicity towards mammals and ultralow dosage application. The original inventor,
      G Levitt, set out structure-activity relationship (SAR) guidelines for SU
      structural design to attain superhigh bioactivity. A new approach to SU molecular
      design has been developed. RESULTS: After the analysis of scores of SU products
      by X-ray diffraction methodology and after greenhouse herbicidal screening of 900
      novel SU structures synthesised in the authors' laboratory, it was found that
      several SU structures containing a monosubstituted pyrimidine moiety retain
      excellent herbicidal characteristics, which has led to partial revision of the
      Levitt guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: Among the novel SU molecules, monosulfuron and
      monosulfuron-ester have been developed into two new herbicides that have been
      officially approved for field application and applied in millet and wheat fields
      in China. A systematic structural study of the new substrate-target complex and
      the relative mode of action in comparison with conventional SU has been carried
      out. A new mode of action has been postulated.

PMID- 22045548
TI  - An effective method for accurate prediction of the first hyperpolarizability of
      alkalides.
AB  - The proper theoretical calculation method for nonlinear optical (NLO) properties
      is a key factor to design the excellent NLO materials. Yet it is a difficult task
      to obatin the accurate NLO property of large scale molecule. In present work, an
      effective intelligent computing method, as called extreme learning machine-neural
      network (ELM-NN), is proposed to predict accurately the first hyperpolarizability
      (beta(0)) of alkalides from low-accuracy first hyperpolarizability. Compared with
      neural network (NN) and genetic algorithm neural network (GANN), the root-mean
      square deviations of the predicted values obtained by ELM-NN, GANN, and NN with
      their MP2 counterpart are 0.02, 0.08, and 0.17 a.u., respectively. It suggests
      that the predicted values obtained by ELM-NN are more accurate than those
      calculated by NN and GANN methods. Another excellent point of ELM-NN is the
      ability to obtain the high accuracy level calculated values with less computing
      cost. Experimental results show that the computing time of MP2 is 2.4-4 times of
      the computing time of ELM-NN. Thus, the proposed method is a potentially powerful
      tool in computational chemistry, and it may predict beta(0) of the large scale
      molecules, which is difficult to obtain by high-accuracy theoretical method due
      to dramatic increasing computational cost.

PMID- 22045550
TI  - Hype and public trust in science.
AB  - Social scientists have begun elucidating the variables that influence public
      trust in science, yet little is known about hype in biotechnology and its effects
      on public trust. Many scholars claim that hyping biotechnology results in a loss
      of public trust, and possibly public enthusiasm or support for science, because
      public expectations of the biotechnological promises will be unmet. We argue for
      the need for empirical research that examines the relationships between hype,
      public trust, and public enthusiasm/support. We discuss the complexities in
      designing empirical studies that provide evidence for a causal link between hype,
      public trust, and public enthusiasm/support, but also illustrate how this may be
      remedied. Further empirical research on hype and public trust is needed in order
      to improve public communication of science and to design evidence-based education
      on the responsible conduct of research for scientists. We conclude that
      conceptual arguments made on hype and public trust must be nuanced to reflect our
      current understanding of this relationship.

PMID- 22045551
TI  - Second harmonic imaging of plants tissues and cell implosion using two-photon
      process in ZnO nanoparticles.
AB  - The optical properties of colloidal ZnO nanoparticle (NP) solutions, with size
      ranging from several nm to around 200 nm, have been tailored to have high optical
      nonlinearity for bioimaging with no auto-fluorescence above 750 nm and minimal
      auto-fluorescence below 750 nm. The high second harmonic conversion efficiency
      enables selective tissue imaging and cell tracking using tunable near-infrared
      femtosecond laser source ranging from 750-980 nm. For laser energies exceeding
      the two-photon energy of the bandgap of ZnO (half of 3.34 eV), the SHG signal
      greatly decreases and the two-photon emission becomes the dominant signal. The
      heat generated due to two-photon absorption within the ZnO NPs enable selective
      cell or localized tissue destruction using excitation wavelength ranging from 710
      750 nm.

PMID- 22045552
TI  - Reduced pathological angiogenesis and tumor growth in mice lacking GPR4, a proton
      sensing receptor.
AB  - The G protein-coupled receptor GPR4 is activated by acidic pH and recent evidence
      indicates that it is expressed in endothelial cells. In agreement with these
      reports, we observe a high correlation of GPR4 mRNA expression with endothelial
      marker genes, and we confirm expression and acidic pH dependent function of GPR4
      in primary human vascular endothelial cells. GPR4-deficient mice were generated;
      these are viable and fertile and show no gross abnormalities. However, these
      animals show a significantly reduced angiogenic response to VEGF (vascular
      endothelial growth factor), but not to bFGF (basic fibroblast growth factor), in
      a growth factor implant model. Accordingly, in two different orthotopic models,
      tumor growth is strongly reduced in mice lacking GPR4. Histological analysis of
      tumors indicates reduced tumor cell proliferation as well as altered vessel
      morphology, length and density. Moreover, GPR4 deficiency results in reduced
      VEGFR2 (VEGF Receptor 2) levels in endothelial cells, accounting, at least in
      part, for the observed phenotype. Our data suggest that endothelial cells sense
      local tissue acidosis via GPR4 and that this signal is required to generate a
      full angiogenic response to VEGF.

PMID- 22045553
TI  - Results of an Australian trial using SurePath liquid-based cervical cytology with
      FocalPoint computer-assisted screening technology.
AB  - BD FocalPoint GSTM computer-assisted screening of BD SurePath(r) liquid-based
      cervical cytology slides (SP + FP) was compared with screening an accompanying
      conventional cervical Papanicolaou (Pap) smear (CON) in a split sample trial of
      2,198 routine specimens. The rate of unsatisfactory specimens in the SP + FP arm
      was 0.2% compared with 4.1% in the conventional Pap smear, a significant
      reduction. There was no statistically significant difference between SP + FP and
      CON for the detection of histologically confirmed high-grade (HG) lesions in the
      routine split sample specimens (n = 9). To further test the sensitivity of SP +
      FP for HG lesions, 38 SurePath slides from confirmed HG cases, without an
      accompanying CON, were interpolated among the routine smears. In every one of the
      47 confirmed HG cases, either HG cells were present in the microscope fields
      selected by FocalPointGSTM for review by the screening cytologist (46 of 47), or
      full screening of the slide was indicated by the FocalPointGSTM (1 of 47),
      confirming the effectiveness of SP + FP technology for primary screening. In a
      small number of cases, the screening cytologist did not recognize the abnormality
      even though on review HG cells were present in fields selected by FocalPointGSTM.
      The overall detection rate was 93% for HG squamous lesions; 89% for known HG
      endocervical glandular lesions; and 91% for known endometrial carcinoma. In
      conclusion, the SP + FP detected 100% of HG abnormalities in the trial set;
      significantly reduced the rate of unsatisfactory specimens; and improved the
      overall screening rate of detection of HG abnormalities particularly of glandular
      lesions when compared with other screening technologies.

PMID- 22045554
TI  - Focal cortical lesion detection in multiple sclerosis: 3 Tesla DIR versus 7 Tesla
      FLASH-T2.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the inter-rater agreement of cortical lesion detection using
      7 Tesla (T) FLASH-T2 and 3T DIR sequences. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-six
      patients with multiple sclerosis were scanned on a human 7T (Siemens) and 3T MRI
      (TIM Trio, Siemens) to acquire 3T DIR/MEMPR and 7T FLASH-T2 sequences. Four
      independent reviewers scored and categorized cortical lesions in the bilateral
      precentral gyri (motor strips) as leukocortical, intracortical, or subpial. Inter
      rater agreement was assessed according to lesion category using the kappa
      statistic. The sensitivity of recent MAGNIMS consensus guidelines for cortical
      lesion detection using 3T DIR was assessed with 7T FLASH-T2 as the reference gold
      standard. RESULTS: Inter-rater agreement at 7T was excellent compared with 3T (k
      = 0.97 versus 0.12). FLASH-T2 at 7T detected subpial lesions while 3T DIR did
      not. The predicted sensitivity of 3T DIR sequence for cortical lesions in vivo is
      modest (range of 13.6 to 18.3%). CONCLUSION: The 7T FLASH-T2 detects more
      cortical-particularly subpial-lesions compared with 3T DIR. In the absence of
      DIR/postmortem data, 7T FLASH-T2 is a suitable gold-standard instrument and
      should be incorporated into future consensus guidelines.

PMID- 22045555
TI  - Hormonal control of mammalian oocyte meiosis at diplotene stage.
AB  - Mammalian oocytes grow and undergo meiosis within ovarian follicles. Fully grown
      oocytes are arrested at the first meiotic prophase by a mural granulosa origin
      "arrester" until a surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary at the
      mid-cycle stimulates the immature oocyte to resume meiosis. Recent evidence
      indicates that natriuretic peptide precursor type C (NPPC) produced by mural
      granulosa cells stimulates the generation of cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate
      (cGMP) by cumulus cell natriuretic peptide receptor 2 (NPR2), which diffuses into
      oocyte via gap junctions and inhibits oocyte phosphodiesterase 3A (PDE3A)
      activity and cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) hydrolysis and maintains
      meiotic arrest with a high intraoocyte cAMP level. This cAMP is generated through
      the activity of the Gs G-protein by the G-protein-coupled receptor, GPR3 and
      GPR12, and adenylyl cyclases (ADCY) endogenous to the oocyte. Further studies
      suggest that endocrine hormones, such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), LH,
      17beta-estradiol (E2) and oocyte-derived paracrine factors (ODPFs), participate
      in oocyte meiosis possibly by the regulation of NPPC and/or NPR2. A detailed
      investigation of NPPC and NPR2 expression in follicle cells will elucidate the
      precise molecular mechanisms of gonadotropins, and control the arrest as well as
      resumption of meiosis.

PMID- 22045556
TI  - Regulation of neutrophil trafficking from the bone marrow.
AB  - Neutrophils are an essential component of the innate immune response and a major
      contributor to inflammation. Consequently, neutrophil homeostasis in the blood is
      highly regulated. Neutrophil number in the blood is determined by the balance
      between neutrophil production in the bone marrow and release from the bone marrow
      to blood with neutrophil clearance from the circulation. This review will focus
      on mechanisms regulating neutrophil release from the bone marrow. In particular,
      recent data demonstrating a central role for the chemokines CXCL12 and CXCL2 in
      regulating neutrophil egress from the bone marrow will be discussed.

PMID- 22045559
TI  - Analysis of protein ubiquitination.
AB  - Attachment of ubiquitin (Ub) to a protein requires a series of enzymes that
      recognize the substrate and promote Ub transfer. Several methods are described in
      this unit for determining if a protein has Ub-transferring activity. They include
      immunoblotting of immunoprecipitated proteins, affinity purification using His
      tagged Ub, assaying for auto-ubiquitination of E3, and assaying ubiquitination of
      a model substrate protein in vitro and in E. coli cells that express Ub-ligation
      enzymes. These methods are suitable for a variety of eukaryotic cells, but
      techniques are specifically described for use with yeast and mammalian cells.

PMID- 22045557
TI  - Polyreactive antibodies in adaptive immune responses to viruses.
AB  - B cells express immunoglobulins on their surface where they serve as antigen
      receptors. When secreted as antibodies, the same molecules are key elements of
      the humoral immune response against pathogens such as viruses. Although most
      antibodies are restricted to binding a specific antigen, some are polyreactive
      and have the ability to bind to several different ligands, usually with low
      affinity. Highly polyreactive antibodies are removed from the repertoire during B
      cell development by physiologic tolerance mechanisms including deletion and
      receptor editing. However, a low level of antibody polyreactivity is tolerated
      and can confer additional binding properties to pathogen-specific antibodies. For
      example, high-affinity human antibodies to HIV are frequently polyreactive. Here
      we review the evidence suggesting that in the case of some pathogens like HIV,
      polyreactivity may confer a selective advantage to pathogen-specific antibodies.

PMID- 22045558
TI  - Detection and analysis of proteins modified by O-linked N-acetylglucosamine.
AB  - O-GlcNAc is a common post-translational modification of nuclear, mitochondrial,
      and cytoplasmic proteins that is implicated in the etiology of type II diabetes
      and Alzheimer's disease, as well as cardioprotection. This unit covers simple and
      comprehensive techniques for identifying proteins modified by O-GlcNAc, studying
      the enzymes that add and remove O-GlcNAc, and mapping O-GlcNAc modification
      sites.

PMID- 22045560
TI  - Crystallization of macromolecules.
AB  - X-ray crystallography has evolved into a very powerful tool to determine the
      three-dimensional structure of macromolecules and macromolecular complexes. The
      major bottleneck in structure determination by X-ray crystallography is the
      preparation of suitable crystalline samples. This unit outlines steps for the
      crystallization of a macromolecule, starting with a purified, homogeneous sample.
      The first protocols describe preparation of the macromolecular sample (i.e.,
      proteins, nucleic acids, and macromolecular complexes). The preparation and
      assessment of crystallization trials is then described, along with a protocol for
      confirming whether the crystals obtained are composed of macromolecule as opposed
      to a crystallization reagent. Next, the optimization of crystallization
      conditions is presented. Finally, protocols that facilitate the growth of larger
      crystals through seeding are described.

PMID- 22045561
TI  - Protein structural domains: definition and prediction.
AB  - Recognition and prediction of structural domains in proteins is an important part
      of structure and function prediction. This unit lists the range of tools
      available for domain prediction, and describes sequence and structural analysis
      tools that complement domain prediction methods. Also detailed are the basic
      domain prediction steps, along with suggested strategies for different protein
      sequences and potential pitfalls in domain boundary prediction. The difficult
      problem of domain orientation prediction is also discussed. All the resources
      necessary for domain boundary prediction are accessible via publicly available
      Web servers and databases and do not require computational expertise.

PMID- 22045562
TI  - Survey of protein engineering strategies.
AB  - Protein engineering is altering the structure of a protein to improve or change
      its properties. This unit summarizes concepts for protein engineering using
      rational design, directed evolution, and combinations of them. Different
      strategies are presented for identifying the best mutagenesis method, how to
      identify desired variants by screening or selection, and examples for successful
      applications are given. This should enable researchers to choose the most
      promising tools to solve their protein engineering challenges.

PMID- 22045563
TI  - Wayfinding: the effects of large displays and 3-D perception.
AB  - Large displays and stereopsis have been shown to improve performance in several
      virtual navigation tasks. In the present research, we sought to determine whether
      wayfinding could benefit from these factors. Participants were tested in a
      virtual town. There were three viewing conditions: a desktop, a large screen, and
      a large screen on which the virtual environment was viewed in three dimensions (3
      D) using polarized glasses. Participants explored the town and had to remember
      the location of several landmarks. Their memory of the layout of the town was
      tested by asking them to navigate from one landmark to another, taking the
      shortest route possible. All groups performed equally well in terms of the
      distance traveled to target locations. From this result, we concluded that large
      displays and 3-D perception do not significantly contribute to wayfinding. Thus,
      experimental paradigms and training programs that utilize wayfinding are as
      valuable when administered on standard desktops as on more sophisticated and
      costly equipment and do not induce simulator sickness as large displays tend to
      do.

PMID- 22045564
TI  - Ultrasound in the investigation of posterior compartment vaginal prolapse and
      obstructed defecation.
AB  - Recent developments in diagnostic imaging have made gynecologists, colorectal
      surgeons and gastroenterologists realize as never before that they share a common
      interest in anorectal and pelvic floor dysfunction. While we often may be using
      different words to describe the same phenomenon (e.g. anismus/vaginismus) or
      attributing different meanings to the same words (e.g. rectocele), we look after
      patients with problems that transcend the borders of our respective specialties.
      Like no other diagnostic modality, imaging helps us understand each other and
      provides new insights into conditions we all need to learn to investigate better
      in order to improve clinical management. In this review we attempt to show what
      modern ultrasound imaging can contribute to the diagnostic work-up of patients
      with posterior vaginal wall prolapse, obstructed defecation and rectal
      intussusception/prolapse. In summary, it is evident that translabial/perineal
      ultrasound can serve as a first-line diagnostic tool in women with such
      complaints, replacing defecation proctography and MR proctography in a large
      proportion of female patients. This is advantageous for the women themselves
      because ultrasound is much better tolerated, as well as for healthcare systems
      since sonographic imaging is much less expensive. However, there is a substantial
      need for education, which currently remains unmet.

PMID- 22045565
TI  - Susceptibility of standard clones and European field populations of the green
      peach aphid, Myzus persicae, and the cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii (Hemiptera:
      Aphididae), to the novel anthranilic diamide insecticide cyantraniliprole.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Parthenogenetic clones of the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae
      (Sulzer), and the cotton aphid, Aphis gossypii Glover, were tested with the
      anthranilic diamide insecticide cyantraniliprole (i.e. DuPont(TM) Cyazypyr(TM) )
      in systemic-uptake bioassays to investigate potential for cross-resistance
      conferred by mechanisms of insecticide resistance to organophosphates, carbamates
      and pyrethroids and, in the case of M. persicae, reduced sensitivity to
      neonicotinoids. These data were compared with the response of field samples of M.
      persicae and A. gossypii collected from around Europe. RESULTS: Cyantraniliprole
      was not cross-resisted by any of the known insecticide resistance mechanisms
      present in M. persicae or A. gossypii. The compound was equally active against
      resistant and susceptible aphid strains. The responses of the M. persicae field
      samples were very consistent with a maximum response ratio of 2.9 compared with a
      standard laboratory clone. The responses of the A. gossypii field samples were
      more variable, although a majority of the responses were not statistically
      different. CONCLUSION: Cyantraniliprole is currently the only anthranilic diamide
      (IRAC MoA 28) insecticide targeting aphid species such as M. persicae and A.
      gossypii. There is no evidence to suggest that the performance of this compound
      is affected by commonly occurring mechanisms that confer resistance to other
      insecticide chemistries. Cyantraniliprole is therefore a valuable tool for
      managing insecticide resistance in these globally important pests.

PMID- 22045566
TI  - Minihepcidins are rationally designed  small peptides that mimic hepcidin
      activity  in mice and may be useful for the treatment  of iron overload.
AB  - Iron overload is the hallmark of hereditary hemochromatosis and a complication of
      iron-loading anemias such as beta-thalassemia. Treatment can be burdensome and
      have significant side effects, and new therapeutic options are needed. Iron
      overload in hereditary hemochromatosis and beta-thalassemia intermedia is caused
      by hepcidin deficiency. Although transgenic hepcidin replacement in mouse models
      of these diseases prevents iron overload or decreases its potential toxicity,
      natural hepcidin is prohibitively expensive for human application and has
      unfavorable pharmacologic properties. Here, we report the rational design of
      hepcidin agonists based on the mutagenesis of hepcidin and the hepcidin-binding
      region of ferroportin and computer modeling of their docking. We identified
      specific hydrophobic/aromatic residues required for hepcidin-ferroportin binding
      and obtained evidence in vitro that a thiol-disulfide interaction between
      ferroportin C326 and the hepcidin disulfide cage may stabilize binding. Guided by
      this model, we showed that 7-9 N-terminal amino acids of hepcidin, including a
      single thiol cysteine, comprised the minimal structure that retained hepcidin
      activity, as shown by the induction of ferroportin degradation in reporter cells.
      Further modifications to increase resistance to proteolysis and oral
      bioavailability yielded minihepcidins that, after parenteral or oral
      administration to mice, lowered serum iron levels comparably to those after
      parenteral native hepcidin. Moreover, liver iron concentrations were lower in
      mice chronically treated with minihepcidins than those in mice treated with
      solvent alone. Minihepcidins may be useful for the treatment of iron overload
      disorders.

PMID- 22045567
TI  - CX3CR1 regulates intestinal macrophage  homeostasis, bacterial translocation, 
      and colitogenic Th17 responses in mice.
AB  - The two most common forms of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn's disease
      and ulcerative colitis, affect approximately 1 million people in the United
      States. Uncontrolled APC reactivity toward commensal bacteria is implicated in
      the pathogenesis of the disease. A number of functionally distinct APC
      populations exist in the mucosal lamina propria (LP) below the intestinal
      epithelium, but their relative contributions to inflammation remain unclear.
      Here, we demonstrate in mice important roles for the chemokine receptor CX3CR1 in
      maintaining LP macrophage populations, preventing translocation of commensal
      bacteria to mesenteric lymph nodes (mLNs), and limiting colitogenic Th17
      responses. CX3CR1 was found to be expressed in resident LP macrophages (defined
      as CD11b(+)F4/80(+)) but not DCs (defined as CD11c(+)CD103(+)). LP macrophage
      frequency and number were decreased in two strains of CX3CR1-knockout mice and in
      mice deficient in the CX3CR1 ligand CX3CL1. All these knockout strains displayed
      markedly increased translocation of commensal bacteria to mLNs. Additionally, the
      severity of DSS-induced colitis was dramatically enhanced in the knockout mice as
      compared with controls. Disease severity could be limited by either
      administration of neutralizing IL-17A antibodies or transfer of CX3CR1-sufficient
      macrophages. Our data thus suggest key roles for the CX3CR1/CX3CL1 axis in the
      intestinal mucosa; further clarification of CX3CR1 function will likely direct
      efforts toward therapeutic intervention for mucosal inflammatory disorders such
      as IBD.

PMID- 22045569
TI  - The debut of a rational treatment  for an inherited neuropathy?
AB  - Hereditary neuropathies are common neurological conditions characterized by
      progressive loss of motor and/or sensory function. There are no effective
      treatments. Among the many causes of hereditary neuropathies are dominant
      mutations in serine palmitoyltransferase, long chain base subunit 1 (SPTLC1),
      which cause hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type 1 (HSAN1). By
      incorporating L-alanine in place of L-serine, the mutant HSAN1-associated serine
      palmitoyltransferase generates deoxysphingolipids, which are thought to be
      neurotoxic. In this issue of the JCI, Garofalo and colleagues report that oral L
      serine reverses the accumulation of deoxysphingolipids in humans with HSAN1 and
      in a transgenic mouse model. As oral L-serine reduces the severity of neuropathy
      in the mouse model of HSAN1, these data suggest a rational candidate therapy for
      this devastating condition.

PMID- 22045568
TI  - NF-kappaB-inducing kinase plays an essential  T cell-intrinsic role in graft
      versus-host  disease and lethal autoimmunity in mice.
AB  - NF-kappaB-inducing kinase (NIK) is an essential upstream kinase in noncanonical
      NF-kappaB signaling. NIK-dependent NF-kappaB activation downstream of several TNF
      receptor family members mediates lymphoid organ development and B cell
      homeostasis. Peripheral T cell populations are normal in the absence of NIK, but
      the role of NIK during in vivo T cell responses to antigen has been obscured by
      other developmental defects in NIK-deficient mice. Here, we have identified a T
      cell-intrinsic requirement for NIK in graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), wherein
      NIK-deficient mouse T cells transferred into MHC class II mismatched recipients
      failed to cause GVHD. Although NIK was not necessary for antigen receptor
      signaling, it was absolutely required for costimulation through the TNF receptor
      family member OX40 (also known as CD134). When we conditionally overexpressed NIK
      in T cells, mice suffered rapid and fatal autoimmunity characterized by
      hyperactive effector T cells and poorly suppressive Foxp3(+) Tregs. Together,
      these data illuminate a critical T cell-intrinsic role for NIK during immune
      responses and suggest that its tight regulation is critical for avoiding
      autoimmunity.

PMID- 22045570
TI  - Oral L-serine supplementation reduces  production of neurotoxic
      deoxysphingolipids  in mice and humans with hereditary sensory  autonomic
      neuropathy type 1.
AB  - Hereditary sensory and autonomic neuropathy type 1 (HSAN1) causes sensory loss
      that predominantly affects the lower limbs, often preceded by hyperpathia and
      spontaneous shooting or lancinating pain. It is caused by several missense
      mutations in the genes encoding 2 of the 3 subunits of the enzyme serine
      palmitoyltransferase (SPT). The mutant forms of the enzyme show a shift from
      their canonical substrate L-serine to the alternative substrate L-alanine. This
      shift leads to increased formation of neurotoxic deoxysphingolipids (dSLs). Our
      initial analysis showed that in HEK cells transfected with SPTLC1 mutants, dSL
      generation was modulated in vitro in the presence of various amino acids. We
      therefore examined whether in vivo specific amino acid substrate supplementation
      influenced dSL levels and disease severity in HSAN1. In mice bearing a transgene
      expressing the C133W SPTLC1 mutant linked to HSAN1, a 10% L-serine-enriched diet
      reduced dSL levels. L-serine supplementation also improved measures of motor and
      sensory performance as well as measures of male fertility. In contrast, a 10% L
      alanine-enriched diet increased dSL levels and led to severe peripheral
      neuropathy. In a pilot study with 14 HSAN1 patients, L-serine supplementation
      similarly reduced dSL levels. These observations support the hypothesis that an
      altered substrate selectivity of the mutant SPT is key to the pathophysiology of
      HSAN1 and raise the prospect of l-serine supplementation as a first treatment
      option for this disorder.

PMID- 22045571
TI  - Cellular pathophysiology of ischemic acute kidney injury.
AB  - Ischemic kidney injury often occurs in the context of multiple organ failure and
      sepsis. Here, we review the major components of this dynamic process, which
      involves hemodynamic alterations, inflammation, and endothelial and epithelial
      cell injury, followed by repair that can be adaptive and restore epithelial
      integrity or maladaptive, leading to chronic kidney disease. Better understanding
      of the cellular pathophysiological processes underlying kidney injury and repair
      will hopefully result in the design of more targeted therapies to prevent the
      injury, hasten repair, and minimize chronic progressive kidney disease.

PMID- 22045572
TI  - Ceramides as modulators of cellular and whole-body metabolism.
AB  - Nearly all stress stimuli (e.g., inflammatory cytokines, glucocorticoids,
      chemotherapeutics, etc.) induce sphingolipid synthesis, leading to the
      accumulation of ceramides and ceramide metabolites. While the role of these
      lipids in the regulation of cell growth and death has been studied extensively,
      recent studies suggest that a primary consequence of ceramide accumulation is an
      alteration in metabolism. In both cell-autonomous systems and complex organisms,
      ceramides modify intracellular signaling pathways to slow anabolism, ensuring
      that catabolism ensues. These ceramide actions have important implications for
      diseases associated with obesity, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

PMID- 22045574
TI  - Visual evaluation of different multifocal corneal models for the correction of
      presbyopia by laser ablation.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the visual quality of two theoretical multifocal corneal
      models designed to correct presbyopia by corneal photoablation. METHODS: Two
      theoretical multifocal corneal surfaces were analyzed by ray tracing: a central
      model (with a central zone for near vision and a peripheral zone for distance
      vision), and a peripheral model (with a central zone for distance vision and a
      peripheral zone for near vision). For both models, the effect of the size of the
      central zone and transition zone as well as the size of the pupil was evaluated.
      RESULTS: Our results show that a smaller transition zone favors total visual
      quality in both models. The optimal size of the central zone depends both on the
      size of the transition zone used as well as the model. However, both models
      responded similarly with respect to the variations in pupil size, providing the
      same visual quality although in an opposite way. CONCLUSIONS: This work shows
      that the optimal diameter of the central zone is smaller for the central model
      than for the peripheral model. Also, pupil size plays a fundamental role in
      achieving multifocality, showing that patient's pupil size should be thoroughly
      evaluated prior to multifocal refractive surgery.

PMID- 22045575
TI  - Validity of scaling zernike coefficients to a larger diameter for refractive
      surgery.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the validity of a Zernike rescaling algorithm to a larger
      wavefront diameter. METHODS: Using 4256 preoperative wavefront examinations, the
      variability of inter-examination wavefront root-mean-square (RMS) was compared to
      the error induced due to scaling Zernike coefficients to a larger diameter. The
      validity of scaling Zernike coefficients was set when the error due to the
      scaling was the same as the variability of the inter-examination wavefronts. The
      inter-examination variability was calculated from eyes having at least 3 same
      day, preoperative examinations over the same diameters. Error from scaling
      Zernike coefficients to a larger diameter was calculated by comparing the
      wavefront for a (scaled-up) set of Zernike coefficients to the wavefront of the
      average of Zernike coefficient sets at a larger diameter for the same eye.
      Wavefront diameters of 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, and 7 mm were considered. RESULTS: No
      significant difference was found for the variability for different pupil sizes.
      The error due to scaling Zernike coefficients to a larger pupil size was
      generally smaller than the inter-examination variability when the new diameter
      was 0.25 mm larger than the original diameter. The error was comparable to the
      inter-examination variability when the new diameter was 0.5 mm larger. The error
      became larger when the new diameter was >0.75 mm larger than the original
      diameter. CONCLUSIONS: Rescaling Zernike coefficients from a smaller diameter to
      a larger one has practical applications in optical zone extension for wavefront
      guided refractive surgery.

PMID- 22045576
TI  - Correction of presbyopia with a small aperture corneal inlay.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the efficacy of a small aperture corneal inlay (KAMRA,
      AcuFocus Inc) to improve near vision in emmetropic presbyopes. METHODS:
      Prospective, nonrandomized, multicenter clinical trial in presbyopic emmetropes
      aged 45 to 60 years. A small corneal pocket or flap was created in the
      nondominant eye by femtosecond laser or mechanical microkeratome, and the inlay
      (N=507) placed on the stromal bed. Uncorrected visual acuity was measured for the
      implanted eye at near (40 cm), intermediate (80 cm), and distance (20 ft) using
      ETDRS charts with the Optec 6500 Vision Tester (Stereo Optical Inc) at the
      preoperative, and 1-, 3-, 6-, 9-, 12-, and 18-month postoperative examinations.
      Contrast sensitivity (CS) was measured with best distance correction in the
      implanted eye using the Optec system and FACT chart under photopic (85 cd/m(2))
      and mesopic (3 cd/m(2)) conditions preoperatively and at 1-year follow-up.
      RESULTS: Mean patient age was 52.87+/-3.64 years. Monocular mean uncorrected near
      visual acuity was J8 (0.482+/-0.925 logMAR) preoperatively, J3 (0.185+/-0.848
      logMAR) at 1 month (n=506, P<.0001), and J2 (0.139+/-0.851 logMAR) at 18 months
      (n=99, P<.0001). Mean uncorrected intermediate visual acuity was 20/35 (0.239+/
      0.837 logMAR) preoperatively and 20/26 (0.139+/-0853 logMAR) at 18 months
      (P<.0001). Mean uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) was 20/20 (0.011+/
      0.890 logMAR) at 18 months. Photopic (P<.001) and mesopic (P<.0001) monocular
      contrast sensitivities were within the range of the normal population at 1 year.
      CONCLUSIONS: The KAMRA corneal inlay improved near visual acuity with minimal
      impact on UDVA or mesopic contrast sensitivity in the implanted eye.

PMID- 22045577
TI  - Spherical aberrations of human astigmatic corneas.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate whether the average spherical aberration of human astigmatic
      corneas is statistically equivalent to human nonastigmatic corneas. METHODS:
      Spherical aberrations of 445 astigmatic corneas prior to laser vision correction
      were retrospectively investigated to determine Zernike coefficients for central
      corneal areas 6 mm in diameter using CTView (Sarver and Associates). Data were
      divided into groups according to cylinder power (0.01 to 0.25 diopters [D], 0.26
      to 0.75 D, 0.76 to 1.06 D, 1.07 to 1.53 D, 1.54 to 2.00 D, and >2.00 D) and
      according to age by decade. Spherical aberrations were correlated with age and
      astigmatic power among groups and the entire population. Statistical analyses
      were conducted, and P<.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Mean
      patient age was 42.6+/-11 years. Astigmatic corneas had an average astigmatic
      power of 0.78+/-0.58 D and mean spherical aberration was 0.25+/-0.13 MUm for the
      entire population and approximately the same (0.27 MUm) for individual groups,
      ranging from 0.23 to 0.29 MUm (P>.05 for all tested groups). CONCLUSIONS: Mean
      spherical aberration of astigmatic corneas was not correlated significantly with
      cylinder power or age (P>.05). Spherical aberrations are similar to those of
      nonastigmatic corneas, permitting the use of these additional data in the design
      of aspheric toric intra-ocular lenses.

PMID- 22045578
TI  - Concise review: Cancer stem cells and minimal residual disease.
AB  - Evidence gathered over the past two decades confirms earlier reports that
      suggested that hematologic malignancies exhibit a hierarchical differentiation
      structure similar to normal hematopoiesis. There is growing evidence that some
      solid tumors may also exhibit a differentiation program similar to the normal
      tissue of origin. Many excellent reviews on the topic of cancer stem cells (CSCs)
      document the recent explosion of information in the field, particularly
      highlighting the phenotypic and functional characteristics of these putative
      cells in vitro. Accordingly, here we only briefly discuss these concepts, and
      instead primarily examine the potential clinical relevance of CSCs, arguably the
      major unresolved issue in the field. Although it is generally accepted that CSCs
      are resistant to chemotherapy in vitro, only recently have data surfaced that
      suggest a role for these cells in disease relapse. Importantly, cancer cells with
      a stem cell phenotype have been found to be enriched in minimal residual disease
      of several malignancies. If the role of CSCs in relapse is confirmed, targeting
      these cells would hold substantial potential for improving the outcome of cancer
      patients.

PMID- 22045579
TI  - Relationships between surface-bound and internalized copper and cadmium and
      toxicity in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.
AB  - In the present study, the adsorption and uptake of copper (Cu) and cadmium (Cd)
      in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii were examined to establish fundamental toxicity
      relationships to glutathione and cell-growth endpoints. Establishing these
      fundamental relationships of metal accumulation and toxicity metrics is necessary
      to subsequently implement an algal biotic ligand model. The glutathione response
      was similar to the response measured from growth endpoints for both internal and
      adsorbed Cu, indicating that glutathione may be a useful biomarker of toxicity.
      The glutathione response with Cd contrasted markedly with that observed with Cu
      and was therefore observed to be a metal-specific biomarker. The density of sites
      binding metals and the related stability constants for the algal cell surface
      were also determined. Short exposures to metals (2 h) were conducted, and we
      determined 6.0 * 10(-6) mol/g sites binding Cu and 2.0 * 10(-6) mol/g sites
      binding Cd and conditional stability constants as log K' = 7.2 and log K' = 6.7
      for Cu and Cd, respectively. Experiments were also conducted to determine the
      effect on toxicity endpoints of varying nitrate concentrations and different
      humic acids (HA) in the exposure media. Varying nitrate concentrations did not
      have an effect on cell growth over 24 h. The surface-adsorbed Cu measurements
      from the experiments with HA depended on the type and concentration of HA.

PMID- 22045580
TI  - Minimally invasive non-thermal laser technology using laser-induced optical
      breakdown for skin rejuvenation.
AB  - We describe a novel, minimally invasive laser technology for skin rejuvenation by
      creating isolated microscopic lesions within tissue below the epidermis using
      laser induced optical breakdown. Using an in-house built prototype device,
      tightly focused near-infrared laser pulses are used to create optical breakdown
      in the dermis while leaving the epidermis intact, resulting in lesions due to
      cavitation and plasma explosion. This stimulates a healing response and
      consequently skin remodelling, resulting in skin rejuvenation effects. Analysis
      of ex-vivo and in-vivo treated human skin samples successfully demonstrated the
      safety and effectiveness of the microscopic lesion creation inside the dermis.
      Treatments led to mild side effects that can be controlled by small optimizations
      of the optical skin contact and treatment depth within the skin. The histological
      results from a limited panel test performed on five test volunteers show evidence
      of microscopic lesion creation and new collagen formation at the sites of the
      optical breakdown. This potentially introduces a safe, breakthrough treatment
      procedure for skin rejuvenation without damaging the epidermis with no or little
      social down-time and with efficacy comparable to conventional fractional ablative
      techniques.

PMID- 22045582
TI  - Safe use of hazardous chemicals.
AB  - This unit provides protocols for some commonly used disposal and decontamination
      procedures along with analytical techniques that are used to verify that reagents
      have been decontaminated. Some of the specific reagents covered are
      diaminobenzidine, ethidium bromide, cyanogen bromide, and chloromethylsilane.
      With modification, these assays may also be used to determine the concentration
      of a particular chemical.

PMID- 22045581
TI  - Proton MR spectroscopy in predicting the increase of perfusion MR imaging for WHO
      grade II gliomas.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the correlation between the metabolite ratios obtained
      from proton magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy and those obtained from MR
      perfusion parameters (relative cerebral blood volume [rCBV]) in a cohort of low
      grade glioma (LGG). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients underwent prospectively
      conventional MR, proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy ((1) HMRS), and perfusion
      weighted images (PWI). Statistical analyses were performed to determine the
      correlative and independent predictive factors of rCBVmax and the metabolite
      ratio thresholds with optimum sensitivity and specificity. RESULTS: Thirty-one
      patients were included in this study. Linear correlations were observed between
      the metabolic ratios (lactate [Lac]/creatine [Cr], choline [Cho]/N-acetyl
      aspartate [NAA], free-lipids/Cr) and rCBVmax (P < 0.05). These metabolic ratios
      were determined to be independent predictive factors of rCBVmax (P = 0.027, 0.011
      and 0.032, respectively). According to the receiver operating characteristic
      curves, the cutoff values of the metabolic ratios to discriminate between the two
      populations of rCBVmax (<1.7 versus = 1.7) were 1.72, 1.54, and 1.40,
      respectively, with a sensitivity = 75% and a specificity >95% for Lac/Cr.
      CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated consistent correlations between the data from
      (1) HMRS and PWI. The Lac/Cr ratio predicts regional hemodynamic changes, which
      are themselves a useful biomarker of clinical prognosis in patients with LGG. As
      such, this ratio may provide a new parameter for making improved clinical
      decisions.

PMID- 22045583
TI  - Methods for analysis of bacterial autoinducer-2 production.
AB  - Quorum sensing is a cell-cell signaling process that many bacteria use to
      regulate gene expression as a function of the density of the population. This
      phenomenon involves the production, release, and response to small chemical
      molecules termed autoinducers. Most autoinducers are species-specific; however,
      one autoinducer called autoinducer-2 (AI-2) is produced and detected by many
      species of bacteria and thus can foster inter-species communication. This unit
      describes two assays to detect and quantify AI-2 from biological samples. The
      first uses a bacterial reporter strain, which produces bioluminescence in
      response to AI-2. The second is an in vitro assay based on a modified version of
      an AI-2 receptor fused to a cyan fluorescent protein and a yellow fluorescent
      protein. Binding of AI-2 to this fusion protein induces a dose-dependent decrease
      in fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), enabling quantification of the
      AI-2 concentration in the samples.

PMID- 22045584
TI  - Genetic Manipulation of Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
AB  - The sexually transmitted pathogen, Neisseria gonorrhoeae, undergoes natural
      transformation at high frequency. This property has led to the rapid
      dissemination of antibiotic resistance markers and to the panmictic structure of
      the gonococcal population. However, high-frequency transformation also makes N.
      gonorrhoeae one of the easiest bacterial species to manipulate genetically in the
      laboratory. Techniques have been developed that result in transformation
      frequencies >50%, allowing the identification of mutants by screening and without
      selection. Constructs have been created to take advantage of this high-frequency
      transformation, facilitating genetic mutation, complementation, and heterologous
      gene expression. Techniques are described for genetic manipulation of N.
      gonorrhoeae, as well as for growth of this fastidious organism.

PMID- 22045585
TI  - Extraction, purification, and identification of yersiniabactin, the siderophore
      of Yersinia pestis.
AB  - This unit describes in detail the extraction, purification, and identification of
      Yersiniabactin the siderophore of Yersinia pestis. Iron is essential for
      bacterial growth. Although relatively abundant, access to iron is limited in
      nature by low solubility. This problem is exacerbated for pathogenic bacteria,
      which must also defeat the host organism's innate defenses, including mechanisms
      to sequester iron. One solution to these problems is production of water soluble,
      small molecules with high affinities for iron called siderophores. This protocol
      has been fine tuned for Yersiniabactin purification but may be easily modified
      for use in isolating other siderophores or similar molecules.

PMID- 22045586
TI  - Vibriocidal assays to determine the antibody titer of patient sera samples.
AB  - The vibriocidal titer assay can be used to detect antibodies against Vibrio
      cholerae in serum samples, serving as an indicator of prior infection and
      potential protection against cholera. The assay can be utilized in research and
      clinical settings to test the effectiveness of vaccines, and also in
      epidemiological studies relevant to cholera transmission and surveillance. This
      unit outlines the steps involved in conducting an easily interpreted colorimetric
      vibriocidal titer assay with a relatively short turnaround time for results of
      around 8 hr, with final result observations in 24 hr. The assay can also be
      easily scaled up or down to accommodate as many or as few serum samples available
      and is not V. cholerae strain specific.

PMID- 22045587
TI  - Prevalence of levator ani muscle injury in Chinese women after first delivery.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of levator ani muscle injury in Chinese
      women after their first delivery and investigate associated factors. METHODS: A
      prospective observational study was conducted involving Chinese nulliparous women
      recruited in the first trimester of pregnancy. Translabial ultrasound was
      performed at 35-38 weeks' gestation and 8 weeks postpartum and three-dimensional
      volume datasets were obtained. Offline analysis to detect levator ani muscle
      injury was performed by investigators blinded to the delivery details. RESULTS:
      339 women, with a mean age of 30.6 +/- 3.9 years, completed the study. Overall,
      201 (59.3%) had a spontaneous vaginal delivery, 62 (18.3%) an operative vaginal
      delivery (48 ventouse extraction and 14 forceps delivery), 14 (4.1%) an elective
      Cesarean section and 62 (18.3%) an emergency Cesarean section. No levator ani
      muscle injury was detected in any woman antenatally. After vaginal delivery, 57
      (21.7% (95% CI, 16.7-26.7%)) women had levator ani muscle injury. The rates of
      injury for spontaneous vaginal delivery, ventouse extraction and forceps delivery
      were 15.4%, 33.3% and 71.4%, respectively. There was no levator ani muscle injury
      in the Cesarean section groups. Logistic regression analysis showed that only
      operative vaginal delivery (odds ratio, 3.09) was associated with an independent
      increase in the likelihood of levator ani muscle injury. Intrapartum epidural
      analgesics, duration of second stage of labor and infant birth weight were not
      independently associated with levator ani muscle injury. CONCLUSIONS: The
      prevalence of levator ani muscle injury in Chinese women after their first
      vaginal delivery was 21.7% (95% CI, 16.7-26.7%). Operative vaginal delivery was
      found to increase the likelihood of women suffering such injury. A longer follow
      up of these women and future studies on the effects of episiotomy are proposed.

PMID- 22045588
TI  - Strong resistance to the fungicide fenhexamid entails a fitness cost in Botrytis
      cinerea, as shown by comparisons of isogenic strains.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fenhexamid, a sterol biosynthesis inhibitor effective against
      Botrytis, inhibits the 3-ketoreductase (Erg27) involved in C-4 demethylation.
      Several fenhexamid-resistant phenotypes have been detected in Botrytis cinerea
      populations from French vineyards. The field isolates with the highest resistance
      levels display amino acid changes in Erg27 (F412S, F412I or F412V). RESULTS:
      Fenhexamid-resistant mutants were generated by site-directed mutagenesis of the
      erg27 gene in a sensitive recipient strain to overcome the impact of different
      genetic backgrounds. The wild-type erg27 allele was replaced by the three mutated
      alleles (erg27(F412S/I/V)) by homologous recombination. These isogenic strains
      were shown to be fenhexamid-resistant and were used to quantify the impact of
      F412 mutations on fungal fitness. Several parameters, including radial growth,
      the production of sclerotia and conidia, freezing resistance and aggressiveness,
      were quantified in laboratory conditions. Analysis of variance demonstrated
      significant differences between the mutant and parental strains for some
      characters. In particular, the mutants grew more slowly than the wild-type strain
      and displayed variations in the production of sclerotia and conidia with
      temperature and susceptibility to freezing. CONCLUSIONS: The results highlight a
      moderate but significant impact of F412 mutations on the survival capacity of B.
      cinerea strains displaying high levels of resistance to fenhexamid in laboratory
      conditions, potentially limiting their dispersal and persistence, particularly in
      terms of overwintering, in field conditions.

PMID- 22045590
TI  - Semipreparative enantioseparation of methamidophos by HPLC-UV and preliminary in
      vitro study of butyrylcholinesterase inhibition.
AB  - Many chiral pesticides are introduced into the environment as racemates, although
      their pesticidal activity is usually the result of preferential reactivity of
      only one enantiomer, while the other enantiomer may have toxic effects against
      nontarget organisms. Methamidophos (O,S-dimethyl phosphoramidothioate), a chiral
      compound, is an insecticide widely used in agriculture in both developed and
      developing countries. However, this pesticide has a high toxicity not only to
      targeted insects but also to human and animals. In the present study, the
      enantiomers of methamidophos were enantiomerically separated by a semipreparative
      chiral liquid chromatography at the multimilligram scale on a polysaccharide
      based chiral stationary phase and a preliminary evaluation of their in vitro
      inhibition of plasma butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) of hens was performed. In the
      present study, our first effort was to resolve the racemic mixture of
      methamidophos and to that end reversed-phase, normal-phase, and polar organic
      elution conditions were investigated in four different polysaccharide-based
      chiral phases. The best performance was achieved on a cellulose tris(3,5
      dimethylphenylcarbamate) phase under normal phase. This chromatographic condition
      allowed the separation of 225 mg of methamidophos enantiomers with a high degree
      of chiral purity (>98%) in a short analysis time. Significant differences were
      found between the concentration that causes 50% of enzyme inhibition (IC50) of
      the three isoforms of methamidophos. (-)-Methamidophos showed an IC50
      approximately three times larger than the (+)-enantiomer for plasma BChE of hens.

PMID- 22045589
TI  - Characterization and function of histamine receptors in human bone marrow stromal
      cells.
AB  - There are several clinical trials worldwide using bone marrow stromal cells
      (BMSCs) as a cellular therapy to modulate immune responses in patients suffering
      from various inflammatory conditions. A deeper understanding of the molecular
      mechanisms involved in this modulatory effect could help us design better, more
      effective protocols to treat immune mediated diseases. In this study, we
      demonstrated that human BMSCs express H1, H2, and H4 histamine receptors and they
      respond to histamine stimulation with an increased interleukin 6 (IL-6)
      production both in vitro and in vivo. Using different receptor antagonists, we
      pinpointed the importance of the H1 histamine receptor, while Western blot
      analysis and application of various mitogen-activated protein kinase inhibitors
      highlighted the role of p38, extracellular signal-regulated kinase, and c-Jun N
      terminal kinase kinases in the observed effect. When BMSCs were pretreated with
      either histamine or degranulated human mast cells, they exhibited an enhanced IL
      6-dependent antiapoptotic effect on neutrophil granulocytes. Based on these
      observations, it is likely that introduction of BMSCs into a histamine-rich
      environment (such as any allergic setting) or pretreatment of these cells with
      synthetic histamine could have a significant modulatory effect on the therapeutic
      potential of BMSCs.

PMID- 22045591
TI  - Reducing the cost of production of bimetallic aluminium catalysts for the
      synthesis of cyclic carbonates.
AB  - Bimetallic aluminium complexes of general formula [(salen)Al](2)O or
      [(acen)Al](2)O catalyse the formation of cyclic carbonates from carbon dioxide
      and terminal epoxides under exceptionally mild reaction conditions. To improve
      the potential for industrial scale application of these catalysts, the cost of
      their production has been evaluated and reduced significantly by optimization of
      the synthesis, including replacement of the most expensive chemicals by less
      expensive alternatives. The largest cost saving was associated with the formation
      of aluminium triethoxide in situ, which reduced the cost of the chemicals need
      for production of the catalysts by 49-87 %. Further savings were made by avoiding
      the use of tetrabutylammonium bromide and acetonitrile, resulting in overall cost
      savings of 68-93 %.

PMID- 22045592
TI  - A longitudinal MRI study of muscle atrophy during lower leg immobilization
      following ankle fracture.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate MRI biomarkers of muscle atrophy during cast
      immobilization of the lower leg. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen patients (8
      male, 10 female), who had one lower leg immobilized in a cast, underwent 3.0
      Tesla (T) MR imaging 5, 8, 15, 29, and 43 days after casting. Measurements were
      made on both lower legs of total muscle volume. Cross-sectional area (CSA),
      fractional water content, and T(2) were measured in tibialis anterior (TA),
      gastrocnemius medialis (GM) and lateralis (GL) and soleus (SOL). Fiber pennation
      angle was measured in GM. RESULTS: Total muscle volume decreased by 17% (P <
      0.001) over the 6 weeks of immobilization. The greatest loss in CSA (mean[SD])
      was seen in GM (-23.3(8.7)%), followed by SOL (-19.0(9.8)%), GL (-17.1(6.5)%),
      and TA (-10.7(5.9)%). Significant reductions of CSA were also detectable in the
      contra-lateral leg. T(2) increased in all muscles: TA 27.0(2.5) ms to 29.6(2.8)
      ms (P < 0.001), GM 34.6(2.9) ms to 39.8(5.4) ms (P < 0.001) and SOL 34.4 (2.9) ms
      to 44.9(5.9) ms (P < 0.001). Small reductions were found in fractional water
      content. Pennation angle decreased in the cast leg (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION:
      Quantitative MR imaging can detect and monitor progressive biochemical and
      biophysical changes in muscle during immobilization.

PMID- 22045593
TI  - Use of processed pericardium graft to plug patulous old sclerostomy track during
      glaucoma shunt revision for exposure.
AB  - The authors demonstrate a reproducible technique using processed pericardium to
      seal sclerostomy track during glaucoma shunt revision. The suggested method
      involves placement of a wedge-shaped processed pericardial graft into the old
      sclerostomy tract following tube explantation. The graft is trimmed and sutured
      to the sclera. The tube is reinserted into a new sclerostomy and then sutured in
      place and covered in the usual fashion. This method allowed relatively easy
      treatment of three patients with patulous sclerostomy with necrotic edges. A
      successful tube revision and repositioning of the tube using this technique was
      performed on three patients with exposed tubes. The intraocular pressure was
      between 8 and 12 mm Hg from postoperative day 1. The authors suggest the use of
      pericardium plug to adequately seal the old sclerostomy track during glaucoma
      shunt revision. The plug allows tube repositioning at a new site without the need
      to suture the friable sclerostomy edges.

PMID- 22045594
TI  - Inter- and intraobserver variability in three-dimensional ultrasound assessment
      of the endometrial-myometrial junction and factors affecting its visualization.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the inter- and intraobserver variability of three
      dimensional (3D) ultrasound assessment of the endometrial-myometrial junction
      (EMJ), and to assess demographic and physiological factors that affect the
      quality of its imaging. METHODS: Women attending our gynecology clinic, who were
      deemed to have normal uteri on transvaginal ultrasound examination, were enrolled
      in this prospective study. They underwent 3D volume acquisition of the entire
      uterus in order to acquire a coronal view of the organ. Visualization of EMJs was
      classified as optimal, satisfactory or unsatisfactory. In order to assess the
      intra- and interobserver variabilities of the classification system, the volumes
      were classified by two independent observers on two separate occasions. The same
      classification system was then used to evaluate the EMJs of 101 women who were
      deemed to have normal uteri on transvaginal ultrasound examination. The results
      were correlated with age, parity, stage of cycle, menopausal status and
      endometrial thickness in order to assess whether any of these factors affect
      visualization of the EMJ. RESULTS: A total of 30 uterine volumes were examined in
      the first analysis. Both the inter- and intraobserver variability were good
      (kappa values of 0.77 and 0.83). Of the 101 EMJs assessed in the second analysis,
      47 were classified as optimal, 42 as satisfactory and 12 as unsatisfactory.
      Endometrial thickness was positively associated with EMJ visualization and parity
      was negatively associated with EMJ visualization. CONCLUSIONS: Assessment of EMJ
      visualization has both good inter- and intraobserver variability in women with
      normal uteri. Parity and endometrial thickness have contrasting, statistically
      significant, effects on visualization of the EMJ.

PMID- 22045595
TI  - Randomized double-blind phase 2 trial of 3 doses of TAS-108 in patients with
      advanced or metastatic postmenopausal breast cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to evaluate 3 different doses of
      (7alpha)-21-(4-[(diethylamino)methyl]-2 methoxyphenoxy)-7 methyl-19 norpregna
      1,3,5(10)-trien-3-ol 2-hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylate (TAS-108) in patients
      with recurrent, hormone-responsive breast cancer. METHODS: In this randomized,
      double-blind, multicenter study, TAS-108 was administered daily at a dose of 40
      mg, 80 mg, or 120 mg to postmenopausal patients with locally advanced, or
      inoperable, or metastatic hormone-receptor positive breast cancer. The primary
      efficacy outcome was clinical benefit (CB), defined as the total number of
      patients who achieved a complete response, a partial response, or stable disease
      for >=24 weeks. The study was a 2-stage design in which 19 patients per dose
      group were planned in the first stage. If at least 3 patients in any dose group
      achieved a CB, then that dose group was to be allowed to continue enrolling for
      the second stage, and the group could include up to a total of 60 patients.
      RESULTS: The 40-mg and 80-mg groups met the criterion and enrolled patients into
      the second stage. In the 40-mg group, there were 13 CB events in 60 patients
      (21.7%); and, in the 80-mg group, there were 12 CB events in 60 patients (20%).
      The 120-mg daily dose was stopped early, because it failed to achieve the
      criterion. For the 40-mg and 80-mg groups, the median time to progression was
      15.0 weeks and 15.9 weeks, respectively. Only 1 drug-related serious adverse
      event (grade 3 hyperglycemia) was reported. CONCLUSIONS: TAS-108 at 40 mg and 80
      mg daily demonstrated clinical activity with an encouraging duration of benefit.
      Because of its superior safety profile, TAS-108 40 mg daily is recommended for
      further development.

PMID- 22045596
TI  - Ketamine induces motor neuron toxicity and alters neurogenic and proneural gene
      expression in zebrafish.
AB  - Ketamine, a noncompetitive antagonist of N-methyl-d-aspartate-type glutamate
      receptors, is a pediatric anesthetic that has been shown to be neurotoxic in
      rodents and nonhuman primates when administered during the brain growth spurt.
      Recently, the zebrafish has become an attractive model for toxicity assays, in
      part because the predictive capability of the zebrafish model, with respect to
      chemical effects, compares well with that from mammalian models. In the
      transgenic (hb9:GFP) embryos used in this study, green fluorescent protein (GFP)
      is expressed in the motor neurons, facilitating the visualization and analysis of
      motor neuron development in vivo. In order to determine whether ketamine induces
      motor neuron toxicity in zebrafish, embryos of these transgenic fish were treated
      with different concentrations of ketamine (0.5 and 2.0 mm). For ketamine
      exposures lasting up to 20 h, larvae showed no gross morphological abnormalities.
      Analysis of GFP-expressing motor neurons in the live embryos, however, revealed
      that 2.0 mm ketamine adversely affected motor neuron axon length and decreased
      cranial and motor neuron populations. Quantitative reverse transcriptase
      polymerase chain reaction analysis demonstrated that ketamine down-regulated the
      motor neuron-inducing zinc finger transcription factor Gli2b and the proneural
      gene NeuroD even at 0.5 mm concentration, while up-regulating the expression of
      the proneural gene Neurogenin1 (Ngn1). Expression of the neurogenic gene,
      Notch1a, was suppressed, indicating that neuronal precursor generation from
      uncommitted cells was favored. These results suggest that ketamine is neurotoxic
      to motor neurons in zebrafish and possibly affects the
      differentiating/differentiatedneurons rather than neuronal progenitors. Published
      2011. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the
      USA.

PMID- 22045597
TI  - Adsorption, transport and degradation of fipronil termiticide in three Hawaii
      soils.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The behavior of the termiticide fipronil in soils was studied to
      assess its potential to contaminate ground and surface water. This study
      characterizes (1) adsorption of fipronil in three different soils, (2) transport
      of fipronil through leaching and runoff under simulated rainfall in these soils
      and (3) degradation of fipronil to fipronil sulfide and fipronil sulfone in these
      soils. RESULTS: The adsorption experiments showed a Freundlich isotherm for
      fipronil with K(oc) equal to 1184 L kg(-1) . In the leaching experiments, the
      concentration of fipronil and its metabolites in leachate and runoff decreased
      asymptotically with time. The concentration of fipronil in the leachate from the
      three soils correlated inversely with soil organic carbon content. The
      degradation experiment showed that the half-life of fipronil in the soils ranged
      from 28 to 34 days when soil moisture content was 75% of field capacities, and
      that 10.7-23.5% of the degraded fipronil was transformed into the two metabolites
      (fipronil sulfide and fipronil sulfone). CONCLUSION: Fipronil showed large losses
      through leaching but small losses via runoff owing to low volumes of runoff water
      generated and/or negligible particle-facilitated transport of fipronil. The half
      life values of fipronil in all three soils were similar.

PMID- 22045598
TI  - The role of human leukocyte antigen matching in the development of multiethnic
      "haplobank" of induced pluripotent stem cell lines.
AB  - Among the tools of regenerative medicine, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)
      are interesting because the donor genotype can be selected. The construction of
      banks of iPSC cell lines selected from human leukocyte antigen (HLA) homozygous
      donors has been proposed to be an effective way to match a maximal number of
      patients receiving cell therapy from iPSC lines. However, what effort would be
      required to constitute such a bank for a worldwide application has remained
      unexplored. We developed a probabilistic model to compute the number of donors to
      screen for constituting banks of best-chosen iPSC lines with homozygous HLA
      haplotypes (haplobanks) in four ancestry backgrounds. We estimated what
      percentage of the patients would be provided with single HLA haplotype matched
      cell lines. Genetic diversity leads to different outcomes for the four sets in
      all terms. A bank comprising iPSC lines representing the 20 most frequent
      haplotypes in each population would request quite different number of donors to
      screen, between 26,000 for European Americans and 110,000 for African Americans.
      It would also match different fractions of the recipient population, namely, more
      than 50% of the European Americans and 22% of African Americans. Conversely, a
      bank comprising the 100 iPSC lines with the most frequent HLA in each population
      would leave out only 22% of the European Americans, but 37% of the Asians, 48% of
      the Hispanics, and 55% of the African Americans. The constitution of a haplobank
      of iPSC lines is achievable through a large-scale concerted worldwide
      collaboration.

PMID- 22045599
TI  - Effective production of octane from biomass derivatives under mild conditions.

PMID- 22045600
TI  - Metabolism and distribution of p,p'-DDT during flight of the white-crowned
      sparrow, Zonotrichia leucophrys.
AB  - This study evaluated the interactions of flight, fasting, and 1,1,1-trichloro
      bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethane (p,p'-DDT) loading on residue metabolism and
      distribution in recently exposed white-crowned sparrows (Zonotrichia leucophrys).
      Female sparrows were dosed with 5 mg p,p'-DDT per kg body weight over 3 d.
      Following 1 d of recovery, sparrows were flown in a wind tunnel for up to 140
      min, in 15-min blocks. Food was withheld from the start of the flight period
      until birds were euthanized. DDT, 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(4 chlorophenyl)ethane
      (DDD), and 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethylene (DDE) were present in all
      tissues examined. 1-Chloro-2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethene (DDu), 1,1-bis(4
      chlorophenyl)ethane (p,p'-DDeta), and 2,2-bis(4-chlorophenyl)ethanol (p,p'-DDOH)
      were not found. Fasting did not significantly affect the rate of residue increase
      over time in any of the tissues examined. When sparrows flew and fasted
      simultaneously, fasting seldom contributed to an increase in tissue residues.
      However, the length of time flown was significantly correlated with increasing
      toxicant concentrations in the brain, kidney, and liver, effectively
      demonstrating the potential for brief flights to enhance mobilization of DDT and
      its metabolites. Dose, flight, and fasting also increased residues in brain
      tissue. These contaminant redistributions may have important ramifications on the
      stresses experienced by migratory birds.

PMID- 22045601
TI  - Measuring T2 in vivo with J-difference editing: application to GABA at 3 Tesla.
AB  - PURPOSE: To develop an experimental approach for determining in vivo transverse
      relaxation rates (T(2)) of metabolites that are detected by spectral editing
      without using simulations, and to demonstrate this approach to measure the T(2)
      of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The proposed method
      first determines the TE-dependence of the edited signals using measurements in a
      pure phantom solution (10 mM gamma-aminobutyric acid; GABA); the phantom T(2) is
      also determined. Once the editing echo time (TE)-modulation pattern is known, it
      can then be used to determine T(2) in vivo. The method was applied to measure
      GABA T(2) in the occipital lobe of five healthy adult subjects at 3T, using a J
      difference editing method. Unwanted macromolecular contributions to the GABA
      signal were also measured. RESULTS: The in vivo T(2) of edited GABA signal was 88
      +/- 12 ms; this preliminary result is somewhat shorter than other metabolite T(2)
      values in the literature at this field strength. CONCLUSION: Spectral editing
      methods are now widely used to detect low concentration metabolites, such as
      GABA, but to date no edited acquisition methods have been proposed for the
      measurement of transverse relaxation times (T(2)). The method described has been
      successfully applied to measuring the T(2) of GABA.

PMID- 22045602
TI  - Too cold for comfort: a neonate with severe hypothermia.
AB  - Severe neonatal hypothermia is an infrequent presentation to the Emergency
      Department. This case report describes the successful resuscitation and rapid
      rewarming of a newborn baby who presented to the Emergency Department with a core
      temperature of 14.8 degrees C. This is the lowest temperature documented in the
      literature to date from which an infant has been successfully resuscitated.

PMID- 22045603
TI  - A 76-year-old man with progressive lower back pain and right thigh swelling.

PMID- 22045604
TI  - The National Falls and Bone Health Audit: implications for UK emergency care.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The National Clinical Audit of Falls and Bone Health, coordinated
      by the Royal College of Physicians, assesses progress in implementing integrated
      falls services across the UK against national standards and enables benchmarking
      between service providers. Nationally, falls are a leading contributor towards
      mortality and morbidity in older people and account for 700,000 visits to
      emergency departments and 4 million annual bed days in England alone. METHODS:
      Two rounds of national organisational audit in 2005 and 2008 and one national
      clinical audit in 2006 were carried out based on indicators developed by a
      multidisciplinary group. RESULTS: These showed that management of falls and bone
      health in older people remains suboptimal in emergency departments and minor
      injury units and opportunities are being missed in carrying out evidence-based
      risk assessment and management. CONCLUSIONS: Older people attending emergency
      departments in the UK following a fall are receiving a poor deal. There is an
      urgent need to ensure more effective assessment and management to prevent further
      falls and fractures.

PMID- 22045605
TI  - Basic life support skill retention of medical interns and the effect of clinical
      experience of cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the level of basic life support (BLS) skill retention
      of medical interns 6 and 12 months after BLS education and analyse the
      correlation between clinical experience of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
      and BLS skill retention. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The baseline performance of BLS
      skills in medical doctors during their internship was tested immediately after
      the BLS provider course. The subjects were divided into two groups, which were
      tested using the same method after 6 months or after 12 months. Data on the
      subjects' CPR experience were collected through CPR records--specifically, the
      number of CPR experiences and the feedback given by the CPR team leaders. To
      evaluate BLS skill retention, baseline BLS skill performance was compared with
      the skill performances measured after 6 or 12 months. RESULTS: Fifty-six subjects
      were enrolled in the 6 month group and 36 in the 12 month group. For non
      compression skills, the points for skills declined from 12 to 6 points in the 6
      month group and from 12 to 6 points in the 12 month group and the declines in
      both groups were statistically significant. For compression skills, in the 12
      month group, the hands-off time improved from 9.9 s to 8.7 s, with statistical
      significance. In the multivariate linear regression test, the number of times
      feedback was given had a statistical relationship with improvement in hands-off
      time in the 12 month group (coefficient 0.58, 95% CI 0.12 to 1.05). CONCLUSIONS:
      In medical doctors, the compression skills were well preserved, but the retention
      of non-compression skills was poor.

PMID- 22045606
TI  - Short answer question case series: a fatal case of swelling.

PMID- 22045607
TI  - Accuracy of a feedback device for cardiopulmonary resuscitation on a dental
      chair.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Conflicting studies exist about the effectiveness of cardiopulmonary
      resuscitation (CPR) on a dental chair. In some situations, dental surgeons are
      obliged to perform CPR with the patient on the chair. Feedback devices are
      supposed to guide the compression depth in order to improve the quality of CPR,
      but some devices are based on an accelerometer that can theoretically report
      erroneous results because of the lack of rigidity of a dental chair. OBJECTIVE:
      The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of these devices to guide
      chest compressions on a dental chair. METHODS: A prospective, randomised,
      crossover, equivalence/non-inferiority study was conducted to compare the values
      of compression depths provided by the feedback device (Real CPR Help((r)),
      delivered by Zoll(c) Medical Corporation, Chelmsford, MA, USA) with the real
      measurements provided by the manikin (Resusci Anne((r)) Advanced SkillTrainer,
      Laerdal Medical AS(c), Norway). Chest-compression-only CPR was performed by 15
      Basic Life Support instructors who carried out two rounds of continuous CPR for 2
      min each. Data were analysed with a correlation test, a Bland-Altman method and a
      Wilcoxon test. Statistical significance was defined as p<0.05. RESULTS: A
      significant difference was found between the mean depths of compression measured
      by the feedback device and the manikin on a dental chair and on the floor
      (p<0.0001). The feedback device overestimated the depth of chest compressions,
      and Bland-Altman analysis demonstrated poor agreement. CONCLUSION: This study
      indicates that feedback devices with accelerometer technology are not
      sufficiently reliable to ensure adequate chest compression on dental chairs.

PMID- 22045608
TI  - Variability in cardiac arrest survival: the NHS Ambulance Service Quality
      Indicators.

PMID- 22045609
TI  - Are we ready? Preparedness of acute care providers for the Rugby World Cup 2011
      in New Zealand.
AB  - New Zealand is hosting the Rugby World Cup (RWC) 2011. It is the largest sporting
      event in New Zealand's history, with around 70,000 fans estimated to visit the
      country from September to October 2011. This influx of tourists will have an
      impact on its already stretched healthcare services. The preparedness of New
      Zealand's healthcare system to handle this mass event is unclear. OBJECTIVES: The
      two main objectives of this study were (1) to determine the perceived
      preparedness of acute care providers in New Zealand to respond to the healthcare
      demands of RWC 2011; and (2) to determine the factors associated with perceived
      strong preparedness among acute care providers in New Zealand. METHOD: A cross
      sectional survey of 1500 doctors, nurses and ambulance officers working in acute
      care services in New Zealand was conducted between June 2010 and March 2011.
      RESULTS: 911 surveys were completed (response rate 60.7%). Only 12.7% of acute
      care providers felt they were prepared to deal with possible health issues
      arising from RWC 2011. Perceived preparedness was highest among ambulance
      officers and lowest among providers in intensive care units (16.3% vs 4.1%,
      p<0.01). Acute care providers who were aware of their role in a mass emergency
      were more likely to report preparedness with a prevalence OR of 3.5 and a 95% CI
      of 2.1 to 5.7. CONCLUSION: Only 12.7% of acute care providers in New Zealand
      perceived preparedness for RWC 2011. Perceived preparedness followed a stepwise
      decline from prehospital services, emergency department, to surgery and then
      finally to intensive care services. This indicates that current preparedness
      activities are focusing on prehospital emergency services and neglecting surgical
      and intensive care services. Awareness about the role of acute care providers
      during emergencies, training and previous experience were associated with
      perceived strong preparedness for RWC 2011.

PMID- 22045610
TI  - Ensuring quality cancer care: a follow-up review of the Institute of Medicine's
      10 recommendations for improving the quality of cancer care in America.
AB  - Responding to growing concerns regarding the safety, quality, and efficacy of
      cancer care in the United States, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) of the National
      Academy of Sciences commissioned a comprehensive review of cancer care delivery
      in the US health care system in the late 1990s. The National Cancer Policy Board
      (NCPB), a 20-member board with broad representation, performed this review. In
      its review, the NCPB focused on the state of cancer care delivery at that time,
      its shortcomings, and ways to measure and improve the quality of cancer care. The
      NCPB described an ideal cancer care system in which patients would have equitable
      access to coordinated, guideline-based care and novel therapies throughout the
      course of their disease. In 1999, the IOM published the results of this review in
      its influential report, Ensuring Quality Cancer Care. The report outlined 10
      recommendations, which, when implemented, would: 1) improve the quality of cancer
      care, 2) increase the current understanding of quality cancer care, and 3) reduce
      or eliminate access barriers to quality cancer care. Despite the fervor generated
      by this report, there are lingering doubts regarding the safety and quality of
      cancer care in the United States today. Increased awareness of medical errors and
      barriers to quality care, coupled with escalating health care costs, has prompted
      national efforts to reform the health care system. These efforts by health care
      providers and policymakers should bridge the gap between the ideal state
      described in Ensuring Quality Cancer Care and the current state of cancer care in
      the United States.

PMID- 22045611
TI  - Ultrastructural analysis of implant-soft tissue interface on a three dimensional
      tissue-engineered oral mucosal model.
AB  - A three dimensional tissue-engineered human oral mucosal model (3D OMM) used in
      the investigation of implant-soft tissue interface was recently reported. The aim
      of this study was to examine the ultrastructural features of soft tissue
      attachment to various titanium (Ti) implant surfaces based on the 3D OMM. Two
      techniques, that is, focus ion beam (FIB) and electropolishing techniques were
      used to prepare specimens for transmission electron microscopic (TEM) analysis of
      the interface. The 3D OM consisting of both epithelial and connective tissue
      layers was constructed by co-culturing human oral keratinocytes and fibroblasts
      onto an acellular dermis scaffold. Four types of Ti surface topographies were
      tested: polished, machined (turned), sandblasted, and TiUnite. The specimens were
      then processed for TEM examination using FIB (Ti remained) and electropolishing
      (Ti removed) techniques. The FIB sections showed some artifact and lack of
      details of ultrastructural features. In contrast, the ultrathin sections prepared
      from the electropolishing technique showed a residual Ti oxide layer, which
      preserved the details for intact ultrastructural interface analysis. There was
      evidence of hemidesmosome-like structures at the interface on the four types of
      Ti surfaces, which suggests that the tissue-engineered oral mucosa formed
      epithelial attachments on the Ti surfaces.

PMID- 22045612
TI  - 'Long-term feeding effects of stevioside sweetener on some toxicological
      parameters of growing rats'.

PMID- 22045614
TI  - Cancer-associated nummular loss of RPE: expanding the clinical spectrum of
      bilateral diffuse uveal melanocytic proliferation.
AB  - This report describes a case of cancer-associated nummular retinal pigment
      epithelium loss associated with uterine cancer. The patient had progressive
      visual loss despite treatment with plasmapheresis, intravenous immunoglobulin,
      and local injection of corticosteroids. Clinical deterioration was corroborated
      by extension of the areas of retinal pigment epithelium loss, progression of
      cataracts, and growth of pigmented choroidal and iris lesions. Previously
      published cases of cancer-associated nummular retinal pigment epithelium loss did
      not describe the presence of cataracts or uveal melanocytic lesions. This case
      expands the clinical spectrum of bilateral diffuse uveal melanocytic
      proliferation.

PMID- 22045613
TI  - Notch signaling is necessary to maintain quiescence in adult muscle stem cells.
AB  - Satellite cells (SCs) are myogenic stem cells found in skeletal muscle that
      function to repair tissue damaged by injury or disease. SCs are quiescent at
      rest, although the signaling pathways required to maintain quiescence are
      unknown. Using a transgenic Notch reporter mouse and quantitative reverse
      transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis of Notch target genes, we
      determined that Notch signaling is active in quiescent SCs. SC-specific deletion
      of recombining binding protein-Jkappa (RBP-Jkappa), a nuclear factor required for
      Notch signaling, resulted in the depletion of the SC pool and muscles that lacked
      any ability to regenerate in response to injury. SC depletion was not due to
      apoptosis. Rather, RBP-Jkappa-deficient SCs spontaneously activate, fail to self
      renew, and undergo terminal differentiation. Intriguingly, most of the cells
      differentiate without first dividing. They then fuse with adjacent myofibers,
      leading to the gradual disappearance of SCs from the muscle. These results
      demonstrate the requirement of Notch signaling for the maintenance of the
      quiescent state and for muscle stem cell homeostasis by the regulation of self
      renewal and differentiation, processes that are all critical for normal postnatal
      myogenesis.

PMID- 22045615
TI  - Role of ancillary studies in fine-needle aspiration from selected tumors.
AB  - The routine use of ancillary studies is reshaping the practice of cytopathology.
      Currently, most cytopathologists recognize the importance of immunocytochemistry
      and molecular techniques as adjuncts to morphology to achieve a precise
      diagnosis. Cytopathologists also are expected to include specific prognostic and
      predictive information in their reports. The objective of this review was to
      address the use of immunocytochemistry and molecular techniques to refine the
      preoperative diagnosis and classification of lung cancer, thyroid cancer, kidney
      cancer, gastrointestinal cancer, and soft tissue tumors. Fine-needle aspiration
      also offers a suitable alternative to biopsy in a variety of clinical settings,
      in particular, when it may be useful to obtain material to study prognostic and
      predictive markers. This is particularly relevant to obtain material from
      metastatic sites. The study of KRAS in colon cancer, CKIT in gastrointestinal
      stromal tumors, and epidermal growth factor receptor mutational status in lung
      cancer also are addressed particularly in this report.

PMID- 22045616
TI  - Assessing environmental contamination around obsolete pesticide stockpiles in
      West Africa: using the Nile monitor (Varanus niloticus) as a sentinel species.
AB  - Environmental contamination caused by obsolete pesticide stocks was assessed
      using the Nile monitor (Varanus niloticus) as a sentinel species. Organochlorines
      and organophosphates were quantified by gas chromatography in abdominal fat and
      the liver, respectively. Results were compared to those obtained from three other
      sites, characterized by different histories of contamination. None of the
      previously stocked pesticides were recovered. Low to moderate levels of 4,4'
      dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (4,4'-DDE) were quantified in monitors from all
      sites. Malathion and 4,4'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (4,4'-DDD) also were
      detected sporadically. Interindividual variability was substantial. Correlations
      between pesticide loads and individual characteristics were considered. The
      nondetection of previously stocked pesticides in the monitors' tissues, their
      contamination by other pesticides, and the value of V. niloticus as a monitoring
      tool for environmental contamination are discussed. The results indicate a
      situation of low concern and draw attention to the importance of local conditions
      in determining environmental dangers associated with potential pollution sources.

PMID- 22045617
TI  - MR elastography of the in vivo abdominal aorta: a feasibility study for comparing
      aortic stiffness between hypertensives and normotensives.
AB  - PURPOSE: To demonstrate feasibility of using MR elastography (MRE) to identify
      hypertensive changes in the abdominal aorta when compared with normotensives
      based on the stiffness measurements. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MRE was performed on
      eight volunteers (four normotensives and four hypertensives) to measure the
      effective stiffness of the abdominal aorta. MRE wave images are directionally
      filtered and phase gradient analysis was performed to determine the stiffness of
      the aorta. Student's t-test was performed to determine significant difference in
      stiffness measurements between normotensives and hypertensives. RESULTS: The
      normotensive group demonstrated a mean abdominal aortic stiffness of 3.7 +/- 0.8
      kPa, while the controlled-hypertensive demonstrated a mean abdominal aortic
      stiffness of 9.3 +/- 1.9 kPa. MRE effective stiffness of abdominal aorta in
      hypertensives was significantly greater than that of normotensives with p = 0.02.
      CONCLUSION: Feasibility of in vivo aortic MRE is demonstrated. Hypertensives have
      significantly higher aortic stiffness assessed through MRE than normotensives.

PMID- 22045618
TI  - Local delivery of antimicrobial peptides using self-organized TiO2 nanotube
      arrays for peri-implant infections.
AB  - Peri-implant infections have been reported as one of the major complications that
      lead to the failure of orthopedic implants. An ideal solution to the peri-implant
      infection is to locally deliver antimicrobial agents through the implant surface.
      The rising problem of infections caused by multiple antibiotic-resistant bacteria
      makes traditional antibiotics less desirable for the prevention of peri-implant
      infections. One of the promising alternatives is the family of antimicrobial
      peptides (AMPs). In this study, we report the local delivery of AMPs through the
      nanotubular structure processed on titanium surface. Self-organized and
      vertically oriented TiO2 nanotubes, about 80 nm in diameter and 7 MUm thick, were
      prepared by the anodization technique. HHC-36 (KRWWKWWRR), one of the most potent
      broad-spectrum AMPs, was loaded onto the TiO2 nanotubes via a simple vacuum
      assisted physical adsorption method. Antimicrobial activity testing against Gram
      positive bacterium, Staphylococcus aureus, demonstrated that this AMP-loaded
      nanotubular surface could effectively kill the bacteria (~ 99.9% killing) and
      reduce the total bacterial number adhered to the surface after 4 h of culture. In
      vitro AMP elution from the nanotubes was investigated using liquid chromatography
      mass spectrometry (LC-MS). The release profiles strongly depended on the
      crystallinity of the TiO2 nanotubes. Anatase TiO2 nanotubes released
      significantly higher amounts of AMP than amorphous nanotubes during the initial
      burst release stage. Both followed almost the same slow release profile from 4 h
      up to 7 days. Despite the differences in release kinetics, no significant
      difference was observed between these two groups in bactericidal efficiency.

PMID- 22045619
TI  - Comparison of doxorubicin and weekly paclitaxel efficacy in metastatic
      angiosarcomas.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Data regarding the role of anthracyclines and taxanes as first-line
      treatments of metastatic angiosarcoma are limited. METHODS: Records of 117
      metastatic angiosarcoma patients who were treated with either doxorubicin or
      weekly paclitaxel were reviewed. RESULTS: Seventy-five patients (64%) were
      treated with weekly paclitaxel and 42 (36%) with single-agent doxorubicin.
      Patients in the weekly paclitaxel group were older and more frequently had
      angiosarcomas arising from the skin. In the doxorubicin group, 34 patients were
      evaluable for response: 2 (6%) had complete response, 8 (23.5%) had partial
      response, 10 (29.5%) had stable disease, and 14 (41%) had progressive disease. In
      the weekly paclitaxel group, 68 patients were evaluable for response: 9 (13%) had
      complete response, 27 (40%) had partial response, 20 (29.5%) had stable disease,
      and 12 (17.5%) had progressive disease. Objective responses to weekly paclitaxel
      were more frequent in cutaneous angiosarcomas, whereas tumor location did not
      impact response to doxorubicin. Median progression-free survival (PFS) was 4.9
      months (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 3.9-6.0 months). Median overall
      survival (OS) was 8.5 months (95% CI, 6.4-10.7 months). On multivariate analysis,
      ECOG performance status (PS) was the sole independent factor associated with PFS
      and OS. CONCLUSIONS: First-line single-agent doxorubicin and weekly paclitaxel
      seem to have similar efficacy in metastatic angiosarcomas. Cutaneous
      angiosarcomas respond favorably to weekly paclitaxel. Best supportive care should
      be considered in patients with poor PS.

PMID- 22045620
TI  - Cdc20 control of cell fate during prolonged mitotic arrest: do Cdc20 protein
      levels affect cell fate in response to antimitotic compounds?
AB  - The fate of cells arrested in mitosis by antimitotic compounds is complex but is
      influenced by competition between pathways promoting cell death and pathways
      promoting mitotic exit. As components of both of these pathways are regulated by
      Cdc20-dependent degradation, I hypothesize that variations in Cdc20 protein
      levels, rather than mutations in checkpoint genes, could affect cell fate during
      prolonged mitotic arrest. This hypothesis is supported by experiments where
      manipulation of Cdc20 levels affects the response to antimitotic compounds. The
      observed differences in Cdc20 levels between cell lines likely reflects
      differences in the rate of synthesis or degradation of the protein; therefore,
      understanding these pathways at a molecular level could pave the way for
      modulating the activity of Cdc20, in turn presenting novel therapeutic
      possibilities.

PMID- 22045621
TI  - Beyond petrochemicals: the renewable chemicals industry.

PMID- 22045622
TI  - Angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma a series of five cytologic cases with literature
      review and emphasis on diagnostic pitfalls.
AB  - Angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma (AFH) is an uncommon and mostly indolent soft
      tissue neoplasm, which usually occurs in the subcutaneous tissue of the
      extremities in children and young adults. Although the histologic features of AFH
      are well established, reports of its cytomorphology are very limited. This report
      characterizes the cytomorphologic features of five cases of AFH, with correlation
      to clinical, histology, and cytogenetic findings. Smears of fine needle
      aspiration (FNA; four cases) and intraoperative scrape (one case) were reviewed
      from five patients with a histologically confirmed diagnosis of AFH. A review of
      six previously reported AFH cases with cytomorphology was also performed. The
      tumor presented as a cystic, deep dermal mass in three pediatric cases and as a
      solid, deeply seated mass in two adults. The cytomorphologic features are mostly
      nondistinctive and include cellular smears with ovoid to spindled histiocytoid
      cells that may be isolated or in clusters. Some of these cells are atypical and
      others contain hemosiderin. Large cellular clusters with a capillary structure
      and a whorled arrangement of tumor cells can be appreciated in some cases. There
      is always a bloody background, but a lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate is uncommon.
      The presences of EWSR1 rearrangement in one case and three copies of FUS gene in
      another case were detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization. Diagnosing AFH
      by FNA cytology alone can be challenging because of its rarity and usually
      nonspecific cytologic findings. Clinical correlation and ancillary studies are
      essential to reach a specific diagnosis of AFH in small needle biopsies.

PMID- 22045623
TI  - Quantifying hemodynamic refractory bold effects in normal subjects at the single
      subject level using an inverse logit fitting procedure.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate whether hemodynamic refractory effects provoked by repeated
      visual stimulation can be detected and quantified at the single-subject level
      using a recently described hemodynamic response function (HRF) fitting algorithm.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hemodynamic refractory effects were induced with an easily
      applicable functional MRI (fMRI) paradigm. A fitting method with inverse logit
      (IL) functions was applied to quantify net HRFs at the single-subject level with
      three interstimulus intervals (ISI; 1, 2, and 6 s). The model yielded amplitude,
      latencies, and width for each HRF. RESULTS: HRF fitting was possible in 44 of 51
      healthy volunteers, with excellent goodness-of-fit (R(2) = 0.9745 +/- 0.0241).
      Refractory effects were most pronounced for the 1-s ISI (P < 0.001) and had
      nearly disappeared for the 6-s ISI. CONCLUSION: Quantifying refractory effects in
      individuals was possible in 86.3% of normal subjects using the IL fitting
      algorithm. This setup may be suitable to explore such effects in individual
      patients.

PMID- 22045624
TI  - The effect of a bioactive tissue-engineered sling in a rat of stress incontinence
      model.
AB  - In this study, we attempt to examine the feasibility of the bioactive tissue
      engineered sling by using muscle precursor cells (MPCs)-seeded Poly(epsilon
      caprolactone) (PCL) nanofiber sheet in a rat model of stress urinary incontinence
      (SUI). In vitro, MPCs were cultured on a PCL nanofiber sheet for one week, where
      the MPCs-seeded PCL nanofiber sheet showed constant twitching contraction by
      electrical field stimulation in an organ bath. In vivo, MPCs-seeded PCL nanofiber
      sheet was placed under the female rat's urethra after pudendal nerve denervation
      (animal model of SUI). The leak point pressure (LPP) was evaluated with the
      vertical tilt table after the operation for four weeks. The resulting LPP of MPCs
      seeded PCL nanofiber sheet group was observed to be significantly higher than the
      denervation-only group's. Furthermore, PKH-26-labeled MPCs were observed under
      the urethral sphincter by immunohistochemistry. These results indicated that, the
      MPCs-seeded PCL nanofiber sheet have not only provided support for the deficient
      sphincter, but also actively improved the sphincter's function overall. In
      conclusion, this bioactive tissue-engineered sling could be used as an ideal
      material for the treatment of SUI.

PMID- 22045625
TI  - Out-of-hospital cardiac arrest: recent advances in resuscitation and effects on
      outcome.
AB  - Successful treatment of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest remains an unmet health
      need. Key elements of treatment comprise early recognition of cardiac arrest,
      prompt and effective cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), effective
      defibrillation strategies and organised post-resuscitation care. The initiation
      of bystander CPR followed by a prompt emergency response that delivers high
      quality CPR is critical to outcomes. The integration of additional tasks such as
      defibrillation, airway management, vascular access and drug administration should
      avoid interruptions in chest compressions. Evidence for the routine use of CPR
      prompt/feedback devices, mechanical chest compression devices and pharmacological
      therapy is limited.

PMID- 22045626
TI  - Redox bifurcations: mechanisms and importance to life now, and at its origin: a
      widespread means of energy conversion in biology unfolds....

PMID- 22045628
TI  - Palmitoyl-DL-carnitine is a multitarget inhibitor of Pseudomonas aeruginosa
      biofilm development.
AB  - Bacteria growing in biofilms are often in metabolic and physiological states that
      do not respond well to antibiotics, and thus, are major contributors to chronic
      diseases. Biofilm inhibitors, therefore, have the potential to be used alone or
      as adjuvants to conventional antibiotic therapies. Here, we screened a chemically
      diverse collection of protein kinase inhibitors for molecules that perturb
      biofilm development. Among the inhibitory molecules identified, palmitoyl-DL
      carnitine (pDLC) impaired Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli biofilm
      formation in a dose-dependent manner. The pDLC affected multiple pathways
      implicated in P. aeruginosa biofilm development; it stimulated motility,
      inhibited activity of the Las quorum sensing system, and overrode the biofilm
      promoting effects of subminimal inhibitory concentrations of aminoglycosides and
      high levels of the second messenger, cyclic-di-GMP. Palmitic acid, but not
      carnitine, inhibited biofilm formation but did not stimulate motility, suggesting
      that pDLC works through unique mechanisms. The ability to target multiple
      pathways involved in biofilm formation is desirable in an inhibitor, which makes
      pDLC an interesting lead for antibiofilm therapies.

PMID- 22045627
TI  - Involvement of the cGMP pathway in the osthole-facilitated glutamate release in
      rat hippocampal nerve endings.
AB  - Osthole, an active constituent isolated from Cnidium monnieri (L.) Cusson, has
      previously been shown to have the capacity to increase depolarization-evoked
      glutamate release in rat hippocampal nerve terminals. As cGMP-dependent signaling
      cascade has been found to modulate glutamate release at the presynaptic level,
      the aim of this study was to further examine the role of cGMP signaling pathway
      in the regulation of osthole on glutamate release in hippocampal synaptosomes.
      Results showed that osthole dose-dependently increased intrasynaptosomal cGMP
      levels. The elevation of cGMP levels by osthole was prevented by the
      phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor sildenafil but was insensitive to the guanylyl
      cyclase inhibitor ODQ. In addition, osthole-induced facilitation of 4
      aminopyridine (4-AP)-evoked glutamate release was completely prevented by the
      cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG) inhibitors, KT5823, and Rp-8-Br-PET-cGMPS.
      Direct activation of PKG with 8-Br-cGMP or 8-pCPT-cGMP also occluded the osthole
      mediated facilitation of 4-AP-evoked glutamate release. Furthermore, sildenafil
      exhibited a dose-dependent facilitation of 4-AP-evoked release of glutamate and
      occluded the effect of osthole on the 4-AP-evoked glutamate release.
      Collectively, our findings suggest that osthole-mediated facilitation of
      glutamate release involves the activation of cGMP/PKG-dependent pathway.

PMID- 22045629
TI  - Large platelet aggregates in endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration
      of the pancreas and peripancreatic region: a clue for the diagnosis of
      intrapancreatic or accessory spleen.
AB  - Intrapancreatic and intraabdominal accessory spleens (IPIASs) are rarely
      encountered in endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration (EUS-FNA)
      biopsies. However, as incidentally discovered IPIAS can mimic a benign or
      malignant pancreatic neoplasm on imaging studies, a definitive diagnosis made by
      EUS-FNA can avert an unnecessary surgical intervention or additional radiologic
      follow-up. We report five cases of intrapancreatic splenules and one case of
      accessory spleen (AS) in which a definitive diagnosis was made on EUS-FNA.
      Previously recognized FNA cytomorphologic features of splenic tissue, including
      ASs and splenosis, are endothelial cells and polymorphous lymphocytes admixed
      with neutrophils, eosinophils, plasma cells, histiocytes, and lymphoglandular
      bodies. We describe the additional finding of abundant large platelet aggregates
      as another distinguishing feature of splenic tissue on FNA. In all six cases,
      large platelet aggregates were identified along with polymorphous lymphoid cells,
      lymphoglandular bodies, loose aggregates of endothelial cells and scattered or
      aggregated bland spindle cells. A review of 10 consecutive cases of EUS-FNA
      sampled benign intraabdominal lymph nodes showed that the presence of large
      platelet aggregates, three-dimensional aggregates of lymphoid cells and of bland
      slender spindle cells and the absence of follicular germinal cell components
      (tingible body macrophages and lymphohistiocytic aggregates) are useful in
      differentiating IPIASs from reactive lymph nodes. Immunoperoxidase stains were
      useful to confirm a suspected IPIASs by showing CD31-positive acellular
      flocculent material, consistent with large platelet aggregates and a rich CD8
      positive endothelial cell network between CD45-positive lymphoid cells and CD68
      positive histiocytes in all six cases.

PMID- 22045630
TI  - Gadofluorine M enhanced MRI in experimental glioma: superior and persistent
      intracellular tumor enhancement compared with conventional MRI.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques (T2
      w and Gadolinium-DTPA-enhanced T1-w images) and Gadofluorine-M (GfM), a novel
      contrast agent in MRI, in murine gliomas. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Growth
      monitoring of murine gliomas (induced in mice) was performed on a 2.3 Tesla
      Bruker Biospec MRI unit. First all animals were investigated with conventional
      MRI techniques. In group I GfM was applied at an early stage of disease, in group
      II at a later stage. After injection of GfM follow-up MRI was performed without
      further injection of contrast agent. On MR images tumor size and signal
      intensities were assessed. Animals were killed for histological evaluation.
      RESULTS: In both groups GfM delineated tumor extents larger and more precisely
      than conventional MRI techniques. The difference between GfM and conventional MRI
      techniques reached level of significance at both tumor stages. Follow-up MRI
      after singular injection of GfM showed persistence of GfM in tumor tissue. On
      tissue sections GfM-enhancing areas corresponded closely to vital tumor tissue.
      GfM showed a mainly intracellular accumulation. CONCLUSION: Application of GfM
      resulted in superior delineation of experimental glioma compared with
      conventional MRI techniques. Thus, GfM bears a high potential in clinical
      application.

PMID- 22045631
TI  - In vitro and in vivo evaluations on osteogenesis and biodegradability of a beta
      tricalcium phosphate coated magnesium alloy.
AB  - Magnesium (Mg) alloys have been demonstrated to be potential orthopedic implants
      due to their biodegradability in vivo. To enhance its corrosion resistance and
      improve its osteogenesis, beta-tricalcium phosphate (beta-TCP) was coated on a Mg
      alloy (Mg-3AI-1Zn) by phosphating process. In vitro, the human osteosarcoma cell
      line (SaOS-2) showed significantly good adherence and proliferation on the
      surface of the beta-TCP coated Mg alloy after 24-h incubation. The growth factor
      bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) was highly expressed in SaOS-2 cultured with
      the beta-TCP coated Mg alloy by Western blot analysis (p < 0.05). In vivo, the
      newborn bone at the implant/bone interface was formed at week 1 and matured at
      week 4 postimplantation. Villous tissue was found at the implant/bone interface
      at week 12 postimplantation. The contents of phosphorus and calcium on the
      surface of the beta-TCP coated Mg alloy were decreased at week 4 and week 12
      postimplantation, respectively. Immunohistochemical analysis of the experiment
      results demonstrated that the beta-TCP coated Mg alloy implants provided a high
      BMP-2 expression during the first 4 weeks postimplantation. Compared with the
      naked Mg alloy which was degraded for 33% in vivo, only 17% of the beta-TCP
      coated Mg alloy was degraded at week 12 postimplantation (p < 0.05). The in vitro
      cell tests showed that the beta-TCP coating provided the Mg alloy with a
      significantly better surface cytocompatibility, and in vivo results also
      confirmed that the beta-TCP coating exhibited greatly improved osteoconductivity
      and osteogenesis in the early 12 weeks postoperation period. Moreover, in vivo
      experiment demonstrated that the beta-TCP coating layer could slow down the
      degradation of the naked Mg alloy at the early stage of implantation.

PMID- 22045632
TI  - Dr. Sanger, meet Mr. Moore: next-generation sequencing is driving new questions
      and new modes of research.

PMID- 22045633
TI  - Determination of hemin-binding characteristics of proteins by a combinatorial
      peptide library approach.
AB  - Studies of the binding of heme/hemin to proteins or peptides have recently
      intensified as it became evident that heme serves not only as a prosthetic group,
      but also as a regulator and effector molecule interacting with transmembrane and
      cytoplasmic proteins. The iron-ion-containing heme group can associate with these
      proteins in different ways, with the amino acids Cys, His, and Tyr allowing
      individual modes of binding. Strong coordinate-covalent binding, such as in
      cytochrome c, is known, and reversible attachment is also discussed. Ligands for
      both types of binding have been reported independently, though sometimes with
      different affinities for similar sequences. We applied a combinatorial approach
      using the library (X)(4) (C/H/Y)(X)(4)  to characterize peptide ligands with
      considerable hemin binding capacities. Some of the library-selected peptides were
      comparable in terms of hemin association independently of whether or not a
      cysteine residue was present in the sequence. Indeed, a preference for His-based
      (~39 %) and Tyr-based (~40 %) sequences over Cys-based ones (~21 %) was detected.
      The binding affinities for the library-selected peptides, as determined by UV/Vis
      spectroscopy, were in the nanomolar range. Moreover, selected representatives
      efficiently competed for hemin binding with the human BK channel hSlo1, which is
      known to be regulated by heme through binding to its heme-binding domain.

PMID- 22045634
TI  - Water-soluble distyrylbenzenes: one core with two sensory responses--turn-on and
      ratiometric.
AB  - The synthesis of four water-soluble distyrylbenzenes (compounds 1-4) is reported.
      Their acidochromicity in aqueous media was investigated. Blue shifts and
      increases in the quantum yields were observed as a general response. The pH
      dependent photophysics of 1b-3b in water reveal unexpected protonation sequences
      upon titration: compound 1b is green-yellow fluorescent at high pH (10) but
      becomes very weakly fluorescent between pH 5 and pH 3, whereas below pH 2 strong
      blue fluorescence is observed. This behavior can be explained in terms of the
      interplay in the protonation of aniline and of the carboxylate groups. In
      compound 4, a higher basicity of the amino group is observed and ratiometric
      fluorescence change takes place upon protonation or on reaction with zinc salts
      in water. Compound 4 can therefore act as a weak ratiometric zinc ligand in
      water, even though it has only a dimethylamino unit as a binding motif.

PMID- 22045635
TI  - Abundant amyloid deposits in endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine-needle aspiration
      biopsy of pancreatic endocrine neoplasms.

PMID- 22045638
TI  - Are tumor cells protected from some anti-cancer drugs by elevated APC/C activity?
      (comment on DOI: 10.1002/bies.201100094).

PMID- 22045639
TI  - As time goes by.

PMID- 22045640
TI  - Choosing a cell sorting option to study the fate of bystander cells: FACS or
      MACS?

PMID- 22045636
TI  - Sixteen years and counting: the current understanding of fibroblast growth factor
      receptor 3 (FGFR3) signaling in skeletal dysplasias.
AB  - In 1994, the field of bone biology was significantly advanced by the discovery
      that activating mutations in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3)
      receptor tyrosine kinase (TK) account for the common genetic form of dwarfism in
      humans, achondroplasia (ACH). Other conditions soon followed, with the list of
      human disorders caused by FGFR3 mutations now reaching at least 10. An array of
      vastly different diagnoses is caused by similar mutations in FGFR3, including
      syndromes affecting skeletal development (hypochondroplasia [HCH], ACH,
      thanatophoric dysplasia [TD]), skin (epidermal nevi, seborrhaeic keratosis,
      acanthosis nigricans), and cancer (multiple myeloma [MM], prostate and bladder
      carcinoma, seminoma). Despite many years of research, several aspects of FGFR3
      function in disease remain obscure or controversial. As FGFR3-related skeletal
      dysplasias are caused by growth attenuation of the cartilage, chondrocytes appear
      to be unique in their response to FGFR3 activation. However, the reasons why
      FGFR3 inhibits chondrocyte growth while causing excessive cellular proliferation
      in cancer are not clear. Likewise, the full spectrum of molecular events by which
      FGFR3 mediates its signaling is just beginning to emerge. This article describes
      the challenging journey to unravel the mechanisms of FGFR3 function in skeletal
      dysplasias, the extraordinary cellular manifestations of FGFR3 signaling in
      chondrocytes, and finally, the progress toward therapy for ACH and cancer.

PMID- 22045641
TI  - Cell cycle dependent TN-C promoter activity determined by live cell imaging.
AB  - The extracellular matrix protein tenascin-C plays a critical role in development,
      wound healing, and cancer progression, but how it is controlled and how it exerts
      its physiological responses remain unclear. By quantifying the behavior of live
      cells with phase contrast and fluorescence microscopy, the dynamic regulation of
      TN-C promoter activity is examined. We employ an NIH 3T3 cell line stably
      transfected with the TN-C promoter ligated to the gene sequence for destabilized
      green fluorescent protein (GFP). Fully automated image analysis routines,
      validated by comparison with data derived from manual segmentation and tracking
      of single cells, are used to quantify changes in the cellular GFP in hundreds of
      individual cells throughout their cell cycle during live cell imaging experiments
      lasting 62 h. We find that individual cells vary substantially in their
      expression patterns over the cell cycle, but that on average TN-C promoter
      activity increases during the last 40% of the cell cycle. We also find that the
      increase in promoter activity is proportional to the activity earlier in the cell
      cycle. This work illustrates the application of live cell microscopy and
      automated image analysis of a promoter-driven GFP reporter cell line to identify
      subtle gene regulatory mechanisms that are difficult to uncover using population
      averaged measurements.

PMID- 22045642
TI  - A high throughput, interactive imaging, bright-field wound healing assay.
AB  - The wound healing assay is a commonly used technique to measure cell motility and
      migration. Traditional methods of performing the wound healing assay suffer from
      low throughput and a lack of quantitative data analysis. We have developed a new
      method to perform a high-throughput wound healing assay that produces
      quantitative data using the LEAPTM instrument. The LEAPTM instrument is used to
      create reproducible wounds in each well of a 96-well plate by laser ablation. The
      LEAPTM then records bright field images of each well at several time points. A
      custom texture segmentation algorithm is used to determine the wound area of each
      well at each time point. This texture segmentation analysis can provide faster
      and more accurate image analysis than traditional methods. Experimental results
      show that reproducible wounds are created by laser ablation with a wound area
      that varies by less than 10%. This method was tested by confirming that
      neuregulin-2beta increases the rate of wound healing by MCF7 cells in a dose
      dependent manner. This automated wound healing assay has greatly improved the
      speed and accuracy, making it a suitable high-throughput method for drug
      screening.

PMID- 22045643
TI  - A miniature Couette to generate shear for flow cytometry: studying real-time
      modulation of intracellular calcium in monocytic cells.
AB  - Extracellular hydrodynamic forces may be transmitted to the interior of cells
      through the alteration of integrin conformation and affinity. Integrin activation
      regulates leukocyte recruitment, cell activation, and transmigration. The
      cellular and molecular mechanisms for integrin activation are not precisely
      known, although intracellular calcium signaling is involved. Flow cytometry
      offers a versatile way to study intracellular calcium signaling in real-time. We
      report a novel method to generate defined shear by using a miniature Couette.
      Testing involved measuring shear-induced intracellular calcium signals of human
      monoblastoid U937 cells in suspension. The Couette was connected externally to a
      flow cytometer and pressurized at 6 PSI (4.1 N/m(2) ). Cells were subjected to a
      well-defined shear between 0 and 1,000 s(-1) and delivered continuously within 10
      s to a FACScan at 1 MUl/s. Intracellular calcium levels and the percentage of
      cells activated increased as shear increased in duration and intensity.

PMID- 22045646
TI  - Preferential affinity of the components of liquid mixtures at a rigid non-polar
      surface: enthalpic and entropic driving forces.
AB  - The modulation of the properties of lipid membranes by polyhydroxylated cosolutes
      such as sugars is a phenomenon of considerable biological, technological and
      medicinal relevance. A few years ago, we proposed the sugar-like mechanism-
      binding driven by the release of water molecules--as an attempt to rationalize
      the preferential affinity of carbohydrate molecules compared to water molecules
      for the surface of lipid bilayers, which is presumably related to the
      bioprotective action of these compounds. The goal herein is to gain a better
      understanding of the driving force underlying this mechanism, in terms of
      specific interactions or effects, as well as in terms of the energy-entropy
      partitioning. This is done in the simplest possible context of an apolar rigid
      wall model representing the membrane, and mixtures of closely related and
      possibly artificial species in solution, namely monomers or dimers of Lennard
      Jones particles, water with physical or reduced charges, and hydroxymethyl
      groups. The results indicate that although the sugar-like mechanism seems
      phenomenologically reasonable, the main driving force underlying this mechanism
      is not the entropy gain upon releasing water molecules into the bulk, as
      originally suggested, but rather the hydrophobic effect. Note that the latter
      effect is a generic concept and may in principle involve both a solvent release
      and an interaction component, depending on the solute considered.

PMID- 22045647
TI  - A place for assaying serum apolipoprotein AI and B?

PMID- 22045648
TI  - The '70% claim': what is the evidence base?

PMID- 22045649
TI  - Assessment of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), and human
      epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) status in the fine needle aspirates of
      metastatic breast carcinomas.
AB  - The assessment of estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and human
      epidermal growth factor receptor (HER2) status in the fine needle aspirates of
      metastatic breast carcinomas has prognostic and therapeutic implications. In this
      study, expression of ER, PR, and HER2 was assessed by immunohistochemical study
      in 70 cases of metastatic breast carcinomas and HER2 gene amplification was
      further evaluated by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in 38 (54%) cases.
      Positive expression of ER and PR was seen in 42 (60%) and 16 (23%) cases of
      metastatic breast carcinomas, respectively. HER2 immunoreactivity was scored as
      0/1+ in 39 (56%), 2+ in 10 (14%), and 3+ in 21 (30%) cases. HER2 gene
      amplification was seen in 20% of HER2 2+ and 64% of HER2 3+ cases. ER, PR, and
      HER2 status in primary breast cancers were available to comparison in 31 cases
      (44%). The concordance rates between metastatic and primary breast carcinomas
      were 81% for ER, 65% for PR and 71% for HER2. Our study demonstrates that ER, PR,
      and HER2 status can be assessed in the fine needle aspirates of metastatic breast
      carcinomas and ER has a higher concordance rate between metastatic and primary
      breast carcinomas than PR and HER2. The addition of HER2 gene amplification FISH
      test helps in accurate assessment of HER2 status in metastatic breast carcinomas.

PMID- 22045650
TI  - The aqueduct of Sylvius: a sonographic landmark for neural tube defects in the
      first trimester.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To describe a new first-trimester sonographic landmark, posterior
      displacement of the midbrain and aqueduct of Sylvius, which may be useful in
      early screening for neural tube defects. METHODS: This was a prospective study of
      457 normal fetuses at 11 + 0 to 13 + 6 weeks' gestation. We measured the distance
      from the posterior border of the aqueduct of Sylvius to the anterior border of
      the occiput (AOS-to-occiput distance) in the axial plane and created a reference
      range. In the nine fetuses with abnormal midbrain position identified in the
      first trimester and with neural tube defect subsequently confirmed, we analyzed
      ultrasound images to determine the position of the aqueduct of Sylvius. RESULTS:
      The lower limit of normal AOS-to-occiput distance (mean minus 2 SD) ranged from
      1.7 mm at a crown-rump length (CRL) of 45 mm to 3.7 mm at a CRL of 84 mm. In the
      nine cases with abnormal position of the midbrain and confirmed neural tube
      defect, juxtaposition of the midbrain to the occiput was the clue to diagnosis of
      the spinal abnormality. In all nine cases, the AOS-to-occiput distance was below
      the established normal range. CONCLUSIONS: Examination of the midbrain in an
      axial plane may prove a reliable marker for the first-trimester diagnosis of
      neural tube defects. In contrast to recently reported subtle changes in the mid
      sagittal view of the posterior cranial fossa, axial imaging of the midbrain
      reveals striking displacement of this structure, with virtual juxtaposition to
      the occiput, in fetuses with confirmed open spina bifida. This anatomical
      distortion of the midbrain can be quantified by measurement of the AOS-to-occiput
      distance.

PMID- 22045651
TI  - Novel comprehensive diagnostic strategy in Pitt-Hopkins syndrome: clinical score
      and further delineation of the TCF4 mutational spectrum.
AB  - Pitt-Hopkins syndrome (PTHS), characterized by severe intellectual disability and
      typical facial gestalt, is part of the clinical spectrum of Rett-like syndromes.
      TCF4, encoding a basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcription factor, was
      identified as the disease-causing gene with de novo molecular defects. While PTHS
      appears to be a recognizable clinical entity, it seems to remain underdiagnosed,
      especially when facial gestalt is less typical. With the aim to facilitate the
      diagnosis of PTHS and to increase its rate and specificity, we have investigated
      33 novel patients and defined a Clinical Diagnosis Score. Analysis of 112
      individuals (79 previously reported and 33 novel patients) allowed us to
      delineate the TCF4 mutational spectrum, with 40% point mutations, 30% small
      deletions/insertions, and 30% deletions. Most of these were private mutations and
      generated premature stop codons. Missense mutations were localized in the bHLH
      domain, which is a mutational hotspot. No obvious difference was observed between
      patients harboring truncating, missense mutations, or deletions, further
      supporting TCF4 haploinsufficiency as the molecular mechanism underlying PTHS. In
      this study, we have summarized the current knowledge of TCF4 molecular pathology,
      reported all the mutations in the TCF4 database (http://www.LOVD.nl/TCF4), and
      present a novel and comprehensive diagnostic strategy for PTHS.

PMID- 22045652
TI  - Receptor tyrosine kinase pathway analysis sheds light on similarities between
      clear-cell sarcoma and metastatic melanoma.
AB  - To highlight possible similarities and differences in receptor tyrosine kinase
      (RTK) and downstream signalling activation profiles between clear-cell sarcomas
      (CCS) and metastatic melanomas (MM), frozen, and paired-matched fixed samples of
      six CCS with EWSR1 rearrangement (EWSR1+), five CCS without EWSR1 rearrangement
      (EWSR1-), and seven MM were investigated by means of biochemical,
      immunohistochemical, FISH, molecular analyses, and immunofluorescence confocal
      microscopy. Fixed samples of a further 10 CCS and 14 MM were investigated by
      means of sequencing for BRAF, NRAS, and KRAS mutations and FISH analyses for the
      gain of chromosomes 22 and 8. RTK analysis of all CCS/MM samples showed
      activation of short-form (sf) recepteur d'origine nantais (RON) RTK and of
      PDGFRB, MET, and HER3. Analysis of downstream signaling revealed consistent
      phosphorylation patterns of PI3K/AKT, RSK, and the mTOR targets S6 and 4EBP1.
      Analysis of frozen and fixed material from 21 CCS and 21 MM showed the presence
      of the V600E BRAF mutation in 2/12 EWSR1+ and 3/9 EWSR1- CCS and 9/21 MM and
      demonstrated a significant (P < 0.001) correlation between the gain of
      chromosomes 22 and 8 and EWSR1- CCS. Our results show that BRAF mutation can also
      be present in CCS and support the proposed aberration of chromosomes 22 and 8 as
      a possibly useful nonrandom hallmark of EWSR1- CCS. Besides, they broaden the
      spectrum of the similarities of RTK pathway activation between CCS and MM, thus
      suggesting that new drugs found to be active in melanoma and RON inhibitors could
      have a role in CCS treatment. (c) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 22045654
TI  - Curcumin attenuates diabetic nephropathy by inhibiting PKC-alpha and PKC-beta1
      activity in streptozotocin-induced type I diabetic rats.
AB  - SCOPE: We hypothesized that curcumin, a potent anti-oxidant, might be beneficial
      in ameliorating the development of diabetic nephropathy through inhibition of PKC
      alpha and PKC-beta1 activity-ERK1/2 pathway. METHODS AND RESULTS: Diabetes was
      induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ) (55 mg/kg)
      in rats. Three weeks after STZ injection, rats were divided into three groups,
      namely, normal, diabetic and diabetic treated with curcumin at 100 mg/kg/day,
      p.o., for 8 wk. At 11 wk after STZ injection, diabetic rats exhibited renal
      dysfunction, as evidenced by reduced creatinine clearance, increased blood urea
      nitrogen (BUN) and proteinuria, marked increases in lipid peroxidation, NOX4 and
      p67phox and decrease in anti-oxidant enzyme. All of these abnormalities were
      significantly reversed by curcumin. Furthermore, the high-glucose-induced PKC
      alpha and PKC-beta1 activities and phosphorylated ERK1/2 was significantly
      diminished by curcumin. Curcumin also attenuated the expression of TGF-beta1,
      CTGF, osteopontin, p300 and ECM proteins such as fibronectin and type IV
      collagen. The high-glucose-induced expression of VEGF and its receptor VEGF
      receptor II (flk-1) was also ameliorated by curcumin. CONCLUSION: These results
      prove that curcumin produces dual blockade of both PKC-alpha and PKC-beta1
      activities, which suggests that curcumin is a potential adjuvant therapy for the
      prevention and treatment of diabetic nephropathy.

PMID- 22045655
TI  - Anti-proliferative effect of curcumin on melanoma cells is mediated by PDE1A
      inhibition that regulates the epigenetic integrator UHRF1.
AB  - SCOPE: Curcumin inhibits proliferation of many cancer cells. Cyclic nucleotide
      phosphodiesterases (PDEs), by hydrolyzing intracellular cyclic adenosine-3',5'
      monophosphate (cAMP) and/or cyclic guanosine-3',5'-monophosphate (cGMP), play a
      pivotal role in signalling pathways involved in cell proliferation. Therefore,
      this study investigated PDE1-5 participations in the anti-proliferative
      properties of curcumin in B16F10 murine melanoma cells. METHODS AND RESULTS: We
      report that curcumin inhibits PDE1-5 activities (IC(50) ?10(-5)  M), indicating
      that curcumin acts as a non-selective PDE inhibitor. In melanoma cells, PDE4 and
      PDE1 represent the major cAMP-PDEs and cGMP-PDEs activities, respectively.
      Curcumin treatment decreased PDE1 and PDE4 activities and dose dependently
      increased intracellular cGMP levels, whereas cAMP levels were unchanged. Curcumin
      inhibited cell proliferation and cell cycle progression by accumulating cells in
      the S- and G2/M-phases with enhanced expressions of cyclin-dependent kinase
      inhibitors. In contrast, expressions of PDE1A, cyclin A and the epigenetic
      integrator ubiquitin-like containing PHD and Ring Finger domains 1 (UHRF1) and
      DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) were decreased by curcumin. Interestingly, PDE1A
      overexpression increased UHRF1 and DNMT1 expressions and rescued the B16F10 cells
      from curcumin anti-proliferative effects. Nimodipine, a PDE1 inhibitor, mimicked
      the curcumin effects. CONCLUSION: Curcumin exerts its anti-cancer property by
      targeting PDE1 that inhibits melanoma cell proliferation via UHRF1, DNMT1, cyclin
      A, p21 and p27 regulations. This suggests that natural PDE1 inhibitors present in
      food might be effective in preventing cancer.

PMID- 22045656
TI  - Allergenic and immunogenic potential of cow's milk beta-lactoglobulin and caseins
      evidenced without adjuvant in germ-free mice.
AB  - SCOPE: In most animal models of allergy, the development of an IgE response
      requires the use of an adjuvant. Germ-free (GF) mice exhibit Th2-polarized
      antibody responses combined with defective immunosuppressive mechanisms. The
      sensitizing potential of milk proteins was investigated in GF mice in the absence
      of adjuvant. METHODS AND RESULTS: beta-lactoglobulin (BLG) and whole casein (CAS)
      allergenicity was evaluated by means of intraperitoneal injections without
      adjuvant. Injections of BLG induced significant IgE and IgG1 responses in GF
      mice, while CAS injections provoked the production of IgG1 toward kappa- and
      alphaS1-caseins. No significant antibody response was evidenced in conventional
      (CV) mice. After in vitro BLG-reactivation, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13 and IFN-gamma
      productions by splenocytes were higher in GF mice than in CV mice. Heat-treatment
      decreased BLG allergenicity as indicated by the absence of IgE production in GF
      mice. However, heat-treatment increased protein immunogenicity and led to the
      production of anti-BLG and anti-kappa-casein IgG1 in both GF and CV mice. This
      correlated with enhanced productions of IL-4, IL-5 and IL-13 in BLG-reactivated
      splenocytes from CV mice. CONCLUSION: Gut colonization by commensal bacteria
      appeared then to significantly reduce the susceptibility of mice toward the
      intrinsic allergenic and immunogenic potential of milk proteins.

PMID- 22045657
TI  - Formation of dopamine quinone-DNA adducts and their potential role in the
      etiology of Parkinson's disease.
AB  - The neurotransmitter dopamine is oxidized to its quinone (DA-Q), which at neutral
      pH undergoes intramolecular cyclization by 1,4-Michael addition, followed by
      oxidation to form leukochrome, then aminochrome, and finally neuromelanin. At
      lower pH, the amino group of DA is partially protonated, allowing the competitive
      intermolecular 1,4-Michael addition with nucleophiles in DNA to form the
      depurinating adducts, DA-6-N3Ade and DA-6-N7Gua. Catechol estrogen-3,4-quinones
      react by 1,4-Michael addition to form the depurinating 4
      hydroxyestrone(estradiol)-1-N3Ade [4-OHE1(E2)-1-N3Ade] and 4-OHE1(E2)-1-N7Gua
      adducts, which are implicated in the initiation of breast and other human
      cancers. The effect of pH was studied by reacting tyrosinase-activated DA with
      DNA and measuring the formation of depurinating adducts. The most adducts were
      formed at pH 4, 5, and 6, and their level was nominal at pH 7 and 8. The N3Ade
      adduct depurinated instantaneously, but N7Gua had a half-life of 3 H. The slow
      loss of the N7Gua adduct is analogous to that observed in previous studies of
      natural and synthetic estrogens. The antioxidants N-acetylcysteine and
      resveratrol efficiently blocked formation of the DA-DNA adducts. Thus, slightly
      acidic conditions render competitive the reaction of DA-Q with DNA to form
      depurinating adducts. We hypothesize that formation of these adducts could lead
      to mutations that initiate Parkinson's disease. If so, use of N-acetylcysteine
      and resveratrol as dietary supplements may prevent initiation of this disease.

PMID- 22045658
TI  - Cytologic features of subependymoma with extensive microcystic transformation.

PMID- 22045659
TI  - Genome-wide identification of SNPs in microRNA genes and the SNP effects on
      microRNA target binding and biogenesis.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are studied as key regulators of gene expression involved in
      different diseases. Several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in miRNA genes
      or target sites (miRNA-related SNPs) have been proved to be associated with human
      diseases by affecting the miRNA-mediated regulatory function. To systematically
      analyze miRNA-related SNPs and their effects, we performed a genome-wide scan for
      SNPs in human pre-miRNAs, miRNA flanking regions, target sites, and designed a
      pipeline to predict the effects of them on miRNA-target interaction. As a result,
      we identified 48 SNPs in human miRNA seed regions and thousands of SNPs in 3'
      untranslated regions with the potential to either disturb or create miRNA-target
      interactions. Furthermore, we experimentally confirmed seven loss-of-function
      SNPs and one gain-of-function SNP by luciferase assay. This is the first case of
      experimental validation of an SNP in an miRNA creating a novel miRNA target
      binding. All useful data were complied into miRNASNP, a user-friendly free online
      database (http://www.bioguo.org/miRNASNP/). These data will be a useful resource
      for studying miRNA function, identifying disease-associated miRNAs, and further
      personalized medicine.

PMID- 22045660
TI  - An irradiation-altered bone marrow microenvironment impacts anabolic actions of
      PTH.
AB  - PTH stimulates bone formation and increases hematopoietic stem cells through
      mechanisms as yet uncertain. The purpose of this study was to identify mechanisms
      by which PTH links actions on cells of hematopoietic origin with osteoblast
      mediated bone formation. C57B6 mice (10 d) were nonlethally irradiated and then
      administered PTH for 5-20 d. Irradiation reduced bone marrow cellularity with
      retention of cells lining trabeculae. PTH anabolic activity was greater in
      irradiated vs. nonirradiated mice, which could not be accounted for by altered
      osteoblasts directly or osteoclasts but instead via an altered bone marrow
      microenvironment. Irradiation increased fibroblast growth factor 2, TGFbeta, and
      IL-6 mRNA levels in the bone marrow in vivo. Irradiation decreased B220 cell
      numbers, whereas the percent of Lin(-)Sca-1(+)c-kit(+) (LSK), CD11b(+), CD68(+),
      CD41(+), Lin(-)CD29(+)Sca-1(+) cells, and proliferating CD45(-)Nestin(+) cells
      was increased. Megakaryocyte numbers were reduced with irradiation and located
      more closely to trabecular surfaces with irradiation and PTH. Bone marrow TGFbeta
      was increased in irradiated PTH-treated mice, and inhibition of TGFbeta blocked
      the PTH augmentation of bone in irradiated mice. In conclusion, irradiation
      created a permissive environment for anabolic actions of PTH that was TGFbeta
      dependent but osteoclast independent and suggests that a nonosteoclast source of
      TGFbeta drives mesenchymal stem cell recruitment to support PTH anabolic actions.

PMID- 22045662
TI  - Fetal sex affects expression of renin-angiotensin system components in term human
      decidua.
AB  - The maternal decidua expresses the genes of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS).
      Human decidua was collected at term either before labor (i.e. cesarean delivery)
      or after spontaneous labor. The mRNA for prorenin (REN), prorenin receptor
      (ATP6AP2), angiotensinogen (AGT), angiotensin-converting enzymes 1 and 2 (ACE1
      and ACE2), angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AGTR1), and angiotensin 1-7 receptor
      (MAS1) were measured by quantitative real-time RT-PCR. Decidual explants were
      cultured in duplicate for 24 and 48 h, and all RAS mRNA, and the secretion of
      prorenin, angiotensin II, and angiotensin 1-7 was measured using quantitative
      real-time RT-PCR, ELISA, and radioimmunoassay, respectively. In the decidua
      collected before labor, REN mRNA levels were higher if the fetus was female. In
      addition, REN, ATP6AP2, AGT, and MAS1 mRNA abundance was greater in decidual
      explants collected from women carrying a female fetus, as was prorenin protein.
      After 24 h, ACE1 mRNA was higher in the decidual explants from women with a male
      fetus, whereas after 48 h, both ACE1 and ACE2 mRNA was higher in decidual
      explants from women with a female fetus. Angiotensin II was present in all
      explants, but angiotensin 1-7 levels often registered below the lower limits of
      sensitivity for the assay. After labor, decidua, when compared with nonlaboring
      decidua, demonstrated lower REN expression when the fetus was female. Therefore,
      the maternal decidual RAS is regulated in a sex-specific manner, suggesting that
      it may function differently when the fetus is male than when it is female.

PMID- 22045661
TI  - Identification, expression, and physiological functions of Siberian hamster
      gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone.
AB  - Gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) is a hypothalamic neuropeptide that
      inhibits gonadotropin secretion in birds and mammals. To further understand its
      physiological roles in mammalian reproduction, we identified its precursor cDNA
      and endogenous mature peptides in the Siberian hamster brain. The Siberian
      hamster GnIH precursor cDNA encoded two RFamide-related peptide (RFRP) sequences.
      SPAPANKVPHSAANLPLRF-NH(2) (Siberian hamster RFRP-1) and TLSRVPSLPQRF-NH(2)
      (Siberian hamster RFRP-3) were confirmed as mature endogenous peptides by mass
      spectrometry from brain samples purified by immunoaffinity chromatography. GnIH
      mRNA expression was higher in long days (LD) compared with short days (SD). GnIH
      mRNA was also highly expressed in SD plus pinealectomized animals, whereas
      expression was suppressed by melatonin, a nocturnal pineal hormone,
      administration. GnIH-immunoreactive (-ir) neurons were localized to the
      dorsomedial region of the hypothalamus, and GnIH-ir fibers projected to
      hypothalamic and limbic structures. The density of GnIH-ir perikarya and fibers
      were higher in LD and SD plus pinealectomized hamsters than in LD plus melatonin
      or SD animals. The percentage of GnRH neurons receiving close appositions from
      GnIH-ir fiber terminals was also higher in LD than SD, and GnIH receptor was
      expressed in GnRH-ir neurons. Finally, central administration of hamster RFRP-1
      or RFRP-3 inhibited LH release 5 and 30 min after administration in LD. In sharp
      contrast, both peptides stimulated LH release 30 min after administration in SD.
      These results suggest that GnIH peptides fine tune LH levels via its receptor
      expressed in GnRH-ir neurons in an opposing fashion across the seasons in
      Siberian hamsters.

PMID- 22045663
TI  - Spermatogonia differentiation requires retinoic acid receptor gamma.
AB  - Vitamin A is instrumental to mammalian reproduction. Its metabolite, retinoic
      acid (RA), acts in a hormone-like manner through binding to and activating three
      nuclear receptor isotypes, RA receptor (RAR)alpha (RARA), RARbeta, and RARgamma
      (RARG). Here, we show that 1) RARG is expressed by A aligned (A(al))
      spermatogonia, as well as during the transition from A(al) to A(1) spermatogonia,
      which is known to require RA; and 2) ablation of Rarg, either in the whole mouse
      or specifically in spermatogonia, does not affect meiosis and spermiogenesis but
      impairs the A(al) to A(1) transition in the course of some of the seminiferous
      epithelium cycles. Upon ageing, this phenomenon yields seminiferous tubules
      containing only spermatogonia and Sertoli cells. Altogether, our findings
      indicate that RARG cell-autonomously transduces, in undifferentiated
      spermatogonia of adult testes, a RA signal critical for spermatogenesis. During
      the prepubertal spermatogenic wave, the loss of RARG function can however be
      compensated by RARA, as indicated by the normal timing of appearance of meiotic
      cells in Rarg-null testes. Accordingly, RARG- and RARA-selective agonists are
      both able to stimulate Stra8 expression in wild-type prepubertal testes.
      Interestingly, inactivation of Rarg does not impair expression of the
      spermatogonia differentiation markers Kit and Stra8, contrary to vitamin A
      deficiency. This latter observation supports the notion that the RA-signaling
      pathway previously shown to operate in Sertoli cells also participates in
      spermatogonia differentiation.

PMID- 22045664
TI  - Stretch and inflammatory cytokines drive myometrial chemokine expression via NF
      kappaB activation.
AB  - Both human preterm labor (PTL) and term labor are consistently associated with a
      chemokine-induced inflammatory infiltration of the myometrium. However, what
      regulates myometrial chemokine expression and whether the increase in expression
      precedes the onset of labor, and so may have a role in its causation, or occurs
      after, and is simply a consequence of labor, is uncertain. Therefore, we assessed
      1) chemokine expression in nonlaboring and laboring myometrial samples obtained
      at and before term and 2) the factors that regulate myometrial chemokine
      expression. We found that term labor was characterized by an increase in CXCL8
      and CCL2 in both upper and lower segments, whereas PTL was associated with a
      distinct pattern of chemokine expression, with increases in CCL5, CXCL5, and
      CCL20 in the lower segment myometrium only. Further, we found that chemokine
      expression in myometrial cell cultures was increased by stretch and inflammatory
      cytokines and reduced by prostglandins and oxytocin and that the primary mediator
      of stretch and cytokine effects was nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) and to a
      lesser extent MAPK. These data show that PTL appears to be associated with a
      distinct pattern of chemokine expression, that stretch and cytokines both drive
      myometrial chemokine expression primarily via activation of NF-kappaB. These data
      suggest that the modulation of NF-kappaB activity may be of potential benefit in
      the management of PTL.

PMID- 22045665
TI  - Enhanced fatty acid flux triggered by adiponectin overexpression.
AB  - Adiponectin overexpression in mice increases insulin sensitivity independent of
      adiposity. Here, we combined stable isotope infusion and in vivo measurements of
      lipid flux with transcriptomic analysis to characterize fatty acid metabolism in
      transgenic mice that overexpress adiponectin via the aP2-promoter (ADNTg).
      Compared with controls, fasted ADNTg mice demonstrated a 31% reduction in plasma
      free fatty acid concentrations (P = 0.008), a doubling of ketones (P = 0.028),
      and a 68% increase in free fatty acid turnover in plasma (15.1 +/- 1.5 vs. 25.3
      +/- 6.8 mg/kg . min, P = 0.011). ADNTg mice had 2-fold more brown adipose tissue
      mass, and triglyceride synthesis and turnover were 5-fold greater in this organ
      (P = 0.046). Epididymal white adipose tissue was slightly reduced, possibly due
      to the approximately 1.5-fold increase in the expression of genes involved in
      oxidation (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha, peroxisome
      proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator 1alpha, and uncoupling protein
      3). In ADNTg liver, lipogenic gene expression was reduced, but there was an
      unexpected increase in the expression of retinoid pathway genes (hepatic retinol
      binding protein 1 and retinoic acid receptor beta and adipose Cyp26A1) and liver
      retinyl ester content (64% higher, P < 0.02). Combined, these data support a
      physiological link between adiponectin signaling and increased efficiency of
      triglyceride synthesis and hydrolysis, a process that can be controlled by
      retinoids. Interactions between adiponectin and retinoids may underlie
      adiponectin's effects on intermediary metabolism.

PMID- 22045666
TI  - PTEN genomic deletions that characterize aggressive prostate cancer originate
      close to segmental duplications.
AB  - Deletion of PTEN at 10q23.3 occurs in ~40% of human prostate cancers and is
      associated with aggressive metastatic potential, poor prognosis, and androgen
      independence. This high frequency of recurrent PTEN deletions in prostate cancer
      suggests there may be unusual genomic features close to this locus that
      facilitate DNA alteration at 10q23.3. To explore possible mechanisms for
      deletions in the PTEN region, a meta-analysis of 311 published human genome array
      datasets was conducted and determined that the minimal prostate cancer-associated
      deletion at 10q23.3 corresponds to ~2.06 MB region flanked by BMPR1A and FAS. On
      a separate cohort comprising an additional 330 tumors, four-color fluorescence in
      situ hybridization analysis using probes for BMPR1A, FAS, cen(10), and PTEN
      showed that 132 of 330 (40%) tumors had PTEN loss, 50 (15%) of which were
      homozygous losses (comprising in total 100 deletion events). Breakpoints between
      PTEN and BMPR1A or FAS were subsequently mapped in 100 homozygous and 82
      hemizygous PTEN losses, revealing that 125/182 PTEN microdeletions occurred
      within the 940 kB interval between BMPR1A and PTEN. Furthermore, this breakpoint
      interval coincides with a repeat-rich region of 414 kB containing the SD17 and
      SD18 segmental duplications, which contain at least 13 homologous inverted repeat
      sequences. Together, these data suggest that a strong selective growth advantage
      for loss of PTEN and upregulation of PI3K/AKT, combined with the close proximity
      of PTEN to a large unstable segment of repeated DNA comprising SD17 and SD18, can
      lead to recurrent microdeletions of the PTEN gene in prostate cancer. (c) 2011
      Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 22045667
TI  - Pentoxifylline for steatohepatitis: magic bullet or smoking gun?

PMID- 22045668
TI  - Pathogen- or damage-associated molecular patterns during nonalcoholic fatty liver
      disease development.

PMID- 22045669
TI  - The antiviral protein viperin inhibits hepatitis C virus replication via
      interaction with nonstructural protein 5A.
AB  - The interferon-stimulated gene, viperin, has been shown to have antiviral
      activity against hepatitis C virus (HCV) in the context of the HCV replicon,
      although the molecular mechanisms responsible are not well understood. Here, we
      demonstrate that viperin plays an integral part in the ability of interferon to
      limit the replication of cell-culture-derived HCV (JFH-1) that accurately
      reflects the complete viral life cycle. Using confocal microscopy and
      fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) analysis, we demonstrate that
      viperin localizes and interacts with HCV nonstructural protein 5A (NS5A) at the
      lipid-droplet (LD) interface. In addition, viperin also associates with NS5A and
      the proviral cellular factor, human vesicle-associated membrane protein
      associated protein subtype A (VAP-A), at the HCV replication complex. The ability
      of viperin to limit HCV replication was dependent on residues within the C
      terminus, as well as an N-terminal amphipathic helix. Removal of the amphipathic
      helix-redirected viperin from the cytosolic face of the endoplasmic reticulum and
      the LD to a homogenous cytoplasmic distribution, coinciding with a loss of
      antiviral effect. C-terminal viperin mutants still localized to the LD interface
      and replication complexes, but did not interact with NS5A proteins, as determined
      by FRET analysis. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, we propose that viperin interacts
      with NS5A and the host factor, VAP-A, to limit HCV replication at the replication
      complex. This highlights the complexity of the host control of viral replication
      by interferon-stimulated gene expression.

PMID- 22045671
TI  - Retreatment with telaprevir combination therapy in hepatitis C patients with well
      characterized prior treatment response.
AB  - Retreatment with peginterferon alpha and ribavirin (PR) offers a limited chance
      of sustained virologic response (SVR) in patients who did not achieve SVR with
      prior PR treatment. This study evaluated the safety and efficacy of telaprevir
      based treatment in combination with PR in well-characterized patients who did not
      achieve SVR in the control arms of three Phase II clinical trials. Patients
      eligible to enroll in this open-label nonrandomized study either met on-treatment
      criteria for nonresponse or relapsed after 48 weeks of treatment in the control
      arm of the three Phase II PROVE studies. The initial protocol was a 24-week
      regimen: 12 weeks of telaprevir and PR followed by an additional 12 weeks of PR.
      During the study the protocol was amended to extend PR to 48 weeks for patients
      with previous null response. All other patients with undetectable hepatitis C
      virus (HCV) RNA at weeks 4 and 12 received 24 weeks of therapy. Those with
      detectable HCV RNA at weeks 4 or 12 received a total of 48 weeks of therapy. The
      overall SVR rate was 59% (69/117). SVR rates with T12PR were 37% (19/51) in prior
      null responders, 55% (16/29) in prior partial responders, 75% (6/8) in prior
      breakthroughs, and 97% (28/29) in prior relapsers. The overall relapse rate was
      16% (13/83). Adverse events were similar to those in previous trials with
      telaprevir, with 9% of patients discontinuing due to an adverse event (most
      commonly rash and anemia). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated the benefit of
      retreatment with a telaprevir-based regimen for patients with well-characterized
      nonresponse (null and partial) or relapse to a prior course of PR treatment.

PMID- 22045670
TI  - Predicting clinical outcomes using baseline and follow-up laboratory data from
      the hepatitis C long-term treatment against cirrhosis trial.
AB  - Predicting clinical outcomes in patients with chronic hepatitis C is challenging.
      We used the hepatitis C long-term treatment against cirrhosis (HALT-C) trial
      database to develop two models, using baseline values of routinely available
      laboratory tests together with changes in these values during follow-up to
      predict clinical decompensation and liver-related death/liver transplant in
      patients with advanced hepatitis C. Patients randomized to no treatment and who
      had >= 2-year follow-up without a clinical outcome were included in the analysis.
      Four variables (platelet count, aspartate aminotransferase [AST]/alanine
      aminotransferase [ALT] ratio, total bilirubin, and albumin) with three categories
      of change (stable, mild, or severe) over 2 years were analyzed. Cumulative
      incidence of clinical outcome was determined by Kaplan-Meier analysis and Cox
      regression was used to evaluate predictors of clinical outcome. In all, 470
      patients with 60 events were used to develop models to predict clinical
      decompensation. Baseline values of all four variables were predictive of
      decompensation. There was a general trend of increasing outcomes with more marked
      worsening of laboratory values over 2 years, particularly for patients with
      abnormal baseline values. A model that included baseline platelet count, AST/ALT
      ratio, bilirubin, and severe worsening of platelet count, bilirubin, and albumin
      was the best predictor of clinical decompensation. A total of 483 patients with
      79 events were used to evaluate predictors of liver-related death or liver
      transplant. A model that included baseline platelet count and albumin as well as
      severe worsening of AST/ALT ratio and albumin was the best predictor of liver
      related outcomes. CONCLUSION: Both the baseline value and the rapidity in change
      of the value of routine laboratory variables were shown to be important in
      predicting clinical outcomes in patients with advanced chronic hepatitis C.

PMID- 22045672
TI  - Excess liver-related morbidity of chronic hepatitis C patients, who achieve a
      sustained viral response, and are discharged from care.
AB  - Our objective was to address two shortfalls in the hepatitis C virus (HCV)
      literature: (1) Few data exist comparing post-treatment liver-related
      mortality/morbidity in HCV-sustained virologic response (SVR) patients to non-SVR
      patients and (2) no data exist examining liver-related morbidity among treatment
      response subgroups,particularly among noncirrhotic SVR patients, a group who in
      the main are discharged from care without further follow-up. A retrospective
      cohort of 1,215 previously naive HCV interferon patients (treated 1996-2007)was
      derived using HCV clinical databases from nine Scottish clinics. Patients were
      followed up post-treatment for a mean of 5.3 years. (1) By Cox-regression, liver
      related hospital episodes (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR]:0.22; 95% confidence
      interval [CI]: 0.15-0.34) and liver-related mortality [corrected] (AHR: 0.22; 95%
      CI: 0.09-0.58)were significantly lower in SVR patients, compared to non-SVR
      patients. (2) Rates of liver-related hospitalization were elevated among all
      treatment subgroups compared to the general population: Among noncirrhotic SVR
      patients, adjusted standardized morbidity ratio (SMBR) up to 5.9 (95% CI: 4.5
      8.0); among all SVR patients,SMBR up to 10.5 (95% CI: 8.7-12.9); and among non
      SVR patients, SMBR up to 53.2 (95% CI: 49.4-57.2).Considerable elevation was also
      noted among patients who have spontaneously resolved their HCV infection(a
      control group used to gauge the extent to which lifestyle factors, and not
      chronic HCV, can contribute toliver-related morbidity), SMBR up to 26.8 (95% CI:
      25.3-28.3). CONCLUSIONS: (1) Patients achieving an SVR were more than four times
      less likely to be hospitalized, or die for a liver-related reason, than non-SVR
      patients and (2) although discharged, noncirrhotic SVR patients harbor a
      disproportionate burden of liver-related morbidity; up to six times that of the
      general population. Further, alarming levels of liver-related morbidity in
      spontaneous resolvers is an important finding warranting further study..

PMID- 22045673
TI  - Shorter durations and lower doses of peginterferon alfa-2a are associated with
      inferior hepatitis B e antigen seroconversion rates in hepatitis B virus
      genotypes B or C.
AB  - As there is currently a lack of consensus on the most appropriate dose and
      duration of peginterferon alfa-2a (PEG-IFNalpha-2a) therapy in hepatitis B e
      antigen (HBeAg)-positive patients, the efficacy and safety of either 24 or 48
      weeks' duration and 90 MUg/week or 180 MUg/week doses were compared. HBeAg
      positive patients (n = 544; 34% genotype B, 51% genotype C) were randomized to
      receive PEG-IFNalpha-2a (2 * 2 factorial design) for 24 or 48 weeks and at 90
      MUg/week or 180 MUg/week and included in the per-protocol population. The primary
      efficacy endpoint of the noninferiority study was HBeAg seroconversion 6 months
      posttreatment. The prespecified odds ratio (OR) noninferiority margin was 1.88
      with a one-sided significance level of 0.025. The highest rates of HBeAg
      seroconversion 6 months posttreatment were in the 180/48 arm (36.2% versus 14.1%
      25.8% in the other arms). When the dose and duration arms were pooled, the OR for
      noninferiority of 24 weeks versus 48 weeks was 2.17 (95% confidence interval [CI]
      1.43, 3.31; P = 0.749) and for 90 MUg versus 180 MUg was 1.79 (95% CI 1.18, 2.72;
      P = 0.410). As the upper limit of the 95% CI of the ORs were >1.88, 24 weeks were
      inferior to 48 weeks and 90 MUg/week was inferior to 180 MUg/week. The highest
      rates of response in the 180/48 arm were achieved by patients with HBsAg <1,500
      IU/mL at Week 12 (58%) or Week 24 (57%), whereas patients with HBsAg >20,000
      IU/mL did not respond. Adverse events were typical of those associated with PEG
      IFNalpha-2a. CONCLUSION: Compared with lower doses and shorter durations, the
      licensed PEG-IFNalpha-2a treatment regimen (180 MUg/48 weeks) was the most
      efficacious and beneficial for HBeAg-positive patients predominantly infected
      with hepatitis B virus genotypes B or C.

PMID- 22045674
TI  - Human hepatocellular carcinomas with "Stemness"-related marker expression:
      keratin 19 expression and a poor prognosis.
AB  - There is a recently proposed subtype of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that is
      histologically similar to usual HCC, but characterized by the expression of
      "stemness"-related markers. A large-scale study on two different cohorts of HCCs
      was performed to investigate the clinicopathologic features and epithelial
      mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related protein expression status of this subtype of
      HCCs. The expression status of stemness-related (e.g., keratin 19 [K19], cluster
      of differentiation [CD]133, epithelial cell adhesion molecule [EpCAM], and c-kit)
      and EMT-related markers (e.g., snail, S100A4, urokinase plasminogen activator
      receptor [uPAR], ezrin, vimentin, E-cadherin, and matrix metalloproteinase
      [MMP]2) were examined using tissue microarrays from cohort 1 HCCs (n = 137). K19
      protein expression in cohort 2 HCCs (n = 237) was correlated with the
      clinicopathologic parameters and messenger RNA (mRNA) levels of K19, uPAR, VIL2,
      Snail, Slug, and Twist. K19, EpCAM, c-kit, and CD133 positivity were observed in
      18.2%, 35.0%, 34.3%, and 24.8%, respectively. K19 was most frequently expressed
      in combination with at least one other stemness-related marker (92.0%). K19
      positive HCCs demonstrated more frequent major vessel invasion and increased
      tumor size, compared to K19-negative HCCs (P < 0.05). K19 was most significantly
      associated with EMT-related protein expression (e.g., vimentin, S100A4, uPAR, and
      ezrin) (P < 0.05) and a poor prognosis (overall survival: P = 0.018; disease-free
      survival: P = 0.007) in cohort 1. In cohort 2, HCCs with high K19 mRNA levels
      demonstrated higher mRNA levels of Snail, uPAR, and MMP2 (P < 0.05). K19-positive
      HCCs demonstrated more frequent microvascular invasion, fibrous stroma, and less
      tumor-capsule formation, compared to K19-negative HCCs (P < 0.05). K19 expression
      was a significant independent predictive factor of poor disease-free survival (P
      = 0.032). CONCLUSION: K19 was well correlated with clinicopathologic features of
      tumor aggressiveness, compared to other stemness-related proteins. K19-positive
      HCCs showed significantly increased EMT-related protein and mRNA expression,
      suggesting that they may acquire more invasive characteristics, compared to K19
      negative HCCs through the up-regulation of EMT-associated genes.

PMID- 22045675
TI  - Circulating microRNAs as potential markers of human drug-induced liver injury.
AB  - New biomarkers of liver injury are required in the clinic and in preclinical
      pharmaceutical evaluation. Previous studies demonstrate that two liver-enriched
      microRNAs (miR-122 and miR-192) are promising biomarkers of acetaminophen-induced
      acute liver injury (APAP-ALI) in mice. We have examined these molecules, for the
      first time, in humans with APAP poisoning. Serum miR-122 and miR-192 were
      substantially higher in APAP-ALI patients, compared to healthy controls (median
      DeltaDeltaCt [25th, 75th percentile]) (miR-122: 1,265 [491, 4,270] versus 12.1
      [7.0, 26.9], P < 0.0001; miR-192: 6.9 [2.0, 29.2] versus 0.44 [0.30, 0.69], P <
      0.0001). A heart-enriched miR-1 showed no difference between APAP-ALI patients
      and controls, whereas miR-218 (brain-enriched) was slightly higher in the APAP
      ALI cohort (0.17 [0.07, 0.50] versus 0.07 [0.04, 0.12]; P = 0.01). In chronic
      kidney disease (CKD) patients, miR-122 and -192 were modestly higher, compared to
      controls (miR-122: 32.0 [21.1, 40.9] versus 12.1 [7.0, 26.9], P = 0.006; miR-192:
      1.2 [0.74, 1.9] versus 0.44 [0.30, 0.69], P = 0.005), but miR-122 and -192 were
      substantially higher in APAP-ALI patients than CKD patients (miR-122: P < 0.0001;
      miR-192: P < 0.0004). miR-122 correlated with peak ALT levels in the APAP-ALI
      cohort (Pearson R = 0.46, P = 0.0005), but not with prothrombin time. miR-122 was
      also raised alongside peak ALT levels in a group of patients with non-APAP ALI.
      Day 1 serum miR-122 levels were almost 2-fold higher in APAP-ALI patients who
      satisfied King's College Criteria (KCC), compared to those who did not satisfy
      KCC, although this did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.15). CONCLUSION:
      This work provides the first evidence for the potential use of miRNAs as
      biomarkers of human drug-induced liver injury.

PMID- 22045676
TI  - Epimorphin promotes human hepatocellular carcinoma invasion and metastasis
      through activation of focal adhesion kinase/extracellular signal-regulated
      kinase/matrix metalloproteinase-9 axis.
AB  - The high incidence rate of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is mainly the result of
      frequent metastasis and tumor recurrence. Unfortunately, the underlying molecular
      mechanisms driving HCC metastasis are still not fully understood. It has been
      demonstrated that tumor stroma cells contribute to primary tumor growth and
      metastasis. Within the HCC environment, activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs)
      can release a number of molecules and enhance cancer cell proliferation and
      invasiveness in a paracrine manner. Here, for the first time, we demonstrate that
      epimorphin (EPM; also called syntaxin-2), an extracellular protein, is strongly
      elevated in activated HSCs within tumor stroma. We show that knockdown of EPM
      expression in HSCs substantially abolishes their effects on cancer cell invasion
      and metastasis. Ectopic expression of EPM in HCC cancer cells enhances their
      invasiveness; we demonstrate that the cells expressing EPM have markedly
      increased metastasis potential. Furthermore, EPM-mediated invasion and metastasis
      of cancer cells is found to require up-regulation of matrix metalloproteinase-9
      (MMP-9) through the activation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK)/extracellular
      signal-regulated kinase (ERK) axis. CONCLUSION: Our results show that EPM,
      secreted by activated HSCs within HCC stroma, promotes invasion and metastasis of
      cancer cells by activating MMP-9 expression through the FAK-ERK pathway.

PMID- 22045677
TI  - Cytological evaluation of bloody nipple discharge fluid.

PMID- 22045678
TI  - Female gender and mortality after percutaneous coronary intervention: results
      from a large registry.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate if previously reported gender-based outcome
      disparities following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) are applicable in
      a large and racially-diverse cohort in the drug eluting stent (DES) era.
      BACKGROUND: It is generally believed that women suffer inferior outcomes compared
      to men after PCI. However, various strategies have evolved that may have
      mitigated this imbalance, including improved medical therapy, attention to risk
      factors, and procedural advances of PCI including DES. METHODS: We identified
      13,752 patients (4,761 female, 34.6%) with complete follow-up data who underwent
      de novo lesion PCI from 04/2003 to 04/2009. Relevant data were extracted from an
      IRB-approved registry. RESULTS: Compared to males, females were significantly
      older (69.0 vs. 64.8 years) and more frequently from a minority or non-Caucasian
      background. Females smoked less, but more were hypertensive and/or diabetic.
      Women had higher HDL, but also higher LDL cholesterol levels. More women
      presented with an unstable coronary syndrome and required left anterior
      descending artery PCI. While unadjusted post-PCI mortality rates were higher in
      females versus males (30 days, 1.3 vs. 0.8%, P = 0.009; 1 year, 6.1 vs. 4.8%, P =
      0.001; 3 year, 10.4 vs. 8.4%, P < 0.0001), multivariable regression analyses
      failed to identify female gender as an independent predictor of mortality.
      Propensity-adjusted modeling confirmed that females were not at intrinsically
      higher risk for mortality after PCI. CONCLUSIONS: Females undergoing PCI exhibit
      more comorbidities and adverse prognostic factors than males. However, risk
      adjusted analyses identified that gender is not an independent predictor of
      mortality after PCI in the DES era.

PMID- 22045679
TI  - Clinical aspects of neurodegenerative diseases - 15th HUPO BPP Workshop April 8
      9, 2011, Bochum, Germany.
AB  - The HUPO Brain Proteome Project (HUPO BPP) held its 15th workshop in Bochum,
      Germany, from April 8th to 9th, 2011 directly after the Proteomic Forum 2011 in
      Berlin. Like on every spring workshop, the focus was more on clinical aspects, so
      that especially clinicians participated in this workshop.

PMID- 22045680
TI  - Enabling BioSharing - a report on the Annual Spring Workshop of the HUPO-PSI
      April 11-13, 2011, EMBL-Heidelberg, Germany.
AB  - The Annual Spring workshop of the HUPO-PSI was this year held at the EMBL
      International Centre for Advanced Training (EICAT) in Heidelberg, Germany.
      Delegates briefly reviewed the successes of the group to date. These include the
      wide spread implementation of the molecular interaction data exchange formats,
      PSI-MI XML2.5 and MITAB, and also of mzML, the standard output format for mass
      spectrometer output data. These successes have resulted in enhanced accessibility
      to published data, for example the development of the PSICQUIC common query
      interface for interaction data and the development of databases such as PRIDE to
      act as public repositories for proteomics data and increased biosharing, through
      the development of consortia, for example IMEx and ProteomeXchange which will
      both share the burden of curating the increasing amounts of data being published
      and work together to make this more accessible to the bench scientist. Work then
      started over the three days of the workshop, with a focus on advancing the draft
      format for handling quantitative mass spectrometry data (mzQuantML) and further
      developing TraML, a standardized format for the exchange and transmission of
      transition lists for SRM experiments.

PMID- 22045683
TI  - Hansa: an automated method for discriminating disease and neutral human nsSNPs.
AB  - Variations are mostly due to nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms
      (nsSNPs), some of which are associated with certain diseases. Phenotypic effects
      of a large number of nsSNPs have not been characterized. Although several methods
      have been developed to predict the effects of nsSNPs as "disease" or "neutral,"
      there is still a need for development of methods with improved prediction
      accuracies. We, therefore, developed a support vector machine (SVM) based method
      named Hansa which uses a novel set of discriminatory features to classify nsSNPs
      into disease (pathogenic) and benign (neutral) types. Validation studies on a
      benchmark dataset and further on an independent dataset of well-characterized
      known disease and neutral mutations show that Hansa outperforms the other known
      methods. For example, fivefold cross-validation studies using the benchmark
      HumVar dataset reveal that at the false positive rate (FPR) of 20% Hansa yields a
      true positive rate (TPR) of 82% that is about 10% higher than the best-known
      method. Hansa is available in the form of a web server at
      http://hansa.cdfd.org.in:8080.

PMID- 22045684
TI  - GSTP1 hypermethylation is associated with reduced protein expression, aggressive
      disease and prognosis in neuroblastoma.
AB  - Epigenetic modifications such as methylation of CpG islands in tumor-suppressor
      gene promoter regions have been associated with tumor development in many human
      cancers. Using methylation specific multiplex ligation-dependent probe
      amplification method, we analyzed the methylation status of 35 different genes in
      16 neuroblastoma (NB) cell lines and 50 NB tumor samples (NBs), and investigated
      whether specific hypermethylation was associated with biological and/or clinical
      parameters. Among the genes found hypermethylated, the effect of GSTP1
      hypermethylation on mRNA and protein expression was also explored. The median
      number of hypermethylated genes was higher in cell lines compared to NBs (5.5 vs.
      2). For eight genes, aberrant methylation of CpG-islands in NB was not (ESR1,
      PAX5, WT1, CADM1, MSH6, and CDKN2B) or very rarely (CDH13 and GSTP1) reported in
      literature. GSTP1 was found hypermethylated in 44% of the NB cell lines and in
      33% of the stage 4-11qLOH -non MYCN-amplified high risk NBs. Hypermethylation was
      correlated with reduced mRNA and protein expression. In the whole NBs cohort,
      GSTP1 hypermethylation was less frequently detected (8%), but found to be
      associated with lower event-free (EFS) and overall survival. Hypermethylation of
      GSTP1 showed also association with lower EFS in high risk subgroups as stage 4
      and older patients (>=547 days). Our results suggest that, as in several adult
      cancers, aberrant methylation of GSTP1 may contribute to the carcinogenetic
      process in NB and could be potentially used as a new marker leading to define an
      ultra-high risk subgroup.

PMID- 22045685
TI  - Optical coherence tomography assessment of calcified plaque modification after
      rotational atherectomy.
AB  - Rotational atherectomy (RA) facilitates stent delivery in highly calcified
      coronary plaques (CCP). However, lesion ablation by RA in angulated segments may
      be affected by guidewire bias, leading to a non-uniform plaque modification.
      Intravascular optical coherence tomography (iOCT) is the highest resolution (~10
      MUm axial) intravascular imaging modality available for clinical use;
      furthermore, near infrared light easily penetrates calcium, with significantly
      fewer artifacts, including no "blooming effect" as seen by intravascular
      ultrasound. Therefore, it may pose as a unique tool for serial calcium
      quantification, as related in this article with pre- and post-RA assessment,
      allowing accurate characterization of plaque modification, as well as quality of
      stent deployment. The effects of guidewire bias in the debulking process have not
      been well documented by iOCT. We present a case of lesion preparation by RA
      affected by guidewire bias in which iOCT revealed unique insights into CCP
      modification.

PMID- 22045686
TI  - Tophaceous gout: a case of destructive joint swelling of the fifth toe.

PMID- 22045687
TI  - Osteoderm histology of the Pampatheriidae (Cingulata, Xenarthra, Mammalia):
      Implications for systematics, osteoderm growth, and biomechanical adaptation.
AB  - Pampatheres are extinct, large-bodied cingulates, which share morphological
      characters with both armadillos and glyptodonts but are considered to be more
      closely related to the latter. The osteoderm histology of six pampathere taxa was
      examined and compared to the histology of other cingulate osteoderms. This study
      investigates the development and functional adaptation of pampathere osteoderms
      as well as the phylogenetic relationships of the Pampatheriidae within the
      Cingulata. We found that pampathere osteoderms share a uniform histological
      organization based on a basic diploe-like structure. After initial stages of
      intramembranous growth, metaplastic ossification, that is, the direct
      incorporation and mineralization of pre-existing protein fibers, plays an
      important role in osteoderm development and provides information on various kinds
      of soft tissue otherwise not preserved. The latest stages of osteoderm growth are
      dominated by periosteal bone formation especially in the superficial cortex.
      Movable band osteoderms show regular arrangements of incorporated fibers that may
      increase the resistance of particularly weak areas against strain. The
      histological composition of pampathere osteoderms is plesiomorphic in its basic
      structure but shows a number of derived features. A unique array of Sharpey's
      fibers that are incorporated into the bone matrix at sutured osteoderm margins is
      interpreted as a synapomorphy of pampatheres. The arrangement of dermal fibers in
      the deep and superficial cortexes supports the close relationship between
      pampatheres and glyptodonts.

PMID- 22045689
TI  - RNA-directed epigenomic reprogramming: an emerging principle of a more targeted
      cancer therapy?
AB  - Epigenetic aberrations are recognized as an early and common event during
      carcinogenesis. This provides a strong rationale for a therapeutic intervention
      at the epigenetic level. Current epigenetically active drugs, however, lack
      specificity for particular genomic loci. Better processes for a more targeted
      manipulation of the cancer epigenome are needed. One option could be the ability
      of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) to recruit the chromatin modification complexes
      to particular genomic loci. In consequence, epigenetic variations would not be
      stochastic but controlled by a directed programme, through which specific groups
      of genes are regulated by promoter methylation and(or) histone marks, even if
      located on different chromosomes. lncRNAs are known to be functionally involved
      in cell fate specification and carcinogenesis. Depleting lncRNAs with oncogenic
      potential or replacing scarce molecules with tumor suppressor activity could
      therefore be employed for a specific reprogramming of the epigenome of cancer
      cells. Apart from the targeted manner and thus specificity, the mode of action by
      itself could be an advantage of lncRNA-associated therapy. Similar to what
      happens naturally during cell fate decisions, the whole developmental programme
      of a cell or particular parts of it could be reset. In consideration of the early
      onset of epigenetic aberrations, such an approach could even be useful for cancer
      prevention.

PMID- 22045688
TI  - FZD6 is a novel gene for human neural tube defects.
AB  - Neural tube defects (NTDs) are severe malformations of the central nervous
      system, affecting 1 of 1,000 live births. Mouse models were instrumental in
      defining the signaling pathways defective in NTDs, including the planar cell
      polarity (PCP), also called noncanonical Frizzled/Disheveled pathway. Based on
      the highly penetrant occurrence of NTDs in double Fzd3/Fzd6(-/-) mutant mice, we
      investigated the role of the human orthologues, FZD3 and FZD6, by resequencing a
      cohort of 473 NTDs patients and 639 ethnically matched controls. While we could
      not demonstrate a significant contribution of FZD3 gene, we identified five rare
      FZD6 variants that were absent in all controls and predicted to have a functional
      effect by computational analysis: one de novo frameshift mutation
      (c.1843_1844insA), three missense changes (p.Arg405Gln, p.Arg511Cys p.Arg511His),
      and one substitution (c.*20C>T) affecting the 3'-untranslated region (UTR) of the
      gene. The overall rate of predicted deleterious variants of FZD6 was 5.1-fold
      higher in cases compared to controls, resulting in a significantly increased NTDs
      mutation burden. This study demonstrates that rare nonsynonymous variants in FZD6
      may contribute to NTDs in humans and enlarges the spectrum of mutations that link
      PCP pathway to NTDs.

PMID- 22045691
TI  - Presence of benign germ cells in a fine needle aspirate of a spermatocele.

PMID- 22045690
TI  - Sirolimus- versus paclitaxel-eluting stents for coronary bifurcations
      intervention: a meta-analysis of five clinical trials.
AB  - BACKGROUNDS: Relative efficacy and safety of sirolimus-eluting stents (SES)
      compared with paclitaxel-eluting stents (PES) remains controversial. It is
      unknown whether there are different effect and safety in coronary bifurcation
      treatment between SES and PES. OBJECTIVES: The meta-analysis was performed to
      compare the clinical outcomes of SES and PES in coronary bifurcation
      intervention. METHODS: Five head-to-head clinical trials of SES versus PES in
      coronary bifurcation intervention were included. A total of 2,567 patients were
      involved in the meta-analysis. Mean follow-up period ranged from 6 to 35 months.
      The primary end points were the need for target lesion revascularization (TLR)
      and main-branch restenosis. Secondary end points were target vessel
      revascularization (TVR), cardiac death, major adverse cardiac events (MACE), and
      stent thrombosis. RESULTS: Compared with PES, SES significantly reduced the risk
      of TLR (5.3% vs. 10.6%, odds ratio (OR) 0.52; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.38
      0.70, P < 0.001), main-branch restenosis (4.59% vs. 12.59%, OR 0.31; 95% CI =
      0.18-0.55, P < 0.001) and TVR (7.05% vs. 12.57%, OR 0.58; 95% CI = 0.42-0.81, P =
      0.001) in coronary bifurcation intervention. In addition, SES group also had a
      significantly lower incidence of MACE (8.20% vs. 14.13%, OR 0.58; 95% CI = 0.40
      0.84, P = 0.004) than PES group. However, there were no statistical difference
      with respect to the incidence of cardiac death (1.64% vs. 1.09%, P = 0.19) and
      stent thrombosis (0.84% vs. 1.08%, P = 0.64) between SES and PES groups.
      CONCLUSIONS: Compared with PES, SES reduced the incidence of TLR, main-branch
      restenosis and MACE in coronary bifurcation intervention, while the risk of stent
      thrombosis was similar between SES and PES groups.

PMID- 22045692
TI  - Comparison between TEWL and laser scanning microscopy measurements for the in
      vivo characterization of the human epidermal barrier.
AB  - The analysis of the skin barrier properties is important in various fields of
      medical treatment and cosmetology. The development and improvement of topically
      applied substances require an objective analysis of the skin barrier
      characteristics. Transepidermal water loss (TEWL) measurement is the standard
      method to characterize epidermal barrier function. The most important
      disadvantage of this method though, is that it can be affected by different
      exogenous and endogenous factors, e.g. water content of the applied formulation
      and room temperature. In the present study, TEWL measurements are compared to
      laser scanning microscopic (LSM) measurements, concerning the use of these two
      methods for the non-invasive in vivo characterization of the epidermal barrier
      function. The investigations were performed prior and subsequent to treatment of
      dry skin with a gel mixture, developed for skin treatment after radiotherapy for
      cancer. The present results indicate that in vivo laser scanning microscopy is an
      appropriate method for the characterization of the skin barrier structure without
      interference by external factors.

PMID- 22045693
TI  - Evaluation of rotational control and forces generated during first-order archwire
      deflections: a comparison of self-ligating and conventional brackets.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to compare the activation and deactivation forces
      generated during first-order archwire deflections when different sizes and types
      of NiTi wires are paired with conventional and self-ligating brackets (SLBs) and
      to evaluate the rotational control between these same archwire and bracket
      combinations. Four maxillary premolar SLBs (Damon 3MX, SmartClip, Carriere, and
      In-Ovation R) and one conventional twin bracket (Victory) were paired with seven
      archwires [0.014, 0.016, 0.018, 0.016 * 0.022 Ultra Therm (thermal A f 80-90
      degrees F), 0.016, 0.018 SPEED Supercable, and 0.017 * 0.025 Turbo]. A cantilever
      test design was used and 10 trials per bracket/archwire combination were
      performed. Load/deflection data were captured over 4 mm fi rst-order archwire
      deflections. Forces generated were compared across all bracket/archwire
      combinations. Among thermal archwires, for a given deflection, forces increased
      with increasing archwire size. Supercable archwires displayed less force than
      their same size thermal counterparts. The Turbo archwire generated force values
      in between those of 0.016 and 0.018 thermal archwires. Rotational control
      improved with increasing wire dimensions and for a given archwire size.
      Rotational control among brackets generally ranked as follows: In-Ovation R >
      SmartClip > Carriere and Damon 3MX.

PMID- 22045694
TI  - Malocclusions in children at 3 and 7 years of age: a longitudinal study.
AB  - The aim of this longitudinal study was to compare the prevalence of malocclusion
      at ages 3 and 7 years in a sample of children, exploring the hypothesis that
      prevalence of malocclusion is higher at 3 than at 7 years of age and may be
      influenced by sucking habits. The study sample comprised 386 children (199 girls
      and 187 boys), aged 3 years at study start, sourced from three Public Dental
      Service clinics in Sweden. Malocclusion was diagnosed by clinical examination,
      using a specific protocol. Data on allergy, traumatic injuries, sucking habits,
      and breathing pattern including nocturnal breathing disturbances were obtained by
      means of a questionnaire answered by child and parent in conjunction with the
      initial and final clinical examination. The overall prevalence of malocclusion
      decreased significantly, from 70 to 58% (P < 0.0001): predominantly anterior open
      bite, excessive overjet, and Class III malocclusion. Although high rates of
      spontaneous correction were also noted for deep bite, Class II malocclusion and
      posterior and anterior crossbites, new cases developed at almost the same rate;
      thus, the prevalence was unchanged at the end of the observation period. Anterior
      open bite and posterior crossbite were the only conditions showing significant
      associations with sucking habits. The results confirm the hypothesis of higher
      prevalence of malocclusion at 3 years of age and clearly support the strategy of
      deferring orthodontic correction of malocclusion until the mixed dentition stage.

PMID- 22045695
TI  - An airway study of different maxillary and mandibular sagittal positions.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the oropharyngeal (OP) and nasal passage
      (NP) volumes along with various airway variables of patients with normal
      nasorespiratory functions having different dentofacial skeletal patterns and to
      evaluate the correlations between different variables and the airway. One hundred
      and one patients (57 males and 44 females, aged 14-18 years) having pre-treatment
      cone beam computed tomography images and complete medical records were selected.
      The patients were divided into five groups as Class I (CI, 81 >= SNA >= 77; 80 >=
      SNB >= 76; 3 >= ANB >= 1), Class II maxillary protrusion (CIIMaxP, SNA > 81; 80
      >= SNB >= 76; ANB > 3), Class II mandibular retrusion (CIIMandR, 81 >= SNA >= 77;
      SNB < 76; ANB > 3), Class III maxillary retrusion (CIIIMaxR, SNA < 77; 80 >= SNB
      >= 76; ANB < 1), and Class III mandibular protrusion (CIIIMandP, 81 >= SNA >= 77;
      SNB > 80; ANB < 1). Posterior airway space, area of the most constricted region
      at the base of the tongue (minAx), and OP volume were significantly higher for
      the CIIIMandP group, whereas CIIMandR subjects had the lowest values. The only
      significant difference for the NP volume was between CI and CIIMandR groups where
      a smaller volume for the CIIMandR group was observed. The minAx was the variable
      that presented the best correlation with the OP airway volume. It seems that a
      detailed analysis of airway may prove to be a valuable diagnostic addition in
      orthodontics.

PMID- 22045696
TI  - Classifying external causes of injury: history, current approaches, and future
      directions.
AB  - The International Classification of Diseases (ICD) is used to categorize
      diseases, injuries, and external causes of injury, and it is a key epidemiologic
      tool enabling storage and retrieval of data from health and vital records to
      produce core international mortality and morbidity statistics. The ICD is updated
      periodically to ensure the classification system remains current, and work is now
      under way to develop the next revision, ICD-11. It has been almost 20 years since
      the last ICD edition was published and over 60 years since the last substantial
      structural revision of the external causes chapter. Revision of such a critical
      tool requires transparency and documentation to ensure that changes made to the
      classification system are recorded comprehensively for future reference. In this
      paper, the authors provide a history of the development of external causes
      classification and outline the external cause structure. They discuss approaches
      to manage ICD-10 deficiencies and outline the ICD-11 revision approach regarding
      the development of, rationale for, and implications of proposed changes to the
      chapter. Through improved capture of external cause concepts in ICD-11, a
      stronger evidence base will be available to inform injury prevention, treatment,
      rehabilitation, and policy initiatives to ultimately contribute to a reduction in
      injury morbidity and mortality.

PMID- 22045697
TI  - Characterization of inclusion bodies with cytoprotective properties formed by
      seipinopathy-linked mutant seipin.
AB  - Gain-of-toxic mutations in the N-glycosylation motif of the seipin/BSCL2 gene
      (namely, the N88S and S90L mutations) cause autosomal dominant motor neuron
      diseases, termed 'seipinopathy'. Expressed mutant seipin is improperly folded and
      accumulates in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), leading to an unfolded protein
      response (UPR). Furthermore, cells expressing mutant seipin contain unique
      cytoplasmic inclusion bodies (IB) that form via a different mechanism from that
      of ubiquitinated inclusions, or aggresomes. Whether the formation of these IB is
      pathogenic or protective in neurodegenerative diseases remains unclear. Here, we
      determined that mutant seipin IB are negative for two well-established ER
      markers, immunoglobulin-heavy-chain-binding protein and calnexin, indicating a
      distinct compartmentalization from the main ER, and that mutant seipin IB are
      formed via a mechanism that is independent of major UPR transducers and ER
      chaperons. Electron microscopy and coexpression study with variant alpha1
      antitrypsin cDNA showed that seipin IB are compatible with unique cytoplasmic
      vesicles known as ER-derived protective organelles (ERPO). We also obtained
      evidence that seipin IB exhibit a cytoprotective property via the attenuation of
      ER stress. These findings suggest that ERPO, such as seipin IB, are a novel
      adaptation machinery against the accumulation of unfolded proteins in the ER.

PMID- 22045698
TI  - alpha-Synuclein accumulates in huntingtin inclusions but forms independent
      filaments and its deficiency attenuates early phenotype in a mouse model of
      Huntington's disease.
AB  - Huntington's disease (HD) is the most common of nine inherited neurological
      disorders caused by expanded polyglutamine (polyQ) sequences which confer
      propensity to self-aggregate and toxicity to their corresponding mutant proteins.
      It has been postulated that polyQ expression compromises the folding capacity of
      the cell which might affect other misfolding-prone proteins. alpha-Synuclein
      (alpha-syn) is a small neural-specific protein with propensity to self-aggregate
      that forms Parkinson's disease (PD) Lewy bodies. Point mutations in alpha-syn
      that favor self-aggregation or alpha-syn gene duplications lead to familial PD,
      thus indicating that increased alpha-syn aggregation or levels are sufficient to
      induce neurodegeneration. Since polyQ inclusions in HD and other polyQ disorders
      are immunopositive for alpha-syn, we speculated that alpha-syn might be recruited
      as an additional mediator of polyQ toxicity. Here, we confirm in HD postmortem
      brains and in the R6/1 mouse model of HD the accumulation of alpha-syn in polyQ
      inclusions. By isolating the characteristic filaments formed by aggregation-prone
      proteins, we found that N-terminal mutant huntingtin (N-mutHtt) and alpha-syn
      form independent filamentous microaggregates in R6/1 mouse brain as well as in
      the inducible HD94 mouse model and that N-mutHtt expression increases the load of
      alpha-syn filaments. Accordingly, alpha-syn knockout results in a diminished
      number of N-mutHtt inclusions in transfected neurons and also in vivo in the
      brain of HD mice. Finally, alpha-syn knockout attenuates body weight loss and
      early motor phenotype of HD mice. This study therefore demonstrates that alpha
      syn is a modifier of polyQ toxicity in vivo and raises the possibility that
      potential PD-related therapies aimed to counteract alpha-syn toxicity might help
      to slow HD.

PMID- 22045699
TI  - The homocysteine-inducible endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress protein Herp
      counteracts mutant alpha-synuclein-induced ER stress via the homeostatic
      regulation of ER-resident calcium release channel proteins.
AB  - Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has been implicated as an initiator or
      contributing factor in neurodegenerative diseases. The mechanisms that lead to ER
      stress and whereby ER stress contributes to the degenerative cascades remain
      unclear but their understanding is critical to devising effective therapies. Here
      we show that knockdown of Herp (Homocysteine-inducible ER stress protein), an ER
      stress-inducible protein with an ubiquitin-like (UBL) domain, aggravates ER
      stress-mediated cell death induced by mutant alpha-synuclein (alphaSyn) that
      causes an inherited form of Parkinson's disease (PD). Functionally, Herp plays a
      role in maintaining ER homeostasis by facilitating proteasome-mediated
      degradation of ER-resident Ca(2+) release channels. Deletion of the UBL domain or
      pharmacological inhibition of proteasomes abolishes the Herp-mediated
      stabilization of ER Ca(2+) homeostasis. Furthermore, knockdown or pharmacological
      inhibition of ER Ca(2+) release channels ameliorates ER stress, suggesting that
      impaired homeostatic regulation of Ca(2+) channels promotes a protracted ER
      stress with the consequent activation of ER stress-associated apoptotic pathways.
      Interestingly, sustained upregulation of ER stress markers and aberrant
      accumulation of ER Ca(2+) release channels were detected in transgenic mutant
      A53T-alphaSyn mice. Collectively, these data establish a causative link between
      impaired ER Ca(2+) homeostasis and chronic ER stress in the degenerative cascades
      induced by mutant alphaSyn and suggest that Herp is essential for the resolution
      of ER stress through maintenance of ER Ca(2+) homeostasis. Our findings suggest a
      therapeutic potential in PD for agents that increase Herp levels or its ER Ca(2+)
      stabilizing action.

PMID- 22045701
TI  - Circulating vitamin D and risk of prostate cancer--letter.

PMID- 22045700
TI  - Risk factors for oral HPV infection among a high prevalence population of HIV
      positive and at-risk HIV-negative adults.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Human papillomavirus (HPV) is an important risk factor for
      oropharyngeal cancer. Individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have
      higher oral HPV prevalence but the risk factors for oral HPV infection are not
      well understood for either HIV-positive or HIV-negative individuals. METHODS:
      This study was nested within the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study (MACS; men) and
      Women Interagency HIV Study (WIHS; women) cohorts. Exfoliated oral epithelial
      cells were collected from 379 HIV-positive and 266 at-risk HIV-negative
      individuals using a rinse and gargle with Scope mouthwash. Samples were tested
      for 36 types of HPV DNA using PGMY09/11 consensus primers and reverse line blot
      hybridization. Risk factors for oral HPV infection were explored using logistic
      regression with generalized estimating equations in this cross-sectional
      analysis. RESULTS: Prevalent oral HPV infection was common (34%), including HPV16
      infection in 5.7% of participants. HIV-positive individuals had increased odds of
      prevalent oral HPV infection compared with HIV-negative individuals [adjusted OR
      = 2.1; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.6-2.8]. Risk factors for prevalent oral
      HPV differed in HIV-positive and HIV-negative participants. Among HIV-negative
      individuals, higher number of recent oral sex or rimming partners were strong
      risk factors for prevalent oral HPV infection (each P(trend) < 0.01). In
      contrast, among HIV-positive individuals, lower CD4 T-cell count (P(trend) <
      0.001) and higher number of lifetime sexual partners (P(trend) = 0.03) were
      strong risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: Oral HPV prevalence was elevated in HIV
      positive individuals after controlling for differences in cigarette smoking and
      sexual behavior, supporting the possibility that HIV may affect the natural
      history of oral HPV. IMPACT: Immunosuppression may contribute to increased
      persistence or progression of oral HPV infection.

PMID- 22045703
TI  - Antiplatelet and anticoagulant therapy in patients with gastrointestinal
      bleeding: an 86-year-old woman with peptic ulcer disease.
AB  - Bleeding in the upper gastrointestinal tract is a common medical problem, with an
      incidence of 48 to 160 cases per 1000 adults per year and a mortality rate of 5%
      to 14%. The risk of gastrointestinal bleeding is increased with the use of
      antiplatelet medications including aspirin and clopidogrel, as well as warfarin
      or a combination of these medications. The recurrence rate for bleeding in
      patients who continue to take aspirin after an episode of peptic ulcer disease
      related bleeding can reach up to 300 cases per 1000 person-years and varies by
      age, sex, and the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. Using the
      case of Ms S, an 86-year-old woman who presented to the emergency department with
      an episode of nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal tract bleeding, we address the
      management of patients who are receiving antiplatelet or anticoagulation therapy
      who present with gastrointestinal bleeding, including when to restart
      antiplatelet or anticoagulation therapy, interventions to reduce the risk of
      bleeding recurrence, and the potential for drug interactions between clopidogrel
      and proton pump inhibitors.

PMID- 22045704
TI  - Olfactory impairment in an adult population: the Beaver Dam Offspring Study.
AB  - The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of olfactory
      impairment and associated risk factors and the effects of olfactory impairment on
      dietary choices and quality of life. Odor identification was measured in 2838
      participants aged 21-84 years (mean 49 years) in the Beaver Dam Offspring Study.
      The overall prevalence of olfactory impairment was 3.8%, increased with age (from
      0.6% in those<35 years to 13.9% among those>=65 years) and was more common in men
      than women. In a multivariate model age (odds ratio [OR]=1.48, 95% confidence
      interval [CI]=1.33, 1.64 for every 5-year increase), nasal polyps or deviated
      septum (OR=2.69, 95% CI=1.62, 4.48), ankle-brachial index<0.9 (OR=3.62, 95%
      CI=1.45, 9.01), and smoking (women only) (OR=2.43, 95% CI=1.19, 4.98 ever smoked
      vs. never) were associated with an increased odds of olfactory impairment,
      whereas higher household income, >=$50,000 versus <$50,000 per year, was
      associated with a decreased odds of olfactory impairment (OR=0.48, 95% CI=0.31,
      0.73). Participants with olfactory impairment were less likely to report that
      food tasted as good as it used to, or that they experienced food flavors the
      same. There was no association between olfactory impairment and general health
      related quality of life, depressive symptoms, or dietary choices. The prevalence
      of olfactory impairment was low in this largely middle-aged cohort, and some
      factors associated with olfactory impairment are potentially modifiable.

PMID- 22045705
TI  - CXCR4-based imaging agents.
AB  - Chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4)-chemokine ligand 12 (CXCL12) interactions have been
      shown to play key roles in cancer cell survival, proliferation, chemotaxis,
      homing, adhesion, tumor angiogenesis, and resistance to conventional and targeted
      therapies. Given its extensive involvement in cancer progression, the CXCR4
      CXCL12 axis has been considered a therapeutic target. Several inhibitors blocking
      this signaling cascade are in phase I trials. Because CXCR4 is constitutively
      expressed in a wide variety of normal tissues, patient stratification and
      noninvasive monitoring would improve therapeutic outcome and reduce unnecessary
      toxicities. This review focuses on recent developments in CXCR4-based imaging
      agents and their potential role in the molecular diagnosis and treatment of
      cancer.

PMID- 22045706
TI  - (18)F-FDG PET/CT for monitoring treatment responses to the epidermal growth
      factor receptor inhibitor erlotinib.
AB  - Response rates of unselected non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients to the
      epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor erlotinib are low and range from 10%
      to 20%. Early response assessments are needed to avoid costs and side effects of
      inefficient treatments. Here we determined whether early changes in tumor uptake
      of (18)F-FDG can predict progression-free and overall survival in NSCLC patients
      who are treated with erlotinib. METHODS: Twenty-two patients (6 men, 16 women;
      mean age +/- SD, 64 +/- 13 y) with stage III or stage IV NSCLC who received
      erlotinib treatment were enrolled prospectively. (18)F-FDG PET/CT was performed
      before the initiation of treatment (n = 22), after 2 wk (n = 22), and after 78 +/
      21 d (n = 11). Tumor maximum standardized uptake values were measured for a
      maximum of 5 lesions for each patient. Tumor responses were classified using
      modified PET Response Criteria in Solid Tumors (use of maximum standardized
      uptake values). Median overall survival by Kaplan-Meier analysis was compared
      between groups using a log-rank test. RESULTS: The overall median time to
      progression was 52 d (95% confidence interval, 47-57 d). The overall median
      survival time was 131 d (95% confidence interval, 0-351 d). Patients with
      progressive metabolic disease on early follow-up PET showed a significantly
      shorter time to progression (47 vs. 119 d; P < 0.001) and overall survival (87
      vs. 828 d; P = 0.01) than patients classified as having stable metabolic disease
      or partial or complete metabolic response. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that
      (18)F-FDG PET/CT performed early after the start of erlotinib treatment can help
      to identify patients who benefit from this targeted therapy.

PMID- 22045707
TI  - Evaluation of the role of tumor-associated macrophages in an experimental model
      of peritoneal carcinomatosis using (18)F-FDG PET.
AB  - PET is widely used at the clinical and preclinical levels for tumor assessment
      and evaluation of treatment efficacy. Here, we established and took advantage of
      a preclinical model of peritoneal carcinomatosis to evaluate the contribution of
      inflammatory infiltrating macrophages in tumor progression that was followed
      using (18)F-FDG PET. METHODS: Groups of mice with peritoneal carcinomatosis were
      longitudinally evaluated with (18)F-FDG PET. Intraperitoneal depletion of
      macrophages was achieved by an approach (i.e., administration of clodronate
      encapsulated into liposomes) that proved to be safe and effective. Sham liposomes
      were used in control animal cohorts. RESULTS: (18)F-FDG PET allowed us to detect
      and monitor peritoneal lesion growth and diffusion. Macrophage-depleted animals
      showed a substantial reduction in tumor burden paralleled by a decrement in the
      extent of radioactivity distribution. A significant correlation between lesion
      dimension and metabolic volume was observed not only in macrophage-depleted but
      also in sham-treated mice. CONCLUSION: (18)F-FDG PET allowed a noninvasive
      detection of peritoneal carcinomatosis lesions. Although macrophages play a key
      role in the early growth and spreading of lesions in the peritoneal cavity,
      neoplastic cells apparently represent the major player in this system in the
      uptake of (18)F-FDG.

PMID- 22045708
TI  - (99)mTc-(CO)(3) His-annexin A5 micro-SPECT demonstrates increased cell death by
      irinotecan during the vascular normalization window caused by bevacizumab.
AB  - Colorectal tumors are dependent on angiogenesis for growth, and vascular
      endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a key mediator of tumor angiogenesis.
      Antiangiogenic drugs can induce a transient normalization of the tumor
      vasculature with improved delivery of coadministered chemotherapy. The efficacy
      of antihuman VEGF antibody (bevacizumab) with or without irinotecan was evaluated
      in a colorectal cancer xenograft using (99m)Tc-(CO)(3) His-annexin A5. METHODS:
      Colo205-bearing mice were treated with a single dose of bevacizumab (5 mg/kg)
      during 2, 4, or 6 d. Microvessel density, pericyte coverage (alpha-smooth-muscle
      actin immunostaining), collagen-covered tumor vessels (Masson trichrome
      staining), and tumor hypoxic fraction (pimonidazole staining) were determined at
      the 3 different time points after treatment with bevacizumab. To investigate the
      possible synergistic effects of combination therapy with bevacizumab and
      irinotecan, Colo205-bearing mice were treated with a single dose of bevacizumab
      2, 4, or 6 d before administration of a single dose of irinotecan (100 mg/kg) or
      0.9% NaCl. The apoptosis-detecting radiotracer (99m)Tc-(CO)(3) His-annexin A5 was
      injected (18.5 MBq) in mice 12, 24, and 48 h after the start of the irinotecan or
      NaCl treatment, and micro-SPECT was subsequently performed 3.5 h after injection
      of the radiotracer. Results were correlated to histologic analysis for apoptosis
      (caspase-3 activation). RESULTS: Four days after bevacizumab administration,
      microvessel density decreased significantly, and alpha-smooth-muscle actin and
      collagen-covered vessels, compared with control tumors, were increased,
      suggesting normalization of the tumor vasculature. Hypoxic fraction was slightly
      reduced 4 d after treatment with bevacizumab. SPECT analyses demonstrated a
      significant increase in tumoral (99m)Tc-(CO)(3) His-annexin A5 uptake 4 d after
      bevacizumab treatment and 24 h after irinotecan administration (232.78 +/- 24.82
      percentage injected dose/tumor weight [g]/body weight [kg], P < 0.05), compared
      with each monotherapy, indicating a synergistic effect of both therapies.
      CONCLUSION: (99m)Tc-(CO)(3) His-annexin A5 micro-SPECT demonstrates increased
      antitumor activity of irinotecan during the transient vascular normalization
      period caused by bevacizumab. Our data outline the importance of timing of
      combined anti-VEGF treatment with chemotherapy.

PMID- 22045709
TI  - PET of CXCR4 expression by a (68)Ga-labeled highly specific targeted contrast
      agent.
AB  - The overexpression of the chemokine receptor CXCR4 plays an important role in
      oncology, since together with its endogenous ligand, the stromal cell-derived
      factor (SDF1-alpha), CXCR4 is involved in tumor development, growth, and organ
      specific metastasis. As part of our ongoing efforts to develop highly specific
      CXCR4-targeted imaging probes and with the aim to assess the suitability of this
      ligand for first proof-of-concept studies in humans, we further evaluated the new
      (68)Ga-labeled high-affinity cyclic CXCR4 ligand, (68)Ga-CPCR4-2 (cyclo(D-Tyr(1)
      [NMe]-D-Orn(2)-[4-(aminomethyl) benzoic acid,(68)Ga-DOTA]-Arg(3)-2-Nal(4)
      Gly(5))). METHODS: Additional biodistribution and competitions studies in vivo,
      dynamic PET studies, and investigations on the metabolic stability and plasma
      protein binding were performed in nude mice bearing metastasizing OH1 human small
      cell lung cancer xenografts. CXCR4 expression on OH1 tumor sections was
      determined by immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS: (nat)Ga-CPCR4-2 exhibits
      high CXCR4 affinity with a half maximum inhibitory concentration of 4.99 +/- 0.72
      nM. (68)Ga-CPCR4-2 showed high in vivo stability and high and specific tumor
      accumulation, which was reduced by approximately 80% in competition studies with
      AMD3100. High CXCR4 expression in tumors was confirmed by immunohistochemical
      staining. (68)Ga-CPCR4-2 showed low uptake in nontumor tissue and particularly
      low kidney accumulation despite predominant renal excretion, leading to high
      contrast delineation of tumors in small-animal PET studies. CONCLUSION: The small
      and optimized cyclic peptide CPCR4-2 labeled with (68)Ga is a suitable tracer for
      targeting and imaging of human CXCR4 receptor expression in vivo. The high
      affinity for CXCR4, its in vivo stability, and the excellent pharmacokinetics
      recommend the further evaluation of (68)Ga-CPCR4-2 in a proof-of-concept study in
      humans.

PMID- 22045710
TI  - Simplified quantification of myocardial flow reserve with (18)F-flurpiridaz:
      validation with microspheres in a pig model.

PMID- 22045711
TI  - Oncology.

PMID- 22045712
TI  - General nuclear medicine.

PMID- 22045713
TI  - Gathering member feedback on SNM name change.

PMID- 22045716
TI  - An education opportunity for all: SNM's Mid-Winter Meeting.

PMID- 22045714
TI  - Notification of proposed SNM Bylaws change.

PMID- 22045717
TI  - Point-of-care testing parathyroid hormone assay.

PMID- 22045719
TI  - Effect of nasal tip skin thickness on the outcome of tip refining surgery
      quantified previously.

PMID- 22045721
TI  - Chest imaging in H1N1 influenza.

PMID- 22045722
TI  - Directional connectivity of resting state human fMRI data using cascaded ICA-PDC
      analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Directional connectivity measures, such as partial directed coherence
      (PDC), give us means to explore effective connectivity in the human brain. By
      utilizing independent component analysis (ICA), the original data-set reduction
      was performed for further PDC analysis. PURPOSE: To test this cascaded ICA-PDC
      approach in causality studies of human functional magnetic resonance imaging
      (fMRI) data. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Resting state group data was imaged from 55
      subjects using a 1.5 T scanner (TR 1800 ms, 250 volumes). Temporal concatenation
      group ICA in a probabilistic ICA and further repeatability runs (n = 200) were
      overtaken. The reduced data-set included the time series presentation of the
      following nine ICA components: secondary somatosensory cortex, inferior temporal
      gyrus, intracalcarine cortex, primary auditory cortex, amygdala, putamen and the
      frontal medial cortex, posterior cingulate cortex and precuneus, comprising the
      default mode network components. Re-normalized PDC (rPDC) values were computed to
      determine directional connectivity at the group level at each frequency. RESULTS:
      The integrative role was suggested for precuneus while the role of major
      divergence region may be proposed to primary auditory cortex and amygdala.
      CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the potential of the cascaded ICA-PDC
      approach in directional connectivity studies of human fMRI.

PMID- 22045723
TI  - Nutrition screening tools: an analysis of the evidence.
AB  - In response to questions about tools for nutrition screening, an evidence
      analysis project was developed to identify the most valid and reliable nutrition
      screening tools for use in acute care and hospital-based ambulatory care
      settings. An oversight group defined nutrition screening and literature search
      criteria. A trained analyst conducted structured searches of the literature for
      studies of nutrition screening tools according to predetermined criteria. Eleven
      nutrition screening tools designed to detect undernutrition in patients in acute
      care and hospital-based ambulatory care were identified. Trained analysts
      evaluated articles for quality using criteria specified by the American Dietetic
      Association's Evidence Analysis Library. Members of the oversight group assigned
      quality grades to the tools based on the quality of the supporting evidence,
      including reliability and validity data. One tool, the NRS-2002, received a grade
      I, and 4 tools-the Simple Two-Part Tool, the Mini-Nutritional Assessment-Short
      Form (MNA-SF), the Malnutrition Screening Tool (MST), and Malnutrition Universal
      Screening Tool (MUST)-received a grade II. The MST was the only tool shown to be
      both valid and reliable for identifying undernutrition in the settings studied.
      Thus, validated nutrition screening tools that are simple and easy to use are
      available for application in acute care and hospital-based ambulatory care
      settings.

PMID- 22045724
TI  - Bloodstream infections in patients receiving manufactured parenteral nutrition
      with vs without lipids: is the use of lipids really deleterious?
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study compared overall bacterial and bloodstream infection rates
      in patients receiving premixed parenteral nutrition (PN) with vs without lipid
      emulsion. METHODS: Data from hospitalized patients who were >=18 years of age and
      receiving premixed PN between 2005 and 2007 were extracted from the Premier
      Perspective database. Data were categorized into 2 groups: patients who received
      premixed PN only and those receiving premixed PN with lipids. Multiple logistic
      regression was used to adjust for risk factors and potential confounders,
      reporting the probability of risk for an infection. RESULTS: The group without
      lipids was observed to have lower rates of both overall bacterial infection
      (43.5% vs 53.5%) and bloodstream infection (14.5% vs 18.9%). However, after
      adjusting for baseline characteristics, there were no significant differences in
      overall risk of bacterial infections (51.4% vs 53.5%; odds ratio [OR] = 1.11; 95%
      confidence interval [CI], 0.96-1.27) or bloodstream infections (19.6% vs 19.2%;
      0.97; 0.81-1.16). In a subset of patients in the intensive care unit for >=3
      days, lower overall bacterial infection rates (58.3% vs 67.3%) and bloodstream
      infection rates (31.0% vs 37.0%) were observed in the group without lipids. After
      adjustment, there were no significant differences in risk of overall bacterial
      infection (OR = 0.95; 95% CI, 0.75-1.22) or bloodstream infection (0.92; 0.71
      1.19) between the 2 groups. CONCLUSIONS: When administered with premixed PN,
      lipid emulsion was not significantly associated with an increase in the risk of
      infectious morbidity when compared to omitting lipids from therapy.

PMID- 22045725
TI  - The use of observational scales to monitor symptom control and depth of sedation
      in patients requiring palliative sedation: a systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Palliative sedation is the intentional lowering of consciousness of a
      patient in the last phase of life to relieve suffering from refractory symptoms
      such as pain, delirium and dyspnoea. AIM: In this systematic review, we evaluated
      the use of monitoring scales to assess the degree of control of refractory
      symptoms and/or the depth of the sedation. DESIGN: A database search of PubMed
      and Embase was performed up to January 2010 using the search terms 'palliative
      sedation' OR 'terminal sedation'. DATA SOURCES: Retro- and prospective studies as
      well as reviews and guidelines containing information about monitoring of
      palliative sedation, written in the English, German or Dutch language were
      included. RESULTS: The search yielded 264 articles of which 30 were considered
      relevant. Most studies focused on monitoring refractory symptoms (pain, fatigue
      or delirium) or the level of awareness to control the level of sedation. Four
      prospective and one retrospective study used scales validated in other settings:
      the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, the Visual Analogue Scale, the Memorial Delirium
      Assessment Scale, the Communication Capacity Scale and Agitation Distress Scale.
      Only the Community Capacity Scale was partially validated for use in a palliative
      sedation setting. One guideline described the use of a scale validated in another
      setting. CONCLUSIONS: A minority of studies reported the use of observational
      scales to monitor the effect of palliative sedation. Future studies should be
      focused on establishing proper instruments, most adequate frequency and timing of
      assessment, and interdisciplinary evaluation of sedation depth and symptom
      control for palliative sedation.

PMID- 22045726
TI  - Assessing quality of care for the dying: the development and initial validation
      of a postal self-completion questionnaire for bereaved relatives.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Evaluating 'quality of care for the dying' from the patients'
      perspective has practical and ethical difficulties: an alternative is to use
      bereaved relatives' views as 'proxy' measures. Currently, within the United
      Kingdom, there is no validated instrument which specifically examines quality of
      care in the last days of life or the impact of the Liverpool Care Pathway (LCP)
      for the Dying Patient. AIM: To develop and validate a questionnaire for use with
      bereaved relatives assessing the quality of care for patients and families in the
      last days of life and the immediate period after the bereavement. DESIGN: The
      instrument, 'Evaluating Care and Health Outcomes - for the Dying' (ECHO-D), was
      developed in four distinct phases: 1. Question formulation, 2. Expert panel
      review (n = 6), 3. Wider audience review (n = 25), 4. Pilot, including cognitive
      pre-testing interviews and preliminary test-retest reliability assessment with
      bereaved relatives (n = 80) SETTING: The study was conducted within a hospice and
      an acute hospital involving healthcare professionals, lay members and bereaved
      relatives. RESULTS: The systematic and robust process of questionnaire
      development generated evidence for ECHO-D's face and content validity. Response
      rate for the pilot stage with bereaved relatives, however, was comparatively low
      (23.4%). Test-retest analysis from the pilot showed moderate or good stability
      for 13 out of 17 key questions, although small sample numbers limited the
      interpretation. CONCLUSIONS: ECHO-D is the first instrument specifically to
      assess 'quality of care for the dying', focussing on the last days of life, and
      has direct links with the use of the LCP Programme.

PMID- 22045727
TI  - Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) management in palliative care
      units and hospices in Germany: a nationwide survey on patient isolation policies
      and quality of life.
AB  - BACKGROUND: For palliative care settings, little is known about the benefits of
      specific methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus containment regimens and the
      burdens patient isolation imposes on affected patients, their families, and
      professional caregivers. AIM: To explore the current practice of MRSA management
      and its impact on inpatients' quality of life as perceived by professional
      caregivers. DESIGN: Survey of inpatient palliative care institutions using 23
      item questionnaires (infrastructural data: six items, management process: 14,
      clinical significance: three). SETTING/PARTICIPANTS: All palliative care units
      (179) and hospices (181) listed in Germany's directory of palliative care
      services. The chi(2) test was used to test for differences; significance level: p
      <= 0.05. RESULTS: 229 of 360 questionnaires were returned. More than 90% of the
      responding institutions employed specific MRSA protocols. Lack of resources was a
      more important issue for palliative care units than for hospices regarding
      availability of single rooms (p = 0.002) and staffing (p = 0.004). Compared to
      hospices, palliative care units more frequently isolated MRSA patients (p =
      0.000), actively treated colonization (p = 0.026), assessed the efficacy of
      eradication (p = 0.000), provided information on MRSA management to patients (p =
      0.014) and relatives (p = 0.001), more often restricted patients' activities (p =
      0.000), and reported a negative impact on quality of life (p = 0.000).
      CONCLUSIONS: Rigorously applied MRSA protocols impose significant burdens at the
      end of life. Research on clinical outcomes including quality of life may identify
      interventions of questionable benefit. The issue of handling MRSA should be
      studied as a model for the management of other highly complex conditions and
      special needs such as patient isolation.

PMID- 22045728
TI  - Effects of phosphorylation and neuronal activity on the control of synapse
      formation by synapsin I.
AB  - Synapsins are synaptic vesicle (SV)-associated proteins that regulate synaptic
      transmission and neuronal differentiation. At early stages, Syn I and II
      phosphorylation at Ser9 by cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) and
      Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase I/IV modulates axon elongation and SV
      precursor dynamics. We evaluated the requirement of Syn I for synapse formation
      by siRNA-mediated knockdown as well as by overexpression of either its wild-type
      (WT) form or its phosphorylation mutants. Syn1 knockdown at 14 days in vitro
      caused a decrease in the number of synapses, accompanied by a reduction of SV
      recycling. Although overexpression of WT Syn I was ineffective, overexpression of
      its phosphorylation mutants resulted in a complex temporal regulation of synapse
      density. At early stages of synaptogenesis, phosphomimetic Syn I S9E
      significantly increased the number of synapses. Conversely, dephosphomimetic Syn
      I S9A decreased synapse number at more advanced stages. Overexpression of either
      WT Syn I or its phosphomimetic S9E mutant rescued the decrease in synapse number
      caused by chronic treatment with tetrodotoxin at early stages, suggesting that
      Syn I participates in an alternative PKA-dependent mechanism that can compensate
      for the impairment of the activity-dependent synaptogenic pathway. Altogether
      these results indicate that Syn I is an important regulator of synapse formation,
      which adjusts synapse number in response to extracellular signals.

PMID- 22045729
TI  - Caveolae respond to cell stretch and contribute to stretch-induced signaling.
AB  - Caveolae are invaginations of the plasma membrane that are formed by caveolins.
      Caveolar membranes are also enriched in cholesterol, glycosphingolipids and
      signaling enzymes such as Src kinase. Here we investigate the effect of cell
      stretch upon caveolar dynamics and signaling. Transfection of C2 myoblasts with
      caveolin-3-YFP led to the formation of caveolae-like membrane pits 50-100 nm in
      diameter. Glycosphingolipids became immobilized and tightly packed together
      within caveolin-rich regions of the plasma membrane. Fluorescence resonance
      energy transfer (FRET) was used to assess the degree of glycosphingolipid
      packing. Myoblasts were subjected to a brief (1 minute) stretch on an elastic
      substratum. Stretch caused a reduction in glycosphingolipid FRET, consistent with
      a reversible unfolding of caveolar pits in response to membrane tension. Cells
      expressing caveolin-3-YFP also displayed an enhanced stretch-induced activation
      of Src kinase, as assessed by immunofluorescence. Repeated stretches resulted in
      the trafficking and remodeling of caveolin-3-rich membrane domains and
      accelerated turnover of membrane glycosphingolipids. The stretch-induced
      unfolding of caveolae, activation of Src and redistribution of caveolin and
      glycosphingolipids might reflect mechanisms of the cellular adaptation to
      mechanical stresses.

PMID- 22045730
TI  - Fibrosis and adipogenesis originate from a common mesenchymal progenitor in
      skeletal muscle.
AB  - Accumulation of adipocytes and collagen type-I-producing cells (fibrosis) is
      observed in muscular dystrophies. The origin of these cells had been largely
      unknown, but recently we identified mesenchymal progenitors positive for platelet
      derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRalpha) as the origin of adipocytes in
      skeletal muscle. However, the origin of muscle fibrosis remains largely unknown.
      In this study, clonal analyses show that PDGFRalpha(+) cells also differentiate
      into collagen type-I-producing cells. In fact, PDGFRalpha(+) cells accumulated in
      fibrotic areas of the diaphragm in the mdx mouse, a model of Duchenne muscular
      dystrophy. Furthermore, mRNA of fibrosis markers was expressed exclusively in the
      PDGFRalpha(+) cell fraction in the mdx diaphragm. Importantly, TGF-beta isoforms,
      known as potent profibrotic cytokines, induced expression of markers of fibrosis
      in PDGFRalpha(+) cells but not in myogenic cells. Transplantation studies
      revealed that fibrogenic PDGFRalpha(+) cells mainly derived from pre-existing
      PDGFRalpha(+) cells and that the contribution of PDGFRalpha(-) cells and
      circulating cells was limited. These results indicate that mesenchymal
      progenitors are the main origin of not only fat accumulation but also fibrosis in
      skeletal muscle.

PMID- 22045731
TI  - Ligand of Numb proteins LNX1p80 and LNX2 interact with the human glycoprotein
      CD8alpha and promote its ubiquitylation and endocytosis.
AB  - E3 ubiquitin ligases give specificity to the ubiquitylation process by
      selectively binding substrates. Recently, their function has emerged as a crucial
      modulator of T-cell tolerance and immunity. However, substrates, partners and
      mechanism of action for most E3 ligases remain largely unknown. In this study, we
      identified the human T-cell co-receptor CD8 alpha-chain as binding partner of the
      ligand of Numb proteins X1 (LNX1p80 isoform) and X2 (LNX2). Both LNX mRNAs were
      found expressed in T cells purified from human blood, and both proteins
      interacted with CD8alpha in human HPB-ALL T cells. By using an in vitro assay and
      a heterologous expression system we showed that the interaction is mediated by
      the PDZ (PSD95-DlgA-ZO-1) domains of LNX proteins and the cytosolic C-terminal
      valine motif of CD8alpha. Moreover, CD8alpha redistributed LNX1 or LNX2 from the
      cytosol to the plasma membrane, whereas, remarkably, LNX1 or LNX2 promoted
      CD8alpha ubiquitylation, downregulation from the plasma membrane, transport to
      the lysosomes, and degradation. Our findings highlight the function of LNX
      proteins as E3 ligases and suggest a mechanism of regulation for CD8alpha
      localization at the plasma membrane by ubiquitylation and endocytosis.

PMID- 22045732
TI  - De novo assembly of a PML nuclear subcompartment occurs through multiple pathways
      and induces telomere elongation.
AB  - Telomerase-negative tumor cells use an alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT)
      pathway that involves DNA recombination and repair to maintain their
      proliferative potential. The cytological hallmark of this process is the
      accumulation of promyelocytic leukemia (PML) nuclear protein at telomeric DNA to
      form ALT-associated PML bodies (APBs). Here, the de novo formation of a telomeric
      PML nuclear subcompartment was investigated by recruiting APB protein components.
      We show that functionally distinct proteins were able to initiate the formation
      of bona fide APBs with high efficiency in a self-organizing and self-propagating
      manner. These included: (1) PML and Sp100 as the constituting components of PML
      nuclear bodies, (2) telomere repeat binding factors 1 and 2 (TRF1 and TRF2,
      respectively), (3) the DNA repair protein NBS1 and (4) the SUMO E3 ligase MMS21,
      as well as the isolated SUMO1 domain, through an interacting domain of another
      protein factor. By contrast, the repair factors Rad9, Rad17 and Rad51 were less
      efficient in APB nucleation but were recruited to preassembled APBs. The
      artificially created APBs induced telomeric extension through a DNA repair
      mechanism, as inferred from their colocalization with sites of non-replicative
      DNA synthesis and histone H2A.X phosphorylation, and an increase of the telomere
      repeat length. These activities were absent after recruitment of the APB factors
      to a pericentric locus and establish APBs as functional intermediates of the ALT
      pathway.

PMID- 22045733
TI  - Peroxiredoxin-controlled G-CSF signalling at the endoplasmic reticulum-early
      endosome interface.
AB  - Reactive oxygen species (ROS) regulate growth factor receptor signalling at least
      in part by inhibiting oxidation-sensitive phosphatases. An emerging concept is
      that ROS act locally to affect signal transduction in different subcellular
      compartments and that ROS levels are regulated by antioxidant proteins at the
      same local level. Here, we show that the ER-resident antioxidant peroxiredoxin 4
      (Prdx4) interacts with the cytoplasmic domain of the granulocyte colony
      stimulating factor receptor (G-CSFR). This interaction occurs when the activated
      G-CSFR resides in early endosomes. Prdx4 inhibits G-CSF-induced signalling and
      proliferation in myeloid progenitors, depending on its redox-active cysteine
      core. Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1b (Ptp1b) appears to be a major downstream
      effector controlling these responses. Conversely, Ptp1b might keep Prdx4 active
      by reducing its phosphorylation. These findings unveil a new signal transduction
      regulatory circuitry involving redox-controlled processes in the ER and activated
      cytokine receptors in endosomes.

PMID- 22045734
TI  - Integrity of the network sarcoplasmic reticulum in skeletal muscle requires small
      ankyrin 1.
AB  - Small ankyrin 1 (sAnk1; Ank1.5) is a ~20 kDa protein of striated muscle that
      concentrates in the network compartment of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (nSR). We
      used siRNA targeted to sAnk1 to assess its role in organizing the sarcoplasmic
      reticulum (SR) of skeletal myofibers in vitro. siRNA reduced sAnk1 mRNA and
      protein levels and disrupted the organization of the remaining sAnk1. Sarcomeric
      proteins were unchanged, but two other proteins of the nSR, SERCA and sarcolipin,
      decreased significantly in amount and segregated into distinct structures
      containing sarcolipin and sAnk1, and SERCA, respectively. Exogenous sAnk1
      restored SERCA to its normal distribution. Ryanodine receptors and calsequestrin
      in the junctional SR, and L-type Ca(2+) channels in the transverse tubules were
      not reduced, although their striated organization was mildly altered. Consistent
      with the loss of SERCA, uptake and release of Ca(2+) were significantly
      inhibited. Our results show that sAnk1 stabilizes the nSR and that its absence
      causes the nSR to fragment into distinct membrane compartments.

PMID- 22045735
TI  - Protein aggregation of SERCA2 mutants associated with Darier disease elicits ER
      stress and apoptosis in keratinocytes.
AB  - Mutations in sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase 2 (SERCA2)
      underlie Darier disease (DD), a dominantly inherited skin disorder characterized
      by loss of keratinocyte adhesion (acantholysis) and abnormal keratinization
      (dyskeratosis) resulting in characteristic mucocutaneous abnormalities. However,
      the molecular pathogenic mechanism by which these changes influence keratinocyte
      adhesion and viability remains unknown. We show here that SERCA2 protein is
      extremely sensitive to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, which typically results
      in aggregation and insolubility of the protein. Depletion of ER calcium stores is
      not necessary for the aggregation but accelerates the progression. Systematic
      analysis of diverse mutants identical to those found in DD patients demonstrated
      that the ER stress initiator is the SERCA2 mutant protein itself. These SERCA2
      proteins were found to be less soluble, to aggregate and to be more
      polyubiquitinylated. After transduction into primary human epidermal
      keratinocytes, mutant SERCA2 aggregates elicited ER stress, caused increased
      numbers of cells to round up and detach from the culture plate, and induced
      apoptosis. These mutant induced events were exaggerated by increased ER stress.
      Furthermore, knockdown SERCA2 in keratinocytes rendered the cells resistant to
      apoptosis induction. These features of SERCA2 and its mutants establish a
      mechanistic base to further elucidate the molecular pathogenesis underlying
      acantholysis and dyskeratosis in DD.

PMID- 22045736
TI  - Bartonella henselae engages inside-out and outside-in signaling by integrin beta1
      and talin1 during invasome-mediated bacterial uptake.
AB  - The VirB/D4 type IV secretion system (T4SS) of the bacterial pathogen Bartonella
      henselae (Bhe) translocates seven effector proteins (BepA-BepG) into human cells
      that subvert host cellular functions. Two redundant pathways dependent on BepG or
      the combination of BepC and BepF trigger the formation of a bacterial uptake
      structure termed the invasome. Invasome formation is a multi-step process
      consisting of bacterial adherence, effector translocation, aggregation of
      bacteria on the cell surface and engulfment, and eventually, complete
      internalization of the bacterial aggregate occurs in an F-actin-dependent manner.
      In the present study, we show that Bhe-triggered invasome formation depends on
      integrin-beta1-mediated signaling cascades that enable assembly of the F-actin
      invasome structure. We demonstrate that Bhe interacts with integrin beta1 in a
      fibronectin- and VirB/D4 T4SS-independent manner and that activated integrin
      beta1 is essential for both effector translocation and the actin rearrangements
      leading to invasome formation. Furthermore, we show that talin1, but not talin2,
      is required for inside-out activation of integrin beta1 during invasome
      formation. Finally, integrin-beta1-mediated outside-in signaling by FAK, Src,
      paxillin and vinculin is necessary for invasome formation. This is the first
      example of a bacterial entry process that fully exploits the bi-directional
      signaling capacity of integrin receptors in a talin1-specific manner.

PMID- 22045737
TI  - Live-cell fluorescence correlation spectroscopy dissects the role of coregulator
      exchange and chromatin binding in retinoic acid receptor mobility.
AB  - The retinoic acid receptor (RAR) is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily.
      This ligand-inducible transcription factor binds to DNA as a heterodimer with the
      retinoid X receptor (RXR) in the nucleus. The nucleus is a dynamic compartment
      and live-cell imaging techniques make it possible to investigate transcription
      factor action in real-time. We studied the diffusion of EGFP-RAR by fluorescence
      correlation spectroscopy (FCS) to uncover the molecular interactions determining
      receptor mobility. In the absence of ligand, we identified two distinct species
      with different mobilities. The fast component has a diffusion coefficient of
      D(1)=1.8-6.0 MUm(2)/second corresponding to small oligomeric forms, whereas the
      slow component with D(2)=0.05-0.10 MUm(2)/second corresponds to interactions of
      RAR with the chromatin or other large structures. The RAR ligand-binding-domain
      fragment also has a slow component, probably as a result of indirect DNA-binding
      through RXR, with lower affinity than the intact RAR-RXR complex. Importantly,
      RAR-agonist treatment shifts the equilibrium towards the slow population of the
      wild-type receptor, but without significantly changing the mobility of either the
      fast or the slow population. By using a series of mutant forms of the receptor
      with altered DNA- or coregulator-binding capacity we found that the slow
      component is probably related to chromatin binding, and that coregulator
      exchange, specifically the binding of the coactivator complex, is the main
      determinant contributing to the redistribution of RAR during ligand activation.

PMID- 22045738
TI  - Ultrastructural study of transcription factories in mouse erythroblasts.
AB  - RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) transcription has been proposed to occur at
      transcription factories; nuclear focal accumulations of the active,
      phosphorylated forms of RNAPII. The low ratio of transcription factories to
      active genes and transcription units suggests that genes must share factories.
      Our previous analyses using light microscopy have indicated that multiple genes
      could share the same factory. Furthermore, we found that a small number of
      specialized transcription factories containing high levels of the erythroid
      specific transcription factor KLF1 preferentially transcribed a network of KLF1
      regulated genes. Here we used correlative light microscopy in combination with
      energy filtering transmission electron microscopy (EFTEM) and electron microscopy
      in situ hybridization (EMISH) to analyse transcription factories, transcribing
      genes, and their nuclear environments at the ultrastructural level in ex vivo
      mouse foetal liver erythroblasts. We show that transcription factories in this
      tissue can be recognized as large nitrogen-rich structures with a mean diameter
      of 130 nm, which is considerably larger than that previously seen in transformed
      cultured cell lines. We show that KLF1-specialized factories are significantly
      larger, with the majority of measured factories occupying the upper 25th
      percentile of this distribution with an average diameter of 174 nm. In addition,
      we show that very highly transcribed genes associated with erythroid
      differentiation tend to occupy and share the largest factories with an average
      diameter of 198 nm. Our results suggest that individual factories are dynamically
      organized and able to respond to the increased transcriptional load imposed by
      multiple highly transcribed genes by significantly increasing in size.

PMID- 22045739
TI  - Rab35 regulates phagosome formation through recruitment of ACAP2 in macrophages
      during FcgammaR-mediated phagocytosis.
AB  - Phagosome formation and subsequent maturation are complex sequences of events
      that involve actin cytoskeleton remodeling and membrane trafficking. Here, we
      demonstrate that the Ras-related protein Rab35 is involved in the early stage of
      FcgammaR-mediated phagocytosis in macrophages. Live-cell image analysis revealed
      that Rab35 was markedly concentrated at the membrane where IgG-opsonized
      erythrocytes (IgG-Es) are bound. Rab35 silencing by RNA interference (RNAi) or
      the expression of GDP- or GTP-locked Rab35 mutant drastically reduced the rate of
      phagocytosis of IgG-Es. Actin-mediated pseudopod extension to form phagocytic
      cups was disturbed by the Rab35 silencing or the expression of GDP-Rab35,
      although initial actin assembly at the IgG-E binding sites was not inhibited.
      Furthermore, GTP-Rab35-dependent recruitment of ACAP2, an ARF6 GTPase-activating
      protein, was shown in the phagocytic cup formation. Concomitantly, overexpression
      of ACAP2 along with GTP-locked Rab35 showed a synergistic inhibitory effect on
      phagocytosis. It is likely that Rab35 regulates actin-dependent phagosome
      formation by recruiting ACAP2, which might control actin remodeling and membrane
      traffic through ARF6.

PMID- 22045740
TI  - Nucleostemin inhibits TRF1 dimerization and shortens its dynamic association with
      the telomere.
AB  - TRF1 is a key component of the telomere-capping complex and binds double-strand
      telomeric DNA as homodimers. So far, it is not clear whether TRF1 dimerization
      coincides with its telomere binding or is actively controlled before it binds the
      telomere, and in the latter case, how this event might affect its telomere
      association. We previously found that TRF1 dimerization and its telomere binding
      can be increased by GNL3L, which is the vertebrate paralogue of nucleostemin
      (NS). Here, we show that NS and GNL3L bind TRF1 directly but competitively
      through two separate domains of TRF1. In contrast to GNL3L, NS prevents TRF1
      dimerization through a mechanism not determined by its ability to displace TRF1
      bound GNL3L. Furthermore, NS is capable of shortening the dynamic association of
      TRF1 with the telomere in normal and TRF2(DeltaBDeltaM)-induced telomere-damaged
      cells without affecting the amount of telomere-bound TRF1 proteins in vivo.
      Importantly, NS displays a protective function against the formation of telomere
      dysfunction-induced foci. This work demonstrates that TRF1 dimerization is
      actively and oppositely regulated by NS and GNL3L extrachromosomally. Changing
      the relative amount of TRF1 monomers versus dimers in the nucleoplasm might
      affect the dynamic association of TRF1 with the telomere and the repair of
      damaged telomeres.

PMID- 22045741
TI  - Partnering with health care payers to advance the science of quality improvement:
      lessons from the field.

PMID- 22045742
TI  - COPD Progression and individual rates of change in FEV1 and the BODE index.

PMID- 22045743
TI  - Pulmonary artery thrombosis: another piece to the acute chest syndrome puzzle.

PMID- 22045744
TI  - Ventilator-associated pneumonia and the gastropulmonary route of infection: a
      pendulum.

PMID- 22045745
TI  - Early-onset pneumonia after cardiac arrest: an unintended consequence of
      therapeutic hypothermia?

PMID- 22045746
TI  - Obesity and primary graft dysfunction: weighing the evidence.

PMID- 22045747
TI  - Loop gain: can it help close the heart failure-periodic breathing loop?

PMID- 22045748
TI  - Expiratory lymphatic sacs.

PMID- 22045749
TI  - Necrotizing bronchiolitis in influenza A of swine origin (H1N1).

PMID- 22045750
TI  - Risk and incidence of pulmonary diseases among HIV-infected patients in the era
      of combination antiretroviral therapy.

PMID- 22045751
TI  - Low bone mineral density in emphysema: epiphenomenon of a wasting phenotype?

PMID- 22045752
TI  - Cystic fibrosis upper airways primary colonization with Pseudomonas aeruginosa:
      eradicated by sinonasal antibiotic inhalation.

PMID- 22045753
TI  - The diversity of sex steroid action: novel functions of hydroxysteroid (17beta)
      dehydrogenases as revealed by genetically modified mouse models.
AB  - Disturbed action of sex steroid hormones, i.e. androgens and estrogens, is
      involved in the pathogenesis of various severe diseases in humans. Interestingly,
      recent studies have provided data further supporting the hypothesis that the
      circulating hormone concentrations do not explain all physiological and
      pathological processes observed in hormone-dependent tissues, while the
      intratissue sex steroid concentrations are determined by the expression of
      steroid metabolising enzymes in the neighbouring cells (paracrine action) and/or
      by target cells themselves (intracrine action). This local sex steroid production
      is also a valuable treatment option for developing novel therapies against
      hormonal diseases. Hydroxysteroid (17beta) dehydrogenases (HSD17Bs) compose a
      family of 14 enzymes that catalyse the conversion between the low-active 17-keto
      steroids and the highly active 17beta-hydroxy steroids. The enzymes frequently
      expressed in sex steroid target tissues are, thus, potential drug targets in
      order to lower the local sex steroid concentrations. The present review
      summarises the recent data obtained for the role of HSD17B1, HSD17B2, HSD17B7 and
      HSD17B12 enzymes in various metabolic pathways and their physiological and
      pathophysiological roles as revealed by the recently generated genetically
      modified mouse models. Our data, together with that provided by others, show
      that, in addition to having a role in sex steroid metabolism, several of these
      HSD17B enzymes possess key roles in other metabolic processes: for example,
      HD17B7 is essential for cholesterol biosynthesis and HSD17B12 is involved in
      elongation of fatty acids. Additional studies in vitro and in vivo are to be
      carried out in order to fully define the metabolic role of the HSD17B enzymes and
      to evaluate their value as drug targets.

PMID- 22045754
TI  - Expression and uptake of the thyroxine-binding protein transthyretin is regulated
      by oxygen in primary trophoblast placental cells.
AB  - Transplacental delivery of maternal thyroid hormones to the fetus, in particular
      thyroxine (T4), is critical in ensuring normal fetal neurological development.
      The fetus relies on maternal T4 till around 16 weeks gestation, but mechanisms of
      placental T4 transport are not yet fully elucidated. Placenta produces, secretes
      and takes up the thyroid hormone-binding protein transthyretin (TTR). Many
      placental genes are regulated by oxygen levels, which are relatively low (1%) in
      the early first trimester, rising to 3% in the mid first trimester and 8% in the
      early second trimester and thereafter. We examined the expression and uptake of
      TTR in isolated primary human placental cytotrophoblast cells cultured under
      different oxygen concentrations (1, 3, 8, 21% O2 and 200 MUM desferrioxamine
      (DFO)) for 24 h. We observed sevenfold higher expression of TTR mRNA and protein
      levels at 1% O2 than at 8 and 21% O2. Significant increases were observed after
      culture at 3% O2 and following DFO treatment. We observed significantly higher
      uptake of 125I-TTR and Alexa-594-TTR when cells were cultured at 1 and 3% O2 and
      in the presence of 200 MUM DFO than at 8 and 21% O2. When JEG-3 choriocarcinoma
      cells were transfected with TTR promoter reporter constructs, increased
      luciferase activity was measured in cells cultured at 1 and 3% O2 in comparison
      to 8 and 21% O2. We conclude that placental TTR expression and uptake is
      increased by the relative hypoxia observed in the first trimester of pregnancy, a
      time when materno-fetal T4 transfer is the sole source of fetal T4.

PMID- 22045755
TI  - The emerging role of C/EBPs in glucocorticoid signaling: lessons from the lung.
AB  - Glucocorticoids (GCs) have been successfully used in the treatment of
      inflammatory diseases for decades. However, there is a relative GC resistance in
      several inflammatory lung disorders, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary
      disease (COPD), but still the mechanism(s) behind this unresponsiveness remains
      unknown. Interaction between transcription factors and the GC receptor contribute
      to GC effects but may also provide mechanisms explaining steroid resistance.
      CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein (C/EBP) transcription factors are important
      regulators of pulmonary gene expression and have been implicated in inflammatory
      lung diseases such as asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, cystic fibrosis, sarcoidosis,
      and COPD. In addition, several studies have indicated a role for C/EBPs in
      mediating GC effects. In this review, we discuss the different mechanisms of GC
      action as well as the function of the lung-enriched members of the C/EBP
      transcription factor family. We also summarize the current knowledge of the role
      of C/EBP transcription factors in mediating the effects of GCs, with emphasis on
      pulmonary effects, and their potential role in mediating GC resistance.

PMID- 22045756
TI  - The cover. Pardon in Brittany.

PMID- 22045757
TI  - A piece of my mind. The quiet epidemic.

PMID- 22045758
TI  - Scientists seek strategies to prevent Clostridium difficile infections.

PMID- 22045759
TI  - FDA advisory decision highlights some problems inherent in pragmatic trials.

PMID- 22045760
TI  - Review sizes up therapies for juvenile arthritis.

PMID- 22045761
TI  - Adherence to a healthy lifestyle and sudden cardiac death among women.

PMID- 22045762
TI  - Gender-based violence in women and mental disorders.

PMID- 22045763
TI  - Sleep-disordered breathing and cognitive impairment in older women.

PMID- 22045764
TI  - Organ transplantation and regulation in China.

PMID- 22045765
TI  - Long-term outcomes among older patients following nonmyeloablative conditioning
      and allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation for advanced hematologic
      malignancies.
AB  - CONTEXT: A minimally toxic nonmyeloablative regimen was developed for allogeneic
      hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) to treat patients with advanced
      hematologic malignancies who are older or have comorbid conditions. OBJECTIVE: To
      describe outcomes of patients 60 years or older after receiving minimally toxic
      nonmyeloablative allogeneic HCT. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: From 1998 to
      2008, 372 patients aged 60 to 75 years were enrolled in prospective clinical HCT
      trials at 18 collaborating institutions using conditioning with low-dose total
      body irradiation alone or combined with fludarabine, 90 mg/m(2), before related
      (n = 184) or unrelated (n = 188) donor transplants. Postgrafting
      immunosuppression included mycophenolate mofetil and a calcineurin inhibitor.
      MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Overall and progression-free survival were estimated by
      Kaplan-Meier method. Cumulative incidence estimates were calculated for acute and
      chronic graft-vs-host disease, toxicities, achievement of full donor chimerism,
      complete remission, relapse, and nonrelapse mortality. Hazard ratios (HRs) were
      estimated from Cox regression models. RESULTS: Overall, 5-year cumulative
      incidences of nonrelapse mortality and relapse were 27% (95% CI, 22%-32%) and 41%
      (95% CI, 36%-46%), respectively, leading to 5-year overall and progression-free
      survival of 35% (95% CI, 30%-40%) and 32% (95% CI, 27%-37%), respectively. These
      outcomes were not statistically significantly different when stratified by age
      groups. Furthermore, increasing age was not associated with increases in acute or
      chronic graft-vs-host disease or organ toxicities. In multivariate models, HCT
      specific comorbidity index scores of 1 to 2 (HR, 1.58 [95% CI, 1.08-2.31]) and 3
      or greater (HR, 1.97 [95% CI, 1.38-2.80]) were associated with worse survival
      compared with an HCT-specific comorbidity index score of 0 (P = .003 overall).
      Similarly, standard relapse risk (HR, 1.67 [95% CI, 1.10-2.54]) and high relapse
      risk (HR, 2.22 [95% CI, 1.43-3.43]) were associated with worse survival compared
      with low relapse risk (P < .001 overall). CONCLUSION: Among patients aged 60 to
      75 years treated with nonmyeloablative allogeneic HCT, 5-year overall and
      progression-free survivals were 35% and 32%, respectively.

PMID- 22045766
TI  - Moderate alcohol consumption during adult life, drinking patterns, and breast
      cancer risk.
AB  - CONTEXT: Multiple studies have linked alcohol consumption to breast cancer risk,
      but the risk of lower levels of consumption has not been well quantified. In
      addition, the role of drinking patterns (ie, frequency of drinking and "binge"
      drinking) and consumption at different times of adult life are not well
      understood. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the association of breast cancer with alcohol
      consumption during adult life, including quantity, frequency, and age at
      consumption. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Prospective observational study
      of 105,986 women enrolled in the Nurses' Health Study followed up from 1980 until
      2008 with an early adult alcohol assessment and 8 updated alcohol assessments.
      MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Relative risks of developing invasive breast cancer.
      RESULTS: During 2.4 million person-years of follow-up, 7690 cases of invasive
      breast cancer were diagnosed. Increasing alcohol consumption was associated with
      increased breast cancer risk that was statistically significant at levels as low
      as 5.0 to 9.9 g per day, equivalent to 3 to 6 drinks per week (relative risk,
      1.15; 95% CI, 1.06-1.24; 333 cases/100,000 person-years). Binge drinking, but not
      frequency of drinking, was associated with breast cancer risk after controlling
      for cumulative alcohol intake. Alcohol intake both earlier and later in adult
      life was independently associated with risk. CONCLUSIONS: Low levels of alcohol
      consumption were associated with a small increase in breast cancer risk, with the
      most consistent measure being cumulative alcohol intake throughout adult life.
      Alcohol intake both earlier and later in adult life was independently associated
      with risk.

PMID- 22045768
TI  - Update: A 43-year-old man with angina, elevated troponin, and lateral ST
      depression: management of acute coronary syndromes.

PMID- 22045767
TI  - Spectrum of cancer risk among US solid organ transplant recipients.
AB  - CONTEXT: Solid organ transplant recipients have elevated cancer risk due to
      immunosuppression and oncogenic viral infections. Because most prior research has
      concerned kidney recipients, large studies that include recipients of differing
      organs can inform cancer etiology. OBJECTIVE: To describe the overall pattern of
      cancer following solid organ transplantation. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS:
      Cohort study using linked data on solid organ transplant recipients from the US
      Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients (1987-2008) and 13 state and
      regional cancer registries. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Standardized incidence ratios
      (SIRs) and excess absolute risks (EARs) assessing relative and absolute cancer
      risk in transplant recipients compared with the general population. RESULTS: The
      registry linkages yielded data on 175,732 solid organ transplants (58.4% for
      kidney, 21.6% for liver, 10.0% for heart, and 4.0% for lung). The overall cancer
      risk was elevated with 10,656 cases and an incidence of 1375 per 100,000 person
      years (SIR, 2.10 [95% CI, 2.06-2.14]; EAR, 719.3 [95% CI, 693.3-745.6] per
      100,000 person-years). Risk was increased for 32 different malignancies, some
      related to known infections (eg, anal cancer, Kaposi sarcoma) and others
      unrelated (eg, melanoma, thyroid and lip cancers). The most common malignancies
      with elevated risk were non-Hodgkin lymphoma (n = 1504; incidence: 194.0 per
      100,000 person-years; SIR, 7.54 [95% CI, 7.17-7.93]; EAR, 168.3 [95% CI, 158.6
      178.4] per 100,000 person-years) and cancers of the lung (n = 1344; incidence:
      173.4 per 100,000 person-years; SIR, 1.97 [95% CI, 1.86-2.08]; EAR, 85.3 [95% CI,
      76.2-94.8] per 100,000 person-years), liver (n = 930; incidence: 120.0 per
      100,000 person-years; SIR, 11.56 [95% CI, 10.83-12.33]; EAR, 109.6 [95% CI, 102.0
      117.6] per 100,000 person-years), and kidney (n = 752; incidence: 97.0 per
      100,000 person-years; SIR, 4.65 [95% CI, 4.32-4.99]; EAR, 76.1 [95% CI, 69.3
      83.3] per 100,000 person-years). Lung cancer risk was most elevated in lung
      recipients (SIR, 6.13 [95% CI, 5.18-7.21]) but also increased among other
      recipients (kidney: SIR, 1.46 [95% CI, 1.34-1.59]; liver: SIR, 1.95 [95% CI, 1.74
      2.19]; and heart: SIR, 2.67 [95% CI, 2.40-2.95]). Liver cancer risk was elevated
      only among liver recipients (SIR, 43.83 [95% CI, 40.90-46.91]), who manifested
      exceptional risk in the first 6 months (SIR, 508.97 [95% CI, 474.16-545.66]) and
      a 2-fold excess risk for 10 to 15 years thereafter (SIR, 2.22 [95% CI, 1.57
      3.04]). Among kidney recipients, kidney cancer risk was elevated (SIR, 6.66 [95%
      CI, 6.12-7.23]) and bimodal in onset time. Kidney cancer risk also was increased
      in liver recipients (SIR, 1.80 [95% CI, 1.40-2.29]) and heart recipients (SIR,
      2.90 [95% CI, 2.32-3.59]). CONCLUSION: Compared with the general population,
      recipients of a kidney, liver, heart, or lung transplant have an increased risk
      for diverse infection-related and unrelated cancers.

PMID- 22045769
TI  - Academic medical centers--organizational integration and discipline through
      contractual and firm models.

PMID- 22045770
TI  - Detours on the road to personalized medicine: barriers to biomarker validation
      and implementation.

PMID- 22045771
TI  - Overcoming the age barrier in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: progress,
      but still a long way to go.

PMID- 22045772
TI  - Alcohol and risk of breast cancer.

PMID- 22045773
TI  - Indurated, purplish plaque on a newborn.

PMID- 22045774
TI  - JAMA patient page. Plantar fasciitis.

PMID- 22045775
TI  - Notice of retraction. Isolation and characterization of multipotent progenitor
      cells from the human fetal aorta wall.

PMID- 22045776
TI  - Speed judgments of three-dimensional motion incorporate extraretinal information.
AB  - When tracking an object moving in depth, the visual system should take changes of
      eye vergence into account to judge the object's 3D speed correctly. Previous work
      has shown that extraretinal information about changes in eye vergence is
      exploited when judging the sign of 3D motion. Here, we ask whether extraretinal
      signals also affect judgments of 3D speed. Observers judged the speed of a small
      target surrounded by a large background. To manipulate extraretinal information,
      we varied the vergence demand of the entire stimulus sinusoidally over time. At
      different phases of vergence pursuit, we changed the disparity of the target
      relative to the background, leading observers to perceive approaching target
      motion. We determined psychometric functions for the target's approach speed when
      the eyes were (1) converging, (2) diverging, (3) maximally converged (near), and
      (4) maximally diverged (far). The target's motion was reported as faster during
      convergence and slower during divergence but perceived speed was little affected
      at near or far vergence positions. Thus, 3D speed judgments are affected by
      extraretinal signals about changes in eye rotation but appear unaffected by the
      absolute orientation of the eyes. We develop a model that accounts for observers'
      judgments by taking a weighted average of the retinal and extraretinal signals to
      target motion.

PMID- 22045777
TI  - Estimating distance during self-motion: a role for visual-vestibular
      interactions.
AB  - A fundamental challenge for the visual system is to extract the 3D spatial
      structure of the environment. When an observer translates without moving the
      eyes, the retinal speed of a stationary object is related to its distance by a
      scale factor that depends on the velocity of the observer's self-motion. Here, we
      aim to test whether the brain uses vestibular cues to self-motion to estimate
      distance to stationary surfaces in the environment. This relationship was
      systematically probed using a two-alternative forced-choice task in which
      distance perceived from monocular image motion during passive body translation
      was compared to distance perceived from binocular disparity while subjects were
      stationary. We show that perceived distance from motion depended on both observer
      velocity and retinal speed. For a given head speed, slower retinal speeds led to
      the perception of farther distances. Likewise, for a given retinal speed, slower
      head speeds led to the perception of nearer distances. However, these
      relationships were weak in some subjects and absent in others, and distance
      estimated from self-motion and retinal image motion was substantially compressed
      relative to distance estimated from binocular disparity. Overall, our findings
      suggest that the combination of retinal image motion and vestibular signals
      related to head velocity can provide a rudimentary capacity for distance
      estimation.

PMID- 22045779
TI  - Rejected and excluded forevermore, but even more devoted: irrevocable ostracism
      intensifies loyalty to the group among identity-fused persons.
AB  - When people are ostrasized (i.e., rejected and excluded) by either an outgroup or
      an ingroup, they may either withdraw or engage in compensatory activities
      designed to reaffirm their social identity as a group member. The authors
      proposed here that individual differences in identity fusion (an index of
      familial orientation toward the group) would moderate the tendency for people to
      display such compensatory activity. Consistent with this reasoning, the results
      of four experiments showed that irrevocable ostracism increased endorsement of
      extreme, pro-group actions (fighting and dying for the ingroup) among fused
      persons but not among nonfused persons. This effect emerged when an outgroup
      ostracized fused individuals due either to their nationality (Experiment 1) or
      their personal preferences (Experiment 2). Similarly, ostracism by the ingroup
      amplified the tendency for fused persons to both endorse extreme pro-group
      actions, refuse to leave the group (Experiment 3), and donate money to an ingroup
      member (Experiment 4). Finally, compensatory activities emerged even when
      ostracism was based on being "too good" for the group, suggesting that a desire
      for self-enhancement does not mediate such activities (Experiment 4).

PMID- 22045778
TI  - Changes in mouse liver protein glutathionylation after acetaminophen exposure.
AB  - The role of protein glutathionylation in acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver
      injury was investigated in this study. A single oral gavage dose of 150 or 300
      mg/kg APAP in B6C3F1 mice produced increased serum alanine aminotransferase and
      aspartate aminotransferase levels and liver necrosis in a dose-dependent manner.
      The ratio of GSH to GSSG was decreased in a dose-dependent manner, suggesting
      that APAP produced a more oxidizing environment within the liver. Despite the
      increased oxidation state, the level of global protein glutathionylation was
      decreased at 1 h and continued to decline through 24 h. Immunohistochemical
      localization of glutathionylated proteins showed a complex dynamic change in the
      lobule zonation of glutathionylated proteins. At 1 h after APAP exposure, the
      level of glutathionylation decreased in the single layer of hepatocytes around
      the central veins but increased mildly in the remaining centrilobular
      hepatocytes. This increase correlated with the immunohistochemical localization
      of APAP covalently bound to protein. Thereafter, the level of glutathionylation
      decreased dramatically over time in the centrilobular regions with major
      decreases observed at 6 and 24 h. Despite the overall decreased
      glutathionylation, a layer of cells lying between the undamaged periportal region
      and the damaged centrilobular hepatocytes exhibited high levels of
      glutathionylation at 3 and 6 h in all samples and in some 24-h samples that had
      milder injury. These temporal and zonal pattern changes in protein
      glutathionylation after APAP exposure indicate that protein glutathionylation may
      play a role in protein homeostasis during APAP-induced hepatocellular injury.

PMID- 22045781
TI  - Piecewise mixed-effects models with skew distributions for evaluating viral load
      changes: A Bayesian approach.
AB  - Studies of human immunodeficiency virus dynamics in acquired immuno deficiency
      syndrome (AIDS) research are very important in evaluating the effectiveness of
      antiretroviral (ARV) therapies. The potency of ARV agents in AIDS clinical trials
      can be assessed on the basis of a viral response such as viral decay rate or
      viral load change in plasma. Following ARV treatment, the profile of each
      subject's viral load tends to follow a 'broken stick'-like dynamic trajectory,
      indicating multiple phases of decline and increase in viral loads. Such multiple
      phases (change-points) can be described by a random change-point model with
      random subject-specific parameters. One usually assumes a normal distribution for
      model error. However, this assumption may be unrealistic, obscuring important
      features of within- and among-subject variations. In this article, we propose
      piecewise linear mixed-effects models with skew-elliptical distributions to
      describe the time trend of a response variable under a Bayesian framework. This
      methodology can be widely applied to real problems for longitudinal studies. A
      real data analysis, using viral load data from an AIDS study, is carried out to
      illustrate the proposed method by comparing various candidate models.
      Biologically important findings are reported, and these findings also suggest
      that it is very important to assume a model with skew distribution in order to
      achieve reliable results, in particular, when the data exhibit skewness. 

PMID- 22045782
TI  - Exploring the effects of dance-based therapy on balance and mobility in older
      adults.
AB  - Balance and mobility are a common concern among older adults. This pilot
      randomized controlled study examines the effect of dance-based therapy to
      increase balance and mobility in 27 participants with mean age 85 years (+/-7.5)
      from a single aging-in-place facility in the Midwest. Multidirectional reach,
      velocity, step length differential, and a Functional Ambulation Profile were
      measured before and after 18 sessions of low-impact dance-based therapy. Although
      a Wilcoxon rank sum test showed no significance, effect size analyses suggest
      that dance-based therapy was mildly or moderately effective in several components
      of balance and mobility. Additional research is needed with a full-scale trial.

PMID- 22045783
TI  - Ecological risk factors of childhood obesity in Korean elementary school
      students.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to examine ecological correlates of obesity among
      Korean children. Cross-sectional data, including measurements of height and
      weight, were collected by questionnaire from 1,644 children in the fifth and
      sixth grades. A multiple logistic regression model incorporating individual- and
      school-level variables determined factors of childhood obesity. Intrapersonal
      factors associated with obesity included gender, computer use, and
      dissatisfaction with body image; significant interpersonal factors included low
      level of the father's education and encouragement to engage in physical activity.
      School-level factors that were significant predictors included location in
      Gyeonggi province, having two or more school exercise facilities, physical
      education classes of 2 hr per week, higher fat content of school lunch, and
      higher number of classes in the school. The findings indicate that multifaceted,
      multilevel prevention strategies to manage and prevent childhood obesity should
      include behavioral modification, familial support, and improvement of school
      environments.

PMID- 22045785
TI  - The European Respiratory Journal makes COPD a priority.

PMID- 22045786
TI  - Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis trials: recommendations for the jury.

PMID- 22045784
TI  - Primary vitreoretinal lymphoma: a report from an International Primary Central
      Nervous System Lymphoma Collaborative Group symposium.
AB  - Primary vitreoretinal lymphoma (PVRL), also known as primary intraocular
      lymphoma, is a rare malignancy typically classified as a diffuse large B-cell
      lymphoma and most frequently develops in elderly populations. PVRL commonly
      masquerades as posterior uveitis and has a unique tropism for the retina and
      central nervous system (CNS). Over 15% of primary CNS lymphoma patients develop
      intraocular lymphoma, usually occurring in the retina and/or vitreous.
      Conversely, 65%-90% of PVRL patients develop CNS lymphoma. Consequently, PVRL is
      often fatal because of ultimate CNS association. Current PVRL animal models are
      limited and require further development. Typical clinical findings include
      vitreous cellular infiltration (lymphoma and inflammatory cells) and subretinal
      tumor infiltration as determined using dilated fundoscopy, fluorescent
      angiography, and optical coherent tomography. Currently, PVRL is most often
      diagnosed using both histology to identify lymphoma cells in the vitreous or
      retina and immunohistochemistry to indicate monoclonality. Additional adjuncts in
      diagnosing PVRL exist, including elevation of interleukin-10 levels in ocular
      fluids and detection of Ig(H) or T-cell receptor gene rearrangements in malignant
      cells. The optimal therapy for PVRL is not defined and requires the combined
      effort of oncologists and ophthalmologists. PVRL is sensitive to radiation
      therapy and exhibits high responsiveness to intravitreal methotrexate or
      rituximab. Although systemic chemotherapy alone can result in high response rates
      in patients with PVRL, there is a high relapse rate. Because of the disease
      rarity, international, multicenter, collaborative efforts are required to better
      understand the biology and pathogenesis of PVRL as well as to define both
      diagnostic markers and optimal therapies.

PMID- 22045787
TI  - Determinants of success.
AB  - In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, pulmonary
      rehabilitation is a nonpharmacological intervention aimed at improving physical
      exercise tolerance, dyspnoea and perceived quality of life. However, identifying
      predictors of clinical response and which patients achieve benefit remains a
      difficult question to answer with no conclusive data available. Baseline
      characteristics of COPD patients, such as degree of breathlessness, body weight
      and arterial partial pressure of oxygen, generally appear to be too direct to
      have a correlation with improvement of post-rehabilitation outcomes. Furthermore,
      some additional benefits of patients treated with rehabilitation are simply not
      detected by usual measures (social interaction, sleep quality and confidence).
      Although there are some data suggesting that some medical conditions frequently
      associated with COPD (osteoporosis, metabolic syndrome and heart diseases) may
      negatively influence rehabilitation outcomes, at present the evidence is
      contradictory.

PMID- 22045788
TI  - Saliva cotinine levels in users of electronic cigarettes.

PMID- 22045789
TI  - TB and M/XDR-TB infection control in European TB reference centres: the Achilles'
      heel?

PMID- 22045790
TI  - Effects of distance to treatment centre and case load upon tuberculosis treatment
      completion.

PMID- 22045791
TI  - Tuberculosis-specific T-cell response after recent treatment and remote cure.

PMID- 22045792
TI  - Tracheal granuloma pyogenicum with erlotinib treatment for lung cancer.

PMID- 22045793
TI  - Atypical pulmonary carcinoid tumour in a 28-year-old nonsmoker with Prader-Willi
      syndrome.

PMID- 22045794
TI  - Clinical features of central airway involvement in autoimmune pancreatitis.

PMID- 22045795
TI  - Interferon-gamma release assays for the diagnosis of latent Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis infection.

PMID- 22045797
TI  - Increase in walk distance is not enough evidence to add a walk to the 6-minute
      walk test.

PMID- 22045799
TI  - Killer weekends: can we do something?

PMID- 22045800
TI  - Use of the asthma control questionnaire by the asthma clinical research network.

PMID- 22045803
TI  - Regulatory monitoring is not an intervention; it is merely information.

PMID- 22045804
TI  - Pediatric drug-trial recruitment: an institutional review board perspective.

PMID- 22045805
TI  - The economic impact of state cigarette taxes and smoke-free air policies on
      convenience stores.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether increasing state cigarette taxes and/or
      enacting stronger smoke-free air (SFA) policies have negative impact on
      convenience store density in a state, a proxy that is determined by store
      openings and closings, which reflects store profits. METHODS: State-level
      business count estimates for convenience stores for 50 states and District of
      Columbia from 1997 to 2009 were analysed using two-way fixed effects regression
      techniques that control for state-specific and year-specific determinants of
      convenience store density. The impact of tax and SFA policies was examined using
      a quasi-experimental research design that exploits changes in cigarette taxes and
      SFA policies within a state over time. RESULTS: Taxes are found to be
      uncorrelated with the density of combined convenience stores and gas stations in
      a state. Taxes are positively correlated with the density of convenience stores;
      however, the magnitude of this correlation is small, with a 10% increase in state
      cigarette taxes associated with a 0.19% (p<0.05) increase in the number of
      convenience stores per million people in a state. State-level SFA policies do not
      correlate with convenience store density in a state, regardless whether gas
      stations were included. These results are robust across different model
      specifications. In addition, they are robust with regard to the
      inclusion/exclusion of other state-level tobacco control measures and gasoline
      prices. CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to tobacco industry and related organisations'
      claims, higher cigarette taxes and stronger SFA policies do not negatively affect
      convenience stores.

PMID- 22045806
TI  - Pathway profiling in Mycobacterium tuberculosis: elucidation of cholesterol
      derived catabolite and enzymes that catalyze its metabolism.
AB  - Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacterium that causes tuberculosis, imports and
      metabolizes host cholesterol during infection. This ability is important in the
      chronic phase of infection. Here we investigate the role of the intracellular
      growth operon (igr), which has previously been identified as having a cholesterol
      sensitive phenotype in vitro and which is important for intracellular growth of
      the mycobacteria. We have employed isotopically labeled low density lipoproteins
      containing either [1,7,15,22,26-(14)C]cholesterol or [1,7,15,22,26
      (13)C]cholesterol and high resolution LC/MS as tools to profile the cholesterol
      derived metabolome of an igr operon-disrupted mutant (Deltaigr) of M.
      tuberculosis. A partially metabolized cholesterol species accumulated in the
      Deltaigr knock-out strain that was absent in the complemented and parental wild
      type strains. Structural elucidation by multidimensional 1H and 13C NMR
      spectroscopy revealed the accumulated metabolite to be methyl 1beta-(2'
      propanoate)-3aalpha-H-4alpha-(3'-propanoic acid)-7abeta-methylhexahydro-5
      indanone. Heterologously expressed and purified FadE28-FadE29, an acyl-CoA
      dehydrogenase encoded by the igr operon, catalyzes the dehydrogenation of 2'
      propanoyl-CoA ester side chains in substrates with structures analogous to the
      characterized metabolite. Based on the structure of the isolated metabolite,
      enzyme activity, and bioinformatic annotations, we assign the primary function of
      the igr operon to be degradation of the 2'-propanoate side chain. Therefore, the
      igr operon is necessary to completely metabolize the side chain of cholesterol
      metabolites.

PMID- 22045807
TI  - Mammalian target of rapamycin complex 2 (mTORC2) negatively regulates Toll-like
      receptor 4-mediated inflammatory response via FoxO1.
AB  - Activation of the PI3K pathway plays a pivotal role in regulating the
      inflammatory response. The loss of mTORC2 has been shown to abrogate the
      activation of Akt, a critical downstream component of PI3K signaling. However,
      the biological importance of mTORC2 in innate immunity is currently unknown. Here
      we demonstrate that rictor, a key component of mTORC2, plays a critical role in
      controlling the innate inflammatory response via its ability to regulate FoxO1.
      Upon LPS stimulation, both rictor-deficient mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs)
      and rictor knockdown dendritic cells exhibited a hyperinflammatory phenotype. The
      hyperinflammatory phenotype was due to a defective Akt signaling axis, because
      both rictor-deficient MEFs and rictor knockdown dendritic cells exhibited
      attenuated Akt phosphorylation and kinase activity. Analysis of downstream Akt
      targets revealed that phosphorylation of FoxO1 was impaired in rictor-deficient
      cells, resulting in elevated nuclear FoxO1 levels and diminished nuclear export
      of FoxO1 upon LPS stimulation. Knockdown of FoxO1 attenuated the
      hyperinflammatory phenotype exhibited by rictor-deficient MEFs. Moreover, FoxO1
      deletion in dendritic cells attenuated the capacity of LPS to induce inflammatory
      cytokine expression. These findings identify a novel signaling pathway by which
      mTORC2 regulates the TLR-mediated inflammatory response through its ability to
      regulate FoxO1.

PMID- 22045808
TI  - Mimivirus collagen is modified by bifunctional lysyl hydroxylase and
      glycosyltransferase enzyme.
AB  - Collagens, the most abundant proteins in animals, are modified by hydroxylation
      of proline and lysine residues and by glycosylation of hydroxylysine. Dedicated
      prolyl hydroxylase, lysyl hydroxylase, and collagen glycosyltransferase enzymes
      localized in the endoplasmic reticulum mediate these modifications prior to the
      formation of the collagen triple helix. Whereas collagen-like proteins have been
      described in some fungi, bacteria, and viruses, the post-translational machinery
      modifying collagens has never been described outside of animals. We demonstrate
      that the L230 open reading frame of the giant virus Acanthamoeba polyphaga
      mimivirus encodes an enzyme that has distinct lysyl hydroxylase and collagen
      glycosyltransferase domains. We show that mimivirus L230 is capable of
      hydroxylating lysine and glycosylating the resulting hydroxylysine residues in a
      native mimivirus collagen acceptor substrate. Whereas in animals from sponges to
      humans the transfer of galactose to hydroxylysine in collagen is conserved, the
      mimivirus L230 enzyme transfers glucose to hydroxylysine, thereby defining a
      novel type of collagen glycosylation in nature. The presence of hydroxylysine in
      mimivirus proteins was confirmed by amino acid analysis of mimivirus recovered
      from A. polyphaga cultures. This work shows for the first time that collagen post
      translational modifications are not confined to the domains of life. The
      utilization of glucose instead of the galactose found throughout animals as well
      as a bifunctional enzyme rather than two separate enzymes may represent a
      parallel evolutionary track in collagen biology. These results suggest that giant
      viruses may have contributed to the evolution of collagen biology.

PMID- 22045809
TI  - Everything is connected to everything else.

PMID- 22045810
TI  - Protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B modulates early endosome fusion and trafficking
      of Met and epidermal growth factor receptors.
AB  - The endoplasmic reticulum-localized non-receptor protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B
      (PTP1B) is associated with oncogenic, metabolic, and cytokine-related signaling
      and functionally targets multiple receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) for
      dephosphorylation. Loss of PTP1B activity leads to enhanced ligand-dependent
      biological activity of the Met RTK among others. Here, we demonstrate that
      knockdown of PTP1B or expression of a PTP1B trapping aspartic acid-to-alanine
      substitution (D/A) mutant delayed ligand-induced degradation of the Met and EGF
      RTKs. Loss of PTP1B function abrogated trafficking of Met and EGF receptor to
      Rab5- and phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (Pl3P)-positive early endosomes and
      subsequent trafficking through the degradative pathway. Under these conditions,
      internalization of the Met and EGF receptors was unaltered, suggesting a block at
      the level of early endosome formation. We show that the N-ethylmaleimide
      sensitive factor (NSF), an essential component of the vesicle fusion machinery,
      was hyperphosphorylated in PTP1B knockdown or PTP1B D/A-expressing cells and was
      a target for PTP1B. NSF knockdown phenocopied PTP1B knockdown, demonstrating a
      mechanism through which PTP1B regulates endocytic trafficking. Finally, we show
      that PTP1B dephosphorylated NSF and that this interaction was required for
      physiological RTK trafficking and appropriate attenuation of downstream
      signaling.

PMID- 22045811
TI  - Degradation of p21Cip1 through anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome and its
      activator Cdc20 (APC/CCdc20) ubiquitin ligase complex-mediated ubiquitylation is
      inhibited by cyclin-dependent kinase 2 in cardiomyocytes.
AB  - Cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21Cip1 plays a crucial role in regulating cell
      cycle arrest and differentiation. It is known that p21Cip1 increases during
      terminal differentiation of cardiomyocytes, but its expression control and
      biological roles are not fully understood. Here, we show that the p21Cip1 protein
      is stabilized in cardiomyocytes after mitogenic stimulation, due to its increased
      CDK2 binding and inhibition of ubiquitylation. The APC/CCdc20 complex is shown to
      be an E3 ligase mediating ubiquitylation of p21Cip1 at the N terminus. CDK2, but
      not CDC2, suppressed the interaction of p21Cip1 with Cdc20, thereby leading to
      inhibition of anaphase-promoting complex/cyclosome and its activator Cdc20
      (APC/CCdc20)-mediated p21Cip1 ubiquitylation. It was further demonstrated that
      p21Cip1 accumulation caused G2 arrest of cardiomyocytes that were forced to re
      enter the cell cycle. Taken together, these data show that the stability of the
      p21Cip1 protein is actively regulated in terminally differentiated cardiomyocytes
      and plays a role in inhibiting their uncontrolled cell cycle progression. Our
      study provides a novel insight on the control of p21Cip1 by ubiquitin-mediated
      degradation and its implication in cell cycle arrest in terminal differentiation.

PMID- 22045812
TI  - Identification of a new fatty acid synthesis-transport machinery at the
      peroxisomal membrane.
AB  - The neurodegenerative disease X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is
      characterized by the abnormal accumulation of very long chain fatty acids.
      Mutations in the gene encoding the peroxisomal ATP-binding cassette half
      transporter, adrenoleukodystrophy protein (ALDP), are the primary cause of X-ALD.
      To gain a better understanding of ALDP dysfunction, we searched for interaction
      partners of ALDP and identified binary interactions to proteins with functions in
      fatty acid synthesis (ACLY, FASN, and ACC) and activation (FATP4), constituting a
      thus far unknown fatty acid synthesis-transport machinery at the cytoplasmic side
      of the peroxisomal membrane. This machinery adds to the knowledge of the complex
      mechanisms of peroxisomal fatty acid metabolism at a molecular level and
      elucidates potential epigenetic mechanisms as regulatory processes in the
      pathogenesis and thus the clinical course of X-ALD.

PMID- 22045813
TI  - miR-183-96-182 cluster is overexpressed in prostate tissue and regulates zinc
      homeostasis in prostate cells.
AB  - Decreased zinc levels are a hallmark of prostate cancer tumors as zinc uniquely
      concentrates in healthy prostate tissue. Increased dietary zinc correlates with
      decreased risk of advanced prostate cancer and decreased mortality from prostate
      cancer. The mechanisms of prostatic zinc homeostasis are not known. Lower zinc
      levels in the tumor are correlated directly with decreased expression of the zinc
      transporter hZIP1. We report identification of a microRNA cluster that regulates
      multiple zinc transporters, including hZIP1. Screening in laser capture
      microdissected prostate cancer tumors identified miR-182 as a potential regulator
      of hZIP1. Regulation of hZIP1 by miR-182 via two binding sites was confirmed in
      primary prostate cell cultures. miR-96 and miR-183 are expressed as a cluster
      with miR-182 and share similar sequences. Array profiling of tissue showed that
      miR-183, -96, and -182 are higher in prostate cancer tissue compared with normal
      prostate. Overexpression of the entire miR-183-96-182 cluster suppressed five
      additional zinc transporters. Overexpression of miR-183, -96, and -182
      individually or as a cluster diminished labile zinc pools and reduced zinc
      uptake, demonstrating this miR cluster as a regulator of zinc homeostasis. We
      observed regulation of zinc homeostasis by this cluster in prostate cells and HEK
      293 cells, suggesting a universal mechanism that is not prostate-specific. To our
      knowledge, this is the first report of a miR cluster targeting a family of metal
      transport proteins. Individually or as a cluster, miR-183, -96, and -182 are
      overexpressed in other cancers too, implicating this miR cluster in
      carcinogenesis.

PMID- 22045814
TI  - Ubiquitin ligase Ufd2 is required for efficient degradation of Mps1 kinase.
AB  - Ufd2 is a U-box-containing ubiquitylation enzyme that promotes ubiquitin chain
      assembly on substrates. The physiological function of Ufd2 remains poorly
      understood. Here, we show that ubiquitylation and degradation of the cell cycle
      kinase Mps1, a known target of the anaphase-promoting complex E3, require Ufd2
      enzyme. Yeast cells lacking UFD2 exhibit altered chromosome stability and several
      spindle-related phenotypes, expanding the biological function of Ufd2. We
      demonstrate that Ufd2-mediated Mps1 degradation is conserved in humans. Our
      results underscore the significance of Ufd2 in proteolysis and further suggest
      that Ufd2-like enzymes regulate far more substrates than previously envisioned.

PMID- 22045815
TI  - Novel mechanism of RNA repair by RtcB via sequential 2',3'-cyclic
      phosphodiesterase and 3'-Phosphate/5'-hydroxyl ligation reactions.
AB  - RtcB enzymes are a newly discovered family of RNA ligases, implicated in tRNA
      splicing and other RNA repair reactions, that seal broken RNAs with 2',3'-cyclic
      phosphate and 5'-OH ends. Parsimony and energetics would suggest a one-step
      mechanism for RtcB sealing via attack by the O5' nucleophile on the cyclic
      phosphate, with expulsion of the ribose O2' and generation of a 3',5'
      phosphodiester at the splice junction. Yet we find that RtcB violates Occam's
      razor, insofar as (i) it is adept at ligating 3'-monophosphate and 5'-OH ends;
      (ii) it has an intrinsic 2',3'-cyclic phosphodiesterase activity. The 2',3'
      cyclic phosphodiesterase and ligase reactions both require manganese and are
      abolished by mutation of the RtcB active site. Thus, RtcB executes a unique two
      step pathway of strand joining whereby the 2',3'-cyclic phosphodiester end is
      hydrolyzed to a 3'-monophosphate, which is then linked to the 5'-OH end to form
      the splice junction. The energy for the 3'-phosphate ligase activity is provided
      by GTP, which reacts with RtcB in the presence of manganese to form a covalent
      RtcB-guanylate adduct. This adduct is sensitive to acid and hydroxylamine but
      resistant to alkali, consistent with a phosphoramidate bond.

PMID- 22045816
TI  - Lung cancer screening with low-dose helical CT: results from the National Lung
      Screening Trial (NLST).

PMID- 22045817
TI  - Some clarity in the management of DCIS in breast cancer screening.

PMID- 22045818
TI  - Screening for cardiovascular disease using age alone: reflections on a paper peer
      reviewed as both 'radical' and 'unsurprising'.

PMID- 22045819
TI  - Causes of delay in referral of patients with phenylketonuria to a specialized
      reference centre in Mexico.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To expose causes leading to the delayed arrival of phenylketonuria
      (PKU) patients at a governmental reference centre (RC), and to describe their
      clinical characteristics.  Material and methods PKU files registered during the
      past 18 years at the National Institute of Pediatrics in Mexico City were
      evaluated. Patients were classified into two groups according to their age at
      arrival: Group I (early reference), patients arriving during the first month of
      life; and Group II (late reference), those who arrived after thirty days of age.
      Time and causes of delay were documented. RESULTS: Of 57 recorded files, 10 were
      classified in Group I and 47 in Group II. Causes leading to the late arrival of
      Group II patients were absence of routine newborn screening (NBS), PKU not
      included in the routine NBS, sampling after the recommended age, false negative
      result, results without interpretation and/or instructions to follow, delayed
      notification of results, poor medical criteria of attending physician,
      difficulties in obtaining confirmatory tests, and administrative failures.
      CONCLUSION: The main cause of late referral of PKU patients was the absence of
      PKU testing. As a developing country, Mexico still faces challenges in the proper
      functioning and expansion of the NBS programme. Most PKU patients arrived at the
      RC late, presenting with varying degrees of the clinical spectrum. Incorporating
      PKU testing into the already established Mexican NBS system and adding quality
      indicators to guarantee proper operation in all NBS phases is necessary to
      achieve the goal of identifying, referring, diagnosing, and treating patients
      promptly.

PMID- 22045820
TI  - Direct mailing of faecal occult blood tests for colorectal cancer screening: a
      randomized population study from Central Italy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sending faecal occult blood tests (FOBT) by mail has been proposed
      both as a method to increase participation and a way to reduce staff costs in
      colorectal cancer screening. METHODS: Two multicentre randomized controlled
      trials (ISRCTN10351276) were performed: one randomly assigned 3196 individuals
      who had previously participated in colorectal screening to receive a FOBT kit at
      home or a standard invitation; in the second, 4219 people aged 50-69 years who
      did not respond to a screening invitation were either sent a FOBT or a standard
      recall letter. The cost per returned kit was calculated in each arm. RESULTS:
      Participation was higher with direct FOBT mailing in both trials: relative risk
      1.11 (95% CI 1.06-1.17) and 1.36 (95% CI 1.16-1.60) for previous responders and
      non-responders, respectively. The cost per returned kit for previous responders
      ranged from 4.24? to 16.10?, and from 3.29? to 7.36? with FOBT mailing and
      standard invitation, respectively, not including staff costs; for non-responders
      it ranged from 17.13? to 46.80?, and from 7.36? to 18.30? with FOBT mailing and
      standard recall, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The FOBT mailing strategy modestly
      increased participation. This method can be used on a population of previous
      responders to reduce personnel costs and workload. When used as a reminder to non
      responders, this method increases costs.

PMID- 22045821
TI  - Acceptability and side-effects of colonoscopy and sigmoidoscopy in a screening
      setting.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Quantitative information on adverse reactions associated with
      colorectal cancer (CRC) screening tests is useful to estimate the balance between
      benefit and risk in different strategies. SETTING: Six Italian screening centres.
      METHODS: Thirty-day active follow-up (interview about side-effects and
      acceptability of the screening procedure and review of hospital admissions) among
      average-risk people undergoing flexible sigmoidoscopy (FS), total colonoscopy
      (TC), fecal immunochemical test (FIT) in a multicentre randomized trial of CRC
      screening. Multivariable logistic models were used to assess determinants of
      completion rate and self-reported pain. RESULTS: The attendance rate following
      the first invitation and mail reminder was 28.2% (1696/6018) in the FS and 23.0%
      (1382/6021) in the TC arm. Response rate to the 30-day follow-up questionnaire
      was 88.6% (1502/1696) among people undergoing FS, and 86.7% (1198/1382) among
      those undergoing TC. The proportion of people complaining of serious reactions
      following bowel preparation (odds ratio [OR], 5.17; 95% confidence interval [CI]
      3.70-7.24) or reporting severe pain immediately after the exam (OR, 1.86; 95% CI
      1.47-2.34) was higher for TC than for FS. The most common post-procedural
      complaints were abdominal distension and pain. People mentioning pain or bowel
      distension following preparation were more likely to report severe pain both
      after FS (OR, 2.13; 95% CI 1.52-2.97) and TC (OR: 2.03; 95% CI 1.41-2.90). The 30
      day hospitalization rate was similar after FS, TC and FIT. CONCLUSIONS: Screenees
      reported higher pain levels after TC than FS. The proportion of people
      complaining of severe side effects after discharge was similar. Bowel preparation
      was poorly tolerated by people undergoing TC. Subjects' reactions to the bowel
      preparation was predictive of post-procedural discomfort. A commitment of at
      least 48 hours was required of people undergoing TC, compared with 3-4 for FS.

PMID- 22045822
TI  - Factors affecting compliance in faecal occult blood testing: a cluster randomized
      study of the faecal immunochemical test versus the guaiac faecal occult test.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the uptake of faecal immunochemical occult blood test (FIT)
      with guaiac faecal occult blood test (gFOBT) in a screening programme, with
      specific attention to the demographic and socioeconomic factors that might affect
      test uptake. SETTING: The Clalit Health Service screening programme, Israel.
      METHODS: Average-risk individuals aged 50-75 years were randomized into a FIT arm
      or gFOBT arm using a programme based on the socioeconomic status (SES) of their
      primary care clinics. G-FOBT was performed with Hemoccult SENSATM (3 evacuations)
      and FIT with the OC- MICRO(TM) (3 evacuations, refrigerating mandated). The
      GLIMMIX model was used. RESULTS: There were 5,464 and 10,668 eligible
      participants in the FIT and gFOBT arms respectively. Compliance in taking the
      kits was better (but not statistically significantly better) with gFOBT (37.8%
      vs. 29.3%; odds ratio [OR] 1.43 [95% CI 0.73-2.80]; P = 0.227). Kit return was
      higher in the FIT arm (65.0% vs. 78.9%; OR 0.45 [95% CI 0.24-0.83], P = 0.021).
      Overall test uptake was affected by age, gender, being immigrant and SES
      (determined by whether or not the participant paid national insurance tax, and
      the SES of the primary care clinic). The overall uptake of gFOBT and FIT was
      comparable (OR 0.996 [95% CI 0.46-2.17], P = 0.99). CONCLUSIONS: Overall
      compliance for test uptake was comparable between the two methods despite the
      more demanding procedure in the FIT arm. Sociodemographic parameters were the
      major determinants of compliance. An educational programme, with emphasis on the
      sociodemographic characteristics of the target population, should be instigated.

PMID- 22045823
TI  - Minor influence of self-selection bias on the effectiveness of breast cancer
      screening in case-control studies in the Netherlands.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Self-selection bias is considered to be a problem when evaluating the
      effectiveness of breast cancer service screening in case-control studies.
      OBJECTIVE: Using the incidence-based mortality method (IBM), a correction factor
      for the potential influence of self-selection can be derived from a group of non
      screened women and a group of not-invited women. METHODS: Breast cancer patients,
      diagnosed in 1990-1995 and between the ages of 50 to 70, were selected from the
      Netherlands Cancer Registry and five screening regions in the Netherlands. Person
      years were calculated for non-screened and not-invited women by using population
      data available on the number of women invited, the number of women screened and
      the total population. Incidence-based breast cancer mortality rates according to
      screening status were calculated for the five screening regions. RESULTS: Between
      1990-1995, 15,541 patients were diagnosed with breast cancer. An analysis of ten
      year follow-up after diagnosis resulted in 3903 breast cancer deaths, of which
      2631 were not-invited and 345 were non-screened. Poisson regression analysis
      showed heterogeneity between the regions with a range of IBM ratios from 0.64
      (95% CI: 0.46-0.90) to 1.08 (95% CI: 0.82-1.43). CONCLUSIONS: Heterogeneity
      between the regions stresses the importance of a country- and/or region- specific
      estimate of self-selection. Adjusting for self-selection bias in the regional
      case-control studies would not change the breast cancer mortality reduction in
      three regions and would result in an even larger effect in two regions. Looking
      at the range of IBM ratios the overall influence of self-selection in the
      Netherlands is minor.

PMID- 22045824
TI  - Evaluation of the nationwide cervical screening programme in Thailand: a case
      control study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of the Pap smear screening programme in
      Thailand in the prevention of invasive cervical cancer. SETTING: Four tertiary
      hospitals, in two provinces of north-east Thailand. METHODS: A hospital-based
      case-control study of women aged 30-64, who were resident in north-east Thailand.
      A total of 130 women with a diagnosis of invasive cervical cancer were compared
      with two groups of controls: a) hospital controls, b) hospital patient
      companions. Information on risk factors for cervical cancer and history of
      screening by cytology (Pap smear) were collected using a structured interview.
      RESULTS: Eighty percent of control subjects reported having had a Pap test in the
      past, and some two-thirds within the three years before interview. There was a
      significant protective effect for multiple (6+) previous screening tests as
      reported by 20% of controls. When women who had tests less than six months prior
      to the study were excluded, there was a strong, significant protective effect of
      the number of tests (for 1-5 tests: OR = 0.45 95% CI = 0.25 to 0.84, and for 6+
      tests: OR = 0.29 95% CI = 0.11 to 0.82). Tests carried out 1-2 years and 3+ years
      before diagnosis were associated with an OR of 0.27 (95% CI = 0.13-0.56) and 0.42
      (95% CI = 0.20-0.88), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The cervical screening programme
      in north-east Thailand has achieved excellent coverage and is preventing cervical
      cancer. Women who have been screened multiple times are at substantially lower
      risk than those only screened a few times suggesting that the quality of the
      screening could be improved.

PMID- 22045825
TI  - Longitudinal predictors of adherence to annual follow-up in a lung cancer
      screening programme.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine rates and factors associated with adherence to annual
      repeat lung cancer screening in two cohorts.  Participants and methods The self
      pay cohort (n = 2083) was individuals aged 40 years and older with no prior
      cancer and a smoking history. Participants had to obtain a prescription from
      their doctor for the low dose, computerized tomography scan (CT), and were
      responsible for payment of $300 as these CT scans are not typically covered by
      insurance. The no-pay cohort (n = 1304) was individuals aged 60 and older with a
      smoking history, and no prior cancer. The initial and one year repeat CT were
      provided free of charge. Rates of adherence for each cohort were analyzed by
      demographic variables, smoking history, family history of lung cancer, smoking
      status (former/current), perceived risk and worry of getting lung cancer and
      baseline screening CT. RESULTS: Adherence to annual follow-up was lower for the
      self-pay than for the no-pay cohort (62% vs. 88%). Both the self-pay and no-pay
      cohorts had higher adherence rates among Caucasians and those who had a college
      degree. A greater perceived risk of getting lung cancer increased adherence among
      the self-pay cohort. Non-calcified nodules found on baseline CT increased the
      adherence for the self-pay cohort, but decreased the adherence for the no-pay
      cohort. CONCLUSIONS: These findings should be used in developing educational
      materials and targeted retention strategies to increase adherence with repeat
      lung cancer screening.

PMID- 22045826
TI  - Single negative colposcopy: is it enough to rule out high-grade disease?
AB  - It has been proposed that women who have a negative colposcopic examination or
      who have no cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) on colposcopic biopsy can be
      safely returned to routine screening with the next visit being three or five
      years later. We present data regarding 551 women who had colposcopy in Wales for
      a low-grade cytological abnormality and who were followed through Cervical
      Screening Wales for subsequent CIN. Of 436 women declared CIN free initially, 26
      (6.0%) had high-grade CIN diagnosed on follow-up. We suggest that additional
      screening at an interval of less than three years should be offered to women with
      a negative colposcopy or a biopsy without CIN.

PMID- 22045827
TI  - Efficacy and safety of Aethoxysklerol(r) (polidocanol) 0.5%, 1% and 3% in
      comparison with placebo solution for the treatment of varicose veins of the lower
      extremities in Chinese patients (ESA-China Study).
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess efficacy and safety of polidocanol (POL) versus placebo in
      the treatment of C1 and C2 non-saphenous varicose veins in Chinese patients.
      METHODS: Patients were randomly assigned to POL or placebo. POL 0.5%, 1% and 3%
      were administered depending on varicose vein type. Response after 12 weeks was
      defined as Grade 4 or 5 on a digital imaging-based five-point scale (C1 veins) or
      occlusion and/or absence of reflux >0.5 second (C2 veins). Safety was evaluated
      with a five-point scale and standard safety assessments. RESULTS: Two hundred and
      eighty-five patients were treated. POL 0.5%, 1% and 3% were each superior to
      placebo (P < 0.001); response rates: 87.1% versus 13.6%, 86.4% versus 12.5% and
      88.6% versus 4.3%, respectively. Significantly more POL than placebo patients
      were satisfied/very satisfied with treatment. POL was well tolerated, with mostly
      symptoms at the injection site reported. CONCLUSIONS: Sclerotherapy with POL
      0.5%, 1% and 3% was efficacious and safe in Chinese patients.

PMID- 22045828
TI  - Cancer incidence in patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder: a nationwide
      population-based study in Taiwan, 1997-2009.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Both genetic and environmental factors have been reasoned for cancer
      development in schizophrenia patients. However, the influence of age of onset and
      duration of schizophrenia on cancer incidence has rarely been emphasized.
      Besides, bipolar disorder tends to resemble schizophrenia from the perspective of
      multiple rare mutations. Comparing pattern and risk of cancers between
      schizophrenia and bipolar patients is illuminating. METHODS: This study used the
      Taiwan National Health Insurance Database. A total of 71,317 schizophrenia and
      20,567 bipolar disorder patients from 1997 to 2009 were enrolled. Both cohorts
      were followed up for cancer during the same period by record linkage with the
      cancer certification in Taiwan. Age and gender standardized incidence ratios
      (SIRs) of overall and site-specific cancers were calculated. RESULTS: The SIR for
      all cancers was 1.17 for the schizophrenia cohort. Increased cancer risk (SIR:
      1.31, 95% CI: 1.17-1.48) was observed in females but not males. For the bipolar
      disorder cohort, the SIR for all cancers was 1.29, but the excess risk was found
      in males (SIR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.14-1.77) and not females. Cancer risk decreases as
      the duration and age of onset of schizophrenia increases. If schizophrenia is
      diagnosed before 50, the SIRs for colorectal, breast, cervical, and uterine
      cancers increase but if diagnosed after 50, the SIRs for all cancers decrease
      except for breast cancer. In bipolar disorder, the SIRs for all site-specific
      cancers were insignificant. CONCLUSIONS: Among schizophrenia patients, overall
      cancer risk varies inversely with age at diagnosis and disease duration. Besides,
      gender-specific cancer risks differ between schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

PMID- 22045829
TI  - Pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic assessment of the interrelationships between
      tesaglitazar exposure and renal function in patients with type 2 diabetes
      mellitus.
AB  - The effects of tesaglitazar on renal function (assessed as urinary clearance of
      125I-sodium iothalamate or estimated by the modification of diet in renal disease
      formula) were studied in a 24-week open-label trial in type 2 diabetes mellitus
      patients randomized to daily doses of either tesaglitazar 2 mg or pioglitazone 45
      mg. The aim of the analysis was to develop a population pharmacokinetic
      pharmacodynamic model that could simultaneously describe the interrelationship
      between tesaglitazar exposure and reduction in renal function over time in
      patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic model
      could adequately describe the interplay between tesaglitazar and glomerular
      filtration rate. A one-compartment model in which the apparent clearance was
      influenced by glomerular filtration rate characterized the pharmacokinetics of
      tesaglitazar. An indirect-response model was used for the slow time course of
      change in glomerular filtration rate, which decreased from 100 to 78
      mL/min/1.73m(2) after 12 weeks of treatment. All tesaglitazar-treated patients
      had a reduction in glomerular filtration rate, and available demographic
      variables could not explain differences in response. Patients treated with an
      angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor were more sensitive to tesaglitazar and
      had larger glomerular filtration rate decrease compared to nontreated patients.
      Approximately 8 weeks after discontinuing treatment, mean glomerular filtration
      rate had returned towards baseline. The model and data give valuable insights
      into the dynamic changes in glomerular filtration rate over time.

PMID- 22045830
TI  - Enhanced sensitivity to drug-induced QT interval lengthening in patients with
      heart failure due to left ventricular systolic dysfunction.
AB  - Patients with heart failure (HF) are at increased risk for drug-induced torsades
      de pointes (TdP) due to unknown mechanisms. Our objective was to determine if
      sensitivity to drug-induced QT interval lengthening is enhanced in patients with
      HF. In this multicenter, prospective study, 15 patients with atrial fibrillation
      or flutter requiring conversion to sinus rhythm were enrolled: 6 patients with
      New York Heart Association class II to III HF (mean ejection fraction [EF], 30%
      +/- 9%), and 9 controls (mean EF, 53% +/- 6%). Patients received ibutilide 1 mg
      intravenously. Blood samples and 12-lead electrocardiograms were obtained prior
      to and during 48 hours postinfusion. Serum ibutilide concentrations at 50%
      maximum effect on Fridericia-corrected QT (QT(F)) intervals (EC(50)) were
      determined, and areas under the effect (QT(F) interval vs time) curves (AUECs)
      were calculated. Ibutilide concentration-QT(F) relationships were best described
      by a sigmoidal E(max) model with a hypothetical effect compartment. Median
      [interquartile range] AUEC from 0 to 4 hours was larger in the HF group than in
      controls (1.86 [1.86-1.93] vs 1.82 [1.81-1.84] s.h; P = .04). Median EC(50) was
      lower in the HF group (0.48 [0.46-0.49] vs 1.85 [1.10-3.23] MUg/L; P = .008).
      Sensitivity to drug-induced QT interval lengthening is enhanced in patients with
      systolic HF, which may contribute to the increased risk of drug-induced TdP.

PMID- 22045831
TI  - The effects of N-acetylcysteine and deferoxamine on plasma cytokine and oxidative
      damage parameters in critically ill patients with prolonged hypotension: a
      randomized controlled trial.
AB  - Reactive oxygen species and inflammation have been implicated in renal tubule
      cell injury. However, there is some controversy concerning whether antioxidants
      might attenuate oxidative damage and inflammation in humans after hypotension in
      the setting of critical illness. This study was a prospective, randomized, double
      blinded, placebo-controlled study that included patients with hypotension.
      Patients were randomized to receive either N-acetylcysteine (NAC; 50 mg/kg by 4
      hours followed by 100 mg/kg/d for 48 hours diluted in 5% glucose) and
      deferoxamine (DFX; at a single dose of 1000 mg diluted in 5% glucose) or placebo.
      The primary study outcome was the serum levels of markers of oxidative damage and
      inflammatory response. Secondary outcomes included the incidence of acute renal
      failure, serum creatinine at hospital discharge, intensive care unit length of
      stay, and length of hospital stay. Thirty patients were enrolled in the study.
      The use of NAC plus DFX decreased the oxidative damage parameters but not plasma
      interleukin-6 levels. In contrast, plasma nitrite levels increased 24 hours after
      NAC plus DFX administration. On analysis of secondary outcomes, it was observed
      that creatinine levels at hospital discharge were lower in patients receiving NAC
      plus DFX when compared with placebo. NAC plus DFX administration was able to
      decrease plasma markers of oxidative damage and creatinine levels at hospital
      discharge.

PMID- 22045832
TI  - Editorial expression of concern.

PMID- 22045833
TI  - Treatment of osteoarthritis with continuous versus intermittent celecoxib.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether "continuous" celecoxib is more efficacious than
      "intermittent" use in preventing osteoarthritis (OA) flares of the knee and/or
      hip. METHODS: A double-blind, randomized, multicenter international study
      comparing efficacy and safety of continuous (daily) versus intermittent (as
      required during predefined OA flare) celecoxib 200 mg/day in 858 subjects, aged
      18-80 years. The study consisted of 3 periods: (I) screening/washout visit; (II)
      open-label run-in with celecoxib; and (III) 22-week blinded treatment. Only
      subjects whose OA flares resolved in Period 2 (without subsequent flare) were
      randomized. The primary endpoint, number of flares per time of exposure during
      Period III (number of flares per month), was compared using analysis of variance
      with treatment as the independent variable. Acetaminophen was available as rescue
      medication. RESULTS: Of 875 subjects randomized to treatment, 858 subjects
      received treatment. At randomization > 70% were female; mean age 58.6 years; mean
      disease duration 6.5 years; total Western Ontario and McMaster Universities
      Osteoarthritis Index mean score 25.8; ~45% had hypertension; and ~20% were using
      aspirin (for cardiovascular prophylaxis). Subjects receiving continuous treatment
      reported 42% fewer OA flares/month than intermittent users (p < 0.0001) or 2.0
      fewer OA flares over 22 weeks. Statistical and clinically meaningful benefits in
      secondary outcomes were also evident with continuous treatment. There were no
      differences in adverse events (AE) or new-onset/aggravated hypertension.
      CONCLUSION: Continuous treatment with celecoxib 200 mg/day was significantly more
      efficacious than intermittent use in preventing OA flares of the hip and knee,
      without an increase in overall AE, including gastrointestinal disorders and
      hypertension, during 22 weeks of treatment. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier
      NCT00139776.

PMID- 22045834
TI  - Polymorphisms in the interleukin 4, interleukin 13, and corresponding receptor
      genes are not associated with systemic sclerosis and do not influence gene
      expression.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Polymorphisms in the genes encoding interleukin 4 (IL4), interleukin
      13 (IL13), and their corresponding receptors have been associated with multiple
      immune-mediated diseases. Our aim was to validate these previous observations in
      patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) and scrutinize the effect of the
      polymorphisms on gene expression in various populations of peripheral blood
      leukocytes. METHODS: We genotyped a cohort of 2488 patients with SSc and 2246
      healthy controls from The Netherlands, Spain, United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, and
      France. Taqman assays were used to genotype single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP)
      in the following genes: (1) IL4 (-590C>T/rs2243250); (2) IL4 receptor alpha
      (IL4RA) (Q576R/rs1801275); (3) IL13 (R130Q/rs20541 and -1112C>T/rs1800925); and
      (4) IL13RA1 (43163G>A/rs6646259). The effect of these polymorphisms on expression
      of the corresponding genes was assessed using quantitative RT-PCR on RNA derived
      from peripheral blood B cells, T cells, plasmacytoid dendritic cells, monocytes,
      and myeloid dendritic cells. We investigated whether these polymorphisms
      influenced development of pulmonary complications over 15 years in patients with
      SSc. RESULTS: None of the investigated polymorphisms was associated with SSc or
      any SSc clinical subtype. We did not observe any effect on transcript levels in
      the cell subtypes or on development of pulmonary complications. CONCLUSION: Our
      data showed that polymorphisms in IL4, IL13, and their receptors do not play a
      role in SSc and do not influence the expression of their corresponding transcript
      in peripheral blood cells.

PMID- 22045835
TI  - Effectiveness of statins on total cholesterol and cardiovascular disease and all
      cause mortality in osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: There is increasing prevalence of hypercholesterolemia among patients
      with osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We examined the
      effectiveness of statins on total cholesterol (TC), cardiovascular (CV)
      morbidity, and mortality in patients with OA or RA. METHODS: A population-based
      cohort study was done using a record-linkage database in Tayside, Scotland. In
      total, 2024 OA or RA patients who had at least 2 separate TC measurements between
      1993 and 2007 were studied. They were categorized into statin-exposed and statin
      unexposed groups according to statin use status during followup. The main
      outcomes were TC concentration change from baseline, CV events, and all-cause
      mortality during the followup. Multivariate Cox regression models with a time
      dependent variable for statins were employed to assess the risk of outcomes.
      RESULTS: Statin-associated TC concentrations in OA decreased by 15% in patients
      without CV disease (primary prevention, n = 1269) and 7% in patients with CV
      disease (secondary prevention, n = 247) from baseline of 5.30 mmol/l and 4.54
      mmol/l, respectively. Correspondingly, in RA TC was reduced by 16% (n = 430) and
      15% (n = 78) with baselines of 5.54 mmol/l and 4.95 mmol/l. In primary
      prevention, statins were associated with reduced CV events and all-cause
      mortality in RA patients [adjusted HR 0.45 (95% CI 0.20-0.98) and 0.43 (95% CI
      0.20-0.92), respectively] and all-cause mortality in OA patients [adjusted HR
      0.43 (95% CI 0.25-0.72)]. Statins were not associated with reduced risk of CV
      events or all-cause mortality in the secondary prevention of RA or OA patients
      [adjusted HR 0.68 (95% CI 0.30-1.54) and 0.52 (95% CI 0.20-1.34) for OA patients,
      and HR 0.58 (95% CI 0.07-4.79) and 0.79 (95% CI 0.18-3.53) for RA patients].
      CONCLUSION: Statins reduced TC concentrations between 7% and 16% in patients with
      OA or RA. Statins were associated with reduced CV events and mortality in RA and
      mortality in OA in primary prevention.

PMID- 22045836
TI  - Health-related quality of life outcomes of adalimumab for patients with early
      rheumatoid arthritis: results from a randomized multicenter study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with significant impairments
      in health-related quality of life (HRQOL). We evaluated patient-reported outcomes
      including HRQOL outcomes following adalimumab plus methotrexate (MTX) therapy in
      patients with early RA. METHODS: PREMIER was a phase III, multicenter,
      randomized, double-blind, active-comparator clinical trial in early RA. Patients
      aged >= 18 years were randomly assigned to receive adalimumab 40 mg every other
      week (eow) plus weekly MTX, weekly MTX, or adalimumab 40 mg eow for 104 weeks.
      American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria were used to evaluate clinical
      efficacy and response. Outcomes were assessed using the Health Assessment
      Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI), Short-Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36),
      Short-Form 6 Dimension (SF-6D), visual analog scale (VAS) assessments of global
      disease activity (patient's global assessment; PtGA) and pain, Functional
      Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-F), and Health Utility Index
      Mark 3 (HUI-3). RESULTS: Of 799 patients enrolled, 268 received adalimumab plus
      MTX, 257 received MTX monotherapy, and 274 received adalimumab monotherapy.
      Patients treated with adalimumab plus MTX demonstrated significant baseline to
      Week 104 improvements in HAQ-DI (p < 0.0001), SF-36 Physical Component Summary (p
      < 0.0001), 4 SF-36 domains [physical function (p < 0.0001), bodily pain (p
      <0.0001), vitality (p = 0.0139), role limitations-physical (p = 0.0005)], SF-6D
      (p = 0.0152), VAS-PtGA (p < 0.0001), VAS-pain (p < 0.0001), FACIT-F (p < 0.0001),
      and HUI-3 (p = 0.0034) scores versus patients treated with MTX monotherapy. Both
      SF-6D and HUI-3 were found to be sensitive preference-based measures for
      assessing the effects of treatment on multidimensional function. No clinically
      meaningful differences between adalimumab and MTX monotherapy groups were
      observed for most measures. For each measure, there was significant association
      between HRQOL improvement and ACR clinical response. CONCLUSION: Adalimumab plus
      MTX significantly improved physical functioning and HRQOL in patients with early
      RA over 2 years of treatment. (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT00195663).

PMID- 22045837
TI  - Hand joint space narrowing and osteophytes are associated with magnetic resonance
      imaging-defined knee cartilage thickness and radiographic knee osteoarthritis:
      data from the Osteoarthritis Initiative.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate whether features of radiographic hand osteoarthritis (OA)
      are associated with quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-defined knee
      cartilage thickness, radiographic knee OA, and 1-year structural progression.
      METHODS: A total of 765 participants in Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI; 455
      women, mean age 62.5 yrs, SD 9.4) obtained hand radiographs (at baseline), knee
      radiographs (baseline and Year 1), and knee MRI (baseline and Year 1). Hand
      radiographs were scored for presence of osteophytes and joint space narrowing
      (JSN). Knee radiographs were scored according to the Kellgren-Lawrence (KL)
      scale. Cartilage thickness in the medial and lateral femorotibial compartments
      was measured quantitatively from coronal FLASHwe images. We examined the cross
      sectional and longitudinal associations between features of hand OA (total
      osteophyte and JSN scores) and knee cartilage thickness, 1-year knee cartilage
      thinning (above smallest detectable change), presence of knee OA (KL grade >= 3),
      and progression of knee OA (KL change >= 1) by linear and logistic regression.
      Both hand OA features were included in a multivariate model (if p <= 0.25)
      adjusted for age, sex, and body mass index (BMI). RESULTS: Hand JSN was
      associated with reduced knee cartilage thickness (beta = -0.02, 95% CI -0.03, 
      0.01) in the medial femorotibial compartment, while hand osteophytes were
      associated with the presence of radiographic knee OA (OR 1.10, 95% CI 1.03-1.18;
      multivariate models) with both hand OA features as independent variables adjusted
      for age, sex, and BMI). Radiographic features of hand OA were not associated with
      1-year cartilage thinning or radiographic knee OA progression. CONCLUSION: Our
      results support a systemic OA susceptibility and possibly different mechanisms
      for osteophyte formation and cartilage thinning.

PMID- 22045838
TI  - Effects of smoking on disease activity and radiographic progression in early
      rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effects of cigarette smoking on disease activity and
      radiographic damage in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS:
      Study subjects were 156 patients with early RA (< 2 yrs). Disease activity,
      therapeutic response, and radiographic progression were compared in smokers and
      nonsmokers at 24 months. RESULTS: At baseline, ever-smokers had earlier disease
      onset and a closer association with the shared epitope (SE), but not more
      seropositive disease. No significant differences were observed in disease
      activity and European League Against Rheumatism therapeutic responses between
      smokers and nonsmokers. Multivariate analysis showed that baseline Larsen score,
      the HLA-DRB*04 genotype, being female, and current smoking were associated with
      radiographic progression. CONCLUSION: In patients with early RA, smoking was
      associated with earlier disease onset and the SE. Smoking was an independent
      factor of radiographic progression.

PMID- 22045839
TI  - Ethnic influence in clinical and functional measures of Brazilian patients with
      spondyloarthritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Spondyloarthritides (SpA) can present different disease spectra
      according to ethnic background. The Brazilian Registry of Spondyloarthritis (RBE)
      is a nationwide registry that comprises a large databank on clinical, functional,
      and treatment data on Brazilian patients with SpA. The aim of our study was to
      analyze the influence of ethnic background in SpA disease patterns in a large
      series of Brazilian patients. METHODS: A common protocol of investigation was
      prospectively applied to 1318 SpA patients in 29 centers distributed through the
      main geographical regions in Brazil. The group comprised whites (65%), African
      Brazilians (31.3%), and people of mixed origins (3.7%). Clinical and demographic
      variables and various disease index scores were compiled. Ankylosing spondylitis
      (AS) was the most frequent disease in the group (65.1%); others were psoriatic
      arthritis (18.3%), undifferentiated SpA (6.8%), enteropathic arthritis (3.7%),
      and reactive arthritis (3.4%). RESULTS: White patients were significantly
      associated with psoriasis (p = 0.002), positive HLA-B27 (p = 0.014), and use of
      corticosteroids (p < 0.0001). Hip involvement (p = 0.02), axial inflammatory pain
      (p = 0.04), and radiographic sacroiliitis (p = 0.025) were associated with
      African Brazilian descent. Sex distribution, family history, and presence of
      peripheral arthritis, uveitis, dactylitis, urethritis, and inflammatory bowel
      disease were similar in the 3 groups, as well as age at disease onset, time from
      first symptom until diagnosis, and use of anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha agents
      (p > 0.05). Schober test and thoracic expansion were similar in the 3 groups,
      whereas African Brazilians had higher Maastricht Ankylosing Spondylitis
      Enthesitis Scores (p = 0.005) and decreased lateral lumbar flexion (p = 0.003),
      while whites had a higher occiput-to-wall distance (p = 0.02). African Brazilians
      reported a worse patient global assessment of disease (p = 0.011). Other index
      scores and prevalence of work incapacity were similar in the 3 groups, although
      African Brazilians had worse performance in the Ankylosing Spondylitis Quality of
      Life questionnaire (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Ethnic background is associated with
      distinct clinical aspects of SpA in Brazilian patients. African Brazilian
      patients with SpA have a poorer quality of life and report worse disease compared
      to whites.

PMID- 22045840
TI  - Biological drug treatment of rheumatoid arthritis and spondyloarthritis: effects
      on QT interval and QT dispersion.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) antagonists bring about
      significant improvement in chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid
      arthritis (RA) and spondyloarthritis (SpA). There is some evidence that they can
      also have negative myocardial effects, but to date this issue has not been
      clarified. We evaluated changes in electrocardiographic measures [QT interval,
      corrected, dispersion, and dispersion corrected (QT, QTc, QTd, QTdc,
      respectively)] in patients with RA or SpA treated with anti-TNF agents
      (infliximab and etanercept), those treated with other biological agents
      (rituximab), and with methotrexate. METHODS: We studied 38 consecutive patients
      with RA (21 patients) or SpA (19 patients) being treated with TNF-alpha
      antagonists, 8 patients with RA being treated with rituximab, and 13 patients (8
      with RA and 5 with SpA) taking methotrexate. Electrocardiographs (ECG) were
      performed on all participants at baseline and 12 months after initiation of
      treatment, and the QT, QTc, and QTd were calculated with standard procedures.
      RESULTS: After 12 months of treatment, significant increases over baseline values
      were observed in the mean QT (p < 0.009), QTd (p < 0.0001), and QTdc (p < 0.0001)
      of the anti-TNF group, but no significant changes were observed in those taking
      rituximab. QT changes in the anti-TNF group were unrelated to the disease (RA vs
      SpA) or drug (infliximab vs etanercept), and none were associated with clinical
      manifestations of cardiac disease. CONCLUSION: In patients with RA and SpA, TNF
      alpha antagonists seem to increase the QT and QTd measures. Although these
      changes were completely asymptomatic, ECG may be indicated in patients being
      considered for anti-TNF therapy to identify those at risk for cardiac
      complications.

PMID- 22045841
TI  - Association between Thr21Met and Ser89Asn polymorphisms of the urotensin II gene
      and systemic sclerosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune chronic fibrotic disorder.
      Urotensin II (U-II) is predominantly a vasoactive peptide with fibrotic and
      prothrombotic features. Like endothelin-1 (ET-1), U-II could play an important
      role in SSc pathogenesis. We evaluated the possible role of the U-II gene
      polymorphisms (Thr21Met and Ser89Asn) in the genetic susceptibility to SSc in a
      Turkish population. METHODS: A total of 189 patients with SSc and 205 healthy
      controls were enrolled in our study. We analyzed the genotype and allele
      frequencies of the U-II (UTS2) gene polymorphisms Thr21Met and Ser89Asn in
      patients with SSc and in controls. RESULTS: We found that the Thr21Met
      polymorphism of the UTS2 gene was markedly associated with the risk of developing
      SSc (p < 0.0001), but there was no relationship between the Ser89Asn polymorphism
      and SSc (p > 0.05). Two haplotypes (MS and TS) were markedly associated with SSc
      (p < 0.05). There were significant associations between the genotype and allele
      frequencies of UTS2 gene Thr21Met polymorphism and cases with diffuse or limited
      SSc, systemic or lung involvement, finger flexion deformity, pitting scars at the
      fingertips, positive anticentromere, or positive antitopoisomerase 1 antibody
      groups. CONCLUSION: Our study shows the association between Thr21Met, but not
      Ser89Asn, in the UTS2 gene and SSc. The results strongly suggest that this single
      nucleotide polymorphism may be an important risk factor in the development of
      SSc, and a powerful indicator of severe skin and lung involvement in patients
      with SSc.

PMID- 22045842
TI  - Association of IL-12B genetic polymorphism with the susceptibility and disease
      severity of ankylosing spondylitis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Interleukin 23 (IL-23) stimulates the differentiation of T helper 17
      (Th17) cells, which are involved in the pathogenesis of ankylosing spondylitis
      (AS). Binding of IL-23 to the IL-23 receptor complex activates Janus kinases 2
      and tyrosine kinase 2, which phosphorylate IL-23R and subsequently promote the
      transcription of the IL-17 gene. IL-12B encodes a p40 subunit common to IL-12 and
      IL-23. We evaluated the effects of IL-12B and IL-23R genotype on the occurrence
      and clinical features of AS. METHODS: A total of 362 patients with AS and 362
      healthy controls were enrolled in the study. Genotypes of IL-12B A1188C
      (rs3212227) and IL-23R C2370A (rs10889677) were identified by polymerase chain
      reaction/restriction fragment-length polymorphism. Disease activity and
      functional status were assessed by Bath AS indices. RESULTS: Subjects carrying IL
      12B CC [matched relative risk (RR(m)) 1.93, 95% CI 1.23-3.03] and IL-12B AC
      (RR(m) 1.73, 95% CI 1.21-2.46) genotypes had a significantly greater risk of
      developing AS than subjects with the IL-12B AA genotype. Subjects carrying both
      IL-12B CC and IL-23R AA genotypes also had a significantly higher risk (RR(m)
      2.98, 95% CI 1.51-5.89) of developing AS compared to those with IL-12B AA and IL
      23R CC/CA genotypes, and this interaction between IL-12B and IL-23R was
      significant. Patients with AS who had IL-12B CC and IL-12B AC genotypes had an
      obviously increased Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index score
      compared to those who carried the IL-12B AA genotype (4.3 vs 3.7). CONCLUSION:
      The IL-12B A1188C genotype was associated with the development and disease
      severity of AS.

PMID- 22045843
TI  - Pathways of microvascular permeability in the synovium of normal and diseased
      human knees.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Our study uses the entire proteomes of serum and synovial fluid (SF)
      to characterize the avenues of microvascular egress of plasma proteins, and
      quantifies that traffic in normal and diseased human knees. METHODS: Paired
      aliquots of serum and SF were collected from 17 knees of 11 subjects who died
      without evident joint disease and 16 patients with clinical effusions,
      fractionated by gel filtration chromatography and analyzed as continuous plots of
      the SF/serum concentration ratio versus molecular radius from 1 to 12 nanometers
      (nm). Curve-stripping methodology, a 3-pore model, and known protein kinetics
      were then applied to estimate the dimensions of and the net outflow through
      fenestral, "small," and "large" apertures in the microvascular endothelium.
      RESULTS: The 3-pore model correlated highly with the observed data (r = 0.992 in
      normal and 0.980 in arthritis), yielding the following mean values: for the
      fenestra, the normal radius (nm) was 1.75 and the effused 3.5, and the normal
      flow (MUl/min) was 1.74 and the arthritic 22.0; for the small pore, the normal
      radius was 8.6 and the effused 8.5, and the normal flow was 1.5 and the arthritic
      flow 9.1; for the large pore, the normal radius was 40 and the effused 36, and
      the normal flow was 0.24 and the arthritic flow 15.5. CONCLUSION: These findings
      provide the first functional definition of synovial, endothelial fenestrae;
      reveal that the "increased vascular permeability" of inflammation is not limited
      to interendothelial gaps; present evidence suggesting that glycocalyceal damage
      and aquaporin upregulation may affect permeability in arthritic synovium; and
      define a straightforward methodology for interpretation of biomarker
      concentrations in arthritic SF.

PMID- 22045844
TI  - Patient-reported outcome in psoriatic arthritis: a comparison of Web-based versus
      paper-completed questionnaires.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Patients followed in observational cohorts often complete patient
      reported outcomes on paper questionnaires. With advances in technology, Web-based
      (WB) formats have been developed. The aims of our study were to determine whether
      WB and paper-based questionnaires (PB) completed by patients followed in the
      psoriatic arthritis (PsA) clinic are comparable; whether there is a patient
      preference for one method or the other; and whether any preference is related to
      patient characteristics. METHODS: Consecutive patients followed at the PsA clinic
      completed the Health Assessment Questionnaire, Medical Outcomes Study Short Form
      36, fatigue scale, Dermatology Life Quality Index, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis
      Disease Activity Index, Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Functional Index, Ankylosing
      Spondylitis Quality of Life Instrument, and EQ-5D both on paper (PB) and on
      computer by Internet (WB). Patients were also asked to complete questionnaires
      regarding their preference for one method or the other. Descriptive statistics
      and interclass correlation coefficients (ICC) were calculated. RESULTS: Of 110
      patients who agreed to participate, 67 (57.3%) successfully completed both PB and
      WB questionnaires. These patients did not differ from those who did not complete
      the questionnaires. WB and PB questionnaires took the same length of time to
      complete, with 20% of the patients complaining of more pain following completion
      of the questionnaires, more so with the PB. There was excellent agreement between
      the PB and WB (ICC 0.89-0.97) for all questionnaires. CONCLUSION: The PB and WB
      versions of 10 standardized self-administered questionnaires in patients with PsA
      were comparable. The WB format was well accepted by PsA outpatients. Patients may
      thus be offered a choice of format as well as the choice to complete the
      questionnaires either in the clinic or remotely by Internet.

PMID- 22045846
TI  - The importance of CD4 count, viral load and highly active antiretroviral therapy
      in HIV-associated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP).
AB  - A case is reported of HIV-associated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura with
      normal CD4 count but high HIV viral load, developing neurological and cardiac
      complications up to 36 days after initiation of plasma exchange, but remitting
      within 18 days of the start of highly active antiretroviral therapy and steroids.
      In addition to plasma exchange, prompt initiation of highly active antiretroviral
      therapy in patients with HIV-associated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura may
      be justified despite a normal CD4 count.

PMID- 22045845
TI  - The autoimmune disease risk allele of UBE2L3 in African American patients with
      systemic lupus erythematosus: a recessive effect upon subphenotypes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: UBE2L3 is associated with susceptibility to systemic lupus
      erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis in European ancestry populations,
      and this locus has not been investigated fully in non-European populations. We
      studied the UBE2L3 risk allele for association with SLE, interferon-alpha (IFN
      alpha), and autoantibodies in a predominantly African American SLE cohort.
      METHODS: We studied 395 patients with SLE and 344 controls. The UBE2L3 rs5754217
      polymorphism was genotyped using Taqman primer-probe sets, and IFN-alpha was
      measured using a reporter cell assay. RESULTS: The UBE2L3 rs5754217 T allele was
      strongly enriched in African American patients with anti-La antibodies as
      compared to controls, and a recessive model was the best fit for this association
      (OR 2.55, p = 0.0061). Serum IFN-alpha also demonstrated a recessive association
      with the rs5754217 genotype in African American patients, and the TT/anti-La
      positive patients formed a significantly high IFN-alpha subgroup (p = 0.0040).
      Similar nonstatistically significant patterns of association were observed in the
      European American patients with SLE. Case-control analysis did not show large
      allele frequency differences, supporting the idea that this allele is most
      strongly associated with anti-La-positive patients. CONCLUSION: This pattern of
      recessive influence within a subgroup of patients may explain why this allele
      does not produce a strong signal in standard case-control studies, and
      subphenotypes should be included in future studies of UBE2L3. The interaction we
      observed between UBE2L3 genotype and autoantibodies upon serum IFN-alpha suggests
      a biological role for this locus in patients with SLE in vivo.

PMID- 22045847
TI  - STI clinic demonstrates potential as a location to provide education to parents.

PMID- 22045848
TI  - Assessing where vulnerable groups fare worst: a global multilevel analysis on the
      impact of welfare regimes on disability across different socioeconomic groups.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Investigations on health differences within welfare states between
      low- and high-socioeconomic groups are mainly conducted in Europe. With the aim
      of gaining global insight on the extent welfare regimes influence personal
      disability for the most vulnerable, we explore how these health differences vary
      between low- and high-socioeconomic groups. METHODS: The World Health Survey data
      were analysed on 199595 adults from 46 countries using the welfare regime
      classification developed by Wood and Gough. Multilevel logistic regression was
      used to estimate welfare regime differences in self-reported disability according
      to individual educational attainment and employment status. RESULTS: As compared
      with the low educated in the European-conservative regime, the odds of having a
      higher prevalence of disability was found among low-educated people residing in
      the informal-security regime of South Asia, with OR being 3.16 (95% CI 2.23 to
      4.47). While state-organised regimes seemed to offer more protection against
      disability to the low educated, the productivist regime of East Asia trailed
      closely behind, with OR being 1.10 (95% CI 0.76 to 1.60) for the low educated.
      Similar findings were also observed in the unemployed. CONCLUSIONS: State
      organised regimes of Europe and the productivist regime of East Asia seem to
      contain protecting features against disability for all citizens and especially
      for the most vulnerable. Apart from the productivist regime of East Asia, the low
      educated and the unemployed seem to carry the greatest health burden within more
      insecure regimes, highlighting a deficiency in social provisions within these
      regimes aimed at protecting the most vulnerable.

PMID- 22045849
TI  - Epigenetics and environmental exposures.
AB  - It is becoming increasingly apparent that genetic factors are inadequate to fully
      explain many processes that shape development and disease. For example,
      monozygotic twin pairs, despite sharing identical DNA sequences, are often
      discordant for many traits and diseases, indicating that the same genotype can
      give rise to distinct phenotypes. This points towards the involvement of
      additional factors that cannot be explained solely by the sequence of the genome.
      Epigenetic modifications, defined as heritable changes that do not alter the
      nucleotide sequence, emerge as key factors that regulate chromatin structure and
      gene expression and, together with genetic factors, provide the mechanistic basis
      to understand the biological effects of various classes of environmental
      exposures. Epigenetic mechanisms explain the ability of certain chemical
      compounds to initiate biological perturbations that can lead to malignancy,
      despite being weak mutagens or lacking mutagenic activity altogether-a view that
      challenges old beliefs and opens new avenues in public health. The field of
      epigenetics also explains the causal link between certain infectious diseases and
      cancer, a relationship that was first observed over a century ago and was
      initially discounted, then fell into oblivion and more recently re-emerged as an
      important concept in biology. A key feature that distinguishes epigenetic
      modifications from genetic changes is their reversible nature. This provides
      exciting prophylactic and therapeutic perspectives, some of which already
      materialised with the approval of the first drugs that modulate the epigenetic
      machinery, reinforcing the idea that our genes are not our destiny.

PMID- 22045850
TI  - Mortality in parents following the death of a child: a nationwide follow-up study
      from Sweden.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The death of a young child is so devastating that it can increase the
      risk of mortality in the grieving parent. Little is known about the impact of an
      adult child's death on the health of parents. METHODS: The authors conducted a
      follow-up study between 1980 and 2002 based on a linked-registers database that
      contains the total Swedish population. The authors examined mortality from all
      causes, natural causes and unnatural causes among parents following the death of
      children aged 10-49 years. RESULTS: An increased mortality risk (RR 1.31, 95% CI
      1.02 to 1.68) in mothers following the death of a minor child (10-17 years) was
      found and especially following unnatural deaths (primarily accidents and
      suicides). Mothers also experienced elevated mortality following the death of an
      adult child aged 18-25 years (RR 1.15, 95% CI 1.03 to 1.29). Bereavement effects
      among fathers were more attenuated and chiefly found after >8 years of follow-up.
      From a short-term perspective (1-3 years), the death of an adult child (>25
      years) was somewhat protective for parents. However, over longer follow-up
      periods, it approached (4-8 years) and exceeded (>8 years) the death risk of the
      general population. CONCLUSIONS: These findings corroborate and extend earlier
      findings suggesting elevated mortality risks also following the death of an adult
      child.

PMID- 22045852
TI  - A CC' loop decoy peptide blocks the interaction between Act1 and IL-17RA to
      attenuate IL-17- and IL-25-induced inflammation.
AB  - Interleukin-17 (IL-17) and IL-25 signaling induce the expression of genes
      encoding inflammatory factors and are implicated in the pathology of various
      inflammatory diseases. Nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) activator 1 (Act1) is an
      adaptor protein and E3 ubiquitin ligase that is critical for signaling by either
      IL-17 or IL-25, and it is recruited to their receptors (IL-17R and IL-25R)
      through heterotypic interactions between the SEFIR [SEF (similar expression to
      fibroblast growth factor genes) and IL-17R] domain of Act1 and that of the
      receptor. SEFIR domains have structural similarity with the Toll-IL-1 receptor
      (TIR) domains of Toll-like receptors and IL-1R. Whereas the BB' loop of TIR is
      required for TIR-TIR interactions, we found that deletion of the BB' loop from
      Act1 or IL-17RA (a common subunit of both IL-17R and IL-25R) did not affect Act1
      IL-17RA interactions; rather, deletion of the CC' loop from Act1 or IL-17RA
      abolished the interaction between both proteins. Surface plasmon resonance
      measurements showed that a peptide corresponding to the CC' loop of Act1 bound
      directly to IL-17RA. A cell-permeable decoy peptide based on the CC' loop
      sequence inhibited IL-17- or IL-25-mediated signaling in vitro, as well as IL-17-
      and IL-25-induced pulmonary inflammation in mice. Together, these findings
      provide the molecular basis for the specificity of SEFIR-SEFIR versus TIR-TIR
      domain interactions and consequent signaling. Moreover, we suggest that the CC'
      loop motif of SEFIR domains is a promising target for therapeutic strategies
      against inflammatory diseases associated with IL-17 or IL-25 signaling.

PMID- 22045851
TI  - p53 and microRNA-34 are suppressors of canonical Wnt signaling.
AB  - Although loss of p53 function and activation of canonical Wnt signaling cascades
      are frequently coupled in cancer, the links between these two pathways remain
      unclear. We report that p53 transactivated microRNA-34 (miR-34), which
      consequently suppressed the transcriptional activity of beta-catenin-T cell
      factor and lymphoid enhancer factor (TCF/LEF) complexes by targeting the
      untranslated regions (UTRs) of a set of conserved targets in a network of genes
      encoding elements of the Wnt pathway. Loss of p53 function increased canonical
      Wnt signaling by alleviating miR-34-specific interactions with target UTRs, and
      miR-34 depletion relieved p53-mediated Wnt repression. Gene expression signatures
      reflecting the status of beta-catenin-TCF/LEF transcriptional activity in breast
      cancer and pediatric neuroblastoma patients were correlated with p53 and miR-34
      functional status. Loss of p53 or miR-34 contributed to neoplastic progression by
      triggering the Wnt-dependent, tissue-invasive activity of colorectal cancer
      cells. Further, during development, miR-34 interactions with the beta-catenin UTR
      affected Xenopus body axis polarity and the expression of Wnt-dependent
      patterning genes. These data provide insight into the mechanisms by which a p53
      miR-34 network restrains canonical Wnt signaling cascades in developing organisms
      and human cancer.

PMID- 22045853
TI  - Persistent stimulation with interleukin-17 desensitizes cells through SCFbeta
      TrCP-mediated degradation of Act1.
AB  - The proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-17 (IL-17) is important for the immune
      response to pathogens and also contributes to the pathogenesis of various
      inflammatory diseases. To avoid persistent inflammation, signaling by the IL-17
      receptor (IL-17R), which involves the adaptor protein Act1, must be tightly
      controlled. Here, we report that persistent stimulation of HeLa cells with IL-17
      resulted in degradation of Act1 and desensitization of IL-17R signaling. IL-17
      stimulated the Lys48-linked polyubiquitination and degradation of Act1, which was
      phosphorylation-dependent, similar to the IL-17-dependent degradation of
      inhibitor of nuclear factor kappaB alpha. Act1 was recruited to SCF (Skp1-cullin
      1-F-box)-type E3 ubiquitin ligase complexes containing beta-transducin repeat
      containing protein 1 (beta-TrCP1) or beta-TrCP2 in a phosphorylation-dependent
      manner upon stimulation of cells with IL-17. Dominant-negative beta-TrCP or
      knockdown of beta-TrCP1 and beta-TrCP2 markedly reduced IL-17-induced,
      phosphorylation-dependent ubiquitination and degradation of Act1. Thus, our
      studies identify a previously uncharacterized desensitization mechanism,
      involving the SCFbeta-TrCP-mediated degradation of Act1, that occurs during
      persistent stimulation with IL-17.

PMID- 22045856
TI  - Pediatric use of complementary and alternative medicine: legal, ethical, and
      clinical issues in decision-making.
AB  - In this article we introduce a series of 8 case scenarios and commentaries and
      explore the complex legal, ethical, and clinical concerns that arise when
      pediatric patients and their parents or health care providers use or are
      interested in using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM). People around
      the world rely on CAM, so similar issues face clinicians in many countries. In
      law, few cases have dealt with CAM use. The few that have apply the same general
      legal principles used in cases that involved conventional care while taking into
      account considerations unique to CAM. In ethics, as with conventional care, the
      issues surrounding pediatric CAM use usually involve questions about who the
      appropriate decision-makers are, on what ethical principles should clinical
      decision-making rely, and what obligations arise on the part of physicians and
      other health care providers. Clinical decision-making is made more complex by the
      relatively limited research on the efficacy and safety of CAM compared with
      conventional medicine, especially in children, which requires clinicians to make
      decisions under conditions of uncertainty. The clinical scenarios presented focus
      on patients who represent a range of ages, clinical conditions, and settings.
      They act as anchors to explore particular CAM policy issues and illustrate the
      application of and shortcomings in existing guidance and intervention principles.
      Although the focus on a pediatric population adds another layer of complexity to
      the analysis, many of the concepts, issues, principles, and recommendations also
      apply to adults.

PMID- 22045857
TI  - Natural health product-drug interactions: evolving responsibilities to take
      complementary and alternative medicine into account.
AB  - Natural health products (NHPs) (known as dietary supplements in the United
      States) are a popular form of self-care, yet many patients do not disclose their
      use to clinicians. NHP-drug interactions are known to occur and can harm patients
      and affect the efficacy of conventional treatment. Using the example of an HIV
      positive adolescent who had been responding well to antiretroviral therapy but
      then experienced a sudden unexplained deterioration in her condition, we review
      (1) clinicians' obligation to inquire about complementary and alternative
      medicine (CAM) use when assessing, treating, and monitoring patients, (2) how
      clinicians' duty to warn about risks associated with treatment has evolved and
      expanded, and (3) patients' and parents' responsibility to disclose CAM use. It
      also addresses the responsibility of hospitals and health facilities to ensure
      that the reality of widespread CAM/NHP use is taken into account in patient care
      to effectively protect patients from harm.

PMID- 22045858
TI  - Treating teens: considerations when adolescents want to use complementary and
      alternative medicine.
AB  - In this article we examine decision-making about complementary and alternative
      medicine use when the patient is an adolescent. A case scenario describes patient
      parent conflict when a 14-year-old boy who was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis
      that has continued to progress even with medication refuses recommended surgery
      despite his physician's and parents' support for that option; he prefers
      homeopathy instead. We address (1) who has decision-making authority about
      treatment for young people, (2) how to determine if a young person can consent to
      or refuse treatment, (3) special considerations when counseling and treating
      adolescents (whether they can decide about treatment for themselves), and (4)
      parent-child conflicts about treatment. In addition, we suggest ways that health
      care providers can foster a trusting relationship with patients and parents.

PMID- 22045859
TI  - Childhood immunization: when physicians and parents disagree.
AB  - Persistent fears about the safety and efficacy of vaccines, and whether
      immunization programs are still needed, have led a significant minority of
      parents to refuse vaccination. Are parents within their rights when refusing to
      consent to vaccination? How ought physicians respond? Focusing on routine
      childhood immunization, we consider the ethical, legal, and clinical issues
      raised by 3 aspects of parental vaccine refusal: (1) physician counseling; (2)
      parental decision-making; and (3) continuing the physician-patient relationship
      despite disagreement. We also suggest initiatives that could increase confidence
      in immunization programs.

PMID- 22045860
TI  - Considering complementary and alternative medicine alternatives in cases of life
      threatening illness: applying the best-interests test.
AB  - In this article we explore decision-making about treatment when a child faces a
      life-threatening illness but conventional treatment presents substantial risk and
      uncertain benefit. When is it acceptable for parents to decide to use
      complementary and alternative medicine as an alternative, rather than a
      complement, to conventional care? We use the example of a young child suffering
      from progressive glycogen storage disease, for whom liver transplant offers the
      only prospect of a cure. Without a liver transplant, the disease usually results
      in death within a few years. However, experience using transplant to treat this
      illness has been limited, success is far from ensured, and the risks (including
      death and continued progression of the disease) are substantial. The child's
      parents, who are first-generation immigrants, consider the risks of the
      transplant unjustified because it still does not offer good prospects for a
      healthy future. They believe that traditional Chinese medicine could help
      remediate their daughter's disease. In the article we (1) review parents'
      obligation to make treatment decisions in the best interests of their child, (2)
      explain limits on parents' decision-making authority, (3) explore how "best
      interests" are determined, focusing on cases of serious illness for which
      conventional treatment is risky and benefit is possible but uncertain, (4)
      explain the standard of care that physicians must meet in advising about
      treatment, and (5) outline factors that clinicians and parents should take into
      account when making decisions.

PMID- 22045861
TI  - Referrals and shared or collaborative care: managing relationships with
      complementary and alternative medicine practitioners.
AB  - In this article we discuss steps that clinicians should take after deciding to
      include a complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) treatment that is beyond
      the clinician's expertise in a patient's treatment plan. We use the example of an
      adolescent patient with chronic recurrent headaches that have not been relieved
      by medication or other therapies and whose physician refers her to an
      acupuncturist for treatment. We focus on (1) circumstances under which referral
      is appropriate, (2) the nature of the relationship between the referring
      clinician and the practitioner to whom the referral is made (considering
      conventional health care and CAM, regulated and unregulated practitioners), and
      (3) considerations when undertaking shared or collaborative care with other
      health care practitioners (conventional health care or CAM). We also suggest best
      practices in managing such relationships.

PMID- 22045862
TI  - Informed consent: advising patients and parents about complementary and
      alternative medicine therapies.
AB  - Although research on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies is
      still limited, systematic reviews have revealed sufficient evidence to conclude
      that CAM can be effective for certain conditions. In this article we discuss
      clinicians' responsibilities to inform parents/patients about CAM alternatives
      and use the example of acupuncture for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
      Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting remain significant adverse effects of
      cancer therapy, and some patients cannot find relief with standard therapies.
      When making decisions for a child with a life-threatening illness, parents must
      consider all reasonable options and decide what is in the child's best interests.
      A physician's failure to provide parents with relevant information regarding
      therapies with the prospect of therapeutic benefit impedes their ability to make
      an informed decision. Physicians have the ethical duty of beneficence; they must
      be aware of current research in pain and symptom management and other aspects of
      care. A physician's duty of care does not necessarily include the obligation to
      provide information about therapies outside the range of conventional treatment
      or those not yet supported in the medical literature. However, as CAM therapies
      such as acupuncture become better studied and their safety and efficacy are
      established, the scope of disclosure required may expand to include them. The
      legal and ethical obligation to obtain informed consent to treatment requires
      disclosure and discussion of therapies when there is reliable evidence of
      potential therapeutic benefit. At the same time, the more limited state of
      knowledge regarding effects of a particular therapy in the pediatric population
      must be factored into decision-making when treating a child.

PMID- 22045863
TI  - Hospitals and complementary and alternative medicine: managing responsibilities,
      risk, and potential liability.
AB  - Patients and families increasingly press hospitals to facilitate provision of
      complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies and products. At the same
      time, a growing number of hospitals and health care facilities have taken steps
      to integrate CAM and conventional care. In this article we consider institutional
      responsibilities when patients/parents use or are considering CAM. We (1) review
      hospitals' responsibilities to patients and parents, (2) explain how these
      principles apply in the case of CAM practitioners and products, (3) address
      institutional responsibilities for different models of service delivery, and (4)
      highlight issues that should be addressed when developing institutional policies
      to govern CAM use and propose ways to do so.

PMID- 22045864
TI  - Complementary and alternative medicine practitioners' standard of care:
      responsibilities to patients and parents.
AB  - In this article we explain (1) the standard of care that health care providers
      must meet and (2) how these principles apply to complementary and alternative
      medicine practitioners. The scenario describes a 14-year-old boy who is
      experiencing back pain and whose chiropractor performed spinal manipulation but
      did not recognize or take steps to rule out serious underlying disease-in this
      case, testicular cancer--either initially or when the patient's condition
      continued to deteriorate despite treatment. We use chiropractic care for a
      patient with a sore back as an example, because back pain is such a common
      problem and chiropracty is a common treatment chosen by both adult and pediatric
      patients. The scenario illustrates the responsibilities that complementary and
      alternative medicine practitioners owe patients/parents, the potential for
      liability when deficient care harms patients, and the importance of ample formal
      pediatric training for practitioners who treat pediatric patients.

PMID- 22045865
TI  - Concluding comments: maximizing good patient care and minimizing potential
      liability when considering complementary and alternative medicine.
AB  - Our goal for this supplemental issue of Pediatrics was to consider what
      practitioners, parents, patients, institutions, and policy-makers need to take
      into account to make good decisions about using complementary and alternative
      medicine (CAM) to treat children and to develop guidelines for appropriate use.
      We began by explaining underlying concepts and principles in ethical, legal, and
      clinical reasoning and then used case scenarios to explore how they apply and
      identify gaps that remain in practice and policy. In this concluding article, we
      review our major findings, summarize our recommendations, and suggest further
      research. We focus on several key areas: practitioner and patient/parent
      relationships; decision-making; dispute resolution; standards of practice;
      hospital/health facility policies; patient safety; education; and research.
      Ethical principles, standards, and rules applicable when making decisions about
      conventional care for children apply to decision-making about CAM as well. The
      same is true of legal reasoning. Although CAM use has seldom led to litigation,
      general legal principles relied on in cases involving conventional medical care
      provide the starting point for analysis. Similarly, with respect to clinical
      decision-making, clinicians are guided by clinical judgment and the best
      interests of their patient. Whether a therapy is CAM or conventional, clinicians
      must weigh the relative risks and benefits of therapeutic options and take into
      account their patient's values, beliefs, and preferences. Consequently, many of
      our observations apply to conventional and CAM care and to both adult and
      pediatric patients.

PMID- 22045866
TI  - Citrate treatment reduces endothelial death and inflammation under hyperglycaemic
      conditions.
AB  - Hyperglycaemia and glucose degradation products (GDPs) are closely associated
      with oxidative stress and inflammation in diabetic patients, a condition that
      leads to endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular problems. We evaluated the
      effect of citrate and gluconate on glucose- and GDP-induced endothelial
      inflammation by measuring changes in viability, inflammation and function in
      primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). The extent of
      apoptosis/necrosis was measured by flow cytometry and visualised with confocal
      microscopy by staining with annexin V or propidium iodide, respectively. Protein
      kinase C-betaII (PKC-betaII) activation was evaluated with Western blotting.
      Incubation with glucose (30 mM) and GDP (50 uM) significantly increased PKC
      betaII expression, endothelial cell death and inflammation. The addition of
      citrate decreased hyperglycaemia-induced apoptosis (p = 0.021), necrosis (p =
      0.04) and reduced PKC-betaII expression (p = 0.021) down to background levels.
      Citrate improved endothelial function by reducing the inflammatory markers (p =
      0.01) and by decreasing neutrophil diapedesis (p = 0.012). These results suggest
      that citrate may have therapeutic potential by reducing hyperglycaemia-induced
      endothelial inflammation and abolishing endothelial dysfunction.

PMID- 22045867
TI  - Potentiation of aspirin-induced cerebroprotection by minocycline: a therapeutic
      approach to attenuate exacerbation of transient focal cerebral ischaemia.
AB  - Cerebrovascular disease is a major cause of mortality and disability in adults.
      Diabetes mellitus increases the risk of cerebral ischaemia and is associated with
      worse clinical outcome following an event. Upregulation of matrix
      metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in diabetes
      appears to play a role in vascular complications of diabetes. We hypothesised
      that inhibition of MMP-2 and MMP-9 by minocycline can be potentiated by aspirin
      through inhibition of cyclooxygenase-2 and tissue plasminogen activator,
      resulting in amelioration of clinical cerebral ischaemia in diabetes. In the
      present study, cerebral ischaemia/reperfusion injury was induced in
      streptozotocin diabetic rats by 1 h middle cerebral artery occlusion and 24 h
      reperfusion. Infarct volume, cerebral oedema, neurological severity score and
      blood-brain barrier disruption were significantly increased in diabetic animals
      compared with the normoglycemic control group. The combination of aspirin and
      minocycline treatment significantly improved these parameters in diabetic
      animals. Moreover, this therapy was associated with significantly lower mortality
      and reduction in MMP-2 and MMP-9 levels. Our data indicate that combination of
      aspirin and minocycline therapy protects from the consequences of cerebral
      ischaemia in animal models of diabetes and is associated with inhibition of MMP-2
      and MMP-9. Therefore, this combination therapy may represent a novel strategy to
      reduce the neurological complications of cerebral ischaemia in diabetes.

PMID- 22045868
TI  - Natural killer cell-produced IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha induce target cell cytolysis
      through up-regulation of ICAM-1.
AB  - NK cells control tumor and virus-infected cells through releasing cytotoxic
      granules and proinflammatory cytokines. IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha secretions and
      cytotoxicity are regarded as two distinct functions of NK cells with little
      synergy in between as results of early association of the two functions with
      distinct subsets of NK populations and of the studies showing target cells
      developing NK resistance upon IFN-gamma treatment. Here, we show that IFN-gamma
      and TNF-alpha synergistically enhance NK cell cytotoxicity through NF-kappaB
      dependent up-regulation of ICAM-1 expression in target cells, thereby promoting
      their conjugate formation with NK cells. Neutralizing IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha
      during cytolysis significantly impaired NK cell lysis of the target cells.
      Further, tumor cells exhibiting IFN-gamma-inducible lysis are generally less
      sensitive NK target cells but express inducible levels of ICAM-1. In contrast,
      sensitive NK targets tend to express higher but less-inducible ICAM-1. Their
      preferential induction in the lysis of insensitive NK target cells suggests that
      IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha are functionally linked to and should be regarded as an
      integral part of NK cytolytic function.

PMID- 22045869
TI  - IL-27 inhibits pathophysiological intraocular neovascularization due to laser
      burn.
AB  - AMD is the most common disease leading to acquired blindness in developed
      countries. CNV is the foremost cause of AMD and is thought to be induced by
      regional inflammation as a result of age-related conformational changes of the
      chorioretinal interface. Here, we show that IL-27, a member of the IL-6/IL-12
      cytokine family, has an angiostatic effect and regulates the development of laser
      induced experimental CNV in mice. In this model, IL-27 expression increased in
      the damaged choroid and peaked at the 24 h-time-point. IL-27 neutralization,
      induced by inoculating an antagonistic antibody into the vitreous cavity,
      enhanced VEGF production and the extent of CNV. By contrast, the administration
      of rIL-27 reduced VEGF production and the extent of CNV. Mice deficient in the
      EBI3, which lack IL-27, also showed more CNV than C57BL/6 mice, and this was
      reduced by IL-27 supplementation. We additionally investigated the effect of IL
      27 on the function of macrophages, which play a critical role in CNV. IL-27 did
      not affect macrophage migration but inhibited its VEGF production. IL-27
      therefore appears to regulate CNV and is a promising candidate target for
      treating sight-threatening diseases caused by ocular neovascularization.

PMID- 22045870
TI  - Transcriptional activation of the IL31 gene by NFAT and STAT6.
AB  - IL-31, a newly identified member of the IL-6 cytokine family, is involved in many
      pathological conditions, including atopic dermatitis and pruritis. In this study,
      we investigated how expression of IL-31 is regulated in T cells and mast cells.
      We observed that expression of IL-31 required a calcium signal and was dependent
      on the calcineurin-NFAT signaling pathway. Moreover, we found that IL-31 promoter
      contains a positive regulatory region that mediates calcium- and IL-4-dependent
      induction of the IL-31 gene and demonstrated that a change into an open chromatin
      conformation occurs in this region after stimulation with calcium and IL-4.
      Whereas IL-4 responsiveness required STAT6 binding sites, calcium responsiveness
      of IL-31 promoter required NFAT binding sites that bind NFATc1 and NFATc2 in
      vitro and in vivo. The induction of IL-31 promoter activity was impaired when
      these sites were mutated but was enhanced by CA-NFATc1 or STAT6 proteins and
      further increased synergistically by combinations of both proteins. Furthermore,
      the importance of STAT6 proteins was indicated by impaired, IL-4-mediated
      induction of IL-31 in STAT6-diminished Jurkat cells. Thus, our data demonstrate
      that calcium and IL-4 signals are required to mediate induction of IL-31 in Th2
      cells and mast cells and that this induction appears to result from specific
      binding of NFAT and STAT6 proteins.

PMID- 22045871
TI  - Bronchiectasis in patients with COPD: a distinct COPD phenotype?

PMID- 22045872
TI  - Childhood asthma: the need for a personalized "whole child" approach.

PMID- 22045873
TI  - Oral appliances and sleep-disordered breathing.

PMID- 22045874
TI  - From telemedicine to a critical care database: a new resource for national
      benchmarking.

PMID- 22045875
TI  - Point: will public reporting of health-care quality measures inform and educate
      patients? Yes.

PMID- 22045876
TI  - Counterpoint: will public reporting of health-care quality measures inform and
      educate patients? No.

PMID- 22045877
TI  - Rare lung disease research: strategies for improving identification and
      recruitment of research participants.
AB  - Research in rare lung diseases faces methodologic limitations by virtue of the
      small number of participants available to be studied. We explored several
      strategies that may improve researchers' ability to identify and recruit research
      participants with rare lung diseases. We provide an overview of strategies based
      on available evidence, previously used approaches, and reasoning. First, disease
      detection is generally poor and may be improved through strategies targeted at
      primary care practitioners or directly at patients, thus increasing the pool of
      patients available for research studies. Next, standardization of case
      definitions in rare lung diseases is often lacking, hindering research
      recruitment efforts because of confusion over appropriate recruitment criteria.
      Expert consensus statements can enhance both clinical care and research
      recruitment by standardizing definitions. Finally, recruitment strategies using
      rare lung disease registries, clinical research networks, novel Internet-based
      direct patient recruitment approaches, and patient organizations may facilitate
      recruitment of patients with rare lung diseases. In summary, although several
      strategies for improving the identification and recruitment of research
      participants with rare lung diseases have been proposed, published examples are
      few. Objective measurement and reporting of novel recruitment methods and
      collaboration among researchers facing the same limitations across various rare
      lung diseases are required. Advancements in this area are vital to the design and
      performance of much-needed robust clinical studies across the spectrum of rare
      lung diseases.

PMID- 22045878
TI  - Thoracic ultrasonography for the pulmonary specialist.
AB  - Thoracic ultrasonography is a noninvasive and readily available imaging modality
      that has important applications in pulmonary medicine outside of the ICU. It
      allows the clinician to diagnose a variety of thoracic disorders at the point of
      care. Ultrasonography is useful in imaging lung consolidation, pleural-based
      masses and effusions, pneumothorax, and diaphragmatic dysfunction. It can
      identify complex or loculated effusions and be useful in planning treatment.
      Identifying intrathoracic mass lesions can guide sampling by aspiration and
      biopsy. This article summarizes thoracic ultrasonography applications for the
      pulmonary specialist, related procedural codes, and reimbursement. The major
      concepts are illustrated with cases. These case summaries are enhanced with
      online supplemental videos and chest radiograph, chest CT scan, and ultrasound
      correlation.

PMID- 22045879
TI  - American College of Chest Physicians consensus statement on the use of topical
      anesthesia, analgesia, and sedation during flexible bronchoscopy in adult
      patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Optimal performance of bronchoscopy requires patient's comfort,
      physician's ease of execution, and minimal risk. There is currently a wide
      variation in the use of topical anesthesia, analgesia, and sedation during
      bronchoscopy. METHODS: A panel of experts was convened by the American College of
      Chest Physicians Interventional/Chest Diagnostic Network. A literature search was
      conducted on MEDLINE from 1969 to 2009, and consensus was reached by the panel
      members after a comprehensive review of the data. Randomized controlled trials
      and prospective studies were given highest priority in building the consensus.
      RESULTS: In the absence of contraindications, topical anesthesia, analgesia, and
      sedation are suggested in all patients undergoing bronchoscopy because of
      enhanced patient tolerance and satisfaction. Robust data suggest that
      anticholinergic agents, when administered prebronchoscopy, do not produce a
      clinically meaningful effect, and their use is discouraged. Lidocaine is the
      preferred topical anesthetic for bronchoscopy, given its short half life and wide
      margin of safety. The use of a combination of benzodiazepines and opiates is
      suggested because of their synergistic effects on patient tolerance during the
      procedure and the added antitussive properties of opioids. Propofol is an
      effective agent for sedation in bronchoscopy and can achieve similar sedation,
      amnesia, and patient tolerance when compared with the combined administration of
      benzodiazepines and opiates. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that all physicians
      performing bronchoscopy consider using topical anesthesia, analgesic and sedative
      agents, when feasible. The existing body of literature supports the safety and
      effectiveness of this approach when the proper agents are used in an
      appropriately selected patient population.

PMID- 22045880
TI  - Negative pressure pulmonary edema following bronchospasm.
AB  - Negative pressure pulmonary edema (NPPE) is an important cause of noncardiogenic
      pulmonary edema but is rarely reported in the setting of bronchospasm. A 43-year
      old woman with severe reactive airway disease suffered an episode of severe
      bronchospasm after endotracheal extubation following an otherwise uneventful
      general anesthetic. Subsequently, she developed clinical and radiographic signs
      of pulmonary edema in the absence of other symptoms of acute left-sided heart
      failure, leading to the diagnosis of noncardiogenic pulmonary edema. She received
      noninvasive positive pressure ventilation for a few hours, after which her
      clinical and radiologic signs and symptoms of pulmonary edema were greatly
      improved. This clinical scenario strongly suggests NPPE. We submit that it is
      possible to create NPPE by generating highly negative intrathoracic pressures in
      the setting of severe bronchospasm.

PMID- 22045881
TI  - Long-term disease-free survival of a patient with synchronous bilateral lung
      adenocarcinoma displaying different EGFR and C-MYC molecular characteristics.
AB  - The main difficulty with multiple lung tumors is distinguishing synchronous and
      metachronous lesions from second independent primary tumors, particularly when
      dealing with the same histologic type. Challenging diagnostic hurdles may
      explain, at least in part, the extremely variable (0%-79%) 5-year survival rate.
      We present a case report of a patient with synchronous primary adenocarcinoma
      treated with surgery that exhibited different EGFR gene status, with an exon 19
      mutation in the adenocarcinoma of the left upper lobe that was absent in the
      right upper lobe. Further, specific EGFR and C-MYC amplification events were
      associated only with the EGFR-mutated lesion. According to an independent
      evolution theory, these events were classified as early stage, and the patient is
      still alive and free of disease 70 months after surgery. Molecular evaluation was
      an important tool to support the diagnosis of synchronous primary adenocarcinoma,
      which had not been possible with the application of Martini-Melamed criteria.

PMID- 22045882
TI  - Toxicology in the ICU: part 3: natural toxins.
AB  - This is the third article of a three-part series that reviews the care of
      poisoned patients in the ICU. This article focuses on natural toxins, such as
      heavy metals and those produced by plants, mushrooms, arthropods, and snakes. The
      first article discussed the general approach to the patient, including laboratory
      testing; the second article focused on specific toxic agents, grouped into
      categories.

PMID- 22045883
TI  - Anterior mediastinal bone-eroding mass with disseminated lung lesions.

PMID- 22045884
TI  - A 20-year-old man with fever, chest pain, and lung nodules.

PMID- 22045885
TI  - Visual vs automated assessment of emphysema.

PMID- 22045886
TI  - Overlooking cardiovascular risk in patients with COPD.

PMID- 22045887
TI  - Chest ultrasonography as a replacement for chest radiography in the ED.

PMID- 22045888
TI  - Lung transplantation in coal workers pneumoconiosis.

PMID- 22045889
TI  - Serum procalcitonin and infective exacerbations of asthma.

PMID- 22045890
TI  - MRI in acute pulmonary embolism: a valuable alternative in the assessment of
      suspected acute pulmonary embolism.

PMID- 22045891
TI  - Influence of flavonoid extracts from celery on oxidative stress induced by
      dichlorvos in rats.
AB  - The present work was to investigate the effects of flavonoid extracts from celery
      on oxidative stress induced by dichlorvos (DIC) in male Wistar rats maintained on
      a normal diet. The rats were given DIC through intragastric administration by the
      dose of 7.2 mg/kg.body weight (bw)/day and additionally added 5% flavonoid
      extracts to the diet for 4 weeks continuously. The activities of superoxide
      dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), glutathione-S
      transferase (GST) and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) in livers of rats were
      measured at the end of the experiment. Under the influence of DIC, there were
      significant decrease in the activities of SOD, CAT and GST and significant
      increase in GPx activity and MDA content. The results also showed that the
      activities of SOD, GST and CAT in the DIC-treated group declined significantly
      when compared with the flavonoid extracts group and the DIC + flavonoid extracts
      group, respectively. With regard to GPx activity and MDA content, significant
      increase were showed in the DIC-treated group in comparison to those in the
      flavonoid extracts group and the DIC + flavonoid extracts group, respectively.
      The observations presented lead us to conclude the harmful effects of DIC during
      the exposure and the protective role of flavonoids in minimizing these effects.

PMID- 22045892
TI  - Effects of erdosteine on hemostasis: an experimental study.
AB  - AIM: In this study, the effects of erdosteine (ED) on the platelet function and
      coagulation were investigated in adult rats. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Twenty-eight
      male Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups. The control rats in group
      I (n = 7) were given only 0.5 cc of normal saline daily through oral gavage.
      Group II (n = 7) rats were administered 3 mg/kg ED through oral gavage for 3
      days; while group III (n = 7) rats were given 10 mg/kg ED through oral gavage for
      3 days; and group IV (n = 7) rats were administered 30 mg/kg ED through oral
      gavage for 3 days. Prothrombin time (PT), activated prothromboplastin time
      (aPTT), international normalized ratio (INR), coagulation factors and complete
      blood counts were measured from the blood drawn. RESULTS: There were a lot of
      differences between ED groups and control group, and among ED groups. The found
      differences were level of PT, aPTT, INR, coagulation factors, and number of
      platelets. DISCUSSION: We consider that ED which is used as a mucolytic agent in
      child clinics may affect hemostasis and coagulation in a dose-dependent manner.
      ED should be used carefully by the patients with coagulation disorders, since
      there is no information available in the package insert and literature screening
      regarding the effect of ED.

PMID- 22045893
TI  - Successful therapy with hemoperfusion and plasma exchange in acute 1,2,3
      trichloropropane poisoning.
AB  - 1,2,3-trichloropropane (1,2,3-TCP) is commonly used as an intermediate in
      pesticide and an industrial specialty solvent. Acute 1,2,3-TCP poisoning is rare
      but a medical emergency. Sporadic cases of toxic hepatic injury from 1,2,3-TCP in
      humans have been reported. Liver is a target organ for 1,2,3-TCP toxicity, which
      may ensue in a short period after ingestion. A specific antidote against 1,2,3
      TCP is not available. So it is important to distinguish that a patient with 1,2,3
      TCP poisoning constitutes a medical emergency. In this case study, the poisoned
      patient's clinical condition and laboratory values improved gradually after she
      received hemoperfusion (HP) and plasma exchange, which indicated that the therapy
      with HP and plasma exchange were helpful in the treatment of 1,2,3-TCP poisoning.

PMID- 22045894
TI  - Throat infections.

PMID- 22045895
TI  - Arthritis in children and adolescents.

PMID- 22045896
TI  - Consultation with the specialist: Asperger syndrome.

PMID- 22045897
TI  - Ethics for the pediatrician: genetic testing and newborn screening.

PMID- 22045898
TI  - Index of suspicion: Case 1: Abdominal trauma, pain, and tenderness associated
      with anemia and hematuria in a 14-year-old boy. Case 2: Ptosis, diplopia,
      tremors, and mild exophthalmos in a 9-year-old girl. Case 3: Persistent cough,
      shortness of breath, and localized decreased aeration in an 18-year-old girl.

PMID- 22045900
TI  - Bipolar disorders.

PMID- 22045901
TI  - Visual diagnosis: a 10-year-old boy with a persistent rash since birth.

PMID- 22045902
TI  - The importance of participant demographics.

PMID- 22045903
TI  - Mentorship for Alcohol Problems (MAP): a peer to peer modular intervention for
      outpatients.
AB  - AIMS: This is a Stage I open pilot to develop a new intervention, Mentorship for
      Alcohol Problems (MAP), for individuals with alcohol-use disorders in community
      treatment programs. METHODS: Ten mentors participated for 6 months until 30
      mentees received MAP for 12 weeks. Behavioral and biological measures were
      conducted in addition to fidelity measures. Four focus groups were held with
      participants and clinician feedback surveys were completed. RESULTS: Feasibility
      and acceptance data in the domains of patient interest, safety and satisfaction
      were promising. Mentees reduced their alcohol and substance use and the majority
      of mentors sustained abstinence. Fidelity measures indicated that mentors adhered
      to the delivery of treatment. CONCLUSION: MAP shows promise to be incorporated
      into professionally run outpatient alcohol treatment programs to assist in the
      reduction of alcohol and substance use.

PMID- 22045904
TI  - Prevnar 13, the new 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To review the immunogenicity, efficacy, and safety of the 13-valent
      pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV13) for use in pediatric patients. DATA
      SOURCES: A MEDLINE search (2000-September 2011) was conducted using the key words
      Streptococcus pneumoniae and pneumococcal conjugate vaccine for clinical trials,
      limited to studies conducted in humans and published in English. STUDY SELECTION
      AND DATA EXTRACTION: Randomized, controlled, multicenter trials were reviewed and
      included to evaluate the safety and efficacy of PCV13. Literature on the
      epidemiology and pathology of pneumococcal infections and recommendations from
      the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) were also reviewed. DATA
      SYNTHESIS: PCV13 is approved for routine vaccination of all infants as a 4-dose
      series at age 2, 4, 6, and 12-15 months for children who previously received 1 or
      more doses of the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV7), and for
      children with underlying medical conditions that increase their risk for
      pneumococcal disease or its complications. PCV13 has comparable immunogenicity to
      the serotypes common with PCV7 and also provides protection against 6 additional
      pneumococcal serotypes. PCV13 has also been shown to have a comparable adverse
      reaction profile to PCV7. CONCLUSIONS: Based on published immunogenicity and
      safety data, as well as the recent recommendations by the ACIP for routine use in
      infants and indications for high-risk pediatric patients, PCV13 is a revised
      formulation of pneumococcal vaccine that should be included on pharmacy
      formularies.

PMID- 22045905
TI  - Ferumoxytol use as an intravenous contrast agent for magnetic resonance
      angiography.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of ferumoxytol for use in magnetic
      resonance angiography (MRA) of the vasculature. DATA SOURCES: Literature was
      accessed through MEDLINE (1946-September 2011) and EMBASE (1947-September 2011)
      using the terms ferumoxytol, magnetic resonance imaging and angiography, blood
      pool agent, and superparamagnetic iron oxide. Reference citations from identified
      publications were reviewed for relevant information. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA
      EXTRACTION: All English-language articles and human studies (N = 9) were
      identified that evaluated ferumoxytol use in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
      Articles that evaluated the use of the drug in first-pass and equilibrium phase
      imaging of the vasculature were included (n = 4). DATA SYNTHESIS: Contrast agents
      for MRI improve disease characterization and diagnosis. Ferumoxytol, a medication
      approved for treatment of iron deficiency anemia in adults with chronic kidney
      disease, has superparamagnetic properties. As a blood pool agent, ferumoxytol
      remains primarily in the intravascular space. Therefore, its use in MRI may
      increase image sensitivity and specificity and have a decreased adverse effect
      profile compared to other contrast agents. Specifically, ferumoxytol may be an
      option for MRA, a specific type of MRI that images blood vessels. In the 4
      studies evaluated here, ferumoxytol was administered primarily to healthy adults
      as an accumulative dose of 4 mg Fe/kg injected at 1 mL/sec. Not all studies
      reported adverse events and addressed safety monitoring. The evaluated studies
      are limited by small size, open-label design, and noncomparative methodology.
      CONCLUSIONS: Data from small pilot studies suggest that ferumoxytol may improve
      image quality in MRA; however, further investigation is necessary to establish
      its efficacy and safety. Large randomized, active-comparator trials are needed to
      establish optimal dosing, imaging procedures, and safety monitoring.

PMID- 22045907
TI  - Intersection of quality metrics and Medicare policy.
AB  - The federal government is increasing its push for a high-value health care system
      by increasing transparency and accountability related to quality. The Medicare
      program has begun to publicly rate the quality of Medicare plans, including
      prescription drug plans, and is transforming its payment policies to reward plans
      that deliver the highest levels of quality. These policies will have a cascade
      effect on pharmacies and pharmacists as the Medicare plans look for assistance in
      improving the quality of medication use. This commentary describes the Medicare
      policies directed toward improvement of quality and their effect on pharmacy
      payment and opportunities for pharmacists to affirm their role in a high-quality
      medication use system.

PMID- 22045908
TI  - Linaclotide: a novel approach to the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To review the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of
      linaclotide for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). DATA SOURCES: A literature search
      using PubMed (1966-August 2011) and International Pharmaceutical Abstracts (1970
      July 2011) was conducted using the terms linaclotide and MD-1100. Additional
      publications were identified by reviewing bibliographies. Abstracts were included
      in the absence of published full studies. Product information was requested from
      the manufacturer. STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: The search was limited to
      English-language publications. All available clinical trials of linaclotide
      pertinent to the pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, efficacy, and safety of
      linaclotide as a treatment for IBS were included. Animal studies were included in
      the absence of data in humans. DATA SYNTHESIS: Linaclotide is a guanylate cyclase
      C agonist currently being studied in Phase 3 trials for the treatment of IBS with
      constipation. Controlled clinical trials have found that linaclotide
      significantly improves the number of complete spontaneous bowel movements per
      week, in addition to symptoms such as abdominal pain/discomfort, bloating, and
      straining. The most common adverse event associated with linaclotide is diarrhea.
      CONCLUSIONS: Linaclotide appears to be a safe and effective treatment for IBS.
      Additional clinical trials will more fully elucidate the safety profile of
      linaclotide and better define its place in therapy.

PMID- 22045909
TI  - Identification of cancer genomic markers via integrative sparse boosting.
AB  - In high-throughput cancer genomic studies, markers identified from the analysis
      of single data sets often suffer a lack of reproducibility because of the small
      sample sizes. An ideal solution is to conduct large-scale prospective studies,
      which are extremely expensive and time consuming. A cost-effective remedy is to
      pool data from multiple comparable studies and conduct integrative analysis.
      Integrative analysis of multiple data sets is challenging because of the high
      dimensionality of genomic measurements and heterogeneity among studies. In this
      article, we propose a sparse boosting approach for marker identification in
      integrative analysis of multiple heterogeneous cancer diagnosis studies with gene
      expression measurements. The proposed approach can effectively accommodate the
      heterogeneity among multiple studies and identify markers with consistent effects
      across studies. Simulation shows that the proposed approach has satisfactory
      identification results and outperforms alternatives including an intensity
      approach and meta-analysis. The proposed approach is used to identify markers of
      pancreatic cancer and liver cancer.

PMID- 22045910
TI  - Competing risks regression for clustered data.
AB  - A population average regression model is proposed to assess the marginal effects
      of covariates on the cumulative incidence function when there is dependence
      across individuals within a cluster in the competing risks setting. This method
      extends the Fine-Gray proportional hazards model for the subdistribution to
      situations, where individuals within a cluster may be correlated due to
      unobserved shared factors. Estimators of the regression parameters in the
      marginal model are developed under an independence working assumption where the
      correlation across individuals within a cluster is completely unspecified. The
      estimators are consistent and asymptotically normal, and variance estimation may
      be achieved without specifying the form of the dependence across individuals. A
      simulation study evidences that the inferential procedures perform well with
      realistic sample sizes. The practical utility of the methods is illustrated with
      data from the European Bone Marrow Transplant Registry.

PMID- 22045911
TI  - Boundary detection in disease mapping studies.
AB  - In disease mapping, the aim is to estimate the spatial pattern in disease risk
      over an extended geographical region, so that areas with elevated risks can be
      identified. A Bayesian hierarchical approach is typically used to produce such
      maps, which represents the risk surface with a set of random effects that exhibit
      a single global level of spatial smoothness. However, in complex urban settings,
      the risk surface is likely to exhibit localized rather than global spatial
      structure, including areas where the risk varies smoothly over space, as well as
      boundaries separating populations that are geographically adjacent but have very
      different risk profiles. Therefore, this paper proposes an approach for capturing
      localized spatial structure, including the identification of such risk
      boundaries. The effectiveness of the approach is tested by simulation, before
      being applied to lung cancer incidence data in Greater Glasgow, UK, between 2001
      and 2005.

PMID- 22045912
TI  - Strain-specific modifier genes of Cecr2-associated exencephaly in mice: genetic
      analysis and identification of differentially expressed candidate genes.
AB  - Although neural tube defects (NTDs) are common in humans, little is known about
      their multifactorial genetic causes. While most mouse models involve NTDs caused
      by a single mutated gene, we have previously described a multigenic system
      involving susceptibility to NTDs. In mice with a mutation in Cecr2, the cranial
      NTD exencephaly shows strain-specific differences in penetrance, with 74%
      penetrance in BALB/cCrl and 0% penetrance in FVB/N. Whole genome linkage analysis
      showed that a region of chromosome 19 was partially responsible for this
      difference in penetrance. We now reveal by genetic analysis of three subinterval
      congenic lines that the chromosome 19 region contains more than one modifier
      gene. Analysis of embryos showed that although a Cecr2 mutation causes wider
      neural tubes in both strains, FVB/N embryos overcome this abnormality and close.
      A microarray analysis comparing neurulating female embryos from both strains
      identified differentially expressed genes within the chromosome 19 region,
      including Arhgap19, which is expressed at a lower level in BALB/cCrl due to a
      stop codon specific to that substrain. Modifier genes in this region are of
      particular interest because a large portion of this region is syntenic to human
      chromosome 10q25, the site of a human susceptibility locus.

PMID- 22045913
TI  - Gene expression analysis of whole blood, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and
      lymphoblastoid cell lines from the Framingham Heart Study.
AB  - Despite a growing number of reports of gene expression analysis from blood
      derived RNA sources, there have been few systematic comparisons of various RNA
      sources in transcriptomic analysis or for biomarker discovery in the context of
      cardiovascular disease (CVD). As a pilot study of the Systems Approach to
      Biomarker Research (SABRe) in CVD Initiative, this investigation used Affymetrix
      Exon arrays to characterize gene expression of three blood-derived RNA sources:
      lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCL), whole blood using PAXgene tubes (PAX), and
      peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Their performance was compared in
      relation to identifying transcript associations with sex and CVD risk factors,
      such as age, high-density lipoprotein, and smoking status, and the differential
      blood cell count. We also identified a set of exons that vary substantially
      between participants, but consistently in each RNA source. Such exons are thus
      stable phenotypes of the participant and may potentially become useful
      fingerprinting biomarkers. In agreement with previous studies, we found that each
      of the RNA sources is distinct. Unlike PAX and PBMC, LCL gene expression showed
      little association with the differential blood count. LCL, however, was able to
      detect two genes related to smoking status. PAX and PBMC identified Y-chromosome
      probe sets similarly and slightly better than LCL.

PMID- 22045914
TI  - Endometrial gene expression during early pregnancy differs between fertile and
      subfertile dairy cow strains.
AB  - A receptive uterine environment is a key component in determining a successful
      reproductive outcome. We tested the hypothesis that endometrial gene expression
      patterns differ in fertile and subfertile dairy cow strains. Twelve lactating
      dairy cattle of strains characterized as having fertile (n = 6) and subfertile (n
      = 6) phenotypes underwent embryo transfer on day 7 of the reproductive cycle.
      Caruncular and intercaruncular endometrial tissue was obtained at day 17 of
      pregnancy, and microarrays used to characterize transcriptional profiles.
      Statistical analysis of microarray data at day 17 of pregnancy revealed 482 and
      1,021 differentially expressed transcripts (P value < 0.05) between fertile and
      subfertile dairy cow strains in intercaruncular and caruncular tissue,
      respectively. Functional analysis revealed enrichment for several pathways
      involved in key reproductive processes, including the immune response to
      pregnancy, luteolysis, and support of embryo growth and development, and in
      particular, regulation of histotroph composition. Genes implicated in the process
      of immune tolerance to the embryo were downregulated in subfertile cows, as were
      genes involved in preventing luteolysis and genes that promote embryo growth and
      development. This study provides strong evidence that the endometrial gene
      expression profile may contribute to the inferior reproductive performance of the
      subfertile dairy cow strain.

PMID- 22045916
TI  - A role for plant AURORA kinases in formative cell division.

PMID- 22045915
TI  - Tissue- and cell-type specific transcriptome profiling of expanding tomato fruit
      provides insights into metabolic and regulatory specialization and cuticle
      formation.
AB  - Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) is the primary model for the study of fleshy
      fruits, and research in this species has elucidated many aspects of fruit
      physiology, development, and metabolism. However, most of these studies have
      involved homogenization of the fruit pericarp, with its many constituent cell
      types. Here, we describe the coupling of pyrosequencing technology with laser
      capture microdissection to characterize the transcriptomes of the five principal
      tissues of the pericarp from tomato fruits (outer and inner epidermal layers,
      collenchyma, parenchyma, and vascular tissues) at their maximal growth phase. A
      total of 20,976 high-quality expressed unigenes were identified, of which more
      than half were ubiquitous in their expression, while others were cell type
      specific or showed distinct expression patterns in specific tissues. The data
      provide new insights into the spatial distribution of many classes of regulatory
      and structural genes, including those involved in energy metabolism, source-sink
      relationships, secondary metabolite production, cell wall biology, and cuticle
      biogenesis. Finally, patterns of similar gene expression between tissues led to
      the characterization of a cuticle on the inner surface of the pericarp,
      demonstrating the utility of this approach as a platform for biological
      discovery.

PMID- 22045917
TI  - Arabidopsis alpha Aurora kinases function in formative cell division plane
      orientation.
AB  - To establish three-dimensional structures/organs, plant cells continuously have
      to adapt the orientation of their division plane in a highly regulated manner.
      However, mechanisms underlying switches in division plane orientation remain
      elusive. Here, we characterize a viable double knockdown mutant in Arabidopsis
      thaliana group alpha Aurora (AUR) kinases, AUR1 and AUR2, (aur1-2 aur2-2), with a
      primary defect in lateral root formation and outgrowth. Mutant analysis revealed
      that aur1-2 aur2-2 lateral root primordia are built from randomly oriented cell
      divisions instead of distinct cell layers. This phenotype could be traced back to
      cytokinesis defects and misoriented cell plates during the initial anticlinal
      pericycle cell divisions that give rise to lateral root primordia.
      Complementation assays showed that the Arabidopsis alpha group Aurora kinases are
      functionally divergent from the single beta group member AUR3 and that AUR1
      functions in division plane orientation prior to cytokinesis. In addition to
      defective lateral root patterning, aur1-2 aur2-2 plants also show defects in
      orienting formative divisions during embryogenesis, divisions surrounding the
      main root stem cell niche, and divisions surrounding stomata formation. Taken
      together, our results put forward a central role for alpha Aurora kinases in
      regulating formative division plane orientation throughout development.

PMID- 22045920
TI  - Editorial: switching on arginase in M2 macrophages.

PMID- 22045921
TI  - Editorial: Neutrophil apoptosis: hot on the TRAIL of inflammatory resolution.

PMID- 22045919
TI  - Genome sequence of the white koji mold Aspergillus kawachii IFO 4308, used for
      brewing the Japanese distilled spirit shochu.
AB  - The filamentous fungus Aspergillus kawachii has traditionally been used for
      brewing the Japanese distilled spirit shochu. A. kawachii characteristically
      hyperproduces citric acid and a variety of polysaccharide glycoside hydrolases.
      Here the genome sequence of A. kawachii IFO 4308 was determined and annotated.
      Analysis of the sequence may provide insight into the properties of this fungus
      that make it superior for use in shochu production, leading to the further
      development of A. kawachii for industrial applications.

PMID- 22045922
TI  - The pea TCP transcription factor PsBRC1 acts downstream of Strigolactones to
      control shoot branching.
AB  - The function of PsBRC1, the pea (Pisum sativum) homolog of the maize (Zea mays)
      TEOSINTE BRANCHED1 and the Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) BRANCHED1 (AtBRC1)
      genes, was investigated. The pea Psbrc1 mutant displays an increased shoot
      branching phenotype, is able to synthesize strigolactone (SL), and does not
      respond to SL application. The level of pleiotropy of the SL-deficient ramosus1
      (rms1) mutant is higher than in the Psbrc1 mutant, rms1 exhibiting a relatively
      dwarf phenotype and more extensive branching at upper nodes. The PsBRC1 gene is
      mostly expressed in the axillary bud and is transcriptionally up-regulated by
      direct application of the synthetic SL GR24 and down-regulated by the cytokinin
      (CK) 6-benzylaminopurine. The results suggest that PsBRC1 may have a role in
      integrating SL and CK signals and that SLs act directly within the bud to
      regulate its outgrowth. However, the Psbrc1 mutant responds to 6
      benzylaminopurine application and decapitation by increasing axillary bud length,
      implicating a PsBRC1-independent component of the CK response in sustained bud
      growth. In contrast to other SL-related mutants, the Psbrc1 mutation does not
      cause a decrease in the CK zeatin riboside in the xylem sap or a strong increase
      in RMS1 transcript levels, suggesting that the RMS2-dependent feedback is not
      activated in this mutant. Surprisingly, the double rms1 Psbrc1 mutant displays a
      strong increase in numbers of branches at cotyledonary nodes, whereas branching
      at upper nodes is not significantly higher than the branching in rms1. This
      phenotype indicates a localized regulation of branching at these nodes specific
      to pea.

PMID- 22045923
TI  - Localization and dynamics of nuclear speckles in plants.

PMID- 22045924
TI  - Dipeptidyl peptidase IV inhibition improves cardiorenal function in overpacing
      induced heart failure.
AB  - AIMS: Recent studies indicate that brain natriuretic peptide (BNP(1-32)) may be
      truncated into BNP(3-32) by dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP4) and that BNP(3-32) has
      reduced biological activities compared with BNP(1-32). We investigated if DPP4
      contributes to the cardiorenal alterations and to the attenuated response to BNP
      seen in heart failure. METHODS AND RESULTS: Haemodynamic and renal assessment was
      performed in 12 pigs at baseline, 4 weeks after pacing-induced heart failure, and
      during BNP infusion. They were randomized to either placebo or treatment with a
      DPP4 inhibitor, sitagliptin. After 4 weeks of pacing, heart rate was reduced
      compared with baseline in the sitagliptin group (60 +/- 2 vs. 95 +/- 16 b.p.m., P
      < 0.01), and an increase in stroke volume was observed in the sitagliptin group
      compared with placebo (+24 +/- 6% vs. -17 +/- 7%, P < 0.01). Glomerular
      filtration rate declined at week 4 compared with baseline in the placebo group
      (1.3 +/- 0.4 vs. 2.3 +/- 0.3 mL/kg/min, P < 0.01) but remained preserved in the
      sitagliptin group [1.8 +/- 0.2 vs. 2.0 +/- 0.3 mL/kg/min, P = NS (non
      significant)]. In the sitagliptin group, BNP infusion improved end-systolic
      elastance (68 +/- 5 vs. 31 +/- 4 mmHg/kg/mL, P < 0.05), ventricular-arterial
      coupling, and mechanical efficiency. Compared with controls (n = 6), myocardial
      gene expression of BNP, interleukin-6, Na(+)-Ca(2+) exchanger, and calmodulin was
      up-regulated in the placebo group, but not in the sitagliptin group. CONCLUSION:
      In pacing-induced heart failure, DPP4 inhibition preserves the glomerular
      filtration rate, modulates stroke volume and heart rate, and potentiates the
      positive inotropic effect of exogenous BNP at no energy expense.

PMID- 22045925
TI  - Effect of a telemonitoring-facilitated collaboration between general practitioner
      and heart failure clinic on mortality and rehospitalization rates in severe heart
      failure: the TEMA-HF 1 (TElemonitoring in the MAnagement of Heart Failure) study.
AB  - AIMS: Chronic heart failure (CHF) patients are frequently rehospitalized within 6
      months after an episode of fluid retention. Rehospitalizations are preventable,
      but this requires an extensive organization of the healthcare system. In this
      study, we tested whether intensive follow-up of patients through a telemonitoring
      facilitated collaboration between general practitioners (GPs) and a heart failure
      clinic could reduce mortality and rehospitalization rate. METHODS AND RESULTS:
      One hunderd and sixty CHF patients [mean age 76 +/- 10 years, 104 males, mean
      left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) 35 +/- 15%] were block randomized by
      sealed envelopes and assigned to 6 months of intense follow-up facilitated by
      telemonitoring (TM) or usual care (UC). The TM group measured body weight, blood
      pressure, and heart rate on a daily basis with electronic devices that
      transferred the data automatically to an online database. Email alerts were sent
      to the GP and heart failure clinic to intervene when pre-defined limits were
      exceeded. All-cause mortality was significantly lower in the TM group as compared
      with the UC group (5% vs. 17.5%, P = 0.01). The total number of follow-up days
      lost to hospitalization, dialysis, or death was significantly lower in the TM
      group as compared with the UC group (13 vs. 30 days, P = 0.02). The number of
      hospitalizations for heart failure per patient showed a trend (0.24 vs. 0.42
      hospitalizations/patient, P = 0.06) in favour of TM. CONCLUSION: Telemonitoring
      facilitated collaboration between GPs and a heart failure clinic reduces
      mortality and number of days lost to hospitalization, death, or dialysis in CHF
      patients. These findings need confirmation in a large trial.

PMID- 22045926
TI  - Complementary therapeutic effects of dual delivery of insulin-like growth factor
      1 and vascular endothelial growth factor by gelatin microspheres in experimental
      heart failure.
AB  - AIMS: Strategies to prevent adverse left ventricular (LV) remodelling after
      myocardial infarction have included several traditional approaches and novel cell
      based or gene therapies. Delivery of growth factors in post-infarction heart
      failure has emerged as a valuable alternative strategy. Our aim was to
      investigate the effects of sequential release of vascular endothelial growth
      factor (VEGF) and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) from biodegradable gelatin
      microspheres in experimental heart failure. METHODS AND RESULTS: Gelatin hydrogel
      microspheres were known to guarantee a sustained release of encapsulated growth
      factors, characterized by an initial burst followed by a slower release. Rats
      with moderate myocardial infarction were randomized to receive empty microspheres
      (MI), microspheres loaded with IGF-1 or VEGF, or a combination thereof (DUAL).
      Myocardial injections of microspheres were performed at the time of surgery, and
      treatment lasted 4 weeks. Echocardiography, LV catheterization, morphometric
      histology and immunohistochemistry, and molecular assessment of downstream
      mediators [e.g. Akt, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and
      sarco/endoplasmic reticulum calcium ATPase-2 (SERCA-2)] were assessed at the end
      of the treatment period. Infarct sizes were 33 +/- 2, 28 +/- 4, 24 +/- 3, and 16
      +/- 3% in the MI, IGF-1, VEGF, and DUAL groups, respectively. IGF-1 attenuated LV
      remodelling, improved LV systolic and diastolic function, increased myocyte size,
      and reduced apoptotic deaths, capillary loss, and indexes of inflammation. VEGF
      treated animals displayed a marked myocardial neoangiogenesis that led to the
      formation of mature vessels if combined with IGF-1 delivery. Downstream effects
      of IGF-1 were principally mediated by the Akt-mTOR (mammalian target of
      rapamycin)-dependent pathway, and both growth factors, particularly VEGF, induced
      a robust and sustained increase of eNOS. CONCLUSION: IGF-1 and VEGF exerted
      complementary therapeutic effects in post-infarction heart failure. Biodegradable
      gelatin microspheres provide sustained and controlled growth factor release
      locally, exposing myocardial tissue without the side effects of systemic
      administration.

PMID- 22045927
TI  - Genetic polymorphisms in carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A gene are associated
      with variation in body composition and fasting lipid traits in Yup'ik Eskimos.
AB  - Variants of carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1A), a key hepatic lipid
      oxidation enzyme, may influence how fatty acid oxidation contributes to obesity
      and metabolic outcomes. CPT1A is regulated by diet, suggesting interactions
      between gene variants and diet may influence outcomes. The objective of this
      study was to test the association of CPT1A variants with body composition and
      lipids, mediated by consumption of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Obesity
      phenotypes and fasting lipids were measured in a cross-sectional sample of Yup'ik
      Eskimo individuals (n = 1141) from the Center of Alaska Native Health Research
      (CANHR) study. Twenty-eight tagging CPT1A SNPs were evaluated with outcomes of
      interest in regression models accounting for family structure. Several CPT1A
      polymorphisms were associated with HDL-cholesterol and obesity phenotypes. The
      P479L (rs80356779) variant was associated with all obesity-related traits and
      fasting HDL-cholesterol. Interestingly, the association of P479L with HDL
      cholesterol was still significant after correcting for body mass index (BMI),
      percentage body fat (PBF), or waist circumference (WC). Our findings are
      consistent with the hypothesis that the L479 allele of the CPT1A P479L variant
      confers a selective advantage that is both cardioprotective (through increased
      HDL-cholesterol) and associated with reduced adiposity.

PMID- 22045928
TI  - Cholesterol esterification by ACAT2 is essential for efficient intestinal
      cholesterol absorption: evidence from thoracic lymph duct cannulation.
AB  - The hypothesis tested in this study was that cholesterol esterification by ACAT2
      would increase cholesterol absorption efficiency by providing cholesteryl ester
      (CE) for incorporation into chylomicrons. The assumption was that absorption
      would be proportional to Acat2 gene dosage. Male ACAT2+/+, ACAT2+/-, and ACAT2-/-
      mice were fed a diet containing 20% of energy as palm oil with 0.2% (w/w)
      cholesterol. Cholesterol absorption efficiency was measured by fecal dual-isotope
      and thoracic lymph duct cannulation (TLDC) methods using [3H]sitosterol and
      [14C]cholesterol tracers. Excellent agreement among individual mice was found for
      cholesterol absorption measured by both techniques. Cholesterol absorption
      efficiency in ACAT2-/- mice was 16% compared with 46-47% in ACAT2+/+ and ACAT2+/-
      mice. Chylomicrons from ACAT2+/+ and ACAT2+/- mice carried ~80% of total sterol
      mass as CE, whereas ACAT2-/- chylomicrons carried >90% of sterol mass in the
      unesterified form. The total percentage of chylomicron mass as CE was reduced
      from 12% in the presence of ACAT2 to ~1% in ACAT2-/- mice. Altogether, the data
      demonstrate that ACAT2 increases cholesterol absorption efficiency by providing
      CE for chylomicron transport, but one copy of the Acat2 gene, providing ~50% of
      ACAT2 mRNA and enzyme activity, was as effective as two copies in promoting
      cholesterol absorption.

PMID- 22045930
TI  - Multi-site left ventricular pacing as a potential treatment for patients with
      postero-lateral scar: insights from cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and
      invasive haemodynamic assessment.
AB  - AIMS: Multi-site left ventricular (LV) pacing may be superior to single-site
      stimulation in correcting dyssynchrony and avoiding areas of myocardial scar. We
      sought to characterize myocardial scar using cardiac magnetic resonance imaging
      (CMR). We aimed to quantify the acute haemodynamic response to single-site and
      multi-site LV stimulation and to relate this to the position of the LV leads in
      relation to myocardial scar. METHODS: Twenty patients undergoing cardiac
      resynchronization therapy had implantation of two LV leads. One lead (LV1) was
      positioned in a postero-lateral vein, the second (LV2) in a separate coronary
      vein. LV dP/dtmax was recorded using a pressure wire during stimulation at LV1,
      LV2, and both sites simultaneously (LV1 + 2). Patients were deemed acute
      responders if DeltaLV dP/dtmax was >= 10%. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was
      performed to assess dyssynchrony as well as location and burden of scar. Scar
      anatomy was registered with fluoroscopy to assess LV lead position in relation to
      scar. RESULTS: LV dP/dtmax increased from 726 +/- 161 mmHg/s in intrinsic rhythm
      to 912 +/- 234 mmHg/s with LV1, 837 +/- 188 mmHg/s with LV2, and 932 +/- 201
      mmHg/s with LV1 and LV2. Nine of 19 (47%) were acute responders with LV1 vs. 6/19
      (32%) with LV2. Twelve of 19 (63%) were acute responders with simultaneous LV1 +
      2. Two of three patients benefitting with multi-site pacing had the LV1 lead
      positioned in postero-lateral scar. CONCLUSION: Multi-site LV pacing increased
      acute response by 16% vs. single-site pacing. This was particularly beneficial in
      patients with postero-lateral scar identified on CMR.

PMID- 22045929
TI  - Biogenesis and functions of lipid droplets in plants: Thematic Review Series:
      Lipid Droplet Synthesis and Metabolism: from Yeast to Man.
AB  - The compartmentation of neutral lipids in plants is mostly associated with seed
      tissues, where triacylglycerols (TAGs) stored within lipid droplets (LDs) serve
      as an essential physiological energy and carbon reserve during postgerminative
      growth. However, some nonseed tissues, such as leaves, flowers and fruits, also
      synthesize and store TAGs, yet relatively little is known about the formation or
      function of LDs in these tissues. Characterization of LD-associated proteins,
      such as oleosins, caleosins, and sterol dehydrogenases (steroleosins), has
      revealed surprising features of LD function in plants, including stress
      responses, hormone signaling pathways, and various aspects of plant growth and
      development. Although oleosin and caleosin proteins are specific to plants, LD
      associated sterol dehydrogenases also are present in mammals, and in both plants
      and mammals these enzymes have been shown to be important in (steroid) hormone
      metabolism and signaling. In addition, several other proteins known to be
      important in LD biogenesis in yeasts and mammals are conserved in plants,
      suggesting that at least some aspects of LD biogenesis and/or function are
      evolutionarily conserved.

PMID- 22045931
TI  - How unique is continuity of care? A review of continuity and related concepts.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The concept of 'continuity of care' has changed over time and seems
      to be entangled with other care concepts, for example coordination and
      integration of care. These concepts may overlap, and differences between them
      often remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: In order to clarify the confusion of tongues and
      to identify core values of these patient-centred concepts, we provide a
      historical overview of continuity of care and four related concepts: coordination
      of care, integration of care, patient-centred care and case management. METHODS:
      We identified and reviewed articles including a definition of one of these
      concepts by performing an extensive literature search in PubMed. In addition, we
      checked the definition of these concepts in the Oxford English Dictionary.
      RESULTS: Definitions of continuity, coordination, integration, patient-centred
      care and case management vary over time. These concepts show both great
      entanglement and also demonstrate differences. Three major common themes could be
      identified within these concepts: personal relationship between patient and care
      provider, communication between providers and cooperation between providers. Most
      definitions of the concepts are formulated from the patient's perspective.
      CONCLUSIONS: The identified themes appear to be core elements of care to
      patients. Thus, it may be valuable to develop an instrument to measure these
      three common themes universally. In the patient-centred medical home, such an
      instrument might turn out to be an important quality measure, which will enable
      researchers and policy makers to compare care settings and practices and to
      evaluate new care interventions from the patient perspective.

PMID- 22045932
TI  - Later comes earlier, nowadays.

PMID- 22045933
TI  - Relapsing polychondritis-associated refractory airway stenosis.

PMID- 22045934
TI  - Longterm followup after tapering mycophenolate mofetil during maintenance
      treatment for proliferative lupus nephritis.

PMID- 22045935
TI  - Is posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome underestimated in systemic lupus
      erythematosus?

PMID- 22045936
TI  - Significantly decreased serum 25-hydroxyvitamin d levels in a large german
      systemic sclerosis cohort.

PMID- 22045937
TI  - Differences in the incidence of microscopic polyangiitis and granulomatosis with
      polyangiitis (Wegener's). Is there a latitudinal gradient?

PMID- 22045938
TI  - Giant cell arteritis as a cause of acute myocarditis in the elderly.

PMID- 22045939
TI  - Great wits and madness: more near allied?
AB  - A purported association between creativity and psychopathology is ancient,
      persistent and controversial. Biographical research, studies of living artists
      and writers, and investigations into the cognitive and temperamental factors
      linked to both creativity and mood disorders suggest a more specific link to
      bipolar illness. A new, large and well-designed population-based study adds
      further support to this connection.

PMID- 22045940
TI  - Low serotonergic tone and elevated risk for substance misuse.
AB  - Cox et al's paper addresses an issue that has long been assumed to be a central
      aspect of brain function - the interplay of different neurotransmitters - but for
      which we have very little evidence so far. It is currently unclear whether these
      findings will have implications for the treatment of those with cocaine or other
      substance dependence.

PMID- 22045941
TI  - Overestimating patients' capacity.
AB  - Clinicians regularly overestimate patients' capacity to make decisions. This may
      jeopardise their autonomous decision-making. It may lead to poor clinical
      outcomes for patients and has potential adverse legal consequences for
      clinicians. There is a need to use the legal principles of the Mental Capacity
      Act more rigorously.

PMID- 22045942
TI  - Improving end-of-life care for people with dementia.
AB  - One in three adults over the age of 60 years will die with dementia. Most will
      have complex physical and psychological needs. Despite this, many people with
      dementia receive poor-quality end-of-life care. Recent government strategies have
      highlighted the importance of improved coordination and provision of services.

PMID- 22045943
TI  - A centenarian extraordinaire.
AB  - Henry Rollin, a distinguished Member, Fellow and now Honorary Fellow of the Royal
      College of Psychiatrists, has attained his 101st year. The achievements of this
      remarkable man are described and speculations made about the reasons for his
      longevity and his plans for the future.

PMID- 22045944
TI  - Predicting the development of schizophrenia in high-risk populations: systematic
      review of the predictive validity of prodromal criteria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is a great deal of debate on the usefulness and accuracy of
      prodromal criteria in predicting schizophrenia. The risk of treating people who
      screen false positive with medication is considerable. Yet intervening during the
      prodromal stage of illness may reduce the burden caused by schizophrenia. AIMS:
      To draw together the evidence base for the predictive validity of prodromal
      criteria in identifying individuals at high risk of developing schizophrenia.
      METHOD: We conducted a systematic review of prospective studies investigating the
      predictive validity of prodromal criteria in schizophrenia. RESULTS: Our study
      found two main criteria, ultra-high-risk criteria and basic-symptoms criteria,
      used in studies investigating the predictive validity of prodromal symptoms. The
      sensitivity and specificity of ultra-high-risk criteria was 0.81 (95% CI 0.76
      0.85) and 0.67 (95% CI 0.64-0.70) respectively and for basic-symptoms criteria
      sensitivity and specificity was 0.97 (95% CI 0.91-1.00) and 0.59 (95% CI 0.48
      0.70) respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Both ultra-high-risk criteria and basic-symptoms
      criteria are useful in predicting the development of schizophrenia among high
      risk populations.

PMID- 22045945
TI  - Biogenetic explanations and public acceptance of mental illness: systematic
      review of population studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Biological or genetic models of mental illness are commonly expected
      to increase tolerance towards people with mental illness, by reducing notions of
      responsibility and blame. AIMS: To investigate whether biogenetic causal
      attributions of mental illness among the general public are associated with more
      tolerant attitudes, whether such attributions are related to lower perceptions of
      guilt and responsibility, to what extent notions of responsibility are associated
      with rejection of people who are mentally ill, and how prevalent notions of
      responsibility are among the general public with regard to different mental
      disorders. METHOD: A systematic review was conducted of representative population
      studies examining attitudes towards people with mental illness and beliefs about
      such disorders. RESULTS: We identified 33 studies relevant to this review.
      Generally, biogenetic causal attributions were not associated with more tolerant
      attitudes; they were related to stronger rejection in most studies examining
      schizophrenia. No published study reported on associations of biogenetic causal
      attributions and perceived responsibility. The stereotype of self-responsibility
      was unrelated to rejection in most studies. Public images of mental disorder are
      generally dominated by the stereotypes of unpredictability and dangerousness,
      whereas responsibility is less relevant. CONCLUSIONS: Biogenetic causal models
      are an inappropriate means of reducing rejection of people with mental illness.

PMID- 22045947
TI  - Persistent distress after psychological exposure to the Nagasaki atomic bomb
      explosion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although there is speculation that individuals living in the vicinity
      of nuclear disasters have persistent mental health deterioration due to
      psychological stress, few attempts have been made to examine this issue. AIMS: To
      determine whether having been in the vicinity of the Nagasaki atomic bomb
      explosion in the absence of substantial exposure to radiation affected the mental
      health of local inhabitants more than half a century later. METHOD: Participants
      were randomly recruited from individuals who lived in the vicinity of the atomic
      bomb explosion in uncontaminated suburbs of Nagasaki. This sample (n = 347) was
      stratified by gender, age, perception of the explosion and current district of
      residence. Controls (n = 288) were recruited from among individuals who had moved
      into the area from outside Nagasaki 5-15 years after the bombing, matched for
      gender, age and district of residence. The primary outcome measure was the
      proportion of those at high risk of mental disorder based on the 28-item version
      of the General Health Questionnaire, with a cut-off point of 5/6. Other
      parameters related to individual perception of the explosion, health status, life
      events and habits were also assessed. RESULTS: Having been in the vicinity of the
      explosion was the most significant factor (OR = 5.26, 95% CI 2.56-11.11)
      contributing to poorer mental health; erroneous knowledge of radiological hazard
      showed a mild association. In the sample group, anxiety after learning of the
      potential radiological hazard was significantly correlated with poor mental
      health (P<0.05), whereas anxiety about the explosion, or the degree of perception
      of it, was not; 74.5% of the sample group believed erroneously that the flash of
      the explosion was synonymous with radiation. CONCLUSIONS: Having been in the
      vicinity of the atomic bomb explosion without radiological exposure continued to
      be associated with poorer mental health more than half a century after the event.
      Fear on learning about the potential radiological hazard and lack of knowledge
      about radiological risk are responsible for this association.

PMID- 22045946
TI  - Clinical and cognitive characteristics of children with attention-deficit
      hyperactivity disorder, with and without copy number variants.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Submicroscopic, rare chromosomal copy number variants (CNVs)
      contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders but it is not known whether they
      define atypical clinical cases. AIMS: To identify whether large, rare CNVs in
      attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are confined to a distinct
      clinical subgroup. METHOD: A total of 567 children with ADHD aged 5-17 years were
      recruited from community clinics. Psychopathology was assessed using the Child
      and Adolescent Psychiatric Assessment. Large, rare CNVs (>500 kb, <1% frequency)
      were defined from single nucleotide polymorphism data. RESULTS: Copy number
      variant carriers (13.6%) showed no differences from non-carriers in ADHD symptom
      severity, symptom type, comorbidity, developmental features, family history or
      pre-/perinatal markers. The only significant difference was a higher rate of
      intellectual disability (24% v. 9%, chi(2) = 15.5, P = 0.001). Most CNV carriers
      did not have intellectual disability. CONCLUSIONS: Large, rare CNVs are not
      restricted to an atypical form of ADHD but may be more highly enriched in
      children with cognitive problems.

PMID- 22045948
TI  - Effectiveness of Australian youth suicide prevention initiatives.
AB  - BACKGROUND: After an epidemic rise in Australian young male suicide rates over
      the 1970s to 1990s, the period following the implementation of the original
      National Youth Suicide Prevention Strategy (NYSPS) in 1995 saw substantial
      declines in suicide in young men. AIMS: To investigate whether areas with locally
      targeted suicide prevention activity implemented after 1995 experienced lower
      rates of young adult suicide, compared with areas without such activity. METHOD:
      Localities with or without identified suicide prevention activity were compared
      during the period of the NYSPS implementation (1995-1998) and a period subsequent
      to implementation (1999-2002) to establish whether annual average suicide rates
      were lower and declined more quickly in areas with suicide prevention activity
      over the period 1995-2002. RESULTS: Male suicide rates were lower in areas with
      targeted suicide prevention activity (and higher levels of funding) compared with
      areas receiving no activity both during (RR = 0.89, 95% CI 0.80-0.99, P = 0.030)
      and after (RR = 0.86, 95% CI 0.77-0.96, P = 0.009) implementation, with rates
      declining faster in areas with targeted activity than in those without (13% v.
      10% decline). However, these differences were reduced and were no longer
      statistically significant following adjustment for sociodemographic variables.
      There was no difference in female suicide rates between areas with or without
      targeted suicide prevention activity. CONCLUSIONS: There was little discernible
      impact on suicide rates in areas receiving locally targeted suicide prevention
      activities in the period following the NYSPS.

PMID- 22045949
TI  - Early intervention in anorexia nervosa.

PMID- 22045950
TI  - Accuracy of death certification.

PMID- 22045951
TI  - Abortion and mental health.

PMID- 22045952
TI  - Multistage evaluation and commissioning of a pre-calibrated, single-use
      OneDosePlus MOSFET system for in vivo dosimetry in a radiotherapy department.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim was to determine the agreement between absorbed dose
      measurements using the OneDosePlus and treatment planning system calculations in
      ideal circumstances, minimising patient-related uncertainties, before deciding
      upon action levels. METHODS: A OneDose metal oxide semiconductor field-effect
      transistor (Sicel Technologies, Morrisville, NC) in vivo dosimetry system was
      subjected to a multistage evaluation that tested standard and non-standard field
      conditions related to treatment planning system calculations for an
      anthropomorphic phantom. RESULTS: The system was found to perform within
      manufacturer specifications. Batch uniformity was found to be within
      specification when measured using a method described by Halvorsen. A modification
      used to assess statistical distribution of response showed an increase in the
      value of two standard deviations (2 sigma) from +/- 2.3 to +/- 2.9%, which was
      still within the manufacturer-stated value of +/- 5%. The tests using the
      anthropomorphic phantom also emphasised the fact that patient density
      inhomogeneities in the region of the D(max) point will affect the dose calculated
      by the treatment planning system and delivered to the patient. CONCLUSION: The
      OneDose system does not account for these inhomogeneities, leading to dependence
      in the deviation between expected and reported dose on inhomogeneity and choice
      of calculation algorithm.

PMID- 22045954
TI  - Institutional requirements for influenza vaccination of healthcare personnel:
      results from a nationally representative survey of acute care hospitals--United
      States, 2011.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many health professional organizations now endorse influenza
      vaccination as a condition of employment in healthcare settings. Our objective
      was to describe institutional requirements for influenza vaccination of
      healthcare personnel (HCP) among US hospitals during the 2010-2011 influenza
      season. METHODS: A survey was mailed in 2011 to a nationally representative
      sample of 998 acute care hospitals. An institutional requirement was defined as
      "a policy that requires HCP to receive or decline influenza vaccination, with or
      without consequences for vaccine refusal." A weighted analysis included
      univariate analyses and logistic regression. RESULTS: Of responding hospitals (n
      = 808; 81.0%), 440 (55.6%) reported institutional requirements for influenza
      vaccination. Although employees were uniformly subject to requirements,
      nonemployees often were not. The proportion of requirements with consequences for
      vaccine refusal was 44.4% (n = 194); where consequences were imposed, nonmedical
      exemptions were often granted (69.3%). Wearing a mask was the most common
      consequence (74.2% of 194 requirements); by contrast, 29 hospitals (14.4%)
      terminated unvaccinated HCP. After adjustment for demographic factors, the
      following characteristics remained significantly associated with requirements:
      location in a state requiring HCP to receive or decline influenza vaccine, caring
      for inpatients that are potentially vulnerable to influenza, use of >=9 Advisory
      Committee on Immunization Practices-recommended, evidence-based influenza
      vaccination campaign strategies, and for-profit ownership. CONCLUSIONS: Influenza
      vaccination requirements were prevalent among hospitals of varying size and
      location. However, few policies were as stringent or as comprehensive as those
      endorsed by health professional organizations. Because influenza vaccination
      requirements are a viable alternative for hospitals unable to achieve high
      coverage through voluntary policies, there is still substantial room for
      improvement.

PMID- 22045953
TI  - Automatic vs semi-automatic global cardiac function assessment using 64-row CT.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Global cardiac function assessment using multidetector CT (MDCT) is
      time-consuming. Therefore we sought to compare an automatic software tool with an
      established semi-automatic method. METHODS: A total of 36 patients underwent CT
      with 64 * 0.5 mm detector collimation, and global left ventricular function was
      subsequently assessed by two independent blinded readers using both an automatic
      region-growing-based software tool (with and without manual adjustment) and an
      established semi-automatic software tool. We also analysed automatic motion
      mapping to identify end-systole. RESULTS: The time needed for assessment using
      the semi-automatic approach (12:12 +/- 6:19 min) was reduced by 75-85% with the
      automatic software tool (unadjusted, 01:34 +/- 0:29 min, adjusted, 02:53 +/- 1:19
      min; both p<0.001). There was good correlation (r=0.89; p<0.001) for the ejection
      fraction (EF) between the adjusted automatic (58.6 +/- 14.9%) and the semi
      automatic (58.0 +/- 15.3%) approaches. Also the manually adjusted automatic
      approach led to significantly smaller limits of agreement than the unadjusted
      automatic approach for end-diastolic volume (+/-36.4 ml vs +/-58.5 ml, p>0.05).
      Using motion mapping to automatically identify end-systole reduced analysis time
      by 95% compared with the semi-automatic approach, but showed inferior precision
      for EF and end-systolic volume. CONCLUSION: Automatic function assessment using
      MDCT with manual adjustment shows good agreement with an established semi
      automatic approach, while reducing the analysis by 75% to less than 3 min. This
      suggests that automatic CT function assessment with manual correction may be used
      for fast, comfortable and reliable evaluation of global left ventricular
      function.

PMID- 22045955
TI  - Treatment of refractory coccidioidomycosis with voriconazole or posaconazole.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Coccidioidomycosis is a fungal infection of the desert southwestern
      United States. It may be self-limited or may require antifungal therapy.
      Currently used triazoles (eg, fluconazole and itraconazole) have largely
      supplanted amphotericin B, which is fraught with adverse effects. Limited case
      reports and small open-label trials show that voriconazole and posaconazole
      benefit patients with coccidioidomycosis refractory to first-line agents.
      METHODS: We conducted a retrospective review of patients prescribed voriconazole
      or posaconazole for coccidioidomycosis at our institution between 1 January 2006
      and 1 August 2010. Outcomes were assessed with both a retrospectively applied
      Mycosis Study Group score (ie, a composite score for symptoms, serology, and
      radiographic findings) and the documented impressions of treating medical
      practitioners. RESULTS: Twenty-one patients who received voriconazole and 16 who
      received posaconazole met study criteria. After a median duration of 6 months of
      voriconazole treatment, 14 of 21 patients (67%) were improved in overall status,
      5 were unchanged, and 2 were unresponsive to voriconazole. After a median of 17
      months of posaconazole treatment, 12 of 16 patients (75%) showed improvement, 1
      was unchanged, and 3 were unresponsive due to medication intolerance or relapsed
      infection. CONCLUSIONS: Voriconazole and posaconazole are reasonable but not
      infallible options for salvage treatment of refractory coccidioidomycosis.
      Prospective comparative trials are required to provide further insights into
      their efficacy and utility.

PMID- 22045957
TI  - A man with Fever, gingival plaque, and diffuse lymphadenopathy.

PMID- 22045968
TI  - Angiographic disease progression and residual risk of cardiovascular events while
      on optimal medical therapy: observations from the COURAGE Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The extent to which recurrent events in patients with stable coronary
      artery disease is attributable to progression of an index lesion originally >=50%
      diameter stenosis (DS) but not revascularized or originally <50% DS is unknown
      during optimal medical therapy (OMT). METHODS AND RESULTS: In the COURAGE
      (Clinical Outcomes Utilizing Revascularization and Aggressive Drug Evaluation)
      trial, 205 patients assigned to OMT plus percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI)
      and 284 patients assigned to OMT only had symptom-driven angiograms suitable for
      analysis. Percentages of patients in the OMT+PCI and OMT-only cohorts with index
      lesions originally <50% DS were 30% and 32%, respectively; 20% and 68% had index
      lesions originally >=50% DS. In both groups, index lesions originally <50% or
      >=50% DS represented <4% and <25% of all such lesions, respectively. The only
      angiographic predictor of myocardial infarction or acute coronary syndrome was
      the number of lesions originally >=50% DS that had not been revascularized (odds
      ratio, 1.15; confidence limits, 1.01-1.31; P<0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Lesions
      originally <50% DS were index lesions in one third of patients referred for
      symptom-driven repeat angiography, but represented <4% of all such lesions.
      Nonrevascularized lesions originally >=50% DS were more often index lesions in
      OMT-only patients, but still represented a minority (<25%) of all such lesions.
      These findings underscore the need for improved therapies to arrest plaque
      progression and reliable strategies for selecting stenoses warranting PCI.

PMID- 22045969
TI  - Comprehensive intravascular ultrasound assessment of stent area and its impact on
      restenosis and adverse cardiac events in 403 patients with unprotected left main
      disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We assessed the optimal intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) stent area to
      predict angiographic in-stent restenosis (ISR) after sirolimus-eluting stent
      implantation for unprotected left main coronary artery (LM) disease. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: A total of 403 patients treated with single- or 2-stent strategies
      (crushing and T-stent) had immediate poststenting IVUS and 9-month follow-up
      angiography. Poststenting minimal stent area (MSA) was measured in each of 4
      segments: ostial left anterior descending (LAD), ostial left circumflex (LCX)
      polygon of confluence (POC, confluence zone of LAD and LCX), and proximal LM
      above the POC. Overall, 46 (11.4%) showed angiographic restenosis at 9 months: 3
      of 67 (4.5%) nonbifurcation lesions treated with a single-stent, 14 of 222 (6.3%)
      bifurcation lesions treated with single-stent crossover, and 29 of 114 (25.4%) of
      bifurcation lesions treated with 2 stents. The MSA cutoffs that best predicted
      ISR on a segmental basis were 5.0 mm(2) (ostial LCX ISR), 6.3 mm(2) (ostial LAD
      ISR), 7.2 mm(2) (ISR within the POC), and 8.2 mm(2) (ISR within the LM above the
      POC). Using these criteria, 133 (33.8%) had underexpansion of at least 1 segment.
      Angiographic ISR (at any location) was more frequent in lesions with
      underexpansion of at least 1 segment versus lesions with no underexpansion (24.1%
      versus 5.4%, P<0.001). Two-year major adverse coronary event-free survival rate
      was significantly lower in patients with underexpansion of at least 1 segment
      versus lesions with no underexpansion (90+/-3% versus 98+/-1%, log-rank P<0.001),
      and poststenting underexpansion was an independent predictor for major adverse
      cardiac events (adjusted hazard ratio, 5.56; 95% confidence interval, 1.99-15.49;
      P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: With these criteria, IVUS optimization during LMCA
      stenting procedures may improve clinical outcomes.

PMID- 22045970
TI  - Effect of CYP2C19*2 and *3 loss-of-function alleles on platelet reactivity and
      adverse clinical events in East Asian acute myocardial infarction survivors
      treated with clopidogrel and aspirin.
AB  - BACKGROUND: As compared with whites, East Asians more often carry the cytochrome
      P450 (CYP) 2C19 loss-of-function (LOF) allele with the CYP2C19*3 variant. The
      influence of the CYP2C19 LOF alleles (*2 and *3) on clopidogrel response and
      clinical outcomes in East Asians with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) has not
      been reported. We sought to evaluate the effect of the CYP2C19 variants on
      clopidogrel pharmacodynamics and long-term prognosis in these patients. METHODS
      AND RESULTS: Patients who survived an AMI (n=266) were enrolled in a single
      center registry. Predischarge platelet reactivity was assessed with light
      transmittance aggregometry and the VerifyNow P2Y12 assay; the CYP2C19*2, *3, *17
      and ABCB1 3435C>T variants were determined. The primary clinical end point was
      the composite of cardiovascular death, nonfatal MI, and ischemic stroke. The
      median exposure to clopidogrel was 21 months (interquartile range, 13-29). The
      ABCB1 3435C>T was not related to clopidogrel response or cardiovascular events.
      Carriage of the CYP2C19 LOF variant allele was relatively high (60.9%, n=162;
      *2/*17=2, *3/*17=1, *1/*2=96, *1/*3=29, *2/*2=20, and *2/*3=14). Platelet
      reactivity increased proportionally according to the number of the CYP2C19 LOF
      alleles. In a multivariate regression analysis, the risk of high on-treatment
      platelet reactivity (HPR) increased depending on the number of CYP2C19 LOF allele
      [1 LOF allele; odds ratio (OR), 1.8; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.8 to 4.2,
      P=0.152; and 2 LOF alleles; OR, 2.8; 95% CI, 1.2 to 6.5; P=0.016]; platelet
      reactivity and the rate of HPR did not differ between the CYP2C19*2 versus *3
      allele carriage. In addition, cardiovascular event occurrence increased according
      to the number of the CYP2C19 LOF allele; compared with noncarriers, carriers of 1
      [hazard ratio (HR), 3.1; 95% CI, 0.8 to 11.6; P=0.089] and 2 CYP2C19 LOF
      allele(s) (HR, 10.1; 95% CI, 1.8-58.8; P=0.008) were associated with clinical end
      point. The clinical impact of the CYP2C19*2 versus *3 allele carriage also did
      not differ. CONCLUSIONS: Among East Asian patients who survived an AMI, the
      CYP2C19 LOF allele carriage appears to affect clopidogrel pharmacodynamics and
      cardiovascular events according to the number of the CYP2C19 LOF allele; the
      influence of the CYP2C19*2 and *3 alleles on clopidogrel response and long-term
      outcomes does not differ.

PMID- 22045971
TI  - From bedside to bench: the effect of quality of life on the immune system and the
      effect of the immune system on quality of life.

PMID- 22045972
TI  - Validity of quality of life measurement tools--from generic to disease-specific.
AB  - Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is an important measure of a patient's
      perception of his/her illness. Over the past 3 decades, numerous instruments have
      been developed to measure HRQOL in various patient populations, with 2 basic
      approaches: generic and disease-specific. While generic measures have broad
      application across different types and severity of diseases, disease-specific
      measures are designed to assess particular diseases or patient populations. All
      HRQOL instruments, however, must be valid and have high reliability and
      responsiveness. Validity ensures that the instrument measures what it is supposed
      to measure. Reliable instruments are able to reproducibly differentiate between
      subjects. Responsive evaluative measures are able to detect important changes in
      HRQOL during a period of time, even if those changes are small. HRQOL measures
      should also be interpretable, meaning that the differences in scores that
      correspond to small, moderate, and large HRQOL changes are easily identifiable.
      This article describes the steps in the development of HRQOL instruments from the
      conceptual framework to creation and testing. Several examples of generic and
      disease-specific instruments commonly used to evaluate HRQOL in patients with
      immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMID) are provided.

PMID- 22045973
TI  - Quality of life in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases.
AB  - There is no doubt that patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMID)
      have a significantly impaired quality of life (QOL). Pain and disability often
      leave these patients helpless and frustrated. The recognition that addressing
      physical and psychological functioning plays a significant role in an overall
      treatment approach led to the inclusion of QOL measures as secondary outcomes in
      clinical trials with IMID patients. To that end, both generic and disease
      specific instruments have been utilized. Measurement of health-related QOL
      (HRQOL) and patient-reported outcomes (PRO) in a controlled manner allows for
      better understanding of the correlation between different aspects of disease
      activity and QOL. In addition, the effects of different therapeutic options on
      HRQOL-related outcomes can be further evaluated. This 3-part section describes
      key QOL-related complaints of patients with IMID affecting joints, skin, or gut.
      An overview of the strengths and weaknesses of various commonly used HRQOL
      instruments is provided. Finally, the influence of anti-tumor necrosis factor
      alpha agents on HRQOL outcomes, as assessed in recent clinical trials, is
      highlighted.

PMID- 22045974
TI  - Quality of life issues in pediatric immune-mediated inflammatory disease.
AB  - It has been well established that children with a chronic disease, including
      those with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and juvenile idiopathic arthritis
      (JIA), report lower health-related quality of life (HRQOL) as compared to their
      healthy peers. Over the past 20 years there has been a significant emphasis on
      the development of measures of function and HRQOL for application in JIA and
      pediatric IBD. Several of the instruments currently used to assess HRQOL in
      children with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMID), including the
      Juvenile Arthritis Quality of Life Questionnaire (JAQQ) and IMPACT questionnaire
      for pediatric IBD, were developed and validated by Canadian-based research teams.
      This review describes several disease-specific and generic instruments used to
      assess QOL in children with IBD or JIA. It also provides an overview of findings
      from several outcomes studies that applied the described tools in assessing HRQOL
      in children and adolescents with these conditions.

PMID- 22045975
TI  - The influence of uveitis on patients with immune-mediated inflammatory disease.
AB  - Uveitis, defined as an intraocular inflammatory disease, is one of the main
      causes of visual impairment in the working-age population. The condition often
      coexists with other immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMID) and greatly
      contributes to reduced quality of life (QOL) in affected individuals. While
      visual acuity remains the most commonly used measure of visual function in
      patients with uveitis, the US National Eye Institute Visual Function
      Questionnaire is frequently used to assess their health-related QOL. However,
      despite intuition that coexisting uveitis might exaggerate already impaired QOL
      in patients with IMID, specific questions related to their visual functioning are
      rarely included in clinical trials or assessed in daily practice. We provide an
      overview of the occurrence and significance of uveitis in patients with IMID, its
      consequences, and the role of tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors in overall
      treatment approaches.

PMID- 22045976
TI  - Psychiatric disorders in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory diseases:
      prevalence, association with disease activity, and overall patient well-being.
AB  - There has been much speculation on the importance of emotional factors in
      patients with immune-mediated inflammatory disease (IMID); it is only in the past
      10 years that well designed, large-cohort studies have been able to clarify this
      relationship. This article provides an overview of evidence on the occurrence of
      depression and anxiety in IMID, and the role of these comorbidities as risk
      factors for onset of IMID, as well as the degree to which they affect the course
      of disease and treatment outcomes.

PMID- 22045977
TI  - Fatigue and quality of sleep in patients with immune-mediated inflammatory
      disease.
AB  - Fatigue, a systemic feeling of exhaustion, is a common symptom of many chronic
      illnesses, including immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMID). IMID-related
      fatigue is associated with disease activity and pain and has detrimental effects
      on patient quality of life and overall well-being. Thus, routine assessment and
      management of fatigue in clinical practice is important. This article provides an
      overview of the prevalence, correlates, and predictors of fatigue in IMID. There
      is also discussion of the effects of different treatments on fatigue outcomes, as
      well as management recommendations.

PMID- 22045978
TI  - The influence of stress on the development and severity of immune-mediated
      diseases.
AB  - Evidence that psychological stress can increase inflammation and worsen the
      course of immune-mediated inflammatory disease (IMID) is steadily accumulating.
      The majority of data supporting this hypothesis come from studies in patients
      with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). While there is no evidence to suggest that
      stress is a primary cause of IBD, many, although not all, studies have found that
      patients with IBD experience increased stress and stressful life events before
      disease exacerbations. Further, the disease itself can cause psychological
      stress, creating a vicious cycle. In addition to reviewing the epidemiological
      evidence supporting a stress-IMID relationship, this article also briefly
      discusses how stress-related changes in neural, endocrine, and immune functioning
      may contribute to the pathogenesis of immune diseases, IBD in particular. The
      effects of different pharmacological and nonpharmacological interventions,
      including stress management and behavioral therapy, on stress, mood, quality of
      life (QOL), and activity of the underlying IMID are also summarized.

PMID- 22045979
TI  - The role of inflammation in the pathophysiology of depression: different
      treatments and their effects.
AB  - Compelling evidence suggests that inflammation contributes to the development of
      depression. Many depressed individuals have higher levels of proinflammatory
      mediators, which appear to interact with many of the pathophysiological domains
      of depression, including neuroendocrine function, neurotransmitter metabolism,
      and synaptic plasticity. This is further supported by observation that
      therapeutic administration of interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) leads to depression in
      a significant proportion of patients. These findings suggest that targeting
      proinflammatory cytokines and their signaling pathways may represent a unique
      therapeutic opportunity to treat depression and related conditions, such as
      labile anger, irritability, and fatigue.

PMID- 22045980
TI  - Socioeconomic burden of immune-mediated inflammatory diseases--focusing on work
      productivity and disability.
AB  - Chronic disabling conditions, such as immune-mediated inflammatory diseases
      (IMID), adversely affect patients in terms of physical suffering and pain,
      impaired function, and diminished quality of life. These persistent relapsing
      diseases have a significant influence on individual employment status and work
      related productivity. In addition to the significant burden on patients and their
      families, IMID represent a sizable burden to society due to high healthcare and
      non-healthcare related costs. Non-healthcare related, or indirect, costs -
      primarily associated with decreased work productivity, disability payments, and
      early retirements - are typically greater contributors than direct healthcare
      costs to the total costs associated with IMID. This article discusses the
      socioeconomic impact of several IMID, including rheumatoid arthritis,
      inflammatory bowel disease, ankylosing spondylitis, and psoriasis.

PMID- 22045981
TI  - Summing up: quality of life in chronic immune-mediated inflammatory diseases.
AB  - A series of reports is summarized in which measurement of quality of life (QOL)
      in various immune-mediated inflammatory diseases (IMID), the parameters that
      contribute to QOL, and the interrelationship between inflammatory diseases in
      specific organ systems and psychosocial domains are explored. Current treatment
      trials in IMID include QOL measures, particularly clinical trials of biologic
      therapy. There is increasing evidence that several available therapies benefit
      QOL. Among the factors that contribute to QOL, fatigue, depression, and stress
      are common and deserve attention from clinicians managing these patients.

PMID- 22045982
TI  - Ribosomal protein gene deletions in Diamond-Blackfan anemia.
AB  - Diamond-Blackfan anemia (DBA) is a congenital BM failure syndrome characterized
      by hypoproliferative anemia, associated physical abnormalities, and a
      predisposition to cancer. Perturbations of the ribosome appear to be critically
      important in DBA; alterations in 9 different ribosomal protein genes have been
      identified in multiple unrelated families, along with rarer abnormalities of
      additional ribosomal proteins. However, at present, only 50% to 60% of patients
      have an identifiable genetic lesion by ribosomal protein gene sequencing. Using
      genome-wide single-nucleotide polymorphism array to evaluate for regions of
      recurrent copy variation, we identified deletions at known DBA-related ribosomal
      protein gene loci in 17% (9 of 51) of patients without an identifiable mutation,
      including RPS19, RPS17, RPS26, and RPL35A. No recurrent regions of copy variation
      at novel loci were identified. Because RPS17 is a duplicated gene with 4 copies
      in a diploid genome, we demonstrate haploinsufficient RPS17 expression and a
      small subunit ribosomal RNA processing abnormality in patients harboring RPS17
      deletions. Finally, we report the novel identification of variable mosaic loss
      involving known DBA gene regions in 3 patients from 2 kindreds. These data
      suggest that ribosomal protein gene deletion is more common than previously
      suspected and should be considered a component of the initial genetic evaluation
      in cases of suspected DBA.

PMID- 22045983
TI  - Defining the role of TORC1/2 in multiple myeloma.
AB  - Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a downstream serine/threonine kinase of
      the PI3K/Akt pathway that integrates signals from the tumor microenvironment to
      regulate multiple cellular processes. Rapamycin and its analogs have not shown
      significant activity in multiple myeloma (MM), likely because of the lack of
      inhibition of TORC2. In the present study, we investigated the baseline activity
      of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway TORC1/2 in MM cell lines with different genetic
      abnormalities. TORC1/2 knock-down led to significant inhibition of the
      proliferation of MM cells, even in the presence of BM stromal cells. We also
      tested INK128, a dual TORC1/2 inhibitor, as a new therapeutic agent against these
      MM cell lines. We showed that dual TORC1/2 inhibition is much more active than
      TORC1 inhibition alone (rapamycin), even in the presence of cytokines or stromal
      cells. In vitro and in vivo studies showed that p-4EBP1 and p-Akt inhibition
      could be predictive markers of TORC2 inhibition in MM cell lines. Dual TORC1/2
      inhibition showed better inhibition of adhesion to BM microenvironmental cells
      and inhibition of homing in vivo. These studies form the basis for further
      clinical testing of TORC1/2 inhibitors in MM.

PMID- 22045984
TI  - Megakaryocyte-specific RhoA deficiency causes macrothrombocytopenia and defective
      platelet activation in hemostasis and thrombosis.
AB  - Vascular injury initiates rapid platelet activation that is critical for
      hemostasis, but it also may cause thrombotic diseases, such as myocardial
      infarction or ischemic stroke. Reorganizations of the platelet cytoskeleton are
      crucial for platelet shape change and secretion and are thought to involve
      activation of the small GTPase RhoA. In this study, we analyzed the in vitro and
      in vivo consequences of megakaryocyte- and platelet-specific RhoA gene deletion
      in mice. We found a pronounced macrothrombocytopenia in RhoA-deficient mice, with
      platelet counts of approximately half that of wild-type controls. The mutant
      cells displayed an altered shape but only a moderately reduced life span. Shape
      change of RhoA-deficient platelets in response to G(13)-coupled agonists was
      abolished, and it was impaired in response to G(q) stimulation. Similarly, RhoA
      was required for efficient secretion of alpha and dense granules downstream of
      G(13) and G(q). Furthermore, RhoA was essential for integrin-mediated clot
      retraction but not for actomyosin rearrangements and spreading of activated
      platelets on fibrinogen. In vivo, RhoA deficiency resulted in markedly prolonged
      tail bleeding times but also significant protection in different models of
      arterial thrombosis and in a model of ischemic stroke. Together, these results
      establish RhoA as an important regulator of platelet function in thrombosis and
      hemostasis.

PMID- 22045985
TI  - Control of Plasmodium falciparum erythrocytic cycle: gammadelta T cells target
      the red blood cell-invasive merozoites.
AB  - The control of Plasmodium falciparum erythrocytic parasite density is essential
      for protection against malaria, because it prevents pathogenesis and progression
      toward severe disease. P falciparum blood-stage parasite cultures are inhibited
      by human Vgamma9Vdelta2 gammadelta T cells, but the underlying mechanism remains
      poorly understood. Here, we show that both intraerythrocytic parasites and the
      extracellular red blood cell-invasive merozoites specifically activate
      Vgamma9Vdelta2 T cells in a gammadelta T cell receptor-dependent manner and
      trigger their degranulation. In contrast, the gammadelta T cell-mediated
      antiparasitic activity only targets the extracellular merozoites. Using perforin
      deficient and granulysin-silenced T-cell lines, we demonstrate that granulysin is
      essential for the in vitro antiplasmodial process, whereas perforin is
      dispensable. Patients infected with P falciparum exhibited elevated granulysin
      plasma levels associated with high levels of granulysin-expressing Vdelta2(+) T
      cells endowed with parasite-specific degranulation capacity. This indicates in
      vivo activation of Vgamma9Vdelta2 T cells along with granulysin triggering and
      discharge during primary acute falciparum malaria. Altogether, this work
      identifies Vgamma9Vdelta2 T cells as unconventional immune effectors targeting
      the red blood cell-invasive extracellular P falciparum merozoites and opens novel
      perspectives for immune interventions harnessing the antiparasitic activity of
      Vgamma9Vdelta2 T cells to control parasite density in malaria patients.

PMID- 22045986
TI  - In situ vaccination against mycosis fungoides by intratumoral injection of a TLR9
      agonist combined with radiation: a phase 1/2 study.
AB  - We have developed and previously reported on a therapeutic vaccination strategy
      for indolent B-cell lymphoma that combines local radiation to enhance tumor
      immunogenicity with the injection into the tumor of a TLR9 agonist. As a result,
      antitumor CD8(+) T cells are induced, and systemic tumor regression was
      documented. Because the vaccination occurs in situ, there is no need to
      manufacture a vaccine product. We have now explored this strategy in a second
      disease: mycosis fungoides (MF). We treated 15 patients. Clinical responses were
      assessed at the distant, untreated sites as a measure of systemic antitumor
      activity. Five clinically meaningful responses were observed. The procedure was
      well tolerated and adverse effects consisted mostly of mild and transient
      injection site or flu-like symptoms. The immunized sites showed a significant
      reduction of CD25(+), Foxp3(+) T cells that could be either MF cells or tissue
      regulatory T cells and a similar reduction in S100(+), CD1a(+) dendritic cells.
      There was a trend toward greater reduction of CD25(+) T cells and skin dendritic
      cells in clinical responders versus nonresponders. Our in situ vaccination
      strategy is feasible also in MF and the clinical responses that occurred in a
      subset of patients warrant further study with modifications to augment these
      therapeutic effects. This study is registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as
      NCT00226993.

PMID- 22045987
TI  - Restricted Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) herpesvirus transcription in KS lesions from
      patients on successful antiretroviral therapy.
AB  - Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is caused by Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV;
      human herpesvirus 8). KS is an AIDS-defining cancer, and it is changing in the
      post-antiretroviral therapy (post-ART) era. In countries with ready access to
      ART, approximately one-third of KS cases present in patients with undetectable
      HIV loads and CD4 counts of >=200 cells/ul. This is in contrast to pre-ART era
      KS, which was associated with systemic HIV replication and CD4 counts of <=200
      cells/ul. Using primary patient biopsy specimens, we identified a novel molecular
      signature that characterizes AIDS KS lesions that develop in HIV-suppressed
      patients on ART: KSHV transcription is limited in HIV-suppressed patients. With
      one exception, only the canonical viral latency mRNAs were detectable. In
      contrast, early AIDS KS lesions expressed many more viral mRNAs, including, for
      instance, the viral G protein-coupled receptor (vGPCR). IMPORTANCE: This is the
      first genomewide study of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV)
      transcription in KS lesions in the post-antiretroviral (post-ART) era. It shows
      that the gene expression of KSHV is altered in patients on ART, and it provides
      clinical evidence for active AIDS (as characterized by high HIV load and low CD4
      counts) being a potential modulator of KSHV transcription. This implies a novel
      mode of pathogenesis (tightly latent KS), which may inform KS cancer treatment
      options in the post-ART era.

PMID- 22045988
TI  - Reciprocal regulation of cephalosporin resistance in Enterococcus faecalis.
AB  - Antibiotic-resistant enterococci are major causes of hospital-acquired infections
      and therefore represent a serious public health problem. One well-known risk
      factor for the acquisition of hospital-acquired enterococcal infections is prior
      therapy with broad-spectrum cephalosporin antibiotics. Enterococci can
      proliferate in patients undergoing cephalosporin therapy due to intrinsic
      cephalosporin resistance, a characteristic of the genus Enterococcus. However,
      the molecular basis for cephalosporin resistance in E. faecalis has yet to be
      adequately elucidated. Previously we determined that a putative Ser/Thr kinase,
      IreK (formerly PrkC), is required for intrinsic cephalosporin resistance in E.
      faecalis. Here we show that kinase activity is required for cephalosporin
      resistance and, further, that resistance in E. faecalis is reciprocally regulated
      by IreK and IreP, a PP2C-type protein phosphatase encoded immediately upstream of
      IreK. Mutants of two divergent lineages of E. faecalis lacking IreP exhibit
      remarkable hyperresistance to cephalosporins but not to antibiotics targeting
      other cellular processes. Further genetic analyses indicate that hyperresistance
      of the IreP mutant is mediated by the IreK kinase. Additionally, competition
      experiments reveal that hyperresistant DeltaireP mutants exhibit a substantial
      fitness defect in the absence of antibiotics, providing an evolutionary rationale
      for the use of a complex signaling system to control intrinsic cephalosporin
      resistance. These results support a model in which IreK and IreP act
      antagonistically via protein phosphorylation and dephosphorylation as part of a
      signal transduction circuit to regulate cellular adaptation to cephalosporin
      induced stress. IMPORTANCE: As a major cause of hospital-acquired infections,
      antibiotic-resistant enterococci represent a serious public health problem.
      Enterococci are well-known to exhibit intrinsic resistance to broad-spectrum
      cephalosporin antibiotics, a trait that enables them to proliferate in patients
      undergoing cephalosporin therapy, thereby predisposing these patients to
      acquisition of an enterococcal infection. Thus, inhibition of enterococcal
      cephalosporin resistance could represent an effective new strategy to prevent the
      emergence of hospital-acquired enterococcal infections. At this time, however,
      the molecular basis for cephalosporin resistance in E. faecalis is poorly
      understood. Our results begin to unravel the details of a new phosphorylation
      dependent signal transduction system that controls cephalosporin resistance in
      enterococci. Deeper understanding of the mechanism underlying cephalosporin
      resistance in E. faecalis may enable the development of new therapeutics designed
      to reduce the incidence of hospital-acquired enterococcal infections.

PMID- 22045989
TI  - Molecular dissection of an outbreak of carbapenem-resistant enterobacteriaceae
      reveals Intergenus KPC carbapenemase transmission through a promiscuous plasmid.
AB  - Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) have emerged as major causes of
      health care-associated infections worldwide. This diverse collection of organisms
      with various resistance mechanisms is associated with increased lengths of
      hospitalization, costs of care, morbidity, and mortality. The global spread of
      CRE has largely been attributed to dissemination of a dominant strain of
      Klebsiella pneumoniae producing a serine beta-lactamase, termed K. pneumoniae
      carbapenemase (KPC). Here we report an outbreak of KPC-producing CRE infections
      in which the degree of horizontal transmission between strains and species of a
      promiscuous plasmid is unprecedented. Sixteen isolates, comprising 11 unique
      strains, 6 species, and 4 genera of bacteria, were obtained from 14 patients over
      the first 8 months of the outbreak. Of the 11 unique strains, 9 harbored the same
      highly promiscuous plasmid carrying the KPC gene bla(KPC). The remaining strains
      harbored distinct bla(KPC) plasmids, one of which was carried in a strain of
      Klebsiella oxytoca coisolated from the index patient and the other generated from
      transposition of the bla(KPC) element Tn4401. All isolates could be genetically
      traced to the index patient. Molecular epidemiological investigation of the
      outbreak was aided by the adaptation of nested arbitrary PCR (ARB-PCR) for rapid
      plasmid identification. This detailed molecular genetic analysis, combined with
      traditional epidemiological investigation, provides insights into the highly
      fluid dynamics of drug resistance transmission during the outbreak. IMPORTANCE
      The ease of horizontal transmission of carbapenemase resistance plasmids across
      strains, species, and genera of bacteria observed in this study has several
      important public health and epidemiological implications. First, it has the
      potential to promote dissemination of carbapenem resistance to new populations of
      Enterobacteriaceae, including organisms of low virulence, leading to the
      establishment of reservoirs of carbapenem resistance genes in patients and/or the
      environment and of high virulence, raising the specter of untreatable community
      associated infections. Second, recognition of plasmid-mediated outbreaks, such as
      those described here, is problematic because analysis of resistance plasmids from
      clinical isolates is laborious and technically challenging. Adaptation of nested
      arbitrary PCR (ARB-PCR) to investigate the plasmid outbreak facilitated our
      investigation, and the method may be broadly applicable to other outbreaks due to
      other conserved mobile genetic elements. Whether infection control measures that
      focus on preventing transmission of drug-resistant clones are effective in
      controlling dissemination of these elements is unknown.

PMID- 22045990
TI  - Reply to "South Asia instead of Nepal may be the origin of the Haitian cholera
      outbreak strain".

PMID- 22045991
TI  - Boxing, mixed martial arts, and other risky sports: is the BMA confused?

PMID- 22045992
TI  - How to spot a "spamnal".

PMID- 22045993
TI  - Governments pledge to clamp down on counterfeit drugs.

PMID- 22045994
TI  - Personal health budgets lack transparency, health department finds.

PMID- 22045995
TI  - Plans for public health in England are confused, warn MPs.

PMID- 22045996
TI  - Phylogenetic analysis of the teneurins: conserved features and premetazoan
      ancestry.
AB  - Teneurins are type II transmembrane proteins expressed during pattern formation
      and neurogenesis with an intracellular domain that can be transported to the
      nucleus and an extracellular domain that can be shed into the extracellular
      milieu. In Drosophila melanogaster, Caenorhabditis elegans, and mouse the
      knockdown or knockout of teneurin expression can lead to abnormal patterning,
      defasciculation, and abnormal pathfinding of neurites, and the disruption of
      basement membranes. Here, we have identified and analyzed teneurins from a broad
      range of metazoan genomes for nuclear localization sequences, protein interaction
      domains, and furin cleavage sites and have cloned and sequenced the intracellular
      domains of human and avian teneurins to analyze alternative splicing. The basic
      organization of teneurins is highly conserved in Bilateria: all teneurins have
      epidermal growth factor (EGF) repeats, a cysteine-rich domain, and a large region
      identical in organization to the carboxy-half of prokaryotic YD-repeat proteins.
      Teneurins were not found in the genomes of sponges, cnidarians, or placozoa, but
      the choanoflagellate Monosiga brevicollis has a gene encoding a predicted
      teneurin with a transmembrane domain, EGF repeats, a cysteine-rich domain, and a
      region homologous to YD-repeat proteins. Further examination revealed that most
      of the extracellular domain of the M. brevicollis teneurin is encoded on a single
      huge 6,829-bp exon and that the cysteine-rich domain is similar to sequences
      found in an enzyme expressed by the diatom Phaeodactylum tricornutum. This leads
      us to suggest that teneurins are complex hybrid fusion proteins that evolved in a
      choanoflagellate via horizontal gene transfer from both a prokaryotic gene and a
      diatom or algal gene, perhaps to improve the capacity of the choanoflagellate to
      bind to its prokaryotic prey. As choanoflagellates are considered to be the
      closest living relatives of animals, the expression of a primitive teneurin by an
      ancestral choanoflagellate may have facilitated the evolution of multicellularity
      and complex histogenesis in metazoa.

PMID- 22045997
TI  - Role of low-complexity sequences in the formation of novel protein coding
      sequences.
AB  - Low-complexity sequences are extremely abundant in eukaryotic proteins for
      reasons that remain unclear. One hypothesis is that they contribute to the
      formation of novel coding sequences, facilitating the generation of novel protein
      functions. Here, we test this hypothesis by examining the content of low
      complexity sequences in proteins of different age. We show that recently emerged
      proteins contain more low-complexity sequences than older proteins and that these
      sequences often form functional domains. These data are consistent with the idea
      that low-complexity sequences may play a key role in the emergence of novel
      genes.

PMID- 22045998
TI  - Inconsistencies in estimating the age of HIV-1 subtypes due to heterotachy.
AB  - Rate heterogeneity among lineages is a common feature of molecular evolution, and
      it has long impeded our ability to accurately estimate the age of evolutionary
      divergence events. The development of relaxed molecular clocks, which model
      variable substitution rates among lineages, was intended to rectify this problem.
      Major subtypes of pandemic HIV-1 group M are thought to exemplify closely related
      lineages with different substitution rates. Here, we report that inferring the
      time of most recent common ancestor of all these subtypes in a single phylogeny
      under a single (relaxed) molecular clock produces significantly different dates
      for many of the subtypes than does analysis of each subtype on its own. We
      explore various methods to ameliorate this problem. We conclude that current
      molecular dating methods are inadequate for dealing with this type of
      substitution rate variation in HIV-1. Through simulation, we show that
      heterotachy causes root ages to be overestimated.

PMID- 22045999
TI  - A living fossil in the genome of a living fossil: Harbinger transposons in the
      coelacanth genome.
AB  - Emerging data from the coelacanth genome are beginning to shed light on the
      origin and evolution of tetrapod genes and noncoding elements. Of particular
      relevance is the realization that coelacanth retains active copies of
      transposable elements that once served as raw material for the evolution of new
      functional sequences in the vertebrate lineage. Recognizing the evolutionary
      significance of coelacanth genome in this regard, we employed an ab initio search
      strategy to further classify its repetitive complement. This analysis uncovered a
      class of interspersed elements (Latimeria Harbinger 1-LatiHarb1) that is a major
      contributor to coelacanth genome structure and gene content (~1% to 4% or the
      genome). Sequence analyses indicate that 1) each ~8.7 kb LatiHarb1 element
      contains two coding regions, a transposase gene and a gene whose function is as
      yet unknown (MYB-like) and 2) copies of LatiHarb1 retain biological activity in
      the coelacanth genome. Functional analyses verify transcriptional and enhancer
      activities of LatiHarb1 in vivo and reveal transcriptional decoupling that could
      permit MYB-like genes to play functional roles not directly linked to
      transposition. Thus, LatiHarb1 represents the first known instance of a harbinger
      superfamily transposon with contemporary activity in a vertebrate genome.
      Analyses of LatiHarb1 further corroborate the notion that exaptation of anciently
      active harbinger elements gave rise to at least two vertebrate genes (harbi1 and
      naif1) and indicate that the vertebrate gene tsnare1 also traces its ancestry to
      this transposon superfamily. Based on our analyses of LatiHarb1, we speculate
      that several functional features of harbinger elements may predispose the
      transposon superfamily toward recurrent exaptive evolution of cellular coding
      genes. In addition, these analyses further reinforce the broad utility of the
      coelacanth genome and other "outgroup" genomes in understanding the ancestry and
      evolution of vertebrate genes and genomes.

PMID- 22046000
TI  - Emergent complexity in Myosin V-based organelle inheritance.
AB  - How is adaptability generated in a system composed of interacting cellular
      machineries, each with a separate and functionally critical job to perform? The
      machinery for organelle inheritance is precisely one such system, requiring
      coordination between robust and ancient cellular modules, including the cell
      cycle, cytoskeleton, and organelle biogenesis/identity. Budding yeasts have
      emerged as powerful models to study these processes, which are critical for
      cellular survival, propagation, and differentiation, as organelles must compete
      for access to myosin V motors that travel along polarized actin cables to
      vectorially deliver bound cargo to the bud. Under the direction of the cell
      cycle, myosin V motors are recruited to organelles by specific interactions
      between their carboxyl-terminal globular tail domains and organelle-specific
      receptors. We used comparative genomics, phylogenetics, and secondary structure
      modeling to characterize the evolutionary history of these organelle-specific
      receptors. We find that while some receptors are retained widely across the
      animals and fungi, others are limited primarily to the Saccharomycetaceae family
      of budding yeast, with the emergent pattern of a conserved biogenic and
      inheritance factor often paired with an evolutionarily novel inheritance adaptor.
      We propose an evolutionary model whereby the emergence of myosin V-based
      organelle inheritance has utilized mechanisms of paralogy, mutation, and the
      appearance of pliable evolutionarily novel adaptor proteins. Our findings suggest
      an overarching evolutionary mechanism for how diverse cargoes compete for a
      single myosin V motor in organelle transport and detail one system's solution to
      obtaining evolutionary adaptability amongst constrained cellular modules.

PMID- 22046001
TI  - Late-replicating domains have higher divergence and diversity in Drosophila
      melanogaster.
AB  - Several reports from mammals indicate that an increase in the mutation rate in
      late-replicating regions may, in part, be responsible for the observed genomic
      heterogeneity in neutral substitution rates and levels of diversity, although the
      mechanisms for this remain poorly understood. Recent evidence also suggests that
      late replication is associated with high mutability in yeast. This then raises
      the question as to whether a similar effect is operating across all eukaryotes.
      Limited evidence from one chromosome arm in Drosophila melanogaster suggests the
      opposite pattern, with regions overlapping early-firing origins showing increased
      levels of diversity and divergence. Given the availability of genome-wide
      replication timing profiles for D. melanogaster, we now return to this issue.
      Consistent with what is seen in other taxa, we find that divergence at synonymous
      sites in exon cores, as well as divergence at putatively unconstrained intronic
      sites, is elevated in late-replicating regions. Analysis of genes with low codon
      usage bias suggests a ~30% difference in mutation rate between the earliest and
      the latest replicating sequence. Intronic sequence suggests a more modest
      difference. We additionally show that an increase in diversity in late
      replicating sequences is not owing to replication timing covarying with the local
      recombination rate. If anything, the effects of recombination mask the impact of
      replication timing. We conclude that, contrary to prior reports and consistent
      with what is seen in mammals and yeast, there is indeed a relationship between
      rates of nucleotide divergence and diversity and replication timing that is
      consistent with an increase in the mutation rate during late S-phase in D.
      melanogaster. It is therefore plausible that such an effect might be common among
      eukaryotes. The result may have implications for the inference of positive
      selection.

PMID- 22046002
TI  - Radiation and functional diversification of alpha keratins during early
      vertebrate evolution.
AB  - The conquest of land was arguably one of the most fundamental ecological
      transitions in vertebrates and entailed significant changes in skin structure and
      appendages to cope with the new environment. In extant tetrapods, the rigidity of
      the integument is largely created by type I and type II keratins, which are
      structural proteins essential in forming a strong cytoplasmic network. It is
      expected that such proteins have undergone fundamental changes in both stem and
      crown tetrapods. Here, we integrate genomic, phylogenetic, and expression data in
      a comprehensive study on the early evolution and functional diversification of
      tetrapod keratins. Our analyses reveal that all type I and type II tetrapod
      keratins evolved from only two genes that were present in the ancestor of extant
      vertebrates. Subsequently, the water-to-land transition in the stem lineage of
      tetrapods was associated with a major radiation and functional diversification of
      keratin genes. These duplications acquired functions that serve rigidity in
      integumental hard structures and were the prime for subsequent independent
      keratin diversification in tetrapod lineages.

PMID- 22046003
TI  - The biology of aging: 1985-2010 and beyond.
AB  - In this contribution to the series of reflective essays celebrating the 25th
      anniversary of The FASEB Journal, our task is to assess the growth of research on
      the biology of aging during this period and to suggest where we might be heading
      during the next 25 yr. A review of the literature suggests a healthy acceleration
      of progress during the past decade, perhaps largely due to progress on the
      genetics of longevity of model organisms. Progress on the genetics of health span
      in these model organisms has lagged, however. Research on the genetic basis of
      the remarkable interspecific variations in life span has only recently begun to
      be seriously addressed. The spectacular advances in genomics should greatly
      accelerate progress. Research on environmental effects on life span and health
      span needs to be accelerated. Stochastic variations in gene expression in aging
      have only recently been addressed. These can lead to random departures from
      homeostasis during aging.-Martin, G. M. The biology of aging: 1985-2010 and
      beyond.

PMID- 22046004
TI  - Molecular determinants of pentamidine-induced hERG trafficking inhibition.
AB  - Pentamidine is an antiprotozoal compound that clinically causes acquired long QT
      syndrome (acLQTS), which is associated with prolonged QT intervals, tachycardias,
      and sudden cardiac arrest. Pentamidine delays terminal repolarization in human
      heart by acutely blocking cardiac inward rectifier currents. At the same time,
      pentamidine reduces surface expression of the cardiac potassium channel
      I(Kr)/human ether a-go-go-related gene (hERG). This is unusual in that acLQTS is
      caused most often by direct block of the cardiac potassium current I(Kr)/hERG.
      The present study was designed to provide a more complete picture of how hERG
      surface expression is disrupted by pentamidine at the cellular and molecular
      levels. Using biochemical and electrophysiological methods, we found that
      pentamidine exclusively inhibits hERG export from the endoplasmic reticulum to
      the cell surface in a heterologous expression system as well as in
      cardiomyocytes. hERG trafficking inhibition could be rescued in the presence of
      the pharmacological chaperone astemizole. We used rescue experiments in
      combination with an extensive mutational analysis to locate an interaction site
      for pentamidine at phenylalanine 656, a crucial residue in the canonical drug
      binding site of terminally folded hERG. Our data suggest that pentamidine binding
      to a folding intermediate of hERG arrests channel maturation in a conformational
      state that cannot be exported from the endoplasmic reticulum. We propose that
      pentamidine is the founding member of a novel pharmacological entity whose
      members act as small molecule antichaperones.

PMID- 22046005
TI  - Evidence for a common pharmacological interaction site on K(Ca)2 channels
      providing both selective activation and selective inhibition of the human
      K(Ca)2.1 subtype.
AB  - We have previously identified Ser293 in transmembrane segment 5 as a determinant
      for selective K(Ca)2.1 channel activation by GW542573X (4-(2
      methoxyphenylcarbamoyloxymethyl)-piperidine-1-carboxylic acid tert-butyl ester).
      Now we show that Ser293 mediates both activation and inhibition of K(Ca)2.1: CM
      TPMF (N-{7-[1-(4-chloro-2-methylphenoxy)ethyl]-[1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-2
      yl}-N'-methoxy-formamidine) and B-TPMF (N-{7-[1-(4-tert-butyl-phenoxy)ethyl]
      [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidin-2-yl}-N'-methoxy-formamidine), two newly
      identified and structurally related [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-a]pyrimidines, act either
      as activators or as inhibitors of the human K(Ca)2.1 channel. Whereas (-)-CM-TPMF
      activates K(Ca)2.1 with an EC(50) value of 24 nM, (-)-B-TPMF inhibits the channel
      with an IC(50) value of 31 nM. In contrast, their (+)-enantiomers are 40 to 100
      times less active. Both (-)-CM-TPMF and (-)-B-TPMF are subtype-selective, with 10
      to 20-fold discrimination toward other K(Ca)2 channels and the K(Ca)3 channel.
      Coapplication experiments reveal competitive-like functional interactions between
      the effects of (-)-CM-TPMF and (-)-B-TPMF. Despite belonging to a different
      chemical class than GW542573X, the K(Ca)2.1 selectivity of (-)-CM-TPMF and (-)-B
      TPMF depend critically on Ser293 as revealed by loss- and gain-of-function
      mutations. We conclude that compounds occupying the TPMF site may either
      positively or negatively influence the gating process depending on their
      substitution patterns. It is noteworthy that (-)-CM-TPMF is 10 times more potent
      on K(Ca)2.1 than NS309 (6,7-dichloro-1H-indole-2,3-dione 3-oxime), an unselective
      but hitherto the most potent K(Ca)3/K(Ca)2 channel activator. (-)-B-TPMF is the
      first small-molecule inhibitor with significant selectivity among the K(Ca)2
      channel subtypes. In contrast to peptide blockers such as apamin and scyllatoxin,
      which preferentially affect K(Ca)2.2, (-)-B-TPMF exhibits K(Ca)2.1 selectivity.
      These high-affinity compounds, which exert opposite effects on K(Ca)2.1 gating,
      may help define physiological or pathophysiological roles of this channel.

PMID- 22046006
TI  - Time for patient leaflets on the Hajj.

PMID- 22046007
TI  - Broad consent is informed consent.

PMID- 22046009
TI  - Secret filming of GPs was unethical and unwise.

PMID- 22046010
TI  - Secret filming did not prove the point.

PMID- 22046011
TI  - Treatment of rheumatoid arthritis is good medicine.

PMID- 22046012
TI  - The dark side of the sun.

PMID- 22046013
TI  - Spare me the English middle class's snobbery about trade.

PMID- 22046014
TI  - Don't forget other medical suppliers.

PMID- 22046015
TI  - Disinvesting from prostate cancer screening.

PMID- 22046016
TI  - Relatives should not be able to countermand a dead person's wishes.

PMID- 22046017
TI  - Residential home assessments are tip of 36 year iceberg.

PMID- 22046018
TI  - Current treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

PMID- 22046020
TI  - Make countries' health spending easier to compare, says OECD.

PMID- 22046021
TI  - Drug firms have to pay $162m in damages over hepatitis C infection.

PMID- 22046023
TI  - Achieving the goals of effective, safe, and individualized cancer care.

PMID- 22046024
TI  - Adaptive clinical trial designs for simultaneous testing of matched diagnostics
      and therapeutics.
AB  - A critical challenge in the development of new molecularly targeted anticancer
      drugs is the identification of predictive biomarkers and the concurrent
      development of diagnostics for these biomarkers. Developing matched diagnostics
      and therapeutics will require new clinical trial designs and methods of data
      analysis. The use of adaptive design in phase III trials may offer new
      opportunities for matched diagnosis and treatment because the size of the trial
      can allow for subpopulation analysis. We present an adaptive phase III trial
      design that can identify a suitable target population during the early course of
      the trial, enabling the efficacy of an experimental therapeutic to be evaluated
      within the target population as a later part of the same trial. The use of such
      an adaptive approach to clinical trial design has the potential to greatly
      improve the field of oncology and facilitate the development of personalized
      medicine.

PMID- 22046025
TI  - Identification and elucidation of the biology of adverse events: the challenges
      of safety assessment and translational medicine.
AB  - There has been an explosion of technology-enabled scientific insight into the
      basic biology of the causes of adverse events. This has been driven, in part, by
      the development of the various "omics" tools (e.g., genomics, proteomics, and
      metabolomics) and associated bioinformatics platforms. Meanwhile, for decades,
      changes in preclinical testing protocols and guidelines have been limited.
      Preclinical safety testing currently relies heavily on the use of outdated animal
      models. Application of systems biology methods to evaluation of toxicities in
      oncology treatments can accelerate the introduction of safe, effective drugs.
      Systems biology adds insights regarding the causes and mechanisms of adverse
      effects, provides important and actionable information to help understand the
      risks and benefits to humans, focuses testing on methods that add value to the
      safety testing process, and leads to modifications of chemical entities to reduce
      liabilities during development. Leveraging emerging technologies, such as
      genomics and proteomics, may make preclinical safety testing more efficient and
      accurate and lead to better safety decisions. The development of a U.S. Food and
      Drug Administration guidance document on the use of systems biology in clinical
      testing would greatly benefit the development of drugs for oncology by
      communicating the potential application of specific methodologies, providing a
      framework for qualification and application of systems biology outcomes, and
      providing insight into the challenges and limitations of systems biology in the
      regulatory decision-making process.

PMID- 22046026
TI  - Integrating pain metrics into oncology clinical trials.
AB  - Cancer-related pain is highly prevalent and often severe, and as a result is
      often one of the defining experiences for patients with malignancy. Patients and
      patients' families almost always live with the ever-present reality that cancer
      treatment and progression may be accompanied by pain. For patients nearing the
      end of life, most fear that their final days will be spent living with the
      terrible effects of the disease, the most important of which is pain. Despite
      this, there is far less systematic research on the mechanisms of cancer-related
      pain or on the development of new agents to reduce or eliminate pain in cancer
      patients compared with research to combat the disease itself. Further, even when
      the focus of research is treatment of the tumor, the effects of anticancer
      treatments on pain are often underreported in publications and other forums. To
      illustrate the relative drought in the cancer pain control area, there have been
      no new drugs approved for cancer-related pain in recent years. A number of
      methodologic and logistical challenges that hinder the ability to assess pain
      response in clinical trials are discussed in this article. Possible ways to
      address these challenges are also discussed.

PMID- 22046027
TI  - Using patient-initiated study participation in the development of evidence for
      personalized cancer therapy.
AB  - Personalized cancer therapy offers the promise of delivering the right treatments
      to the right patients to improve patient outcomes and quality of life, while
      reducing exposure to ineffective therapies and the cost of cancer care. Realizing
      this promise depends in large part on our ability to generate timely and
      sufficiently detailed information regarding factors that influence treatment
      response. Generating this evidence through the traditional physician investigator
      initiated clinical trial system has proved to be challenging, given poor
      recruitment rates and low compliance with requests for biospecimen collection. As
      a result, our current understanding of treatment response is inadequate,
      particularly for cancer therapies that have been in use for many years. Patient
      initiated study participation may offer a new model for evidence generation that
      capitalizes on strong patient interest in furthering research to inform better
      and more tailored cancer therapies. In this approach, patients are engaged and
      recruited directly by the sponsor of an Institutional Review Board-approved
      study, and patients subsequently drive the participation of their health care
      providers to facilitate collection of required data and tissue samples. The
      ultimate goal of these studies is to generate evidence of sufficient quality to
      inform regulatory decisions (i.e., labeling changes for marketed therapies to
      reflect populations most likely to respond) and treatment selection. Here, we
      describe a hypothetical prospective observational study in non-small cell lung
      cancer that could serve as a model for patient-initiated study participation
      applied to understand molecular determinants of treatment response. Key elements
      discussed include study design, patient engagement, and data/biospecimen
      collection and management principles.

PMID- 22046029
TI  - Excessive activity of cathepsin K is associated with cartilage defects in a
      zebrafish model of mucolipidosis II.
AB  - The severe pediatric disorder mucolipidosis II (ML-II; also known as I-cell
      disease) is caused by defects in mannose 6-phosphate (Man-6-P) biosynthesis.
      Patients with ML-II exhibit multiple developmental defects, including skeletal,
      craniofacial and joint abnormalities. To date, the molecular mechanisms that
      underlie these clinical manifestations are poorly understood. Taking advantage of
      a zebrafish model of ML-II, we previously showed that the cartilage morphogenesis
      defects in this model are associated with altered chondrocyte differentiation and
      excessive deposition of type II collagen, indicating that aspects of development
      that rely on proper extracellular matrix homeostasis are sensitive to decreases
      in Man-6-P biosynthesis. To further investigate the molecular bases for the
      cartilage phenotypes, we analyzed the transcript abundance of several genes in
      chondrocyte-enriched cell populations isolated from wild-type and ML-II zebrafish
      embryos. Increased levels of cathepsin and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)
      transcripts were noted in ML-II cell populations. This increase in transcript
      abundance corresponded with elevated and sustained activity of several cathepsins
      (K, L and S) and MMP-13 during early development. Unlike MMP-13, for which higher
      levels of protein were detected, the sustained activity of cathepsin K at later
      stages seemed to result from its abnormal processing and activation. Inhibition
      of cathepsin K activity by pharmacological or genetic means not only reduced the
      activity of this enzyme but led to a broad reduction in additional protease
      activity, significant correction of the cartilage morphogenesis phenotype and
      reduced type II collagen staining in ML-II embryos. Our findings suggest a
      central role for excessive cathepsin K activity in the developmental aspects of
      ML-II cartilage pathogenesis and highlight the utility of the zebrafish system to
      address the biochemical underpinnings of metabolic disease.

PMID- 22046030
TI  - Mutation of zebrafish dihydrolipoamide branched-chain transacylase E2 results in
      motor dysfunction and models maple syrup urine disease.
AB  - Analysis of zebrafish mutants that demonstrate abnormal locomotive behavior can
      elucidate the molecular requirements for neural network function and provide new
      models of human disease. Here, we show that zebrafish quetschkommode (que) mutant
      larvae exhibit a progressive locomotor defect that culminates in unusual nose-to
      tail compressions and an inability to swim. Correspondingly, extracellular
      peripheral nerve recordings show that que mutants demonstrate abnormal locomotor
      output to the axial muscles used for swimming. Using positional cloning and
      candidate gene analysis, we reveal that a point mutation disrupts the gene
      encoding dihydrolipoamide branched-chain transacylase E2 (Dbt), a component of a
      mitochondrial enzyme complex, to generate the que phenotype. In humans, mutation
      of the DBT gene causes maple syrup urine disease (MSUD), a disorder of branched
      chain amino acid metabolism that can result in mental retardation, severe
      dystonia, profound neurological damage and death. que mutants harbor abnormal
      amino acid levels, similar to MSUD patients and consistent with an error in
      branched-chain amino acid metabolism. que mutants also contain markedly reduced
      levels of the neurotransmitter glutamate within the brain and spinal cord, which
      probably contributes to their abnormal spinal cord locomotor output and aberrant
      motility behavior, a trait that probably represents severe dystonia in larval
      zebrafish. Taken together, these data illustrate how defects in branched-chain
      amino acid metabolism can disrupt nervous system development and/or function, and
      establish zebrafish que mutants as a model to better understand MSUD.

PMID- 22046031
TI  - Preparation of cuticles from feeding Drosophila larvae.
AB  - The Drosophila cuticle carries a rich array of morphological details. Thus,
      cuticle examination has had a central role in the history of genetics. Studies of
      the Drosophila cuticle have focused mainly on first-instar larvae and adult
      cuticular morphology. Although the cuticles of second- and third-instar larvae
      are strikingly different from those of the first instar, these differences have
      been poorly studied. This protocol describes three methods for preparing cuticles
      from fed larvae. One commonly used procedure involves manually pricking the
      larvae. A simpler method for preparing larval cuticles is to burst the larvae
      once they have been mounted. This method is used for first- and second-instar
      larvae and does not require pricking; it removes the gut contents by "popping"
      the rear of the embryo using pressure from the coverslip. If just the right
      amount of medium is used, the coverslip will be pulled toward the slide, applying
      pressure on the samples. The larvae usually burst from their posterior ends. Also
      presented is an alternative procedure designed specifically for the use with
      third-instar larvae, although the "pricking" method can be used at this stage.

PMID- 22046028
TI  - The postsynaptic organization of synapses.
AB  - The postsynaptic side of the synapse is specialized to receive the
      neurotransmitter signal released from the presynaptic terminal and transduce it
      into electrical and biochemical changes in the postsynaptic cell. The cardinal
      functional components of the postsynaptic specialization of excitatory and
      inhibitory synapses are the ionotropic receptors (ligand-gated channels) for
      glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), respectively. These receptor
      channels are concentrated at the postsynaptic membrane and embedded in a dense
      and rich protein network comprised of anchoring and scaffolding molecules,
      signaling enzymes, cytoskeletal components, as well as other membrane proteins.
      Excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic specializations are quite different in
      molecular organization. The postsynaptic density of excitatory synapses is
      especially complex and dynamic in composition and regulation; it contains
      hundreds of different proteins, many of which are required for cognitive function
      and implicated in psychiatric illness.

PMID- 22046032
TI  - Preparation of Drosophila eye specimens for scanning electron microscopy.
AB  - Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) allows for high-magnification analysis of the
      external structures of the Drosophila eye. In this article, three methods are
      provided: one for eyes that are to be critical-point-dried (CPD) and two
      alternatives if a critical point drier is not available. The major difference
      between the first method and the other two is a preliminary fixation step.
      Drosophila eyes have a tendency to collapse when CPD, so fixing the animals
      before critical point drying improves the yield of good specimens.

PMID- 22046033
TI  - Preparation of Drosophila eye specimens for transmission electron microscopy.
AB  - Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) allows for high-magnification
      ultrastructural analysis of the Drosophila eye. The fixation protocol described
      here works well for Drosophila eye tissue, including larval imaginal discs and
      pupal and adult retinas.

PMID- 22046034
TI  - Conditioning to colors: a population assay for visual learning in Drosophila.
AB  - Vision is a major sensory modality in Drosophila behavior, with more than one
      half of the Drosophila brain devoted to visual processing. The mechanisms of
      vision in Drosophila can be studied in individuals and in populations of flies by
      using various paradigms. Although there has never been a widely used population
      assay for visual learning in Drosophila, some population paradigms have shown
      significant visual learning. These studies use colors as conditioned stimuli (CS)
      and shaking as the unconditioned stimulus (US). A simple version of the paradigm,
      conditioning to colors using a shaking device, is described here. A conditioning
      chamber, called a crab, is designed to center the flies after shaking by having
      them tumble down to the lowest point between joined glass tubes forming a V.
      Thus, vibration should be just strong enough to center most flies. After shaking,
      flies display a geotactic response and climb up either side of the V, and their
      choice of which side to climb is influenced by color displays on either side. The
      proportion of flies on either side determines the flies' natural preference or
      their learned avoidance of a color associated with shaking.

PMID- 22046035
TI  - The optomotor maze: a population assay for visual perception in Drosophila.
AB  - Vision is a major sensory modality in Drosophila behavior, with more than one
      half of the Drosophila brain devoted to visual processing. The mechanisms of
      vision in Drosophila can now be studied in individuals and in populations of
      flies by using various paradigms. The optomotor maze, described here, is a novel
      and efficient approach for querying visual perception in Drosophila populations.
      The optomotor maze setup is very simple: An eight-choice maze consisting of 3-mm
      paths grooved into a transparent Plexiglas or acrylic slab is placed over an
      upturned cathode ray tube (CRT) monitor on which visuals are displayed. The
      placement or movement of the visuals on the CRT, which the flies can see through
      the flat bottom of the maze, influences their turning behavior at each choice
      point. This paradigm can be adapted for visual learning by simply rerunning flies
      in the maze (habituation) or as a more sophisticated version of the aversive
      phototaxic suppression (APS) paradigm.

PMID- 22046036
TI  - Imaging of membrane systems and membrane traffic in living cells.
AB  - Eukaryotic cells are composed of an intricate system of internal membranes that
      are organized into different compartments--including the endoplasmic reticulum
      (ER), the nuclear envelope, the Golgi complex (GC), lysosomes, endosomes,
      caveolae, mitochondria, and peroxisomes--that perform specialized tasks within
      the cell. The localization and dynamics of intracellular compartments are now
      being studied in living cells because of the availability of green fluorescent
      protein (GFP)-fusion proteins and recent advances in fluorescent microscope
      imaging systems. Results using these techniques are revealing how intracellular
      compartments maintain their steady-state organization and distributions, how they
      undergo growth and division, and how they transfer protein and lipid components
      between themselves through the formation and trafficking of membrane transport
      intermediates. This article describes methods using GFP-fusion proteins to
      visualize the behavior of organelles and to track membrane-bound transport
      intermediates moving between them. Practical issues related to the construction
      and expression of GFP-fusion proteins are discussed first. These are essential
      for optimizing the brightness and expression levels of GFP-fusion proteins so
      that intracellular membrane-bound structures containing these fusion proteins can
      be readily visualized. Next, techniques for performing time-lapse imaging using a
      confocal laser-scanning microscope (CLSM) are detailed, including the use of
      photobleaching to highlight organelles and transport intermediates. Methods for
      the acquisition and analysis of data are then discussed. Finally, commonly used
      and exciting new approaches for perturbing membrane traffic are outlined.

PMID- 22046037
TI  - Time-lapse imaging of membrane traffic in living cells.
AB  - Eukaryotic cells are composed of an intricate system of internal membranes that
      are organized into different compartments--including the endoplasmic reticulum
      (ER), the nuclear envelope, the Golgi complex (GC), lysosomes, endosomes,
      caveolae, mitochondria, and peroxisomes--that perform specialized tasks within
      the cell. The localization and dynamics of intracellular compartments are now
      being studied in living cells because of the availability of green fluorescent
      protein (GFP)-fusion proteins and recent advances in fluorescent microscope
      imaging systems. This protocol describes the use of the confocal laser-scanning
      microscope (CLSM) for time-lapse imaging of one or more fluorescent markers.

PMID- 22046038
TI  - Photobleaching regions of living cells to monitor membrane traffic.
AB  - Eukaryotic cells are composed of an intricate system of internal membranes that
      are organized into different compartments--including the endoplasmic reticulum
      (ER), the nuclear envelope, the Golgi complex (GC), lysosomes, endosomes,
      caveolae, mitochondria, and peroxisomes--that perform specialized tasks within
      the cell. The localization and dynamics of intracellular compartments are now
      being studied in living cells because of the availability of green fluorescent
      protein (GFP)-fusion proteins and recent advances in fluorescent microscope
      imaging systems. This protocol outlines two methods for photobleaching living
      cells to monitor membrane traffic. The first method involves selective
      photobleaching using a confocal laser-scanning microscope (CLSM) that can bleach
      discrete selected regions of interest. As outlined in the second method,
      photobleaching can also be performed with older CLSMs that lack the capacity for
      selective photobleaching. In this case, photobleaching is accomplished by zooming
      into a small region of the cell and scanning with full laser power.

PMID- 22046039
TI  - Activating photoactivatable proteins with laser light to visualize membrane
      systems and membrane traffic in living cells.
AB  - Eukaryotic cells are composed of an intricate system of internal membranes that
      are organized into different compartments--including the endoplasmic reticulum
      (ER), the nuclear envelope, the Golgi complex (GC), lysosomes, endosomes,
      caveolae, mitochondria, and peroxisomes--that perform specialized tasks within
      the cell. The localization and dynamics of intracellular compartments are now
      being studied in living cells because of the availability of green fluorescent
      protein (GFP)-fusion proteins and recent advances in fluorescent microscope
      imaging systems, such as the confocal laser-scanning microscope (CLSM). This
      protocol describes the steps for activating one of the first photoactivatable
      proteins, PA-GFP.

PMID- 22046040
TI  - Comparative genomic hybridization to detect variation in the copy number of large
      DNA segments.
AB  - Array comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) is an excellent tool to scan the
      genome for copy number variations (CNVs) when used conscientiously. This article
      is intended to provide an understanding of the basic principles of array CGH and
      the different options available to the user to design their array CGH
      experiments. Specifically, the six subsections discuss the different array
      platforms available, test and reference DNA preparation, reference DNA choice,
      the basics of hybridization, data processing, and our current understanding of
      CNVs in the human genome.

PMID- 22046041
TI  - Measuring neuronal population activity using 3D laser scanning.
AB  - Neural tissue is organized in three-dimensional (3D) networks of neuronal and
      glial cell populations. To understand the functional organization of these
      networks, it is desirable to achieve 3D activity measurements from large cell
      populations in intact tissue with high temporal resolution. Repeated acquisition
      of image stacks with standard laser-scanning microscopes is too slow. This
      protocol describes fast 3D calcium imaging in the living brain using mechanical
      laser scanning with standard galvanometric mirrors and a piezoelectric focusing
      element. The purpose of 3D laser scanning is to create a 3D line scan that
      samples relatively homogenously from a particular observation volume. The spatial
      resolution of this approach is low, except along the line. However, the main goal
      is not to resolve subcellular structures, but rather to hit as many cell bodies
      as possible within the volume. In this manner, local network activity can be
      inferred from the somatic calcium signals of a significant fraction of the cell
      population. With a sinusoidal swinging microscope objective as a constraint, 3D
      scan trajectories are generated that sample fluorescence signals from the
      majority of cells within a cuboidal volume. Measurements with 10-Hz temporal
      resolution can be achieved for population calcium signals from several hundreds
      of identified neurons and glial cells within cuboids with side lengths of ~250
      um. An example cellular 3D orientation map of the rat visual cortex is presented.
      This 3D laser-scanning technique enables direct observation of in vivo neural
      network dynamics in cell populations of substantial size.

PMID- 22046042
TI  - Time-lapse imaging of fluorescently labeled live cells in the embryonic mammalian
      forebrain.
AB  - Time-lapse imaging of fluorescently labeled cells in organotypic slice culture
      provides a unique window through which to view development of the embryonic
      forebrain. The live imaging approach allows investigators to directly observe and
      record neurogenic and gliogenic divisions in the developing forebrain, to record
      the proliferative behavior of embryonic precursor cells, and to track newborn
      cells as they migrate from the proliferative zones to their final destination.
      This approach allows for identification and characterization of embryonic
      precursor cells, permits the physiological and immunohistochemical
      characterization of the fluorescent cells under study, and presents an
      opportunity to test hypotheses about mechanisms that guide developmental
      processes in the forebrain. This article describes a protocol for time-lapse
      imaging of fluorescently labeled cells in the embryonic forebrain of organotypic
      slice cultures. The procedure does not require prohibitively expensive on-stage
      incubation systems, and can yield reliable data from embryonic slices for up to 1
      wk. Tracking the movement of labeled cells in slice culture is relatively
      straightforward in those cases in which there are few labeled cells. Although
      this approach is time intensive, it provides beautifully detailed images that
      reveal morphological and functional data from labeled cells over time, and can
      yield a significant amount of data from each cell.

PMID- 22046043
TI  - 4D fluorescent imaging of embryonic quail development.
AB  - Traditionally, our understanding of developmental biology has been based on the
      fixation and study of embryonic samples. Detailed microscopic scrutiny of static
      specimens at varying ages allowed for anatomical assessment of tissue
      development. The advent of confocal and two-photon excitation (2PE) microscopy
      enables researchers to acquire volumetric images in three dimensions (x, y, and
      z) plus time (t). Here, we present techniques for acquisition and analysis of
      three-dimensional (3D) time-lapse data. Both confocal microscopy and 2PE
      microscopy techniques are used. Data processing for tiled image stitching and
      time-lapse analysis is also discussed. The development of a transgenic Japanese
      quail system, as discussed here, has provided an embryonic model that is more
      easily accessible than mammalian models and more efficient to breed than the
      classic avian model, the chicken.

PMID- 22046044
TI  - Preparation and 4D fluorescent imaging of quail embryos.
AB  - Traditionally, our understanding of developmental biology has been based on the
      fixation and study of embryonic samples. Detailed microscopic scrutiny of static
      specimens at varying ages allowed for anatomical assessment of tissue
      development. The advent of confocal and two-photon excitation (2PE) microscopy
      enables researchers to acquire volumetric images in three dimensions (x, y, and
      z) plus time (t). The development of transgenic Japanese quail has provided an
      embryonic model system that is more easily accessible than mammalian models and
      more efficient to breed than the classic avian model, the chicken. This protocol
      describes the methods necessary to prepare transgenic quail embryos for imaging
      in vitro, and for acquiring, processing, and analyzing three-dimensional (3D)
      time-lapse images.

PMID- 22046045
TI  - Cyclodextrin-containing polycations for nucleic acid delivery.
AB  - Numerous nonviral systems have been developed for the delivery of nucleic acids
      to cultured cells and to particular cell types in vivo. These systems vary with
      regard to their toxicity, immunogenicity, and ability to target particular cell
      surface receptors and/or cell types. A class of linear cationic polymers
      containing the sugar beta-cyclodextrin has been shown to be effective at
      delivering a variety of nucleic acids in vivo, including plasmid DNA, DNAzymes,
      and short interfering RNAs (siRNAs). These polymer-nucleic acid complexes
      (polyplexes) can be further modified to incorporate a targeting ligand such as
      transferrin to induce preferential uptake of polyplexes by cells expressing high
      levels of the cognate receptor. This article presents background information on
      cyclodextrin-containing polycations.

PMID- 22046046
TI  - In vitro transfection using cyclodextrin-containing polycations.
AB  - Numerous nonviral systems have been developed for the delivery of nucleic acids
      to cultured cells and to particular cell types in vivo. These systems vary with
      regard to their toxicity, immunogenicity, and ability to target particular cell
      surface receptors and/or cell types. A class of linear cationic polymers
      containing the sugar beta-cyclodextrin has been shown to be effective at
      delivering a variety of nucleic acids in vivo, including plasmid DNA, DNAzymes,
      and short interfering RNAs (siRNAs). This protocol describes a procedure for the
      use of cyclodextrin-containing polycations in vitro. For in vitro transfection,
      salt stabilization and cell targeting are unnecessary, so polyplexes consist of
      cyclodextrin-containing polycations and nucleic acids only.

PMID- 22046047
TI  - In vivo transfection using cyclodextrin-containing polycations.
AB  - Numerous nonviral systems have been developed for the delivery of nucleic acids
      to cultured cells and to particular cell types in vivo. These systems vary with
      regard to their toxicity, immunogenicity, and ability to target particular cell
      surface receptors and/or cell types. A class of linear cationic polymers
      containing the sugar beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) has been shown to be effective
      at delivering a variety of nucleic acids in vivo, including plasmid DNA,
      DNAzymes, and short interfering RNAs (siRNAs). These polymer-nucleic acid
      complexes (polyplexes) can be further modified to incorporate a targeting ligand
      such as transferrin to induce preferential uptake of polyplexes by cells
      expressing high levels of the cognate receptor. This protocol describes a
      procedure for the use of cyclodextrin-containing polycations (CDPs) in vivo. Salt
      stabilization and cell targeting are critical to the success of in vivo
      transfection using CDPs, so adamantane-poly(ethylene glycol) (AD-PEG) conjugates
      (both unmodified AD-PEG and an AD-PEG-Ligand conjugate) are included in these
      formulations. The amount of the AD-PEG-Ligand conjugate included depends on
      numerous factors, including its effect on polyplex stability (influenced by
      ligand size and charge) and the density of the cognate receptor on target cell
      type(s). Some targeting ligands may have extreme sizes or net charges that could
      present a challenge to their incorporation into these polyplex formulations.

PMID- 22046048
TI  - Optical traps to study properties of molecular motors.
AB  - In vitro motility assays enabled the analysis of coupling between ATP hydrolysis
      and movement of myosin along actin filaments or kinesin along microtubules.
      Single-molecule assays using laser trapping have been used to obtain more
      detailed information about kinesins, myosins, and processive DNA enzymes. The
      combination of in vitro motility assays with laser-trap measurements has revealed
      detailed dynamic structural changes associated with the ATPase cycle. This
      article describes the use of optical traps to study processive and nonprocessive
      molecular motor proteins, focusing on the design of the instrument and the assays
      to characterize motility.

PMID- 22046049
TI  - Attachment of anti-GFP antibodies to microspheres for optical trapping
      experiments.
AB  - In vitro motility assays enabled the analysis of coupling between ATP hydrolysis
      and movement of myosin along actin filaments or kinesin along microtubules.
      Single-molecule assays using laser trapping have been used to obtain more
      detailed information about kinesins, myosins, and processive DNA enzymes. The
      combination of in vitro motility assays with laser-trap measurements has revealed
      detailed dynamic structural changes associated with the ATPase cycle. This
      protocol describes a method for attaching anti-GFP (green fluorescent protein)
      antibodies to microspheres. GFP-motor fusion proteins can then be adsorbed to the
      microspheres for use in single-molecule motility studies and optical trapping
      experiments.

PMID- 22046051
TI  - The physical therapist as a diagnostician: how do we, should we, and could we use
      information about pathology in our practice?

PMID- 22046050
TI  - The optical trapping dumbbell assay for nonprocessive motors or motors that turn
      around filaments.
AB  - In vitro motility assays enabled the analysis of coupling between ATP hydrolysis
      and movement of myosin along actin filaments or kinesin along microtubules.
      Single-molecule assays using laser trapping have been used to obtain more
      detailed information about kinesins, myosins, and processive DNA enzymes. The
      combination of in vitro motility assays with laser-trap measurements has revealed
      detailed dynamic structural changes associated with the ATPase cycle. This
      protocol describes the preparation of biotin-actin filaments and coverslips
      coated with polystyrene beads. These are then used in optical trapping dumbbell
      assays to study interactions between motors and filaments.

PMID- 22046052
TI  - Role of angiotensin in ovarian follicular development and ovulation in mammals: a
      review of recent advances.
AB  - Angiotensin (Ang) II is widely known for its role in the control of systemic
      blood vessels. Moreover, Ang II acts on the vascular control of ovarian function,
      corpus luteum formation, and luteolysis. Over the past 10 years, our research
      group has been studying the new concept of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) as
      an autocrine/paracrine factor regulating steroidogenesis and promoting different
      cellular responses in the ovary, beyond vascular function. We have developed and
      used different in vivo and in vitro experimental models to study the role of RAS
      in the ovary and a brief overview of our findings is presented here. It is widely
      accepted that there are marked species differences in RAS function in follicle
      development. Examples of species-specific functions of the RAS in the ovary
      include the involvement of Ang II in the regulation of follicle atresia in rats
      vs the requirement of this peptide for the dominant follicle development and
      ovulation in rabbits and cattle. More recently, Ang-(1-7), its receptor, and
      enzymes for its synthesis (ACE2, NEP, and PEP) were identified in bovine
      follicles, implying that Ang-(1-7) has an ovarian function. Other novel RAS
      components (e.g. (pro)renin receptor and renin-binding protein) recently
      identified in the bovine ovary show that ovarian RAS is poorly understood and
      more complex than previously thought. In the present review, we have highlighted
      the progress toward understanding the paracrine and autocrine control of ovarian
      antral follicle development and ovulation by ovarian tissue RAS, focusing on in
      vivo studies using cattle as a model.

PMID- 22046054
TI  - Ceramide and mitochondrial function in aging oocytes: joggling a new hypothesis
      and old players.
AB  - Maternal aging adversely affects oocyte quality (function and developmental
      potential) and consequently lowers pregnancy rates while increasing spontaneous
      abortions. Substantial evidence, especially from egg donation studies, implicates
      the decreased quality of an aging oocyte as a major factor in the etiology of
      female infertility. Nevertheless, the cellular and molecular mechanisms
      responsible for the decreased oocyte quality with advanced maternal aging are not
      fully characterized. Herein we present information in the published literature
      and our own data to support the hypothesis that during aging induced decreases in
      mitochondrial ceramide levels and associated alterations in mitochondrial
      structure and function are prominent elements contributing to reduced oocyte
      quality. Hence, by examining the molecular determinants that underlie impairments
      in oocyte mitochondria, we expect to sieve to a better understanding of the
      mechanistic anatomy of oocyte aging.

PMID- 22046053
TI  - Caspase-mediated apoptosis of trophoblasts in term human placental villi is
      restricted to cytotrophoblasts and absent from the multinucleated
      syncytiotrophoblast.
AB  - Human placental villi are surfaced by a multinucleated and terminally
      differentiated epithelium, the syncytiotrophoblast, with a subjacent layer of
      mononucleated cytotrophoblasts that can divide and fuse to replenish the
      syncytiotrophoblast. The objectives of this study were i) to develop an approach
      to definitively identify and distinguish cytotrophoblasts from the
      syncytiotrophoblast, ii) to unambiguously determine the relative susceptibility
      of villous cytotrophoblasts and syncytiotrophoblast to constitutive and stress
      induced apoptosis mediated by caspases, and iii) to understand the progression of
      apoptosis in villous trophoblasts. Confocal microscopy with co-staining for E
      cadherin and DNA allowed us to clearly distinguish the syncytiotrophoblast from
      cytotrophoblasts and identified that many cytotrophoblasts are deeply
      interdigitated into the syncytiotrophoblast. Staining for specific markers of
      caspase-mediated apoptosis indicate that apoptosis occurs readily in
      cytotrophoblasts but is remarkably inhibited in the syncytiotrophoblast. To
      determine if an apoptotic cell or cell fragment was from a cytotrophoblast or
      syncytiotrophoblast, we found co-staining with E-cadherin along with a marker for
      apoptosis was essential: in the absence of E-cadherin staining, apoptotic
      cytotrophoblasts would easily be mistaken as representing localized regions of
      apoptosis in the syncytiotrophoblast. Regions with perivillous fibrin-containing
      fibrinoid contain the remnants of trophoblast apoptosis, and we propose this
      apoptosis occurs only after physical isolation of a region of the syncytium from
      the main body of the syncytium. We propose models for the progression of
      apoptosis in villous cytotrophoblasts and for why caspase-mediated apoptosis does
      not occur within the syncytium of placental villi.

PMID- 22046056
TI  - Gonadal status of male recipient mice influences germ cell development in
      immature buffalo testis tissue xenograft.
AB  - Growth and development of immature testis xenograft from various domestic mammals
      has been shown in mouse recipients; however, buffalo testis xenografts have not
      been reported to date. In this study, small fragments of testis tissue from 8
      week-old buffalo calves were implanted subcutaneously onto the back of
      immunodeficient male mouse recipients, which were either castrated or left intact
      (non-castrated). The xenografts were retrieved and analyzed 12 and 24 weeks
      later. The grafted tissue survived and grew in both types of recipient with a
      significant increase in weight and seminiferous tubule diameter. Recovery of
      grafts from intact recipients 24 weeks post-grafting was significantly lower than
      that from the castrated recipients. Seminal vesicle indices and serum
      testosterone levels were lower in castrated recipients at both collection time
      points in comparison to the intact recipients and non-grafted intact mouse
      controls. Pachytene spermatocytes were the most advanced germ cells observed in
      grafts recovered from castrated recipients 24 weeks post-grafting. Complete
      spermatogenesis, as indicated by the presence of elongated spermatids, was
      present only in grafts from intact recipients collected 24 weeks post-grafting.
      However, significant number of germ cells with DNA damage was also detected in
      these grafts as indicated by TUNEL assay. The complete germ cell differentiation
      in xenografts from intact recipients may be attributed to efficient Sertoli cell
      maturation. These results suggest that germ cell differentiation in buffalo
      testis xenograft can be completed by altering the recipient gonadal status.

PMID- 22046055
TI  - Differential marker protein expression specifies rarefaction zone-containing
      human Adark spermatogonia.
AB  - It is unclear whether the distinct nuclear morphologies of human A(dark) (Ad) and
      A(pale) (Ap) spermatogonia are manifestations of different stages of germ cell
      development or phases of the mitotic cycle, or whether they may reflect still
      unknown molecular differences. According to the classical description by
      Clermont, human dark type A spermatogonium (Ad) may contain one, sometimes two or
      three nuclear 'vacuolar spaces' representing chromatin rarefaction zones. These
      structures were readily discerned in paraffin sections of human testis tissue
      during immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence analyses and thus represented
      robust morphological markers for our study. While a majority of the marker
      proteins tested did not discriminate between spermatogonia with and without
      chromatin rarefaction zones, doublesex- and mab-3-related transcription factor
      (DMRT1), tyrosine kinase receptor c-Kit/CD117 (KIT) and proliferation-associated
      antigen Ki-67 (KI-67) appeared to be restricted to subtypes which lacked the
      rarefaction zones. Conversely, exosome component 10 (EXOSC10) was found to
      accumulate within the rarefaction zones, which points to a possible role of this
      nuclear domain in RNA processing.

PMID- 22046057
TI  - Three-dimensional surface profiling and optical characterization of liquid
      microlens using a Shack-Hartmann wave front sensor.
AB  - We demonstrate three-dimensional (3D) surface profiling of the water-oil
      interface in a tunable liquid microlens using a Shack-Hartmann wave front sensor.
      The principles and the optical setup for achieving 3D surface measurements are
      presented and a hydrogel-actuated liquid lens was measured at different focal
      lengths. The 3D surface profiles are then used to study the optical properties of
      the liquid lens. Our method of 3D surface profiling could foster the improvement
      of liquid lens design and fabrication, including surface treatment and aberration
      reduction.

PMID- 22046058
TI  - Core-shell structured nanoassemblies based on beta-cyclodextrin containing block
      copolymer and poly(beta-benzyl L-aspartate) via host-guest complexation.
AB  - Double hydrophilic copolymers (PEG-b-PCDs) with one PEG block and another block
      containing beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) units were synthesized by macromolecular
      substitution reaction. Via a dialysis procedure, complex assemblies with a core
      shell structure were prepared using PEG-b-PCDs in the presence of a hydrophobic
      homopolymer poly(beta-benzyl L-aspartate) (PBLA). The hydrophobic PBLA resided
      preferably in the cores of assemblies, while the extending PEG chains acted as
      the outer shell. Host-guest interaction between beta-CD and hydrophobic benzyl
      group was found to mediate the formation of the assemblies, where PEG-b-PCD and
      PBLA served as the host and guest macromolecules, respectively. The particle size
      of the assemblies could be modulated by the composition of the host PEG-b-PCD
      copolymer. The molecular weight of the guest polymer also had a significant
      effect on the size of the assemblies. The assemblies prepared from the host and
      guest polymer pair were stable during a long-term storage. These assemblies could
      also be successfully reconstituted after freeze-drying. The assemblies may
      therefore be used as novel nanocarriers for the delivery of hydrophobic drugs.

PMID- 22046059
TI  - The Development of English Vowel Perception in Monolingual and Bilingual Infants:
      Neurophysiological Correlates.
AB  - The goal of this paper was to examine intrinsic and extrinsic factors
      contributing to the development of speech perception in monolingual and bilingual
      infants and toddlers. A substantial number of behavioral studies have
      characterized when infants show changes in behavior towards speech sounds in
      relation to amount of experience with these sounds. However, these studies cannot
      explain to what extent the developmental timeline is influenced by experience
      with the language versus constraints imposed by cortical maturation. Studies
      using electrophysiological measures to examine the development of auditory and
      speech processing have shown great differences in infant and adult
      electrophysiological correlates of processing. Many of these differences are a
      function of immature cortex in the infant. In this paper, we examined the
      maturation of infant and child event-related-potential (ERP) electrophysiological
      components in processing an English vowel contrast and explored to what extent
      these components are influenced by intrinsic (e.g., sex) versus extrinsic
      factors, such as language experience (monolingual vs. bilingual). Our findings
      demonstrate differences in the pattern of ERP responses related to age and sex,
      as well as language experience. These differences make it clear that general
      maturational factors need to be taken into consideration in examining the effect
      of language experience on the neurodevelopment of speech perception.

PMID- 22046060
TI  - Renal-sparing immunosuppressive protocol using OKT3 after liver transplantation:
      a 19-year single-institution experience.
AB  - Different renal-sparing immunosuppressive protocols have been used in liver
      transplantation. At our institution, muromonab-CD3 (OKT3) is used in patients
      with acute renal failure (ARF), along with a delay in starting a calcineurin
      inhibitor. This study was conducted to compare outcomes in liver transplant
      patients with ARF who received OKT3 and those who did not. From 1988 to 2007, ARF
      was present in 1685 of 2587 patients (65%). OKT3 was used in 109 patients (OKT3
      group). The control group (1416 patients) received a low-dose calcineurin
      inhibitor. The OKT3 group was more critically ill. In spite of this, the OKT3
      group patients who were on renal replacement therapy (RRT) achieved long-term
      survival similar to that of the control group on RRT. Among the patients who were
      not on RRT, the OKT3 group had a higher complete recovery rate, but this did not
      translate into improved long-term survival. Bacterial and fungal infections were
      more common in the OKT3 group; however, there was no increased risk of malignancy
      or death from hepatitis C recurrence. The use of OKT3 in patients with ARF
      allowed more critically ill patients on RRT to achieve survival rates similar to
      those of patients who did not receive OKT3.

PMID- 22046061
TI  - Carotid resection and reconstruction associated with treatment of head and neck
      cancer.
AB  - Patients with head and neck cancer may experience carotid artery involvement. We
      present a series of 10 patients, all with stage IVB disease, who required carotid
      resection and reconstruction to achieve a complete resection. Nine of the 10
      patients had previous radiation treatment to the neck. Six died of distant
      disease, and three died of other causes with no local or regional recurrences.
      Carotid resection and reconstruction can be done safely, achieving local and
      regional control.

PMID- 22046062
TI  - The preadmission packet: a strategy that benefits patients and nurses during the
      admission process.
AB  - At Baylor Jack and Jane Hamilton Heart and Vascular Hospital, we developed a
      preadmission packet that is given to patients before their procedure date,
      enabling them to complete much of their paperwork in advance. The results of our
      subsequent study revealed that nurses save time during the assessment interview
      when patients arrive at the hospital with their admission database forms
      completed. In a busy facility with a large number of patients admitted daily, the
      nursing time saved can translate into a substantial economic benefit. Even more
      important, however, is the benefit to patients, who feel less rushed and provide
      a more thorough and accurate medical history when they can fill out the admission
      database form at home.

PMID- 22046063
TI  - Multiple myeloma presenting as acute renal failure.

PMID- 22046064
TI  - Granulocytic sarcoma and HIV.
AB  - Hematopoietic neoplasms are known to occur in the setting of HIV. Excluding
      Kaposi's sarcoma, the neoplasms are generally high-grade lymphoproliferative
      disorders. Granulocytic sarcoma, an extramedullary hematopoietic malignancy that
      may precede or occur during the course of acute myeloid leukemia, has rarely been
      described in the HIV population. We present the fourth documented case, to our
      knowledge, of a granulocytic sarcoma occurring in an HIV-positive individual.
      This has been associated with a very poor prognostic outcome.

PMID- 22046065
TI  - Coronary angiography and computed tomography in situs inversus totalis.

PMID- 22046066
TI  - Journey to the Borderland: Baylor's Faith in Action Initiative's donation of
      medical equipment to Ukraine.

PMID- 22046067
TI  - Comfort and caring at the end of life: Baylor's doula program.

PMID- 22046068
TI  - Victorian origins of William Osler's philosemitism?

PMID- 22046069
TI  - Rubber gloves redux.

PMID- 22046070
TI  - Harold Clifton Urschel III, MD: an interview with the editor on his passion to
      prevent and cure addiction.

PMID- 22046072
TI  - Remembrances of dr. Billie aronoff.

PMID- 22046071
TI  - A tribute to John Capehart, MD, "Sooner proud" and 1961 National Spelling Bee
      champion.

PMID- 22046073
TI  - Electrocardiogram of a man with a single-chamber cardioverter/defibrillator.

PMID- 22046074
TI  - Primary cutaneous large B-cell lymphoma, leg type.
AB  - Primary cutaneous large B-cell lymphoma, leg type, is a rare and aggressive
      neoplasm as defined by the recently updated World Health Organization-European
      Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer classification of cutaneous
      lymphomas. We present a case of a 74-year-old woman who presented with a
      cutaneous lesion on her forearm. Skin biopsy revealed pathology consistent with
      this entity. The patient was treated with systemic chemotherapy with rituximab
      combined with doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, and prednisone. Here,
      we review the available literature and summarize clinical features and management
      of this uncommon subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

PMID- 22046075
TI  - A tracheal lesion simulating an aneurysmal bone cyst.

PMID- 22046076
TI  - Splenic hemangiomatosis.

PMID- 22046077
TI  - Positron emission tomography-computed tomography of esophageal adenocarcinoma
      with vascular invasion and tumor thrombus.

PMID- 22046078
TI  - New provisions regarding Texas Medical Board proceedings.

PMID- 22046079
TI  - Facts and ideas from anywhere.

PMID- 22046080
TI  - NF-kappaB signaling in the brain of autistic subjects.
AB  - Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by problems in
      communication, social skills, and repetitive behavior. Recent studies suggest
      that apoptotic and inflammatory mechanisms may contribute to the pathogenesis of
      this disorder. Nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) is an important gene
      transcriptional factor involved in the mediation of inflammation and apoptosis.
      This study examined the activities of the NF-kappaB signaling pathway in the
      brain of autistic subjects and their age-matched controls. The NF-kappaB
      activation is also determined in the brain of BTBR mice, which is a promising
      animal model for study of pathogenic mechanisms responsible for autism. Our
      results showed that the level of IKKalpha kinase, which phosphorylates the
      inhibitory subunit IkappaBalpha, is significantly increased in the cerebellum of
      autistic subjects. However, the expression and phosphorylation of IkappaBalpha
      are not altered. In addition, our results demonstrated that the expression of NF
      kappaB (p65), and the phosphorylation/activation of NF-kappaB (p65) at Ser536 are
      not significantly changed in the cerebellum and cortex of both autistic subjects
      and BTBR mice. Our findings suggest that the NF-kappaB signaling pathway is not
      disregulated in the brain of autistic subjects and thus may not be significantly
      involved in the processes of abnormal inflammatory responses suggested in
      autistic brain.

PMID- 22046081
TI  - Inhalative IL-10 attenuates pulmonary inflammation following hemorrhagic shock
      without major alterations of the systemic inflammatory response.
AB  - Several studies report immunomodulatory effects of endogenous IL-10 after trauma.
      The present study investigates the effect of inhalative IL-10 administration on
      systemic and pulmonary inflammation in hemorrhagic shock. Male C57/BL6 mice (8
      animals per group) were subjected to pressure-controlled hemorrhagic shock for
      1.5 hrs followed by resuscitation and inhalative administration of either 50 MUL
      PBS (Shock group) or 50 MUg/kg recombinant mouse IL-10 dissolved in 50 MUL PBS
      (Shock + IL-10 group). Animals were sacrificed after 4.5 hrs of recovery and
      serum IL-6, IL-10, KC, and MCP-1 concentrations were measured with ELISA kits.
      Acute pulmonary inflammation was assessed by pulmonary myeloperoxidase (MPO)
      activity and pulmonary H&E histopathology. Inhalative IL-10 administration
      decreased pulmonary inflammation without altering the systemic concentrations of
      IL-6, IL-10, and KC. Serum MCP-1 levels were significantly reduced following
      inhalative IL-10 administration. These findings suggest that inhalative IL-10
      administration may modulate the pulmonary microenvironment without major
      alterations of the systemic inflammatory response, thus minimizing the potential
      susceptibility to infection and sepsis.

PMID- 22046082
TI  - Update on endoscopic pancreatic function testing.
AB  - Hormone-stimulated pancreatic function tests (PFTs) are considered the gold
      standard for measuring pancreatic exocrine function. PFTs involve the
      administration of intravenous secretin or cholecystokinin, followed by collection
      and analysis of pancreatic secretions. Because exocrine function may decline in
      the earliest phase of pancreatic fibrosis, PFTs are considered accurate for
      diagnosing chronic pancreatitis. Unfortunately, these potentially valuable tests
      are infrequently performed except at specialized centers, because they are time
      consuming and complicated. To overcome these limitations, endoscopic PFT methods
      have been developed which include aspiration of pancreatic secretions through the
      suction channel of the endoscope. The secretin endoscopic pancreatic function
      test (ePFT) involves collection of duodenal aspirates at 15, 30, 45 and 60 min
      after secretin stimulation. A bicarbonate concentration greater than 80 mmol/L in
      any of the samples is considered a normal result. The secretin ePFT has
      demonstrated good sensitivity and specificity compared with various reference
      standards, including the "Dreiling tube" secretin PFT, endoscopic ultrasound, and
      surgical histology. Furthermore, a standard autoanalyzer can be used for
      bicarbonate analysis, which allows the secretin ePFT to be performed at any
      hospital. The secretin ePFT may complement imaging tests like endoscopic
      ultrasound (EUS) in the diagnosis of early chronic pancreatitis. This paper will
      review the literature validating the use of ePFT in the diagnosis of exocrine
      insufficiency and chronic pancreatitis. Newer developments will also be
      discussed, including the feasibility of combined EUS/ePFT, the use of
      cholecystokinin alone or in combination with secretin, and the discovery of new
      protein and lipid pancreatic juice biomarkers which may complement traditional
      fluid analysis.

PMID- 22046083
TI  - Ankaferd hemostat in the management of gastrointestinal hemorrhages.
AB  - Gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding refers to any hemorrhage ascribed to the
      pathologies of the gastrointestinal tract, extending from the mouth to the anal
      canal. Despite the recent improvements in the endoscopic, hemostatic and adjuvant
      pharmacologic techniques, the reported mortality is still around 5%-10% for
      peptic ulcer bleeding and about 15%-20% for variceal hemorrhages. Although
      endoscopic management reduces the rates of re-bleeding, surgery, and mortality in
      active bleeding; early recurrence ratios still occur in around 20% of the cases
      even with effective initial hemostatic measures. In this quest for an alternative
      pro-hemostatic agent for the management of GI bleedings, Ankaferd blood stopper
      (ABS) offers a successful candidate, specifically for "difficult-to-manage"
      situations as evidenced by data presented in several studies. ABS is a
      standardized mixture of the plants Thymus vulgaris, Glycyrrhiza glabra, Vitis
      vinifera, Alpinia officinarum, and Urtica dioica. It is effective in both
      bleeding individuals with normal hemostatic parameters and in patients with
      deficient primary and/or secondary hemostasis. ABS also modulates the cellular
      apoptotic responses to hemorrhagic stress, as well as hemostatic hemodynamic
      activity. Through its effects on the endothelium, blood cells, angiogenesis,
      cellular proliferation, vascular dynamics, and wound healing, ABS is now becoming
      an effective alternative hemostatic medicine for gastrointestinal bleedings that
      are resistant to conventional anti-hemorrhagic measurements. The aim of this
      review is to outline current literature experience suggesting the place of ABS in
      the management of GI bleeding, and potential future controlled trials in this
      complicated field.

PMID- 22046084
TI  - A new look at anti-Helicobacter pylori therapy.
AB  - With the rising prevalence of antimicrobial resistance, the treatment success of
      standard triple therapy has recently declined to unacceptable levels (i.e., 80%
      or less) in most countries. Therefore, several treatment regimens have emerged to
      cure Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection. Novel first-line anti-H. pylori
      therapies in 2011 include sequential therapy, concomitant quadruple therapy,
      hybrid (dual-concomitant) therapy and bismuth-containing quadruple therapy. After
      the failure of standard triple therapy, a bismuth-containing quadruple therapy
      comprising a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), bismuth, tetracycline and metronidazole
      can be employed as rescue treatment. Recently, triple therapy combining a PPI,
      levofloxacin and amoxicillin has been proposed as an alternative to the standard
      rescue therapy. This salvage regimen can achieve a higher eradication rate than
      bismuth-containing quadruple therapy in some regions and has less adverse
      effects. The best second-line therapy for patients who fail to eradicate H.
      pylori with first-line therapies containing clarithromycin, amoxicillin and
      metronidazole is unclear. However, a levofloxacin-based triple therapy is an
      accepted rescue treatment. Most guidelines suggest that patients requiring third
      line therapy should be referred to a medical center and treated according to the
      antibiotic susceptibility test. Nonetheless, an empirical therapy (such as
      levofloxacin-based or furazolidone-based therapies) can be employed to terminate
      H. pylori infection if antimicrobial sensitivity data are unavailable.

PMID- 22046085
TI  - MicroRNAs as a potential prognostic factor in gastric cancer.
AB  - AIM: To compare the microRNA (miR) profiles in the primary tumor of patients with
      recurrent and non-recurrent gastric cancer. METHODS: The study group included 45
      patients who underwent curative gastrectomies from 1995 to 2005 without adjuvant
      or neoadjuvant therapy and for whom adequate tumor content was available. Total
      RNA was extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor samples, preserving
      the small RNA fraction. Initial profiling using miR microarrays was performed to
      identify potential biomarkers of recurrence after resection. The expression of
      the differential miRs was later verified by quantitative real-time polymerase
      chain reaction (qRT-PCR). Findings were compared between patients who had a
      recurrence within 36 mo of surgery (bad-prognosis group, n = 14, 31%) and those
      who did not (good-prognosis group, n = 31, 69%). RESULTS: Three miRs, miR-451,
      miR-199a-3p and miR-195 were found to be differentially expressed in tumors from
      patients with good prognosis vs patients with bad prognosis (P < 0.0002, 0.0027
      and 0.0046 respectively). High expression of each miR was associated with poorer
      prognosis for both recurrence and survival. Using miR-451, the positive
      predictive value for non-recurrence was 100% (13/13). The expression of the
      differential miRs was verified by qRT-PCR, showing high correlation to the
      microarray data and similar separation into prognosis groups. CONCLUSION: This
      study identified three miRs, miR-451, miR-199a-3p and miR-195 to be predictive of
      recurrence of gastric cancer. Of these, miR-451 had the strongest prognostic
      impact.

PMID- 22046086
TI  - Dynamic changes and surveillance function of prion protein expression in gastric
      cancer drug resistance.
AB  - AIM: To explore the dynamic changes of prion protein (PrPc) in the process of
      gastric cancer drug resistance and the role of PrPc expression in the prognosis
      of gastric cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. METHODS: A series of gastric
      cancer cell lines resistant to different concentrations of adriamycin was
      established, and the expression of PrPc, Bcl-2 and Bax was detected in these
      cells. Apoptosis was determined using Annexin V staining. Western blotting and
      immunohistochemistry were performed to detect the expression of PrPc in patients
      receiving chemotherapy and to explore the role of PrPc expression in predicting
      the chemosensitivity and the outcome of gastric cancer patients receiving
      chemotherapy. Follow-up was performed for 2 years. RESULTS: PrPc expression was
      increased with the increase in drug resistance. Bcl-2, together with PrPc,
      increased the level of anti-apoptosis of cancer cells. Increased PrPc expression
      predicted the enhanced level of anti-apoptosis and resistance to anticancer
      drugs. PrPc expression could be used as a marker for predicting the efficacy of
      chemotherapy and the prognosis of gastric cancer. Increased PrPc expression
      predicted both poor chemosensitivity and a low 2-year survival rate. Contrarily,
      low PrPc expression predicted favorable chemosensitivity and a relatively high 2
      year survival rate. CONCLUSION: PrPc expression is associated with histological
      types and differentiation of gastric cancer cells; The PrPc expression level
      might be a valuable marker in predicting the efficacy of chemotherapy and the
      prognosis of gastric cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.

PMID- 22046087
TI  - Association of overexpression of TIF1gamma with colorectal carcinogenesis and
      advanced colorectal adenocarcinoma.
AB  - AIM: To determine the expression and clinical significance of transcriptional
      intermediary factor 1 gamma (TIF1gamma), Smad4 and transforming growth factor
      beta (TGFbetaR) across a spectrum representing colorectal cancer (CRC)
      development. METHODS: Tissue microarrays were prepared from archival paraffin
      embedded tissue, including 51 colorectal carcinomas, 25 tubular adenomas (TA) and
      26 HPs, each with matched normal colonic epithelium. Immunohistochemistry was
      performed using antibodies against TIF1gamma, Smad4 and TGFbetaRII. The levels of
      expression were scored semi-quantitatively (score 0-3 or loss and retention for
      Smad4). RESULTS: Overexpression of TIF1gamma was detected in 5/26 (19%) HP;
      however, it was seen in a significantly higher proportion of neoplasms, 15/25
      (60%) TAs and 24/51 (47%) CRCs (P < 0.05). Normal colonic mucosa, HP, and TAs
      showed strong Smad4 expression, while its expression was absent in 22/51 (43%)
      CRCs. Overexpression of TGFbetaRII was more commonly seen in neoplasms, 13/25
      (52%) TAs and 29/51 (57%) CRCs compared to 9/26 (35%) HP (P < 0.05). Furthermore,
      there was a correlation between TIF1gamma overexpression and Smad4 loss in CRC
      (Kendall tau rank correlation value = 0.35, P < 0.05). The levels of TIF1gamma
      overexpression were significantly higher in stage III than in stage I and II CRC
      (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The findings suggest that over-expression of TIF1gamma
      occurs in early stages of colorectal carcinogenesis, is inversely related with
      Smad4 loss, and may be a prognostic indicator for poor outcome.

PMID- 22046088
TI  - Role of high definition colonoscopy in colorectal adenomatous polyp detection.
AB  - AIM: To investigate the rates of polyp detection in a mixed risk population using
      standard definition (SDC) vs high definition colonoscopes (HDC). METHODS: This
      was a retrospective cohort comparative study of 3 colonoscopists who each
      consecutively performed 150 SDC (307, 200 pixel) and 150 HDC (792, 576 pixels) in
      a community teaching hospital. RESULTS: A total of 900 colonoscopies were
      evaluated (mean age 56, 46.8% men), 450 with each resolution. Polyps of any type
      were detected in 46.0% of patients using SDC and 43.3% with HDC (P = 0.42). There
      was no significant difference between the overall number of polyps, HDC (397) and
      SDC (410), detected among all patients examined, (P = 0.73). One or more
      adenomatous polyps were detected in 24.2% of patients with HDC and 24.9% of
      patients with SDC colonoscopy (P = 0.82). There was no significant difference
      between HDC (M = 0.41) and SDC (M = 0.42) regarding adenomatous polyp (P = 0.88)
      or advanced adenoma (P = 0.56) detection rate among all patients examined.
      CONCLUSION: HDC did not improve yield of adenomatous polyp, advanced adenoma or
      overall polyp detection in a population of individuals with mixed risk for
      colorectal cancer.

PMID- 22046089
TI  - Does N ratio affect survival in D1 and D2 lymph node dissection for gastric
      cancer?
AB  - AIM: To identify whether there could have been changes in survival if lymph node
      ratio (N ratio) had been used. METHODS: We assessed 334 gastric adenocarcinoma
      cases retrospectively between 2001 and 2009. Two hundred and sixteen patients out
      of 334 were included in the study. Patients were grouped according to disection1
      (D1) or dissection 2 (D2) dissection. We compared the estimated survival and
      actual survival determined by Pathologic nodes (pN) class and N ratio, and SPSS
      15.0 software was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Ninety-six (44.4%)
      patients underwent D1 dissection and 120 (55.6%) had D2 dissection. When groups
      were evaluated, 23 (24.0%) patients in D1 and 21 (17.5%) in D2 had stage
      migration (P = 0.001). When both D1 and D2 groups were evaluated for number of
      pathological lymph nodes, despite the fact that there was no difference in N
      ratio between D1 and D2 groups, a statistically significant difference was found
      between them with regard to pN1 and pN2 groups (P = 0.047, P = 0.044
      respectively). In D1, pN0 had the longest survival while pN3 had the shortest. In
      D2, pN0 had the longest survival whereas pN3 had the shortest survival.
      CONCLUSION: N ratio is an accurate staging system for defining prognosis and
      treatment plan, thus decreasing methodological errors in gastric cancer staging.

PMID- 22046090
TI  - Practical approaches to effective management of intestinal radiation injury:
      benefit of resectional surgery.
AB  - AIM: To study the outcome of patients undergoing surgical resection of the bowel
      for sustained radiation-induced damage intractable to conservative management.
      METHODS: During a 7-year period we operated on 17 cases (5 male, 12 female)
      admitted to our surgical department with intestinal radiation injury (IRI). They
      were originally treated for a pelvic malignancy by surgical resection followed by
      postoperative radiotherapy. During follow-up, they developed radiation enteritis
      requiring surgical treatment due to failure of conservative management. RESULTS:
      IRI was located in the terminal ileum in 12 patients, in the rectum in 2
      patients, in the descending colon in 2 patients, and in the cecum in one patient.
      All patients had resection of the affected region(s). There were no postoperative
      deaths, while 3 cases presented with postoperative complications (17.7%). All
      patients remained free of symptoms without evidence of recurrence of IRI for a
      median follow-up period of 42 mo (range, 6-96 mo). CONCLUSION: We report a
      favorable outcome without IRI recurrence of 17 patients treated by resection of
      the diseased bowel segment.

PMID- 22046092
TI  - Clinicopathological significance of altered Notch signaling in extrahepatic
      cholangiocarcinoma and gallbladder carcinoma.
AB  - AIM: To investigate the role and clinicopathological significance of aberrant
      expression of Notch receptors and Delta-like ligand-4 (DLL4) in extrahepatic
      cholangiocarcinoma and gallbladder carcinoma. METHODS: One hundred and ten
      patients had surgically resected extrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (CC) and
      gallbladder carcinoma specimens examined by immunohistochemistry of available
      paraffin blocks. Immunohistochemistry was performed using anti-Notch receptors 1
      4 and anti-DLL4 antibodies. We scored the immunopositivity of Notch receptors and
      DLL4 expression by percentage of positive tumor cells with cytoplasmic expression
      and intensity of immunostaining. Coexistent nuclear localization was evaluated.
      Clinicopathological parameters and survival data were compared with the
      expression of Notch receptors 1-4 and DLL4. RESULTS: Notch receptor proteins
      showed in the cytoplasm with or without nuclear expression in cancer cells, as
      well as showing weak cytoplasmic expression in non-neoplastic cells. By
      semiquantitative evaluation, positive immunostaining of Notch receptor 1 was
      detected in 96 cases (87.3%), Notch receptor 2 in 97 (88.2%), Notch receptor 3 in
      97 (88.2%), Notch receptor 4 in 103 (93.6), and DLL4 in 84 (76.4%). In addition,
      coexistent nuclear localization was noted [Notch receptor 1; 18 cases (18.8%),
      Notch receptor 2; 40 (41.2%), Notch receptor 3; 32 (33.0%), Notch receptor 4; 99
      (96.1%), DLL4; 48 (57.1%)]. Notch receptor 1 expression was correlated with
      advanced tumor, node, metastasis (TNM) stage (P = 0.043), Notch receptor 3 with
      advanced T stage (P = 0.017), tendency to express in cases with nodal metastasis
      (P = 0.065) and advanced TNM stage (P = 0.052). DLL4 expression tended to be
      related to less histological differentiation (P = 0.095). Coexistent nuclear
      localization of Notch receptor 3 was related to no nodal metastasis (P = 0.027)
      and Notch receptor 4 with less histological differentiation (P = 0.036), while
      DLL4 tended to be related inversely with T stage (P = 0.053). Coexistent nuclear
      localization of DLL4 was related to poor survival (P = 0.002). CONCLUSION:
      Aberrant expression of Notch receptors 1 and 3 play a role during cancer
      progression, and cytoplasmic nuclear coexistence of DLL4 expression correlates
      with poor survival in extrahepatic CC and gallbladder carcinoma.

PMID- 22046091
TI  - Corticotropin-releasing factor secretion from dendritic cells stimulated by
      commensal bacteria.
AB  - AIM: To study the production and secretion of corticotropin-releasing factor
      (CRF) by dendritic cells and the influence of commensal bacteria. METHODS: JAWSII
      cells (ATCC CRL-11904), a mouse dendritic cell line, were seeded into 24-well
      culture plates and grown for 3 d. Commensal bacterial strains of Clostridium
      clostrodiiforme (JCM1291), Bacteroides vulgatus (B. vulgatus) (JCM5856),
      Escherichia coli (JCM1649), or Fusobacterium varium (F. varium) (ATCC8501) were
      added to the cells except for the control well, and incubated for 2 h. After
      incubation, we performed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the cultured
      medium and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction for the dendritic
      cells, and compared these values with controls. RESULTS: The level of CRF
      secretion by control dendritic cells was 40.4 +/- 6.2 pg/mL. The CRF levels for
      cells incubated with F. varium and B. vulgatus were significantly higher than
      that of the control (P < 0.0001). CRF mRNA was present in the control sample
      without bacteria, and CRF mRNA levels in all samples treated with bacteria were
      above that of the control sample. F. varium caused the greatest increase in CRF
      mRNA expression. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that dendritic cells produce
      CRF, a process augmented by commensal bacteria.

PMID- 22046093
TI  - Metabolic syndrome, lifestyle risk factors, and distal colon adenoma: a
      retrospective cohort study.
AB  - AIM: To investigate relationships between colorectal adenoma incidence, metabolic
      syndrome (MS) components and lifestyle factors. METHODS: We conducted a
      retrospective cohort study using data from individuals who had multiple
      sigmoidoscopies for colon cancer at the Health Promotion Center of Ulsan
      University Hospital in Korea from 1998 to 2007. RESULTS: By multivariate
      analysis, the incidence of distal colon adenoma was increased by more than 1.76
      times in individuals with at least one component of MS compared to those without
      a component of MS. After adjustment for age, gender, smoking, drinking, and
      physical exercise, only high body mass index (BMI) was significantly associated
      with the incidence of distal colon adenoma (Hazard ratio 1.66, 95% confidence
      interval 1.05-2.62). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that high BMI may increase
      the risk of colorectal adenoma in Korean adults.

PMID- 22046094
TI  - Neoplasm-like abdominal nonhematogenous disseminated tuberculous lymphadenopathy:
      CT evaluation of 12 cases and literature review.
AB  - AIM: To assess the diagnostic value of computed tomography (CT) imaging in
      screening for abdominal nonhematogenous disseminated tuberculous lymphadenopathy
      (TL). METHODS: The CT scans of 12 patients with abdominal nonhematogenous
      disseminated TL suggestive of neoplasm were retrospectively analyzed in this
      review. The final diagnoses were confirmed by lymph node pathology for seven
      patients and by laparoscopic surgery for five patients. All of the patients were
      treated at our institution between April 1995 and August 2009. RESULTS: The sites
      of involvement were the periportal (n = 6), peripancreatic (n = 3), periaortic (n
      = 3), and mesenteric (n = 2) regions. On the plain CT scan, the lymphadenopathy
      showed a heterogeneous isodensity or hypodensity in 11 patients and a low density
      in one patient. Peripheral enhancement was observed on the dynamic contrast
      enhanced CT scans for all patients. In two cases, scans were more revealing
      during the portal venous and delayed phases. CONCLUSION: Abdominal
      lymphadenopathy with predominant peripheral rim-like enhancement on the dynamic
      contrast-enhanced CT scan may suggest a diagnosis of TL.

PMID- 22046095
TI  - Collagen-based biological glue after Appleby operation for advanced gastric
      cancer.
AB  - Pancreatic fistula is a common complication of distal pancreatectomy; although
      various surgical procedures have been proposed, no clear advantage is evident for
      a single technique. We herein report the case of a 38-year-old patient affected
      by an advanced gastric carcinoma infiltrating the pancreas body, with extensive
      nodal metastases involving the celiac trunk, who underwent total gastrectomy with
      lymphadenectomy, distal pancreatectomy and resection en bloc of the celiac trunk
      (Appleby operation). At the end of the demolitive phase, the pancreatic stump and
      the aorta at the level of the celiac ligature were covered with a layer of
      Tachosil((r)), a horse collagen sponge made with human coagulation factors
      (fibrinogen and thrombin). Presenting this case, we wish to highlight the
      possible sealing effect of this product and hypothesize a role in preventing
      pancreatic fistula and postoperative lymphorrhagia from extensive nodal
      dissection.

PMID- 22046096
TI  - Esophageal mucosal lesion with low-dose aspirin and prasugrel mimics malignancy:
      a case report.
AB  - Dual antiplatelet therapy consisting of low-dose aspirin (LDA) and other
      antiplatelet medications is recommended in patients with coronary heart disease,
      but it may increase the risk of esophageal lesion and bleeding. We describe a
      case of esophageal mucosal lesion that was difficult to distinguish from
      malignancy in a patient with a history of ingesting LDA and prasugrel after
      implantation of a drug-eluting stent. Multiple auxiliary examinations were
      performed to make a definite diagnosis. The patient recovered completely after
      concomitant acid-suppressive therapy. Based on these findings, we strongly argue
      for the evaluation of the risk of gastrointestinal mucosal injury and hemorrhage
      if LDA therapy is required, and we stress the paramount importance of using drug
      combinations in individual patients.

PMID- 22046097
TI  - Hypergastrinemia and recurrent type 1 gastric carcinoid in a young Indian male:
      necessity for antrectomy?
AB  - Carcinoid tumors are the most common neuroendocrine tumors. Gastric carcinoids
      represent 2% of all carcinoids and 1% of all gastric masses. Due to the
      widespread use of Esophagogastroduodenoscopy for evaluating a variety of upper
      gastrointestinal symptoms, the detection of early gastric carcinoids has
      increased. We highlight an alternative management of a young patient with
      recurrent type 1 gastric carcinoids with greater than 5 lesions, as well as
      lesions intermittently greater than 1 cm. Gastric carcinoids have a variable
      presentation and clinical course that is highly dependent on type. Type 1 gastric
      carcinoids are usually indolent and have a metastasis rate of less than 2%, even
      with tumors larger than 2 cm. There are a number of experts as well as
      organizations that recommend endoscopic resection for all type 1 gastric
      carcinoid lesions less than 1 cm, with a follow-up every 6-12 mo. They also
      recommend antrectomy for type 1 gastric carcinoids with greater than 5 lesions,
      lesions 1 cm or greater, or refractory anemia. However, the American Society of
      Gastrointestinal Endoscopy guidelines state that type 1 gastric carcinoid
      surveillance is controversial based on the evidence and could not make an
      evidence-based position statement on the best treatment modality. Our report
      illustrates a rare cause of iron deficiency anemia in a young male (without any
      medical history) due to multiple recurrent gastric carcinoid type 1 lesions in
      the setting of atrophic gastritis causing hypergastrinemia, and in the absence of
      a vitamin B12 deficiency. Gastric carcinoid type 1 can present in young males
      without an autoimmune history, despite the known predilection for women aged 50
      to 70 years. Type 1 gastric carcinoids can be managed by endoscopic resection in
      patients with greater than 5 lesions, even with lesions larger than 1 cm. This
      course of treatment enabled the avoidance of early antrectomy in our patient, who
      expressed a preference against more invasive measures at his young age.

PMID- 22046098
TI  - Electro-worming: The behaviors of Caenorhabditis (C.) elegans in DC and AC
      electric fields.

PMID- 22046099
TI  - Possible linkage of SP6 transcriptional activity with amelogenesis by protein
      stabilization.
AB  - Ameloblasts produce enamel matrix proteins such as amelogenin, ameloblastin, and
      amelotin during tooth development. The molecular mechanisms of ameloblast
      differentiation (amelogenesis) are currently not well understood. SP6 is a
      transcription factor of the Sp/KLF family that was recently found to regulate
      cell proliferation in a cell-type-specific manner. Sp6-deficient mice demonstrate
      characteristic tooth anomalies such as delayed eruption of the incisors and
      supernumerary teeth with disorganized amelogenesis. However, it remains unclear
      how Sp6 controls amelogenesis. In this study, we used SP6 high producer cells to
      identify SP6 target genes. Based on the observations that long-term culture of
      SP6 high producer cells reduced SP6 protein expression but not Sp6 mRNA
      expression, we found that SP6 is short lived and specifically degraded through a
      proteasome pathway. We established an in vitro inducible SP6 expression system
      coupled with siRNA knockdown and found a possible linkage between SP6 and
      amelogenesis through the regulation of amelotin and Rock1 gene expression by
      microarray analysis. Our findings suggest that the regulation of SP6 protein
      stability is one of the crucial steps in amelogenesis.

PMID- 22046100
TI  - Role of Shwachman-Bodian-Diamond syndrome protein in translation machinery and
      cell chemotaxis: a comparative genomics approach.
AB  - Shwachman-Bodian-Diamond syndrome (SBDS) is linked to a mutation in a single
      gene. The SBDS proinvolved in RNA metabolism and ribosome-associated functions,
      but SBDS mutation is primarily linked to a defect in polymorphonuclear leukocytes
      unable to orient correctly in a spatial gradient of chemoattractants. Results of
      data mining and comparative genomic approaches undertaken in this study suggest
      that SBDS protein is also linked to tRNA metabolism and translation initiation.
      Analysis of crosstalk between translation machinery and cytoskeletal dynamics
      provides new insights into the cellular chemotactic defects caused by SBDS
      protein malfunction. The proposed functional interactions provide a new approach
      to exploit potential targets in the treatment and monitoring of this disease.

PMID- 22046101
TI  - The role of galenic innovation in improving treatment compliance and persistence:
      three case studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to explore whether newer galenic
      formulations with lower treatment burdens are associated with better patient
      compliance and persistence compared with older more burdensome modalities.
      METHODS: Data from the IMS Disease Analyzer database were analyzed
      retrospectively for two pairs of analogs (alendronate sodium once daily vs once
      weekly and immediate-release vs extended-release methylphenidate) and one pair of
      drugs with similar indications but important differences in convenience and
      dosing instructions (desferrioxamine vs deferasirox). Compliance was calculated
      as the sum of prescription durations for all prescriptions for each patient over
      1 year. Persistence was calculated as the time between first and last
      prescriptions over 2 years (1 year for deferasirox and desferrioxamine). Data
      from Germany and the UK were available and used for analysis. RESULTS:
      Incremental improvements in compliance were +30% in the UK and +26% in Germany
      for alendronate once weekly vs once daily, +14% in the UK and +19% in Germany for
      extended-release vs immediate-release methylphenidate, and +15% in Germany for
      desferrioxamine vs deferasirox. Incremental improvements in persistence were +9
      months in the UK and +8 months in Germany for alendronate once weekly vs once
      daily, +4 months in the UK and +3 months in Germany for extended-release vs
      immediate-release methylphenidate, and +2 months in Germany for deferasirox vs
      desferrioxamine. CONCLUSION: The new formulations that we evaluated were
      associated with better compliance and persistence compared with older
      formulations. Despite the fact that some sources of bias could not be excluded,
      it is likely that these improvements can be attributed to the lower treatment
      burdens of the galenic formulations of the drugs considered. Further
      investigation is required to confirm these findings and to determine whether new
      galenic formulations can improve health outcomes in routine clinical practice.

PMID- 22046102
TI  - Role of centralized review processes for making reimbursement decisions on new
      health technologies in Europe.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare centralized
      reimbursement/coverage decision-making processes for health technologies in 23
      European countries, according to: mandate, authority, structure, and policy
      options; mechanisms for identifying, selecting, and evaluating technologies;
      clinical and economic evidence expectations; committee composition, procedures,
      and factors considered; available conditional reimbursement options for promising
      new technologies; and the manufacturers' roles in the process. METHODS: A
      comprehensive review of publicly available information from peer-reviewed
      literature (using a variety of bibliographic databases) and gray literature (eg,
      working papers, committee reports, presentations, and government documents) was
      conducted. Policy experts in each of the 23 countries were also contacted. All
      information collected was reviewed by two independent researchers. RESULTS: Most
      European countries have established centralized reimbursement systems for making
      decisions on health technologies. However, the scope of technologies considered,
      as well as processes for identifying, selecting, and reviewing them varies. All
      systems include an assessment of clinical evidence, compiled in accordance with
      their own guidelines or internationally recognized published ones. In addition,
      most systems require an economic evaluation. The quality of such information is
      typically assessed by content and methodological experts. Committees responsible
      for formulating recommendations or decisions are multidisciplinary. While
      criteria used by committees appear transparent, how they are operationalized
      during deliberations remains unclear. Increasingly, reimbursement systems are
      expressing interest in and/or implementing reimbursement policy options that
      extend beyond the traditional "yes," "no," or "yes with restrictions" options.
      Such options typically require greater involvement of manufacturers which, to
      date, has been limited. CONCLUSION: Centralized reimbursement systems have become
      an important policy tool in many European countries. Nevertheless, there remains
      a lack of transparency around critical elements, such as how multiple factors or
      criteria are weighed during committee deliberations.

PMID- 22046104
TI  - Impact of early intervention and disease modification in patients with
      predementia Alzheimer's disease: a Markov model simulation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Early screenings involving biomarkers and use of potential disease
      modifying therapies (DMTs) may have significant humanistic implications for
      treatment strategies in Alzheimer's disease. METHODS: Markov models simulated
      transitions of patient cohorts beginning in predementia, a hypothetical early
      stage of Alzheimer's disease marked by objective cognitive impairment/memory
      complaints without functional impairment, and followed for 10 years. Hypothetical
      cohorts of 10,000 patients included those who were treated with standard of care
      (donepezil) upon reaching mild-moderate Alzheimer's disease, a DMT in
      predementia, and a DMT in mild-moderate Alzheimer's disease. Transition
      probabilities were based on data from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging
      Initiative and published clinical data, and estimated for the hypothetical DMT.
      In each disease stage (predementia, mild, moderate, or severe), time was computed
      and costs were estimated using literature review and published data, and
      published data provided mortality rates. The impact of screening was evaluated
      using positive predictive value (patients identified as predementia truly at risk
      for transition to dementia). RESULTS: Earlier treatment yielded modest gains in
      total life-years; however, the distribution was skewed towards milder disease.
      Assuming a 25% reduction in the annual risk of progression, treating predementia
      patients with DMT increased life-years in predementia to mild states on average
      from 3.2 to 4.2, while life-years spent in moderate-to-severe Alzheimer's disease
      decreased from 2.6 to 2.2. Average time in the community increased from 4.4 to
      5.4 years, while time in long-term care declined from 1.3 to 0.9 years. This
      impact grows as the advantage of the novel agent increases. Screening accuracy
      had significant implications for cost-effectiveness. CONCLUSION: If screening can
      accurately identify predementia patients at risk for progression, earlier
      treatment with DMTs has the potential benefit to patients of prolonging time in
      milder disease, reducing time spent with more severe disease, increasing time in
      the community, and reducing time in long-term care.

PMID- 22046105
TI  - Relationship between leukotriene-modifying agent prescriptions dispensed and rate
      of suicide deaths by county in the US.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The US Food and Drug Administration has issued warnings about a
      potential link between leukotriene receptor-modifying agents (LTMA) and suicide.
      These warnings are based on case reports and there is controversy about the
      association. While spontaneous reporting of suicide-related events attributed to
      LTMA has risen dramatically, these data may be biased by the warnings. The
      objective of this study was to explore the relationship between LTMA and suicide
      deaths using event data preceding the Food and Drug Administration warnings.
      METHODS: We conducted a mixed-effects Poisson regression analysis of the
      association between LTMA prescriptions dispensed and suicide deaths at the county
      level. Counts of suicide deaths in each US county, stratified by race, age group,
      gender, and year were obtained from the National Center for Health Statistics for
      the period January 1, 1999 to December 31, 2006. Counts of LTMA prescriptions
      dispensed in each US county were obtained from IMS Health Incorporated. The model
      estimated the overall suicide rate conditional on LTMA use, adjusted for age,
      gender, race, year, and antidepressant utilization. We also assessed the
      intracounty and intercounty associations. RESULTS: There were 249,872 suicides in
      the US between 1999 and 2006, and the annual suicide rate ranged from 11.17 to
      11.92 per 100,000 population. There were 118.63, 11.68, and 0.12 million
      prescriptions dispensed for montelukast, zafirlukast, and zileuton, respectively,
      between 1999 and 2006. The mean rate of LTMA prescriptions dispensed by county
      was 42.91 (95% confidence interval [CI] 42.78-43.04), 4.82 (95% CI 4.81-4.84),
      and 0.05 (95% CI 0.05-0.05) per 1000 for montelukast, zafirlukast, and zileuton,
      respectively. We found a negative within-county association between the rate of
      total LTMA prescriptions dispensed and the suicide rate by county (P = 0.0296).
      This association was primarily driven by montelukast. CONCLUSION: Our results,
      while subject to certain limitations, provide preliminary evidence that the
      association between LTMA and suicide could be different (ie, reduced risk) than
      that which might be anticipated based on previous warnings. Patient-level
      research is needed to understand more clearly the association between LTMA and
      suicide.

PMID- 22046106
TI  - Effect of intravenous ondansetron on QT interval prolongation in patients with
      cardiovascular disease and additional risk factors for torsades: a prospective,
      observational study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The 5-hydroxytryptamine type 3 antagonists, or setrons (eg,
      ondansetron), are commonly used for nausea and vomiting in the hospital setting.
      In 2001, droperidol was given a black box warning because it was found to prolong
      the QT interval and induce arrhythmias. The setrons share with droperidol the
      same potential proarrhythmic mechanisms, but limited data exist concerning their
      effects on the QT interval in individuals at high risk for torsades de pointes.
      METHODS: Forty hospitalized patients admitted for heart failure or acute coronary
      syndromes with one or more risk factors for torsades de pointes and an order for
      intravenous ondansetron 4 mg were enrolled in this prospective, observational
      study. The QT interval corrected for heart rate (QTc) was obtained via a 12-lead
      electrocardiogram on admission and again 120 minutes after the first dose of
      ondansetron in order to determine the mean change in QTc following ondansetron
      exposure. RESULTS: The mean time interval between obtaining the baseline
      electrocardiogram and the second electrocardiogram following ondansetron
      administration was 3.5 +/- 2.14 hours. In the total population, the QTc interval
      was prolonged by 19.3 +/- 18 msec (P < 0.0001) 120 minutes after ondansetron
      administration. For patients with an acute coronary syndrome and those with heart
      failure, QTc was prolonged by 18.3 +/- 20 msec (P < 0.0001) and 20.6 +/- 20 msec
      (P < 0.0012), respectively. Following ondansetron exposure, 31% and 46% in the
      heart failure and acute coronary syndromes groups, respectively, met gender
      related thresholds for a prolonged QTc. CONCLUSION: Our study found QTc
      prolongation due to ondansetron administration similar to that found in previous
      studies. When used in patients with cardiovascular disease (eg, heart failure or
      acute coronary syndromes) with one or more risk factors for torsades de pointes,
      ondansetron may significantly increase the QTc interval for up to 120 minutes
      after administration. From a patient safety perspective, patients who are at high
      risk for torsades de pointes and receiving ondansetron should be followed via
      telemetry when admitted to hospital.

PMID- 22046107
TI  - Cumulative clinical experience from over a decade of use of levofloxacin in
      community-acquired pneumonia: critical appraisal and role in therapy.
AB  - Levofloxacin is the synthetic L-isomer of the racemic fluoroquinolone, ofloxacin.
      It interferes with critical processes in the bacterial cell such as DNA
      replication, transcription, repair, and recombination by inhibiting bacterial
      topoisomerases. Levofloxacin has broad spectrum activity against several
      causative bacterial pathogens of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP). Oral
      levofloxacin is rapidly absorbed and is bioequivalent to the intravenous
      formulation such that patients can be conveniently transitioned between these
      formulations when moving from the inpatient to the outpatient setting.
      Furthermore, levofloxacin demonstrates excellent safety, and has good tissue
      penetration maintaining adequate concentrations at the site of infection. The
      efficacy and tolerability of levofloxacin 500 mg once daily for 10 days in
      patients with CAP are well established. Furthermore, a high-dose (750 mg) and
      short-course (5 days) of once-daily levofloxacin has been approved for use in the
      US in the treatment of CAP, acute bacterial sinusitis, acute pyelonephritis, and
      complicated urinary tract infections. The high-dose, short-course levofloxacin
      regimen maximizes its concentration-dependent antibacterial activity, decreases
      the potential for drug resistance, and has better patient compliance.

PMID- 22046108
TI  - Improved Binding Free Energy Predictions from Single-Reference Thermodynamic
      Integration Augmented with Hamiltonian Replica Exchange.
AB  - Reliable predictions of relative binding free energies are essential in drug
      discovery, where chemists modify promising compounds with the aim of increasing
      binding affinity. Conventional Thermodynamic Integration (TI) approaches can
      estimate corresponding changes in binding free energies, but suffer from
      inadequate sampling due to ruggedness of the molecular energy surfaces. Here, we
      present an improved TI strategy for computing relative binding free energies of
      congeneric ligands. This strategy employs a specific, unphysical single-reference
      (SR) state and Hamiltonian replica exchange (HREX) to locally enhance sampling.
      We then apply this strategy to compute relative binding free energies of twelve
      ligands in the L99A mutant of T4 Lysozyme. Besides the ligands, our approach
      enhances hindered rotations of the important V111, as well as V87 and L118
      sidechains. Concurrently, we devise practical strategies to monitor and improve
      HREX-SRTI efficiency. Overall, the HREX-SRTI results agree well (R(2) = 0.76,
      RMSE = 0.3 kcal/mol) with available experimental data. When optimized for
      efficiency, the HREX-SRTI precision matches that of experimental measurements.

PMID- 22046109
TI  - BioStar: an online question & answer resource for the bioinformatics community.

PMID- 22046110
TI  - Receptive field inference with localized priors.
AB  - The linear receptive field describes a mapping from sensory stimuli to a one
      dimensional variable governing a neuron's spike response. However, traditional
      receptive field estimators such as the spike-triggered average converge slowly
      and often require large amounts of data. Bayesian methods seek to overcome this
      problem by biasing estimates towards solutions that are more likely a priori,
      typically those with small, smooth, or sparse coefficients. Here we introduce a
      novel Bayesian receptive field estimator designed to incorporate locality, a
      powerful form of prior information about receptive field structure. The key to
      our approach is a hierarchical receptive field model that flexibly adapts to
      localized structure in both spacetime and spatiotemporal frequency, using an
      inference method known as empirical Bayes. We refer to our method as automatic
      locality determination (ALD), and show that it can accurately recover various
      types of smooth, sparse, and localized receptive fields. We apply ALD to neural
      data from retinal ganglion cells and V1 simple cells, and find it achieves error
      rates several times lower than standard estimators. Thus, estimates of comparable
      accuracy can be achieved with substantially less data. Finally, we introduce a
      computationally efficient Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithm for fully
      Bayesian inference under the ALD prior, yielding accurate Bayesian confidence
      intervals for small or noisy datasets.

PMID- 22046111
TI  - Decoding complex chemical mixtures with a physical model of a sensor array.
AB  - Combinatorial sensor arrays, such as the olfactory system, can detect a large
      number of analytes using a relatively small number of receptors. However, the
      complex pattern of receptor responses to even a single analyte, coupled with the
      non-linearity of responses to mixtures of analytes, makes quantitative prediction
      of compound concentrations in a mixture a challenging task. Here we develop a
      physical model that explicitly takes receptor-ligand interactions into account,
      and apply it to infer concentrations of highly related sugar nucleotides from the
      output of four engineered G-protein-coupled receptors. We also derive design
      principles that enable accurate mixture discrimination with cross-specific sensor
      arrays. The optimal sensor parameters exhibit relatively weak dependence on
      component concentrations, making a single designed array useful for analyzing a
      sizable range of mixtures. The maximum number of mixture components that can be
      successfully discriminated is twice the number of sensors in the array. Finally,
      antagonistic receptor responses, well-known to play an important role in natural
      olfactory systems, prove to be essential for the accurate prediction of component
      concentrations.

PMID- 22046112
TI  - Conformation regulation of the X chromosome inactivation center: a model.
AB  - X-Chromosome Inactivation (XCI) is the process whereby one, randomly chosen X
      becomes transcriptionally silenced in female cells. XCI is governed by the Xic, a
      locus on the X encompassing an array of genes which interact with each other and
      with key molecular factors. The mechanism, though, establishing the fate of the
      X's, and the corresponding alternative modifications of the Xic architecture, is
      still mysterious. In this study, by use of computer simulations, we explore the
      scenario where chromatin conformations emerge from its interaction with diffusing
      molecular factors. Our aim is to understand the physical mechanisms whereby
      stable, non-random conformations are established on the Xic's, how complex
      architectural changes are reliably regulated, and how they lead to opposite
      structures on the two alleles. In particular, comparison against current
      experimental data indicates that a few key cis-regulatory regions orchestrate the
      organization of the Xic, and that two major molecular regulators are involved.

PMID- 22046113
TI  - STDP allows fast rate-modulated coding with Poisson-like spike trains.
AB  - Spike timing-dependent plasticity (STDP) has been shown to enable single neurons
      to detect repeatedly presented spatiotemporal spike patterns. This holds even
      when such patterns are embedded in equally dense random spiking activity, that
      is, in the absence of external reference times such as a stimulus onset. Here we
      demonstrate, both analytically and numerically, that STDP can also learn
      repeating rate-modulated patterns, which have received more experimental
      evidence, for example, through post-stimulus time histograms (PSTHs). Each input
      spike train is generated from a rate function using a stochastic sampling
      mechanism, chosen to be an inhomogeneous Poisson process here. Learning is
      feasible provided significant covarying rate modulations occur within the typical
      timescale of STDP (~10-20 ms) for sufficiently many inputs (~100 among 1000 in
      our simulations), a condition that is met by many experimental PSTHs. Repeated
      pattern presentations induce spike-time correlations that are captured by STDP.
      Despite imprecise input spike times and even variable spike counts, a single
      trained neuron robustly detects the pattern just a few milliseconds after its
      presentation. Therefore, temporal imprecision and Poisson-like firing variability
      are not an obstacle to fast temporal coding. STDP provides an appealing mechanism
      to learn such rate patterns, which, beyond sensory processing, may also be
      involved in many cognitive tasks.

PMID- 22046114
TI  - Ten simple rules for getting involved in your scientific community.

PMID- 22046116
TI  - Teaching bioinformatics at the secondary school level.

PMID- 22046115
TI  - Grid cells, place cells, and geodesic generalization for spatial reinforcement
      learning.
AB  - Reinforcement learning (RL) provides an influential characterization of the
      brain's mechanisms for learning to make advantageous choices. An important
      problem, though, is how complex tasks can be represented in a way that enables
      efficient learning. We consider this problem through the lens of spatial
      navigation, examining how two of the brain's location representations-
      hippocampal place cells and entorhinal grid cells--are adapted to serve as basis
      functions for approximating value over space for RL. Although much previous work
      has focused on these systems' roles in combining upstream sensory cues to track
      location, revisiting these representations with a focus on how they support this
      downstream decision function offers complementary insights into their
      characteristics. Rather than localization, the key problem in learning is
      generalization between past and present situations, which may not match
      perfectly. Accordingly, although neural populations collectively offer a precise
      representation of position, our simulations of navigational tasks verify the
      suggestion that RL gains efficiency from the more diffuse tuning of individual
      neurons, which allows learning about rewards to generalize over longer distances
      given fewer training experiences. However, work on generalization in RL suggests
      the underlying representation should respect the environment's layout. In
      particular, although it is often assumed that neurons track location in Euclidean
      coordinates (that a place cell's activity declines "as the crow flies" away from
      its peak), the relevant metric for value is geodesic: the distance along a path,
      around any obstacles. We formalize this intuition and present simulations showing
      how Euclidean, but not geodesic, representations can interfere with RL by
      generalizing inappropriately across barriers. Our proposal that place and grid
      responses should be modulated by geodesic distances suggests novel predictions
      about how obstacles should affect spatial firing fields, which provides a new
      viewpoint on data concerning both spatial codes.

PMID- 22046117
TI  - Ten simple rules for teaching bioinformatics at the high school level.

PMID- 22046118
TI  - A first attempt to bring computational biology into advanced high school biology
      classrooms.
AB  - Computer science has become ubiquitous in many areas of biological research, yet
      most high school and even college students are unaware of this. As a result, many
      college biology majors graduate without adequate computational skills for
      contemporary fields of biology. The absence of a computational element in
      secondary school biology classrooms is of growing concern to the computational
      biology community and biology teachers who would like to acquaint their students
      with updated approaches in the discipline. We present a first attempt to correct
      this absence by introducing a computational biology element to teach genetic
      evolution into advanced biology classes in two local high schools. Our primary
      goal was to show students how computation is used in biology and why a basic
      understanding of computation is necessary for research in many fields of biology.
      This curriculum is intended to be taught by a computational biologist who has
      worked with a high school advanced biology teacher to adapt the unit for his/her
      classroom, but a motivated high school teacher comfortable with mathematics and
      computing may be able to teach this alone. In this paper, we present our
      curriculum, which takes into consideration the constraints of the required
      curriculum, and discuss our experiences teaching it. We describe the successes
      and challenges we encountered while bringing this unit to high school students,
      discuss how we addressed these challenges, and make suggestions for future
      versions of this curriculum.We believe that our curriculum can be a valuable seed
      for further development of computational activities aimed at high school biology
      students. Further, our experiences may be of value to others teaching
      computational biology at this level. Our curriculum can be obtained at
      http://ecsite.cs.colorado.edu/?page_id=149#biology or by contacting the authors.

PMID- 22046119
TI  - Ten simple rules for developing a short bioinformatics training course.

PMID- 22046120
TI  - Unbiased simulations reveal the inward-facing conformation of the human serotonin
      transporter and Na(+) ion release.
AB  - Monoamine transporters are responsible for termination of synaptic signaling and
      are involved in depression, control of appetite, and anxiety amongst other
      neurological processes. Despite extensive efforts, the structures of the
      monoamine transporters and the transport mechanism of ions and substrates are
      still largely unknown. Structural knowledge of the human serotonin transporter
      (hSERT) is much awaited for understanding the mechanistic details of substrate
      translocation and binding of antidepressants and drugs of abuse. The publication
      of the crystal structure of the homologous leucine transporter has resulted in
      homology models of the monoamine transporters. Here we present extended molecular
      dynamics simulations of an experimentally supported homology model of hSERT with
      and without the natural substrate yielding a total of more than 1.5 us of
      simulation of the protein dimer. The simulations reveal a transition of hSERT
      from an outward-facing occluded conformation to an inward-facing conformation in
      a one-substrate-bound state. Simulations with a second substrate in the proposed
      symport effector site did not lead to conformational changes associated with
      translocation. The central substrate binding site becomes fully exposed to the
      cytoplasm leaving both the Na(+)-ion in the Na2-site and the substrate in direct
      contact with the cytoplasm through water interactions. The simulations reveal how
      sodium is released and show indications of early events of substrate transport.
      The notion that ion dissociation from the Na2-site drives translocation is
      supported by experimental studies of a Na2-site mutant. Transmembrane helices
      (TMs) 1 and 6 are identified as the helices involved in the largest movements
      during transport.

PMID- 22046121
TI  - LTS and FS inhibitory interneurons, short-term synaptic plasticity, and cortical
      circuit dynamics.
AB  - Somatostatin-expressing, low threshold-spiking (LTS) cells and fast-spiking (FS)
      cells are two common subtypes of inhibitory neocortical interneuron. Excitatory
      synapses from regular-spiking (RS) pyramidal neurons to LTS cells strongly
      facilitate when activated repetitively, whereas RS-to-FS synapses depress. This
      suggests that LTS neurons may be especially relevant at high rate regimes and
      protect cortical circuits against over-excitation and seizures. However, the
      inhibitory synapses from LTS cells usually depress, which may reduce their
      effectiveness at high rates. We ask: by which mechanisms and at what firing rates
      do LTS neurons control the activity of cortical circuits responding to thalamic
      input, and how is control by LTS neurons different from that of FS neurons? We
      study rate models of circuits that include RS cells and LTS and FS inhibitory
      cells with short-term synaptic plasticity. LTS neurons shift the RS firing-rate
      vs. current curve to the right at high rates and reduce its slope at low rates;
      the LTS effect is delayed and prolonged. FS neurons always shift the curve to the
      right and affect RS firing transiently. In an RS-LTS-FS network, FS neurons reach
      a quiescent state if they receive weak input, LTS neurons are quiescent if RS
      neurons receive weak input, and both FS and RS populations are active if they
      both receive large inputs. In general, FS neurons tend to follow the spiking of
      RS neurons much more closely than LTS neurons. A novel type of facilitation
      induced slow oscillations is observed above the LTS firing threshold with a
      frequency determined by the time scale of recovery from facilitation. To
      conclude, contrary to earlier proposals, LTS neurons affect the transient and
      steady state responses of cortical circuits over a range of firing rates, not
      only during the high rate regime; LTS neurons protect against over-activation
      about as well as FS neurons.

PMID- 22046122
TI  - Second order dimensionality reduction using minimum and maximum mutual
      information models.
AB  - Conventional methods used to characterize multidimensional neural feature
      selectivity, such as spike-triggered covariance (STC) or maximally informative
      dimensions (MID), are limited to Gaussian stimuli or are only able to identify a
      small number of features due to the curse of dimensionality. To overcome these
      issues, we propose two new dimensionality reduction methods that use minimum and
      maximum information models. These methods are information theoretic extensions of
      STC that can be used with non-Gaussian stimulus distributions to find relevant
      linear subspaces of arbitrary dimensionality. We compare these new methods to the
      conventional methods in two ways: with biologically-inspired simulated neurons
      responding to natural images and with recordings from macaque retinal and
      thalamic cells responding to naturalistic time-varying stimuli. With non-Gaussian
      stimuli, the minimum and maximum information methods significantly outperform STC
      in all cases, whereas MID performs best in the regime of low dimensional feature
      spaces.

PMID- 22046123
TI  - A sparse coding model with synaptically local plasticity and spiking neurons can
      account for the diverse shapes of V1 simple cell receptive fields.
AB  - Sparse coding algorithms trained on natural images can accurately predict the
      features that excite visual cortical neurons, but it is not known whether such
      codes can be learned using biologically realistic plasticity rules. We have
      developed a biophysically motivated spiking network, relying solely on
      synaptically local information, that can predict the full diversity of V1 simple
      cell receptive field shapes when trained on natural images. This represents the
      first demonstration that sparse coding principles, operating within the
      constraints imposed by cortical architecture, can successfully reproduce these
      receptive fields. We further prove, mathematically, that sparseness and
      decorrelation are the key ingredients that allow for synaptically local
      plasticity rules to optimize a cooperative, linear generative image model formed
      by the neural representation. Finally, we discuss several interesting emergent
      properties of our network, with the intent of bridging the gap between
      theoretical and experimental studies of visual cortex.

PMID- 22046124
TI  - Metabolic regulation in progression to autoimmune diabetes.
AB  - Recent evidence from serum metabolomics indicates that specific metabolic
      disturbances precede beta-cell autoimmunity in humans and can be used to identify
      those children who subsequently progress to type 1 diabetes. The mechanisms
      behind these disturbances are unknown. Here we show the specificity of the pre
      autoimmune metabolic changes, as indicated by their conservation in a murine
      model of type 1 diabetes. We performed a study in non-obese prediabetic (NOD)
      mice which recapitulated the design of the human study and derived the metabolic
      states from longitudinal lipidomics data. We show that female NOD mice who later
      progress to autoimmune diabetes exhibit the same lipidomic pattern as prediabetic
      children. These metabolic changes are accompanied by enhanced glucose-stimulated
      insulin secretion, normoglycemia, upregulation of insulinotropic amino acids in
      islets, elevated plasma leptin and adiponectin, and diminished gut microbial
      diversity of the Clostridium leptum group. Together, the findings indicate that
      autoimmune diabetes is preceded by a state of increased metabolic demands on the
      islets resulting in elevated insulin secretion and suggest alternative metabolic
      related pathways as therapeutic targets to prevent diabetes.

PMID- 22046125
TI  - Quorum sensing in fungi: Q&A.

PMID- 22046126
TI  - Frequent and recent human acquisition of simian foamy viruses through apes' bites
      in central Africa.
AB  - Human infection by simian foamy viruses (SFV) can be acquired by persons
      occupationally exposed to non-human primates (NHP) or in natural settings. This
      study aimed at getting better knowledge on SFV transmission dynamics, risk
      factors for such a zoonotic infection and, searching for intra-familial
      dissemination and the level of peripheral blood (pro)viral loads in infected
      individuals. We studied 1,321 people from the general adult population (mean age
      49 yrs, 640 women and 681 men) and 198 individuals, mostly men, all of whom had
      encountered a NHP with a resulting bite or scratch. All of these, either Pygmies
      (436) or Bantus (1085) live in villages in South Cameroon. A specific SFV Western
      blot was used and two nested PCRs (polymerase, and LTR) were done on all the
      positive/borderline samples by serology. In the general population, 2/1,321
      (0.2%) persons were found to be infected. In the second group, 37/198 (18.6%)
      persons were SFV positive. They were mostly infected by apes (37/39) FV (mainly
      gorilla). Infection by monkey FV was less frequent (2/39). The viral origin of
      the amplified sequences matched with the history reported by the hunters, most of
      which (83%) are aged 20 to 40 years and acquired the infection during the last
      twenty years. The (pro)viral load in 33 individuals infected by a gorilla FV was
      quite low (<1 to 145 copies per 10(5) cells) in the peripheral blood leucocytes.
      Of the 30 wives and 12 children from families of FV infected persons, only one
      woman was seropositive in WB without subsequent viral DNA amplification. We
      demonstrate a high level of recent transmission of SFVs to humans in natural
      settings specifically following severe gorilla bites during hunting activities.
      The virus was found to persist over several years, with low SFV loads in infected
      persons. Secondary transmission remains an open question.

PMID- 22046127
TI  - Non-hematopoietic cells in lymph nodes drive memory CD8 T cell inflation during
      murine cytomegalovirus infection.
AB  - During human and murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV) infection an exceptionally large
      virus-specific CD8 T cell pool is maintained in the periphery lifelong. This
      anomalous response is only seen for specific subsets of MCMV-specific CD8 T cells
      which are referred to as 'inflationary T cells'. How memory CD8 T cell inflation
      is induced and maintained is unclear, though their activated phenotype strongly
      suggests an involvement of persistent antigen encounter during MCMV latency. To
      dissect the cellular and molecular requirements for memory CD8 T cell inflation,
      we have generated a transgenic mouse expressing an MHC class I-restricted T cell
      receptor specific for an immunodominant inflationary epitope of MCMV. Through a
      series of adoptive transfer experiments we found that memory inflation was
      completely dependent on antigen presentation by non-hematopoietic cells, which
      are also the predominant site of MCMV latency. In particular, non-hematopoietic
      cells selectively induced robust proliferation of inflationary CD8 T cells in
      lymph nodes, where a majority of the inflationary CD8 T cells exhibit a central
      memory phenotype, but not in peripheral tissues, where terminally differentiated
      inflationary T cells accumulate. These results indicate that continuous
      restimulation of central memory CD8 T cells in the lymph nodes by infected non
      hematopoietic cells ensures the maintenance of a functional effector CD8 T pool
      in the periphery, providing protection against viral reactivation events.

PMID- 22046128
TI  - Deep molecular characterization of HIV-1 dynamics under suppressive HAART.
AB  - In order to design strategies for eradication of HIV-1 from infected individuals,
      detailed insight into the HIV-1 reservoirs that persist in patients on
      suppressive antiretroviral therapy (ART) is required. In this regard, most
      studies have focused on integrated (proviral) HIV-1 DNA forms in cells
      circulating in blood. However, the majority of proviral DNA is replication
      defective and archival, and as such, has limited ability to reveal the dynamics
      of the viral population that persists in patients on suppressive ART. In
      contrast, extrachromosomal (episomal) viral DNA is labile and as a consequence is
      a better surrogate for recent infection events and is able to inform on the
      extent to which residual replication contributes to viral reservoir maintenance.
      To gain insight into the diversity and compartmentalization of HIV-1 under
      suppressive ART, we extensively analyzed longitudinal peripheral blood
      mononuclear cells (PBMC) samples by deep sequencing of episomal and integrated
      HIV-1 DNA from patients undergoing raltegravir intensification. Reverse
      transcriptase genes selectively amplified from episomal and proviral HIV-1 DNA
      were analyzed by deep sequencing 0, 2, 4, 12, 24 and 48 weeks after raltegravir
      intensification. We used maximum likelihood phylogenies and statistical tests
      (AMOVA and Slatkin-Maddison (SM)) in order to determine molecular
      compartmentalization. We observed low molecular variance (mean variability
      <=0.042). Although phylogenies showed that both DNA forms were intermingled
      within the phylogenetic tree, we found a statistically significant
      compartmentalization between episomal and proviral DNA samples (P<10(-6) AMOVA
      test; P = 0.001 SM test), suggesting that they belong to different viral
      populations. In addition, longitudinal analysis of episomal and proviral DNA by
      phylogeny and AMOVA showed signs of non-chronological temporal
      compartmentalization (all comparisons P<10(-6)) suggesting that episomal and
      proviral DNA forms originated from different anatomical compartments.
      Collectively, this suggests the presence of a chronic viral reservoir in which
      there is stochastic release of infectious virus and in which there are limited
      rounds of de novo infection. This could be explained by the existence of
      different reservoirs with unique pharmacological accessibility properties, which
      will require strategies that improve drug penetration/retention within these
      reservoirs in order to minimise maintenance of the viral reservoir by de novo
      infection.

PMID- 22046129
TI  - Histone deacetylase 8 is required for centrosome cohesion and influenza A virus
      entry.
AB  - Influenza A virus (IAV) enters host cells by endocytosis followed by acid
      activated penetration from late endosomes (LEs). Using siRNA silencing, we found
      that histone deacetylase 8 (HDAC8), a cytoplasmic enzyme, efficiently promoted
      productive entry of IAV into tissue culture cells, whereas HDAC1 suppressed it.
      HDAC8 enhanced endocytosis, acidification, and penetration of the incoming virus.
      In contrast, HDAC1 inhibited acidification and penetration. The effects were
      connected with dramatic alterations in the organization of the microtubule
      system, and, as a consequence, a change in the behavior of LEs and lysosomes
      (LYs). Depletion of HDAC8 caused loss of centrosome-associated microtubules and
      loss of directed centripetal movement of LEs, dispersing LE/LYs to the cell
      periphery. For HDAC1, the picture was the opposite. To explain these changes,
      centrosome cohesion emerged as the critical factor. Depletion of HDAC8 caused
      centrosome splitting, which could also be induced by depleting a centriole-linker
      protein, rootletin. In both cases, IAV infection was inhibited. HDAC1 depletion
      reduced the splitting of centrosomes, and enhanced infection. The longer the
      distance between centrosomes, the lower the level of infection. HDAC8 depletion
      was also found to inhibit infection of Uukuniemi virus (a bunyavirus) suggesting
      common requirements among late penetrating enveloped viruses. The results
      established class I HDACs as powerful regulators of microtubule organization,
      centrosome function, endosome maturation, and infection by IAV and other late
      penetrating viruses.

PMID- 22046130
TI  - Leishmania mitochondrial peroxiredoxin plays a crucial peroxidase-unrelated role
      during infection: insight into its novel chaperone activity.
AB  - Two-cysteine peroxiredoxins are ubiquitous peroxidases that play various
      functions in cells. In Leishmania and related trypanosomatids, which lack
      catalase and selenium-glutathione peroxidases, the discovery of this family of
      enzymes provided the molecular basis for peroxide removal in these organisms. In
      this report the functional relevance of one of such enzymes, the mitochondrial 2
      Cys peroxiredoxin (mTXNPx), was investigated along the Leishmania infantum life
      cycle. mTXNPx null mutants (mtxnpx(-)) produced by a gene replacement strategy,
      while indistinguishable from wild type promastigotes, were found unable to thrive
      in a murine model of infection. Unexpectedly, however, the avirulent phenotype of
      mtxnpx(-) was not due to lack of the peroxidase activity of mTXNPx as these
      behaved like controls when exposed to oxidants added exogenously or generated by
      macrophages during phagocytosis ex vivo. In line with this, mtxnpx(-) were also
      avirulent when inoculated into murine hosts unable to mount an effective
      oxidative phagocyte response (B6.p47(phox-/-) and B6.RAG2(-/-) IFN-gamma(-/-)
      mice). Definitive conclusion that the peroxidase activity of mTXNPx is not
      required for parasite survival in mice was obtained by showing that a peroxidase
      inactive version of this protein was competent in rescuing the non-infective
      phenotype of mtxnpx(-). A novel function is thus proposed for mTXNPx, that of a
      molecular chaperone, which may explain the impaired infectivity of the null
      mutants. This premise is based on the observation that the enzyme is able to
      suppress the thermal aggregation of citrate synthase in vitro. Also, mtxnpx(-)
      were more sensitive than controls to a temperature shift from 25 degrees C to 37
      degrees C, a phenotype reminiscent of organisms lacking specific chaperone genes.
      Collectively, the findings reported here change the paradigm which regards all
      trypanosomatid 2-Cys peroxiredoxins as peroxide-eliminating devices. Moreover,
      they demonstrate, for the first time, that these 2-Cys peroxiredoxins can be
      determinant for pathogenicity independently of their peroxidase activity.

PMID- 22046131
TI  - Tubule-guided cell-to-cell movement of a plant virus requires class XI myosin
      motors.
AB  - Cell-to-cell movement of plant viruses occurs via plasmodesmata (PD), organelles
      that evolved to facilitate intercellular communications. Viral movement proteins
      (MP) modify PD to allow passage of the virus particles or nucleoproteins. This
      passage occurs via several distinct mechanisms one of which is MP-dependent
      formation of the tubules that traverse PD and provide a conduit for virion
      translocation. The MP of tubule-forming viruses including Grapevine fanleaf virus
      (GFLV) recruit the plant PD receptors called Plasmodesmata Located Proteins
      (PDLP) to mediate tubule assembly and virus movement. Here we show that PDLP1 is
      transported to PD through a specific route within the secretory pathway in a
      myosin-dependent manner. This transport relies primarily on the class XI myosins
      XI-K and XI-2. Inactivation of these myosins using dominant negative inhibition
      results in mislocalization of PDLP and MP and suppression of GFLV movement. We
      also found that the proper targeting of specific markers of the Golgi apparatus,
      the plasma membrane, PD, lipid raft subdomains within the plasma membrane, and
      the tonoplast was not affected by myosin XI-K inhibition. However, the normal
      tonoplast dynamics required myosin XI-K activity. These results reveal a new
      pathway of the myosin-dependent protein trafficking to PD that is hijacked by
      GFLV to promote tubule-guided transport of this virus between plant cells.

PMID- 22046132
TI  - The SARS-coronavirus-host interactome: identification of cyclophilins as target
      for pan-coronavirus inhibitors.
AB  - Coronaviruses (CoVs) are important human and animal pathogens that induce fatal
      respiratory, gastrointestinal and neurological disease. The outbreak of the
      severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) in 2002/2003 has demonstrated human
      vulnerability to (Coronavirus) CoV epidemics. Neither vaccines nor therapeutics
      are available against human and animal CoVs. Knowledge of host cell proteins that
      take part in pivotal virus-host interactions could define broad-spectrum
      antiviral targets. In this study, we used a systems biology approach employing a
      genome-wide yeast-two hybrid interaction screen to identify immunopilins (PPIA,
      PPIB, PPIH, PPIG, FKBP1A, FKBP1B) as interaction partners of the CoV non
      structural protein 1 (Nsp1). These molecules modulate the Calcineurin/NFAT
      pathway that plays an important role in immune cell activation. Overexpression of
      NSP1 and infection with live SARS-CoV strongly increased signalling through the
      Calcineurin/NFAT pathway and enhanced the induction of interleukin 2, compatible
      with late-stage immunopathogenicity and long-term cytokine dysregulation as
      observed in severe SARS cases. Conversely, inhibition of cyclophilins by
      cyclosporine A (CspA) blocked the replication of CoVs of all genera, including
      SARS-CoV, human CoV-229E and -NL-63, feline CoV, as well as avian infectious
      bronchitis virus. Non-immunosuppressive derivatives of CspA might serve as broad
      range CoV inhibitors applicable against emerging CoVs as well as ubiquitous
      pathogens of humans and livestock.

PMID- 22046133
TI  - Herpesvirus telomerase RNA (vTR) with a mutated template sequence abrogates
      herpesvirus-induced lymphomagenesis.
AB  - Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) and telomerase RNA (TR) represent the
      enzymatically active components of telomerase. In the complex, TR provides the
      template for the addition of telomeric repeats to telomeres, a protective
      structure at the end of linear chromosomes. Human TR with a mutation in the
      template region has been previously shown to inhibit proliferation of cancer
      cells in vitro. In this report, we examined the effects of a mutation in the
      template of a virus encoded TR (vTR) on herpesvirus-induced tumorigenesis in
      vivo. For this purpose, we used the oncogenic avian herpesvirus Marek's disease
      virus (MDV) as a natural virus-host model for lymphomagenesis. We generated
      recombinant MDV in which the vTR template sequence was mutated from AATCCCAATC to
      ATATATATAT (vAU5) by two-step Red-mediated mutagenesis. Recombinant viruses
      harboring the template mutation replicated with kinetics comparable to parental
      and revertant viruses in vitro. However, mutation of the vTR template sequence
      completely abrogated virus-induced tumor formation in vivo, although the virus
      was able to undergo low-level lytic replication. To confirm that the absence of
      tumors was dependent on the presence of mutant vTR in the telomerase complex, a
      second mutation was introduced in vAU5 that targeted the P6.1 stem loop, a
      conserved region essential for vTR-TERT interaction. Absence of vTR-AU5 from the
      telomerase complex restored virus-induced lymphoma formation. To test if the
      attenuated vAU5 could be used as an effective vaccine against MDV, we performed
      vaccination-challenge studies and determined that vaccination with vAU5
      completely protected chickens from lethal challenge with highly virulent MDV.
      Taken together, our results demonstrate 1) that mutation of the vTR template
      sequence can completely abrogate virus-induced tumorigenesis, likely by the
      inhibition of cancer cell proliferation, and 2) that this strategy could be used
      to generate novel vaccine candidates against virus-induced lymphoma.

PMID- 22046134
TI  - RNA polymerase II stalling promotes nucleosome occlusion and pTEFb recruitment to
      drive immortalization by Epstein-Barr virus.
AB  - Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) immortalizes resting B-cells and is a key etiologic
      agent in the development of numerous cancers. The essential EBV-encoded protein
      EBNA 2 activates the viral C promoter (Cp) producing a message of ~120 kb that is
      differentially spliced to encode all EBNAs required for immortalization. We have
      previously shown that EBNA 2-activated transcription is dependent on the activity
      of the RNA polymerase II (pol II) C-terminal domain (CTD) kinase pTEFb
      (CDK9/cyclin T1). We now demonstrate that Cp, in contrast to two shorter EBNA 2
      activated viral genes (LMP 1 and 2A), displays high levels of promoter-proximally
      stalled pol II despite being constitutively active. Consistent with pol II
      stalling, we detect considerable pausing complex (NELF/DSIF) association with Cp.
      Significantly, we observe substantial Cp-specific pTEFb recruitment that
      stimulates high-level pol II CTD serine 2 phosphorylation at distal regions (up
      to +75 kb), promoting elongation. We reveal that Cp-specific pol II accumulation
      is directed by DNA sequences unfavourable for nucleosome assembly that increase
      TBP access and pol II recruitment. Stalled pol II then maintains Cp nucleosome
      depletion. Our data indicate that pTEFb is recruited to Cp by the bromodomain
      protein Brd4, with polymerase stalling facilitating stable association of pTEFb.
      The Brd4 inhibitor JQ1 and the pTEFb inhibitors DRB and Flavopiridol
      significantly reduce Cp, but not LMP1 transcript production indicating that Brd4
      and pTEFb are required for Cp transcription. Taken together our data indicate
      that pol II stalling at Cp promotes transcription of essential immortalizing
      genes during EBV infection by (i) preventing promoter-proximal nucleosome
      assembly and ii) necessitating the recruitment of pTEFb thereby maintaining
      serine 2 CTD phosphorylation at distal regions.

PMID- 22046135
TI  - IFITM3 inhibits influenza A virus infection by preventing cytosolic entry.
AB  - To replicate, viruses must gain access to the host cell's resources. Interferon
      (IFN) regulates the actions of a large complement of interferon effector genes
      (IEGs) that prevent viral replication. The interferon inducible transmembrane
      protein family members, IFITM1, 2 and 3, are IEGs required for inhibition of
      influenza A virus, dengue virus, and West Nile virus replication in vitro. Here
      we report that IFN prevents emergence of viral genomes from the endosomal
      pathway, and that IFITM3 is both necessary and sufficient for this function.
      Notably, viral pseudoparticles were inhibited from transferring their contents
      into the host cell cytosol by IFN, and IFITM3 was required and sufficient for
      this action. We further demonstrate that IFN expands Rab7 and LAMP1-containing
      structures, and that IFITM3 overexpression is sufficient for this phenotype.
      Moreover, IFITM3 partially resides in late endosomal and lysosomal structures,
      placing it in the path of invading viruses. Collectively our data are consistent
      with the prediction that viruses that fuse in the late endosomes or lysosomes are
      vulnerable to IFITM3's actions, while viruses that enter at the cell surface or
      in the early endosomes may avoid inhibition. Multiple viruses enter host cells
      through the late endocytic pathway, and many of these invaders are attenuated by
      IFN. Therefore these findings are likely to have significance for the intrinsic
      immune system's neutralization of a diverse array of threats.

PMID- 22046136
TI  - Coordinated destruction of cellular messages in translation complexes by the
      gammaherpesvirus host shutoff factor and the mammalian exonuclease Xrn1.
AB  - Several viruses encode factors that promote host mRNA degradation to silence gene
      expression. It is unclear, however, whether cellular mRNA turnover pathways are
      engaged to assist in this process. In Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus
      this phenotype is enacted by the host shutoff factor SOX. Here we show that SOX
      induced mRNA turnover is a two-step process, in which mRNAs are first cleaved
      internally by SOX itself then degraded by the cellular exonuclease Xrn1. SOX
      therefore bypasses the regulatory steps of deadenylation and decapping normally
      required for Xrn1 activation. SOX is likely recruited to translating mRNAs, as it
      cosediments with translation initiation complexes and depletes polysomes. Cleaved
      mRNA intermediates accumulate in the 40S fraction, indicating that recognition
      occurs at an early stage of translation. This is the first example of a viral
      protein commandeering cellular mRNA turnover pathways to destroy host mRNAs, and
      suggests that Xrn1 is poised to deplete messages undergoing translation in
      mammalian cells.

PMID- 22046137
TI  - Targeting cattle-borne zoonoses and cattle pathogens using a novel trypanosomatid
      based delivery system.
AB  - Trypanosomatid parasites are notorious for the human diseases they cause
      throughout Africa and South America. However, non-pathogenic trypanosomatids are
      also found worldwide, infecting a wide range of hosts. One example is Trypanosoma
      (Megatrypanum) theileri, a ubiquitous protozoan commensal of bovids, which is
      distributed globally. Exploiting knowledge of pathogenic trypanosomatids, we have
      developed Trypanosoma theileri as a novel vehicle to deliver vaccine antigens and
      other proteins to cattle. Conditions for the growth and transfection of T.
      theileri have been optimised and expressed heterologous proteins targeted for
      secretion or specific localisation at the cell interior or surface using
      trafficking signals from Trypanosoma brucei. In cattle, the engineered vehicle
      could establish in the context of a pre-existing natural T. theileri population,
      was maintained long-term and generated specific immune responses to an expressed
      Babesia antigen at protective levels. Building on several decades of basic
      research into trypanosomatid pathogens, Trypanosoma theileri offers significant
      potential to target multiple infections, including major cattle-borne zoonoses
      such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Brucella abortus and Mycobacterium
      spp. It also has the potential to deliver therapeutics to cattle, including the
      lytic factor that protects humans from cattle trypanosomiasis. This could
      alleviate poverty by protecting indigenous African cattle from African
      trypanosomiasis.

PMID- 22046138
TI  - Signal transduction through CsrRS confers an invasive phenotype in group A
      Streptococcus.
AB  - The CsrRS (or CovRS) two component system controls expression of up to 15% of the
      genome of group A Streptococcus (GAS). While some studies have suggested that the
      sensor histidine kinase CsrS responds to membrane perturbations as a result of
      various environmental stresses, other data have implicated the human
      antimicrobial peptide LL-37 and extracellular Mg(2+) as specific signals. We now
      report that Mg(2+) and LL-37 have opposite effects on expression of multiple
      genes that are activated or repressed by the transcriptional regulator CsrR.
      Using a GAS isolate representative of the recently emerged and widely
      disseminated M1T1 clone implicated in severe invasive disease, we found marked up
      regulation by CsrRS of multiple virulence factors including pyrogenic exotoxin A,
      DNase Sda1, streptolysin O, and the hyaluronic acid capsular polysaccharide,
      among others. Topology and surface protein labeling studies indicated that CsrS
      is associated with the bacterial cell membrane and has a surface-exposed
      extracellular domain accessible to environmental ligands. Replacement of a
      cluster of three acidic amino acids with uncharged residues in the extracellular
      domain of CsrS abrogated LL-37 signaling and conferred a hyporesponsive phenotype
      consistent with tonic activation of CsrS autokinase activity, an effect that
      could be overridden by mutation of the CsrS active site histidine. Both loss- and
      gain-of-function mutations of a conserved site in the receiver domain of CsrR
      established an essential role for lysine 102 in CsrS-to-CsrR signal transduction.
      These results provide strong evidence that Mg(2+) and LL-37 are specific signals
      that function by altering CsrS autokinase activity and downstream phosphotransfer
      to CsrR to modulate its activity as a transcriptional regulator. The
      representation of multiple antiphagocytic and cytotoxic factors in the CsrRS
      regulon together with results of in vitro phagocytic killing assays support the
      hypothesis that CsrRS mediates conversion of GAS from a colonizing to an invasive
      phenotype in response to signaling by host LL-37.

PMID- 22046139
TI  - Insights into Hox protein function from a large scale combinatorial analysis of
      protein domains.
AB  - Protein function is encoded within protein sequence and protein domains. However,
      how protein domains cooperate within a protein to modulate overall activity and
      how this impacts functional diversification at the molecular and organism levels
      remains largely unaddressed. Focusing on three domains of the central class
      Drosophila Hox transcription factor AbdominalA (AbdA), we used combinatorial
      domain mutations and most known AbdA developmental functions as biological
      readouts to investigate how protein domains collectively shape protein activity.
      The results uncover redundancy, interactivity, and multifunctionality of protein
      domains as salient features underlying overall AbdA protein activity, providing
      means to apprehend functional diversity and accounting for the robustness of Hox
      controlled developmental programs. Importantly, the results highlight context
      dependency in protein domain usage and interaction, allowing major modifications
      in domains to be tolerated without general functional loss. The non-pleoitropic
      effect of domain mutation suggests that protein modification may contribute more
      broadly to molecular changes underlying morphological diversification during
      evolution, so far thought to rely largely on modification in gene cis-regulatory
      sequences.

PMID- 22046140
TI  - Role of exonic variation in chemokine receptor genes on AIDS: CCRL2 F167Y
      association with pneumocystis pneumonia.
AB  - Chromosome 3p21-22 harbors two clusters of chemokine receptor genes, several of
      which serve as major or minor coreceptors of HIV-1. Although the genetic
      association of CCR5 and CCR2 variants with HIV-1 pathogenesis is well known, the
      role of variation in other nearby chemokine receptor genes remain unresolved. We
      genotyped exonic single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in chemokine receptor
      genes: CCR3, CCRL2, and CXCR6 (at 3p21) and CCR8 and CX3CR1 (at 3p22), the
      majority of which were non-synonymous. The individual SNPs were tested for their
      effects on disease progression and outcomes in five treatment-naive HIV-1/AIDS
      natural history cohorts. In addition to the known CCR5 and CCR2 associations,
      significant associations were identified for CCR3, CCR8, and CCRL2 on progression
      to AIDS. A multivariate survival analysis pointed to a previously undetected
      association of a non-conservative amino acid change F167Y in CCRL2 with AIDS
      progression: 167F is associated with accelerated progression to AIDS (RH = 1.90,
      P = 0.002, corrected). Further analysis indicated that CCRL2-167F was
      specifically associated with more rapid development of pneumocystis pneumonia
      (PCP) (RH = 2.84, 95% CI 1.28-6.31) among four major AIDS-defining conditions.
      Considering the newly defined role of CCRL2 in lung dendritic cell trafficking,
      this atypical chemokine receptor may affect PCP through immune regulation and
      inducing inflammation.

PMID- 22046141
TI  - Association of NCF2, IKZF1, IRF8, IFIH1, and TYK2 with systemic lupus
      erythematosus.
AB  - Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex trait characterised by the
      production of a range of auto-antibodies and a diverse set of clinical
      phenotypes. Currently, ~8% of the genetic contribution to SLE in Europeans is
      known, following publication of several moderate-sized genome-wide (GW)
      association studies, which identified loci with a strong effect (OR>1.3). In
      order to identify additional genes contributing to SLE susceptibility, we
      conducted a replication study in a UK dataset (870 cases, 5,551 controls) of 23
      variants that showed moderate-risk for lupus in previous studies. Association
      analysis in the UK dataset and subsequent meta-analysis with the published data
      identified five SLE susceptibility genes reaching genome-wide levels of
      significance (P(comb)<5*10(-8)): NCF2 (P(comb) = 2.87*10(-11)), IKZF1 (P(comb) =
      2.33*10(-9)), IRF8 (P(comb) = 1.24*10(-8)), IFIH1 (P(comb) = 1.63*10(-8)), and
      TYK2 (P(comb) = 3.88*10(-8)). Each of the five new loci identified here can be
      mapped into interferon signalling pathways, which are known to play a key role in
      the pathogenesis of SLE. These results increase the number of established
      susceptibility genes for lupus to ~30 and validate the importance of using large
      datasets to confirm associations of loci which moderately increase the risk for
      disease.

PMID- 22046142
TI  - Comparative genomic analysis of human fungal pathogens causing
      paracoccidioidomycosis.
AB  - Paracoccidioides is a fungal pathogen and the cause of paracoccidioidomycosis, a
      health-threatening human systemic mycosis endemic to Latin America. Infection by
      Paracoccidioides, a dimorphic fungus in the order Onygenales, is coupled with a
      thermally regulated transition from a soil-dwelling filamentous form to a yeast
      like pathogenic form. To better understand the genetic basis of growth and
      pathogenicity in Paracoccidioides, we sequenced the genomes of two strains of
      Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (Pb03 and Pb18) and one strain of Paracoccidioides
      lutzii (Pb01). These genomes range in size from 29.1 Mb to 32.9 Mb and encode
      7,610 to 8,130 genes. To enable genetic studies, we mapped 94% of the P.
      brasiliensis Pb18 assembly onto five chromosomes. We characterized gene family
      content across Onygenales and related fungi, and within Paracoccidioides we found
      expansions of the fungal-specific kinase family FunK1. Additionally, the
      Onygenales have lost many genes involved in carbohydrate metabolism and fewer
      genes involved in protein metabolism, resulting in a higher ratio of proteases to
      carbohydrate active enzymes in the Onygenales than their relatives. To determine
      if gene content correlated with growth on different substrates, we screened the
      non-pathogenic onygenale Uncinocarpus reesii, which has orthologs for 91% of
      Paracoccidioides metabolic genes, for growth on 190 carbon sources. U. reesii
      showed growth on a limited range of carbohydrates, primarily basic plant sugars
      and cell wall components; this suggests that Onygenales, including dimorphic
      fungi, can degrade cellulosic plant material in the soil. In addition, U. reesii
      grew on gelatin and a wide range of dipeptides and amino acids, indicating a
      preference for proteinaceous growth substrates over carbohydrates, which may
      enable these fungi to also degrade animal biomass. These capabilities for
      degrading plant and animal substrates suggest a duality in lifestyle that could
      enable pathogenic species of Onygenales to transfer from soil to animal hosts.

PMID- 22046143
TI  - A conserved developmental patterning network produces quantitatively different
      output in multiple species of Drosophila.
AB  - Differences in the level, timing, or location of gene expression can contribute
      to alternative phenotypes at the molecular and organismal level. Understanding
      the origins of expression differences is complicated by the fact that organismal
      morphology and gene regulatory networks could potentially vary even between
      closely related species. To assess the scope of such changes, we used high
      resolution imaging methods to measure mRNA expression in blastoderm embryos of
      Drosophila yakuba and Drosophila pseudoobscura and assembled these data into
      cellular resolution atlases, where expression levels for 13 genes in the
      segmentation network are averaged into species-specific, cellular resolution
      morphological frameworks. We demonstrate that the blastoderm embryos of these
      species differ in their morphology in terms of size, shape, and number of nuclei.
      We present an approach to compare cellular gene expression patterns between
      species, while accounting for varying embryo morphology, and apply it to our data
      and an equivalent dataset for Drosophila melanogaster. Our analysis reveals that
      all individual genes differ quantitatively in their spatio-temporal expression
      patterns between these species, primarily in terms of their relative position and
      dynamics. Despite many small quantitative differences, cellular gene expression
      profiles for the whole set of genes examined are largely similar. This suggests
      that cell types at this stage of development are conserved, though they can
      differ in their relative position by up to 3-4 cell widths and in their relative
      proportion between species by as much as 5-fold. Quantitative differences in the
      dynamics and relative level of a subset of genes between corresponding cell types
      may reflect altered regulatory functions between species. Our results emphasize
      that transcriptional networks can diverge over short evolutionary timescales and
      that even small changes can lead to distinct output in terms of the placement and
      number of equivalent cells.

PMID- 22046144
TI  - Small RNAs prevent transcription-coupled loss of histone H3 lysine 9 methylation
      in Arabidopsis thaliana.
AB  - In eukaryotes, histone H3 lysine 9 methylation (H3K9me) mediates silencing of
      invasive sequences to prevent deleterious consequences including the expression
      of aberrant gene products and mobilization of transposons. In Arabidopsis
      thaliana, H3K9me maintained by SUVH histone methyltransferases (MTases) is
      associated with cytosine methylation (5meC) maintained by the CMT3 cytosine
      MTase. The SUVHs contain a 5meC binding domain and CMT3 contains an H3K9me
      binding domain, suggesting that the SUVH/CMT3 pathway involves an amplification
      loop between H3K9me and 5meC. However, at loci subject to read-through
      transcription, the stability of the H3K9me/5meC loop requires a mechanism to
      counteract transcription-coupled loss of H3K9me. Here we use the duplicated PAI
      genes, which stably maintain SUVH-dependent H3K9me and CMT3-dependent 5meC
      despite read-through transcription, to show that when PAI sRNAs are depleted by
      dicer ribonuclease mutations, PAI H3K9me and 5meC levels are reduced and
      remaining PAI 5meC is destabilized upon inbreeding. The dicer mutations confer
      weaker reductions in PAI 5meC levels but similar or stronger reductions in PAI
      H3K9me levels compared to a cmt3 mutation. This comparison indicates a connection
      between sRNAs and maintenance of H3K9me independent of CMT3 function. The dicer
      mutations reduce PAI H3K9me and 5meC levels through a distinct mechanism from the
      known role of dicer-dependent sRNAs in guiding the DRM2 cytosine MTase because
      the PAI genes maintain H3K9me and 5meC at levels similar to wild type in a drm2
      mutant. Our results support a new role for sRNAs in plants to prevent
      transcription-coupled loss of H3K9me.

PMID- 22046145
TI  - Antioxidant Activities of Plumbagin and Its Cu (II) Complex.
AB  - Plumbagin and its Cu (II) complex [Cu (plumbagin)(2)].H(2)O have been
      synthesized, and their antioxidant activities towards the inhibitory effect on
      DPPH free radical, reducing power, total antioxidant capacity, and inhibition on
      lipid peroxidation were investigated. Plumbagin and its Cu (II) complex were
      found to exhibit scavenging activities on DPPH radical with the inhibitory rate
      of 41% and 24%, respectively. The reducing power of plumbagin was outstanding at
      the concentrations of 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 mg/mL, compared to Cu (II) complex and
      synthetic antioxidant 2,6-di-ter-butyl-4-methylphenol (BHT); the highest level
      reached 1.333 for plumbagin and 0.581 for Cu (II) complex. Also, the inhibition
      on lipid peroxidation of plumbagin was higher than that of Cu (II) complex and
      BHT, 46.4% for plumbagin and 24.5% for Cu (II) complex. The results give a strong
      impact for designing anticancer drugs, combined with their potential cytotoxic
      and antioxidant activities, which can be targeted selectively against cancer
      cells and increase their therapeutic index and additional advantages over other
      anticancer drugs.

PMID- 22046146
TI  - Dietary quality may enhance survival related to cognitive impairment in Taiwanese
      elderly.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Impaired cognition increases mortality in the aged. It is unclear how
      dietary quality might affect this relationship. OBJECTIVE: To examine how dietary
      diversity and cognition might interact to determine survival. DESIGN: In a
      Nutrition and Health Survey in Taiwan (NAHSIT 1999-2000), 1,839 representative
      elderly were followed for mortality up to 10 years. The dietary quality measure
      was a dietary diversity score (DDS, range: 0-6) to present six food groups
      (dairy, meat, rice and grains, fruit, vegetable,fat and oil) derived from a 24-h
      dietary recall. Cognitive function was evaluated by the validated Short Portable
      Mental Status Questionnaire (SPMSQ). RESULTS: Those with cognitive impairment
      (SPMSQ>=3 errors) had 2.56 (95% confidence intervals (CI), 1.99-3.28) times the
      all-cause-mortality risk of those with intact cognition. After control for
      potential confounders, the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) remained significant (1.46,
      95% CI: 1.06-2.02). Significant interactions for DDS and cognition were found
      (p<0.001). Jointly, compared to normal-SPMSQ-highest DDS, the greatest HR is
      where impaired cognition is combined with the lowest DDS (HR 2.24, 95% CI: 1.19
      4.24). Increased DDS was associated with improvement in survival that is
      especially evident in those with 1-2 errors where the greatest HR reduction was
      found, and for fruit. Attributability for mortality amounted to 18% for impaired
      cognition and 33% for least diverse diet. CONCLUSIONS: Dietary diversity may
      improve survival in relation to impaired cognitive function.

PMID- 22046147
TI  - Molecular Assembly and Biosynthesis of Acetylcholinesterase in Brain and Muscle:
      the Roles of t-peptide, FHB Domain, and N-linked Glycosylation.
AB  - Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) is responsible for the hydrolysis of the
      neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, in the nervous system. The functional
      localization and oligomerization of AChE T variant are depending primarily on the
      association of their anchoring partners, either collagen tail (ColQ) or proline
      rich membrane anchor (PRiMA). Complexes with ColQ represent the asymmetric forms
      (A(12)) in muscle, while complexes with PRiMA represent tetrameric globular forms
      (G(4)) mainly found in brain and muscle. Apart from these traditional molecular
      forms, a ColQ-linked asymmetric form and a PRiMA-linked globular form of hybrid
      cholinesterases (ChEs), having both AChE and BChE catalytic subunits, were
      revealed in chicken brain and muscle. The similarity of various molecular forms
      of AChE and BChE raises interesting question regarding to their possible
      relationship in enzyme assembly and localization. The focus of this review is to
      provide current findings about the biosynthesis of different forms of ChEs
      together with their anchoring proteins.

PMID- 22046148
TI  - Signaling mechanisms in cortical axon growth, guidance, and branching.
AB  - Precise wiring of cortical circuits during development depends upon axon
      extension, guidance, and branching to appropriate targets. Motile growth cones at
      axon tips navigate through the nervous system by responding to molecular cues,
      which modulate signaling pathways within axonal growth cones. Intracellular
      calcium signaling has emerged as a major transducer of guidance cues but exactly
      how calcium signaling pathways modify the actin and microtubule cytoskeleton to
      evoke growth cone behaviors and axon branching is still mysterious. Axons must
      often pause their extension in tracts while their branches extend into targets.
      Some evidence suggests a competition between growth of axons and branches but the
      mechanisms are poorly understood. Since it is difficult to study growing axons
      deep within the mammalian brain, much of what we know about signaling pathways
      and cytoskeletal dynamics of growth cones comes from tissue culture studies, in
      many cases, of non-mammalian species. Consequently it is not well understood how
      guidance cues relevant to mammalian neural development in vivo signal to the
      growth cone cytoskeleton during axon outgrowth and guidance. In this review we
      describe our recent work in dissociated cultures of developing rodent
      sensorimotor cortex in the context of the current literature on molecular
      guidance cues, calcium signaling pathways, and cytoskeletal dynamics that
      regulate growth cone behaviors. A major challenge is to relate findings in tissue
      culture to mechanisms of cortical development in vivo. Toward this goal, we
      describe our recent work in cortical slices, which preserve the complex cellular
      and molecular environment of the mammalian brain but allow direct visualization
      of growth cone behaviors and calcium signaling. Findings from this work suggest
      that mechanisms regulating axon growth and guidance in dissociated culture
      neurons also underlie development of cortical connectivity in vivo.

PMID- 22046149
TI  - Effects of accuracy feedback on fractal characteristics of time estimation.
AB  - The current experiment investigated the effect of visual accuracy feedback on the
      structure of variability of time interval estimates in the continuation tapping
      paradigm. Participants were asked to repeatedly estimate a 1-s interval for a
      prolonged period of time by tapping their index finger. In some conditions,
      participants received accuracy feedback after every estimate, whereas in other
      conditions, no feedback was given. Also, the likelihood of receiving visual
      feedback was manipulated by adjusting the tolerance band around the 1-s target
      interval so that feedback was displayed only if the temporal estimate deviated
      from the target interval by more than 50, 100, or 200 ms respectively. We
      analyzed the structure of variability of the inter-tap intervals with fractal and
      multifractal methods that allow for a quantification of complex long-range
      correlation patterns in the timing performance. Our results indicate that
      feedback changes the long-range correlation structure of time estimates:
      Increased amounts of feedback lead to a decrease in fractal long-range
      correlations, as well to a decrease in the magnitude of local fluctuations in the
      performance. The multifractal characteristics of the time estimates were not
      impacted by the presence of accuracy feedback. Nevertheless, most of the data
      sets show significant multifractal signatures. We interpret these findings as
      showing that feedback acts to constrain and possibly reorganize timing
      performance. Implications for mechanistic and complex systems-based theories of
      timing behavior are discussed.

PMID- 22046150
TI  - Dopamine Modulates Striato-Frontal Functioning during Temporal Processing.

PMID- 22046151
TI  - Acute effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol on performance monitoring in
      healthy volunteers.
AB  - RATIONALE: The error-related negativity (ERN) is a negative event-related
      potential that occurs immediately after an erroneous response and is thought to
      reflect human performance monitoring. Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
      administration in healthy volunteers has been linked to impaired performance
      monitoring in behavioral studies, but to date no studies have examined the
      effects of cannabinoids on the ERN. METHODS: EEG data from 10 healthy volunteers
      was recorded during execution of a speeded choice-reaction-time task (Flankers
      task) after administration of THC or placebo vapor in a double-blind randomized
      crossover design. RESULTS: The findings of this study show that the ERN was
      significantly reduced after administration of THC. The behavioral outcomes on the
      Flankers task showed no indications of drug-induced impairments. DISCUSSION: The
      diminished ERN reflects impairments in the process of performance monitoring. The
      task design was not optimized to find behavioral effects. The study shows that
      cannabinoids impair performance monitoring.

PMID- 22046152
TI  - Speech production as state feedback control.
AB  - Spoken language exists because of a remarkable neural process. Inside a speaker's
      brain, an intended message gives rise to neural signals activating the muscles of
      the vocal tract. The process is remarkable because these muscles are activated in
      just the right way that the vocal tract produces sounds a listener understands as
      the intended message. What is the best approach to understanding the neural
      substrate of this crucial motor control process? One of the key recent modeling
      developments in neuroscience has been the use of state feedback control (SFC)
      theory to explain the role of the CNS in motor control. SFC postulates that the
      CNS controls motor output by (1) estimating the current dynamic state of the
      thing (e.g., arm) being controlled, and (2) generating controls based on this
      estimated state. SFC has successfully predicted a great range of non-speech motor
      phenomena, but as yet has not received attention in the speech motor control
      community. Here, we review some of the key characteristics of speech motor
      control and what they say about the role of the CNS in the process. We then
      discuss prior efforts to model the role of CNS in speech motor control, and argue
      that these models have inherent limitations - limitations that are overcome by an
      SFC model of speech motor control which we describe. We conclude by discussing a
      plausible neural substrate of our model.

PMID- 22046154
TI  - The Pupil Reflects Motor Preparation for Saccades - Even before the Eye Starts to
      Move.
AB  - The eye produces saccadic eye movements whose reaction times are perhaps the
      shortest in humans. Saccade latencies reflect ongoing cortical processing and,
      generally, shorter latencies are supposed to reflect advanced motor preparation.
      The dilation of the eye's pupil is reported to reflect cortical processing as
      well. Eight participants made saccades in a gap and overlap paradigm (in pure and
      mixed blocks), which we used in order to produce a variety of different saccade
      latencies. Saccades and pupil size were measured with the EyeLink II. The pattern
      in pupil dilation resembled that of a gap effect: for gap blocks, pupil dilations
      were larger compared to overlap blocks; mixing gap and overlap trials reduced the
      pupil dilation for gap trials thereby inducing a switching cost. Furthermore,
      saccade latencies across all tasks predicted the magnitude of pupil dilations
      post hoc: the longer the saccade latency the smaller the pupil dilation before
      the eye actually began to move. In accordance with observations for manual
      responses, we conclude that pupil dilations prior to saccade execution reflect
      advanced motor preparations and therefore provide valid indicator qualities for
      ongoing cortical processes.

PMID- 22046153
TI  - Neural correlates of visual-spatial attention in electrocorticographic signals in
      humans.
AB  - Attention is a cognitive selection mechanism that allocates the limited
      processing resources of the brain to the sensory streams most relevant to our
      immediate goals, thereby enhancing responsiveness and behavioral performance. The
      underlying neural mechanisms of orienting attention are distributed across a
      widespread cortical network. While aspects of this network have been extensively
      studied, details about the electrophysiological dynamics of this network are
      scarce. In this study, we investigated attentional networks using
      electrocorticographic (ECoG) recordings from the surface of the brain, which
      combine broad spatial coverage with high temporal resolution, in five human
      subjects. ECoG was recorded when subjects covertly attended to a spatial location
      and responded to contrast changes in the presence of distractors in a modified
      Posner cueing task. ECoG amplitudes in the alpha, beta, and gamma bands
      identified neural changes associated with covert attention and motor
      preparation/execution in the different stages of the task. The results show that
      attentional engagement was primarily associated with ECoG activity in the visual,
      prefrontal, premotor, and parietal cortices. Motor preparation/execution was
      associated with ECoG activity in premotor/sensorimotor cortices. In summary, our
      results illustrate rich and distributed cortical dynamics that are associated
      with orienting attention and the subsequent motor preparation and execution.
      These findings are largely consistent with and expand on primate studies using
      intracortical recordings and human functional neuroimaging studies.

PMID- 22046155
TI  - Social misdirection fails to enhance a magic illusion.
AB  - Visual, multisensory and cognitive illusions in magic performances provide new
      windows into the psychological and neural principles of perception, attention,
      and cognition. We investigated a magic effect consisting of a coin "vanish"
      (i.e., the perceptual disappearance of a coin after a simulated toss from hand to
      hand). Previous research has shown that magicians can use joint attention cues
      such as their own gaze direction to strengthen the observers' perception of
      magic. Here we presented naive observers with videos including real and simulated
      coin tosses to determine if joint attention might enhance the illusory perception
      of simulated coin tosses. The observers' eye positions were measured, and their
      perceptual responses simultaneously recorded via button press. To control for the
      magician's use of joint attention cues, we occluded his head in half of the
      trials. We found that subjects did not direct their gaze at the magician's face
      at the time of the coin toss, whether the face was visible or occluded, and that
      the presence of the magician's face did not enhance the illusion. Thus, our
      results show that joint attention is not necessary for the perception of this
      effect. We conclude that social misdirection is redundant and possibly detracting
      to this very robust sleight-of-hand illusion. We further determined that subjects
      required multiple trials to effectively distinguish real from simulated tosses;
      thus the illusion was resilient to repeated viewing.

PMID- 22046156
TI  - Attentional modulation of binocular rivalry.
AB  - Ever since Wheatstone initiated the scientific study of binocular rivalry, it has
      been debated whether the phenomenon is under attentional control. In recent
      years, the issue of attentional modulation of binocular rivalry has seen a
      revival. Here we review the classical studies as well as recent advances in the
      study of attentional modulation of binocular rivalry. We show that (1) voluntary
      control over binocular rivalry is possible, yet limited, (2) both endogenous and
      exogenous attention influence perceptual dominance during rivalry, (3) diverting
      attention from rival displays does not arrest perceptual alternations, and that
      (4) rival targets by themselves can also attract attention. From a theoretical
      perspective, we suggest that attention affects binocular rivalry by modulating
      the effective contrast of the images in competition. This contrast enhancing
      effect of top-down attention is counteracted by a response attenuating effect of
      neural adaptation at early levels of visual processing, which weakens the
      response to the dominant image. Moreover, we conclude that although frontal and
      parietal brain areas involved in both binocular rivalry and visual attention
      overlap, an adapting reciprocal inhibition arrangement at early visual cortex is
      sufficient to trigger switches in perceptual dominance independently of a higher
      level "selection" mechanisms. Both of these processes are reciprocal and
      therefore self-balancing, with the consequence that complete attentional control
      over binocular rivalry can never be realized.

PMID- 22046157
TI  - Music and the Auditory Brain: Where is the Connection?
AB  - Sound processing by the auditory system is understood in unprecedented details,
      even compared with sensory coding in the visual system. Nevertheless, we do not
      understand yet the way in which some of the simplest perceptual properties of
      sounds are coded in neuronal activity. This poses serious difficulties for
      linking neuronal responses in the auditory system and music processing, since
      music operates on abstract representations of sounds. Paradoxically, although
      perceptual representations of sounds most probably occur high in auditory system
      or even beyond it, neuronal responses are strongly affected by the temporal
      organization of sound streams even in subcortical stations. Thus, to the extent
      that music is organized sound, it is the organization, rather than the sound,
      which is represented first in the auditory brain.

PMID- 22046158
TI  - Insights from intermittent binocular rivalry and EEG.
AB  - Novel stimulation and analytical approaches employed in EEG studies of ambiguous
      figures have recently been applied to binocular rivalry. The combination of
      intermittent stimulus presentation and EEG source imaging has begun to shed new
      light on the neural underpinnings of binocular rivalry. Here, we review the
      basics of the intermittent paradigm and highlight methodological issues important
      for interpreting previous results and designing future experiments. We then
      outline current analytical approaches, including EEG microstates, event-related
      potentials, and statistically based source estimation, and propose a neural model
      of the sequence of brain events that may underlie different aspects of binocular
      rivalry. Finally, we discuss the advantages and limitations of using binocular
      rivalry as a tool to investigate the neural basis of perceptual awareness.

PMID- 22046160
TI  - Tracing activity across the whole brain neural network with optogenetic
      functional magnetic resonance imaging.
AB  - Despite the overwhelming need, there has been a relatively large gap in our
      ability to trace network level activity across the brain. The complex dense
      wiring of the brain makes it extremely challenging to understand cell-type
      specific activity and their communication beyond a few synapses. Recent
      development of the optogenetic functional magnetic resonance imaging (ofMRI)
      provides a new impetus for the study of brain circuits by enabling causal tracing
      of activities arising from defined cell types and firing patterns across the
      whole brain. Brain circuit elements can be selectively triggered based on their
      genetic identity, cell body location, and/or their axonal projection target with
      temporal precision while the resulting network response is monitored non
      invasively with unprecedented spatial and temporal accuracy. With further studies
      including technological innovations to bring ofMRI to its full potential, ofMRI
      is expected to play an important role in our system-level understanding of the
      brain circuit mechanism.

PMID- 22046159
TI  - Search-Related Suppression of Hippocampus and Default Network Activity during
      Associative Memory Retrieval.
AB  - Episodic memory retrieval involves the coordinated interaction of several
      cognitive processing stages such as mental search, access to a memory store,
      associative re-encoding, and post-retrieval monitoring. The neural response
      during memory retrieval is an integration of signals from multiple regions that
      may subserve supportive cognitive control, attention, sensory association,
      encoding, or working memory functions. It is particularly challenging to
      dissociate contributions of these distinct components to brain responses in
      regions such as the hippocampus, which lies at the interface between overlapping
      memory encoding and retrieval, and "default" networks. In the present study,
      event-related functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and measures of memory
      performance were used to differentiate brain responses to memory search from
      subcomponents of episodic memory retrieval associated with successful recall.
      During the attempted retrieval of both poorly and strongly remembered word pair
      associates, the hemodynamic response was negatively deflected below baseline in
      anterior hippocampus and regions of the default network. Activations in anterior
      hippocampus were functionally distinct from those in posterior hippocampus and
      negatively correlated with response times. Thus, relative to the pre-stimulus
      period, the hippocampus shows reduced activity during intensive engagement in
      episodic memory search. Such deactivation was most salient during trials that
      engaged only pre-retrieval search processes in the absence of successful
      recollection or post-retrieval processing. Implications for interpretation of
      hippocampal fMRI responses during retrieval are discussed. A model is presented
      to interpret such activations as representing modulation of encoding-related
      activity, rather than retrieval-related activity. Engagement in intensive mental
      search may reduce neural and attentional resources that are otherwise tonically
      devoted to encoding an individual's stream of experience into episodic memory.

PMID- 22046161
TI  - Detailed Characterization of Local Field Potential Oscillations and Their
      Relationship to Spike Timing in the Antennal Lobe of the Moth Manduca sexta.
AB  - The transient oscillatory model of odor identity encoding seeks to explain how
      odorants with spatially overlapped patterns of input into primary olfactory
      networks can be discriminated. This model provides several testable predictions
      about the distributed nature of network oscillations and how they control spike
      timing. To test these predictions, 16 channel electrode arrays were placed within
      the antennal lobe (AL) of the moth Manduca sexta. Unitary spiking and multi site
      local field potential (LFP) recordings were made during spontaneous activity and
      in response to repeated presentations of an odor panel. We quantified oscillatory
      frequency, cross correlations between LFP recording sites, and spike-LFP phase
      relationships. We show that odor-driven AL oscillations in Manduca are frequency
      modulating (FM) from ~100 to 30 Hz; this was odorant and stimulus duration
      dependent. FM oscillatory responses were localized to one or two recording sites
      suggesting a localized (perhaps glomerular) not distributed source. LFP cross
      correlations further demonstrated that only a small (r < 0.05) distributed and
      oscillatory component was present. Cross spectral density analysis demonstrated
      the frequency of these weakly distributed oscillations was state dependent
      (spontaneous activity = 25-55 Hz; odor-driven = 55-85 Hz). Surprisingly, vector
      strength analysis indicated that unitary phase locking of spikes to the LFP was
      strongest during spontaneous activity and dropped significantly during responses.
      Application of bicuculline, a GABA(A) receptor antagonist, significantly lowered
      the frequency content of odor-driven distributed oscillatory activity.
      Bicuculline significantly reduced spike phase locking generally, but the
      ubiquitous pattern of increased phase locking during spontaneous activity
      persisted. Collectively, these results indicate that oscillations perform poorly
      as a stimulus-mediated spike synchronizing mechanism for Manduca and hence are
      incongruent with the transient oscillatory model.

PMID- 22046162
TI  - CFTR and Ca Signaling in Cystic Fibrosis.
AB  - Among the diverse physiological functions exerted by calcium signaling in living
      cells, its role in the regulation of protein biogenesis and trafficking remains
      incompletely understood. In cystic fibrosis (CF) disease the most common CF
      transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) mutation, F508del-CFTR generates a
      misprocessed protein that is abnormally retained in the endoplasmic reticulum
      (ER) compartment, rapidly degraded by the ubiquitin/proteasome pathway and hence
      absent at the plasma membrane of CF epithelial cells. Recent studies have
      demonstrated that intracellular calcium signals consequent to activation of
      apical G-protein-coupled receptors by different agonists are increased in CF
      airway epithelia. Moreover, the regulation of various intracellular calcium
      storage compartments, such as ER is also abnormal in CF cells. Although the
      molecular mechanism at the origin of this increase remains puzzling in epithelial
      cells, the F508del-CFTR mutation is proposed to be the onset of abnormal Ca(2+)
      influx linking the calcium signaling to CFTR pathobiology. This article reviews
      the relationships between CFTR and calcium signaling in the context of the
      genetic disease CF.

PMID- 22046163
TI  - Complex Interactions between Temperature and Relative Humidity on Water Balance
      of Adult Tsetse (Glossinidae, Diptera): Implications for Climate Change.
AB  - Insect water balance plays an important role in determining energy budgets,
      activity patterns, survival, and population dynamics and, hence, geographic
      distribution. Tsetse (Glossina spp.) are important vectors of human and animal
      disease occupying a wide range of habitats in Africa and are notable for their
      desiccation resistance in xeric environments. Here, we measure water balance and
      related traits [water loss rate (WLR), body water content (BWC), body lipid
      content (BLC) and body mass] in adult flies across a range of temperature (20-30
      degrees C) and relative humidity (0-99%) combinations in four tsetse species from
      both xeric and mesic habitats. WLRs were significantly affected by measurement
      under different temperature and relative humidity combinations, while BWC, BLC,
      and body mass were less affected. These results provide support for mass
      independent inter- and intra-specific variation in WLRs and survival times.
      Furthermore, water balance responses to variation in temperature and relative
      humidity are complex in Glossina, and this response varies within and among
      species, subgroups, and ecotypes in terms of both magnitude of effects and the
      direction of change. Different effects of temperature and relative humidity
      within and among experimental conditions and species suggests cuticular
      permeability and saturation deficit are likely to be key factors in forecasting
      tsetse water balance responses to climate variability. This complicates potential
      forecasting of tsetse distribution in the face of climate change.

PMID- 22046164
TI  - Differential glucose uptake in quadriceps and other leg muscles during one-legged
      dynamic submaximal knee-extension exercise.
AB  - One-legged dynamic knee-extension exercise (DKE) is a widely used model to study
      the local cardiovascular and metabolic responses to exercise of the quadriceps
      muscles. In this study, we explored the extent to which different muscles of the
      quadriceps are activated during exercise using positron emission tomography (PET)
      determined uptake of [(18)F]-fluoro-deoxy-glucose (GU) during DKE. Five healthy
      male subjects performed DKE at 25 W for 35 min and both the contracting and
      contralateral resting leg were scanned with PET from mid-thigh and distally. On
      average, exercise GU was the highest in the vastus intermedius (VI) and lowest in
      the vastus lateralis (VL; VI vs VL, p < 0.05), whereas the coefficient of
      variation was highest in VL (VL vs VI, p < 0.05). Coefficient of variation
      between the mean values of the four quadriceps femoris (QF) muscles in the
      exercising leg was 35 +/- 9%. Compared to mean GU in QF (=100%), GU was on
      average 73% in VL, 84% in rectus femoris, 115% in vastus medialis, and 142% in
      VI. Variable activation of hamstring muscles and muscles of the lower leg was
      also observed. These results show that GU of different muscles of quadriceps
      muscle group as well as between individuals vary greatly during DKE, and suggests
      that muscle activity is not equal between quadriceps muscles in this exercise
      model. Furthermore, posterior thigh muscles and lower leg muscles are more active
      than hitherto thought even during this moderate exercise intensity.

PMID- 22046165
TI  - More than meets the eye: age differences in the capture and suppression of
      oculomotor action.
AB  - Salient visual stimuli capture attention and trigger an eye-movement toward its
      location reflexively, regardless of an observer's intentions. Here we aim to
      investigate the effect of aging (1) on the extent to which salient yet task
      irrelevant stimuli capture saccades, and (2) on the ability to selectively
      suppress such oculomotor responses. Young and older adults were asked to direct
      their eyes to a target appearing in a stimulus array. Analysis of overall
      performance shows that saccades to the target object were disrupted by the
      appearance of a task-irrelevant abrupt-onset distractor when the location of this
      distractor did not coincide with that of the target object. Conditional capture
      function analyses revealed that, compared to young adults, older adults were more
      susceptible to oculomotor capture, and exhibited deficient selective suppression
      of the responses captured by task-irrelevant distractors. These effects were
      uncorrelated, suggesting two independent sources off age-related decline. Thus,
      with advancing age, salient visual distractors become more distracting; in part
      because they trigger reflexive eye-movements more potently; in part because of
      failing top-down control over such reflexes. The fact that these process-specific
      age effects remained concealed in overall oculomotor performance analyses
      emphasizes the utility of looking beyond the surface; indeed, there may be more
      than meets the eye.

PMID- 22046166
TI  - The effects of self-report cognitive failures and cognitive load on antisaccade
      performance.
AB  - Individuals reporting high levels of distractibility in everyday life show
      impaired performance in standard laboratory tasks measuring selective attention
      and inhibitory processes. Similarly, increasing cognitive load leads to more
      errors/distraction in a variety of cognitive tasks. How these two factors
      interact is currently unclear; highly distractible individuals may be affected
      more when their cognitive resources are taxed, or load may linearly affect
      performance for all individuals. We investigated the relationship between self
      reported levels of cognitive failures (CF) in daily life and performance in the
      antisaccade task, a widely used tool examining attentional control. Levels of
      concurrent cognitive demand were manipulated using a secondary auditory
      discrimination task. We found that both levels of self-reported CF and task load
      increased antisaccade latencies while having no effect on prosaccade eye
      movements. However individuals rating themselves as suffering few daily life
      distractions showed a comparable load cost to those who experience many. These
      findings suggest that the likelihood of distraction is governed by the addition
      of both internal susceptibility and the external current load placed on working
      memory.

PMID- 22046167
TI  - Sub- and supralexical information in early phases of lexical access.
AB  - The present study investigated sub- and supralexical effects in morphological
      processing for inflected and pseudo complex words and pseudo words in lexical
      decision with masked and cross-modal priming. The results showed that the early
      stage of morphological processing is not only sensitive to whether the
      orthographic string can be segmented into an existing stem and affix, but also
      whether the full form is an existing word the meaning of which differs from the
      meaning of the segmented stem. It is thus likely that from early on morphological
      processing is probably not governed by morpho-orthographic processes alone, but
      is most likely sensitive to top-down information, perhaps originating from
      supralexical semantic connections between the words morphological family members.
      In addition, whereas semantic interpretability has a clear advantage later in
      processing, this stage seems to be sensitive to bottom-up form information as
      well. In a detailed theoretical discussion we show how these findings, along with
      earlier findings, are explained by a model that assumes that morphological
      information is represented at two interactive levels, corresponding to sublexical
      form (orthographic) and supralexical (semantic) information mediated by a lexical
      level. This allows supralexical (semantic) effects to feed top-down, predicting
      differences between regular inflected and pseudo complex words at the lexical
      level, affecting the early phases of processing for these words.

PMID- 22046168
TI  - Grammatical gender inhibition in bilinguals.
AB  - Inhibitory control processes have been recently considered to be involved in
      interference resolution in bilinguals at the phonological level. In this study we
      explored if interference resolution is also carried out by this inhibitory
      mechanism at the grammatical level. Thirty-two bilinguals (Italian-L1 and Spanish
      L2) participated. All of them completed two tasks. In the first one they had to
      name pictures in L2. We manipulated gender congruency between the two languages
      and the number of presentations of the pictures (1 and 5). Results showed a
      gender congruency effect with slower naming latencies in the incongruent
      condition. In the second task, participants were presented with the pictures
      practiced during the first naming task, but now they were asked to produce the L1
      article. Results showed a grammatical gender congruency effect in L1 that
      increased for those words practiced five times in L2. Our conclusion is that an
      inhibitory mechanism was involved in the suppression of the native language
      during a picture naming task. Furthermore, this inhibitory process was also
      involved in suppressing grammatical gender when it was a source of competition
      between the languages.

PMID- 22046169
TI  - Quantification of lateral heterogeneity in carbohydrate permeability of isolated
      plant leaf cuticles.
AB  - In phyllosphere microbiology, the distribution of resources available to
      bacterial colonizers of leaf surfaces is generally understood to be very
      heterogeneous. However, there is little quantitative understanding of the
      mechanisms that underlie this heterogeneity. Here, we tested the hypothesis that
      different parts of the cuticle vary in the degree to which they allow diffusion
      of the leaf sugar fructose to the surface. To this end, individual, isolated
      cuticles of poplar leaves were each analyzed for two properties: (1) the
      permeability for fructose, which involved measurement of diffused fructose by gas
      chromatography and flame ionization detection (GC-FID), and (2) the number and
      size of fructose-permeable sites on the cuticle, which was achieved using a green
      fluorescent protein (GFP)-based bacterial bioreporter for fructose. Bulk flux
      measurements revealed an average permeance P of 3.39 * 10(-9) ms(-1), while the
      bioreporter showed that most of the leaching fructose was clustered to sites
      around the base of shed trichomes, which accounted for only 0.37% of the surface
      of the cuticles under study. Combined, the GC-FID and GFP measurements allowed us
      to calculate an apparent rate of fructose diffusion at these preferential
      leaching sites of 9.15 * 10(-7) ms(-1). To the best of our knowledge, this study
      represents the first successful attempt to quantify cuticle permeability at a
      resolution that is most relevant to bacterial colonizers of plant leaves. The
      estimates for P at different spatial scales will be useful for future models that
      aim to explain and predict temporal and spatial patterns of bacterial
      colonization of plant foliage based on lateral heterogeneity in sugar
      permeability of the leaf cuticle.

PMID- 22046170
TI  - Improved Immunological Tolerance Following Combination Therapy with CTLA-4/Ig and
      AAV-Mediated PD-L1/2 Muscle Gene Transfer.
AB  - Initially thought as being non-immunogenic, recombinant AAVs have emerged as
      efficient vector candidates for treating monogenic diseases. It is now clear
      however that they induce potent immune responses against transgene products which
      can lead to destruction of transduced cells. Therefore, developing strategies to
      circumvent these immune responses and facilitate long-term expression of
      transgenic therapeutic proteins is a main challenge in gene therapy. We evaluated
      herein a strategy to inhibit the undesirable immune activation that follows
      muscle gene transfer by administration of CTLA-4/Ig to block the costimulatory
      signals required early during immune priming and by using gene transfer of PD-1
      ligands to inhibit T cell functions at the tissue sites. We provide the proof of
      principle that this combination immunoregulatory therapy targeting two non
      redundant checkpoints of the immune response, i.e., priming and effector
      functions, can improve persistence of transduced cells in experimental settings
      where cytotoxic T cells escape initial blockade. Therefore, CTLA-4/Ig plus PD
      L1/2 combination therapy represents a candidate approach to circumvent the
      bottleneck of immune responses directed toward transgene products.

PMID- 22046171
TI  - Targeting co-stimulatory pathways in gene therapy.
AB  - Gene therapy with recombinant viral vectors such as adenovirus and adenovirus
      associated virus holds great promise in treating a wide range of diseases because
      of the high efficiency with which the viruses transfer their genomes into host
      cells in vivo. However, the activation of the host immune responses remains a
      major hurdle to successful gene therapy. Studies in the past two decades have
      elucidated the important role co-stimulation plays in the activation of both T
      and B cells. This review summarizes our current understanding of T cell co
      stimulatory pathways, and strategies targeting these co-stimulatory pathways in
      gene therapy applications as well as potential future directions.

PMID- 22046173
TI  - Re-examining the role of hydrogen peroxide in bacteriostatic and bactericidal
      activities of honey.
AB  - The aim of this study was to critically analyze the effects of hydrogen peroxide
      on growth and survival of bacterial cells in order to prove or disprove its
      purported role as a main component responsible for the antibacterial activity of
      honey. Using the sensitive peroxide/peroxidase assay, broth microdilution assay
      and DNA degradation assays, the quantitative relationships between the content of
      H(2)O(2) and honey's antibacterial activity was established(.) The results showed
      that: (A) the average H(2)O(2) content in honey was over 900-fold lower than that
      observed in disinfectants that kills bacteria on contact. (B) A supplementation
      of bacterial cultures with H(2)O(2) inhibited E. coli and B. subtilis growth in a
      concentration-dependent manner, with minimal inhibitory concentrations (MIC(90))
      values of 1.25 mM/10(7) cfu/ml and 2.5 mM/10(7) cfu/ml for E. coli and B.
      subtilis, respectively. In contrast, the MIC(90) of honey against E. coli
      correlated with honey H(2)O(2) content of 2.5 mM, and growth inhibition of B.
      subtilis by honey did not correlate with honey H(2)O(2) levels at all. (C) A
      supplementation of bacterial cultures with H(2)O(2) caused a concentration
      dependent degradation of bacterial DNA, with the minimum DNA degrading
      concentration occurring at 2.5 mM H(2)O(2). DNA degradation by honey occurred at
      lower than <=2.5 mM concentration of honey H(2)O(2) suggested an enhancing effect
      of other honey components. (D) Honeys with low H(2)O(2) content were unable to
      cleave DNA but the addition of H(2)O(2) restored this activity. The DNase-like
      activity was heat-resistant but catalase-sensitive indicating that H(2)O(2)
      participated in the oxidative DNA damage. We concluded that the honey H(2)O(2)
      was involved in oxidative damage causing bacterial growth inhibition and DNA
      degradation, but these effects were modulated by other honey components.

PMID- 22046172
TI  - Acquired antibiotic resistance genes: an overview.
AB  - In this review an overview is given on antibiotic resistance (AR) mechanisms with
      special attentions to the AR genes described so far preceded by a short
      introduction on the discovery and mode of action of the different classes of
      antibiotics. As this review is only dealing with acquired resistance, attention
      is also paid to mobile genetic elements such as plasmids, transposons, and
      integrons, which are associated with AR genes, and involved in the dispersal of
      antimicrobial determinants between different bacteria.

PMID- 22046174
TI  - Arsenate Resistance in the Unicellular Marine Diazotroph Crocosphaera watsonii.
AB  - The toxic arsenate ion can behave as a phosphate analog, and this can result in
      arsenate toxicity especially in areas with elevated arsenate to phosphate ratios
      like the surface waters of the ocean gyres. In these systems, cellular arsenate
      resistance strategies would allow phytoplankton to ameliorate the effects of
      arsenate transport into the cell. Despite the potential coupling between arsenate
      and phosphate cycling in oligotrophic marine waters, relatively little is known
      about arsenate resistance in the nitrogen-fixing marine cyanobacteria that are
      key components of the microbial community in low nutrient systems. The
      unicellular diazotroph, Crocosphaera watsonii WH8501, was able to grow at reduced
      rates with arsenate additions up to 30 nM, and estimated arsenate to phosphate
      ratios of 6:1. The genome of strain WH8501 contains homologs for arsA, arsH,
      arsB, and arsC, allowing for the reduction of arsenate to arsenite and the
      pumping of arsenite out of the cell. The short-term addition of arsenate to the
      growth medium had no effect on nitrogen fixation. However, arsenate addition did
      result in the up-regulation of the arsB gene with increasing arsenate
      concentrations, indicating the induction of the arsenate detoxification response.
      The arsB gene was also up-regulated by phosphorus stress in concert with a gene
      encoding the high-affinity phosphate binding protein pstS. Both genes were down
      regulated when phosphate was re-fed to phosphorus-stressed cells. A field survey
      of surface water from the low phosphate western North Atlantic detected
      expression of C. watsoniiarsB, suggestive of the potential importance of arsenate
      resistance strategies in this and perhaps other systems.

PMID- 22046175
TI  - Fungicidal Activities and Mechanisms of Action of Pseudomonas syringae pv.
      syringae Lipodepsipeptide Syringopeptins 22A and 25A.
AB  - The plant-associated bacterium Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae simultaneously
      produces two classes of metabolites: the small cyclic lipodepsinonapeptides such
      as the syringomycins and the larger cyclic lipodepsipeptide syringopeptins SP22
      or SP25. The syringomycins inhibit a broad spectrum of fungi (but particularly
      yeasts) by lipid-dependent membrane interaction. The syringopeptins are
      phytotoxic and inhibitory to Gram-positive bacteria. In this study, the
      fungicidal activities of two major syringopeptins, SP22A and SP25A, and their
      mechanisms of action were investigated and compared to those of syringomycin E.
      SP22A and SP25A were observed to inhibit the fungal yeasts Saccharomyces
      cerevisiae and Candida albicans although less effectively than syringomycin E. S.
      cerevisiae mutants defective in ergosterol and sphingolipid biosyntheses were
      less susceptible to SP22A and SP25A but the relative inhibitory capabilities of
      SRE vs. SP22A and SP25A were maintained. Similar differences were observed for
      capabilities to cause cellular K(+) and Ca(2+) fluxes in S. cerevisiae.
      Interestingly, in phospholipid bilayers the syringopeptins are found to induce
      larger macroscopic ionic conductances than syringomycin E but form single
      channels with similar properties. These findings suggest that the syringopeptins
      target the yeast plasma membrane, and, like syringomycin E, employ a lipid
      dependent channel-forming mechanism of action. The differing degrees of growth
      inhibition by these lipodepsipeptides may be explained by differences in their
      hydrophobicities. The more hydrophobic SP22A and SP25A might interact more
      strongly with the yeast cell wall that would create a selective barrier for their
      incorporation into the plasma membrane.

PMID- 22046176
TI  - Fast random permutation tests enable objective evaluation of methods for single
      subject FMRI analysis.
AB  - Parametric statistical methods, such as Z-, t-, and F-values, are traditionally
      employed in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) for identifying areas in
      the brain that are active with a certain degree of statistical significance.
      These parametric methods, however, have two major drawbacks. First, it is assumed
      that the observed data are Gaussian distributed and independent; assumptions that
      generally are not valid for fMRI data. Second, the statistical test distribution
      can be derived theoretically only for very simple linear detection statistics.
      With nonparametric statistical methods, the two limitations described above can
      be overcome. The major drawback of non-parametric methods is the computational
      burden with processing times ranging from hours to days, which so far have made
      them impractical for routine use in single-subject fMRI analysis. In this work,
      it is shown how the computational power of cost-efficient graphics processing
      units (GPUs) can be used to speed up random permutation tests. A test with 10000
      permutations takes less than a minute, making statistical analysis of advanced
      detection methods in fMRI practically feasible. To exemplify the permutation
      based approach, brain activity maps generated by the general linear model (GLM)
      and canonical correlation analysis (CCA) are compared at the same significance
      level.

PMID- 22046177
TI  - Conditional random fields and supervised learning in automated skin lesion
      diagnosis.
AB  - Many subproblems in automated skin lesion diagnosis (ASLD) can be unified under a
      single generalization of assigning a label, from an predefined set, to each pixel
      in an image. We first formalize this generalization and then present two
      probabilistic models capable of solving it. The first model is based on
      independent pixel labeling using maximum a-posteriori (MAP) estimation. The
      second model is based on conditional random fields (CRFs), where dependencies
      between pixels are defined using a graph structure. Furthermore, we demonstrate
      how supervised learning and an appropriate training set can be used to
      automatically determine all model parameters. We evaluate both models' ability to
      segment a challenging dataset consisting of 116 images and compare our results to
      5 previously published methods.

PMID- 22046178
TI  - Lateral information processing by spiking neurons: a theoretical model of the
      neural correlate of consciousness.
AB  - Cognitive brain functions, for example, sensory perception, motor control and
      learning, are understood as computation by axonal-dendritic chemical synapses in
      networks of integrate-and-fire neurons. Cognitive brain functions may occur
      either consciously or nonconsciously (on "autopilot"). Conscious cognition is
      marked by gamma synchrony EEG, mediated largely by dendritic-dendritic gap
      junctions, sideways connections in input/integration layers. Gap-junction
      connected neurons define a sub-network within a larger neural network. A
      theoretical model (the "conscious pilot") suggests that as gap junctions open and
      close, a gamma-synchronized subnetwork, or zone moves through the brain as an
      executive agent, converting nonconscious "auto-pilot" cognition to consciousness,
      and enhancing computation by coherent processing and collective integration. In
      this study we implemented sideways "gap junctions" in a single-layer artificial
      neural network to perform figure/ground separation. The set of neurons connected
      through gap junctions form a reconfigurable resistive grid or sub-network zone.
      In the model, outgoing spikes are temporally integrated and spatially averaged
      using the fixed resistive grid set up by neurons of similar function which are
      connected through gap-junctions. This spatial average, essentially a feedback
      signal from the neuron's output, determines whether particular gap junctions
      between neurons will open or close. Neurons connected through open gap junctions
      synchronize their output spikes. We have tested our gap-junction-defined sub
      network in a one-layer neural network on artificial retinal inputs using real
      world images. Our system is able to perform figure/ground separation where the
      laterally connected sub-network of neurons represents a perceived object. Even
      though we only show results for visual stimuli, our approach should generalize to
      other modalities. The system demonstrates a moving sub-network zone of synchrony,
      within which the contents of perception are represented and contained. This
      mobile zone can be viewed as a model of the neural correlate of consciousness in
      the brain.

PMID- 22046179
TI  - Biochemical frequency control by synchronisation of coupled repressilators: an in
      silico study of modules for circadian clock systems.
AB  - Exploration of chronobiological systems emerges as a growing research field
      within bioinformatics focusing on various applications in medicine, agriculture,
      and material sciences. From a systems biological perspective, the question arises
      whether biological control systems for regulation of oscillatory signals and
      their technical counterparts utilise similar mechanisms. If so, modelling
      approaches and parameterisation adopted from building blocks can help to identify
      general components for frequency control in circadian clocks along with gaining
      insight into mechanisms of clock synchronisation to external stimuli like the
      daily rhythm of sunlight and darkness. Phase-locked loops could be an interesting
      candidate in this context. Both, biology and engineering, can benefit from a
      unified view resulting from systems modularisation. In a first experimental
      study, we analyse a model of coupled repressilators. We demonstrate its ability
      to synchronise clock signals in a monofrequential manner. Several oscillators
      initially deviate in phase difference and frequency with respect to explicit
      reaction and diffusion rates. Accordingly, the duration of the synchronisation
      process depends on dedicated reaction and diffusion parameters whose settings
      still lack to be sufficiently captured analytically.

PMID- 22046180
TI  - A reinforcement learning framework for spiking networks with dynamic synapses.
AB  - An integration of both the Hebbian-based and reinforcement learning (RL) rules is
      presented for dynamic synapses. The proposed framework permits the Hebbian rule
      to update the hidden synaptic model parameters regulating the synaptic response
      rather than the synaptic weights. This is performed using both the value and the
      sign of the temporal difference in the reward signal after each trial. Applying
      this framework, a spiking network with spike-timing-dependent synapses is tested
      to learn the exclusive-OR computation on a temporally coded basis. Reward values
      are calculated with the distance between the output spike train of the network
      and a reference target one. Results show that the network is able to capture the
      required dynamics and that the proposed framework can reveal indeed an integrated
      version of Hebbian and RL. The proposed framework is tractable and less
      computationally expensive. The framework is applicable to a wide class of
      synaptic models and is not restricted to the used neural representation. This
      generality, along with the reported results, supports adopting the introduced
      approach to benefit from the biologically plausible synaptic models in a wide
      range of intuitive signal processing.

PMID- 22046181
TI  - Ipilimumab, a promising immunotherapy with increased overall survival in
      metastatic melanoma?
AB  - Malignant melanoma (MM) is one of the most aggressive skin cancer. The
      therapeutic options remain limited for advanced MM, and those directed to the
      neoplastic cells have not brought major survival advantage so far. Immunotherapy
      is another targeted option. Ipilimumab, a monoclonal antibody directed to CTLA-4
      present on cytotoxic T cells boosts immunity, particularly its anti-MM activity.
      Under treatment, the overall survival of patients with MM metastases is
      moderately but significantly increased. The immuno-related adverse effects may be
      severe and life threatening.

PMID- 22046182
TI  - Comparative Evaluation of the Safety and Efficacy of Long-Term Use of
      Imidafenacin and Solifenacin in Patients with Overactive Bladder: A Prospective,
      Open, Randomized, Parallel-Group Trial (the LIST Study).
AB  - Objectives. Overactive bladder (OAB) is a chronic disease, but comparative trials
      of anticholinergics, which are commonly used for treatment of OAB, have generally
      been performed for up to 12 weeks only. There is no comparative study of a long
      term intervention. Methods. We conducted a 52-week prospective randomized
      comparative study to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability of two
      anticholinergics. Results. Forty-one Japanese patients with untreated OAB were
      randomly assigned to imidafenacin and solifenacin groups. There was no difference
      in OABSS and KHQ scores between the two groups, but the severity and incidence of
      adverse events caused by the anticholinergics showed increased differences
      between the groups with time. The severity of dry mouth and the incidence of
      constipation were significantly lower in the imidafenacin group (P = 0.0092 and P
      = 0.0013, resp.). Conclusions. This study is the first long-term trial to show
      differences in the properties of anticholinergics that were not detected in short
      term studies. Since OAB is a chronic disease, we conclude that imidafenacin is
      preferable to solifenacin from a perspective of safety.

PMID- 22046183
TI  - Sexual Dysfunctions of HIV-Positive Men: Associated Factors, Pathophysiology
      Issues, and Clinical Management.
AB  - Sexual dysfunctions in HIV-positive men are associated with an increase in risky
      sexual behavior and decreased adherence to antiretroviral drug regimens. Because
      of these important public health issues, we reviewed the literature on the
      pathophysiology, associated factors and clinical management of sexual dysfunction
      in HIV-positive men. The goal was to investigate the current research on these
      issues. Literature searches were performed in June 2011 on PubMed, Web of
      Science, and PsycInfo databases with the keywords "AIDS" and "sexual dysfunction"
      and "HIV" and "sexual dysfunction", resulting in 54 papers. Several researchers
      have investigated the factors associated with sexual dysfunction in HIV-positive
      men. The association between sexual dysfunction and antiretroviral drugs,
      particularly protease inhibitors, has been reported in many studies. The lack of
      standardized measures in many studies and the varying study designs are the main
      reasons that explain the controversial results. Despite some important findings,
      the pathophysiology of sexual dysfunction in the HAART era still not completely
      understood. Clinical trials of testosterone replacement therapy have shown the
      treatment to be beneficial to the improvement of sexual dysfunctions related to
      hypogonadism. However, there are not enough psychological intervention studies to
      make conclusions regarding the therapeutic effects of psychotherapy.

PMID- 22046184
TI  - Male infertility and its causes in human.
AB  - Infertility is one of the most serious social problems facing advanced nations.
      In general, approximate half of all cases of infertility are caused by factors
      related to the male partner. To date, various treatments have been developed for
      male infertility and are steadily producing results. However, there is no
      effective treatment for patients with nonobstructive azoospermia, in which there
      is an absence of mature sperm in the testes. Although evidence suggests that many
      patients with male infertility have a genetic predisposition to the condition,
      the cause has not been elucidated in the vast majority of cases. This paper
      discusses the environmental factors considered likely to be involved in male
      infertility and the genes that have been clearly shown to be involved in male
      infertility in humans, including our recent findings.

PMID- 22046185
TI  - Dynamic Production of Soluble Extracellular Polysaccharides by Streptococcus
      mutans.
AB  - Caries development in the presence of Streptococcus mutans is associated not only
      with the production of extracellular water-insoluble polymers but also is based
      on water-soluble polysaccharides. The aim of this study was the evaluation of a
      novel glucan-specific Lectin assay for monitoring water-soluble EPS produced by
      S. mutans during several growth periods in different media. S. mutans cultures
      were grown for 24 h, 48 h, and 144 h in medium deficient of sucrose (A) and
      medium supplemented with 5% sucrose (B). Microtiter well plates were coated with
      cell-free supernatants followed by the addition of labeled Concanavalin-A and
      enzyme substrate. The substrate reactions were kinetically detected at 405 nm.
      The validation of the assay was performed using carbohydrates dextran, xanthan,
      and sucrose as reference. This new Concanavalin-A-based assay showed the highest
      sensitivity for dextran and revealed that the glucan production of S. mutans
      reached its maximum at 144 h in medium B according to bacterial maturation.

PMID- 22046186
TI  - Prevalence of Oral Manifestations and Their Association with CD4/CD8 Ratio and
      HIV Viral Load in South India.
AB  - The objective of the present research was to determine the prevalence of oral
      manifestations in an HIV infected population from south India and evaluate their
      association with HIV viral load and CD4/CD8 ratio. Intraoral examination of 103
      patients, whose CD4/CD8 ratio was available, were conducted. HIV viral loads were
      available for thirty patients only. The prevalence of oral manifestations was
      80.6% (83/103). The most common oromucosal lesion was erythematous candidiasis
      (EC) (38.8%) followed by melanotic hyperpigmentation (35.9%). Patients having any
      oral manifestation had a mean CD4/CD8 ratio of 0.24. EC had positive predictive
      value of 85.0% for CD4/CD8 ratio <0.30. The prevalence of oral manifestations in
      patients taking ART was lesser (78.6%) as compared to patients not taking ART
      (82%). Patients having any oral manifestation had a higher HIV viral load as
      compared to patients not having any oral manifestations (P < 0.05).
      Pseudomembranous candidiasis (PC) was significantly associated with higher HIV
      viral loads (>20,000 copies/mL) (P < 0.05). Patients having EC had 4 times
      greater chance of having CD4/CD8 ratio <0.30. PC can be considered as a marker of
      immune suppression (HIV viral load >20,000 copies/mL).

PMID- 22046187
TI  - Bacillus Strains Most Closely Related to Bacillus nealsonii Are Not Effectively
      Circumscribed within the Taxonomic Species Definition.
AB  - Bacillus strains with >99.7% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity were characterized
      with DNA:DNA hybridization, cellular fatty acid (CFA) analysis, and testing of
      100 phenotypic traits. When paired with the most closely related type strain,
      percent DNA:DNA similarities (% S) for six Bacillus strains were all far below
      the recommended 70% threshold value for species circumscription with Bacillus
      nealsonii. An apparent genomic group of four Bacillus strain pairings with 94%
      70% S was contradicted by the failure of the strains to cluster in CFA- and
      phenotype-based dendrograms as well as by their differentiation with 9-13 species
      level discriminators such as nitrate reduction, temperature range, and acid
      production from carbohydrates. The novel Bacillus strains were monophyletic and
      very closely related based on 16S rRNA gene sequence. Coherent genomic groups
      were not however supported by similarly organized phenotypic clusters. Therefore,
      the strains were not effectively circumscribed within the taxonomic species
      definition.

PMID- 22046188
TI  - The lyon clinical olfactory test: validation and measurement of hyposmia and
      anosmia in healthy and diseased populations.
AB  - The LCOT is a self-administered test designed to assess olfactory deficits.
      Altogether, 525 subjects contributed to the validation. Elderly participants were
      well represented in this sample. In a validation study (study 1), 407 healthy and
      17 anosmic volunteers between 15 and 91 years of age underwent threshold,
      supraliminal detection, and identification testing. Cutoff values for normosmia
      and hyposmia were calculated and applied in a second study in a group of patients
      with smell complaints and in a group of Alzheimer patients with age-matched
      controls. Incidence of smell deficit was estimated at 5.6% in the healthy
      population of study 1, and at 16% in the elderly control group of study 2.
      Assessment of the ability of each subtest to discriminate between groups showed
      that LCOT is relevant to differentiating between perception and identification
      deficits and between Alzheimer's and hyposmic patients.

PMID- 22046189
TI  - A Human Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Cell Line with Acquired cis
      Diamminedichloroplatinum-Resistance Shows Remarkable Upregulation of BRCA1 and
      Hypersensitivity to Taxane.
AB  - Recently, an inverse relationship between resistance to platinum-based
      chemotherapeutic agents and taxanes has been implicated in breast and ovarian
      cancers, and a possible pivotal role for BRCA1 has also been suggested. Because
      cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (CDDP) and taxanes are the most active antitumor
      agents against head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), we analyzed the
      sensitivity of nine HNSCC cell lines and their previously established derived
      CDDP-resistant cell lines to two representative taxanes: docetaxel and
      paclitaxel. None of the nine original cell lines showed any cross resistance
      between CDDP and taxanes, but one of the CDDP-resistant cell lines, RPMI2650CR,
      demonstrated hypersensitivity to both taxanes when compared to the parental cell
      line, RPMI2650. Furthermore, RPMI2650CR exhibited increased expression of BRCA1.
      These data suggest that (i) taxanes are a good candidate for a second-line
      therapeutic drug for HNSCC patients with acquired CDDP resistance and (ii) BRCA1
      can be a candidate marker for predicting an inverse CDDP/taxane sensitivity
      phenotype in HNSCC.

PMID- 22046190
TI  - Measuring Urinary Sensation with Current Perception Threshold: A Comparison
      between Method of Limits and Method of Levels.
AB  - Purpose. To determine the association between the two methods of obtaining
      current perception thresholds (CPTs) in the lower urinary tract (LUT). Materials
      and Methods. Twenty-one women undergoing pelvic surgery underwent CPT
      determinations of the urethra. CPTs were measured at 2,000, 250, and 5 Hz
      (corresponding to A-beta, A-delta, and C fibers, resp.) both pre- and
      postoperatively. Threshold values were obtained in all patients by using the
      method of limits and the method of levels. Results. CPT values obtained by using
      the method of levels and the methods of limits were highly correlated at all
      frequencies before and after surgery (rho = 0.93-0.99, P < 0.0001). The mean
      threshold values obtained by the method of levels were significantly lower at all
      frequencies compared with those obtained by the method of limits. Conclusions.
      Our findings suggest that the method of levels is more sensitive for the
      detection of CPTs compared to the method of limits.

PMID- 22046191
TI  - Elizabethkingia meningosepticum (Chryseobacterium meningosepticum) Infections in
      Children.
AB  - Chryseobacterium meningosepticum is a ubiquitous Gram-negative bacillus
      historically associated primarily with meningitis in neonates and a wide variety
      of infections in immunocompromised patients. Neonatal infections often occur as
      outbreaks with environmental contamination being the source. C. meningosepticum
      infections are not common but are clinically important because the organism is
      naturally resistant to multiple antibiotics. In this paper, we have reviewed the
      nosocomial outbreaks of C. meningosepticum in newborns and infants reported so
      far in the literature and overviewed the infection control interventions,
      treatment modalities, and prevention measures.

PMID- 22046192
TI  - An evaluation of initial vancomycin dosing in infants, children, and adolescents.
AB  - Background. The pharmacokinetics of many medications change as we age, thus most
      would assume dosing strategies would adjust for these changes. The objective of
      this study is to evaluate the initial vancomycin dosing in three pediatric age
      groups based on measured serum trough concentrations. Methodology. This
      retrospective database review included patients aged from 1 month to 18 years old
      admitted to the Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital. Patients had to have received
      vancomycin dosed at 15 mg/kg every 8 hours with an appropriately measured trough
      concentration. The primary outcome was to determine the percentage of patients in
      3 pediatric age groups achieving therapeutic trough concentrations with the
      initial vancomycin dosing regimen. Results. Twenty-five patients were included in
      the study. None of the patients had therapeutic trough concentrations after
      receiving vancomycin 15 mg/kg every 8 hours. Only one patient had a
      supratherapeutic level, while all of the other patients had levels less than 10
      mcg/mL. Conclusions. Vancomycin 15 mg/kg every 8 hours did not provide
      therapeutic serum trough concentrations for any pediatric age groups. Higher
      doses and/or more frequent dosing regimens need to be evaluated for each age
      group to determine the most appropriate strategies for producing therapeutic
      trough concentrations.

PMID- 22046193
TI  - Evaluation of trace metal levels in tissues of two commercial fish species in
      Kapar and Mersing coastal waters, Peninsular Malaysia.
AB  - This study is focused on evaluating the trace metal levels in water and tissues
      of two commercial fish species Arius thalassinus and Pennahia anea that were
      collected from Kapar and Mersing coastal waters. The concentrations of Fe, Zn,
      Al, As, Cd and Pb in these coastal waters and muscle, liver and gills tissues of
      the fishes were quantified. The relationship among the metal concentrations and
      the height and weight of the two species were also examined. Generally, the iron
      has the highest concentrations in both water and the fish species. However, Cd in
      both coastal waters showed high levels exceeding the international standards. The
      metal level concentration in the sample fishes are in the descending order livers
      > gills > muscles. A positive association between the trace metal concentrations
      and weight and length of the sample fishes was investigated. Fortunately the
      level of these metal concentrations in fish has not exceeded the permitted level
      of Malaysian and international standards.

PMID- 22046194
TI  - PI3K functions in cancer progression, anticancer immunity and immune evasion by
      tumors.
AB  - The immunological surveillance of tumors relies on a specific recognition of
      cancer cells and their associate antigens by leucocytes of innate and adaptive
      immune responses. However, a dysregulated cytokine release can lead to, or be
      associated with, a failure in cell-cell recognition, thus, allowing cancer cells
      to evade the killing system. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway
      regulates multiple cellular processes which underlie immune responses against
      pathogens or malignant cells. Conversely, there is accumulating evidence that the
      PI3K pathway is involved in the development of several malignant traits of cancer
      cells as well as their escape from immunity. Herein, we review the counteracting
      roles of PI3K not only in antitumor immune response but also in the mechanisms
      that cancer cells use to avoid leukocyte attack. In addition, we discuss, from
      antitumor immunological point of view, the potential benefits and disadvantages
      arising from use of anticancer pharmacological agents targeting the PI3K pathway.

PMID- 22046195
TI  - NBM-HD-1: A Novel Histone Deacetylase Inhibitor with Anticancer Activity.
AB  - HDAC inhibitors (HDACis) have been developed as promising anticancer agents in
      recent years. In this study, we synthesized and characterized a novel HDACi,
      termed NBM-HD-1. This agent was derived from the semisynthesis of propolin G,
      isolated from Taiwanese green propolis (TGP), and was shown to be a potent
      suppressor of tumor cell growth in human breast cancer cells (MCF-7 and MDA-MB
      231) and rat glioma cells (C6), with an IC(50) ranging from 8.5 to 10.3 MUM.
      Western blot demonstrated that levels of p21((Waf1/Cip1)), gelsolin, Ac-histone
      4, and Ac-tubulin markedly increased after treatment of cancer cells with NBM-HD
      1. After NBM-HD-1 treatment for 1-4 h, p-PTEN and p-AKT levels were markedly
      decreased. Furthermore, we also found the anticancer activities of NBM-HD-1 in
      regulating cell cycle regulators. Treatment with NBM-HD-1, p21((Waf1/Cip1)) gene
      expression had markedly increased while cyclin B1 and D1 gene expressions had
      markedly decreased. On the other hand, we found that NBM-HD-1 increased the
      expressions of tumor-suppressor gene p53 in a dose-dependent manner. Finally, we
      showed that NBM-HD-1 exhibited potent antitumor activity in a xenograft model. In
      conclusion, this study demonstrated that this compound, NBM-HD-1, is a novel and
      potent HDACi with anticancer activity in vitro and in vivo.

PMID- 22046196
TI  - Clinical aspects of Marburg hemorrhagic fever.
AB  - Marburg virus belongs to the genus Marburgvirus in the family Filoviridae and
      causes a severe hemorrhagic fever, known as Marburg hemorrhagic fever (MHF), in
      both humans and nonhuman primates. Similar to the more widely known Ebola
      hemorrhagic fever, MHF is characterized by systemic viral replication,
      immunosuppression and abnormal inflammatory responses. These pathological
      features of the disease contribute to a number of systemic dysfunctions including
      hemorrhages, edema, coagulation abnormalities and, ultimately, multiorgan failure
      and shock, often resulting in death. A detailed understanding of the pathological
      processes that lead to this devastating disease remains elusive, a fact that
      contributes to the lack of licensed vaccines or effective therapeutics. This
      article will review the clinical aspects of MHF and discuss the pathogenesis and
      possible options for diagnosis, treatment and prevention.

PMID- 22046198
TI  - A comparison of Stone Cone versus lidocaine jelly in the prevention of ureteral
      stone migration during ureteroscopic lithotripsy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intracorporeal lithotripsy modalities and stone removal devices have
      been created to facilitate endoscopic management of ureteral stones. These
      devices, along with improved techniques, have resulted in stone-free rates
      greater than 95% with low morbidity. However, problems remain that preclude
      consistent 100% stone-free rates with endoscopic treatment of ureteral calculi.
      Retrograde migration during ureteroscopic procedures remains a significant
      problem. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the Stone Cone device
      and instillation of lubricating lidocaine jelly as two methods to prevent
      retrograde stone migration during ureteroscopic lithotripsy. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: This study included patients suffering from ureteral stones that were
      treated with intracorporeal lithotripsy using the pneumatic Lithoclast. These
      patients were divided into two groups. In group I, the Stone Cone device was
      used, while in group II, lidocaine jelly 2% concentration was used. RESULTS: This
      study included 40 patients with a mean age of 38.6 +/- 9.3 years (20 patients in
      each group). There was no significant difference between the groups with regards
      to stone site, size or state of the upper urinary tract by excretory urography.
      The pneumatic Lithoclast allowed successful fragmentation of all calculi into
      small fragments. Upward stone migration did not occur in patients in the Stone
      Cone group, while in the lidocaine jelly group it occurred in three patients
      (15%). The operative time in the Stone Cone group ranged between 30 and 55
      minutes (mean, 41.8 +/- 5.3), while in the lidocaine jelly group it ranged
      between 40 and 71 minutes (mean, 51.4 +/- 3.4), and this difference was
      statistically significant (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The Stone Cone is safe and
      efficient in preventing proximal stone migration during ureteroscopic pneumatic
      lithotripsy. It maintained continuous ureteral access and demonstrated a
      statistically significant advantage over the lidocaine jelly in terms of proximal
      stone migration, operative time, and the need for auxiliary procedures.

PMID- 22046197
TI  - Immunomodulation by  vitamin D: implications for TB.
AB  - TB remains a major cause of mortality throughout the world. Low vitamin D status
      has been linked to increased risk of TB and other immune disorders. These
      observations suggest a role for vitamin D as a modulator of normal human immune
      function. This article will detail the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which
      vitamin D regulates the immune system and how vitamin D insufficiency may lead to
      immune dysregulation. The importance of vitamin D bioavailability as a mechanism
      for defining the immunomodulatory actions of vitamin D and its impact on TB will
      also be discussed. The overall aim will be to provide a fresh perspective on the
      potential benefits of vitamin D supplementation in the prevention and treatment
      of TB.

PMID- 22046199
TI  - Medical therapy for premature ejaculation.
AB  - Premature ejaculation (PE) is a common male sexual dysfunction. Advances in PE
      research have been hampered owing to a nonstandardized definition of PE, until
      the definition by the International Society of Sexual Medicine (ISSM) in 2009.
      Once the diagnosis of PE is established through a thorough history, a variety of
      medical therapies is available, including tricyclic antidepressants, selective
      serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), centrally acting opiates,
      phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors and topical desensitizing creams. Most of these
      treatments increase the intravaginal ejaculation latency time (IELT) and patient
      satisfaction scores, with the most convincing evidence for SSRIs and topical
      creams. Daily SSRIs such as paroxetine, although efficacious, do have a
      substantial and prolonged side effect profile. Dapoxetine, which is a on-demand
      SSRI, is the only licensed drug for the treatment of PE, increasing IELT by a
      factor of 2.5 to 3 with limited and tolerable side effects. In the near future,
      the topical aerosol PSD502 is due to be licensed for the treatment of PE,
      increasing IELT by up to a factor of 6 but having minimal local and negligible
      systemic side effects.

PMID- 22046200
TI  - The role of sodium hyaluronate and sodium chondroitin sulphate in the management
      of bladder disease.
AB  - Bladder epithelium is not only a simple defence against infections, but it is
      also a specialized tissue regulating complex bladder functions and playing an
      active role in the pathogenesis of many bladder diseases. There is strong
      evidence that different chronic inflammatory bladder diseases, such as recurrent
      urinary tract infection (UTI), chemical or radiation cystitis and painful bladder
      syndrome/interstitial cystitis (PBS/IC), can be pathophysiologically linked in
      the first step of the disease to the loss of the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) mucous
      layer independently of the original cause of the inflammatory process. The aim of
      this article is to review the current evidence on the clinic applications of GAGs
      in urology, with particular emphasis on the therapeutic use of hyaluronic acid
      (HA) and chondroitin sulphate (CS). A comprehensive electronic literature search
      was conducted in May 2011 using the Medline database. Three studies supported the
      decrease of the rate of recurrent UTIs by restoring the GAG layer, showing a
      significant reduction of UTI rates and a prolonged median time to recurrence
      after HA intravesical instillations in women with recurrent UTI. We provide
      higher level evidence by reporting a prospective, randomized, double-blind,
      placebo-controlled study on the use of intravesical HA and CS in women with
      recurrent UTIs. A significant reduction of 77% in the UTI rate per patient per
      year versus placebo was observed at the end of the study. Nine studies were
      published between 2002 and 2011 on the use of HA and CS to treat PBS/IC. Three of
      them evaluated the use of GAGs bladder instillation to prolong the effects of
      bladder hydrodistension. In the other six studies the efficacy of HA bladder
      instillations to reduce symptoms score was assessed. Preliminary studies support
      data on the role of HA-CS in detrusor overactivity, nonbacterial cystitis and
      urological malignancies. Few data are available regarding the mode of action of
      HA-CS or its effectiveness in the management of bladder diseases. The major issue
      in interpreting the available evidence regarding HA-CS is that most of the
      reported studies are nonrandomized and without a control arm. HA-CS may be
      considered for further studies, including randomized, controlled trials with
      adequate power.

PMID- 22046201
TI  - 3-d volumetric evaluation of human mandibular growth.
AB  - Bone growth is a complex process that is controlled by a multitude of mechanisms
      that are not fully understood.Most of the current methods employed to measure the
      growth of bones focus on either studying cadaveric bones from different
      individuals of different ages, or successive two-dimensional (2D) radiographs.
      Both techniques have their known limitations. The purpose of this study was to
      explore a technique for quantifying the three dimensional (3D) growth of an
      adolescent human mandible over the period of one year utilizing cone beam
      computed tomography (CBCT) scans taken for regular orthodontic records. Three 
      dimensional virtual models were created from the CBCT data using mainstream
      medical imaging software. A comparison between computer-generated surface meshes
      of successive 3-D virtual models illustrates the magnitude of relative mandible
      growth. The results of this work are in agreement with previously reported data
      from human cadaveric studies and implantable marker studies. The presented method
      provides a new relatively simple basis (utilizing commercially available
      software) to visualize and evaluate individualized 3D (mandibular) growth in
      vivo.

PMID- 22046202
TI  - Pedicle Screw Surgery in the UK and Ireland: A Questionnaire Study.
AB  - Pedicle screw (PS) malpositioning rates are high in spine surgery. This has
      resulted in the use of computed navigational aids to reduce the rate of
      malposition; but these are often expensive and limited in availability. A simple
      mechanical device to aid PS insertion might overcome some of these disadvantages.
      The purpose of this study was to determine the demand and design criteria for a
      simple device to aid PS placement, as well as to collect opinions and experiences
      on PS surgery in the UK and Ireland. A postal questionnaire was sent to 422
      spinal surgeons in the UK and Ireland. 101 questionnaires were received; 67 of
      these (16% of total sent) contained useful information. 78% of surgeons
      experienced problems with PS placement. The need for a simple mechanical device
      to aid PS placement was expressed by 59% of respondent surgeons. The proportion
      of respondents that inserted PSs in the cervical spine was 14%; PSs are mainly
      inserted in the thoracic, lumbar and sacral spine, but potential exists for a PS
      placement aid for the cervical and thoracic spine. From the experiences of these
      67 surgeons, there is evidence to suggest that surgeons would prefer a pedicle
      aid that is multiple use, one-piece, hand-held, radiolucent, unilateral and uses
      the line of sight principle in traditional open surgery. Based on the experiences
      of 67 surgeons, there is evidence to suggest that computed navigational aids are
      not readily used in PS surgery and that a simple mechanical device could be a
      better option. This paper provides useful data for improving the outcomes of
      spinal surgery.

PMID- 22046203
TI  - Pregnant women with epilepsy in a developing country.
AB  - This is the first prospective study carried out in Argentina and Latin America to
      provide the impact of epilepsy throughout the childbearing years life of women,
      and pregnancy outcome in a population of pregnant women with diagnosis of
      epilepsy and antiepileptics drugs (AEDs). Ninety-four women were studied
      prospectively at the Epilepsy Center, the largest in Argentina. Of the 94 women
      examined in this study only 10% planned their pregnancy and received folic acid
      before conception.More than half of women in our study were on monotherapy, with
      the most frequently prescribed drugs being carbamazepine and valproic acid. In
      all, 90.4% of the women had a normal pregnancy and delivery. There were 8.5%
      spontaneous abortions. Major congenital malformations (MCM) was detected in 10.6%
      of newborns at birth; in the general population it varies between 1.6-3.2%. The
      results from this study are helpful in the highlighting correct gaps in knowledge
      in this population group.

PMID- 22046204
TI  - An immunological analysis of dystroglycan subunits: lessons learned from a small
      cohort of non-congenital dystrophic patients.
AB  - The dystroglycan (DG) expression pattern can be altered in severe muscular
      dystrophies. In fact, some congenital muscular dystrophies (CMDs) and limb-girdle
      muscular dystrophies (LGMDs) are caused by point mutations identified in six
      glycosyltransferase genes which are likely to target different steps along the
      posttranslational "O-glycosylation route" leading to a fully decorated and
      functional alpha-DG subunit. Indeed, hypoglycosylation of alpha-DG is thought to
      represent a major pathological event, in that it could reduce the DG's ability to
      bind the basement membrane components, thus leading to sarcolemmal instability
      and necrosis. In order to set up an efficient standard immunological protocol,
      taking advantage of a wide panel of antibodies, we have analyzed the two DG
      subunits in a small cohort of adult dystrophic patients, whom an extensive
      medical examination had already clinically classified as affected by LGMD (5),
      Miyoshi (1) or distal (1) myopathy. Immunofluorescence analysis of skeletal
      muscle tissue sections revealed a proper sarcolemmal localization of the DG
      subunits in all the patients analyzed. However, Western blot analysis of lectin
      enriched skeletal muscle samples revealed an abnormal glycosylation of alpha-DG
      in two patients. Our work reinforces the notion that a careful immunological and
      biochemical analysis of the two DG subunits should be always considered as a
      prerequisite for the identification of new putative cases of dystroglycanopathy.

PMID- 22046205
TI  - The Frequency of A1298C and C677T Polymorphisms of the Methylentetrahydrofolate
      Gene in Turkish Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: Relationship with
      Methotrexate Toxicity.
AB  - The C677T and A1298C polymorphisms of methylenetatrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR)
      gene are reported to have a relationship to methotrexate (MTX) metabolism, with
      conflicting results. The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of
      MTHFR C677 T and A1298C gene polymorphisms in a group of Turkish RA patients and
      evaluate its association with MTX toxicity.Sixty-four patients with RA and 31
      control subjects with a mean age of 48.7 +/-12.5 and 46.2 +/- 13.4 years, were
      enrolled to the study. Demographic characteristics were obtained and MTX-related
      adverse effects were recorded in the patient group. The A1298C and C677T
      polymorphisms of the MTHFR gene were analyzed and the distribution of genotypes
      according side effects, were determined.The frequency of MTHFR C677T and A1298C
      polymorphisms were similar in the patient and control groups. Folic acid
      supplementation with a mean dose of 5mg folic acid/week, was present in all
      patients. Thirty-six of the 64 patients showed adverse effects to MTX treatment,
      and MTX had been discontinued in 12 (18.8%) patients due to side effects and/or
      inefficacy. MTHFR C677T and A1298C gene polymorphisms were found to be similar in
      patients with and without MTX-related adverse events.In conclusion, A1298C and
      C677T polymorphisms in the MTHFR gene, were not related with MTX-related toxicity
      in RA patients receiving folate supplementation. Further studies are needed to
      illuminate the polymorphisms in other enzymes that might be responsible from the
      MTX toxicity in patients suffering from RA.

PMID- 22046206
TI  - Efficacy of transcranial direct current stimulation coupled with a
      multidisciplinary rehabilitation program for the treatment of fibromyalgia.
AB  - Pain control in fibromyalgia patients is limited no matter the therapeutic
      regimens used. Recent data have shown that daily sessions of anodal transcranial
      direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the primary motor cortex (M1) in patients
      with fibromyalgia (FM) are associated with reduction of pain perception.
      OBJECTIVE: We aimed to test whether active tDCS, as compared with sham tDCS,
      combined with multidisciplinary rehabilitation is associated with significant
      clinical gains in fibromyalgia. DESIGN: This was a randomized, double-blinded
      controlled trial. SUBJECTS: 23 patients were randomized to receive weekly
      sessions of multidisciplinary rehabilitation approach combined with sham or
      anodal tDCS of M1. Patients were evaluated for pain with VAS and for quality of
      life with SF-36, fibromyalgia pain questionnaire and health assessment
      questionnaire by a blinded rater before and after the 4 month period of
      rehabilitation. RESULTS: Patients tolerated tDCS treatment well, without adverse
      effects. Patients who received active treatment had a significantly greater
      reduction of SF-36 pain domain scores (F((2,21))=6.57; p=0.006) and a tendency of
      higher improvement in Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) scores after
      (p=0.056) as compared with sham tDCS/standard treatment, but no differences were
      observed in the other domains. CONCLUSIONS: Although active tDCS was associated
      with superior results in one domain (SF-36 pain domain), the lack of significance
      in the other domains does not fully support this strategy (weekly tDCS) combined
      with a multidisciplinary approach.

PMID- 22046207
TI  - The association of disability and pain with individual and community
      socioeconomic status in people with hip osteoarthritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine associations between disability and socioeconomic status
      (SES) in persons with hip radiographic OA (rOA) or symptomatic OA (sxOA) in the
      Johnston County Osteoarthritis Project. METHODS: Cross-sectional analyses were
      conducted on individuals with hip rOA (708) or sxOA (251). rOA was defined as
      Kellgren-Lawrence >= 2. Educational attainment (<12 years or >=12 years) and
      occupation (managerial or non-managerial) were individual SES measures. Census
      block group poverty rate (<12%, 12-25%, >=25%) was the community SES measure.
      Disability was measured by the HAQ-DI and the WOMAC (function, pain, total).
      Covariates included age, gender, race, BMI, and presence of knee symptoms.
      Analyses examined associations of disability with each SES effect separately,
      followed by multivariable analyses using all SES variables, adjusting for
      covariates. RESULTS: In models with single SES variables adjusted for covariates,
      WOMAC scores were associated significantly (p<0.05) with low educational
      attainment and non-managerial occupation in rOA and sxOA. HAQ was significantly
      associated with low educational attainment in rOA and sxOA and with high
      community poverty in rOA. In models including all SES variables, the patterns of
      association were similar although with diminished significance. There was
      indication that education was more strongly associated with HAQ and WOMAC
      function, while occupation was more strongly associated with WOMAC pain.
      CONCLUSION: Our data provide evidence that individual SES is an important factor
      to consider when examining disability and pain outcomes in older adults with hip
      OA.

PMID- 22046208
TI  - Lack of CTGF*-945C/G Dimorphism in Thai Patients with Systemic Sclerosis.
AB  - An association between connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) gene dimorphism at 
      945 (CTGF*-945C/G) and systemic sclerosis (SSc) has been reported with
      inconclusive results. We performed this study to determine whether such an
      association exists among Thai patients with SSc. DNA samples were taken from 50
      Thai SSc patients (diffuse SSc in 39 and limited SSc in 11) and 99 healthy
      controls for determination of CTGF*-945C/G dimorphism by polymerase chain
      reaction (PCR) using specific oligonucleotide primers. The associations between
      the genotype frequencies, clinical manifestations and auto-antibodies were
      determined as well. When compared with the controls, SSc patients had no
      significantly higher frequencies of the GG genotype (44.0% vs 39.4%, p = 0.60), G
      allele (63.0% vs 65.2%, p = 0.80) or G phenotype (82.0% vs 90.9%, p = 1.0). There
      was no association between the presence of the GG genotype and clinical
      manifestations (pulmonary fibrosis, sclerodactyly, digital pitting scars,
      telangiectasia and pulmonary arterial hypertension), or the presence of auto
      antibodies (anti-Scl-70, anti-SSA/Ro, and anti-RNP). In conclusion, we found no
      association between CTGF*-945C/G dimorphism and Thai SSc patients.

PMID- 22046209
TI  - The Anti-Apoptotic Effect of Respiratory Syncytial Virus on Human Peripheral
      Blood Neutrophils is Mediated by a Monocyte Derived Soluble Factor.
AB  - Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) causes annual epidemics of respiratory disease
      particularly affecting infants. The associated airway inflammation is
      characterized by an intense neutrophilia. This neutrophilic inflammation appears
      to be responsible for much of the pathology and symptoms. Previous work from our
      group had shown that there are factors within the airways of infants with RSV
      bronchiolitis that inhibit neutrophil apoptosis. This study was undertaken to
      determine if RSV can directly affect neutrophil survival.NEUTROPHILS WERE
      ISOLATED FROM CITRATED VENOUS BLOOD (COLLECTED FROM HEALTHY ADULT VOLUNTEERS) BY
      DISCONTINUOUS PLASMA: Percoll gradient centrifugation and, in some experiments,
      further purified by negative immunomagnetic bead selection. The effect of RSV on
      neutrophil survival was measured by Annexin V-PE /To-Pro-3 staining and by
      morphological changes, using Dif-Quick staining of cytospins.Inhibition of
      neutrophil apoptosis was observed in neutrophils isolated by standard
      plasma:Percoll gradient when exposed to RSV but not in ultra pure neutrophil
      preparations. Adding monocytes back to ultra purified preparations restored the
      effect. The inhibition of apoptosis was observed with both active and UV
      inactivated virus. The effect is dependent on a soluble factor and appears to be
      dependent on CD14 receptors on the monocytes.

PMID- 22046210
TI  - Development and Psychometric Evaluation of the Instrument: Attitudes Towards
      Organ Donor Advocacy Scale (ATODAS).
AB  - The consequences of advocacy in nursing are critical when caring for a potential
      organ donor. No specific instrument has been available to measure attitudes
      toward organ donor advocacy. The aim of this study was to develop and
      psychometrically evaluate an instrument for measuring intensive and critical care
      (ICU) nurses' attitudes toward organ donor advocacy. The study was conducted in
      two stages: instrument development and instrument evaluation and refinement. A
      questionnaire was developed (Attitude Toward Organ Donor Advocacy Scale
      (ATODAS)), which was sent to half of all nurses working in ICUs (general-, neuro
      , thoracic- or paediatric-) in Sweden (n=1180). The final response rate was 42.5%
      (n=502). In order to explore validity and reliability, the expected scale
      dimensionality of the questionnaire was examined both by explorative principal
      component analysis (with oblique, varimax rotation) and by confirmatory multi
      trait analysis. The confirmatory factor analysis indicated that the ATODAS could
      best be explained by five factors; Attitudes toward championing organ donation at
      a structural hospital level; Attitudes toward championing organ donation at a
      political and research level; Attitudes toward actively and personally
      safeguarding the will and wishes of the potential organ donor, Attitudes toward
      safeguarding the potential donor's will and wishes by a professional approach and
      Attitudes toward safeguarding the will and wishes of the relatives. This initial
      testing indicated that the ATODAS has good psychometric properties and can be
      used in future research to explore if interventions may influence attitudes and
      behaviors related to organ donor advocacy.

PMID- 22046211
TI  - Immune Responses of HIV-1 Tat Transgenic Mice to Mycobacterium Tuberculosis W
      Beijing SA161.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mycobacterium tuberculosis remains among the leading causes of death
      from an infectious agent in the world and exacerbates disease caused by the human
      immunodeficiency virus (HIV). HIV infected individuals are prone to lung
      infections by a variety of microbial pathogens, including M. tuberculosis. While
      the destruction of the adaptive immune response by HIV is well understood, the
      actual pathogenesis of tuberculosis in co-infected individuals remains unclear.
      Tat is an HIV protein essential for efficient viral gene transcription, is
      secreted from infected cells, and is known to influence a variety of host
      inflammatory responses. We hypothesize Tat contributes to pathophysiological
      changes in the lung microenvironment, resulting in impaired host immune responses
      to infection by M. tuberculosis. RESULTS: Herein, we show transgenic mice that
      express Tat by lung alveolar cells are more susceptible than non-transgenic
      control littermates to a low-dose aerosol infection of M. tuberculosis W-Beijing
      SA161. Survival assays demonstrate accelerated mortality rates of the Tat
      transgenic mice compared to non-transgenics. Tat transgenic mice also showed
      poorly organized lung granulomata-like lesions. Analysis of the host immune
      response using quantitative RT-PCR, flow cytometry for surface markers, and
      intracellular cytokine staining showed increased expression of pro-inflammatory
      cytokines in the lungs, increased numbers of cells expressing ICAM1, increased
      numbers of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ T regulatory cells, and IL-4 producing CD4+ T cells in
      the Tat transgenics compared to infected non-tg mice. CONCLUSIONS: Our data show
      quantitative differences in the inflammatory response to the SA161 clinical
      isolate of M. tuberculosis W-Beijing between Tat transgenic and non-transgenic
      mice, suggesting Tat contributes to the pathogenesis of tuberculosis.

PMID- 22046212
TI  - Financial burden of household out-of-pocket expenditures for prescription drugs:
      cross-sectional analysis based on national survey data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Commentaries on the adequacy of insurance coverage for prescription
      drugs available to Canadians have emphasized differences in the coverage provided
      by different provincial governments. Less is known about the actual financial
      burden of prescription drug spending and how this burden varies by province of
      residence, affluence and source of primary drug coverage. METHODS: We used data
      from a nationally representative household expenditure survey to analyze the
      financial burden of prescription drugs. We focused on the drug budget share
      (defined as the share of the household budget spent on prescription drugs),
      considering how it varied by province, total household budget and likely primary
      source of drug insurance coverage (i.e., provincial government plan for senior
      citizens, social assistance plan or private coverage). We examined both "typical"
      households (at the median of the distribution of the drug budget share) and
      households with relatively large shares (in the top 5%). Finally, we estimated
      the percentage of households with catastrophic drug expenditures (defined as a
      drug budget share of 10% or more) and the average catastrophic drug expenditures.
      RESULTS: Senior, social assistance and general population households accounted
      for 21.1%, 8.9% and 69.9% of the sample of 14,430 respondents to the 2006 Survey
      of Household Spending, respectively. The median drug budget share in Canada was
      1.1% for senior households (range 0.4% [Ontario] to 3.6% [Saskatchewan]) and 0.1%
      for both social assistance households and general population households, with
      little appreciable variation across provinces for these latter 2 categories. The
      95th percentile drug budget share in Canada was 7.4% for senior households (range
      3.5% [Ontario] to 12.7% [Saskatchewan]), 5.4% for social assistance households
      (range 2.3% [British Columbia] to 13.0% [Prince Edward Island]) and 2.6% for
      general population households (range 2.1% [Ontario] to 5.4% [Prince Edward
      Island]). The interprovincial range of the 95th percentile drug budget share was
      10.7 percentage points for social assistance households, 9.2 percentage points
      for senior households and 3.3 percentage points for general population
      households. INTERPRETATION: For most households, the financial burden of
      prescription drug expenditures appeared to be relatively small, with little
      interprovincial variation. However, a small number of households incurred
      catastrophic drug costs. These households were concentrated in the groups that
      traditionally benefit from provincial government drug plans. It is likely that
      some households did not purchase needed prescription drugs because of the
      expense, so our estimates of the financial burden of catastrophic prescription
      drug expenditures therefore represent a lower bound.

PMID- 22046213
TI  - Access to health care of persons with disabilities as an indicator of equity in
      health systems.

PMID- 22046214
TI  - Trends in opioid use and dosing among socio-economically disadvantaged patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Opioid therapy for patients with chronic nonmalignant pain remains
      controversial, primarily because of safety concerns and the potential for abuse.
      The objective of this study was to examine trends in opioid utilization for
      nonmalignant pain among recipients of social assistance and to explore the
      relation between dose of analgesic and mortality. METHODS: Using a cross
      sectional study design, we characterized annual trends in prescriptions for and
      daily dose of opioid analgesics between 2003 and 2008 for beneficiaries (aged 15
      to 64 years) of Ontario's public drug plan. We defined moderate, high and very
      high dose thresholds as daily doses of up to 200, 201 to 400, and more than 400
      mg oral morphine (or equivalent), respectively. In an exploratory cohort study,
      we followed, over a 2-year period, patients who received at least one
      prescription for an opioid in 2004 to investigate the relation between opioid
      dose and opioid-related mortality. RESULTS: Over the study period, opioid
      prescribing rates rose by 16.2%, and 180 974 individuals received nearly 1.5
      million opioid prescriptions in 2008. Also by 2008, the daily dose dispensed
      exceeded 200 mg morphine equivalent for almost a third (32.6%) of recipients of
      long-acting oxycodone but only 20.3% of those treated with fentanyl or other long
      acting opioids. Among patients for whom high or very high doses of opioids were
      dispensed in 2004, 19.3% of deaths during the subsequent 2 years were opioid
      related, occurring at a median age of 46 years. Two-year opioid-related mortality
      rates were 1.63 per 1000 population (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.42-1.85)
      among people with moderate-dose prescriptions, 7.92 per 1000 population (95% CI
      5.25-11.49) among those with high-dose prescriptions, and 9.94 per 1000
      population (95% CI 2.78-25.12) among those with very-high-dose prescriptions.
      INTERPRETATION: Among socio-economically disadvantaged patients in Ontario, the
      use and dose of opioids for nonmalignant pain has increased substantially, driven
      primarily by the use of long-acting oxycodone and, to a lesser extent, fentanyl.
      The findings of our exploratory study suggested a strong association between
      opioid-related mortality and the dose of opioid dispensed.

PMID- 22046215
TI  - Who should travel in kidney exchange programs: the donor, or the organ?

PMID- 22046216
TI  - Freedom to be altruistic: allowing for risk/knowledge ratios in decisions
      concerning multiple sclerosis research.

PMID- 22046217
TI  - Academic Alternate Relationship Plans for internal medicine: a lever for health
      care transformation.

PMID- 22046218
TI  - Changes in labelling for metformin use in patients with type 2 diabetes and heart
      failure: documented safety outweighs theoretical risks.

PMID- 22046219
TI  - Second-line therapy in patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled with
      metformin monotherapy: a systematic review and mixed-treatment comparison meta
      analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although there is general agreement that metformin should be used as
      first-line pharmacotherapy in patients with type 2 diabetes, uncertainty remains
      regarding the choice of second-line therapy once metformin is no longer
      effective. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the
      comparative safety and efficacy of all available classes of antihyperglycemic
      therapies in patients with type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled on metformin
      monotherapy. METHODS: MEDLINE, EMBASE, BIOSIS Previews, PubMed and the Cochrane
      Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched for randomized controlled
      trials published in English from 1980 to October 2009. Additional citations were
      obtained from grey literature and conference proceedings and through stakeholder
      feedback. Two reviewers independently selected studies, extracted data and
      assessed risk of bias. Key outcomes of interest were hemoglobin A1c, body weight,
      hypoglycemia, quality of life, long-term diabetes-related complications, serious
      adverse drug events and mortality. Mixed-treatment comparison and pairwise meta
      analyses were conducted to pool trial results, when appropriate. RESULTS: We
      identified 49 active and non-active controlled randomized trials that compared 2
      or more of the following classes of antihyperglycemic agents and weight-loss
      agents: sulfonylureas, meglitinides, thiazolidinediones (TZDs), dipeptidyl
      peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogues,
      insulins, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, sibutramine and orlistat. All classes of
      second-line antihyperglycemic therapies achieved clinically meaningful reductions
      in hemoglobin A1c (0.6% to 1.0%). No significant differences were found between
      classes. Insulins and insulin secretagogues were associated with significantly
      more events of overall hypoglycemia than the other agents, but severe
      hypoglycemia was rarely observed. An increase in body weight was observed with
      the majority of second-line therapies (1.8 to 3.0 kg), the exceptions being DPP-4
      inhibitors, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors and GLP-1 analogues (0.6 to -1.8 kg).
      There were insufficient data available for diabetes complications, mortality or
      quality of life. INTERPRETATION: DPP-4 inhibitors and GLP-1 analogues achieved
      improvements in glycemic control similar to those of other second-line therapies,
      although they may have modest benefits in terms of weight gain and overall
      hypoglycemia. Further long-term trials of adequate power are required to
      determine whether newer drug classes differ from older agents in terms of
      clinically meaningful outcomes.

PMID- 22046220
TI  - Appreciating the medical literature: five notable articles in general internal
      medicine from 2009 and 2010.

PMID- 22046221
TI  - The Open Medicine student peer review program.

PMID- 22046222
TI  - Effect of bodychecking on rate of injuries among minor hockey players.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bodychecking is a leading cause of injury among minor hockey players.
      Its value has been the subject of heated debate since Hockey Canada introduced
      bodychecking for competitive players as young as 9 years in the 1998/1999 season.
      Our goal was to determine whether lowering the legal age of bodychecking from 11
      to 9 years affected the numbers of all hockey-related injuries and of those
      specifically related to bodychecking among minor hockey players in Ontario.
      METHODS: In this retrospective study, we evaluated data collected through the
      Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program. The study's
      participants were male hockey league players aged 6-17 years who visited the
      emergency departments of 5 hospitals in Ontario for hockey-related injuries
      during 10 hockey seasons (September 1994 to May 2004). Injuries were classified
      as bodychecking-related or non-bodychecking-related. Injuries that occurred after
      the rule change took effect were compared with those that occurred before the
      rule's introduction. RESULTS: During the study period, a total of 8552 hockey
      related injuries were reported, 4460 (52.2%) of which were attributable to
      bodychecking. The odds ratio (OR) of a visit to the emergency department because
      of a bodychecking-related injury increased after the rule change (OR 1.26, 95%
      confidence interval [CI] 1.16-1.38), the head and neck (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.26
      1.84) and the shoulder and arm (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.04-1.35) being the body parts
      with the most substantial increases in injury rate. The OR of an emergency visit
      because of concussion increased significantly in the Atom division after the rule
      change, which allowed bodychecking in the Atom division. After the rule change,
      the odds of a bodychecking-related injury was significantly higher in the Atom
      division (OR 2.20, 95% CI 1.70-2.84). INTERPRETATION: In this study, the odds of
      injury increased with decreasing age of exposure to bodychecking. These findings
      add to the growing evidence that bodychecking holds greater risk than benefit for
      youth and support widespread calls to ban this practice.

PMID- 22046223
TI  - Open Medicine endorses PROSPERO.

PMID- 22046225
TI  - Prisons and public health.

PMID- 22046224
TI  - Social determinants of health associated with hepatitis C co-infection among
      people living with HIV: results from the Positive Spaces, Healthy Places study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Social determinants of health (SDOH) may influence the probability of
      people living with HIV also being infected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). We
      compared the SDOH of adults co-infected with HCV/HIV with that of HIV mono
      infected adults to identify factors independently associated with HCV infection.
      METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, face-to-face interviews were conducted
      with 509 HIV-infected adults affiliated with or receiving services from community
      based AIDS service organizations (CBAOs). The primary outcome measure was self
      reported HCV infection status. Chi-square, Student's t tests, and Wilcoxon rank
      sum tests were performed to compare SDOH of HCV/HIV co-infected participants with
      that of HIV mono-infected participants. Multivariable hierarchical logistic
      regression was used to identify factors independently associated with HCV co
      infection. RESULTS: Data on 482 (95 HCV/HIV co-infected and 387 HIV mono
      infected) adults were analyzed. Compared with participants infected with HIV
      only, those who were co-infected with HIV and HCV were more likely to be
      heterosexual, Aboriginal, less educated and unemployed. They were more likely to
      have a low income, to not be receiving antiretroviral treatment, to live outside
      the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), to use/abuse substances, experience significant
      depression, and utilize addiction counselling and needle-exchange services. They
      also were more likely to report a history of homelessness and perceived housing
      related discrimination and to have moved twice or more in the previous 12 months.
      Factors independently associated with HCV/HIV co-infection were history of
      incarceration (odds ratio [OR] 8.81, 95% CI 4.43-17.54), history of homelessness
      (OR 3.15, 95% CI 1.59-6.26), living outside of the GTA (OR 3.13, 95% CI 1.59
      6.15), and using/abusing substances in the past 12 months (OR 2.05, 95% CI 1.07
      3.91). CONCLUSION: Differences in SDOH exist between HIV/HCV co-infected and HIV
      mono-infected adults. History of incarceration, history of homelessness,
      substance use, and living outside the GTA were independently associated with
      HCV/HIV co-infection. Interventions that reduce homelessness and incarceration
      may help prevent HCV infection in people living with HIV.

PMID- 22046226
TI  - Frank words about breast screening.

PMID- 22046227
TI  - Personal music players and hearing loss: are we deaf to the risks?

PMID- 22046228
TI  - What do we know about Canadian involvement in medical tourism?: a scoping review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Medical tourism, the intentional pursuit of elective medical
      treatments in foreign countries, is a rapidly growing global industry. Canadians
      are among those crossing international borders to seek out privately purchased
      medical care. Given Canada's universally accessible, single-payer domestic health
      care system, important implications emerge from Canadians' private engagement in
      medical tourism. METHODS: A scoping review was conducted of the popular,
      academic, and business literature to synthesize what is currently known about
      Canadian involvement in medical tourism. Of the 348 sources that were reviewed
      either partly or in full, 113 were ultimately included in the review. RESULTS:
      The review demonstrates that there is an extreme paucity of academic, empirical
      literature examining medical tourism in general or the Canadian context more
      specifically. Canadians are engaged with the medical tourism industry not just as
      patients but also as investors and business people. There have been a limited
      number of instances of Canadians having their medical tourism expenses reimbursed
      by the public medicare system. Wait times are by far the most heavily cited
      driver of Canadians' involvement in medical tourism. However, despite its
      treatment as fact, there is no empirical research to support or contradict this
      point. DISCUSSION: Although medical tourism is often discussed in the Canadian
      context, a paucity of data on this practice complicates our understanding of its
      scope and impact.

PMID- 22046229
TI  - Ontario's plunging price-caps on generics: deeper dives may drown some drugs.
AB  - In April 2010, the Ontario government announced another reduction in the maximum
      price of generic drugs permitted under the Ontario Drug Benefit (ODB) program,
      demanding that generic drugs now be sold for no more than 25% of the branded
      product's price. Other provinces are following Ontario in setting unprecedentedly
      low price-caps to reduce the cost of generic drugs. Generic product substitution
      legislation is vital to reducing costs to provincial drug plans, yet lower and
      lower price-caps may undo some of the benefits of substitution legislation if
      generics find it difficult to survive.

PMID- 22046230
TI  - Repeated assessments of informed consent comprehension among HIV-infected
      participants of a three-year clinical trial in Botswana.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Informed consent (IC) has been an international standard for decades
      for the ethical conduct of clinical trials. Yet frequently study participants
      have incomplete understanding of key issues, a problem exacerbated by language
      barriers or lack of familiarity with research concepts. Few investigators measure
      participant comprehension of IC, while even fewer conduct interim assessments
      once a trial is underway. METHODS AND FINDINGS: We assessed comprehension of IC
      using a 20-question true/false quiz administered in 6-month intervals in the
      context of a placebo-controlled, randomized trial for the prevention of
      tuberculosis among HIV-infected adults in Botswana (2004-2009). Quizzes were
      offered in both Setswana and English. To enroll in the TB trial, participants
      were required to have >= 16/20 correct responses. We examined concepts understood
      and the degree to which understanding changed over three-years. We analyzed 5,555
      quizzes from 1,835 participants. The participants' highest education levels were:
      28% primary, 59% secondary, 9% tertiary and 7% no formal education. Eighty
      percent of participants passed the enrollment quiz (Quiz1) on their first attempt
      and the remainder passed on their second attempt. Those having higher than
      primary education and those who took the quiz in English were more likely to
      receive a passing score on their first attempt (adjusted odds ratios and 95%
      confidence intervals, 3.1 (2.4-4.0) and 1.5 (1.2, 1.9), respectively). The
      trial's purpose or procedures were understood by 90-100% of participants, while
      44-77% understood randomization, placebos, or risks. Participants who failed
      Quiz1 on their initial attempt were more likely to fail quizzes later in the
      trial. Pass rates improved with quiz re-administration in subsequent years.
      CONCLUSIONS: Administration of a comprehension quiz at enrollment and during
      follow-up was feasible in a large, international collaboration and efficiently
      determined IC comprehension by trial participants. Strategies to improve
      understanding of concepts like placebos and randomization are needed.
      Comprehension assessments throughout a study may reinforce key concepts.

PMID- 22046231
TI  - Penicillin binding proteins as danger signals: meningococcal penicillin binding
      protein 2 activates dendritic cells through Toll-like receptor 4.
AB  - Neisseria meningitidis is a human pathogen responsible for life-threatening
      inflammatory diseases. Meningococcal penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) and
      particularly PBP2 are involved in bacterial resistance to beta-lactams. Here we
      describe a novel function for PBP2 that activates human and mouse dendritic cells
      (DC) in a time and dose-dependent manner. PBP2 induces MHC II (LOGEC50 = 4.7
      ug/ml +/- 0.1), CD80 (LOGEC50 = 4.88 ug/ml +/- 0.15) and CD86 (LOGEC50 = 5.36
      ug/ml +/- 0.1). This effect was abolished when DCs were co-treated with anti-PBP2
      antibodies. PBP2-treated DCs displayed enhanced immunogenic properties in vitro
      and in vivo. Furthermore, proteins co-purified with PBP2 showed no effect on DC
      maturation. We show through different in vivo and in vitro approaches that this
      effect is not due to endotoxin contamination. At the mechanistic level, PBP2
      induces nuclear localization of p65 NF-kB of 70.7 +/- 5.1% cells versus 12 +/-
      2.6% in untreated DCs and needs TLR4 expression to mature DCs.
      Immunoprecipitation and blocking experiments showed thatPBP2 binds TLR4. In
      conclusion, we describe a novel function of meningococcal PBP2 as a pathogen
      associated molecular pattern (PAMP) at the host-pathogen interface that could be
      recognized by the immune system as a danger signal, promoting the development of
      immune responses.

PMID- 22046232
TI  - Improving ECG classification accuracy using an ensemble of neural network
      modules.
AB  - This paper illustrates the use of a combined neural network model based on
      Stacked Generalization method for classification of electrocardiogram (ECG)
      beats. In conventional Stacked Generalization method, the combiner learns to map
      the base classifiers' outputs to the target data. We claim adding the input
      pattern to the base classifiers' outputs helps the combiner to obtain knowledge
      about the input space and as the result, performs better on the same task.
      Experimental results support our claim that the additional knowledge according to
      the input space, improves the performance of the proposed method which is called
      Modified Stacked Generalization. In particular, for classification of 14966 ECG
      beats that were not previously seen during training phase, the Modified Stacked
      Generalization method reduced the error rate for 12.41% in comparison with the
      best of ten popular classifier fusion methods including Max, Min, Average,
      Product, Majority Voting, Borda Count, Decision Templates, Weighted Averaging
      based on Particle Swarm Optimization and Stacked Generalization.

PMID- 22046233
TI  - Impact of genetic variation in SORCS1 on memory retention.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We previously reported that genetic variants in SORCS1 increase the
      risk of AD, that over-expression of SorCS1 reduces gamma-secretase activity and
      Abeta levels, and that SorCS1 suppression increases gamma-secretase processing of
      APP and Abeta levels. We now explored the effect of variation in SORCS1 on
      memory. METHODS: We explored associations between SORCS1-SNPs and memory
      retention in the NIA-LOAD case control dataset (162 cases,670 controls) and a
      cohort of Caribbean Hispanics (549 cases,544 controls) using single marker and
      haplotype analyses. RESULTS: Three SNPs in intron 1, were associated with memory
      retention in the NIA-LOAD dataset or the Caribbean Hispanic dataset (rs10884402(A
      allele:beta = -0.15,p = 0.008), rs7078098(C allele:beta = 0.18,p = 0.007) and
      rs950809(C allele:beta = 0.17,p = 0.008)) and all three SNPs were significant in
      a meta-analysis of both datasets (0.002<p<0.03). The corresponding A-T-T
      haplotype for these SNPs was associated with lower scores in both datasets (p =
      0.02,p = 0.0009), and the complementary G-C-C haplotype was associated with
      higher scores in NIA-LOAD (p = 0.02). These associations were restricted to
      cases. CONCLUSIONS: Variation in intron 1 in SORCS1 is associated with memory
      changes in AD.

PMID- 22046234
TI  - Elevated stearoyl-CoA desaturase in brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - The molecular bases of Alzheimer's disease (AD) remain unclear. We used a
      lipidomic approach to identify lipid abnormalities in the brains of subjects with
      AD (N = 37) compared to age-matched controls (N = 17). The analyses revealed
      statistically detectable elevations in levels of non-esterified monounsaturated
      fatty acids (MUFAs) and mead acid (20:3n-9) in mid-frontal cortex, temporal
      cortex and hippocampus of AD patients. Further studies showed that brain mRNAs
      encoding for isoforms of the rate-limiting enzyme in MUFAs biosynthesis, stearoyl
      CoA desaturase (SCD-1, SCD-5a and SCD-5b), were elevated in subjects with AD. The
      monounsaturated/saturated fatty acid ratio ('desaturation index')--displayed a
      strong negative correlation with measures of cognition: the Mini Mental State
      Examination test (r = -0.80; P = 0.0001) and the Boston Naming test (r = -0.57; P
      = 0.0071). Our results reveal a previously unrecognized role for the lipogenic
      enzyme SCD in AD.

PMID- 22046236
TI  - In vivo evaluation of the biocompatibility of surface modified hemodialysis
      polysulfone hollow fibers in rat.
AB  - Polysulfone (Psf) hollow fiber membranes (HFMs) have been widely used in blood
      purification but their biocompatibility remains a concern. To enhance their
      biocompatibility, Psf/TPGS (d-alpha-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol 1000
      succinate) composite HFMs and 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC)
      coated Psf HFMs have been prepared. They have been evaluated for in vivo
      biocompatibility and graft acceptance and compared with sham and commercial
      membranes by intra-peritoneal implantation in rats at day 7 and 21. Normal body
      weights, tissue formation and angiogenesis indicate acceptance of implants by the
      animals. Hematological observations show presence of post-surgical stress which
      subsides over time. Serum biochemistry results reveal normal organ function and
      elevated liver ALP levels at day 21. Histological studies exhibit fibroblast
      recruitment cells, angiogenesis and collagen deposition at the implant surface
      indicating new tissue formation. Immuno-histochemistry studies show non
      activation of MHC molecules signifying biocompatibilty. Additionally, Psf/TPGS
      exhibit most favorable tissue response as compared with other HFMs making them
      the material of choice for HFM preparation for hemodialysis applications.

PMID- 22046235
TI  - Necdin, a negative growth regulator, is a novel STAT3 target gene down-regulated
      in human cancer.
AB  - Cytokine and growth factor signaling pathways involving STAT3 are frequently
      constitutively activated in many human primary tumors, and are known for the
      transcriptional role they play in controlling cell growth and cell cycle
      progression. However, the extent of STAT3's reach on transcriptional control of
      the genome as a whole remains an important question. We predicted that this
      persistent STAT3 signaling affects a wide variety of cellular functions, many of
      which still remain to be characterized. We took a broad approach to identify
      novel STAT3 regulated genes by examining changes in the genome-wide gene
      expression profile by microarray, using cells expressing constitutively-activated
      STAT3. Using computational analysis, we were able to define the gene expression
      profiles of cells containing activated STAT3 and identify candidate target genes
      with a wide range of biological functions. Among these genes we identified
      Necdin, a negative growth regulator, as a novel STAT3 target gene, whose
      expression is down-regulated at the mRNA and protein levels when STAT3 is
      constitutively active. This repression is STAT3 dependent, since inhibition of
      STAT3 using siRNA restores Necdin expression. A STAT3 DNA-binding site was
      identified in the Necdin promoter and both EMSA and chromatin immunoprecipitation
      confirm binding of STAT3 to this region. Necdin expression has previously been
      shown to be down-regulated in a melanoma and a drug-resistant ovarian cancer cell
      line. Further analysis of Necdin expression demonstrated repression in a STAT3
      dependent manner in human melanoma, prostate and breast cancer cell lines. These
      results suggest that STAT3 coordinates expression of genes involved in multiple
      metabolic and biosynthetic pathways, integrating signals that lead to global
      transcriptional changes and oncogenesis. STAT3 may exert its oncogenic effect by
      up-regulating transcription of genes involved in promoting growth and
      proliferation, but also by down-regulating expression of negative regulators of
      the same cellular processes, such as Necdin.

PMID- 22046237
TI  - Sentinel surveillance of HIV-1 transmitted drug resistance, acute infection and
      recent infection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: HIV-1 acute infection, recent infection and transmitted drug
      resistance screening was integrated into voluntary HIV counseling and testing
      (VCT) services to enhance the existing surveillance program in San Francisco.
      This study describes newly-diagnosed HIV cases and characterizes correlates
      associated with infection. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: A consecutive sample
      of persons presenting for HIV VCT at the municipal sexually transmitted
      infections (STI) clinic from 2004 to 2006 (N = 9,868) were evaluated by standard
      enzyme-linked immunoassays (EIA). HIV antibody-positive specimens were
      characterized as recent infections using a less-sensitive EIA. HIV-RNA pooled
      testing was performed on HIV antibody-negative specimens to identify acute
      infections. HIV antibody-positive and acute infection specimens were evaluated
      for drug resistance by sequence analysis. Multivariable logistic regression was
      performed to evaluate associations. The 380 newly-diagnosed HIV cases included 29
      acute infections, 128 recent infections, and 47 drug-resistant cases, with no
      significant increases or decreases in prevalence over the three years studied.
      HIV-1 transmitted drug resistance prevalence was 11.0% in 2004, 13.4% in 2005 and
      14.9% in 2006 (p = 0.36). Resistance to non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase
      inhibitors (NNRTI) was the most common pattern detected, present in 28 cases of
      resistance (59.6%). Among MSM, recent infection was associated with amphetamine
      use (AOR = 2.67; p<0.001), unprotected anal intercourse (AOR = 2.27; p<0.001),
      sex with a known HIV-infected partner (AOR = 1.64; p = 0.02), and history of
      gonorrhea (AOR = 1.62; p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: New HIV diagnoses, recent
      infections, acute infections and transmitted drug resistance prevalence remained
      stable between 2004 and 2006. Resistance to NNRTI comprised more than half of the
      drug-resistant cases, a worrisome finding given its role as the backbone of first
      line antiretroviral therapy in San Francisco as well as worldwide. The
      integration of HIV-1 drug resistance, recent infection, and acute infection
      testing should be considered for existing HIV/STI surveillance and prevention
      activities, particularly in an era of enhanced efforts for early diagnosis and
      treatment.

PMID- 22046238
TI  - Characterizing hospital workers' willingness to respond to a radiological event.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Terrorist use of a radiological dispersal device (RDD, or "dirty
      bomb"), which combines a conventional explosive device with radiological
      materials, is among the National Planning Scenarios of the United States
      government. Understanding employee willingness to respond is critical for
      planning experts. Previous research has demonstrated that perception of threat
      and efficacy is key in the assessing willingness to respond to a RDD event.
      METHODS: An anonymous online survey was used to evaluate the willingness of
      hospital employees to respond to a RDD event. Agreement with a series of belief
      statements was assessed, following a methodology validated in previous work. The
      survey was available online to all 18,612 employees of the Johns Hopkins Hospital
      from January to March 2009. RESULTS: Surveys were completed by 3426 employees
      (18.4%), whose demographic distribution was similar to overall hospital staff.
      39% of hospital workers were not willing to respond to a RDD scenario if asked
      but not required to do so. Only 11% more were willing if required. Workers who
      were hesitant to agree to work additional hours when required were 20 times less
      likely to report during a RDD emergency. Respondents who perceived their peers as
      likely to report to work in a RDD emergency were 17 times more likely to respond
      during a RDD event if asked. Only 27.9% of the hospital employees with a
      perception of low efficacy declared willingness to respond to a severe RDD event.
      Perception of threat had little impact on willingness to respond among hospital
      workers. CONCLUSIONS: Radiological scenarios such as RDDs are among the most
      dreaded emergency events yet studied. Several attitudinal indicators can help to
      identify hospital employees unlikely to respond. These risk-perception modifiers
      must then be addressed through training to enable effective hospital response to
      a RDD event.

PMID- 22046239
TI  - Network based consensus gene signatures for biomarker discovery in breast cancer.
AB  - Diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for cancer based on gene expression profiles
      are viewed as a major step towards a better personalized medicine. Many studies
      using various computational approaches have been published in this direction
      during the last decade. However, when comparing different gene signatures for
      related clinical questions often only a small overlap is observed. This can have
      various reasons, such as technical differences of platforms, differences in
      biological samples or their treatment in lab, or statistical reasons because of
      the high dimensionality of the data combined with small sample size, leading to
      unstable selection of genes. In conclusion retrieved gene signatures are often
      hard to interpret from a biological point of view. We here demonstrate that it is
      possible to construct a consensus signature from a set of seemingly different
      gene signatures by mapping them on a protein interaction network. Common upstream
      proteins of close gene products, which we identified via our developed algorithm,
      show a very clear and significant functional interpretation in terms of
      overrepresented KEGG pathways, disease associated genes and known drug targets.
      Moreover, we show that such a consensus signature can serve as prior knowledge
      for predictive biomarker discovery in breast cancer. Evaluation on different
      datasets shows that signatures derived from the consensus signature reveal a much
      higher stability than signatures learned from all probesets on a microarray,
      while at the same time being at least as predictive. Furthermore, they are
      clearly interpretable in terms of enriched pathways, disease associated genes and
      known drug targets. In summary we thus believe that network based consensus
      signatures are not only a way to relate seemingly different gene signatures to
      each other in a functional manner, but also to establish prior knowledge for
      highly stable and interpretable predictive biomarkers.

PMID- 22046240
TI  - Adaptive evolution of cooperation through Darwinian dynamics in Public Goods
      games.
AB  - The linear or threshold Public Goods game (PGG) is extensively accepted as a
      paradigmatic model to approach the evolution of cooperation in social dilemmas.
      Here we explore the significant effect of nonlinearity of the structures of
      public goods on the evolution of cooperation within the well-mixed population by
      adopting Darwinian dynamics, which simultaneously consider the evolution of
      populations and strategies on a continuous adaptive landscape, and extend the
      concept of evolutionarily stable strategy (ESS) as a coalition of strategies that
      is both convergent-stable and resistant to invasion. Results show (i) that in the
      linear PGG contributing nothing is an ESS, which contradicts experimental data,
      (ii) that in the threshold PGG contributing the threshold value is a fragile ESS,
      which cannot resist the invasion of contributing nothing, and (iii) that there
      exists a robust ESS of contributing more than half in the sigmoid PGG if the
      return rate is relatively high. This work reveals the significant effect of the
      nonlinearity of the structures of public goods on the evolution of cooperation,
      and suggests that, compared with the linear or threshold PGG, the sigmoid PGG
      might be a more proper model for the evolution of cooperation within the well
      mixed population.

PMID- 22046241
TI  - ReCombine: a suite of programs for detection and analysis of meiotic
      recombination in whole-genome datasets.
AB  - In meiosis, the exchange of DNA between chromosomes by homologous recombination
      is a critical step that ensures proper chromosome segregation and increases
      genetic diversity. Products of recombination include reciprocal exchanges, known
      as crossovers, and non-reciprocal gene conversions or non-crossovers. The
      mechanisms underlying meiotic recombination remain elusive, largely because of
      the difficulty of analyzing large numbers of recombination events by traditional
      genetic methods. These traditional methods are increasingly being superseded by
      high-throughput techniques capable of surveying meiotic recombination on a genome
      wide basis. Next-generation sequencing or microarray hybridization is used to
      genotype thousands of polymorphic markers in the progeny of hybrid yeast strains.
      New computational tools are needed to perform this genotyping and to find and
      analyze recombination events. We have developed a suite of programs, ReCombine,
      for using short sequence reads from next-generation sequencing experiments to
      genotype yeast meiotic progeny. Upon genotyping, the program CrossOver, a
      component of ReCombine, then detects recombination products and classifies them
      into categories based on the features found at each location and their
      distribution among the various chromatids. CrossOver is also capable of analyzing
      segregation data from microarray experiments or other sources. This package of
      programs is designed to allow even researchers without computational expertise to
      use high-throughput, whole-genome methods to study the molecular mechanisms of
      meiotic recombination.

PMID- 22046243
TI  - The bile acid receptor GPBAR-1 (TGR5) modulates integrity of intestinal barrier
      and immune response to experimental colitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: GP-BAR1, a member G protein coupled receptor superfamily, is a cell
      surface bile acid-activated receptor highly expressed in the ileum and colon. In
      monocytes, ligation of GP-BAR1 by secondary bile acids results in a cAMP
      dependent attenuation of cytokine generation. AIMS: To investigate the role GP
      BAR1 in regulating intestinal homeostasis and inflammation-driven immune
      dysfunction in rodent models of colitis. METHODS: Colitis was induced in wild
      type and GP-BAR1(-/-) mice by DSS and TNBS administration. Potential GP-BAR1
      agonists were identified by in silico screening and computational docking
      studies. RESULTS: GP-BAR1(-/-) mice develop an abnormal morphology of colonic
      mucous cells and an altered molecular architecture of epithelial tight junctions
      with increased expression and abnormal subcellular distribution of zonulin 1
      resulting in increased intestinal permeability and susceptibility to develop
      severe colitis in response to DSS at early stage of life. By in silico screening
      and docking studies we identified ciprofloxacin as a GP-BAR1 ligand. In
      monocytes, ciprofloxacin increases cAMP concentrations and attenuates TNFalpha
      release induced by TLR4 ligation in a GP-BAR1 dependent manner. Treating mice
      rendered colitic by TNBS with ciprofloxacin and oleanolic acid, a well
      characterized GP-BAR1 ligand, abrogates signs and symptoms of colitis. Colonic
      expression of GP-BAR1 mRNA increases in rodent models of colitis and tissues from
      Crohn's disease patients. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrates that ~90% of CD14+
      cells isolated from the lamina propria of TNBS-treated mice stained positively
      for GP-BAR1. CONCLUSIONS: GP-BAR1 regulates intestinal barrier structure. Its
      expression increases in rodent models of colitis and Crohn's disease.
      Ciprofloxacin is a GP-BAR1 ligand.

PMID- 22046242
TI  - An integrated transcriptomic and meta-analysis of hepatoma cells reveals factors
      that influence susceptibility to HCV infection.
AB  - Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a global problem. To better understand HCV infection
      researchers employ in vitro HCV cell-culture (HCVcc) systems that use Huh-7
      derived hepatoma cells that are particularly permissive to HCV infection. A
      variety of hyper-permissive cells have been subcloned for this purpose. In
      addition, subclones of Huh-7 which have evolved resistance to HCV are available.
      However, the mechanisms of susceptibility or resistance to infection among these
      cells have not been fully determined. In order to elucidate mechanisms by which
      hepatoma cells are susceptible or resistant to HCV infection we performed genome
      wide expression analyses of six Huh-7 derived cell cultures that have different
      levels of permissiveness to infection. A great number of genes, representing a
      wide spectrum of functions are differentially expressed between cells. To focus
      our investigation, we identify host proteins from HCV replicase complexes,
      perform gene expression analysis of three HCV infected cells and conduct a
      detailed analysis of differentially expressed host factors by integrating a
      variety of data sources. Our results demonstrate that changes relating to
      susceptibility to HCV infection in hepatoma cells are linked to the innate immune
      response, secreted signal peptides and host factors that have a role in virus
      entry and replication. This work identifies both known and novel host factors
      that may influence HCV infection. Our findings build upon current knowledge of
      the complex interplay between HCV and the host cell, which could aid development
      of new antiviral strategies.

PMID- 22046244
TI  - MysiRNA-designer: a workflow for efficient siRNA design.
AB  - The design of small interfering RNA (siRNA) is a multi factorial problem that has
      gained the attention of many researchers in the area of therapeutic and
      functional genomics. MysiRNA score was previously introduced that improves the
      correlation of siRNA activity prediction considering state of the art algorithms.
      In this paper, a new program, MysiRNA-Designer, is described which integrates
      several factors in an automated work-flow considering mRNA transcripts
      variations, siRNA and mRNA target accessibility, and both near-perfect and
      partial off-target matches. It also features the MysiRNA score, a highly ranked
      correlated siRNA efficacy prediction score for ranking the designed siRNAs, in
      addition to top scoring models Biopredsi, DISR, Thermocomposition21 and i-Score,
      and integrates them in a unique siRNA score-filtration technique. This multi
      score filtration layer filters siRNA that passes the 90% thresholds calculated
      from experimental dataset features. MysiRNA-Designer takes an accession, finds
      conserved regions among its transcript space, finds accessible regions within the
      mRNA, designs all possible siRNAs for these regions, filters them based on multi
      scores thresholds, and then performs SNP and off-target filtration. These strict
      selection criteria were tested against human genes in which at least one active
      siRNA was designed from 95.7% of total genes. In addition, when tested against an
      experimental dataset, MysiRNA-Designer was found capable of rejecting 98% of the
      false positive siRNAs, showing superiority over three state of the art siRNA
      design programs. MysiRNA is a freely accessible (Microsoft Windows based) desktop
      application that can be used to design siRNA with a high accuracy and
      specificity. We believe that MysiRNA-Designer has the potential to play an
      important role in this area.

PMID- 22046245
TI  - Novel allosteric sites on Ras for lead generation.
AB  - Aberrant Ras activity is a hallmark of diverse cancers and developmental
      diseases. Unfortunately, conventional efforts to develop effective small molecule
      Ras inhibitors have met with limited success. We have developed a novel multi
      level computational approach to discover potential inhibitors of previously
      uncharacterized allosteric sites. Our approach couples bioinformatics analysis,
      advanced molecular simulations, ensemble docking and initial experimental testing
      of potential inhibitors. Molecular dynamics simulation highlighted conserved
      allosteric coupling of the nucleotide-binding switch region with distal regions,
      including loop 7 and helix 5. Bioinformatics methods identified novel transient
      small molecule binding pockets close to these regions and in the vicinity of the
      conformationally responsive switch region. Candidate binders for these pockets
      were selected through ensemble docking of ZINC and NCI compound libraries.
      Finally, cell-based assays confirmed our hypothesis that the chosen binders can
      inhibit the downstream signaling activity of Ras. We thus propose that the
      predicted allosteric sites are viable targets for the development and
      optimization of new drugs.

PMID- 22046246
TI  - Bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BHV-1) UL49.5 luminal domain residues 30 to 32 are
      critical for MHC-I down-regulation in virus-infected cells.
AB  - Bovine herpesvirus type 1 (BHV-1) U(L)49.5 inhibits transporter associated with
      antigen processing (TAP) and down-regulates cell-surface expression of major
      histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I molecules to promote immune evasion. We
      have constructed a BHV-1 U(L)49.5 cytoplasmic tail (CT) null and several U(L)49.5
      luminal domain mutants in the backbone of wild-type BHV-1 or BHV-1 U(L)49.5 CT-
      null viruses and determined their relative TAP mediated peptide transport
      inhibition and MHC-1 down-regulation properties compared with BHV-1 wt. Based on
      our results, the U(L)49.5 luminal domain residues 30-32 and U(L)49.5 CT residues,
      together, promote efficient TAP inhibition and MHC-I down-regulation functions.
      In vitro, BHV-1 U(L)49.5 Delta30-32 CT-null virus growth property was similar to
      that of BHV-1 wt and like the wt U(L)49.5, the mutant U(L)49.5 was incorporated
      in the virion envelope and it formed a complex with gM in the infected cells.

PMID- 22046247
TI  - Genotypic and phenotypic properties of cattle-associated Campylobacter and their
      implications to public health in the USA.
AB  - Since cattle are a major source of food and the cattle industry engages people
      from farms to processing plants and meat markets, it is conceivable that beef
      products contaminated with Campylobacter spp. would pose a significant public
      health concern. To better understand the epidemiology of cattle-associated
      Campylobacter spp. in the USA, we characterized the prevalence, genotypic and
      phenotypic properties of these pathogens. Campylobacter were detected in 181
      (19.2%) out of 944 fecal samples. Specifically, 71 C. jejuni, 132 C. coli, and 10
      other Campylobacter spp. were identified. The prevalence of Campylobacter varied
      regionally and was significantly (P<0.05) higher in fecal samples collected from
      the South (32.8%) as compared to those from the North (14.8%), Midwest (15.83%),
      and East (12%). Pulsed Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE) analysis showed that C.
      jejuni and C. coli isolates were genotypically diverse and certain genotypes were
      shared across two or more of the geographic locations. In addition, 13 new C.
      jejuni and two C. coli sequence types (STs) were detected by Multi Locus Sequence
      Typing (MLST). C. jejuni associated with clinically human health important
      sequence type, ST-61 which was not previously reported in the USA, was identified
      in the present study. Most frequently observed clonal complexes (CC) were CC ST
      21, CC ST-42, and CC ST-61, which are also common in humans. Further, the cattle
      associated C. jejuni strains showed varying invasion and intracellular survival
      capacity; however, C. coli strains showed a lower invasion and intracellular
      survival potential compared to C. jejuni strains. Furthermore, many cattle
      associated Campylobacter isolates showed resistance to several antimicrobials
      including ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, and gentamicin. Taken together, our
      results highlight the importance of cattle as a potential reservoir for
      clinically important Campylobacter.

PMID- 22046248
TI  - Genomotyping of Coxiella burnetii using microarrays reveals a conserved
      genomotype for hard tick isolates.
AB  - C. burnetii is a Gram-negative intracellular Y-proteobacteria that causes the
      zoonotic disease Q fever. Q fever can manifest as an acute or chronic illness.
      Different typing methods have been previously developed to classify C. burnetii
      isolates to explore its pathogenicity. Here, we report a comprehensive
      genomotyping method based on the presence or absence of genes using microarrays.
      The genomotyping method was then tested in 52 isolates obtained from different
      geographic areas, different hosts and patients with different clinical
      manifestations. The analysis revealed the presence of 10 genomotypes organized
      into 3 groups, with a topology congruent with that obtained through multi-spacer
      typing. We also found that only 4 genomotypes were specifically associated with
      acute Q fever, whereas all of the genomotypes could be associated to chronic
      human infection. Serendipitously, the genomotyping results revealed that all hard
      tick isolates, including the Nine Mile strain, belong to the same genomotype.

PMID- 22046249
TI  - The effect of sample handling on cross sectional HIV incidence testing results.
AB  - OBJECTIVE(S): To determine if mishandling prior to testing would make a sample
      from a chronically infected subject appear recently infected when tested by cross
      sectional HIV incidence assays. METHODS: Serum samples from 31 subjects with
      chronic HIV infection were tested. Samples were subjected to different handling
      conditions, including incubation at 4  degrees C, 25  degrees C and 37  degrees
      C, for 1, 3, 7 or 15 days prior to testing. Samples were also subjected to 1,3, 7
      and 15 freeze-thaw cycles prior to testing. Samples were tested using the BED
      capture enzyme immuno assay (BED-CEIA), Vironostika-less sensitive (V-LS), and an
      avidity assay using the Genetic Systems HIV-1/HIV-2 plus O EIA (avidity assay).
      RESULTS: Compared to the sample that was not subjected to any mishandling
      conditions, for the BED-CEIA, V-LS and avidity assay, there was no significant
      change in test results for samples incubated at 4  degrees C or 25  degrees C
      prior to testing. No impact on test results occurred after 15 freeze-thaw cycles.
      A decrease in assay results was observed when samples were held for 3 days or
      longer at 37  degrees C prior to testing. CONCLUSIONS: Samples can be subjected
      up to 15 freeze-thaw cycles without affecting the results the BED-CEIA,
      Vironostika-LS, or avidity assays. Storing samples at 4  degrees C or 25  degrees
      C for up to fifteen days prior to testing had no impact on test results. However,
      storing samples at 37 degrees C for three or more days did affect results
      obtained with these assays.

PMID- 22046250
TI  - Proteasomal degradation of p53 by human papillomavirus E6 oncoprotein relies on
      the structural integrity of p53 core domain.
AB  - The E6 oncoprotein produced by high-risk mucosal HPV stimulates ubiquitinylation
      and proteasome-dependent degradation of the tumour suppressor p53 via formation
      of a trimeric complex comprising E6, p53, and E6-AP. p53 is also degraded by its
      main cellular regulator MDM2. The main binding site of p53 to MDM2 is situated in
      the natively unfolded N-terminal region of p53. By contrast, the regions of p53
      implicated in the degradation by viral E6 are not fully identified to date. Here
      we generated a series of mutations (Y103G, Y107G, T155A, T155V, T155D, L264A,
      L265A) targeting the central folded core domain of p53 within a region opposite
      to its DNA-binding site. We analysed by in vitro and in vivo assays the impact of
      these mutations on p53 degradation mediated by viral E6 oncoprotein. Whereas all
      mutants remained susceptible to MDM2-mediated degradation, several of them
      (Y103G, Y107G, T155D, L265A) became resistant to E6-mediated degradation,
      confirming previous works that pointed to the core domain as an essential region
      for the degradation of p53. In parallel, we systematically checked the impact of
      the mutations on the transactivation activity of p53 as well as on the
      conformation of p53, analysed by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR), circular
      dichroism (CD), and antibody probing. These measurements suggested that the
      conformational integrity of the core domain is an essential parameter for the
      degradation of p53 by E6, while it is not essential for the degradation of p53 by
      MDM2. Thus, the intracellular stability of a protein may or may not rely on its
      biophysical stability depending on the degradation pathway taken into
      consideration.

PMID- 22046251
TI  - Photoreceptor processing speed and input resistance changes during light
      adaptation correlate with spectral class in the bumblebee, Bombus impatiens.
AB  - Colour vision depends on comparison of signals from photoreceptors with different
      spectral sensitivities. However, response properties of photoreceptor cells may
      differ in ways other than spectral tuning. In insects, for example, broadband
      photoreceptors, with a major sensitivity peak in the green region of the spectrum
      (>500 nm), drive fast visual processes, which are largely blind to chromatic
      signals from more narrowly-tuned photoreceptors with peak sensitivities in the
      blue and UV regions of the spectrum. In addition, electrophysiological properties
      of the photoreceptor membrane may result in differences in response dynamics of
      photoreceptors of similar spectral class between species, and different spectral
      classes within a species. We used intracellular electrophysiological techniques
      to investigate response dynamics of the three spectral classes of photoreceptor
      underlying trichromatic colour vision in the bumblebee, Bombus impatiens, and we
      compare these with previously published data from a related species, Bombus
      terrestris. In both species, we found significantly faster responses in green,
      compared with blue- or UV-sensitive photoreceptors, although all 3 photoreceptor
      types are slower in B. impatiens than in B. terrestris. Integration times for
      light-adapted B. impatiens photoreceptors (estimated from impulse response half
      width) were 11.3 +/- 1.6 ms for green photoreceptors compared with 18.6 +/- 4.4
      ms and 15.6 +/- 4.4 for blue and UV, respectively. We also measured photoreceptor
      input resistance in dark- and light-adapted conditions. All photoreceptors showed
      a decrease in input resistance during light adaptation, but this decrease was
      considerably larger (declining to about 22% of the dark value) in green
      photoreceptors, compared to blue and UV (41% and 49%, respectively). Our results
      suggest that the conductances associated with light adaptation are largest in
      green photoreceptors, contributing to their greater temporal processing speed. We
      suggest that the faster temporal processing of green photoreceptors is related to
      their role in driving fast achromatic visual processes.

PMID- 22046252
TI  - The network of global corporate control.
AB  - The structure of the control network of transnational corporations affects global
      market competition and financial stability. So far, only small national samples
      were studied and there was no appropriate methodology to assess control globally.
      We present the first investigation of the architecture of the international
      ownership network, along with the computation of the control held by each global
      player. We find that transnational corporations form a giant bow-tie structure
      and that a large portion of control flows to a small tightly-knit core of
      financial institutions. This core can be seen as an economic "super-entity" that
      raises new important issues both for researchers and policy makers.

PMID- 22046253
TI  - Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP): revisiting the efficacy of sample
      preparation, sonication, quantification of sheared DNA, and analysis via PCR.
AB  - The "quantitative" ChIP, a tool commonly used to study protein-DNA interactions
      in cells and tissue, is a difficult assay often plagued with technical error. We
      present, herein, the process required to merge multiple protocols into a quick,
      reliable and easy method and an approach to accurately quantify ChIP DNA prior to
      performing PCR. We demonstrate that high intensity sonication for at least 30 min
      is required for full cellular disruption and maximum DNA recovery because ChIP
      lysis buffers fail to lyse formaldehyde-fixed cells. In addition, extracting ChIP
      DNA with chelex-100 yields samples that are too dilute for evaluation of shearing
      efficiency or quantification via nanospectrophotometry. However, DNA extracted
      from the Mock-ChIP supernatant via the phenol-chloroform-isoamyl alcohol (PCIA)
      method can be used to evaluate DNA shearing efficiency and used as the standard
      in a fluorescence-based microplate assay. This enabled accurate quantification of
      DNA in chelex-extracted ChIP samples and normalization to total DNA concentration
      prior to performing real-time PCR (rtPCR). Thus, a quick ChIP assay that can be
      completed in nine bench hours over two days has been validated along with a
      rapid, accurate and repeatable way to quantify ChIP DNA. The resulting rtPCR data
      more accurately depicts treatment effects on protein-DNA interactions of
      interest.

PMID- 22046254
TI  - Growth of Acinetobacter baumannii in pellicle enhanced the expression of
      potential virulence factors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Interestingly, Acinetobacter baumannii presents an enhanced capacity
      to form biofilms (also named pellicles) at the air-liquid interface as compared
      to the other Acinetobacter species. This characteristic questions the
      contribution of this phenotype to an increased risk of clinical infections by
      this pathogen. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: By a proteomic approach using 2-D
      gel electrophoresis-LC-MS/MS mass spectrometry, we compared the membrane protein
      patterns of A. baumannii 77, a pellicle-forming clinical isolate, grown in
      planktonic and in sessile modes. We identified 52 proteins with a differential
      expression, including 32 up-regulated and 20 down-regulated in the pellicle
      state. Several proteins, differentially expressed during pellicle development,
      were of particular interest. We determined the over-expression of four
      siderophore iron uptake systems including the acinetobactin and enterobactin
      receptors and confirmed that the development of this type of biofilm is promoted
      by ferric ions. Two over-expressed proteins, CarO and an OprD-homologue, putative
      carbapenem-resistance associated porins, would be involved in the transport of
      specific compounds, like ornithine, a biosynthesis precursor of a siderophore
      from the hydroxamate family. We evidenced the overexpression of a lipase and a
      transporter of LCFA that may be involved in the recycling of lipids inside the
      pellicle matrix. Finally, we demonstrated both by proteomic and by AFM studies
      that this particular type of biofilm required multiple pili systems to maintain
      this cohesive structure at the air-liquid interface; two of these systems have
      never been described in A. baumannii. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Our study
      demonstrated that several proteins, overexpressed at a late state of pellicle
      development, could be potentially involved in virulence processes. Therefore,
      regarding the number of potential virulence factors that are over-expressed in
      this growth mode, the pellicle-forming clinical isolates should be kept under
      survey.

PMID- 22046255
TI  - Cost-effectiveness of pharmacotherapy to reduce obesity.
AB  - AIMS: Obesity causes a high disease burden in Australia and across the world. We
      aimed to analyse the cost-effectiveness of weight reduction with pharmacotherapy
      in Australia, and to assess its potential to reduce the disease burden due to
      excess body weight. METHODS: We constructed a multi-state life-table based Markov
      model in Excel in which body weight influences the incidence of stroke, ischemic
      heart disease, hypertensive heart disease, diabetes mellitus, osteoarthritis,
      post-menopausal breast cancer, colon cancer, endometrial cancer and kidney
      cancer. We use data on effectiveness identified from PubMed searches, on
      mortality from Australian Bureau of Statistics, on disease costs from the
      Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, and on drug costs from the Department
      of Health and Ageing. We evaluate 1-year pharmacological interventions with
      sibutramine and orlistat targeting obese Australian adults free of obesity
      related disease. We use a lifetime horizon for costs and health outcomes and a
      health sector perspective for costs. Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratios
      (ICERs) below A$50 000 per Disability Adjusted Life Year (DALY) averted are
      considered good value for money. RESULTS: The ICERs are A$130 000/DALY (95%
      uncertainty interval [UI] 93 000-180 000) for sibutramine and A$230 000/DALY (170
      000-340 000) for orlistat. The interventions reduce the body weight-related
      disease burden at the population level by 0.2% and 0.1%, respectively. Modest
      weight loss during the interventions, rapid post-intervention weight regain and
      low adherence limit the health benefits. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with sibutramine
      or orlistat is not cost-effective from an Australian health sector perspective
      and has a negligible impact on the total body weight-related disease burden.

PMID- 22046256
TI  - VDA, a method of choosing a better algorithm with fewer validations.
AB  - The multitude of bioinformatics algorithms designed for performing a particular
      computational task presents end-users with the problem of selecting the most
      appropriate computational tool for analyzing their biological data. The choice of
      the best available method is often based on expensive experimental validation of
      the results. We propose an approach to design validation sets for method
      comparison and performance assessment that are effective in terms of cost and
      discrimination power.Validation Discriminant Analysis (VDA) is a method for
      designing a minimal validation dataset to allow reliable comparisons between the
      performances of different algorithms. Implementation of our VDA approach achieves
      this reduction by selecting predictions that maximize the minimum Hamming
      distance between algorithmic predictions in the validation set. We show that VDA
      can be used to correctly rank algorithms according to their performances. These
      results are further supported by simulations and by realistic algorithmic
      comparisons in silico.VDA is a novel, cost-efficient method for minimizing the
      number of validation experiments necessary for reliable performance estimation
      and fair comparison between algorithms.Our VDA software is available at
      http://sourceforge.net/projects/klugerlab/files/VDA/

PMID- 22046257
TI  - Treatment of rat spinal cord injury with the neurotrophic factor albumin-oleic
      acid: translational application for paralysis, spasticity and pain.
AB  - Sensorimotor dysfunction following incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI) is often
      characterized by the debilitating symptoms of paralysis, spasticity and pain,
      which require treatment with novel pleiotropic pharmacological agents. Previous
      in vitro studies suggest that Albumin (Alb) and Oleic Acid (OA) may play a role
      together as an endogenous neurotrophic factor. Although Alb can promote basic
      recovery of motor function after iSCI, the therapeutic effect of OA or Alb-OA on
      a known translational measure of SCI associated with symptoms of spasticity and
      change in nociception has not been studied. Following T9 spinal contusion injury
      in Wistar rats, intrathecal treatment with: i) Saline, ii) Alb (0.4 nanomoles),
      iii) OA (80 nanomoles), iv) Alb-Elaidic acid (0.4/80 nanomoles), or v) Alb-OA
      (0.4/80 nanomoles) were evaluated on basic motor function, temporal summation of
      noxious reflex activity, and with a new test of descending modulation of spinal
      activity below the SCI up to one month after injury. Albumin, OA and Alb-OA
      treatment inhibited nociceptive Tibialis Anterior (TA) reflex activity. Moreover
      Alb-OA synergistically promoted early recovery of locomotor activity to 50 +/-
      10% of control and promoted de novo phasic descending inhibition of TA noxious
      reflex activity to 47 +/- 5% following non-invasive electrical conditioning
      stimulation applied above the iSCI. Spinal L4-L5 immunohistochemistry
      demonstrated a unique increase in serotonin fibre innervation up to 4.2 +/- 1.1
      and 2.3 +/- 0.3 fold within the dorsal and ventral horn respectively with Alb-OA
      treatment when compared to uninjured tissue, in addition to a reduction in NR1
      NMDA receptor phosphorylation and microglia reactivity. Early recovery of
      voluntary motor function accompanied with tonic and de novo phasic descending
      inhibition of nociceptive TA flexor reflex activity following Alb-OA treatment,
      mediated via known endogenous spinal mechanisms of action, suggests a clinical
      application of this novel neurotrophic factor for the treatment of paralysis,
      spasticity and pain.

PMID- 22046258
TI  - Genetic associations in the vitamin D receptor and colorectal cancer in African
      Americans and Caucasians.
AB  - Low vitamin D levels are associated with an increased incidence of colorectal
      cancer (CRC) and higher mortality from the disease. In the US, African Americans
      (AAs) have the highest CRC incidence and mortality and the lowest levels of
      vitamin D. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the vitamin D receptor (VDR)
      gene have been previously associated with CRC, but few studies have included AAs.
      We studied 795 AA CRC cases and 985 AA controls from Chicago and North Carolina
      as well as 1324 Caucasian cases and 990 Caucasian controls from Chicago and
      Spain. We genotyped 54 tagSNPs in VDR (46586959 to 46521297 Mb) and tested for
      association adjusting for West African ancestry, age, gender, and multiple
      testing. Untyped markers were imputed using MACH1.0. We analyzed associations by
      gender and anatomic location in the whole study group as well as by vitamin D
      intake in the North Carolina AA group. In the joint analysis, none of the SNPs
      tested was significantly associated with CRC. For four previously tested
      restriction fragment length polymorphisms, only one (referred to as ApaI), tagged
      by the SNP rs79628898, had a nominally significant p-value in AAs; none of these
      polymorphisms were associated with CRC in Caucasians. In the North Carolina AAs,
      for whom we had vitamin D intake data, we found a significant association between
      an intronic SNP rs11574041 and vitamin D intake, which is evidence for a VDR gene
      environment interaction in AAs. In summary, using a systematic tagSNP approach,
      we have not found evidence for significant associations between VDR and CRC in
      AAs or Caucasians.

PMID- 22046259
TI  - Comprehensive network analysis of anther-expressed genes in rice by the
      combination of 33 laser microdissection and 143 spatiotemporal microarrays.
AB  - Co-expression networks systematically constructed from large-scale transcriptome
      data reflect the interactions and functions of genes with similar expression
      patterns and are a powerful tool for the comprehensive understanding of
      biological events and mining of novel genes. In Arabidopsis (a model dicot
      plant), high-resolution co-expression networks have been constructed from very
      large microarray datasets and these are publicly available as online information
      resources. However, the available transcriptome data of rice (a model monocot
      plant) have been limited so far, making it difficult for rice researchers to
      achieve reliable co-expression analysis. In this study, we performed co
      expression network analysis by using combined 44 K agilent microarray datasets of
      rice, which consisted of 33 laser microdissection (LM)-microarray datasets of
      anthers, and 143 spatiotemporal transcriptome datasets deposited in RicexPro. The
      entire data of the rice co-expression network, which was generated from the 176
      microarray datasets by the Pearson correlation coefficient (PCC) method with the
      mutual rank (MR)-based cut-off, contained 24,258 genes and 60,441 genes pairs.
      Using these datasets, we constructed high-resolution co-expression subnetworks of
      two specific biological events in the anther, "meiosis" and "pollen wall
      synthesis". The meiosis network contained many known or putative meiotic genes,
      including genes related to meiosis initiation and recombination. In the pollen
      wall synthesis network, several candidate genes involved in the sporopollenin
      biosynthesis pathway were efficiently identified. Hence, these two subnetworks
      are important demonstrations of the efficiency of co-expression network analysis
      in rice. Our co-expression analysis included the separated transcriptomes of
      pollen and tapetum cells in the anther, which are able to provide precise
      information on transcriptional regulation during male gametophyte development in
      rice. The co-expression network data presented here is a useful resource for rice
      researchers to elucidate important and complex biological events.

PMID- 22046260
TI  - Altered expression of insulin receptor isoforms in breast cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling through human insulin
      receptor isoform A (IR-A) contributes to tumorigenesis and intrinsic resistance
      to anti-IGF1R therapy. In the present study, we (a) developed quantitative TaqMan
      real time-PCR-based assays (qRT-PCR) to measure human insulin receptor isoforms
      with high specificity, (b) evaluated isoform expression levels in molecularly
      defined breast cancer subtypes, and (c) identified the IR-A:IR-B mRNA ratio as a
      potential biomarker guiding patient stratification for anti-IGF therapies.
      EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: mRNA expression levels of IR-A and IR-B were measured in 42
      primary breast cancers and 19 matched adjacent normal tissues with TaqMan qRT-PCR
      assays. The results were further confirmed in 165 breast cancers. The tumor
      samples were profiled using whole genome microarrays and subsequently subtyped
      using the PAM50 breast cancer gene signature. The relationship between the IR
      A:IR-B ratio and cancer subtype, as well as markers of proliferation were
      characterized. RESULTS: The mRNA expression levels of IR-A in the breast tumors
      were similar to those observed in the adjacent normal tissues, while the mRNA
      levels of IR-B were significantly decreased in tumors. The IR-A:IR-B ratio was
      significantly higher in luminal B breast cancer than in luminal A. Strong
      concordance between the IR-A:IR-B ratio and the composite Oncotype DX
      proliferation score was observed for stratifying the latter two breast cancer
      subtypes. CONCLUSIONS: The reduction in IR-B expression is the key to the altered
      IR-A:IR-B ratio observed in breast cancer. The IR-A:IR-B ratio may have biomarker
      utility in guiding a patient stratification strategy for an anti-IGF therapeutic.

PMID- 22046261
TI  - Mastermind mutations generate a unique constellation of midline cells within the
      Drosophila CNS.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Notch pathway functions repeatedly during the development of the
      central nervous system in metazoan organisms to control cell fate and regulate
      cell proliferation and asymmetric cell divisions. Within the Drosophila midline
      cell lineage, which bisects the two symmetrical halves of the central nervous
      system, Notch is required for initial cell specification and subsequent
      differentiation of many midline lineages. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Here,
      we provide the first description of the role of the Notch co-factor, mastermind,
      in the central nervous system midline of Drosophila. Overall, zygotic mastermind
      mutations cause an increase in midline cell number and decrease in midline cell
      diversity. Compared to mutations in other components of the Notch signaling
      pathway, such as Notch itself and Delta, zygotic mutations in mastermind cause
      the production of a unique constellation of midline cell types. The major
      difference is that midline glia form normally in zygotic mastermind mutants, but
      not in Notch and Delta mutants. Moreover, during late embryogenesis, extra
      anterior midline glia survive in zygotic mastermind mutants compared to wild type
      embryos. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: This is an example of a mutation in a
      signaling pathway cofactor producing a distinct central nervous system phenotype
      compared to mutations in major components of the pathway.

PMID- 22046262
TI  - dTip60 HAT activity controls synaptic bouton expansion at the Drosophila
      neuromuscular junction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Histone acetylation of chromatin plays a key role in promoting the
      dynamic transcriptional responses in neurons that influence the neuroplasticity
      linked to cognitive ability, yet the specific histone acetyltransferases (HATs)
      that create such epigenetic marks remain to be elucidated. METHODS AND FINDINGS:
      Here we use the Drosophila neuromuscular junction (NMJ) as a well-characterized
      synapse model to identify HATs that control synaptic remodeling and structure. We
      show that the HAT dTip60 is concentrated both pre and post-synaptically within
      the NMJ. Presynaptic targeted reduction of dTip60 HAT activity causes a
      significant increase in synaptic bouton number that specifically affects type Is
      boutons. The excess boutons show a suppression of the active zone synaptic
      function marker bruchpilot, suggesting defects in neurotransmission function.
      Analysis of microtubule organization within these excess boutons using
      immunohistochemical staining to the microtubule associated protein futsch reveals
      a significant increase in the rearrangement of microtubule loop architecture that
      is required for bouton division. Moreover, alpha-tubulin acetylation levels of
      microtubules specifically extending into the terminal synaptic boutons are
      reduced in response to dTip60 HAT reduction. CONCLUSIONS: Our results are the
      first to demonstrate a causative role for the HAT dTip60 in the control of
      synaptic plasticity that is achieved, at least in part, via regulation of the
      synaptic microtubule cytoskeleton. These findings have implications for dTip60
      HAT dependant epigenetic mechanisms underlying cognitive function.

PMID- 22046263
TI  - Ectodermal influx and cell hypertrophy provide early growth for all murine
      mammary rudiments, and are differentially regulated among them by Gli3.
AB  - Mammary gland development starts in utero with one or several pairs of mammary
      rudiments (MRs) budding from the surface ectodermal component of the mammalian
      embryonic skin. Mice develop five pairs, numbered MR1 to MR5 from pectoral to
      inguinal position. We have previously shown that Gli3(Xt-J/Xt-J) mutant embryos,
      which lack the transcription factor Gli3, do not form MR3 and MR5. We show here
      that two days after the MRs emerge, Gli3(Xt-J/Xt-J) MR1 is 20% smaller, and
      Gli3(Xt-J/Xt-J) MR2 and MR4 are 50% smaller than their wild type (wt)
      counterparts. Moreover, while wt MRs sink into the underlying dermis, Gli3(Xt
      J/Xt-J) MR4 and MR2 protrude outwardly, to different extents. To understand why
      each of these five pairs of functionally identical organs has its own, distinct
      response to the absence of Gli3, we determined which cellular mechanisms regulate
      growth of the individual MRs, and whether and how Gli3 regulates these
      mechanisms. We found a 5.5 to 10.7-fold lower cell proliferation rate in wt MRs
      compared to their adjacent surface ectoderm, indicating that MRs do not emerge or
      grow via locally enhanced cell proliferation. Cell-tracing experiments showed
      that surface ectodermal cells are recruited toward the positions where MRs
      emerge, and contribute to MR growth during at least two days. During the second
      day of MR development, peripheral cells within the MRs undergo hypertrophy, which
      also contributes to MR growth. Limited apoptotic cell death counterbalances MR
      growth. The relative contribution of each of these processes varies among the
      five MRs. Furthermore, each of these processes is impaired in the absence of
      Gli3, but to different extents in each MR. This differential involvement of Gli3
      explains the variation in phenotype among Gli3(Xt-J/Xt-J) MRs, and may help to
      understand the variation in numbers and positions of mammary glands among
      mammals.

PMID- 22046264
TI  - Elucidation of the ATP7B N-domain Mg2+-ATP coordination site and its allosteric
      regulation.
AB  - The diagnostic of orphan genetic disease is often a puzzling task as less
      attention is paid to the elucidation of the pathophysiology of these rare
      disorders at the molecular level. We present here a multidisciplinary approach
      using molecular modeling tools and surface plasmonic resonance to study the
      function of the ATP7B protein, which is impaired in the Wilson disease.
      Experimentally validated in silico models allow the elucidation in the Nucleotide
      binding domain (N-domain) of the Mg(2+)-ATP coordination site and answer to the
      controversial role of the Mg(2+) ion in the nucleotide binding process. The
      analysis of protein motions revealed a substantial effect on a long flexible loop
      branched to the N-domain protein core. We demonstrated the capacity of the loop
      to disrupt the interaction between Mg(2+)-ATP complex and the N-domain and
      propose a role for this loop in the allosteric regulation of the nucleotide
      binding process.

PMID- 22046265
TI  - Oscillatory dynamics of cell cycle proteins in single yeast cells analyzed by
      imaging cytometry.
AB  - Progression through the cell division cycle is orchestrated by a complex network
      of interacting genes and proteins. Some of these proteins are known to fluctuate
      periodically during the cell cycle, but a systematic study of the fluctuations of
      a broad sample of cell-cycle proteins has not been made until now. Using time
      lapse fluorescence microscopy, we profiled 16 strains of budding yeast, each
      containing GFP fused to a single gene involved in cell cycle regulation. The
      dynamics of protein abundance and localization were characterized by extracting
      the amplitude, period, and other indicators from a series of images. Oscillations
      of protein abundance could clearly be identified for Cdc15, Clb2, Cln1, Cln2,
      Mcm1, Net1, Sic1, and Whi5. The period of oscillation of the fluorescently tagged
      proteins is generally in good agreement with the inter-bud time. The very strong
      oscillations of Net1 and Mcm1 expression are remarkable since little is known
      about the temporal expression of these genes. By collecting data from large
      samples of single cells, we quantified some aspects of cell-to-cell variability
      due presumably to intrinsic and extrinsic noise affecting the cell cycle.

PMID- 22046266
TI  - High prevalence of primary multidrug resistant tuberculosis in persons with no
      known risk factors.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In high multidrug resistant (MDR) tuberculosis (TB) prevalence
      areas, drug susceptibility testing (DST) at diagnosis is recommended for patients
      with risk factors for MDR. However, this approach might miss a substantial
      proportion of MDR-TB in the general population. We studied primary MDR in
      patients considered to be at low risk of MDR-TB in Lima, Peru. METHODS: We
      enrolled new sputum smear-positive TB patients who did not report any MDR-TB risk
      factor: known exposure to a TB patient whose treatment failed or who died or who
      was known to have MDR-TB; immunosuppressive co-morbidities, ex prison inmates;
      prison and health care workers; and alcohol or drug abuse. A structured
      questionnaire was applied to all enrolled participants to confirm the absence of
      these factors and thus minimize underreporting. Sputum from all participants was
      cultured on Lowenstein-Jensen media and DST for first line drugs was performed
      using the 7H10 agar method. RESULTS: Of 875 participants with complete data,
      23.2% (203) had risk factors for MDR-TB elicited after enrolment. Among the group
      with no reported risk factors who had a positive culture, we found a 6.3% (95%CI
      4.4-8.3) (37/584) rate of MDR-TB. In this group no epidemiological
      characteristics were associated with MDR-TB. Thus, in this group, multidrug
      resistance occurred in patients with no identifiable risk factors. CONCLUSIONS:
      We found a high rate of primary MDR-TB in a general population with no
      identifiable risk factors for MDR-TB. This suggests that in a high endemic area
      targeting patients for MDR-TB based on the presence of risk factors is an
      insufficient intervention.

PMID- 22046267
TI  - A new methodology to associate SNPs with human diseases according to their
      pathway related context.
AB  - Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) with hundreds of zthousands of single
      nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are popular strategies to reveal the genetic
      basis of human complex diseases. Despite many successes of GWAS, it is well
      recognized that new analytical approaches have to be integrated to achieve their
      full potential. Starting with a list of SNPs, found to be associated with disease
      in GWAS, here we propose a novel methodology to devise functionally important
      KEGG pathways through the identification of genes within these pathways, where
      these genes are obtained from SNP analysis. Our methodology is based on
      functionalization of important SNPs to identify effected genes and disease
      related pathways. We have tested our methodology on WTCCC Rheumatoid Arthritis
      (RA) dataset and identified: i) previously known RA related KEGG pathways (e.g.,
      Toll-like receptor signaling, Jak-STAT signaling, Antigen processing, Leukocyte
      transendothelial migration and MAPK signaling pathways); ii) additional KEGG
      pathways (e.g., Pathways in cancer, Neurotrophin signaling, Chemokine signaling
      pathways) as associated with RA. Furthermore, these newly found pathways included
      genes which are targets of RA-specific drugs. Even though GWAS analysis
      identifies 14 out of 83 of those drug target genes; newly found functionally
      important KEGG pathways led to the discovery of 25 out of 83 genes, known to be
      used as drug targets for the treatment of RA. Among the previously known
      pathways, we identified additional genes associated with RA (e.g. Antigen
      processing and presentation, Tight junction). Importantly, within these pathways,
      the associations between some of these additionally found genes, such as HLA-C,
      HLA-G, PRKCQ, PRKCZ, TAP1, TAP2 and RA were verified by either OMIM database or
      by literature retrieved from the NCBI PubMed module. With the whole-genome
      sequencing on the horizon, we show that the full potential of GWAS can be
      achieved by integrating pathway and network-oriented analysis and prior knowledge
      from functional properties of a SNP.

PMID- 22046268
TI  - A novel metagenomic short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase attenuates Pseudomonas
      aeruginosa biofilm formation and virulence on Caenorhabditis elegans.
AB  - In Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the expression of a number of virulence factors, as
      well as biofilm formation, are controlled by quorum sensing (QS). N
      Acylhomoserine lactones (AHLs) are an important class of signaling molecules
      involved in bacterial QS and in many pathogenic bacteria infection and host
      colonization are AHL-dependent. The AHL signaling molecules are subject to
      inactivation mainly by hydrolases (Enzyme Commission class number EC 3) (i.e. N
      acyl-homoserine lactonases and N-acyl-homoserine-lactone acylases). Only little
      is known on quorum quenching mechanisms of oxidoreductases (EC 1). Here we report
      on the identification and structural characterization of the first NADP-dependent
      short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase (SDR) involved in inactivation of N-(3-oxo
      dodecanoyl)-L-homoserine lactone (3-oxo-C(12)-HSL) and derived from a metagenome
      library. The corresponding gene was isolated from a soil metagenome and
      designated bpiB09. Heterologous expression and crystallographic studies
      established BpiB09 as an NADP-dependent reductase. Although AHLs are probably not
      the native substrate of this metagenome-derived enzyme, its expression in P.
      aeruginosa PAO1 resulted in significantly reduced pyocyanin production, decreased
      motility, poor biofilm formation and absent paralysis of Caenorhabditis elegans.
      Furthermore, a genome-wide transcriptome study suggested that the level of lasI
      and rhlI transcription together with 36 well known QS regulated genes was
      significantly (>=10-fold) affected in P. aeruginosa strains expressing the bpiB09
      gene in pBBR1MCS-5. Thus AHL oxidoreductases could be considered as potent tools
      for the development of quorum quenching strategies.

PMID- 22046269
TI  - Cholesterol influences voltage-gated calcium channels and BK-type potassium
      channels in auditory hair cells.
AB  - The influence of membrane cholesterol content on a variety of ion channel
      conductances in numerous cell models has been shown, but studies exploring its
      role in auditory hair cell physiology are scarce. Recent evidence shows that
      cholesterol depletion affects outer hair cell electromotility and the voltage
      gated potassium currents underlying tall hair cell development, but the effects
      of cholesterol on the major ionic currents governing auditory hair cell
      excitability are unknown. We investigated the effects of a cholesterol-depleting
      agent (methyl beta cyclodextrin, MbetaCD) on ion channels necessary for the early
      stages of sound processing. Large-conductance BK-type potassium channels underlie
      temporal processing and open in a voltage- and calcium-dependent manner. Voltage
      gated calcium channels (VGCCs) are responsible for calcium-dependent exocytosis
      and synaptic transmission to the auditory nerve. Our results demonstrate that
      cholesterol depletion reduced peak steady-state calcium-sensitive (BK-type)
      potassium current by 50% in chick cochlear hair cells. In contrast, MbetaCD
      treatment increased peak inward calcium current (~30%), ruling out loss of
      calcium channel expression or function as a cause of reduced calcium-sensitive
      outward current. Changes in maximal conductance indicated a direct impact of
      cholesterol on channel number or unitary conductance. Immunoblotting following
      sucrose-gradient ultracentrifugation revealed BK expression in cholesterol
      enriched microdomains. Both direct impacts of cholesterol on channel biophysics,
      as well as channel localization in the membrane, may contribute to the influence
      of cholesterol on hair cell physiology. Our results reveal a new role for
      cholesterol in the regulation of auditory calcium and calcium-activated potassium
      channels and add to the growing evidence that cholesterol is a key determinant in
      auditory physiology.

PMID- 22046270
TI  - Protein kinase C-dependent dephosphorylation of tyrosine hydroxylase requires the
      B56delta heterotrimeric form of protein phosphatase 2A.
AB  - Tyrosine hydroxylase, which plays a critical role in regulation of dopamine
      synthesis, is known to be controlled by phosphorylation at several critical
      sites. One of these sites, Ser40, is phosphorylated by a number of protein
      kinases, including protein kinase A. The major protein phosphatase that
      dephosphorylates Ser40 is protein phosphatase-2A (PP2A). A recent study has also
      linked protein kinase C to the dephosphorylation of Ser40 [1], but the mechanism
      is unclear. PP2A isoforms are comprised of catalytic, scaffold, and regulatory
      subunits, the regulatory B subunits being able to influence cellular localization
      and substrate selection. In the current study, we find that protein kinase C is
      able to phosphorylate a key regulatory site in the B56delta subunit leading to
      activation of PP2A. In turn, activation of the B56delta-containing heterotrimeric
      form of PP2A is responsible for enhanced dephosphorylation of Ser40 of tyrosine
      hydroylase in response to stimulation of PKC. In support of this mechanism, down
      regulation of B56delta expression in N27 cells using RNAi was found to increase
      dopamine synthesis. Together these studies reveal molecular details of how
      protein kinase C is linked to reduced tyrosine hydroxylase activity via control
      of PP2A, and also add to the complexity of protein kinase/protein phosphatase
      interactions.

PMID- 22046271
TI  - Lung function is associated with arterial stiffness in children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In older adults, an independent association exists between impaired
      lung function and cardiovascular disease. This interaction might be related to
      the effects of aging and/or smoking. In order to explore possible childhood
      antecedents to this association, we hypothesized that decreased lung function and
      vascular stiffness might be related, in early life. OBJECTIVE: To determine the
      relationship between lung function and carotid augmentation index (AIx), a
      measure of vascular stiffness, in 8-year old children. METHODS: Data on brachial
      blood pressure, lung function (FEV(1), FVC, FEV(1)/FVC, obtained by spirometry)
      and carotid AIx75 (AIx standardised to an arbitrary heart rate of 75 beats per
      minute, obtained by applanation tonometry) was available in 249 community-based 8
      year old children. These healthy children had been subjects in a randomised
      controlled trial of two interventions (omega-3 fatty acid supplementation and
      house-dust mite avoidance) to prevent asthma. Smoking in pregnancy and childhood
      environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) exposure was prospectively collected by
      questionnaire. The association between lung function and carotid AIx75 was
      assessed in multivariate models that included sex, height, smoking status during
      pregnancy, ETS exposure and randomisation groups (house dust mite avoidance and
      dietary intervention) as covariates. RESULTS: In the fully adjusted models,
      Carotid AIx75 was independently associated with FEV1 (standardised beta = -0.17,b
      = -6.72, partial R(2) = .02, p = 0.03), FVC (standardised beta = -0.29, b = 
      9.31, partial R(2) = 0.04, p<0.001) and FEV1/FVC (standardised beta = .13, b =
      18.4, partial R(2) = 0.02, p = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Lower lung volumes are
      associated with increased vascular stiffness at an early age. The interaction
      between lung function and vascular stiffness may thus represent more than just
      age-related alterations in both the pulmonary and vascular systems.

PMID- 22046272
TI  - Hepatitis B virus impairs TLR9 expression and function in plasmacytoid dendritic
      cells.
AB  - Plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) play a key role in detecting pathogens by
      producing large amounts of type I interferon (IFN) by sensing the presence of
      viral infections through the Toll-Like Receptor (TLR) pathway. TLR9 is a sensor
      of viral and bacterial DNA motifs and activates the IRF7 transcription factor
      which leads to type I IFN secretion by pDCs. However, during chronic hepatitis B
      virus (HBV) infection, pDCs display an impaired ability to secrete IFN-alpha
      following ex vivo stimulation with TLR9 ligands. Here we highlight several
      strategies used by HBV to block IFN-alpha production through a specific
      impairment of the TLR9 signaling. Our results show that HBV particle
      internalisation could inhibit TLR9- but not TLR7-mediated secretion of IFN-alpha
      by pDCs. We observed that HBV down-regulated TLR9 transcriptional activity in
      pDCs and B cells in which TLR9 mRNA and protein levels were reduced. HBV can
      interfere with TLR9 activity by blocking the MyD88-IRAK4 axis and Sendai virus
      targeting IRF7 to block IFN-alpha production. Neutralising CpG motif sequences
      were identified within HBV DNA genome of genotypes A to H which displayed a
      suppressive effect on TLR9-immune activation. Moreover, TLR9 mRNA and protein
      were downregulated in PBMCs from patients with HBV-associated chronic hepatitis
      and hepatocellular carcinoma. Thus HBV has developed several escape mechanisms to
      avoid TLR9 activation in both pDCs and B lymphocytes, which may in turn
      contribute to the establishment and/or persistence of chronic infection.

PMID- 22046274
TI  - Continuous three-dimensional control of a virtual helicopter using a motor
      imagery based brain-computer interface.
AB  - Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) allow a user to interact with a computer system
      using thought. However, only recently have devices capable of providing
      sophisticated multi-dimensional control been achieved non-invasively. A major
      goal for non-invasive BCI systems has been to provide continuous, intuitive, and
      accurate control, while retaining a high level of user autonomy. By employing
      electroencephalography (EEG) to record and decode sensorimotor rhythms (SMRs)
      induced from motor imaginations, a consistent, user-specific control signal may
      be characterized. Utilizing a novel method of interactive and continuous control,
      we trained three normal subjects to modulate their SMRs to achieve three
      dimensional movement of a virtual helicopter that is fast, accurate, and
      continuous. In this system, the virtual helicopter's forward-backward translation
      and elevation controls were actuated through the modulation of sensorimotor
      rhythms that were converted to forces applied to the virtual helicopter at every
      simulation time step, and the helicopter's angle of left or right rotation was
      linearly mapped, with higher resolution, from sensorimotor rhythms associated
      with other motor imaginations. These different resolutions of control allow for
      interplay between general intent actuation and fine control as is seen in the
      gross and fine movements of the arm and hand. Subjects controlled the helicopter
      with the goal of flying through rings (targets) randomly positioned and oriented
      in a three-dimensional space. The subjects flew through rings continuously,
      acquiring as many as 11 consecutive rings within a five-minute period. In total,
      the study group successfully acquired over 85% of presented targets. These
      results affirm the effective, three-dimensional control of our motor imagery
      based BCI system, and suggest its potential applications in biological
      navigation, neuroprosthetics, and other applications.

PMID- 22046273
TI  - Absence of colony stimulation factor-1 receptor results in loss of microglia,
      disrupted brain development and olfactory deficits.
AB  - The brain contains numerous mononuclear phagocytes called microglia. These cells
      express the transmembrane tyrosine kinase receptor for the macrophage growth
      factor colony stimulating factor-1 (CSF-1R). Using a CSF-1R-GFP reporter mouse
      strain combined with lineage defining antibody staining we show in the postnatal
      mouse brain that CSF-1R is expressed only in microglia and not neurons,
      astrocytes or glial cells. To study CSF-1R function we used mice homozygous for a
      null mutation in the Csflr gene. In these mice microglia are >99% depleted at
      embryonic day 16 and day 1 post-partum brain. At three weeks of age this
      microglial depletion continues in most regions of the brain although some contain
      clusters of rounded microglia. Despite the loss of microglia, embryonic brain
      development appears normal but during the post-natal period the brain
      architecture becomes perturbed with enlarged ventricles and regionally compressed
      parenchyma, phenotypes most prominent in the olfactory bulb and cortex. In the
      cortex there is increased neuronal density, elevated numbers of astrocytes but
      reduced numbers of oligodendrocytes. Csf1r nulls rarely survive to adulthood and
      therefore to study the role of CSF-1R in olfaction we used the viable null
      mutants in the Csf1 (Csf1(op)) gene that encodes one of the two known CSF-1R
      ligands. Food-finding experiments indicate that olfactory capacity is
      significantly impaired in the absence of CSF-1. CSF-1R is therefore required for
      the development of microglia, for a fully functional olfactory system and the
      maintenance of normal brain structure.

PMID- 22046275
TI  - Reduced distractibility in a remote culture.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In visual processing, there are marked cultural differences in the
      tendency to adopt either a global or local processing style. A remote culture
      (the Himba) has recently been reported to have a greater local bias in visual
      processing than Westerners. Here we give the first evidence that a greater, and
      remarkable, attentional selectivity provides the basis for this local bias.
      METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: In Experiment 1, Eriksen-type flanker
      interference was measured in the Himba and in Western controls. In both groups,
      responses to the direction of a task-relevant target arrow were affected by the
      compatibility of task-irrelevant distractor arrows. However, the Himba showed a
      marked reduction in overall flanker interference compared to Westerners. The
      smaller interference effect in the Himba occurred despite their overall slower
      performance than Westerners, and was evident even at a low level of perceptual
      load of the displays. In Experiment 2, the attentional selectivity of the Himba
      was further demonstrated by showing that their attention was not even captured by
      a moving singleton distractor. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: We argue that the
      reduced distractibility in the Himba is clearly consistent with their tendency to
      prioritize the analysis of local details in visual processing.

PMID- 22046276
TI  - myKaryoView: a light-weight client for visualization of genomic data.
AB  - The Distributed Annotation System (DAS) is a protocol for easy sharing and
      integration of biological annotations. In order to visualize feature annotations
      in a genomic context a client is required. Here we present myKaryoView, a simple
      light-weight DAS tool for visualization of genomic annotation. myKaryoView has
      been specifically configured to help analyse data derived from personal genomics,
      although it can also be used as a generic genome browser visualization. Several
      well-known data sources are provided to facilitate comparison of known genes and
      normal variation regions. The navigation experience is enhanced by simultaneous
      rendering of different levels of detail across chromosomes. A simple interface is
      provided to allow searches for any SNP, gene or chromosomal region. User-defined
      DAS data sources may also be added when querying the system. We demonstrate
      myKaryoView capabilities for adding user-defined sources with a set of genetic
      profiles of family-related individuals downloaded directly from 23andMe.
      myKaryoView is a web tool for visualization of genomic data specifically designed
      for direct-to-consumer genomic data that uses publicly available data distributed
      throughout the Internet. It does not require data to be held locally and it is
      capable of rendering any feature as long as it conforms to DAS specifications.
      Configuration and addition of sources to myKaryoView can be done through the
      interface. Here we show a proof of principle of myKaryoView's ability to display
      personal genomics data with 23andMe genome data sources. The tool is available
      at: http://mykaryoview.com.

PMID- 22046277
TI  - Effects of short-term continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion on fasting plasma
      fibroblast growth factor-21 levels in patients with newly diagnosed type 2
      diabetes mellitus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To investigate the effects of short-term continuous subcutaneous
      insulin infusion (CSII) on plasma fibroblast growth factor-21 (FGF-21) levels in
      patients with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus (nT2DM). METHOD: Sixty
      eight patients with nT2DM (nT2DM group), and 52 gender-, age- and body mass index
      (BMI) -matched normal glucose tolerance (NGT group) controls participated in the
      study. 30 nT2DM patients with FBG >= 14.0 mmol/L were treated with CSII for 2
      weeks, and were underwent a euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp pre- and post
      treatment. Plasma FGF-21 concentrations were measured with a commercial ELISA
      kit. The relationship between plasma FGF-21 levels and metabolic parameters was
      also analyzed. RESULTS: Fasting plasma FGF-21 levels were higher in the nT2DM
      group than in NGT groups (1.60 +/- 0.08 vs. 1.13 +/- 0.26 ug/L, P<0.01). In nT2DM
      patients, fasting plasma FGF-21 concentrations were significantly decreased after
      CSII treatment for 2 weeks (1.60 +/- 0.08 vs.1.30 +/- 0.05 ug/L, P<0.05),
      accompanied by a significant increase in the whole body glucose uptake (M value)
      and blood glucose control. The changes in plasma FGF-21 levels (DeltaFGF-21) were
      positively associated with the amelioration of insulin resistance shown by the
      changes in M value. CONCLUSION: Plasma FGF-21 level is associated with whole body
      insulin sensitivity and significantly reduced following short-term CSII
      treatment.

PMID- 22046278
TI  - Loss-of-function of Constitutive Expresser of Pathogenesis Related Genes5 affects
      potassium homeostasis in Arabidopsis thaliana.
AB  - Here, we demonstrate that the reduction in leaf K(+) observed in a mutant
      previously identified in an ionomic screen of fast neutron mutagenized
      Arabidopsis thaliana is caused by a loss-of-function allele of CPR5, which we
      name cpr5-3. This observation establishes low leaf K(+) as a new phenotype for
      loss-of-function alleles of CPR5. We investigate the factors affecting this low
      leaf K(+) in cpr5 using double mutants defective in salicylic acid (SA) and
      jasmonic acid (JA) signalling, and by gene expression analysis of various
      channels and transporters. Reciprocal grafting between cpr5 and Col-0 was used to
      determine the relative importance of the shoot and root in causing the low leaf
      K(+) phenotype of cpr5. Our data show that loss-of-function of CPR5 in shoots
      primarily determines the low leaf K(+) phenotype of cpr5, though the roots also
      contribute to a lesser degree. The low leaf K(+) phenotype of cpr5 is independent
      of the elevated SA and JA known to occur in cpr5. In cpr5 expression of genes
      encoding various Cyclic Nucleotide Gated Channels (CNGCs) are uniquely elevated
      in leaves. Further, expression of HAK5, encoding the high affinity K(+) uptake
      transporter, is reduced in roots of cpr5 grown with high or low K(+) supply. We
      suggest a model in which low leaf K(+) in cpr5 is driven primarily by enhanced
      shoot-to-root K(+) export caused by a constitutive activation of the expression
      of various CNGCs. This activation may enhance K(+) efflux, either indirectly via
      enhanced cytosolic Ca(2+) and/or directly by increased K(+) transport activity.
      Enhanced shoot-to-root K(+) export may also cause the reduced expression of HAK5
      observed in roots of cpr5, leading to a reduction in uptake of K(+). All ionomic
      data presented is publically available at www.ionomicshub.org.

PMID- 22046279
TI  - Carbon monoxide induced PPARgamma SUMOylation and UCP2 block inflammatory gene
      expression in macrophages.
AB  - Carbon monoxide (CO) dampens pro-inflammatory responses in a peroxisome
      proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARgamma) and p38 mitogen-activated
      protein kinase (MAPK) dependent manner. Previously, we demonstrated that CO
      inhibits lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced expression of the proinflammatory early
      growth response-1 (Egr-1) transcription factor in macrophages via activation of
      PPARgamma. Here, we further characterize the molecular mechanisms by which CO
      modulates the activity of PPARgamma and Egr-1 repression. We demonstrate that CO
      enhances SUMOylation of PPARgamma which we find was attributed to mitochondrial
      ROS generation. Ectopic expression of a SUMOylation-defective PPARgamma-K365R
      mutant partially abolished CO-mediated suppression of LPS-induced Egr-1 promoter
      activity. Expression of a PPARgamma-K77R mutant did not impair the effect of CO.
      In addition to PPARgamma SUMOylation, CO-activated p38 MAPK was responsible for
      Egr-1 repression. Blocking both CO-induced PPARgamma SUMOylation and p38
      activation, completely reversed the effects of CO on inflammatory gene
      expression. In primary macrophages isolated form C57/BL6 male mice, we identify
      mitochondrial ROS formation by CO as the upstream trigger for the observed
      effects on Egr-1 in part through uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2). Macrophages derived
      from bone marrow isolated from Ucp2 gene Knock-Out C57/BL6 mice (Ucp2(-/-)),
      produced significantly less ROS with CO exposure versus wild-type macrophages.
      Moreover, absence of UCP2 resulted in a complete loss of CO mediated Egr-1
      repression. Collectively, these results indentify p38 activation, PPARgamma
      SUMOylation and ROS formation via UCP2 as a cooperative system by which CO
      impacts the inflammatory response.

PMID- 22046280
TI  - Non-invasive cytology brush PCR diagnostic testing in mucosal leishmaniasis:
      superior performance to conventional biopsy with histopathology.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Traditional methods of diagnosing mucosal leishmaniasis (ML), such as
      biopsy with histopathology, are insensitive and require collection of an invasive
      diagnostic specimen. METHODS: We compared standard invasive procedures including
      biopsy histopathology, biopsy PCR, and leishmanin skin test (LST) to a novel, non
      invasive, cytology-brush based PCR for the diagnosis of ML in Lima, Peru.
      Consensus reference standard was 2/4 tests positive, and outcome measures were
      sensitivity and specificity. Leishmania species identification was performed by
      PCR-based assays of positive specimens. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients were
      enrolled, 23 of whom fulfilled criteria for a diagnosis of ML. Sensitivity and
      specificity of biopsy with histopathology were 21.7% [95% CI 4.9-38.5%] and 100%;
      69.6% [95% CI 50.8-88.4%] and 100% for LST; 95.7% [95% CI 87.4-100%] and 100% for
      biopsy PCR; and 95.7% [95% CI 87.4-100%] and 90% [95% CI 71.4-100%] for cytology
      brush PCR using both Cervisoft(r) and Histobrush(r) cervical cytology brushes.
      Represented species identified by PCR-RFLP included: L. (V). braziliensis (n =
      4), and L. (V). peruviana (n = 3). CONCLUSIONS: Use of commercial grade cytology
      brush PCR for diagnosis of ML is sensitive, rapid, well tolerated, and carries
      none of the risks of invasive diagnostic procedures such as biopsy. Further
      optimization is required for adequate species identification. Further evaluation
      of this method in field and other settings is warranted.

PMID- 22046281
TI  - Increased feeding and food hoarding following food deprivation are associated
      with activation of dopamine and orexin neurons in male Brandt's voles.
AB  - Small mammals usually face energetic challenges, such as food shortage, in the
      field. They have thus evolved species-specific adaptive strategies for survival
      and reproductive success. In the present study, we examined male Brandt's voles
      (Lasiopodomys brandtii) for their physiological, behavioral, and neuronal
      responses to food deprivation (FD) and subsequent re-feeding. Although 48 hr FD
      induced a decrease in body weight and the resting metabolic rate (RMR), such
      decreases did not reach statistical significance when compared to the control
      males that did not experience FD. During the first 2 hr of re-feeding following
      48 hr FD, voles showed higher levels of feeding than controls. However, when
      permitted to hoard food, FD voles showed an increase in food hoarding, rather
      than feeding, compared to the controls. Further, both feeding and food hoarding
      induced an increase in neuronal activation, measured by Fos-ir, in a large number
      of brain areas examined. Interestingly, feeding and food hoarding also induced an
      increase in the percentage of tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactive (TH-ir) cells
      that co-expressed Fos-ir in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), whereas both FD and
      feeding induced an increase in the percentage of orexin-ir cells that co
      expressed Fos-ir in the lateral hypothalamus (LH). Food hoarding also increased
      orexin-ir/Fos-ir labeling in the LH. Together, our data indicate that food
      deprived male Brandt's voles display enhanced feeding or food hoarding dependent
      upon an environmental setting. In addition, changes in central dopamine and
      orexin activities in selected brain areas are associated with feeding and
      hoarding behaviors following FD and subsequent re-feeding.

PMID- 22046282
TI  - Silencing GADD153/CHOP gene expression protects against Alzheimer's disease-like
      pathology induced by 27-hydroxycholesterol in rabbit hippocampus.
AB  - Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is suggested to play a key role in the
      pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease (AD).
      Sustained ER stress leads to activation of the growth arrest and leucine zipper
      transcription factor, DNA damage inducible gene 153 (gadd153; also called CHOP).
      Activated gadd153 can generate oxidative damage and reactive oxygen species
      (ROS), increase beta-amyloid (Abeta) levels, disturb iron homeostasis and induce
      inflammation as well as cell death, which are all pathological hallmarks of AD.
      Epidemiological and laboratory studies suggest that cholesterol dyshomeostasis
      contributes to the pathogenesis of AD. We have previously shown that the
      cholesterol oxidized metabolite 27-hydroxycholesterol (27-OHC) triggers AD-like
      pathology in organotypic slices. However, the extent to which gadd153 mediates 27
      OHC effects has not been determined. We silenced gadd153 gene with siRNA and
      determined the effects of 27-OHC on AD hallmarks in organotypic slices from adult
      rabbit hippocampus. siRNA to gadd153 reduced 27-OHC-induced Abeta production by
      mechanisms involving reduction in levels of beta-amyloid precursor protein (APP)
      and beta-secretase (BACE1), the enzyme that initiates cleavage of APP to yield
      Abeta peptides. Additionally, 27-OHC-induced tau phosphorylation, ROS generation,
      TNF-alpha activation, and iron and apoptosis-regulatory protein levels alteration
      were also markedly reduced by siRNA to gadd153. These data suggest that ER stress
      mediated gadd153 activation plays a central role in the triggering of AD
      pathological hallmarks that result from incubation of hippocampal slices with 27
      OHC. Our results add important insights into cellular mechanisms that underlie
      the potential contribution of cholesterol metabolism in AD pathology, and suggest
      that preventing gadd153 activation protects against AD related to cholesterol
      oxidized products.

PMID- 22046283
TI  - Assessing the cost of helping: the roles of body condition and oxidative balance
      in the Seychelles warbler (Acrocephalus sechellensis).
AB  - In cooperatively breeding species, helping close relatives may provide important
      fitness benefits. However, helping can be energetically expensive and may result
      in increased generation of reactive oxygen species. Consequently, an
      oxidant/antioxidant imbalance can lead to higher oxidative stress susceptibility.
      Given the potential costs of helping, it may be that only individuals with a
      sufficiently good body condition and/or stable oxidative balance can afford to
      help. Knowledge about relationships between social status and oxidative balance
      in cooperatively breeding systems is still limited. Studying these relationships
      is important for understanding the costs of helping and physiological pressures
      of reproduction. Here we evaluate the relationship between helping behaviour,
      body condition and oxidative balance in a wild population of the cooperatively
      breeding Seychelles warbler (Acrocephalus sechellensis). In this species, some
      subordinate individuals help dominant birds with the rearing of young, while
      others refrain from any assistance. We assessed body condition and oxidative
      parameters of birds of different social status caught during different breeding
      stages. We found that, prior to breeding, female subordinates that did not
      subsequently help (non-helpers) had significantly lower body condition and higher
      ROMs (reactive oxygen metabolites) than helpers and dominants. During the later
      stages of breeding, body condition was low in dominants and helpers, but high in
      non-helpers. Differences in oxidative balance between individuals of different
      social status were found only during nest care: Dominant males occupied with
      guarding behaviours tended to have relatively high oxidative stress
      susceptibility. Furthermore, dominant and helper females showed elevated
      antioxidant capacity (measured as OXY) in the weeks just prior to egg-laying,
      possibly representing a change in their reproductive physiology. The results
      imply that an individuals' oxidative balance may be influenced by factors related
      to reproduction, which can differ with sex and--within cooperative breeding
      systems--social status.

PMID- 22046284
TI  - Scatter-hoarding rodents prefer slightly astringent food.
AB  - The mutualistic interaction between scatter-hoarding rodents and their seed
      plants is highly complex yet poorly understood. Plants may benefit from the seed
      dispersal behavior of rodents, as long as seed consumption is minimized. In
      parallel, rodents may maximize foraging efficiency and cache high-quality
      resources for future consumption. Defensive compounds, such as tannins, are
      thought to be a major mechanism for plant control over rodent behavior. However,
      previous studies, using naturally occurring seeds, have not provided conclusive
      evidence supporting this hypothesis. Here, we test the importance of tannin
      concentrations on the scatter-hoarding behavior of rodents by using an artificial
      seed system. We combined feeding trials and field observations to examine the
      overall impact of seed tannin concentrations on rodent behavior and health. We
      found that rodents favored seeds with an intermediate amount of tannin (~5%) in
      the field. Meanwhile, in rodents that were fed a diet with different tannin
      content, only diets with high tannin content (25%, 15%, and 10%) caused a
      significant negative influence on rodent survival and health. Significant
      differences were not found among treatments with tannin levels of 0-5%. In
      contrast to many existing studies, our results clearly demonstrate that scatter
      hoarding rodents prefer slightly 'astringent' food. In the co-evolutionary arms
      race between plants and animals, our results suggest that while tannins may play
      a significant role in reducing general predation levels by the faunal community,
      they have no precise control over the behavior of their mutualistic partner.
      Instead, the two partners appear to have reached an evolutionary point where both
      parties receive adequate benefits, with the year-to-year outcome being dependent
      on a wide range of factors beyond the control of either partner.

PMID- 22046285
TI  - Identification of antigens specific to non-tuberculous mycobacteria: the Mce
      family of proteins as a target of T cell immune responses.
AB  - The lack of an effective TB vaccine hinders current efforts in combating the TB
      pandemic. One theory as to why BCG is less protective in tropical countries is
      that exposure to non-tuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) reduces BCG efficacy. There
      are currently several new TB vaccines in clinical trials, and NTM exposure may
      also be relevant in this context. NTM exposure cannot be accurately evaluated in
      the absence of specific antigens; those which are known to be present in NTM and
      absent from M. tuberculosis and BCG. We therefore used a bioinformatic pipeline
      to define proteins which are present in common NTM and absent from the M.
      tuberculosis complex, using protein BLAST, TBLASTN and a short sequence protein
      BLAST to ensure the specificity of this process. We then assessed immune
      responses to these proteins, in healthy South Africans and in patients from the
      United Kingdom and United States with documented exposure to NTM. Low level
      responses were detected to a cluster of proteins from the mammalian cell entry
      family, and to a cluster of hypothetical proteins, using ex vivo ELISpot and a 6
      day proliferation assay. These early findings may provide a basis for
      characterising exposure to NTM at a population level, which has applications in
      the field of TB vaccine design as well as in the development of diagnostic tests.

PMID- 22046286
TI  - A novel evolution-based method for detecting gene-gene interactions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The rapid advance in large-scale SNP-chip technologies offers us
      great opportunities in elucidating the genetic basis of complex diseases. Methods
      for large-scale interactions analysis have been under development from several
      sources. Due to several difficult issues (e.g., sparseness of data in high
      dimensions and low replication or validation rate), development of fast, powerful
      and robust methods for detecting various forms of gene-gene interactions
      continues to be a challenging task. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: In this
      article, we have developed an evolution-based method to search for genome-wide
      epistasis in a case-control design. From an evolutionary perspective, we view
      that human diseases originate from ancient mutations and consider that the
      underlying genetic variants play a role in differentiating human population into
      the healthy and the diseased. Based on this concept, traditional evolutionary
      measure, fixation index (Fst) for two unlinked loci, which measures the genetic
      distance between populations, should be able to reveal the responsible genetic
      interplays for disease traits. To validate our proposal, we first investigated
      the theoretical distribution of Fst by using extensive simulations. Then, we
      explored its power for detecting gene-gene interactions via SNP markers, and
      compared it with the conventional Pearson Chi-square test, mutual information
      based test and linkage disequilibrium based test under several disease models.
      The proposed evolution-based method outperformed these compared methods in
      dominant and additive models, no matter what the disease allele frequencies were.
      However, its performance was relatively poor in a recessive model. Finally, we
      applied the proposed evolution-based method to analysis of a published dataset.
      Our results showed that the P value of the Fst -based statistic is smaller than
      those obtained by the LD-based statistic or Poisson regression models.
      CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: With rapidly growing large-scale genetic association
      studies, the proposed evolution-based method can be a promising tool in the
      identification of epistatic effects.

PMID- 22046287
TI  - Molecular diversity of fungal phylotypes co-amplified alongside nematodes from
      coastal and deep-sea marine environments.
AB  - Nematodes and fungi are both ubiquitous in marine environments, yet few studies
      have investigated relationships between these two groups. Microbial species share
      many well-documented interactions with both free-living and parasitic nematode
      species, and limited data from previous studies have suggested ecological
      associations between fungi and nematodes in benthic marine habitats. This study
      aimed to further document the taxonomy and distribution of fungal taxa often co
      amplified from nematode specimens. A total of 15 fungal 18S rRNA phylotypes were
      isolated from nematode specimens representing both deep-sea and shallow water
      habitats; all fungal isolates displayed high pairwise sequence identities with
      published data in Genbank (99-100%) and unpublished high-throughput 454
      environmental datasets (>95%). BLAST matches indicate marine fungal sequences
      amplified in this study broadly represent taxa within the phyla Ascomycota and
      Basidiomycota, and several phylotypes showed robust groupings with known taxa in
      phylogenetic topologies. In addition, some fungal phylotypes appeared to be
      present in disparate geographic habitats, suggesting cosmopolitan distributions
      or closely related species complexes in at least some marine fungi. The present
      study was only able to isolate fungal DNA from a restricted set of nematode taxa;
      further work is needed to fully investigate the taxonomic scope and function of
      nematode-fungal interactions.

PMID- 22046288
TI  - Multichannel detrended fluctuation analysis reveals synchronized patterns of
      spontaneous spinal activity in anesthetized cats.
AB  - The analysis of the interaction and synchronization of relatively large ensembles
      of neurons is fundamental for the understanding of complex functions of the
      nervous system. It is known that the temporal synchronization of neural ensembles
      is involved in the generation of specific motor, sensory or cognitive processes.
      Also, the intersegmental coherence of spinal spontaneous activity may indicate
      the existence of synaptic neural pathways between different pairs of lumbar
      segments. In this study we present a multichannel version of the detrended
      fluctuation analysis method (mDFA) to analyze the correlation dynamics of
      spontaneous spinal activity (SSA) from time series analysis. This method together
      with the classical detrended fluctuation analysis (DFA) were used to find out
      whether the SSA recorded in one or several segments in the spinal cord of the
      anesthetized cat occurs either in a random or in an organized manner. Our results
      are consistent with a non-random organization of the sets of neurons involved in
      the generation of spontaneous cord dorsum potentials (CDPs) recorded either from
      one lumbar segment (DFA-alpha mean = 1.04[Formula: see text]0.09) or
      simultaneously from several lumbar segments (mDFA-alpha mean = 1.01[Formula: see
      text]0.06), where alpha = 0.5 indicates randomness while alpha = 0.5 indicates
      long-term correlations. To test the sensitivity of the mDFA method we also
      examined the effects of small spinal lesions aimed to partially interrupt
      connectivity between neighboring lumbosacral segments. We found that the
      synchronization and correlation between the CDPs recorded from the L5 and L6
      segments in both sides of the spinal cord were reduced when a lesion comprising
      the left dorsal quadrant was performed between the segments L5 and L6 (mDFA
      [Formula: see text] = 0.992 as compared to initial conditions mDFA-alpha =
      1.186). The synchronization and correlation were reduced even further after a
      similar additional right spinal lesion (mDFA-alpha = 0.924). In contrast to the
      classical methods, such as correlation and coherence quantification that define a
      relation between two sets of data, the mDFA method properly reveals the
      synchronization of multiple groups of neurons in several segments of the spinal
      cord. This method is envisaged as a useful tool to characterize the structure of
      higher order ensembles of cord dorsum spontaneous potentials after spinal cord or
      peripheral nerve lesions.

PMID- 22046289
TI  - The nature and perception of fluctuations in human musical rhythms.
AB  - Although human musical performances represent one of the most valuable
      achievements of mankind, the best musicians perform imperfectly. Musical rhythms
      are not entirely accurate and thus inevitably deviate from the ideal beat
      pattern. Nevertheless, computer generated perfect beat patterns are frequently
      devalued by listeners due to a perceived lack of human touch. Professional audio
      editing software therefore offers a humanizing feature which artificially
      generates rhythmic fluctuations. However, the built-in humanizing units are
      essentially random number generators producing only simple uncorrelated
      fluctuations. Here, for the first time, we establish long-range fluctuations as
      an inevitable natural companion of both simple and complex human rhythmic
      performances. Moreover, we demonstrate that listeners strongly prefer long-range
      correlated fluctuations in musical rhythms. Thus, the favorable fluctuation type
      for humanizing interbeat intervals coincides with the one generically inherent in
      human musical performances.

PMID- 22046290
TI  - Impact of definitive therapy with beta-lactam monotherapy or combination with an
      aminoglycoside or a quinolone for Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteremia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bacteremia by Pseudomonas aeruginosa represents one severe infection.
      It is not clear whether beta-lactam monotherapy leads to similar rates of
      treatment success compared to combinations of beta-lactams with aminoglycosides
      or quinolones. METHODS: Retrospective cohort study from 3 tertiary hospitals (2
      in Greece and 1 in Italy). Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates were susceptible to a
      beta-lactam and an aminoglycoside or a quinolone. Patients received appropriate
      therapy for at least 48 hours. Primary outcome of interest was treatment success
      in patients with definitive beta-lactam combination therapy compared to
      monotherapy. Secondary outcomes were treatment success keeping the same empirical
      and definitive regimen, mortality, and toxicity. RESULTS: Out of 92 bacteremias
      there were 54 evaluable episodes for the primary outcome (20 received
      monotherapy). Treatment success was higher with combination therapy (85%)
      compared to beta-lactam monotherapy (65%), however not statistically
      significantly [Odds ratio (OR) 3.1; 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.69-14.7, p =
      0.1]. Very long (>2 months) hospitalisation before bacteremia was the only factor
      independently associated with treatment success (OR 0.73; 95% CI 0.01-0.95, p =
      0.046), however this result entailed few episodes. All-cause mortality did not
      differ significantly between combination therapy [6/31 (19%)] and monotherapy
      [8/19 (42%)], p = 0.11. Only Charlson comorbidity index was associated with
      excess mortality (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Our study, in accordance with previous
      ones, indicates that the choice between monotherapy and combination therapy may
      not affect treatment success significantly. However, our study does not have
      statistical power to identify small or moderate differences. A large randomized
      controlled trial evaluating this issue is justified.

PMID- 22046291
TI  - Effect of DNA groove binder distamycin A upon chromatin structure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Distamycin A is a prototype minor groove binder, which binds to B
      form DNA, preferentially at A/T rich sites. Extensive work in the past few
      decades has characterized the binding at the level of double stranded DNA.
      However, effect of the same on physiological DNA, i.e. DNA complexed in
      chromatin, has not been well studied. Here we elucidate from a structural
      perspective, the interaction of distamycin with soluble chromatin, isolated from
      Sprague-Dawley rat. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Chromatin is a hierarchical
      assemblage of DNA and protein. Therefore, in order to characterize the
      interaction of the same with distamycin, we have classified the system into
      various levels, according to the requirements of the method adopted, and the
      information to be obtained. Isothermal titration calorimetry has been employed to
      characterize the binding at the levels of chromatin, chromatosome and chromosomal
      DNA. Thermodynamic parameters obtained thereof, identify enthalpy as the driving
      force for the association, with comparable binding affinity and free energy for
      chromatin and chromosomal DNA. Reaction enthalpies at different temperatures were
      utilized to evaluate the change in specific heat capacity (DeltaCp), which, in
      turn, indicated a possible binding associated structural change. Ligand induced
      structural alterations have been monitored by two complementary methods--dynamic
      light scattering, and transmission electron microscopy. They indicate compaction
      of chromatin. Using transmission electron microscopy, we have visualized the
      effect of distamycin upon chromatin architecture at di- and trinucleosome levels.
      Our results elucidate the simultaneous involvement of linker bending and
      internucleosomal angle contraction in compaction process induced by distamycin.
      CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: We summarize here, for the first time, the
      thermodynamic parameters for the interaction of distamycin with soluble
      chromatin, and elucidate its effect on chromatin architecture. The study provides
      insight into a ligand induced compaction phenomenon, and suggests new mechanisms
      of chromatin architectural alteration.

PMID- 22046292
TI  - Physiological phenomenology of neurally-mediated syncope with management
      implications.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Due to lack of efficacy in recent trials, current guidelines for the
      treatment of neurally-mediated (vasovagal) syncope do not promote cardiac
      pacemaker implantation. However, the finding of asystole during head-up tilt 
      induced (pre)syncope may lead to excessive cardioinhibitory syncope diagnosis and
      treatment with cardiac pacemakers as blood pressure is often discontinuously
      measured. Furthermore, physicians may be more inclined to implant cardiac
      pacemakers in older patients. We hypothesized that true cardioinhibitory syncope
      in which the decrease in heart rate precedes the fall in blood pressure is a very
      rare finding which might explain the lack of efficacy of pacemakers in neurally
      mediated syncope. METHODS: We studied 173 consecutive patients referred for
      unexplained syncope (114 women, 59 men, 42 +/- 1 years, 17 +/- 2 syncopal
      episodes). All had experienced (pre)syncope during head-up tilt testing followed
      by additional lower body negative suction. We classified hemodynamic responses
      according to the modified Vasovagal Syncope International Study (VASIS)
      classification as mixed response (VASIS I), cardioinhibitory without (VASIS IIa)
      or with asystole (VASIS IIb), and vasodepressor (VASIS III). Then, we defined the
      exact temporal relationship between hypotension and bradycardia to identify
      patients with true cardioinhibitory syncope. RESULTS: Of the (pre)syncopal events
      during tilt testing, 63% were classified as VASIS I, 6% as VASIS IIb, 2% as VASIS
      IIa, and 29% as VASIS III. Cardioinhibitory responses (VASIS class II)
      progressively decreased from the youngest to the oldest age quartile. With more
      detailed temporal analysis, blood pressure reduction preceded the heart-rate
      decrease in all but six individuals (97%) overall and in 10 out of 11 patients
      with asystole (VASIS IIb). CONCLUSIONS: Hypotension precedes bradycardia onset
      during head-up tilt-induced (pre)syncope in the vast majority of patients, even
      in those classified as cardioinhibitory syncope according to the modified VASIS
      classification. Furthermore, cardioinhibitory syncope becomes less frequent with
      increasing age.

PMID- 22046293
TI  - Why do woodpeckers resist head impact injury: a biomechanical investigation.
AB  - Head injury is a leading cause of morbidity and death in both industrialized and
      developing countries. It is estimated that brain injuries account for 15% of the
      burden of fatalities and disabilities, and represent the leading cause of death
      in young adults. Brain injury may be caused by an impact or a sudden change in
      the linear and/or angular velocity of the head. However, the woodpecker does not
      experience any head injury at the high speed of 6-7 m/s with a deceleration of
      1000 g when it drums a tree trunk. It is still not known how woodpeckers protect
      their brain from impact injury. In order to investigate this, two synchronous
      high-speed video systems were used to observe the pecking process, and the force
      sensor was used to measure the peck force. The mechanical properties and
      macro/micro morphological structure in woodpecker's head were investigated using
      a mechanical testing system and micro-CT scanning. Finite element (FE) models of
      the woodpecker's head were established to study the dynamic intracranial
      responses. The result showed that macro/micro morphology of cranial bone and beak
      can be recognized as a major contributor to non-impact-injuries. This
      biomechanical analysis makes it possible to visualize events during woodpecker
      pecking and may inspire new approaches to prevention and treatment of human head
      injury.

PMID- 22046294
TI  - Protective CD8 memory T cell responses to mouse melanoma are generated in the
      absence of CD4 T cell help.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We have previously demonstrated that temporary depletion of CD4 T
      cells in mice with progressive B16 melanoma, followed by surgical tumor excision,
      induces protective memory CD8 T cell responses to melanoma/melanocyte antigens.
      We also showed that persistence of these CD8 T cells is supported, in an antigen
      dependent fashion, by concurrent autoimmune melanocyte destruction. Herein we
      explore the requirement of CD4 T cell help in priming and maintaining this
      protective CD8 T cell response to melanoma. METHODOLOGY AND PRINCIPAL FINDINGS:
      To induce melanoma/melanocyte antigen-specific CD8 T cells, B16 tumor bearing
      mice were depleted of regulatory T cells (T(reg)) by either temporary, or long
      term continuous treatment with anti-CD4 (mAb clone GK1.5). Total depletion of CD4
      T cells led to significant priming of IFN-gamma-producing CD8 T cell responses to
      TRP-2 and gp100. Surprisingly, treatment with anti-CD25 (mAb clone PC61), to
      specifically deplete T(reg) cells while leaving help intact, was ineffective at
      priming CD8 T cells. Thirty to sixty days after primary tumors were surgically
      excised, mice completely lacking CD4 T cell help developed autoimmune vitiligo,
      and maintained antigen-specific memory CD8 T cell responses that were highly
      effective at producing cytokines (IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, and IL-2). Mice lacking
      total CD4 T cell help also mounted protection against re-challenge with B16
      melanoma sixty days after primary tumor excision. CONCLUSIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE:
      This work establishes that CD4 T cell help is dispensable for the generation of
      protective memory T cell responses to melanoma. Our findings support further use
      of CD4 T cell depletion therapy for inducing long-lived immunity to cancer.

PMID- 22046295
TI  - Differential roles of hyperglycemia and hypoinsulinemia in diabetes induced
      retinal cell death: evidence for retinal insulin resistance.
AB  - Diabetes pathology derives from the combination of hyperglycemia and
      hypoinsulinemia or insulin resistance leading to diabetic complications including
      diabetic neuropathy, nephropathy and retinopathy. Diabetic retinopathy is
      characterized by numerous retinal defects affecting the vasculature and the neuro
      retina, but the relative contributions of the loss of retinal insulin signaling
      and hyperglycemia have never been directly compared. In this study we tested the
      hypothesis that increased retinal insulin signaling and glycemic normalization
      would exert differential effects on retinal cell survival and retinal physiology
      during diabetes. We have demonstrated in this study that both subconjunctival
      insulin administration and systemic glycemic reduction using the sodium-glucose
      linked transporter inhibitor phloridzin affected the regulation of retinal cell
      survival in diabetic rats. Both treatments partially restored the retinal insulin
      signaling without increasing plasma insulin levels. Retinal transcriptomic and
      histological analysis also clearly demonstrated that local administration of
      insulin and systemic glycemia normalization use different pathways to counteract
      the effects of diabetes on the retina. While local insulin primarily affected
      inflammation-associated pathways, systemic glycemic control affected pathways
      involved in the regulation of cell signaling and metabolism. These results
      suggest that hyperglycemia induces resistance to growth factor action in the
      retina and clearly demonstrate that both restoration of glycemic control and
      retinal insulin signaling can act through different pathways to both normalize
      diabetes-induced retinal abnormality and prevent vision loss.

PMID- 22046296
TI  - An integrated analysis of miRNA and mRNA expressions in non-small cell lung
      cancers.
AB  - Using DNA microarrays, we generated both mRNA and miRNA expression data from 6
      non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissues and their matching normal control from
      adjacent tissues to identify potential miRNA markers for diagnostics. We
      demonstrated that hsa-miR-96 is significantly and consistently up-regulated in
      all 6 NSCLCs. We validated this result in an independent set of 35 paired tumors
      and their adjacent normal tissues, as well as their sera that are collected
      before surgical resection or chemotherapy, and the results suggested that hsa-miR
      96 may play an important role in NSCLC development and has great potential to be
      used as a noninvasive marker for diagnosing NSCLC. We predicted potential miRNA
      target mRNAs based on different methods (TargetScan and miRanda). Further
      classification of miRNA regulated genes based on their relationship with miRNAs
      revealed that hsa-miR-96 and certain other miRNAs tend to down-regulate their
      target mRNAs in NSCLC development, which have expression levels permissive to
      direct interaction between miRNAs and their target mRNAs. In addition, we
      identified a significant correlation of miRNA regulation with genes coincide with
      high density of CpG islands, which suggests that miRNA may represent a primary
      regulatory mechanism governing basic cellular functions and cell
      differentiations, and such mechanism may be complementary to DNA methylation in
      repressing or activating gene expression.

PMID- 22046297
TI  - Sensory coding by cerebellar mossy fibres through inhibition-driven phase
      resetting and synchronisation.
AB  - Temporal coding of spike-times using oscillatory mechanisms allied to spike-time
      dependent plasticity could represent a powerful mechanism for neuronal
      communication. However, it is unclear how temporal coding is constructed at the
      single neuronal level. Here we investigate a novel class of highly regular,
      metronome-like neurones in the rat brainstem which form a major source of
      cerebellar afferents. Stimulation of sensory inputs evoked brief periods of
      inhibition that interrupted the regular firing of these cells leading to phase
      shifted spike-time advancements and delays. Alongside phase-shifting, metronome
      cells also behaved as band-pass filters during rhythmic sensory stimulation, with
      maximal spike-stimulus synchronisation at frequencies close to the idiosyncratic
      firing frequency of each neurone. Phase-shifting and band-pass filtering serve to
      temporally align ensembles of metronome cells, leading to sustained volleys of
      near-coincident spike-times, thereby transmitting synchronised sensory
      information to downstream targets in the cerebellar cortex.

PMID- 22046298
TI  - Overexpression of active Aurora-C kinase results in cell transformation and
      tumour formation.
AB  - Aurora kinases belong to a conserved family of serine/threonine kinases key
      regulators of cell cycle progression. Aurora-A and Aurora-B are expressed in
      somatic cells and involved mainly in mitosis while Aurora-C is expressed during
      spermatogenesis and oogenesis and is involved in meiosis. Aurora-C is hardly
      detectable in normal somatic cells. However all three kinases are overexpressed
      in many cancer lines. Aurora-A possesses an oncogenic activity while Aurora-B
      does not. Here we investigated whether Aurora-C possesses such an oncogenic
      activity. We report that overexpression of Aurora-C induces abnormal cell
      division resulting in centrosome amplification and multinucleation in both
      transiently transfected cells and in stable cell lines. Only stable NIH3T3 cell
      clones overexpressing active Aurora-C formed foci of colonies when grown on soft
      agar, indicating that a gain of Aurora-C activity is sufficient to transform
      cells. Furthermore, we reported that NIH-3T3 stable cell lines overexpressing
      Aurora-C induced tumour formation when injected into nude mice, demonstrating the
      oncogenic activity of enzymatically active Aurora kinase C. Interestingly enough
      tumor aggressiveness was positively correlated with the quantity of active
      kinase, making Aurora-C a potential anti-cancer therapeutic target.

PMID- 22046299
TI  - Profiling of Burkholderia cepacia secretome at mid-logarithmic and early
      stationary phases of growth.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Burkholderia cepacia is a Gram-negative pathogen that causes serious
      respiratory infections in immunocompromised patients and individuals with cystic
      fibrosis. This bacterium is known to release extracellular proteins that may be
      involved in virulence. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: In the present study, B.
      cepacia grown to mid-logarithmic and early-stationary phases were investigated on
      their ability to invade and survive intracellularly in A549 lung epithelial cells
      in order to discern the fate of these bacteria in the pathogenesis of B. cepacia
      lung infections in in vitro condition. The early-stationary phase B. cepacia was
      demonstrated to be more invasive than mid-logarithmic phase. In addition, culture
      supernatants of B. cepacia obtained from these phases of growth were also
      demonstrated to cause different cytotoxic potency on the A549 human lung
      epithelial cells. Profiling of the supernatants using the gel-based proteomics
      approach identified 43 proteins that were commonly released in both the growth
      phases and 40 proteins newly-released at the early-stationary phase. The latter
      proteins may account for the higher cytotoxic activity of the early-stationary
      culture supernatant compared to that obtained at the mid-logarithmic phase. Among
      the newly-released proteins in the early-stationary phase supernatant were
      flagellar hook-associated domain protein (FliD), flagellar hook-associated
      protein (FlgK), TonB-dependent siderophore (Fiu), Elongation factor G (FusA),
      phosphoglycerate kinase (Pgk) and sulfatase (AslA) which are known for their
      virulence. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Differences in the ability of B. cepacia to
      invade and survive intracellularly inside the epithelial cells at different
      phases of growth may improve our understanding of the varied disease progressions
      associated with B. cepacia infections. In addition, the identified culture
      supernatant proteins may be used as targets for the development of new strategies
      to control B. cepacia infection using agents that can block their release.

PMID- 22046300
TI  - miRConnect: identifying effector genes of miRNAs and miRNA families in cancer
      cells.
AB  - micro(mi)RNAs are small non-coding RNAs that negatively regulate expression of
      most mRNAs. They are powerful regulators of various differentiation stages, and
      the expression of genes that either negatively or positively correlate with
      expressed miRNAs is expected to hold information on the biological state of the
      cell and, hence, of the function of the expressed miRNAs. We have compared the
      large amount of available gene array data on the steady state system of the NCI60
      cell lines to two different data sets containing information on the expression of
      583 individual miRNAs. In addition, we have generated custom data sets containing
      expression information of 54 miRNA families sharing the same seed match. We have
      developed a novel strategy for correlating miRNAs with individual genes based on
      a summed Pearson Correlation Coefficient (sPCC) that mimics an in silico
      titration experiment. By focusing on the genes that correlate with the expression
      of miRNAs without necessarily being direct targets of miRNAs, we have clustered
      miRNAs into different functional groups. This has resulted in the identification
      of three novel miRNAs that are linked to the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition
      (EMT) in addition to the known EMT regulators of the miR-200 miRNA family. In
      addition, an analysis of gene signatures associated with EMT, c-MYC activity, and
      ribosomal protein gene expression allowed us to assign different activities to
      each of the functional clusters of miRNAs. All correlation data are available via
      a web interface that allows investigators to identify genes whose expression
      correlates with the expression of single miRNAs or entire miRNA families.
      miRConnect.org will aid in identifying pathways regulated by miRNAs without
      requiring specific knowledge of miRNA targets.

PMID- 22046301
TI  - Effect of rickettsial toxin VapC on its eukaryotic host.
AB  - Rickettsia are intracellular bacteria typically associated with arthropods that
      can be transmitted to humans by infected vectors. Rickettsia spp. can cause mild
      to severe human disease with a possible protection effect of corticosteroids when
      antibiotic treatments are initiated. We identified laterally transferred toxin
      antitoxin (TA) genetic elements, including vapB/C, in several Rickettsia genomes
      and showed that they are functional in bacteria and eukaryotic cells. We also
      generated a plaque assay to monitor the formation of lytic plaques over time and
      demonstrated that chloramphenicol accelerates host cell lysis of vapB/C
      containing Rickettsia. Whole-genome expression, TUNEL and FISH assays on the
      infected cells following exposure to the antibiotic revealed early apoptosis of
      host cells, which was linked to over-transcription of bacterial vapB/C operons
      and subsequent cytoplasmic VapC toxin release. VapC that is expressed in
      Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae or microinjected into mammalian
      cells is toxic through RNase activity and is prevented by dexamethasone. This
      study provides the first biological evidence that toxin-antitoxin elements act as
      pathogenic factors in bacterial host cells, confirming comparative genomic
      evidence of their role in bacterial pathogenicity. Our results suggest that early
      mortality following antibiotic treatment of some bacterial infections can be
      prevented by administration of dexamethasone.

PMID- 22046302
TI  - Assessing the impacts of experimentally elevated temperature on the biological
      composition and molecular chaperone gene expression of a reef coral.
AB  - Due to the potential for increasing ocean temperatures to detrimentally impact
      reef-building corals, there is an urgent need to better understand not only the
      coral thermal stress response, but also natural variation in their sub-cellular
      composition. To address this issue, while simultaneously developing a molecular
      platform for studying one of the most common Taiwanese reef corals, Seriatopora
      hystrix, 1,092 cDNA clones were sequenced and characterized. Subsequently, RNA,
      DNA and protein were extracted sequentially from colonies exposed to elevated (30
      degrees C) temperature for 48 hours. From the RNA phase, a heat shock protein-70
      (hsp70)-like gene, deemed hsp/c, was identified in the coral host, and expression
      of this gene was measured with real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) in both the host
      anthozoan and endosymbiotic dinoflagellates (genus Symbiodinium). While mRNA
      levels were not affected by temperature in either member, hsp/c expression was
      temporally variable in both and co-varied within biopsies. From the DNA phase,
      host and Symbiodinium hsp/c genome copy proportions (GCPs) were calculated to
      track changes in the biological composition of the holobiont during the
      experiment. While there was no temperature effect on either host or Symbiodinium
      GCP, both demonstrated significant temporal variation. Finally, total soluble
      protein was responsive to neither temperature nor exposure time, though the
      protein/DNA ratio varied significantly over time. Collectively, it appears that
      time, and not temperature, is a more important driver of the variation in these
      parameters, highlighting the need to consider natural variation in both gene
      expression and the molecular make-up of coral holobionts when conducting
      manipulative studies. This represents the first study to survey multiple
      macromolecules from both compartments of an endosymbiotic organism with
      methodologies that reflect their dual-compartmental nature, ideally generating a
      framework for assessing molecular-level changes within corals and other
      endosymbioses exposed to changes in their environment.

PMID- 22046303
TI  - Cloned, CD117 selected human amniotic fluid stem cells are capable of modulating
      the immune response.
AB  - Amniotic fluid stem (AFS) cells are broadly multipotent, can be expanded
      extensively in culture, are not tumorigenic and can be readily cryopreserved for
      cell banking. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) show immunomodulatory activity and
      secrete a wide spectrum of cytokines and chemokines that suppress inflammatory
      responses, block mixed lymphocyte reactions (MLR) and other immune reactions, and
      have proven therapeutic against conditions such as graft-versus-host disease. AFS
      cells resemble MSCs in many respects including surface marker expression and
      differentiation potential. We therefore hypothesized that AFS cells may exhibit
      similar immunomodulatory capabilities. We present data to demonstrate that direct
      contact with AFS cells inhibits lymphocyte activation. In addition, we show that
      cell-free supernatants derived from AFS cells primed with total blood monocytes
      or IL-1beta, a cytokine released by monocytes and essential in mediation of the
      inflammatory response, also inhibited lymphocyte activation. Further
      investigation of AFS cell-free supernatants by protein array revealed secretion
      of multiple factors in common with MSCs that are known to be involved in immune
      regulation including growth related oncogene (GRO) and monocyte chemotactic
      protein (MCP) family members as well as interleukin-6 (IL-6). AFS cells activated
      by PBMCs released several additional cytokines as compared to BM-MSCs, including
      macrophage inflammatory protein-3alpha (MIP-3alpha), MIP-1alpha and Activin. AFS
      cells also released higher levels of MCP-1 and lower levels of MCP-2 compared to
      BM-MSCs in response to IL-1beta activation. This suggests that there may be some
      AFS-specific mechanisms of inhibition of lymphocyte activation. Our results
      indicate that AFS cells are able to suppress inflammatory responses in vitro and
      that soluble factors are an essential component in the communication between
      lymphocytes and AFS cells. Their extensive self-renewal capacity, possibility for
      banking and absence of tumorigenicity may make AFS cells a superior source of
      stable, well characterized "off the shelf" immunomodulatory cells for a variety
      of immunotherapies.

PMID- 22046304
TI  - Homeostatic regulation of marginal zone B cells by invariant natural killer T
      cells.
AB  - Marginal zone B cells (MZB) mount a rapid antibody response, potently activate
      naive T cells, and are enriched in autoreactive B cells. MZBs express high levels
      of CD1d, the restriction element for invariant natural killer T cells (iNKT).
      Here, we examined the effect of iNKT cells on MZB cell activation and numbers in
      vitro and in vivo in normal and autoimmune mice. Results show that iNKT cells
      activate MZBs, but restrict their numbers in vitro and in vivo in normal BALB/c
      and C57/BL6 mice. iNKT cells do so by increasing the activation-induced cell
      death and curtailing proliferation of MZB cells, whereas they promote the
      proliferation of follicular B cells. Sorted iNKT cells can directly execute this
      function, without help from other immune cells. Such MZB regulation by iNKTs is
      mediated, at least in part, via CD1d on B cells in a contact-dependent manner,
      whereas iNKT-induced proliferation of follicular B cells occurs in a contact- and
      CD1d-independent manner. Finally, we show that iNKT cells reduce 'autoreactive'
      MZB cells in an anti-DNA transgenic model, and limit MZB cell numbers in
      autoimmune-prone (NZB*NZW)F1 and non-obese diabetic mice, suggesting a
      potentially new mechanism whereby iNKT cells might regulate pathologic
      autoimmunity. Differential regulation of follicular B cells versus potentially
      autoreactive MZBs by iNKT cells has important implications for autoimmune
      diseases as well as for conditions that require a rapid innate B cell response.

PMID- 22046305
TI  - Peptide fingerprinting of Alzheimer's disease in cerebrospinal fluid:
      identification and prospective evaluation of new synaptic biomarkers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Today, dementias are diagnosed late in the course of disease. Future
      treatments have to start earlier in the disease process to avoid disability
      requiring new diagnostic tools. The objective of this study is to develop a new
      method for the differential diagnosis and identification of new biomarkers of
      Alzheimer's disease (AD) using capillary-electrophoresis coupled to mass
      spectrometry (CE-MS) and to assess the potential of early diagnosis of AD.
      METHODS AND FINDINGS: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 159 out-patients of a memory
      clinic at a University Hospital suffering from neurodegenerative disorders and 17
      cognitively-healthy controls was used to create differential peptide pattern for
      dementias and prospective blinded-comparison of sensitivity and specificity for
      AD diagnosis against the Criterion standard in a naturalistic prospective sample
      of patients. Sensitivity and specificity of the new method compared to standard
      diagnostic procedures and identification of new putative biomarkers for AD was
      the main outcome measure. CE-MS was used to reliably detect 1104 low-molecular
      weight peptides in CSF. Training-sets of patients with clinically secured
      sporadic Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia, and cognitively healthy
      controls allowed establishing discriminative biomarker pattern for diagnosis of
      AD. This pattern was already detectable in patients with mild cognitive
      impairment (MCI). The AD-pattern was tested in a prospective sample of patients
      (n = 100) and AD was diagnosed with a sensitivity of 87% and a specificity of
      83%. Using CSF measurements of beta-amyloid1-42, total-tau, and phospho(181)-tau,
      AD-diagnosis had a sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 67% in the same
      sample. Sequence analysis of the discriminating biomarkers identified fragments
      of synaptic proteins like proSAAS, apolipoprotein J, neurosecretory protein VGF,
      phospholemman, and chromogranin A. CONCLUSIONS: The method may allow early
      differential diagnosis of various dementias using specific peptide fingerprints
      and identification of incipient AD in patients suffering from MCI. Identified
      biomarkers facilitate face validity for the use in AD diagnosis.

PMID- 22046306
TI  - Expression of sympathetic nervous system genes in Lamprey suggests their
      recruitment for specification of a new vertebrate feature.
AB  - The sea lamprey is a basal, jawless vertebrate that possesses many neural crest
      derivatives, but lacks jaws and sympathetic ganglia. This raises the possibility
      that the factors involved in sympathetic neuron differentiation were either a
      gnathostome innovation or already present in lamprey, but serving different
      purposes. To distinguish between these possibilities, we isolated lamprey
      homologues of transcription factors associated with peripheral ganglion formation
      and examined their deployment in lamprey embryos. We further performed DiI
      labeling of the neural tube combined with neuronal markers to test if neural
      crest-derived cells migrate to and differentiate in sites colonized by
      sympathetic ganglia in jawed vertebrates. Consistent with previous anatomical
      data in adults, our results in lamprey embryos reveal that neural crest cells
      fail to migrate ventrally to form sympathetic ganglia, though they do form dorsal
      root ganglia adjacent to the neural tube. Interestingly, however, paralogs of the
      battery of transcription factors that mediate sympathetic neuron differentiation
      (dHand, Ascl1 and Phox2b) are present in the lamprey genome and expressed in
      various sites in the embryo, but fail to overlap in any ganglionic structures.
      This raises the intriguing possibility that they may have been recruited during
      gnathostome evolution to a new function in a neural crest derivative.

PMID- 22046307
TI  - Reversal of fragile X phenotypes by manipulation of AbetaPP/Abeta levels in
      Fmr1KO mice.
AB  - Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common form of inherited intellectual
      disability and the leading known genetic cause of autism. Fragile X mental
      retardation protein (FMRP), which is absent or expressed at substantially reduced
      levels in FXS, binds to and controls the postsynaptic translation of amyloid beta
      protein precursor (AbetaPP) mRNA. Cleavage of AbetaPP can produce beta-amyloid
      (Abeta), a 39-43 amino acid peptide mis-expressed in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and
      Down syndrome (DS). Abeta is over-expressed in the brain of Fmr1(KO) mice,
      suggesting a pathogenic role in FXS. To determine if genetic reduction of
      AbetaPP/Abeta rescues characteristic FXS phenotypes, we assessed audiogenic
      seizures (AGS), anxiety, the ratio of mature versus immature dendritic spines and
      metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR)-mediated long-term depression (LTD) in
      Fmr1(KO) mice after removal of one App allele. All of these phenotypes were
      partially or completely reverted to normal. Plasma Abeta(1-42) was significantly
      reduced in full-mutation FXS males compared to age-matched controls while
      cortical and hippocampal levels were somewhat increased, suggesting that Abeta is
      sequestered in the brain. Evolving therapies directed at reducing Abeta in AD may
      be applicable to FXS and Abeta may serve as a plasma-based biomarker to
      facilitate disease diagnosis or assess therapeutic efficacy.

PMID- 22046308
TI  - A fresh insight into transmission of schistosomiasis: a misleading tale of
      Biomphalaria in Lake Victoria.
AB  - Lake Victoria is a known hot-spot for Schistosoma mansoni, which utilises
      freshwater snails of the genus Biomphalaria as intermediate hosts. Different
      species of Biomphalaria are associated with varying parasite compatibility,
      affecting local transmission. It is thought that two species, B. choanomphala and
      B. sudanica, inhabit Lake Victoria; despite their biomedical importance, the
      taxonomy of these species has not been thoroughly examined. This study combined
      analysis of morphological and molecular variables; the results demonstrated that
      molecular groupings were not consistent with morphological divisions. Habitat
      significantly predicted morphotype, suggesting that the different Lake Victorian
      forms of Biomphalaria are ecophentoypes of one species. The nomenclature should
      be revised accordingly; the names B. choanomphala choanomphala and B. c. sudanica
      are proposed. From a public health perspective, these findings can be utilised by
      policy-makers for better understanding of exposure risk, resulting in more
      effective and efficient control initiatives.

PMID- 22046309
TI  - Adverse events of interferon beta-1a: a prospective multi-centre international
      ICH-GCP-based CRO-supported external validation study in daily practice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Due to methodological shortcomings the available post-registration
      data on the adverse events (AEs) occurring in interferon beta-1a (INFb-1a)
      treated patients fail to adequately validate phase III data and only partially
      inform on safety in daily practice. We assessed AEs in relapsing remitting
      multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients treated with intramuscular (IM) INFb-1a in
      daily practice using data quality assurance measures similar to those in phase
      III trials. METHODS: A prospective, International Conference on Harmonization
      (ICH) - Good Clinical Practice (GCP)-based, clinical research organization (CRO)
      supported study in 36 practices in the Netherlands, Belgium, the United Kingdom
      and Luxembourg. During 24 months after start of IM INFb-1a treatment 275 RRMS
      patients were assessed for AEs' severity (mild, moderate, severe) and
      relationship to treatment (not, unlikely, likely, definite). Data were compared
      with those reported in the pivotal phase III trial. FINDINGS: 75.3% of the
      patients experienced one or more AEs that were likely or definitely related to
      INFb-1a. Of all AEs 40.5% were likely or definitely treatment-related; 68.5% of
      these were mild, and 3% severe. 6.6% of the patients discontinued treatment
      because of an AE. Compared to the pivotal phase III trial, we found statistically
      significantly lower incidences for most of the common AEs: headache, muscle ache,
      fatigue, fever, chills, nausea. One patient died following two cerebral vascular
      events in study month 22, both AEs were assessed as not related to INFb-1a.
      CONCLUSION: Three out of four RRMS patients treated with IM INFb-1a in daily
      practice experience treatment-related AEs, most of these being mild. Our data
      externally validate the favorable phase III safety profile of IM INFb-1a and
      suggest that the real-life incidence of treatment-related AEs is less than
      reported in the pivotal phase III trial. Larger studies are needed to detect
      rare, potentially hazardous AEs of IM INFb-1a.

PMID- 22046310
TI  - Evidence for positive selection on the leptin gene in Cetacea and Pinnipedia.
AB  - The leptin gene has received intensive attention and scientific investigation for
      its importance in energy homeostasis and reproductive regulation in mammals.
      Furthermore, study of the leptin gene is of crucial importance for public health,
      particularly for its role in obesity, as well as for other numerous physiological
      roles that it plays in mammals. In the present work, we report the identification
      of novel leptin genes in 4 species of Cetacea, and a comparison with 55 publicly
      available leptin sequences from mammalian genome assemblies and previous studies.
      Our study provides evidence for positive selection in the suborder Odontoceti
      (toothed whales) of the Cetacea and the family Phocidae (earless seals) of the
      Pinnipedia. We also detected positive selection in several leptin gene residues
      in these two lineages. To test whether leptin and its receptor evolved in a
      coordinated manner, we analyzed 24 leptin receptor gene (LPR) sequences from
      available mammalian genome assemblies and other published data. Unlike the case
      of leptin, our analyses did not find evidence of positive selection for LPR
      across the Cetacea and Pinnipedia lineages. In line with this, positively
      selected sites identified in the leptin genes of these two lineages were located
      outside of leptin receptor binding sites, which at least partially explains why
      co-evolution of leptin and its receptor was not observed in the present study.
      Our study provides interesting insights into current understanding of the
      evolution of mammalian leptin genes in response to selective pressures from life
      in an aquatic environment, and leads to a hypothesis that new tissue specificity
      or novel physiologic functions of leptin genes may have arisen in both
      odontocetes and phocids. Additional data from other species encompassing varying
      life histories and functional tests of the adaptive role of the amino acid
      changes identified in this study will help determine the factors that promote the
      adaptive evolution of the leptin genes in marine mammals.

PMID- 22046311
TI  - Exosomes from Plasmodium yoelii-infected reticulocytes protect mice from lethal
      infections.
AB  - Exosomes are 30-100-nm membrane vesicles of endocytic origin that are released
      after the fusion of multivesicular bodies (MVBs) with the plasma membrane. While
      initial studies suggested that the role of exosomes was limited to the removal of
      proteins during the maturation of reticulocytes to erythrocytes, recent studies
      indicate that they are produced by different types of cells and are involved in
      promoting inter-cellular communication and antigen presentation. Here, we
      describe the isolation and characterization of exosomes from peripheral blood of
      BALB/c mice infected with the reticulocyte-prone non-lethal Plasmodium yoelii 17X
      strain. Importantly, proteomic analysis revealed the presence of parasite
      proteins in these vesicles. Moreover, immunization of mice with purified exosomes
      elicited IgG antibodies capable of recognizing P. yoelii-infected red blood
      cells. Furthermore, lethal challenge of immunized mice with the normocyte-prone
      lethal P. yoelii 17XL strain caused a significant attenuation in the course of
      parasitaemia, increased survival time, and altered the cell tropism to
      reticulocytes. These results were obtained also when the exosomes were isolated
      from a P. yoelii-infected reticulocyte culture indicating that reticulocyte
      derived exosomes carry antigens and are involved in immune modulation. Moreover,
      inclusion of CpG ODN 1826 in exosome immunizations elicited IgG2a and IgG2b
      antibodies and promoted survival, clearance of parasites and subsequent sterile
      protection of 83% of the animals challenged with P. yoelli 17XL. To our
      knowledge, this is the first report of immune responses elicited by exosomes
      derived from reticulocytes opening new avenues for the modulation of anti-malaria
      responses.

PMID- 22046312
TI  - Efficient generation of fully reprogrammed human iPS cells via polycistronic
      retroviral vector and a new cocktail of chemical compounds.
AB  - Direct reprogramming of human somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem (iPS)
      cells by defined transcription factors (TFs) provides great potential for
      regenerative medicine and biomedical research. This procedure has many
      challenges, including low reprogramming efficiency, many partially reprogrammed
      colonies, somatic coding mutations in the genome, etc. Here, we describe a simple
      approach for generating fully reprogrammed human iPS cells by using a single
      polycistronic retroviral vector expressing four human TFs in a single open
      reading frame (ORF), combined with a cocktail containing three small molecules
      (Sodium butyrate, SB431542, and PD0325901). Our results demonstrate that human
      iPS cells generated by this approach express human ES cells markers and exhibit
      pluripotency demonstrated by their abilities to differentiate into the three germ
      layers in vitro and in vivo. Notably, this approach not only provides a much
      faster reprogramming process but also significantly diminishes partially
      reprogrammed iPS cell colonies, thus facilitating efficient isolation of desired
      fully reprogrammed iPS cell colonies.

PMID- 22046313
TI  - Social and nonsocial content differentially modulates visual attention and
      autonomic arousal in Rhesus macaques.
AB  - The sophisticated analysis of gestures and vocalizations, including assessment of
      their emotional valence, helps group-living primates efficiently navigate their
      social environment. Deficits in social information processing and emotion
      regulation are important components of many human psychiatric illnesses, such as
      autism, schizophrenia and social anxiety disorder. Analyzing the neurobiology of
      social information processing and emotion regulation requires a multidisciplinary
      approach that benefits from comparative studies of humans and animal models.
      However, many questions remain regarding the relationship between visual
      attention and arousal while processing social stimuli. Using noninvasive infrared
      eye-tracking methods, we measured the visual social attention and physiological
      arousal (pupil diameter) of adult male rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) as they
      watched social and nonsocial videos. We found that social videos, as compared to
      nonsocial videos, captured more visual attention, especially if the social
      signals depicted in the videos were directed towards the subject. Subject
      directed social cues and nonsocial nature documentary footage, compared to videos
      showing conspecifics engaging in naturalistic social interactions, generated
      larger pupil diameters (indicating heightened sympathetic arousal). These
      findings indicate that rhesus monkeys will actively engage in watching videos of
      various kinds. Moreover, infrared eye tracking technology provides a mechanism
      for sensitively gauging the social interest of presented stimuli. Adult male
      rhesus monkeys' visual attention and physiological arousal do not always trend in
      the same direction, and are likely influenced by the content and novelty of a
      particular visual stimulus. This experiment creates a strong foundation for
      future experiments that will examine the neural network responsible for social
      information processing in nonhuman primates. Such studies may provide valuable
      information relevant to interpreting the neural deficits underlying human
      psychiatric illnesses such as autism, schizophrenia and social anxiety disorder.

PMID- 22046314
TI  - Pyomelanin formation in Aspergillus fumigatus requires HmgX and the
      transcriptional activator HmgR but is dispensable for virulence.
AB  - The opportunistic human pathogenic fungus Aspergillus fumigatus is able to
      produce the dark brown pigment pyomelanin by degradation of L-tyrosine.
      Pyomelanin was shown to protect the fungus against reactive oxygen intermediates
      as well as cell wall disturbing compounds and is therefore assumed to protect
      against immune effector cells during the infection process. Several genes for
      tyrosine degradation and pyomelanin formation are organized in a cluster in the
      genome of A. fumigatus. Here, we aimed at further analyzing tyrosine degradation
      and a possible role of pyomelanin in virulence. For this purpose, the function of
      two not yet characterized genes of the cluster, i.e., hmgX and hmgR, was
      analyzed. Generation of corresponding gene deletion mutants and reconstituted
      strains revealed that hmgX and hmgR are essential for tyrosine degradation. Both
      mutants, DeltahmgX and DeltahmgR, were not able to use tyrosine as sole carbon or
      nitrogen source and revealed impaired pyomelanin production. HmgR harbors a
      Zn(II)2Cys6-DNA binding domain. Analyses of the steady state mRNA levels revealed
      that HmgR acts as a transcriptional activator for the genes of the tyrosine
      degradation cluster. Consistently, an HmgR-eGFP fusion protein was localized in
      the nucleus of A. fumigatus cells. By contrast, HmgX was found to be localized in
      the cytoplasm and does not contribute to regulation of gene transcription. HPLC
      analyses showed that HmgX is crucial for the conversion of p
      hydroxyphenylpyruvate to homogentisic acid, the main intermediate in pyomelanin
      formation. Thus, HmgX is supposed to function as an accessory factor to mediate
      specific activity of HppD. Remarkably, the ability to degrade tyrosine and to
      form pyomelanin is dispensable for virulence of A. fumigatus in a murine
      infection model.

PMID- 22046315
TI  - Parallel evolution of KCNQ4 in echolocating bats.
AB  - High-frequency hearing is required for echolocating bats to locate, range and
      identify objects, yet little is known about its molecular basis. The discovery of
      a high-frequency hearing-related gene, KCNQ4, provides an opportunity to address
      this question. Here, we obtain the coding regions of KCNQ4 from 15 species of
      bats, including echolocating bats that have higher frequency hearing and non
      echolocating bats that have the same ability as most other species of mammals.
      The strongly supported protein-tree resolves a monophyletic group containing all
      bats with higher frequency hearing and this arrangement conflicts with the
      phylogeny of bats in which these species are paraphyletic. We identify five
      parallel evolved sites in echolocating bats belonging to both suborders. The
      evolutionary trajectories of the parallel sites suggest the independent gain of
      higher frequency hearing ability in echolocating bats. This study highlights the
      usefulness of convergent or parallel evolutionary studies for finding phenotype
      related genes and contributing to the resolution of evolutionary problems.

PMID- 22046316
TI  - Genetic variation of the IL-28B promoter affecting gene expression.
AB  - The current standard of care for the treatment of chronic hepatitis C is
      pegylated interferon-alpha (PEG-IFNalpha) and ribavirin (RBV). The treatment
      achieves a sustained viral clearance in only approximately 50% of patients.
      Recent whole genome association studies revealed that single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) around IL-28B have been associated with response to the
      standard therapy and could predict treatment responses at approximately 80%.
      However, it is not clear which SNP is most informative because the genomic region
      containing significant SNPs shows strong linkage disequilibrium. We focused on
      SNPs in close proximity to the IL-28B gene to evaluate the function of each and
      identify the SNP affecting the IL-28B expression level most. The structures of IL
      28A/B from 5' to 3'-UTR were determined by complete cDNA cloning. Both IL-28A and
      28B genes consisted of 6 exons, differing from the CCDS data of NCBI. Two intron
      SNPs and a nonsynonymous SNP did not affect IL-28B gene function and expression
      levels but a SNP located in the proximal promoter region influenced gene
      expression. A (TA) dinucleotide repeat, rs72258881, located in the promoter
      region was discovered by our functional studies of the proximal SNPs upstream of
      IL-28B; the transcriptional activity of the promoter increased gradually in a
      (TA)(n) length-dependent manner following IFN-alpha and lipopolysaccharide
      stimulation. Healthy Japanese donors exhibited a broad range of (TA) dinucleotide
      repeat numbers from 10 to 18 and the most prevalent genotype was 12/12 (75%),
      differing from the database (13/13). However, genetic variation of IL-28A
      corresponding to that of IL-28B was not detected in these Japanese donors. These
      findings suggest that the dinucleotide repeat could be associated with the
      transcriptional activity of IL-28B as well as being a marker to improve the
      prediction of the response to interferon-based hepatitis C virus treatment.

PMID- 22046317
TI  - Control of bone resorption by semaphorin 4D is dependent on ovarian function.
AB  - Osteoporosis is one of the most common bone pathologies, which are characterized
      by a decrease in bone mass. It is well established that bone mass, which results
      from a balanced bone formation and bone resorption, is regulated by many
      hormonal, environmental and genetic factors. Here we report that the immune
      semaphorin 4D (Sema4D) is a novel factor controlling bone resorption. Sema4D
      deficient primary osteoclasts showed impaired spreading, adhesion, migration and
      resorption due to altered beta3 integrin sub-unit downstream signaling. In
      apparent accordance with these in vitro results, Sema4D deletion in sexually
      mature female mice led to a high bone mass phenotype due to defective bone
      resorption by osteoclasts. Mutant males, however, displayed normal bone mass and
      the female osteopetrotic phenotype was only detected at the onset of sexual
      maturity, indicating that, in vivo, this intrinsic osteoclast defect might be
      overcome in these mice. Using bone marrow cross transplantation, we confirmed
      that Sema4D controls bone resorption through an indirect mechanism. In addition,
      we show that Sema4D -/- mice were less fertile than their WT littermates. A
      decrease in Gnrh1 hypothalamic expression and a reduced number of ovarian
      follicles can explain this attenuated fertility. Interestingly, ovariectomy
      abrogated the bone resorption phenotype in Sema4D -/- mice, providing the
      evidence that the observed high bone mass phenotype is strictly dependent on
      ovarian function. Altogether, this study reveals that, in vivo, Sema4D is an
      indirect regulator of bone resorption, which acts via its effect on reproductive
      function.

PMID- 22046318
TI  - Quantitative proteomics reveals cellular targets of celastrol.
AB  - Celastrol, a natural substance isolated from plant extracts used in traditional
      Chinese medicine, has been extensively investigated as a possible drug for
      treatment of cancer, autoimmune diseases, and protein misfolding disorders.
      Although studies focusing on celastrol's effects in specific cellular pathways
      have revealed a considerable number of targets in a diverse array of in vitro
      models there is an essential need for investigations that can provide a global
      view of its effects. To assess cellular effects of celastrol and to identify
      target proteins as biomarkers for monitoring treatment regimes, we performed
      large-scale quantitative proteomics in cultured human lymphoblastoid cells, a
      cell type that can be readily prepared from human blood samples. Celastrol
      substantially modified the proteome composition and 158 of the close to 1800
      proteins with robust quantitation showed at least a 1.5 fold change in protein
      levels. Up-regulated proteins play key roles in cytoprotection with a prominent
      group involved in quality control and processing of proteins traversing the
      endoplasmic reticulum. Increased levels of proteins essential for the cellular
      protection against oxidative stress including heme oxygenase 1, several
      peroxiredoxins and thioredoxins as well as proteins involved in the control of
      iron homeostasis were also observed. Specific analysis of the mitochondrial
      proteome strongly indicated that the mitochondrial association of certain
      antioxidant defense and apoptosis-regulating proteins increased in cells exposed
      to celastrol. Analysis of selected mRNA transcripts showed that celastrol
      activated several different stress response pathways and dose response studies
      furthermore showed that continuous exposure to sub-micromolar concentrations of
      celastrol is associated with reduced cellular viability and proliferation. The
      extensive catalog of regulated proteins presented here identifies numerous
      cellular effects of celastrol and constitutes a valuable biomarker tool for the
      development and monitoration of disease treatment strategies.

PMID- 22046319
TI  - Differential palmit(e)oylation of Wnt1 on C93 and S224 residues has overlapping
      and distinct consequences.
AB  - Though the mechanisms by which cytosolic/intracellular proteins are regulated by
      the post-translational addition of palmitate adducts is well understood, little
      is known about how this lipid modification affects secreted ligands, such as
      Wnts. Here we use mutational analysis to show that differential modification of
      the two known palmit(e)oylated residues of Wnt1, C93 and S224, has both
      overlapping and distinct consequences. Though the relative roles of each residue
      are similar with respect to stability and secretion, two distinct biological
      assays in L cells show that modification of C93 primarily modulates signaling via
      a beta-catenin independent pathway while S224 is crucial for beta-catenin
      dependent signaling. In addition, pharmacological inhibition of Porcupine
      (Porcn), an upstream regulator of Wnt, by IWP1, specifically inhibited beta
      catenin dependent signaling. Consistent with these observations, mapping of amino
      acids in peptide domains containing C93 and S224 demonstrate that acylation of
      C93 is likely to be Porcn-independent while that of S224 is Porcn-dependent.
      Cumulatively, our data strongly suggest that C93 and S224 are modified by
      distinct enzymes and that the differential modification of these sites has the
      potential to influence Wnt signaling pathway choice.

PMID- 22046320
TI  - An alignment-free approach for eukaryotic ITS2 annotation and phylogenetic
      inference.
AB  - The ITS2 gene class shows a high sequence divergence among its members that have
      complicated its annotation and its use for reconstructing phylogenies at a higher
      taxonomical level (beyond species and genus). Several alignment strategies have
      been implemented to improve the ITS2 annotation quality and its use for
      phylogenetic inferences. Although, alignment based methods have been exploited to
      the top of its complexity to tackle both issues, no alignment-free approaches
      have been able to successfully address both topics. By contrast, the use of
      simple alignment-free classifiers, like the topological indices (TIs) containing
      information about the sequence and structure of ITS2, may reveal to be a useful
      approach for the gene prediction and for assessing the phylogenetic relationships
      of the ITS2 class in eukaryotes. Thus, we used the TI2BioP (Topological Indices
      to BioPolymers) methodology [1], [2], freely available at
      http://ti2biop.sourceforge.net/ to calculate two different TIs. One class was
      derived from the ITS2 artificial 2D structures generated from DNA strings and the
      other from the secondary structure inferred from RNA folding algorithms. Two
      alignment-free models based on Artificial Neural Networks were developed for the
      ITS2 class prediction using the two classes of TIs referred above. Both models
      showed similar performances on the training and the test sets reaching values
      above 95% in the overall classification. Due to the importance of the ITS2 region
      for fungi identification, a novel ITS2 genomic sequence was isolated from
      Petrakia sp. This sequence and the test set were used to comparatively evaluate
      the conventional classification models based on multiple sequence alignments like
      Hidden Markov based approaches, revealing the success of our models to identify
      novel ITS2 members. The isolated sequence was assessed using traditional and
      alignment-free based techniques applied to phylogenetic inference to complement
      the taxonomy of the Petrakia sp. fungal isolate.

PMID- 22046321
TI  - Improved adsorption of an Enterococcus faecalis bacteriophage PhiEF24C with a
      spontaneous point mutation.
AB  - Some bacterial strains of the multidrug-resistant Gram-positive bacteria
      Enterococcus faecalis can significantly reduce the efficacy of conventional
      antimicrobial chemotherapy. Thus, the introduction of bacteriophage (phage)
      therapy is expected, where a phage is used as a bioagent to destroy bacteria. E.
      faecalis phage PhiEF24C is known to be a good candidate for a therapeutic phage
      against E. faecalis. However, this therapeutic phage still produces nonuniform
      antimicrobial effects with different bacterial strains of the same species and
      this might prove detrimental to its therapeutic effects. One solution to this
      problem is the preparation of mutant phages with higher activity, based on a
      scientific rationale. This study isolated and analyzed a spontaneous mutant
      phage, PhiEF24C-P2, which exhibited higher infectivity against various bacterial
      strains when compared with phage PhiEF24C. First, the improved bactericidal
      effects of phage PhiEF24C-P2 were attributable to its increased adsorption rate.
      Moreover, genomic sequence scanning revealed that phage PhiEF24C-P2 had a point
      mutation in orf31. Proteomic analysis showed that ORF31 (mw, 203 kDa) was present
      in structural components, and immunological analysis using rabbit-derived
      antibodies showed that it was a component of a long, flexible fine tail fiber
      extending from the tail end. Finally, phage PhiEF24C-P2 also showed higher
      bactericidal activity in human blood compared with phage PhiEF24C using the in
      vitro assay system. In conclusion, the therapeutic effects of phage PhiEF24C-P2
      were improved by a point mutation in gene orf31, which encoded a tail fiber
      component.

PMID- 22046322
TI  - Protective effects of white button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) against hepatic
      steatosis in ovariectomized mice as a model of postmenopausal women.
AB  - Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) includes various hepatic pathologies
      ranging from hepatic steatosis to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis
      and cirrhosis. Estrogen provides a protective effect on the development of NAFLD
      in women. Therefore, postmenopausal women have a higher risk of developing NAFLD.
      Hepatic steatosis is an early stage of fatty liver disease. Steatosis can develop
      to the aggressive stages (nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, fibrosis and cirrhosis).
      Currently, there is no specific drug to prevent/treat these liver diseases. In
      this study, we found that white button mushroom (WBM), Agaricus Bisporus, has
      protective effects against liver steatosis in ovariectomized (OVX) mice (a model
      of postmenopausal women). OVX mice were fed a high fat diet supplemented with WBM
      powder. We found that dietary WBM intake significantly lowered liver weight and
      hepatic injury markers in OVX mice. Pathological examination of liver tissue
      showed less fat accumulation in the livers of mice on WBM diet; moreover, these
      animals had improved glucose clearance ability. Microarray analysis revealed that
      genes related to the fatty acid biosynthesis pathway, particularly the genes for
      fatty acid synthetase (Fas) and fatty acid elongase 6 (Elovl6), were down
      regulated in the liver of mushroom-fed mice. In vitro mechanistic studies using
      the HepG2 cell line showed that down-regulation of the expression of FAS and
      ELOVL6 by WBM extract was through inhibition of Liver X receptor (LXR) signaling
      and its downstream transcriptional factor SREBP1c. These results suggest that WBM
      is protective against hepatic steatosis and NAFLD in OVX mice as a model for
      postmenopausal women.

PMID- 22046323
TI  - Paromomycin affects translation and vesicle-mediated trafficking as revealed by
      proteomics of paromomycin -susceptible -resistant Leishmania donovani.
AB  - Leishmania donovani is a protozoan parasite that causes visceral leishmaniasis
      (VL) and is responsible for significant mortality and morbidity. Increasing
      resistance towards antimonial drugs poses a great challenge in chemotherapy of
      VL. Paromomycin is an aminoglycosidic antibiotic and is one of the drugs
      currently being used in the chemotherapy of cutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis.
      To understand the mode of action of this antibiotic at the molecular level, we
      have investigated the global proteome differences between the wild type AG83
      strain and a paromomycin resistant (PRr) strain of L. donovani. Stable isotope
      labeling of amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) followed by quantitative mass
      spectrometry of the wild type AG83 strain and the paromomycin resistant (PRr)
      strain identified a total of 226 proteins at >= 95% confidence. Data analysis
      revealed upregulation of 29 proteins and down-regulation of 21 proteins in the
      PRr strain. Comparative proteomic analysis of the wild type and the paromomycin
      resistant strains showed upregulation of the ribosomal proteins in the resistant
      strain indicating role in translation. Elevated levels of glycolytic enzymes and
      stress proteins were also observed in the PRr strain. Most importantly, we
      observed upregulation of proteins that may have a role in intracellular survival
      and vesicular trafficking in the PRr strain. Furthermore, ultra-structural
      analysis by electron microscopy demonstrated increased number of vesicular
      vacuoles in PRr strain when compared to the wild-type strain. Drug affinity pull
      down assay followed by mass spectrometery identified proteins in L. donovani wild
      type strain that were specifically and covalently bound to paromomycin. These
      results provide the first comprehensive insight into the mode of action and
      underlying mechanism of resistance to paromomycin in Leishmania donovani.

PMID- 22046324
TI  - Characterization of protection afforded by a bivalent virus-like particle vaccine
      against bluetongue virus serotypes 1 and 4 in sheep.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bluetongue virus (BTV) is an economically important, arthropod borne,
      emerging pathogen in Europe, causing disease mainly in sheep and cattle. Routine
      vaccination for bluetongue would require the ability to distinguish between
      vaccinated and infected individuals (DIVA). Current vaccines are effective but
      are not DIVA. Virus-like particles (VLPs) are highly immunogenic structural
      mimics of virus particles, that only contain a subset of the proteins present in
      a natural infection. VLPs therefore offer the potential for the development of
      DIVA compatible bluetongue vaccines. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Merino sheep
      were vaccinated with either monovalent BTV-1 VLPs or a bivalent mixture of BTV-1
      VLPs and BTV-4 VLPs, and challenged with virulent BTV-1 or BTV-4. Animals were
      monitored for clinical signs, antibody responses, and viral RNA. 19/20 animals
      vaccinated with BTV-1 VLPs either alone or in combination with BTV-4 VLPs
      developed neutralizing antibodies to BTV-1, and group specific antibodies to BTV
      VP7. The one animal that showed no detectable neutralizing antibodies, or group
      specific antibodies, had detectable viral RNA following challenge but did not
      display any clinical signs on challenge with virulent BTV-1. In contrast, all
      control animals' demonstrated classical clinical signs for bluetongue on
      challenge with the same virus. Six animals were vaccinated with bivalent vaccine
      and challenged with virulent BTV-4, two of these animals had detectable viral
      levels of viral RNA, and one of these showed clinical signs consistent with BTV
      infection and died. CONCLUSIONS: There is good evidence that BTV-1 VLPs delivered
      as monovalent or bivalent immunogen protect from bluetongue disease on challenge
      with virulent BTV-1. However, it is possible that there is some interference in
      protective response for BTV-4 in the bivalent BTV-1 and BTV-4 VLP vaccine. This
      raises the question of whether all combinations of bivalent BTV vaccines are
      possible, or if immunodominance of particular serotypes could interfere with
      vaccine efficacy.

PMID- 22046325
TI  - A short-term physical activity randomized trial in the Lower Mississippi Delta.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to determine if a short-term pedometer
      based intervention results in immediate increases in time spent in moderate-to
      vigorous physical activity (MVPA) compared to a minimal educational intervention.
      METHODS: A sample of 43 overweight adults 35 to 64 years of age participated in a
      one week pedometer-based feasibility trial monitored by accelerometry.
      Participants were randomized into a one-week education-only group or a group that
      also wore a pedometer. Accelerometer-measured MVPA was measured over 7 days at
      baseline and again for 7 days immediately post-intervention. RESULTS: Minutes of
      MVPA increased significantly in the overall sample (p = 0.02); however, the
      effect of adding the pedometer to the education program was not significant (p =
      0.89). Mean (+/-SE) MVPA increased from 12.7 +/- 2.4 min/day to 16.2 +/- 3.6
      min/day in the education-only group and from 13.2 +/- 3.3 min/day to 16.3 +/- 3.9
      min/day in the education+pedometer group. The correlation between change in
      steps/day and change in MVPA was 0.69 (p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The results of
      this study suggest that the addition of a pedometer to a short-term education
      program does not produce added benefits with respect to increasing physical
      activity in the Lower Mississippi Delta. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov
      NCT01264757.

PMID- 22046326
TI  - 'Smoking genes': a genetic association study.
AB  - Some controversy exists on the specific genetic variants that are associated with
      nicotine dependence and smoking-related phenotypes. The purpose of this study was
      to analyse the association of smoking status and smoking-related phenotypes
      (included nicotine dependence) with 17 candidate genetic variants: CYP2A6*1*2,
      CYP2A6*2 (1799T>A) [rs1801272], CYP2A6*9 (-48T>G) [rs28399433], CYP2A6*12,
      CYP2A13*2 (3375C>T) [rs8192789], CYP2A13*3 (7520C>G), CYP2A13*4 (579G>A),
      CYP2A13*7 (578C>T) [rs72552266], CYP2B6*4 (785A>G), CYP2B6*9 (516G>T), CHRNA3
      546C>T [rs578776], CHRNA5 1192G>A [rs16969968], CNR1 3764C>G [rs6928499], DRD2
      ANKK1 2137G>A (Taq1A) [rs1800497], 5HTT LPR, HTR2A -1438A>G [rs6311] and OPRM1
      118A>G [rs1799971]. We studied the genotypes of the aforementioned polymorphisms
      in a cohort of Spanish smokers (cases, N = 126) and ethnically matched never
      smokers (controls, N = 80). The results showed significant between-group
      differences for CYP2A6*2 and CYP2A6*12 (both P<0.001). Compared with carriers of
      variant alleles, the odds ratio (OR) for being a non-smoker in individuals with
      the wild-type genotype of CYP2A6*12 and DRD2-ANKK1 2137G>A (Taq1A) polymorphisms
      was 3.60 (95%CI: 1.75, 7.44) and 2.63 (95%CI: 1.41, 4.89) respectively. Compared
      with the wild-type genotype, the OR for being a non-smoker in carriers of the
      minor CYP2A6*2 allele was 1.80 (95%CI: 1.24, 2.65). We found a significant
      genotype effect (all P<=0.017) for the following smoking-related phenotypes: (i)
      cigarettes smoked per day and CYP2A13*3; (ii) pack years smoked and CYP2A6*2,
      CYP2A6*1*2, CYP2A13*7, CYP2B6*4 and DRD2-ANKK1 2137G>A (Taq1A); (iii) nicotine
      dependence (assessed with the Fagestrom test) and CYP2A6*9. Overall, our results
      suggest that genetic variants potentially involved in nicotine metabolization
      (mainly, CYP2A6 polymorphisms) are those showing the strongest association with
      smoking-related phenotypes, as opposed to genetic variants influencing the brain
      effects of nicotine, e.g., through nicotinic acetylcholine (CHRNA5),
      serotoninergic (HTR2A), opioid (OPRM1) or cannabinoid receptors (CNR1).

PMID- 22046327
TI  - Size-specific tree mortality varies with neighbourhood crowding and disturbance
      in a Montane Nothofagus forest.
AB  - Tree mortality is a fundamental process governing forest dynamics, but
      understanding tree mortality patterns is challenging because large, long-term
      datasets are required. Describing size-specific mortality patterns can be
      especially difficult, due to few trees in larger size classes. We used permanent
      plot data from Nothofagus solandri var. cliffortioides (mountain beech) forest on
      the eastern slopes of the Southern Alps, New Zealand, where the fates of trees on
      250 plots of 0.04 ha were followed, to examine: (1) patterns of size-specific
      mortality over three consecutive periods spanning 30 years, each characterised by
      different disturbance, and (2) the strength and direction of neighbourhood
      crowding effects on size-specific mortality rates. We found that the size
      specific mortality function was U-shaped over the 30-year period as well as
      within two shorter periods characterised by small-scale pinhole beetle and
      windthrow disturbance. During a third period, characterised by earthquake
      disturbance, tree mortality was less size dependent. Small trees (<20 cm in
      diameter) were more likely to die, in all three periods, if surrounded by a high
      basal area of larger neighbours, suggesting that size-asymmetric competition for
      light was a major cause of mortality. In contrast, large trees (>= 20 cm in
      diameter) were more likely to die in the first period if they had few neighbours,
      indicating that positive crowding effects were sometimes important for survival
      of large trees. Overall our results suggest that temporal variability in size
      specific mortality patterns, and positive interactions between large trees, may
      sometimes need to be incorporated into models of forest dynamics.

PMID- 22046328
TI  - Increased lipolysis and energy expenditure in a mouse model with severely
      impaired glucagon secretion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Secretion of insulin and glucagon is triggered by elevated
      intracellular calcium levels. Although the precise mechanism by which the calcium
      signal is coupled to insulin and glucagon granule exocytosis is unclear,
      synaptotagmin-7 has been shown to be a positive regulator of calcium-dependent
      insulin and glucagon secretion, and may function as a calcium sensor for insulin
      and glucagon granule exocytosis. Deletion of synaptotagmin-7 leads to impaired
      glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and nearly abolished Ca(2+)-dependent
      glucagon secretion in mice. Under non-stressed resting state, however,
      synaptotagmin-7 KO mice exhibit normal insulin level but severely reduced
      glucagon level. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We studied energy expenditure and
      metabolism in synaptotagmin-7 KO and control mice using indirect calorimetry and
      biochemical techniques. Synaptotagmin-7 KO mice had lower body weight and body
      fat content, and exhibited higher oxygen consumption and basal metabolic rate.
      Respiratory exchange ratio (RER) was lower in synaptotagmin-7 KO mice, suggesting
      an increased use of lipid in their energy production. Consistent with lower RER,
      gene expression profiles suggest enhanced lipolysis and increased capacity for
      fatty acid transport and oxidation in synaptotagmin-7 KO mice. Furthermore,
      expression of uncoupling protein 3 (UCP3) in skeletal muscle was approximately
      doubled in the KO mice compared with control mice. CONCLUSIONS: These results
      show that the lean phenotype in synaptotagmin-7 KO mice was mostly attributed to
      increased lipolysis and energy expenditure, and suggest that reduced glucagon
      level may have broad influence on the overall metabolism in the mouse model.

PMID- 22046329
TI  - The role of geomagnetic cues in green turtle open sea navigation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Laboratory and field experiments have provided evidence that sea
      turtles use geomagnetic cues to navigate in the open sea. For instance, green
      turtles (Chelonia mydas) displaced 100 km away from their nesting site were
      impaired in returning home when carrying a strong magnet glued on the head.
      However, the actual role of geomagnetic cues remains unclear, since magnetically
      treated green turtles can perform large scale (>2000 km) post-nesting migrations
      no differently from controls. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: In the present
      homing experiment, 24 green turtles were displaced 200 km away from their nesting
      site on an oceanic island, and tracked, for the first time in this type of
      experiment, with Global Positioning System (GPS), which is able to provide much
      more frequent and accurate locations than previously used tracking methods. Eight
      turtles were magnetically treated for 24-48 h on the nesting beach prior to
      displacement, and another eight turtles had a magnet glued on the head at the
      release site. The last eight turtles were used as controls. Detailed analyses of
      water masses-related (i.e., current-corrected) homing paths showed that
      magnetically treated turtles were able to navigate toward their nesting site as
      efficiently as controls, but those carrying magnets were significantly impaired
      once they arrived within 50 km of home. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: While green
      turtles do not seem to need geomagnetic cues to navigate far from the goal, these
      cues become necessary when turtles get closer to home. As the very last part of
      the homing trip (within a few kilometers of home) likely depends on non-magnetic
      cues, our results suggest that magnetic cues play a key role in sea turtle
      navigation at an intermediate scale by bridging the gap between large and small
      scale navigational processes, which both appear to depend on non-magnetic cues.

PMID- 22046330
TI  - Dab1 (Disable homolog-1) reelin adaptor protein is overexpressed in the olfactory
      bulb at early postnatal stages.
AB  - Dab1 mediates reelin signalling and plays critical roles in early brain
      development such as the stereotypical positioning of neurons in the brain. The
      olfactory bulb undergoes a prominent layering reorganization, but shows not
      apparent differences between wild type and reeler in the layer organization.
      Therefore, an accurate regional and cellular simultaneous analysis of these
      molecules becomes essential to clarify the role played by Dab1 upon Reelin
      effect. The present study reveals a strong and consistent Dab1 mRNA and protein
      expressions, throughout the olfactory bulb layers in both wild type and reeler
      mice. In addition, noteworthy is the pattern of Dab1 location within cell nuclei
      in both strains. Furthermore, a temporal increment of Dab1 expression levels is
      detected from P0 to P15 in both strains, being the protein quantity higher in
      reeler than in wild type mice. Altogether, our results revealed that Reln acts
      directly from projection neurons via the production of different Reln fragments.
      Changes in the pattern of Dab1 expression could reflect an alternative Reln
      function in postnatal and adult stages, besides a possible regulation of Dab1 by
      other molecules distinct to Reln.

PMID- 22046331
TI  - Sialome of a generalist lepidopteran herbivore: identification of transcripts and
      proteins from Helicoverpa armigera labial salivary glands.
AB  - Although the importance of insect saliva in insect-host plant interactions has
      been acknowledged, there is very limited information on the nature and complexity
      of the salivary proteome in lepidopteran herbivores. We inspected the labial
      salivary transcriptome and proteome of Helicoverpa armigera, an important
      polyphagous pest species. To identify the majority of the salivary proteins we
      have randomly sequenced 19,389 expressed sequence tags (ESTs) from a normalized
      cDNA library of salivary glands. In parallel, a non-cytosolic enriched protein
      fraction was obtained from labial salivary glands and subjected to two
      dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and de novo peptide sequencing. This
      procedure allowed comparison of peptides and EST sequences and enabled us to
      identify 65 protein spots from the secreted labial saliva 2DE proteome. The mass
      spectrometry analysis revealed ecdysone, glucose oxidase, fructosidase,
      carboxyl/cholinesterase and an uncharacterized protein previously detected in H.
      armigera midgut proteome. Consistently, their corresponding transcripts are among
      the most abundant in our cDNA library. We did find redundancy of sequence
      identification of saliva-secreted proteins suggesting multiple isoforms. As
      expected, we found several enzymes responsible for digestion and plant offense.
      In addition, we identified non-digestive proteins such as an arginine kinase and
      abundant proteins of unknown function. This identification of secreted salivary
      gland proteins allows a more comprehensive understanding of insect feeding and
      poses new challenges for the elucidation of protein function.

PMID- 22046332
TI  - High-throughput assay for the identification of compounds regulating osteogenic
      differentiation of human mesenchymal stromal cells.
AB  - Human mesenchymal stromal cells are regarded as the golden standard for cell
      based therapies. They present multilineage differentiation potential and trophic
      and immunosuppressive abilities, making them the best candidate for clinical
      applications. Several molecules have been described to increase bone formation
      and were mainly discovered by candidate approaches towards known signaling
      pathways controlling osteogenesis. However, their bone forming potential is still
      limited, making the search for novel molecules a necessity. High-throughput
      screening (HTS) not only allows the screening of a large number of diverse
      chemical compounds, but also allows the discovery of unexpected signaling
      pathways and molecular mechanisms for a certain application, even without the
      prior knowledge of the full molecular pathway. Typically HTS is performed in cell
      lines, however, in this manuscript we have performed a phenotypical screen on
      more clinically relevant human mesenchymal stromal cells, as a proof of principle
      that HTS can be performed in those cells and can be used to find small molecules
      that impact stem cell fate. From a library of pharmacologically active small
      molecules, we were able to identify novel compounds with increased osteogenic
      activity. These compounds allowed achieving levels of bone-specific alkaline
      phosphatase higher than any other combination previously known. By combining
      biochemical techniques, we were able to demonstrate that a medium to high
      throughput phenotypic assay can be performed in academic research laboratories
      allowing the discovery of novel molecules able to enhance stem cell
      differentiation.

PMID- 22046333
TI  - Development by design: mitigating wind development's impacts on wildlife in
      Kansas.
AB  - Wind energy, if improperly sited, can impact wildlife through direct mortality
      and habitat loss and fragmentation, in contrast to its environmental benefits in
      the areas of greenhouse gas, air quality, and water quality. Fortunately, risks
      to wildlife from wind energy may be alleviated through proper siting and
      mitigation offsets. Here we identify areas in Kansas where wind development is
      incompatible with conservation, areas where wind development may proceed but with
      compensatory mitigation for impacts, and areas where development could proceed
      without the need for compensatory mitigation. We demonstrate that approximately
      10.3 million ha in Kansas (48 percent of the state) has the potential to provide
      478 GW of installed capacity while still meeting conservation goals. Of this
      total, approximately 2.7 million ha would require no compensatory mitigation and
      could produce up to 125 GW of installed capacity. This is 1,648 percent higher
      than the level of wind development needed in Kansas by 2030 if the United States
      is to get 20 percent of its electricity from wind. Projects that avoid and offset
      impacts consistent with this analysis could be awarded "Green Certification."
      Certification may help to expand and sustain the wind industry by facilitating
      the completion of individual projects sited to avoid sensitive areas and
      protecting the industry's reputation as an ecologically friendly source of
      electricity.

PMID- 22046334
TI  - Individual differences in impulsivity predict anticipatory eye movements.
AB  - Impulsivity is the tendency to act without forethought. It is a personality trait
      commonly used in the diagnosis of many psychiatric diseases. In clinical
      practice, impulsivity is estimated using written questionnaires. However, answers
      to questions might be subject to personal biases and misinterpretations. In order
      to alleviate this problem, eye movements could be used to study differences in
      decision processes related to impulsivity. Therefore, we investigated
      correlations between impulsivity scores obtained with a questionnaire in healthy
      subjects and characteristics of their anticipatory eye movements in a simple
      smooth pursuit task. Healthy subjects were asked to answer the UPPS questionnaire
      (Urgency Premeditation Perseverance and Sensation seeking Impulsive Behavior
      scale), which distinguishes four independent dimensions of impulsivity: Urgency,
      lack of Premeditation, lack of Perseverance, and Sensation seeking. The same
      subjects took part in an oculomotor task that consisted of pursuing a target that
      moved in a predictable direction. This task reliably evoked anticipatory saccades
      and smooth eye movements. We found that eye movement characteristics such as
      latency and velocity were significantly correlated with UPPS scores. The specific
      correlations between distinct UPPS factors and oculomotor anticipation parameters
      support the validity of the UPPS construct and corroborate neurobiological
      explanations for impulsivity. We suggest that the oculomotor approach of
      impulsivity put forth in the present study could help bridge the gap between
      psychiatry and physiology.

PMID- 22046335
TI  - Tracking traders' understanding of the market using e-communication data.
AB  - Tracking the volume of keywords in Internet searches, message boards, or Tweets
      has provided an alternative for following or predicting associations between
      popular interest or disease incidences. Here, we extend that research by
      examining the role of e-communications among day traders and their collective
      understanding of the market. Our study introduces a general method that focuses
      on bundles of words that behave differently from daily communication routines,
      and uses original data covering the content of instant messages among all day
      traders at a trading firm over a 40-month period. Analyses show that two word
      bundles convey traders' understanding of same day market events and potential
      next day market events. We find that when market volatility is high, traders'
      communications are dominated by same day events, and when volatility is low,
      communications are dominated by next day events. We show that the stronger the
      traders' attention to either same day or next day events, the higher their
      collective trading performance. We conclude that e-communication among traders is
      a product of mass collaboration over diverse viewpoints that embodies unique
      information about their weak or strong understanding of the market.

PMID- 22046336
TI  - Assessing the dream-lag effect for REM and NREM stage 2 dreams.
AB  - This study investigates evidence, from dream reports, for memory consolidation
      during sleep. It is well-known that events and memories from waking life can be
      incorporated into dreams. These incorporations can be a literal replication of
      what occurred in waking life, or, more often, they can be partial or indirect.
      Two types of temporal relationship have been found to characterize the time of
      occurrence of a daytime event and the reappearance or incorporation of its
      features in a dream. These temporal relationships are referred to as the day
      residue or immediate incorporation effect, where there is the reappearance of
      features from events occurring on the immediately preceding day, and the dream
      lag effect, where there is the reappearance of features from events occurring 5-7
      days prior to the dream. Previous work on the dream-lag effect has used
      spontaneous home recalled dream reports, which can be from Rapid Eye Movement
      Sleep (REM) and from non-Rapid Eye Movement Sleep (NREM). This study addresses
      whether the dream-lag effect occurs only for REM sleep dreams, or for both REM
      and NREM stage 2 (N2) dreams. 20 participants kept a daily diary for over a week
      before sleeping in the sleep laboratory for 2 nights. REM and N2 dreams collected
      in the laboratory were transcribed and each participant rated the level of
      correspondence between every dream report and every diary record. The dream-lag
      effect was found for REM but not N2 dreams. Further analysis indicated that this
      result was not due to N2 dream reports being shorter, in terms of number of
      words, than the REM dream reports. These results provide evidence for a 7-day
      sleep-dependent non-linear memory consolidation process that is specific to REM
      sleep, and accord with proposals for the importance of REM sleep to emotional
      memory consolidation.

PMID- 22046337
TI  - Role of the primary motor cortex in the early boost in performance following
      mental imagery training.
AB  - Recently, it has been suggested that the primary motor cortex (M1) plays a
      critical role in implementing the fast and transient post-training phase of motor
      skill consolidation, known to yield an early boost in performance. Whether a
      comparable early boost in performance occurs following motor imagery (MIM)
      training is still unknown. To address this issue, two groups of subjects learned
      a finger tapping sequence either by MIM or physical practice (PP). In both
      groups, performance increased significantly in the post-training phase when
      compared with the pre-training phase and further increased after a 30 min resting
      period, indicating that both MIM and PP trainings were equally efficient and
      induced an early boost in motor performance. This conclusion was corroborated by
      the results of an additional control group. In a second experiment, we then
      investigated the causal role of M1 in implementing the early boost process
      resulting from MIM training. To do so, we inhibited M1 by applying a continuous
      theta-burst stimulation (cTBS) in healthy volunteers just after they learnt, by
      MIM, the same finger-tapping task as in Experiment #1. As a control, cTBS was
      applied over the vertex of subjects who underwent the same experiment. We found
      that cTBS applied over M1 selectively abolished the early boost process
      subsequent to MIM training. Altogether, the present study provides evidence that
      MIM practice induces an early boost in performance and demonstrates that M1 is
      causally involved in this process. These findings further divulge some degree of
      behavioral and neuronal similitude between MIM and PP.

PMID- 22046338
TI  - An in vivo platform for tumor biomarker assessment.
AB  - Tumor biomarkers provide a quantitative tool for following tumor progression and
      response to therapy. However, investigations of clinically useful tumor
      biomarkers are time-consuming, costly, and limited by patient and tumor
      heterogeneity. In addition, assessment of biomarkers as indicators of therapy
      response is confounded by the concomitant use of multiple therapeutic
      interventions. Herein we report our use of a clinically relevant orthotopic
      animal model of malignant pleural mesothelioma for investigating tumor
      biomarkers. Utilizing multi-modality imaging with correlative histopathology, we
      demonstrate the utility and accuracy of the mouse model in investigating tumor
      biomarkers--serum soluble mesothelin-related peptide (SMRP) and osteopontin
      (OPN). This model revealed percentage change in SMRP level to be an accurate
      biomarker of tumor progression and therapeutic response--a finding consistent
      with recent clinical studies. This in vivo platform demonstrates the advantages
      of a validated mouse model for the timely and cost-effective acceleration of
      human biomarker translational research.

PMID- 22046339
TI  - Protective role of hydrogen sulfide against noise-induced cochlear damage: a
      chronic intracochlear infusion model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A reduction in cochlear blood flow plays an essential role in noise
      induced hearing loss (NIHL). The timely regulation of cochlear perfusion
      determines the progression and prognosis of NIHL. Hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) has
      attracted increasing interest as a vasodilator in cardiovascular systems. This
      study identified the role of H(2)S in cochlear blood flow regulation and noise
      protection. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The gene and protein expression of
      the H(2)S synthetase cystathionine-gamma-lyase (CSE) in the rat cochlea was
      examined using immunofluorescence and real-time PCR. Cochlear CSE mRNA levels
      varied according to the duration of noise exposure. A chronic intracochlear
      infusion model was built and artificial perilymph (AP), NaHS or DL
      propargylglycine (PPG) were locally administered. Local sodium hydrosulfide
      (NaHS) significantly increased cochlear perfusion post-noise exposure. Cochlear
      morphological damage and hearing loss were alleviated in the NaHS group as
      measured by conventional auditory brainstem response (ABR), cochlear scanning
      electron microscope (SEM) and outer hair cell (OHC) count. The highest percentage
      of OHC loss occurred in the PPG group. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Our results
      suggest that H(2)S plays an important role in the regulation of cochlear blood
      flow and the protection against noise. Further studies may identify a new
      preventive and therapeutic perspective on NIHL and other blood supply-related
      inner ear diseases.

PMID- 22046340
TI  - Exploring the diversity of Gardnerella vaginalis in the genitourinary tract
      microbiota of monogamous couples through subtle nucleotide variation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is an enigmatic disease of unknown origin
      that affects a large percentage of women. The vaginal microbiota of women with BV
      is associated with serious sequelae, including abnormal pregnancies. The etiology
      of BV is not fully understood, however, it has been suggested that it is
      transmissible, and that G. vaginalis may be an etiological agent. Studies using
      enzymatic assays to define G. vaginalis biotypes, as well as more recent genomic
      comparisons of G. vaginalis isolates from symptomatic and asymptomatic women,
      suggest that particular G. vaginalis strains may play a key role in the
      pathogenesis of BV. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: To explore G. vaginalis
      diversity, distribution and sexual transmission, we developed a Shannon entropy
      based method to analyze low-level sequence variation in 65,710 G. vaginalis 16S
      rRNA gene segments that were PCR-amplified from vaginal samples of 53 monogamous
      women and from urethral and penile skin samples of their male partners. We
      observed a high degree of low-level diversity among G. vaginalis sequences with a
      total of 46 unique sequence variants (oligotypes), and also found strong
      correlations of these oligotypes between sexual partners. Even though Gram stain
      defined normal and some Gram stain-defined intermediate oligotype profiles
      clustered together in UniFrac analysis, no single G. vaginalis oligotype was
      found to be specific to BV or normal vaginal samples. CONCLUSIONS: This study
      describes a novel method for investigating G. vaginalis diversity at a low level
      of taxonomic discrimination. The findings support cultivation-based studies that
      indicate sexual partners harbor the same strains of G. vaginalis. This study also
      highlights the fact that a few, reproducible nucleotide variations within the 16S
      rRNA gene can reveal clinical or epidemiological associations that would be
      missed by genus-level or species-level categorization of 16S rRNA data.

PMID- 22046341
TI  - Selective algicidal action of peptides against harmful algal bloom species.
AB  - Recently, harmful algal bloom (HAB), also termed "red tide", has been recognized
      as a serious problem in marine environments according to climate changes
      worldwide. Many novel materials or methods to prevent HAB have not yet been
      employed except for clay dispersion, in which can the resulting sedimentation on
      the seafloor can also cause alteration in marine ecology or secondary
      environmental pollution. In the current study, we investigated that antimicrobial
      peptide have a potential in controlling HAB without cytotoxicity to harmless
      marine organisms. Here, antimicrobial peptides are proposed as new algicidal
      compounds in combating HAB cells. HPA3 and HPA3NT3 peptides which exert potent
      antimicrobial activity via pore forming action in plasma membrane showed that
      HPA3NT3 reduced the motility of algal cells, disrupted their plasma membrane, and
      induced the efflux of intracellular components. Against raphidoflagellate such as
      Heterosigma akashiwo, Chattonella sp., and C. marina, it displayed a rapid lysing
      action in cell membranes at 1~4 uM within 2 min. Comparatively, its lysing
      effects occurred at 8 uM within 1 h in dinoflagellate such as Cochlodium
      polykrikoides, Prorocentrum micans, and P. minimum. Moreover, its lysing action
      induced the lysis of chloroplasts and loss of chlorophyll a. In the contrary,
      this peptide was not effective against Skeletonema costatum, harmless algal cell,
      even at 256 uM, moreover, it killed only H. akashiwo or C. marina in co
      cultivation with S. costatum, indicating to its selective algicidal activity
      between harmful and harmless algal cells. The peptide was non-hemolytic against
      red blood cells of Sebastes schlegeli, the black rockfish, at 120 uM. HAB cells
      were quickly and selectively lysed following treatment of antimicrobial peptides
      without cytotoxicity to harmless marine organisms. Thus, the antibiotic peptides
      examined in our study appear to have much potential in effectively controlling
      HAB with minimal impact on marine ecology.

PMID- 22046342
TI  - The CDKN2A G500 allele is more frequent in GBM patients with no defined telomere
      maintenance mechanism tumors and is associated with poorer survival.
AB  - Prognostic markers for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) are important for patient
      management. Recent advances have identified prognostic markers for GBMs that use
      telomerase or the alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) mechanism for
      telomere maintenance. Approximately 40% of GBMs have no defined telomere
      maintenance mechanism (NDTMM), with a mixed survival for affected individuals.
      This study examined genetic variants in the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A
      (CDKN2A) gene that encodes the p16(INK4a) and p14(ARF) tumor suppressors, and the
      isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) gene as potential markers of survival for 40
      individuals with NDTMM GBMs (telomerase negative and ALT negative by standard
      assays), 50 individuals with telomerase, and 17 individuals with ALT positive
      tumors. The analysis of CDKN2A showed NDTMM GBMs had an increased minor allele
      frequency for the C500G (rs11515) polymorphism compared to those with telomerase
      and ALT positive GBMs (p = 0.002). Patients with the G500 allele had reduced
      survival that was independent of age, extent of surgery, and treatment. In the
      NDTMM group G500 allele carriers had increased loss of CDKN2A gene dosage
      compared to C500 homozygotes. An analysis of IDH1 mutations showed the R132H
      mutation was associated with ALT positive tumors, and was largely absent in NDTMM
      and telomerase positive tumors. In the ALT positive tumors cohort, IDH1 mutations
      were associated with a younger age for the affected individual. In conclusion,
      the G500 CDKN2A allele was associated with NDTMM GBMs from older individuals with
      poorer survival. Mutations in IDH1 were not associated with NDTMM GBMs, and
      instead were a marker for ALT positive tumors in younger individuals.

PMID- 22046343
TI  - A broad set of different llama antibodies specific for a 16 kDa heat shock
      protein of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recombinant antibodies are powerful tools in engineering of novel
      diagnostics. Due to the small size and stable nature of llama antibody domains
      selected antibodies can serve as a detection reagent in multiplexed and sensitive
      assays for M. tuberculosis. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Antibodies for
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tb) recognition were raised in Alpaca, and, by
      phage display, recombinant variable domains of heavy-chain antibodies (VHH)
      binding to M. tuberculosis antigens were isolated. Two phage display selection
      strategies were followed: one direct selection using semi-purified protein
      antigen, and a depletion strategy with lysates, aiming to avoid cross-reaction to
      other mycobacteria. Both panning methods selected a set of binders with widely
      differing complementarity determining regions. Selected recombinant VHHs were
      produced in E. coli and shown to bind immobilized lysate in direct Enzymelinked
      Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) tests and soluble antigen by surface plasmon
      resonance (SPR) analysis. All tested VHHs were specific for tuberculosis-causing
      mycobacteria (M. tuberculosis, M. bovis) and exclusively recognized an
      immunodominant 16 kDa heat shock protein (hsp). The highest affinity VHH had a
      dissociation constant (KD) of 4 * 10(-10) M. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: A broad
      set of different llama antibodies specific for 16 kDa heat shock protein of M.
      tuberculosis is available. This protein is highly stable and abundant in M.
      tuberculosis. The VHH that detect this protein are applied in a robust SPR sensor
      for identification of tuberculosis-causing mycobacteria.

PMID- 22046344
TI  - The role of endosomal escape and mitogen-activated protein kinases in adenoviral
      activation of the innate immune response.
AB  - Adenoviral vectors (AdV) activate multiple signaling pathways associated with
      innate immune responses, including mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). In
      this study, we investigated how systemically-injected AdVs activate two MAPK
      pathways (p38 and ERK) and the contribution of these kinases to AdV-induced
      cytokine and chemokine responses in mice. Mice were injected intravenously either
      with a helper-dependent Ad2 vector that does not express viral genes or
      transgenes, or with the Ad2 mutant ts1, which is defective in endosomal escape.
      We found that AdV induced rapid phosphorylation of p38 and ERK as well as a
      significant cytokine response, but ts1 failed to activate p38 or ERK and induced
      only a limited cytokine response. These results demonstrate that endosomal escape
      of virions is a critical step in the induction of these innate pathways and
      responses. We then examined the roles of p38 and ERK pathways in the innate
      cytokine response by administering specific kinase inhibitors to mice prior to
      AdV. The cytokine and chemokine response to AdV was only modestly suppressed by a
      p38 inhibitor, while an ERK inhibitor has mixed effects, lowering some cytokines
      and elevating others. Thus, even though p38 and ERK are rapidly activated after
      i.v. injection of AdV, cytokine and chemokine responses are mostly independent of
      these kinases.

PMID- 22046345
TI  - Increase of transmitted drug resistance among HIV-infected sub-Saharan Africans
      residing in Spain in contrast to the native population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prevalence of transmitted HIV drug resistance (TDR) is
      stabilizing or decreasing in developed countries. However, this trend is not
      specifically evaluated among immigrants from regions without well-implemented
      antiretroviral strategies. METHODS: TDR trends during 1996-2010 were analyzed
      among naive HIV-infected patients in Spain, considering their origin and other
      factors. TDR mutations were defined according to the World Health Organization
      list. RESULTS: Pol sequence was available for 732 HIV-infected patients: 292
      native Spanish, 226 sub-Saharan Africans (SSA), 114 Central-South Americans (CSA)
      and 100 from other regions. Global TDR prevalence was 9.7% (10.6% for Spanish,
      8.4% for SSA and 7.9% for CSA). The highest prevalences were found for protease
      inhibitors (PI) in Spanish (3.1%), for non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase
      inhibitors (NNRTI) in SSA (6.5%) and for nucleoside reverse transcriptase
      inhibitors (NRTI) in both Spanish and SSA (6.5%). The global TDR rate decreased
      from 11.3% in 2004-2006 to 8.4% in 2007-2010. Characteristics related to a
      decreasing TDR trend in 2007-10 were Spanish and CSA origin, NRTI- and NNRTI
      resistance, HIV-1 subtype B, male sex and infection through injection drug use.
      TDR remained stable for PI-resistance, in patients infected through sexual
      intercourse and in those carrying non-B variants. However, TDR increased among
      SSA and females. K103N was the predominant mutation in all groups and periods.
      CONCLUSION: TDR prevalence tended to decrease among HIV-infected native Spanish
      and Central-South Americans, but it increased up to 13% in sub-Saharan immigrants
      in 2007-2010. These results highlight the importance of a specific TDR
      surveillance among immigrants to prevent future therapeutic failures, especially
      when administering NNRTIs.

PMID- 22046346
TI  - Differential sensitivity of ERBB2 kinase domain mutations towards lapatinib.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Overexpression of the ERBB2 kinase is observed in about one-third of
      breast cancer patients and the dual ERBB1/ERBB2 kinase inhibitor lapatinib was
      recently approved for the treatment of advanced ERBB2-positive breast cancer.
      Mutations in the ERBB2 receptor have recently been reported in breast cancer at
      diagnosis and also in gastric, colorectal and lung cancer. These mutations may
      have an impact on the clinical responses achieved with lapatinib in breast cancer
      and may also have a potential impact on the use of lapatinib in other solid
      cancers. However, the sensitivity of lapatinib towards clinically observed ERBB2
      mutations is not known. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We cloned a panel of 8
      clinically observed ERBB2 mutations, established stable cell lines and
      characterized their sensitivity towards lapatinib and alternative ERBB2
      inhibitors. Both lapatinib-sensitive and lapatinib-resistant ERBB2 mutations were
      observed. Interestingly, we were able to generate lapatinib resistance mutations
      in wt-ERBB2 cells incubated with lapatinib for prolonged periods of time. This
      indicates that these resistance mutations may also cause secondary resistance in
      lapatinib-treated patients. Lapatinib-resistant ERBB2 mutations were found to be
      highly resistant towards AEE788 treatment but remained sensitive towards the dual
      irreversible inhibitors CL-387785 and WZ-4002. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Patients
      harbouring certain ERBB2 kinase domain mutations at diagnosis may not benefit
      from lapatinib treatment. Moreover, secondary lapatinib resistance may develop
      due to kinase domain mutations. Irreversible ERBB2 inhibitors may offer
      alternative treatment options for breast cancer and other solid tumor patients
      harbouring lapatinib resistance mutations. In addition, these inhibitors may be
      of interest in the scenario of secondary lapatinib resistance.

PMID- 22046347
TI  - Differential effects of accumbens core vs. shell lesions in a rat concurrent
      conditioned place preference paradigm for cocaine vs. social interaction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A main challenge in the therapy of drug dependent individuals is to
      help them reactivate interest in non-drug-associated activities. Among these
      activities, social interaction is doubly important because treatment adherence
      itself depends on it. We previously developed a rat experimental model based on
      the conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm in which only four 15-min
      episodes of social interaction with a gender- and weight-matched male conspecific
      (i) reversed CPP from cocaine to social interaction despite continuing cocaine
      training and (ii) prevented the reinstatement of cocaine CPP. In the present
      study, we investigated if the two subregions of the nucleus accumbens (Acb),
      i.e., the core (AcbC) and the shell (AcbSh), would differentially affect CPP for
      cocaine vs social interaction. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Animals were
      concurrently trained for CPP pairing cocaine with one compartment and social
      interaction with the other (i.e., mutually exclusive stimulus presentation during
      training). Excitotoxic lesioning of the AcbC or the BLA shifted CPP toward social
      interaction, whereas AcbSh inactivation shifted CPP toward cocaine. CONCLUSIONS:
      Overall, our findings suggest that inactivation of the AcbC or the BLA is
      sufficient to shift CPP away from a drug of abuse toward social interaction.
      Lesioning the AcbSh produced the opposite effect.

PMID- 22046348
TI  - Fishing in the dark: a pursuit-diving seabird modifies foraging behaviour in
      response to nocturnal light levels.
AB  - Visual predators tend not to hunt during periods when efficiency is compromised
      by low light levels. Yet common murres, a species considered a diurnal visual
      predator, frequently dive at night. To study foraging of murres under different
      light conditions, we used a combination of archival tagging methods and
      astronomical models to assess relationships between diving behaviour and light
      availability. During diurnal and crepuscular periods, murres used a wide range of
      the water column (2-177 m), foraging across light intensities that spanned
      several orders of magnitude (10(3)-10(-10) Wm(-2)). Through these periods, they
      readily dived under conditions equivalent to ambient moonlight (~10(-4) Wm(-2))
      but rarely under conditions equivalent to starlight (~10(-8) Wm(-2)). At night,
      murres readily foraged during both moonlit and starlit periods, and diving depth
      and efficiency increased with nocturnal light intensity, suggesting that night
      diving is at least partially visually guided. Whether visually guided foraging is
      possible during starlit periods is less clear. Given the dense prey landscape
      available, random-walk simulations suggest that murres could benefit from random
      prey encounters. We hypothesise that murres foraging through starlit periods rely
      either on close-range visual or possibly nonvisual cues to acquire randomly
      encountered prey. This research highlights the flexibility of breeding common
      murres and raises questions about the strategies and mechanisms birds use to find
      prey under very low light conditions.

PMID- 22046349
TI  - Toll-like receptor 3 regulates neural stem cell proliferation by modulating the
      Sonic Hedgehog pathway.
AB  - Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) signaling has been implicated in neural
      stem/precursor cell (NPC) proliferation. However, the molecular mechanisms
      involved, and their relationship to classical TLR-mediated innate immune
      pathways, remain unknown. Here, we report investigation of the mechanics of TLR3
      signaling in neurospheres comprised of epidermal growth factor (EGF)-responsive
      NPC isolated from murine embryonic cerebral cortex of C57BL/6 (WT) or TLR3
      deficient (TLR3(-/-)) mice. Our data indicate that the TLR3 ligand polyinosinic
      polycytidylic acid (PIC) negatively regulates NPC proliferation by inhibiting
      Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) signaling, that PIC induces apoptosis in association with
      inhibition of Ras-ERK signaling and elevated expression of Fas, and that these
      effects are TLR3-dependent, suggesting convergent signaling between the Shh and
      TLR3 pathways.

PMID- 22046350
TI  - Predicting residue-residue contacts and helix-helix interactions in transmembrane
      proteins using an integrative feature-based random forest approach.
AB  - Integral membrane proteins constitute 25-30% of genomes and play crucial roles in
      many biological processes. However, less than 1% of membrane protein structures
      are in the Protein Data Bank. In this context, it is important to develop
      reliable computational methods for predicting the structures of membrane
      proteins. Here, we present the first application of random forest (RF) for
      residue-residue contact prediction in transmembrane proteins, which we term as
      TMhhcp. Rigorous cross-validation tests indicate that the built RF models provide
      a more favorable prediction performance compared with two state-of-the-art
      methods, i.e., TMHcon and MEMPACK. Using a strict leave-one-protein-out
      jackknifing procedure, they were capable of reaching the top L/5 prediction
      accuracies of 49.5% and 48.8% for two different residue contact definitions,
      respectively. The predicted residue contacts were further employed to predict
      interacting helical pairs and achieved the Matthew's correlation coefficients of
      0.430 and 0.424, according to two different residue contact definitions,
      respectively. To facilitate the academic community, the TMhhcp server has been
      made freely accessible at http://protein.cau.edu.cn/tmhhcp.

PMID- 22046351
TI  - Nebulisation of receptor-targeted nanocomplexes for gene delivery to the airway
      epithelium.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gene therapy mediated by synthetic vectors may provide opportunities
      for new treatments for cystic fibrosis (CF) via aerosolisation. Vectors for CF
      must transfect the airway epithelium efficiently and not cause inflammation so
      they are suitable for repeated dosing. The inhaled aerosol should be deposited in
      the airways since the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator gene
      (CFTR) is expressed predominantly in the epithelium of the submucosal glands and
      in the surface airway epithelium. The aim of this project was to develop an
      optimised aerosol delivery approach applicable to treatment of CF lung disease by
      gene therapy. METHODOLOGY: The vector suspension investigated in this study
      comprises receptor-targeting peptides, cationic liposomes and plasmid DNA that
      self-assemble by electrostatic interactions to form a receptor-targeted
      nanocomplex (RTN) of approximately 150 nm with a cationic surface charge of +50
      mV. The aerodynamic properties of aerosolised nanocomplexes produced with three
      different nebulisers were compared by determining aerosol deposition in the
      different stages of a Next Generation Pharmaceutical Impactor (NGI). We also
      investigated the yield of intact plasmid DNA by agarose gel electrophoresis and
      densitometry, and transfection efficacies in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS: RTNs
      nebulised with the AeroEclipse II BAN were the most effective, compared to other
      nebulisers tested, for gene delivery both in vitro and in vivo. The biophysical
      properties of the nanocomplexes were unchanged after nebulisation while the
      deposition of RTNs suggested a range of aerosol aerodynamic sizes between 5.5 um
      1.4 um cut off (NGI stages 3-6) compatible with deposition in the central and
      lower airways. CONCLUSIONS: RTNs showed their ability at delivering genes via
      nebulisation, thus suggesting their potential applications for therapeutic
      interventions of cystic fibrosis and other respiratory disorders.

PMID- 22046352
TI  - Sox9 transcriptionally represses Spp1 to prevent matrix mineralization in
      maturing heart valves and chondrocytes.
AB  - Sox9 is an SRY-related transcription factor required for expression of
      cartilaginous genes in the developing skeletal system and heart valve structures.
      In contrast to positively regulating cartilaginous matrix, Sox9 also negatively
      regulates matrix mineralization associated with bone formation. While the
      transcriptional activation of Sox9 target genes during chondrogenesis has been
      characterized, the mechanisms by which Sox9 represses osteogenic processes are
      not so clear. Using ChIP-on-chip and luciferase assays we show that Sox9 binds
      and represses transactivation of the osteogenic glycoprotein Spp1. In addition,
      Sox9 knockdown in post natal mouse heart valve explants and rib chondrocyte
      cultures promotes Spp1 expression and matrix mineralization, while attenuating
      expression of cartilage genes Type II Collagen and Cartilage Link Protein.
      Further, we show that Spp1 is required for matrix mineralization induced by Sox9
      knockdown. These studies provide insights into the molecular mechanisms by which
      Sox9 prevents pathologic matrix mineralization in tissues that must remain
      cartilaginous.

PMID- 22046353
TI  - Decidual cell polyploidization necessitates mitochondrial activity.
AB  - Cellular polyploidy has been widely reported in nature, yet its developmental
      mechanism and function remain poorly understood. In the present study, to better
      define the aspects of decidual cell polyploidy, we isolated pure polyploid and
      non-polyploid decidual cell populations from the in vivo decidual bed. Three
      independent RNA pools prepared for each population were then subjected to the
      Affymetrix gene chip analysis for the whole mouse genome transcripts. Our data
      revealed up-regulation of 1015 genes and down-regulation of 1207 genes in the
      polyploid populations, as compared to the non-polyploid group. Comparative RT-PCR
      and in situ hybridization results indeed confirmed differential expressional
      regulation of several genes between the two populations. Based on functional
      enrichment analyses, up-regulated polyploidy genes appeared to implicate several
      functions, which primarily include cell/nuclear division, ATP binding, metabolic
      process, and mitochondrial activity, whereas that of down-regulated genes
      primarily included apoptosis and immune processes. Further analyses of genes that
      are related to mitochondria and bi-nucleation showed differential and regional
      expression within the decidual bed, consistent with the pattern of polyploidy.
      Consistently, studies revealed a marked induction of mitochondrial mass and ATP
      production in polyploid cells. The inhibition of mitochondrial activity by
      various pharmacological inhibitors, as well as by gene-specific targeting using
      siRNA-mediated technology showed a dramatic attenuation of polyploidy and bi
      nucleation development during in vitro stromal cell decidualization, suggesting
      mitochondria play a major role in positive regulation of decidual cell
      polyploidization. Collectively, analyses of unique polyploidy markers and
      molecular signaling networks may be useful to further characterize functional
      aspects of decidual cell polyploidy at the site of implantation.

PMID- 22046354
TI  - Intracellular kinases mediate increased translation and secretion of netrin-1
      from renal tubular epithelial cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Netrin-1 is a laminin-related secreted protein, is highly induced
      after tissue injury, and may serve as a marker of injury. However, the regulation
      of netrin-1 production is not unknown. Current study was carried out in mouse and
      mouse kidney cell line (TKPTS) to determine the signaling pathways that regulate
      netrin-1 production in response to injury. METHODS AND PRINCIPAL FINDINGS:
      Ischemia reperfusion injury of the kidney was induced in mice by clamping renal
      pedicle for 30 minutes. Cellular stress was induced in mouse proximal tubular
      epithelial cell line by treating with pervanadate, cisplatin, lipopolysaccharide,
      glucose or hypoxia followed by reoxygenation. Netrin-1 expression was quantified
      by real time RT-PCR and protein production was quantified using an ELISA kit.
      Cellular stress induced a large increase in netrin-1 production without increase
      in transcription of netrin-1 gene. Mitogen activated protein kinase, ERK mediates
      the drug induced netrin-1 mRNA translation increase without altering mRNA
      stability. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that netrin-1 expression is suppressed
      at the translational level and MAPK activation leads to rapid translation of
      netrin-1 mRNA in the kidney tubular epithelial cells.

PMID- 22046355
TI  - Anti-GBM glomerulonephritis involves IL-1 but is independent of NLRP3/ASC
      inflammasome-mediated activation of caspase-1.
AB  - IL-1beta and IL-18 are proinflammatory cytokines that contribute to renal immune
      complex disease, but whether IL-1beta and IL-18 are mediators of intrinsic
      glomerular inflammation is unknown. In contrast to other cytokines the secretion
      of IL-1beta and IL-18 requires a second stimulus that activates the inflammasome
      ASC-caspase-1 pathway to cleave pro-IL-1beta and -IL-18 into their mature and
      secretable forms. As the NLRP3 inflammasome and caspase-1 were shown to
      contribute to postischemic and postobstructive tubulointerstitial inflammation,
      we hypothesized a similar role for NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1 in glomerular
      immunopathology. This concept was supported by the finding that lack of IL-1R1
      reduced antiserum-induced focal segmental necrosis, crescent formation, and
      tubular atrophy when compared to wildtype mice. Lack of IL-18 reduced tubular
      atrophy only. However, NLRP3-, ASC- or caspase-1-deficiency had no significant
      effect on renal histopathology or proteinuria of serum nephritis. In vitro
      studies with mouse glomeruli or mesangial cells, glomerular endothelial cells,
      and podocytes did not reveal any pro-IL-1beta induction upon LPS stimulation and
      no caspase-1 activation after an additional exposure to the NLRP3 agonist ATP.
      Only renal dendritic cells, which reside mainly in the tubulointerstitium,
      expressed pro-IL-1beta and were able to activate the NLRP3-caspase-1 axis and
      secrete mature IL-1beta. Together, the NLRP3-ASC-caspase-1 axis does not
      contribute to intrinsic glomerular inflammation via glomerular parenchymal cells
      as these cannot produce IL-1beta during sterile inflammation.

PMID- 22046356
TI  - Individual analyses of Levy walk in semi-free ranging Tonkean macaques (Macaca
      tonkeana).
AB  - Animals adapt their movement patterns to their environment in order to maximize
      their efficiency when searching for food. The Levy walk and the Brownian walk are
      two types of random movement found in different species. Studies have shown that
      these random movements can switch from a Brownian to a Levy walk according to the
      size distribution of food patches. However no study to date has analysed how
      characteristics such as sex, age, dominance or body mass affect the movement
      patterns of an individual. In this study we used the maximum likelihood method to
      examine the nature of the distribution of step lengths and waiting times and
      assessed how these distributions are influenced by the age and the sex of group
      members in a semi free-ranging group of ten Tonkean macaques. Individuals highly
      differed in their activity budget and in their movement patterns. We found an
      effect of age and sex of individuals on the power distribution of their step
      lengths and of their waiting times. The males and old individuals displayed a
      higher proportion of longer trajectories than females and young ones. As regards
      waiting times, females and old individuals displayed higher rates of long
      stationary periods than males and young individuals. These movement patterns
      resembling random walks can probably be explained by the animals moving from one
      location to other known locations. The power distribution of step lengths might
      be due to a power distribution of food patches in the enclosure while the power
      distribution of waiting times might be due to the power distribution of the patch
      sizes.

PMID- 22046357
TI  - N-cofilin can compensate for the loss of ADF in excitatory synapses.
AB  - Actin plays important roles in a number of synaptic processes, including synaptic
      vesicle organization and exocytosis, mobility of postsynaptic receptors, and
      synaptic plasticity. However, little is known about the mechanisms that control
      actin at synapses. Actin dynamics crucially depend on LIM kinase 1 (LIMK1) that
      controls the activity of the actin depolymerizing proteins of the ADF/cofilin
      family. While analyses of mouse mutants revealed the importance of LIMK1 for both
      pre- and postsynaptic mechanisms, the ADF/cofilin family member n-cofilin appears
      to be relevant merely for postsynaptic plasticity, and not for presynaptic
      physiology. By means of immunogold electron microscopy and immunocytochemistry,
      we here demonstrate the presence of ADF (actin depolymerizing factor), a close
      homolog of n-cofilin, in excitatory synapses, where it is particularly enriched
      in presynaptic terminals. Surprisingly, genetic ablation of ADF in mice had no
      adverse effects on synapse structure or density as assessed by electron
      microscopy and by the morphological analysis of Golgi-stained hippocampal
      pyramidal cells. Moreover, a series of electrophysiological recordings in acute
      hippocampal slices revealed that presynaptic recruitment and exocytosis of
      synaptic vesicles as well as postsynaptic plasticity were unchanged in ADF mutant
      mice. The lack of synaptic defects may be explained by the elevated n-cofilin
      levels observed in synaptic structures of ADF mutants. Indeed, synaptic actin
      regulation was impaired in compound mutants lacking both ADF and n-cofilin, but
      not in ADF single mutants. From our results we conclude that n-cofilin can
      compensate for the loss of ADF in excitatory synapses. Further, our data suggest
      that ADF and n-cofilin cooperate in controlling synaptic actin content.

PMID- 22046358
TI  - Epigenetic changes with dietary soy in cynomolgus monkeys.
AB  - Nutritional interventions are important alternatives for reducing the prevalence
      of many chronic diseases. Soy is a good source of protein that contains
      isoflavones, including genistein and daidzein, and may alter the risk of obesity,
      Type 2 diabetes, osteoporosis, cardiovascular disease, and reproductive cancers.
      We have shown previously in nonhuman primates that soy protein containing
      isoflavones leads to improved body weight, insulin sensitivity, lipid profiles,
      and atherosclerosis compared to protein without soy isoflavones (casein), and
      does not increase the risk of cancer. Since genistein has been shown to alter DNA
      methylation, we compared the methylation profiles of cynomolgus monkeys, from
      multiple tissues, eating two high-fat, typical American diets (TAD) with similar
      macronutrient contents, with or without soy protein. DNA methylation status was
      successfully determined for 80.6% of the probes in at least one tissue using
      Illumina's HumanMethylation27 BeadChip. Overall methylation increased in liver
      and muscle tissue when monkeys switched from the TAD-soy to the TAD-casein diets.
      Genes involved in epigenetic processes, specifically homeobox genes (HOXA5,
      HOXA11, and HOXB1), and ABCG5 were among those that changed between diets. These
      data support the use of the HumanMethylation27 BeadChip in cynomolgus monkeys and
      identify epigenetic changes associated with dietary interventions with soy
      protein that may potentially affect the etiology of complex diseases.

PMID- 22046359
TI  - Novel adiponectin variants identified in type 2 diabetic patients reveal
      multimerization and secretion defects.
AB  - ADIPOQ, encoding adiponectin, is a candidate gene for type 2 diabetes (T2D)
      identified by genome-wide linkage analyses with supporting evidence showing the
      protein function in sensitizing insulin actions. In an endeavor to characterize
      candidate genes causing T2D in Thai patients, we identified 10 novel ADIPOQ
      variations, several of which were non-synonymous variations observed only in the
      patients. To examine the impact of these non-synonymous variations on adiponectin
      structure and biochemical characteristics, we conducted a structural analysis of
      the wild-type and variant proteins by in silico modeling and further
      characterized biochemical properties of the variants with predicted structural
      abnormalities from the modeling by molecular and biochemical studies. The
      recombinant plasmids containing wild-type and variant ADIPOQ cDNAs derived from
      the variations identified by our study (R55H, R112H, and R131H) and previous work
      (G90S and R112C) were constructed and transiently expressed and co-expressed in
      cultured HEK293T cells to investigate their oligomerization, interaction, and
      secretion. We found that the novel R55H variant impaired protein multimerization
      but it did not exert the effect over the co-expressed wild-type protein while
      novel R131H variant impaired protein secretion and also affected the co-expressed
      wild-type protein in a dominant negative fashion. The R131H variant could traffic
      from the endoplasmic reticulum to the Golgi, trans-Golgi network, and early
      endosome but could not be secreted. The R131H variant was likely to be degraded
      through the lysosomal system and inhibition of its degradation rescued the
      variant protein from secretion defect. We have shown the possibility of using in
      silico modeling for predicting the effect of amino acid substitution on
      adiponectin oligomerization. This is also the first report that demonstrates a
      dominant negative effect of the R131H variant on protein secretion and the
      possibility of using protein degradation inhibitors as therapeutic agents in the
      patients carrying adiponectin variants with secretion defect.

PMID- 22046360
TI  - Host centrality in food web networks determines parasite diversity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Parasites significantly alter topological metrics describing food web
      structure, yet few studies have explored the relationship between food web
      topology and parasite diversity. METHODS/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: This study uses
      quantitative metrics describing network structure to investigate the relationship
      between the topology of the host food web and parasite diversity. Food webs were
      constructed for four restored brackish marshes that vary in species diversity,
      time post restoration and levels of parasitism. Our results show that the
      topology of the food web in each brackish marsh is highly nested, with clusters
      of generalists forming a distinct modular structure. The most consistent
      predictors of parasite diversity within a host were: trophic generality, and
      eigenvector centrality. These metrics indicate that parasites preferentially
      colonise host species that are highly connected, and within modules of tightly
      interacting species in the food web network. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: These
      results suggest that highly connected free-living species within the food web may
      represent stable trophic relationships that allow for the persistence of complex
      parasite life cycles. Our data demonstrate that the structure of host food webs
      can have a significant effect on the establishment of parasites, and on the
      potential for evolution of complex parasite life cycles.

PMID- 22046361
TI  - Evidence for retrogene origins of the prion gene family.
AB  - The evolutionary origin of prion genes, only known to exist in the vertebrate
      lineage, had remained elusive until recently. Following a lead from interactome
      investigations of the murine prion protein, our previous bioinformatic analyses
      revealed the evolutionary descent of prion genes from an ancestral ZIP metal ion
      transporter. However, the molecular mechanism of evolution remained unexplored.
      Here we present a computational investigation of this question based on sequence,
      intron-exon, synteny and pseudogene analyses. Our data suggest that during the
      emergence of metazoa, a cysteine-flanked core domain was modularly inserted, or
      arose de novo, in a preexisting ZIP ancestor gene to generate a prion-like
      ectodomain in a subbranch of ZIP genes. Approximately a half-billion years later,
      a genomic insertion of a spliced transcript coding for such a prion-like ZIP
      ectodomain may have created the prion founder gene. We document that similar
      genomic insertions involving ZIP transcripts, and probably relying on
      retropositional elements, have indeed occurred more than once throughout
      evolution.

PMID- 22046362
TI  - The transcriptome of the reference potato genome Solanum tuberosum Group Phureja
      clone DM1-3 516R44.
AB  - Advances in molecular breeding in potato have been limited by its complex
      biological system, which includes vegetative propagation, autotetraploidy, and
      extreme heterozygosity. The availability of the potato genome and accompanying
      gene complement with corresponding gene structure, location, and functional
      annotation are powerful resources for understanding this complex plant and
      advancing molecular breeding efforts. Here, we report a reference for the potato
      transcriptome using 32 tissues and growth conditions from the doubled monoploid
      Solanum tuberosum Group Phureja clone DM1-3 516R44 for which a genome sequence is
      available. Analysis of greater than 550 million RNA-Seq reads permitted the
      detection and quantification of expression levels of over 22,000 genes.
      Hierarchical clustering and principal component analyses captured the biological
      variability that accounts for gene expression differences among tissues
      suggesting tissue-specific gene expression, and genes with tissue or condition
      restricted expression. Using gene co-expression network analysis, we identified
      18 gene modules that represent tissue-specific transcriptional networks of major
      potato organs and developmental stages. This information provides a powerful
      resource for potato research as well as studies on other members of the
      Solanaceae family.

PMID- 22046363
TI  - Responses of peripheral blood flow to acute hypoxia and hyperoxia as measured by
      optical microangiography.
AB  - Oxygen availability is regarded as a critical factor to metabolically regulate
      systemic blood flow. There is a debate as to how peripheral blood flow (PBF) is
      affected and modulated during hypoxia and hyperoxia; however in vivo evaluating
      of functional PBF under oxygen-related physiological perturbation remains
      challenging. Microscopic observation, the current frequently used imaging
      modality for PBF characterization often involves the use of exogenous contrast
      agents, which would inevitably perturb the intrinsic physiologic responses of
      microcirculation being investigated. In this paper, optical micro-angiography
      (OMAG) was employed that uses intrinsic optical scattering signals backscattered
      from blood flows for imaging PBF in skeletal muscle challenged by the alteration
      of oxygen concentration. By utilizing optical reflectance signals, we
      demonstrated that OMAG is able to show the response of hemodynamic activities
      upon acute hypoxia and hyperoxia, including the modulation of macrovascular
      caliber, microvascular density, and flux regulation within different sized
      vessels within skeletal muscle in mice in vivo. Our results suggest that OMAG is
      a promising tool for in vivo monitoring of functional macro- or micro-vascular
      responses within peripheral vascular beds.

PMID- 22046364
TI  - The fission yeast RNA binding protein Mmi1 regulates meiotic genes by controlling
      intron specific splicing and polyadenylation coupled RNA turnover.
AB  - The polyA tails of mRNAs are monitored by the exosome as a quality control
      mechanism. We find that fission yeast, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, adopts this RNA
      quality control mechanism to regulate a group of 30 or more meiotic genes at the
      level of both splicing and RNA turnover. In vegetative cells the RNA binding
      protein Mmi1 binds to the primary transcripts of these genes. We find the novel
      motif U(U/C/G)AAAC highly over-represented in targets of Mmi1. Mmi1 can
      specifically regulate the splicing of particular introns in a transcript: it
      inhibits the splicing of introns that are in the vicinity of putative Mmi1
      binding sites, while allowing the splicing of other introns that are far from
      such sites. In addition, binding of Mmi1, particularly near the 3' end, alters 3'
      processing to promote extremely long polyA tails of up to a kilobase. The
      hyperadenylated transcripts are then targeted for degradation by the nuclear
      exonuclease Rrp6. The nuclear polyA binding protein Pab2 assists this
      hyperadenylation-mediated RNA decay. Rrp6 also targets other hyperadenylated
      transcripts, which become hyperadenylated in an unknown, but Mmi1-independent
      way. Thus, hyperadenylation may be a general signal for RNA degradation. In
      addition, binding of Mmi1 can affect the efficiency of 3' cleavage. Inactivation
      of Mmi1 in meiosis allows meiotic expression, through splicing and RNA
      stabilization, of at least 29 target genes, which are apparently constitutively
      transcribed.

PMID- 22046365
TI  - Mechanism of acetylcholine receptor cluster formation induced by DC electric
      field.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The formation of acetylcholine receptor (AChR) cluster is a key event
      during the development of the neuromuscular junction. It is induced through the
      activation of muscle-specific kinase (MuSK) by the heparan-sulfate proteoglycan
      agrin released from the motor axon. On the other hand, DC electric field, a non
      neuronal stimulus, is also highly effective in causing AChRs to cluster along the
      cathode-facing edge of muscle cells. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: To
      understand its molecular mechanism, quantum dots (QDs) were used to follow the
      movement of AChRs as they became clustered under the influence of electric field.
      From analyses of trajectories of AChR movement in the membrane, it was concluded
      that diffuse receptors underwent Brownian motion until they were immobilized at
      sites of cluster formation. This supports the diffusion-mediated trapping model
      in explaining AChR clustering under the influence of this stimulus. Disrupting F
      actin cytoskeleton assembly and interfering with rapsyn-AChR interaction
      suppressed this phenomenon, suggesting that these are integral components of the
      trapping mechanism induced by the electric field. Consistent with the idea that
      signaling pathways are activated by this stimulus, the localization of tyrosine
      phosphorylated forms of AChR beta-subunit and Src was observed at cathodal AChR
      clusters. Furthermore, disrupting MuSK activity through the expression of a
      kinase-dead form of this enzyme abolished electric field-induced AChR clustering.
      CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that DC electric field as a physical stimulus
      elicits molecular reactions in muscle cells in the form of cathodal MuSK
      activation in a ligand-free manner to trigger a signaling pathway that leads to
      cytoskeletal assembly and AChR clustering.

PMID- 22046366
TI  - Reversal of glial and neurovascular markers of unhealthy brain aging by exercise
      in middle-aged female mice.
AB  - Healthy brain aging and cognitive function are promoted by exercise. The benefits
      of exercise are attributed to several mechanisms, many which highlight its
      neuroprotective role via actions that enhance neurogenesis, neuronal morphology
      and/or neurotrophin release. However, the brain is also composed of glial and
      vascular elements, and comparatively less is known regarding the effects of
      exercise on these components in the aging brain. Here, we show that aerobic
      exercise at mid-age decreased markers of unhealthy brain aging including
      astrocyte hypertrophy, a hallmark of brain aging. Middle-aged female mice were
      assigned to a sedentary group or provided a running wheel for six weeks. Exercise
      decreased hippocampal astrocyte and myelin markers of aging but increased VEGF, a
      marker of angiogenesis. Brain vascular casts revealed exercise-induced structural
      modifications associated with improved endothelial function in the periphery. Our
      results suggest that age-related astrocyte hypertrophy/reactivity and myelin
      dysregulation are aggravated by a sedentary lifestyle and accompanying reductions
      in vascular function. However, these effects appear reversible with exercise
      initiated at mid-age. As this period of the lifespan coincides with the
      appearance of multiple markers of brain aging, including initial signs of
      cognitive decline, it may represent a window of opportunity for intervention as
      the brain appears to still possess significant vascular plasticity. These results
      may also have particular implications for aging females who are more susceptible
      than males to certain risk factors which contribute to vascular aging.

PMID- 22046367
TI  - Stigmatising attitudes among people offered home-based HIV testing and
      counselling in Blantyre, Malawi: construction and analysis of a stigma scale.
AB  - BACKGROUND: HIV/AIDS related stigma is a major barrier to uptake of HIV testing
      and counselling (HTC). We assessed the extent of stigmatising attitudes expressed
      by participants offered community-based HTC, and their anticipated stigma from
      others to assess relationship with HIV test uptake. From these data, we
      constructed a brief stigma scale for use around the time of HIV testing. METHODS
      AND FINDINGS: Adult members of 60 households in urban Blantyre, Malawi, were
      selected using population-weighted random cluster sampling and offered HTC with
      the option to self-test before confirmatory HTC. Prior to HTC a 15-item HIV
      stigma questionnaire was administered. We used association testing and principal
      components analysis (PCA) to construct a scale measure of stigma. Of 226 adults
      invited to participate, 216 (95.6%) completed questionnaires and 198/216 (91.7%)
      opted to undergo HTC (all self-tested). Stigmatising attitudes were uncommon, but
      anticipated stigma was common, especially fearing verbal abuse (22%) or being
      abandoned by their partner (11%). Three questions showed little association or
      consistency with the remaining 12 stigma questions and were not included in the
      final scale. For the 12-question final scale, Cronbach's alpha was 0.75. Level of
      stigma was not associated with previously having tested for HIV (p = 0.318) or
      agreeing to HTC (p = 0.379), but was associated with expressed worry about being
      or becoming HIV infected (p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Anticipated stigma prior to
      HTC was common among both men and women. However, the high uptake of HTC suggests
      that this did not translate into reluctance to accept community-based testing. We
      constructed a brief scale to measure stigma at the time of HIV testing that could
      rapidly identify individuals requiring additional support following diagnosis and
      monitor the impact of increasing availability of community-based HTC on
      prevalence of stigma.

PMID- 22046368
TI  - EP receptor expression in human intestinal epithelium and localization relative
      to the stem cell zone of the crypts.
AB  - There is substantial evidence for PGE2 affecting intestinal epithelial
      proliferation. PGE2 is also reported to be involved in the regulation of growth
      and differentiation in adult stem cells, both effects mediated by binding to EP
      receptors. We have used the Lgr5 as a marker to scrutinize EP-receptor and COX
      expression in human intestinal epithelial cells with focus on the stem cell area
      of the crypts. Normal tissue from ileum and colon, but also duodenal biopsies
      from patients with untreated celiac disease, were investigated by
      immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR. The combination of fresh flash-frozen tissue and
      laser microdissection made it possible to isolate RNA from the epithelial cell
      layer, only. In the small intestine, Lgr5 labels cells are in the +4 position,
      while in the colon, Lgr5 positive cells are localized to the crypt bottoms.
      Epithelial crypt cells of normal small intestine expressed neither EP-receptor
      mRNA nor COX1/2. However, crypt cells in tissue from patients with untreated
      celiac disease expressed EP2/4 receptor and COX1 mRNA. In the colon, the
      situation was different. Epithelial crypt cells from normal colon were found to
      express EP2/4 receptor and COX1/2 transcripts. Thus, there are distinct
      differences between normal human small intestine and colon with regard to
      expression of EP2/4 receptors and COX1/2. In normal colon tissue, PGE2-mediated
      signaling through EP-receptors 2/4 could be involved in regulation of growth and
      differentiation of the epithelium, while the lack of EP-receptor expression in
      the small intestinal tissue exclude the possibility of a direct effect of PGE2 on
      the crypt epithelial cells.

PMID- 22046369
TI  - Species-specific codon context rules unveil non-neutrality effects of synonymous
      mutations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Codon pair usage (codon context) is a species specific gene primary
      structure feature whose evolutionary and functional roles are poorly understood.
      The data available show that codon-context has direct impact on both translation
      accuracy and efficiency, but one does not yet understand how it affects these two
      translation variables or whether context biases shape gene evolution.
      METHODOLOGIES/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Here we study codon-context biases using a set
      of 72 orthologous highly conserved genes from bacteria, archaea, fungi and high
      eukaryotes to identify 7 distinct groups of codon context rules. We show that
      synonymous mutations, i.e., neutral mutations that occur in synonymous codons of
      codon-pairs, are selected to maintain context biases and that non-synonymous
      mutations, i.e., non-neutral mutations that alter protein amino acid sequences,
      are also under selective pressure to preserve codon-context biases. CONCLUSIONS:
      Since in vivo studies provide evidence for a role of codon context on decoding
      fidelity in E. coli and for decoding efficiency in mammalian cells, our data
      support the hypothesis that, like codon usage, codon context modulates the
      evolution of gene primary structure and fine tunes the structure of open reading
      frames for high genome translational fidelity and efficiency in the 3 domains of
      life.

PMID- 22046370
TI  - Evidence of infection with H4 and H11 avian influenza viruses among Lebanese
      chicken growers.
AB  - Human infections with H5, H7, and H9 avian influenza viruses are well documented.
      Exposure to poultry is the most important risk factor for humans becoming
      infected with these viruses. Data on human infection with other low pathogenicity
      avian influenza viruses is sparse but suggests that such infections may occur.
      Lebanon is a Mediterranean country lying under two major migratory birds flyways
      and is home to many wild and domestic bird species. Previous reports from this
      country demonstrated that low pathogenicity avian influenza viruses are in
      circulation but highly pathogenic H5N1 viruses were not reported. In order to
      study the extent of human infection with avian influenza viruses in Lebanon, we
      carried out a seroprevalence cross-sectional study into which 200 poultry-exposed
      individuals and 50 non-exposed controls were enrolled. We obtained their sera and
      tested it for the presence of antibodies against avian influenza viruses types H4
      through H16 and used a questionnaire to collect exposure data. Our
      microneutralization assay results suggested that backyard poultry growers may
      have been previously infected with H4 and H11 avian influenza viruses. We
      confirmed these results by using a horse red blood cells hemagglutination
      inhibition assay. Our data also showed that farmers with antibodies against each
      virus type clustered in a small geographic area suggesting that unrecognized
      outbreaks among birds may have led to these human infections. In conclusion, this
      study suggests that occupational exposure to chicken is a risk factor for
      infection with avian influenza especially among backyard growers and that H4 and
      H11 influenza viruses may possess the ability to cross the species barrier to
      infect humans.

PMID- 22046371
TI  - Neural cell 3D microtissue formation is marked by cytokines' up-regulation.
AB  - Cells cultured in three dimensional (3D) scaffolds as opposed to traditional two
      dimensional (2D) substrates have been considered more physiologically relevant
      based on their superior ability to emulate the in vivo environment. Combined with
      stem cell technology, 3D cell cultures can provide a promising alternative for
      use in cell-based assays or biosensors in non-clinical drug discovery studies. To
      advance 3D culture technology, a case has been made for identifying and
      validating three-dimensionality biomarkers. With this goal in mind, we conducted
      a transcriptomic expression comparison among neural progenitor cells cultured on
      2D substrates, 3D porous polystyrene scaffolds, and as 3D neurospheres (in vivo
      surrogate). Up-regulation of cytokines as a group in 3D and neurospheres was
      observed. A group of 13 cytokines were commonly up-regulated in cells cultured in
      polystyrene scaffolds and neurospheres, suggesting potential for any or a
      combination from this list to serve as three-dimensionality biomarkers. These
      results are supportive of further cytokine identification and validation studies
      with cells from non-neural tissue.

PMID- 22046372
TI  - Increasing antiproliferative properties of endocannabinoids in N1E-115
      neuroblastoma cells through inhibition of their metabolism.
AB  - The antitumoral properties of endocannabinoids received a particular attention
      these last few years. Indeed, these endogenous molecules have been reported to
      exert cytostatic, apoptotic and antiangiogenic effects in different tumor cell
      lines and tumor xenografts. Therefore, we investigated the cytotoxicity of three
      N-acylethanolamines--N-arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide, AEA), N
      palmitoylethanolamine (PEA) and N-oleoylethanolamine (OEA)--which were all able
      to time- and dose-dependently reduce the viability of murine N1E-115
      neuroblastoma cells. Moreover, several inhibitors of FAAH and NAAA, whose
      presence was confirmed by RT-PCR in the cell line, induced cell cytotoxicity and
      favored the decrease in cell viability caused by N-acylethanolamines. The most
      cytotoxic treatment was achieved by the co-incubation of AEA with the selective
      FAAH inhibitor URB597, which drastically reduced cell viability partly by
      inhibiting AEA hydrolysis and consequently increasing AEA levels. This
      combination of molecules synergistically decreased cell proliferation without
      inducing cell apoptosis or necrosis. We found that these effects are independent
      of cannabinoid, TRPV1, PPARalpha, PPARgamma or GPR55 receptors activation but
      seem to occur through a lipid raft-dependent mechanism. These findings further
      highlight the interest of targeting the endocannabinoid system to treat cancer.
      More particularly, this emphasizes the great potential benefit of designing novel
      anti-cancerous therapies based on the association of endocannabinoids and
      inhibitors of their hydrolysis.

PMID- 22046373
TI  - A Brassica napus lipase locates at the membrane contact sites involved in
      chloroplast development.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fatty acids synthesized in chloroplast are transported to endoplasmic
      reticulum (ER) for triacylglycerols (TAGs) resembling. The development of
      chloroplast also requires lipids trafficking from ER to chloroplast. The membrane
      contact sites (MCSs) between ER and chloroplast has been demonstrated to be
      involved for the trafficking of lipids and proteins. Lipids trafficking between
      ER and chloroplast is often accompanied by lipids interconversion. However, it is
      rarely known how lipids interconversion happens during their trafficking.
      METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We cloned a lipase gene from Brassica napus L.,
      designated as BnCLIP1. Green fluorescence protein (GFP)-tagged BnCLIP1 was shown
      to locate at the MCSs between ER and chloroplasts in tobacco leaves.
      Heterogeneous expression of BnCLIP1 in Saccharomyces cerevisiae (pep4) reduced
      the total amount of fatty acid. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)
      analysis revealed that the truncated BnCLIP1 had a substrate preference for C16:0
      lipids in Saccharomyces cerevisiae (pep4). To probe the physiological function of
      BnCLIP1, two Brassica napus lines with different oil-content were introduced to
      investigate the transcript patterns of BnCLIP1 during seed development.
      Intriguingly, the transcript level of BnCLIP1 was found to be immediately up
      regulated during the natural seed senescence of both lines; the transcription
      response of BnCLIP1 in the high oil-content seeds was faster than the lower ones,
      suggesting a potential role of BnCLIP1 in affecting seed oil synthesis via
      regulating chloroplast integrity. Further researches showed that chemical
      disruption of leaf chloroplast also activated the transcription of BnCLIP1.
      CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The findings of this study show that BnCLIP1 encodes a
      lipase, localizes at the MCSs and involves in chloroplast development.

PMID- 22046374
TI  - Transcriptional and functional analysis of the effects of magnolol: inhibition of
      autolysis and biofilms in Staphylococcus aureus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The targeting of Staphylococcus aureus biofilm structures are now
      gaining interest as an alternative strategy for developing new types of
      antimicrobial agents. Magnolol (MOL) shows inhibitory activity against S. aureus
      biofilms and Triton X-100-induced autolysis in vitro, although there are no data
      regarding the molecular mechanisms of MOL action in bacteria.
      METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The molecular basis of the markedly reduced
      autolytic phenotype and biofilm inhibition triggered by MOL were explored using
      transcriptomic analysis, and the transcription of important genes were verified
      by real-time RT-PCR. The inhibition of autolysis by MOL was evaluated using
      quantitative bacteriolytic assays and zymographic analysis, and antibiofilm
      activity assays and confocal laser scanning microscopy were used to elucidate the
      inhibition of biofilm formation caused by MOL in 20 clinical isolates or standard
      strains. The reduction in cidA, atl, sle1, and lytN transcript levels following
      MOL treatment was consistent with the induced expression of their autolytic
      repressors lrgA, lrgB, arlR, and sarA. MOL generally inhibited or reversed the
      expression of most of the genes involved in biofilm production. The growth of S.
      aureus strain ATCC 25923 in the presence of MOL dose-dependently led to decreases
      in Triton X-100-induced autolysis, extracellular murein hydrolase activity, and
      the amount of extracellular DNA (eDNA). MOL may impede biofilm formation by
      reducing the expression of cidA, a murein hydrolase regulator, to inhibit
      autolysis and eDNA release, or MOL may directly repress biofilm formation.
      CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: MOL shows in vitro antimicrobial activity against
      clinical and standard S. aureus strains grown in planktonic and biofilm cultures,
      suggesting that the structure of MOL may potentially be used as a basis for the
      development of drugs targeting biofilms.

PMID- 22046375
TI  - Carrageenans, sulphated polysaccharides of red seaweeds, differentially affect
      Arabidopsis thaliana resistance to Trichoplusia ni (cabbage looper).
AB  - Carrageenans are a collective family of linear, sulphated galactans found in a
      number of commercially important species of marine red alga. These
      polysaccharides are known to elicit defense responses in plant and animals and
      possess anti-viral properties. We investigated the effect of foliar application
      of iota-, kappa- and lambda-carrageenans (representing various levels of
      sulphation) on Arabidopsis thaliana in resistance to the generalist insect
      Trichoplusia ni (cabbage looper) which is known to cause serious economic losses
      in crop plants. Plants treated with iota- and kappa-carrageenan showed reduced
      leaf damage, whereas those treated with lambda- carrageenan were similar to that
      of the control. In a no-choice test, larval weight was reduced by more than 20%
      in iota- and kappa- carrageenan treatments, but unaffected by lambda-carrageenan.
      In multiple choice tests, carrageenan treated plants attracted fewer T. ni larvae
      by the fourth day following infestation as compared to the control. The
      application of carrageenans did not affect oviposition behaviour of T. ni. Growth
      of T. ni feeding on an artificial diet amended with carrageenans was not
      different from that fed with untreated control diet. iota-carrageenan induced the
      expression of defense genes; PR1, PDF1.2, and TI1, but kappa- and lambda
      carrageenans did not. Besides PR1, PDF1.2, and TI1, the indole glucosinolate
      biosynthesis genes CYP79B2, CYP83B1 and glucosinolate hydrolysing QTL, ESM1 were
      up-regulated by iota-carrageenan treatment at 48 h post infestation. Gas
      chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of carrageenan treated leaves showed
      increased concentrations of both isothiocyanates and nitriles. Taken together,
      these results show that carrageenans have differential effects on Arabidopsis
      resistance to T. ni and that the degree of sulphation of the polysaccharide chain
      may well mediate this effect.

PMID- 22046376
TI  - Effects of elevated CO2 and N addition on growth and N2 fixation of a legume
      subshrub (Caragana microphylla Lam.) in temperate grassland in China.
AB  - It is well demonstrated that the responses of plants to elevated atmospheric
      CO(2) concentration are species-specific and dependent on environmental
      conditions. We investigated the responses of a subshrub legume species, Caragana
      microphylla Lam., to elevated CO(2) and nitrogen (N) addition using open-top
      chambers in a semiarid temperate grassland in northern China for three years.
      Measured variables include leaf photosynthetic rate, shoot biomass, root biomass,
      symbiotic nitrogenase activity, and leaf N content. Symbiotic nitrogenase
      activity was determined by the C(2)H(2) reduction method. Elevated CO(2) enhanced
      photosynthesis and shoot biomass by 83% and 25%, respectively, and the
      enhancement of shoot biomass was significant only at a high N concentration. In
      addition, the photosynthetic capacity of C. microphylla did not show down
      regulation under elevated CO(2). Elevated CO(2) had no significant effect on root
      biomass, symbiotic nitrogenase activity and leaf N content. Under elevated CO(2),
      N addition stimulated photosynthesis and shoot biomass. By contrast, N addition
      strongly inhibited symbiotic nitrogenase activity and slightly increased leaf N
      content of C. microphylla under both CO(2) levels, and had no significant effect
      on root biomass. The effect of elevated CO(2) and N addition on C. microphylla
      did not show interannual variation, except for the effect of N addition on leaf N
      content. These results indicate that shoot growth of C. microphylla is more
      sensitive to elevated CO(2) than is root growth. The stimulation of shoot growth
      of C. microphylla under elevated CO(2) or N addition is not associated with
      changes in N(2)-fixation. Additionally, elevated CO(2) and N addition interacted
      to affect shoot growth of C. microphylla with a stimulatory effect occurring only
      under combination of these two factors.

PMID- 22046377
TI  - Crystal structure of outer membrane protein NMB0315 from Neisseria meningitidis.
AB  - NMB0315 is an outer membrane protein of Neisseria meningitidis serogroup B (NMB)
      and a potential candidate for a broad-spectrum vaccine against meningococcal
      disease. The crystal structure of NMB0315 was solved by single-wavelength
      anomalous dispersion (SAD) at a resolution of 2.4 A and revealed to be a
      lysostaphin-type peptidase of the M23 metallopeptidase family. The overall
      structure consists of three well-separated domains and has no similarity to any
      previously published structure. However, only the topology of the carboxyl
      terminal domain is highly conserved among members of this family, and this domain
      is a zinc-dependent catalytic unit. The amino-terminal domain of the structure
      blocks the substrate binding pocket in the carboxyl-terminal domain, indicating
      that the wild-type full-length protein is in an inactive conformational state.
      Our studies improve the understanding of the catalytic mechanism of M23
      metallopeptidases.

PMID- 22046378
TI  - How did the spider cross the river? Behavioral adaptations for river-bridging
      webs in Caerostris darwini (Araneae: Araneidae).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Interspecific coevolution is well described, but we know
      significantly less about how multiple traits coevolve within a species,
      particularly between behavioral traits and biomechanical properties of animals'
      "extended phenotypes". In orb weaving spiders, coevolution of spider behavior
      with ecological and physical traits of their webs is expected. Darwin's bark
      spider (Caerostris darwini) bridges large water bodies, building the largest
      known orb webs utilizing the toughest known silk. Here, we examine C. darwini web
      building behaviors to establish how bridge lines are formed over water. We also
      test the prediction that this spider's unique web ecology and architecture
      coevolved with new web building behaviors. METHODOLOGY: We observed C. darwini in
      its natural habitat and filmed web building. We observed 90 web building events,
      and compared web building behaviors to other species of orb web spiders.
      CONCLUSIONS: Caerostris darwini uses a unique set of behaviors, some unknown in
      other spiders, to construct its enormous webs. First, the spiders release
      unusually large amounts of bridging silk into the air, which is then carried
      downwind, across the water body, establishing bridge lines. Second, the spiders
      perform almost no web site exploration. Third, they construct the orb capture
      area below the initial bridge line. In contrast to all known orb-weavers, the web
      hub is therefore not part of the initial bridge line but is instead built de
      novo. Fourth, the orb contains two types of radial threads, with those in the
      upper half of the web doubled. These unique behaviors result in a giant, yet
      rather simplified web. Our results continue to build evidence for the coevolution
      of behavioral (web building), ecological (web microhabitat) and biomaterial (silk
      biomechanics) traits that combined allow C. darwini to occupy a unique niche
      among spiders.

PMID- 22046379
TI  - Systems analysis of ATF3 in stress response and cancer reveals opposing effects
      on pro-apoptotic genes in p53 pathway.
AB  - Stress-inducible transcription factors play a pivotal role in cellular adaptation
      to environment to maintain homeostasis and integrity of the genome. Activating
      transcription factor 3 (ATF3) is induced by a variety of stress and inflammatory
      conditions and is over-expressed in many kinds of cancer cells. However,
      molecular mechanisms underlying pleiotropic functions of ATF3 have remained
      elusive. Here we employed systems analysis to identify genome-wide targets of
      ATF3 that is either induced by an alkylating agent methyl methanesulfonate (MMS)
      or over-expressed in a prostate tumour cell line LNCaP. We show that stress
      induced and cancer-associated ATF3 is recruited to 5,984 and 1,423 targets,
      respectively, in the human genome, 89% of which are common. Notably, ATF3 targets
      are highly enriched for not only ATF/CRE motifs but also binding sites of several
      other stress-inducible transcription factors indicating an extensive network of
      stress response factors in transcriptional regulation of target genes. Further
      analysis of effects of ATF3 knockdown on these targets revealed that stress
      induced ATF3 regulates genes in metabolic pathways, cell cycle, apoptosis, cell
      adhesion, and signalling including insulin, p53, Wnt, and VEGF pathways. Cancer
      associated ATF3 is involved in regulation of distinct sets of genes in processes
      such as calcium signalling, Wnt, p53 and diabetes pathways. Notably, stress
      induced ATF3 binds to 40% of p53 targets and activates pro-apoptotic genes such
      as TNFRSF10B/DR5 and BBC3/PUMA. Cancer-associated ATF3, by contrast, represses
      these pro-apoptotic genes in addition to CDKN1A/p21. Taken together, our data
      reveal an extensive network of stress-inducible transcription factors and
      demonstrate that ATF3 has opposing, cell context-dependent effects on p53 target
      genes in DNA damage response and cancer development.

PMID- 22046380
TI  - Changes in waist circumference and the incidence of acute myocardial infarction
      in middle-aged men and women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Waist circumference (WC) measured at one point in time is positively
      associated with the risk of acute myocardial infarction (MI), but the association
      with changes in WC (DWC) is not clear. We investigated the association between
      DWC and the risk of MI in middle-aged men and women, and evaluated the influence
      from concurrent changes in BMI (DBMI). METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Data on
      38,593 participants from the Danish Diet, Cancer and Health study was analysed.
      Anthropometry was assessed in 1993-97 and 1999-02. Information on fatal and non
      fatal MI was obtained from National Registers. Cases were validated by review of
      the medical records. Hazard ratios (HR) were calculated from Cox proportional
      hazard models with individuals considered at risk from 1999-02 until December 30
      2009. During 8.4 years of follow-up, 1,041 incident cases of MI occurred. WC was
      positively associated with the risk of MI, but weakly after adjustment for BMI.
      DWC was not associated with the risk of MI (HR per 5 cm change = 1.01 (0.95,
      1.09) with adjustment for covariates, baseline WC, BMI and DBMI). Associations
      with DWC were not notably different in sub-groups stratified according to
      baseline WC or DBMI, or when individuals with MI occurring within the first years
      of follow-up were excluded. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: WC was positively
      associated with the risk of MI in middle-aged men and women, but changes in WC
      were not. These findings suggest that a reduction in WC may be an insufficient
      target for prevention of MI in middle-aged men and women.

PMID- 22046381
TI  - Molecular evidence of the toxic effects of diatom diets on gene expression
      patterns in copepods.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diatoms are dominant photosynthetic organisms in the world's oceans
      and are considered essential in the transfer of energy through marine food
      chains. However, these unicellular plants at times produce secondary metabolites
      such as polyunsaturated aldehydes and other products deriving from the oxidation
      of fatty acids that are collectively termed oxylipins. These cytotoxic compounds
      are responsible for growth inhibition and teratogenic activity, potentially
      sabotaging future generations of grazers by inducing poor recruitment in marine
      organisms such as crustacean copepods. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Here we show that two
      days of feeding on a strong oxylipin-producing diatom (Skeletonema marinoi) is
      sufficient to inhibit a series of genes involved in aldehyde detoxification,
      apoptosis, cytoskeleton structure and stress response in the copepod Calanus
      helgolandicus. Of the 18 transcripts analyzed by RT-qPCR at least 50% were
      strongly down-regulated (aldehyde dehydrogenase 9, 8 and 6, cellular apoptosis
      susceptibility and inhibitor of apoptosis IAP proteins, heat shock protein 40,
      alpha- and beta-tubulins) compared to animals fed on a weak oxylipin-producing
      diet (Chaetoceros socialis) which showed no changes in gene expression profiles.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide molecular evidence of the toxic effects of
      strong oxylipin-producing diatoms on grazers, showing that primary defense
      systems that should be activated to protect copepods against toxic algae can be
      inhibited. On the other hand other classical detoxification genes (glutathione S
      transferase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, cytochrome P450) were not affected
      possibly due to short exposure times. Given the importance of diatom blooms in
      nutrient-rich aquatic environments these results offer a plausible explanation
      for the inefficient use of a potentially valuable food resource, the spring
      diatom bloom, by some copepod species.

PMID- 22046382
TI  - Barriers to participation in a patient satisfaction survey: who are we missing?
AB  - BACKGROUND: A common weakness of patient satisfaction surveys is a suboptimal
      participation rate. Some patients may be unable to participate, because of
      language barriers, physical limitations, or mental problems. As the role of these
      barriers is poorly understood, we aimed to identify patient characteristics that
      are associated with non-participation in a patient satisfaction survey.
      METHODOLOGY: At the University Hospitals of Geneva, Switzerland, a patient
      satisfaction survey is regularly conducted among all adult patients hospitalized
      for >24 hours on a one-month period in the departments of internal medicine,
      geriatrics, surgery, neurosciences, psychiatry, and gynaecology-obstetrics. In
      order to assess the factors associated with non-participation to the patient
      satisfaction survey, a case-control study was conducted among patients selected
      for the 2005 survey. Cases (non respondents, n = 195) and controls (respondents,
      n = 205) were randomly selected from the satisfaction survey, and information
      about potential barriers to participation was abstracted in a blinded fashion
      from the patients' medical and nursing charts. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Non
      participation in the satisfaction survey was independently associated with the
      presence of a language barrier (odds ratio [OR] 4.53, 95% confidence interval
      [CI95%]: 2.14-9.59), substance abuse (OR 3.75, CI95%: 1.97-7.14), cognitive
      limitations (OR 3.72, CI95%: 1.64-8.42), a psychiatric diagnosis (OR 1.99, CI95%:
      1.23-3.23) and a sight deficiency (OR 2.07, CI95%: 0.98-4.36). The odds ratio for
      non-participation increased gradually with the number of predictors. CONCLUSIONS:
      Five barriers to non-participation in a mail survey were identified. Gathering
      patient feedback through mailed surveys may lead to an under-representation of
      some patient subgroups.

PMID- 22046383
TI  - Distinct origin of the Y and St genome in Elymus species: evidence from the
      analysis of a large sample of St genome species using two nuclear genes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous cytological and single copy nuclear genes data suggested the
      St and Y genome in the StY-genomic Elymus species originated from different
      donors: the St from a diploid species in Pseudoroegneria and the Y from an
      unknown diploid species, which are now extinct or undiscovered. However, ITS data
      suggested that the Y and St genome shared the same progenitor although rather few
      St genome species were studied. In a recent analysis of many samples of St genome
      species Pseudoroegneria spicata (Pursh) A. Love suggested that one accession of
      P. spicata species was the most likely donor of the Y genome. The present study
      tested whether intraspecific variation during sampling could affect the outcome
      of analyses to determining the origin of Y genome in allotetraploid StY species.
      We also explored the evolutionary dynamics of these species.
      METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Two single copy nuclear genes, the second largest
      subunit of RNA polymerase II (RPB2) and the translation elongation factor G (EF
      G) sequences from 58 accessions of Pseudoroegneria and Elymus species, together
      with those from Hordeum (H), Agropyron (P), Australopyrum (W), Lophopyrum (E(e)),
      Thinopyrum (E(a)), Thinopyrum (E(b)), and Dasypyrum (V) were analyzed using
      maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods. Sequence comparisons
      among all these genomes revealed that the St and Y genomes are relatively
      dissimilar. Extensive sequence variations have been detected not only between the
      sequences from St and Y genome, but also among the sequences from diploid St
      genome species. Phylogenetic analyses separated the Y sequences from the St
      sequences. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Our results confirmed that St and Y genome
      in Elymus species have originated from different donors, and demonstrated that
      intraspecific variation does not affect the identification of genome origin in
      polyploids. Moreover, sequence data showed evidence to support the suggestion of
      the genome convergent evolution in allopolyploid StY genome species.

PMID- 22046384
TI  - Multidimensional poverty and child survival in India.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Though the concept of multidimensional poverty has been acknowledged
      cutting across the disciplines (among economists, public health professionals,
      development thinkers, social scientists, policy makers and international
      organizations) and included in the development agenda, its measurement and
      application are still limited.  OBJECTIVES AND METHODOLOGY: Using unit data from
      the National Family and Health Survey 3, India, this paper measures poverty in
      multidimensional space and examine the linkages of multidimensional poverty with
      child survival. The multidimensional poverty is measured in the dimension of
      knowledge, health and wealth and the child survival is measured with respect to
      infant mortality and under-five mortality. Descriptive statistics, principal
      component analyses and the life table methods are used in the analyses. RESULTS:
      The estimates of multidimensional poverty are robust and the inter-state
      differentials are large. While infant mortality rate and under-five mortality
      rate are disproportionately higher among the abject poor compared to the non
      poor, there are no significant differences in child survival among educationally,
      economically and health poor at the national level. State pattern in child
      survival among the education, economical and health poor are mixed. CONCLUSION:
      Use of multidimensional poverty measures help to identify abject poor who are
      unlikely to come out of poverty trap. The child survival is significantly lower
      among abject poor compared to moderate poor and non-poor. We urge to popularize
      the concept of multiple deprivations in research and program so as to reduce
      poverty and inequality in the population.

PMID- 22046385
TI  - Loss of the alpha2beta1 integrin alters human papilloma virus-induced squamous
      carcinoma progression in vivo and in vitro.
AB  - Expression of the alpha2beta1 integrin, a receptor for collagens and laminin, is
      altered during tumor progression. Recent studies have linked polymorphisms in the
      alpha2 integrin gene with oral, squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). To determine the
      alpha2beta1 integrin's role in SCC progression, we crossed alpha2-null mice with
      K14-HPV16 transgenic animals. Pathological progression to invasive carcinoma was
      evaluated in HPV-positive, alpha2-null (HPV/KO) and HPV-positive, wild-type
      (HPV/WT) animals. alpha2beta1 integrin expression stimulated progression from
      hyperplasia and papillomatosis to dysplasia with concomitant dermal mast cell
      infiltration. Moreover, lymph node metastasis was decreased by 31.3% in HPV/KO,
      compared to HPV/WT, animals. To evaluate the integrin-specific impact on the
      malignant epithelium versus the microenvironment, we developed primary tumor cell
      lines. Although transition from dysplasia to carcinoma was unaltered during
      spontaneous tumor development, isolated primary HPV/KO SCC cell lines
      demonstrated decreased migration and invasion, compared to HPV/WT cells. When
      HPV/WT and HPV/KO SCC cells were orthotopically injected into WT or KO hosts,
      tumor alpha2beta1 integrin expression resulted in decreased tumor latency,
      regardless of host integrin status. HPV/WT SCC lines failed to demonstrate a
      proliferative advantage in vitro, however, the HPV/WT tumors demonstrated
      increased growth compared to HPV/KO SCC lines in vivo. Although contributions of
      the integrin to the microenvironment cannot be excluded, our studies indicate
      that alpha2beta1 integrin expression by HPV-transformed keratinocytes modulates
      SCC growth and progression.

PMID- 22046386
TI  - Evaluation of type-specific real-time PCR assays using the LightCycler and
      J.B.A.I.D.S. for detection of adenoviruses in species HAdV-C.
AB  - Sporadically, HAdVs from species HAdV-C are detected in acute respiratory disease
      outbreaks. To rapidly type these viruses, we designed real-time PCR assays that
      detect and discriminate between adenovirus types HAdV-C1, -C2, -C5, and -C6.
      Sixteen clinical isolates from the California Department of Public Health were
      used to validate the new assays. Type-specific TaqMan real-time PCR assays were
      designed and used independently to successfully identify 16 representative
      specimens. The lower limit of detection for our LightCycler singleplex real-time
      PCR assays were calculated to be 100, 100, 100, and 50 genomic copies per
      reaction for HAdV-C1, HAdV-C2, HAdV-C5 and HAdV-C6, respectively. The results for
      the singleplex J.B.A.I.D.S. assays were similar. Our assays did not cross-react
      with other adenoviruses outside of species HAdV-C, respiratory syncytial virus,
      influenza, or respiratory disease causing bacteria. These assays have the
      potential to be useful as diagnostic tools for species HAdV-C infection.

PMID- 22046387
TI  - Behavioural correlate of choice confidence in a discrete trial paradigm.
AB  - How animals make choices in a changing and often uncertain environment is a
      central theme in the behavioural sciences. There is a substantial literature on
      how animals make choices in various experimental paradigms but less is known
      about the way they assess a choice after it has been made in terms of the
      expected outcome. Here, we used a discrete trial paradigm to characterise how the
      reward history shaped the behaviour on a trial by trial basis. Rats initiated
      each trial which consisted of a choice between two drinking spouts that differed
      in their probability of delivering a sucrose solution. Critically, sucrose was
      delivered after a delay from the first lick at the spouts--this allowed us to
      characterise the behavioural profile during the window between the time of choice
      and its outcome. Rats' behaviour converged to optimum choice, both during the
      acquisition phase and after the reversal of contingencies. We monitored the post
      choice behaviour at a temporal precision of 1 millisecond; lick-response profiles
      revealed that rats spent more time at the spout with the higher reward
      probability and exhibited a sparser lick pattern. This was the case when we
      exclusively examined the unrewarded trials, where the outcome was identical. The
      differential licking profiles preceded the differential choice ratios and could
      thus predict the changes in choice behaviour.

PMID- 22046388
TI  - Urinary bisphenol A and type-2 diabetes in U.S. adults: data from NHANES 2003
      2008.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Bisphenol A (BPA) is found in plastics and other consumer products;
      exposure may lead to insulin resistance and development of type-2 diabetes
      mellitus (T2DM) through over-activation of pancreatic beta-cells. Previous
      studies using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
      (NHANES) showed an inconsistent association between prevalence of self-reported
      T2DM and urinary BPA. We used a different diagnosis method of T2DM (hemoglobin
      A1c (HbA1c)) with a larger subset of NHANES. METHODS AND FINDINGS: We analyzed
      data from 4,389 adult participants who were part of a sub-study of environmental
      phenol measurements in urine from three NHANES cycles from 2003 to 2008. T2DM was
      defined as having a HbA1c >= 6.5% or use of diabetes medication. The weighted
      prevalence of T2DM was 9.2%. Analysis of the total sample revealed that a two
      fold increase in urinary BPA was associated with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.08 of
      T2DM (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.02 to 1.16), after controlling for
      potential confounders. However, when we examined each NHANES cycle individually,
      we only found a statistically significant association in the 2003/04 cycle (n =
      1,364, OR = 1.23 (95% CI, 1.07 to 1.42) for each doubling in urinary BPA). We
      found no association in either the NHANES cycle from 2005/06 (n = 1,363, OR =
      1.05 (95% CI, 0.94 to 1.18)); or 2007/08 (n = 1,662, OR = 1.06 (95% CI, 0.91 to
      1.23)). Similar patterns of associations between BPA and continuous HbA1c were
      also observed. CONCLUSIONS: Although higher urinary BPA was associated with
      elevated HbA1c and T2DM in the pooled analysis, it was driven by data from only
      one NHANES cycle. Additional studies, especially of a longitudinal design with
      repeated BPA measurements, are needed to further elucidate the association
      between BPA and T2DM.

PMID- 22046389
TI  - Aerosolized human extracellular superoxide dismutase prevents hyperoxia-induced
      lung injury.
AB  - An important issue in critical care medicine is the identification of ways to
      protect the lungs from oxygen toxicity and reduce systemic oxidative stress in
      conditions requiring mechanical ventilation and high levels of oxygen. One way to
      prevent oxygen toxicity is to augment antioxidant enzyme activity in the
      respiratory system. The current study investigated the ability of aerosolized
      extracellular superoxide dismutase (EC-SOD) to protect the lungs from hyperoxic
      injury. Recombinant human EC-SOD (rhEC-SOD) was produced from a synthetic
      cassette constructed in the methylotrophic yeast Pichia pastoris. Female CD-1
      mice were exposed in hyperoxia (FiO2>95%) to induce lung injury. The therapeutic
      effects of EC-SOD and copper-zinc SOD (CuZn-SOD) via an aerosol delivery system
      for lung injury and systemic oxidative stress at 24, 48, 72 and 96 h of hyperoxia
      were measured by bronchoalveolar lavage, wet/dry ratio, lung histology, and 8-oxo
      2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxo-dG) in lung and liver tissues. After exposure to
      hyperoxia, the wet/dry weight ratio remained stable before day 2 but increased
      significantly after day 3. The levels of oxidative biomarker 8-oxo-dG in the lung
      and liver were significantly decreased on day 2 (P<0.01) but the marker in the
      liver increased abruptly after day 3 of hyperoxia when the mortality increased.
      Treatment with aerosolized rhEC-SOD increased the survival rate at day 3 under
      hyperoxia to 95.8%, which was significantly higher than that of the control group
      (57.1%), albumin treated group (33.3%), and CuZn-SOD treated group (75%). The
      protective effects of EC-SOD against hyperoxia were further confirmed by reduced
      lung edema and systemic oxidative stress. Aerosolized EC-SOD protected mice
      against oxygen toxicity and reduced mortality in a hyperoxic model. The results
      encourage the use of an aerosol therapy with EC-SOD in intensive care units to
      reduce oxidative injury in patients with severe hypoxemic respiratory failure,
      including acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

PMID- 22046390
TI  - Evolutionary consequences of altered atmospheric oxygen in Drosophila
      melanogaster.
AB  - Twelve replicate populations of Drosophila melanogaster, all derived from a
      common ancestor, were independently evolved for 34+ generations in one of three
      treatment environments of varying PO(2): hypoxia (5.0-10.1 kPa), normoxia (21.3
      kPa), and hyperoxia (40.5 kPa). Several traits related to whole animal
      performance and metabolism were assayed at various stages via "common garden" and
      reciprocal transplant assays to directly compare evolved and acclimatory
      differences among treatments. Results clearly demonstrate the evolution of a
      greater tolerance to acute hypoxia in the hypoxia-evolved populations, consistent
      with adaptation to this environment. Greater hypoxia tolerance was associated
      with an increase in citrate synthase activity in fly homogenate when compared to
      normoxic (control) populations, suggesting an increase in mitochondrial volume
      density in these populations. In contrast, no direct evidence of increased
      performance of the hyperoxia-evolved populations was detected, although a
      significant decrease in the tolerance of these populations to acute hypoxia
      suggests a cost to adaptation to hyperoxia. Hyperoxia-evolved populations had
      lower productivity overall (i.e., across treatment environments) and there was no
      evidence that hypoxia or hyperoxia-evolved populations had greatest productivity
      or longevity in their respective treatment environments, suggesting that these
      assays failed to capture the components of fitness relevant to adaptation.

PMID- 22046391
TI  - Population attributable risk of unintentional childhood poisoning in Karachi
      Pakistan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The percentage of unintentional childhood poisoning cases in a given
      population attributable to specific risk factors (i.e., the population
      attributable risk) which can be calculated; determination of such risk factors
      associated with potentially modifiable risk factors, are necessary to focus on
      the prevention strategies. METHODS: We calculated PARs, using 120 cases with
      unintentional poisoning and 360 controls in a hospital based matched case-
      control study. The risk factors were accessibility to hazardous chemicals and
      medicines due to unsafe storage, child behavior reported as hyperactive, storage
      of kerosene and petroleum in soft drink bottles, low socioeconomic class, less
      education of the mother and the history of previous poisoning. RESULTS: THE
      FOLLOWING ATTRIBUTED RISKS WERE OBSERVED: 12% (95% confidence interval [CI] = 8%
      16%) for both chemicals and medicines stored unsafe, 19% (15%-23%) for child
      reported as hyperactive, 40% (38%-42%) for storage of kerosene and petroleum in
      soft drink bottles, 48% (42%-54%) for low socioeconomic status, 38% (32%-42%) for
      no formal mothers education and 5.8% (2%-10%) for history of previous poisoning.
      48% of cases for overall study population which could be attributed to at least
      one of the six risk factors. Among girls, this proportion was 23% and 43% among
      boys. About half of the unintentional childhood poisoning cases in this Pakistani
      population could be avoided. CONCLUSION: Exposure to potentially modifiable risk
      indicators explained about half of the cases of unintentional poisoning among
      children under five years of age in this Pakistani population, indicating the
      theoretical scope for prevention of the disease.

PMID- 22046393
TI  - Tissue-restricted expression of Nrf2 and its target genes in zebrafish with gene
      specific variations in the induction profiles.
AB  - The Keap1-Nrf2 system serves as a defense mechanism against oxidative stress and
      electrophilic toxicants by inducing more than one hundred cytoprotective
      proteins, including antioxidants and phase 2 detoxifying enzymes. Since induction
      profiles of Nrf2 target genes have been studied exclusively in cultured cells,
      and not in animal models, their tissue-specificity has not been well
      characterized. In this paper, we examined and compared the tissue-specific
      expression of several Nrf2 target genes in zebrafish larvae by whole-mount in
      situ hybridization (WISH). Seven zebrafish genes (gstp1, mgst3b, prdx1, frrs1c,
      fthl, gclc and hmox1a) suitable for WISH analysis were selected from candidates
      for Nrf2 targets identified by microarray analysis. Tissue-restricted induction
      was observed in the nose, gill, and/or liver for all seven genes in response to
      Nrf2-activating compounds, diethylmaleate (DEM) and sulforaphane. The Nrf2 gene
      itself was dominantly expressed in these three tissues, implying that tissue
      restricted induction of Nrf2 target genes is defined by tissue-specific
      expression of Nrf2. Interestingly, the induction of frrs1c and gclc in liver and
      nose, respectively, was quite low and that of hmox1a was restricted in the liver.
      These results indicate the existence of gene-specific variations in the tissue
      specificity, which can be controlled by factors other than Nrf2.

PMID- 22046392
TI  - Screening for active small molecules in mitochondrial complex I deficient
      patient's fibroblasts, reveals AICAR as the most beneficial compound.
AB  - Congenital deficiency of the mitochondrial respiratory chain complex I (CI) is a
      common defect of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Despite major advances in
      the biochemical and molecular diagnostics and the deciphering of CI structure,
      function assembly and pathomechanism, there is currently no satisfactory cure for
      patients with mitochondrial complex I defects. Small molecules provide one
      feasible therapeutic option, however their use has not been systematically
      evaluated using a standardized experimental system. In order to evaluate
      potentially therapeutic compounds, we set up a relatively simple system measuring
      different parameters using only a small amount of patient's fibroblasts, in
      glucose free medium, where growth is highly OXPOS dependent. Ten different
      compounds were screened using fibroblasts derived from seven CI patients,
      harboring different mutations.5-Aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribotide (AICAR) was
      found to be the most beneficial compound improving growth and ATP content while
      decreasing ROS production. AICAR also increased mitochondrial biogenesis without
      altering mitochondrial membrane potential (Deltapsi). Fluorescence microscopy
      data supported increased mitochondrial biogenesis and activation of the AMP
      activated protein kinase (AMPK). Other compounds such as; bezafibrate and
      oltipraz were rated as favorable while polyphenolic phytochemicals (resverastrol,
      grape seed extract, genistein and epigallocatechin gallate) were found not
      significant or detrimental. Although the results have to be verified by more
      thorough investigation of additional OXPHOS parameters, preliminary rapid
      screening of potential therapeutic compounds in individual patient's fibroblasts
      could direct and advance personalized medical treatment.

PMID- 22046394
TI  - Predictors of limb fat gain in HIV positive patients following a change to
      tenofovir-emtricitabine or abacavir-lamivudine.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Antiretroviral treatment (cART) in HIV causes lipoatrophy. We
      examined predictors of anthropometric outcomes over 96 weeks in HIV-infected,
      lipoatrophic adults receiving stable cART randomised to tenofovir-emtricitabine
      (TDF-FTC) or abacavir-lamivudine (ABC-3TC) fixed dose combinations.
      METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The STEAL study was a prospective trial of
      virologically suppressed participants randomised to either TDF-FTC (n = 178) or
      ABC-3TC (n = 179). Anthropometric assessment was conducted at baseline, weeks 48
      and 96. The analysis population included those with baseline and week 96 data
      remaining on randomised therapy. Distribution of limb fat change was divided into
      four categories (<= 0%, >0-10%, >10-20%, >20%). Baseline characteristics
      [demographics, medical history, metabolic and cardiovascular biomarkers] were
      assessed as potential predictors of change in percent subcutaneous limb fat using
      linear regression. 303 participants (85% of STEAL population) were included.
      Baseline characteristics were: mean (+/- SD) age 45 (+/- 8) years; thymidine
      analogue nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (tNRTI) duration 4 (+/- 3)
      years; limb fat 5.4 (+/- 3.0)kg; body mass index 24.7 (+/- 3 .5) kg/m(2). Mean
      (SD) limb fat gain to week 48 and 96 was 7.6% (+/- 22.4) and 13.2% (+/- 27.3),
      respectively, with no significant difference between groups. 51.5% of all
      participants had >10% gain in limb fat. Predictors of greater limb fat gain at
      week 96 were baseline tNRTI (10.3, p = 0.001), glucose >6 mmol/L (16.1, p =
      0.04), higher interleukin 6 (IL-6) (2.8, p = 0.004) and lower baseline limb fat
      (3.8-6.4 kg - 11.2; >6.4 kg - 15.7, p trend<0.001). CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE:
      Modest peripheral fat gain occurred with both TDF-FTC and ABC-3TC. Baseline
      factors associated with more severe lipodystrophy (lipoatrophy, baseline tNRTI,
      raised IL6, and glucose) predicted greater limb fat recovery at 96 weeks.

PMID- 22046395
TI  - Venom of parasitoid, Pteromalus puparum, suppresses host, Pieris rapae, immune
      promotion by decreasing host C-type lectin gene expression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Insect hosts have evolved immunity against invasion by parasitoids,
      and in co-evolutionary response parasitoids have also developed strategies to
      overcome host immune systems. The mechanisms through which parasitoid venoms
      disrupt the promotion of host immunity are still unclear. We report here a new
      mechanism evolved by parasitoid Pteromalus puparum, whose venom inhibited the
      promotion of immunity in its host Pieris rapae (cabbage white butterfly).
      METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: A full-length cDNA encoding a C-type lectin (Pr
      CTL) was isolated from P. rapae. Quantitative PCR and immunoblotting showed that
      injection of bacterial and inert beads induced expression of Pr-CTL, with peaks
      of mRNA and Pr-CTL protein levels at 4 and 8 h post beads challenge,
      respectively. In contrast, parasitoid venom suppressed Pr-CTL expression when co
      injected with beads, in a time and dose-dependent manner. Immunolocalization and
      immunoblotting results showed that Pr-CTL was first detectable in vesicles
      present in cytoplasm of granulocytes in host hemolymph, and was then secreted
      from cells into circulatory fluid. Finally, the secreted Pr-CTL bound to cellular
      membranes of both granulocytes and plasmatocytes. Injection of double-stranded
      RNA specific for target gene decreased expression of Pr-CTL, and a few other host
      immune-related genes. Suppression of Pr-CTL expression also down-regulated
      antimicrobial and phenoloxidase activities, and reducing phagocytotic and
      encapsulation rates in host. The inhibitory effect of parasitoid venom on host
      encapsulation is consistent with its effect in suppressing Pr-CTL expression.
      Binding assay results showed that recombinant Pr-CTL directly attached to the
      surface of P. puparum egges. We infer that Pr-CTL may serve as an immune
      signalling co-effector, first binding to parasitoid eggs, regulating expression
      of a set of immune-related genes and promoting host immunity.
      CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: P. puparum venom inhibits promotion of host immune
      responses by silencing expression of host C-type lectin gene Pr-CTL, whose
      expression affected transcription of other host immune-related genes.

PMID- 22046396
TI  - High-throughput analysis of calcium signalling kinetics in astrocytes stimulated
      with different neurotransmitters.
AB  - Astrocytes express a wide range of receptors for neurotransmitters and hormones
      that are coupled to increases in intracellular Ca(2+) concentration, enabling
      them to detect activity in both neuronal and vascular networks. There is
      increasing evidence that astrocytes are able to discriminate between different
      Ca(2+)-linked stimuli, as the efficiency of some Ca(2+) dependent processes-
      notably release of gliotransmitters--depends on the stimulus that initiates the
      Ca(2+) signal. The spatiotemporal complexity of Ca(2+) signals is substantial,
      and we here tested the hypothesis that variation in the kinetics of Ca(2+)
      responses could offer a means of selectively engaging downstream targets, if
      agonists exhibited a "signature shape" in evoked Ca(2+) response. To test this,
      astrocytes were exposed to three different receptor agonists (ATP, glutamate and
      histamine) and the resultant Ca(2+) signals were analysed for systematic
      differences in kinetics that depended on the initiating stimulus. We found
      substantial heterogeneity between cells in the time course of Ca(2+) responses,
      but the variation did not correlate with the type or concentration of the
      stimulus. Using a simple metric to quantify the extent of difference between
      populations, it was found that the variation between agonists was insufficient to
      allow signal discrimination. We conclude that the time course of global
      intracellular Ca(2+) signals does not offer the cells a means for distinguishing
      between different neurotransmitters.

PMID- 22046397
TI  - Validity of verbal autopsy procedures for determining malaria deaths in different
      epidemiological settings in Uganda.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Verbal autopsy (VA) procedures can be used to estimate cause of death
      in settings with inadequate vital registries. However, the sensitivity of VA for
      determining malaria-specific mortality may be low, and may vary with transmission
      intensity. We assessed the diagnostic accuracy of VA procedures as compared to
      hospital medical records for determining cause of death in children under five in
      three different malaria transmission settings in Uganda, including Tororo (high),
      Kampala (medium), and Kisoro (low). METHODS AND FINDINGS: Caretakers of children
      who died in participating hospitals were interviewed using a standardized World
      Health Organization questionnaire. Medical records from the child's
      hospitalization were also reviewed. Causes of death based on the VA
      questionnaires and the medical records were assigned independently by physician
      reviewers and then compared. A total of 719 cases were included in the final
      analysis, 67 in Tororo, 600 in Kampala, and 52 in Kisoro. Malaria was classified
      as the underlying or contributory cause of death by review of medical records in
      33 deaths in Tororo, 60 in Kampala, and 0 in Kisoro. The sensitivity of VA
      procedures for determining malaria deaths in Tororo was 61% (95% CI 44-78%) and
      50% in Kampala (95% CI 37-63%). Specificity for determining malaria deaths in
      Tororo and Kampala was high (>88%), but positive predictive value varied widely,
      from 83% in Tororo to 34% in Kampala (difference 49%, 95% CI 31-67, p<0.001). The
      difference between the cause-specific mortality fraction for malaria as
      determined by VA procedures and medical records was -11% in Tororo, +5% in
      Kampala, and +14% in Kisoro. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that these VA
      methods have an acceptable level of diagnostic accuracy for determining malaria
      deaths at the population level in high and medium transmission areas, but not in
      low transmission areas.

PMID- 22046398
TI  - Grooming coercion and the post-conflict trading of social services in wild
      Barbary macaques.
AB  - In animal and human societies, social services such as protection from predators
      are often exchanged between group members. The tactics that individuals display
      to obtain a service depend on its value and on differences between individuals in
      their capacity to aggressively obtain it. Here we analysed the exchange of
      valuable social services (i.e. grooming and relationship repair) in the aftermath
      of a conflict, in wild Barbary macaques (Macaca sylvanus). The relationship
      repair function of post-conflict affiliation (i.e. reconciliation) was apparent
      in the victim but not in the aggressor. Conversely, we found evidence for
      grooming coercion by the aggressor; when the victim failed to give grooming soon
      after a conflict they received renewed aggression from the aggressor. We argue
      that post-conflict affiliation between former opponents can be better described
      as a trading of social services rather than coercion alone, as both animals
      obtain some benefits (i.e. grooming for the aggressor and relationship repair for
      the victim). Our study is the first to test the importance of social coercion in
      the aftermath of a conflict. Differences in competitive abilities can affect the
      exchange of services and the occurrence of social coercion in animal societies.
      This may also help explain the variance between populations and species in their
      social behaviour and conflict management strategies.

PMID- 22046399
TI  - Lrp acts as both a positive and negative regulator for type 1 fimbriae production
      in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium.
AB  - Leucine-responsive regulatory protein (Lrp) is known to be an indirect activator
      of type 1 fimbriae synthesis in Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium via
      direct regulation of FimZ, a direct positive regulator for type 1 fimbriae
      production. Using RT-PCR, we have shown previously that fimA transcription is
      dramatically impaired in both lrp-deletion (Deltalrp) and constitutive-lrp
      expression (lrp(C)) mutant strains. In this work, we used chromosomal P(fimA)
      lacZ fusions and yeast agglutination assays to confirm and extend our previous
      results. Direct binding of Lrp to P(fimA) was shown by an electrophoretic
      mobility shift assay (EMSA) and DNA footprinting assay. Site-directed mutagenesis
      revealed that the Lrp-binding motifs in P(fimA) play a role in both activation
      and repression of type 1 fimbriae production. Overproduction of Lrp also
      abrogates fimZ expression. EMSA data showed that Lrp and FimZ proteins
      independently bind to P(fimA) without competitive exclusion. In addition, both
      Lrp and FimZ binding to P(fimA) caused a hyper retardation (supershift) of the
      DNA-protein complex compared to the shift when each protein was present alone.
      Nutrition-dependent cellular Lrp levels closely correlated with the amount of
      type 1 fimbriae production. These observations suggest that Lrp plays important
      roles in type 1 fimbriation by acting as both a positive and negative regulator
      and its effect depends, at least in part, on the cellular concentration of Lrp in
      response to the nutritional environment.

PMID- 22046400
TI  - Modulation ofTcf7l2 expression alters behavior in mice.
AB  - The comorbidity of type 2 diabetes (T2D) with several psychiatric diseases is
      well established. While environmental factors may partially account for these co
      occurrences, common genetic susceptibilities could also be implicated in the
      confluence of these diseases. In support of shared genetic burdens, TCF7L2, the
      strongest genetic determinant for T2D risk in the human population, has been
      recently implicated in schizophrenia (SCZ) risk, suggesting that this may be one
      of many loci that pleiotropically influence both diseases. To investigate whether
      Tcf7l2 is involved in behavioral phenotypes in addition to its roles in glucose
      metabolism, we conducted several behavioral tests in mice with null alleles of
      Tcf7l2 or overexpressing Tcf7l2. We identified a role for Tcf7l2 in anxiety-like
      behavior and a dose-dependent effect of Tcf7l2 alleles on fear learning. None of
      the mutant mice showed differences in prepulse inhibition (PPI), which is a well
      established endophenotype for SCZ. These results show that Tcf7l2 alters behavior
      in mice. Importantly, these differences are observed prior to the onset of
      detectable glucose metabolism abnormalities. Whether these differences are
      related to human anxiety-disorders or schizophrenia remains to be determined.
      These animal models have the potential to elucidate the molecular basis of
      psychiatric comorbidities in diabetes and should therefore be studied further.

PMID- 22046401
TI  - Fatty-acid preference changes during development in Drosophila melanogaster.
AB  - Fatty-acids (FAs) are required in the diet of many animals throughout their life.
      However, the mechanisms involved in the perception of and preferences for dietary
      saturated and unsaturated FAs (SFAs and UFAs, respectively) remain poorly
      explored, especially in insects. Using the model species Drosophila melanogaster,
      we measured the responses of wild-type larvae and adults to pure SFAs (14, 16,
      and 18 carbons) and UFAs (C18 with 1, 2, or 3 double-bonds). Individual and group
      behavioral tests revealed different preferences in larvae and adults. Larvae
      preferred UFAs whereas SFAs tended to induce both a strong aversion and a
      persistent aggregation behavior. Adults generally preferred SFAs, and laid more
      eggs and had a longer life span when ingesting these substances as compared to
      UFAs. Our data suggest that insects can discriminate long-chain dietary FAs. The
      developmental change in preference shown by this species might reflect functional
      variation in use of FAs or stage-specific nutritional requirements, and may be
      fundamental for insect use of these major dietary components.

PMID- 22046402
TI  - Methanosarcina acetivorans C2A topoisomerase IIIalpha, an archaeal enzyme with
      promiscuity in divalent cation dependence.
AB  - Topoisomerases play a fundamental role in genome stability, DNA replication and
      repair. As a result, topoisomerases have served as therapeutic targets of
      interest in Eukarya and Bacteria, two of the three domains of life. Since members
      of Archaea, the third domain of life, have not been implicated in any diseased
      state to-date, there is a paucity of data on archaeal topoisomerases. Here we
      report Methanosarcina acetivorans TopoIIIalpha (MacTopoIIIalpha) as the first
      biochemically characterized mesophilic archaeal topoisomerase. Maximal activity
      for MacTopoIIIalpha was elicited at 30-35 degrees C and 100 mM NaCl. As little as
      10 fmol of the enzyme initiated DNA relaxation, and NaCl concentrations above 250
      mM inhibited this activity. The present study also provides the first evidence
      that a type IA Topoisomerase has activity in the presence of all divalent cations
      tested (Mg(2+), Ca(2+), Sr(2+), Ba(2+), Mn(2+), Fe(2+), Co(2+), Ni(2+), Cu(2+),
      Zn(2+) and Cd(2+)). Activity profiles were, however, specific to each metal.
      Known type I (ssDNA and camptothecin) and type II (etoposide, novobiocin and
      nalidixic acid) inhibitors with different mechanisms of action were used to
      demonstrate that MacTopoIIIalpha is a type IA topoisomerase. Alignment of
      MacTopoIIIalpha with characterized topoisomerases identified Y317 as the putative
      catalytic residue, and a Y317F mutation ablated DNA relaxation activity,
      demonstrating that Y317 is essential for catalysis. As the role of Domain V (C
      terminal domain) is unclear, MacTopoIIIalpha was aligned with the canonical E.
      coli TopoI 67 kDa fragment in order to construct an N-terminal (1-586) and a C
      terminal (587-752) fragment for analysis. Activity could neither be elicited from
      the fragments individually nor reconstituted from a mixture of the fragments,
      suggesting that native folding is impaired when the two fragments are expressed
      separately. Evidence that each of the split domains plays a role in Zn(2+)
      binding of the enzyme is also provided.

PMID- 22046403
TI  - Investigation of variation in gene expression profiling of human blood by
      extended principle component analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Human peripheral blood is a promising material for biomedical
      research. However, various kinds of biological and technological factors result
      in a large degree of variation in blood gene expression profiles.
      METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Human peripheral blood samples were drawn from
      healthy volunteers and analysed using the Human Genome U133Plus2 Microarray. We
      applied a novel approach using the Principle Component Analysis and Eigen-R(2)
      methods to dissect the overall variation of blood gene expression profiles with
      respect to the interested biological and technological factors. The results
      indicated that the predominating sources of the variation could be traced to the
      individual heterogeneity of the relative proportions of different blood cell
      types (leukocyte subsets and erythrocytes). The physiological factors like age,
      gender and BMI were demonstrated to be associated with 5.3% to 9.2% of the total
      variation in the blood gene expression profiles. We investigated the gene
      expression profiles of samples from the same donors but with different levels of
      RNA quality. Although the proportion of variation associated to the RNA Integrity
      Number was mild (2.1%), the significant impact of RNA quality on the expression
      of individual genes was observed. CONCLUSIONS: By characterizing the major
      sources of variation in blood gene expression profiles, such variability can be
      minimized by modifications to study designs. Increasing sample size, balancing
      confounding factors between study groups, using rigorous selection criteria for
      sample quality, and well controlled experimental processes will significantly
      improve the accuracy and reproducibility of blood transcriptome study.

PMID- 22046404
TI  - Rates of mutation and host transmission for an Escherichia coli clone over 3
      years.
AB  - Although over 50 complete Escherichia coli/Shigella genome sequences are
      available, it is only for closely related strains, for example the O55:H7 and
      O157:H7 clones of E. coli, that we can assign differences to individual
      evolutionary events along specific lineages. Here we sequence the genomes of 14
      isolates of a uropathogenic E. coli clone that persisted for 3 years within a
      household, including a dog, causing a urinary tract infection (UTI) in the dog
      after 2 years. The 20 mutations observed fit a single tree that allows us to
      estimate the mutation rate to be about 1.1 per genome per year, with minimal
      evidence for adaptive change, including in relation to the UTI episode. The host
      data also imply at least 6 host transfer events over the 3 years, with 2 lineages
      present over much of that period. To our knowledge, these are the first direct
      measurements for a clone in a well-defined host community that includes rates of
      mutation and host transmission. There is a concentration of non-synonymous
      mutations associated with 2 transfers to the dog, suggesting some selection
      pressure from the change of host. However, there are no changes to which we can
      attribute the UTI event in the dog, which suggests that this occurrence after 2
      years of the clone being in the household may have been due to chance, or some
      unknown change in the host or environment. The ability of a UTI strain to persist
      for 2 years and also to transfer readily within a household has implications for
      epidemiology, diagnosis, and clinical intervention.

PMID- 22046405
TI  - The interaction between the first transmembrane domain and the thumb of ASIC1a is
      critical for its N-glycosylation and trafficking.
AB  - Acid-sensing ion channel-1a (ASIC1a), the primary proton receptor in the brain,
      contributes to multiple diseases including stroke, epilepsy and multiple
      sclerosis. Thus, a better understanding of its biogenesis will provide important
      insights into the regulation of ASIC1a in diseases. Interestingly, ASIC1a
      contains a large, yet well organized ectodomain, which suggests the hypothesis
      that correct formation of domain-domain interactions at the extracellular side is
      a key regulatory step for ASIC1a maturation and trafficking. We tested this
      hypothesis here by focusing on the interaction between the first transmembrane
      domain (TM1) and the thumb of ASIC1a, an interaction known to be critical in
      channel gating. We mutated Tyr71 and Trp287, two key residues involved in the TM1
      thumb interaction in mouse ASIC1a, and found that both Y71G and W287G decreased
      synaptic targeting and surface expression of ASIC1a. These defects were likely
      due to altered folding; both mutants showed increased resistance to tryptic
      cleavage, suggesting a change in conformation. Moreover, both mutants lacked the
      maturation of N-linked glycans through mid to late Golgi. These data suggest that
      disrupting the interaction between TM1 and thumb alters ASIC1a folding, impedes
      its glycosylation and reduces its trafficking. Moreover, reducing the culture
      temperature, an approach commonly used to facilitate protein folding, increased
      ASIC1a glycosylation, surface expression, current density and slowed the rate of
      desensitization. These results suggest that correct folding of extracellular
      ectodomain plays a critical role in ASIC1a biogenesis and function.

PMID- 22046406
TI  - Association of new loci identified in European genome-wide association studies
      with susceptibility to type 2 diabetes in the Japanese.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several novel susceptibility loci for type 2 diabetes have been
      identified through genome-wide association studies (GWAS) for type 2 diabetes or
      quantitative traits related to glucose metabolism in European populations. To
      investigate the association of the 13 new European GWAS-derived susceptibility
      loci with type 2 diabetes in the Japanese population, we conducted a replication
      study using 3 independent Japanese case-control studies. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL
      FINDINGS: We examined the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)
      within 13 loci (MTNR1B, GCK, IRS1, PROX1, BCL11A, ZBED3, KLF14, TP53INP1, KCNQ1,
      CENTD2, HMGA2, ZFAND6 and PRC1) with type 2 diabetes using 4,964 participants
      (2,839 cases and 2,125 controls) from 3 independent Japanese samples. The
      association of each SNP with type 2 diabetes was analyzed by logistic regression
      analysis. Further, we performed combined meta-analyses for the 3 studies and
      previously performed Japanese GWAS data (4,470 cases vs. 3,071 controls). The
      meta-analysis revealed that rs2943641 in the IRS1 locus was significantly
      associated with type 2 diabetes, (P = 0.0034, OR = 1.15 95% confidence interval;
      1.05-1.26) and 3 SNPs, rs10930963 in the MTNR1B locus, rs972283 in the KLF14
      locus, and rs231362 in the KCNQ1 locus, had nominal association with type 2
      diabetes in the present Japanese samples (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results
      indicate that IRS1 locus may be common locus for type 2 diabetes across different
      ethnicities.

PMID- 22046407
TI  - Thymosin beta 4 prevents oxidative stress by targeting antioxidant and anti
      apoptotic genes in cardiac fibroblasts.
AB  - RATIONALE: Thymosin beta-4 (Tbeta4) is a ubiquitous protein with diverse
      functions relating to cell proliferation and differentiation that promotes wound
      healing and modulates inflammatory responses. The effecter molecules targeted by
      Tbeta4 for cardiac protection remains unknown. The purpose of this study is to
      determine the molecules targeted by Tbeta4 that mediate cardio-protection under
      oxidative stress. METHODS: Rat neonatal fibroblasts cells were exposed to
      hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) in presence and absence of Tbeta4 and expression of
      antioxidant, apoptotic and pro-fibrotic genes was evaluated by quantitative real
      time PCR and western blotting. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were
      estimated by DCF-DA using fluorescent microscopy and fluorimetry. Selected
      antioxidant and antiapoptotic genes were silenced by siRNA transfections in
      cardiac fibroblasts and the effect of Tbeta4 on H(2)O(2)-induced profibrotic
      events was evaluated. RESULTS: Pre-treatment with Tbeta4 resulted in reduction of
      the intracellular ROS levels induced by H(2)O(2) in the cardiac fibroblasts. This
      was associated with an increased expression of antioxidant enzymes Cu/Zn
      superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase and reduction of Bax/Bcl(2) ratio. Tbeta4
      treatment reduced the expression of pro-fibrotic genes [connective tissue growth
      factor (CTGF), collagen type-1 (Col-I) and collagen type-3 (Col-III)] in the
      cardiac fibroblasts. Silencing of Cu/Zn-SOD and catalase gene triggered apoptotic
      cell death in the cardiac fibroblasts, which was prevented by treatment with
      Tbeta4. CONCLUSION: This is the first report that exhibits the targeted molecules
      modulated by Tbeta4 under oxidative stress utilizing the cardiac fibroblasts.
      Tbeta4 treatment prevented the profibrotic gene expression in the in vitro
      settings. Our findings indicate that Tbeta4 selectively targets and upregulates
      catalase, Cu/Zn-SOD and Bcl(2), thereby, preventing H(2)O(2)-induced profibrotic
      changes in the myocardium. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the
      signaling pathways involved in the cardio-protection afforded by Tbeta4.

PMID- 22046408
TI  - Development of gene expression markers of acute heat-light stress in reef
      building corals of the genus Porites.
AB  - Coral reefs are declining worldwide due to increased incidence of climate-induced
      coral bleaching, which will have widespread biodiversity and economic impacts. A
      simple method to measure the sub-bleaching level of heat-light stress experienced
      by corals would greatly inform reef management practices by making it possible to
      assess the distribution of bleaching risks among individual reef sites. Gene
      expression analysis based on quantitative PCR (qPCR) can be used as a diagnostic
      tool to determine coral condition in situ. We evaluated the expression of 13
      candidate genes during heat-light stress in a common Caribbean coral Porites
      astreoides, and observed strong and consistent changes in gene expression in two
      independent experiments. Furthermore, we found that the apparent return to
      baseline expression levels during a recovery phase was rapid, despite visible
      signs of colony bleaching. We show that the response to acute heat-light stress
      in P. astreoides can be monitored by measuring the difference in expression of
      only two genes: Hsp16 and actin. We demonstrate that this assay discriminates
      between corals sampled from two field sites experiencing different temperatures.
      We also show that the assay is applicable to an Indo-Pacific congener, P. lobata,
      and therefore could potentially be used to diagnose acute heat-light stress on
      coral reefs worldwide.

PMID- 22046409
TI  - Clinical symptoms in fibromyalgia are better associated to lipid peroxidation
      levels in blood mononuclear cells rather than in plasma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We examined lipid peroxidation (LPO) in blood mononuclear cells
      (BMCs) and plasma, as a marker of oxidative damage, and its association to
      clinical symptoms in Fibromyalgia (FM) patients. METHODS: We conducted a case
      control and correlational study comparing 65 patients and 45 healthy controls.
      Clinical parameters were evaluated using the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire
      (FIQ), visual analogues scales (VAS), and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI).
      Oxidative stress was determined by measuring LPO in BMCs and plasma. RESULTS: We
      found increased LPO levels in BMCs and plasma from FM patients as compared to
      normal control (P<0.001). A significant correlation between LPO in BMCs and
      clinical parameters was observed (r = 0.584, P<0.001 for VAS; r = 0.823, P<0.001
      for FIQ total score; and r = 0.875, P<0.01 for depression in the BDI). We also
      found a positive correlation between LPO in plasma and clinical symptoms (r =
      0.452, P<0.001 for VAS; r = 0.578, P<0.001 for FIQ total score; and r = 0.579,
      P<0.001 for depression in the BDI). Partial correlation analysis controlling for
      age and BMI, and sex, showed that both LPO in cells and plasma were independently
      associated to clinical symptoms. However, LPO in cells, but not LPO in plasma,
      was independently associated to clinical symptoms when controlling for depression
      (BDI scores). DISCUSSION: The results of this study suggest a role for oxidative
      stress in the pathophysiology of fibromyalgia and that LPO in BMCs rather than
      LPO in plasma is better associated to clinical symptoms in FM.

PMID- 22046410
TI  - c-Kit-mediated functional positioning of stem cells to their niches is essential
      for maintenance and regeneration of adult hematopoiesis.
AB  - The mechanism by which hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) through
      interaction with their niches maintain and reconstitute adult hematopoietic cells
      is unknown. To functionally and genetically track localization of HSPCs with
      their niches, we employed novel mutant loxPs, lox66 and lox71 and Cre-recombinase
      technology to conditionally delete c-Kit in adult mice, while simultaneously
      enabling GFP expression in the c-Kit-deficient cells. Conditional deletion of c
      Kit resulted in hematopoietic failure and splenic atrophy both at steady state
      and after marrow ablation leading to the demise of the treated adult mice. Within
      the marrow, the c-Kit-expressing GFP(+) cells were positioned to Kit ligand (KL)
      expressing niche cells. This c-Kit-mediated cellular adhesion was essential for
      long-term maintenance and expansion of HSPCs. These results lay the foundation
      for delivering KL within specific niches to maintain and restore hematopoiesis.

PMID- 22046411
TI  - Variation in cooperative behaviour within a single city.
AB  - Human cooperative behaviour, as assayed by decisions in experimental economic
      dilemmas such as the Dictator Game, is variable across human populations. Within
      population variation has been less well studied, especially within industrial
      societies. Moreover, little is known about the extent to which community-level
      variation in Dictator Game behaviour relates to community-level variation in real
      world social behaviour. We chose two neighbourhoods of the city of Newcastle upon
      Tyne that were similar in most regards, but at opposite ends of the spectrum in
      terms of level of socioeconomic deprivation. We administered Dictator Games to
      randomly-selected residents, and also gathered a large number of more
      naturalistic measures of cooperativeness. There were dramatic differences in
      Dictator Game behaviour between the two neighbourhoods, with the mean allocation
      to the other player close to half the stake in the affluent neighbourhood, and
      close to one tenth of the stake in the deprived neighbourhood. Moreover, the
      deprived neighbourhood was also characterised by lower self-reported social
      capital, higher frequencies of crime and antisocial behaviour, a higher frequency
      of littering, and less willingness to take part in a survey or return a lost
      letter. On the other hand, there were no differences between the neighbourhoods
      in terms of the probability of helping a person who dropped an object, needed
      directions to a hospital, or needed to make change for a coin, and people on the
      streets were less likely to be alone in the deprived neighbourhood than the
      affluent one. We conclude that there can be dramatic local differences in
      cooperative behaviour within the same city, and that these need further
      theoretical explanation.

PMID- 22046412
TI  - Novel sex cells and evidence for sex pheromones in diatoms.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diatoms belong to the stramenopiles, one of the largest groups of
      eukaryotes, which are primarily characterized by a presence of an anterior
      flagellum with tubular mastigonemes and usually a second, smooth flagellum. Based
      on cell wall morphology, diatoms have historically been divided into centrics and
      pennates, of which only the former have flagella and only on the sperm. Molecular
      phylogenies show the pennates to have evolved from among the centrics. However,
      the timing of flagellum loss--whether before the evolution of the pennate lineage
      or after--is unknown, because sexual reproduction has been so little studied in
      the 'araphid' basal pennate lineages, to which Pseudostaurosira belongs.
      METHODS/PRINCIPAL FINDING: Sexual reproduction of an araphid pennate,
      Pseudostaurosira trainorii, was studied with light microscopy (including time
      lapse observations and immunofluorescence staining observed under confocal
      scanning laser microscopy) and SEM. We show that the species produces motile male
      gametes. Motility is mostly associated with the extrusion and retrieval of
      microtubule-based 'threads', which are structures hitherto unknown in
      stramenopiles, their number varying from one to three per cell. We also report
      experimental evidence for sex pheromones that reciprocally stimulate
      sexualization of compatible clones and orientate motility of the male gametes
      after an initial 'random walk'. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The threads
      superficially resemble flagella, in that both are produced by male gametes and
      contain microtubules. However, one striking difference is that threads cannot
      beat or undulate and have no motility of their own, and they do not bear
      mastigonemes. Threads are sticky and catch and draw objects, including eggs. The
      motility conferred by the threads is probably crucial for sexual reproduction of
      P. trainorii, because this diatom is non-motile in its vegetative stage but
      obligately outbreeding. Our pheromone experiments are the first studies in which
      gametogenesis has been induced in diatoms by cell-free exudates, opening new
      possibilities for molecular 'dissection' of sexualization.

PMID- 22046413
TI  - Human RNA polymerase II-association factor 1 (hPaf1/PD2) regulates histone
      methylation and chromatin remodeling in pancreatic cancer.
AB  - Change in gene expression associated with pancreatic cancer could be attributed
      to the variation in histone posttranslational modifications leading to subsequent
      remodeling of the chromatin template during transcription. However, the
      interconnected network of molecules involved in regulating such processes remains
      elusive. hPaf1/PD2, a subunit of the human PAF-complex, involved in the
      regulation of transcriptional elongation has oncogenic potential. Our study
      explores the possibility that regulation of histone methylation by hPaf1 can
      contribute towards alteration in gene expression by nucleosomal rearrangement.
      Here, we show that knockdown of hPaf1/PD2 leads to decreased di- and tri
      methylation at histone H3 lysine 4 residues in pancreatic cancer cells.
      Interestingly, hPaf1/PD2 colocalizes with MLL1 (Mixed Lineage Leukemia 1), a
      histone methyltransferase that methylates H3K4 residues. Also, a reduction in
      hPaf1 level resulted in reduced MLL1 expression and a corresponding decrease in
      the level of CHD1 (Chromohelicase DNA-binding protein 1), an ATPase dependent
      chromatin remodeling enzyme that specifically binds to H3K4 di and trimethyl
      marks. hPaf1/PD2 was also found to interact and colocalize with CHD1 in both
      cytoplasmic and nuclear extracts of pancreatic cancer cells. Further, reduced
      level of CHD1 localization in the nucleus in hPaf1/PD2 Knockdown cells could be
      rescued by ectopic expression of hPaf1/PD2. Micrococcal nuclease digestion showed
      an altered chromatin structure in hPaf1/PD2-KD cells. Overall, our results
      suggest that hPaf1/PD2 in association with MLL1 regulates methylation of H3K4
      residues, as well as interacts and regulates nuclear shuttling of chromatin
      remodeling protein CHD1, facilitating its function in pancreatic cancer cells.

PMID- 22046414
TI  - Analysis of the expression, secretion and translocation of the Salmonella
      enterica type III secretion system effector SteA.
AB  - Many Gram-negative pathogens possess virulence-related type III secretion
      systems. Salmonella enterica uses two of these systems, encoded on the
      pathogenicity islands SPI-1 and SPI-2, respectively, to translocate more than 30
      effector proteins into eukaryotic host cells. SteA is one of the few effectors
      that can be translocated by both systems. We investigated the conditions
      affecting the synthesis of this effector, its secretion to culture media and its
      translocation into host cells. Whereas steA was expressed under a wide range of
      conditions, some factors, including low and high osmolarity, and presence of
      butyrate, decreased expression. SteA was efficiently secreted to the culture
      media under both SPI-1 and SPI-2 inducing conditions. The kinetics of
      translocation into murine macrophages and human epithelial cells was studied
      using fusions with the 3xFLAG tag, and fusions with CyaA from Bordetella
      pertussis. Translocation into macrophages under non-invasive conditions was
      mainly dependent on the SPI-2-encoded type III secretion system but some
      participation of the SPI-1 system was also detected 6 hours post-infection.
      Interestingly, both type III secretion systems had a relevant role in the
      translocation of SteA into epithelial cells. Finally, a deletion approach allowed
      the identification of the N-terminal signal necessary for translocation of this
      effector. The amino acid residues 1-10 were sufficient to direct translocation
      into host cells through both type III secretion systems. Our results provide new
      examples of functional overlapping between the two type III secretion systems of
      Salmonella.

PMID- 22046415
TI  - Antibodies recognizing Mycobacterium avium paratuberculosis epitopes cross-react
      with the beta-cell antigen ZnT8 in Sardinian type 1 diabetic patients.
AB  - The environmental factors at play in the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes (T1D)
      remain enigmatic. Mycobacterium avium subspecies paratuberculosis (MAP) is
      transmitted from dairy herds to humans through food contamination. MAP causes an
      asymptomatic infection that is highly prevalent in Sardinian T1D patients
      compared with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and healthy controls. Moreover, MAP elicits
      humoral responses against several mycobacterial proteins. We asked whether
      antibodies (Abs) against one of these proteins, namely MAP3865c, which displays a
      sequence homology with the beta-cell protein zinc transporter 8 (ZnT8) could be
      cross-reactive with ZnT8 epitopes. To this end, Ab responses against MAP3865c
      were analyzed in Sardinian T1D, T2D and healthy subjects using an enzymatic
      immunoassay. Abs against MAP3865c recognized two immunodominant transmembrane
      epitopes in 52-65% of T1D patients, but only in 5-7% of T2D and 3-5% of healthy
      controls. There was a linear correlation between titers of anti-MAP3865c and anti
      ZnT8 Abs targeting these two homologous epitopes, and pre-incubation of sera with
      ZnT8 epitope peptides blocked binding to the corresponding MAP3865c peptides.
      These results demonstrate that Abs recognizing MAP3865c epitopes cross-react with
      ZnT8, possibly underlying a molecular mimicry mechanism, which may precipitate
      T1D in MAP-infected individuals.

PMID- 22046416
TI  - Epilepsy caused by an abnormal alternative splicing with dosage effect of the
      SV2A gene in a chicken model.
AB  - Photosensitive reflex epilepsy is caused by the combination of an individual's
      enhanced sensitivity with relevant light stimuli, such as stroboscopic lights or
      video games. This is the most common reflex epilepsy in humans; it is
      characterized by the photoparoxysmal response, which is an abnormal
      electroencephalographic reaction, and seizures triggered by intermittent light
      stimulation. Here, by using genetic mapping, sequencing and functional analyses,
      we report that a mutation in the acceptor site of the second intron of SV2A (the
      gene encoding synaptic vesicle glycoprotein 2A) is causing photosensitive reflex
      epilepsy in a unique vertebrate model, the Fepi chicken strain, a spontaneous
      model where the neurological disorder is inherited as an autosomal recessive
      mutation. This mutation causes an aberrant splicing event and significantly
      reduces the level of SV2A mRNA in homozygous carriers. Levetiracetam, a second
      generation antiepileptic drug, is known to bind SV2A, and SV2A knock-out mice
      develop seizures soon after birth and usually die within three weeks. The Fepi
      chicken survives to adulthood and responds to levetiracetam, suggesting that the
      low-level expression of SV2A in these animals is sufficient to allow survival,
      but does not protect against seizures. Thus, the Fepi chicken model shows that
      the role of the SV2A pathway in the brain is conserved between birds and mammals,
      in spite of a large phylogenetic distance. The Fepi model appears particularly
      useful for further studies of physiopathology of reflex epilepsy, in comparison
      with induced models of epilepsy in rodents. Consequently, SV2A is a very
      attractive candidate gene for analysis in the context of both mono- and polygenic
      generalized epilepsies in humans.

PMID- 22046417
TI  - Transmission dynamics of low pathogenicity avian influenza infections in Turkey
      flocks.
AB  - Low pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI) viruses of H5 and H7 subtypes have the
      potential to mutate into highly pathogenic strains (HPAI), which can threaten
      human health and cause huge economic losses. The current knowledge on the
      mechanisms of mutation from LPAI to HPAI is insufficient for predicting which H5
      or H7 strains will mutate into an HPAI strain, and since the molecular changes
      necessary for the change in virulence seemingly occur at random, the probability
      of mutation depends on the number of virus replicates, which is associated with
      the number of birds that acquire infection. We estimated the transmission
      dynamics of LPAI viruses in turkeys using serosurveillance data from past
      epidemics in Italy. We fitted the proportions of birds infected in 36 flocks into
      a hierarchical model to estimate the basic reproduction number (R(0)) and
      possible variations in R(0) among flocks caused by differences among farms. We
      also estimated the distributions of the latent and infectious periods, using
      experimental infection data with outbreak strains. These were then combined with
      the R(0) to simulate LPAI outbreaks and characterise the resulting dynamics. The
      estimated mean within-flock R(0) in the population of infected flocks was 5.5,
      indicating that an infectious bird would infect an average of more than five
      susceptible birds. The results also indicate that the presence of seropositive
      birds does not necessarily mean that the virus has already been cleared and the
      flock is no longer infective, so that seropositive flocks may still constitute a
      risk of infection for other flocks. In light of these results, the enforcement of
      appropriate restrictions, the culling of seropositive flocks, or pre-emptive
      slaughtering may be useful. The model and parameter estimates presented in this
      paper provide the first complete picture of LPAI dynamics in turkey flocks and
      could be used for designing a suitable surveillance program.

PMID- 22046418
TI  - Atomic-level characterization of the activation mechanism of SERCA by calcium.
AB  - We have performed molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to elucidate, in atomic
      detail, the mechanism by which the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPase (SERCA)
      is activated by Ca(2+). Crystal structures suggest that activation of SERCA
      occurs when the cytoplasmic head-piece, in an open (E1) conformation stabilized
      by Ca(2+), undergoes a large-scale open-to-closed (E1 to E2) transition that is
      induced by ATP binding. However, spectroscopic measurements in solution suggest
      that these structural states (E1 and E2) are not tightly coupled to biochemical
      states (defined by bound ligands); the closed E2 state predominates even in the
      absence of ATP, in both the presence and absence of Ca(2+). How is this loose
      coupling consistent with the high efficiency of energy transduction in the Ca(2+)
      ATPase? To provide insight into this question, we performed long (500 ns) all
      atom MD simulations starting from the open crystal structure, including a lipid
      bilayer and water. In both the presence and absence of Ca(2+), we observed a
      large-scale open-to-closed conformational transition within 400 ns, supporting
      the weak coupling between structural and biochemical states. However, upon closer
      inspection, it is clear that Ca(2+) is necessary and sufficient for SERCA to
      reach the precise geometrical arrangement necessary for activation of ATP
      hydrolysis. Contrary to suggestions from crystal structures, but in agreement
      with solution spectroscopy, the presence of ATP is not required for this
      activating transition. Principal component analysis showed that Ca(2+) reshapes
      the free energy landscape of SERCA to create a path between the open conformation
      and the activated closed conformation. Thus the malleability of the free energy
      landscape is essential for SERCA efficiency, ensuring that ATP hydrolysis is
      tightly coupled to Ca(2+) transport. These results demonstrate the importance of
      real-time dynamics in the formation of catalytically competent conformations of
      SERCA, with broad implications for understanding enzymatic catalysis in atomic
      detail.

PMID- 22046419
TI  - Is fetal growth restriction associated with a more severe maternal phenotype in
      the setting of early onset pre-eclampsia? A retrospective study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Both pre-eclampsia and fetal growth restriction are thought to result
      from abnormal placental implantation in early pregnancy. Consistent with this
      shared pathophysiology, it is not uncommon to see growth restriction further
      confound the course of pre-eclampsia and vice versa. It has been previously
      suggested that superimposed growth restriction is associated with a more severe
      pre-eclamptic phenotype, however this has not been a consistent finding.
      Therefore, we set out to determine whether the presence of fetal growth
      restriction among women with severe early-onset pre-eclampsia was associated with
      more severe maternal disease compared to those without a growth-restricted fetus.
      METHODS AND FINDINGS: We undertook a retrospective cohort study of women
      presenting to a tertiary hospital with severe early-onset pre-eclampsia (<34
      weeks' gestation) between 2005-2009. We collected clinical data, including
      severity of pre-eclampsia, maternal and neonatal outcomes. Of 176 cases of severe
      pre-eclampsia, 39% (n = 68) were further complicated by fetal growth restriction.
      However, no significant difference was seen in relation to the severity of pre
      eclampsia between those with or without a growth-restricted baby. The presence of
      concomitant growth restriction was however associated with a significantly
      increased risk of stillbirth (p = 0.003) and total perinatal mortality (p =
      0.02). CONCLUSIONS: The presence of fetal growth restriction among women with
      severe early-onset pre-eclampsia is not associated with increased severity of
      maternal disease. However the incidence of stillbirth and perinatal death is
      significantly increased in this sub-population.

PMID- 22046420
TI  - Functional correlations of pathogenesis-driven gene expression signatures in
      tuberculosis.
AB  - Tuberculosis remains a major health threat and its control depends on improved
      measures of prevention, diagnosis and treatment. Biosignatures can play a
      significant role in the development of novel intervention measures against TB and
      blood transcriptional profiling is increasingly exploited for their rational
      design. Such profiles also reveal fundamental biological mechanisms associated
      with the pathology of the disease. We have compared whole blood gene expression
      in TB patients, as well as in healthy infected and uninfected individuals in a
      cohort in The Gambia, West Africa and validated previously identified signatures
      showing high similarities of expression profiles among different cohorts. In this
      study, we applied a unique combination of classical gene expression analysis with
      pathway and functional association analysis integrated with intra-individual
      expression correlations. These analyses were employed for identification of new
      disease-associated gene signatures, identifying a network of Fc gamma receptor 1
      signaling with correlating transcriptional activity as hallmark of gene
      expression in TB. Remarkable similarities to characteristic signatures in the
      autoimmune disease systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) were observed. Functional
      gene clusters of immunoregulatory interactions involving the JAK-STAT pathway;
      sensing of microbial patterns by Toll-like receptors and IFN-signaling provide
      detailed insights into the dysregulation of critical immune processes in TB,
      involving active expression of both pro-inflammatory and immunoregulatory
      systems. We conclude that transcriptomics (i) provides a robust system for
      identification and validation of biosignatures for TB and (ii) application of
      integrated analysis tools yields novel insights into functional networks
      underlying TB pathogenesis.

PMID- 22046421
TI  - A common genetic variant (97906C>A) of DAB2IP/AIP1 is associated with an
      increased risk and early onset of lung cancer in Chinese males.
AB  - DOC-2/DAB2 interactive protein (DAB2IP) is a novel identified tumor suppressor
      gene that inhibits cell growth and facilitates cell apoptosis. One genetic
      variant in DAB2IP gene was reported to be associated with an increased risk of
      aggressive prostate cancer recently. Since DAB2IP involves in the development of
      lung cancer and low expression of DAB2IP are observed in lung cancer, we
      hypothesized that the variations in DAB2IP gene can increase the genetic
      susceptibility to lung cancer. In a case-control study of 1056 lung cancer cases
      and 1056 sex and age frequency-matched cancer-free controls, we investigated the
      association between two common polymorphisms in DAB2IP gene (-1420T>G, rs7042542;
      97906C>A, rs1571801) and the risk of lung cancer. We found that compared with the
      97906CC genotypes, carriers of variant genotypes (97906AC+AA) had a significant
      increased risk of lung cancer (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 1.33, 95%CI = 1.04
      1.70, P = 0.023) and the number of variant (risk) allele worked in a dose
      response manner (P(trend) = 0.0158). Further stratification analysis showed that
      the risk association was more pronounced in subjects aged less than 60 years old,
      males, non-smokers, non-drinkers, overweight groups and in those with family
      cancer history in first or second-degree relatives, and the 97906A interacted
      with overweight on lung cancer risk. We further found the number of risk alleles
      (97906A allele) were negatively correlated with early diagnosis age of lung
      cancer in male patients (P = 0.003). However, no significant association was
      observed on the -1420T>G polymorphism. Our data suggested that the 97906A variant
      genotypes are associated with the increased risk and early onset of lung cancer,
      particularly in males.

PMID- 22046422
TI  - How frontoparietal brain regions mediate imitative and complementary actions: an
      FMRI study.
AB  - The 'mirror neuron system' (MNS), located within inferior parietal lobe (IPL) and
      inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), creates an internal motor representation of the
      actions we see and has been implicated in imitation. Recently, the MNS has been
      implicated in non-identical responses: when the actions we must execute do not
      match those that we observe. However, in such conflicting situations non action
      specific cognitive control networks also located in frontoparietal regions may be
      involved. In the present functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study
      participants made both similar and dissimilar actions within two action contexts:
      imitative and complementary. We aimed to determine whether activity within
      IPL/IFG depends on (i) responding under an imitative versus complementary context
      (ii) responding with similar versus dissimilar responses, and (iii) observing
      hand actions versus symbolic arrow cue stimuli. Activity within rIPL/rIFG regions
      was largest during observation of hand actions compared with arrow cues.
      Specifically, rIPL/rIFG were recruited only during the imitative context, when
      participants responded with similar actions. When responding to symbolic arrow
      cues, rIPL/rIFG activity increased during dissimilar responses, reflecting
      increased demands placed on general cognitive control mechanisms. These results
      suggest a specific role of rIPL/rIFG during imitation of hand actions, and also a
      general role of frontoparietal areas in mediating dissimilar responses to both
      hand actions and symbolic stimuli. We discuss our findings in relation to recent
      work that has examined the role of frontoparietal brain structures in joint
      actions and inter-actor cooperation. We conclude that the specific brain regions
      identified here to show increased activation during action observation conditions
      are likely to form part of a mechanism specifically involved in matching observed
      actions directly with internal motor plans. Conversely, observation of arrow cues
      recruited part of a wider cognitive control network involved in the rapid
      remapping of stimulus-response associations.

PMID- 22046423
TI  - Palmitate-activated macrophages confer insulin resistance to muscle cells by a
      mechanism involving protein kinase C theta and epsilon.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Macrophage-derived factors contribute to whole-body insulin
      resistance, partly by impinging on metabolically active tissues. As proof of
      principle for this interaction, conditioned medium from macrophages treated with
      palmitate (CM-PA) reduces insulin action and glucose uptake in muscle cells.
      However, the mechanism whereby CM-PA confers this negative response onto muscle
      cells remains unknown. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: L6-GLUT4myc myoblasts were
      exposed for 24 h to palmitate-free conditioned medium from RAW 264.7 macrophages
      pre-treated with 0.5 mM palmitate for 6 h. This palmitate-free CM-PA, containing
      selective cytokines and chemokines, inhibited myoblast insulin-stimulated insulin
      receptor substrate 1 (IRS1) tyrosine phosphorylation, AS160 phosphorylation,
      GLUT4 translocation and glucose uptake. These effects were accompanied by a rise
      in c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) activation, degradation of Inhibitor of
      kappaBalpha (IkappaBalpha), and elevated expression of proinflammatory cytokines
      in myoblasts. Notably, CM-PA caused IRS1 phosphorylation on Ser1101, and
      phosphorylation of novel PKCtheta and epsilon. Co-incubation of myoblasts with CM
      PA and the novel and conventional PKC inhibitor Go6983 (but not with the
      conventional PKC inhibitor Go6976) prevented PKCtheta and epsilon activation, JNK
      phosphorylation, restored IkappaBalpha mass and reduced proinflammatory cytokine
      production. Go6983 also restored insulin signalling and glucose uptake in
      myoblasts. Moreover, co-silencing both novel PKC theta and epsilon isoforms in
      myoblasts by RNA interference, but not their individual silencing, prevented the
      inflammatory response and restored insulin sensitivity to CM-PA-treated
      myoblasts. CONCLUSIONS/CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The results suggest that the block
      in muscle insulin action caused by CM-PA is mediated by novel PKCtheta and
      PKCepsilon. This study re-establishes the participation of macrophages as a relay
      in the action of fatty acids on muscle cells, and further identifies PKCtheta and
      PKCepsilon as key elements in the inflammatory and insulin resistance responses
      of muscle cells to macrophage products. Furthermore, it portrays these PKC
      isoforms as potential targets for the treatment of fatty acid-induced,
      inflammation-linked insulin resistance.

PMID- 22046424
TI  - Quantitative bias in Illumina TruSeq and a novel post amplification barcoding
      strategy for multiplexed DNA and small RNA deep sequencing.
AB  - Here we demonstrate a method for unbiased multiplexed deep sequencing of RNA and
      DNA libraries using a novel, efficient and adaptable barcoding strategy called
      Post Amplification Ligation-Mediated (PALM). PALM barcoding is performed as the
      very last step of library preparation, eliminating a potential barcode-induced
      bias and allowing the flexibility to synthesize as many barcodes as needed. We
      sequenced PALM barcoded micro RNA (miRNA) and DNA reference samples and evaluated
      the quantitative barcode-induced bias in comparison to the same reference samples
      prepared using the Illumina TruSeq barcoding strategy. The Illumina TruSeq small
      RNA strategy introduces the barcode during the PCR step using differentially
      barcoded primers, while the TruSeq DNA strategy introduces the barcode before the
      PCR step by ligation of differentially barcoded adaptors. Results show virtually
      no bias between the differentially barcoded miRNA and DNA samples, both for the
      PALM and the TruSeq sample preparation methods. We also multiplexed miRNA
      reference samples using a pre-PCR barcode ligation. This barcoding strategy
      results in significant bias.

PMID- 22046425
TI  - Postoperative adverse outcomes in intellectually disabled surgical patients: a
      nationwide population-based study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intellectually disabled patients have various comorbidities, but
      their risks of adverse surgical outcomes have not been examined. This study
      assesses pre-existing comorbidities, adjusted risks of postoperative major
      morbidities and mortality in intellectually disabled surgical patients. METHODS:
      A nationwide population-based study was conducted in patients who underwent
      inpatient major surgery in Taiwan between 2004 and 2007. Four controls for each
      patient were randomly selected from the National Health Insurance Research
      Database. Preoperative major comorbidities, postoperative major complications and
      30-day in-hospital mortality were compared between patients with and without
      intellectual disability. Use of medical services also was analyzed. Adjusted odds
      ratios using multivariate logistic regression analyses with 95% confidence
      intervals were applied to verify intellectual disability's impact. RESULTS:
      Controls were compared with 3983 surgical patients with intellectual disability.
      Risks for postoperative major complications were increased in patients with
      intellectual disability, including acute renal failure (odds ratio 3.81, 95%
      confidence interval 2.28 to 6.37), pneumonia (odds ratio 2.01, 1.61 to 2.49),
      postoperative bleeding (odds ratio 1.35, 1.09 to 1.68) and septicemia (odds ratio
      2.43, 1.85 to 3.21) without significant differences in overall mortality.
      Disability severity was positively correlated with postoperative septicemia risk.
      Medical service use was also significantly higher in surgical patients with
      intellectual disability. CONCLUSION: Intellectual disability significantly
      increases the risk of overall major complications after major surgery. Our
      findings show a need for integrated and revised protocols for postoperative
      management to improve care for intellectually disabled surgical patients.

PMID- 22046427
TI  - Altering host resistance to infections through microbial transplantation.
AB  - Host resistance to bacterial infections is thought to be dictated by host genetic
      factors. Infections by the natural murine enteric pathogen Citrobacter rodentium
      (used as a model of human enteropathogenic and enterohaemorrhagic E. coli
      infections) vary between mice strains, from mild self-resolving colonization in
      NIH Swiss mice to lethality in C3H/HeJ mice. However, no clear genetic component
      had been shown to be responsible for the differences observed with C. rodentium
      infections. Because the intestinal microbiota is important in regulating
      resistance to infection, and microbial composition is dependent on host genotype,
      it was tested whether variations in microbial composition between mouse strains
      contributed to differences in "host" susceptibility by transferring the
      microbiota of resistant mice to lethally susceptible mice prior to infection.
      Successful transfer of the microbiota from resistant to susceptible mice resulted
      in delayed pathogen colonization and mortality. Delayed mortality was associated
      with increased IL-22 mediated innate defense including antimicrobial peptides
      Reg3gamma and Reg3beta, and immunono-neutralization of IL-22 abrogated the
      beneficial effect of microbiota transfer. Conversely, depletion of the native
      microbiota in resistant mice by antibiotics and transfer of the susceptible mouse
      microbiota resulted in reduced innate defenses and greater pathology upon
      infection. This work demonstrates the importance of the microbiota and how it
      regulates mucosal immunity, providing an important factor in susceptibility to
      enteric infection. Transfer of resistance through microbial transplantation
      (bacteriotherapy) provides additional mechanisms to alter "host" resistance, and
      a novel means to alter enteric infection and to study host-pathogen interactions.

PMID- 22046428
TI  - Genetic ablation of PLA2G6 in mice leads to cerebellar atrophy characterized by
      Purkinje cell loss and glial cell activation.
AB  - Infantile neuroaxonal dystrophy (INAD) is a progressive, autosomal recessive
      neurodegenerative disease characterized by axonal dystrophy, abnormal iron
      deposition and cerebellar atrophy. This disease was recently mapped to PLA2G6,
      which encodes group VI Ca(2+)-independent phospholipase A(2) (iPLA(2) or
      iPLA(2)beta). Here we show that genetic ablation of PLA2G6 in mice (iPLA(2)beta(
      /-)) leads to the development of cerebellar atrophy by the age of 13 months.
      Atrophied cerebella exhibited significant loss of Purkinje cells, as well as
      reactive astrogliosis, the activation of microglial cells, and the pronounced up
      regulation of the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF
      alpha) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta). Moreover, glial cell activation and the
      elevation in TNF-alpha and IL-1beta expression occurred before apparent
      cerebellar atrophy. Our findings indicate that the absence of PLA2G6 causes
      neuroinflammation and Purkinje cell loss and ultimately leads to cerebellar
      atrophy. Our study suggests that iPLA(2)beta(-/-) mice are a valuable model for
      cerebellar atrophy in INAD and that early anti-inflammatory therapy may help slow
      the progression of cerebellar atrophy in this deadly neurodegenerative disease.

PMID- 22046429
TI  - Urocortin-1 within the centrally-projecting Edinger-Westphal nucleus is critical
      for ethanol preference.
AB  - Converging lines of evidence point to the involvement of neurons of the centrally
      projecting Edinger-Westphal nucleus (EWcp) containing the neuropeptide Urocortin
      1 (Ucn1) in excessive ethanol (EtOH) intake and EtOH sensitivity. Here, we
      expanded these previous findings by using a continuous-access, two-bottle choice
      drinking paradigm (3%, 6%, and 10% EtOH vs. tap water) to compare EtOH intake and
      EtOH preference in Ucn1 genetic knockout (KO) and wild-type (WT) mice. Based on
      previous studies demonstrating that electrolytic lesion of the EWcp attenuated
      EtOH intake and preference in high-drinking C57BL/6J mice, we also set out to
      determine whether EWcp lesion would differentially alter EtOH consumption in Ucn1
      KO and WT mice. Finally, we implemented well-established place conditioning
      procedures in KO and WT mice to determine whether Ucn1 and the corticotropin
      releasing factor type-2 receptor (CRF-R2) were involved in the rewarding and
      aversive effects of EtOH (2 g/kg, i.p.). Results from these studies revealed that
      (1) genetic deletion of Ucn1 dampened EtOH preference only in mice with an intact
      EWcp, but not in mice that received lesion of the EWcp, (2) lesion of the EWcp
      dampened EtOH intake in Ucn1 KO and WT mice, but dampened EtOH preference only in
      WT mice expressing Ucn1, and (3) genetic deletion of Ucn1 or CRF-R2 abolished the
      conditioned rewarding effects of EtOH, but deletion of Ucn1 had no effect on the
      conditioned aversive effects of EtOH. The current findings provide strong support
      for the hypothesis that EWcp-Ucn1 neurons play an important role in EtOH intake,
      preference, and reward.

PMID- 22046426
TI  - Structural basis for broad neutralization of hepatitis C virus quasispecies.
AB  - Monoclonal antibodies directed against hepatitis C virus (HCV) E2 protein can
      neutralize cell-cultured HCV and pseudoparticles expressing envelopes derived
      from multiple HCV subtypes. For example, based on antibody blocking experiments
      and alanine scanning mutagenesis, it was proposed that the AR3B monoclonal
      antibody recognized a discontinuous conformational epitope comprised of amino
      acid residues 396-424, 436-447, and 523-540 of HCV E2 envelope protein.
      Intriguingly, one of these segments (436-447) overlapped with hypervariable
      region 3 (HVR3), a domain that exhibited significant intrahost and interhost
      genetic diversity. To reconcile these observations, amino-acid sequence
      variability was examined and homology-based structural modelling of E2 based on
      tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) E protein was performed based on 413 HCV
      sequences derived from 18 subjects with chronic hepatitis C. Here we report that
      despite a high degree of amino-acid sequence variability, the three-dimensional
      structure of E2 is remarkably conserved, suggesting broad recognition of
      structural determinants rather than specific residues. Regions 396-424 and 523
      540 were largely exposed and in close spatial proximity at the surface of E2. In
      contrast, region 436-447, which overlaps with HVR3, was >35 A away, and estimates
      of buried surface were inconsistent with HVR3 being part of the AR3B binding
      interface. High-throughput structural analysis of HCV quasispecies could
      facilitate the development of novel vaccines that target conserved structural
      features of HCV envelope and elicit neutralizing antibody responses that are less
      vulnerable to viral escape.

PMID- 22046430
TI  - RNA-Seq reveals an integrated immune response in nucleated erythrocytes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Throughout the primary literature and within textbooks, the
      erythrocyte has been tacitly accepted to have maintained a unique physiological
      role; namely gas transport and exchange. In non-mammalian vertebrates, nucleated
      erythrocytes are present in circulation throughout the life cycle and a
      fragmented series of observations in mammals support a potential role in non
      respiratory biological processes. We hypothesised that nucleated erythrocytes
      could actively participate via ligand-induced transcriptional re-programming in
      the immune response. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Nucleated erythrocytes from
      both fish and birds express and regulate specific pattern recognition receptor
      (PRR) mRNAs and, thus, are capable of specific pathogen associated molecular
      pattern (PAMP) detection that is central to the innate immune response. In vitro
      challenge with diverse PAMPs led to de novo specific mRNA synthesis of both
      receptors and response factors including interferon-alpha (IFNalpha) that exhibit
      a stimulus-specific polysomal shift supporting active translation. RNA-Seq
      analysis of the PAMP (Poly (I:C), polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid)-erythrocyte
      response uncovered diverse cohorts of differentially expressed mRNA transcripts
      related to multiple physiological systems including the endocrine, reproductive
      and immune. Moreover, erythrocyte-derived conditioned mediums induced a type-1
      interferon response in macrophages thus supporting an integrative role for the
      erythrocytes in the immune response. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: We demonstrate
      that nucleated erythrocytes in non-mammalian vertebrates spanning significant
      phylogenetic distance participate in the immune response. RNA-Seq studies
      highlight a mRNA repertoire that suggests a previously unrecognized integrative
      role for the erythrocytes in other physiological systems.

PMID- 22046431
TI  - Evolutionary history of the vertebrate mitogen activated protein kinases family.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPK) family pathway is
      implicated in diverse cellular processes and pathways essential to most
      organisms. Its evolution is conserved throughout the eukaryotic kingdoms.
      However, the detailed evolutionary history of the vertebrate MAPK family is
      largely unclear. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The MAPK family members were
      collected from literatures or by searching the genomes of several vertebrates and
      invertebrates with the known MAPK sequences as queries. We found that vertebrates
      had significantly more MAPK family members than invertebrates, and the vertebrate
      MAPK family originated from 3 progenitors, suggesting that a burst of gene
      duplication events had occurred after the divergence of vertebrates from
      invertebrates. Conservation of evolutionary synteny was observed in the
      vertebrate MAPK subfamilies 4, 6, 7, and 11 to 14. Based on synteny and
      phylogenetic relationships, MAPK12 appeared to have arisen from a tandem
      duplication of MAPK11 and the MAPK13-MAPK14 gene unit was from a segmental
      duplication of the MAPK11-MAPK12 gene unit. Adaptive evolution analyses reveal
      that purifying selection drove the evolution of MAPK family, implying strong
      functional constraints of MAPK genes. Intriguingly, however, intron losses were
      specifically observed in the MAPK4 and MAPK7 genes, but not in their flanking
      genes, during the evolution from teleosts to amphibians and mammals. The specific
      occurrence of intron losses in the MAPK4 and MAPK7 subfamilies might be
      associated with adaptive evolution of the vertebrates by enhancing the gene
      expression level of both MAPK genes. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: These results
      provide valuable insight into the evolutionary history of the vertebrate MAPK
      family.

PMID- 22046432
TI  - Dissolution of pre-existing platelet thrombus by synergistic administration of
      low concentrations of bifunctional antibodies against beta3 integrin.
AB  - Most antithrombotic approaches target prevention rather than the more clinically
      relevant issue of resolution of an existing thrombus. In this study, we describe
      a novel and effective therapeutic strategy for ex vivo clearance of pre-existing
      platelet thrombus by the combination of two bifunctional platelet GPIIIa49-66
      ligands that target different parts of the arterial thrombus. We produced an
      additional GPIIIa49-66 agent (named APAC), which homes to activated platelets.
      Like our previously described SLK (which targets newly deposited fibrin strands
      surrounding the platelet thrombus), APAC destroys platelet aggregates ex vivo in
      an identical fashion with 85% destruction of platelet aggregates at 2 hours. The
      combined application of APAC and SLK demonstrated a ~2 fold greater platelet
      thrombus dissolution than either agent alone at a low concentration (0.025 uM).
      Platelet-rich clot lysis experiments demonstrated the time required for 50%
      platelet-rich fibrin clot lysis (T(50%)) by APAC (95 +/- 6.1 min) or SLK (145 +/-
      7.1 min) was much longer than that by combined APAC + SLK (65 +/- 7.6 min) at the
      final concentration of 0.025 uM (APAC + SLK vs APAC, p<0.05; APAC + SLK vs SLK,
      p<0.01). Thus these low concentrations of a combination of both agents are likely
      to be more effective and less toxic when used therapeutically in vivo.

PMID- 22046433
TI  - Deletion of exon 20 of the Familial Dysautonomia gene Ikbkap in mice causes
      developmental delay, cardiovascular defects, and early embryonic lethality.
AB  - Familial Dysautonomia (FD) is an autosomal recessive disorder that affects
      1/3,600 live births in the Ashkenazi Jewish population, and leads to death before
      the age of 40. The disease is characterized by abnormal development and
      progressive degeneration of the sensory and autonomic nervous system. A single
      base pair substitution in intron 20 of the Ikbkap gene accounts for 98% of FD
      cases, and results in the expression of low levels of the full-length mRNA with
      simultaneous expression of an aberrantly spliced mRNA in which exon 20 is
      missing. To date, there is no animal model for the disease, and the essential
      cellular functions of IKAP--the protein encoded by Ikbkap--remain unknown. To
      better understand the normal function of IKAP and in an effort to generate a
      mouse model for FD, we have targeted the mouse Ikbkap gene by homologous
      recombination. We created two distinct alleles that result in either loss of
      Ikbkap expression, or expression of an mRNA lacking only exon 20. Homozygosity
      for either mutation leads to developmental delay, cardiovascular and brain
      malformations, accompanied with early embryonic lethality. Our analyses indicate
      that IKAP is essential for expression of specific genes involved in cardiac
      morphogenesis, and that cardiac failure is the likely cause of abnormal vascular
      development and embryonic lethality. Our results also indicate that deletion of
      exon 20 abolishes gene function. This implies that the truncated IKAP protein
      expressed in FD patients does not retain any significant biological function.

PMID- 22046434
TI  - Overexpression of a minimal domain of calpastatin suppresses IL-6 production and
      Th17 development via reduced NF-kappaB and increased STAT5 signals.
AB  - Calpain, a calcium-dependent cysteine protease, is reportedly involved in the
      pathophysiology of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In
      addition, autoantibodies against calpastatin, a natural and specific inhibitor of
      calpain, are widely observed in RA. We previously reported that E-64-d, a
      membrane-permeable cysteine protease inhibitor, is effective in treating
      experimental arthritis. However, the exact role of the calpastatin-calpain
      balance in primary inflammatory cells remains unclear. Here we investigated the
      effect of calpain-specific inhibition by overexpressing a minimal functional
      domain of calpastatin in primary helper T (Th) cells, primary fibroblasts from RA
      patients, and fibroblast cell lines. We found that the calpastatin-calpain
      balance varied during Th1, Th2, and Th17 development, and that overexpression of
      a minimal domain of calpastatin (by retroviral gene transduction) or the
      inhibition of calpain by E-64-d suppressed the production of IL-6 and IL-17 by Th
      cells and the production of IL-6 by fibroblasts. These suppressions were
      associated with reductions in RORgammat expression and STAT3 phosphorylation.
      Furthermore, inhibiting calpain by silencing its small regulatory subunit (CPNS)
      suppressed Th17 development. We also confirmed that overexpressing a minimal
      domain of calpastatin suppressed IL-6 by reducing NF-kappaB signaling via the
      stabilization of IkappaBalpha, without affecting the upstream signal. Moreover,
      our findings indicated that calpastatin overexpression suppressed IL-17
      production by Th cells by up-regulating the STAT5 signal. Finally, overexpression
      of a minimal domain of calpastatin suppressed IL-6 production efficiently in
      primary fibroblasts derived from the RA synovium. These findings suggest that
      inhibiting calpain by overexpressing a minimal domain of calpastatin could
      coordinately suppress proinflammatory activities, not only those of Th cells but
      also of synovial fibroblasts. Thus, this strategy may prove viable as a candidate
      treatment for inflammatory diseases such as RA.

PMID- 22046435
TI  - Deep sequencing the transcriptome reveals seasonal adaptive mechanisms in a
      hibernating mammal.
AB  - Mammalian hibernation is a complex phenotype involving metabolic rate reduction,
      bradycardia, profound hypothermia, and a reliance on stored fat that allows the
      animal to survive for months without food in a state of suspended animation. To
      determine the genes responsible for this phenotype in the thirteen-lined ground
      squirrel (Ictidomys tridecemlineatus) we used the Roche 454 platform to sequence
      mRNA isolated at six points throughout the year from three key tissues: heart,
      skeletal muscle, and white adipose tissue (WAT). Deep sequencing generated
      approximately 3.7 million cDNA reads from 18 samples (6 time points *3 tissues)
      with a mean read length of 335 bases. Of these, 3,125,337 reads were assembled
      into 140,703 contigs. Approximately 90% of all sequences were matched to proteins
      in the human UniProt database. The total number of distinct human proteins
      matched by ground squirrel transcripts was 13,637 for heart, 12,496 for skeletal
      muscle, and 14,351 for WAT. Extensive mitochondrial RNA sequences enabled a novel
      approach of using the transcriptome to construct the complete mitochondrial
      genome for I. tridecemlineatus. Seasonal and activity-specific changes in mRNA
      levels that met our stringent false discovery rate cutoff (1.0 * 10(-11)) were
      used to identify patterns of gene expression involving various aspects of the
      hibernation phenotype. Among these patterns are differentially expressed genes
      encoding heart proteins AT1A1, NAC1 and RYR2 controlling ion transport required
      for contraction and relaxation at low body temperatures. Abundant RNAs in
      skeletal muscle coding ubiquitin pathway proteins ASB2, UBC and DDB1 peak in
      October, suggesting an increase in muscle proteolysis. Finally, genes in WAT that
      encode proteins involved in lipogenesis (ACOD, FABP4) are highly expressed in
      August, but gradually decline in expression during the seasonal transition to
      lipolysis.

PMID- 22046436
TI  - Categorization of extremely brief auditory stimuli: domain-specific or domain
      general processes?
AB  - The present study investigated the minimum amount of auditory stimulation that
      allows differentiation of spoken voices, instrumental music, and environmental
      sounds. Three new findings were reported. 1) All stimuli were categorized above
      chance level with 50 ms-segments. 2) When a peak-level normalization was applied,
      music and voices started to be accurately categorized with 20 ms-segments. When
      the root-mean-square (RMS) energy of the stimuli was equalized, voice stimuli
      were better recognized than music and environmental sounds. 3) Further
      psychoacoustical analyses suggest that the categorization of extremely brief
      auditory stimuli depends on the variability of their spectral envelope in the
      used set. These last two findings challenge the interpretation of the voice
      superiority effect reported in previously published studies and propose a more
      parsimonious interpretation in terms of an emerging property of auditory
      categorization processes.

PMID- 22046437
TI  - CARM1 mediates modulation of Sox2.
AB  - Sox2 is a key component of the transcription factor network that maintains the
      pluripotent state of embryonic stem cells (ESCs). Sox2 is regulated by multiple
      post-translational modifications, including ubiquitination, sumoylation,
      acetylation and phosphorylation. Here we report that Sox2 is in association with
      and methylated by coactivator-associated arginine methyltransferase 1 (CARM1), a
      protein arginine methyltransferase that plays a pivotal role in ESCs. We found
      that CARM1 facilitates Sox2-mediated transactivation and directly methylates Sox2
      at arginine 113. This methylation event enhances Sox2 self-association.
      Furthermore, the physiological retention of Sox2 on chromatin restricts the Sox2
      methylation level. Our study reveals the direct regulation of Sox2 by CARM1 that
      sheds lights on how arginine methylation signals are integrated into the
      pluripotent transcription factor network.

PMID- 22046438
TI  - Bacterial-epithelial contact is a key determinant of host innate immune responses
      to enteropathogenic and enteroaggregative Escherichia coli.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Enteropathogenic (EPEC) and Enteroaggregative (EAEC) E. coli have
      similar, but distinct clinical symptoms and modes of pathogenesis. Nevertheless
      when they infect the gastrointestinal tract, it is thought that their flagellin
      causes IL-8 release leading to neutrophil recruitment and gastroenteritis.
      However, this may not be the whole story as the effect of bacterial adherence to
      IEC innate response(s) remains unclear. Therefore, we have characterized which
      bacterial motifs contribute to the innate epithelial response to EPEC and EAEC,
      using a range of EPEC and EAEC isogenic mutant strains. METHODOLOGY: Caco-2 and
      HEp-2 cell lines were exposed to prototypical EPEC strain E2348/69 or EAEC strain
      O42, in addition to a range of isogenic mutant strains. E69 [LPS, non-motile, non
      adherent, type three secretion system (TTSS) negative, signalling negative] or
      O42 [non-motile, non-adherent]. IL-8 and CCL20 protein secretion was measured.
      Bacterial surface structures were assessed by negative staining Transmission
      Electron Microscopy. The Fluorescent-actin staining test was carried out to
      determine bacterial adherence. RESULTS: Previous studies have reported a balance
      between the host pro-inflammatory response and microbial suppression of this
      response. In our system an overall balance towards the host pro-inflammatory
      response is seen with the E69 WT and to a greater extent O42 WT, which is in fit
      with clinical symptoms. On removal of the external EPEC structures flagella, LPS,
      BFP, EspA and EspC; and EAEC flagella and AAF, the host inflammatory response is
      reduced. However, removal of E69 lymphostatin increases the host inflammatory
      response suggesting involvement in the bacterial mediated anti-inflammatory
      response. CONCLUSION: Epithelial responses were due to combinations of bacterial
      agonists, with host-bacterial contact a key determinant of these innate
      responses. Host epithelial recognition was offset by the microbe's ability to
      down-regulate the inflammatory response. Understanding the complexity of this
      host-microbial balance will contribute to improved vaccine design for infectious
      gastroenteritis.

PMID- 22046439
TI  - Serum A-FABP is increased and closely associated with elevated NT-proBNP levels
      in type 2 diabetic patients treated with rosiglitazone.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (A-FABP) has been shown to play
      important roles in the development of metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and
      cardiovascular diseases. In this study we investigated the possible role of A
      FABP in the development of cardiac dysfunction related to rosiglitazone
      treatment. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: A total of 84 patients with newly
      diagnosed type 2 diabetes were treated with rosiglitazone for 48 weeks.
      Circulating A-FABP and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP)
      levels were determined at baseline and repeated at 24 and 48 weeks. After the 48
      week rosiglitazone treatment period, serum levels of both A-FABP and NT-proBNP
      increased progressively and significantly (P<0.01). Serum levels of A-FABP were
      demonstrated to be positively correlated with gender and waist circumference both
      at baseline and the end of the study, and with age, body mass index (BMI), total
      cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C),
      and NT-proBNP at 48 weeks (all P<0.05). In addition, changes in A-FABP were
      significantly and positively correlated with changes in NT-proBNP (r = 0.239, P =
      0.039). Furthermore, multiple stepwise regression analysis showed that the
      changes in A-FABP were independently and positively associated with changes in NT
      proBNP after adjusting for confounding factors (beta = 0.320, P = 0.007).
      CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Rosiglitazone-mediated increase of A-FABP is closely
      associated with the elevation of NT-proBNP, a well-established marker of cardiac
      dysfunction. The findings of our study imply that A-FABP may mediate the cross
      talk between heart and adipose tissue.

PMID- 22046440
TI  - Acetylation of the pro-apoptotic factor, p53 in the hippocampus following
      cerebral ischemia and modulation by estrogen.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent studies demonstrate that acetylation of the transcription
      factor, p53 on lysine(373) leads to its enhanced stabilization/activity and
      increased susceptibility of cells to stress. However, it is not known whether
      acetylation of p53 is altered in the hippocampus following global cerebral
      ischemia (GCI) or is regulated by the hormone, 17beta-estradiol (17beta-E(2)),
      and thus, this study examined these issues. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The
      study revealed that Acetyl p53-Lysine(373) levels were markedly increased in the
      hippocampal CA1 region after GCI at 3 h, 6 h and 24 h after reperfusion, an
      effect strongly attenuated by 17beta-E(2). 17beta-E(2) also enhanced interaction
      of p53 with the ubiquitin ligase, Mdm2, increased ubiquitination of p53, and
      induced its down-regulation, as well as attenuated elevation of the p53
      transcriptional target, Puma. We also observed enhanced acetylation of p53 at a
      different lysine (Lys(382)) at 3 h after reperfusion, and 17beta-E(2) also
      markedly attenuated this effect. Furthermore, administration of an inhibitor of
      CBP/p300 acetyltransferase, which acetylates p53, was strongly neuroprotective of
      the CA1 region following GCI. In long-term estrogen deprived (LTED) animals, the
      ability of 17beta-E(2) to attenuate p53 acetylation was lost, and intriguingly,
      Acetyl p53-Lysine(373) levels were markedly elevated in sham (non-ischemic) LTED
      animals. Finally, intracerebroventricular injections of Gp91ds-Tat, a specific
      NADPH oxidase (NOX2) inhibitor, but not the scrambled tat peptide control (Sc
      Tat), attenuated acetylation of p53 and reduced levels of Puma following GCI.
      CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The studies demonstrate that p53 undergoes enhanced
      acetylation in the hippocampal CA1 region following global cerebral ischemia, and
      that the neuroprotective agent, 17beta-E(2), markedly attenuates the ischemia
      induced p53 acetylation. Furthermore, following LTED, the suppressive effect of
      17beta-E(2) on p53 acetylation is lost, and p53 acetylation increases in the
      hippocampus, which may explain previous reports of increased sensitivity of the
      hippocampus to ischemic stress following LTED.

PMID- 22046441
TI  - IFI16 protein mediates the anti-inflammatory actions of the type-I interferons
      through suppression of activation of caspase-1 by inflammasomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Type-I interferons (IFNs) are used to treat certain inflammatory
      diseases. Moreover, activation of type-I IFN-signaling in immune cells inhibits
      the production of proinflammatory cytokines and activation of inflammasomes.
      However, the molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. Upon sensing cytosolic
      double-stranded DNA, the AIM2 protein forms the AIM2-ASC inflammasome, resulting
      in activation of caspase-1. Given that the IFI16 and AIM2 proteins are IFN
      inducible and can heterodimerize with each other, we investigated the regulation
      of IFI16, AIM2, and inflammasome proteins by type-I and type-II IFNs and explored
      whether the IFI16 protein could negatively regulate the activation of the AIM2
      (or other) inflammasome. METHODOLOGY/ PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We found that basal
      levels of the IFI16 and AIM2 proteins were relatively low in peripheral blood
      monocytes (CD14(+)) and in the THP-1 monocytic cell line. However, treatment of
      THP-1 cells with type-I (IFN-alpha or beta) or type-II (IFN-gamma) IFN induced
      the expression levels of IFI16, AIM2, ASC and CASP1 proteins. The induced levels
      of IFI16 and AIM2 proteins were detected primarily in the cytoplasm. Accordingly,
      relatively more IFI16 protein bound with the AIM2 protein in the cytoplasmic
      fraction. Notably, increased expression of IFI16 protein in transfected HEK-293
      cells inhibited activation of caspase-1 by the AIM2-ASC inflammasome. Moreover,
      the constitutive knockdown of the IFI16 expression in THP-1 cells increased the
      basal and induced [induced by poly(dA:dT) or alum] activation of the caspase-1 by
      the AIM2 and NLRP3 inflammasomes. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Our observations
      revealed that the type-I and type-II IFNs induce the expression of IFI16, AIM2,
      and inflammasome proteins to various extents in THP-1 cells and the expression of
      IFI16 protein in THP-1 cells suppresses the activation of caspase-1 by the AIM2
      and NLRP3 inflammasomes. Thus, our observations identify the IFI16 protein as a
      mediator of the anti-inflammatory actions of the type-I IFNs.

PMID- 22046442
TI  - Sensitization of glioma cells to tamoxifen-induced apoptosis by Pl3-kinase
      inhibitor through the GSK-3beta/beta-catenin signaling pathway.
AB  - Malignant gliomas represent one of the most aggressive types of cancers and their
      recurrence is closely linked to acquired therapeutic resistance. A combination of
      chemotherapy is considered a promising therapeutic model in overcoming
      therapeutic resistance and enhancing treatment efficacy. Herein, we show by
      colony formation, Hochest 33342 and TUNEL staining, as well as by flow cytometric
      analysis, that LY294002, a specific phosphatidylinositide-3-kinase (PI3K)
      inhibitor, enhanced significantly the sensitization of a traditional cytotoxic
      chemotherapeutic agent, tamoxifen-induced apoptosis in C6 glioma cells.
      Activation of PI3K signaling pathway by IGF-1 protected U251 cells from apoptosis
      induced by combination treatment of LY294002 and tamoxifen. Interference of PI3K
      signaling pathway by PI3K subunit P85 siRNA enhanced the sensitization of U251
      glioma cells to tamoxifen -induced apoptosis. By Western blotting, we found that
      combination treatment showed lower levels of phosphorylated Akt(Ser473) and GSK
      3beta(Ser9) than a single treatment of LY294002. Further, we showed a significant
      decrease of nuclear beta-catenin by combination treatment. In response to the
      inhibition of beta-catenin signaling, mRNA and protein levels of Survivin and the
      other three antiapoptotic genes Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, and Mcl-1 were significantly
      decreased by combination treatment. Our results indicated that the synergistic
      cytotoxic effect of LY294002 and tamoxifen is achieved by the inhibition of GSK
      3beta/beta-catenin signaling pathway.

PMID- 22046443
TI  - Within- and across-species responses of plant traits and litter decomposition to
      elevation across contrasting vegetation types in subarctic tundra.
AB  - Elevational gradients are increasingly recognized as a valuable tool for
      understanding how community and ecosystem properties respond to climatic factors,
      but little is known about how plant traits and their effects on ecosystem
      processes respond to elevation. We studied the response of plant leaf and litter
      traits, and litter decomposability across a gradient of elevation, and thus
      temperature, in subarctic tundra in northern Sweden for each of two contrasting
      vegetation types, heath and meadow, dominated by dwarf shrubs and herbaceous
      plants respectively. This was done at each of three levels; across species,
      within individual species, and the plant community using a community weighted
      average approach. Several leaf and litter traits shifted with increasing
      elevation in a manner consistent with greater conservation of nutrients at all
      three levels, and the most consistent response was an increase in tissue N to P
      ratio. However, litter decomposition was less directly responsive to elevation
      because the leaf and litter traits which were most responsive to elevation were
      not necessarily those responsible for driving decomposition. At the community
      level, the response to elevation of foliar and litter traits, and
      decomposability, varied greatly among the two vegetation types, highlighting the
      importance of vegetation type in determining ecological responses to climatic
      factors such as temperature. Finally our results highlight how understanding the
      responses of leaf and litter characteristics of functionally distinct vegetation
      types, and the processes that they drive, to temperature helps provide insights
      about how future climate change could affect tundra ecosystems.

PMID- 22046444
TI  - Chronic fluid flow is an environmental modifier of renal epithelial function.
AB  - Although solitary or sensory cilia are present in most cells of the body and
      their existence has been known since the sixties, very little is been known about
      their functions. One suspected function is fluid flow sensing- physical bending
      of cilia produces an influx of Ca(++), which can then result in a variety of
      activated signaling pathways. Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease
      (ADPKD) is a progressive disease, typically appearing in the 5(th) decade of life
      and is one of the most common monogenetic inherited human diseases, affecting
      approximately 600,000 people in the United States. Because ADPKD is a slowly
      progressing disease, I asked how fluid flow may act, via the primary cilium, to
      alter epithelial physiology during the course of cell turnover. I performed an
      experiment to determine under what conditions fluid flow can result in a change
      of function of renal epithelial tissue. A wildtype epithelial cell line derived
      the cortical collecting duct of a heterozygous offspring of the Immortomouse
      (Charles River Laboratory) was selected as our model system. Gentle orbital
      shaking was used to induce physiologically relevant fluid flow, and periodic
      measurements of the transepithelial Sodium current were performed. At the
      conclusion of the experiment, mechanosensitive proteins of interest were
      visualized by immunostaining. I found that fluid flow, in itself, modifies the
      transepithelial sodium current, cell proliferation, and the actin cytoskeleton.
      These results significantly impact the understanding of both the mechanosensation
      function of primary cilia as well as the understanding of ADPKD disease
      progression.

PMID- 22046445
TI  - Cell-cell contact preserves cell viability via plakoglobin.
AB  - Control over cell viability is a fundamental property underlying numerous
      physiological processes. Cell spreading on a substrate was previously
      demonstrated to be a major factor in determining the viability of individual
      cells. In multicellular organisms, cell-cell contact is likely to play a
      significant role in regulating cell vitality, but its function is easily masked
      by cell-substrate interactions, thus remains incompletely characterized. In this
      study, we show that suspended immortalized human keratinocyte sheets with
      persisting intercellular contacts exhibited significant contraction, junctional
      actin localization, and reinforcement of cell-cell adhesion strength. Further,
      cells within these sheets remain viable, in contrast to trypsinized cells
      suspended without either cell-cell or cell-substrate contact, which underwent
      apoptosis at high rates. Suppression of plakoglobin weakened cell-cell adhesion
      in cell sheets and suppressed apoptosis in suspended, trypsinized cells. These
      results demonstrate that cell-cell contact may be a fundamental control mechanism
      governing cell viability and that the junctional protein plakoglobin is a key
      regulator of this process. Given the near-ubiquity of plakoglobin in
      multicellular organisms, these findings could have significant implications for
      understanding cell adhesion, modeling disease progression, developing
      therapeutics and improving the viability of tissue engineering protocols.

PMID- 22046446
TI  - Sedimentary environment influences the effect of an infaunal suspension feeding
      bivalve on estuarine ecosystem function.
AB  - The suspension feeding bivalve Austrovenus stutchburyi is a key species on
      intertidal sandflats in New Zealand, affecting the appearance and functioning of
      these systems, but is susceptible to several environmental stressors including
      sedimentation. Previous studies into the effect of this species on ecosystem
      function have been restricted in space and time, limiting our ability to infer
      the effect of habitat change on functioning. We examined the effect of
      Austrovenus on benthic primary production and nutrient dynamics at two sites, one
      sandy, the other composed of muddy-sand to determine whether sedimentary
      environment alters this key species' role. At each site we established large (16
      m(2)) plots of two types, Austrovenus addition and removal. In winter and summer
      we deployed light and dark benthic chambers to quantify oxygen and nutrient
      fluxes and measured sediment denitrification enzyme activity to assess
      denitrification potential. Rates of gross primary production (GPP) and ammonium
      uptake were significantly increased when Austrovenus was added, relative to
      removed, at the sandy site (GPP, 1.5 times greater in winter and summer; ammonium
      uptake, 8 times greater in summer; 3-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA),
      p<0.05). Denitrification potential was also elevated in Austrovenus addition
      plots at the sandy site in summer (by 1.6 times, p<0.1). In contrast, there was
      no effect of Austrovenus treatment on any of these variables at the muddy-sand
      site, and overall rates tended to be lower at the muddy-sand site, relative to
      the sandy site (e.g. GPP was 2.1 to 3.4 times lower in winter and summer,
      respectively, p<0.001). Our results suggest that the positive effects of
      Austrovenus on system productivity and denitrification potential is limited at a
      muddy-sand site compared to a sandy site, and reveal the importance of
      considering sedimentary environment when examining the effect of key species on
      ecosystem function.

PMID- 22046447
TI  - The mitochondrial genome of Baylisascaris procyonis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Baylisascaris procyonis (Nematoda: Ascaridida), an intestinal
      nematode of raccoons, is emerging as an important helminthic zoonosis due to
      serious or fatal larval migrans in animals and humans. Despite its significant
      veterinary and public health impact, the epidemiology, molecular ecology and
      population genetics of this parasite remain largely unexplored. Mitochondrial
      (mt) genomes can provide a foundation for investigations in these areas and
      assist in the diagnosis and control of B. procyonis. In this study, the first
      complete mt genome sequence of B. procyonis was determined using a polymerase
      chain reaction (PCR)-based primer-walking strategy. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL
      FINDINGS: The circular mt genome (14781 bp) of B. procyonis contained 12 protein
      coding, 22 transfer RNA and 2 ribosomal RNA genes congruent with other
      chromadorean nematodes. Interestingly, the B. procyonis mtDNA featured an
      extremely long AT-rich region (1375 bp) and a high number of intergenic spacers
      (17), making it unique compared with other secernentean nematodes characterized
      to date. Additionally, the entire genome displayed notable levels of AT skew and
      GC skew. Based on pairwise comparisons and sliding window analysis of mt genes
      among the available 11 Ascaridida mtDNAs, new primer pairs were designed to
      amplify specific short fragments of the genes cytb (548 bp fragment) and rrnL
      (200 bp fragment) in the B. procyonis mtDNA, and tested as possible alternatives
      to existing mt molecular beacons for Ascaridida. Finally, phylogenetic analysis
      of mtDNAs provided novel estimates of the interrelationships of Baylisasaris and
      Ascaridida. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The complete mt genome sequence of B.
      procyonis sequenced here should contribute to molecular diagnostic methods,
      epidemiological investigations and ecological studies of B. procyonis and other
      related ascaridoids. The information will be important in refining the
      phylogenetic relationships within the order Ascaridida and enriching the resource
      of markers for systematic, population genetic and evolutionary biological studies
      of parasitic nematodes of socio-economic importance.

PMID- 22046448
TI  - Erythropoietin enhances nerve repair in anti-ganglioside antibody-mediated models
      of immune neuropathy.
AB  - Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is a monophasic immune neuropathic disorder in
      which a significant proportion of patients have incomplete recovery. The patients
      with incomplete recovery almost always have some degree of failure of axon
      regeneration and target reinnervation. Anti-ganglioside antibodies (Abs) are the
      most commonly recognized autoimmune markers in all forms of GBS and specific Abs
      are associated with the slow/poor recovery. We recently demonstrated that
      specific anti-ganglioside Abs inhibit axonal regeneration and nerve repair in
      preclinical models by activation of small GTPase RhoA and its downstream
      effectors. The objective of this study was to determine whether erythropoietin
      (EPO), a pleiotropic cytokine with neuroprotective and neurotrophic properties,
      enhances nerve regeneration in preclinical cell culture and animal models of
      autoimmune neuropathy/nerve repair generated with monoclonal and patient derived
      Abs. Primary neuronal cultures and a standardized sciatic crush nerve model were
      used to assess the efficacy of EPO in reversing inhibitory effects of anti
      ganglioside Abs on nerve repair. We found that EPO completely reversed the
      inhibitory effects of anti-ganglioside Abs on axon regeneration in cell culture
      models and significantly improved nerve regeneration/repair in an animal model.
      Moreover, EPO-induced proregenerative effects in nerve cells are through EPO
      receptors and Janus kinase 2/Signal transducer and activator of transcription 5
      pathway and not via early direct modulation of small GTPase RhoA. These
      preclinical studies indicate that EPO is a viable candidate drug to develop
      further for neuroprotection and enhancing nerve repair in patients with GBS.

PMID- 22046449
TI  - Temporal responses of wild-type pigmentation and RcaE-deficient strains of
      Fremyella diplosiphon during light transitions.
AB  - A temporal study was conducted to evaluate the dynamic complementary chromatic
      adaptation (CCA) response of two Fremyella diplosiphon strains-wild-type
      pigmentation strain SF33 and an RcaE-deficient (DeltarcaE) strain, which lacks
      the photosensor that regulates CCA. SF33 and DeltarcaE cultures were monitored
      for 15 days after transition of green-light (GL) acclimated cultures to red light
      (RL) and vice versa. SF33 showed similar growth irrespective of the external
      light quality; however, a DeltarcaE strain grew slower than SF33 under both RL
      and GL. Chlorophyll a (chla) content increased in both strains over time and was
      not much different under RL and GL indicating that chla biosynthesis is not
      affected significantly by light quality or RcaE function. Phycoerythrin is the
      sole pigment to absorb GL, whereas several pigments, i.e., allophycocyanin,
      phycocyanin and chla, function under RL to drive photosynthesis. SF33 compensates
      for this by synthesizing a higher percentage of PE under GL. The final pigment
      distribution in the DeltarcaE mutant was found to be more different from SF33
      under GL than under RL indicating that RcaE is needed for a transitional response
      to RL and RL-dependent repression of PE accumulation, yet RcaE is virtually
      critical for both transitioning to and a full adaptation to GL.

PMID- 22046450
TI  - Nuclear actin: A key player in extracellular matrix-nucleus communication.
AB  - Decades of research have shown that there is an intimate relationship between the
      extracellular matrix (ECM) and cellular phenotype. While the existence of this
      relationship remains inarguably clear, the exact details through which the
      extracellular matrix controls phenotypic behavior at the gene expression level
      are, for the most part, elusive. In a recent study on mammary epithelial cells,
      nuclear actin was identified as a key effector protein through which laminin Type
      III (LN1) attenuates RNA polymerase activity to promote growth arrest. This
      finding forms the basis from which one can begin to envision a mechanism through
      which the ECM can control nuclear function to enact changes in cell behavior.
      Here I will briefly discuss the current depth of knowledge with regards to the
      relationship between LN1 and nuclear actin and its implication in mammary
      epithelial cell growth and function.

PMID- 22046451
TI  - Regulation of neuronal functions by the E3-ubiquitinligase protein associated
      with MYC (MYCBP2).
AB  - The E3-ubiquitinligase MYCBP2 regulates neuronal growth, synaptogenesis and
      synaptic plasticity by modulating several signaling pathways including the p38
      MAPK signaling cascade. We found that loss of MYCBP2 in peripheral sensory
      neurons inhibits the internalization of transient receptor potential vanilloid
      receptor 1 (TRPV1) in a p38 MAPK-dependent manner. This prevented desensitization
      of activity-induced calcium increases and prolongs formalin-induced thermal
      hyperalgesia in mice. Besides its function in pain perception TRPV1 is also
      involved in the regulation of neuronal growth. Therefore, the observed effect of
      MYCBP2 on TRPV1 internalization could be part of the mechanisms underlying its
      well documented regulatory role in neuronal growth. The clarification of the
      mechanism is important for the understanding of the different MYCBP2-functions in
      diverse neuronal subpopulations and species.

PMID- 22046452
TI  - Can mathematics explain the evolution of human language?
AB  - Investigation into the sequence structure of the genetic code by means of an
      informatic approach is a real success story. The features of human language are
      also the object of investigation within the realm of formal language theories.
      They focus on the common rules of a universal grammar that lies behind all
      languages and determine generation of syntactic structures. This universal
      grammar is a depiction of material reality, i.e., the hidden logical order of
      things and its relations determined by natural laws. Therefore mathematics is
      viewed not only as an appropriate tool to investigate human language and genetic
      code structures through computer science-based formal language theory but is
      itself a depiction of material reality. This confusion between language as a
      scientific tool to describe observations/experiences within cognitive constructed
      models and formal language as a direct depiction of material reality occurs not
      only in current approaches but was the central focus of the philosophy of science
      debate in the twentieth century, with rather unexpected results. This article
      recalls these results and their implications for more recent mathematical
      approaches that also attempt to explain the evolution of human language.

PMID- 22046453
TI  - Ion-selective self-referencing probes for measuring specific ion flux.
AB  - The metal vibrating probe developed in the 1970s to measure electric current is
      sensitive down to the micro-Amp range, but detects only net current due to flow
      of multiple ions and is too large to measure from single cells.
      Electrophysiological techniques which use glass microelectrodes such as voltage
      clamping can be used on single cells but are also non-specific. Ion-selective
      probes are glass microelectrodes containing at their tip a small amount of
      ionophore permeable to a particular ion. The electrode is therefore sensitive to
      changes in concentration of this ion. If the probe tip is moved at low frequency
      between two points in a concentration gradient of this ion then the
      electrochemical potential of the solution inside the electrode fluctuates in
      proportion to the size of the ion gradient. This fluctuation is amplified and
      recorded and is used to calculate the actual ion flux using Fick's law of
      diffusion. In this mini-review we describe the technique of ion-selective self
      referencing microelectrodes to measure specific ion fluxes. We discuss the
      development of the technique and describe in detail the methodology and present
      some representative results.

PMID- 22046454
TI  - A tale of two sites: How ubiquitination of a G protein-coupled receptor is
      coupled to its lysosomal trafficking from distinct receptor domains.
AB  - The beta(2)-adrenergic receptor (beta(2)AR) is a prototypical G(s)-coupled
      receptor belonging to the superfamily of seven transmembrane spanning
      heptahelical receptors (7TMRs or G protein-coupled receptors [GPCRs])
      therapeutically the most diverse and accessible class of cell surface receptors.
      The classic pathway of beta(2)AR signaling (Fig. 1) is triggered by activation of
      the heterotrimeric G protein G(s) by agonists (catecholamines-noradrenaline and
      adrenaline). This in turn activates adenylyl cyclase leading to the generation of
      second messenger signaling molecules (cyclic adenosine monophosphates, cAMP)
      which subsequently activate protein kinase A (PKA) as well as some ion channels,
      such as the class C type of L-type calcium channels, Ca(v)1.2.31 Here in we
      review how trafficking and signaling of the beta(2)AR is regulated by the post
      translational modification, ubiquitination.1.

PMID- 22046455
TI  - Intraluminal volume homeostasis: A common sertonergic mechanism among diverse
      epithelia.
AB  - Volume homeostasis is a common physiological phenomenon for fluid secreting
      organs, such as exocrine and endocrine glands. It is a manifestation of a finite
      intraluminal space and an ever changing demand for secretory fluids. Volume
      homeostasis addresses issues of fluid secretion, storage and clearance for
      efficient functioning. Here we discuss the evidence gathered over the past 2-3
      decades on serotonin's role as a feedback inhibitor of secretion in the mammary
      gland, salivary gland, liver, pancreas, lung, thyroid gland and prostate gland.
      We propose that serotonin action is a common mechanism of regulating intraductal
      volume homeostasis.

PMID- 22046456
TI  - DAAM family members leading a novel path into formin research.
AB  - Formins are an important and evolutionarily well conserved class of actin binding
      proteins with essential biological functions. Although their molecular roles in
      actin regulation have been clearly demonstrated in vitro, their functions at the
      cellular or organism levels are still poorly understood. To illustrate this
      problem, but also to demonstrate potential ways forward, we focus here on the
      DAAM group of formins. In vertebrates, DAAM group members have been demonstrated
      to be important regulators of cellular and tissue morphogenesis but, as for all
      formins, the molecular mechanisms underlying these morphogenetic functions remain
      to be uncovered. The genome of the fruitfly Drosophila encodes a single DAAM gene
      that is evolutionarily highly conserved. Recent work on dDAAM has already
      provided a unique combination of observations and experimental opportunities
      unrivalled by any other Drosophila formin. These comprise in vitro actin
      polymerisation assays, subcellular studies in culture and in vivo, and a range of
      developmental phenotypes revealing a role in tracheal morphogenesis, axonal
      growth and muscle organization. At all these levels, future work on dDAAM will
      capitalize on the power of fly genetics, raising unique opportunities to advance
      our understanding of dDAAM at the systems level, with obvious implications for
      other formins.

PMID- 22046458
TI  - The yolk cell of the zebrafish blastula harbors functional apoptosis machinery.
AB  - We recently described the implication of the Bcl-2 related antiapoptotic Nrz
      protein during early zebrafish development. Nrz knock-down induces calcium
      dependent cytoskeleton remodeling leading to margin constriction and premature
      embryo lethality. In the YSL, nrz knock-down embryos exhibit some typical
      features of apoptosis such as mitochondrial transmembrane potential loss and
      cytochrome c release. However, downstream caspase-3 activation has not been
      detected so far. Here, we report that the YSL contains fully functional apoptotic
      machinery that can activate caspase-3 following zBax ectopic expression.
      Furthermore, we present evidence that caspase-3 activation is actually detectable
      in nrz knock-down embryos when premature margin constriction is prevented.

PMID- 22046457
TI  - The diverse functions of short-term plasticity components in synaptic
      computations.
AB  - Short-term plasticity (STP) comprises several rapid synaptic processes that
      operate on millisecond-to-minute timescales and modulate synaptic efficacy in an
      activity-dependent manner. Facilitation and augmentation are two major STP
      components in central synapses that work to enhance synaptic strength, while
      various forms of short-term depression work to decrease it. These multiple
      components of STP interact to perform a variety of synaptic computations. Using a
      modeling approach in excitatory hippocampal synapses, we recently described the
      contributions of individual STP components to synaptic operations. In this mini
      review, we summarize the recent findings that revealed a wide palette of
      functions that STP components play in neural operations and discuss their roles
      in information processing, working memory and decision making.

PMID- 22046459
TI  - Assembly and breakdown of microtubules within the midbody.
AB  - In animal cells, cell division concludes with the separation of two daughter
      cells during a process called cytokinesis. Abscission, the termination of
      cytokinesis, is performed through formation of the midbody, a vis-a-vis
      microtubule (MT)-rich structure bridging the daughter cells. Disassembly of the
      midbody is the final stage of daughter cell separation and occurs in parallel to
      membrane fusion in this area. To shed light on this process and to better
      understand MT organization within the dense area of the midbody structure, an
      integrative fluorescence microscopy and cryo-electron tomography (cryo-ET)
      approach was taken.1 These efforts led to a resolving of MT architecture at
      single-fiber resolution, resulting in a refined model of abscission.

PMID- 22046460
TI  - Tao kinases as coordinators of actin and microtubule dynamics in developing
      neurons.
AB  - Drosophila tao, encoding a Ste20 family kinase, was identified as a gene involved
      in ethanol, cocaine and nicotine sensitivity. The behavioral phenotypes appear to
      be caused by defects in the development of the adult brain. Specifically,
      Drosophila tao functions to promote axon guidance of mushroom body (MB) neurons.
      The MB is a large structure in the central brain of the fly whose development and
      function have been well characterized. tao interacts genetically with mutations
      in the par-1 gene, also encoding a serine-threonine kinase. Since Par-1 has been
      implicated in the regulation of microtubule dynamics, this suggests that tao
      regulates the microtubule cytoskeleton in developing MB neurons. Here we discuss
      these results in light of previous studies that have proposed that Drosophila tao
      and its mammalian homologs function as a link between the actin and microtubule
      cytoskeletons, regulating microtubule stability in response to actin signals.

PMID- 22046461
TI  - FG repeats facilitate integral protein trafficking to the inner nuclear membrane.
AB  - The mechanism for nucleo-cytoplasmic transport of integral membrane proteins is
      poorly understood compared to transport of soluble molecules. We recently
      demonstrated that at least four distinct mechanisms can contribute to transport
      of integral proteins through the peripheral channels of the nuclear pore complex.
      One of these requires having multiple phenylalanine-glycine (FG) pairings on the
      integral protein. It also requires the nuclear pore complex protein Nup35, which
      separately contains FG repeats. FG-repeats on nuclear pore complex proteins in
      the central channel have been proposed to interact with FGs on transport
      receptors to facilitate transport of soluble proteins. Here we show that FG
      repeats occur quite frequently in both transmembrane and soluble proteins
      identified in multiple separate proteomic analyses of nuclear envelopes. We
      postulate that the FG repeats enable these proteins to function as their own
      transport receptors.

PMID- 22046462
TI  - How and why does Dia1 mRNA localize?
AB  - Messenger RNA (mRNA) localization plays an important role in various cellular
      functions. To date, two general mechanisms have been identified for intracellular
      mRNA localization. The first one was identified by Blobel and colleagues more
      than three decades ago, by which mRNAs encoding for membrane and secreted
      proteins are targeted to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in a signal peptide
      dependent manner.1 The second mechanism is for the intracellular targeting of
      mRNAs encoding cytosolic proteins, which is dependent on specific sequence on the
      mRNA called zipcode.2 Recently, we have identified a new mechanism which targets
      Dia1 mRNA to the perinuclear ER in a zipcode-independent manner, even though the
      mRNA encodes a cytosolic protein.3 Here, we provide an updated discussion on how
      the Dia1 mRNA is targeted and what might be its physiological significance.

PMID- 22046463
TI  - Physicochemical influence on odor hedonics: Where does it occur first?
AB  - We recently reported data showing that, while human olfactory pleasantness is
      modulated by semantic knowledge of smells, the physicochemical aspects of odorant
      molecules are prominent determinants of odor hedonic valence, especially in
      children and seniors, two age groups characterized by either low level of
      (children) or weak access to (seniors) odor semantic knowledge.1 Here, we present
      additional data from a human and an animal study, confirming that odorant
      structure predicts odor pleasantness and suggesting that this influence may be
      already engraved at receptor level.

PMID- 22046464
TI  - Imaging functional neural circuits in zebrafish with a new GCaMP and the Gal4FF
      UAS system.
AB  - Measurement of the activity of neuronal ensembles is an essential step to
      understand how the neuronal network is organized and functioning. Electrical
      excitation of neurons causes calcium influx via voltage-gated calcium ion
      channels, which can be monitored by calcium imaging using fluorescent calcium
      probes. DNA-encoded calcium indicators (DECIs) such as cameleon and GCaMP have
      been developed to specifically label a subpopulation of neurons. However, in many
      cases, DECIs that had been developed and tested in vitro did not always show
      expected performance in vivo. It is necessary to increase its sensitivity and
      also to adjust its dynamic range to the physiological conditions. In our recent
      study, we developed an improved version of GCaMP and tested its performance in
      vivo using transgenic zebrafish. By combining the new GCaMP with targeted gene
      expression via the Gal4FF-UAS system, we successfully imaged the activity of the
      spinal motor circuit during spontaneous contractions of zebrafish larvae. Further
      we report here that heptanol, a gap junction blocker, could alter the
      spatiotemporal activation pattern of the motor circuit. Thus, we demonstrate that
      calcium imaging with GCaMP is powerful to analyze neuronal activities under
      normal and pharmacologically perturbed conditions.

PMID- 22046465
TI  - Brain area specific regulation of synaptic AMPA receptors by phosphorylation.
AB  - Regulation of synaptic AMPA receptors (AMPARs) is one of the key elements that
      allow the nervous system to adapt to changes in the sensory environment as well
      as for memory formation. One way to regulate AMPAR function is by reversible
      changes in the phosphorylation of its subunits. We recently reported that
      phosphorylation of the AMPAR subunit GluA1 (or GluR1) on serine-845 (S845) is a
      pre-requisite step for sensory experience-dependent homeostatic synaptic
      plasticity in the visual cortex. In particular, increasing GluA1-S845
      phosphorylation upregulated cell surface and synaptic AMPAR levels. Here we
      report that this is rather specific to the visual cortex, in that increasing
      GluA1-S845 phosphorylation in hippocampal slices only increase cell surface
      expression, but not synaptic AMPAR function. Our results suggest that depending
      on the brain region divergent mechanisms may exist to regulate synaptic AMPAR
      function with phosphorylation.

PMID- 22046466
TI  - What are we measuring with GABA magnetic resonance spectroscopy?
AB  - A number of recent papers1-3 have demonstrated a relationship between in vivo
      concentration of GABA, as assessed using Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy (MRS),
      and an individual's task performance, giving a unique insight into the
      relationship between physiology and behavior. However, interpretation of the
      functional significance of the MRS GABA measure is not straightforward. Here we
      discuss some of the outstanding questions as to how total concentration of GABA
      within a cortical region relates to phasic and tonic GABA activity within the
      cortical volume studied.

PMID- 22046467
TI  - Emerging roles of phosphoinositide-specific phospholipases C in the ciliates
      Tetrahymena and Paramecium.
AB  - Phospholipases C (PLCs) that hydrolyze inositol phospholipids regulate vital
      cellular functions in both eukaryotic and prokaryotic organisms. The PLC
      superfamily consists of eukaryotic phosphoinositide-specific PLCs (PI-PLCs),
      bacterial PLCs and trypanosomal PLCs.1 PI-PLCs hydrolyze phosphatidylinositol-4,5
      bisphosphate (PtdIns4,5P(2)) to produce inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate
      (Ins1,4,5P(3)) and constitute a hallmark feature of eukaryotic cells. In metazoa,
      this reaction is coupled to receptor signaling via specific PI-PLC isoforms and
      results in acute increase of cytosolic Ca(2+) levels by Ins1,4,5P(3)-sensitive
      Ca(2+) channels (IP(3)-receptors, IP3Rs).2 A striking result of many studies so
      far has been the presence of a single PI-PLC gene in all unicellular eukaryotes
      investigated, as opposed to expansion of PI-PLC isoforms in metazoa;3 this has
      suggested that a single housekeeping PI-PLC represents an archetypal and
      simplified form of PI-PLC signaling.3 Several studies however have noted a unique
      expansion of PI-PLC/IP3R pathway components in ciliates.4,5 In a recent paper we
      showed the presence of multiple functional PI-PLC genes in Tetrahymena
      thermophila and biochemical characterization, pharmacological studies and study
      of their expression patterns suggested that they are likely to serve distinct non
      redundant roles.4 In this report we discuss these studies and how they advance
      our understanding of PI-PLC functions in ciliates.

PMID- 22046468
TI  - The regulation and role of neuronal gap junctions during development.
AB  - Coupling of neurons by electrical synapses (gap junctions) transiently increases
      in the mammalian CNS during development and plays a role in a number of
      developmental events, including neuronal death. The coupling subsequently
      decreases and remains low in the adult, confined to specific subsets of neurons.
      In a recent study we have demonstrated that the developmental increase in
      neuronal gap junction coupling is regulated by the balance between the activity
      of two neurotransmitter receptors, group II metabotropic glutamate receptors
      (mGluR) and GABA(A) receptors. Specifically, we found that activation of group II
      mGluRs induces the developmental increases in neuronal gap junction coupling and
      expression of connexin 36 (Cx36; neuronal gap junction protein) and activation of
      GABA(A) receptors counteracts to these increases. We also established that the
      regulation by both neurotransmitter receptors is via a neuron-restrictive
      silencer element in the Cx36 gene promoter and the 3'-untranslated region of the
      Cx36 mRNA. Importantly, we demonstrated that mechanisms for the developmental
      increase in neuronal gap junction coupling directly control the death/survival
      mechanisms in developing neurons.

PMID- 22046469
TI  - Nuclear actin and transcriptional activation.
AB  - Differentiated cells do not revert to an embryonic state in normal development.
      However, the method called nuclear reprogramming enables these differentiated
      cells to be reversed to an embryonic state. One essential event in the
      reprogramming process is reactivation of embryonic genes such as Oct4 (also known
      as Pou5f1). This reprogramming of transcriptional programs can be achieved by
      transplantation of mammalian somatic nuclei to the giant Xenopus laevis oocyte
      nucleus, referred to as the germinal vesicle (GV). Factors and mechanisms
      responsible for this transcriptional reprogramming have not been elucidated.
      Recently, we have found that a polymerized form of actin is abundantly present in
      nuclei transplanted into the Xenopus oocyte nucleus and plays an important role
      in transcriptional reactivation of Oct4. This study emphasizes a significant
      contribution of nuclear actin in transcriptional activation. Here, we discuss
      possible roles of nuclear actin in Xenopus oocytes and in other cell types in the
      context of transcriptional activation.

PMID- 22046470
TI  - Nitric oxide regulates non-classical secretion of tissue transglutaminase.
AB  - Nitric oxide (NO) is an endogenous second messenger which acts as a potent
      vasodilator, anti-inflammatory, anti-thrombotic and pro-angiogenic agent in the
      vasculature. Recent studies revealed that the effects of NO on blood vessels are
      mediated in part by its ability to regulate protein trafficking machinery and
      vesicle-based exocytosis in vascular cells. Specifically, NO-dependent S
      nitrosylation of N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor (NSF), an ATPase that enables
      membrane fusion, was shown to inhibit exocytosis of vesicular secretory
      compartments such as endothelial Weibel-Palade bodies, platelet alpha granules
      and cytolytic granules from activated lymphocytes. Tissue transglutaminase (tTG
      or TG2) is a multifunctional protein synthesized and secreted by various cell
      types in the vasculature, which is involved in multiple vascular diseases,
      including atherosclerosis, vascular calcification and age-dependent aortic
      stiffening. Our recent findings indicate that tTG is delivered to the cell
      surface and the extracellular matrix (ECM) via a non-classical ER/Golgi
      independent secretion pathway, which depends on the recycling endosomes and the
      NSF function. Here we report that NO attenuates the unconventional secretion of
      tTG in human aortic endothelial cells. NO-dependent downregulation of
      extracellular tTG levels via inhibition of its secretion might be a part of
      general physiological mechanism which limits externalization of adhesive, pro
      inflammatory and thrombogenic proteins in the vasculature.

PMID- 22046471
TI  - Cell entry and exit by periodontal pathogen via recycling pathway.
AB  - In the oral cavity, gingival epithelial cell (GEC) layers function as an innate
      host defense system to prevent intrusion by periodontal bacteria. Nevertheless,
      Porphyromonas gingivalis, the most well-known periodontal pathogen, can enter
      GECs and pass through the epithelial barrier into deeper tissues. An
      intracellular location is considered advantageous for bacteria to escape from
      immune surveillance by the host as well as antibiotic pressure, leading to
      intracellular persistence, multiplication and dissemination to adjacent tissues.
      P. gingivalis are invaginated by gingival epithelial cells via the endocytic
      pathway, and some intracellular bacteria are sorted to lytic compartments,
      including autolysosomes and late endosomes/lysosomes, while a considerable number
      of the remaining organisms are sorted to Rab11- and RalA-positive recycling
      endosomes, followed by bacterial exit from the cells. Exited bacteria can re
      enter fresh cells. However, dominant negative forms and RNAi-knockdown of Rab11,
      RalA and exocyst complex subunits (Sec5, Sec6 and Exo84) significantly disturb
      the exit of P. gingivalis. These are the first known results to show that the
      endocytic recycling pathway mediates bacterial exit from infected cells to
      neighboring cells and may provide important information regarding the exit
      mechanisms of various invasive pathogens.

PMID- 22046472
TI  - Golgi-associated Rab14, a new regulator for Chlamydia trachomatis infection
      outcome.
AB  - Chlamydia trachomatis is the causing agent of the most frequent bacterial
      sexually-transmitted diseases worldwide and is an underlying cause of chronic
      pelvic inflammatory diseases and cervical cancer. It is an obligate intracellular
      bacterium that establishes a close relationship with the Golgi complex and
      parasites the biosynthetic machinery of host cells. In a recent study, we have
      demonstrated that Rab14, a newly-described Golgi-associated Rab, is involved in
      the delivery of sphingolipids to the growing bacteria-containing vacuole. The
      interference with Rab14-controlled trafficking pathways delays chlamydial
      inclusion enlargement, decreases bacterial lipid uptake, negatively impact on
      bacterial differentiation, and reduces bacterial progeny and infectivity. C.
      trachomatis manipulation of host trafficking pathways for the acquisition of
      endogenously-biosynthesized nutrients arises as one of the characteristics of
      this highly evolved pathogen. The development of therapeutic strategies targeted
      to interfere with bacterium-host cell interaction is a new challenge for
      pharmacological approaches to control chlamydial infections.

PMID- 22046473
TI  - To bee or not to bee, this is the question...: The inborn numerical competence of
      humans and honeybees.
AB  - Human inborn numerical competence means our ability to recognize object numbers
      precisely under circumstances which do not allow sequential counting. This
      archaic process has been called "subitizing," from the Latin "subito" = suddenly,
      immediately, indicating that the objects in question are presented to test
      persons only for a fraction of a second in order to prevent counting. In
      contrast, however, sequential counting, an outstanding cultural achievement of
      mankind, means to count "1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8..." without a limit. The
      following essay will explain how the limit of numerical competence, i.e., the
      recognition of object numbers without counting, has been determined for humans
      and how this has been achieved for the first time in case of an invertebrate, the
      honeybee. Finally, a hypothesis explaining the influence of our limited, inborn
      numerical competence on counting in our times, e.g., in the Russian language,
      will be presented. Subitizing versus counting by young Down syndrome infants and
      autistics and the Savant syndrome will be discussed.

PMID- 22046474
TI  - Ophiocordyceps unilateralis: A keystone species for unraveling ecosystem
      functioning and biodiversity of fungi in tropical forests?
AB  - Ophiocordyceps unilateralis (Ascomycota: Hypocreales) is a specialized parasite
      that infects, manipulates and kills formicine ants, predominantly in tropical
      forest ecosystems. We have reported previously, based on a preliminary study in
      remnant Atlantic Forest in Minas Gerais (Brazil), that O. unilateralis represents
      a species complex. On each of the four species of infected carpenter ant
      (Camponotus) collected, the fungus-characterized macroscopically by a single
      stalk arising from the dorsal neck region on which the sexual structures
      (stromatal plates) are borne laterally-can readily be distinguished both
      microscopically and functionally. Here, we describe and discuss the biology, life
      cycle and infection strategies of O. unilateralis s.l. and hypothesize that there
      may be hundreds of species within the complex parasitizing formicine ants
      worldwide. We then address the diversity within related hypocrealean fungi, with
      particular reference to symbionts (mutualists through to parasites), and argue
      that the widely-quoted total of extant fungi (1.5 million species) may be grossly
      underestimated.

PMID- 22046475
TI  - Heterogeneous release probabilities and activity-dependent short-term synaptic
      depression.
AB  - Synaptic transmission is a major mechanism by which neurons communicate with each
      other. Basic steps in neurotransmitter release are similar in all synapses.
      However, many properties of release vary between synapses and reflect specific
      structural and functional requirements, endowing synapses with specialized
      functions. Recently, Gelman et al.1 described properties of release and short
      term depression at specialized nicotinic synapses in the brainstem of goldfish,
      Carassius auratus (Linnaeus). These axo-axonic synapses between the Mauthner cell
      collaterals and their targets, cranial relay neurons (CRNs), exhibit strong short
      term depression, even at stimulation frequencies as low as 0.33 Hz. In short,
      amplitudes of post-synaptic responses, evoked by presynaptic trains of action
      potentials, were depressed with a time course approximated by a sum of two
      exponential functions. Initially, fast depression reduced the amplitude of
      EPSP(2) (response after the second stimulus), to less than 50% of EPSP(1)
      (response after the first stimulus). This was followed by a slow component of
      depression that produced an additional 10-30% amplitude reduction over a time
      span of tens to hundreds of seconds. Interestingly, depressed EPSPs exhibited
      longer latencies than that of the "undepressed" EPSP1. Additionally, fast and
      slow calcium chelators (BAPTA and EGTA), injected pre-synaptically, were equally
      potent in reducing release. These data are consistent with a previously proposed
      general mechanism that assumes a change in release probability after the initial
      release. However, in an alternative interpretation the results could be
      coherently explained by postulating two releasable pools of vesicles, with high
      and low release probabilities, and a generally accepted depletion scheme. This
      latter interpretation will be discussed in this article.

PMID- 22046476
TI  - ESCRT or endosomes?: Tales of the separation of two daughter cells.
AB  - The final abscission event of cytokinesis is necessary for daughter cells to part
      ways from one another. Failure to properly divide has been indicated as a
      potential cancer initiating event due to an increase in cellular aneuploidy.
      However, the exact mechanisms of abscission have remained obscured by our
      inability to properly discern the spatiotemporal regulation of the various
      proteins and organelles required for cytokinesis. Three recent publications have
      taken slightly varied high resolution imaging approaches to visualize cytokinesis
      and abscission. As a result of this work, two differing, but not necessarily
      mutually exclusive, models have emerged. One model is ESCRT-dependent and the
      other, recycling endosome-dependent, each describing the steps leading up to the
      final abscission event. Presently these models describe late cytokinesis events
      leading to abscission in greater detail than previously known.

PMID- 22046477
TI  - Can alternative pathways mediate the influence of queen number on nestmate
      discrimination in ants?
AB  - The evolution of social life is usually associated with capabilities of
      individuals to protect group boundaries against foreign individuals. In colonies
      of ants, the number of reproductive queens is known to influence the accuracy of
      nestmate discrimination by resident workers. However, the pathway by which this
      effect is mediated remains unclear. The major hypothesis has long been that
      workers from multiple-queen colonies commit more discrimination errors against
      foreigners because their colonies contain a broader diversity of genetically
      determined cues characterising colony membership. Until recently, this hypothesis
      has received little attention and poor empirical support. In a recent study,
      Meunier et al.1 proposed an alternative, albeit not mutually exclusive
      hypothesis. The presence of one or multiple queens modifies chemical signals on
      colony members that trigger aggressive or cooperative behaviors during foreign
      encounters. Here, I detail how this new hypothesis is congruent with previous
      results and discuss potential limits and evolutionary implications of the two
      suggested hypotheses.

PMID- 22046478
TI  - Homeostasis of the Drosophila adult retina by actin-capping protein and the Hippo
      pathway.
AB  - The conserved Hippo signaling pathway regulates multiple cellular events,
      including tissue growth, cell fate decision and neuronal homeostasis. While the
      core Hippo kinase module appears to mediate all the effects of the pathway,
      various upstream inputs have been identified depending on tissue context. We have
      recently shown that, in the Drosophila wing imaginal disc, actin-Capping Protein
      and Hippo pathway activities inhibit F-actin accumulation. In turn, the reduction
      in F-actin sustains Hippo pathway activity, preventing Yorkie nuclear
      translocation and the upregulation of proliferation and survival genes. Here, we
      investigate the role of Capping Protein in growth-unrelated events controlled by
      the Hippo pathway. We provide evidence that loss of Capping Protein induces
      degeneration of the adult Drosophila retina through misregulation of the Hippo
      pathway. We propose a model by which F-actin dynamics might be involved in all
      processes that require the activity of the core Hippo kinase module.

PMID- 22046479
TI  - The role of the membrane confinement in the surface area regulation of cells.
AB  - We propose a new in vitro system to study the mechanics of surface area
      regulation in cells, which takes into an account the spatial confinement of the
      cell membrane. By coupling a lipid bilayer to the strain-controlled deformation
      of an elastic sheet, we show that upon straining the supported lipid bilayer
      expands its surface area by absorbing adherent lipid vesicles and upon
      compression decreases its area by expelling lipid tubes out of its plane. The
      processes are reversible and closely resemble in vivo observations on shrinking
      cells. Our results suggest that the mechanics of the area regulation in cells is
      controlled primarily by the membrane tension and the effects of the membrane
      confinement.

PMID- 22046480
TI  - Evolutionary variations of VPS29, and their implications for the heteropentameric
      model of retromer.
AB  - The retromer complex is conserved across all eukaryotic species and functions in
      physiologically important sorting processes at the endosomal membrane. A key
      component of retromer is the VPS29 protein that, although structurally similar to
      phospho-diesterases, has been convincingly shown in the recent study by Swarbrick
      et al. (PLoS One 6:e20420, 2011) to be a rigid scaffold that interacts with
      various proteins that function with retromer in endosomal protein sorting. A
      widely held view, based on initial observations in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is
      that retromer functions as a stable heteropentamer. This is, however, contrary to
      experimental data presented in Swarbrick et al. (and in other studies) that
      indicate that retromer in higher eukaryotes is a looser association of two
      subcomplexes that respectively mediate cargo-selection and membrane tubulation.
      Here we present an analysis of evolutionary variation of the VPS29 protein and
      discuss why the retromer complex as first characterized in S. cerevisiae is not
      representative of retromer in other eukaryotic taxa.

PMID- 22046481
TI  - Cytoplasmic to nuclear localization of fatty-acid binding protein correlates with
      specific forms of long-term memory in Drosophila.
AB  - We recently reported evidence implicating fatty-acid binding protein (Fabp) in
      the control of sleep and memory formation. We used Drosophila melanogaster to
      examine the relationship between sleep and memory through transgenic
      overexpression of mouse brain-Fabp, Fabp7, or the Drosophila Fabp homolog,
      (dFabp). The key findings are that 1) a genetically induced increase in daytime
      consolidated sleep (naps) correlates with an increase in cognitive performance,
      and 2) a late "window" of memory consolidation occurs days after the
      traditionally understood "synaptic" consolidation. Exactly how Fabp-signaling may
      be involved in converting normal to enhanced long-term memory (LTM) is not known.
      Here we describe additional data which support relative subcellular compartmental
      localization of Fabp in regulating stage associations of different forms of
      memory in Drosophila. Anesthesia resistant memory (ARM) is a longer lasting
      memory that is produced by massed training, but unlike LTM produced by spaced
      training, it is insensitive to protein synthesis inhibitors and does not persist
      as long. We observed that the ratio of ARM to LTM performance index of Fabp7
      transgenic flies is proportional to the relative cytoplasmic to nuclear Fabp7
      expression level. These data suggest a common lipid-signaling cascade exists
      between phases of memory formation previously thought to be molecularly distinct.

PMID- 22046482
TI  - The evolution and role of mitochondrial fusion and fission in aging and disease.
AB  - Mitochondria contain their own genetic material and evolved from prokaryotic
      ancestors some two billion years ago. They are the main source of the cell's
      energy supply and are involved in such important processes as apoptosis,
      mitochondrial diseases and aging. Mitochondria display a complex dynamical
      behavior involving cycles of fusion and fission, the function of which is as yet
      unknown. We recently proposed a concise theory that explains: (1) why fusion and
      fission have evolved, (2) how these processes relate to the accumulation of
      mitochondrial mutants during aging and (3) why mtDNA is located close to the
      respiration complexes where most radicals are generated. We also believe that
      this 'organelle control' theory may explain why mutations in mitochondrial tRNA
      genes are the most prevalent kind of defect associated with inherited human
      mitochondrial diseases, despite the fact that mt-tRNA genes account for only 5%
      of the mtDNA coding sequence.

PMID- 22046483
TI  - Strategies to harness immunity against infectious pathogens after haploidentical
      stem cell transplantation.
AB  - Viral and fungal infections account for significant morbidity and mortality,
      particularly in pediatric patients with profound immune suppression resulting
      from allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Therapies with
      anti-viral and anti-fungal drugs are often associated with significant toxicity,
      are of limited efficacy and can induce drug resistance. One innovative approach
      to prevent and/or treat viral and fungal infections involves the adoptive
      transfer of in vitro-expanded or in vitro-generated pathogen-specific T cells.
      This review summarizes the clinical trials that have been run to date with virus-
      and fungus-specific T cells, with special emphasis on the clinical context of
      haploidentical HSCT for pediatric malignancies. It will also discuss initiatives
      and strategies to overcome the hurdles associated with time-consuming and complex
      GMP-grade laboratory procedures required to generate pathogen-specific T cells.

PMID- 22046484
TI  - Translational research: current status, challenges and future strategies.
AB  - Advances in translational research are expected to mitigate the recent drought in
      new drug development. Despite significant progress recently made in biological
      sciences, the results are decidedly mixed with significant breakthrough in some
      disease areas while extensive work remains to be completed in other areas. This
      review article provides a general survey of the current landscape of
      translational research so as to identify progress and areas of needs and the
      associated strategy. While significant advances in the development of
      translational tools have been made in all fronts, the availability of predictive
      preclinical models remains critical for the success of translational research.
      This is directly correlated with the success of translational research as
      illustrated by the recent approval of targeted drug therapies. By the same logic,
      unexpected side effects can also be explained by laboratory findings, thus
      completing the translational cycle. Because of this reason, further collaboration
      between preclinical and clinical scientists is essential. Non-scientific issues
      have important influence on the future of this endeavor cannot be underestimated
      either. Nonetheless, with definitive commitment of private industry and public
      resources, the future of translational research is promising.

PMID- 22046485
TI  - Emerging drug discovery approaches for selective targeting of "precursor"
      metastatic breast cancer cells: highlights and perspectives.
AB  - Breast cancer is a prevalent disease and a major cause of morbidity and cancer
      related deaths among women worldwide. A significant number of patients at the
      time of primary diagnosis present metastatic disease, at least to locoregional
      lymph nodes, which results in somewhat unpredictable prognosis that often prompts
      adjuvant systemic therapies of various kinds. The time course of distant
      recurrence is also unpredictable with some patients sustaining a recurrence
      within months after diagnosis, even during adjuvant treatments, while others can
      experience recurrence years or decades after initial diagnosis. To date,
      clinically approved therapeutics yielded marginal benefits for patients with
      systemic metastatic breast disease, since despite high clinical responses to
      various therapies, the patients virtually always become resistant and tumor
      relapses. Molecular profiling studies established that breast cancer is highly
      heterogeneous and encompasses diverse histological and molecular subtypes with
      distinct biological and clinical implications in particular in relation to the
      incidence of progression to metastasis. The latter has been recognized to result
      from late genetic events during the multistep progression proposed by the
      dominant theory of carcinogenesis. However, there is evidence that the
      dissemination of primary cancer can also be initiated at a very early stage of
      cancer development, originating from rare cell variants, possibly cancer stem
      like cells (CSC), with invasive potential. These precursor metastatic cancer
      cells with stem-like properties are defined by their ability to self-renew and to
      regenerate cell variants, which have high plasticity and intrinsic invasive
      properties required for dissemination and tropism toward specific organs. Equally
      relevant to the CSC hypothesis for metastasis formation is the epithelial
      mesenchymal transition (EMT) process, which is critical for the acquisition of
      cancer cell invasive behavior and for selection/gain of CSC properties. These
      exciting concepts have led to the formulation of various approaches for targeting
      precursor metastatic cells, and these have taken on greater priority in
      therapeutic drug discovery research by both academia and pharmaceuticals. In this
      review, we focus on current efforts in medicinal chemistry to develop small
      molecules able to target precursor metastatic cells via interference with the
      CSC/EMT differentiation program, self-renewal, and survival. It is not meant to
      be comprehensive and the reader is referred to selected reviews that provide
      coverage of related basic aspects. Rather, emphasis is given to promising
      molecules with CSC/EMT signaling at the preclinical stage and in clinical trials
      that are paving the way to new generations of anti-metastasis drugs.

PMID- 22046486
TI  - The clinical value of von Willebrand factor in colorectal carcinomas.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To identify the value of von Willebrand factor (vWF) as a clinical
      marker in colorectal carcinoma (CRC). METHODS: Plasma levels of vWF were measured
      in 79 patients with UICC Stage I-IV CRC at time of operation and correlated with
      TNM categories, levels of the carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), blood groups (BG)
      and 19 controls (CO). CO included cancer-free patients without bacterial or viral
      infections. For tissue analysis paraffin embedded tumour and mucosa sections of
      operation specimens were stained immunohistochemically for vWF and compared to
      vWF plasma levels as well as to TNM categories. RESULTS: VWF plasma levels in CRC
      patients were significantly dependent on blood groups (p=0.012) and elevated
      compared to the normal ranges as well as to controls (BG 0: p=0.668, BG A/AB/B:
      p=0.020). CRC-Patients over 60 years of age presented with significantly higher
      vWF levels than patients below 60 years (BG 0: p=0.005; BG A/AB/B: p=0.035).
      There was no correlation of vWF plasma levels and UICC stages in CRC. Patients
      with elevated vWF plasma levels also presented with elevated CEA levels, but
      significance was missing (p=0.080). VWF concentration within the tumour tissue
      was independent of concentration within normal mucosa, blood groups,
      histopathological characteristics and did not correlate with plasma vWF levels.
      CONCLUSION: VWF plasma levels are elevated in CRC patients, but not in a stage
      dependent manner. Besides the tumour at least blood groups and age mainly
      influence plasma vWF levels. In our opinion vWF as a routinely used clinical
      marker in CRC cannot be recommended.

PMID- 22046487
TI  - Potential non-oncological applications of histone deacetylase inhibitors.
AB  - Histone deacetylase inhibitors have emerged as a new class of anticancer
      therapeutic drugs. Their clinical utility in oncology stems from their intrinsic
      cytotoxic properties and combinatorial effects with other conventional cancer
      therapies. To date, the histone deacetylase inhibitors suberoylanilide hydroxamic
      acid (Vorinostat, Zolinza(r)) and depsipeptide (Romidepsin, Istodax(r)) have been
      approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of refractory
      cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. Further, there are currently over 100 clinical trials
      involving the use of histone deacetylase inhibitors in a wide range of solid and
      hematological malignancies. The therapeutic potential of histone deacetylase
      inhibitors has also been investigated for numerous other diseases. For example,
      the cytotoxic properties of histone deacetylase inhibitors are currently being
      harnessed as a potential treatment for malaria, whereas the efficacy of these
      compounds for HIV relies on de-silencing latent virus. The anti-inflammatory
      properties of histone deacetylase inhibitors are the predominant mechanisms for
      other diseases, such as hepatitis, systemic lupus erythematosus and a wide range
      of neurodegenerative conditions. Additionally, histone deacetylase inhibitors
      have been shown to be efficacious in animal models of cardiac hypertrophy and
      asthma. Broad-spectrum histone deacetylase inhibitors are clinically available
      and have been used almost exclusively in preclinical systems to date. However, it
      is emerging that class- or isoform-specific compounds, which are becoming more
      readily available, may be more efficacious particularly for non-oncological
      applications. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of the effects and
      clinical potential of histone deacetylase inhibitors in various diseases. Apart
      from applications in oncology, the discussion is focused on the potential
      efficacy of histone deacetylase inhibitors for the treatment of neurodegenerative
      diseases, cardiac hypertrophy and asthma.

PMID- 22046488
TI  - LAT1 expression is closely associated with hypoxic markers and mTOR in resected
      non-small cell lung cancer.
AB  - AIM: L-type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1) is known to be highly expressed in
      various human neoplasms. However, little is known about how LAT1 is associated
      with glucose metabolism, hypoxia and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)
      signaling pathway in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The aim of this study is
      to evaluate the relationship between LAT1 expression, and hypoxic marker and mTOR
      pathway in resected NSCLC. METHODS: One hundred and sixty patients were included
      in this study. Tumors sections were stained by immunohistochemistry for LAT1,
      glucose transporter 1 (Glut1), hypoxia inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha),
      hexokinase I, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), microvessel density
      (MVD) by determinate by CD34, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR),
      Phosphatase and tensin analog (PTEN), phosph-Akt, phosph-mTOR and phosph-S6K.
      RESULTS: A positive LAT1 and CD98 expression were recognized in 36.8% (59/160)
      and 33.7% (54/160), respectively (p=0.640). LAT1 expression was significantly
      associated with CD98, hypoxic markers (Glut1, HIF-1alpha, hexokinase I, VEGF and
      CD34) and mTOR pathway (EGFR, a loss of PTEN, p-mTOR and p-S6K), especially in
      lung adenocarcinoma (AC). The expression profile of these biomarkers was
      significantly higher in non-AC than in AC, but almost these biomarkers were
      equally expressed between AC (n=16) and non-AC (n=43) patients with a positive
      LAT1 expression. Overexpression of LAT1 was closely associated with poor outcome
      in patient with AC. CONCLUSION: LAT1 expression is closely correlated with
      hypoxic markers and mTOR pathway in patients with resected NSCLC.

PMID- 22046489
TI  - The gold (III) porphyrin complex, gold-2a, suppresses WNT1 expression in breast
      cancer cells by enhancing the promoter association of YY1.
AB  - The gold (III) porphyrin complex, gold-2a, elicits anti-tumor activity by
      targeting the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway [Chow KH et al, Cancer Research
      2010;70(1):329-37]. Here, the molecular mechanisms underlying the inhibitory
      effects of this compound on WNT1 gene expression were elucidated further. A
      response element to gold-2a was identified located within the -1290 to -1112 nt
      region of the WNT1 promoter, containing a binding site for the transcription
      regulator Yin Yang 1 (YY1). Gold-2a promoted the association of YY1 and
      suppressor of zeste 12 (Suz12; a component of the polycomb repressor complex 2)
      with the WNT1 promoter. Under normal culture conditions, the intracellular
      translocalization of YY1 was synchronized with cell cycle progression and WNT1
      expression. Gold-2a promoted the nuclear accumulation and abolished the nuclear
      exportation of YY1, resulting in a persistent inhibition of WNT1 expression and a
      cell cycle arrest at G1/S phase. A dimorphic role of YY1 in regulating cell
      proliferation and division was revealed. Thus, the present study extends the
      understanding of the anti-tumor mechanism of gold-2a to the epigenetic level,
      which involves the modulation of the dynamic interactions between YY1 and a
      specific region of the WNT1 promoter.

PMID- 22046491
TI  - TTF-1 positive small cell cancers: Don't think they're always primary pulmonary!
AB  - Thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF-1) plays a key role in morphogenesis of the
      lungs and is expressed in up to 90% of pulmonary small cell carcinomas. This
      explains why this marker is frequently used in the search for the primary origin
      of metastatic endocrine tumours. Here we report on a TTF-1 expressing mixed
      endocrine-exocrine carcinoma of the common bile duct in a patient with pulmonary
      nodules that did not appear to be neoplastic. TTF-1 positivity in pulmonary and
      extrapulmonary neuroendocrine tumours is reviewed, and we conclude that TTF-1
      expression in neuroendocrine tumours of the small-cell type are not uncommon at
      extrapulmonary locations. Therefore, immunohistochemistry for TTF-1 in such
      tumours should be interpreted with caution.

PMID- 22046490
TI  - Current status of robot-assisted gastric surgery.
AB  - In an effort to minimize the limitations of laparoscopy, a robotic surgery system
      was introduced, but its role for gastric cancer is still unclear. The objective
      of this article is to assess the current status of robotic surgery for gastric
      cancer and to predict future prospects. Although the current study was limited by
      its small number of patients and retrospective nature, robot-assisted gastrectomy
      with lymphadenectomy for the treatment of gastric cancer is a feasible and safe
      procedure for experienced laparoscopic surgeons. Most studies have reported
      satisfactory results for postoperative short-term coutcomes, such as:
      postoperative oral feeding, gas out, hospital stay and complications, compared
      with laparoscopic surgery; the difference is a longer operation time. However,
      robotic surgery showed a shallow learning curve compared with the familarity of
      conventional open surgery; after the accumulation of several cases, robotic
      surgery could be expected to result in a similar operation time. Robotic-assisted
      gastrectomy can expand the indications of minimally invasive surgery to include
      advanced gastric cancer by improving the ability to perform lymphadenectomy.
      Moreover, "total" robotic gastrectomy can be facilitated using a robot-sewing
      technique and gastric submucosal tumors near the gastroesophageal junction or
      pylorus can be resected safely by this novel technique. In conclusion, robot
      assisted gastrectomy may offer a good alternative to conventional open or
      laparoscopic surgery for gastric cancer, provided that long-term oncologic
      outcomes can be confirmed.

PMID- 22046492
TI  - Primary hepatic leiomyosarcoma: Case report and literature review.
AB  - Primary hepatic leiomyosarcoma are rare tumors with less than 30 cases reported
      in the English literature. Non specific presentations and often diagnosis delayed
      until they reach a large size, is the norm with therapy leading to an often
      dismal prognosis. A 67-year-old man presented complaining of abdominal pain and a
      palpable abdominal mass since Jan 2010. Abdominal ultrasonography and abdominal
      computed tomography revealed a large tumor in the left lobe of the liver.
      Surgical exploration was undertaken and an extended left hepatectomy with
      extension onto the dorsal part of segment 8 preserving the MHV with partial
      resection of segment 6 was undertaken. The weight of the resected specimen was
      1300 g of the left lobectomy specimen and 8 g of the segment 6 partial resection
      specimen. The pathology report confirmed the diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma. On
      immunohistochemistry, the tumor cells were positive for smooth muscle actin
      stain. The patient is on regular follow up and is currently 9 mo post resection
      with no evidence of recurrence. We report the case of a resected primary hepatic
      leiomyosarcoma and emphasize the need for a global database for these rare tumors
      to promote a better and broader understanding of this less understood subject.

PMID- 22046494
TI  - Misinformation increases symptom reporting: a test - retest study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We examined whether misleading information (i.e. misinformation) may
      promote symptom reporting in non-clinical participants. DESIGN: A test-retest
      study in which we collected baseline data about participants' psychological
      symptoms and then misinformed them that they had rated two target symptoms
      relatively highly. During an interview, we determined whether participants would
      notice this misinformation and at direct and one-week follow-up, we evaluated
      whether the misinformation would exacerbate retest measures of the same symptoms.
      SETTING: A psychological laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 78 undergraduate
      students. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Participants' scores on a widely used self
      report measure of psychological symptoms. RESULTS: We found that most
      participants (63%) were blind to the discrepancies between their original symptom
      ratings and the upgraded scores they were misinformed with. Furthermore, at the
      one-week follow-up retest, blind participants revised their symptom ratings in
      the direction of the misinformation (i.e. they increased their ratings of these
      symptoms). CONCLUSION: Introspective monitoring of common psychological symptoms
      is poor and this creates an opportunity for misinformation and symptom
      escalation. Our finding bears relevance to theories about the iatrogenic
      amplification of medically unexplained symptoms.

PMID- 22046493
TI  - Exploiting the P-1 pocket of BRCT domains toward a structure guided inhibitor
      design.
AB  - Breast cancer gene 1 carboxy terminus (BRCT) domains are found in a number of
      proteins that are important for DNA damage response (DDR). The BRCT domains bind
      phosphorylated proteins and these protein-protein interactions are essential for
      DDR and DNA repair. High affinity domain specific inhibitors are needed to
      facilitate the dissection of the protein-protein interactions in the DDR
      signaling. The BRCT domains of BRCA1 bind phosphorylated protein through a pSXXF
      consensus recognition motif. We identified a hydrophobic pocket at the P-1
      position of the pSXXF binding site. Here we conducted a structure-guided
      synthesis of peptide analogs with hydrophobic functional groups at the P-1
      position. Evaluation of these led to the identification of a peptide mimic 15
      with a inhibitory constant (K(i)) of 40 nM for BRCT(BRCA1). Analysis of the
      TopBP1 and MDC1 BRCT domains suggests a similar approach is viable to design high
      affinity inhibitors.

PMID- 22046495
TI  - Patient and provider delays in breast cancer patients attending a tertiary care
      centre: a prospective study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To find out factors that are responsible for the patient or provider
      delays in the diagnosis of breast cancer in India. DESIGN: This prospective study
      was designed to be conducted over a period of two years including a cohort of 100
      patients with locally advanced breast cancer. The delays were assessed using
      questionnaires prepared according to the Indian scenario. SETTING: A prospective
      study in an Indian setting. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred patients with locally
      advanced breast cancer receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy were included after
      providing informed consent and receiving ethical committee clearance. MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASURES: The most common factor responsible for delays in diagnosis was
      observed to be the health providers, although illiteracy and lack of adequate
      healthcare services also contributed significantly. Unregistered medical
      practitioners or quacks contributed significantly to the delays in reporting and
      diagnosis of the disease. RESULTS: One hundred patients of locally advanced
      breast cancer were evaluated using standardized questionnaires to assess the
      delays in diagnosis. Provider delays were found to be significant (the
      unregistered doctors or quacks being a significant cause of delays).The average
      time lapse before diagnosis for rural patients was higher (67.5 days) compared to
      urban patients (53.7 days). The literacy levels of the patients also had a
      significant impact on the delays at diagnosis. The delay in illiterates was 60.6
      days compared to 49.5 days for literates. CONCLUSIONS: The most common factor
      responsible for delays in reporting and diagnosis was observed to be at the end
      of the health providers, although illiteracy and lack of adequate healthcare
      services also contributed significantly. Unregistered medical practitioners or
      quacks contributed significantly to the delays in reporting and diagnosis of the
      disease.

PMID- 22046496
TI  - History of Medicine student selected components at UK medical schools: a
      questionnaire-based study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the current status of History of Medicine student
      selected components (SSC) at UK medical schools. This includes the frequency,
      methods of delivery, assessment, and evaluation of such courses. DESIGN: An 18
      item questionnaire was created, piloted, and then sent electronically in January
      2010 to participants pertaining to their History of Medicine SSC provision as of
      1 January 2010. Initial non-responders were re-sent the questionnaire in February
      2010. SETTING: All UK medical schools. PARTICIPANTS: The History of Medicine SSC
      lead or overall SSC lead at each UK medical school were contacted to ascertain
      their History of Medicine SSC provision. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Percentages of
      History of Medicine SSCs for each objective characteristic were obtained as well
      as general descriptive data. RESULTS: Fifteen of the 32 medical schools in the UK
      offer a History of Medicine SSC. Eleven medical schools (offering a total of 12
      SSCs) completed the questionnaire (response rate 73.3%). Eight different teaching
      methods are used within the SSCs. Medical professionals most frequently deliver
      the teaching, which most frequently covers the 20th and 21st centuries. Four
      assessment methods are used among the SSCs, the most common being a group
      presentation. Questionnaires are the most frequent method of evaluation. There
      are several factors limiting the provision of some current SSCs, most commonly a
      lack of staff, teaching facilities, and available time within the curriculum.
      CONCLUSION: History of Medicine is being delivered more frequently in UK medical
      schools than when previously researched 40 years ago. However, the subject is
      still offered in a minority of the medical schools. This study offers useful
      information to consider for the development of current and potential new History
      of Medicine SSCs.

PMID- 22046497
TI  - Effective smoking cessation interventions for COPD patients: a review of the
      evidence.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To review the effectiveness of smoking cessation interventions
      offered to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients, and identify
      barriers to quitting experienced by them, so that a more effective service can be
      developed for this group. DESIGN: A rapid systematic literature review comprising
      computerized searches of electronic databases, hand searches and snowballing were
      used to identify both published and grey literature. SETTING: A review of studies
      undertaken in north-western Europe (defined as: United Kingdom, Ireland, France,
      Germany, Benelux and Nordic countries). PARTICIPANTS: COPD patients participating
      in studies looking at the effectiveness of smoking cessation interventions in
      this patient group, or exploring the barriers to quitting experienced by these
      patients. METHOD: Quantitative and qualitative papers were selected according to
      pre-specified inclusion and exclusion criteria, critically appraised, and
      quantitative papers scored against the NICE Levels of Evidence standardized
      hierarchy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Percentages of successful quitters and length of
      quit, assessed by self-report or biochemical analysis. Among qualitative studies,
      identified barriers to smoking cessation had to be explored. RESULTS: Three
      qualitative and 13 quantitative papers were finally selected. Effective
      interventions and barriers to smoking cessation were identified. Pharmacological
      support with Buproprion combined with counselling was significantly more
      efficacious in achieving prolonged abstinence than a placebo by 18.9% (95% CI 3.6
      26.4%). Annual spirometry with a brief smoking cessation intervention, followed
      by a personal letter from a doctor, had a significantly higher >=1 year
      abstinence rate at three years among COPD patient smokers, compared to smokers
      with normal lung function (P < 0.001; z = 3.93). Identified barriers to cessation
      included: patient misinformation, levels of motivation, health beliefs, and poor
      communication with health professionals. CONCLUSION: Despite the public health
      significance of COPD, there is a lack of high-quality evidence showing which
      smoking cessation support methods work for these patients. This review describes
      three effective interventions, as well as predictors of quitting success that
      service providers could use to improve quit rates in this group. Areas that would
      benefit from urgent further research are also identified.

PMID- 22046498
TI  - Presenting a practical model for governmental political mapping on road traffic
      injuries in Iran in 2008: a qualitative study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to assess political mapping in relation to
      road traffic injuries (RTIs) management and prevention to present a practical
      model for RTIs. DESIGN: A phenomenological qualitative study was developed to
      identify stakeholders on RTI in Iran in 2008. SETTING: The designed questions
      were discussed by systematic discussion with the relevant specialists. After
      receiving written consent from the main responsible stakeholders, the
      questionnaire was filled in by trained experts. Themes were determined and
      content was analysed in each part. PARTICIPANTS: Main responsible stakeholders.
      MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: By comparing other countries' political mappings which
      were found in the library and by Internet searching, political mapping of RTI in
      Iran was suggested. RESULTS: Subjects were 26 experts from governmental and non
      governmental organizations. The main proposed leading agencies were traffic
      police and presidency (13% each). Findings showed that only 31% of our political
      mapping was formed according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In 94% of
      cases, the involved organizations had unspecified roles; the reason was poor
      monitoring for RTI in 39% of organizations. Lack of adequate authority and
      suitable legislation, appropriate laws and tasks definition were 94% and 18%,
      respectively. The most essential policy to overcome problems was defined as
      appropriate legislation (21%), and the most frequent type of support needed was
      mentioned as adequate budgeting (25%). CONCLUSION: Traffic police can play the
      leading agency role by government support, with strong leadership, appropriate
      legislation, defined tasks and adequate budget.

PMID- 22046499
TI  - Disseminated mucocutaneous herpes simplex in an atopic individual.

PMID- 22046500
TI  - Primary care strategies to improve childhood immunisation uptake in developed
      countries: systematic review.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To conduct a systematic review of strategies to optimize immunisation
      uptake within preschool children in developed countries. DESIGN: Systematic
      review. SETTING: Developed countries PARTICIPANTS: Preschool children who were
      due, or overdue, one or more of their routine primary immunisations. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURES: Increase in the proportion of the target population up to date with
      standard recommended universal vaccinations. RESULTS: Forty-six studies were
      included for analysis, published between 1980 and 2009. Twenty-six studies were
      randomized controlled trials, 11 were before and after trials, and nine were
      controlled intervention trials. Parental reminders showed a statistically
      significant increase in immunisation rates in 34% of included intervention arms.
      These effects were reported with both generic and specific reminders and with all
      methods of reminders and recall. Strategies aimed at immunisation providers were
      also shown to improve immunisation rates with a median change in immunisation
      rates of 7% when reminders were used, 8% when educational programmes were used
      and 19% when feedback programmes were used. CONCLUSION: General practitioners are
      uniquely positioned to influence parental decisions on childhood immunisation. A
      variety of strategies studied in primary care settings have been shown to improve
      immunisation rates, including parental and healthcare provider reminders.

PMID- 22046501
TI  - The potential role of oestrogens in relapse of recurrent affective psychosis.

PMID- 22046503
TI  - Pharmacogenetics and age-related macular degeneration.
AB  - Pharmacogenetics seeks to explain interpatient variability in response to
      medications by investigating genotype-phenotype correlations. There is a small
      but growing body of data regarding the pharmacogenetics of both nonexudative and
      exudative age-related macular degeneration. Most reported data concern
      polymorphisms in the complement factor H and age-related maculopathy
      susceptibility 2 genes. At this time, the data are not consistent and no definite
      conclusions may be drawn. As clinical trials data continue to accumulate, these
      relationships may become more apparent.

PMID- 22046502
TI  - Current status of immunomodulatory and cellular therapies in preclinical and
      clinical islet transplantation.
AB  - Clinical islet transplantation is a beta-cell replacement strategy that
      represents a possible definitive intervention for patients with type 1 diabetes,
      offering substantial benefits in terms of lowering daily insulin requirements and
      reducing incidences of debilitating hypoglycemic episodes and unawareness.
      Despite impressive advances in this field, a limiting supply of islets,
      inadequate means for preventing islet rejection, and the deleterious diabetogenic
      and nephrotoxic side effects associated with chronic immunosuppressive therapy
      preclude its wide-spread applicability. Islet transplantation however allows a
      window of opportunity for attempting various therapeutic manipulations of islets
      prior to transplantation aimed at achieving superior transplant outcomes. In this
      paper, we will focus on the current status of various immunosuppressive and
      cellular therapies that promote graft function and survival in preclinical and
      clinical islet transplantation with special emphasis on the tolerance-inducing
      capacity of regulatory T cells as well as the beta-cells regenerative capacity of
      stem cells.

PMID- 22046504
TI  - New and old mechanisms associated with hypertension in the elderly.
AB  - Hypertension is a widely prevalent and important risk factor for cardiovascular
      diseases that increase with aging. The hallmark of hypertension in the elderly is
      increased vascular dysfunction. However, the molecular mechanisms by which
      increased blood pressure leads to vascular injury and impaired endothelial
      function are not well defined. In the present paper, we will analyze several
      mechanisms described in the scientific literature involved in hypertension in the
      elderly as endothelial dysfunction, increased oxygen delivery to tissues,
      inflammation, cellular apoptosis, and increased concentration of active
      metabolites. Also, we will focus on new molecular mechanisms involved in
      hypertension such as telomeres shortening, progenitor cells, circulating
      microparticles, and epigenetic factors that have appeared as possible causes of
      hypertension in the elderly. These molecular mechanisms may elucidate different
      origin for hypertension in the elderly and provide us with new targets for
      hypertension treatment.

PMID- 22046505
TI  - An Examination of Palliative or End-of-Life Care Education in Introductory
      Nursing Programs across Canada.
AB  - An investigation was done to assess for and describe the end-of-life education
      provided in Canadian nursing programs to prepare students for practice. All 35
      university nursing schools/faculties were surveyed in 2004; 29 (82.9%) responded.
      At that time, all but one routinely provided this education, with that school
      developing a course (implemented the next year). As compared to past surveys,
      this survey revealed more class time, practicum hours, and topics covered, with
      this content and experiences deliberately planned and placed in curriculums. A
      check in 2010 revealed that all of these schools were providing death education
      similar to that described in 2004. These findings indicate that nurse educators
      recognize the need for all nurses to be prepared to care for dying persons and
      their families. Regardless, more needs to be done to ensure novice nurses feel
      capable of providing end-of-life care. Death education developments will be
      needed as deaths increase with population aging.

PMID- 22046506
TI  - MAP Kinases and Prostate Cancer.
AB  - The three major mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) p38, JNK, and ERK are
      signal transducers involved in a broad range of cell functions including
      survival, apoptosis, and cell differentiation. Whereas JNK and p38 have been
      generally linked to cell death and tumor suppression, ERK plays a prominent role
      in cell survival and tumor promotion, in response to a broad range of stimuli
      such as cytokines, growth factors, ultraviolet radiation, hypoxia, or
      pharmacological compounds. However, there is a growing body of evidence
      supporting that JNK and p38 also contribute to the development of a number of
      malignances. In this paper we focus on the involvement of the MAPK pathways in
      prostate cancer, including the less-known ERK5 pathway, as pro- or antitumor
      mediators, through their effects on apoptosis, survival, metastatic potential,
      and androgen-independent growth.

PMID- 22046507
TI  - Neurospora crassa Light Signal Transduction Is Affected by ROS.
AB  - In the ascomycete fungus Neurospora crassa blue-violet light controls the
      expression of genes responsible for differentiation of reproductive structures,
      synthesis of secondary metabolites, and the circadian oscillator activity. A
      major photoreceptor in Neurospora cells is WCC, a heterodimeric complex formed by
      the PAS-domain-containing polypeptides WC-1 and WC-2, the products of genes white
      collar-1 and white collar-2. The photosignal transduction is started by
      photochemical activity of an excited FAD molecule noncovalently bound by the LOV
      domain (a specialized variant of the PAS domain). The presence of zinc fingers
      (the GATA-recognizing sequences) in both WC-1 and WC-2 proteins suggests that
      they might function as transcription factors. However, a critical analysis of the
      phototransduction mechanism considers the existence of residual light responses
      upon absence of WCC or its homologs in fungi. The data presented point at
      endogenous ROS generated by a photon stimulus as an alternative input to pass on
      light signals to downstream targets.

PMID- 22046508
TI  - Macrophage migration inhibitory factor: a multifunctional cytokine in rheumatic
      diseases.
AB  - Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) was originally identified in the
      culture medium of activated T lymphocytes as a soluble factor that inhibited the
      random migration of macrophages. MIF is now recognized to be a multipotent
      cytokine involved in the regulation of immune and inflammatory responses.
      Moreover, the pivotal nature of its involvement highlights the importance of MIF
      to the pathogenesis of various inflammatory disorders and suggests that blocking
      MIF may be a useful therapeutic strategy for treating these diseases. This paper
      discusses the function and expressional regulation of MIF in several rheumatic
      diseases and related conditions.

PMID- 22046509
TI  - Item Response Theory Analysis of Two Questionnaire Measures of Arthritis-Related
      Self-Efficacy Beliefs from Community-Based US Samples.
AB  - Using item response theory (IRT), we examined the Rheumatoid Arthritis Self
      efficacy scale (RASE) collected from a People with Arthritis Can Exercise RCT
      (346 participants) and 2 subscales of the Arthritis Self-efficacy scale (ASE)
      collected from an Active Living Every Day (ALED) RCT (354 participants) to
      determine which one better identifies low arthritis self-efficacy in community
      based adults with arthritis. The item parameters were estimated in Multilog using
      the graded response model. The 2 ASE subscales are adequately explained by one
      factor. There was evidence for 2 locally dependent item pairs; two items from
      these pairs were removed when we reran the model. The exploratory factor analysis
      results for RASE showed a multifactor solution which led to a 9-factor solution.
      In order to perform IRT analysis, one item from each of the 9 subfactors was
      selected. Both scales were effective at measuring a range of arthritis SE.

PMID- 22046510
TI  - Cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa in childhood: a case report and review of the
      literature.
AB  - Polyarteritis nodosa is a rare vasculitis of childhood. Cutaneous PAN (cPAN) is
      limited to the skin, muscles, joints, and peripheral nerves. We describe a 7.5
      year-old girl with cPAN presenting initially as massive cervical edema who later
      went on to develop subcutaneous nodules, livedo reticularis, myositis, arthritis,
      and mononeuritis multiplex. The use of corticosteroids resulted in initial
      clinical improvement, but symptom recurrence necessitated disease modifying
      antirheumatic drugs and biologic therapy. We review a further 119 reports of
      biopsy proven cPAN in the literature. A majority of patients (96.6%) had
      cutaneous involvement; musculoskeletal involvement was common and included both
      articular (58.0%) and muscular (42.9%) symptoms, and nervous system involvement
      was least common (18.5%). Corticosteroids were used in the majority of patients
      (85.7%), followed by use of disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (33.0%),
      nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (10.7%), and intravenous immunoglobulin
      (9.8%). Therapy of cPAN with biologics has only been reported in 2 patients, and
      we report the first patient treated with Rituximab. A diagnosis of cPAN should be
      considered in a child with fever, vasculitic rash, and musculoskeletal symptoms.
      Most children respond to corticosteroids and have a benign course, but some
      require disease modifying antirheumatic drugs and biologic therapies.

PMID- 22046511
TI  - Staphylococcus aureus Decolonization Protocol Decreases Surgical Site Infections
      for Total Joint Replacement.
AB  - We investigated the effects of implementation of an institution-wide screening
      and decolonization protocol on the rates of deep surgical site infections (SSIs)
      in patients undergoing primary knee and hip arthroplasties. 2058 patients were
      enrolled in this study: 1644 patients in the treatment group and 414 in the
      control group. The treatment group attended preoperative admission testing (PAT)
      clinic where they were screened for MSSA and MRSA colonization. All patients were
      provided a 5-day course of nasal mupirocin and a single preoperative
      chlorhexidine shower. Additionally, patients colonized with MRSA received
      Vancomycin perioperative prophylaxis. The control group did not attend PAT nor
      receive mupirocin treatment and received either Ancef or Clindamycin for
      perioperative antibiotic prophylaxis. There were a total of 6 deep infections in
      the control group (1.45%) and 21 in the treatment group (1.28%); this represented
      a decrease of 13% (P = .809) in the treatment versus control group. This decrease
      represented a positive trend in favor of staphylococcus screening, decolonization
      with mupirocin, and perioperative Vancomycin for known MRSA carriers.

PMID- 22046512
TI  - Efficacy and effectiveness of exercise on tender points in adults with
      fibromyalgia: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
AB  - Fibromyalgia is a major public health problem affecting an estimated 200 to 400
      million people worldwide. The purpose of this study was to use the meta-analytic
      approach to determine the efficacy and effectiveness of randomized controlled
      exercise intervention trials (aerobic, strength training, or both) on tender
      points (TPs) in adults with fibromyalgia. Using random effects models and 95%
      confidence intervals (CI), a statistically significant reduction in TPs was
      observed based on per-protocol analyses (8 studies representing 322 participants)
      but not intention-to-treat analyses (5 studies representing 338 participants)
      (per-protocol, g, -0.68, 95% CI, -1.16, -0.20; intention-to-treat, g, -0.24, 95%
      CI, -0.62, 0.15). Changes were equivalent to relative reductions of 10.9% and
      6.9%, respectively, for per-protocol and intention-to-treat analyses. It was
      concluded that exercise is efficacious for reducing TPs in women with FM.
      However, a need exists for additional well-designed and reported studies on this
      topic.

PMID- 22046513
TI  - Adipokines and osteoarthritis: novel molecules involved in the pathogenesis and
      progression of disease.
AB  - Obesity has been considered a risk factor for osteoarthritis and it is usually
      accepted that obesity contributes to the development and progression of
      osteoarthritis by increasing mechanical load of the joints. Nevertheless, recent
      advances in the physiology of white adipose tissue evidenced that fat cells
      produce a plethora of factors, called adipokines, which have a critical role in
      the development of ostearthritis, besides to mechanical effects. In this paper,
      we review the role of adipokines and highlight the cellular and molecular
      mechanisms at play in osteoarthritis elicited by adipokines. We also emphasize
      how defining the role of adipokines has broadned our understanding of the
      diversity of factors involved in the genesis and progression of osteoarthritis in
      the hope of modifying it to prevent and treat diseases.

PMID- 22046514
TI  - An Eccentrically Biased Rehabilitation Program Early after TKA Surgery.
AB  - Rehabilitation services are less-studied aspects of the management following
      total knee arthroplasty (TKA) despite long-term suboptimal physical functioning
      and chronic deficits in muscle function. This paper describes the preliminary
      findings of a six-week (12 session) eccentrically-biased rehabilitation program
      targeted at deficits in physical function and muscle function, initiated one
      month following surgery. A quasiexperimental, one group, pretest-posttest study
      with thirteen individuals (6 female, 7 male; mean age 57 +/- 7 years) examined
      the effectiveness of an eccentrically-biased rehabilitation program. The program
      resulted in improvements in the primary physical function endpoints (SF-36
      physical component summary and the six-minute walk test) with increases of 59%
      and 47%, respectively. Muscle function endpoints (knee extension strength and
      power) also increased 107% and 93%, respectively. Eccentrically-biased exercise
      used as an addition to rehabilitation may help amplify and accelerate physical
      function following TKA surgery.

PMID- 22046515
TI  - Coxarthritis as the presenting symptom of Gaucher disease type 1.
AB  - Gaucher disease (GD) type 1 is the most common lysosomal storage disorder due to
      beta glucocerebrosidase deficiency leading to an abnormal accumulation of its
      substrate, glucocerebroside, in the mononuclear phagocyte system. The disease
      presentation is usually characterized by signs and symptoms related to
      hypersplenism, such as splenomegaly, anaemia, thrombocytopenia and leucopenia.
      Skeletal disease may occur later for the infiltration of bone marrow by
      macrophages infiltration and bone resorption: bone involvement may be
      heterogeneously manifested by symptoms ranging from bone crisis to avascular
      necrosis, osteoporosis and defect in remodeling of long bones. Herein, we report
      a patient in whom the osteoarticular involvement has been the only symptom of the
      disease stressing that this unusual presentation of GD has prompted a wide
      differential diagnosis with more common forms of coxitis.

PMID- 22046516
TI  - Complementary and alternative exercises for management of osteoarthritis.
AB  - Osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic condition characterized by degeneration of
      cartilage and its underlying bone within a joint. With no cure currently
      available, the goals of treating OA are to alleviate pain, maintain, or improve
      joint mobility, increase the muscle strength of the joints, and minimize the
      disabling effects of the disease. Recent research has suggested that
      complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) exercises may improve OA symptoms.
      This paper covers CAM mind-body exercises-Tai Chi, qigong, and yoga-for OA
      management and evaluates their benefits in pain reduction, muscle strength,
      physical function, stiffness, balance, fear of falling, self-efficacy, quality of
      life, and psychological outcomes in patients with OA, based on randomized
      controlled trials published. Findings from the literature suggest that CAM
      exercises demonstrate considerable promise in the management of OA. Future
      studies require rigorous randomized controlled trials with larger sample sizes.

PMID- 22046517
TI  - Current surgical treatment of knee osteoarthritis.
AB  - Osteoathritis (OA) of the knee is common, and the chances of suffering from OA
      increase with age. Its treatment should be initially nonoperative-and requires
      both pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatment modalities. If conservative
      therapy fails, surgery should be considered. Surgical treatments for knee OA
      include arthroscopy, cartilage repair, osteotomy, and knee arthroplasty.
      Determining which of these procedures is most appropriate depends on several
      factors, including the location, stage of OA, comorbidities on the one side and
      patients suffering on the other side. Arthroscopic lavage and debridement is
      often carried out, but does not alter disease progression. If OA is limited to
      one compartment, unicompartmental knee arthroplasty or unloading osteotomy can be
      considered. They are recommended in young and active patients in regard to the
      risks and limited durability of total knee replacement. Total arthroplasty of the
      knee is a common and safe method in the elderly patients with advanced knee OA.
      This paper summarizes current surgical treatment strategies for knee OA, with a
      focus on the latest developments, indications and level of evidence.

PMID- 22046519
TI  - The Influence of Radiographic Severity on the Relationship between Muscle
      Strength and Joint Loading in Obese Knee Osteoarthritis Patients.
AB  - Objective. To investigate the relationship between knee muscle strength and the
      external knee adduction moment during walking in obese knee osteoarthritis
      patients and whether disease severity influences this relationship. Methods. This
      cross-sectional study included 136 elderly obese (BMI > 30) adults with
      predominant medial knee osteoarthritis. Muscle strength, standing radiographic
      severity as measured by the Kellgren and Lawrence scale, and the peak external
      knee adduction moment were measured at self-selected walking speed. Results.
      According to radiographic severity, patients were classified as "less severe" (KL
      1-2, N = 73) or "severe" (KL 3-4, N = 63). A significant positive association was
      demonstrated between the peak knee adduction moment and hamstring muscle strength
      in the whole cohort (P = .047). However, disease severity did not influence the
      relationship between muscle strength and dynamic medial knee joint loading.
      Severe patients had higher peak knee adduction moment and more varus malalignment
      (P < .001). Conclusion. Higher hamstring muscle strength relates to higher
      estimates of dynamic knee joint loading in the medial compartment. No such
      relationship existed for quadriceps muscle strength. Although cross sectional,
      the results suggest that hamstrings function should receive increased attention
      in future studies and treatments that aim at halting disease progression.

PMID- 22046518
TI  - Quantitative cartilage imaging in knee osteoarthritis.
AB  - Quantitative measures of cartilage morphology (i.e., thickness) represent
      potentially powerful surrogate endpoints in osteoarthritis (OA). These can be
      used to identify risk factors of structural disease progression and can
      facilitate the clinical efficacy testing of structure modifying drugs in OA. This
      paper focuses on quantitative imaging of articular cartilage morphology in the
      knee, and will specifically deal with different cartilage morphology outcome
      variables and regions of interest, the relative performance and relationship
      between cartilage morphology measures, reference values for MRI-based knee
      cartilage morphometry, imaging protocols for measurement of cartilage morphology
      (including those used in the Osteoarthritis Initiative), sensitivity to change
      observed in knee OA, spatial patterns of cartilage loss as derived by subregional
      analysis, comparison of MRI changes with radiographic changes, risk factors of
      MRI-based cartilage loss in knee OA, the correlation of MRI-based cartilage loss
      with clinical outcomes, treatment response in knee OA, and future directions of
      the field.

PMID- 22046520
TI  - Serum leptin concentration positively correlates with body weight and total fat
      mass in postmenopausal Japanese women with osteoarthritis of the knee.
AB  - The objective of the present study was to identify factors correlated with the
      serum leptin concentration in women with knee OA. Fifty postmenopausal Japanese
      women with knee OA (age: 50-88 years) were recruited in our outpatient clinic.
      Plain radiographs of the knee were taken, and urine and blood samples were
      collected. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scanning was performed for the
      whole body and lumbar spine, and factors correlated with the serum leptin
      concentration were identified. A simple linear regression analysis showed that
      body weight, body mass index, whole-body bone mineral density (BMD), total fat
      mass, and total fat percentage, but not age, height, lumbar spine BMD, lean body
      mass, serum and urinary bone turnover markers, or the radiographic grade of knee
      OA, were significantly correlated with the serum leptin concentration. A multiple
      regression analysis showed that among these factors, only body weight and total
      fat mass exhibited a significant positive correlation with the serum leptin
      concentration. These results suggest that the serum leptin concentration might be
      related to increases in body weight and total fat mass, but not to BMD or bone
      turnover markers, in postmenopausal women with OA.

PMID- 22046521
TI  - The self-administered patient satisfaction scale for primary hip and knee
      arthroplasty.
AB  - Introduction. The objective of this study was to develop a short self-report
      questionnaire for evaluating patient satisfaction with the outcome of hip and
      knee replacement surgery. Methods. This scale consists of four items focusing on
      satisfaction with the extent of pain relief, improvement in ability to perform
      home or yard work, ability to perform recreational activities, and overall
      satisfaction with joint replacement. This instrument does not measure
      satisfaction with process of care. The responses are scored on a Likert scale,
      with the total score ranging from 25 to 100 per question. The instrument was
      tested on 1700 patients undergoing primary total hip and total knee replacement
      surgery, evaluated preoperatively, at 12 weeks, and one year postoperatively.
      Psychometric testing included internal consistency, measured with Cronbach's
      alpha, and convergent validity, measured by correlation with changes in measures
      of health status between the preoperative, 12-week, and one-year evaluations.
      Results. The internal consistency (reliability) of the scale, measured by the
      Cronbach's alpha, ranged from 0.86 to 0.92. The scale demonstrated substantial
      ceiling effects at 1 year. The scale scores correlated modestly with the absolute
      SF-36 PCS and WOMAC scores (rho = 0.56-0.63 and also with the WOMAC change scores
      (rho = 0.38-0.46) at both 12-week and 1-year followups. Conclusions. This
      instrument is valid and reliable for measuring patient satisfaction following
      primary hip and knee arthroplasty and could be further evaluated for use with
      other musculoskeletal interventions.

PMID- 22046523
TI  - Rheumatoid factor and its interference with cytokine measurements: problems and
      solutions.
AB  - Use of cytokines as biomarkers for disease is getting more widespread. Cytokines
      are conveniently determined by immunoassay, but interference from present
      antibodies is known to cause problems. In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), interference
      of rheumatoid factor (RF) may be problematic. RF covers a group of autoantibodies
      from immunoglobulin subclasses and is present in 65-80% of RA patients. Partly
      removal of RF is possible by precipitation. This study aims at determining the
      effects of presence of RF in blood and synovial fluid on cytokine measurements in
      samples from RA patients and finding possible solutions for recognized problems.
      IL-1beta, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-8 were determined with multiplex immunoassays (MIA)
      in samples from RA patients prior to and after polyethylene glycol (PEG 6000)
      precipitation. Presence of RF does interfere with MIA. PEG 6000 precipitation
      abolishes this RF interference. We recommend PEG precipitation for all
      immunoassay measurements of plasma samples from RA patients.

PMID- 22046522
TI  - Developmental mechanisms in articular cartilage degradation in osteoarthritis.
AB  - Osteoarthritis is the most common arthritic condition, which involves progressive
      degeneration of articular cartilage. The most recent accomplishments have
      significantly advanced our understanding on the mechanisms of the disease
      development and progression. The most intriguing is the growing evidence
      indicating that extracellular matrix destruction in osteoarthritic articular
      cartilage resembles that in the hypertrophic zone of fetal growth plate during
      endochondral ossification. This suggests common regulatory mechanisms of matrix
      degradation in OA and in the development and can provide new approaches for the
      treatment of the disease by targeting reparation of chondrocyte phenotype.

PMID- 22046524
TI  - Popliteal cysts in paediatric patients: clinical characteristics and imaging
      features on ultrasound and MRI.
AB  - Popliteal cysts, or Baker cysts, are considered rare in children and may exhibit
      particular features, as compared with adults. We studied data from 80 paediatric
      patients with 55 Baker cysts, examined over a period of 7 years, and correlated
      clinical presentation with findings on ultrasonography and MRI. Prevalence of
      popliteal cysts was 57% in arthritic knees, 58% with hypermobility syndrome, and
      28% without risk factors. Only one patient had a trauma history and showed an
      ipsilateral cyst. Mean cyst volume was 3.4 mL; cysts were larger in boys.
      Patients with arthritis had echogenic cysts in 53%. Cyst communication with the
      joint space was seen in 64% on ultrasonography and 86% on MRI. In conclusion,
      Baker cysts are a common finding in a clinically preselected paediatric
      population. Children with Baker cysts should be assessed for underlying arthritis
      and inherited joint hypermobility, while sporadic Baker cysts appear to be
      common, as well.

PMID- 22046525
TI  - The roles of interleukin-6 in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - Several clinical studies have demonstrated that the humanized anti-interleukin-6
      (IL-6) receptor antibody tocilizumab (TCZ) improves clinical symptoms and
      prevents progression of joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However,
      the precise mechanism by which IL-6 blockade leads to the improvement of RA is
      not well understood. IL-6 promotes synovitis by inducing neovascularization,
      infiltration of inflammatory cells, and synovial hyperplasia. IL-6 causes bone
      resorption by inducing osteoclast formation via the induction of RANKL in
      synovial cells, and cartilage degeneration by producing matrix metalloproteinases
      (MMPs) in synovial cells and chondrocytes. Moreover, IL-6 is involved in
      autoimmunity by altering the balance between T(h)17 cells and T(reg). IL-6 also
      acts on changing lipid concentrations in blood and on inducing the production of
      hepcidin which causes iron-deficient anemia. In conclusion, IL-6 is a major
      player in the pathogenesis of RA, and current evidence indicates that the
      blockade of IL-6 is a beneficial therapy for RA patients.

PMID- 22046526
TI  - Patella Eversion Reduces Early Knee Range of Motion and Muscle Torque Recovery
      after Total Knee Arthroplasty: Comparison between Minimally Invasive Total Knee
      Arthroplasty and Conventional Total Knee Arthroplasty.
AB  - We hypothesized that patella eversion during total knee arthroplasty (TKA)
      reduces early return of active knee extension and flexion, quadriceps muscle
      strength, and postoperative pain. In 100 conventional TKA knees and 100 minimally
      invasive TKA (MIS TKA) knees, we compared knee range of motion (ROM),
      postoperative pain, and quadriceps muscle strength at 1 day, 4 days, 1 week, 2
      weeks, 3 weeks, 4 weeks, 12 weeks, 1 year, and 5 years after surgery. The
      differences of surgical approach between MIS TKA and conventional TKA of this
      study are length of skin incision with subcutaneal flap and patella eversion. In
      MIS TKA, skin incision is shorter than conventional TKA. Furthermore, patella is
      not everted in MIS TKA procedure. There were no significant differences in
      preoperative factors. Postoperative improvement of ROM, postoperative muscle
      strength recovery, and postoperative improvement of visual analog scale were
      faster in patients with MIS TKA when compared to that in patients with
      conventional TKA. On the other hand, no significant difference was observed in
      complication, 5-year clinical results of subjective knee function score, and the
      postoperative component angle and lower leg alignment. These results indicate
      that patella eversion may affect muscle strength recovery and postoperative pain.

PMID- 22046528
TI  - Correlation between Oxidative Stress and Thyroid Function in Patients with
      Nephrotic Syndrome.
AB  - Background. The present study is to look for a correlation between oxidative
      stress and thyroid function in patients with the nephrotic syndrome in the
      remission phase as well as in a persistent proteinuric state. Introduction.
      Nephrotic syndrome is a form of chronic kidney disease due to which blood loses
      protein through the urine. We wanted to know if there was an increased loss of
      thyroid hormones in urine affecting thyroid function. Methods. 60 patients with
      nephrotic syndrome and 20 healthy non-proteinuric individuals as control subjects
      were enrolled in the study. We measured their serum tri-iodothyronine, thyroxine
      and thyroid-stimulating hormone. Estimation of lipid peroxidation (LPx) catalase,
      superoxide dismutase (SOD), and Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were carried out by
      standard methods. Results. TSH was elevated in the nephrotic patients compared to
      controls, while TT4 and TT3 were significantly lower in the patients than in
      controls. Lipid Peroxidation and GPx were significantly higher in the nephrotic
      syndrome patients than in the controls, while SOD and catalase were significantly
      lower than in patients than in the control subjects. Conclusion. Nephrotic
      patients can lose significant amounts of thyroid hormones along with protein in
      urine, which can affect thyroid status, but this is reversible on remission.

PMID- 22046529
TI  - Cancer, senescence, and aging: translation from basic research to clinics.

PMID- 22046531
TI  - Accuracy of D-Dimers to Rule Out Venous Thromboembolism Events across Age
      Categories.
AB  - Background. Strategies combining pretest clinical assessment and D-dimers
      measurement efficiently and safely rule out venous thromboembolism events (VTE)
      in low- and intermediate-risk patients. Objectives. As process of ageing is
      associated with altered concentrations of coagulation markers including an
      increase in D-dimers levels, we investigated whether D-dimers could reliably rule
      out VTE across age categories. Method. We prospectively assessed the test
      performance in 1,004 patients visiting the emergency department during the 6
      month period with low or intermediate risk of VTE who also received additional
      diagnostic procedures. Results. 67 patients had VTE with D-dimers levels above
      the threshold, and 3 patients displayed D-dimers levels below the threshold. We
      observed that specificity of D-dimers test decreased in an age-dependent manner.
      However, sensitivity and negative predictive value remained at very high level in
      each age category including older patients. Conclusion. We conclude that, even
      though D-dimers level could provide numerous false positive results in elderly
      patients, its high sensitivity could reliably help physicians to exclude the
      diagnosis of VTE in every low- and intermediate-risk patient.

PMID- 22046530
TI  - Shorter leukocyte telomere length in midlife women with poor sleep quality.
AB  - Background. Accumulating evidence supports leukocyte telomere length (LTL) as a
      biological marker of cellular aging. Poor sleep is a risk factor for age-related
      disease; however, the extent to which sleep accounts for variation in LTL is
      unknown. Methods. The present study examined associations of self-reported sleep
      duration, onset latency, and subjective quality with LTL in a community-dwelling
      sample of 245 healthy women in midlife (aged 49-66 years). Results. While sleep
      duration and onset latency were unrelated to LTL, women reporting poorer sleep
      quality displayed shorter LTL (r = 0.14, P = 0.03), independent of age, BMI,
      race, and income (b = 55.48, SE = 27.43, P = 0.04). When analyses were restricted
      to participants for whom sleep patterns were chronic, poorer sleep quality
      predicted shorter LTL independent of covariates and perceived psychological
      stress. Conclusions. This study provides the first evidence that poor sleep
      quality explains significant variation in LTL, a marker of cellular aging.

PMID- 22046527
TI  - Biomechanical influence of cartilage homeostasis in health and disease.
AB  - There is an urgent demand for long term solutions to improve osteoarthritis
      treatments in the ageing population. There are drugs that control the pain but
      none that stop the progression of the disease in a safe and efficient way.
      Increased intervention efforts, augmented by early diagnosis and integrated
      biophysical therapies are therefore needed. Unfortunately, progress has been
      hampered due to the wide variety of experimental models which examine the effect
      of mechanical stimuli and inflammatory mediators on signal transduction pathways.
      Our understanding of the early mechanopathophysiology is poor, particularly the
      way in which mechanical stimuli influences cell function and regulates matrix
      synthesis. This makes it difficult to identify reliable targets and design new
      therapies. In addition, the effect of mechanical loading on matrix turnover is
      dependent on the nature of the mechanical stimulus. Accumulating evidence
      suggests that moderate mechanical loading helps to maintain cartilage integrity
      with a low turnover of matrix constituents. In contrast, nonphysiological
      mechanical signals are associated with increased cartilage damage and
      degenerative changes. This review will discuss the pathways regulated by
      compressive loading regimes and inflammatory signals in animal and in vitro 3D
      models. Identification of the chondroprotective pathways will reveal novel
      targets for osteoarthritis treatments.

PMID- 22046532
TI  - Ambulance Crash Characteristics in the US Defined by the Popular Press: A
      Retrospective Analysis.
AB  - Ambulance crashes are a significant risk to prehospital care providers, the
      patients they are carrying, persons in other vehicles, and pedestrians. No
      uniform national transportation or medical database captures all ambulance
      crashes in the United States. A website captures many significant ambulance
      crashes by collecting reports in the popular media (the website is mentioned in
      the introduction). This report summaries findings from ambulance crashes for the
      time period of May 1, 2007 to April 30, 2009. Of the 466 crashes examined, 358
      resulted in injuries to prehospital personnel, other vehicle occupants, patients
      being transported in the ambulance, or pedestrians. A total of 982 persons were
      injured as a result of ambulance crashes during the time period. Prehospital
      personnel were the most likely to be injured. Provider safety can and should be
      improved by ambulance vehicle redesign and the development of improved occupant
      safety restraints. Seventy-nine (79) crashes resulted in fatalities to some
      member of the same groups listed above. A total of 99 persons were killed in
      ambulance crashes during the time period. Persons in other vehicles involved in
      collisions with ambulances were the most likely to die as a result of crashes. In
      the urban environment, intersections are a particularly dangerous place for
      ambulances.

PMID- 22046533
TI  - Difficult Airway Management Algorithm in Emergency Medicine: Do Not Struggle
      against the Patient, Just Skip to Next Step.
AB  - We report a case of prehospital "cannot intubate" and "cannot ventilate"
      scenarios successfully managed by strictly following a difficult airway
      management algorithm. Five airway devices were used: the Macintosh laryngoscope,
      the gum elastic Eschmann bougie, the LMA Fastrach, the Melker cricothyrotomy
      cannula, and the flexible fiberscope. Although several airway devices were used,
      overall airway management duration was relatively short, at 20 min, because for
      each scenario, failed primary and secondary backup devices were quickly abandoned
      after 2 failed attempts, each attempt of no more than 2 min in duration, in favor
      of the tertiary rescue device. Equally, all three of these rescue devices failed,
      an uncuffed cricothyroidotomy cannula was inserted to restore optimal arterial
      oxygenation until a definitive airway was secured in the ICU using a flexible
      fiberscope. Our case reinforces the need to strictly follow a difficult airway
      management algorithm that employs a limited number of effective devices and
      techniques, and highlights the imperative for early activation of successive
      preplanned steps of the algorithm.

PMID- 22046534
TI  - Wenckebach Block due to Hyperkalemia: A Case Report.
AB  - Hyperkalemia is a commonly encountered electrolyte abnormality that can
      significantly alter normal cardiac conduction. Potentially lethal dysrhythmias
      associated with hyperkalemia include complete heart block and Mobitz Type II
      second-degree AV block. We report a unique case of Mobitz Type 1 second-degree
      atrioventricular (AV) block, known commonly as Wenckebach, due to hyperkalemia.
      The patient's symptoms and electrocardiogram (ECG) evidence of Wenckebach block
      resolved with lowering of serum potassium levels, with subsequent ECG showing
      first-degree AV block. This paper highlights an infrequently reported dysrhythmia
      associated with hyperkalemia that emergency physicians should be familiar with.

PMID- 22046535
TI  - A Patient with Splenic Artery Aneurysm Rupture and the Importance of Rapid
      Sonography in the ED.
AB  - We report a case of a splenic artery aneurysm rupture presenting with shock which
      required timely embolization therapy. This case demonstrates how the rapid use of
      bedside ultrasound by emergency department (ED) physicians can help identify the
      cause of shock and, therefore, initiate appropriate treatment quickly even if the
      cause is rare, as in this case.

PMID- 22046536
TI  - The emergency management and treatment of severe burns.
AB  - Burn injuries continue to cause morbidity and mortality internationally. Despite
      international collaborations and preventative measures, there are still many
      cases reported in high- and low-income countries. The treatment of these patients
      is often protracted and requires extensive resources. The adequate resuscitation
      of these patients coupled with meticulous wound care can have a huge impact on
      their outcome. The authors present a simple guideline for the initial management
      of severe burns which is utilised by the South African Burn Society and is based
      on the guidelines of the American Burn Association and the Australian and New
      Zealand Burn Association.

PMID- 22046537
TI  - Expectations of Care, Perceived Safety, and Anxiety following Acute Behavioural
      Disturbance in the Emergency Department.
AB  - Objective. We explored perspectives of emergency department users (patients and
      visitors) regarding the management of acute behavioural disturbances in the
      emergency department and whether these disturbances influenced their levels of
      anxiety. Methods. Emergency department patients and visitors were surveyed using
      the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and a purpose-designed questionnaire and
      semistructured interview. The main outcome measures were themes that emerged from
      the questionnaires, the interviews, and scores from the state component of the
      State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Results. 70 participants were recruited. Users of
      the emergency department preferred behaviourally disturbed people be managed in a
      separate area from the general emergency department population so that the
      disturbance was inaudible (n = 32) and out of view (n = 40). The state anxiety
      levels of those that witnessed an acute behavioural disturbance were within the
      normal range and did not differ to that of ED patients that were not present
      during such a disturbance (median, control = 37, Code Grey = 33). Conclusions.
      Behavioural disturbances in the emergency department do not provoke anxiety in
      other users. However, there is a preference that such disturbances be managed out
      of visual and audible range. Innovative design features may be required to
      achieve this.

PMID- 22046538
TI  - Micropower impulse radar: a novel technology for rapid, real-time detection of
      pneumothorax.
AB  - Pneumothorax detection in emergency situations must be rapid and at the point of
      care. Current standards for detection of a pneumothorax are supine chest X-rays,
      ultrasound, and CT scans. Unfortunately these tools and the personnel necessary
      for their facile utilization may not be readily available in acute circumstances,
      particularly those which occur in the pre-hospital setting. The decision to treat
      therefore, is often made without adequate information. In this report, we
      describe a novel hand-held device that utilizes Micropower Impulse Radar to
      reliably detect the presence of a pneumothorax. The technology employs ultra wide
      band pulses over a frequency range of 500 MHz to 6 GHz and a proprietary
      algorithm analyzes return echoes to determine if a pneumothorax is present with
      no user interpretation required. The device has been evaluated in both trauma and
      surgical environments with sensitivity of 93% and specificity of 85%. It is has
      the CE Mark and is available for sale in Europe. Post market studies are planned
      starting in May of 2011. Clinical studies to support the FDA submission will be
      completed in the first quarter of 2012.

PMID- 22046539
TI  - Improved survival with therapeutic hypothermia after cardiac arrest with cold
      saline and surfacing cooling: keep it simple.
AB  - Aim. To evaluate whether the introduction of a therapeutic hypothermia (TH)
      protocol consisting of cold saline infusion and surface cooling would be
      effective in targeting mild therapeutic hypothermia (32-34 degrees C).
      Additionally, to evaluate if TH would improve survival after cardiac arrest.
      Design. Before-after design. Setting. General Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at an
      urban general hospital with 470 beds. Patients and Methods. Patients admitted in
      the ICU after cardiac arrest between 2004 and 2009 were included. Effectiveness
      of the TH protocol to achieve the targeted temperature was evaluated. Hospital
      mortality was compared before (October 2004-March 2006) and after (April 2006
      September 2009) the protocol implementation. Results. Hundred and thirty patients
      were included, 75 patients were not submitted to TH (before TH group), and 55
      were submitted to TH (TH group). There were no significant differences concerning
      baseline, ICU, and cardiac arrest characteristics between both groups. There was
      a significant reduction in hospital mortality from 61% (n = 46) in the before TH
      group to 40% (n = 22) in the TH group. Conclusion. Our protocol consisting of
      cold saline infusion and surface cooling might be effective in inducing and
      maintaining mild therapeutic hypothermia. TH achieved with this protocol was
      associated with a significant reduction in hospital mortality.

PMID- 22046540
TI  - A brief training module improves recognition of echocardiographic wall-motion
      abnormalities by emergency medicine physicians.
AB  - Objective. Wall-motion abnormality on echocardiogram is more sensitive in
      detecting cardiac ischemia than the electrocardiogram, but the use of bedside
      echocardiography by emergency physicians (EPs) for this purpose does not appear
      to be widespread, apparently due to limited data on proficiency of EPs for this
      task. We sought to determine the effect of a brief training module on the ability
      of EPs to recognize wall motion abnormalities on echocardiograms. Methods. We
      developed a brief training and testing module and presented it to EPs. After
      baseline testing of 15 echocardiograms, we presented the 30-minute training
      module, and administered a new test of 15 different echocardiograms. Physicians
      were asked to interpret the wall motion as normal or abnormal. Results. 35 EPs
      over two separate sessions showed significant improvement recognition of wall
      motion abnormalities after the brief training module. Median score on the
      baseline test was 67%, interquartile range (IQR) 53% to 80%, while the median
      score on the posttraining test was 87%, IQR 80% to 87%, P < .001, independent of
      time in practice or prior training. Conclusion. With only brief training on how
      to recognize wall motion abnormalities on echocardiograms, EPs showed significant
      improvement in ability to identify wall motion abnormalities.

PMID- 22046541
TI  - Is blood alcohol level a good predictor for injury severity outcomes in motor
      vehicle crash victims?
AB  - Experimental studies in animals suggest that alcohol may influence
      pathophysiologic response to injury mechanisms. However, biological evidence for
      the alcohol-injury severity relationship provides conflicting results. The
      purpose of our retrospective cross-sectional study in 2,323 people was to assess
      whether blood alcohol level (BAC) adversely influences injury severity in victims
      of motor vehicle collisions (MVCs). We found no difference in mortality OR 1.09
      (0.73-1.62), or length of hospital stay, and a trend for lower ISS score was
      found in the high-alcohol group (P = 0.052). Furthermore, the high-alcohol group
      demonstrated a lower adjusted rate of severe head injury OR 0.65 (0.48-0.87),
      chest injury OR 0.58 (0.42-0.80), and serious extremity injury OR 0.10 (0.01
      0.76). The findings of our study do not demonstrate a dose-response relationship
      between alcohol consumption and injury severity in MVCs. This study implies that
      higher BAC may lead to less severe injuries, without impacting mortality or
      length of hospital stay, however, further research is required to elucidate the
      nature of this relationship.

PMID- 22046542
TI  - Incidental Findings on CT Scans in the Emergency Department.
AB  - Objectives. Incidental findings on computed tomography (CT) scans are common. We
      sought to examine rates of findings and disclosure among discharged patients who
      received a CT scan in the ED. Methods. Retrospective chart review (Aug-Oct 2009)
      of 600 patients age 18 and older discharged home from an urban Level 1 trauma
      center. CT reports were used to identify incidental findings and discharge
      paperwork was used to determine whether the patient was informed of these
      findings. Results. There were 682 CT scans among 600 patients: 199 Abdomen &
      Pelvis, 405 Head, and 78 Thorax. A total of 348 incidental findings were
      documented in 228/682 (33.4%) of the scans, of which 34 (9.8%) were reported to
      patients in discharge paperwork. Patients with 1 incidental finding were less
      likely to receive disclosure than patients with 2 or more (P = .010). Patients
      age <60 were less likely to have incidental findings (P < .001). There was no
      significant disclosure or incidental finding difference by gender. Conclusions.
      While previous research suggests that CT incidental findings are often benign,
      reporting to patients is recommended but this is rarely happening.

PMID- 22046543
TI  - Seatbelt injury causing small bowel devascularisation: case series and review of
      the literature.
AB  - The use of seatbelts has increased significantly in the last twenty years,
      leading to a decrease in mortality from road traffic accidents (RTA). However,
      this increase in seatbelt use has also led to a change in the spectrum of
      injuries from RTA; abdominal injuries, particularly intestinal injuries have
      dramatically increased with the routine use of seatbelts. Such intestinal
      injuries frequently result from improper placement of the "lap belt". We present
      3 cases in which passengers wearing a seatbelt sustained significant
      devascularisation injuries to the small bowel requiring emergency surgical
      intervention. A high index of suspicion is crucial in such cases to prevent
      delays in diagnosis that can lead to severe complications and adverse outcomes.
      It is evident that while advocating seatbelt use, the importance of education in
      correct seatbelt placement should also be a focus of public health strategies to
      reduce RTA morbidity and mortality.

PMID- 22046544
TI  - Diffusion of cardiopulmonary resuscitation training to chinese immigrants with
      limited english proficiency.
AB  - Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) is an effective intervention for prehospital
      cardiac arrest. Despite all available training opportunities for CPR, disparities
      exist in participation in CPR training, CPR knowledge, and receipt of bystander
      CPR for certain ethnic groups. We conducted five focus groups with Chinese
      immigrants who self-reported limited English proficiency (LEP). A bilingual
      facilitator conducted all the sessions. All discussions were taped, recorded,
      translated, and transcribed. Transcripts were analyzed by content analysis guided
      by the theory of diffusion. The majority of participants did not know of CPR and
      did not know where to get trained. Complexity of CPR procedure, advantages of
      calling 9-1-1, lack of confidence, and possible liability discourage LEP
      individuals to learn CPR. LEP individuals welcome simplified Hands-Only CPR and
      are willing to perform CPR with instruction from 9-1-1 operators. Expanding the
      current training to include Hands-Only CPR and dispatcher-assisted CPR may
      motivate Chinese LEP individuals to get trained for CPR.

PMID- 22046545
TI  - Isolated transverse sacrum fracture: a case report.
AB  - Sacral fracture commonly results from high-energy trauma. Most insufficiency
      fractures of the sacrum are seen in women after the age of 70. Fractures of the
      sacrum are rare and generally combined with a concomitant pelvic fracture.
      Transverse sacral fractures are even less frequent which constitute only 3-5% of
      all sacral fractures. This type of fractures provide a diagnostic challenge. We
      report a unique case of isolated transverse fracture of sacrum in a young man
      sustained low-energy trauma. The patient presented to our emergency department
      after several hours of injury, and diagnosed by clinical features and
      roentgenogram findings.

PMID- 22046546
TI  - Vascular injury accompanying displaced proximal humeral fractures: two cases and
      a review of the literature.
AB  - We present two cases in which displaced proximal humeral fractures are
      accompanied by vascular injury. These Injuries are very rare but severe and the
      accompanying vascular impairment can have great clinical consequences. Therefore,
      we try to emphasize on the importance of thorough and accurate diagnostics,
      because it is obligatory for early diagnosis and improving the eventual outcome
      of these injuries. The specific order in treatment (internal fixation first or
      vascular repair first) depends on the severity of the accompanying vascular
      injury. The increasing use of endovascular procedures to treat vascular lesions
      is a very interesting development with several advantages, especially in elderly
      and multimorbid patients.

PMID- 22046547
TI  - Demographic analysis of emergency department patients at the ruijin hospital,
      shanghai.
AB  - Emergency medicine is an upcoming discipline that is still under development in
      many countries. Therefore, it is important to gain insight into the organization
      and patients presenting to the Emergency Department (ED). The aim of this cross
      sectional study was to provide an epidemiological description of complaints and
      referrals of the patients visiting the ED of the Ruijin Hospital in Shanghai,
      China. A questionnaire was developed and completed for a convenience sample of
      all patients presenting to the Triage Desk of the ED. The study was performed in
      June 2008. A total of 2183 questionnaires were completed. The most common
      complaints were fever (15%), stomach/abdominal pain (15%), vertigo/dizziness
      (11%), and cough (10%). Following triage, patients were predominantly referred to
      an internist (41%), neurologist (14%), pulmonologist (11%), or general surgeon
      (9%). This study provides a better understanding of the reason for the ED visit
      and the triage system at the ED of the Ruijin Hospital. The results can be used
      in order to improve facilities appropriate for the specific population in the ED.

PMID- 22046548
TI  - Lunar tractive forces and renal stone incidence.
AB  - Background. Several factors are implicated in renal stone formation and peak
      incidence of renal colic admissions to emergency departments (ED). Little is
      known about the influence of potential environmental triggers such as lunar
      gravitational forces. We conducted a retrospective study to test the hypothesis
      that the incidence of symptomatic renal colics increases at the time of the full
      and new moon because of increased lunar gravitational forces. Methods. We
      analysed 1500 patients who attended our ED between 2000 and 2010 because of
      nephrolithiasis-induced renal colic. The lunar phases were defined as full moon
      +/- 1 day, new moon +/- 1 day, and the days in-between as "normal" days. Results.
      During this 11-year period, 156 cases of acute nephrolithiasis were diagnosed at
      the time of a full moon and 146 at the time of a new moon (mean of 0.4 per day
      for both). 1198 cases were diagnosed on "normal" days (mean 0.4 per day). The
      incidence of nephrolithiasis in peak and other lunar gravitational phases, the
      circannual variation and the gender-specific analysis showed no statistically
      significant differences. Conclusion. In this adequate powered longitudinal study,
      changes in tractive force during the different lunar phases did not influence the
      incidence of renal colic admissions in emergency department.

PMID- 22046549
TI  - Blunt cardiac injury in trauma patients with thoracic aortic injury.
AB  - Trauma patients with thoracic aortic injury (TAI) suffer blunt cardiac injury
      (BCI) at variable frequencies. This investigation aimed to determine the
      frequency of BCI in trauma patients with TAI and compare with those without TAI.
      All trauma patients with TAI who had admission electrocardiography (ECG) and
      serum creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) from January 1999 to May 2009 were included as a
      study group at a level I trauma center. BCI was diagnosed if there was a positive
      ECG with either an elevated CK-MB or abnormal echocardiography. There were 26
      patients (19 men, mean age 45.1 years, mean ISS 34.4) in the study group; 20 had
      evidence of BCI. Of 52 patients in the control group (38 men, mean age 46.9
      years, mean ISS 38.7), eighteen had evidence of BCI. There was a significantly
      higher rate of BCI in trauma patients with TAI versus those without TAI (77%
      versus 35%, P < 0.001).

PMID- 22046550
TI  - The role of thrombelastography in multiple trauma.
AB  - Hemorrhage and traumatic coagulopathyis are major causes of early death in
      multiply injured patients. Thrombelastography (TEG) seems to be a fast and
      accurate coagulation test in trauma care. We suggest that multiply injured trauma
      patients would benefit the most from an early assessment of coagulation by TEG,
      mainly RapidTEG, to detect an acute traumatic coagulopathy and especially primary
      fibrinolysis, which is related with high mortality. This review gives an overview
      on TEG and its clinical applications.

PMID- 22046551
TI  - Impact of 2004 tsunami in the islands of Indian ocean: lessons learned.
AB  - Tsunami of 2004, caused by a 9.0 magnitude earthquake, is the most devastating
      tsunami in modern times, affecting 18 countries in Southeast Asia and Southern
      Africa, killing more than 250,000 people in a single day, and leaving more than
      1.7 million homeless. However, less reported, albeit real, is its impact in the
      islands of the Indian Ocean more than 1,000 miles away from its epicenter. This
      is the first peer-reviewed paper on the 2004 tsunami events specifically in the
      eleven nations bordering the Indian Ocean, as they constitute a region at risk,
      due to the presence of tectonic interactive plate, absence of a tsunami warning
      system in the Indian Ocean, and lack established communication network providing
      timely information to that region. Our paper has a dual objective: the first
      objective is to report the 2004 tsunami event in relation to the 11 nations
      bordering the Indian Ocean. The second one is to elaborate on lessons learned
      from it from national, regional, and international disaster management programs
      to prevent such devastating consequences of tsunami from occurring again in the
      future.

PMID- 22046552
TI  - Skull base osteomyelitis in the emergency department: a case report.
AB  - Skull base osteomyelitis (SBO) is a rare clinical presentation and usually occurs
      as a complication of trauma or sinusitis. A 5-year-old child presented to the
      emergency department with a three-week history of fever associated with
      drowsiness and left parietal headache, and a week's history of swelling on the
      left frontoparietal soft tissue. He had suffered a penetrating scalp injury four
      month ago. On physical examination, there was a tender swelling with purulent
      stream on the lateral half of his scalp. His vital signs are within normal
      limits. Plain X-ray of the skull showed a lytic lesion on the left frontoparietal
      bone. A cranial computed tomography (CT) scan demonstrated a large subgaleal
      abscess at the left frontoparietal region. SBO possesses a high morbidity and
      mortality; therefore, prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment are mandatory to
      prevent further complications and to reduce morbidity and mortality
      significantly.

PMID- 22046553
TI  - Perceived differences in the management of mental health patients in remote and
      rural australia and strategies for improvement: findings from a national
      qualitative study of emergency clinicians.
AB  - Introduction. We aimed to describe perceptions of Australian emergency clinicians
      of differences in management of mental health patients in rural and remote
      Australia compared with metropolitan hospitals, and what could be improved.
      Methods. Descriptive exploratory study using semi-structured telephone interviews
      of doctors and nurses in Australian emergency departments (EDs), stratified to
      represent states and territories and rural or metropolitan location. Content
      analysis of responses developed themes and sub-themes. Results. Of 39 doctors and
      32 nurses responding to email invitation, 20 doctors and 16 nurses were
      interviewed. Major themes were resources/environment, staff and patient issues.
      Clinicians noted lack of access in rural areas to psychiatric support services,
      especially alcohol and drug services, limited referral options, and a lack of
      knowledge, understanding and acceptance of mental health issues. The clinicians
      suggested resource, education and guideline improvements, wanting better access
      to mental health experts in rural areas, better support networks and visiting
      specialist coverage, and educational courses tailored to the needs of rural
      clinicians. Conclusion. Clinicians managing mental health patients in rural and
      remote Australian EDs lack resources, support services and referral capacity, and
      access to appropriate education and training. Improvements would better enable
      access to support and referral services, and educational opportunities.

PMID- 22046554
TI  - Measuring quality in emergency medical services: a review of clinical performance
      indicators.
AB  - Measuring quality in Emergency Medical Services (EMSs) systems is challenging.
      This paper reviews the current approaches to measuring quality in health care and
      EMS with a focus on currently used clinical performance indicators in EMS systems
      (US and international systems). The different types of performance indicators,
      the advantages and limitations of each type, and the evidence-based prehospital
      clinical bundles are discussed. This paper aims at introducing emergency
      physicians and health care providers to quality initiatives in EMS and serves as
      a reference for tools that EMS medical directors can use to launch new or modify
      existing quality control programs in their systems.

PMID- 22046555
TI  - Molecular Network Associated with MITF in Skin Melanoma Development and
      Progression.
AB  - Various environmental and genetic factors affect the development and progression
      of skin cancers including melanoma. Melanoma development is initially triggered
      by environmental factors including ultraviolet (UV) light, and then
      genetic/epigenetic alterations occur in skin melanocytes. These first triggers
      alter the conditions of numerous genes and proteins, and they induce and/or
      reduce gene expression and activate and/or repress protein stability and
      activity, resulting in melanoma progression. Microphthalmia-associated
      transcription factor (MITF) is a master regulator gene of melanocyte development
      and differentiation and is also associated with melanoma development and
      progression. To find better approaches to molecular-based therapies for patients,
      understanding MITF function in skin melanoma development and progression is
      important. Here, we review the molecular networks associated with MITF in skin
      melanoma development and progression.

PMID- 22046556
TI  - Bone marrow stem cell derived paracrine factors for regenerative medicine:
      current perspectives and therapeutic potential.
AB  - During the past several years, there has been intense research in the field of
      bone marrow-derived stem cell (BMSC) therapy to facilitate its translation into
      clinical setting. Although a lot has been accomplished, plenty of challenges lie
      ahead. Furthermore, there is a growing body of evidence showing that
      administration of BMSC-derived conditioned media (BMSC-CM) can recapitulate the
      beneficial effects observed after stem cell therapy. BMSCs produce a wide range
      of cytokines and chemokines that have, until now, shown extensive therapeutic
      potential. These paracrine mechanisms could be as diverse as stimulating receptor
      mediated survival pathways, inducing stem cell homing and differentiation or
      regulating the anti-inflammatory effects in wounded areas. The current review
      reflects the rapid shift of interest from BMSC to BMSC-CM to alleviate many
      logistical and technical issues regarding cell therapy and evaluates its future
      potential as an effective regenerative therapy.

PMID- 22046557
TI  - Differential Secondary Reconstitution of In Vivo-Selected Human SCID-Repopulating
      Cells in NOD/SCID versus NOD/SCID/gamma chain Mice.
AB  - Humanized bone-marrow xenograft models that can monitor the long-term impact of
      gene-therapy strategies will help facilitate evaluation of clinical utility. The
      ability of the murine bone-marrow microenvironment in NOD/SCID versus
      NOD/SCID/gamma chain(null) mice to support long-term engraftment of MGMT(P140K)
      transduced human-hematopoietic cells following alkylator-mediated in vivo
      selection was investigated. Mice were transplanted with MGMT(P140K)-transduced
      CD34(+) cells and transduced cells selected in vivo. At 4 months after
      transplantation, levels of human-cell engraftment, and MGMT(P140K)-transduced
      cells in the bone marrow of NOD/SCID versus NSG mice varied slightly in vehicle-
      and drug-treated mice. In secondary transplants, although equal numbers of
      MGMT(P140K)-transduced human cells were transplanted, engraftment was
      significantly higher in NOD/SCID/gamma chain(null) mice compared to NOD/SCID mice
      at 2 months after transplantation. These data indicate that reconstitution of
      NOD/SCID/gamma chain(null) mice with human-hematopoietic cells represents a more
      promising model in which to test for genotoxicity and efficacy of strategies that
      focus on manipulation of long-term repopulating cells of human origin.

PMID- 22046558
TI  - Immune recovery after cyclophosphamide treatment in multiple myeloma: implication
      for maintenance immunotherapy.
AB  - Multiple myeloma (MM) is a progressive B-lineage neoplasia characterized by
      clonal proliferation of malignant plasma cells. Increased numbers of regulatory T
      cells (Tregs) were determined in mouse models and in patients with MM, which
      correlated with disease burden. Thus, it became rational to target Tregs for
      treating MM. The effects of common chemotherapeutic drugs on Tregs are reviewed
      with a focus on cyclophosphamide (CYC). Studies indicated that selective
      depletion of Tregs may be accomplished following the administration of a low-dose
      CYC. We report that continuous nonfrequent administrations of CYC at low doses
      block the renewal of Tregs in MM-affected mice and enable the restoration of an
      efficient immune response against the tumor cells, thereby leading to prolonged
      survival and prevention of disease recurrence. Hence, distinctive time-schedule
      injections of low-dose CYC are beneficial for breaking immune tolerance against
      MM tumor cells.

PMID- 22046559
TI  - Haploidentical hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation in adults.
AB  - Haploidentical hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation is an alternative
      transplant strategy for patients without an HLA-matched donor. Still, only half
      of patients who might benefit from transplantation are able to find an HLA
      matched related or unrelated donor. Haploidentical donor is readily available for
      many patients in need of immediate stem-cell transplantation. Historical
      experience with haploidentical stem-cell transplantation has been characterised
      by a high rejection rate, graft-versus-host disease, and transplant-related
      mortality. Important advances have been made in this field during the last 20
      years. Many drawbacks of haploidentical transplants such as graft failure and
      significant GVHD have been overcome due to the development of new extensive T
      cell depletion methods with mega dose stem-cell administration. However,
      prolonged immune deficiency and an increased relapse rate remain unresolved
      problems of T cell depletion. New approaches such as partial ex vivo or in vivo
      alloreactive T cell depletion and posttransplant cell therapy will allow to
      improve immune reconstitution in haploidentical transplants. Results of
      unmanipulated stem-cell transplantation with using ATG and combined
      immunosuppression in mismatched/haploidentical transplant setting are promising.
      This paper focuses on recent advances in haploidentical hematopoietic stem-cell
      transplantation for hematologic malignancies.

PMID- 22046560
TI  - Paracrine molecules of mesenchymal stem cells for hematopoietic stem cell niche.
AB  - Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are both adult
      stem cells residing in the bone marrow. MSCs interact with HSCs, they stimulate
      and enhance the proliferation of HSCs by secreting regulatory molecules and
      cytokines, providing a specialized microenvironment for controlling the process
      of hematopoiesis. In this paper we discuss how MSCs contribute to HSC niche,
      maintain the stemness and proliferation of HSCs, and support HSC transplantation.

PMID- 22046561
TI  - Breast cancer stem cells survive periods of farnesyl-transferase inhibitor
      induced dormancy by undergoing autophagy.
AB  - A cancer stem cell has been defined as a cell within a tumor that possesses the
      capacity to self-renew and to cause the heterogeneous lineages of cancer cells
      that comprise the tumor. These tumor-forming cells could hypothetically originate
      from stem, progenitor, or differentiated cells. Previously, we have shown that
      breast cancer cells with low metastatic potential can be induced into a
      reversible state of dormancy by farnesyl transferase inhibitors (FTIs). Dormancy
      was induced by changes in RhoA and RhoC GTPases. Specifically, RhoA was found to
      be hypoactivated while RhoC was hyperactivated. In the current study we
      demonstrate that these dormant cells also express certain known stem cell markers
      such as aldehyde dehydrogenase I (ALDHI) and cluster of differentiation 44
      (CD44). We also show that autophagy markers Atg5, Atg12, and LC3-B are expressed
      in these dormant stem cell-like breast cancer cells. Inhibiting autophagy by
      inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA) blocked the process of autophagy reversing the
      dormant phenotype. Further, we show that c-jun NH2 terminal kinase (JNK/SAPK) is
      upregulated in these dormant stem cell-like breast cancer cells and is
      responsible for increasing autophagy.

PMID- 22046562
TI  - One-Year Safety Analysis of the COMPARE-AMI Trial: Comparison of Intracoronary
      Injection of CD133 Bone Marrow Stem Cells to Placebo in Patients after Acute
      Myocardial Infarction and Left Ventricular Dysfunction.
AB  - Bone marrow stem cell therapy has emerged as a promising approach to improve
      healing of the infarcted myocardium. Despite initial excitement, recent clinical
      trials using non-homogenous stem cells preparations showed variable and mixed
      results. Selected CD133(+) hematopoietic stem cells are candidate cells with high
      potential. Herein, we report the one-year safety analysis on the initial 20
      patients enrolled in the COMPARE-AMI trial, the first double-blind randomized
      controlled trial comparing the safety, efficacy, and functional effect of
      intracoronary injection of selected CD133(+) cells to placebo following acute
      myocardial infarction with persistent left ventricular dysfunction. At one year,
      there is no protocol-related complication to report such as death, myocardial
      infarction, stroke, or sustained ventricular arrhythmia. In addition, the left
      ventricular ejection fraction significantly improved at four months as compared
      to baseline and remained significantly higher at one year. These data indicate
      that in the setting of the COMPARE-AMI trial, the intracoronary injection of
      selected CD133(+) stem cells is secure and feasible in patients with left
      ventricle dysfunction following acute myocardial infarction.

PMID- 22046563
TI  - Recent advances in the pathogenesis and management of cast nephropathy (myeloma
      kidney).
AB  - Multiple myeloma is an incurable plasma cell malignancy that is often accompanied
      by renal failure; there are a number of potential causes of this, of which cast
      nephropathy is the most important. Renal failure is highly significant in
      myeloma, as patient survival can be stratified by the severity of the renal
      impairment. Consequently, there is an ongoing focus on the pathological basis of
      cast nephropathy and the optimal treatment regimens in this setting, including
      effective chemotherapy regimens to reduce light chain production and emerging
      extracorporeal techniques to remove circulating light chains. This paper bridges
      recent advances in the pathogenesis and management of cast nephropathy in
      multiple myeloma.

PMID- 22046564
TI  - Signaling proteins and transcription factors in normal and malignant early B cell
      development.
AB  - B cell development starts in bone marrow with the commitment of hematopoietic
      progenitors to the B cell lineage. In murine models, the IL-7 and preBCR
      receptors, and the signaling pathways and transcription factors that they
      regulate, control commitment and maintenance along the B cell pathway. E2A, EBF1,
      PAX5, and Ikaros are among the most important transcription factors controlling
      early development and thereby conditioning mice homeostatic B cell lymphopoiesis.
      Importantly, their gain or loss of function often results in malignant
      development in humans, supporting conserved roles for these transcription
      factors. B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia is the most common cause of
      pediatric cancer, and it is characterized by unpaired early B cell development
      resulting from genetic lesions in these critical signaling pathways and
      transcription factors. Fine mapping of these genetic abnormalities is allowing
      more specific treatments, more accurately predicting risk profiles for this
      disease, and improving survival rates.

PMID- 22046565
TI  - Factors influencing the abundance of the side population in a human myeloma cell
      line.
AB  - Side population (SP) refers to a group of cells, which is capable to efflux
      Hoechst 33342, a DNA-binding dye. SP cells exist both in normal and tumor
      tissues. Although SP abundance has been used as an indicator for disease
      prognostic and drug screening in many research projects, few studies have
      systematically examined the factors influencing SP analysis. In this study we aim
      to develop a more thorough understanding of the multiple factors involved in SP
      analysis including Hoechst 33342 staining and cell culture. RPMI-8226, a high SP
      percentage (SP%) human myeloma cell line was employed here. The results showed
      that SP% was subject to staining conditions including: viable cell proportion,
      dye concentration, staining cell density, incubation duration, staining volume,
      and mix interval. In addition, SP% was highest in day one after passage, while
      dropped steadily over time. This study shows that both staining conditions and
      culture duration can significantly affect SP%. In this case, any conclusions
      based on SP% should be interpreted cautiously. The relation between culture
      duration and SP% suggests that the incidence of SP cells may be related to cell
      proliferation and cell cycle phase. Maintaining these technical variables
      consistently is essential in SP research.

PMID- 22046566
TI  - Future perspectives: therapeutic targeting of notch signalling may become a
      strategy in patients receiving stem cell transplantation for hematologic
      malignancies.
AB  - The human Notch system consists of 5 ligands and 4 membrane receptors with
      promiscuous ligand binding, and Notch-initiated signalling interacts with a wide
      range of other intracellular pathways. The receptor signalling seems important
      for regulation of normal and malignant hematopoiesis, development of the cellular
      immune system, and regulation of immune responses. Several Notch-targeting agents
      are now being developed, including natural receptor ligands, agonistic and
      antagonistic antibodies, and inhibitors of intracellular Notch-initiated
      signalling. Some of these agents are in clinical trials, and several therapeutic
      strategies seem possible in stem cell recipients: (i) agonists may be used for
      stem cell expansion and possibly to enhance posttransplant lymphoid
      reconstitution; (ii) receptor-specific agonists or antagonists can be used for
      immunomodulation; (iii) Notch targeting may have direct anticancer effects.
      Although the effects of therapeutic targeting are difficult to predict due to
      promiscuous ligand binding, targeting of this system may represent an opportunity
      to achieve combined effects with earlier posttransplant reconstitution,
      immunomodulation, or direct anticancer effects.

PMID- 22046567
TI  - Hyperbaric oxygen therapy as a sole agent is not immunosuppressant in a highly
      immunogenic mouse model.
AB  - Background. Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy, which is used for many conditions,
      may also have immunosuppressive effects and could be used for prevention or
      treatment of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD). If HBO is immunosuppressant, then
      we hypothesize that HBO therapy will delay the T-cell mediated skin graft
      rejection. Methods. C57/BL6 black-coated (H2B) mice received skin graft from CBA
      (H2D) white-coated mice. Mice were treated with either 19 session of 240 kpa
      oxygen or 29 session of 300 kpa oxygen, for 90 minutes. Mice were housed either 4
      per cage or separately, to prevent friction and mechanical factors that may
      affect graft survival. Skin grafts were assessed daily. Results. There was no
      difference in length of graft survival between mice that received either regimens
      of HBO therapy and mice that did not receive HBO therapy. Conclusions. HBO
      therapy, as a sole agent, did not delay skin graft rejection in a highly
      immunogenic mouse model.

PMID- 22046568
TI  - Multiple myeloma: a review of imaging features and radiological techniques.
AB  - The recently updated Durie/Salmon PLUS staging system published in 2006
      highlights the many advances that have been made in the imaging of multiple
      myeloma, a common malignancy of plasma cells. In this article, we shall focus
      primarily on the more sensitive and specific whole-body imaging techniques,
      including whole-body computed tomography, whole-body magnetic resonance imaging,
      and positron emission computed tomography. We shall also discuss new and emerging
      imaging techniques and future developments in the radiological assessment of
      multiple myeloma.

PMID- 22046570
TI  - A Case of Monoclonal Lymphoplasmacytosis of the Bone Marrow with IgM-Positive
      Russell Bodies.
AB  - A 71-year-old Japanese male patient infected with HCV was diagnosed with
      thrombocytopenia. Histological examination of the bone marrow aspirate showed
      numerous lymphoid aggregates with Russell bodies. Immunohistochemistry and flow
      cytometric analysis demonstrated clonal expansion of CD5+ CD23+ B cells. Russell
      bodies were positive for IgM and lambda immunoglobulin light chain. The patient
      also underwent gastric biopsy, which revealed Helicobacter pylori (HP) infection.
      Subsequent eradication of the bacteria resulted in improvement of his
      thrombocytopenia. The clinical course remained uneventful at 15-month follow-up,
      consistent with monoclonal B-cell lymphocytosis. The observed clonal expansion
      with plasmacytic differentiation may have occurred under the influence of HCV
      with HP infection.

PMID- 22046569
TI  - Oncolytic virotherapy for multiple myeloma: past, present, and future.
AB  - Multiple myeloma (MM) is a B-cell malignancy that is currently felt to be
      incurable. Despite recently approved novel targeted treatments such as
      lenalidomide and bortezomib, most MM patients' relapse is emphasizing the need
      for effective and well-tolerated therapies for this deadly disease. The use of
      oncolytic viruses has garnered significant interest as cancer therapeutics in
      recent years, and are currently under intense clinical investigation. Both
      naturally occurring and engineered DNA and RNA viruses have been investigated
      preclinically as treatment modalities for several solid and hematological
      malignancies. Presently, only a genetically modified measles virus is in human
      clinical trials for MM. The information obtained from this and other future
      clinical trials will guide clinical application of oncolytic viruses as
      anticancer agents for MM. This paper provides a timely overview of the history of
      oncolytic viruses for the treatment of MM and future strategies for the
      optimization of viral therapy for this disease.

PMID- 22046571
TI  - Transplantation for congenital bone marrow failure syndromes.
AB  - Congenital bone marrow failure syndromes (BMFSs) are relatively rare disorders
      characterized by aberrant development in one or more hematopoietic lineages.
      Genetic alterations have now been identified in most of these disorders although
      the exact role of the molecular defects has yet to be elucidated. Most of these
      diseases are successfully managed with supportive care, however, treatment
      refractoriness and disease progression-often involving malignant transformation
      may necessitate curative treatment with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
      Due to the underlying molecular defects, the outcome of transplantation for BMFS
      may be dramatically different than those associated with transplantation for more
      common diseases, including leukemia. Given recent improvements in survival and
      molecular diagnosis of bone marrow failure syndrome patients presenting at adult
      ages without physical stigmata, it is important for both pediatric and adult
      hematologists to be aware of the possible diagnosis of BMF syndromes and the
      unique approaches required in treating such patients.

PMID- 22046572
TI  - Antibody-based therapies in multiple myeloma.
AB  - The unmet need for improved multiple myeloma (MM) therapy has stimulated clinical
      development of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting either MM cells or cells of
      the bone marrow (BM) microenvironment. In contrast to small-molecule inhibitors,
      therapeutic mAbs present the potential to specifically target tumor cells and
      directly induce an immune response to lyse tumor cells. Unique immune-effector
      mechanisms are only triggered by therapeutic mAbs but not by small molecule
      targeting agents. Although therapeutic murine mAbs or chimeric mAbs can cause
      immunogenicity, the advancement of genetic recombination for humanizing rodent
      mAbs has allowed large-scale production and designation of mAbs with better
      affinities, efficient selection, decreasing immunogenicity, and improved effector
      functions. These advancements of antibody engineering technologies have largely
      overcome the critical obstacle of antibody immunogenicity and enabled the
      development and subsequent Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of
      therapeutic Abs for cancer and other diseases.

PMID- 22046573
TI  - Innovative analyses support a role for DNA damage and an aberrant cell cycle in
      myelodysplastic syndrome pathogenesis.
AB  - We used flow cytometry to analyze the cell cycle, DNA damage, and apoptosis in
      hematopoietic subsets in MDS marrow. Subsets were assigned using CD45, side
      scatter, CD34, and CD71. Cell cycle fractions were analyzed using DRAQ 5 (DNA
      content) and MPM-2 (mitoses). DNA damage was assessed using p-H2A.X, and
      apoptosis using Annexin V. Compared to controls, MDS patients demonstrated no
      increased mitoses in erythroid, myeloid, or CD34+ cells. Myeloid progenitors
      demonstrated increased G2 cells, which with no increased mitoses suggested
      delayed passage through G2. Myeloid progenitors demonstrated increased p-H2A.X,
      consistent with DNA damage causing this delay. Annexin V reactivity was
      equivalent in MDS and controls. Results for each parameter varied among
      hematopoietic compartments, demonstrating the need to analyze compartments
      separately. Our results suggest that peripheral cytopenias in MDS are due to
      delayed cell cycle passage of marrow progenitors and that this delayed passage
      and leukemic progression derive from excessive DNA damage.

PMID- 22046574
TI  - T-cell costimulatory molecules in acute-graft-versus host disease: therapeutic
      implications.
AB  - Acute Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a major complication after allogeneic
      hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Although this process is thought to
      consist of several phases, T-cell activation plays a critical role in the
      pathogenesis of acute GVHD. To become efficient effectors, T-cells require
      additional costimulation after T-cell receptor signaling. A number of molecules
      are involved in costimulation of T-cells such as CD28, CD40L, CD30, OX40, 4-1BB,
      ICOS, and LIGHT. The system is regulated by inhibitory molecules, CTLA-4, and PD
      1. There is experimental evidence that those molecules are implicated in the
      pathogenesis of GHVD. We describe how these molecules are involved in acute GVHD
      and how the blockade of costimulatory molecules may have potential implications
      for the treatment of patients with acute GVHD.

PMID- 22046575
TI  - Operative outcomes for cervical myelopathy and radiculopathy.
AB  - Cervical spondylotic myelopathy and radiculopathy are common disorders which can
      lead to significant clinical morbidity. Conservative management, such as physical
      therapy, cervical immobilisation, or anti-inflammatory medications, is the
      preferred and often only required intervention. Surgical intervention is reserved
      for those patients who have intractable pain or progressive neurological
      symptoms. The goals of surgical treatment are decompression of the spinal cord
      and nerve roots and deformity prevention by maintaining or supplementing spinal
      stability and alleviating pain. Numerous surgical techniques exist to alleviate
      symptoms, which are achieved through anterior, posterior, or circumferential
      approaches. Under most circumstances, one approach will produce optimal results.
      It is important that the surgical plan is tailored to address each individual's
      unique clinical circumstance. The objective of this paper is to analyse the major
      surgical treatment options for cervical myelopathy and radiculopathy focusing on
      outcomes and complications.

PMID- 22046576
TI  - Rap2A Is Upregulated in Invasive Cells Dissected from Follicular Thyroid Cancer.
AB  - The development of molecular biomarkers (BMs) of follicular thyroid carcinoma is
      aimed at advancing diagnosis of follicular neoplasm, as histological examination
      of those tumors does not lend itself to definitive diagnosis of carcinoma. We
      assessed the relative levels of expression of 6 genes: CCND2, PCSK2, PLAB, RAP2A,
      TSHR, and IGF-1R in archived thyroid tissue. The quantitative real-time PCR
      analysis revealed a significant change in 3 genes: PSCK2 (a 22.4-fold decrease, P
      = 2.81E - 2), PLAB (an 8.3-fold increase, P = 9.81E - 12), and RAP2A (a 6.3-fold
      increase, P = 9.13E - 10) in carcinoma compared with adenoma. Expression of PCSK2
      was equally low, PLAB was equally high, whereas RAP2A expression was
      significantly higher (25.9-fold, P = 0.039) in microdissected carcinoma cells
      that have invaded through the thyroid capsule and entered blood vessels than in
      thyroid tumor cells growing under the capsule. Thus, RAP2A appeared as a unique
      and worthy of further evaluation candidate BM associated with invasion of thyroid
      follicular cells.

PMID- 22046577
TI  - A preliminary report on disordered speech with deep brain stimulation in
      individuals with Parkinson's disease.
AB  - Deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) has proven
      effective in treating the major motor symptoms of advanced Parkinson's disease
      (PD). The aim of this study was to learn which laryngeal and articulatory
      acoustic features changed in patients who were reported to have worse speech with
      stimulation. Six volunteers with PD who had bilateral STN electrodes were
      recorded with DBS turned on or off. Perceptual ratings reflected poorer speech
      performance with DBS on. Acoustic measures of articulation (corner vowel
      formants, diphthong slopes, and a spirantization index) and phonation
      (perturbation, long-term average spectrum) as well as verbal fluency scores
      showed mixed results with DBS. Some speakers improved while others became worse
      on individual measures. The magnitude of DBS effects was not predictable based on
      the patients' demographic characteristics. Future research involving adjustments
      to stimulator settings or electrode placement may be beneficial in limiting the
      negative effects of DBS on speech.

PMID- 22046578
TI  - The PIT: SToPP Trial-A Feasibility Randomised Controlled Trial of Home-Based
      Physiotherapy for People with Parkinson's Disease Using Video-Based Measures to
      Preserve Assessor Blinding.
AB  - Purpose. To trial four-week's physiotherapy targeting chair transfers for people
      with Parkinson's disease (PwPD) and explore the feasibility of reliance on remote
      outcome measurement to preserve blinding. Scope. We recruited 47 PwPD and
      randomised 24 to a focused home physiotherapy programme (exercise, movement
      strategies, and cueing) and 23 to a control group. We evaluated transfers (plus
      mobility, balance, posture, and quality of life) before and after treatment and
      at followup (weeks 0, 4, 8, and 12) from video produced by, and questionnaires
      distributed by, treating physiotherapists. Participants fed back via end-of-study
      questionnaires. Thirty-five participants (74%) completed the trial. Excluding
      dropouts, 20% of questionnaire data and 9% of video data were missing or
      unusable; we had to evaluate balance in situ. We noted trends to improvement in
      transfers, mobility, and balance in the physiotherapy group not noted in the
      control group. Participant feedback was largely positive and assessor blinding
      was maintained in every case. Conclusions. Intense, focused physiotherapy at home
      appears acceptable and likely to bring positive change in those who can
      participate. Remote outcome measurement was successful; questionnaire followup
      and further training in video production would reduce missing data. We advocate a
      fully powered trial, designed to minimise dropouts and preserve assessor
      blinding, to evaluate this intervention.

PMID- 22046579
TI  - Capsaicin-sensitive afferentation represents an indifferent defensive pathway
      from eradication in patients with H. pylori gastritis.
AB  - AIM: To study the role of capsaicin-sensitive afferent nerves in Helicobacter
      pylori (H. pylori) positive chronic gastritis before and after eradication.
      METHODS: Gastric biopsy samples were obtained from corpus and antrum mucosa of 20
      healthy human subjects and 18 patients with H. pylori positive chronic gastritis
      (n = 18) before and after eradication. Traditional gastric mucosal histology (and
      Warthin-Starry silver impregnation) and special histochemical examinations were
      carried out. Immunohistochemistry for capsaicin receptor (TRVP1), calcitonin gene
      related peptide (CGRP) and substance P (SP) were carried out by the labeled
      polymer immunohistological method (Lab Vision Co., USA) using polyclonal rabbit
      and rat monoclonal antibodies (Abcam Ltd., UK). RESULTS: Eradication treatment
      was successful in 16 patients (89%). Seven patients (7/18, 39%) remained with
      moderate complaints, meanwhile 11 patients (11/28, 61%) had no complaints. At
      histological evaluation, normal gastric mucosa was detected in 4 patients after
      eradication treatment (4/18, 22%), and moderate chronic gastritis could be seen
      in 14 (14/18, 78%) patients. Positive immuno-staining for capsaicin receptor was
      seen in 35% (7/20) of controls, 89% (16/18, P < 0.001) in patients before and 72%
      (13/18, P < 0.03) after eradication. CGRP was positive in 40% (8/20) of controls,
      and in 100% (18/18, P < 0.001) of patients before and in 100% (18/18, P < 0.001)
      after eradication. The immune-staining of gastric mucosa for substance-P was
      positive in 25% (5/20) of healthy controls, and in 5.5% (3/18, P > 0.05) of
      patients before and in 0% of patients (0/18, P > 0.05) after H. pylori
      eradication. CONCLUSION: Distibution of TRVP1 and CGRP is altered during the
      development of H. pylori positive chronic gastritis. The immune-staining for
      TRVP1, CGRP and SP rwemained unchanged before and after H. pylori eradication
      treatment. The capsaicin-sensitive afferentation is an independent from the
      eradication treatment. The 6 wk time period might not be enough time for the
      restituion of chronic H. pylori positive chronic gastritis. The H. pylori
      infection might not represent the main pathological factor in the development of
      chronic gastritis.

PMID- 22046580
TI  - Contribution of G71R mutation to Gilbert's syndrome phenotype in a Greek patient:
      A case report.
AB  - Gilbert's syndrome is characterized by a benign indirect hyperbilirubinemia. It
      has often been underestimated and undiagnosed because of its mild symptoms;
      although it is not as rare as was once believed when its frequency was estimated
      using data originating from biochemical tests. Based on molecular techniques, the
      occurrence of Gilbert's syndrome has changed, increasing to 10% in the Caucasian
      population. This molecular defect was described, by Bosma et al, in 1995, and
      affects the promoter region of the UGT 1A1 gene. In this case report, our aim is
      to present a new combination of two molecular defects in a Greek patient with
      Gilbert's syndrome. A 13-year-old Greek girl was examined for Gilbert's syndrome
      using molecular techniques, and an uncommon genotype was revealed comprising the
      rare mutation G71R in trans with A(TA)7TAA motif. The G71R mutation according to
      the literature, as well as our epidemiological data, is rare in Caucasians, while
      it is common in Asian populations. This is the first case study in the Greek
      population to report a new genotype for Gilbert's syndrome manifestation in the
      Caucasian population.

PMID- 22046581
TI  - Investigation of the toxic effect of a QDs heterojunction on the interactions
      between small molecules and plasma proteins by fluorescence and resonance light
      scattering spectra.
AB  - The effect of a ZnO#ZnS QDs heterojunction (O#SQDs) on the binding affinities of
      flavonoid glycosides for bovine serum albumin (BSA) was investigated. The
      fluorescence intensities of BSA decreased remarkably with increasing
      concentration of O#SQDs. The magnitudes of the binding constants of flavonoid
      glycosides for BSA in the presence of O#SQDs were in the range of 10(5)-10(7) L
      mol(-1), and the number of binding sites per BSA (n) was determined as 1.24 +/-
      0.17. O#SQDs increased the affinities of flavonoid glycosides for BSA by about
      2.96% to 114.68% depending on their structures. O#SQDs in blood will enhance the
      transportation of flavonoid glycosidegs in blood and improve their pharmacology
      effects. From this point, O#SQDs are a perfect candidate for flavonoid glycosides
      delivery applications.

PMID- 22046582
TI  - Differentiating intrinsic SERS spectra from a mixture by sampling induced
      composition gradient and independent component analysis.
AB  - By generating a composition gradient on a highly uniform SERS substrate and
      applying independent component analysis, we demonstrate that one can extract the
      intrinsic SERS spectrum of individual components from SERS spectra obtained from
      a two-component mixture.

PMID- 22046583
TI  - Micromechanical measurement of AChBP binding for label-free drug discovery.
AB  - A potential binding assay based on binding-driven micromechanical motion is
      described. Acetylcholine binding protein (AChBP) was used to modify a
      microcantilever. The modified microcantilever was found to bend on application of
      the naturally occurring agonist (acetylcholine) or the antagonist (nicotine and d
      tubocurarine). Control experiments show that microcantilevers modified without
      AChBP do not respond to acetylcholine, nicotine, and d-tubocurarine. K(d) values
      obtained for acetylcholine, nicotine, and d-tubocurarine are similar to those
      obtained from radio-ligand binding assays. These results suggest that the
      microcantilever system has potential for use in label free, drug screening
      applications.

PMID- 22046584
TI  - Electrocatalytic reaction of hydrogen peroxide and NADH based on poly(neutral
      red) and FAD hybrid film.
AB  - A simple method to immobilize poly(neutral red) (PNR) and flavin adenine
      dinucleotide (FAD) hybrid film (PNR/FAD) by cyclic voltammetry is proposed. The
      PNR/FAD hybrid film can be easily prepared on an electrode surface involving
      electropolymerization of neutral red (NR) monomers and the electrostatic
      interaction between the positively charged PNR and the negatively charged FAD. It
      exhibits electroactive, stable, surface-confined, pH-dependent, nano-sized, and
      compatible properties. It provides good electrocatalytic properties to various
      species. It shows a sensitivity of 5.4 MUA mM(-1) cm(-2) and 21.5 MUA mM(-1) cm(
      2) for hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH)
      with the linear range of 0.1 MUM-39 mM and 5 * 10(-5) to 2.5 * 10(-4) M,
      respectively. It shows another linear range of 48.8-355.5 mM with the sensitivity
      of 12.3 MUA mM(-1) cm(-2) for H(2)O(2). In particular, the PNR/FAD hybrid film
      has potential to replace some hemoproteins to be a cathode of biofuel cells and
      provide the biosensing system for glucose and ethanol.

PMID- 22046585
TI  - Direct synthesis of pyrroles via a silver-promoted three-component reaction
      involving unusual imidazole ring opening.
AB  - A novel silver-promoted three-component reaction toward the synthesis of
      multifunctionalized pyrroles has been developed. This reaction involves an
      unusual imidazole ring decomposition, presumably via 1,5-isomerization and
      subsequent hydrolysis.

PMID- 22046586
TI  - A molecular chalice with hydrophobic walls and a hydrophilic rim: self-assembly
      and complexation properties.
AB  - We describe the synthesis of a diphenylglycoluril/dibenzo-crown-6 molecular
      chalice, the self-assembly at the air/water interface and its complexation
      properties in solution and at the water/chloroform interface.

PMID- 22046587
TI  - Sorption and separation of CO2 via nanoscale AlO(OH) hollow spheres.
AB  - The CO(2) uptake on nanoscale AlO(OH) hollow spheres (260 mg g(-1)) as a new
      material is comparable to that on many metal-organic frameworks although their
      specific surface area is much lower (530 m(2) g(!1)versus 1500-6000 m(2) g(!1)).
      Suited temperature-pressure cycles allow for reversible storage and separation of
      CO(2) while the CO(2) uptake is 4.3-times higher as compared to N(2).

PMID- 22046588
TI  - Eu(II)-containing cryptates as contrast agents for ultra-high field strength
      magnetic resonance imaging.
AB  - The relaxivity (contrast-enhancing ability) of Eu(II)-containing cryptates was
      found to be better than a clinically approved Gd(III)-based agent at 7 T. These
      cryptates are among a few examples of paramagnetic substances that show an
      increase in longitudinal relaxivity, r(1), at ultra-high field strength relative
      to lower field strengths.

PMID- 22046589
TI  - A novel bifunctional protein supramolecule for construction of carbon nanotube
      titanium hybrid material.
AB  - Carbon nanotube-TiO(2) hybrid materials with many nano-scale cavities were
      realized using a bifunctional protein supramolecule possessing carbonaceous
      material-binding peptides and Ti-binding peptides. The obtained structure was
      confirmed to consist of a central nanotube, surrounding proteins, and a swathing
      titanium-layer. All processes were carried out at room temperature, using an
      environmentally friendly method.

PMID- 22046590
TI  - Antimicrobial surface grafted thermally responsive PNIPAM-co-ALA nano-gels.
AB  - Thermally responsive Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) co-allylamine (PNIPAM-co-ALA)
      nano-gels were synthesised and grafted onto non-woven polypropylene. Silver
      nitrate was incorporated into the nano-gels in their expanded state and their
      antimicrobial properties tested. Bacterial growth was measured before and after
      the Lower Critical Solution Temperature. Below the LCST, bacteria grew, above the
      LCST bacterial growth was prevented or retarded.

PMID- 22046591
TI  - On the stereoselective bicyclization of aminodienes catalyzed by chelating
      diamide complexes of the group 3 metals. A direct comparison of Sc(III) and
      Y(III) bis(amide)s with an application to the synthesis of alkaloid 195F.
AB  - Highly diastereoselective bicyclizations of aminodienes catalyzed by chelating
      diamide complexes of Sc(III) and Y(III) that lead to pyrrolizidines and
      indolizidines are described. This bis(annulation) procedure has been utilized in
      a concise synthesis of the pyrrolizidine alkaloid 195F.

PMID- 22046592
TI  - New animal models of Parkinson's disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Parkinson's disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder
      mainly characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons from the substantia
      nigra pars compacta and the presence, in the affected brain regions, of protein
      inclusions named Lewy Bodies. Despite the fact that numerous mutations causing
      hereditary forms of Parkinson's disease have been identified in the last decade,
      current transgenic animal models do not adequately reproduce cardinal features of
      the human disease. Altogether, the animal models derived of human mutations
      indicate that the nigrostriatal degenerative process results from the combination
      of several mechanisms that implicate mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative damage,
      and protein degradation impairment. METHODS AND RESULTS: We performed a
      literature search between 2008 and 2010. DISCUSSION: The absence of adequate in
      vivo experimental models of Parkinson's disease has severe repercussions for
      therapeutic intervention success for this incurable neurodegenerative disorder.
      The present nonexhaustive review looks at invertebrate and mammalian models of
      Parkinson's disease generated in the last three years.

PMID- 22046593
TI  - Abstracts of the 81st Annual Meeting of the American Thyroid Association. October
      26-30, 2011. Indian Wells, California, USA.

PMID- 22046594
TI  - Recommended composition of influenza vaccines for use in the 2012 southern
      hemisphere influenza season.

PMID- 22046596
TI  - Standardization of terminology of the pandemic A(H1N1) 2009 virus.

PMID- 22046595
TI  - Antigenic and genetic characteristics of zoonotic influenza viruses and
      development of candidate vaccine viruses for pandemic preparedness.

PMID- 22046597
TI  - Validation of elimination: maternal and neonatal tetanus in Mozambique, 2010.

PMID- 22046598
TI  - Review of the 2011 winter influenza season, southern hemisphere.

PMID- 22046599
TI  - [Abstracts XLI Congress of the Spanish Society of Nephrology. October 15-18,
      2011. Sevilla, Spain].

PMID- 22046600
TI  - Vulvar ulcers and vulvar carcinoma.

PMID- 22046601
TI  - HIV partner notification is effective and feasible in sub-Saharan Africa:
      opportunities for HIV treatment and prevention.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sexual partners of persons with newly diagnosed HIV infection require
      HIV counseling, testing and, if necessary, evaluation for therapy. However, many
      African countries do not have a standardized protocol for partner notification,
      and the effectiveness of partner notification has not been evaluated in
      developing countries . METHODS: Individuals with newly diagnosed HIV infection
      presenting to sexually transmitted infection clinics in Lilongwe, Malawi, were
      randomized to 1 of 3 methods of partner notification: passive referral, contract
      referral, or provider referral. The passive referral group was responsible for
      notifying their partners themselves. The contract referral group was given seven
      days to notify their partners, after which a health care provider contacted
      partners who had not reported for counseling and testing. In the provider
      referral group, a health care provider notified partners directly. RESULTS: Two
      hundred forty-five index patients named 302 sexual partners and provided locator
      information for 252. Among locatable partners, 107 returned for HIV counseling
      and testing; 20 of 82 [24%; 95% confidence interval (CI): 15% to 34%] partners
      returned in the passive referral arm, 45 of 88 (51%; 95% CI: 41% to 62%) in the
      contract referral arm, and 42 of 82 (51%; 95% CI: 40% to 62%) in the provider
      referral arm (P < 0.001). Among returning partners (n = 107), 67 (64%) of were
      HIV infected with 54 (81%) newly diagnosed. DISCUSSION: This study provides the
      first evidence of the effectiveness of partner notification in sub-Saharan
      Africa. Active partner notification was feasible, acceptable, and effective among
      sexually transmitted infections clinic patients. Partner notification will
      increase early referral to care and facilitate risk reduction among high-risk
      uninfected partners.

PMID- 22046602
TI  - A randomized crossover study to determine relative bioequivalence of tenofovir,
      emtricitabine, and efavirenz (Atripla) fixed-dose combination tablet compared
      with a compounded oral liquid formulation derived from the tablet.

PMID- 22046603
TI  - Abstracts of the 22nd Regional Congress of the ISBT (International Society of
      Blood Transfusion) Asia. Taipei, Taiwan. November 19-23, 2011.

PMID- 22046604
TI  - Proposal to adjust the WHO clinical staging system.

PMID- 22046605
TI  - Low uptake of hepatitis C testing and high prevalence of risk behavior among HIV
      positive injection drug users in Bangkok, Thailand.

PMID- 22046610
TI  - Abstracts of the 15th Meeting of the Australian and New Zealand Microcirculation
      Society. November 30-December 3, 2011. Margaret River, Western Australia,
      Australia.

PMID- 22046611
TI  - Effects of radial compression on a novel simulated intervertebral disc-like
      assembly using bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell cell-sheets for annulus
      fibrosus regeneration.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: The aim of this study was to develop a tissue engineering approach
      in regenerating the annulus fibrosus (AF) as part of an overall strategy to
      produce a tissue-engineered intervertebral disc (IVD) replacement. OBJECTIVE: To
      determine whether a rehabilitative simulation regime on bone marrow-derived
      mesenchymal stem cell cell-sheet is able to aid the regeneration of the AF.
      SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: No previous study has used bone marrow-derived
      mesenchymal stem cell cell-sheets simulated by a rehabilitative regime to
      regenerate the AF. METHODS: The approach was to use bone marrow-derived stem
      cells to form cell-sheets and incorporating them onto silk scaffolds to simulate
      the native lamellae of the AF. The in vitro experimental model used to study the
      efficacy of such a system was made up of the tissue engineering AF construct
      wrapped around a silicone disc to form a simulated IVD-like assembly. The
      assembly was cultured within a custom-designed bioreactor that provided a
      compressive mechanical stimulation onto the silicone disc. The silicone nucleus
      pulposus would bulge radially and compress the simulated AF to mimic the
      physiological conditions. The simulated IVD-like assembly was compressed using a
      rehabilitative regime that lasted for 4 weeks at 0.25 Hz, for 15 minutes each
      day. RESULTS: With the rehabilitative regime, the cell-sheets remained viable but
      showed a decrease in cell numbers and viability. Gene expression analysis showed
      significant upregulation of IVD-related genes and there was an increased ratio of
      collagen type II to collagen type I found within the extracellular matrix.
      CONCLUSION: The results suggested that a rehabilitative regime caused extensive
      remodeling to take place within the simulated IVD-like assembly, producing
      extracellular matrix similar to that found in the inner AF.

PMID- 22046612
TI  - Factor structure of the Neck Disability Index.

PMID- 22046613
TI  - Expanded indication for recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2.

PMID- 22046615
TI  - Abstracts of the 43rd Annual Scientific Congress of The Royal Australian and New
      Zealand College of Ophthalmologists. November 19-22, 2011. Canberra, Australia.

PMID- 22046616
TI  - Abstracts of Obesity 2011. October 1-5, 2011. Orlando, Florida, USA.

PMID- 22046614
TI  - Risk factors for medical complication after lumbar spine surgery: a multivariate
      analysis of 767 patients.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Multivariate analysis of prospectively collected registry data.
      OBJECTIVE: Using multivariate analysis to determine significant risk factors for
      medical complication after lumbar spine surgery. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA:
      Several studies have examined the occurrence of medical complication after spine
      surgery. However, many of these studies have been done utilizing large national
      databases. Although these allow for analysis of thousands of patients,
      potentially influential covariates are not accounted for in these retrospective
      studies. Furthermore, the accuracy of these retrospective data collection in
      these databases has been called into question. METHODS: The Spine End Results
      Registry (2003-2004) is a collection of prospectively collected data on all
      patients who underwent spine surgery at our two institutions. Extensive
      demographic and medical information were prospectively recorded as described
      previously by Mirza et al. Complications were defined in detail a priori and were
      prospectively recorded for at least 2 years after surgery. We analyzed risk
      factors for medical complication after lumbar spine surgery using univariate and
      multivariate analysis. RESULTS: We analyzed data from 767 patients who met out
      inclusion criteria. The cumulative incidences of complication after lumbar spine
      surgery per organ system are as follows: cardiac, 13%; pulmonary, 7%;
      gastrointestinal, 6.7%; neurological, 8.2%; hematological, 17.5%; and urologic
      complications, 10.3%. The occurrence of cardiac or respiratory complication after
      lumbar spine surgery was significantly associated with death within 2 years
      (relative risk: 6.09 and 10.9, respectively). Several significant risk factors
      were identified for organ-specific complications. Among these, surgical
      invasiveness appeared to be the largest risk factor for cardiac, pulmonary,
      neurological, and hematological complications. CONCLUSION: Risk factors
      identified in this study can be beneficial to clinicians and patients alike when
      considering surgical treatment of the lumbar spine. Future analyses and models
      that predict the occurrence of medical complication after lumbar spine surgery
      may be of further benefit for surgical decision making.

PMID- 22046617
TI  - Immunotherapy for advanced prostate cancer: a novel treatment option to improve
      survival.
AB  - Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men in the United
      States. Novel immunotherapies are being investigated to improve survival in
      patients with advanced disease. Sipuleucel-T (PROVENGE), the first autologous
      cellular immunotherapy approved by the U. S. Food and Drug Administration,
      improves survival in men with asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic metastatic
      castration-resistant (hormone refractory) prostate cancer.

PMID- 22046618
TI  - 2011 AHCA/NCAL National Quality Awards. Idaho gold. Recipient sees big payoff
      from listening and learning.

PMID- 22046619
TI  - Many mountains to climb.
AB  - Medical groups of all types and sizes stand collectively at a crossroads in the
      evolution of the healthcare industry in the United States at this point in time.
      Faced with a welter of issues, from reimbursement concerns to mandates coming out
      of federal healthcare reofrm and the American Recovery and Reinvestment/Health
      Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (ARRA-HITECH) Act and
      other legislative and regulatory developments and competing to better serve the
      needs of both patients and payers and purchasers, the CEOs, CIOs and others
      leading physician groups are working assiduously to find ways forward that meet
      the demands of stakeholder groups while also meeting the needs of their
      practicing physicians. In order to get a sense of where the leaders in the field
      are at this point in time. Healthcare Informatics Eidtor-in-Chief Mark Hagland
      gathered together several leaders of pioneering medical groups nationwide through
      a "virtual roundtable" process late this summer, in which he interviewed
      successive leaders and "shared forward" their thoughts with the others around
      this "virtual roundtable". Below are excerpts from the progressive interviews.
      Capsule profiles of the leaders and their organizations can be found below. Among
      the many inssues facing these leaders: how to plan for the development of
      accountable care organizations (ACOs), the patient-centered mdical home model,
      bundled payments and other federal policy requirements; how to make progress
      towards meaningful use, under the HITECH Act; how to plan for ongoing
      infrastructure, interoperability, and mobility development; and how to prioritize
      a variety of disparate efforts aimed at fulfilling different types of needs. No
      one medical group leader has all the answers; but our panel of leaders certainly
      has many important and useful perspectives to share.

PMID- 22046620
TI  - CMIOs roaring ahead.

PMID- 22046621
TI  - Living with stigma is still the common experience for mental health service
      users.

PMID- 22046622
TI  - [Tickbusters].

PMID- 22046623
TI  - [The GP's diagnostic assessment considers all possibilities. Dealing competently
      with uncertainty].

PMID- 22046624
TI  - Effects of combination of fluticasone propionate and salmeterol xinafoate on lung
      function improvement in patients with bronchiectasis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Bronchiectasis is defined as bronchial abnormal and permanent
      dilation with destructive and inflammatory changes of bronchial wall.
      Bronchodilators are used to treat the disease in order to improve lung functions.
      Seretide is the combination of fluticasone propionate and salmeterol xinafoate
      (FLU/SAL). The effect of each has been proved in the improvement of
      bronchiectasis, while their synthetic effect as FLU/SAL on bronchiectasis
      improvement has not been studied yet. AIM: The aim of this study was to
      investigate the effects of FLU/SAL on the lung function improvement in
      bronchiectasis patients, comparing and interpreting pulmonary function tests
      before and after FLU/SAL inhalation. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Twelve patients with
      bronchiectasis who referred to Rasoul-e-Akram Hospital, Tehran, Iran in 2008
      participated in this prospective quasi-experimental trial. The patients were
      treated with 2 puffs of fluticasone 125 MUg and salmeterol 50 MUg (Seretide)
      twice a day for one month. Beside recording demographic variables, the results of
      pulmonary function tests (PFT) including vital capacity (VC), forced vital
      capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and FEV1/FVC
      ratio were recorded before and after the treatment. Data were analyzed using SPSS
      v.16 and Pearson correlation and paired T-test were performed. RESULTS: Among 12
      patients with bronchiectasis, there were 4 men and 8 women with the mean age of
      47.58 (SD=18.32) yr. The mean increase in the ratios of VC, FVC and FEV1 to
      predicted values and also patients FEV1/FVC after treatment were 15.50%
      (SD=14.40), 49.83% (SD=8.19) 8.17% (SD=12.07) and 7.17% (SD=12.68), respectively.
      The results of paired T-test indicated that VC (P=0.008) and FEV1(P=0.039) have
      increased significantly after treatment. CONCLUSION: This study is one of the
      first studies investigating the FLU/SAL effect on bronchiectasis. Results of this
      study have indicated that using FLU/SAL has a significant effect on the
      improvement of lung function parameters in these patients, while the attention
      was been focused on antibiotic therapy or other bronchodilators.

PMID- 22046625
TI  - Melanoma sentinel lymph node biopsy: analysis of cases operated on from 1999 to
      2008 in The University Hospital Dubrava, Zagreb, Croatia.
AB  - TITLE: Melanoma Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: analysis of cases operated on from
      1999-2008 in the University Hospital Dubrava, Zagreb, Croatia. AIM: To determine
      how well tumor thickness, ulceration, location and patient age and sex predict a
      positive sentinel lymph node in the analyzed population. PATIENTS AND METHODS:
      321 patients were included in the study. 53% (169) were male and 47% (152) were
      females. 291 underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy. The median age was 56 years
      (age range 20-89). Sentinel lymph node biopsy was performed by lymphoscintigraphy
      using technetium-99m (99mTc)-labeled sulfur colloid and vital dye. RESULTS:
      Melanomas were similarly distributed on the trunk (154, 48%) and the extremities
      (145, 45%), a small number was located on the head and neck (12, 4%) and for 10
      (3%) there was no record of the location. Positive lymph nodes were detected in
      76 (26%) out of 291 patients who underwent sentinel lymph node biopsy.
      Micrometastases were found in 50 basins (60%), macrometastases were found in 15
      basin (18%), one basin contained a metastasis that was spreading beyond the
      capsule (1%) and in the remaining 18 (21%) positive basins in the identified
      sentinel lymph nodes contained only isolated tumor cells. The average melanoma
      thickness of 3.41mm for sentinel lymph node biopsy positive melanomas was
      significantly greater than 2.47mm for negative melanomas (p=0.006).
      Proportionally more positive sentinel lymph nodes were found with increasing
      tumor thickness, (p=0.061). Ulceration was found to be a good predictor of
      positive sentinel lymph nodes (p<0.001). When comparing upper and lower
      extremities, sentinel lymph nodes were significantly more positive when the
      primary melanoma was on the legs (p=0.04). An ulcerated primary melanoma on the
      extremities was found more likely to have a positive sentinel lymph node
      (p=0.04). A significantly higher proportion of those older than 50 years old had
      positive lymph nodes (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Tumor thickness, ulceration, location
      (upper vs. lower extremities, on the extremities with ulceration) as well as the
      age of the patient (>50) were found to be predictors of sentinel lymph node
      positivity. Clinically negative patients with any of these factors should be
      considered candidates for sentinel lymph node positivity.

PMID- 22046626
TI  - Evaluation of the simvastatin effects in the treatment of pulmonary hypertension
      (PH).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a rare but life-threatening disease
      characterized by significant increases in pulmonary arterial pressure (PAP) and
      right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH), therefore early diagnosis and proper
      treatment of PH is very important. Statins confer cardiovascular benefits beyond
      the reduction of serum cholesterol through antiproliferative and antiinflammatory
      mechanisms and induction of endothelial nitric oxide expression. In
      pneumonectomized rats injected with monocrotaline, simvastatin reversed
      established pulmonary hypertension and conferred a 100% survival advantage.
      OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the potential effect of
      simvastatin treatment in patients with pulmonary hypertension (PH). PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: In this prospective before-after pilot trial, 19 patients with primary
      and secondary causes of PH referred to Khorrami Hospital in Qom, Iran were
      recruited. Patients were treated with simvastatin, beginning at 20 mg/daily for 2
      months, then increasing to 40 mg/daily for another 4 months. Echocardiographic
      Doppler estimates of systolic pulmonary artery pressures (SPAP) were measured for
      each patient before prescribing simvastatin and at the end of treatment. Also
      demographic data, history of smoking and heart functional class (NYHA) before and
      after treatment were recorded. RESULTS: Out of 19 patients with PH, fifteen were
      males (78.95%) and four were females (21.1%) with the mean age of 66 (SD=15.28)
      yr, range between 18 to 83 years. The commonest cause of PH was chronic
      obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in 15 patients (78.9%). Simvastatin
      significantly ameliorated PH from 74.79 (SD=23.52) mmHg to 67.21 (SD=20.55) mmHg
      (P<0.001). Whereas, heart functional class changes were not statistically
      significant (P=0.157). CONCLUSION: In this study, we demonstrated that
      simvastatin treatment decreased SPAP in patients with PH. As the pathogenesis of
      PH involves inappropriate proliferation and constriction of vascular smooth
      muscle cells, and deficiencies of endogenous vasodilators such as prostacyclin
      and endothelial-derived nitric oxide, the antiproliferative, antiinflammatory and
      antithrombogenic effect of simvastatin seems to be useful. This study has led
      physicians to believe that simvastatin may be beneficial for the treatment of PH.

PMID- 22046627
TI  - Treatment of symptomatic coronary artery disease with stent implantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with stent implantation is
      the therapy of choice for treatment of decreased blood flow through the coronary
      arteries. AIM: We evaluated the efficacy of the bare metal stent (BMS) for
      treatment of symptomatic coronary artery disease and compared BMS with the drug
      eluting stent (DES) to find out which one is better in the prevention of major
      adverse cardiac events (MACE) six months after stent implantation. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Our retrospective analysis included 387 consecutive patients with BMS
      implantation and 74 consecutive patients with DES implantation. Efficacy of BMS
      was evaluated by residual in-stent stenosis after the procedure. According to the
      Taxus II-Trial definition, MACE include cardiac death, acute myocardial
      infarction (AMI) and target vessel revascularization; the latter includes PCI
      with stent implantation or coronary artery bypass graft on previously
      revascularized vessel. RESULTS: In BMS group mean pre-procedure stenosis diameter
      was 81.9 +/- 12.8% and mean post-procedure stenosis was 4.8% +/- 12.5%. The
      residual in-stent stenosis was significantly higher in patients with longer
      lesions (p<0.05). Hypertension was the most frequent risk factor in both groups
      and AMI the commonest indication for stent implantation in the group with BMS,
      while stable and unstable angina pectoris in the group with DES, respectively.
      During the first six months after the implantation of DES, the incidence of MACE
      was significantly lower (p<0.05) compared to BMS. The most frequent subgroup of
      MACE present in the group with BMS was cardiac death, and in the group with DES
      it was repeated PCI with stent implantation. CONCLUSIONS: BMS provides and
      efficacious choice of treatment for patients with symptomatic coronary artery
      disease. Patients with longer lesions have higher residual in-stent stenosis
      after BMS implantation. Implantation of DES is more successful in preventing MACE
      in comparison with the implantation of BMS.

PMID- 22046628
TI  - Bibliometric analysis of primary care research, childhood obesity, the importance
      of understanding small area data and diabetes.

PMID- 22046629
TI  - Retraction. Detection of ubiquityl-calmodulin conjugates with a novel high
      molecular weight ubiquitylprotein-isopeptidase in rabbit tissues.

PMID- 22046630
TI  - The discovery of histone deacetylase.

PMID- 22046631
TI  - Historical development of pediatric pharmacology.

PMID- 22046632
TI  - Medicare program; final waivers in connection with the Shared Savings Program.
      Interim final rule with comment period.
AB  - This interim final rule with comment period establishes waivers of the
      application of the Physician Self-Referral Law, the Federal anti-kickback
      statute, and certain civil monetary penalties (CMP) law provisions to specified
      arrangements involving accountable care organizations (ACOs) under section 1899
      of the Social Security Act (the Act) (the Shared Savings Program), including ACOs
      participating in the Advance Payment Initiative. Section 1899(f) of the Act, as
      added by the Affordable Care Act, authorizes the Secretary to waive certain fraud
      and abuse laws as necessary to carry out the provisions of section 1899 of the
      Act.

PMID- 22046633
TI  - Medicare program; Medicare Shared Savings Program: Accountable Care
      Organizations. Final rule.
AB  - This final rule implements section 3022 of the Affordable Care Act which contains
      provisions relating to Medicare payments to providers of services and suppliers
      participating in Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) under the Medicare Shared
      Savings Program. Under these provisions, providers of services and suppliers can
      continue to receive traditional Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) payments under
      Parts A and B, and be eligible for additional payments if they meet specified
      quality and savings requirements.

PMID- 22046634
TI  - Spinal cord injuries.

PMID- 22046635
TI  - Arterial vascularization of the spinal cord. Recent studies of the anastomotic
      substitution pathways.
AB  - This study of the arterial blood of the spinal cord indicates that, of the 62
      radicular branches (rami radiculares), at the most seven or eight truly
      participate in the vascularization of the spinal cord. The authors have observed
      that the situation and distribution of these branches enable the distinction of
      three large arterial areas: cervicothoracic, midthoracic, and thoracolumbar. The
      fixed nature of the intramedullary arterial distribution contrasts with the
      variability of the afferent arterial supplies. No demarcation permits separation
      of the vascularization of the spinal cord into anterior and posterior parts. The
      anastomotic systems situated on the arterial pathways are potentially valuable,
      but their functioning is problematical. The anterior spinal artery is not
      continuous, for in the midthoracic region there exists a critical narrow zone.
      The perimedullary anastomotic system appears insufficient while intramedullary
      anastomoses are without functional value.

PMID- 22046636
TI  - The microvasculature in transitory traumatic paraplegia. An electron microscopic
      study in the monkey.
AB  - Fine structural alterations in the microvasculature, primarily of the gray
      matter, occur as one aspect of experimental spinal cord contusion. A force of 300
      gm-cm, shown by the authors to produce a transitory paraplegia, was applied to
      the T-10 level of exposed primate spinal cord. At 5 min post-contusion, the
      muscular venules of the central gray matter were distended with erythrocytes.
      Erythrocytes were seen within the perivascular spaces of the post-capillary
      venules and muscular venules at 15 and 30 min post-contusion, and there was
      hemorrhage into the gray matter at 1 hour post-contusion. The appearance of
      erythrocytes within the perivenular spaces was apparently due to small ruptures
      in the walls of the muscular venules, which were first demonstrated by electron
      microscopy 15 min after contusion. Alterations in capillary and post-capillary
      venule endothelium of both gray and white matter were present at 4 hours post
      contusion and consisted of vacuolation and endothelial swelling. In conclusion,
      following experimental contusion of the spinal cord sufficient to cause a
      transitory paraplegia, the principal changes were early perivascular and
      parenchymal hemorrhages followed by later evidence of ischemic endothelial injury
      in the microvasculature.

PMID- 22046637
TI  - Histopathology of transitory traumatic paraplegia in the monkey.
AB  - The microscopic appearance of the primate spinal cord within a 4-hour interval
      following the delivery of a direct force sufficient to produce a transitory
      paraplegia was investigated by light microscopy. The resulting hemorrhagic lesion
      involved primarily the central gray matter and was attributed to the direct
      effect of the trauma on the vessels in the gray matter with a consequent
      impairment of blood supply to the injured area. Chromatolysis, vacuolation, and
      alterations in cytoplasmic density and stainability were observed within the
      neurons. The edematous changes in the white matter, which were more marked in the
      internal layers relative to the external layers, appeared minimal and explain in
      part why the paraplegia was transient.

PMID- 22046638
TI  - Microangiographic study of experimental spinal cord injuries.
AB  - The pathology of spinal cord injury has been studied in 34 rabbits and 5 dogs
      with attention focused on the condition of the microvasculature during the
      evolution of neuronal and axonal degeneration and necrosis. The animals were
      killed and perfused arterially with colloidal barium from 10 min to 14 days after
      a controlled spinal injury. Microradiographs of the injured tissues were obtained
      and compared with corresponding histological sections. Microangiography at 7 to
      14 days defines two zones in the injured spinal cord. Zone 1 is located in the
      posterocentral part of the cord. Capillaries in this region progressively lose
      their ability to conduct blood and perfusate over the first 4 hours. Degenerative
      changes in neurons are visible by 1 hour after injury. Necrosis of all elements
      including capillaries ensues. Zone 2 surrounds Zone 1. Microvascular patterns are
      normal in Zone 2 although neuronal and axonal degeneration is severe.
      Pericapillary hemorrhages which occur as early as 10 min after injury in Zone 1
      and become progressively larger over the first 4 hours seldom are seen in Zone 2.
      The evidence indicates that at all times in the pathogenesis of spinal cord
      injury the microvasculature in Zone 2 is capable of perfusion. Degeneration of
      neural structures either precedes microvascular breakdown (Zone 1) or occurs in
      the absence of microvascular disruption (Zone 2). Recovery of damaged neurons and
      axons depends upon a preserved microcirculation.

PMID- 22046639
TI  - Denervation hyperpathia: a convulsive syndrome of the spinal cord responsive to
      carbamazepine therapy.
AB  - Two cases of denervation hyperpathia that responded well to treatment with
      carbamazepine are presented. A theoretical relation of this disorder to
      trigeminal neuralgia and focal seizures is emphasized in the light of
      experimental data and clinical characteristics.

PMID- 22046640
TI  - Surgical treatment of multiple aneurysms and of incidentally-discovered
      unruptured aneurysms.
AB  - Review of a series of 460 patients with spontaneous intracranial hemorrhage
      showed that 241 had demonstrable aneurysms and 38 had multiple aneurysms. The
      importance of demonstrating the entire circulation following ligation of one
      aneurysm is emphasized. Treatment of the 38 patients with multiple aneurysms is
      described. Ligation of unruptured aneurysms that are incidentally discovered is
      advocated in patients who are Grade 1 on the Botterell scale and who are well
      informed as to the risks.

PMID- 22046641
TI  - Angiographic demonstration of brain injury without significant mass lesion.
AB  - Evidence of brain damage was demonstrated in two patients without significant
      mass lesions by the presence of early venous filling and abnormal contrast
      staining. The vascular changes were most prominent on subtraction films. It is
      likely that these angiograms demonstrated the "luxury perfusion" phenomenon
      described previously in areas of damaged brain.

PMID- 22046642
TI  - The deposition of Hg203-chlormerodrin in experimental brain tumors.
AB  - The deposition of Hg203-chlormerodrin was studied in intracranial tumors in mice
      induced by implantation of 20-methyl cholanthrene by tissue assay, as well as
      light microscopic and electron microscopic autoradiography. The investigations
      were carried out in astrocytomas, glioblastomas, and meningeal tumors. The
      chlormerodrin content of the tumors exceeded that of normal brain with a
      significant tumor/brain ratio ranging from 5.8 to 22.5. It was found that the
      chlormerodrin molecule becomes rapidly incorporated in the tumor cells, with a
      preference for that portion of the cytoplasm associated with the vacuolar system.

PMID- 22046643
TI  - Ventriculoatrial shunt in tuberculous meningitis with hydrocephalus.
AB  - Raised intracranial tension affects the course of tuberculous meningitis
      adversely. The development of hydrocephalus may account for the raised
      intracranial pressure. Insertion of a ventriculoatrial shunt significantly alters
      the course of the disease. The results in seven cases have been detailed and
      discussed. The levels of consciousness improved, hemiplegia and aphasia
      practically cleared up, and vision returned even in children who were blind for 4
      to 6 weeks. Operation could be performed even in an active stage of the disease
      without much fear of miliary dissemination.

PMID- 22046644
TI  - Pre- and postoperative electromyographic evaluations in the carpal tunnel
      syndrome.
AB  - Twenty-five cases of carpal tunnel syndrome in 20 patients were evaluated
      preoperatively and postoperatively by electromyography. Clinical improvement
      resulted in all cases following decompression of the median nerve, and only in a
      few instances did mild symptoms persist. Distal motor conduction time im proved
      postoperatively in 24 cases studied, 19 of which returned to normal range. Most
      of the obvious improvement occurred within the first 3 months and further
      improvement could be observed as late as 36 months. Although no definite
      correlation could be established between the preoperative severity of the carpal
      tunnel syndrome and the postoperative clinical and electrical im provement, there
      was a definite evidence of better recovery in the younger age group. There was a
      greater range of improvement and a return closer to normal postoperatively in
      cases with severe preoperative distal latency. All cases ex amined after 24
      months had reached normal values.

PMID- 22046645
TI  - Simple cysts of the cerebellum.
AB  - Four cases of simple cyst of the cerebellum treated at Stanford University
      Medical Center are presented. Review of the literature and past experience at
      Stanford suggest that they are uncommon. They seem to occur most often in middle
      age, presenting the signs and symptoms of an expanding cerebellar mass, and
      appear to be adequately treated by unroofing and draining the cyst cavity. It is
      suggested that these cysts do not have a congenital origin but rather represent a
      degenerated form of cerebellar astrocytoma.

PMID- 22046648
TI  - Lipoma of the spinal cord. Case report.
AB  - A case of intradural spinal lipoma has been reported. Its pathological and
      clinical features are compared with those of 129 other cases collected from the
      literature.

PMID- 22046646
TI  - Transfemoral vertebral angiography as a cause of an anterior spinal artery
      syndrome. Case report.
AB  - A case with signs of a lower cervical anterior spinal artery syndrome incident to
      vertebral angiography by the transfemoral approach is described. The literature
      is reviewed and a probable pathogenesis of angiography-related spinal cord injury
      is discussed.

PMID- 22046647
TI  - Osteoid osteoma of the cervical spine. Case report.
AB  - A case of osteoid osteoma involving the cervical vertebral pedicle is presented
      which reemphasizes the importance of complete removal of the nidus and the
      dramatic relief of symptoms following excision.

PMID- 22046649
TI  - Dysphagia secondary to anterior cervical osteophytes. Report of two cases.
AB  - Two cases of dysphagia secondary to anterior cervical osteophytes were
      successfully treated at the University of Oregon Medical School by surgical
      excision of the osteophytes. In both cases the cervical osteophytes caused
      mechanical obstruction to deglutition by esophageal compression. Postoperative x
      ray examination confirmed relief of obstruction. Related cases, clinical
      features, diagnostic steps, and possible mechanisms are discussed.

PMID- 22046650
TI  - Survival following gunshot wound of the pons: neuroanatomic considerations. Case
      report.
AB  - The successful treatment of a civilian gunshot wound of the vermis and pons is
      described. A large missile fragment was removed from a depth of 2 cm within the
      pons at the level of the facial colliculus. Despite initial coma and subsequent
      irregular respiration with sleep apnea, the patient survived. Neurological,
      radiographic, and operative findings are correlated with the anatomy of the pons.

PMID- 22046651
TI  - Retrograde migration of the venous catheter as a complication of ventriculoatrial
      shunts in adults. Case report.
AB  - The retrograde cephalad migration of the flexible venous catheter into a large
      internal jugular vein is described in two cases of adult "normal" pressure
      hydrocephalus treated with Holter ventriculoatrial shunts. The successful
      correction of this problem by replacement of the standard type "C" catheter with
      a slightly more rigid catheter and internal jugular vein ligation is described.

PMID- 22046652
TI  - An internal shunt for use in the reconstruction of dural venous sinuses.
      Technical note.
AB  - A technique is described for construction and use of an internal shunt which
      provides hemostasis and permits blood flow through the injured sinus during the
      period of repair. An illustrative case is presented.

PMID- 22046653
TI  - A soluble internal splint for experimental vascular anastomosis. Technical note.
AB  - The authors have developed, in dogs, a nonsuture vascular anastomosis utilizing
      plastic adhesive and a water-soluble spindle tube composed of 80% saccharose, 16%
      glucose, and 4% dextrin. The patency rate of end-to-end arterial anastomosis was
      70% in arteries with an external diameter of 2.5 to 4.0 mm. The device is easily
      applied, saves time, and does not require any special instruments.

PMID- 22046654
TI  - Percutaneous cordotomy.
AB  - The essentials for performing a safe and satisfactory percutaneous cordotomy are:
      (1) a suitable type of pain in a patient without respiratory hazard, (2) a very
      fine electrode, (3) contrast visualization of the dentate ligament, (4)
      electrical stimulation before lesion making, (5) slow increase in strength of the
      lesion-making current, (6) careful motor as well as sensory testing between
      lesions, (7) a willingness to desist in the face of difficulties, and (8) an
      awareness of the possibility of respiratory problems in the postoperative period.

PMID- 22046655
TI  - The International Symposium on Head Injuries.

PMID- 22046656
TI  - [Extended medical education--at any cost?].

PMID- 22046657
TI  - [EU questions Swedish internship which is now under investigation].

PMID- 22046658
TI  - [Gender and myocardial infarction. Treatment measures not the same as results].

PMID- 22046659
TI  - [Alcohol during early pregnancy damages human stem cells. Important that pregnant
      women receive information about new knowledge from an experimental study].

PMID- 22046660
TI  - [Preoperative withdrawal of drugs that affect hemostasis. Evidence-based
      recommendation].

PMID- 22046661
TI  - [Neonatal and maternal risks with IVF are small and decreasing].

PMID- 22046662
TI  - [Difficult to treat lithium-associated hyperparathyroidism with surgery. Evidence
      for optimal therapy is still missing].

PMID- 22046663
TI  - [A pediatric lack of knowledge. FPIES--a non-IGF-mediated food allergy with
      dramatic symptoms].

PMID- 22046664
TI  - [Clinical nutrition should be reintroduced as medical specialty!].

PMID- 22046665
TI  - [Mobile phones and brain tumours--a scientific controversy].

PMID- 22046667
TI  - Few nurses make NHS top jobs list.

PMID- 22046666
TI  - [Beyond the physician's knowledge map. Important to see the patient as a human
      being--not the other way round].

PMID- 22046668
TI  - "Don't experiment with skill mix without rigorous assessment".

PMID- 22046669
TI  - "We don't need time travel to know that PFI was unwise".

PMID- 22046670
TI  - Attitudes towards Gypsy Travellers.
AB  - Gypsy Travellers often experience wide-ranging inequalities, associated with poor
      access to health services and education, discrimination, and health
      professionals' lack of understanding of the cultural identity and health needs of
      their community. This article explores nurses' attitudes to Gypsy Travellers, and
      discusses how overcoming bias and negativity can help address the health needs of
      this community.

PMID- 22046671
TI  - Defibrillation 2: Using defibrillators in hospital.
AB  - Patients who have a cardiac arrest in hospital should, if it is indicated, be
      defibrillated as quickly as possible--ideally within three minutes. Most hospital
      wards and other clinical areas have access to defibrillators with both advisory
      (semi-automated) and manual modes. The former enables first responders, including
      nurses without ECG interpretation skills, to defibrillate the patient while
      awaiting the arrival of the cardiac arrest team who can then select and use the
      manual mode. Most hospital nurses will be trained in advisory defibrillation,
      while a few will be trained in manual defibrillation. This article provides an
      overview of defibrillation in hospital, and looks at both advisory and manual
      defibrillation.

PMID- 22046672
TI  - Implementing nurse-led discharge.
AB  - Many hospitals have for years tried to introduce nurse-led discharge but the
      evidence suggests this has not been entirely successful. Projects have failed due
      to lack of engagement from staff, failure to monitor outcomes and lack of
      sustainability. This article describes the early stages of the introduction of
      nurse/midwife-led discharge at the Heart of England Foundation Trust, which
      attempted to address these issues.

PMID- 22046673
TI  - Improving the hydration of hospital patients.
AB  - Dehydration occurs when the body loses fluids at a greater rate than it takes in.
      For some patients, achieving a fluid balance is difficult without assistance and
      they rely on interventions by health professionals. In 2009, a fluid balance
      audit was carried out in an acute hospital. The aim was to identify whether
      clinical practice could be improved, and if health professionals could assist
      their patients' hydration during their admission by using a hands-free drinks
      system.

PMID- 22046674
TI  - Local winner.

PMID- 22046675
TI  - Values are vital to overall success.

PMID- 22046676
TI  - [Can we avoid going in the wrong direction?].

PMID- 22046677
TI  - [Facial palsy: update for the practitioner].
AB  - The clinical significance of facial palsy hinges on its psychosocial
      consequences. While its causes are very numerous, several infections account for
      a majority of cases: Lyme disease, geniculate zoster (Ramsay Hunt syndrome),
      while the role of HSV-1 in essential (Bell's) palsy remains controversial.
      Essentials of facial palsy management are discussed, including the importance of
      the functional grading of palsy, the complexity of Lyme disease serological
      diagnosis, and its treatment using doxycycline, antiviral and steroids treatment
      of geniculate zoster, while regarding essential facial palsy, only steroids, but
      not antiviral have been shown to improve functional recovery.

PMID- 22046678
TI  - [Advantage of facial rehabilitation after facial palsy].
AB  - Visible and immediate trauma, facial palsy (FP) covers functional but also
      psychological damage and it is essential to evaluate before a comprehensive
      therapeutic care tailored. Few patients, however, are emerging with a
      prescription for rehabilitation after a consultation. Why? This rehabilitation is
      it ignored? Is it absolutely necessary? It is evident in the extension of medical
      care to minimize the effects. Yet the foundation of rehabilitation is sadly
      little known and often poorly enforced. In addition to its specificity, this
      therapy preceded by a report called "pretreatments offers a prognosis for
      recovery to patient" regardless of the origin and degree of involvement of the
      PF.

PMID- 22046679
TI  - [Surgical facial reanimation after persisting facial paralysis].
AB  - Facial reanimation following persistent facial paralysis can be managed with
      surgical procedures of varying complexity. The choice of the technique is mainly
      determined by the cause of facial paralysis, the age and desires of the patient.
      The techniques most commonly used are the nerve grafts (VII-VII, XII-VII, cross
      facial graft), dynamic muscle transfers (temporal myoplasty, free muscle
      transfert) and static suspensions. An intensive rehabilitation through specific
      exercises after all procedures is essential to archieve good results.

PMID- 22046680
TI  - [HPV associated head and neck cancers].
AB  - The incidence of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma is rising and this
      increase is linked to sexual behaviors. Viral and epidemiological studies have
      linked tonsillar and base of tongue carcinoma with a human papilloma virus (HPV)
      infection. The patients involved are usually younger and do not exhibit other
      risk factors such as smoking and alcohol abuse. HPV positive squamous cell
      carcinoma are associated with a better prognosis than other head and neck
      carcinoma. Differences in the carcinogenesis mechanisms open options for
      different and specific oncologic treatments and the potential for prevention of
      these HPV-related carcinoma by vaccination.

PMID- 22046681
TI  - [Tracheal replacement grafts: current options].
AB  - A critical review of publications on tracheal reconstruction is presented. The
      extent of the resection defect in terms of horizontal circumference or
      longitudinal extension determines the difficulty of the reconstruction. To allow
      a valid comparison, a classification of tracheal defects is proposed. The
      reconstruction materials can be subdivided into synthetic grafts, autografts,
      allografts, and bioengineering constructs. Reconstruction of tracheal defects
      greater than half of the tracheal length was not possible until recently.
      Numerous publications on animal experimental techniques, and rare human case
      reports show few successful outcomes. During the last five years, new
      reconstructive options have emerged: autograft of composite flaps mimicking
      tracheal architecture and bioengineered tracheal constructs.

PMID- 22046682
TI  - [Carotidynia and Eagle syndrome: two neck pain syndromes to be rediscovered].
AB  - Two classical syndromes of upper cervical pain in the carotid region are
      discussed: carotidynia and Eagle syndrome. In both cases, after an initial period
      of enthusiasm, poorly defined diagnostic criteria led to frequent wrong diagnosis
      and poor treatment responses. This led to doubts about the existence of these
      syndromes. New radiologic diagnostic criteria have emerged and should allow for a
      more precise diagnosis. With the correct diagnosis, medical and surgical
      treatments should be better tailored and more efficient.

PMID- 22046683
TI  - [Wonder and indignation, engine of life, youthfulness of heart].

PMID- 22046684
TI  - [Alzheimer disease, an exemplary problem].

PMID- 22046685
TI  - [A dizzying end of the week].

PMID- 22046686
TI  - [The death penalty: the importance of finding a vein].

PMID- 22046687
TI  - [Homosexuality and blood donation (4)].

PMID- 22046688
TI  - [Walking around the hospital].

PMID- 22046689
TI  - Talon cusps: conservative management.
AB  - Talons cusp is an uncommon developmental dental anomaly characterized by presence
      of an accessory cusp like structure projecting from tooth neck towards incisal
      edge. This anomaly commonly affects permanent dentition than primary dentition.
      This article describes early diagnosis and management of two patients with talons
      cusp. Conservative treatment by selective grinding, followed by fluoride varnish
      application was done. The patients were followed up for one year without any
      complications. This indicates conservative means of management to be the most
      desirable way of managing such anomalies.

PMID- 22046690
TI  - Intra-coronal bleaching in young permanent and primary tooth with biologic
      perspectives.
AB  - The odd attracts society in odd manner, as is the case when a patient with
      discolored tooth smiles. Because of that, pediatric patients have psychological
      impact. Trauma and pulpal necrosis are the most common causes for discoloration
      of teeth. If tooth is intact, intra-coronal bleaching is the most conservative
      and noninvasive treatment modality provided, it is done cautiously. This article
      intends to present two case-reports of successful intra-coronal bleaching using
      milder (sodium perborate) and tissue-friendly bleaching agent with walking
      bleach.

PMID- 22046691
TI  - Dentistry for Mexicans with special needs: a commentary.
AB  - There are more than 2 million residents with disabilities in Mexico. Despite
      national legislation to assure individuals with disabilities needed services,
      including education and employment, social inclusion of these individuals is
      difficult since societal views exclude them from functioning as members of a
      community. While there are no national studies of the dental needs of individuals
      with disabilities in Mexico, reports of the general population indicate limited
      use of dental services and the need for increased restorative services. Examples
      of dental education accreditation standards in other countries are used as models
      for the improvement in the preparation of dental students to provide services for
      individual with special needs.

PMID- 22046692
TI  - Comparison between rotary and manual techniques on duration of instrumentation
      and obturation times in primary teeth.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the duration of instrumentation
      and obturation times and quality of root canal filling between rotary and manual
      instrumentation techniques in primary teeth. STUDY DESIGN: A randomized,
      controlled clinical trial was performed that included deciduous teeth with pulp
      necrotic. Forty necrotic teeth were included; 20 were instrumented with a rotary
      technique (experimental group) and 20 with a manual technique (control group).
      The time taken for instrumentation and for obturation were recorded in minutes,
      and the quality of the root canal filling was recorded as optimal, under-filled,
      or overfilled. RESULTS: The use of the rotary technique diminished the time of
      instrumentation to 63% and time of obturation to 68%, and it improved the quality
      of the root canalfilling. CONCLUSION: The use of rotary instruments in the
      pulpectomy of primary molars represents a promising technique; the time is
      significantly reduced.

PMID- 22046693
TI  - Endoflas, zinc oxide eugenol and metapex as root canal filling materials in
      primary molars--a comparative clinical study.
AB  - Several materials have been used to fill root canals of primary teeth.
      Traditionally, zinc oxide eugenol was used for the purpose, until the
      introduction of calcium hydroxide and iodoform based materials. Another root
      canal filling material that contains zinc oxide eugenol, calcium hydroxide and
      iodoform is commercially available as Endoflas. The aim of the study was to
      evaluate and compare the efficacy of Endoflas, zinc oxide eugenol and Metapex as
      root canal filling materials. METHOD: A total of forty-five primary molars from
      children aged 5-9 years were selected for a one stage pulpectomy procedure. Teeth
      were randomly divided into three groups of fifteen teeth each based on the type
      of root canal filling material used. All the molars were evaluated clinically and
      radiographically at regular intervals of 3, 6, 12 and 18 months. The observations
      were tabulated and statistically analyzed. RESULTS: Endoflas and zinc oxide
      eugenol showed 93.3% success, whereas a higher percentage of success was observed
      with Metapex (100%). Overfilling and voids were more commonly seen in teeth
      filled with Metapex. CONCLUSION: There was no significant difference between the
      three root canal filling materials.

PMID- 22046694
TI  - Assessment of pediatricians dental knowledge, attitude and behavior in Jeddah,
      Saudi Arabia.
AB  - Early assessment of the oral health status of children has the potential to
      reduce or even eliminate oral diseases. Parents rarely take their children to
      dentist early enough to control dental diseases. However, parents contact
      pediatricians several times even before the child is born and during the child's
      early life. Accordingly, pediatricians are considered a perfect and reliable
      source for oral health control and prevention. AIM: To measure the dental
      knowledge, attitude and behavior (KAB) of pediatricians in the City of Jeddah
      regarding oral health status and methods for prevention of dental diseases in
      children. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Questionnaires consisting of 40 demographic and
      KAB's questions were distributed to all pediatricians in Jeddah city (605
      pediatricians). The KABs' questions consisted of general dental knowledge,
      preventive dental measures, timing for referral, diet counseling, parafunctional
      habits and handling of traumatized teeth. A score was given for each question.
      Percentages of total scores of KABs were compared. RESULTS: The response rate of
      pediatricians in Jeddah city (363) was 60%. Their mean age was 39.57 years.
      Pediatricians' KABs were found to be unsatisfactory. The most important
      observation was that the concept of oral health prevention was deficient.
      Pediatricians' awareness of fissure sealants, fluoride, dietary counseling, time
      of first dental visits and thumb sucking were quite limited Pediatricians'
      knowledge was significantly lower than their attitude and behavior's scores.
      CONCLUSION: In general, pediatricians' knowledge, attitudes and behavior
      regarding oral health were not satisfactory.

PMID- 22046695
TI  - Evaluation of primary tooth enamel surface morphology and microhardness after
      Nd:YAG laser irradiation and APF gel treatment--an in vitro study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Laser irradiation and fluoride has been used as a preventive tool to
      combat dental caries in permanent teeth, but little has been done for primary
      teeth which are more prone to caries. The purpose of this study was to evaluate
      microhardness alterations in the primary tooth enamel after Nd-YAG laser
      irradiation alone and combined with topical fluoride treatment either before or
      after Nd-YAG laser irradiation. METHOD: Ten primary molars were sectioned and
      assigned randomly to: control group, Nd-YAG laser irradiation, Nd-YAG lasing
      before APF and APF followed by Nd-YAG lasing. The groups were evaluated for
      microhardness. Surface morphological changes were observed using SEM. RESULTS:
      Statistical comparisons were performed. The control group's SEM showed a
      relatively smooth enamel surface and lasing group had fine cracks and porosities.
      In the lasing + fluoride group a homogenous confluent surface was seen. In the
      fluoride + lasing group an irregular contour with marked crack propagation was
      noted. There was a significant increase in the microhardness of the treatment
      groups. CONCLUSION: Nd-YAG laser irradiation and combined APF treatment of the
      primary tooth enamel gave morphologically hardened enamel surface which can be a
      protective barrier against a cariogenic attack.

PMID- 22046696
TI  - Pulp calcification in traumatized primary teeth: prevalence and associated
      factors.
AB  - AIM: To establish the prevalence of pulp calcifications in 946 patients at the
      Research and Clinical Center of Dental Trauma in Primary Teeth. STUDY DESIGN: The
      clinical and radiographic records of l675 traumatized primary teeth were
      evaluated. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square and univariate
      logistic regression. RESULTS: 197 (20.8%) patients showed pulp calcification
      (PC). A total of 250 (14.9%) calcified teeth were observed In most teeth, PC
      appeared within the first 12 months following trauma. PC prevalence was higher in
      cases of repeated trauma (29.6%) than in single trauma (16.4%), p < 0.05, with a
      2.14 chance of showing pulp calcification when a child suffered recurrent trauma.
      Most teeth showing calcified pulp, suffered trauma to the supportive tissue
      (67.4%), being statistically significant in relation to the trauma to dental
      tissue (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: PC is a sequelae in cases of trauma to the primary
      dentition; teeth that suffered recurrent traumatic injuries show higher risk of
      presenting.

PMID- 22046697
TI  - Caries protective agents in human milk and bovine milk: an in vitro study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To estimate Calcium and Phosphorus withdrawal from hydroxyapatite in
      the presence of bovine milk and human milk from which the following protective
      fractions namely Casein, Whey protein, Lactose and Milk fat have been
      individually removed and to compare the above protective fractions in human and
      bovine milk. METHOD: Human milk obtained from lactating mothers in the labor ward
      of Kshema hospital was subjected to immediate analysis. Bovine milk was obtained
      from a local dairy. Equal quantities of human milk and bovine milk (1 ml) were
      separately subjected to the systematic removal of the four milk fractions. As
      each fraction was removed, the remaining milk samples were subjected to testing.
      Powdered hydroxyapatite from human dental enamel was subjected to
      demineralization with the addition of the milk sample under test for 20 minutes.
      This mixture was then centrifuged. Aliquots of the supernatant were taken for
      calcium and Phosphorus analysis using photospectrometry. Ten demineralization
      tests were similarly carried out for every milk fraction for both human and
      bovine milk separately. Equal samples of whole bovine milk and whole human milk
      were also subjected to similar testing. RESULTS: The calcium and phosphorus
      dissolution values were higher when the individual fractions were eliminated from
      both human milk/enamel samples and bovine milk/enamel samples as compared to the
      values obtained from whole human milk/whole bovine milk/enamel samples. Further
      higher calcium and phosphorus dissolution values were observed when the fractions
      were individually and separately removed from the whole human milk/enamel samples
      as compared to the corresponding values obtained when these fractions were
      removed from bovine milk/enamel samples. CONCLUSION: The evaluated milk fraction
      in bovine milk namely casein, whey protein, lactose and milk fat were
      individually more caries protective when compared to the corresponding fractions
      in human milk.

PMID- 22046698
TI  - Oral rehydration salt-liquid as an alternative storage medium--a preliminary
      study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of Oral Rehydration Salt-Liquid (ORS-L) in the
      maintenance of the viability of Periodontal ligament cells (PDL). MATERIALS AND
      METHOD: Twenty freshly extracted teeth were used for this study. They were then
      randomly divided into 3 groups: Positive control group--5 teeth which were
      immediately subjected to collagenase assay, without immersing in ORS-L; Negative
      control group--5 teeth with an extra oral dry time of 24 hours, followed by
      subjecting to collagense assay without immersing in ORS-L and Test group (ORS-L)-
      10 teeth with an extra oral dry period of 30 minutes, followed by immersion in
      ORS-L for a period of 45 minutes and then subjected to collagenase assay. The
      mean number of viable PDL cells were counted on a hemocytometer under 20X
      magnification. RESULTS: The mean number of viable PDL cells was highest in the
      positive control group. In comparison to the negative control group, the test
      group showed a higher number of viable PDL cells. CONCLUSION: The study found
      that ORS-L was an effective solution in maintaining the viability of PDL cells.

PMID- 22046699
TI  - Ameloblastic fibro-odontoma: a clinicopathologic study of 12 cases.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The ameloblastic fibro-odontoma (AFO) is an uncommon odontogenic tumor
      occurring in childhood with limited reported data on recurrence. The purpose of
      this AFO study was to review its clinicopathologic features, investigate
      treatment modalities and establish a recurrence rate. STUDY DESIGN: The
      clinicopathologic features of 12 new cases of AFO were analyzed and compared with
      those of 208 cases from the literature, with special emphasis on the clinical
      behavior, treatment, and recurrence rate. RESULTS: The average age was 9.4 (+/-
      6.7) years with a male-to-female ratio of 1.6:1. The mandible was the site of
      occurrence in 59.5%. The tumor most often presented radiographically as a
      unilocular mixed density lesion associated with the crown of an impacted tooth.
      Displacement of teeth, delayed eruption and bony expansion were commonplace.
      There were 5 recurrences among 68 cases with adequate follow-up for a recurrence
      rate of 7.4%. All recurrences were attributed to incomplete removal at the time
      of the initial surgery. CONCLUSIONS: The AFO is a childhood tumor most often
      affecting the posterior jaws and frequently causing bony expansion with profound
      affects on the dentition. Conservative surgical removal with extraction of the
      associated teeth is recommended. The established recurrence rate is less than
      10%.

PMID- 22046700
TI  - Chondroid choristoma: report of a rare case.
AB  - An 11-year-old girl reported with an intraoral swelling which was noticed by her
      mother at birth and increased to its present size during the last year A thorough
      clinical examination did not shed a conclusive diagnosis. This case highlights
      and discusses the history, clinical features, histologic features, differential
      diagnosis and the clinical management of this lesion. Awareness of such an entity
      will enrich the knowledge of the pediatric dentists who may be the first ones to
      encounter such cases in their day-to-day practice.

PMID- 22046701
TI  - Oral manifestation associated with multiple pituitary hormone deficiency and
      ectopic neurohypophysis.
AB  - Multiple pituitary hormone deficiency (MPHD) is the diminished secretion of all
      the hormones produced in the anterior lobe of the pituitary gland. The oral
      manifestation of this condition includes delayed eruption and prolonged retention
      of primary teeth, delayed formation and eruption of permanent teeth, delay in
      development and growth of the jaws, tendency towards development of deep bite and
      enamel disturbances. This paper reports the case of an adolescent patient with
      MPHD. Clinical examination revealed partial ankylosis and prolonged retention
      ofprimary second molars, primary maxillary canines and deep bite. Dental
      treatment included extraction of all molars with prolonged retention preceded by
      the necessary medical care with clinical and radiographic follow-up afterwards.
      The patient was also referred to an orthodontist for orthodontic treatment.
      Patients' medical condition should always be investigated by clinicians when
      faced with cases of delayed tooth eruption and bone development.

PMID- 22046702
TI  - A comparative evaluation of intranasal midazolam, ketamine and their combination
      for sedation of young uncooperative pediatric dental patients: a triple blind
      randomized crossover trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the efficacy and
      safety of intranasal (IN) administration of midazolam (M), ketamine (K) and their
      combination (MK) to produce moderate sedation in young, uncooperative pediatric
      dental patients. STUDY DESIGN: In this three stage crossover trial forty five
      uncooperative ASA type-1 children, who required dental treatment, were randomly
      assigned to receive one of the three drugs/combination by IN route during three
      subsequent visits. The efficacy and safety of the agents were assessed by overall
      success rate and by monitoring of vital signs, respectively. RESULTS: The onset
      of sedation was rapid with K as compared to M and MK. The difference was
      statistically significant (P < 0.01) between K and M. The overall success rate
      was 89% with K, MK was 84% and 69% with M. The difference between the overall
      success rates of K and M was statistically significant (P < 0.01). Vital signs
      were within physiological limits and there were no significant adverse effects
      with any medication. CONCLUSIONS: M, K and MK are safe and effective by IN route
      to produce moderate sedation for providing dental care to pediatric dental
      patients who have been otherwise indicated for treatment under general
      anesthesia.

PMID- 22046703
TI  - A digital method to predict the mesiodistal widths of canines and premolars in an
      Egyptian sample.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Treatment planning in the mixed dentition is important for proper
      tooth alignment. A mixed dentition analysis, should accurately predict the
      mesiodistal widths of unerupted permanent teeth. The aim of the present study was
      to determine which sum of mesiodistal widths (MDW) of permanent teeth will be the
      best predictor for MDW of unerupted permanent canines and premolars. STUDY
      DESIGN: The study was conducted on 102 Egyptians, 51 males and 51 females, mean
      age 16.7 +/- 0.5 years with fully erupted permanent teeth, and intact proximal
      surfaces. Dental casts were obtained and scanned to produce digital images that
      were used on a specially designed software program to measure the MDW of
      permanent teeth. Casts were divided into training and validation sets, where 9
      models of tooth combinations were used to develop a regression equation that
      describes the relation between them and sum of MDW of erupted maxillary or
      mandibular canines, first and second premolars. The validation set was used to
      test the accuracy of the proposed equation. RESULTS: R2 of regression models
      ranged from 0.3 (for models #2, 4, 5 and 8) to 0.36for model #1. The highest
      regression in model #1 (sum of MDW of lower first permanent molars and upper
      central incisors) indicated a high linear association between the sum of MDW of
      tooth combination model #1 and the MDWofmaxillary and mandibular permanent
      canines and premolars. There was no significant difference between the actual and
      the predicted MDW when the proposed equation was checked for its accuracy in the
      entire validation set (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: The combination of the sums of
      lower permanent first molars and upper permanent central incisors was the best
      predictor for the MD W of both maxillary and mandibular permanent canines and
      premolars. The newly proposed prediction equation may be considered clinically
      useful for mixed dentition analysis in Egyptian subjects.

PMID- 22046704
TI  - Comparison of some dietary habits on corrosion behavior of stainless steel
      brackets: an in vitro study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Resistance to corrosion is an advantageous property of
      orthodontic brackets; however, due to low levels of pH found in the mouth of a
      patient, localized corrosion may occur This can affect tooth movement by
      increasing friction between the arch wire and bracket slot and initiate enamel
      discoloration. Additionally, corrosion causes the release of elements that may
      lead to cytotoxic and biological side effects. The aim of this study was to
      compare the amount of corrosion caused by lemon juice, vinegar and Coca-Cola on
      orthodontic brackets in vitro and then to recommend the most suitable diet during
      orthodontic treatment. METHOD: Sixty orthodontic brackets in three groups of
      twenty were immersed in a test solution (Fusamaya-Meyer artificial saliva plus
      lemon juice, vinegar or Coca-Cola) at a temperature of 37 degrees C +/- 1.
      Moreover, a negative control consisting of twenty brackets were put in pure
      artificial saliva. After 6 weeks the amount of corrosion was determined by
      measuring delta W of mean weights of brackets and the results were analyzed by
      general linear models (repeated measurement). RESULTS: Significant differences
      were seen during different weeks of the study (P < 0.001) and different solutions
      (P < 0.001). This study showed the amount of corrosion in orthodontic brackets
      was the most for cola followed by vinegar and then lemon juice. In addition, mean
      differences for cola versus lemon juice was -0.010 (sig. <0.001), vinegar versus
      lemon juice was -0.006 (sig. = 0.001) and cola versus vinegar was -0.004 (sig. =
      0.013). CONCLUSION: Acidic effervescent soft drinks such as cola have to be
      eliminated or minimized in the nutritional diet of orthodontic patients because
      of their harmful effects on their brackets.

PMID- 22046705
TI  - Effect of orthodontic appliances on oral microbiota--6 month follow-up.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the effect of fixed and removable orthodontic
      appliances among children on salivary Streptococcus mutans, Lactobacillus sp. and
      Candida albicans. STUDY DESIGN: The study was conducted on 69 patients aged
      between 6-17 years who used fixed or removable orthodontic appliances. Five ml
      samples of unstimulated saliva from each patient were collected at baseline and
      at the 1, 3 and 6 month periodic controls. Samples were diluted and plated on
      Mitis Salivarus Agar (MSA), Man Rogosa Sharp Agar (MRS) and Saboroud Dextrose
      Agar (SDA). The growths on the plates were examined under a stereomicroscope.
      Numbers of colony forming units (CFU) per plate were counted. For statistical
      analysis, the paired t test and Chi-Square were used. RESULTS: S mutans and
      Lactobacillus sp counts increased significantly 6 months after the insertion of
      fixed/removable orthodontic appliances in the oral cavity. A significant increase
      for C albicans presence was noted after 3 months compared with baseline for fixed
      appliances. CONCLUSION: Long-term utilization of orthodontic appliances may have
      a negative effect on microbial flora and increase the risk of new carious lesions
      and periodontal problems. Patients should be recalled within short time intervals
      to be motivated for oral hygiene during their orthodontic therapy.

PMID- 22046706
TI  - [Epidemiology of viral gastroenteritis in France and Europe].
AB  - Continuous surveillance of acute diarrhea in France has been conducted by
      Inserm's sentinel network of general practitioners (GP) since 1991. Similar GP
      based studies have been performed in the Netherlands, Austria and the UK. The
      causes of most cases of acute diarrhea are unclear. In case-controlstudies
      designed to identify viruses in stools, 35 to 40% of cases and virtually none of
      the controls were positive for one of 4 major viruses (rotavirus, calicivirus,
      astrovirus and adenovirus). Thus, no viral cause was identified in more than 60%
      of patients with acute diarrhea. The causative role of viruses such as torovirus,
      picobirnavirus, picornavirus and enterovirus 22 has rarely been investigated.
      Further investigations are needed to identify other viral, bacterial fungal or
      parasitic causes of acute diarrhea. In France, on average, more than 3 million
      people (predominantly children) visit a GP for acute diarrhea each year. Most of
      these patients recover spontaneously within a few days, but the medical, social
      and economic costs of acute diarrhea are sufficiently high to justify a more
      aggressive public policy to prevent and control epidemics in Europe.

PMID- 22046707
TI  - [Gastroenteritis viruses in France and Europe].
AB  - Rotaviruses and noroviruses are the main causes of acute gastroenteritis in young
      children and adults, respectively. Prospective molecular surveillance of
      rotavirus genotypes in France and Europe shows that circulating strains may vary
      with the season, locality or country. Rotavirus OK? genotypes G1 and G9 are the
      most prevalent. Most strains are associated with P[8], showing a certain
      genotypic stability of rotaviruses currently circulating in Europe and suggesting
      that vaccination would be effective at least in the short and medium term.
      However, atypical strains G12 and G8 must be monitored in case they emerge in
      future. Noroviruses belong to the Caliciviridae family. These single-stranded RNA
      viruses show major genetic diversity. they are divided into 5 genogroups, which
      are themselves subdivided into genotypes. In addition, new variants are
      continually arising, and are frequently associated with new epidemic waves of
      gastroenteritis.

PMID- 22046708
TI  - [Viral gastroenteritis in domestic animals and zoonoses].
AB  - Etiologic investigations of infectious diarrhea were long limited to bacteria and
      protozoa. The advent of electron microscopy and molecular biology showed that
      diarrhea could also be caused by viruses, both in humans and in other animals. In
      1969, electron microcopy was used to show, for the first time, the responsibility
      of a virus in a case of calf diarrhea. This "reo-like virus "was subsequently
      identified as a rotavirus, and was shown only four years later to be responsible
      for severe diarrhea in young children. Noroviruses, and particularly the human
      virus Norwalk, were subsequently discovered, followed by coronavirus, sapovirus,
      pestivirus, astrovirus, enteric adenoviruses, torovirus, and picobirnavirus. Some
      of viruses found in animals, and particularly rotaviruses, can also infect
      humans. Rotaviruses have been identified in numerous animal species and are
      generally host-specific, but zoonotic transmission has been suggested by cross
      infection (especially in experimental models), by genetic studies showing a close
      relationship between certain human and animal rotaviruses, and by the discovery
      of new animal genotypes during epidemiological surveillance of human rotaviroses.
      Some animal strains of norovirus, sapovirus, picobirnavirus and astrovirus are
      genetically related to human strains, but their human transmission has not been
      demonstrated.

PMID- 22046709
TI  - [Rotavirus vaccination in Europe in 2010].
AB  - The important burden of rotavirus infections in infants largely justifies vaccine
      prevention. Two attenuated oral vaccines were licensed in Europe in 2006 and have
      proven effective against severe rotavirus gastroenteritis in infants, yet few
      countries have implemented vaccination. This hesitation may be related to a very
      low risk of intussusception in vaccinees, but is mainly due to national
      differences in cost-effectiveness.

PMID- 22046710
TI  - [Bone microarchitecture].
AB  - Bone mass is determined throughout life by modeling and remodeling mechanisms.
      Trabecular bone consists of a network of trabeculae (plates and rods) whose
      distribution is highly anisotropic: trabeculae are disposed parallel to the
      resultant of stress lines (Wolff's law). The trabecular microarchitecture appears
      to be conditioned by mechanical stresses exerted on skeletal bones. Few
      clinically validated methods are available to assess and monitor the bone
      microarchitecture in bone diseases. The best-developed is bone histomorphometry,
      with the use of new algorithms to appreciate various 2D characteristics of the
      trabeculae, such as thickness and connectivity. Several studies have shown that
      several independent techniques should be used to study microarchitecture
      parameters. X-ray microtomography (micro CT), microMRI and synchrotron devices
      can give non destructive 3D measurements of the trabecular microarchitecture of
      bone specimens. This review describes advances in our knowledge of bone
      microarchitecture, its role in bone diseases such as osteoporosis, and methods of
      2D and 3D histological evaluation.

PMID- 22046711
TI  - [Management of osteoporosis: room for improvment].
AB  - The objective of anti-osteoporotic treatments is the prevention of the first or
      recurrent fractures. Screening of at risk patients is the basis of improvement of
      osteoporosis management. Prevalent fractures are strong determinants of incident
      fractures. In patients without fractures screening of risk factors, and
      quantification of risk using FRAX tool, allows detection of patients who should
      receive highest priority for treatment. Several drugs have shown that they are
      able to decrease the risk of fracture, providing persistence and compliance. Non
      pharmacological approach (including nutrition and physical activity) is part of
      optimal management of osteoporosis.

PMID- 22046712
TI  - [New actors in bone remodelling: a role for the immune system].
AB  - Bone metabolism is mainly under estrogenic control. Estrogen induces the
      expression or activation of transcription factors, leading to phenotypic cellular
      changes that are critical for the balance between bone formation and resorption.
      The two activities are linked via the RANK ligand/osteoprotegerin pathway. Fine
      regulation of bone metabolism and the bone-specific response to estrogen
      deficiency implies the participation of immune cells, and especially T cells.
      Indeed, T cells are activated by estrogen deficiency and produce pro-inflammatory
      cytokines such as TNFalpha, which stimulates osteoclastogenesis both directly and
      indirectly through the RENKL pathway. Antigen hyperactivity mechanisms may
      potentiate T cell activation. Other cytokines such as IL-1 and IL-7 also
      participate in the cross-takl between immune cells and osteoclasts. TGFbeta and
      IFNgamma modulate these redundant and multiple pathways in a more complex
      fashion. B cells may also participate, especially after IL-7-induced activation.
      Although many of these findings remain to be validated in humans, they open up
      the possibility of new therapeutic approaches, especially given the growing
      evidence that post-menopausal osteoporosis is associated with a mild chronic
      inflammatory state.

PMID- 22046713
TI  - [Advances treatment of osteoporosis: new molecules, new strategies].
AB  - Practitioners already have a wide range of effective drugs for the treatment of
      osteoporosis, but new options are needed to prevent fractures in patients with
      this chronic and disabling disease. Recent advances in bone cell biology have
      revealed new specific targets for the treatment of bone loss, based on inhibition
      of bone resorption by osteoclasts (anti-RANK ligand antibodies and cathepsin K
      inhibitors) or stimulation of bone formation by osteoblasts (anti-sclerostin
      antibodies). These future treatments (anti-RANK ligand antibodies should shortly
      be available) will add osteoporosis to the growing list of disorders amenable to
      targeted biotherapies.

PMID- 22046714
TI  - [Spouse violence: treat the bully to save the victim].
AB  - Traditionally, the police and judiciary have been rather late in dealing with
      domestic violence, considering it to be a private matter. However, this form of
      violence has a tendency to increase in frequency and intensity over time. If the
      victim's initial complaint is not taken in account, then he or she will become
      even more isolated, while the offender may see this" official inaction "as
      justifying his or her deeds. The later the authorities call these perpetrators to
      book, by reminding them that violence is unacceptable, the more difficult it is
      to manage and treat them. This is why, in our jurisdiction (Douai, northern
      France), offenders are transiently excluded from the home. Victims are followed
      throughout by social workers, who explain the procedure and refer them to a
      lawyer if they wish to take legal action. They are also introduced to a self
      support group that includes both victims and psychologists, in order to allow
      them to share their experience. The public prosecutor encourages the offender to
      stay in a designated residential center for about ten days, in order to break the
      cycle of abuse. The aim is to stress that all violence is illegal and to give the
      offender time to reflect on what led him or her to be violent. After this period
      of isolation, the offender, whose behavior is assessed on a standardized form, is
      invited to return home, after being informed that any further violence on their
      part will lead to an immediate court appearance. Then, during a six-month period,
      three hours per week, the offender is invited to attend a self-help group that
      includes psychiatrists and psychologists. The results are satisfactory: between
      May 2003 and December 2010 the relapse rate stabilized at 6%, a level that seemed
      impossible to attain in early 2003 when the system was created

PMID- 22046715
TI  - [Rape: a social problem and a public health issue].
AB  - The French legal definition of rape was somewhat vague until the 1970s. In
      December 1980, the increased awareness created by the feminist movement led to a
      precise legal definition and to the possibility for self-help groups to
      participate in legal actions. In 1985, a telephone helpline was created after
      several rapes were following several rapes committed in public. Since 1986, more
      than 39 000 women have called this hotline. Other recent studies confirm the
      frequency of rape. Major advances have been made in recent years, in terms of
      justice for minors who are victims of rape (lengthening of the statutory
      limitation on sexual crimes) and healthcare provision (opening of refuges,
      medical-legal consultations, victim management centers, greater awareness among
      healthcare professionals, etc.). Women need to be better informed of the
      frequency of rape, its legal implications, rapists' strategies, mental disorders,
      and the physical (especially gynecological) repercussions of rape. Women must
      also be aware that the rapist is the only guilty party. Finally, a
      multidisciplinary strategy is needed, notably involving self-help associations
      and hospital units that deal with rape victims.

PMID- 22046716
TI  - [Contribution of mathematical modeling to vaccination decision making. Examples
      from varicella, rotavirus and papillomavirus vaccinations].
AB  - The decision to add a new vaccine to the immunization schedule is a complex and
      multidisciplinary process based on the risk-benefit balance and, increasingly, on
      the cost- effectiveness ratio. Such decisions now use mathematical models that
      can predict the indirect, and potentially detrimental, effects of mass
      vaccination on the epidemiology of the target disease. The adjunction of an
      economic component to the modeling process ensures that vaccination represents an
      efficient allocation of available financial resources in an increasingly
      constrained environment.

PMID- 22046717
TI  - [Diagnostic use of positron emission tomography in France: from the coincidence
      gamma-camera to mobile hybrid PET/CT devices].
AB  - Positron emission tomography (PET) is a well-established medical imaging method.
      PET is increasingly used for diagnostic purposes, especially in oncology. The
      most widely used radiopharmaceutical is FDG, a glucose analogue. Other
      radiopharmaceuticals have recently been registered or are in development. We
      outline technical improvements of PET machines during more than a decade of
      clinical use in France. Even though image quality has improved considerably and
      PET-CT hybrid machines have emerged, spending per examination has remained
      remarkably constant. Replacement and maintenance costs have remained in the range
      of 170-190 Euros per examination since 1997, whether early CDET gamma cameras or
      the latest time-of-flight PET/CT devices are used. This is mainly due to shorter
      acquisition times and more efficient use of FDG New reimbursement rates for
      PET/CT are needed in France in order to favor regular acquisition of state-of-the
      art devices. One major development is the coupling of PET and MR imaging.

PMID- 22046719
TI  - Mitigation of conflicts with automation: use of cognitive countermeasures.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to empirically assess the efficacy of
      cognitive countermeasures based on the technique of information removal to
      enhance human operator attentional disengagement abilities when facing
      attentional tunneling. BACKGROUND: Lessons learned from human factors studies
      suggest that conflict with automation leads to the degradation of operators'
      performance by promoting excessive focusing on a single task to the detriment of
      the supervision of other critical parameters. METHOD: An experimental setup
      composed of a real unmanned ground vehicle and aground station was developed to
      test the efficiency of the cognitive countermeasures.The scenario (with and
      without countermeasure) involved an authority conflict between the participants
      and the robot induced by a battery failure.The effects of the conflict and, in
      particular, the impact of cognitive countermeasures on the participants'
      cognition and arousal were assessed through heart rate measurement and eye
      tracking techniques. RESULTS: In the control group (i.e., no countermeasure), 8
      out of 12 participants experienced attentional tunneling when facing the
      conflict, leading them to neglect the visual alarms displayed that would have
      helped them to understand the evolution of the tactical situation. Participants
      in the countermeasure group showed lower heart rates and enhanced attentional
      abilities, and 10 out of 11 participants made appropriate decisions. CONCLUSIONS:
      The use of cognitive countermeasures appeared to be an efficient means to
      mitigate excessive focus issues in the unmanned ground vehicle environment.
      APPLICATIONS: The principle of cognitive countermeasures can be applied to a
      large domain of applications involving human operators interacting with critical
      systems.

PMID- 22046718
TI  - Predictors of computer use in community-dwelling, ethnically diverse older
      adults.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In this study, we analyzed self-reported computer use, demographic
      variables, psychosocial variables, and health and well-being variables collected
      from 460 ethnically diverse, community-dwelling elders to investigate the
      relationship computer use has with demographics, well-being, and other key
      psychosocial variables in older adults. BACKGROUND: Although younger elders with
      more education, those who employ active coping strategies, or those who are low
      in anxiety levels are thought to use computers at higher rates than do others,
      previous research has produced mixed or inconclusive results regarding ethnic,
      gender, and psychological factors or has concentrated on computer-specific
      psychological factors only (e.g., computer anxiety). Few such studies have
      employed large sample sizes or have focused on ethnically diverse populations of
      community-dwelling elders. METHOD: With a large number of overlapping predictors,
      zero-order analysis alone is poorly equipped to identify variables that are
      independently associated with computer use. Accordingly, both zero-order and
      stepwise logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the correlates
      of two types of computer use: e-mail and general computer use. RESULTS: Results
      indicate that younger age, greater level of education, non-Hispanic ethnicity,
      behaviorally active coping style, general physical health, and role-related
      emotional health each independently predicted computer usage. CONCLUSION: Study
      findings highlight differences in computer usage, especially in regard to
      Hispanic ethnicity and specific health and well-being factors. APPLICATION:
      Potential applications of this research include future intervention studies,
      individualized computer-based activity programming, or customizable software and
      user interface design for older adults responsive to a variety of personal
      characteristics and capabilities.

PMID- 22046720
TI  - The effect of transverse shear force on the required coefficient of friction for
      level walking.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: An enhanced methodology to extract the required coefficient of
      friction (RCOF) value was used to investigate the effects of the transverse shear
      component of the ground reaction force (GRF) on the RCOF. BACKGROUND: The RCOF is
      an important indicator for slip incidents. However,the extraction of the RCOF
      from GRF is not standardized. The transverse shear force is usually ignored in
      calculating the RCOF value. METHOD: For this study, 40 participants performed
      four walking conditions. The RCOF values both with (RCOF2) and without (RCOF1)
      the transverse shear force were identified from each strike by the use of an
      enhanced method and were compared. RESULTS: A total of 24,851 strikes were
      collected. The transverse component increased the RCOF value by more than 10% in
      7.2% of the strikes. In 10.4% of the strikes, the RCOF2 occurred at least 20 ms
      earlier and the RCOF value was on average 8.9% larger than RCOF1. CONCLUSION:
      With this method, we were able to successfully identify the RCOF in a
      significantly large number of strikes across 40 participants. In a portion of the
      strikes, the transverse shear force increased the RCOF significantly. In a
      significant portion of the strikes, the RCOF2 occurred much earlier than RCOF1.
      APPLICATION: Better estimates of the RCOF magnitude and instant of occurrence
      could potentially improve risk assessment and identification of critical instants
      in gait.

PMID- 22046721
TI  - Biomechanical effects of mobile computer location in a vehicle cab.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this research is to determine the best location to
      place a conventional mobile computer supported by a commercially available mount
      in a light truck cab. BACKGROUND: U.S. and Canadian electric utility companies
      are in the process of integrating mobile computers into their fleet vehicle cabs.
      There are no publications on the effect of mobile computer location in a vehicle
      cab on biomechanical loading, performance, and subjective assessment. METHOD: The
      authors tested four locations of mobile computers in a light truck cab in a
      laboratory study to determine how location affected muscle activity of the lower
      back and shoulders; joint angles of the shoulders, elbows, and wrist; user
      performance; and subjective assessment. A total of 22 participants were tested in
      this study. RESULTS: Placing the mobile computer closer to the steering wheel
      reduced low back and shoulder muscle activity. Joint angles of the shoulders,
      elbows, and wrists were also closer to neutral angle. Biomechanical modeling
      revealed substantially less spinal compression and trunk muscle force. In
      general, there were no practical differences in performance between the
      locations. Subjective assessment indicated that users preferred the mobile
      computer to be as close as possible to the steering wheel. CONCLUSION: Locating
      the mobile computer close to the steering wheel reduces risk of injuries, such as
      low back pain and shoulder tendonitis. APPLICATION: Results from the study can
      guide electric utility companies in the installation of mobile computers into
      vehicle cabs. Results may also be generalized to other industries that use
      trucklike vehicles, such as construction.

PMID- 22046722
TI  - Physical fidelity versus cognitive fidelity training in procedural skills
      acquisition.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The current study examined whether training simulators for the
      acquisition of procedural skills should emphasize physical fidelity or cognitive
      fidelity of the task. BACKGROUND: Simulation-based training for acquiring and
      practicing procedural skills is becoming widely established. Generally speaking,
      these simulators offer technological sophistication but disregard theory-based
      design, leaving unanswered the question of what task features should be
      represented in the simulators.The authors compared real-world training and two
      alternative virtual trainers, one emphasizing physical fidelity and the other
      cognitive fidelity of the task. METHOD: Participants were randomly assigned to
      one of four training groups in a LEGO assembly task: virtual-physical fidelity,
      cognitive fidelity, real world, and control. A posttraining test to assess the
      development of procedural skills was conducted. RESULTS: Both the virtual
      physical fidelity and cognitive fidelity training methods produced better
      performance time than no training at all, as did the real-world training. The
      cognitive fidelity training was inferior in terms of test time compared to the
      real-world training, whereas the virtual-physical fidelity training was not. In
      contrast, only the real-world and the cognitive fidelity groups, and not the
      virtual-physical fidelity group, required significantly less time than the
      control group for error correction. CONCLUSION: The two training methods have
      complementary advantages. APPLICATION: Combining physical fidelity and cognitive
      training methods can enhance procedural skills acquisition when real-world
      training is not practicable.

PMID- 22046723
TI  - Modeling eye gaze patterns in clinician-patient interaction with lag sequential
      analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine whether lag sequential analysis
      could be used to describe eye gaze orientation between clinicians and patients in
      the medical encounter. This topic is particularly important as new technologies
      are implemented into multiuser health care settings in which trust is critical
      and nonverbal cues are integral to achieving trust. This analysis method could
      lead to design guidelines for technologies and more effective assessments of
      interventions. BACKGROUND: Nonverbal communication patterns are important aspects
      of clinician-patient interactions and may affect patient outcomes. METHOD: The
      eye gaze behaviors of clinicians and patients in 110 videotaped medical
      encounters were analyzed using the lag sequential method to identify significant
      behavior sequences. Lag sequential analysis included both event-based lag and
      time-based lag. RESULTS: Results from event-based lag analysis showed that the
      patient's gaze followed that of the clinician, whereas the clinician's gaze did
      not follow the patient's. Time-based sequential analysis showed that responses
      from the patient usually occurred within 2 s after the initial behavior of the
      clinician. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest that the clinician's gaze significantly
      affects the medical encounter but that the converse is not true. APPLICATION:
      Findings from this research have implications for the design of clinical work
      systems and modeling interactions. Similar research methods could be used to
      identify different behavior patterns in clinical settings (physical layout,
      technology, etc.) to facilitate and evaluate clinical work system designs.

PMID- 22046724
TI  - A meta-analysis of factors affecting trust in human-robot interaction.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We evaluate and quantify the effects of human, robot, and
      environmental factors on perceived trust in human-robot interaction (HRI).
      BACKGROUND: To date, reviews of trust in HRI have been qualitative or
      descriptive. Our quantitative review provides a fundamental empirical foundation
      to advance both theory and practice. METHOD: Meta-analytic methods were applied
      to the available literature on trust and HRI. A total of 29 empirical studies
      were collected, of which 10 met the selection criteria for correlational analysis
      and 11 for experimental analysis. These studies provided 69 correlational and 47
      experimental effect sizes. RESULTS: The overall correlational effect size for
      trust was r = +0.26,with an experimental effect size of d = +0.71. The effects of
      human, robot, and environmental characteristics were examined with an especial
      evaluation of the robot dimensions of performance and attribute-based factors.
      The robot performance and attributes were the largest contributors to the
      development of trust in HRI. Environmental factors played only a moderate role.
      CONCLUSION: Factors related to the robot itself, specifically, its performance,
      had the greatest current association with trust, and environmental factors were
      moderately associated. There was little evidence for effects of human-related
      factors. APPLICATION: The findings provide quantitative estimates of human,
      robot, and environmental factors influencing HRI trust. Specifically, the current
      summary provides effect size estimates that are useful in establishing design and
      training guidelines with reference to robot-related factors of HRI trust.
      Furthermore, results indicate that improper trust calibration may be mitigated by
      the manipulation of robot design. However, many future research needs are
      identified.

PMID- 22046725
TI  - Shining new light on the Hawthorne illumination experiments.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study provides an historical and statistical analysis of archival
      data from the Hawthorne illumination experiments. BACKGROUND: Previous accounts
      of the illumination experiments are fraught with inconsistencies because they
      have been based on secondary sources. The general consensus has been that
      variations in light levels had no effect on worker productivity at Hawthorne. All
      reports and data were thought to have been destroyed, but an archive at Cornell
      University was found to contain copies of the original documentation and much of
      the data from all three illumination experiments. Conclusions were originally
      drawn from visual comparisons of productivity graphs, and the data have never
      been properly statistically analyzed. METHOD: Archival reports, notes,
      photographs, and letters on the experiments were consulted. Productivity data
      were extracted from the tables and graphs in the reports and statistically
      analyzed for each experiment. RESULTS: Previously unpublished details of the
      illumination experiments emerged. An effect of lighting on productivity was found
      in the first treatment sequence for the first experiment, but this finding was
      not confirmed in the second sequence or in the second and third experiments.
      CONCLUSION: Experimental results provided inconsistent evidence of an association
      between light levels and productivity. All three experiments were found to be
      seriously flawed. APPLICATION: This study challenges popular accounts of the
      "Hawthorne effect," and the shortcomings of these experiments also have
      implications for the design of field studies.

PMID- 22046726
TI  - Phased training for high-reliability occupations: live-fire exercises for
      civilian firefighters.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to assess whether the stress reduction
      effects of phased training culminating in repeated exposure to a stressful
      scenario generalize to new scenarios. BACKGROUND: High-reliability occupations
      require personnel to operate in stressful situations involving complex
      environments, high degrees of uncertainty and time pressure, and severe
      consequences for mistakes. One method of training for such environments
      culminates in practice in high-fidelity, highly stressful simulations. For some
      domains, realism necessitates large-scale, difficult-to-modify physical
      simulations. This necessity often results in repeated exposure to one or very few
      scenarios. The literature gives reason to question whether the stress reduction
      effects of such exposure transfer to new scenarios. METHOD: Anxiety and cognitive
      difficulties were measured among firefighter trainees during three live-fire
      drills. For each trainee, two drills involved the same scenario, and the other
      involved a new scenario that was structurally similar to the repeated scenario.
      RESULTS: As predicted, anxiety and cognitive difficulties decreased across
      repetitions of the same scenario. However, the reduction did not generalize to a
      new scenario, and a nontrivial portion of the sample showed signs of negative
      transfer. CONCLUSION: Repeated exposure to the same stressful scenario as the
      final phase of training has limited practical value for stress reduction. Methods
      for expanding the range of scenarios to which trainees are exposed or for
      increasing the value of the exposure are recommended. APPLICATION: The findings
      could help improve design of training programs for high-reliability occupations.

PMID- 22046727
TI  - Physical and cognitive effects of virtual reality integrated training.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the cognitive and physical
      impact of virtual reality (VR) integrated training versus traditional training
      methods in the domain of weld training. BACKGROUND: Weld training is very
      important in various industries and represents a complex skill set appropriate
      for advanced training intervention. As such, there has been a long search for the
      most successful and most cost-effective method for training new welders. METHOD:
      Participants in this study were randomly assigned to one of two separate training
      courses taught by sanctioned American Welding Society certified welding
      instructors; the duration of each course was 2 weeks. After completing the
      training for a specific weld type, participants were given the opportunity to
      test for the corresponding certification. Participants were evaluated in terms of
      their cognitive and physical parameters, total training time exposure, and
      welding certification awards earned. Each of the four weld types taught in this
      study represented distinct levels of difficulty and required the development of
      specialized knowledge and skills. RESULTS: This study demonstrated that
      participants in the VR integrated training group (VR50) performed as well as, and
      in some cases, significantly outperformed, the traditional welding (TW) training
      group.The VR50 group was found to have a 41.6% increase in overall certifications
      earned compared with the TW group. CONCLUSION: VR technology is a valuable tool
      for the production of skilled welders in a shorter time and often with more
      highly developed skills than their traditionally trained counterparts.
      APPLICATION: These findings strongly support the use ofVR integrated training in
      the welding industry.

PMID- 22046728
TI  - Twentieth Convocation, Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons, Perth,
      Western Australia, March 2010. Address by the President of the Royal Australasian
      College of Dental Surgeons Bernadette Drummond, BDS, MS, PhD, FRACDS at the
      opening ceremony.

PMID- 22046729
TI  - Twentieth Convocation, Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons, Perth,
      Western Australia, March 2010. Opening address by His Excellency Dr Ken Michael,
      AC Governor of Western Australia.

PMID- 22046730
TI  - Twentieth Convocation, Royal Australasian College of Dental Surgeons Perth,
      Western Australia, March 2010. The Fourteenth Robert Harris Oration.

PMID- 22046731
TI  - Aesthetics in implant therapy: a blueprint for success and change.
AB  - High-end implant aesthetics requires precise steps from diagnosis through surgery
      to the restorative phase. These steps are not exclusive of each other. They are
      deliberate and require a clear understanding of what is possible and the skills
      that are required to carry out each procedure. Every small advancement will help
      in the initial and long-term stability of the treatment. This article will
      dissect implant treatment into key concepts and procedures, illustrating how
      these steps are crucial to a highly successful aesthetic outcome.

PMID- 22046732
TI  - They're only baby teeth; who should care?
AB  - Despite significant improvements in our understanding of the pathogenesis of
      dental caries, it remains one of the most common chronic diseases of childhood.
      Given that few very young children actually attend dental health services, there
      is a role for non-dental healthcare professionals in the prevention of dental
      disease and the promotion of oral health. This presentation will take an evidence
      based approach to explore opportunities for increased collaboration between
      dental and non-dental healthcare professionals to optimize the health outcomes
      for children. The role and responsibilities of the dental profession in
      developing this model of shared care will also be discussed.

PMID- 22046733
TI  - Molar incisor hypomineralization: clinical management in children.

PMID- 22046734
TI  - Bisphosphonates and the dental practitioner--a guide to management.
AB  - The author has been managing osteonecrosis of the jaws (ONJ) for more than six
      years. This paper will outline the dental management of patients taking
      bisphosphonates. This will include: 1. The predisposing factors causing ONJ, 2.
      Its clinical presentation, 3. Staging for the appropriate conservative and
      surgical management, 4. Guidelines for prevention, 5. Case report.

PMID- 22046735
TI  - The use of virtual reality tools in surgical education.
AB  - Advances in computing, specifically those used for simulation and games
      technology has allowed for exciting developments in dental and surgical
      education. At the same time concerns are being raised that students with
      relatively little training, practise to improve their skill on patients with all
      of the inherent risks that may occur. Simulation in dentistry has been practised
      for many years and so the concept is not new to the profession. New tools have
      been developed that both enhance teaching and learning and are also useful for
      assessment of students and trainees. The challenge of virtual and simulated
      reality tools is to have the required fidelity to improve teaching and learning
      outcomes over the currently utilized methodology.

PMID- 22046736
TI  - Ridge preservation: does it actually work?
AB  - Post-extraction the alveolus undergoes modelling which reduces height and width.
      This may present a problem for subsequent crown and bridge or implant therapy.
      Ridge preservation is the use of grafts and/or membranes to try to minimize the
      loss of the alveolar ridge. Extraction sockets have been filled with autogenous,
      allogenic and alloplastic materials. Membranes or soft tissue were used to
      contain the graft. More recently biodegradable sponges and materials coated in
      growth factors have been tested. Studies have primarily looked at either
      maintenance of vertical and horizontal dimensions or the healing of the socket
      and how much of the graft material is incorporated into the newly formed bone.
      Irrespective of method or materials, there seems to be some maintenance of the
      alveolus. Bone fill seems to occur in preserved extraction sockets, but in most
      cases with a high percentage of residual graft particles. In general, there is a
      lack of evidence to show that ridge preservation aids in correct 3-D implant
      placement, maintains hard and soft tissue volume over a prolonged period of time
      or for success and survival of implants placed into ridge preserved sockets.
      Still the most effective way to maintain ridge volume is to keep the natural
      tooth.

PMID- 22046737
TI  - Novel approaches in 3-dimensional facial profiling to establish facial aesthetic
      objectives in the treatment of facial dysmorphologies.
AB  - When confronted with facial dysmorphologies, three-dimensional (3D) facial
      harmony is preferably assessed with regard to normality. This, however, presents
      two major challenges. The first challenge is to define normality. What makes non
      dysmorphic faces appear normal? The second challenge is to situate the
      craniofacial dysmorphology with respect to normality. What makes the dysmorphic
      face not appear to be normal? To tackle these challenges, a novel approach based
      on a Face Space is proposed. In essence, faces are represented as points in a
      High-dimensional space, the dimensions of which capture important sources of
      allowed facial variation within a normal population. To establish an aesthetic
      objective of a given dysmorphic face, the novel concept of the "normal
      equivalent" of that face via robust projection into the Face Space is proposed.
      This technique is demonstrated on an artificial example in which smiling whilst
      showing teeth is considered a surrogate for facial dysmorphology.

PMID- 22046738
TI  - Aspects of wear and tear of tooth structure.
AB  - Lifestyle factors and the increased longevity of the dentition due to greater
      life expectancy have resulted in greater wear and tear (cracking) of teeth. Often
      there exists interplay between damage and repair. An understanding of these
      mechanisms of damage and repair will assist the clinician in correct diagnosis
      and treatment planning. Preventive strategies as well as interdisciplinary
      measures are required for optimal outcomes. However, are some of our restorative
      interventions causing further damage to tooth structure?

PMID- 22046739
TI  - General well-being in the new decade--important considerations.
AB  - Chronic diseases have created a growing burden of ill-health as populations age,
      become more obese and as survival with many conditions improves. Cardiovascular
      disease, cancer and anxiety/depression merit priority by being common and
      treatable. Genomics aid diagnosis and understanding but have limited impact on
      management. Early diagnosis requires comprehensive annual clinical reviews, in
      which dental practitioners have an important role. Relevant imaging can be
      helpful. Useful early interventions include tactical lifestyle measures, weight
      control, appropriate supplements and low dose pharmacotherapy.

PMID- 22046740
TI  - IT and security considerations for online clinical records.
AB  - E-health and the national electronic medical record are on our doorstep. As an
      integral part of the healthcare system, dentistry needs to get on board with this
      national initiative. How prepared is the dental profession for this? How can a
      culture of online clinical records be promoted and what protocols and
      infrastructure exist for this to occur? The lack of government restriction means
      that dentistry should be taking full advantage of what is possible. The benefits
      and barriers to adoption of online records will be presented to provide a frame
      of reference for the next major shift in electronic communication.

PMID- 22046741
TI  - Repair of critical size defects in the rabbit calvarium with the use of a novel
      scaffold material.
AB  - A number of materials have been implanted into skull defects to determine if
      improved healing outcomes can be achieved. In some instances, packing or
      implanting bone-inducing alloplasts into a standardized skull defect results in
      better healing than an untreated defect. AlloDerm is a skin derived acellular
      collagen membrane and has characteristics that are known to be effective in
      promoting bone growth. It has not been previously investigated for use in cranial
      bone healing. The aim of the investigation was to determine if implanting this
      novel scaffold into skull defects will improve the quality of bone repair. Six
      rabbits received AlloDerm grafts into critical-sized calvarial defects. The
      rabbits were sacrificed at two months and the specimens examined histologically
      and radiographically. At the time of sacrifice, it was found that while bony
      growth had commenced at the margins of the defect and as isolated islands within
      the graft, there did not appear to be a major benefit in using the material
      described.

PMID- 22046742
TI  - Understanding adhesive dentistry.
AB  - This review paper firstly provides an outline of the development of resin-based
      adhesives. A simple classification method is described based on whether an acid
      etching agent requiring a washing and drying step is used. These systems are
      called etch and rinse systems. The other adhesives that do not have the washing
      and drying steps are referred to as self-etching adhesives. The advantages and
      disadvantages of these groups of adhesives are discussed. Methods of adhering to
      the tooth surface are provided, especially where the resin-based adhesive
      reliability is difficult to control.

PMID- 22046743
TI  - The missing link in minimal intervention dentistry: effective caries control.

PMID- 22046744
TI  - Osseointegration--the influence of implant surface.
AB  - The modification of implant surfaces from the original machined to 'micro-rough',
      and more recently 'bioactive', surfaces has been proposed to improve clinical
      outcomes. This review outlines the evidence for the superior performance of
      modified implant surfaces. Pre-clinical trials consistently show that modified
      implant surfaces are more osteogenic and improve the degree of osseointegration.
      Clinically, there is a clear trend for improved clinical success with 'micro
      rough' compared with machined implants. This is particularly the case in
      compromised sites, such as the posterior maxilla, and compromised patients, such
      as smokers. Furthermore, 'micro-rough' implant surfaces perform better in
      augmented sites, and facilitate the more predictable use of short implants, thus
      reducing the need for more invasive augmentation procedures. 'Micro-rough'
      implants have been associated with an increased susceptibility to peri
      implantitis, but these findings relate to a surface that is no longer
      manufactured. Newly developed 'bioactive' surfaces have only been evaluated in a
      limited number of clinical studies.

PMID- 22046745
TI  - Understanding risk for periodontal disease.
AB  - An ability to identify individuals at risk for progressive periodontal disease
      would enable targeted prevention and treatment, thus reducing the economic burden
      on society. The importance of the interplay between microbial, genetic and
      environmental factors in risk assessment is recognized and the relative
      contributions of various risk factors has been determined. However, newer
      technologies will enable more accurate individual risk profiling in the future.

PMID- 22046746
TI  - Coronectomy as the treatment of choice in wisdom teeth showing radiographic signs
      of close proximity to inferior dental nerve.
AB  - The aim of the study is to compare the prevalence of post-operative inferior
      dental nerve (IDN) deficit after coronectomy with total removal of wisdom teeth
      showing specific radiographic signs of close proximity to IDN. A randomized
      clinical trial comparing total removal and coronectomy of wisdom tooth was
      conducted. Analyses of the correlations of IDN deficit and various radiographic
      signs of wisdom tooth roots showing close proximity to IDN were performed. Two
      radiographic signs were found to be positive predictors ofintra-operative IDN
      exposure. Specific radiographic signs or the presence of two or more radiographic
      signs are positive predictors of post-operative IDN deficit. The study concluded
      that darkening of the wisdom tooth root and presence of two or more specific
      signs in radiographs significantly increased the risk of IDN deficit in lower
      wisdom tooth surgery. Coronectomy can significantly reduce the prevalence of an
      IDN deficit in patients with lower wisdom teeth showing radiographic signs of
      close proximity to IDN. It also carries less surgical morbidities when compared
      with total removal of lower wisdom tooth.

PMID- 22046747
TI  - Early wound healing following a mechanical cleansing post-surgical protocol--a
      randomized controlled trial.

PMID- 22046748
TI  - Making phytoremediation work better: maximizing a plant's growth potential in the
      midst of adversity.
AB  - While a number of different plants can either breakdown a variety of organic
      contaminants or hyperaccumulate metals from the environment, even the most
      efficient of those plants is typically inhibited by the presence of the
      toxicant(s). The plant stress that is induced by the presence of various
      environmental toxicants typically limits a plant's growth and ultimately its
      ability to phytoremediate the toxicant(s). Here, it is argued that the simple
      strategy of adding plant growth-promoting bacteria (preferably endophytes) that
      reduce plant ethylene levels by ACC deaminase activity and have the ability to
      synthesize the phytohoromone IAA, and are used to phytoremediate various
      toxicants can significantly (and often dramatically) increase both plant growth
      and phytoremediation activity in the presence of those toxicants.

PMID- 22046749
TI  - Use of plasma-based spectroscopy and infrared microspectroscopy techniques to
      determine the uptake and effects of chromium(III) and chromium(VI) on Parkinsonia
      aculeata.
AB  - Chromium uptake and tolerance by Mexican Palo Verde (Parkinsonia aculeata) (MPV)
      was studied in a six-month experiment with Cr(III) and Cr(VI) at 60 and 10 mg kg(
      1), respectively. Chromium and nutrient uptake were determined by ICP-OES and
      changes in macromolecules were studied by infrared microspectroscopy (IMS). In
      the Cr(VI)-treated plants, chromium concentration increased in the roots only
      through the third month, while translocation to stems increased constantly
      throughout the six months. Cr(III) applications decreased the amount of Zn in
      leaves and stems (p < or = 0.05). Cr(VI) increased P and S in all plant tissues
      and increased Ca in roots, but decreased Ca in stems and leaves, and Mg in roots
      and stems. Cr(III) decreased P in stems and leaves, while both Cr ions decreased
      K in all MPV tissues. Relative to untreated plant tissue, the IMS revealed
      significant changes at 1730 cm(-1) and 845 cm(-1). Changes at 1730 cm(-1)
      indicated that the cortex and xylem of Cr-treated plants were more proteinaceous.
      Changes at 845 cm(-1) revealed higher lignifications in cortex. However, at the
      stem level, Cr(VI) decreased lignin deposition in xylem. The data showed that MPV
      could be useful in the phytoremediation of Cr in moderately impacted soils.

PMID- 22046750
TI  - Phyto (in)stabilization of elements.
AB  - The effects of plants (corn, soybean, and sunflower) and fertilizer on mobility
      of more than 60 elements were assessed in a greenhouse experiment. Unplanted
      columns with the same soil served as controls. Half the columns received
      fertilizer and all columns were watered at the same rate. At the end of the
      experiment, the columns were watered to mimic a rainstorm event such that water
      drained from the bases of the columns, which was collected and analyzed for
      element content. Soil from between the roots of the plants was also collected and
      the water-extractable fraction determined. It was expected that (1) more mobile
      elements, as measured by water extraction, would be leached from the soils at a
      higher rate compared to less mobile elements, (2) plants would immobilize most
      elements, but that some would be immobilized, and (3) that this would depend on
      plant species. The results led to the following conclusions: plants cause metal
      mobility to vary over a wide range for a specific soil and do mobilize some
      elements (e.g., Th) while immobilizing others (e.g., U). The effects depended on
      plant species for some elements. Water-extractable fractions of elements do not
      predict mobility.

PMID- 22046751
TI  - Copper phytoextraction in tandem with oilseed production using commercial
      cultivars and mutant lines of sunflower.
AB  - Use of sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) for Cu phytoextraction and oilseed
      production on Cu-contaminated topsoils was investigated in afield trial at a
      former wood preservation site. Six commercial cultivars and two mutant lines were
      cultivated in plots with and without the addition of compost (5% w/w) and
      dolomitic limestone (0.2% w/w). Total soil Cu ranged from 163 to 1170 mg kg(-1).
      In soil solutions, Cu concentration varied between 0.16-0.93 mg L(-1). The
      amendment increased soil pH, reduced Cu exposure and promoted sunflower growth.
      Stem length, shoot and capitulum biomasses, seed yield, and shoot and leaf Cu
      concentrations were measured. At low total soil Cu, shoot Cu mineralomass was
      higher in commercial cultivars, Le., Salut, Energic, and Countri, whereas
      competition and shading affected morphological traits of mutants. Based on shoot
      yield (7 Mg DW ha(-1)) and Cu concentration, the highest removal was 59 g Cu ha(
      1). At high total soil Cu, shoot Cu mineralomass peaked for mutants (e.g., 52 g
      Cu ha(-1) for Mutant 1 line) and cultivars Energic and Countri. Energic seed
      yield (3.9 Mg air-DW ha(-1)) would be sufficient to produce oil Phenotype traits
      and shoot Cu removal depended on sunflower types and Cu exposure.

PMID- 22046752
TI  - Toward protein engineering for phytoremediation: possibilities and challenges.
AB  - The combination of rational protein engineering and directed evolution techniques
      allow for the redesign of enzymes with tailored properties for use in
      environmental remediation. This review summarizes current molecular methods for
      either altering or improving protein function and highlights examples of how
      these methods can address bioremediation problems. Although much of the protein
      engineering applied to environmental clean-up employs microbial systems, there is
      great potential for and significant challenges to translating these approaches to
      plant systems for phytoremediation purposes. Protein engineering technologies
      combined with genomic information and metabolic engineering strategies hold
      promise for the design of plants and microbes to remediate organic and inorganic
      pollutants.

PMID- 22046753
TI  - Exogenous cytokinin treatments of an Ni hyper-accumulator, Alyssum murale, grown
      in a serpentine soil: implications for phytoextraction.
AB  - Application of exogenous plant growth regulators was examined as a viable
      technique to increase the efficiency of plant metal extraction from contaminated
      soils. The aim of this study was to investigate the alteration of Ni
      phytoextraction by Alyssum murale, a Ni hyperaccumulator, following the
      application of cytokinins. The following parameters were investigated: Ni
      accumulation, plant growth, gas exchange, stomata behavior and the concentration
      of nonprotein thiols (glutathione, y-Glu-Cys, and phytochelatins). In a pot
      experiment, A. murale plants grown in a serpentine soil were treated with a mix
      of naturally occurring cytokinins. Results showed that Ni accumulation in plants
      ranged from 4000 to 7000 mg kg(-1) confirming the hyper-accumulation ability from
      the soil used. Cytokinin treatments produced a significant increase in plant
      biomass and transpiration rate whereas no significant variation in Ni
      accumulation or the concentration of non-protein thiols was observed. The results
      suggest that A. murale is a plant species sensitive to cytokinin treatment and
      that cytokinin treatment is potentially useful in increasing the phytoextraction
      capability by increasing biomass. Moreover, for first time, evidence was obtained
      that the Ni hyperaccumulation mechanism is independent of water flux and
      transpiration rate.

PMID- 22046754
TI  - Opportunities for woody crop production using treated wastewater in Egypt. I.
      Afforestation strategies.
AB  - The Nile River provides nearly 97% of Egypt's freshwater supply. Egypt's share of
      Nile waters is fixed at 55.5 billion cubic meters annually. As a result, Egypt
      will not be able to meet increasing water demand using freshwater from the Nile
      and has been developing non-conventional wastewater reuse strategies to meet
      future demands. The USAID Mission in Cairo began promoting strategies for water
      reuse in 2004, and guidelines for safe and direct reuse of treated wastewater for
      agricultural purposes were approved in 2005 (Egyptian Code 501/2005). Twenty-four
      man-made forests were established that have been useful for assessing the
      efficacy of using treated wastewater for afforestation. At present, approximately
      4,340 hectares are under irrigation with treated wastewater, utilizing a total
      daily volume of 467,400 cubic meters. Wastewater has been applied to trees along
      roads, greenbelts in cities, and woody production systems. Currently, a joint
      USDA Forest Service--Agricultural Research Service technical assistance team has
      been evaluating the feasibility of scaling up such afforestation efforts
      throughout Egypt. We describe information about: 1) suitable tree species that
      have been identified based on local soil characteristics, water quality, and
      quantity of water supply; 2) the benefits and consequences of using these
      species; 3) strategies to maximize the potential of afforestation with regard to
      improving water quality, maximizing resource production, increasing biodiversity,
      and limiting commercial inputs; and 4) potential long-term impacts on the natural
      resource base from afforestation. A companion paper addresses irrigation
      recommendations based on species and local conditions (see Evett et al. 2000).

PMID- 22046755
TI  - Opportunities for woody crop production using treated wastewater in Egypt. II.
      Irrigation strategies.
AB  - An Egyptian national program targets annual reuse of 2.4 billion m3 of treated
      wastewater (TWW) to irrigate 84,000 ha of manmade forests in areas close to
      treatment plants and in the desert. To evaluate the feasibility of such
      afforestation efforts, we describe information about TWW irrigation strategies
      based on (1) water use of different tree species, (2) weather conditions in
      different climate zones of Egypt, (3) soil types and available irrigation
      systems, and (4) the requirement to avoid deep percolation losses that could lead
      to groundwater contamination. We conclude that drip irrigation systems are
      preferred, that they should in most cases use multiple emitters per tree in order
      to increase wetted area and decrease depth of water penetration, that deep
      rooting should be encouraged, and that in most situations irrigation system
      automation is desirable to achieve several small irrigations per day in order to
      avoid deep percolation losses. We describe directed research necessary to fill
      knowledge gaps about depth of rooting of different species in sandy Egyptian
      soils and environments, tree crop coefficients needed for rational irrigation
      scheduling, and depth of water penetration under different irrigation system
      designs. A companion paper addresses recommendations for afforestation strategies
      (see Zalesny et al. 2011, this issue).

PMID- 22046756
TI  - Quantification of prairie restoration for phytostability at a remediated defense
      plant.
AB  - In June 2008 and 2009, cover, density, and species diversity were measured on two
      areas of the prairie at the U. S. Department of Energy Weldon Spring Site to
      begin quantification of the prairie establishment and the effects of a prairie
      burn. Sampling began by testing for the most appropriate transect length (cover)
      and quadrat size (density) for quantification of vegetation. Total cover
      increased in the first growing season after burning. Conversely, total cover
      decreased in the unburned area in one year. The trend in litter cover is the
      opposite with litter decreasing after burning, but increasing in one year in the
      unburned area. Bare ground decreased in one year in the unburned area, but was
      unchanged after burning. Species diversity tripled after fire, but was unchanged
      in one year in the unburned area. The results show that litter and fire both
      affect plant cover. If land reclamation activities are to be an integral part of
      hazardous waste remediation at contaminated sites, then the success of
      reclamation efforts needs to be quantified along with success criteria for waste
      remediation of the sites. The results show that plant cover can be easily
      quantified, but that density measures are more biased which makes it more
      difficult to achieve adequate sample size for plant density.

PMID- 22046757
TI  - Effect of calcium on growth performance and essential oil of vetiver grass
      (Chrysopogon zizanioides) grown on lead contaminated soils.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate effect of calcium on growth, survival,
      essential oil yield and chemical compositions of vetiver grass grown on lead
      contaminated soils. Calcium inform of CaCO3 (0, 2000, 4000, 6000 mg Ca kg(-1))
      was added to river sand soils containing 4000 mg Pb kg(-1) dry soil. Results
      showed that, in the absence of calcium treatment, no plants survived after 2
      weeks of cultivation, while the rest grew well to the end of the experimental
      period (42 weeks). Calcium treatments generally resulted in a slight decrease in
      biomass. Interestingly, an increase in calcium over 2000 mg kg(-1) did not result
      in a decrease in accumulation of lead in vetiver roots and shoots. The levels of
      lead in roots and shoots under calcium treatments were around 2000 and 90 mg kg(
      1) dry weight, respectively. The addition of CaCO3 did not improve vetiver
      essential oil yield and chemical composition compared to the control. A level of
      applied CaCO3 about half of the lead concentration in soils was sufficient to
      improve vetiver growth and survival, and accumulate high concentrations of lead
      in the roots. This finding can be applied for re-vegetation of lead contaminated
      soils using vetiver.

PMID- 22046758
TI  - Selenium accumulation in plants--phytotechnological applications and ecological
      implications.
AB  - Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element for many organisms including humans,
      yet toxic at higher levels. Both Se deficiency and toxicity are problems
      worldwide. Since plants readily accumulate and volatilize Se, they may be used
      both as a source of dietary Se and for removing excess Se from the environment.
      Plant species differ in their capacity to metabolize and accumulate Se, from non
      Se accumulators (< 100 mg Se/kg DW), to Se-accumulators (100-1000 mg Se/kg DW) to
      Se hyperaccumulators (> 1,000 mg Se/kg DW). Here we review plant mechanisms of Se
      metabolism in these various plant types. We also summarize results from genetic
      engineering that have led to enhanced plant Se accumulation, volatilization,
      and/or tolerance, including field studies. Before using Se-accumulating plants at
      a large scale we need to evaluate the ecological implications. Research so far
      indicates that plant Se accumulation significantly affects the plant's ecological
      interactions below and above ground. Selenium canprotect plants from fungal
      pathogens and from a variety of invertebrate and vertebrate herbivores, due to
      both deterrence and toxicity. However, specialist (Se-tolerant herbivores),
      detritivores and endophytes appear to utilize Se hyperaccumulator plants as a
      resource. These findings are relevant for managing phytoremediation of Se and
      similar elements.

PMID- 22046759
TI  - Suspended solids in and turbidity of runoff from green roofs.
AB  - Green roof technology is used to reduce the quantity of stormwater runoff, but
      questions remain regarding its impact on quality. This study analyzed the total
      suspended solids (TSS) in and the turbidity of runoff from green roof growth
      media mixed with composted pine bark in an indoor pot study. The results showed
      that there were elevated levels of TSS and turbidity in the runoff that decreased
      over time for all growth media. Both TSS and turbidity are affected by the type
      of growth media. Lava and haydite had higher mean TSS and mean turbidity than
      arkalyte and bottom ash. Vegetation reduced the mean turbidity and mean TSS of
      the first flush by an average of 53% and 63%, respectively, but generally had no
      statistically significant effect thereafter. The results indicate that the media,
      rather than the vegetation, has a greater effect on TSS and turbidity in the
      runoff In areas with stringent water quality regulations for stormwater runoff
      from developed sites, media selection may be an important consideration. It may
      also be necessary in these regions to ensure that the roof is planted prior to
      receiving rainfall to minimize the first flush effect and that any irrigation
      does not result in runoff.

PMID- 22046760
TI  - Short rotation coppice culture of willows and poplars as energy crops on metal
      contaminated agricultural soils.
AB  - Phytoremediation, more precisely phytoextraction, has been placed forward as an
      environmental friendly remediation technique, that can gradually reduce increased
      soil metal concentrations, in particular the bioavailable fractions. The aim of
      this study was to investigate the possibilities of growing willows and poplars
      under short rotation coppice (SRC) on an acid, poor, sandy metal contaminated
      soil, to combine in this way soil remediation by phytoextraction on one hand, and
      production of biomass for energy purposes on the other. Above ground biomass
      productivities were low for poplars to moderate for willows, which was not
      surprising, taking into account the soil conditions that are not very favorable
      for growth of these trees. Calculated phytoextraction efficiency was much longer
      for poplars than these for willows. We calculated that for phytoextraction in
      this particular case it would take at least 36 years to reach the legal threshold
      values for cadmium, but in combination with production of feedstock for bioenergy
      processes, this type of land use can offer an alternative income for local
      farmers. Based on the data of the first growing cycle, for this particular case,
      SRC of willows should be recommended.

PMID- 22046761
TI  - Developing a sustainable phytomanagement strategy for excessive selenium in
      western United States and India.
AB  - Phytomanagement technology is recognized as an inexpensive and environmental
      friendly strategy for managing natural-occurring selenium (Se) in soils and in
      poor quality waters. Multi-year field and greenhouse studies were conducted with
      different plant species in California, USA and Punjab, India under high Se
      growing conditions. Some of the plant species included; canola (Brassica napus),
      mustard (B. juncea), broccoli (B. oleracea), spearmint (Mentha viridis),
      sugarcane (Saccharum officcinarum), guar (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba), wheat
      (Triticum aestivum), and poplar (Populus deltoides). California soils had a
      sodium-sulfate-dominated salinity between 6-10 dS m(-1), while Indian soils had a
      calcium carbonate salinity less than 1 dS m(-1). Results demonstrated that high
      sulfate conditions reduced plant Se accumulation more than 100 x in Californian
      grown plants compared to Se accumulation in Indian grown plants. Tissue
      concentrations generally did not exceed 10 and 200 mg kg DM(-1) in leaves of
      plants grown in California and India, respectively. At these plant
      concentrations, Se phytomanagement is more effective in Indian soils than in
      California soils. Successful management of Se by plants requires selecting crops
      or crop rotations that are tolerant of the soil condition and identifying and
      creating new viable Se-enriched products.

PMID- 22046762
TI  - Nickel solubilizing capacity and characterization of rhizobacteria isolated from
      hyperaccumulating and non-hyperaccumulating subspecies of Alyssum serpyllifolium.
AB  - Bacterial strains were isolated from the rhizosphere of three populations of the
      Ni-hyperaccumulator Alyssum serpyllifolium subsp. lusitanicum (A. pintodasilvae;
      M, S, and L), one population of Ni-hyperaccumulator A. serpyllifolium subsp.
      malacitanum (A. malacitanum; SB), and one population of the non-hyperaccumulator
      A. serpyllifolium subsp. serpyllifolium (A. serpyllifolium; SN). Isolates were
      characterized genotypically by BOX-PCR genomic DNA fingerprinting and comparative
      sequence analysis of partial 16S rRNA gene, and phenotypically by their Ni
      tolerance (0-10 mM), presence of plant growth promoting traits (indoleacetic acid
      (IAA)-, siderophore-, or organic acid-production, and phosphate solubilization)
      or capacity to produce biosurfactants. Among the collection of rhizobacteria, 84
      strains were selected (according to their BOX-PCR profiles and phenotypic
      characteristics) to assess their ability to modify Ni extractability from Ni-rich
      (serpentine) soils. Metabolites produced by 13 of the isolates mobilized soil Ni
      (originating from the rhizosphere of both Ni-hyperaccumulators and non
      hyperaccumulator). In contrast, Ni extraction using culture medium filtrates
      which had supported the growth of 29 strains was significantly reduced. The
      remaining strains had no effect on Ni mobility. Bacterial induced Ni mobilization
      was not related to Ni resistance or the phenotypic traits tested. Isolates with
      potential use in phytoremediation techniques will be further studied in a plant
      microorganism-soil system.

PMID- 22046763
TI  - In situ assessment of phytotechnologies for multicontaminated soil management.
AB  - Due to human activities, large volumes of soils are contaminated with organic
      pollutants such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and very often by metallic
      pollutants as well. Multipolluted soils are therefore a key concern for
      remediation. This work presents a long-term evaluation of the fate and
      environmental impact of the organic and metallic contaminants of an industrially
      polluted soil under natural and plant-assisted conditions. A field trial was
      followed for four years according to six treatments in four replicates:
      unplanted, planted with alfalfa with or without mycorrhizal inoculation, planted
      with Noccaea caerulescens, naturally colonized by indigenous plants, and
      thermally treated soil planted with alfalfa. Leaching water volumes and
      composition, PAH concentrations in soil and solutions, soil fauna and microbial
      diversity, soil and solution toxicity using standardized bioassays, plant
      biomass, mycorrhizal colonization, were monitored. Results showed that plant
      cover alone did not affect total contaminant concentrations in soil. However, it
      was most efficient in improving the contamination impact on the environment and
      in increasing the biological diversity. Leaching water quality remained an issue
      because of its high toxicity shown by micro-algae testing. In this matter, prior
      treatment of the soil by thermal desorption proved to be the only effective
      treatment.

PMID- 22046764
TI  - Transgenic plants for phytoremediation.
AB  - Phytoremediation is a green, sustainable and promising solution to problems of
      environmental contamination. It entails the use of plants for uptake,
      sequestration, detoxification or volatilization of inorganic and organic
      pollutants from soils, water, sediments and possibly air. Phytoremediation was
      born from the observation that plants possessed physiological properties useful
      for environmental remediation. This was shortly followed by the application of
      breeding techniques and artificial selection to genetically improve some of the
      more promising and interesting species. Now, after nearly 20 years of research,
      transgenic plants for phytoremediation have been produced, but none have reached
      commercial existence. Three main approaches have been developed: (1)
      transformation with genes from other organisms (mammals, bacteria, etc.); (2)
      transformation with genes from other plant species; and (3) overexpression of
      genes from the same plant species. Many encouraging results have been reported,
      even though in some instances results have been contrary to expectations. This
      review will illustrate the main examples with a critical discussion of what we
      have learnt from them.

PMID- 22046765
TI  - [The true history of the first immortal cell lines of human origin].

PMID- 22046766
TI  - [Cardiorenal syndrome].
AB  - Cardiac and renal disease are common and frequently coexist, resulting in
      increased risk of mortality, morbidity and cost of care. The interaction between
      heart and kidney is refered to as cardiorenal syndrome, but a consensus
      definition has not been established. Also, there are limited data about the true
      incidence, the pathophisiology is poorly understood and standardized diagnostic
      criteria are lacking. Because the process is complex, treatment can be a
      challenge despite the novel therapies. This paper addresses all the complex
      interactive aspects of the cardiorenal relationship, from pathophysiology to
      epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment, to have more clear perspectives on the
      future therapeutic approaches to this deadly association.

PMID- 22046767
TI  - [Beta-lactamases...until when?].
AB  - Due to environmental factors and wide use of antimicrobials, only those species
      that developed their own defense mechanisms shall survive. Enzymatic inactivation
      is the most common cause of antibiotic resistance. Beta-lactamase production has
      been described early after the discovery of penicillin and it continues to
      diversify being now able to inactivate even the most advanced antibiotic. The
      association with other resistance determinants makes the infection with this kind
      of bacteria a major therapeutic problem.

PMID- 22046768
TI  - [Clostridium difficile infections: what is new?].
AB  - C. difficile is the most common infectious cause of healthcare-associated
      diarrhea but now is increasingly recognized as a cause of diarrhea in outpatients
      and persons without apparent health care contacts. Emergence and spread of new
      epidemic clones of C. difficile 027 (PCR-ribotype) and 078/126 (toxinotype) with
      increase toxin production, an aditional binary toxin and high level resistance to
      fluoroquinolones and increasing incidence of more rapidly progressive severe
      disease, require prompt clinical recognition and new tools to predict severity
      and to prevent recurrences. Although antibiotics are effective at inhibiting C.
      difficile and treating symptoms, these drugs could not reestablish normal bowel
      flora and the rate of recurrences is 25%. During the past years we assisted to an
      impressive search for new and more effective therapy that shoud be save, with low
      potential for the development of resistance, with low levels of systemic
      absorbtion and high levels of active drug in the colon and should be associated
      with a low rate of recurrence after treatment. By consequence, different
      approaches to the management of recurrent infections have been studied such as
      new antibiotics (fidaxomicin), human monoclonal antibodies against C. difficile
      toxins A and B, intravenous human immunoglobulin, active immunization, and
      probiotic therapy.

PMID- 22046769
TI  - Respiratory involvement in the gastroesophageal reflux disesease.
AB  - The pathological gastroesophageal reflux disease may lead to the gastroesophageal
      reflux disease (GERD), manifested as a spectrum of conditions including erosive
      esophagitis, Barrett esophagus and has been linked to the development of
      adenocarcinoma of the esophagus. The gastroesophageal reflux has been
      incriminated in the occurence of a number of pulmonary symptoms and diseases,
      otolaryngologic symptoms, and other extraesophageal manifestations. Clinicians
      must be aware of the possibility of some extraesophageal reflux-related
      manifestations, even in the absence of heartburn and acid reflux, classic
      esophageal symptoms of GERD. Although the correlation between gastroesophageal
      reflux disease and the extraesophageal manifestations has been established, a
      cause-and-effect relationship has not been proved yet. In this article, we
      present the respiratory manifestations of gastroesophageal reflux disease,
      referring to epidemiology, pathogenesis, diagnosis and treatment.

PMID- 22046770
TI  - [Contributions to the implementation of screening tests for assessing the
      neuropsychic development in children].
AB  - Currently, in Romania the general practitioner does not use screening tests to
      detect the developmental problems in children. That might be the reason why many
      cases are diagnosed too late. AIM: To evaluate the impact and the usefulness of a
      screening tool for neurodevelopmental disorders in primary care. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: This trans-sequential study was carried out a on a series of 324
      children under the age of 5 in the interval January 2007-December 2010. The
      neurodevelopmental status of the children was assessed by two methods: routine
      clinical assessment, and ASQ screening tools. RESULTS: Compared to routine
      assessment, by which 33 children (10,2%) with development delays have been
      detected, the use of parent-addressed questionnaires raised the detection
      percentage to 12% (6 more children). The use of parent-addressed questionnaires
      also improved the doctor-patient communication, increased the degree of parental
      involvement in their child's development stimulation, especially with regard to
      the malfunctions in verbal and cognitive behavior. CONCLUSIONS: The use of
      validated screening tests is a goal for improving the primary care practice.

PMID- 22046771
TI  - [Liver cirrhosis--procoagulant stasis].
AB  - Abnormal hemostasis tests and bleeding are often associated in liver cirrhosis.
      In these patients the balance between hypo- and hypercoagulation status is more
      fragile than in healthy people. In the hemostatic abnormalities associated with
      chronic liver disease are two main chategory factors: favoring hemorrage and
      favoring thrombosis. The main factors that favoring hemorrage are: low platelet
      count, impaired platelet function, decreased levels coagulation factors (II, V,
      VII, IX, X, XI), quantitative and qualitative abnormalities of fibrinogen,
      vitamin K defiency, low levels of trombin activable fibrinolisis inhibitor,
      activat plasminogenic tisular. The factors favoring thrombosis are elevated
      levels of factors VIII and von Willebrand, decreased levels of protein C, protein
      S, antithrombin, decreased levels of plasminogen. Traditionally it was thought
      that arterial and venous thrombosis is rare events in cirrhotic patients but
      recent studies have indicated that thrombotic complications can paradoxically
      occur even if clinically an increased risk of hemorrhage is considered. Treatment
      of venous thrombosis in patients with cirrhosis using routine anticoagulation
      with heparin and vitamin K antagonists has been described but with a high level
      of bleeding complications. So, based on the limited data available, AASLD
      guidelines stated no recommendations for or against the use of anticoagulation in
      cirrhotic patients with portal thrombosis. Although abnormal hemostasis tests and
      bleeding are often associated in patients with chronic liver disease it is a
      relatively poor correlation between hemorrhagic risk and routine diagnostic tests
      of hemostasis. Management of bleeding complications in liver cirrhosis varies and
      no general guidelines are available. The main therapeutic strategies are: red
      cell concentrate, plasma, platelet concentrate, recombinant factor VIIa, factor
      concentrates, desmopressin, antifibrynolitic agents, thrombopoietin receptor
      agonists, antibiotics. Clinical studies examining safety and efficacy of the
      various products for the different bleedeing or trombotic complications of liver
      cirrhosis need to be initiaded.

PMID- 22046772
TI  - Antibiotic prophylaxis considering patient outcome from percutaneous endoscopic
      gastrostomy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The main indications for PEG insertions are the following:
      stroke/CVA/diffuse cerebral vascular disease, neurological conditions, e.g. head
      injury, motor neurone disease, Multiple Sclerosis etc. Peristomal infection can
      sometimes complicate PEG placement. Antibiotics, either prophylaxis or
      concurrent, can reduce the incidence of peristomal wound infection after PEG
      placement. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Seventy five patients outcome from Percutaneous
      Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) were analysed in the period: September 1999 and
      October 2007 to the West Cumberland Hospital, Whitehaven (WCH) United Kingdom.
      This paper was done to evaluate the practice in WCH and the outcome has helped us
      to implement the changes successfully to conform to the guidelines set out by the
      British Association of Gastroenterologists. Our main objectives were to evaluate
      the antibiotic prophylaxis, the procedure and post procedure complications and
      the deaths after PEG tube insertion. CONCLUSIONS: No immediate procedure
      complications; Infection was the most common postoperative complication;
      Antibiotics, either prophylaxis or concurrent, reduce the incidence of peristomal
      wound infection after PEG placement; Early PEG placement facilitates their
      transfer to a non-acute care environment.

PMID- 22046773
TI  - [Colorectal cancer--clinical course, epidemiologic and pathologic aspects].
AB  - In the past 3 years colorectal cancer became the second cause death (after the
      broncho-pulmonary cancer) exceeding gastric cancer by 4150 deaths in 2002 (19,05
      per hundred thousand inhabitants) and 4860 deaths in 2006. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      644 of the 18,978 patients coloscopically investigated at the lasi
      Gastroenterology and Hepatology Institute in the interval 2000-2007 in which
      pathology results revealed colorectal cancer, and 279 patients operated at the
      First Clinic Surgery of the Iasi "Sf. Spiridon" Hospital during 2008-2010 were
      selected for this study. RESULTS: Colorectal carcinoma has a high incidence in
      the patients over 60 years. Sex distribution of the tumors showed that this
      disease most commonly affects males. The male/female ratio was 1.3. In less than
      3% of the cases the disease occurred at ages under 40 years. The most frequent
      clinical manifestations were intestinal transit disorder (97%), pain syndrome on
      the left side of the abdomen (82.82%), and progressive severe constipation
      (67.89%). 24.07% of the colorectal cancer cases were located at the level of the
      proximal colon (cecum, ascending colon, hepatic flexure, transverse colon and
      splenic flexure), while 75.9% were located at the distal level. The most frequent
      macroscopic form was the vegetative one (89.91%).

PMID- 22046774
TI  - [Cross-sectional study to evaluate risk factors in infant malnutrition].
AB  - Malnutrition is a major health problem in our country by maintaining a high
      number of infants with poor nutritional status. Various studies have highlighted
      the role of infant's malnutrition in the development of adult diseases. METHODS:
      We made a cross-sectional study during six months (October 2010 - March 2011) on
      a group of 63 infants admitted in Pediatric Recovery Department-Children's
      Hospital, Iasi; we evaluated the presence of risk factors for malnutrition. The
      data were processed using SPSS 16 and Epilnfo 3.5.2. (December 2010). RESULTS:
      The infants were predominantly female (52,4%); the most affected age group was 5
      24 weeks (84,11%). Most of them came from rural areas (79,4%), from families with
      low socioeconomic income (95,2%), mothers with a low educational status (63,4%),
      housewives (88,9%). We noted the presence of previous diseases in 71,4% infants.
      Only 12 infants received breast milk for a short time (three weeks), the other 51
      infants have been bottle-fed since birth. Complementary food was incorrect in
      68,42% cases. With a proper diet the mean weight gain was 895,68 g and the Z
      score values (weight for age, height for age, weight for height) have improved
      during an average of 34,15 days; positive correlation between these factors is
      strong. CONCLUSIONS: Low socio-economic income, rural areas, low maternal
      educational level, diet errors, small infants with multiple previous diseases are
      the main risk factors in malnutrition's occurrence. We consider particularly
      important to solve social problems too, not only the medical, because when the
      infant returns in the same disadvantaged family there is an increased risk for
      malnutrition to recur.

PMID- 22046775
TI  - [Correlations between anthropometric parameters and cardio-vascular risk factors
      related to lifestyle in a rural population].
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Prevention and reduction of cardio-vascular mortality are in
      relationship with understanding and being able to modify risk factors, among
      which overweight and obesity become the most significant. The aim of this paper
      is to define cardio-metabolic risk factors which are specific to the studied
      population, and also to find elements of lifestyle that lead to overweight. We
      targeted smoking, alcohol consumption, stress, physical exercise, income and
      educational level. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied a sample of 172 subjects,
      representative for the population of Deleni, a rural community in Iasi County;
      among these subjects, 67 were men, 105 were women, with an average age of 54. For
      each a chart was filled, containing demographic data, socio-economic status,
      personal and family medical history. We measured anthropometric parameters:
      weight (W), height (H), waist circumference (WC) and we calculated body mass
      index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR), and waist-to-height ratio (WHtR). We
      performed interviews to fill in a food frequency questionnaire, the Perceived
      Stress Scale and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. RESULTS: In
      the lot studied, 44.2% are overweight and 18.6% are obese, the majority of these
      being women. Regarding WC, among normal weight, 52.4% have large WC (> or = 94cm
      for men and > or = 80cm for women). Obesity markers positively correlate with
      increase in age and decrease in income (p=0.024), with low educational level,
      regular consumption of coffee (p=0.093), and negatively correlate with excessive
      alcohol consumption (p=0.049) and smoking (p=0.003). As expected, there is an
      inverse relationship between increased physical exercise and BMI (p=0.015) and a
      direct relationship between increased stress level and WC. CONCLUSIONS:
      Anthropometric parameters are sensible markers in evaluating the influence of
      lifestyle on cardio-metabolic risk.

PMID- 22046776
TI  - [Etiological aspects of acute gastroenteritis--a ten-year review (1.01. 2001
      31.12.2010)].
AB  - Acute gastroentritis is one of the most common diseases in humans, and continues
      to be a significant cause of morbidity worldwide. AIMS: To determine the
      bacterial pathogens associated with gastroenteritis in patients admitted to the
      Iasi Infectious Diseases Hospital in the last ten years. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A
      total of 40481 stool samples were examined using conventional methods. RESULTS:
      Bacteria were found in 7.36% of cases, and parasites in 9.64%; 83% of the cases
      were viral, micotic, or disbiotic. The bacterial etiology was dominated by
      Salmonella spp. (58.34%), Shigella spp. (27.08%), Yersinia enterocolitica 03
      (8.53%), Campylobacter spp. (1.31%), other bacterial pathogens (EPEC, Aeromonas
      hydrophilla/caviae/sobria, Plesiomonas shigelloides, Bacillus cereus,
      Staphylococcus aureus, etc) being detected in 3.74% of the cases. Of the
      Salmonella species, group B (51.99%) followed by group D (45.23%) were most
      common. Shigella sonnei and Shigella flexneri were found in almost the same
      proportion (49.45% and 49.70%, respectively); Shigella boydii was isolated in
      only 0.85% of cases. The trend of gastroenteritis caused by bacterial pathogens
      is decreasing: from 355 cases in 2001 to 105 cases in 2010; three peaks have been
      recorded in 2002, 2005 (when Salmonella typhi was isolated in a patient), and
      2008 (469, 409, and 252 cases, respectively). Bacterial gastroenteritis affected
      both sexes almost equally (122 males and 118 females). The most affected age
      groups were: 0 - 4 years, 15 - 24 years, 5 - 14 years and 25 - 39 years.
      CONCLUSIONS: Laboratory investigations are essential in determining the etiology
      of gastroenteritis. Its unpredictable incidence justifies the human and material
      efforts aimed at controlling the spread of potentially epidemic acute
      gastroenteritis.

PMID- 22046777
TI  - [Monitoring of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infections in Iasi County in 2009].
AB  - Tuberculosis is a major public health problem worldwide. Our study aimed to
      investigate epidemiological and demographic characteristics of tuberculosis
      infection and resistance to antituberculous drugs in Iasi County in 2009.
      MATERIAL AND METHOD: We have analysed the epidemiological parameters for 687
      patients with pulmonary tuberculosis, new cases confirmed by microscopy and
      cultivation on Lowenstein Jensen. First and second-line antituberculous
      susceptibility testing was done for 130 strains, using agar proportion method and
      absolute-concentration method. RESULTS: The number of new cases of tuberculosis
      was higher in rural areas and in males 41-50 years old (sex ratio=2.22). The
      proportion of positive cases in microscopy was 81.51%. Drug resistance was as
      follows: 16 isolates (12.3%) to isoniazid, 5 (3.84%) to rifampin, 2 (1.53%) to
      ethambutol, 2 (1.53%) to streptomycin and 4 (3.07%) were multidrug-resistant.
      CONCLUSIONS: In this study we found high resistance rates to isoniazid,
      streptomycin and ethambutol. This requires increasing efficiency of tuberculosis
      diagnosis and susceptibility testing.

PMID- 22046778
TI  - [Bone mineral density in patients with rheumatoid arthritis].
AB  - Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an immune-mediated inflammatory
      rheumatic disease with peripheral and systemic involvement, are at increased risk
      of bone loss and fractures. There are many reasons for the high prevalence of
      osteoporosis (OP) in RA, including both traditional and specific risk factors
      such as pain and loss of joint function, medication (corticosteroids,
      methotrexate), and increased proinflammatory cytokines. AIM: To evaluate bone
      mineral density status in RA patients, focusing on potential relation with
      classical risk factors for OP. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One-year prospective
      observational study on 83 consecutive postmenopausal women, 43 diagnosed with RA
      (group I), and 40 healthy controls (group II) with no previous condition and
      medication known to affect bone metabolism and turnover. Bone mineral density
      (BMD) and T-score evaluated by dual X-ray absorbtiometry (DXA) at three standard
      skeletal sites (L1-L4 lumbar spine, hip and forearm) (Hologique QDR 100 device),
      and classical risk factors for osteoporosis were assessed in all patients
      according to a predefined protocol. Data were analyzed in SPSS-13 using ANOVA, t
      Student, chi-square and ROC (Receiver Operator Characteristic). RESULTS:
      Decreased BMD was reported in the majority of RA cases, mainly in the spine and
      femoral neck (86%), but also in total hip (72%); moreover, osteoporosis was
      commonly demonstrated in lumbar spine and osteopenia at hip level. Statistically
      significant differences between diagnostic categories (normal, osteopenia,
      osteoporosis, WHO 1994) (p<0.05), while no significant differences between mean
      BMD levels in women with and without RA at different skeletal sites were found (t
      student, p>0.05). However, considerable BMD variation (51.7% to 102.3%) was
      suggested in RA as compared to non-RA patients (14.3% to 27%) (ANOVA).
      Significant differences in mean T-score at total hip and forearm (mainly 33%
      radius) were noted in patients with and without RA (p<0.05). No relation between
      osteodensitometric parameters and classical risk factors for OP has been
      identified in RA, except menopause. Indirect weak statistically significant
      correlations were found between mean T-score and menopause duration at all
      skeletal levels (Pearson's rank correlation, p<0.05), except for the femoral neck
      (r=+0.03, p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Decreased BMD is commonly seen in RA patients.
      Several characteristics based on DXA assessment have been identified, including
      preference for distinct skeletal sites (spine, hip, distal forearm), and the
      particular intervention of menopause.

PMID- 22046779
TI  - [Detection of fusion gene--integral part of the assessment of children with acute
      leukemia].
AB  - Acute leukemia is the most common malignancy in children, being mostly produced
      by such chromosomal abnormalities as translocations or inversions causing gene
      fusion. Different clinical studies showed that translocations identified in ALL
      (acute lymphoblastic leukemia) and AML (acute myeloblastic leukemia) may be used
      to classify patients into risk groups. AIM: To detect three fusion genes that
      have been proven very important in patient classification: t(9:22)p190, t(4:11)
      and t(12:21). MATERIAL AND METHOD: We conducted a prospective study on 30
      patients with acute leukemia diagnosed in the interval September 2009 - September
      2010 at the Iasi Hemato-Oncology Unit of Saint Mary Hospital for Children.
      RESULTS: We found t(9:22)p190 in two patients, t(4:11) in two patients and
      t(12:21) in one patient. From the total of 30 patients, 7 were considered at high
      risk, 3 were diagnosed with AML, and 20 were considered at standard-risk.
      CONCLUSIONS: Day 33 can still be considered the reference time in the evaluation
      of treatment response; patients with BCR-ABL seem to have a worse prognosis than
      those who do not have this translocation. The detection of fusion genes is very
      important in patient classification.

PMID- 22046780
TI  - [Characteristics of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in closed communities].
AB  - AIM: To determine the prevalence of HCV in closed communities and the relations
      between risk behavior and HCV infection. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The persons
      deprived of personal freedom selected for this study have filled out an epidemio
      logical questionnaire including identity and epidemiological data (detention
      history, evaluation of the risk factors), as well as a written consent. All the
      subjects were tested for the presence of anti-HCV antibodies. RESULTS: This study
      included 326 of the total of 500 persons deprived of personal freedoms at the
      Bacau Correctional Facility The prevalence of hepatitis B and C was 15.34 %, and
      that of HCV 5.21%, higher than in the general population. Risk factors associated
      with HCV in closed communities were injected drugs, homosexuality, and tattooing.
      CONCLUSIONS: The results confirm that the population in correctional facilities
      is at high risk for infection with hepatitis viruses (both B and C), the modes of
      disease transmission being already known.

PMID- 22046781
TI  - Methods for estimating "dry weight" in hemodialysis patients.
AB  - The correct estimation on dry weight is very important in providing effective and
      safe hemodialysis to end stage renal disease patients. Optimal fluid removal with
      minimal adverse reactions from the treatment is one goal of hemodialysis
      treatment. The aim of this article is to discuss different methods of assessing
      dry weight and to determine their role in the complex fluid management of end
      stage renal disease patient. Recent literature describes various methods of
      determining optimal hydration state, including clinical or paraclinical methods.
      Each of these methods has their benefits and limitations. Despite the large
      number of studies conducted on new technologies for determining dry weight, there
      is a lack of larger, randomized controlled trials to support these methods.
      Although the successful use of different methods of dry weight assessment is not
      supported yet by large clinical trials, some evidence is starting to link the use
      of some methods to improved outcomes (morbidity, mortality) in this population.

PMID- 22046782
TI  - [Relevance of L-type calcium channels for the non-genomic effects of estradiol
      and aldosterone upon contractile activity in isolated arteries].
AB  - Non-genomic vascular effects of steroids are incompletely understood, despite
      progress made regarding some aspects, such as the mechanism of endothelium
      dependent relaxation by estrogens. AIM: To investigate the involvement of certain
      mechanisms in the rapid, non-genomic effects of estradiol (EST) and aldosterone
      (ALD) on endothelium-dependent and -independent vasomotor responses. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: Isometric myography of rings from aorta, mesenteric arch, and first
      order mesenteric branches isolated from male Wistar rats was used. RESULTS: We
      found that L-type calcium channels (Cav1.2) are important for endothelium
      independent relaxation induced by EST, while ALD reduces the involvement of
      Cav1.2 in phenylephrine-induced contraction and potentates both NO- and EDHF
      mediated endothelium-dependent relaxation. To further examine the relevance of
      Cav1.2 for the vascular effects of EST and ALD, we were using rings with and
      without functional endothelium, precontracted by direct activation of Cav1.2 (Bay
      K 8644), high extracellular K+, phenylephrine, and under complete Cav1.2 block
      (nifedipine). Data suggest that EST, which directly inhibits Cav1.2 in
      transfected HEK cells, uses mainly this path to induce endothelium-independent
      relaxation, and that ALD may induce a rightward shift in the voltage-dependence
      of Cav1.2.

PMID- 22046783
TI  - [Improvement of genetic diagnostic strategy in velo-cardio-facial syndrome].
AB  - Velo-Cardio-Facial Syndrome (VCFS) is characterized by congenital heart defects
      (CHD), palatal abnormalities, facial dysmorphism, neonatal hypocalcemia, immune
      deficit, speech and learning disabilities. SVCF is caused by microdeletion
      22q11.2. Microdeletion is detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH).
      The highly variable phenotype makes diagnosis and selection for FISH more
      difficult. AIM: To retrospectively analyze and compare the phenotype of children
      with a clinical diagnosis of VCFS with/without 22q11 deletion; to verify the
      validity of literature guidelines and to describe combinations of clinical
      features that should lead to molecular analysis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The
      present study was performed in 21 patients with a clinical diagnosis of VCFS.
      Methaphase chromosome spreads were prepared from phytohaemagglutinin stimulated
      lymphocyte culture by standard methods before FISH. The patients were divided
      into two groups according to FISH test: positive and negative. RESULTS: The
      features commonly noticed in FISH positive patients were: palatal
      abnormalities/hypernasal speech, learning disabilities, facial dysmorphism,
      tapered fingers (6/6), CHD (5/6) and recurrent infections (2/6). In FISH negative
      patients the following were found: learning disabilities, CHD (12/15); facial
      dysmorphism (10/15), family history of CHD (7/15), short stature (6/15),
      hypocalcemia, tapered fingers (5/15), recurrent infections (3/15) and palatal
      cleft (2/15). In both groups, Tobias and McDonald-McGinn guidelines were
      positive. CONCLUSIONS: VCFS has a highly variable phenotype. Our study suggests
      that 22q11.2 deletion analysis by FISH should be performed in patients who have
      at least 2 (newborn)/3 (child, adult) specific criteria: CHD, hypocalcemia,
      palatal abnormalities, facial dysmorphism, learning disabilities, digital
      anomalies, and immune deficit.

PMID- 22046784
TI  - [Descriptive assessments of a series of rheumatoid arthritis patients admitted to
      rehabilitation treatment between 2008 and 2010].
AB  - AIM: To assess some demographic features in a series of 741 rheumatoid arthritis
      patients admitted to the Clinic Hospital of Rehabilitation at Iasi in different
      stages of disease in order to select the most adequate rehabilitation teratment.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data were collected from patients' records, hospital
      statistical reports, and then processed and interpreted using EPI/INFO and MS
      Excel. RESULTS: Sex distribution revealed that the disease was more common in
      females (male/female ratio 0.2). The prevalence was higher after the age of 40,
      from 15.4% to 33.8% between 51 and 60, and 40.2% after 61. The most important
      comorbidities were related to osteoporosis (48.9%), ischemic cardiopathy and
      essential arterial hypertension (40.1%), impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes
      mellitus (36.9%), viral hepatitis B and C (24.02% of all cases). CONCLUSIONS: In
      selecting the most adequate rehabilitation treatment (drug therapy,
      kinetotherapy, and physical therapy) patient's age, and his various associated
      diseases have to be considered.

PMID- 22046786
TI  - [Metabolic syndrome in HIV-infected patients with favorable response to
      antiretroviral therapy].
AB  - AIM: The assessment of the metabolic syndrome prevalence, as defined by the
      American Heart Association/The US National Cholesterol Education Program Adult
      Treatment Panel, (AHA/NCEP III updated), has been made in 68 polyexperimented HIV
      infected patients that received antiretroviral therapy over 24 months and who
      have a favorable viroimunologic response (undetectable plasmatic viral load).
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: this cross-sectional analytical study has been carried out
      on a cohort of 68 patients clinically and paraclinically monitored at the
      HIV/AIDS Department. RESULTS: The response to antiretroviral therapy clinically
      and paraclinically evaluated after two years from the initiation of the novel
      HAART scheme has been favourable in all the 68 patients. Only 4 (0.58%) of the
      patients fulfill the criteria of the metabolic sindrome definition. The
      statistical analysis does not indicate an increase in the risk of the metabolic
      syndrome development in these polyexperimented patients, where the clinical
      symptoms connected with the lipodistrophic syndrome with lipoatrophy are
      preponderent, associated with different types of antiretroviral drugs.
      CONCLUSIONS: The metabolic syndrome criteria are not applicable in the case of
      HIV infected patients (infected in the first year of life), polyexperimented at
      HAART therapy with favourable viroimmunologic response.

PMID- 22046785
TI  - [Aspects of the antimicrobial resistence profile in infections with Escherichia
      coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae in diabetic patients].
AB  - Infections in diabetic patient remains an important cause of morbidity and
      mortality, triggering and maintaining a prolonged metabolic imbalance. Emergence
      of extented spectrum beta-lactmase (ESBL) in Escherichia coli and Klebsiella
      pneumoniae is a major concern, because of the atypical manner infection acts in
      this group of imunodepressed patients and also for the limited therapeutic
      solutions. For this reason we have evaluated the profile of antimicrobial
      resistance of these pathogens in both diabetic and non diabetic patients.
      MATERIAL AND METHOD: The aim of this study was to evaluate, in a retrospective
      case control study, the antibiotic susceptibility pattern in isolates of E. coli
      and Klebsiella spp. from different biological products in 49 diabetics and 150
      non-diabetics admitted in The Clinical Hospital of Infectious Diseases Iasi over
      a period of two years. RESULTS: Most of strains of E. coli and Klebsiella spp.
      ESBL positive were found in uroculture. Significant differences in E. coli
      resistance rate between diabetics and nondiabetics were noted for amoxicillin
      clavulanic acid and ciprofloxacin (31,4% vs.13,98%, p=0,04, respectively 52,9%
      vs. 24,46%, p=0,004). More isolates of ESBL positive K. pneumoniae were found in
      diabetic patients (50% vs. 24%). Ciprofloxacin resistance of K. pneumoniae was
      significantly higher in diabetics (75% vs 39%; p=0,05). There was no resistance
      in E. coli and K. pneumoniae isolates to imipenem in the diabetic group.
      CONCLUSIONS: The high resistance rate to quinolones and 3rd generation
      cefalosporins limits their use for the treatment of Escherichia coli and K.
      pneumoniae infections. Other alternatives for empiric therapy in community and
      nosocomial-acquired infections in diabetic patient remains carbapenems,
      aminoglycosides and colimycin.

PMID- 22046787
TI  - Diagnostic approach of pneumonia in an elderly patient with comorbidities--case
      report.
AB  - Dyspnea is one of the symptoms that has a major impact on patients' health, with
      a negative influence on the quality of life. The main causes of dyspnea are
      cardiac, pulmonary and mixed (cardiac or pulmonary). There are several other
      causes such as metabolic conditions (acidosis), pain, neuromuscular disorders,
      otorhinolaryngeal disorders, anxiety, panic disorders and hyperventilation. Acute
      pneumonia in the elderly is a common occurrence and its incidence grows as the
      elderly population increases. We report the case of a 76 years old patient with a
      known cardiovascular condition, recently hospitalized for right pulmonary
      infarction. He presented to our clinic for influenced general state, rest
      dyspnea, fever, shiver, and productive cough in the last two days. Current
      medication included oral anticoagulants and triple antihypertensive treatment
      (responsible for his low blood pressure). Laboratory results showed a nonspecific
      inflammatory syndrome with leukocytosis and neutrophilia and mild normochromic
      normocytic anemia; D-dimers were within normal range, fibrin degradation products
      1+; myocardial enzyme testing showed no alteration, and BPN (beta natriuretic
      peptide) was 790 pg/ml. Chest X-ray showed diffuse bilateral reticular shadows
      (more pronounced on the right side) and left costodiafragmatic opacification. It
      appears that age-related increase in morbidity and mortality in community
      acquired pneumonia is not due to age per se, but to interactions between the
      immune system, systemic diseases and nutritional factors. Community-acquired
      pneumonia in the elderly is known to have a high mortality. Although the
      diagnosis can be easy, the physician must also investigate for less obvious
      causes of dyspnea such as the presence of comorbidities and fragility of the
      elderly patient.

PMID- 22046788
TI  - [Toxic cause febrile neutropenia].
AB  - Agranulocytosis is an acute disease with severe leucopenia, especially with low
      neutrophils, elements with an essential role in the organism's defense. It is
      more frequent at adult age (between 30 to 70 years of age) especially in women.
      We present the case of a 84 years old patient that, following passive exposure to
      pesticides, develops a severe neutropenia with a fast response to the
      administration of Methylprednisolone and granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G
      CSF-Filgrastim 48MIU/0.8mL/day, for three days). The diagnostic certainty was set
      by the bone marrow puncture which excluded a possible aleukemic acute leukemia or
      a myelodysplastic syndrome.

PMID- 22046789
TI  - The prognosis of posterior urethral valves, associated to vesicoureteral reflux
      in children.
AB  - Posterior urethral valves represent a congenital barrier at the level of the
      posterior urethra, which opposes miction. They are located near the prostatic
      urethra, originating at the verumontanum level, affecting male patients. The
      ureters are inconstantly dilated; vesicoureteral reflux is met in 2/3 of the
      cases. The reflux can be secondary to the sub-bladder barrier, but it can also be
      considered primitive, determined by the intra bladder ectopy of the ureter. The
      presence of the reflux is interpreted as a severe associated factor. Semiology is
      rather unusual, positive diagnosis is based on early discovery or antenatally of
      the impairment, by fetal echography starting from the 28th week of pregnancy,
      postnatal echography followed by miction cystography, retrograde urethrography
      and creatinine dosage complete the diagnosis. The treatment is surgical:
      endoscopic ablation of the valves (in the absence of renal failure), percutaneous
      pyelostomy, high lateral ureterostomy, and in severe cases vesicostomy and renal
      transplant. Prognosis depends on how early the impairment is detected, on the
      degree of pulmonary hypoplasia, on the presence of the vesicoureteral reflux and
      the possibility of recovering renal function; 1/3 of the newborns develop in time
      Chronic Renal Failure which requires renal transplant. The studied group
      comprised male children diagnosed with vesicoureteral reflux their ages ranking
      between 0 -18 years, admitted to the Pediatric Clinic, Tg. Mures during the last
      10 years and children diagnosed and operated with posterior urethra valves at the
      Surgical Clinic of the "M. S. Curie" Hospital, Bucharest during the last 20
      years. Our results show that out of the total number of studied children 25
      presented posterior urethra valves and 9 children presented vesicoureteral
      reflux. We can conclude that the presence of the vesicoureteral reflux is an
      unfavorable prognosis regarding the degree of renal failure.

PMID- 22046790
TI  - [Industrial sound spectrum entailing noise-induced occupational hearing loss in
      Iasi industry].
AB  - In European Union every day millions of employees are exposed to noise at work
      and the risk this can entail. AIM: this study presents the sound spectrum in Iasi
      heavy industry: metal foundries industry, punching and embossing of metal sheets,
      cold and hot metal processing. MATERIAL AND METHODS: it was used a type 2 Sound
      Level Meter (SLM) and the considered value was the average value over 10 test
      values in 10 consecutive days for each octave band in common audible frequency
      range. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS: It is obviously that the large values of sound
      intensities in the most of frequency octave band exceed maximum admissible and
      legal values. CONCLUSIONS: The study reveals the necessity of hardware, medical
      and managerial measures in order to reduce the occupational noise and to prevent
      the hearing acuity damage of the workers.

PMID- 22046791
TI  - [Sinonasal headache--reality or mis-diagnosis?].
AB  - Facial pain can be the presenting, and sometimes the only, complaint of many
      disorders that originate from cranial structures. One causes of facial
      pain/headache is sinusitis, in both its acute and its chronic presentation.
      Successful management of headache is preceded by the identification of an
      etiology and precise diagnosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A prospective study was
      carried out on a series of 71 patients treated in the ENT Department of Iasi "Sf.
      Spiridon" Hospital between January and august 2009 for pathology implying facial
      pain, headache, facial pressure, nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea. The therapy was
      medical and surgical and pursued nasal desobstruction, sinusal drainage and
      ventilation. Data regarding different parameters were analyzed pre and post
      therapy. RESULTS: After the proper treatment for each situation, the parameters
      analyzed improved significantly, although, in some cases the main accuses
      regarding the pain remained unchanged or slightly ameliorated. CONCLUSIONS:
      Depending on the clinical suspicion of the possible etiologies of facial pain and
      headache, the appropriate consultations should be made. For concerns of head and
      neck lesions or sinus-related headache, an otolaryngologist should be consulted.
      If a primary headache syndrome or a cranial neuralgia is of concern, the patient
      should be evaluated by a neurologist. Dentists and oral surgeons should be
      involved. In some cases, a psychiatry referral is appropriate. The surgical
      treatment can be effective if the pathology meets the criteria of sinonasal
      facial pain.

PMID- 22046792
TI  - [Borderline ovarian tumors and global radiation in relation with climate change
      impact].
AB  - There is limited information on borderline ovarian tumor detected intra
      surgically and its most favorable treatment in relation with global radiation and
      climate changes. AIM: To study the pre-surgery and intra-surgery differentiation
      criteria of borderline ovarian tumors from invasive carcinoma, and to make a very
      complex analysis of the frequency, distribution, and variation in time of global
      radiation, temperature, and precipitation in North-East Romania. MATERIAL AND
      METHOD: The 54 patients (age range 20-78 years, mean age 46 years) included in
      this study had borderline ovarian tumors surgically treated during the last 22
      years (January 1988 - December 2009) at the 4th Gynecological Clinic at Iasi, and
      representing 4.87% of the total 1107 ovarian tumors detected and treated during
      this interval. The histological types were: serous (18 cases), mucinous (27
      cases), mixed (8 cases), and Brenner tumor (1 case). In order to analyze the
      impact of climate changes on borderline ovarian tumors a thorough study on the
      frequency of global radiation in relation with climate changes based on data
      recorded in the last 55 years was also carried out. RESULTS: The distribution of
      these cases depending on when surgery was performed was analyzed. In our study
      the frequency of ovarian borderline tumors (4.87%) is lower than in similar
      reports in the literature being due, in our opinion, to the influence of global
      radiation in relation with climate changes. CONCLUSIONS: In our study global
      radiation is probably responsible for a progression to invasive carcinoma in 0.7%
      of the borderline ovarian tumors.

PMID- 22046793
TI  - [Parapharyngeal space--history and surgical study].
AB  - One area of anatomy, which is a true passage of secrecy, is the anatomy of the
      potential anatomical spaces. The study of the fascial layers of the head and neck
      and the potential spaces they make-up is both fascinating and confusing. Much of
      the confusion is a function of the multiple synonymous terms and classifications
      that various authors use, and not the basic anatomical description. Their anatomy
      and communications, to the base of skull and downward to diaphragm, acts like a
      route through which infection from mouth and throat can reach the superior
      mediastinum. CONCLUSIONS: Understanding the anatomy of the parapharyngeal space
      is important in making a correct diagnosis and surgical plan for removing tumors
      in this region.

PMID- 22046794
TI  - [Binaural cochlear implant--good choice in the treatment of deep sensorinural
      hearing loss].
AB  - Nowadays. cochelar implant is the only choice of treatment in deep bilateral
      deafness. AIM: To evaluate the benefits of binaural implantation of a single
      receiver-stimulator device by using audiometric tests at 3 and 6 months
      intervals. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 3 patients with bilateral
      sensorineural deafness of cochlear origin. Following implantation they were
      assessed by pure tone audiometry (PTA), speech audiometry (SA), and sound
      localization tests (LT). RESULTS: PTA showed a significant decrease in hearing
      thresholds level during the 6-month interval following implantation. As to the
      degree of speech discrimination in both quiet and noisy environment, SA showed
      evident progress at 6 months compared to the results at 3 month. The location
      tests revealed improved sound localization in both ears at 6 months compared to
      the results at 3 months. CONCLUSIONS: Compared to unilateral implant, the
      binaural cochlear implant has the advantage of stereophonic hearing, facilitating
      the communication through a better understanding of speech in both quiet and
      noisy environment, and improving the quality of life by the location of sounds
      similar to natural hearing.

PMID- 22046795
TI  - [Expression of hormonal receptors (alpha-estrogen, beta-estrogen, progesteron),
      Ki-67 and P53 in endometrium of tamoxifen treated breast cancer patients].
AB  - Tamoxifen is the most commonly prescribed adjuvant therapy for women with breast
      carcinoma ER+. It has agonist activity on the endometrium and is associated with
      an increased risk of endometrial carcinoma. The aim of this study was to evaluate
      the immunohistochemical changes on the histological endometrial modification from
      the patients treated with tamoxifen. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A group of 20 women
      selected from 125 patients with breast carcinoma, with adjuvant therapy. The
      criteria of selection were the histopathological proliferative changes of
      endometrium from these symptomatic patients. The 20 specimens of endometrium were
      evaluate immunohistochemycal by estrogen receptor alpha, beta, progesterone
      receptor, Ki-67 and P53. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The 20 endometrium specimen
      showed histological proliferative endometrial lessions, including polyps,
      hyperplasia and carcinoma. Immunohistochemical, benign lessions showned
      expression of estrogen alpha and beta receptor, low expression Ki-67 and absent
      expression of P53. These tests were negative in clear cell carcinoma, but were
      intens positive for Ki-67 and P53. In general, tamoxifen associated endometrial
      adenocarcinoma were characterized by a lower expression of estrogen receptor
      alpha, higher expression of progesterone receptor, and more frequent expression
      of estrogen receptor beta than endometrial spontaneous tumors.

PMID- 22046796
TI  - [The lymph nodes status--prognostic factor in breast cancer].
AB  - AIM: The assessment of the survival rate according to axillary lymph nodes status
      in patients diagnosed with breast cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study group
      included 206 women, treated in the 4th Obstetrics and Gynecology Clinic during
      2002-2005. All patients were treated surgically with lymph nodes dissection. The
      analyzed variables included clinical and morphological features of both primary
      tumor and axillary lymph nodes. We have evaluated 5 years survival in relation to
      positivity and number of dissected lymph nodes. In order to determine the
      prognostic value of evaluated variables we have used Kaplan Meir method. RESULTS:
      77.7% of all patients were aged between 40 and 49 years old and 62.6% of them
      presented stage II tumors. Invasive ductal carcinoma was the most frequent
      histologic type (79.12%) and 71.2% of tumors were moderated of poorly
      differentiated, lymph nodes invasion being presented in 93 cases. Survival was
      significantly influenced by lymph node status (p = 0.0001), number of involved
      nodes (p = 0.0001), number of dissected nodes in pN0 patients (p = 0.0001) and
      application of adjuvant systemic therapy in pN0 patients (p = 0.0001).
      CONCLUSIONS: The pathological examination of axillary nodes in breast cancer
      patients offers a valuable information regarding survival. The absence of lymph
      node metastases of 10 lymph nodes dissection or more, and the application of
      adjuvant systemic therapy favorably influence the survival.

PMID- 22046797
TI  - [Incidence of congenital malformations in the Iasi "Cuza Voda" Maternity
      Hospital].
AB  - AIM: To update the data on the incidence of congenital malformations in our area
      and emphasize the importance of prenatal diagnosis. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The
      study was conducted over a period of ten years and included 2211 cases with
      congenital malformations. Such parameters as the incidence of malformations over
      these years, gestational age at the moment of diagnosis, and mortality from
      congenital malformations were followed. Statistical and graphical data were
      processed with the help of SPSS 16.0 and MS Excel software. RESULTS: The total
      prevalence of malformations was 3.52%, comparable with the data in the
      literature. Over this period a number of 262 cases (11.8%) ended in spontaneous
      miscarriage or termination of pregnancy for fetal abnormalities. A significant
      percentage of these pregnant women gave birth to their child, many of them dying
      shortafter. CONCLUSIONS: Congenital malformations remain the leading cause of
      mortality in neonates. In Romania, the advanced techniques of prenatal diagnosis
      being used only in specialized centers, and a large number of cases may escape
      early diagnosis. This study underlines the importance of a correct assessment of
      fetuses so that the discovery of fetal abnormalities at birth not to be a
      surprise.

PMID- 22046798
TI  - [Functional reeducation of flexor tendons with associated lesions in zone II-
      comparative study].
AB  - Regaining satisfactory digital function after flexor tendon laceration and repair
      has long been one of the most important problems in hand surgery. But optimal
      therapy is often difficult to ascertain, given the plethora of immediat
      postoperative protocols published in the scientific literature. AIM: The purpose
      of this study is to compare the functional results between Kleinert,
      Silfverkiold, Gratton and Strickland protocol towards evaluate them by
      interconnection and with the literature. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The prospective
      study enorolled 75 patients who presented in our cabinet consecutives during
      1.05.2008-1.12.2010. The subjects were evaluated regarding Total active motion
      test and Grip strenght test at 12 weeks postoperative. RESULTS: We found the best
      results to Gratton group, followed by Strickland, Silfverkiold-May and Kleinert
      groups. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that, for the tendinous lessions with associated
      injury (nervs and vessels) in zone II, our first therapeutical indication is to
      use the Gratton protocol.

PMID- 22046799
TI  - [Rare clinical situatons of the diverticuli of the colon].
AB  - It is well known that the diverticuli of the colon gets inflamed in 10-15% of
      cases, thus becoming clinical symptomatic as a diverticulitis, while in other 15%
      they will bleed, with the clinical aspect of an inferior digestive bleeding. Our
      study presents some clinical observations with diverticuli of the colon, that
      raised diagnostic and therapeutic problems. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Between 2001
      2010, 17 patients were admitted in the 3rd Surgery Clinic, University Hospital
      "St.Spiridon", Iasi, with asymptomatic diverticuli of the colon, that were put in
      evidence imagistically, intraoperative or on specimens after removal of the colon
      for other conditions;meanwhile, there were 15 patients admitted with
      complications of the diverticuli:5 patients had perforated diverticulitis (4
      pericolic abscesses and one with peritonitis in the lower abdomen), 4 had rectal
      bleeding and the other 6 raised particular problems of diagnostic and treatment,
      being included in the present study. RESULTS: Five out of six underwent
      operation. One patient refused the surgical treatment. Postoperative evolution
      was favorable in 4 out of the 5 operated patients. CONCLUSIONS: The complications
      of colonic diverticuli present on admission under clinical aspects that usually
      mimic a colonic cancer. In these situations the imagistic examinations do not
      offer enough details to elucidate the diagnosis. Our six particular observations
      strengthen the dictum of avoiding the "mirage" of the first lesion. The extent of
      the surgical procedure in the case of patients with colonic diverticuli admitted
      under the clinical aspect of a complication is sometimes disproportionate and
      encumbered of increased mortality and complication rate.

PMID- 22046800
TI  - Biocompatibility testing of chitosan hydrogels.
AB  - Chitosan is a linear, natural cationic polysaccharide comprising beta-1,4 linked
      glucosamine and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine. Hydrogels of chitosan were prepared by
      crosslinking with varying amounts of glutaraldehyde. It can be used as a
      bacteriostatic, fungistatic and coating agent, and the gels and suspensions may
      play the role of carriers for slow release or controlled delivery of drugs, as an
      immobilizing medium and an encapsulation material. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Chitosan
      and glutaraldehyde were used to prepare the hydrogels and their characteristics
      were investigated by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and the
      inhibitory effect on cellular growth was tested by chemiluminescence assay. The
      hemolytic activity was also determined by direct contact with human blood and the
      concentration of hemoglobin was spectrophotometrically measured. RESULTS AND
      DISCUSSION: Chitosan hydrogels have no inhibitory effect on cell growth, and
      hemolytic action below 1%, which means good blood compatibility; therefore they
      are promising materials.

PMID- 22046801
TI  - [The influence of stress factors on liver function and lipid metabolism in an
      animal model of arterial hypertension].
AB  - AIM: to investigate the influence of some stress factors on hepatic function and
      lipid metabolism in an experimental-induced hypertension. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      The experiment was carried out on Wistar rats, treated intraperitoneally, for 4
      weeks, as follows: Group 1: saline solution (0.5ml/100g weight); Group 2: saline
      solution + stress; Group 3: Endotelin-1; Group 4: Endotelin-1 + stress; Group 5:
      Endotelin-1 + cholesterol diet (0.2g/kbw/day); Group 6: Endotelin-1 + cholesterol
      diet + stress. Endotelin-1 0.25nmol/kbw was initially administered, followed by
      0.5nmol/kbw 15 min later, 2 times/week. Stress-inducing factors were
      immobilization and water immersion. In the 28th day of the experiment blood
      pressure was measured and blood samples were taken from retro-orbitary plexus to
      assess glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamic pyruvic transaminase
      (GPT) and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, total cholesterol, low-density
      lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol,
      triglycerides levels. RESULTS: Using immobilization and water immersion as
      chronic stress, our study proved an increase of GOT, GTP and total and LDL
      cholesterol in rats with endotelin-1-induced hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: In this
      animal model of endothelin-1-induced hypertension the blood pressure increased
      significantly under chronic exposure to stress, reaching the highest values when
      associating stress and experimentally induced dyslipidemia.

PMID- 22046802
TI  - [Experimental research regarding the influence of the stress factors in an animal
      model of HELLP syndrome].
AB  - AIM: to study the effects of licht/dark induced-stress in an animal model of
      HELLP syndrome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The experiment was carried out on white
      female Wistar rats treated intraperitoneally, for 4 weeks, as follows: Group 1:
      saline solution 0.5ml/100g weight; Group 2: saline solution + dark induced
      stress, continuously, 28 days; Group 3: saline solution + light induced-stress,
      continuously, 28 days; Group 4: endotelin-l; Group 5: endotelin-1 + dark induced
      stress, continuously, 28 days; Group 6: endotelin-1 + light induced-stress,
      continuously, 28 days. Endotelin-1 0.125nmol/kbw was initially administered,
      followed by 0.25nmol/kbw 30 min later, 2 times/week. RESULTS: At the end of the
      experiment blood pressure was measured and blood samples were taken to assess:
      leukocyte formula, phagocytic capacity of peripheral neutrophils and serum
      complement activity, aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT), alanine aminotransferase
      (ALAT) and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, total bilirubin and lipid
      profile. CONCLUSIONS: In these experimental conditions we obtained an animal
      model of partial HELLP syndrome (elevated liver enzyme levels and a low platelet
      count, values emphasized by light induced-stress, without hemolysis). In
      chronically stressed animals we found the highest levels of blood pressure, a
      decrease of plasmatic cortisol level and of phagocytic capacity of peripheral
      neutrophils and an increase of total cholesterol.

PMID- 22046803
TI  - [Assessment of some biophysical parameters of human erythrocyte by FT-IR
      spectroscopy--preliminary study].
AB  - Based on the biochemical composition of erythrocyte membrane and asymmetric
      distribution of phospholipids, proteins, and cholesterol, FT-IR spectroscopy can
      monitor the distribution and interaction pattern of membrane constituents.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study series included 21 clinically healthy subjects
      aged between 20 and 60 years. Complete blood counts were performed and the serum
      biochemical compounds (cholesterol, triglycerides, total protein, glucose) were
      determined. RESULTS AND DISCUSSIONS: The parameters that can be assessed by
      erythrocyte FT-IR in relation with the biochemical factors that may influence
      membrane fluidity are: degree of fatty acids unsaturation, saturated fatty
      acids/unsaturated fatty acids ratio, cholesterol/phospholipids ratio, and
      phospholipids/protein ratio. Based on the obtained results, in the assessment of
      membrane status the following vibration modes were selected as spectral
      parameters: vibration associated valence bond (=CH), asymmetric valence CH2
      groups, modes associated with P=O bond and amine bands I and II specific for
      proteins. Other parameters, such as v(C-O) specific to glucose, may provide
      additional information on glucose metabolic status. CONCLUSIONS: By correlating
      biochemical markers with these spectral parameters information on red cell
      membrane status, status that may reflect different pathological processes, can be
      obtained.

PMID- 22046804
TI  - [Contributions to the assessment of hemodynamic status in metabolic syndrome].
AB  - The concept of normohemodynamics is based on the fact that the main function of
      the cardiovascular system is the transport of oxygen. The cardiovascular system
      is adapting to a new hemodynamic status with every heartbeat. Only one class,
      called the normohemodynamic state, containing a simultaneous normotension and
      normodynamic flow, can serve as therapeutic goal. Metabolic syndrome includes a
      constellation of clinical and biological features that confer an increased
      cardiovascular risk. Clutter hemodynamic modulators in metabolic syndrome and
      assessment of hemodynamic status both overall and by its components, open new
      perspectives in the management of patients with hypertension and metabolic
      syndrome. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the current study were included 32 patients
      meeting the criteria for metabolic syndrome and hypertension and 32 controls.
      Patients were monitored and assessed for the global hemodynamic status and for
      the modulators of hemodynamics, intravascular volume, vasoactivity and inotropy,
      respectively. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: There are no significant differences in
      the global hemodynamic status between the study group and the control group; in
      the study group there is a clear weathering of hemodynamic modulators. The
      improvement of these factors opens a new perspective in the global cardiovascular
      assessment and therapeutic directions.

PMID- 22046805
TI  - [Morphopathological changes in glaucoma-induced trabecular meshwork].
AB  - Glaucoma causes trabecular meshwork and Schlemm canal changes, resulting in the
      obstruction of the aqueous flow at this level. AIM: To show the histological
      changes in the surgically removed trabecular meshwork tissues. MATERIAL AND
      METHOD: Trabecular meshwork fragments were histologically processed for
      histological diagnosis. RESULTS: 29.87% of all patients had ordered structure
      with high eosinophilia, 20.12% a rare structure with high eosinophilia, 21.34% a
      voluminous trabecular meshwork with fusiform cells, 21.03% tissue fibrosis and
      7.62% had tissue necrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Aqueous flow obstruction in trabecular
      meshwork is produced by the histological changes at this level, found in all
      tissue specimens removed during surgery.

PMID- 22046806
TI  - [Experimental research on the effects of a Cetraria islandica extract on
      oxidative stress in laboratory animals].
AB  - AIM: Experimental researches on the effects of a Cetraria islandica extract, with
      or without magnesium association, on oxidative stress in rats. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: The experiments were carried out on Wistar rats, treated
      intraperitoneally for 14 days at single daily dose as follows: Group 1: Saline
      solution (SS) (0.5 ml/100g bw/day); Group 2: Subcutaneous pellets, SS; Group 3:
      Levamisole (LEV) (10mg/kbw/day); Group 4: Subcutaneous pellets, LEV; Group 5:
      Prednison (PDN) (5mg/kbw/day); Group 6: Subcutaneous pellets, PDN; Group 7: MgSO4
      (5mg/kbw/day); Group 8: Subcutaneous pellets, MgSO4; Group 9: C. islandica (Ci)
      extract (21.56mg/kbw/day); Group 10: Subcutaneous pellets, Ci; Group 11:
      Ci+MgSO4; Group 12: Subcutaneous pellets, Ci+MgSO4. At the end of the experiment
      blood samples were collected for assessing the following oxidative stress
      parameters: malonaldehyde, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione levels.
      RESULTS: In the rats with or without experimentally-induced granuloma, repeated
      administration of Ci for 14 days resulted in a decrease of malonaldehyde,
      catalase, glutathione peroxidase activity, and an increase in glutathione levels.
      The association of magnesium augmented the antioxidant effect of Ci in this
      experimental model. CONCLUSIONS: In our study experimental conditions C.
      islandica extract determined adaptogenic-antistress effects, confirmed by its
      actions on oxidative stress parameters.

PMID- 22046807
TI  - [Epidemiological observations on survival in the first year after acute ST
      elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) treated by primary angioplasty].
AB  - Conditional analysis of survival factors after acute myocardial infarction is
      important in care practice. We analyzed the survival and occurrence of coronary
      ischemic events during the first year after the episode of acute myocardial
      infarction with ST segment elevation (STEMI). We prospectively evaluated at one
      month and one year the patients with STEMI assisted in November 2008 - February
      2010 at Heart Institute "Niculae Stancioiu" with primary coronary angioplasty
      (ACP) performed during the first 12 hours of the onset of pain. We analyzed
      statistically survival and occurrence of ischemic events. Survival rate was 95.6%
      (CI95%: 92.7 to 97.3) at one month and 92.1% (CI95%: 87.8 to 94.2) ate one year
      after STEMI. Survival was significantly reduced in anterior STEMI (83.4%),
      history of ischemic heart disease (83.4%), stroke (81.2%), females (81.8%) and
      ischemia exceeding > 6 hours (83.6%). The rate of ischemic events avoidance was
      96.5% (CI95%: 0.938 to 0.980) at one month and 81.7% (CI95%: 76.7 to 85.6) at one
      year after STEMI. The ischemic events, as evaluated through avoidance rate of
      phenomena, were significantly more frequent in females (69.9%), dyslipidemic
      (72.9%), hypertensive (73.7%) patients, having history of ischemic heart disease
      (72.4%) and total ischemia time longer than 6 hours (70%). Evolution of patients
      with STEMI after ACP is significantly better in patients with non-anterior
      location, males, without history of coronary disease, stroke, hypertension,
      dyslipidemia, ischemic time > 6 hours.

PMID- 22046808
TI  - [Clinical epidemiological study of acute gastro-enteritis outbreak recorded in a
      children community, in Iasi, May, 2009].
AB  - Acute diarrheal disease affect all demographic structures and it is considered a
      major cause of morbidity and mortality for young age groups; underreporting is
      due to clinical and epidemiological diversity, everywhere, including the
      developed countries. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The authors present an epidemic
      outbreak of acute gastroenteritis by rotavirus in a community of 240 children.
      Processing and interpretation of collected data was done by statistical,
      mathematical and computerized methods. RESULTS: A number of 17 cases of acute
      gastroenteritis caused by rotaviruses were detected and confirmed, mostly in
      children older than 5 years (92%), with a tendency to focus on large group "A",
      40%. All cases showed mild forms evolving medium. CONCLUSIONS: The 17 cases of
      infection with rotaviruses were the second episode of acute gastroenteritis with
      the same etiology, reported over two months. Extensivity of the epidemic outbreak
      was moderate, with the predominant age group affected over six years (58%).
      Developing and implementing preventive measures included daily cleaning and
      decontamination standards.

PMID- 22046809
TI  - [Study about the associated use of different types of drugs by high school
      students].
AB  - Socially acceptable drugs and illegal substances consumed by high school students
      affect their nervous system, which is under development and anticipate an
      extensive drug use later. MATERIAL AND METHOD: In our study we have assessed the
      associate drug consumption at a group of high school teenagers by applying a
      questionnaire with 23 items. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Tobacco use is the lowest in
      ninth grade students and it is significantly better represented in higher grade
      students. Regardless of the grade, there are no significant differences in the
      proportion of boys and girls who smoke, even the health risks posed by smoking
      are known to over 80% of respondents. Among the reasons that could cause the
      student smoking cessation predominates, at the smallest students, parents' threat
      (significantly stronger than at those of senior grades), unlike the senior
      students, which give a higher value to a possible alteration of their own health
      status. The temptation for beer consumption appears before the age of 11 years
      and it is mentioned about a quarter of all respondents. Drinking a glass of wine
      for the first time is placed around the age of 14 years for boys and 15 years for
      girls. Marijuana is the drug exclusively consumed in the ninth grade and holds
      supremacy and other classes. Barbiturates and amphetamines are known about two
      thirds of the surveyed students. Risks involved by the association of alcohol
      consumption, tobacco and drugs are represented differently in this group of
      adolescents, and evolve differently as the students grow, mature and evolve, in a
      positive manner for their existence or not. CONCLUSIONS: during the high school
      years teenagers are tempted to diversify their drug consumption and to associate
      them, even they know very well how serious are the health consequences of this
      attitude.

PMID- 22046810
TI  - [Use of real time PCR for testing Staphylococcus aureus isolates from the Iasi
      Infectious Diseases Hospital].
AB  - S. aureus is capable of producing a wide spectrum of diseases and can quickly
      develop resistance to antibiotics. These features require a careful monitoring of
      these organisms, by detection of resistance genes and virulence factors, such as
      Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL). AIM: To determine the presence of mecA and pvl
      genes in S. aureus isolates by a Real Time-PCR technique (RT-PCR) in order to
      shorten the detection time. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We tested 119 strains isolated
      from pus, using phenotypic methods for methicillin resistance characterization,
      according to CLSI 2008-2010 guidelines. Detection of mecA and pvl genes was done
      with hydrolysis probes. RESULTS: The prevalence rate of methicilin resistant S.
      aureus (MRSA) was 40,33%, and pvl was detected in 52,08% of those strains. The
      results of the conventional methods for methicillin resistance detection were
      validated by those obtained by RT-PCR CONCLUSIONS: RT-PCR is useful in
      epidemiological surveillance of MRSA and PVL-producing strains and validation of
      test results for phenotypic resistance to oxacillin.

PMID- 22046811
TI  - [Assessment of the congenital syphilis prevention programs].
AB  - The Romanian program for the management and screening of syphilis includes the
      recording, follow-up, and antenatal care of pregnant women. It aims at testing
      all pregnant women for syphilis with the help of VDLR (Venereal Disease Research
      Laboratory) or RPR (Rapid Plasma Reagin) tests, and in the women with positive
      tests to confirm the results by treponemal tests (treponemal antibodies): THPA
      (Treponema Pallidum Hemagglutination), FTA-Abs (Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody
      with Absorption), ELISA-Captia-IgM, and Western Blotting-IgM. In the pregnant
      women with positive tests two doses of 2.4 million units of penicillin G
      benzathine were administered at 5 days interval. These pregnant women are in the
      evidence of a specialist (obstetrician, dermatologist), and District Department
      of Public Health, and required to come for another serology test in 3 months. In
      case they still test positive, the same treatment is applied at the beginning of
      the third trimester of pregnancy. AIM: To assess the outcome of congenital
      syphilis prevention programs in lasi, Romania. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In the
      interval 2005-2011, in the Iasi town, 84 RPR positive pregnant women were
      recorded. There was no significant difference in the number of pregnant women
      residing in urban as compared to rural areas. Most of these women were from poor
      social environments and had a low level of education. The diagnosis of acquired
      syphilis was made by serological tests as most pregnant women presented in the
      period of syphilis latency, being asymptomatic. All pregnant women followed the
      treatment, and were tested periodically. Ultrasound examination was normal in all
      women (no changes suggestive of fetal malformations). RESULTS: Free clinical,
      laboratory, and ultrasound investigations, history taking, psychological
      assessment, sex education, rapid identification of contacts of known patients,
      follow-up of the interaction between health care providers and syphilitic
      pregnant women, booklets, and leaflets altogether made that in the last 3 years
      (2008-2010) no new case of congenital syphilis to be reported in the study area.
      CONCLUSIONS: Encouraging women to attend antenatal care early in their pregnancy
      is essential, this way all pregnancy-related problems (syphilis included) could
      be managed.

PMID- 22046812
TI  - [Dental treatment strategies for elderly patients].
AB  - The elderly are influenced from a various and complex combination of factors,
      such us individual genetic predispositions, lifestyle, society and environment,
      the sum of all the individual life experiences concerning the dental care, the
      caries, the periodontal and iatrogenic diseases. AIM: This paper evaluates the
      dental treatment in the elderly. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was performed on
      112 patients, aged over 65, at the Clinical Department of Dental Semiology und
      Geriatric Dentistry, Iasi, Romania. RESULTS: The treatment interventions were
      dental hygiene procedures (in 97 patients), restaurations (in 29 patients),
      removable partial and total denture preocedures (in 50 patients), fixed
      prosthetic procedures (in 18 patients), rebasing of dentures (in 25 patients) and
      teeth extractions (in 26 patients). There were 36 endodontic emergencies and 15
      periodontal emergencies and 8 emergencies that resulted from other causes.
      CONCLUSIONS: The periodical dental examinations and the proper daily oral hygiene
      routine are still important in the old age and they should not be neglected,
      because the prosthetical components request also treatment interventions.

PMID- 22046813
TI  - Endodontic retreatment in case of failure. Case report.
AB  - In medical practice, clinicians come across an increased number of endodontic
      treatments, which, like other dental treatments, can fail. The increase in the
      number of endodontic treatment resulted in an increased number of failures, their
      management raising complex and serious endodontic problems. The endodontic
      retreatment of a failure is required by the increased desire to preserve the
      tooth on the dental arch, thus preventing the need for dental extraction that may
      have adverse consequences in terms of functional and psychological effect on
      patients. This article presents two clinical cases that required endodontic
      retreatment in order to avoid the complications that could ultimately require
      tooth extraction. The teeth in question (a mandibular first molar and an upper
      central incisor) having a special importance, and a physiognomic role, the
      endodontic retreatment consisted in covering them in porcelain fused to the metal
      crowns.

PMID- 22046814
TI  - Pharmacokinetic modeling of glimepiride plasma concentration in healthy subjects.
AB  - AIM: To determine the pharmacokinetics of glimepiride, a sulfonylurea
      antidiabetic agent, after single dose administration in healthy subjects.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: Pharmacokinetic data for modeling were extracted from a
      single-center, randomized, single-dose, fasting state, two-way crossover
      bioequivalence study on 4 mg glimepiride in 24 healthy subjects. RESULTS: Plasma
      concentrations of glimepiride were measured using a validated LC/MS/MS method.
      The pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using non-compartmental analysis.
      Different pharmacokinetic models were tested to evaluate pharmacokinetics of
      glimepiride. The optimal model was chosen based on Akaike's Information Criteria.
      CONCLUSION: Compartmental analysis demonstrated that oral glimepiride tablets
      obey one compartment open model with rapid absorption following a first order
      kinetics and a short half-life.

PMID- 22046815
TI  - [Interactions between oral anticoagulants and other medication in emergency
      department--a pharmacoepidemiologic approach].
AB  - Oral anticoagulants (OAC) are commonly used as a life-long therapy in the
      prevention of systemic embolism in patients with atrial fibrillation, valvular
      heart disease, prosthetic heart valves, and in the primary and secondary
      prevention of venous thromboembolism, in patients with acute myocardial
      infarction and angina pectoris. Drugs, herbs, and multivitamin supplements can
      alter the absorption, pharmacokinetics or pharmacodynamics of OAC. AIM: To
      investigate the possible interactions between oral anticoagulants and different
      drugs administered in patients in emergency department. METHODS: This 1-year
      exploratory investigation on 93 patients on OAC (aged 30 - 85 years), admitted at
      two emergency departments of the Iasi "Sf. Spiridon" Hospital and Piatra Neamt
      Hospital, consisted in their medical records analysis: diagnosis, recommended
      treatement. Data were scored and statistically analyzed by t-test (Windows
      Excel). The experimental protocol was in agreement with the recommendations of
      the Gr.T. Popa University Committee for Research and Ethical Issues. RESULTS AND
      CONCLUSIONS: Analysis and statistical processing of data shows that during the
      study period 56 patients which received oral anticoagulant therapy associated
      with different other medication belonged to the 60 and 80 years age group. This
      finding suggests that the pathology is represented especially by atrial
      fibrillation and myocardial infarction. The correlation between the therapy
      consisting in OAC and sartan or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and
      International Normalized Ratio (INR), revealed a high level of anticoagulation
      and an increase in hemorragic complications.

PMID- 22046816
TI  - [Semi-quantitative determination of methadone by TLC].
AB  - Methadone is the main therapeutic option in heroin addiction treatment, but also
      an abuse substance. Given the analytical focus on the diagnosis of drug abuse and
      the usefulness of toxicological analysis methods in both overdose and monitoring
      substitution therapy, this study was aimed at the semi-quantitative determination
      of methadone by using Thin Layer Chromatography (TLC). By having the advantage of
      simplicity and rapidity, TLC finds its rightful place among the analysis methods
      when other relatively costly methods that involve instrumental performance are
      not available. MATERIALS AND METHODS: TLC plates (silicagel GF 254 Merck),
      developing system methanol: strong ammonia 100: 1,5, photometric quantification
      at 254 nm, using TLC Scanner 3 (Camag). RESULTS: The results show that methadone
      can be determined semi-quantitatively in the chromatographic conditions mentioned
      in the two domains tested (5 - 40 microg and 10 - 80 microg), with the best
      results obtained in the 5 - 40 microg domain. CONCLUSIONS: Semi-quantitative TLC
      evaluation proposed by us has as main advantages the rapidity, simplicity and
      relatively low cost compared to other useful methods.

PMID- 22046817
TI  - [Antimicrobial activity of some cinnamic acid derivatives].
AB  - Due to drug-resistance phenomenon, there is a constant need for discovering new
      antiinfectious agents. A series of cinnamic acid derivatives was synthesized and
      then brominated with bromine in the presence of chloroform or acetic acid. The
      structure of the new compounds was confirmed by elemental and spectral data.
      Their antimicrobial activity was tested by disc-diffusion method. The tested
      compounds had mainly antifungal activity and were moderately active against Gram
      positive bacteria. Bromination of the double bond determined the enhancement of
      the antimicrobial activity for all the tested compounds.

PMID- 22046818
TI  - [Research for the improvement of acylation conditions in antistaphylococcal
      penicillin synthesis].
AB  - AIM: The 6-aminopenicillanic acid acylation with certain acyl chlorides was
      performed in order to obtain antistaphylococcal penicillins with bigger crystals,
      easy to filtrate (shorter filtration time), much pure, and an increased output.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: Oxacillin sodium salt was synthesized by acylating an
      aqueous solution of 6-aminopenicillanic acid sodium salt (NaHCO3 not in excess)
      with an ethylacetate solution of 5-phenyl-3-methyl-isoxazolyl-4-carboxilic acid
      chloride. The crystallization was performed with a 40.5% sodium 2-ethyl hexanoate
      izopropanolic solution. All tests (IR spectrum, iodometric titration, and
      microbiological dosage) were performed according to the Xth Romanian
      Pharmacopoeia standards. RESULTS: The amount of synthesized oxacillin was higher
      and the output of 88,21%. Oxacillin had a high chemical purity (98,72%), and a
      very good microbiological activity (95% of the standard activity). CONCLUSIONS:
      Oxacillin crystals were bigger, the filtration speed was increased, and process
      efficacy improved. The output of the process was also improved being higher than
      with classical acylation.

PMID- 22046819
TI  - [Comparative study of some clinical and laboratory indicators in a group of
      patients using wells as source of drinking water and a control group using safe
      water].
AB  - In time, well water, as a source of drinking and coking water, with physical
      chemical, bacteriological, and biological indicators suggestive of alteration in
      water potability, determines complex, sometimes irreversible, metabolic
      disorders. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Sixty individuals residing in a rural community
      were divided into 2 groups: study group -30 subjects using well water, and
      control group--30 subjects using safe water. For the study group the selection
      criteria were: age, sex, use of well water as drinking and cooking water, history
      suggestive of chronic poisoning (pregnancy course, birth weight, susceptibility
      to infectious agents, and current chronic diseases). RESULTS: In the study group,
      gestosis, prematurity, and altered body mass index are more frequent as compared
      to the subjects in the control group. The identified laboratory changes indicate
      moderate anemia, hepatic cytolysis, dyslipidemia, presence of nitrites in urine,
      and positive urine cultures. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term use of water with mineral
      constituents in excess, absent, or inadequate, the direct biological and chemical
      water pollution, or most frequently the indirect pollution through the soil
      determine, in time, complex, sometimes irreversible, metabolic disorders.

PMID- 22046820
TI  - [The use of vascular prothesis Gore Viabahn in the managment of the lower limbs
      ischemia].
AB  - The chronic lower limbs ischaemia is caused mainly by arteriosclerosis. After
      insufficient conservative treatment only the surgical intervention can salvage
      the limb. The revascularisation surgery can be performed by open surgery with
      implantation of the prosthetic bypass or by endovascular angioplasty with stent.
      This second method seems to be the best alternative for the patients with several
      concomitant systemic diseases. Nevertheless it is limited by presence of the long
      distance arteriosclerotic lesions. The resolve of that problem is use of new
      generation of long endovascular covered stents. They can be succesfuly used in
      aorto-femoral and femoro-popliteal segment. Their efficiacy is simmilar to
      traditional prosthetic grafts.

PMID- 22046821
TI  - [The operations of the abdominal hernias with the use propylene material in
      patients operated due to abdominal aortic aneurysm].
AB  - The correlation between abdominal hernias and aortic aneurysm has been well
      documented in literature. The pathophysiology of aneurysm and hernia formation is
      seen within the abnormal collagen metabolism, resulting in extracellular matrix
      defects. This study presents a group of 8 men in the age of 36 to 78 years old
      (average 63, 5 years old) who underwent both an operation for the aneurysm and
      for the abdominal hernia. Of the reported 8 patients, 7 had postoperative
      hernias, where 4 of the cases there were recurrent postoperative hernias. The
      remaining patient had an inguinal hernia. In 7 cases patients underwent an
      abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) operation and in one case a hepatic artery
      aneurysm endovascular operation was performed. Due to the fact that postoperative
      hernias are an immense problem, especially within the group of patient with
      collagen defects, the area of research and improvement of the materials that are
      used in prosthetic hernia surgery today needs to progress. This study also
      presents a short review of the various types of prosthetic materials used in the
      production of hernial meshes. This is to emphasize the necessity of improving
      operational techniques to minimize the risk of herniation, especially within a
      group of patients with collagen defects.

PMID- 22046822
TI  - [Use of synthetic mesh in abdominal wall hernias repair].
AB  - Abdominal hernias repair beside cholecystectomy and appendectomy is the most
      commonly performed surgical procedure. The crucial problem in surgery treatment
      of abdominal hernias is its recurrence, especially high in procedures performed
      without use of synthetic graft. Advances in understanding the etiopathogenesis of
      abdominal hernias and the introduction of the new surgical techniques have
      considerably improved the results of its repair. The widely used synthetic mesh
      is made of durable material and its structure enables easy and safety
      intraperitoneal implantation also in laparoscopic surgery. Unfortunately the high
      cost of this procedure limits its use. There is still need for 'ideal' mesh
      material and high hope for increasing biological graft application in the future.

PMID- 22046823
TI  - [Use of polymeric clips in laparoscopic appendectomy].
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate efficiency and safety of using non
      absorbable polymeric clips in securing the stump of appendix during laparoscopic
      appendectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We have analyzed patients of Surgical Clinic
      of 4th Military Clinical Hospital in Wroclaw, who underwent laparoscopic
      appendectomy from 2006 to 2010. Patients were divided into 3 groups regarding to
      the way of securing stump of appendix: in group one non-absorbable polymeric
      clips Hem-o-lok were used, in group two endostaplers Endostapler Flexi and in
      group three endoloop ligatures or traditional ligatures. Evaluated data included
      operative time, intra- and postoperative complications, hospital stay and costs
      of used materials. RESULTS: There were performed 90 laparoscopic appendectomies
      between 2006 and 2010 in Surgical Clinic of 4th Military Clinical Hospital in
      Wroclaw. Non-absorbable polymeric clips Hem-o-lok were used in 30 patients,
      endostaplers in 27 and endoloop ligatures in 33 cases. There were no intra- and
      perioperative complications such as bowel injury, appendix stump leak or early
      bowel obstruction. Two cases of postoperative pericaecal (perityphlic) abscess (1
      in group one, 1 on group two) were observed, in both cases antibiotic therapy was
      successive, patients didn't require surgery. Wound infection was observed in 3
      cases (2 in group one, 1 in group three). Mean operative time was 70,5 min. in
      group one (from 40 to 115 min.), in group two 58,5 min. (from 25 to 110 min.),
      and in group three 76,3 min. (from 40 to 120 min.). Mean hospital stay was 2,6
      days in group one (from 2 to 4 days), in group two 2,9 days (from 2 to 7 days.),
      and in group three 2,88 days (from 2 to 8 days). CONCLUSIONS: Using of non
      absorbable polymeric clips Hem-o-lok is an efficient and safe way of securing the
      stump of appendix during laparoscopic appendectomy, comparing to other methods
      (endostapler and Endoloop ligature). Advantages of polymeric clips are facility
      of application (most of surgeons have experience in clips application during
      performed for many years laparoscopic cholecystectomies) and low cost (comparing
      to endostaplers).

PMID- 22046824
TI  - [Analysis of antibiotic diffusion from agarose gel by spectrophotometry and laser
      interferometry methods].
AB  - The aim of this study was to analysis of antibiotics (ampicilin, streptomycin,
      ciprofloxacin or colistin) release from agarose gel by spectrophotmetry and laser
      interferometry methods. The interferometric system consisted of a Mach-Zehnder
      interferometer with a He-Ne laser, TV-CCD camera, computerised data acquisition
      system and a gel system. The gel system under study consists of two cuvettes. We
      filled the lower cuvette with an aqueous 1% agarose solution with the antibiotics
      at initial concentration of antibiotics in the range of 0.12-2 mg/ml for
      spectrophotmetry analysis or 0.05-0.5 mg/ml for laser interferometry methods,
      while in the upper cuvette there was pure water. The diffusion was analysed from
      120 to 2400 s with a time interval of deltat = 120 s by both methods. We observed
      that 0.25-1 mg/ml and 0,05 mg/ml are minimal initial concentrations detected by
      spectrophotometric and laser interferometry methods, respectively. Additionally,
      we observed differences in kinetic of antibiotic diffusion from gel measured by
      both methods. In conclusion, the laser interferometric method is a useful tool
      for studies of antibiotic release from agarose gel, especially for substances are
      not fully soluble in water, for example: colistin.

PMID- 22046825
TI  - [The effect of the composition of stomatological dressings on Carbopol 971P and
      methylocelullose base on pharmaceutical availability of metronidazole].
AB  - The carried out studies allowed to propose composition of stomatological dressing
      makes opportunity to ensure preferable physiochemicals features for dosage forms.
      According to results formulations contain 1.5% Carbopol 971P, 0.13%
      methylocelullose and various quantity of glycerol, 1,2-propylene glycol and
      polyethylene glycol 400 were prepared. To compare formulation consists of only
      polymers dispersion (Carbopol 971P and methylocelullose) was prepared. Next to
      produced compound triethanoloamine to pH range 5.5-6.5 and 1% metronidazole
      added. Kinetics test of metronidazole release was performed in vitro using
      Hanson's cells and semipermable membrane. The quantity of the release
      metronidazole was determined by spectrophotometric method. Gel consists of 98%
      polymers dyspersion with 2% glycerol characterized by the largest pharmaceutical
      availability. The addition of 2% PEG 400 resulted in the decrease of the
      percentage of released substance in comparison to formulation without
      hydrophylisers. Metronidazole releasing was more efficient for dressings with 2%
      glycerol as well propylene glycol. For preparations contains glycerol (2 and 5%)
      as well propylene glycol as adiuvants, it was found that gels prepared on
      Carbopol 971P and methylocelullose revealed higher pharmaceutical availability
      than analogical dressings prepared with only one polymer base.

PMID- 22046826
TI  - Extraction characterization and evaluation of selected mucilage as pharmaceutical
      excipient.
AB  - Natural polymers have been used in different pharmaceutical formulations. They
      are easily available, non-toxic, biodegradable and cost effective to be used as
      pharmaceutical excipient. In present investigation mucilage was extracted from
      fruit of Hibiscus esculentus and further characterized to be used as
      pharmaceutical excipient. Tablets were prepared using four different
      concentrations (6.6%, 13.3%, 20%, 26.66%) of Hibiscus esculentus mucilage and
      potato starch to evaluate binding properties of mucilage. Results obtained from
      the micromeritic characterization and flow behavior showed that Hibiscus
      esculentus mucilage is a good candidate to be used as pharmaceutical excipient.
      Tablets prepared using mucilage showed relatively lesser friability than prepared
      with starch. It was found that release of drug from tablets prepared with
      mucilage was less as compared to prepared with starch. Findings of the different
      results easily predict the fact that mucilage obtained from Hibiscus esculentus
      has characteristics to be used as pharmaceutical excipient.

PMID- 22046827
TI  - Preparation, characterization and application of chitosan-alginate based
      polyelectrolyte complex as fast disintegrating drug delivery carrier.
AB  - AIM: Present investigation was carried out with aim to synthesize chitosan
      alginate polyelectrolyte complex, their characterization and then formulation of
      phenytoin sodium fast dispersible tablet using polyelectrolyte as active
      excipient. METHODS: In this study, polyelectrolyte complex was formed by ionic
      cross-linking of polymers. Dried complex was evaluated for micromeritic
      properties and flow behaviour. Tablets were prepared for six batches based on
      different proportion of complex viz 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, 50% and 60%. Tablets
      were evaluated for hardness, friability, thickness, in vitro disintegration time,
      in vitro dissolution study and stability study. RESULTS: Results of micromeritic
      study and flow behaviour predict that complex can be used as an efficient
      excipient. Hardness, friability, thickness all were in acceptable limit. Release
      studies were showed that tablets release drug up to 99.97%. Batch showed .sec of
      invitro disintegration time. Stability study easily predicted that formulation
      characteristics dose not changed during the whole period of study. CONCLUSIONS:
      From the findings it is concluded that chitosan-alginate polyelectrolyte complex
      is efficient excipient for fast dispersible formulation especially required in
      case of epilepsy and chronic diseases.

PMID- 22046828
TI  - [Density form of Kedem-Katchalsky equations for non-electrolyte solutions].
AB  - A method of transformation of the Kedem-Katchalsky equations from concentration
      to density form was presented. These equations were applied for mathematical
      description of the volume flux (J(v)) through polymeric membrane in concentration
      polarization conditions, i.e. in existence on both sides of the membrane of
      concentration boundary layers (l(l), l(h)). Obtained model is the cubic equation,
      in which coefficients contain the membrane transport parameters (L(p), sigma,
      omega), density of solutions (rho(l), rho(h)), diffusion coefficients in layers
      (D(l), D(h)) and thicknesses of l(l) and l(h). Assuming that the layers l(l) and
      l(h) are symmetric (delta(l) = delta(h) = delta) and coefficients D(l) and D(h)
      are not dependent on concentration, the suitable transformation of model for J(v)
      the square equation for delta was obtained.

PMID- 22046829
TI  - [Modification of the Katchalsky's relation between effective and real solute
      permeability coefficients through polymeric membrane].
AB  - Using Kedem-Katchalsky equations, in which volume (J(v)) and solute (J(s)) fluxes
      are functions of the osmotic (delta(pi)) and hydrostatic (deltaP) driving forces,
      the mathematical model for zeta(s) parameter was elaborated. This parameter
      describes relation between effective and real solute permeability coefficients
      through a membrane. Calculations performed on the basis of obtained quadratic
      equation show that for a polymeric membrane with fixed transport properties
      parameter zeta(s) is nonlinear function of solution concentration. This
      nonlinearity is caused by a change of distance between a system and stable state
      of diffusion. The reason of this nonlinearity is change of distance between a
      system and stable diffusion state. The appearance of instability related with
      breaking of symmetry of concentration boundary layers relative to the gravitation
      direction causes increases of the coefficient value. This is the sign of
      appearance of diffusion-convection of mass transport.

PMID- 22046830
TI  - [Dyspnea, what is the cause? Rhabdomyosarcoma].

PMID- 22046831
TI  - [Physician office preemption should help reduce oversupply. Practice purchase by
      national health insurance is not necessarily a loss].

PMID- 22046832
TI  - [Drugs, diabetes, nutrition, operations: in elderly patients much is different].

PMID- 22046833
TI  - [When muscle strength declines in the elderly: prescribe sports and body building
      food!].

PMID- 22046834
TI  - [Therapy of Hodgkin lymphoma: chances of remission are good, treatment tolerance
      needs improvement].

PMID- 22046835
TI  - [Emergency in general practice].

PMID- 22046836
TI  - [Emergency management in general practice].

PMID- 22046837
TI  - [Experiences with functional neural therapy].

PMID- 22046838
TI  - [Therapy of moderately severe depressions in daily practice: first patient care
      research study reinforces clinical data].

PMID- 22046839
TI  - [Rhinitis during pregnancy].

PMID- 22046840
TI  - [Hypothyroidism as a rare cause for pericardial effusion in a growth-restricted
      18-year-old].

PMID- 22046841
TI  - [Atrial fibrillation--a complication in hypertension].

PMID- 22046842
TI  - [Nocturnal enuresis].

PMID- 22046843
TI  - Health care provider tobacco cessation counseling among current African American
      tobacco users.
AB  - Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable mortality and morbidity in the
      United States. Patients advised to quit use of tobacco products by their health
      care providers are more likely to quit, yet it has been documented that patients
      are not receiving this advice. The aim of this study was to investigate whether
      or not current African American tobacco users were receiving provider-initiated
      advice to quit. A cross-sectional survey identified 245 self-reported African
      American tobacco users residing in Maryland. Study variables collected included
      sociodemographics, access to care, smoking status, and assessed if tobacco
      cessation counseling was ever provided. Among those surveyed, only 42% reported
      ever being counseled to quit tobacco use and, of those who had a recent clinical
      encounter (within the past year), only 20% reported being counseled. Multivariate
      logistic regression identified that having a regular source of health care,
      living in an urban setting, and being female increased chances of being advised
      to quit tobacco use. Overall, findings indicate that African Americans are not
      being screened or receiving cessation counseling as recommended by leading health
      agencies. Health care provider training to promote better integration of tobacco
      screening and tobacco cessation counseling during the patient encounter is
      needed.

PMID- 22046844
TI  - Perceptions of colorectal cancer among three ethnic subgroups of US blacks: a
      qualitative study.
AB  - Colorectal cancer (CRC) is currently associated with one of the highest burdens
      of morbidity and mortality among American men and women. Racial/ethnic
      disparities are well documented and the subject of intense research and
      intervention. Our understanding of disparities related to awareness and
      perceptions about causes, risk factors, and screening for CRC among subgroups of
      blacks in the United States is limited. This may be in part because grouping US
      born blacks and foreign-born blacks as one homogeneous group obscures possible
      within-group differences. This study aimed to explore the cultural perceptions of
      CRC among 3 ethnic subgroups of blacks: African Americans (US born), foreign-born
      blacks from English-speaking Caribbean countries, and Haitian-born blacks. The
      study was informed by a community-based participatory research approach, using a
      cross-sectional mixed qualitative and quantitative methods design. A total of 62
      individuals from the 3 ethnic subgroups participated in semistructured, in-depth
      qualitative and structured quantitative interviews. Qualitative findings revealed
      no stark differences among the 3 ethnic subgroups in their overall perceptions of
      cancer as well as their attitudes related to barriers, motivation, and resources
      for CRC screening. However, there were subtle differences in perceptions of
      curability, preventive practices, and preferred sources of information among the
      three ethnic subgroups of US blacks. The study has important implications for the
      design of educational materials and targeted interventions for diverse groups of
      US blacks.

PMID- 22046845
TI  - Screening adherence for colorectal cancer among immigrant Hispanic women.
AB  - PURPOSE: We sought to assess factors related to colorectal cancer (CRC) screening
      adherence among immigrant, Hispanic women in Harlem, New York City. METHOD:
      Adherence for colonoscopy and fecal occult blood test (FQBT) screening was
      measured among 255 women based on self-reported screening behaviors using
      American Cancer Society guidelines. RESULTS: Univariate results showed that age,
      language of the interview (English/Spanish), years in the United States,
      physician recommendation for either test, marital status (living alone/living
      with someone), and mammography adherence were associated with CRC screening
      adherence (p's < .05). In the multivariate analysis, having an age greater than
      65 years, being interviewed in Spanish, having lived in the United States longer,
      having a regular doctor and a physician recommendation, and being currently
      adherent for mammography were associated with higher CRC screening adherence.
      CONCLUSION: Among this sample, there proved to be differences between having ever
      been screened and adherence with a greater proportion of women having ever
      completed either colonoscopy and/or FOBT compared to women who were adherent
      (72.9% vs 58.8%). Therefore, it is important to determine factors associated with
      adherence, not just screening utilization, in order to design strategies to
      increase adherence among immigrant Hispanic women.

PMID- 22046846
TI  - Smoking and cancer: a review of public health and clinical implications.
AB  - The cultivation of tobacco dates backwards to 6000 BC. Use of tobacco for
      spiritual, euphoric, and medicinal purposes, and its ultimate spread to the 4
      corners of the globe, lay at the heart of the current pandemic of tobacco-related
      disease, including lung, head and neck, and many other forms of cancer. While
      evidence for the carcinogenic properties of tobacco was documented as early as
      the 1800s, it was not until the 20th century that the role of tobacco use and
      smoke exposure in the growing pandemic of lung and other cancers was fully
      appreciated. The evidence is now indisputable, and current research and
      intervention activities center on mechanisms by which tobacco use and smoke cause
      cancer, ways of stemming the worldwide pandemic of tobacco-related disease, and
      how to help people with cancer quit smoking. With respect to the latter,
      approaches to smoking cessation that are effective for the general population of
      smokers are equally applicable to cancer patients, thrusting physicians and other
      health professionals to the forefront of the antismoking arena. However, the
      scale of the tobacco pandemic has grown so large that it literally will take a
      village, complete with heads of nations, world-governing bodies, local leaders,
      physicians, and many others, to pass and enforce legislation and policies
      necessary to stem the worldwide tobacco pandemic and to implement cessation
      programs for smokers and users of other forms of tobacco across the globe.

PMID- 22046847
TI  - Patients' barriers to receipt of cancer care, and factors associated with needing
      more assistance from a patient navigator.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Racial minorities have poorer cancer survival in the United States
      compared to whites. The purpose of this study was to better understand patients'
      barriers to cancer care and to determine which patients have a greater need for
      assistance from a patient navigator. METHODS: Community health workers assisted
      newly-diagnosed breast and colorectal cancer patients during a randomized trial
      of patient navigation and collected information about patients' barriers.
      Barriers to care were characterized and compared between non-Hispanic white and
      minority patients. A multivariate model was constructed of factors associated
      with increased log navigation time, a measure of patients' need for assistance.
      RESULTS: Patients' (n = 103) most commonly identified barriers to care included a
      lack of social support, insurance/financial concerns, and problems communicating
      with health care providers. Barriers differed between nonminority and minority
      patients, and minority patients faced a greater number of barriers (p = .0001).
      In univariate analysis, log navigation time was associated with race/ethnicity,
      education, income, employment, insurance type, health literacy, marital status,
      language, and comorbidity. A multivariate model (R2 = 0.43) for log navigation
      time was created using stepwise selection, and included the following factors:
      minority race/ethnicity (p = .032), non-full-time employment (p = .0004),
      unmarried status (p = .085), university center (p = .0005), and months in study
      (p <.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Newly diagnosed cancer patients' most common barriers to
      care include lack of social support, insurance/financial concerns, and problems
      with health care communications. In this sample of patients, a greater need for
      assistance was independently associated with minority race/ethnicity and
      unemployment. These data may help in the design and targeting of interventions to
      reduce cancer health disparities.

PMID- 22046848
TI  - Urban/rural patterns in receipt of treatment for non-small cell lung cancer among
      black and white Medicare beneficiaries, 2000-2003.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Receipt of treatment for lung cancer varies by a number of
      demographic factors, including race/ethnicity and urban/rural residence. We
      examined urban/rural patterns in receipt of treatment for non-mall cell lung
      cancer (NSCLC) (ie, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy) among black and
      white Medicare beneficiaries in Alabama. METHODS: After linking Alabama State
      Cancer Registry data with state Medicare data, we identified 3481 cases of stages
      I to IV and unknown-stage NSCLC diagnosed from 2000-2002 and obtained their
      treatment data for 1999-2003. We used bivariate and multivariate analyses to
      examine racial and urban/rural differences in receipt of treatment. Significant
      bivariate associations were tested using chi2 tests. RESULTS: Among beneficiaries
      with resectable NSCLC (ie, stages I-IIIA), urban whites were more likely to
      undergo surgical resection than urban blacks (49.3% vs 33.0%, respectively), and
      more rural whites than rural blacks (49.8% vs 23.9%, respectively) underwent
      surgery. There was less variation by race and urban/rural residence in the
      receipt of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. After controlling for age at
      diagnosis, gender, stage at diagnosis, comorbidity score, and socioeconomic
      status, the racial disparity for surgery remained. Black beneficiaries in urban
      counties had 45% lower odds of undergoing surgery than urban white beneficiaries
      (OR, 0.55; 95% CI, 0.31-0.96), and those in rural counties had 67% lower odds of
      receiving this treatment than their white counterparts (OR, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.19
      0.57). CONCLUSIONS: Differences in receipt of surgery exist for both urban and
      rural black Alabamians with NSCLC. Future studies should explore access to care
      and perceptions about treatment among lung cancer patients in this state.

PMID- 22046849
TI  - Cervical cancer screening among ethnically diverse black women: knowledge,
      attitudes, beliefs, and practices.
AB  - This is a descriptive study of cervical cancer screening knowledge, attitudes,
      beliefs, and practices among ethnically diverse black women. We conducted 6 focus
      groups with Haitian, African, English-speaking Caribbean, and African American
      women recruited from a federally qualified health center. Overall, there was
      limited knowledge and confusion across ethnic groups about cervical cancer and
      its risk factors, the Pap test, and the human papilloma virus (HPV) and its
      association with cervical cancer. At the same time, there were distinct
      differences between ethnic groups in knowledge, practices, and cultural beliefs
      about cervical cancer. African women knew the least among all the groups, while
      African American participants had the greatest knowledge of HPV. However, their
      knowledge was still limited. Patient-doctor relationship was the single most
      important facilitator for cervical cancer screening. Barriers to cervical cancer
      screening included cost, busy work schedule, fear of the unknown, lack of
      insurance or being unemployed, and fear of disclosing immigration status.
      Interventions with ethnically diverse black women would benefit from recognizing
      cultural barriers and misconceptions that vary by ethnic group. Culturally based
      strategies suggested by the focus groups include the use of existing social
      networks, the use of indigenous community-based health workers, and the inclusion
      of women of all ages in cervical cancer education because of the roles they have
      in extended families.

PMID- 22046850
TI  - Strategies used and challenges faced by a breast cancer patient navigator in an
      urban underserved community.
AB  - Patient navigation has been widely implemented by cancer care programs across the
      United States. While activities of navigators have been described elsewhere,
      little has been documented regarding specific strategies used or challenges
      experienced by navigators from their own perspectives. We describe the experience
      of an African American patient navigator who promoted breast cancer screening and
      facilitated diagnosis and treatment among inner-city mostly African American
      women in Newark, New Jersey. We conducted qualitative analysis of journal notes,
      log data, and in-depth interviews with the patient navigator. Strategies used by
      the patient navigator to develop trust and rapport included: (1) "meet patients
      where they are" (outreach is best performed in locations women frequent, such as
      hair salons); (2) being accessible (must be flexible and available by phone or in
      person to meet patient's needs); and (3) "bring it down, sista" (must have
      "street credibility" in dress and language). Key challenges included experiencing
      threats to safety, setting boundaries, and facing and overcoming burnout. The
      patient navigator responded to these obstacles by creating new community linkages
      and resources and reaching out for emotional support from her mother and
      supervisor. Areas that need to be addressed further for future patient navigator
      programs include promoting safety in potentially dangerous neighborhoods and
      helping navigators set boundaries and avoid burnout. Further research into
      experiences of patient navigators in different settings is needed to build upon
      this preliminary data, and to consider character traits and attributes best
      suited for a patient navigator, as well as the support needed for this new health
      care worker.

PMID- 22046851
TI  - A cluster randomized controlled trial to increase breast cancer screening among
      African American women: the black cosmetologists promoting health program.
AB  - BACKGROUND: African American women have disproportionately higher rates of breast
      cancer mortality than all other ethnic groups, thus highlighting the importance
      of promoting early detection. METHODS: African American women (N = 984) from San
      Diego, California, participated in a randomized controlled trial testing the
      efficacy of breast cancer education sessions offered in beauty salons.
      Cosmetologists received ongoing support, training, and additional culturally
      aligned educational materials to help them engage their clients in dialogues
      about the importance of breast cancer early detection. Posters and literature
      about breast cancer early detection were displayed throughout the salons and
      cosmetologists used synthetic breast models to show their clients how breast
      cancer lumps might feel. Participants in the control group received a comparable
      diabetes education program. Baseline and 6-month follow-up surveys were
      administered to evaluate changes in women's breast cancer knowledge, attitudes,
      and screening behaviors. RESULTS: This intervention was well received by the
      participants and their cosmetologists and did not interfere with or prolong the
      client's salon visit. Women in the intervention group reported significantly
      higher rates of mammography compared to women in the control group. Training a
      single educator proved sufficient to permeate the entire salon with the health
      message, and salon clients agreed that cosmetologists could become effective
      health educators. CONCLUSIONS: Cosmetologists are in an ideal position to
      increase African American women's breast cancer knowledge and adherence to breast
      cancer screening guidelines.

PMID- 22046852
TI  - Barriers to colorectal cancer screening among publicly insured urban women: no
      knowledge of tests and no clinician recommendation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess barriers to colorectal cancer screening among urban
      publicly insured women and to evaluate how barriers among underscreened urban
      women have changed between 2001 and 2007-2008. METHODS: Eligible women were
      selected using Medicaid Managed Care Organization (MMCO) administrative data.
      MMCO outreach staff interviewed women by phone between October 2007 and February
      2008, and assessed their barriers to colorectal cancer screening. We compared the
      results of these interviews with interviews conducted in 2001 with women in
      community health center waiting rooms. RESULTS: Thirty percent of overdue women
      had never heard of either colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy, and 55% had never heard
      of home fecal occult blood testing (FOBT). Among overdue women who had heard of
      colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy, 33% reported misconceptions and 28% reported worry
      as a barrier. No clinician recommendation was the most commonly reported barrier
      to home FOBT (44%) and was also reported as a barrier to endoscopy by 22% of
      women. Between 2001 and 2007-2008, the proportion of women reporting that they
      had not received a clinician's recommendation for endoscopy or home FOBT
      increased significantly. CONCLUSIONS: A lack of information, no clinician
      recommendation, misconceptions, and worry persist as barriers to colon cancer
      screening among this underscreened urban population. An increased focus on
      clinician recommendation and patient education about stool-based as well as
      endoscopic screening methods could lead to greater screening compliance.

PMID- 22046853
TI  - Early hospital discharge following breast cancer surgery in the West Indies: a
      Trinidad study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To examine the outcome of a policy of early hospital discharge (<24
      hours) after breast cancer surgery in a Third World setting, where health care
      resources and support services are very limited. DESIGN: Prospective enrollment
      into a plan of early hospital discharge within 24 hours following breast surgery.
      Followup was conducted for wound infections; seroma formation; flap dehiscence;
      and readmission, if any. SUBJECTS: All patients over a 15-year period who
      underwent wide local excision or mastectomy and axillary clearance were enrolled.
      RESULTS: A total of 331 patients were entered into the study. Of these, 148 had
      modified radical mastectomy and 183 had wide local excision plus axillary
      dissection. Each patient had a drain placed and output was recorded. Follow-up
      revealed that there was no increase in the complication rates. CONCLUSION: Early
      hospital discharge following breast cancer surgery is a feasible option for most
      patients and can be safely implemented even in a resource-limited setting where
      cost containment is essential.

PMID- 22046854
TI  - T4b breast masses: a retrospective review of 12 cases presenting to a
      metropolitan tertiary care center.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Due to increased awareness of breast cancer resulting in early
      detection, there is a decreased incidence nationwide of late-stage breast cancer,
      including that which presents with skin involvement (T4b). METHODS: A
      retrospective analysis of a 10-month period from August 2007 to May 2008 at
      Howard University Hospital (HUH), Washington, DC, revealed 12 patients diagnosed
      with T4b breast cancer and compared to similarly staged patients in the
      Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Finally, a logistic
      regression for the likelihood of T4b diagnosis was performed patients in the SEER
      database. RESULTS: HUH patients with T4b tumors were more likely than SEER
      patients to present with predictors of poor clinical outcome, including high
      grade histology (100% vs 59.4%, p = .04) and estrogen receptor- (75% vs 30.3%, p
      = .001) and progesterone receptor- negative (91.7% vs 43.9%, p = .001) status.
      Conversely, HUH patients were younger (57.8 y vs 66.3 y, p = .03) and had smaller
      tumors (11.1 cm vs 28.2 cm, p = .02) than SEER patients with similarly staged
      tumors. Older patients (OR, 2.36; 95% CI, 1.50-2.00; p < .001; 60-80 y), African
      American patients (OR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.26-2.11; p < .001), and patients with high
      grade (OR, 5.51; 95% CI, 3.88-6.52; p < .001) tumors were more likely to be
      diagnosed with T4b tumors, whereas patients who lived in an area with increased
      median household income (OR, 0.99; 95% CI, 0.99-0.99; p = .001) were less likely
      to be diagnosed with a T4b lesion. CONCLUSION: While much research has focused on
      the socioeconomic causes for the development of T4b tumors, both patient and
      tumor biologic conditions cannot be eliminated as causative agents.

PMID- 22046855
TI  - A multimodal intervention to promote mammography and colorectal cancer screening
      in a safety-net practice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are limited data regarding interventions designed to improve
      cancer screening rates in safety-net practices with "real world" patients.
      OBJECTIVE: To examine the impact of a multimodal intervention on mammography and
      colorectal cancer (CRC) screening rates in a safety-net practice caring for
      underserved patients. METHODS: At an inner-city family medicine practice, all
      patients past due for mammography or CRC screening were assigned to receive or
      not receive a screening promotion intervention based on their medical record
      number. The 12-month intervention included outreach to patients (tailored
      letters, automated and personal phone calls) and point-of-care patient and
      clinician prompts. The trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov, NCT00818857.
      RESULTS: We enrolled 469 participants aged 40 to 74 years, including 28% African
      Americans, 5% Latinos, 25% with Medicaid, and 10% without any form of insurance.
      Participants in the intervention group showed statistically significantly higher
      rates of cancer screening; rates were 41% vs 16.8% for mammography and 28.8% vs
      10% for CRC screening. These findings were confirmed in multivariable analysis.
      Similar relative improvements in screening were seen across race, ethnicity,
      socioeconomic status, and insurance groups. DISCUSSION: A multimodal intervention
      shows promise for improving rates of mammography and colorectal cancer screening
      within a safety-net practice. Further study will identify the most cost-effective
      components of the intervention.

PMID- 22046856
TI  - Cause for concern: the state of affairs of adjuvant breast radiation among
      minority women with breast cancer.

PMID- 22046857
TI  - Mortality with fracture of the femur in African Americans in 2005-2006.

PMID- 22046858
TI  - The imperative for race-specific neutrophil count reference intervals in white
      cell count evaluation.

PMID- 22046859
TI  - [The European guidelines on residency training in anesthesiology, pain, and
      intensive care].

PMID- 22046860
TI  - [Residency training in anesthesiology].

PMID- 22046861
TI  - [An established anesthesia team-care model: over 12000 cases in a digestive
      endoscopy unit].
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The growing demand for digestive and other endoscopic
      procedures outside the operating room, both in terms of type of endoscopy and
      number of patients, requires reorganization of the anesthesiology department's
      workload. We describe 2 years of our hospital digestive endoscopy unit's
      experience with a now well-established care model involving both
      anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists. MATERIAL AND METHODS: After previously
      reviewing the medical records of outpatients and conducting a telephone interview
      about state of health, nurse anesthetists administered a combination of propofol
      and remifentanil through a target-controlled infusion system under an
      anesthesiologist's direct supervision. RESULTS: The ratio of anesthesiologists to
      nurses ranged from 1:2 to 1:3 according to the complexity of the examination
      procedure. Over 12000 endoscopies (simple to advanced) in a total of 11853
      patients were performed under anesthesia during the study period. Airway
      management maneuvers were required by 4.9% of the patients; 0.18% required bag
      ventilation for respiratory depression, and 0.084% required bolus doses of a
      vasopressor to treat hypotension or atropine to treat bradycardia. The procedure
      had to be halted early in 9 patients (0.07%). No patient required orotracheal
      intubation and none died. Nor were any complications related to sedation
      recorded. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that this care model can safely
      accommodate a large caseload in anesthesia at an optimum level of quality.

PMID- 22046862
TI  - [Ephedrine vs. phenylephrine by intravenous bolus and continuous infusion to
      prevent hypotension secondary to spinal anesthesia during cesarean section: a
      randomized comparative trial].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Subarachnoid spinal anesthesia for cesarean section is associated with
      a high incidence of hypotension, which can require the use of vasoconstrictors.
      The aim of this trial was to compare ephedrine to phenylephrine for the
      prevention of secondary hypotension and to assess the adverse effects on both
      mother and newborn. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Eighty patients undergoing elective or
      emergency cesarean section, in the absence of uterine activity or fetal risk,
      were randomized to receive prophylaxis with ephedrine or phenylephrine
      immediately after the spinal block. Patients in the ephedrine group received an
      intravenous bolus of 0.1 mg/kg plus continuous infusion at a rate of 0.5 mg/kg/h;
      patients in the phenylephrine group received an intravenous bolus of 1.5
      microg/kg plus a continuous infusion at 1.5 microg/kg/min. Infusion was
      maintained until umbilical cord clamping. We recorded maternal blood pressure,
      heart rate, nausea and vomiting, dizziness, bradycardia, hypotension,
      hypertension, fetal Apgar index, and umbilical cord blood parameters (pH, PCO2,
      and HCO3). RESULTS: The overall incidence of hypotension was 11.2%, with no
      significant between-group differences (ephedrine group, 11.4%; phenylephrine
      group, 11.1%). The incidences of hypertension and bradycardia were higher in the
      phenylephrine group (27.8% and 2.3%, respectively) than in the ephedrine group
      (25% and 0%, respectively). Umbilical cord blood parameters and Apgar scores were
      similar. After suspension of continuous infusion, an episode of hypotension was
      detected in 22.5% of the patients (72.2% of these patients were in the
      phenylephrine group and 27.8% were in the ephedrine group). CONCLUSIONS: At the
      doses of ephedrine and phenylephrine administered in this trial, the ability of
      these drugs to prevent hypotension during cesarean section proved to be similar.
      Higher incidences of adverse events (hypertension and bradycardia) were observed
      in the phenylephrine group. No differences were observed in neonatal effects.

PMID- 22046863
TI  - [Estimating the angle of left lateral decubitus position during cesarean section:
      observational study of anesthesiologists' estimates and of midwives and nurses'
      level of understanding].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the difference between the estimated and measured values
      of the left lateral decubitus (LLD) angle in the positioning of patients for
      scheduled cesarean section; to determine whether the accuracy of estimates
      differs between staff anesthesiologists and residents; and to assess the angle
      estimates of midwives and surgical nurses as well as their level of knowledge
      with respect to the utility of the LLD position. METHODS: This was a prospective,
      observational, double-blind study comparing staff anesthesiologists working in
      obstetrics to residents in their second, third, or fourth-year of training. We
      also presented a task and questions to midwives and surgical nurses who assisted
      during categories 3 and 4 cesarean sections (elective and scheduled procedures)
      according to the classification system of he National Institute of Clinical
      Excellence. The anesthesiologist was asked to place the patient in LLD position
      after onset of anesthesia and to estimate the LLD angle. A second
      anesthesiologist measured the angle. The midwives and nurses were asked to place
      a vacant surgical table at approximately 15 degrees; the angle was then measured.
      Patient variables (weight, height, anesthetic technique) and staff variables
      (position, understanding of the purpose of the maneuver, estimated DLL angle, and
      measured angle) were recorded. RESULTS: Of 55 women who underwent cesarean
      sections (98.18% under regional anesthesia), 25 were assessed by staff
      anesthesiologists and 30 by residents. A total of 14 midwives and 10 surgical
      nurses participated in the surgical table positioning task and answered
      questions. The mean (SD) DLL angle estimate of the anesthesiologists was 12.4
      degrees (3.4 degrees); the mean measured angle was 7.8 degrees (3.1 degrees). The
      estimates of staff anesthesiologists were significantly more accurate (P < .001).
      All the midwives understood the reason for using the DLL position in cesarean
      section, while only 1 nurse (10%) did (P < .05). CONCLUSION: The DLL position
      angle is overestimated by resident anesthesiologists and midwives. It seems that
      the use and understanding of DLL positioning could be improved.

PMID- 22046864
TI  - [Anesthetic conserving device (AnaConDa) used after cardiac surgery: experience
      in a postoperative recovery unit].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the safety and efficacy of using the Anesthetic Conserving
      Device (AnaConDa) when maintaining sedation after cardiac surgery. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: Descriptive study of 46 consecutive patients in the postoperative
      recovery unit after cardiac surgery between January and April 2009. The patients
      were under sevoflurane sedation administered with the AnaConDa placed in the
      inhalation tube. No exclusion criteria were established before enrollment. The
      sevoflurane dose was set using the manufacturer's normogram and was later
      adjusted to give an end-tidal concentration of sevoflurane between 0.5% and 0.7%
      on the basis of data from a gas analyzer. Remifentanil was administered to all
      patients; a fast-track extubation protocol was used. The only criterion for
      excluding a patient's data from analysis was prolonged sedation (> 5 hours).
      RESULTS: The mean (SD) time patients were under sedation with the AnaConDa in
      place was 2588 (12.32) minutes. The end-tidal concentration of sevoflurane never
      exceeded 1%. Scores on the Richmond agitation-sedation scale were -5 at 60
      minutes in all cases; there was some score variability at 120 minutes. Deeper
      sedation was desired for the first 60 minutes to avoid awakening related to
      rewarming. The mean time until awakening was 6.17 minutes (range, 1-30 minutes).
      The mean time until extubation was 43 (6.69) minutes. The most common adverse
      effect was arterial hypotension (12 cases). Hypotension was related to bleeding
      in 3 patients and to low cardiac output in 4 patients. CONCLUSION: Administering
      sevoflurane through the AnaConDa can be a safe, valid, and reliable method for
      sedating patients after cardiac surgery. With this device, it is possible to
      monitor the concentration administered.

PMID- 22046865
TI  - [Epiduroscopy].
AB  - Epiduroscopy is a minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic technique used in
      patients with chronic low back pain with or without radiculopathy. Epiduroscopic
      procedures are particularly indicated in cases of failed spinal surgery. This
      review discusses the indications, contraindications, and complications of the
      technique, describing in detail the sacral (caudal) and interlaminar approaches
      and noting their advantages and disadvantages. Practical recommendations are
      made, along with an attempt to assess future prospects for epiduroscopy.

PMID- 22046866
TI  - [Neurologic complications of central neuraxial blocks].
AB  - Central neuraxial blocks, which are associated with a low incidence of
      complications, are safe. When complications do occur, however, the resulting
      morbidity and mortality is considerable. The reported incidence of complications
      in all series is under 4 per 10000 patients, but given the absence of formal
      registries and notification procedures, which have legal implications, the real
      rate of occurrence of these rare events is uncertain. We searched the literature
      through PubMed and the Cochrane Plus Library for a 5-year period, using the
      search terms epidural anesthesia AND safety, spinal anesthesia AND safety,
      complications AND epidural anesthesia, complications AND spinal anesthesia,
      neurologic complications AND epidural anesthesia, and neurologic complications
      AND spinal anesthesia. Neuraxial injury after a central blockade may be the
      result of anatomical and/or physiological lesions affecting the spinal cord,
      spinal nerves, nerve roots, or blood supply. The pathophysiology of neuraxial
      injury may be related to mechanical, ischemic, or neurotoxic damage or any
      combination. When a complication occurs, factors related to the technique will
      have interacted with pre-existing patient-related conditions. Various scientific
      societies have published guidelines for managing the complications of regional
      anesthesia. Recently published clinical practice guidelines recommend ultrasound
      imaging as a useful tool in performing a central neuraxial block.

PMID- 22046867
TI  - [Reflections on residency training under the current recommendations of the
      European Union of Medical specialists and the European Board of Anaesthesia
      (UEMS/EBA guidelines)].
AB  - The recent publication of guidelines for postgraduate training in anesthesiology,
      pain, and intensive care issued by the European Board of Anaesthesia (EBA) and
      the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS)
      (http://www.sedar.es/revistasedar/uems.pdf) specifies directions we must take
      with our residents. The training section of the Sociedad Espanola de
      Anestesiologia y Reanimacion (SEDAR) has decided to make the guidelines available
      on the association's website so that the UEMS/EBA proposals can be compared to
      the training program drafted by the Spanish national board for our specialty. Our
      aim is to identify points of convergence between the two proposals and to target
      gaps where improvements can be made so that Spanish residency training in this
      specialty is in harmony with the European framework.

PMID- 22046868
TI  - [Inhalation anesthesia during spontaneous ventilation in a patient with a
      tracheolaryngeal transplant requiring debridement of fibrous tissue obstructing
      the lumen].
AB  - Graft stenosis from fibrous granulation tissue is not an uncommon problem in
      recipients of a transplanted trachea and larynx. We describe the case of a man
      with a transplanted trachea who was seen for respiratory difficulty and stridor
      secondary to stenosis. Examination through a rigid bronchoscope and surgical
      debridement were both performed under anesthesia with sevoflurane alone while the
      man breathed spontaneously. The outcome of treatment with sequential debridements
      of fibrotic tissue and autologous stem cell injection was satisfactory and the
      patient was discharged.

PMID- 22046869
TI  - [Treatment of a female patient with sickle-cell anemia during cardiac surgery
      with cardiopulmonary bypass].
AB  - A 17-year-old girl with drepanocytic (sickle-cell) anemia who was being treated
      with hydroxyurea and periodic blood transfusions through a Hickman-type catheter
      was admitted for periodic episodes of fever. Blood cultures were positive for
      methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus. Massive right atrial thrombosis with
      pulmonary embolism and bacterial endocarditis were detected by computed
      tomography. Surgery with a beating heart and cardiopulmonary bypass was
      undertaken. Drepanocytic anemia in individuals homozygous for hemoglobin S is a
      rare condition in Spain but we are beginning to see a few cases, in which
      management during anesthesia will be more complicated. High-risk surgery can be
      carried out in these patients without adverse events if the anesthesiologist is
      guided by a complete blood workup and takes precautions during and after surgery
      to control hydration, oxygenation, temperature, and the acid-base balance.

PMID- 22046870
TI  - [Comments on the article "Hypotensive resuscitation of the polytrauma patient
      with hemorrhagic shock"].

PMID- 22046871
TI  - [Comments on the article "Perioperative anesthetic management of 300 morbidly
      obese patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery and a brief review of
      relevant pathophysiology"].

PMID- 22046872
TI  - [Update on the use of opioids in acute, chronic, and breakthrough pain: an
      international symposium. Barcelona, February 2011].

PMID- 22046873
TI  - [Unusual placement of a central venous catheter].

PMID- 22046874
TI  - [Vertebral-jugular fistula after central venous catheterization].

PMID- 22046875
TI  - [Forgotten HEART day].

PMID- 22046876
TI  - [Intimomedial thickness of the vertebral arteries complex: a new useful parameter
      for the assessment of atheroclerotic process?].
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: An integral part of Doppler ultrasound examination of cervical
      blood vessels is determination of intimomedial thicknes (IMT) of the common
      carotid. The aim of the study was to estimate the relations between IMT of the
      common carotid and vertebral arteries in order to determine if the value of IMT
      obtained on the vertebral artery could be applied in clinical practice. METHODS:
      We measured IMT in a randomized, prospective and cross-sectional study, performed
      on 50 persons both sexes (29 men and 21 women), at the age from 18 to 79 years
      (mean age 52.4 +/- 17.63 years). All the persons were healthy, what was confirmed
      with clinical examination and laboratory analyses. Measurements were perfomed
      from January 2006 until September 2008. Intimomedial thickness was recorded by
      two dimensional ultrasonography in B-mode on both common carotid arteries: one
      value was obtained as average of three successeful measurements (measurements
      were perform on different places). We measured IMT on the first segment of both
      vertebral arteries, 1.5 cm proximal from the connection of the first and second
      segments (we got results of the measurement of IMT on the vertebral arteries in
      the same way: mean value from the three records). RESULTS: The measured value of
      IMT on the common carotid arteries (IMT = 0.782 +/- 0.248 mm), obtained from 50
      healthy persons, was higher than that measured on the vertabral artery on the
      first segment (IMT = 0.585 +/- 0.134 mm). The values of IMT after measurement on
      two different places were statistically highly different (t = 7.03, SD = 0.028, p
      < 0.01). Coefficient of variability of IMT values in carotid circulation (CV =
      34.4%) was higher than that in vertebral circulation (22.9%). Values of IMT on
      vertebral arteries were in statistically significant correlation with those in
      carotid circulation (r = 0.24 and t- = 2.48; p < 0.02). There were no
      statistically significant difference between IMT measurement on the right and the
      left side so they were analysed as the same set. CONCLUSION: Values of IMT on the
      vertebral arteries are one more undependent parameter of Doppler-sonographic
      examination of cervical vessels, which significantly correlates with IMT values
      on common carotid artery. Variability of this parameter is lower, and absolute
      values lower than the same in the common carotid artery. Therefore, this
      parameter is probably not so sensitive. On the other hand, lower variability of
      IMT values on the vertebral artery might be of higher specificity for prediction
      of atherosclerotic progress by the increased values of this parameter than based
      on IMT values obtained on the common carotid arteries.

PMID- 22046877
TI  - Ultrasound measurement of visceral fat in patients with primary biliary
      cirrhosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) is a progressive, chronic liver
      disease with elevated serum lipids, but it is unclear whether hyperlipidemia in
      PBC patients is associated with atherosclerosis. Metabolic syndrome promotes
      development of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease related to abdominal type
      obesity and insulin resistance. The aim of our study was to assess abdominal
      adiposity in patients with PBC. METHODS: The study included 40 patients with PBC
      and 50 healthy controls. Age, sex and anthropometric measurements (weight,
      height, body mass index and waist circumference) were registered for all patients
      and controls. We used ultrasonography to measure subcutaneous (SF) and visceral
      fat (VF) diameter, subcutaneous area (SA) and visceral area (VA), as well as
      perirenal fat diameter (PF). RESULTS: Values of SF, VF and PF thicknesses in PBC
      patients were 19.23 +/- 5.85 mm, 10.92 +/- 3.63 mm, and 7.03 +/- 1.82 mm,
      respectively. In controls these measurements were 22.73 +/- 6.70 mm, 16.84 +/
      5.51 mm and 10.50 +/- 2.70 mm respectively. In PBC patients SA and VA were
      calculated to 983.64 +/- 322.68 mm2 and 403.64 +/- 166.97 mm2 and in controls
      1124.89 +/- 366.01 mm2 and 720.57 +/- 272.50 mm2 respectively. Significant
      difference was found for VF, VA and RF values. CONCLUSIONS: Considering that the
      amount of visceral fat plays an important role in development of metabolic
      syndrome and cardiovascular diseases, we concluded that the lower amount of
      visceral fat in PBC patients could be related to lower incidence of
      cardiovascular events, despite hyperlipidemia.

PMID- 22046878
TI  - [Endoscopic mucosal resection of colorectal tumors--our first experience].
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) or mucosectomy is an
      interventional procedure for minimal invasive endoscopic removal of benign and
      malignant digestive tract tumors. Mucosectomy removes flat and sessile neoplasms,
      early colorectal cancer (CRC) confined to mucosa or submucosa and lateral
      spreading tumors. The aim of the study was to show our first experience in
      application of this procedure in everyday practice in regarding completeness and
      efficacy of the procedure, complication rate and incidence of recurrent adenomas.
      METHODS: In the prospective study 51 colorectal adenomas were removed in 44
      patients by EMR. RESULTS: Single mucosectomy was done in 43 patients, while
      multiple (8) in one patient. Complete resection was obtained in all procedures.
      In 36 (68.62%) procedures "en block" resection was done, but in 15 (31.37%)
      procedures "piece meal" resection was performed. Synchronous colorectal tumors
      (benign or malignant) were detected in 20 (45.45%) patients. Moderate dysplasia
      was found in 30 (58.82%) adenomas, but high grade dysplasia in 9 (17.64%) of
      adenomas. Intramucosal CRC was detected in 11.77% of adenomas. A total of 37
      (72.54%) advanced adenomas were removed. There were 3 (5.88%) of recurrent
      adenomas, 6-30 months after the EMR. Only one (2.2%) case of post procedure
      bleeding was observed. CONCLUSION: EMR is a safe and efficious method for removal
      of flat, sessile adenomas, as well as early CRC. EMR is a routine endoscopic
      procedure in everyday practice of interventional endoscopist.

PMID- 22046879
TI  - [Influence of hemoglobin level and dose of administered recombinant human beta
      erythropoietin on survival of hemodialysis patients].
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: In patients with end-stage renal disease, treatment with
      erythropoietin lowers cardiovascular morbidity, improves quality of life and
      patient survival. The aim of this study was to determine the difference in
      survival of hemodialysis patients treated with recombinant human beta
      erythropoietin and patients without this treatment, and to determine the
      influence of hemoglobin level and erythropoietin dose on the survival of these
      patients. METHOD: The study included 291 patients undergoing maintenance
      hemodialysis, 122 were on erythropoietin therapy, 169 patients formed control
      group. The study was performed at the Clinic for Nephrology and Clinical
      Immunology, Clinical Center of Vojvodina, during a 69-month period. We analyzed
      basic demographic parameters, dialysis duration, underlying disease,
      comorbidities, death causes, blood-work parameters and erythropoietin dosage.
      Descriptive statistics, Anova, Manova, discriminant function analysis, Cox
      regressional model and Kaplan Meier survival curves were used as statistical
      methods. RESULTS: Average age and dialysis duration in the experimental group
      were 47.88 +/- 13.32 years, and 45.76 +/- 46.73 months, respectively and in the
      control group 58.73 +/- 12.67 years and 62.80 +/- 55.23 months, respectively.
      Average level of hemoglobin and hematocrit in the group in which erythropoietin
      had been administered was 11.40 +/- 8.39 g/dL and 0.35 +/- 0.04/L, while the
      control group these values were 8.52 +/- 7.73 g/dL and 0.26 +/- 0.04/L,
      respectively. Average monthly dosage of erythropoietin was 21 587 +/- 10 183.36
      IJ/month. Significant difference in survival was determined (p < 0.05) between
      the stated patient groups. A significant difference (p < 0.05) was found in
      survival of the patients in which erythropoietin was administered regarding
      hemoglobin level (< 100 g/L/100-110 g/L/110-120 g/L/ > 120 g/L), as well as in
      regard of erythropoietin dose applied (< 20 000 IJ/20 000-40 000 IJ/ > 40 000
      IJ/month). CONCLUSION: Best survival was noted in patients with hemoglobin > 120
      g/L and erythropoietin dose < 20 000 IJ/month.

PMID- 22046880
TI  - Influence of glucoregulation quality on C-reactive protein, interleukin-6 and
      tumor necrosis factor-alpha level in patients with diabetes type 1.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Results of studies which have proved an increased inflammatory
      activity in diabetes type 1, have been published over recent years. One of
      possible mechanisms that are used to explain chronic inflammation in diabetes is
      the state of hyperglycemia leading to the enhanced synthesis of glycosylation end
      products (AGEs) which activate macrophages, increase the oxidative stress and
      affect the synthesis of interleukins (IL-1, IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha
      (TNF-alpha) and C-reactive protein (CRP). The aim of the study was to determine
      the inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6, TNF-alpha) in patients with diabetes type 1
      and to establish their correlation with glucoregulation parameters and other
      cardiovascular risk factors as well as to compare them with the healthy controls.
      METHODS: The study included 76 patients with diabetes type 1 and 30 healthy
      controls. We determined values of inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6, TNF-alpha) and
      glucoregulation parameters (fasting glucose HbA(1c)). RESULTS: The values of CRP
      (p = 0.014), IL-6 (p = 0.020) and TNF-alpha (p = 0.037) were statistically
      significantly higher in the diabetic patients than in the healthy controls. There
      was a positive correlation between CRP with postprandial glycemia (p = 0.004);
      the multivariate regression analysis revealed a statistically significant
      correlation between CRP and age (p = 0.001), smoking (p = 0.055), fasting glucose
      (p = 0.021) and triglycerides (p = 0.048) as well as between IL-6 and LDL
      cholesterol (p = 0.009). No statistically significant correlations were found
      between glycosilated hemoglobin (HbA(1c)) and the inflammatory markers (CRP, IL-6
      and TNF-alpha). CONCLUSION: The patients with type 1 diabetes were found to have
      a low level of inflammatory activity manifested by the increased values of CRP,
      IL-6 and TNF-alpha.

PMID- 22046881
TI  - Bone bruise of the knee associated with the lesions of anterior cruciate ligament
      and menisci on magnetic resonance imaging.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Bone bruise is a common finding in acutely injured knee examined
      by magnetic resonance (MR). The aim of the study was to determine the association
      of bone bruise frequency with postinjury lesions of anterior cruciate ligament
      (ACL) and menisci. Bone bruise involves posttraumatic bone marrow change with
      hemorrhages, edema and microtrabecular fractures without disruption of adjacent
      cortices or articular cartilage. MR imaging is a method of choice for detecting
      bone bruises which can not be seen on conventional radiographic techniques.
      METHODS: A representative review of 120 MR examinations for the acute knee trauma
      was conducted. All the patients were examined within one month of trauma. All MR
      examinations were performed by using a 0.3T MR unit. RESULTS: Posttraumatic bone
      bruise was seen in 39 (32.5%) patients out of 120. Three patients had fracture of
      the cortex, so-called "occult" fracture (not seen on plain radiography). We
      analyzed only bone bruises without these fractures of the cortex. Bone bruise was
      associated with the lesion of ACL in 27 (69%) patients. In 28 (72%) patients bone
      bruise was in combination with the lesion of menisci. Only two patients with bone
      bruise had neither ACL nor menisci lesions. There were 78 patients without bone
      bruise but 33 (43%) of them had lesions of ACL and 49 (63%) had lesions of
      menisci. CONCLUSION: Bone bruise is best seen in STIR (Short TI Inversion
      Recovery) images and is very often found in acute knee trauma. Very often it is
      associated with posttraumatic lesions of ACL and menisci, so attention must be
      paid to this when bone bruise is seen. The difference in frequency of internal
      structures of the knee lesions in patients with bone bruise is highly
      statistically significant as compared to patients with no bone bruise.

PMID- 22046882
TI  - Possibilities of nontoxic autonomous thyroid nodules treatment by percutaneous
      ethanol injection.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: According to the current principles, autonomous functional
      thyroid nodules are treated by surgery or by radioiodin therapy. Ultrasound
      guided percutaneous ethanol injection into solid tumors of the soft tissues was a
      starting point in attempts to treat the thyroid nodules by the same method. The
      aim of the study was to assess the efficiency of percutaneous injection in
      treating solitary, nontoxic, autonomous thyroid nodules of up to 15 mL volume.
      METHODS: In 25 patients with solitary nontoxic autonomous thyroid nodules
      diagnosed by tehnetium-99m scanning as an intensive area having a complete
      supremacy in the paranodal tissue, an ultrasound guided percutaneous ethanol
      injection was applied. The procedure was carried out repeatedly once a week until
      the reduction in nodule size to 50% of the initial size was achieved. RESULTS: An
      average size of the nodule before curing was 9.68 +/- 5.01 mL. An average
      quantity of the injected ethanol was 9.52 +/- 5.08 mL, ie 1.06 +/- 0.48 mL/mg of
      the tissue. The regression of the nodule size in the successfully (deltavol% u 
      57.09 +/- 13.75%, p < 0.001) and partly successfully cured (deltavol du = -48.45
      +/- 14.35%, p < 0.05) was statistically significant compared to the size before
      the treatment. After ceasing ethanol injection, 18 months later, a further size
      regression (deltavol% = -79.20 +/- 9.89%) compared to the initial one (p < 0.001)
      was noticed. Soon, after the procedure was finished, a statistically significant
      concentration increase of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) was noticed compared
      to the initial values (0.18 +/- 0.16 vs 0.34 +/- 0.31 mU/L, p < 0.01). According
      to the given criteria, in two female patients satisfactory results were not
      achieved, but, a year later, in one of them the nodule was not seen by repeated
      scintigram. The number and frequency of side effects were insignificant.
      CONCLUSION: Repeated percutaneous ethanol injections into nontoxic solitary
      autonomous thyroid nodules result in disappearing of authonomy. The regression of
      the nodule size of more than 50% compared to its initial volume, as well as the
      increase in concentration of TSH for more than 50% are the signs of a successful
      treatment.

PMID- 22046883
TI  - Arthroscopic partial medial meniscectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Meniscal injuries are common in professional or recreational
      sports as well as in daily activities, If meniscal lesions lead to physical
      impairment they usually require surgical treatment. Arthroscopic treatment of
      meniscal injuries is one of the most often performed orthopedic operative
      procedures. METHODS: The study analyzed the results of arthroscopic partial
      medial meniscectomy in 213 patients in a 24-month period, from 2006, to 2008.
      RESULTS: In our series of arthroscopically treated medial meniscus tears we noted
      78 (36.62%) vertical complete bucket handle lesions, 19 (8.92%) vertical
      incomplete lesions, 18 (8.45%) longitudinal tears, 35 (16.43%) oblique tears, 18
      (8.45%) complex degenerative lesions, 17 (7.98%) radial lesions and 28 (13.14%)
      horisontal lesions. Mean preoperative International Knee Documentation Committee
      (IKDC) score was 49.81%, 1 month after the arthroscopic partial medial
      meniscectomy the mean IKDC score was 84.08%, and 6 months after mean IKDC score
      was 90.36%. Six months after the procedure 197 (92.49%) of patients had good or
      excellent subjective postoperative clinical outcomes, while 14 (6.57%) patients
      subjectively did not notice a significant improvement after the intervention, and
      2 (0.93%) patients had no subjective improvement after the partial medial
      meniscectomy at all. CONCLUSION: Arthroscopic partial medial meniscetomy is
      minimally invasive diagnostic and therapeutic procedure and in well selected
      cases is a method of choice for treatment of medial meniscus injuries when repair
      techniques are not a viable option. It has small rate of complications, low
      morbidity and fast rehabilitation.

PMID- 22046884
TI  - Arterial hypertension in the elderly.

PMID- 22046885
TI  - [Nutrigenomics--the science of the 21st century].

PMID- 22046886
TI  - Successful implantation of a permanent pacemaker through a persistent left
      superior vena cava by using a right subclavian approach.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Persistent left superior vena cava, a rare congenital abnormality,
      can complicate placement of pacemaker leads through the subclavian vein. A left
      sided approach is usually preferable in such cases. CASE REPORT: We reported a
      case in which we began a single-chamber pacemaker implantation procedure via a
      right subclavian approach (because of scarring beneath the left clavicle) and
      then discovered intraoperatively that the patient had a persistent left superior
      vena cava. After a few attempts, we succeeded in placing the head of the
      electrode in the septum, near the top of the right ventricle, and the rest of the
      procedure was completed without complication. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this
      is the first reported case of pacemaker implantation, with passive electrode,
      through a persistent left superior vena cava via the right subclavian vein. This
      case demonstrates that such an approach, when necessary, can be used
      successfully.

PMID- 22046887
TI  - [Surgical treatment of unicentric plasma cell histological type Castleman's
      disease].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Castleman's disease or angiofollicular lymph hyperplasia is a rare
      disease with two identified clinical forms. Unicentric or localized form is
      characterized by isolated growth of lymph nodes, most often in mediastinum, and
      multicentric form is expressed as systemic disease with spread lymphadenopathy,
      organomegaly and presence of general symptoms of the disease. Histological types
      are hyalovascular, plasma-cell and transitive (mixed) cell. CASE REPORT: This
      case report shows a woman, 59 years old, with unicentric form of plasma-cell type
      of Castleman's disease. Unicentric form is usually shown as hyalovascular
      histological type, extremely rare as plasma-cell type, and transitive (mixed)
      cell type was never described in literature as localized clinical form. The
      disease was manifested with chest pain, loss of body weight, exhaustion and
      weakness of legs. Further diagnostic procedures found the presence of enlarged
      lymph nodes paratracheally right, in a close contact with vena cava superior. The
      disease was confirmed by histopathological analysis of bioptated mediastinal
      lymph node after mediastinoscopy. Surgical treatment included extirpation of
      enlarged lymph nodes. After the regular postoperative condition, a full therapy
      effect was confirmed. CONCLUSION: Unicentric form of Castleman's disease is
      expressed with enlarged lymph nodes on predilected places, usually in
      mediastinum. Surgical treatment is best method for the management of the disease
      and brings a full recovery of patient.

PMID- 22046888
TI  - [Simultaneous phacoemulsification, lens implantation and endothelial keratoplasty
      (triple procedure)].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Simultaneous Descemet stripping endothelial keratoplasty,
      phacoemulsification, and intraocular lens implantation are indicated in Fuchs'
      dystrophy with associated cataract. Compared to the standard method of the triple
      procedure which includes penetrating keratoplasty, this new method has the
      advantages of sutureless surgery, small limbal incision, faster recovery, less
      surface problems, less astigmatism, stronger tensile strength and more
      predictable calculation of the intraocular lens power. This is the first report
      of such a combination of procedures in our literature. CASE REPORT: A 76-year-old
      woman suffered from a gradual bilateral visual loss. The best corrected visual
      acuity was 20/60 (right eye) and finger counting at 1m (left eye). Corneal
      thickness was 590 microm and 603 microm, respectively. A marked cornea guttata
      and nuclear cataract were present in both eyes. Phacoemulsification, lens
      implantation, and Descemet stripping were done in the left eye. The posterior
      lamellar corneal graft, 8.0 mm in diameter and about 150 microm thick, was bent
      and inserted through the limbal incision. The air was injected into the anterior
      chamber to attach the graft to the recipient stroma. The cornea remained clear,
      and the transplant was attached during a two-year follow-up. Visual acuity was
      20/40 after two months, and 20/25 after one year. CONCLUSION. The new technique
      proved itself as a good choice for the treatment of a mild Fuchs' dystrophy
      associated with cataract.

PMID- 22046889
TI  - [Sacral gigantocellular tumor treated with total sacrectomy and spinal-pelvic
      fixation].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Total sacrectomy with spinal-pelvic fixation is considered to be a
      successful approach to the radical surgical treatment of extensive sacral tumors,
      however, technically very demanding, thus only rarely reported in the literature.
      We presented a patient with sacral gigantocellular tumor managed successfully
      using this method but with certain standard operative techniques improvements.
      CASE REPORT: A 30-year old patient with a pronounced painful syndrome and
      sphincter disorders was confirmed to have sacral gigantocellular tumor affecting
      a greater part of the sacrum. Tumor resection was performed in the first act out
      off retroperitoneal organs (colon and blood vessels), sacroiliac joints were open
      by the ventral side, the L5 discus removed, the S2-S5 roots cut off. In the
      second act, performed three weeks later, sacrectomy was completed by the
      reconstruction of pelvic ring and spinal-pelvic fixation. Then, the standard
      technique was modified to provide additional spinal fixation. The results of the
      operation (duration, blood loss, postoperative deficit) were quite comparable
      with, and in some aspects even better than the results published in the
      literature. CONCLUSION: Total sacrectomy with spinal-pelvic fixation can be a
      therapy of choice in patients with extensive sacral tumors requaring, however,
      the multidisciplinary approach and a considerable experience with instrumental
      spinal stabilization.

PMID- 22046890
TI  - [Brain tumors in patients primarly treated psychiatrically].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Psychiatric symptoms are not rare manifestations of brain tumors.
      Brain tumors presented by symptoms of raised intracranial pressure, focal
      neurological signs, or convulsions are usually first seen by the neurologist or
      less frequently by the neurosurgeon in routine diagnostic procedures. On the
      other hand, when psychiatric symptoms are the first manifestation in
      "neurologically silent" brain tumors, the patients are sent to the psychiatrist
      for the treatment of psychiatric symptoms and brain tumors are left misdiagnosed
      for a long period of time. CASE REPORT: We presented three patients with the
      diagnosed brain tumor where psychiatrist had been the first specialist to be
      consulted. In all three cases neurological examination was generally unremarkable
      with no focal signs or features of raised intracranial pressure. CT scan
      demonstrated right insular tumor in a female patient with obsessive-compulsive
      disorder (OCD); right parietal temporal tumor in a patient with delusions and
      depression and left frontal tumor in a patient with history of alcohol
      dependency. CONCLUSION: Psychiatric symptoms/disorders in patients with brain
      tumors are not specific enough and can have the same clinical presentation as the
      genuine psychiatric disorder. Therefore, we emphasize the consideration of
      neuroimaging in patients with abrupt beginning of psychiatric symptoms, in those
      with a change in mental status, or when headaches suddenly appear or in cases of
      treatment resistant psychiatric disorders regardless the lack of neurological
      symptoms.

PMID- 22046891
TI  - Time warp. Seeing people from the past.

PMID- 22046892
TI  - Knowing. It's a key component of a successful career.

PMID- 22046893
TI  - Just say no. With a drug test pending, an injured EMT wants no part of pain meds.

PMID- 22046894
TI  - The executive EMS officer. What values and competencies does an EMS executive
      need to succeed?

PMID- 22046895
TI  - Orthopedic assessment. Injured extremities need not just be left for the
      radiologist.

PMID- 22046896
TI  - Virtual care. How telemedicine is transforming the delivery of emergency medical
      services in the field.

PMID- 22046897
TI  - 6 easy steps to weathering the financial storm. By dismissing the "victim"
      mentality, you can create a blueprint to thrive.

PMID- 22046898
TI  - Strategizing for success. When it comes to managing a volunteer agency, evaluate
      operations much like you would patients to determine the best treatment option.

PMID- 22046899
TI  - When hypoglycemia attacks. The devastating effects of long-term diabetes and
      recurrent hypoglycemic events.

PMID- 22046900
TI  - Transition series: topics for the EMT. Part 5: Soft tissue injuries: crush injury
      and compartment syndrome.

PMID- 22046901
TI  - Safer new world. It's on everyone's minds in the ambulance business, and about to
      be move so.

PMID- 22046902
TI  - Anal medics: don't be a-freud. The traits that annoy others may make you a better
      caregiver.

PMID- 22046903
TI  - Blended learning: an ideal combination for dental practice.

PMID- 22046904
TI  - Contemporary adhesive bonding: bridging the gap between research and clinical
      practice.
AB  - The dawn of minimally invasive dentistry has led to the development of materials
      which rely on the use of effective adhesion to bond to remaining tooth tissue.
      Successful adhesive bonding is dependent upon appreciating the quality of the
      dental substrate, appropriate clinical handling of the material and patient,
      together with an appreciation of the chemistry of the adhesive. This paper
      outlines the current status of contemporary bonding, with particular emphasis on
      translating laboratory-based evidence into clinical practice. Using laboratory
      based evidence, the ability of a bond to achieve a seal to enamel appears to be
      the best predictor of clinical performance. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This article
      discusses the issues raised when translating research data about adhesive bonding
      from the laboratory to clinical dental practice.

PMID- 22046905
TI  - Aesthetic smile evaluation--a non-invasive solution.
AB  - Enhancement of the aesthetic zone is a common reason for patients to seek dental
      care. This article describes a protocol for the examination, assessment and
      treatment planning for a patient seeking a solution to an aesthetic concern. The
      technique of undertaking an intra-oral'mock-up' using resin composite as a
      diagnostic approach can be particularly helpful when planning for future
      prosthodontic rehabilitation. The latter can allow the operator and patient to
      visualize crudely what is aesthetically and functionally possible, given the
      constraints imposed by that patient. The patient has ultimately managed in a
      minimally invasive manner. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: It can be very tempting for a
      dental operator to impose his/her concepts of the'artistic ideal' when planning
      for care in the smile zone. Such ideals are largely based on established
      universal aesthetic principles of tooth colour, size, shape, form, position,
      symmetry and proportion. However, beauty is a very subjective matter. It is
      essential for the operator to listen attentively to his/her patient's concerns.
      Meticulous patient examination and assessment are absolutely critical factors in
      attempting to attain a successful outcome. The use of reversible, chairside intra
      oral mock-up techniques can not only help with the transference of essential
      information to the dental technician when planning for restorative intervention
      in the smile zone, but can also allow the patient to gain an insight and indeed
      contribute his/her views to the possible restorative endpoint, respectively.

PMID- 22046906
TI  - Prosthodontic care for elderly patients.
AB  - For older patients, clinicians should consider maintaining teeth and using
      functionally-orientated treatment strategies as an alternative to removable
      prostheses. When the remaining dentition has a poor prognosis, key teeth should
      be preserved as overdenture abutments and a gradual transition to edentulousness
      planned. Where complete dentures are provided, these can be retained using dental
      implants to overcome many of the problems associated with conventional
      replacement dentures. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The elderly population of today is
      better informed and more demanding of oral healthcare providers than previous
      generations. Clinicians should be aware of all the prosthodontic treatment
      options available for older patients.

PMID- 22046907
TI  - Primary cutaneous CD8-positive T-cell lymphoma: a case report of a rare and
      aggressive disease with oral presentation.
AB  - A case of a 66-year-old man, who was referred to the Oral Medicine service with
      persistent oral ulceration and widespread cutaneous rash is presented. Laboratory
      investigations confirmed a diagnosis of epitheliotropic, CD8-positive, cytotoxic,
      T-cell lymphoma. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Oral ulceration represents a heterogeneous
      group of aetiologies: the patient with this more concerning pathology presented
      both to his general medical and dental practitioners.

PMID- 22046908
TI  - 'Simultaneous technique' and a hybrid Microseal/PacMac obturation.
AB  - In these endodontic case reports we present a root canal preparation protocol
      using the Mtwo Ni-Ti rotary files according to the 'simultaneous technique' which
      is a'crown-down' approach, where every instrument in the sequence is used to the
      full working length. A hybrid Microseal/PacMac obturation (consisting of three
      stages: master cone compaction, backfill with pre-plasticized guttapercha and
      vertical compaction) is proposed in order to: maintain the obturation length
      control associated with the Microseal system; use preheated gutta-percha to
      backfill the canal rapidly with the PacMac condensor; and to reduce potential
      voids in the obturation material with the final vertical compaction. CLINICAL
      RELEVANCE: The'simultaneous technique'followed by apical preparation using Mtwo
      apical files allows obturation using the proposed hybrid Microseal/Pacmac method,
      aiming to overcome some of the shortcomings of the Microseal and Pacmac
      obturation methods, such as length control difficulty and sealer pooling.

PMID- 22046909
TI  - Sickle cell disease, dentistry and conscious sedation.
AB  - The features of sickle cell disease (SCD) are described. Two case reports of
      patients treated in a Dental Institute are presented and the dental management of
      patients with SCD discussed. Since infection is one of the major risk factors for
      sickle cell crisis, the prevention of oral disease and infection is vital for
      this group of patients and there is no contra-indication to the delivery of
      dental treatment under local anaesthetic with inhalational sedation if required
      in the primary care setting. Since patients with sickle cell disease are
      particularly vulnerable to the effects of periods of hypoxia, which may produce
      significant morbidity, and because of the additional practical challenges in
      sedating this group of patients, intravenous sedation should be undertaken in a
      specialist unit. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The increasing prevalence of sickle cell
      disease highlights the importance of dentists practising in multi-cultural
      communities having an understanding of this condition and its implications on
      their clinical practice. This will facilitate the safe management of patients
      with sickle cell disease.

PMID- 22046910
TI  - 'Shenanigans at the General Dental Council'.

PMID- 22046911
TI  - MHRA and CSD: here to help.

PMID- 22046912
TI  - Fluoride in the media: a review of newspaper articles from 1999 to 2009 (Dent
      Update 2011; 38:86-92).

PMID- 22046913
TI  - Oral cancer: comprehending the condition, causes, controversies, control and
      consequences. 9. Quality of life.

PMID- 22046914
TI  - Technique tips--a novel isolation technique for multiple severely broken down
      teeth requiring endodontic treatment.

PMID- 22046915
TI  - Physical signs for the general dental practitioner. Case 87. Adrenal
      insufficiency.

PMID- 22046916
TI  - Safe staffing levers should be mandatory.

PMID- 22046917
TI  - NMC and Unison clash over nurses' right to take industrial action.

PMID- 22046918
TI  - RCN lobbies House of Lords in bid to secure mandatory staff ratios.

PMID- 22046919
TI  - Head of Bahrain's nurses calls for backing of profession worldwide.

PMID- 22046921
TI  - Health visitors still under pressure despite their recent 'renaissance'.

PMID- 22046920
TI  - Lansley pledges to cut bureaucracy and drive up nursing care standards.

PMID- 22046922
TI  - Redundancy is personal.

PMID- 22046923
TI  - Packed and ready to go.
AB  - Timely discharge from hospital is a fundamental part of care that requires staff
      to be well trained, clear about their roles and open to innovative ideas.

PMID- 22046924
TI  - Burning issue.
AB  - Severe, persistent heartburn is a risk factor for a form of oesophageal cancer.
      Increasing awareness of this link among health professionals and the public could
      lead to earlier diagnosis and treatment.

PMID- 22046925
TI  - Improving health outcomes for people with learning disabilities.
AB  - Modern healthcare policy is driven by an emphasis on the philosophy of inclusion,
      yet in the past decade there has been increasing recognition that people with
      learning disabilities experience a range of difficulties when trying to access
      general healthcare services. The Disability Discrimination Acts of 1995 and 2005,
      and the Equality Act 2010, have driven service providers to find areas where
      'reasonable adjustments' can be made to ensure improved health outcomes. This
      article considers the background context as well as exploring what reasonable
      adjustments mean in practice.

PMID- 22046926
TI  - Pain assessment tools for older people with cognitive impairment.
AB  - This article summarises and critiques various tools available for the assessment
      of pain in older people with cognitive impairment. Definitions of pain are
      numerous and are not always relevant to people with cognitive impairment because
      these individuals are often unable to describe or communicate their pain. This
      makes it difficult for healthcare professionals to assess the absence or presence
      of pain in these patients. The aim of this article is to establish which of the
      available pain assessment tools are most appropriate for use in older people with
      cognitive impairment. From a review of the literature, the authors conclude that
      pain assessment in older people with any degree of cognitive impairment is
      complex and there is no gold standard.

PMID- 22046927
TI  - Atrial fibrillation and primary stroke prevention.
AB  - Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac arrhythmia that significantly
      increases the risk of ischaemic (embolic) stroke. The primary aim of this article
      is to help healthcare practitioners understand the link between AF and stroke and
      to assist them in assessing and managing high-risk patients. The association
      between a cardiac arrhythmia and a disabling cerebral event is not always
      understood fully. However, all healthcare professionals are in a position to
      identify patients with AF.

PMID- 22046928
TI  - Cancer cachexia.

PMID- 22046929
TI  - Divine community care.

PMID- 22046930
TI  - Meet with approval.

PMID- 22046931
TI  - Dummy run.

PMID- 22046932
TI  - Fluoride is an essential element of childhood oral health.

PMID- 22046933
TI  - Histologic, microbial testing to confirm dermatologic conditions.

PMID- 22046935
TI  - Improving adult immunization rates: overcoming barriers.

PMID- 22046936
TI  - Better integration of mental health care improves depression screening and
      treatment in primary care.

PMID- 22046937
TI  - Opioid antagonists for the treatment of alcohol dependence.

PMID- 22046938
TI  - Cognitive interventions for improving cognitive function.

PMID- 22046939
TI  - Shave and punch biopsy for skin lesions.
AB  - Shave and punch biopsies are essential procedures for physicians who manage skin
      conditions. These office-based procedures can diagnose questionable dermatologic
      lesions, including possible malignancies. Approaches include the superficial
      shave biopsy, saucerization excision, punch biopsy, and elliptical excision. A
      superficial shave biopsy can be used for raised lesions. A saucerization biopsy
      may be performed for flat or pigmented lesions. Punch biopsies yield full
      thickness samples and can be used for lesions that require dermal or subcutaneous
      tissue for diagnosis. Indications for biopsy of suspected melanoma remain
      controversial. Sufficient tissue may be obtained with the quicker, less costly
      saucerization biopsy or the more time-consuming, invasive elliptical excisional
      biopsy.

PMID- 22046940
TI  - Causes and evaluation of mildly elevated liver transaminase levels.
AB  - Mild elevations in levels of the liver enzymes alanine transaminase and aspartate
      transaminase are commonly discovered in asymptomatic patients in primary care.
      Evidence to guide the diagnostic workup is limited. If the history and physical
      examination do not suggest a cause, a stepwise evaluation should be initiated
      based on the prevalence of diseases that cause mild elevations in transaminase
      levels. The most common cause is nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, which can
      affect up to 30 percent of the population. Other common causes include alcoholic
      liver disease, medication-associated liver injury, viral hepatitis (hepatitis B
      and C), and hemochromatosis. Less common causes include alpha(1)-antitrypsin
      deficiency, autoimmune hepatitis, and Wilson disease. Extrahepatic conditions
      (e.g., thyroid disorders, celiac disease, hemolysis, muscle disorders) can also
      cause elevated liver transaminase levels. Initial testing should include a
      fasting lipid profile; measurement of glucose, serum iron, and ferritin; total
      iron-binding capacity; and hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis C virus
      antibody testing. If test results are normal, a trial of lifestyle modification
      with observation or further testing for less common causes is appropriate.
      Additional testing may include ultrasonography; measurement of alpha(1)
      antitrypsin and ceruloplasmin; serum protein electrophoresis; and antinuclear
      antibody, smooth muscle antibody, and liver/kidney microsomal antibody type 1
      testing. Referral for further evaluation and possible liver biopsy is recommended
      if transaminase levels remain elevated for six months or more.

PMID- 22046941
TI  - Elevated liver enzymes.

PMID- 22046942
TI  - Update on immunizations in adults.
AB  - Vaccine-preventable diseases contribute significantly to the morbidity and
      mortality of U.S. adults. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the
      Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updates its recommended adult
      immunization schedule annually. The most recent updates include the permissive
      but not routine use of the quadrivalent human papillomavirus vaccine to prevent
      genital warts in males; a single dose of herpes zoster vaccine for adults 60
      years and older, regardless of their history; replacing a single dose of tetanus
      and diphtheria toxoids (Td) vaccine with tetanus, diphtheria, and acellular
      pertussis (Tdap) vaccine in adults 19 years and older who have not previously
      received Tdap; expanding the indications for pneumococcal polyvalent-23 vaccine
      to include all adults with asthma and all smokers; annual seasonal influenza
      vaccination for all adults; and booster doses of meningococcal vaccine for adults
      with high-risk conditions. It is vital for family physicians to implement a
      systematic approach to adult immunization that is patient-, staff-, and physician
      focused.

PMID- 22046943
TI  - Diagnosis and management of osteomyelitis.
AB  - The incidence of chronic osteomyelitis is increasing because of the prevalence of
      predisposing conditions such as diabetes mellitus and peripheral vascular
      disease. The increased availability of sensitive imaging tests, such as magnetic
      resonance imaging and bone scintigraphy, has improved diagnostic accuracy and the
      ability to characterize the infection. Plain radiography is a useful initial
      investigation to identify alternative diagnoses and potential complications.
      Direct sampling of the wound for culture and antimicrobial sensitivity is
      essential to target treatment. The increased incidence of methicillin-resistant
      Staphylococcus aureus osteomyelitis complicates antibiotic selection. Surgical
      debridement is usually necessary in chronic cases. The recurrence rate remains
      high despite surgical intervention and long-term antibiotic therapy. Acute
      hematogenous osteomyelitis in children typically can be treated with a four-week
      course of antibiotics. In adults, the duration of antibiotic treatment for
      chronic osteomyelitis is typically several weeks longer. In both situations,
      however, empiric antibiotic coverage for S. aureus is indicated.

PMID- 22046944
TI  - Osteomyelitis: what you should know.

PMID- 22046945
TI  - Bubbles on the skin following renal transplant.

PMID- 22046946
TI  - Flaws in clinical reasoning: a common cause of diagnostic error.

PMID- 22046949
TI  - E-Z Gold Starter Kit Items Available.

PMID- 22046950
TI  - Vehicle head restraint positioning knowledge and behaviours in a sample of Irish
      drivers.
AB  - A correctly positioned vehicle head restraint (HR) can reduce whiplash injury
      risk in collisions, however, HRs are often sub-optimally positioned. The primary
      aim of this study was to investigate vehicle HR position and driver knowledge of
      correct HR positioning in an Irish population. Secondary aims were to investigate
      the associations with driver age, gender and vehicle age. Data collection
      involved HR measurement and a driver questionnaire (n = 110). Just 27% of drivers
      had optimal HR positioning, while 30% had poor or marginal positioning. Newer
      vehicles (<5 years old) had better positioned HR in the horizontal plane (p =
      0.036), than older vehicles. Younger drivers (<30 years) were more likely to have
      poorer positioning of HR (p = 0.002), than the 30 years or over group. Females
      were more likely to have better vertical positioning of their HR (p = 0.003) than
      males. Driver knowledge of correct position was variable, and not associated with
      actual HR position, with 65% knowing the correct vertical positioning standard
      but only 27% identifying the correct horizontal position. Many drivers have
      inadequately positioned HR, which needs to be addressed by improved vehicle
      design and public education.

PMID- 22046951
TI  - Copper-catalyzed tyrosine nitration.
AB  - Tyrosine nitration, often observed during neurodegenerative disorders under
      nitrative stress, is usually considered to be induced chemically either by nitric
      oxide and oxygen forming nitrogen dioxide or by the decomposition of
      peroxynitrite. It can also be induced enzymatically by peroxidases or superoxide
      dismutases in the presence of both hydrogen peroxide and nitrite forming nitrogen
      dioxide and/or peroxynitrite. In this study, the role of cupric ions for
      catalyzing tyrosine nitration in the presence of hydrogen peroxide and nitrite,
      by a chemical mechanism rather similar to enzymatic pathways where nitrite is
      oxidized to form nitrogen dioxide, was investigated by development of a
      microreactor also capable of acting as an emitter for electrospray ionization
      mass spectrometry analysis. Indeed, cupric ions and peptide-cupric ion complexes
      are found to be excellent Fenton catalysts, even better than Fe(III) or heme, for
      the formation of (*)OH radicals and/or copper(II)-bound (*)OH radicals from
      hydrogen peroxide. These radicals are efficiently scavenged by nitrite anions to
      form (*)NO(2) and by tyrosine to form tyrosine radicals, leading to tyrosine
      nitration in polypeptides. We also show that cupric ions can catalyze tyrosine
      nitration from nitric oxide, oxygen, and hydrogen peroxide as the formation of
      tyrosine radicals is increased in the presence of diffusible and/or copper(II)
      bound hydroxyl radicals. This study shows that copper has a polyvalent role in
      the processes of tyrosine nitration.

PMID- 22046953
TI  - Asian-specific total knee system: 5-14 year follow-up study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Knee size and body size differ in Asians compared with Caucasians.
      Nevertheless, many total knee arthroplasty (TKA) prostheses used worldwide are
      made for Western Caucasian subjects. As a result, an Asian's knee might not fit
      these prostheses. We studied the Flexible Nichidai Knee (FNK) system, a new model
      of TKA for Asian patients. The purpose of this report is to investigate the
      outcomes of this prosthesis retrospectively. METHODS: We investigated 1055
      primary TKAs in 595 patients who underwent FNK for osteoarthritis (OA) in Japan
      and were followed for > 5 years. The knee score and function score were used for
      clinical evaluation. We examined the range of motion (ROM) preoperatively and at
      final follow-up and radiographic assessments. In addition, postoperative
      complications were investigated. A survivorship analysis was also conducted using
      two endpoints: revision for any reason and aseptic failure. RESULTS: 890 knees in
      502 patients were available for study (follow-up rate of 96.0%). The mean follow
      up term was 8.3 years (range, 5.0-14.1 years). The knee and function score
      significantly improved from 41.3 to 90.3 and from 39.1 to 76.2 points,
      respectively (p < 0.001). The mean ROM in FNK posterior cruciate retaining (CR)
      type and FNK posterior-stabilized (PS) type ameliorated significantly from 107.8
      degrees  and 95.6 degrees  to 110.7 degrees  and 110.4 degrees , respectively (p
      < 0.01). Ten knees underwent revision surgery (infection in 3 cases, instability
      in 2, loosening in 2, and non-union of femoral supracondylar fracture, severe
      pain, and recurrent hemarthrosis in 1 each). The survivorship rate was 99.4% (95%
      CI, 99.0-99.8) at 5 years (n = 952 patients at risk) and 96.2% (95% CI, 91.9-100)
      at 12.5 years (n = 49 patients at risk). CONCLUSION: The FNK prosthesis for
      Asians achieved excellent mid- to long-term survivorship and clinical results.

PMID- 22046952
TI  - Immunobiotic lactic acid bacteria beneficially regulate immune response triggered
      by poly(I:C) in porcine intestinal epithelial cells.
AB  - This study analyzed the functional expression of TLR3 in various gastrointestinal
      tissues from adult swine and shows that TLR3 is expressed preferentially in
      intestinal epithelial cells (IEC), CD172a(+)CD11R1(high) and CD4(+) cells from
      ileal Peyer's patches. We characterized the inflammatory immune response
      triggered by TLR3 activation in a clonal porcine intestinal epitheliocyte cell
      line (PIE cells) and in PIE-immune cell co-cultures, and demonstrated that these
      systems are valuable tools to study in vitro the immune response triggered by
      TLR3 on IEC and the interaction between IEC and immune cells. In addition, we
      selected an immunobiotic lactic acid bacteria strain, Lactobacillus casei
      MEP221106, able to beneficially regulate the anti-viral immune response triggered
      by poly(I:C) stimulation in PIE cells. Moreover, we deepened our understanding of
      the possible mechanisms of immunobiotic action by demonstrating that L. casei
      MEP221106 modulates the interaction between IEC and immune cells during the
      generation of a TLR3-mediated immune response.

PMID- 22046955
TI  - Magnetic manipulation and optical imaging of an active plasmonic single-particle
      Fe-Au nanorod.
AB  - Superparamagnetic microbeads play an important role in a number of scientific and
      biotechnology applications including single-molecule force measurements, affinity
      separation, and in vivo and in vitro diagnostics. Magneto-optically active
      nanorods composed of single-crystalline Au and polycrystalline Fe segments were
      synthesized with diameters of 60 or 295 nm using templated electrodeposition. The
      Fe section was magnetically soft and had a saturation magnetization of
      approximately 200 emu/g, resulting in a 10-fold increase in magnetization
      relative to that iron oxide nanoparticles. The strong plasmonic response of the
      Au segment of the rod in both the longitudinal and transverse directions made it
      possible to detect the orientation of a single rod in a polarized light
      microscope with nanometer resolution. These nanorods provide significantly
      improved physical properties over iron oxide superparamagnetic beads, making it
      possible to simultaneously manipulate and monitor the orientation of biomolecules
      with well-defined forces at the nanometer scale.

PMID- 22046954
TI  - Raster-scanned carbon ion therapy for malignant salivary gland tumors: acute
      toxicity and initial treatment response.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To investigate toxicity and efficacy in high-risk
      malignant salivary gland tumors (MSGT) of the head and neck. Local control in R2
      resected adenoid cystic carcinoma was already improved with a combination of IMRT
      and carbon ion boost at only mild side-effects, hence this treatment was also
      offered to patients with MSGT and microscopic residual disease (R1) or perineural
      spread (Pn+). METHODS: From November 2009, all patients with MSGT treated with
      carbon ion therapy were evaluated. Acute side effects were scored according to
      CTCAE v.4.03. Tumor response was assessed according to RECIST where applicable.
      RESULTS: 103 patients were treated from 11/2009 to 03/2011, median follow-up is 6
      months. 60 pts received treatment following R2 resections or as definitive
      radiation, 43 patients received adjuvant radiation for R1 and/or Pn+. 16 patients
      received carbon ion treatment for re-irradiation. Median total dose was 73.2 GyE
      (23.9 GyE carbon ions + 49,9 Gy IMRT) for primary treatment and 44.9 GyE carbon
      ions for re-irradiation. All treatments were completed as planned and generally
      well tolerated with no > CTC degrees III toxicity. Rates of CTC degrees III
      toxicity (mucositis and dysphagia) were 8.7% with side-effects almost completely
      resolved at first follow-up.47 patients showed good treatment responses (CR/PR)
      according to RECIST. CONCLUSION: Acute toxicity remains low in IMRT with carbon
      ion boost also in R1-resected patients and patients undergoing re-irradiation. R2
      resected patients showed high rates of treatment response, though follow-up is
      too short to assess long-term disease control.

PMID- 22046956
TI  - Effects of the distributions of energy or charge transfer rates on spectral hole
      burning in pigment-protein complexes at low temperatures.
AB  - Effects of the distributions of excitation energy transfer (EET) rates
      (homogeneous line widths) on the nonphotochemical (resonant) spectral hole
      burning (SHB) processes in photosynthetic chlorophyll-protein complexes (reaction
      center [RC] and CP43 antenna of Photosystem II from spinach) are considered. It
      is demonstrated that inclusion of such a distribution results in somewhat more
      dispersive hole burning kinetics. More importantly, however, inclusion of the EET
      rate distributions strongly affects the dependence of the hole width on the
      fractional hole depth. Different types of line width distributions have been
      explored, including those resulting from Forster type EET between weakly
      interacting pigments as well as Gaussian ones, which may be a reasonable
      approximation for those resulting, for instance, from so-called extended Forster
      models. For Gaussian line width distributions, it is possible to determine the
      parameters of both line width and tunneling parameter distributions from SHB data
      without a priori knowledge of any of them. Concerning more realistic asymmetric
      distributions, we demonstrate, using the simple example of CP43 antenna, that one
      can use SHB modeling to estimate electrostatic couplings between pigments and
      support or exclude assignment of certain pigment(s) to a particular state.

PMID- 22046957
TI  - Congruent genetic structure in the lichen-forming fungus Lobaria pulmonaria and
      its green-algal photobiont.
AB  - The extent of codispersal of symbionts is one of the key factors shaping genetic
      structures of symbiotic organisms. Concordant patterns of genetic structure are
      expected in vertically transmitted symbioses, whereas horizontal transmission
      generally uncouples genetic structures unless the partners are coadapted. Here,
      we compared the genetic structures of mutualists, the lichen-forming fungus
      Lobaria pulmonaria and its primary green-algal photobiont, Dictyochloropsis
      reticulata. We performed analysis of molecular variance and variogram analysis to
      compare genetic structures between symbiosis partners. We simulated the expected
      number of multilocus-genotype recurrences to reveal whether the distribution of
      multilocus genotypes of either species was concordant with panmixia. Simulations
      and tests of linkage disequilibrium provided compelling evidence for the
      codispersal of mutualists. To test whether genotype associations between
      symbionts were consistent with randomness, as expected under horizontal
      transmission, we simulated the recurrence of fungal-algal multilocus genotype
      associations expected by chance. Our data showed nonrandom associations of fungal
      and algal genotypes. Either vertical transmission or horizontal transmission
      coupled with coadaptation between symbiont genotypes may have created these
      nonrandom associations. This study is among the first to show codispersal and
      highly congruent genetic structures in the partners of a lichen mutualism.

PMID- 22046958
TI  - A comprehensive analysis of genes encoding small secreted proteins identifies
      candidate effectors in Melampsora larici-populina (poplar leaf rust).
AB  - The obligate biotrophic rust fungus Melampsora larici-populina is the most
      devastating and widespread pathogen of poplars. Studies over recent years have
      identified various small secreted proteins (SSP) from plant biotrophic
      filamentous pathogens and have highlighted their role as effectors in host
      pathogen interactions. The recent analysis of the M. larici-populina genome
      sequence has revealed the presence of 1,184 SSP-encoding genes in this rust
      fungus. In the present study, the expression and evolutionary dynamics of these
      SSP were investigated to pinpoint the arsenal of putative effectors that could be
      involved in the interaction between the rust fungus and poplar. Similarity with
      effectors previously described in Melampsora spp., richness in cysteines, and
      organization in large families were extensively detailed and discussed. Positive
      selection analyses conducted over clusters of paralogous genes revealed fast
      evolving candidate effectors. Transcript profiling of selected M. laricipopulina
      SSP showed a timely coordinated expression during leaf infection, and the
      accumulation of four candidate effectors in distinct rust infection structures
      was demonstrated by immunolocalization. This integrated and multifaceted approach
      helps to prioritize candidate effector genes for functional studies.

PMID- 22046959
TI  - Sclerotinia sclerotiorum gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (Ss-Ggt1) is required for
      regulating glutathione accumulation and development of sclerotia and compound
      appressoria.
AB  - Transcripts encoding Sclerotinia sclerotiorum gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (Ss
      Ggt1) were found to accumulate specifically during sclerotium, apothecium, and
      compound appressorium development in S. sclerotiorum. To determine the
      requirement of this protein in these developmental processes, gene deletion
      mutants of Ss-ggt1 were generated and five independent homokaryotic DeltaSs-ggt1
      mutants were characterized. All deletion mutants overproduced sclerotial initials
      that were arrested in further development or eventually produced sclerotia with
      aberrant rind layers. During incubation for carpogenic germination, these
      sclerotia decayed and failed to produce apothecia. Total glutathione accumulation
      was approximately 10-fold higher and H(2)O(2) hyperaccumulated in DeltaSs-ggt1
      sclerotia compared with the wild type. Production of compound appressoria was
      also negatively affected. On host plants, these mutants exhibited a defect in
      infection efficiency and a delay in initial symptom development unless the host
      tissue was wounded prior to inoculation. These results suggest that Ss-Ggt1 is
      the primary enzyme involved in glutathione recycling during these key
      developmental stages of the S. sclerotiorum life cycle but Ss-Ggt1 is not
      required for host colonization and symptom development. The accumulation of
      oxidized glutathione is hypothesized to negatively impact these developmental
      processes by disrupting the dynamic redox environment associated with
      multicellular development.

PMID- 22046960
TI  - N-terminal motifs in some plant disease resistance proteins function in membrane
      attachment and contribute to disease resistance.
AB  - To investigate the role of N-terminal domains of plant disease resistance
      proteins in membrane targeting, the N termini of a number of Arabidopsis and flax
      disease resistance proteins were fused to green fluorescent protein (GFP) and the
      fusion proteins localized in planta using confocal microscopy. The N termini of
      the Arabidopsis RPP1-WsB and RPS5 resistance proteins and the PBS1 protein, which
      is required for RPS5 resistance, targeted GFP to the plasma membrane, and
      mutation of predicted myristoylation and potential palmitoylation sites resulted
      in a shift to nucleocytosolic localization. The N-terminal domain of the membrane
      attached Arabidopsis RPS2 resistance protein was targeted incompletely to the
      plasma membrane. In contrast, the N-terminal domains of the Arabidopsis RPP1-WsA
      and flax L6 and M resistance proteins, which carry predicted signal anchors, were
      targeted to the endomembrane system, RPP1-WsA to the endoplasmic reticulum and
      the Golgi apparatus, L6 to the Golgi apparatus, and M to the tonoplast. Full
      length L6 was also targeted to the Golgi apparatus. Site-directed mutagenesis of
      six nonconserved amino acid residues in the signal anchor domains of L6 and M was
      used to change the localization of the L6 N-terminal fusion protein to that of M
      and vice versa, showing that these residues control the targeting specificity of
      the signal anchor. Replacement of the signal anchor domain of L6 by that of M did
      not affect L6 protein accumulation or resistance against flax rust expressing
      AvrL567 but removal of the signal anchor domain reduced L6 protein accumulation
      and L6 resistance, suggesting that membrane attachment is required to stabilize
      the L6 protein.

PMID- 22046961
TI  - Efficacy and safety of budesonide/formoterol via a dry powder inhaler in Chinese
      patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of budesonide (BUD)/formoterol
      (FORM) compared with BUD, both administered by way of a dry powder inhaler
      (Turbuhaler * ). * Turbuhaler is a registered trade name of AstraZeneca,
      Sodertalje, Sweden. METHODS: This was a 6-month, multicenter, randomized,
      parallel-group, double-blind, double-dummy design study (NCT 00421122). Patients
      were randomized to either BUD/FORM 160/4.5 MUg, two inhalations twice daily, or
      BUD 200 MUg, two inhalations twice daily. Improvement of lung function, daily
      symptoms, reliever use and health-related quality-of-life (St George's
      Respiratory Questionnaire [SGRQ] score) were compared between the two treatment
      groups. RESULTS: A total of 308 patients with moderate to very severe COPD from
      12 centers in China were randomized to BUD/FORM (n = 156) or BUD (n = 152). The
      primary endpoint, 1-hour post-dose forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1),
      in the BUD/FORM group improved by 0.18 L (from 0.83 L at baseline to 1.01 L) and
      this was significantly better (p < 0.001) than the small increase (0.03 L)
      observed in the BUD group after 24 weeks' treatment. Increases in pre-dose and 15
      min post-dose FEV(1) together with 1-hour post-dose forced vital capacity were
      also significantly larger with BUD/FORM than BUD (p < 0.001 for all). Compared
      with BUD alone, BUD/FORM improved COPD total symptom scores (-1.04 +/- 0.16 vs. 
      0.55 +/- 0.17; p = 0.03), reduced reliever use (-0.85 +/- 0.16 puffs/day vs. 
      0.31 +/- 0.16 puffs/day; p = 0.012) and improved health-related quality-of-life
      (mean change of total SGRQ score -4.5 points (p = 0.0182). Overall, both
      treatments were well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: In Chinese patients with moderate to
      very severe COPD, fixed combination treatment with BUD/FORM resulted in
      clinically meaningful improvements in lung function, health-related quality-of
      life, COPD symptoms and a reduction in reliever use, compared with BUD alone and
      both treatments were well tolerated. Treatment of BUD/FORM for milder patients
      with COPD and head to head comparison of Chinese and Caucasians in future studies
      will be helpful to expand upon the findings of the current clinical trial.

PMID- 22046963
TI  - Photorelease of primary aliphatic and aromatic amines by visible-light-induced
      electron transfer.
AB  - Visible-light-absorbing tris(bipyridyl)ruthenium(II) has been used to mediate
      electron transfer to N-methylpicolinium carbamates that undergo C-O bond
      fragmentation followed by spontaneous carbon dioxide release to give free amines.
      Release of several aliphatic and aromatic primary amines has been demonstrated
      under mild conditions using visible light.

PMID- 22046962
TI  - Self-assembling, protein-based intracellular bacterial organelles: emerging
      vehicles for encapsulating, targeting and delivering therapeutical cargoes.
AB  - Many bacterial species contain intracellular nano- and micro-compartments
      consisting of self-assembling proteins that form protein-only shells. These
      structures are built up by combinations of a reduced number of repeated elements,
      from 60 repeated copies of one unique structural element self-assembled in
      encapsulins of 24 nm to 10,000-20,000 copies of a few protein species assembled
      in a organelle of around 100-150 nm in cross-section. However, this apparent
      simplicity does not correspond to the structural and functional sophistication of
      some of these organelles. They package, by not yet definitely solved mechanisms,
      one or more enzymes involved in specific metabolic pathways, confining such
      reactions and sequestering or increasing the inner concentration of unstable,
      toxics or volatile intermediate metabolites. From a biotechnological point of
      view, we can use the self assembling properties of these particles for directing
      shell assembling and enzyme packaging, mimicking nature to design new
      applications in biotechnology. Upon appropriate engineering of the building
      blocks, they could act as a new family of self-assembled, protein-based vehicles
      in Nanomedicine to encapsulate, target and deliver therapeutic cargoes to
      specific cell types and/or tissues. This would provide a new, intriguing platform
      of microbial origin for drug delivery.

PMID- 22046964
TI  - Fever and associated clinical haematologic and blood biochemical changes in the
      goat and other animal species.
AB  - Summary   Acute febrile diseases are characterized by specific and non-specific
      symptoms. The non-specific responses are presented under the headings: fever,
      inflammation and pain, experimental models for investigating febrile reactions,
      haematologic changes, blood biochemical changes, cardiovascular effects, changes
      in gastric function, and the effects of fever upon pharmacokinetics of drugs. It
      was the purpose of this review to describe present concepts of thermoregulation
      and fever, the associated reactions produced by bacterial pyrogens and the
      mechanisms of these reactions. The available data illustrate, that many questions
      have not yet been clearly answered.   However, the entire field of research
      involving endogenous substances, such as interleukin-1, is now moving ahead with
      great speed. Furthermore, there is some evidence which suggests that fever and
      the associated lower plasma zinc and iron levels act together as a co-ordinated
      non-specific host defence mechanism. Since experimental fever has a distinct
      effect upon the pharmacokinetics of drugs, more attention should be given to this
      aspect.

PMID- 22046966
TI  - Ficus platyphylla promotes fertility in female Rattus norvegicus Wistar strain: a
      preliminary study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ficus platyphylla Delile (family-Moracea) commonly called gutta
      percha tree is a deciduous plant found in savannah areas. It grows widely in the
      Northern part of Nigeria, up to 60 ft. high and is known as 'gamji' by the
      Hausas. The seeds, bark and leaves have been used traditionally in combination to
      promote fertility. Scientifically, the plant has been shown to have analgesic,
      anti-inflammatory and CNS effects. The present study was to validate the use of
      this plant to promote fertility in female Rattus norvegicus Wistar strain using
      various fertility parameters. METHODS: Female Rattus norvegicus Wistar strain
      weighing between 150-180 g were randomly selected and divided into two major
      groups. Each group was subdivided into 5 treatment groups of 100, 200, 400 mg/kg
      BW of aqueous extract of F. platyphylla and a control group of 5 ml/kg of
      distilled water. A positive control of clomiphene citrate was used. Treatment of
      the first group was discontinued after 15 days prior to mating (pre-mating
      treatment group), while the other was treated continuously till delivery
      (continuous treatment group). At the 10th day, females were sacrificed and
      implantation sites were checked and embryos counted. Upon delivery, litter sizes
      were determined and the pups weighed and checked for deformities. Other
      reproductive indices were calculated. Data were analyzed by one-way analysis of
      variance and students T-test. Proportions were analysed by Chi square.
      Statistical evaluations were performed using STATS programs and Graphpad prism,
      and a difference was considered statistically significant at P < 0.05. RESULTS:
      There was a significant reduction in the percentage post implantation losses of
      both the pre-treatment and the continuous treatment groups when compared to their
      distil water controls. The litter size of the pre-treatment group was similar to
      the distil water group while at 400 mg/kg, the continuous treatment group showed
      an increase in the litter size similar to that of the clomiphene group. There
      were no observed external deformities in the pups. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of
      aqueous extract of F. platyphylla promotes fertility by reducing post
      implantation loss and by increasing litter size in female Rattus norvegicus
      Wistar strain.

PMID- 22046967
TI  - Risk of infections in bronchiectasis during disease-modifying treatment and
      biologics for rheumatic diseases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bronchiectasis is frequently associated (up to 30%) with chronic
      inflammatory rheumatic diseases and leads to lower respiratory tract infections.
      Data are lacking on the risk of lower respiratory tract infections in patients
      treated with biologic agents. METHODS: Monocenter, retrospective systematic study
      of all patients with a chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease and concomitant
      bronchiectasis, seen between 2000 and 2009. Univariate and multivariate analyses
      were performed to evidence predictive factors of the number of infectious
      respiratory events. RESULTS: 47 patients were included (mean age 64.1+/-9.1
      years, 33 (70.2%) women), with a mean follow-up per patient of 4.3+/-3.1 years.
      Rheumatoid arthritis was the main rheumatic disease (90.1%). The mean number of
      infectious events was 0.8+/-1.0 event per patient-year. The factors predicting
      infections were the type of treatment (biologic vs. non biologic disease
      modifying treatments), with an odds ratio of 8.7 (95% confidence interval: 1.7
      43.4) and sputum colonization by any bacteria (odds ratio 7.4, 2.0-26.8). In
      multivariate analysis, both factors were independently predictive of infections.
      CONCLUSION: Lower respiratory tract infectious events are frequent among patients
      receiving biologics for chronic inflammatory rheumatic disease associated with
      bronchiectasis. Biologic treatment and pre-existing sputum colonization are
      independent risk factors of infection occurrence.

PMID- 22046968
TI  - Prevention of diabetes complications in developing countries: time to intensify
      self-management education.
AB  - The IDF report has indicated that about 80% of four million diabetes-related
      deaths that occur every year comes from the developing world. The IDF report
      suggests the need to focus more on preventing diabetes complications in poor
      countries. Thus, considering the economic constraints in combating the explosion
      of diabetes complications in the developing regions of the world, it appears that
      exploring culturally adaptable educational intervention programmes for specific
      regions would be the appropriate strategy. We believe that diabetes-related
      deaths could be reduced in developing countries through intensified diabetes self
      management education.

PMID- 22046969
TI  - A rapid microbioassay for discovery of antagonistic bacteria for Phytophthora
      parasitica var. nicotianae.
AB  - A simple, rapid, small-scale microbioassay for infection of tobacco seedlings by
      Phytophthora parasitica var. nicotianae was developed here. This assay uses
      tobacco seedlings cultivated in petri dishes for a standardized method for
      quantitation of initial zoospore inocula and high-throughput screening of
      antagonistic bacteria. Zoospore inocula between 10(2) to 10(5) spores per petri
      dish were inoculated on 14-day-old tobacco seedlings for the susceptibility test.
      The optimum inocula was established to be ten thousand zoospores. One hundred and
      fifty pure culture bacteria with different pigments, growth rates, and
      morphologies were isolated from rhizosphere soil of tobacco and screened for
      protective ability against tobacco black shank. Fifteen bacteria presented high
      activity against P. parasitica on tobacco seedlings. They were identified by
      Biolog GEN III MicroPlate and distributed as Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, B.
      licheniformis, Paenibacillus pabuli, B. atrophaeus, B. subtilis, B. pumilus, and
      B. endophyticus, respectively. Four antagonists chosen randomly from the 15
      bacteria all exhibited the same 100% protective activity in planta as that in the
      petri dishes. This microassay proved to be a rapid, reproducible, and efficient
      method for screening of potential biological agents or microorganisms and may be
      useful for studying mechanisms of infection and control of Phytophthora spp.
      under hydroponic conditions.

PMID- 22046970
TI  - Differential expression of CD300a/c on human TH1 and TH17 cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Human memory CD4+ T cells can be either CD300a/c+ or CD300a/c- and
      subsequent analyses showed that CD4+ effector memory T (T(EM)) cells are mostly
      CD300a/c+, whereas CD4+ central memory T (T(CM)) cells have similar frequencies
      of CD300a/c+ and CD300a/c- cells. RESULTS: Extensive phenotypical and functional
      characterization showed that in both T(CM) and T(EM) cells, the CD300a/c+ subset
      contained a higher number of TH1 (IFN-gamma producing) cells. Alternatively, TH17
      (IL-17a producing) cells tend to be CD300a/c-, especially in the T(EM) subset.
      Further characterization of the IL-17a+ cells showed that cells that produce only
      this cytokine are mostly CD300a/c-, while cells that produce IL-17a in
      combination with other cytokines, especially IFN-gamma, are mostly CD300a/c+,
      indicating that the expression of this receptor is associated with cells that
      produce IFN-gamma. Co-ligation of the TCR and CD300a/c in CD4+ T cells inhibited
      Ca2+ mobilization evoked by TCR ligation alone and modulated IFN-gamma production
      on TH1 polarized cells. CONCLUSION: We conclude that the CD300a/c receptors are
      differentially expressed on human TH1 and TH17 cells and that their ligation is
      capable of modulating TCR mediated signals.

PMID- 22046971
TI  - Belinostat: clinical applications in solid tumors and lymphoma.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors have recently emerged as a
      novel and active class of anticancer agents. Belinostat is one member of the
      class that has been tested as a single agent and in combination with other
      chemotherapies and biological agents in the treatment of solid tumors and
      lymphoma. AREAS COVERED: A literature search of pre-clinical and clinical studies
      of belinostat was performed. The data from these studies were analysed to
      summarise the progress of belinostat from Phase I to a current pivotal trial in
      peripheral T-cell lymphoma. The parallel development of appropriate biomarker
      analysis is also discussed. EXPERT OPINION: Belinostat has demonstrated
      significant clinical activity in T-cell lymphomas. Although its activity as a
      single agent in solid tumors has been less compelling, the emerging results from
      combination trials are promising. However, the basis for the activity of
      belinostat, like that of other HDAC inhibitors, remains to be truly defined and
      the identification of predictive and prognostic biomarkers of activity should be
      established to further progress the development of this compound.

PMID- 22046972
TI  - Identifying and explicating variation among friends with benefits relationships.
AB  - This two-study report identifies and validates a typology containing seven types
      of "friends with benefits relationships" (FWBRs). Study 1 asked heterosexual
      students to define the term FWBR and to describe their experience with the
      relationship type. Qualitative analysis of these data identified seven types of
      FWBRs (true friends, network opportunism, just sex, three types of transition in
      [successful, failed, and unintentional], and transition out). Study 2
      quantitatively differentiates these relationship types in the amount of nonsexual
      interaction, strength of the friendship at the first sexual interaction, and
      history of romantic relationships with the FWBR partner (before the FWBR, after
      it, or both). Results from both studies clearly suggest that FWBRs represent a
      diverse set of relationship formulations where both the benefits (i.e., repeated
      sexual contact) and the friends (i.e., relationship between partners) vary
      widely. In many cases, FWBRs represent a desire for, or an attempt at, shifting
      the relationship from friends to a romantic partnership. Other implications are
      discussed, as are limitations and directions for future research. The diverse
      nature of FWBRs provides challenges for researchers that likely require multiple
      methods and theoretical frames.

PMID- 22046973
TI  - The use of pharmacotherapy in pregnancies with suspected diabetic fetopathy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To review the evidence supporting incorporation of sonographic fetal
      measurements in deciding whether or not to add insulin to diet therapy
      independent of maternal glucose measures for women who have gestational diabetes.
      METHODS: A literature search was conducted for studies incorporating sonographic
      estimates of fetal measures in the selection of treatment. Only randomized
      controlled trials were selected for review. RESULTS: Four studies meeting
      selection criteria were identified. Methods of randomization, sonographic
      measurements used to indicate the addition of insulin for treatment, and clinical
      endpoints differed somewhat from study to study. Most studies reported a decrease
      in large neonates among women whose insulin treatment was indicated by
      ultrasound. In each study the targeted glucose values for patients treated with
      insulin based on sonographic measurements were lower than for those treated
      exclusively with diet. CONCLUSIONS: Available evidence suggests a benefit in
      reducing the incidence of large birth weight babies to mothers who have
      gestational diabetes by utilizing designated sonographic parameters in the
      decision to add pharmacotherapy in addition to using glucose thresholds. To
      support these findings, studies are needed in which glycemic targets comparing
      groups whose insulin treatment is based on maternal glucose results with those
      based on ultrasound measurements are identical.

PMID- 22046974
TI  - Evaluation of biomarkers of oxidative stress and antioxidant capacity in the cord
      blood of preterm low birth weight neonates.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study is to investigate the association between
      oxidative stress markers and enzymatic / non-enzymatic antioxidants (marker of
      the resistance in body to oxidative damage) in the cord blood of preterm low
      birth weight (LBW) neonates. METHODS: Malondialdehyde (MDA), carbonyl proteins,
      total antioxidant capacity and Vitamin A, E and C levels in the cord blood were
      determined by spectrophotometry. RESULTS: Increased lipid peroxidation, protein
      oxidation with decreased values of vitamin A, E, C and total antioxidant capacity
      were observed in the preterm LBW newborns. Observations of negative correlation
      between MDA and protein carbonyl with antioxidants vitamin A, E and C and total
      antioxidant status points towards the existence of oxidative stress in the
      preterm LBW newborns. CONCLUSIONS: Poor fetal growth affects the development of
      antioxidant defenses of preterm LBW babies, predisposing them to higher oxidative
      stress, which in turn may partly account for increased morbidity and mortality in
      these infants. The presence of an association between oxidative stress biomarkers
      and enzymatic /non-enzymatic antioxidants in the cord blood of preterm LBW
      neonates suggest that increased oxidative stress may be the result of changes in
      the levels of certain enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants due to the cause
      or the effect of oxidative damage occurring at the molecular level.

PMID- 22046975
TI  - Comment on: guidelines for the management of spontaneous preterm labor:
      identification of spontaneous preterm labor, diagnosis of preterm premature
      rupture of membranes and preventive tools for preterm birth.

PMID- 22046976
TI  - Predictive factors of perinatal mortality in transfused fetuses due to maternal
      alloimmunization: what really matters?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Alloimmunization is the main cause of fetal anemia. There are not
      many consistent analyses associating antenatal parameters to perinatal mortality
      in transfused fetuses due to maternal alloimmunization. The study aimed to
      determine the prognostic variables related to perinatal death. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: A cohort study analyzed 128 fetuses treated with intrauterine
      transfusion (IUT), until the early neonatal period. Perinatal mortality was
      associated with prognostic conditions related to prematurity, severity of fetal
      anemia and IUT procedure by univariated logistic regression. Multiple logistic
      regression was used to compute the odds ratio (OR) for adjusting the hemoglobin
      deficit at the last IUT, gestational age at birth, complications of IUT,
      antenatal corticosteroid and hydrops. RESULTS: Perinatal mortality rate found in
      this study was 18.1%. The hemoglobin deficit at the last IUT (OR: 1.26, 95% CI:
      1.04-1.53), gestational age at birth (OR: 0.53, 95% CI: 0.38-0.74) and the
      presence of transfusional complications (OR: 5.43, 95% CI: 142-20.76) were
      significant in predicting fetal death. CONCLUSION: Perinatal mortality prediction
      in transfused fetuses is not associated only to severity of anemia, but also to
      the risks of IUT and prematurity.

PMID- 22046977
TI  - Maternal serum interleukin-6 levels predict impending funisitis in preterm
      premature rupture of membranes after completion of antibiotics.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine if maternal serum interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels remain
      predictive of funisitis after completion of antibiotic administration in preterm
      premature rupture of membranes (PPROM). METHODS: A secondary analysis of a
      prospective cohort study. Daily blood samples obtained from PPROM subjects were
      analyzed for IL-6 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Subjects (N = 39)
      delivered >7 days post admission and were divided into those with and without
      funisitis. Data were analyzed using Mann-Whitney U test. RESULTS: Maternal serum
      IL-6 levels obtained 24-48 hours and 48-72 hours before delivery are elevated in
      PPROM subjects with funisitis compared to those without funisitis (6.3 vs. 2.7
      pg/ml, P < 0.03; 6.1 vs. 1.7 pg/ml, P < 0.02). Receiver operator characteristic
      curve revealed an IL-6 level of 1.98 pg/ml had sensitivity of 86.7%, specificity
      of 46.7%, positive predictive value of 61.9% and negative predictive value of
      77.8%. CONCLUSION: This data suggests that maternal serum IL-6 levels continue to
      be predictive of PPROM subjects destined to develop funisitis after completion of
      antibiotics.

PMID- 22046978
TI  - Maternal N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) protects the rat fetal brain from inflammatory
      cytokine responses to lipopolysaccharide (LPS).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Inflammatory cytokines, play a central role in the genesis of preterm
      parturition and fetal brain injury. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) may activate
      cytokine pathways via induction of oxidative stress pathways. We hypothesized
      that enhanced maternal antioxidant activity may blunt fetal brain inflammatory
      responses to maternal LPS injection in pregnant rats. METHODS: Pregnant Sprague
      Dawley rats at 18 and 20 days gestation received intraperitoneal (ip) LPS
      injection and pre- and post-treatment with the antioxidant N-acetyl-cysteine
      (NAC) or saline. Six hours after the LPS injection, rats were sacrificed,
      interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-10 mRNA expression in the fetal brains was determined
      by real time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Maternal ip LPS induced
      significant increase in fetal brain IL-6 mRNA expression at E18 (3.1 +/- 0.6 vs
      1.0 +/- 0.10 AU) and E20 (29.01 + 13.06 vs 0.95 + 0.05 AU; p < 0.05) compared to
      Control, only at E20 maternal LPS induced increase in fetal brain IL-10 compared
      to control. NAC administered prior to and after LPS significantly reduced fetal
      brain IL-6 at E18 and E20 and IL-10 at E20. CONCLUSION: Maternal NAC can protect
      the fetal brain from inflammatory cytokine responses to maternal LPS injection.
      These results suggest that NAC may potentially protect fetus from inflammation
      associated brain injury and potential long term sequelae.

PMID- 22046980
TI  - Errata.

PMID- 22046982
TI  - We Did It Our Way.

PMID- 22046979
TI  - A review of the responses of two- and three-dimensional engineered tissues to
      electric fields.
AB  - The application of external biophysical signals is one approach to tissue
      engineering that is explored less often than more traditional additions of
      exogenous biochemical and chemical factors to direct cell and tissue outcomes.
      The study of bioelectromagnetism and the field of electrotherapeutics have
      evolved over the years, and we review biocompatible electric stimulation devices
      and their successful application to tissue growth. Specifically, information on
      capacitively coupled alternating current, inductively coupled alternating
      current, and direct current devices is described. Cell and tissue responses from
      the application of these devices, including two- and three-dimensional in vitro
      studies and in vivo studies, are reviewed with regard to cell proliferation,
      adhesion, differentiation, morphology, and migration and tissue function. The
      current understanding of cellular mechanisms related to electric stimulation is
      detailed. The advantages of electric stimulation are compared with those pf other
      techniques, and areas in which electric fields are used as an adjuvant therapy
      for healing and regeneration are discussed.

PMID- 22046983
TI  - Announcement of the 2009 Paffenbarger Student Research Fellowship Award.

PMID- 22046984
TI  - 2010 Ralph Phillips Student Research Award Request for Applications.

PMID- 22046986
TI  - 39(th) Annual Meeting of the Academy of Operative Dentistry: 24-26 February 2010,
      Fairmont Hotel, Chicago, IL.

PMID- 22046985
TI  - E-Z Gold Starter Kit Items Available.

PMID- 22046987
TI  - Psychological adaptation of Moroccan and Ecuadorean immigrant adolescents in
      Spain.
AB  - In adapting to the host society, immigrant adolescents may have problems
      negotiating the challenges of acculturation. The factors that promote and those
      that hamper psychological adaptation may not play the same role in all ethnic
      groups. Our study focuses on psychological adaptation of two main immigrant
      groups in Spain that differ in cultural distance to the host society and level of
      societal acceptance: adolescents of Moroccan and Ecuadorean origin. Our findings
      show, first, that mainstream cultural orientation is positively related to
      psychological adaptation, whereas perceived ethnic discrimination is negatively
      associated with adaptation. Second, the relationship between ethnic cultural
      orientation and psychological adaptation and between length of residence in Spain
      and adaptation is stronger for the Moroccan youth than for their Ecuadorean
      peers. Theoretical and practical implications of these results are discussed.  
      This manuscript was prepared and written while the first author was affiliated to
      the University of Cordoba in Spain and financially supported by the Spanish
      Ministry of Science and Innovation within the framework of a National Program of
      Human Recourses' Mobility (I+D+I 2008-2011). Data collection was financially
      supported by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Technology (I+D BSO2003-09222).

PMID- 22046988
TI  - Languages on the screen: is film comprehension related to the viewers' fluency
      level and to the language in the subtitles?
AB  - This research aimed at studying the role of subtitling in film comprehension. It
      focused on the languages in which the subtitles are written and on the
      participants' fluency levels in the languages presented in the film. In a
      preliminary part of the study, the most salient visual and dialogue elements of a
      short sequence of an English film were extracted by the means of a free recall
      task after showing two versions of the film (first a silent, then a dubbed-into
      French version) to native French speakers. This visual and dialogue information
      was used in the setting of a questionnaire concerning the understanding of the
      film presented in the main part of the study, in which other French native
      speakers with beginner, intermediate, or advanced fluency levels in English were
      shown one of three versions of the film used in the preliminary part.
      Respectively, these versions had no subtitles or they included either English or
      French subtitles. The results indicate a global interaction between all three
      factors in this study: For the beginners, visual processing dropped from the
      version without subtitles to that with English subtitles, and even more so if
      French subtitles were provided, whereas the effect of film version on dialogue
      comprehension was the reverse. The advanced participants achieved higher
      comprehension for both types of information with the version without subtitles,
      and dialogue information processing was always better than visual information
      processing. The intermediate group similarly processed dialogues in a better way
      than visual information, but was not affected by film version. These results
      imply that, depending on the viewers' fluency levels, the language of subtitles
      can have different effects on movie information processing.

PMID- 22046989
TI  - Aspirations and wellbeing in Romanian and US undergraduates.
AB  - Updating cross-cultural research of the past decade on the relationship between
      life aspirations and wellbeing, we compared Romanian (N=69) and US (N=64)
      undergraduates on the contribution of the importance and likelihood of attaining
      intrinsic and extrinsic aspirations to psychological maladjustment and life
      satisfaction, and on the qualitative meaning they assign to financial success.
      Similarly to prior studies, we found that extrinsic and intrinsic aspirations
      tended to be either negatively or positively correlated with life satisfaction,
      respectively; however, wealth predicted life satisfaction for Romanian students.
      Unlike previous research, we found generally negative relationships between
      intrinsic aspirations and psychological maladjustment. Although there were no
      differences between Romanian and US undergraduates on extrinsic and intrinsic
      orientation, on the overall importance of attaining aspirations, or on specific
      extrinsic and intrinsic aspirations, Romanian students expressed weaker
      expectations of fulfilling intrinsic aspirations than did US students. Finally,
      the groups produced similar rankings of aspirations and assigned similar meaning
      to financial success. The results favored a social cognitive rather than a self
      determination model of psychological wellbeing in that expectations for attaining
      aspirations were more often predictive of life satisfaction than were their
      content. We interpret these findings and their convergence and departure from
      earlier research in terms of political economic, demographic, and cultural
      factors. We encourage future cross-cultural investigations of the social
      construction of aspirations, subsidiation of seemingly contradictory aspirations
      to each other, and cognitive and ecological mediation of the complex relationship
      of aspirations to psychological functioning.

PMID- 22046990
TI  - The effects of mortality salience on escalation of commitment.
AB  - Based on propositions derived from terror management theory (TMT), the current
      study proposes that people who are reminded of their mortality exhibit a higher
      degree of self-justification behavior to maintain their self-esteem. For this
      reason, they could be expected to stick with their previous decisions and invest
      an increasing amount of resources in those decisions, despite the fact that
      negative feedback has clearly indicated that they might be on a course toward
      failure (i.e., "escalation of commitment"). Our experiment showed that people who
      were reminded of their mortality were more likely to escalate their level of
      commitment by maintaining their current course of action. Two imaginary scenarios
      were tested. One of the scenarios involved deciding whether to send additional
      troops into the battlefield when previous attempts had failed; the other involved
      deciding whether to continue developing an anti-radar fighter plane when the
      enemy had already developed a device to detect it. The results supported our
      hypothesis that mortality salience increases the tendency to escalate one's level
      of commitment.

PMID- 22046991
TI  - Taiwanese adolescent cognitive autonomy and identity development: the
      relationship of situational and agential factors.
AB  - Taiwanese professionals have adopted information about adolescent psychosocial
      development from Western societies. However, scholars know little about whether
      they have properly applied the models to both rural and urban youth. The purpose
      of this study was to examine the development of cognitive autonomy and ego
      identity in Taiwanese adolescents from Taipei City and surrounding rural
      counties. We controlled for gender and examined both situational (residential
      location, family income, and school type) and agential factors (culture value
      affiliation, attachment, and resiliency) to determine the extent to which each
      predicted psychosocial developmental outcomes. Among all the factors in this
      study, resiliency had the most distinctive relationship with adolescent
      psychosocial development. Each factor successfully predicted specific aspects of
      psychosocial development for these youth. We conclude with a discussion of the
      utility of using Western models of development.

PMID- 22046992
TI  - Perceived discrimination, social connectedness, and other predictors of
      adjustment difficulties among Turkish international students.
AB  - This study examined the role of perceived discrimination, social connectedness,
      age, gender, years of study in the US, English language competency, and social
      contact patterns on adjustment difficulties among a sample of 229 Turkish
      international students studying in the United States. Findings indicated that
      students who reported higher levels of social connectedness, lower levels of
      perceived discrimination, more years of study in the US, and higher levels of
      English language competency reported lower levels of adjustment difficulties.
      Other results showed that (lack of) social connectedness and perceived
      discrimination were predictors of adjustment difficulties. In addition, results
      indicated that students who socialized with individuals from the US had lower
      levels of adjustment difficulties than did those who socialized with coculture
      members. Implications are discussed and suggestions for interventions are
      provided.

PMID- 22046993
TI  - The effects of functional group counseling on inspiring low-achieving students'
      self-worth and self-efficacy in Taiwan.
AB  - In this study, we investigated the effects of functional group counseling on
      inspiring low achievers' self-worth and self-efficacy in Taiwan. Forty-three 10th
      grade low-achieving students volunteered as the Experimental Group to join a 24
      week intervention, which integrated and utilized functional group counseling;
      another 51 10th grade low-achieving students volunteered to be Comparison Group
      I. In addition, 43 10th grade moderate or high academic achieving students
      volunteered to be Comparison Group II. All participants completed the Vocational
      School Student Questionnaire at the beginning and end of this study to measure
      their self-worth and self-efficacy. In addition, six target students (two boys
      and four girls) with the lowest total scores on self-worth or self-efficacy in
      the pretest were selected from the Experimental Group to be interviewed at the
      end of the intervention and observed weekly. Analyses of variance, analyses of
      covariance, and paired t-tests assessed the similarity and differences among
      groups. The initial findings were as follows: Experimental group students had
      significantly higher scores on self-efficacy and self-worth than both Comparison
      Group I and Group II students and functional group counseling was shown to
      significantly affect the low-achieving students. Qualitative results from
      interviews and observations were used for triangulation and consolidation of
      quantitative results. Implications of the study included the recommended use of
      functional group counseling with low-achieving students.

PMID- 22046994
TI  - The effect of achievement goals on enjoyment, effort, satisfaction and
      performance.
AB  - This study examined the effect of achievement goals and achievement emotions on
      sport satisfaction, performance and effort among competitive athletes.
      Participants were 200 athletes. Structural equation modeling was used to test the
      indirect effect of mastery-approach goals on satisfaction with sport experience
      and performance, the direct effect of mastery-approach goals on enjoyment and
      effort, the direct effect of performance-approach and performance-avoidance goals
      on performance, and the direct effect of mastery-avoidance goals on effort.
      Results showed a positive direct effect of mastery-approach goals on enjoyment
      and an indirect effect, through enjoyment, on satisfaction, performance, and
      effort. We did not find support for the hypothesized effect of performance
      approach or performance-avoidance goals on performance. The applied implications
      of endorsing mastery-approach goals are discussed.

PMID- 22046995
TI  - Motivation and social contexts: a crossnational pilot study of achievement,
      power, and affiliation motives.
AB  - Previous research suggests that there is a relationship between social contexts
      (e.g., economic growth, engagement in wars) and motives within populations. In
      particular, high achievement motive is associated with subsequent economic
      growth, which in turn increases power motive. Increased national achievement and
      power motives have been argued to precede social changes that lead to decreased
      affiliation motives, and engagement in wars. The present study aimed to examine
      differences in achievement, power, and affiliation motives between 266 college
      students in China (a nation with sustained high economic growth) and 255 college
      students in the USA (a nation with previously strong but now slowing economic
      growth, and engaged in war). Analysis of personal strivings suggested that
      Chinese college students showed significantly higher levels of achievement motive
      than the American college students, but American college students showed
      significantly higher levels of affiliation motive than Chinese college students.
      Overall, males exhibited higher achievement motivation than females. No
      significant interaction effects were found for gender by location for any of the
      three motives. The findings are discussed in relation to previous research.

PMID- 22046996
TI  - Cultural differences in athlete attributions for success and failure: the sports
      pages revisited.
AB  - Self-serving biases in attribution, while found with relative consistency in
      research with Western samples, have rarely been found in Japanese samples
      typically recruited for research. However, research conducted with Japanese
      participants to date has tended to use forced-choice and/or reactive paradigms,
      with school or university students, focusing mainly on academic performance or
      arbitrary and/or researcher-selected tasks. This archival study explored whether
      self-serving attributional biases would be shown in the real-life attributions
      for sporting performance made by elite Olympic athletes from Japan and Australia.
      Attributions (N = 216) were extracted from the sports pages of Japanese and
      Australian newspapers and rated by Australian judges for locus and
      controllability. It was hypothesized that Australian, but not Japanese, athletes
      would show self-serving biases such that they attributed wins to causes more
      internal and controllable than the causes to which they attributed losses.
      Contrary to predictions, self-serving biases were shown to at least some extent
      by athletes of both nationalities. Both Australian and Japanese men attributed
      wins to causes more internal than those to which they attributed losses. Women,
      however, attributed wins and losses to causes that did not differ significantly
      in terms of locus. All athletes tended to attribute wins to causes that were more
      controllable than the causes to which losses were attributed. Results are
      inconsistent with a large body of research suggesting that Japanese do not show
      self-serving biases in attribution, and are discussed in the light of differences
      in methodology, context, and participants that may have contributed to these
      effects.

PMID- 22046997
TI  - Affective responses to movie posters: differences between adolescents and young
      adults.
AB  - Although the link between cognition and affect in the advertising context has
      been demonstrated in several studies, no research to date has considered
      adolescents' affective responses to movie posters and their attitudes to negative
      and positive images. A 2 (between subjects) * 4 (within subjects) mixed-factorial
      experiment design comprising two groups of subjects (80 adolescents and 80 young
      adults) and four advertising stimuli (two highly positive images and two highly
      negative images) was used to test the differences in the subjects' attitudes to
      advertising, positive and negative affect, and viewing intentions. Although the
      adolescents, compared to the young adults, did not appear to have significantly
      stronger attitudes to emotional advertisements (ads), they showed a similar level
      of intensity of affective response when exposed to negative and positive images.

PMID- 22046998
TI  - Gender and work-family conflict: testing the rational model and the gender role
      expectations model in the Spanish cultural context.
AB  - Gutek, Searle, and Klepa (1991) proposed two models to explain the gender
      differences in work-family conflict: the rational model and the gender role
      expectations model. Both models have mostly been tested on American and Canadian
      samples, and have obtained partial support. Given the cultural differences
      between North American countries and Spain, we should question whether the two
      models are equally applicable to Spanish society or whether one of them captures
      Spanish men and women's experience of work-family conflict better than the other.
      So, the aim of this study is to test which of the models better explains the
      gender differences in work-family conflict in the Spanish cultural context (or
      if, indeed, the two models apply equally well). Given the typical cultural
      dimensions of Spanish society, we expected to find greater support for the gender
      role expectations model than for the rational model. However, the results
      obtained in this study indicated that, while the rational model can explain the
      gender differences that were found, the gender role expectations model cannot
      capture Spanish people's work-family conflict experiences. The results are
      interpreted in terms of cultural dimensions characteristic of the Spanish
      context.

PMID- 22046999
TI  - Posttraumatic stress and worry as mediators and moderators between political
      stressors and emotional and behavioral disorders in Palestinian children.
AB  - This study was designed to assess whether the symptoms of posttraumatic stress
      mediate or moderate the relationship between political stressors and emotional
      and behavioral disorders in Palestinian children. It was hypothesized that (a)
      posttraumatic stress and worry mediate the effect of political stressors on
      behavioral and emotional disorders and (b) the relationship between political
      stressors and behavioral and emotional disorders should be attenuated for
      children with low levels of worry and posttraumatic stress and strengthened for
      children with high levels of worry and posttraumatic stress. The total sample was
      1267 school age children of both sexes with a mean age of 11.97 years. Interviews
      were conducted with children at school. As hypothesized, the results indicated
      that posttraumatic stress and worry mediated and moderated the relationship
      between political stressors and emotional and behavioral disorders in children.
      Cognitive-behavioral therapy may be used to reduce the incidence of posttraumatic
      stress and decrease self-reported worry, somatic symptoms, general anxiety, and
      depression among children exposed to political trauma. Cognitive-behavioral
      treatment that exclusively targets excessive worry can lead to clinical change in
      the other interacting subsystems at the cognitive, physiological, affective and
      behavioral levels.

PMID- 22047000
TI  - Different brain mechanisms between stereotype activation and application:
      evidence from an ERP study.
AB  - Stereotyping involves two processes in which first, social stereotypes are
      activated (stereotype activation), and then, stereotypes are applied to given
      targets (stereotype application). Previous behavioral studies have suggested that
      these two processes are independent of each other and may have different
      mechanisms. As few psychophysiological studies have given an integrated account
      of these stages in stereotyping so far, this study utilized a trait
      categorization task in which event-related potentials (ERPs) were used to explore
      the brain mechanisms associated with the processes of stereotype activation and
      its application. The behavioral (reaction time) and electrophysiological data
      showed that stereotype activation and application were elicited respectively in
      an affective valence identification subtask and in a semantic content judgment
      subtask. The electrophysiological results indicated that the categorization
      processes involved in stereotype activation to quickly identify stereotypic and
      nonstereotypic information were quite different from those involved in the
      application. During the process of stereotype activation, a P2 and N2 effect was
      observed, indicating that stereotype activation might be facilitated by an early
      attentional bias. Also, a late positive potential (LPP) was elicited, suggesting
      that social expectancy violation might be involved. During the process of the
      stereotype application, electrophysiological data showed a P2 and P3 effect,
      indicating that stereotype application might be related to the rapid social
      knowledge identification in semantic representation and thus may be associated
      with an updating of existing stereotypic contents or a motivation to resolve the
      inconsistent information. This research strongly suggested that different
      mechanisms are involved in the stereotype activation and application processes.

PMID- 22047001
TI  - Subjective wellbeing and its relationship with academic achievement and
      multilinguality among Lebanese university students.
AB  - The study investigated three subjective wellbeing (SWB) components, namely
      positive affect (PA), negative affect (NA), and life satisfaction (LS), along
      with optimism and self-esteem and their association with academic achievement and
      multilinguality in a sample of 1401 Lebanese university students. As predicted,
      optimism and self-esteem correlated positively with LS and PA, and negatively
      with NA. Optimism, self-esteem and each of the SWB components jointly predicted
      academic achievement (GPA), with PA being an individually significant positive
      predictor. There were differences in the five key variables across language
      groups, specifically between Arabic-only speakers and some other groups: Compared
      Arabic-only speakers, bilingual speakers of Arabic and either English or French
      scored higher on self-esteem, PA and optimism, and lower on NA, while trilingual
      speakers of Arabic, English, and French scored higher on self-esteem, PA and LS.
      Language grouping was a significant predictor of the SWB components, optimism,
      and self-esteem even when controlling for GPA, socioeconomic status (SES), and
      religion. Lastly, the relevance of SES and religion for the prediction of SWB is
      discussed, and implications and future research questions are advanced.

PMID- 22047002
TI  - Coverage of Russian psychological contributions in American psychology textbooks.
AB  - Internationalizing psychology is an important component of current globalization
      trends. American textbooks on the history of psychology and introductory
      psychology were surveyed for the presence of historical and contemporary
      important Russian psychologists to assess the current status of Russian-American
      crossfertilization. Of a list of 97 important Russian psychologists, as
      determined by the editors of the Russian journal Methodology and History in
      Psychology, less than 22% are mentioned in the reviewed texts. The most common
      names were Pavlov, Luria, and Vygotsky. As the internet is arguably the single
      most important factor affecting the increase of international communication and
      dissemination of knowledge, we also searched for these 97 names on various
      websites, most notably Wikipedia and Google. Forty-one internet sites contained
      some amount of biographical information about Russian psychologists. On
      Wikipedia, 14 Russian psychologists had articles documenting biographical
      information. We also developed a rubric to determine the amount of information
      available on the internet for these psychologists and compared Wikipedia's mean
      score with various other websites. Wikipedia pages on average had a significantly
      higher score than the rest of the internet. Recommendations to improve Russian
      coverage in America are provided and include: (1) developing pages on Wikipedia
      and other virtual venues highlighting Russian contributions, (2) soliciting
      articles for US journals from Russian psychologists, and (3) incorporating
      Russian contributions in introductory and historical textbooks. We provide a
      partial bibliography of Russian contributions that can be used by authors of such
      textbooks.    We would like to thank Dr Viktor Fedorovich Petrenko and Dr Igor
      Nikolaevich Karitsky from the journal Methodology and History of Psychology for
      supplying the names of the Russian psychologists. We would also like to express
      our appreciation to Robert Garcia for reviewing and editing an earlier version of
      this manuscript.

PMID- 22047003
TI  - Insulin analogues: how observational studies provide key insights into management
      of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this commentary was to evaluate the current evidence
      regarding the use of synthetic insulin analogues in the 'real-world' clinic
      setting for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). METHODS: Relevant
      publications were searched on PubMed MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Register of
      Controlled Trials Google Scholar, NLM Gateway, Science Direct, Web of Science and
      OVID for the period of January 2007 to June 2010. Articles were included if they
      (a) provided specific study results on the use of insulin analogues in T2DM and
      (b) gave sufficiently clear methodology details to establish treatment
      strategies, diagnosis and diagnostic criteria using an observational study (OS)
      design. RESULTS: Twenty one articles specifically addressing both type 2 diabetes
      management and the use of synthetic insulin analogues were identified. Results
      from recently published OS in patients with T2DM have shown, in the patient
      populations tested, the effective initiation, optimization and switch to use of
      insulin analogues in routine clinical settings (day-to-day common practice), with
      a good safety profile. CONCLUSIONS: OS can provide clinicians with additional
      insights into the management of T2DM patients in their practices. However, the
      selection and initiation of insulin analogue regimens should be tailored to the
      individual patient and be one that the physician is comfortable using.

PMID- 22047004
TI  - Sponge-to-lamellar transition in a double-tail cationic surfactant/protic ionic
      liquid system: structural and rheological analysis.
AB  - The self-assembly of didodecyldimethylammonium bromide (DDAB) in a protic ionic
      liquid, ethylammonium nitrate (EAN), in the high surfactant concentration regime
      is studied using five different experimental techniques. A thermoreversible first
      order sponge (L(3)) to lamellar (L(alpha)) transition occurring at [DDAB] > 80 wt
      % was identified by (1) a sharp increase in the elastic and viscous moduli, (2) a
      transition peak recorded by differential scanning calorimetry, (3) formation of
      Maltese cross birefringence textures observed via polarizing optical microscopy,
      (4) a decrease in the interbilayer mean distance measured by small angle neutron
      scattering, and (5) an abrupt increase in the conductivity obstruction factor. In
      contrast to aqueous DDAB solutions, this surfactant forms a stable L(3) phase in
      EAN in a wide window of compositions and temperatures, which is potentially
      useful for the synthesis of nanoporous materials. To the best of our knowledge,
      this is the first evidence of the formation of the L(3) phase in an ionic liquid.

PMID- 22047006
TI  - Road traffic crashes managed by Rescue 1122 in Lahore, Pakistan.
AB  - The objective of this retrospective study was to describe demographic
      characteristics, injury patterns and causes of road traffic crashes (RTCs)
      managed by Rescue 1122 in Lahore, Pakistan during the period 2005-2010. In total
      123,268 RTCs were reported and responded by Rescue 1122 ambulance service during
      the study period. Of the 132,504 victims of RTCs, there were 67% male and 33%
      female subjects, and the maximum share (65%) was reported among people aged 16-35
      years. Motorcyclists were involved in 45% of crashes, with over-speeding (40%)
      found to be the major reason of these collisions. Similarly, minor injuries (65%)
      and fractures (25%) were the most reported outcome of these crashes. It is
      concluded that data from ambulance services, if appropriately collected, can
      provide valuable epidemiological information to monitor RTCs in developing
      countries. However, in Pakistan, the collection of data as well as the
      registration process needs further improvement.

PMID- 22047007
TI  - Prevention and management of transplant-associated diabetes.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: New-onset diabetes after transplantation (NODAT) is considered to
      be a major cause of cardiovascular disease and death among patients with a
      functioning allograft. A major challenge is to reduce the incidence of NODAT and
      to treat it optimally once it has occurred. AREAS COVERED: This review presents
      current data on how to prevent NODAT in patients at risk, with a focus on
      modifications in the immunosuppressive regimen. Current suggestions for detection
      and treatment of NODAT are also presented. EXPERT OPINION: Prevention of NODAT is
      possible by assessing the patient's glycemic risk prior to transplantation and
      tailoring the treatment (e.g., choice and dosage of immunosuppressive agents)
      after transplantation. An oral glucose tolerance test is still the gold standard
      to detect NODAT in patients at risk (prediabetes) but algorithms can be used to
      select those who should be tested. The treatment of NODAT involves a broad
      approach on risk factors for cardiovascular events and graft loss. Future studies
      on the use of oral hypoglycemic agents in NODAT are still needed.

PMID- 22047005
TI  - Vitamin D - roles in women's reproductive health?
AB  - In the past few years a growing interest in vitamin D can be observed in the lay
      and biomedical literature due to findings demonstrating a low vitamin D status in
      the population. In addition to its importance for the regulation of calcium and
      phosphorus homeostasis recent epidemiologic studies have observed relationships
      between low vitamin D levels and multiple disease states. This secosteroid
      hormone also regulates the expression of a large number of genes in reproductive
      tissues implicating a role for vitamin D in female reproduction. In this report
      we summarize the recent evidence that vitamin D status influences female
      reproductive and pregnancy outcomes. Human and animal data suggest that low
      vitamin D status is associated with impaired fertility, endometriosis and
      polycystic ovary syndrome. Evidence from observational studies shows higher rates
      of preeclampsia, preterm birth, bacterial vaginosis and gestational diabetes in
      women with low vitamin D levels. However, confirmation of experimental
      observations establishing an association of vitamin D deficiency with adverse
      reproductive outcomes by high quality observational and large-scale randomized
      clinical trials is still lacking. The determination of optimal 25(OH)D3 levels in
      the reproductive period and the amount of vitamin D supplementation required to
      achieve those levels for the numerous actions of vitamin D throughout a woman's
      life would have important public health implications.

PMID- 22047008
TI  - Density functional theory study of the oxidation of ammonia on the IrO2(110)
      surface.
AB  - In this study, we employed density functional theory (DFT) to investigate the
      oxidation of ammonia (NH(3)) on the IrO(2)(110) surface. We characterized the
      possible reaction pathways for the dehydrogenation of NH(x) species (x = 1-3) and
      for the formation of the oxidation products N(2), N(2)O, NO, NO(2), and H(2)O.
      The presence of oxygen atoms on coordinatively unsaturated sites (O(cus)) of the
      oxygen-rich IrO(2)(110) surface promotes the oxidation of NH(3) on the surface.
      In contrast, NH(3) molecules prefer undergoing desorption over oxidation on the
      stoichiometric IrO(2)(110) surface. Moreover, the O(cus) atoms are also the major
      oxidants leading to the formation of oxidation products; none of the oxidations
      mediated by the bridge oxygen atoms were favorable reactions. The energy barrier
      for formation of H(2)O as a gaseous oxidation product on the IrO(2)(110) surface
      is high (from 1.83 to 2.29 eV), potentially leading to the formation of nitrogen
      atom-containing products at high temperature. In addition, the selectivity toward
      the nitrogen-atom-containing products is dominated by the coverage of O(cus)
      atoms on the surface; for example, a higher coverage of O(cus) atoms results in
      greater production of nitrogen oxides (NO, NO(2)).

PMID- 22047009
TI  - Grahamines A-E, cyclobutane-centered tropane alkaloids from the aerial parts of
      Schizanthus grahamii.
AB  - Schizanthus grahamii is an endemic Chilean plant that is known to contain tropane
      alkaloids. Five new alkaloids, grahamines A-E (1-5), were isolated and
      characterized by extensive spectroscopic analysis. Their structures were
      determined to be 2-{[(3alpha-hydroxytropo-6beta-yl)oxy]carbonyl}-2-methyl-3
      {[((6beta-angeloyloxy)-3alpha-yl)oxy]carbonyl}-4-phenylcyclobutanecarboxylic acid
      (1), 2-{[(3alpha-hydroxytropo-6beta-yl)oxy]carbonyl}-2-methyl-3-{[((6beta
      tigloyloxy)-3alpha-yl)oxy]carbonyl}-4-phenylcyclobutanecarboxylic acid (2), 1
      methyl-2-{[(3alpha-hydroxytropo-6beta-yl)oxy]carbonyl}-4-{[((6beta-angeloyloxy)
      3alpha-yl)oxy]carbonyl}-3-phenylcyclobutanecarboxylic acid (3), 1,2-bis{[(3alpha
      hydroxytropo-6beta-yl)oxy]carbonyl}-2-methyl-3-{[((6beta-angeloyloxy)-3alpha
      yl)oxy]carbonyl}-4-phenylcyclobutanecarboxylate (4), and 1-{[(3alpha
      mesaconyloxytropo-6beta-yl)oxy]carbonyl}-2-{[(3alpha-hydroxytropo-6beta
      yl)oxy]carbonyl}-2-methyl-3-{[((6beta-angeloyloxy)-3alpha-yl)oxy]carbonyl}-4
      phenylcyclobutanecarboxylate (5).

PMID- 22047010
TI  - Fluorescence and visual detection of single nucleotide polymorphism using
      cationic conjugated polyelectrolyte.
AB  - We report a simple assay for visual detection of single nucleotide polymorphisms
      (SNPs) with good sensitivity and selectivity. The selectivity is determined by
      Escherichia coli (E. coli) DNA ligase mediated circular formation upon
      recognition of the point mutation on DNA targets. Rolling cycle amplification
      (RCA) of the perfect-matched DNA target is then initiated using the in situ
      formed circular template in the presence of Phi29 enzyme. Due to amplification of
      the DNA target, the RCA product has a tandem-repeated sequence, which is
      significantly longer than that for the SNP strand. Direct addition of a cationic
      conjugated polymer of poly[9,9'-bis(6'-(N,N,N-trimethylammonium)hexyl)fluorene-co
      9,9'-bis(2-(2-(2-(N,N,N-trimethylammonium)ethoxyl)-ethoxy)-ethyl)fluorene
      tetrabromide] containing 20 mol% 2,1,3-benzothiadiazole (PFBT(20)) into the RCA
      solution leads to blue-whitish fluorescent color for SNP strand and yellowish
      fluorescent color for amplified DNA, due to PFBT(20)/DNA complexation induced
      intrachain/interchain energy transfer. To further improve the contrast for visual
      detection, FAM-labeled peptide nucleic acid (PNA) was hybridized to each
      amplified sequence, which is followed by the addition of poly{2,7-[9,9-bis(6'
      N,N,N-trimethylammoniumhexyl)]fluorene-co-2,5-difluoro-1,4-phenylene dibromide}
      (PFP). The PNA/DNA hybridization brings PFP and FAM-PNA into close proximity for
      energy transfer, and the solution fluorescent color appears green in the presence
      of target DNA with a detection limit of 1 nM, which is significantly improved as
      compared to that for most reported visual SNP assay.

PMID- 22047011
TI  - Carbon aerogel composites prepared by ambient drying and using oxidized
      polyacrylonitrile fibers as reinforcements.
AB  - Carbon fiber-reinforced carbon aerogel composites (C/CAs) for thermal insulators
      were prepared by copyrolysis of resorcinol-formaldehyde (RF) aerogels reinforced
      by oxidized polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fiber felts. The RF aerogel composites were
      obtained by impregnating PAN fiber felts with RF sols, then aging, ethanol
      exchanging, and drying at ambient pressure. Upon carbonization, the PAN fibers
      shrink with the RF aerogels, thus reducing the difference of shrinkage rates
      between the fiber reinforcements and the aerogel matrices, and resulting in C/CAs
      without any obvious cracks. The three point bend strength of the C/CAs is 7.1 +/-
      1.7 MPa, and the thermal conductivity is 0.328 W m(-1) K(-1) at 300  degrees C in
      air. These composites can be used as high-temperature thermal insulators (in
      inert atmospheres or vacuum) or supports for phase change materials in thermal
      protection system.

PMID- 22047012
TI  - Folding-promoted TBACl-mediated chemo- and regioselective demethylations of
      methoxybenzene-based macrocyclic pentamers.
AB  - Tetrabutylammonium chloride (TBACl) salt alone has not been shown previously to
      be capable of removing methoxy groups. It is demonstrated here that the use of
      TBACl achieves efficient folding-promoted chemo- and regioselective
      demethylations, eliminating up to two out of five methyl groups situated in
      similar macrocyclic chemical microenvironments.

PMID- 22047013
TI  - A technical modification for percutaneous tracheostomy: prospective case series
      study on one hundred patients.
AB  - The purpose of this study is to describe a technical modification of
      percutaneous tracheostomy that combines principles of the Percu TwistTM and the
      Griggs-Portex(r) methods in a reusable kit. One hundred patients underwent the
      procedure. There were no false passage, tube misplacement, or deaths related to
      the procedure. There were two minor bleedings managed conservatively. The
      technical modification described in this study is safe and simple to execute.

PMID- 22047014
TI  - Fast MCMC sampling for hidden Markov Models to determine copy number variations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hidden Markov Models (HMM) are often used for analyzing Comparative
      Genomic Hybridization (CGH) data to identify chromosomal aberrations or copy
      number variations by segmenting observation sequences. For efficiency reasons the
      parameters of a HMM are often estimated with maximum likelihood and a
      segmentation is obtained with the Viterbi algorithm. This introduces considerable
      uncertainty in the segmentation, which can be avoided with Bayesian approaches
      integrating out parameters using Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) sampling. While
      the advantages of Bayesian approaches have been clearly demonstrated, the
      likelihood based approaches are still preferred in practice for their lower
      running times; datasets coming from high-density arrays and next generation
      sequencing amplify these problems. RESULTS: We propose an approximate sampling
      technique, inspired by compression of discrete sequences in HMM computations and
      by kd-trees to leverage spatial relations between data points in typical data
      sets, to speed up the MCMC sampling. CONCLUSIONS: We test our approximate
      sampling method on simulated and biological ArrayCGH datasets and high-density
      SNP arrays, and demonstrate a speed-up of 10 to 60 respectively 90 while
      achieving competitive results with the state-of-the art Bayesian approaches.
      AVAILABILITY: An implementation of our method will be made available as part of
      the open source GHMM library from http://ghmm.org.

PMID- 22047015
TI  - Feasibility and willingness-to-pay for integrated community-based tuberculosis
      testing.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Community-based screening for TB, combined with HIV and syphilis
      testing, faces a number of barriers. One significant barrier is the value that
      target communities place on such screening. METHODS: Integrated testing for TB,
      HIV, and syphilis was performed in neighborhoods identified using geographic
      information systems-based disease mapping. TB testing included skin testing and
      interferon gamma release assays. Subjects completed a survey describing disease
      risk factors, healthcare access, healthcare utilization, and willingness to pay
      for integrated testing. RESULTS: Behavioral and social risk factors among the 113
      subjects were prevalent (71% prior incarceration, 27% prior or current crack
      cocaine use, 35% homelessness), and only 38% had a regular healthcare provider.
      The initial 24 subjects reported that they would be willing to pay a median $20
      (IQR: 0-100) for HIV testing and $10 (IQR: 0-100) for TB testing when the
      question was asked in an open-ended fashion, but when the question was changed to
      a multiple-choice format, the next 89 subjects reported that they would pay a
      median $5 for testing, and 23% reported that they would either not pay anything
      to get tested or would need to be paid $5 to get tested for TB, HIV, or syphilis.
      Among persons who received tuberculin skin testing, only 14/78 (18%) participants
      returned to have their skin tests read. Only 14/109 (13%) persons who underwent
      HIV testing returned to receive their HIV results. CONCLUSION: The relatively
      high-risk persons screened in this community outreach study placed low value on
      testing. Reported willingness to pay for such testing, while low, likely
      overestimated the true willingness to pay. Successful TB, HIV, and syphilis
      integrated testing programs in high risk populations will likely require one
      visit diagnostic testing and incentives.

PMID- 22047016
TI  - TiO(2) nanoparticles induce oxidative DNA damage and apoptosis in human liver
      cells.
AB  - Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO(2) NPs), widely used in consumer products,
      paints, pharmaceutical preparations and so on, have been shown to induce
      cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and carcinogenic responses in vitro and in vivo. The
      present study revealed that TiO(2) NPs induce significant (p < 0.05) oxidative
      DNA damage by the Fpg-Comet assay even at 1 ug/ml concentration. A corresponding
      increase in the micronucleus frequency was also observed. This could be
      attributed to the reduced glutathione levels with concomitant increase in lipid
      peroxidation and reactive oxygen species generation. Furthermore, immunoblot
      analysis revealed an increased expression of p53, BAX, Cyto-c, Apaf-1, caspase-9
      and caspase-3 and decreased the level of Bcl-2 thereby indicating that apoptosis
      induced by TiO(2) NPs occurs via the caspase-dependent pathway. This study
      systematically shows that TiO(2) NPs induce DNA damage and cause apoptosis in
      HepG2 cells even at very low concentrations. Hence the use of such nanoparticles
      should be carefully monitored.

PMID- 22047017
TI  - The kinetics of cell surface receptor expression in children perinatally exposed
      to polychlorinated biphenyls.
AB  - Exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) during pre-natal and early life can
      alter normal immune system development. Blood specimens from newborns, 6-, and 16
      month-old infants were collected in the Michalovce and Svidnik/Stropkov
      districts, areas with, respectively, high and low environmental PCB
      contamination, and lymphocyte receptor expression was evaluated by multi-color
      flow cytometry. The results indicate that the percentage of lymphoid dendritic
      cells (DC) and naive/resting T-lymphocytes were significantly increased at 6
      months in Michalovce as compared to the same cell types in cord blood samples (p
      < 0.001), whereas natural regulatory T-lymphocytes and suppressor inducer T
      lymphocytes were reduced (p < 0.001). Overall, a positive linear correlation of
      terminally differentiated effector memory (TEM) T-lymphocyte population with age,
      but a negative linear correlation for myeloid DC from birth to 6-months in both
      regions were found. Michalovce samples indicated significantly higher expression
      of memory T-lymphocytes (birth, 6(th), and 16(th) month), TEM T-lymphocytes
      (birth and 6(th) month), and lymphoid DC (6(th) month) compared to the
      Svidnik/Stropkov regions. After adjustment for relevant covariates, such as
      maternal age, parity, season of birth, breastfeeding, birth weight, and gender,
      the myeloid DC, suppressor inducer T-lymphocytes, truly naive helper/inducer T
      lymphocytes, and TEM T-lymphocytes remained significantly different between
      districts in cord blood samples. The multivariate analysis models for 6- and 16
      month samples showed district differences in all cellular determinants, except
      for lymphoid DC and macrophage-like cells. This study provides the first evidence
      that pre-natal and early post-natal exposure to PCBs affects the dynamics of cell
      surface receptor expression on lymphoid DC and DC-like cells, suggesting impaired
      immunologic development following pre-natal and early post-natal PCB exposure.

PMID- 22047018
TI  - Statement of retraction.

PMID- 22047019
TI  - Course and prognosis of recovery for chronic non-specific low back pain: design,
      therapy program and baseline data of a prospective cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There has been increasing focus on factors predicting the development
      of chronic musculoskeletal disorders. For patients already experiencing chronic
      non-specific low back pain it is also relevant to investigate which prognostic
      factors predict recovery. We present the design of a cohort study that aims to
      determine the course and prognostic factors for recovery in patients with chronic
      non-specific low back pain. METHODS/DESIGN: All participating patients were
      recruited (Jan 2003-Dec 2008) from the same rehabilitation centre and were
      evaluated by means of (postal) questionnaires and physical examinations at
      baseline, during the 2-month therapy program, and at 5 and 12 months after start
      of therapy. The therapy protocol at the rehabilitation centre used a bio
      psychosocial approach to stimulate patients to adopt adequate (movement)
      behaviour aimed at physical and functional recovery. The program is part of
      regular care and consists of 16 sessions of 3 hours each, over an 8-week period
      (in total 48 hours), followed by a 3-month self-management program. The primary
      outcomes are low back pain intensity, disability, quality of life, patient's
      global perceived effect of recovery, and participation in work. Baseline
      characteristics include information on socio-demographics, low back pain,
      employment status, and additional clinical items status such as fatigue, duration
      of activities, and fear of kinesiophobia. Prognostic variables are determined for
      recovery at short-term (5 months) and long-term (12 months) follow-up after start
      of therapy. DISCUSSION: In a routine clinical setting it is important to provide
      patients suffering from chronic non-specific low back pain with adequate
      information about the prognosis of their complaint.

PMID- 22047020
TI  - Assessing diversity of the female urine microbiota by high throughput sequencing
      of 16S rDNA amplicons.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Urine within the urinary tract is commonly regarded as "sterile" in
      cultivation terms. Here, we present a comprehensive in-depth study of bacterial
      16S rDNA sequences associated with urine from healthy females by means of culture
      independent high-throughput sequencing techniques. RESULTS: Sequencing of the
      V1V2 and V6 regions of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene using the 454 GS FLX system was
      performed to characterize the possible bacterial composition in 8 culture
      negative (<100,000 CFU/ml) healthy female urine specimens. Sequences were
      compared to 16S rRNA databases and showed significant diversity, with the
      predominant genera detected being Lactobacillus, Prevotella and Gardnerella. The
      bacterial profiles in the female urine samples studied were complex; considerable
      variation between individuals was observed and a common microbial signature was
      not evident. Notably, a significant amount of sequences belonging to bacteria
      with a known pathogenic potential was observed. The number of operational
      taxonomic units (OTUs) for individual samples varied substantially and was in the
      range of 20-500. CONCLUSIONS: Normal female urine displays a noticeable and
      variable bacterial 16S rDNA sequence richness, which includes fastidious and
      anaerobic bacteria previously shown to be associated with female urogenital
      pathology.

PMID- 22047022
TI  - Ruthenium-catalyzed meta sulfonation of 2-phenylpyridines.
AB  - A selective catalytic meta sulfonation of 2-phenylpyridines was found to occur in
      the presence of (arene)ruthenium(II) complexes upon reaction with sulfonyl
      chlorides. The 2-pyridyl group facilitates the formation of a stable Ru-C(aryl)
      sigma bond that induces a strong para-directing effect. Electrophilic aromatic
      substitution proceeds with the sulfonyl chloride to furnish a sulfone at the
      position meta to the chelating group. This new catalytic process offers access to
      atypical regioselectivity for reactions involving chelation-assisted
      cyclometalation.

PMID- 22047023
TI  - Impact of an individualist vs. collectivist context on the social valorization of
      internal explanations.
AB  - The theory of the norm of internality emphasizes the role of Western
      individualism in the normativity of internal explanations. The present study
      examines the link between the social value accorded to targets expressing
      internal vs. external explanations and individualist vs. collectivist contexts.
      Sixty-three male and female French management sciences students evaluated two
      targets (internal vs. external) in a simulated recruitment situation. The job
      vacancy was partially manipulated to create individualist vs. collectivist
      contexts. Participants were asked to state whether or not they would recruit the
      targets and to describe the targets on traits relating to social utility (market
      value) and social desirability (likeability). As expected, the results showed
      that the effect of the targets' internality on recruitment judgments and
      perceived social utility was stronger in the individualist context than in the
      collectivist context. However, the analysis also revealed that the participant's
      gender moderated the impact of the context on the evaluation of the targets. The
      results showed that the context strongly affected the men's judgments, whereas it
      had no effect on the women's judgments.

PMID- 22047021
TI  - Translesion DNA synthesis in the context of cancer research.
AB  - During cell division, replication of the genomic DNA is performed by high
      fidelity DNA polymerases but these error-free enzymes can not synthesize across
      damaged DNA. Specialized DNA polymerases, so called DNA translesion synthesis
      polymerases (TLS polymerases), can replicate damaged DNA thereby avoiding
      replication fork breakdown and subsequent chromosomal instability.We focus on the
      involvement of mammalian TLS polymerases in DNA damage tolerance mechanisms. In
      detail, we review the discovery of TLS polymerases and describe the molecular
      features of all the mammalian TLS polymerases identified so far. We give a short
      overview of the mechanisms that regulate the selectivity and activity of TLS
      polymerases. In addition, we summarize the current knowledge how different types
      of DNA damage, relevant either for the induction or treatment of cancer, are
      bypassed by TLS polymerases. Finally, we elucidate the relevance of TLS
      polymerases in the context of cancer therapy.

PMID- 22047024
TI  - Barriers to physical activity in older adults in Germany: a cross-sectional
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Data on barriers to physical activity in older adults in Germany are
      scarce. The aim of this study was to analyse barriers to physical activity in a
      cohort of older adults, allowing comparisons between men and women, and age
      groups. METHODS: 1,937 older adults with a median age of 77 (range 72-93) years
      (53.3% female) took part in the 7-year follow-up telephone interviews of the
      getABI cohort. Participants who stated that they did not get enough physical
      activity were surveyed with respect to barriers to physical activity. Barriers
      were analysed for all respondents, as well as by sex and age group for cases with
      complete data. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to
      evaluate differences between sexes and age groups. The level of significance
      (alpha < 0.05) was adjusted for multiple testing according to Bonferroni (p <
      .004). RESULTS: 1,607 (83.0%) participants stated that they were sufficiently
      physically active. 286 participants rated their physical activity as insufficient
      and responded to questions on barriers to physical activity completely. The three
      most frequently cited barriers were poor health (57.7%), lack of company (43.0%),
      and lack of interest (36.7%). Lack of opportunities for sports or leisure
      activities (30.3% vs. 15.6%), and lack of transport (29.0% vs. 7.1%) were more
      frequently stated by female respondents than male respondents. These differences
      between men and women were significant (p = .003; p < .001) after adjustment for
      respondents' age. Analyses by age groups revealed that poor health was more
      frequently considered a barrier to physical activity by participants aged 80+
      years compared to the younger age group (71.1% vs. 51.5%). This age-dependent
      difference was significant (p = .002) irrespective of the participants' sex.
      CONCLUSIONS: The present study provides relevant data on barriers to physical
      activity in older adults. By revealing appreciable differences between men and
      women, and age groups, this study has implications for efforts to increase older
      adults' physical activity. Promotion and intervention strategies should consider
      the barriers and tailor measures to the specific needs of older adults in order
      to reduce their constraints to physical activity.

PMID- 22047025
TI  - Enantiomer resolution by pressure increase: inferences from experimental and
      topological results for the binary enantiomer system (R)- and (S)-mandelic acid.
AB  - In pharmacy, racemic compounds are often problematic, because generally only one
      of the enantiomers possesses therapeutic activity and it is often difficult to
      separate them. Even though this problem is likely as old as the pharmaceutical
      industry, one thermodynamically obvious way of separating racemic crystals has
      never been studied experimentally, which is by using pressure. Data have been
      obtained on the equilibria of the (R)- and (S)-mandelic acid system as a function
      of pressure and temperature. With the use of thermodynamic arguments including
      the Clapeyron, Schroder, and Prigogine-Defay equations, it has been demonstrated
      that the conglomerate (crystals of separated enantiomers) becomes more stable
      than the racemic compound at approximately 0.64 GPa and 460 K. Even though this
      pressure is still higher than at the bottom of the Mariana Trench, there are no
      technical obstacles to produce such conditions, making pressure a viable option
      for separating enantiomers.

PMID- 22047028
TI  - Development of a multilevel approach for the evaluation of nanomaterials'
      toxicity.
AB  - AIM: To develop a multilevel approach that includes different toxicity tests and
      gene-expression studies for toxicity evaluation of engineered nanomaterials
      developed for biomedical applications. MATERIALS & METHODS: K-562, MCF-7 and U
      937 human-derived cell lines were used as models for in vitro toxicity tests.
      These tests included viability assays (3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-5-[3
      carboxymethoxyphenyl]-2-[4-sulfophenyl]-2H-tetrazolium [MTS] assay); evaluation
      of apoptosis/necrosis by propidium iodide staining and DNA laddering assay;
      evaluation of mitochondrial toxicity (5,5',6,6'-tetrachloro-1,1',3,3'-tetraethyl
      benzimidazolcarbocyanine iodide [JC-1] assay); transmission electron microscopy
      analysis and gene expression analysis by DNA microarray. For in vivo toxicity
      evaluation, Swiss mice were used for monitoring acute or chronic effects. Two
      superparamagnetic contrast agents approved for human use (Resovist and Primovist)
      and two new lanthanide-based luminescent nanoparticles were tested. RESULTS &
      DISCUSSION: The nanomaterials approved for human use did not show significant
      toxicities in our assays. Toxicity studies performed on lanthanide-based
      nanoparticles (EDTA120 and EDTA120D) complexed with the chelating agent EDTA
      revealed that these nanomaterials induced necrosis in U-937 and K-562 cells while
      no toxicity was observed in MCF-7 cells. Moreover, no in vivo effects have been
      observed. The comparative analysis of the nanomaterials and their separated
      components showed that the toxicity in U-937 and K-562 cells was mainly due to
      the presence of EDTA. CONCLUSION: The multilevel approach proved to be useful for
      nanomaterial toxicity characterization. In particular, for the lanthanide-based
      nanoparticles tested in this work, the EDTA was identified as the main cause of
      the toxicity in vitro, suggesting a possible applicability of these nanoparticle
      suspensions for in vivo optical imaging.

PMID- 22047027
TI  - Cancer control and prevention by nutrition and epigenetic approaches.
AB  - SIGNIFICANCE: Epigenetics involves alterations in gene expression without
      changing the nucleotide sequence. Because some epigenetic changes can be reversed
      chemically, epigenetics has tremendous implications for disease intervention and
      treatment. RECENT ADVANCES: After epigenetic components in cancer were
      characterized, genes and pathways are being characterized in other diseases such
      as diabetes, obesity, and neurological disorders. Observational, experimental,
      and clinical studies in different diseases have shown that nutrients influence
      epigenetic regulation. Nutrients such as folic acid that supply methyl groups
      have been shown to have a protective effect in colon cancer. CRITICAL ISSUES:
      Identifying steps during epigenetic regulation and developing intervention and
      treatment agents are the critical issues in the field. FUTURE DIRECTIONS:
      Following completion and validation of key observational studies in nutritional
      epigenetics, strategies can be developed for cancer control and treatment.

PMID- 22047030
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 22047029
TI  - Mechanism of titania deposition into cylindrical poly(styrene-block-4 vinyl
      pyridine) block copolymer templates.
AB  - A simple and effective way for TiO(2) to be deposited on silicon or indium tin
      oxide (ITO) substrates has been achieved by using a poly(styrene-block-4-vinyl
      pyridine) (PS-b-P4VP) block copolymer template. In particular, a mechanism for
      the formation of TiO(2) within the P4VP phase was developed. Within this model,
      the TiO(2) deposition occurs by swelling of the protonated P4VP segments followed
      by transport of Ti precursor, probably protonated Ti(OH)(4) given the low pH
      conditions used, into the swollen P4VP followed by condensation into TiO(2)
      during the heating/plasma etch processes. TiO(2) nanostructure morphology is
      affected by pH and deposition temperatures, because these parameters affect the
      degree of protonation of P4VP segments and diffusion of the titanium(IV)
      bis(ammonium lactato)dihydroxide (TALH) precursor into the film. A pH range of
      2.1-2.5 for silicon substrates and pH = 2.1 for ITO substrates gave the narrower
      TiO(2) nanostructures distributions, and deposition at 70  degrees C gave TiO(2)
      nanostructures with more regular arrangements and smoother surface than those
      deposited at room temperature. The use of 1,4-diiodobutane as a P4VP cross
      linking compound is demonstrated to be a critical parameter for maintaining good
      cylindrical surface morphology for both the block copolymer template and the
      TiO(2) nanostructures.

PMID- 22047031
TI  - Miscellaneous.

PMID- 22047032
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 22047035
TI  - A step beyond the Feltham-Enemark notation: spectroscopic and correlated ab
      initio computational support for an antiferromagnetically coupled M(II)-(NO)-
      description of Tp*M(NO) (M = Co, Ni).
AB  - Multiple spectroscopic and computational methods were used to characterize the
      ground-state electronic structure of the novel {CoNO}(9) species Tp*Co(NO) (Tp* =
      hydro-tris(3,5-Me(2)-pyrazolyl)borate). The metric parameters about the metal
      center and the pre-edge region of the Co K-edge X-ray absorption spectrum were
      reproduced by density functional theory (DFT), providing a qualitative
      description of the Co-NO bonding interaction as a Co(II) (S(Co) = 3/2) metal
      center, antiferromagnetically coupled to a triplet NO(-) anion (S(NO) = 1), an
      interpretation of the electronic structure that was validated by ab initio
      multireference methods (CASSCF/MRCI). Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR)
      spectroscopy revealed significant g-anisotropy in the S = 1/2 ground state, but
      the linear-response DFT performed poorly at calculating the g-values. Instead,
      CASSCF/MRCI computational studies in conjunction with quasi-degenerate
      perturbation theory with respect to spin-orbit coupling were required for
      obtaining accurate modeling of the molecular g-tensor. The computational portion
      of this work was extended to the diamagnetic Ni analogue of the Co complex,
      Tp*Ni(NO), which was found to consist of a Ni(II) (S(Ni) = 1) metal center
      antiferromagnetically coupled to an S(NO) = 1 NO(-). The similarity between the
      Co and Ni complexes contrasts with the previously studied Cu analogues, for which
      a Cu(I) bound to NO(0) formulation has been described. This discrepancy will be
      discussed along with a comparison of the DFT and ab initio computational methods
      for their ability to predict various spectroscopic and molecular features.

PMID- 22047036
TI  - Rapid deposition of transparent super-hydrophobic layers on various surfaces
      using microwave plasma.
AB  - We report herein on a very fast and simple process for the fabrication of
      transparent superhydrophobic surfaces by using microwave (MW) plasma. It was
      found that the reaction of various organic liquids in MW argon plasma yields
      hydrophobic polymeric layers on a large assortment of surfaces, including glass,
      polymeric surfaces, ceramics, metals, and even paper. In most cases, these
      polymers are deposited as a rough layer composed of 10-15 nm nanoparticles (NPs).
      This roughness, together with the chemical hydrophobic nature of the coated
      materials, is responsible for the superhydrophobic nature of the surface. The
      typical reaction time of the coating procedure was 1-10 s. The stability of these
      superhydrophobic surfaces was examined outdoors, and was found to last 2-5 days
      under direct exposure to the environment and to last 2 months when the sample was
      protected by a quartz cover. A detailed characterization study of the chemical
      composition of the layers followed using XPS, solid-state NMR, and IR
      measurements. Modifications were introduced in the products leading to a
      substantial improvement in the stability of the products outdoors.

PMID- 22047037
TI  - A powerful palladium-catalyzed multicomponent process for the preparation of
      oxazolines and benzoxazoles.
AB  - Efficient and convenient three-component couplings of an aryl halide, isocyanide,
      and an amino alcohol under palladium catalysis provide a range of oxazolines and
      benzoxazoles in excellent yield.

PMID- 22047038
TI  - Intra aortic balloon pump: literature review of risk factors related to
      complications of the intraaortic balloon pump.
AB  - The increasing use of the intra aortic balloon pump is attributed to the
      relatively easy percutaneous insertion and the low threshold of use over the past
      few years, especially in elderly patients with multi-vessel diseases and an
      affected ejection fraction.Unfortunately, the clinical assessment of the
      complications associated to the use of this supporting device, underestimates the
      frequency of such complications.This report has looked at the current literature
      and attempt to identify incremental risk factors related to the development of
      adverse effects during support with an intaaortic balloon pump.The paper
      concludes that in contrary to early reports, newer studies have shown that
      complications following intraaortic balloon pump treatment, is decreasing.
      Moreover the literature suggests that the thrombosis and infective complications
      are relevant to the duration of the pump treatment, while the ischemic problems
      of the limbs are mostly linked to the atherosclerotic status of the common
      femoral artery.

PMID- 22047039
TI  - Evolutionary history of barley cultivation in Europe revealed by genetic analysis
      of extant landraces.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Understanding the evolution of cultivated barley is important for two
      reasons. First, the evolutionary relationships between different landraces might
      provide information on the spread and subsequent development of barley
      cultivation, including the adaptation of the crop to new environments and its
      response to human selection. Second, evolutionary information would enable
      landraces with similar traits but different genetic backgrounds to be identified,
      providing alternative strategies for the introduction of these traits into modern
      germplasm. RESULTS: The evolutionary relationships between 651 barley landraces
      were inferred from the genotypes for 24 microsatellites. The landraces could be
      divided into nine populations, each with a different geographical distribution.
      Comparisons with ear row number, caryopsis structure, seasonal growth habit and
      flowering time revealed a degree of association between population structure and
      phenotype, and analysis of climate variables indicated that the landraces are
      adapted, at least to some extent, to their environment. Human selection and/or
      environmental adaptation may therefore have played a role in the origin and/or
      maintenance of one or more of the barley landrace populations. There was also
      evidence that at least some of the population structure derived from geographical
      partitioning set up during the initial spread of barley cultivation into Europe,
      or reflected the later introduction of novel varieties. In particular, three
      closely-related populations were made up almost entirely of plants with the
      daylength nonresponsive version of the photoperiod response gene PPD-H1,
      conferring adaptation to the long annual growth season of northern Europe. These
      three populations probably originated in the eastern Fertile Crescent and entered
      Europe after the initial spread of agriculture. CONCLUSIONS: The discovery of
      population structure, combined with knowledge of associated phenotypes and
      environmental adaptations, enables a rational approach to identification of
      landraces that might be used as sources of germplasm for breeding programs. The
      population structure also enables hypotheses concerning the prehistoric spread
      and development of agriculture to be addressed.

PMID- 22047040
TI  - Structures, energies, bonding, and NMR properties of pnicogen complexes H2XP:NXH2
      (X ? H, CH3, NH2, OH, F, Cl).
AB  - Ab initio calculations have been carried out in a systematic investigation of
      P...N pnicogen complexes H(2)XP:NXH(2) for X ? H, CH(3), NH(2), OH, F, and Cl, as
      well as selected complexes with different substituents X bonded to P and N.
      Binding energies for complexes H(2)XP:NXH(2) range from 8 to 27 kJ mol(-1) and
      increase to 39 kJ mol(-1) for H(2)FP:N(CH(3))H(2). Equilibrium structures have a
      nearly linear A-P-N arrangement, with A being the atom directly bonded to P.
      Binding energies correlate with intermolecular N-P distances as well as with
      bonding parameters obtained from AIM and SAPT analyses. Complexation increases
      (31)P chemical shieldings in complexes with binding energies greater than 19 kJ
      mol(-1). One-bond spin-spin coupling constants (1p)J(N-P) across the pnicogen
      interaction exhibit a quadratic dependence on the N-P distance for complexes
      H(2)XP:NXH(2), similar to the dependence of (2h)J(X-Y) on the X-Y distance for
      complexes with X-H...Y hydrogen bonds. However, when the mixed complexes
      H(2)XP:NX'H(2) are included, the curvature of the trendline changes and the good
      correlation between (1p)J(N-P) and the N-P distance is lost.

PMID- 22047041
TI  - Biofilm and planktonic pneumococci demonstrate disparate immunoreactivity to
      human convalescent sera.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Streptococcus pneumoniae (the pneumococcus) is the leading cause of
      otitis media, community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), sepsis, and meningitis. It is
      now evident that S. pneumoniae forms biofilms during nasopharyngeal colonization;
      the former which facilitates persistence, the latter, a prerequisite for
      subsequent development of invasive disease. Proteomic evaluation of S. pneumoniae
      suggests the antigen profile available for host-recognition is altered as a
      consequence of biofilm growth. This has potentially meaningful implications in
      regards to adaptive immunity and protection from disseminated disease. We
      therefore examined the antigen profile of biofilm and planktonic pneumococcal
      cell lysates, tested their reactivity with human convalescent sera and that
      generated against biofilm pneumococci, and examined whether immunization with
      biofilm pneumococci protected mice against infectious challenge. RESULTS: Biofilm
      pneumococci have dramatically altered protein profiles versus their planktonic
      counterparts. During invasive disease the humoral immune response is skewed
      towards the planktonic protein profile. Immunization with biofilm bacteria does
      not elicit a strong-cross-reactive humoral response against planktonic bacteria
      nor confer resistance against challenge with a virulent isolate from another
      serotype. We identified numerous proteins, including Pneumococcal serine-rich
      repeat protein (PsrP), which may serve as a protective antigens against both
      colonization and invasive disease. CONCLUSION: Differential protein production by
      planktonic and biofilm pneumococci provides a potential explanation for why
      individuals remain susceptible to invasive disease despite previous colonization
      events. These findings also strongly suggest that differential protein production
      during colonization and disease be considered during the selection of antigens
      for any future protein vaccine.

PMID- 22047042
TI  - Porphyromonas gingivalis accelerates atherosclerosis in C57BL/6 mice fed a high
      fat diet.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Porphyromonas gingivalis has been shown to accelerate atherosclerotic
      lesion development in atherosclerotic apo E-deficient mice. Here, we investigated
      whether repeated P. gingivalis injection affected the inflammatory and
      atherosclerotic responses of C57BL/6 mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Eight-week-old C57BL/6 mice fed either HFD or a regular chow diet
      (RD) were inoculated intravenously with P. gingivalis or phosphate-buffered
      saline three times per week for 10 weeks and sacrificed at 19 weeks of age.
      Atheromatous lesions in the proximal aorta of each animal were analyzed
      histomorphometrically, and the serum cytokine and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels
      were determined. RESULTS: Long-term HFD feeding as compared to RD feeding led to
      a slight increase in atheromatous lesions in the aortic sinus as well as
      increases in the levels of serum monocyte chemoattractant protein 1. Further, P.
      gingivalis injection significantly enhanced the formation of atherosclerotic
      plaque, and increased CRP and inflammatory cytokine levels, in mice fed the HFD,
      although no further increase in LDL was observed. CONCLUSION: These results
      suggest that bacteremia-induced by repeated injection with P. gingivalis
      accelerates atherosclerosis in normal C57BL/6 mice by initiating inflammation,
      and is therefore implicated in chronic infection-related pathogenicity.

PMID- 22047043
TI  - Dynamic structure factor for large aggregate clusters with internal motions: a
      self-consistent light-scattering study on conjugated polymer solutions.
AB  - The aggregation properties of a standard conjugated polymer, poly(2-methoxy-5-(2'
      ethylhexyloxy)-1,4-phenylenevinylene) (MEH-PPV), in two distinct solvents
      (chloroform and toluene) and a range of polymer concentrations (c = 0.1-3 mg/mL)
      have been unequivocally resolved using combined dynamic and static light
      scatterings (DLS/SLS). The prime challenges for analyzing this peculiar,
      practically important, solution system arise from the wide size distribution and
      unknown aggregate morphology, as well as pronounced interferences between
      translational and internal motions of aggregate clusters of considerably varying
      size. To cope with these central difficulties, we propose a self-consistent
      formulation for analyzing the dynamic structure factor in DLS experiment by
      extending an existing theory on free-draining bead-spring chains that explicitly
      accounts for internal fluctuations, along with two candidate form factors on
      Gaussian coil and rigid sphere, respectively, serving as two limiting cases to be
      discriminated in combined DLS and SLS measurements. Given that no accessibility
      to ultrasmall angular resolutions is a prerequisite, the suggested protocol can
      readily be carried out in conventional light-scattering apparatus. The present
      analyses unanimously support the rigid-sphere form factor in describing the
      entire set of light-scattering data on MEH-PPV solutions, differing from early
      small-angle neutron/X-ray scattering interpretations suggesting certain 2D
      fractal structures for the aggregation network. Scrutiny into the interior
      dynamics of aggregate clusters further disclosed that the segmental motions are
      noticeably more suppressed than for usual, nonaggregated polymer solutions, and
      no existing theories based on the bead-spring picture can yet capture the
      observed scaling behavior as manifested by the present data. Accordingly, we
      report several first-revealed properties of MEH-PPV solutions on the aggregate
      morphology, the size distribution (and mean size), mean aggregation number, and
      interior segmental dynamics, which serve as valuable information for linking
      solution properties with those for dried thin films in contemporary applications
      with conducting conjugated polymers.

PMID- 22047044
TI  - Correspondence between salivary proteomic pattern and clinical course in primary
      Sjogren syndrome and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: a case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the last years human proteomic has represented a promising tool to
      promote the communication between basic and clinical science. METHODS: To explore
      the correspondence between salivary proteomic profile and clinical response,
      herein, we used a proteomic approach to analyse the whole saliva of a patient
      with primary Sjogren's Syndrome (pSS) and non-Hodgkin's-MALT type parotid
      lymphoma before, during and after a standard treatment with cyclophosphamide
      (CTX) and rituximab (RTX). To identify any discriminatory therapeutic salivary
      biomarker patient's whole saliva was collected at the baseline, after the fourth
      infusion of rituximab, and on remission and analysed combining two-dimensional
      electrophoresis (2DE) and MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrometry. RESULTS: Proteomic
      results obtained from the comparison of salivary samples indicated several
      qualitative and quantitative modifications in the salivary expression of putative
      albumin, immunoglobulin J chain, Ig kappa chain C region, alpha-1-antitrypsin,
      haptoglobin and Ig alpha-1 chain C region. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that
      clinical and functional changes of the salivary glands driven by autoimmune and
      lymphoproliferative processes might be reflected in patients' whole saliva
      proteins, shedding new light on the potential usefulness of salivary proteomic
      analysis in the identification of prognostic and therapeutic biomarkers for
      patients with pSS and non Hodgkin's lymphomas.

PMID- 22047045
TI  - Multivariate modelling with (1)H NMR of pleural effusion in murine cerebral
      malaria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cerebral malaria is a clinical manifestation of Plasmodium falciparum
      infection. Although brain damage is the predominant pathophysiological
      complication of cerebral malaria (CM), respiratory distress, acute lung injury,
      hydrothorax/pleural effusion are also observed in several cases. Immunological
      parameters have been assessed in pleural fluid in murine models; however there
      are no reports of characterization of metabolites present in pleural effusion.
      METHODS: 1H NMR of the sera and the pleural effusion of cerebral malaria infected
      mice were analyzed using principal component analysis, orthogonal partial least
      square analysis, multiway principal component analysis, and multivariate curve
      resolution. RESULTS: It has been observed that there was 100% occurrence of
      pleural effusion (PE) in the mice affected with CM, as opposed to those are non
      cerebral and succumbing to hyperparasitaemia (NCM/HP). An analysis of 1H NMR and
      SDS-PAGE profile of PE and serum samples of each of the CM mice exhibited a
      similar profile in terms of constituents. Multivariate analysis on these two
      classes of biofluids was performed and significant differences were detected in
      concentrations of metabolites. Glucose, creatine and glutamine contents were high
      in the PE and lipids being high in the sera. Multivariate curve resolution
      between sera and pleural effusion showed that changes in PE co-varied with that
      of serum in CM mice. The increase of glucose in PE is negatively correlated to
      the glucose in serum in CM as obtained from the result of multiway principal
      component analysis. CONCLUSIONS: This study reports for the first time, the
      characterization of metabolites in pleural effusion formed during murine cerebral
      malaria. The study indicates that the origin of PE metabolites in murine CM may
      be the serum. The loss of the components like glucose, glutamine and creatine
      into the PE may worsen the situation of patients, in conjunction with the
      enhanced glycolysis, glutaminolysis and increased activity of creatine
      phophokinase which are already reported characteristic pathophysiological
      features of malaria.

PMID- 22047046
TI  - Efficacy of tranexamic acid in reducing blood loss in posterior lumbar spine
      surgery for degenerative spinal stenosis with instability: a retrospective case
      control study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Degenerative spinal stenosis and instability requiring multilevel
      spine surgery has been associated with large blood losses. Factors that affect
      perioperative blood loss include time of surgery, surgical procedure, patient
      height, combined anterior/posterior approaches, number of levels fused, blood
      salvage techniques, and the use of anti-fibrinolytic medications. This study was
      done to evaluate the efficacy of tranexamic acid in reducing blood loss in spine
      surgery. METHODS: This retrospective case control study includes 97 patients who
      had to undergo surgery because of degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis and
      instability. All operations included spinal decompression, interbody fusion and
      posterior instrumentation (4-5 segments). Forty-six patients received 1 g
      tranexamic acid intravenous, preoperative and six hours and twelve hours
      postoperative; 51 patients without tranexamic acid administration were evaluated
      as a control group. Based on the records, the intra- and postoperative blood
      losses were measured by evaluating the drainage and cell saver systems 6, 12 and
      24 hours post operation. Additionally, hemoglobin concentration and platelet
      concentration were reviewed. Furthermore, the number of red cell transfusions
      given and complications associated with tranexamic acid were assessed. RESULTS:
      The postoperative hemoglobin concentration demonstrated a statistically
      significant difference with a p value of 0.0130 showing superiority for
      tranexamic acid use (tranexamic acid group: 11.08 g/dl, SD: 1.68; control group:
      10.29 g/dl, SD: 1.39). The intraoperative cell saver volume and drainage volume
      after 24 h demonstrated a significant difference as well, which indicates a less
      blood loss in the tranexamic acid group than the control group. The postoperative
      drainage volume at12 hours showed no significant differences; nor did the
      platelet concentration Allogenic blood transfusion (two red cell units) was
      needed for eight patients in the tranexamic acid group and nine in the control
      group because of postoperative anemia. Complications associated with the
      administration of tranexamic acid, e.g. renal failure, deep vein thrombosis or
      pulmonary embolism did not occur. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests a less blood
      loss when administering tranexamic acid in posterior lumbar spine surgery as
      demonstrated by the higher postoperative hemoglobin concentration and the less
      blood loss. But given the relatively small volume of blood loss in the patients
      of this study it is underpowered to show a difference in transfusion rates.

PMID- 22047047
TI  - Factors associated with paradoxical immune response to antiretroviral therapy in
      HIV infected patients: a case control study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A paradoxical immunologic response (PIR) to Highly Active
      Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART), defined as viral suppression without CD4 cell
      count improvement, has been reported in the literature as 8 to 42%, around 15% in
      most instances. The present study aims to determine, in a cohort of HIV infected
      patients in Brazil, what factors were independently associated with such a
      discordant response to HAART. METHODS: A case-control study (1:4) matched by
      gender was conducted among 934 HIV infected patients on HAART in Brazil. CASES:
      patients with PIR, defined as CD4 < 350 cells/mm(3) (hazard ratio for AIDS or
      death of at least 8.5) and undetectable HIV viral load on HAART for at least one
      year. CONTROLS: similar to cases, but with CD4 counts >= 350 cells/mm(3).
      Eligibility criteria were applied. Data were collected from medical records using
      a standardized form. Variables were introduced in a hierarchical logistic
      regression model if a p-value < 0.1 was determined in a bivariate analysis.
      RESULTS: Among 934 patients, 39 cases and 160 controls were consecutively
      selected. Factors associated with PIR in the logistic regression model were:
      total time in use of HAART (OR 0.981; CI 95%: 0.96-0.99), nadir CD4-count (OR
      0.985; CI 95%: 0.97-0.99), and time of undetectable HIV viral load (OR 0.969; CI
      95%: 0.94-0.99). CONCLUSIONS: PIR seems to be related to a delay in the
      management of immunodeficient patients, as shown by its negative association with
      nadir CD4-count. Strategies should be implemented to avoid such a delay and
      improve the adherence to HAART as a way to implement concordant responses.

PMID- 22047048
TI  - Type-2 isopentenyl diphosphate isomerase: evidence for a stepwise mechanism.
AB  - Isopentenyl diphosphate isomerase (IDI) catalyzes the interconversion of
      isopentenyl diphosphate (IPP) and dimethylallyl diphosphate (DMAPP). These two
      molecules are the building blocks for construction of isoprenoid carbon skeletons
      in nature. Two structurally unrelated forms of IDI are known. A variety of
      studies support a proton addition/proton elimination mechanism for both enzymes.
      During studies with Thermus thermophilus IDI-2, we discovered that the olefinic
      hydrogens of a vinyl thiomethyl analogue of isopentenyl diphosphate exchanged
      with solvent when the enzyme was incubated with D(2)O without concomitant
      isomerization of the double bond. These results suggest that the enzyme-catalyzed
      isomerization reaction is not concerted.

PMID- 22047049
TI  - Mossbauer and EPR study of iron in vacuoles from fermenting Saccharomyces
      cerevisiae.
AB  - Vacuoles were isolated from fermenting yeast cells grown on minimal medium
      supplemented with 40 MUM (57)Fe. Absolute concentrations of Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, Ca,
      and P in isolated vacuoles were determined by ICP-MS. Mossbauer spectra of
      isolated vacuoles were dominated by two spectral features: a mononuclear
      magnetically isolated high-spin (HS) Fe(III) species coordinated primarily by
      hard/ionic (mostly or exclusively oxygen) ligands and superparamagnetic Fe(III)
      oxyhydroxo nanoparticles. EPR spectra of isolated vacuoles exhibited a g(ave) ~
      4.3 signal typical of HS Fe(III) with E/D ~ 1/3. Chemical reduction of the HS
      Fe(III) species was possible, affording a Mossbauer quadrupole doublet with
      parameters consistent with O/N ligation. Vacuolar spectral features were present
      in whole fermenting yeast cells; however, quantitative comparisons indicated that
      Fe leaches out of vacuoles during isolation. The in vivo vacuolar Fe
      concentration was estimated to be ~1.2 mM while the Fe concentration of isolated
      vacuoles was ~220 MUM. Mossbauer analysis of Fe(III) polyphosphate exhibited
      properties similar to those of vacuolar Fe. At the vacuolar pH of 5, Fe(III)
      polyphosphate was magnetically isolated, while at pH 7, it formed nanoparticles.
      This pH-dependent conversion was reversible. Fe(III) polyphosphate could also be
      reduced to the Fe(II) state, affording similar Mossbauer parameters to that of
      reduced vacuolar Fe. These results are insufficient to identify the exact
      coordination environment of the Fe(III) species in vacuoles, but they suggest a
      complex closely related to Fe(III) polyphosphate. A model for Fe trafficking
      into/out of yeast vacuoles is proposed.

PMID- 22047050
TI  - The impact of initiating biphasic human insulin 30 therapy in type 2 diabetes
      patients after failure of oral antidiabetes drugs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The present study evaluated the efficacy of biphasic human insulin 30
      (BHI 30) in type 2 diabetes patients who had failed in therapy with two or more
      oral antidiabetes drugs (OADs). METHODS: This open-label, nonrandomized, 4-month,
      multicenter, clinical observational study was conducted in Shanghai, China. A
      total of 660 insulin-naive type 2 diabetes patients with poor glycemic control
      (glycosylated hemoglobin [HbA1c] >=7.5%), despite treatment with two or more OADs
      for more than 6 months, were recruited and received BHI 30 monotherapy or BHI 30
      plus OAD(s) (metformin only, alpha-glucosidase inhibitor only, or both). RESULTS:
      Among the 660 subjects, 644 completed the 4-month study. At the end of the study,
      the median level of HbA1c decreased by 2.0% (from 9.1% to 7.0%) in the BHI 30
      monotherapy group and also 2.0% (from 9.5% to 7.3%) in the BHI 30 plus OAD group.
      More patients achieved the HbA1c <7.0% target in the BHI 30 monotherapy group
      than in the BHI 30 plus OAD(s) group (47.9% vs. 35.3%, P=0.002). Compared with
      the expenses of the prior treatment strategy, the median daily cost decreased by
      39.8% (4.5 yuan, Chinese RMB) at the end point in the BHI 30 monotherapy group
      but increased by 20.0% (2.2 yuan) in the BHI 30 plus OAD(s) group (P<0.0001).
      Moreover, patients in the BHI 30 plus OAD(s) group had fewer minor hypoglycemic
      episodes than in the BHI 30 monotherapy group (mean of 1.06 vs. 2.77 per patient
      per year, P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Short-term BHI 30 therapy can improve glycemic
      control in insulin-naive type 2 diabetes patients after failure of two or more
      OADs. With higher baseline glucose level, the BHI 30 plus OAD(s) group had lower
      pharmacoeconomic efficacy than the BHI 30 monotherapy group despite having fewer
      hypoglycemia events.

PMID- 22047051
TI  - A comparison of average daily risk range scores for young children with type 1
      diabetes mellitus using continuous glucose monitoring and self-monitoring data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Young children with type 1 diabetes are vulnerable to glycemic
      excursion. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), combined with variability
      statistics, can offer a richer and more complete picture of glycemic variability
      in young children. In particular, we present data for the Average Daily Risk
      Range (ADRR) and compare ADRR scores calculated using CGM versus self-monitoring
      of blood glucose (SMBG) data for young children. METHODS: CGM and SMBG data from
      48 young children with type 1 diabetes (mean age, 5.1 years) were used to
      calculate two separate ADRR scores, using SMBG data (ADRRs) and CGM data (ADRRc),
      for each child. Additionally, we calculated mean amplitude of glycemic excursion
      (MAGE) scores for children to examine the concurrent validity of the ADRRs and
      ADRRc. RESULTS: Young children's mean ADRRc score was significantly greater than
      their ADRRs score (55+/-12 and 46+/-11, respectively; P<0.001). In addition, 74%
      of the time the children's ADRRc score reflected greater variability risk than
      their ADRRs score. Examining the concurrent validity, children's ADRRc scores
      correlated positively with MAGE scores calculated using their CGM and SMBG data,
      whereas their ADRRs scores only correlated with MAGE scores calculated using
      SMBG. CONCLUSIONS: ADRR scores generated for young children with type 1 diabetes
      demonstrate a high risk for glucose variability, but ADRR scores generated from
      CGM data may provide a more sensitive measure of variability than ADRR scores
      generated from SMBG. In young children with type 1 diabetes, ADRR scores
      calculated from CGM data may be superior to scores calculated from SMBG for
      measuring risk of excursion.

PMID- 22047052
TI  - Development of a novel three-dimensional, automatable and integrated bioprocess
      for the differentiation of embryonic stem cells into pulmonary alveolar cells in
      a rotating vessel bioreactor system.
AB  - Application of stem cells for cell therapy of respiratory diseases is a
      developing field. We have previously established several protocols for the
      differentiation of embryonic stem cells (ESC) into alveolar epithelial cells,
      which require a high degree of operator interference and result in a low yield of
      target cells. Herein, we have shown that, by provision of a medium conditioned
      using A549 cells and by integration of classic steps of ESC differentiation into
      a single step through encapsulation in hydrogels (three-dimensional) and culture
      in a rotary bioreactor, murine ESC (mESC) could be directed to differentiate into
      distal respiratory epithelial cells. Type I and II pneumocytes (with a yield of
      50% for type II) and Clara cells were demonstrated by the expression of aquaporin
      5, surfactant protein C, and Clara cell secretory protein, respectively. We
      identified target cells as early as day 5 of culture and stably maintained our
      differentiated cells in vitro for 100 days. Electron microscopy demonstrated
      microvilli and intracellular lamellar bodies (LB), and fluorescent staining
      confirmed the active process of exocytosis of these LB in differentiated type II
      cells. When these cells were decapsulated and cultured in static conditions in
      flask cultures (two-dimensional), they retained their characteristic type II
      phenotype and morphology. In conclusion, our protocol offers integrated
      bioprocessing, shorter time of differentiation, lower cost, no use of growth
      factors, high reproducibility, and high phenotypic and functional stability, as
      well as being amenable to automation and being scalable, which would move this
      field closer to future clinical applications.

PMID- 22047053
TI  - NIST gold nanoparticle reference materials do not induce oxidative DNA damage.
AB  - One primary challenge in nanotoxicology studies is the lack of well-characterised
      nanoparticle reference materials which could be used as positive or negative
      nanoparticle controls. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
      has developed three gold nanoparticle (AuNP) reference materials (10, 30 and 60
      nm). The genotoxicity of these nanoparticles was tested using HepG2 cells and
      calf-thymus DNA. DNA damage was assessed based on the specific and sensitive
      measurement of four oxidatively-modified DNA lesions (8-hydroxy-2'
      deoxyguanosine, 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyadenosine, (5'S)-8,5'-cyclo-2'-deoxyadenosine
      and (5'R)-8,5'-cyclo-2'-deoxyadenosine) using liquid chromatography/tandem mass
      spectrometry. Significantly elevated, dose-dependent DNA damage was not detected
      at concentrations up to 0.2 MUg/ml, and free radicals were not detected using
      electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy. These data suggest that the NIST
      AuNPs could potentially serve as suitable negative-control nanoparticle reference
      materials for in vitro and in vivo genotoxicity studies. NIST AuNPs thus hold
      substantial promise for improving the reproducibility and reliability of
      nanoparticle genotoxicity studies.

PMID- 22047054
TI  - A novel class of small molecule inhibitors of HDAC6.
AB  - Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are a family of enzymes that play significant roles
      in numerous biological processes and diseases. HDACs are best known for their
      repressive influence on gene transcription through histone deacetylation. Mapping
      of nonhistone acetylated proteins and acetylation-modifying enzymes involved in
      various cellular pathways has shown protein acetylation/deacetylation also plays
      key roles in a variety of cellular processes including RNA splicing, nuclear
      transport, and cytoskeletal remodeling. Studies of HDACs have accelerated due to
      the availability of small molecule HDAC inhibitors, most of which contain a
      canonical hydroxamic acid or benzamide that chelates the metal catalytic site. To
      increase the pool of unique and novel HDAC inhibitor pharmacophores, a
      pharmacological active compound screen was performed. Several unique HDAC
      inhibitor pharmacophores were identified in vitro. One class of novel HDAC
      inhibitors, with a central naphthoquinone structure, displayed a selective
      inhibition profile against HDAC6. Here we present the results of a unique class
      of HDAC6 inhibitors identified using this compound library screen. In addition,
      we demonstrated that treatment of human acute myeloid leukemia cell line MV4-11
      with the selective HDAC6 inhibitors decreases levels of mutant FLT-3 and
      constitutively active STAT5 and attenuates Erk phosphorylation, all of which are
      associated with the inhibitor's selective toxicity against leukemia.

PMID- 22047055
TI  - Inhibition of development of Shiga toxin-converting bacteriophages by either
      treatment with citrate or amino acid starvation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) are pathogenic strains,
      whose virulence depends on induction of Shiga toxin-converting prophages and
      their subsequent lytic development. We explored which factors or conditions could
      inhibit development of these phages, potentially decreasing virulence of STEC.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Lytic development of Shiga toxin-converting bacteriophages
      was monitored after mitomycin C-provoked prophage induction under various
      conditions. Phage DNA replication efficiency was assessed by measurement of DNA
      amount in cells using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: We
      demonstrated that the use of citrate delayed Shiga toxin-converting phage
      development after prophage induction. This effect was independent on efficiency
      of prophage induction and phage DNA replication. However, an excess of glucose
      reversed the effect of citrate. Amino acid starvation prevented the phage
      development in bacteria both able and unable to induce the stringent response.
      CONCLUSIONS: Lytic development of Shiga toxin-converting bacteriophages can be
      inhibited by either the presence of citrate or amino acid starvation. We suggest
      that the inhibition caused by the latter condition may be due to a block in
      prophage induction or phage DNA replication or both. APPLICATIONS: Our findings
      may facilitate development of procedures for treatment of STEC-infected patients.

PMID- 22047056
TI  - Evaluation of a multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction for the
      quantification of Escherichia coli O157 in cattle feces.
AB  - Cattle are asymptomatic reservoirs for Escherichia coli O157, a major foodborne
      pathogen. The organism generally colonizes the hindgut of cattle and is shed in
      the feces at low concentrations. The objective of this research was to evaluate a
      multiplex, real-time polymerase chain reaction (mqPCR) assay for quantification
      of E. coli O157 in cattle feces using stx1, stx2, and rfbE gene targets. Primer
      efficiency and analytical sensitivity of the assay were evaluated with a single
      or pooled (five strain) culture of E. coli O157. In pure culture, the minimum
      detection limit of the assay was 1.4*10(3) CFU/mL and 3.6*10(3) CFU/mL for the
      single and five-strain mixture of E. coli O157, respectively. Diagnostic
      sensitivity was analyzed using DNA extracted from cattle feces spiked with E.
      coli O157. In feces spiked with the pooled mixture of five E. coli O157 strains,
      the minimum detection limit was 3.6*10(4) CFU/g. We also evaluated the assay with
      feces from cattle experimentally inoculated with E. coli O157 by comparing the
      results to a culture-based method. For the majority of samples tested, the
      concentration of E. coli O157 detected by the real-time and culture methods was
      within one log difference. However, the assay could only be evaluated for cattle
      shedding high concentrations of E. coli O157. In conclusion, the mqPCR
      quantifying E. coli O157 in cattle feces using stx1, stx2, and rfbE gene targets
      may have use in detecting and quantifying super shedders, but is not applicable
      for quantification in animals shedding low concentrations (10(2) to 10(3) CFU/g
      feces).

PMID- 22047057
TI  - A regional Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium outbreak associated with raw
      beef products, The Netherlands, 2010.
AB  - Between April and May 2010, several medical microbiological laboratories in the
      Netherlands notified a total of 90 cases of Salmonella enterica serovar
      Typhimurium with the same antibiogram type (resistant for ampicillin,
      tetracycline, and co-trimoxazol) and the same multiple locus variable number
      tandem repeats analysis pattern (03-16-09-NA-311) or single locus variants. Date
      of illness onset ranged from end of March to mid-May with a peak in the second
      week of April. Almost half of the cases were hospitalized. Cases completed a
      questionnaire about food items and other risk factors in the 7 days before
      illness onset. A matched case-control study was performed. Consumption of
      "ossenworst" (matched odds ratio 48.2 [95% confidence interval (CI): 3.9-595.9])
      and filet americain (8.5 [95% CI: 1.0-73.6]) were found to be significant risk
      factors for illness. Eighty percent of the cases had eaten at least one or both
      raw meat products. The producer of the ground beef that was used to produce the
      "ossenworst" was identified, but no microbiological evidence was found. Consumers
      should be made more aware of the presence of raw meat in ready-to-eat products
      and of the potential risk in eating these products. Vulnerable persons such as
      young children, elderly, and persons with poor health should be discouraged from
      eating these products. Detection of this outbreak was mainly based on the
      antibiogram pattern that had identified possible cases 10 days before detailed
      typing results from the reference laboratory became available, thus facilitating
      early case findings.

PMID- 22047058
TI  - An emerging role for the nuclear localization of maspin in the suppression of
      tumor progression and metastasis.
AB  - Maspin, a member of the serpin family of serine protease inhibitors, was
      originally identified as a tumor suppressor that is expressed in normal mammary
      epithelial cells but is reduced or absent in breast carcinomas. Early enthusiasm
      for maspin as a biomarker for disease progression has been tempered by clinical
      data that associates maspin with favourable outcomes in some studies and poor
      prognosis in others. Here, we review all of the published clinical studies for
      maspin in breast and ovarian cancers and propose that the apparent discordance
      between clinical reports is a consequence of differential cellular distribution
      of maspin. Indeed, it was thought that an extracellular pool of maspin possessed
      tumor suppressor activity, acting by inhibiting migration and increasing cell
      adhesion. Recent evidence from our group and others indicates, however, that the
      nuclear localization of maspin in cancer cells is necessary for its tumor
      suppressor activity. We provide additional data here to demonstrate that nuclear
      localized maspin binds to chromatin and is required to effectively prevent cells
      from metastasizing. Our knowledge of other serpins that localize to the nucleus
      should help to inform future studies of nuclear maspin. Elucidation of the
      molecular mechanisms regulating the localization and activities of maspin should
      pave the way for the development of improved diagnostics and therapies for
      cancer.

PMID- 22047059
TI  - Cognitive effects of chemotherapy-induced menopause in breast cancer.
AB  - This study examined whether chemotherapy-induced menopause affects cognitive
      functioning in women with early breast cancer. The neuropsychological performance
      of 121 breast cancer patients (age M=49.62, SD=8.11, range=25.25-67.92) treated
      with chemotherapy was assessed pre-chemotherapy, as well as 1, 6, and 18 months
      post-chemotherapy completion. Linear mixed modeling was used to evaluate the
      data. Type of menopause (pre, chemotherapy-induced, and post menopause) was found
      to significantly interact with cognitive performance on two cognitive variables.
      Specifically, chemotherapy-induced menopausal women did not show any significant
      changes in performance on an abstract reasoning task, while the pre-menopausal
      and post-menopausal groups significantly improved over time. A significant
      interaction on a test of finger dexterity and coordination was also found,
      although inspection of the results indicated that this was due to a significant
      improvement in the pre-menopausal groups at 6 months post chemotherapy. After
      chemotherapy most cognitive variables showed improvements over time, although two
      indicators of verbal memory showed significant declines immediately after
      chemotherapy, with improvement by 18 months post completion. The current study
      found little evidence to suggest that chemotherapy-induced menopause broadly
      affects cognitive functioning after treatment administration. However, longer
      follow-up assessments are warranted to assess the long-term effects of combined
      chemotherapy and endocrine treatment.

PMID- 22047060
TI  - Quality assessment of the registration of vulvar and vaginal premalignant lesions
      at the Cancer Registry of Norway.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A crucial factor concerning the utility of Cancer Registries is the
      data quality with respect to comparability, completeness, validity and
      timeliness. However, the data quality of the registration of premalignant lesions
      has rarely been addressed. High grade vulvar intraepithelial neoplasia (VIN) and
      vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia (VaIN) are premalignant lesions which may
      develop into cancer, and are often associated with infection with the human
      papillomarvirus (HPV). The aim was to evaluate the quality of registration of VIN
      and VaIN at the Cancer Registry of Norway (CRN). MATERIAL AND METHODS: We re
      collected all notifications with high grade VIN and VaIN diagnoses during 2002 to
      2007 from pathology laboratories, and compared these to the data in the CRN
      database so as to quantitatively measure the completeness, validity and
      timeliness of the data. RESULTS: Over the period 2002 to 2007 we estimated the
      completeness of the 1556 VIN and 297 VaIN notifications to be 95.0% and 92.9%,
      respectively. The original and reabstracted topography codes showed major
      discrepancies for 12 of 642 (1.9%) VIN and 7 of 128 (5.5%) VaIN notifications.
      The original and reabstracted morphology codes for VIN and VaIN were identical
      for 724 out of 814 notifications. Sixteen notifications had a major discrepancy.
      For the period 2002 to 2007 the median time elapsed between date of diagnosis and
      date of registration were 436 and 441 days for VIN and VaIN cases, respectively.
      DISCUSSION: Based on the present analysis of the comparability, completeness,
      validity and timeliness of premalignant lesions of vulva and vagina, we conclude
      that the Cancer Registry of Norway is able to monitor such premalignant lesions
      satisfactorily.

PMID- 22047061
TI  - Initial recombination in the track of heavy charged particles: numerical solution
      for air filled ionization chambers.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Modern particle therapy facilities enable sub-millimeter precision
      in dose deposition. Here, also ionization chambers (ICs) are used, which requires
      knowledge of the recombination effects. Up to now, recombination is corrected
      using phenomenological approaches for practical reasons. In this study the effect
      of the underlying dose distribution on columnar recombination, a quantitative
      model for initial recombination, is investigated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Jaffe's
      theory, formulated in 1913 quantifies initial recombination by elemental
      processes, providing an analytical (closed) solution. Here, we investigate the
      effect of the underlying charged carrier distribution around a carbon ion track.
      The fundamental partial differential equation, formulated by Jaffe, is solved
      numerically taking into account more realistic charge carrier distributions by
      the use of a computer program (Gascoigne 3D). The investigated charge carrier
      distributions are based on track structure models, which follow a 1/r(2) behavior
      at larger radii and show a constant value at small radii. The results of the
      calculations are compared to the initial formulation and to data obtained in
      experiments using carbon ion beams. RESULTS: The comparison between the
      experimental data and the calculations shows that the initial approach made by
      Jaffe is able to reproduce the effects of initial recombination. The amorphous
      track structure based charge carrier distribution does not reproduce the
      experimental data well. A small additional correction in the assessment of the
      saturation current or charge is suggested by the data. CONCLUSION: The
      established model of columnar recombination reproduces the experimental data
      well, whereas the extensions using track structure models do not show such an
      agreement. Additionally, the effect of initial recombination on the saturation
      curve (i.e. Jaffe plot) does not follow a linear behavior as suggested by current
      dosimetry protocols, therefore higher order corrections (such as the investigated
      ones) might be necessary.

PMID- 22047062
TI  - D2-symmetric dirhodium catalyst derived from a 1,2,2
      triarylcyclopropanecarboxylate ligand: design, synthesis and application.
AB  - Dirhodium tetrakis-(R)-(1-(4-bromophenyl)-2,2-diphenylcyclopropanecarboxylate)
      (Rh(2)(R-BTPCP)(4)) was found to be an effective chiral catalyst for
      enantioselective reactions of aryl- and styryldiazoacetates. Highly
      enantioselective cyclopropanations, tandem cyclopropanation/Cope rearrangements
      and a combined C-H functionalization/Cope rearrangement were achieved using
      Rh(2)(R-BTPCP)(4) as catalyst. The advantages of Rh(2)(R-BTPCP)(4) include its
      ease of synthesis, its tolerance to the size of the ester group in the
      styryldiazoacetates, and its compatibility with dichloromethane as solvent.
      Computational studies suggest that the catalyst adopts a D(2)-symmetric
      arrangement, but when the carbenoid binds to the catalyst, two of the p
      bromophenyl groups on the ligands rotate outward to make room for the carbenoid
      and the approach of the substrate to the carbenoid.

PMID- 22047066
TI  - Enhanced oral absorption of hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs using quaternary
      ammonium palmitoyl glycol chitosan nanoparticles.
AB  - As 95% of all prescriptions are for orally administered drugs, the issue of oral
      absorption is central to the development of pharmaceuticals. Oral absorption is
      limited by a high molecular weight (>500 Da), a high log P value (>2.0) and low
      gastrointestinal permeability. We have designed a triple action nanomedicine from
      a chitosan amphiphile: quaternary ammonium palmitoyl glycol chitosan (GCPQ),
      which significantly enhances the oral absorption of hydrophobic drugs (e.g.,
      griseofulvin and cyclosporin A) and, to a lesser extent, the absorption of
      hydrophilic drugs (e.g., ranitidine). The griseofulvin and cyclosporin A C(max)
      was increased 6- and 5-fold respectively with this new nanomedicine. Hydrophobic
      drug absorption is facilitated by the nanomedicine: (a) increasing the
      dissolution rate of hydrophobic molecules, (b) adhering to and penetrating the
      mucus layer and thus enabling intimate contact between the drug and the
      gastrointestinal epithelium absorptive cells, and (c) enhancing the transcellular
      transport of hydrophobic compounds. Although the C(max) of ranitidine was
      enhanced by 80% with the nanomedicine, there was no appreciable opening of tight
      junctions by the polymer particles.

PMID- 22047067
TI  - Childhood chronic anterior uveitis associated with vernal keratoconjunctivitis
      (VKC): successful treatment with topical tacrolimus. Case series.
AB  - Uveitis treatment involves topical corticosteroids along with cycloplegic
      mydriatics. Particularly severe cases may require systemic corticosteroids and
      immunosuppressive drugs. Vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) treatment consists of
      a brief period of topical corticosteroids and/or cyclosporine. In patients
      refractory to traditional treatment, the use of 0.1% topical ophtalmic FK- 506
      (tacrolimus) ointment has been occasionally reported.This is the first report of
      the coexistence of uveitis and VKC. The documented response to topical tacrolimus
      eyedrop of uveitis and VKC is also of interest, in particular since to our
      knowledge there are no published reports on its clinical use in uveitis.

PMID- 22047068
TI  - Catalytic enantioselective intermolecular cycloaddition of diazodiketoester
      derived carbonyl ylides with indoles using chiral dirhodium(II) carboxylates.
AB  - The first example of enantioselective intermolecular cycloaddition of carbonyl
      ylides with indoles is described. The cycloaddition of five- and six-membered
      carbonyl ylides derived from diazodiketoesters with N-methylindoles under
      catalysis by dirhodium(II) tetrakis[N-tetrachlorophthaloyl-(S)-tert-leucinate],
      Rh(2)(S-TCPTTL)(4), gave cycloadducts in high yields and with high levels of
      enantioselectivity (up to 99% ee) as well as excellent exo diastereoselectivity.

PMID- 22047069
TI  - Retargeted clostridial neurotoxins as novel agents for treating chronic diseases.
AB  - Botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT) A and B are used to treat neuropathic disorders; if
      retargeted, these agents could be used to treat medical conditions that involve
      secretion from nonneuronal cells. Here, we report novel strategies for
      successfully retargeting BoNTs, and also tetanus neurotoxin (TeNT), to primary
      human blood monocyte-derived macrophages where BoNT/B inhibited the release of
      tumor necrosis factor-alpha, a cytokine that plays a key role in inflammation.
      Furthermore, mice treated with retargeted BoNT/B exhibited a significant
      reduction in macrophage (MPhi) recruitment, indicating that these toxins can be
      used to treat chronic inflammation.

PMID- 22047071
TI  - A randomised controlled crossover trial evaluating Television Assisted Prompting
      (TAP) for adults with acquired brain injury.
AB  - Assistive technologies for cognition (ATC) provide an effective means to
      compensate for prospective memory failures among adults with acquired brain
      injury (ABI; de Joode, van Heugten, Verhey, & van Boxtel,  2010 ; Sohlberg et
      al.,  2007 ). This study evaluated a novel ATC device, the Television Assisted
      Prompting (TAP) system, which provides audiovisual reminders at scheduled
      prospective times on a person's home television. A randomised, controlled
      crossover design evaluated task completion for two preferred, two non-preferred,
      and two structured experimental tasks among 23 adults with ABI between two
      conditions: TAP prompting or typical (TYP) practice, without TAP reminders. Main
      outcomes showed a significant advantage of prospective memory prompting (72%
      completion) over no prompting (43% completion) and higher task completion with
      TAP prompting for researcher-assigned experimental tasks (81%) compared to self
      selected preferred (68%) or non-preferred (68%) tasks. Results are discussed in
      the context of ATC efficacy to support prospective memory prompting following
      ABI, with contributions and future directions for continued investigation of
      customisation of prompts to maximise task completion.

PMID- 22047072
TI  - Statement of retraction. An evaluation of the association of malnutrition with
      nosocomial infections in elderly patients.

PMID- 22047073
TI  - Effects of Erxian decoction, a Chinese medicinal formulation, on serum lipid
      profile in a rat model of menopause.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prevalence and risk of cardiovascular disease increase after
      menopause in correlation with the progression of abnormality in the serum lipid
      profile and the deprivation of estrogen. Erxian decoction (EXD), a Chinese
      medicinal formulation for treating menopausal syndrome, stimulates ovarian
      estrogen biosynthesis. This study investigates whether EXD improves the serum
      lipid profile in a menopausal rat model. METHODS: Twenty-month-old female Sprague
      Dawley rats were treated with EXD and its constituent fractions. Premarin was
      administered for comparison. After eight weeks of treatment, rats were sacrificed
      and the serum levels of total cholesterol, triglyceride, high-density-lipoprotein
      cholesterol and low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol were determined. The hepatic
      protein levels of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase and low-density
      lipoprotein receptor were assessed with Western blot. RESULTS: The serum levels
      of total cholesterol and low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol were significantly
      lower in the EXD-treated group than in the constituent fractions of EXD or
      premarin groups. However, the serum levels of triglyceride and high-density
      lipoprotein cholesterol were not significantly different from the control groups.
      Results from Western blot suggest that EXD significantly down-regulated the
      protein level of 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase and up-regulated low
      density-lipoprotein receptor. Conclusion EXD improves serum lipid profile in a
      menopausal rat model through the suppression of the serum levels of total
      cholesterol and low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol, possibly through the down
      regulation of the 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA and up-regulation of the low
      density-lipoprotein receptor.

PMID- 22047074
TI  - Glycoside cleavage by a new mechanism in unsaturated glucuronyl hydrolases.
AB  - Unsaturated glucuronyl hydrolases (UGLs) from GH family 88 of the CAZy
      classification system cleave a terminal unsaturated sugar from the
      oligosaccharide products released by extracellular bacterial polysaccharide
      lyases. This pathway, which is involved in extracellular bacterial infection, has
      no equivalent in mammals. A novel mechanism for UGL has previously been proposed
      in which the enzyme catalyzes hydration of a vinyl ether group in the substrate,
      with subsequent rearrangements resulting in glycosidic bond cleavage. However,
      clear evidence for this mechanism has been lacking. In this study, analysis of
      the products of UGL-catalyzed reactions in water, deuterium oxide, and dilute
      methanol in water, in conjunction with the demonstration that UGL rapidly cleaves
      thioglycosides and glycosides of inverted anomeric configuration (substrates that
      are resistant to hydrolysis by classical glycosidases), provides strong support
      for this new mechanism. A hydration-initiated process is further supported by the
      observed UGL-catalyzed hydration of a C-glycoside substrate analogue. Finally,
      the observation of a small beta-secondary kinetic isotope effect suggests a
      transition state with oxocarbenium ion character, in which the hydrogen at carbon
      4 adopts an axial geometry. Taken together, these observations validate the novel
      vinyl ether hydration mechanism and are inconsistent with either inverting or
      retaining direct hydrolase mechanisms at carbon 1.

PMID- 22047075
TI  - SWI/SNF regulates the alternative processing of a specific subset of pre-mRNAs in
      Drosophila melanogaster.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling factors have the ability to remodel
      nucleosomes and play essential roles in key developmental processes. SWI/SNF
      complexes contain one subunit with ATPase activity, which in Drosophila
      melanogaster is called Brahma (Brm). The regulatory activities of SWI/SNF have
      been attributed to its influence on chromatin structure and transcription
      regulation, but recent observations have revealed that the levels of Brm affect
      the relative abundances of transcripts that are formed by alternative splicing
      and/or polyadenylation of the same pre-mRNA. RESULTS: We have investigated
      whether the function of Brm in pre-mRNA processing in Drosophila melanogaster is
      mediated by Brm alone or by the SWI/SNF complex. We have analyzed the effects of
      depleting individual SWI/SNF subunits on pre-mRNA processing throughout the
      genome, and we have identified a subset of transcripts that are affected by
      depletion of the SWI/SNF core subunits Brm, Snr1 or Mor. The fact that depletion
      of different subunits targets a subset of common transcripts suggests that the
      SWI/SNF complex is responsible for the effects observed on pre-mRNA processing
      when knocking down Brm. We have also depleted Brm in larvae and we have shown
      that the levels of SWI/SNF affect the pre-mRNA processing outcome in vivo.
      CONCLUSIONS: We have shown that SWI/SNF can modulate alternative pre-mRNA
      processing, not only in cultured cells but also in vivo. The effect is restricted
      to and specific for a subset of transcripts. Our results provide novel insights
      into the mechanisms by which SWI/SNF regulates transcript diversity and proteomic
      diversity in higher eukaryotes.

PMID- 22047076
TI  - Development of methods for studying the differentiation of human mesenchymal stem
      cells under cyclic compressive strain.
AB  - Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) have numerous potential advantages over
      terminally differentiated cells and embryonic stem cells for use in tissue
      engineering applications. The aims of this study were to develop methods to test
      the hypothesis that hMSC could be differentiated using cyclic compressive strain
      alone. hMSC were successfully isolated, purified using D7-FIB antibody, cloned,
      and characterized. The cells were subsequently analyzed using fluorescence
      activated cell sorting using a panel of antibodies and differentiation into
      multiple cell lineages. D7FIB-positive cells were then seeded into collagen
      alginate scaffolds and subjected to 10% or 15% cyclic compressive strain for 4
      out of 24 hours for up to 21 days in a bespoke servo-assisted displacement
      controlled device. Cells were analyzed using adenosine triphosphate assay to
      determine cell number, live-dead cell assay, and quantitative real-time
      polymerase chain reaction at 7 and 21 days. Cloned D7-FIB-positive hMSCs showed
      evidence of differentiation to an osteogenic lineage under 10% cyclic compressive
      strain alone (core binding factor alpha 1 (CBFA-1) was significantly upregulated
      at 7 and 21 days by a factor of 18.3 and 32.2, respectively) and to an osteo
      chondrogenic lineage under 15% cyclic compressive strain alone (increased
      expression of CBFA-1, Sox9, and aggrecan). A combination of a composite
      viscoelastic scaffold and controlled cyclic compressive strain may be useful for
      study of the differentiation of MSC.

PMID- 22047077
TI  - Targeting the assembly of bacterial cell division protein FtsZ with small
      molecules.
AB  - FtsZ is the key protein of bacterial cell division and an emergent target for new
      antibiotics. It is a filament-forming GTPase and a structural homologue of
      eukaryotic tubulin. A number of FtsZ-interacting compounds have been reported,
      some of which have powerful antibacterial activity. Here we review recent
      advances and new approaches in modulating FtsZ assembly with small molecules.
      This includes analyzing their chemical features, binding sites, mechanisms of
      action, the methods employed, and computational insights, aimed at a better
      understanding of their molecular recognition by FtsZ and at rational antibiotic
      design.

PMID- 22047079
TI  - A comparative analysis of MC4R gene sequence, polymorphism, and chromosomal
      localization in Chinese raccoon dog and Arctic fox.
AB  - Numerous mutations of the human melanocortin receptor type 4 (MC4R) gene are
      responsible for monogenic obesity, and some of them appear to be associated with
      predisposition or resistance to polygenic obesity. Thus, this gene is considered
      a functional candidate for fat tissue accumulation and body weight in domestic
      mammals. The aim of the study was comparative analysis of chromosome
      localization, nucleotide sequence, and polymorphism of the MC4R gene in two
      farmed species of the Canidae family, namely the Chinese raccoon dog (Nycterutes
      procyonoides procyonoides) and the arctic fox (Alopex lagopus). The whole coding
      sequence, including fragments of 3'UTR and 5'UTR, shows 89% similarity between
      the arctic fox (1276 bp) and Chinese raccoon dog (1213 bp). Altogether, 30 farmed
      Chinese raccoon dogs and 30 farmed arctic foxes were searched for polymorphisms.
      In the Chinese raccoon dog, only one silent substitution in the coding sequence
      was identified; whereas in the arctic fox, four InDels and two single-nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) in the 5'UTR and six silent SNPs in the exon were found. The
      studied gene was mapped by FISH to the Chinese raccoon dog chromosome 9
      (NPP9q1.2) and arctic fox chromosome 24 (ALA24q1.2-1.3). The obtained results are
      discussed in terms of genome evolution of species belonging to the family Canidae
      and their potential use in animal breeding.

PMID- 22047078
TI  - Structural and evolutionary divergence of eukaryotic protein kinases in
      Apicomplexa.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Apicomplexa constitute an evolutionarily divergent phylum of
      protozoan pathogens responsible for widespread parasitic diseases such as malaria
      and toxoplasmosis. Many cellular functions in these medically important organisms
      are controlled by protein kinases, which have emerged as promising drug targets
      for parasitic diseases. However, an incomplete understanding of how apicomplexan
      kinases structurally and mechanistically differ from their host counterparts has
      hindered drug development efforts to target parasite kinases. RESULTS: We used
      the wealth of sequence data recently made available for 15 apicomplexan species
      to identify the kinome of each species and quantify the evolutionary constraints
      imposed on each family of apicomplexan kinases. Our analysis revealed lineage
      specific adaptations in selected families, namely cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK),
      calcium-dependent protein kinase (CDPK) and CLK/LAMMER, which have been
      identified as important in the pathogenesis of these organisms. Bayesian analysis
      of selective constraints imposed on these families identified the sequence and
      structural features that most distinguish apicomplexan protein kinases from their
      homologs in model organisms and other eukaryotes. In particular, in a subfamily
      of CDKs orthologous to Plasmodium falciparum crk-5, the activation loop contains
      a novel PTxC motif which is absent from all CDKs outside Apicomplexa. Our
      analysis also suggests a convergent mode of regulation in a subset of
      apicomplexan CDPKs and mammalian MAPKs involving a commonly conserved arginine in
      the alphaC helix. In all recognized apicomplexan CLKs, we find a set of co
      conserved residues involved in substrate recognition and docking that are
      distinct from metazoan CLKs. CONCLUSIONS: We pinpoint key conserved residues that
      can be predicted to mediate functional differences from eukaryotic homologs in
      three identified kinase families. We discuss the structural, functional and
      evolutionary implications of these lineage-specific variations and propose
      specific hypotheses for experimental investigation. The apicomplexan-specific
      kinase features reported in this study can be used in the design of selective
      kinase inhibitors.

PMID- 22047080
TI  - MMP7 -181G allele is a low-penetrant risk factor for cancer development in East
      Asians.
AB  - Matrix metalloproteinase-7 (MMP-7) is a small secreted proteolytic enzyme with
      broad substrate specificity. Its expression is associated with tumor invasion,
      metastasis, and survival for a number of cancers. However, data from published
      studies with individually low statistical power are conflicting. Here, we
      performed a meta-analysis of 14 publications (16 case-control studies) to better
      assess the purported relationship. Eligible studies were identified by searching
      the Pubmed database. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were
      estimated to assess the association. Overall, we found that the -181 G allele
      increased cancer risk in East Asians (G-allele vs. A-allele, OR=1.35, 95% CI:
      1.25-1.46, P(heterogeneity)=0.01; GA vs. AA, OR=1.40, 95% CI: 1.16-1.69,
      P(heterogeneity)=0.04; GG+GA vs. AA, OR=1.52, 95% CI: 1.30-1.78,
      P(heterogeneity)=0.00). Similarly, in the stratified analysis by cancer type and
      source of control, significantly increased cancer risk was indicated. Our study
      showed evidence that MMP7 -181A/G polymorphism may increase cancer risk in the
      East Asian population. Future studies with larger sample size are warranted to
      further evaluate this association in greater detail.

PMID- 22047081
TI  - Analysis of p53 tumor suppressor pathway genes in chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
AB  - The p53 tumor suppressor gene plays an important role in preventing tumor
      development. The p53 protein interacts with other p53 signal pathway members to
      control cell proliferation. In this study, expression of the p53, Human homolog
      of murine Double Minute 2 (HDM2), p14Alternating Reading Frame (ARF), Zinc Finger
      and BTB domain containing 7A (ZBTB7A), and B-Cell Lymphoma 6 (BCL6) genes was
      quantitatively investigated by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in the
      peripheral blood of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and healthy
      controls. Plasma fibronectin levels were determined by enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay. Expression of the p53, p14, and HDM2 genes were
      significantly higher in the patients. However, ZBTB7A and BCL6 gene expression
      was not detectable in both groups. A positive correlation between p14ARF and HDM2
      expression and a negative correlation between p53 and p14ARF expression was
      observed. Expression of the p14ARF and HDM2 genes were inversely correlated in
      the control group. Neither HDM2 nor p14ARF gene expression was correlated with
      p53 expression. The p53 gene was also analyzed for the presence of mutations. A
      splice-site mutation was found in a single patient. Our findings indicate that
      expression of the p53, p14ARF, and HDM2 genes are associated with CLL.
      Elucidation of the mutual interactions at the protein level warrants further
      studies.

PMID- 22047083
TI  - Regioselective synthesis and slow-release Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling of MIDA
      boronate-functionalized isoxazoles and triazoles.
AB  - The efficient preparation of heterocycles with a range of substitutions ortho to
      heteroatoms remains as a challenge in organic synthesis, particularly relevant to
      the construction of druglike molecules due to the ubiquitous presence of such
      moieties in that chemical space. Modular installation of heterocyclic building
      blocks using Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling is a conceptually useful strategy to
      address this challenge, though this has historically been met with technical
      difficulty due to issues of inaccessibility and instability of the requisite
      heterocyclic boronates. Herein we report a mild and highly regioselective
      cycloaddition approach which affords convenient access to stable MIDA boronate
      functionalized isoxazoles and triazoles and their subsequent efficient Suzuki
      Miyaura cross-coupling. This methodology is then further applied to a set of
      druglike compounds in an efficient one-pot telescoped sequence in line with green
      chemistry principles.

PMID- 22047082
TI  - EVI2B, ATP2A2, S100B, TM4SF3, and OLFM4 as potential prognostic markers for
      postoperative Taiwanese colorectal cancer patients.
AB  - Undetected micrometastasis may play a key role in the early relapse of colorectal
      cancer (CRC) patients. The aim of this study was to detect circulating tumor
      cells (CTCs) for predicting early relapse of CRC patients by a weighted enzymatic
      chip array (WEnCA) and analyze 15 candidate genes associated with CRC
      carcinogenesis. The genes of 105 postoperative CRC patients were analyzed by
      membrane array and direct sequencing. We constructed a WEnCA platform including
      five prognosis-related genes and analyzed the detection rate of WEnCA for CTCs in
      30 clinically confirmed CRC relapse patients. Postoperative relapse was
      significantly correlated with gene overexpression, including EVI2B (p=0.001,
      OR=4.622), ATP2A2 (p=0.006, OR=4.688), S100B (p=0.001, OR=11.521), TM4SF3
      (p=0.001, OR=6.756), and OLFM4 (p=0.008, OR=3.545). Using WEnCA (weighting score
      of each gene: 5 to EVI2B, 5 to ATP2A2, 12 to S100B, 7 to TM4SF3, and 4 to OLFM4),
      we could detect CTCs presenting these genotypes in relapsed CRC patients. The
      sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 94.7%, 93.5%, and 97%, respectively.
      The results of the present study suggest that EVI2B, ATP2A2, S100B, TM4SF3, and
      OLFM4 could be potential prognostic markers for CRC patients.

PMID- 22047084
TI  - Generation of recombinant single-chain antibodies neutralizing the cytolytic
      activity of vaginolysin, the main virulence factor of Gardnerella vaginalis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gardnerella vaginalis is identified as the predominant colonist of
      the vaginal tract in women with bacterial vaginosis. Vaginolysin (VLY) is a
      protein toxin released by G. vaginalis. VLY possesses cytolytic activity and is
      considered as a main virulence factor of G. vaginalis. Inhibition of VLY-mediated
      cell lysis by antibodies may have important physiological relevance. RESULTS:
      Single-chain variable fragments of immunoglobulins (scFvs) were cloned from two
      hybridoma cell lines producing neutralizing antibodies against VLY and expressed
      as active proteins in E. coli. For each hybridoma, two variants of anti-VLY scFv
      consisting of either VL-VH or VH-VL linked with a 20 aa-long linker sequence
      (G4S)4 were constructed. Recovery of scFvs from inclusion bodies with subsequent
      purification by metal-chelate chromatography resulted in VLY-binding proteins
      that were predominantly monomeric. The antigen-binding activity of purified scFvs
      was verified by an indirect ELISA. The neutralizing activity was investigated by
      in vitro hemolytic assay and cytolytic assay using HeLa cell line. Calculated
      apparent Kd values and neutralizing potency of scFvs were in agreement with those
      of parental full-length antibodies. VH-VL and VL-VH variants of scFvs showed
      similar affinity and neutralizing potency. The anti-VLY scFvs derived from
      hybridoma clone 9B4 exhibited high VLY-neutralizing activity both on human
      erythrocytes and cervical epithelial HeLa cells. CONCLUSIONS: Hybridoma-derived
      scFvs with VLY-binding activity were expressed in E. coli. Recombinant anti-VLY
      scFvs inhibited VLY-mediated cell lysis. The monovalent scFvs showed reduced
      affinity and neutralizing potency as compared to the respective full-length
      antibodies. The loss of avidity could be restored by generating scFv constructs
      with multivalent binding properties. Generated scFvs is the first example of
      recombinant single-chain antibodies with VLY-neutralizing activity produced in
      prokaryote expression system. G. vaginalis caused infections continue to be a
      world-wide problem, therefore neutralizing recombinant antibodies may provide
      novel therapeutic agents useful in the treatment of bacterial vaginosis and other
      diseases caused by G. vaginalis.

PMID- 22047085
TI  - Oxidative stress-induced modifications of histidyl-tRNA synthetase affect its
      tRNA aminoacylation activity but not its immunoreactivity.
AB  - The aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases are ubiquitously expressed enzymes that catalyze
      the esterification of amino acids to their cognate tRNAs. Autoantibodies against
      several aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases are found in autoimmune polymyositis and
      dermatomyositis patients. Because necrosis is often found in skeletal muscle
      biopsies of these patients, we hypothesized that cell-death-induced protein
      modifications may help in breaking immunological tolerance. Since cell death is
      associated with oxidative stress, the effect of oxidative stress on the main
      myositis-specific autoantibody target Jo-1 (histidyl-tRNA synthetase; HisRS) was
      studied in detail. The exposure of Jurkat cells to hydrogen peroxide resulted in
      the detection of several oxidized methionines and one oxidized tryptophan residue
      in the HisRS protein, as demonstrated by mass spectrometry. Unexpectedly, the
      tRNA aminoacylation activity of HisRS appeared to be increased upon oxidative
      modification. The analysis of myositis patient sera did not lead to the detection
      of autoantibodies that are specifically reactive with the modified HisRS protein.
      The results of this study demonstrate that the Jo-1/HisRS autoantigen is modified
      under oxidative stress conditions. The consequences of these modifications for
      the function of HisRS and its autoantigenicity are discussed.

PMID- 22047087
TI  - IVth International Symposium of Veterinary Laboratory Diagnosticians (report).

PMID- 22047086
TI  - A prospective study of vaginal trichomoniasis and HIV-1 shedding in women on
      antiretroviral therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Trichomonas vaginalis has been associated with increased vaginal HIV
      1 RNA shedding in antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naive women. The effect of
      trichomoniasis on vaginal HIV-1 shedding in ART-treated women has not been
      characterized. We tested the hypothesis that T. vaginalis infection would
      increase vaginal HIV-1 RNA shedding in women on ART, and that successful
      treatment would reduce vaginal HIV-1 RNA levels. METHODS: We conducted a
      prospective cohort study including monthly follow-up of 147 women receiving ART
      in Mombasa, Kenya. Those with T. vaginalis infection, defined by the presence of
      motile trichomonads on vaginal saline wet mount, received treatment with single
      dose metronidazole (2 g). Test of cure was performed at the next monthly visit.
      Using the pre-infection visit as the reference category, we compared detection of
      vaginal HIV-1 RNA before versus during and after infection using generalized
      estimating equations. A cut-off of 100 HIV-1 RNA copies/swab was used as the
      lower limit for linear quantitation. RESULTS: Among 31 women treated for
      trichomoniasis, the concentration of vaginal HIV-1 RNA was above the limit for
      quantitation before, during, and after T. vaginalis infection in 4 (13% [95% CI
      4% - 30%]), 4 (13% [95% CI 4% - 30%]), and 5 (16% [95% confidence interval {CI}
      5% - 34%]) women respectively. After adjusting for potential confounding factors,
      we could detect no difference in the likelihood of detecting vaginal HIV-1 RNA
      before versus during infection (odds ratio [OR] 1.41, 95% CI 0.23 - 8.79, p =
      0.7). In addition, detection of HIV-1 RNA was similar before infection versus
      after successful treatment (OR 0.68, 95% CI (0.13 - 3.45), p = 0.6). CONCLUSION:
      Detection of vaginal HIV-1 RNA during ART was uncommon at visits before, during
      and after T. vaginalis infection.

PMID- 22047089
TI  - Assessment of the knowledge of graphical symbols labelled on malaria rapid
      diagnostic tests in four international settings.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Graphical symbols on in vitro diagnostics (IVD symbols) replace the
      need for text in different languages and are used on malaria rapid diagnostic
      tests (RDTs) marketed worldwide. The present study assessed the comprehension of
      IVD symbols labelled on malaria RDT kits among laboratory staff in four different
      countries. METHODS: Participants (n = 293) in Belgium (n = 96), the Democratic
      Republic of the Congo (DRC, n = 87), Cambodia (n = 59) and Cuba (n = 51) were
      presented with an anonymous questionnaire with IVD symbols extracted from ISO
      15223 and EN 980 presented as stand-alone symbols (n = 18) and in context
      (affixed on RDT packages, n = 16). Responses were open-ended and scored for
      correctness by local professionals. RESULTS: Presented as stand-alone, three and
      five IVD symbols were correctly scored for comprehension by 67% and 50% of
      participants; when contextually presented, five and seven symbols reached the 67%
      and 50% correct score respectively. 'Batch code' scored best (correctly scored by
      71.3% of participants when presented as stand-alone), 'Authorized representative
      in the European Community' scored worst (1.4% correct). Another six IVD symbols
      were scored correctly by less than 10% of participants: 'Do not reuse', 'In vitro
      diagnostic medical device', 'Sufficient for', 'Date of manufacture', 'Authorised
      representative in EC', and 'Do not use if package is damaged'. Participants in
      Belgium and Cuba both scored six symbols above the 67% criterion, participants
      from DRC and Cambodia scored only two and one symbols above this criterion. Low
      correct scores were observed for safety-related IVD symbols, such as for
      'Biological Risk' (42.7%) and 'Do not reuse' (10.9%). CONCLUSION: Comprehension
      of IVD symbols on RDTs among laboratory staff in four international settings was
      unsatisfactory. Administrative and outreach procedures should be undertaken to
      assure their acquaintance by end-users.

PMID- 22047092
TI  - Reply to "Comment on 'Electronic structures, vibrational and thermochemical
      properties of neutral and charged niobium clusters Nb(n), n = 7-12'".

PMID- 22047090
TI  - Novel pharmacotherapeutic treatments for cocaine addiction.
AB  - Cocaine is a stimulant that leads to the rapid accumulation of catecholamines and
      serotonin in the brain due to prevention of their re-uptake into the neuron that
      released the neurotransmitter. Cocaine dependence is a public health concern and
      cause of significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. At present, there are no
      approved medications for the treatment of this devastating illness, and
      behavioral interventions have proven to be of limited use. However, there have
      been a number of recent trials testing promising agents including dopamine
      agonists, GABAergic medications and the cocaine vaccine. Here we discuss the most
      recent human clinical trials of potential medications for treatment of cocaine
      dependence, as well as pre-clinical studies for another promising agent, levo
      tetrahydropalmatine. Examination of these recent findings shows promise for
      GABAergic medications and the cocaine vaccine, as well as unique medications such
      as disulfiram, whose mechanism remains to be determined. Future work may also
      confirm specific subgroups of patients for treatment response based on clinical
      characteristics, biomarkers and pharmacogenetics. This review highlights the need
      for further, bigger studies in order to determine optimal clinical usage.

PMID- 22047093
TI  - The impact of recombinant fusion-hydrophobin coated surfaces on E. coli and
      natural mixed culture biofilm formation.
AB  - The impact of increased surface hydrophobicity on biofilms regarding retardation,
      repulsion, or attraction was studied with hydrophobin modified glass substrata.
      Recombinantly produced fungal hydrophobins forming self-assembled monolayers were
      used as the surface coating. The adsorption dynamics of hydrophobins were
      analysed with a quartz crystal microbalance which showed the surface coating to
      be rapid and stable. The change of surface wettability was determined by water
      contact angle measurements and demonstrated an increase in hydrophobicity in
      range of 60-62 degrees . The homogeneity of the monolayers was demonstrated by
      immunofluorescence microscopy. Atomic force microscopy was applied to visualise
      the uniform texture of the coated materials. The hydrophobin coatings had no
      impact on different biofilms in terms of spatial distribution, cell numbers, and
      population composition. In consequence, hydrophobicity might not represent an
      important parameter for biofilm formation. Nevertheless, recombinant hydrophobins
      are suitable for large scale surface modification and functionalization with
      bioactive molecules.

PMID- 22047094
TI  - A new strategy to investigate the toxicity of nanomaterials using Langmuir
      monolayers as membrane models.
AB  - Nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and nanoparticles have received
      enormous attention in analytical areas for their potential applications as new
      tools for biotechnology and life sciences. Most of these possible applications
      involve the use of CNTs and related materials as vehicles for drug delivery
      and/or gene therapy. In this study, we introduce a methodology to evaluate the
      interactions between CNTs/dendrimers nanoconjugates and phospholipid biomembrane
      models, using the Langmuir film balance technique. Our main goal was to elucidate
      the action of engineered nanomaterials in cell membranes, at the molecular level,
      using a membrane model system. The penetration of single-walled carbon nanotubes
      (SWCNTs)/polyamidoamine dendrimer nanocomplexes into
      dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine monolayers was pronounced, as revealed by
      adsorption kinetics and surface pressure measurements. These findings suggest
      that SWCNTs were able to interact even at high surface pressure values, ~30 mN/m.
      Therefore, the results confirm that the presence of the nanomaterial affects the
      packing of the synthetic membranes. We believe the methodology introduced here
      may be of great importance for further nanotoxicity studies.

PMID- 22047095
TI  - Droplet size scaling of water-in-oil emulsions under turbulent flow.
AB  - The size of droplets in emulsions is important in many industrial, biological,
      and environmental systems, as it determines the stability, rheology, and area
      available in the emulsion for physical or chemical processes that occur at the
      interface. While the balance of fluid inertia and surface tension in determining
      droplet size under turbulent mixing in the inertial subrange has been well
      established, the classical scaling prediction by Shinnar half a century ago of
      the dependence of droplet size on the viscosity of the continuous phase in the
      viscous subrange has not been clearly validated in experiment. By employing
      extremely stable suspensions of highly viscous oils as the continuous phase and
      using a particle video microscope (PVM) probe and a focused beam reflectance
      method (FBRM) probe, we report measurements spanning 2 orders of magnitude in the
      continuous phase viscosity for the size of droplets in water-in-oil emulsions.
      The wide range in measurements allowed identification of a scaling regime of
      droplet size proportional to the inverse square root of the viscosity, consistent
      with the viscous subrange theory of Shinnar. A single curve for droplet size
      based on the Reynolds and Weber numbers is shown to accurately predict droplet
      size for a range of shear rates, mixing geometries, interfacial tensions, and
      viscosities. Viscous subrange control of droplet size is shown to be important
      for high viscous shear stresses, i.e., very high shear rates, as is desirable or
      found in many industrial or natural processes, or very high viscosities, as is
      the case in the present study.

PMID- 22047096
TI  - Efficient generation of ortho-quinone methide: application to the biomimetic
      syntheses of (+/-)-schefflone and tocopherol trimers.
AB  - An efficient method using silver oxide-mediated oxidation for the synthesis of
      ortho-quinone methides has been developed and applied to the biomimetic syntheses
      of novel trimeric natural products, (+/-)-schefflone and tocopherol trimers.
      Further studies of the critical trimerization as well as substrate scope and
      limitations are also reported.

PMID- 22047097
TI  - Trends in health-related behavioral risk factors among pregnant women in the
      United States: 2001-2009.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Unhealthy lifestyle behaviors during pregnancy often predispose women
      to multiple risks including adverse pregnancy outcomes and impaired health status
      for mothers. This study assessed the trends in the prevalence of health-related
      behavioral risk factors over time among U.S. pregnant women. METHODS: Data from
      22,604 pregnant women aged 18-44 years who participated in the 2001-2009
      Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System were analyzed to assess the trends in
      the prevalence of behavioral risk factors. Correlates of having individual or
      clustering healthy behaviors were also assessed among 2295 pregnant women in the
      2009 survey. RESULTS: From 2001 to 2009, among pregnant women, the age-adjusted
      prevalence of engaging in leisure-time exercise and receiving influenza
      vaccination increased significantly (p<0.05 for linear trends); the prevalence of
      any alcohol consumption decreased marginally (p=0.065 for linear trend); and the
      prevalence of binge drinking, smoking, and consuming fruits and vegetables >=5
      times/day varied little. Over the 9 years, the percentages of pregnant women who
      reported having all four healthy behaviors (i.e., not currently smoking, no
      alcohol consumption, engaging in leisure-time exercise, and receiving influenza
      vaccination) increased linearly from 7.3% in 2001 to 21.2% in 2009 (p<0.001).
      Sociodemographic characteristics, perceived health status, and health-care
      availability were differentially associated with certain individual or clustered
      healthy behaviors. CONCLUSIONS: Increased efforts emphasizing multiple health
      related behavioral risk factors including reducing alcohol use, binge drinking,
      and smoking and improving fruit and vegetable consumption during pregnancy are
      needed.

PMID- 22047098
TI  - Obstetric and perinatal outcomes in women with eating disorders.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We wished to investigate whether women with a history of eating
      disorders have an increased risk for adverse obstetric and perinatal outcomes.
      STUDY DESIGN: A retrospective study was conducted comparing pregnancy
      complications in patients with and without eating disorders. Deliveries occurred
      during the years 1988-2009 in a tertiary medical center. Women lacking prenatal
      care and with multiple gestations were excluded from the study. Stratified
      analyses were performed using multivariable logistic regression models. Odds
      ratios (OR) and their 95% confidence interval (CI) were computed. A p value<0.05
      was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: During the study period, of
      117,875 singleton deliveries, 122 (0.1%) occurred in patients with eating
      disorders. Eating disorders were significantly associated with fertility
      treatments (5.7% vs. 2.8%, p=0.047), intrauterine growth restriction (7.4% vs.
      2.3%, p<0.001), term low birth weight (<2500 g) (7.4% vs. 2.8%, p=0.002), preterm
      delivery (15.6% vs. 7.5%, p=0.002), and cesarean delivery (25.4% vs. 15.0%,
      p=0.001). Using multivariable analyses, low birth weight (OR 2.5, 95% CI 1.3
      5.0), preterm delivery (OR 2.2, 95% CI 1.4-3.6), and cesarean section (OR 1.9,
      95% CI 1.3-2.9) were significantly associated with eating disorders. CONCLUSIONS:
      Eating disorders are associated with increased risk of adverse pregnancy
      outcomes. Accordingly, careful surveillance is needed for early detection of
      possible complications.

PMID- 22047099
TI  - Perimenopausal vaginal bleeding: diagnostic evaluation and therapeutic options.
AB  - While significant awareness has been raised about menopause, less attention has
      been focused on the perimenopausal or "menopausal transition" period. Many women
      and their physicians remain unaware of the impact of this transitional phase into
      menopause. Specifically, heavy and unpredictable perimenopausal bleeding is
      extremely common. It is a normal phenomenon of aging and tends to improve over
      time. However, about one quarter of perimenopausal women will have heavy flow
      that persists beyond 3 months and will require medical assistance. The purpose of
      this review is to focus on the hormonal and physiologic changes that are
      associated with perimenopausal heavy vaginal bleeding, to present the essential
      evaluation of causes for this heavy flow, and to outline the evidence for
      effective medical and surgical treatments. Advances in the understanding of the
      normal physiology of perimenopause have led to medical therapies that may lead to
      fewer surgical procedures and hysterectomies and should be of interest to health
      care practitioners focusing on women's health. Although these issues are
      addressed in the gynecologic literature, there is relatively less published in
      other disciplines.

PMID- 22047100
TI  - Contrasting effects of errorless naming treatment and gestural facilitation for
      word retrieval in aphasia.
AB  - We compared the effects of two treatments for aphasic word retrieval impairments,
      errorless naming treatment (ENT) and gestural facilitation of naming (GES),
      within the same individuals, anticipating that the use of gesture would enhance
      the effect of treatment over errorless treatment alone. In addition to picture
      naming, we evaluated results for other outcome measures that were largely
      untested in earlier ENT studies. In a single participant crossover treatment
      design, we examined the effects of ENT and GES in eight individuals with stroke
      induced aphasia and word retrieval impairments (three semantic anomia, five
      phonological anomia) in counterbalanced phases across participants. We evaluated
      effects of the two treatments for a daily picture naming/gesture production probe
      measure and in standardised aphasia tests and communication rating scales
      administered across phases of the experiment.   Both treatments led to
      improvements in naming of trained words (small-to-large effect sizes) in
      individuals with semantic and phonological anomia. Small generalised naming
      improvements were noted for three individuals with phonological anomia. GES
      improved use of corresponding gestures for trained words (large effect sizes).
      Results were largely maintained at one month post-treatment completion. Increases
      in scores on standardised aphasia testing also occurred for both ENT and GES
      training.   Both ENT and GES led to improvements in naming measures, with no
      clear difference between treatments. Increased use of gestures following GES
      provided a potential compensatory means of communication for those who did not
      improve verbal skills. Both treatments are considered to be effective methods to
      promote recovery of word retrieval and verbal production skills in individuals
      with aphasia.

PMID- 22047101
TI  - Simultaneous determination of mono-, di-, and triglycerides in multiphase systems
      by online Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.
AB  - Glycerides are of significant value for industry as ingredients with different
      purposes in food or cosmetics. The analysis of glycerides is mainly performed by
      gas chromatography (GC) or high-pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), which
      demonstrate limitations in dealing with multiphase systems. In this article, an
      in situ differentiation between mono-, di-, and triglycerides in multiphase
      systems by Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy is demonstrated. The
      enzymatic esterification of glycerol with lauric acid was analyzed as a model
      system. The reaction was carried out in a bubble column reactor containing four
      phases (two liquid phases of glycerol and lauric acid, air as gaseous phase, and
      a heterogeneous catalyst as solid phase). As a feasibility study, a chemometric
      model was generated for the pure components only. The quantities of lauric acid
      and the three products (mono-, di-, and trilaurin) were simultaneously determined
      over the course of the reaction with acceptable errors (1.8-12.5%) with regard to
      the calibration effort. This technology has the potential to give accurate
      results, particularly in unstable emulsion systems containing fats, oils, or
      emulsifiers, which are currently afflicted by analytical errors caused by the
      challenge of accurate sampling.

PMID- 22047102
TI  - Rapid eye movements during sleep in mice: high trait-like stability qualifies
      rapid eye movement density for characterization of phenotypic variation in sleep
      patterns of rodents.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In humans, rapid eye movements (REM) density during REM sleep plays a
      prominent role in psychiatric diseases. Especially in depression, an increased
      REM density is a vulnerability marker for depression. In clinical practice and
      research measurement of REM density is highly standardized. In basic animal
      research, almost no tools are available to obtain and systematically evaluate eye
      movement data, although, this would create increased comparability between human
      and animal sleep studies. METHODS: We obtained standardized
      electroencephalographic (EEG), electromyographic (EMG) and electrooculographic
      (EOG) signals from freely behaving mice. EOG electrodes were bilaterally and
      chronically implanted with placement of the electrodes directly between the
      musculus rectus superior and musculus rectus lateralis. After recovery, EEG, EMG
      and EOG signals were obtained for four days. Subsequent to the implantation
      process, we developed and validated an Eye Movement scoring in Mice Algorithm
      (EMMA) to detect REM as singularities of the EOG signal, based on wavelet
      methodology. RESULTS: The distribution of wakefulness, non-REM (NREM) sleep and
      rapid eye movement (REM) sleep was typical of nocturnal rodents with small
      amounts of wakefulness and large amounts of NREM sleep during the light period
      and reversed proportions during the dark period. REM sleep was distributed
      correspondingly. REM density was significantly higher during REM sleep than NREM
      sleep. REM bursts were detected more often at the end of the dark period than the
      beginning of the light period. During REM sleep REM density showed an ultradian
      course, and during NREM sleep REM density peaked at the beginning of the dark
      period. Concerning individual eye movements, REM duration was longer and
      amplitude was lower during REM sleep than NREM sleep. The majority of single REM
      and REM bursts were associated with micro-arousals during NREM sleep, but not
      during REM sleep. CONCLUSIONS: Sleep-stage specific distributions of REM in mice
      correspond to human REM density during sleep. REM density, now also assessable in
      animal models through our approach, is increased in humans after acute stress,
      during PTSD and in depression. This relationship can now be exploited to match
      animal models more closely to clinical situations, especially in animal models of
      depression.

PMID- 22047103
TI  - 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine-assisted hydroxyapatite nanoparticle coating on
      polymer scaffolds for efficient osteoconduction.
AB  - For bone regeneration applications, scaffolds made from a composite of a
      biodegradable polymer and ceramic have advantages over scaffolds made from only
      one component (biodegradable polymer or ceramic alone). In this study, a simple
      and rapid method was developed to induce hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticle
      adsorption on polyglycolic acid (PGA) scaffold surfaces. PGA meshes were coated
      with HA nanoparticles by immersing the scaffolds in a buffer solution containing
      3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA), a critical, functional element in mussel
      adhesive protein known to strongly bind to various materials. Substantial HA
      coating on PGA scaffolds was achieved within 24 hours of immersion, as determined
      according to selective staining of ceramic particles, scanning electron
      microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and energy-dispersive spectroscopy.
      To evaluate the osteoconduction efficacy of the scaffolds in vivo, PGA scaffolds,
      DOPA-coated PGA scaffolds, PGA scaffolds immersed in HA solution, and HA- and
      DOPA-coated PGA (HA-DOPA-PGA) scaffolds were implanted in critical-sized defects
      in mouse skulls for 8 weeks. Micro-computed tomography and histological analyses
      showed that bone regeneration in vivo was far more extensive on HA-DOPA-PGA
      scaffolds than on the other scaffolds. DOPA offers an efficient and simple method
      of HA coating on polymer scaffolds. HA-polymer composite scaffolds fabricated
      using this method could be useful as bone graft.

PMID- 22047104
TI  - Binding of 3,4,5,6-tetrahydroxyazepanes to the acid-beta-glucosidase active site:
      implications for pharmacological chaperone design for Gaucher disease.
AB  - Pharmacologic chaperoning is a therapeutic strategy being developed to improve
      the cellular folding and trafficking defects associated with Gaucher disease, a
      lysosomal storage disorder caused by point mutations in the gene encoding acid
      beta-glucosidase (GCase). In this approach, small molecules bind to and stabilize
      mutant folded or nearly folded GCase in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER),
      increasing the concentration of folded, functional GCase trafficked to the
      lysosome where the mutant enzyme can hydrolyze the accumulated substrate. To
      date, the pharmacologic chaperone (PC) candidates that have been investigated
      largely have been active site-directed inhibitors of GCase, usually containing
      five- or six-membered rings, such as modified azasugars. Here we show that a
      seven-membered, nitrogen-containing heterocycle (3,4,5,6-tetrahydroxyazepane)
      scaffold is also promising for generating PCs for GCase. Crystal structures
      reveal that the core azepane stabilizes GCase in a variation of its proposed
      active conformation, whereas binding of an analogue with an N-linked hydroxyethyl
      tail stabilizes GCase in a conformation in which the active site is covered, also
      utilizing a loop conformation not seen previously. Although both compounds
      preferentially stabilize GCase to thermal denaturation at pH 7.4, reflective of
      the pH in the ER, only the core azepane, which is a mid-micromolar competitive
      inhibitor, elicits a modest increase in enzyme activity for the neuronopathic
      G202R and the non-neuronopathic N370S mutant GCase in an intact cell assay. Our
      results emphasize the importance of the conformational variability of the GCase
      active site in the design of competitive inhibitors as PCs for Gaucher disease.

PMID- 22047106
TI  - Engineering an L-cell line that expresses insulin under the control of the
      glucagon-like peptide-1 promoter for diabetes treatment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus is a complicated disease with a pathophysiology
      that includes hyperinsulinemia, hyperglycemia and other metabolic impairments
      leading to many clinical complications. It is necessary to develop appropriate
      treatments to manage the disease and reduce possible acute and chronic side
      effects. The advent of gene therapy has generated excitement in the medical world
      for the possible application of gene therapy in the treatment of diabetes. The
      glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) promoter, which is recognised by gut L-cells, is
      an appealing candidate for gene therapy purposes. The specific properties of L
      cells suggest that L-cells and the GLP-1 promoter would be useful for diabetes
      therapy approaches. RESULTS: In this study, L-cells were isolated from a primary
      intestinal cell line to create suitable target cells for insulin expression
      studies. The isolated cells displayed L-cell properties and were therefore used
      as an L-cell surrogate. Next, the isolated L-cells were transfected with the
      recombinant plasmid consisting of an insulin gene located downstream of the GLP-1
      promoter. The secretion tests revealed that an increase in glucose concentration
      from 5 mM to 25 mM induced insulin gene expression in the L-cells by 2.7-fold.
      Furthermore, L-cells quickly responded to the glucose stimulation; the amount of
      insulin protein increased 2-fold in the first 30 minutes and then reached a
      plateau after 90 minutes. CONCLUSION: Our data showed that L-cells efficiently
      produced the mature insulin protein. In addition, the insulin protein secretion
      was positively regulated with glucose induction. In conclusion, GLP-1 promoter
      and L-cell could be potential candidates for diabetes gene therapy agents.

PMID- 22047105
TI  - Spinal muscular atrophy.
AB  - Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive neuromuscular disease
      characterized by degeneration of alpha motor neurons in the spinal cord,
      resulting in progressive proximal muscle weakness and paralysis. Estimated
      incidence is 1 in 6,000 to 1 in 10,000 live births and carrier frequency of 1/40
      1/60. This disease is characterized by generalized muscle weakness and atrophy
      predominating in proximal limb muscles, and phenotype is classified into four
      grades of severity (SMA I, SMAII, SMAIII, SMA IV) based on age of onset and motor
      function achieved. This disease is caused by homozygous mutations of the survival
      motor neuron 1 (SMN1) gene, and the diagnostic test demonstrates in most patients
      the homozygous deletion of the SMN1 gene, generally showing the absence of SMN1
      exon 7. The test achieves up to 95% sensitivity and nearly 100% specificity.
      Differential diagnosis should be considered with other neuromuscular disorders
      which are not associated with increased CK manifesting as infantile hypotonia or
      as limb girdle weakness starting later in life. Considering the high carrier
      frequency, carrier testing is requested by siblings of patients or of parents of
      SMA children and are aimed at gaining information that may help with reproductive
      planning. Individuals at risk should be tested first and, in case of testing
      positive, the partner should be then analyzed. It is recommended that in case of
      a request on carrier testing on siblings of an affected SMA infant, a detailed
      neurological examination should be done and consideration given doing the direct
      test to exclude SMA. Prenatal diagnosis should be offered to couples who have
      previously had a child affected with SMA (recurrence risk 25%). The role of
      follow-up coordination has to be managed by an expert in neuromuscular disorders
      and in SMA who is able to plan a multidisciplinary intervention that includes
      pulmonary, gastroenterology/nutrition, and orthopedic care. Prognosis depends on
      the phenotypic severity going from high mortality within the first year for SMA
      type 1 to no mortality for the chronic and later onset forms.

PMID- 22047107
TI  - Development of a peptide-targeted, myocardial ischemia-homing, mesenchymal stem
      cell.
AB  - Directing stem cells to the heart is critical in producing an effective cell
      therapy for myocardial infarction (MI). Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) offer an
      exquisite drug delivery platform with environment-sensing cytokine release and
      MSCs have shown therapeutic potential in MI. Peptide-based targeting offers a
      novel method to increase cell homing, wherein MI-specific peptides, identified by
      phage display, are synthesized with a palmitic acid tail to facilitate cell
      membrane integration. Phage-peptides were screened in a mouse MI model and four
      peptides (CRPPR, CRKDKC, KSTRKS, and CARSKNKDC) were selected and synthesized as
      palmitated derivatives for further investigation. Cell coating was optimized and
      coating persistence and cytotoxicity were evaluated. MSCs were coated with
      peptides, injected into mice with MI, and MSCs in the heart quantified. Greater
      numbers of MSCs were found in heart of animals treated with the peptide-coated
      MSCs compared to uncoated controls. MSC numbers had positive correlation with MI
      severity in peptide-coated cells but a negative correlation in MSCs alone. A
      transient cell coating ("painting") method has been developed that labels cells
      efficiently, non-toxically and increases cell localization in MI hearts.

PMID- 22047108
TI  - Quantum-chemical insights into the prediction of charge transport parameters for
      a naphthalenetetracarboxydiimide-based copolymer with enhanced electron mobility.
AB  - Theoretical modeling has been applied to study the charge transport (CT)
      parameters of a high-electron-mobility (n-type) naphthalenetetracarboxydiimide
      copolymer that was recently synthesized and tested for organic field-effect
      transistor applications. To understand the physicochemical characteristics of
      such a material, the intra- and intermolecular CT properties of holes and
      electrons were investigated using different DFT functionals, evidencing the need
      of range-separated hybrid functionals to predict key parameters such as the hole
      and electron reorganization energies. Our calculations revealed clear differences
      between hole- and electron-charging processes, providing fundamental elements for
      the rationalization of their transport.

PMID- 22047109
TI  - Effect of freezing time on macronutrients and energy content of breastmilk.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In neonatal units and human milk banks freezing breastmilk at less
      than -20  degrees C is the choice for preserving it. Scientific evidence in
      relation to the loss of nutritional quality during freezing is rare. Our main aim
      in this study is to determine the effect of freezing time up to 3 months on the
      content of fat, total nitrogen, lactose, and energy. Our secondary aim is to
      assess whether ultrasonic homogenization of samples enables a more suitable
      reading of breastmilk macronutrients with a human milk analyzer (HMA) (MIRIS,
      Uppsala, Sweden). METHODS: Refrigerated breastmilk samples were collected. Each
      sample was divided into six pairs of aliquots. One pair was analyzed on day 0,
      and the remaining pairs were frozen and analyzed, one each at 7, 15, 30, 60, and
      90 days later. For each pair, one aliquot was homogenized by stirring, and the
      other by applying ultrasound. Samples were analyzed with the HMA. RESULTS: By 3
      months from freezing with the two homogenization methods, we observed a relevant
      and significant decline in the concentration of fat and energy content. The
      modification of total nitrogen and lactose was not constant and of lower
      magnitude. The absolute concentration of all macronutrients and calories was
      greater with ultrasonic homogenization. CONCLUSIONS: After 3 months from freezing
      at -20  degrees C, an important decrease in fat and caloric content is observed.
      Correct homogenization is fundamental for correct nutritional analysis.

PMID- 22047110
TI  - Effect of Fluid Supplementation on Serum Bilirubin Level During Phototherapy of
      Exclusively Breastfed Term Infants with Hyperbilirubinemia.
AB  - Abstract   Background: This study compared the rates of decrease in serum
      bilirubin levels in severely jaundiced healthy term infants given oral or
      intravenous fluid supplementation during phototherapy.   Methods: A randomized
      controlled study was carried out in the neonatal intensive care unit of Zeynep
      Kamil Maternity and Children Hospital (Istanbul, Turkey) over a 4-month period.
      Two hundred fifty healthy term infants with hyperbilirubinemia were randomized to
      receive either solely breastmilk (n=125) or both breastmilk and intravenous fluid
      (n=125) during phototherapy.   Results: There were no significant differences
      (p>0.05) in the mean birth weight, mean gestastional age, modes of delivery, mean
      time of admission age, mean serum osmolality, and hematocrit and reticulocyte
      count between the two groups. Similarly, there was no significant difference
      (p>0.05) in the mean indirect serum bilirubin level at the time of admission to
      the neonatal intensive care unit and at 4, 8, 12, 24, and 48 hours after
      commencement of phototherapy between the two groups. There was no significant
      difference (p>0.05) in the mean duration of phototherapy or in the median
      duration of hospitalization between the two groups.   Conclusions: Based on our
      results, intravenous fluid support has no effect on the rate of decrease in serum
      bilirubin and decrease in duration of phototherapy in healthy term newborns with
      no dehydratation. However, using the oral route avoided the need for intravenous
      cannulae and their attendant complications. Insensible fluid loss is increased
      during phototherapy, so protection of hydration status with oral feeding is
      important for newborns.

PMID- 22047111
TI  - Molecular phylogeny of the higher and lower taxonomy of the Fusarium genus and
      differences in the evolutionary histories of multiple genes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Species of the Fusarium genus are important fungi which is associated
      with health hazards in human and animals. The taxonomy of this genus has been a
      subject of controversy for many years. Although many researchers have applied
      molecular phylogenetic analysis to examine the taxonomy of Fusarium species,
      their phylogenetic relationships remain unclear only few comprehensive
      phylogenetic analyses of the Fusarium genus and a lack of suitable nucleotides
      and amino acid substitution rates. A previous stugy with whole genome comparison
      among Fusairum species revealed the possibility that each gene in Fusarium
      genomes has a unique evolutionary history, and such gene may bring difficulty to
      the reconstruction of phylogenetic tree of Fusarium. There is a need not only to
      check substitution rates of genes but also to perform the exact evaluation of
      each gene-evolution. RESULTS: We performed phylogenetic analyses based on the
      nucleotide sequences of the rDNA cluster region (rDNA cluster), and the beta
      tubulin gene (beta-tub), the elongation factor 1alpha gene (EF-1alpha), and the
      aminoadipate reductase gene (lys2). Although incongruence of the tree topologies
      between lys2 and the other genes was detected, all genes supported the
      classification of Fusarium species into 7 major clades, I to VII. To obtain a
      reliable phylogeny for Fusarium species, we excluded the lys2 sequences from our
      dataset, and re-constructed a maximum likelihood (ML) tree based on the combined
      data of the rDNA cluster, beta-tub, and EF-1alpha. Our ML tree indicated some
      interesting relationships in the higher and lower taxa of Fusarium species and
      related genera. Moreover, we observed a novel evolutionary history of lys2. We
      suggest that the unique tree topologies of lys2 are not due to an analytical
      artefact, but due to differences in the evolutionary history of genomes caused by
      positive selection of particular lineages. CONCLUSION: This study showed the
      reliable species tree of the higher and lower taxonomy in the lineage of the
      Fusarium genus. Our ML tree clearly indicated 7 major clades within the Fusarium
      genus. Furthermore, this study reported differences in the evolutionary histories
      among multiple genes within this genus for the first time.

PMID- 22047112
TI  - De minimis risk: a proposal for a new category of research risk.

PMID- 22047113
TI  - Should the "slow code" be resuscitated?
AB  - Most bioethicists and professional medical societies condemn the practice of
      "slow codes." The American College of Physicians ethics manual states, "Because
      it is deceptive, physicians or nurses should not perform half-hearted
      resuscitation efforts ('slow codes')." A leading textbook calls slow codes
      "dishonest, crass dissimulation, and unethical." A medical sociologist describes
      them as "deplorable, dishonest and inconsistent with established ethical
      principles." Nevertheless, we believe that slow codes may be appropriate and
      ethically defensible in situations in which cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
      is likely to be ineffective, the family decision makers understand and accept
      that death is inevitable, and those family members cannot bring themselves to
      consent or even assent to a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order. In such cases, we
      argue, physicians may best serve both the patient and the family by having a
      carefully ambiguous discussion about end-of-life options and then providing
      resuscitation efforts that are less vigorous or prolonged than usual.

PMID- 22047114
TI  - The resuscitation of "slow codes": fraud, lies, and deception.

PMID- 22047115
TI  - Quick and limited is better than slow, sloppy, or sly.

PMID- 22047116
TI  - Faking it: unnecessary deceptions and the slow code.

PMID- 22047117
TI  - What is an "appropriate code"?

PMID- 22047118
TI  - Misadventures in CPR: neglecting nonmaleficent and advocacy obligations.

PMID- 22047119
TI  - Informed non-dissent: a better option than slow codes when families cannot bear
      to say "let her die".

PMID- 22047120
TI  - Let's Do Not Resuscitate Placebo Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation.

PMID- 22047121
TI  - The false dichotomy: do "everything" or give up.

PMID- 22047122
TI  - The "slow code" should be a "no code".

PMID- 22047123
TI  - Why not a transparent slow code?

PMID- 22047124
TI  - "You don't know me, but ...": access to patient data and subject recruitment in
      human subjects research.

PMID- 22047125
TI  - The role of cloud computing in managing the deluge of potentially private genetic
      data.

PMID- 22047126
TI  - Legitimate and ethical: distinguishing when and how regulations apply in patient
      oriented research.

PMID- 22047127
TI  - Saying privacy, meaning confidentiality.

PMID- 22047128
TI  - Clinicoradiological changes of brain NK/T cell lymphoma manifesting pure
      akinesia: a case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pure akinesia (PA) is a distinct form of parkinsonism characterized
      by freezing phenomena. Little is known about brain tumor-associated PA. We
      highlight the clinicoradiological changes in a patient with PA and central
      nervous system (CNS) metastases of natural killer/T-cell lymphoma (NKTL). CASE
      PRESENTATION: A 68-year-old man with stage IVB extranodal NKTL developed a gait
      disturbance. Neurological examination of his gait revealed freezing, start
      hesitation, short step, forward flexion posture, festination and postural
      instability. Mild facial hypomimia and micrographia were observed. There was no
      rigidity or tremor in any of the four extremities. Brain magnetic resonance
      imaging (MRI) displayed T2-hyperintense lesions in the dorsal brainstem,
      cerebellum and periventricular white matter. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and
      the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) revealed hyperintensity in these
      regions. Cerebrospinal fluid cytology revealed CD56-positive cells on
      immunohistochemical staining. The patient's neurological deficits did not respond
      to L-dopa treatment and intrathecal administration of methotrexate (MTX). Two
      weeks later, he displayed confusion and generalized convulsions. T2-hyperintense
      lesions spread to the basal ganglia and the infratentorial regions. Gadolinium
      enhancement was observed in the cerebellum and frontal subcortex. DWI and the ADC
      revealed diffusion-restricted lesions in the middle cerebellar peduncles, left
      internal capsules and cerebral white matter. MTX pulse therapy and intrathecal
      administration of cytosine arabinoside and MTX were performed. Two months later,
      his ambulatory state was normalized. Brain MRI also revealed marked alleviation
      of the infratentorial and supratentorial lesions. CONCLUSIONS: The
      clinicoradiological profile of our patient suggested that dorsal ponto
      mesencephalic lesions could contribute to the pathogenesis of PA. Physicians
      should pay more attention to striking CNS seeding of metastatic NKTL. MTX pulse
      therapy had an excellent effect in improving serious symptoms and brain lesions
      in our patient.

PMID- 22047129
TI  - Kinetically controlled autocatalytic chemical process for bulk production of
      bimetallic core-shell structured nanoparticles.
AB  - Although bimetallic core@shell structured nanoparticles (NPs) are achieving
      prominence due to their multifunctionalities and exceptional catalytic, magnetic,
      thermal, and optical properties, the rationale underlying their design remains
      unclear. Here we report a kinetically controlled autocatalytic chemical process,
      adaptable for use as a general protocol for the fabrication of bimetallic
      core@shell structured NPs, in which a sacrificial Cu ultrathin layer is
      autocatalytically deposited on a dimensionally stable noble-metal core under
      kinetically controlled conditions, which is then displaced to form an active
      ultrathin metal-layered shell by redox-transmetalation. Unlike thermodynamically
      controlled under-potential deposition processes, this general strategy allows for
      the scaling-up of production of high-quality core-shell structured NPs, without
      the need for any additional reducing agents and/or electrochemical treatments,
      some examples being Pd@Pt, Pt@Pd, Ir@Pt, and Ir@Pd. Having immediate and obvious
      commercial potential, Pd@Pt NPs have been systematically characterized by in situ
      X-ray absorption, electrochemical-FTIR, transmission electron microscopy, and
      electrochemical techniques, both during synthesis and subsequently during testing
      in one particularly important catalytic reaction, namely, the oxygen reduction
      reaction, which is pivotal in fuel cell operation. It was found that the
      bimetallic Pd@Pt NPs exhibited a significantly enhanced electrocatalytic
      activity, with respect to this reaction, in comparison with their monometallic
      counterparts.

PMID- 22047130
TI  - Oral administration of the KATP channel opener diazoxide ameliorates disease
      progression in a murine model of multiple sclerosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is an acquired inflammatory demyelinating
      disorder of the central nervous system (CNS) and is the leading cause of
      nontraumatic disability among young adults. Activated microglial cells are
      important effectors of demyelination and neurodegeneration, by secreting
      cytokines and others neurotoxic agents. Previous studies have demonstrated that
      microglia expresses ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels and its
      pharmacological activation can provide neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory
      effects. In this study, we have examined the effect of oral administration of
      KATP channel opener diazoxide on induced experimental autoimmune
      encephalomyelitis (EAE), a mouse model of MS. METHODS: Anti-inflammatory effects
      of diazoxide were studied on lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and interferon gamma
      (IFNgamma)-activated microglial cells. EAE was induced in C57BL/6J mice by
      immunization with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein peptide (MOG35-55). Mice
      were orally treated daily with diazoxide or vehicle for 15 days from the day of
      EAE symptom onset. Treatment starting at the same time as immunization was also
      assayed. Clinical signs of EAE were monitored and histological studies were
      performed to analyze tissue damage, demyelination, glial reactivity, axonal loss,
      neuronal preservation and lymphocyte infiltration. RESULTS: Diazoxide inhibited
      in vitro nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and
      interleukin-6 (IL-6) production and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)
      expression by activated microglia without affecting cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)
      expression and phagocytosis. Oral treatment of mice with diazoxide ameliorated
      EAE clinical signs but did not prevent disease. Histological analysis
      demonstrated that diazoxide elicited a significant reduction in myelin and axonal
      loss accompanied by a decrease in glial activation and neuronal damage. Diazoxide
      did not affect the number of infiltrating lymphocytes positive for CD3 and CD20
      in the spinal cord. CONCLUSION: Taken together, these results demonstrate novel
      actions of diazoxide as an anti-inflammatory agent, which might contribute to its
      beneficial effects on EAE through neuroprotection. Treatment with this widely
      used and well-tolerated drug may be a useful therapeutic intervention in
      ameliorating MS disease.

PMID- 22047133
TI  - Operative Dentistry Home Page.

PMID- 22047135
TI  - Online Access.

PMID- 22047131
TI  - Low quality of routine microscopy for malaria at different levels of the health
      system in Dar es Salaam.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Laboratory capacity to confirm malaria cases in Tanzania is low and
      presumptive treatment of malaria is being practiced widely. In malaria endemic
      areas WHO now recommends systematic laboratory testing when suspecting malaria.
      Currently, the use of Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) is recommended for the
      diagnosis of malaria in lower level peripheral facilities, but not in health
      centres and hospitals. In this study, the following parameters were evaluated:
      (1) the quality of routine microscopy, and (2) the effects of RDT implementation
      on the positivity rate of malaria test results at three levels of the health
      system in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. METHODS: During a baseline cross-sectional
      survey, routine blood slides were randomly picked from 12 urban public health
      facilities in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Sensitivity and specificity of routine
      slides were assessed against expert microscopy. In March 2007, following training
      of health workers, RDTs were introduced in nine public health facilities (three
      hospitals, three health centres and three dispensaries) in a near-to-programmatic
      way, while three control health facilities continued using microscopy. The
      monthly malaria positivity rates (PR) recorded in health statistics registers
      were collected before (routine microscopy) and after (routine RDTs) the
      intervention in all facilities. RESULTS: At baseline, 53% of blood slides were
      reported as positive by the routine laboratories, whereas only 2% were positive
      by expert microscopy. Sensitivity of routine microscopy was 71.4% and specificity
      was 47.3%. Positive and negative predictive values were 2.8% and 98.7%,
      respectively. Median parasitaemia was only three parasites per 200 white blood
      cells (WBC) by routine microscopy compared to 1226 parasites per 200 WBC by
      expert microscopy. Before RDT implementation, the mean test positivity rates
      using routine microscopy were 43% in hospitals, 62% in health centres and 58% in
      dispensaries. After RDT implementation, mean positivity rates using routine RDTs
      were 6%, 7% and 8%, respectively. The sensitivity and specificity of RDTs using
      expert microscopy as reference were 97.0% and 96.8%. The positivity rate of
      routine microscopy remained the same in the three control facilities: 71% before
      versus 72% after. Two cross-sectional health facility surveys confirmed that the
      parasite rate in febrile patients was low in Dar es Salaam during both the rainy
      season (13.6%) and the dry season (3.3%). CONCLUSIONS: The quality of routine
      microscopy was poor in all health facilities, regardless of their level. Over
      diagnosis was massive, with many false positive results reported as very low
      parasitaemia (1 to 5 parasites per 200 WBC). RDTs should replace microscopy as
      first-line diagnostic tool for malaria in all settings, especially in hospitals
      where the potential for saving lives is greatest.

PMID- 22047136
TI  - Spectroscopy of HF and HF-containing clusters in solid parahydrogen.
AB  - We report measurements of FT-IR absorption spectroscopy of HF, DF, and their
      clusters in solid parahydrogen (pH(2)). The observed spectra contain many
      absorption lines which were assigned to HF monomers, HF polymers, and clusters
      with other species, such as N(2), O(2), orthohydrogen (oH(2)), etc. The
      rotational constants of HF and DF monomers were determined from the cooperative
      transitions of the vibration of solid pH(2) and the rotation of HF and DF. Small
      reduction of the rotational constants indicates that HF and DF are nearly free
      rotors in solid pH(2). Time dependence of the spectra suggests that HF and DF
      monomers migrate in solid pH(2) and form larger polymers, probably via tunneling
      reactions through high energy barriers on inserting another monomer to the
      polymers. The line width of HF monomers in solid pH(2) was found to be 4 cm(-1),
      which is larger than that of other hydrogen halides in solid pH(2). This broad
      line width is explained by rapid rotational relaxation due to the accidental
      coincidence between the rotational energy of HF and the phonon energy with
      maximum density of states of solid pH(2) and the rotational-translational
      coupling in a trapping site.

PMID- 22047137
TI  - Low concentrations of honey reduce biofilm formation, quorum sensing, and
      virulence in Escherichia coli O157:H7.
AB  - Bacterial biofilms are associated with persistent infections due to their high
      resistance to antimicrobial agents. Hence, controlling pathogenic biofilm
      formation is important in bacteria-related diseases. Honey, at a low
      concentration of 0.5% (v/v), significantly reduced biofilm formation in
      enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 without inhibiting the growth of
      planktonic cells. Conversely, this concentration did not inhibit commensal E.
      coli K-12 biofilm formation. Transcriptome analyses showed that honey
      significantly repressed curli genes (csgBAC), quorum sensing genes (AI-2 importer
      and indole biosynthesis), and virulence genes (LEE genes). Glucose and fructose
      in the honeys were found to be key components in reducing biofilm formation by E.
      coli O157:H7 through the suppression of curli production and AI-2 import.
      Furthermore, honey, glucose and fructose decreased the colonization of E. coli
      O157:H7 cells on human HT-29 epithelial cells. These results suggest that low
      concentrations of honey, such as in honeyed water, can be a practical means for
      reducing the colonization and virulence of pathogenic E. coli O157:H7.

PMID- 22047138
TI  - Room-temperature C-H arylation: merger of Pd-catalyzed C-H functionalization and
      visible-light photocatalysis.
AB  - This communication describes the development of a room-temperature ligand
      directed C-H arylation reaction using aryldiazonium salts. This was achieved by
      the successful merger of palladium-catalyzed C-H functionalization and visible
      light photoredox catalysis. The new method is general for a variety of directing
      groups and tolerates many common functional groups.

PMID- 22047139
TI  - RNA-Seq reveals genotype-specific molecular responses to water deficit in
      eucalyptus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In a context of climate change, phenotypic plasticity provides long
      lived species, such as trees, with the means to adapt to environmental variations
      occurring within a single generation. In eucalyptus plantations, water
      availability is a key factor limiting productivity. However, the molecular
      mechanisms underlying the adaptation of eucalyptus to water shortage remain
      unclear. In this study, we compared the molecular responses of two commercial
      eucalyptus hybrids during the dry season. Both hybrids differ in productivity
      when grown under water deficit. RESULTS: Pyrosequencing of RNA extracted from
      shoot apices provided extensive transcriptome coverage - a catalog of 129,993
      unigenes (49,748 contigs and 80,245 singletons) was generated from 398 million
      base pairs, or 1.14 million reads. The pyrosequencing data enriched considerably
      existing Eucalyptus EST collections, adding 36,985 unigenes not previously
      represented. Digital analysis of read abundance in 14,460 contigs identified
      1,280 that were differentially expressed between the two genotypes, 155 contigs
      showing differential expression between treatments (irrigated vs. non irrigated
      conditions during the dry season), and 274 contigs with significant genotype-by
      treatment interaction. The more productive genotype displayed a larger set of
      genes responding to water stress. Moreover, stress signal transduction seemed to
      involve different pathways in the two genotypes, suggesting that water shortage
      induces distinct cellular stress cascades. Similarly, the response of functional
      proteins also varied widely between genotypes: the most productive genotype
      decreased expression of genes related to photosystem, transport and secondary
      metabolism, whereas genes related to primary metabolism and cell organisation
      were over-expressed. CONCLUSIONS: For the most productive genotype, the ability
      to express a broader set of genes in response to water availability appears to be
      a key characteristic in the maintenance of biomass growth during the dry season.
      Its strategy may involve a decrease of photosynthetic activity during the dry
      season associated with resources reallocation through major changes in the
      expression of primary metabolism associated genes. Further efforts will be needed
      to assess the adaptive nature of the genes highlighted in this study.

PMID- 22047140
TI  - Laccase-carrying electrospun fibrous membranes for adsorption and degradation of
      PAHs in shoal soils.
AB  - The removal of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) from soil is costly and
      time-consuming. The high hydrophobicity of PAHs makes PAH diffusion from soil
      particles by hydraulic flow difficult. The phase transfer of PAHs from soil to
      another available mediator is crucial for PAH removal. This study focuses on the
      remediation of PAH-contaminated shoal soil, located in Yangtze, China, using
      three types of laccase-carrying electrospun fibrous membranes (LCEFMs) fabricated
      via emulsion electrospinning. These LCEFMs were composed of core-shell structural
      nanofibers (for PAH adsorption), with laccase in the core (for PAH degradation)
      and pores on the shell (for mass transfer). The LCEFMs with strong adsorptivity
      extracted the PAHs from the soil particles, resulting in an obvious enhancement
      of PAH degradation. The removal efficiencies in 6 h for phenanthrene,
      fluoranthene, benz[a]anthracene and benzo[a]pyrene were greater than 95.1%,
      93.2%, 79.1%, and 72.5%, respectively. The removal half-lives were 0.003-1.52 h,
      much shorter than those by free laccase (17.9-67.9 h) or membrane adsorption
      (1.25-12.50 h). The third-order reaction kinetics suggested that the superficial
      adsorption and internal diffusion were the rate-limiting steps of the overall
      reaction. A synergistic effect between adsorption and degradation was also
      proposed on the basis of the triple phase distribution and kinetics analyses.

PMID- 22047141
TI  - Generation and characterization of transgenic mice expressing mitochondrial
      targeted red fluorescent protein selectively in neurons: modeling
      mitochondriopathy in excitotoxicity and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mitochondria have roles or appear to have roles in the pathogenesis
      of several chronic age-related and acute neurological disorders, including
      Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson's disease,
      and cerebral ischemia, and could be critical targets for development of rational
      mechanism-based, disease-modifying therapeutics for treating these disorders
      effectively. A deeper understanding of neural tissue mitochondria pathobiologies
      as definitive mediators of neural injury, disease, and cell death merits further
      study, and the development of additional tools to study neural mitochondria will
      help achieve this unmet need. RESULTS: We created transgenic mice that express
      the coral (Discosoma sp.) red fluorescent protein DsRed2 specifically in
      mitochondria of neurons using a construct engineered with a Thy1 promoter,
      specific for neuron expression, to drive expression of a fusion protein of DsRed2
      with a mitochondrial targeting sequence. The biochemical and histological
      characterization of these mice shows the expression of mitochondrial-targeted
      DsRed2 to be specific for mitochondria and concentrated in distinct CNS regions,
      including cerebral cortex, hippocampus, thalamus, brainstem, and spinal cord. Red
      fluorescent mitochondria were visualized in cerebral cortical and hippocampal
      pyramidal neurons, ventrobasal thalamic neurons, subthalamic neurons, and spinal
      motor neurons. For the purpose of proof of principle application, these mice were
      used in excitotoxicity paradigms and double transgenic mice were generated by
      crossing Thy1-mitoDsRed2 mice with transgenic mice expressing enhanced-GFP (eGFP)
      under the control of the Hlxb9 promoter that drives eGFP expression specifically
      in motor neurons and by crossing Thy1-mitoDsRed2 mice to amyotrophic lateral
      sclerosis (ALS) mice expressing human mutant superoxide dismutase-1. CONCLUSIONS:
      These novel transgenic mice will be a useful tool for better understanding the
      biology of mitochondria in mouse and cellular models of human neurological
      disorders as exemplified by the mitochondrial swelling and fission seen in
      excitotoxicity and mouse ALS.

PMID- 22047142
TI  - Contralateral inguinal hernia after negative laparoscopic evaluation: a rare but
      real phenomenon.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The procedure of inguinal herniorrhaphy is the most common procedure
      performed by pediatric surgeons today. Laparoscopy has proved to be both
      sensitive and specific for evaluating the contralateral inguinal region. Despite
      the attractiveness that transinguinal laparoscopy offers and the success it has
      seen, we report a series of hernias after the utilization of this tool. METHODS:
      After IRB approval, a retrospective review of our institutions' experience from
      1/2002 to 6/2010 with children who underwent unilateral inguinal hernia repair
      with contralateral evaluation with laparoscopy was completed. Data recorded
      included sex, age of initial presentation, laterality of initial hernia, age at
      second presentation, and operative time of initial surgery. RESULTS: From 2002 to
      2010, 1291 patients underwent unilateral inguinal hernia repair with negative
      laparoscopic evaluation of the opposite ring. There were 32 patients (2.5%) who
      subsequently presented with an inguinal hernia on the contralateral side. All
      were men. The average age of initial presentation was 42.7 months. The mean time
      to occurrence of the contralateral hernia was found to be 16.7 months with a
      median of 12.2 months. The mean operative time for the initial operation was
      found to be 25.6 minutes. CONCLUSIONS: When using laparoscopy to explore the
      contralateral inguinal region, the surgeon should be aware that a negative exam
      may still be associated with a small chance of clinically developing a hernia.

PMID- 22047143
TI  - Single-incision laparoscopic colon and rectal surgery for pediatric inflammatory
      bowel disease and polyposis syndromes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Minimally invasive procedures for inflammatory bowel disease have
      been shown to improve recovery in children. We report our initial experience with
      single-incision laparoscopic operations for pediatric intestinal disease.
      METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 12 procedures in 11 patients (4 women) from
      March 2010 to January 2011. Procedures were conducted by using standard
      laparoscopic instruments. RESULTS: Mean age was 15 years (9-17 years). Procedures
      included three total abdominal colectomies, four two-stage ileal-pouch anal
      anastomosis (IPAA), two single-stage IPAA, two three-stage IPAA, and one
      ileocectomy. An accessory umbilical port was used in 6 cases. Mean operating time
      was 287 minutes. Mean length of stay was 4.1 days (3-9 days). Postoperative
      complications have occurred in 5 patients (42%). Anastomotic leak occurred in 2
      patients with IPAA without protective ileostomy, 1 operative small bowel
      obstruction, 1 pelvic abscess and portal vein thrombosis, and 1 readmission for
      dehydration. Both patients who had leaked have recovered well and had their
      stomas reversed. Mean follow-up is 190 days. Average number of daily bowel
      movements is 4.5. Pouchitis has occurred in 50% (4/8) of patients. CONCLUSIONS:
      Single-incision laparoscopic surgery for pediatric intestinal disease is safe and
      feasible by using standard laparoscopic instruments. We do not advocate IPAA
      without a stoma due to the high rate of anastomotic leak. Continued experience
      will shorten operative times and reduce complications.

PMID- 22047144
TI  - The physiology and pathobiology of human kallikrein-related peptidase 6 (KLK6).
AB  - The human kallikrein-related peptidase 6 (KLK6) gene belongs to the 15-member
      kallikrein (KLK) gene family mapping to chromosome 19q13.3-13.4. Encoding for an
      enzyme with trypsin-like properties, KLK6 can degrade components of the
      extracellular matrix. The successful utilisation of another KLK member (KLK3/PSA)
      for prostate cancer diagnosis has led many to evaluate KLK6 as a potential
      biomarker for other cancer and diseased states. The observed dysregulated
      expression in cancers, neurodegenerative diseases and skin conditions has led to
      the discovery that KLK6 participates in other cellular pathways including
      inflammation, receptor activation and regulation of apoptosis. Moreover, the
      improvements in high-throughput genomics have not only enabled the identification
      of sequence polymorphisms, but of transcript variants, whose functional
      significances have yet to be realised. This comprehensive review will summarise
      the current findings of KLK6 pathophysiology and discuss its potential as a
      viable biomarker.

PMID- 22047145
TI  - The effect of hematocrit on the results of measurements using glucose meters
      based on different techniques.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of hematocrit (HCT)
      on glucose meter assays based on different measurement techniques. METHODS: This
      paper studied glucose meters utilizing the glucose dehydrogenase reaction and
      four measurement techniques: colorimetry (HemoCue), reflectometry (Accu-Chek
      Active), amperometry (Optium Xido) and coulometry (Optium Omega). The EDTA venous
      blood samples HCT were modified by adding or removing defined aliquots of plasma.
      Glucose concentration was measured using each meter in 27 batches of blood
      samples, with HCT ranging from 20% to 60% in 10% increments. The data were
      analyzed using repeated measures models and a linear random effects model.
      RESULTS: A significant relationship between HCT and glucose reading in all meters
      was found and, for all meters except Optium Xido, there was a significant
      modification of this relationship by glucose level. The relative decrease in
      glucose concentration per 1% increase of the HCT value varied from 0.30% for
      Optium Omega in samples with glucose concentrations <5.55 mmol/L to 1.37% for
      Optium Xido in the same stratum (p<0.0001). The 5% glucose meter error (the ADA
      recommendation) was reached in the <5.55 mmol/L stratum after HCT change by 3.9%
      16.7%. CONCLUSIONS: There is a significant continuous effect of HCT on
      measurement accuracy of glucose meters across its wide range of values and
      glucose concentrations. The most sensitive to the HCT interference was the system
      utilizing amperometric technique (Optium Xido) followed by the one with
      reflectometric technique (Accu-Chek Active), while the systems with the
      coulometric technique (Optium Omega) or colorimetric measurements in whole blood
      haemolysate (HemoCue) were less sensitive.

PMID- 22047146
TI  - High resolution time-of-flight mass analysis of the entire range of intact singly
      charged proteins.
AB  - The proof of principle for high-resolution analysis of intact singly charged
      proteins of any size is presented. Singly charged protein ions were produced by
      electrospray ionization followed by surface-induced charge reduction at
      atmospheric pressure. The inlet and trapping system "stops" the forward momentum
      of the protein ions over a very broad range to be captured by the digitally
      produced electric fields of a large radius linear ion trap whereupon they are
      moved into a smaller radius linear ion trap and collected and concentrated in
      front of its exit end-cap electrode using digital waveform manipulation. The
      protein ions are then ejected on demand from the end of the small radius linear
      quadrupole in a tightly collimated ion beam with an instrumentally defined
      kinetic energy into the acceleration region of an orthogonal acceleration
      reflectron time-of-flight mass analyzer where their flight times were measured
      and detected with a Photonis BiPolar TOF detector. We present results that
      clearly prove that massive singly charged ions can yield high-resolution mass
      spectra with very low chemical noise and without loss of sensitivity with
      increasing mass across the entire spectrum. Analysis of noncovalently bound
      protein complexes was demonstrated with streptavidin-Cy5 bound with a
      biotinylated peptide mimic. Our results suggest proteins across the entire range
      can be directly quantified using our mass analysis technique. We present evidence
      that solvent molecules noncovalently adduct onto the proteins while yielding
      consistent flight time distributions. Finally, we provide a look into future that
      will result from the ability to rapidly measure and quantify protein
      distributions.

PMID- 22047147
TI  - Bruce B Smith 1917-2007.

PMID- 22047152
TI  - Protein array diagnostics for guiding therapy in rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - Early diagnosis and effective management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are
      pivotal, given the progressive, chronic, inflammatory, multi-systemic nature of
      the disease. Currently, proper initiation of adequate, individually tailored
      interventions in RA is delayed by the difficulty of early diagnosis and the
      limitations of disease activity and therapeutic response assessment tools. This
      is a significant challenge to rheumatologists, further complicated by the dynamic
      and progressively evolving autoimmune nature of RA, which is characterized by
      several immune mediators in a complex network that regulates the perpetuation of
      inflammation. Protein arrays constitute the most advanced current technology that
      can provide a comprehensive parallel analysis of this diverse network in RA,
      providing an individualized insight into immune status and host immune response.
      The last few years have seen significant transitions in the field of protein
      arrays, demonstrated by a technologic shift from the bench to the bedside, paving
      the way for the medical and scientific community to deliver patient-specific
      assessments and personalized management. Screening of protein arrays with sera or
      tissues from patients with RA enables the probing of immune responses and the
      identification of autoantibody signatures that can be used for the diagnosis and
      therapeutic management of patients. This article reviews the technology and the
      applications for protein arrays in the diagnosis and prognosis of RA. Clinical
      assessment tools could be derived from protein arrays, which may provide a means
      to continually track patients, allowing better evaluation of intervention
      strategies on a patient-specific basis and identification of diagnostic and
      disease activity biomarkers that could be used to guide optimal therapy in RA.

PMID- 22047153
TI  - Genotype-based dosing algorithms for warfarin therapy: data review and
      recommendations.
AB  - Warfarin, the most common oral anticoagulant, is the ideal candidate for
      pharmacogenetic dosing and gene-based 'individualization' of care. A plethora of
      studies have shown that stable dose requirements can be predicted using sequence
      variants in the CYP2C9 and VKORC1 genes in both sexes and in different races.
      Multiple clinical trials of pharmacogenetic warfarin dosing have been conducted
      with various methods, including several randomized trials that have been
      completed. These studies have reported varying degrees of success and some have
      been met with substantial skepticism. Other much larger randomized trials are
      ongoing. This paper reviews and synthesizes the various clinical trials that have
      been published and touches on the potential that the ongoing trials offer. The
      emergence of new oral anticoagulants also raises the question of the relevance of
      pharmacogenetic warfarin dosing for the future. The cost of genotype-guided
      dosing is substantial, and none of the studies to date have shown a cost-benefit
      of using pharmacogenetic warfarin dosing in clinical practice. Although
      pharmacogenetics-guided warfarin dosing has been discussed for many years, the
      currently available data regarding this genetically individualized dosing suggest
      that pharmacogenetics remains unproven for use in clinical warfarin prescription.

PMID- 22047154
TI  - Review of the relationship between C-reactive protein and exercise.
AB  - C-reactive protein (CRP), an acute phase reactant, is associated with systemic
      inflammation. Many studies have demonstrated that CRP levels have important
      prognostic implications for patients. For example, individuals with elevated CRP
      levels have an increased risk of cardiovascular events. The JUPITER study showed
      that reducing CRP levels can mitigate this risk. Various trials have investigated
      the effect of lifestyle modifications on serum CRP levels. Specifically, the
      impact of different exercise-based protocols on CRP levels has been researched.
      This review article evaluates the response of CRP levels to aerobic-based,
      resistance-based, and combination exercise protocols. Furthermore, it examines
      the impact of such regimens in children, adults, and the elderly. No definitive
      answers exist regarding the relationship between exercise and CRP levels.
      Significant reductions in CRP levels were noted in 11 of 25 trials of aerobic
      based regimens, two of five studies of combination protocols, and neither of two
      trials of resistance-based regimens. Similar findings were seen across all age
      groups. There were significant CRP reductions in nine of 18 adult studies, four
      of ten child studies, and one of three elderly studies. Mixed results reflect
      uncertainty about the ability of exercise to reduce inflammation. Various
      mechanisms, including increased protein synthesis and fat loss, have been
      proposed to explain the potential anti-inflammatory effects of exercise. While
      exercise-based regimens have produced inconsistent results, lifestyle
      modifications do appear to have significant anti-inflammatory effects. This was
      particularly evident in studies that utilized combined diet/exercise programs.
      Significant CRP reductions were seen in five of seven such trials. Interestingly,
      both studies with failed combination protocols achieved substantial CRP
      reductions in their diet-only groups. These findings suggest that weight loss is
      important in reducing inflammation. Additionally, they indicate that combined
      diet/exercise protocols should be part of any lifestyle intervention program.
      Further research will be needed to identify optimal regimens for achieving anti
      inflammatory benefits.

PMID- 22047155
TI  - Development of multiplex PCR method for the analysis of glutathione s-transferase
      polymorphism.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Busulfan is a key compound in myeloablative chemotherapy before
      hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation in children. Genetic polymorphisms of
      glutathione S-transferase (GST), which is involved in the metabolism of busulfan,
      have been implicated in interindividual variability in busulfan pharmacokinetics.
      Development of a rapid and simplified method for polygenic analysis of GST may
      facilitate large pharmacogenetic studies and clinical application of
      individualized busulfan dose adjustment. We previously introduced an effective
      PCR method for analyzing multiple genes using a small amount of DNA, termed
      'TotalPlex amplification'. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to extend the
      application of the TotalPlex method to the specific GST gene families (A1, P1,
      M1, and T1) that are related to busulfan metabolism, and thereby facilitate
      pharmacogenetic analysis of GST polymorphisms. METHODS: Seven genetic
      polymorphisms (GSTA1 promoter -52G>A, -69C>T, -567T>G, and -631T>G; GSTP1 313A>G;
      GSTM1 deletion; and GSTT1 deletion) were analyzed by multiplex PCR and
      genotyping, and the genotyping results from TotalPlex were verified with those
      from uniplex PCR. RESULTS: Using five pairs of specific bulging-specific primers,
      seven specific gene fragments were successfully amplified by multiplex
      amplification coupled to a multiplexed bead array detection system, with a
      smaller amount of DNA and a shorter process time than is needed for the
      conventional approach. The genotypes of seven loci from 30 different genomic DNA
      samples derived using the multiplex system were consistent with the results of
      standard genotyping methods. CONCLUSION: Our multiplex system provides a fast,
      inexpensive, and accurate method of detecting multiple GST polymorphisms (GSTA1,
      GSTP1, GSTM1, and GSTT1).

PMID- 22047156
TI  - Phenotypic analysis of HIV-1 genotypic drug-resistant isolates from China, using
      a single-cycle system.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Drug resistance in HIV-1 is one of the main causes of
      failure of antiretroviral therapy. Phenotypic detection of drug-resistant HIV-1
      can provide guidance in selecting the optimal treatment regimen. Traditional
      phenotype assays are labor intensive and time consuming. Thus, a rapid and
      convenient phenotype assay with a single cycle of replication was developed and
      used in this study. METHODS: Two restriction endonuclease sites, ApaI and AgeI,
      were inserted into the plasmid pSG3Deltaenv(,) using site-directed mutagenesis.
      The reverse transcriptase and protease genes of HIV-1 were amplified from
      patients and cloned into the modified pSG3Deltaenv. Sixteen original recombinant
      pseudoviruses were generated. The phenotypic susceptibility of these 16
      recombinant pseudoviruses to 12 antiretroviral drugs was determined using a
      luciferase reporter system, and the phenotype and genotype results were compared.
      RESULTS: A modified phenotype assay with a single-cycle system was established,
      and its reproducibility and feasibility were validated. Approximately 89% of the
      phenotype results were in agreement with the genotype results; this slight
      disagreement may have been due to complex and multiple resistance mutations. The
      phenotype results showed that individual pseudoviruses with four thymidine analog
      mutations (TAMs).[M41L, T67N, L210W, and T215Y] in combination with various other
      mutations had different levels of resistance to nucleoside reverse transcriptase
      inhibitors (NRTIs). Mutations E44A, T69D, and V118I influenced the pattern of
      resistance of TAMs. The level of resistance to non-NRTIs (NNRTIs) was also
      variable when different NNRTI-resistance mutations were combined. CONCLUSION: The
      single-cycle pseudovirus phenotypic susceptibility detection system reflects HIV
      1 drug resistance, especially for complex resistance mutants, and could be used
      to screen new antiretroviral candidates.

PMID- 22047158
TI  - Biochemical properties of bioplastics made from wheat gliadins cross-linked with
      cinnamaldehyde.
AB  - The aim of this work has been to study the modification of gliadin films with
      cinnamaldehyde as a potential cross-linker agent. The molecular weight profile
      and cross-linking density showed that cinnamaldehyde increased reticulation in
      the resulting films. The participation of free amino groups of the protein in the
      newly created entanglements could be a possible mechanism of connection between
      the polypeptidic chains. The combination of a Schiff base and a Michael addition
      is a feasible approach to understanding this mechanism. The protein solubility in
      different media pointed to lower participation by both noncovalent and disulfide
      bonds in stabilizing the structure of the cross-linked films. The new covalent
      bonds formed by the cinnamaldehyde treatment hampered water absorption and weight
      loss, leading to more water-resistant matrices which had not disintegrated after
      5 months. The properties of this novel bioplastic could be modified to suit the
      intended application by using cinnamaldehyde, a naturally occurring compound.

PMID- 22047159
TI  - Influence of Bifidobacterium bifidum on release of minerals from bread with
      differing bran content.
AB  - Bread is considered an important source of minerals; however, the presence of
      fiber and phytic acid reduces bioavailability of minerals from cereal products.
      It is well established that activity of microorganisms in human gut increases the
      amount of nutrients released during digestion. The aim of this study was to
      determine the influence of Bifidobacterium bifidum on release of some minerals
      from bread using an in vitro process of enzymatic digestion. White bread and with
      addition of 15, 30, or 45% of bran was baked in a bakery by traditional methods,
      with addition of yeasts and rye leaven, from flour made of wheat, Tonacja
      variety. Concentrations of calcium, magnesium, manganese, zinc, copper, and iron
      were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. Bread was enzymatically
      digested in vitro without and with the addition of Bifidobacterium bifidum KD6
      (inoculum 10(6) CFU/cm(3)) and percentages of minerals released were determined.
      The concentration of minerals released during enzymatic digestion varied
      depending upon the element, quantity of bran, and presence of bacteria. Increase
      in bran content decreased release of elements. Bifidobacterium bifidum KD6
      enhanced amounts of magnesium and zinc released from all types of bread, while
      manganese and copper rose only from white bread with 15% bran addition. Bacteria
      decreased amounts of calcium and iron released from bread. Data indicate that
      diets rich in beneficial bacteria (probiotics) but not balanced with minerals
      might increase mineral deficiency.

PMID- 22047160
TI  - Translational research to develop a human PBPK models tool kit-volatile organic
      compounds (VOCs).
AB  - Toxicity and exposure evaluations remain the two of the key components of human
      health assessment. While improvement in exposure assessment relies on a better
      understanding of human behavior patterns, toxicity assessment still relies to a
      great extent on animal toxicity testing and human epidemiological studies. Recent
      advances in computer modeling of the dose-response relationship and distribution
      of xenobiotics in humans to important target tissues have advanced our abilities
      to assess toxicity. In particular, physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK)
      models are among the tools than can enhance toxicity assessment accuracy. Many
      PBPK models are available to the health assessor, but most are so difficult to
      use that health assessors rarely use them. To encourage their use these models
      need to have transparent and user-friendly formats. To this end the Agency for
      Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) is using translational research to
      increase PBPK model accessibility, understandability, and use in the site
      specific health assessment arena. The agency has initiated development of a human
      PBPK tool-kit for certain high priority pollutants. The tool kit comprises a
      series of suitable models. The models are recoded in a single computer simulation
      language and evaluated for use by health assessors. While not necessarily being
      state-of-the-art code for each chemical, the models will be sufficiently accurate
      to use for screening purposes. This article presents a generic, seven-compartment
      PBPK model for six priority volatile organic compounds (VOCs): benzene (BEN),
      carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)), dichloromethane (DCM), perchloroethylene (PCE),
      trichloroethylene (TCE), and vinyl chloride (VC). Limited comparisons of the
      generic and original model predictions to published kinetic data were conducted.
      A goodness of fit was determined by calculating the means of the sum of the
      squared differences (MSSDs) for simulation vs. experimental kinetic data using
      the generic and original models. Using simplified solvent exposure assumptions
      for oral ingestion and inhalation, steady-state blood concentrations of each
      solvent were simulated for exposures equivalent to the ATSDR Minimal Risk Levels
      (MRLs). The predicted blood levels were then compared to those reported in the
      National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). With the notable
      exception of BEN, simulations of combined oral and inhalation MRLs using our
      generic VOC model yielded blood concentrations well above those reported for the
      95th percentile blood concentrations for the U.S. populations, suggesting no
      health concerns. When the PBPK tool kit is fully developed, risk assessors will
      have a readily accessible tool for evaluating human exposure to a variety of
      environmental pollutants.

PMID- 22047161
TI  - Evaluation of the interactions between multiwalled carbon nanotubes and Caco-2
      cells.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine whether multiwalled carbon nanotubes
      (MWNCT) are taken up by and are toxic to human intestinal enterocytes using the
      Caco-2 cell model. Caco-2 cells were exposed to 50 MUg/ml MWCNT (oxidized or
      pristine) for 24 h, and experiments were repeated in the presence of 2.5 mg/L
      natural organic matter. Cells displayed many of the properties that characterize
      enterocytes, such as apical microvilli, basolateral basement membrane, and
      glycogen. The cell monolayers also displayed tight junctions and electrical
      resistance. Exposure to pristine and oxidized MWCNT, with or without natural
      organic matter, did not markedly affect viability, which was assessed by
      measuring activity of released lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and staining with
      propidium iodide. Ultrastructural analysis revealed some damage to microvilli
      colocalized with the MWCNT; however, neither type of MWCNT was taken up by Caco-2
      cells. In contrast, pristine and oxidized MWCNT were taken up by the macrophage
      RAW 264.7 line. Our study suggests that intestinal enterocytes cells do not take
      up MWCNT.

PMID- 22047163
TI  - Dermal penetration potential of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) in human and mouse
      skin.
AB  - Recent data, using a murine model, have indicated that dermal exposure to
      perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) induces immune modulation, suggesting that this may
      be an important route of PFOA exposure. To investigate the dermal penetration
      potential of PFOA, serum concentrations were analyzed in mice following topical
      application. Statistically significant and dose-responsive increases in serum
      PFOA concentrations were identified. In vitro dermal penetration studies also
      demonstrated that PFOA permeates both mouse and human skin. Investigation into
      the mechanisms mediating PFOA penetration demonstrated that dermal absorption was
      strongly dependent upon the ionization status of PFOA. In addition, PFOA solid,
      but not 1% PFOA/acetone solution, was identified as corrosive using a cultured
      epidermis in vitro model. Despite its corrosive potential, expression of
      inflammatory cytokines in the skin of topically exposed mice was not altered.
      These data suggest that PFOA is dermally absorbed and that under certain
      conditions the skin may be a significant route of exposure.

PMID- 22047162
TI  - Indigenous American ancestry is associated with arsenic methylation efficiency in
      an admixed population of northwest Mexico.
AB  - Many studies provide evidence relating lower human arsenic (As) methylation
      efficiency, represented by high percent urinary monomethylarsonic acid (MMA(V)),
      with several As-induced diseases, possibly due to the fact that MMA(V) serves as
      a proxy for MMA(III), the most toxic As metabolite. Some epidemiological studies
      suggested that indigenous Americans (AME) methylate As more efficiently; however,
      data supporting this have been equivocal. The aim of this study was to
      characterize the association between AME ancestry and As methylation efficiency
      using a panel of ancestry informative genetic markers to determine individual
      ancestry proportions in an admixed population (composed of two or more isolated
      ancestral populations) of 746 individuals environmentally exposed to As in
      northwest Mexico. Total urinary As (TAs) mean and range were 170.4 and 2.3-1053.5
      MUg/L, while percent AME (%AME) mean and range were 72.4 and 23-100. Adjusted
      (gender, age, AS3MT 7388/M287T haplotypes, body mass index [BMI], and TAs)
      multiple regression model showed that higher AME ancestry is significantly
      associated with lower percentage of urinary As excreted as MMA(V) (%uMMA) in this
      population (p < .01). Data also demonstrated a significant interaction between
      BMI and gender, indicating negative association between BMI and %uMMA, stronger
      in women than men (p < .01). Moreover, age and the AS3MT variants 7388 (intronic)
      and M287T (nonsynonymous) were also significantly associated with As methylation
      efficiency (p < .01). This study highlights the importance of BMI and indigenous
      American ancestry in some of the observed variability in As methylation
      efficiency, underscoring the need to be considered in epidemiology studies,
      particularly those carried out in admixed populations.

PMID- 22047164
TI  - Errors of alternative medicine: lessons for general practice.

PMID- 22047165
TI  - IPCRG: International Primary Care Respiratory Group.

PMID- 22047166
TI  - Hyperbaric oxygen and N-acetylcysteine treatment in L-arginine-induced acute
      pancreatitis in rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study was designed to evaluate the combined effects of
      hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on acute necrotizing
      pancreatitis in rats. METHODS: Experiments were performed in 50 male Wistar rats,
      which were divided into five groups (N = 10 for each group). The first group
      received normal saline (0.9% NaCl) intraperitoneal and served as the control
      group. In the second group, acute pancreatitis was induced by 3.2-g/kg body
      weight L-arginine intraperitoneal twice at an interval of 1 hr, which has been
      shown previously to produce severe necrotizing acute pancreatitis. In the third
      group, NAC treatment (1000 mg/kg) was given after 1 hr of the induction of acute
      pancreatitis twice 24 hr apart. In the fourth group, animals received HBO, 6 hr
      after the induction of pancreatitis twice 12 hr apart. In the fifth group,
      animals received together NAC as in Group 3 and HBO treatment as in Group 4.
      Groups 1, 2, and 3 were left under normal atmospheric pressures. Twelve hours
      after last treatment, the animals were killed by exsanguinations. Blood samples
      were studied for amylase, calcium, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), pancreatic
      histology, pancreatic tissue malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and
      glutathione levels. RESULTS: Acute pancreatitis is reduced by the treatment of
      NAC, HBO, NAC + HBO. HBO + NAC groups performed statistically the best in
      preventing L-arginine-induced acute necrotising pancreatitis. CONCLUSIONS: NAC
      especially combined with HBO, decreases oxidative stress parameters, serum
      amylase, calcium, and LDH levels, as well as histopathologic score.

PMID- 22047167
TI  - Maternal exposure to air pollution before and during pregnancy related to changes
      in newborn's cord blood lymphocyte subpopulations. The EDEN study cohort.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Toxicants can cross the placenta and expose the developing fetus to
      chemical contamination leading to possible adverse health effects, by potentially
      inducing alterations in immune competence. Our aim was to investigate the impacts
      of maternal exposure to air pollution before and during pregnancy on newborn's
      immune system. METHODS: Exposure to background particulate matter less than 10
      MUm in diameter (PM10) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) was assessed in 370 women three
      months before and during pregnancy using monitoring stations. Personal exposure
      to four volatile organic compounds (VOCs) was measured in a subsample of 56 non
      smoking women with a diffusive air sampler during the second trimester of
      pregnancy. Cord blood was analyzed at birth by multi-parameter flow cytometry to
      determine lymphocyte subsets. RESULTS: Among other immunophenotypic changes in
      cord blood, decreases in the CD4+CD25+ T-cell percentage of 0.82% (p = 0.01),
      0.71% (p = 0.04), 0.88% (p = 0.02), and 0.59% (p = 0.04) for a 10 MUg/m3 increase
      in PM10 levels three months before and during the first, second and third
      trimester of pregnancy, respectively, were observed after adjusting for
      confounders. A similar decrease in CD4+CD25+ T-cell percentage was observed in
      association with personal exposure to benzene. A similar trend was observed
      between NO2 exposure and CD4+CD25+ T-cell percentage; however the association was
      stronger between NO2 exposure and an increased percentage of CD8+ T-cells.
      CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that maternal exposure to air pollution before
      and during pregnancy may alter the immune competence in offspring thus increasing
      the child's risk of developing health conditions later in life, including asthma
      and allergies.

PMID- 22047168
TI  - Photonic control of surface anchoring on solid colloids dispersed in liquid
      crystals.
AB  - The anchoring of liquid-crystal (LC) mesogens to the surfaces of colloids is an
      important factor in determining intercolloidal interactions and the symmetry of
      the ensuing colloidal assembly in nematic colloids. The dynamic control of
      surface anchoring could therefore provide a handle to tune the colloidal
      organization and resulting properties in these systems. In this article, we
      report our results on the study of thermotropic nematic LC (E7) dispersions of
      silica and glass microcolloids bearing photosensitive surface azobenzene groups.
      By the photoinduced modulation of the colloidal-LC interfacial properties, due to
      the trans-cis isomerization of azobenzene units, we tune the anchoring on silica
      colloids from homeotropic (trans-azobenzene) to homogeneous planar (cis
      azobenzene) reversibly. In tune with the change in surface anchoring, the
      interparticle interactions were also dictated by dipolar and quadrupolar
      symmetries for homeotropic and homogeneous planar anchoring, respectively. In our
      experiments, we find that, in addition to the isomerization state of the surface
      bound azobenzene units, the nature of the colloid plays a crucial role in
      determining the anchoring state obtained on applying photostimuli. We also study
      the LC anchoring on colloids as a function of the azobenzene surface density and
      find that beyond a threshold value the anchoring properties remain invariant.

PMID- 22047169
TI  - Self-assembling of zinc phthalocyanines on ZnO (1010) surface through multiple
      time scales.
AB  - We adopt a hierarchic combination of theoretical methods to study the assembling
      of zinc phthalocyanines (ZnPcs) on a ZnO (1010) surface through multiple time
      scales. Atomistic simulations, such as model potential molecular dynamics and
      metadynamics, are used to study the energetics and short time evolution (up to
      ~100 ns) of small ZnPc aggregates. The stability and the lifetime of large
      clusters is then studied by means of an atomistically informed coarse-grained
      model using classical molecular dynamics. Finally, the macroscopic time scale
      clustering phenomenon is studied by Metropolis Monte Carlo algorithms as a
      function of temperature and surface coverage. We provide evidence that at room
      temperature the aggregation is likely to occur at sufficiently high coverage, and
      we characterize the nature, morphology, and lifetime of ZnPc's clusters. We
      identify the molecular stripes oriented along [010] crystallographic directions
      as the most energetically stable aggregates.

PMID- 22047171
TI  - Comparative reactivity of ferric-superoxo and ferryl-oxo species in heme and non
      heme complexes.
AB  - Ferryl-oxo species have been recognized as a key oxidant in many heme and non
      heme enzymes. Recently, less-characterized ferric-superoxo species have been
      found or suggested to be another electrophilic oxidant. Reactivity of several
      vital ferryl-oxo and ferric-superoxo model complexes was examined by DFT
      calculations. Reactivity is found to correlate well with thermodynamic driving
      force and can increase with higher electrophilicity of the oxidant. Reactivity of
      the ferric-superoxo oxidants generally is not "superior" to the ferryl-oxo ones.
      Compared to the high-spin non-heme ferric-superoxo, the lower reactivity of low
      spin heme ferric-superoxo, seldom utilized in nature, can be attributed to lower
      electrophilicity and more pronounced quenching of anti-ferromagnetic coupling
      between the ferric and superoxo parts. The present comparison should shed some
      light on mechanistic strategies in heme and non-heme enzymes and provide clues to
      rational design of ferric-superoxo oxidants.

PMID- 22047170
TI  - The contribution of activated astrocytes to Abeta production: implications for
      Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: beta-Amyloid (Abeta) plays a central role in Alzheimer's disease (AD)
      pathogenesis. Neurons are major sources of Abeta in the brain. However,
      astrocytes outnumber neurons by at least five-fold. Thus, even a small level of
      astrocytic Abeta production could make a significant contribution to Abeta burden
      in AD. Moreover, activated astrocytes may increase Abeta generation. beta-Site
      APP cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1) cleavage of amyloid precursor protein (APP)
      initiates Abeta production. Here, we explored whether pro-inflammatory cytokines
      or Abeta42 would increase astrocytic levels of BACE1, APP, and beta-secretase
      processing, implying a feed-forward mechanism of astrocytic Abeta production.
      METHODS: Mouse primary astrocytes were treated with combinations of LPS, TNF
      alpha, IFN-gamma, and IL-1beta and analyzed by immunoblot and ELISA for
      endogenous BACE1, APP, and secreted Abeta40 levels. Inhibition of JAK and iNOS
      signaling in TNF-alpha+IFN-gamma-stimulated astrocytes was also analyzed. In
      addition, C57BL/6J or Tg2576 mouse astrocytes were treated with oligomeric or
      fibrillar Abeta42 and analyzed by immunoblot for levels of BACE1, APP, and
      APPsbetasw. Astrocytic BACE1 and APP mRNA levels were measured by TaqMan RT-PCR.
      RESULTS: TNF-alpha+IFN-gamma stimulation significantly increased levels of
      astrocytic BACE1, APP, and secreted Abeta40. BACE1 and APP elevations were post
      transcriptional at early time-points, but became transcriptional with longer TNF
      alpha+IFN-gamma treatment. Despite a ~4-fold increase in astrocytic BACE1 protein
      level following TNF-alpha+IFN-gamma stimulation, BACE1 mRNA level was
      significantly decreased suggesting a post-transcriptional mechanism. Inhibition
      of iNOS and JAK did not reduce TNF-alpha+IFN-gamma-stimulated elevation of
      astrocytic BACE1, APP, and Abeta40, except that JAK inhibition blocked the APP
      increase. Finally, oligomeric and fibrillar Abeta42 dramatically increased levels
      of astrocytic BACE1, APP, and APPsbetasw through transcriptional mechanisms, at
      least in part. CONCLUSIONS: Cytokines including TNF-alpha+IFN-gamma increase
      levels of endogenous BACE1, APP, and Abeta and stimulate amyloidogenic APP
      processing in astrocytes. Oligomeric and fibrillar Abeta42 also increase levels
      of astrocytic BACE1, APP, and beta-secretase processing. Together, our results
      suggest a cytokine- and Abeta42-driven feed-forward mechanism that promotes
      astrocytic Abeta production. Given that astrocytes greatly outnumber neurons,
      activated astrocytes may represent significant sources of Abeta during
      neuroinflammation in AD.

PMID- 22047172
TI  - Social cues at encoding affect memory in 4-month-old infants.
AB  - Available evidence suggests that infants use adults' social cues for learning by
      the second half of the first year of life. However, little is known about the
      short-term or long-term effects of joint attention interactions on learning and
      memory in younger infants. In the present study, 4-month-old infants were
      familiarized with visually presented objects in either of two conditions that
      differed in the degree of joint attention (high vs. low). Brain activity in
      response to familiar and novel objects was assessed immediately after the
      familiarization phase (immediate recognition), and following a 1-week delay
      (delayed recognition). The latency of the Nc component differentiated between
      recognition of old versus new objects. Pb amplitude and latency were affected by
      joint attention in delayed recognition. Moreover, the frequency of infant gaze to
      the experimenter during familiarization differed between the two experimental
      groups and modulated the Pb response. Results show that joint attention affects
      the mechanisms of long-term retention in 4-month-old infants. We conclude that
      joint attention helps children at this young age to recognize the relevance of
      learned items.

PMID- 22047174
TI  - Analysis of natural variation of the potato tuber proteome reveals novel
      candidate genes for tuber bruising.
AB  - Potato (Solanum tuberosum) presents a challenging organism for the genetic and
      molecular dissection of complex traits due to its tetraploidy and high
      heterozygosity. One such complex trait of high agronomic interest is the tuber
      susceptibility to bruising upon mechanical impact, which involves an enzymatic
      browning reaction. We have compared the tuber proteome of two groups of 10 potato
      cultivars differing in bruising susceptibility to (i) identify de novo proteins
      that contribute to bruising, based on differential protein expression, and (ii)
      validate these proteins by combining proteomics with association genetics. The
      comparison of 20 potato varieties yields insight into the high natural variation
      of tuber protein patterns due to genetic background. Seven genes or gene families
      were found that were both differentially expressed on the protein level between
      groups and for which DNA polymorphisms were associated with the investigated
      traits. A putative class III lipase was identified as a novel factor contributing
      to the natural variation of bruising. Additionally, tuber proteome changes
      triggered by mechanical impact, within and between groups, were monitored over
      time. Differentially expressed proteins were found, notably lipases, patatins,
      and annexins, showing remarkable time-dependent protein variation.

PMID- 22047173
TI  - Variations of insecticide residual bio-efficacy on different types of walls:
      results from a community-based trial in south Cameroon.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Determination of residual activity of insecticides is essential
      information for the selection of appropriate indoor spraying operation. The
      present study was undertaken to evaluate the residual effect of three candidate
      insecticide formulations on different indoor surfaces in order to guide future
      interventions, in the context of Cameroon and other African countries. METHODS:
      The study was conducted in the Ntougou neighbourhood in Yaounde (capital city of
      Cameroon). Bendiocarb WP, lambda-cyhalothrin CS and deltamethrin WG were sprayed
      on the indoor wall surfaces of local cement, wood and mud houses. Their effects
      on the knockdown and mortality of the Kisumu susceptible strain of Anopheles
      gambiae s.s were assessed each month from March to September 2009, using the WHO
      plastic cones test. Knockdown and mortality rates were compared between different
      surfaces using Chi-square test. A Kaplan-Meir model was used to estimate the time
      of treatment failure. RESULTS: With bendiocarb WP, the knockdown rates were
      frequently above 98% during 13 weeks after spraying, except on mud walls where it
      significantly decreased at the 13th week (P < 0.05). With lambda cyhalothrin CS,
      the knockdown rates remained 100% on wood surfaces during the 26 weeks trial.
      However, it significantly decreased on concrete and mud surfaces from the 11th
      (83%) and the 20th (88%) weeks respectively (P < 0.05). With deltamethrin WG, it
      remained high on concrete surfaces during 26 weeks (> 98%); while it varied
      between 60 and 100% on wood or mud surfaces. The survival estimates of bendiocarb
      WP treatments remaining effective in killing An. gambiae s.s. (mortality rate >=
      80%) was > 13 weeks on cement and wood surfaces and 13 weeks on mud surfaces.
      Those of lambda-cyhalothrin CS were > 26 weeks on wood surfaces, and 20 weeks on
      concrete and mud surfaces. By contrast, those of deltamethrin WG were 26 weeks on
      concrete, 20 weeks on mud surfaces and 15 weeks on wood surfaces. CONCLUSION:
      Current data suggest variable durations of spray cycles for each product,
      according to the type of wall surfaces, highlighting the importance of testing
      candidate products in local context before using them in large scale.

PMID- 22047175
TI  - Practical considerations to guide development of access controls and decision
      support for genetic information in electronic medical records.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Genetic testing is increasingly used as a tool throughout the health
      care system. In 2011 the number of clinically available genetic tests is
      approaching 2,000, and wide variation exists between these tests in their
      sensitivity, specificity, and clinical implications, as well as the potential for
      discrimination based on the results. DISCUSSION: As health care systems
      increasingly implement electronic medical record systems (EMRs) they must
      carefully consider how to use information from this wide spectrum of genetic
      tests, with whom to share information, and how to provide decision support for
      clinicians to properly interpret the information. Although some characteristics
      of genetic tests overlap with other medical test results, there are reasons to
      make genetic test results widely available to health care providers and
      counterbalancing reasons to restrict access to these test results to honor
      patient preferences, and avoid distracting or confusing clinicians with
      irrelevant but complex information. Electronic medical records can facilitate and
      provide reasonable restrictions on access to genetic test results and deliver
      education and decision support tools to guide appropriate interpretation and use.
      SUMMARY: This paper will serve to review some of the key characteristics of
      genetic tests as they relate to design of access control and decision support of
      genetic test information in the EMR, emphasizing the clear need for health
      information technology (HIT) to be part of optimal implementation of genetic
      medicine, and the importance of understanding key characteristics of genetic
      tests when designing HIT applications.

PMID- 22047176
TI  - Ultrafast dynamics of isolated fluorenone.
AB  - The ultrafast dynamics of isolated 9-fluorenone was studied by femtosecond time
      resolved photoionization and photoelectron spectroscopy. The molecule was excited
      around 264-266 nm into the S(6) state. The experimental results indicate that the
      excitation is followed by a multistep deactivation. A time constant of 50 fs or
      less corresponds to a fast redistribution of energy within the initially excited
      manifold of states, i.e., a motion away from the Franck-Condon region. Internal
      conversion to the S(1) state then proceeds within 0.4 ps. The S(1) state is long
      lived, and only a lower bound of 20 ps can be derived. In addition, we computed
      excited state energies and oscillator strengths by TD-DFT theory, supporting the
      interpretation of the experimental data.

PMID- 22047177
TI  - Preparation of single-stranded DNA from PCR products with streptavidin magnetic
      beads.
AB  - The preparation of single-stranded DNA from double-stranded PCR products is an
      essential step in the identification of aptamers by Systematic Evolution of
      Ligands by EXponential enrichment (SELEX). The most widely used method for
      producing single-stranded DNA is alkaline denaturation of biotinylated PCR
      products attached to streptavidin-coated magnetic beads. Recently, it has been
      suggested that this method may be unsuitable due to the release of interfering
      amounts of streptavidin and biotinylated DNA. In this article, the alkaline
      method is compared with a thermal method that is known to release significant
      amounts of streptavidin and biotinylated DNA. Results show that trace amounts of
      streptavidin and biotinylated DNA are released in the alkaline method, but this
      can be curtailed by preconditioning the beads in aqueous sodium hydroxide. The
      main product in the alkaline method is single-stranded DNA, which is produced in
      high yield.

PMID- 22047178
TI  - Improvement of tetracaine antinociceptive effect by inclusion in cyclodextrins.
AB  - Local anesthetics (LA) are among the most important pharmacological compounds
      used to attenuate or eliminate pain. However, systemic toxicity is still a
      limitation for LA application, especially for ester-type drugs, such as
      tetracaine (TTC) that presents poor chemical stability (due to hydrolysis by
      plasma esterases). Several approaches have been used to improve LA pharmaceutical
      properties, including the employment of drug-delivery systems. Here we used beta
      cyclodextrin (beta-CD) or hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HP-beta-CD) to develop
      two new TTC formulations (TTC:beta-CD and TTC:HP-beta-CD). The inclusion
      complexes formation, in a 1:1 stoichiometry, was confirmed by differential
      scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, UV-VIS absorption and fluorescence.
      Nuclear magnetic resonance (DOSY experiments) revealed that TTC association with
      HP-beta-CD is stronger (Ka=1200 mol/L(-1)) than with beta-CD (Ka=845 mol/L(-1)).
      Moreover, nuclear Overhauser effect (NOE) experiments provided information on the
      topology of the complexes, where TTC aromatic ring is buried inside the CD
      hydrophobic cavity. In vitro tests with 3T3 fibroblast cells culture revealed
      that complexation decreased TTC cytotoxicity. In addition, the total analgesic
      effect of TTC, tested in rats through the infraorbital nerve test, was improved
      in 36% with TTC:beta-CD and TTC:HP-beta-CD. In conclusion, these formulations
      presented potential for future clinical use, by reducing the toxicity and
      increasing the antinociceptive effect of tetracaine.

PMID- 22047181
TI  - Experiences of female survivors of sexual violence in eastern Democratic Republic
      of the Congo: a mixed-methods study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is the
      deadliest since World War II. Over a decade of fighting amongst an array of armed
      groups has resulted in extensive human rights abuses, particularly the widespread
      use of sexual violence against women. METHODS: Using a mixed-methods approach, we
      surveyed a non-random sample of 255 women attending a referral hospital and two
      local non-governmental organizations to characterize their experiences of sexual
      and gender-based violence (SGBV). We then conducted focus groups of 48 women
      survivors of SGBV to elaborate on survey findings. Quantitative and qualitative
      data underwent thematic and statistical analysis respectively. FINDINGS: Of the
      women surveyed, 193 (75.7%) experienced rape. Twenty-nine percent of raped women
      were rejected by their families and 6% by their communities. Thirteen percent of
      women had a child from rape. Widowhood, husband abandonment, gang rape, and
      having a child from rape were significant risk factors for social rejection.
      Mixed methods findings show rape survivors were seen as "contaminated" with HIV,
      contributing to their isolation and over 95% could not access prophylactic care
      in time. Receiving support from their husbands after rape was protective against
      survivors' feelings of shame and social isolation. INTERPRETATION: Rape results
      not only in physical and psychological trauma, but can destroy family and
      community structures. Women face significant obstacles in seeking services after
      rape. Interventions offering long-term solutions for hyper-vulnerable women are
      vital, but lacking; reintegration programs on SGBV for women, men, and
      communities are also needed.

PMID- 22047179
TI  - Metal selectivity of the Escherichia coli nickel metallochaperone, SlyD.
AB  - SlyD is a Ni(II)-binding protein that contributes to nickel homeostasis in
      Escherichia coli. The C-terminal domain of SlyD contains a rich variety of metal
      binding amino acids, suggesting broader metal binding capabilities, and previous
      work demonstrated that the protein can coordinate several types of first-row
      transition metals. However, the binding of SlyD to metals other than Ni(II) has
      not been previously characterized. To improve our understanding of the in vitro
      metal-binding activity of SlyD and how it correlates with the in vivo function of
      this protein, the interactions between SlyD and the series of biologically
      relevant transition metals [Mn(II), Fe(II), Co(II), Cu(I), and Zn(II)] were
      examined by using a combination of optical spectroscopy and mass spectrometry.
      Binding of SlyD to Mn(II) or Fe(II) ions was not detected, but the protein
      coordinates multiple ions of Co(II), Zn(II), and Cu(I) with appreciable affinity
      (K(D) values in or below the nanomolar range), highlighting the promiscuous
      nature of this protein. The order of affinities of SlyD for the metals examined
      is as follows: Mn(II) and Fe(II) < Co(II) < Ni(II) ~ Zn(II) ? Cu(I). Although the
      purified protein is unable to overcome the large thermodynamic preference for
      Cu(I) and exclude Zn(II) chelation in the presence of Ni(II), in vivo studies
      reveal a Ni(II)-specific function for the protein. Furthermore, these latter
      experiments support a specific role for SlyD as a [NiFe]-hydrogenase enzyme
      maturation factor. The implications of the divergence between the metal
      selectivity of SlyD in vitro and the specific activity in vivo are discussed.

PMID- 22047180
TI  - Transcript and metabolite analysis in Trincadeira cultivar reveals novel
      information regarding the dynamics of grape ripening.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) are economically the most important fruit
      crop worldwide. However, the complexity of molecular and biochemical events that
      lead to the onset of ripening of nonclimacteric fruits is not fully understood
      which is further complicated in grapes due to seasonal and cultivar specific
      variation. The Portuguese wine variety Trincadeira gives rise to high quality
      wines but presents extremely irregular berry ripening among seasons probably due
      to high susceptibility to abiotic and biotic stresses. RESULTS: Ripening of
      Trincadeira grapes was studied taking into account the transcriptional and
      metabolic profilings complemented with biochemical data. The mRNA expression
      profiles of four time points spanning developmental stages from pea size green
      berries, through veraison and mature berries (EL 32, EL 34, EL 35 and EL 36) and
      in two seasons (2007 and 2008) were compared using the Affymetrix GrapeGen(r)
      genome array containing 23096 probesets corresponding to 18726 unique sequences.
      Over 50% of these probesets were significantly differentially expressed (1.5
      fold) between at least two developmental stages. A common set of modulated
      transcripts corresponding to 5877 unigenes indicates the activation of common
      pathways between years despite the irregular development of Trincadeira grapes.
      These unigenes were assigned to the functional categories of "metabolism",
      "development", "cellular process", "diverse/miscellanenous functions",
      "regulation overview", "response to stimulus, stress", "signaling", "transport
      overview", "xenoprotein, transposable element" and "unknown". Quantitative RT-PCR
      validated microarrays results being carried out for eight selected genes and five
      developmental stages (EL 32, EL 34, EL 35, EL 36 and EL 38). Metabolic profiling
      using 1H NMR spectroscopy associated to two-dimensional techniques showed the
      importance of metabolites related to oxidative stress response, amino acid and
      sugar metabolism as well as secondary metabolism. These results were integrated
      with transcriptional profiling obtained using genome array to provide new
      information regarding the network of events leading to grape ripening.
      CONCLUSIONS: Altogether the data obtained provides the most extensive survey
      obtained so far for gene expression and metabolites accumulated during grape
      ripening. Moreover, it highlighted information obtained in a poorly known variety
      exhibiting particular characteristics that may be cultivar specific or dependent
      upon climatic conditions. Several genes were identified that had not been
      previously reported in the context of grape ripening namely genes involved in
      carbohydrate and amino acid metabolisms as well as in growth regulators;
      metabolism, epigenetic factors and signaling pathways. Some of these genes were
      annotated as receptors, transcription factors, and kinases and constitute good
      candidates for functional analysis in order to establish a model for ripening
      control of a non-climacteric fruit.

PMID- 22047182
TI  - Transcriptome analysis of Bupleurum chinense focusing on genes involved in the
      biosynthesis of saikosaponins.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bupleurum chinense DC. is a widely used traditional Chinese medicinal
      plant. Saikosaponins are the major bioactive constituents of B. chinense, but
      relatively little is known about saikosaponin biosynthesis. The 454
      pyrosequencing technology provides a promising opportunity for finding novel
      genes that participate in plant metabolism. Consequently, this technology may
      help to identify the candidate genes involved in the saikosaponin biosynthetic
      pathway. RESULTS: One-quarter of the 454 pyrosequencing runs produced a total of
      195, 088 high-quality reads, with an average read length of 356 bases (NCBI SRA
      accession SRA039388). A de novo assembly generated 24, 037 unique sequences (22,
      748 contigs and 1, 289 singletons), 12, 649 (52.6%) of which were annotated
      against three public protein databases using a basic local alignment search tool
      (E-value <=1e-10). All unique sequences were compared with NCBI expressed
      sequence tags (ESTs) (237) and encoding sequences (44) from the Bupleurum genus,
      and with a Sanger-sequenced EST dataset (3, 111). The 23, 173 (96.4%) unique
      sequences obtained in the present study represent novel Bupleurum genes. The ESTs
      of genes related to saikosaponin biosynthesis were found to encode known enzymes
      that catalyze the formation of the saikosaponin backbone; 246 cytochrome P450
      (P450s) and 102 glycosyltransferases (GTs) unique sequences were also found in
      the 454 dataset. Full length cDNAs of 7 P450s and 7 uridine diphosphate GTs
      (UGTs) were verified by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction or by
      cloning using 5' and/or 3' rapid amplification of cDNA ends. Two P450s and three
      UGTs were identified as the most likely candidates involved in saikosaponin
      biosynthesis. This finding was based on the coordinate up-regulation of their
      expression with beta-AS in methyl jasmonate-treated adventitious roots and on
      their similar expression patterns with beta-AS in various B. chinense tissues.
      CONCLUSIONS: A collection of high-quality ESTs for B. chinense obtained by 454
      pyrosequencing is provided here for the first time. These data should aid further
      research on the functional genomics of B. chinense and other Bupleurum species.
      The candidate genes for enzymes involved in saikosaponin biosynthesis, especially
      the P450s and UGTs, that were revealed provide a substantial foundation for
      follow-up research on the metabolism and regulation of the saikosaponins.

PMID- 22047183
TI  - Hippocampal integrity and neurocognition in first-episode schizophrenia: a
      multidimensional study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Impairments in memory and executive function are key components of
      schizophrenia. These disturbances have been linked to several subcortical and
      cortical networks. For example, anatomical and functional changes in the
      hippocampus have been linked to deficits in these cognitive domains. However, the
      association between hippocampal morphometry, neurochemistry and function is
      controversial. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the relationship between
      hippocampal anomalies and their functional relevance. METHODS: Fifty-seven first
      episode schizophrenia patients (FE-SZ) and 61 healthy control subjects (HC)
      participated in this study. Hippocampal volumes were investigated using
      structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI) and hippocampal neurochemistry was
      determined using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS). Verbal memory
      was used as a hippocampus-dependent cognitive task whereas working memory and
      cognitive flexibility assessed frontal lobe function. RESULTS: FE-SZ presented
      smaller volumes of the left hippocampus, with a significant correlation between
      left hippocampal volume and verbal memory performance (immediate recall). There
      was also an inverse correlation between neurochemical ratios (NAA/Cho and Cho/Cr)
      and verbal memory (delayed recognition). Tests of cognitive flexibility and
      working memory were not correlated with MRI and 1H MRS values. Compared to HC, FE
      SZ demonstrated reduced performance in all of the assessed neurocognitive
      domains. CONCLUSIONS: These results point to a relationship between verbal memory
      and hippocampal integrity in schizophrenia patients which might be independent
      from deficits in other memory domains. Disturbed verbal memory functions in FE-SZ
      might be linked specifically to hippocampal function.

PMID- 22047184
TI  - Genetics of serum BDNF: meta-analysis of the Val66Met and genome-wide association
      study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Lower levels of serum brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is one
      of the best known biomarkers of depression. To identify genetic variants
      associated with serum BDNF, we tested the Val66Met (rs6265) functional variant
      and conducted a genome-wide association scan (GWAS). METHODS: In a community
      based sample (N = 2054; aged 19-101, M = 51, SD = 15) from Sardinia, Italy, we
      measured serum BDNF concentration and conducted a GWAS. RESULTS: We estimated the
      heritability of serum BDNF to be 0.48 from sib-pairs. There was no association
      between serum BDNF and Val66Met in the SardiNIA sample and in a meta-analysis of
      published studies (k = 13 studies, total n = 4727, P = 0.92). Although no genome
      wide significant associations were identified, some evidence of association was
      found in the BDNF gene (rs11030102, P = 0.001) and at two loci (rs7170215, P =
      4.8 * 10-5 and rs11073742 P = 1.2 * 10-5) near and within NTRK3 gene, a
      neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptor. CONCLUSIONS: Our study and meta-analysis
      of the literature indicate that the BDNF Val66Met variant is not associated with
      serum BDNF, but other variants in the BDNF and NTRK3 genes might regulate the
      level of serum BDNF.

PMID- 22047185
TI  - The antiretroviral efficacy of highly active antiretroviral therapy and plasma
      nevirapine concentrations in HIV-TB co-infected Indian patients receiving
      rifampicin based antituberculosis treatment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rifampicin reduces the plasma concentrations of nevirapine in human
      immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and tuberculosis (TB) co-infected patients, who are
      administered these drugs concomitantly. We conducted a prospective interventional
      study to assess the efficacy of nevirapine-containing highly active
      antiretroviral treatment (HAART) when co-administered with rifampicin-containing
      antituberculosis treatment (ATT) and also measured plasma nevirapine
      concentrations in patients receiving such a nevirapine-containing HAART regimen.
      METHODS: 63 cases included antiretroviral treatment naive HIV-TB co-infected
      patients with CD4 counts less than 200 cells/mm3 started on rifampicin-containing
      ATT followed by nevirapine-containing HAART. In control group we included 51 HIV
      patients without tuberculosis and on nevirapine-containing HAART. They were
      assessed for clinical and immunological response at the end of 24 and 48 weeks.
      Plasma nevirapine concentrations were measured at days 14, 28, 42 and 180 of
      starting HAART. RESULTS: 97 out of 114 (85.1%) patients were alive at the end of
      48 weeks. The CD4 cell count showed a mean increase of 108 vs.113 cells/mm3
      (p=0.83) at 24 weeks of HAART in cases and controls respectively. Overall, 58.73%
      patients in cases had viral loads of less than 400 copies/ml at the end of 48
      weeks. The mean (+/- SD) Nevirapine concentrations of cases and control at 14,
      28, 42 and 180 days were 2.19 +/- 1.49 vs. 3.27 +/- 4.95 (p = 0.10), 2.78 +/-
      1.60 vs. 3.67 +/- 3.59 (p = 0.08), 3.06 +/- 3.32 vs. 4.04 +/- 2.55 (p = 0.10)
      respectively and 3.04 MUg/ml (in cases). CONCLUSIONS: Good immunological and
      clinical response can be obtained in HIV-TB co-infected patients receiving
      rifampicin and nevirapine concomitantly despite somewhat lower nevirapine trough
      concentrations. This suggests that rifampicin-containing ATT may be co
      administered in resource limited setting with nevirapine-containing HAART regimen
      without substantial reduction in antiretroviral effectiveness. Larger sample
      sized studies and longer follow-up are required to identify populations of
      individuals where the reduction in nevirapine concentration may result in lower
      ART response or shorter response duration.

PMID- 22047186
TI  - Bioassay-directed identification of novel antiandrogenic compounds in bile of
      fish exposed to wastewater effluents.
AB  - The widespread occurrence of feminized male fish downstream of some UK Wastewater
      Treatment Works (WwTWs) has been associated with exposure to estrogenic and
      potentially antiandrogenic (AA) contaminants in the effluents. In this study,
      profiling of AA contaminants in WwTW effluents and fish was conducted using HPLC
      in combination with in vitro androgen receptor transcription screens. Analysis of
      extracts of wastewater effluents revealed complex profiles of AA activity
      comprising 21-53 HPLC fractions. Structures of bioavailable antiandrogens were
      identified by exposing rainbow trout to a WwTW effluent and profiling the bile
      for AA activity using yeast (anti-YAS) and mammalian-based (AR-CALUX) androgen
      receptor transcription screens. The predominant fractions with AA activity in
      both androgen receptor screens contained the germicides chlorophene and
      triclosan, and together these contaminants accounted for 51% of the total anti
      YAS activity in the fish bile. Other AA compounds identified in bile included
      chloroxylenol, dichlorophene, resin acids, napthols, oxybenzone, 4-nonylphenol,
      and bisphenol A. Pure standards of these compounds were active in the androgen
      receptor screens at potencies relative to flutamide of between 0.1 and 13.0.
      Thus, we have identified, for the first time, a diverse range of AA chemicals in
      WwTWs that are bioavailable to fish and which need to be assessed for their risk
      to the reproductive health of these organisms and other aquatic biota.

PMID- 22047187
TI  - Long-term outcome of laparoscopic Nissen procedure in pediatric patients with
      gastroesophageal reflux disease measured using the modified QPSG Roma III
      European Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition's
      questionnaire.
AB  - BACKGROUND/PURPOSE: Laparoscopic fundoplication (LF) represents the gold standard
      for surgical treatment for pediatric patients with gastroesophageal reflux
      disease (GERD). METHODS: We report the results of long-term outcome of 36
      patients who had undergone LF from January to December 1998, with a follow-up
      longer than 10 years (range, 11-12 years). The patients were invited, by phone,
      to undergo a clinical follow-up. All patients underwent the modified European
      Society for Pediatric Gastroenterology Hepatology and Nutrition (ESPGHAN)'s Roma
      III questionnaire; however, only 22 out of 36 patients accepted to be controlled
      in a day hospital setting, and 10 out of 36 accepted to undergo a telephonic
      questionnaire. Our study is focused on the data of these 32 patients. RESULTS:
      Twenty-eight out of 32 (87.5%) patients had completely recovered; 4 out of 32
      patients (12.5%) had a mild persistent GER; 9 out of 32 patients (28%) referred a
      mild dysphagia; 21 out of 32 (66%) patients could burp; and only 9 out of 32
      (28%) patients could vomit. The cosmetic result was good in 30 out of 32 (94%)
      patients. The weight/height ratio was satisfactory in 28 out of 32 (87.5%)
      patients. The quality of life was good in 28 out of 32 (87.5%) patients.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our experience shows that the long-term follow-up after LF produces
      a good clinical result and a good quality of life. The modified ESPGHAN's Roma
      III questionnaire seems an effective way to check the long-term results, because
      it avoids submitting patients to long and not well tolerated instrumental exams.

PMID- 22047188
TI  - Tight and uniform layer of covalently bound aminoethylophenyl groups
      perpendicular to gold surface for attachment of biomolecules.
AB  - Strongly adhered layers of the compound with the primary amino group directed
      toward the solution were obtained at the gold surface by chronoamperometric
      electroreduction of 4-aminoethylobenzenodiazonium salt (AEBD) in acetonitrile
      solution at appropriately selected potential. The used techniques (EQCM, AFM,
      EIS, PM, IRRAS) showed that the nature and thickness of formed aminoethylophenyl
      layer strongly depend on the potential applied to the electrode. Electroreduction
      of AEBD salt at a potential more negative than -0.6 V (vs Ag/AgCl) leads to about
      monolayer on the gold surface. Additionally, such a layer was very tight and
      uniform. The electrochemical measurements indicate that the efficient and precise
      attachment of biomolecules to the aminoethylophenyl layer is only possible when
      this layer is formed at appropriate potential. This was shown for ss- and dsDNA.

PMID- 22047189
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 22047191
TI  - Antimicrobial flavonoids from Tridax procumbens.
AB  - Callus culture of Tridax procumbens has been established on Murashige and Skoog's
      medium supplemented with NAA and BAP from nodal segments. Free and bound
      flavonoids were extracted from 2, 4, 6 and 8 weeks old calli by a well
      established method. These free flavonoids were then screened against
      Staphylococcus aureus (bacteria) and Candida albicans (yeast) for their
      antimicrobial potential. Minimum inhibitory concentration, minimum
      bactericidal/fungicidal concentrations and total activity were also evaluated.
      Apigenin, quercetin and kaempferol were identified from free flavonoids of 4
      weeks old callus (most active) through, thin layer chromatography, (TLC)
      preparative TLC, MP and IR spectral studies.

PMID- 22047192
TI  - Rh-catalyzed ortho-selective C-H borylation of N-functionalized arenes with
      silica-supported bridgehead monophosphine ligands.
AB  - Supported phosphine-Rh systems, prepared in situ from silica-supported bridgehead
      monophosphines and [Rh(OH)(cod)](2), have enabled ortho-selective C-H borylation
      for a range of arenes containing nitrogen-based directing groups. The
      regioselectivity was excellent with various N-directing groups, including
      saturated and unsaturated N-heterocycles, tert-aminoalkyl groups, and imine-type
      C-N double bonds. The reaction showed significant tolerance toward steric
      repulsion around the reacting C-H bond. This Rh catalysis complements the Ir
      catalyzed ortho-borylation, which is effective for arenes with oxygen-based
      directing groups.

PMID- 22047193
TI  - Malaria with neurological involvement in Ugandan children: effect on cognitive
      ability, academic achievement and behaviour.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Malaria is a leading cause of ill health and neuro-disability in
      children in sub-Saharan Africa. Impaired cognition is a common outcome of malaria
      with neurological involvement. There is also a possibility that academic
      achievement may be affected by malaria with neurological involvement given the
      association between cognitive ability and academic achievement. This study
      investigated the effect of malaria with neurological involvement on cognitive
      ability, behaviour and academic achievement. METHODS: This prospective case
      control study was carried out in Kampala City, Uganda between February 2008 and
      October 2010. Sixty-two children with a history of malaria with neurological
      involvement were followed up and given assessments for cognitive ability (working
      memory, reasoning, learning, visual spatial skills and attention), behaviour
      (internalizing and externalizing problems) and academic achievement (arithmetic,
      spelling and reading) three months after the illness. Sixty-one community
      controls recruited from the homes or neighbouring families of the cases were also
      given the same assessments. Tests scores of the two groups were compared using
      analysis of covariance with age, sex, level of education, nutritional status and
      quality of the home environment as covariates. This study was approved by the
      relevant ethical bodies and informed consent sought from the caregivers. RESULTS:
      Children in the malaria group had more behavioural problems than the community
      controls for internalizing problems (estimated mean difference = -3.71, 95%
      confidence interval (CI), = -6.34 to -1.08, p = 0.007). There was marginal
      evidence of lower attention scores (0.40, CI = -0.05 to 0.86, p = 0.09). However,
      excluding one child from the analyses who was unable to perform the tests
      affected the attention scores to borderline significance (0.32, CI, = 0.01 to
      0.62, p = 0.05). No significant differences were observed in other cognitive
      abilities or in academic achievement scores. CONCLUSION: Malaria with
      neurological involvement affects behaviour, with a minimal effect on attention
      but no detectable effect on academic achievement at three months post discharge.
      This study provides evidence that development of cognitive deficits after malaria
      with neurological involvement could be gradual with less effect observed in the
      short term compared to the long term.

PMID- 22047194
TI  - Prospective memory deficits in Ecstasy users: effects of longer ongoing task
      delay interval.
AB  - Ecstasy use has been associated with neurotoxicity and neurocognitive impairment
      in a variety of domains, including prospective memory (ProM), which involves the
      delayed execution of a previously encoded intention in response to a specific
      cue. The present study adopted the multiprocess theory of ProM to evaluate the
      hypothesis that Ecstasy users would evidence differentially impaired ProM on
      longer versus shorter ongoing task delays. Ecstasy (n = 31) users, high-risk
      alcohol users (n = 21), and healthy nonusers (n = 31) completed the short (2-min)
      and long (15-min) delay ProM scales of the Memory for Intentions Screening Test.
      Results showed a significant group by ProM delay interaction, such that Ecstasy
      users performed comparably to the comparison groups on short-delay trials, but
      were impaired on long-delay ProM, particularly for time-based cues. Among the
      Ecstasy users, long-delay ProM was positively associated with risky decision
      making, but not with retrospective memory or other aspects of executive
      functions. These findings suggest that Ecstasy users may be particularly
      susceptible to deficits in strategic target monitoring and maintenance of cue
      intention pairings over longer ProM delays. Findings are discussed in the context
      of their potential everyday functioning (e.g., academic, vocational) and
      treatment implications for Ecstasy users.

PMID- 22047195
TI  - Principles of statistics in surgery.
AB  - Surgery, like any other scientific discipline, requires a systematic analysis of
      all its different variables in order to prove the real significance of research
      findings. Statistics, the science of numerical evaluation, can thoroughly help to
      determine the real value of surgical treatment. In this work, we study the
      statistical tests and principles needed to demonstrate their role in surgical
      research. Without a strong statistical background, a researcher may feel
      overwhelmed when deciding what statistical methods to utilize in research.
      Determining what type of data to collect and what hypothesis test to run can
      alter the entire way a surgical study is conducted. The relationship between
      power, sample size and effect size is discussed as well as the components
      necessary for a power analysis. Selecting an appropriate sample size is of utmost
      importance in any type of research since an undersized sample can invalidate an
      entire study. Categorical surgical data, numerical data, and the appropriate
      statistical procedures needed for analysis are reviewed. Methods discussed
      include the 2-Sample t-test, Mann Whitney U test, Kruskal-Wallis, ANOVA, Chi
      Square test and Fisher's exact test.

PMID- 22047196
TI  - Advanced imaging technology in surgical innovation.
AB  - Advanced imaging technologies including computed tomography (CT) and magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) have immensely expanded possibilities in imaging and
      surgery. The accurate visualization of bones and soft tissue has transformed the
      surgical management of numerous diseases, including middle ear disease,
      orthopedic and reconstructive cases, and cancer. In fact, in surgical
      subspecialties such as neurosurgery, CT and MRI are the diagnostic modalities of
      choice for preoperative evaluation of patients. Furthermore, the ongoing
      development of the newer imaging technologies continues to expand image-guided
      surgical treatments. The development of new radiological modalities combined with
      the modern training of surgeons will provide an exciting landscape for future
      practicing physicians.

PMID- 22047197
TI  - Magnesium sulfate does not protect spinal cord against ischemic injury.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We tested various doses of MgSO(4) to investigate the effect of Mg on
      a spinal cord ischemia. METHODS: Rats were treated with either MgSO(4) (30, 100,
      or 300 mg/kg; group Mg(low), group Mg(medium), group Mg(high), respectively, n =
      10 for each) or saline (control group; n = 10) before ischemia. Spinal cord
      ischemia was induced using a balloon-tipped catheter placed on proximal
      descending aorta. During surgery, hemodynamic variables were recorded before
      ischemia, during aortic occlusion and after reperfusion. Neurologic function was
      assessed using the motor deficit index (MDI; 0 = normal, 6 = complete paralysis)
      until seven days after reperfusion, and histologic examination of spinal cord was
      performed. RESULTS: After reperfusion, the mean arterial pressure in the group
      Mg(high) was significantly lower than other groups. Compared to the control
      group, the groups Mg(low) and Mg(medium) did not show any difference in MDI and
      the group Mg(high) showed significantly higher MDI. The number of normal motor
      neurons was similar among other groups except the group Mg(high) had a
      significantly fewer normal motor neurons. CONCLUSIONS: Intravenous MgSO(4) with
      low or medium dose (30, or 100 mg/kg) did not improve neurological injury
      following spinal cord ischemia. Furthermore, higher dose of MgSO(4) (300 mg/kg)
      resulted in hemodynamic instability and aggravated neurologic outcome.

PMID- 22047198
TI  - Platelet-rich plasma application and heterotopic bone formation following total
      hip arthroplasty.
AB  - Activated blood platelets play a critical, early role in the wound healing
      response by releasing several types of growth factors at the site of injury which
      mediate the initial stages of tissue repair. Autologously derived platelet-rich
      plasma has been applied during surgery as a healing aid and some studies have
      shown benefit with total joint arthroplasty procedures such as in the knee.
      However, little has been published regarding the use of platelet-rich plasma
      during total hip arthroplasty. The hip is especially prone to develop islands of
      heterotopic bone following arthroplasty which can lead to pain, limited motion,
      and even ankylosis of the joint. If this condition is exacerbated by platelet
      rich plasma, this could present a barrier to the use of this adjuvant in total
      hip arthroplasty. This retrospective, controlled clinical study examined the
      effect of platelet rich plasma application during closure following total hip
      arthroplasty on heterotopic ossification. By one year, 21.3% of the control
      patients developed heterotopic bone (91 patients, 94 hips, Brooker grades I-III)
      compared to 12.9% of the treatment patients (76 patients, 85 hips, Brooker grades
      I-II). These differences were not significant (p = 0.478, power = 0.90). Thus,
      the use of platelet-rich plasma in this procedure does not appear to influence
      the incidence or severity of heterotopic ossification which should help to
      justify further clinical research to more fully understand whether this
      autologous blood product has a role in total hip arthroplasty.

PMID- 22047199
TI  - Two-day fasting prior to intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury on bacterial
      translocation in rats.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to verify the effect of two-day fasting prior
      to intestinal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury on bacterial translocation (BT).
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mail Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups:
      group 1, control rats that underwent sham operation only; group 2, rats fasted
      for two days prior to sham operation; group 3, rats that underwent occlusion of
      mesenteric vessels for 30 min followed by reperfusion for 4 hr; and group 4, rats
      fasted for two days prior to the same intestinal I/R injury as in group 3. In all
      groups, E. coli labeled with (99m)Tc were inoculated into the terminal ileum. Two
      hr after inoculation of E. coli, the rats were killed. A segment of ileum was
      obtained for histological examination and samples of mesenteric lymph nodes
      (MLNs), liver, lung, blood, and spleen were obtained for radioactivity
      determination. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in the intestinal
      mucosa and radioactivity of all samples between groups 1 and 2. Group 3 showed
      significantly shorter mucosa and villi, and higher radioactivity of samples,
      except for MLNs, compared to group 1. Group 4 showed similar mucosa and villi,
      but significantly higher radioactivity of samples, except for MLNs, compared to
      group 3. CONCLUSION: Two-day fasting without I/R injury does not cause mucosal
      change and BT, but in cases following intestinal I/R injury, two-day fasting
      increases the susceptibility of BT to systemic organs in rats.

PMID- 22047200
TI  - Type of steatosis influences microcirculation and fibrogenesis in different rat
      strains.
AB  - This study investigates the impact of rat strain on the development of
      nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) focusing on morphological features and
      microcirculation. Male rats of Lewis, Wistar, and Sprague Dawley (n = 6 per
      strain and group) were randomized into a high-fat group which was fed with a
      special high-fat nutrition for a 3-week period and a control group which received
      standard nutrition. Intravital microscopy was used for the evaluation of
      microcirculation and correlated to morphological changes using a fatty liver
      scoring system. All three strains receiving a high-fat diet developed a grade 3
      steatosis (>66% liver cell steatosis). Whereas Lewis showed a solely
      microvesicular steatosis, Wistar developed a mixed form and Sprague Dawley showed
      a pure macrovesicular steatosis and the highest degree of fibrosis and hepatocyte
      damage. Microcirculatory results revealed that sinusoidal density was already
      affected by a microvesicular steatosis and decreased with increasing
      macrovesicular proportion (Lewis: 18%, Wistar: 31%, Sprague Dawley: 23%). The
      degree of steatosis correlates with reduced blood flow velocity in central veins
      as well as in sinusoids (Lewis: 28%, Wistar: 39%, Sprague Dawley 44%). The
      densities of hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells were only impaired once
      macrovesicular cell steatosis (Wistar and Sprague Dawley) was present. The
      development of NAFLD in the rat revealed strain-specific morphological features
      correlating with microcirculatory changes that should be considered in further
      studies using these models.

PMID- 22047201
TI  - The effects of testosterone on intestinal ischemia/reperfusion in rats.
AB  - ABSTRACT   Ischemic injury to the gut is believed to occur in many serious
      clinical conditions. Our aim was to investigate the postischemia/reperfusion
      (I/R) effects of exogenously administered testosterone on the intestines of
      normal and orchiectomized rats.Forty-eight rats were divided into eight groups of
      six animals: (1) Sham-operated control group; (2) Sham-operated + testosterone
      treated group; (3) I/R group: Rats were subjected to the surgical procedures and
      underwent intestinal ischemia for 60 min followed by reperfusion for 60 min; (4)
      I/R + testosterone-treated group: Rats were subjected to the surgical procedures
      and received testosterone 100 mg/kg (i.p.); (5) I/R + orchiectomy group: Rats
      were subjected to the surgical procedures as well as orchiectomy; (6) orchiectomy
      group: Rats were subjected to the surgical procedures as well as orchiectomy; (7)
      orchiectomy + testosterone-treated group: Rats were subjected to the surgical
      procedures as well as orchiectomy and received testosterone 100 mg/kg (i.p.); and
      (8) I/R + orchiectomy + testosterone-treated group. The histological findings of
      this study paralleled the observed degree of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and protein
      oxidation. Intestinal mucosal injury was extensive in the I/R, I/R + orchiectomy,
      and I/R + orchiectomy + testosterone groups, but was less in the I/R +
      testosterone group. Histopathological injury also paralleled the degree of
      oxidative stress. Apoptotic enterocytes were more numerous in the I/R, I/R +
      orchiectomy, and I/R + orchiectomy + testosterone groups. Administration of
      testosterone in the presence of testes significantly protected intestinal tissue
      against I/R mucosal injuries, while administration of testosterone in the absence
      of testes did not significantly protect intestinal tissue against I/R mucosal
      injuries.

PMID- 22047202
TI  - Comparison of long-term biocompability of PVDF and PP meshes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Abdominal hernia repair is the most frequently performed operation in
      surgery. Mesh repair in hernia surgery has become an integral component. Although
      meshes made of PVDF are already in clinical use, so far no data of long-term
      biocompability are available. METHODS: In this study a PVDF mesh was compared to
      a polypropylene mesh with regard to its long-term biocompatibility. A total of 28
      rats were randomized to two groups. Mesh material was implanted subcutaneously;
      animals were euthanized seven days and six months postoperatively. The quantity
      of inflammatory tissue response was characterized by measuring the diameter of
      the foreign body granuloma. Furthermore quality of cellular immune response (T
      lymphocytes, macrophages, and neutrophils), and inflammation (COX-2) was analyzed
      by immunohistochemistry. Furthermore the collagen type I/III ratio was
      determined. RESULTS: Macrophages, T-lymphocytes, neutrophiles, and COX-2 declined
      significantly up to six months postoperatively in comparison to day 7 for both
      PVDF and PP meshes, and in both groups the collagen ratio increased significantly
      in the course of time. PVDF meshes showed a foreign body granuloma size
      significantly reduced compared to PP (7 days: 20 +/- 2 MUm vs. 27 +/- 2 MUm; 6
      months 15 +/- 2 MUm vs. 22 +/- 3 MUm; p < .001). However no significant
      differences were found analyzing cellular response six months postoperatively.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our current data suggest that even in the long-term course after six
      months and despite a higher effective surface of the PVDF samples it showed a
      smaller foreign body granuloma than with PP whereas the cellular response was
      similar.

PMID- 22047203
TI  - Collagen implants in hernia repair.

PMID- 22047206
TI  - Shotgun proteomic analysis of long-distance drought signaling in rice roots.
AB  - Rice (Oryza sativa L. cv. IR64) was grown in split-root systems to analyze long
      distance drought signaling within root systems. This in turn underpins how root
      systems in heterogeneous soils adapt to drought. The approach was to compare four
      root tissues: (1) fully watered; (2) fully droughted and split-root systems where
      (3) one-half was watered and (4) the other half was droughted. This was
      specifically aimed at identifying how droughted root tissues altered the proteome
      of adjacent wet roots by hormone signals and how wet roots reciprocally affected
      dry roots hydraulically. Quantitative label-free shotgun proteomic analysis of
      four different root tissues resulted in identification of 1487 nonredundant
      proteins, with nearly 900 proteins present in triplicate in each treatment.
      Drought caused surprising changes in expression, most notably in partially
      droughted roots where 38% of proteins were altered in level compared to adjacent
      watered roots. Specific functional groups changed consistently in drought.
      Pathogenesis-related proteins were generally up-regulated in response to drought
      and heat-shock proteins were totally absent in roots of fully watered plants.
      Proteins involved in transport and oxidation-reduction reactions were also highly
      dependent upon drought signals, with the former largely absent in roots receiving
      a drought signal while oxidation-reduction proteins were strongly present during
      drought. Finally, two functionally contrasting protein families were compared to
      validate our approach, showing that nine tubulins were strongly reduced in
      droughted roots while six chitinases were up-regulated, even when the signal
      arrived remotely from adjacent droughted roots.

PMID- 22047207
TI  - Dispersal state of multiwalled carbon nanotubes elicits profibrogenic cellular
      responses that correlate with fibrogenesis biomarkers and fibrosis in the murine
      lung.
AB  - We developed a dispersal method for multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) that
      allows quantitative assessment of dispersion on profibrogenic responses in tissue
      culture cells and in mouse lung. We demonstrate that the dispersal of as-prepared
      (AP), purified (PD), and carboxylated (COOH) MWCNTs by bovine serum albumin (BSA)
      and dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine (DPPC) influences TGF-beta1, PDGF-AA, and IL
      1beta production in vitro and in vivo. These biomarkers were chosen based on
      their synergy in promoting fibrogenesis and cellular communication in the
      epithelial-mesenchymal cell trophic unit in the lung. The effect of dispersal was
      most noticeable in AP- and PD-MWCNTs, which are more hydrophobic and unstable in
      aqueous buffers than hydrophilic COOH-MWCNTs. Well-dispersed AP- and PD-MWCNTs
      were readily taken up by BEAS-2B, THP-1 cells, and alveolar macrophages (AM) and
      induced more prominent TGF-beta1 and IL-1beta production in vitro and TGF-beta1,
      IL-1beta, and PDGF-AA production in vivo than nondispersed tubes. Moreover, there
      was good agreement between the profibrogenic responses in vitro and in vivo as
      well as the ability of dispersed tubes to generate granulomatous inflammation and
      fibrosis in airways. Tube dispersal also elicited more robust IL-1beta production
      in THP-1 cells. While COOH-MWCNTs were poorly taken up in BEAS-2B and induced
      little TGF-beta1 production, they were bioprocessed by AM and induced less
      prominent collagen deposition at sites of nongranulomatous inflammation in the
      alveolar region. Taken together, these results indicate that the dispersal state
      of MWCNTs affects profibrogenic cellular responses that correlate with the extent
      of pulmonary fibrosis and are of potential use to predict pulmonary toxicity.

PMID- 22047208
TI  - Solid-phase synthesis of mimosine tetrapeptides and their inhibitory activities
      on neuraminidase and tyrosinase.
AB  - Neuraminidase is a rational target for influenza inhibition, and the search for
      neuraminidase inhibitors has been intensified. Mimosine, a nonprotein amino acid,
      was for the first time identified as a neuraminidase inhibitor with an IC(50) of
      9.8 +/- 0.2 MUM. It was found that mimosine had slow, time-dependent competitive
      inhibition against the neuraminidase. Furthermore, a small library of mimosine
      tetrapeptides (M-A(1)-A(2)-A(3)) was synthesized by solid-phase synthesis and was
      assayed to evaluate their neuraminidase and tyrosinase inhibitory properties.
      Most of the tetrapeptides showed better activities than mimosine. Mimosine-FFY
      was the best compound, and it exhibited 50% neuraminidase inhibition at a low
      micromolar range of 1.8 +/- 0.2 MUM, whereas for tyrosinase inhibition, it had an
      IC(50) of 18.3 +/- 0.5 MUM. The kinetic studies showed that all of the
      synthesized peptides inhibited neuraminidase noncompetitively with K(i) values
      ranging from 1.9 -to 7.2 MUM. These results suggest that mimosine could be used
      as a source of bioactive compounds and may have possibilities in the design of
      drugs as neuraminidase and tyrosinase inhibitors.

PMID- 22047210
TI  - Phosphonic acid functionalized asymmetric phthalocyanines: synthesis,
      modification of indium tin oxide, and charge transfer.
AB  - Metalated and free-base A(3)B-type asymmetric phthalocyanines (Pcs) bearing, in
      the asymmetric quadrant, a flexible alkyl linker of varying chain lengths
      terminating in a phosphonic acid (PA) group have been synthesized. Two parallel
      series of asymmetric Pc derivatives bearing aryloxy and arylthio substituents are
      reported, and their synthesis and characterization through NMR, combustion
      analysis, and MALDI-MS are described. We also demonstrate the modification of
      indium tin oxide (ITO) substrates using the PA functionalized asymmetric Pc
      derivatives and monitoring their electrochemistry. The PA functionalized
      asymmetric Pcs were anchored to the ITO surface through chemisorption and their
      electrochemical properties characterized using cyclic voltammetry to investigate
      the effects of PA structure on the thermodynamics and kinetics of charge
      transfer. Ionization energies of the modified ITO surfaces were measured using
      ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy.

PMID- 22047209
TI  - The association between parity, infant gender, higher level of paternal education
      and preterm birth in Pakistan: a cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: High rates of antenatal depression and preterm birth have been
      reported in Pakistan. Self reported maternal stress and depression have been
      associated with preterm birth; however findings are inconsistent. Cortisol is a
      biological marker of stress and depression, and its measurement may assist in
      understanding the influence of self reported maternal stress and depression on
      preterm birth. METHODS: In a prospective cohort study pregnant women between 28
      to 30 weeks of gestation from the Aga Khan Hospital for Women and Children
      completed the A-Z Stress Scale and the Centre for Epidemiology Studies Depression
      Scale to assess stress and depression respectively, and had a blood cortisol
      level drawn. Women were followed up after delivery to determine birth outcomes.
      Correlation coefficients and Wilcoxon rank sum test was used to assess
      relationship between preterm birth, stress, depression and cortisol. Logistic
      regression analysis was used to determine the key factors predictive of preterm
      birth. RESULTS: 132 pregnant women participated of whom 125 pregnant women had
      both questionnaire and cortisol level data and an additional seven had
      questionnaire data only. Almost 20% of pregnant women (19.7%, 95% CI 13.3-27.5)
      experienced a high level of stress and nearly twice as many (40.9%, 95% CI 32.4
      49.8%) experienced depressive symptoms. The median of cortisol level was 27.40
      ug/dl (IQR 22.5-34.2). The preterm birth rate was 11.4% (95% CI 6.5-18). There
      was no relationship between cortisol values and stress scale or depression. There
      was a significant positive relationship between maternal depression and stress.
      Preterm birth was associated with higher parity, past delivery of a male infant,
      and higher levels of paternal education. Insufficient numbers of preterm births
      were available to warrant the development of a multivariable logistic regression
      model. CONCLUSIONS: Preterm birth was associated with higher parity, past
      delivery of a male infant, and higher levels of paternal education. There was no
      relationship between stress, and depression, cortisol and preterm birth. There
      were high rates of stress and depression among this sample suggesting that there
      are missed opportunities to address mental health needs in the prenatal period.
      Improved methods of measurement are required to better understand the
      psychobiological basis of preterm birth.

PMID- 22047211
TI  - Questionnaire of chronic illness care in primary care-psychometric properties and
      test-retest reliability.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Chronic Care Model (CCM) is an evidence-based approach to
      improving the structure of care for chronically ill patients with multimorbidity.
      The Assessment of Chronic Illness Care (ACIC), an instrument commonly used in
      international research, includes all aspects of the CCM, but cannot be easily
      extended to the German context. A new instrument called the "Questionnaire of
      Chronic Illness Care in Primary Care" (QCPC) was developed for use in Germany for
      this reason. Here, we present the results of the psychometric properties and test
      retest reliability of QCPC. METHODS: A total of 109 family doctors from different
      German states participated in the validation study. Participating physicians
      completed the QCPC, which includes items concerning the CCM and practice
      structure, at baseline (T0) and 3 weeks later (T1). Internal consistency
      reliability and test-retest reliability were evaluated using Cronbach's alpha and
      Pearson's r, respectively. RESULTS: The QCPC contains five elements of the CCM
      (decision support, delivery system design, self-management support, clinical
      information systems, and community linkages). All subscales demonstrated moderate
      internal consistency and moderate test-retest reliability over a three-week
      interval. CONCLUSIONS: The QCPC is an appropriate instrument to assess the
      structure of chronic illness care. Unlike the ACIC, the QCPC can be used by
      health care providers without CCM training. The QCPC can detect the actual state
      of care as well as areas for improvement of care according to the CCM.

PMID- 22047212
TI  - Quantum chemistry study on internal conversion of diphenyldibenzofulvene in solid
      phase.
AB  - We investigate the nonradiative decay process of diphenyldibenzofulvene (DPDBF)
      in solid phase by using the quantum chemistry methods. To carry out the
      nonradiative rate constant calculation, we construct a solid phase model based on
      the ONIOM method. The geometry of the DPDBF molecule is optimized for the ground
      state by DFT and the first excited state by TD-DFT, and the corresponding
      vibrational frequencies and normal coordinates are computed. Under displaced
      distorted harmonic oscillator potential approximation, Huang-Rhys factors are
      obtained. Vibronic coupling constants are calculated as a function of the normal
      mode based on Domcke's scheme. We find that vibronic coupling constants of 12
      modes with large reorganization energies are of similar order, and if this result
      is still valid for other modes, the internal conversion rate would be determined
      by high frequency modes because they have a significant nuclear factor that is
      related to Franck-Condon overlap intergrals. We also find that geometrical
      changes are suppressed due to the stacking effect, which yields small Huang-Rhys
      values in the solid phase.

PMID- 22047217
TI  - ERRATUM.

PMID- 22047218
TI  - A transformative perspective on learning and professional development of Afghan
      physiotherapists.
AB  - The aim of this article is to explore factors that impacted learning of Afghan
      physiotherapists in a development project to improve the physiotherapy services
      in a disability programme implemented by a Swedish nongovernmental organisation
      in Afghanistan. Participant observation, recorded as field notes, was used to
      document the process, to gain a better understanding of professional development
      of physiotherapists in Afghanistan. Field notes were analysed and factors
      affecting learning were interpreted from a perspective inspired by transformative
      learning. Various factors were identified: a pattern approach to treatment,
      linear thinking, and socially oriented decision making affected how new things
      learned were put into practice; concrete representations and an instrumental view
      of knowledge characterised learning approaches; language barriers, different
      interpretations of meaning, and cultural codes challenged communication; and a
      prescriptive, encouraging approach of the expatriate physiotherapy development
      worker affected teaching and learning. Working with professional development
      across cultural borders is challenging, and the identified factors impacting
      learning can help expatriate physiotherapists in adapting training to the Afghan
      context. Exploring meaning perspectives and communicative learning could enhance
      understanding of these factors for both expatriate and Afghan physiotherapists
      and should be a focus in future development activities.

PMID- 22047220
TI  - Correlation between Fischer-Tropsch catalytic activity and composition of
      catalysts.
AB  - This paper presents the synthesis and characterization of monometallic and
      bimetallic cobalt and iron nanoparticles supported on alumina. The catalysts were
      prepared by a wet impregnation method. Samples were characterized using
      temperature-programmed reduction (TPR), temperature-programmed oxidation (TPO),
      CO-chemisorption, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), field emission scanning
      electron microscopy (FESEM-EDX) and N2-adsorption analysis. Fischer-Tropsch
      synthesis (FTS) was carried out in a fixed-bed microreactor at 543 K and 1 atm,
      with H2/CO = 2 v/v and space velocity, SV = 12L/g.h. The physicochemical
      properties and the FTS activity of the bimetallic catalysts were analyzed and
      compared with those of monometallic cobalt and iron catalysts at similar
      operating conditions.H2-TPR analysis of cobalt catalyst indicated three
      temperature regions at 506 degrees C (low), 650 degrees C (medium) and 731
      degrees C (high). The incorporation of iron up to 30% into cobalt catalysts
      increased the reduction, CO chemisorption and number of cobalt active sites of
      the catalyst while an opposite trend was observed for the iron-riched bimetallic
      catalysts. The CO conversion was 6.3% and 4.6%, over the monometallic cobalt and
      iron catalysts, respectively. Bimetallic catalysts enhanced the CO conversion.
      Amongst the catalysts studied, bimetallic catalyst with the composition of
      70Co30Fe showed the highest CO conversion (8.1%) while exhibiting the same
      product selectivity as that of monometallic Co catalyst. Monometallic iron
      catalyst showed the lowest selectivity for C5+ hydrocarbons (1.6%).

PMID- 22047221
TI  - Communication: A dynamical theory of homogeneous nucleation for colloids and
      macromolecules.
AB  - Homogeneous nucleation is formulated within the context of fluctuating
      hydrodynamics. It is shown that for a colloidal system in the strong damping
      limit the most likely path for nucleation can be determined by gradient descent
      in density space governed by a nontrivial metric. This is illustrated by
      application to low-density/high-density liquid transition of globular proteins in
      solution where it is shown that nucleation process involves two stages: the
      formation of an extended region with enhanced density followed by the formation
      of a cluster within this region.

PMID- 22047222
TI  - On the gauge invariance of nonperturbative electronic dynamics using the time
      dependent Hartree-Fock and time-dependent Kohn-Sham.
AB  - Nonperturbative electronic dynamics using the time-dependent Hartree-Fock (TDHF)
      and time-dependent Kohn-Sham (TDKS) theories with the adiabatic approximation is
      a powerful tool in obtaining insights into the interaction between a many
      electron system and an external electromagnetic field. In practical applications
      of TDHF/TDKS using a truncated basis set, the electronic dynamics and molecular
      properties become gauge-dependent. Numerical simulations are carried out in the
      length gauge and velocity gauge to verify the extent of gauge-dependence using
      incomplete basis sets. Electronic dynamics of two many-electron systems, a helium
      atom and a carbon monoxide molecule in high-intensity linearly polarized
      radiation fields are performed using the TDHF and TDKS with two selected
      adiabatic exchange-correlation (xc) functionals. The time evolution of the
      expectation values of the dipole moment and harmonic spectra are calculated in
      the two gauges, and the basis set dependence on the gauge-invariance of these
      properties is investigated.

PMID- 22047223
TI  - Relaxation mode analysis of a peptide system: comparison with principal component
      analysis.
AB  - This article reports the first attempt to apply the relaxation mode analysis
      method to a simulation of a biomolecular system. In biomolecular systems, the
      principal component analysis is a well-known method for analyzing the static
      properties of fluctuations of structures obtained by a simulation and classifying
      the structures into some groups. On the other hand, the relaxation mode analysis
      has been used to analyze the dynamic properties of homopolymer systems. In this
      article, a long Monte Carlo simulation of Met-enkephalin in gas phase has been
      performed. The results are analyzed by the principal component analysis and
      relaxation mode analysis methods. We compare the results of both methods and show
      the effectiveness of the relaxation mode analysis.

PMID- 22047224
TI  - Chemical reactions modulated by mechanical stress: extended Bell theory.
AB  - A number of recent studies have shown that mechanical stress can significantly
      lower or raise the activation barrier of a chemical reaction. Within a common
      approximation due to Bell [Science 200, 618 (1978)], this barrier is linearly
      dependent on the applied force. A simple extension of Bell's theory that includes
      higher order corrections in the force predicts that the force-induced change in
      the activation energy will be given by -FDeltaR - DeltachiF(2)/2. Here, DeltaR is
      the change of the distance between the atoms, at which the force F is applied,
      from the reactant to the transition state, and Deltachi is the corresponding
      change in the mechanical compliance of the molecule. Application of this formula
      to the electrocyclic ring-opening of cis and trans 1,2-dimethylbenzocyclobutene
      shows that this extension of Bell's theory essentially recovers the force
      dependence of the barrier, while the original Bell formula exhibits significant
      errors. Because the extended Bell theory avoids explicit inclusion of the
      mechanical stress or strain in electronic structure calculations, it allows a
      computationally efficient characterization of the effect of mechanical forces on
      chemical processes. That is, the mechanical susceptibility of any reaction
      pathway is described in terms of two parameters, DeltaR and Deltachi, both
      readily computable at zero force.

PMID- 22047225
TI  - Short-time self-diffusion coefficient of a particle in a colloidal suspension
      bounded by a microchannel: virial expansions and simulation.
AB  - Self-diffusion of colloidal particles confined to a cylindrical microchannel is
      considered theoretically and numerically. Virial expansion of the self-diffusion
      coefficient is performed. Two-body and three-body hydrodynamic interactions are
      evaluated with high precision using the multipole method. The multipole expansion
      algorithm is also used to perform numerical simulations of the self-diffusion
      coefficient, valid for all possible particle packing fractions. Comparison with
      earlier results shows that the widely used method of reflections is insufficient
      for calculations of hydrodynamic interactions even for small packing fractions
      and small particles radii, contrary to the prevalent opinion.

PMID- 22047226
TI  - Assessing weak hydrogen binding on Ca+ centers: an accurate many-body study with
      large basis sets.
AB  - Weak H(2) physisorption energies present a significant challenge to even the best
      correlated theoretical many-body methods. We use the phaseless auxiliary-field
      quantum Monte Carlo method to accurately predict the binding energy of Ca(+)
      4H(2). Attention has recently focused on this model chemistry to test the
      reliability of electronic structure methods for H(2) binding on dispersed
      alkaline earth metal centers. A modified Cholesky decomposition is implemented to
      realize the Hubbard-Stratonovich transformation efficiently with large Gaussian
      basis sets. We employ the largest correlation-consistent Gaussian type basis sets
      available, up to cc-pCV5Z for Ca, to accurately extrapolate to the complete basis
      limit. The calculated potential energy curve exhibits binding with a double-well
      structure.

PMID- 22047227
TI  - Non-equilibrium spin-boson model: counting statistics and the heat exchange
      fluctuation theorem.
AB  - We focus on the non-equilibrium two-bath spin-boson model, a toy model for
      examining quantum thermal transport in many-body open systems. Describing the
      dynamics within the noninteracting-blip approximation equations, applicable,
      e.g., in the strong system-bath coupling limit and/or at high temperatures, we
      derive expressions for the cumulant generating function in both the Markovian and
      non-Markovian limits by energy-resolving the quantum master equation of the
      subsystem. For a Markovian bath, we readily demonstrate the validity of a steady
      state heat exchange fluctuation theorem. In the non-Markovian limit a "weaker"
      symmetry relation generally holds, a general outcome of microreversibility. We
      discuss the reduction of this symmetry relation to the universal steady-state
      fluctuation theorem. Using the cumulant generating function, an analytic
      expression for the heat current is obtained. Our results establish the validity
      of the steady-state heat exchange fluctuation theorem in quantum systems with
      strong system-bath interactions. From the practical point of view, this study
      provides tools for exploring transport characteristics of the two-bath spin-boson
      model, a prototype for a nonlinear thermal conductor.

PMID- 22047228
TI  - Optimized hierarchical equations of motion theory for Drude dissipation and
      efficient implementation to nonlinear spectroscopies.
AB  - Hierarchical equations of motion theory for Drude dissipation is optimized, with
      a convenient convergence criterion proposed in advance of numerical propagations.
      The theoretical construction is on the basis of a Pade spectrum decomposition
      that has been qualified to be the best sum-over-poles scheme for quantum
      distribution function. The resulting hierarchical dynamics under the a priori
      convergence criterion are exemplified with a benchmark spin-boson system, and
      also the transient absorption and related coherent two-dimensional spectroscopy
      of a model exciton dimer system. We combine the present theory with several
      advanced techniques such as the block hierarchical dynamics in mixed Heisenberg
      Schrodinger picture and the on-the-fly filtering algorithm for the efficient
      evaluation of third-order optical response functions.

PMID- 22047229
TI  - Ab initio properties of Li-group-II molecules for ultracold matter studies.
AB  - We perform a systematic investigation of the electronic properties of the
      (2)Sigma(+) ground state of Li-alkaline-earth dimers. These molecules are
      proposed as possible candidates for quantum simulation of lattice-spin models. We
      apply powerful quantum chemistry coupled-cluster method and large basis sets to
      calculate potential energies and permanent dipole moments for the LiBe, LiMg,
      LiCa, LiSr, and LiYb molecules. Agreement of calculated molecular constants with
      existing experimental data is better than or equal to 8%. Our results reveal a
      surprising irregularity in the dissociation energy and bond length with an
      increase in the reduced mass of the molecule. At the same time, the permanent
      dipole moment at the equilibrium separation has the smallest value between 0.01
      a.u. and 0.1 a.u. for the heaviest (LiSr and LiYb) molecules and increases to 1.4
      a.u. for the lightest (LiBe), where 1 a.u. is one atomic unit of dipole moment.
      We consider our study of the (2)Sigma(+) molecules a first step towards a
      comprehensive analysis of their interactions in an optical trap.

PMID- 22047230
TI  - Geometry optimization of bimetallic clusters using an efficient heuristic method.
AB  - In this paper, an efficient heuristic algorithm for geometry optimization of
      bimetallic clusters is proposed. The algorithm is mainly composed of three
      ingredients: the monotonic basin-hopping method with guided perturbation (MBH
      GP), surface optimization method, and iterated local search (ILS) method, where
      MBH-GP and surface optimization method are used to optimize the geometric
      structure of a cluster, and the ILS method is used to search the optimal homotop
      for a fixed geometric structure. The proposed method is applied to Cu(38-n)Au(n)
      (0 <= n <= 38), Ag(55-n)Au(n) (0 <= n <= 55), and Cu(55-n)Au(n) (0 <= n <= 55)
      clusters modeled by the many-body Gupta potential. Comparison with the results
      reported in the literature indicates that the present method is highly efficient
      and a number of new putative global minima missed in the previous papers are
      found. The present method should be a promising tool for the theoretical
      determination of ground-state structure of bimetallic clusters. Additionally,
      some key elements and properties of the present method are also analyzed.

PMID- 22047231
TI  - Dispersion, static correlation, and delocalisation errors in density functional
      theory: an electrostatic theorem perspective.
AB  - Dispersion, static correlation, and delocalisation errors in density functional
      theory are considered from the unconventional perspective of the force on a
      nucleus in a stretched diatomic molecule. The electrostatic theorem of Feynman is
      used to relate errors in the forces to errors in the electron density
      distortions, which in turn are related to erroneous terms in the Kohn-Sham
      equations. For H(2), the exact dispersion force arises from a subtle density
      distortion; the static correlation error leads to an overestimated force due to
      an exaggerated distortion. For H(2)(+), the exact force arises from a delicate
      balance between attractive and repulsive components; the delocalisation error
      leads to an underestimated force due to an underestimated distortion. The net
      force in H(2)(+) can become repulsive, giving the characteristic barrier in the
      potential energy curve. Increasing the fraction of long-range exact orbital
      exchange increases the distortion, reducing delocalisation error but increasing
      static correlation error.

PMID- 22047232
TI  - Extended Lagrangian free energy molecular dynamics.
AB  - Extended free energy Lagrangians are proposed for first principles molecular
      dynamics simulations at finite electronic temperatures for plane-wave
      pseudopotential and local orbital density matrix-based calculations. Thanks to
      the extended Lagrangian description, the electronic degrees of freedom can be
      integrated by stable geometric schemes that conserve the free energy. For the
      local orbital representations both the nuclear and electronic forces have simple
      and numerically efficient expressions that are well suited for reduced complexity
      calculations. A rapidly converging recursive Fermi operator expansion method that
      does not require the calculation of eigenvalues and eigenfunctions for the
      construction of the fractionally occupied density matrix is discussed. An
      efficient expression for the Pulay force that is valid also for density matrices
      with fractional occupation occurring at finite electronic temperatures is also
      demonstrated.

PMID- 22047233
TI  - Solvation effects on angular distributions in H- (NH3)n and NH2(-) (NH3)n
      photodetachment: role of solute electronic structure.
AB  - We report 355 and 532 nm photoelectron imaging results for H(-)(NH(3))(n) and
      NH(2)(-)(NH(3))(n), n = 0-5. The photoelectron spectra are consistent with the
      electrostatic picture of a charged solute (H(-) or NH(2)(-)) solvated by n
      ammonia molecules. For a given number of solvent molecules, the NH(2)(-) core
      anion is stabilized more strongly than H(-), yet the photoelectron angular
      distributions for solvated H(-) deviate more strongly from the unsolvated limit
      than those for solvated NH(2)(-). Hence, we conclude that solvation effects on
      photoelectron angular distributions are dependent on the electronic structure of
      the anion, i.e., the type of the initial orbital of the photodetached electron,
      rather than merely the strength of solvation interactions. We also find evidence
      of photofragmentation and autodetachment of NH(2)(-)(NH(3))(2-5), as well as
      autodetachment of H(-)(NH(3))(5), upon 532 nm excitation of these species.

PMID- 22047234
TI  - Photoelectron angular distributions in negative-ion photodetachment from mixed sp
      states.
AB  - We describe an approach for constructing analytical models for the energy
      dependence of photoelectron angular distributions in the one-electron, non
      relativistic approximation. We construct such a model for electron emission from
      an orbital described as a superposition of s- and p-type functions, using
      linearly polarized light. In the limits of pure s or pure p electron
      photodetachment or photoionization, the model correctly reproduces the familiar
      Cooper-Zare formula. The model predictions are compared to experimental results
      for strongly solvated H(-) and NH(2)(-), corresponding to predominantly s and
      predominantly p character parent states, respectively.

PMID- 22047235
TI  - A theoretical study of hydrogen- and lithium-bonded complexes of F-H/Li and Cl
      H/Li with NF3, NH3, and NH2(CH3).
AB  - Hydrogen- and lithium-bonded complexes of A-H/Li (A = F, Cl) with the amine
      analogues NF(3), NH(3), and NH(2)(CH(3)) were studied at the MP2/6-311++G(d,p)
      level of theory. Bond extensions and redshifts were obtained for the H-bonded
      complexes, while bond extensions and blueshifts were obtained for the Li-bonded
      species. The variation of these and other properties with the basicity of the
      amines was investigated and rationalized by comparing the ab initio results with
      predictions from a model derived from perturbation theory.

PMID- 22047236
TI  - Control of vibronic excitation using quantum-correlated photons.
AB  - We theoretically investigate the two-step excitation of a molecular vibronic
      state using quantum-correlated photons with time delay in order to control the
      population of the vibronic excited state. A Morse oscillator having three sets of
      vibronic states, namely, the ground state, intermediate states, and excited
      states, is used to evaluate the efficiency of the two-step excitation process. We
      show that we can efficiently and selectively excite only a target state by using
      correlated photons and can control the excitation population of the target state
      by adjusting the delay time of the correlated photons. The potential of
      controlling a chemical reaction using correlated photons is also discussed.

PMID- 22047237
TI  - Ab initio quantum dynamical study of photoinduced ring opening in furan.
AB  - The nonadiabatic photoinduced ring opening occurring in the two lowest excited
      singlet states of furan is investigated theoretically, using wave-packet
      propagation techniques. The underlying multidimensional potential energy surfaces
      (PESs) are obtained from ab initio computations, using the equation-of-motion
      coupled cluster method restricted to single and double excitations (EOM-CCSD),
      reported in earlier recent work [E. V. Gromov, A. B. Trofimov, F. Gatti, and H.
      Koppel, J. Chem. Phys. 133, 164309 (2010)]. Up to five nuclear degrees of freedom
      are considered in the quantum dynamical treatment. Four of them represent in
      plane motion for which the electronic states in question (correlating with the
      valence (1)B(2)(V) and Rydberg (1)A(2)(3s) states at the C(2v) ground-state
      molecular configuration) have different symmetries, A(') and A(''), respectively.
      The fifth mode, representing out-of-plane bending of the oxygen atom against the
      carbon-atom plane, leads to an interaction of these states, as is crucial for the
      photoreaction. The nonadiabatic coupling and conical intersection cause an
      electronic population transfer on the order of ~10 fs. Its main features, and
      that of the wave-packet motion, are interpreted in terms of properties of the
      PES. The lifetime due to the ring-opening process has been estimated to be around
      2 ps. The dependence of this estimate on the nuclear degrees of freedom retained
      in the computations is discussed.

PMID- 22047238
TI  - Theoretical investigation of the photophysics of methyl salicylate isomers.
AB  - The photophysics of methyl salicylate (MS) isomers has been studied using time
      dependent density functional theory and large basis sets. First electronic
      singlet and triplet excited states energies, structure, and vibrational analysis
      were calculated for the ketoB, enol, and ketoA isomers. It is demonstrated that
      the photochemical pathway involving excited state intramolecular proton transfer
      (ESIPT) from the ketoB to the enol tautomer agrees well with the dual
      fluorescence in near-UV (from ketoB) and blue (from enol) wavelengths obtained
      from experiments. Our calculation confirms the existence of a double minimum in
      the excited state pathway along the O-H-O coordinate corresponding to two
      preferred energy regions: (1) the hydrogen belongs to the OH moiety and the
      structure of methyl salicylate is ketoB; (2) the hydrogen flips to the closest
      carboxyl entailing electronic rearrangement and tautomerization to the enol
      structure. This double well in the excited state is highly asymmetric. The Franck
      Condon vibrational overlap is calculated and accounts for the broadening of the
      two bands. It is suggested that forward and backward ESIPT through the barrier
      separating the two minima is temperature-dependent and affects the intensity of
      the fluorescence as seen in experiments. When the enol fluoresces and returns to
      its ground state, a barrier-less back proton transfer repopulates the ground
      state of methyl salicylate ketoB. It is also demonstrated that the rotamer ketoA
      is not stable in an excited state close to the desired emission wavelength. This
      observation eliminates the conjecture that the near-UV emission of the dual
      fluorescence originates from the ketoA rotamer. New experimental results for pure
      MS in the liquid state are reported and theoretical results compared to them.

PMID- 22047239
TI  - Interpretation of the photoelectron spectra of superalkali species: Li3O and Li3O
      .
AB  - The present paper deals with the interpretation of the photoelectron spectrum of
      the Li(3)O(-). After several failed attempts to attribute all of the observed
      peaks in the experimental spectrum to anionic species, neutral species were
      considered assuming a sequential two-photon absorption mechanism. We find that
      only two of the six observed peaks can be attributed to photodetachments and that
      all other observed features can be assigned to ionizations from the ground and
      excited states of the neutral. Nuclear distributions other than three lithium
      atoms surrounding the oxygen are not likely to be stable. The interpretation of
      the experimental peak located at about 1.2 eV remains challenging. It can either
      be attributed to the second electron detachment (involving the HOMO -1 orbital)
      energy from the anion's triplet C(2v) state or to higher excited states
      (involving HOMO +10, 11, 12... orbitals) of the neutral species. Furthermore, we
      have examined the influence of vibrational displacements on the location of the
      observed peaks. We find that this effect is smaller than 0.05 eV and, therefore,
      must be considered as negligible.

PMID- 22047240
TI  - Photoelectron spectroscopy of the molecular anions, Li3O- and Na3O-.
AB  - The molecular anions, Li(3)O(-) and Na(3)O(-) were produced by laser vaporization
      and studied via anion photoelectron spectroscopy. Li(3)O(-) and Na(3)O(-) are the
      negative ions of the super-alkali neutral molecules, Li(3)O and Na(3)O. A two
      photon process involving the photodetachment of electrons from the Li(3)O(-) and
      Na(3)O(-) anions and the photoionization of electrons from the resulting Li(3)O
      and Na(3)O neutral states was observed. The assignment of the Li(3)O(-)
      photoelectron spectrum was based on computational results provided by Zein and
      Ortiz [J. Chem. Phys. 135, 164307 (2011)].

PMID- 22047241
TI  - Ultrafast non-adiabatic dynamics of methyl substituted ethylenes: the pi3s
      Rydberg state.
AB  - Excited state unimolecular reactions of some polyenes exhibit localization of
      their dynamics at a single ethylenic double bond. Here we present studies of the
      fundamental photophysical processes in the ethylene unit itself. Combined
      femtosecond time-resolved photoelectron spectroscopy (TRPES) and ab initio
      quantum chemical calculations was applied to the study of excited state dynamics
      in cis-butene, trans-butene, trimethylethylene, and tetramethylethylene,
      following initial excitation to their respective pi3s Rydberg states. The
      wavelength dependence of the pi3s Rydberg state dynamics of tetramethylethylene
      was investigated in more detail. The pi3s Rydberg to pipi(*) valence state decay
      rate varies greatly with substituent: the 1,2-di- and tri-methyl substituted
      ethylenes (cis-butene, trans-butene, and trimethylethylene) show an ultrafast
      decay (~20 fs), whereas the fully methylated tetramethylethylene shows a decay
      rate of 2 to 4 orders of magnitude slower. These observations are rationalized in
      terms of topographical trends in the relevant potential energy surfaces, as found
      from ab initio calculations: (1) the barrier between the pi3s state and the pipi*
      state increases with increasing methylation, and (2) the pi3s/pipi* minimum
      energy conical intersection displaces monotonically away from the pi3s Franck
      Condon region with increasing methylation. The use of systematic methylation in
      combination with TRPES and ab initio computation is emerging as an important tool
      in discerning the excited state dynamics of unsaturated hydrocarbons.

PMID- 22047242
TI  - Vibronic coupling in the A2Pi and B2Sigma+ electronic states of the NCS radical.
AB  - The spin-rovibronic energy levels of the A(2)Pi and B(2)Sigma(+) electronic
      states of thiocyanate radical have been calculated variationally, using high
      level ab initio coupled diabatic potential energy surfaces. Computations up to J
      = 7/2 have been performed, obtaining all levels with K <= 3
      (Sigma(1/2),Pi(1/2,3/2),Delta(3/2,5/2),Phi(5/2,7/2)), for energies up to 2000 cm(
      1) above the A(000)(2)Pi(3/2) level. The available experimental data have been
      critically reviewed in the light of the theoretical findings.

PMID- 22047243
TI  - New ab initio coupled potential energy surfaces for the Br(2P(3/2), 2P(1/2)) + H2
      reaction.
AB  - The three lowest (1A('), 2A('), and 1A('')) adiabatic potential energy surfaces
      (PESs) for the Br((2)P) + H(2) reactive system have been computed based on the
      multi-reference configuration interaction (MRCI) method including the Davidson's
      correction with a large basis set. These three adiabatic PESs have been
      transformed to a diabatic representation, leading to four coupling potentials. In
      addition, the spin-orbit matrix elements were also obtained using the Breit-Pauli
      Hamiltonian and the unperturbed MRCI wavefunctions in the Br + H(2) channel and
      the transition state region. Consequently, six coupling potentials were obtained
      and their characteristics were extensively discussed. Nonadiabatic quantum
      dynamics calculations for this system have been realized with these realistic
      diabatic potentials instead of previous semi-empirical diabatic potentials. Based
      on two-state model nonadiabatic calculations for the Br((2)P(3/2), (2)P(1/2)) +
      H(2) reaction, the Br((2)P(1/2)) + H(2) reaction was found to show less
      reactivity than the Br((2)P(3/2)) + H(2) reaction at collision energies beyond
      the threshold of the Br((2)P(3/2)) + H(2) reaction. Our results are consistent
      with the previous studies on the XH(2) (X = F, Cl) system, which indicate that
      the adiabatically forbidden channel is dominant at low energies in the open-shell
      halogen atom plus H(2) reactions.

PMID- 22047244
TI  - State-to-state quantum dynamics of the N(4S) + OH(X2Pi) -> H(2S) + NO(X 2Pi)
      reaction.
AB  - Quantum state-to-state dynamics for the N((4)S) + OH(X( 2)Pi) -> H((2)S) + NO(X(
      2)Pi) reaction is reported on an accurate ab initio potential energy surface of
      the lowest triplet electronic state (a(3)A(")) of HNO/HON. It was found that the
      reaction is dominated by long-lived resonances supported by the HNO and HON
      wells. Significant non-reactive scattering was observed, indicating substantial
      deviations from the statistical limit. Due to the large exothermicity of the
      reaction, the NO product has hot internal state distributions: its rotational
      state distribution is inverted and peaks near the highest accessible rotational
      level; and its vibrational state distribution extends to upsilon = 10 and decays
      monotonically with the vibrational quantum number. In particular, the predicted
      product vibrational distribution is in reasonably good agreement with experiment.
      The calculated differential cross section is dominated by scattering in both the
      forward and backward directions, consistent with the formation of reaction
      intermediates.

PMID- 22047246
TI  - Structure and dynamics of 1,2-dimethoxyethane and 1,2-dimethoxypropane in aqueous
      and non-aqueous solutions: a molecular dynamics study.
AB  - Herein, we report a comparative modelling study of 1,2-dimethoxyethane (DME) and
      1,2-dimethoxypropane (DMP) at 298 K and 318 K in the liquid state, water
      mixtures, and at infinite dilution condition in water, methanol, carbon
      tetrachloride, and n-heptane. Both DME and DMP are united-atom models compatible
      with GROMOS/OPLS force fields. Calculated thermodynamic and structural properties
      of the pure DME and DMP liquids resulted in excellent agreement with the
      experimental data. In aqueous solutions, densities, diffusion coefficients, and
      concentration dependent conformers of DME, were in agreement with experimental
      data. The calculated free energy of solvation (DeltaG(hyd)) at 298 K is equal to 
      22.1 +/- 0.8 kJ mol(-1) in good agreement with the experimental value of 20.2 kJ
      mol(-1). In addition, the free energy of solvation of DME in non-aqueous solvents
      follows the trend methanol ~ water < carbon tetrachloride < n-heptane,
      consistently with the dielectric constant of the solvents. On contrary, the
      presence of an extra methyl group on chiral carbon makes DMP less soluble than
      DME in water (DeltaG(hyd) = -16.0 +/- 1.1 kJ mol(-1)) but more soluble in non
      polar solvents as n-heptane. Finally, for the DMP the chiral discrimination of
      the two enantiomers was calculated as solvation free energy difference of one DMP
      isomer in the solution of the other. The obtained value of DeltaDeltaG(RS) = -3.7
      +/- 1.4 kJ mol(-1) indicates a net chiral discrimination of the two enantiomers.

PMID- 22047247
TI  - Inverse Raman bands in ultrafast Raman loss spectroscopy.
AB  - Ultrafast Raman loss spectroscopy (URLS) is equivalent to anti-Stokes femtosecond
      stimulated Raman spectroscopy (FSRS), using a broadband probe pulse that extends
      to the blue of the narrow bandwidth Raman pump, and can be described as inverse
      Raman scattering (IRS). Using the Feynman dual time-line diagram, the third-order
      polarization for IRS with finite pulses can be written down in terms of a four
      time correlation function. An analytic expression is obtained for the latter in
      the harmonic approximation which facilitates computation. We simulated the URLS
      of crystal violet (CV) for various resonance Raman pump excitation wavelengths
      using the IRS polarization expression with finite pulses. The calculated results
      agreed well with the experimental results of S. Umapathy et al., J. Chem. Phys.
      133, 024505 (2010). In the limit of monochromatic Raman pump and probe pulses, we
      obtain the third-order susceptibility for multi-modes, and for a single mode we
      recover the well-known expression for the third-order susceptibility, chi(IRS)
      ((3)), for IRS. The latter is used to understand the mode dependent phase changes
      as a function of Raman pump excitation in the URLS of CV.

PMID- 22047248
TI  - Static and pulsed field gradient nuclear magnetic resonance studies of water
      diffusion in protein matrices.
AB  - Static field gradient and pulsed field gradient NMR are used to study the
      temperature dependence of water diffusion in myoglobin and lysozyme matrices for
      low hydration levels of about 0.3 g/g. We show that in order to determine
      reliable self-diffusion coefficients D in a broad temperature range, it is very
      important to consider an exchange of magnetization between water and protein
      protons, often denoted as cross relaxation. Specifically, upon cooling, the
      observed stimulated-echo decays, which reflect water diffusion near ambient
      temperature, become more and more governed by cross relaxation. We demonstrate
      that comparison of experimental results for inhomogeneous and homogeneous
      magnetic fields enables successful separation of diffusion and relaxation
      contributions to the stimulated-echo decays. Making use of this possibility, we
      find that in the temperature range 230-300 K, the temperature-dependent
      diffusivities D exhibit a Vogel-Fulcher-Tammann behavior, where water diffusion
      in the studied protein matrices is substantially slower than in the bulk. By
      comparing present and previous data, we discuss relations between translational
      and rotational motions and between short-range and long-range water dynamics in
      protein matrices. In addition, we critically examine the significance of results
      from previous applications of NMR diffusometry to the temperature-dependent water
      diffusion in protein matrices.

PMID- 22047249
TI  - Response of solid Ne upon photoexcitation of a NO impurity: a quantum dynamics
      study.
AB  - The ultrafast geometrical rearrangement dynamics of NO doped cryogenic Ne
      matrices after femtosecond laser pulse excitation is studied using a quantum
      dynamical approach based on a multi-dimensional shell model, with the shell radii
      being the dynamical variables. The Ne-NO interaction being only weakly
      anisotropic allows the model to account for the main dynamical features of the
      rare gas solid. Employing quantum wave packet propagation within the time
      dependent Hartree approximation, both, the static deformation of the solid due to
      the impurity and the dynamical response after femtosecond excitation, are
      analysed. The photoinduced dynamics of the surrounding rare gas atoms is found to
      be a complex high-dimensional process. The approach allows to consider realistic
      time-dependent femtosecond pulses and the effect of the pulse duration is clearly
      shown. Finally, using the pulse parameters of previous experiments, pump-probe
      signals are calculated and found to be in good agreement with experimental
      results, allowing for a clear analysis of the ultrafast mechanism of the energy
      transfer into the solid.

PMID- 22047250
TI  - Vibrational energy transfer and anisotropy decay in liquid water: is the Forster
      model valid?
AB  - Ultrafast pump-probe anisotropy experiments have been performed on liquid H(2)O
      and D(2)O. In both cases, the anisotropy decay is extremely fast (on the order of
      100 or 200 fs) and is presumed due to resonant vibrational energy transfer. The
      experiments have been interpreted in terms of the Forster theory, wherein the
      rate constant for intermolecular hopping transport is proportional to the inverse
      sixth power of the distance between the vibrational chromophores. In particular,
      the anisotropy decay is assumed to be simply related to the survival probability
      as calculated with the Forster theory. While the theory fits the data well, and
      is a reasonable model for these systems, there are several assumptions in the
      theory that might be suspect for water. Using our mixed quantum/classical model
      for vibrational spectroscopy and dynamics in liquid water, which agrees well with
      anisotropy decay experiments on the pure liquids as well as H(2)O/D(2)O mixtures,
      we critically analyze both the survival probability and anisotropy decay, in
      order to assess the applicability of the Forster theory.

PMID- 22047252
TI  - Pair force distributions in simple fluids.
AB  - Analytic expressions are derived for the frequency distribution, P(f), of pair
      forces, f, and those of their alpha-Cartesian component, f(alpha), or
      P(f(alpha)), for some typical model simple fluids, expressed in terms of the
      radial distribution function and known constants. For strongly repulsive inverse
      power (IP), exponential and Yukawa purely repulsive potentials, P(f) diverges at
      the origin approximately as ~f(-1), but with different limiting analytic forms.
      P(f(alpha)) is also shown to diverge as ~f(-1) as f -> 0 for the IP fluid. For
      the Lennard-Jones potential fluid, P(f) is finite for all f >= 0 but has two
      singularities for negative f, corresponding to the zero force limit (i.e., f ->
      0(-)) and the point of inflection in the potential. The corresponding component
      force distribution is singular as f(alpha) -> 0 from both positive and negative
      force sides. The large force limit of P(f), which originates from the close
      neighbor interactions, is nearly exponential for the IP and LJ fluids, as is also
      found for granular materials. A more complete picture of force distributions in
      off-lattice particulate systems as a function of force law and state point
      (particularly the extent of "thermalization" of the particles) is provided.

PMID- 22047251
TI  - Vibrational spectroscopy of water in hydrated lipid multi-bilayers. II. Two
      dimensional infrared and peak shift observables within different theoretical
      approximations.
AB  - In a previous report, we calculated the infrared absorption spectrum and both the
      isotropic and anisotropic pump-probe signals for the OD stretch of isotopically
      dilute water in dilauroylphosphatidylcholine (DLPC) multi-bilayers as a function
      of the lipid hydration level. These results were then compared to recent
      experimental measurements and are in generally good agreement. In this paper, we
      will further investigate the structure and dynamics of hydration water using
      molecular dynamics simulations and calculations of the two-dimensional infrared
      and vibrational echo peak shift observables for hydration water in DLPC
      membranes. These observables have not yet been measured experimentally, but
      future comparisons may provide insight into spectral diffusion processes and
      hydration water heterogeneity. We find that at low hydration levels the motion of
      water molecules inside the lipid membrane is significantly arrested, resulting in
      very slow spectral diffusion. At higher hydration levels, spectral diffusion is
      more rapid, but still slower than in bulk water. We also investigate the effects
      of several common approximations on the calculation of spectroscopic observables
      by computing these observables within multiple levels of theory. The impact of
      these approximations on the resulting spectra affects our interpretation of these
      measurements and reveals that, for example, the cumulant approximation, which may
      be valid for certain systems, is not a good approximation for a highly
      heterogeneous environment such as hydration water in lipid multi-bilayers.

PMID- 22047253
TI  - Simulated pressure response of crystalline indole.
AB  - The isostatic pressure response of crystalline indole up to 25 GPa was
      investigated through static geometry optimization using Tkatchenko-Scheffler
      dispersion-corrected density functional theory method. Different symmetries were
      identified in the structural evolution with increased pressure, but no motif
      transition was observed, owing to the stability of the herringbone (HB) motif for
      small polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons. Hirshfeld surface analysis determined
      that there was an increase in the fraction of H...pi and pi...pi contacts within
      the high pressure structures, while the fraction of H...H contacts was lowered
      via geometric rearrangements. It was found that isostatic pressure alone, up to
      25 GPa, was not sufficient to induce a chemical reaction due to the poor pi
      orbital overlap existing within the HB motif. However, the applied pressure sets
      the stage for an activated chemical reaction when the molecules approach each
      other along the long molecular axis, with a reaction energy and reaction barrier
      of 1.05 eV and 1.80 eV per molecular unit, respectively.

PMID- 22047255
TI  - Computer simulation study of thermodynamic scaling of dynamics of
      2Ca(NO3)2.3KNO3.
AB  - Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the glass-former 2Ca(NO(3))(2.3KNO(3),
      CKN, were performed as a function of temperature at pressures 0.1 MPa, 0.5 GPa,
      1.0 GPa, and 2.0 GPa. Diffusion coefficient, relaxation time of the intermediate
      scattering function, and anion reorientational time were obtained as a function
      of temperature and densitiy rho. These dynamical properties of CKN scale as
      rho(gamma)/T with a common value gamma = 1.8 +/- 0.1. The scaling parameter gamma
      is consistent with the exponent of the repulsive part of an effective
      intermolecular potential for the repulsion between the atoms at shortest distance
      in the equilibrium structure of liquid CKN, Ca(2+), and oxygen atoms of NO(3)(-).
      Correlation between potential energy and virial is obeyed for the short-range
      terms of the potential function, but not for the whole potential including
      coulombic interactions. Decoupling of diffusion coefficient and reorientational
      relaxation time from relaxation time take place at a given rho(gamma)/T value,
      i.e., breakdown of Stokes-Einstein and Debye-Stokes-Einstein equations result
      from combined thermal and volume effects. The MD results agree with correlations
      proposed between long-time relaxation and short-time dynamics, lntau ? 1/<u(2)>,
      where the mean square displacement <u(2)> concerns a time window of 10.0 ps. It
      has been found that <u(2)> scales as rho(gamma)/T above and below the glass
      transition temperature, so that thermodynamic scaling of liquid dynamics can be
      thought as a consequence of theories relating short- and long-time dynamics, and
      the more fundamental scaling concerns short-time dynamical properties.

PMID- 22047254
TI  - X-ray Raman scattering provides evidence for interfacial acetonitrile-water
      dipole interactions in aqueous solutions.
AB  - Aqueous solutions of acetonitrile (MeCN) have been studied with oxygen K-edge x
      ray Raman scattering (XRS) which is found to be sensitive to the interaction
      between water and MeCN. The changes in the XRS spectra can be attributed to water
      directly interacting with MeCN and are reproduced by density functional theory
      calculations on small clusters of water and MeCN. The dominant structural
      arrangement features dipole interaction instead of H-bonds between the two
      species as revealed by the XRS spectra combined with spectrum calculations. Small
      angle x-ray scattering shows the largest heterogeneity for a MeCN to water ratio
      of 0.4 in agreement with earlier small-angle neutron scattering data.

PMID- 22047256
TI  - Dynamic mechanism of equivalent conductivity minimum of electrolyte solution.
AB  - The theory on electric conductivity of electrolyte solutions we have developed
      [T. Yamaguchi, T. Matsuoka, and S. Koda, J. Chem. Phys. 127, 064508 (2007)] is
      applied to a model electrolyte solution that shows a minimum of equivalent
      conductivity as the function of concentration [T. Yamaguchi, T. Akatsuka, and S.
      Koda, J. Chem. Phys. 134, 244506 (2011)]. The theory succeeds in reproducing the
      equivalent conductivity minimum, whereas the mode-coupling theory (MCT)
      underestimates the conductivity in the low-concentration regime. The theory can
      also reproduce the decrease in the relaxation time of conductivity with
      increasing the concentration we have demonstrated with a Brownian dynamics
      simulation. A detailed analysis shows that the relaxation of the conductivity
      occurs through two processes. The faster one corresponds to the collision between
      a cation and an anion, and the slower one does to the polarization of the ionic
      atmosphere. The increase in the equivalent conductivity with concentration is
      attributed to the decrease in the effect of the ionic atmosphere, which is in
      turn explained by the fact that the counter ion cannot penetrate into the
      repulsive core when the Debye screening length is compatible or smaller than the
      ionic diameter. The same mechanism is also observed in MCT calculation with
      static structure factor determined by mean-spherical approximation.

PMID- 22047257
TI  - A few simple rules governing hydrogenation of graphene dots.
AB  - We investigated binding of hydrogen atoms to small polycyclic aromatic
      hydrocarbons (PAHs)--i.e., graphene dots with hydrogen-terminated edges--using
      density functional theory and correlated wavefunction techniques. We considered a
      number of PAHs with three to seven hexagonal rings and computed binding energies
      for most of the symmetry unique sites, along with the minimum energy paths for
      significant cases. The chosen PAHs are small enough to not present radical
      character at their edges, yet show a clear preference for adsorption at the edge
      sites which can be attributed to electronic effects. We show how the results, as
      obtained at different levels of theory, can be rationalized in detail with the
      help of a few simple concepts derivable from a tight-binding model of the pi
      electrons.

PMID- 22047258
TI  - Charge transfer interactions of a Ru(II) dye complex and related ligand molecules
      adsorbed on Au(111).
AB  - The interaction of the dye molecule, N3 (cis-bis(isothiocyanato)bis(2,2(')
      bipyridyl-4,4(')-dicarboxylato)-ruthenium(II)), and related ligand molecules with
      a Au(111) surface has been studied using synchrotron radiation-based electron
      spectroscopy. Resonant photoemission spectroscopy (RPES) and autoionization of
      the adsorbed molecules have been used to probe the coupling between the molecules
      and the substrate. Evidence of charge transfer from the states near the Fermi
      level of the gold substrate into the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO)
      of the molecules is found in the monolayer RPES spectra of both isonicotinic acid
      and bi-isonicotinic acid (a ligand of N3), but not for the N3 molecule itself.
      Calibrated x-ray absorption spectroscopy and valence band spectra of the
      monolayers reveals that the LUMO crosses the Fermi level of the surface in all
      cases, showing that charge transfer is energetically possible both from and to
      the molecule. A core-hole clock analysis of the resonant photoemission reveals a
      charge transfer time of around 4 fs from the LUMO of the N3 dye molecule to the
      surface. The lack of charge transfer in the opposite direction is understood in
      terms of the lack of spatial overlap between the pi*-orbitals in the aromatic
      rings of the bi-isonicotinic acid ligands of N3 and the gold surface.

PMID- 22047259
TI  - Adsorption, diffusion, dewetting, and entrapment of acetone on Ni(111), surface
      modified silicon, and amorphous solid water studied by time-of-flight secondary
      ion mass spectrometry and temperature programmed desorption.
AB  - Interactions of acetone with the silicon surfaces terminated with hydrogen,
      hydroxyl, and perfluorocarbon are investigated; results are compared to those on
      amorphous solid water (ASW) to gain insights into the roles of hydrogen bonds in
      surface diffusion and hydration of acetone adspecies. The surface mobility of
      acetone occurs at ~60 K irrespective of the surface functional groups.
      Cooperative diffusion of adspecies results in a 2D liquid phase on the H- and
      perfluorocarbon-terminated surfaces, whereas cooperativity tends to be quenched
      via hydrogen bonding on the OH-terminated surface, thereby forming residues that
      diffuse slowly on the surface after evaporation of the physisorbed species (i.e.,
      2D liquid). The interaction of acetone adspecies on the non-porous ASW surface
      resembles that on the OH-terminated Si surface, but the acetone molecules tend to
      be hydrated on the porous ASW film, as evidenced by their desorption during the
      glass-liquid transition and crystallization of water. The roles of micropores in
      hydration of acetone molecules are discussed from comparison with the results
      using mesoporous Si substrates.

PMID- 22047260
TI  - Continuous-time photon-stimulated desorption spectroscopy studies on soft x-ray
      induced reactions of CF3Br adsorbed on Si(111)-7*7.
AB  - Continuous-time core-level photon-stimulated desorption (PSD) spectroscopy was
      used to study the soft x-ray-induced reactions of CF(3)Br molecules adsorbed on
      Si(111)-7*7 near the Si(2p) edge (98-110 eV). The monochromatic synchrotron
      radiation was employed as a soft x-ray light source in the photon-induced
      reactions and also as a probe for investigating the produced fluorination states
      of the bonding surface Si atom in the positive-ion PSD spectroscopy. Several
      different surface coverages were investigated. The PSD spectra from the low
      CF(3)Br-covered surfaces show the production of surface SiF species, while those
      from the high-CF(3)Br-covered surfaces depict the formation of surface SiF,
      SiF(2), and SiF(3) species. The photolysis cross section of the submonolayer
      CF(3)Br-covered surface is determined as ~4.3*10(-18) cm(2). A comparison with
      the results on CF(3)Cl/Si(111)-7*7 surface is discussed.

PMID- 22047261
TI  - Potential of mean force between identical charged nanoparticles immersed in a
      size-asymmetric monovalent electrolyte.
AB  - In a previous theoretical and simulation study [G. I. Guerrero-Garcia, E.
      Gonzalez-Tovar, and M. Olvera de la Cruz, Soft Matter 6, 2056 (2010)], it has
      been shown that an asymmetric charge neutralization and electrostatic screening
      depending on the charge polarity of a single nanoparticle occurs in the presence
      of a size-asymmetric monovalent electrolyte. This effect should also impact the
      effective potential between two macroions suspended in such a solution. Thus, in
      this work we study the mean force and the potential of mean force between two
      identical charged nanoparticles immersed in a size-asymmetric monovalent
      electrolyte, showing that these results go beyond the standard description
      provided by the well-known Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek theory. To include
      consistently the ion-size effects, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and liquid
      theory calculations are performed at the McMillan-Mayer level of description in
      which the solvent is taken into account implicitly as a background continuum with
      the suitable dielectric constant. Long-range electrostatic interactions are
      handled properly in the simulations via the well established Ewald sums method
      and the pre-averaged Ewald sums approach, originally proposed for homogeneous
      ionic fluids. An asymmetric behavior with respect to the colloidal charge
      polarity is found for the effective interactions between two identical
      nanoparticles. In particular, short-range attractions are observed between two
      equally charged nanoparticles, even though our model does not include specific
      interactions; these attractions are greatly enhanced for anionic nanoparticles
      immersed in standard electrolytes where cations are smaller than anions.
      Practical implications of some of the presented results are also briefly
      discussed. A good accord between the standard Ewald method and the pre-averaged
      Ewald approach is attained, despite the fact that the ionic system studied here
      is certainly inhomogeneous. In general, good agreement between the liquid theory
      approach and MD simulations is also found.

PMID- 22047262
TI  - Electronic level alignment at a metal-molecule interface from a short-range
      hybrid functional.
AB  - Hybrid functionals often exhibit a marked improvement over semi-local functionals
      in the description of the electronic structure of organic materials. Because
      short-range hybrid functionals, notably the Heyd-Scuseria-Ernzerhof (HSE)
      functional, can also describe the electronic structure of metals reasonably well,
      it is interesting to examine to which extent they can correctly describe the
      electronic structure at metal-organic interfaces. Here, we address this question
      by comparing HSE calculations with many-body perturbation theory calculations in
      the GW approximation, or with experimental photoemission data, for two
      prototypical systems: benzene on graphite and benzene diamine on gold. For both
      cases, we find that while HSE yields results that are somewhat closer to
      experiment than those of semi-local functionals, the HSE prediction is still
      lacking quantitatively by ~1 eV. We show that this quantitative failure arises
      because HSE does not correctly capture the fundamental gap of the organic or its
      renormalization by the metal. These discrepancies are traced back to missing long
      range exchange and correlation components, an explanation which applies to any
      conventional or short-range hybrid functional.

PMID- 22047263
TI  - Flow-induced control of chemical turbulence.
AB  - We report spatiotemporal chaos in the Oregonator model of the Belousov
      Zhabotinsky reaction. Spatiotemporal chaos spontaneously develops in a regime,
      where the underlying local dynamics show stable limit cycle oscillations
      (diffusion-induced turbulence). We show that spatiotemporal chaos can be
      suppressed by a unidirectional flow in the system. With increasing flow velocity,
      we observe a transition scenario from spatiotemporal chaos via a regime of
      travelling waves to a stationary steady state. At large flow velocities, we
      recover the known regime of flow distributed oscillations.

PMID- 22047264
TI  - Limit of validity of Ostwald's rule of stages in a statistical mechanical model
      of crystallization.
AB  - We have only rules of thumb with which to predict how a material will
      crystallize, chief among which is Ostwald's rule of stages. It states that the
      first phase to appear upon transformation of a parent phase is the one closest to
      it in free energy. Although sometimes upheld, the rule is without theoretical
      foundation and is not universally obeyed, highlighting the need for microscopic
      understanding of crystallization controls. Here we study in detail the
      crystallization pathways of a prototypical model of patchy particles. The range
      of crystallization pathways it exhibits is richer than can be predicted by
      Ostwald's rule, but a combination of simulation and analytic theory reveals
      clearly how these pathways are selected by microscopic parameters. Our results
      suggest strategies for controlling self-assembly pathways in simulation and
      experiment.

PMID- 22047265
TI  - Computer simulation of bottle-brush polymers with flexible backbone: good solvent
      versus theta solvent conditions.
AB  - By molecular dynamics simulation of a coarse-grained bead-spring-type model for a
      cylindrical molecular brush with a backbone chain of N(b) effective monomers to
      which with grafting density sigma side chains with N effective monomers are
      tethered, several characteristic length scales are studied for variable solvent
      quality. Side chain lengths are in the range 5 <= N <= 40, backbone chain lengths
      are in the range 50 <= N(b) <= 200, and we perform a comparison to results for
      the bond fluctuation model on the simple cubic lattice (for which much longer
      chains are accessible, N(b) <= 1027, and which corresponds to an athermal, very
      good, solvent). We obtain linear dimensions of the side chains and the backbone
      chain and discuss their N-dependence in terms of power laws and the associated
      effective exponents. We show that even at the theta point the side chains are
      considerably stretched, their linear dimension depending on the solvent quality
      only weakly. Effective persistence lengths are extracted both from the
      orientational correlations and from the backbone end-to-end distance; it is shown
      that different measures of the persistence length (which would all agree for
      Gaussian chains) are not mutually consistent with each other and depend
      distinctly both on N(b) and the solvent quality. A brief discussion of pertinent
      experiments is given.

PMID- 22047266
TI  - Cross-streamline migration of a semiflexible polymer in a pressure driven flow.
AB  - Experiments and simulations on single alpha-actin filaments in the Poiseuille
      flow through a microchannel show that the center-of-mass probability density
      across the channel assumes a bimodal shape as a result of pronounced cross
      streamline migration. We reexamine the problem and perform Brownian dynamics
      simulations for a bead-spring chain with bending elasticity. Hydrodynamic
      interactions between the pointlike beads are taken into account by the two-wall
      Green tensor of the Stokes equations. Our simulations reproduce the bimodal
      distribution only when hydrodynamic interactions are taken into account.
      Numerical results on the orientational order of the end-to-end vector of the
      model polymer are also presented together with analytical hard-needle expressions
      at zero flow velocity. We derive a Smoluchowski equation for the center-of-mass
      distribution and carefully analyze the different contributions to the probability
      current that causes the bimodal distribution. As for flexible polymers,
      hydrodynamic repulsion explains the depletion at the wall. However, in contrast
      to flexible polymers, the deterministic drift current mainly determines migration
      away from the centerline and thereby depletion at the center. Diffusional
      currents due to a position-dependent diffusivity become less important with
      increasing polymer stiffness.

PMID- 22047267
TI  - Moment estimation for chemically reacting systems by extended Kalman filtering.
AB  - In stochastic models of chemically reacting systems that contain bimolecular
      reactions, the dynamics of the moments of order up to n of the species
      populations do not form a closed system, in the sense that their time-derivatives
      depend on moments of order n + 1. To close the dynamics, the moments of order n +
      1 are generally approximated by nonlinear functions of the lower order moments.
      If the molecule counts of some of the species have a high probability of becoming
      zero, such approximations may lead to imprecise results and stochastic simulation
      is the only viable alternative for system analysis. Stochastic simulation can
      produce exact realizations of chemically reacting systems, but tends to become
      computationally expensive, especially for stiff systems that involve reactions at
      different time scales. Further, in some systems, important stochastic events can
      be very rare and many simulations are necessary to obtain accurate estimates. The
      computational cost of stochastic simulation can then be prohibitively large. In
      this paper, we propose a novel method for estimating the moments of chemically
      reacting systems. The method is based on closing the moment dynamics by replacing
      the moments of order n + 1 by estimates calculated from a small number of
      stochastic simulation runs. The resulting stochastic system is then used in an
      extended Kalman filter, where estimates of the moments of order up to n, obtained
      from the same simulation, serve as outputs of the system. While the initial
      motivation for the method was improving over the performance of stochastic
      simulation and moment closure methods, we also demonstrate that it can be used in
      an experimental setting to estimate moments of species that cannot be measured
      directly from time course measurements of the moments of other species.

PMID- 22047268
TI  - Determining the DNA stability parameters for the breathing dynamics of
      heterogeneous DNA by stochastic optimization.
AB  - We suggest that the thermodynamic stability parameters (nearest neighbor stacking
      and hydrogen bonding free energies) of double-stranded DNA molecules can be
      inferred reliably from time series of the size fluctuations (breathing) of local
      denaturation zones (bubbles). On the basis of the reconstructed bubble size
      distribution, this is achieved through stochastic optimization of the free
      energies in terms of simulated annealing. In particular, it is shown that even
      noisy time series allow the identification of the stability parameters at
      remarkable accuracy. This method will be useful to obtain the DNA stacking and
      hydrogen bonding free energies from single bubble breathing assays rather than
      equilibrium data.

PMID- 22047269
TI  - A coarse-grain three-site-per-nucleotide model for DNA with explicit ions.
AB  - The "three sites per nucleotide" (3SPN) model provides a coarse-grained
      representation of nucleic acids for simulation of molecular processes.
      Previously, this model has relied on an implicit representation of the
      surrounding ionic environment at the level of Debye-Huckel theory. In this work,
      we eliminate this limitation and present an explicit representation of ions, both
      monovalent and divalent. The coarse-grain ion-ion and ion-phosphate potential
      energy functions are inferred from all-atom simulations and parameterized to
      reproduce key features of the local structure and organization of ions in bulk
      water and in the presence of DNA. The resulting model, 3SPN.1-I, is capable of
      reproducing the local structure observed in detailed atomistic simulations, as
      well as the experimental melting temperature of DNA for a range of DNA
      oligonucleotide lengths, CG-content, Na(+) concentration, and Mg(2+)
      concentration.

PMID- 22047270
TI  - Comment on "Reactive force fields for surface chemical reactions: a case study
      with hydrogen dissociation on Pd surfaces" [J. Chem. Phys. 132, 014704 (2010)].
AB  - In a recent paper [Y. Xiao, W. Dong, and H. F. Busnengo, J. Chem. Phys. 132,
      014704 (2010)], two of us (Y.X. and W.D.) and H. F. Busnengo reported the
      parameterization of some reactive force fields (RFF) for describing the
      dissociative adsorption of H2 on Pd surfaces. They obtained a sufficiently
      accurate RFF by using the reactive bond order (REBO) formalism of Brenner and
      showed that the simpler RFF based on the second moment approximation (SMA) failed
      in giving reliable results. It was concluded that the failure is due to the
      oversimplified expressions of RFF based on SMA and hence the lack of necessary
      flexibility. The results of our more recent investigation show that this
      conclusion needs to be corrected. A more suitable choice of the parameterization
      conditions allows, in fact, for obtaining a reliable RFF from SMA also.

PMID- 22047271
TI  - Comment on "Study of dielectric relaxations of anhydrous trehalose and maltose
      glasses" [J. Chem. Phys. 134, 014508 (2011)].
AB  - Very recently Kwon et al. [H.-J. Kwon, J.-A. Seo, H. K. Kim, and Y. H. Hwang, J.
      Chem. Phys. 134, 014508 (2011)] published an article on the study of dielectric
      relaxation in trehalose and maltose glasses. They carried out broadband
      dielectric measurements at very wide range of temperatures covering supercooled
      liquid as well as glassy state of both saccharides. It is worth to mention that
      authors have also applied a new method for obtaining anhydrous glasses of
      trehalose and maltose that enables avoiding their caramelization. Four relaxation
      processes were identified in dielectric spectra of both saccharides. The slower
      one was identified as structural relaxation process the next one, not observed by
      the others, was assigned as Johari-Goldstein (JG) beta-relaxation, while the last
      two secondary modes were of the same nature as found by Kaminski et al. [K.
      Kaminski, E. Kaminska, P. Wlodarczyk, S. Pawlus, D. Kimla, A. Kasprzycka, M.
      Paluch, J. Ziolo, W. Szeja, and K. L. Ngai, J. Phys. Chem. B 112, 12816 (2008)].
      In this comment we show that the authors mistakenly assigned the slowest
      relaxation process as structural mode of disaccharides. We have proven that this
      relaxation process is an effect of formation of thin layer of air or water
      between plate of capacitor and sample. The same effect can be observed if plates
      of capacitor are oxidized. Thus, we concluded that their slowest mode is
      connected to the dc conduction process while their beta JG process is primary
      relaxation of trehalose and maltose.

PMID- 22047273
TI  - Invited review article: Interferometric gravity wave detectors.
AB  - A direct detection of gravitational waves is still lacking today. A network of
      several earthbound interferometric detectors is currently operating with a
      continuously improving sensitivity. The window of interest for observation has a
      lower cut off in the frequency domain below some tens of hertz, determined by the
      effect of seismic motion. For larger frequencies, the sensitivity is limited by
      thermal effects below few hundreds of hertz and by the quantum nature of light
      above that value. Each of these sources of noise pose a big technological
      challenge to experimentalists, and there are big expectations for the next
      generation of detectors. A reduction of thermal effects by at least one order of
      magnitude will be obtained with new and carefully designed materials. At that
      point the quantum nature of light will become an issue, and the use of quantum
      non-demolition techniques will become mandatory. In this review, we discuss
      interferometric detection of gravitational waves from an instrumental point of
      view. We try to address conceptually important issues with an audience of non
      experts in mind. A particular emphasis is given to the description of the current
      limitations and to the perspectives of beating them.

PMID- 22047274
TI  - A sample holder for soft x-ray absorption spectroscopy of liquids in transmission
      mode.
AB  - A novel sample holder for soft x-ray absorption spectroscopy of liquids in
      transmission mode based on sample cells with x-ray transparent silicon nitride
      membranes is introduced. The sample holder allows for a reliable preparation of
      ultrathin liquid films with an adjustable thickness in the nm-MUm range. This
      enables measurements of high quality x-ray absorption spectra of liquids in
      transmission mode, as will be shown for the example of liquid H(2)O, aqueous
      solutions of 3d-transition metal ions and alcohol-water mixtures. The fine
      structure of the x-ray absorption spectra is not affected by the sample
      thickness. No effects of the silicon nitride membranes were observed in the
      spectra. It is shown how an inhomogeneous thickness of the sample affects the
      spectra and how this can be avoided.

PMID- 22047275
TI  - A portable fluorescence detector for fast ultra trace detection of explosive
      vapors.
AB  - This paper developed a portable detector based on a specific material-based
      fluorescent sensing film for an ultra trace detection of explosives, such as
      2,4,6-trinitrotoluene (TNT) or its derivate 2,4-dinitrotoluene (DNT), in ambient
      air or on objects tainted by explosives. The fluorescent sensing films are based
      on single-layer chemistry and the signal amplification effect of conjugated
      polymers, which exhibited higher sensitivity and shorter response time to TNT or
      DNT at their vapor pressures. Due to application of the light emitting diode and
      the solid state photomultiplier and the cross-correlation-based circuit design
      technology, the device has the advantages of low-power, low-cost, small size, and
      an improved signal to noise ratio. The results of the experiments showed that the
      detector can real-time detect and identify of explosive vapors at extremely low
      levels; it is suitable for the identification of suspect luggage, forensic
      analyses, or battlefields clearing.

PMID- 22047276
TI  - Field-programmable gate array based locking circuit for external cavity diode
      laser frequency stabilization.
AB  - We present a locking circuit for external cavity diode lasers implemented on a
      field-programmable gate array (FPGA). The main advantages over traditional non
      FPGA-based locking circuits are rapid reconfigurability without any soldering and
      a friendly user interface. We characterize the lock quality by measuring the
      linewidth of a locked laser using electromagnetically induced transparency in a
      Rb vapor cell.

PMID- 22047277
TI  - Fully automated spatially resolved reflectance spectrometer for the determination
      of the absorption and scattering in turbid media.
AB  - We describe a fully automated setup which is based on measurements of the
      spatially resolved reflectance for the determination of the reduced scattering
      and absorption coefficients in semi-infinite turbid media. The sample is
      illuminated with a xenon light source in combination with a monochromator
      enabling the scan of the wavelength from 450 nm to 950 nm. Reflected light from
      the sample is detected with a CCD camera providing a high spatial resolution. The
      essential steps for signal processing including, e.g., the consideration of the
      optical transfer function and the correct treatment of the background
      subtraction, are presented. The solutions of the diffusion theory and of the
      radiative transfer theory are investigated regarding the exact detection and
      illumination geometry. Systematic errors caused by using the different theories
      for fitting the optical parameters are characterized. The system was validated
      using liquid phantoms which contain Intralipid 20% and ink, and the measurement
      range of the system is specified. Further, we carefully characterized the optical
      properties of Intralipid 20% in the wavelength range between 450 nm and 950 nm.

PMID- 22047278
TI  - A magnetic-bottle multi-electron-ion coincidence spectrometer.
AB  - A novel multi-electron-ion coincidence spectrometer developed on the basis of a
      1.5 m-long magnetic-bottle electron spectrometer is presented. Electrons are
      guided by an inhomogeneous magnetic field to a detector at the end of the flight
      tube, while a set of optics is used to extract counterpart ions to the same
      detector, by a pulsed inhomogeneous electric field. This setup allows ion
      detection with high mass resolution, without impairing the high collection
      efficiency for electrons. The performance of the coincidence spectrometer was
      tested with double ionization of carbon disulfide, CS(2) -> CS(2)(2+) + e(-) + e(
      ), in ultrashort intense laser fields (2.8 * 10(13) W/cm(2), 280 fs, 1030 nm) to
      clarify the electron correlation below the rescattering threshold.

PMID- 22047279
TI  - Characterization of near-terahertz complementary metal-oxide semiconductor
      circuits using a Fourier-transform interferometer.
AB  - Optical methods for measuring of the emission spectra of oscillator circuits
      operating in the 400-600 GHz range are described. The emitted power from patch
      antennas included in the circuits is measured by placing the circuit in the
      source chamber of a Fourier-transform interferometric spectrometer. The results
      show that this optical technique is useful for measuring circuits pushing the
      frontier in operating frequency. The technique also allows the characterization
      of the circuit by measuring the power radiated in the fundamental and in the
      harmonics. This capability is useful for oscillator architectures designed to
      cancel the fundamental and use higher harmonics. The radiated power was measured
      using two techniques: direct measurement of the power by placing the device in
      front of a bolometer of known responsivity, and by comparison to the estimated
      power from blackbody sources. The latter technique showed that these circuits
      have higher emission than blackbody sources at the operating frequencies, and,
      therefore, offer potential spectroscopy applications.

PMID- 22047280
TI  - Simultaneous time and wavelength resolved spectroscopy under two-colour near
      infrared and terahertz excitation.
AB  - Time and wavelength resolved spectroscopy requires optical sources emitting very
      short pulses and a fast detection mechanism capable of measuring the evolution of
      the output spectrum as a function of time. We use table-top Ti:sapphire lasers
      and a free-electron laser (FEL) emitting ps pulses as excitation sources and a
      streak camera coupled to a spectrometer for detection. One of the major aspects
      of this setup is the synchronization of pulses from the two lasers which we
      describe in detail. Optical properties of the FEL pulses are studied by
      autocorrelation and electro-optic sampling measurements. We discuss the
      advantages of using this setup to perform photoluminescence quenching in
      semiconductor quantum wells and quantum dots. Carrier redistribution due to
      pulsed excitation in these heterostructures can be investigated directly.
      Sideband generation in quantum wells is also studied where the intense FEL pulses
      facilitate the detection of the otherwise weak nonlinear effect.

PMID- 22047281
TI  - A line-imaging velocity interferometer technique for shock diagnostics without x
      ray preheat limitation.
AB  - A study was conducted with a line-imaging velocity interferometer on sandwich
      targets at the Shen Guang-III prototype laser facility in China, with the goal of
      eliminating the preheat effect. A sandwich target structure was used to reduce
      the x-ray preheat limitation (radiation temperature ~170 eV) in a radiative drive
      shock experiment. With a thick ablator, the preheat effect appeared before the
      shock arrived at the window. After adding a shield layer of high-Z material on
      the ablator, x-rays which penetrated the ablator were so weak that the blank-out
      effect could not be measured. This experiment indicates that the sandwich target
      may provide a valuable technique in experiments such as equation of state and
      shock timing for inertial confinement fusion studies.

PMID- 22047282
TI  - Research on the fiber Bragg grating sensor for the shock stress measurement.
AB  - A fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensor with an unbalanced Mach-Zehnder fiber
      interferometer for the shock stress measurement is proposed and demonstrated. An
      analysis relationship between the shock stress and the central reflection
      wavelength shift of the FBG is firstly derived. In this sensor, the optical path
      difference of the unbalanced Mach-Zehnder fiber interferometer is ~3.1 mm and the
      length of the FBG is 2 mm. An arctangent function reduction method, which can
      avoid sine function's insensitive zone where the shock stress measurement has a
      reduced accuracy, is presented. A shock stress measurement of water driven by one
      stage gun (up to 1.4 GPa), with good theoretical accuracy (~10%), is launched.

PMID- 22047283
TI  - Laser-locked, continuously tunable high resolution cavity ring-down spectrometer.
AB  - A continuous-wave cavity ring-down spectrometer with sub-MHz precision has been
      built using the sideband of a frequency stabilized laser as the tunable light
      source. The sideband is produced by passing the carrier laser beam through an
      electro-optic modulator (EOM) and then selected by a short etalon on resonance.
      The carrier laser frequency is locked to a longitude mode of a thermo-stabilized
      Fabry-Perot interferometer (FPI) with a long-term absolute frequency stability of
      0.2 MHz (5 * 10(-10)). Broad and precise spectral scanning is accomplished,
      respectively, by selecting a different longitudinal mode of the FPI and by tuning
      the radio-frequency driving the EOM. The air broadened water absorption line at
      12,321 cm(-1) was studied to test the performance of the spectrometer.

PMID- 22047284
TI  - Combined optical and acoustical method for determination of thickness and
      porosity of transparent organic layers below the ultra-thin film limit.
AB  - Analysis techniques are needed to determine the quantity and structure of
      materials composing an organic layer that is below an ultra-thin film limit and
      in a liquid environment. Neither optical nor acoustical techniques can
      independently distinguish between thickness and porosity of ultra-thin films due
      to parameter correlation. A combined optical and acoustical approach yields
      sufficient information to determine both thickness and porosity. We describe
      application of the combinatorial approach to measure single or multiple organic
      layers when the total layer thickness is small compared to the wavelength of the
      probing light. The instrumental setup allows for simultaneous in situ
      spectroscopic ellipsometry and quartz crystal microbalance dynamic measurements,
      and it is combined with a multiple-inlet fluid control system for different
      liquid solutions to be introduced during experiments. A virtual separation
      approach is implemented into our analysis scheme, differentiated by whether or
      not the organic adsorbate and liquid ambient densities are equal. The analysis
      scheme requires that the film be assumed transparent and rigid (non
      viscoelastic). We present and discuss applications of our approach to studies of
      organic surfactant adsorption, self-assembled monolayer chemisorption, and
      multiple-layer target DNA sensor preparation and performance testing.

PMID- 22047285
TI  - Detection of atomic and molecular mega-electron-volt projectiles using an x-ray
      charged coupled device camera.
AB  - We show that an x-ray charge coupled device (CCD) may be used as a particle
      detector for atomic and molecular mega-electron-volt (MeV) projectiles of around
      a few hundred keV per atomic mass unit. For atomic species, spectroscopic
      properties in kinetic energy measurements (i.e., linearity and energy resolution)
      are found to be close to those currently obtained with implanted or surface
      barrier silicon particle detectors. For molecular species, in order to increase
      the maximum kinetic energy detection limit, we propose to put a thin foil in
      front of the CCD. This foil breaks up the molecules into atoms and spreads the
      charges over many CCD pixels and therefore avoiding saturation effects. This
      opens new perspectives in high velocity molecular dissociation studies with
      accelerator facilities.

PMID- 22047286
TI  - Efficient spin resolved spectroscopy observation machine at Hiroshima Synchrotron
      Radiation Center.
AB  - Highly efficient spin- and angle-resolved photoelectron spectrometer named
      ESPRESSO (Efficient SPin REsolved SpectroScopy Observation) machine has been
      developed at the beamline BL-9B in Hiroshima Synchrotron Radiation Center.
      Combination of high-resolution hemispherical electron analyzer and the high
      efficient spin detector based on very low energy electron diffraction by the
      ferromagnetic target makes the high-energy resolution and angular resolution
      compatible with spin- and angle-resolved photoemission (SARPES) measurement. 7.5
      meV in energy and +/-0.18 degrees  in angular resolution have been achieved with
      spin resolution. The ESPRESSO machine, combination of quick energy-band
      dispersion measurement and Fermi surface mapping by two-dimensional electron
      detector for the spin integrated ARPES and the high-efficient spin analysis by
      the efficient spin detector realizes the comprehensive investigation of spin
      electronic structure of materials.

PMID- 22047287
TI  - The response of CR-39 nuclear track detector to 1-9 MeV protons.
AB  - The response of CR-39 nuclear track detector (TasTrak((r))) to protons in the
      energy range of 0.92-9.28 MeV has been studied. Previous studies of the CR-39
      response to protons have been extended by examining the piece-to-piece
      variability in addition to the effects of etch time and etchant temperature; it
      is shown that the shape of the CR-39 response curve to protons can vary from
      piece-to-piece. Effects due to the age of CR-39 have also been studied using 5.5
      MeV alpha particles over a 5-year period. Track diameters were found to degrade
      with the age of the CR-39 itself rather than the age of the tracks, consistent
      with previous studies utilizing different CR-39 over shorter time periods.

PMID- 22047288
TI  - Edge and core Thomson scattering systems and their calibration on the ASDEX
      Upgrade tokamak.
AB  - A new 10 channel Thomson scattering (TS) system was installed on the ASDEX
      Upgrade tokamak to measure radial profiles of electron density and temperature at
      the plasma edge with high radial resolution. Together with the already existing
      TS system, which is now used for the core plasma, electron density and
      temperature profiles extending from the edge to the core are now obtained in a
      single discharge. The TS systems are relatively calibrated by an optical
      parametric oscillator.

PMID- 22047289
TI  - Techniques for the measurement of disruption halo currents in the National
      Spherical Torus Experiment.
AB  - This paper describes techniques for measuring halo currents, and their associated
      toroidal peaking, in the National Spherical Torus Experiments [M. Ono et al.,
      Nucl. Fusion 40, 557 (2000)]. The measurements are based on three techniques: (1)
      measurement of the toroidal field created by the poloidal halo current, either
      with segmented Rogowski coils or discrete toroidal field sensors, (2) the direct
      measurement of halo currents into specially instrument tiles, and (3) small
      Rogowski coils placed on the mechanical supports of in-vessel components. For the
      segmented Rogowski coils and discrete toroidal field detectors, it is shown that
      the toroidal peaking factor inferred from the data is significantly less than the
      peaking factor of the underlying halo current distribution, and a simple model is
      developed to relate the two. For the array of discrete toroidal field detectors
      and small Rogowski sensors, the compensation steps that are used to isolate the
      halo current signal are described. The electrical and mechanical design of
      compact under-tile resistive shunts and mini-Rogowski coils is described. Example
      data from the various systems are shown.

PMID- 22047290
TI  - Development of a compact permanent magnet helicon plasma source for ion beam
      bioengineering.
AB  - A compact helicon plasma source was developed as a millimeter-sized ion source
      for ion beam bioengineering. By employing a stacked arrangement of annular-shaped
      permanent magnets, a uniform axial magnetic flux density up to 2.8 kG was
      obtained. A cost effective 118 MHz RF generator was built for adjusting forward
      output power from 0 to 40 W. The load impedance and matching network were then
      analyzed. A single loop antenna and circuit matching elements were placed on a
      compact printed circuit board for 50 Omega impedance matching. A plasma density
      up to 1.1 * 10(12) cm(-3) in the 10 mm diameter tube under the magnetic flux
      density was achieved with 35 W applied RF power.

PMID- 22047291
TI  - Deconvolution of Stark broadened spectra for multi-point density measurements in
      a flow Z-pinch.
AB  - Stark broadened emission spectra, once separated from other broadening effects,
      provide a convenient non-perturbing means of making plasma density measurements.
      A deconvolution technique has been developed to measure plasma densities in the
      ZaP flow Z-pinch experiment. The ZaP experiment uses sheared flow to mitigate MHD
      instabilities. The pinches exhibit Stark broadened emission spectra, which are
      captured at 20 locations using a multi-chord spectroscopic system. Spectra that
      are time- and chord-integrated are well approximated by a Voigt function. The
      proposed method simultaneously resolves plasma electron density and ion
      temperature by deconvolving the spectral Voigt profile into constituent
      functions: a Gaussian function associated with instrument effects and Doppler
      broadening by temperature; and a Lorentzian function associated with Stark
      broadening by electron density. The method uses analytic Fourier transforms of
      the constituent functions to fit the Voigt profile in the Fourier domain. The
      method is discussed and compared to a basic least-squares fit. The Fourier
      transform fitting routine requires fewer fitting parameters and shows promise in
      being less susceptible to instrumental noise and to contamination from
      neighboring spectral lines. The method is evaluated and tested using simulated
      lines and is applied to experimental data for the 229.69 nm C III line from
      multiple chords to determine plasma density and temperature across the diameter
      of the pinch. These measurements are used to gain a better understanding of Z
      pinch equilibria.

PMID- 22047292
TI  - Design and use of an Elsasser probe for analysis of Alfven wave fields according
      to wave direction.
AB  - We have designed an electric and magnetic field probe which simultaneously
      measure both quantities in the directions perpendicular to the background
      magnetic field for application to Alfven wave experiments in the Large Plasma
      Device at UCLA. This new probe allows for the projection of measured wave fields
      onto generalized Elsasser variables. Experiments were conducted in a singly
      ionized He plasma at 1850 G in which propagation of Alfven waves was observed
      using this new probe. We demonstrate that a clear separation of transmitted and
      reflected signals and determination of Poynting flux and Elsasser variables can
      be achieved.

PMID- 22047293
TI  - Application of an impedance matching transformer to a plasma focus.
AB  - A plasma focus was constructed using an impedance matching transformer to improve
      power transfer between the pulse power and the dynamic plasma load. The system
      relied on two switches and twelve transformer cores to produce a 100 kA pulse in
      short circuit on the secondary at 27 kV on the primary with 110 J stored. With
      the two transformer systems in parallel, the Thevenin equivalent circuit
      parameters on the secondary side of the driver are: C = 10.9 MUF, V(0) = 4.5 kV,
      L = 17 nH, and R = 5 mOmega. An equivalent direct drive circuit would require a
      large number of switches in parallel, to achieve the same Thevenin equivalent.
      The benefits of this approach are replacement of consumable switches with non
      consumable transformer cores, reduction of the driver inductance and resistance
      as viewed by the dynamic load, and reduction of the stored energy to produce a
      given peak current. The system is designed to operate at 100 Hz, so minimizing
      the stored energy results in less load on the thermal management system. When
      operated at 1 Hz, the neutron yield from the transformer matched plasma focus was
      similar to the neutron yield from a conventional (directly driven) plasma focus
      at the same peak current.

PMID- 22047294
TI  - Detection efficiency vs. cathode and anode separation in cylindrical vacuum
      photodiodes used for measuring x-rays from plasma focus device.
AB  - A qualitative study on the performance of cylindrical vacuum photodiodes (VPDs)
      for x-ray detection in plasma focus device has been carried out. Various
      parameters of VPD such as electrode's diameter, electrode's separation, and its
      sensitivity are experimentally tested in plasma focus environment. For the first
      time it is found experimentally that the electrode-separation in the lateral
      direction of the two coaxial electrodes of cylindrical VPD also plays an
      important role to increase the efficiency of the detector. The efficiency is
      found to be highest for the detector with smaller cathode-anode lateral gap (1.5
      mm) with smaller photo cathode diameter (10 mm). A comparison between our VPD
      with PIN (BPX-65) diode as an x-ray detector has also been made.

PMID- 22047295
TI  - Time-frequency analysis for microwave reflectometry data processing in the HL-2A
      tokamak.
AB  - The Choi-Williams distribution (CWD) technique is introduced as a time-frequency
      tool for processing data measured from the new developed homodyne and the fixed
      frequency reflectometry in the HL-2A tokamak. The comparison between spectrogram
      and CWD for the simulated signal is presented. It indicates that the CWD can
      greatly improve the representation of the time-frequency content of the multi
      components signal. Its effectiveness is demonstrated through two applications in
      HL-2A, which are the extraction of beat frequencies from the frequency modulated
      continuous wave reflectometry (FM-CW) and the characterizing of the fluctuations.
      The density profile inversed from the group delay of the FM-CW and the density
      fluctuations deduced from the fixed-frequency reflectometry would be more
      reliable and accurate by using the CWD technique.

PMID- 22047296
TI  - Properties of a capillary discharge-produced argon plasma waveguide for shorter
      wavelength source application.
AB  - We report the operation of a discharge-produced argon (Ar) plasma waveguide in an
      alumina (Al(2)O(3)) capillary to guide a 10(16)-W/cm(2) ultrashort laser pulse
      for shorter wavelength light sources at high repetition rate operation. The
      electron density in the plasma channel was measured to be 1 * 10(18) cm(-3).
      Modeling with a one-dimensional magnetrohydrodynamic code was used to evaluate
      the degree of ionization of Ar in the preformed plasma channel. The observed
      spectrum of the laser pulse after propagation in the argon plasma waveguide was
      not modified and was well reproduced by a particle in cell simulation.

PMID- 22047297
TI  - Field programmable gate array based reconfigurable scanning probe/optical
      microscope.
AB  - The increasing popularity of nanometrology and nanospectroscopy has pushed
      researchers to develop complex new analytical systems. This paper describes the
      development of a platform on which to build a microscopy tool that will allow for
      flexibility of customization to suit research needs. The novelty of the described
      system lies in its versatility of capabilities. So far, one version of this
      microscope has allowed for successful near-field and far-field fluorescence
      imaging with single molecule detection sensitivity. This system is easily adapted
      for reflection, polarization (Kerr magneto-optical (MO)), Raman, super-resolution
      techniques, and other novel scanning probe imaging and spectroscopic designs.
      While collecting a variety of forms of optical images, the system can
      simultaneously monitor topographic information of a sample with an integrated
      tuning fork based shear force system. The instrument has the ability to image at
      room temperature and atmospheric pressure or under liquid. The core of the design
      is a field programmable gate array (FPGA) data acquisition card and a single, low
      cost computer to control the microscope with analog control circuitry using off
      the-shelf available components. A detailed description of electronics, mechanical
      requirements, and software algorithms as well as examples of some different forms
      of the microscope developed so far are discussed.

PMID- 22047298
TI  - A compact sub-Kelvin ultrahigh vacuum scanning tunneling microscope with high
      energy resolution and high stability.
AB  - We designed a scanning tunneling microscope working at sub-Kelvin temperatures in
      ultrahigh vacuum (UHV) in order to study the magnetic properties on the
      nanoscale. An entirely homebuilt three-stage cryostat is used to cool down the
      microscope head. The first stage is cooled with liquid nitrogen, the second stage
      with liquid (4)He. The third stage uses a closed-cycle Joule-Thomson refrigerator
      of a cooling power of 1 mW. A base temperature of 930 mK at the microscope head
      was achieved using expansion of (4)He, which can be reduced to ~400 mK when using
      (3)He. The cryostat has a low liquid helium consumption of only 38 ml/h and
      standing times of up to 280 h. The fast cooling down of the samples (3 h)
      guarantees high sample throughput. Test experiments with a superconducting tip
      show a high energy resolution of 0.3 meV when performing scanning tunneling
      spectroscopy. The vertical stability of the tunnel junction is well below 1 pm
      (peak to peak) and the electric noise floor of tunneling current is about
      6fA/?Hz. Atomic resolution with a tunneling current of 1 pA and 1 mV was achieved
      on Au(111). The lateral drift of the microscope at stable temperature is below 20
      pm/h. A superconducting spilt-coil magnet allows to apply an out-of-plane
      magnetic field of up to 3 T at the sample surface. The flux vortices of a Nb(110)
      sample were clearly resolved in a map of differential conductance at 1.1 K and a
      magnetic field of 0.21 T. The setup is designed for in situ preparation of tip
      and samples under UHV condition.

PMID- 22047299
TI  - Vector potential photoelectron microscopy.
AB  - A new class of electron microscope has been developed for the chemical
      microanalysis of a wide range of real world samples using photoelectron
      spectroscopy. Highly structured, three-dimensional samples, such as fiber mats
      and fracture surfaces can be imaged, as well as insulators and magnetic
      materials. The new microscope uses the vector potential field from a solenoid
      magnet as a spatial reference for imaging. A prototype instrument has
      demonstrated imaging of uncoated silk, magnetic steel wool, and micron-sized
      single strand tungsten wires.

PMID- 22047300
TI  - Measurement sensitivity improvement in tapping-mode atomic force microscopy
      through bi-harmonic drive signal.
AB  - This article presents a novel method to improve the measurement sensitivity and
      reduce impact forces in tapping-mode atomic force microscopy by reshaping the tip
      trajectory. A tapping drive signal composed of two harmonics is used to generate
      an oscillating trajectory with a broader valley compared to the typical
      sinusoidal trajectory. The wide broad valley reduces the velocity of the tip in
      the vicinity of the sample and allots a greater portion of each period in the
      vicinity of the sample. Numerical simulations show that this results in decreased
      impact force and increased sensitivity of the cantilever oscillation to changes
      in tip-sample offset. Experimental results demonstrate an increase in image
      sharpness and decrease in tip wear using the bi-harmonic driving signal.

PMID- 22047301
TI  - A simple approach to neutral atom microscopy.
AB  - Scanning surfaces using a beam of noncharged atoms or molecules allows for
      especially nondestructive and low-energy surface imaging, with the potential to
      obtain new information about surfaces that cannot be easily obtained otherwise.
      We have developed a new approach, operating with the sample at a close working
      distance from an aperture, the need for optics to focus the beam is obviated.
      Compared to more complex approaches, the theoretical performance has no other
      disadvantage than the short working distance. Resolution of 1.5 MUm has been
      achieved, and submicron resolution appears to be practical. Construction of the
      microscope and results are presented, including first images done in reflection
      mode, theory for optimization of the design and avenues for future improvement.

PMID- 22047302
TI  - Calibration method of tilt and azimuth angles for alignment of TEM tomographic
      tilt series.
AB  - This paper describes the calibration method of the tilt and azimuth angles of
      specimen using a digital protractor and a laser autocollimator for alignment of
      electron tomography. It also suggests an easy method to check whether the
      specimen is tilted by 180.0 degrees , and whether the azimuth angle is 0.0
      degrees ; the method involves the use of two images of a rod-shaped specimen
      collected before and after a 180.0 degrees  tilt. The method is based on the
      assumption that these images are symmetric about the tilt axis when the azimuth
      angle is 0.0 degrees . In addition, we used an experiment to demonstrate the
      effect of the incorrect angles on reconstructed images and simulated the image
      quality against distance away from tilt axis.

PMID- 22047303
TI  - A method to track rotational motion for use in single-molecule biophysics.
AB  - The double helical nature of DNA links many cellular processes such as DNA
      replication, transcription, and repair to rotational motion and the accumulation
      of torsional strain. Magnetic tweezers (MTs) are a single-molecule technique that
      enables the application of precisely calibrated stretching forces to nucleic acid
      tethers and to control their rotational motion. However, conventional magnetic
      tweezers do not directly monitor rotation or measure torque. Here, we describe a
      method to directly measure rotational motion of particles in MT. The method
      relies on attaching small, non-magnetic beads to the magnetic beads to act as
      fiducial markers for rotational tracking. CCD images of the beads are analyzed
      with a tracking algorithm specifically designed to minimize crosstalk between
      translational and rotational motion: first, the in-plane center position of the
      magnetic bead is determined with a kernel-based tracker, while subsequently the
      height and rotation angle of the bead are determined via correlation-based
      algorithms. Evaluation of the tracking algorithm using both simulated images and
      recorded images of surface-immobilized beads demonstrates a rotational resolution
      of 0.1 degrees , while maintaining a translational resolution of 1-2 nm. Example
      traces of the rotational fluctuations exhibited by DNA-tethered beads confined in
      magnetic potentials of varying stiffness demonstrate the robustness of the method
      and the potential for simultaneous tracking of multiple beads. Our rotation
      tracking algorithm enables the extension of MTs to magnetic torque tweezers (MTT)
      to directly measure the torque in single molecules. In addition, we envision uses
      of the algorithm in a range of biophysical measurements, including further
      extensions of MT, tethered particle motion, and optical trapping measurements.

PMID- 22047304
TI  - Use of scanning probe microscopy to study the evolution of nanometer sized liquid
      structures.
AB  - The evolution of the profile of nanometer sized water drops on a mica surface has
      been studied through hydration scanning probe microscopy. A time range from a few
      seconds down to a fraction of millisecond after the formation of the drop has
      been explored. This high time resolution has been obtained by sampling a series
      of statistically equivalent drops. This approach also avoids any probe
      interference during the drop evolution process.

PMID- 22047305
TI  - Magnifying lens for 800 MeV proton radiography.
AB  - This article describes the design and performance of a magnifying magnetic-lens
      system designed, built, and commissioned at the Los Alamos National Laboratory
      (LANL) for 800 MeV flash proton radiography. The technique of flash proton
      radiography has been developed at LANL to study material properties under dynamic
      loading conditions through the analysis of time sequences of proton radiographs.
      The requirements of this growing experimental program have resulted in the need
      for improvements in spatial radiographic resolution. To meet these needs, a new
      magnetic lens system, consisting of four permanent magnet quadrupoles, has been
      developed. This new lens system was designed to reduce the second order chromatic
      aberrations, the dominant source of image blur in 800 MeV proton radiography, as
      well as magnifying the image to reduce the blur contribution from the detector
      and camera systems. The recently commissioned lens system performed as designed,
      providing nearly a factor of three improvement in radiographic resolution.

PMID- 22047306
TI  - Magneto-optical Kerr effect susceptometer for the analysis of magnetic domain
      wall dynamics.
AB  - Domain wall dynamics in thin magnetic films with perpendicular and in-plane
      anisotropy is studied using a novel magneto-optical Kerr effect susceptometery
      method. The method allows for measurements of domain wall motion under ac field
      excitation and the analysis of dynamic modes as a function of driving frequency
      and magnetic field amplitude. Domain wall dynamics in the perpendicular
      anisotropy system, a Co/Pt multilayer, is characterized by thermally activated
      creep motion. For this dynamic mode, a polydispersivity exponent of beta = 0.50
      +/- 0.03 is derived at small excitation energy, which is in excellent agreement
      with theoretical models. The dynamics of the other system, a Co wire with
      transverse uniaxial anisotropy, is dominated by viscous slide motion in a regular
      magnetic stripe pattern. Analytical expressions are derived for this magnetic
      configuration and by using these expressions, accurate values for the depinning
      field and the domain wall mobility are extracted from the susceptibility
      measurements.

PMID- 22047307
TI  - The extended surface forces apparatus. IV. Precision static pressure control.
AB  - We report on design and performance of an extended surface forces apparatus
      (eSFA) built into a pressurized system. The aim of this instrument is to provide
      control over static pressure and temperature to facilitate direct surface force
      experiments in equilibrium with fluids at different loci of their phase diagram.
      We built an autoclave that can bear a miniature eSFA. To avoid mechanical or
      electrical feedtroughs the miniature apparatus uses an external surface coarse
      approach stage under ambient conditions. The surface separation is thus pre
      adjusted to approximately ~3 MUm before sliding the apparatus into the autoclave.
      Inside the autoclave, the surface separation can be further controlled with a
      magnetic drive at sub-Angstrom precision over a 14 MUm range. The autoclave
      pressure can then be set and maintained between 20 mbar and 170 bars with few
      mbar precision. The autoclave is connected to a specially designed pressurization
      system to precondition the fluids. The temperature can be controlled between -20
      and 60  degrees C with few mK precision. We demonstrate the operation of the
      instrument in the case of gaseous or liquid carbon dioxide. Thanks to a
      consequent decoupling of the eSFA mechanical loop from the autoclave structure,
      the obtained measurement stability and reproducibility, at elevated pressures, is
      comparable to the one established for the conventional eSFA, operated under
      ambient conditions.

PMID- 22047308
TI  - Alternating-current induced thermal fatigue of gold interconnects with nanometer
      scale thickness and width.
AB  - With dramatic reduction in sizes of microelectronic devices, the characteristic
      width and thickness of interconnects in large-scale integrated circuits have
      reached nanometer scale. Thermal fatigue damage of so small interconnects has
      attracted more and more attentions. In this work, thermal fatigue of Au
      interconnects, 35 nm thick and 0.1-5 MUm wide, is investigated by applying
      various alternating current densities to generate cycling temperature and strain
      in them. A multi-probe measuring system is installed in a scanning electron
      microscope and a probe-type temperature sensor is for the first time introduced
      into the system for real-time measuring the temperatures on the pads of the
      tested interconnects. A one-dimensional heat conduction equation, which uses
      measured temperatures on the pads as boundary conditions and includes a term of
      heat dissipation through the interface between the interconnect and the oxidized
      silicon substrate, is proposed to calculate the time-resolved temperature
      distribution along the Au interconnects. The measured fatigue lifetimes are
      presented versus current density and thermal cyclic strain, and the results show
      that narrower Au lines are more reliable. The failure mechanism of those Au
      interconnects differs from what is observed in thick interconnects with
      relatively larger grain size. Topography change caused by localized plasticity on
      the less-constrained surfaces of the interconnects have not been observed.
      Instead, grain growing and reorienting due to local temperature varying appear,
      and grain boundary migration and mergence take place during high temperature
      fatigue in such thin and narrow interconnects. These results seem to reflect a
      strain-induced boundary migration mechanism, and the damage morphology also
      suggests that fatigue of the interconnects with decreased grain size and film
      thickness is controlled by diffusive mechanisms and interface properties rather
      than by dislocation glide. Open circuit eventually took place by melting at a
      region of severely damage cross-sectional area with the grain growing and
      reorienting.

PMID- 22047309
TI  - Quantitative calibration of radiofrequency NMR Stark effects.
AB  - Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) Stark responses can occur in quadrupolar nuclei
      for an electric field oscillating at twice the usual NMR frequency (2omega(0)).
      Calibration of responses to an applied E field is needed to establish nuclear
      spins as probes of native E fields within material and molecular systems. We
      present an improved approach and apparatus for accurate measurement of
      quadrupolar Stark effects. Updated values of C(14) (the response parameter in
      cubic crystals) were obtained for both (69)Ga and (75)As in GaAs. Keys to
      improvement include a modified implementation of voltage dividers to assess the
      2omega(0) amplitude, |E|, and the stabilization of divider response by reduction
      of stray couplings in 2omega(0) circuitry. Finally, accuracy was enhanced by
      filtering sets of |E| through a linear response function that we established for
      the radiofrequency amplifier. Our approach is verified by two types of spectral
      results. Steady-state 2omega(0) excitation to presaturate NMR spectra yielded
      C(14) = (2.59 +/- 0.06) * 10(12) m(-1) for (69)Ga at room-temperature and 14.1 T.
      For (75)As, we obtained (3.1 +/- 0.1) * 10(12) m(-1). Both values reconcile with
      earlier results from 77 K and below 1 T, whereas current experiments are at room
      temperature and 14.1 T. Finally, we present results where few-microsecond pulses
      of the 2omega(0) field induced small (tens of Hz) changes in high-resolution NMR
      line shapes. There too, spectra collected vs |E| agree with the model for
      response, further establishing the validity of our protocols to specify |E|.

PMID- 22047310
TI  - High sensitivity detection of radio-frequency modulated magnetic moment in
      semiconductors.
AB  - An experimental setup has been realized to measure weak magnetic moments which
      can be modulated at radio frequencies (~1-5 MHz). Using an optimized radio
      frequency (RF) pickup coil and lock-in amplifier, an experimental sensitivity of
      10(-15) Am(2) corresponding to 10(-18) emu has been demonstrated with a 1 s time
      constant. The detection limit at room temperature is 9.3 * 10(-16) Am(2)/?Hz
      limited by Johnson noise of the coil. The setup has been used to directly measure
      the magnetic moment due to a small number (~7 * 10(8)) of spin polarized
      electrons generated by polarization modulated optical radiation in GaAs and Ge.

PMID- 22047311
TI  - Characteristic impedance and capacitance analysis of Blumlein type pulse forming
      line of accelerator based on tape helix.
AB  - In this paper, the electromagnetic dispersion theory and the classic telegraph
      equations were combined to calculate the important parameters of the helical
      Blumlein pulse forming line (BPFL) of accelerator based on tape helix. In the
      work band of the BPFL at several hundred ns range, electromagnetic dispersion
      characteristics were almost determined by the zeroth harmonic. In order to
      testify the dispersion theory of BPFL in this paper, filling dielectrics, such as
      de-ionized water, transformer oil, and air were employed in the helical BPFL,
      respectively. Parameters such as capacitance, inductance, characteristic
      impedance, and pulse duration of the BPFL were calculated. Effects of dispersion
      on these parameters were analyzed. Circuit simulation and electromagnetic
      simulation were carried out to prove these parameters of BPFL filled with these
      three kinds of dielectrics, respectively. The accelerator system was set up, and
      experimental results also corresponded to the theoretical calculations. The
      average theoretical errors of impedances and pulse durations were 3.5% and 3.4%,
      respectively, which proved the electromagnetic dispersion analyses in this paper.

PMID- 22047312
TI  - Megavolt range voltage measurement in vacuum through a short-circuited line.
AB  - Method of voltage measurement at a vacuum load by means of homogeneous short
      circuited vacuum-isolated line was considered. Prior to appearance of a measured
      high-voltage pulse, a magnetic field is formed in the line due to the bias
      current. Biasing provides fulfillment of magnetic electron isolation conditions
      and strong pressing of an electron layer down to the cathode already at the
      voltage wave front. As a result, a weak change of the "hot" line wave impedance
      is achieved during a pulse. Theoretical consideration and numerical simulation of
      the measuring line operation in the presence of bias current basing the
      applicability of the method was carried out. The method was used to determine the
      plasma-filled diode voltage at a megavolt voltage level. The absence of electron
      leakages at the voltage wave propagation of the amplitude ~1 MV along the
      measuring line of the length 2.3 m with the wave impedance of 136 Omega and
      initial bias current of ~6 kA was realized.

PMID- 22047313
TI  - Precision waveguide system for measurement of complex permittivity of liquids at
      frequencies from 60 to 90 GHz.
AB  - We describe a variable path length waveguide setup developed to accurately
      measure the complex dielectric permittivity of liquids. This is achieved by
      measuring the complex scattering parameter of the liquid in a waveguide section
      with a vector network analyzer in combination with an E-band frequency converter.
      The automated measurement procedure allows fast acquisition at closely spaced
      intervals over the entire measurement bandwidth: 60-90 GHz. The presented
      technique is an absolute method and as such is not prone to calibration errors.
      The technique is suited to investigate low-loss as well as high-loss liquids in
      contrast to similar setups described previously. We present measurements for a
      high-loss liquid (water), an intermediate-loss sample (ethanol), and for nearly
      loss-less n-octane. Due to the available phase information, the present data have
      an improved accuracy in comparison with literature data.

PMID- 22047314
TI  - Slippage toughness measurement of soft interface between stiff thin films and
      elastomeric substrate.
AB  - Traditional interfacial toughness measurements for thin films on substrate are
      not appropriate to the structure composed of stiff films and soft substrate. This
      paper describes a new bending test system to measure the interfacial toughness
      for the soft interface between stiff films and elastomeric substrate. The
      experimental setup including the loading stages is easy to operate and scanning
      electron microscope is used to in situ monitor the interfacial slippage during
      loading. The proposed bending test is conducted for silicon film on
      poly(dimethylsiloxane) substrate. This method demonstrates the promising way to
      measure the slippage toughness of soft interface involving the flexible
      electronics and the bio-related fields.

PMID- 22047315
TI  - Cryogenic ultra-low-noise SiGe transistor amplifier.
AB  - An ultra-low-noise one-stage SiGe heterojunction bipolar transistor amplifier was
      designed for cryogenic temperatures and a frequency range of 10 kHz-100 MHz. A
      noise temperature T(N) ~ 1.4 K was measured at an ambient temperature of 4.2 K at
      frequencies between 100 kHz and 100 MHz for a source resistance of ~50 Omega. The
      voltage gain of the amplifier was 25 dB at a power consumption of 720 MUW. The
      input voltage noise spectral density of the amplifier is about 35 pV/?Hz. The low
      noise resistance and power consumption makes the amplifier suitable for readout
      of resistively shunted DC SQUID magnetometers and amplifiers.

PMID- 22047316
TI  - Pound-locking for characterization of superconducting microresonators.
AB  - We present a new application and implementation of the Pound-locking technique
      for the interrogation of superconducting microresonators. We discuss how by
      comparing against stable frequency sources this technique can be used to
      characterize properties of resonators that cannot be accessed using traditional
      methods. Specifically, by analyzing the noise spectra and the Allan deviation, we
      obtain valuable information about the nature of the noise in superconducting
      planar resonators. This technique also greatly improves the read-out accuracy and
      measurement throughput compared to conventional methods.

PMID- 22047317
TI  - A travelling photothermal technique employing pyroelectric detection to measure
      thermal diffusivity of films and coatings.
AB  - A travelling thermal wave technique employing optical excitation and pyroelectric
      detection of thermal waves propagating along a material film/coating on a
      substrate is described. The method enables direct measurement of thermal
      diffusivity. The technique involves measurement of the phase lag undergone by an
      optically excited thermal wave as it propagates along the coating. The set up has
      been automated for convenient and fast data acquisition and analysis. The
      technique has been adapted to measurement of thermal diffusivity of a commercial
      paint sample coated on glass and copper substrates. It is found that thermal
      diffusivity of the coating is independent of the thermal conductivity of the
      substrate. Dependence of thermal diffusivity on coating thickness shows
      exponential increase, with value reaching a constant at a characteristic high
      thickness. Measurements have been carried out on a few other samples with wide
      variations in thermal diffusivity, and the results compared with available
      reports or results obtained following other techniques. Analyses of the results
      show that the technique allows measurement of thermal diffusivity of coatings and
      films with uncertainties better than +/-2.5%.

PMID- 22047318
TI  - Phase behaviour and phase separation kinetics measurement using acoustic arrays.
AB  - Speed of sound and acoustic wave attenuation are sensitive to fluid phase
      composition and to the presence of liquid-liquid interfaces. In this work, the
      use of an acoustic array comprising 64 elements as a non-intrusive sensor for
      liquid-liquid interface, phase separation kinetics measurement in bulk fluids,
      and local composition measurement in porous media is illustrated. Three benchmark
      examples: the phase behaviour of methanol + mixed hexanes and methanol + heptane
      mixtures at 25.0  degrees C and 1 bar, and Athabasca bitumen + heptane in a
      synthetic silica porous medium at 22.5  degrees C and 1 bar, illustrate the
      accuracy of liquid-liquid interface and potential research and industrial
      applications of the technique. Liquid-liquid interfaces can be detected
      independently using both speed of sound and acoustic wave attenuation
      measurements. The precision of the interface location measurement is 300 MUm. As
      complete scans can be performed at a rate of 1 Hz, phase separation kinetics and
      diffusion of liquids within porous media are readily tracked. The technique is
      expected to find application where the fluids or porous media are opaque to
      visible light and where other imaging techniques are not readily applied, or are
      too costly. A current limitation is that the acoustic probes must be cooled to
      less than 315 K in order for them to operate.

PMID- 22047319
TI  - High-speed phosphor thermometry.
AB  - Phosphor thermometry is a semi-invasive surface temperature measurement technique
      utilising the luminescence properties of doped ceramic materials. Typically,
      these phosphor materials are coated onto the object of interest and are excited
      by a short UV laser pulse. Up to now, primarily Q-switched laser systems with
      repetition rates of 10 Hz were employed for excitation. Accordingly, this
      diagnostic tool was not applicable to resolve correlated temperature transients
      at time scales shorter than 100 ms. This contribution reports on the first
      realisation of a high-speed phosphor thermometry system employing a highly
      repetitive laser in the kHz regime and a fast decaying phosphor. A suitable
      material was characterised regarding its temperature lifetime characteristic and
      its measurement precision. Additionally, the influence of laser power on the
      phosphor coating was investigated in terms of heating effects. A demonstration of
      this high-speed technique has been conducted inside the thermally highly
      transient system of an optically accessible internal combustion engine.
      Temperatures have been measured with a repetition rate of 6 kHz corresponding to
      one sample per crank angle degree at 1000 rpm.

PMID- 22047320
TI  - An accurate new method to measure the dimensionless figure of merit of
      thermoelectric devices based on the complex impedance porcupine diagram.
AB  - The heat diffusion related f(-1/2) slow decay in the frequency domain transfer
      function of thermoelectric devices introduces a bias in figure of merit
      measurement methods that do not take it into account. The bias can range from
      less than 1% to more than 20% depending on the device. Harman type methods are
      not immune. Neither is the simple single measurement procedure proposed here on
      the basis of a complex thermal impedance analysis of the device, but in this case
      the supporting theory allows evaluating and correcting for the bias with
      documented accuracy. To this aim, both a theoretical approach based on a priori
      knowledge of the device and an experimental one based on theory guided
      measurements are possible and are described in the paper. Typical residual Type B
      uncertainties after correction can be below 10% of the bias.

PMID- 22047321
TI  - Non-equilibrium phonon generation and detection in microstructure devices.
AB  - We demonstrate a method to excite locally a controllable, non-thermal
      distribution of acoustic phonon modes ranging from 0 to ~200 GHz in a silicon
      microstructure, by decay of excited quasiparticle states in an attached
      superconducting tunnel junction (STJ). The phonons transiting the structure
      ballistically are detected by a second STJ, allowing comparison of direct with
      indirect transport pathways. This method may be applied to study how different
      phonon modes contribute to the thermal conductivity of nanostructures.

PMID- 22047322
TI  - Versatile computer-controlled system for characterization of gas sensing
      materials.
AB  - Design of a system used for characterizing gas sensing materials is described. It
      is distinctive of being able to measure electrical and optical responses of a
      sample simultaneously, control a number of measurement parameters, perform fast
      exchange of gaseous environment, and be fully controlled automatically. These
      features make the system to be versatile in determining most concerned
      performance indexes of a gas sensing material (e.g., sensitivity, stability,
      selectivity, response/recovery times, etc.) as functions of various combinations
      of measurement conditions (e.g., gas concentrations, temperature, total pressure,
      content of interferants, photo assist, relative humidity, soaking time in a fixed
      gas concentration, and number of switching cycles in a dynamic test, etc.).
      Rationales of the designs associated with general gas sensing mechanics are
      discussed.

PMID- 22047323
TI  - Implementation of a portable electronic system for providing pain relief to
      patellofemoral pain syndrome patients.
AB  - In this study, a portable electromyogram (EMG) system and a stimulator are
      developed for patellofemoral pain syndrome patients, with the objective of
      reducing the pain experienced by these patients; the patellar pain is caused by
      an imbalance between the vastus medialis obliquus (VMO) and the vastus lateralis
      (VL). The EMG measurement circuit and the electrical stimulation device proposed
      in this study are specifically designed for the VMO and the VL; they are capable
      of real-time waveform recording, possess analyzing functions, and can upload
      their measurement data to a computer for storage and analysis. The system can
      calculate and record the time difference between the EMGs of the VMO and the VL,
      as well as the signal strengths of both the EMGs. As soon as the system detects
      the generation of the EMG of the VL, it quickly calculates and processes the
      event and stimulates the VMO as feedback through electrical stimulation units, in
      order to induce its contraction. The system can adjust the signal strength, time
      length, and the sequence of the electrical stimulation, both manually and
      automatically. The output waveform of the electrical stimulation circuit is a
      dual-phase asymmetrical pulse waveform. The primary function of the electrical
      simulation circuit is to ensure that the muscles contract effectively. The
      performance of the device can be seen that the width of each pulse is 20-1000
      MUs, the frequency of each pulse is 10-100 Hz, and current strength is 10-60 mA.

PMID- 22047324
TI  - A dynamic gravimetric standard for trace water.
AB  - A system for generating traceable reference standards of water vapor at trace
      levels between 5 and 2000 nmol/mol has been developed. It can provide different
      amount fractions of trace water vapor by using continuous accurate measurements
      of mass loss from a permeation device coupled with a dilution system based on an
      array of critical flow orifices. An estimated relative expanded uncertainty of +/
      2% has been achieved for most amount fractions generated. The system has been
      used in an international comparison and demonstrates excellent comparability with
      National Metrology Institutes maintaining standards of water vapor in this range
      using other methods.

PMID- 22047325
TI  - Large angle and high linearity two-dimensional laser scanner based on voice coil
      actuators.
AB  - A large angle and high linearity two-dimensional laser scanner with an in-house
      ingenious deflection angle detecting system is developed based on voice coil
      actuators direct driving mechanism. The specially designed voice coil actuators
      make the steering mirror moving at a sufficiently large angle. Frequency sweep
      method based on virtual instruments is employed to achieve the natural frequency
      of the laser scanner. The response shows that the performance of the laser
      scanner is limited by the mechanical resonances. The closed-loop controller based
      on mathematical model is used to reduce the oscillation of the laser scanner at
      resonance frequency. To design a qualified controller, the model of the laser
      scanner is set up. The transfer function of the model is identified with MATLAB
      according to the tested data. After introducing of the controller, the
      nonlinearity decreases from 13.75% to 2.67% at 50 Hz. The laser scanner also has
      other advantages such as large deflection mirror, small mechanical structure, and
      high scanning speed.

PMID- 22047326
TI  - Dust trajectory sensor: accuracy and data analysis.
AB  - The Dust Trajectory Sensor (DTS) instrument is developed for the measurement of
      the velocity vector of cosmic dust particles. The trajectory information is
      imperative in determining the particles' origin and distinguishing dust particles
      from different sources. The velocity vector also reveals information on the
      history of interaction between the charged dust particle and the magnetospheric
      or interplanetary space environment. The DTS operational principle is based on
      measuring the induced charge from the dust on an array of wire electrodes. In
      recent work, the DTS geometry has been optimized [S. Auer, E. Grun, S. Kempf, R.
      Srama, A. Srowig, Z. Sternovsky, and V Tschernjawski, Rev. Sci. Instrum. 79,
      084501 (2008)] and a method of triggering was developed [S. Auer, G. Lawrence, E.
      Grun, H. Henkel, S. Kempf, R. Srama, and Z. Sternovsky, Nucl. Instrum. Methods
      Phys. Res. A 622, 74 (2010)]. This article presents the method of analyzing the
      DTS data and results from a parametric study on the accuracy of the measurements.
      A laboratory version of the DTS has been constructed and tested with particles in
      the velocity range of 2-5 km/s using the Heidelberg dust accelerator facility.
      Both the numerical study and the analyzed experimental data show that the
      accuracy of the DTS instrument is better than about 1% in velocity and 1 degrees 
      in direction.

PMID- 22047327
TI  - Photoelectron-photofragment coincidence spectroscopy in a cryogenically cooled
      linear electrostatic ion beam trap.
AB  - A cryogenically cooled linear electrostatic ion beam trap for use in
      photoelectron-photofragment coincidence (PPC) spectroscopy is described. Using
      this instrument, anions created in cold, low-duty-cycle sources can be stored for
      many seconds in a ~20 K environment to cool radiatively, removing energetic
      uncertainties due to vibrationally excited precursor anions. This apparatus
      maintains a well-collimated beam necessary for high-resolution fragment imaging
      and the high experimental duty cycle needed for coincidence experiments. Ion
      oscillation is bunched and phase-locked to a modelocked laser, ensuring temporal
      overlap between ion bunches and laser pulses and that ions are intersected by the
      laser only when travelling in one direction. An electron detector is housed in
      the field-free center of the trap, allowing PPC experiments to be carried out on
      ions while they are stored and permitting efficient detection of 3-dimensional
      electron and neutral recoil trajectories. The effects of trapping parameters on
      the center-of-mass trajectories in the laser-ion interaction region are explored
      to optimize neutral particle resolution, and the impact of bunching on ion
      oscillation is established. Finally, an initial demonstration of radiative
      cooling is presented.

PMID- 22047328
TI  - Development of the heat treatment system for the 40 T hybrid magnet
      superconducting outsert.
AB  - The heat treatment of Nb(3)Sn coil with the glass fabric insulation is one of the
      key and critical processes for the outsert solenoids of the 40 T hybrid magnet,
      which could be wound with cable-in-conduit conductors using the insulation-wind
      and-react technique. The manufacturing of the large vertical type vacuum/Ar
      atmosphere-protection heat treatment system has been completed and recently
      installed in the High Magnetic Filed Laboratory, Chinese Academy of Sciences. The
      heat treatment system composed mainly the furnace, the purging gas supply system,
      the control system, the gas impurities monitoring system, and so on. At present,
      the regulation and testing of the heat treatment system has been successfully
      finished, and all of technical parameters meet or exceed specifications.

PMID- 22047329
TI  - A design of backing seat and gasket assembly in diamond anvil cell for accurate
      single crystal x-ray diffraction to 5 GPa.
AB  - We designed a new cell assembly of diamond anvil cells for single crystal x-ray
      diffraction under pressure and demonstrate the application of the cell to the
      crystallographic studies for ice VI and ethanol high-pressure (HP) phase at
      0.95(5) GPa and 1.95(2) GPa, respectively. The features of the assembly are: (1)
      the platy anvil and unique-shaped backing seat (called as "Wing seat") allowing
      the extremely wide opening angle up to +/-65 degrees , (2) the PFA-bulk metallic
      glass composite gasket allowing the easy attenuation correction and less
      background. Thanks to the designed assembly, the R(int) values after attenuation
      corrections are fairly good (0.0125 and 0.0460 for ice VI and ethanol HP phase,
      respectively), and the errors of the refined parameters are satisfactory small
      even for hydrogen positions, those are comparable to the results which obtained
      at ambient conditions. The result for ice VI is in excellent agreement with the
      previous study, and that for ethanol HP phase has remarkable contributions to the
      revision to its structure; the H12 site, which makes gauche molecules with O1,
      C2, and C3 sites, may not exist so that only trans conformers are present at
      least at 1.95(2) GPa. The accurate intensities using the cell assembly allow us
      to extract the electron density for ethanol HP phase by the maximum entropy
      method.

PMID- 22047330
TI  - Compact x-ray microradiograph for in situ imaging of solidification processes:
      bringing in situ x-ray micro-imaging from the synchrotron to the laboratory.
AB  - A laboratory based high resolution x-ray radiograph was developed for the
      investigation of solidification dynamics in alloys. It is based on a low-power
      microfocus x-ray tube and is potentially appropriate for x-ray diagnostics in
      space. The x-ray microscope offers a high spatial resolution down to
      approximately 5 MUm. Dynamic processes can be resolved with a frequency of up to
      6 Hz. In reference experiments, the setup was optimized to yield a high contrast
      for AlCu-alloys. With samples of about 150 MUm thickness, high quality image
      sequences of the solidification process were obtained with high resolution in
      time and space.

PMID- 22047331
TI  - Cryogenic implementation of charging diamond anvil cells with H2 and D2.
AB  - A cryogenic loading system for introducing H(2) and D(2) into the diamond anvil
      cell has been designed and constructed. The integration of pressure loading
      mechanism, ruby fluorescence spectrometer, and microscope camera allows for in
      situ tuning and calibrating the pressure. The performance of the system has been
      demonstrated by successful synthesis of hydride and deuteride of transition metal
      and rare earth metal. Our cryogenic methodology features facile start-over of
      loading and in situ electrical resistance measurement of as-synthesized sample.

PMID- 22047332
TI  - Fast template tracking in video sequences.
AB  - Tracking of poorly defined, rotating and/or distorted objects in a video sequence
      poses significant problems especially in medical diagnostics including ultrasound
      (sonographic) video used for examination and diagnosis of internal movement of
      tissue or muscle and nerve action. Cross-correlation techniques have been
      successful in retrieving dynamic information directly from ultrasound video data.
      We outline a fast implementation of tracking based on normalized cross
      correlation using an adaptive template and present results from our application,
      developed in MATLABTM, which successfully tracks arbitrarily selected objects in
      deformed or severely compromised images. Common ultrasound image evaluation is
      qualitative but there is need to retrieve quantitative dynamic information such
      as the trajectory or velocity of selected areas. Our approach uses normalized two
      dimensional cross-correlation to find the position of an initially selected
      template enclosing the feature of interest and map its trajectory frame-by-frame
      to produce displacement and velocity plots. We illustrate operation of the
      application using routine ultrasound data and demonstrate its performance using
      test video of objects rotating full circle and rolling down a ramp. We analyse
      errors associated with sampling to compare performance of our implementation with
      a more rigorous but tedious and computationally expensive correlation of a
      resampled, rotated, and shifted template.

PMID- 22047333
TI  - Analysis of the particle stability in a new designed ultrasonic levitation
      device.
AB  - The use of acoustic levitation in the fields of analytical chemistry and in the
      containerless processing of materials requires a good stability of the levitated
      particle. However, spontaneous oscillations and rotation of the levitated
      particle have been reported in literature, which can reduce the applicability of
      the acoustic levitation technique. Aiming to reduce the particle oscillations,
      this paper presents the analysis of the particle stability in a new acoustic
      levitator device. The new acoustic levitator consists of a piezoelectric
      transducer with a concave radiating surface and a concave reflector. The analysis
      is conducted by determining numerically the axial and lateral forces that act on
      the levitated object and by measuring the oscillations of a sphere particle by a
      laser Doppler vibrometer. It is shown that the new levitator design allows to
      increase the lateral forces and reduce significantly the lateral oscillations of
      the levitated object.

PMID- 22047334
TI  - Expanded beam deflection method for simultaneous measurement of displacement and
      vibrations of multiple microcantilevers.
AB  - Here we present an extension of optical beam deflection (OBD) method for
      measuring displacement and vibrations of an array of microcantilevers. Instead of
      focusing on the cantilever, the optical beam is either focused above or below the
      cantilever array, or focused only in the axis parallel to the cantilevers length,
      allowing a wide optical line to span multiple cantilevers in the array. Each
      cantilever reflects a part of the incident beam, which is then directed onto a
      photodiode array detector in a manner allowing distinguishing between individual
      beams. Each part of reflected beam behaves like a single beam of roughly the same
      divergence angle in the bending sensing axis as the incident beam. Since
      sensitivity of the OBD method depends on the divergence angle of deflected beam,
      high sensitivity is preserved in proposed expanded beam deflection (EBD) method.
      At the detector, each spot's position is measured at the same time, without time
      multiplexing of light sources. This provides real simultaneous readout of entire
      array, unavailable in most of competitive methods, and thus increases time
      resolution of the measurement. Expanded beam can also span another line of
      cantilevers allowing monitoring of specially designed two-dimensional arrays. In
      this paper, we present first results of application of EBD method to cantilever
      sensors. We show how thermal noise resolution can be easily achieved and combined
      with thermal noise based resonance frequency measurement.

PMID- 22047335
TI  - Optimization of a vacuum chamber for vibration measurements.
AB  - A 200  degrees C high vacuum chamber has been built to improve vibration
      measurement sensitivity. The optimized design addresses two significant issues:
      (i) vibration measurements under high vacuum conditions and (ii) use of design
      optimization tools to reduce operating costs. A test rig consisting of a
      cylindrical vessel with one access port has been constructed with a welded
      bellows assembly used to seal the vessel and enable vibration measurements in
      high vacuum that are comparable with measurements in air. The welded-bellows
      assembly provides a force transmissibility of 0.1 or better at 15 Hz excitation
      under high vacuum conditions. Numerical results based on design optimization of a
      larger diameter chamber are presented. The general constraints on the new design
      include material yield stress, chamber first natural frequency, vibration
      isolation performance, and forced convection heat transfer capabilities over the
      exterior of the vessel access ports. Operating costs of the new chamber are
      reduced by 50% compared to a preexisting chamber of similar size and function.

PMID- 22047336
TI  - A magnetically driven piston pump for ultra-clean applications.
AB  - A magnetically driven piston pump for xenon gas recirculation is presented. The
      pump is designed to satisfy extreme purity and containment requirements, as is
      appropriate for the recirculation of isotopically enriched xenon through the
      purification system and large liquid xenon time projection chamber of EXO-200.
      The pump, using sprung polymer gaskets, is capable of pumping more than 16
      standard liters per minute of xenon gas with 750 Torr differential pressure.

PMID- 22047337
TI  - Elastic incoherent neutron scattering operating by varying instrumental energy
      resolution: principle, simulations, and experiments of the resolution elastic
      neutron scattering (RENS).
AB  - The main aim of this paper is to present the scientific case of the resolution
      elastic neutron scattering (RENS) method that is based on the collection of
      elastic neutron scattering intensity as a function of the instrumental energy
      resolution and that is able to extract information on the system dynamical
      properties from an elastic signal. In this framework, it is shown that in the
      measured elastic scattering law, as a function of the instrumental energy
      resolution, an inflection point occurs when the instrumental energy resolution
      intersects the system relaxation time, and in an equivalent way, a transition in
      the temperature behavior of the measured elastic scattering law occurs when the
      characteristic system relaxation time crosses the instrumental energy resolution
      time. With regard to the latter, an operative protocol to determine the system
      characteristic time by different elastic incoherent neutron scattering (EINS)
      thermal scans at different instrumental energy resolutions is also proposed. The
      proposed method, hence, is not primarily addressed to collect the measured
      elastic scattering intensity with a great accuracy, but rather relies on
      determining an inflection point in the measured elastic scattering law versus
      instrumental energy resolution. The RENS method is tested both numerically and
      experimentally. As far as numerical simulations are concerned, a simple model
      system for which the temperature behavior of the relaxation time follows an
      Arrhenius law, while its scattering law follows a Gaussian behavior, is
      considered. It is shown that the system relaxation time used as an input for the
      simulations coincides with the one obtained by the RENS approach. Regarding the
      experimental findings, due to the fact that a neutron scattering spectrometer
      working following the RENS method has not been constructed yet, different EINS
      experiments with different instrumental energy resolutions were carried out on a
      complex model system, i.e., dry and D(2)O hydrated lysozyme, in an extended
      temperature range. The resulting temperature behavior of the system relaxation
      time, obtained with RENS method, agrees very well with the one obtained in
      literature, for the same system, following the quasi-elastic neutron scattering
      (QENS) approach. The proposed scientific case puts into evidence the challenges
      of an RENS spectrometer working by varying the instrumental energy resolution; in
      particular, in comparison with QENS, the proposed RENS method requires a smaller
      amount of sample, which is an important point in dealing with biological and
      exotic systems; it is not affected by the use of model functions for fitting
      spectra as in QENS, but furnishes a direct access to relevant information.

PMID- 22047338
TI  - A generalized analytical compliance model for transversely symmetric three
      segment flexure hinges.
AB  - This paper presents a generalized compliance model for a three-segment notch
      flexure hinge with transverse symmetry. This flexure hinge configuration is most
      frequently employed in planar-motion, small-displacement compliant mechanisms.
      The axial and bending compliances are derived for this flexure hinge based on the
      compliances of two flexure components. The derivation is generalized such that it
      can be applied to various segment geometries. Using this open-ended model, a
      three-segment right elliptical corner-filleted flexure hinge design was analyzed.
      This geometric configuration introduces additional geometric parameters, which
      can be used to optimize the compliance of the flexure hinge without modifying its
      gross dimensions. The results of the analysis were validated in part by modifying
      the geometric parameters of the center segment and elliptical corner fillets to
      form limiting cases corresponding to several previously investigated
      configurations, namely right elliptical, three-segment right circular corner
      filleted, and right circular geometries. Finite element analysis simulation and
      experimental testing were used to further validate the three-segment right
      elliptical corner-filleted analytical model. Additional simulations based on the
      analytical model were performed to highlight the influence of geometric
      parameters on compliances and to investigate shear effects for short flexure
      hinges.

PMID- 22047339
TI  - Note: Simultaneous electrical and optical detection of expanding dense partially
      ionized vapour clouds.
AB  - The scheme and construction of an electro-optical probe able to collect charge
      and detect optical emission from expanding dense partially ionized vapour clouds
      are reported. The instrument can be applied to phenomena such as dust impact
      ionization and solid target laser ablation. First, results of measurements of
      expanding plasma cloud formed upon ablating W target are presented. Use of the
      instrument in different experimental facilities, including tokamak, is discussed.

PMID- 22047340
TI  - Note: A novel method for in situ loading of gases via x-ray induced chemistry.
AB  - We have developed and demonstrated a novel method to load oxygen in a sealed
      diamond anvil cell via the x-ray induced decomposition of potassium chlorate. By
      irradiating a pressurized sample of an oxidizer (KClO(3)) with either
      monochromatic or white beam x-rays from the Advanced Photon Source at ambient
      temperature and variable pressure, we succeeded in creating a localized region of
      molecular oxygen surrounded by unreacted sample which was confirmed via Raman
      spectroscopy. We anticipate that this technique will be useful in loading even
      more challenging, difficult-to-load gases such as hydrogen and also to load
      multiple gases.

PMID- 22047341
TI  - Note: Compact high voltage pulse transformer made using a capacitor bank
      assembled in the shape of primary.
AB  - The experimental results of an air-core pulse transformer are presented, which is
      very compact (<10 Kg in weight) and is primed by a capacitor bank that is
      fabricated in such a way that the capacitor bank with its switch takes the shape
      of single-turn rectangular shaped primary of the transformer. A high voltage
      capacitor assembly (pulse-forming-line capacitor, PFL) of 5.1 nF is connected
      with the secondary of transformer. The transformer output voltage is 160 kV in
      its second peak appearing in less than 2 MUS from the beginning of the capacitor
      discharge. The primary capacitor bank can be charged up to a maximum of 18 kV,
      with the voltage delivery of 360 kV in similar capacitive loads.

PMID- 22047342
TI  - Note: Recent achievements at the 60-MeV linac for sub-picosecond terahertz
      radiation at the Pohang Accelerator Laboratory.
AB  - A femtosecond (fs) terahertz (THz) linac has been constructed to generate fs-THz
      radiation by using ultrashort electron beam at the Pohang Accelerator Laboratory.
      To generate an ultrashort electron beam with 60-MeV energy, a chicane bunch
      compressor has been adopted. Simulation studies have been conducted to design the
      linac. In this note, recent achievements at 60-MeV linac are presented.

PMID- 22047343
TI  - Note: Mechanical and electrical characterization of nanowires in scanning
      electron microscope.
AB  - This note presents two experimental techniques for mechanical and electrical
      characterization of individual nanowires inside a scanning electron microscope
      (SEM). Tensile testing is realized by transferring a nanowire to a
      microelectromechanical systems device that stretches the nanowire and measures
      the elongations and tensile forces. The device consists of an electrostatic
      actuator and two capacitive sensors, capable of acquiring all measurement data
      (force and displacement) electronically without relying on electron microscopy
      imaging. For electrical characterization, four-point probe measurement of
      individual nanowires is performed automatically by controlling four
      nanomanipulators with SEM visual feedback. A feedforward controller is
      incorporated into the control system to improve the response time. This work
      represents advances in nanomaterial testing and automated nanomanipulation.

PMID- 22047344
TI  - Note: Continuing improvements on the novel flat-response x-ray detector.
AB  - This note describes multi-updates of the novel flat-response x-ray detector in
      fabrication technology, experimental application, and data uncertainty
      evaluation. Unlike the previous design, the compound filter is combined into one
      piece through an improved fabrication process that greatly enhanced its self
      supporting capability. A method of pinhole-array imaging is introduced into the
      experimental application process to stop any debris from the hohlraum and to
      uniformly reduce the radiation flux. The experimental results show that this
      method works well. Furthermore, a method of uncertainty evaluation of the
      radiation flux measurement by the novel flat-response x-ray detector has been
      developed. The influence of the radiation spectrum to the flux measurement is
      analyzed. The evaluation shows that the relative uncertainty of the radiation
      flux is about 10% in higher radiation temperature condition (Tr > 150 eV) and 16%
      in lower radiation temperature condition (Tr < 100 eV).

PMID- 22047346
TI  - Point/Counterpoint: QA procedures in radiation therapy are outdated and
      negatively impact the reduction of errors.

PMID- 22047347
TI  - Interfraction patient motion and implant displacement in prostate high dose rate
      brachytherapy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To quantify movement of prostate cancer patients undergoing treatment,
      using an in-house developed motion sensor in order to determine a relationship
      between patient movement and high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy implant
      displacement. METHODS: An electronic motion sensor was developed based on a three
      axis accelerometer. HDR brachytherapy treatment for prostate is delivered at this
      institution in two fractions 24 h apart and 22 patients were monitored for
      movement over the interval between fractions. The motion sensors functioned as
      inclinometers, monitoring inclination of both thighs, and the inclination and
      roll of the abdomen. The implanted HDR brachytherapy catheter set was assessed
      for displacement relative to fiducial markers in the prostate. Angle measurements
      and angle differences over a 2 s time base were binned, and the standard
      deviations of the resulting frequency distributions used as a metric for patient
      motion in each monitored axis. These parameters were correlated to measured
      catheter displacement using regression modeling. RESULTS: The mean implant
      displacement was 12.6 mm in the caudal direction. A mean of 19.95 h data was
      recorded for the patient cohort. Patients generally moved through a limited range
      of angles with a mean of the exception of two patients who spent in excess of 2 h
      lying on their side. When tested for a relationship between movement in any of
      the four monitored axes and the implant displacement, none was significant.
      CONCLUSIONS: It is not likely that patient movement influences HDR prostate
      implant displacement. There may be benefits to patient comfort if nursing
      protocols were relaxed to allow patients greater freedom to move while the
      implant is in situ.

PMID- 22047348
TI  - On the role of the optimization algorithm of RapidArc((r)) volumetric modulated
      arc therapy on plan quality and efficiency.
AB  - PURPOSE: The RapidArc volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) planning process is
      based on a core engine, the so-called progressive resolution optimizer (PRO).
      This is the optimization algorithm used to determine the combination of field
      shapes, segment weights (with dose rate and gantry speed variations), which best
      approximate the desired dose distribution in the inverse planning problem. A
      study was performed to assess the behavior of two versions of PRO. These two
      versions mostly differ in the way continuous variables describing the modulated
      arc are sampled into discrete control points, in the planning efficiency and in
      the presence of some new features. The analysis aimed to assess (i) plan quality,
      (ii) technical delivery aspects, (iii) agreement between delivery and
      calculations, and (iv) planning efficiency of the two versions. METHODS: RapidArc
      plans were generated for four groups of patients (five patients each): anal
      canal, advanced lung, head and neck, and multiple brain metastases and were
      designed to test different levels of planning complexity and anatomical features.
      Plans from optimization with PRO2 (first generation of RapidArc optimizer) were
      compared against PRO3 (second generation of the algorithm). Additional plans were
      optimized with PRO3 using new features: the jaw tracking, the intermediate dose
      and the air cavity correction options. RESULTS: Results showed that (i) plan
      quality was generally improved with PRO3 and, although not for all parameters,
      some of the scored indices showed a macroscopic improvement with PRO3. (ii) PRO3
      optimization leads to simpler patterns of the dynamic parameters particularly for
      dose rate. (iii) No differences were observed between the two algorithms in terms
      of pretreatment quality assurance measurements and (iv) PRO3 optimization was
      generally faster, with a time reduction of a factor approximately 3.5 with
      respect to PRO2. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that PRO3 is either
      clinically beneficial or neutral in terms of dosimetric quality while it showed
      significant advantages in speed and technical aspects.

PMID- 22047349
TI  - Evaluation of brachytherapy lung implant dose distributions from photon-emitting
      sources due to tissue heterogeneities.
AB  - PURPOSE: Photon-emitting brachytherapy sources are used for permanent
      implantation to treat lung cancer. However, the current brachytherapy dose
      calculation formalism assumes a homogeneous water medium without considering the
      influence of radiation scatter or tissue heterogeneities. The purpose of this
      study was to determine the dosimetric effects of tissue heterogeneities for
      permanent lung brachytherapy. METHODS: The MCNP5 v1.40 radiation transport code
      was used for Monte Carlo (MC) simulations. Point sources with energies of 0.02,
      0.03, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 MeV were simulated to cover the range of pertinent
      brachytherapy energies and to glean dosimetric trends independent of specific
      radionuclide emissions. Source positions from postimplant CT scans of five
      patient implants were used for source coordinates, with dose normalized to 200 Gy
      at the center of each implant. With the presence of fibrosis (around the
      implant), cortical bone, lung, and healthy tissues, dose distributions and
      (PTV)DVH were calculated using the MCNP *FMESH4 tally and the NIST mass-energy
      absorption coefficients. This process was repeated upon replacing all tissues
      with water. For all photon energies, 10(9) histories were simulated to achieve
      statistical errors (k = 1) typically of 1%. RESULTS: The mean PTV doses
      calculated using tissue heterogeneities for all five patients changed (compared
      to dose to water) by only a few percent over the examined photon energy range, as
      did PTV dose at the implant center. The (PTV)V(100) values were 81.2%, 90.0% (as
      normalized), 94.3%, 93.9%, 92.7%, and 92.2% for 0.02, 0.03, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, and
      0.4 MeV source photons, respectively. Relative to water, the maximum bone doses
      were higher by factors of 3.7, 5.1, 5.2, 2.4, 1.2, and 1.0 The maximum lung doses
      were about 0.98, 0.94, 0.91, 0.94, 0.97, and 0.99. Relative to water, the maximum
      healthy tissue doses at the mediastinal position were higher by factors of 9.8,
      2.2, 1.3, 1.1, 1.1, and 1.1. However, the maximum doses to these healthy tissues
      were only 3.1, 7.2, 11.3, 10.9, 9.0, and 8.1 Gy while maximum bone doses were 66,
      177, 236, 106, 49, and 39 Gy, respectively. Similarly, maximum lung doses were
      55, 66, 73, 74, 73, and 73 Gy, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The current
      brachytherapy dose calculation formalism overestimates PTV dose and significantly
      underestimates doses to bone and healthy tissue. Further investigation using
      specific brachytherapy source models and patient-based CT datasets as MC input
      may indicate whether the observed trends can be generalized for low-energy lung
      brachytherapy dosimetry.

PMID- 22047350
TI  - Evaluation of volumetric modulated arc therapy for cranial radiosurgery using
      multiple noncoplanar arcs.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate a commercial volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT), using
      multiple noncoplanar arcs, for linac-based cranial radiosurgery, as well as
      evaluate the combined accuracy of the VMAT dose calculations and delivery.
      METHODS: Twelve patients with cranial lesions of variable size (0.1-29 cc) and
      two multiple metastases patients were planned (Eclipse RapidArc AAA algorithm,
      v8.6.15) using VMAT (1-6 noncoplanar arcs), dynamic conformal arc (DCA, ~4 arcs),
      and IMRT (nine static fields). All plans were evaluated according to a conformity
      index (CI), healthy brain tissue doses and volumes, and the dose to organs at
      risk. A 2D dose distribution was measured (Varian Novalis Tx, HD120 MLC, 1000
      MU/min, 6 MV beam) for the ~4 arc VMAT treatment plans using calibrated film
      dosimetry. RESULTS: The CI (0-1 best) average for all plans was best for ~4
      noncoplanar arc VMAT at 0.86 compared with ~0.78 for IMRT and a single arc VMAT
      and 0.68 for DCA. The volumes of healthy brain receiving 50% of the prescribed
      target coverage dose or more (V(50%)) were lowest for the four arc VMAT [RA(4)]
      and DCA plans. The average ratio of the V(50%) for the other plans to the RA(4)
      V(50%) were 1.9 for a single noncoplanar arc VMAT [RA(1nc)], 1.4 for single full
      coplanar arc VMAT [RA(1f)] and 1.3 for IMRT. The V(50%) improved significantly
      for single isocenter multiple metastases plan when two noncoplanar VMAT arcs were
      added to a full single coplanar one. The maximum dose to 5 cc of the outer 1 cm
      rim of healthy brain which one may want to keep below nonconsequential doses of
      300-400 cGy, was 2-3 times greater for IMRT, RA(1nc) and RA(1f) plans compared
      with the multiple noncoplanar arc DCA and RA(4) techniques. Organs at risk near
      (0-4 mm) to targets were best spared by (i) single noncoplanar arcs when the
      targets are lateral to the organ at risk and (ii) by skewed nonvertical planes of
      IMRT fields when the targets are not lateral to the organ at risk. The highest
      dose gradient observed between an organ at risk and a target at the edge of a
      VMAT arc plane or plane of IMRT fields was 17%/mm. The average absolute percent
      difference between the measured and calculated central axis dose for all the VMAT
      plans was 3.6 +/- 2.2%. The measured perpendicular profile widths and shifts were
      on average within 0.5 mm of planned values. The average total MUs for VMAT plans
      was double the DCA average and similar to the IMRT average. CONCLUSIONS: For the
      aforementioned planning and delivery system and cranial lesions greater than 7 mm
      in diameter, multiple noncoplanar arc VMAT consistently provides accurate and
      high quality cranial radiosurgery dose distributions with low doses to healthy
      brain tissue and high dose conformity to the target. These qualities may make
      multiple noncoplanar arc VMAT suitable for a greater range of prescription doses
      or larger and more irregular lesions. For smaller and/or rounder lesions there
      are other clinically acceptable treatment techniques that may involve fewer couch
      angles or arcs and reduce treatment times.

PMID- 22047351
TI  - A handheld fluorescence molecular tomography system for intraoperative optical
      imaging of tumor margins.
AB  - PURPOSE: Accurate identification of tumor margins presents a major challenge in
      the surgical treatment of human cancers. Inability of complete removal of tumor
      lesions after surgery causes local recurrence and increases the incidence of
      developing tumor metastasis. It is clear that novel approaches that allow
      defining tumor margins intraoperatively for removal of small tumor lesions in the
      surgical cavity is critical for improving prognosis of cancer patients. To
      facilitate image-guided surgery using targeted optical imaging probes, we have
      developed a reflection-mode fluorescence molecular tomography (FMT) system with a
      handheld probe that is able to provide three-dimensional tumor margin
      information. METHODS: The imaging method and system were validated using both
      simulated and phantom experiments. We further examined the accuracy of the
      handheld FMT system in an orthotopic mouse mammary tumor model following systemic
      delivery of near-infrared (NIR) dye-labeled and urokinase plasminogen activator
      receptor targeted magnet iron oxide nanoparticles. RESULTS: Our results show that
      when the targets are located within 5 mm beneath the surface of the media,
      fluorescent images can be reliably detected and reconstructed with an average
      positional error of 0.5 mm laterally and 1.5 mm axially. For in vivo imaging in
      the mouse tumor model, the location and size of the tumor detected by FMT
      correlated well with that measured by the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).
      CONCLUSIONS: Our system can three-dimensionally image targets located at a depth
      of up to 7 mm. The in vivo results suggest that in combination with targeted
      optical imaging probes, this handheld FMT system can be potentially used as an
      intraoperative tool for the detection of tumor margins and for image-guided
      surgery.

PMID- 22047352
TI  - Automated temporal tracking and segmentation of lymphoma on serial CT
      examinations.
AB  - PURPOSE: It is challenging to reproducibly measure and compare cancer lesions on
      numerous follow-up studies; the process is time-consuming and error-prone. In
      this paper, we show a method to automatically and reproducibly identify and
      segment abnormal lymph nodes in serial computed tomography (CT) exams. METHODS:
      Our method leverages initial identification of enlarged (abnormal) lymph nodes in
      the baseline scan. We then identify an approximate region for the node in the
      follow-up scans using nonrigid image registration. The baseline scan is also used
      to locate regions of normal, non-nodal tissue surrounding the lymph node and to
      map them onto the follow-up scans, in order to reduce the search space to locate
      the lymph node on the follow-up scans. Adaptive region-growing and clustering
      algorithms are then used to obtain the final contours for segmentation. We
      applied our method to 24 distinct enlarged lymph nodes at multiple time points
      from 14 patients. The scan at the earlier time point was used as the baseline
      scan to be used in evaluating the follow-up scan, resulting in 70 total test
      cases (e.g., a series of scans obtained at 4 time points results in 3 test
      cases). For each of the 70 cases, a "reference standard" was obtained by manual
      segmentation by a radiologist. Assessment according to response evaluation
      criteria in solid tumors (RECIST) using our method agreed with RECIST assessments
      made using the reference standard segmentations in all test cases, and by
      calculating node overlap ratio and Hausdorff distance between the computer and
      radiologist-generated contours. RESULTS: Compared to the reference standard, our
      method made the correct RECIST assessment for all 70 cases. The average overlap
      ratio was 80.7 +/- 9.7% s.d., and the average Hausdorff distance was 3.2 +/- 1.8
      mm s.d. The concordance correlation between automated and manual segmentations
      was 0.978 (95% confidence interval 0.962, 0.984). The 100% agreement in our
      sample between our method and the standard with regard to RECIST classification
      suggests that the true disagreement rate is no more than 6%. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      automated lymph node segmentation method achieves excellent overall segmentation
      performance and provides equivalent RECIST assessment. It potentially will be
      useful to streamline and improve cancer lesion measurement and tracking and to
      improve assessment of cancer treatment response.

PMID- 22047353
TI  - A PENELOPE-based system for the automated Monte Carlo simulation of clinacs and
      voxelized geometries-application to far-from-axis fields.
AB  - PURPOSE: Two new codes, PENEASY and PENEASYLINAC, which automate the Monte Carlo
      simulation of Varian Clinacs of the 600, 1800, 2100, and 2300 series, together
      with their electron applicators and multileaf collimators, are introduced. The
      challenging case of a relatively small and far-from-axis field has been studied
      with these tools. METHODS: PENEASY is a modular, general-purpose main program for
      the PENELOPE Monte Carlo system that includes various source models, tallies and
      variance-reduction techniques (VRT). The code includes a new geometry model that
      allows the superposition of voxels and objects limited by quadric surfaces. A
      variant of the VRT known as particle splitting, called fan splitting, is also
      introduced. PENEASYLINAC, in turn, automatically generates detailed geometry and
      configuration files to simulate linacs with PENEASY. These tools are applied to
      the generation of phase-space files, and of the corresponding absorbed dose
      distributions in water, for two 6 MV photon beams from a Varian Clinac 2100 C/D:
      a 40 * 40 cm(2) centered field; and a 3 * 5 cm(2) field centered at (4.5, -11.5)
      cm from the beam central axis. This latter configuration implies the largest
      possible over-traveling values of two of the jaws. Simulation results for the
      depth dose and lateral profiles at various depths are compared, by using the
      gamma index, with experimental values obtained with a PTW 31002 ionization
      chamber. The contribution of several VRTs to the computing speed of the more
      demanding off-axis case is analyzed. RESULTS: For the 40 * 40 cm(2) field, the
      percentages gamma(1) and gamma(1.2) of voxels with gamma indices (using 0.2 cm
      and 2% criteria) larger than unity and larger than 1.2 are 0.2% and 0%,
      respectively. For the 3 * 5 cm(2) field, gamma(1) = 0%. These figures indicate an
      excellent agreement between simulation and experiment. The dose distribution for
      the off-axis case with voxels of 2.5 * 2.5 * 2.5 mm(3) and an average standard
      statistical uncertainty of 2% (1sigma) is computed in 3.1 h on a single core of a
      2.8 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo processor. This result is obtained with the optimal
      combination of the tested VRTs. In particular, fan splitting for the off-axis
      case accelerates execution by a factor of 240 with respect to standard particle
      splitting. CONCLUSIONS: PENEASY and PENEASYLINAC can simulate the considered
      Varian Clinacs both in an accurate and efficient manner. Fan splitting is crucial
      to achieve simulation results for the off-axis field in an affordable amount of
      CPU time. Work to include Elekta linacs and to develop a graphical interface that
      will facilitate user input is underway.

PMID- 22047354
TI  - Three-dimensional anisotropic adaptive filtering of projection data for noise
      reduction in cone beam CT.
AB  - PURPOSE: The combination of quickly rotating C-arm gantry with digital flat panel
      has enabled the acquisition of three-dimensional data (3D) in the interventional
      suite. However, image quality is still somewhat limited since the hardware has
      not been optimized for CT imaging. Adaptive anisotropic filtering has the ability
      to improve image quality by reducing the noise level and therewith the radiation
      dose without introducing noticeable blurring. By applying the filtering prior to
      3D reconstruction, noise-induced streak artifacts are reduced as compared to
      processing in the image domain. METHODS: 3D anisotropic adaptive filtering was
      used to process an ensemble of 2D x-ray views acquired along a circular
      trajectory around an object. After arranging the input data into a 3D space (2D
      projections + angle), the orientation of structures was estimated using a set of
      differently oriented filters. The resulting tensor representation of local
      orientation was utilized to control the anisotropic filtering. Low-pass filtering
      is applied only along structures to maintain high spatial frequency components
      perpendicular to these. The evaluation of the proposed algorithm includes
      numerical simulations, phantom experiments, and in-vivo data which were acquired
      using an AXIOM Artis dTA C-arm system (Siemens AG, Healthcare Sector, Forchheim,
      Germany). Spatial resolution and noise levels were compared with and without
      adaptive filtering. A human observer study was carried out to evaluate low
      contrast detectability. RESULTS: The adaptive anisotropic filtering algorithm was
      found to significantly improve low-contrast detectability by reducing the noise
      level by half (reduction of the standard deviation in certain areas from 74 to 30
      HU). Virtually no degradation of high contrast spatial resolution was observed in
      the modulation transfer function (MTF) analysis. Although the algorithm is
      computationally intensive, hardware acceleration using Nvidia's CUDA Interface
      provided an 8.9-fold speed-up of the processing (from 1336 to 150 s).
      CONCLUSIONS: Adaptive anisotropic filtering has the potential to substantially
      improve image quality and/or reduce the radiation dose required for obtaining 3D
      image data using cone beam CT.

PMID- 22047355
TI  - Development of a prototype gantry system for preclinical x-ray phase-contrast
      computed tomography.
AB  - PURPOSE: To explore the potential of grating-based x-ray phase-contrast imaging
      for clinical applications, a first compact gantry system was developed. It is
      designed such that it can be implemented into an in-vivo small-animal phase
      contrast computed tomography (PC-CT) scanner. The purpose of the present study is
      to assess the accuracy and quantitativeness of the described gantry in both
      absorption and phase-contrast. METHODS: A phantom, containing six chemically well
      defined liquids, was constructed. A tomography scan with cone-beam reconstruction
      of this phantom was performed yielding the spatial distribution of the linear
      attenuation coefficient MU and decrement delta of the complex refractive index.
      Theoretical values of MU and delta were calculated for each liquid from tabulated
      data and compared with the experimentally measured values. Additionally, a color
      fused image representation is proposed to display the complementary absorption
      and phase-contrast information in a single image. RESULTS: Experimental and
      calculated data of the phantom agree well confirming the quantitativeness and
      accuracy of the reconstructed spatial distributions of MU and delta. The proposed
      color-fused image representation, which combines the complementary absorption and
      phase information, considerably helps in distinguishing the individual
      substances. CONCLUSIONS: The concept of grating-based phase-contrast computed
      tomography (CT) can be implemented into a compact, cone-beam geometry gantry
      setup. The authors believe that this work represents an important milestone in
      translating phase-contrast x-ray imaging from previous proof-of-principle
      experiments to first preclinical biomedical imaging applications on small-animal
      models.

PMID- 22047356
TI  - Technical note: further development of a resolution modification routine for the
      simulation of the modulation transfer function of digital x-ray detectors.
AB  - PURPOSE: This paper proposes the further development of a resolution modification
      routine which is used to simulate the presampling modulation transfer function
      (pMTF) of digital x-ray detectors. METHODS: It suggests a method to reconstruct
      anisotropic two dimensional (2D) pMTF matrices from the experimentally measured
      horizontal and vertical 1D pMTFs. In this study, the horizontal dimension of the
      detector is 17.3 cm, while the vertical one is 24 cm. This matrix is multiplied
      with the 2D Fourier transform of the super-sampled ideal input image to simulate
      blurring. Then, the restored image is sampled to form the pixels of the digital
      image. The authors suggest convolution with the comb function instead of the
      rectangular function to avoid the correction with the sinc function required by
      the latter. It is demonstrated that this correction is avoided when the comb
      function is used. Moreover, this study suggests a way to effectively sample the
      images in the case when the ratio between the "analog" pitch of the super-sampled
      input image and the pixel pitch of the digital x-ray detector is a semi-integer.
      RESULTS: The validation of the simulation algorithm demonstrated that when the
      comb function was used the average absolute difference between the pMTF measured
      from the output images and the input ones was less than 1%, while this was of 13%
      when the rectangular function was used. When a sinc correction was applied in the
      latter case the difference decreased again to less than 1%. CONCLUSIONS: The
      developed modification routine provides the means to simulate the spatial
      resolution of digital x-ray detectors under a wider range of conditions.

PMID- 22047357
TI  - Improving accuracy of XRII image distortion correction using a new hybrid image
      processing method: performance assessment.
AB  - PURPOSE: Improving accuracy in x-ray image intensifier (XRII) image distortion
      correction has clinical impact in order to apply XRII images in a variety of
      clinical applications more reliably. This study aimed to develop and evaluate a
      new hybrid mathematic approximation method to correct geometric distortions of
      XRII images. METHODS: The proposed hybrid method integrated an MLS (moving least
      squares method) and an MBA (multilevel B-spline approximation) approach (MLSMBA).
      In the hybrid method, MLS is used to generate denser "virtual" data points on the
      basis of sparse original data points; MBA is applied to approximate an ultimate
      mapping function based on the generated and original data points. Using both
      computer-simulated and real XRII images, the authors compared the image
      distortion correction accuracy of the proposed method with those yielded using a
      number of previously developed and currently routinely used methods. The
      comparison methods include the traditional local and global approximation
      methods, an approach combining both local and global approximation methods, and
      an author's previously developed hybrid method by integrating MLS followed by
      another traditional least-square approximation (MLSILS). The image distortion
      correction accuracy was evaluated using mean-squared residual errors measured at
      control and intermediate points. In addition, the impact of pincushion
      distortion, sigmoidal distortion, local distortion, and control point
      localization errors on these methods was tested using computer-simulated image
      data. RESULTS: The experimental results using the computer-simulated data showed
      that unlike the traditional local and global approximation methods that are quite
      sensitive to pincushion and/or sigmoidal distortion, the MLSMBA method was
      insensitive to these two types of common distortion depicted in XRII images.
      Similar to the MLSILS method, sensitivity of MLSMBA to local distortion was lower
      than or comparable with that of the traditional global approximation method.
      Although sensitivity of MLSMBA to control point localization errors was higher
      than that of the global approximation method, as long as the standard deviation
      of pixel displacement errors was smaller than 0.1 pixels, the overall distortion
      correction accuracy of MLSMBA remains higher than that of the other methods. By
      selecting a proper cutoff radius, accuracy of MLSMBA is also higher than that of
      the other methods (including MLSILS). Experiments on real XRII images yielded
      similar results. For example, processing results using one XRII image showed that
      residual error (0.248 +/- 0.236 pixels) of MLSMBA was smallest as compared to
      that of the other methods, including two local approximation methods (0.456 +/-
      0.352 pixels and 0.370 +/- 0.402 pixels), a global approximation method (0.422 +/
      0.388 pixels), an approach combining local and global methods (0.389 +/- 0.386
      pixels), and MLSILS (0.255 +/- 0.248 pixels). CONCLUSIONS: The MLSMBA method
      could be a better choice to correct geometric distortion of raw XRII images in
      the following conditions: (1) pincushion distortion, sigmoidal distortion, and
      local distortion exist simultaneously in the XRII images, (2) the number of
      original control points (landmarks) is limited, and (3) reusability of the
      correction mapping function is required.

PMID- 22047358
TI  - An adaptive regularization parameter choice strategy for multispectral
      bioluminescence tomography.
AB  - PURPOSE: Bioluminescence tomography (BLT) provides an effective tool for
      monitoring physiological and pathological activities in vivo. However, the
      measured data in bioluminescence imaging are corrupted by noise. Therefore,
      regularization methods are commonly used to find a regularized solution.
      Nevertheless, for the quality of the reconstructed bioluminescent source obtained
      by regularization methods, the choice of the regularization parameters is
      crucial. To date, the selection of regularization parameters remains challenging.
      With regards to the above problems, the authors proposed a BLT reconstruction
      algorithm with an adaptive parameter choice rule. METHODS: The proposed
      reconstruction algorithm uses a diffusion equation for modeling the
      bioluminescent photon transport. The diffusion equation is solved with a finite
      element method. Computed tomography (CT) images provide anatomical information
      regarding the geometry of the small animal and its internal organs. To reduce the
      ill-posedness of BLT, spectral information and the optimal permissible source
      region are employed. Then, the relationship between the unknown source
      distribution and multiview and multispectral boundary measurements is established
      based on the finite element method and the optimal permissible source region.
      Since the measured data are noisy, the BLT reconstruction is formulated as l(2)
      data fidelity and a general regularization term. When choosing the regularization
      parameters for BLT, an efficient model function approach is proposed, which does
      not require knowledge of the noise level. This approach only requests the
      computation of the residual and regularized solution norm. With this knowledge,
      we construct the model function to approximate the objective function, and the
      regularization parameter is updated iteratively. RESULTS: First, the micro-CT
      based mouse phantom was used for simulation verification. Simulation experiments
      were used to illustrate why multispectral data were used rather than
      monochromatic data. Furthermore, the study conducted using an adaptive
      regularization parameter demonstrated our ability to accurately localize the
      bioluminescent source. With the adaptively estimated regularization parameter,
      the reconstructed center position of the source was (20.37, 31.05, 12.95) mm, and
      the distance to the real source was 0.63 mm. The results of the dual-source
      experiments further showed that our algorithm could localize the bioluminescent
      sources accurately. The authors then presented experimental evidence that the
      proposed algorithm exhibited its calculated efficiency over the heuristic method.
      The effectiveness of the new algorithm was also confirmed by comparing it with
      the L-curve method. Furthermore, various initial speculations regarding the
      regularization parameter were used to illustrate the convergence of our
      algorithm. Finally, in vivo mouse experiment further illustrates the
      effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. CONCLUSIONS: Utilizing numerical,
      physical phantom and in vivo examples, we demonstrated that the bioluminescent
      sources could be reconstructed accurately with automatic regularization
      parameters. The proposed algorithm exhibited superior performance than both the
      heuristic regularization parameter choice method and L-curve method based on the
      computational speed and localization error.

PMID- 22047359
TI  - Theoretical analysis of the thread effect in helical TomoTherapy.
AB  - PURPOSE: The longitudinal dose ripple on the off-axis caused by helical radiation
      delivery, such as the TomoTherapy system, has been observed, and its relation
      with respect to pitch has been studied with empirically found optimal pitches,
      0.86/n, by Kissick et al. [Med. Phys. 32, 1414-1423 (2005)]. This ripple artifact
      referred to as the thread effect is periodic in nature and is caused by various
      periodic factors. In this work, the factors that cause the thread effect were
      unveiled, including jaw profile divergence, the inverse square law, attenuation,
      and the cone effect, and their impact on the thread effect were studied. METHODS:
      Mathematical formulation for individual and combined factors were set up. Based
      on theoretical analysis and simulations, optimal pitches that result in local
      minima of the ripple amplitude with respect to the jaw width and off-axis
      distance were identified and verified. The effectiveness of optimization in
      reducing the thread effect were also studied. RESULTS: Analysis and simulation
      based on the square-shaped jaw profiles well characterize the thread effect.
      Simulations based on the real jaw profiles show reduced ripples and very good
      agreement of optimal pitches compared with those based on the square profiles.
      The optimal pitches were found to have little jaw width dependence, except for
      the real jaw profile of small width (1.05 cm). The optimal pitches for the real
      jaw profile of width 1.05 cm are unidentifiable except for the largest ones, due
      to the relative smoothness of the jaw profile. With optimized intensity
      modulation, the thread effect can be largely suppressed. For real jaw profiles,
      the optimal pitches with or without dose optimization do not change much. The
      numbers 0.86/n found by Kissick et al. well approximate the optimal pitches for
      off-axis distance of 5 cm. However, optimal pitches are not universal for
      different off-axis distances: they decrease as the off-axis distance increases.
      CONCLUSIONS: The thread effect can be well explained by the proposed model.
      Optimization can largely reduce the thread effect. However, an optimal pitch
      reduces the ripple much easier especially when optimization is limited by many
      constraints. The optimal pitches predicted by the proposed model could be used as
      a reference for pitch selection regardless the tumor is at large or small off
      axis distance.

PMID- 22047360
TI  - Comparison of breast density measured on MR images acquired using fat-suppressed
      versus nonfat-suppressed sequences.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the difference of MR percent breast density measured from
      fat-suppressed versus nonfat-suppressed imaging sequences. METHODS: Breast
      magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with and without fat suppression was acquired
      from 38 subjects. Breasts were divided into subgroups of different morphological
      patterns ("central" and "intermingled" types). Breast volume, fibroglandular
      tissue volume, and percent density were measured. The results were compared using
      nonparametric statistical tests and regarded as significant at p < 0.05. RESULTS:
      Breast volume, fibroglandular volume, and percent density between fat-suppressed
      and nonfat-suppressed sequences were highly correlated. Breast volumes measured
      on these two sequences were almost identical. Fibroglandular tissue volume and
      percent density, however, had small (<5%) yet significant differences between the
      two sequences-they were both higher on the fat-suppressed sequence. Intraobserver
      variability was within 4% for both sequences and different morphological types.
      The fibroglandular tissue volume measured on downsampled images showed a small
      (<5%) yet significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: The measurement of breast density
      made on MRI acquired using fat-suppressed and nonfat-suppressed T1W images was
      about 5% difference, only slightly higher than the intraobserver variability of
      3%-4%. When the density data from multiple centers were to be combined,
      evaluating the degree of difference is needed to take this difference into
      account.

PMID- 22047361
TI  - Image quality improvement in megavoltage cone beam CT using an imaging beam line
      and a sintered pixelated array system.
AB  - PURPOSE: To quantify the improvement in megavoltage cone beam computed tomography
      (MVCBCT) image quality enabled by the combination of a 4.2 MV imaging beam line
      (IBL) with a carbon electron target and a detector system equipped with a novel
      sintered pixelated array (SPA) of translucent Gd(2)O(2)S ceramic scintillator.
      Clinical MVCBCT images are traditionally acquired with the same 6 MV treatment
      beam line (TBL) that is used for cancer treatment, a standard amorphous Si (a-Si)
      flat panel imager, and the Kodak Lanex Fast-B (LFB) scintillator. The IBL
      produces a greater fluence of keV-range photons than the TBL, to which the
      detector response is more optimal, and the SPA is a more efficient scintillator
      than the LFB. METHODS: A prototype IBL + SPA system was installed on a Siemens
      Oncor linear accelerator equipped with the MVision(TM) image guided radiation
      therapy (IGRT) system. A SPA strip consisting of four neighboring tiles and
      measuring 40 cm by 10.96 cm in the crossplane and inplane directions,
      respectively, was installed in the flat panel imager. Head- and pelvis-sized
      phantom images were acquired at doses ranging from 3 to 60 cGy with three MVCBCT
      configurations: TBL + LFB, IBL + LFB, and IBL + SPA. Phantom image quality at
      each dose was quantified using the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) and modulation
      transfer function (MTF) metrics. Head and neck, thoracic, and pelvic (prostate)
      cancer patients were imaged with the three imaging system configurations at
      multiple doses ranging from 3 to 15 cGy. The systems were assessed qualitatively
      from the patient image data. RESULTS: For head and neck and pelvis-sized phantom
      images, imaging doses of 3 cGy or greater, and relative electron densities of
      1.09 and 1.48, the CNR average improvement factors for imaging system change of
      TBL + LFB to IBL + LFB, IBL + LFB to IBL + SPA, and TBL + LFB to IBL + SPA were
      1.63 (p < 10(- 8)), 1.64 (p < 10(- 13)), 2.66 (p < 10(- 9)), respectively. For
      all imaging doses, soft tissue contrast was more easily differentiated on IBL +
      SPA head and neck and pelvic images than TBL + LFB and IBL + LFB. IBL + SPA
      thoracic images were comparable to IBL + LFB images, but less noisy than TBL +
      LFB images at all imaging doses considered. The mean MTFs over all imaging doses
      were comparable, at within 3%, for all imaging system configurations for both the
      head- and pelvis-sized phantoms. CONCLUSIONS: Since CNR scales with the square
      root of imaging dose, changing from TBL + LFB to IBL + LFB and IBL + LFB to IBL +
      SPA reduces the imaging dose required to obtain a given CNR by factors of 0.38
      and 0.37, respectively. MTFs were comparable between imaging system
      configurations. IBL + SPA patient image quality was always better than that of
      the TBL + LFB system and as good as or better than that of the IBL + LFB system,
      for a given dose.

PMID- 22047362
TI  - Learning statistical correlation for fast prostate registration in image-guided
      radiotherapy.
AB  - PURPOSE: In adaptive radiation therapy of prostate cancer, fast and accurate
      registration between the planning image and treatment images of the patient is of
      essential importance. With the authors' recently developed deformable surface
      model, prostate boundaries in each treatment image can be rapidly segmented and
      their correspondences (or relative deformations) to the prostate boundaries in
      the planning image are also established automatically. However, the dense
      correspondences on the nonboundary regions, which are important especially for
      transforming the treatment plan designed in the planning image space to each
      treatment image space, are remained unresolved. This paper presents a novel
      approach to learn the statistical correlation between deformations of prostate
      boundary and nonboundary regions, for rapidly estimating deformations of the
      nonboundary regions when given the deformations of the prostate boundary at a new
      treatment image. METHODS: The main contributions of the proposed method lie in
      the following aspects. First, the statistical deformation correlation will be
      learned from both current patient and other training patients, and further
      updated adaptively during the radiotherapy. Specifically, in the initial
      treatment stage when the number of treatment images collected from the current
      patient is small, the statistical deformation correlation is mainly learned from
      other training patients. As more treatment images are collected from the current
      patient, the patient-specific information will play a more important role in
      learning patient-specific statistical deformation correlation to effectively
      reflect prostate deformation of the current patient during the treatment.
      Eventually, only the patient-specific statistical deformation correlation is used
      to estimate dense correspondences when a sufficient number of treatment images
      have been acquired from the current patient. Second, the statistical deformation
      correlation will be learned by using a multiple linear regression (MLR) model,
      i.e., ridge regression (RR) model, which has the best prediction accuracy than
      other MLR models such as canonical correlation analysis (CCA) and principal
      component regression (PCR). RESULTS: To demonstrate the performance of the
      proposed method, we first evaluate its registration accuracy by comparing the
      deformation field predicted by our method with the deformation field estimated by
      the thin plate spline (TPS) based correspondence interpolation method on 306
      serial prostate CT images of 24 patients. The average predictive error on the
      voxels around 5 mm of prostate boundary is 0.38 mm for our method of RR-based
      correlation model. Also, the corresponding maximum error is 2.89 mm. We then
      compare the speed for deformation interpolation by different methods. When
      considering the larger region of interest (ROI) with the size of 512 * 512 * 61,
      our method takes 24.41 seconds to interpolate the dense deformation field while
      TPS method needs 6.7 minutes; when considering a small ROI (surrounding prostate)
      with size of 112 * 110 * 93, our method takes 1.80 seconds, while TPS method
      needs 25 seconds. CONCLUSIONS: Experimental results show that the proposed method
      can achieve much faster registration speed yet with comparable registration
      accuracy, compared to the TPS-based correspondence (or deformation) interpolation
      approach.

PMID- 22047363
TI  - The correlation of tissue motion within the lung: implications on fiducial based
      treatments.
AB  - In radiation therapy many motion management and alignment techniques rely on the
      accuracy of an internal fiducial acting as a surrogate for target motion within
      the lung. Although fiducials are routinely used as surrogates for tumor motion,
      the extent to which varying spatial locations in the lung move similarly to other
      locations has yet to be quantitatively analyzed. In an attempt to analyze the
      motion correlation throughout the lung, ten primary lung cancer patients
      underwent IRB-approved 4DCT scans in the supine position. Deformable registration
      produced motion vectors for each voxel between exhalation and inhalation.
      Modeling was performed for each vector and all surrounding vectors within the
      lung in order to determine the mean 3D Euclidean distance necessary for an
      implanted fiducial to correlate with surrounding tissue motion to within 3 mm
      (left lower: 1.7 cm, left upper: 2.1 cm, right lower 1.6 cm, and right upper 2.9
      cm). No general implantation rule of where to position a fiducial with respect to
      the tumor was found as the motion is highly patient and lobe specific.
      Correlation maps are presented showcasing spatial anisotropy of the motion of
      tissue surrounding the tumor.

PMID- 22047364
TI  - Improving suspicious breast lesion characterization using semi-automatic lesion
      fractional volume washout kinetic analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: Although breast dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging
      (DCE-MRI) demonstrates high sensitivity for malignant tumor detection, a major
      limitation is the relative low specificity, resulting in many false-positive
      diagnoses of suspicious lesions (BI-RADS assessment of 4 or 5) in clinical
      practice and consequently producing a relatively low positive predictive value
      (PPV) for biopsies. The most enhanced areas in the malignant tumors show a
      typical washout (WO) kinetic feature for the postcontrast signal intensity time
      courses and also correlate with microvessel density. Benign proliferative breast
      diseases can also produce the WO curve, yielding an equivocal kinetic behavior
      for the benign lesions and rendering their diagnoses as suspicious lesions in
      clinical practice. Considering that tumor angiogenesis is essential to an
      aggressive cancer tumor growth, the authors hypothesize that the WO volume
      fraction, i.e., the total volume of the WO voxels that demonstrate the WO curve
      within the tumor, is relatively large for malignant tumors in comparison to that
      for benign lesions. In this study, the authors present a lesion fractional volume
      WO kinetic analysis for improving the characterization of suspicious breast
      lesions. METHODS: A method to automatically detect the boundary of a manually
      selected contrast-enhanced lesion was introduced and tested, utilizing the signal
      intensity difference between the contrast-enhanced lesion and its surrounding
      tissues. The kinetic features of the postcontrast signal intensity time courses
      were quantitatively analyzed voxel-by-voxel with emphasis on the examination of
      the WO behavior. The WO volume fraction relative to the whole lesion volume was
      introduced and tested as a biomarker for improving the characterization of
      suspicious breast lesions. The sample for this test consisted of 28 suspicious
      lesions with correlative histopathology reports available. The lesions included
      10 malignant tumors and 18 benign lesions, yielding a 35.7% PPV of the biopsies.
      RESULTS: The semi-automatic method produced an objective volume of interest for
      each lesion with voxelwise-quantified kinetic features. With an optimal choice of
      kinetic analysis, the mean and standard deviation of the WO volume fraction were
      59.1 +/- 13.1 (%) with the range from 41.0% to 80.7% for the malignant tumors and
      31.4 +/- 20.5 (%) with the range between 3.3% and 71.6% for the benign lesions,
      respectively. The WO volume fraction was significantly larger (p < 0.0004) for
      the malignant tumors than for the benign lesions. While maintaining the same
      sensitivity for malignant tumors, using the WO volume fraction as an additional
      biomarker would characterize 14 out of the 18 benign lesions as benign,
      potentially resulting in an 100% improvement rate in the PPV of the biopsies
      (from 35.7% to 71.4%) and consequently a 77.8% reduction rate in potentially
      unnecessary biopsies (from 18 to 4). CONCLUSIONS: The significantly larger WO
      volume fraction for the malignant tumors was probably related to the increased
      vascularity associated with tumor angiogenesis. The results suggest that the WO
      volume fraction biomarker has potential to improve the computer-based assessment
      of breast MRI by greatly increasing the PPV of breast biopsies and potentially
      significantly reducing the number of unnecessary biopsies without compromising
      sensitivity.

PMID- 22047365
TI  - The effect of errors in segmented attenuation maps on PET quantification.
AB  - PURPOSE: Accurate attenuation correction is important for PET quantification.
      Often, a segmented attenuation map is used, especially in MRI-based attenuation
      correction. As deriving the attenuation map from MRI images is difficult,
      different errors can be present in the segmented attenuation map. The goal of
      this paper is to determine the effect of these errors on quantification. METHODS:
      The authors simulated the digital XCAT phantom using the GATE Monte Carlo
      simulation framework and a model of the Philips Gemini TF. A whole body scan was
      simulated, spanning an axial field of view of 70 cm. A total of fifteen lesions
      were placed in the lung, liver, spine, colon, prostate, and femur. The acquired
      data were reconstructed with a reference attenuation map and with different
      attenuation maps that were modified to reflect common segmentation errors. The
      quantitative difference between reconstructed images was evaluated. RESULTS:
      Segmentation into five tissue classes, namely cortical bone, spongeous bone, soft
      tissue, lung, and air yielded errors below 5%. Large errors were caused by
      ignoring lung tissue (up to 45%) or cortical bone (up to 17%). The interpatient
      variability of lung attenuation coefficients can lead to errors of 10% and more.
      Up to 20% tissue misclassification from bone to soft tissue yielded errors below
      5%. The same applies for up to 10% misclassification from lung to air.
      CONCLUSIONS: When using a segmented attenuation map, at least five different
      tissue types should be considered: cortical bone, spongeous bone, soft tissue,
      lung, and air. Furthermore, the interpatient variability of lung attenuation
      coefficients should be taken into account. Limited misclassification from bone to
      soft tissue and from lung to air is acceptable, as these do not lead to relevant
      errors.

PMID- 22047366
TI  - Reference dosimetry for helical tomotherapy: practical implementation and a
      multicenter validation.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to implement a protocol for reference
      dosimetry in tomotherapy and to validate the beam output measurements with an
      independent dosimetry system. METHODS: Beam output was measured at the reference
      depth of 10 cm in water for the following three cases: (1) a 5 * 10 cm(2) static
      machine specific reference field (MSR), (2) a rotational 5 * 10 cm(2) field
      without modulation and no tabletop in the beam, (3) a plan class specific
      reference (PCSR) field defined as a rotational homogeneous dose delivery to a
      cylindrical shaped target volume: plan with modulation and table-top movement.
      The formalism for reference dosimetry of small and nonstandard fields
      [Med.Phys.35: 5179-5186, 2008] and QA recommendations [Med.Phys.37: 4817-4853,
      2010] were adopted in the dose measurement protocol. All ionization chamber
      measurements were verified independently using alanine/EPR dosimetry. As a pilot
      study, the beam output was measured on tomotherapy Hi-art systems at three other
      centers and directly compared to the centers specifications and to alanine
      dosimetry. RESULTS: For the four centers, the mean static output at a depth of 10
      cm in water and SAD = 85 cm, measured with an A1SL chamber following the TG-148
      report was 6.238 Gy/min +/- 0.058 (1 SD); the rotational output was 6.255 Gy/min
      +/- 0.069 (1 SD). The dose stated by the center was found in good agreement with
      the measurements of the visiting team: D(center)/D(visit) = 1.000 +/- 0.003 (1
      SD). The A1SL chamber measurements were all in good agreement with Alanine/EPR
      dosimetry. Going from the static reference field to the rotational / non
      modulated field the dose rate remains constant within 0.2% except for one center
      where a deviation of 1.3% was detected. CONCLUSIONS: Following the TG-148 report,
      beam output measurements in water at the reference depth using a local protocol,
      as developed at different centers, was verified. The measurements were found in
      good agreement with alanine/EPR dosimetry. The presented methodology may provide
      a good concept for reference dosimetry.

PMID- 22047367
TI  - Scatter correction for full-fan volumetric CT using a stationary beam blocker in
      a single full scan.
AB  - PURPOSE: Applications of volumetric CT (VCT) are hampered by shading and
      streaking artifacts in the reconstructed images. These artifacts are mainly due
      to strong x-ray scatter signals accompanied with the large illumination area
      within one projection, which lead to CT number inaccuracy, image contrast loss
      and spatial nonuniformity. Although different scatter correction algorithms have
      been proposed in literature, a standard solution still remains unclear.
      Measurement-based methods use a beam blocker to acquire scatter samples. These
      techniques have unrivaled advantages over other existing algorithms in that they
      are simple and efficient, and achieve high scatter estimation accuracy without
      prior knowledge of the imaged object. Nevertheless, primary signal loss is
      inevitable in the scatter measurement, and multiple scans or moving the beam
      blocker during data acquisition are typically employed to compensate for the
      missing primary data. In this paper, we propose a new measurement-based scatter
      correction algorithm without primary compensation for full-fan VCT. An accurate
      reconstruction is obtained with one single-scan and a stationary x-ray beam
      blocker, two seemingly incompatible features which enable simple and efficient
      scatter correction without increase of scan time or patient dose. METHODS: Based
      on the CT reconstruction theory, we distribute the blocked data over the
      projection area where primary signals are considered approximately redundant in a
      full scan, such that the CT image quality is not degraded even with primary loss.
      Scatter is then accurately estimated by interpolation and scatter-corrected CT
      images are obtained using an FDK-based reconstruction algorithm. RESULTS: The
      proposed method is evaluated using two phantom studies on a tabletop CBCT system.
      On the Catphan(c)600 phantom, our approach reduces the reconstruction error from
      207 Hounsfield unit (HU) to 9 HU in the selected region of interest, and improves
      the image contrast by a factor of 2.0 in the high-contrast regions. On an
      anthropomorphic head phantom, the reconstruction error is reduced from 97 HU to 6
      HU in the soft tissue region and image spatial nonuniformity decreases from 27%
      to 5% after correction. CONCLUSIONS: Our method inherits the main advantages of
      measurement-based methods while avoiding their shortcomings. It has the potential
      to become a practical scatter correction solution widely implementable on
      different VCT systems.

PMID- 22047368
TI  - Dynamic MLC leaf sequencing for integrated linear accelerator control systems.
AB  - PURPOSE: Leaf positions for dynamic multileaf collimator (DMLC) intensity
      modulated radiation therapy must be closely synchronized with MU delivery. For
      the Varian C3 series MLC controller, if the planned trajectory (leaf position vs.
      MU) requires velocities exceeding the capability of the MLC, the leaves fall
      behind the planned positions, causing the controller to momentarily hold the beam
      and thereby introduce dosimetric errors. We investigated the merits of a new
      commercial linear accelerator, TrueBeamTM, that integrates MLC control with
      prospective dose rate modulation. If treatment is delivered at dose rates so high
      that leaves would fall behind, the controller reduces the dose rate such that
      harmony between MU and leaf position is preserved. METHODS: For three sets of
      DMLC leaf trajectories, point doses and two-dimensional dose distributions were
      measured in phantom using an ionization chamber and film, respectively. The first
      set, delivered using both a TrueBeamTM and a conventional C3 controller,
      comprised a single leaf bank closing at planned velocities of 2.4, 7.1, and 14
      cm/s. The maximum achievable leaf velocity for both systems was 3 cm/s. The
      remaining two sets were derived from clinical fluence maps using a commercial
      treatment planning system for a range of planned dose rates and were delivered
      using TrueBeamTM set to the maximum dose rate, 600 MU/min. Generating
      trajectories using a planned dose rate that is lower than the delivery dose rate
      effectively increased the leaf velocity constraint used by the planning system
      for trajectory calculation. The second set of leaf trajectories was derived from
      two fluence maps containing regions of zero fluence obtained from representative
      beams of two different patient treatment plans. The third set was obtained from
      all nine fields of a head and neck treatment plan. For the head and neck plan,
      dose-volume histograms of the spinal cord and target for each planned dose rate
      were obtained. RESULTS: For the single closing leaf bank trajectories, the
      TrueBeamTM control system reduced the dose rate such that the leaf velocity was
      less than the maximum. Dose deviations relative to the 2.4 cm/s trajectory were
      less than 3%. For the conventional controller, the leaves repeatedly fell behind
      the planned positions until the beam hold threshold was reached, resulting in
      deviations of up to 19% relative to the 2.4 cm/s trajectory. For the two clinical
      fluence maps, reducing the planned dose rate reduced the dose in the zero fluence
      regions by 15% and 24% and increased the delivery time by 5 s and 14 s. No
      significant differences were noted in the high and intermediate dose regions
      measured using film. The DVHs for the head and neck plan showed a 10% reduction
      in cord dose for 20 MU/min relative to 600 MU/min sequencing dose rate, which was
      confirmed by measurement. No difference in target DVHs were observed. The
      reduction in cord dose increased total treatment time by 1.8 min. CONCLUSIONS:
      Leaf sequencing algorithms for integrated control systems should be modified to
      reflect the reduced importance of maximum leaf velocity for accurate dose
      delivery.

PMID- 22047369
TI  - A comparison of postimplant dosimetry for (103)Pd versus (131)Cs seeds on a
      retrospective series of PBSI patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: Permanent breast seed implantation (PBSI) is an accelerated partial
      breast irradiation technique performed using stranded (103)Pd radioactive seeds
      (average energy of 21 keV, 16.97 day half-life). Since 2004, (131)Cs
      brachytherapy sources have become clinically available. The (131)Cs radionuclide
      has a higher energy (average energy of 30 keV) and a shorter half-life (9.7 days)
      than (103)Pd. The purpose of this study was to determine whether or not there are
      dosimetric benefits to using (131)Cs brachytherapy seeds for PBSI. METHODS: The
      prescribed dose for PBSI using (103)Pd is 90 Gy, which was adjusted for (131)Cs
      implants to account for the shorter half-life. A retrospective cohort of 30
      patients, who have already undergone a (103)Pd implant, was used for this study.
      The treatments were planned using the Variseed treatment planning system. The air
      kerma strength of the (131)Cs seeds was adjusted in all preimplantation treatment
      plans so that the V(100) (the volume within the target that receives 100% or more
      of the prescribed dose) were equivalent at time of implantation. Two month follow
      up CT scans were available for all 30 patients and each patient was reevaluated
      using (131)Cs seeds. The postimplant dosimetric parameters were compared using a
      two tailed t-test. RESULTS: The prescribed dose for (131)Cs was calculated to be
      77 Gy; this dose would have the same biological effect as a PBSI implant with
      (103)Pd of 90 Gy. The activities of the (131)Cs sources were adjusted to an
      average of 2.2 +/- 0.8 U for (131)Cs compared to 2.5 +/- 1.1 U for (103)Pd in
      order to get an equivalent V(100) as the (103)Pd preimplants. While the use of
      (131)Cs significantly reduces the preimplant V(200) (the volume within the target
      that receives 200% or more of the prescribed dose) compared to (103)Pd by 13.5 +/
      9.0%, the reduction observed on the 2 month postimplant plan was 12.4 +/- 5.1%
      which accounted for seed motion, implantation inaccuracies and tissue changes.
      This translates into an absolute reduction of 4.1 cm(3) of tissue receiving 200%
      of the dose. CONCLUSIONS: This analysis of 30 early stage breast cancer patients
      who underwent the PBSI procedure shows that there is a theoretical dosimetric
      advantage to using (131)Cs. However, in a realistic implant that will have seed
      misplacements and tissue changes, the use of (131)Cs may not result in any
      clinically significant benefit.

PMID- 22047370
TI  - Statistical variability and confidence intervals for planar dose QA pass rates.
AB  - PURPOSE: The most common metric for comparing measured to calculated dose, such
      as for pretreatment quality assurance of intensity-modulated photon fields, is a
      pass rate (%) generated using percent difference (%Diff), distance-to-agreement
      (DTA), or some combination of the two (e.g., gamma evaluation). For many
      dosimeters, the grid of analyzed points corresponds to an array with a low areal
      density of point detectors. In these cases, the pass rates for any given
      comparison criteria are not absolute but exhibit statistical variability that is
      a function, in part, on the detector sampling geometry. In this work, the authors
      analyze the statistics of various methods commonly used to calculate pass rates
      and propose methods for establishing confidence intervals for pass rates obtained
      with low-density arrays. METHODS: Dose planes were acquired for 25 prostate and
      79 head and neck intensity-modulated fields via diode array and electronic portal
      imaging device (EPID), and matching calculated dose planes were created via a
      commercial treatment planning system. Pass rates for each dose plane pair (both
      centered to the beam central axis) were calculated with several common comparison
      methods: %Diff/DTA composite analysis and gamma evaluation, using absolute dose
      comparison with both local and global normalization. Specialized software was
      designed to selectively sample the measured EPID response (very high data
      density) down to discrete points to simulate low-density measurements. The
      software was used to realign the simulated detector grid at many simulated
      positions with respect to the beam central axis, thereby altering the low-density
      sampled grid. Simulations were repeated with 100 positional iterations using a 1
      detector/cm(2) uniform grid, a 2 detector/cm(2) uniform grid, and similar random
      detector grids. For each simulation, %/DTA composite pass rates were calculated
      with various %Diff/DTA criteria and for both local and global %Diff normalization
      techniques. RESULTS: For the prostate and head/neck cases studied, the pass rates
      obtained with gamma analysis of high density dose planes were 2%-5% higher than
      respective %/DTA composite analysis on average (ranging as high as 11%),
      depending on tolerances and normalization. Meanwhile, the pass rates obtained via
      local normalization were 2%-12% lower than with global maximum normalization on
      average (ranging as high as 27%), depending on tolerances and calculation method.
      Repositioning of simulated low-density sampled grids leads to a distribution of
      possible pass rates for each measured/calculated dose plane pair. These
      distributions can be predicted using a binomial distribution in order to
      establish confidence intervals that depend largely on the sampling density and
      the observed pass rate (i.e., the degree of difference between measured and
      calculated dose). These results can be extended to apply to 3D arrays of
      detectors, as well. CONCLUSIONS: Dose plane QA analysis can be greatly affected
      by choice of calculation metric and user-defined parameters, and so all pass
      rates should be reported with a complete description of calculation method. Pass
      rates for low-density arrays are subject to statistical uncertainty (vs. the high
      density pass rate), but these sampling errors can be modeled using statistical
      confidence intervals derived from the sampled pass rate and detector density.
      Thus, pass rates for low-density array measurements should be accompanied by a
      confidence interval indicating the uncertainty of each pass rate.

PMID- 22047371
TI  - Task-based weights for photon counting spectral x-ray imaging.
AB  - PURPOSE: To develop a framework for taking the spatial frequency composition of
      an imaging task into account when determining optimal bin weight factors for
      photon counting energy sensitive x-ray systems. A second purpose of the
      investigation is to evaluate the possible improvement compared to using pixel
      based weights. METHODS: The Fourier based approach of imaging performance and
      detectability index d' is applied to pulse height discriminating photon counting
      systems. The dependency of d' on the bin weight factors is made explicit, taking
      into account both differences in signal and noise transfer characteristics across
      bins and the spatial frequency dependency of interbin correlations from
      reabsorbed scatter. Using a simplified model of a specific silicon detector, d'
      values for a high and a low frequency imaging task are determined for optimal
      weights and compared to pixel based weights. RESULTS: The method successfully
      identifies bins where a large point spread function degrades detection of high
      spatial frequency targets. The method is also successful in determining how to
      downweigh highly correlated bins. Quantitative predictions for the simplified
      silicon detector model indicate that improvements in the detectability index when
      applying task-based weights instead of pixel based weights are small for high
      frequency targets, but could be in excess of 10% for low frequency tasks where
      scatter-induced correlation otherwise degrade detectability. CONCLUSIONS: The
      proposed method makes the spatial frequency dependency of complex correlation
      structures between bins and their effect on the system detective quantum
      efficiency easier to analyze and allows optimizing bin weights for given imaging
      tasks. A potential increase in detectability of double digit percents in silicon
      detector systems operated at typical CT energies (100 kVp) merits further
      evaluation on a real system. The method is noted to be of higher relevance for
      silicon detectors than for cadmium (zink) telluride detectors.

PMID- 22047372
TI  - Radiochromic film dosimetry of HDR (192)Ir source radiation fields.
AB  - PURPOSE: A radiochromic film based dosimetry system for high dose rate (HDR)
      Iridium-192 brachytherapy source was described. A comparison between calibration
      curves established in water and Solid WaterTM was provided. METHODS: Pieces of
      EBT-2 model GAFCHROMICTM film were irradiated in both water and Solid WaterTM
      with HDR (192)Ir brachytherapy source in a dose range from 0 to 50 Gy. Responses
      of EBT-2 GAFCHROMICTM film were compared for irradiations in water and Solid
      WaterTM by scaling the dose between media through Monte Carlo calculated
      conversion factor for both setups. To decrease uncertainty in dose delivery due
      to positioning of the film piece with respect to the radiation source, traceable
      calibration irradiations were performed in a parallel-opposed beam setup.
      RESULTS: The EBT-2 GAFCHROMICTM film based dosimetry system described in this
      work can provide an overall one-sigma dose uncertainty of 4.12% for doses above 1
      Gy. The ratio of dose delivered to the sensitive layer of the film in water to
      the dose delivered to the sensitive layer of the film in Solid WaterTM was
      calculated using Monte Carlo simulations to be 0.9941 +/- 0.0007. CONCLUSIONS: A
      radiochromic film based dosimetry system using only the green color channel of a
      flatbed document scanner showed superior precision if used alone in a dose range
      that extends up to 50 Gy, which greatly decreases the complexity of work. In
      addition, Solid WaterTM material was shown to be a viable alternative to water in
      performing radiochromic film based dosimetry with HDR (192)Ir brachytherapy
      sources.

PMID- 22047373
TI  - Radiation dose reduction to the breast in thoracic CT: comparison of bismuth
      shielding, organ-based tube current modulation, and use of a globally decreased
      tube current.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this work was to evaluate dose performance and image
      quality in thoracic CT using three techniques to reduce dose to the breast:
      bismuth shielding, organ-based tube current modulation (TCM) and global tube
      current reduction. METHODS: Semi-anthropomorphic thorax phantoms of four
      different sizes (15, 30, 35, and 40 cm lateral width) were used for dose
      measurement and image quality assessment. Four scans were performed on each
      phantom using 100 or 120 kV with a clinical CT scanner: (1) reference scan; (2)
      scan with bismuth breast shield of an appropriate thickness; (3) scan with organ
      based TCM; and (4) scan with a global reduction in tube current chosen to match
      the dose reduction from bismuth shielding. Dose to the breast was measured with
      an ion chamber on the surface of the phantom. Image quality was evaluated by
      measuring the mean and standard deviation of CT numbers within the lung and heart
      regions. RESULTS: Compared to the reference scan, dose to the breast region was
      decreased by about 21% for the 15-cm phantom with a pediatric (2-ply) shield and
      by about 37% for the 30, 35, and 40-cm phantoms with adult (4-ply) shields. Organ
      based TCM decreased the dose by 12% for the 15-cm phantom, and 34-39% for the 30,
      35, and 40-cm phantoms. Global lowering of the tube current reduced breast dose
      by 23% for the 15-cm phantom and 39% for the 30, 35, and 40-cm phantoms. In
      phantoms of all four sizes, image noise was increased in both the lung and heart
      regions with bismuth shielding. No significant increase in noise was observed
      with organ-based TCM. Decreasing tube current globally led to similar noise
      increases as bismuth shielding. Streak and beam hardening artifacts, and a
      resulting artifactual increase in CT numbers, were observed for scans with
      bismuth shields, but not for organ-based TCM or global tube current reduction.
      CONCLUSIONS: Organ-based TCM produces dose reduction to the breast similar to
      that achieved with bismuth shielding for both pediatric and adult phantoms.
      However, organ-based TCM does not affect image noise or CT number accuracy, both
      of which are adversely affected by bismuth shielding. Alternatively, globally
      decreasing the tube current can produce the same dose reduction to the breast as
      bismuth shielding, with a similar noise increase, yet without the streak
      artifacts and CT number errors caused by the bismuth shields. Moreover, globally
      decreasing the tube current reduces the dose to all tissues scanned, not simply
      to the breast.

PMID- 22047374
TI  - Zonal segmentation of prostate using multispectral magnetic resonance images.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the performance of a new method of automatic segmentation
      of prostatic multispectral magnetic resonance images into two zones: the
      peripheral zone and the central gland. METHODS: The proposed method is based on a
      modified version of the evidential C-means clustering algorithm. The evidential C
      means optimization process was modified to introduce spatial neighborhood
      information. A priori knowledge of the prostate's zonal morphology was modeled as
      a geometric criterion and used as an additional data source to enhance the
      differentiation of the two zones. RESULTS: Thirty-one clinical magnetic resonance
      imaging series were used to validate the method, and interobserver variability
      was taken into account in assessing its accuracy. The mean Dice Similarity
      Coefficient was 89% for the central gland and 80% for the peripheral zone, as
      validated by a consensus from expert radiologist segmentation. CONCLUSIONS: The
      method was statistically insensitive to variations in patient age, prostate
      volume and the presence of tumors, which increases its feasibility in a clinical
      context.

PMID- 22047375
TI  - Impact of leaf motion constraints on IMAT plan quality, deliver accuracy, and
      efficiency.
AB  - PURPOSE: Intensity modulated arc therapy (IMAT) is a radiation therapy delivery
      technique that combines the efficiency of arc based delivery with the dose
      painting capabilities of intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT). A key
      challenge in developing robust inverse planning solutions for IMAT is the need to
      account for the connectivity of the beam shapes as the gantry rotates from one
      beam angle to the next. To overcome this challenge, inverse planning solutions
      typically impose a leaf motion constraint that defines the maximum distance a
      multileaf collimator (MLC) leaf can travel between adjacent control points. The
      leaf motion constraint ensures the deliverability of the optimized plan, but it
      also impacts the plan quality, the delivery accuracy, and the delivery
      efficiency. In this work, the authors have studied leaf motion constraints in
      detail and have developed recommendations for optimizing the balance between plan
      quality and delivery efficiency. METHODS: Two steps were used to generate
      optimized IMAT treatment plans. The first was the direct machine parameter
      optimization (DMPO) inverse planning module in the Pinnacle(3) planning system.
      Then, a home-grown arc sequencer was applied to convert the optimized intensity
      maps into deliverable IMAT arcs. IMAT leaf motion constraints were imposed using
      limits of between 1 and 30 mm/deg. Dose distributions were calculated using the
      convolution/superposition algorithm in the Pinnacle(3) planning system. The IMAT
      plan dose calculation accuracy was examined using a finer sampling calculation
      and the quality assurance verification. All plans were delivered on an Elekta
      Synergy with an 80-leaf MLC and were verified using an IBA MatriXX 2D ion chamber
      array inserted in a MultiCube solid water phantom. RESULTS: The use of a more
      restrictive leaf motion constraint (less than 1-2 mm/deg) results in inferior
      plan quality. A less restrictive leaf motion constraint (greater than 5 mm/deg)
      results in improved plan quality but can lead to less accurate dose distribution
      as evidenced by increasing discrepancies between the planned and the delivered
      doses. For example, the results from our patient-specific quality assurance
      measurements demonstrated that the average gamma analysis passing rate decreased
      from 98% to 80% when the allowable leaf motion increased from 3 to 20 mm/deg.
      Larger leaf motion constraints also led to longer treatment delivery times (2 to
      4 folds) due to the additional MLC leaf motion. CONCLUSIONS: Leaf motion
      constraints significantly impact IMAT plans in terms of plan quality, delivery
      accuracy, and delivery efficiency with the impact magnified for more complex
      cases. Our studies indicate that a leaf motion constraint of 2 to 3 mm/deg of
      gantry rotation can provide an optimal balance between plan quality, delivery
      accuracy, and efficiency.

PMID- 22047376
TI  - Analysis of shear strain imaging for classifying breast masses: finite element
      and phantom results.
AB  - PURPOSE: Features extracted from axial-shear strain images of breast masses have
      been previously utilized to differentiate and classify benign from malignant
      breast masses. In this paper, we compare shear strain patterns exhibited by both
      the full-shear (axial and lateral component) versus only the axial-shear strain
      component for differentiating between bound masses (malignant) when compared to
      unbound masses (benign). METHODS: We examine different breast mass
      characteristics such as mass shape, asymmetric location of masses, stiffness
      variations, and mass bonding characteristics to background tissue to assess their
      impact on shear strain patterns generated due to a uniaxial applied deformation.
      Two-dimensional finite element simulations of both circular and elliptical
      inclusions embedded within a uniform background were utilized. Different degrees
      of bonding were characterized using friction coefficient values ranging from 0.01
      to 100 denoting loosely bound to firmly bound masses. Single-inclusion tissue
      mimicking phantoms mimicking firmly bound and loosely bound ellipsoidal masses
      oriented at four different angles to the applied deformation were studied to
      corroborate the mass differentiation performance. RESULTS: Our results indicate
      that the normalized axial-shear strain and full-shear strain area features are
      larger for bound when compared to unbound masses. A higher stiffness ratio or
      contrast between the inclusion and background also improves differentiation.
      Larger applied deformations reduce the discrimination performance for masses with
      friction coefficients lower than 0.4, due to increased mass slippage with applied
      deformations. Potential errors with the use of these features would occur for
      unbound inclusions at larger applied deformations and for asymmetric mass
      positions within the background normal tissue. CONCLUSIONS: Finite element and
      tissue-mimicking phantom results demonstrate the feasibility of utilizing both
      the normalized axial-shear and full-shear strain area features to classify breast
      masses. Differentiation between bound or unbound masses was not affected by the
      mass size or shape for masses where the applied deformation is normal to the mass
      surface. Shear strain patterns vary significantly especially within unbound
      masses, when the mass surface is not normal to the applied deformation.
      Discrimination performance for unbound masses was improved by utilizing only the
      normalized shear strain area patterns located outside the mass as illustrated in
      this paper.

PMID- 22047377
TI  - Automated bone removal in CT angiography: comparison of methods based on single
      energy and dual energy scans.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate dual energy based methods for bone removal in computed
      tomography angiography (CTA) images and compare these with single energy based
      methods that use an additional, nonenhanced, CT scan. METHODS: Four different
      bone removal methods were applied to CT scans of an anthropomorphic thorax
      phantom, acquired with a second generation dual source CT scanner. The methods
      differed by the way information on the presence of bone was obtained (either by
      using an additional, nonenhanced scan or by scanning with two tube voltages at
      the same time) and by the way the bone was removed from the CTA images (either by
      masking or subtracting the bone). The phantom contained parts which mimic vessels
      of various diameters in direct contact with bone. Both a quantitative and
      qualitative analysis of image quality after bone removal was performed. Image
      quality was quantified by the contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) normalized to the
      square root of the dose (CNRD). At locations where vessels touch bone, the
      quality of the bone removal and the vessel preservation were visually assessed.
      The dual energy based methods were assessed with and without the addition of a
      0.4 mm tin filter to the high voltage x-ray tube filtration. For each bone
      removal method, the dose required to obtain a certain CNR after bone removal was
      compared with the dose of a reference scan with the same CNR but without
      automated bone removal. The CNRD value of the reference scan was maximized by
      choosing the lowest tube voltage available. RESULTS: All methods removed the bone
      completely. CNRD values were higher for the masking based methods than for the
      subtraction based methods. Single energy based methods had a higher CNRD value
      than the corresponding dual energy based methods. For the subtraction based dual
      energy method, tin filtration improved the CNRD value with approximately 50%. For
      the masking based dual energy method, it was easier to differentiate between
      iodine and bone when tin filtration was applied. The CNRD value decreased only
      with 4% in that case. Compared to the dual scan based methods, the dual energy
      based methods had the advantage that only a single scan was made without the need
      of image registration. This might be easier to implement in clinical practice.
      Vessel preservation was better with bone subtraction than with bone masking.
      Smaller vessels were completely occluded by the bone mask. None of the bone
      removal methods was dose neutral. CONCLUSIONS: In general, dual scan based
      methods that use the lowest tube voltage available, have a higher CNR than the
      dual energy based approaches at the same dose level. Tin filtration improves the
      ability to differentiate between iodine and bone for the dual energy based
      masking method. In clinical practice, the advantages of the dual energy masking
      method might outweigh its disadvantage of a slightly higher dose penalty compared
      to the conventional dual scan masking method.

PMID- 22047378
TI  - K-space reconstruction with anisotropic kernel support (KARAOKE) for ultrafast
      partially parallel imaging.
AB  - PURPOSE: Partially parallel imaging (PPI) greatly accelerates MR imaging by using
      surface coil arrays and under-sampling k-space. However, the reduction factor (R)
      in PPI is theoretically constrained by the number of coils (N(C)). A
      symmetrically shaped kernel is typically used, but this often prevents even the
      theoretically possible R from being achieved. Here, the authors propose a kernel
      design method to accelerate PPI faster than R = N(C). METHODS: K-space data
      demonstrates an anisotropic pattern that is correlated with the object itself and
      to the asymmetry of the coil sensitivity profile, which is caused by coil
      placement and B(1) inhomogeneity. From spatial analysis theory, reconstruction of
      such pattern is best achieved by a signal-dependent anisotropic shape kernel. As
      a result, the authors propose the use of asymmetric kernels to improve k-space
      reconstruction. The authors fit a bivariate Gaussian function to the local signal
      magnitude of each coil, then threshold this function to extract the kernel
      elements. A perceptual difference model (Case-PDM) was employed to quantitatively
      evaluate image quality. RESULTS: A MR phantom experiment showed that k-space
      anisotropy increased as a function of magnetic field strength. The authors tested
      a K-spAce Reconstruction with AnisOtropic KErnel support ("KARAOKE") algorithm
      with both MR phantom and in vivo data sets, and compared the reconstructions to
      those produced by GRAPPA, a popular PPI reconstruction method. By exploiting k
      space anisotropy, KARAOKE was able to better preserve edges, which is
      particularly useful for cardiac imaging and motion correction, while GRAPPA
      failed at a high R near or exceeding N(C). KARAOKE performed comparably to GRAPPA
      at low Rs. CONCLUSIONS: As a rule of thumb, KARAOKE reconstruction should always
      be used for higher quality k-space reconstruction, particularly when PPI data is
      acquired at high Rs and/or high field strength.

PMID- 22047379
TI  - Dosimetry of a new P-32 ophthalmic applicator.
AB  - PURPOSE: The potential of P-32 ophthalmic applicator irradiation after pterygium
      excision has been demonstrated as an alternative to Sr/Y-90 irradiation. This
      study aimed to provide the clinical dosimetry for this new applicator. METHODS:
      The prototype of a cylindrical P-32 applicator was fabricated according to the
      Monte Carlo (MC)-based design study. At a nominal activity of 6 mCi (0.22 GBq),
      the absorbed dose rate at the front surface (i.e., reference dose rate) was
      measured by using an extrapolation ionization chamber (EC). The radiochromic film
      (RCF) was also used to measure the reference dose, axial depth dose distributions
      and transaxial dose profiles at various depths in water. RESULTS: The reference
      dose rate was 3.89 +/- 0.14 cGy/s for EC and 3.84 +/- 0.25 cGy/s for RCF. The
      depth dose rate was reduced approximately by an order of magnitude for every 2 mm
      depth in water. Measured depth doses in depths of 0.5-2.5 mm agreed with Monte
      Carlo data within +/-3%. Due to nonuniform absorption of P-32 into an absorbent
      disk, the dose profiles were not symmetric and decreased more rapidly toward the
      periphery than those predicted by the MC. The authors confirmed no leakage of P
      32 activities and negligible exposure rate around the hand grip of the
      applicator. CONCLUSIONS: The P-32 applicator can deliver therapeutic doses to the
      surface of the conjunctiva, while sparing the lens better than Sr/Y-90
      applicators. The doses at any points from the P-32 applicator could be calculated
      by using the measured dosimetry data. They also confirmed no leakage of the
      source, reliable integrity of the applicator, and negligible exposure level
      around the hand grip of the applicator. However, due to a possibility of
      nonuniform distributions of P-32 in an absorbent disk, measuring dose profiles as
      well as the reference dose rate for every new applicator would be recommended.

PMID- 22047380
TI  - Imaging of moving fiducial markers during radiotherapy using a fast, efficient
      active pixel sensor based EPID.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this work was to investigate the use of an experimental
      complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) active pixel sensor (APS) for
      tracking of moving fiducial markers during radiotherapy. METHODS: The APS has an
      active area of 5.4 * 5.4 cm and maximum full frame read-out rate of 20 frame s(
      1), with the option to read out a region-of-interest (ROI) at an increased rate.
      It was coupled to a 4 mm thick ZnWO4 scintillator which provided a quantum
      efficiency (QE) of 8% for a 6 MV x-ray treatment beam. The APS was compared with
      a standard iViewGT flat panel amorphous Silicon (a-Si) electronic portal imaging
      device (EPID), with a QE of 0.34% and a frame-rate of 2.5 frame s(-1). To
      investigate the ability of the two systems to image markers, four gold cylinders
      of length 8 mm and diameter 0.8, 1.2, 1.6, and 2 mm were placed on a motion
      platform. Images of the stationary markers were acquired using the APS at a frame
      rate of 20 frame s(-1), and a dose-rate of 143 MU min(-1) to avoid saturation.
      EPID images were acquired at the maximum frame-rate of 2.5 frame s(-1), and a
      reduced dose-rate of 19 MU min(-1) to provide a similar dose per frame to the
      APS. Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the background signal and contrast-to-noise
      ratio (CNR) of the marker signal relative to the background were evaluated for
      both imagers at doses of 0.125 to 2 MU. RESULTS: Image quality and marker
      visibility was found to be greater in the APS with SNR ~5 times greater than in
      the EPID and CNR up to an order of magnitude greater for all four markers. To
      investigate the ability to image and track moving markers the motion-platform was
      moved to simulate a breathing cycle with period 6 s, amplitude 20 mm and maximum
      speed 13.2 mm s(-1). At the minimum integration time of 50 ms a tracking
      algorithm applied to the APS data found all four markers with a success rate of
      >=92% and positional error <=90 MUm. At an integration time of 400 ms the
      smallest marker became difficult to detect when moving. The detection of moving
      markers using the a-Si EPID was difficult even at the maximum dose-rate of 592 MU
      min(-1) due to the lower QE and longer integration time of 400 ms. CONCLUSIONS:
      This work demonstrates that a fast read-out, high QE APS may be useful in the
      tracking of moving fiducial markers during radiotherapy. Further study is
      required to investigate the tracking of markers moving in 3D in a treatment beam
      attenuated by moving patient anatomy. This will require a larger sensor with ROI
      read-out to maintain speed and a manageable data-rate.

PMID- 22047381
TI  - Auto-segmentation of normal and target structures in head and neck CT images: a
      feature-driven model-based approach.
AB  - PURPOSE: Intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) allows greater control over
      dose distribution, which leads to a decrease in radiation related toxicity. IMRT,
      however, requires precise and accurate delineation of the organs at risk and
      target volumes. Manual delineation is tedious and suffers from both interobserver
      and intraobserver variability. State of the art auto-segmentation methods are
      either atlas-based, model-based or hybrid however, robust fully automated
      segmentation is often difficult due to the insufficient discriminative
      information provided by standard medical imaging modalities for certain tissue
      types. In this paper, the authors present a fully automated hybrid approach which
      combines deformable registration with the model-based approach to accurately
      segment normal and target tissues from head and neck CT images. METHODS: The
      segmentation process starts by using an average atlas to reliably identify
      salient landmarks in the patient image. The relationship between these landmarks
      and the reference dataset serves to guide a deformable registration algorithm,
      which allows for a close initialization of a set of organ-specific deformable
      models in the patient image, ensuring their robust adaptation to the boundaries
      of the structures. Finally, the models are automatically fine adjusted by our
      boundary refinement approach which attempts to model the uncertainty in model
      adaptation using a probabilistic mask. This uncertainty is subsequently resolved
      by voxel classification based on local low-level organ-specific features.
      RESULTS: To quantitatively evaluate the method, they auto-segment several organs
      at risk and target tissues from 10 head and neck CT images. They compare the
      segmentations to the manual delineations outlined by the expert. The evaluation
      is carried out by estimating two common quantitative measures on 10 datasets:
      volume overlap fraction or the Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), and a
      geometrical metric, the median symmetric Hausdorff distance (HD), which is
      evaluated slice-wise. They achieve an average overlap of 93% for the mandible,
      91% for the brainstem, 83% for the parotids, 83% for the submandibular glands,
      and 74% for the lymph node levels. CONCLUSIONS: Our automated segmentation
      framework is able to segment anatomy in the head and neck region with high
      accuracy within a clinically-acceptable segmentation time.

PMID- 22047382
TI  - Radiochromic EBT2 film dosimetry for low-energy protontherapy.
AB  - PURPOSE: In protontherapy, accessories are used in order to adapt the beam to the
      surface and to the depth of the target. They are positioned close to the patient
      in order to avoid perturbation effects related to proton scattering. The level of
      contamination of the beam caused by these accessories may be assessed by
      examining the dose maps in parallel planes to the beam incidence. The EBT2
      radiochromic film is a suitable tool for this task, as it can be cut into small
      pieces and immersed in water. Prior to use the EBT2 film for dose measurements,
      its response when exposed to a proton beam must be analysed. METHODS: The
      measurements were performed at the Centre Antoine Lacassagne, using the hospital
      based MEDICYC isochronous cyclotron which provides 65 MeV protons. Monoenergetic
      as well as polyenergetic beams were used. Small pieces of EBT2 films were
      irradiated with proton beams in a small water phantom. Films were exposed at
      various angles close to the beam incidence and received doses ranging from 0.25
      to 500 Gy. The optical density (OD) was studied as a function of angle, dose and
      linear energy transfer (LET). RESULTS: The effective atomic number of the active
      layer of the film is close to that of water which prevents disturbances of the
      measurement. However, the high density and the significant thickness of the Mylar
      substrate surrounding the active layer affect the use of the film in a parallel
      orientation to the beam. Therefore, the substrate layer may totally or partially
      slow down the protons. The measurement is then no longer representative to what
      happens in water. The measurement errors can be corrected by applying a tilt
      angle of at least 5 degrees  between the film and the beam. The dose analysis
      reveals that the green channel is the most sensitive in the dose range from 1 to
      100 Gy. The OD is accurately described by a Weibull function of the dose with
      four free parameters. The Weibull function is valid for both monoenergetic and
      polyenergetic beams if the LET is limited to values below 15 MeV g(- 1) cm(2).
      When using a film orientation close to the beam incidence angle, increasing LET
      values are encountered throughout the film axis gradually with the protons
      slowing down in water. The EBT2 films show an underestimated response for higher
      LET values. The comparison of data from the present study to data obtained by
      other authors for EBT films allows modelling the underestimated response as a
      function of the LET. The definition improvement of the link between OD and LET
      requires to integrate more closely the beam energy characteristics. CONCLUSIONS:
      The EBT2 film is a suitable dosimeter for analysing dose plans in planes nearly
      parallel to the beam orientation by compensating the underestimated dose response
      due to LET.

PMID- 22047383
TI  - Automated 3-dimensional segmentation of pelvic lymph nodes in magnetic resonance
      images.
AB  - PURPOSE: Computer aided diagnosis (CAD) of lymph node metastases may help reduce
      reading time and improve interpretation of the large amount of image data in a 3
      D pelvic MRI exam. The purpose of this study was to develop an algorithm for
      automated segmentation of pelvic lymph nodes from a single seed point, as part of
      a CAD system for the classification of normal vs metastatic lymph nodes, and to
      evaluate its performance compared to other algorithms. METHODS: The authors'
      database consisted of pelvic MR images of 146 consecutive patients, acquired
      between January 2008 and April 2010. Each dataset included four different MR
      sequences, acquired after infusion of a lymph node specific contrast medium based
      on ultrasmall superparamagnetic particles of iron oxide. All data sets were
      analyzed by two expert readers who, reading in consensus, annotated and manually
      segmented the lymph nodes. The authors compared four segmentation algorithms:
      confidence connected region growing (CCRG), extended CCRG (ECC), graph cut
      segmentation (GCS), and a segmentation method based on a parametric shape and
      appearance model (PSAM). The methods were ranked based on spatial overlap with
      the manual segmentations, and based on diagnostic accuracy in a CAD system, with
      the experts' annotations as reference standard. RESULTS: A total of 2347 manually
      annotated lymph nodes were included in the analysis, of which 566 contained a
      metastasis. The mean spatial overlap (Dice similarity coefficient) was: 0.35
      (CCRG), 0.57 (ECC), 0.44 (GCS), and 0.46 (PSAM). When combined with the
      classification system, the area under the ROC curve was: 0.805 (CCRG), 0.890
      (ECC), 0.807 (GCS), 0.891 (PSAM), and 0.935 (manual segmentation). CONCLUSIONS:
      We identified two segmentation methods, ECC and PSAM, that achieve a high
      diagnostic accuracy when used in conjunction with a CAD system for classification
      of normal vs metastatic lymph nodes. The manual segmentations still achieve the
      highest diagnostic accuracy.

PMID- 22047384
TI  - Optimization of phosphor-based detector design for oblique x-ray incidence in
      digital breast tomosynthesis.
AB  - PURPOSE: In digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT), a volumetric reconstruction of
      the breast is generated from a limited range of x-ray projections. One trade-off
      of DBT is resolution loss in the projections due to non-normal (i.e., oblique) x
      ray incidence. Although degradation in image quality due to oblique incidence has
      been studied using empirical data and Monte Carlo simulations, a theoretical
      treatment has been lacking. The purpose of this work is to extend Swank's
      calculations of the transfer functions of turbid granular phosphors to oblique
      incidence. The model is ultimately used as a tool for optimizing the design of
      DBT detectors. METHODS: A quantum-limited system and 20 keV x-rays are
      considered. Under these assumptions, the modulation transfer function (MTF) and
      noise power spectra (NPS) are derived using the diffusion approximation to the
      Boltzmann equation to model optical scatter within the phosphor. This approach is
      applicable to a nonstructured scintillator such as gadolinium oxysulfide doped
      with terbium (Gd(2)O(2)S:Tb), which is commonly used in breast imaging and which
      can reasonably approximate other detector materials. The detective quantum
      efficiency (DQE) is then determined from the Nishikawa formulation, where it is
      written as the product of the x-ray quantum detection efficiency, the Swank
      factor, and the Lubberts fraction. Transfer functions are calculated for both
      front- and back-screen configurations, which differ by positioning the
      photocathode at the exit or entrance point of the x-ray beam, respectively.
      RESULTS: In the front-screen configuration, MTF and DQE are found to have
      considerable angular dependence, while NPS is shown to vary minimally with
      projection angle. As expected, the high frequency MTF and DQE are degraded
      substantially at large angles. By contrast, all transfer functions for the back
      screen configuration have the advantage of significantly less angular dependence.
      Using these models, we investigated the possibility for optimizing the design of
      DBT detectors. As an example optimization strategy, the phosphor thickness which
      maximizes the DQE at a fixed frequency is analyzed. This work demonstrates that
      the optimal phosphor thickness for the front-screen is angularly dependent,
      shifting to lower thickness at higher angles. Conversely, the back-screen is not
      optimized by a single thickness but instead attains reasonably high DQE values
      over a large range of thicknesses. Although the back-screen configuration is not
      suited for current detectors using a glass substrate, it may prove to be
      preferred in future detectors using newly proposed plastic thin-film transistor
      (TFT) substrates. CONCLUSIONS: Using the diffusion approximation to the Boltzmann
      equation to model the spread of light in a scintillator, this paper develops an
      analytical model of MTF, NPS, and DQE for a phosphor irradiated obliquely. The
      model is set apart from other studies on oblique incidence in being derived from
      first principles. This work has applications in the optimization of DBT detector
      design.

PMID- 22047385
TI  - An approach for online evaluations of dose consequences caused by small
      rotational setup errors in intracranial stereotactic radiation therapy.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this work is to investigate the impact of small
      rotational errors on the magnitudes and distributions of spatial dose variations
      for intracranial stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) treatment setups, and to assess
      the feasibility of using the original dose map overlaid with rotated contours
      (ODMORC) method as a fast, online evaluation tool to estimate dose changes (using
      DVHs) to clinical target volumes (CTVs) and organs-at-risks (OARs) caused by
      small rotational setup errors. METHODS: Fifteen intracranial SRT cases treated
      with either three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3DCRT) or intensity
      modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) techniques were chosen for the study. Selected
      cases have a variety of anatomical dimensions and pathologies. Angles of +/-3
      degrees  and +/-5 degrees  in all directions were selected to simulate the
      rotational errors. Dose variations in different regions of the brain, CTVs, and
      OARs were evaluated to illustrate the various spatial effects of dose differences
      before and after rotations. DVHs accounting for rotations that were recomputed by
      the treatment planning system (TPS) and those generated by the ODMORC method were
      compared. A framework of a fast algorithm for multicontour rotation implemented
      by ODMORC is introduced as well. RESULTS: The average values of relative dose
      variations between original dose and recomputed dose accounting for rotations
      were greater than 4.0% and 10.0% in absolute mean and in standard deviation,
      respectively, at the skull and adjacent regions for all cases. They were less
      than 1.0% and 2.5% in absolute mean and in standard deviation, respectively, for
      dose points 3 mm away from the skull. The results indicated that spatial dose to
      any part of the brain organs or tumors separated from the skull or head surface
      would be relatively stable before and after rotations. Statistical data of CTVs
      and OARs indicate the lens and cochleas have the large dose variations before and
      after rotations, whereas the remaining ROIs have insignificant dose differences.
      DVH comparisons suggest that the ODMORC method is able to estimate the DVH of
      CTVs fairly accurately (within 1.5% of relative dose differences for evaluation
      volumes). The results also show that most of the OARs including the brain stem,
      spinal cord, chiasm, hippocampuses, optic nerves, and retinas, which were
      relatively distal from the skull and surface, had good agreement (within 2.0% of
      relative dose differences for 0.1 cc of the volumes ) between the ODMORC method
      and the recomputation, whereas OARs more proximate to the bone-tissue interface
      or surface, such as the lenses and cochlea, had larger dose variations (greater
      than 5.0%) for some cases due to the incapability of the ODMORC to account for
      scatter contribution variations proximate to interfaces and intrinsic dose
      calculation uncertainties for ROIs with small volumes. CONCLUSIONS: The ODMORC
      method can be implemented as an online evaluation system for rotation-induced
      dose changes of CTVs and most OARs and for other related dose consequence
      analyses.

PMID- 22047386
TI  - Assessment of three methods for detection of ultrasound artifacts.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this work is to measure the performance (sensitivity and
      specificity) of three different visually based methods of detecting ultrasound
      artifacts using dynamic clips obtained with a liquid phantom. It is important to
      detect the presence of these non uniformities as early as possible, so they can
      be assessed, tracked, and addressed well before clinical image quality is
      impacted. METHODS: A total of 28 transducers of varying models containing a
      single artificial artifact created by stretching thin filaments across the
      transducer face were prepared. A second set of 28 matching transducers contained
      no artifacts. A 10 s clip was recorded of a dynamic speckle pattern from a custom
      liquid phantom ("dynamic clip"). A single-frame image was obtained by computing
      the median values at each pixel location over all frames of the clip ("median
      image"). This single-frame median image was then subtracted from a baseline image
      previously obtained with no induced artifact ("subtracted median"). All images
      were evaluated by six observers. The mean sensitivity and specificity with 95%
      exact binomial confidence intervals for the three artifact detection methods were
      estimated. Evaluation time and observer confidence were recorded. RESULTS: Both
      single-frame median and subtracted median images had a higher sensitivity than
      the dynamic clip. Overall the subtracted median images had the highest
      sensitivity of 97%, while maintaining a high specificity of 92%. Observers
      identified artifacts in the shortest time and with the highest confidence with
      this method. The subtracted median method removed the original structural
      variations and non-uniformities, and reduced the likelihood of false-positives.
      CONCLUSIONS: From the three methods assessed in this study, subtracted median
      images allow detection of artifacts with very good sensitivity and specificity,
      low image evaluation times, and a high degree of observer confidence, making
      these ideal for routine QC. For acceptance testing, where there are no previous
      baseline images available for subtraction, the use of median images is useful,
      although comparison with median images from different transducers of the same
      model and / or comparison of impressions from multiple observers should be made
      to decrease the incidence of false-positive findings. If median and subtracted
      median images are not available, direct inspection of the dynamic B-mode clips is
      useful for acceptance testing and quality control, but with lower sensitivity and
      somewhat longer evaluation time.

PMID- 22047387
TI  - Megavoltage cone beam CT near surface dose measurements: potential implications
      for breast radiotherapy.
AB  - PURPOSE: Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) is fast becoming standard on modern
      linear accelerators. CBCT increases the dose to regions within and outside the
      treatment field, potentially increasing secondary cancer induction and toxicity.
      This study quantified megavoltage (MV) CBCT skin dose and compared it to skin
      dose delivered during standard tangential breast radiotherapy. METHOD: Dosimetry
      was performed both in- and out-of-field using thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs)
      and a metal-oxide-semiconductor-field-effect-transistor (MOSFET) detector
      specifically designed for skin dosimetry; these were placed superficially on a
      female anthropomorphic phantom. RESULTS: The skin dose from a single treatment
      fraction ranged from 0.5 to 1.4 Gy on the ipsilateral breast, 0.031-0.18 Gy on
      the contralateral breast, and 0-0.02 Gy in the head and pelvic region. An 8 MU MV
      CBCT delivered a skin dose that ranged from 0.02 to 0.05 Gy in the chest region
      and was less than 0.01 Gy in the head and pelvis regions. One MV CBCT per
      fraction was found to increase the out-of-field skin dose from both the CBCT and
      the treatment fields by approximately 20%. The imaging dose as a percentage of
      treatment doses in the ipsilateral breast region was 3% for both dosimeters.
      CONCLUSION: Imaging increases the skin dose to regions outside the treatment
      field particularly regions immediately adjacent the target volume. This small
      extra dose to the breasts should be considered when developing clinical protocols
      and assessing dose for clinical trials.

PMID- 22047388
TI  - Accuracy of Acuros XB and AAA dose calculation for small fields with reference to
      RapidArc((r)) stereotactic treatments.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the accuracy against measurements of two photon dose
      calculation algorithms (Acuros XB and the Anisotropic Analytical algorithm AAA)
      for small fields usable in stereotactic treatments with particular focus on
      RapidArc((r)). METHODS: Acuros XB and AAA were configured for stereotactic use.
      Baseline accuracy was assessed on small jaw-collimated open fields for different
      values for the spot sizes parameter in the beam data: 0.0, 0.5, 1, and 2 mm. Data
      were calculated with a grid of 1 * 1 mm(2). Investigated fields were: 3 * 3, 2 *
      2, 1 * 1, and 0.8 * 0.8 cm(2) with a 6 MV photon beam generated from a
      Clinac2100iX (Varian, Palo Alto, CA). Profiles, PDD, and output factors were
      measured in water with a PTW diamond detector (detector size: 4 mm(2), thickness
      0.4 mm) and compared to calculations. Four RapidArc test plans were optimized,
      calculated and delivered with jaw settings J3 * 3, J2 * 2, and J1 * 1 cm(2), the
      last was optimized twice to generate high (H) and low (L) modulation patterns.
      Each plan consisted of one partial arc (gantry 110 degrees  to 250 degrees ), and
      collimator 45 degrees . Dose to isocenter was measured in a PTW Octavius phantom
      and compared to calculations. 2D measurements were performed by means of portal
      dosimetry with the GLAaS method developed at authors' institute. Analysis was
      performed with gamma pass-fail test with 3% dose difference and 2 mm distance to
      agreement thresholds. RESULTS: Open square fields: penumbrae from open field
      profiles were in good agreement with diamond measurements for 1 mm spot size
      setting for Acuros XB, and between 0.5 and 1 mm for AAA. Maximum MU difference
      between calculations and measurements was 1.7% for Acuros XB (0.2% for fields
      greater than 1 * 1 cm(2)) with 0.5 or 1 mm spot size. Agreement for AAA was
      within 0.7% (2.8%) for 0.5 (1 mm) spot size. RapidArc plans: doses were evaluated
      in a 4 mm diameter structure at isocenter and computed values differed from
      measurements by 0.0, -0.2, 5.5, and -3.4% for Acuros XB calculations (1 mm spot
      size), and of -0.1, 0.3, 6.7, and -1.2% for AAA, respectively for J3 * 3, J2 * 2,
      J1 * 1H, J1 * 1L RapidArc plans. Gamma Agreement Index from 2D dose analysis was
      higher than 95% for J3 * 3 and J2 * 2 plans, being around 80% for J1 * 1 maps.
      Sensitivity with respect to the dosimetric leaf gap and transmission factor MLC
      parameters was evaluated in the four RapidArc plans, showing the need to properly
      set the dosimetric leaf gap for accurate calculations. CONCLUSIONS: Acuros XB and
      AAA showed acceptable characteristics for stereotactic small fields if adequate
      tuning of configuration parameters is performed. Dose calculated for RapidArc
      stereotactic plans showed an acceptable agreement against point and 2D
      measurements. Both algorithms can therefore be considered safely applicable to
      stereotactic treatments.

PMID- 22047389
TI  - A robust and efficient approach to detect 3D rectal tubes from CT colonography.
AB  - PURPOSE: The rectal tube (RT) is a common source of false positives (FPs) in
      computer-aided detection (CAD) systems for CT colonography. A robust and
      efficient detection of RT can improve CAD performance by eliminating such
      "obvious" FPs and increase radiologists' confidence in CAD. METHODS: In this
      paper, we present a novel and robust bottom-up approach to detect the RT.
      Probabilistic models, trained using kernel density estimation on simple low-level
      features, are employed to rank and select the most likely RT tube candidate on
      each axial slice. Then, a shape model, robustly estimated using random sample
      consensus (RANSAC), infers the global RT path from the selected local detections.
      Subimages around the RT path are projected into a subspace formed from training
      subimages of the RT. A quadratic discriminant analysis (QDA) provides a
      classification of a subimage as RT or non-RT based on the projection. Finally, a
      bottom-top clustering method is proposed to merge the classification predictions
      together to locate the tip position of the RT. RESULTS: Our method is validated
      using a diverse database, including data from five hospitals. On a testing data
      with 21 patients (42 volumes), 99.5% of annotated RT paths have been successfully
      detected. Evaluated with CAD, 98.4% of FPs caused by the RT have been detected
      and removed without any loss of sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS: The proposed method
      demonstrates a high detection rate of the RT path, and when tested in a CAD
      system, reduces FPs caused by the RT without the loss of sensitivity.

PMID- 22047390
TI  - Comparison of secondary neutron dose in proton therapy resulting from the use of
      a tungsten alloy MLC or a brass collimator system.
AB  - PURPOSE: To apply the dual ionization chamber method for mixed radiation fields
      to an accurate comparison of the secondary neutron dose arising from the use of a
      tungsten alloy multileaf collimator (MLC) as opposed to a brass collimator system
      for defining the shape of a therapeutic proton field. METHODS: Hydrogenous and
      nonhydrogenous ionization chambers were constructed with large volumes to enable
      measurements of absorbed doses below 10(-4) Gy in mixed radiation fields using
      the dual ionization chamber method for mixed-field dosimetry. Neutron dose
      measurements were made with a nominal 230 MeV proton beam incident on a closed
      tungsten alloy MLC and a solid brass block. The chambers were cross-calibrated
      against a (60)Co-calibrated Farmer chamber in water using a 6 MV x-ray beam and
      Monte Carlo simulations were performed to account for variations in ionization
      chamber response due to differences in secondary neutron energy spectra. RESULTS:
      The neutron and combined proton plus gamma-ray absorbed doses are shown to be
      nearly equivalent downstream from either a closed tungsten alloy MLC or a solid
      brass block. At 10 cm downstream from the distal edge of the collimating material
      the neutron dose from the closed MLC was (5.3 +/- 0.4) * 10(- 5) Gy/Gy. The
      neutron dose with brass was (6.4 +/- 0.7) * 10(- 5) Gy/Gy. Further from the
      secondary neutron source, at 50 cm, the neutron doses remain close for both the
      MLC and brass block at (6.9 +/- 0.6) * 10(- 6) Gy/Gy and (6.3 +/- 0.7) * 10(- 6)
      Gy/Gy, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The dual ionization chamber method is suitable
      for measuring secondary neutron doses resulting from proton irradiation. The
      results of measurements downstream from a closed tungsten alloy MLC and a brass
      block indicate that, even in an overly pessimistic worst-case scenario, secondary
      neutron production in a tungsten alloy MLC leads to absorbed doses that are
      nearly equivalent to those seen from brass collimators. Therefore, the choice of
      tungsten alloy in constructing the leaves of a proton MLC is appropriate, and
      does not lead to a substantial increase in the secondary neutron dose to the
      patient compared to that generated in a brass collimator.

PMID- 22047391
TI  - Direct dose to water dosimetry for pretreatment IMRT verification using a
      modified EPID.
AB  - PURPOSE: Electronic portal imaging devices (EPIDs) are high resolution systems
      that produce electronic dose maps with minimal time required for equipment setup,
      and therefore potentially present a time-saving alternative for intensity
      modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) pretreatment verification. A modified
      commercial EPID was investigated operated with an opaque sheet blocking the
      optical signal produced in the phosphor layer as a precursor to a switched mode
      dual dosimetry-imaging EPID system. The purpose of this study was to investigate
      the feasibility of using this system for direct dose to water dosimetry for
      pretreatment IMRT verification. METHODS: A Varian amorphous silicon EPID was
      modified by placing an opaque sheet between the Gd(2)S(2)O:Tb phosphor layer and
      the photodiode array to block the optical photons. The EPID was thus converted to
      a direct-detecting system (dEPID), in which the high energy radiation deposits
      energy directly in the photodiode array. The copper build-up was replaced with
      d(max) solid water. Sixty-one IMRT beams of varying complexity were delivered to
      the EPID, to EDR2 dosimetric film and to a 2D ion chamber array (MapCheck). EPID
      data was compared to film and MapCheck data using gamma analysis with 3%, 3mm
      pass criteria. RESULTS: The fraction of points that passed the gamma test was on
      average 98.1% and 98.6%, for the EPID versus film and EPID versus MapCheck
      comparisons, respectively. In the case of comparison with film, the majority of
      observed discrepancies were associated with problems related to film sensitivity
      or processing. CONCLUSIONS: The very close agreement between EPID and both film
      and MapCheck data demonstrates that the modified EPID is suitable for direct dose
      to water measurement for pretreatment IMRT verification. These results suggest a
      reconfigured EPID could be an efficient and accurate dosimeter. Alternatively,
      optical switching methods could be developed to produce a dual-mode EPID with
      both dosimetry and imaging capabilities.

PMID- 22047392
TI  - Comparison and assessment of semi-automatic image segmentation in computed
      tomography scans for image-guided kidney surgery.
AB  - PURPOSE: Image segmentation is integral to implementing intraoperative guidance
      for kidney tumor resection. Results seen in computed tomography (CT) data are
      affected by target organ physiology as well as by the segmentation algorithm
      used. This work studies variables involved in using level set methods found in
      the Insight Toolkit to segment kidneys from CT scans and applies the results to
      an image guidance setting. METHODS: A composite algorithm drawing on the
      strengths of multiple level set approaches was built using the Insight Toolkit.
      This algorithm requires image contrast state and seed points to be identified as
      input, and functions independently thereafter, selecting and altering method and
      variable choice as needed. RESULTS: Semi-automatic results were compared to
      expert hand segmentation results directly and by the use of the resultant
      surfaces for registration of intraoperative data. Direct comparison using the
      Dice metric showed average agreement of 0.93 between semi-automatic and hand
      segmentation results. Use of the segmented surfaces in closest point registration
      of intraoperative laser range scan data yielded average closest point distances
      of approximately 1 mm. Application of both inverse registration transforms from
      the previous step to all hand segmented image space points revealed that the
      distance variability introduced by registering to the semi-automatically
      segmented surface versus the hand segmented surface was typically less than 3 mm
      both near the tumor target and at distal points, including subsurface points.
      CONCLUSIONS: Use of the algorithm shortened user interaction time and provided
      results which were comparable to the gold standard of hand segmentation. Further,
      the use of the algorithm's resultant surfaces in image registration provided
      comparable transformations to surfaces produced by hand segmentation. These data
      support the applicability and utility of such an algorithm as part of an image
      guidance workflow.

PMID- 22047393
TI  - Fluorescence diffuse optical tomography using the split Bregman method.
AB  - PURPOSE: Standard image reconstruction methods for fluorescence Diffuse Optical
      Tomography (fDOT) generally make use of L2-regularization. A better choice is to
      replace the L2 by a total variation functional that effectively removes noise
      while preserving edges. Among the wide range of approaches available, the
      recently appeared Split Bregman method has been shown to be optimal and
      efficient. Furthermore, additional constraints can be easily included. We propose
      the use of the Split Bregman method to solve the image reconstruction problem for
      fDOT with a nonnegativity constraint that imposes the reconstructed concentration
      of fluorophore to be positive. METHODS: The proposed method is tested with
      simulated and experimental data, and results are compared with those yielded by
      an equivalent unconstrained optimization approach based on Gauss-Newton (GN)
      method, in which the negative part of the solution is projected to zero after
      each iteration. In addition, the method dependence on the parameters that weigh
      data fidelity and nonnegativity constraints is analyzed. RESULTS: Split Bregman
      yielded a reduction of the solution error norm and a better full width at tenth
      maximum for simulated data, and higher signal-to-noise ratio for experimental
      data. It is also shown that it led to an optimum solution independently of the
      data fidelity parameter, as long as the number of iterations is properly
      selected, and that there is a linear relation between the number of iterations
      and the inverse of the data fidelity parameter. CONCLUSIONS: Split Bregman allows
      the addition of a nonnegativity constraint leading to improve image quality.

PMID- 22047394
TI  - Automated intraoperative calibration for prostate cancer brachytherapy.
AB  - PURPOSE: Prostate cancer brachytherapy relies on an accurate spatial registration
      between the implant needles and the TRUS image, called "calibration". The authors
      propose a new device and a fast, automatic method to calibrate the brachytherapy
      system in the operating room, with instant error feedback. METHODS: A device was
      CAD-designed and precision-engineered, which mechanically couples a calibration
      phantom with an exact replica of the standard brachytherapy template. From real
      time TRUS images acquired from the calibration device and processed by the
      calibration system, the coordinate transformation between the brachytherapy
      template and the TRUS images was computed automatically. The system instantly
      generated a report of the target reconstruction accuracy based on the current
      calibration outcome. RESULTS: Four types of validation tests were conducted.
      First, 50 independent, real-time calibration trials yielded an average of 0.57 +/
      0.13 mm line reconstruction error (LRE) relative to ground truth. Second, the
      averaged LRE was 0.37 +/- 0.25 mm relative to ground truth in tests with six
      different commercial TRUS scanners operating at similar imaging settings.
      Furthermore, testing with five different commercial stepper systems yielded an
      average of 0.29 +/- 0.16 mm LRE relative to ground truth. Finally, the system
      achieved an average of 0.56 +/- 0.27 mm target registration error (TRE) relative
      to ground truth in needle insertion tests through the template in a water tank.
      CONCLUSIONS: The proposed automatic, intraoperative calibration system for
      prostate cancer brachytherapy has achieved high accuracy, precision, and
      robustness.

PMID- 22047395
TI  - Flow characteristics in a canine aneurysm model: a comparison of 4D accelerated
      phase-contrast MR measurements and computational fluid dynamics simulations.
AB  - PURPOSE: Our purpose was to compare quantitatively velocity fields in and around
      experimental canine aneurysms as measured using an accelerated 4D PC-MR
      angiography (MRA) method and calculated based on animal-specific CFD simulations.
      METHODS: Two animals with a surgically created bifurcation aneurysm were imaged
      using an accelerated 4D PC-MRA method. Meshes were created based on the
      geometries obtained from the PC-MRA and simulations using "subject-specific"
      pulsatile velocity waveforms and geometries were then solved using a commercial
      CFD solver. Qualitative visual assessments and quantitative comparisons of the
      time-resolved velocity fields obtained from the PC-MRA measurements and the CFD
      simulations were performed using a defined similarity metric combining both
      angular and magnitude differences of vector fields. RESULTS: PC-MRA and image
      based CFD not only yielded visually consistent representations of 3D streamlines
      in and around both aneurysms, but also showed good agreement with regard to the
      spatial velocity distributions. The estimated similarity between time-resolved
      velocity fields from both techniques was reasonably high (mean value >0.60; one
      being the highest and zero being the lowest). Relative differences in inflow and
      outflow zones among selected planes were also reasonable (on the order of 10%
      20%). The correlation between CFD-calculated and PC-MRA-measured time-averaged
      wall shear stresses was low (0.22 and 0.31, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In two
      experimental canine aneurysms, PC-MRA and image-based CFD showed favorable
      agreement in intra-aneurismal velocity fields. Combining these two complementary
      techniques likely will further improve the ability to characterize and interpret
      the complex flow that occurs in human intracranial aneurysms.

PMID- 22047396
TI  - Automatic 3D registration of dynamic stress and rest (82)Rb and flurpiridaz F 18
      myocardial perfusion PET data for patient motion detection and correction.
AB  - PURPOSE: The authors aimed to develop an image-based registration scheme to
      detect and correct patient motion in stress and rest cardiac positron emission
      tomography (PET)/CT images. The patient motion correction was of primary interest
      and the effects of patient motion with the use of flurpiridaz F 18 and (82)Rb
      were demonstrated. METHODS: The authors evaluated stress/rest PET myocardial
      perfusion imaging datasets in 30 patients (60 datasets in total, 21 male and 9
      female) using a new perfusion agent (flurpiridaz F 18) (n = 16) and (82)Rb (n =
      14), acquired on a Siemens Biograph-64 scanner in list mode. Stress and rest
      images were reconstructed into 4 ((82)Rb) or 10 (flurpiridaz F 18) dynamic frames
      (60 s each) using standard reconstruction (2D attenuation weighted ordered
      subsets expectation maximization). Patient motion correction was achieved by an
      image-based registration scheme optimizing a cost function using modified
      normalized cross-correlation that combined global and local features. For
      comparison, visual scoring of motion was performed on the scale of 0 to 2 (no
      motion, moderate motion, and large motion) by two experienced observers. RESULTS:
      The proposed registration technique had a 93% success rate in removing left
      ventricular motion, as visually assessed. The maximum detected motion extent for
      stress and rest were 5.2 mm and 4.9 mm for flurpiridaz F 18 perfusion and 3.0 mm
      and 4.3 mm for (82)Rb perfusion studies, respectively. Motion extent (maximum
      frame-to-frame displacement) obtained for stress and rest were (2.2 +/- 1.1, 1.4
      +/- 0.7, 1.9 +/- 1.3) mm and (2.0 +/- 1.1, 1.2 +/-0 .9, 1.9 +/- 0.9) mm for
      flurpiridaz F 18 perfusion studies and (1.9 +/- 0.7, 0.7 +/- 0.6, 1.3 +/- 0.6) mm
      and (2.0 +/- 0.9, 0.6 +/- 0.4, 1.2 +/- 1.2) mm for (82)Rb perfusion studies,
      respectively. A visually detectable patient motion threshold was established to
      be >=2.2 mm, corresponding to visual user scores of 1 and 2. After motion
      correction, the average increases in contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) from all
      frames for larger than the motion threshold were 16.2% in stress flurpiridaz F 18
      and 12.2% in rest flurpiridaz F 18 studies. The average increases in CNR were
      4.6% in stress (82)Rb studies and 4.3% in rest (82)Rb studies. CONCLUSIONS: Fully
      automatic motion correction of dynamic PET frames can be performed accurately,
      potentially allowing improved image quantification of cardiac PET data.

PMID- 22047397
TI  - Suitability of miniature inductively coupled RF coils as MR-visible markers for
      clinical purposes.
AB  - PURPOSE: MR-visible markers have already been used for various purposes such as
      image registration, motion detection, and device tracking. Inductively coupled RF
      (ICRF) coils, in particular, provide a high contrast and do not require
      connecting wires to the scanner, which makes their application highly flexible
      and safe. This work aims to thoroughly characterize the MR signals of such ICRF
      markers under various conditions with a special emphasis on fully automatic
      detection. METHODS: The small markers consisted of a solenoid coil that was wound
      around a glass tube containing the MR signal source and tuned to the resonance
      frequency of a 1.5 T MRI. Marker imaging was performed with a spoiled gradient
      echo sequence (FLASH) and a balanced steady-state free precession (SSFP) sequence
      (TrueFISP) in three standard projections. The signal intensities of the markers
      were recorded for both pulse sequences, three source materials (tap water,
      distilled water, and contrast agent solution), different flip angles and coil
      alignments with respect to the B(0) direction as well as for different marker
      positions in the entire imaging volume (field of view, FOV). Heating of the ICRF
      coils was measured during 10-min RF expositions to three conventional pulse
      sequences. Clinical utility of the markers was assessed from their performance in
      computer-aided detection and in defining double oblique scan planes. RESULTS: For
      almost the entire FOV (+/-215 mm) and an estimated 82% of all possible RF coil
      alignments with respect to B(0), the ICRF markers generated clearly visible MR
      signals and could be reliably localized over a large range of flip angles, in
      particular with the TrueFISP sequence (0.3 degrees -4.0 degrees ). Generally,
      TrueFISP provided a higher marker contrast than FLASH. RF exposition caused a
      moderate heating (<=5  degrees C) of the ICRF coils only. CONCLUSIONS: Small ICRF
      coils, imaged at low flip angles with a balanced SSFP sequence showed an
      excellent performance under a variety of experimental conditions and therefore
      make for a reliable, compact, flexible, and relatively safe marker for clinical
      use.

PMID- 22047398
TI  - Development of a human-tissue-like phantom for 3.0-T MRI.
AB  - PURPOSE: A 3.0-T MRI phantom having human-tissue-equivalent relaxation times was
      developed. METHODS: The ingredients of the phantom are carrageenan (for
      gelatinization), GdCl(3) (as a T(1)-relaxation modifier), agarose (as a T(2)
      relaxation modifier), and NaN(3) (as an antiseptic agent). Numerous samples with
      varying concentrations of GdCl(3) and agarose were prepared, and T(1) and T(2)
      were measured using 3.0-T MRI. RESULTS: Relaxation times of the phantom samples
      ranged from 395 to 2601 ms for T(1) values and 29 to 334 ms for T(2) values.
      Based on the measured results, empirical formulae were devised to express the
      relationships between the concentrations of relaxation modifiers and relaxation
      times. CONCLUSIONS: Adjustment of GdCl(3) and agarose concentrations allows
      arbitrary setting of relaxation times, and the creation of a phantom that can
      mimic relaxation times of human-tissue. Carrageenan is considered the most
      suitable as a gelling agent for an MRI phantom, as it permits the relatively easy
      and inexpensive production of a large phantom such as for the human torso, and
      which can be easily shaped with a knife.

PMID- 22047399
TI  - A few words on evidence based medicine.

PMID- 22047400
TI  - Multileaf collimators, air gap, lateral penumbra, and range compensation in
      proton radiotherapy.

PMID- 22047401
TI  - Direct mechanical measurements reveal the material properties of three
      dimensional DNA origami.
AB  - The application of three-dimensional DNA origami objects as rigid mechanical
      mediators or force sensing elements requires detailed knowledge about their
      complex mechanical properties. Using magnetic tweezers, we directly measure the
      bending and torsional rigidities of four- and six-helix bundles assembled by this
      technique. Compared to duplex DNA, we find the bending rigidities to be greatly
      increased while the torsional rigidities are only moderately augmented. We
      present a mechanical model explicitly including the crossovers between the
      individual helices in the origami structure that reproduces the experimentally
      observed behavior. Our results provide an important basis for the future
      application of 3D DNA origami in nanomechanics.

PMID- 22047402
TI  - RNA-Seq improves annotation of protein-coding genes in the cucumber genome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: As more and more genomes are sequenced, genome annotation becomes
      increasingly important in bridging the gap between sequence and biology. Gene
      prediction, which is at the center of genome annotation, usually integrates
      various resources to compute consensus gene structures. However, many newly
      sequenced genomes have limited resources for gene predictions. In an effort to
      create high-quality gene models of the cucumber genome (Cucumis sativus var.
      sativus), based on the EVidenceModeler gene prediction pipeline, we incorporated
      the massively parallel complementary DNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) reads of 10
      cucumber tissues into EVidenceModeler. We applied the new pipeline to the
      reassembled cucumber genome and included a comparison between our predicted
      protein-coding gene sets and a published set. RESULTS: The reassembled cucumber
      genome, annotated with RNA-Seq reads from 10 tissues, has 23, 248 identified
      protein-coding genes. Compared with the published prediction in 2009,
      approximately 8, 700 genes reveal structural modifications and 5, 285 genes only
      appear in the reassembled cucumber genome. All the related results, including
      genome sequence and annotations, are available at
      http://cmb.bnu.edu.cn/Cucumis_sativus_v20/. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that RNA-Seq
      greatly improves the accuracy of prediction of protein-coding genes in the
      reassembled cucumber genome. The comparison between the two gene sets also
      suggests that it is feasible to use RNA-Seq reads to annotate newly sequenced or
      less-studied genomes.

PMID- 22047403
TI  - Laparoscopic cholecystectomy without handling the cystic artery: a new approach
      to minimize complications.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Although laparoscopy has now become the procedure of choice for
      removal of gallbladder, complications especially injury to cystic artery and
      ducts are thought to be higher. We describe a technique that avoids handling and
      injury of cystic artery and resultant duct injuries. The video length is 2
      minutes 13 seconds. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From October 7, 2005, to December 31,
      2010, 17 patients were successfully operated by the cystic artery sparing
      technique. In this technique, dissection begins distal to cystic lymph node on
      the gallbladder wall using hook cautery, thereby clears the Calot's triangle
      without even touching the cystic artery. This maneuver eliminates the risk of
      injuring thus causing bleeding and any subsequent complications. Age, sex, and
      operative outcomes including follow-ups were evaluated. RESULTS: Age of the
      patients ranged from 3.4 years to 16 years with an average of 10.12 years. Males
      were predominant (10:7). Average operative time was 40 minutes. There were no
      intraoperative or immediate postoperative complications. Patients were allowed
      feeding 4-6 hours after operation and discharged the following morning. Patients
      were asked to come for follow-up at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1
      year and thereafter yearly. Follow-up period ranged from 6 months to 5 years.
      There were no operation-related complications other than minor abdominal pain in
      3 patients and port-site pain in 2 patients which resolved on conservative
      treatments. CONCLUSION: During laparoscopic cholecystectomy, if handling of the
      main cystic artery is avoided then complications of hemorrhage and bile duct
      injuries can be minimized.

PMID- 22047404
TI  - Laparoscopic gastric pull-up and thoracoscopic esophago-esophagostomy combined
      with intrathoracic fundoplication for long-gap pure esophageal atresia.
AB  - The management of long-gap pure esophageal atresia (LGEA) remains controversial.
      An 8-month-old girl with LGEA underwent a laparoscopic and thoracoscopic gastric
      pull-up and esophago-esophagostomy in the right thorax combined with
      intrathoracic fundoplication. She was positioned supine, and three 5-mm ports
      were placed in the standard locations for laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication. The
      gastrostomy was taken down and an additional 5-mm port was inserted at the
      gastrostomy site. Laparoscopic gastric mobilization was performed; the short
      gastric and left gastric vessels were divided using harmonic shears, and the
      whole stomach and distal esophageal stump maintained their vascular supply via
      the right gastric and gastroepiploic arteries. The hiatus was enlarged by radial
      incisions at both cruras, and the mobilized whole stomach and distal esophageal
      stump were pushed up into the right thorax through the hiatus. The patient was
      placed in a modified prone position and three 5-mm ports were inserted into the
      right thorax. Via thoracoscopy, the upper esophageal pouch was dissected bluntly,
      and an esophago-esophagostomy was performed using interrupted 4-0 absorbable
      sutures and was wrapped by a 360-degree gastric fundoplication. The patient was
      positioned supine again, and a Heinecke-Mikulicz pyloroplasty and gastropexy were
      also performed laparoscopically. The patient has mild respiratory distress that
      requires bronchodilators; however, she is eating baby food well without vomiting.
      Postoperative intrathoracic gastrofiberscopy showed a well-functioning antireflux
      valve, and her parents are also satisfied with the cosmetic appearance of the
      seven small wounds. Our new procedure is feasible and is an excellent option in
      selected patients with LGEA.

PMID- 22047405
TI  - Sampling medium side resistance to uptake of semivolatile organic compounds in
      passive air samplers.
AB  - Current theory of the uptake of semivolatile organic compounds in passive air
      samplers (PAS) assumes uniform chemical distribution and no kinetic resistance
      within the passive sampling media (PSM) such as polystyrene-divinylbenzene resin
      (XAD) and polyurethane foam (PUF). However, these assumptions have not been
      tested experimentally and are challenged by some recently reported observations.
      To test the assumptions, we performed kinetic uptake experiments indoors using
      cylindrical PSM that had been concentrically segmented into three layers. Both
      XAD and PUF were positioned in the same type of sampler housing to eliminate the
      variation caused by the different housing designs, which enabled us to quantify
      differences in uptake caused by the properties of the PSM. Duplicated XAD (PUF)
      samples were retrieved after being deployed for 0, 1 (0.5), 2 (1), 4 (2), 8 (4),
      12 (8), and 24 (12) weeks. Upon retrieval, the PSM layers were separated and
      analyzed individually for PCBs. Passive sampling rates (R) were lower for heavier
      PCB homologues. Within a homologue group, R for XAD was higher than that for PUF,
      from which we infer that the design of the "cylindrical can" housing typically
      used for XAD PAS lowers the R compared to the "double bowl" shelter commonly used
      for PUF-disk PAS. Outer layers of the PSM sequestered much higher levels of PCBs
      than inner layers, indicative of a kinetic resistance to chemical transfer within
      the PSM. The effective diffusivities for chemical transfer within PSM were
      derived and were found negatively correlated with the partition coefficients
      between the PSM and air. Based on the results, we conclude that the PSM-side
      kinetic resistance should be considered when investigating factors influencing R
      and when deriving R based on the loss of depuration compounds.

PMID- 22047407
TI  - Management of congestive heart failure in dogs.

PMID- 22047406
TI  - YY1 overexpression is associated with poor prognosis and metastasis-free survival
      in patients suffering osteosarcoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The polycomb transcription factor Yin Yang 1 (YY1) overexpression can
      be causally implicated in experimental tumor growth and metastasization. To date,
      there is no clinical evidence of YY1 involvement in outcome of patients with
      osteosarcoma. Prognosis of osteosarcoma is still severe and only few patients
      survive beyond five years. We performed a prospective immunohistochemistry
      analysis to correlate YY1 immunostaining with metastatic development and survival
      in a selected homogeneous group of patients with osteosarcoma. METHODS: We
      studied 41 patients suffering from osteosarcoma (stage II-IVa). Multivariate
      analysis was performed using Cox proportional hazard regression to evaluate the
      correlation between YY1 expression and both metastasis development and mortality.
      RESULTS: YY1 protein is not usually present in normal bone; in contrast, a high
      number of patients (61%) showed a high score of YY1 positive cells (51-100%) and
      39% had a low score (10-50% positive cells). No statistical difference was found
      in histology, anatomic sites, or response to chemotherapy between the two degrees
      of YY1 expression. Cox regression analysis demonstrated that the highest score of
      YY1 expression was predictive of both low metastasis-free survival (HR = 4.690,
      95%CI = 1.079-20.396; p = 0.039) and poor overall survival (HR = 8.353, 95%CI =
      1.863-37.451 p = 0.006) regardless of the effects of covariates such as age,
      gender, histology and chemonecrosis. CONCLUSION: Overexpression of YY1 in primary
      site of osteosarcoma is associated with the occurrence of metastasis and poor
      clinical outcome.

PMID- 22047408
TI  - Feline restrictive cardiomyopathy.

PMID- 22047409
TI  - The neurological examination.

PMID- 22047410
TI  - Chronic nasal and oral disease in cats.

PMID- 22047411
TI  - Feline oncology.

PMID- 22047412
TI  - Cutaneous manifestations and markers of systemic disease.

PMID- 22047413
TI  - Problem-solving dermatology: Case presentations.

PMID- 22047414
TI  - Plasma angiotensin II concentrations and the effect of treatment with enalapril
      in dogs with proteinuria due to renal disease.

PMID- 22047416
TI  - Stifle surgery.

PMID- 22047415
TI  - Hepatic arteriovenous fistulas and hepatic portal vein hypoplasia in a labrador
      retriever.

PMID- 22047417
TI  - Wound management principles and techniques.

PMID- 22047418
TI  - Skin flap and skin grafting techinques in small animal surgery.

PMID- 22047419
TI  - New techniques in small animal reconstructive surgery.

PMID- 22047420
TI  - Surgical diseases of the perineum.

PMID- 22047421
TI  - Clinical efficacy of vedaprofen in dogs suffering from disorders of the
      misculoskeletal system.

PMID- 22047422
TI  - Voiding urohydropropulsion: An alternative to cystotomy.

PMID- 22047423
TI  - Diagnostic pitfalls: Misdiagnosing causes of urinary tract signs.

PMID- 22047424
TI  - Reproductive problems in the bitch and the queen.

PMID- 22047425
TI  - Nonsurgical retrieval of uroliths for mineral analysis.

PMID- 22047426
TI  - Progestins and mammary growth hormone production in the dog.

PMID- 22047428
TI  - Surgery and prognosis in dogs with ectopic ureters.

PMID- 22047427
TI  - Treatment of urinary incontinence in the bitch: A pilot field study with
      incurin(r)

PMID- 22047429
TI  - Cat scratch disease: Studies on diagnosis and identification of reservoirs and
      vectors.

PMID- 22047430
TI  - Canine and feline superficial fungal skin infections.

PMID- 22047432
TI  - Some other virus infections of cats.

PMID- 22047431
TI  - The role of bordetella bronchiseptica in feline respiratory disease.

PMID- 22047433
TI  - Prevalence of antibodies against bordetella bronchiseptica in cats with a history
      of respiratory disease.

PMID- 22047434
TI  - Comparative study with 5 different distemper vaccines.

PMID- 22047436
TI  - Surveys on the prevalence of intestinal nematodes in dogs and cats in the
      Netherlands.

PMID- 22047435
TI  - Update on the sensitivity of recent European canine and feline pathogens to
      Marbofloxacin.

PMID- 22047437
TI  - Radiology and ultrasonography of the urinary tract.

PMID- 22047438
TI  - Basic principles for interpretation of cytologic preparations.

PMID- 22047440
TI  - Pituitary-adrenocortical function and glucocorticoid administration in pigeons.

PMID- 22047439
TI  - Evaluation of environmental enrichment for laboratory mice.

PMID- 22047441
TI  - Proventriculotomy in 21 ostriches, a retrospective study.

PMID- 22047442
TI  - The approach to orbital disease in the dog and cat.

PMID- 22047443
TI  - Feline herpetic ocular disease.

PMID- 22047444
TI  - Persistent hyperplastic tunica vasculosa lentis and persistent hyaloid artery in
      a 2-year-old basset hound.

PMID- 22047446
TI  - Psychosocial stressors and depression at a Swedish primary health care centre. A
      gender perspective study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Psychosocial stress may account for the higher prevalence of
      depression in women and in individuals with a low educational background. The aim
      of this study was to analyse the association between depression and socio
      demographic data, psychosocial stressors and lifestyle circumstances from a
      gender perspective in a relatively affluent primary care setting. METHODS:
      Patients, aged 18- 75 years, visiting a drop-in clinic at a primary care health
      centre were screened with Beck's Depression Inventory (BDI). The physicians used
      also targeted screening with BDI. A questionnaire on socio-demographic data,
      psychosocial stressors and use of alcohol and tobacco was distributed. Among
      patients, who scored BDI >= 10, DSM-IV-criteria were used to diagnose depression.
      Of the 404 participants, 48 men and 76 women were diagnosed with depression. The
      reference group consisted of patients with BDI score <10, 187 men and 93 women.
      Age-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) as being
      depressed were calculated for the psychosocial stressors and lifestyle
      circumstances, separately for men and women. Multiple logistic regression
      analyses were used to determine the age-adjusted main effect models for men and
      women. RESULTS: The same three psychosocial stressors: feeling very stressed,
      perceived poor physical health and being dissatisfied with one's family situation
      were associated with depression equally in men and women. The negative predictive
      values of the main effect models in men and women were 90.7% and 76.5%,
      respectively. Being dissatisfied with one's work situation had high ORs in both
      men and women. Unemployment and smoking were associated with depression in men
      only. CONCLUSIONS: Three questions, frequently asked by physicians, which involve
      patient's family and working situation as well as perceived stress and physical
      health, could be used as depression indicators in early detection of depression
      in men and women in primary health care.

PMID- 22047447
TI  - Nonvisual arrestins function as simple scaffolds assembling the MKK4-JNK3alpha2
      signaling complex.
AB  - Arrestins make up a small family of proteins with four mammalian members that
      play key roles in the regulation of multiple G protein-coupled receptor-dependent
      and -independent signaling pathways. Although arrestins were reported to serve as
      scaffolds for MAP kinase cascades, promoting the activation of JNK3, ERK1/2, and
      p38, the molecular mechanisms involved were not elucidated, and even the direct
      binding of arrestins with MAP kinases was never demonstrated. Here, using
      purified proteins, we show that both nonvisual arrestins directly bind JNK3alpha2
      and its upstream activator MKK4, and that the affinity of arrestin-3 for these
      kinases is higher than that of arrestin-2. Reconstitution of the MKK4-JNK3alpha2
      signaling module from pure proteins in the presence of different arrestin-3
      concentrations showed that arrestin-3 acts as a "true" scaffold, facilitating
      JNK3alpha2 phosphorylation by bringing the two kinases together. Both the level
      of JNK3alpha2 phosphorylation by MKK4 and JNK3alpha2 activity toward its
      substrate ATF2 increase at low and then decrease at high arrestin-3 levels,
      yielding a bell-shaped concentration dependence expected with true scaffolds that
      do not activate the upstream kinase or its substrate. Thus, direct binding of
      both kinases and true scaffolding is the molecular mechanism of action of
      arrestin-3 on the MKK4-JNK3alpha2 signaling module.

PMID- 22047448
TI  - Salmonella Typhimurium-specific bacteriophage PhiSH19 and the origins of species
      specificity in the Vi01-like phage family.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Whole genome sequencing of bacteriophages suitable for biocontrol of
      pathogens in food products is a pre-requisite to any phage-based intervention
      procedure. Trials involving the biosanitization of Salmonella Typhimurium in the
      pig production environment identified one such candidate, PhiSH19. RESULTS: This
      phage was sequenced and analysis of its 157,785 bp circular dsDNA genome revealed
      a number of interesting features. PhiSH19 constitutes another member of the
      recently-proposed Myoviridae Vi01-like family of phages, containing S. Typhi
      specific Vi01 and Shigella-specific SboM-AG3. At the nucleotide level PhiSH19 is
      highly similar to phage Vi01 (80-98% pairwise identity over the length of the
      genome), with the major differences lying in the region associated with host
      range determination. Analyses of the proteins encoded within this region by
      PhiSH19 revealed a cluster of three putative tail spikes. Of the three tail
      spikes, two have protein domains associated with the pectate lyase family of
      proteins (Tsp2) and P22 tail spike family (Tsp3) with the prospect that these
      enable Salmonella O antigen degradation. Tail spike proteins of Vi01 and SboM-AG3
      are predicted to contain conserved right-handed parallel beta-helical structures
      but the internal protein domains are varied allowing different host
      specificities. CONCLUSIONS: The addition or exchange of tail spike protein
      modules is a major contributor to host range determination in the Vi01-like phage
      family.

PMID- 22047449
TI  - Evaluation of microgap size and microbial leakage in the connection area of 4
      abutments with Straumann (ITI) implant.
AB  - A microgap between implant and abutment can lead to mechanical and biological
      problems such as abutment screw fracture and peri-implantitis. The aim of this
      study was to evaluate microgap size and microbial leakage in the connection area
      of 4 different abutments to ITI implants. In this experimental study, 36
      abutments in 4 groups (including Cast On, Castable, Solid, and Synocta abutments)
      connected to Straumann fixtures (with their inner part inoculated with bacterial
      suspension) and microbial leakage were assessed at different times. The size of
      the microgap in 4 randomized locations was then measured by scanning electron
      microscope. The data were analyzed by SPSS software and by 1-way variance
      statistical test, Kruskal-Wallis, and their supplementary tests (Mann-Whitney HSD
      and Tukey's; alpha = .05) at the next step. The effect of using different types
      of abutments was significant on the mean microgap size (P < .001) and on the mean
      number of leaked colonies (CFU/mL) through the connection area of the implant and
      abutment within the first 5 hours of the experiment (P = .012); however, it did
      not significantly influence microleakage at 24 hours, 48 hours, and 14 days (P =
      .145). Using Synocta abutments compared with Solid abutments will not provide us
      with more accommodation, and vice versa. Using Solid and Synocta abutments can
      significantly decrease the microgap size; however, Cast On abutments do not show
      a significant difference in terms of microgap compared with Castable abutments.
      Microleakage in the connection area is comparable for these 4 abutments.

PMID- 22047450
TI  - Age-dependent deterioration of peak inspiratory flow with two kinds of dry powder
      corticosteroid inhalers (Diskus and Turbuhaler) and relationships with asthma
      control.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) therapy has improved the quality of life
      (QOL) for many asthmatics and reduced mortality rates associated with asthma.
      However, some patients do not obtain therapeutic benefit despite satisfactory
      adherence. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether asthmatic patients were using ICS
      devices appropriately, and to clarify relationships between these results and
      QOL. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: We studied 100 adult asthmatics, divided into two
      groups: 50 patients consecutively registered as using Diskus (fluticasone; D
      group) and 50 consecutively registered as using Turbuhaler (budesonide; T-group).
      We measured peak inspiratory flows (PIFs) using the In-Check Dial device.
      Subjects also completed the Asthma Control Test for evaluation of QOL. RESULTS:
      In the D-group, no patients showed PIF below the optimal range (30-90 L/min),
      whereas 52% of patients had PIF>=91 L/min. In the T-group, 6% of patients showed
      PIF over the optimal range (60-90 L/min), and 44% had PIF<=59 L/min. When
      patients in the T-group were required to deliberately make a maximal inhalation,
      14% still had PIF<=59 L/min. The proportion of patients with poor control was
      significantly greater in the T-group than in the D-group. According to univariate
      logistic regression analyses, low PIF tended to be associated with poor asthma
      control in the T-group. No significant correlation was found between PIF and age
      in the D-group, but PIF decreased significantly with age in the T-group.
      CONCLUSIONS: Appropriate measures for patients in whom PIF has been judged as
      lower than optimal include adequate education for inhalation and/or changing to a
      different inhalation device. These measures should be kept in mind for elderly
      asthma patients in particular, where appropriate selection of a corticosteroid
      inhalation device in the early stages of therapy would also be important.

PMID- 22047451
TI  - Physicians' knowledge of inhaler devices and inhalation techniques remains poor
      in Spain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Studies in many countries in the 1990s revealed deficiencies in
      physicians' knowledge about inhalation therapy. In an attempt to remedy this
      situation, Spanish scientific societies implemented a variety of educational
      strategies. The objective of the present study was to assess changes in attitudes
      and knowledge about inhalers and inhalation techniques in a sizable sample of
      physicians. METHODS: An 11-question multiple choice test was developed and
      administered throughout Spain to practicing physicians from specialties that
      frequently prescribe inhaler devices. The survey collected demographic
      characteristics (four items), preferences (two items), and issues related to
      knowledge (three items) and education (two items) about devices and inhalation
      techniques. Completion of the questionnaire was voluntary, individual, and
      anonymous. RESULTS: A total of 1514 respondents completed the questionnaire. Dry
      powder inhalers (DPI) were preferred by 61.2% physicians, but only 46.1%
      identified "inhale deeply and forcefully" as the most significant step in the
      inhalation maneuver using these devices. Only 27.7% stated that they always
      checked the patient's inhalation technique when prescribing a new inhaler. A
      composite variable, general inhaled therapy knowledge, which pooled the correct
      answers related to knowledge, revealed that only 14.2% physicians had an adequate
      knowledge of inhaled therapy. Multivariate analysis showed that this knowledge
      was lowest among internal medicine and primary care physicians. CONCLUSIONS:
      Prescribers' knowledge of inhalers and inhalation techniques remains poor in
      Spain. The causes should be identified in further research to allow effective
      educational strategies to be developed. Specific educational policies should be
      addressed to general practitioners.

PMID- 22047452
TI  - Dietary fat intake and quality of life: the SUN project.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Few studies have related nutritional factors with quality of life in
      healthy populations. The purpose of the study was to assess whether dietary fat
      intake is associated to mental and physical quality of life. METHODS: This
      analysis included 8,430 participants from the SUN (Seguimiento Universidad de
      Navarra) Project. The intake of saturated fatty acids (SFA), polyunsaturated
      fatty acids (PUFA), trans unsaturated fatty acids (TFA), and monounsaturated
      fatty acids (MUFA) was assessed through a 136-item food frequency questionnaire
      at baseline. Quality of life was measured with the SF-36 Health Survey after 4
      years of follow-up. Generalized Linear Models were fitted to assess the
      regression coefficients (b) and their 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) for the 8
      domains of the SF-36 according to successive quintiles of each kind of fatty
      acids intake. RESULTS: The multivariate-adjusted models revealed a significant
      inverse association for SFA intake (in quintiles) and two of the physical domains
      (physical functioning and general health). E.g. for general health domain:
      (highest quintile of intake (Q5) vs. lowest quintile (Q1), b = -1.6; 95% CI = 
      3.1, -0.1. General health also showed a dose-response relationship (p for trend <
      0.05). For TFA intake (in quintiles), a significant inverse association was found
      for most of the mental domains (vitality, social functioning and role emotional).
      E.g. for vitality domain (Q5) vs. (Q1), b = -2.0, 95% CI = -3.4 to -0.6. We also
      found an inverse association between TFA intake and the bodily pain domain: (Q5
      vs. Q1), b = -2.6; 95% CI = -4.4 to -0.8, with a statistically significant dose
      response relationship (p for trend < 0.05). Except for TFA intake and the mental
      domains, the rest of the associations were attenuated when we repeated the
      analysis adjusting for adherence to the Mediterranean diet. CONCLUSIONS: A
      detrimental relationship between TFA intake at baseline and most of the SF-36
      mental domains measured 4 years later were found, whereas weak inverse
      associations were found for SFA intake and some physical domains.

PMID- 22047453
TI  - Quantifying protein-protein interactions within noncovalent complexes using
      electrospray ionization mass spectrometry.
AB  - Several electrospray-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS)-based methods are available for
      determining the constant of association (K(a)) between a protein and a small
      ligand, but current MS-based strategies are not fully adequate for measuring K(a)
      of protein-protein interactions accurately. We expanded the application of ESI-MS
      based titration to determine the strength of noncovalent interactions between
      proteins, forming a complex. Taking into account relative response factors
      (probability of being ionized, transmitted, and detected), we determined K(a)
      values of an equilibrium between dimers and tetramers at three different pH
      values (6.8, 3.4, and 8.4). We investigated the association of the lectin
      concanavalin A, whose dimer-tetramer ratio in the gas phase is affected by
      solution concentration and by pH. To calculate the constants of association in
      solution, we also utilized isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) for a
      comparison with MS-based titration. At pH 6.8 and pH 8.4, the K(a) values
      measured by MS and by ITC were in agreement. ITC results allowed us to restrain
      the response factor to a value close to 4. At pH 3.4, we were able to measure the
      K(a) only by MS, but not by ITC because of limited sensitivity of calorimetry.
      Our investigation illustrates the great potential MS for calculating the binding
      strength of protein-protein interactions within noncovalent complexes. The main
      advantages of MS over ITC are its sensitivity (i.e., the required amount of
      sample is >100 times less than the one necessary for ITC), and the possibility to
      obtain precise information on composition of protein complexes, their
      stoichiometry, their subunit interactions, and their assembly pathway. Compared
      to previous investigations, our study shows the strong influence of response
      factors on determining accurate protein-protein association constants by MS.

PMID- 22047454
TI  - Information processing speed, neural efficiency, and working memory performance
      in multiple sclerosis: differential relationships with structural magnetic
      resonance imaging.
AB  - Multiple sclerosis (MS), a central nervous system (CNS) neurodegenerative
      disorder, involves lesions of both white and gray matter and reported cognitive
      impairments that include processing speed (PS), executive function, and working
      memory (WM). This study closely examined the specifics of these cognitive
      deficits and their relationship to structural brain damage. A visual n-back task
      with 3 WM load conditions was used to assess WM performance (task accuracy), PS
      (reaction time, RT), and a novel measure of processing efficiency (standard
      deviation of RT, RTSD) in MS patients and controls. These behavioral measures
      were related to quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measures of white
      and gray matter integrity. Even when MS patients performed as well as controls,
      as seen for low WM load (0-back), they responded more slowly and were less
      efficient in their speed of responding. Accuracy findings indicated that the
      correct match trials were superior to correct nonmatch trials at differentiating
      MS patients from controls. Further, decreased accuracy during the highest WM load
      condition was associated with global damage that included both gray and white
      matter atrophy, while slowed PS and particularly processing inefficiency were
      associated primarily with white matter atrophy in MS. Importantly, relationships
      between PS, processing efficiency, performance accuracy, and structural MRI
      measures were seen only during the highest WM load condition, the condition that
      required the most executive control. These findings suggest that the
      MRI/behavioral relationships that were present exclusively during the 2-back
      condition may reflect connectivity involving frontal cortical systems, the site
      for executive control.

PMID- 22047455
TI  - General pathway toward crystalline-core micelles with tunable morphology and
      corona segregation.
AB  - We present a general mechanism for the solution self-assembly of crystalline-core
      micelles (CCMs) from triblock copolymers bearing a semicrystalline polyethylene
      (PE) middle block. This approach enables the production of nanoparticles with
      tunable dimensions and surface structures. Depending on the quality of the
      solvent used for PE, either spherical or worm-like CCMs can be generated in an
      easy and highly selective fashion from the same triblock copolymers via
      crystallization-induced self-assembly upon cooling. If the triblock copolymer
      stays molecularly dissolved at temperatures above the crystallization temperature
      of the PE block, worm-like CCMs with high aspect ratios are formed by a
      nucleation and growth process. Their length can be conveniently controlled by
      varying the applied crystallization temperature. If exclusively spherical
      micelles with an amorphous PE core are present before crystallization, confined
      crystallization within the cores of the preformed micelles takes place and
      spherical CCMs are formed. For polystyrene-block-polyethylene-block-poly(methyl
      methacrylate) triblock terpolymers a patch-like microphase separation of the
      corona is obtained for both spherical and worm-like CCMs due to the
      incompatibility of the PS and PMMA blocks. The structure of the patch-like corona
      depends on the selectivity of the employed solvent for the PS and PMMA corona
      blocks, whereby nonselective solvents produce a more homogeneous patch size and
      distribution. Annealing of the semicrystalline PE cores results in an
      increasingly uniform crystallite size distribution and thus core thickness of the
      worm-like CCMs.

PMID- 22047457
TI  - FTIR and UV spectroscopy in real-time monitoring of S. cerevisiae cell culture.
AB  - A combination of FTIR and UV spectroscopy is proposed as a novel technique for
      integrated real-time monitoring of metabolic activity and growth rates of cell
      cultures, required for systematic studies of cellular low-frequency (LF) electric
      and magnetic field (EMF) effects. As an example, we investigated simultaneous
      influence of periodic LF 3D EMFs on a culture of Saccharomyces cerevisiae
      (baker's yeast) cells. Amplitudes, frequencies and phases of the field components
      were the variable parameters. Electromagnetic fields were found to efficiently
      control the activity of the yeast cells, with the resulting CO(2) production
      rates, as monitored by FTIR spectroscopy, varying by at least one order of
      magnitude due to the field action. Additionally, population dynamics of the yeast
      cells was monitored by UV absorption of the yeast culture at lambda(prob) = 320
      nm, and compared to the CO(2) production rates. The detected physiologically
      active frequencies are all below 1 kHz, namely, 800 Hz excitation was effective
      in reducing the metabolic rates and arresting cell proliferation, whereas 200 Hz
      excitation was active in accelerating both cell proliferation and overall
      metabolic rates. The proposed methods produce objective, reliable and
      quantitative real-time results within minutes and may be used in various tasks
      that could benefit from a rapid feedback they provide in the form of metabolic
      and growth rates. Amplitude and frequency dependences of the LF EMF effects from
      individual field components with different polarizations were recorded and
      qualitatively interpreted based on a simple model, describing ion diffusion
      through a membrane channel.

PMID- 22047458
TI  - Planarian activity differences when maintained in water pre-treated with magnetic
      fields: a nonlinear effect.
AB  - There have been multiple claims that exposing water to a static magnetic field
      affects its properties which influence living systems. To test this hypothesis,
      planarian subsequent to dissection were maintained in spring water that had been
      previously exposed for only one day to one of three (16, 160, or 1,600 G)
      intensity static magnetic fields or to a reference condition. Although there was
      no significant difference in regeneration rates over the subsequent seven-day
      period, there was a statistically significant nonlinear effect for planarian
      mobility and diffusion rates. Both mobility rates and diffusion velocity of a
      liquid within the water that had been exposed to the 16 G field was about twice
      that for water exposed to the other intensities. These results imply that
      nonlinear biophysical effects may emerge under specific conditions of intensity
      ranges for particular volumes of water.

PMID- 22047459
TI  - MnSOD expression inhibited by electromagnetic pulse radiation in the rat testis.
AB  - Male Sprague Dawley rats were exposed to EMP irradiation of 100 kV/m peak-to-peak
      e-field intensity and different numbers of pulses. Rat sperm samples were
      prepared for analysis of sperm qualities; Testes were assessed by transmission
      electron microscopy and serum hormone concentrations were examined by
      radioimmunoassay; Enzymatic activities of Total-superoxide dismutase(T-SOD) and
      manganese-superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), the mRNA levels of MnSOD and cuprozinc
      superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD), and the density of malondialdehyde (MDA) were
      also determined. EMP irradiation did not affect spermatozoon morphology,
      micronucleus formation rate, sperm number or viability, but the acrosin reaction
      rate decreased at 24 h and 48 h and recovered by 72 h after irradiation as
      compared to the controls. The ultrastructure of rat testis displayed more serious
      damage at 24 h than at other time points (6 h, 12 h, 48 h). Serum levels of
      luteotrophic hormone (LH) and testosterone (T) were elevated in irradiated rats
      as compared to controls. After irradiation, enzymatic activities of T-SOD and
      MnSOD were reduced by 24 h, consistent with the changes observed in MnSOD mRNA
      expression; MDA content increased at 6 h in turn. These studies have quantified
      the morphological damage and dysfunction in the rat reproductive system induced
      by EMP. The mechanism of EMP induced damage may be associated with the inhibition
      of MnSOD expression.

PMID- 22047460
TI  - 900-MHz microwave radiation promotes oxidation in rat brain.
AB  - Recently, there have been several reports referring to detrimental effects due to
      radio frequency electromagnetic fields (RF-EMF) exposure. Special attention was
      given to investigate the effect of mobile phone exposure on the rat brain. Since
      the integrative mechanism of the entire body lies in the brain, it is suggestive
      to analyze its biochemical aspects. For this, 35-day old Wistar rats were exposed
      to a mobile phone for 2 h per day for a duration of 45 days where specific
      absorption rate (SAR) was 0.9 W/Kg. Animals were divided in two groups: sham
      exposed (n = 6) and exposed group (n = 6).  Our observations indicate a
      significant decrease (P < 0.05) in the level of glutathione peroxidase,
      superoxide dismutase, and an increase in catalase activity. Moreover, protein
      kinase shows a significant decrease in exposed group (P < 0.05) of hippocampus
      and whole brain. Also, a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in the level of pineal
      melatonin and a significant increase (P < 0.05) in creatine kinase and caspase 3
      was observed in exposed group of whole brain as compared with sham exposed.
      Finally, a significant increase in the level of ROS (reactive oxygen species) (P
      < 0.05) was also recorded.  The study concludes that a reduction or an increase
      in antioxidative enzyme activities, protein kinase C, melatonin, caspase 3, and
      creatine kinase are related to overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in
      animals under mobile phone radiation exposure. Our findings on these biomarkers
      are clear indications of possible health implications.

PMID- 22047461
TI  - Numerical sensitivity modeling for the detection of skin tumors by using
      tetrapolar probe.
AB  - The measurement of electrical impedance of skin using surface electrodes permits
      the assessment of changes in local properties of the skin and can be used in the
      detection of tumors. The sensitivity of this technique depends mainly on the
      geometry of the probe and the size of the tumor. In this article, the impedance
      method was used to estimate the sensitivity of a tetrapolar probe in detecting
      small regions of increased conductivity in a stratified model of human skin. The
      impedance method was used to model the potential distribution using fasorial
      analysis to solve the node equations of the equivalent circuit. Interpolation was
      applied to reduce discretization error. The skin was modeled as a three-layer
      structure with different conductivity and permittivity obtained from the
      literature. A tumor was modeled as a small volume with admittivity four times
      higher than the normal tissue. Sensitivity calculation was made as a function of
      electrode diameter and separation, tumor size, and excitation frequency. The
      simulations indicated that by inserting a one square millimeter tumor in the
      epidermis, the load impedance to the current source varies about 1% while the
      transfer impedance varied 8%. The sensitivity also increases nonlinearly with
      increasing tumor area and thickness. Additionally, it was found that the
      sensitivity of the transfer impedance has a maximum value when the electrodes are
      separated by 1.8 mm. The results show that transfer impedance measurements of the
      skin may detect small skin tumors with a reasonable sensitivity by using an
      appropriate tetrapolar probe.

PMID- 22047462
TI  - Analysis of DNA fragmentation in mouse embryos exposed to an extremely low
      frequency electromagnetic field.
AB  - Effects of extremely low-frequency electromagnetic fields (ELF-EMFs) on DNA
      damage in biological systems are still a matter of dispute. The aim of the
      present study was to investigate the possible effect of electromagnetic field
      exposure on DNA fragmentation in cells (blastomers) of mouse blastocysts.  Eighty
      female NMRI mice were randomly divided into 2 groups of 40 animals each. The
      control group was left unexposed whereas the animals in the EMF-group were
      exposed to a 50-Hz EMF at 0.5 mT 4 h per day, 6 days a week for a duration of 2
      weeks. After the 8(th) day of exposure, the female mice in both groups were
      superovulated (with injections of pregnant mare serum gonadotropin and human
      chorionic gonadotropin) and then mated overnight. At approximately 4 days after
      mating (102 h after the human chorionic gonadotropin treatment), blastocysts were
      obtained by flushing the uterus horns. The mean numbers of pregnant mice,
      blastocysts after flushing, blastomers within the blastocysts, and the DNA
      fragmentation index following staining in both groups were compared using
      statistical methods (SPSS, the Chi-square test, the Student's t-test and the Mann
      Whitney U-test, P < 0.05). The results showed that the mean number of blastocysts
      after flushing was significantly decreased in the EMF-group compared to that of
      the control group (P < 0.03). The DNA fragmentation index was significantly
      increased in the EMF-group compared to control (10.53% vs. 7.14%; P < 0.001).
      However, there was no significant difference in the mean numbers of blastomers
      and numbers of pregnant mice between the EMF-exposed and control group. Our
      findings indicate that the EMF exposure in preimplantation stage could have
      detrimental effects on female mouse fertility and embryo development by
      decreasing the number of blastocysts and increasing the blastocysts DNA
      fragmentation.

PMID- 22047463
TI  - Effects of radiofrequency radiation exposure on blood-brain barrier permeability
      in male and female rats.
AB  - During the last several decades, numerous studies have been performed aiming at
      the question of whether or not exposure to radiofrequency radiation (RFR)
      influences the permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The objective of
      this study was to investigate the effect of RFR on the permeability of BBB in
      male and female Wistar albino rats. Right brain, left brain, cerebellum, and
      total brain were analyzed separately in the study. Rats were exposed to 0.9 and
      1.8 GHz continuous-wave (CW) RFR for 20 min (at SARs of 4.26 mW/kg and 1.46
      mW/kg, respectively) while under anesthesia. Control rats were sham-exposed.
      Disruption of BBB integrity was detected spectrophotometrically using the Evans
      blue dye, which has been used as a BBB tracer and is known to be bound to serum
      albumin. Right brain, left brain, cerebellum, and total brain were evaluated for
      BBB permeability. In female rats, no albumin extravasation was found in in the
      brain after RFR exposure. A significant increase in albumin was found in the
      brains of the RF-exposed male rats when compared to sham-exposed male brains.
      These results suggest that exposure to 0.9 and 1.8 GHz CW RFR at levels below the
      international limits can affect the vascular permeability in the brain of male
      rats. The possible risk of RFR exposure in humans is a major concern for the
      society. Thus, this topic should be investigated more thoroughly in the future.

PMID- 22047464
TI  - Selection of suitable reference genes from bone cells in large gradient high
      magnetic field based on GeNorm algorithm.
AB  - Studies of animals and humans subjected to spaceflight demonstrate that
      weightlessness negatively affects the mass and mechanical properties of bone
      tissue. Bone cells could sense and respond to the gravity unloading, and genes
      sensitive to gravity change were considered to play a critical role in the
      mechanotransduction of bone cells. To evaluate the fold-change of gene
      expression, appropriate reference genes should be identified because there is no
      housekeeping gene having stable expression in all experimental conditions.
      Consequently, expression stability of ten candidate housekeeping genes were
      examined in osteoblast-like MC3T3-E1, osteocyte-like MLO-Y4, and preosteoclast
      like FLG29.1 cells under different apparent gravities (MUg, 1 g, and 2 g) in the
      high-intensity gradient magnetic field produced by a superconducting magnet. The
      results showed that the relative expression of these ten candidate housekeeping
      genes was different in different bone cells; Moreover, the most suitable
      reference genes of the same cells in altered gravity conditions were also
      different from that in strong magnetic field. It demonstrated the importance of
      selecting suitable reference genes in experimental set-ups. Furthermore, it
      provides an alternative choice to the traditionally accepted housekeeping genes
      used so far about studies of gravitational biology and magneto biology.

PMID- 22047466
TI  - Effect of an institutional development plan for user participation on
      professionals' knowledge, practice, and attitudes. A controlled study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Governments in several countries attempt to strengthen user
      participation through instructing health care organisations to plan and implement
      activities such as user representation in administrational boards, improved
      information to users, and more individual user participation in clinical work.
      The professionals are central in implementing initiatives to enhance user
      participation in organisations, but no controlled studies have been conducted on
      the effect on professionals from implementing institutional development plans.
      The objective was to investigate whether implementing a development plan
      intending to enhance user participation in a mental health hospital had any
      effect on the professionals' knowledge, practice, or attitudes towards user
      participation. METHODS: This was a non-randomized controlled study including
      professionals from three mental health hospitals in Central Norway. A development
      plan intended to enhance user participation was implemented in one of the
      hospitals as a part of a larger re-organizational process. The plan included i.e.
      establishing a patient education centre and a user office, purchasing of user
      expertise, appointing contact professionals for next of kin, and improving of the
      centre's information and the professional culture. The professionals at the
      intervention hospital thus constituted the intervention group, while the
      professionals at two other hospitals participated as control group. All
      professionals were invited to answer the Consumer Participation Questionnaire
      (CPQ) and additional questions, focusing on knowledge, practice, and attitudes
      towards user participation, two times with a 16 months interval. RESULTS: A total
      of 438 professionals participated (55% response rate). Comparing the changes in
      the intervention group with the changes in the control group revealed no
      statistically significant differences at a 0.05 level. The implementation of the
      development plan thus had no measurable effect on the professionals' knowledge,
      practice, or attitudes at the intervention hospital, compared to the control
      hospitals. CONCLUSION: This is the first controlled study on the effect on
      professionals from implementing a development plan to enhance user participation
      in a mental health hospital. The plan had no effect on professionals' knowledge,
      practice, or attitudes. This can be due to the quality of the development plan,
      the implementation process, and/or the suitability of the outcome measures.

PMID- 22047467
TI  - Solvent evaporation induced aggregating assembly approach to three-dimensional
      ordered mesoporous silica with ultralarge accessible mesopores.
AB  - A solvent evaporation induced aggregating assembly (EIAA) method has been
      demonstrated for synthesis of highly ordered mesoporous silicas (OMS) in the
      acidic tetrahydrofuran (THF)/H(2)O mixture by using poly(ethylene oxide)-b
      poly(methyl methacrylate) (PEO-b-PMMA) as the template and
      tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) as the silica precursor. During the continuous
      evaporation of THF (a good solvent for PEO-b-PMMA) from the reaction solution,
      the template molecules, together with silicate oligomers, were driven to form
      composite micelles in the homogeneous solution and further assemble into large
      particles with ordered mesostructure. The obtained ordered mesoporous silicas
      possess a unique crystal-like morphology with a face centered cubic (fcc)
      mesostructure, large pore size up to 37.0 nm, large window size (8.7 nm), high
      BET surface area (508 m(2)/g), and large pore volume (1.46 cm(3)/g). Because of
      the large accessible mesopores, uniform gold nanoparticles (ca. 4.0 nm) can be
      introduced into mesopores of the OMS materials using the in situ reduction
      method. The obtained Au/OMS materials were successfully applied to fast catalytic
      reduction of 4-nitrophenol in the presence of NaHB(4) as the reductant. The
      supported catalysts can be reused for catalytic reactions without significant
      decrease in catalysis performance even after 10 cycles.

PMID- 22047469
TI  - The role of triplet state keto-enol tautomerism in the photodeamination of
      metamitron.
AB  - Substituted 4-amino-1,2,4-triazin-5-ones undergo photodeamination through
      cleavage of the N-NH(2) bond in the presence of oxygen and water. To elucidate
      the mechanism of this reaction, we investigated the photolysis of metamitron (4
      amino-6-phenyl-3-methyl-1,2,4-triazin-5-one) by nanosecond laser flash
      photolysis, steady-state irradiation, and ab initio calculations. Upon pulsed
      laser excitation of deoxygenated aqueous metamitron, two transient species are
      clearly detected. The predictions of ab initio results are consistent with
      experimental results: (i) it is proposed here that the transient species are,
      respectively, the keto and diradical forms of the metamitron keto-enol
      tautomerism in the triplet state, and (ii) in water, the activation free energy
      barrier of enolization is drastically decreased. Thus, the formation of the
      diradical triplet is enabled in aqueous solvent. A detailed analysis of the
      intermediate structures that lead to the final products (HNO(2) and
      deaminometamitron) is provided.

PMID- 22047468
TI  - A patient with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and atypical clinical and
      electrodiagnostic features: a case report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a rapidly progressive, fatal
      neurodegenerative disorder for which there is no effective treatment. The
      diagnosis is dependent on the clinical presentation and consistent
      electrodiagnostic studies. Typically, there is a combination of upper and lower
      motor neuron signs as well as electrodiagnostic studies indicative of diffuse
      motor axonal injury. The presentation of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, however,
      may be variable. At the same time, the diagnosis is essential for patient
      prognosis and management. It is therefore important to appreciate the range of
      possible presentations of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. CASE PRESENTATION: We
      present the case of a 57-year-old Caucasian man with pathological findings on
      postmortem examination consistent with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis but atypical
      clinical and electrodiagnostic features. He died after a rapid course of
      progressive weakness. The patient did not respond to immunosuppressive therapy.
      CONCLUSION: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis should be considered in patients with a
      rapidly progressive, unexplained neuropathic process. This should be true even if
      there are atypical clinical and electrodiagnostic findings. Absence of response
      to therapy and the development of upper motor neuron signs should reinforce the
      possibility that amyotrophic lateral sclerosis may be present. Since amyotrophic
      lateral sclerosis is a fatal illness, however, the possibility of this disease in
      patients with atypical clinical features should not diminish the need for a
      thorough diagnostic evaluation and treatment trials.

PMID- 22047471
TI  - From idealistic helper to enterprising learner: critical reflections on personal
      development through experiences from Afghanistan.
AB  - There is little written about the cultural, social, and ethical challenges
      encountered by physiotherapists engaging in development work. This article takes
      a critical perspective on what it means to engage in development work as an
      expatriate physiotherapist, through a self-critical reflection on experiences
      from Afghanistan. The field notes from an ethnographic study of a development
      project conducted in Afghanistan were analysed to explore the transformative
      process of personal and professional development of the development worker. The
      critical reflective process entailed a change in meaning perspective, described
      as a shift from the position of an Idealistic Helper to an Enterprising Learner.
      Of importance in this process were "disorienting dilemmas" that challenged
      personal perceptions. Critical reflection over such dilemmas led to deeper
      understanding facilitating the process of change. The essential lesson learned is
      that the baseline for understanding others is an understanding of one's own
      meaning perspectives and manner of participation in relation to others and their
      context. The insights gained have implications for physiotherapists working in
      development contexts, for other development workers, and for physiotherapists
      working with patients in clinical practice in a nondevelopment context. Exploring
      how to collaborate in development contexts could be done using reflective groups
      with expatriate and local physiotherapists and/or patients. This could lead to
      greater understanding of oneself, each other, and the local context.

PMID- 22047472
TI  - Chemical vapor deposition synthesis of tunable unsubstituted polythiophene.
AB  - Despite having exceptional electroactive properties, applications of
      unsubstituted polythiophene (PTh) have been limited due to its insolubility. To
      overcome this challenge, we have employed oxidative chemical vapor deposition
      (oCVD) as a unique liquid-free technique to enable the oxidative polymerization
      of PTh using thiophene as the starting monomer and vanadium oxytrichloride as an
      effective vaporizable oxidant initiator. Vibrational and phototelectron
      spectroscopy indicated the formation of unsubstituted polythiophene. Cyclic
      voltammetry revealed its electrochromic behavior in solution. Significantly,
      polymer conjugation length and electrical conductivity can be tuned by
      controlling oCVD process variables. Polymerization is found to be adsorption
      limited, so by providing sufficient monomer and limiting the amount of initiator
      at the growth surface, PTh is believed to be formed through alpha-alpha thiophene
      linkages.

PMID- 22047473
TI  - ERRATUM.

PMID- 22047477
TI  - Structural optimization of Cu-Ag-Au trimetallic clusters by adaptive immune
      optimization algorithm.
AB  - The putative global minimum structures of Cu-Ag-Au trimetallic clusters with 19
      and 55 atoms are obtained by adaptive immune optimization algorithm (AIOA) with
      the Gupta potential. For the 19-atom trimetallic clusters, the results indicate
      that all of them have double-icosahedral motifs. For the optimized structures of
      Cu(13)Ag(n)Au(42-n) (n = 1-41), the clusters can be categorized into 19 Mackay
      icosahedral structures, 1 6-fold pancake structure, and 21 ring-like structures
      linked by three face-sharing double-icosahedra. Furthermore, the segregation
      phenomena of the Cu, Ag, and Au atoms in the Cu-Ag-Au trimetallic clusters are
      studied to provide useful information for geometric character. Results show that
      Cu and Ag atoms prefer to locate in the inner-shell and on the surface,
      respectively, whereas Au atoms mainly locate in the middle-shell and tend to
      solve into Cu and Ag atoms.

PMID- 22047478
TI  - Science convention "Rijeka and its Citizens in Medical History" 2000-2009 -
      history of medicine as a component of scientific visibility.
AB  - This paper analyses the form and content of the first ten science conventions
      "Rijeka and its Citizens in Medical History" ("Rijeka i Rijecani u medicinskoj
      povjesnici") which were held in the period between 2000 and 2009 according to the
      archive data of the convention organizers Croatian Scientific Society for the
      History of Health Culture. It presents data on the inception of the idea of a
      science convention, its organisational features (organising committees, presiding
      committees, convention topics, venue, patrons) and number of participants. A
      total of 174 presentations whose abstracts were published in individual
      Convention Collections were given at the ten conventions by 103 different authors
      from Croatia and neighbouring countries. After the first ten years the entire
      material was compiled and published with an analytical comment in the anniversary
      issue Znanstveni skup Rijeka i Rijecani u medicinskoj povjesnici 2000-2009
      (Scientific Convention Rijeka and its Citizens in Medical History 2000-2009)
      within Biblioteka AMHA. Most of the papers printed in extenso are published in
      the magazine AMHA - Acta medico historica Adriatica. The analysis of all
      presentations provides quantity data on the number of presented papers, number of
      presenters and number of co-authored papers, as well as quality determinants
      within the evaluation of the achievement of science convention objectives. The
      end gives a review of the significance of this convention within the regional,
      national and international aspect.

PMID- 22047479
TI  - Apothecary activity in Dubrovnik Dominican Monastery from 17th to the beginning
      19th century.
AB  - The origin of the Dominican monastery pharmacy is not clear, but sources suggest
      that it had operated from the eve of the great earthquake in Dubrovnik in 1667 to
      the beginning of the 19th century. Its last pharmacist, praised for his
      competence, passed away in 1803, leaving no one behind The prior travelled all
      the way to Naples to find a competent pharmacist in his stead, but never
      returned. Story has it that on the way back, the abbot and the pharmacist lost
      their lives in a shipwreck. The French army occupied the town in 1806, and the
      monastery was turned into a military camp. Following the retreat of the French
      army in 1814, the monastery was returned to the Dominicans, but the pharmacy was
      never restored.

PMID- 22047480
TI  - [Vampires in the village Zrnovo on the island of Korcula: following an archival
      document from the 18th century].
AB  - The main interest of this essay is the analysis of the document from the State
      Archive in Venice (file: Capi del Consiglio de' Dieci: Lettere di Rettori e di
      altre cariche) which is connected with the episode from 1748 when the inhabitants
      of the village zrnove on the island of Korcula in Croatia opened tombs on the
      local cemetery in the fear of the vampires treating. This essay try to show some
      social circumstances connected with this event as well as a local vernacular
      tradition concerning superstitions.

PMID- 22047481
TI  - Health Resort Opatija Volunteer Fire Brigade and Rescue Society.
AB  - Not only the health service but also several other humanitarian institutions and
      societies were active in Abbazia/Opatija, the most important town on the once
      Austrian Riviera, the town that was also known as the Austrian Nice. The most
      important of the societies was The Health Resort Opatija Volunteer Fire Brigade
      and Rescue Society. The authors of this article have been particularly interested
      in the society's founding and its activity until it moved into the new building
      at 6, St. Florjan's Street in 1910. The fast urbanisation and the development of
      the industry raised the need of the well organised activity of putting out fires.
      The German gymnastics societies were the first to include the education and the
      skills development of the volunteer firemen into their programmes. The first
      volunteer fire brigades appeared in Austria after 1863. The huge fire that broke
      out in Vienna in 1881 showed that the fast and efficient rescuing demanded a well
      prepared organization of a team of rescuers. Based on the initiative of the
      chimney sweep Franz Drescher and The South Railway Company, the volunteer fire
      brigade was founded in Opatija already in 1886. The founding of the volunteer
      rescue society was based on the idea given by dr. Jaromir Mundy, the permanent
      guest in Opatija and a friend of prof. dr. Theodor Billroth, in 1894. The
      intertwining activity of the both societies resulted in their formal joining. The
      head physician became dr. Franz Tripold, the chief commander was Franz Doberlet
      junior. For his special merits, the general assembly of the Health Resort Opatija
      Volunteer Fire Brigade and Rescue Society appointed him the honourable commander
      of the society in 1903 and he received a special photo album with the photos of
      the volunteer firemen and the rescuers' practice. The Emperor Franz Joseph I
      Jubilee Fire Station, the Rescue Station And the Sanatorium (Kaiser Franz Joseph
      I Jubilaums - Feuerwehrrustungshaus, Rettungsstation und Erholungsheim) was given
      to the use on 1st October 1910. Since then, the two societies worked at this same
      location. The Volunteer Fire Brigade Opatija has been located in this building
      ever since.

PMID- 22047482
TI  - [Dr Anto Maric (1897-1982): a journey from alcohology and dermatovenereology to
      psychiatry and balneology].
AB  - Dr Anto Maric (1897-1982) was born in Vuksic in Bosnia. He completed medical
      studies in Vienna and Prague. He published his results from the Department for
      dermatovenerology at Sarajevo State Hospital, Bosnia. He engaged himself in the
      movement against alcoholism, too. Later he moved to the Neuropsychiatry ward in
      Belgrade and was appointed manager in a new psychiatry hospital in Kovin, Serbia.
      For years he had been a community physician in Stanisic in Vojvodina. During the
      Second World War, he worked in the psychiatric hospital Vrapce at the outskirts
      of Zagreb, Croatia and after the war he became the head of a thermal spa in
      Srebrenica, Bosnia. After specialisation in balneology, he came to Rijeka to
      overlook the reconstruction of a thermal spa near Buzet in Istria. He made use of
      his long experience in dermatovenerology, neuropsychiatry and balneology to
      promote the importance of the unity between physical and psychological for
      maintaining human health.

PMID- 22047483
TI  - Gout in the writings of eminent ancient Greek and Byzantine physicians.
AB  - Gout is a medical condition with typical recurrent attacks of acute inflammatory
      arthritis. The severity of this illness has been recognised from antiquity, and
      several ancient physicians studied it intensively. This paper presents the
      pathogenesis of the disease, approaches to therapy and preventive measures based
      on a number of original medical scripts from Hippocrates to the end of the
      Byzantine era.

PMID- 22047484
TI  - Rufus of Ephesus and his contribution to the development of anatomical
      nomenclature.
AB  - Rufus of Ephesus, a famous ancient physician, lived about the years 80 - 150 CE.
      His theories stressed the importance of anatomy and he preferred pragmatic
      approach to diagnosis and treatment. In his work "On the Names of the Parts of
      the Human Body", he put in pragmatic effort to make a lexicon of anatomy for his
      pupils. In the introduction, he described it as a manual for the students of
      medical art which relied on demonstration in teaching; visible (outer) parts of
      the body were shown on a demonstrator and invisible (inner) parts were shown on a
      dissected monkey. The brief explanation of the anatomical terms includes
      position, shape, and functions of organs, and this is what makes his work a
      pioneering effort to explain the anatomy clearly, systematically, and using
      consistent terminology. Rufus stressed the importance of exact nomenclature to
      prevent misunderstandings in medical practice. This anatomy manual had a major
      influence on the development of anatomical terminology. It is an important
      contribution to the history of teaching. The other essential contribution of
      Rufus' lexicon (also known for its briefer title Onomastikon) is that the author
      recognised and critically reviewed the knowledge and views of his predecessors,
      physicians of the pre-Galenic period. No less important was his teaching to
      anatomists and physicians who followed, as they often cited or paraphrased Rufus
      in their own works (Galen, Oribasius). Many fragments of Rufus' work have been
      preserved by medieval Arabic medical writers, especially by Rhazes.

PMID- 22047485
TI  - [Dr Stanislav Zupic (1897-1973) - a remarkable figure in Croatian psychiatry].
AB  - Stanislav Zupic (1897-1973) spent most of his career (1920-1962) in the
      Psychiatric Hospital Vrapce, Zagreb, Croatia and was its 8th director from 1940
      to 1941. He is remembered by a number innovations in treating psychoses, by a
      pioneering Croatian psychodrama (in 1938, he published a play Coming back to
      Life), and by introducing bibliotherapy, musical therapy, art therapy, and
      homeopathy to treat mental illnesses. On his initiative, the psychiatric hospital
      introduced treatment with insulin-provoked comma, convulsive therapy, Largactil,
      and other state-of-the-art psychopharmaceuticals. In addition to treatment, he
      provided forensic expertise. His free time he would spend writing pathographies
      of artists and literary critics. In 1924, he was one of the founders of the
      Yugoslav Anthroposophical Society Marija Sofija, which is still active in Zagreb.
      From 1935, he had been collecting interesting exhibits for what was to become the
      core of the hospital museum.

PMID- 22047486
TI  - [Burn injuries: what have we learned from history].
AB  - Severe burn injuries present a significant public health risk and are often
      associated with a life-threatening systemic inflammatory response. With the
      traditional approach, patients often stay in hospital longer and are more prone
      to problems like joint contractures, hypertrophic scars and infections due to
      delayed healing. The approach to burn injuries has been improving through and has
      been adopting new technologies and materials. Today, burn injuries are treated by
      general practitioners and surgeons. Unfortunately, this does not always ensure
      faster healing improvement of the quality of life.

PMID- 22047487
TI  - [The tragic demise of head physician Ortensio Pepi in Pula in 1938].
AB  - The description represents a frame - an anecdotal one from today's perspective -
      from the history of surgery in Pula, to which the author's attention was directed
      by the late Vilijam Bilic, M.D., head of the Section for surgical diseases of the
      General Hospital in Pula. Head physician Ortensio Pepi, head of surgery of the
      then Regional Hospital, died in Pula on January 17, 1938 from gunshot wounds
      inflicted ten days before. He was shot in the street by a husband of a patient
      that died three months before following a difficult surgery. It appears that the
      gunman passed judgement on himself immediately after the insane act by shooting
      himself in the head, and died the same evening. The event garnered a lot of
      attention from the only newspaper of the time in Pula - Corriere Istriano,
      through which we keep track of the difficult, yet successful abdomen surgery and
      the gradual recovery of head physician Pepi. However, several days after the
      reporter published that the patient"s condition is no longer life threatening,
      Ortensio Pepi died "due to complications".

PMID- 22047488
TI  - Heart surgeon Miro Kosak (1919-2010) and his contribution to the development of
      cardiovascular surgery in slovenia.
AB  - Heart surgeon Miro Kosak was a pioneer of modern cardiovascular surgery in
      Slovenia; in 1958, he performed the first open-heart surgery with extracorporeal
      circulation, in 1965, the first implantation of heart valve and pacemaker, and in
      1971, the first bypass on coronary arteries. He also paved the way for heart
      transplantations that followed.

PMID- 22047489
TI  - The cerebellum and neuropsychological functioning: a critical review.
AB  - The cerebellum, while once considered a brain region principally involved in
      motor control and coordination, is increasingly becoming associated with a range
      of neuropsychological and neuropsychiatric presentations. This paper reviews the
      dominant neuropsychological domains and neuropsychiatric conditions for which
      cerebellar involvement has been demonstrated, including visuospatial functioning,
      learning and memory, language, executive functioning, attention
      deficit/hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorders, and schizophrenia. The
      paper concludes with a discussion of a potential neuropsychological localization
      model within the cerebellum and a discussion of prognosis and rates of recovery
      that can be expected, following localized cerebellar lesions.

PMID- 22047490
TI  - Study of probe-sample distance for biomedical spectra measurement.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fiber-based optical spectroscopy has been widely used for biomedical
      applications. However, the effect of probe-sample distance on the collection
      efficiency has not been well investigated. METHOD: In this paper, we presented a
      theoretical model to maximize the illumination and collection efficiency in
      designing fiber optic probes for biomedical spectra measurement. This model was
      in general applicable to probes with single or multiple fibers at an arbitrary
      incident angle. In order to demonstrate the theory, a fluorescence spectrometer
      was used to measure the fluorescence of human finger skin at various probe-sample
      distances. The fluorescence spectrum and the total fluorescence intensity were
      recorded. RESULTS: The theoretical results show that for single fiber probes,
      contact measurement always provides the best results. While for multi-fiber
      probes, there is an optimal probe distance. When a 400- MUm excitation fiber is
      used to deliver the light to the skin and another six 400- MUm fibers surrounding
      the excitation fiber are used to collect the fluorescence signal, the
      experimental results show that human finger skin has very strong fluorescence
      between 475 nm and 700 nm under 450 nm excitation. The fluorescence intensity is
      heavily dependent on the probe-sample distance and there is an optimal probe
      distance. CONCLUSIONS: We investigated a number of probe-sample configurations
      and found that contact measurement could be the primary choice for single-fiber
      probes, but was very inefficient for multi-fiber probes. There was an optimal
      probe-sample distance for multi-fiber probes. By carefully choosing the probe
      sample distance, the collection efficiency could be enhanced by 5-10 times. Our
      experiments demonstrated that the experimental results of the probe-sample
      distance dependence of collection efficiency in multi-fiber probes were in
      general agreement with our theory.

PMID- 22047491
TI  - Management of asthma in pregnant women by general practitioners: a cross
      sectional survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Poorly controlled asthma can lead to maternal and fetal
      complications. Despite the known risks of poorly controlled asthma during
      pregnancy and the need for stepping up therapy when appropriate, there are
      concerns that management is suboptimal in primary care.Our objective was to
      investigate the management of asthma during pregnancy by general practitioners
      providing shared maternity care. METHODS: A pre-piloted, anonymous mail survey
      was sent to all general practitioners (n = 842) involved in shared maternity care
      at six maternity hospitals in Victoria, Australia. Respondents were asked about
      their perceived safety of individual asthma medications during pregnancy.
      Approach to asthma management during pregnancy was further explored using
      scenarios of pregnant women with stable and deteriorating asthma and poor
      medication adherence. RESULTS: Inhaled corticosteroids (ICS) were perceived to be
      the safest and were the preferred preventive medication in first trimester
      (74.1%), whilst leukotriene receptor antagonists were the least preferred (2.9%).
      A quarter (25.8%) of respondents would stop or decrease patients' ICS doses
      during pregnancy, even when their asthma was well controlled by current therapy.
      In addition, 12.1% of respondents were not sure how to manage deteriorating
      asthma during pregnancy and opted to refer to another health professional. Almost
      half the respondents (48.9%) reported encountering medication nonadherence during
      pregnancy. CONCLUSION: A lack of confidence and/or knowledge among general
      practitioners in managing deteriorating asthma in pregnancy was observed despite
      a good understanding of the safety of asthma medications during pregnancy,
      compliance with evidence-based guidelines in the selection of preventive
      medications, and self reported good asthma knowledge.

PMID- 22047492
TI  - Nanocapsules based on linear and Y-shaped 3-miktoarm star-block PEO-PCL
      copolymers as sustained delivery system for hydrophilic molecules.
AB  - Well-defined amphiphilic Y-shaped miktoarm star-block copolymers of PEO and PCL
      were synthesized by ring-opening polymerization of epsilon-caprolactone initiated
      by a PEO-bound lysine macroinitiator. The copolymers were characterized by (1)H
      NMR, SEC, DSC, and WAXD techniques. Separate PCL and PEO crystalline phases occur
      in melt-crystallized copolymers when their segmental lengths were comparable and
      the PCL content was <=80 wt %. Self-assembling of these copolymers in aqueous
      medium led to nanoaggregates with low critical aggregation concentration values
      (0.35 to 1.6 mg.L(-1)) and size depending on composition. Despite the fact that
      copolymers were not prone to self-organize in vesicles, once processed by a novel
      w/o emulsion-melting-sonication technique, they gave nanocapsules with a water
      core and a hydrophilic surface. A macromolecular fluorescent dye was effectively
      loaded and released at sustained rate by optimizing nanocapsule formulation. The
      results demonstrate that amphiphilic block copolymers can be assembled in
      different kinds of nanomorphologies independently of their
      hydrophilic/hydrophobic balance and architecture through specifically designed
      preparation techniques.

PMID- 22047493
TI  - Functional analysis of UGT1A4(P24T) and UGT1A4(L48V) variant enzymes.
AB  - AIM: To investigate the effects of two nonsynonymous SNPs, UGT1A4*2 (rs#:
      6755571, 70C>A, P24T) and UGT1A4*3 (rs#: 2011425, 142T>G, L48V), on the function
      of UGT1A4 against dihydrotestosterone (DHT), transandrosterone (t-AND),
      lamotrigine (LTG) and tamoxifen (TAM). MATERIALS & METHODS: Detailed kinetic
      experiments were conducted with recombinant UGT1A4(wild-type), UGT1A4(P24T) and
      UGT1A4(L48V), which were overexpressed in HEK293 cell lines. The kinetic profiles
      and kinetic parameters (K(m), V(max) and CL(int)) obtained with either
      UGT1A4(P24T) or UGT1A4(L48V) were compared with those obtained with the wild-type
      enzyme. The interaction of TAM on UG1A4-catalyzed DHT glucuronidation was also
      investigated with the three UGT1A4 polymorphic enzymes. RESULTS: UGT1A4(L48V) had
      higher enzyme efficiency (CL(int)) compared with wild-type UGT1A4 on DHT
      glucuronidation; UGT1A4(P24T) and UGT1A4(L48V) had lower CL(int) than wild-type
      UGT1A4 for t-AND and LTG glucuronidation. The TAM CL(int) with UGT1A4(P24T) and
      UGT1A4(L48V) glucuronidation and the UGT1A4(P24T)-catalyzed DHT glucuronidation
      were, on the other hand, similar to those of the wild-type enzyme. With all three
      enzymes, TAM activated UGT1A4-catalyzed DHT glucuronidation in a concentration
      dependent fashion. CONCLUSION: Decreased CL(int) of UGT1A4(P24T) and UGT1A4(L48V)
      on LTG glucuronidation may lead to interindividual variations in LTG metabolism
      in vivo. However, it is less likely that these polymorphisms would have impact on
      DHT and t-AND metabolism in vivo because these compounds are glucuronidated by
      multiple enzymes.

PMID- 22047494
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 22047495
TI  - Nicolaas Adriaan van der Velden (1927-1979).

PMID- 22047496
TI  - Investigation of protein conformational stability employing a multimodal
      spectrometer.
AB  - The conformational stability of proteins is typically investigated by use of a
      variety of biophysical measurements as a function of environmental stresses such
      as pH and temperature. Thus, multiple experiments are required on a variety of
      instruments, each providing information on a particular aspect of a protein's
      higher order structural integrity. These measurements typically require large
      sample quantities and long experimental times. In this study, a new methodology
      is described to obtain protein conformational stability data simultaneously,
      including UV absorption, light scattering, and near- and far-UV circular
      dichroism, by employing a multimodal spectrometer. Fluorescence spectral data are
      also collected on the same instrument, although not simultaneously. The method
      was developed by examining the thermal and pH stability of four model proteins.
      Results showed reproducible and accurate results from this single instrument, and
      data collection was rapid with minimal protein sample requirements. We illustrate
      the application of this method to the generation of empirical phase diagrams
      (EPDs) to better characterize the overall conformational stability of proteins.
      This new approach facilitates the rapid characterization of protein structure and
      stability in a single methodology, useful for analysis of unknown proteins as
      well as screening of solution conditions to optimize stability for protein
      therapeutic drug candidates.

PMID- 22047498
TI  - High prevalence of HPV in non-cervical sites of women with abnormal cervical
      cytology.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Human papillomaviruses (HPV) are causally associated with ano-genital
      and a subset of head and neck cancers. Rising incidence of HPV+ anal cancers and
      head and neck cancers have now been demonstrated in the developed world over the
      last decade. The majority of published data on HPV prevalence at the anal and oro
      pharyngeal sites are from studies of higher-risk populations. There is a paucity
      of data on the prevalence of HPV at non-cervical sites in lower risk, non-HIV+
      women and this study was designed to provide initial pilot data on a population
      of women recalled for colposcopy as part of the UK cervical screening programme.
      METHODS: 100 non-HIV+ women with abnormal cervical cytology, attending clinic for
      colposcopic examination were recruited. Swabs from the oro-pharyngeal, anal and
      cervical sites were taken and DNA extracted. HPV detection and genotyping were
      performed using a standardised, commercially available PCR-line blot assay, which
      is used to genotype 37 HPV subtypes known to infect the ano-genital and oro
      pharyngeal areas. Strict sampling and laboratory precautions were taken to
      prevent cross-contamination. RESULTS: There was a very high prevalence of HPV
      infection at all three sites: 96.0%, 91.4% and 92.4% at the cervix, anus and oro
      pharynx, respectively. Multiple HPV subtype infections were dominant at all 3
      mucosal sites. At least one or more HR genotype was present at both the
      cervix/anus in 39/52 (75.0%) patients; both the cervix/oro-pharynx in 48/56
      (85.7%) patients; and both the anus/oro-pharynx in 39/52 (75.0%) patients. HPV 16
      infection was highly dominant across all mucosal sites, with over a 2-fold
      increase over the next most prevalent subtype (HPV 31). CONCLUSIONS: Women with
      abnormal smears have widespread infection with high-risk HPV at the cervical,
      anal and oro-pharyngeal mucosal sites and may represent a higher risk population
      for HPV disease in the future.

PMID- 22047499
TI  - Bacteriophage lysis of Enterococcus host strains: a tool for microbial source
      tracking?
AB  - This paper describes the isolation of  Enterococcus  host strains, for potential
      use as simple bacteriophage (phage)-based microbial source tracking (MST) tools.
      Presumptive  Enterococcus  host strains were isolated from cattle feces, raw
      municipal wastewater, agricultural runoff, and waters impacted by farms or
      wastewater treatment works (WWTW) in southern England, United Kingdom (UK). All
      enterococcal host strains (n = 390) were first screened for their ability to
      detect phage in samples of raw municipal wastewater and fecal material from
      cattle, pigs, and sheep. Host strains that detected phage (n = 147) were ranked
      according to both their specificity to a particular fecal source and also the
      number of phages (expressed as plaque-forming units, PFU) that they detected per
      milliliter of sample. Host strains that demonstrated host specificity and which
      detected phages at levels greater than 100 PFU/mL (n = 29) were further tested
      using additional fecal samples of human and nonhuman origin. The specificity and
      sensitivity of the enterococcal host strains were found to vary, ranging from 44
      to 100% and from 17 to 83%, respectively. Most notably, seven strains exhibited
      100% specificity to either cattle, human, or pig samples. Isolates exhibiting
      specificity to cattle were identified as belonging to the species  Enterococcus
      casseliflavus ,  Enterococcus mundtii , or  Enterococcus gallinarum , while human
      and pig isolates were members of either  Enterococcus faecium  or  Enterococcus
      faecalis . The high specificity of phages infecting  Enterococcus  hosts and the
      simplicity and relatively low cost of the approach collectively indicate a strong
      potential for using this method as a tool in MST.

PMID- 22047500
TI  - QTL detection for Aeromonas salmonicida resistance related traits in turbot
      (Scophthalmus maximus).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Interactions between fish and pathogens, that may be harmless under
      natural conditions, often result in serious diseases in aquaculture systems. This
      is especially important due to the fact that the strains used in aquaculture are
      derived from wild strains that may not have had enough time to adapt to new
      disease pressures. The turbot is one of the most promising European aquaculture
      species. Furunculosis, caused by the bacterium Aeromonas salmonicida, produces
      important losses to turbot industry. An appealing solution is to achieve more
      robust broodstock, which can prevent or diminish the devastating effects of
      epizooties. Genomics strategies have been developed in turbot to look for
      candidate genes for resistance to furunculosis and a genetic map with appropriate
      density to screen for genomic associations has been also constructed. In the
      present study, a genome scan for QTL affecting resistance and survival to A.
      salmonicida in four turbot families was carried out. The objectives were to
      identify consistent QTL using different statistical approaches (linear regression
      and maximum likelihood) and to locate the tightest associated markers for their
      application in genetic breeding strategies. RESULTS: Significant QTL for
      resistance were identified by the linear regression method in three linkage
      groups (LGs 4, 6 and 9) and for survival in two LGs (6 and 9). The maximum
      likelihood methodology identified QTL in three LGs (5, 6 and 9) for both traits.
      Significant association between disease traits and genotypes was detected for
      several markers, some of them explaining up to 17% of the phenotypic variance. We
      also identified candidate genes located in the detected QTL using data from
      previously mapped markers. CONCLUSIONS: Several regions controlling resistance to
      A. salmonicida in turbot have been detected. The observed concordance between
      different statistical methods at particular linkage groups gives consistency to
      our results. The detected associated markers could be useful for genetic breeding
      strategies. A finer mapping will be necessary at the detected QTL intervals to
      narrow associations and around the closely associated markers to look for
      candidate genes through comparative genomics or positional cloning strategies.
      The identification of associated variants at specific genes will be essential,
      together with the QTL associations detected in this study, for future marker
      assisted selection programs.

PMID- 22047501
TI  - Addressing the Grand Challenge of atmospheric carbon dioxide: geologic
      sequestration vs. biological recycling.
AB  - On February 15, 2008, the National Academy of Engineering unveiled their list of
      14 Grand Challenges for Engineering. Building off of tremendous advancements in
      the past century, these challenges were selected for their role in assuring a
      sustainable existence for the rapidly increasing global community. It is no
      accident that the first five Challenges on the list involve the development of
      sustainable energy sources and management of environmental resources. While the
      focus of this review is to address the single Grand Challenge of "develop carbon
      sequestration methods", is will soon be clear that several other Challenges are
      intrinsically tied to it through the principles of sustainability. How does the
      realm of biological engineering play a role in addressing these Grand Challenges?

PMID- 22047502
TI  - Re-examination of the dimerization state of leucine-rich repeat kinase 2:
      predominance of the monomeric form.
AB  - Mutations in the LRRK2 (leucine-rich repeat kinase 2) gene have been identified
      in PARK8, a major form of autosomal-dominantly inherited familial Parkinson's
      disease, although the biochemical properties of LRRK2 are not fully understood.
      It has been proposed that LRRK2 predominantly exists as a homodimer on the basis
      of the observation that LRRK2, with a theoretical molecular mass of 280 kDa,
      migrates at 600 kDa (p600 LRRK2) on native polyacrylamide gels. In the present
      study, we biochemically re-examined the nature of p600 LRRK2 and found that p600
      LRRK2 was fractionated with a single peak at ~272 kDa by ultracentrifugation on a
      glycerol gradient. In addition, p600 LRRK2 behaved similarly to monomeric
      proteins upon two-dimensional electrophoretic separation. These results suggested
      a monomeric composition of p600 LRRK2 within cells. The p600 LRRK2 exhibited
      kinase activity as well as GTP-binding activity, and forced dimerization of LRRK2
      neither upregulated its kinase activity nor altered its subcellular localization.
      Collectively, we conclude that the monomer form of LRRK2 is predominant within
      cells, and that dimerization is dispensable for its enzymatic activity.

PMID- 22047503
TI  - RNA interference-based resistance against a legume mastrevirus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: RNA interference (RNAi) is a homology-dependant gene silencing
      mechanism and has been widely used to engineer resistance in plants against RNA
      viruses. However, its usefulness in delivering resistance against plant DNA
      viruses belonging to family Geminiviridae is still being debated. Although the
      RNAi approach has been shown, using a transient assay, to be useful in countering
      monocotyledonous plant-infecting geminiviruses of the genus Mastrevirus, it has
      yet to be investigated as a means of delivering resistance to dicot-infecting
      mastreviruses. Chickpea chlorotic dwarf Pakistan virus (CpCDPKV) is a legume
      infecting mastrevirus that affects chickpea and other leguminous crops in
      Pakistan. RESULTS: Here a hairpin (hp)RNAi construct containing sequences
      encompassing part of replication-associated protein gene, intergenic region and
      part of the movement protein gene of CpCDPKV under the control of the Cauliflower
      mosaic virus 35S promoter has been produced and stably transformed into Nicotiana
      benthamiana. Plants harboring the hairpin construct were challenged with CpCDPKV.
      All non-transgenic N. benthamiana plants developed symptoms of CpCDPKV infection
      within two weeks post-inoculation. In contrast, none of the inoculated transgenic
      plants showed symptoms of infection and no viral DNA could be detected by
      Southern hybridization. A real-time quantitative PCR analysis identified very low
      level accumulation of viral DNA in the inoculated transgenic plants. CONCLUSIONS:
      The results presented show that the RNAi-based resistance strategy is useful in
      protecting plants from a dicot-infecting mastrevirus. The very low levels of
      virus detected in plant tissue of transgenic plants distal to the inoculation
      site suggest that virus movement and/or viral replication was impaired leading to
      plants that showed no discernible signs of virus infection.

PMID- 22047504
TI  - Palladium-catalyzed allylic substitution with (eta6-arene-CH2Z)Cr(CO)(3)-based
      nucleophiles.
AB  - Although the palladium-catalyzed Tsuji-Trost allylic substitution reaction has
      been intensively studied, there is a lack of general methods to employ simple
      benzylic nucleophiles. Such a method would facilitate access to "alpha-2-propenyl
      benzyl" motifs, which are common structural motifs in bioactive compounds and
      natural products. We report herein the palladium-catalyzed allylation reaction of
      toluene-derived pronucleophiles activated by tricarbonylchromium. A variety of
      cyclic and acyclic allylic electrophiles can be employed with in situ generated
      (eta(6)-C(6)H(5)CHLiR)Cr(CO)(3) nucleophiles. Catalyst identification was
      performed by high throughput experimentation (HTE) and led to the
      Xantphos/palladium hit, which proved to be a general catalyst for this class of
      reactions. In addition to eta(6)-toluene complexes, benzyl amine and ether
      derivatives (eta(6)-C(6)H(5)CH(2)Z)Cr(CO)(3) (Z = NR(2), OR) are also viable
      pronucleophiles, allowing C-C bond-formation alpha to heteroatoms with excellent
      yields. Finally, a tandem allylic substitution/demetalation procedure is
      described that affords the corresponding metal-free allylic substitution
      products. This method will be a valuable complement to the existing arsenal of
      nucleophiles with applications in allylic substitution reactions.

PMID- 22047505
TI  - Public perspectives about pharmacogenetic testing and managing ancillary
      findings.
AB  - AIMS: Pharmacogenetic (PGx) tests are intended to improve therapeutic outcomes
      through predicting a patient's likelihood to respond to or experience an adverse
      effect from a specific treatment. In addition, PGx testing may also generate
      ancillary, or incidental, disease information unrelated to the purpose for which
      the test was ordered. To assess public attitudes toward PGx testing, ancillary
      disease risk information and related clinical issues, we conducted a series of
      focus groups. RESULTS: Forty-five individuals recruited from Durham, NC,
      participated in four focus groups. Overall, participants were enthusiastic about
      PGx testing, though expressed concerns about privacy, confidentiality, and
      psychological harms associated with ancillary information. Focus group
      participants believed that physicians had a responsibility to disclose ancillary
      risk information, but were concerned about managing and coping with unexpected
      disease risk information. CONCLUSION: We find that participants welcomed the
      integration of PGx testing into therapeutic decision-making. Public concerns
      about PGx testing and ancillary information specifically centered on personal
      implications of learning such additional information, suggesting that patient
      provider discussion of the benefits and risks of testing will be necessary until
      public familiarity with these tests increases.

PMID- 22047506
TI  - Association of CD36 gene variants and metabolic syndrome in Iranians.
AB  - AIMS: The CD36 gene encodes for a membrane receptor that facilitates fatty-acid
      uptake and utilization. Genetic variants of the CD36 gene have been associated
      with metabolic syndrome (MetS). We aimed to evaluate the association between the
      rs10499859A>G and rs13246513C>T polymorphisms and MetS components. METHODS: For
      this case-control study, 140 MetS and 187 normal subjects were randomly selected
      from the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study participants. Biochemical and
      anthropometrical variables were measured. Genotyping for both single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) was performed by polymerase chain reaction-restriction
      fragment length polymorphism. RESULTS: Case and control groups were not different
      in allele and genotype frequencies for these SNPs. However, the A and T alleles
      of these SNPs were significantly associated with elevated levels of high-density
      lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) before age and sex adjustment (p=0.027 and 0.016,
      respectively). Association between the A allele and body mass index (BMI) was
      also significant after adjustment for MetS under the dominant model (p=0.009,
      beta(2)=0.68). CONCLUSIONS: Based on our results, these polymorphisms do affect
      HDL-C level and BMI (MetS components), although the effect may be slight and
      restricted specifically to an environment-genotype.

PMID- 22047507
TI  - Recurrent pregnancy loss and its relation to combined parental thrombophilic gene
      mutations.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL) is a heterogeneous disorder
      that has been associated with antiphospholipid syndrome and other prothrombotic
      parameters. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of 12 thrombophilic gene
      mutations in RPL couples in the current results. METHOD: In a total of 543
      Turkish women with RPL and 327 of their male partners (870 individuals with RPL),
      and a control group of 106 fertile couples (control) were analyzed for factor V
      leiden (FVL), factor V H1299R, factor II prothrombin G20210A, FXIII V34L, beta
      fibrinogen -455G>A, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), GPIIIa L33P (HPA-1
      a/b L33P), methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T, MTHFR A1298C, ACE
      I/D, Apo B R3500Q, and Apo E genes. RESULTS: The overall, heterozygous and/or
      homozygous point mutations in FVL-FVR2, ApoE2, PAI-1, MTHFR C677T-A1298C, and ACE
      genes were associated with RPL. There was no meaningful association between RPL
      and other studied genes. CONCLUSION: The homozygosity of 4G in PAI-1 and MTHFR
      C677T genes in women with RPL, and heterozygosity of FVL, FVR2, ACE, and ApoE2
      genes in both parents play crucial role in RPL and should be considered as a risk
      factor in RPL. Current results showed that RPL is related to combined parental
      (not only maternal) thrombophilic gene mutations.

PMID- 22047508
TI  - Does quality of care for hypertension in primary care vary with postcode area
      deprivation? An observational study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hypertension is a common major risk factor for stroke and coronary
      heart disease. Little is known about how achievement of financially incentivised
      and non-incentivised indicators of quality of care varies with deprivation, or
      about the effect of financial incentives on health inequalities in hypertension.
      General practices in the UK have received financial incentives for high quality
      care since 2004. This study set out to assess the variations in achievement of
      incentivised and non-incentivised quality indicators for hypertension by patient
      area deprivation, before and after the introduction of financial incentives.
      METHODS: Achievement of 14 quality indicators for hypertension in 304 patient
      participants in 18 general practices in Norfolk, England was assessed one year
      before (2003) and one year after (2005) the introduction of financial incentives.
      Four indicators were incentivised and 10 were non-incentivised. Each
      participant's postcode was linked to an index of multiple deprivation score.
      RESULTS: The range of achievement of incentivised quality indicators was 65-94%
      in the least deprived third of participants, and 77-94% in the most deprived
      third in 2003 and 2005 combined. For non-incentivised indicators, the range was 7
      85% in the least deprived and 24-93% in the most deprived third.Achievement of
      incentivised quality indicators in 2003 and 2005 combined did not vary
      significantly by area deprivation. Achievement of three of 10 non-incentivised
      indicators was higher in participants from more deprived postcode areas:
      providing lifestyle advice (odds ratio 1.34, 95% confidence interval 1.00-1.79),
      assessment of peripheral vascular disease (1.54, 1.02-2.35) and
      electrocardiography (1.38, 1.04-1.82). CONCLUSIONS: Participants from more
      deprived areas received at least the same, and sometimes better, quality of care
      than those from less deprived areas. Quality of care for hypertension in general
      practice may not follow the inequitable distribution seen with some other
      conditions.

PMID- 22047511
TI  - ERRATUM.

PMID- 22047509
TI  - Role of MetMAb (OA-5D5) in c-MET active lung malignancies.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: MetMAb (OA-5D5) is a one-armed monoclonal antibody developed to
      bind to and inhibit c-MET receptor tyrosine kinase. Though only in early clinical
      testing, this agent holds great promise in diseases thought to be driven by c-MET
      activation, as evidenced by the Phase II results in NSCLC where a benefit in
      overall survival was observed in patients with MET-diagnostic-positive disease.
      Thus far, both alone and in combination with other targeted agents, this drug has
      been well tolerated and no new significant safety signals have been identified.
      AREAS COVERED: This review summarizes the structure and function of the c-MET
      receptor and its ligand hepatic growth factor (HGF), provides an overview of
      select targeted monotherapies developed to interfere in the MET-HGF signaling
      pathway, discusses pre-clinical and clinical data surrounding MetMAb, and
      concludes with an expert opinion regarding this novel agent. EXPERT OPINION:
      MetMAb has been well tolerated and based on Phase II data testing it, in
      combination with erlotinib in advanced NSCLC, may have a role in improving
      survival in patients with disease driven by c-MET activation. However, Phase III
      validation is underway and the results of these studies will help elucidate which
      patients will benefit most from this novel agent.

PMID- 22047516
TI  - Interaction of biological molecules with clay minerals: a combined spectroscopic
      and sorption study of lysozyme on saponite.
AB  - The interaction of hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL) with Na- and Cs-exchanged
      saponite was investigated using sorption, structural, and spectroscopic methods
      as a model system to study clay-protein interactions. HEWL sorption to Na- and Cs
      saponite was determined using the bicinchoninic acid (BCA) assay,
      thermogravimetric analysis, and C and N analysis. For Na-saponite, the TGA and
      elemental analysis-derived sorption maximum was 600 mg/g corresponding to a
      surface coverage of 0.85 ng/mm(2) with HEWL occupying 526 m(2)/g based on a cross
      sectional area of 13.5 nm(2)/molecule. HEWL sorption on Na-saponite was
      accompanied by the release of 9.5 Na(+) ions for every molecule of HEWL sorbed
      consistent with an ion exchange mechanism between the positively charged HEWL
      (IEP 11) and the negatively charged saponite surface. The d-spacing of the HEWL
      Na-saponite complex increased to a value of 4.4 nm consistent with the
      crystallographic dimensions of HEWL of 3 * 3 * 4.5 nm. In the case of Cs
      saponite, there was no evidence of interlayer sorption; however, sorption of HEWL
      to the "external" surface of Cs-saponite showed a high affinity isotherm. FTIR
      and Raman analysis of the amide I region of the HEWL-saponite films prepared from
      water and D(2)O showed little perturbation to the secondary structure of the
      protein. The overall hydrophilic nature of the HEWL-Na-saponite complex was
      determined by water vapor sorption measurements. The clay retained its
      hydrophilic character with a water content of 18% at high humidity corresponding
      to 240 H(2)O molecules per molecule of HEWL.

PMID- 22047517
TI  - Geographic variation in physicians' responses to a reimbursement change.

PMID- 22047518
TI  - Evidence-based medicine in the EMR era.

PMID- 22047519
TI  - The prevalence of undiagnosed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a primary
      care population with respiratory tract infections - a case finding study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an underdiagnosed
      cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Prevalence of COPD has been shown to
      be highly associated with positive smoking history and increasing age. Spirometry
      is the method used for diagnosing COPD. However, identifying patients at risk of
      COPD to undergo spirometry tests has been challenging. Therefore, there is a need
      for new cost-effective and feasible diagnostic screening procedures for use in
      primary care centers. Our aim was to describe the prevalence and severity of
      undiagnosed COPD in a group of patients with respiratory infections attending
      urgent primary care, and to identify those variables in patients' history that
      could be used to detect the disease. METHODS: Patients of 40-75 years (n = 138)
      attending urgent primary care center with acute respiratory tract infection,
      positive smoking history and no previously known pulmonary disease underwent pre-
      and post bronchodilator spirometry testing four to five weeks after the acute
      infection. Prevalence and severity of COPD were estimated following the Global
      Initiative for COPD (GOLD) criteria. Variables such as sex, age, current smoking
      status, smoking intensity (pack years) and type of infection diagnosis were
      assessed for possible associations with COPD. RESULTS: The prevalence of
      previously undiagnosed COPD in our study group was 27%, of which 45% were in
      stage 1 (FEV1 >= 80% of predicted), 53% in stage 2 (50 <= FEV1 < 80% of
      predicted), 3% in stage 3 (30 <= FEV1 < 50% of predicted) and 0% in stage 4 (FEV1
      < 30% of predicted). We found a significant association between COPD and age >=
      55 (OR = 10.9 [95% CI 3.8-30.1]) and between COPD and smoking intensity (pack
      years > 20) (OR = 3.2 [95% CI 1.2-8.5]). Sex, current smoking status and type of
      infection diagnosis were not shown to be significantly associated with COPD.
      CONCLUSION: A middle-aged or older patient with any type of common respiratory
      tract infection, positive smoking history and no previously known pulmonary
      disease has an increased likelihood of having underlying COPD. These patients
      should be offered spirometry testing for diagnosis of COPD.

PMID- 22047520
TI  - Positive association of the hepatic lipase gene polymorphism c.514C > T with
      estrogen replacement therapy response.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hepatic lipase (HL), an enzyme present in the hepatic sinusoids, is
      responsible for the lipolysis of lipoproteins. Human HL contains four polymorphic
      sites: G-250A, T-710C, A-763G, and C-514T single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs).
      The last polymorphism is the focus of the current study. The genotypes associated
      with the C-514T polymorphism are CC (normal homozygous - W), CT (heterozygous -
      H), and TT (minor-allele homozygous - M). HL activity is significantly impaired
      in individuals of the TT and CT genotypes. A total of 58 post-menopausal women
      were studied. The subjects were hysterectomized women receiving hormone
      replacement therapy consisting of 0.625 mg of conjugated equine estrogen once a
      day. The inclusion criteria were menopause of up to three years and normal blood
      tests, radiographs, cervical-vaginal cytology, and densitometry. DNA was
      extracted from the buccal and blood cells of all 58 patients using a commercially
      available kit (GFX(r) - Amersham-Pharmacia, USA). RESULTS: Statistically
      significant reductions in triglycerides (t = 2.16; n = 58; p = 0.03) but not in
      total cholesterol (t = 0.14; n = 58; p = 0.89) were found after treatment. This
      group of good responders were carriers of the T allele; the CT and TT genotypes
      were present significantly more frequently than in the group of non-responders (p
      = 0.02 or p = 0.07, respectively). However, no significant difference in HDL-C (t
      = 0.94; n = 58; p = 0.35) or LDL-C (t = -0.83; n = 58; p = 0.41) was found in
      these patients. CONCLUSIONS: The variation in lipid profile associated with the C
      514T polymorphism is significant, and the T allele is associated with the best
      response to ERT.

PMID- 22047525
TI  - Association between nitric oxide and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine levels in semen of
      diabetic men.
AB  - The incidence of diabetes mellitus is rapidly increasing in the world. One of the
      complications of diabetes includes disturbance of the reproductive tract, such as
      infertility, erectile dysfunction, and endocrine disruption. Nitric oxide (NO) is
      a free radical produced by most cells including the human male and female
      reproductive tracts. NO has a dual role where low concentrations are essential
      for homeostatic cellular biology and physiology, but high levels have detrimental
      effects relating to cellular damage from this reactive oxygen species (ROS). 8
      hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) is an oxidized nucleoside of DNA that is currently
      used as a biomarker of cellular oxidative stress, where urinary levels can
      correlate with diabetic nephropathy and retinopathy. Our aim was to investigate
      the relationship between nitrate/nitrite levels and 8-OHdG levels in the semen of
      diabetic and non-diabetic men. Concentrations of nitrate/nitrite and 8-OHdG were
      examined in seminal plasma of 32 diabetic and 35 non-diabetic men. The level of
      nitrate/nitrite was assayed by colorimetric reaction and 8-OHdG was measured by
      ELISA. Our results showed that the seminal plasma nitrate/nitrite levels were
      significantly higher in the diabetic group (p < 0. 01). There were also
      significantly higher 8-OHdG levels in diabetic men compared to non-diabetic men
      (p < 0.05). Regression analysis indicated that in diabetic men, nitrate/nitrite
      levels correlated well with 8-OHdG levels (r = 0.64, p < 0.001). A significant
      trend between nitrate/nitrite and sperm parameters was not observed. Our data
      suggests that high levels of nitrate/nitrite in the semen of diabetic men is
      suggestive of reactive oxygen species induced DNA damage that is correlated with
      8-OHdG levels but not sperm parameters. These results support the further
      investigation of NO and 8-OHdG as biomarkers for assessing male infertility.

PMID- 22047526
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 22047528
TI  - Advancements in top-down proteomics.

PMID- 22047529
TI  - Association between the results of the childhood asthma control test and
      objective parameters in asthmatic children.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The Childhood Asthma Control Test (C-ACT), a seven-item, self
      administered questionnaire, has been used as a tool to assess the control level
      in children with asthma. The aim of this study was to determine whether the C-ACT
      reflects airflow limitation and airway inflammation in addition to clinical
      manifestations. METHODS: Asthmatic children aged 5-11 years who were able to
      perform the lung function test and fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO)
      evaluation correctly were recruited during their regular visits. Children and
      their parents were asked to answer the officially developed Japanese version of
      the C-ACT. RESULTS: Among 258 children (176 boys, median age 9 years), there was
      a significant positive correlation between the C-ACT score and the percent
      predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s (%FEV(1)) (r = 0.317, p < .001). The
      accuracy of the C-ACT for identifying asthmatic subjects with normal lung
      function (%FEV(1) >80%) described as the area under the receiver operating
      characteristic curve was 71.5% (95% CI = 62.8-80.2%, p < .001), and based on the
      Youden index the optimal cutoff score was 23 (sensitivity of 78% and specificity
      of 54%). In contrast, there was no relationship between the C-ACT score and the
      FeNO value. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that a cutoff score of 23 for the
      C-ACT could be useful for identifying children with well-controlled asthma and
      normal lung function. Further studies are warranted to develop an easy-to-use
      questionnaire to assess the extent of airway inflammation in children.

PMID- 22047530
TI  - Cationic liposome-mediated CXCR4 gene delivery into hematopoietic stem/progenitor
      cells: implications for clinical transplantation and gene therapy.
AB  - The chemokine stromal cell-derived factor (SDF)-1alpha/CXCL12 and its receptor
      CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) play a crucial role in the homing/engraftment
      and retention of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) in the bone marrow.
      It has been shown using the viral gene transfer technique that CXCR4
      overexpression on human CD34(+) HSPC significantly improves their engraftment in
      murine models. However, clinical trials with gene therapy have revealed safety
      concerns related to the immunogenicity of the viral carriers, due to the random
      integration of viral genes into the host genome. Therefore, a method for CXCR4
      gene delivery into HSPC that is safe, nonviral, and highly efficient is needed to
      improve clinical transplantation and gene therapies. In this work, we
      investigated the nonviral CXCR4 gene delivery into HSPC using the cationic
      liposome agent IBAfect. We used CD34(+) cells from cord blood and the models of
      immature hematopoietic cells expressing CD34 antigen, namely, leukemic cell lines
      KG-1a and KG-1. Transfection efficiency was determined by flow cytometric
      analysis 12, 24, 48, and 72 h after transfection, and the viability of cells
      analyzed by trypan blue exclusion and MTS assays. The functional response of
      CXCR4-transfected HSPC toward an SDF-1alpha gradient was determined by chemotaxis
      assay. We found that ~25% transfection is achieved for KG-1a and KG-1 cells and
      20% for HSPC, and that the viability of CXCR4-transfected HSPC is not
      significantly altered. More importantly, overexpression of CXCR4 using IBAfect
      significantly increased the chemotaxis of KG-1 cells and HSPC toward SDF-1alpha.
      However, we tested 2 other commercially available cationic liposomes
      (Lipofectamine 2000 and 1,2-dioleoyl-3-trimethylammonium-propane [DOTAP]) in
      parallel, and we found that they failed to deliver the CXCR4 gene into cells
      under the same conditions. These results suggest that IBAfect-mediated in vitro
      gene delivery to overexpress CXCR4 on HSPC is a safe and efficient technique with
      great potential for improving the efficacy of HSPC transplantation and gene
      therapy protocols.

PMID- 22047531
TI  - MicroRNA profiling of diverse endothelial cell types.
AB  - BACKGROUND: MicroRNAs are ~22-nt long regulatory RNAs that serve as critical
      modulators of post-transcriptional gene regulation. The diversity of miRNAs in
      endothelial cells (ECs) and the relationship of this diversity to epithelial and
      hematologic cells is unknown. We investigated the baseline miRNA signature of
      human ECs cultured from the aorta (HAEC), coronary artery (HCEC), umbilical vein
      (HUVEC), pulmonary artery (HPAEC), pulmonary microvasculature (HPMVEC), dermal
      microvasculature (HDMVEC), and brain microvasculature (HBMVEC) to understand the
      diversity of miRNA expression in ECs. RESULTS: We identified 166 expressed
      miRNAs, of which 3 miRNAs (miR-99b, miR-20b and let-7b) differed significantly
      between EC types and predicted EC clustering. We confirmed the significance of
      these miRNAs by RT-PCR analysis and in a second data set by Sylamer analysis. We
      found wide diversity of miRNAs between endothelial, epithelial and hematologic
      cells with 99 miRNAs shared across cell types and 31 miRNAs unique to ECs. We
      show polycistronic miRNA chromosomal clusters have common expression levels
      within a given cell type. CONCLUSIONS: EC miRNA expression levels are generally
      consistent across EC types. Three microRNAs were variable within the dataset
      indicating potential regulatory changes that could impact on EC phenotypic
      differences. MiRNA expression in endothelial, epithelial and hematologic cells
      differentiate these cell types. This data establishes a valuable resource
      characterizing the diverse miRNA signature of ECs.

PMID- 22047532
TI  - Antioxidant activity of seagrasses of the Mandapam coast, India.
AB  - CONTEXT: In the search for new sources of safe and inexpensive antioxidants, the
      leaves of eight species of seagrasses were screened for antioxidant properties.
      OBJECTIVE: Most of the seagrasses were evaluated for the first time for their
      antioxidant activities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Total phenolic content and in
      vitro antioxidant activity using, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrozyl (DPPH) radical
      scavenging capacity and FRAP assay. RESULTS: The leaves of Halophila stipulacea
      (Forssk.) Aschers showed high levels of phenols (1.398 +/- 0.055 mg GAE/g) and
      high reducing power (46.289 +/- 1.002) in terms of mg GAE/g. Similarly, H.
      pinifolia exhibited high total antioxidant activity (132.38, 75.027 mg AscAE/g)
      and a high percentage of DPPH radical scavenging activity (68.14%). The TAA and
      FRAP assays showed positive and significantly high correlation (R2 = 0.646). The
      total phenolic content in the seagrass extracts showed a better correlation with
      reducing power (R2 = 0.597) than the DPPH radical-scavenging activity (R2 =
      0.495). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The antioxidant capacities of the seagrasses
      showed potential rich sources of natural antioxidants. Further studies are
      necessary for isolation and characterization of the active antioxidant compounds,
      which can be used to treat various oxidative stress-related diseases.

PMID- 22047533
TI  - Impact of the use of cryobank samples in a selected cattle breed: a simulation
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: High selection pressure on domestic cattle has led to an undesirable
      increase in inbreeding, as well as to the deterioration of some functional traits
      which are indirectly selected. Semen stored in a cryobank may be a useful way to
      redirect selection or limit the loss of genetic diversity in a selected breed.
      The purpose of this study was to analyse the efficiency of current cryobank
      sampling methods, by investigating the benefits of using cryopreserved semen in a
      selection scheme several generations after the semen was collected. METHODS: The
      theoretical impact of using cryopreserved semen in a selection scheme of a dairy
      cattle breed was investigated by simulating various scenarios involving two
      negatively correlated traits and a change in genetic variability of the breed.
      RESULTS: Our results indicate that using cryopreserved semen to redirect
      selection will have an impact on negatively selected traits only if it is
      combined with major changes in selection objectives or practices. If the purpose
      is to increase genetic diversity in the breed, it can be a viable option.
      CONCLUSIONS: Using cryopreserved semen to redirect selection or to improve
      genetic diversity should be carried out with caution, by considering the pros and
      cons of prospective changes in genetic diversity and the value of the selected
      traits. However, the use of genomic information should lead to more interesting
      perspectives to choose which animals to store in a cryobank and to increase the
      value of cryobank collections for selected breeds.

PMID- 22047535
TI  - Identifying and prioritizing strategies for comprehensive liver cancer control in
      Asia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Liver cancer is both common and burdensome in Asia. Effective liver
      cancer control, however, is hindered by a complex etiology and a lack of
      coordination across clinical disciplines. We sought to identify strategies for
      inclusion in a comprehensive liver cancer control for Asia and to compare
      qualitative and quantitative methods for prioritization. METHODS: Qualitative
      interviews (N = 20) with international liver cancer experts were used to identify
      strategies using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis and to formulate an
      initial prioritization through frequency analysis. Conjoint analysis, a
      quantitative stated-preference method, was then applied among Asian liver cancer
      experts (N = 20) who completed 12 choice tasks that divided these strategies into
      two mutually exclusive and exhaustive subsets. Respondents' preferred plan was
      the primary outcome in a choice model, estimated using ordinary least squares
      (OLS) and logistic regression. Priorities were then compared using Spearman's
      Rho. RESULTS: Eleven strategies were identified: Access to treatments; Centers of
      excellence; Clinical education; Measuring social burden; Monitoring of at-risk
      populations; Multidisciplinary management; National guidelines; Public awareness;
      Research infrastructure; Risk-assessment and referral; and Transplantation
      infrastructure. Qualitative frequency analysis indicated that Risk-assessment and
      referral (85%), National guidelines (80%) and Monitoring of at-risk populations
      (80%) received the highest priority, while conjoint analysis pointed to
      Monitoring of at-risk populations (p < 0.001), Centers of excellence (p = 0.002),
      and Access to treatments (p = 0.004) as priorities, while Risk-assessment and
      referral was the lowest priority (p = 0.645). We find moderate concordance
      between the qualitative and quantitative methods (rho = 0.20), albeit
      insignificant (p = 0.554), and a strong concordance between the OLS and logistic
      regressions (rho = 0.979; p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Identified strategies can be
      conceptualized as the ABCs of comprehensive liver cancer control as they focus on
      Antecedents, Better care and Connections within a national strategy. Some
      concordance was found between the qualitative and quantitative methods (e.g.
      Monitoring of at-risk populations), but substantial differences were also
      identified (e.g. qualitative methods gave highest priority to risk-assessment and
      referral, but it was the lowest for the quantitative methods), which may be
      attributed to differences between the methods and study populations, and
      potential framing effects in choice tasks. Continued research will provide more
      generalizable estimates of priorities and account for variation across
      stakeholders and countries.

PMID- 22047536
TI  - Synthesis and spectroscopic analysis of a stereoisomer library of the
      phytophthora mating hormone alpha1 and derived bis-Mosher esters.
AB  - Fluorous mixture synthesis provided all eight diastereomers of the phytophthora
      hormone alpha1 with the R configuration at C11 as individual samples after
      demixing and detagging. The library of all possible bis-Mosher esters (16) was
      then made by esterification. Complete sets of (1)H, (13)C, and (for the Mosher
      esters) (19)F NMR spectra were recorded, assigned, and compared with each other
      and with published spectra. Not all of the spectra are unique, and the (1)H NMR
      spectra of the Mosher esters provided the most information. The previous
      assignment of the natural sample as an "all-R" stereoisomer mixed with its 3S
      epimer was confirmed.

PMID- 22047537
TI  - Associations between levels of serum perfluorinated chemicals and adiponectin in
      a young hypertension cohort in Taiwan.
AB  - In animals, perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs), specifically perfluorooctanoic acid
      (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfate (PFOS), function as peroxisome proliferator
      activated receptor (PPAR) alpha agonists. However, the relevance of animal
      (primarily rodent) data to humans is unresolved. While plasma adiponectin level
      is very responsive to PPAR gamma agonist drugs, it has not been determined
      whether adiponectin level is related to serum PFCs concentrations. In the present
      study, 287 subjects (12-30 years of age) were recruited to determine the
      relationship between serum level of PFCs and serum level of adiponectin. The
      results showed males had higher serum PFOS concentrations than females and that
      those with metabolic syndrome had lower serum PFOA than controls. Besides, it
      showed regional elevations of the perfluoroundecanoic acid (PFUA) (median
      concentration: 7.11 ng/mL) in the study subjects. No relationship of PFOA, PFOS,
      PFUA, and the sum of all four PFCs was found to glucose homeostasis, adiponectin
      level, lipid profile, and inflammatory markers. The median and the range of
      perfluorononanoic acid (PFNA) concentration (in ng/mL; for four categories
      corresponding to the <50, 50-74, 75-89, and >=90th percentiles) were 0.38 (0.38
      1.68), 3.22 (1.73-4.65), 5.85 (4.75-8.29), 10.56 (8.40-25.40), respectively.
      After controlling for confounding factors, multiple linear regression analysis
      revealed that the mean natural log-transformed level of adiponectin increased
      significantly across categories of PFNA (in ng/mL; 8.78, 8.73, 9.06, 9.36; P for
      trend = 0.010 in the full model). In conclusion, higher serum PFNA concentration
      is associated with elevated serum adiponectin concentration.

PMID- 22047541
TI  - Characteristics of epstein barr virus variants associated with gastric carcinoma
      in Southern Tunisia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: EBV-associated Gastric Carcinoma (EBVaGC) has a distinct clinical
      features and its prevalence is variable worldwide. RESULTS: To determine the
      prevalence of EBVaGC in Tunisia, EBV-encoded small RNA (EBER) expression was
      assessed in 81 gastric carcinoma (GC) specimens. The nuclear EBER expression was
      detected in 12 out of 81 GC cases (14.81%) and concordance between the score
      range of EBER staining and the number of EBV DNA copies as estimate by QPCR is
      observed. On the other hand, we found that EBVaGC strongly correlated with age at
      diagnosis, and weakly with tumor differentiation and venous invasion.Furthermore,
      the EBVaGC specimens were subjected to determine the EBV DNA polymorphisms. Our
      results show a unique genetic profile of the EBV strains regarding the A and D
      types, the F prototype, the retention of XhoI restriction site and the 30 bp del
      LMP1 variant. According to our previous studies on nasopharyngeal carcinoma
      (NPC), we suggested that EBV strains associated to GC and NPC shared some
      similarities in Tunisian patients. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of EBVaGC is of
      14.81% in the southern Tunisia and that common EBV strain are associated with
      both NPC and GC which are likely to differ from Asian strains. Our findings
      support therefore a certain geographical distribution of EBV strains which is not
      restricted to EBV-associated malignancies.

PMID- 22047543
TI  - Nonparametric combinatorial sequence models.
AB  - This work considers biological sequences that exhibit combinatorial structures in
      their composition: groups of positions of the aligned sequences are "linked" and
      covary as one unit across sequences. If multiple such groups exist, complex
      interactions can emerge between them. Sequences of this kind arise frequently in
      biology but methodologies for analyzing them are still being developed. This
      article presents a nonparametric prior on sequences which allows combinatorial
      structures to emerge and which induces a posterior distribution over factorized
      sequence representations. We carry out experiments on three biological sequence
      families which indicate that combinatorial structures are indeed present and that
      combinatorial sequence models can more succinctly describe them than simpler
      mixture models. We conclude with an application to MHC binding prediction which
      highlights the utility of the posterior distribution over sequence
      representations induced by the prior. By integrating out the posterior, our
      method compares favorably to leading binding predictors.

PMID- 22047542
TI  - The VICI-trial: high frequency oscillation versus conventional mechanical
      ventilation in newborns with congenital diaphragmatic hernia: an international
      multicentre randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is a severe congenital anomaly
      of the diaphragm resulting in pulmonary hypoplasia and pulmonary hypertension. It
      is associated with a high risk of mortality and pulmonary morbidity. Previous
      retrospective studies have reported high frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFO)
      to reduce pulmonary morbidity in infants with CDH, while others indicated HFO to
      be associated with worse outcome. We therefore aimed to develop a randomized
      controlled trial to compare initial ventilatory treatment with high-frequency
      oscillation and conventional ventilation in infants with CDH. METHODS/DESIGN:
      This trial is designed as a multicentre trial in which 400 infants (200 in each
      arm) will be included. Primary outcome measures are BPD, described as oxygen
      dependency by day 28 according to the definition of Jobe and Bancalari, and/or
      mortality by day 28. All liveborn infants with CDH born at a gestational age of
      over 34 weeks and no other severe congenital anomalies are eligible for
      inclusion. Parental informed consent is asked antenatally and the allocated
      ventilation mode starts within two hours after birth. Laboratory samples of
      blood, urine and tracheal aspirate are taken at the first day of life, day 3, day
      7, day 14 and day 28 to evaluate laboratory markers for ventilator-induced lung
      injury and pulmonary hypertension. DISCUSSION: To date, randomized clinical
      trials are lacking in the field of CDH. The VICI-trial, as the first randomized
      clinical trial in the field of CDH, may provide further insight in ventilation
      strategies in CDH patient. This may hopefully prevent mortality and morbidity.
      TRIAL REGISTRATION: Netherlands Trial Register (NTR): NTR1310.

PMID- 22047544
TI  - The necessity for the coating of perfluorodecalin-filled poly(lactide-co
      glycolide) microcapsules in the presence of physiological cholate concentrations:
      Tetronic-908 as an exemplary polymeric surfactant.
AB  - Recently, we demonstrated that biodegradable poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA)
      micro- and nanocapsules with a liquid content of perfluorodecalin are principally
      useful for the development of artificial oxygen carriers. In order to solve a
      decisive and well-known problem with PLGA microcapsules, i.e. the spontaneous
      agglomeration of the capsules after depletion of the emulsifying agent (i.e.
      cholate), coating with the ABA block copolymer, Tetronic-908 was studied. After
      Tetronic-908 treatment at concentrations that were harmless to cultured cells,
      the clustering of the microcapsules was prevented, the adsorption of opsonins was
      decreased and the attachment to cells was inhibited, but the oxygen transport
      capacity of PLGA microcapsules was even increased. The present data clearly show
      that perfluorodecalin-filled PLGA microcapsules must be coated before decreasing
      the emulsifying agent cholate to physiological concentrations, in order to
      develop a solution that has the capabilities to function as a potential
      artificial oxygen carrier suspension.

PMID- 22047545
TI  - Microencapsulation using vibrating technology.
AB  - For over a half a century now, microencapsulation has played a very important
      role in many industries and in the recent decades, this versatile technology has
      been applied to numerous biotechnology and medical processes. However, successful
      application in these areas requires a methodology which has the capability to
      produce mono-dispersed, homogenous-shaped capsules, with a narrow size
      distribution, using a short production time. The manufacture of capsules using
      vibrating technology has gained significant interest mainly due to its simplistic
      approach to produce homogenous microcapsules with the desired characteristics for
      biotechnological and medical processes. However, certain limitations still exist
      for this methodology, which include the inability to manufacture microcapsules at
      large quantities and/or using highly viscous polymers. In this review, a detailed
      description of the theoretical and practical aspects behind the production of
      different types of alginate-based microcapsules, for application in
      biotechnological and medical processes, using vibrating technology, is given.

PMID- 22047546
TI  - Formulation, optimization and evaluation of spray-dried mucoadhesive microspheres
      as intranasal carriers for Valsartan.
AB  - This investigation deals with the intranasal delivery of Valsartan, encapsulated
      in HPMC-based spray-dried mucoadhesive microspheres, with an aim to provide rapid
      absorption and quick onset of action for treating hypertension. A 23-factorial
      design has been employed for the assessment of influence of three independent
      variables, namely inlet temperature, feed-flow rate and drug-polymer ratio on
      production yield, particle size and in vitro drug diffusion of the prepared
      microspheres. Microspheres were evaluated for particle size, entrapment
      efficiency, swelling property, in vitro mucoadhesion, in vitro drug diffusion, ex
      vivo drug permeation, histopathological examination and stability studies. The
      results of differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction and scanning
      electron microscopy revealed molecular dispersion of Valsartan into microspheres
      with spherical shape and smooth surface. Optimized formulation indicated good
      mucoadhesion with no severe sign of damage on nasal mucosa. Results of the non
      invasive animal studies in dexamethasone-induced hypertensive rat model suggested
      the suitability of investigated drug delivery system for intranasal
      administration.

PMID- 22047547
TI  - PEGylated estradiol benzoate liposomes as a potential local vascular delivery
      system for treatment of restenosis.
AB  - This study was directed towards the preparation and optimization of PEGylated
      (PEG, poly(ethylene glycol)) estradiol benzoate (ESB)-loaded liposomes to be used
      for the treatment of restenosis by local vascular delivery. Various liposomal
      formulations were prepared by thin film hydration method followed by sonication.
      Response surface methodology was applied to study the influence of three
      different independent variables, on the response of entrapment efficiency (%EE).
      Liposomes were characterized in terms of size, zeta potential, %EE and release
      profile. Incorporation of ESB was higher in egg phosphatidylcholine (EPC)
      liposomes, whereas the drug was displaced from liposomes, as the cholesterol
      (Chol) content of liposome increased. The optimum formulation composed of
      EPC/dioleyloxy trimethylammonium propane/distearoylphosphatidylethanolamine
      PEG2000 with a molar proportion of 8.5:1:0.5 had the highest EE. In vivo studies
      in the balloon-injured rat carotid arteries revealed the potential of ESB-loaded
      liposomes as efficient local and controlled drug delivery systems to reduce
      restenosis.

PMID- 22047548
TI  - Mixture designs in the optimisation of PLGA nanoparticles: influence of organic
      phase composition on beta-aescin encapsulation.
AB  - The objective of this study was to enhance the encapsulation of the
      antileishmanial saponin aescin in poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA)
      nanoparticles (NPs). We prepared the NPs by the O/W and W/O/W combined
      emulsification solvent evaporation/salting-out technique and investigated the
      influence of organic phase composition on the NPs' size, zeta potential and
      entrapment efficiency (EE%) using mixture designs. The obtained NPs were
      monodispersed with Z(ave)<300 nm and exhibited negative zeta potentials. For the
      single emulsion, the co-solvent concentration was shown to be the primary
      determinant of drug entrapment. The EE% increased from 14% to 22% by decreasing
      the amount of DMSO from 80% to 25% (v/v) in the organic polymer solution. For the
      double emulsion, EE% was 22% on average and independent of the organic phase
      composition. The double-emulsion technique did not enhance the aescin
      encapsulation as expected due to its amphiphilic nature. The optimised aescin
      loaded NPs meet the requirements for further in vitro activity tests.

PMID- 22047549
TI  - Mucoadhesive bilayer buccal tablet of carvedilol-loaded chitosan microspheres: in
      vitro, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic investigations.
AB  - A multiple-unit system comprising mucoadhesive bilayer buccal tablets of
      carvedilol-loaded chitosan microspheres (CMs) was developed to improve
      bioavailability and therapeutic efficacy of carvedilol. Drug-loaded CMs were
      prepared by spray drying, evaluated for powder and particle characteristics, and
      optimized batch of CMs was compressed into bilayer buccal tablets using Carbopol.
      Tablets were evaluated for physicochemical parameters, in vitro drug release, in
      vivo pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies. Optimized formulation, CMT1
      (CMT, chitosan microsphere tablet) showed maximum mucoadhesive force (50 +/- 1.84
      dyne/cm2), exhibited 73.08 +/- 3.05% drug release and demonstrated zero-order
      kinetics with non-Fickian release mechanism. Pharmacokinetic studies in rabbits
      showed significantly higher C(max) (71.26 +/- 6.45 ng/mL), AUC(0-10) (AUC, area
      under the curve 390.75 +/- 5.23 ng/mL/h) and AUC(0-infinity) (664.72 ng/mL/h)
      than carvedilol oral tablet. Pharmacodynamic studies confirmed reduction in mean
      arterial pressure, heart rate, body weight and triglyceride on administration of
      bilayer buccal tablet compared to oral carvedilol tablet. Multiple-unit system
      exhibited enhanced bioavailability and sustained release of carvedilol,
      indicating its improved therapeutic potential for the treatment of hypertension.

PMID- 22047550
TI  - Gynecomastia during imatinib mesylate treatment for gastrointestinal stromal
      tumor: a rare adverse event.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Imatinib mesylate has been the standard therapeutic treatment for
      chronic myeloid leukemia, advanced and metastatic gastrointestinal stromal tumor
      (GIST). It is well tolerated with mild adverse effects. Gynecomastia development
      during the course of treatment has been rarely reported. METHODS: Ninety-eight
      patients with advanced or recurrent GIST were treated with imatinib mesylate.
      Among the fifty-seven male patients six developed gynecomastia during the
      treatment. The lesions were confirmed by sonography. Sex hormone levels were
      determined in six patients with and without the presence of gynecomastia
      respectively. The patients with gynecomatia were treated with tamoxifene and the
      sex hormones were assayed before and after tamoxifene treatment. RESULTS: In
      patients with gynecomastia the lump underneath the bilateral nipples was 2.5 to 5
      centimeters in diameter. Their serum free testosterone levels ranged between
      356.61 and 574.60 ng/dl with a mean +/- SD of 408.64 +/- 82.06 ng/dl (95% CI
      343.03~474.25 ng/dl), which is within the normal range. The level of serum
      estradiol was 42.89 +/- 16.54 pg/ml (95% CI 29.66~56.12 pg/ml). Three patients
      had higher levels (43.79~71.21 pg/ml) and the others' were within normal range of
      27.00~34.91 pg/ml. Six patients without the development of gynecomastia had
      normal free testosterone. One patient died because of large tumor burden. The sex
      hormones had no significant changes before and after tamoxifene treatment.(P >
      0.05) CONCLUSIONS: Testosterone levels were not decreased in the six GIST
      patients with gynecomastia. Three patients had increased serum estradiol level
      which suggests that imbalance of sex hormones may be the cause of gynecomastia
      during treatment with imatinib mesylate.

PMID- 22047551
TI  - Drug-loaded and superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle surface-embedded
      amphiphilic block copolymer micelles for integrated chemotherapeutic drug
      delivery and MR imaging.
AB  - We report on the fabrication of organic/inorganic hybrid micelles of amphiphilic
      block copolymers physically encapsulated with hydrophobic drugs within micellar
      cores and stably embedded with superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles
      within hydrophilic coronas, which possess integrated functions of
      chemotherapeutic drug delivery and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging contrast
      enhancement. Poly(epsilon-caprolactone)-b-poly(glycerol monomethacrylate), PCL-b
      PGMA, and PCL-b-P(OEGMA-co-FA) amphiphilic block copolymers were synthesized at
      first by combining ring-opening polymerization (ROP), atom transfer radical
      polymerization (ATRP), and post- modification techniques, where OEGMA and FA are
      oligo(ethylene glycol) monomethyl ether methacrylate and folic acid-bearing
      moieties, respectively. A model hydrophobic anticancer drug, paclitaxel (PTX),
      and 4 nm SPIO nanoparticles were then loaded into micellar cores and hydrophilic
      coronas, respectively, of mixed micelles fabricated from PCL-b-PGMA and PCL-b
      P(OEGMA-co-FA) diblock copolymers by taking advantage of the hydrophobicity of
      micellar cores and strong affinity between 1,2-diol moieties in PGMA and Fe atoms
      at the surface of SPIO nanoparticles. The controlled and sustained release of PTX
      from hybrid micelles was achieved, exhibiting a cumulative release of ~61%
      encapsulated drugs (loading content, 8.5 w/w%) over ~130 h. Compared to that of
      surfactant-stabilized single SPIO nanoparticles (r(2) = 28.3 s(-1) mM(-1) Fe),
      the clustering of SPIO nanoparticles within micellar coronas led to considerably
      enhanced T(2) relaxivity (r(2) = 121.1 s(-1) mM(-1) Fe), suggesting that hybrid
      micelles can serve as a T(2)-weighted MR imaging contrast enhancer with improved
      performance. Moreover, preliminary experiments of in vivo MR imaging were also
      conducted. These results indicate that amphiphilic block copolymer micelles
      surface embedded with SPIO nanoparticles at the hydrophilic corona can act as a
      new generation of nanoplatform integrating targeted drug delivery, controlled
      release, and disease diagnostic functions.

PMID- 22047552
TI  - Insight into cross-talk between intra-amoebal pathogens.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Amoebae are phagocytic protists where genetic exchanges might take
      place between amoeba-resistant bacteria. These amoebal pathogens are able to
      escape the phagocytic behaviour of their host. They belong to different bacterial
      phyla and often show a larger genome size than human-infecting pathogens. This
      characteristic is proposed to be the result of frequent gene exchanges with other
      bacteria that share a sympatric lifestyle and contrasts with the genome reduction
      observed among strict human pathogens. RESULTS: We sequenced the genome of a new
      amoebal pathogen, Legionella drancourtii, and compared its gene content to that
      of a Chlamydia-related bacterium, Parachlamydia acanthamoebae. Phylogenetic
      reconstructions identified seven potential horizontal gene transfers (HGTs)
      between the two amoeba-resistant bacteria, including a complete operon of four
      genes that encodes an ABC-type transporter. These comparisons pinpointed
      potential cases of gene exchange between P. acanthamoebae and Legionella
      pneumophila, as well as gene exchanges between other members of the Legionellales
      and Chlamydiales orders. Moreover, nine cases represent possible HGTs between
      representatives from the Legionellales or Chlamydiales and members of the
      Rickettsiales order. CONCLUSIONS: This study identifies numerous gene exchanges
      between intracellular Legionellales and Chlamydiales bacteria, which could
      preferentially occur within common inclusions in their amoebal hosts. Therefore
      it contributes to improve our knowledge on the intra-amoebal gene properties
      associated to their specific lifestyle.

PMID- 22047555
TI  - Oxidative stress and leaf senescence.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Senescence is an important developmental process that leads to the
      cell death through highly regulated genetically controlled processes in plants.
      Biotic and abiotic Oxidative stresses can also artificially induce senescence and
      increase the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) specifically in
      chloroplast. One of the important oxidative stresses is paraquat that induces
      deviation of electron from photosynthesis electron chain and lead to the
      production of more ROS in chloroplast. Plants have evolved special adoptive
      mechanism to reallocate nutrient to reproductive and juvenile organs in
      senescence and different oxidative stresses. Rubisco seems to be the most
      abundant protein in plants and is involved in many changes during senescence.
      RESULTS: In the present study, the effects of ROS on Rubisco during senescence
      and oxidative stresses were evaluated by measuring photosynthesis factors such as
      net photosynthesis rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (G), evaporation rate (E),
      intra cellular CO2 concentration (Ci), fluorescence and total protein during
      three stages of development. Our results showed that in paraquat treated plants,
      CO2 assimilation is the most effective factor that refers to Rubisco damages. The
      highest correlation and regression coefficient belonged to Ci, while correlation
      coefficient between photosynthesis rate and total protein was much smaller.
      CONCLUSION: It appears in the early stage of oxidative stresses such as exposing
      to paraquat, ROS has the most effect on Rubisco activity that induces more
      susceptibility to Rubisco specific protease. Moreover, Rubisco deactivation acts
      as an initiative signal for Rubisco degradation.

PMID- 22047554
TI  - Temperature dependence of the heat diffusivity of proteins.
AB  - In a combined experimental-theoretical study, we investigated the transport of
      vibrational energy from the surrounding solvent into the interior of a heme
      protein, the sperm whale myoglobin double mutant L29W-S108L, and its dependence
      on temperature from 20 to 70 K. The hindered libration of a CO molecule that is
      not covalently bound to any part of the protein but is trapped in one of its
      binding pockets (the Xe4 pocket) was used as the local thermometer. Energy was
      deposited into the solvent by IR excitation. Experimentally, the energy transfer
      rate increased from (30 ps)(-1) at 20 K to (8 ps)(-1) at 70 K. This temperature
      trend is opposite to what is expected, assuming that the mechanism of heat
      transport is similar to that in glasses. In order to elucidate the mechanism and
      its temperature dependence, nonequilibrium molecular dynamics (MD) simulations
      were performed, which, however, predicted an essentially temperature-independent
      rate of vibrational energy flow. We tentatively conclude that the MD potentials
      overestimate the coupling between the protein and the CO molecule, which appears
      to be the rate-limiting step in the real system at low temperatures. Assuming
      that this coupling is anharmonic in nature, the observed temperature trend can
      readily be explained.

PMID- 22047556
TI  - Toward the definition of stereochemical requirements for MT2-selective
      antagonists and partial agonists by studying 4-phenyl-2-propionamidotetralin
      derivatives.
AB  - New derivatives of 4-phenyl-2-propionamidotetralin (4-P-PDOT) were prepared and
      tested on cloned MT1 and MT2 receptors, with the purpose of merging previously
      reported pharmacophores for nonselective agonists and for MT2-selective
      antagonists. A 8-methoxy group increases binding affinity of both (+/-)-cis- and
      (+/-)-trans-4-P-PDOT, and it can be bioisosterically replaced by a bromine.
      Conformational analysis of 8-methoxy-4-P-PDOT by molecular dynamics, supported by
      NMR data, revealed an energetically favored conformation for the (2S,4S)-cis
      isomer and a less favorable conformation for the (2R,4S)-trans one, fulfilling
      the requirements of a pharmacophore model for nonselective melatonin receptor
      agonists. A new superposition model, including features characteristic of MT2
      selective antagonists, suggests that MT1/MT2 agonists and MT2 antagonists can
      share the same arrangement for their pharmacophoric elements. The model correctly
      predicted the eutomers of (+/-)-cis- and (+/-)-trans-4-P-PDOT. The model was
      validated by preparing three dihydronaphthalene derivatives, either able or not
      able to reproduce the putative active conformation of 4-P-PDOT.

PMID- 22047558
TI  - Inducible apoptosis as a safety switch for adoptive cell therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cellular therapies could play a role in cancer treatment and
      regenerative medicine if it were possible to quickly eliminate the infused cells
      in case of adverse events. We devised an inducible T-cell safety switch that is
      based on the fusion of human caspase 9 to a modified human FK-binding protein,
      allowing conditional dimerization. When exposed to a synthetic dimerizing drug,
      the inducible caspase 9 (iCasp9) becomes activated and leads to the rapid death
      of cells expressing this construct. METHODS: We tested the activity of our safety
      switch by introducing the gene into donor T cells given to enhance immune
      reconstitution in recipients of haploidentical stem-cell transplants. Patients
      received AP1903, an otherwise bioinert small-molecule dimerizing drug, if graft
      versus-host disease (GVHD) developed. We measured the effects of AP1903 on GVHD
      and on the function and persistence of the cells containing the iCasp9 safety
      switch. RESULTS: Five patients between the ages of 3 and 17 years who had
      undergone stem-cell transplantation for relapsed acute leukemia were treated with
      the genetically modified T cells. The cells were detected in peripheral blood
      from all five patients and increased in number over time, despite their
      constitutive transgene expression. A single dose of dimerizing drug, given to
      four patients in whom GVHD developed, eliminated more than 90% of the modified T
      cells within 30 minutes after administration and ended the GVHD without
      recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: The iCasp9 cell-suicide system may increase the safety
      of cellular therapies and expand their clinical applications. (Funded by the
      National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute and the National Cancer Institute;
      ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00710892.).

PMID- 22047559
TI  - Anti-inhibitor coagulant complex prophylaxis in hemophilia with inhibitors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with severe hemophilia A and factor VIII inhibitors are at
      increased risk for serious bleeding complications and progression to end-stage
      joint disease. Effective strategies to prevent bleeding in such patients have not
      yet been established. METHODS: We enrolled patients with hemophilia A who were
      older than 2 years of age, had high-titer inhibitors, and used concentrates known
      as bypassing agents for bleeding in a prospective, randomized, crossover study
      comparing 6 months of anti-inhibitor coagulant complex (AICC), infused
      prophylactically at a target dose of 85 U per kilogram of body weight (+/-15%) on
      3 nonconsecutive days per week, with 6 months of on-demand therapy (AICC at a
      target dose of 85 U per kilogram [+/-15%] used for bleeding episodes). The two
      treatment periods were separated by a 3-month washout period, during which
      patients received on-demand therapy for bleeding. The primary outcome was the
      number of bleeding episodes during each 6-month treatment period. RESULTS: Thirty
      four patients underwent randomization; 26 patients completed both treatment
      periods and could be evaluated per protocol for the efficacy analysis. As
      compared with on-demand therapy, prophylaxis was associated with a 62% reduction
      in all bleeding episodes (P<0.001), a 61% reduction in hemarthroses (P<0.001),
      and a 72% reduction in target-joint bleeding (>=3 hemarthroses in a single joint
      during a 6-month treatment period) (P<0.001). Thirty-three randomly assigned
      patients received at least one infusion of the study drug and were evaluated for
      safety. One patient had an allergic reaction to the study drug. CONCLUSIONS: AICC
      prophylaxis at the dosage evaluated significantly and safely decreased the
      frequency of joint and other bleeding events in patients with severe hemophilia A
      and factor VIII inhibitors. (Funded by Baxter BioScience; Pro-FEIBA
      ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00221195.).

PMID- 22047557
TI  - A CFTR potentiator in patients with cystic fibrosis and the G551D mutation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Increasing the activity of defective cystic fibrosis transmembrane
      conductance regulator (CFTR) protein is a potential treatment for cystic
      fibrosis. METHODS: We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
      trial to evaluate ivacaftor (VX-770), a CFTR potentiator, in subjects 12 years of
      age or older with cystic fibrosis and at least one G551D-CFTR mutation. Subjects
      were randomly assigned to receive 150 mg of ivacaftor every 12 hours (84
      subjects, of whom 83 received at least one dose) or placebo (83, of whom 78
      received at least one dose) for 48 weeks. The primary end point was the estimated
      mean change from baseline through week 24 in the percent of predicted forced
      expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV(1)). RESULTS: The change from baseline through
      week 24 in the percent of predicted FEV(1) was greater by 10.6 percentage points
      in the ivacaftor group than in the placebo group (P<0.001). Effects on pulmonary
      function were noted by 2 weeks, and a significant treatment effect was maintained
      through week 48. Subjects receiving ivacaftor were 55% less likely to have a
      pulmonary exacerbation than were patients receiving placebo, through week 48
      (P<0.001). In addition, through week 48, subjects in the ivacaftor group scored
      8.6 points higher than did subjects in the placebo group on the respiratory
      symptoms domain of the Cystic Fibrosis Questionnaire-revised instrument (a 100
      point scale, with higher numbers indicating a lower effect of symptoms on the
      patient's quality of life) (P<0.001). By 48 weeks, patients treated with
      ivacaftor had gained, on average, 2.7 kg more weight than had patients receiving
      placebo (P<0.001). The change from baseline through week 48 in the concentration
      of sweat chloride, a measure of CFTR activity, with ivacaftor as compared with
      placebo was -48.1 mmol per liter (P<0.001). The incidence of adverse events was
      similar with ivacaftor and placebo, with a lower proportion of serious adverse
      events with ivacaftor than with placebo (24% vs. 42%). CONCLUSIONS: Ivacaftor was
      associated with improvements in lung function at 2 weeks that were sustained
      through 48 weeks. Substantial improvements were also observed in the risk of
      pulmonary exacerbations, patient-reported respiratory symptoms, weight, and
      concentration of sweat chloride. (Funded by Vertex Pharmaceuticals and others;
      VX08-770-102 ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00909532.).

PMID- 22047560
TI  - Host and pathogen factors for Clostridium difficile infection and colonization.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clostridium difficile infection is the leading cause of health care
      associated diarrhea, and the bacterium can also be carried asymptomatically. The
      objective of this study was to identify host and bacterial factors associated
      with health care-associated acquisition of C. difficile infection and
      colonization. METHODS: We conducted a 15-month prospective study in six Canadian
      hospitals in Quebec and Ontario. Demographic information, known risk factors,
      potential confounding factors, and weekly stool samples or rectal swabs were
      collected. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) was performed on C. difficile
      isolates to determine the genotype. Levels of serum antibodies against C.
      difficile toxins A and B were measured. RESULTS: A total of 4143 patients were
      included in the study; 117 (2.8%) and 123 (3.0%) had health care-associated C.
      difficile infection and colonization, respectively. Older age and use of
      antibiotics and proton-pump inhibitors were significantly associated with health
      care-associated C. difficile infection. Hospitalization in the previous 2 months;
      use of chemotherapy, proton-pump inhibitors, and H(2) blockers; and antibodies
      against toxin B were associated with health care-associated C. difficile
      colonization. Among patients with health care-associated C. difficile infection
      and those with colonization, 62.7% and 36.1%, respectively, had the North
      American PFGE type 1 (NAP1) strain. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, health care
      associated C. difficile infection and colonization were differentially associated
      with defined host and pathogen variables. The NAP1 strain was predominant among
      patients with C. difficile infection, whereas asymptomatic patients were more
      likely to be colonized with other strains. (Funded by the Consortium de Recherche
      sur le Clostridium difficile.).

PMID- 22047561
TI  - Results of the Medicare Health Support disease-management pilot program.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003, Congress required the
      Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to test the commercial disease
      management model in the Medicare fee-for-service program. METHODS: The Medicare
      Health Support Pilot Program was a large, randomized study of eight commercial
      programs for disease management that used nurse-based call centers. We randomly
      assigned patients with heart failure, diabetes, or both to the intervention or to
      usual care (control) and compared them with the use of a difference-in
      differences method to evaluate the effects of the commercial programs on the
      quality of clinical care, acute care utilization, and Medicare expenditures for
      Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries. RESULTS: The study included 242,417
      patients (163,107 in the intervention group and 79,310 in the control group). The
      eight commercial disease-management programs did not reduce hospital admissions
      or emergency room visits, as compared with usual care. We observed only 14
      significant improvements in process-of-care measures out of 40 comparisons. These
      modest improvements came at substantial cost to the Medicare program in fees paid
      to the disease-management companies ($400 million), with no demonstrable savings
      in Medicare expenditures. CONCLUSIONS: In this large study, commercial disease
      management programs using nurse-based call centers achieved only modest
      improvements in quality-of-care measures, with no demonstrable reduction in the
      utilization of acute care or the costs of care.

PMID- 22047562
TI  - Ulcerative colitis.

PMID- 22047563
TI  - Images in clinical medicine. Lingual zoster.

PMID- 22047564
TI  - Clinical problem-solving. A bird's-eye view of fever.

PMID- 22047565
TI  - Therapy for cystic fibrosis--the end of the beginning?

PMID- 22047566
TI  - Eliminating cells gone astray.

PMID- 22047567
TI  - Calcium handling in the failing heart and SUMO--weighing the evidence.

PMID- 22047569
TI  - Wnt signaling and Dupuytren's disease.

PMID- 22047571
TI  - CYP24A1 mutations in idiopathic infantile hypercalcemia.

PMID- 22047572
TI  - CYP24A1 mutations in idiopathic infantile hypercalcemia.

PMID- 22047574
TI  - Constrictive bronchiolitis in soldiers.

PMID- 22047575
TI  - Constrictive bronchiolitis in soldiers.

PMID- 22047576
TI  - Constrictive bronchiolitis in soldiers.

PMID- 22047578
TI  - Bardoxolone methyl, chronic kidney disease, and type 2 diabetes.

PMID- 22047579
TI  - Bardoxolone methyl, chronic kidney disease, and type 2 diabetes.

PMID- 22047580
TI  - Bardoxolone methyl, chronic kidney disease, and type 2 diabetes.

PMID- 22047581
TI  - Bardoxolone methyl, chronic kidney disease, and type 2 diabetes.

PMID- 22047582
TI  - Hemophilia A induced by ipilimumab.

PMID- 22047584
TI  - Images in clinical medicine. Metastasis of renal-cell carcinoma.

PMID- 22047590
TI  - Measuring sexual function in community surveys: development of a conceptual
      framework.
AB  - Among the many psychometric measures of sexual (dys)function, none is entirely
      suited to use in community surveys. Faced with the need to include a brief and
      non-intrusive measure of sexual function in a general population survey, a new
      measure was developed. Findings from qualitative research with men and women in
      the community designed to inform the conceptual framework for this measure are
      presented. Thirty-two semi-structured interviews with individuals recruited from
      a general practice, an HIV/AIDS charity, and a sexual problems clinic were
      conducted. From their accounts, 31 potential criteria of a functional sex life
      were identified. Using evidence from qualitative data and the existing
      literature, and applying a set of decision rules, the list was reduced to 13
      (eight for those not in a relationship), and a further eight criteria were added
      to enable individuals to self-rate their level of function and indicate the
      severity of difficulties. These criteria constitute a conceptual framework that
      is grounded in participant perceptions; is relevant to all, regardless of sexual
      experience or orientation; provides opportunity to state the degree of associated
      distress; and incorporates relational, psychological, and physiological aspects.
      It provides the conceptual basis for a concise and acceptable measure of sexual
      function.

PMID- 22047591
TI  - Searching for phenotypic causal networks involving complex traits: an application
      to European quail.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Structural equation models (SEM) are used to model multiple traits
      and the casual links among them. The number of different causal structures that
      can be used to fit a SEM is typically very large, even when only a few traits are
      studied. In recent applications of SEM in quantitative genetics mixed model
      settings, causal structures were pre-selected based on prior beliefs alone.
      Alternatively, there are algorithms that search for structures that are
      compatible with the joint distribution of the data. However, such a search cannot
      be performed directly on the joint distribution of the phenotypes since causal
      relationships are possibly masked by genetic covariances. In this context, the
      application of the Inductive Causation (IC) algorithm to the joint distribution
      of phenotypes conditional to unobservable genetic effects has been proposed.
      METHODS: Here, we applied this approach to five traits in European quail: birth
      weight (BW), weight at 35 days of age (W35), age at first egg (AFE), average egg
      weight from 77 to 110 days of age (AEW), and number of eggs laid in the same
      period (NE). We have focused the discussion on the challenges and difficulties
      resulting from applying this method to field data. Statistical decisions
      regarding partial correlations were based on different Highest Posterior Density
      (HPD) interval contents and models based on the selected causal structures were
      compared using the Deviance Information Criterion (DIC). In addition, we used
      temporal information to perform additional edge orienting, overriding the
      algorithm output when necessary. RESULTS: As a result, the final causal structure
      consisted of two separated substructures: BW->AEW and W35->AFE->NE, where an
      arrow represents a direct effect. Comparison between a SEM with the selected
      structure and a Multiple Trait Animal Model using DIC indicated that the SEM is
      more plausible. CONCLUSIONS: Coupling prior knowledge with the output provided by
      the IC algorithm allowed further learning regarding phenotypic causal structures
      when compared to standard mixed effects SEM applications.

PMID- 22047592
TI  - alpha7 Nicotinic receptor modulators for cognitive deficits in schizophrenia and
      Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Nicotinic receptors (nAChR), a class of ligand-gated ion channels,
      are attractive targets in a variety of CNS diseases. The low-affinity alpha7
      nAChR modulate the levels of various neurotransmitters, their receptor density is
      affected in schizophrenia and a single nucleotide polymorphism in the promoter
      region has been associated with higher risk for schizophrenia. AREAS COVERED:
      This article reviews the scientific rationale for alpha7 nAChR stimulation and
      presents a selection of alpha7-positive modulators that are in development for
      cognitive deficits, both in Alzheimer's disease and in cognitive impairment
      associated with schizophrenia. The available clinical information is reviewed and
      the translational difficulties are discussed. EXPERT OPINION: In contrast to
      preclinical models, clinical proof-of-concept studies so far have not shown clear
      unequivocal cognitive benefit, although there are signs of clinical efficacy on
      specific cognitive scales and on negative symptoms. Possible problems associated
      with the clinical development include the impact of dosage and dosing schedule on
      the balance between activation and desensitization of the ion channel, the
      selection of comedication, robust human target engagement data and the choice of
      clinical readout scales. A better understanding of the human biology of alpha7
      nAChR is essential for improving the successful clinical development of this
      promising target.

PMID- 22047593
TI  - Contribution of spin and anisotropy to single molecule magnet behavior in a
      family of bell-shaped Mn11Ln2 coordination clusters.
AB  - The synthesis, structures, and magnetic properties of a family of isostructural
      "bell-shaped" heterometallic coordination clusters
      [Mn(III)(9)Mn(II)(2)La(III)(2)(MU(4)-O)(7)(MU(3)-O)(MU(3)
      OH)(2)(piv)(10.8)(O(2)CC(4)H(3)O)(6.2)(NO(3))(2)(OH(2))(1.5)(MeCN)(0.5)].12CH(3)C
      .2H(2)O (1) and [Mn(III)(9)Mn(II)(2)Ln(2)(MU(4)-O)(7)(MU (3)-O)(MU(3)
      OH)(2)(piv)(10.6)(O(2)CC(4)H(3)O)(6.4)(NO(3))(2)(OH(2))].nCH(3)CN.H(2)O (Ln =
      Pr(III), n = 8 (2); Ln = Nd(III), n = 10 (3); Ln = Eu(III), n = 17 (4); Ln =
      Gd(III), n = 13 (5); piv = pivalate) are reported. The complexes were obtained
      from the reaction of [Mn(III)(2)Mn(II)(4)O(2)(piv)(10)(4-Me-py)(2.5)(pivH)(1.5)]
      and Ln(NO(3))(3).6H(2)O in the presence of 2-furan-carboxylic acid
      (C(4)H(3)OCOOH) in CH(3)CN. Compounds 1-5 are isomorphous, crystallizing in the
      triclinic space group P1 with Z = 2. The Mn(III) and Mn(II) centers together form
      the shell of the bell, while the two Ln(III) centers can be regarded as the
      bell's clapper. The magnetic properties of 1-4 reveal dominant antiferromagnetic
      interactions between the magnetic centers leading to small spin ground states;
      while those of 5 indicate similar antiferromagnetic interactions between the
      manganese ions but with unusually strong ferromagnetic interactions between the
      Gd(III) ions leading to a large overall spin ground state of S = 11-12. While ac
      and dc magnetic measurements confirmed that Mn(11)Gd(2) (5) is a single-molecule
      magnet (SMM) showing hysteresis loops at low temperatures, compounds 1-4 do not
      show any slow relaxation of the magnetization, indicating that the S = 7 spin of
      the ferromagnetic Gd(2) unit in 5 is a necessary contribution to its SMM
      behavior.

PMID- 22047594
TI  - Ertapenem for treatment of osteomyelitis: a case series.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ertapenem is a once-daily broad spectrum carbapenem that is
      increasingly used to treat polymicrobial osteomyelitis due to diabetic foot and
      traumatic wound infections. However, limited data exists on ertapenem use for
      osteomyelitis. This study aimed to characterize outcomes and adverse effects with
      empiric use of ertapenem for osteomyelitis. FINDINGS: A total of 112 patients
      presenting to Duke, Durham Regional or Durham VA Medical Centers with a suspected
      diagnosis of osteomyelitis and ertapenem use from 11/2001 to 8/2009 were
      screened, and 12 subjects met inclusion criteria for the study. Mean age was 60
      +/- 16 years, 68% were female, 75% were Caucasian, and the most common
      comorbidities included diabetes (58%), peripheral vascular disease (42%), and
      history of tobacco use (75%). Over half of the patients presented to a primary
      care clinic or emergency room greater than six months after the onset of clinical
      symptoms. Bone culture was obtained for diagnostic guidance in only two cases;
      and surgical intervention was pursued in three cases. Patients received a mean
      duration of 34.6 +/- 7.8 days of therapy, and in three cases, subsequent
      suppressive oral antibiotics were given. Six (50%) patients met criteria for
      clinical success, defined as resolution of clinical signs and symptoms of
      infection such that discontinuation of antibiotics was deemed appropriate at end
      of ertapenem therapy, without recurrence at one year follow-up. No adverse drug
      effects were noted. CONCLUSIONS: In this case series of mostly community
      acquired, lower extremity osteomyelitis, bone biopsy was infrequent, and an
      average six-week course of empiric ertapenem was well-tolerated with curative
      rates of 50% at one year.

PMID- 22047595
TI  - A multidisciplinary survey on controversies in the use of EUS-guided FNA:
      assessing perspectives of surgeons, oncologists and gastroenterologists.
AB  - BACKGROUND: EUS-guided FNA can help diagnose and differentiate between various
      pancreatic and other lesions.The aim of this study was to compare approaches
      among involved/relevant physicians to the controversies surrounding the use of
      FNA in EUS. METHODS: A five-case survey was developed, piloted, and validated. It
      was collected from a total of 101 physicians, who were all either
      gastroenterologists (GIs), surgeons or oncologists. The survey compared the
      management strategies chosen by members of these relevant disciplines regarding
      EUS-guided FNA. RESULTS: For CT operable T2NOM0 pancreatic tumors the research
      demonstrated variance as to whether to undertake EUS-guided FNA, at p < 0.05. For
      inoperable pancreatic tumors 66.7% of oncologists, 62.2% of surgeons and 79.1% of
      GIs opted for FNA (p < 0.05). For cystic pancreatic lesions, oncologists were
      more likely to send patients to surgery without FNA. For stable simple pancreatic
      cysts (23 mm), most physicians (66.67%) did not recommend FNA. For a submucosal
      gastric 19 mm lesion, 63.2% of surgeons recommended FNA, vs. 90.0% of oncologists
      (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Controversies as to ideal application of EUS-FNA
      persist. Optimal guidelines should reflect the needs and concerns of the
      multidisciplinary team who treat patients who need EUS-FNA. Multi-specialty
      meetings assembled to manage patients with these disorders may be enlightening
      and may help develop consensus.

PMID- 22047596
TI  - Negative faradaic resistance in extracellular electron transfer by anode
      respiring Geobacter sulfurreducens cells.
AB  - Geobacter sulfurreducens is a gram-negative delta-proteobacterium that is capable
      of transferring respiratory electrons to solid-state extracellular acceptors,
      including anodes, via abundant c-type cytochromes expressed in the outer
      membrane. As extracellular electron transfer (EET) to solid-state acceptors can
      proceed without the addition of exogenous mediators, this microbe has attracted
      significant attention with respect to energy conversion between electrical and
      chemical energy. Here, we revealed that clear redox peaks were present in the
      whole-cell cyclic voltammogram of G. sulfurreducens at around -0.15 V vs Ag|AgCl
      when tin-doped In(2)O(3) (ITO) glass was used as an anode. Interestingly, the EET
      current decreased in the potential region more positive than the midpoint
      potential (E(m)) of the redox peak. Thus, EET of anode-respiring G.
      sulfurreducens cells exhibited a negative Faradaic resistance (NFR)
      characteristic at the E(m) of the redox peak, in contrast to general
      electrochemical systems where the Faradaic current typically increases with
      increasing overpotential.

PMID- 22047597
TI  - The effect of 670-nm low laser therapy on herpes simplex type 1.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this work was to study the effect of low-level laser
      therapy (LLLT) on the healing and relapse intervals in patients with recurrent
      labial herpes simplex infections. BACKGROUND DATA: Several pharmaceuticals are
      available to reduce symptoms and improbe healing of labial herpes, but only LLLT
      has been reported to significantly influence the length of the recurrence period.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: In an initial study, 232 patients with herpes simplex type
      1 virus symptoms were consecutively selected for either LLLT or conventional
      therapy, including acyclovir cream or tablets. One of the dentists was
      responsible for the diagnosis, a second dentist for the treatment, and and a
      third for the evaluation, to allow for a semi-blinded procedure. Patients in the
      laser group received 670-nm laser irradiation, 40 mW, 1.6 J, 2.04 J/cm(2), 51
      mW/cm(2) per blister in the prodromal stage and 4.8 J in the crust and
      secondarily infected stages, plus 1.2 J at the C2-C3 vertebrae. Patients were
      monitored daily during the first week to control healing, and monthly for 1 year
      to check on recurrence. In a consecutive study, 322 patients receiving LLLT were
      followed during 5 years to observe the period of ocurrences. RESULTS: An obvious
      effect of LLLT was found for both initial healing and for the length of the
      recurrence periods. CONCLUSIONS: LLLTof herpes simples virus 1 (HSV-1) appears to
      be an effective treatment modality without any observed side effects.

PMID- 22047598
TI  - Focal increase in cerebral blood flow after treatment with near-infrared light to
      the forehead in a patient in a persistent vegetative state.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to quantify the cerebral blood flow (CBF) after
      bilateral, transcranial near-infrared light-emitting diode (LED) irradiation to
      the forehead in a patient in a persistent vegetative state following severe head
      injury. BACKGROUND DATA: Positive behavioral improvement has been observed
      following transcranial near-infrared light therapy in humans with chronic
      traumatic brain injury and acute stroke. METHODS: Single-photon emission computed
      tomography with N-isopropyl-[123I]p-iodoamphetamine (IMP-SPECT) was performed
      following a series of LED treatments. RESULTS: IMP-SPECT showed unilateral, left
      anterior frontal lobe focal increase of 20%, compared to the pre-treatment value
      for regional CBF (rCBF) for this area, following 146 LED treatments over 73 days
      from an array of 23*850 nm LEDs, 13 mW each, held 5 mm from the skin, 30 min per
      session, the power density 11.4 mW/cm(2); the energy density 20.5 J/cm(2) at the
      skin. The patient showed some improvement in his neurological condition by moving
      his left arm/hand to reach the tracheostomy tube, post-LED therapy. CONCLUSIONS:
      Transcranial LED might increase rCBF with some improvement of neurological
      condition in severely head-injured patients. Further study is warranted.

PMID- 22047599
TI  - Treatment of perianal condyloma acuminate with topical ALA-PDT combined with
      curettage: outcome and safety.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the treatment outcome and
      safety of topical photodynamic therapy (PDT) with aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA)
      combined with surgical curettage for perianal condyloma acuminata. BACKGROUND
      DATA: Condyloma acuminata is the most common sexually transmitted disease, with a
      high relapse rate, especially in the perianal area. The outcomes of many
      treatment methods for perianal genital warts are not satisfactory. METHODS: In
      this study, 40 cases of perianal condyloma acuminata were treated with topical
      aminolevulinic acid photodynamic therapy (ALA-PDT) combined with curettage.
      First, the warts were removed with the patient under local anesthesia. The depth
      of the ablation and curettage reached the dermal layer. Then, the first session
      of PDT was performed after 2 days. Ten percent 5-ALA cream was applied to
      lesional skin with occlusive dressing for a 3-h incubation period and the lesions
      of warts were irradiated for 10 min by using a 635-nm laser beam of 177 mW/cm(2)
      intensity. The ALA-PDT was repeated after 1 and 3 weeks. Follow-up evaluation was
      performed at our outpatient clinic at 1 and 3 months after completion of therapy.
      Before treatment and at each follow-up visit, the lesions were photographed; the
      treatment outcome was evaluated as recurrence rate, and patient satisfaction was
      surveyed. RESULTS: After three PDT sessions following surgical curettage, all 40
      patients were cured and there was no recurrence at 1 month off treatment. At 3
      months off treatment, six cases relapsed, corresponding to a recurrent rate of
      15%. The satisfaction rate of patients was 100% at 1 month and 95% at 3 months
      after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Combination of surgical curettage and topical PDT
      has been proven to be a safe and effective procedure, and may offer a wide
      clinical application for the treatment of perianal condyloma acuminata.

PMID- 22047600
TI  - Building the capacity of family day care educators to promote children's social
      and emotional wellbeing: an exploratory cluster randomised controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Childhood mental health problems are highly prevalent, experienced by
      one in five children living in socioeconomically disadvantaged families. Although
      childcare settings, including family day care are ideal to promote children's
      social and emotional wellbeing at a population level in a sustainable way, family
      day care educators receive limited training in promoting children's mental
      health. This study is an exploratory wait-list control cluster randomised
      controlled trial to test the appropriateness, acceptability, cost, and
      effectiveness of "Thrive," an intervention program to build the capacity of
      family day care educators to promote children's social and emotional wellbeing.
      Thrive aims to increase educators' knowledge, confidence and skills in promoting
      children's social and emotional wellbeing. METHODS/DESIGN: This study involves
      one family day care organisation based in a low socioeconomic area of Melbourne.
      All family day care educators (term used for registered carers who provide care
      for children for financial reimbursement in the carers own home) are eligible to
      participate in the study. The clusters for randomisation will be the fieldworkers
      (n = 5) who each supervise 10-15 educators. The intervention group (field workers
      and educators) will participate in a variety of intervention activities over 12
      months, including workshops; activity exchanges with other educators; and focused
      discussion about children's social and emotional wellbeing during field worker
      visits. The control group will continue with their normal work practice. The
      intervention will be delivered to the intervention group and then to the control
      group after a time delay of 15 months post intervention commencement. A baseline
      survey will be conducted with all consenting educators and field workers (n =
      ~70) assessing outcomes at the cluster and individual level. The survey will also
      be administered at one month, six months and 12 months post-intervention
      commencement. The survey consists of questions measuring perceived levels of
      knowledge, confidence and skills in promoting children's social and emotional
      wellbeing. As much of this intervention will be delivered by field workers, field
      worker-family day care educator relationships are key to its success and thus
      supervisor support will also be measured. All educators will also have an in-home
      quality of care assessment at baseline, one month, six months and 12 months post
      intervention commencement. Process evaluation will occur at one month, six months
      and 12 months post-intervention commencement. Information regarding intervention
      fidelity and economics will also be assessed in the survey. DISCUSSION: A
      capacity building intervention in child mental health promotion for family day
      care is an essential contribution to research, policy and practice. This
      initiative is the first internationally, and essential in building an evidence
      base of interventions in this extremely policy-timely setting. TRIAL REGISTRATION
      NUMBER: 343312.

PMID- 22047601
TI  - SNOntology: Myriads of novel snoRNAs or just a mirage?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) are a large group of non-coding RNAs
      (ncRNAs) that mainly guide 2'-O-methylation (C/D RNAs) and pseudouridylation
      (H/ACA RNAs) of ribosomal RNAs. The pattern of rRNA modifications and the set of
      snoRNAs that guide these modifications are conserved in vertebrates. Nearly all
      snoRNA genes in vertebrates are localized in introns of other genes and are
      processed from pre-mRNAs. Thus, the same promoter is used for the transcription
      of snoRNAs and host genes. RESULTS: The series of studies by Dahai Zhu and
      coworkers on snoRNAs and their genes were critically considered. We present
      evidence that dozens of species-specific snoRNAs that they described in
      vertebrates are experimental artifacts resulting from the improper use of
      Northern hybridization. The snoRNA genes with putative intrinsic promoters that
      were supposed to be transcribed independently proved to contain numerous
      substitutions and are, most likely, pseudogenes. In some cases, they are
      localized within introns of overlooked host genes. Finally, an increased number
      of snoRNA genes in mammalian genomes described by Zhu and coworkers is also an
      artifact resulting from two mistakes. First, numerous mammalian snoRNA
      pseudogenes were considered as genes, whereas most of them are localized outside
      of host genes and contain substitutions that question their functionality.
      Second, Zhu and coworkers failed to identify many snoRNA genes in non-mammalian
      species. As an illustration, we present 1352 C/D snoRNA genes that we have
      identified and annotated in vertebrates. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate
      that conclusions based only on databases with automatically annotated ncRNAs can
      be erroneous. Special investigations aimed to distinguish true RNA genes from
      their pseudogenes should be done. Zhu and coworkers, as well as most other groups
      studying vertebrate snoRNAs, give new names to newly described homologs of human
      snoRNAs, which significantly complicates comparison between different species. It
      seems necessary to develop a uniform nomenclature for homologs of human snoRNAs
      in other vertebrates, e.g., human gene names prefixed with several-letter code
      denoting the vertebrate species.

PMID- 22047602
TI  - Development of a cultivation process for the enhancement of human interferon
      alpha 2b production in the oleaginous yeast, Yarrowia lipolytica.
AB  - BACKGROUND: As an oleaginous yeast, Yarrowia lipolytica is able to assimilate
      hydrophobic substrates. This led to the isolation of several promoters of key
      enzymes of this catabolic pathway. Less is known about the behavior of Y.
      lipolytica in large bioreactors using these substrates. There is therefore a lack
      of established know-how concerning high cell density culture protocols of this
      yeast. Consequently, the establishment of suitable induction conditions is
      required, to maximize recombinant protein production under the control of these
      promoters. RESULTS: Human interferon alpha2b (huIFN alpha2b) production in
      Yarrowia lipolytica was used as a model for the enhancement of recombinant
      protein production under the control of the oleic acid (OA)-inducible promoter
      POX2. Cell viability and heterologous protein production were enhanced by
      exponential glucose feeding, to generate biomass before OA induction. The optimal
      biomass level before induction was determined (73 g L(-1)), and glucose was added
      with oleic acid during the induction phase. Several oleic acid feeding strategies
      were assessed. Continuous feeding with OA at a ratio of 0.02 g OA per g dry cell
      weight increased huIFNalpha2b production by a factor of 1.88 (425 mg L(-1)) and
      decreased the induction time (by a factor of 2.6, 21 h). huIFN alpha2b
      degradation by an aspartic protease secreted by Y. lipolytica was prevented by
      adding pepstatin (10 MUM), leading to produce a 19-fold more active huIFN alpha2b
      (26.2 * 10(7) IU mg(-1)). CONCLUSION: Y. lipolytica, a generally regarded as safe
      (GRAS) microorganism is one of the most promising non conventional yeasts for the
      production of biologically active therapeutic proteins under the control of
      hydrophobic substrate-inducible promoter.

PMID- 22047603
TI  - Aligning nanodiscs at the air-water interface, a neutron reflectivity study.
AB  - Nanodiscs are self-assembled nanostructures composed of a belt protein and a
      small patch of lipid bilayer, which can solubilize membrane proteins in a lipid
      bilayer environment. We present a method for the alignment of a well-defined two
      dimensional layer of nanodiscs at the air-water interface by careful design of an
      insoluble surfactant monolayer at the surface. We used neutron reflectivity to
      demonstrate the feasibility of this approach and to elucidate the structure of
      the nanodisc layer. The proof of concept is hereby presented with the use of
      nanodiscs composed of a mixture of two different lipid (DMPC and DMPG) types to
      obtain a net overall negative charge of the nanodiscs. We find that the nanodisc
      layer has a thickness or 40.9 +/- 2.6 A with a surface coverage of 66 +/- 4%.
      This layer is located about 15 A below a cationic surfactant layer at the air
      water interface. The high level of organization within the nanodiscs layer is
      reflected by a low interfacial roughness (~4.5 A) found. The use of the nanodisc
      as a biomimetic model of the cell membrane allows for studies of single membrane
      proteins isolated in a confined lipid environment. The 2D alignment of nanodiscs
      could therefore enable studies of high-density layers containing membrane
      proteins that, in contrast to membrane proteins reconstituted in a continuous
      lipid bilayer, remain isolated from influences of neighboring membrane proteins
      within the layer.

PMID- 22047604
TI  - Positioning of bound electron wave packets in molecules revealed by high-harmonic
      spectroscopy.
AB  - By solution of the time-dependent two-electron Schrodinger equation, we
      demonstrate that strong-field ionization in combination with electron correlation
      can localize bound electron wave packets in molecules. The wave packet creation
      is revealed by the emission spectrum in high-order harmonic generation, which is
      sensitive to the ionization and recombination phase difference between different
      ionization channels. For hydrogen molecules at stretched internuclear distance,
      we find that the ionization phase difference between the gerade and ungerade
      channels is in the range from pi and 1.5pi, indicating that the bound wave packet
      either is initially on the same side as the outgoing electron or is delocalized.

PMID- 22047605
TI  - Spectral characterization of guanine C4-OH adduct: a radiation and quantum
      chemical study.
AB  - The reaction of hydroxyl radical ((*)OH) with guanine was investigated under
      restricted pH condition (pH 4.6) using pulse radiolysis technique. The time
      resolved optical transient absorption spectra showed two peaks centered at 300
      and 330 nm at 4 MUs after the pulse which exhibited different reactivity toward
      molecular oxygen (O(2)). The peak at 300 nm was found to be relatively more
      stable than the peak at 330 nm. The peak corresponding to 330 nm decayed within
      20 MUs having a first order rate constant 4-7 * 10(4) s(-1) and was pH dependent.
      On longer time scale, the species decayed by a bimolecular process. The presence
      of O(2) did not affect its decay rate constant. The (*)OH reacts with guanine at
      pH 4.6 with a diffusion-controlled second order rate constant of >=1 * 10(10)
      mol(-1) dm(3) s(-1). The reaction of Br(2)(*-), O(2)(*-), and 2-hydroxy-2-propyl
      radical with guanine was also investigated to differentiate among the one
      electron oxidized, one-electron reduced species of guanine and the guanine-OH
      adducts formed in the reaction of (*)OH at pH 4.6. On the basis of the spectral
      characteristics and reactivity toward O(2), two guanine-OH adduct species were
      identified (i) the C4-OH adduct species absorbing at 330 nm which has not been
      reported so far and (ii) the C8-OH adduct species absorbing at 300 nm in
      agreement with the known literature absorption features. Quantum chemical
      calculations using BHandHLYP with 6-31+G(d,p) basis set and excited state
      calculations using TDDFT for all possible transients complement the assignment of
      the observed spectral peak at 330 nm to the C4-OH adduct of guanine. Furthermore,
      steady state radiolysis revealed the formation of 8-hydroxy-guanine whose
      precursor is known to be the C8-OH adduct species.

PMID- 22047606
TI  - Targeting the binding function 3 (BF3) site of the human androgen receptor
      through virtual screening.
AB  - The androgen receptor (AR) is the best studied drug target for the treatment of
      prostate cancer. While there are a number of drugs that target the AR, they all
      work through the same mechanism of action and are prone to the development of
      drug resistance. There is a large unmet need for novel AR inhibitors which work
      through alternative mechanism(s). Recent studies have identified a novel site on
      the AR called binding function 3 (BF3) that is involved into AR transcriptional
      activity. In order to identify inhibitors that target the BF3 site, we have
      conducted a large-scale in silico screen followed by experimental evaluation. A
      number of compounds were identified that effectively inhibited the AR
      transcriptional activity with no obvious cytotoxicity. The mechanism of action of
      these compounds was validated by biochemical assays and X-ray crystallography.
      These findings lay a foundation for the development of alternative or
      supplementary therapies capable of combating prostate cancer even in its
      antiandrogen resistant forms.

PMID- 22047607
TI  - A strategy for emergency treatment of Schistosoma japonicum-infested water.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Schistosomiasis japonica, caused by contact with Schistosoma
      japonicum cercaria-infested water when washing, bathing or production, remains a
      major public-health concern in China. The purpose of the present study was to
      investigate the effect of a suspension concentrate of niclosamide (SCN) on
      killing cercaria of S. japonicum that float on the water surface, and its
      toxicity to fish, so as to establish an emergency-treatment intervention for
      rapidly killing cercaria and eliminating water infectivity. RESULTS: At 30 min
      after spraying 100 mg/L SCN, with niclosamide dosages of 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04
      g/m2, the water infectivity reduced significantly and no infectivity was found at
      60 min after spraying SCN. The surface of static water was sprayed with 100 mg/L
      SCN, the peak concentration was found at 0 min, and the solution diffused to site
      with a water depth of 10 cm after 10 min. 30 min later, SCN diffused to the whole
      water body, and distributed evenly. After spraying 100 mg/L SCN onto the surface
      of the water with a volume of(3.14 * 202 * 50)cm3, with niclosamide dosages of
      0.02 g/m2, 96 h later, no death of zebra fish was observed. CONCLUSIONS: By
      spraying 100 mg/L SCN, with a niclosamide dosage of 0.02 g/m2 onto the surface of
      S. japonicum-infested water, infectivity of the water can be eliminated after 30
      60 min, and there is no evident toxicity to fish. This cercaria-killing method,
      as an emergency-treatment intervention for infested water, can be applied in
      those forecasting and early warning systems for schistosomiasis.

PMID- 22047608
TI  - Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha upregulates progesterone receptor-A by
      activating the NF-kappaB signaling pathway in human decidua after labor onset.
AB  - To date, the relationship between inflammatory cytokines and progesterone
      receptors (PRs) has been little studied, although both mediate the mechanism of
      parturition in human deciduas. Thus, the aim of study was to investigate the role
      of an inflammatory cytokine, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, in regulating
      progesterone withdrawal in decidua at human parturition. TNF-alpha levels and PR
      isoforms were compared in intrauterine deciduas from women who were in labor (IL,
      n = 10) or who were not in labor (NIL, n = 10). Nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB)
      signaling and PR status were analyzed in NIL deciduas after TNF-alpha
      stimulation. Immunohistochemistry, western blotting, ELISA and reverse
      transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) were used to localize and
      quantitate protein and mRNA expression. TNF-alpha immunostaining, protein levels,
      PR-A/PR-B ratio and COX-2 level were significantly higher in IL deciduas (all P <
      0.05). NF-kappaB was activated by TNF-alpha after 24 h stimulation in a dose
      dependent manner, and was significantly inactivated by the NF-kappaB inhibitor
      panepoxydone, which was associated with decreased PR-A and COX-2 expression (P <
      0.05) in not in labor deciduas. In conclusion, TNF-alpha may have an important
      role in regulating progesterone withdrawal in human decidua following labor
      onset.

PMID- 22047609
TI  - The impact of comorbid cannabis use disorders on the clinical presentation of
      social anxiety disorder.
AB  - Previous research has examined the relationship between social anxiety disorder
      (SAD) and substance use disorders. Cannabis use disorders (CUDs) are becoming
      increasingly problematic within the population of individuals with SAD, yet the
      nature of this comorbidity remains largely unexamined. The aim of the current
      study from the Rhode Island Methods to Improve Diagnostic Assessment and Services
      (MIDAS) project was to examine differences between outpatients with SAD with
      versus without comorbid CUDs. The current study included 873 outpatients with a
      current diagnosis of SAD. Patients with SAD and comorbid CUDs (n = 173) were then
      compared to those with SAD without CUDs (n = 700) on demographic and clinical
      characteristics. Compared to patients without the comorbidity, patients with
      comorbid SAD and CUDs were more likely to have a lifetime diagnosis of PTSD and
      specific phobia and lifetime substance use disorders (including alcohol). SAD
      patients with comorbid CUDs were also more likely to report better physical
      health, and fewer limitations related to their physical health. These analyses
      remained significant after controlling for gender, the presence of other
      substance use disorders, mood disorders, and other anxiety disorders. Findings of
      this study suggest that there may be a unique relationship between SAD and CUDs
      that can potentially impact the clinical presentation of individuals with SAD.
      Future research is needed to examine the impact of this comorbidity in other
      patient populations.

PMID- 22047610
TI  - Consumers' salient beliefs regarding dairy products in the functional food era: a
      qualitative study using concepts from the theory of planned behaviour.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Inadequate consumption of dairy products without appropriate dietary
      substitution may have deleterious health consequences. Social research reveals
      the factors that may impede compliance with dietary recommendations. This is
      particularly important given the recent introduction of functional dairy
      products. One of the challenges for public health professionals is to demonstrate
      the efficacy of nutrition education in improving attitudes toward nutrient rich
      foods. The aim of this study was to explore the salient beliefs of adult weight
      loss trial participants regarding both traditional and functional dairy products
      and to compare these with a control group not exposed to nutrition education.
      METHODS: Six focus groups were conducted, three with weight loss trial completers
      (n = 15) that had received nutrition education and three with individuals from
      the same region (n = 14) to act as controls. Transcribed focus groups were coded
      using the Theory of Planned Behaviour theoretical framework. RESULTS: Non-trial
      participants perceived dairy foods as weight inducing and were sceptical of
      functional dairy products. A lack of time/ability to decipher dairy food labels
      was also discussed by these individuals. In contrast trial participants discussed
      several health benefits related to dairy foods, practised label reading and were
      confident in their ability to incorporate dairy foods into their diet. Normative
      beliefs expressed were similar for both groups indicating that these were more
      static and less amenable to change through nutrition education than control and
      behavioural beliefs. CONCLUSIONS: Nutrition education provided as a result of
      weight loss trial participation influenced behavioural and control beliefs
      relating to dairy products. This study provides a proof of concept indication
      that nutrition education may improve attitudes towards dairy products and may
      thus be an important target for public health campaigns seeking to increase
      intake of this food group.

PMID- 22047611
TI  - Control of the photocatalytic activity of bimetallic complexes of
      pyropheophorbide-a by nucleic acids.
AB  - Photocatalytic activity of a photosensitizer (PS) in an oligodeoxyribonucleotide
      duplex 5'-PS~ODN1/ODN2~Q-3' is inhibited because of close proximity of a quencher
      Q. The ODN2 in this duplex is selected to be longer than the ODN1. Therefore, in
      the presence of a nucleic acid (analyte), which is fully complementary to the
      ODN2 strand, the duplex is decomposed with formation of an analyte/ODN2~Q duplex
      and a catalytically active, single stranded PS~ODN1. In this way the catalytic
      activity of the PS can be controlled by the specific nucleic acids. We applied
      this reaction earlier for the amplified detection of ribonucleic acids in live
      cells (Arian, D.; Clo, E.; Gothelf, K.; Mokhir, A. Chem.-Eur. J.2010, 16(1),
      288). As a photosensitizer (PS) we used In(3+)(pyropheophorbide-a)chloride and as
      a quencher (Q)--Black-Hole-Quencher-3 (BHQ-3). The In(3+) complex is a highly
      active photocatalyst in aqueous solution. However, it can coordinate additional
      ligands containing thiols (e.g., proteins, peptides, and aminoacids), that
      modulate properties of the complex itself and of the corresponding bio-
      molecules. These possible interactions can lead to undesired side effects of
      nucleic acid controlled photocatalysts (PS~ODN1/ODN2~Q) in live cells. In this
      work we explored the possibility to substitute the In(3+) complex for those ones
      of divalent metal ions, Zn(2+) and Pd(2+), which exhibit lower or no tendency to
      coordinate the fifth ligand. We found that one of the compounds tested
      (Pd(pyropheophorbide-a) is as potent and as stable photosensitizer as its In(3+)
      analogue, but does not coordinate additional ligands that makes it more suitable
      for cellular applications. When the Pd complex was introduced in the duplex
      PS~ODN1/ODN2~Q as a PS, its photocatalytic activity could be controlled by
      nucleic acids as efficiently as that of the corresponding In(3+) complex.

PMID- 22047612
TI  - Northeastern Section of the American Urological Association 63(rd) Annual
      Meeting, New Orleans, Louisiana October 26 - 30, 2011 Scientific Program.

PMID- 22047613
TI  - Products of SO2 adsorption on fuel cell electrocatalysts by combination of sulfur
      K-edge XANES and electrochemistry.
AB  - Electrochemical adsorption of SO(2) on platinum is complicated by the change in
      sulfur oxidation state with potential. Here, we attempt to identify SO(2)
      adsorption products on catalyst coated membranes (CCMs) at different electrode
      potentials using a combination of in situ sulfur K-edge XANES (X-ray absorption
      near-edge structure) spectroscopy and electrochemical techniques. CCMs employed
      platinum nanoparticles supported on Vulcan carbon (Pt/VC). SO(2) was adsorbed
      from a SO(2)/N(2) gas mixture while holding the Pt/VC-electrode potential at 0.1,
      0.5, 0.7, and 0.9 V vs a reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE). Sulfur adatoms
      (S(0)) are identified as the SO(2) adsorption products at 0.1 V, while mixtures
      of S(0), SO(2), and sulfate/bisulfate ((bi)sulfate) ions are suggested as SO(2)
      adsorption products at 0.5 and 0.7 V. At 0.9 V, SO(2) is completely oxidized to
      (bi)sulfate ions. The identity of adsorbed SO(2) species on Pt/VC catalysts at
      different electrode potentials is confirmed by modeling of XANES spectra using
      FEFF8 and a linear combination of experimental spectra from sulfur standards.
      Results on SO(2) speciation gained from XANES are used to compare platinum-sulfur
      electronic interactions for Pt(3)Co/VC versus Pt/VC catalysts in order to
      understand the difference between the two catalysts in terms of SO(2)
      contamination.

PMID- 22047614
TI  - A case of hybrid closure of a muscular ventricular septal defect: anatomical
      complexity and surgical management.
AB  - Complex muscular ventricular septal defect poses difficult surgical management
      and is associated with high morbidity and mortality despite advancements in
      surgical therapy. Device closure of muscular ventricular septal defect has been
      encouraging and has been used in hybrid approach at a few centres. However,
      device closure has some limitations in patients with complex muscular ventricular
      septal defect. We report a case of perventricular device closure of a complex
      muscular ventricular septal defect in a beating heart with entrapped right
      ventricular disc and its surgical management.

PMID- 22047615
TI  - Modifications of the metabolic pathways of lipid and triacylglycerol production
      in microalgae.
AB  - Microalgae have presented themselves as a strong candidate to replace diminishing
      oil reserves as a source of lipids for biofuels. Here we describe successful
      modifications of terrestrial plant lipid content which increase overall lipid
      production or shift the balance of lipid production towards lipid varieties more
      useful for biofuel production. Our discussion ranges from the biosynthetic
      pathways and rate limiting steps of triacylglycerol formation to enzymes required
      for the formation of triacylglycerol containing exotic lipids. Secondarily, we
      discuss techniques for genetic engineering and modification of various microalgae
      which can be combined with insights gained from research in higher plants to aid
      in the creation of production strains of microalgae.

PMID- 22047617
TI  - Organochlorine contaminants in the hair of Iranian pregnant women.
AB  - In the present study, the hair of pregnant women was sampled between November
      2007 and January 2008 in Ahvaz and Noushahr cities and the countryside of
      Noushahr, Iran. They were analyzed for organochlorine pesticides (OCPs), such as
      dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolites, hexachlorobenzene
      (HCB), alpha-, beta-, and gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) isomers and seven
      polychlorinated (PCBs) congeners (IUPAC Nos. 28, 52, 101, 118, 138, 153 and 180).
      Significant differences between the concentrations of investigated pollutants
      were found between the locations (p<0.05). For HCHs, the gamma-HCH isomer was
      measured at higher mean concentrations (6 ng g(-1) hair) compared to the beta-HCH
      isomer (0.03 ng g(-1)), which generally is the most prevalent HCH in biological
      matrices. Very high mean concentrations of p,p'-DDT in countryside of Noushahr
      (24 ng g(-1)) combined with lower values (0.6) of ratio p,p'-DDE/p,p'-DDT in the
      hair samples suggest recent exposure to "fresh" DDT in this region. Significant
      differences in OCPs and PCBs were found between primiparous and multiparous
      mothers (p<0.05). There was no correlation between levels of OCPs and PCBs in the
      hair of Iranian pregnant women and their age. There was a significant difference
      (p<0.05) in the organochlorine levels, including HCHs, between mothers who have
      eaten fish once a week and those who consumed fish more than once per week in
      Noushahr.

PMID- 22047616
TI  - Prediction of RNA Polymerase II recruitment, elongation and stalling from histone
      modification data.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Initiation and elongation of RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) transcription
      is regulated by both DNA sequence and chromatin signals. Recent breakthroughs
      make it possible to measure the chromatin state and activity of core promoters
      genome-wide, but dedicated computational strategies are needed to progress from
      descriptive annotation of data to quantitative, predictive models. RESULTS: Here,
      we describe a computational framework which with high accuracy can predict the
      locations of core promoters, the amount of recruited RNAPII at the promoter, the
      amount of elongating RNAPII in the gene body, the mRNA production originating
      from the promoter and finally also the stalling characteristics of RNAPII by
      considering both quantitative and spatial features of histone modifications
      around the transcription start site (TSS).As the model framework can also
      pinpoint the signals that are the most influential for prediction, it can be used
      to infer underlying regulatory biology. For example, we show that the H3K4 di-
      and tri- methylation signals are strongly predictive for promoter location while
      the acetylation marks H3K9 and H3K27 are highly important in estimating the
      promoter usage. All of these four marks are found to be necessary for recruitment
      of RNAPII but not sufficient for the elongation. We also show that the spatial
      distributions of histone marks are almost as predictive as the signal strength
      and that a set of histone marks immediately downstream of the TSS is highly
      predictive of RNAPII stalling. CONCLUSIONS: In this study we introduce a general
      framework to accurately predict the level of RNAPII recruitment, elongation,
      stalling and mRNA expression from chromatin signals. The versatility of the
      method also makes it ideally suited to investigate other genomic data.

PMID- 22047618
TI  - Biotic transformation of anticoccidials in soil using a lab-scale bio-reactor as
      a precursor-tool.
AB  - Two anticoccidial agents, salinomycin and robenidine, heavily used in the
      worldwide veterinary meat production, were investigated for their potential
      biotic degradation by cultured soil bacteria. The degradation-study was performed
      in lab-scale bio-reactors under aerobic and anaerobic conditions incubated for
      200 h with a mixed culture of soil bacteria. Samples were analyzed by LC-MS/MS
      and potential transformation products were tentatively identified. Salinomycin
      was degraded under aerobic conditions and traces could be found after 200 h,
      however, seems more persistent under anaerobic conditions. Four transformation
      products of salinomycin were discovered. Robenidine was degraded under aerobic
      and anaerobic conditions, however, traces of robenidine were observed after 200
      h. Five biotic transformation products of robenidine were discovered.

PMID- 22047619
TI  - High frequency of diastolic dysfunction in a population-based cohort of elderly
      women--but poor association with the symptom dyspnea.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The European Society of Cardiology recently proposed a new algorithm
      "How to diagnose heart failure with normal ejection fraction". Central element of
      the diagnostic strategy is the demonstration of diastolic dysfunction, either by
      tissue Doppler-derived indices in first line, or in second line by a combination
      of elevated blood levels of natriuretic peptide with abnormal tissue Doppler
      findings. We thought to use this diagnostic flowchart in a population-based
      cohort of elderly women, in whom the prevalence of diastolic dysfunction and
      heart failure is believed to be high. The purpose was to evaluate the association
      of dyspnea with the presence of diastolic dysfunction. METHODS: The study cohort
      recruited from a cross-sectional follow-up examination of the SALIA cohort (study
      on the influence of air pollution on lung function, inflammation, and aging).
      Participants with cardiac or pulmonary disease were excluded, 291 participants
      formed the final study group (all women, age range 69 to 79 years, all in sinus
      rhythm, LV ejection fraction > 50%, LV enddiastolic volume index < 97 mL/m2).
      Quality of life was assessed by the Minnesota living with heart failure
      questionnaire, and actual symptoms by a structural questionnaire; the examination
      consisted of a physical examination, measurement of B-type natriuretic peptide,
      ECG and tissue Doppler echocardiography. Diastolic dysfunction was assumed when
      the E/E' ratio exceeded 15 as derived from tissue Doppler. In case, tissue
      Doppler yielded an E/E' ratio ranging from 8 to 15, additional non-invasive
      parameters had to be fulfilled: left atrial volume index > 40 ml/m2 body surface,
      or left ventricular mass index > 122 g/m2 body surface, or transmitral E/A ratio
      < 0.5 plus deceleration time > 280 ms, or blood level of brain natriuretic
      peptide (BNP) > 200 pg/mL. RESULTS: The examinations were concordant with the
      presence of diastolic dysfunction in 122/291 participants (41.9%). The diagnosis
      based in 94% of cases on two criteria: in 50 cases on the criterion "E/E' ratio >
      15", and in 65 cases on the criterion "15 > E/E'>8 and LV mass index > 122 g/m2".
      The participants with diastolic dysfunction had on average a higher body mass
      index, more frequent a history of arterial hypertension and of hospitalization
      for congestive heart failure, poorer quality of life, and higher BNP blood levels
      as compared to those participants without signs of diastolic dysfunction. The
      number of participants complaining exertional dyspnea, however, was similar
      distributed among the subgroups with and without signs of diastolic dysfunction
      (40.2 vs 40.8%; p = n.s). In a logistic regression model, the symptom dyspnea was
      best predicted by systolic pulmonary artery pressure, followed by left atrial
      volume index, BNP, and body mass index. CONCLUSION: The demonstration of
      diastolic dysfunction showed only a poor association with the symptom dyspnea in
      a cohort of elderly women with otherwise normal systolic function. Additional
      structural or hemodynamic changes are necessary to "explain" the symptom dyspnea.
      It is unclear whether these additional factors are secondary to a more advanced
      stage of diastolic dysfunction, or are related to cardiovascular co-morbidities,
      or both.

PMID- 22047620
TI  - Ferret islet amyloid polypeptide (IAPP): characterization of in vitro and in vivo
      amyloidogenicity.
AB  - Diabetes in the domestic ferret (Mustela putorius furo) has previously been
      described and the purpose of this study was to evaluate if the ferret could serve
      as a model for the study of beta-cell degeneration associated with formation of
      islet amyloid. The nucleotide and amino acid sequence of ferret islet amyloid
      polypeptide (IAPP) 1-37 was identified and the synthesized peptide was studied
      with regards to in vitro amyloidogenicity and potential cellular toxicity in a
      comparative approach to human, cat and the nonamyloidogenic rat IAPP. Ferret IAPP
      forms amyloid-like fibrils, but with a longer lag phase than human and cat IAPP
      and the aggregation process was shown to reduce cell viability of cultured beta
      cells, but with less potency than these two amyloidogenic counterparts.
      Immunohistochemistry of ferret pancreas confirmed IAPP expression in the islets
      of Langerhans, but no islet amyloid was found in a very limited sample size of
      one diabetic and five healthy ferrets. Islet amyloid has never been described in
      ferrets, and it is not possible to determine if it is due to lack of
      studies/material or to the fact that the ferret's life span is too short to
      present with such pathology.

PMID- 22047621
TI  - [The Act of Promotion of Personal Autonomy and Long-Term Care. Reflections and
      recommendations for better development].
AB  - The present article provides a critical analysis of the state of affairs of the
      care of dependent individuals and proposals for reform of social protection
      systems for dependency - especially the Act of Promotion of Personal Autonomy and
      Long-Term Care. The existing form of public coverage is linked to the theory of
      public finance. Against this background, a series of recommendations are made to
      achieve the goals of this important component of the welfare state.

PMID- 22047622
TI  - Incidence of colorectal cancer and influence of dietary habits in fifteen
      European countries from 1971 to 2002.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to analyze the incidence of colorectal cancer in 15
      European countries in recent decades and the relationship between the incidence
      found and changes in dietary habits. METHODS: Pearson's or Spearman's correlation
      coefficients were calculated by comparing incidence rates obtained from the
      International Agency for Research on Cancer for 1971-2002 with data on per capita
      consumption obtained from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United
      Nations using 10-year delay intervals. RESULTS: Incidence rates increased in all
      countries except France in men and except Austria, Denmark, England and France in
      women. Of the dietary variables considered, there were marked increasing trends
      (linear regression coefficient, R >=0.5) in red meat consumption in Germany (R =
      0.9), Austria (R = 0.7), Finland (R = 0.8), Italy (R = 0.9), Poland (R = 0.5),
      Spain (R = 2.1), Sweden (R = 0.6), and the Netherlands (R = 0.7). CONCLUSIONS:
      Changes in dietary habits may be consistent with the observed trends in the
      incidence of colorectal cancer in the distinct European countries.

PMID- 22047623
TI  - [Research in primary care as an area of knowledge. SESPAS Report 2012].
AB  - Primary care offers huge potential for research. This setting is an area of
      knowledge that must expand to improve the quality of its services and patients'
      health. Population-based clinical studies with a focus on health promotion and
      primary, secondary and tertiary disease prevention offer unique research
      opportunities. Developing research in the biopsychosocial model of clinical
      practice and new models of integrated healthcare and community care is therefore
      a priority. The framework and activities carried out by the Research Network in
      Preventive Activities and Health Promotion have been instrumental in the
      development of research in primary care in Spain. Despite the efforts invested by
      various institutions, foundations, teaching and research departments in primary
      care research, the projected outputs in terms of volume, quality and impact have
      not been achieved. The involvement of primary care professionals in research
      platforms is insufficient, with scarce contribution toward investment in specific
      primary care research projects. To change the current status of research in
      primary care, a number of measures are required, namely, the consolidation of
      research organisms specific to primary care with adequate allocation of funding
      and staff, and the allocation of specific time for research to primary care
      professionals to enable them to produce significant projects and consolidate
      established research lines in their areas of expertise, with applications mainly
      in quality improvement and innovation of primary care services.

PMID- 22047624
TI  - [Attitudes toward online HIV/sexually-transmitted infection prevention programs
      and Internet user profiles among men who have sex with men].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To describe the attitudes of men who have sex with men (MSM) toward
      online HIV/sexually-transmitted infection (STI) prevention programs and to
      identify and characterize user profiles with regard to their attitudes toward
      online prevention programs. METHOD: A survey in gay venues or via the internet
      was completed by 2,044 participants from Madrid, Barcelona, Bilbao and San
      Sebastian (Spain). The survey explored socio-demographic variables, sexual
      behavior and other risk behaviors associated with HIV infection, as well as
      attitudes toward online prevention programs. The statistical analysis included
      factor analysis and non-hierarchical cluster analysis. RESULTS: Most MSM had
      positive attitudes towards online HIV/STI prevention programs. Factor analysis
      revealed two factors: online prevention aimed at interaction and online
      prevention aimed at information. Based on these factors, three user profiles were
      identified: users oriented toward informative and interactive online prevention
      (53.5%), users oriented toward interactive online prevention (25.9%) and users
      were not oriented toward online prevention (20.7%). On characterizing these
      profiles, we observed a significant presence of men who were not interested in
      online prevention among those with a lower educational level, bisexual men and
      HIV-positive men. Conversely, those most receptive to online prevention were men
      self-identified as gay, those with a bachelors degree, those who had been tested
      for HIV and those who were HIV-negative. CONCLUSION: The internet can facilitate
      sexual health promotion among MSM. Characterization of user profiles offers the
      possibility of segmenting prevention programs and of combining online and offline
      strategies.

PMID- 22047625
TI  - [Motivations for tobacco consumption among adolescents in an urban high school].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the motivations (attitudes, beliefs and experiences) for
      tobacco consumption among adolescents. METHODS: This study was based on
      qualitative methodology using six 50-minute discussion groups with 6-8
      adolescents per group during the 2008/09 school year. Purposive sampling was
      performed of 12-18 year-old adolescents attending a middle-class urban school
      (Jaen, Spain). The sample was stratified by educational level as the homogeneity
      criterion and gender and tobacco consumption as the heterogeneity criterion.
      Content analysis consisted of coding, triangulation of categories and obtaining
      and verifying the results. RESULTS: There were 44 adolescents (54% male). The
      participants reported that smoking relaxed and improved self-image, providing
      security (boys) and improving relations with the opposite sex, as well as weight
      control (girls). The family encouraged smoking by providing a model to imitate,
      although many adolescents hid their smoking from their families. Friends
      constituted a pressure group to start or continue smoking. Starting secondary
      school marked the beginning of experimental use. Society tended to accept
      consumption and buying tobacco was easy for minors. University students were a
      role model and were free to smoke. The adolescents looked to their parents and
      educators/health workers to provide a model of abstinence and reported that they
      were well informed but only remembered powerful messages. Participants
      unanimously indicated that tobacco causes addiction, but in proportion to the
      duration of consumption, and were concerned only with the immediate symptoms
      caused by smoking. Teenage smokers associated multiple drug use with leisure
      time. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides useful data on motivation that could be
      used to improve smoking prevention interventions among adolescents. The most
      important factors seem to be peer influence, parental attitudes, easy access to
      tobacco and symptoms of dependence.

PMID- 22047626
TI  - Oral ezatiostat HCl (Telintra(r), TLK199) and idiopathic chronic neutropenia
      (ICN): a case report of complete response of a patient with G-CSF resistant ICN
      following treatment with ezatiostat, a glutathione S-transferase P1-1 (GSTP1-1)
      inhibitor.
AB  - Idiopathic chronic neutropenia (ICN) describes a heterogeneous group of
      hematologic diseases characterized by low circulating neutrophil levels often
      associated with recurrent fevers, chronic mucosal inflammation, and severe
      systemic infections. The severity and risk of complications, including serious
      infections, are inversely proportional to the absolute neutrophil count (ANC),
      with the greatest problems occurring in patients with an ANC of less than 0.5 *
      109/L. This case report describes a 64-year-old female with longstanding
      rheumatoid arthritis who subsequently developed ICN with frequent episodes of
      sepsis requiring hospitalization and prolonged courses of antibiotics over a 4
      year period. She was treated with granulocyte colony stimulating factors (G-CSF)
      but had a delayed, highly variable, and volatile response. She was enrolled in a
      clinical trial evaluating the oral investigational agent ezatiostat. Ezatiostat,
      a glutathione S-transferase P1-1 inhibitor, activates Jun kinase, promoting the
      growth and maturation of hematopoietic progenitor stem cells. She responded by
      the end of the first month of treatment with stabilization of her ANC (despite
      tapering and then stopping G-CSF), clearing of fever, and healing of areas of
      infection. This ANC response to ezatiostat treatment has now been sustained for
      over 8 months and continues. These results suggest potential roles for ezatiostat
      in the treatment of patients with ICN who are not responsive to G-CSF, as an oral
      therapy alternative, or as an adjunct to G-CSF, and further studies are
      warranted.

PMID- 22047627
TI  - Understanding physicians' acceptance of the Medline system for practicing
      evidence-based medicine: a decomposed TPB model.
AB  - PURPOSE: Evidence-based medicine (EBM) supports physicians in their improvement
      of clinical quality and enhances hospitals' improvement of patient safety. Many
      health care institutions implement information systems to support physicians
      practicing EBM. However, studies exploring the antecedent factors of physicians'
      usage intention of information systems facilitating EBM practice are rare. Hence
      this study proposed a research model based on the decomposed theory of the
      planned behavior model (decomposed TPB) to investigate the factors influencing
      physicians' acceptance of the Medline system. METHODS: A field survey was
      conducted in Taiwan to collect data from physicians with experience in using the
      Medline system. A valid sample of 224 physicians was collected for data analysis.
      Structural equation modeling using the partial least squares (PLS) method with
      bootstrap estimate was used to test the research model. RESULTS: The findings of
      this study show that a physician's usage intention is significantly influenced by
      three factors, i.e. attitude, the subjective norm, and perceived behavior
      control. Furthermore, these three factors can be predicted by perceived
      usefulness and perceived ease of use, interpersonal influence, personal
      innovativeness in IT and self-efficacy, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The results of
      this study indicate that our research model provides an effective prediction of
      the intention of physicians to use the Medline system and provides valuable
      implications for academics and practitioners.

PMID- 22047628
TI  - Induced oscillatory responses during the Sternberg's visual memory task in
      patients with Alzheimer's disease and mild cognitive impairment.
AB  - In this study we used magnetoencephalography during a modified version of the
      Sternberg's memory recognition task performed by patients with early Alzheimer's
      disease (AD), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and by age-matched healthy
      controls to identify differences in induced oscillatory responses. For analyses,
      we focused on the retention period of the working memory task. Multiple-source
      beamformer and Brain Voyager were used for localization of source-power changes
      across the cortex and for statistic group analyses, respectively. We found
      significant differences in oscillatory response during the task, specifically in
      beta and gamma frequency bands: patients with AD showed reduced beta event
      related desynchronization (ERD) in the right central area compared to controls,
      and reduced gamma ERD in the left prefrontal and medial parietal cortex compared
      to patients with MCI. Our findings suggest that reduced oscillatory responses
      over certain brain regions in high frequency bands (i.e., beta, gamma), and
      especially in the beta band that was significantly different between AD patients
      and healthy subjects, may represent brain electromagnetic changes underlying
      visual-object working memory dysfunction in early AD, and a neurophysiological
      indicator of cognitive decline.

PMID- 22047629
TI  - Polypeptide folding-mediated tuning of the optical and structural properties of
      gold nanoparticle assemblies.
AB  - Responsive hybrid nanomaterials with well-defined properties are of significant
      interest for the development of biosensors with additional applications in tissue
      engineering and drug delivery. Here, we present a detailed characterization using
      UV-vis spectroscopy and small angle X-ray scattering of a hybrid material
      comprised of polypeptide-decorated gold nanoparticles with highly controllable
      assembly properties. The assembly is triggered by a folding-dependent bridging of
      the particles mediated by the heteroassociation of immobilized helix-loop-helix
      polypeptides and a complementary nonlinear polypeptide present in solution. The
      polypeptides are de novo designed to associate and fold into a heterotrimeric
      complex comprised of two disulfide-linked four-helix bundles. The particles form
      structured assemblies with a highly defined interparticle gap (4.8+/-0.4 nm) that
      correlates to the size of the folded polypeptides. Transitions in particle
      aggregation dynamics, mass-fractal dimensions and ordering, as a function of
      particle size and the concentration of the bridging polypeptide, are observed;
      these have significant effects on the optical properties of the assemblies. The
      assembly and ordering of the particles are highly complex processes that are
      affected by a large number of variables including the number of polypeptides
      bridging the particles and the particle mobility within the aggregates. A
      fundamental understanding of these processes is of paramount interest for the
      development of novel hybrid nanomaterials with tunable structural and optical
      properties and for the optimization of nanoparticle-based colorimetric
      biodetection strategies.

PMID- 22047630
TI  - Expression of antimicrobial peptides in diabetic foot ulcer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Foot ulcers are one of the main diabetes complications due to its
      high frequency and difficulty of complete healing. There are several factors that
      participate in diabetic ulcers development and limited information exists about
      the role of antimicrobial peptides (AMP) in its pathogenesis. OBJECTIVE: The aim
      of this study was to analyze the expression pattern of the main AMPs: Human
      Neutrophil Peptide (HNP)-1, Human beta-defensin (HBD)-1, HBD-2, HBD-3, HBD-4 and
      cathelicidin LL-37 in biopsies from diabetic foot ulcers (DFU). METHODS: 20
      biopsies from DFU grade 3 according to Wagner's classification and 20 biopsies
      from healthy donors were obtained. Real time PCR, immunohistochemistry and
      primary cell cultures were performed. RESULTS: beta-Defensins were overexpressed
      in DFU, whereas LL-37 has low or none expression in comparison with healthy skin.
      When primary cell culture from these biopsies were performed and infected with
      Staphylococcus aureus, epidermal cell from diabetic ulcers showed lower LL-37
      expression compared with cell cultures from healthy donors skin. CONCLUSION:
      These results suggest that though most AMPs are expressed in DFU, this production
      is not appropriate to promote wound healing and contain secondary infections.

PMID- 22047631
TI  - Standardization of preanalytical aspects of cerebrospinal fluid biomarker testing
      for Alzheimer's disease diagnosis: a consensus paper from the Alzheimer's
      Biomarkers Standardization Initiative.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Numerous studies show that the cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers total
      tau (T-tau), tau phosphorylated at threonine 181 (P-tau(181P)), and amyloid-beta
      (1-42) (Abeta(1-42)) have high diagnostic accuracy for Alzheimer's disease.
      Variability in concentrations for Abeta(1-42), T-tau, and P-tau(181P) drives the
      need for standardization. METHODS: Key issues were identified and discussed
      before the first meeting of the members of the Alzheimer's Biomarkers
      Standardization Initiative (ABSI). Subsequent ABSI consensus meetings focused on
      preanalytical issues. RESULTS: Consensus was reached on preanalytical issues such
      as the effects of fasting, different tube types, centrifugation, time and
      temperature before storage, storage temperature, repeated freeze/thaw cycles, and
      length of storage on concentrations of Abeta(1-42), T-tau, and P-tau(181P) in
      cerebrospinal fluid. CONCLUSIONS: The consensus reached on preanalytical issues
      and the recommendations put forward during the ABSI consensus meetings are
      presented in this paper.

PMID- 22047632
TI  - Is Alzheimer's disease amyloidosis the result of a repair mechanism gone astray?
AB  - Here, we synthesize several lines of evidence supporting the hypothesis that at
      least one function of amyloid-beta is to serve as a part of the acute response to
      brain hemodynamic disturbances intended to seal vascular leakage. Given the
      resilient and adhesive physicochemical properties of amyloid, an abluminal
      hemostatic repair system might be highly advantageous, if deployed on a limited
      and short-term basis, in young individuals. However, in the aged, inevitable
      cardiovascular dysfunction combined with brain microvascular lesions may yield
      global chronic hypoperfusion that may lead to continuous amyloid deposition and
      consequential negative effects on neuronal viability. A large body of
      experimental evidence supports the hypothesis of an amyloid-beta rescue function
      gone astray. Preventing or inducing the removal of amyloid in Alzheimer's disease
      (AD) has been simultaneously successful and disappointing. Amyloid deposits
      clearly play major roles in AD, but they may not represent the preeminent factor
      in dementia pathogenesis. Successful application of AD preventative approaches
      may hinge on an accurate and comprehensive view of comorbidities, including
      cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and head trauma.

PMID- 22047633
TI  - Effect of human cerebrospinal fluid sampling frequency on amyloid-beta levels.
AB  - BACKGROUND: beta-amyloid peptide (Abeta) is associated with neurodegeneration in
      Alzheimer's disease. Emerging evidence indicates that Abeta levels in
      cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) may serve as an early clinical biomarker for evaluating
      pharmacological activity of new drug candidates targeting Abeta production or
      Abeta clearance. Therefore, it is critical to understand whether intrasubject
      levels of CSF Abeta are consistent between sampling intervals to determine
      whether Abeta can be used as a pharmacodynamic biomarker for drug candidates.
      Previous studies have produced seemingly conflicting observations for the
      intrasubject stability of CSF Abeta levels; we attempt to reconcile these
      conflicting observations. METHODS: The current study examined the Abeta levels in
      CSF collected with various sampling frequencies from three clinical studies
      conducted in healthy young or elderly subjects at the same investigative site for
      the purpose of designing future studies. RESULTS: The results suggest that CSF
      sampling frequency and/or sampling volume contributes to intrasubject variability
      in CSF Abeta levels, and that lowering the CSF sampling frequency may help
      minimize this effect. CONCLUSION: These results will help guide clinical trial
      design for Alzheimer's disease therapy.

PMID- 22047635
TI  - Prognostic evaluation of tumour type and other histopathological characteristics
      in advanced epithelial ovarian cancer, treated with surgery and
      paclitaxel/carboplatin chemotherapy: cell type is the most useful prognostic
      factor.
AB  - AIM: Ovarian carcinomas have been classified into types I and II according to the
      hypothesised mode of carcinogenesis and molecular characteristics. The prognostic
      significance of this classification has not been studied. PATIENTS AND METHODS:
      Five hundred and sixty-eight patients with histologically confirmed, ovarian,
      fallopian tube or peritoneal carcinomas, international federation of gynecology
      and obstetrics (FIGO) stages IIC-IV, treated with paclitaxel/platinum following
      cytoreductive surgery, were included in this analysis. Type I included low-grade
      serous, mucinous, endometrioid and clear-cell and type II high-grade serous,
      unspecified adenocarcinomas and undifferentiated carcinomas. RESULTS: Median
      overall survival (OS) was 49 months for type I versus 45 for type II (p=0.576).
      In contrast to type II, there was considerable prognostic heterogeneity among the
      subtypes included in type I. Cox regression analysis showed that cell-type
      classification: low-grade serous, mucinous, endometrioid, clear-cell, type II
      (high-grade serous, unspecified adenocarcinomas, undifferentiated carcinoma) was
      an independent predictor of survival (respective median OS 121 versus 15 versus
      64 versus 29 versus 45 months, p=0.003). On the contrary, histopathological
      subtype or tumour type (I versus II) did not offer additional prognostic
      information. CONCLUSION: The proposed model of ovarian tumourigenesis does not
      reflect tumour behaviour in advanced disease. Tumour-cell type is the most
      relevant histopathological prognostic factor in advanced ovarian cancer treated
      with platinum/paclitaxel.

PMID- 22047636
TI  - High prevalence of cervical squamous intraepithelial lesions in women on
      antiretroviral therapy in Cameroon: Is targeted screening feasible?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cervical cancer is the most common cancer in women in low-income
      countries. Although cervical cancer incidence and mortality is higher in HIV
      positive women, resource limitations restrict the implementation of systematic
      screening programs in these women. We explored the potential for targeted
      screening by assessing the prevalence, severity and predictors of cervical
      squamous intra-epithelial lesions (SILs) in HIV-positive women in Cameroon.
      METHODS AND FINDINGS: We conducted a cross-sectional study of women on
      antiretroviral therapy in Cameroon. Socio-demographic, behavioral, and clinical
      information was obtained from eligible women. Cervical exfoliated cells were then
      collected, a conventional cytology performed and epithelial lesions classified
      according to the Bethesda 2001 system. A total of 282 women, aged 19-68 years,
      were enrolled in this study. The median CD4 count was 179 cells/microliter
      (interquartile range: 100-271). SILs were detected in 43.5% of the 276 women with
      satisfactory samples: including atypical squamous cells of unknown significance
      (ASCUS) 0.7%, low-grade SIL (LSIL) 25.0%, atypical squamous cells, cannot exclude
      high grade lesions (ASC-H) 14.5%, and high-grade SIL (HSIL) 3.3%. None of the
      demographic or clinical characteristics considered significantly predicted the
      presence of any SILs or the presence of severe lesions requiring colposcopy.
      CONCLUSION: The prevalence of SIL in women on antiretroviral therapy in Cameroon
      was high underscoring the need for screening and care in this population. In the
      absence of any accurate demographic or clinical predictor of SIL, targeted
      screening does not seem feasible. Alternative affordable screening options need
      to be explored.

PMID- 22047634
TI  - The Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative: a review of papers published
      since its inception.
AB  - The Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) is an ongoing,
      longitudinal, multicenter study designed to develop clinical, imaging, genetic,
      and biochemical biomarkers for the early detection and tracking of Alzheimer's
      disease (AD). The study aimed to enroll 400 subjects with early mild cognitive
      impairment (MCI), 200 subjects with early AD, and 200 normal control subjects;
      $67 million funding was provided by both the public and private sectors,
      including the National Institute on Aging, 13 pharmaceutical companies, and 2
      foundations that provided support through the Foundation for the National
      Institutes of Health. This article reviews all papers published since the
      inception of the initiative and summarizes the results as of February 2011. The
      major accomplishments of ADNI have been as follows: (1) the development of
      standardized methods for clinical tests, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI),
      positron emission tomography (PET), and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers in a
      multicenter setting; (2) elucidation of the patterns and rates of change of
      imaging and CSF biomarker measurements in control subjects, MCI patients, and AD
      patients. CSF biomarkers are consistent with disease trajectories predicted by
      beta-amyloid cascade (Hardy, J Alzheimers Dis 2006;9(Suppl 3):151-3) and tau
      mediated neurodegeneration hypotheses for AD, whereas brain atrophy and
      hypometabolism levels show predicted patterns but exhibit differing rates of
      change depending on region and disease severity; (3) the assessment of
      alternative methods of diagnostic categorization. Currently, the best classifiers
      combine optimum features from multiple modalities, including MRI, [(18)F]
      fluorodeoxyglucose-PET, CSF biomarkers, and clinical tests; (4) the development
      of methods for the early detection of AD. CSF biomarkers, beta-amyloid 42 and
      tau, as well as amyloid PET may reflect the earliest steps in AD pathology in
      mildly symptomatic or even nonsymptomatic subjects, and are leading candidates
      for the detection of AD in its preclinical stages; (5) the improvement of
      clinical trial efficiency through the identification of subjects most likely to
      undergo imminent future clinical decline and the use of more sensitive outcome
      measures to reduce sample sizes. Baseline cognitive and/or MRI measures generally
      predicted future decline better than other modalities, whereas MRI measures of
      change were shown to be the most efficient outcome measures; (6) the confirmation
      of the AD risk loci CLU, CR1, and PICALM and the identification of novel
      candidate risk loci; (7) worldwide impact through the establishment of ADNI-like
      programs in Europe, Asia, and Australia; (8) understanding the biology and
      pathobiology of normal aging, MCI, and AD through integration of ADNI biomarker
      data with clinical data from ADNI to stimulate research that will resolve
      controversies about competing hypotheses on the etiopathogenesis of AD, thereby
      advancing efforts to find disease-modifying drugs for AD; and (9) the
      establishment of infrastructure to allow sharing of all raw and processed data
      without embargo to interested scientific investigators throughout the world. The
      ADNI study was extended by a 2-year Grand Opportunities grant in 2009 and a
      renewal of ADNI (ADNI-2) in October 2010 through to 2016, with enrollment of an
      additional 550 participants.

PMID- 22047637
TI  - The impact of significant others in motivational enhancement therapy: findings
      from project MATCH.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Social network support for abstinence has been associated with
      improved treatment outcomes among samples of individuals with alcohol use
      disorders. As a result, research studies have focused on the inclusion of
      significant others (SOs) in the treatment process. Nonetheless, little is known
      about 1) the specific influence SOs may have on clients during treatment sessions
      or 2) whether SO within-session behaviors have any relationship to client post
      treatment drinking. METHOD: In the current study, Motivational Enhancement
      Therapy sessions in which a SO was present were coded using a behavioral coding
      system designed to measure SO and client within-session language. RESULTS:
      Relationships were observed between SO and client within-session language.
      Furthermore, some specific SO categories of language predicted post-treatment
      client drinking. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first systematic evaluation of SO
      contributions in substance abuse treatment sessions. Future research examining SO
      language in the treatment of alcohol use disorders might allow clinicians to
      avoid contributions from SOs that are associated with poorer drinking outcomes.

PMID- 22047638
TI  - Differential accumulation of BPA in some tissues of offspring of Balb-C mice
      exposed to different BPA doses.
AB  - Pregnant adult Balb-C mice were exposed daily to two different doses of Bisphenol
      A (BPA) by subcutaneous injection beginning on gestational day 1 through the
      seventh day after delivery. The mothers were sacrificed on postpartum day 21, and
      the offspring were sacrificed at 3 months of age. Control mice were subjected to
      the same experimental protocol but received saline injections. The liver,
      muscles, hindbrain and forebrain of the offspring were dissected and processed
      using HPLC to assess the level of BPA in the tissues and to determine its
      dependence on the exposure dose and gender. For comparison, the same tissues were
      dissected from the mothers and analysed. We report the following results: (1) the
      level of BPA that accumulated in a given tissue was dependent on the exposure
      dose; (2) the rank order of BPA accumulation in the various tissues was dependent
      on the gender of the offspring; (3) the average BPA concentrations in the liver
      and muscle of the female offspring were higher than in the males; and (4) the
      average BPA concentration in the central nervous system (i.e., the hindbrain and
      forebrain) of the male offspring was higher than in the females.

PMID- 22047639
TI  - Determination of pyrimidine and purine bases by reversed-phase capillary liquid
      chromatography with at-line surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopic detection
      employing a novel SERS substrate based on ZnS/CdSe silver-quantum dots.
AB  - We have developed a new SERS substrate based on the reduction of silver nitrate
      in the presence of ZnS-capped CdSe quantum dots. This substrate showed higher
      sensitivities as compared to a hydroxylamine-reduced silver sol. On the basis of
      this new substrate, at-line SERS detection was coupled with capillary liquid
      chromatography (cap-LC) for the separation and selective determination of
      pyrimidine and purine bases. For this purpose, wells of a dedicated microtiter
      plate were loaded with 20 MUL of the SERS substrate and placed on an automated
      x,y translation stage. A flow-through microdispenser capable of ejecting 50 pL
      droplets, at a frequency 100 Hz, was used as the interface to connect the cap-LC
      system to the wells loaded with SERS substrate. A detailed study of the
      dependence of both the separation and the surface-enhanced Raman spectra of each
      base on the pH was performed to optimize the system for maximum sensitivity and
      selectivity. Highly satisfactory analytical figures of merit were obtained for
      the six investigated bases (cytosine, xanthine, hypoxanthine, guanine, thymine,
      and adenine) with detection limits ranging between 0.2 and 0.3 ng injected on the
      capillary LC column, and the precisions were in the range of 3.0-6.3%.

PMID- 22047640
TI  - Initiation but no execution - modulation of peripheral blood lymphocyte apoptosis
      in rheumatoid arthritis - a potential role for heat shock protein 70.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease, which
      causes synovial damage. Persistence of lymphocyte infiltrates in the rheumatoid
      synovium has been attributed to abnormal apoptosis. While not comprehensively
      investigated, perturbations in peripheral blood lymphocyte (PBL) apoptosis may
      also be involved in perpetuation of autoimmune processes in RA. METHODS: We
      investigated total, CD4+ and CD19+ PBL apoptosis in our study cohort by
      monitoring the translocation of phosphatidylserine using the Annexin-V assay. To
      examine the role of death receptor mediated apoptosis as well as activation
      induced-cell-death (AICD), PBLs were labeled with CD95/Fas and CD69 markers and
      enumerated by flow cytometry. Proteolytic activity of initiator and executioner
      caspases was determined by luminometry. DNA fragmentation assays were used to
      examine whether apoptotic signals were transduced to the nucleus. Quantitative
      PCR arrays were used to investigate apoptotic pathways associated with RA-PBLs.
      Since heat-shock-protein-70 (HSP70) is an inducible protein which modulates
      apoptotic signals, we determined HSP70 levels by intra-cellular flow cytometry
      and western blots. RESULTS: The RA-PBLs showed signs of elevated apoptosis whilst
      in circulation. These include increases in the loss of plasma membrane asymmetry,
      indicated by increased externalization of phosphatidylserine (especially in B
      lymphocytes). RA-PBLs showed a bias to CD95/Fas mediated apoptotic pathways, but
      low levels of the CD69 marker suggested that this was not associated with immune
      activation. Although downstream markers of apoptosis such as caspase-3/7
      activity, were increased, no DNA fragmentation was observed in RA-PBLs.
      Interestingly, elevated levels of apoptosis did not correlate with absolute
      lymphocyte counts in RA patients. Levels of HSP70 were highly elevated in RA-PBLs
      compared to controls. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that while apoptosis may be
      initiated in RA-PBLs, they may lack commitment to fully executing the apoptotic
      program. This may be related to inhibition on apoptotic transduction by HSP70.
      This study provides evidence that abnormalities in RA-PBLs apoptosis may occur
      whilst still in circulation and may contribute to pathogenesis of the disease.

PMID- 22047641
TI  - Receptor-mediated endocytosis of nanoparticles of various shapes.
AB  - Cellular uptake through endocytosis is crucial for drug delivery and
      nanomedicine. However, the conditions under which passive endocytosis (i.e., not
      ATP driven) takes place are not well understood. We report MD simulations of the
      passive uptake of ligand-coated nanoparticles with varying size, shape, coverage,
      and membrane-binding strength. We find that the efficiency of passive endocytosis
      is higher for spherocylindrical particles than for spheres and that endocytosis
      is suppressed for particles with sharp edges.

PMID- 22047642
TI  - Synthesis, X-ray structure and cytotoxic effect of nickel(II) complexes with
      pyrazole ligands.
AB  - Here we present the synthesis of the new Ni(II) complexes with chelating ligands
      1-benzothiazol-2-yl-3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazole (a), 5-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-3-methyl-1
      (2-pyridylo)-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester (b) and 1-benzothiazol-2
      yl-5-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-3-methyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carboxylic acid methyl ester (c).
      These ligands a-c create solid complexes with Ni(II). The crystal and molecular
      structures of two complexes were determined by X-ray diffraction method. Thermal
      stability of two complexes with ligand c by TG/DTG and DSC methods were also
      shown. Cytotoxic activity of all the complexes against three tumour cell lines
      and to normal endothelial cells (HUVEC) was also estimated. Complexes with ligand
      c exhibited relatively high cytotoxic activity towards HL-60 and NALM-6 leukaemia
      cells and WM-115 melanoma cells. Cytotoxic effectiveness of one of these
      complexes against melanoma WM-115 cells was two times higher than that of
      cisplatin. The protonation constant log K=9.63 of ligand b corresponding to the
      phenol 2-hydroxy group has been determined in 10% (v/v) DMSO/water solution (25
      degrees C). The coordination modes (formation of two monomeric species: NiL and
      NiL(2)) in the complexes with Ni(II) are discussed for b on the basis of the
      potentiometric and UV/Vis data.

PMID- 22047643
TI  - Total synthesis and bioactivity of the marine alkaloid pityriacitrin and some of
      its derivatives.
AB  - We report herein the chemical synthesis and biological evaluation of beta
      carboline alkaloid pityriacitrin and some of its new derivatives. Using
      tryptophan or 5-hydroxytryptophan and 5-substituted indole-3-glyoxals as the
      starting materials, pityriacitrin and some of its derivatives were synthesized
      via the acid-catalyzed Pictet-Spengler reaction and fully characterized by (1)H
      and (13)C NMR, mass spectroscopy and IR determinations. Biological studies
      revealed that pityriacitrin has a weak antiproliferative activity against a panel
      of breast and prostate cancer cell lines, whereas some of its derivatives
      exhibited stronger and potent activity, which was associated with induction of
      both cell apoptosis and necrosis.

PMID- 22047644
TI  - Cyclin kinase subunit 1B nuclear expression predicts an adverse outcome for
      patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma treated with bortezomib.
AB  - Amplification of cyclin kinase subunit 1B gene on chromosome 1q21 resulting in
      overexpression of cyclin kinase subunit 1B has been associated with disease
      progression in multiple myeloma. Bortezomib is a proteasome inhibitor that
      induces apoptosis in various cancer cells and has been shown to be effective as a
      salvage therapy for relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. Our group has recently
      reported the adverse effect of 1q21 gains in relapsed and refractory multiple
      myeloma treated with bortezomib. However, whether nuclear cyclin kinase subunit
      1B protein expression correlates with 1q21 gains and has prognostic value in
      patients with multiple myeloma receiving bortezomib regimen remains unclear. We,
      therefore, evaluated the nuclear expression of cyclin kinase subunit 1B protein
      in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma undergoing bortezomib
      therapy by immunohistochemistry. The 1q21 amplification status of the same cohort
      was examined by interphase cytoplasmic immunoglobulin fluorescence in situ
      hybridization. Of 60 cases, 19 (32%) were positive for cyclin kinase subunit 1B
      nuclear expression by immunohistochemistry. Seventeen (89%) of the
      immunohistochemistry-positive cases had 1q21 gain detected by cytoplasmic
      immunoglobulin fluorescence in situ hybridization, and 17 (77%) of the 22 cases
      with 1q21 gain showed increased cyclin kinase subunit 1B protein expression.
      cyclin kinase subunit 1B expression and 1q21 gain were strongly correlated (P <
      .0001). There was no significant difference in response rate between patients
      with and without cyclin kinase subunit 1B nuclear expression. However, patients
      with cyclin kinase subunit 1B expression had a significantly shorter progression
      free survival (1.9 versus 5.6 months; P < .0001) and overall survival (4.9 versus
      22.4 months; P = .012) compared with those without cyclin kinase subunit 1B
      expression. Our results indicated that cyclin kinase subunit 1B nuclear
      expression detected by immunohistochemistry is an adverse prognostic factor for
      patients with multiple myeloma treated with bortezomib therapy.

PMID- 22047645
TI  - Sarcoidosis does not belong to or overlap with immunoglobulin G4-related diseases
      based on an assessment of serum immunoglobulin G4 levels in cardiac and
      noncardiac sarcoidosis.
AB  - Although sarcoidosis may exhibit histopathologic features similar to those of a
      newly emerging clinical entity, immunoglobulin G4-related sclerosing disease,
      sarcoidosis is currently not considered to be associated with immunoglobulin G4
      related immunoinflammation. Not many studies on this association have been
      reported. We investigated serum immunoglobulin G4 levels among patients with
      sarcoidosis with or without cardiac involvement (cardiac sarcoidosis and non
      cardiac sarcoidosis patients). The mean serum immunoglobulin G4 level among the
      65 patients with sarcoidosis was 56.8 +/- 43.0 mg/dL, which did not significantly
      differ between patients with cardiac sarcoidosis (54 +/- 48 mg/dL, n = 12) and
      patients without cardiac sarcoidosis (58 +/- 42 mg/dL; n = 53). Serum level of
      soluble interleukin 2 receptor, a potent marker that may reflect sarcoidosis
      activity, was elevated in cardiac sarcoidosis (910 +/- 683 U/L) and noncardiac
      sarcoidosis (689 +/- 399 U/L) but did not significantly differ between the
      groups. Immunohistochemistry of cardiac or lymph node specimens from patients
      with cardiac sarcoidosis showed only sparse or no infiltration of immunoglobulin
      G4-positive lymphocytes, in contrast to the moderate to severe infiltration of
      CD68-positive macrophages and CD45-positive lymphocytes. Although the number of
      study subjects was small, these findings collectively suggest that regardless of
      the presence or absence of cardiac involvement, sarcoidosis does not belong to or
      overlap with immunoglobulin G4-related sclerosing disease.

PMID- 22047646
TI  - The presence and location of epithelial implants and implants with epithelial
      proliferation may predict a higher risk of recurrence in serous borderline
      ovarian tumors: a clinicopathologic study of 188 cases.
AB  - Serous borderline ovarian tumors have a favorable prognosis, and recurrences are
      uncommon. The factors influencing recurrence are not fully understood. Epithelial
      inclusions are identified in serous borderline ovarian tumors and are
      traditionally referred to as epithelial implants, which often show epithelial
      proliferation. We investigated whether the presence of epithelial implant and
      epithelial proliferation portends a higher risk for recurrence of serous
      borderline ovarian tumors in patients who underwent surgical removal of these
      tumors. Also examined was whether the anatomical site of epithelial implant and
      epithelial proliferation was associated with a higher risk of recurrence. One
      hundred eighty-eight cases of pure serous or predominantly serous borderline
      ovarian tumors were studied for the presence of epithelial implant and epithelial
      proliferation, and subsequent recurrences were recorded. The anatomical sites of
      epithelial implant and epithelial proliferation were compared between serous
      borderline ovarian tumors with or without recurrence. Statistical analysis was
      performed using the chi(2) test. Epithelial implant was noted in 106 cases (56%),
      and epithelial proliferation, in 26 cases (14%). Recurrence was identified in
      10.4% cases with epithelial implant and 23% cases with epithelial proliferation.
      Statistical analyses of patients with recurrence showed significant differences
      in the following groups: epithelial implant versus no epithelial implant (P <
      .025) and epithelial proliferation versus no epithelial implant (P < .001).
      Recurrence rates were higher in the epithelial implant and epithelial
      proliferation groups as compared with no epithelial implant or epithelial
      proliferation groups. Epithelial implant and epithelial proliferation appear to
      pose a statistically significantly higher risk of recurrence in serous borderline
      ovarian tumors as compared with the absence of epithelial implant. Although the
      anatomical location of such implants was not significantly associated with a
      higher risk, the presence of epithelial proliferation at multiple sites was more
      frequently seen in recurrent serous borderline ovarian tumors.

PMID- 22047647
TI  - Expression of endothelin 2 and localized clear cell renal cell carcinoma.
AB  - Despite the rising incidence of clear cell renal cell carcinoma, the molecular
      events that support its development and progression remain unclear. Herein, we
      evaluate the association of endothelin 2 expression with both clear cell renal
      cell carcinoma development and progression-free survival. We conducted real-time
      polymerase chain reaction to determine endothelin 2 expression levels on 238
      patients who underwent nephrectomy for localized clear cell renal cell carcinoma,
      161 of whom also had adjacent normal kidney samples available for analysis. To
      evaluate associations with clear cell renal cell carcinoma development, linear
      mixed models were used to compare differential expression between tumor and a
      normal kidney as well as to explore interactions with clinicopathologic features.
      To evaluate associations with prognosis, Cox proportional hazards models were
      used to assess the association of progression-free survival and endothelin 2
      expression in tumor tissue. Overall, endothelin 2 expression was higher in tumor
      samples versus patient-matched normal kidney samples, with an average fold change
      of 1.99 (95% confidence interval, 1.48-2.60; P < .0001). This overexpression in
      tumor versus normal kidney samples was more pronounced in low- compared with high
      grade tumors (interaction, P = .0002), in early- compared with late-stage tumors
      (interaction, P = .001), and in tumors without compared with those with necrosis
      (interaction, P = .001). Moreover, an increasing endothelin 2 expression in
      tumors was associated with a longer progression-free survival (hazard ratio,
      0.89; 95% confidence interval, 0.80-0.99; P = .03); however, after controlling
      for known clinicopathologic factors, this association was attenuated (hazard
      ratio, 0.99; 95% confidence interval, 0.89-1.09; P = .7). Up-regulation of
      endothelin 2 is a common and early event in localized clear cell renal cell
      carcinoma. Higher tumor expression of endothelin 2 is associated with a longer
      progression-free survival but not after adjustment for well-known pathologic
      indices. Thus, although endothelin 2 does not appear to be an independent
      prognostic marker, there is evidence of a putative role in clear cell renal cell
      carcinoma progression. If supportive mechanistic data can be produced, endothelin
      2 could represent a potential target for chemopreventive or neoadjuvant
      therapeutics for clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

PMID- 22047648
TI  - Implementing clinical trials on an international platform: challenges and
      perspectives.
AB  - The importance of conducting medical research on a global or international
      platform cannot be overemphasized in current times. Sponsors are encouraging
      international clinical trials for a number of reasons. Globally, clinical trials
      are under increasing pressure to meet patient recruitment goals quickly and
      efficiently, at times with very limited resources. Conducting clinical trials in
      multiple countries increases access to potentially eligible study subjects. It is
      reasonable to believe that international trials will be completed more quickly
      and efficiently, leading to more rapid advancement in science and conservation of
      research-specific resources. Rapid advancement in science can reduce the burden
      of disease, promote health, and extend longevity for all people. In addition,
      generalizability, one of the major goals of translational medicine, will increase
      when recruiting patients from multiple countries and multiple ethnicities.
      Further, improvement of global health may be possible when certain types of
      clinical trials are conducted in countries that would not otherwise have access
      to an innovative drug or intervention.

PMID- 22047649
TI  - Surgical treatment of brain metastasis: a review.
AB  - Brain metastasis is the most common intracranial tumor in adults. Currently,
      treatment of brain metastasis requires multidisciplinary approach tailored for
      each individual patient. Surgery has an indispensible role in relieving
      intracranial mass effect, improving neurological status and survival while
      providing or confirming neuropathological diagnosis with low mortality and
      morbidity rates. Besides the resection of a single brain metastasis in patients
      with accessible lesions, good functional status, and absent/controlled
      extracranial disease; surgery is proven to play a role in management of multiple
      metastases. Surgical technique has an impact on the outcome since piecemeal
      resection rather than en bloc resection and leaving infiltrative zone behind
      around resection cavity may have a negative influence on local control. Best
      local control of brain metastasis can be accomplished with optimal surgical
      resection involving current armamentarium of preoperative structural and
      functional imaging, intraoperative neuromonitoring, and advanced
      microneurosurgical techniques; followed by adjunct therapies like stereotactic
      radiosurgery, whole brain radiotherapy, or intracavitary therapies. Here,
      treatment options for brain metastasis are discussed with controversies about
      surgery.

PMID- 22047650
TI  - CNS lymphoma masquerading as hemorrhagic stroke.

PMID- 22047651
TI  - Anti-NMDAR encephalitis in small-cell lung cancer: a case report.

PMID- 22047652
TI  - Anxiety sensitivity and breath-holding duration in relation to PTSD symptom
      severity among trauma exposed adults.
AB  - The present investigation examined the main and interactive effects of anxiety
      sensitivity and behavioral distress tolerance, indexed using the breath-holding
      task, in relation to PTSD symptom severity among trauma-exposed adults.
      Participants were 88 adults (63.6% women; M(age)=22.9, SD=9.1, range=18-62),
      recruited from the community, who met DSM-IV-TR PTSD Criterion A for lifetime
      trauma exposure. Covariates included number of potentially traumatic events,
      nonclinical panic attack history, and participant sex. Anxiety sensitivity was
      significantly incrementally associated with PTSD total symptom severity, as well
      as Avoidance and Hyperarousal symptom severity (p's<.01). Breath-holding duration
      was not significantly related to PTSD symptom severity (p's>.05). However, breath
      holding duration emerged as a significant moderator of the association between
      anxiety sensitivity and PTSD Avoidance symptom severity, such that lower breath
      holding duration exacerbated the effect of heightened anxiety sensitivity with
      regard to PTSD Avoidance symptom severity.

PMID- 22047653
TI  - Marginal benefit incidence of public health spending: evidence from Indonesian
      sub-national data.
AB  - We examine the marginal effects of decentralized public health spending by
      incorporating estimates of behavioural responses to changes in health spending in
      benefit incidence analysis. The analysis is based on a panel dataset of 207
      Indonesian districts over the period from 2001 to 2004. We show that district
      public health spending is largely driven by central government transfers, with an
      elasticity of around 0.9. We find a positive effect of public health spending on
      utilization of outpatient care in the public sector for the poorest two
      quartiles. We find no evidence that public expenditures crowd out utilization of
      private services or household health spending. Our analysis suggests that
      increased public health spending improves targeting to the poor, as behavioural
      changes in public health care utilization are pro-poor. Nonetheless, most of the
      benefits of the additional spending accrued to existing users of services, as
      initial utilization shares outweigh the behavioural responses.

PMID- 22047654
TI  - Bacterial community structure and enzyme activities in a membrane bioreactor
      (MBR) using pure oxygen as an aeration source.
AB  - A pilot-scale membrane bioreactor was used to treat urban wastewater using pure
      oxygen instead of air as a source of aeration, to study its influence on
      bacterial diversity and levels of enzyme activities (acid and alkaline
      phosphatases, glucosidase, protease, and esterase) in the sludge. The
      experimental work was developed in two stages influenced by seasonal temperature.
      Operational parameters (temperature, pH, BOD5, COD, total and volatile suspended
      solids) were daily monitored, and enzyme activities measured twice a week.
      Redundancy analysis (RDA) was used to reveal relationships between the level of
      enzyme activities and the variation of operational parameters, demonstrating a
      significant effect of temperature and volatile suspended solids. Bacterial
      diversity was analyzed by temperature-gradient gel electrophoresis of PCR
      amplified partial 16S rRNA genes. Significant differences in community structure
      were observed between both stages. Sequence analysis revealed that the prevalent
      Bacteria populations were evolutively close to Alphaproteobacteria (44%),
      Betaproteobacteria (25%) and Firmicutes (17%).

PMID- 22047655
TI  - Low temperature thermo-chemical pretreatment of dairy waste activated sludge for
      anaerobic digestion process.
AB  - An investigation into the influence of low temperature thermo-chemical
      pretreatment on sludge reduction in a semi-continuous anaerobic reactor was
      performed. Firstly, effect of sludge pretreatment was evaluated by COD
      solubilization, suspended solids reduction and biogas production. At optimized
      condition (60  degrees C with pH 12), COD solubilization, suspended solids,
      reduction and biogas production was 23%, 22% and 51% higher than the control,
      respectively. Secondly, semi-continuous process performance was studied in a lab
      scale semi-continuous anaerobic reactor (5 L), with 4 L working volume. With
      three operated SRTs, the SRT of 15 days was found to be most appropriate for
      economic operation of the reactor. Combining pretreatment with anaerobic
      digestion led to 80.5%, 117% and 90.4% of TS, SS and VS reduction respectively,
      with an improvement of 103% in biogas production. Thus, low temperature thermo
      chemical can play an important role in reducing sludge production.

PMID- 22047656
TI  - Production and characterization of biopolyols and polyurethane foams from crude
      glycerol based liquefaction of soybean straw.
AB  - The feasibility of using crude glycerol to liquefy soybean straw for the
      production of biopolyols and polyurethane (PU) foams was investigated in this
      study. Liquefaction conditions of 240  degrees C, >180 min, 3% sulfuric acid
      loading, and 10-15% biomass loading were preferred for the production of
      biopolyols with promising material properties. Biopolyols produced under
      preferential conditions showed hydroxyl numbers from 440 to 540 mg KOH/g, acid
      numbers below 5 mg KOH/g, and viscosities from 16 to 45 Pa.s. PU foams produced
      under preferential conditions showed densities from 0.033 to 0.037 g/cm3 and
      compressive strength from 148 to 227 kPa. These results suggest that crude
      glycerol can be used as an alternative solvent for the liquefaction of
      lignocellulosic biomass such as soybean straw for the production of biopolyols
      and PU foams. The produced biopolyols and PU foams showed material properties
      comparable to their analogs from petroleum solvent based liquefaction processes.

PMID- 22047657
TI  - Effects of nitrate on methane production, fermentation, and microbial populations
      in in vitro ruminal cultures.
AB  - The objective of this study was to examine the effects of nitrate on methane
      production, important fermentation characteristics, Fibrobacter succinogenes,
      Ruminococcus albus, Ruminococcus flavefaciens, total bacteria, and methanogens
      using in vitro ruminal cultures. Potential adaptation of the above microbes and
      persistency of nitrate to mitigate CH4 production were also evaluated. Methane
      production was reduced by 70% at 12 MUmol ml(-1) and nearly completely at >=24
      MUmol ml(-1) nitrate. Production of volatile fatty acids (VFAs) was affected to
      different extents at different nitrate concentrations. Over a series of six
      consecutive cultures receiving 12 MUmol ml(-1) nitrate, production of CH4 and VFA
      did not change significantly. R. albus and R. flavefaciens seemed to adapt to
      nitrate, while F. succinogenes and methanogens did not. Nitrate may be used in
      achieving persistent mitigation of CH4 production by ruminants.

PMID- 22047658
TI  - Improved volatile fatty acids production from proteins of sewage sludge with
      anthraquinone-2,6-disulfonate (AQDS) under anaerobic condition.
AB  - Organic matters in sewage sludge can be converted into volatile fatty acids
      (VFAs) as renewable carbon sources. This work for the first time applied
      anthraquinone-2,6-disulfonate (AQDS) for enhancing VFA production from sewage
      sludge. With 0.066 or 0.33 g AQDS g(-1) dried solids (DS), the yields for VFAs
      peak at 403 or 563 mg l(-1), 1.9- or 2.7-fold to the control. The accumulated
      VFAs were principally composed of acetate and propionate. The AQDS enhances
      degradation rates of model proteins (bovine serum albumin), but had little
      enhancement on that of model polysaccharides (dextrans). The acidification step
      is proposed the rate-limiting step for VFA production from sewage sludge, in
      which the AQDS molecules shuttle electrons to accelerate the redox reactions
      associated with amino acid degradation. Methanogenic activities are inhibited in
      the presence of AQDS. The AQDS-assisted VFAs are renewable organic carbon
      sources, although their direct use for anaerobic digestion is not advised.

PMID- 22047659
TI  - Preparation of levoglucosenone through sulfuric acid promoted pyrolysis of
      bagasse at low temperature.
AB  - Fast pyrolysis of bagasse pretreated by sulfuric acid was conducted in a fixed
      bed reactor to prepare levoglucosenone (LGO), a very important anhydrosugar for
      organic synthesis. The liquid yield and LGO yield were studied at temperatures
      from 240 to 350  degrees C and sulfuric acid loadings from 0.92 to 7.10 wt.%. An
      optimal LGO yield of 7.58 wt.% was obtained at 270  degrees C with a sulfuric
      acid pretreatment concentration of 0.05 M (corresponding to 4.28 wt.% sulfuric
      acid loading). For comparison, microcrystalline cellulose pretreated by 0.05 M
      sulfuric acid solution was pyrolyzed at temperature from 270  degrees C to 320 
      degrees C, and bagasse loaded with 3-5 wt.% phosphoric acid was pyrolyzed at
      temperature from 270  degrees C to 350  degrees C. The highest yield of LGO from
      bagasse was 30% higher than that from microcrystalline cellulose, and treatment
      with sulfuric acid allowed a 21% higher yield than treatment with phosphoric
      acid.

PMID- 22047660
TI  - The lignin present in steam pretreated softwood binds enzymes and limits
      cellulose accessibility.
AB  - The influence of cellulose accessibility and protein loading on the efficiency of
      enzymatic hydrolysis of steam pretreated Douglas-fir was assessed. It was
      apparent that the lignin component significantly influences the
      swelling/accessibility of cellulose as at low protein loadings (5FPU/g
      cellulose), only 16% of the cellulose present in the steam pretreated softwood
      was hydrolyzed while almost complete hydrolysis was achieved with the delignified
      substrate. When lignin (isolated from steam pretreated Douglas-fir) was added
      back in the same proportions it was originally found to the highly accessible and
      swollen, delignified steam pretreated softwood and to a cellulose control such as
      Avicel, the hydrolysis yields decreased by 9 and 46%, respectively. However, when
      higher enzyme loadings were employed, the greater availability of the enzyme
      could overcome the limitations imposed by both the lignin's restrictions on
      cellulose accessibility and direct binding of the enzymes, resulting in a near
      complete hydrolysis of the cellulose.

PMID- 22047661
TI  - Enhanced enzymatic saccharification of kenaf powder after ultrasonic pretreatment
      in ionic liquids at room temperature.
AB  - This study demonstrates for the first time that the enzymatic hydrolysis of
      cellulose is drastically enhanced following ultrasonic pretreatment of
      lignocellulosic material in ionic liquids (ILs) when compared to conventional
      thermal pretreatment. Five types of ILs, 1-buthyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride
      (BmimCl), 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride (AmimCl), 1-ethyl-3
      methylimidazolium chloride (EmimCl), 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium diethyl
      phosphate (EmimDep), and 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium acetate (EmimOAc) were
      tested. Cellulose saccharification ratio was about 20% for kenaf powders
      pretreated in BmimCl, AmimCl, EmimCl, and EmimDep by conventional heating at 110 
      degrees C for 120 min. Conversely, 60-95% of cellulose was hydrolyzed to glucose,
      subsequent to ultrasonic pretreatment in the same ILs for 120 min at 25  degrees
      C. The cellulose saccharification ratio of kenaf powder in EmimOAc was 86% after
      only 15 min of the ultrasonic pretreatment at 25  degrees C, compared to only 47%
      in that case of thermal pretreatment in the IL.

PMID- 22047662
TI  - Characterization of Phragmites cummunis rhizosphere bacterial communities and
      metabolic products during the two stage sequential treatment of post methanated
      distillery effluent by bacteria and wetland plants.
AB  - This study deals with the characterization of rhizosphere bacterial communities
      and metabolic products produced during the two stage sequential treatment of post
      methanated distillery effluent by bacteria and constructed wetland plants.
      Results showed that bacterial treatment followed by wetland plants (Phragmites
      cummunis) resulted 94.5% and 96.0% reduction in BOD and COD values, respectively.
      The PCR-RFLP analysis showed the presence of Stenotrophomonas, Enterobacter,
      Pantoea, Acinetobacter and Klebsiella sp., as dominant rhizosphere bacterial
      communities which play an important role in degradation and decolorization of
      PMDE in wetland treatment system. Further, the LC-MS-MS and other
      spectrophotometric analysis have shown that most of the pollutants detected in
      untreated PMDE were diminished from bacteria and wetland plant treated PMDE
      indicating that bacteria and wetland plant rhizosphere microbes utilized them as
      carbon, nitrogen and energy source. While, methylbenzene, furfuryl alcohol, and 4
      vinyl-2-methoxyphenol were detected as metabolites in bacteria and hexadecanol in
      wetland plant rhizosphere treated PMDE.

PMID- 22047663
TI  - Prognostic value of beta-human chorionic gonadotropin is dependent on day of
      embryo transfer during in vitro fertilization.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine threshold beta-hCG levels predictive of an ongoing
      pregnancy (OP), live birth (LB), and multiple gestation (MG) in IVF cycles
      resulting from day-3 (D3) vs. day-5 (D5) embryo transfers (ET), to compare IVF
      cycle characteristics and pregnancy outcomes in D3 vs. D5 ET groups, and to
      assess the degree to which maternal characteristics and cycle parameters were
      predictive of higher beta-hCG levels. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis. SETTING:
      Infertility center. PATIENT(S): Women who had ET performed for IVF cycles between
      July 2004 and January 2010. INTERVENTION(S): Embryo transfer performed on either
      D3 or D5 after oocyte fertilization. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Beta-hCG on day 15
      after oocyte fertilization. RESULT(S): Beta-hCG levels were significantly higher
      with D5 ET compared with D3 ETs (D3: 103.6 +/- 4.4 IU/L vs. D5: 198.0 +/- 10.6
      IU/L), and a multivariate analysis demonstrated that D5 ET was a significant
      predictor of higher beta-hCG levels. The beta-hCG thresholds predictive of OP
      were 78 IU/L and 160 IU/L for D3 and D5 ET, which predicted OP in 96% and 91% of
      cases, respectively. Similarly, for LB, the beta-hCG thresholds were 94 IU/L (79%
      positive predictive value [PPV]) and 160 IU/L (88% PPV), and for MG were 250 IU/L
      (18% PPV) and 316 IU/L (34% PPV), respectively. CONCLUSION(S): Initial beta-hCG
      levels are dependent on the day of ET and are a reliable and highly predictive
      tool for OP outcomes.

PMID- 22047664
TI  - Intrauterine injection of human chorionic gonadotropin before embryo transfer
      significantly improves the implantation and pregnancy rates in in vitro
      fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection: a prospective randomized study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the value of intrauterine injection of human chorionic
      gonadotropin (hCG) before embryo transfer (ET). DESIGN: Prospective randomized
      study. SETTING: The Egyptian IVF-ET Center. PATIENT(S): Infertility patients
      younger than 40 years undergoing their first in vitro
      fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF-ICSI). INTERVENTION(S): The
      study group (n = 167) received either 100 IU of hCG (n = 83), or 200 IU of hCG (n
      = 84) via intrauterine administration before ET. The control group (n = 93)
      underwent ET without hCG. After the interim analysis, the modified study group (n
      = 107) received intrauterine injection of 500 IU of hCG, and the control group (n
      = 105) underwent ET without hCG. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Clinical pregnancy rate
      (PR) and implantation rate (IR). RESULT(S): The IR and PR were statistically
      significantly higher in the 500 hCG group (41.6% and 75%, respectively) as
      compared with the control group (29.5% and 60%, respectively). The IR and PR were
      26.6% and 54% in the 100 hCG group, 28.3% and 57% in the 200 IU hCG group, and
      29.4% and 60% in the control group, respectively, with no statistically
      significant difference. CONCLUSION(S): Intrauterine injection of 500 IU of hCG
      before ET statistically significantly improved the implantation and pregnancy
      rates in IVF/ICSI. CLINICAL TRIALS.GOV NUMBER: NCT 01030393.

PMID- 22047665
TI  - Seminal leukocytes are Good Samaritans for spermatozoa.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of leukocytospermia on assisted reproductive
      technology outcomes. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis. SETTING: University
      laboratory. PATIENT(S): Couples attending the infertiliy clinic and involved in
      ART program for IVF or ICSI. INTERVENTION(S): During a 7-year follow-up in an
      assisted reproductive technology program, leukocytospermia was routinely
      determined using the peroxidase technique. Donor sperm were excluded from the
      study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Egg retrievals (N = 3,508) were distributed in 3
      groups according to the leukocyte levels in semen from which fertilizing sperm
      were extracted: group 1, absence of leukocytes (n = 3,026); group 2, moderate
      leukocytospermia (<10(6)/mL) (n = 344); or group 3, high leukocytospermia
      (>=10(6)/mL) (n = 138). They resulted in 1,463 IVF and 2,045 intracytoplasmic
      sperm injection procedures that gave 802 clinical pregnancies. RESULT(S):
      Surprisingly, the fertilization rate, cleavage rate, clinical pregnancy rate,
      gestational age, and mean infant weight were significantly improved when seminal
      leukocytes were present, regardless of the technique used. The only negative side
      effects associated with a high level of seminal leukocytes (group 3) were an
      elevated rate of early pregnancy loss (from 26.6% to 40.5%) and a 3-fold increase
      in the percentage of ectopic pregnancies. CONCLUSION(S): At moderate levels
      (<10(6)/mL), leukocytospermia appears to be physiologic. It is associated with
      improved sperm fertilization ability and pregnancy outcome. At higher
      concentrations, leukocytospermia alters neither sperm fertilization ability nor
      the probability of clinical pregnancy when compared with nonleukocytic patients
      with infertility. However, the pregnancy outcome is reduced.

PMID- 22047666
TI  - Mutations in PMCA2 and hereditary deafness: a molecular analysis of the pump
      defect.
AB  - The inner ear converts sound waves into hearing signals through the
      mechanoelectrical transduction (MET) process. Deflection of the stereocilia
      bundle of hair cells causes the opening of channels that allow the entry of
      endolymph K(+) and Ca(2+). Ca(2+) that enters is crucial to the hearing process
      and is exported to the endolymph by the plasma membrane Ca(2+) pump (isoform
      PMCA2w/a): disturbances of the balance between Ca(2+) penetration and ejection,
      e.g. by pump mutations, generate deafness. Hearing loss caused by PMCA defects is
      frequently exacerbated by mutations in cadherin 23, a single pass stereociliar
      Ca(2+) binding protein that forms the tip links which permit the deflection of
      the stereocilia bundle and thus the opening of the MET channels. The PMCA2w/a
      pump ejects Ca(2+) to the endolymph even in the absence of the natural activator
      calmodulin. This satisfies the special Ca(2+) homeostasis requirements of the
      stereocilia/endolymph system. Here we have analyzed a mice and a human previously
      described pump mutant. The human mutant only exacerbated the deafness produced by
      a cadherin 23 mutation. The murine mutant overexpressed in model cells displayed
      an evident defect both in the basal activity of the pump and in the long range
      ejection of Ca(2+), the human mutant instead failed to impair the Ca(2+) ejection
      by the pump.

PMID- 22047667
TI  - [Drug prescriptions and demographic indicators in a diabetic population in
      Argentina].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyse prescription patterns for antihyperglycemic drugs and co
      medication in a group of diabetic patients regarding demographic variables.
      METHOD: Observational, cross-sectional study performed from the prescriptions of
      diabetic patients who attended a public health service in Argentina during 2008
      2009. The programme Epidat 3.1 was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: We
      included 813 patients, among which 455 (56%) were women. There was a greater
      prevalence of women under 40 years old (OR: 1.64; 95% CI: 1.05-2.56). Sixty-six
      point seven percent (n=542) of the population used at least one drug acting on
      the cardiovascular system, finding a positive statistical association between
      frequency of use and age (P<.00001). CONCLUSIONS: We found that there was a
      higher prevalence of women than men with early onset of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
      There were no differences between the sexes regarding frequency of use of drugs
      for the cardiovascular system.

PMID- 22047668
TI  - Elevated plasma corticosterone increases metabolic rate in a terrestrial
      salamander.
AB  - Plasma glucocorticoid hormones (GCs) increase intermediary metabolism, which may
      be reflected in whole-animal metabolic rate. Studies in fish, birds, and reptiles
      have shown that GCs may alter whole-animal energy expenditure, but results are
      conflicting and often involve GC levels that are not physiologically relevant. A
      previous study in red-legged salamanders found that male courtship pheromone
      increased plasma corticosterone (CORT; the primary GC in amphibians)
      concentrations in males, which could elevate metabolic processes to sustain
      courtship behaviors. To understand the possible metabolic effect of elevated
      plasma CORT, we measured the effects of male courtship pheromone and exogenous
      application of CORT on oxygen consumption in male red-legged salamanders
      (Plethodon shermani). Exogenous application of CORT elevated plasma CORT to
      physiologically relevant levels. Compared to treatment with male courtship
      pheromone and vehicle, treatment with CORT increased oxygen consumption rates for
      several hours after treatment, resulting in 12% more oxygen consumed (equivalent
      to 0.33 J) during our first 2h sampling period. Contrary to our previous work,
      treatment with pheromone did not increase plasma CORT, perhaps because subjects
      used in this study were not in breeding condition. Pheromone application did not
      affect respiration rates. Our study is one of the few to evaluate the influence
      of physiologically relevant elevations in CORT on whole-animal metabolism in
      vertebrates, and the first to show that elevated plasma CORT increases metabolism
      in an amphibian.

PMID- 22047669
TI  - Assessing therapeutic competence in cognitive therapy for social phobia:
      psychometric properties of the cognitive therapy competence scale for social
      phobia (CTCS-SP).
AB  - BACKGROUND: There has been considerable acknowledgement in treatment outcome
      research that, although the assessment of treatment integrity is essential in
      many respects, it requires great effort as well as resources and is therefore
      often neglected. AIMS: In order to fill this gap, the Cognitive Therapy
      Competence Scale for Social Phobia (CTCS-SP) was developed, based on the
      Cognitive Therapy Scale, to measure therapist competence in delivering cognitive
      therapy for social phobia. The aim of the present study was to investigate
      interrater reliability, internal consistency and retest reliability of the scale.
      METHOD: Raters evaluated therapist competence from 161 videotaped sessions (98
      patients) selected from 234 cognitive treatments within a multi-centre study.
      RESULTS: Interrater-reliability was found to be high for the overall score (ICC =
      .81) and moderate for individual items (ICC = .62-.92). Internal consistency and
      retest reliability were also found to be high (Cronbach's alpha = .89; (ICCretest
      = .86). CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that the CTCS-SP is highly reliable. As
      even individual items yield satisfactory reliability, the scale can be used in
      various fields of research, including the measurement of changes in skill
      acquisition and the impact of competence on outcome criteria.

PMID- 22047670
TI  - Effects of a radiation dose reduction strategy for computed tomography in
      severely injured trauma patients in the emergency department: an observational
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Severely injured trauma patients are exposed to clinically
      significant radiation doses from computed tomography (CT) imaging in the
      emergency department. Moreover, this radiation exposure is associated with an
      increased risk of cancer. The purpose of this study was to determine some effects
      of a radiation dose reduction strategy for CT in severely injured trauma patients
      in the emergency department. METHODS: We implemented the radiation dose reduction
      strategy in May 2009. A prospective observational study design was used to
      collect data from patients who met the inclusion criteria during this one year
      study (intervention group) from May 2009 to April 2010. The prospective data were
      compared with data collected retrospectively for one year prior to the
      implementation of the radiation dose reduction strategy (control group). By
      comparison of the cumulative effective dose and the number of CT examinations in
      the two groups, we evaluated effects of a radiation dose reduction strategy. All
      the patients met the institutional adult trauma team activation criteria. The
      radiation doses calculated by the CT scanner were converted to effective doses by
      multiplication by a conversion coefficient. RESULTS: A total of 118 patients were
      included in this study. Among them, 33 were admitted before May 2009 (control
      group), and 85 were admitted after May 2009 (intervention group). There were no
      significant differences between the two groups regarding baseline
      characteristics, such as injury severity and mortality. Additionally, there was
      no difference between the two groups in the mean number of total CT examinations
      per patient (4.8 vs. 4.5, respectively; p = 0.227). However, the mean effective
      dose of the total CT examinations per patient significantly decreased from 78.71
      mSv to 29.50 mSv (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The radiation dose reduction strategy
      for CT in severely injured trauma patients effectively decreased the cumulative
      effective dose of the total CT examinations in the emergency department. But not
      effectively decreased the number of CT examinations.

PMID- 22047671
TI  - Neural regulation of the immune system modulates hypertension-induced target
      organ damage.
AB  - Innate and acquired immune mechanisms are involved in hypertension-induced target
      organ damage. Immunosuppressive treatments directed at T lymphocytes, NF-kappaB
      activation, or tumor necrosis factor-alpha production are all successful in
      ameliorating cardiac or renal injury. Recently, important modulatory functions
      involving the autonomic nervous system have been uncovered. Involved are an
      afferent detection arm that sends vagal-mediated signals to the brain and an
      efferent arm that includes the spleen and important nicotinic acetylcholine
      receptor subunit. The signaling attenuates inflammatory activity. Splenectomy or
      operations that injure the vagus or splenic abrogate these important protective
      mechanisms. Vagal stimulation, either electrical or pharmacological, could
      provide additional protection. The field of neuroimmunology will become
      increasingly important to cardiovascular clinicians.

PMID- 22047672
TI  - Stand-off spatial offset Raman spectroscopy for the detection of concealed
      content in distant objects.
AB  - A pulsed (4.4 ns pulse length) frequency-doubled Nd:YAG laser operated at 10 Hz
      was used to generate Raman scattering of samples at a distance of 12 m. The
      scattered light was collected by a 6 in. telescope, and the Raman spectrum was
      recorded using an Acton SP-2750 spectrograph coupled to a gated intensified
      charge-coupled device (ICCD) detector. Applying a spatial offset between the
      point where the laser hit the sample and the focus of the telescope on the sample
      enabled collection of Raman photons that were predominantly generated inside the
      sample and not from its surface. This is especially effective when the content of
      concealed objects should be analyzed. High-quality Raman spectra could be
      recorded, within 10 s of data acquisition, from a solid (NaClO(3)) as well as a
      liquid (isopropyl alcohol) placed inside a 1.5 mm thick opaque low-density
      polyethylene (LDPE) plastic bottle. The applied spatial offset was also
      advantageous in cases where the surface of the container was highly fluorescent.
      In such a situation, Raman spectra of the sample could not be recorded when the
      sampling volume (telescope observation field) coincided with the focus of the
      excitation laser. However, with the use of a spatial offset of some millimeters,
      a clear Raman spectrum of the content (isopropyl alcohol) in a strongly
      fluorescent plastic container was obtained.

PMID- 22047673
TI  - A geometric morphometric analysis of hominin upper premolars. Shape variation and
      morphological integration.
AB  - This paper continues the series of articles initiated in 2006 that analyse
      hominin dental crown morphology by means of geometric morphometric techniques.
      The detailed study of both upper premolar occlusal morphologies in a
      comprehensive sample of hominin fossils, including those coming from the Gran
      Dolina-TD6 and Sima de los Huesos sites from Atapuerca, Spain, complement
      previous works on lower first and second premolars and upper first molars. A
      morphological gradient consisting of the change from asymmetric to symmetric
      upper premolars and a marked reduction of the lingual cusp in recent Homo species
      has been observed in both premolars. Although percentages of correct
      classification based on upper premolar morphologies are not very high,
      significant morphological differences between Neanderthals (and European middle
      Pleistocene fossils) and modern humans have been identified, especially in upper
      second premolars. The study of morphological integration between premolar
      morphologies reveals significant correlations that are weaker between upper
      premolars than between lower ones and significant correlations between
      antagonists. These results have important implications for understanding the
      genetic and functional factors underlying dental phenotypic variation and
      covariation.

PMID- 22047680
TI  - Mental incapacity in hospitalised patients undergoing percutaneous endoscopic
      gastrostomy insertion.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Decisions to insert percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG)
      tubes may be difficult because patients have serious underlying disease, and the
      procedure has associated risks. Patients may also lack mental capacity to consent
      to PEG insertion. This study aimed to prospectively determine the prevalence of
      mental incapacity in hospitalised patients undergoing PEG insertion. METHODS:
      Mental capacity was assessed using the MacArthur Competence Assessment Tool for
      Treatment (MacCAT-T) in 72 consecutive inpatients referred for PEG insertion.
      Cognitive function was measured using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).
      Sixty eight inpatients and 69 outpatients having diagnostic upper
      gastrointestinal (UGI) endoscopy were similarly studied. RESULTS: Thirty nine of
      the PEG patients had suffered stroke, and none had a primary diagnosis of
      dementia. Seventy four % (53/72) of inpatients referred for PEG, 22% (15/68) of
      inpatients having UGI endoscopy, and 3% (2/69) of outpatients having UGI
      endoscopy, lacked mental capacity, p < 0.001. MMSE scores were normal in just 18%
      of inpatients having PEG, in 72% of inpatients having UGI endoscopy, and in 91%
      of outpatients having UGI endoscopy, p < 0.001. CONCLUSION: Amongst inpatients
      undergoing PEG insertion there is a high prevalence (three-quarters patients) of
      mental incapacity to consent to this important intervention. Decisions have to be
      made on behalf of most inpatients referred for PEG insertion.

PMID- 22047681
TI  - Randomized phase III clinical trial of a combined treatment with carnitine +
      celecoxib +/- megestrol acetate for patients with cancer-related
      anorexia/cachexia syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: A phase III, randomized non-inferiority study was carried out
      to compare a two-drug combination (including nutraceuticals, i.e. antioxidants)
      with carnitine + celecoxib +/- megestrol acetate for the treatment of cancer
      related anorexia/cachexia syndrome (CACS): the primary endpoints were increase of
      lean body mass (LBM) and improvement of total daily physical activity. Secondary
      endpoint was: increase of physical performance tested by grip strength and 6-min
      walk test. METHODS: Sixty eligible patients were randomly assigned to: arm 1, L
      carnitine 4 g/day + Celecoxib 300 mg/day or arm 2, L-carnitine 4 g/day +
      celecoxib 300 mg/day + megestrol acetate 320 mg/day, all orally. All patients
      received as basic treatment polyphenols 300 mg/day, lipoic acid 300 mg/day,
      carbocysteine 2.7 g/day, Vitamin E, A, C. Treatment duration was 4 months.
      Planned sample size was 60 patients. RESULTS: The results did not show a
      significant difference between tre atment arms in both primary and secondary
      endpoints. Analysis of changes from baseline showed that LBM (by dual-energy X
      ray absorptiometry and by L3 computed tomography) increased significantly in both
      arms as well as physical performance assessed by 6MWT. Toxicity was quite
      negligible and comparable between arms. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present
      study showed a non-inferiority of arm 1 (two-drug combination) vs arm 2 (two-drug
      combination + megestrol acetate). Therefore, this simple, feasible, effective,
      safe, low cost with favorable cost-benefit profile, two-drug approach could be
      suggested in the clinical practice to implement CACS treatment.

PMID- 22047682
TI  - A revertible, autonomous, self-assembled DNA-origami nanoactuator.
AB  - A DNA-origami actuator capable of autonomous internal motion in accord to an
      external chemical signal was designed, built, operated and imaged. The functional
      DNA nanostructure consists of a disk connected to an external ring in two,
      diametrically opposite points. A single stranded DNA, named probe, was connected
      to two edges of the disk perpendicularly to the axis of constrain. In the
      presence of a hybridizing target molecule, the probe coiled into a double helix
      that stretched the inner disk forcing the edges to move toward each other. The
      addition of a third single stranded molecule that displaced the target from the
      probe restored the initial state of the origami. Operation, dimension and shape
      were carefully characterized by combining microscopy and fluorescence techniques.

PMID- 22047683
TI  - Long-term (<= 50 years) results of patients after mitral valve commissurotomy--a
      single-center experience.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Currently, in Middle Europe, closed and open mitral valve
      commissurotomy (MVC) is rarely done and has been replaced by catheter-based
      balloon procedures. Especially under these circumstances, data on the long-term
      outcomes after surgical interventions are important. METHODS: From 1955 to 1989,
      268 patients (75 male and 193 female patients) with mostly rheumatic or
      infectious mitral stenoses underwent closed (n = 151) or open (n = 117) surgical
      procedures. The mean age at surgery was 41.2 +/- 11.1 years; 19 patients (7.1%)
      died within the first 30 days after surgery. RESULTS: The 50-year follow-up was
      complete for 215 patients (80.2%). The survival rate at 10, 20, and 30 years
      after surgery was 80.2%, 58.6%, and 41.8%, respectively. The differences after
      closed and open MVC were nonsignificant. At the latest follow-up, 32 patients
      were alive and had a mean New York Heart Association functional classification of
      2.7. The 10-, 20-, and 30-year freedom from reoperation rate was 93.2%, 82.9%,
      and 76.0% for the closed intervention group and 88.5%, 80.3%, and 78.7% for the
      open intervention groups. Again, the differences were nonsignificant. The main
      cause for reoperation was recurrent fibrosis of the mitral valve. Most patients
      (n = 51) received mechanical valves, 5 a bioprothesis, and 8 repeat MVC. Four
      patients required a third intervention. CONCLUSIONS: In Middle Europe, closed and
      open MVCs are now rarely performed, but the ultra-long-term results are excellent
      and serve as a standard for the now-established balloon valvuloplasty. MVCs
      remain an option for pregnant women. In third world clinical conditions, closed
      MVC remains a less expensive alternative.

PMID- 22047684
TI  - Effects of glutaraldehyde concentration, pretreatment time, and type of tissue
      (porcine versus bovine) on postimplantation calcification.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to evaluate the effects of glutaraldehyde (GA)
      concentration, time of pretreatment, and type of tissue (porcine vs bovine) on
      quantitative and qualitative postimplant calcification of tissues. METHODS:
      Freshly obtained porcine and bovine pericardial tissues were each treated with
      increasing concentrations of GA (controls, 0.3125%, 0.625%, and 1.2%) for a fixed
      time (15 minutes) or increasing exposure times (5, 10, 20, and 30 minutes) at a
      fixed concentration of GA (0.625%). Pretreated tissues were subcutaneously
      implanted in 10-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats for 45 days before explantation.
      Quantitative calcium analysis was performed by flame atomic spectrophotometry.
      Histologic examination of tissue samples with hematoxylin and eosin and von Kossa
      staining was performed for cellular and inflammatory response, autolysis, and
      calcification. RESULTS: Two-way analysis of variance indicated significantly
      greater calcium levels at 1.2% compared with each lower concentration for both
      porcine and bovine samples (P < .01). Significantly lower calcium levels were
      detected with increased exposure time in porcine samples (F = 6.97; P < .001);
      however, no significant differences in calcium levels were observed between
      different exposure times for bovine samples (F = 1.46; P = .23). Histologic
      evidence of inflammatory response with infiltration with mononuclear cells,
      fibroblasts, and histiocytes was seen in all grafts; however, it varied from mild
      to severe without any pattern. There were no differences in degree or pattern of
      inflammatory response according to GA concentration or time of exposure.
      Estimation of amount of calcification by histologic examination correlated with
      the quantitative assay. CONCLUSIONS: Increasing GA concentration leads to greater
      calcification with a sharp rise in calcium levels above a concentration of
      0.625%, in both bovine and porcine pericardial tissues. At a concentration of
      0.625%, increasing pretreatment time is inversely related to tissue calcification
      for porcine pericardium but not for bovine pericardium. Differences in the tissue
      composition in terms of cellular content and composition of the extracellular
      matrix could account for the observed findings.

PMID- 22047685
TI  - Bioengineered self-seeding heart valves.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Mechanical and biological prostheses are used to replace damaged heart
      valves but are associated with significant morbidities. Although there is
      increased interest in bioengineering cell-seeded heart valve scaffolds, it is a
      time-consuming and technically difficult process. The goal of this project was to
      engineer self-seeding heart valves that mature quickly in vivo and have a shorter
      preparation time. METHODS: Porcine pulmonary valves were decellularized using
      detergent methods and then either (1) left untreated (unconjugated, n = 6), (2)
      reseeded with autologous endothelial progenitor cell-derived endothelial cells
      (cell-seeded, n = 4), or (3) conjugated with CD133 antibodies (conjugated, n =
      8). The valve constructs were transplanted into the pulmonary position of sheep
      using standard surgical techniques. After 1 or 3 months, the implants were
      removed and assessed for cell and matrix content as well as biomechanical
      properties. RESULTS: Endothelial cells expressing von Willebrand factor lined the
      entire length of both ventricular and arterial surfaces of conjugated valves by 1
      month after implantation. Interstitial cell and structural protein content of
      conjugated valves increased from 1 month to 3 months with interstitial expression
      of metalloproteinase-9 and new collagen formation. In contrast, there were few
      endothelial or interstitial cells associated with unconjugated, or cell-seeded
      valves at any time point. No calcification or thrombi were noted on any of the
      valves. Young's modulus and tensile strength was greater in the conjugated valves
      versus unconjugated or cell-seeded valves. CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate that
      tissue-engineered heart valve replacement constructs can be made quickly and
      therefore may be a clinically relevant option for patients needing heart valve
      surgery in a timely fashion.

PMID- 22047686
TI  - Quality of life of patients after retropubic prostatectomy - pre- and
      postoperative scores of the EORTC QLQ-C30 and QLQ-PR25.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with newly diagnosed early stage prostate cancer (PCa) face
      a difficult choice of different treatment options with curative intention. They
      must consider both goals of optimising quantity and quality of life. The quality
      of life (QoL) is a psychometric outcome which is measured using validated
      questionnaires. Only few data are published concerning pre - and postoperative
      QoL. METHODS: This study investigated pre perative QoL of 185 patients who
      consecutively underwent open radical retropubic prostatectomy for organ-confined
      PCa to postoperative QoL of another 185 patients. The EORTC QLQ-C30, EORTC
      QLQPR25 module and 24 h ICS pad test were used (mean follow-up 28.6 months).
      RESULTS: The examined symptom scores of the EORTC QLQ-PR25 were on lowest level.
      In the dyspnoea symptom score differences of age emerged: the amount of patients
      who are short of breath rose significantly in older patients after surgery (p <
      0.05 paired, two-tailed student's t-test).. Lastly, the urinary symptom score was
      found postal-therapeutically low; this fact was age independent. The results of
      sexual symptom score need to be taken into consideration, since prostatectomy
      resulted in a significant reduction of sexual activity independent of age. All
      functioning scales postoperatively reached high values without significant
      changes (p > 0.05 student's t-test ), which implies a high QoL after surgery. A
      reliable and satisfying status of continence was found in our patients after
      retropubic prostatectomy. A high rate of patients (89.2%) would choose retropubic
      prostatectomy again. CONCLUSION: Retropubic prostatectomy represents a reliable
      and accepted procedure in the treatment of organ-confined PCa. For the first time
      it could be shown that patients' QoL remained on a high level after retropubic
      prostatectomy. Nevertheless, the primary avoidance or postoperative therapy of
      erectile dysfunction should be in the focus of surgeons.

PMID- 22047687
TI  - Synthesis and evaluation of a bifunctional chelate for development of Bi(III)
      labeled radioimmunoconjugates.
AB  - A new bifunctional ligand C-DEPA was designed and synthesized as a component for
      antibody-targeted radiation therapy (radioimmunotherapy, RIT) of cancer. C-DEPA
      was conjugated to a tumor targeting antibody, trastuzumab, and the corresponding
      C-DEPA-trastuzumab conjugate was evaluated for radiolabeling kinetics with
      (205/6)Bi. C-DEPA-trastuzumab conjugate rapidly bound (205/6)Bi, and (205/6)Bi-C
      DEPA-trastuzumab conjugate was stable in human serum for 72 h. The in vitro
      radiolabeling kinetics and serum stability data suggest that C-DEPA is a
      potential chelate for preclinical RIT applications using (212)Bi and (213)Bi.

PMID- 22047688
TI  - CCR2 receptor antagonists: optimization of biaryl sulfonamides to increase
      activity in whole blood.
AB  - A series of biarylsulfonamides was identified as hCCR2 receptor antagonist but
      suffered from high plasma protein binding resulting in a >100 fold shift in
      activity in a functional GTPgammaS assay run in tandem in the presence and
      absence of human serum albumin. Introduction of an aryl amide with
      ethylenediamine linker led to compounds with reduced shifts and improved activity
      in whole blood.

PMID- 22047689
TI  - Novel amino-piperidines as potent antibacterials targeting bacterial type IIA
      topoisomerases.
AB  - We have identified a series of amino-piperidine antibacterials with a good broad
      spectrum potency. We report the investigation of various subunits in this series
      and advanced studies on compound 8. Compound 8 possesses good pharmacokinetics,
      broad spectrum antibacterial activity and demonstrates oral efficacy in a rat
      lung infection model.

PMID- 22047690
TI  - Conjugation of spermine enhances cellular uptake of the stapled peptide-based
      inhibitors of p53-Mdm2 interaction.
AB  - We report the first synthesis of the C-terminally spermine-conjugated stapled
      peptide-based inhibitors of the p53-Mdm2 interaction. Subsequent biological,
      biophysical and cellular uptake assays with the spermine-conjugated stapled
      peptides revealed that spermine conjugation minimally affects biological activity
      while significantly increases peptide helicity and cellular uptake without
      apparent cytotoxicity.

PMID- 22047691
TI  - The discovery of AZD9164, a novel muscarinic M3 antagonist.
AB  - The optimization of a new series of muscarinic M(3) antagonists is described,
      leading to the identification of AZD9164 which was progressed into the clinic for
      evaluation of its potential as a treatment for COPD.

PMID- 22047692
TI  - Nicotinic acids: liver-targeted SCD inhibitors with preclinical anti-diabetic
      efficacy.
AB  - An in vitro screening protocol was used to transform a systemically-distributed
      SCD inhibitor into a liver-targeted compound. Incorporation of a key nicotinic
      acid moiety enables molecular recognition by OATP transporters, as demonstrated
      by uptake studies in transfected cell lines, and likely serves as a critical
      component of the observed liver-targeted tissue distribution profile. Preclinical
      anti-diabetic oGTT efficacy is demonstrated with nicotinic acid-based, liver
      targeting SCD inhibitor 10, and studies with a close-structural analog devoid of
      SCD1 activity, suggest this efficacy is a result of on-target activity.

PMID- 22047693
TI  - Antifungal activity of 2alpha,3beta-functionalized steroids stereoselectively
      increases with the addition of oligosaccharides.
AB  - Invasive fungal infections pose a significant problem to the immune-compromised.
      Moreover, increased resistance to common antifungals requires development of
      novel compounds that can be used to treat invasive fungal infections. Naturally
      occurring steroidal glycosides have been shown to possess a range of functional
      antimicrobial properties, but synthetic methodology for their development hinders
      thorough exploration of this class of molecules and the structural components
      required for broad spectrum antifungal activity. In this report, we outline a
      novel approach to the synthesis of glycoside-linked functionalized 2alpha,3beta
      cholestane and spirostane molecules and present data from in vitro screenings of
      the antifungal activities against human fungal pathogens and as well as mammalian
      cell toxicity of these derivatives.

PMID- 22047694
TI  - Antiprotozoal activity of proton-pump inhibitors.
AB  - Parasitic diseases are still a major health problem in developing countries. In
      our effort to find new antiparasitic agents, in this Letter we report the in
      vitro antiprotozoal activity of omeprazole, lansoprazole, rabeprazole and
      pantoprazole against Trichomonas vaginalis, Giardia intestinalis and Entamoeba
      histolytica. Molecular modeling studies were an important tool to highlight the
      potential antiprotozoal activity of these drugs. Experimental evaluations
      revealed a strong activity for all compounds tested. Rabeprazole and pantoprazole
      were the most active compounds, having IC(50) values in the nanomolar range,
      which were even better than metronidazole, the drug of choice for these
      parasites.

PMID- 22047695
TI  - Exploration of in vitro time point quantitative evaluation of newly synthesized
      benzimidazole and benzothiazole derivatives as potential antibacterial agents.
AB  - Present communication deals with the in vitro time point quantitative
      antibacterial evaluation of newly synthesized 1,2-disubstituted benzimidazoles
      (3a-p) and 2-substituted benzothiazoles (5a-h) against Gram-positive bacteria
      Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, and Gram-negative bacteria Vibrio
      cholerae, Shigella dysenteriae and Escherichia coli. These compounds were
      synthesized under mild reaction conditions using Al(2)O(3)-Fe(2)O(3) nanocrystals
      as heterogeneous catalyst. Bio-evaluation studies revealed that, compounds 3a, 5a
      and 5d exhibited moderate to good antibacterial activity against all the tested
      bacterial stains. The compounds 3a, 3f and 5a have shown enhanced inhibitory
      activity compared with standard antibacterial drug ciprofloxacin against V.
      cholerae, B. cereus, and S. dysenteriae, respectively. Additionally, the
      compounds 3a, 3e, 3f, 3h and 5b displayed complete bactericidal activity within
      24 h, whereas ciprofloxacin took 48 h to kill those bacteria completely.

PMID- 22047696
TI  - Structure-activity relationships of ganoderma acids from Ganoderma lucidum as
      aldose reductase inhibitors.
AB  - A series of lanostane-type triterpenoids, known as ganoderma acids were isolated
      from the fruiting body of Ganoderma lucidum. Some of these compounds were
      identified as active inhibitors of the in vitro human recombinant aldose
      reductase. To clarify the structural requirement for inhibition, some structure
      activity relationships were determined. Our structure-activity studies of
      ganoderma acids revealed that the OH substituent at C-11 is an important feature
      and the carboxylic group in the side chain is essential for the recognition of
      aldose reductase inhibitory activity. Moreover, double bond moiety at C-20 and C
      22 in the side chain contributes to improving aldose reductase inhibitory
      activity. In the case of ganoderic acid C2, all of OH substituent at C-3, C-7 and
      C-15 is important for potent aldose reductase inhibition. These results provide
      an approach to understanding the structural requirements of ganoderma acids from
      G. lucidum for aldose reductase inhibitor. This understanding is necessary to
      design a new-type of aldose reductase inhibitor.

PMID- 22047697
TI  - Fluorescent reporters of monoamine transporter distribution and function.
AB  - Serotonin is a monoamine serving as a chemical messenger in diverse brain
      regions, as well as in blood and various other organs. We synthesized six
      ethylamine functionalized fluorophores as fluorescent probes for serotonin. The
      one with best spectral properties and aqueous solubility, 6-amino-2-(2
      aminoethyl)-1H-benzo[de]isoquinoline-1,3(2H)-dione, was studied in detail both in
      vivo and in vitro. It was shown to act as a ligand for serotonin transporter
      (SERT) without acute cerebral or cardiovascular toxicity or adverse effects.
      Fluorescent serotonin analogs can be used for direct visualization of SERT
      distribution and activity in live tissue.

PMID- 22047698
TI  - Novel cytotoxic chalcones from Litsea rubescens and Litsea pedunculata.
AB  - Two novel flavonoids with chalcone skeleton, together with seven known
      flavonoids, were isolated from the stem barks of Litsea rubescens and Litsea
      pedunculata. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated on the basis of
      spectral methods including IR, UV, 1D and 2D NMR. The new chalcones were found to
      contain the rare epoxy or ethylidenedioxy group. This is the first report on the
      presence of chalcone in the plant genus Litsea. The cytotoxic potential of two
      new chalcones was evaluated in vitro against three human tumor cell lines. Both
      new chalcones displayed potent cytotoxic activities against myeloid leukaemia (HL
      60) and epidermoid carcinoma (A431) cell lines and more active than cisplatin
      (DDP). Interestingly, compound 1 exhibited cytotoxic activity against HL-60 with
      IC(50) value 2.1-fold more sensitive to DDP.

PMID- 22047699
TI  - Use of self-expandable stents in the treatment of bariatric surgery leaks: a
      systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bariatric surgery leaks can result in significant morbidity and
      mortality. Endoscopic placement of self-expandable stents (SESs) is emerging as a
      less-invasive alternative to surgery for the treatment of leaks. OBJECTIVE: To
      evaluate the success of SESs in the treatment of bariatric surgery leaks. DESIGN:
      Studies using SESs in the management of bariatric surgery leaks were selected.
      Success of SES treatment was defined as radiographic evidence of leak closure
      after stent removal. Articles were searched in MEDLINE, PubMed, Ovid, and
      Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials. Pooled proportions were calculated by
      using fixed- and random-effects models. Publication bias was calculated by using
      the Begg-Mazumdar and Harbord bias estimators. RESULTS: A total of 189 relevant
      articles were reviewed of which 7 studies (67 patients with leaks) met inclusion
      criteria. The pooled proportion of successful leak closures by using SESs was
      87.77% (95% CI, 79.39%-94.19%). The pooled proportion of successful endoscopic
      stent removal was 91.57% (95% CI, 84.22%-96.77%). Stent migration was noted in
      16.94% (95% CI, 9.32%-26.27%). Test of heterogeneity gave a P value >.10. There
      was no publication bias. LIMITATIONS: Small retrospective studies, different
      types of stents used. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic placement of SESs is a minimally
      invasive, safe, and effective alternative in the management of leaks after
      bariatric surgery. The use of SESs can minimize the need for surgical revision
      and improve patient outcomes.

PMID- 22047700
TI  - Single-operator cholangioscopy for the extraction of cystic duct stones (with
      video).

PMID- 22047701
TI  - The effect of hand dominance on martial arts strikes.
AB  - The main goal of this study was to compare dominant and non-dominant martial arts
      palm strikes under different circumstances that usually happen during martial
      arts and combative sports applications. Seven highly experienced (10+/-5 years)
      right hand dominant Kung Fu practitioners performed strikes with both hands,
      stances with left or right lead legs, and with the possibility or not of stepping
      towards the target (moving stance). Peak force was greater for the dominant hand
      strikes (1593.76+/-703.45 N vs. 1042.28+/-374.16 N; p<.001), whereas no
      difference was found in accuracy between the hands (p=.141). Additionally, peak
      force was greater for the strikes with moving stance (1448.75+/-686.01 N vs.
      1201.80+/-547.98 N; p=.002) and left lead leg stance (1378.06+/-705.48 N vs.
      1269.96+/-547.08 N). Furthermore, the difference in peak force between strikes
      with moving and stationary stances was statistically significant only for the
      strikes performed with a left lead leg stance (p=.007). Hand speed was higher for
      the dominant hand strikes (5.82+/-1.08 m/s vs. 5.24+/-0.78 m/s; p=.001) and for
      the strikes with moving stance (5.79+/-1.01 m/s vs. 5.29+/-0.90 m/s; p<.001). The
      difference in hand speed between right and left hand strikes was only significant
      for strikes with moving stance. In summary, our results suggest that the stronger
      palm strike for a right-handed practitioner is a right hand strike on a left lead
      leg stance moving towards the target.

PMID- 22047702
TI  - Carbapenem stewardship: does ertapenem affect Pseudomonas susceptibility to other
      carbapenems? A review of the evidence.
AB  - The group 2 carbapenems (imipenem, meropenem and, more recently, doripenem) have
      been a mainstay of treatment for patients with serious hospital infections caused
      by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Enterobacteriaceae and other difficult-to-treat Gram
      negative pathogens as well as mixed aerobic/anaerobic infections. When ertapenem,
      a group 1 carbapenem, was introduced, questions were raised about the potential
      for ertapenem to select for imipenem- and meropenem-resistant Pseudomonas.
      Results from ten clinical studies evaluating the effect of ertapenem use on the
      susceptibility of Pseudomonas to carbapenems have uniformly shown that ertapenem
      use does not result in decreased Pseudomonas susceptibility to these
      antipseudomonal carbapenems. Here we review these studies evaluating the evidence
      of how ertapenem use affects P. aeruginosa as well as provide considerations for
      ertapenem use in the context of institutional stewardship initiatives.

PMID- 22047703
TI  - Retrospective case-control analysis of patients with staphylococcal infections
      receiving daptomycin or glycopeptide therapy.
AB  - Glycopeptides have been considered the antimicrobials of choice for serious
      meticillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and meticillin-resistant
      coagulase-negative staphylococci (MR-CoNS) infections for several years.
      Daptomycin is a new option for the treatment of these infections, including those
      exhibiting reduced susceptibility to glycopeptides. The aim of this study was to
      compare glycopeptides and daptomycin for the treatment of infections caused by
      MRSA or MR-CoNS. Data for 106 patients with bloodstream infections (bacteraemia
      or infective endocarditis) or skin and soft-tissue infections (SSTIs) were
      retrospectively reviewed, of which 43 were treated with daptomycin (DAP group)
      and 63 were treated with vancomycin or teicoplanin (GLYCO group). Patients
      included in the two comparison groups were homogeneous in terms of age, risk
      factors and clinical severity. Aetiology was mainly represented by MRSA in both
      groups, followed by various species of MR-CoNS. Daptomycin was used more
      frequently in patients with central venous catheter-associated bacteraemia or
      pacemaker-associated infection. Patients with SSTIs included in the GLYCO group
      had a longer mean duration of antibiotic therapy (18.2 days vs. 14.6 days;
      P=0.009) and a longer mean length of hospital stay (28.2 days vs. 19.6 days;
      P=0.01) compared with those included in the DAP group. A longer mean duration of
      antibiotic therapy was also observed in patients with bloodstream infections
      receiving glycopeptide therapy (25.6 days vs. 18 days; P=0.004). In conclusion,
      the good clinical efficacy of daptomycin is associated with a more rapid
      resolution of the clinical syndrome and a reduced length of hospitalisation. This
      latter aspect may have important pharmacoeconomic implications, promoting the use
      of daptomycin in the clinical setting.

PMID- 22047704
TI  - Co-infection with Opisthorchis viverrini and Haplorchis taichui detected by human
      fecal examination in Chomtong district, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand.
AB  - Diseases caused by the liver fluke, Opisthorchis viverrini and the minute
      intestinal fluke, Haplorchis taichui, are clinically important, especially in the
      Northeast and North regions of Thailand. It is often difficult to distinguish
      between these trematode species using morphological methods due to the similarity
      of their eggs and larval stages both in mixed and co-infections. A sensitive,
      accurate, and specific detection method of these flukes is required for an
      effective epidemiological control program. This study aimed to determine the
      prevalence of O. viverrini and H. taichui infections in human feces by using
      formalin-ether sedimentation and high annealing temperature random amplified
      polymorphic DNA (HAT-RAPD) PCR methods. Fecal specimens of people living along
      the Mae Ping River, Chomtong district were examined seasonally for trematode eggs
      using a compound microscope. Positive cases were analyzed in HAT-RAPD, DNA
      profiles were compared with adult stages to determine the actual species
      infected, and specific DNA markers of each fluke were also screened. Our results
      showed that out of 316 specimens, 62 were positive for fluke eggs which were pre
      identified as O. viverrini and H. taichui. In addition, co-infection among these
      two fluke species was observed from only two specimens. The prevalence of H.
      taichui infections peaked in the hot-dry (19.62%), gradually decreased in the
      rainy (18.18%), and cool-dry seasons (14.54%), respectively. O. viverrini was
      found only in the hot-dry season (6.54%). For molecular studies, 5 arbitrary
      primers (Operon Technologies, USA) were individually performed in HAT-RAPD-PCR
      for the generation of polymorphic DNA profiles. The DNA profiles in all 62
      positives cases were the same as those of the adult stage which confirmed our
      identifications. This study demonstrates the mixed infection of O. viverrini and
      H. taichui and confirms the extended distribution of O. viverrini in Northern
      Thailand.

PMID- 22047705
TI  - Evaluation of perseveration in relation to panic-relevant responding: an initial
      test.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Perseveration reflects the tendency to engage in a behavior even when
      it is no longer rewarding nor produces the expected consequences. METHOD: The
      current study explored whether (1) individuals endorsing a recent (past 2 years)
      history of nonclinical panic attacks would report greater levels of perseveration
      compared to individuals without such a history; (2) whether individuals endorsing
      higher levels of perseveration would evidence greater panic-relevant responding
      to a 4-minute 10% carbon dioxide-enriched air challenge. RESULTS: Results
      indicated that individuals with, compared to without, a positive panic attack
      history endorsed significantly greater levels of perseveration. Additionally,
      greater pre-challenge levels of perseveration significantly predicted greater
      panic attack symptom severity as well as self-reported anxiety; these significant
      effects were evident above and beyond the variance accounted for by sex, trait
      level negative affectivity, panic attack status, and distress tolerance as well
      as shared variance with the related constructs of persistence and perfectionism.
      DISCUSSION: Together, the current findings provide initial, albeit preliminary,
      support for the utility of investigating perseveration in relation to models of
      panic psychopathology specifically, and offer a further empirical context for
      perseveration-psychopathology relations in general.

PMID- 22047706
TI  - The utility of fluorescence in situ hybridization analysis in diagnosing
      myelodysplastic syndromes is limited to cases with karyotype failure.
AB  - Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) is being used increasingly in
      cytogenetic diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). However, the utility of
      FISH in this role has not been well-defined. A total of 249 de novo MDS patients
      were submitted to karyotyping and FISH analysis for -5/del(5)(q31), 
      7/del(7)(q31), +8, -17/i(17)(q10), del(20)(q12), and -Y. Of the 234 patients with
      available karyotypic data, 143 cases (60.9%) demonstrated normal karyotype and 91
      cases (39.1%) showed abnormal karyotype. FISH confirmed R-banding findings in
      96.6% (226/234) of samples with successful karyotyping and detected cytogenetic
      abnormalities in 46.7% (7/15) of cases with karyotype failure. Of the 3.4%
      (8/234) patients showing discrepancies between FISH and R-banding, FISH revealed
      cytogenetic abnormalities in four patients with normal karyotypes and four
      patients with complex karyotypes. These results highlight FISH analysis has
      limited value in MDS cases with successful karyotyping and is only informative in
      MDS cases with karyotype failure.

PMID- 22047707
TI  - Tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy for acute myeloid leukemia with late-appearing
      Philadelphia chromosome.

PMID- 22047708
TI  - Vitamin D insufficiency predicts time to first treatment (TFT) in early chronic
      lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
AB  - Although vitamin D insufficiency is related to inferior prognosis in some
      cancers, limited data exist in hematologic malignancies. We evaluated the
      relationship between 25(OH)D serum levels and time to first treatment (TFT), a
      disease-specific end point, in 130 previously untreated Binet stage A chronic
      lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) patients. Measurement of 25(OH)D was performed by
      means of a direct, competitive chemiluminescence immunoassay using the DiaSorin
      LIAISON 25(OH)D TOTAL assay (DiaSorin, Inc., Stillwater, Minnesota). Overall, 41
      patients (31.5%) had severe vitamin D insufficiency (<10 ng/mL), 66 (50.7%) had
      mild to moderate insufficiency (10-24 ng/mL), and 23 (17.6%) had 25(OH)D levels
      within the optimal range (25-80 ng/mL), with no relationship with between the
      season of sample collection and 25(OH)D level (P=0.188). A patient stratification
      according to these 3 groups led to significant difference in terms of TFT, with
      vitamin D insufficient patients having the shortest TFT (P=0.02). With respect to
      continuous 25(OH)D levels and clinical outcome, TFT was shorter as 25(OH)D
      decreased until a value of 13.5 ng/mL at which point the association of 25(OH)D
      and TFT remained constant. As a matter of fact, the 25(OH)D value of 13.5 ng/mL
      identified two patients subsets with different TFT risk (HR=1.91; 95% CI=1.06
      3.44; P=0.03). In multivariate analysis the variable entering the model at a
      significant level were mutational status of IgVH (P<0.0001), serum thymidine
      kinase (P=0.02) and absolute lymphocyte count (P=0.03). Thus confirming the Mayo
      clinic experience, our data provide further evidence that 25(OH)D levels may be
      an important host factor influencing TFT of Binet stage A patients. Whether
      normalizing vitamin D levels may delay disease-progression of patients with early
      disease will require testing in future trials.

PMID- 22047709
TI  - DNA repair gene XPD and XRCC1 polymorphisms and the risk of febrile neutropenia
      and mucositis in children with leukemia and lymphoma.
AB  - The aim of the study is to investigate association between DNA repair gene XPD
      and XRCC1 polymorphisms and febrile neutropenia (FN) and mucositis. The study
      population consisted of 29 children with Burkitt lymphoma and 61 children with
      acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Analysis revealed that XRCC1194Trp allele showed a
      protective effect against longer FN and mucositis. There was also statistically
      increased risk for severe mucositis in patients with XRCC1Arg399Gln polymorphism.
      There are no studies that have examined this relationship before. Further studies
      with larger cohorts are needed to clarify the association.

PMID- 22047710
TI  - piR-823, a novel non-coding small RNA, demonstrates in vitro and in vivo tumor
      suppressive activity in human gastric cancer cells.
AB  - Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs), new non-coding small RNAs, are association with
      chromatin organization, messenger RNA stability and genome structure. However,
      the roles of piRNA in carcinogenesis are not clearly defined. By using real-time
      reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction technology, we found that the
      expression level of piR-823 in gastric cancer tissues was significant lower than
      that in non-cancerous tissues. After increase the level of piR-823 in gastric
      cancer cells, cell growth was inhibited. The results of xenograft nude mice model
      confirmed its tumor suppressive properties. All of the evidences indicated that
      piR-823 play a crucial role in the occult of gastric cancer.

PMID- 22047711
TI  - Protective and therapeutic effects of licorice in rats with acute tubular
      necrosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Various protective and therapeutic effects such as antioxidant, anti
      inflammatory, anticancer, antihistaminic, and antibacterial effects have been
      depicted for licorice. However, its biological effects in the kidney are still
      not clear. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the efficiency of licorice in rats
      with gentamicin (GM)-induced acute tubular necrosis. DESIGN AND METHODS: Rats
      were randomized into the control group (only saline for 12 days), licorice group
      (licorice for 12 days), GM group (GM for 12 days), GM + licorice group, and
      licorice-treated GM group (licorice for 12 days after taking GM for 12 days).
      Blood urea, creatinine, and uric acid levels were measured and histopathological
      analyses of the kidneys were performed. The oxidative side of oxidant-antioxidant
      balance was evaluated by detecting lipid peroxidation (LPO) and total peroxide
      levels, and antioxidative side was determined by measuring total antioxidant
      capacity (TAC) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels in plasma and kidney tissues.
      RESULTS: The oxidant-antioxidant balance seemed to be shifted to the oxidative
      side in the GM group when compared with the control and GM + licorice groups. In
      GM group, biochemical profiles showed a remarkable increase in blood uric acid,
      urea, and creatinine levels, and depletion of renal tissue and plasma TAC and GSH
      levels. In addition, histopathologic studies revealed severe acute tubular
      necrosis, congestion, and hyaline casts, verifying GM-induced nephrotoxicity.
      Licorice was effective in reduction of blood urea, creatinine, and uric acid
      levels, and also effective in decreasing the tubular necrosis score. Licorice
      treatment also significantly reduced LPO and total peroxide levels, and increased
      TAC and GSH levels in both renal tissue and blood. Moreover, these changes in
      rats subjected to the combined therapy (GM + licorice) were significantly less
      than those of GM group. CONCLUSIONS: Licorice ameliorates GM-induced
      nephrotoxicity and oxidative damage by scavenging oxygen free radicals,
      decreasing LPO, and improving antioxidant defense.

PMID- 22047712
TI  - [Sociodemographic factors and satisfaction related to the care received by women
      with breast cancer. Multicentre study].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the level of satisfaction in the Medical Oncology Services
      in our Community of women with breast cancer, and analyse the influence of
      sociodemographic and clinical factors on their satisfaction. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: Cross-sectional multicentre study using an anonymous and voluntary
      questionnaire completed by 225 women diagnosed with breast cancer. The tool used
      was the modified SERVQHOS, adapted to our context. We collected demographic and
      clinical data. To determine the reliability of the tool after the adjustments, a
      Cronbach's alpha analysis was performed. A descriptive analysis was also
      performed, as well as non-parametric statistics to study the influence of
      demographic variables on satisfaction. RESULTS: The best evaluated aspects were
      the kindness of the staff [4.30+/-0.83 (2-5)], the confidence transmitted by them
      [4.23+/-0.79 (2-5)] and personal treatment [4.12+/-0.88 (2-5)]. The worst
      evaluated was the ease of getting to the hospital [3.06+/-0.99 (1-5)], waiting
      time [3.16+/-1.00 (1-5)], state of consultations rooms [3.38+/-0.99 (1-5)] and
      punctuality of the sessions [3.38+/-1.05 (1-5)]. The overall satisfaction was
      4.04+/-0.82 (1-5). Age influenced their assessment of the personal appearance of
      the staff (P=.04), the state of consultations rooms (P<00), the ease of getting
      to the hospital, and the quantity and quality of information received (P=01).
      Educational level influenced their satisfaction with personal appearance of the
      staff (P =03) and the state of consultations rooms (P=03). Women who worked and
      those who were temporary disabled women evaluated the appearance of personnel
      worst (P=02). The time from the diagnosis affected the satisfaction with the
      staff willingness to help (P<00) and therapy attendance, and the satisfaction
      with the ability to understand their needs (P=03). CONCLUSIONS: The individual
      characteristics of the participants influence their satisfaction. We have been
      able to identify deficient areas from their point of view, identifying important
      improvement opportunities in several aspects of care to work on in order to
      increase the quality of care.

PMID- 22047713
TI  - Demonstration of genes encoding virulence and virulence life-style factors in
      Brachyspira spp. isolates from pigs.
AB  - The distribution of many genes encoding virulence and virulence life-style (VL-S)
      factors in Brachyspira (B.) hyodysenteriae and other Brachyspira species are
      largely unknown. Their knowledge is essential e.g. for the improvement of
      diagnostic methods targeting the detection and differentiation of the species.
      Thus 121 German Brachyspira field isolates from diarrhoeic pigs were
      characterized down to the species level by restriction fragment length
      polymorphism analysis of the nox gene and subsequently subjected to polymerase
      chain reaction detecting VL-S genes for inner (clpX) and outer membrane proteins
      (OMPs: bhlp16, bhlp17.6, bhlp29.7, bhmp39f, bhmp39h), hemolysins (hlyA/ACP,
      tlyA), iron metabolism (ftnA, bitC), and aerotolerance (nox). For comparison, B.
      hyodysenteriae reference strains from the USA (n=7) and Australia (2) were used.
      Of all genes tested only nox was detected in all isolates. The simultaneous
      presence of both the tlyA and hlyA/ACP was restricted to the species B.
      hyodysenteriae. The hlyA infrequently occurred also in weakly hemolytic
      Brachyspira. Similarly to tlyA and hlyA all B. hyodysenteriae strains contained
      the ferritin gene ftnA which was also found in two Brachyspira intermedia
      isolates. OMP encoding genes were present in B. hyodysenteriae field isolates in
      rates of 0% (bhlp17.6, bhmp39h), 58.1% (bhlp29.7), and 97.3% (bhmp39f). Since the
      study revealed a high genetic heterogeneity among German B. hyodysenteriae field
      isolates differentiating them from USA as well as Australian strains, targets for
      diagnostic PCR were limited to the nox gene (genus specific PCR) as well as to
      the species specific nox(hyo) gene and the combination of hlyA and tlyA which
      allow to specifically detect B. hyodysenteriae.

PMID- 22047714
TI  - The surface-localised alpha-enolase of Mycoplasma suis is an adhesion protein.
AB  - Mycoplasma suis belongs to the haemotrophic mycoplasmas which colonise red blood
      cells of a wide range of vertebrates. Adhesion to red blood cells is the crucial
      step in the unique lifecycle of M. suis. Due to the lack of a cultivation system,
      identification of adhesion structures has been difficult. So far, only one
      adhesion protein, i.e. MSG1 was identified. In order to determine further
      adhesion molecules of M. suis, we screened genomic M. suis libraries and
      performed Southern blot hybridisation analyses of genomic M. suis DNA. The alpha
      enolase of M. suis was identified and analysed genetically and functionally. The
      encoding gene has 1623 bp in size. The deduced amino acid sequence showed an
      overall identity of 59.6-65.1% to alpha-enolases of other pathogenic mycoplasmas.
      The 540 aa M. suis alpha-enolase displays a size extension of about 90 aa in
      comparison to alpha-enolases of other mycoplasmas. Recombinant alpha-enolase
      expressed in Escherichia coli demonstrated immunogenicity in experimentally
      infected pigs. Immunoblot, confocal laser scanning microscopy and immune electron
      microscopy analysis using antibodies against recombinant alpha-enolase, indicate
      the membrane and surface localisation of native alpha-enolase in M. suis, though
      no typical signal sequences exist. Furthermore, we showed that recombinant alpha
      enolase binds to porcine erythrocyte lysate in a dose-dependent manner. E. coli
      transformants which express alpha-enolase on their surface acquire the ability to
      adhere to porcine red blood cells. In conclusion, our observations indicate that
      alpha-enolase could be involved in the adhesion of M. suis to porcine red blood
      cells.

PMID- 22047715
TI  - In vitro culture of blastocystis hominis in three liquid media and its usefulness
      in the diagnosis of blastocystosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Blastocystis hominis is a common protozoan in the human intestinal
      tract and can cause the so-called blastocystosis characterized by diarrhea. To
      date, its identification has depended on the discovery of vacuolar, granular,
      amoebic, or cystic forms in stool samples using wet mount smears, iodine
      staining, trichrome staining, or iron hematoxylin staining. The permanent
      staining methods provide more positive findings. However, mercuric chloride
      (HgCl(2))-based polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and Schaudinn fixative are potentially
      toxic and dangerous to laboratory personnel and, as hazardous chemicals, present
      problems with disposal. METHODS: To determine whether in vitro culture could be
      an environmentally safe alternative, the culture growth of B. hominis in three
      commercially available liquid media (RPMI 1640, 199 Medium, and Dulbecco's
      modified Eagle's medium (DMEM)) were observed and compared. The sensitivity and
      specificity of these culture methods to identify B. hominis were compared with
      those of existing methods used clinically. RESULTS: Conditions for the anaerobic
      culture of B. hominis in these media were determined as follows: total inoculum
      sizes no less than 10(5) cells; pH values ranging from 7.0 to 7.5; concentrations
      of calf or horse serum ranging from 10% to 30% (vol/vol); basic antibiotics
      added; peaking times at days 3, 6, and 9 (pH 7.5) or days 4 and 8 (or 9) (pH 7.0)
      at 37 degrees C. No significant differences were noted in multiplication or
      generation times for the cultivation of B. hominis (p>0.05). In 56 of 398
      positive cases, the short-term in vitro culture method achieved the best
      performance with regard to sensitivity and specificity of the five studied
      methods. CONCLUSIONS: With the advantages of environmental safety, convenience in
      preparation and storage, facility in morphologic discrimination, and outstanding
      performance in terms of sensitivity and specificity, the in vitro culture method
      could be applied to identify B. hominis for both clinical diagnosis and field
      study purposes.

PMID- 22047716
TI  - Nonrigid registration of CLSM images of physical sections with discontinuous
      deformations.
AB  - When biological specimens are cut into physical sections for three-dimensional
      (3D) imaging by confocal laser scanning microscopy, the slices may get distorted
      or ruptured. For subsequent 3D reconstruction, images from different physical
      sections need to be spatially aligned by optimization of a function composed of a
      data fidelity term evaluating similarity between the reference and target images,
      and a regularization term enforcing transformation smoothness. A regularization
      term evaluating the total variation (TV), which enables the registration
      algorithm to account for discontinuities in slice deformation (ruptures), while
      enforcing smoothness on continuously deformed regions, was proposed previously.
      The function with TV regularization was optimized using a graph-cut (GC) based
      iterative solution. However, GC may generate visible registration artifacts,
      which impair the 3D reconstruction. We present an alternative, multilabel TV
      optimization algorithm, which in the examined samples prevents the artifacts
      produced by GC. The algorithm is slower than GC but can be sped up several times
      when implemented in a multiprocessor computing environment. For image pairs with
      uneven brightness distribution, we introduce a reformulation of the TV-based
      registration, in which intensity-based data terms are replaced by comparison of
      salient features in the reference and target images quantified by local image
      entropies.

PMID- 22047717
TI  - 2D-Qsar for 450 types of amino acid induction peptides with a novel substructure
      pair descriptor having wider scope.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Quantitative structure-activity relationships (QSAR) analysis of
      peptides is helpful for designing various types of drugs such as kinase inhibitor
      or antigen. Capturing various properties of peptides is essential for analyzing
      two-dimensional QSAR. A descriptor of peptides is an important element for
      capturing properties. The atom pair holographic (APH) code is designed for the
      description of peptides and it represents peptides as the combination of thirty
      six types of key atoms and their intermediate binding between two key atoms.
      RESULTS: The substructure pair descriptor (SPAD) represents peptides as the
      combination of forty-nine types of key substructures and the sequence of amino
      acid residues between two substructures. The size of the key substructures is
      larger and the length of the sequence is longer than traditional descriptors.
      Similarity searches on C5a inhibitor data set and kinase inhibitor data set
      showed that order of inhibitors become three times higher by representing
      peptides with SPAD, respectively. Comparing scope of each descriptor shows that
      SPAD captures different properties from APH. CONCLUSION: QSAR/QSPR for peptides
      is helpful for designing various types of drugs such as kinase inhibitor and
      antigen. SPAD is a novel and powerful descriptor for various types of peptides.
      Accuracy of QSAR/QSPR becomes higher by describing peptides with SPAD.

PMID- 22047718
TI  - Cumulative depression episodes predict later C-reactive protein levels: a
      prospective analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Depression is associated with elevated levels of the inflammation
      marker C-reactive protein (CRP); yet, the direction of this association remains
      unclear. This study tested bi-directional longitudinal associations between CRP
      and depression in a sample of adolescents and young adults. The study compared
      the effect of current depression with the effect of cumulative episodes of
      depression over time. METHODS: Nine waves of data from the prospective population
      based Great Smoky Mountains Study (n = 1420) were used, covering children in the
      community aged 9 to 16, 19, and 21 years old. Structured interviews were used to
      assess depressive symptoms, depression diagnosis, and cumulative depressive
      episodes. Bloodspots were collected at each observation and assayed for CRP
      levels. RESULTS: CRP levels were not associated with later depression status. In
      contrast, all depression-related variables displayed evidence of association with
      later CRP levels. The associations with depressive symptoms and diagnostic status
      were attenuated after controlling for covariates, particularly body mass index,
      smoking, and medication use. The effect of cumulative depressive episodes,
      however, continued to be significant after accounting for a range of covariates.
      Body mass index, smoking behavior, and recent infections may mediate a portion of
      the effect of cumulative episodes on later CRP, but cumulative depressive
      episodes continued to predict CRP levels independently. CONCLUSIONS: The
      occurrence of multiple depressive episodes exerted the greatest effect on later
      CRP levels. This suggests that risk for the diseases of middle and old age-
      cardiovascular and metabolic disease--may begin in childhood and depend, in part,
      on long-term emotional functioning.

PMID- 22047720
TI  - Ordered mesoporous carbon coating on cordierite: synthesis and application as an
      efficient adsorbent.
AB  - Ordered mesoporous carbon coating on the honeycomb cordierite substrate has been
      prepared using low-polymerized phenolic resins as carbon sources and triblock
      copolymer F127 as the structure directing agent via the evaporation induced self
      assembly route. The high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (HRSEM),
      transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and nitrogen sorption techniques prove
      the hexagonally ordered pore arrays of carbon coating on the cordierite. The
      honeycomb monolith adsorbents coated by ordered mesoporous carbons are directly
      used without any activation, and exhibit adsorption capacities for chlorinated
      organic pollutants in water with 200 mg/g for p-chlorophenol and 178 mg/g for p
      chloroaniline (with respect to the net carbon coating), high adsorption ratio for
      low-concentration pollutants, large processing volumes and reusability. More than
      200 repeated times can be achieved without obvious loss in both adsorption
      capacity and weight.

PMID- 22047719
TI  - Frontal white matter integrity predictors of adult alcohol treatment outcome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous research has associated abnormalities in frontal lobe
      functioning with alcohol relapse. In this study, we used diffusion tensor imaging
      to investigate whether frontal white matter integrity measured at the start of
      treatment differs between persons with alcohol use disorders (AUD) who sustain
      treatment gains and those who return to heavy use after treatment. METHODS: Forty
      five treatment-seeking AUD inpatients and 30 healthy control subjects were
      included in the study. Six months after completing treatment, 16 of the AUD
      participants had resumed heavy use (RHU) and 29 others remained abstinent or
      drank minimally (treatment sustainers [TS]). Voxel-wise group comparisons (TS vs.
      RHU) were performed on fractional anisotropy (FA), radial diffusivity (RD), and
      axial diffusivity maps generated from each subject's diffusion tensor imaging
      scan at the start of treatment. RESULTS: We found significantly lower FA and
      significantly higher RD in the frontal lobes of the RHU group, relative to the TS
      group. The RHU group data are consistent with previous reports of abnormal
      frontal white matter tract abnormalities in persons with AUD. CONCLUSIONS: It is
      possible that the lower FA and higher RD in the RHU group reflect microstructural
      injury to frontal circuitries, and these may underlie the reduced cognitive
      control amid heightened reward sensitivity associated with resumption of heavy
      drinking.

PMID- 22047721
TI  - Enhancing uranium solubilization in soils by citrate, EDTA, and EDDS chelating
      amendments.
AB  - A systematic study was made of the effects of three soil amendments on the
      solubilization of uranium from a granitic soil. The aim was to optimize
      solubilization so as to enhance bioavailability for the purposes of remediation.
      The three amendments tested were with citrate, EDTA, and EDDS as chelating
      agents. The effects of pH, chelator concentration, and leaching time were
      studied. The most important factor in uranium solubilization was found to be the
      pH. In the absence of chelating agents, the greatest solubilization was obtained
      for alkaline conditions, with values representing about 15% of the total uranium
      activity in the bulk soil. There were major differences in uranium solubilization
      between the different amendments. The citrate treatment was the most efficient at
      acidic pH, particularly with the greatest concentration of citrate tested (50
      mmol kg(-1)) after 6 days of treatment. Under these conditions, the uranium
      concentration in solution was greater by a factor of 356 than in the control
      suspension, and represented some 63% of the uranium concentration in the bulk
      soil. Under alkaline conditions, the EDTA and EDDS treatments gave the greatest
      uranium activity concentrations in solution, but these concentrations were much
      lower than those with the citrate amendment, and were not very different from the
      control results. The uranium extraction yield with EDDS amendment was greater
      than with EDTA.

PMID- 22047722
TI  - Hydrous ferric oxide-resin nanocomposites of tunable structure for arsenite
      removal: effect of the host pore structure.
AB  - Hydrous ferric oxide (HFO) loaded hybrid sorbents are considered to be excellent
      materials for arsenic removal from water. However, role of the host pore
      structure in the performance of the composites is still unclear. In the current
      study five HFO nanocomposites of similar HFO loadings (3.9-5.3% in Fe mass) were
      fabricated for arsenite removal, using self-synthesized polystyrene (PS) resins
      of similar particle sizes but different pore structures as hosts. Structure
      analysis demonstrated that the particle size of HFO aggregates decreased with
      decreasing pore size of PS. The adsorption of arsenite onto the nanocomposites
      with PS of smaller average pore size achieved equilibrium faster. Analysis of
      kinetic data with the intraparticle diffusion model demonstrated that arsenite
      adsorption onto PS-HFO nanocomposites with larger HFO particles was controlled by
      intraparticle diffusion whereas the limitation caused by intraparticle diffusion
      was weakened as the particle size of HFO decreased. The adsorption capacity of
      the hybrid adsorbents increased with decreased pore size of PS. These results
      indicated that the pore structure of the support materials would play a
      significant role in the performance of nanoparticle-loaded porous adsorbents.

PMID- 22047723
TI  - Synthesis of novel inorganic-organic hybrid materials for simultaneous adsorption
      of metal ions and organic molecules in aqueous solution.
AB  - In this paper, atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and radical grafting
      polymerization were combined to synthesize a novel amphiphilic hybrid material,
      meanwhile, the amphiphilic hybrid material was employed in the absorption of
      heavy metal and organic pollutants. After the formation of attapulgite (ATP) ATRP
      initiator, ATRP block copolymers of styrene (St) and divinylbenzene (DVB) were
      grafted from it as ATP-P(S-b-DVB). Then radical polymerization of acrylonitrile
      (AN) was carried out with pendent double bonds in the DVD units successfully,
      finally we got the inorganic-organic hybrid materials ATP-P(S-b-DVB-g-AN). A
      novel amphiphilic hybrid material ATP-P(S-b-DVB-g-AO) (ASDO) was obtained after
      transforming acrylonitrile (AN) units into acrylamide oxime (AO) as hydrophilic
      segment. The adsorption capacity of ASDO for Pb(II) could achieve 131.6 mg/g, and
      the maximum removal capacity of ASDO towards phenol was found to be 18.18 mg/g in
      the case of monolayer adsorption at 30 degrees C. The optimum pH was 5 for both
      lead and phenol adsorption. The adsorption kinetic suited pseudo-second-order
      equation and the equilibrium fitted the Freundlich model very well under optimal
      conditions. At the same time FT-IR, TEM and TGA were also used to study its
      structure and property.

PMID- 22047724
TI  - Role of calcium oxide in sludge granulation and methanogenesis for the treatment
      of palm oil mill effluent using UASB reactor.
AB  - The granulation process in palm oil mill effluent using calcium oxide-cement kiln
      dust (CaO-CKD) provides an attractive and cost effective treatment option. In
      this study the efficiency of CaO-CKD at doses of 1.5-20 g/l was tested in batch
      experiments and found that 10 g of CaO/l caused the greatest degradation of VFA,
      butyrate and acetate. An upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (UASB) reactor was
      operated continuously at 35 degrees C for 150 days to investigate the effect of
      CaO-CKD on sludge granulation and methanogenesis during start-up. The treatment
      of POME emphasized the influence of varying organic loading rates (OLR). Up to
      94.9% of COD was removed when the reactor was fed with the 15.5-65.5 g-CODg/l at
      an OLR of 4.5-12.5 kg-COD/m(3)d, suggesting the feasibility of using CaO in an
      UASB process to treat POME. The ratio of volatile solids/total solids (VS/TS) and
      volatile fatty acids in the anaerobic sludge in the UASB reactor decreased
      significantly after long-term operation due to the precipitation of calcium
      carbonate in the granules. Granulation and methanogenesis decreased with an
      increase in the influent CaO-CKD concentration.

PMID- 22047725
TI  - Relationship between sports participation and the level of motor coordination in
      childhood: a longitudinal approach.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study examined the stability of motor coordination and the
      relationship between motor coordination and organized sports participation over
      time. DESIGN: Longitudinal design. METHODS: A total of 371 children between six
      and nine years of age at initial testing completed a test battery measuring motor
      coordination in three consecutive years and a questionnaire on their club sports
      participation in year 1 and year 3 of testing. RESULTS: Correlation coefficients
      revealed the motor coordination of children to be a highly stable factor, ranging
      from 0.662 (6-8 years) to 0.873 (7-9 years). Results of the Repeated Measures
      ANOVA indicated that children who consistently practiced sports in a club
      environment over the three years of testing displayed better coordination levels
      than children who only partially participated or did not participate in a club
      environment at all. Moreover, stability was further indicated as consistent
      sports participation over time and changes or lack thereof did not substantially
      influence the development of motor coordination over time. In addition, the basic
      level of motor coordination and the amount of club sports participation
      significantly predicted sports participation two years later. CONCLUSION: The
      importance of the stability of motor coordination levels in childhood and its
      role in determining organized sports participation may have implications for
      talent identification purposes as well as potential health-related benefits in
      childhood and throughout the lifespan.

PMID- 22047726
TI  - Neural response to eye contact and paroxetine treatment in generalized social
      anxiety disorder.
AB  - Generalized social anxiety disorder (GSAD) is characterized by excessive fears of
      scrutiny and negative evaluation, but neural circuitry related to scrutiny in
      GSAD has been little studied. In this study, 16 unmedicated adults with GSAD and
      16 matched healthy comparison (HC) participants underwent functional magnetic
      resonance imaging to assess neural response to viewed images of faces simulating
      movement into eye contact versus away from eye contact. GSAD patients were then
      treated for 8 weeks with paroxetine, and 15 patients were re-imaged. At baseline,
      GSAD patients had elevated neural response to eye contact in parahippocampal
      cortex, inferior parietal lobule, supramarginal gyrus, posterior cingulate and
      middle occipital cortex. During paroxetine treatment, symptomatic improvement was
      associated with decreased neural response to eye contact in regions including
      inferior and middle frontal gyri, anterior cingulate, posterior cingulate,
      precuneus and inferior parietal lobule. Both the magnitude of GSAD symptom
      reduction with paroxetine treatment and the baseline comparison of GSAD vs. HCs
      were associated with neural processing of eye contact in distributed networks
      that included regions involved in self-referential processing. These findings
      demonstrate that eye contact in GSAD engages neurocircuitry consistent with the
      heightened self-conscious emotional states known to characterize GSAD patients
      during scrutiny.

PMID- 22047727
TI  - Tianeptine reverses stress-induced asymmetrical hippocampal volume and N
      acetylaspartate loss in rats: an in vivo study.
AB  - Stress-induced hippocampal volume loss and decrease in N-acetylaspartate (NAA)
      level have been reported to be associated with impaired neural plasticity and
      neuronal damage in adults. Accordingly, reversing structural and metabolite
      damage in the hippocampus may be a desirable goal for antidepressant therapy. The
      present study investigated the effects of tianeptine on chronic stress-induced
      hippocampal volume loss and metabolite alterations in vivo in 24 Sprague-Dawley
      rats. Rats were subjected to a consecutive 28-day forced swimming test stress.
      Tianeptine (50mg/kg) or saline was administered intragastrically 4h after
      swimming each day. Spontaneous behaviors, serum corticosterone concentration,
      hippocampal volume and NAA level were evaluated after stress. Chronic tianeptine
      treatment counteracted the chronic stress-induced suppression of spontaneous
      behaviors, elevated serum corticosterone concentration, reduced hippocampal
      volume and decreased NAA level. Moreover, we found asymmetrical right-left
      hippocampal volume loss in stressed rats, with the left hippocampus more
      sensitive to chronic stress than the right hippocampus. In addition, stressed
      rats showed a decreased level of hippocampal metabolites, without significant
      loss of hippocampal volume. These findings provide experimental evidence for
      impaired structural plasticity of the brain being an important feature of
      depressive illness and suggest that prophylactic tianeptine treatments could
      reverse structural changes in brain. The structural and neurochemical alterations
      in the hippocampus may be valuable indexes for evaluating the prophylactic and
      curative effect of antidepressant treatments in depressive and stress-related
      disorders.

PMID- 22047729
TI  - Detecting abnormalities of corpus callosum connectivity in autism using magnetic
      resonance imaging and diffusion tensor tractography.
AB  - The corpus callosum (CC) has emerged as one of the primary targets of autism
      research. To detect aberrant CC interhemispheric connectivity in autism, we
      performed T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and diffusion tensor
      imaging (DTI)-based tractography in 18 children with high functioning autism
      (HFA) and 16 well-matched typically developing (TD) children. We compared global
      and regional T1 measures (CC volume, and CC density), and the DTI measures
      [fractional anisotropy (FA), apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), average fiber
      length (AFL), and fiber number (FN)] of transcallosal fibers, between the two
      groups. We also evaluated the relationships between scores on the Childhood
      Autism Rating Scale (CARS) and CC T1 or DTI measurements. Significantly less
      white matter density in the anterior third of the CC, and higher ADC and lower FN
      values of the anterior third transcallosal fiber tracts were found in HFA
      patients compared to TD children. These results suggested that the anterior third
      CC density and transcallosal fiber connectivity were affected in HFA children.

PMID- 22047728
TI  - Cerebellum volume in high-risk offspring from multiplex alcohol dependence
      families: association with allelic variation in GABRA2 and BDNF.
AB  - Offspring from families with multiple cases of alcohol dependence have a greater
      likelihood of developing alcohol dependence (AD) and related substance use
      disorders. Greater susceptibility for developing these disorders may be related
      to structural differences in brain circuits that influence the salience of
      rewards or modify the efficiency of information processing and AD susceptibility.
      We examined the cerebellum of 71 adolescent/young adult high-risk (HR) offspring
      from families with multiple cases of alcohol dependence (multiplex families), and
      60 low-risk (LR) controls with no family history of alcohol or drug dependence
      who were matched for age, gender, socioeconomic status and IQ, with attention
      given to possible effects of personal use of substances and maternal use during
      pregnancy. Magnetic resonance images were acquired on a General Electric 1.5
      Tesla scanner and manually traced (BRAINS2) blind to clinical information. GABRA2
      and BDNF variation were tested for their association with cerebellar volumes.
      High-risk offspring from multiplex AD families showed greater total volume of the
      cerebellum and total gray matter (GM), in comparison with LR controls. An
      interaction between allelic variation in GABRA2 and BDNF genes was associated
      with GM volumes, suggesting that inherited variation in these genes may promote
      early developmental differences in neuronal proliferation of the cerebellum.

PMID- 22047730
TI  - Reduced amygdala-orbitofrontal connectivity during moral judgments in youths with
      disruptive behavior disorders and psychopathic traits.
AB  - We used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to investigate dysfunction
      in the amygdala and orbitofrontal cortex in adolescents with disruptive behavior
      disorders and psychopathic traits during a moral judgment task. Fourteen
      adolescents with psychopathic traits and 14 healthy controls were assessed using
      fMRI while they categorized illegal and legal behaviors in a moral judgment
      implicit association task. fMRI data were then analyzed using random-effects
      analysis of variance and functional connectivity. Youths with psychopathic traits
      showed reduced amygdala activity when making judgments about legal actions and
      reduced functional connectivity between the amygdala and orbitofrontal cortex
      during task performance. These results suggest that psychopathic traits are
      associated with amygdala and orbitofrontal cortex dysfunction. This dysfunction
      may relate to previous findings of disrupted moral judgment in this population.

PMID- 22047732
TI  - Analytical metrological characterization of the three-parameter sine fit
      algorithm.
AB  - The three-parameter sine fit is a well known algorithm used in IEEE standard 1241
      2000 for ADC characterization to estimate sine wave parameters from recorded
      data. An analytical metrological characterization of that algorithm is carried
      out in terms of its design parameters, namely the sampling rate and the number of
      samples. Optimal and sub-optimal parameters' sets are found. Focusing on the
      amplitude estimation, an approximated statistical characterization of the second
      order is given in the most general case of zero mean additive noise, whereas the
      exact probability density function is found for the optimal set of algorithm
      parameters in the case of additive white Gaussian noise. In this particular case,
      the frequency behavior of the algorithm is fully analyzed and the exact frequency
      response of the amplitude is also found. An approximated expression that is
      easier to use is then presented and discussed. Simulation results for a single
      set of parameters are presented in order to graphically illustrate the analytical
      results.

PMID- 22047731
TI  - Prefrontal hypoactivation during cognitive control in early abstinent
      methamphetamine-dependent subjects.
AB  - Individuals who abuse methamphetamine (MA) perform at levels below those of
      healthy controls on tests that require cognitive control. As cognitive control
      deficits may influence the success of treatment for addiction, we sought to help
      clarify the neural correlates of this deficit. MA-dependent (n=10, abstinent 4-7
      days) and control subjects (n=18) performed a color-word Stroop task, which
      requires cognitive control, during functional MRI (fMRI). The task included a
      condition in which participants were required to respond to one stimulus
      dimension while ignoring another conflicting dimension, and another condition
      without conflict. We compared the groups on performance and neural activation in
      the two conditions. MA-dependent subjects made more errors and responded more
      slowly than controls. Controlling for response times in the incongruent
      condition, voxel-wise mixed effects analyses (whole-brain corrected) demonstrated
      that MA-dependent subjects had less activation than control subjects in the right
      inferior frontal gyrus, supplementary motor cortex/anterior cingulate gyrus and
      the anterior insular cortex during the incongruent condition only. MA-dependent
      subjects did not exhibit greater activation in any brain region in either of the
      Stroop conditions. These preliminary findings suggest that hypofunction in
      cortical areas that are important for executive function underlies cognitive
      control deficits associated with MA dependence.

PMID- 22047733
TI  - Synthesis of near-IR fluorescent oxazine dyes with esterase-labile sulfonate
      esters.
AB  - Near-IR oxazine dyes are reported that contain sulfonate esters which are rapidly
      cleaved by esterase activity to unmask highly polar anionic sulfonates.
      Strategies for the synthesis of these dyes included the development of milder dye
      condensation conditions with improved functional compatibility and the use of an
      alkyl halide that allows for the introduction of esterase-labile sulfonates
      without the need for sulfonation of the target molecule.

PMID- 22047735
TI  - IL-37: a new anti-inflammatory cytokine of the IL-1 family.
AB  - The IL-1 family of cytokines encompasses eleven proteins that each share a
      similar beta-barrel structure and bind to Ig-like receptors. Some of the IL-1
      like cytokines have been well characterised, and play key roles in the
      development and regulation of inflammation. Indeed, IL-1alpha (IL-1F1), IL-1beta
      (IL-1F2), and IL-18 (IL-1F4) are well-known inflammatory cytokines active in the
      initiation of the inflammatory reaction and in driving Th1 and Th17 inflammatory
      responses. In contrast, IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra, IL-1F3) and the
      receptor antagonist binding to IL-1Rrp2 (IL-36Ra, IL-1F5) reduce inflammation by
      blocking the binding of the agonist receptor ligands. In the case of IL-37 (IL
      1F7), of which five different splice variants have been described, less is known
      of its function, and identification of the components of a heterodimeric receptor
      complex remains unclear. Some studies suggest that IL-37 binds to the alpha chain
      of the IL-18 receptor in a non-competitive fashion, and this may explain some of
      the disparate biological effects that have been reported for mice deficient in
      the IL-18R. The biological properties of IL-37 are mainly those of down
      regulating inflammation, as assessed in models where human IL-37 is expressed in
      mice. In this review, an overview of the role of IL-37 in the regulation of
      inflammation is presented. The finding that IL-37 also locates to the nucleus, as
      do IL-1alpha and IL-33, for receptor-independent organ/tissue-specific regulation
      of inflammation is also reviewed.

PMID- 22047736
TI  - [Histological and immunohistochemical profile of sporadic and familial medullary
      thyroid carcinoma].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The histological and immunohistochemical profile of medullary
      thyroid carcinoma is ill-defined. The objective of this study was to determine
      the epidemiological, histological, and immunohistochemical characteristics of
      medullary carcinoma and to analyze whether differences exist between sporadic and
      familial carcinomas. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifty-five histologically confirmed
      tumors were studied. Histological slides were reviewed and immunohistochemical
      staining of the archival paraffin blocks was performed. RESULTS: Nineteen of the
      55 carcinomas (35%) were sporadic, and 36 (65%) familial. Sex distribution was
      similar, but familial carcinoma was more common in patients under 40 years of age
      (p<0.001). A solid growth pattern and plasmacytoid cells were found in most
      cases. C-cell hyperplasia and multicentricity were more frequent findings in
      familial carcinoma, while tumor necrosis, hemorrhagic foci, vascular invasion,
      and neovascularization were more common in the sporadic type. Immunohistochemical
      staining was positive for calcitonin, CEA, bcl-2, and p53 protein. With regard to
      staging, familial carcinomas were diagnosed in the earliest stages, when they
      were smaller and there were no lymph node metastases (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS:
      Familial cases were more frequent when there was more C-cell hyperplasia and
      multicentricity. Sporadic cases more frequently showed foci of necrosis,
      hemorrhage, vascular invasion, and neovascularization. Neither histopathological
      nor immunohistochemical criteria are useful for differentiating between familial
      and sporadic forms.

PMID- 22047737
TI  - Local to regional scale industrial heavy metal pollution recorded in sediments of
      large freshwater lakes in central Europe (lakes Geneva and Lucerne) over the last
      centuries.
AB  - This research first focuses on the spatial and temporal patterns of heavy metals
      from contrasting environments (highly polluted to deepwater sites) of Lake
      Geneva. The mercury (Hg) and lead (Pb) records from two deepwater sites show that
      the heavy metal variations before the industrial period are primarily linked to
      natural weathering input of trace elements. By opposition, the discharge of
      industrial treated wastewaters into Vidy Bay of Lake Geneva during the second
      part of the 20th century, involved the sedimentation of highly metal-contaminated
      sediments in the area surrounding the WWTP outlet pipe discharge. Eventually, a
      new Pb isotope record of sediments from Lake Lucerne identifies the long-term
      increasing anthropogenic lead pollution after ca. 1500, probably due to the
      development of metallurgical activities during the High Middle Ages. These data
      furthermore allows to compare the recent anthropogenic sources of water pollution
      from three of the largest freshwater lakes of Western Europe (lakes Geneva,
      Lucerne, and Constance). High increases in Pb and Hg highlight the regional
      impact of industrial pollution after ca. 1750-1850, and the decrease of metal
      pollution in the 1980s due to the effects of remediation strategies such as the
      implementation of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). However, at all the
      studied sites, the recent metal concentrations remain higher than pre-industrial
      levels. Moreover, the local scale pollution data reveal two highly contaminated
      sites (>100 MUg Pb/g dry weight sediment) by industrial activities, during the
      late-19th and early-20th centuries (Lake Lucerne) and during the second part of
      the 20th century (Vidy Bay of Lake Geneva). Overall, the regional scale pollution
      history inferred from the three large and deep perialpine lakes points out at the
      pollution of water systems by heavy metals during the last two centuries due to
      the discharge of industrial effluents.

PMID- 22047738
TI  - Isotopic signatures for natural versus anthropogenic Pb in high-altitude Mt.
      Everest ice cores during the past 800 years.
AB  - A long-term record, extending back 800 years (1205 to 2002 AD), of the Pb
      isotopic composition ((206)Pb/(207)Pb and (208)Pb/(207)Pb) as well as Pb
      concentrations from high altitude Mt. Everest ice cores has the potential to
      identify sources and source regions affecting natural and anthropogenic Pb
      deposition in central Asia. The results show that the regional natural background
      Pb isotope signature (~1.20 for (206)Pb/(207)Pb and ~2.50 for (208)Pb/(207)Pb) in
      the central Himalayas was dominated by mineral dust over the last ~750 years from
      1205 to 1960s, mostly originating from local sources with occasional
      contributions of long-range transported dust probably from Sahara desert and
      northwestern India. Since the 1970s, the Pb isotope ratios are characterized by a
      continuous decline toward less radiogenic ratios with the least mean ratios of
      1.178 for (206)Pb/(207)Pb and 2.471 for (208)Pb/(207)Pb in the period 1990-1996.
      The depression of the (206)Pb/(207)Pb and (208)Pb/(207)Pb values during the
      corresponding periods is most likely due to an increasing influence of less
      radiogenic Pb of anthropogenic origin mainly from leaded gasoline used in South
      Asia (India as well as possibly Bangladesh and Nepal). From 1997 to 2002,
      isotopic composition tends to show a shift to slightly more radiogenic signature.
      This is likely attributed to reducing Pb emissions from leaded gasoline in source
      regions, coinciding with the nationwide reduction of Pb in gasoline and
      subsequent phase-out of leaded gasoline in South Asia since 1997. An interesting
      feature is the relatively high levels of Pb concentrations and enrichment factors
      (EF) between 1997 and 2002. Although the reason for this feature remains
      uncertain, it would be probably linked with an increasing influence of
      anthropogenic Pb emitted from other sources such as fossil fuel combustion and
      non-ferrous metal production.

PMID- 22047739
TI  - Daily urinary excretion of uranium in members of the public of Southwest Nigeria.
AB  - The main aim of this study was to determine and evaluate urinary excretion values
      of uranium in members of the public of Southwest Nigeria living in areas of low
      environmental uranium. As several uranium mines are running in Nigeria and the
      operations could be a risk of contamination for the workers as well as for the
      members of the public, biomonitoring of urine could provide information about the
      exposure to uranium for the subjects. Therefore, baseline values of uranium in
      urine are needed from subjects living in areas without mining activities.
      Volunteers of both genders (age range 3 to 78 years) were asked to collect 24h
      urine samples. The concentration measurements of uranium in urine were performed
      by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). In addition, urinary
      creatinine values were determined for normalization of the renal uranium relative
      to the creatinine concentrations. The urinary uranium concentrations and their
      creatinine normalized values ranged from <10.4 to 150 ng L(-1) (median 13.8 ng L(
      1)) and from 2.52 to 252.7 ng g(-1) creatinine (median 33.4 ng g(-1) creatinine),
      respectively, for adult subjects above 15 years of both genders. An increased
      uranium excretion value of 61.6 ng L(-1) (median), and of 76.0 ng g(-1)
      creatinine, respectively, were found in young subjects below 15 years. The median
      of daily excreted uranium was estimated to be 14.2 ng d(-1) for adults and of
      45.1 ng d(-1) for children, respectively. The uranium excretion from males and
      females living in Nigeria in a non-mining area was comparable to reference values
      reported from other countries with low level of environmental uranium. The data
      can be considered as baseline values of urinary uranium in unexposed subjects in
      Nigeria.

PMID- 22047740
TI  - Informational needs of gynecologic cancer survivors.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: In preparation for the launch of a gynecologic oncology survivorship
      program, this study looked at the informational needs of women with gynecologic
      cancers. Although studies have touched on some of these needs, no published
      literature has investigated the comprehensive informational needs of gynecologic
      oncology patients within all sites of gynecologic cancers. METHODS: A needs
      assessment, consisting of a self-administered questionnaire, was conducted at an
      ambulatory gynecologic oncology clinic from August 2010 to March 2011. This study
      investigated the informational needs of patients, including the importance of
      information, the amount desired, and the preferred mode of delivery.
      Informational needs were grouped into six domains: medical, practical, physical,
      emotional, social, and spiritual. RESULTS: 185 surveys were analyzed and the
      majority of the respondents were Caucasian (77%) and over the age of 50 (66%).
      Forty-nine percent of respondents were diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and there
      was an even distribution between newly diagnosed patients (38%), those in long
      term follow-up (27%), and those with recurrent disease (37%). Overall,
      respondents placed more importance on receiving medical information (P<0.01). The
      three preferred education modalities were; pamphlets, one-on-one discussions with
      health care professionals and websites. Age, education, and disease site were
      associated with differing informational needs. CONCLUSIONS: This study has
      highlighted the most important informational needs of patients with gynecologic
      malignancies in our patient population. This information may guide the
      development of clinical survivorship programs and educational resources for
      patients in the future.

PMID- 22047741
TI  - Physical and chemical effects of ingested plastic debris on short-tailed
      shearwaters, Puffinus tenuirostris, in the North Pacific Ocean.
AB  - We investigated the plastics ingested by short-tailed shearwaters, Puffinus
      tenuirostris, that were accidentally caught during experimental fishing in the
      North Pacific Ocean in 2003 and 2005. The mean mass of plastics found in the
      stomach was 0.23 g per bird (n=99). Plastic mass did not correlate with body
      weight. Total PCB (sum of 24 congeners) concentrations in the abdominal adipose
      tissue of 12 birds ranged from 45 to 529 ng/g-lipid. Although total PCBs or
      higher-chlorinated congeners, the mass of ingested plastic correlated positively
      with concentrations of lower-chlorinated congeners. The effects of toxic
      chemicals present in plastic debris on bird physiology should be investigated.

PMID- 22047742
TI  - Childhood maltreatment in South Korea: retrospective study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study explored the prevalence of childhood maltreatment in South
      Korea using the retrospective version of ICAST and the associations between
      perceptions of abuse experienced during childhood and recent interpersonal
      problems and depression. METHODS: 539 young persons, aged 18-24 years, from
      various universities, work places, and clinical settings participated in a study
      using the ISPCAN Child Abuse Screening Tool-Retrospective Version (ICAST-R), the
      short form of the Korean-Inventory of Interpersonal Problems Circumplex Scale
      (KIIP-SC), and the Korean version of the Beck Depression Inventory (K-BDI).
      RESULTS: While males reported more physical abuse, females reported being exposed
      to more emotional or sexual abuse. The proportion of reported extra-familial or
      peer abuse was relatively high. Interpersonal problems and depression were
      significantly high for those who experienced all types of abuse during childhood.
      Perception of physical abuse as reasonable/justified discipline affected
      interpersonal problems and perception of emotional abuse when compared to peers
      affected interpersonal problems and depression. Unlike previous studies, this
      study identified more depressive symptoms reported with disclosure of sexual
      abuse. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: These findings highlight the importance of
      understanding how one perceives maltreatment. Perceiving an abusive act as a
      justifiable disciplinary method may affect reporting as well as longer term
      consequences for the victim. A wide range of perpetrators and different settings
      in which maltreatment may occur must be considered as influencing these
      perceptions. This study contributed to the determination of validity of the ICAST
      R for use in wider population surveys.

PMID- 22047743
TI  - Adhesion and hemifusion of cytoplasmic myelin lipid membranes are highly
      dependent on the lipid composition.
AB  - We report the effects of calcium ions on the adhesion and hemifusion mechanisms
      of model supported myelin lipid bilayer membranes of differing lipid composition.
      As in our previous studies Min et al. [1,2], the lipid compositions used mimic
      "healthy" and "diseased-like" (experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, EAE)
      membranes. Our results show that the interaction forces as a function of membrane
      separation distance are well described by a generic model that also (and in
      particular) includes the hydrophobic interaction arising from the hydrophobically
      exposed (interior) parts of the bilayers. The model is able to capture the
      mechanical instability that triggers the onset of the hemifusion event, and
      highlights the primary role of the hydrophobic interaction in membrane fusion.
      The effects of lipid composition on the fusion mechanism, and the adhesion forces
      between myelin lipid bilayers, can be summarized as follows: in calcium-free
      buffer, healthy membranes do not present any signs of adhesion or hemifusion,
      while diseased membranes hemifuse easily. Addition of 2mM calcium favors adhesion
      and hemifusion of the membranes independently of their composition, but the
      mechanisms involved in the two processes were different: healthy bilayers
      systematically presented stronger adhesion forces and lower energy barriers to
      fusion compared to diseased bilayers. These results are of particular relevance
      for understanding lesion development (demyelination, swelling, vacuolization
      and/or vesiculation) in myelin associated diseases such as multiple sclerosis and
      its relationship to lipid domain formation in myelin membranes.

PMID- 22047744
TI  - The protective effects of plasma gelsolin on stroke outcome in rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To date, recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) is the only
      approved drug for ischemic stroke. It is intravenously administered functioning
      as a thrombolytic agent and is used to obtain reperfusion of the affected area of
      the brain. Excitotoxicity, inflammation and apoptosis are all involved in delayed
      neuronal death following stroke and offer multiple opportunities to intervene
      with neuroprotective agents. Gelsolin (GSN) is an actin- and calcium-binding
      protein mediating the disassembly of actin filaments and activity of calcium
      channels. It also functions as a regulator of apoptosis and inflammatory
      responses. This study tests the hypothesis that increasing the concentration of
      the form of GSN known as plasma GSN (pGSN) near an infarct will provide
      neuroprotection following ischemic stroke. METHODS: We induced middle cerebral
      artery occlusion (MCAO) in male rats via intracranial injection of endothelin-1
      (ET-1), a potent vasoconstrictor, and then treated with local delivery of pGSN.
      Whole brain laser Doppler perfusion imaging was performed through the skull to
      assess MCAO effectiveness. Cylinder and vibrissae tests evaluated sensorimotor
      function before and 72 h after MCAO. Infarct volumes were examined 72 h after
      MCAO via 2, 3, 5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) assay. RESULTS: Estimates of
      relative cerebral perfusion were significantly decreased in all groups receiving
      MCAO with no differences detected between treatments. Despite equivalent initial
      strokes, the infarct volume of the pGSN treatment group was significantly reduced
      compared with the untreated MCAO rats at 72 h. ET-1 induced significant deficits
      in both cylinder and vibrissae tests while pGSN significantly limited these
      deficits. CONCLUSION: Gelsolin could be a promising drug for protection against
      neurodegeneration following ischemic stroke.

PMID- 22047745
TI  - [Ultrasonography for hand surgeons (lecture from the 46th meeting of French
      Society of Hand Surgery)].
AB  - Ultrasound examination is inexpensive, easily accessible and has numerous
      applications. Its diagnostic or even therapeutic use is developing in the context
      of hand surgery. The purpose of this work is to review the literature dealing
      with hand ultrasonograpy by recalling its physical basis and by showing the
      normal and pathological aspects of different structures and pathologies.

PMID- 22047746
TI  - The use of N,N'-diallylaldardiamides as cross-linkers in xylan derivatives-based
      hydrogels.
AB  - N,N'-Diallylaldardiamides (DA) were synthesized from galactaric, xylaric, and
      arabinaric acids, and used as cross-linkers together with xylan (X) derivatives
      to create new bio-based hydrogels. Birch pulp extracted xylan was derivatized to
      different degrees of substitution of 1-allyloxy-2-hydroxy-propyl (A) groups
      combined with 1-butyloxy-2-hydroxy-propyl (B) and/or hydroxypropyl (HP) groups.
      The hydrogels were prepared in water solution by UV induced free-radical cross
      linking polymerization of derivatized xylan polymers without DA cross-linker
      (xylan derivative hydrogel) or in the presence of 1 or 5 wt% of DA cross-linker
      (DA hydrogel). Commercially available cross-linker (+)-N,N'-diallyltartardiamide
      (DAT) was also used. The degree of substitution (DS) of A, B, and HP groups in
      xylan derivatives was analyzed according to (1)H NMR spectra. The DS values for
      the cross-linkable A groups of the derivatized xylans were 0.4 (HPX-A), 0.2 (HPX
      BA), and 0.4 (X-BA). The hydrogels were examined with FT-IR and elemental
      analysis which proved the cross-linking successful. Water absorption of the
      hydrogels was examined in deionized water. Swelling degrees up to 350% were
      observed. The swollen morphology of the hydrogels was assessed by scanning
      electron microscopy (SEM). The presence of cross-linkers in DA hydrogels had only
      a small impact on the water absorbency when compared to xylan derivative
      hydrogels but a more uniform pore structure was achieved.

PMID- 22047747
TI  - Synthesis of water-soluble multidentate aminoalcohol beta-cyclodextrin
      derivatives via epoxide opening.
AB  - New highly soluble beta-aminoalcohol beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) derivatives have
      been synthesized via nucleophilic epoxide opening reactions with mono-6-amino
      mono-6-deoxy-permethyl-beta-CD and mono-6-amino mono-6-deoxy-beta-CD. The binding
      properties of the beta-CD were enhanced by linking aminoalcohol subunits which
      caused its solubility to improve markedly. The reaction conditions were optimised
      using microwave irradiation giving moderate-to-good yields with a series of
      epoxides. A regioselective epoxide opening reaction was observed in the reaction
      with styrene oxide while the stereoselectivity was strictly dependent on
      substrate structure.

PMID- 22047748
TI  - Mice spermatogonial stem cells transplantation induces macrophage migration into
      the seminiferous epithelium and lipid body formation: high-resolution light
      microscopy and ultrastructural studies.
AB  - Transplantation of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs), the male germline stem
      cells, in experimental animal models has been successfully used to study
      mechanisms involved in SSC self-renewal and to restore fertility. However, there
      are still many challenges associated with understanding the recipient immune
      response for SSCs use in clinical therapies. Here, we have undertaken a detailed
      structural study of macrophages elicited by SSCs transplantation in mice using
      both high-resolution light microscopy (HRLM) and transmission electron microscopy
      (TEM). We demonstrate that SSCs transplantation elicits a rapid and potent
      recruitment of macrophages into the seminiferous epithelium (SE). Infiltrating
      macrophages were derived from differentiation of peritubular monocyte-like cells
      into typical activated macrophages, which actively migrate through the SE,
      accumulate in the tubule lumen, and direct phagocytosis of differentiating germ
      cells and spermatozoa. Quantitative TEM analyses revealed increased formation of
      lipid bodies (LBs), organelles recognized as intracellular platforms for
      synthesis of inflammatory mediators and key markers of macrophage activation,
      within both infiltrating macrophages and Sertoli cells. LBs significantly
      increased in number and size in parallel to the augmented macrophage migration
      during different times post-transplantation. Our findings suggest that LBs may be
      involved with immunomodulatory mechanisms regulating the seminiferous tubule
      niche after SSC transplantation.

PMID- 22047749
TI  - Fingermark detection on non-porous and semi-porous surfaces using YVO4:Er,Yb
      luminescent upconverting particles.
AB  - This article describes the use of an anti-Stokes luminescent material
      (upconverter), yttrium vanadate doped with ytterbium and erbium (YVO(4):Er,Yb),
      for the development of latent fingermarks on a range of non-porous surfaces. Anti
      Stokes luminescent materials emit light at shorter wavelengths than the
      excitation wavelength. This property is unusual in both natural and artificial
      materials commonly found as exhibits in forensic science casework. As a result,
      fingermark detection techniques based on anti-Stokes luminescence are potentially
      extremely sensitive and selective. Latent fingermarks on non-luminescent and
      inherently luminescent substrates, including Australian polymer banknotes (a well
      known 'difficult' surface), were developed with YVO(4):Er,Yb by dry powder and
      wet powder techniques. The effectiveness of YVO(4):Er,Yb for fingermark detection
      was compared with that of cyanoacrylate fuming and of sodium yttrium
      tetrafluoride doped with ytterbium and erbium (NaYF(4):Er,Yb). The results
      illustrate some benefit of luminescent up-converting phosphors over traditional
      luminescence techniques for the detection of latent fingermarks.

PMID- 22047750
TI  - Anabolic androgenic steroids abuse and cardiac death in athletes: morphological
      and toxicological findings in four fatal cases.
AB  - Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) are the main class of doping agents and their
      consumption produces adverse effects involving several organs and systems. Three
      cases of sudden cardiac death (SCD) and one of death due to congestive heart
      failure of previously healthy athletes who were AAS users are herein reported.
      Concentric cardiac hypertrophy with focal fibrosis (one case), dilated
      cardiomyopathy with patchy myocyte death (two cases) and eosinophilic myocarditis
      (one case) were observed and most probably relate to the final event. Molecular
      investigation for viral genomes was positive in one case (Ebstein virus). Our
      data confirm previous findings, showing that the most typical cardiac abnormality
      in AAS abusers is left ventricular hypertrophy, associated with fibrosis and
      myocytolysis. An exceptional cardiovascular substrate was represented by the case
      with drug induced eosinophilic myocarditis. These features are at risk of
      ventricular arrhythmias as well as congestive heart failure. The cause-effect
      relationship between AAS abuse and cardiac death can be established only by a
      rigorous methodology with the use of standardized protocols, including precise
      morphological studies of all target organs to search for chronic toxic effects.
      Laboratory investigations should focus on AAS searching on a wide range of
      biological matrices to demonstrate type, magnitude and time of exposure.

PMID- 22047751
TI  - Screening of gunshot residues using desorption electrospray ionisation-mass
      spectrometry (DESI-MS).
AB  - Several studies have indicated that there are potential environmental sources of
      particles resembling inorganic primer found in gunshot residues (GSR); as a
      consequence examiners are reluctant to unambiguously assign the origin of
      inorganic particles. If organic gunshot residues (OGSR) were found in combination
      with inorganic particles, the possibility of environmental sources could be
      potentially eliminated, thereby significantly enhancing the strength of the
      evidence. Methods have been previously described whereby GSR specimens can be
      analysed for the presence of OGSR or inorganic GRS (IGSR). However, no methods
      have been reported that allow the analysis of both OGSR and IGSR on the same
      specimen. Described in this article is a direct method using desorption
      electrospray ionisation-mass spectrometry (DESI-MS) for the detection of methyl
      centralite (MC), ethyl centralite (EC) and diphenylamine (DPA) on adhesive tape
      GSR stubs typically used for scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive X-ray
      (SEM-EDX) analysis. The optimisation of numerous parameters was conducted using
      an experimental design. The results indicate that direct analysis of these
      organic components of GSR is possible although some limitations were also
      identified. This initial investigation has also indicated that subjecting stubs
      to DESI analysis does not interfere with subsequent SEM-EDX analysis of primer
      residues; therefore the technique described herein allows a comprehensive
      examination of GSR that would be highly probative in the event that both OGSR and
      IGSR are detected in the same specimen.

PMID- 22047752
TI  - Simultaneous detection of seventeen drugs of abuse and metabolites in hair using
      solid phase micro extraction (SPME) with GC/MS.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The analysis of pediatric and adult hair is a useful non-invasive
      biomarker to effectively detect long term exposure to various xenobiotics,
      specifically drugs of abuse such as cocaine, opiates and amphetamines. Very often
      individuals are using, or are exposed to multiple drugs simultaneously and
      therefore it is important to be able to detect them in the same analysis. We have
      developed a sensitive and specific solid phase micro extraction (SPME) coupled
      with gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS) to detect 17 different analytes
      in hair using a single extraction method. METHOD: Five milligrams of hair is
      extracted overnight, subjected to solid phase extraction (SPE) and then to SPME
      GC/MS. The aimed analytes include amphetamine, methamphetamine, MDA, MDMA,
      cocaine, benzoylecognine, norcocaine, cocaethylene, methadone, codeine, morphine,
      6-AM, oxycodone, oxymorphone, hydrocodone, hydromorphone and meperidone. RESULTS:
      The following are the LOD of the various drugs: 0.2ng/mg hair for amphetamine,
      methamphetamine, MDA, MDMA, morphine, codeine, 6-AM, oxycodone, oxymorphone,
      hydromorphone, hydrocodone, meperidine and 0.13ng/mg hair for cocaine,
      benzoylecognine, cocaethylene, norcocaine and methadone. CONCLUSION: This GC/MS
      method is sensitive and specific to detect the presence of these 17 analytes in
      as little as 5mg of hair and is especially useful for newborn and child hair
      analysis where the amount of hair is often very limited.

PMID- 22047753
TI  - Short term outcomes after cardiac surgery in a Jehovah's Witness population: an
      institutional experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Minimising blood transfusion has a number of medical and logistical
      benefits, and is of particular importance for followers of the Jehovah's Witness
      faith. We examined the short term outcomes in this group of patients based on our
      institutional practice over the past decade. PATIENTS/METHODS: Data on 59
      patients (73% male, mean age 66 years [range 40-83]) who identified as Jehovah's
      Witness was prospectively collected and retrospectively analysed from a
      systematised database over the period from January 1999 to June 2010. Mean
      logistic Euroscore was 4.5, with coronary artery bypass procedures most common
      (44/59, 75%) followed by aortic valve replacement (6/59, 10%). RESULTS: Average
      haemoglobin (Hb) fell from 142 g/L preoperatively to 109 g/L at discharge. Output
      from cardiac drains was reduced in patients who received aprotinin (34/59, 58%,
      p=0.05) compared to tranexaemic acid (11/59, 18%) or no antifibrinolytic (15/59,
      25%). Operative mortality was 1/59 (1.7%) with an average length of postoperative
      stay of 6.2 days. Morbidity rates for neurologic deficit 2/59 (3.4%), deep
      sternal infection 1/59 (1.7%) and postoperative myocardial infarction 1/59 (1.7%)
      were within accepted ranges. CONCLUSION: Cardiac surgery can be performed safely
      in Jehovah's Witness patients with acceptable outcomes.

PMID- 22047754
TI  - Reverse contrast and substructures in protein micro-patterns on 3D polymer
      surfaces.
AB  - We characterize an approach enabling protein patterning over broad polymer areas
      based on selective protein adsorption on surfaces of spin-cast amino-terminated
      polystyrene structured topographically with elastomer molds (capillary force
      lithography) and passivated locally against adsorption with poly(ethylene oxide)
      silanes printed with flat elastomer stamps (inverted micro-contact printing).
      Atomic force microscopy reveals uniformity of PS-NH(2) films with stripes of
      grooves and elevations alternating with periodicity 4<lambda<200 MUm. Film
      morphologies, prior and after selective adsorption of model protein, are mapped
      with optical and fluorescence microscopes, respectively. The examination with the
      Fourier analysis shows that elevated regions of polymer relief are replicated as
      dark or bright stripes on fluorescent micrographs for elevations forming plateaus
      (>3 MUm) or narrow ridges, respectively. Reverse contrast in protein micro
      patterns is induced by modified relief geometry, which affects surface flux of
      silanes from stamp to polymer surface both within and away from contact zones of
      micro-contact printing. In addition, protein substructures with a fraction
      lambda/n of relief periodicity are observed on surfaces with elevated ridges
      (n=2) and plateaus (n=2 and 4). This is due to the locally modified protein
      adsorption with silane concentration and surface topography, respectively.

PMID- 22047755
TI  - Risk assessment models for thromboprophylaxis of medical patients.

PMID- 22047756
TI  - Lack of effect of moderate-duration static stretching on plantar flexor force
      production and series compliance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The effects of an acute bout of moderate-duration static stretching
      on plantar flexor force production, series compliance of the muscle-tendon unit,
      and levels of neuromuscular activation were examined. METHODS: Eighteen active
      individuals (9 men and 9 women) performed four 45-s static plantar flexor
      stretches and a time-matched control of no stretch (where subjects remained
      seated in the dynamometer for 4 min with no stretch being performed). Measures of
      peak isometric moment, rate of force development, neuromuscular activation
      (interpolated twitch technique and electromyography), twitch force
      characteristics, passive moment during stretch, and tendon elongation during
      maximal voluntary contractions were taken before and after the stretching.
      FINDINGS: Despite a significant stress-relaxation response during stretch (9.3%,
      P<0.01) there were no significant differences in peak isometric moment (P=0.35;
      effect size 0.13), rate of force development (P=0.93; effect size 0.01),
      neuromuscular activation (interpolated twitch: P=0.86; electromyography: P=0.09;
      effect size 0.02), or tendon elongation (P=0.61; effect size 0.07) after
      stretching. Twitch characteristics were also unchanged after stretching, although
      there was a reduction in the rate of twitch torque relaxation (RR(t); P<0.01).
      INTERPRETATION: The acute bout of moderate-duration static stretching did not
      impair the force generating capacity of the plantar flexors or negatively affect
      muscle-tendon mechanical properties. Static stretching may not always have
      detrimental consequences for force production. Thus, clinicians may be able to
      apply moderate-duration stretches to patients without risk of reducing muscular
      performance.

PMID- 22047757
TI  - Risk factors for venous thromboembolism in critically ill trauma patients who
      cannot receive chemical prophylaxis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Standard venous thromboembolism (VTE) prevention for critically ill
      trauma patients includes sequential compression devices and chemical prophylaxis.
      When contraindications to anticoagulation are present, prophylactic inferior vena
      cava filters (IVCF) may be used to prevent pulmonary emboli (PE) in high-risk
      patients, but specific indications are lacking. We sought to identify independent
      predictors of VTE in critically-ill trauma patients who cannot receive chemical
      prophylaxis in order to identify a subset of patients who may benefit from
      aggressive screening and/or prophylactic IVCF placement. METHODS: All trauma
      patients in the surgical ICU from 2008 to 2009 were prospectively followed.
      Patients with an ICU length of stay >=2 days who had contraindications to
      prophylactic anticoagulation were included. Screening duplex exams were obtained
      within 48 h of admission and then weekly. CT-angiography for PE was obtained if
      clinically indicated. Patients were excluded if they did not receive a duplex or
      if they had a post-injury VTE prior to ICU admission. Data regarding VTE rates
      (lower extremity [LE] DVT or PE), demographics, past medical history (PMH),
      injuries, and surgeries were collected. Univariate and multivariable analyses
      were performed to identify independent predictors of VTE with a p<0.05. RESULTS:
      411 trauma patients with a mean age of 48 (SD 22) years and 8 (SD 9) ICU days
      were included. 72% were male and the mean ISS was 22 (SD 13). 30 (7.3%) patients
      developed VTE: 28 (6.8%) with LEDVT and 2 (0.5%) with PE. Risk factors for VTE
      with a p<0.2 on univariate analysis included: PMH of DVT, injury severity score
      (ISS), extremity fractures (Fx), and a pelvis or LE extremity Fx repair. After
      logistic regression, only PMH of DVT (OR=22.6) and any extremity Fx (OR=2.4)
      remained as independent predictors. CONCLUSION: VTE occur in 7% of critically
      injured trauma patients who cannot receive chemical prophylaxis. Aggressive
      screening and/or prophylactic IVCF placement may be considered in patients with a
      PMH of DVT or extremity fractures when anticoagulation is prohibited.

PMID- 22047760
TI  - Microscopy in 3D: a biologist's toolbox.
AB  - The power of fluorescence microscopy to study cellular structures and
      macromolecular complexes spans a wide range of size scales, from studies of cell
      behavior and function in physiological 3D environments to understanding the
      molecular architecture of organelles. At each length scale, the challenge in 3D
      imaging is to extract the most spatial and temporal resolution possible while
      limiting photodamage/bleaching to living cells. Several advances in 3D
      fluorescence microscopy now offer higher resolution, improved speed, and reduced
      photobleaching relative to traditional point-scanning microscopy methods. We
      discuss a few specific microscopy modalities that we believe will be particularly
      advantageous in imaging cells and subcellular structures in physiologically
      relevant 3D environments.

PMID- 22047761
TI  - Target separation of a new anti-tumor saponin and metabolic profiling of leaves
      of Panax notoginseng by liquid chromatography with eletrospray ionization
      quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry.
AB  - A method coupling high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with quadrupole
      time-of-flight mass spectrometers (QTOF-MS) using an eletrospray ionization (ESI)
      source was firstly developed for detection, characterization and guiding target
      separation of variants of protopanaxdiol saponin from leaves of Panax
      notoginseng. Under the guidance of LC-QTOF-MS, a new trace saponin was probed
      according to the precise elemental compositions of molecular ions and the
      fragmentation behavior, and then separated from the ethanol extract of the plant
      by a set of chromatographic methods. It was further confirmed by NMR experiments
      as 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside-3beta,l2beta,23beta-triol-20-ene-dammar (Pn-1). The
      cytotoxic assay showed that Pn-1 had relatively stronger anti-tumor effects
      against three tumor cell lines (NCI-H460, HepG2 and SGC-7901) than Rg3, an
      approved clinical agent for cancer therapy. Meanwhile, based on accurate mass
      measurements within 5 ppm for each molecular ions and subsequent product ions, 48
      saponins, including 40 protopanaxadiol saponins, 7 protopanaxatriol saponins and
      1 oleanane saponin were identified. It is noted that the knowledge of the
      presence of abundant protopanaxadiol saponins in leaves of P. notoginseng may
      provide tools for a full understanding of the chemical diversity of secondary
      metabolites from the different parts of P. notoginseng. From the points of time
      consuming and accurate mass measurement capability, the LC-QTOF-MS is a highly
      powerful tool for screening and guiding target separation of new compounds in
      herbal extract, and thus benefits the speed of new drug discovery progress.

PMID- 22047763
TI  - Resistance to avermectin/milbemycin anthelmintics in equine cyathostomins -
      current situation.
AB  - Avermectins and milbemycins (AM) are potent compounds against all major nematode
      parasites, but their continuous usage has led to the development of widespread
      resistance in many of the important species of ruminant and equine parasites. The
      exception to this has been the cyathostomins, where AM resistance was recently
      first reported only after decades of drug exposure. Data from a Brazilian study
      suggests that AM resistance has developed in cyathostomins and reports of
      shortened egg reappearance periods after ivermectin treatment have been published
      recently from USA and Germany. Thus, AM resistance in cyathostomins is an
      emerging worldwide concern, but there is only limited amount data on the extent
      of this problem. To limit the development and spread of AM-resistant
      cyathostomins the equine industry must implement new strategies for worm control,
      and the veterinary parasitology community must develop and validate improved
      protocols for detecting anthelmintic resistance in the field.

PMID- 22047764
TI  - Gotch ear: a poorly described, local, pathologic condition of livestock
      associated primarily with the Gulf Coast tick, Amblyomma maculatum.
AB  - Gotch ear is a condition in animals in which the ear is swollen, deformed,
      curled, drooped, possibly necrotic, and is usually associated with attachment by
      the Gulf Coast tick, Amblyomma maculatum. Little is known of the etiology or
      epidemiology of gotch ear in livestock. Reports generally describe the condition
      in cattle, but it has also been reported in horses and mules and more recently in
      a goat. This review explores the history and etymology of the term "gotch ear"
      and reports on current status, pathogenesis, differential diagnosis, and
      epidemiology of gotch ear. Finally, clinical definition of gotch ear is offered.

PMID- 22047765
TI  - Evidence that endogenous hydrogen sulfide exerts an excitatory effect on gastric
      motility in mice.
AB  - The present study was designed to investigate the effect of endogenous hydrogen
      sulfide (H2S) on gastric motility in mice. Western blotting and
      immunocytochemistry were used to determine expression levels of the H2S-producing
      enzymes cystathionine-beta-synthase (CBS) and cystathionine-gamma-lyase (CSE) in
      gastric tissues and cultured smooth muscle cells. Physiological and intracellular
      recordings and the whole-cell patch clamp technique were used to evaluate the
      effect of H2S on the mechanical and electrical activities in muscle strips and in
      isolated smooth muscle cells, respectively. The results showed that CBS and CSE
      were expressed in mouse gastric smooth muscle. NaHS, a H2S donor, inhibited the
      amplitude and frequency of spontaneous contraction at high concentrations (>200
      MUM). However, NaHS at low concentrations (<100 MUM) enhanced the basal tension
      and increased the contractile amplitude of muscle strips. This excitatory effect
      was not altered by the blockade of the enteric nerve with TTX, but was abolished
      by tetraethylammonium (TEA) or 4-aminopyridine (4-AP). Aminooxyacetic acid (AOA),
      but not propargylglycine (PAG), caused a concentration-dependent inhibition of
      spontaneous contraction. This effect was restored by L-cysteine and NaHS. In
      addition, NaHS at low concentrations (<100 MUM) produced a depolarization of the
      membrane potential, whereas AOA hyperpolarized the membrane potential and
      decreased the amplitude of slow waves. Furthermore, AOA increased whole-cell
      delayed rectifier K+ current (I(K(V))). These findings suggest that endogenous
      H2S appears to be an excitatory gaseous mediator during physiological regulation
      of gastric motility and this excitable effect is mediated by depolarization of
      the membrane potential via inhibition of I(K(V)).

PMID- 22047762
TI  - Recommendations for liver transplantation for hepatocellular carcinoma: an
      international consensus conference report.
AB  - Although liver transplantation is a widely accepted treatment for hepatocellular
      carcinoma (HCC), much controversy remains and there is no generally accepted set
      of guidelines. An international consensus conference was held on Dec 2-4, 2010,
      in Zurich, Switzerland, with the aim of reviewing current practice regarding
      liver transplantation in patients with HCC and to develop internationally
      accepted statements and guidelines. The format of the conference was based on the
      Danish model. 19 working groups of experts prepared evidence-based reviews
      according to the Oxford classification, and drafted recommendations answering 19
      specific questions. An independent jury of nine members was appointed to review
      these submissions and make final recommendations, after debates with the experts
      and audience at the conference. This report presents the final 37 statements and
      recommendations, covering assessment of candidates for liver transplantation,
      criteria for listing in cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic patients, role of tumour
      downstaging, management of patients on the waiting list, role of living donation,
      and post-transplant management.

PMID- 22047766
TI  - Adsorption of humic acid onto carbonaceous surfaces: atomic force microscopy
      study.
AB  - The adsorption of humic acid (HA) onto highly ordered pyrolytic graphite (HOPG)
      surfaces at different concentrations has been studied by atomic force microscopy.
      When HA concentration was increased from 10 to 1,000 mg/L, HA can sequentially
      form spherical particles, layered structures, and connected blocks on HOPG
      surfaces. The findings of the layer structures and small amount of fine chains
      have been verified and discussed. When HA was acidified by addition of acetic
      acid, it changed into small rigid particles. These results indicated that HA can
      be considered as supramolecular associations of self-assembling heterogeneous and
      relatively small molecules, and a small amount of polymers. The present results
      are important for understanding HA molecular structures and their adsorption
      characteristic on carbonaceous surfaces.

PMID- 22047767
TI  - Successful management of a symptomatic splenic haemangioma by radiofrequency
      ablation.

PMID- 22047768
TI  - Effects of exposure to soluble fraction of industrial solid waste on lipid
      peroxidation and DNA methylation in erythrocytes of Oreochromis niloticus, as
      assessed by quantification of MDA and m5dC rates.
AB  - In this study, lipid peroxidation and DNA methylation were observed in
      erythrocytes of Oreochromis niloticus exposed to soluble fractions of textile,
      metal-mechanic and pulp and paper industrial waste, after a period of 48 h. Lipid
      peroxidation was quantified by the rate of malondialdehyde (MDA) and DNA
      methylation was quantified by the rate of 5-methyldeoxycytosine (m5dC). Soluble
      fractions of textile industrial waste caused metabolic changes for all studied
      samples. In organisms exposed to samples TX1 and TX2 (textile waste) MDA rates
      were 132.36 and 140.28 nM MDA/mg protein, respectively, while in control organism
      the MDA rates were 27.5 nM MDA/mg protein. All samples from soluble fractions of
      textile industrial waste induced increases in m5dC rates, increases varied
      between 300 percent and 700 percent when compared to the control organism. All
      the organisms exposed to soluble fractions of metal-mechanic industrial waste
      presented increases between 360 percent and 600 percent in the rates of MDA, and
      one of them (sample MM3) induced an increase of 180 percent in the rate of m5dC,
      when compared to control. Although a significant increase was not observed in the
      MDA rate of fish exposed to the soluble fractions of pulp and paper industrial
      waste, there was an increase of 460 percent in the rate of m5dC in one of the
      samples (sample PP2), when compared to control. The results showed that the
      soluble fractions of these industrial wastes are capable of inducing oxidative
      damage and altering the DNA methylation of O. niloticus. Thus, the MDA and m5dC
      rates demonstrated to be effective biomarkers of exposure, which could be used to
      evaluate the toxicity of soluble fractions of industrial solid waste.

PMID- 22047769
TI  - Assessment of the genotoxicity of quinolone and fluoroquinolones contaminated
      soil with the Vicia faba micronucleus test.
AB  - The genotoxicity of quinolone and fluroquinolones was assessed using the
      micronucleus (MN) test on Vicia faba roots by direct contact exposure to a solid
      matrix. Plants were exposed to quinolones (nalidixic acid) and fluoroquinolones
      (ciprofloxacin and enrofloxacin) alone or mixed with artificially contaminated
      soils. Four different concentrations of each of these antibiotics were tested
      (0.01, 0.1, 1 and 10 mg/Kg) for nalidixic acid and (0.005, 0.05, 0.5 and 5 mg/Kg)
      for ciprofloxacin and enrofloxacin. These antibiotics were also used in mixture.
      Exposure of Vicia faba plants to each antibiotic at the highest two
      concentrations showed significant MN induction. The lowest two concentrations had
      no significant genotoxic effect. The mixture of the three compounds induced a
      significant MN induction whatever the mixture tested, from 0.02 to 20 mg/Kg. The
      results indicated that a similar genotoxic effect was obtained with the mixture
      at 0.2 mg/Kg in comparison with each molecule alone at 5-10 mg/Kg. Data revealed
      a clear synergism of these molecules on Vicia faba genotoxicity.

PMID- 22047770
TI  - A phase II study of gemcitabine in combination with tanespimycin in advanced
      epithelial ovarian and primary peritoneal carcinoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and biological effects of the
      gemcitabine/tanespimycin combination in patients with advanced ovarian and
      peritoneal cancer. To assess the effect of tanespimycin on tumor cells, levels of
      the chaperone proteins HSP90 and HSP70 were examined in peripheral blood
      mononuclear cells (PBMC) and paired tumor biopsy lysates. METHODS: Two-cohort
      phase II clinical trial. Patients were grouped according to prior gemcitabine
      therapy. All participants received tanespimycin 154 mg/m(2) on days 1 and 9 of
      cycle 1 and days 2 and 9 of subsequent cycles. Patients also received gemcitabine
      750 mg/m(2) on day 8 of the first treatment cycle and days 1 and 8 of subsequent
      cycles. RESULTS: The tanespimycin/gemcitabine combination induced a partial
      response in 1 gemcitabine naive patient and no partial responses in gemcitabine
      resistant patients. Stable disease was seen in 6 patients (2 gemcitabine naive
      and 4 gemcitabine resistant). The most common toxicities were hematologic (anemia
      and neutropenia) as well as nausea and vomiting. Immunoblotting demonstrated
      limited upregulation of HSP70 but little or no change in levels of most client
      proteins in PBMC and paired tumor samples. CONCLUSIONS: Although well tolerated,
      the tanespimycin/gemcitabine combination exhibited limited anticancer activity in
      patients with advanced epithelial ovarian and primary peritoneal carcinoma,
      perhaps because of failure to significantly downregulate the client proteins at
      clinically achievable exposures.

PMID- 22047771
TI  - [An atypical case of asthma].

PMID- 22047772
TI  - Patterns of health services utilization in rural Canada.
AB  - CONTEXT OF THIS STUDY: Canadians value ease of access to their health services.
      Although many studies have focused on accessibility to health services in Canada,
      few have examined rural-urban differences in this aspect, particularly from a
      national perspective. Yet disparities in access to health services exist between
      rural and urban populations, as do the challenges of delivering health care to
      more remote areas or to those with small populations. "Canada's Rural
      Communities: Understanding Rural Health and Its Determinants" is a three-year
      research project co-funded by the Canadian Population Health Initiative (CPHI) of
      the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI) and the Public Health Agency
      of Canada (PHAC). It involves investigators from the Public Health Agency of
      Canada, the Centre for Rural and Northern Health Research (CRaNHR) at Laurentian
      University, and other researchers. The first publication of the research project
      was How Healthy Are Rural Canadians? An Assessment of Their Health Status and
      Health Determinants; this, the second publication, is a descriptive analysis of
      the utilization patterns of a broad range of health services by rural residents
      compared to their urban counterparts.

PMID- 22047774
TI  - Altered postural control in persons with cognitive impairment during visual
      feedback tasks.
AB  - We compared postural stability with eyes open (EO) and with visual feedback (VFB)
      in 15 elderly subjects with cognitive impairment (SwCI) and 17 controls. Postural
      stability was evaluated using the center-of-pressure (COP) mean radius and
      velocity, while postural strategies by the frequency and damping of the
      difference between the COP and the center-of-mass (COM) signals. Performance in
      the VFB trials was measured by the ratio of time spent by the COP inside the
      target on the screen to the total trial duration. With EO, both groups
      demonstrated similar postural stability and strategies. The time spent inside the
      target during VFB was significantly higher in controls than in SwCI. The VFB did
      not affect the mean radius in either group, nor velocity and frequency in SwCI,
      however it increased the mean velocity and frequency in controls. Besides, the
      VFB increased damping significantly more in the SwCI than in controls. These
      findings indicate that controls adequately responded to the demands of VFB and
      used efficient strategy of postural control. In contrast, the SwCI seemed to have
      lost the natural capability to use augmented feedback demonstrating impaired sway
      control and deficit of sensory integration. All these symptoms of posture control
      disorders could be objectively identified by the COP mean velocity and the COP
      COM frequency and damping. Increased damping in controls during VFB task may
      account for early signs of cognitive impairment that cannot be captured by
      standard tests.

PMID- 22047773
TI  - One walk a year to 1000 within a year: continuous in-home unobtrusive gait
      assessment of older adults.
AB  - Physical performance measures predict health and function in older populations.
      Walking speed in particular has consistently predicted morbidity and mortality.
      However, single brief walking measures may not reflect a person's typical
      ability. Using a system that unobtrusively and continuously measures walking
      activity in a person's home we examined walking speed metrics and their relation
      to function. In 76 persons living independently (mean age, 86) we measured every
      instance of walking past a line of passive infra-red motion sensors placed
      strategically in their home during a four-week period surrounding their annual
      clinical evaluation. Walking speeds and the variance in these measures were
      calculated and compared to conventional measures of gait, motor function and
      cognition. Median number of walks per day was 18+/-15. Overall mean walking speed
      was 61+/-17 cm/s. Characteristic fast walking speed was 96 cm/s. Men walked as
      frequently and fast as women. Those using a walking aid walked significantly
      slower and with greater variability. Morning speeds were significantly faster
      than afternoon/evening speeds. In-home walking speeds were significantly
      associated with several neuropsychological tests as well as tests of motor
      performance. Unobtrusive home walking assessments are ecologically valid measures
      of walking function. They provide previously unattainable metrics (periodicity,
      variability, range of minimum and maximum speeds) of everyday motor function.

PMID- 22047775
TI  - An optimized Kalman filter for the estimate of trunk orientation from inertial
      sensors data during treadmill walking.
AB  - The aim of this study was the fine tuning of a Kalman filter with the intent to
      provide optimal estimates of lower trunk orientation in the frontal and sagittal
      planes during treadmill walking at different speeds using measured linear
      acceleration and angular velocity components represented in a local system of
      reference. Data were simultaneously collected using both an inertial measurement
      unit (IMU) and a stereophotogrammetric system from three healthy subjects walking
      on a treadmill at natural, slow and fast speeds. These data were used to estimate
      the parameters of the Kalman filter that minimized the difference between the
      trunk orientations provided by the filter and those obtained through
      stereophotogrammetry. The optimized parameters were then used to process the data
      collected from a further 15 healthy subjects of both genders and different
      anthropometry performing the same walking tasks with the aim of determining the
      robustness of the filter set up. The filter proved to be very robust. The root
      mean square values of the differences between the angles estimated through the
      IMU and through stereophotogrammetry were lower than 1.0 degrees  and the
      correlation coefficients between the corresponding curves were greater than 0.91.
      The proposed filter design can be used to reliably estimate trunk lateral and
      frontal bending during walking from inertial sensor data. Further studies are
      needed to determine the filter parameters that are most suitable for other motor
      tasks.

PMID- 22047776
TI  - Predictors of pelvic retraction in children with cerebral palsy derived from gait
      parameters and clinical testing.
AB  - Excessive pelvic rotation in the transverse plane is common in patients with
      cerebral palsy. Knowing the underlying reasons is important for clinical decision
      making, since changes in pelvic retraction might have an effect on internally
      rotated gait. We hypothesized that the contralateral leg contributes considerably
      to pelvic rotation on the retracted side. Therefore the aim of this study is to
      calculate predictors for pelvic retraction using both, parameters from the
      retracted and from the contralateral protracted side. Thirty-two children with
      diplegia and 18 children with hemiplegia were examined by three-dimensional gait
      analysis followed by a clinical examination protocol. Stepwise multilinear
      regression of the response value mean pelvic retraction during stance phase was
      performed on 10 potential predictors of dynamic gait data and 10 corresponding
      predictors of clinical data of the retracted and the contralateral protracted
      side. Gait analysis revealed ankle push-off energy on the protracted side as the
      best predictors in hemiplegic patients explaining 59% of the variance in pelvic
      retraction. In diplegic patients external hip rotation of the protracted side was
      most accurate in predicting pelvic retraction (27%). Best clinical predictors for
      hemiplegic patients were ankle dorsiflexion on the retracted side (46%) and for
      diplegic patients it was the knee extension strength on the protracted side
      together with hip rotation on the retracted side (36%). In hemiplegic patients
      ankle push-off energy of the contralateral side is a significant compensation
      mechanism that might cause increased pelvic retraction to compensate for the
      weakness of the involved side. In diplegic patients prediction of pelvic
      retraction was only moderate and requires further investigation.

PMID- 22047778
TI  - Predictive coding as a model of the V1 saliency map hypothesis.
AB  - The predictive coding/biased competition (PC/BC) model is a specific
      implementation of the predictive coding theory that has previously been shown to
      provide a detailed account of the response properties of orientation tuned cells
      in primary visual cortex (V1). Here it is shown that the same model can
      successfully simulate psychophysical data relating to the saliency of unique
      items in search arrays, of contours embedded in random texture, and of borders
      between textured regions. This model thus provides a possible implementation of
      the hypothesis that V1 generates a bottom-up saliency map. However, PC/BC is very
      different from previous models of visual salience, in that it proposes that
      saliency results from the failure of an internal model of simple elementary image
      components to accurately predict the visual input. Saliency can therefore be
      interpreted as a mechanism by which prediction errors attract attention in an
      attempt to improve the accuracy of the brain's internal representation of the
      world.

PMID- 22047779
TI  - Empowerment in family planning as viewed by Iranian women: a qualitative study.
AB  - Women carry the primary responsibility for family planning in most parts of the
      world, and should be afforded the power of decision-making and control over their
      fertility. This study seeks to gain insight into Iranian women's perception of
      the meaning of empowerment in family planning. Using a qualitative study, seven
      focus group discussions and five individual interviews were conducted with 35
      married Iranian women of reproductive age. The data were analysed using a
      conventional content analysis approach, in which themes and categories were
      explored to reveal women's experiences of empowerment in family planning. The
      results demonstrated four main categories: control over fertility plan,
      participative family planning, maintaining health and access to optimal family
      planning services. They viewed knowledge of family planning and autonomy of
      decision-making in fertility issues as essential elements for control of their
      fertility plan. Participants felt more empowered when joint family planning
      decisions were made with their partners in an atmosphere of agreement. Therefore,
      family planning policymakers should plan services with new approaches that focus
      on women's health and empowerment.

PMID- 22047777
TI  - Testosterone impairs the acquisition of an operant delayed alternation task in
      male rats.
AB  - The current study examined the effects of gonadectomy (GDX) and subsequent
      testosterone treatment of male Long-Evans rats on an operant variable delay
      spatial alternation task (DSA). Gonadally-intact rats (intact-B), GDX rats
      receiving implants that delivered a physiological level of testosterone (GDX-T),
      and GDX rats receiving blank implants (GDX-B) were tested for 25 sessions on a
      DSA task with variable inter-trial delays ranging from 0 to 18 s. Acquisition of
      the DSA task was found to be enhanced following GDX in a time and delay dependent
      manner. Both the GDX-T and the intact-B rats had lower performance accuracies
      across delays initially, relative to GDX-B rats, and this deficit persisted into
      subsequent testing sessions at longer delays. The GDX-T and intact-B rats also
      had a tendency to commit more perseverative errors during the early testing
      sessions, with both groups persisting in pressing a lever which had not been
      associated with reinforcement for at least two consecutive trials. However, both
      the GDX-T and intact-B groups were able to achieve performance accuracy similar
      to that of the GDX-B rats by the final sessions of testing. Overall, these
      results suggest that castration of adult male rats enhances their acquisition of
      an operant DSA task.

PMID- 22047780
TI  - Obituary: Dr Max Harry Weil.

PMID- 22047781
TI  - Anticoagulation management in clinical practice: preventing stroke in patients
      with atrial fibrillation.
AB  - Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major and widely recognized risk factor for
      cardioembolic stroke. Prophylactic therapy for the prevention of stroke in
      patients with AF is often achieved through oral anticoagulation, specifically
      with warfarin, which has been used for this purpose for more than 50 years.
      Although warfarin therapy is effective when implemented appropriately, it is
      often underutilized and requires consistent monitoring to ensure both safety in
      avoiding bleeding and efficacy in preventing strokes. Because the burden of AF
      related stroke continues to rise, healthcare professionals need to understand the
      strengths and limitations of current and emerging treatment options. This review
      outlines current practices for managing the risk of stroke with anticoagulation
      in patients with AF, and discusses how new oral anticoagulants may affect
      clinical practice.

PMID- 22047782
TI  - Characterizing upper limb muscle volume and strength in older adults: a
      comparison with young adults.
AB  - Aging is associated with the loss of muscle volume (MV) and force leading to
      difficulties with activities of daily living. However, the relationship between
      upper limb MV and joint strength has not been characterized for older adults.
      Quantifying this relationship may help our understanding of the functional
      declines of the upper limb that older adults experience. Our objective was to
      assess the relationship between upper limb MV and maximal isometric joint moment
      generating capacity (IJM) in a single cohort of healthy older adults (age >= 65
      years) for 6 major functional groups (32 muscles). MV was determined from MRI for
      18 participants (75.1+/-4.3 years). IJM at the shoulder (abduction/adduction),
      elbow (flexion/extension), and wrist (flexion/extension) was measured. MV and IJM
      measurements were compared to previous reports for young adults (28.6+/-4.5
      years). On average older adults had 16.5% less total upper limb MV compared to
      young adults. Additionally, older adult wrist extensors composed a significantly
      increased percentage of upper limb MV. Older adult IJM was reduced across all
      joints, with significant differences for shoulder abductors (p<0.0001), adductors
      (p=0.01), and wrist flexors (p<0.0001). Young adults were strongest at the
      shoulder, which was not the case for older adults. In older adults, 40.6% of the
      variation in IJM was accounted for by MV changes (p<=0.027), compared to 81.0% in
      young adults. We conclude that for older adults, MV and IJM are, on average,
      reduced but the significant linear relationship between MV and IJM is maintained.
      These results suggest that older adult MV and IJM cannot be simply scaled from
      young adults.

PMID- 22047783
TI  - The early migration of a partially cemented fluted pegged glenoid component using
      radiostereometric analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Radiostereometric analysis measures the position of rigid bodies in 3
      dimensions with very high precision and can be used to measure early micromotion
      of glenoid implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Radiostereometric analysis was used
      to measure migration of 11 partially cemented fluted pegged glenoid components in
      patients with osteoarthritis who underwent shoulder arthroplasty during a 2-year
      period. Patients were evaluated using the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons
      (ASES) and Constant scores and by a computed tomography (CT) scan at the 2-year
      follow-up. RESULTS: Migration patterns could be classified into 2 groups: The
      first group showed little if any migration, the second group rotated by 4 degrees
      or more as early as 3 months after operation. The maximum total point motion
      reached up to 2 mm by the 6-month follow-up. At 12 months, the 2 groups could be
      identified by the presence or absence of focal lucency around the central peg. At
      the end of 2 years, CT scans were able to classify the same 2 migration patterns
      by the presence or absence of osseointegration around the cementless central peg
      of the glenoid implant. The clinical effect of the absence of osseointegration in
      this novel glenoid component is unknown because both groups had similar clinical
      results at 2 years. CONCLUSION: Rapid early migration associated with focal
      lucency and absence of osseointegration was observed in 6 of 11 components. We
      postulate that lack of initial fixation leads to early movement of the glenoid
      component and failure of osseointegration.

PMID- 22047784
TI  - Glenohumeral joint tuberculosis that mimics frozen shoulder: a retrospective
      analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although the incidence of osteoarticular tuberculosis is increasing,
      glenohumeral joint tuberculosis is rare and often misdiagnosed in its early
      stages. Our objective was to study the incidence of the initial misdiagnosis as
      frozen shoulder and the duration of the prediagnostic period among patients with
      glenohumeral joint tuberculosis. METHODS: The clinical records of 21 patients
      with tuberculosis of the shoulder joint were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS:
      Among the 16 patients with glenohumeral joint tuberculosis, 14 (87.5%) were
      initially diagnosed as having frozen shoulder instead of glenohumeral joint
      tuberculosis at their primary care clinics. Two patients actually showed both
      shoulder pain and limited range of motion, although they did not have a record of
      initial diagnosis with frozen shoulder. Consequently, 14 (87.5%) of the patients
      in our study with glenohumeral joint tuberculosis were likely misdiagnosed as
      having frozen shoulder. On the other hand, this group accounted for 3.6% (n = 16)
      of 450 patients who, during the same period, had been initially diagnosed with
      frozen shoulder at our institution. The mean prediagnostic period to attain the
      final, correct diagnosis of glenohumeral joint tuberculosis for this group was
      14.5 months. CONCLUSION: It appears that misdiagnosis is common and early
      diagnosis of tubercular infection in the glenohumeral joint has become
      increasingly difficult. Glenohumeral joint tuberculosis should be suspected in
      cases of longstanding pain in the shoulder. It is necessary to re-examine these
      frozen shoulder patients with repeated plain radiographs followed by further
      imaging studies, especially magnetic resonance imaging, if conservative therapy
      fails.

PMID- 22047785
TI  - Defining functional shoulder range of motion for activities of daily living.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The range of motion (ROM) in the wrist and elbow required for daily
      activities has been reported to be less than the normal anatomic ROM. This
      functional ROM has not been defined for the shoulder. Many shoulder outcome
      assessment tools use specific functional tasks of daily living to score
      functional results of treatment. This study quantified the total shoulder ROM
      required to perform the functional tasks of the American Shoulder and Elbow
      Surgeon (ASES), Simple Shoulder Test (SST), and University of Pennsylvania (U
      Penn) Shoulder Score (PSS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The FASTRAK electromagnetic
      tracking system (Colchester, VT, USA) was used to test 40 shoulders in 20
      volunteers with no shoulder pathology found on physical examination. Three
      sensors were used: 1 each on the T3 spinous process, the scapular spine, and the
      arm over the distal humerus. Subjects performed each functional task of the ASES,
      SST, and PSS while flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, external rotation,
      and internal rotation were recorded. RESULTS: Average shoulder motions required
      to perform the 10 functional tasks were flexion, 121 degrees  +/- 6.7 degrees ;
      extension, 46 degrees  +/- 5.3 degrees ; abduction, 128 degrees  +/- 7.9 degrees
      ; cross-body adduction, 116 degrees  +/- 9.1 degrees ; external rotation with the
      arm 90 degrees  abducted, 59 degrees  +/- 10 degrees ; and internal rotation with
      the arm at the side, 102 degrees  +/- 7.7 degrees . CONCLUSION: Although
      attaining full motion is a reasonable goal of all shoulder treatment, our results
      indicate that less ROM is required to perform the functional tasks used in common
      outcome tools.

PMID- 22047786
TI  - The importance of inferomedial support in the hot air balloon technique for
      treatment of 3-part proximal humeral fractures.
AB  - HYPOTHESIS: Inferomedial support may affect the results of the hot air balloon
      technique for the treatment of displaced, 3-part fractures of the proximal
      humerus. METHODS: Forty-three patients with displaced, 3-part fractures of the
      proximal humerus treated with the hot air balloon technique between 1995 and 2007
      were included in the study. All patients were classified into 4 subgroups based
      on the presence or absence of medial buttress restoration and inferomedial screw
      insertion (R+, restored with inferomedial screw; R-, restored without
      inferomedial screw; NR+, non-restored with inferomedial screw; and NR-, non
      restored without inferomedial screw). Assessment of radiologic and clinical
      outcome among subgroups was based on evaluation of neck-shaft angle, American
      Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score, and Neer score. RESULTS: The mean follow-up
      duration was 65 +/- 29.7 months. The change in the neck-shaft angle in the R+, R
      , NR+, and NR- groups was 3 degrees , 2 degrees , 3 degrees , and 11 degrees ,
      respectively. The mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons scores in the R+, R-,
      NR+, and NR- groups were 91 +/- 4.8, 86 +/- 5.4, 85 +/- 1.9, and 77 +/- 5.8,
      respectively. The mean Neer scores in the R+, R-, NR+, and NR- groups were 92 +/-
      4.3, 88 +/- 4.0, 87 +/- 2.1, and 76 +/- 8.2, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Medial
      buttress restoration and inferomedial screw insertion affect bone-nail construct
      stability and clinical outcomes.

PMID- 22047787
TI  - Glenoid loosening and failure in anatomical total shoulder arthroplasty: is
      revision with a reverse shoulder arthroplasty a reliable option?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Our purpose was to evaluate if, in case of aseptic glenoid
      loosening and failure in anatomical total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA), revision
      by a reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is a reliable therapeutic option.
      METHODS: Retrospective multicenter cohort study of 37 consecutive anatomical TSA
      revised by RSA for aseptic glenoid loosening or failure. The decision to implant
      a RSA was related to the presence of associated complications: rotator cuff tears
      (n = 24), subscapularis insufficiency (n = 29), prosthetic instability (n = 13),
      and glenoid bone deficiency (n = 37). The patients were reviewed clinically and
      radiographically at a mean follow-up of 47 months (range, 24-104). RESULTS:
      Eighty-six percent of the patients were satisfied or very satisfied. The average
      Constant score increased from 24 to 55 pts (P < .0001) and active anterior
      elevation from 68 degrees  to 121 degrees  (P < .0001). Twenty-two of the 29
      (76%) associated bone grafts were incorporated in the glenoid. Eight patients
      (21%) needed a subsequent reoperation because of recurrent or new complications:
      glenoid loosening (n = 3), prosthetic anterior instability (n = 3), and humeral
      subsidence (n = 2); the reverse prosthesis had to be converted to a
      hemiarthroplasty in 1 patient and removed in another. CONCLUSION: Revision with a
      RSA is a reliable therapeutic option which provides the double benefit of glenoid
      bone stock reconstruction by fixing the bone graft with the help of the baseplate
      and screws and of solving the problem of soft tissue insufficiency and prosthetic
      instability. However, surgeons should be aware that the rate of postoperative
      complications and subsequent reoperations is high, and that the surgical
      technique is demanding.

PMID- 22047788
TI  - A biomechanical analysis of gap formation and failure mechanics of a xenograft
      reinforced rotator cuff repair in a cadaveric model.
AB  - HYPOTHESIS: Failure rates of rotator cuff repairs are reported to be as high as
      90%, in part because of gap formation at the repair site that occurs before
      healing. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether the application of an
      extracellular matrix (ECM) graft (Conexa; Tornier, Edina, MN, USA) to a rotator
      cuff repair will decrease the gap formation at the tendon-bone interface and
      increase the ultimate load to failure over control specimens by mechanically
      sharing load with the repair in a cadaveric model. METHODS: Six pairs of human
      cadaveric shoulders were used to test ECM-reinforced and unreinforced rotator
      cuff repairs for repair-site gapping, ultimate load, failure mode, and load
      sharing capabilities of the ECM patch under both cyclic and monotonic loading.
      RESULTS: The gap formation under cyclic loading was reduced by 40% for the
      reinforced specimens compared with the control group (1.3 +/- 0.6 mm vs 2.1 +/-
      0.5 mm, P < .05) The load at 5-mm gap formation was significantly higher for the
      reinforced group (389 +/- 71 N) compared with the control group (307 +/- 33 N) (P
      < .05). The ultimate load to failure was significantly higher for the ECM
      reinforced group compared with the control group: 429 +/- 69 N versus 335 +/- 57
      N (P < .05). The ECM graft was estimated to share 35% of the load applied to the
      tendon repair. CONCLUSIONS: Application of an ECM graft to a rotator cuff repair
      decreased tendon gapping and increased load to failure by load sharing in a human
      rotator cuff repair model.

PMID- 22047789
TI  - Early clinical and structural results after autologous chondrocyte
      transplantation at the glenohumeral joint.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of the study was to report early functional and
      radiographic results of a small series of patients who underwent autologous
      chondrocyte transplantation-collagen membrane seeding (ACT-Cs) for focal chondral
      defects of the shoulder. METHODS: The outcome of 4 consecutive male patients
      (mean age, 29.3 +/- 6.2 years; range, 21-36 years) who underwent ACT-Cs for
      treatment of large symptomatic glenohumeral cartilage defects was retrospectively
      evaluated with clinical and radiographic measures at a mean of 41.3 +/- 24.9
      months (range, 11-71 months) after surgery. The evaluation included a visual
      analog scale for pain, the Constant score, the American Shoulder and Elbow
      Surgeons shoulder index, the Rowe score, and a satisfaction scale. Magnetic
      resonance imaging evaluation was performed according to the Magnetic Resonance
      Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue scoring system. RESULTS: There were 3
      humeral full-thickness cartilage defects (each 6.0 cm(2)) and 1 glenoid full
      thickness cartilage defect (2.0 cm(2)). The mean postoperative visual analog
      scale score (0.3 of 10), the mean unweighted Constant score (83.3 +/- 9.9), and
      the mean American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons index (95.3 +/- 8.1) were
      representative of satisfactory shoulder function. The Magnetic Resonance
      Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue score was indicative of satisfactory
      defect coverage with signs of fibrocartilaginous repair tissue. CONCLUSIONS:
      Autologous chondrocyte transplantation at the glenohumeral joint is a remote
      option for young adults with symptomatic, isolated, large-diameter cartilage
      lesions. Potential complications as a result of the open approach and 2-step
      procedure have to be considered carefully. Long-term data, larger patient
      populations, and randomized studies are required to determine the potential for
      chondrocyte transplantation techniques to be standard procedure for treatment of
      symptomatic, large-diameter, full-thickness cartilage defects in the glenohumeral
      joint.

PMID- 22047790
TI  - Drug-related arrest rates and spatial access to syringe exchange programs in New
      York City health districts: combined effects on the risk of injection-related
      infections among injectors.
AB  - Drug-related law enforcement activities may undermine the protective effects of
      syringe exchange programs (SEPs) on local injectors' risk of injection-related
      infections. We explored the spatial overlap of drug-related arrest rates and
      access to SEPs over time (1995-2006) in New York City health districts, and used
      multilevel models to investigate the relationship of these two district-level
      exposures to the odds of injecting with an unsterile syringe. Districts with
      better SEP access had higher arrest rates, and arrest rates undermined SEPs'
      protective relationship with unsterile injecting. Drug-related enforcement
      strategies targeting drug users should be de-emphasized in areas surrounding
      SEPs.

PMID- 22047791
TI  - Phosphodiesterase function and endocrine cells: links to human disease and roles
      in tumor development and treatment.
AB  - Phosphodiesterases (PDEs) are enzymes that regulate the intracellular levels of
      cyclic adenosine monophosphate and cyclic guanosine monophosphate, and,
      consequently, exhibit a central role in multiple cellular functions. The
      pharmacological exploitation of the ability of PDEs to regulate specific pathways
      has led to the discovery of drugs with selective action against specific PDE
      isoforms. Considerable attention has been given to the development of selective
      PDE inhibitors, especially after the therapeutic success of PDE5 inhibitors in
      the treatment of erectile dysfunction. Several associations between PDE genes and
      genetic diseases have been described, and more recently PDE11A and PDE8B have
      been implicated in predisposition to tumor formation. This review focuses on the
      possible function of PDEs in a variety of tumors, primarily in endocrine glands,
      both in tumor predisposition and as potential therapeutic targets.

PMID- 22047792
TI  - Regulation of murine cardiac function by phosphodiesterases type 3 and 4.
AB  - Cyclic nucleotide phosphodiesterases (PDEs) encompass a large group of enzymes
      that regulate intracellular levels of two-second messengers, cAMP and cGMP, by
      controlling the rates of their degradation. More than 60 isoforms, subdivided
      into 11 gene families (PDE1-11), exist in mammals with at least six families
      (PDE1-5 and PDE8) identified in mammalian hearts. The two predominant families
      implicated in regulating contraction strength of the heart are PDE3 and PDE4.
      Studies using transgenic models in combination with family-specific PDE
      inhibitors have demonstrated that PDE3A, PDE4B, and PDE4D isoforms regulate
      cardiac contractility by modulating cAMP levels in various subcellular
      compartments. These studies have further uncovered contributions of PDE4B and
      PDE4D in preventing ventricular arrhythmias.

PMID- 22047794
TI  - [Epidemiological study of the metabolic diseases with homocystinuria in Spain].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the prevalence of homocystinuria in Spain and to
      establish the measures and mechanisms to ensure its prevention, diagnosis and
      treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A national cross-sectional survey was conducted
      by means of a questionnaire sent to 35 hospitals in which children and adult
      patients are treated. RESULTS: Using the questionnaires submitted by 25
      physicians from 16 centres, 75 patients were identified: 41 transsulphuration
      defects (one deceased), 27 remethylation (six deaths) and 7 without a syndromic
      diagnosis. The age at diagnosis varied widely, and 18 cases had more than one
      sibling affected. The more severe clinical manifestations involved the patients
      with remethylation defects. There was a high percentage of cognitive impairment,
      followed by lens diseases. Almost half of the patients had neurological
      disorders. There was increased vascular involvement in CBS-deficient adults. The
      therapeutic options most used were, folic acid, hydroxycobalamin and betaine.
      CONCLUSIONS: In view of these results and especially the small number of CBS
      deficiencies detected, we conclude that there is a need to introduce newborn
      screening for classical homocystinuria and ensure implementation of an
      appropriate diagnostic workup in all patients at risk.

PMID- 22047793
TI  - Adolescent treatment initiation and engagement in an evidence-based practice
      initiative.
AB  - This study examined client and program factors predicting initiation and
      engagement for 2,191 adolescents at 28 outpatient substance abuse treatment sites
      implementing evidence-based treatments. Using Washington Circle criteria for
      treatment initiation and engagement, 76% of the sample initiated, with 59%
      engaging in treatment. Analyses used a 2-stage Heckman probit regression,
      accounting for within-site clustering, to identify factors predictive of
      initiation and engagement. Adolescents treated in a pay-for-performance (P4P)
      group were more likely to initiate, whereas adolescents in the race/ethnicity
      category labeled other (Native American, Asian, Pacific Islander, Native Alaskan,
      Native Hawaiian, mixed race/ethnicity), or who reported high truancy, were less
      likely to initiate. Race/ethnicity groups other than Latinos were equally likely
      to engage. Among White adolescents, each additional day from first treatment to
      next treatment reduced likelihood of engagement. Although relatively high
      initiation and engagement rates were achieved, the results suggest that attention
      to program and client factors may further improve compliance with these
      performance indicators.

PMID- 22047795
TI  - Special issue on techniques for measuring brain connectivity: advanced anatomic,
      function, effective and network neuroconnectivity techniques.

PMID- 22047796
TI  - Effects of water temperature increase and heavy metals contamination on WAP65
      gene expression in sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) liver.
AB  - It has been previously demonstrated that "Warm temperature Acclimation-related 65
      kD Protein" (WAP65) is involved in temperature acclimation, response to
      intoxication and infection, as well as in development. The expression of wap65-1
      was investigated in the liver of European sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) during
      exposure to the increased temperature (from 12 deg C to 30 deg C) and during
      intoxication with four heavy metals: lead, cadmium, copper and zinc. Post
      temperature increase wap65 expression was highest after one hour at 30 deg C.
      After 1 to 4 weeks at 30 deg C wap65 transcript levels did not differ from the 12
      deg C control group, similar to observations regarding the heat shock protein,
      hsp70. Upregulation of wap65 was detected after treatment (intoxication) with
      cadmium (0.5 MUg/l). In contrast, a slight, but significant down regulation of
      wap65 was seen after copper (5 MUg/l) intoxication. These data indicate that
      functional analyses of WAP65 are needed to understand the differential regulation
      of this gene by metals. The role of WAP65 may be similar to that of HSP70, which
      has generalized functions in responding to certain stressors and maintaining
      normal cell physiology.

PMID- 22047797
TI  - Effect of 2',6'-dimethyl-L-tyrosine (Dmt) on pharmacological activity of cyclic
      endomorphin-2 and morphiceptin analogs.
AB  - This study reports the synthesis and biological evaluation of a series of new
      side-chain-to-side-chain cyclized endomorphin-2 (EM-2) and morphiceptin analogs
      of a general structure Tyr-c(Xaa-Phe-Phe-Yaa)NH(2) or Tyr-c(Xaa-Phe-D-Pro
      Yaa)NH(2), respectively, where Xaa and Yaa were L/D Asp or L/D Lys. Further
      modification of these analogs was achieved by introduction of 2',6'-dimethyl-L
      tyrosine (Dmt) instead of Tyr in position 1. Peptides were synthesized by solid
      phase method and cleaved from the resin by a microwave-assisted procedure. Dmt(1)
      substituted analogs displayed high affinity at the MU-opioid receptors, remained
      intact after incubation with the rat brain homogenate and showed remarkable, long
      lasting MU-opioid receptor-mediated antinociceptive activity after central, but
      not peripheral administration. Our results demonstrate that cyclization is a
      promising strategy in the development of new opioid analgesics, but further
      modifications are necessary to enhance the blood-brain barrier permeability.

PMID- 22047798
TI  - B-Ring-modified and/or 5-demethylated nobiletin congeners: inhibitory activity
      against pro-MMP-9 production.
AB  - Three metabolites and 12 analogues of nobiletin (1) were synthesized. Whereas
      nobiletin derivatives 2-4 inhibited pro-MMP-9 production similarly in both PMA-
      and TNF-alpha-stimulated human lens epithelial cells, the 2'-hydroxylated
      analogue 5a exerted marked inhibitory effects (IC(50): 0.4 MUM) on PMA-treated
      cells, which were 170-fold more potent than those on TNF-alpha-treated cells.
      This activity may be closely related to PKC-mediated transcriptional regulation
      of pro-MMP-9.

PMID- 22047799
TI  - Quinoline tricyclic derivatives. Design, synthesis and evaluation of the
      antiviral activity of three new classes of RNA-dependent RNA polymerase
      inhibitors.
AB  - In this study three new classes of linear N-tricyclic compounds, derived by
      condensation of the quinoline nucleus with 1,2,3-triazole, imidazole or pyrazine,
      were synthesized, obtaining triazolo[4,5-g]quinolines, imidazo[4,5-g]quinolines
      and pyrido[2,3-g]quinoxalines, respectively. Title compounds were tested in cell
      based assays for cytotoxicity and antiviral activity against RNA viruses
      representative of the three genera of the Flaviviridae family, that is BVDV
      (Pestivirus), YFV (Flavivirus) and HCV (Hepacivirus). Quinoline derivatives were
      also tested against representatives of other RNA virus families containing single
      stranded, either positive-sense (ssRNA(+)) or negative-sense (RNA(-)), and double
      stranded genomes (dsRNA), as well as against representatives of two DNA virus
      families. Some quinolines showed moderate, although selective activity against
      CVB-5, Reo-1 and RSV. However, derivatives belonging to all classes showed
      activity against BVDV. Among the most potent were the bis-triazoloquinoline 1m,
      the imidazoquinolines 2e and 2h, and the pyridoquinoxalines 4h, 4j and 5n (EC(50)
      range 1-5 MUM). When tested in a replicon assay, compound 2h was the sole
      derivative to also display anti-HCV activity (EC(50)=3.1 MUM). In enzyme assays,
      1m, 2h, 5m and 5n proved to be potent inhibitors of the BVDV RNA-dependent RNA
      polymerase (RdRp), while only 2h also inhibited the recombinant HCV enzyme.

PMID- 22047800
TI  - Benzenepolycarboxylic acids with potential anti-hemorrhagic properties and
      structure-activity relationships.
AB  - Previously, we reported the structural requirements of the cinnamic acid
      relatives for inhibition of snake venom hemorrhagic action. In the present study,
      we examined the effect of benzenepolycarboxylic acids and substituted benzoic
      acids against Protobothropsflavoviridis venom-induced hemorrhage. Pyromellitic
      acid (1,2,4,5-benzenetetracarboxylic acid) was found to be a potent inhibitor of
      hemorrhage, with an IC(50) value of 0.035 MUM. In addition, most of the
      antihemorrhagic activity of compounds tested in this experiment showed good
      correlation to acidity.

PMID- 22047801
TI  - 2-Anilinonicotinyl linked 2-aminobenzothiazoles and [1,2,4]triazolo[1,5-b]
      [1,2,4]benzothiadiazine conjugates as potential mitochondrial apoptotic inducers.
AB  - A series of N-(2-anilino-pyridyl) linked 2-amino benzothiazoles (4a-n) and
      [1,2,4]triazolo [1,5-b]benzothiadiazine conjugates (5a-j) have been designed,
      synthesized and evaluated for their antiproliferative activity. Some of these
      compounds (4h-k, 4n, and 5e) have exhibited potent cytotoxicity specifically
      against human leukemia HL-60 cell lines with IC(50) values in the range of 0.08
      0.70 MUM. All these compounds were tested for their effects on the cell cycle
      perturbations and induction of apoptosis. Morphological evidences of apoptosis,
      including fragmentation of nuclei and inter nucleosomal DNA laddering formation
      were clearly observed after 24h exposure to compound 4i. Flow cytometry analysis
      revealed that compound 4i showed drastic cell cycle perturbations due to
      concentration dependant increase in the sub-G0 region which comprises of both the
      apoptotic and debris fraction, thus implying the extent of cell death. These
      compounds trigger the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway that results in the loss of
      mitochondrial membrane potential through activation of multiple caspases followed
      by activation of caspase-3, and finally cleavage of PARP. Further the mechanism
      of cell death was analysed by fluorescent microscopic analysis and also by
      scanning electron microscopy. The cytotoxicity of 4i correlated with induction of
      apoptosis, caspases activation and DNA damage and thus indicating the apoptotic
      pathway of anticancer effect of these compounds.

PMID- 22047802
TI  - The arginine mimicking beta-amino acid beta3hPhe(3-H2N-CH2) as S1 ligand in
      cyclotheonamide-based beta-tryptase inhibitors.
AB  - beta-Tryptase, a mast-cell specific serine protease with trypsin-like activity,
      has emerged in the last years as a promising novel therapeutic target in the
      field of allergic inflammation. Recently, we have developed a potent and
      selective beta-tryptase inhibitor based on the natural product cyclotheonamide E4
      by implementing a basic P3 residue that addresses the determinants of the
      extended substrate specificity of beta-tryptase. To further improve the
      affinity/selectivity profile of this lead structure, we have now investigated
      beta-homo-3-aminomethylphenylalanine as S1 ligand. In contrast to the
      corresponding beta-homo amino acids derived from lysine or arginine, we
      demonstrate that this particular basic beta-homo amino acid is a privileged S1
      ligand for the development of beta-tryptase inhibitors. Besides affinity,
      selectivity and reduced basicity, these novel cyclotheonamide E4 analogs show
      excellent stability in human plasma and serum.

PMID- 22047803
TI  - The effect of the placement and total charge of the basic amino acid clusters on
      antibacterial organism selectivity and potency.
AB  - Extensive circular dichroism, isothermal titration calorimetry and induced
      calcein leakage studies were conducted on a series of antimicrobial peptides
      (AMPs), with a varying number of Lys residues located at either the C-terminus or
      the N-terminus to gain insight into their effect on the mechanisms of binding
      with zwitterionic and anionic membrane model systems. Different CD spectra were
      observed for these AMPs in the presence of zwitterionic DPC and anionic SDS
      micelles indicating that they adopt different conformations on binding to the
      surfaces of zwitterionic and anionic membrane models. Different CD spectra were
      observed for these AMPs in the presence of zwitterionic POPC and anionic mixed
      4:1 POPC/POPG LUVs and SUVs, indicating that they adopt very different
      conformations on interaction with these two types of LUVs and SUVs. In addition,
      ITC and calcein leakage data indicated that all the AMPs studied interact via
      very different mechanisms with anionic and zwitterionic LUVs. ITC data suggest
      these peptides interact primarily with the surface of zwitterionic LUVs while
      they insert into and form pores in anionic LUVs. CD studies indicated that these
      compounds adopt different conformations depending on the ratio of POPC to POPG
      lipids present in the liposome. There are detectable spectroscopic and
      thermodynamic differences between how each of these AMPs interacts with
      membranes, that is position and total charge density defines how these AMPs
      interact with specific membrane models and thus partially explain the resulting
      diversity of antibacterial activity of these compounds.

PMID- 22047804
TI  - Inhibition of rat synaptic membrane Na+/K+-ATPase and ecto-nucleoside
      triphosphate diphosphohydrolases by 12-tungstosilicic and 12-tungstophosphoric
      acid.
AB  - The in vitro influence of Keggin structure polyoxotungstates, 12-tungstosilicic
      acid, H(4)SiW(12)O(40) (WSiA) and 12-tungstophosphoric acid, H(3)PW(12)O(40)
      (WPA), and monomer Na(2)WO(4) * 2H(2)O on rat synaptic plasma membrane (SPM)
      Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase and E-NTPDase activity was studied, whereas the commercial
      porcine cerebral cortex Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase served as a reference. Dose-dependent
      Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase inhibition was obtained for all investigated compounds.
      Calculated IC(50) (10 min) values, in mol/l, for SPM/commercial Na(+)/K(+)
      ATPase, were: 3.4 * 10(-6)/4.3 * 10(-6), 2.9 * 10(-6)/3.1 * 10(-6) and 1.3 * 10(
      3)/1.5 * 10(-3) for WSiA, WPA and Na(2)WO(4) * 2H(2)O, respectively. In the case
      of E-NTPDase, increasing concentrations of WSiA and WPA induced its activity
      reduction, while Na(2)WO(4) * 2H(2)O did not noticeably affect the enzyme
      activity at all investigated concentrations (up to 1 * 10(-3)mol/l). IC(50) (10
      min) values, obtained from the inhibition curves, were (in mol/l): 4.1 * 10(-6)
      for WSiA and 1.6 * 10(-6) for WPA. Monolacunary Keggin anion was found as the
      main active molecular species present under physiological conditions (in the
      enzyme assays, pH 7.4), for the both polyoxotungstates solutions (1 mmol/l),
      using Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) and micro-Raman spectroscopy.
      Additionally, commercial porcine cerebral cortex Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase was exposed to
      the mixture of Na(2)WO(4) * 2H(2)O and WSiA at different concentrations. Additive
      inhibition effect was achieved for lower concentrations of Na(2)WO(4) *
      2H(2)O/WSiA (<= 1 * 10(-3)/4 * 10(-6) mol/l), while antagonistic effect was
      obtained for all higher concentrations of the inhibitors.

PMID- 22047805
TI  - Synthesis of macrolones with central piperazine ring in the linker and its
      influence on antibacterial activity.
AB  - Three macrolides, clarithromycin, azithromycin and 11-O-Me-azithromycin have been
      selected for the construction of a series of new macrolone derivatives. Quinolone
      linker intermediates are prepared by Sonogashira-type C(6)-alkynylation of 6
      iodoquinolone precursors. The final macrolones, differing by macrolide moiety and
      substituents at the position N-1 of the quinolone or by the presence of an ethyl
      ester or free acid on the quinolone unit attached via a linker. The linker
      comprises of a central piperazine ring bonded to the 4"-O position of cladinose
      by 3-carbon ester or ether functionality. Modifications of the linker did not
      improve antibacterial properties compared to the previously reported macrolone
      compounds. Linker flexibility seems to play an important role for potency against
      macrolide resistant respiratory pathogens.

PMID- 22047806
TI  - Feasibility of TCP-based dose painting by numbers applied to a prostate case with
      (18)F-choline PET imaging.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: A biologically adaptive radiation treatment method to maximize the
      TCP is shown. Functional imaging is used to acquire a heterogeneous dose
      prescription in terms of Dose Painting by Numbers and to create a patient
      specific IMRT plan. METHOD AND MATERIALS: Adapted from a method for selective
      dose escalation under the guidance of spatial biology distribution, a model,
      which translates heterogeneously distributed radiobiological parameters into
      voxelwise dose prescriptions, was developed. At the example of a prostate case
      with (18)F-choline PET imaging, different sets of reported values for the
      parameters were examined concerning their resulting range of dose values.
      Furthermore, the influence of each parameter of the linear-quadratic model was
      investigated. A correlation between PET signal and proliferation as well as cell
      density was assumed. Using our in-house treatment planning software Direct Monte
      Carlo Optimization (DMCO), a treatment plan based on the obtained dose
      prescription was generated. Gafchromic EBT films were irradiated for evaluation.
      RESULTS: When a TCP of 95% was aimed at, the maximal dose in a voxel of the
      prescription exceeded 100Gy for most considered parameter sets. One of the
      parameter sets resulted in a dose range of 87.1Gy to 99.3Gy, yielding a TCP of
      94.7%, and was investigated more closely. The TCP of the plan decreased to 73.5%
      after optimization based on that prescription. The dose difference histogram of
      optimized and prescribed dose revealed a mean of -1.64Gy and a standard deviation
      of 4.02Gy. Film verification showed a reasonable agreement of planned and
      delivered dose. CONCLUSION: If the distribution of radiobiological parameters
      within a tumor is known, this model can be used to create a dose-painting by
      numbers plan which maximizes the TCP. It could be shown, that such a
      heterogeneous dose distribution is technically feasible.

PMID- 22047807
TI  - Specialized connective tissue: bone, the structural framework of the upper
      extremity.
AB  - Bone is a connective tissue containing cells, fibers, and ground substance. There
      are many functions in the body in which the bone participates, such as storing
      minerals, providing internal support, protecting vital organs, enabling movement,
      and providing attachment sites for muscles and tendons. Bone is unique because
      its collagen framework absorbs energy, whereas the mineral encased within the
      matrix allows bone to resist deformation. This article provides an overview of
      the structure and function of bone tissue from a macroscopic to microscopic level
      and discusses the physiological processes contributing to upper extremity bone
      health. It concludes by discussing common conditions influencing upper extremity
      bone health.

PMID- 22047808
TI  - Ischemia induces P-selectin-mediated selective progenitor cell engraftment in the
      isolated-perfused heart.
AB  - Clinical trials infusing Bone Marrow Cells (BMCs) into injured hearts have
      produced measureable improvements in cardiac performance, but were insufficient
      to improve patient outcomes. Low engraftment rates are cited as probable
      contributor to limited improvements. To understand the mechanisms that control
      myocardial engraftment of BMCs following ischemia-reperfusion injury, in isolated
      perfused mouse hearts, stop-flow ischemia was followed by variable-duration
      reperfusion (0-60 min) before addition of labeled syngenic BMCs to the perfusate.
      After a buffer-only wash, the heart was disaggregated. Retained BMCs (digest) and
      infused BMCs (aliquot) were compared by flow cytometry for c-kit and CD45
      expression to determine the proportion of cell subtypes engrafted versus
      delivered (selectivity ratio). In these studies, a time-dependent selective
      retention of c-kit(+) cells was apparent starting at 30 min of reperfusion, at
      which time c-kit(+)/CD45(+) BMCs showed a selectivity ratio of 18 +/- 2 (versus 2
      +/- 1 in sham-ischemic controls). To study the underlying mechanism for this
      selective retention, neutralizing antibodies for P-selectin or L-selectin were
      infused into the heart preparation and incubated with BMCs prior to BMC infusion.
      Blocking P-selectin in ischemic hearts ablated selectivity for c-kit(+)/CD45(+)
      BMCs at 30 min reperfusion (selectivity ratio of 3 +/- 1) while selectivity
      persisted in the presence of L-selectin neutralization (selectivity ratio of 17
      +/- 2). To corroborate this finding, a parallel plate flow chamber was used to
      study capture and rolling dynamics of purified c-kit(+) versus c-kit- BMCs on
      various selectin molecules. C-kit(+) BMCs interacted weakly with L-selectin
      substrates (0.03 +/- 0.01% adhered) but adhered strongly to P-selectin (0.28+/
      0.04% adhered). C-kit- BMCs showed intermediate binding regardless of substrate
      (0.18 +/- 0.04% adhered on L-selectin versus 0.17 +/- 0.04% adhered on P
      selectin). Myocardial ischemia-reperfusion stress induces selective engraftment
      of c-kit(+) bone marrow progenitor cells via P-selectin activation.

PMID- 22047809
TI  - The impact of the stopping rule on sex ratio of last births in Vietnam.
AB  - This study examines the hypothesis that the stopping rule - a traditional
      postnatal sex selection method where couples decide to cease childbearing once
      they bear a son - plays a role in high sex ratio of last births (SRLB). The study
      develops a theoretical framework to demonstrate the operation of the stopping
      rule in a context of son preference. This framework was used to demonstrate the
      impact of the stopping rule on the SRLB in Vietnam, using data from the
      Population Change Survey 2006. The SRLB of Vietnam was high at the level of 130
      in the period 1970-2006, and particularly in the period 1986-1995, when sex
      selective abortion was not available. Women were 21% more likely to stop
      childbearing after a male birth compared with a female birth. The SRLB was
      highest at parity 2 (138.7), particularly in rural areas (153.5), and extremely
      high (181.9) when the previous birth was female. Given the declining fertility,
      the stopping rule has a potential synergistic effect with sex-selective abortion
      to accentuate a trend of one-son families in the population.

PMID- 22047810
TI  - Website quality, expectation, confirmation, and end user satisfaction: the
      knowledge-intensive website of the Korean National Cancer Information Center.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The fact that patient satisfaction with primary care clinical
      practices and physician-patient communications has decreased gradually has
      brought a new opportunity to the online channel as a supplementary service to
      provide additional information. OBJECTIVE: In this study, our objectives were to
      examine the process of cognitive knowledge expectation-confirmation from eHealth
      users and to recommend the attributes of a "knowledge-intensive website.".
      Knowledge expectation can be defined as users' existing attitudes or beliefs
      regarding expected levels of knowledge they may gain by accessing the website.
      Knowledge confirmation is the extent to which user's knowledge expectation of
      information systems use is realized during actual use. In our hypothesized
      research model, perceived information quality, presentation and attractiveness as
      well as knowledge expectation influence knowledge confirmation, which in turn
      influences perceived usefulness and end user satisfaction, which feeds back to
      knowledge expectation. METHODS: An empirical study was conducted at the National
      Cancer Center (NCC), Republic of Korea (South Korea), by evaluating its official
      website. A user survey was administered containing items to measure subjectively
      perceived website quality and expectation-confirmation attributes. A study sample
      of 198 usable responses was used for further analysis. We used the structural
      equation model to test the proposed research model. RESULTS: Knowledge
      expectation exhibited a positive effect on knowledge confirmation (beta = .27, P
      < .001). The paths from information quality, information presentation, and
      website attractiveness to knowledge confirmation were also positive and
      significant (beta = .24, P < .001; beta = .29, P < .001; beta = .18, P < .001,
      respectively). Moreover, the effect of knowledge confirmation on perceived
      usefulness was also positively significant (beta = .64, P < .001). Knowledge
      expectation together with knowledge confirmation and perceived usefulness also
      significantly affected end user satisfaction (beta = .22 P < .001; beta = .39, P
      < .001; beta = .25, P < .001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Theoretically, this
      study has (1) identified knowledge-intensive website attributes, (2) enhanced the
      theoretical foundation of eHealth from the information systems (IS) perspective
      by adopting the expectation-confirmation theory (ECT), and (3) examined the
      importance of information and knowledge attributes and explained their impact on
      user satisfaction. Practically, our empirical results suggest that perceived
      website quality (ie, information quality, information presentation, and website
      attractiveness) is a core requirement for knowledge building. In addition, our
      study has also shown that knowledge confirmation has a greater effect on
      satisfaction than both knowledge expectation and perceived usefulness.

PMID- 22047811
TI  - Pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and comparative bioavailability of single,
      oral 2-mg doses of dexamethasone liquid and tablet formulations: a randomized,
      controlled, crossover study in healthy adult volunteers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dexamethasone is a glucocorticoid used widely worldwide for
      immunosuppressive treatment, allergies, bronchiolitis, and croup, among others.
      For children, liquid formulations are especially suitable because, compared with
      other dosage forms, both exact dosing and proper intake are facilitated.
      OBJECTIVE: The objective was to evaluate the pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics,
      and comparative bioavailability of a commercial liquid oral dexamethasone
      formulation intended for pediatric use relative to those of a tablet. METHODS: In
      a randomized, controlled, crossover study in 24 healthy adult volunteers, we
      administered single doses of the liquid and tablet formulation, containing 2 mg
      of dexamethasone each. Blood samples were taken up to 24 hours postdose.
      Quantification was carried out using a validated specific and sensitive high
      pressure liquid chromatography with UV detector method. Noncompartmental
      pharmacokinetic parameters were compared between treatments according to European
      Medicines Agency (EMA) bioequivalence guidelines. For AUC(0-t) and C(max), the
      90% CI for the ratio of the test and reference products should be contained
      within the predetermined acceptance interval of 80% to 125%. As a pharmacodynamic
      variable, we measured suppression of endogenous cortisol (predose and postdose).
      RESULTS: Both preparations showed similar pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic
      profiles but high between-subject variability of pharmacokinetic key parameters
      and endogenous cortisol concentrations (>30%). Mean AUC(0-t), AUC(0-infinity),
      and C(max) were 37.8 ng/mL/h, 46.0 ng/mL/h, and 9.35 ng/mL, respectively, for the
      liquid and 41.3 ng/mL/h, 48.1 ng/mL/h, and 9.17 ng/mL, respectively, for the
      tablet formulation. T(max) was 0.89 hour (liquid) and 0.97 hour (tablet). The
      point estimates and 90% CIs for AUC(0-t), AUC(0-infinity), and C(max) ratios
      (liquid vs tablet) were 91.42% (82.05%-101.86%), 95.72% (84.46%-108.5%), and
      102.04% (86.94%-119.76%), respectively. Thus, point estimates and 90% CIs were
      within the bioequivalence range of 80% to 125% for all relevant parameters,
      including the pharmacodynamic parameter AUEC (area under the effect curve).
      CONCLUSIONS: This single-dose study suggests that the test and reference products
      met the EMA regulatory criteria to assume bioequivalence in these fasting healthy
      male and female volunteers. German Register of Clinical Trials registration
      number: DRKS00000785.

PMID- 22047812
TI  - Tolerability and pharmacokinetics of lobeglitazone (CKD-501), a peroxisome
      proliferator-activated receptor-gamma agonist: a single- and multiple-dose,
      double-blind, randomized control study in healthy male Korean subjects.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lobeglitazone, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma
      (PPAR-gamma) agonist with partial PPAR-alpha affinity, was developed to treat
      type 2 diabetes mellitus. OBJECTIVE: This study's aim was to evaluate the
      tolerability and pharmacokinetic (PK) properties of lobeglitazone to satisfy
      regulatory requirements for marketing approval in Korea. METHODS: A block
      randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single- and multiple-dose study was
      conducted in healthy subjects. In the pilot study, 4 subjects were administered
      0.5 mg, including 1 receiving a placebo. Then, the single-dose study was
      conducted with 1, 2, 4, and 8 mg doses (8 subjects in each group, including 2
      receiving placebos), followed by the multiple-dose study with 1, 2, and 4 mg
      doses (once daily for 7 days; 8 subjects in each group, including 2 receiving
      placebos). Serial samples of blood and urine were collected and drug
      concentrations were determined by high turbulence liquid chromatography-LC/MS/MS.
      Tolerability assessments were performed throughout the study. Adverse events
      (AEs) were determined from general health-related questions and self-reports.
      RESULTS: Thirty-six (mean [SD]; age, 23.6 [2.7] years; weight, 70.0 [6.9] kg) and
      25 Korean male subjects (age, 23.5 [3.1] years; weight 69.4 [9.4] kg) were
      enrolled in the single- and multiple-dose studies, respectively. The data from
      subjects administered lobeglitazone who completed the study (27, single; 18,
      multiple) was included in the PK analyses. In the single-dose study, the AUC and
      C(max) of lobeglitazone increased with the dose. After repeated dosing for 7
      days, the accumulation ratio ranged from 1.1 to 1.4. A total of 25 AEs were
      reported by 11 (30.6%) and 8 subjects (33.3%) in the single- and multiple-dose
      studies, respectively. All AEs were mild in intensity and not serious.
      CONCLUSIONS: Lobeglitazone was well tolerated in this small, selected group of
      healthy male Korean volunteers. The AUC and C(max) of lobeglitazone increased in
      a dose-proportional manner from 1 to 4 mg.

PMID- 22047813
TI  - Clinical review: use of venous oxygen saturations as a goal - a yet unfinished
      puzzle.
AB  - Shock is defined as global tissue hypoxia secondary to an imbalance between
      systemic oxygen delivery and oxygen demand. Venous oxygen saturations represent
      this relationship between oxygen delivery and oxygen demand and can therefore be
      used as an additional parameter to detect an impaired cardiorespiratory reserve.
      Before appropriate use of venous oxygen saturations, however, one should be aware
      of the physiology. Although venous oxygen saturation has been the subject of
      research for many years, increasing interest arose especially in the past decade
      for its use as a therapeutic goal in critically ill patients and during the
      perioperative period. Also, there has been debate on differences between mixed
      and central venous oxygen saturation and their interchangeability. Both mixed and
      central venous oxygen saturation are clinically useful but both variables should
      be used with insightful knowledge and caution. In general, low values warn the
      clinician about cardiocirculatory or metabolic impairment and should urge further
      diagnostics and appropriate action, whereas normal or high values do not rule out
      persistent tissue hypoxia. The use of venous oxygen saturations seems especially
      useful in the early phase of disease or injury. Whether venous oxygen saturations
      should be measured continuously remains unclear. Especially, continuous
      measurement of central venous oxygen saturation as part of the treatment protocol
      has been shown a valuable strategy in the emergency department and in cardiac
      surgery. In clinical practice, venous oxygen saturations should always be used in
      combination with vital signs and other relevant endpoints.

PMID- 22047814
TI  - Identification and in vitro screening of avian yeasts for use as probiotic.
AB  - The objective of this study was to isolate and identify yeast strains from
      broilers excreta and to evaluate in vitro their potential for probiotic use in
      animal production. METHODS AND RESULTS: Nine yeast strains were isolated and
      presumptively pre-identified by biochemical assays. These isolates were grouped
      in six different molecular profiles using PCR-fingerprinting technique. Each
      profile was identified by sequencing of the D1/D2 domains of the large subunit of
      the 26S rRNA gene. These yeasts were identified as: Trichosporon sp. (LV-2),
      Wickerhamomyces anomalus (LV-6), Pichia kudriavzevii (LV-8), Kodamaea ohmeri (LV
      9) and Trichosporon asahii (LV-10). A pre-screening of the strains for probiotic
      use was based on their ability to agglutinate pathogenic micro-organisms. These
      yeast strains were characterized for specific growth rate, duplication time,
      their cell surface hydrophobicity, medium acidification, resistance to low pH
      (2.0, 2.5 and 3.0) and concentrations of bile salts (0.3% and 0.6%). The isolate
      of W. anomalus (LV-6) had the highest agglutinating and adherence capacity, a
      growth rate of 2.07*10(8) cfu/mL in 24 h at 30  degrees C, decreasing the medium
      pH from 6.5 to 5.23, a 25% hydrophobicity and an elevated capacity to grow under
      stress conditions. CONCLUSIONS: W. anomalus strain LV-6 showed the best
      characteristics for use as a probiotic candidate. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE
      STUDY: The data from this study helped in choosing a probiotic candidate from
      yeast to use in broiler production.

PMID- 22047815
TI  - Effect of intravenous dose escalation with alfaxalone and propofol on occurrence
      of apnoea in the dog.
AB  - Spontaneous ventilation after induction of anaesthesia with intravenous
      alfaxalone or propofol was evaluated in a dose escalation study using 6 dogs.
      Each dog was dosed at 1*, 2*, 5*, 10* and 20* multiples of the labelled doses
      (2mg/kg for alfaxalone; 6.5mg/kg for propofol), until apnoea was observed. For
      each administration, the entire calculated dose was delivered over 1 min. All 6
      dogs ventilated spontaneously after labelled (1*) doses of each drug but became
      apnoeic at 5* dose of propofol versus 20* dose of alfaxalone. For propofol at 2*
      and 5* doses, 4 and 0 dogs ventilated spontaneously respectively. For alfaxalone
      at 2*, 5* and 10* doses all 6, 4 and 1 dog ventilated spontaneously,
      respectively. The median dose which induced apnoea was higher for alfaxalone (5*)
      than for propofol (2*) (p=0.05). We concluded that induction of anaesthesia with
      propofol is more likely to induce apnoea than with alfaxalone.

PMID- 22047816
TI  - Helminth fauna of a turtle species introduced in Japan, the red-eared slider
      turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans).
AB  - The red-eared slider turtle (Trachemys scripta elegans) was intentionally
      introduced from the United States to Japan as a pet in the 1950s and has become
      established throughout much of the country. We examined red-eared slider turtles
      from two localities in Japan for foreign parasitic helminths. Consequently, a
      total of seven species of helminths were found: two monogeneans (Neopolystoma
      exhamatum and Polystomoides japonicum), three digeneans (Spirorchisartericola,
      Spi.elegans and Telorchis clemmydis) and two nematodes (Serpinema microcephalum
      and Falcaustra wardi). Of these, three helminths are alien to Japan
      Spi.artericola, Spi. elegans and F. wardi-which represent the first report of
      their presence in the red-eared slider turtle from Japan.

PMID- 22047817
TI  - Effects of sedation with acepromazine maleate and buprenorphine hydrochloride on
      femoral artery blood flow in healthy dogs.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to qualify and quantify the femoral artery blood
      flow by duplex Doppler ultrasonography (DDU) in healthy dogs, before and after
      the administration of a combination of acepromazine maleate and buprenorphine
      hydrochloride (ACP-BPN). Seven healthy adult mongrel dogs and three adult beagles
      were used. Heart rate, arterial blood pressure and measurement of femoral artery
      blood flow by DDU were also recorded. The DDU measurements were: femoral artery
      diameter (FAD), peak systolic velocity (PSV), early retrograde (EDV) and end
      diastolic velocities (EnDV), mean velocity (BMV), pulsatility index (PI), flow
      velocity integral (FVI) and femoral blood flow (FBF). After 30 min, combination
      ACP-BPN was administered intramuscularly, and all the measurements were recorded
      again. The ACP-BPN protocol induced a significant decrease in systolic, mean, and
      diastolic arterial blood pressure, and heart rate. A significant increase in peak
      systolic velocity and integral flow velocity integral of the femoral blood were
      obtained. The Doppler spectra of the blood flow in the femoral artery revealed a
      spectral dispersion pattern after ACP-BPN administration in all the dogs. These
      results demonstrate that despite quantitative and qualitative changes, the
      overall femoral blood flow (FBF) is not significantly modified.

PMID- 22047818
TI  - A newly established bovine intestinal epithelial cell line is effective for in
      vitro screening of potential antiviral immunobiotic microorganisms for cattle.
AB  - We evaluated whether a bovine intestinal epithelial (BIE) cell line could serve
      as a useful in vitro model system for studying antiviral immune responses in
      bovine intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) and for the primary screening of
      immunobiotic microorganisms with antiviral protective capabilities.
      Immunofluorescent analyses revealed that toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) was
      expressed in BIE cells, and the results of real-time quantitative PCR showed that
      these cells respond to stimulation with poly(I:C) by up-regulating pro
      inflammatory cytokines and type I interferons. In addition, we demonstrated that
      BIE cells are useful for the primary screening of immunobiotic lactic acid
      bacteria strains which are able to beneficially modulate antiviral immune
      responses triggered by TLR3 activation in bovine IECs. The characterization of
      BIE cells performed in the present study represents an important step towards the
      establishment of a valuable bovine in vitro system that could be used for the
      development of immunomodulatory feed for bovine hosts.

PMID- 22047819
TI  - Ultrasound-assisted emulsification-microextraction for the sensitive
      determination of Brett character responsible compounds in wines.
AB  - In this study, a method based on ultrasound-assisted emulsification
      microextraction (USAEME) was optimised for the determination of Brett character
      responsible compounds (4-ethylguaiacol (EG), 4-ethylphenol (EP), 4-vinylguaiacol
      (VG) and 4-vinylphenol (VP)) in wines. For this purpose, once the extraction
      solvent had been selected, the influence on the extraction efficiency of ratio
      between extraction solvent and sample volumes, temperature, ionic strength and
      time was studied using experimental design methodology. The optimum conditions
      found for USAEME of 5mL of wine were 160MUL of chlorobenzene at 60 degrees C
      during 5min without salt addition. Then, the analytical performance of the
      optimised USAEME procedure was evaluated. For all the studied compounds, the
      proposed method showed correlation coefficients over 0.984. Satisfactory
      repeatability (below 10%) and inter-day repeatability (below 11%) were obtained
      at different concentration levels and the method achieved detection limits
      similar or even lower than previously reported for these compounds in wines.
      Moreover, the applicability of the method was evaluated by the analysis of real
      samples. To our knowledge, this is the first time that USAEME has been applied to
      the determination of Brett character responsible compounds in wine.

PMID- 22047820
TI  - Surface-functionalized electrospun carbon nanofiber mats as an innovative type of
      protein adsorption/purification medium with high capacity and high throughput.
AB  - Due to recent advances in the production of biotherapeutics, high capacity, high
      throughput adsorption media for efficient and economic separation of these
      medically important products are in great demand. One option that has been
      evaluated extensively is membrane/mat adsorption. While these media allow for
      rapid adsorption (due to the decreased internal diffusion) and high throughput
      processing (due to the open porous structure), they often suffer from low
      capacity and poor enrichment factors. Herein, we report the fabrication,
      characterization, and protein adsorption evaluation of an innovative type of
      membrane/mat adsorption media based on electrospun carbon nanofibers. By surface
      functionalization of these nanofibers with a weak acid cation-exchange ligand,
      the capacity was doubled for binding a model protein (i.e., lysozyme) compared to
      commercial products; and the capacity value was over 200 mg lysozyme per gram of
      adsorption media. Meanwhile, the thin nanofibers (having diameters of ~300 nm)
      along with open pores among nanofibers in the mats (having sizes of ~10-15 MUm)
      allowed for higher operating flow rates and lower pressure drops. Furthermore,
      the incorporation of higher ligand density and the addition of a non-ionic
      surfactant (i.e., Triton X-305) into the adsorption buffer eliminated the non
      specific binding of a competing protein (bovine serum albumin). In combination,
      this study suggested that electrospun carbon nanofiber adsorption media would
      provide a promising alternative to packed resin beds for bioseparations.

PMID- 22047821
TI  - Analysis of therapeutic peptides in human urine by combination of capillary zone
      electrophoresis-electrospray mass spectrometry with preparative capillary
      isotachophoresis sample pretreatment.
AB  - The presented study deals with the off-line coupling of preparative
      isotachophoresis (pITP) with on-line combination of capillary zone
      electrophoresis with electrospray mass spectrometric detection (CZE-ESI-MS) used
      for the analysis of therapeutic peptides (anserine, carnosine, and buserelin) in
      complex matrix (urine). Preparative capillary isotachophoresis, operating in a
      discontinuous fractionation mode in column-coupling configuration, served as a
      sample pretreatment technique to separation, and fractionation of mixture of
      therapeutic peptides present in urine at low concentration level. The fractions
      isolated by pITP procedure were subsequently analyzed by capillary zone
      electrophoresis with electrospray mass spectrometric detection. Acetic acid at
      200 mmol L(-1) concentration served as background electrolyte in CZE stage and it
      is compatible with MS detection in positive ionization mode. In pITP
      fractionation procedure, sodium cation (10 mmol L(-1) concentration) as leading
      ion and beta-alanine as terminating ion (20 mmol L(-1) concentration) were used.
      While using CZE-ESI-MS, the limits of detection were 0.18 MUg mL(-1) for
      carnosine, 0.17 MUg mL(-1) for anserine and 0.64 MUg mL(-1) for buserelin in
      water and 0.19 MUg mL(-1) for carnosine, 0.50 MUg mL(-1) for anserine and 0.74
      MUg mL(-1) for buserelin in 10 times diluted urine, respectively. The cleaning
      power of pITP sample pretreatment was proved as the peptides provided the higher
      MS signals at lower concentration levels resulting from the minimized matrix
      effects. The quality of obtained MS/MS spectra was very good so that they can
      provide information about the structure of analytes, and they were used for
      verification of the analytes identities. The pITP pretreatment improved the
      detection limits of the analyzed therapeutic peptides at least 25 times compared
      to the CZE-ESI-MS itself.

PMID- 22047822
TI  - The association between vitamin K antagonist therapy and site-specific cancer
      incidence estimated by using heart valve replacement as an instrumental variable.
AB  - Earlier studies suggest a protective association between vitamin K antagonist
      (VKA) anticoagulants and the incidence of cancer. The authors examined the
      associations between VKA therapy and incidence of 24 site-specific cancers with a
      Danish population-based cohort study, using heart valve replacement as an
      instrumental variable. The authors enrolled 9,727 Danish residents who received a
      replacement heart valve between 1989 and 2006. The heart valve recipients were
      matched with 95,481 unexposed individuals on age and sex. The authors used the
      heart valve replacement instrument to estimate rate ratios associating VKA
      therapy with incidence of the 24 site-specific cancers using Poisson regression
      models. Direct associations between VKA therapy and incidence of the 24 cancers
      were estimated in a prescription validation subset. The instrumental variable
      associations were plotted according to the inverse normal of rank percentile and
      subjected to semi-Bayes shrinkage adjustment for multiple comparisons. The
      pattern of associations was consistent with a null-centered Gaussian
      distribution. No individual cancer site showed a substantial positive or negative
      association with VKA therapy in the prescription validation subset, the
      instrumental variable analysis, or the analysis with semi-Bayes adjustment. These
      results do not support the existing hypothesis that VKA therapy is associated
      with reduced cancer risk.

PMID- 22047823
TI  - Lagging exposure information in cumulative exposure-response analyses.
AB  - Lagging exposure information is often undertaken to allow for a latency period in
      cumulative exposure-disease analyses. The authors first consider bias and
      confidence interval coverage when using the standard approaches of fitting models
      under several lag assumptions and selecting the lag that maximizes either the
      effect estimate or model goodness of fit. Next, they consider bias that occurs
      when the assumption that the latency period is a fixed constant does not hold.
      Expressions were derived for bias due to misspecification of lag assumptions, and
      simulations were conducted. Finally, the authors describe a method for joint
      estimation of parameters describing an exposure-response association and the
      latency distribution. Analyses of associations between cumulative asbestos
      exposure and lung cancer mortality among textile workers illustrate this
      approach. Selecting the lag that maximizes the effect estimate may lead to bias
      away from the null; selecting the lag that maximizes model goodness of fit may
      lead to confidence intervals that are too narrow. These problems tend to increase
      as the within-person exposure variation diminishes. Lagging exposure assignment
      by a constant will lead to bias toward the null if the distribution of latency
      periods is not a fixed constant. Direct estimation of latency periods can
      minimize bias and improve confidence interval coverage.

PMID- 22047824
TI  - Survival in population-based pancreatic cancer patients: San Francisco Bay area,
      1995-1999.
AB  - Patient vital status generally is passively obtained by cancer registries, and no
      previous population-based studies have used extensive active follow-up to compute
      a more accurate overall survival rate for pancreatic cancer. Therefore, the
      authors used multiple active and passive follow-up methods to determine vital
      status and date of death for 1,954 pancreatic cancer patients diagnosed from 1995
      to 1999 in a large population-based study in the San Francisco Bay Area,
      California. Survival rates were estimated by using Kaplan-Meier methods. Hazard
      ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated by using multivariable Cox
      proportional-hazards models. Vital status was confirmed for >99% of 1,954
      patients. The overall 5-year survival rate was 1.3% and was greater in patients
      who were younger and who had localized disease, well-differentiated tumors, and
      surgical resection. Shorter survival was associated with older age at diagnosis,
      male sex, distant/metastatic disease, and poorly differentiated tumors. Longer
      survival was observed for Asian/Pacific Islanders compared with non-Hispanic
      whites and for any active treatment regardless of tumor stage. With an almost
      complete follow-up, the authors observed a low overall 5-year survival rate.
      Although the results provide further evidence of poor survival among patients
      with pancreatic cancer, the data also suggest that within-stage-of-disease
      patients survived somewhat longer with therapy.

PMID- 22047825
TI  - Nitrosatable drug exposure during early pregnancy and neural tube defects in
      offspring: National Birth Defects Prevention Study.
AB  - Nitrosatable drugs, such as secondary or tertiary amines and amides, form N
      nitroso compounds in the presence of nitrite. Various N-nitroso compounds have
      been associated with neural tube defects in animal models. Using data from the
      National Birth Defects Prevention Study, the authors examined nitrosatable drug
      exposure 1 month before and 1 month after conception in 1,223 case mothers with
      neural tube defect-affected pregnancies and 6,807 control mothers who delivered
      babies without major congenital anomalies from 1997 to 2005. Nitrite intakes were
      estimated from mothers' responses to a food frequency questionnaire. After
      adjustment for maternal race/ethnicity, educational level, and folic acid
      supplementation, case women were more likely than were control women to have
      taken tertiary amines (odds ratio = 1.60, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.31,
      1.95). This association was strongest with anencephalic births (odds ratio =
      1.96, 95% CI: 1.40, 2.73); odds ratios associated with tertiary amines from the
      lowest tertile of nitrite intake to the highest tertile were 1.16 (95% CI: 0.59,
      2.29), 2.19 (95% CI: 1.25, 3.86), and 2.51 (95% CI: 1.45, 4.37), respectively.
      Odds ratios for anencephaly with nitrosatable drug exposure were reduced among
      women who also took daily vitamin supplements that contained vitamin C. Prenatal
      exposure to nitrosatable drugs may increase the risk of neural tube defects,
      especially in conjunction with a mother's higher dietary intake of nitrites, but
      vitamin C might modulate this association.

PMID- 22047826
TI  - Using regression calibration equations that combine self-reported intake and
      biomarker measures to obtain unbiased estimates and more powerful tests of
      dietary associations.
AB  - The authors describe a statistical method of combining self-reports and
      biomarkers that, with adequate control for confounding, will provide nearly
      unbiased estimates of diet-disease associations and a valid test of the null
      hypothesis of no association. The method is based on regression calibration. In
      cases in which the diet-disease association is mediated by the biomarker, the
      association needs to be estimated as the total dietary effect in a mediation
      model. However, the hypothesis of no association is best tested through a
      marginal model that includes as the exposure the regression calibration-estimated
      intake but not the biomarker. The authors illustrate the method with data from
      the Carotenoids and Age-Related Eye Disease Study (2001--2004) and show that
      inclusion of the biomarker in the regression calibration-estimated intake
      increases the statistical power. This development sheds light on previous
      analyses of diet-disease associations reported in the literature.

PMID- 22047827
TI  - Single-layer Integra for one-stage reconstruction of scalp defects with exposed
      bone following full-thickness burn injury: a novel technique.

PMID- 22047828
TI  - A systematic review of the quality of burn scar rating scales for clinical and
      research use.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Scar rating scales have the potential to contribute to better
      evaluation of scar properties in both research and clinical settings. Despite a
      large number of scars assessment scales being available, there is limited
      information regarding the clinimetric properties of many of these scales. The
      purpose of the review was to inform clinical and research practice by determining
      the quality and appropriateness of existing scales. This review summarises the
      available evidence for the clinimetric properties of reliability, validity
      (including responsiveness), interpretability and feasibility of existing scales.
      METHODS: Electronic searches of MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE and The Cochrane Library
      databases from 1990 onwards were used to identify English articles related to
      burn scar assessment scales. Scales were critically reviewed for clinimetric
      properties that were reported in, but not necessarily the focus of studies.
      RESULTS: A total of 29 studies provided data for 18 different scar rating scales.
      Most scar rating scales assessed vascularity, pliability, height and thickness.
      Some scales contained additional items such as itch. Only the Patient and
      Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) received a high quality rating but only in
      the area of reliability for total scores and the subscale vascularity. The
      Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) received indeterminate ratings for construct validity,
      reliability and responsiveness. Where evidence was available, all other criteria
      for the POSAS, VSS and the remaining 17 scales received an indeterminate rating
      due to methodological issues, or a low quality rating. Poorly defined hypotheses
      limited the ability to give a high quality rating to data pertaining to construct
      validity, responsiveness and interpretability. No scale had empirical testing of
      content validity and no scale was of sufficient quality to consider criterion
      validity. CONCLUSIONS: The POSAS, with high quality reliability but indeterminate
      validity, was considered to be superior in performance based on existing
      evidence. The VSS had the most thorough review of clnimetrics although available
      data received indeterminate quality ratings. On the basis of the evidence, the
      use of total scores has not been supported, nor has the measurement of
      pigmentation using a categorical scale.

PMID- 22047829
TI  - Hybrid repair of thoracic aortic lesions for zone 0 and 1 in high-risk patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: Some patients with aortic arch or descending thoracic aorta pathologies
      are not suited for open repair because of comorbidities that may increase their
      risk of procedural complications or death. Endovascular approaches may also be
      difficult when there are inadequate proximal landing zones in the aortic arch. We
      report our experience using rerouting techniques with bypass, stenting of the
      branches, or a combination of both to create a landing area in zones 0 and 1 of
      the aortic arch. METHODS: Since November 2002, thoracic aortic endoluminal grafts
      were placed in 38 patients in whom the endograft was deployed in zone 0 (n = 27)
      or zone 1 (n = 11). A retrospective review is included. RESULTS: There were 11
      women and 27 men with a mean age of 65.4 years (range 38-88). Aortic pathology
      included 12 Stanford type A dissections, 10 aortic arch aneurysms, 8 Stanford
      type B dissections, 3 descending thoracic aortic aneurysms, 2 aortobronchial
      fistulas, 1 innominate artery aneurysm and 2 aortic arch pseudoaneurysms. In zone
      0, 21 had thoracic debranching with an ascending bypass, three patients had a
      remote-inflow and three patients had a chimney-stent with carotid-carotid bypass.
      In zone 1, five patients had a carotid-carotid bypass, one patient had an aortic
      to left common carotid artery (LCCA) bypass and five patients had chimney-stent
      on the LCCA. Fifty-eight percent of the patients were symptomatic and 26%
      emergent. Three patients required hemodialysis postoperatively (7.9%), 18
      patients (47.4%) required prolonged mechanical ventilation for respiratory
      insufficiency. Paraplegia occurred in one patient (2.7%), and five patients
      suffered a cerebrovascular accident (13.1%). There were four early type I and two
      type II endoleaks. Overall 30-day mortality was 23.7%. CONCLUSIONS: The hybrid
      approach for repair of the aortic arch pathologies is feasible in patients unfit
      for open repair. We present the results of performing different techniques to
      treat the aortic arch with hybrid repair with antegrade or retrograde inflow,
      stenting of the branches or a combination of both. Long-term results are unknown,
      and larger series results and comparative studies are needed to determine safety
      and efficacy.

PMID- 22047830
TI  - Presentation, complications, and natural history of penetrating atherosclerotic
      ulcer disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Increased utilization of computed tomography angiography (CTA) has
      increased the radiologic diagnosis of penetrating atherosclerotic ulcers (PAUs),
      which are defined as the ulceration of atherosclerotic plaque through the
      internal elastic lamina into the aortic media. However, the presentation,
      treatment indications, and natural history of this disease process remain
      unclear. METHODS: The radiology database at a single university hospital was
      searched retrospectively for the CTA diagnosis of PAU from January 2003 to June
      2009. All scans were interpreted by a cardiovascular radiologist. Information on
      PAU characteristics and need for surgical repair due to PAU disease was
      collected. PAU stability or progression was assessed by follow-up CTA, if
      available. Only PAUs in the aortic arch, descending thoracic aorta, and abdominal
      aorta were included. RESULTS: Three hundred eighty-eight PAUs were diagnosed by
      CTA interpretation. PAU location was in the aortic arch in 27 (6.8%) cases, the
      descending thoracic aorta in 243 (61.2%) cases, and the abdominal aorta in 118
      (29.7%) cases. Two hundred twenty-four (57.7%) PAUs were isolated (without
      saccular aneurysm or intramural hematoma); 108 (27.8%) PAUs had associated
      saccular aneurysms; and 56 (14.4%) PAUs had associated intramural hematoma.
      Rupture was present in 16 (4.1%) cases. Fifty (12.9%) PAUs underwent repair with
      thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) (n = 30), endovascular aneurysm
      repair (EVAR) (n = 10), or open surgery (n = 10); primary indications for repair
      were saccular aneurysm (n = 26), rupture (n = 16), and persistent or recurrent
      symptoms (n = 8). Even if initially treated conservatively with resolution of
      pain, symptomatic PAU disease was more likely to require repair than asymptomatic
      PAU disease (36.2% vs 7.8%, P < .001). Follow-up CTA was available for 87 PAUs,
      20 (23.0%) of which demonstrated radiographic disease progression at a mean
      follow-up of 8.4 +/- 10.3 months. Symptomatic PAU disease was more likely to
      progress than asymptomatic disease (42.9% vs 16.7%, P = .029). CONCLUSIONS: For
      PAUs diagnosed on CTA at a single institution, 4.1% were ruptured and 12.9%
      underwent repair. Close follow-up imaging appears to be indicated for PAUs,
      particularly in the case of symptomatic disease, which is more likely to require
      repair and to undergo radiographic progression.

PMID- 22047831
TI  - Ruptured thoracoabdominal aneurysm in a 27-year-old with hyper IgE syndrome.
AB  - Hyperimmunoglobulin E syndrome is a rare primary immunodeficiency disorder
      defined by high serum immunoglobulin E titers and associated with characteristic
      infectious, dermatologic, skeletal, and dental abnormalities. We present the case
      of a 27-year-old man presenting acutely with a ruptured type IV thoracoabdominal
      aortic aneurysm. He was successfully treated by open operative repair and
      discharged with long-term prophylactic antibiotics. To our knowledge, this is the
      first such case reported in the English literature.

PMID- 22047832
TI  - Endovascular repair of an internal mammary artery aneurysm in a patient with
      Loeys-Dietz syndrome.
AB  - Loeys-Dietz syndrome is a condition that predisposes the development of central
      and peripheral arterial aneurysms and dissections. The standard approach for
      treatment of these lesions has been open repair. We present the case of a 34-year
      old woman with a previous history of multiple open aortic repairs who presented
      with a right large internal mammary artery aneurysm. The patient was successfully
      treated with endovascular coil embolization. This case report demonstrates the
      feasibility of using endovascular interventions to treat unusual aneurysms in
      patients with Loeys-Dietz syndrome.

PMID- 22047833
TI  - Evaluation of quality of life over time among 453 patients with hyperhidrosis
      submitted to endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Current data do not provide enough information on how quality of life
      (QoL) evolves over time in cases of endoscopic thoracic sympathectomy (ETS). The
      purpose of this study was to ascertain whether the immediate improvement in QoL
      after the surgery was sustained until the fifth postoperative year. METHODS: This
      was a prospective, nonrandomized and uncontrolled study. From March 2001 to
      December 2003, 475 consecutive patients with hyperhidrosis submitted to ETS were
      included. A QoL questionnaire was applied at the preoperative day, around the
      30th postoperative day, and after the fifth year. RESULTS: After excluding 22
      patients who did not answer all the questions, we analyzed 453 patients. Their
      ages ranged from 11 to 57 years old, with a mean of 25.3 + 7.9 years, including
      297 female patients (65.6%). All patients were assessed on three occasions:
      before surgery, around the 30th postoperative day, and after the fifth
      postoperative year. The QoL before surgery was considered to be poor or very poor
      for all patients. The QoL around 30 days after surgery was better in 412 patients
      (90.9%), the same in 27 patients (6.0%), and worse in 14 patients (3.1%). After 5
      years, 409 patients (90.3%) were better, 27 (6.0%) were the same, and 14 (3.1%)
      were worse. There were no differences between these postoperative times according
      to the McNemar statistical test. CONCLUSION: The patients had an immediate
      improvement in QoL after ETS, and this improvement was sustained until the fifth
      postoperative year.

PMID- 22047834
TI  - Hypercholesterolemia and oxidative stress inhibit endothelial cell healing after
      arterial injury.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Endothelial cell (EC) migration is essential for arterial healing
      after angioplasty. Oxidized low-density lipoproteins and oxidative stress
      decrease EC migration in vitro. The objective of this study was to determine the
      effect of hypercholesterolemia and oxidative stress on EC healing after an
      arterial injury. METHODS: C57BL/6 wild-type mice were placed in one of eight
      groups: chow diet (n = 11), high-cholesterol (HC) diet (n = 11), chow diet plus
      paraquat (n = 11), HC diet plus paraquat (n = 11), chow diet plus N
      acetylcysteine (NAC) (n = 11), HC diet plus NAC (n = 11), chow diet plus paraquat
      and NAC (n = 11), and HC diet plus paraquat and NAC (n = 11). After 2 weeks on
      the assigned diet with or without NAC, the carotid artery was injured using
      electrocautery. Animals in the paraquat groups were given 1 mg/kg
      intraperitoneally to increase oxidative stress. After 120 hours, Evans Blue dye
      was infused intravenously to stain the area of the artery that remained
      deendothelialized. This was used to calculate the percentage of re
      endothelialization. Plasma and tissue samples were analyzed for measures of
      oxidative stress. RESULTS: The HC diet increased oxidative stress and reduced EC
      healing compared with a chow diet, with EC covering 26.8% +/- 2.8% and 48.1% +/-
      5.2% (P < .001) of the injured area, respectively. Administration of paraquat
      decreased healing in both chow and HC animals to 18.1% +/- 3.5% (P < .001) and
      9.8% +/- 4.6% (P < .001), respectively. Pretreatment with NAC (120 mmol/L in
      drinking water) for 2 weeks prior to injury, to decrease oxidative stress,
      improved EC healing to 39.9% +/- 5.7% (P < .001) in hypercholesterolemic mice and
      to 30.7% +/- 3.6% (P < .001) in the paraquat group. NAC treatment improved
      healing to 24.6% +/- 3.4% (P < .001) in hypercholesterolemic mice treated with
      paraquat. CONCLUSION: Re-endothelialization of arterial injuries is reduced in
      hypercholesterolemic mice and is inversely correlated with oxidative stress. An
      oral antioxidant decreases oxidative stress and improves EC healing. CLINICAL
      RELEVANCE: Vascular injury following cardiovascular intervention, including
      cardiac and peripheral arterial angioplasty and stenting, is associated with
      inflammation and oxidative stress. Hypercholesterolemia is also associated with
      increased oxidative stress. Oxidative stress, regardless of the source, induces
      cellular dysfunction in endothelial and smooth muscle cells that reduce healing
      after arterial injury. Decreasing oxidative stress with an exogenously
      administered antioxidant can improve endothelial cell healing, and this is
      important to control intimal hyperplasia and reduce the thrombogenicity of the
      vessel.

PMID- 22047835
TI  - [Ranking 2010 in production and research productivity in Spanish public
      universities].
AB  - The creation of the European Higher Education Area has brought the relevance of
      the scientific quality assessment in higher education. The result of this
      interest is a growing interest in the development of rankings of universities,
      both nationally and internationally. To continue the line started two years ago,
      the goal of this research is to update the ranking of research productivity in
      Spanish public universities with the data of 2010. We follow the same methodology
      to data from 2008 and 2009; although this year it includes measures of total
      production. The same indicators to evaluate research in 2009: journals articles
      indexed in the JCR, research periods, research + development projects, doctoral
      dissertations, grants for training university teachers, Doctoral Programs with
      Quality Mention and patents. From the results obtained show that universities
      with higher production were Complutense de Madrid, Barcelona and Granada. The
      most productive were the Pompeu Fabra University, the Pablo de Olavide, and the
      Autonoma de Barcelona.

PMID- 22047836
TI  - [Effectiveness of two smoking prevention programs according to type of
      applicator].
AB  - Although research on the prevention of drug use has shown that the effectiveness
      of programs depends partly on who applies them, the results of studies designed
      to clarify this issue are contradictory. This study compared the effects on
      smoking, in the short and medium term, of the implementation of two school-based
      prevention programs, depending on the type of applicator. The sample was made up
      of 200 seventh-grade students distributed among five experimental conditions:
      four of intervention, in which the programs were implemented by teachers from the
      school or by external psychologists, and one of control. The results show that
      teachers applying the Barbacana program and psychologists applying the
      Construyendo Salud (Building Health) program succeeded in reducing the incidence
      of cigarette smoking (BR-teachers 15%; C.S-psychologists 5%) and strengthening
      attitudes against smoking. An interaction effect between type of program and type
      of applicators was clearly observed.

PMID- 22047837
TI  - Influence of the friends' network in drug use and violent behaviour among young
      people in the nightlife recreational context.
AB  - Party networks of young people are important for socialization, but can also
      influence their involvement in risk behaviours. We explored the individual
      centred networks (7.360 friends) of 1.363 recreational nightlife users in 9
      European cities in 2006, through 22 friend characteristics. As expected, deviant
      networks are related to violence, smoking, illegal drug use and drunkenness.
      However, socializing and helping networks are also associated with fighting,
      smoking, use of illegal drugs--except for cannabis--and getting drunk. Not having
      a deviant network and not having a helping/socializing network can be protective
      against smoking, violence and illegal drug use, as well as protecting ex-users
      from relapse. Closeness to friends is also a network protective factor. A
      possible reason why socializing networks are related to fighting, illegal drugs
      and drunkenness is that these behaviours are somehow desired, adaptive and
      prosocial in recreational contexts.

PMID- 22047838
TI  - [Do adolescents who use stimulants have a different personality?].
AB  - Stimulant consumption is especially important in our context because its use has
      greatly increased in recent years. The aim of the present study is to analyze the
      differences between stimulant users and nonusers (under 18 years old) in
      personality characteristics assessed with the MACI. The sample comprises 398
      youths between 14 and 17 years old who were selected through random sampling in
      their homes or in recreational night spots. Results show important differences in
      personality features between stimulant users and nonusers. Stimulant users are
      characterized by having unruly, forceful, oppositional and borderline-tendency
      personality prototypes.

PMID- 22047839
TI  - [Effectiveness of treatments for social phobia in an applied field].
AB  - Social phobia is one of the most common disorders and one that requires the most
      attention from psychological clinics. The aim of this article was to study the
      effectiveness of psychological treatments in a University Psychological Clinic.
      Seventy-one social phobia patients requested psychological assistance. The
      average number of assessment sessions was 3.8 and the average number of treatment
      sessions was 16.1. Therapeutic success reached 64.2%, withdrawal percentage was
      11.3%, and drop-out percentage was 24.5%. The effect size (Cohen's d) achieved in
      the Social Avoidance and Distress Scale (SAD) and Fear of Negative Evaluation
      Scale (FNE) were 1.96 and 1.78, respectively. Comparing these results with
      efficacy research (particularly meta-analysis), it has been shown that the
      treatment effectiveness achieved is very similar. It is concluded that cognitive
      behavioural treatments for social phobia can be transferred from research
      settings to clinical practice.

PMID- 22047840
TI  - [Therapeutic tasks: what kind of help is sought in psychotherapeutic sessions?].
AB  - One of the main conditions for a good psychotherapeutic alliance is the agreement
      on therapeutic tasks and goals. This article explores the kind of help that
      clients expect from therapeutic sessions. By means of a written questionnaire,
      the clients of a private psychotherapy center, prior to the sessions, expressed
      their priorities regarding the work to be carried out in them. The assessment of
      873 questionnaires showed that clients prefer to participate in therapeutic work
      that helps them plan actions, understand what is happening, and assess
      possibilities for change. Also important are therapeutic tasks that help clients
      evaluate their own actions, both past and planned. The importance that clients
      attach to different kinds of help varies above all according to how near they
      feel to resolving their problems. Nine different kinds of psychotherapeutic tasks
      are identified, which cover the possible requests a client can make of his/her
      therapist. This article discusses the clinical application of this model as a
      basis for planning and classifying psychotherapeutic interventions.

PMID- 22047841
TI  - [Why are psychological treatments prolonged? Predictors of a longer duration of
      treatment and analysis of the differences between long- and short-term cases].
AB  - The purpose of this study was to identify variables that may explain a longer
      psychological treatment and to analyze differences between short- and long-term
      cases. Data from 419 patients of the University Clinic of Psychology at the
      Complutense University of Madrid were analyzed. Number of intervention
      techniques, comorbidity, previous treatments, and a primary diagnosis of mood
      disorder or eating disorder were the factors that explained longer treatment
      duration. Significant differences were observed between short- and long-term
      cases in number of intervention techniques, number of therapeutic objectives, and
      also in some clinical variables (diagnostic group, comorbidity, previous
      treatment) and demographics (age and educational level). Results are discussed
      and some lines of intervention and/ or reflection are proposed.

PMID- 22047842
TI  - [Assessment of emotional reactivity to food images in bulimia nervosa].
AB  - The aim of the study was to assess the influence on reactivity to food images of
      the following variables: craving-trait, positive or negative mood state, and food
      restriction. Emotional modulation of the defense startle reflex (RMS) was
      assessed in 26 women at risk of suffering from bulimia nervosa; they were
      assigned one of to two groups: high craving-trait and low craving-trait. Before
      the test, positive or negative mood and restriction vs. non-restriction states
      were induced in each of the groups. Skin conductance response (SCR) and
      electromyogram activity from the orbiculari oculi region were recorded after the
      auditory stimuli; questionnaires such as Food Craving Trait Questionnaire (FCQ-T)
      and the Self-assessment Manikin (SAM) were used. Results showed that negative
      affect produced a negative valence of food images, more arousal, and more loss of
      control, as well as higher SCRs. Subjects with low FCQ-T levels reduced their RMS
      to food images as a consequence of experiencing positive emotions; when emotions
      were negative, their RMS increased.

PMID- 22047843
TI  - The control dilemma in eating behavior: influence of temptation cues in
      restrained versus unrestrained eaters.
AB  - The present research explored the effects of pre-exposure to temptation primes
      and dieting primes on food intake, goal accessibility and explicit automatic
      evaluations of food-enjoyment and dieting goals among restrained and unrestrained
      eaters. Participants (n= 166) were randomly assigned to three conditions: food
      cue, dieting, or control, in which they were exposed to incidental presentation
      of gourmet, fashion or geographic magazines, respectively. Words related to the
      goals of dieting and/or food- enjoyment were presented in a computer decision
      task following the incidental presentation of gourmet, dieting, and geographic
      magazine photographs. The computer task and the presentation of food were
      counterbalanced. Participants' food intake was assessed in a taste-rating task.
      Restrained eaters ate more than did unrestrained eaters across the three
      conditions. Restrained eaters who were exposed to food cues ate more than did
      restrained eaters in the control condition and they evaluated the goal of dieting
      more negatively compared to restrained eaters in the other two conditions. These
      findings were inconsistent with 'Counteractive Self-Control Theory' but
      consistent with previous studies on the effects of food-cue exposure in
      restrained eaters.

PMID- 22047844
TI  - [Cardiovascular health in women: the role of anger and its expression].
AB  - The relationships between anger expression (in, out, and control) and
      cardiovascular health (emotional distress, cardiovascular symptoms reported, and
      preventive health behaviors) were analyzed in 327 women (range 17-60 years). The
      same criteria (N= 218), as well as blood pressure (BP) registered in medical
      checkups (N= 90) were recorded one year later. Four groups according to anger-in
      and anger-control scores, going from the most hostile (high anger-in and low
      anger-control) to the least hostile (low anger-in and high anger-control) were
      considered. The results indicated that the most hostile group, with the least
      adaptive anger expression, presented worst cardiovascular health than the other
      three groups, at both temporal moments. Furthermore, the presence of women with
      pathological BP levels was higher in the groups of high anger-in. These data
      ratify the role of anger expression, especially its repression (anger-in) and the
      lack of adequate canalization or control in women's cardiovascular health from a
      prospective design. Appropriate management of anger feelings and the practice of
      preventive health behaviors can protect women from cardiovascular problems.

PMID- 22047845
TI  - [Improving comprehension and communication of risks about health].
AB  - Many patients have severe difficulties grasping several numerical concepts that
      are related to their health, such as, for instance, the risk of suffering various
      diseases. Visual aids have been proposed as a promising method for enhancing risk
      communication and comprehension. In medical practice, however, not all patients
      benefit from visual aids. In a study conducted on a probabilistic, representative
      national sample in the United States, we identified a group of patients for whom
      visual aids are most useful: Those who have low numeracy but high graphical
      literacy skills. These patients have high scores in three abilities involved in
      graph comprehension: (1) the ability to read the data, (2) the ability to read
      the relations between the data, and (3) the ability to read beyond the data. Our
      results can have important implications for medical practice and for risk
      communication about health.

PMID- 22047846
TI  - [Accuracy of diagnosis of depression in patients with Type 1 diabetes mellitus].
AB  - This study assesses the clinical accuracy of physicians (Specialists in
      Endocrinology and Nutrition: SEN) to make the diagnosis of depression in patients
      with Type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM1). This study involved 11 SEN physicians, and
      153 patients with DM1. The diagnosis of depression was performed using the SCID-1
      structured interview and clinical assessment. From the initial sample, 50
      patients were randomly selected (imposing the condition that it was included 25
      patients with depression and 25 without depression). The results show that
      clinicians performed a higher percentage of negative diagnoses (patients without
      depression) than positive ones (patients with depression). A significant
      percentage of patients with depression were not diagnosed (25%). It therefore
      seems necessary to provide adequate clinical protocols to evaluate the presence
      of this disorder in DM1, as well as continuing research into the diagnostic
      process for clinical decision making.

PMID- 22047847
TI  - [Dispositional optimism, pessimism and realism in technological potential
      entrepreneurs].
AB  - Optimism has been classically considered a key trait in entrepreneurs'
      personality but it has been studied from a psychological point of view only in
      recent years. The main aim of this research is to study the relationship between
      dispositional optimism, pessimism and realism as a function of the tendency to
      create technology-based businesses. A sample of undergraduate students (n= 205)
      filled in an electronic questionnaire containing the Life Orientation Test
      Revised after they were classified as potential technological entrepreneurs,
      potential general entrepreneurs and non-potential entrepreneurs. Our results show
      that technology-based entrepreneurs are more optimistic than non-potential
      entrepreneurs, whereas there were no statistical differences in pessimism and
      realism. The results are interpreted theoretically to define the potential
      entrepreneur and, from an applied perspective, to design training programmes to
      support future technological entrepreneurs.

PMID- 22047848
TI  - [Antecedents and consequences of workplace bullying: a longitudinal analysis with
      a structural equation model].
AB  - Most studies focusing on the antecedents and consequences of workplace bullying
      have used a cross-sectional design, which impedes determining the causality of
      the relationships. In the present work, we analyzed, by means of structural
      equation models, the relationship between workplace bullying and some variables
      that are considered antecedents (interpersonal conflicts, role ambiguity, role
      conflict, and workplace social support) or consequences (health complaints and
      inclination to absenteeism from work) of this phenomenon. Multicenter study with
      two phases. The sample consisted of 696 employees from 66 centers. Workplace
      bullying was assessed by means of the "Mobbing-UNIPSICO" questionnaire, and the
      other variables with frequency scales. The cross-sectional models indicated a
      significant association between role conflict, workplace social support, and
      workplace bullying in both study periods. Concerning the longitudinal
      relationships, only workplace social support was a significant predictor of
      workplace bullying, which, in turn, was a cross-sectional and longitudinal
      predictor of workers' health complaints. Our results show the mediating effect of
      workplace bullying between certain work conditions and health complaints, and it
      is recommendable to replicate these findings in a multi-occupational sample.

PMID- 22047849
TI  - [Prevalence and differentiating aspects related to gender with regard to the
      bullying phenomenon in poor countries].
AB  - There is a large body of scientific knowledge about school violence and bullying
      in Europe and some other regions of the so-called developed world. However,
      improvement is scarce in poor and developing regions, as in the case of Latin
      America and, in particular, Nicaragua. The goal of this work was to determine the
      prevalence of the bullying phenomenon in Nicaraguan primary schools, to analyze
      the eventual relationships between the different forms of violence used by the
      students and to explore, in relation to these aspects, the similarities and
      differences between boys and girls. For this purpose, we surveyed 3042 pupils of
      primary school (50.3% girls) using the "Cuestionario sobre Convivencia, Violencia
      y Experiencias de Riesgo" (COVER, in English, Questionnaire about Living
      Together, Violence and Risk Experiences). We found that the level of involvement
      in bullying is significantly higher than in developed countries, that boys are
      more involved than girls in verbal, physical and psychological bullying, and that
      there are no differences with regard to social exclusion. The results are
      discussed, comparing them with studies conducted in different countries but with
      similar methodologies.

PMID- 22047850
TI  - [Adoptive parents' satisfaction with the adoption experience and with its impact
      on family life].
AB  - In this study, we discuss the relevance of adoptive families' satisfaction in the
      assessment of adoption processes. The effects of adoption on a sample group of
      272 adoptive families are analyzed. Most families show high levels of
      satisfaction as to: their decision to adopt, the features of their adopted
      children and how adoption has affected them as individuals and as a family.
      Statistical analyses show that these families can have different satisfaction
      levels depending on certain features of the adoptees, of the adoptive families or
      of their educational style. Life satisfaction of the adoptees is also related to
      how their adoptive parents evaluate the adoption.

PMID- 22047851
TI  - [Description of the Parental Alienation Syndrome in a forensic sample].
AB  - The aim of this paper was to assess the presence of the criteria for Parental
      Alienation Syndrome (PAS) in a sample of families in the process of divorce.
      Thirty nine records obtained from family cases evaluated by a forensic psychology
      service were analyzed. A checklist of criteria was made using the description of
      PAS, these criteria served to confirm their presence by assessing the three
      actors in the dynamics of the PAS: both parents and the child. The presence of
      these criteria was analyzed comparing the groups with and without interruption in
      the contacts. The results showed a strong correlation between the criteria
      defining the PAS. The presence of these criteria was much higher in the group
      with interrupted contacts versus the group with uninterrupted ones. However,
      taking into account the disorders that were computed in visiting parents, there
      were no differences between both groups. These results seem to confirm the
      presence of the criteria of PAS in families that are in a process of marriage
      breakdown with disruptions or conflicts in the visitation rights.

PMID- 22047852
TI  - [Child Protection Services caseworkers' assessment of child maltreatment
      severity].
AB  - The goals of this research were to explore accuracy and consistency in the
      assessment of child maltreatment severity in Spanish Child Protection Services
      (CPS) and the influence of caseworker's service, gender, professional discipline,
      degree of dedication to CPS, and years of experience on the accuracy of the
      assessment of maltreatment severity. Two studies were conducted with 515 and 168
      caseworkers from two Spanish CPSs. Case vignettes were used. Caseworkers of both
      groups were asked to rate severity of the assigned case vignettes, applying the
      criteria used in their daily work. Caseworkers in both studies obtained low
      levels of accurate ratings. None of the total vignettes obtained a percentage
      higher than 80% of inter-rater agreement. No significant relationships were found
      between accuracy of ratings and caseworkers' service, gender, professional
      discipline, degree of dedication to CPS, and years of experience.

PMID- 22047853
TI  - Diagnostic value of the Dominic Interactive Assessment with children exposed to
      intimate partner violence.
AB  - This article reports on the diagnostic validity of the Dominic Interactive
      Assessment (DIA) in a sample of Spanish children exposed to intimate partner
      violence (IPV). The study participants included 55 children aged between 6 and 11
      years whose mothers visited an IPV counselling centre. Psychopathology and
      functional impairment were used as the main criteria for assessing predictive and
      discriminative accuracy, as well as incremental validity, of DIA. The results
      indicate that DIA permits obtaining useful information from children. This
      information improves the prediction and validity of the process of clinical
      assessment of children exposed to IPV. Children's self-reports could prove
      effective in identifying cases in this high-risk population when developmentally
      adequate instruments and functional criteria are used.

PMID- 22047854
TI  - [Parenting practices and internalizing and externalizing problems in Spanish
      adolescents].
AB  - The goal of this study was to analyze the relationship between parenting
      practices and internalizing and externalizing problems presented by a group of
      adolescents according to their gender. Four hundred and sixty-nine secondary
      school students (aged between 12 and 18) participated in this study. The
      adolescents presented differences in perception of the educational practices of
      both parents as a function of their gender. Negative parenting practices were
      positively related to adolescents' internalizing and externalizing problems,
      whereas positive practices were negatively related to externalizing problems.
      Moreover, differences between boys and girls were found in predictor variables of
      problems, and the predictive power of the variables was higher for externalizing
      problems.

PMID- 22047855
TI  - [Psychopathic personality as a distinctive indicator of severity and persistence
      for child and youth conduct problems].
AB  - Conduct problems are among the most discussed behavioral problems during
      childhood and adolescence. Given their heterogeneity, in recent years,
      researchers on this topic have called for delineation of early-onset conduct
      problems on the basis of affective, interpersonal and behavioral traits that
      resemble adult psychopathy. The present study aims to analyze, from both a cross
      sectional and longitudinal perspective, whether early psychopathic traits allow
      identification of a group of individuals defined by severe and persistent
      behavioral problems. To achieve this goal, data from a sample of 192 children
      (aged 6 to 11) were analyzed; from this sample, 133 children were followed-up in
      a new data collection that took place three years later. From the data obtained
      with the mCPS and CBCL (parents), and APSD and TRF (teachers), we observed that
      children who showed early psychopathic traits, also showed greater frequency,
      severity and persistence of conduct problems. These results suggest the need to
      take into account the role of psychopathic traits (particularly, affective and
      interpersonal) as risk factors to delimit the most serious and persistent
      patterns of externalizing behavior.

PMID- 22047856
TI  - Sex differences in oppositional defiant disorder.
AB  - The goal was to analyze the sex differences in symptoms, comorbidity and
      functional impairment in outpatient children with Oppositional Defiant Disorder
      (ODD). A sample of 343 children, aged 8 to 17 years and diagnosed with ODD, were
      assessed with a semi-structured diagnostic interview and dimensional measures of
      psychopathology and functional impairment. Boys with ODD more frequently
      displayed the symptoms "deliberately annoys" and "blames others", presented
      comorbid ADHD, and had greater functional impairment in school and community
      contexts; girls presented higher comorbidity with internalizing symptomatology
      (anxiety, depression and somatic complaints). Given that some clinical
      differences are apparent in ODD between boys and girls, it is necessary to
      consider the sex of the patient in order to identify and treat this disorder
      efficiently and effectively in boys and in girls.

PMID- 22047857
TI  - [Comparison of two self-regulated and strategic instructional programs for
      improving writing competence].
AB  - This study compared the efficacy of two versions of an instructional program
      aimed at developing strategic and self-regulated writing competence. In the full
      version, strategy instruction, students were taught strategies for producing
      effective text, using a combination of direct (explicit, declarative,
      metacognitive knowledge) instruction, teacher modeling, and collaborative and
      individual practice. In a modeling-only version, direct instruction was omitted.
      72 Spanish 6th grade students were taught in one of three groups: Full Strategy
      Instruction (N=24); Modeling only (N=25), and a normal curriculum (no strategy
      instruction) control (N=23). Pre and posttest measures of written texts, self
      efficacy and self-knowledge of writing were taken. Pre and posttest scores on
      writing ability tests indicated similar improvement in both intervention groups,
      relative to control, in both holistic measures of text quality and in counts of
      text features associated with mature, reader-focused composition. We found no
      differences between intervention groups. These findings suggest that modeling and
      student practice alone are sufficient to develop effective writing strategies in
      typically-developing 6th grade students.

PMID- 22047858
TI  - [English as a foreign language (EFL) homework diaries: evaluating gains and
      constraints for self-regulated learning and achievement].
AB  - Although homework completion is said to be rather important to achievement,
      nowadays there is a growing concern of educators about the increasing number of
      students who do not engage properly on doing the homework tasks and the
      subsequent impact on school failure rates. Focusing on English as a Foreign
      Language (EFL) and using a sample of 591 Portuguese fifth and sixth graders, the
      present study analyses the role played by a number of homework variables on
      students' achievement (proximal and distal), and their mediating role on the use
      of self-regulated learning strategies and perceived self-efficacy in the domain.
      Data confirm the indirect effect of homework on school achievement, by means of
      the referred cognitive and motivational variables (use of self-regulated learning
      strategies and self-efficacy). These findings are further discussed in order to
      highlight the significant role homework completion can play on fighting school
      failure.

PMID- 22047859
TI  - [Language and executive functioning skills of students with attention
      deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and in reading comprehension difficulties
      (RCD)].
AB  - The aim of this work was to study the specificity of deficits in linguistic and
      executive functioning of students with ADHD and with RCD and to determine the
      profile of deficits in the comorbid group (ADHD+RCD). Participants in the study
      were 84 students, ages 12-16 years divided into four groups with an equal number
      of subjects (N= 21): ADHD, RCD, ADHD+RCD and comparison group (without ADHD and
      without RCD). We measured vocabulary, oral comprehension, lexical access, verbal
      and visual working memory, inhibition and attention. The results show that the
      ADHD+RCD group presents the most important linguistic deficits, followed by the
      RCD group. On the other hand, the three clinical groups (ADHD, RCD and ADHD+RCD)
      display greater performance problems in working memory than the comparison group,
      whereas the two groups with ADHD had more problems in attention and inhibition.
      These results suggest the dissociation of linguistic and executive deficits that
      affect the RCD group and ADHD group to a greater extent, respectively. Lastly,
      the comorbid group showed deficits both in language and in executive skills. We
      discuss the implications of these findings for designing interventions.

PMID- 22047860
TI  - Cognitive abilities, sociocultural background and academic achievement.
AB  - The influence of students' sociocultural background on academic achievement is a
      well established fact. Research also points out that sociocultural background is
      related to students' cognitive abilities and these have an effect on their
      academic achievement. However, the mediator role of cognitive abilities on the
      relationship between sociocultural background and academic achievement is less
      well known. A structural equation model that represents these relationships was
      tested in a sample (N= 728) of Portuguese junior high school students. Multigroup
      analysis of the model showed the importance of the cognitive ability mediation
      effect between sociocultural background and academic achievement in the 7th and
      9th grades, but not in the 8th grade. This difference may be the result of the
      academic transition experienced in the 7th and 9th grades in the Portuguese
      educational system, which requires parents' higher involvement in school.

PMID- 22047861
TI  - [PISA and the assessment triangle].
AB  - PISA is a well-known and high profile Program for International Student
      Assessment with 4 editions since 2000. This study aims to examine the validity of
      PISA proficiency estimates, working with the framework provided by the assessment
      triangle. We pay explicit attention to how PISA proceeds as far as the three
      elements of the assessment triangle are concerned: cognition, observation, and
      interpretation. Results reveal not only the psychometrically sound proficiency
      estimates of PISA and the high standards reached, but also that there is room for
      improvement; for instance, cognitive diagnostic models could contribute both to
      test design and data analysis.

PMID- 22047862
TI  - [Alexithymia and experimentally induced emotion recognition in people with
      somatizations].
AB  - This study is part of an investigation aimed at assessing the cognitive-emotional
      process of emotional recognition in somatizing patients. The specific objective
      was to verify whether there were differences in the self-assessment of emotional
      reaction among patients with somatization and non-clinical controls. To obtain
      the self-assessment of their emotional reaction in the affective dimensions of
      valence and activation in clinical and control participants, we resorted to a
      procedure that minimizes the use of verbal skills and comprehension. Participants
      were 119 people, 47 patients and 72 non-clinical participants. The prevalence of
      alexithymia in the clinical group was 42.55%, whereas in non-clinical controls,
      it was 30.55%. Results showed the existence of a deficit in the clinical group's
      self-assessment of activation in response to the corresponding images with high
      levels of the affective dimension of activation and high valence images,
      associated with the clinical condition but not with alexithymia. Alexithymia has
      a modulatory effect on the clinical participants' and controls' evaluation of the
      valence of the unpleasant images or of low valence pictures.

PMID- 22047863
TI  - [Influence of clinical status in the relationship between alexithymia and
      emotional recognition: a dimensional study].
AB  - The results of this study are part of an investigation to determine whether the
      cognitive-emotional process of emotional recognition is deficient as a function
      of the clinical condition and alexithymia in subjects with somatization. This
      investigation applied the self-assessment of emotion and used a procedure that
      minimizes the use of verbal skills and verbal comprehension. The specific goal of
      this study was to verify whether there were differences in the covariation
      between alexithymia and self-evaluation of the emotional reaction in clinical and
      nonclinical subjects. The results of this study highlight the significant
      differences between clinical and control subjects. There were inverse significant
      correlations with the affective valence in clinical subjects, whereas in the
      ratings of the TAS-20 in control subjects, there were direct correlations with
      activation. In the conclusions, we discuss whether the variability of the results
      of previous research of the relationship between alexithymia and emotional
      recognition is a characteristic feature of this relationship or an effect of the
      different sampling and procedures utilized.

PMID- 22047864
TI  - [Full naming with bi-dimensional abstract stimuli in six-year-old children].
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate a procedure to reveal the emergence of full
      naming in typically developing children. In Experiment 1, five 6-year-old
      children (a) learned tacts of pictures and the emergence of the selection of
      these pictures upon hearing their names was tested; and (b) the selection of
      other pictures was taught and the emergence of the tacts was tested. All children
      showed the emergence of picture selection and 3 children showed the emergence of
      the tacts. In Experiment 2a, the children's correct repetition of the names of 3
      pictures was verified first, then the experimenter presented the pictures with
      their names without requiring any behavior other than attending. Finally, the
      emergence of picture selection and the tacts was tested. Experiment 2b replicated
      Experiment 2a with words that were easier to pronounce. Picture selection and the
      tacts emerged; this performance documented full naming for the first time with
      typically developing children. These procedures can be used to induce naming
      capacity in children who lack it; hence, they can be applied to teach children
      with learning delays.

PMID- 22047865
TI  - [General cognitive functioning and psycholinguistic abilities in children with
      Smith-Magenis Syndrome].
AB  - This study is a neuropsycholinguistic research of a rare genetic syndrome with
      microdeletion that co-occurs with intellectual disabilities and relatively good
      language abilities, the Smith-Magenis Syndrome (SMS). Nevertheless, there are no
      cognitive and psycholinguistic profile analyses performed with Spanish
      population. In this sense, we characterized the cognitive and psycholinguistic
      profile of a sample with 9 participants with SMS (7 to 11 years of age). The
      cognitive and psychological profile was assessed with diverse standardized tests:
      Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children - IV version, Illinois Test of
      Psycholinguistic Abilities and Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test. Results suggest a
      specific cognitive and psychological profile characterized by a low IQ and
      relative good abilities in integrating information, whereas attention problems
      and hyperactive behaviors were displayed when interacting with the child during
      the assessment. This work is the first evidence of the cognitive and
      psycholinguistic profile characterization in patients with SMS in Spain, and will
      help to guide a more accurate diagnosis and differential intervention in rare
      genetic diseases with similar cognitive and psycholinguistic profiles.

PMID- 22047866
TI  - [Neuropsychological impairment in Parkinson's disease without dementia].
AB  - Cognitive dysfunction in Parkinson's Disease (PD) has been consistently reported,
      but little is known about cognitive impairment in PD patients without dementia,
      and its association with clinical characteristics, neuropsychiatric disturbance
      and functional activities. Therefore, we evaluated 52 non-demented PD patients,
      22 of them with mild cognitive impairment (PD-MCI) who were matched with 52
      healthy controls. Our results confirm the existence of dysfunction in information
      processing speed, executive function, verbal memory and visuo-perceptual
      processing in PD. On the other hand, PD-MCI was associated with advanced age at
      the onset of PD, more neuropsychiatric symptoms, caregiver stress and functional
      problems. The study supports the hypothesis that specific neuropsychological
      impairments may act as modulators of functional impairment in PD, for instance
      slowness of information processing.

PMID- 22047867
TI  - [Artificial neural networks in Neurosciences].
AB  - This article shows that artificial neural networks are used for confirming the
      relationships between physiological and cognitive changes. Specifically, we
      explore the influence of a decrease of neurotransmitters on the behaviour of old
      people in recognition tasks. This artificial neural network recognizes learned
      patterns. When we change the threshold of activation in some units, the
      artificial neural network simulates the experimental results of old people in
      recognition tasks. However, the main contributions of this paper are the design
      of an artificial neural network and its operation inspired by the nervous system
      and the way the inputs are coded and the process of orthogonalization of
      patterns.

PMID- 22047868
TI  - [Psychological variables in the control of brain-computer interfaces].
AB  - BCI (Brain-Computer Interface) is a system that allows interaction between the
      human brain and a computer. It is based on analyzing electroencephalographic
      signals (EEG) and processing them to generate control commands. The study
      analyzed the possible influence of psychological variables, such as the
      imaginative kinesthetic capacity and anxiety, in relation to performance in a
      BCI. All participants (4 male and 19 female students) completed the
      questionnaires and carried out a session of BCI to control their EEG signals in a
      virtual setting of a car along a straight road. The group was divided into two
      subgroups according to their EEG signals or differential responses obtained in
      the left-right discrimination. Study results showed no significant differences in
      cognitive variables of imagination or in anxiety. By comparing the degree of
      participants' BCI control, a new quantitative parameter for comparing
      performances and making decisions in signal processing was found. The findings,
      the ongoing research process to refine the control of a BCI, and the interaction
      of psychological and computer procedures are discussed.

PMID- 22047869
TI  - Sexual orientation and spatial memory.
AB  - The present study aimed at determining the influence of sexual orientation in
      human spatial learning and memory. Participants performed the Boxes Room, a
      virtual reality version of the Holeboard. In Experiment I, a reference memory
      task, the position of the hidden rewards remained constant during the whole
      experiment. In Experiment II, a working memory task, the position of rewards
      changed between blocks. Each block consisted of two trials: One trial for
      acquisition and another for retrieval. The results of Experiment I showed that
      heterosexual men performed better than homosexual men and heterosexual women.
      They found the rewarded boxes faster. Moreover, homosexual participants committed
      more errors than heterosexuals. Experiment II showed that working memory
      abilities are the same in groups of different sexual orientation. These results
      suggest that sexual orientation is related to spatial navigation abilities, but
      mostly in men, and limited to reference memory, which depends more on the
      function of the hippocampal system.

PMID- 22047870
TI  - Predictive learning in nutrient-based flavor conditioning.
AB  - This paper presents two experiments on nutrient-based flavor conditioning with
      rats as subjects and sucrose as the unconditioned stimulus (US). Experiment 1 was
      aimed at establishing an optimal control for conditioning, comparing simultaneous
      and serial presentations of a flavor and the US. The results showed that
      simultaneous, but not serial training, produced conditioning. Experiment 2 was
      designed to obtain evidence of summation as an index of both conditioned
      inhibition and predictive learning. Group Simultaneous received Pavlovian
      conditioned inhibition training during which flavor A was simultaneously paired
      with sucrose on excitatory trials (A+), and forming an unreinforced compound with
      flavor B on inhibitory trials (AB-). An independent excitor for the summation
      test was also trained by simultaneous pairings with sucrose (C+). In the control
      group (Blocked), the AB- trials were presented forming a block at the beginning
      of training to avoid a negative contingency-relationship with sucrose, and flavor
      A received serial rather than simultaneous pairing with sucrose (A --> +). On the
      summation test, only in group Simultaneous was consumption of the CB compound
      lower than that of flavor C alone, suggesting that, during training, flavor A
      activated an expectancy of the US occurrence.

PMID- 22047871
TI  - [Agustin Moreno: scientific psychology and women's legal responsibility in
      Spain].
AB  - Agustin Moreno Rodriguez (1886-1967) studied Medicine and Natural Sciences at the
      Central University of Spain, in Madrid. He was a student of Dr. Luis Simarro, the
      University's professor of Experimental Psychology and of Tomas Maestre, the
      University's professor of Medical Law, Toxicology and Psychiatry. In 1910, he
      published the text The woman's civil and penal responsibility during the
      menstrual period. In this work, he approaches the question of the legal
      responsibility of women, based on the principle of excitation/reaction of Claude
      Bernard and on his personal version of the concept of iteration elaborated by
      Luis Simarro. Dr. Moreno also defends the thesis that menstruation adds some
      uniqueness to the function of the feminine psyche and, therefore, modifies the
      responsibility of a woman's actions. We also comment on the predominant approach
      to the mind of women in the Spanish scientific psychology of that time and the
      reaction of the Spanish feminist intellectuals.

PMID- 22047872
TI  - [Factor structure of the Spanish adaptation of Tarrant's Group Identification
      Scale].
AB  - In this study, the factor structure of the Spanish version of Tarrant's Group
      Identification Scale is analyzed. This scale is based on the social identity
      theory and measures cognitive, evaluative, and affective aspects of group
      identification. Although this scale has been considered unidimensionally with
      adolescents, it is based on previous group identification scales considered
      multidimensionally. From confirmatory analysis, some factor models were tested in
      two independent samples of adolescents: Spanish (N= 1,795) and Mexican (N=
      1,494). The three-factor model (self-categorization, group evaluation, and
      commitment to the group) produced the best fit in both samples. Results are
      compatible with the multidimensional structure hypothesis of group
      identification.

PMID- 22047873
TI  - [Spanish validation of an emotion-eliciting set of films].
AB  - One of the main difficulties in the study of emotion is the induction of a real
      emotional response by means of artificial techniques. The aim of the current
      study is to validate the Spanish version of a set of films with the capacity to
      induce emotions (PIE) under laboratory conditions and to analyze its capacity to
      provoke differentiated basic emotions. A sample of 127 subjects took part in the
      study; 57 excerpts of Spanish-dubbed films with capacity in previous studies to
      induce 7 emotions: anger, fear, sadness, disgust, amusement, tenderness, and
      neutral emotion were used. Subjective emotional response was measured using the
      Self-Assessment Manikins and the Discrete Emotions Questionnaire. Films included
      showed a good capacity to induce positive and negative affects, high levels of
      emotional activation and variations in the perception of emotional control. They
      induced basic emotions of amusement and fear in a differentiated way. However,
      sadness and disgust could not be significantly differentiated from anger; or
      anger and tenderness from sadness. The PIE could be a useful tool for the
      experimental research of emotions in Spanish populations.

PMID- 22047874
TI  - [Psychometric quality supporting the Spanish adaptation of the Behavioral
      Regulation in Sport Questionnaire].
AB  - The goal of this study is to present the Spanish adaptation of the Behavioral
      Regulation in Sport Questionnaire made up of 24 items that measure the 6
      behavioral regulation factors expected by the self-determination theory developed
      by Deci and Ryan. Supporting evidence of conceptual equivalence and quality of
      the cultural and linguistic adaptation derive from the conciliation of different
      terms (experts and target population). Cognitive interviews and the fact that 94%
      of respondents provided complete answers and without aberrant response patterns
      support the feasibility of the questionnaire. A model of six correlated factors
      provided the best fit to the data in the confirmatory factor analysis, and 5 out
      of 6 subscales have acceptable internal consistency coefficients. The scores of
      the introjected, identified, and integrated regulation show more variability than
      the other ones. As expected, the 6 subscales show a graduation of direct
      correlation with the subjective vitality measure and an inverse correlation with
      competitive anxiety. The accumulation of evidence leads to the conclusion that
      the Spanish version is valid for use in sport psychology research.

PMID- 22047875
TI  - [Adaptation to Spanish of the "Scale of perceived social support specific to the
      disease" of Revenson et al., 1991].
AB  - This study aims to analyze the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of
      the Scale of Perceived Social Support Specific to the Illness of Revenson et al.
      1991. A sample of 202 patients with chronic conditions was used. After making
      several factor analysis of the scale on all four versions (partner, family,
      friends and doctors), it was found a structure formed by two factors involving
      positive social support and not functional or problematic social support. The
      results obtained with Cronbach's alpha show that all scales have acceptable and
      adequate internal consistency. In this sense, this scale may be appropriate to
      identify properly perceived social support for chronic patients on the four
      sources of support studied.

PMID- 22047876
TI  - eCAT-Listening: design and psychometric properties of a computerized adaptive
      test on English Listening.
AB  - In this study, eCAT-Listening, a new computerized adaptive test for the
      evaluation of English Listening, is described. Item bank development, anchor
      design for data collection, and the study of the psychometric properties of the
      item bank and the adaptive test are described. The calibration sample comprised
      1.576 participants. Good psychometric guarantees: the bank is unidimensional, the
      items are satisfactorily fitted to the 3-parameter logistic model, and an
      accurate estimation of the trait level is obtained. As validity evidence, a high
      correlation was obtained between the estimated trait level and a latent factor
      made up of the diverse criteria selected. The analysis of the trait level
      estimation by means of a simulation led us to fix the test length at 20 items,
      with a maximum exposure rate of .40.

PMID- 22047877
TI  - [The Reading Literacy test for Secondary Education (CompLEC)].
AB  - A new test to evaluate reading literacy, the Test of Reading Literacy for
      Secondary Education (CompLEC) is presented. CompLEC is based on the PISA
      assessment framework and new definitions of reading literacy. The test, easy to
      apply and score, assesses the level of reading literacy of children between 11
      and 14 years of age in several reading situations (i.e., public, educational,
      personal and occupational) and with different types of texts (i.e., continuous
      and non-continuous). The scale has been standardized with a sample of 1,854
      students from five different Spanish regions. Empirical results show that CompLEC
      is a homogeneous, reliable and valid instrument.

PMID- 22047878
TI  - [Utility of a statistical model of cognitive styles in attention deficit
      hyperactivity disorder].
AB  - The purpose of this study was to determine the best statistical model of
      cognitive styles, based on the MFFT-20, CEFT and Stroop tests to predict
      attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), analyzing the validity of the
      model for the diagnosis of the disease. We studied 100 ADHD cases (DSM-IV
      criteria) and 100 controls, age ranging between 7 and 11 years. Controls were
      randomly recruited and matched in age, gender and sociodemographic area with ADHD
      cases. On average, ADHD cases showed more impulsiveness (d: 1.28), less cognitive
      flexibility (d: 0.91) and more field dependence (d: 1.62) than controls. The
      logistic regression model that predicts ADHD best is made up of age, CEFT, MFFT
      20 and Stroop tests and the formula derived from the model shows 85% sensitivity
      and 85% specificity for ADHD, regarding the DSM-IV criteria as the standard. The
      statistical model of cognitive styles presents valid indicators to diagnose ADHD,
      contributing to an increase in the objectivity of its analysis.

PMID- 22047879
TI  - [Psychometric properties of the Interpersonal Reactivity Index in Spanish child
      and adolescent population].
AB  - This article analyses the dimensions of the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI;
      Davis, 1980). The sample comprised 721 Spanish participants between 9 and 16
      years old. Diverse exploratory factor analyses were conducted as the basis for
      the final confirmatory factor analysis, through self-report. The results
      supported a structure with 5 first-order main factors (Intellectual empathy,
      Positive emotional empathy, Disorganized emotional empathy, Virtual empathy, and
      Impassiveness), where the two first factors are nested in a second-order
      dimension: "Considerate Social Style". The psychometric characteristics of the
      instrument were adequate. The proposed model is a new alternative to
      conceptualize the factor structure of empathy.

PMID- 22047880
TI  - Structural invariance of multiple intelligences, based on the level of execution.
AB  - The independence of multiple intelligences (MI) of Gardner's theory has been
      debated since its conception. This article examines whether the one- factor
      structure of the MI theory tested in previous studies is invariant for low and
      high ability students. Two hundred ninety-four children (aged 5 to 7)
      participated in this study. A set of Gardner's Multiple Intelligence assessment
      tasks based on the Spectrum Project was used. To analyze the invariance of a
      general dimension of intelligence, the different models of behaviours were
      studied in samples of participants with different performance on the Spectrum
      Project tasks with Multi-Group Confirmatory Factor Analysis (MGCFA). Results
      suggest an absence of structural invariance in Gardner's tasks. Exploratory
      analyses suggest a three-factor structure for individuals with higher performance
      levels and a two-factor structure for individuals with lower performance levels.

PMID- 22047881
TI  - [Assessment of individual differences in faking].
AB  - In recent years, change scores obtained under neutral conditions and under faking
      inducing conditions have become one of the main alternatives for operationalizing
      faking. A pending issue regarding these measures is the relevance of individual
      differences under similar conditions of pressure. This study proposes a simple
      approach based on the classic test theory that allows the issue to be rigorously
      assessed. The approach, from which three indices are derived, is based on a pre
      test post-test design with a control group, and models the amount of change as an
      individual parameter. The proposal is applied to an empirical study in
      personality, and some interesting initial results are obtained.

PMID- 22047882
TI  - [ROC and z-ROC analysis in recognition memory: continuous, threshold, and
      asymmetric models].
AB  - In this research, we applied the operating characteristic of the receiver (ROC)
      to evaluate item-recognition memory by means of open class words (CA) and closed
      class words (CC). The purpose was to evaluate memory processes and models,
      according to the type of stimuli used: words in Spanish, classified according to
      grammar characteristics. To register the data, a rating scale was applied to
      obtain the appropriate response levels. Statistically significant differences
      between the processing of both types of words were obtained. We evaluated models
      of threshold, continuous, and unequal variance. As a result, we could contribute
      to the resolution of the present controversy about the models adapted to evaluate
      the memory of item recognition. Lastly, the differentiation and integration of
      the models from an empirical point of view is discussed.

PMID- 22047883
TI  - [Observational analysis of the free throw shot made by grassroots basketball
      players].
AB  - This article represents an approach to the free throw from the perspective of
      observational methodology. Faced with the obvious difficulty of transferring
      quantitative data resulting from the habitual biomechanical studies to everyday
      sports intervention, an easily accessible observational tool has been produced
      which, as a main contribution, allows the detection of T-patterns in free-throw
      shots. As the endorsement of the usefulness of the designed observational tool,
      an example is presented of the results obtained in a research design that studies
      a selection of grassroots basketball players (11-12 years).

PMID- 22047884
TI  - [A new instrument to identify spatial occupancy patterns].
AB  - This paper explores the potential of systematic observational methodologies and
      field format instruments for the analysis of spatial appropriation processes. We
      present an observational instrument that facilitates the registration of a number
      of co-ocurrent variables related to different levels of responses (types of
      users, activities and environmental variables), which was used in an exploratory
      analysis of occupancy patterns in a public square in Barcelona. A sequential
      analysis revealed distinct patterns of use in different areas within the space,
      and at different moments during the day. These strategies offer important new
      opportunities to describe spatial occupancy patterns.

PMID- 22047885
TI  - [Spanish adaptation of the Need for Closure Scale].
AB  - The Need for Cognitive Closure (NCC) refers to the motivation to seek and
      maintain a definitive answer to a given problem. This mental closure allows
      people to avoid confusion, ambiguity and uncertainty. The NCC plays a critical
      role in a variety of processes of diverse nature, including intra-personal (e.g.,
      the higher the NCC, the less generation of hypothesis), inter-personal (e.g.,
      decreased empathy), intra-group (e.g., increased desire for consensus), and inter
      group (increased in-group favouritism) phenomena. The goal of the present
      research was to provide a Spanish adaptation of Antonio Pierro and Arie
      Kruglanski's Revised NCC Scale (2005, Rev NfCS), examining the reliability and
      the validity of participants' scores. In the present studies, it was found that
      the Spanish version of the scale had acceptable internal reliability and adequate
      factor structure (Study 1), as well as acceptable test-retest reliability and
      adequate discriminant validity with regard to the scores in another measure of
      individual differences such as the Need for Cognition (NC, Study 2).

PMID- 22047886
TI  - [Psychometric analysis of the AF5 multidimensional scale of self-concept in a
      sample of adolescents and adults in Catalonia].
AB  - The aim of this study is to carry out a psychometric study of the AF5 scale in a
      sample of 4.825 Catalan subjects from 11 to 63 years-old. They are students from
      secondary compulsory education (ESO), from high school, middle-level vocational
      training (CFGM) and from the university. Using a principal component analysis
      (PCA) the theoretical validity of the components is established and the
      reliability of the instrument is also analyzed. Differential analyses are
      performed by gender and normative group using a 2 x 6 factorial design. The
      normative group variable includes the different levels classified into 6 sub
      groups: university, post-compulsory secondary education (high school and CFGM),
      4th of ESO, 3rd of ESO, 2nd of ESO and 1st of ESO. The results indicate that the
      reliability of the Catalan version of the scale is similar to the original scale.
      The factorial structure also fits with the original model established beforehand.
      Significant differences by normative group in the four components of self-concept
      explored (social, family, academic/occupational and physical) are observed. By
      gender, significant differences appear in the component of physical self-concept,
      academic and social but not in the family component.

PMID- 22047888
TI  - Desire for sons and subsequent fertility in rural India. A 20-year longitudinal
      study.
AB  - This paper compares the desired fertility of rural Indian women in 1987 with
      their actual fertility in 2007. Seventy-one respondents who stated definite
      fertility intentions and had fewer children than desired in 1987 were re
      interviewed 20 years later, as part of a larger study. The results indicated that
      these women had fewer children than intended and stopped childbearing once they
      reached, or approximated, their desired number of sons. The majority had been
      sterilized, indicating broad acceptance of lower fertility among rural women and
      the success of India's family planning efforts, although the practice of sex
      determination seems also to have played a role. These findings echo those of an
      earlier longitudinal study of reproductive intentions and outcomes in the same
      community, demonstrating the persistence of son preference in determining
      reproductive behaviour, even in the context of low overall fertility. The paper
      concludes with a discussion of the policy and programme implications of the
      study's findings.

PMID- 22047890
TI  - Duodenal myotomy blocks reduction of meal size and prolongation of intermeal
      interval by cholecystokinin.
AB  - We have shown that vagotomy (VGX) attenuates the reduction of meal size (MS)
      produced by cholecystokinin (CCK) -8 and -33 and that celiaco-mesenteric
      ganglionectomy (CMGX) attenuates the prolongation of the intermeal interval (IMI)
      produced by CCK-33. Here, we report the following novel data. First, by
      determining the distribution of CCK(1) receptor messenger RNA, which mediates
      reduction of MS and prolongation of IMI by CCK, in seven regions of the
      gastrointestinal tract in the adult rat we found that the duodenum contains the
      highest concentration of this receptor in the gut. Second, based on the previous
      finding we performed a unique surgical technique known as duodenal myotomy (MYO),
      which severs all the nerves of the gut wall in the duodenum including vagus,
      splanchnic and enteric nerves. Third, we determined MS and IMI in duodenal MYO
      rats in responses to endogenous CCK-58 released by the non-nutrient, trypsin
      inhibitor, camostat and CCK-8 to test the possibility that the duodenum is the
      site of action for reduction of MS and prolongation of IMI. We found that,
      similar to the previous work reported by using CCK-8 and MS, duodenal MYO also
      blocked reduction of MS by camostat. Forth, duodenal MYO blocked prolongation of
      IMI by camostat. As such, our current results suggest that the duodenum is the
      gut site that communicates both feeding signals of endogenous CCK, MS and IMI,
      with the brain through vagal and splanchnic afferents.

PMID- 22047889
TI  - Concordance of randomized and nonrandomized studies was unrelated to
      translational patterns of two nutrient-disease associations.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: There are several examples in nutrition of discordance between the
      results of observational studies and randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We
      hypothesized that this discordance is attributable to differences in the
      translational paths of nutrient-disease associations. Translational paths can be
      assessed using citation analysis. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: We compared the
      characteristics of citation networks using examples, where RCTs and observational
      studies agreed (long-chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids [n-3 PUFA]) or
      disagreed (vitamin E). We performed systematic reviews in each example,
      constructed citation networks, and compared them with respect to the number of
      articles and citation relationships between them, as well as the distribution of
      articles' hub and authority scores. RESULTS: For n-3 PUFA, meta-analyses of 14
      RCTs and 10 observational studies both suggested that higher intake was
      associated with lower cardiovascular mortality. For vitamin E, the meta-analysis
      of 14 RCTs excluded a clinically significant effect, whereas 14 observational
      studies reported a significant inverse association. The respective citation
      networks consisted of 392 (n-3 PUFA) and 351 (vitamin E) articles. No differences
      between the characteristics of the two networks were identified. There was no
      evidence that the observational studies predated RCTs in the translational
      process in either example. CONCLUSION: In the two examples, citation network
      characteristics do not predict concordance in the results of observational
      studies and RCTs.

PMID- 22047891
TI  - Dynamic susceptibility contrast-enhanced first-pass perfusion MR imaging in
      patients with subclinical hepatic encephalopathy.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Subclinical hepatic encephalopathy (SHE) is frequently
      reported on single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), but is rarely
      described with magnetic resonance (MR) techniques. This study aimed to
      investigate hemodynamic changes in brain basal ganglia in patients with SHE using
      dynamic susceptibility contrast (DSC)-enhanced MR perfusion imaging. METHODS:
      Twelve patients with SHE and ten age- and education-matched volunteers agreed to
      undergo MR examination. The scanning protocol included conventional anatomical
      images and DSC-enhanced perfusion MR imaging. Using MGH perfusion software,
      parameter maps of cerebral blood flow (CBF), cerebral blood volume (CBV) and mean
      transit time (MTT) were created. The bilateral caudate nucleus head, globus
      pallidus, putamen and thalamus were selected as regions of interest (ROI), with
      ipsilateral white matter of the frontal lobe used as reference. Ratios (ROI
      versus ipsilateral white matter in frontal lobe) for CBF, CBV and MTT in the
      patient group were compared with those in the control group. RESULTS: The CBF
      ratios for every ROI were higher in SHE patients versus the controls.
      Statistically, significant increases were detected in the left globus pallidus,
      putamen and thalamus (P<0.05). For MTT, the reduction in values reached
      statistical significance in the right head of the caudate nucleus and bilateral
      thalamus (P<0.05). CBV values were not significantly different compared with
      those of the control group (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Increased CBF and decreased MTT
      values in the basal ganglia and thalamus were identified in patients with SHE.
      The CBF increase was compatible with the idea that the CBF is redistributed from
      cortical areas to the basal ganglia structures.

PMID- 22047892
TI  - Cataract surgery quality, streetlamps, and car keys.

PMID- 22047893
TI  - Retinal prostheses: current clinical results and future needs.
AB  - Degenerative diseases such as age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and
      retinitis pigmentosa (RP) primarily affect the photoreceptors, ultimately
      resulting in significant loss of vision. Retinal prostheses aim to elicit neural
      activity in the remaining retinal cells by detecting and converting light into
      electrical stimuli that can then be delivered to the retina. The concept of
      visual prostheses has existed for more than 50 years and recent progress shows
      promise, yet much remains to be understood about how the visual system will
      respond to artificial input after years of blindness that necessitate this type
      of prosthesis. This review focuses on 3 major areas: the histopathologic features
      of human retina affected by AMD and RP, current results from clinical trials, and
      challenges to overcome for continued improvement of retinal prostheses. FINANCIAL
      DISCLOSURE(S): Proprietary or commercial disclosures may be found after the
      references.

PMID- 22047894
TI  - Bullous keratopathy.

PMID- 22047895
TI  - Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty.

PMID- 22047896
TI  - Deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty as an alternative to penetrating
      keratoplasty.

PMID- 22047898
TI  - Conjunctival melanoma.

PMID- 22047900
TI  - IOL power calculation after refractive surgery.

PMID- 22047901
TI  - Transmittance Curve of an IOL.

PMID- 22047903
TI  - Myotonic dystrophy.

PMID- 22047905
TI  - Effects of VMA on anti-VEGF Treatment for ARMD.

PMID- 22047907
TI  - Glare Secondary to Damaged IOL.

PMID- 22047908
TI  - Retinal detachment after bevacizumab.

PMID- 22047909
TI  - Enhanced prostaglandin F2alpha formation in human pregnancy and the effect of
      increased oily fish intake: results from the Salmon in Pregnancy Study.
AB  - Oily fish intake during pregnancy may reduce the risk of allergic diseases in
      infancy possibly by shifts in the fatty acid balance and subsequent altered
      prostaglandin (PG) formation. This intervention is the first study to evaluate if
      increased oily fish intake affects in vivo PGF(2alpha) formation during
      pregnancy. British pregnant women were randomised to two portions of farmed
      salmon weekly (n=47), or maintenance of their normal diet low in fish (n=41),
      from pregnancy week 20 until parturition. The concentrations of eicosapentaenoic
      and docosahexaenoic acids in plasma phosphatidylcholine (PC) were higher and the
      concentration of arachidonic acid in plasma PC was lower in the salmon group than
      the control group at weeks 34 and 38 of pregnancy. PGF(2alpha) formation was
      evaluated by urinary measurement of 15-keto-dihydro-PGF(2alpha), a major
      PGF(2alpha) metabolite, at 20, 34 and 38 weeks. In both the salmon and control
      groups urinary 15-keto-dihydro-PGF(2alpha) concentrations increased significantly
      during pregnancy, which may be of physiological importance. Oily fish
      intervention altered fatty acid concentrations but did not affect urinary 15-keto
      dihydro-PGF(2alpha) concentrations in pregnant women.

PMID- 22047911
TI  - Evaluation of radiation during EVAR performed on a mobile C-arm.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate radiation exposure during
      aortic endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) on a mobile C-arm using a low dose and
      pulse mode. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of a prospectively
      maintained database on patients undergoing EVAR. Indirect dose measurements of
      dose area product (DAP, mGy m2) calculated by the C-arm (OEC 9900MD),
      fluoroscopic time (FT), type of procedure, contrast media volume and body mass
      index were analysed. To confirm the correlation between direct and indirect DAP
      measurements, direct dose was measured with radiochromic films on a sample of 15
      patients. Film grey level response was calibrated according to a reference dose
      measurement performed with a calibrated dosimeter. DAP and peak skin dose (PSD,
      Gy) were measured on each film. Correlation between DAP from direct and indirect
      measures, and between DAP and PSD, were analysed. RESULTS: From January 2009 to
      April 2011, 335 patients underwent EVAR. Complete data were available on 301
      procedures including 188 bifurcated, 54 fenestrated, 28 thoracic, 20 branched and
      11 aorto-uni-iliac endografts implantation. The respective median FT and DAP was
      9.36 min (1.8-67) and 3 mGy m(2) (0.4-28); 27.2 min (2-69) and 7.3 mGy m(2) (1.2
      29); 7.75 min (1.2-19.1) and 2 mGy m(2) (0.3-11); 42.98 min (2.4-95.4) and 15.95
      mGy m(2) (2.98-77.7); 6.2 min (0.5-36.3) and 2 mGy m(2) (0.3-11). Direct DAP
      measurement on radiochromic films was strongly correlated with DAP values
      provided by the C-arm (r = 0.98). PSD correlated weakly with DAP. DAP was
      significantly increased (p < 0.001) in patients with a body mass index >30.
      Contrast media volume was significantly increased in the branched endograft
      group. CONCLUSION: Indirect DAP values measured by the C-arm are accurate to
      evaluate radiation exposure. Compared to the literature, our values for standard
      procedures are significantly decreased by the usage of low dose and pulse mode.
      DAP for fenestrated and branched procedures was comparable to published DAP
      values with standard procedures using a regular fluoroscopic mode.

PMID- 22047910
TI  - Omega-3 fatty acid deficiency increases stearoyl-CoA desaturase expression and
      activity indices in rat liver: positive association with non-fasting plasma
      triglyceride levels.
AB  - Although omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids negatively regulate triglyceride biosynthesis,
      the mechanisms mediating this effect are poorly understood, and emerging evidence
      suggests that stearoyl-CoA desaturase (Scd1) is required for de novo triglyceride
      biosynthesis. To investigate this mechanism, we determined the effects of
      perinatal n-3 deficiency and postnatal repletion on rat liver Scd1 mRNA
      expression and activity indices (liver 16:1/16:0 and 18:1/18:0 ratios), and
      determined relationships with postprandial (non-fasting) plasma triglyceride
      levels. Rats were fed conventional diets with or without the n-3 fatty acid
      precursor alpha-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3n-3) during perinatal development (E0
      P100), and a subset of rats fed the ALA- diet were switched to the ALA+ diet post
      weaning (P21-P100, repletion). Compared with controls, rats fed the ALA- diet
      exhibited significantly lower liver long-chain n-3 fatty acid compositions and
      elevations in monounsaturated fatty acid composition, both of which were
      normalized in repleted rats. Liver Scd1 mRNA expression and activity indices
      (16:1/16:0 and 18:1/18:0 ratios) were significantly greater in n-3 deficient rats
      compared with controls and repleted rats. Among all rats, liver Scd1 mRNA
      expression was positively correlated with liver 18:1/18:0 and 16:1/16:0 ratios.
      Plasma triglyceride levels, but not glucose or insulin levels, were significantly
      greater in n-3 deficient rats compared with controls and repleted rats. Liver
      Scd1 mRNA expression and activity indices were positively correlated with plasma
      triglyceride levels. These preclinical findings demonstrate that n-3 fatty acid
      status is an important determinant of liver Scd1 mRNA expression and activity,
      and suggest that down-regulation of Scd1 is a mechanism by which n-3 fatty acids
      repress constitutive triglyceride biosynthesis.

PMID- 22047912
TI  - Clinical characteristics, treatment and outcome of childhood Burkitt's lymphoma
      at the Uganda Cancer Institute.
AB  - Burkitt's lymphoma (BL) is a major cause of death among Ugandan children. We
      studied clinical characteristics and outcomes of childhood BL over time at the
      Uganda Cancer Institute (UCI). A total of 1217 children (766 boys, 451 girls,
      mean age 6.69 years) diagnosed with BL between 1985 and 2005 were included. There
      were no significant changes in the proportion of boys and girls diagnosed, or in
      mean age at diagnosis. Facial tumor (n=945, 77.65%) and abdominal disease (n=842,
      69.19%) were the most common presentations. The proportion of children presenting
      with hepatic mass, malignant pleocytosis, and advanced-stage (stage C and D) BL
      increased during the study period (P<0.01). A total of 1085 children out of 1206
      (89.97%) received at least one cycle of chemotherapy, and 832 of 1099 (75.71%)
      demonstrated objective response (i.e. complete or partial remission). The most
      common symptoms at BL diagnosis were fever (n=621, 51.03%), anemia (n=593,
      48.73%), and weight loss (n=588, 48.32%). Significant increases in the proportion
      of children with fever, and significant changes in the proportion of children
      with anemia, night sweats and severe infection were observed. HIV positivity was
      3.87%, but no substantial differences in the proportion of HIV-positive children
      were observed. Mortality was not significantly different over time: it was
      similar in boys and girls, higher in older children (compared with younger ones),
      in those with advanced-stage BL, and HIV-positive children, but lower in children
      with facial tumors compared with other tumor presentations, and among those who
      received chemotherapy.

PMID- 22047913
TI  - The challenge of designing a post-critical illness rehabilitation intervention.
AB  - Post-ICU morbidity is an important issue for patients, families, and the health
      care system. Elliott and colleagues outlined the results from their novel report
      of the very first home-based physiotherapy program to be tested in survivors of
      critical illness. The authors described an explicit intervention, which included
      a self-instruction exercise manual, trainer visits, and telephone follow-up, with
      excellent internal validity and yet no difference in outcome measures at 26-week
      follow-up. These results are discussed in the context of risk
      stratification/individual tailoring of post-ICU programs to patient and family
      needs and suggest that the collection of multiple simultaneous outcome measures
      across functional, neuropsychological, caregiver, and health-care utilization
      domains may offer additional insight into the benefits of post-rehabilitation
      programs.

PMID- 22047914
TI  - Adsorption of cadmium(II) on humic acid coated titanium dioxide.
AB  - The rapid increase in nanotechnology has led to growing concerns on environmental
      effects and health risks of nanoparticles (NPs). Many studies investigated the
      adsorption of toxic pollutants on NPs; however, the interaction between heavy
      metals and natural organic matter (NOM) coated metal oxide NPs was scarcely
      studied. In this study, using humic acid (HA) as model NOM, the adsorption of
      Cd(II) on humic acid coated titanium dioxide (HA-TiO(2)) NPs was investigated.
      Solution parameters such as pH and salinity were investigated to exploit the
      mechanisms. Our results demonstrated that the adsorption isotherms of Cd(II) to
      both TiO(2) and HA-TiO(2) complied well with Freundlich model. q(e) values
      increased with pH increase, mainly due to electrostatic attraction, whereas q(e)
      values increased initially and then decreased at 100 mmol L(-1) with salinity
      increase, mainly due to complexation and electrostatic effects. It is noteworthy
      that an overall trend of higher Cd(II) adsorption was observed on HA-TiO(2)
      compared to that on TiO(2), implying that HA coating might modify bioavailability
      of heavy metals in aquatic environment. The possible adsorption mechanisms in
      views of electrostatic interactions and covalent effects were interpreted, and
      the X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) results also verified the possible
      mechanisms.

PMID- 22047915
TI  - Facile synthesis and multicolor luminescent properties of uniform Lu2O3:Ln
      (Ln=Eu3+, Tb3+, Yb3+/Er3+, Yb3+/Tm3+, and Yb3+/Ho3+) nanospheres.
AB  - Multicolor Lu(2)O(3):Ln (Ln=Eu(3+), Tb(3+), Yb(3+)/Er(3+), Yb(3+)/Tm(3+), and
      Yb(3+)/Ho(3+)) nanocrystals (NCs) with uniform spherical morphology were prepared
      through a facile urea-assisted homogeneous precipitation method followed by a
      subsequent calcination process. X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron
      microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution
      transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectrum (EDS),
      Fourier transformed infrared (FT-IR), thermogravimetric and differential thermal
      analysis (TG-DTA), and photoluminescence (PL) spectra as well as kinetic decays
      were employed to characterize these samples. The XRD results reveal that the as
      prepared nanospheres can be well indexed to cubic Lu(2)O(3) phase with high
      purity. The SEM images show the obtained Lu(2)O(3):Ln samples consist of regular
      nanospheres with the mean diameter of 95 nm. And the possible formation mechanism
      is also proposed. Upon ultraviolet (UV) excitation, Lu(2)O(3):Ln (Ln=Eu(3+) and
      Tb(3+)) NCs exhibit bright red (Eu(3+), (5)D(0)->(7)F(2)), and green (Tb(3+),
      (5)D(4)->(7)F(5)) down-conversion (DC) emissions. Under 980 nm NIR irradiation,
      Lu(2)O(3):Ln (Ln=Yb(3+)/Er(3+), Yb(3+)/Tm(3+), and Yb(3+)/Ho(3+)) NCs display the
      typical up-conversion (UC) emissions of green (Er(3+), (4)S(3/2),(2)H(11/2)
      >(4)I(15/2)), blue (Tm(3+), (1)G(4)->(3)H(6)) and yellow-green (Ho(3+), (5)F(4),
      (5)S(2)->(5)I(8)), respectively.

PMID- 22047916
TI  - The effect of polymer adsorption on the wetting properties of partially
      hydrophobized magnetite.
AB  - Upon reverse flotation of iron ore, the surface of the iron ore concentrate may
      become partially hydrophobized due to adsorption of flotation collector, which is
      facilitated by the calcium ions present in the process water. Hydrophobic areas
      on the concentrate surface may introduce problems in subsequent pelletization of
      the concentrate. A possible way to restore the wettability of the surface could
      be by modifying the surface with a hydrophilic polymer. The effect of hydrophilic
      polymers of different types, viz. cationic, anionic, and non-ionic, on the
      wettability of the magnetite surface after adsorption of a surfactant was
      investigated. Although all the polymers could adsorb on magnetite at pH 8.5, the
      contact angle measurements revealed that only anionic ammonium polyacrylate could
      decrease the contact angle of synthetic magnetite after surfactant adsorption to
      a level close to that of as-synthesized magnetite. Such effect was probably
      achieved due to shielding of the hydrophobic surfactant chains from the aqueous
      phase by hydrophilic polyacrylate molecules. The fact that polyacrylate
      adsorption on magnetite occurred via calcium ions makes polyacrylate suitable for
      application in calcium-rich process water. The results presented in this work
      illustrate that ammonium polyacrylate could be successfully used to improve the
      wettability of magnetite after adsorption of surfactants.

PMID- 22047917
TI  - Self-generated hierarchically porous titania with high surface area:
      photocatalytic activity enhancement by macrochannel structure.
AB  - Various hierarchical porous titania with high surface area over 600 m(2)/g have
      been synthesized via a spontaneous self-formation process from titanium alkoxides
      by a water adjusting approach using acetonitrile as reaction medium. The
      reactivity of metal alkoxides and the water content in acetonitrile medium on the
      resultant structure have been investigated. The porosities of the products were
      characterized by SEM, TEM and N(2) adsorption-desorption measurements. The
      observation on the evolution of porous structure with increasing water content in
      reaction system is essential for a better understanding of hierarchical porous
      structure formation over different length scales by this self-formation process.
      The creation of macro/micropores in photocatalytic titania materials has been
      found to enhance the photocatalytic activity due to both the action of
      macrochannels as light harvester and the easy diffusion effect of organic
      molecules. The present work shows clearly that hierarchically porous titania with
      the presence of macroporous structure and high surface area can be very efficient
      photocatalysts, suggesting their potential applications in water treatment as
      decontamination materials.

PMID- 22047918
TI  - Removal of Cd2+ from contaminated water by nano-sized aragonite mollusk shell and
      the competition of coexisting metal ions.
AB  - The potential of using nano-sized aragonite mollusk shell (nano-Bio-ARA) to
      remove Cd(2+) from contaminated water was investigated by comparing the sorption
      kinetics and isotherms with the nano-sized calcite-type mollusk shell (nano-Bio
      CAL) and nano-sized geological calcite (nano-Geo-CAL). Nano-Bio-ARA displayed
      extremely high sorption capacity to Cd(2+) (8.91mmol/g), much higher than nano
      Bio/Geo-CAL, and many other natural or engineered materials. The results of
      thermodynamic experiments indicated that the sorption of Cd(2+) on the nano-ARA
      was a spontaneous and endothermic process. The coexisting metals in the solution
      displayed competition effect to the sorption of Cd(2+) on nano-Bio-ARA in the
      following order: Cu(2+)>Cr(3+)>Pb(2+)>Zn(2+)>Ca(2+). EDTA impeded the sorption of
      Cd(2+) on nano-Bio-ARA due to its strong chelating capacity to Cd(2+) in the
      solution. The results demonstrate that nano-Bio-ARA is a potential high-effective
      material to treat Cd(2+) contaminated water.

PMID- 22047919
TI  - Multicolored and white-light phosphors based on doped GdF3 nanoparticles and
      their potential bio-applications.
AB  - Rare-earth-doped gadolinium fluoride nanocrystals were synthesized by a single
      step synthesis employing ethylene glycol as solvent. Based on X-ray diffraction
      studies, stabilization of hexagonal modification of GdF(3) has been inferred. The
      microscopic studies show formation of uniformly distributed nanocrystals (~15
      nm). The nanoparticles are readily dispersible in water and show bright
      luminescence in colloidal solution. The luminescence properties have been
      investigated as a function of activator concentrations, and enhanced optical
      properties have been attributed to efficient energy transfer from the Gd(3+) to
      the activator RE(3+) ions, which has further been confirmed by steady-state and
      time-resolved optical studies. It has been demonstrated that on doping
      appropriate amount of activators in host GdF(3), a novel white-light-emitting
      phosphor is obtained with CIE co-ordinates and correlated color temperature (CCT)
      very close to broad daylight. This can have promising applications as phosphor
      for white-light ultraviolet-light-emitting diodes (UV-LEDs). Our experiments
      showed efficient labeling of human breast carcinoma cells (MCF-7) by Tb(3+)-doped
      GdF(3) nanoparticles. The fluorescence intensity was found to be dependent on the
      surface modifying/coating agent, and the results were validated using confocal
      microscopy in terms of localization of these functionalized nanoparticles.

PMID- 22047920
TI  - Humidity adsorption kinetics of a trypsin gel film.
AB  - This study focuses on the humidity adsorption kinetics of an isopropanol-induced
      and pH-triggered bovine pancreatic trypsin gel (BPTG). The BPTG was adsorbed on a
      gold coated Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) substrate with a thickness of 376
      nm. The morphology of the film was characterized using Atomic Force Microscopy
      (AFM). QCM was used to investigate the humidity sensing properties of the BPTG
      film. The response of the humidity sensor was explained using the Langmuir model.
      The average values of adsorption and desorption rates between 11% RH (relative
      humidity) and 97% RH were calculated as 2482.5 M(-1) s(-1) and 0.02 s(-1),
      respectively. The equilibrium constant and average Gibbs Free Energy of humidity
      adsorption and desorption cycles were obtained as 133,000 and -11.8 kJ/mol,
      respectively.

PMID- 22047921
TI  - Synthesis of uniform gold nanoparticles using non-pathogenic bio-control agent:
      evolution of morphology from nano-spheres to triangular nanoprisms.
AB  - Green synthesis of gold nanospheres with uniform diameter and triangular
      nanoprisms with optically flat surface was carried out using a non-pathogenic bio
      control agent Trichoderma asperellum for reduction of HAuCl(4). Kinetics of the
      reaction was monitored by UV-Vis absorption spectroscopy. No additional
      capping/complexing agent was used for stabilizing the gold nanoparticles.
      Evolution of morphology from pseudospherical nanoparticles to triangular
      nanoprisms was studied by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). It revealed
      that three or more pseudospheres fused to form nanoprisms of different shapes and
      sizes. Slow rate of reduction of HAuCl(4) by constituents of cell-free fungal
      extract was instrumental in producing such exotic morphologies. Isolation of gold
      nanotriangles from the reacting masses was achieved by differential
      centrifugation.

PMID- 22047922
TI  - Thermodynamic and structural characterization of a mixed perfluorocarbon
      phospholipid ternary monolayer surfactant system.
AB  - Pulmonary lung surfactant is a mixture of surfactants that reduces surface
      tension during respiration. Perfluorinated surfactants have potential
      applications for artificial lung surfactant formulations, but the interactions
      that exist between these compounds and phospholipids in surfactant monolayer
      mixtures are poorly understood. We report here, for the first time, a detailed
      thermodynamic and structural characterization of a minimal pulmonary lung
      surfactant model system that is based on a ternary phospholipid-perfluorocarbon
      mixture. Langmuir and Langmuir-Blodgett monolayers of binary and ternary mixtures
      of the surfactants 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC), 1,2
      dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoglycerol (DPPG) and perfluorooctadecanoic acid
      (C18F) have been studied in terms of miscibility, elasticity and film structure.
      The extent of surfactant miscibility and elasticity has been evaluated via Gibbs
      excess free energies of mixing and isothermal compressibilities. Film structure
      has been studied by a combination of atomic force microscopy and fluorescence
      microscopy. Combined thermodynamic and microscopy data indicate that the ternary
      monolayer films were fully miscible, with the mixed films being more stable than
      their pure individual components alone, and that film compressibility is
      minimally improved by the addition of perfluorocarbons to the phospholipids. The
      importance of these results is discussed in context of these mixtures' potential
      applications in pulmonary lung surfactant formulations.

PMID- 22047923
TI  - pH-responsive interpenetrating network hydrogel beads of poly(acrylamide)-g
      carrageenan and sodium alginate for intestinal targeted drug delivery: synthesis,
      in vitro and in vivo evaluation.
AB  - In the present work, we synthesized pH-responsive interpenetrating network (IPN)
      hydrogel beads of polyacrylamide grafted kappa-carrageenan (PAAm-g-CG) and sodium
      alginate (SA) for targeting ketoprofen to the intestine. The PAAm-g-CG was
      synthesized by free radical polymerization followed by alkaline hydrolysis under
      nitrogen gas. The PAAm-g-CG was characterized by elemental analysis, FTIR
      spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The drug-loaded IPN hydrogel
      beads were prepared by simple ionotropic gelation/covalent crosslinking method.
      The amorphous nature of drug in the beads was confirmed by differential scanning
      calorimetry and X-ray diffraction studies. The spherical shape of the beads was
      confirmed by scanning electron microscopic analysis. The beads exhibited ample pH
      responsive behavior in the pulsatile swelling study. The ketoprofen release was
      significantly increased when pH of the medium was changed from acidic to
      alkaline. The beads showed maximum of 10% drug release in acidic medium of pH
      1.2, and about 90% drug release was recorded in alkaline medium of pH 7.4.
      Stomach histopathology of albino rats indicated that the prepared beads were able
      to retard the drug release in stomach leading to the reduced ulceration,
      hemorrhage and erosion of gastric mucosa.

PMID- 22047924
TI  - Predictive factors of skip metastases to lateral neck compartment leaping central
      neck compartment in papillary thyroid carcinoma.
AB  - Skip metastasis, referred to as leaping metastasis to the lateral neck without
      associated lymphadenopathy in the central compartment (level VI), can occur in
      patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). However, there have been few
      studies on its predictive value in PTC patients. We reviewed the medical records
      of 90 patients who underwent simultaneous central and lateral neck lymph node
      dissection for the primary treatment of lymph node metastasis in the lateral neck
      of PTC patients. No patient was suspected of having metastasis in the central
      compartment by preoperative imaging study. The frequency of skip metastasis to
      the lateral neck compartment without central neck metastasis was 19% (17/90). The
      number of metastatic lymph nodes dissected in the lateral neck of patients with
      and without skip metastasis was 5.1+/-2.7 and 9.5+/-2.6, respectively (P<0.001).
      Skip metastasis was closely associated with significantly fewer lymphovascular
      invasion (P=0.009) and extracapsular spread (P=0.035). Skip metastasis can occur
      significantly frequently in PTC patients. The presence of lymphovascular
      invasion, extracapsular spread, and number of positive lymph nodes dissected were
      inversely correlated with skip metastasis.

PMID- 22047925
TI  - Capsular management during hip arthroscopy: from femoroacetabular impingement to
      instability.
AB  - Advances in the ability to treat various soft-tissue and osseous pathologic
      conditions of the hip arthroscopically have been predicated on an improved
      exposure of the pathology of the central, peripheral, and peritrochanteric
      compartments. The management of the capsule is critical and must allow for an
      improved exposure without compromising stability and kinematics of the hip.
      Described approaches have included capsulectomy, limited capsulotomy, extensile
      capsulotomy, capsular plication, and capsular shift. The selected approach must
      consider various factors, including symptomatic complaints, underlying
      hyperlaxity, specific mechanical pathology, and surgical expertise. Universally
      using a single technique without consideration of the complex mechanical and
      anatomic factors unique to each patient may result in incomplete treatment of the
      pathoanatomy or iatrogenic instability. This article reviews the anatomy of the
      hip capsule and provide a diagnosis-based consideration of capsular management
      during hip arthroscopy. The senior author's preferred techniques are also
      presented.

PMID- 22047926
TI  - Evaluation of analgesic efficacy of intra-articular bupivacaine, bupivacaine plus
      fentanyl, and bupivacaine plus tramadol after arthroscopic knee surgery.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy of intra-articular (IA) bupivacaine, bupivacaine
      fentanyl, and bupivacaine-tramadol for relief of postoperative pain after
      arthroscopic knee surgery. METHODS: In a randomized double-blind design, 60 adult
      American Society of Anesthesiologists class I or class II patients undergoing
      elective arthroscopic knee surgery under general anesthesia were randomized to 3
      groups: all received 30 mL of 0.25% bupivacaine, plus either 1 mL of normal
      saline solution (group I), 1 mL (50 MUg) of fentanyl (group II), or 1 mL (50 mg)
      of tramadol (group III). Pain was assessed by use of a 100-mm visual analog scale
      (VAS) at 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, and 8 hours postoperatively. Intramuscular diclofenac
      sodium was used as rescue analgesic. Postoperative adverse effects were noted.
      RESULTS: The mean VAS pain scores were the lowest for group II, intermediate for
      group III, and highest for group I. There was a significant main effect for group
      differences on pain scores (F = 41.138, P < .001). The main effect for the time
      factor was also significant (F = 6.097, P < .001). However, both group II and
      group III were comparable and both were superior to group I with regard to
      supplementary analgesia in terms of (1) number of patients receiving it, (2)
      total consumption during the study period, and (3) time to first supplementary
      analgesic requirement. The incidence of adverse event was comparable among the 3
      groups. CONCLUSIONS: On the primary outcome measure (VAS pain score), both
      bupivacaine with fentanyl and bupivacaine with tramadol were better than IA
      bupivacaine, and bupivacaine with fentanyl was better than that with tramadol.
      However, both the combinations were comparable to each other with regard to the
      secondary outcome measure (supplementary analgesic requirement). Thus IA
      bupivacaine-fentanyl appears to be the best combination for relief of
      postoperative pain in patients undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery, followed by
      IA bupivacaine-tramadol. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, randomized controlled trial.

PMID- 22047927
TI  - Inadequate use of prophylaxis against venous thromboembolism in Danish medical
      departments.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Venous thromboembolism (VTE) constitutes a major risk factor in
      hospitalized acutely ill medical patients. It has been demonstrated in numerous
      papers that by using different forms of prophylaxis, a significant reduction of
      the incidence of VTE can be achieved. In this article we assessed the tendencies
      in the use of venous thromboprophylaxis (TP) at internal medicine departments in
      Denmark. The results were compared with results from a similar study conducted in
      2005. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All medical departments in Denmark received a two
      page questionnaire on TP. The recipients were asked to evaluate the frequency,
      use of local instructions, form of administration, side-effects and duration of
      TP at their departments. One reminder was sent out. RESULTS: A total of 188
      responses were received (90% response rate), 16 were excluded. Virtually all
      departments indicated that they used TP (92%). At intensive care units, the TP
      was used according to local guidelines at 77% of the wards and at the other
      subspecialties of internal medicine, TP was used in less than 50%. By far the
      most frequently used prophylaxis method was low molecular weight heparin, which
      was used by more than 80% of the departments. Side-effects, most often
      superficial bleeding and haematomas, were reported in 25% of the cases. The
      following serious side-effects were reported: heparininduced thrombocytopenia (n
      = 2), stroke (n = 1) and gastrointestinal bleeding (n = 3). No difference was
      observed between the hospitals of larger cities and those of smaller cities.
      CONCLUSION: In Denmark, no significant increase in the use of TP at internal
      medicine departments has been observed since 2005. The guideline's strong
      recommendation of TP is still not reflected in daily practice. FUNDING: not
      relevant. TRIAL REGISTRATION: not relevant.

PMID- 22047928
TI  - Medical graduates feel well-prepared for clinical work.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to assess the coherence between the
      undergraduate medical program at Aarhus University and the foundation year.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: This cross-sectional questionnaire survey included 503
      doctors graduated from Aarhus University from the winter of 2007/2008 to the
      summer of 2009. RESULTS: The response rate was 73%. Approximately 73% of the
      respondents were in their foundation year or their first year of specialist
      training and 83% generally felt well-prepared. Respondents found that most of the
      learning outcomes of the undergraduate medical curriculum at Aarhus University
      are important for junior doctors. More than 90% of the respondents estimated that
      they were sufficiently prepared when it came to core outcomes such as history
      taking and physical examination. Five issues diverged considerably in importance
      stated and preparedness experienced: suggestion of diagnoses, initiation of
      treatment, pharmacotherapy, handling of own emotions and structuring of own
      learning. Also, 40% stated that their clerkships had only had little value in
      preparing them for their foundation year. CONCLUSION: Overall, graduates felt
      well-prepared and characterized the education coherent. However, the study raises
      major questions concerning clerkships and competence in treatments,
      pharmacotherapy and the more personal aspects of professionalism. FUNDING: not
      relevant. TRIAL REGISTRATION: not relevant.

PMID- 22047929
TI  - Combination of cancer antigen 125 and carcinoembryonic antigen can improve
      ovarian cancer diagnosis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the ability of the
      tumour marker carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in combination with cancer antigen
      125 (CA-125) to differentiate between malignant ovarian and malignant non-ovarian
      disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All patients attending the Department of
      Gynaecology, Herlev Hospital, who underwent an "ovary lab investigation" between
      1 January 2006 and 31 December 2008 were included. Among a total of 640 patients,
      355 had a malignant diagnosis. Preoperative CEA and CA-125 serum levels and final
      malignant diagnosis after surgery were extracted from the medical records.
      RESULTS: Among the patients with CEA levels > 5 ng/ml, 68% had non-ovarian
      malignancies. This test identified 39% of the non-ovarian cancers correctly. In
      patients with a CA-125/CEA ratio > 25, an ovarian cancer was found in 82%. The CA
      125/CEA test identified 63% of the non-ovarian cancers correctly. The specificity
      increased to around 85% when the cut-off value of the CA-125/CEA ratio was
      increased from 25 to 100. CONCLUSION: In patients with an undiagnosed tumour in
      the pelvis, the CA-125/CEA ratio may be used to preoperatively identify a
      substantial fraction of patients with non-ovarian malignancies. In the study
      population, the specificity rose to 85% when the cut-off value was increased from
      25 to 100, which highlights the usefulness of a higher cut-off level. FUNDING:
      not relevant. TRIAL REGISTRATION: not relevant.

PMID- 22047930
TI  - A substantial number of scientific publications originate from non-university
      hospitals.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: As we found no recent published reports on the amount and kind of
      research published from Danish hospitals without university affiliation, we have
      found it relevant to conduct a bibliometric survey disclosing these research
      activities. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrieved all scientific papers published in
      the period 2000-2009 emanating from all seven Danish non-university hospitals in
      two regions, comprising 1.8 million inhabitants, and which were registered in a
      minimum of one of the three databases: PubMed MEDLINE, Thomson Reuters Web of
      Science and Elsevier's Scopus. RESULTS: In 878 of 1,252 papers, the first and/or
      last author was affiliated to a non-university hospital. Original papers made up
      69% of these publications versus 86% of publications with university affiliation
      on first or last place. Case reports and reviews most frequently had authors from
      regional hospitals as first and/or last authors. The total number of publications
      from regional hospitals increased by 48% over the 10-year period. Publications
      were cited more often if the first or last author was from a university hospital
      and even more so if they were affiliated to foreign institutions. Cardiology,
      gynaecology and obstetrics, and environmental medicine were the three
      specialities with the largest number of regional hospital publications.
      CONCLUSION: A substantial number of scientific publications originate from non
      university hospitals. Almost two thirds of the publications were original
      research published in international journals. Variations between specialities may
      reflect local conditions. FUNDING: not relevant. TRIAL REGISTRATION: not
      relevant.

PMID- 22047931
TI  - Good experiences with an audience response system used in medical education.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Audience response systems (ARS) are increasingly being used to
      heighten participants' involvement. Knowledge of technical and pedagogical
      challenges is, however, limited. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate ARS as
      a tool for 1) evaluation, 2) knowledge testing, 3) attention raising and 4)
      discussion stimulation. MATERIAL AND METHODS: ARS was used 33 times at four
      different courses. Data include voting results, observations, questionnaires and
      interviews. RESULTS: A total of 215 participants and 12 teachers were included.
      The majority of the participants found ARS suitable for course evaluation. The
      teachers found it useful for obtaining the results immediately and thereby for
      receiving feedback on their own teaching. The participants and the teachers found
      ARS suitable for knowledge testing. ARS was used as an instrument to increase
      activity and attention. The system was found to increase the level of
      concentration and the interactivity. ARS was used to initiate discussions. The
      participants found that the questions could be a good starting point for
      discussion. The teachers found it challenging to comment on answers. Our
      experiences are that thorough planning and preparation is needed for the
      successful implementation of ARS. CONCLUSION: Our experiences indicate that ARS
      is suitable for course evaluation. Overall, we find ARS a valuable technology
      that may stimulate discussion and support learning, but teachers need to be
      technically and pedagogically well prepared to use the tool. The use of ARS does
      not in itself entail that the quality of the teaching increases.

PMID- 22047932
TI  - Validation of the Danish version of Oxford Shoulder Score.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The Oxford Shoulder Score (OSS) is a patient-administered condition
      specific questionnaire for patients with degenerative or inflammatory shoulder
      disease. The purpose of this study was to validate a Danish translation of the
      OSS and to compare it with the Constant Score (CS). MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total
      of 102 consecutive patients referred to our shoulder unit were recruited for the
      study. The OSS was translated into Danish according to recommendations presented
      by Guillemin and co-workers. We established the psychometric properties of the
      scoring system. Test-retest reliability was assessed by inviting 32 patients to
      complete another OSS 72 hours after the first test. The Bland-Altman plot was
      used to show absolute differences between test and retest. RESULTS: The validity
      expressed as a Spearman's rank correlation coefficient comparing the OSS with the
      CS was 0.74. The test-retest reliability correlation coefficient was 0.98. Bland
      Altman plots revealed limits of agreement between the scores of -4.5 and -5.4.
      Internal consistency tested by Cronbach's alpha was 0.93. CONCLUSION: The
      psychometric properties of the Danish version of OSS showed good validity and
      reliability with a substantial correlation between the OSS and the CS. Internal
      consistency was high. The OSS is recommended for the evaluation of patients with
      degenerative or post-traumatic shoulder diseases. FUNDING: not relevant. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: not relevant.

PMID- 22047933
TI  - Uncertain added value of Global Trigger Tool for monitoring of patient safety in
      cancer care.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Monitoring patient safety is a challenging task. The lack of a
      golden standard has contributed to the recommendation and introduction of several
      methods. In 2000 the Danish Lung Cancer Registry (DLCR) was established to
      monitor the clinical management of lung cancer. In 2008 the Global Trigger Tool
      (GTT) was recommended in Denmark as a tool for the monitoring of patient safety.
      Ideally, the recommendation of a new tool should be preceded by a critical
      assessment of its added value. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data on complications
      related to lung cancer surgery from the Department of Cardiothoragic Surgery at
      Odense University Hospital were collected using the DLCR and the GTT in 2008. The
      capacity of these two methods to identify complications is compared and
      discussed. RESULTS: A total of 59 complications were registered in the DLCR,
      while 58 complications were registered using the GTT. The two methods were
      equally good at identifying complications, but the DLCR seemed to be borderline
      significantly better at detecting arrhythmia, while the GTT was significantly
      better at detecting "other events". CONCLUSION: Nearly half of the adverse events
      identified with the GTT were complications which were also registered by type in
      the DLCR. The two methods were almost equally good at identifying specific types
      of complications, but the GTT identified more "other events". The majority of
      these events were well-known to clinicians. The comparison illustrates why the
      implementation of new methods should be preceded by critical assessment. In this
      case, it is crucial to assess whether the current method should be modified by
      the addition of more patient safety indicators rather than by introducing a new
      method that partly duplicates existing data.

PMID- 22047934
TI  - Macrolide overuse for treatment of respiratory tract infections in general
      practice.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: High consumption of macrolides has been linked to increased
      macrolide resistance in the common pathogens of respiratory tract infections
      (RTIs). According to Danish recommendations, penicillin is the first-choice
      treatment for RTIs and macrolides should only be prescribed when a patient is
      allergic to penicillin or for treatment of mycoplasma pneumonias. The aim of the
      present study was to explore the prescription of macrolides for different RTIs to
      patients without penicillin allergy in general practice in Denmark. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study. Data were collected during a three
      week period in January 2008 as part of the EU-funded project Health Alliance for
      Prudent Prescribing, Yield and Use of Antimicrobial Drugs in the Treatment of
      Respiratory Tract Infections (HAPPY AUDIT). A total of 102 Danish general
      practitioners participated and registered patients with RTIs according to the
      Audit Project Odense method. RESULTS: A total of 3,904 patients with RTIs were
      registered and 1,351 patients received antibiotics. Among these, 198 patients
      received a macrolide. In all, 136 patients received a macrolide without being
      allergic to penicillin. This proportion was highest for patients diagnosed with
      acute otitis media (71%), acute bronchitis (71%) or pneumonia (76%). CONCLUSION:
      Overall, there was a considerable overuse of macrolide for treatment of all types
      of RTIs. The macrolide overuse found in this study cannot be explained by the
      aetiology of Mycoplasma pneumoniae since there was no epidemic in 2008. FUNDING:
      Data for the macrolide study were collected from the HAPPY AUDIT study which was
      funded by the EU. The two first-authors each received DKK 30,000 from the PLU
      foundation for their work on the article. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The HAPPY AUDIT
      method was registered and published in the BioMed Central.

PMID- 22047935
TI  - Modern treatment strategies in rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - The main aim of the thesis was to evaluate the impact of modern treatment
      strategies on disease activity and disease course in patients with rheumatoid
      arthritis (RA), and to identify predictors for treatment response.   Two
      different treatment strategies were investigated: (A) Aggressive, conventional
      treatment aiming at achieving inflammatory control in patients with recent-onset
      RA and (B) Treatment with tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) inhibitors in
      patients with RA, who had an incomplete response to conventional treatment. (A)
      was studied in a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial (CIMESTRA),
      whereas (B) was investigated in an observational, nationwide cohort study (the
      DANBIO database).   The main findings were:    1. Treatment strategy (A) with
      methotrexate (MTX) and injections of glucocorticoids into swollen joints had
      rapid and sustained effect and reduced disease activity and halted joint damage.
      Addition of cyclosporine during the first 2 years reduced disease activity for as
      long as it was given, but had no effect on the development of joint damage. After
      5 years, the majority of the patients was in remission and had no progression of
      structural joint damage.   2. Bone marrow oedema by Magnetic resonance imaging
      (MRI) scans of the wrists predicted the development of structural joint damage 2
      to 5 years later (based on x-rays). Anti-CCP antibodies and structural joint
      damage at the start of treatment were also independent predictors for joint
      damage after 5 years.   3. Routine registration of adverse events observed in
      patients who received treatment with etanercept or infliximab (TNFalpha
      inhibitors) in the DANBIO database picked up twice as many serious adverse events
      than the spontaneous, mandatory reports to the Danish Medicines Agency.   4.
      Despite changes in prescription practice for the treatment with TNFalpha
      inhibitors in clinical practice from year 2000 to year 2005 towards less
      stringent treatment criteria, DANBIO data showed an improved treatment response. 
      5. High age, low functional status and concomitant treatment with prednisolone
      were negative predictors of a EULAR good response and remission after 6 months of
      treatment with TNFalpha inhibitors in clinical practice.   6. In patients, who
      were naive to treatment with TNFalpha inhibitors, significant differences between
      drugs were observed regarding treatment responses and adherence to therapies.
      Infliximab had the lowest treatment response, remission rates and adherence to
      therapy. Adalimumab had the highest treatment response and remission rates,
      whereas etanercept had the highest adherence.   In conclusion, the results from
      the CIMESTRA trial and the DANBIO database showed that an aggressive treatment
      strategy with conventional drugs and intra-articular injections with
      betamethasone effectively controlled disease activity and prevent structural
      joint damage in patients with early RA. TNFalpha inhibitors were efficacious in
      clinical practice in the treatment of RA patients that had failed conventional
      treatment. Differences between the TNFalpha inhibitors regarding efficacy and
      drug adherence were found. Predictors of disease course and treatment response
      were identified.

PMID- 22047936
TI  - Psoriasis and Cardiovascular Disease: epidemiological studies.
AB  - Atherosclerosis and PS are prevalent chronic immunoinflammatory diseases with
      pathophysiological, clinical and epidemiological similarities. Results suggest
      that PS may be an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
      Participation of similar immunoinflammatory and prothrombotic mechanisms in PS
      and cardiovascular disease is supported by evidence that treatment with
      methotrexate in patients with PS is associated with reduced cardiovascular risk.
      Furthermore, PS is associated with surrogate markers of cardiovascular disease,
      e.g. endothelial dysfunction and coronary calcification, and with markers of
      increased platelet activity. However, results of epidemiological studies of the
      risk of cardiovascular disease in PS have been conflicting, and surveillance bias
      has been proposed to contribute to the observed association. Although similar
      considerations of shared immunoinflammatory pathways with PS can be applied to AF
      and VTE very little is known about the interaction between PS and these common
      diseases.  With the underlying hypothesis that PS had detrimental effects on all
      prespecified adverse cardiovascular endpoints the objective of the current thesis
      was to examine in these patients: 1) the risk of atherothrombotic events and
      compare it with the risk in patients with DM; 2) the risk of AF and ischaemic
      stroke; 3) the risk of VTE; and 4) the prognosis after first-time MI.  By use of
      the unique Danish nationwide registries approximately 40,000 patients with PS,
      including approximately 3000 patients with severe PS were identified in the study
      period 1997-2006. Paper I provided a comparison of cardiovascular risk between
      patients with PS, approximately 127,000 patients with DM, and the general
      population, respectively. Patients with PS were at increased risk of all
      endpoints including, MI, stroke, invasive coronary revascularization,
      cardiovascular death, and a composite cardiovascular endpoint (MI, stroke, and
      cardiovascular death). For the composite endpoint the rate ratios (RRs) were 1.20
      (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.14-1.25), 1.58 (CI 1.36-1.85), and 1.59 (CI1.56
      1.63) for mild PS, severe PS, and DM, respectively. Paper II documented an up to
      2.5 fold increase in risk of AF and ischaemic stroke in patients with PS, with
      the highest risk estimates for young patients with severe disease. The main
      results of paper III were that patients with PS had an increased risk of VTE with
      RR 1.35 (CI 1.21-1.49) and RR 2.06 (CI 1.63-2.61) for mild and severe PS,
      respectively. Paper IV on post-MI prognosis included 615 patients with PS and a
      recent MI. The results documented that after first-time MI, these patients had an
      increased risk of a composite of recurrent MI, stroke, and cardiovascular death
      with hazard ratio 1.26 (CI 1.12-1.41) as compared to patients without PS.   In
      conclusion, this thesis demonstrated that all patients with PS were at increased
      risk of atherothrombotic events and that the risk with severe PS was comparable
      to that of patients with DM. Furthermore, the thesis provided novel evidence of
      PS as a possible risk factor for AF and VTE. Finally, we demonstrated an
      association between PS and adverse prognosis following first-time MI. The results
      add importantly to evidence indicating that PS is an independent cardiovascular
      risk factor and should form the background for studies of interventions aimed at
      improved primary and secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease in patients
      with PS.

PMID- 22047937
TI  - A model for educational simulation of the evolution of uterine contractions
      during labor.
AB  - Electronic fetal monitoring remains an important tool in labor ward settings,
      providing continuous information on fetal heart rate and maternal uterine
      contractions. A prompt detection of abnormalities in these signals is essential
      for the timely resolution of situations that may put both mother and fetus at
      risk. Uterine contraction signals provide information that is important to
      evaluate the onset and progress of labor, as well as the significance of certain
      fetal heart rate abnormalities. We present a model for educational simulation of
      the spontaneous evolution of uterine contractions during labor, which combines a
      previously published signal generator with literature-based pre-programmed
      scripts for educationally relevant scenarios. This model is an essential
      component of a high-fidelity simulator of intrapartum emergencies, aimed to
      improve the competency of healthcare providers. Real and simulated tracings were
      presented to three independent clinical experts who judged simulated signals to
      be indistinguishable or negligibly different from real tracings.

PMID- 22047938
TI  - Hepatosplenic gamma-delta T-cell lymphoma.
AB  - Hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma (HSTL) is a rare and aggressive extranodal lymphoma
      derived mostly from cytotoxic gammadelta T-cells. The peak incidence is in
      adolescents and young adults, and is more common in males. Up to 20% of HSTL
      arise in the setting of chronic immune suppression, most commonly solid organ
      transplantation or prolonged antigenic stimulation. Patients present with
      systemic symptoms (fever), abdominal pain, weakness, and marked
      hepatosplenomegaly in the absence of lymphadenopathy. Patients usually manifest
      marked thrombocytopenia, often with anaemia and leucopenia, a leukemic phase, and
      bone marrow involvement in 80% of cases. Lactate dehydrogenase levels are usually
      markedly elevated. HSTL exhibits a marked chemoresistance to currently used
      regimens, a rapidly progressive behavior, and dismal prognosis. Patients with
      post-transplant HSTL exhibit an especially poor outcome. Standard treatment has
      yet to be established. Anthracycline-based chemotherapy is associated with a
      satisfactory response in two thirds of patients, but poor long-term results.
      Complete remission is extremely uncommon, and most patients die from lymphoma
      within two years of diagnosis. A prognostic correlation between outcome and
      degree of thrombocytopenia has been reported. Relapsing disease is usually
      chemorefractory and fast growing, and patients' performance status and clinical
      conditions are poor. These aspects, as well as the lack of drugs with proven
      activity against HSTL, render salvage treatment almost impossible. A few cases of
      HSTL successfully treated with autologous or allogeneic stem-cell transplantation
      have been reported. The use of 2'-deoxycoformycin and other targeted therapies,
      such as alemtuzumab, anti-gammadelta TCR monoclonal antibodies, and anti-CD44
      therapy, have shown promising results in anecdotal reports.

PMID- 22047939
TI  - The effect of short-term use of the Guardian RT continuous glucose monitoring
      system on fear of hypoglycaemia in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus.
AB  - AIM: This study examines whether the short-term use of a continuous glucose
      monitor (CGM) can reduce the fear of hypoglycaemia in individuals with type 1
      diabetes mellitus (T1DM). METHODS: Twelve participants with T1DM were fitted with
      a Guardian(r) REAL-Time CGM and assigned to either an alarm (low glucose alarm
      set at 4.5 mmol/L) or no alarm condition for 3 days, with both treatments
      administered following a counterbalanced study design. The participants completed
      the Hypoglycaemia Fear Survey on three separate occasions, before their CGM was
      fitted as well as following the alarm and no alarm conditions. RESULTS: The alarm
      treatment reduced the incidence of hypoglycaemic episodes (CGM readings<=3.5
      mmol/L; 1.1+/-0.5 versus 1.9+/-0.5; mean+/-SEM) and the relative time spent below
      this hypoglycaemic threshold (0.9+/-0.4% versus 2.6+/-1.0%) but did not alter the
      fear of hypoglycaemia (78.6+/-7.0, 75.8+/-5.2 and 79.3+/-5.8 at baseline and
      following the alarm and no alarm treatments, respectively; p>0.05). CGM
      overestimated blood glucose levels by 0.8+/-0.2 mmol/L for blood glucose readings
      less than, or equal to, 5 mmol/L. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term use of the Guardian(r)
      REAL-Time CGM has no clinically significant effect on fear of hypoglycaemia
      possibly due, in part, to the inaccuracies of CGMs at low blood glucose levels.

PMID- 22047940
TI  - Psychological distress and mental disorders among Spanish diabetic adults: a case
      control study.
AB  - AIM: To compare the prevalence of psychological distress and mental disorders
      between diabetes and non-diabetes sufferers and to identify associated factors.
      METHODS: Case-control study based on data from the 2006 to 2007 Spanish National
      Health Survey. We identified 2193 type 2 diabetic adults. Non-diabetic controls
      were 1:1 matched by age-and-sex. The presence of a mental disorder was considered
      if subjects answered yes to the questions: "Have you suffered depression and/or
      anxiety over the previous 12 months?" AND "Has your medical doctor confirmed the
      diagnosis?". The 12-item General Health Questionnaire was used to measure
      psychological distress. Independent covariables included socio-demographics and
      heath related variables. RESULTS: Prevalence of mental disorders was 18.6% among
      diabetics and 16.4% among controls (adjusted OR 1.17 CI 95% 1.01-1.38). 26% of
      diabetics and 18.9% of the non-diabetic suffered psychological distress (adjusted
      OR 1.51 CI 95% 1.25-1.83). Among diabetics variables associated with suffering a
      mental disorder and psychological distress were: female sex, younger age, worse
      self rated health, comorbidity, GP visit in the last 4 weeks and ER attendance in
      last year. CONCLUSIONS: Diabetic adults have significantly higher prevalence of
      diagnosed mental disorders and psychological distress than non-diabetic subjects.
      Programs targeted at preventing, monitoring and controlling these mental health
      problems at primary care should be implemented.

PMID- 22047941
TI  - Streptococcus pneumoniae vaccination in older adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Streptococcus pneumoniae infections are a major cause of morbidity
      and mortality in older adults. Vaccination in older adults is intended to prevent
      S pneumoniae infections, yet little information is available regarding its
      efficacy in this patient population. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this article was to
      review the current literature to determine the efficacy and tolerability of S
      pneumoniae vaccination in older adults. METHODS: PubMed (1950-present) and EMBASE
      (1974-present) were searched using the search terms Streptococcus pneumoniae
      immunization, pneumococcus immunization, pneumococcus vaccine, and aged.
      Additional articles were identified from the reference lists of included studies.
      Studies were included if they reported information in older (55-<65 years) and
      elderly (>=65 years) adults and were related to at least 1 of the following
      topics: epidemiology of S pneumoniae, estimates of vaccine coverage,
      recommendations for vaccination, tolerability, and efficacy and/or effectiveness
      of vaccination against S pneumoniae. RESULTS: Six randomized controlled trials
      and 18 observational studies that evaluated the efficacy of pneumococcal
      vaccination in older and elderly adults were reviewed. Findings from evaluations
      of efficacy, as measured by clinical outcomes and immunogenicity, in older adults
      have been conflicting, with some subsets of prospective, well-controlled studies
      finding little benefit, whereas findings from several retrospective studies have
      suggested significant benefit. This discord may have been a result of the limited
      power of the prospective subanalyses to detect significant differences.
      CONCLUSIONS: In light of the potential clinical benefit and few reports of
      serious adverse events, vaccination in older adults is likely warranted.
      Prospective, well-controlled studies are needed to better quantitatively evaluate
      the benefit of pneumococcal vaccine in older adults.

PMID- 22047942
TI  - Atomic force microscopy nanoindentation of a dental restorative midifill
      composite.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We investigated the elastic properties of one dental restoration
      resin composite of common use, Venus Diamond, at submicrometer spatial
      resolution. METHODS: We performed both nanoindentation experiments with atomic
      force microscopy, and microindentation experiments with a traditional indenter
      setup. We also used scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-rays
      spectroscopy to better understand the correlation between properties and
      microscopic structure and composition. RESULTS: With atomic force microscopy we
      obtained quantitative evaluation of the elastic modulus (10.8 +/- 4.3 GPa), in
      agreement with the microindentation value (reduced modulus of 12.7 +/- 2.0 GPa),
      and by microindentation we also obtained an hardness value (460 +/- 109 MPa)
      compatible in turn with the nominal value provided by the material manufacturer
      (H ~ 578 MPa). The nanoindentation also revealed that no relevant difference in
      elasticity appears between the 5 and 10 MUm diameter filler particles and the
      surrounding areas, showing an excellent uniformity of the composite. In support
      of this finding, compositional uniformity of the material was also observed by X
      rays spectroscopy. We conclude that the composite contains prepolymerized
      particles. SIGNIFICANCE: We demonstrate that, in addition to reliable
      quantitative analysis, the high resolution and two-dimensional mapping capability
      of atomic force microscopy allows for advanced insights into the microstructure
      of the composite that are not accessible via traditional microindentation.

PMID- 22047943
TI  - Effects of silica and zinc oxide doping on mechanical and biological properties
      of 3D printed tricalcium phosphate tissue engineering scaffolds.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effects of silica (SiO(2)) (0.5 wt%) and zinc oxide
      (ZnO) (0.25 wt%) dopants on the mechanical and biological properties of
      tricalcium phosphate (TCP) scaffolds with three dimensionally (3D) interconnected
      pores. METHODS: Scaffolds were created with a commercial 3D printer. Post
      sintering phase analysis was determined by X-ray diffraction. Surface morphology
      of the scaffolds was examined by field emission scanning electron microscopy
      (FESEM). Mechanical strength was evaluated with a screw driven universal testing
      machine. MTT assay was used for cellular proliferation characteristics and
      cellular morphology was examined by FESEM. RESULTS: Addition of dopants into TCP
      increased the average density of pure TCP from 90.8 +/- 0.8% to 94.1 +/- 1.6% and
      retarded the beta to alpha phase transformation at high sintering temperatures,
      which resulted in up to 2.5 fold increase in compressive strength. In vitro cell
      materials interaction studies, carried out using hFOB cells, confirmed that the
      addition of SiO(2) and ZnO to the scaffolds facilitated faster cell proliferation
      when compared to pure TCP scaffolds. SIGNIFICANCE: Addition of SiO(2) and ZnO
      dopants to the TCP scaffolds showed increased mechanical strength as well as
      increased cellular proliferation.

PMID- 22047944
TI  - Space madness: the dreaded disease that never was.
AB  - Psychiatrists working with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration in
      the late-1950s feared the worst of the men they examined to be America's first
      astronauts: that they would be impulsive, suicidal, sexually aberrant thrill
      seekers. The examiners, though, were surprised - and a little disappointed - when
      tests revealed the would-be astronauts to be sane, poised professionals able to
      absorb extraordinary stresses. A Space Age malady with no incidence among human
      populations, 'space madness' is the stuff of Hollywood: a cultural manifestation
      of popular fears of a lonely, dehumanizing, and claustrophobic future among the
      stars.

PMID- 22047945
TI  - Defining the adequate arterial pressure target during septic shock: not a 'micro'
      issue but the microcirculation can help.
AB  - The Surviving Sepsis Campaign guidelines suggest targeting a mean arterial
      pressure of at least 65 mm Hg to maintain organ perfusion pressure during septic
      shock. However, the optimal mean arterial pressure can be higher in patients with
      a history of hypertension or other vascular comorbidities or in those with
      increased abdominal pressure. In a given individual, the adequate mean arterial
      pressure target can be difficult to define with the routine hemodynamic
      parameters (for example, cardiac output, central or mixed venous blood oxygen
      saturation, and urine output). Near-infrared spectroscopy and sidestream dark
      field imaging have emerged as promising technologies for monitoring the
      microcirculation at the bedside. These new methods could provide additional clues
      to help define the adequate blood pressure to target during the resuscitation
      phase of septic shock.

PMID- 22047946
TI  - Clinical relevance of single nucleotide polymorphisms of the high mobility group
      box 1 protein gene in patients with major trauma in southwest China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: High-mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) is a pivotal late mediator
      involved in the development of sepsis and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome
      (MODS) in critically ill patients. While several single nucleotide polymorphisms
      (SNPs) have been demonstrated to be critical determinants for outcome of
      critically ill patients, little is known about the clinical relevance of SNPs of
      the HMGB1 gene up to date. METHODS: A total of 3 tag SNPs of the HMGB1 gene were
      selected using HapMap database and linkage disequilibrium analysis. The tag SNPs
      were genotyped using a pyrosequencing methodology in 556 unrelated patients with
      major trauma. Peripheral whole blood samples obtained immediately after admission
      were determined for HMGB1 production in response to ex vivo lipopolysaccharide
      (LPS) stimulation. RESULTS: The rs2249825 SNP and the haplotype TCG were
      significantly associated with LPS-induced HMGB1 production by peripheral blood
      leukocytes. There were also significant differences in sepsis morbidity rate and
      MOD scores among patients with different genotypes of the rs2249825. In addition,
      the patients with the wild-type haplotype TCG had a lesser sepsis morbidity rate
      and MOD scores than those without the TCG haplotype. CONCLUSION: A total of 3
      SNPs might act as tag SNPs for the entire HMGB1 gene. The rs2249825 and the
      haplotype TCG might be used as relevant risk estimate for the development of
      sepsis and MODS in patients with major trauma.

PMID- 22047947
TI  - Evidence from auditory and visual event-related potential (ERP) studies of
      deviance detection (MMN and vMMN) linking predictive coding theories and
      perceptual object representations.
AB  - Predictive coding theories posit that the perceptual system is structured as a
      hierarchically organized set of generative models with increasingly general
      models at higher levels. The difference between model predictions and the actual
      input (prediction error) drives model selection and adaptation processes
      minimizing the prediction error. Event-related brain potentials elicited by
      sensory deviance are thought to reflect the processing of prediction error at an
      intermediate level in the hierarchy. We review evidence from auditory and visual
      studies of deviance detection suggesting that the memory representations inferred
      from these studies meet the criteria set for perceptual object representations.
      Based on this evidence we then argue that these perceptual object representations
      are closely related to the generative models assumed by predictive coding
      theories.

PMID- 22047948
TI  - Booster-effect with velaglucerase alfa in patients with Gaucher disease switched
      from long-term imiglucerase therapy: early Access Program results from Jerusalem.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Decreased spleen and liver volumes and increased hemoglobin levels
      and platelet counts usually occur with enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) in
      symptomatic patients with Gaucher disease. Because of decreased supply of
      imiglucerase, an FDA-approved Early Access Program (EAP) allowed use of a new,
      pre-licensed ERT, velaglucerase alfa. This report provides safety and efficacy
      findings in patients on EAP velaglucerase alfa who completed 6, 9, or 12 months
      as intravenous every-other-week ERT. METHOD: EAP was approved by the Israeli
      Ministry of Health. All patients enrolled in the EAP were included for safety
      measures; only those with >6 month evaluations of hemoglobin, platelet counts,
      and liver and spleen volumes were included for efficacy. Descriptive statistics
      were employed. RESULTS: Among 71 EAP patients, there were no drug-related serious
      adverse events or withdrawals; one patient (1.4%) with previous hypersensitivity
      to a different ERT had a drug-related allergic reaction. Of 44 patients with
      appropriate time-period evaluations, 8 patients were treatment-naive and
      responded well to velaglucerase alfa. The 36 switch-over patients remained at
      imiglucerase low-doses; a majority of patients showed improvements in each
      efficacy parameter. CONCLUSION: Switch-over from imiglucerase (10-224 months) was
      safe and in several patients velaglucerase alfa induced a booster-effect.

PMID- 22047949
TI  - [The stent is only one tool in the treatment of STEMI].

PMID- 22047950
TI  - Players between the worlds: multifunctional DNA translocases.
AB  - DNA translocases play important roles during the bacterial cell cycle and in cell
      differentiation. Escherichia coli cells contain a multifunctional translocase,
      FtsK, which is involved in cell division, late steps of chromosome segregation
      and dimer resolution. In Gram-positive bacteria, the latter two processes are
      achieved by two translocases, SftA and SpoIIIE. These two translocases operate in
      a two step fashion, before and after closure of the division septum. DNA
      translocases have the remarkable ability to translocate DNA in a vectorial
      manner, orienting themselves according to polar sequences present in bacterial
      genomes, and perform various additional roles during the cell cycle. DNA
      translocases genetically interact with Structural Maintenance of Chromosomes
      (SMC) proteins in a flexible manner in different species, underlining the high
      versatility of this class of proteins.

PMID- 22047951
TI  - PGC-1 coactivators in the cardiovascular system.
AB  - The beating heart consumes more ATP per weight than any other organ. The
      machineries required for this are many and complex. Fuel and oxygen must be
      transported via the vasculature, absorbed by cardiomyocytes, broken down, and
      regulated to match cellular demands. Much of this occurs in mitochondria, which
      comprise fully one third of cardiac mass. The PGC-1 proteins are transcriptional
      coactivators that have emerged as powerful orchestrators of these numerous
      processes, ensuring their proper coregulation in response to intracellular and
      extracellular cues. An important role for PGC-1s in cardiac function has been
      revealed over the past few years, and more recently interest in their role in the
      vasculature has been burgeoning. We review this literature, focusing on recent
      developments.

PMID- 22047953
TI  - Respiratory distress in Pierre Robin sequence: an experience with mandible
      traction with wires - Baciliero et al./Int J Oral Maxilofac Surg 2011;40:464-470.

PMID- 22047952
TI  - Sex hormone-binding globulin and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
AB  - Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) has emerged as one of the multiple genetic
      and environmental factors that potentially contribute to the pathophysiology of
      type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In addition to epidemiologic studies
      demonstrating a consistent relationship between decreased levels of serum SHBG
      and incident T2DM, recent genetic studies also reveal that transmission of
      specific polymorphisms in the SHBG gene influence the risk of T2DM. At the
      molecular level, the multiple interactions between SHBG and its receptors in
      various target tissues suggest physiologic roles for SHBG that are more complex
      than the simple transport of sex hormones in serum. Taken together, these data
      provide support for an expanded role of SHBG in the pathophysiology of insulin
      resistance and T2DM.

PMID- 22047954
TI  - Evaluation of an improved orthognathic articulator system. 2. Accuracy of
      occlusal wafers.
AB  - The errors produced by occlusal wafers constructed on casts of the teeth mounted
      on a standard articulator and an improved orthognathic articulator were
      investigated by carrying out simulated orthognathic surgery on plastic skulls.
      The wafers were used to relocate the position of the maxillae of the skulls. The
      vertical and horizontal displacements of the maxillae were determined from
      measurements of the positions of markers on the skull and teeth. Comparison of
      the magnitudes of the actual and intended movements showed that wafers
      constructed on the standard articulator had systematic prediction errors of up to
      5mm, but the improved orthognathic articulator showed much smaller random errors.
      There was a statistically significant improvement in overall accuracy in
      predicting maxillary Le Fort I position with the use of the improved orthognathic
      articulator which the authors recommend for clinical use.

PMID- 22047955
TI  - Evaluation of an improved orthognathic articulator system: 1. Accuracy of cast
      orientation.
AB  - A systematic study was carried out using plastic model skulls to quantify the
      accuracy of the transfer of face bow registration to the articulator. A standard
      Dentatus semi-adjustable articulator system was compared to a purpose built
      orthognathic articulator system by measuring the maxillary occlusal plane angles
      of plastic model skulls and of dental casts mounted on the two different types of
      articulators. There was a statistically significant difference between the two
      systems; the orthognathic system showed small random errors, but the standard
      system showed systematic errors of up to 28 degrees .

PMID- 22047956
TI  - Effects of prolonged stress on salivary cortisol and dehydroepiandrosterone: a
      study of a two-week teaching practice.
AB  - This study investigated variations in salivary levels of cortisol and
      dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) in a prolonged stressful situation (a two-week
      teaching practice). Thirty-three women for whom a two-week teaching practice at a
      kindergarten was scheduled were asked to collect saliva samples at awakening, 30
      min after awakening, and bedtime at four time points: two weeks before the
      practice, the first week of the practice, the second week of the practice, and a
      few days after the practice. In addition, they completed questionnaires for
      assessing perceived stress and subjective moods on each day. A linear mixed model
      indicated that cortisol levels significantly increased during the first and
      second week of the practice compared with those before and after the practice
      period, and that DHEA levels significantly decreased after the practice period
      compared with those at the other time points. Further, cortisol awakening
      response after the practice period significantly reduced compared with that at
      the other time points. Scores of perceived stress and negative moods were also
      higher during the practice period. This study showed that prolonged stress
      affected cortisol and DHEA secretion during as well as after the stress period.

PMID- 22047957
TI  - Morphine history sensitizes postsynaptic GABA receptors on dorsal raphe serotonin
      neurons in a stress-induced relapse model in rats.
AB  - The serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) system plays an important role in
      stress-related psychiatric disorders and substance abuse. Previous work has shown
      that the dorsal raphe nucleus (DR)-5-HT system is inhibited by swim stress via
      stimulation of GABA synaptic activity by the stress neurohormone corticotropin
      releasing factor (CRF). Additionally, the DR 5-HT system is regulated by opioids.
      The present study tests the hypothesis that the DR 5-HT system regulates stress
      induced opioid relapse. In the first experiment, electrophysiological recordings
      of GABA synaptic activity in 5-HT DR neurons were conducted in brain slices from
      Sprague-Dawley rats that were exposed to swim stress-induced reinstatement of
      previously extinguished morphine conditioned place preference (CPP). Behavioral
      data indicate that swim stress triggers reinstatement of morphine CPP.
      Electrophysiology data indicate that 5-HT neurons in the morphine-conditioned
      group exposed to stress had increased amplitude of inhibitory postsynaptic
      currents (IPSCs), which would indicate greater postsynaptic GABA receptor density
      and/or sensitivity, compared to saline controls exposed to stress. In the second
      experiment, rats were exposed to either morphine or saline CPP and extinction,
      and then 5-HT DR neurons from both groups were examined for sensitivity to CRF in
      vitro. CRF induced a greater inward current in 5-HT neurons from morphine
      conditioned subjects compared to saline-conditioned subjects. These data indicate
      that morphine history sensitizes 5-HT DR neurons to the GABAergic inhibitory
      effects of stress as well as to some of the effects of CRF. These mechanisms may
      sensitize subjects with a morphine history to the dysphoric effects of stressors
      and ultimately confer an enhanced vulnerability to stress-induced opioid relapse.

PMID- 22047958
TI  - Early pospartum alexithymia and risk for depression: relationship with serum
      thyrotropin, free thyroid hormones and thyroid autoantibodies.
AB  - Most psychometric evaluations in the postpartum (PP) target depression (PPD) and
      show an association with thyroid autoantibodies (TAb), not with thyroid function.
      Three studies evaluated PP alexithymia, but none its relationship with thyroid
      indices. We tested 74 women aged 31.8+/-4.64 years, on day 3 PP, by the Edinburgh
      Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), the Montgomery and Asberg Depression Rating
      Scale (MADRS), and the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS). Concurrently, we measured
      serum thyrotropin (TSH), free T3 (FT3), free T4 (FT4), thyroperoxidase and
      thyroglobulin antibodies (TPOAb, TgAb). Using cut-off scores of >=12 (EPDS), >=15
      (MADRS) and >=61 (TAS), rates of women with abnormal EPDS and MADRS scores were
      similar (31%, 30% and 28.4%, respectively). TAS scores were higher and
      proportions of alexithymics were greater in the abnormal EPDS group or in the
      abnormal MADRS group than in the normal EPDS or MADRS group. EPDS correlated
      significantly with TAS. Compared to nonalexithymics, alexythimics had lower FT4,
      higher FT3, lower FT4:FT3 ratio, and insignificantly higher TPOAb or TgAb levels.
      Only TPOAb and TgAb were significantly higher in women at risk for PPD compared
      to women not at risk for PPD, but solely at EPDS cut-off values of >=13 or >=14.
      TAS correlated directly with TPOAb and FT3, and inversely with FT4:FT3 ratio,
      while EPDS correlated only with TPOAb. Comparing women at risk for depression but
      nonalexithymics or women alexithymics but not at risk for depression vs. women
      normal on all scales, the former had lower FT3 and higher FT4:FT3 ratio while the
      latter had lower both FT4 and FT4:FT3 ratio. We conclude that PPD risk and
      alexithymia (i) are partly comorbid and directly associated with thyroid
      autoimmunity; (ii) their association with serum free thyroid hormones and with
      FT4:FT3 ratio goes in opposite directions.

PMID- 22047959
TI  - Dexamethasone increases ROS production and T cell suppressive capacity by anti
      inflammatory macrophages.
AB  - Macrophages have been demonstrated to suppress T cell responses by producing
      reactive oxygen species (ROS) leading to the subsequent induction of T regulatory
      cells in a ROS-dependent manner. Macrophages may therefore be instrumental in
      downregulating T cell responses in situations of exacerbated immune responses.
      Here we investigated the effect of immunosuppressive drugs on ROS production by
      macrophage subsets and the subsequent effects on T cell activation. Macrophage
      types 1 and 2 were differentiated with GM-CSF or M-CSF, in presence or absence of
      dexamethasone, cyclosporine A, FK506, rapamycin, or mycophenolic acid. The ROS
      producing capacity of fully differentiated Mph was highest in anti-inflammatory
      Mph2 and not affected by exposure to immunosuppressive drugs. However, presence
      of rapamycin during Mph2 differentiation decreased the ROS production of these
      cells. In contrast, other immunosuppressive drugs, with dexamethasone being the
      most potent, increased the ROS producing capacity of Mph2. Intriguingly although
      the ROS producing ability of Mph1 was unaffected, dexamethasone strongly
      increased the ROS producing capabilities of dendritic cells. Both at the mRNA and
      protein level we found that dexamethasone enhanced the expression of NOX2 protein
      p47(phox). Functionally, dexamethasone further enhanced the capacity of Mph2 to
      suppress T cell mediated IFN-gamma and IL-4 production. In vivo, only in rats
      with normal ROS production (congenic DA.Ncf1(E3/E3)) it was observed that
      dexamethasone injection resulted in long-lasting upregulation of ROS production
      by macrophages and induced higher levels of Treg in a ROS-dependent manner. In
      conclusion, we show that the anti-inflammatory drug dexamethasone increases the
      ROS producing capacity of macrophages.

PMID- 22047960
TI  - Signaling pathway-based identification of extensive prognostic gene signatures
      for lung adenocarcinoma.
AB  - Tumor recurrence is the major cause of death in lung cancer treatment. To date,
      there is no clinically applied gene expression-based model to predict the risk
      for tumor recurrence in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We sought to embed
      crosstalk with major signaling pathways into biomarker identification. Three
      approaches were used to identify prognostic gene signatures from 442 lung
      adenocarcinoma samples. Candidate genes co-expressed with 6 or 7 major NSCLC
      signaling hallmarks were identified from genome-wide coexpression networks
      specifically associated with different prognostic groups. From these candidate
      genes, the first approach selected genes significantly associated with disease
      specific survival using univariate Cox model. The second approach used random
      forests to refine the gene signatures; and the third approach used Relief
      algorithm to form the final gene sets. A total of 21 gene signatures were
      identified using these three approaches. These gene signatures generated
      significant prognostic stratifications (log-rank P<0.05 in Kaplan-Meier analyses;
      hazard ratio >1, P<0.05) in all tumors, stage I only, and in stage I patients not
      receiving chemotherapy in all training and test sets. In multivariate analyses
      with age, gender, race, smoking history, cancer stage, and tumor differentiation,
      a 10-gene signature had a hazard ratio of 3.23 (95% CI: [1.48, 7.06]), which was
      a more significant prognostic factor than other clinical factors, except cancer
      stage (III vs. I; with no significant difference). All identified 21 gene
      signatures outperformed other lung cancer signatures evaluated in the Director's
      Challenge Study. This study is an important step toward personalized prognosis of
      tumor recurrence and patient selection for adjuvant chemotherapy, with
      significant impact on down-stream clinical applications.

PMID- 22047961
TI  - Frequent methylation and oncogenic role of microRNA-34b/c in small-cell lung
      cancer.
AB  - Small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) is an aggressive tumor with a dismal prognosis
      among primary lung cancers. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) can act as oncogenes or tumor
      suppressor genes in human malignancy. The miR-34 family is comprised of tumor
      suppressive miRNAs, and its reduced expression by methylation has been reported
      in various cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). In this study,
      we investigated the alteration and tumor-suppressive impact of miR-34s in SCLC.
      The methylation of miR-34a and miR-34b/c was observed in 4 (36%) and 7 (64%) of
      11 SCLC cell lines, respectively. Among the 27 SCLC clinical specimens, miR-34a
      and miR-34b/c were methylated in 4 (15%) and 18 (67%), respectively. In contrast,
      13 (28%) miR-34a methylated cases and 12 (26%) miR-34b/c methylated cases were
      found in 47 NSCLC primary tumors. The frequency of miR-34b/c methylation was
      significantly higher in SCLC than in NSCLC (p<0.001). The expressions of miR-34s
      were reduced in methylated cell lines and tumors and restored after 5-aza-2'
      deoxycytidine treatment, indicating that methylation was responsible for the
      reduced expression of miR-34s. Because the frequency of methylation was higher in
      miR-34b/c, we focused on miR-34b/c for a functional analysis. We examined the
      effect of miR-34b/c introduction on cell proliferation, migration and invasion.
      The transfection of miR-34b/c to two SCLC cell lines (H1048 and SBC5) resulted in
      the significant inhibition of cell growth, migration, and invasion, compared with
      control transfectants. Our results indicate that the aberrant methylation of miR
      34b/c plays an important role in the pathogenesis of SCLC, implying that miR
      34b/c may be a useful therapeutic target for SCLC.

PMID- 22047962
TI  - [A "checklist" for the implantation of central venous catheters and vascular
      access implantable devices in nephrology: why?].
AB  - The French Health Agency (HAS), published recently a check-list for central
      venous catheter. The document is published for transmission to French
      nephrologists.

PMID- 22047964
TI  - Attention reverses the effect of prediction in silencing sensory signals.
AB  - Predictive coding models suggest that predicted sensory signals are attenuated
      (silencing of prediction error). These models, though influential, are challenged
      by the fact that prediction sometimes seems to enhance rather than reduce sensory
      signals, as in the case of attentional cueing experiments. One possible
      explanation is that in these experiments, prediction (i.e., stimulus probability)
      is confounded with attention (i.e., task relevance), which is known to boost
      rather than reduce sensory signal. However, recent theoretical work on predictive
      coding inspires an alternative hypothesis and suggests that attention and
      prediction operate synergistically to improve the precision of perceptual
      inference. This model posits that attention leads to heightened weighting of
      sensory evidence, thereby reversing the sensory silencing by prediction. Here, we
      factorially manipulated attention and prediction in a functional magnetic
      resonance imaging study and distinguished between these 2 hypotheses. Our results
      support a predictive coding model wherein attention reverses the sensory
      attenuation of predicted signals.

PMID- 22047963
TI  - Parcellations and hemispheric asymmetries of human cerebral cortex analyzed on
      surface-based atlases.
AB  - We report on surface-based analyses that enhance our understanding of human
      cortical organization, including its convolutions and its parcellation into many
      distinct areas. The surface area of human neocortex averages 973 cm(2) per
      hemisphere, based on cortical midthickness surfaces of 2 cohorts of subjects. We
      implemented a method to register individual subjects to a hybrid version of the
      FreeSurfer "fsaverage" atlas whose left and right hemispheres are in precise
      geographic correspondence. Cortical folding patterns in the resultant population
      average "fs_LR" midthickness surfaces are remarkably similar in the left and
      right hemispheres, even in regions showing significant asymmetry in 3D position.
      Both hemispheres are equal in average surface area, but hotspots of surface area
      asymmetry are present in the Sylvian Fissure and elsewhere, together with a broad
      pattern of asymmetries that are significant though small in magnitude. Multiple
      cortical parcellation schemes registered to the human atlas provide valuable
      reference data sets for comparisons with other studies. Identified cortical areas
      vary in size by more than 2 orders of magnitude. The total number of human
      neocortical areas is estimated to be ~150 to 200 areas per hemisphere, which is
      modestly larger than a recent estimate for the macaque.

PMID- 22047965
TI  - Loss of visually driven synaptic responses in layer 4 regular-spiking neurons of
      rat visual cortex in absence of competing inputs.
AB  - Monocular deprivation (MD) during development shifts the ocular preference of
      primary visual cortex (V1) neurons by depressing closed-eye responses and
      potentiating open-eye responses. As these 2 processes are temporally and
      mechanistically distinct, we tested whether loss of responsiveness occurs also in
      absence of competing inputs. We thus compared the effects of long-term MD in
      layer 4 regular-spiking pyramidal neurons (L4Ns) of binocular and monocular V1
      (bV1 and mV1) with whole-cell recordings. In bV1, input depression was larger
      than potentiation, and the ocular dominance shift was larger for spike outputs.
      MD-but not retinal inactivation with tetrodotoxin-caused a comparable loss of
      synaptic and spike responsiveness in mV1, which is innervated only by the
      deprived eye. Conversely, brief MD depressed synaptic responses only in bV1. MD
      driven depression in mV1 was accompanied by a proportional reduction of visual
      thalamic inputs, as assessed upon pharmacological silencing of intracortical
      transmission. Finally, sub- and suprathreshold responsiveness was similarly
      degraded in L4Ns of bV1 upon complete deprivation of patterned vision through a
      binocular deprivation period of comparable length. Thus, loss of synaptic inputs
      from the deprived eye occurs also in absence of competition in the main
      thalamorecipient lamina, albeit at a slower pace.

PMID- 22047967
TI  - Distinct neural substrates for semantic knowledge and naming in the
      temporoparietal network.
AB  - Patients with anterior temporal lobe (ATL) lesions show semantic and lexical
      retrieval deficits, and the differential role of this area in the 2 processes is
      debated. Functional neuroimaging in healthy individuals has not clarified the
      matter because semantic and lexical processes usually occur simultaneously and
      automatically. Furthermore, the ATL is a region challenging for functional
      magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) due to susceptibility artifacts, especially at
      high fields. In this study, we established an optimized ATL-sensitive fMRI
      acquisition protocol at 4 T and applied an event-related paradigm to study the
      identification (i.e., association of semantic biographical information) of
      celebrities, with and without the ability to retrieve their proper names. While
      semantic processing reliably activated the ATL, only more posterior areas in the
      left temporal and temporal-parietal junction were significantly modulated by
      covert lexical retrieval. These results suggest that within a temporoparietal
      network, the ATL is relatively more important for semantic processing, and
      posterior language regions are relatively more important for lexical retrieval.

PMID- 22047968
TI  - Is there a common neuroanatomical substrate of language deficit between autism
      spectrum disorder and specific language impairment?
AB  - Discussion of an overlap between specific language impairment (SLI) and autism
      spectrum disorder (ASD) is on going. The most intriguing overlap between both
      phenotypes is the similarity in the observed language deficits described in SLI
      and a subgroup of ASD with co-occurring linguistic impairment, ASD-LI. Examining
      whether a similar neuroanatomical substrate underlies this phenotypical
      linguistic overlap, we studied the white matter microstructural properties of the
      superior longitudinal fascicle (SLF) of 19 ASD-LI adolescents (mean age 13.8 +/-
      1.6 years) and 21 age-matched controls and compared them with 13 SLI children
      (mean age 10.1 +/- 0.4 years) and 12 age-matched controls. A linguistic profile
      assessment and a diffusion tensor imaging analysis of the SLF were performed.
      Linguistic testing revealed a mixed receptive-expressive disorder profile in both
      groups, confirming their overlap at phenotypical level. At neuroanatomical level,
      no significant differences in mean SLF fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean SLF
      apparent diffusion coefficient values between ASD-LI participants and controls
      were seen. By contrast, the mean SLF FA was significantly reduced in the SLI
      children as compared with their controls. The observation of structural SLF
      disturbances in SLI but not in ASD-LI suggests the existence of a different
      neuroanatomical substrate for the language deficits in both disorders.

PMID- 22047966
TI  - Effect of dopamine transporter genotype on intrinsic functional connectivity
      depends on cognitive state.
AB  - Functional connectivity between brain regions can define large-scale neural
      networks and provide information about relationships between those networks. We
      examined how relationships within and across intrinsic connectivity networks were
      1) sensitive to individual differences in dopaminergic function, 2) modulated by
      cognitive state, and 3) associated with executive behavioral traits. We found
      that regardless of cognitive state, connections between frontal, parietal, and
      striatal nodes of Task-Positive networks (TPNs) and Task-Negative networks (TNNs)
      showed higher functional connectivity in 10/10 homozygotes of the dopamine
      transporter gene, a polymorphism influencing synaptic dopamine, than in 9/10
      heterozygotes. However, performance of a working memory task (a state requiring
      dopamine release) modulated genotype differences selectively, such that cross
      network connectivity between TPNs and TNNs was higher in 10/10 than 9/10 subjects
      during working memory but not during rest. This increased cross-network
      connectivity was associated with increased self-reported measures of impulsivity
      and inattention traits. By linking a gene regulating synaptic dopamine to a
      phenotype characterized by inefficient executive function, these findings
      validate cross-network connectivity as an endophenotype of executive dysfunction.

PMID- 22047969
TI  - A computational growth model for measuring dynamic cortical development in the
      first year of life.
AB  - Human cerebral cortex develops extremely fast in the first year of life.
      Quantitative measurement of cortical development during this early stage plays an
      important role in revealing the relationship between cortical structural and high
      level functional development. This paper presents a computational growth model to
      simulate the dynamic development of the cerebral cortex from birth to 1 year old
      by modeling the cerebral cortex as a deformable elastoplasticity surface driven
      via a growth model. To achieve a high accuracy, a guidance model is also
      incorporated to estimate the growth parameters and cortical shapes at later
      developmental stages. The proposed growth model has been applied to 10 healthy
      subjects with longitudinal brain MR images acquired at every 3 months from birth
      to 1 year old. The experimental results show that our proposed method can capture
      the dynamic developmental process of the cortex, with the average surface
      distance error smaller than 0.6 mm compared with the ground truth surfaces, and
      the results also show that 1) the curvedness and sharpness decrease from 2 weeks
      to 12 months and 2) the frontal lobe shows rapidly increasing cortical folding
      during this period, with relatively slower increase of the cortical folding in
      the occipital and parietal lobes.

PMID- 22047970
TI  - Multiple sclerosis-quenching the flames of inflammation.

PMID- 22047971
TI  - Ocrelizumab in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: a phase 2, randomised,
      placebo-controlled, multicentre trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: B lymphocytes are implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple
      sclerosis. We aimed to assess efficacy and safety of two dose regimens of the
      humanised anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody ocrelizumab in patients with relapsing
      remitting multiple sclerosis. METHODS: We did a multicentre, randomised,
      parallel, double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 79 centres in 20
      countries. Patients aged 18-55 years with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis
      were randomly assigned (1:1:1:1) via an interactive voice response system to
      receive either placebo, low-dose (600 mg) or high-dose (2000 mg) ocrelizumab in
      two doses on days 1 and 15, or intramuscular interferon beta-1a (30 MUg) once a
      week. The randomisation list was not disclosed to the study centres, monitors,
      project statisticians or to the project team at Roche. All groups were double
      blinded to group assignment, except the interferon beta-1a group who were rater
      masked. At week 24, patients in the initial placebo, 600 mg ocrelizumab, and
      interferon beta-1a groups received ocrelizumab 600 mg; the 2000 mg group received
      1000 mg. Our primary endpoint was the total number of gadolinium-enhancing
      lesions (GEL) and T1-weighted MRI at weeks 12, 16, 20, and 24. Analyses were done
      on an intention-to-treat basis. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov,
      number NCT00676715. FINDINGS: 218 (99%) of the 220 randomised patients received
      at least one dose of ocrelizumab, 204 (93%) completed 24 weeks of the study and
      196 (89%) completed 48 weeks. In the intention-to-treat population of 218
      patients, at week 24, the number of gadolinium-enhancing lesions was 89% (95% CI
      68-97; p<0.0001) lower in the 600 mg ocrelizumab group than in the placebo group,
      and 96% (89-99; p<0.0001) lower in the 2000 mg group. In exploratory analyses,
      both 600 mg and 2000 mg ocrelizumab groups were better than interferon beta-1a
      for GEL reduction. We noted serious adverse events in two of 54 (4%; 95% CI 3.0
      4.4) patients in the placebo group, one of 55 (2%; 1.3-2.3) in the 600 mg
      ocrelizumab group, three of 55 (5%; 4.6-6.3) in the 2000 mg group, and two of 54
      (4%; 3.0-4.4) in the interferon beta-1a group. INTERPRETATION: The similarly
      pronounced effects of B-cell depletion with both ocrelizumab doses on MRI and
      relapse-related outcomes support a role for B-cells in disease pathogenesis and
      warrant further assessment in large, long-term trials. FUNDING: F Hoffmann-La
      Roche Ltd, Biogen Idec Inc.

PMID- 22047972
TI  - Both adiponectin and interleukin-10 inhibit LPS-induced activation of the NF
      kappaB pathway in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.
AB  - Adiponectin and interleukin 10 (IL-10) are adipokines that are predominantly
      secreted by differentiated adipocytes and are involved in energy homeostasis,
      insulin sensitivity, and the anti-inflammatory response. These two adipokines are
      reduced in obese subjects, which favors increased activation of nuclear factor
      kappa B (NF-kappaB) and leads to elevation of pro-inflammatory adipokines.
      However, the effects of adiponectin and IL-10 on NF-kappaB DNA binding activity
      (NF-kappaBp50 and NF-kappaBp65) and proteins involved with the toll-like receptor
      (TLR-2 and TLR-4) pathway, such as MYD88 and TRAF6 expression, in
      lipopolysaccharide-treated 3T3-L1 adipocytes are unknown. Stimulation of
      lipopolysaccharide-treated 3T3-L1 adipocytes for 24h elevated IL-6 levels;
      activated the NF-kappaB pathway cascade; increased protein expression of IL-6R,
      TLR-4, MYD88, and TRAF6; and increased the nuclear activity of NF-kappaB (p50 and
      p65) DNA binding. Adiponectin and IL-10 inhibited the elevation of IL-6 levels
      and activated NF-kappaB (p50 and p65) DNA binding. Taken together, the present
      results provide evidence that adiponectin and IL-10 have an important role in the
      anti-inflammatory response in adipocytes. In addition, inhibition of NF-kappaB
      signaling pathways may be an excellent strategy for the treatment of inflammation
      in obese individuals.

PMID- 22047973
TI  - Ultrasensitive indicator-free and enhanced self-signal nanohybrid DNA sensing
      platform based on electrochemically grown poly-xanthurenic acid/Fe2O3 membranes.
AB  - This paper describes a novel electrochemical DNA biosensor for simple, rapid, and
      specific detection of PML/RARA fusion gene in acute promyelocytic leukemia by
      using 18-mer single-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid as the capture probe.
      Nanosized Fe(2)O(3) was first immobilized on the surface of a carbon paste
      electrode (CPE). Then poly-xanthurenic acid (PXa), a new electroactive material,
      was electrogenerated by using the pulse potentiostatic method on the Fe(2)O(3)
      substrate to form a unique and uniform nanorhombus structure. Due to the unique
      binding ability of xanthurenic acid (Xa) with Fe(2)O(3), Xa monomers tended to be
      adsorbed around nanosized Fe(2)O(3), and the electropolymerization efficiency was
      greatly improved. Owing to the presence of abundant carboxyl groups, the capture
      probe was covalently attached on the carboxyl-terminated PXa/Fe(2)O(3)
      nanorhombus membranes through the free amines of DNA sequences based on the 1
      ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide and N-hydrosulfosuccinimide cross
      linking reaction. The covalently immobilized capture probe could selectively
      hybridize with its target DNA to form double-stranded DNA on the
      PXa/Fe(2)O(3)/CPE surface. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was adopted for
      indicator-free monitoring of the hybridization reaction on the probe-captured
      electrode. As a result, the efficient probe immobilization platform, coupled with
      the ultrasensitive indicator-free impedance measurement, gave rise to a detection
      limit of 2.8 fmol/L and a dynamic range spanning 8 orders of magnitude. The
      excellent analytical properties of the proposed biosensor developed here holds
      great promise for ultrasensitive detection of other biorecognition events and
      diagnosis of diseases in practice.

PMID- 22047974
TI  - Temperature scans/cycles for the detection of low abundant DNA point mutations on
      microarrays.
AB  - The possibility to detect low abundant DNA point mutations is essential for early
      cancer diagnosis and/or prognosis. Furthermore, in order to be less invasive, the
      somatic mutations are not only sought in tumor extract samples but also from body
      fluids or stools rendering their content even more diluted compared to the wild
      type sequences. In this short communication, we propose two protocols based on
      temperature scans or cycles for the enrichment of the mutation strands hybridized
      on microarrays. We predict numerically and confirm experimentally a 10-fold
      increase in the fraction of mutated DNA hybridized on the microarray compared to
      the sample content. Coupled to more standard solution phase enrichment
      techniques, it would be possible to lower by one order of magnitude the current
      detection limit with the advantage of multiple mutation detections offered by the
      microarray technology.

PMID- 22047975
TI  - A novel structural specific creatinine sensing scheme for the determination of
      the urine creatinine.
AB  - In this work, a highly structural dependent amperometric scheme was proposed for
      the determination of creatinine without enzymatic assistance. The principle of
      this novel method is based upon the formation of a soluble copper-creatinine
      complex on the copper electrode surface. Subsequently, an oxidative current from
      the regeneration of the surface oxide layer is monitored and it is proportional
      to the concentration of the creatinine. This scheme can be conducted at potential
      of -0.1 V (vs. Ag/AgCl, 3 M) in phosphate buffer (pH 7). A typical calibration
      plot from 25 MUg/dL to 1.5 mg/dL (R(2)=0.997) with a detection limit of 6.8
      MUg/dL (S/N=3) is achieved. The relative standard deviation of 21 successive
      injections of 0.2 mg/dL creatinine is 0.018. Under the optimal conditions, the
      frequently encountered biological interferences at physiological or higher
      concentration were investigated. Only uric acid revealed an obvious interference
      (298.1%). However, a Nafion((r)) coated copper plating electrode shows a
      successful decrement of the interference of the uric acid with slightly decreased
      sensitivity of creatinine. The feasibility of this scheme for further clinical
      application is demonstrated by both HPLC and FIA to evaluate the creatinine
      concentration in a urine sample.

PMID- 22047977
TI  - Co-morbidities as predictors of mortality in Clostridium difficile infection and
      derivation of the ARC predictive score.
AB  - Clostridium difficile associated diarrhoea (CDAD) has increased significantly in
      the last 15 years, but predictors of outcome are inadequately understood. This
      was a cohort study of 2761 patients in North East England between 2002 and 2009,
      with the end-point of mortality at 30 days. The role of age, gender and co
      morbidities was examined by binary logistic regression. Rounded odds ratios were
      used to develop a predictive score. A predictive score based on age, renal
      disease and cancer (ARC score) differentiated groups with differing risk of 30
      day mortality (risk for score of 0-3 was 9-21%, score of 4-7 was 31-48% and score
      of 8 was 66%). Co-morbidities were shown to be important predictors of outcome in
      CDAD, and can be combined with age in the ARC score to assess the likelihood of
      survival. This requires further validation in other populations, but has
      important implications for clinical and research practice.

PMID- 22047976
TI  - Increased intra-individual reaction time variability in cocaine-dependent
      subjects: role of cocaine-related cues.
AB  - Neuroimaging data suggest that impaired performance on response inhibition and
      information processing tests in cocaine-dependent subjects is related to
      prefrontal and frontal cortical dysfunction and that dysfunction in these brain
      areas may underlie some aspects of cocaine addiction. In subjects with attention
      deficit hyperactivity disorder and other psychiatric disorders, the Intra
      Individual Reaction Time Variability (IIRTV) has been associated with frontal
      cortical dysfunction. In the present study, we evaluated IIRTV parameters in
      cocaine-dependent subjects vs. controls using a cocaine Stroop task. Fifty
      control and 123 cocaine-dependent subjects compiled from three studies completed
      a cocaine Stroop task. Standard deviation (SD) and coefficient of variation (CV)
      for reaction times (RT) were calculated for both trials with neutral and trials
      with cocaine-related words. The parameters mu, sigma, and tau were calculated
      using an ex-Gaussian analysis employed to characterize variability in RTs. The ex
      Gaussian analysis divides the RTs into normal (mu, sigma) and exponential (tau)
      components. Using robust regression analysis, cocaine-dependent subjects showed
      greater SD, CV and Tau on trials with cocaine-related words compared to controls
      (p<0.05). However, in trials with neutral words, there was no evidence of group
      differences in any IIRTV parameters (p>0.05). The Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed
      rank test showed that for cocaine-dependent subjects, both SD and tau were larger
      in trials with cocaine-related words than in trials with neutral words (p<0.05).
      The observation that only cocaine-related words increased IIRTV in cocaine
      dependent subjects suggests that cocaine-related stimuli might disrupt
      information processing subserved by prefrontal and frontal cortical circuits.

PMID- 22047978
TI  - Ultrasound screening of periarticular soft tissue abnormality around metal-on
      metal bearings.
AB  - Although metal hypersensitivity or pseudotumors are concerns for metal-on-metal
      (MoM) bearings, detailed pathologies of patterns, severity, and incidence of
      periprosthetic soft tissue lesions are incompletely understood. We examined the
      potential of ultrasound for screening of periarticular soft tissue lesions around
      MoM bearings. Ultrasound examinations were conducted in 88 hips (79 patients)
      with MoM hip resurfacings or MoM total hip arthroplasties with a large femoral
      head. Four qualitative ultrasound patterns were shown, including normal pattern
      in 69 hips, joint-expansion pattern in 11 hips, cystic pattern in 5 hips, and
      mass pattern in 3 hips. Hips with the latter 3 abnormal patterns showed
      significantly higher frequency of clinical symptoms, without significant
      differences of sex, duration of implantation, head sizes, and cup
      abduction/anteversion angles, compared with hips with normal pattern. Ultrasound
      examination provides sensitive screening of soft tissue reactions around MoM
      bearings and may be useful in monitoring progression and defining treatment for
      periarticular soft tissue abnormalities.

PMID- 22047979
TI  - Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy is the right terminology.

PMID- 22047980
TI  - How to use the bariatric analysis and reporting outcome system.

PMID- 22047981
TI  - Posttraumatic mossy fiber sprouting is related to the degree of cortical damage
      in three mouse strains.
AB  - Controlled cortical impact injury was used to examine relationships between focal
      posttraumatic cortical damage and mossy fiber sprouting (MFS) in the dentate
      gyrus in three mouse strains. Posttraumatic MFS was more robust when cortical
      injury impinged upon the hippocampus, versus contusions restricted to neocortex,
      and was qualitatively similar among CD-1, C57BL/6, and FVB/N background strains.
      Impact parameters influencing injury severity may be critical in reproducing
      epilepsy-related changes in neurotrauma models.

PMID- 22047982
TI  - Four novel and two recurrent NHLRC1 (EPM2B) and EPM2A gene mutations leading to
      Lafora disease in six Turkish families.
AB  - Lafora disease (LD) is a type of autosomal recessive, progressive myoclonus
      epilepsy resulting mostly from mutations in the EPM2A and NHLRC1 genes.
      Mutational analysis in both genes was initiated with the aim of establishing LD
      DNA diagnosis in Turkey. Four novel NHLRC1 (p.G131X, p.P69S and p.D82H) and EPM2A
      (p.V7A) and two recurrent NHLRC1 (p.D146N) and EPM2A (p.R241X) mutations were
      identified in six families. The delineation of causative mutations in patients
      provided early disease diagnosis for other family members and contributed to the
      knowledge of LD pathogenesis.

PMID- 22047983
TI  - Impact of mitral regurgitation on reverse remodeling and outcome in patients
      undergoing cardiac resynchronization therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mitral regurgitation (MR) is associated with reduced survival in
      patients with chronic heart failure, but may be improved with cardiac
      resynchronization therapy (CRT). We sought to evaluate the relationship between
      serial measurements of functional MR and reverse remodeling and outcomes in
      patients undergoing CRT. METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 266 consecutive patients
      undergoing CRT with available baseline echocardiograms and subsequent clinical
      and echocardiographic follow-up were included in the analysis. Long-term follow
      up included all-cause mortality, heart transplantation, and implantation of a
      left ventricular (LV) assist device. Temporal changes in MR severity and LV end
      systolic volume index (LVESVi) were evaluated by linear mixed-model analysis. CRT
      led to an immediate sustained decrease in MR (P<0.0001), with no significant
      subsequent change. The amount of MR decrease correlated with a greater decrease
      in LVESVi late (P<=0.0001), but not early (P=0.14), after CRT began. Patients
      with severe MR before CRT experienced a larger LVESVi decrease (P=0.005).
      Although baseline MR severity was not associated with adverse events (P=0.13), a
      larger MR decrease (P=0.001) and a smaller residual MR after the initial 6 months
      of CRT (P=0.03) were predictive of better outcome in a multivariable model.
      CONCLUSIONS: Early reversal of functional MR was associated with reverse cardiac
      remodeling and improved outcomes. Patients with moderately severe to severe MR
      before CRT experienced relatively more reverse remodeling than patients with
      lesser degrees of MR.

PMID- 22047984
TI  - Estrogen replacement therapy for idiopathic outflow tract ventricular
      arrhythmias: a potential therapeutic approach.
AB  - Idiopathic outflow tract ventricular arrhythmias (IOTVA), including left and
      right ventricular outflow tract, are dued to cyclic adenosine monophosphate
      (cAMP)-mediated calcium-dependent delayed after depolarizations. A growing body
      of evidence suggests that the changes of sex hormone levels and gender
      differences may affect ventricular repolarization and be associated with the
      occurrence of ventricular arrhythmias. Recent studies showed that the level of
      estradiol in the IOTVA male patients decreased significantly and the count of
      ventricular arrhythmias was significantly negatively correlated with the level of
      estradiol in male patients with IOTVA. Meanwhile, estrogen replacement therapy
      could inhibit significantly the count of ventricular arrhythmias in the
      postmenopausal patients with IOTVA. In conclusion, estrogen replacement therapy
      may be a potential therapeutic approach for IOTVA besides postmenopausal
      patients.

PMID- 22047985
TI  - A common cause for a common phenotype: the gatekeeper hypothesis in fetal
      programming.
AB  - Sub-optimal nutrition during pregnancy has been shown to have long-term effects
      on the health of offspring in both humans and animals. The most common outcomes
      of such programming are hypertension, obesity, dyslipidaemia and insulin
      resistance. This spectrum of disorders, collectively known as metabolic syndrome,
      appears to be the consequence of nutritional insult during early development,
      irrespective of the nutritional stress experienced. For example, diets low in
      protein diet, high in fat, or deficient in iron are all associated with
      programming of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders when fed during rat
      pregnancy. In this paper, we hypothesise that the nutritional stresses act on
      genes or gene pathways common to all of the insults. We have termed these genes
      and/or gene pathways the "gatekeepers" and hence developed the "gatekeeper
      hypothesis". In this paper, we examine the background to the hypothesis and
      postulate some possible mechanisms or pathways that may constitute programming
      gatekeepers.

PMID- 22047986
TI  - Inhibition of translation initiation factors might be the potential therapeutic
      targets for HCV patients with hepatic iron overload.
AB  - Standard therapy, interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) and ribavirin, remains the only
      available option for treatment of patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV)
      infection. However, iron overload, a common finding among HCV patients, have a
      poor response to treatment with current therapy. These data suggest that both
      host and viral factors are involved in the determination of the outcome of the
      therapy. Currently, novel antiviral compounds focus on the development of
      indirect antiviral drugs. The process of the viral translation is considered as
      the potential therapeutic targets. Coincidentally, study has found that hepatic
      iron load enhances the levels of eukaryotic initiation factor 3 (eIF3), which is
      essential for HCV translation. Reversely, iron chelation could reduce eIF3 p170
      translation. Our hypothesis is that iron overload may specifically enhance
      cellular eIFs. As a result, the cellular mechanisms, in patients with iron
      overload, are utilized for translating viral mRNA into protein. Thus, treatment
      strategies that target eIFs should be an exceptionally good candidate therapeutic
      method for HCV patients with hepatic iron overload.

PMID- 22047987
TI  - Neuroprotective potential beyond immunoregulation of helminth infection as a
      therapeutic target in multiple sclerosis.
AB  - Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a common disabling autoimmune disease in young adults
      which does not have an effective treatment. The prevalence of immune-mediated
      diseases is higher in developed countries with hygienic environments, suggesting
      that helminthic infection may protect from autoimmune diseases. Previously, we
      reported that soluble egg antigens (SEA) from Schistosoma japonicum suppressed
      experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of MS, through
      up-regulating T helper-2 (Th2) immune responses in both the peripheral and
      central target organs. Neurotrophins (NTs) are not exclusive to the nervous
      system. While immune cells, especially Th2 cells, can produce and secrete a
      variety of NTs resulting in neuroprotective immunity. NTs can also modulate
      immune responses by augmenting Th2 responses and downregulating Th1 responses.
      Interestingly, nerve growth factor (NGF) has been found in liver granulomas of
      Schistosoma mansoni-infected mice. Moreover, in the central nervous system of
      chronic schistosomiasis, NGF is increased. A hypothesis is hereby proposed - SEA
      derived from S. japonicum bears neuroprotective properties beyond its
      immunomodulatory effects. SEA can induce the expression of NTs, which in turn
      augment Th2 immune responses induced by SEA; whereby a positive regulatory
      circuit between Th2 responses and NTs comes into being.

PMID- 22047988
TI  - The role of cyclo-oxygenase inhibitors in attenuating opioid-induced tolerance,
      hyperalgesia, and dependence.
AB  - There is no denying that opioids are the most important analgesic drugs which are
      widely used in clinical situations. Still, prolonged administration of these
      drugs can cause to reduce their analgesic efficacy due to the development of
      tolerance. These drugs can also cause induction of hyperalgesia. In addition,
      long-term administration of opioids through reinforcing- and rewarding pathways
      of limbic system can result in expression of opioid dependence with the
      unintended consequences of opioid abuse/misuse and finally opioid addiction. As
      studies show, over-activity in cyclo-oxygenase pathways and production of
      prostaglandins due to long-term exposures of opioid have a critical role in the
      development of tolerance to antinociceptive effect of opioid, hyperalgesia, and
      opioid dependence. The present study aims at suggesting the hypothesis that
      through blending a non-steroid anti-inflammatory drug with opioid actively causes
      reduction in unwanted effects of opioid i.e. by inhibition of opioid-induced
      cyclo-oxygenase overactivity whereas it is well-known that the combination
      therapy via reducing opioid dosage reduces the unwanted effects.

PMID- 22047989
TI  - The evolution of human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) envelope molecular
      properties and coreceptor use at all stages of infection in an HIV-1 donor
      recipient pair.
AB  - To trace the evolutionary patterns underlying evolution of coreceptor use within
      a host, we studied an HIV-1 transmission pair involving a donor who exclusively
      harbored CCR5-using (R5) variants throughout his entire disease course and a
      recipient who developed CXCR4-using variants. Over time, R5 variants in the donor
      optimized coreceptor use, which was associated with an increased number of
      potential N-linked glycosylation sites (PNGS) and elevated V3 charge in the viral
      envelope. Interestingly, R5 variants that were transmitted to the recipient
      preserved the viral characteristics of this late stage genotype and phenotype.
      Following a selective sweep, CXCR4-using variants subsequently emerged in the
      recipient coinciding with a further increase in the number of PNGS and V3 charge
      in the envelope of R5 viruses. Although described in a single transmission pair,
      the transmission and subsequent persistence of R5 variants with late stage
      characteristics demonstrate the potential for coreceptor use adaptation at the
      population level.

PMID- 22047990
TI  - Bradykinin enhances Sindbis virus infection in human brain microvascular
      endothelial cells.
AB  - Sindbis virus (SINV) induces inflammatory and vasoactive responses that are
      associated with rash and arthritis in human infections. The mechanisms underlying
      infection-associated microvasculopathy are still unknown. We investigated whether
      endothelial cells infected by SINV are differentially responsive to bradykinin
      (BK), a potent inducer of inflammatory edema in a broad range of infectious
      diseases. Human endothelial cells (HBMECs) infected with SINV presented an
      upregulation of bradykinin B2 receptors (BK2R) expression. Also, BK reduced SINV
      induced apoptosis and enhanced virus replication in HBMECs in a way dependent on
      BK2R, PI3 kinase and ERK signaling. Strikingly, intracerebral infection of mice
      in the presence of a BK2R antagonist reduced the local viral load. Our data
      suggest that SINV infection renders human endothelial cells hypersensitive to BK,
      which increases host cell survival and viral replication. Ongoing studies may
      clarify if the deregulation of the kinin pathway contributes to infection
      associated vasculopathies in life-threatening arbovirus infections.

PMID- 22047991
TI  - Heavy crude oils/particle stabilized emulsions.
AB  - Fluid characterization is a key technology for success in process design for
      crude oil mixtures in the future offshore. In the present article modern methods
      have been developed and optimized for crude oil applications. The focus is on
      destabilization processes in w/o emulsions, such as creaming/sedimentation and
      flocculation/coalescence. In our work, the separation technology was based on
      improvement of current devices to promote coalescence of the emulsified systems.
      Stabilizing properties based on particles was given special attention. A variety
      of particles like silica nanoparticles (AEROSIL(r)), asphalthenes, wax (paraffin)
      were used. The behavior of these particles and corresponding emulsion systems was
      determined by use of modern analytical equipment, such as SARA fractionation,
      NIR, electro-coalescers (determine critical electric field), Langmuir technique,
      pedant drop technique, TG-QCM, AFM.

PMID- 22047992
TI  - Correcting slice selectivity in hard pulse sequences.
AB  - Many MRI sequences use non-selective hard pulse excitation in the presence of
      imaging gradients. In this work, we investigate to which extent the sinc-shaped
      frequency excitation profiles of the pulse can be used for imaging without the
      generation of artefacts. A correction algorithm is proposed that eliminates the
      influence of the excitation profile. Phantom as well as in vivo measurements
      prove that enhanced image quality can be obtained as long as the first minimum of
      the excitation profile lies outside the imaged object.

PMID- 22047993
TI  - Solvent effect on the absorption and fluorescence of ergone: determination of
      ground and excited state dipole moments.
AB  - The effect of solvents on the absorption and emission spectra of ergone has been
      studied in various solvents at 298 K. The bathochromic shift was observed in
      absorption and fluorescence spectra with the increase of solvents polarity, which
      implied that transition involved was pi->pi*. And the normalized transition
      energy value E(T)(N) showed some scattering when plotted versus Deltanu. The
      ground state and excited state dipole moments were calculated by quantum
      mechanical second-order perturbation method as a function of the dielectric
      constant (epsilon) and refractive index (n). The result was found to be 1.435 D
      and 2.520 D in ground state and excited state respectively. And also, the density
      functional calculations were used to obtain the ground state and excited state
      dipole moments for it has proven to be suitable for calculating electronic
      excitation energy. And the result is consistent with the experimental.

PMID- 22047995
TI  - Maintained functionality of an implantable radiotelemetric blood pressure and
      heart rate sensor after magnetic resonance imaging in rats.
AB  - Radiotelemetric sensors for in vivo assessment of blood pressure and heart rate
      are widely used in animal research. MRI with implanted sensors is regarded as
      contraindicated as transmitter malfunction and injury of the animal may be
      caused. Moreover, artefacts are expected to compromise image evaluation. In
      vitro, the function of a radiotelemetric sensor (TA11PA-C10, Data Sciences
      International) after exposure to MRI up to 9.4 T was assessed. The magnetic force
      of the electromagnetic field on the sensor as well as radiofrequency (RF)-induced
      sensor heating was analysed. Finally, MRI with an implanted sensor was performed
      in a rat. Imaging artefacts were analysed at 3.0 and 9.4 T ex vivo and in vivo.
      Transmitted 24 h blood pressure and heart rate were compared before and after MRI
      to verify the integrity of the telemetric sensor. The function of the sensor was
      not altered by MRI up to 9.4 T. The maximum force exerted on the sensor was 273
      +/- 50 mN. RF-induced heating was ruled out. Artefacts impeded the assessment of
      the abdomen and thorax in a dead rat, but not of the head and neck. MRI with
      implanted radiotelemetric sensors is feasible in principal. The tested sensor
      maintains functionality up to 9.4 T. Artefacts hampered abdominal and throacic
      imaging in rats, while assessment of the head and neck is possible.

PMID- 22047996
TI  - Liver X receptor agonist T0901317 induced liver perturbation in zebrafish:
      histological, gene set enrichment and expression analyses.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Liver X receptor (LXR), a ligand-activated transcription factor,
      regulates important biological processes. It has been associated with pathology
      and proposed as a therapeutic target. The zebrafish is a new vertebrate model for
      disease modeling, drug and toxicity screening and will be interesting to test for
      its potential for LXR-related studies. METHODS: Adult male fish were exposed to
      LXR agonist T0901317 at 20, 200 and 2000nM for 96h and the livers were sampled
      for histological, microarray and qRT-PCR analyses. RESULTS: Histological analysis
      suggests dose-dependent perturbation of carbohydrate and lipid metabolisms by
      T0901317 in the liver, which lead to hepatocyte swelling and cell death.
      Microarray data revealed several conserved effects of T0901317 with mammalian
      models, including up-regulation of LXR-targeted genes, modulation of biological
      pathways associated with proteasome, cell death, extracellular matrix and
      adhesions, maturity onset diabetes of the young and lipid beta oxidation.
      Interestingly, this study identified the complement and coagulation systems as
      down-regulated by T0901317 for the first time, potentially via transcriptional
      repression by LXR activation. qRT-PCR validated the expression of 16
      representative genes, confirming activation of LXR signaling and down-regulation
      of these biological pathways by T0901317 which could be linked to the anti
      thrombogenic, anti-atherogenic and anti-inflammatory actions, as well as
      metabolic disruptions via LXR activation. CONCLUSION AND GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE:
      Our study underscores the potential of using zebrafish model coupled with
      transcriptomic analysis to capture pharmacological and toxicological or
      pathological events induced by LXR modulators.

PMID- 22047997
TI  - Nurse-directed interventions to reduce catheter-associated urinary tract
      infections.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are common,
      morbid, and costly. Nearly 25% of hospitalized patients are catheterized yearly,
      and 10% develop urinary tract infections. Evidence-based guidelines exist for
      indwelling urinary catheter management but are not consistently followed.
      METHODS: A pre/post intervention design was used in this quality improvement
      project to test the impact of nurse-driven interventions based on current
      evidence to reduce CAUTIs in hospitalized patients on 2 medical/surgical units.
      Interventions consisted of hospital-wide strategies including policy and product
      improvements and unit-specific strategies that focused on a review of current
      evidence to guide practice. RESULTS: The number of catheter days decreased from
      3.01 to 2.2 (P = .018) on the surgery unit and from 3.53 to 2.7 (P = .076) on the
      medical unit. CAUTI rates were too low to achieve significant reduction. Product
      cost savings were estimated at $52,000/year. CONCLUSION: Guidelines derived from
      research and other sources of evidence can successfully improve patient outcomes.
      Nurse-driven interventions, combined with system-wide product changes, and
      patient and family involvement may be effective strategies that reduce CAUTI.

PMID- 22047998
TI  - Saturation of the ion-hammering effect for large non-hydrostatic capillarity
      stresses in colloidal silica nanoparticles.
AB  - We investigate the role of capillarity stresses on the ion-hammering phenomenon
      when sub-micrometer colloidal particles are considered. To this end, nearly
      monodisperse, chemically synthesized silica (SiO2) colloids (100, 300 and 600 nm)
      were irradiated at room temperature (300 K) with 4 MeV Au ions for fluences up to
      Phi = 1.8 * 1016 cm-2. It has been taken for granted that the transverse
      dimension of an ion-deformable amorphous material grows exponentially with the
      irradiation fluence, L(phi) = L0exp[A0Phi]. Here, we show that for sub-micrometer
      particles the irradiation-induced deformation saturates for larger fluences,
      L(phi)->const. The saturation fluence depends on the initial dimension of the
      colloidal nanoparticles: the smaller the dimension of the colloids, the lower the
      saturation fluence. Experimental data are successfully accounted for by having
      recourse to a phenomenological model first developed by Klaumunzer and further
      elaborated by van Dillen. We also estimate the evolution with fluence of the
      principal stresses inside the particles, sigma11(phi) = sigma22(phi) and
      sigma33(phi), and we show that they evolve toward a steady-state value following
      a sigmoidal-like behavior. Furthermore, when stresses induced by the surface
      curvature become non-negligible the approximation often made that the deformation
      strain rate, A0 = dL/L dPhi, remains constant upon irradiation is no longer
      valid. We show that A0 evolves with the irradiation fluence, e.g. A0->A(Phi), and
      we relate this behavior to the evolution of the stresses upon irradiation.
      Finally, this work allows us to define the limits of the ion-hammering effect
      when the non-hydrostatic capillarity stresses become important.

PMID- 22047999
TI  - JOSPT perspectives for patients. Low back pain: MRIs should be used sparingly in
      patients with low back pain.
AB  - Low back pain is very common, with 80% of people experiencing back pain at least
      once in their lifetimes. The good news is that a thorough physical examination
      can often determine the best course of management and whether you require imaging
      to rule out a serious problem. Often low back pain can be severe enough to make a
      patient think that an MRI is necessary. While MRI provides excellent pictures of
      your anatomy, it may not be able to pinpoint the specific source of your pain. A
      clinical commentary published in the November 2011 issue of JOSPT summarizes
      research that describes how the increased use of unnecessary imaging may lead to
      less than favorable results.

PMID- 22048000
TI  - Novel therapeutic strategies for metastatic prostate cancer in the post-docetaxel
      setting.
AB  - Prostate cancer is the most common noncutaneous cancer and the second leading
      cause of death from cancer in men in most western countries. Advanced prostate
      cancer is typically sensitive to androgen-deprivation therapy, but invariably
      progresses to the castration-resistant state. Most current prostate cancer
      treatments are based on cytotoxicity directed against tumor cells via androgen
      deprivation therapy or chemotherapy. Chemotherapy with docetaxel represents the
      standard first-line treatment in patients with castration-resistant prostate
      cancer (CRPC). Following progression after treatment with docetaxel, cabazitaxel
      (XRP6258)-prednisone treatment leads to a significantly longer overall survival
      (OS) time than with mitoxantrone-prednisone. Several other novel agents are
      currently being evaluated, including sipuleucel-T, abiraterone acetate, and
      MDV3100, as well as the radionuclide alpharadin. The cell-based immunotherapy
      sipuleucel-T produces longer OS times in chemotherapy-naive patients, whereas the
      androgen biosynthesis inhibitor abiraterone acetate results in longer OS times
      following docetaxel. It is envisioned that these agents will change the standard
      of care for patients with metastatic CRPC. This review focuses on the clinical
      development of cabazitaxel and abiraterone acetate.

PMID- 22048001
TI  - Mitochondrial dynamics and mitophagy in Parkinson's disease: disordered cellular
      power plant becomes a big deal in a major movement disorder.
AB  - Parkinson's disease (PD), the most common movement disorder, is characterized by
      age-dependent degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra of the
      mid-brain. Non-motor symptoms of PD, however, precede the motor features caused
      by dysfunction of the dopaminergic system, suggesting that PD is a systemic
      disorder. Mitochondrial dysfunction has long been observed in PD patients and
      animal models, but the mechanistic link between mitochondrial dysfunction and PD
      pathogenesis is not well understood. Recent studies have revealed that genes
      associated with autosomal recessive forms of PD such as PINK1 and Parkin are
      directly involved in regulating mitochondrial morphology and maintenance,
      abnormality of which is also observed in the more common, sporadic forms of PD,
      although the autosomal recessive PDs lack Lewy-body pathology that is
      characteristic of sporadic PD. These latest findings suggest that at least some
      forms of PD can be characterized as a mitochondrial disorder. Whether
      mitochondrial dysfunction represents a unifying pathogenic mechanism of all PD
      cases remains a major unresolved question.

PMID- 22048002
TI  - Large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the lung metastatic to the shoulder joint,
      causing suprascapular nerve palsy.

PMID- 22048003
TI  - Emerging opioid abuse in terminal cancer patients taking oral transmucosal
      fentanyl citrate for breakthrough pain.

PMID- 22048004
TI  - Preferred and actual involvement of advanced lung cancer patients and their
      families in end-of-life decision making: a multicenter study in 13 hospitals in
      Flanders, Belgium.
AB  - CONTEXT: Death is often preceded by medical decisions that potentially shorten
      life (end-of-life decisions [ELDs]), for example, the decision to withhold or
      withdraw treatment. Respect for patient autonomy requires physicians to involve
      their patients in this decision making. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study
      was to examine the involvement of advanced lung cancer patients and their
      families in ELD making and compare their actual involvement with their previously
      stated preferences for involvement. METHODS: Patients with Stage IIIb/IV non
      small cell lung cancer were recruited by physicians in 13 hospitals and regularly
      interviewed between diagnosis and death. When the patient died, the specialist
      and general practitioner were asked to fill in a questionnaire. RESULTS: Eighty
      five patients who died within 18 months of diagnosis were studied. An ELD was
      made in 52 cases (61%). According to the treating physician, half of the
      competent patients were not involved in the ELD making, one-quarter shared the
      decision with the physician, and one-quarter made the decision themselves. In the
      incompetent patients, family was involved in half of cases. Half of the competent
      patients were involved less than they had previously preferred, and 7% were more
      involved. Almost all of the incompetent patients had previously stated that they
      wanted their family involved in case of incompetence, but half did not achieve
      this. CONCLUSION: In half of the cases, advanced lung cancer patients-or their
      families in cases of incompetence-were not involved in ELD making, despite the
      wishes of most of them. Physicians should openly discuss ELDs and involvement
      preferences with their advanced lung cancer patients.

PMID- 22048005
TI  - Determining tamoxifen sensitivity using primary breast cancer tissue in collagen
      based three-dimensional culture.
AB  - We developed a three-dimensional assay prepared from primary breast cancer tissue
      and quantified tumor response to tamoxifen therapy. Freshly harvested breast
      cancer biopsies obtained at the time of curative surgical resection were
      fragmented and embedded into collagen I cushions. Changes in proliferation,
      apoptosis and tumor volume in response to tamoxifen treatment were quantified
      using image analysis software and optical projection tomography. Individual and
      collective invasion of epithelial cells into the surrounding collagen I was
      observed over the course of the experiment using phase contrast light microscopy
      and histopathological methods. Addition of tamoxifen to preparations derived from
      ER+ tumors demonstrated a range of response as measured by proliferative and
      apoptotic markers. In keeping with published data, tamoxifen reduced the
      percentage of apoptotic cells expressing cleaved caspase-3 (p = 0.02, Poisson
      regression analysis). Tamoxifen also reduced residual epithelial volume in ER+
      tumors (p = 0.001, Mann-Whitney test), but not in ER low/- tumors (p = 0.78).
      Changes in tumor volume, as measured by optical projection tomography, allowed
      stratification into responsive and non-responsive tumors. The model mirrors
      observations of breast cancer response and histopathological changes to tamoxifen
      in neo-adjuvant trials. This assay provides a method of screening a battery of
      therapeutics against individual cancers, informing subsequent design of neo
      adjuvant trials.

PMID- 22048006
TI  - Precipitation of nanohydroxyapatite on PLLA/PBLG/Collagen nanofibrous structures
      for the differentiation of adipose derived stem cells to osteogenic lineage.
AB  - Tissue engineering and nanotechnology have enabled engineering of nanostructured
      materials to meet the current challenges in bone treatment owing to rising
      occurrence of bone diseases, accidental damages and defects. Poly(L-lactic
      acid)/Poly-benzyl-L-glutamate/Collagen (PLLA/PBLG/Col) scaffolds were fabricated
      by electrospinning and nanohydroxyapatite (n-HA) was deposited by calcium
      phosphate dipping method for bone tissue engineering (BTE). The abundance and
      accessibility of adipose derived stem cells (ADSC) may prove to be novel cell
      therapeutics for bone repair and regeneration. ADSCs were cultured on these
      scaffolds and were induced to undergo osteogenic differentiation in the presence
      of PBLG/n-HA for BTE. The cell-biomaterial interactions were analyzed using cell
      proliferation, SEM and CMFDA dye extraction techniques. Osteogenic
      differentiation of ADSC was confirmed using alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP),
      mineralization (ARS) and dual immunofluorescent staining using both ADSC marker
      protein and Osteocalcin, which is a bone specific protein. The utmost
      significance of this study is the bioactive PBLG/n-HA biomolecule introduced on
      the polymeric nanofibers to regulate and improve specific biological functions
      like adhesion, proliferation and differentiation of ADSC into osteogenic lineage.
      This was evident from the immunostaining and CMFDA images of ADSCs showing
      cuboidal morphology, characteristic of osteogenic lineage. The observed results
      proved that the PLLA/PBLG/Col/n-HA scaffolds promoted greater osteogenic
      differentiation of ADSC as evident from the enzyme activity and mineralization
      profiles for bone tissue engineering.

PMID- 22048007
TI  - Controlling the migration behaviors of vascular smooth muscle cells by methoxy
      poly(ethylene glycol) brushes of different molecular weight and density.
AB  - Cell migration is an important biological activity. Regulating the migration of
      vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) is critical in tissue engineering and
      therapy of cardiovascular disease. In this work, methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)
      (mPEG) brushes of different molecular weight (Mw 2 kDa, 5 kDa and 10 kDa) and
      grafting mass (0-859 ng/cm(2)) were prepared on aldehyde-activated glass slides,
      and were characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS) and quartz
      crystal microbalance with dissipation (QCM-d). Adhesion and migration processes
      of VSMCs were studied as a function of different mPEG Mw and grafting density. We
      found that these events were mainly regulated by the grafting mass of mPEG
      regardless of mPEG Mw and grafting density. The VSMCs migrated on the surfaces
      randomly without a preferential direction. Their migration rates increased
      initially and then decreased along with the increase of mPEG grafting mass. The
      fastest rates (~24 MUm/h) appeared on the mPEG brushes with grafting mass of 300
      500 ng/cm(2) depending on the Mw. Cell adhesion strength, arrangement of
      cytoskeleton, and gene and protein expression levels of adhesion related proteins
      were studied to unveil the intrinsic mechanism. It was found that the cell
      substrate interaction controlled the cell mobility, and the highest migration
      rate was achieved on the surfaces with appropriate adhesion force.

PMID- 22048008
TI  - Co-delivery of pEGFP-hTRAIL and paclitaxel to brain glioma mediated by an
      angiopep-conjugated liposome.
AB  - In this study, we report an angiopep-2 modified cationic liposome (ANG-CLP) for
      the efficient co-delivery of a therapeutic gene encoding the human tumour
      necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (pEGFP-hTRAIL) and paclitaxel
      (PTX) to glioma. The dual targeting co-delivery system (ANG-CLP/PTX/pEGFP-hTRAIL)
      improved uptake and gene expression not only in U87 MG cells and BCECs, but also
      in the glioma bed and infiltrating margin of intracranial U87 MG glioma-bearing
      models. The system selectively induces apoptosis in U87 MG cells while reducing
      toxicity to BCECs. The results of the pharmacodynamics studies showed that the
      apoptosis of glioma cells in in vitro BBB models and in U87 MG glioma-bearing
      mice induced by ANG-CLP/PTX/pEGFP-hTRAIL was more apparent and widespread than
      that induced by single medication systems and unmodified co-delivery system. More
      importantly, the median survival time of brain tumour-bearing mice treated with
      ANG-CLP/PTX/pEGFP-hTRAIL was 69.5 days, significantly longer than that of other
      groups, even longer than the commercial temozolomide group (47 days). Therefore,
      the dual targeting co-delivery system is a promising drug delivery strategy
      against glioma.

PMID- 22048009
TI  - Dendrimer-based targeted intravitreal therapy for sustained attenuation of
      neuroinflammation in retinal degeneration.
AB  - Retinal neuroinflammation, mediated by activated microglia, plays a key role in
      the pathogenesis of photoreceptor and retinal pigment epithelial cell loss in age
      related macular degeneration and retinitis pigmentosa. Targeted drug therapy for
      attenuation of neuroinflammation in the retina was explored using hydroxyl
      terminated polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer-drug conjugate nanodevices. We show
      that, upon intravitreal administration, PAMAM dendrimers selectively localize
      within activated outer retinal microglia in two rat models of retinal
      degeneration, but not in the retina of healthy controls. This pathology-dependent
      biodistribution was exploited for drug delivery, by covalently conjugating
      fluocinolone acetonide to the dendrimer. The conjugate released the drug in a
      sustained manner over 90 days. In vivo efficacy was assessed using the Royal
      College of Surgeons (RCS) rat retinal degeneration model over a four-week period
      when peak retinal degeneration occurs. One intravitreal injection of 1 MUg of FA
      conjugated to 7 MUg of the dendrimer was able to arrest retinal degeneration,
      preserve photoreceptor outer nuclear cell counts, and attenuate activated
      microglia, for an entire month. These studies suggest that PAMAM dendrimers (with
      no targeting ligands) have an intrinsic ability to selectively localize in
      activated microglia, and can deliver drugs inside these cells for a sustained
      period for the treatment of retinal neuroinflammation.

PMID- 22048010
TI  - A cysteine-selective fluorescent probe for the cellular detection of cysteine.
AB  - A series of coumarin fluorophores (1-3), each bearing a double bond conjugated
      quinoline unit that can undergo a Michael-type reaction with thiol-containing
      compounds, is reported. These systems, designed to provide so-called turn-on
      changes in fluorescence response when exposed to thiols, act as fluorescent
      chemical sensors for cysteine (Cys), homocysteine (Hcy), and glutathione (GSH).
      In the case of 1, selectivity for Cys over Hcy and GSH is observed, both in terms
      of analyte-induced signal enhancement and response time. On the basis of
      fluorescence spectroscopic analyses, DFT calculations, and pH dependent studies
      this substrate selectivity is ascribed to steric interactions between the
      substituents on the quinolone units present in 1 and the targeted thiols, as well
      as to the comparatively lower pK(a) value of Cys relative to Hcy and GSH. In
      aqueous solution, probe 1 was found capable of detecting Cys with a detection
      limit of 10(-7) m. This system was successfully applied to the fluorescence
      imaging of intracellular Cys in HepG2 cells.

PMID- 22048011
TI  - Additive effects of elevated C-reactive protein and exposure to Herpes Simplex
      Virus type 1 on cognitive impairment in individuals with schizophrenia.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We investigated the effect of elevated levels of C-reactive protein
      (CRP) and exposure to Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) on the severity of
      cognitive impairment in individuals with schizophrenia. METHODS: We measured the
      levels of CRP and of antibodies to HSV-1 in serum samples from 588 individuals
      with schizophrenia by enzyme immunoassay tests. Cognitive functioning was
      measured with the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological
      Status (RBANS) and psychiatric symptoms with the Positive and Negative Syndrome
      Scale (PANSS). The effects of HSV1 and CRP on cognitive functioning were analyzed
      with linear and logistic regression analyses adjusting for demographic and
      clinical variables. RESULTS: The individuals with elevated CRP levels and HSV-1
      seropositivity had lower RBANS cognitive scores. The strongest effect was found
      in individuals who had both serological evidence of HSV-1 exposure and elevated
      levels of CRP. These individuals had odds of 2.35 to have an RBANS Total
      score<=60 as compared to individuals who were HSV-1 seronegative and who did not
      have elevated levels of CRP (p=.002). The risks of decreased cognitive
      functioning associated with HSV-1 exposure and elevated levels of CRP were
      independent and additive. There was no effect of HSV-1 exposure and CRP levels on
      the severity of symptoms as measured by the PANSS (all p>.5). CONCLUSIONS:
      Elevated levels of CRP and exposure to HSV-1 are associated with the severity of
      cognitive impairment in schizophrenia. These findings indicate that infection and
      inflammation may play a major role in the cognitive deficits associated with
      schizophrenia.

PMID- 22048012
TI  - Prevalence and incidence of diagnosed endometriosis and risk of endometriosis in
      patients with endometriosis-related symptoms: findings from a statutory health
      insurance-based cohort in Germany.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objectives were: (a) to determine the administrative prevalence
      and incidence of endometriosis and (b) to assess the risk of endometriosis
      associated with endometriosis-related symptoms. STUDY DESIGN: The study is based
      on inpatient and outpatient data from a statutory health insurance fund in
      Germany. For prevalence and incidence definition 62,323 women aged 15-54
      continuously insured in 2007 were identified. The prevalence and incidence of
      endometriosis in 2007 were calculated standardized to the age distribution in
      Germany. In a further prospective cohort study based within the health insurance
      sample 2095 patients with endometriosis-related symptoms and 8380 age-matched
      asymptomatic controls were identified. Endometriosis follow-up was from 2004 to
      2008. Cox proportional hazard regression was used to examine the risk of
      endometriosis associated with endometriosis-related symptoms, such as pelvic
      pain, dysmenorrhoea, dyspareunia, menorrhagia, post-coital bleeding, inter
      menstrual pain and ovarian cysts. Relative risks (RR) and 95% confidence
      intervals (CI) were calculated. RESULTS: Standardized prevalence and incidence
      rates were 8.1 and 3.5 per 1000 women, respectively. The highest prevalence was
      observed in women aged 35-44 with 12.8 per 1000 women. Median follow-up was 4.5
      years. Risk of endometriosis associated with endometriosis-related symptomatology
      was RR (95% CI)=4.95 (3.67-6.68); 4.5% of all symptomatic women were diagnosed
      with endometriosis in a median follow-up of 4.5 years. The highest risk was
      observed in women aged 35-44 [RR (95% CI)=6.29 (4.00-9.90)] with 7.6% of all
      symptomatic women receiving a diagnosis of endometriosis during the follow-up.
      CONCLUSION: Prevalence estimates based on population-based administrative data
      were lower than described in the literature. Risk of endometriosis was increased
      in women with endometriosis-related symptoms. However, those symptoms were of
      limited predictive value for endometriosis as only a small proportion of
      symptomatic patients were diagnosed with endometriosis in the follow-up.

PMID- 22048013
TI  - Implementation of a Web-based system to improve the transitional care of older
      adults.
AB  - We constructed a bidirectional Web-based system to transmit critical patient
      information in real time between referring nursing homes and a university
      hospital emergency department (ED) to facilitate the care of patients referred to
      our ED. Our model was inexpensive, improved measures of information transfer, and
      increased provider satisfaction.

PMID- 22048014
TI  - Metastatic endometrial endometrioid carcinoma with clear cell changes to the
      breast: a case report.
AB  - Metastasis to breast from extramammary tissue is rare, and endometrial cancer has
      rarely been reported to metastasize to the breast. An extensive search in the
      medical literature reveals only 2 cases. They can be easily mistaken for primary
      breast carcinoma both clinically and radiologically, even with known history of
      endometrial carcinoma. This report presents a case of a 64-year-old woman who had
      endometrial carcinoma treated with total hysterectomy and adjuvant radiation and
      chemotherapy. Three years after the diagnosis, she had evidence of a solitary
      breast metastasis. To our knowledge, this is the third described case of
      endometrial cancer metastatic to the breast and the first in which the
      endometrial carcinoma demonstrates significant clear cell changes. This report is
      a reminder that although rare, endometrial carcinoma has the potential to
      metastasize to breast and illustrates how metastatic lesions in the breast can
      masquerade clinically as a primary carcinoma. Furthermore, essential guidelines
      necessary to distinguish primary from metastatic lesions in the breast are
      presented.

PMID- 22048015
TI  - Electron donor availability for microbial reductive processes following thermal
      treatment.
AB  - Thermal treatment is capable of removing significant free-phase chlorinated
      solvent mass while potentially enhancing bioremediation effectiveness by
      establishing temperature gradients in the perimeter of the source zone and by
      increasing electron donor availability. The objectives of this study were to
      determine the potential for enhanced reductive dechlorination activity at the
      intermediate temperatures that establish in the perimeter of the heated source
      zone, and to evaluate the effect of electron donor competition on the performance
      of the microbial reductive dechlorination process. Microcosms, constructed with
      tetrachloroethene- (PCE-) and trichloroethene- (TCE-) impacted soils from the
      Great Lakes, IL, and Ft. Lewis, WA, sites were incubated at temperatures of 24,
      35, 50, 70, and 95  degrees C for 4 months. Reductive dechlorination did not
      occur in microcosms incubated at temperatures above 24  degrees C even though
      mesophilic PCE-to-cis-1,2-dichloroethene dechlorinators were present in Ft. Lewis
      soil suggesting electron donor limitations. Five days after cooling the
      microcosms to 24  degrees C and bioaugmentation with the methanogenic, PCE-to
      ethene-dechlorinating consortium OW, at least 85% of the initial PCE and TCE were
      dechlorinated, but dechlorination ceased prior to complete conversion to ethene.
      Subsequent biostimulation with hydrogen gas mitigated the dechlorination stall,
      and conversion to ethene resumed. The results of this study demonstrated that
      temperatures >35  degrees C inhibit reductive dechlorination activity at the
      Great Lakes and Ft. Lewis sites, and that the majority of reducing equivalents
      released from the soil matrix during heat treatment are consumed in
      methanogenesis rather than reductive dechlorination. These observations suggest
      that bioaugmenting thermal treatment sites with cultures that do not contain
      methanogens may allow practitioners to realize enhanced dechlorination activity,
      a potential benefit of coupling thermal treatment with bioremediation.

PMID- 22048016
TI  - Assessment of total uncertainty in cocaine and benzoylecgonine wastewater load
      measurements.
AB  - To check the effectiveness of campaigns preventing drug abuse or indicating local
      effects of efforts against drug trafficking, it is beneficial to know consumed
      amounts of substances in a high spatial and temporal resolution. The analysis of
      drugs of abuse in wastewater (WW) has the potential to provide this information.
      In this study, the reliability of WW drug consumption estimates is assessed and a
      novel method presented to calculate the total uncertainty in observed WW cocaine
      (COC) and benzoylecgonine (BE) loads. Specifically, uncertainties resulting from
      discharge measurements, chemical analysis and the applied sampling scheme were
      addressed and three approaches presented. These consist of (i) a generic model
      based procedure to investigate the influence of the sampling scheme on the
      uncertainty of observed or expected drug loads, (ii) a comparative analysis of
      two analytical methods (high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass
      spectrometry and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry), including an extended
      cross-validation by influent profiling over several days, and (iii) monitoring
      COC and BE concentrations in WW of the largest Swiss sewage treatment plants. In
      addition, the COC and BE loads observed in the sewage treatment plant of the city
      of Berne were used to back-calculate the COC consumption. The estimated mean
      daily consumed amount was 107 +/- 21 g of pure COC, corresponding to 321 g of
      street-grade COC.

PMID- 22048017
TI  - Waterborne transmission of protozoan parasites: review of worldwide outbreaks -
      an update 2004-2010.
AB  - The present update gives a comprehensive review of worldwide waterborne parasitic
      protozoan outbreaks that occurred and were published globally between January
      2004 and December 2010. At least one hundred and ninety-nine outbreaks of human
      diseases due to the waterborne transmission of parasitic protozoa occurred and
      were reported during the time period from 2004 to 2010. 46.7% of the documented
      outbreaks occurred on the Australian continent, 30.6% in North America and 16.5%
      in Europe. Cryptosporidium spp. was the etiological agent in 60.3% (120) of the
      outbreaks, Giardia lamblia in 35.2% (70) and other protozoa in 4.5% (9). Four
      outbreaks (2%) were caused by Toxoplasma gondii, three (1.5%) by Cyclospora
      cayetanensis. In two outbreaks (1%) Acanthamoeba spp. was identified as the
      causative agent. In one outbreak, G. lamblia (in 17.6% of stool samples) and
      Cryptosporidium parvum (in 2.7% of stool samples) as well as Entamoeba
      histolytica (in 9.4% of stool samples) and Blastocystis hominis (in 8.1% of stool
      samples) were detected. In those countries that are likely affected most a lack
      of surveillance systems is noticeable. However, countries that established
      surveillance systems did not establish an international standardization of
      reporting systems.

PMID- 22048018
TI  - Modelling the photochemical fate of ibuprofen in surface waters.
AB  - We show that the main photochemical processes involved in the phototransformation
      of anionic ibuprofen (IBP) in surface waters are the reaction with (*)OH, the
      direct photolysis and possibly the reaction with the triplet states of
      chromophoric dissolved organic matter ((3)CDOM). These conclusions were derived
      by use of a model of surface water photochemistry, which adopted measured
      parameters of photochemical reactivity as input data. The relevant parameters are
      the polychromatic UVB photolysis quantum yield (Phi(IBP) = 0.33 +/- 0.05, MU+/
      sigma), the reaction rate constant with (*)OH (k(IBP,*OH)=(1.0 +/- 0.3)?10(10) M(
      1) s(-1)), the (1)O(2) rate constant (k(IBP,)( 1O2)= (6.0 +/- 0.6)?10(4) M(-1) s(
      1)), while the reaction with CO(3)(-*) can be neglected. We adopted anthraquinone
      2-sulphonate (AQ2S) and riboflavin (Ri) as CDOM proxies and the reaction rate
      constants with the respective triplet states were k(IBP,3AQ2S)=(9.7 +/-
      0.2)?10(9) M(-1) s(-1) and k(IBP,3Ri) = 4.5?10(7) M(-1) s(-1). The reaction with
      (3)CDOM can be an important IBP sink if its rate constant is comparable to that
      of (3)AQ2S, while it is unimportant if the rate constant is similar to the (3)Ri*
      one. The photochemical pathways mainly lead to the transformation (oxidation
      and/or shortening) of the propanoic lateral chain of IBP, which appears to be
      significantly more reactive than the isobutyl one. Interestingly, none of the
      detected intermediates was produced by substitution on the aromatic ring.

PMID- 22048019
TI  - Recycling algae to improve species control and harvest efficiency from a high
      rate algal pond.
AB  - This paper investigates the influence of recycling gravity harvested algae on
      species dominance and harvest efficiency in wastewater treatment High Rate Algal
      Ponds (HRAP). Two identical pilot-scale HRAPs were operated over one year either
      with (HRAP(r)) or without (HRAP(c)) harvested algal biomass recycling. Algae were
      harvested from the HRAP effluent in algal settling cones (ASCs) and harvest
      efficiency was compared to settlability in Imhoff cones five times a week. A
      microscopic image analysis technique was developed to determine relative algal
      dominance based on biovolume and was conducted once a month. Recycling of
      harvested algal biomass back to the HRAP(r) maintained the dominance of a single
      readily settleable algal species (Pediastrum sp.) at >90% over one year (compared
      to the control with only 53%). Increased dominance of Pediastrum sp. greatly
      improved the efficiency of algal harvest (annual average of >85% harvest for the
      HRAP(r) compared with ~60% for the control). Imhoff cone experiments demonstrated
      that algal settleability was influenced by both the dominance of Pediastrum sp.
      and the species composition of remaining algae. Algal biomass recycling increased
      the average size of Pediastrum sp. colonies by 13-30% by increasing mean cell
      residence time. These results indicate that recycling gravity harvested algae
      could be a simple and effective operational strategy to maintain the dominance of
      readily settleable algal species, and enhance algal harvest by gravity
      sedimentation.

PMID- 22048020
TI  - Reconnaissance of selected PPCP compounds in Costa Rican surface waters.
AB  - Eighty-six water samples were collected in early 2009 from Costa Rican surface
      water and coastal locations for the analysis of 34 pharmaceutical and personal
      care product compounds (PPCPs). Sampling sites included areas receiving treated
      and untreated wastewaters, and urban and rural runoff. PPCPs were analyzed using
      a combination of solid phase extraction and liquid chromatography tandem mass
      spectrometry. The five most frequently detected compounds were doxycycline (77%),
      sulfadimethoxine (43%), salicylic acid (41%), triclosan (34%) and caffeine (29%).
      Caffeine had the maximum concentration of 1.1 mg L(-1), possibly due to coffee
      bean production facilities upstream. Other compounds found in high concentrations
      include: doxycycline (74 MUg L(-1)), ibuprofen (37 MUg L(-1)), gemfibrozil (17
      MUg L(-1)), acetominophen (13 MUg L(-1)) and ketoprofen (10 MUg L(-1)). The
      wastewater effluent collected from an oxidation pond had similar detection and
      concentrations of compounds compared to other studies reported in the literature.
      Waters receiving runoff from a nearby hospital showed higher concentrations than
      other areas for many PPCPs. Both caffeine and carbamazepine were found in low
      frequency compared to other studies, likely due to enhanced degradation and low
      usage, respectively. Overall concentrations of PPCPs in surface waters of Costa
      Rica are inline with currently reported occurrence data from around the world,
      with the exception of doxycycline.

PMID- 22048021
TI  - Linkage disequilibrium under recurrent bottlenecks.
AB  - To model deviations from selectively neutral genetic variation caused by
      different forms of selection, it is necessary to first understand patterns of
      neutral variation. Best understood is neutral genetic variation at a single
      locus. But, as is well known, additional insights can be gained by investigating
      multiple loci. The resulting patterns reflect the degree of association (linkage)
      between loci and provide information about the underlying multilocus gene
      genealogies. The statistical properties of two-locus gene genealogies have been
      intensively studied for populations of constant size, as well as for simple
      demographic histories such as exponential population growth and single
      bottlenecks. By contrast, the combined effect of recombination and sustained
      demographic fluctuations is poorly understood. Addressing this issue, we study a
      two-locus Wright-Fisher model of a population subject to recurrent bottlenecks.
      We derive coalescent approximations for the covariance of the times to the most
      recent common ancestor at two loci in samples of two chromosomes. This covariance
      reflects the degree of association and thus linkage disequilibrium between these
      loci. We find, first, that an effective population-size approximation describes
      the numerically observed association between two loci provided that recombination
      occurs either much faster or much more slowly than the population-size
      fluctuations. Second, when recombination occurs frequently between but rarely
      within bottlenecks, we observe that the association of gene histories becomes
      independent of physical distance over a certain range of distances. Third, we
      show that in this case, a commonly used measure of linkage disequilibrium,
      sigma(2)(d) (closely related to r(2)), fails to capture the long-range
      association between two loci. The reason is that constituent terms, each
      reflecting the long-range association, cancel. Fourth, we analyze a limiting case
      in which the long-range association can be described in terms of a Xi coalescent
      allowing for simultaneous multiple mergers of ancestral lines.

PMID- 22048022
TI  - Diverse tumor pathology due to distinctive patterns of JAK/STAT pathway
      activation caused by different Drosophila polyhomeotic alleles.
AB  - Drosophila polyhomeotic (ph) is one of the important polycomb group genes that is
      linked to human cancer. In the mosaic eye imaginal discs, while ph(del), a null
      allele, causes only non-autonomous overgrowth, ph(505), a hypomorphic allele,
      causes both autonomous and non-autonomous overgrowth. These allele-specific
      phenotypes stem from the different sensitivities of ph mutant cells to the Upd
      homologs that they secrete.

PMID- 22048023
TI  - dSet1 is the main H3K4 di- and tri-methyltransferase throughout Drosophila
      development.
AB  - In eukaryotes, the post-translational addition of methyl groups to histone H3
      lysine 4 (H3K4) plays key roles in maintenance and establishment of appropriate
      gene expression patterns and chromatin states. We report here that an essential
      locus within chromosome 3L centric heterochromatin encodes the previously
      uncharacterized Drosophila melanogaster ortholog (dSet1, CG40351) of the Set1
      H3K4 histone methyltransferase (HMT). Our results suggest that dSet1 acts as a
      "global" or general H3K4 di- and trimethyl HMT in Drosophila. Levels of H3K4 di-
      and trimethylation are significantly reduced in dSet1 mutants during late larval
      and post-larval stages, but not in animals carrying mutations in genes encoding
      other well-characterized H3K4 HMTs such as trr, trx, and ash1. The latter results
      suggest that Trr, Trx, and Ash1 may play more specific roles in regulating key
      cellular targets and pathways and/or act as global H3K4 HMTs earlier in
      development. In yeast and mammalian cells, the HMT activity of Set1 proteins is
      mediated through an evolutionarily conserved protein complex known as Complex of
      Proteins Associated with Set1 (COMPASS). We present biochemical evidence that
      dSet1 interacts with members of a putative Drosophila COMPASS complex and genetic
      evidence that these members are functionally required for H3K4 methylation. Taken
      together, our results suggest that dSet1 is responsible for the bulk of H3K4 di-
      and trimethylation throughout Drosophila development, thus providing a model
      system for better understanding the requirements for and functions of these
      modifications in metazoans.

PMID- 22048024
TI  - A protosilencer of subtelomeric gene expression in Candida glabrata with unique
      properties.
AB  - Adherence to host cells is an important step in the pathogenicity of the
      opportunistic fungal pathogen Candida glabrata. This adherence is mediated by
      some members of the large family of cell wall proteins encoded by the EPA
      (Epithelial Adhesin) genes present in the C. glabrata genome. The majority of the
      EPA genes are localized close to different telomeres in C. glabrata, resulting in
      a negative regulation of transcription of these genes through chromatin-based
      subtelomeric silencing. In vitro, adherence to epithelial cells is mainly
      mediated by Epa1, the only member of the EPA family that is expressed in vitro.
      EPA1 forms a cluster with EPA2 and EPA3 at the subtelomeric region of telomere E(
      R). EPA2 and EPA3 are subject to silencing that propagates from this telomere in
      a process that depends on the Sir2, -3, -4, and Rif1 proteins, but surprisingly
      not on the yKu70 and yKu80 proteins. Here we describe that the yKu70/yKu80
      independent silencing of telomere E(-R) is due to the presence of a cis-acting
      protosilencer (Sil2126) located between EPA3 and the telomere. This element can
      silence a reporter gene when placed 31.9 kb away from this telomere, but not when
      it is removed from the telomere context, or when it is placed near other
      telomeres, or inverted with respect to the reporter. Importantly, we show that
      the cis-acting Sil2126 element is required for the yKu70/80-independent silencing
      of this telomere, underscoring the importance of cis-elements for repressive
      chromatin formation and spreading on some telomeres in C. glabrata.

PMID- 22048025
TI  - RNA meets disease in paradise.
AB  - Getting off the train in Jena-Paradies, 60 participants joined for the 12 (th) 
      Young Scientist Meeting of the German Society for Cell Biology (DGZ) entitled
      "RNA & Disease". Excellent speakers from around the world, graduate students,
      postdocs and young group leaders enjoyed a meeting in a familiar atmosphere to
      exchange inspiring new data and vibrant scientific discussions about the
      fascinating history and exciting future of non-coding RNA research including
      microRNA, piRNA and long non-coding RNA as well as their function in cancer,
      diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases.

PMID- 22048026
TI  - Micro RNA -214,-150,-146a and-125b target Huntingtin gene.
AB  - We observed earlier that expressions of several micro RNAs (miRNAs) are altered
      in a cell model of Huntington's disease (HD). As genes involved in different
      neurodegenerative diseases are targeted by miRNAs, we searched databases to find
      out whether Huntingtin gene (HTT), mutation to which causes HD, is a target of
      any miRNA. Among many miRNAs that are predicted to target HTT, we showed using
      various experimental approaches that miR-214, miR-150, miR-146a and miR-125b
      could target both human HTT and mouse Htt. Luciferase reporter vectors containing
      3'-UTRs of mouse and human HTT showed reduction in relative luciferase activities
      on exogenous expression of cloned miRNAs.  Loss of function studies with miRNA
      inhibitors led to the revival of luciferase activities of cloned 3'-UTR of HTT. 
      Exogenous expression of these miRNAs reduced the expression of endogenous Htt in
      mouse cells. Expression of miRNAs with mutations at seed sequences neither
      reduced the reporter luciferase activities nor the endogenous expression of Htt.
      Taking together, we showed that miR-214, miR-150, miR-146a and miR-125b targeted
      HTT. Besides, the exogenous expression of wild type miRNAs reduced HTT aggregates
      formed by the recombinant exon1 of HTT gene that codes for 83Q tagged with 3'-UTR
      of Htt, as observed by filter retardation assay and confocal microscopy. In
      summary, regulation of HTT by miRNAs might provide a new mechanism for the
      modulation of HD. 

PMID- 22048027
TI  - The National Cancer Survivorship Initiative: new and emerging evidence on the
      ongoing needs of cancer survivors.

PMID- 22048028
TI  - The health and well-being of cancer survivors in the UK: findings from a
      population-based survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To compare self-reported health and well-being in a sample of cancer
      survivors with individuals who have not had cancer and with individuals who have
      a serious chronic condition other than cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cross
      sectional survey drawn from an online panel of 400,000 UK citizens supplemented
      with other online recruitment and telephone recruitment. The participants were
      4892 individuals 30 years of age or above, including 780 individuals with a
      previous cancer diagnosis, 1372 individuals with one or more of 10 chronic
      conditions but not cancer and 2740 individuals without a previous cancer
      diagnosis or chronic condition. Thirteen measures of health and well-being were
      constructed from answers to 25 survey items covering physical, psychological and
      social dimensions of health and well-being. RESULTS: Cancer survivors were
      significantly more likely to report poor health outcomes across all 13 measures
      than those with no history of cancer or a chronic condition. The adjusted odds
      ratios for cancer survivors with no chronic conditions compared with healthy
      participants ranged from 1.37 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.31-1.96) for
      emotional well-being to 3.34 (95% CI: 2.74-4.08) for number of health
      professionals consulted in the last 12 months. The health profile of cancer
      survivors was similar to those with a history of a serious chronic health
      condition. CONCLUSIONS: A substantial number of individuals who have had a
      diagnosis of cancer experience ongoing poor health and well-being following
      cancer and cancer treatment. The results of this study provide an initial basis
      for the development of specific help and support for cancer survivors.

PMID- 22048029
TI  - Recovery and self-management support following primary cancer treatment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Around 2 million people are living with or beyond cancer in the UK.
      However, experiences and needs following primary treatment are relatively
      neglected. Following treatment, survivors may feel particularly vulnerable and
      face threats to their identity. We present a conceptual framework to inform areas
      of self-management support to facilitate recovery of health and well-being
      following primary cancer treatment. METHODS: To explain the framework, we draw on
      data from two studies: UK-wide consultation about cancer patients' research
      priorities and survivors' self-management in the year following primary cancer
      treatment. RESULTS: Self-confidence may be low following treatment. Recovery
      includes rebuilding lost confidence. Support to manage the impact of cancer on
      everyday life was a priority. Self-management support included health
      professionals, peers, employers, family, friends and online resources. However,
      support was not always available and confidence to access support could be low.
      CONCLUSION: Cancer survivors may struggle to self-manage following primary
      treatment where confidence is low or support is lacking. Low confidence may be a
      significant barrier to accessing support. Supporting recovery of self-confidence
      is an important aspect of recovery alongside physical and psychosocial problems
      in the context of changing health care and cancer follow-up.

PMID- 22048030
TI  - Long-term health outcomes in a British cohort of breast, colorectal and prostate
      cancer survivors: a database study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The community-based incidence of cancer treatment-related long-term
      consequences is uncertain. We sought to establish the burden of health outcomes
      that have been associated with treatment among British long-term cancer
      survivors. METHODS: We identified 26,213 adults from the General Practice
      Research Database who have survived 5 years or more following breast, colorectal
      or prostate cancer. Four age-, sex- and general practice-matched non-cancer
      controls were selected for each survivor. We considered the incidence of
      treatment-associated health outcomes using Cox proportional hazards models.
      RESULTS: Breast cancer survivors had an elevated incidence of heart failure
      (hazards ratio (HR) 1.95, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.27-3.01), coronary
      artery disease (HR 1.27, 95% CI 1.11-1.44), hypothyroidism (HR 1.26, 95% CI 1.02
      1.56) and osteoporosis (HR 1.26, 95% CI 1.13-1.40). Among colorectal cancer
      survivors, there was increased incidence of dementia (HR 1.68, 95% CI 1.20-2.35),
      diabetes (HR 1.39, 95% CI 1.12-1.72) and osteoporosis (HR 1.41, 95% CI 1.15
      1.73). Prostate cancer survivors had the highest risk of osteoporosis (HR 2.49,
      95% CI 1.93-3.22). CONCLUSIONS: The study confirms the occurrence of increased
      incidence of chronic illnesses in long-term cancer survivors attributable to
      underlying lifestyle and/or cancer treatments. Although the absolute risk of the
      majority of late effects in the cancer survivors cohort is low, identifying prior
      risk of osteoporosis by bone mineral density scanning for prostate survivors
      should be considered. There is an urgent need to improve primary care recording
      of cancer treatment.

PMID- 22048031
TI  - A person-time analysis of hospital activity among cancer survivors in England.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are around 2 million cancer survivors in the UK. This study
      describes the inpatient and day case hospital activity among the population of
      cancer survivors in England. This is one measure of the burden of cancer on the
      individual and the health service. METHODS: The national cancer registry data set
      for England (1990-2006) is linked to the NHS Hospital Episode Statistics (HES)
      database. Cohorts of survivors were defined as those people recorded in the
      cancer registry data with a diagnosis of breast, colorectal, lung or prostate
      cancer before 2007. The person-time of prevalence in 2006 for each cohort of
      survivors was calculated according to the cancer type, sex, age and time since
      diagnosis. The corresponding HES episodes of care in 2006 were used to calculate
      the person-time of admitted hospital care for each cohort of survivors. The
      average proportion of time spent in hospital by survivors in each cohort was
      calculated as the summed person-time of hospital activity divided by the summed
      person-time of prevalence. The analysis was conducted separately for cancer
      related episodes and non-cancer-related episodes. RESULTS: Lung cancer survivors
      had the highest intensity of cancer-related hospital activity. For all cancers,
      cancer-related hospital activity was highest in the first year following
      diagnosis. Breast and prostate cancer survivors had peaks of cancer-related
      hospital activity in the relatively young and relatively old age groups. The
      proportion of time spent in hospital for non-cancer-related care was much lower
      than that for cancer-related care and increased gradually with age but was
      generally constant regardless of time since diagnosis. CONCLUSION: The person
      time approach used in this study is more revealing than a simple enumeration of
      cancer survivors and hospital admissions. Hospital activity among cancer
      survivors is highest soon after diagnosis. The effect of age on the amount of
      hospital activity is different for each type of cancer.

PMID- 22048032
TI  - A qualitative study of unmet needs and interactions with primary care among
      cancer survivors.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Despite increasing numbers, there is little research investigating
      the long-term needs of cancer survivors. The aim of this study is to explore the
      experiences of individuals who have survived at least 5 years following a cancer
      diagnosis, and to describe perceived unmet needs and interactions with primary
      care. METHODS: Forty long-term survivors of breast, colorectal and prostate
      cancer were purposively selected for an in-depth qualitative study. We aimed for
      a maximum variation sample according to cancer site, gender, time since
      diagnosis, cancer needs, anxiety and depression. Interviews were audio recorded
      and transcribed verbatim. Transcripts were coded thematically using a grounded
      theory approach. RESULTS: Analysis of the interview data is presented in four
      subthemes: the role they perceived for the general practitioner (GP), unmet
      needs, reasons for not using primary care for needs they perceived as cancer
      related, and ongoing care for cancer-related issues. The majority of cancer
      survivors did not see a role for their GP in their long-term care related to
      their cancer diagnosis as most considered that they did not need active follow
      up, but some expressed a need for psychological services and information on
      possible long-term effects. Cancer survivors cited three main reasons for not
      using GP services in relation to their cancer diagnosis: GPs were seen as non
      experts in cancer; they were perceived as too busy; and a lack of continuity
      within primary care made it difficult to talk about long-term issues. There was a
      wide variation in schedules and notification of PSA tests among the prostate
      cancer survivors. DISCUSSION: The results from this project suggest that some
      cancer survivors have specific emotional and physical needs that could benefit
      from input from their primary care team, but not all cancer survivors look to
      their GP for their long-term cancer-related care. Better information care
      planning is required from specialists in order to identify those who would
      benefit most.

PMID- 22048033
TI  - New pathways of care for cancer survivors: adding the numbers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Two million people in the UK had a cancer diagnosis at the end of
      2008. Understanding the number of people diagnosed with cancer with and without
      health needs is valuable information that can be used to inform service planning,
      treatment provision and support for people at the right time in the right place
      as demand grows over time. METHODS: Using available data and clinically led
      assumptions about patient need and outcomes, we make indicative estimates. We
      quantify, for three common cancers, the number of people in each of the five main
      identified phases of the cancer care pathway. RESULTS: Estimates are provided for
      each phase of the pathway for breast, colorectal and lung cancers. We estimate
      that there are nearly 575,000 women a year with breast cancer in the care pathway
      at some point in the year, 8% are in the rehabilitation phase and 4% in the
      progressive illness phase. This compares to nearly 270,000 with colorectal and
      around 95,000 with lung cancer. CONCLUSION: Using readily available data, we
      estimate the numbers of patients with different health needs. These numbers could
      inform the targeting of resources for service providers.

PMID- 22048034
TI  - The role of diet and physical activity in breast, colorectal, and prostate cancer
      survivorship: a review of the literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Evidence for the role of diet and physical activity in cancer
      incidence is well documented, but owing to increased cancer survivorship, an
      understanding of these lifestyle factors after a cancer diagnosis is of crucial
      importance. The purpose of this review was to update the literature in a review
      undertaken for the National Cancer Survivorship Initiative and to include
      observational studies that were not included in the WCRF survivorship systematic
      review. METHODS: Evidence was initially gathered from pre-defined searches of the
      Cochrane Library Database and PubMed from March 2006 to February 2010. After a
      comprehensive review regarding lifestyle and cancer, for the purpose of this
      article, any studies not related to diet and physical activity, prognostic
      outcomes, and breast, colorectal or prostate cancers were excluded. Another
      search of 2011 literature was conducted to update the evidence. RESULTS: A total
      of 43 records were included in this review. Evidence from observational studies
      suggests that a low-fat, high-fibre diet might be protective against cancer
      recurrence and progression. However, there is a paucity of RCTs substantiating
      this. There is more support for physical activity, with a dose response for
      better outcomes. When synthesized with findings from the World Cancer Research
      Fund review of RCTs investigating the effect of diet and physical activity
      interventions on cancer survival, evidence suggests that the mechanism of benefit
      from diet and physical activity pertains to body weight, with excess body weight
      being a risk factor, which is modifiable through lifestyle. IMPLICATIONS: Cancer
      survivors would like to have a more active role in their health care and to know
      how to look after themselves after diagnosis, including what diet and lifestyle
      changes they should make. The challenge is in integrating lifestyle support into
      standardised models of aftercare.

PMID- 22048035
TI  - Integrating cancer survivors' experiences into UK cancer registries: design and
      development of the ePOCS system (electronic Patient-reported Outcomes from Cancer
      Survivors).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Understanding the psychosocial challenges of cancer survivorship, and
      identifying which patients experience ongoing difficulties, is a key priority.
      The ePOCS (electronic patient-reported outcomes from cancer survivors) project
      aims to develop and evaluate a cost-efficient, UK-scalable electronic system for
      collecting patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), at regular post-diagnostic
      timepoints, and linking these with clinical data in cancer registries. METHODS: A
      multidisciplinary team developed the system using agile methods. Design entailed
      process mapping the system's constituent parts, data flows and involved human
      activities, and undertaking usability testing. Informatics specialists built new
      technical components, including a web-based questionnaire tool and tracking
      database, and established component-connecting data flows. Development challenges
      were overcome, including patient usability and data linkage and security.
      RESULTS: We have developed a system in which PROMs are completed online, using a
      secure questionnaire administration tool, accessed via a public-facing website,
      and the responses are linked and stored with clinical registry data. Patient
      monitoring and communications are semiautomated via a tracker database, and
      patient correspondence is primarily Email-based. The system is currently honed
      for clinician-led hospital-based patient recruitment. CONCLUSIONS: A feasibility
      test study is underway. Although there are possible challenges to sustaining and
      scaling up ePOCS, the system has potential to support UK epidemiological PROMs
      collection and clinical data linkage.

PMID- 22048036
TI  - Knowledge, ignorance and priorities for research in key areas of cancer
      survivorship: findings from a scoping review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients who have completed initial cancer treatment (cancer
      survivors) have been relatively neglected. We need data to help us better
      understand the needs of this group and to underpin evidence-based service
      development. METHODS: Scoping reviews of research published in the last two
      decades focussing on the problems faced by cancer survivors, and the
      effectiveness of interventions for these problems were undertaken. The aim was to
      identify what we know, what we do not know and opportunities where research could
      provide new information. We searched for, retrieved and rapidly appraised
      systematic reviews sourced from the most common electronic databases supplemented
      by more recently published individual studies. RESULTS: The research evidence is
      surprisingly limited. We have some knowledge of the prevalence and nature of
      depression, pain and fatigue in cancer survivors. We know much less about
      cognitive and physical impairment, employment, financial well-being and
      relationships. Even where we have evidence, it is mostly of only moderate
      quality, is most often only for breast cancer and focuses almost exclusively on
      the early phase of survivorship. We have good evidence for the effectiveness of
      drug treatments for pain and moderate evidence for fatigue and depression, but
      not for other symptoms. Interventions based on rehabilitative and self-management
      approaches remain in the early stages of evaluation. INTERPRETATION: There has
      been a substantial amount of research describing many of the problems experienced
      by the cancer survivors. This is strongest in the area of symptoms in the period
      soon after treatment. However, the quality of the evidence is often poor, and
      some topics have been little examined. We urgently need data on the natural
      evolution and scale of the problems of cancer survivors obtained from well
      designed, large-scale cohort studies and the robust testing of interventions in
      clinical trials. Given the current financially constrained research funding
      environment, we suggest areas in which strategic investment might give findings
      that have the potential to make a major impact on patient well-being in a 5-year
      time scale.

PMID- 22048037
TI  - Looking for natural variation in chiasma frequency in Arabidopsis thaliana.
AB  - Information concerning natural variation either in chiasma frequency or in the
      genetic basis of any such variation is a valuable tool to characterize phenotypic
      traits and their genetic control. Here meiotic recombination frequencies are
      analysed in nine geographically and ecologically diverse accessions of
      Arabidopsis thaliana, and a comparative study was carried out incorporating
      previous data from another eight accessions. Chiasma frequencies, estimated by
      counting rod and ring bivalents at metaphase I, varied up to 22% among
      accessions. However, no differences were found among plants of the same
      accession. There was a relationship, which does not necessarily imply direct
      proportionality, between the size of the chromosomes and their mean chiasma
      frequency. Chiasma frequency and distribution between arms and among chromosomes
      were not consistent over accessions. These findings indicate the existence of
      genetic factors controlling meiotic recombination both throughout the whole
      genome and at the whole chromosome level. The reliability of chiasma scoring as
      an indicator of reciprocal recombination events is also discussed.

PMID- 22048038
TI  - The expression pattern of the Picea glauca Defensin 1 promoter is maintained in
      Arabidopsis thaliana, indicating the conservation of signalling pathways between
      angiosperms and gymnosperms.
AB  - A 1149 bp genomic fragment corresponding to the 5' non-coding region of the PgD1
      (Picea glauca Defensin 1) gene was cloned, characterized, and compared with all
      Arabidopsis thaliana defensin promoters. The cloned fragment was found to contain
      several motifs specific to defence or hormonal response, including a motif
      involved in the methyl jasmonate reponse, a fungal elicitor responsive element,
      and TC-rich repeat cis-acting element involved in defence and stress
      responsiveness. A functional analysis of the PgD1 promoter was performed using
      the uidA (GUS) reporter system in stably transformed Arabidopsis and white spruce
      plants. The PgD1 promoter was responsive to jasmonic acid (JA), to infection by
      fungus and to wounding. In transgenic spruce embryos, GUS staining was clearly
      restricted to the shoot apical meristem. In Arabidopsis, faint GUS coloration was
      observed in leaves and flowers and a strong blue colour was observed in guard
      cells and trichomes. Transgenic Arabidopsis plants expressing the PgD1::GUS
      construct were also infiltrated with the hemibiotrophic pathogen Pseudomonas
      syringae pv. tomato DC3000. It caused a suppression of defensin expression
      probably resulting from the antagonistic relationship between the pathogen
      stimulated salicylic acid pathway and the jasmonic acid pathway. It is therefore
      concluded that the PgD1 promoter fragment cloned appears to contain most if not
      all the elements for proper PgD1 expression and that these elements are also
      recognized in Arabidopsis despite the phylogenetic and evolutionary differences
      that separates them.

PMID- 22048039
TI  - Characterization of the plastid-specific germination and seedling establishment
      transcriptional programme.
AB  - Upon imbibition, dry seeds rapidly gain metabolic activity and the switching on
      of a germination-specific transcriptional programme in the nucleus goes ahead,
      with the induction of many nucleus-encoded transcripts coding for plastid
      localized proteins. Dedifferentiated plastids present in dry seeds differentiate
      into chloroplasts in cotyledons and into amyloplasts in the root and in the
      hypocotyl, raising the question of whether the beginning of a new plant's life
      cycle is also characterized by specific changes in the plastid transcriptional
      programme. Here the plastid transcriptome is characterized during
      imbibition/stratification, germination, and early seedling outgrowth. It is shown
      that each of these three developmental steps is characterized by specific changes
      in the transcriptome profile, due to differential activities of the three plastid
      RNA polymerases and showing the integration of plastids into a germination
      specific transcriptional programme. All three RNA polymerases are active during
      imbibition; that is, at 4  degrees C in darkness. However, activity of plastid
      encoded RNA polymerase (PEP) is restricted to the rrn operon. After cold release,
      PEP changes specificity by also transcribing photosynthesis-related genes. The
      period of germination and radicle outgrowth is further characterized by
      remarkable antisense RNA production that diminishes during greening when
      photosynthesis-related mRNAs accumulate to their highest but to very different
      steady-state levels. During stratification and germination mRNA accumulation is
      not paralleled by protein accumulation, indicating that plastid transcription is
      more important for efficient germination than translation.

PMID- 22048040
TI  - Developmental and stress regulation of gene expression for a 9-cis
      epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase, CstNCED, isolated from Crocus sativus stigmas.
AB  - Oxidative cleavage of cis-epoxycarotenoids by 9-cis-epoxycarotenoid dioxygenase
      (NCED) is the critical step in the regulation of abscisic acid (ABA) synthesis in
      higher plants. ABA has been associated with dormancy and flower senescence, while
      also regulating plant adaptive responses to various environmental stresses. An
      NCED gene, CstNCED, was cloned from Crocus sativus stigmas. The deduced amino
      acid sequence of the CstNCED protein shared high identity with other monocot
      NCEDs, and was closely related to the liliopsida enzymes. At the N-terminus of
      CstNCED a chloroplast transit peptide sequence is located. However, its
      expression in chloroplast-free tissues suggested localization in other plastid
      types. The relationship between expression of CstNCED and the endogenous ABA
      level was investigated in the stigma and corms, where it was developmentally
      regulated. The senescence of the unpollinated stigma is preceded by an increase
      in ABA levels and CstNCED expression. In corms, a correlation was observed
      between CstNCED expression and dormancy. Furthermore, CstNCED expression was
      correlated with the presence of zeaxanthin in the dormant corms. When detached C.
      sativus leaves and stigmas were water and salt stressed, increases in CstNCED
      mRNA were observed. The results provided evidence of the involvement of CstNCED
      in the regulation of ABA-associated processes such as flower senescence and corm
      dormancy in monocotyledonous saffron.

PMID- 22048041
TI  - Perinatal risk factors for bronchopulmonary dysplasia in extremely low
      gestational age infants: a pregnancy disorder-based approach.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze risk factors for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) or death
      according to the condition leading to extremely preterm birth, preterm labor, or
      vascular disorders. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study of all premature births
      before 28 weeks of gestation in a single Level III institution. Mother/infants
      were attributed to the "preterm labor" or "vascular disorder" group according to
      the condition leading to delivery. Characteristics and outcomes were compared
      between groups. Independent risk factors for BPD or the composite outcome "BPD or
      death" were identified within each group. RESULTS: Three hundred ninety-six
      infants from 349 pregnancies were characterized for perinatal characteristics.
      BPD was significantly more frequent in the vascular disease group than in the
      preterm labor group (29% vs 11%, P < .01). Independent risk factors of BPD were a
      low gestational age in the preterm labor group and severe growth restriction in
      the vascular disease group. CONCLUSION: Classification of preterm birth according
      to the condition leading to delivery might help to reduce confounding of risk
      factors for BPD. Intrauterine vascular disorders are significantly associated
      with BPD.

PMID- 22048042
TI  - Sensing and responding to compliance changes during manual ventilation using a
      lung model: can we teach healthcare providers to improve?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that an educational intervention would improve
      the resuscitator's ability to provide on-target volume ventilation during
      pulmonary compliance changes. STUDY DESIGN: Neonatal professionals (n = 27)
      ventilated an electromechanical lung model simulating a 3-kg baby while targeting
      a tidal volume of 4-6 mL/kg. In this preintervention and postintervention study,
      a one-on-one educational intervention aimed to improve the primary outcome of on
      target tidal volume delivery during high and low compliance. Seventeen subjects
      were retested 8 months later. RESULTS: When only pressure was displayed, and
      using a self-inflating bag, participants improved from a mean of 6% of breaths on
      target to 21% immediately after education (P < .01). Using a flow-inflating bag,
      participants improved from 1% to 7% of breaths on-target (P < .01). Eight-month
      retention testing demonstrated no difference compared with baseline. With volume
      displayed, the mean baseline success rate was 84% with the self-inflating bag and
      68% with the flow-inflating bag. There was no significant change after education
      or at 8-month follow-up. CONCLUSION: When pressure is displayed, resuscitators
      can improve their ability to respond to changes in compliance after an
      educational intervention. When volume is displayed, performance is markedly
      better at baseline, but not improved after the intervention. Our findings
      reconfirm that resuscitation bags should have volume displays.

PMID- 22048043
TI  - Neurologic outcomes in very preterm infants undergoing surgery.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between surgery in very preterm
      infants and brain structure at term equivalent and 2-year neurodevelopmental
      outcome. STUDY DESIGN: A total of 227 infants born at <30 weeks gestation or at a
      birth weight of <1250 g were prospectively enrolled into a longitudinal
      observational cohort for magnetic resonance imaging and developmental follow-up.
      The infants were categorized retrospectively into either a nonsurgical group
      (n=178) or a surgical group (n=30). Nineteen infants were excluded because of
      incomplete or unsuitable data. The surgical and nonsurgical groups were compared
      in terms of clinical demographic data, white matter injury, and brain volume at
      term. Neurodevelopmental outcome was assessed at age 2 years. RESULTS: Compared
      with the nonsurgical group, the infants in the surgical group were smaller and
      more growth-restricted at birth, received more respiratory support and oxygen
      therapy, and had longer hospital stays. They also had smaller brain volumes,
      particularly smaller deep nuclear gray matter volumes. Infants who underwent
      bowel surgery had greater white matter injury. Mental Developmental Index scores
      were lower in the surgical group, whereas Psychomotor Developmental Index scores
      did not differ between the groups. The Mental Developmental Index difference
      became nonsignificant after adjustment for confounding variables. CONCLUSION:
      Preterm infants exposed to surgery and anesthesia had greater white matter injury
      and smaller total brain volumes, particularly smaller deep nuclear gray matter
      volumes. Surgical exposure in the preterm infant should alert the clinician to an
      increased risk for adverse cognitive outcome.

PMID- 22048044
TI  - Facial dysmorphism and skin manifestations in a patient with inherited systemic
      hyalinosis.

PMID- 22048045
TI  - Changes in brown adipose tissue in boys and girls during childhood and puberty.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To characterize the changes in brown adipose tissue (BAT) occurring
      during puberty in boys and girls. STUDY DESIGN: We examined the prevalence and
      the volume of BAT at different stages of sexual development in 73 pediatric
      patients who underwent positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography
      (CT) studies. RESULTS: Of the 73 patients studied, 43 (59%) had BAT depicted on
      PET/CT. The presence of BAT was detected significantly less frequently on PET/CT
      in prepubertal subjects (Tanner stage 1) than in pubertal subjects (Tanner stages
      2-5) (15% vs 75%). BAT volume also increased during puberty, with a significantly
      greater magnitude of the increase in the final 2 stages of puberty (Tanner stages
      4 and 5) than in earlier stages (Tanner stages 1-3) (boys: 499 +/- 246 vs 50 +/-
      36, P < .0001; girls: 286 +/- 139 vs 36 +/- 29, P = .024). Changes in BAT volume
      were also significantly greater in boys than in girls (P = .004) and were closely
      related to muscle volume (r = 0.52, P < .01 for boys; r = 0.64, P < .01 for
      girls). CONCLUSION: The presence and volume of BAT increase rapidly during
      puberty. Metabolic and hormonal events related to the achievement of sexual
      maturity are likely responsible for this increase.

PMID- 22048046
TI  - Relationship between test scores using the second and third editions of the
      Bayley Scales in extremely preterm children.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To define the relationship between current Bayley Scales of Infant and
      Toddler Development, Third edition (Bayley-III) scores and the Bayley Scales of
      Infant Development, second edition Mental Development Index (MDI) to aid the
      comparison of population outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: MDI and Bayley-III
      cognitive/language scales were administered concurrently in 185 extremely preterm
      children (<=26 weeks) at 29-41 months of age. Cognitive and language scores were
      combined (combined Bayley-III score [CB-III scores]) for comparison with MDI
      scores. RESULTS: Bayley-III cognitive and language scores were 10 and 3 points
      higher than MDI scores, respectively; CB-III scores were 7 points higher. The
      relationship between CB-III and MDI scores was not a simple offset: CB-III values
      were increasingly higher than MDI at lower scores. Bayley-III scores
      underidentified MDI scores <70 (sensitivity 58%; specificity 100%). An algorithm
      for converting Bayley-III scores into MDI scores improved predictive value
      (sensitivity 95%; specificity 97%). Bayley-III scores <80 were similarly
      predictive (sensitivity 89%; specificity 99%). CONCLUSIONS: We recommend caution
      in the interpretation of Bayley-III scores in population studies as the
      correlation with the previous edition appears worse at lower test score values
      and the predictive value for IQ is as yet unclear.

PMID- 22048047
TI  - Correlation of N-terminal fragment of B-type natriuretic peptide levels with
      clinical, laboratory, and echocardiographic abnormalities in children with sickle
      cell disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the N-terminal fragment of B-type natriuretic
      peptide (NTproBNP) was a biomarker of clinical, laboratory, and echocardiographic
      abnormalities in children with homozygous sickle cell disease. STUDY DESIGN: We
      conducted a single-center retrospective study that consisted of analysis of data
      from November 2007 to December 2010. We correlated serum NTproBNP with clinical
      and laboratory findings, echocardiographic data, and New York Heart Association
      (NYHA) functional class. RESULTS: NTproBNP levels from 42 children (median age, 9
      years; 52% female) had significant correlations with hemoglobin (r = -0.63, P <
      .05), and echocardiographic measurements including tricuspid regurgitant velocity
      (r = 0.46, P < .05), lateral E' (r = -0.52, P < .05), and lateral E/E' ratio (r =
      0.60, P < .05), suggesting diastolic dysfunction. In addition, NTproBNP levels
      increased from NYHA functional class I to class III and had a significant linear
      correlation with the NYHA functional class (r = 0.69, P < .05). CONCLUSIONS:
      NTproBNP correlated with low hemoglobin and tissue Doppler data as indicators of
      diastolic dysfunction. Elevated NTproBNP may be a prognostic biomarker for the
      presence of diastolic dysfunction related to anemia in children with sickle cell
      disease.

PMID- 22048048
TI  - Underlying genetic diagnosis of Pierre Robin sequence: retrospective chart review
      at two children's hospitals and a systematic literature review.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the underlying genetic diagnosis of Pierre Robin
      sequence (PRS) in 2 cohorts of individuals, assess the accuracy of genetic
      evaluation in young infants with PRS, and contrast the interventions provided to
      children with isolated and syndromic PRS. STUDY DESIGN: The study involved
      retrospective chart reviews at 2 children's hospitals and a systematic literature
      review. RESULTS: Approximately 40% of the patients had isolated PRS, and 60% of
      the patients had additional syndromic features. The patients with PRS with
      syndromic features required more aggressive medical management. Stickler syndrome
      was the most common syndromic diagnosis in PRS. The difficulty of making an
      accurate genetic diagnosis during the neonatal period was demonstrated.
      CONCLUSION: All infants with PRS should be evaluated to check for the presence of
      syndromic features, and a longitudinal follow-up is warranted to monitor for the
      development of any syndromic features.

PMID- 22048049
TI  - Women, breastfeeding, and cholesterol levels.

PMID- 22048050
TI  - Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopic images in preterm infants with bilirubin
      encephalopathy.
AB  - Two preterm infants with athetoid cerebral palsy due to bilirubin encephalopathy
      were examined by magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging at age 3 years. An
      increased glutamate/glutamine complex/creatine ratio was found in the basal
      ganglia. Chemical metabolic abnormalities of the basal ganglia were clearly
      demonstrated by color-coded metabolite images.

PMID- 22048051
TI  - Correlates and trends in training satisfaction on completion of internal medicine
      pediatrics residency: a 5-year study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine trends in training satisfaction in graduates of combined
      internal medicine-pediatrics (Med-Peds) training programs and whether curricular
      elements designed to enhance the integration of the two disciplines have been
      successful. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a cross-sectional survey of all graduating
      Med-Peds residents (years 2003-2007). Responses across survey years were analyzed
      to identify trends. Data for all survey years was analyzed for correlations among
      curricular elements, perceived adequacy of training, and preparation for future
      activities. RESULTS: Overall, residents rated training time as just right for all
      areas except neonatal intensive care unit training, outpatient procedures, career
      planning, and office management. There was a significant upward trend in
      availability of board examination reviews, Med-Peds noon conferences, and
      mentoring. Residents' ratings of their preparation for most activities increased
      across the years. More residents reported being satisfied with preparation for
      internal medicine than pediatric primary care practice (86% versus 83%). Career
      planning seminars, mentoring, and board reviews correlated with the greatest
      increase in satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Med-Peds graduates report a high and
      increasing level of satisfaction with their preparation in multiple educational
      domains. Curricular elements designed to enhance integration of the two
      disciplines have a broad positive impact. Perceived pediatric practice
      preparation lags behind that of internal medicine.

PMID- 22048053
TI  - Accuracy and precision of the signs and symptoms of streptococcal pharyngitis in
      children: a systematic review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic review to determine whether clinical findings
      can be used to rule in or to rule out streptococcal pharyngitis in children.
      STUDY DESIGN: Two authors independently searched MEDLINE and EMBASE. We included
      articles if they contained data on the accuracy of symptoms or signs of
      streptococcal pharyngitis, individually or combined into prediction rules, in
      children 3-18 years of age. RESULTS: Thirty-eight articles with data on
      individual symptoms and signs and 15 articles with data on prediction rules met
      all inclusion criteria. In children with sore throat, the presence of a
      scarlatiniform rash (likelihood ratio [LR], 3.91; 95% CI, 2.00-7.62), palatal
      petechiae (LR, 2.69; CI, 1.92-3.77), pharyngeal exudates (LR, 1.85; CI, 1.58
      2.16), vomiting (LR, 1.79; CI, 1.58-2.16), and tender cervical nodes (LR, 1.72;
      CI, 1.54-1.93) were moderately useful in identifying those with streptococcal
      pharyngitis. Nevertheless, no individual symptoms or signs were effective in
      ruling in or ruling out streptococcal pharyngitis. CONCLUSIONS: Symptoms and
      signs, either individually or combined into prediction rules, cannot be used to
      definitively diagnose or rule out streptococcal pharyngitis.

PMID- 22048052
TI  - Reliability of resting blood pressure measurement and classification using an
      oscillometric device in children with chronic kidney disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the reliability of blood pressure (BP) readings obtained
      with an oscillometric device with those obtained by auscultation and assess for
      differences in BP status classification based on the 2 techniques. STUDY DESIGN:
      Resting BP was measured by auscultation and with an oscillometric device at the
      same encounter in 235 subjects enrolled in the Chronic Kidney Disease in Children
      study. Resting auscultatory BP values were averaged and compared with averaged
      oscillometric readings. BP agreement by the 2 methods was assessed using Bland
      Altman plots, and BP status classification agreement was assessed by calculation
      of kappa statistics. RESULTS: Oscillometric BP readings were higher than
      auscultatory readings, with a median paired difference of 9 mm Hg for systolic BP
      (SBP) and 6 mm Hg for diastolic BP (DBP). Correlation for mean SBP was 0.624 and
      for mean DBP was 0.491. The bias for oscillometric BP measurement was 8.7 mm Hg
      for SBP (P < .01) and 5.7 mm Hg for DBP (P < .01). BP status classification
      agreement was 61% for SBP and 63% for DBP, with Kappa values of .31 for SBP and
      .20 for DBP. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with auscultation, the oscillometric device
      significantly overestimated both SBP and DBP, leading to frequent
      misclassification of BP status.

PMID- 22048054
TI  - Recombinant parathyroid hormone therapy for severe neonatal hypoparathyroidism.

PMID- 22048055
TI  - Interinstitutional variability in home care interventions after neonatal
      intensive care unit discharge.

PMID- 22048056
TI  - Development and pretesting of a decision-aid to use when counseling parents
      facing imminent extreme premature delivery.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To develop and pretest a decision-aid to help parents facing extreme
      premature delivery during antenatal counseling regarding delivery room
      resuscitation. STUDY DESIGN: Semistructured interviews with 31 clinicians and
      with 30 parents of children born <26 weeks' gestation were conducted following
      standard methods of qualitative research. These characterized perceptions of
      prenatal counseling to identify information that parents value when making
      decisions regarding delivery room resuscitation. These parental needs were
      formatted into a decision-aid. We assessed the primary outcome of how effectively
      the decision-aid improved knowledge during a simulated counseling session. Two
      groups of women were studied: parents with a history of prematurity
      ("experienced") and healthy women without prior knowledge of prematurity
      ("naive"). RESULTS: Interviewees thought that visual formats to present survival
      and short- and long-term outcome information facilitated their own preparation,
      recall, and understanding. Accordingly, we designed a decision-aid as a set of
      cards with pictures and pictographs to show survival rates and complications.
      There was significant improvement in knowledge in 13 "experienced" parents (P =
      .04) and 11 "naive" women (P < .0001). Participants found the cards useful and
      easy to understand. CONCLUSIONS: A decision-aid for parents facing extreme
      premature delivery may improve their understanding of complicated information
      during antenatal counseling.

PMID- 22048057
TI  - A summary of the new phenomenon of normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism and
      appropriate management.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The phenomenon of normocalcemic hyperparathyroidism (NCHPT)
      remains largely unknown and not well understood. Recently, with more
      investigators reporting on the subject, NCHPT has been proposed to be a precursor
      of the classic hypercalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism (HPT). RECENT FINDINGS:
      This manuscript will discuss the most recent findings regarding the diagnosis,
      natural history, treatment and follow-up of NCHPT. Approximately 1-4% of patients
      undergoing parathyroidectomy for HPT are normocalcemic before surgery. To date,
      observation appears to be a well tolerated approach, as long as these patients
      remain normocalcemic. When patients with NCHPT are followed for an average of 4
      years, 22% will progress to hypercalcemia. In some instances, NCHPT may be
      treated with parathyroidectomy, but the indications and long-term outcome for
      this approach are unknown. SUMMARY: This condition is now being diagnosed more
      frequently. Patients with vitamin D deficiency, mild renal dysfunction, and
      urinary calcium leak are often mislabeled as having NCHPT and these conditions
      should always be excluded and medically treated. There is some evidence that
      parathyroidectomy may be beneficial when NCHPT patients are properly selected.
      The authors suggest caution when approaching these patients surgically because
      multiglandular disease and operative failure may be more common in these rare
      patients.

PMID- 22048058
TI  - Role of tracheal resection in thyroid cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To provide a critical review of recent literature on the role
      of tracheal resection in thyroid cancer. RECENT FINDINGS: The current body of
      literature is centered on the controversy regarding how radical the extent of
      tracheal resection needs to be to achieve long-term control of thyroid carcinoma
      with tracheal invasion. Proponents of shave excision are guided by the reported
      survival outcomes comparable to segmental resections in a selected group of
      patients. Others believe that all patients should have a segmental sleeve
      resection to ensure clearance of transmural disease. Recent advances in
      microsurgical reconstruction may allow selected patients to undergo tracheal
      resection when a large tracheal defect is anticipated. SUMMARY: Tracheal invasion
      by well differentiated carcinoma is a marker of a more aggressive tumor behavior,
      defining a subpopulation of patients at a greater risk of recurrence and death.
      The goal of surgical intervention in this scenario is complete resection with no
      gross residual disease. A well designed prospective multi-institutional trial,
      taking into account depth of invasion, risk group stratification, histology,
      presence of distant metastasis, radioactive iodine trapping ability, adjuvant
      treatment, and long-term survival data, is needed to compare the outcomes
      following more conservative shave excision and segmental tracheal resection.

PMID- 22048059
TI  - Education determines a nation's health, but what determines educational outcomes?
      A cross-national comparative analysis.
AB  - This study is premised on the notion that public health policy should address not
      only health itself, but also primary determinants of health. We examined the
      effect of national policies on educational outcomes, in particular, on adolescent
      reading literacy (ARL). We compared the effect of traditional policy indicators-
      national income and educational spending--with income inequality, a measure of
      redistributive policies. We used Organization for Economic Cooperation and
      Development (OECD) data that provide a rare opportunity to test policy effects
      after accounting for competing individual-, school-, and country-level
      explanations. Our sample consisted of 119,814 students, 5126 schools, and 24
      countries. Multilevel/Hierarchical regression findings were striking: GDP had a
      significant, but negligible effect on ARL scores (beta=0.002, SE=0.0008), while
      educational spending had no significant effect. By contrast, income inequality
      exhibited a larger inverse association (beta=-1.15, SE=0.57). Among the wealthy
      nations in OECD, additional economic prosperity and educational spending is
      trumped by distribution of income for its effect on ARL. Our study yielded a
      striking result about education, a major determinant of health. Not only is
      income inequality a significant determinant of ARL scores, but direct spending on
      education and overall national economic prosperity are not.

PMID- 22048060
TI  - Lessons from SARS and H1N1/A: employing a WHO-WTO forum to promote optimal
      economic-public health pandemic response.
AB  - No formal system exists to review trade restrictions imposed during international
      public health emergencies rapidly. Failure to put one in place creates
      disincentives for surveillance and reporting, thereby undermining protection
      efforts. The 2003 SARS outbreak exposed weaknesses in global governance that
      caused uncoordinated public health and economic responses. New International
      Health Regulations (IHR), applied first during the 2009 H1N1 influenza outbreak,
      demonstrated improvement. Yet they failed to allow for management of public
      health emergencies in a way that balanced threats to health and those to
      economies and trade. Establishment of a joint WHO-WTO committee to adjudicate
      these conflicts might better achieve that balance.

PMID- 22048061
TI  - Virtual reality in neuroscience research and therapy.
AB  - Virtual reality (VR) environments are increasingly being used by neuroscientists
      to simulate natural events and social interactions. VR creates interactive,
      multimodal sensory stimuli that offer unique advantages over other approaches to
      neuroscientific research and applications. VR's compatibility with imaging
      technologies such as functional MRI allows researchers to present multimodal
      stimuli with a high degree of ecological validity and control while recording
      changes in brain activity. Therapists, too, stand to gain from progress in VR
      technology, which provides a high degree of control over the therapeutic
      experience. Here we review the latest advances in VR technology and its
      applications in neuroscience research.

PMID- 22048064
TI  - Neurodegenerative disease: CRF is the culprit.

PMID- 22048065
TI  - Scalable nano-patterning of graphenes using laser shock.
AB  - Nano-patterning of graphene film by a novel approach making use of laser ablation
      generated pressure is presented in this paper. Arrays of nanoscale holes were
      fabricated by applying laser shock pressure on graphene film suspended on well
      trenches in silicon substrate. Round holes with diameters ranging from 50 to 200
      nm on graphene film were successfully punched. The critical pressure was found to
      be dependent on the diameter of holes. The smaller the diameters, the higher the
      critical pressure, which was also captured by the molecular dynamic (MD)
      simulations. The laser shock based approach presented in this paper provides an
      effective way to pattern graphene film with nanoscale features in an easy, fast,
      and scalable manner.

PMID- 22048062
TI  - Neurovascular pathways to neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease and other
      disorders.
AB  - The neurovascular unit (NVU) comprises brain endothelial cells, pericytes or
      vascular smooth muscle cells, glia and neurons. The NVU controls blood-brain
      barrier (BBB) permeability and cerebral blood flow, and maintains the chemical
      composition of the neuronal 'milieu', which is required for proper functioning of
      neuronal circuits. Recent evidence indicates that BBB dysfunction is associated
      with the accumulation of several vasculotoxic and neurotoxic molecules within
      brain parenchyma, a reduction in cerebral blood flow, and hypoxia. Together,
      these vascular-derived insults might initiate and/or contribute to neuronal
      degeneration. This article examines mechanisms of BBB dysfunction in
      neurodegenerative disorders, notably Alzheimer's disease, and highlights
      therapeutic opportunities relating to these neurovascular deficits.

PMID- 22048066
TI  - Electrochemical sensor for neurotransmitters at physiological pH using a
      heterocyclic conducting polymer modified electrode.
AB  - We report the simultaneous determination of two neurotransmitters, norepinephrine
      (NEP) and serotonin (5-HT), at physiological pH using the electropolymerized film
      of 3-amino-5-mercapto-1,2,4-triazole modified glassy carbon (p-AMTa) electrode. A
      bare glassy carbon (GC) electrode fails to resolve the voltammetric signals of
      NEP and 5-HT due to the surface fouling caused by the oxidized products of them.
      However, the p-AMTa electrode not only separates the voltammetric signals of NEP
      and 5-HT with a potential difference of 150 mV between NEP and 5-HT but also
      shows higher oxidation currents for them. The simultaneous determination of NEP
      and 5-HT was successfully achieved at p-AMTa electrode using differential pulse
      voltammetry method. The amperometric current response increased linearly with
      increasing NEP and 5-HT concentration in the range of 1.0 * 10(-8) to 1.0 * 10(
      4) M and 1.0 * 10(-8) to 5.0 * 10(-5) M, respectively, and the detection limit
      was found to be 1.65 * 10(-11) for NEP and 1.32 * 10(-11) M for 5-HT (S/N = 3).
      The p-AMTa electrode shows better recovery results for spiked NEP and 5-HT in
      human blood plasma samples.

PMID- 22048067
TI  - The pearls and pitfalls of magnetic resonance imaging for the spine.
AB  - Musculoskeletal imaging of the spine can be an invaluable tool to inform clinical
      decision making in patients with spinal pain. An understanding of the technology
      involved in producing and interpreting high-resolution images produced from
      magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the human spine is necessary to better
      appreciate which sequences can be used for, or tailored to, individual patients
      and their conditions. However, there is substantial variability in the clinical
      meaningfulness of some MRI findings of spinal tissues. For example, normal
      variants can often mimic significant musculoskeletal pathology, which could
      increase the risk of misinformed clinical decisions and, even worse, poor or
      adverse outcomes. This clinical commentary will highlight some of the pearls and
      pitfalls of MRI for the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar regions, and include cases
      to illustrate some of the common imaging artifacts and normal variants for MRI of
      the spine.

PMID- 22048068
TI  - Pathological correlates of gastrointestinal dysfunction in Parkinson's disease.
AB  - Gastrointestinal dysfunction is a prominent manifestation of Parkinson's disease
      (PD). Gastrointestinal symptoms in PD include reduced salivation, dysphagia,
      impaired gastric emptying, constipation, and defecatory dysfunction. Constipation
      may precede the development of somatic motor symptoms of PD for several years.
      Neuropathological studies show early accumulation of abnormal alpha-synuclein
      (alpha-SYN) containing inclusions (Lewy neurites) in the enteric nervous system
      (ENS) and dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMV) both in PD and in incidental
      Lewy body disease (ILBD). These findings provided the basis for the hypothesis
      that alpha-SYN pathology progresses in a centripetal, prion-like fashion, from
      the ENS to the DMV and then to more rostral areas of the central nervous system.
      Colonic biopsies may show accumulation alpha-SYN immunoreactive Lewy neurites in
      the submucosal plexus of PD patients. Salivary gland involvement is prominent in
      PD and alpha-SYN pathology can be detected both at autopsy and in minor salivary
      gland biopsies.

PMID- 22048069
TI  - Key factors determining the efficacy of gene therapy for continuous DOPA delivery
      in the Parkinsonian brain.
AB  - L-DOPA is currently the standard treatment for alleviating the motor symptoms in
      Parkinson's disease. The therapeutic efficacy, however, diminishes as the disease
      progresses. It has been suggested that the beneficial effect of L-DOPA could be
      reestablished by changing the mode of administration. Indeed, continuous delivery
      of l-DOPA has been shown to be an effective way to circumvent many of the side
      effects seen with traditional oral administration, which results in an
      intermittent supply of the dopamine precursor to the brain. However, all
      currently tested continuous dopaminergic stimulation approaches rely on
      peripheral administration. This is not ideal since it gives rise to off target
      effects and is difficult to maintain long-term. Thus, there is an unmet need for
      an effective continuous administration method with an acceptable side effect
      profile. Viral-mediated gene therapy is a promising alternative paradigm that can
      meet this demand. Encouraging preclinical studies in animal models of Parkinson's
      disease showed therapeutic efficacy after expression of the genes encoding the
      enzymes required for biosynthesis of dopamine. Although the first phase I
      clinical trials using these approaches have been conducted, clear positive data
      in placebo controlled efficacy studies is still lacking. We are now at a critical
      junction and need to carefully review the preclinical data from the clinical
      translation perspective and identify the key factors that will determine the
      potential for success in gene therapy for Parkinson's disease.

PMID- 22048070
TI  - Flare-up of previously quiescent chronic osteomyelitis 20 years after childhood
      skeletal traction: a report of two cases.
AB  - Management of lower limb fractures in children involves many approaches, spanning
      from conservative treatment to open reduction and internal fixation. A number of
      intermediate treatments have also been shown to be effective, notably skeletal
      traction. However, each of these techniques has its own advantages and
      disadvantages in terms of complications. In this report, we describe two new
      cases of chronic osteomyelitis that manifested (many years) after childhood
      skeletal traction. After analysing these two cases, we proposed measures that can
      be implemented to avoid such complications, along with a simple, appropriate,
      reproducible treatment approach.

PMID- 22048071
TI  - Palladium-catalysed cross-coupling of organosilicon reagents.
AB  - The palladium catalysed cross-coupling of organosilicon reagents with organo
      halides and pseudo-halides has developed over the past 30 years into an efficient
      and attractive carbon-carbon bond forming strategy. Extensive research within
      this field to expand and diversify on the scope of the organosilicon coupling
      reaction will continue to promote its use in the synthesis of biologically and
      pharmaceutically important organic molecules. The recent advances made within
      this area are explored in this critical review (199 references).

PMID- 22048089
TI  - Arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with and without acromioplasty in the treatment
      of full-thickness rotator cuff tears: a multicenter, randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The primary objective of this prospective randomized controlled trial
      was to compare functional and quality-of-life indices and rates of revision
      surgery in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair with and without acromioplasty.
      METHODS: Eighty-six patients consented and were randomly assigned
      intraoperatively to one of two study groups, and sixty-eight of them completed
      the study. The primary outcome was the Western Ontario Rotator Cuff (WORC) index.
      Secondary outcome measures included the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons
      (ASES) shoulder assessment form and a count of revisions required in each group.
      Outcome measures were completed preoperatively and at three, six, twelve,
      eighteen, and twenty-four months after surgery. RESULTS: WORC and ASES scores
      improved significantly in each group over time (p < 0.001). There were no
      differences in WORC or ASES scores between the groups that had arthroscopic cuff
      repair with or without acromioplasty at any time point. There were no differences
      in scores on the basis of acromion type, nor were any interaction effects
      identified between group and acromion type. Four participants (9%) in the group
      that had arthroscopic cuff repair alone, one with a Type-2 and three with a Type
      3 acromion, required additional surgery by the twenty-four-month time point. The
      number of patients who required additional surgery was greater (p = 0.05) in the
      group that had arthroscopic cuff repair alone than in the group that had
      arthroscopic cuff repair and acromioplasty. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings are
      consistent with previous research reports in which there was no difference in
      functional and quality-of-life indices for patients who had rotator cuff repair
      with or without acromioplasty. The higher reoperation rate was found in the group
      without acromioplasty. Further study that includes follow-up imaging and patient
      reported outcomes over a greater follow-up period is needed.

PMID- 22048090
TI  - Temperature-sensitive release of prostaglandin E2 and diminished energy
      requirements in synovial tissue with postoperative cryotherapy: a prospective
      randomized study after knee arthroscopy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Local external cooling of the surgical field after joint surgery is
      intended to enhance recovery and to facilitate the use of outpatient surgery by
      reducing pain and improving mobility. We hypothesized that the effects of
      postoperative cooling and compression after knee arthroscopy would be reflected
      in changes in the concentrations of metabolic and inflammatory markers in the
      synovial membrane. METHODS: Forty otherwise healthy patients who were to undergo
      knee arthroscopy were included in the study, and half were randomized to receive
      postoperative cooling and compression. Microdialysis of the synovial membrane was
      performed postoperatively, and the concentrations of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2),
      glucose, lactate, glycerol, and glutamate as well as the ethanol exchange ratio
      (which indicates blood flow) were measured. The temperature of the knee was
      monitored, and postoperative pain was assessed by the patient with use of a
      visual analog scale, a numeric rating scale, and the need for rescue medication.
      RESULTS: Application of the cooling and compression device after knee arthroscopy
      significantly lowered the temperature in the operatively treated knee (as
      measured on the skin, within the joint capsule, and intra-articularly). The
      cooling and compression appeared to decrease inflammation, as indicated by a
      temperature-sensitive decrease in the PGE2 concentration. The hypothermia also
      decreased the metabolic rate of the synovial tissue and thus decreased energy
      requirements, as shown by the stability of the lactate concentration over time
      despite the decreased blood flow that was indicated by the increasing ethanol
      exchange ratio. No effect of the compression and cooling on postoperative pain
      was detected. CONCLUSIONS: Local cryotherapy and compression after knee
      arthroscopy significantly lowered the temperature in the knee postoperatively,
      and the synovial PGE2 concentration was correlated with the temperature. Since
      PGE2 is a marker of pain and inflammation, the postoperative local cooling and
      compression appeared to have a positive anti-inflammatory effect.

PMID- 22048091
TI  - The effect of three-component total ankle replacement malalignment on clinical
      outcome: pain relief and functional outcome in 317 consecutive patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Total ankle replacement has become an increasingly popular treatment
      for patients with end-stage ankle osteoarthritis. The surgery is technically
      demanding and generally performed by only experienced foot and ankle surgeons. An
      important complication of total ankle replacement is malposition of the talar
      component. The biomechanical effect of malposition has been reported; however,
      the functional outcomes of patients with varying degrees of talar component
      malposition have not. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of
      talar component malposition on postoperative pain relief and functional outcome.
      METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 317 total ankle replacements in
      317 patients. The anteroposterior offset ratio was measured with use of lateral
      ankle radiographs made with the patient in a standing, weight-bearing position.
      Patients were classified into one of three groups: those with an anteroposterior
      offset ratio of 0 (127 ankles), those with a ratio of >0 (103 ankles), and those
      with a ratio of <0 (eighty-seven ankles). Postoperative pain relief was assessed
      with use of a visual analogue scale. Functional outcome was assessed with the
      American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) hindfoot score and measurement
      of ankle range of motion. The mean duration of follow-up (and standard deviation)
      was 53.2 +/- 18.4 months (range, twenty-four to ninety-eight months). RESULTS:
      The postoperative pain level in the group with an anteroposterior offset ratio of
      0 was significantly lower than that for both the group with a ratio of >0 (p <
      0.001) and the group with a ratio of <0 (p = 0.017). Also, the functional
      outcome, measured with use of the AOFAS hindfoot score, was significantly higher,
      and ankle motion was significantly greater, in the group with an anteroposterior
      offset ratio of 0 than in the group with a ratio of >0 (p = 0.003 and p < 0.001,
      respectively) and the group with a ratio of <0 (p = 0.007 and p = 0.080).
      CONCLUSIONS: The anteroposterior offset ratio may be a useful predictor of
      outcome in patients with total ankle replacement with regard to both pain and
      function. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level II. See Instructions for Authors
      for a complete description of levels of evidence.

PMID- 22048092
TI  - Revision surgery following operations for lumbar stenosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: For carefully selected patients with lumbar stenosis, decompression
      surgery is more efficacious than nonoperative treatment. However, some patients
      undergo repeat surgery, often because of complications, the failure to achieve
      solid fusion following arthrodesis procedures, or persistent symptoms. We
      assessed the probability of repeat surgery following operations for the treatment
      of lumbar stenosis and examined its association with patient age, comorbidity,
      previous surgery, and the type of surgical procedure. METHODS: We performed a
      retrospective cohort analysis of Medicare claims. The index operation was
      performed in 2004 (n = 31,543), with follow-up obtained through 2008. Operations
      were grouped by complexity as decompression alone, simple arthrodesis (one or two
      disc levels and a single surgical approach), or complex arthrodesis (more than
      two disc levels or combined anterior and posterior approach). Reoperation rates
      were calculated for each follow-up year, and the time to reoperation was analyzed
      with proportional hazards models. RESULTS: The probability of repeat surgery fell
      with increasing patient age or comorbidity. Aside from age, the strongest
      predictor was previous lumbar surgery: at four years the reoperation rate was
      17.2% among patients who had had lumbar surgery prior to the index operation,
      compared with 10.6% among those with no prior surgery (p < 0.001). At one year,
      the reoperation rate for patients who had been managed with decompression alone
      was slightly higher than that for patients who had been managed with simple
      arthrodesis, but by four years the rates for these two groups were identical
      (10.7%) and were lower than the rate for patients who had been managed with
      complex arthrodesis (13.5%) (p < 0.001). This difference persisted after
      adjusting for demographic and clinical features (hazard ratio for complex
      arthrodesis versus decompression 1.56, 95% confidence interval, 1.26 to 1.92). A
      device-related complication was reported at the time of 29.2% of reoperations
      following an initial arthrodesis procedure. CONCLUSIONS: The likelihood of repeat
      surgery for spinal stenosis declined with increasing age and comorbidity, perhaps
      because of concern for greater risks. The strongest clinical predictor of repeat
      surgery was a lumbar spine operation prior to the index operation. Arthrodeses
      were not significantly associated with lower rates of repeat surgery after the
      first postoperative year, and patients who had had complex arthrodeses had the
      highest rate of reoperations.

PMID- 22048093
TI  - Chronic opioid use prior to total knee arthroplasty.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic use of opioid medications may lead to dependence or
      hyperalgesia, both of which might adversely affect perioperative and
      postoperative pain management, rehabilitation, and clinical outcomes after total
      knee arthroplasty. The purpose of this study was to evaluate patients who
      underwent total knee arthroplasty following six or more weeks of chronic opioid
      use for pain control and to compare them with a matched group who did not use
      opioids preoperatively. METHODS: Forty-nine knees in patients who had a mean age
      of fifty-six years (range, thirty-seven to seventy-eight years) and who had
      regularly used opioid medications for pain control prior to total knee
      arthroplasty were compared with a group of patients who had not used them. Length
      of hospitalization, aseptic complications requiring reoperation, requirement for
      specialized pain management, and clinical outcomes were assessed for both groups.
      RESULTS: Knee Society scores were significantly lower in the patients who
      regularly used opioid medications at the time of final follow-up (mean, three
      years; range, two to seven years); the opioid group had a mean of 79 points
      (range, 45 to 100 points) as compared with a mean of 92 points (range, 59 to 100
      points) in the non-opioid group. A significantly higher prevalence of
      complications was seen in the opioid group, with five arthroscopic evaluations
      and eight revisions for persistent stiffness and/or pain, compared with none in
      the matched group. Ten patients in the opioid group were referred for outpatient
      pain management, compared with one patient in the non-opioid group. CONCLUSIONS:
      Patients who chronically use opioid medications prior to total knee arthroplasty
      may be at a substantially greater risk for complications and painful prolonged
      recoveries. Alternative non-opioid pain medications and/or earlier referral to an
      orthopaedic surgeon prior to habitual opioid use should be considered for
      patients with painful degenerative disease of the knee.

PMID- 22048094
TI  - Use of the Sheffield telescopic intramedullary rod system for the management of
      osteogenesis imperfecta: clinical outcomes at an average follow-up of nineteen
      years.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Elongating intramedullary rods have been used in the management of
      osteogenesis imperfecta for the past fifty years. The complication rates reported
      in many reviews of the available techniques have been high. This study reviews
      the long-term functional outcomes and complications following the use of the
      Sheffield system of telescopic intramedullary rods. METHODS: We conducted a
      retrospective analysis of patients with osteogenesis imperfecta who were at least
      eighteen years of age and who had at least thirteen years of follow-up.
      Complications, reoperations, and data from a disease-specific questionnaire and
      the Short Form-36 questionnaire were recorded. RESULTS: Data for twenty-two
      patients with osteogenesis imperfecta who had been treated with Sheffield
      telescopic intramedullary rods were available at an average of nineteen years
      after the initial surgery. Reoperations involving thirty-three (50%) of the sixty
      six rods were performed: ten rods (15%) were exchanged because of rod
      disengagement due to growth, thirteen rods (20%) were exchanged because of
      complications, and ten rods (15%) required further surgery other than exchange
      because of complications. Mobility was significantly improved at the initial
      postoperative visit (p = 0.0015), and this improvement was maintained into
      adulthood (p = 0.0077). Back pain was the most frequent symptom. Symptoms related
      to rod insertion across the knee and ankle were rare, but symptoms related to
      proximal femoral trochanteric entry were common. Physeal damage was not seen
      following surgery, and all rods elongated with growth. All patients were
      satisfied with the outcome of the surgical procedures. Short Form-36 scores for
      all physical domains and for social function and vitality were significantly
      worse than those in a normal population. CONCLUSIONS: The outcomes of this
      technique are satisfactory in adulthood; reoperation rates are high but are most
      commonly related to the patient outgrowing the rods. Concerns regarding insertion
      of this fixed device at the knee and ankle were unfounded, although proximal
      femoral fixation remains a problem.

PMID- 22048095
TI  - Prosthesis of antibiotic-loaded acrylic cement (PROSTALAC) use for the treatment
      of infection after shoulder arthroplasty.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are limited data on Prosthesis of Antibiotic-Loaded Acrylic
      Cement (PROSTALAC) use for the treatment of infection following shoulder
      arthroplasty. We performed a retrospective review of our experience with the
      PROSTALAC in terms of infection eradication, complications, and outcomes.
      METHODS: Twenty-eight patients with an infection at the site of a shoulder
      arthroplasty who were managed with the PROSTALAC were followed until eradication
      of the infection and maximum functional improvement. The average duration of
      follow-up was 27.6 months (range, twelve to sixty-nine months). In twenty-five of
      the twenty-eight patients, the PROSTALAC was created with antibiotic-impregnated
      cement, a standard humeral head mold, and a scaffold with either a one-third
      tubular plate or a 3.5-mm reconstruction plate. Three PROSTALAC implants had no
      scaffold. RESULTS: Although all patients benefited from the use of the PROSTALAC,
      there were nine complications in eight patients (29%), with six additional
      unplanned surgical procedures being performed in this group. One patient had a
      dislocation, three had a fracture of the PROSTALAC, and five had recurrent
      infections requiring debridement and revision PROSTALAC placement. All fractures
      were associated with use of the semitubular plate. Twelve patients (43%),
      including two with revision PROSTALAC implants, were satisfied with pain relief
      and function and declined a second-stage procedure. With the exclusion of two
      patients who had a revision PROSTALAC implant, sixteen patients (57%) had a
      second-stage procedure; the procedures included ten reverse shoulder
      arthroplasties, three hemiarthroplasties, two total shoulder arthroplasties, and
      one resection arthroplasty. At the time of the latest follow-up, the average
      forward elevation of the shoulder was 77 degrees  (range, 30 degrees  to 130
      degrees ). Fifteen patients had no or mild pain, eight patients had moderate
      pain, and five had severe pain. Patients with reverse total shoulder
      arthroplasties did not have improved function compared with the other cohorts.
      CONCLUSIONS: The use of the PROSTALAC for the treatment of infection following
      shoulder arthroplasty is beneficial. Infection was initially eradicated in twenty
      three (82%) of twenty-eight patients, more than half of our patients had mild or
      no pain, and 43% of patients declined a second-stage procedure because of
      acceptable function and pain relief. Conversely, five of twenty-eight patients
      had severe pain and five patients had persistent infection requiring additional
      surgery. The use of the reverse total shoulder arthroplasty did not appear to
      improve outcomes.

PMID- 22048096
TI  - Does physiologic posterolateral laxity influence clinical outcomes of anterior
      cruciate ligament reconstruction?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the influence
      of physiologic posterolateral rotatory laxity on anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
      reconstruction in terms of anterior knee stability and clinical outcomes.
      METHODS: We retrospectively studied 113 patients who had undergone ACL
      reconstruction between June 2004 and August 2008. Patients were categorized into
      three groups according to the degree of tibial external rotation at 90 degrees 
      of knee flexion: Group 1 (<40 degrees ), Group 2 (40 degrees  to 50 degrees ),
      and Group 3 (>=50 degrees ). Ligament stability was determined with use of the
      Lachman test, the pivot-shift test, and KT-2000 arthrometer testing. Function was
      assessed with use of the Lysholm score and the International Knee Documentation
      Committee (IKDC) score. Clinical outcomes were determined from data obtained
      before surgery and at the twenty-four-month follow-up visit. RESULTS: We observed
      differences in postoperative knee translation between the groups (p < 0.001). A
      post hoc test showed increased mean knee translation in Group 3 compared with
      Groups 1 and 2. The degree of external rotation at 90 degrees  was positively
      correlated with anterior knee translation (r = 0.428; p = 0.007). However, there
      was an inverse correlation with the Lysholm knee scores (r = -0.146; p = 0.015)
      and IKDC scores (r = -0.205; p = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: The stability and
      functional scores after ACL reconstruction had a negative correlation with the
      degree of external rotation of the tibia at 90 degrees  (physiologic
      posterolateral rotatory laxity). After ACL reconstruction, patients with >= 50
      degrees  of tibial external rotation had increased anterior translation and worse
      functional outcomes in comparison with those who had < 50 degrees  of tibial
      external rotation.

PMID- 22048098
TI  - The stabilizing effect of the distal interosseous membrane on the distal
      radioulnar joint in an ulnar shortening procedure: a biomechanical study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The importance of the stabilizing effect of the distal interosseous
      membrane on the distal radioulnar joint, especially in patients with a distal
      oblique bundle, has been described. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the
      stability of the distal radioulnar joint after an ulnar shortening osteotomy and
      to quantify longitudinal resistance to ulnar shortening when the osteotomy was
      proximal or distal to the ulnar attachment of the distal interosseous membrane.
      These relationships were characterized for forearms with or without a distal
      oblique bundle. METHODS: Ten fresh-frozen cadavers were used. A transverse
      osteotomy and ulnar shortening was performed proximal (proximal shortening) and
      distal (distal shortening) to the ulnar attachment of the distal interosseous
      membrane. Distal radioulnar joint laxity was evaluated as the volar and dorsal
      displacements of the radius relative to the fixed ulna with 20 N of applied
      force. Testing was performed under controlled 1-mm increments of ulnar shortening
      up to 4 mm, with the forearm in neutral alignment, 60 degrees  of pronation, and
      60 degrees  of supination. Resistance to ulnar shortening was quantified as the
      slope of the load-displacement curve obtained by displacing the distal ulnar
      segment proximally. RESULTS: In proximal shortening, significantly greater
      stability of the distal radioulnar joint was obtained with even 1 mm of
      shortening compared with the control, whereas distal shortening demonstrated
      significant improvement in stability of the distal radioulnar joint only after
      shortening of >=4 mm in all rotational positions. Significantly greater stability
      of the distal radioulnar joint was achieved with proximal shortening than with
      distal shortening and in specimens with a distal oblique bundle than in those
      without a distal oblique bundle. The longitudinal resistance to ulnar shortening
      was significantly greater in proximal shortening than in distal shortening. The
      stiffness in proximal shortening was not affected by the presence of a distal
      oblique bundle in the distal interosseous membrane. CONCLUSIONS: Ulnar shortening
      with the osteotomy carried out proximal to the attachment of the distal
      interosseous membrane had a more favorable effect on stability of the distal
      radioulnar joint compared with distal osteotomy, especially in the presence of a
      distal oblique bundle.

PMID- 22048100
TI  - Joint chondrolysis.
AB  - Although the disease was first described in the hip, reports of chondrolysis in
      nearly all diarthrodial joints have since emerged with considerable variations in
      the literature.Despite speculation among clinicians and researchers about the
      implicit causal pathways and etiologic contributors associated with chondrolysis,
      definitive answers remain elusive.The term chondrolysis has been applied to
      varied levels of joint cartilage destruction from focal chondral defects to
      diffuse cartilage loss, revealing a lack of consistency in the application of
      diagnostic criteria to guide differential disease classification.Differentiating
      between the various potential etiologies associated with chondrolysis provides
      opportunities for the prevention of the disease.

PMID- 22048097
TI  - Interobserver reliability of radial head fracture classification: two-dimensional
      compared with three-dimensional CT.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Broberg and Morrey modification of the Mason classification of
      radial head fractures has substantial interobserver variation. This study used a
      large web-based collaborative of experienced orthopaedic surgeons to test the
      hypothesis that three-dimensional reconstructions of computed tomography (CT)
      scans improve the interobserver reliability of the classification of radial head
      fractures according to the Broberg and Morrey modification of the Mason
      classification. METHODS: Eighty-five orthopaedic surgeons evaluated twelve radial
      head fractures. They were randomly assigned to review either radiographs and two
      dimensional CT scans or radiographs and three-dimensional CT images to determine
      the fracture classification, fracture characteristics, and treatment
      recommendations. The kappa multirater measure (kappa) was calculated to estimate
      agreement between observers. RESULTS: Three-dimensional CT had moderate agreement
      and two-dimensional CT had fair agreement among observers for the Broberg and
      Morrey modification of the Mason classification, a difference that was
      significant. Observers assessed seven fracture characteristics, including
      fracture line, comminution, articular surface involvement, articular step or gap
      of >=2 mm, central impaction, recognition of more than three fracture fragments,
      and fracture fragments too small to repair. There was a significant difference in
      kappa values between three-dimensional CT and two-dimensional CT for fracture
      fragments too small to repair, recognition of three fracture fragments, and
      central impaction. The difference between the other four fracture characteristics
      was not significant. Among treatment recommendations, there was fair agreement
      for both three-dimensional CT and two-dimensional CT. CONCLUSIONS: Although three
      dimensional CT led to some small but significant decreases in interobserver
      variation, there is still considerable disagreement regarding classification and
      characterization of radial head fractures. Three-dimensional CT may be
      insufficient to optimize interobserver agreement.

PMID- 22048101
TI  - Factors associated with recurrence of primary aneurysmal bone cysts: is argon
      beam coagulation an effective adjuvant treatment?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Our goal was to assess the effectiveness and safety of argon beam
      coagulation as an adjuvant treatment for primary aneurysmal bone cysts, to
      reevaluate the adjuvant effectiveness of the use of a high-speed burr alone, and,
      secondarily, to identify predictors of aneurysmal bone cyst recurrence. METHODS:
      We retrospectively reviewed the records of ninety-six patients with primary
      aneurysmal bone cysts who were managed at our institution from January 1, 1983,
      to December 31, 2008. Forty patients were managed with curettage, a high-speed
      burr, and argon beam coagulation; thirty-four were managed with curettage and a
      high-speed burr without argon beam coagulation; and the remaining twenty-two were
      managed with curettage with argon beam coagulation alone, curettage with no
      adjuvant treatment, or resection of the entire lesion. Demographic, clinical, and
      radiographic data were viewed comparatively for possible predictors of
      recurrence. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis with a log-rank test was performed to
      measure association and effectiveness. RESULTS: The median age at the time of
      diagnosis was fifteen years (range, one to sixty-two years). The median duration
      of follow-up was 29.5 months (range, zero to 300 months). The overall rate of
      recurrence of aneurysmal bone cyst after surgical treatment was 11.5%. The rate
      of recurrence was 20.6% after curettage and high-speed-burr treatment alone and
      7.5% after curettage and high-speed-burr treatment plus argon beam coagulation.
      The five-year Kaplan-Meier survival estimate was 92% for patients managed with
      curettage and adjuvant treatment with a high-speed burr and argon beam
      coagulation, compared with 73% for patients managed with curettage and a high
      speed burr only (p = 0.060). CONCLUSIONS: Surgical treatment of aneurysmal bone
      cyst with curettage and adjuvant argon beam coagulation is effective.
      Postoperative fracture appears to be a common complication of this treatment and
      needs to be studied further. Treatment with curettage and high-speed burr alone
      may not reduce recurrence.

PMID- 22048102
TI  - Change in the position of the popliteal artery with knee flexion after total knee
      arthroplasty: AAOS exhibit selection.

PMID- 22048103
TI  - Chondrolysis of the tibial plateau caused by articular aspergillosis after ACL
      autograft reconstruction: management with a fresh osteochondral allograft: a case
      report.

PMID- 22048104
TI  - Snapping of the proximal hamstring origin: a rare cause of coxa saltans: a case
      report.

PMID- 22048105
TI  - The disruptive orthopaedic surgeon: implications for patient safety and
      malpractice liability.
AB  - Disruptive physician behavior imperils patient safety, erodes the morale of other
      health care providers, and dramatically increases the risk of malpractice
      litigation. Increasing patient volume, decreasing physician reimbursement,
      malpractice litigation, elevated stress, and growing job dissatisfaction have
      been implicated in disruptive behavior, which has emerged as one of the major
      challenges in health care. Because the aging patient population relies
      increasingly on orthopaedic services to maintain quality of life, improving
      professionalism and eradicating disruptive behavior are urgent concerns in
      orthopaedic surgery. Although many steps have been taken by The Joint Commission
      to improve patient care and define disruptive behavior, there is further room for
      improvement by physicians. Barriers to eliminating disruptive behavior by
      orthopaedic surgeons include fear of retaliation, lack of awareness among the
      surgeon's peers, and financial factors. Surgeons have a duty to address patterns
      of negative peer behavior for the benefit of patient care. This manuscript
      addresses the causes and consequences of disruptive physician behavior as well as
      management strategies, especially in orthopaedic surgery.

PMID- 22048106
TI  - Arthroscopic basic task performance in shoulder simulator model correlates with
      similar task performance in cadavers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Attainment of the technical skill necessary to safely perform
      arthroscopic procedures requires the instruction of orthopaedic surgery residents
      in basic arthroscopic skills. Although previous studies involving shoulder
      arthroscopy simulators have demonstrated a correlation between task performance
      and the level of prior arthroscopic experience, data demonstrating the
      correlation of simulator performance with arthroscopic skill in a surgical
      setting are scarce. Our goal was to evaluate the correlation between timed task
      performance in an arthroscopic shoulder simulator and timed task performance in a
      cadaveric shoulder arthroscopy model. METHODS: Subjects were recruited from among
      residents and attending surgeons in an orthopaedic surgery residency program.
      Each subject was tested on an arthroscopic shoulder simulator and objectively
      scored on the basis of the time taken to complete a standardized object selection
      program. After an interval of at least two weeks, each subject was then tested on
      a cadaveric shoulder arthroscopy model designed to replicate the shoulder
      arthroscopy simulator testing protocol, and the time to completion was again
      recorded. Both testing protocols involved the simple task of placing a probe on a
      series of assigned locations in the glenohumeral joint. Spearman rank correlation
      analysis was performed, and regression analysis was used to determine the
      predictive ability of the simulator score. RESULTS: The performance time on the
      simulation program was strongly correlated with the performance time on the
      cadaveric model (r = 0.736, p < 0.001). The time required to complete the
      simulator task was a significant predictor of the time required to complete the
      cadaveric task (t = 4.48, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrated a
      strong correlation between performance of basic arthroscopic tasks in a simulator
      model and performance of the same tasks in a cadaveric model.

PMID- 22048107
TI  - Can statistics alone add clinical meaning to non-specific billing databases?
      Commentary on an article by Richard A. Deyo, MD, MPH, et al.: "Revision surgery
      following operations for lumbar stenosis".

PMID- 22048108
TI  - Preoperative pain management decisions impact outcome after total knee
      arthroplasty-implications for opiate use: commentary on an article by Michael G.
      Zywiel, MD, et al.: "Chronic opioid use prior to total knee arthroplasty".

PMID- 22048109
TI  - Immunogenicity, reactogenicity and safety of the 10-valent pneumococcal
      nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae protein D conjugate vaccine (PHiD-CV) in
      Mexican infants.
AB  - The immunogenicity and safety of the 10-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine,
      PHiD-CV, have been documented in European and Asian studies. In this open study
      conducted in Mexico (NCT00489554), 230 healthy infants received three doses of
      PHiD-CV and DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib vaccines at 2, 4 and 6 months of age and two doses
      of oral human rotavirus vaccine at 2 and 4 months. Serotype-specific pneumococcal
      responses and opsonophagocytic activity (OPA) were measured one month post-dose
      3. PHiD-CV's primary vaccination course was highly immunogenic against each of
      the 10 pneumococcal vaccine serotypes and carrier protein D. Antibody responses
      against pneumococcal serotypes and protein D were generally higher in Mexican
      infants compared with European antibody responses, and functional OPA responses
      were also higher or in the same range. The most frequent solicited local symptom
      was pain, with high but similar incidences of grade 3 pain reported at both
      injection sites (up to 15% of all doses). PHiD-CV was well tolerated, with no
      serious adverse events considered as causally related to vaccination. Most
      solicited symptoms were mild and there was no increase in incidence of solicited
      symptoms with successive vaccine doses.

PMID- 22048110
TI  - Safety and tolerability of zoster vaccine in adults >=60 years old.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the general safety of zoster vaccine (ZV) in adults >=60
      years old. PATIENTS/METHODS: Subjects were enrolled in a 1:1 ratio to receive 1
      dose of ZV or placebo. Subjects were followed for serious adverse experiences
      (SAEs) for 42 days (primary follow-up period) and 182 days (secondary follow-up
      period) postvaccination. Relative-risks (ZV/placebo) for SAEs during both safety
      periods were calculated. STUDY PERIOD: 17-Sep-2007 to 09-Jan-2009. RESULTS:
      Overall, 5,983 subjects received ZV and 5,997 received placebo. Within the
      primary 42-day follow-up period, 84 ZV subjects and 67 placebo subjects reported
      SAEs. The estimated risk of SAEs within 42 days was 1.41% for ZV versus 1.12% for
      placebo, with a relative-risk of 1.26 (95% CI 0.91,1.73); indicating no
      statistically significant difference between groups, meeting the pre-specified
      success criterion. During the 182-day follow-up period, 340 ZV subjects and 300
      placebo subjects reported SAEs. The estimated risk of SAEs within 182 days was
      5.68% for ZV versus 5.01% for placebo, with a relative-risk of 1.13 (95% CI
      0.98,1.32), indicating no statistically significant difference between groups.
      Two subjects in the ZV group reported SAEs deemed by the investigator to be
      vaccine-related (uveitis and sciatica; onset Day 5 and 4, respectively). One
      subject in the placebo group reported a SAE deemed by the investigator to be
      vaccine-related (lumbar radiculopathy; onset Day 51). There were 24 fatal SAEs in
      the ZV group and 17 in the placebo group (relative risk = 1.41; CI: 0.77, 2.60);
      6 and 5, respectively, with SAE onset during the primary 42-day follow-up period.
      No deaths were deemed vaccine-related. CONCLUSIONS: ZV and placebo groups had
      similar safety profiles in terms of SAEs during the primary (Day 1 to 42) and
      secondary (Day 1 to 182) follow-up periods.

PMID- 22048111
TI  - Recombinant vaccines against leptospirosis.
AB  - Leptospirosis is an important neglected infectious disease that occurs in urban
      environments, as well as in rural regions worldwide. Rodents, the principal
      reservoir hosts of pathogenic Leptospira spp., and other infected animals shed
      the bacteria in their urine. During occupational or even recreational activities,
      humans that come into direct contact with infected animals or with a contaminated
      environment, particularly water, are at risk of infection. Prevention of urban
      leptospirosis is largely dependent on sanitation measures that are often
      difficult to implement, especially in developing countries. Vaccination with
      inactivated whole-cell preparations (bacterins) has limited efficacy due to the
      wide antigenic variation of the pathogen. Intensive efforts towards developing
      improved recombinant vaccines are ongoing. During the last decade, many reports
      on the evaluation of recombinant vaccines have been published. Partial success
      has been obtained with some surface-exposed protein antigens. The combination of
      protective antigens and new adjuvants or delivery systems may result in the much
      needed effective vaccine.

PMID- 22048112
TI  - Rural parents' vaccination-related attitudes and intention to vaccinate middle
      and high school children against influenza following educational influenza
      vaccination intervention.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study examined changes in parental influenza vaccination
      attitudes and intentions after participating in school-based educational
      influenza vaccination intervention. METHODS: Participants were drawn from three
      counties participating in a school-based influenza vaccination intervention in
      rural Georgia (baseline N=324; follow-up N=327). Data were collected pre- and
      post-intervention from phone surveys with parents' with children attending middle
      and high-school. Attitudes, beliefs, vaccination history, and intention to
      vaccinate were assessed. RESULTS: Parents who participated in the intervention
      conditions reported significantly higher influenza vaccination rates in their
      adolescents, relative to a control group, as well as increased vaccination rates
      post-intervention participation relative to their baseline rates. Intervention
      participants reported greater intention to have their adolescent vaccinated in
      the coming year compared to control parents. Significant differences were
      observed post intervention in perceived barriers and benefits of vaccination.
      CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that a school-delivered educational influenza
      vaccination intervention targeting parents and teens may influence influenza
      vaccination in rural communities. Future influenza vaccination efforts geared
      toward the parents of rural middle- and high-school students may benefit from
      addressing barriers and benefits of influenza vaccination.

PMID- 22048113
TI  - Relationship of therapeutic cancer vaccine development to population disease
      burden and five-year survival.
AB  - In the United States, therapeutic vaccines may provide considerable benefit to
      cancer patients. Yet, there has been no assessment of whether vaccines currently
      in the research and development pipeline reflect the burden of disease and
      current survival patterns for different malignancies. The authors used data from
      the National Cancer Institute, Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results (SEER)
      database, and clinicaltrials.gov registry to characterize the vaccine development
      pipeline with respect to 5 measures of disease burden and treatment effectiveness
      for cancer: annual incidence, annual mortality, five-year survival rate, recent
      change in five-year survival (1999-2006 vs 1990-1992), and five-year mortality
      estimate (=annual incidence*[1 - 5-yr survival rate]). In 2011, the authors
      identified 231 active clinical trials for therapeutic cancer vaccines. Of these
      trials, 81 vaccines are currently in Phase I, 140 in Phase II, and 10 vaccines in
      Phase III. Vaccine trials for melanoma are most common (n=40), followed by breast
      cancer (34), lung cancer (30), and prostate cancer (22). Correlation analyses
      revealed that only annual cancer incidence is significantly associated with
      current therapeutic cancer vaccine trial activity (r=.60; p=.003). Annual
      mortality, 5-year survival rate and 5-year mortality estimates were not
      associated with vaccine trial activity. The authors conclude that therapeutic
      cancer vaccine clinical trials correspond with disease incidence in the U.S., but
      not with measures of mortality and survival that reflect the effectiveness of
      currently available treatment modalities. Future development of therapeutic
      vaccines for cancer may benefit patients more if there is stronger
      complementarity with other therapeutic options.

PMID- 22048114
TI  - Candida vaccines development from point view of US patent application.
AB  - Candidiasis is the fourth most common bloodstream infection in hospitalized
      patients in the United States. Moreover, the mortality rate from Candida
      infections remains high, even after treatment with antifungal therapy.
      Vaccination would be a promising strategy for prevention of invasive fungal
      infections. In order to examine the main trends in anticandidal vaccine patenting
      activity, we conducted an analysis for anticandidal vaccine patents. We find 190
      issued patent and 940 patent application documents containing the keywords
      Candida and vaccine within claims in the USA. Candida vaccines development, as
      evidenced by the numbers of issued patents, has decreased since the year 2002.
      Furthermore, the number of patent applications in Candida vaccines may indicate
      the strength of engaged resources were also in the status of stagnation during
      2005-2007 and even a decline in 2008. Academic and nonprofit research
      institutions not only account for a large share of Candida vaccines patents but
      also apply for patents continually. Based on this analysis, the strength of
      Candida vaccines resources seems to remain stagnant in recent years due to patent
      prosecution or technical barrier in the filed of Candida vaccines. Therefore, we
      consider that Candida vaccines technology to still be under development and the
      researchers are still looking for scientific breakthrough in the filed.

PMID- 22048115
TI  - A novel adjuvant Ling Zhi-8 for cancer DNA vaccines.
AB  - DNA vaccines have a wide range of applications, with several potential advantages
      compared to other vaccine technologies for diseases. No DNA vaccine has yet been
      licensed in humans; however, a lot of effort has been made to enhance their
      potential as human vaccines and therapeutics. Finding an effective adjuvant is a
      strategy to improve the efficacy of DNA vaccines. We recently identified a fungal
      immunomodulatory protein Ling Zhi-8 (LZ-8) with stimulatory activity on dendritic
      cells (DCs) that significantly increases the efficacy of a cancer DNA vaccine in
      a preclinical tumor model, suggesting that LZ-8 may be a good candidate adjuvant
      for vaccine development. Here we discuss the possibility for applying LZ-8 to a
      cancer DNA vaccine for humans.

PMID- 22048116
TI  - Leishmaniasis.
AB  - Leishmaniasis is a disease that ranges in severity from skin lesions to serious
      disfigurement and fatal systemic infection. WHO has classified the disease as
      emerging and uncontrolled and estimates that the infection results in two million
      new cases a year. There are 12 million people currently infected worldwide, and
      leishmaniasis threatens 350 million people in 88 countries. Vaccination remains
      the best hope for control of all forms of the disease, and the development of a
      safe, effective and affordable antileishmanial vaccine is a critical global
      public-health priority. However, to date, no such vaccine is available despite
      substantial efforts by many laboratories. Main obstacle in vaccine design is the
      transition from the laboratory to the field and extrapolation of data from animal
      models to humans. This review discusses recent findings in the antileishmania
      vaccine field and current difficulties hampering vaccine implementation.

PMID- 22048117
TI  - Buruli ulcer.
AB  - Buruli Ulcer (BU) is a neglected, necrotizing skin disease, caused by M.
      ulcerans, that can leave patients with prominent scars and lifelong disability.
      M. ulcerans produces a diffusible lipid toxin, mycolactone, essential for
      bacterial virulence. Prevention is difficult as little is known about disease
      transmission and there is no vaccine. There have been several recent advances in
      the field. These include sequencing of the bacterial genome and of the giant
      plasmid responsible for mycolactone synthesis, better understanding of the
      bacterial lifecycle and of the mechanism of action of the toxin. This work has
      revealed a number of possible vaccine candidates, some of which are shared with
      other mycobacteria, e.g. M. tuberculosis, while other targets are unique to M.
      ulcerans. In this review, we discuss several M. ulcerans vaccine targets and
      vaccination methods, and outline some of the gaps in our understanding of the
      bacterium and the immune response against it.

PMID- 22048118
TI  - Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) vaccine: an effective control strategy in
      India.
AB  - Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) is an encapsulated, non-motile and non-spore
      forming Gram-negative coccobacillus which causes severe pneumonia, meningitis and
      other life threatening illnesses. Hib disease affects almost exclusively (95%)
      children aged less than 5 years throughout the world. The mean age of onset is 6
      24 months after which it declines gradually until age 5 years. The World Health
      Organization (WHO) estimates that Hib is responsible for 3 million cases of
      serious illnesses and approximately 386,000 deaths worldwide each year in
      children aged under 5 years. In the latest position paper on Hib vaccine, WHO
      recommended the inclusion of Hib conjugate vaccines in all routine infant
      immunization programs without waiting for local disease-burden data. The WHO and
      the Global Alliance for Vaccine Immunization (GAVI) have been working to expand
      supplies of Hib vaccine, reduce vaccine cost, and assist especially low-income
      countries with vaccine introduction. Hib vaccine is safe, highly effective and
      readily available in the market. Hib vaccine has been shown to be > 95%
      efficacious in diverse populations around the world. Globally, hundreds of
      millions of doses of Hib vaccine have been administered in the last 2 decades.
      More than 160 countries are using Hib vaccine in national immunization programmes
      and around 25 countries planning to introduce. Hib vaccination fits into the
      India's national immunization schedule.

PMID- 22048119
TI  - H. pylori vaccines: why we still don't have any.
AB  - Helicobacter pylori was appreciated as the major cause of peptic ulcers about 30
      years ago and the most significant etiological agent in gastric cancer in the mid
      1990s. Since that time, progress in the development of a preventive or
      therapeutic H. pylori vaccine has been relatively slow. The impediments to rapid
      advances in the field include a luke-warm enthusiasm among clinicians, research
      scientists, and public health authorities concerning the need for a vaccine,
      rudimentary understanding of the correlates of gastric immunity to H. pylori and
      of gastric mucosal immunology in general, the geographical heterogeneity of the
      H. pylori genome and insufficient pharmaceutical industry support. Recent
      enhancements in our understanding of the gastric immune response together with
      advances in H. pylori genomics now provide the potential to accelerate progress
      in H. pylori vaccine development. Whether an H. pylori vaccine becomes a reality
      will likely depend upon our ability to appropriately target the populations at
      highest risk of the adverse sequelae of infection.

PMID- 22048120
TI  - Schistosomiasis vaccines.
AB  - Schistosomiasis is a major neglected tropical disease of public health importance
      to a billion people. An estimated 200 million people are currently infected; an
      additional 779 million individuals are at risk to acquire the infection in 74
      countries. Despite many years of implementation of mass anti-parasitic drug
      therapy programs and other control measures, this disease has not been contained
      and continues to spread to new geographic areas. The discovery of a protective
      vaccine still remains the most potentially effective means for the control of
      this disease, especially if the vaccine provides long-term immunity against the
      infection. A vaccine would contribute to the reduction of schistosomiasis
      morbidity through induced immune responses leading to decrease in parasite load
      and reduced egg production. This vaccine could be administered to children
      between the ages of 3 and 12 years to prevent severe infection in a particularly
      high risk population. This review summarizes the current status of
      schistosomiasis vaccine development.

PMID- 22048121
TI  - Advances and challenges towards a vaccine against Chagas disease.
AB  - Chagas disease is major public health problem, affecting nearly 10 million
      people, characterized by cardiac alterations leading to congestive heart failure
      and death of 20-40% of the patients infected with Trypanosoma cruzi, the
      protozoan parasite responsible for the disease. A vaccine would be key to improve
      disease control and we review here the recent advances and challenges of a T.
      cruzi vaccine. There is a growing consensus that a protective immune response
      requires the activation of a Th1 immune profile, with the stimulation of CD8 (+) 
      T cells. Several vacines types, including recombinant proteins, DNA and viral
      vectors, as well as heterologous prime-boost combinations, have been found
      immunogenic and protective in mouse models, providing proof-of-concept data on
      the feasibility of a preventive or therapeutic vaccine to control a T. cruzi
      infection. However, several challenges such as better end-points, safety issues
      and trial design need to be addressed for further vaccine development to proceed.

PMID- 22048123
TI  - In vivo P2X7 inhibition reduces amyloid plaques in Alzheimer's disease through
      GSK3beta and secretases.
AB  - beta-Amyloid (Abeta) peptide production from amyloid precursor protein (APP) is
      essential in the formation of the beta-amyloid plaques characteristic of
      Alzheimer's disease. However, the extracellular signals that maintain the balance
      between nonpathogenic and pathologic forms of APP processing, mediated by alpha
      secretase and beta-secretase respectively, remain poorly understood. In the
      present work, we describe regulation of the processing of APP via the adenosine
      triphosphate (ATP) receptor P2X7R. In 2 different cellular lines, the inhibition
      of either native or overexpressed P2X7R increased alpha-secretase activity
      through inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3). In vivo inhibition of
      the P2X7R in J20 mice, transgenic for mutant human APP, induced a significant
      decrease in the number of hippocampal amyloid plaques. This reduction correlated
      with a decrease in glycogen synthase kinase 3 activity in J20 mice, increasing
      the proteolytic processing of APP through an increase in alpha-secretase
      activity. The in vivo findings presented here demonstrate for the first time the
      therapeutic potential of P2X7R antagonism in the treatment of familiar
      Alzheimer's disease (FAD).

PMID- 22048122
TI  - Advances and hurdles on the way toward a leprosy vaccine.
AB  - Prevalence rates for leprosy have declined sharply over the past 20 y, with this
      decline generally attributed to the WHO multi-drug therapy (MDT) campaign to
      provide free-of-charge treatment to all diagnosed leprosy patients. The success
      of this program appears to have reached its nadir, however, as evidenced by the
      stalled decreases in both global prevalence and new case detection rates of
      leprosy. Mass BCG vaccination for the prevention of tuberculosis (TB) at national
      levels has had a positive effect on leprosy decline and is often overlooked as an
      important factor in current leprosy control programs. Because BCG provides
      incomplete protection against both TB and leprosy, newer more effective TB
      vaccines are being developed. The impact that application of these vaccines will
      have on current leprosy control programs is unclear. In this review, we assess
      the need for vaccines within leprosy control programs. We summarize and discuss
      leprosy vaccine strategies that have been deployed previously and discuss those
      strategies that are currently being developed to augment recent breakthroughs in
      leprosy control.

PMID- 22048124
TI  - Cerebrovascular disease, beta-amyloid, and cognition in aging.
AB  - The present study evaluated cerebrovascular disease (CVD), beta-amyloid (Abeta),
      and cognition in clinically normal elderly adults. Fifty-four participants
      underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), Pittsburgh compound B (PIB)-positron
      emission tomography (PET) imaging, and neuropsychological evaluation. High white
      matter hyperintensity burden and/or presence of infarct defined CVD status (CVD-:
      n = 27; CVD+: n = 27). PIB-positron emission tomography ratios of Abeta
      deposition were extracted using Logan plotting (cerebellar reference). Presence
      of high levels of Abeta in prespecified regions determined PIB status (PIB-: n =
      33; PIB+: n = 21). Executive functioning and episodic memory were measured using
      composite scales. CVD and Abeta, defined as dichotomous or continuous variables,
      were unrelated to one another. CVD+ participants showed lower executive
      functioning (p = 0.001) when compared with CVD- individuals. Neither PIB status
      nor amount of Abeta affected cognition (ps >= 0.45), and there was no statistical
      interaction between CVD and PIB on either cognitive measure. Within this spectrum
      of normal aging CVD and Abeta aggregation appear to be independent processes with
      CVD primarily affecting cognition.

PMID- 22048125
TI  - Abeta-induced formation of autophagosomes is mediated by RAGE-CaMKKbeta-AMPK
      signaling.
AB  - Pathological autophagic vacuoles (AVs) accumulate in the brains of Alzheimer's
      disease (AD) patients, but the mechanisms by which they are induced are unknown.
      In this study, we found that the formation of AVs was mediated by activation of
      adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in the brains of
      APP/PS1 double transgenic mice, amyloid-beta peptide (Abeta) pathology-bearing
      model mouse. Injection of sunitinib malate, AMPK inhibitor, to the mice lowered
      AV formation in their brains. Consistent with our in vivo observations, treatment
      of SH-SY5Y cells with Abeta enhanced the induction of autophagosomes, which was
      mediated by Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase-beta (CaMKKbeta)
      AMPK signaling, as shown using various inhibitors and small interfering RNA
      (siRNA). CaMKKbeta is a calcium-activated kinase, and the depletion of
      intracellular calcium by BAPTA-AM, a Ca(2+) chelator, also curtailed Abeta
      induced autophagy. Finally, the inhibition of receptor for advanced glycation end
      products (RAGE) attenuated autophagsome formation and AMPK signaling. Conversely,
      RAGE overexpression amplified the induction of autophagy. These results implicate
      the regulation of the Abeta-induced formation of AVs by the RAGE-calcium
      CaMKKbeta-AMPK pathway and suggest that modulation of autophagosome formation and
      the interaction between Abeta and RAGE are beneficial in the treatment and
      prevention of Alzheimer's disease.

PMID- 22048126
TI  - Dietary salt influences postprandial plasma sodium concentration and systolic
      blood pressure.
AB  - The plasma sodium concentration has a direct effect on blood pressure in addition
      to its effects on extracellular volume regulated through changes in the
      endothelium. The mechanism for elevated blood pressure seen with habitually
      increased salt intake is unclear, especially the effect of salt in a single meal
      on plasma sodium concentration and blood pressure. To resolve this we compared
      the effect of soup with or without 6 g of salt (an amount similar to that in a
      single meal) on the plasma sodium concentration and blood pressure in 10
      normotensive volunteers using a randomized, crossover design. The plasma sodium
      concentration was significantly increased by 3.13+/-0.75 mmol/l with salted
      compared with unsalted soup. Blood pressure increased in volunteers ingesting
      soup with added salt, and there was a significant positive correlation between
      plasma sodium concentration and systolic blood pressure. A 1-mmol/l increase in
      plasma sodium was associated with a 1.91-mm Hg increase in systolic blood
      pressure by linear regression. Thus, changes in plasma sodium concentration occur
      each time a meal containing salt is consumed. A potential mechanism for the
      changes in blood pressure seen with salt intake may be through its effects on
      plasma sodium concentration.

PMID- 22048127
TI  - Disruption of Smad4 impairs TGF-beta/Smad3 and Smad7 transcriptional regulation
      during renal inflammation and fibrosis in vivo and in vitro.
AB  - The mechanism by which TGF-beta regulates renal inflammation and fibrosis is
      largely unclear; however, it is well accepted that its biological effects are
      mediated through Smad2 and Smad3 phosphorylation. Following activation, these
      Smads form heteromeric complex with Smad4 and translocate into the nucleus to
      bind and regulate the expression of target genes. Here we studied the roles of
      Smad4 to regulate TGF-beta signaling in a mouse model of unilateral ureteral
      obstruction using conditional Smad4 knockout mice and in isolated Smad4 mutant
      macrophages and fibroblasts. Disruption of Smad4 significantly enhanced renal
      inflammation as evidenced by a greater CD45(+) leukocyte and F4/80(+) macrophage
      infiltration and upregulation of IL-1beta, TNF-alpha, MCP-1, and ICAM-1 in the
      obstructed kidney and in IL-1beta-stimulated macrophages. In contrast, deletion
      of Smad4 inhibited renal fibrosis and TGF-beta1-induced collagen I expression by
      fibroblasts. Further studies showed that the loss of Smad4 repressed Smad7
      transcription, leading to a loss of functional protein. This, in turn, inhibited
      IkappaBalpha expression but enhanced NF-kappaB activation, thereby promoting
      renal inflammation. Interestingly, deletion of Smad4 influenced Smad3-mediated
      promoter activities and the binding of Smad3 to the COL1A2 promoter, but not
      Smad3 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation, thereby inhibiting the fibrotic
      response. Thus, Smad4 may be a key regulator for the diverse roles of TGF-beta1
      in inflammation and fibrogenesis by interacting with Smad7 and Smad3 to influence
      their transcriptional activities in renal inflammation and fibrosis.

PMID- 22048128
TI  - Indirect measurement of lung density and air volume from electrical impedance
      tomography (EIT) data.
AB  - This paper describes a method for estimating lung density, air volume and changes
      in fluid content from a non-invasive measurement of the electrical resistivity of
      the lungs. Resistivity in Omega m was found by fitting measured electrical
      impedance tomography (EIT) data to a finite difference model of the thorax. Lung
      density was determined by comparing the resistivity of the lungs, measured at a
      relatively high frequency, with values predicted from a published model of lung
      structure. Lung air volume can then be calculated if total lung weight is also
      known. Temporal changes in lung fluid content will produce proportional changes
      in lung density. The method was implemented on EIT data, collected using eight
      electrodes placed in a single plane around the thorax, from 46 adult male
      subjects and 36 adult female subjects. Mean lung densities (+/-SD) of 246 +/- 67
      and 239 +/- 64 kg m(-3), respectively, were obtained. In seven adult male
      subjects estimates of 1.68 +/- 0.30, 3.42 +/- 0.49 and 4.40 +/- 0.53 l in
      residual volume, functional residual capacity and vital capacity, respectively,
      were obtained. Sources of error are discussed. It is concluded that absolute
      differences in lung density of about 30% and changes over time of less than 30%
      should be detected using the current technology in normal subjects. These changes
      would result from approximately 300 ml increase in lung fluid. The method
      proposed could be used for non-invasive monitoring of total lung air and fluid
      content in normal subjects but needs to be assessed in patients with lung
      disease.

PMID- 22048129
TI  - P50 amplitude reduction: a nicotinic receptor-mediated deficit in first-degree
      relatives of schizophrenia patients.
AB  - RATIONALE: Impaired P50 gating is a putative index of genetically mediated
      nicotinic dysfunction in schizophrenia. However, assessment is confounded, in
      patients, by differential effects of smoking, symptoms, and treatment.
      OBJECTIVES: This double-blind placebo-controlled study was designed to tease
      apart the relationships among P50, acute and chronic nicotine exposure, and
      familial risk. METHODS AND RESULTS: Experiment 1: To assess the putative effects
      of genetic vulnerability without other confounds, 14 unaffected relatives of
      schizophrenia patients and 15 controls, all nonsmokers, were tested with/without
      7 mg transdermal nicotine. Family members had reduced P50 amplitude to an initial
      auditory stimulus, but normal P50 gating. Nicotine decreased P50 amplitude in
      controls; family members had a mixed response: eight decreased and six increased
      P50 amplitude with nicotine. Experiment 2: To assess chronic nicotine use and
      short-term withdrawal as a model of nicotinic dysfunction, 26 healthy smokers (14
      abstinent for >12 h) received 21 mg transdermal nicotine. Chronic nicotine use,
      alone, did not alter P50 amplitude or gating. Short-term withdrawal resulted in
      decreased P50 amplitude, with no effect on P50 gating. Nicotine increased P50
      amplitude in abstinent smokers and decreased it in nonabstinent smokers.
      CONCLUSIONS: Familial vulnerability to schizophrenia reduces P50 amplitude.
      Nicotinic modulation of this deficit mirrors the effect of nicotine during
      smoking abstinence and suggests an "inverted-U" relationship between P50
      amplitude and endogenous nicotinic activity. P50 amplitude may, therefore, be a
      sensitive marker of nicotinic dysfunction in individuals with familial risk for
      schizophrenia, which is mediated through mechanisms (e.g., alpha4beta2 receptors)
      that are distinct from those (e.g., alpha7 receptors) that mediate P50 gating.

PMID- 22048130
TI  - Post-retrieval extinction training enhances or hinders the extinction of morphine
      induced conditioned place preference in rats dependent on the retrieval
      extinction interval.
AB  - RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVE: Drug-associated memories are hypothesized to underlie
      the high risk of relapse in addiction. Recent studies show that post-retrieval
      extinction training erases fear memories by reconsolidation blockade. Here, we
      examine the efficacy of this non-invasive procedure in rats with drug-associated
      memories and explore the underlying mechanisms by varying retrieval-extinction
      intervals. To confirm the erasure hypothesis, in addition to the conventional
      spontaneous recovery and reinstatement assays, we conduct further assessment to
      detect the existence of drug-associated memories. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Morphine
      induced conditioned place preference (CPP) model in rats was used to examine the
      effects of post-retrieval extinction training. After the establishment of
      morphine-induced CPP, CPP testing was used to retrieve drug-associated memories.
      In the following extinction training session, two groups of rats received
      conventional extinction training, that is, confined extinction training or
      repeated testing daily; the other two groups of rats underwent confined
      extinction training 10 min or 3 h after CPP testing, daily. The recoverability of
      the extinguished CPP was examined by spontaneous recovery and reinstatement
      assays. RESULTS: Post-retrieval extinction training with a 10-min retrieval
      extinction interval facilitated CPP extinction and suppressed the reinstatement
      and spontaneous recovery of extinguished CPP; nevertheless, CPP returned in the
      reinstatement assay after the 4-week spontaneous recovery test. In contrast, post
      retrieval extinction training with a 3-h retrieval-extinction interval retarded
      the extinction of CPP. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that post-retrieval
      extinction training can either improve or impair CPP extinction depending on the
      retrieval-extinction interval.

PMID- 22048131
TI  - Vibratory therapeutics.--The application of rapid and continuous vibrations to
      the treatment of certain diseases of the nervous system. 1892.

PMID- 22048132
TI  - Charcot, Freud, and the treatment of "nervous disorders".

PMID- 22048133
TI  - A contemporary reflection on Charcot and vibratory therapeutics.

PMID- 22048134
TI  - The prevalence and correlates of sexual risk behaviors and sexually transmitted
      infections in outpatients with borderline personality disorder.
AB  - This study examined the prevalence and correlates of sexual risk behaviors and
      sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in two samples of outpatients with
      borderline personality disorder (BPD), including suicidal BPD women (n = 99) and
      opiate-dependent BPD men and women (n = 125). High rates of sexual risk behaviors
      and STIs were found, particularly in the opiate-dependent BPD sample. Compared
      with suicidal BPD outpatients, opiate-dependent BPD outpatients reported higher
      rates of past-year sexual activity, commercial sex work, and lifetime hepatitis,
      as well as a greater number of lifetime sex partners. Substance use and
      demographic characteristics (age, sex, and marital status) were associated with
      higher rates of sexual risk behaviors and/or STIs, whereas cognitive-behavioral
      factors and indicators of psychiatric impairment were not. These findings point
      to a clear need for interventions aimed at decreasing sexual risk behaviors among
      individuals with BPD.

PMID- 22048135
TI  - Matching the patient to the therapist: the roles of the attachment status and the
      helping alliance.
AB  - The helping alliance between patient and therapist is essential in the
      psychotherapeutic relationship. Recently, the links between patients' attachment
      and therapeutic alliance were examined. So far, there has been no published study
      that matched the patients and the patients' attachment representation to examine
      its role on the therapeutic relationship. Working along Bowlby's assumptions, a
      dissimilar matching of the attachment status to both was assumed to positively
      effect the helping alliance. In our study, the attachment representations of 19
      psychotherapists and 59 anxiety patients (Structured Clinical Interview for DSM
      Axis I Disorders) were measured using the Adult Attachment Interview, using the
      dimensional scales by Waters et al. (Scoring secure versus insecure and
      dismissing versus preoccupied attachment as continuous variables: Discriminant
      analysis using AAI state of mind scales; unpublished manuscript). The helping
      alliance was assessed using the Helping Alliance Questionnaire. As expected,
      anxiety patients with a more insecure attachment with highly preoccupied and
      disorganized features evaluated the relationship with a more dismissing therapist
      as more helpful than that with a more preoccupied therapist. The results indicate
      the importance of a matching attachment status to a fruitful helping alliance in
      psychotherapy.

PMID- 22048136
TI  - Anhedonia is an important factor of health-related quality-of-life deficit in
      schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.
AB  - The aim of the current study was to investigate an association of physical and
      social hedonic deficits with health-related quality of life (HRQL), controlling
      for related distressing and protective factors. Eighty-seven stable patients with
      schizophrenia (SZ) and schizoaffective disorder (SA) were assessed using the
      revised Physical Anhedonia Scale (PAS) and the Social Anhedonia Scale (SAS), the
      Quality of Life Enjoyment and Life Satisfaction Questionnaire (Q-LES-Q), and
      related factors. Hedonic and HRQL deficit scores did not reach significant
      differences between SZ and SA patients. General and domain-specific Q-LES-Q
      scores were significantly correlated with PAS and SAS scores independent of the
      adverse effects and psychopathological symptoms. Dissatisfaction with HRQL
      increased from "normal hedonics" (4.8%) to "hypohedonics" (28.6%) and "double
      anhedonics" (66.7%). Permanently dissatisfied patients who revealed deterioration
      in general quality of life across 10 years had significantly higher PAS and SAS
      scores than did patients who were permanently satisfied and improved. An
      exploratory factor analysis yielded a three-factor solution; PAS and SAS scores
      were joined to the second factor together with Q-LES-Q, self-efficacy, coping
      styles, and social support scores. PAS scores accounted for 7% to 13% of the
      total variance in three domains and in the general quality-of-life alterations.
      SAS scores did not predict variability in the Q-LES-Q domains. Therefore,
      physical and social hedonic deficits significantly associated with poor HRQL
      independent of the adverse effects and psychopathological symptoms of SZ/SA.
      Physical anhedonia may be a predictor for quality-of-life deficit.

PMID- 22048137
TI  - Housing status as an independent predictor of functional capacity in patients
      with schizophrenia.
AB  - This study compared the functional capacity and neurocognitive status of homeless
      and housed adults with schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder and examined
      whether housing status is an independent predictor of functional capacity. We
      examined 30 homeless individuals and 21 housed controls and matched for
      diagnosis, sex, and age. The participants, recruited from an acute psychiatric
      inpatient unit, completed a measure of psychiatric symptom severity, a
      neuropsychological test battery, and a measure of functional capacity, the
      University of California-San Diego performance-based skills assessment (UPSA).
      There were no significant differences in performance on the neuropsychological
      test battery or the UPSA between housed and homeless participants. In a
      multivariate model, however, cognitive status and housing status were independent
      predictors of functional capacity, and homelessness was associated with an
      approximately 9-point lower score on the UPSA. This finding highlights the
      importance of neuropsychological screening and interventions that promote housing
      stability for patients with schizophrenia.

PMID- 22048138
TI  - Psychopathological and functional correlates of behavioral activation and
      avoidance in schizophrenia.
AB  - Behavioral activation and avoidance are well studied in depression, yet the
      relationship of these constructs to symptoms, cognitive ability and functioning
      in schizophrenia is poorly understood. In a sample of 73 middle-aged and older
      outpatients with schizophrenia (mean [SD] age, 50.3 [6.3] years), we examined the
      relationship of the Activation and Avoidance subscales of the Behavioral
      Activation for Depression Scale with measures of psychopathology (positive and
      negative symptoms, depression), global cognitive ability, and functioning
      (observer-rated, performance-based, and subjective functioning). Neither
      activation nor avoidance related to sociodemographic variables, age of onset, or
      antipsychotic dose. Although activation and avoidance were significantly
      intercorrelated, only behavioral activation was significantly associated with
      depression and subjective functioning, whereas only avoidance related to negative
      symptoms. Avoidance accounted for significant variation in observer-rated
      functioning after adjusting for cognitive ability. These results suggest that
      activation and avoidance may be important therapeutic targets in schizophrenia,
      with somewhat divergent pathways among psychopathological features to functional
      impairment.

PMID- 22048139
TI  - Perceptions of and attitudes toward antidepressants: stigma attached to their use
      -a review.
AB  - The aim of this study was to ascertain whether there is any evidence of stigma
      related to the use of antidepressants. Using the PubMed and MEDLINE databases, we
      searched for the terms stigma, antidepressants, and depression. A protocol was
      developed to extract information from the papers, which were identified and
      explored further. Thirty-two papers were identified. We found that the stigma
      against depression differs from stigma against the use of antidepressants. Stigma
      against depression does not impact on therapeutic adherence to antidepressant
      use. Stigma related to antidepressant use appears to be linked with perceived
      emotional weakness, severity of illness, an inability to deal with problems, and
      a lack of belief in the therapeutic efficacy of antidepressants. Stigma against
      medication can be a useful target for interventions, just like the stigma related
      to depression. However, clinicians must be careful in avoiding the medicalization
      of symptoms.

PMID- 22048140
TI  - Use of indigenous cultural idioms by Chinese immigrant relatives for psychosis:
      impacts on stigma and psychoeducational approaches.
AB  - Indigenous interpretations of mental illness might negatively impact treatment
      adherence. However, psychiatric "labeling" potentially leads to stigma among
      Chinese groups, thus encouraging the use of indigenous idioms. We examined how
      relatives' use of indigenous labeling varied with the consumers' experience of
      illness and whether indigenous labeling protected relatives from internalized and
      experienced forms of stigma. Forty-nine relatives of Chinese-immigrant consumers
      with psychosis were sampled. Although consumers had progressed to the middle
      stages of psychosis, 39% of relatives used indigenous idioms to label psychosis.
      Indigenous labeling decreased when illness duration increased and when visual
      hallucinations were present. Indigenous labeling further predicted lower
      internalized stigma among relatives. Relatives who used indigenous labeling also
      reported fewer indirect stigma experiences, although not after controlling for
      illness severity. The frequency of direct discrimination among relatives did not
      differ by labeling. These forms of felt stigma might be embedded into relatives'
      psychoeducation programs to mitigate adverse consequences of psychiatric
      labeling.

PMID- 22048141
TI  - Stigma, help-seeking attitudes, and use of psychotherapy in veterans with
      diagnoses of posttraumatic stress disorder.
AB  - Survey and medical record data from 482 Veterans Affairs (VA) patients who
      recently received diagnoses of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were examined
      to determine need and predisposing factors associated with utilization of
      psychotherapy and counseling. More than half (58%) of participants initiated VA
      psychotherapy for PTSD within a year of diagnosis. Of those, one third completed
      eight or more sessions. Roughly two thirds of participants initiated counseling
      at a Vet Center. Initiating PTSD psychotherapy was associated with greater
      impairment but not with stigma, concerns about fitting in, or satisfaction with
      care. The use of Vet Center counseling was associated with desire for help,
      concerns about fitting in, and satisfaction with care. Unexpectedly, veterans
      with greater stigma concerns completed more psychotherapy visits and Vet Center
      counseling. Negative attitudes about mental health treatment did not seem to be
      substantial barriers to engaging in psychotherapy among these VA patients. Future
      research should consider enabling treatment system factors in addition to
      predisposing patient characteristics.

PMID- 22048142
TI  - Are mobile phones and handheld computers being used to enhance delivery of
      psychiatric treatment? A systematic review.
AB  - The rapid diffusion of communication technology has provided opportunities to
      enhance the delivery of mental health care. We used Preferred Reporting Items for
      Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines to conduct a qualitative review
      of randomized controlled trials that reported on the efficacy of mobile phones or
      handheld computers used to enhance the treatment of psychiatric disorders. We
      identified eight randomized controlled trials. Five studies used mobile phones to
      target smoking cessation. Those receiving the smoking cessation intervention were
      significantly more likely to achieve abstinence compared with those under the
      control condition. Three studies used non-personal digital assistant (PDA)
      handheld computers targeting anxiety. Compared with those in the control
      condition, those who received the non-PDA handheld computer intervention had
      significant improvement in anxiety outcomes in only one of the three studies. The
      limited number of rigorous evaluations of mobile phone, PDA, or smartphone
      interventions for mental health problems underscores the opportunities to enhance
      our interventions using the available tools of contemporary technology.

PMID- 22048143
TI  - Addressing demoralization in clinical staff: a true test of leadership.
AB  - Demoralization is a state that occurs when an individual's personal or
      professional goals, principles, or values are threatened. Psychiatrists working
      in mental healthcare organizations may experience demoralization for numerous
      reasons, including diminished funding for valued programs, personnel reductions,
      and administrative burdens hindering patient care. Demoralization places
      psychiatrists and other mental health professionals at increased risk for
      burnout, and its associated problems related to physical and mental difficulties,
      poor patient care, and staff losses and turnover. Demoralization, therefore,
      presents an important challenge to medical and clinical leaders who must address
      this issue to maintain the organizational commitment to optimal patient-centered
      care. This can be done using sound and accepted leadership principles coupled
      with a values orientation. The paper provides an illustration.

PMID- 22048144
TI  - Assessment of posttraumatic symptoms in patients with first-episode psychosis.
AB  - Posttraumatic stress disorder is common among patients with psychotic disorders.
      The present study examined the internal reliability and comparability of the
      Impact of Event Scale (IES) in a sample of 38 patients with first-episode
      psychosis and 47 controls exposed to severe physical and/or sexual abuse. The IES
      total score and both subscales showed high internal consistency in both groups
      (Cronbach's alpha coefficients of approximately 0.9 or higher). Given their
      equivalent trauma reporting, the lack of differences in IES scores between
      patients and controls seems to indicate that patients are likely to report
      accurately and neither exaggerate nor minimize their posttraumatic symptoms.
      Overall, the findings suggest that the IES can be used to assess symptoms of
      posttraumatic stress in patients with psychotic disorders as in other
      populations.

PMID- 22048145
TI  - Long-term glucose control among type 2 diabetes patients with and without serious
      mental illness.
AB  - Although studies suggest that patients with diabetes with a serious mental
      illness (SMI) have poor diabetes outcomes, reports conflict regarding the quality
      of their diabetes care and level of glucose control. In an observational follow
      up to our initial cross-sectional study, we compared glucose control
      (glycosylated hemoglobin [HbA1c]) between patients with diabetes with SMI versus
      those without SMI at two postbaseline assessments during an approximately 5-year
      period. Both groups continued to have glucose levels higher than what is
      considered good control and neither group demonstrated a significant change in
      mean HbA1c at the two follow-up time points. Those with SMI continued to have
      lower HbA1c levels than those without SMI even after adjusting for potential
      confounders. More effective strategies are needed to assist patients with
      diabetes to improve the management of their glucose levels.

PMID- 22048146
TI  - Joint hypermobility, fears, and chocolate consumption.
AB  - Our purpose was to evaluate joint hypermobility, an inherited disorder of the
      connective tissue significantly associated with anxiety disorders, in a sample of
      nonclinical students in relation to the frequency of severe fears and consumption
      of chocolate, coffee, cigarettes, and alcohol. One hundred fifty students
      completed the Hakim and Grahame Simple Questionnaire to detect hypermobility and
      the self-administered modified Wolpe Fear Scale (100 items). Severe fears and
      daily consumption of cigarettes, alcohol, coffee, and chocolate were compared
      with the hypermobility scores. We found significant differences when comparing
      severe fears between the groups with and without hypermobility (7.6 vs. 11; p =
      0.001), reinforcing the hypothesis that the intensity of fears is greater in
      subjects with hypermobility. Only the frequency of chocolate intake was
      significantly higher among subjects with hypermobility (31.2% vs. 51.2%; p =
      0.038) and may correspond to attempts of self-treatment of the collagen
      condition.

PMID- 22048147
TI  - Synthesis of isoindolinones via palladium-catalyzed C-H activation of N
      methoxybenzamides.
AB  - The synthesis of isoindolinones from N-methoxybenzamides and alkenes has been
      achieved by Pd-catalyzed ortho sp(2) C-H activation and intramolecular oxidative
      amidation, which involve the cleavage of four bonds and formation of two bonds.

PMID- 22048148
TI  - Investigating changes over time in socioeconomic gaps in cancer survival: using
      differences in relative survival versus differences in excess mortality rates can
      give different answers.

PMID- 22048149
TI  - Validation of a predictive model that identifies patients at high risk of
      developing febrile neutropaenia following chemotherapy for breast cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We have previously developed a predictive model that identifies
      patients at increased risk of febrile neutropaenia (FN) following chemotherapy,
      based on pretreatment haematological indices. This study was designed to validate
      our earlier findings in a separate cohort of patients undergoing more
      myelosuppressive chemotherapy supported by growth factors. PATIENTS AND METHODS:
      We conducted a retrospective analysis of 263 patients who had been treated with
      adjuvant docetaxel, adriamycin and cyclophosphamide (TAC) chemotherapy for breast
      cancer. All patients received prophylactic pegfilgrastim and the majority also
      received prophylactic antibiotics. RESULTS: Thirty-one patients (12%) developed
      FN. Using our previous model, patients in the highest risk group (pretreatment
      absolute neutrophil count<=3.1 10(9)/l and absolute lymphocyte count<=1.5
      10(9)/l) comprised 8% of the total population and had a 33% risk of developing
      FN. Compared with the rest of the cohort, this group had a 3.4-fold increased
      risk of developing FN (P=0.001) and a 5.2-fold increased risk of cycle 1 FN
      (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: A simple model based on pretreatment differential white
      blood cell count can be applied to pegfilgrastim-supported patients to identify
      those who are at higher risk of FN.

PMID- 22048150
TI  - Attributable causes of cancer in Japan in 2005--systematic assessment to estimate
      current burden of cancer attributable to known preventable risk factors in Japan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To contribute to evidence-based policy decision making for national
      cancer control, we conducted a systematic assessment to estimate the current
      burden of cancer attributable to known preventable risk factors in Japan in 2005.
      METHODS: We first estimated the population attributable fractions (PAFs) of each
      cancer attributable to known risk factors from relative risks derived primarily
      from Japanese pooled analyses and large-scale cohort studies and the prevalence
      of exposure in the period around 1990. Using nationwide vital statistics records
      and incidence estimates, we then estimated the attributable cancer incidence and
      mortality in 2005. RESULTS: In 2005, ~ 55% of cancer among men was attributable
      to preventable risk factors in Japan. The corresponding figure was lower among
      women, but preventable risk factors still accounted for nearly 30% of cancer. In
      men, tobacco smoking had the highest PAF (30% for incidence and 35% for
      mortality, respectively) followed by infectious agents (23% and 23%). In women,
      in contrast, infectious agents had the highest PAF (18% and 19% for incidence and
      mortality, respectively) followed by tobacco smoking (6% and 8%). CONCLUSIONS: In
      Japan, tobacco smoking and infections are major causes of cancer. Further control
      of these factors will contribute to substantial reductions in cancer incidence
      and mortality in Japan.

PMID- 22048151
TI  - Randomized controlled trials in the era of molecular oncology: methodology,
      biomarkers, and end points.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We previously reported metrics of systemic therapy randomized
      controlled trials (RCTs) in breast cancer, colorectal cancer (CRC), and non-small
      cell lung cancer (NSCLC) published 1975-2004. To evaluate trends in the era of
      targeted therapies (TT), we have repeated a similar analysis of RCTs published
      2005-2009. METHODS: A search for phase III RCTs of systemic agents published in
      five major journals 2005-2009 was carried out. Trials were classified as TT if
      they involved any non-hormonal targeted agent. We extracted data regarding
      biomarker use. Integral biomarkers were defined as tests used to determine
      eligibility, stratification, or allocation. Descriptive statistics were used to
      analyze trends over time. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty-seven eligible RCTs
      were evaluated. Compared with 1995-2004, the number (17-27 RCTs/year) and size
      (median sample size 446-722, P < 0.001) of RCTs increased. The proportion of RCTs
      evaluating TT increased from 4% (7/167) to 29% (40/137) (P < 0.001). There was an
      increase in the proportion of trials with financial support from industry [57%
      (95/167) to 78% (107/137), P = 0.001]. Biomarkers were included in 58% (80/137)
      of RCTs; integral biomarkers were included in 36% (49/137) of trials. Among the
      49 RCTs using integral biomarkers, 40 (82%) used HER2 and/or ER/PR status in
      studies of breast cancer. CONCLUSIONS: RCTs published in 2005-2009 are larger,
      more likely to evaluate TT, and be supported by industry. Biomarkers may be
      increasingly used, but the most common use relates to traditional use of ER/PR
      and evolving use of HER2 in breast cancer RCTs.

PMID- 22048152
TI  - Epidemiology, management and economic impact of febrile neutropenia in oncology
      patients receiving routine care at a regional UK cancer centre.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Febrile neutropenia (FN) is a potentially life-threatening
      complication following chemotherapy. The incidence and mortality of this
      condition varies according to cancer type and chemotherapy regimen. The aim of
      the study was to establish the incidence, risk, outcome, infectious cause and
      economic cost of FN in solid tumour patients within a routine oncology hospital
      setting. PATIENTS AND METHODS: All FN solid tumour patients admitted to the
      oncology unit at a UK regional cancer centre were identified over a 12-month
      period. Demographic data on age, gender, cancer type, disease burden,
      chemotherapy regimen, antibiotic treatment, length of hospital stay and outcome
      was obtained. RESULTS: The annual incidence of FN was 19.4 per 1000 oncology
      admissions. The most common patient groups were those with breast (27%), lung
      (16%), ovarian (13%) and oesophageal (13%) cancers. The mean length of stay was
      9.2 days with an average cost of L2353 for an FN episode per patient. The
      attributable mortality rate was 12.5%. The majority (83%) of patients who died
      were >=60 years old, presented with hypotension and had a high-risk FN MASCC
      index compared with those that survived. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates
      that FN in solid tumour patients continues to be associated with a significant
      morbidity and mortality during routine cancer care. Early risk classification of
      FN may help improve the outcome as well as reduce the economic burden.

PMID- 22048153
TI  - Endocrine late sequelae in long-term survivors of childhood non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Aim of this study was to investigate the long-term endocrine effects
      of treatment of childhood non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A
      single-center cohort of 84 survivors (22 females) was included in this
      retrospective study. Median age was 21 years (9-40 years) and time after
      cessation of therapy 12 years (4-30 years). Height, weight, percentage fat, lean
      body mass (LBM), bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density of total body
      (BMD(TB)) and bone mineral density of lumbar spine (BMD(LS)) were measured.
      Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxin (fT4), insulin-like growth
      factor-1 (IGF-1), inhibin B and anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) levels were
      measured. Results were compared with Dutch controls. RESULTS: Height was lower in
      survivors [mean standard deviation score (SDS) -0.36, P = 0.002], but further
      analysis showed that shorter stature was already present at diagnosis (mean SDS 
      0.28, P = 0.023). Body mass index, percentage fat, BMC, BMD(TB) and BMD(LS) were
      not different from controls. LBM was lower in survivors (mean SDS -0.47, P =
      0.008). TSH, fT4 and IGF-1 were normal in all survivors. Three of 20 adult
      females had low AMH levels and 23 of 42 adult males had low inhibin B levels.
      CONCLUSIONS: Twelve years after cessation of treatment, NHL survivors did not
      develop adiposity, osteoporosis or thyroid disease. Male survivors may be at risk
      for infertility.

PMID- 22048154
TI  - Heterogeneity among lists of cautioned or prohibited drugs in protocols of early
      phase oncology trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To prevent potential drug-drug interaction, lists of cautioned or
      prohibited (C/P) drugs are commonly included in protocols of phases I and II
      cancer trials. Heterogeneity among lists may affect patient eligibility and
      comparability of results. METHODS: Protocols of phase I/II trials conducted at an
      academic cancer centre between 2004 and 2009 were reviewed. All C/P drugs were
      collected and compared among trials. RESULTS: Of 100 protocols reviewed, 77
      protocols include lists of C/P drugs to prevent CYP3A4-, 2C9- and 2C19-related
      interactions and/or QT interval prolongation. Sixty-five protocols evaluating 38
      unique study drugs include lists of CYP3A4-related C/P drugs. These lists contain
      0-137 inhibitors [coefficient of variation (CV): 123%], 0-20 inducers (CV: 57%)
      and 10-157 substrates (CV: 76%). There is a high degree of inconsistency among
      protocols of the same study drug or from the same originator. Heterogeneity is
      also common for lists of C/P CYP2C9 and 2C19 drugs and for QT interval
      prolongation drugs. Approximately 20% protocols contain potential sources of
      confusion in their drug lists. CONCLUSIONS: There is high degree of heterogeneity
      among lists of drugs C/P in protocols of oncology phase I/II trials. There is an
      urgent need to standardize these lists.

PMID- 22048156
TI  - High output nanogenerator based on assembly of GaN nanowires.
AB  - GaN nanowires (NWs) were synthesized through a vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) process.
      Based on structural analysis, the c-axis of the NW was confirmed to be
      perpendicular to the growth direction. Nanogenerators (NGs) fabricated by
      rational assembly of the GaN NWs produced an output voltage up to 1.2 V and
      output current density of 0.16 uA cm-2. The measured performance of the GaN NGs
      was consistent with the calculations using finite element analysis (FEA).

PMID- 22048155
TI  - Kidins220/ARMS mediates the integration of the neurotrophin and VEGF pathways in
      the vascular and nervous systems.
AB  - Signaling downstream of receptor tyrosine kinases controls cell differentiation
      and survival. How signals from different receptors are integrated is, however,
      still poorly understood. In this work, we have identified Kidins220 (Kinase D
      interacting substrate of 220 kDa)/ARMS (Ankyrin repeat-rich membrane spanning) as
      a main player in the modulation of neurotrophin and vascular endothelial growth
      factor (VEGF) signaling in vivo, and a primary determinant for neuronal and
      cardiovascular development. Kidins220(-/-) embryos die at late stages of
      gestation, and show extensive cell death in the central and peripheral nervous
      systems. Primary neurons from Kidins220(-/-) mice exhibit reduced responsiveness
      to brain-derived neurotrophic factor, in terms of activation of mitogen-activated
      protein kinase signaling, neurite outgrowth and potentiation of excitatory
      postsynaptic currents. In addition, mice lacking Kidins220 display striking
      cardiovascular abnormalities, possibly due to impaired VEGF signaling. In support
      of this hypothesis, we demonstrate that Kidins220 constitutively interacts with
      VEGFR2. These findings, together with the data presented in the accompanying
      paper, indicate that Kidins220 mediates the integration of several growth factor
      receptor pathways during development, and mediates the activation of distinct
      downstream cascades according to the location and timing of stimulation.

PMID- 22048157
TI  - Stable fluorescent gold nanoparticles for detection of Cu2+ with good sensitivity
      and selectivity.
AB  - A simple and one-pot method for the synthesis of water-soluble, red-emitting,
      highly fluorescent gold nanoparticles has been reported using 11
      mercaptoundecanoic acid (11-MUA) as the protecting group. We found that the
      fluorescent gold nanoparticles could selectively detect copper ions in aqueous
      solution, with a limit of detection of about 87 nM.

PMID- 22048158
TI  - On-chip sample preparation by controlled release of antibodies for simple CD4
      counting.
AB  - We present a simple system for CD4 and CD8 counting for point-of-care HIV staging
      in low-resource settings. Automatic sample preparation is achieved through a
      dried reagent coating inside a thin (26 MUm) counting chamber, allowing the
      delayed release of fluorochrome conjugated monoclonal antibodies after the
      filling of the chamber with whole blood by capillary flow. A custom-built image
      cytometer is used to capture fluorescence images representing more than 1 MUl of
      blood. The thin layer of blood in combination with the large image area allows
      the use of whole blood from a finger prick without the need for dilution, lysis
      or cell enrichment. Automatic cell counting of CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-lymphocytes
      correlates well with results obtained by flow cytometry.

PMID- 22048159
TI  - Pearls and pitfalls of magnetic resonance imaging of the upper extremity.
AB  - Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is capable of producing images in any anatomical
      plane, visualizing and analyzing a variety of tissue characteristics, as well as
      quantifying blood flow and metabolic functions. Although MRI details of compact
      bone and calcium are poor when compared to those taken with plain radiography or
      computed tomography, its high soft tissue contrast discrimination and multiplanar
      imaging capabilities are significant advantages. Musculoskeletal anatomy and
      neurovascular bundles are well delineated. The advent of MRI has revolutionized
      the clinician's ability to confirm a proper diagnosis for musculoskeletal
      problems, which has led to more directed, specific rehabilitative protocols.
      However, the value of MRI to rehabilitative professionals has been even greater
      in its ability to identify serious, more uncommon pathologies, such as in those
      with underlying infection, fracture, or tumor, that require immediate care and
      are considered to be beyond their scope of practice. Furthermore, MRI, with its
      precise delineation of fat, muscle, and bone, is an ideal candidate for imaging
      of muscle disease or injury and has emerged as the method of choice for the
      detection of early cartilage wear in young patients, such as osteoarthritis.
      Finally, this imaging modality can avoid radiation exposure in a predominantly
      younger patient cohort commonly affected by musculoskeletal diseases. The aim of
      this paper is to consider how physical therapists may take advantage of the
      diagnostic value of MRI of the upper limb, while avoiding the pitfalls of
      misinterpretation of images as a result of technical issues, pathological
      changes, or normal variants.

PMID- 22048160
TI  - Aminoguanidine down-regulates the expression of mreB-like protein in Bacillus
      subtilis.
AB  - Nitric oxide synthase (NOS), the enzyme responsible for the production of
      endogenous nitric oxide from arginine, has been recently discovered in a number
      of Gram-positive bacteria. While bacterial NOS has been implicated in mediating
      nitrosative stress, much remains unknown about the functional role of endogenous
      nitric oxide in bacteria. Using the known NOS inhibitor aminoguanidine, we
      examined changes in the protein expression profile using two-dimensional gel
      electrophoresis. Treatment with aminoguanidine induced several changes in protein
      expression in Bacillus subtilis. In particular, mreB-like protein (Mbl) was fully
      down-regulated in the aminoguanidine-treated samples. The expression of Mbl was
      also examined by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and Mbl was
      found to be fully down-regulated at the transcriptional level as well. Given the
      role that Mbl plays in the maintenance of cytoskeletal structure, it appears that
      bacterial NOS may participate in specific biosynthetic pathways with
      ramifications toward the regulation of antibiotic resistance.

PMID- 22048161
TI  - Cystic and non-cystic fibrosis Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates are not
      differentiated by the quorum-sensing signaling and biofilm production.
AB  - The capability for biofilm and quorum-sensing (QS) signaling production among
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates were evaluated. A total of 231 isolates were
      recovered from sputa of cystic fibrosis (CF, n = 104) and non-CF (non-CF, n =
      127) patients. One hundred ninety-seven (85.3%; 95% CI 80.1-89.3%) were biofilm
      producers and 157 (68%; 95% CI 61.7-73.6%) were weak QS-producing. No difference
      was observed between CF and non-CF isolates regarding the ability to produce
      biofilm and QS-signaling. Interestingly, the degree of QS production appears to
      be related to the degree of biofilm production. Thus, blocking QS pathways may be
      crucial in the prevention and treatment of biofilm-related infections.

PMID- 22048162
TI  - Green chemistry oriented organic synthesis in water.
AB  - The use of water as solvent features many benefits such as improving reactivities
      and selectivities, simplifying the workup procedures, enabling the recycling of
      the catalyst and allowing mild reaction conditions and protecting-group free
      synthesis in addition to being benign itself. In addition, exploring organic
      chemistry in water can lead to uncommon reactivities and selectivities
      complementing the organic chemists' synthetic toolbox in organic solvents.
      Studying chemistry in water also allows insight to be gained into Nature's way of
      chemical synthesis. However, using water as solvent is not always green. This
      tutorial review briefly discusses organic synthesis in water with a Green
      Chemistry perspective.

PMID- 22048163
TI  - Assembly of the transcription machinery: ordered and stable, random and dynamic,
      or both?
AB  - The assembly of the transcription machinery is a key step in gene activation, but
      even basic details of this process remain unclear. Here we discuss the apparent
      discrepancy between the classic sequential assembly model based mostly on
      biochemistry and an emerging dynamic assembly model based mostly on fluorescence
      microscopy. The former model favors a stable transcription complex with subunits
      that cooperatively assemble in order, whereas the latter model favors an unstable
      complex with subunits that may assemble more randomly. To confront this apparent
      discrepancy, we review the merits and drawbacks of the different experimental
      approaches and list potential biasing factors that could be responsible for the
      different interpretations of assembly. We then discuss how these biases might be
      overcome in the future with improved experiments or new techniques. Finally, we
      discuss how kinetic models for assembly may help resolve the ordered and stable
      vs. random and dynamic assembly debate.

PMID- 22048165
TI  - A multichromophoric dendrimer: from synthesis to energy up-conversion in a rigid
      matrix.
AB  - A dendrimer with a [Ru(bpy)(3)](2+) (bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine) complex as a core and
      four diphenylanthracene units at the periphery was prepared from a scaffold based
      on a bipyridyl ligand bearing four terminal alkyne groups. Upon green light
      excitation, the dendrimer shows blue luminescence even in a rigid matrix at 77 K
      thanks to the dendritic multichromophoric structure.

PMID- 22048164
TI  - DNA glycosylases: in DNA repair and beyond.
AB  - The base excision repair machinery protects DNA in cells from the damaging
      effects of oxidation, alkylation, and deamination; it is specialized to fix
      single-base damage in the form of small chemical modifications. Base
      modifications can be mutagenic and/or cytotoxic, depending on how they interfere
      with the template function of the DNA during replication and transcription. DNA
      glycosylases play a key role in the elimination of such DNA lesions; they
      recognize and excise damaged bases, thereby initiating a repair process that
      restores the regular DNA structure with high accuracy. All glycosylases share a
      common mode of action for damage recognition; they flip bases out of the DNA
      helix into a selective active site pocket, the architecture of which permits a
      sensitive detection of even minor base irregularities. Within the past few years,
      it has become clear that nature has exploited this ability to read the chemical
      structure of DNA bases for purposes other than canonical DNA repair. DNA
      glycosylases have been brought into context with molecular processes relating to
      innate and adaptive immunity as well as to the control of DNA methylation and
      epigenetic stability. Here, we summarize the key structural and mechanistic
      features of DNA glycosylases with a special focus on the mammalian enzymes, and
      then review the evidence for the newly emerging biological functions beyond the
      protection of genome integrity.

PMID- 22048166
TI  - TRAIL promotes caspase-dependent pro-inflammatory responses via PKCdelta
      activation by vascular smooth muscle cells.
AB  - Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is best
      known for its selective cytotoxicity against transformed tumor cells. Most non
      transformed primary cells and several cancer cell lines are not only resistant to
      death receptor-induced apoptosis, but also subject to inflammatory responses in a
      nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB)-dependent manner. Although the involvement of
      TRAIL in a variety of vascular disorders has been proposed, the exact molecular
      mechanisms are unclear. Here, we aimed to delineate the role of TRAIL in
      inflammatory vascular response. We also sought possible molecular mechanisms to
      identify potential targets for the prevention and treatment of post-angioplastic
      restenosis and atherosclerosis. Treatment with TRAIL increased the expression of
      intercellular adhesion molecule-1 by primary human vascular smooth muscle cells
      via protein kinase C (PKC)delta and NF-kappaB activation. Following detailed
      analysis using various PKCdelta mutants, we determined that PKCdelta activation
      was mediated by caspase-dependent proteolysis. The protective role of PKCdelta
      was further confirmed in post-traumatic vascular remodeling in vivo. We propose
      that the TRAIL/TRAIL receptor system has a critical role in the pathogenesis of
      inflammatory vascular disorders by transducing pro-inflammatory signals via
      caspase-mediated PKCdelta cleavage and subsequent NF-kappaB activation.

PMID- 22048167
TI  - Temporal blastemal cell gene expression analysis in the kidney reveals new Wnt
      and related signaling pathway genes to be essential for Wilms' tumor onset.
AB  - Wilms' tumors (WTs) originate from metanephric blastema cells that are unable to
      complete differentiation, resulting in triphasic tumors composed of epithelial,
      stromal and blastemal cells, with the latter harboring molecular characteristics
      similar to those of the earliest kidney development stages. Precise regulation of
      Wnt and related signaling pathways has been shown to be crucial for correct
      kidney differentiation. In this study, the gene expression profile of Wnt and
      related pathways was assessed in laser-microdissected blastemal cells in WTs and
      differentiated kidneys, in human and in four temporal kidney differentiation
      stages (i.e. E15.5, E17.5, P1.5 and P7.5) in mice, using an orthologous cDNA
      microarray platform. A signaling pathway-based gene signature was shared between
      cells of WT and of earliest kidney differentiation stages, revealing genes
      involved in the interruption of blastemal cell differentiation in WT. Reverse
      transcription-quantitative PCR showed high robustness of the microarray data
      demonstrating 75 and 56% agreement in the initial and independent sample sets,
      respectively. The protein expression of CRABP2, IGF2, GRK7, TESK1, HDGF, WNT5B,
      FZD2 and TIMP3 was characterized in WTs and in a panel of human fetal kidneys
      displaying remarkable aspects of differentiation, which was recapitulated in the
      tumor. Taken together, this study reveals new genes candidate for triggering WT
      onset and for therapeutic treatment targets.

PMID- 22048168
TI  - WIN55,212-2 induces cytoplasmic vacuolation in apoptosis-resistant MCL cells.
AB  - Cannabinoid receptors 1 (CB1) and/or 2 (CB2) are overexpressed in many types of
      human malignancies including mantle cell lymphoma (MCL). Agonists to CB1 and CB2
      promote ceramide de novo synthesis, p38-mitogen-activated protein kinase
      dependent activation of caspase-3 and apoptotic cell death in most MCLs. However,
      in this report we describe that in some MCLs the response to treatment with
      cannabinoids decreased cell viability as assessed by metabolic activity but did
      not involve the caspase-3 cascade or loss of plasma membrane integrity. Both
      primary cells from one MCL patient and the MCL cell line Granta519 responded to
      treatment with cannabinoids by formation of cycloheximide-sensitive cytoplasmic
      vacuoles, but did not enter apoptosis. The persistent expression of mammalian
      homolog of Atg8 with microtubule-associated protein-1 light chain-3 II (LC3 II)
      and p62, as well as the lack of protection from chloroquine, indicates that
      lysosomal degradation is not involved in this cytoplasmic vacuolation process,
      distinguishing from classical autophagy. Transmission electron microscopy images
      and immunofluorescence staining of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) chaperone
      calreticulin showed that the vacuoles were of ER origin and that chromatin
      remained normal. These features resemble paraptosis-like cell death-a third type
      of a programmed cell death not previously described in response to cannabinoids.

PMID- 22048169
TI  - Kidins220/ARMS is an essential modulator of cardiovascular and nervous system
      development.
AB  - The growth factor family of neurotrophins has major roles both inside and outside
      the nervous system. Here, we report a detailed histological analysis of key
      phenotypes generated by the ablation of the Kinase D interacting substrate of 220
      kDa/Ankyrin repeat-rich membrane spanning (Kidins220/ARMS) protein, a membrane
      anchored scaffold for the neurotrophin receptors Trk and p75(NTR). Kidins220 is
      important for heart development, as shown by the severe defects in the outflow
      tract and ventricle wall formation displayed by the Kidins220 mutant mice.
      Kidins220 is also important for peripheral nervous system development, as the
      loss of Kidins220 in vivo caused extensive apoptosis of DRGs and other sensory
      ganglia. Moreover, the neuronal-specific deletion of this protein leads to early
      postnatal death, showing that Kidins220 also has a critical function in the
      postnatal brain.

PMID- 22048170
TI  - Novel semisquaraine regioisomers: isolation, divergent chemical reactivity and
      photophysical properties.
AB  - A zwitterionic semisquaraine 1,3-regioisomer which exhibits distinct
      photophysical properties and chemical reactivity was isolated. Uniquely, this
      isomer has been identified as the reactive intermediate in the squaraine dye
      formation reaction rather than the neutral 1,2-isomer and opens up new avenues
      for the synthesis of novel dyes for optoelectronic applications.

PMID- 22048171
TI  - Immunogenicity and safety of the HPV-16/18 AS04-adjuvanted vaccine administered
      as a 2-dose schedule compared with the licensed 3-dose schedule: results from a
      randomized study.
AB  - The immunogenicity of the human papillomavirus (HPV)-16/18 AS04-adjuvanted
      vaccine (Cervarix(r), GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals) administered according to its
      licensed vaccination schedule (3-dose, 3D) and formulation (20 MUg of each HPV
      antigen; 20/20F) has previously been demonstrated. This partially-blind,
      controlled, randomized trial (NCT00541970) evaluated 2-dose (2D) schedules using
      the licensed 20/20F or an alternative formulation containing 40 MUg of each
      antigen (40/40F), compared with the licensed 3D schedule. Healthy females
      stratified by age (9-14, 15-19, 20-25 y) were randomized to receive 2 doses of
      20/20F at Months (M) 0,6 (n=240), 40/40F at M0,6 (n=241) or 40/40F at M0,2
      (n=240), or 3 doses of 20/20F at M0,1,6 (licensed schedule/formulation, n=239).
      One month after the last dose, the 3D schedule was not immunologically superior
      to 2D schedules except in the 40/40F M0,2 group for HPV-16 (lower limit of 95% CI
      geometric mean antibody titer (GMT) ratio [2D/3D] < 0.5). For both HPV-16 and HPV
      18, the 2D schedules in girls 9-14 y were immunologically non-inferior to the 3D
      schedule in women 15-25 y (the age group in which efficacy has been demonstrated)
      (upper limit of 95% CI for GMT ratio [3D/2D] < 2) one month after the last dose.
      At Month 24, non-inferiority was maintained for the 2D M0,6 schedules in girls 9
      14 y versus the 3D schedule in women 15-25 y. All formulations had acceptable
      reactogenicity and safety profiles. These results indicate that the HPV-16/18
      vaccine on a 2D M0,6 schedule is immunogenic and generally well tolerated in
      girls 9-14 y and that the 2D schedule is likely adequate for younger females.

PMID- 22048174
TI  - Self-assembly of an antireflective moth-like structure using antibody
      functionalized nanowires and nanopore arrays.
AB  - A novel framework to fabricate moth-like nanopillar arrays was proposed. In this
      scheme, nanowires were first cross-linked with anti-gold nanoparticle (GNP)
      antibodies and mixed with the nanopore array pre-deposited by GNP, which was then
      followed by centrifugation. An optimal success rate of 95% was finally obtained
      by choosing nanorods with an aspect ratio of 5:1 by modifying with 10 ng mL-1
      antibodies, and by inserting them into a pore array pre-deposited with 54.4 uM
      GNP. The nanopillar arrays thus fabricated showed high levels of antireflective
      efficiency across a broad wavelength. Here we demonstrate the assembly of
      nanowires and nanopores into nanopillar arrays by the assistance of antibody
      antigen binding. The application of bio-nano-interaction provides an economic,
      time-saving, and throughput approach to manipulating objects on the nanoscale.

PMID- 22048172
TI  - Comparison of the immunogenicity of the human papillomavirus (HPV)-16/18 vaccine
      and the HPV-6/11/16/18 vaccine for oncogenic non-vaccine types HPV-31 and HPV-45
      in healthy women aged 18-45 years.
AB  - Protection against oncogenic non-vaccine types (cross-protection) offered by
      human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines may provide a significant medical benefit.
      Available clinical efficacy data suggest the two licensed vaccines (HPV-16/18
      vaccine, GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals (GSK), and HPV-6/11/16/18 vaccine, Merck &
      Co., Inc.) differ in terms of protection against oncogenic non-vaccine HPV types 
      31/45. The immune responses induced by the two vaccines against these two non
      vaccine HPV types (cross-reactivity) was compared in an observer-blind study up
      to Month 24 (18 mo post-vaccination), in women HPV DNA-negative and seronegative
      prior to vaccination for the HPV type analyzed (HPV-010 [NCT00423046]). Geometric
      mean antibody titers (GMTs) measured by pseudovirion-based neutralization assay
      (PBNA) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were similar between
      vaccines for HPV-31/45. Seropositivity rates for HPV-31 were also similar between
      vaccines; however, there was a trend for higher seropositivity with the HPV-16/18
      vaccine (13.0-16.7%) versus the HPV-6/11/16/18 vaccine (0.0-5.0%) for HPV-45 with
      PBNA, but not ELISA. HPV-31/45 cross-reactive memory B-cell responses were
      comparable between vaccines. Circulating antigen-specific CD4+ T-cell frequencies
      were higher for the HPV-16/18 vaccine than the HPV-6/11/16/18 vaccine (HPV-31
      [geometric mean ratio [GMR] =2.0; p=0.0002] and HPV-45 [GMR=2.6; p=0.0092]), as
      were the proportion of T-cell responders (HPV-31, p=0.0009; HPV-45, p=0.0793). In
      conclusion, immune response to oncogenic non-vaccine HPV types -31/45 was
      generally similar for both vaccines with the exception of T-cell response which
      was higher with the HPV-16/18 vaccine. Considering the differences in cross
      protective efficacy between the two vaccines, the results might provide insights
      into the underlying mechanism(s) of protection.

PMID- 22048173
TI  - Comparative immunogenicity and safety of human papillomavirus (HPV)-16/18 vaccine
      and HPV-6/11/16/18 vaccine: follow-up from months 12-24 in a Phase III randomized
      study of healthy women aged 18-45 years.
AB  - In this observer-blind study (NCT00423046), women (N=1,106), stratified by age
      (18-26, 27-35, 36-45 y), were randomized (1:1) to receive the HPV-16/18 vaccine
      (Cervarix(r), GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals, Months 0, 1, 6) or the HPV-6/11/16/18
      vaccine (Gardasil(r) Merck & Co., Inc., Months 0, 2, 6). Month 7 results were
      previously reported; we now report Month 24 results. In the according-to-protocol
      cohort for immunogenicity (seronegative and DNA-negative at baseline for HPV type
      analyzed), seropositivity rates of neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) [pseudovirion
      based neutralization assay] were, across all age strata, 100% (HPV-16/18 vaccine)
      and 97.5-100% (HPV-6/11/16/18 vaccine) for HPV-16, and 99.0-100% (HPV-16/18
      vaccine) and 72.3-84.4% (HPV-6/11/16/18 vaccine) for HPV-18. Corresponding
      geometric mean titers (GMTs) were 2.4-5.8-fold higher for HPV-16 and 7.7-9.4-fold
      higher for HPV-18 with the HPV-16/18 vaccine versus the HPV-6/11/16/18 vaccine;
      HPV-16 and HPV-18 GMTs were significantly higher with the HPV-16/18 vaccine than
      the HPV-6/11/16/18 vaccine (p< 0.0001) in the total vaccinated cohort (received
      >=1 vaccine dose, irrespective of baseline sero/DNA-status). Similar results were
      obtained using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Positivity rates and
      GMTs of antigen-specific IgG antibodies in cervicovaginal secretions (ELISA) were
      not significantly different between vaccines. At Month 24, CD4+ T-cell responses
      for HPV-16 and HPV-18 were higher with the HPV-16/18 vaccine; memory B-cell
      response was higher for HPV-18 with the HPV-16/18 vaccine and similar between
      vaccines for HPV-16. Both vaccines were generally well tolerated. Although an
      immunological correlate of protection has not been defined, differences in the
      magnitude of immune response between vaccines may represent determinants of
      duration of protection.

PMID- 22048175
TI  - Immunizations in children with chronic kidney disease.
AB  - Children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at increased risk for vaccine
      preventable diseases. These patients may have a reduced response to and/or
      reduced duration of antibody after immunization and therefore monitoring of
      antibody levels or titers is indicated for some vaccines. In addition, pediatric
      CKD patients require immunizations not routinely provided to healthy children.
      Unfortunately, studies in pediatric CKD patients, including those on dialysis and
      awaiting kidney transplantation, have demonstrated sub-optimal immunization
      rates. In order to minimize the risk for vaccine-preventable disease in pediatric
      CKD patients, it is imperative that all who care for these patients remain
      abreast of the recommended childhood immunization schedule, as well as
      alterations to this schedule required for children with CKD, including end-stage
      kidney disease. This article reviews recent changes to the recommended childhood
      immunization schedule and alterations and additions to this schedule recommended
      for children with CKD. Where available, data on antibody response to
      immunizations in children with CKD are presented.

PMID- 22048176
TI  - Converting steady laminar flow to oscillatory flow through a hydroelasticity
      approach at microscales.
AB  - We report a hydroelasticity-based microfluidic oscillator that converts otherwise
      steady laminar flow to oscillatory flow. It incorporates an elastic diaphragm to
      enhance nonlinearity of the flow. Negative differential flow resistance is
      observed. High-frequency oscillatory flow is produced passively through
      interactions among hydrodynamic, elastic and inertial forces, without resorting
      to external actuators and control equipment. Driven by fluid flow and pressure,
      this device can operate in either steady laminar flow or oscillatory flow states,
      or work as a valve. Its applications for flow control and operation, and mixing
      enhancement are demonstrated.

PMID- 22048177
TI  - Osteonecrosis of the distal tibia metaphysis after a Salter-Harris I injury: a
      case report.
AB  - Posttraumatic osteonecrosis has been well described as a common phenomenon seen
      in fractures of the femoral neck, talus, and scaphoid. In the following case, we
      describe posttraumatic osteonecrosis in a rare location: the distal tibia. Our
      report details a child who sustained a distal tibia physeal injury and
      subsequently developed radiographic findings consistent with aseptic necrosis.
      Besides a traumatic incident, the patient did not have any of the risk factors
      known to cause osteonecrosis. Awareness of this complication after Salter-Harris
      I fractures will help reduce time to diagnosis and optimize treatment.

PMID- 22048178
TI  - Reimplantation of an extruded osteoarticular segment of the distal tibia in a 14
      year-old girl. Case report and review of the literature.
AB  - This case report describes the reimplantation of a 15-cm osteoarticular segment
      of the distal tibia in a 14-year-old girl who was hit by a truck. The bone
      fragment was debrided and reimplanted on the day of injury. A free flap was
      performed within 1 week. Bony union was achieved without complication. At 5-year
      follow-up, the patient is able to ambulate for several hours at a time without an
      assistive device, although arthritis of the ankle joint is present. She scores
      43.8 on the physical component of the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey and 49.0
      on the mental component. The patient states that she is very pleased with her
      outcome. This seems to be the first description of an osteoarticular segment
      reimplantation of a long bone in the orthopaedic literature.

PMID- 22048179
TI  - Oblique distraction external pelvic fixation.
AB  - Simple anterior pelvic external fixation is a safe and effective strategy for
      reduction of pelvic ring deformity as well as the provisional or definitive
      stabilization of selected patterns of pelvic ring disruption. A two-pin oblique
      anterior pelvic deformity correction frame is a unique frame configuration
      designed to reduce and stabilize lateral compression pelvic ring disruptions
      associated with flexion/internal rotation hemipelvic deformities. In a small case
      series, we demonstrate that the oblique distraction external fixation frame alone
      or in combination with internal fixation is a simple and safe strategy for
      reduction and stabilization of unstable multiplanar hemipelvic deformities
      associated with partial posterior ring stability.

PMID- 22048180
TI  - The surgical treatment of isolated mason type 2 fractures of the radial head in
      adults:  comparison between radial head resection and open reduction and internal
      fixation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To compare the outcomes of two different surgical treatments for the
      management of isolated closed Mason Type 2 radial head fractures. DESIGN:
      Retrospective study. The Student t test and McPearson chi-square test were used
      to evaluate whether there was a significance difference between the groups.
      PATIENTS: Fifty-nine patients with isolated Mason Type 2 radial head fractures.
      INTERVENTION: Twenty-four patients treated with radial head excision (Group I)
      and 35 treated with open reduction and internal fixation (Group II). MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASUREMENTS: Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Broberg and Morrey
      functional rating scores and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand
      (DASH) questionnaire. Orthogonal radiographs were performed on both the elbow and
      the wrist; these were assessed for the presence of arthritis, heterotopic
      ossification, and the degree of proximal radial migration. RESULTS: The length of
      postoperative follow-up was 157 +/- 61.84 months (Group I) and 125 +/- 39.09
      months (Group II). The Broberg and Morrey functional rating score was 86.21 +/-
      6.10 points and 95.09 +/- 4.78 points, respectively. The DASH score was 21.82 +/-
      6.01 points and 2.81 +/- 2.73 points, respectively. Radiologically moderate or
      severe osteoarthritis was present in the elbows of nine patients in Group I and
      only two patients in Group II. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with isolated Mason Type 2
      radial head fractures treated by open reduction and internal fixation (Group II)
      had less residual pain, greater range of motion, and better strength than
      patients treated by radial head excision (Group I). Additionally, Group II had a
      lower incidence of severe posttraumatic arthritis, which contributed to improved
      DASH and Broberg and Morrey functional scores. These results support open
      reduction and internal fixation as the treatment of choice for these fractures.
      LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a
      complete description of levels of evidence.

PMID- 22048181
TI  - A simple technique for removing a locking compression plate with a stripped
      locking screw.
AB  - We use a straightforward technique to remove a locking compression plate and a
      screw with a stripped hexagonal recess. If the hexagonal recess of the screw had
      been stripped during attempts at screw removal using a conical extraction device,
      we perform the following procedure after loosening the contact surface between
      the bone and the plate. Using a larger drill bit, another hole is drilled
      immediately adjacent to the screw through the nonlocking portion of the
      combination hole. The plate is struck along the line connecting the screw to the
      newly formed hole. Using an elevator, leverage force is then applied to the
      plate, which can be removed with the stripped screw attached. This technique can
      be used to remove plates with several stripped screws and does not require any
      special tools.

PMID- 22048182
TI  - Pregnancy outcomes after pelvic ring injury.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Previous studies reported negative effects of pelvic trauma on
      genitourinary and reproductive function with frequent cesarean delivery. Risk
      factors for cesarean delivery have not been well defined. The purpose of this
      project was to evaluate outcomes of pregnancy after pelvic ring injury. We
      hypothesized that cesarean delivery would be more frequent after pelvic fracture
      with potential causes including patient and physician preference, malunion, and
      retained hardware. DESIGN: Retrospective review with prospective collection of
      obstetric information. SETTING: Level I trauma center. PATIENTS/PARTICIPANTS:
      Thirty-one women, 16 to 40 years old, with pregnancy after healed pelvic
      fracture. INTERVENTION: Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) classification
      included 10 B-type and 21 C-type fractures, 17 (55%) of which were treated
      surgically. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Obstetric questionnaires were obtained for
      54 pregnancies after a mean 72 months follow-up. RESULTS: Sixteen women had 25
      vaginal deliveries; 28% after surgical treatment for their pelvic fracture with
      retained anterior (16%) and/or posterior (16%) hardware, including
      transsymphyseal plating in three patients (12%). Thirteen women had 26 cesarean
      deliveries, 46% after surgical treatment for their pelvis. The new cesarean
      delivery rate was 44% versus 17% preinjury (P = 0.02). Two had cesarean
      deliveries as repeat procedures after preinjury cesarean delivery. Four had
      cesarean deliveries as a result of medical complications (pre-eclampsia, n = 2;
      breech, n = 1; labor arrest, n = 2). Seven women (54%) reported 12 cesarean
      deliveries (46%) resulting from pelvic fracture; three elected cesarean delivery
      despite their physician offering a trial of labor, whereas four were advised by
      their obstetrician. Cesarean delivery was not related to age, fracture pattern,
      treatment type, or residual pelvic displacement. A trend for cesarean delivery
      related to retained hardware was observed (P = 0.06). CONCLUSIONS: Uncomplicated
      pregnancies and deliveries are possible after pelvic fracture. The new cesarean
      delivery rate among these women is significantly increased with over half related
      to patient and obstetrical preferences. Fracture pattern, minor malalignment, and
      retained hardware are not absolute indications for cesarean delivery. Neither
      surgical care of the pelvis or retained fixation precludes successful vaginal
      delivery. Development of guidelines and objective indications for trial of normal
      labor after pelvic fracture is needed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level IV.
      See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

PMID- 22048183
TI  - Treatment of unstable pelvic ring injuries with an internal anterior fixator and
      posterior fixation: initial clinical series.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To present a novel internal fixation device for stabilizing unstable
      pelvic fractures using supra-acetabular spinal pedicle screws and a subcutaneous
      connecting rod (INFIX). SETTING: Level I trauma center. DESIGN: Case series.
      PATIENTS: Twenty-four patients with rotational or vertically unstable pelvic
      fractures that reported to a level I trauma center. METHODS/INTERVENTION:
      Surgical treatment of unstable pelvic fractures included reduction, appropriate
      posterior fixation where indicated, and an anterior subcutaneous internal
      fixator. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT: Healing time, quality and loss of reduction,
      ease of nursing, incidence of complications, including nonunion, infection, and
      patient mobility and comfort. RESULTS: In the present clinical series, all
      fractures healed without significant loss of reduction. There were no infections,
      delayed unions or nonunions. Nursing care was observed to be easier especially in
      the intensive care unit setting. Complications included unilateral anterior thigh
      paresthesias in 2 patients, and 1 patient each required repositioning of the
      pedicle screw and readjustment of screw rod junction. Patients tolerated the
      procedure well and were fairly mobile after the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: The
      reported technique allows for a definitive and stable anterior fixation of
      vertically and rotationally unstable pelvic fractures when combined with the
      appropriate posterior fixation if indicated. The potential complications are
      acceptable with this technique and good outcomes were achieved. A second
      operative procedure is required for removal of the device. It is our view that
      its best indication is in obese individuals, in whom other options have
      shortcomings.

PMID- 22048184
TI  - Infraglenoid tubercle avulsion and greater tuberosity fracture resulting from
      traumatic glenohumeral anterior dislocation: a case report.
AB  - Traumatic anterior shoulder dislocation can be associated with anteroinferior
      glenoid bone loss causing potential recurrent instability. We report on a 62-year
      old man with a first-time traumatic anterior dislocation of the right shoulder,
      resulting in both an infraglenoid tubercle triceps avulsion fracture and a
      greater tuberosity fracture. After reduction, nonsurgical management was chosen.
      No inferior-oriented apprehension was noticed during follow-up, which might
      necessitate surgical treatment of the inferior glenoid rim. At latest follow-up,
      the patient had recovered his shoulder function. Avulsion fractures of the
      infraglenoid tubercle are uncommon lesions after an anterior shoulder dislocation
      and, without signs of instability, can be treated conservatively.

PMID- 22048185
TI  - Successful knee extensor mechanism reconstruction in a warfare-related open lower
      extremity injury complicated by mucormycosis infection: a case report.
AB  - Subcutaneous zygomycosis infection associated with a lower extremity open
      fracture is a potentially life- and limb-threatening condition. This rare and
      poorly characterized infection complicating war wounds is unique, complex, and
      poses a significant reconstructive challenge. The objective of this article is to
      report the reconstruction of a complex Gustilo IIIC warfare-related distal femur
      fracture with partial extensor mechanism loss complicated by a subcutaneous
      zygomycosis infection using a novel combination of local and systemic antifungals
      with negative pressure wound therapy. Negative pressure wound therapy with silver
      impregnated sponges and antibiotic/antifungal beads was used to provide temporary
      wound coverage, improve revascularization, and deliver local antifungal therapy.
      The distal open femur fracture was fixed using a lateral approach and the medial
      distal thigh wound and extensor mechanism were reconstructed using an extended
      gastrocnemius flap with skin graft. The limb was successfully salvaged and the
      patient is now ambulatory.

PMID- 22048186
TI  - Chronic posterior sternoclavicular dislocation.
AB  - SUMMARY: Posterior sternoclavicular dislocation is a rare injury that involves a
      risk of concomitant injuries to mediastinal structures. We report a 23-year-old
      man who underwent open reduction and fixation with a plantaris tendon graft after
      13 weeks. The clinical and radiologic outcome was good.

PMID- 22048187
TI  - The lateral decubitus approach for complex proximal femur fractures:  anatomic
      reduction and locking plate neutralization:  a technical trick.
AB  - SUMMARY: Unstable intertrochanteric or subtrochanteric fractures with significant
      proximal or distal extension or comminution are often a challenge for achieving
      stable fixation. In recent years, locked proximal femoral plates have been
      developed that aid fixation of these complex fractures often permitting the
      biological advantages of minimal contact or minimally invasive application.
      Although previously described with success using a standard lateral approach in
      the supine position, we describe a lateral decubitus position for the locked
      plating of proximal femur fractures. We have found that lateral positioning
      neutralizes the gravitational forces acting on the bone and soft tissues,
      facilitating reduction and exposure while continuing to be compatible with
      intraoperative image intensification. We present lateral positioning as a
      technical trick for anatomic and stable reduction of complex proximal femur
      fractures with proximal femoral locking plates and present a series of 10 cases
      that were treated with this combination of approach and internal fixation.

PMID- 22048188
TI  - Preventing instability of the Taylor Spatial Frame (TSF) during a strut change.
AB  - SUMMARY: During treatment with a Taylor Spatial Frame, some of the struts may
      need to be exchanged for one of a different length. An extra "seventh" strut is
      usually added to the frame during this procedure. This article describes a
      "technical trick" to ensure stability during a strut change. The frame was stable
      whenever the orientation of the "acute ring-strut" of the temporary strut matched
      that of the strut being exchanged. Clinicians must anticipate that instability
      can exist during strut changes, and this will depend on the particular
      configuration and position of the frame. Applying the rule indentified in this
      article may prevent instability, pain, and tissue damage.

PMID- 22048189
TI  - Anterior pelvic reduction and fixation using a subcutaneous internal fixator.
AB  - Acute traumatic pelvic instability mandates reduction and mechanical
      stabilization to maximize the chance of a good functional outcome. Posterior
      pelvic fixation is frequently inadequate to stabilize the pelvic ring in
      isolation. Fixation augmentation with anterior pelvic ring implants can take
      several forms, including plates, medullary screws, or external fixation. Based on
      a multitude of patient and injury factors, external fixation may be the
      definitive anterior pelvic implant of choice. However, many drawbacks exist with
      this treatment, most notably the high infection rates of the transcutaneous pins,
      impaired patient mobilization, and suboptimal mechanical properties. We present a
      technique of a subcutaneous anterior pelvic fixator as an alternative method of
      anterior pelvic ring reduction and stabilization that avoids many of the
      drawbacks of traditional anterior pelvic external fixation.

PMID- 22048190
TI  - K. Masumori, K. Maeda, Y. Koide, T. Hanai, H. Sato, H. Matsuoka, H. Katsuno, T.
      Noro, K. Honda, T. Endo, S. Shiota and S. Matsuoka: simple excision and closure
      of a distal limb of loop colostomy prolapse by stapler device.

PMID- 22048191
TI  - Pelvic exenteration for recurrent colonic malignancy.

PMID- 22048192
TI  - The pearls and pitfalls of magnetic resonance imaging of the lower extremity.
AB  - This article is intended for the clinician charged with either diagnosing or
      treating patients with lower extremity symptoms thought to be of musculoskeletal
      etiology. It gives a brief overview of the imaging techniques that can be
      utilized, common pathology, and certain pearls and pitfalls that may be
      encountered in both ordering and interpreting lower extremity magnetic resonance
      imaging. While we cannot present a comprehensive discussion of all of the known
      disorders in the lower extremity, we will choose common disorders to illustrate
      the diagnostic benefits and limitations of magnetic resonance imaging and provide
      reasons for choosing certain magnetic resonance imaging techniques.

PMID- 22048193
TI  - Effects of filtering methods on muscle and fat cross-sectional area measurement
      by pQCT: a technical note.
AB  - Peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) is most commonly used for bone
      density and morphology assessment of the limbs, but it can also be used for soft
      tissue area quantification by segmenting regions representing different tissues.
      Scanning and analyzing cross-sectional areas of larger thighs present a special
      challenge due to increased statistical noise created from fewer detected x-ray
      photons. The purpose of this technical note is to compare total, muscle and fat
      cross-sectional area (CSA) measurements of the midthigh with Stratec 3000 pQCT
      scans using no filter, a weak smoothing filter and a strong smoothing filter to
      CSA measurements of midthigh MRI scans analyzed by Image J, a public domain image
      processing program. Nine healthy men and women participated in this study. CSAs
      did not differ significantly between MRI and strongly filtered pQCT images with
      per cent differences ranging from -3.1% for muscle to +6.5% for fat. The per cent
      difference in muscle CSA values between MRI and pQCT with the weak filter (-24.0
      +/- 38.0%) or no filter (-44.9 +/- 22.7%) was strongly related to total thigh CSA
      (r = 0.78-0.92, p < 0.05). We propose that the midthigh can be assessed for soft
      tissue area measurements with pQCT, provided that strong smoothing filter is
      utilized.

PMID- 22048195
TI  - A global  obesity industry.

PMID- 22048196
TI  - [Fifteen years with Oslo 96--what now?].

PMID- 22048194
TI  - Exogenous or endogenous Toll-like receptor ligands: which is the MVP in
      tumorigenesis?
AB  - Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a class of pattern recognition receptors sensing
      microbial components and triggering an immune response against pathogens. In
      addition to their role in anti-infection immunity, increasing evidence indicates
      that engagement of TLRs can promote cancer cell survival and proliferation,
      induce tumor immune evasion, and enhance tumor metastasis and chemoresistance.
      Recent studies have demonstrated that endogenous molecules or damage-associated
      molecular patterns released from damaged/necrotic tissues are capable of
      activating TLRs and that the endogenous ligands-mediated TLR signaling is
      implicated in the tumor development and affects the therapeutic efficacy of
      tumors. Since both exogenous and endogenous TLR ligands can initiate TLR
      signaling, which is the most valuable player in tumor development becomes an
      interesting question. Here, we summarize the effect of TLR signaling on the
      development and progression of tumors, and discuss the role of exogenous and
      endogenous TLR ligands in the tumorigenesis.

PMID- 22048197
TI  - Non-controlled  observation studies.

PMID- 22048199
TI  - [Driver's license and seizures with loss of consciousness].

PMID- 22048202
TI  - [Drug industry and double morals].

PMID- 22048203
TI  - [Moro reflex remains an important tool].

PMID- 22048205
TI  - Waiting  for psychiatric treatment.

PMID- 22048206
TI  - [Paracetamol poisonings after the lifting  of the place of sale restriction].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Before 2003, the sale of paracetamol in Norway was restricted to
      pharmacies only. In November 2003 this place of sale restriction was lifted,
      allowing sale of paracetamol in non-pharmacy locations. The purpose of this study
      was to investigate the incidence, severity and mortality of paracetamol poisoning
      before and after the lifting of the place of sale restriction. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: Incidence was assessed using discharge data from three selected
      hospitals and the enquiry database of the National Poisons Information Centre
      (PIC). Evaluation of poisoning severity was based on degree of hepatotoxicity in
      admitted patients, number of requests regarding evaluation for liver
      transplantation at the National Transplantation Unit and PIC severity grading of
      cases. Data regarding mortality of paracetamol poisoning was obtained from the
      National Cause of Death Register. Data for the two-year period before (2001-2002)
      the place of sale restriction was lifted was compared with two years after (2005
      2006). RESULTS: There was no significant change in the number of hospital
      admissions due to paracetamol poisoning in any of the three hospitals following
      the lifting of the place of sale restriction. The number of inquiries to PIC
      regarding paracetamol intake showed a statistical significant increase. The
      extent of severe paracetamol poisoning might be rising, but the mortality of
      paracetamol poisoning does not appear to have increased since the place of sale
      restriction was lifted. INTERPRETATION: There is no evidence that the number of
      paracetamol poisonings or deaths has increased since the place of sale
      restriction was lifted. The proportion of patients with liver toxicity/liver
      damage, and the number of patients evaluated for liver transplantation may be
      increasing. However, the development in paracetamol poisoning should be monitored
      in the coming years.

PMID- 22048207
TI  - [Smoking ban in restaurants and respiratory symptoms among employees].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Along with the introduction of a smoking ban in restaurants in 2004,
      respiratory symptoms, urinary cotinine and lung function among employees in 13
      different bars and restaurants were studied before and after the ban came into
      force. At the same time measurements of air quality were taken at the respective
      restaurants and bars. The purpose of this study was to compare self-respiratory
      symptoms before and after the smoking ban among the staff at the establishments.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 93 men and women. These were followed
      during a work-shift before the smoking ban and three to eight months later.
      Initially 86 of the participants answered a questionnaire about respiratory tract
      symptoms , while 67 did so at follow-up. RESULTS: Before the ban 39 of the
      subjects (45.3%) reported wheezing in the chest and 28 (32.6%) said they had
      recently had an upper respiratory tract infection. 43.3% of the participants
      reported fewer symptoms and 20.9% more symptoms after the ban, while 35.8%
      reported no change. The corresponding figures among smokers were 47.5%, 15.0% and
      37.5%. INTERPRETATIONS: This study shows that the introduction of a smoking ban
      in restaurants contributes to a reduction in reported respiratory symptoms among
      employees, and may therefore be advantageous for the health of this group.

PMID- 22048208
TI  - [Abuse of gamma-hydroxybutyrate].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is naturally present in the human body,
      but may also be used as an intoxicating drug. Information from several sources
      has suggested its increased availability and use in Norway. There have also been
      reports of an increasing use of the chemical precursor gamma-butyrolactone
      (GBL).There is currently a need for knowledge on symptoms, addictiveness and
      overdoses, as well as targeted preventive measures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The
      article is based on a discretionary selection of articles resulting from a
      literature search in PubMed, as well as reports from Norwegian and European
      authorities and research institutions. RESULTS: An intake of small amounts of GHB
      produces an intoxicating effect, whereas higher doses can result in poisoning.
      Deaths have been reported. The effect may be variable, due to a steep dose
      response curve and interaction with alcohol and other intoxicants. Treatment of
      poisoning is symptomatic and supportive. Treatment of abstinence is also
      supportive, while delirium may be treated as delirium tremens. INTERPRETATION:
      Preventive measures should be tailored specifically to potential user-groups.

PMID- 22048209
TI  - [New gene map for multiple sclerosis].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating, inflammatory disease of
      the central nervous system which affects young adults with a relapsing or
      progressive disease course. The etiology of the disease is unknown, but both
      environmental and genetic factors contribute to the risk of developing MS.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: We give an overview of new knowledge of the genetic risk
      factors for MS, based on our own work as well as on literature in this field.
      RESULTS: Through genome-wide association studies and subsequent replication
      studies a series of novel MS genes have recently been identified, in addition to
      the HLA association previously described. The International MS Genetics
      Consortium in collaboration with the Wellcome Trust Case Control Consortium
      recently published a genome-wide study of 9,722 MS patients and 17,376 controls.
      Genome-wide significant association (p < 10-8) was observed for 29 new as well as
      23 previously identified gene regions, in addition to the HLA-DRB1 and -A loci
      .The majority of these MS-associated regions encode immune-related molecules.
      CONCLUSION: Genetic studies of large patient and control samples obtained through
      international and national collaborations have identified a list of more than 50
      MS risk-gene regions, in addition to HLA-DRB1 and -A loci. The risk associated
      with each of these loci is low, however, they collectively point to the
      importance of immune-related pathways in the etiology of MS.

PMID- 22048210
TI  - [A bottle with unknown content].

PMID- 22048211
TI  - [Baclofen for alcohol addiction].
AB  - Baclofen is approved for muscle spasms and cerebral spasticity.  Several studies
      have recently investigated the use of baclofen for  alcohol withdrawal symptoms
      and as an abstinence-promoting agent  in alcohol-dependent subjects. The evidence
      is too weak to recommend  baclofen for alcohol withdrawal, and drugs with better
      documentation  such as benzodiazepines and carbamazepine should be preferred for 
      this indication. The evidence for the use of baclofen to prevent  relapse to
      drinking in alcohol dependence is somewhat conflicting,  but the drug could be
      considered as a therapeutic option in case  of conservative measures and approved
      drugs such as disulfiram and  acamprosate having insufficient effect. Despite
      enthusiastic appraisal  in case reports, the use of baclofen in high doses to
      suppress alcohol  craving cannot be recommended due to insufficient evidence.
      Trials  that may resolve this issue are underway.

PMID- 22048212
TI  - A man in  his 30s with recurrent vomiting and abdominal pain relieved by hot 
      showers.

PMID- 22048213
TI  - [From active and passive death help to euthanasia and withholding treatment].

PMID- 22048214
TI  - [Norwegian aid to medical education in Malawi].

PMID- 22048217
TI  - Synthesis and transport property of Cu(1.8)S as a promising thermoelectric
      compound.
AB  - Polycrystalline Cu(1.8)S compounds were fabricated by using a combined process of
      mechanical alloying and spark plasma sintering. The Cu(1.8)S sample with a second
      Cu(1.96)S phase and a lot of micro pores shows its maximum ZT value 0.5 at 673 K
      which is the highest value for p-type sulfide thermoelectric materials so far.

PMID- 22048218
TI  - Scalable strategies for the synthesis of well-defined copper metal and oxide
      nanocrystals.
AB  - This tutorial review highlights the most promising methods for the preparation of
      well-defined copper metal and oxide nanocrystals. These methodologies could be
      applied to other metals. We present the main synthetic strategies and associated
      mechanisms to control monodispersity, size, morphology and structure of metal and
      oxide nanomaterials which can adopt spherical, polyhedral, cubic, rod, wire,
      plate shapes and possibly hollow structures. We also consider the scale-up of the
      production of these nanocrystals, which is crucial for a wide range of potential
      applications such as catalysis, photovoltaics, electronics, optics and
      electrocatalysis.

PMID- 22048219
TI  - Overview of best practices in conducting comparative-effectiveness reviews.
AB  - Comparative-effectiveness research (CER) reviews translate mountains of evidence
      into manageable and meaningful messages to inform clinical practice. CER reviews
      also have the potential to shorten the pipeline between research and practice.
      Reaching these goals through CER reviews requires adherence to CER principles and
      procedures, as well as the use of appropriate quantitative methods, qualitative
      methods, and clinical judgment. Comprehensiveness, objectivity, transparency,
      scientific rigor, relevance, and responsiveness are the principles that underpin
      best practices in conducting a CER review.

PMID- 22048220
TI  - Prioritizing comparative-effectiveness research topics via stakeholder
      involvement: an application in COPD.
AB  - A major priority for funding agencies and researchers involved in comparative
      effectiveness research (CER) is to ensure that research questions will produce
      findings that are relevant and feasible to implement. In this article, we
      describe a process for involving experts and stakeholders in identifying and
      prioritizing CER studies, as illustrated by our experience in chronic obstructive
      pulmonary disease (COPD).

PMID- 22048221
TI  - Pharmacodynamic evaluation of clopidogrel plus PA32540: the Spaced PA32540 With
      Clopidogrel Interaction Gauging (SPACING) study.
AB  - PA32540 combines 325 mg enteric-coated (EC) aspirin (ASA) with 40 mg immediate
      release omeprazole; its influence on the antiplatelet effect of clopidogrel (C)
      is unknown. In this randomized, open-label study, subjects (n = 30) were treated
      with (i) 300 mg C + 325 mg ECASA followed by 75 mg C + 325 mg ECASA on days 2-7,
      (ii) 300 mg C + PA32540 followed by 75 mg C + PA32540 on days 2-7, or (iii)
      PA32540 in the morning + 300 mg C 10 h later on day 1 and PA32540 in the morning
      + 75 mg C 10 h later on days 2-7. We analyzed the noninferiority of PA32540
      relative to ECASA, as defined by the upper bound of the 95% confidence interval
      <=10% for the difference in least-square means of platelet inhibition between the
      treatments. As compared to ECASA+C, synchronous treatment of PA32540+C was not
      noninferior, whereas the spacing strategy of PA32540+C was noninferior. Spacing
      the administration of PA32540 and clopidogrel lessens the interaction observed
      with synchronous administration; PA32540 administration with clopidogrel may be
      associated with a different antiplatelet profile.

PMID- 22048222
TI  - Approaches to Japanese dose evaluation in global drug development: factors that
      generate different dosages between Japan and the United States.
AB  - Drug development in Japan is shifting from a bridging strategy to a global
      strategy, and the number of multiregional trials in which Japan is included is
      increasing every year. The Japanese drug regulatory authority requires that data
      be collected in Japanese populations, and therefore dose-response studies of
      various drugs are frequently conducted in Japan. However, the current standard
      for adequate dose-finding processes may sometimes hinder the timely participation
      of Japan in these multiregional trials. We studied the development approaches and
      review patterns of 99 new molecular entities (NMEs) approved in 2003-2008 and
      have identified some common factors that result in differences in approved
      dosages in Japan as compared with other countries, such as dose-response study
      design, pharmacokinetics, and the timing of development. The findings of our
      research will serve as an initial information base on which to build an efficient
      global drug development strategy in Japan.

PMID- 22048223
TI  - Differences in pharmacological activities of the antioxidant flavonoid monoHER in
      humans and mice are caused by variations in its metabolic profile.
AB  - Despite its well-known cardiotoxicity, the anthracycline doxorubicin continues to
      be a widely used chemotherapeutic agent. The flavonoid 7-mono-O-(beta
      hydroxyethyl)-rutoside (monoHER) has shown protection against doxorubicin-induced
      cardiotoxicity in mice. However, this protection has not been observed in humans.
      This prompted us to investigate monoHER metabolism in humans and compare it with
      that in mice. Five healthy volunteers received monoHER by intravenous infusion.
      After infusion, bile fluid was collected, and the monoHER metabolites were
      identified by liquid chromatography-diode-array detection (LC-DAD), time-of
      flight mass spectrometry (TOF-MS), and (1)H-nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR).
      Thirteen different metabolites were identified. MonoHER was predominantly
      converted into inactive glucuronidated metabolites. In mice, the major metabolic
      route is methylation, which forms bioactive metabolites that are implicated in
      the cardioprotective effect of monoHER. This indicates that the different
      pharmacological effects of monoHER in mice and humans might be explained by a
      difference in monoHER metabolism. This study adds to the growing appreciation of
      flavonoid metabolites as bioactive compounds.

PMID- 22048224
TI  - Evidence of CYP3A allosterism in vivo: analysis of interaction between
      fluconazole and midazolam.
AB  - The allosteric effect of fluconazole (effector) on the formation of 1'
      hydroxymidazolam (1'-OH-MDZ) and 4-hydroxymidazolam (4-OH-MDZ) from midazolam
      (MDZ), a substrate of CYP3A4/5--members of the cytochrome P450 superfamily of
      enzymes--was examined in healthy volunteers. Following pretreatment with
      fluconazole, the ratio of the areas under the curve (AUCs) for 4-OH-MDZ and MDZ
      (AUC(4-OH)/AUC(MDZ)) increased by 35-62%, whereas the ratio AUC(1'-OH)/AUC(MDZ)
      decreased by 5-37%; the ratio AUC(1'-OH)/AUC(4-OH) decreased by 46-58% after
      fluconazole administration and had no association with the CYP3A5 genotype. The
      in vitro formation of 1'-OH-MDZ was more susceptible to inhibition by fluconazole
      than that of 4-OH-MDZ. Fluconazole decreased the intrinsic formation-clearance
      ratio of 1'-OH-MDZ/4-OH-MDZ to an extent that was quantitatively comparable to in
      vivo observations. The elimination clearance of MDZ metabolites appeared
      unaffected by fluconazole. This study demonstrated that fluconazole alters
      formation of MDZ metabolites, both in vivo and in vitro, in a manner consistent
      with an allosteric interaction. The 1'-OH-MDZ/4-OH-MDZ ratio may serve as a
      biomarker of such interactions among MDZ, CYP3A4/5, and other putative effectors.

PMID- 22048225
TI  - Cannabinoid-opioid interaction in chronic pain.
AB  - Cannabinoids and opioids share several pharmacologic properties and may act
      synergistically. The potential pharmacokinetics and the safety of the combination
      in humans are unknown. We therefore undertook a study to answer these questions.
      Twenty-one individuals with chronic pain, on a regimen of twice-daily doses of
      sustained-release morphine or oxycodone were enrolled in the study and admitted
      for a 5-day inpatient stay. Participants were asked to inhale vaporized cannabis
      in the evening of day 1, three times a day on days 2-4, and in the morning of day
      5. Blood sampling was performed at 12-h intervals on days 1 and 5. The extent of
      chronic pain was also assessed daily. Pharmacokinetic investigations revealed no
      significant change in the area under the plasma concentration-time curves for
      either morphine or oxycodone after exposure to cannabis. Pain was significantly
      decreased (average 27%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 9, 46) after the addition of
      vaporized cannabis. We therefore concluded that vaporized cannabis augments the
      analgesic effects of opioids without significantly altering plasma opioid levels.
      The combination may allow for opioid treatment at lower doses with fewer side
      effects.

PMID- 22048226
TI  - Assessing the probability of drug-induced QTc-interval prolongation during
      clinical drug development.
AB  - Early in the course of clinical development of new non-antiarrhythmic drugs, it
      is important to assess the propensity of these drugs to prolong the QT/QTc
      interval. The current regulatory guidelines suggest using the largest time
      matched mean difference between drug and placebo (baseline-adjusted) groups over
      the sampling interval, thereby neglecting any potential exposure-effect
      relationship and nonlinearity in the underlying physiological fluctuation in QT
      values. Thus far, most of the attempted models for characterizing drug-induced
      QTc-interval prolongation have disregarded the possibility of model
      parameterization in terms of drug-specific and system-specific properties. Using
      a database consisting of three compounds with known dromotropic activity, we
      built a bayesian hierarchical pharmacodynamic (PD) model to describe QT interval,
      encompassing an individual correction factor for heart rate, an oscillatory
      component describing the circadian variation, and a truncated maximum-effect
      model to account for drug effect. The explicit description of the exposure-effect
      relationship, incorporating various sources of variability, offers advantages
      over the standard regulatory approach.

PMID- 22048227
TI  - A dose-response meta-analysis for quantifying relative efficacy of biologics in
      rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - We present a dose-response meta-analysis to quantify relative efficacy of
      biologic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in patients with
      rheumatoid arthritis (RA). There is a strong rationale for this analysis because,
      although multiple biologics are available, information on head-to-head
      comparisons is limited. Data on the percentage of patients attaining American
      College of Rheumatology (ACR) 20, 50, and 70 responses were extracted from 50
      randomized controlled trials representing 21,500 patients, five mechanisms of
      action, and nine biologics. The analysis showed that all tumor necrosis factor
      inhibitors (anti-TNFs) share the same dose-response relationship for ACR 20, 50,
      and 70, differing only in potency. Yet there are significant differences in
      efficacy among the anti-TNFs due to differences in the clinical dose ranges
      available. At the suggested starting dose, golimumab was the least efficacious,
      followed by infliximab, adalimumab, etanercept, and certolizumab. Significant
      differences in the dose-response relationship were found between anti-TNFs and
      other biologics, resulting in differences in efficacy and differential impact of
      dose titration.

PMID- 22048228
TI  - Improving the decision-making process for nonprescription drugs: a framework for
      benefit-risk assessment.
AB  - Nonprescription drugs pose unique challenges to regulators. The fact that the
      barriers to access are lower for nonprescription drugs as compared with
      prescription drugs may permit additional consumers to obtain effective drugs.
      However, the use of these drugs by consumers in the absence of supervision by a
      health-care professional may result in unacceptable rates of misuse and
      suboptimal clinical outcomes. A value-tree method is proposed that defines
      important benefit and risk domains relevant to nonprescription drugs. This value
      tree can be used to comprehensively identify product-specific attributes in each
      domain and can also support formal benefit-risk assessment using a variety of
      tools. This is illustrated here, using a modification of the International Risk
      Governance Council (IRGC) framework, a flexible tool previously applied in a
      number of fields, which systematizes an approach to issue review, early alignment
      of stakeholders, evaluation, and risk mitigation/management. The proposed
      approach has the potential to provide structured, transparent tools for
      regulatory decision making for nonprescription drugs.

PMID- 22048229
TI  - Geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase: an emerging therapeutic target.
AB  - Proteins modified post-translationally by geranylgeranylation have been
      implicated in numerous cellular processes related to human disease. In recent
      years, the study of protein geranylgeranylation has advanced tremendously in both
      cellular and animal models. The advances in our understanding of the biological
      roles of geranylgeranylated proteins have been paralleled by advances in the
      medicinal chemistry of geranylgeranylation inhibitors such as those that target
      geranylgeranyl transferases I and II and geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase
      (GGDPS). Although these findings provide the rationale for further development of
      geranylgeranylation as a therapeutic target, more advanced studies on the
      efficacy of this approach in various disease models will be required to support
      translation to clinical studies. This article attempts to describe the advances
      in (and the challenges of) validation of GGDPS as a novel therapeutic target and
      assesses the advantages of targeting GGDPS relative to other enzymes involved in
      geranylgeranylation.

PMID- 22048230
TI  - Assessing the comparative effectiveness of newly marketed medications:
      methodological challenges and implications for drug development.
AB  - Comparative-effectiveness research (CER) aims to produce actionable evidence
      regarding the effectiveness and safety of medical products and interventions as
      they are used outside of controlled research settings. Although CER evidence
      regarding medications is particularly needed shortly after market approval, key
      methodological challenges include (i) potential bias due to channeling of
      patients to the newly marketed medication because of various patient-, physician
      , and system-related factors; (ii) rapid changes in the characteristics of the
      user population during the early phase of marketing; and (iii) lack of timely
      data and the often small number of users in the first few months of marketing. We
      propose a mix of approaches to generate comparative-effectiveness data in the
      early marketing period, including sequential cohort monitoring with secondary
      health-care data and propensity score (PS) balancing, as well as extended follow
      up of phase III and phase IV trials, indirect comparisons of placebo-controlled
      trials, and modeling and simulation of virtual trials.

PMID- 22048231
TI  - Therapeutic index of anticoagulants for prevention of venous thromboembolism
      following orthopedic surgery: a dose-response meta-analysis.
AB  - Information on the comparative effectiveness of drugs is crucial for drug
      development decisions, in addition to being needed by regulators, prescribers,
      and payers. We have carried out a dose-response meta-analysis of three end points
      each for efficacy and bleeding for various anticoagulants evaluated for the
      prevention of venous thromboembolism (VTE) following orthopedic surgery to assess
      the comparative efficacy and safety of various classes of agents. Data obtained
      from 89 randomized controlled trials of 23 anticoagulants representing seven drug
      classes were analyzed. The analysis showed significant differences in the
      therapeutic index (TI), the ratio of the dose with an acceptable bleeding risk to
      the dose with a relevant risk reduction for VTE, across the drug classes but not
      for drugs within a class. The direct inhibitors of FXa, the activated form of
      factor X--also known as prothrombinase--were found to have a significantly higher
      TI than that of any other class of anticoagulants, including enoxaparin,
      suggesting that this mechanism of action provides the best safety-to-efficacy
      margin.

PMID- 22048232
TI  - Comparisons of persistence and durability among three oral antidiabetic therapies
      using electronic prescription-fill data: the impact of adherence requirements and
      stockpiling.
AB  - Two important challenges are inherent in the design of studies using prescription
      data from electronic health records: how to define the minimum level of adherence
      that would qualify as "continuous drug use" and how to handle stockpiling of
      medications. Generally, the sensitivity of a study's conclusions to these design
      choices is not analyzed. In our study, covariate adjusted Cox models were used to
      compare persistence and durability with respect to three common oral antidiabetic
      therapies in a cohort of 12,697 incident users. Assuming 50% stockpiling,
      sulfonylurea therapy, as compared with metformin, showed a significantly lower
      risk of nonpersistence (changing or stopping therapy) when no gap days were
      allowed (HR 0.95, P = 0.032), no significant difference when 14 gap days were
      allowed (HR 0.99, P = 0.536), and significantly greater risk of nonpersistence
      when 30 gap days were allowed (HR 1.05, P = 0.046). All the drug comparisons
      showed statistically significant effects in both directions, the risk of
      nonpersistence increasing or decreasing depending on the design parameters.

PMID- 22048233
TI  - Combining different analytical approaches to identify odor formation mechanisms
      in polyethylene and polypropylene.
AB  - In a previous study, we identified carbonyls as highly odor-active compounds in
      both unprocessed and processed polypropylene (PP) with higher intensities after
      processing, indicating a temperature-driven forming mechanism. In the presented
      work, we studied whether (a) these carbonyls are the major odor drivers to the
      overall odor of polyolefins, (b) their formation is taking place already at
      moderate temperatures well below the typical processing temperatures, (c)
      conventional antioxidants in polyolefins can prevent or reduce their formation,
      and (d) whether reducing the amount of oxygen present can decrease the overall
      odor. One polyethylene (PE) and one PP were selected, and both stabilized and
      unstabilized polymer powder samples were exposed to conditions differing in
      oxygen concentration and aging time. The changes in the volatile fraction as well
      as the formation of odor-active compounds were monitored using a
      multidisciplinary approach by combining analytical methods based on gas
      chromatography (GC), multivariate data analysis, and sensory methods (GC
      olfactometry and a sensory panel). Both investigated materials (PE and PP) showed
      similar degradation products (aldehydes, ketones, carboxylic acids, alcohols, and
      lactones) which increased dramatically with increasing aging time and the lack of
      stabilization. Oxidation products, mainly carbonyl compounds, were responsible
      for the odor of the investigated materials. The main odor drivers were
      unsaturated ketones and aldehydes with a chain length between six and nine C
      atoms. Interestingly, similar odor patterns were found for both stabilized and
      unstabilized samples, indicating that similar formation processes take place
      independent of the stabilization.

PMID- 22048236
TI  - Target-induced conjunction of split aptamer as new chiral selector for
      oligopeptide on graphene-mesoporous silica-gold nanoparticle hybrids modified
      sensing platform.
AB  - A new electrochemical label-free biosensor based on target-induced conjunction of
      a split aptamer as new chiral selector for oligopeptide using graphene-mesoporous
      silica-gold NP hybrids (GSGHs) as magnified sensing platform is firstly reported,
      which showed high sensitivity and selectivity for the detection of D-vasopressin
      (D-VP).

PMID- 22048237
TI  - Phase II, open-label, randomized trial of the MEK1/2 inhibitor selumetinib as
      monotherapy versus temozolomide in patients with advanced melanoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the efficacy and tolerability of the mitogen-activated
      protein (MAP)/extracellular signal-regulated (ERK) kinase (MEK) 1/2 inhibitor
      selumetinib versus temozolomide in chemotherapy-naive patients with unresectable
      stage III/IV melanoma. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: This phase II, open-label,
      multicenter, randomized, parallel-group study examined the effect of 100 mg oral
      selumetinib twice daily in 28-day cycles versus oral temozolomide (200 mg/m(2)/d
      for 5 days, then 23 days off-treatment). The primary endpoint was progression
      free survival. RESULTS: Two hundred patients were randomized. Progression-free
      survival did not differ significantly between selumetinib and temozolomide
      (median time to event 78 and 80 days, respectively; hazard ratio, 1.07; 80%
      confidence interval, 0.86-1.32). Objective response was observed in six (5.8%)
      patients receiving selumetinib and nine (9.4%) patients in the temozolomide
      group. Among patients with BRAF mutations, objective responses were similar
      between selumetinib and temozolomide groups (11.1% and 10.7%, respectively).
      However, five of the six selumetinib partial responders were BRAF mutated.
      Frequently reported adverse events with selumetinib were dermatitis acneiform
      (papular pustular rash; 59.6%), diarrhea (56.6%), nausea (50.5%), and peripheral
      edema (40.4%), whereas nausea (64.2%), constipation (47.4%), and vomiting (44.2%)
      were reported with temozolomide. CONCLUSIONS: No significant difference in
      progression-free survival was observed between patients with unresectable stage
      III/IV melanoma unselected for BRAF/NRAS mutations, who received therapy with
      selumetinib or temozolomide. Five of six patients with partial response to
      selumetinib had BRAF mutant tumors.

PMID- 22048238
TI  - Phenylarsine oxide induces apoptosis in Bax- and Bak-deficient cells through
      upregulation of Bim.
AB  - PURPOSE: Bax and Bak are regarded as key mediators for cytochrome c (Cyt c)
      release and apoptosis. Loss of Bax or Bak is often reported in human cancers and
      renders resistance of these cancerous cells to chemotherapy. Here, we
      investigated that phenylarsine oxide (PAO) could induce Bax/Bak-independent
      apoptosis. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) staining,
      terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL)
      staining, and caspase activation assays were conducted to detect apoptosis in
      Bax/Bak-deficient mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEF) and HCT116 bax(-/-)
      colorectal cancer cells. Cyt c release and Bim expression were assessed by
      Western blotting and immunostaining. Bim was stably knocked down by short hairpin
      RNA. Immunoprecipitation was applied to detect the interaction between Bim and
      Bcl-2. Both subcutaneous and colorectal orthotopic tumor implantation models were
      used in nude mice to investigate the effect of PAO in vivo. RESULTS: PAO
      triggered Cyt c release and apoptosis in a Bax/Bak-independent manner. Bim and
      Bcl-2 were both involved in this process. PAO augmented the expression of Bim and
      strengthened the interaction between Bim and Bcl-2. Furthermore, PAO attenuated
      the growth of Bax-deficient cancer cells in vivo. CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed
      that PAO induced apoptosis in chemotherapy-resistant cancer cells, which suggests
      that PAO has the potential to serve as a chemotherapeutic agent for Bax- and Bak
      deficient cancers.

PMID- 22048239
TI  - IL-22, but not IL-17, dominant environment in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: Both patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) and those with
      atopic dermatitis (AD) have pruritus, T(H)2-biased T cells, and a tendency to
      have bacterial infections, suggesting a common pathologic basis for these two
      diseases. Recently, interleukin (IL)-22-producing T cells were reported in skin
      of patients with AD. In this study, we investigated expression levels of T(H)22-
      and T(H)17-related molecules in lesional skin and sera isolated from patients
      with CTCL. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Skin biopsies and sera were collected from
      patients with CTCL or psoriasis and from healthy volunteers. Protein and mRNA
      expression levels of IL-22, IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-23p19, IL-10, IL-4, CCL20, CCR6,
      IL-8, and IL-20 were examined in lesional tissue and a subset of these molecules
      in sera. Phosphorylation of STAT3 was also assessed in lesional skin of CTCL and
      psoriasis by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: IL-22, IL-10, IL-4, CCL20, and CCR6
      mRNA and protein levels, but not IL-17A, IL-17F, IL-23p19, IL-8, or IL-20, were
      significantly elevated in lesional skin of CTCL. Phosphorylation of STAT3 was
      detected in epidermis of CTCL skin. Moreover, serum IL-22, IL-10, and CCL20
      levels were increased in CTCL and correlated with disease severity. CONCLUSIONS:
      Our results suggest that IL-22 is important in establishing the tumor
      microenvironment for CTCL. Enhanced expression of CCL20 may explain epidermal
      hyperplasia and migration of CCR6(+) cells, such as Langerhans cells, into
      lesional skin. Relatively low expression of IL-17 may explain the lack of
      neutrophils in lesions of CTCL, which correlates with bacterial infections that
      commonly occur in skin affected by CTCL.

PMID- 22048240
TI  - NKX3.1 haploinsufficiency is prognostic for prostate cancer relapse following
      surgery or image-guided radiotherapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite the use of prostate specific antigen (PSA), Gleason-score,
      and T-category as prognostic factors, up to 40% of patients with intermediate
      risk prostate cancer will fail radical prostatectomy or precision image-guided
      radiotherapy (IGRT). Additional genetic prognosticators are needed to triage
      these patients toward intensified combination therapy with novel targeted
      therapeutics. We tested the role of the NKX3.1 gene as a determinant of treatment
      outcome given its reported roles in tumor initiating cell (TIC) renewal, the DNA
      damage response, and cooperation with c-MYC during prostate cancer progression.
      METHODS: Using high-resolution array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH), we
      profiled the copy number alterations in TIC genes using tumor DNA from frozen
      needle biopsies derived from 126 intermediate-risk patients who underwent IGRT.
      These data were correlated to biochemical relapse-free rate (bRFR) by the Kaplan
      Meier method and Cox proportional hazards models. RESULTS: A screen of the aCGH
      IGRT data for TIC genes showed frequent copy number alterations for NKX3.1, PSCA,
      and c-MYC. NKX3.1 haploinsufficiency was associated with increased genomic
      instability independent of PSA, T-category, and Gleason-score. After adjusting
      for clinical factors in a multivariate model, NKX3.1 haploinsufficiency was
      associated with bRFR when tested alone (HR = 3.05, 95% CI: 1.46-6.39, P = 0.0030)
      or when combined with c-MYC gain (HR = 3.88, 95% CI: 1.78-8.49, P = 0.00067). A
      similar association was observed for patients following radical prostatectomy
      with a public aCGH database. NKX3.1 status was associated with positive biopsies
      post-IGRT and increased clonogen radioresistance in vitro. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      results support the use of genomic predictors, such as NKX3.1 status, in needle
      biopsies for personalized approaches to prostate cancer management.

PMID- 22048241
TI  - Serum Interleukin-6, insulin, and HOMA-IR in male individuals with colorectal
      adenoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: It is widely acknowledged that chronic low-grade inflammation plays a
      key role in the development of obesity-related insulin resistance and type 2
      diabetes. The level of circulating interleukin-6 (IL-6), one of the major
      proinflammatory adipokines, is correlated with obesity and insulin resistance,
      which are known to be risk factors for colorectal adenoma. We examined the
      association between the circulating level of IL-6 and the presence of colorectal
      adenoma. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: In a total colonoscopy-based cross-sectional study
      conducted between January and December 2008, serum levels of IL-6 were measured
      in samples of venous blood obtained from 336 male participants attending health
      checkups (118 individuals with colorectal adenoma and 218 age-matched controls)
      after an overnight fast. RESULTS: In the colorectal adenoma group, the median
      levels of serum IL-6 (1.24 vs. 1.04 pg/mL; P = 0.01), triglyceride, insulin, and
      homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were to be
      significantly higher than those in the control group. When restricted to
      individuals with adenoma, levels of IL-6 were positively correlated with body
      mass index, insulin, and HOMA-IR. Multiple logistic analyses adjusted to include
      insulin or HOMA-IR showed that high levels of IL-6 were associated with the
      presence of colorectal adenoma. There was no significant interaction of IL-6 with
      HOMA-IR to modify this association. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that
      increased serum levels of IL-6 are positively associated with the presence of
      colorectal adenoma in men, independently of insulin and HOMA-IR.

PMID- 22048242
TI  - Compact and autonomous multiwavelength microanalyzer for in-line and in situ
      colorimetric determinations.
AB  - Nowadays, the attainment of microsystems that integrate most of the stages
      involved in an analytical process has raised an enormous interest in several
      research fields. This approach provides experimental set-ups of increased
      robustness and reliability, which simplify their application to in-line and
      continuous biomedical and environmental monitoring. In this work, a novel,
      compact and autonomous microanalyzer aimed at multiwavelength colorimetric
      determinations is presented. It integrates the microfluidics (a three-dimensional
      mixer and a 25 mm length "Z-shape" optical flow-cell), a highly versatile
      multiwavelength optical detection system and the associated electronics for
      signal processing and drive, all in the same device. The flexibility provided by
      its design allows the microanalyzer to be operated either in single fixed mode to
      provide a dedicated photometer or in multiple wavelength mode to obtain discrete
      pseudospectra. To increase its reliability, automate its operation and allow it
      to work under unattended conditions, a multicommutation sub-system was developed
      and integrated with the experimental set-up. The device was initially evaluated
      in the absence of chemical reactions using four acidochromic dyes and later
      applied to determine some key environmental parameters such as phenol index,
      chromium(VI) and nitrite ions. Results were comparable with those obtained with
      commercial instrumentation and allowed to demonstrate the versatility of the
      proposed microanalyzer as an autonomous and portable device able to be applied to
      other analytical methodologies based on colorimetric determinations.

PMID- 22048243
TI  - Effects of all-trans retinoic acid nanoparticles on corneal epithelial wound
      healing.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We have developed inorganically-coated all-trans retinoic acid (atRA)
      nanoparticles, nano-sized egg-like particles of atRA (NANOEGG(r)-atRA). The
      purpose of this study was to determine the effects of NANOEGG(r)-atRA on corneal
      wound healing in vivo and in vitro. METHODS: A rabbit corneal epithelial wound
      healing model was exposed to different concentrations of NANOEGG(r)-atRA. Wound
      healing was serially quantified as the ratio of fluorescein-stained area at the
      selected times to that at baseline. After wound closure, the barrier function of
      the cornea was determined using low concentrations of tropicamide. At the
      completion of the experiments, the corneal epithelium was histologically
      examined. For the in vitro studies, linear scratch wounds were made on cultured
      SV40-immortalized human corneal epithelial cells (HCE-T). Then, the cells were
      exposed to different concentrations of NANOEGG(r)-atRA, and wound healing was
      determined by the degree of closure of the scratch wound. In addition, the
      effects of NANOEGG(r)-atRA on the proliferation of HCE-T cells were determined by
      WST-8 assays. RESULTS: Exposure to NANOEGG(r)-atRA decreased the injured area 24
      hrs after the ablation. The maximum effect of NANOEGG(r)-atRA was observed at a
      concentration of 33 mM. Histologically, no abnormal or differentiated corneal
      epithelial cells were observed in the histological sections treated with
      NANOEGG(r)-atRA. The tropicamide-induced pupillary dilation was significantly
      slowed in the eyes treated with NANOEGG(r)-atRA. NANOEGG(r)-atRA at
      concentrations of 3.3 and 33 nM induced earlier wound closure in vitro, but did
      not induce proliferation of HCE-T cells. CONCLUSION: NANOEGG(r)-atRA promotes
      wound healing and should be considered for the treatment of wounds of the corneal
      epithelium.

PMID- 22048245
TI  - Misleading axial length measurements with the IOLMaster due to a dense posterior
      vitreous surface membrane and a macular edema in a diabetic patient.

PMID- 22048244
TI  - Endophthalmitis following intravitreal injections.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To report the clinical features, culture results, management and
      visual outcome of patients with endophthalmitis following intravitreal
      injections. METHODS: Retrospective review of all patients with suspected
      endophthalmitis after intravitreal injections treated with intravitreal
      antibiotics (teicoplanin and ciprofloxacin) at a referral centre between January
      2003 and December 2010. RESULTS: Nineteen cases that had aqueous or vitreous
      biopsy were identified. Nine had negative culture. Ten had positive culture;
      Staphylococcus species in 4/10, Streptococcus species in 4/10, E. coli in 1/10
      and gram-negative bacilli in 1/10. Symptoms developed within the first 48 hours
      in all. One of ten culture-positive cases had no pain on presentation, while 5/9
      patients with negative culture reported pain. Initial treatment consisted of
      intravitreal antibiotics in all cases, 6/19 cases required a second intravitreal
      antibiotic injection, 4/19 underwent vitrectomy as secondary therapy. At the last
      follow up, 7/19 patients had visual acuity of 6/18 or better, 9/19 had visual
      acuity of 6/60 or worse. CONCLUSION: The overall numbers of patients with
      endophthalmitis following intravitreal injections has risen dramatically over the
      past years. In contrast to earlier reports of multicentre studies, outcome of
      patients is relatively poor in the current treatment settings. We did not find
      clinical features useful in identifying cases with negative culture.

PMID- 22048246
TI  - Expression of human NAA11 (ARD1B) gene is tissue-specific and is regulated by DNA
      methylation.
AB  - NAA10 gene encodes the catalytic subunit of N(alpha)-acetyltransferase NatA that
      catalyzes the acetylation of the N-termini of many eukaryotic proteins. A
      homologous gene called NAA11 is also present in mammalian cells. hNaa10p and
      hNaa11p are reported to be co-expressed in human cell cultures. In mouse tissues,
      however, Naa11 transcripts can only be detected in gonadal tissues whereas Naa10
      transcripts are present in various tissues. We re-examined the expression of
      NAA11 in human cell lines and expanded the test to normal as well as cancerous
      human tissues. Surprisingly, we did not detect the expression of NAA11 in human
      cell lines that previously were reported to express it. Similar to its mouse
      ortholog, NAA10 displayed widespread expression in human tissues. NAA11
      transcripts, however, were only detected in testicular and placental tissues. The
      lack of NAA11 expression was also demonstrated in eight different types of human
      cancerous tissues. By methylation-specific polymerase chain reaction and
      bisulfite sequencing, we found that the absence of NAA11 expression correlated
      with hypermethylation of the CpG island located at the proximal promoter of NAA11
      gene. We also found that the cloned NAA11 gene promoter fragment was active when
      introduced into non NAA11-expressing human cells and its promoter activity was
      lost upon in vitro DNA methylation. Taken together, our results indicate NAA11
      expression is tissue-specific and is epigenetically regulated by DNA methylation.

PMID- 22048247
TI  - Adaptation of the CHARM DNA methylation platform for the rat genome reveals novel
      brain region-specific differences.
AB  - Comprehensive High-throughput Arrays for Relative Methylation (CHARM) was
      recently developed as an experimental platform and analytic approach to assess
      DNA methylation (DNAm) at a genome-wide level. Its initial implementation was for
      human and mouse. We adapted it for rat and sought to examine DNAm differences
      across tissues and brain regions in this model organism. We extracted DNA from
      liver, spleen, and three brain regions: cortex, hippocampus, and hypothalamus
      from adult Sprague Dawley rats. DNA was digested with McrBC, and the resulting
      methyl-depleted fraction was hybridized to the rat CHARM array along with a mock
      treated fraction. Differentially methylated regions (DMRs) between tissue types
      were detected using normalized methylation log-ratios. In validating 24 of the
      most significant DMRs by bisulfite pyrosequencing, we detected large mean
      differences in DNAm, ranging from 33-59%, among the most significant DMRs in the
      across-tissue comparisons. The comparable figures for the hippocampus vs.
      hypothalamus DMRs were 14-40%, for the cortex vs. hippocampus DMRs, 12-29%, and
      for the cortex vs. hypothalamus DMRs, 5-35%, with a correlation of r(2) = 0.92
      between the methylation differences in 24 DMRs predicted by CHARM and those
      validated by bisulfite pyrosequencing. Our adaptation of the CHARM array for the
      rat genome yielded highly robust results that demonstrate the value of this
      method in detecting substantial DNAm differences between tissues and across
      different brain regions. This platform should prove valuable in future studies
      aimed at examining DNAm differences in particular brain regions of rats exposed
      to environmental stimuli with potential epigenetic consequences.

PMID- 22048248
TI  - Bivalent histone modifications in stem cells poise miRNA loci for CpG island
      hypermethylation in human cancer.
AB  - It has been proposed that the existence of stem cell epigenetic patterns confer a
      greater likelihood of CpG island hypermethylation on tumor suppressor-coding
      genes in cancer. The suggested mechanism is based on the Polycomb-mediated
      methylation of K27 of histone H3 and the recruitment of DNA methyltransferases on
      the promoters of tumor suppressor genes in cancer cells, when those genes are
      preferentially pre-marked in embryonic stem cells (ESCs) with bivalent chromatin
      domains. On the other hand, miRNAs appear to be dysregulated in cancer, with many
      studies reporting silencing of miRNA genes due to aberrant hypermethylation of
      their promoter regions. We wondered whether a pre-existing histone modification
      profile in stem cells might also contribute to the DNA methylation-associated
      silencing of miRNA genes in cancer. To address this, we examined a group of tumor
      suppressor miRNA genes previously reported to become hypermethylated and
      inactivated specifically in cancer cells. We analyzed the epigenetic events that
      take place along their promoters in human embryonic stem cells and in transformed
      cells. Our results suggest that there is a positive correlation between the
      existence of bivalent chromatin domains on miRNA promoters in ESCs and the
      hypermethylation of those genes in cancer, leading us to conclude that this
      epigenetic mark could be a mechanism that prepares miRNA promoters for further
      DNA hypermethylation in human tumors.

PMID- 22048249
TI  - DNA methylation imprinting marks and DNA methyltransferase expression in human
      spermatogenic cell stages.
AB  - Paternal imprinting marks were shown to be erased in the mouse primordial germ
      cells and progressively re-established throughout the male germ line development,
      starting in fetal prospermatogonia and continuing post-natally through the onset
      of meiosis. We here evaluated imprinting marks in human adult spermatogenic cells
      and analyzed mRNA and protein expression of DNA Methyltransferases (DNMTs).
      Spermatogonia A, primary and secondary spermatocytes, round spermatids and
      elongated spermatids/spermatozoa were isolated by micromanipulation from
      testicular biopsies of men with normal spermatogenesis. DNA methylation at two
      imprinted genes, H19 and MEST/PEG1, was analyzed using bisulphite genomic
      sequencing and DNMTs expression was determined by qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence.
      H19 was completely methylated at the spermatogonia stage in the analyzed
      individuals and MEST/PEG1 was completely demethylated, with the exception of few
      CpGs. The analysis of DNMT1, DNMT3A and  3B expression showed peaks of mRNA
      transcripts in primary spermatocytes and in mature ejaculated spermatozoa, with
      DNMT1 transcript level being the most abundant in all cell stages.
      Immunolocalization showed that DNMT proteins are present throughout the
      spermatogenic cycle, with stage-specific shuttling between the nucleus and
      cytoplasm. We conclude that, in humans, methylation imprints are established in
      spermatogonia A and are maintained in subsequent stages up to elongated
      spermatid/spermatozoa. Additionally, DNA methyltransferases are expressed
      throughout human spermatogenesis, possibly maintaining the methylation patterns
      in order to avoid the transmission of imprinting errors by the male gamete.

PMID- 22048250
TI  - Maintenance of DNA methylation: Dnmt3b joins the dance.
AB  - DNA methylation mostly occurs within the context of CpG dinucleotides and is
      essential for embryonic development and gene repression. It is generally accepted
      that DNA methyltransferases carry out specific and non-overlapping functions,
      Dnmt3a and Dnmt3b being responsible for the establishment of methylation around
      the time of implantation and Dnmt1 ensuring that methylation is faithfully copied
      to daughter cells via what has come to be known as "maintenance methylation."
      This longstanding view has been challenged over the years with the observation
      that Dnmt1 alone is incapable of perfect maintenance methylation. A new model is
      emerging that takes into account a contribution of the de novo enzymes Dnmt3a and
      Dnmt3b in the maintenance of the DNA methylation. We recently showed that certain
      germ line genes are specific targets of Dnmt3b, and that Dnmt3b remains bound to
      their promoter regions in somatic cells via interaction with the transcriptional
      repressor E2F6. It is tempting to consider an ongoing role for Dnmt3b in the
      methylation of germ line genes in somatic cells. We propose here observations in
      support of the hypothesis that the maintenance of methylation and subsequent
      silencing of a handful of germ line genes requires Dnmt3b but not Dnmt1. In
      addition to suggesting a new role for Dnmt3b in the protection of somatic cells
      against the promiscuous expression of the germ line program, these observations
      are of particular interest in the field of carcinogenesis, given that the
      expression of catalytically inactive Dnmt3b isoforms and aberrant expression of
      germ line genes are commonly observed in cancer cells.

PMID- 22048251
TI  - DNA methylation in liver tumorigenesis in fish from the environment.
AB  - The link between environment, alteration in DNA methylation and cancer has been
      well established in humans; yet, it is under-studied in unsequenced non-model
      organisms. The occurrence of liver tumors in the flatfish dab collected at
      certain UK sampling sites exceeds 20%, yet the causative agents and the molecular
      mechanisms of tumor formation are not known, especially regarding the balance
      between epigenetic and genetic factors. Methylated DNA Immunoprecipitation
      (MeDIP) combined with de novo high-throughput DNA sequencing were used to
      investigate DNA methylation changes in dab hepatocellular adenoma tumors for the
      first time in an unsequenced species. Novel custom-made dab gene expression
      arrays were designed and used to determine the relationship between DNA
      methylation and gene expression. In addition, the confirmatory techniques of
      bisulfite sequencing PCR (BSP) and RT-PCR were applied. Genes involved in
      pathways related to cancer, including apoptosis, wnt/beta-catenin signaling and
      genomic and non-genomic estrogen responses, were altered both in methylation and
      transcription. Global methylation was statistically significantly 1.8-fold
      reduced in hepatocellular adenoma and non-cancerous surrounding tissues compared
      with liver from non-cancer bearing dab. Based on the identified changes and
      chemical exposure data, our study supports the epigenetic model of cancer. We
      hypothesize that chronic exposure to a mixture of environmental contaminants
      contributes to a global hypomethylation followed by further epigenetic and
      genomic changes. The findings suggest a link between environment, epigenetics and
      cancer in fish tumors in the wild and show the utility of this methodology for
      studies in non-model organisms.

PMID- 22048252
TI  - Role of CpG context and content in evolutionary signatures of brain DNA
      methylation.
AB  - DNA methylation is essential in brain function and behavior; therefore,
      understanding the role of DNA methylation in brain-based disorders begins with
      the study of DNA methylation profiles in normal brain. Determining the patterns
      and scale of methylation conservation and alteration in an evolutionary context
      enables the design of focused but effective methylation studies of disease
      states. We applied an enzymatic-based approach, Methylation Mapping Analysis by
      Paired-end Sequencing (Methyl-MAPS), which utilizes second-generation sequencing
      technology to provide an unbiased representation of genome-wide DNA methylation
      profiles of human and mouse brains. In this large-scale study, we assayed CpG
      methylation in cerebral cortex of neurologically and psychiatrically normal human
      postmortem specimens, as well as mouse forebrain specimens. Cross-species human
      mouse DNA methylation conservation analysis shows that DNA methylation is not
      correlated with sequence conservation. Instead, greater DNA methylation
      conservation is correlated with increasing CpG density. In addition to CpG
      density, these data show that genomic context is a critical factor in DNA
      methylation conservation and alteration signatures throughout mammalian brain
      evolution. We identify key genomic features that can be targeted for
      identification of epigenetic loci that may be developmentally and evolutionarily
      conserved and wherein aberrations in DNA methylation patterns can confer risk for
      disease.

PMID- 22048253
TI  - Preferential binding of the methyl-CpG binding domain protein 2 at methylated
      transcriptional start site regions.
AB  - Methyl-CpG Binding Domain (MBD) proteins are thought to be key molecules in the
      interpretation of DNA methylation signals leading to gene silencing through
      recruitment of chromatin remodeling complexes. In cancer, the MBD-family member,
      MBD2, may be primarily involved in the repression of genes exhibiting methylated
      CpG at their 5' end. Here we ask whether MBD2 randomly associates methylated
      sequences, producing chance effects on transcription, or exhibits a more specific
      recognition of some methylated regions. Using chromatin and DNA
      immunoprecipitation, we analyzed MBD2 and RNA polymerase II deposition and DNA
      methylation in HeLa cells on arrays representing 25,500 promoter regions. This
      first whole-genome mapping revealed the preferential localization of MBD2 near
      transcription start sites (TSSs), within the region analyzed, 7.5 kb upstream
      through 2.45 kb downstream of 5' transcription start sites. Probe by probe
      analysis correlated MBD2 deposition and DNA methylation. Motif analysis did not
      reveal specific sequence motifs; however, CCG and CGC sequences seem to be
      overrepresented. Nonrandom association (multiple correspondence analysis, p <
      0.0001) between silent genes, DNA methylation and MBD2 binding was observed. The
      association between MBD2 binding and transcriptional repression weakened as the
      distance between binding site and TSS increased, suggesting that MBD2 represses
      transcriptional initiation. This hypothesis may represent a functional
      explanation for the preferential binding of MBD2 at methyl-CpG in TSS regions.

PMID- 22048254
TI  - The influence of one-carbon metabolism on gene promoter methylation in a
      population-based breast cancer study.
AB  - Abnormal methylation in gene promoters is a hallmark of the cancer genome;
      however, factors that may influence promoter methylation have not been well
      elucidated. As the one-carbon metabolism pathway provides the universal methyl
      donor for methylation reactions, perturbation of this pathway might influence DNA
      methylation and, ultimately, affect gene functions. Utilizing approximately 800
      breast cancer tumor tissues from a large population-based study, we investigated
      the relationships between dietary and genetic factors involved in the one-carbon
      metabolism pathway and promoter methylation of a panel of 13 breast cancer
      related genes. We found that CCND2, HIN1 and CHD1 were the most "dietary
      sensitive" genes, as methylation of their promoters was associated with intakes
      of at least two out of the eight dietary methyl factors examined. On the other
      hand, some micronutrients (i.e., B 2 and B 6) were more "epigenetically active"
      as their intake levels correlated with promoter methylation status in 3 out of
      the 13 breast cancer genes evaluated. Both positive (hypermethylation) and
      inverse (hypomethylation) associations with high micronutrient intake were
      observed. Unlike what we saw for dietary factors, we did not observe any clear
      patterns between one-carbon genetic polymorphisms and the promoter methylation
      status of the genes examined. Our results provide preliminary evidence that one
      carbon metabolism may have the capacity to influence the breast cancer epigenome.
      Given that epigenetic alterations are thought to occur early in cancer
      development and are potentially reversible, dietary modifications may offer
      promising venues for cancer intervention and prevention.

PMID- 22048255
TI  - Current status of primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus: clinical features,
      pathology, management and prognosis.
AB  - Primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus (PMME) is a rare disease with an
      extremely poor prognosis. Up to 2011, approximately 300 cases had been reported
      worldwide. The average age of onset is 60.5 years old, with a prevalence of males
      (2:1). A typical finding of PMME is a lobular or polyploid, well-circumscribed
      and pigmented tumor, partly covered with normal mucosa. PMME represents various
      colors depending on its melanin quantity and commonly coexists with intramural
      metastases, melanocytosis or melanoma in situ. The tumor is located from the
      middle to lower thoracic esophagus. The accuracy of diagnosis from biopsy is
      approximately 80%, because many cases are misdiagnosed as a poorly differentiated
      carcinoma because of the absence of melanin granules. A definite diagnosis was
      made by immunohistochemical examination with positive results of S100 protein,
      HMB45 and neuron-specific enolase. PMME has a highly metastatic potential, and
      the incidence of distant metastasis at the initial diagnosis is around 40-80%. A
      metastatic tumor from cutaneous malignant melanoma is another pigmented
      esophageal tumor to be considered when making the differential diagnosis for
      PMME. Junctional activity with melanotic cells in the adjacent epithelium and the
      presence of in situ melanoma and/or a satellite tumor without a previous history
      of cutaneous melanoma are definitive. Most of the reported patients were treated
      with radical esophagectomy, which is believed to be an effective approach for
      localized PMME. Five-year survival rates have been achieved in 37% recently,
      while adjuvant therapy has not been proven to increase overall survival but plays
      a palliative role.

PMID- 22048256
TI  - Risk factors for recurrence after transarterial chemoembolization for early-stage
      hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a standard therapy for the treatment
      of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with 3 or fewer tumors of up to 3 cm (early
      stage HCC); when RFA is unsuccessful or unfeasible, transcatheter arterial
      chemoembolization (TACE) has often been performed. However, little information
      about the outcome of TACE for early-stage HCC has been reported and it is hard to
      decide whether to perform additional treatment following TACE in these difficult
      conditions. The aim of this study was to determine the risk factors for local or
      intrahepatic distant recurrence after TACE in early-stage HCC. METHODS: Among
      1,560 newly diagnosed HCC patients who were admitted to Okayama University
      Hospital, 43 patients with early-stage HCC who received only TACE in at least one
      nodule were enrolled in this study. We analyzed the risk factors for local and
      distant recurrence by the Cox proportional hazard model. RESULTS: The local
      recurrence rates and intrahepatic distant recurrence rates at 3 months, 6 months,
      and 1 year were 18.6, 33.4, and 61.8%, and 2.8, 2.8, and 34.3%, [corrected]
      respectively.Among 12 parameters examined as possible risk factors for
      recurrence, heterogeneous Lipiodol uptake (risk ratio 3.38; 95% confidence
      interval 1.14-10.60) and high serum des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin (DCP) (2.58;
      1.03-7.14) were significantly correlated with local recurrence, and the presence
      of multiple tumors (10.64; 1.76-93.75) was significantly correlated with
      intrahepatic distant recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Heterogeneous Lipiodol uptake, high
      serum DCP, and multiple tumors are risk factors for recurrence in patients with
      early-stage HCC who have undergone palliative TACE.

PMID- 22048257
TI  - Pancreatic cancer stem cell biology and its therapeutic implications.
AB  - Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most difficult malignancies to treat.
      Significant developments in our understanding of pancreatic cancer biology have
      occurred over the past decade. One of the key advances has been the formulation
      of the cancer stem cell model of tumor growth and subsequent experimental proof
      of pancreatic cancer stem cell existence. Cancer stem cells contribute to
      pancreatic tumor growth and progression and are at least partially responsible
      for the relative resistance of the tumor to systemic chemotherapy and radiation.
      Significant questions remain about how the mutational profile of the tumor, the
      tumor microenvironment, and normal pancreatic developmental pathways contribute
      to pancreatic cancer stem cell biology. Answers to these questions will likely
      yield new therapeutic approaches for this deadly disease.

PMID- 22048258
TI  - Spread of excitation and channel interaction in single- and dual-electrode
      cochlear implant stimulation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine how simultaneous dual-electrode stimulation (DES) can be
      optimized for the individual patient to deliver better sound quality and speech
      recognition. DES was compared with single-electrode stimulation (SES) with
      respect to the site of stimulation (X) in the cochlea, the spread of excitation
      (SOE), and channel interaction. Second, it was investigated whether the number of
      intermediate pitches created with DES can be predicted from SOE, channel
      interaction measures, current distribution in the cochlea, or distance of the
      electrode to the medial wall. DESIGN: Twelve users of the HiRes90K cochlear
      implant with HiFocus1J electrode were randomly selected to participate in this
      study. Electrode contacts were selected based on their location in the cochlea as
      determined by multislice computed tomography, viz. 120 degrees (basal), 240
      degrees (middle), and 360 degrees (apical) from the round window. The number of
      intermediate pitches with simultaneous DES was assessed with a three-alternative
      forced choice pitch discrimination experiment. The channel interactions between
      two single-electrode contacts and two DES pairs were determined with a threshold
      detection experiment (three-alternative forced choice). The eCAP-based SOE method
      with fixed probe and variable masker was used to determine the location of the
      neurons responding to a single-electrode contact or dual-electrode contact
      stimulus. Furthermore, the intracochlear electrical fields were determined with
      the Electrical Field Imaging tool kit. RESULTS: DES was not different from SES in
      terms of channel interaction and SOE. The X of DES was 0.54 electrode contacts
      more basal compared with SES stimulation, which was not different from the
      predicted shift of 0.5. SOE and current distribution were significantly different
      for the three locations in the cochlea but showed no correlation with the number
      of perceivable pitches. A correlation was found between channel interaction and
      the number of intermediate pitches along the array within a patient, not between
      patients. CONCLUSION: SES and DES are equivalent with regard to SOE and channel
      interaction. The excitation site of DES has the predicted displacement compared
      with the excitation region induced by the neighboring single-electrode contact.
      Unfortunately, no predictor for the number of intermediate pitches was found.

PMID- 22048259
TI  - Population persistence under advection-diffusion in river networks.
AB  - An integro-differential equation on a tree graph is used to model the time
      evolution and spatial distribution of a population of organisms in a river
      network. Individual organisms become mobile at a constant rate, and disperse
      according to an advection-diffusion process with coefficients that are constant
      on the edges of the graph. Appropriate boundary conditions are imposed at the
      outlet and upstream nodes of the river network. The local rates of population
      growth/decay and that by which the organisms become mobile, are assumed constant
      in time and space. Imminent extinction of the population is understood as the
      situation whereby the zero solution to the integro-differential equation is
      stable. Lower and upper bounds for the eigenvalues of the dispersion operator,
      and related Sturm-Liouville problems are found. The analysis yields sufficient
      conditions for imminent extinction and/or persistence in terms of the values of
      water velocity, channel length, cross-sectional area and diffusivity throughout
      the river network.

PMID- 22048260
TI  - Evolutionary stability of ideal free dispersal strategies in patchy environments.
AB  - A central question in the study of the evolution of dispersal is what kind of
      dispersal strategies are evolutionarily stable. Hastings (Theor Pop Biol 24:244
      251, 1983) showed that among unconditional dispersal strategies in a spatially
      heterogeneous but temporally constant environment, the dispersal strategy with no
      movement is convergent stable. McPeek and Holt's (Am Nat 140:1010-1027, 1992)
      work suggested that among conditional dispersal strategies in a spatially
      heterogeneous but temporally constant environment, an ideal free dispersal
      strategy, which results in the ideal free distribution for a single species at
      equilibrium, is evolutionarily stable. We use continuous-time and discrete-space
      models to determine when the dispersal strategy with no movement is
      evolutionarily stable and when an ideal free dispersal strategy is evolutionarily
      stable, both in a spatially heterogeneous but temporally constant environment.

PMID- 22048261
TI  - Yoga decreases insomnia in postmenopausal women:  a randomized clinical trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The practice of yoga has been proven to have positive effects on
      reducing insomnia. Studies have also shown its effects on reducing climacteric
      symptoms. To date, however, no studies that evaluate the effects of yoga on
      postmenopausal women with a diagnosis of insomnia in a randomized clinical trial
      have been conducted. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of yoga
      practice on the physical and mental health and climacteric symptoms of
      postmenopausal women with a diagnosis of insomnia. METHODS: Postmenopausal women
      not undergoing hormone therapy, who were 50 to 65 years old, who had an apnea
      hypopnea index less than 15, and who had a diagnosis of insomnia were randomly
      assigned to one of three groups, as follows: control, passive stretching, and
      yoga. Questionnaires were administered before and 4 months after the intervention
      to evaluate quality of life, anxiety and depression symptoms, climacteric
      symptoms, insomnia severity, daytime sleepiness, and stress. The volunteers also
      underwent polysomnography. The study lasted 4 months. RESULTS: There were 44
      volunteers at the end of the study. When compared with the control group, the
      yoga group had significantly lower posttreatment scores for climacteric symptoms
      and insomnia severity and higher scores for quality of life and resistance phase
      of stress. The reduction in insomnia severity in the yoga group was significantly
      higher than that in the control and passive-stretching groups. CONCLUSIONS: This
      study showed that a specific sequence of yoga might be effective in reducing
      insomnia and menopausal symptoms as well as improving quality of life in
      postmenopausal women with insomnia.

PMID- 22048262
TI  - Molecular mechanics modeling of deformation and failure of super carbon nanotube
      networks.
AB  - A generalized molecular structure mechanics (MSM) model is proposed to
      investigate the deformation and failure behaviors of super carbon nanotubes
      (SCNTs) within the quasi-static approximation. The failure mechanism of the SCNTs
      with Y- and X-type junctions was examined by combining a failure criterion for
      the breakage of the carbon-carbon bonds in the CNT networks. The carbon-carbon
      bonds are modeled as elastic bars with equivalent stiffness and break as their
      elongation ratio reaches only 19%, which means that the broken carbon-carbon
      bonds are ineffective in terms of the Morse potential function. It is shown that
      the MSM method, combined with the failure criterion of the carbon-carbon bonds,
      is a powerful approach to simulate the deformation and failure of both Y
      junctions and X junctions with different chiralities and sizes. The deformation
      and failure modes of these junctions which involve rotation, bending and
      stretching of the CNT arms are predicted using the present model and the effects
      of various parameters of the junctions on their mechanical behaviors are
      discussed.

PMID- 22048265
TI  - Distribution of rotavirus genotypes causing nosocomial and community-acquired
      acute gastroenteritis at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia in the new
      rotavirus vaccine era.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Introduction of rotavirus vaccines in the United States beginning in
      2006 led to a rapid decline in the frequency of acute rotavirus gastroenteritis
      necessitating medical attention. We examined whether serotype replacement was
      occurring as a result of vaccine use. METHODS: Children with gastroenteritis
      presenting to CHOP have been tested for rotavirus antigen in the stool.
      Commencing with the 1999-2000 season, positive specimens were genotyped to
      establish the G (VP7) and P (VP4) type. RESULTS: In 2009-2010, 4 hospital
      acquired and 18 community-acquired cases of rotavirus gastroenteritis were
      identified at CHOP. For the third consecutive full season since the introduction
      of rotavirus vaccines, the proportion of annual G3 cases was higher than in the
      prevaccine era. Although G3 strains caused 50% of the community cases in 2009-10,
      the absolute number of G3 cases actually dropped from 15 in 2007-08 to 8 and 9 in
      the 2008-09 and 2009-10 seasons, respectively. P[8] accounted for > 90% of cases
      seen at CHOP in each of the last 3 seasons, including 20/22 (91%) cases during
      the 2009-10 season. CONCLUSIONS: Findings to date provide suggestive but still
      inconclusive evidence for vaccine-driven serotype replacement. Given the
      increased proportion of G3 cases in the new vaccine era despite the overall
      marked reduction in rotavirus gastroenteritis, continued surveillance is prudent.

PMID- 22048266
TI  - Exploratory investigation on functional significance of ETS2 and SIM2 genes in
      Down syndrome.
AB  - Trisomy of the 21{st} chromosome leads to an over dosage of several regulatory
      genes in Down syndrome (DS). Though allelic and genotypic combinations formed
      between genes are interesting, till date, this particular area has never been
      explored in DS. In the present investigation four SNPs in two transcription
      factors, Single minded 2 (SIM2) and V-ets erythroblastosis virus E26 oncogene
      homolog2 (ETS<formula>2</formula>), located in the 21{st} chromosome were
      genotyped to understand their role in DS. Genomic DNA of eastern Indian probands
      with DS (N=132), their parents (N=209) and ethnically matched controls (N=149)
      was subjected to PCR-based analyses of functionally important SNPs followed by
      statistical analyses. ETS2 rs461155 showed high heterozygosity in DS.
      Significantly lower frequency of SIM2 C-G haplotype (rs2073601-rs2073416) was
      noticed in individuals with DS (P value =0.01669) and their fathers (P
      value=0.01185). Significantly lower frequency of the A-C-C-G with higher
      frequency of A-C-A-G haplotypes was also noticed in subjects with DS (P value
      =0.02089 and 0.00588 respectively). Data obtained indicate that the rs2073601 'A'
      allele, responsible for nonsynonymous substitution of leucine to methionine, may
      have some role in DS in this population.

PMID- 22048267
TI  - MicroRNAs, innate immunity and ventricular rupture in human myocardial
      infarction.
AB  - MicroRNAs are non-coding RNAs, functionioning as post-transcriptional regulators
      of gene expression. Some microRNAs have been demonstrated to play a role in
      regulation of innate immunity. After myocardial infarction (MI), innate immunity
      is activated leading to an acute inflammatory reaction. There is evidence that an
      intense inflammatory reaction might contribute to the development of ventricular
      rupture (VR) after MI. Using real-time PCR, we analysed the expression of miR
      146a, miR-150, and miR-155 in autopsy samples of infarcted heart tissue from 50
      patients with MI (23 with VR and 27 without VR). An altered expression of all
      three microRNAs was found in MI compared to the normal hearts. Comparing MI
      patients with VR and those without VR, we found miR-146a up-regulation, and miR
      150 and miR-155 down-regulation in patients with VR. In conclusion, our study
      demonstrated an altered expression of miR-146a, miR-150, and miR-155 in MI
      compared to the normal hearts. These microRNAs are involved in regulation of the
      innate immunity. Differential expression of these microRNAs in MI patients with
      VR in comparison to those without VR provides further evidence that innate
      immunity resulting in an intense inflammatory reaction plays an important role in
      the pathogenesis of VR after MI in humans.

PMID- 22048268
TI  - Combined effect of ADH1B RS1229984, RS2066702 and ADH1C RS1693482/ RS698 alleles
      on alcoholism and chronic liver diseases.
AB  - The aim of this study was to analyze the combined effect of the most frequent
      alcohol dehydrogenase polymorphisms (Arg48His and Arg370Cys in ADH1B, Arg272Gln
      and Ile350Val in ADH1C) on the alcohol use habits, alcohol dependence and chronic
      liver diseases in Hungary. The study included men, aged 45-64 years. Altogether,
      241 cases with chronic liver disease (CLD) and 666 randomly selected controls
      without CLD were analysed for all four polymorphisms. Associations between the
      polymorphisms, individually, and in combination, and excessive and problem
      drinking and CLD, were assessed using logistic regression. In this study we have
      identified a novel mutation, called ADH1B Arg370His. The ADH1C Arg272Gln and
      Ile350Val showed almost complete linkage. The 272Gln/35Val allele increased the
      risk of excessive and problem drinking in homozygous form (OR=1.582, p=0.035,
      CI=1.034-2.421, OR=1.780, p=0.016, CI=1.113-2.848, respectively). The joint
      analysis showed that when combined with the wild type ADH1C Arg272/Ile350 allele,
      the ADH1B 48His is protective against CLD (OR=0.368, p=0.019, CI=0.159-0.851).
      The results obtained in the study help not only to clarify the effects of
      different ADH SNPs but to better understand how these polymorphisms modify each
      other's effects in the development of alcoholism and related diseases.

PMID- 22048269
TI  - Opposite effects of GSTM1--and GSTT1: gene deletion variants on bone mineral
      density.
AB  - Oxidative stress is associated with osteoporosis. The glutathione S-transferases
      form the major detoxifying group of enzymes responsible for eliminating products
      of oxidative stress. We have therefore proposed GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes as
      candidates for studying the genetics of osteoporosis. The aim of the present
      study was to examine possible association of GSTM1 and GSTT1 gene deletion
      polymorphisms, alone or in combination, with bone mineral density at femoral neck
      (BMD_fn), lumbar spine (BMD_ls) and total hip (BMD_th) in Slovenian elderly women
      and men.GSTM1 and GSTT1 gene deletion polymorphisms in 712 elderly people were
      analyzed using the triplex PCR method for the presence of GSTM1 and GSTT1 gene
      segments. BMD_fn, BMD_ls and BMD_th were measured by the dual-energy X-ray
      absorptiometry (DEXA) method. Results were analyzed using univariate statistic
      model adjusted for sex, body mass index (BMI) and age. Our results showed the
      significant differences in BMD_th, BMD_ls and BMD_fn values (p=0.031, 0.017 and
      0.023, respectively) in subgroups of GSTT1 gene deletion polymorphism. For GSTM1
      gene deletion polymorphism borderline significant association was found with
      BMD_ls (p=0.100). Furthermore, subjects with homozygous deletion of GSTT1 gene
      showed higher BMD values on all measured skeletal sites and, in contrast,
      subjects with homozygous deletion of GSTM1 gene showed lower BMD values.
      Moreover, a gene-gene interaction study showed significant association of GSTM1
      null and GSTT1-null polymorphisms with BMD_ls values (p=0.044). Carriers with a
      combination of the presence of GSTT1 gene and the homozygous absence of GSTM1
      gene fragment were associated with the lower BMD values at all skeletal sites.
      The significant association of combination of GSTT1 gene presence and homozygous
      absence of GSTM1 gene with BMD was demonstrated, suggesting that it could be
      used, if validated in other studies, as genetic marker for low BMD.

PMID- 22048270
TI  - HFE gene polymorphisms and the risk for autism in Egyptian children and impact on
      the effect of oxidative stress.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Autism is among the commonest neurodevelopmental childhood disorders
      worldwide; its aetiology is still unknown. Iron metabolism alteration in the
      central nervous system is recently implicated as a risk factor for several
      neurodegenerative disorders. Haemochromatosis HFE gene polymorphisms (p.H63D and
      p.C282Y) have shown significant association with several neurological diseases.
      Some evidences show altered iron related proteins in serum of autistic children.
      The aim of this work is to conduct a preliminary pilot study for the association
      of HFE polymorphisms and autism. METHODS: All cases were referred from the clinic
      of special needs, National Research Centre, Cairo. Clinical diagnosis was based
      on the criteria for autistic disorder as defined in the Diagnostic and
      Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fourth Edition, Text Revision (DSM-IV-TR).
      Whole genome DNA was extracted; p.H63D and p.C282Y genotyping was studied using
      specific sequence amplification followed by restriction enzyme digestion on a
      sample of autism patients (25 cases) and twenty controls. RESULTS: The p.H63D is
      more abundant than the C282Y among both autism and control samples. No
      significant association of p.H63D nor p.C282Y polymorphism and autism was
      revealed. CONCLUSION: We here report on the first pilot study of the possible
      genetic association between autism and HFE gene polymorphisms among Egyptians.
      Although our results do not prove the role of HFE polymorphisms as risk factors
      for autism, yet this does not exclude the role of iron in this prevalent
      disorder. Further extended studies are recommended to include other iron
      metabolism genes.

PMID- 22048271
TI  - Plasma oxidized low-density lipoprotein is an independent risk factor in young
      patients with coronary artery disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) is considered to be a key
      factor of initiating and accelerating atherosclerosis. The objective of this
      study was to investigate the role of ox-LDL in young patients with coronary
      artery disease (CAD). METHODS: 128 consecutive angiographically proven young CAD
      patients (aged ? 55 years) were enrolled, and 132 age-matched non-CAD individuals
      (coronary angiography normal or negative finding by coronary ultrafast CT) were
      set as control group. Conventional risk factors (hypertension, dyslipidemia,
      diabetes mellitus, obesity, smoking) were evaluated in the two groups. Ox-LDL was
      measured by competitive ELISA. Framingham risk score (FRS) and absolute 10-year
      CAD events risk were calculated for each individual. RESULTS: Male sex was more
      prevalent in group CAD than in control (87.5% vs. 62.1%; P< 0.01). There were
      significant differences in smoking history (P< 0.01) and triglyeride (TG) and
      ratio of apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A1 (ApoB/ApoA1) (both P< 0.05) but no
      remarkable difference in other conventional risk factors (all P> 0.05) between
      group CAD and control. Level of ox-LDL was significantly higher in group CAD than
      in control (P< 0.01). Multivariate logistic regression showed that male sex (OR,
      4.54; 95%CI, 1.76-9.77), smoking quantity (OR, 2.78; 95%CI, 1.34-4.25), TG (OR,
      1.42; 95%CI, 1.18-2.83), ApoB/ApoA1 (OR, 1.73; 95%CI, 1.32-4.23), and ox-LDL (OR,
      2.15; 95%CI, 1.37-6.95) were independently correlated with CAD in young patients.
      Area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve of
      TG, ApoB/ApoA1, and ox-LDL was 0.831, 0.866, and 0.935, respectively (P< 0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: Ox-LDL is an important independent risk factor for CAD in young
      patients after adjusting other risk factors such as smoking, TG, and ApoB/ApoA1.

PMID- 22048272
TI  - A longitudinal study of the effects of ART on plasma chemokine levels in
      Malaysian HIV patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Chemokines influence the migration of leukocytes to secondary
      lymphoid tissue and sites of inflammation. In HIV patients, they are implicated
      in inflammatory complications of antiretroviral therapy (ART), notably Immune
      Reconstitution Disease (IRD) and Sensory Neuropathy (SN). However most chemokines
      have not been monitored as patients begin ART or correlated with IRD and SN.
      METHODS: Plasma chemokine levels were assessed longitudinally using commercial
      ELISAs in 69 patients treated in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Plasma was available at
      baseline and after 6, 12, 24 and 48 weeks on ART. Chemokine genotypes were
      assessed using allele-specific fluorescent probes. IRD were diagnosed in 15
      patients. 30 patients were screened for SN using the ACTG BPNS tool after six
      months on ART. SN was detected in 8 patients. RESULTS: Plasma CXCL10 levels
      decreased on ART compared to baseline (p=0.002-0.0001), but remain higher than
      healthy controls (p<= 0.0001). The decline was clearer in patients without IRD.
      CCL5 levels rose on ART but remained similar to controls. CCL2 levels were higher
      in patients than controls after week 12. Plasma chemokine levels were not
      affected by CD4+ T-cell counts or any genotypes tested. Several patients with SN
      displayed higher CCL5 levels throughout therapy compared to patients without
      neuropathy. Levels of other chemokines and chemokine genotypes were not
      associated with SN. CONCLUSIONS: Chemokines are differentially affected by ART.
      CXCL10 and CCL5 may influence IRD and CCL5 warrants further investigation for an
      effect in SN. These trends are not influenced by chemokine genotypes investigated
      here.

PMID- 22048273
TI  - Genetic polymorphism of the glutathione S-transferase M1 and T1 genes in three
      distinct Arab populations.
AB  - Deletion polymorphisms for the glutathione S-transferase (GST) gene are
      associated with increased risk of cancer, and are implicated in detoxifying
      mutagenic electrophilic compounds. GST Polymorphic variants were reported for
      different populations. The aim of this study was to investigate the frequencies
      of GSTM1 and GSTT1 null genotypes among Bahraini, Lebanese and Tunisian Arabs.
      GST genotyping was done by multiplex PCR-based methods. Study subjects comprised
      167 Bahrainis, 141 Lebanese and 186 Tunisians unrelated healthy individuals.
      GSTM1 deletion homozygosity of 49.7%, 52.5% and 63.4% were recorded for Bahraini,
      Lebanese and Tunisians, respectively. Among Bahrainis, the prevalence of GSTT1
      null homozygotes was 28.7%, while in higher rates were seen in Lebanese (37.6%)
      and Tunisians (37.1%). Our results indicate that there are no major differences
      in allelic distribution of GSTM1 and GSTT1 genes between the three Arab
      populations investigated except between Bahrainis and Tunisians regarding the
      allelic distribution of GSTM1 gene (P=0.013). Combined analysis of both genes
      revealed that 14.4% of Bahrainis, 16.3% of Lebanese and 21.0% of Tunisians harbor
      the deleted genotype of both genes. This is the first study that addresses GST
      gene polymorphism in Bahraini and Lebanese Arabs, and will help genetic studies
      on the association of GSTM1 and GSTT1 polymorphisms with disease risks and drug
      effects in Arab populations.

PMID- 22048274
TI  - Fucose and sialic acid expressions in human seminal fibronectin and alpha{1} 
      acid glycoprotein associated with leukocytospermia of infertile men.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to compare fucose and sialic acid residue
      expression on fibronectin and alpha{1}-acid glycoprotein in the seminal plasma of
      men suspected of infertility and suffering from leukocytospermia. SUBJECTS AND
      METHODS: Seminal ejaculates were collected from 27 leukocytospermic and 18
      healthy, normozoospermic men. The relative degree of fucosylation and sialylation
      of fibronectin and alpha{1}-acid glycoprotein was estimated by ELISA using fucose
      and sialic acid specific lectins from Aleuria aurantia, Lotus tetragonolobus, and
      Ulex europaeus as well as Maackia amurensis and Sambucus nigra, respectively.
      RESULTS: Leukocytospermic seminal fibronectin, in comparison with fibronectin of
      normal fertile group, showed lower relative reactivity with AAL, LTA and UEA, and
      higher reactivity with MAA and SNA, while the AGP of the leukocytospermic group
      was less reactive with AAL, and the relative reactivity with LTA and MAA was
      significantly higher. Fibronectin and alpha{1}-acid glycoprotein reactivity with
      UEA and MAA showed high positive correlations. DISCUSSION: Leukocytospermia was
      associated with the alterations of terminal monosaccharide expression in human
      seminal fibronectin and alpha{1}-acid glycoprotein. The increase of sialyl-Lewis{
      x} antigen in alpha{1}-acid glycoprotein can be used as a marker of genital tract
      inflammation manifested by leukocytospermia.

PMID- 22048275
TI  - Measuring population mental health and social well-being.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This paper examines the relationships between indicators of positive
      and negative dimensions of mental health, social well-being and physical health.
      METHODS: The paper reports on data collected in the third National Survey of
      Lifestyle, Attitudes and Nutrition (SLAN 2007), a cross-sectional survey
      conducted with a representative sample of 10,364 Irish adults. The survey
      included measures of positive mental health and non-specific psychological
      distress from the SF-36 questionnaire, together with measures of social well
      being, subjective health, and selected health behaviours. RESULTS: Positive
      mental health is predicted by lower levels of loneliness and higher levels of
      social support. Better self-rated health, positive health behaviours and lower GP
      consultation rates are associated with higher levels of positive mental health.
      Lower levels of social well-being, were found to be the strongest predictors of
      negative mental health. CONCLUSIONS: Social well-being and health behaviours
      correlate with both positive and negative mental health. These findings highlight
      the need to endorse comprehensive approaches to population mental health
      promotion. The inclusion of both positive and negative mental health indicators
      in future population health surveys is supported by the findings.

PMID- 22048276
TI  - Scanning near-field IR microscopy of proteins in lipid bilayers.
AB  - We use infrared near-field microscopy to chemically map the morphology of
      biological matrices. The investigated sample is built up from surface-tethered
      membrane proteins (cytochrome c oxidase) reconstituted in a lipid bilayer. We
      have carried out infrared near-field measurements in the frequency range between
      1600 and 1800 cm(-1). By simultaneously recording the topography and chemical
      fingerprint of the protein-tethered lipid bilayer with a lateral resolution of 80
      nm * 80 nm, we were able to probe locally the chemical signature of this membrane
      and to provide a local map of its surface morphology.

PMID- 22048277
TI  - Probabilistic RNA partitioning generates transient increases in the normalized
      variance of RNA numbers in synchronized populations of Escherichia coli.
AB  - We explore the effects of probabilistic RNA partitioning during cell division on
      the normalized variance of RNA numbers across generations of bacterial
      populations. We first characterize these effects in model cell populations, where
      gene expression is modeled as a delayed stochastic process, as a function of the
      synchrony in cell division, the rate of division, and the RNA degradation rate.
      We further explore the additional variance that arises if the partitioning is
      biased. Next, in Escherichia coli cells expressing RNA tagged with MS2d-GFP, we
      measured the normalized variance of RNA numbers across several generations, with
      cell divisions synchronized by heat shock. We show that synchronized cell
      populations exhibit transient increases in normalized variance following cell
      divisions, as predicted by the model, which are not observed in unsynchronized
      populations. We conclude that errors in partitioning of RNA molecules generate
      diversity between the offspring of individual bacteria and thus constitute a form
      of reproductive bet-hedging.

PMID- 22048278
TI  - Sanofi-Cell Research Outstanding Paper Award of 2010.

PMID- 22048281
TI  - Cerebrospinal fluid fistulas after iliosacral screw removal in post-traumatic
      pseudomeningocele.
AB  - Sacral fractures are rare but severe injuries. They are often associated with
      neurological impairment and pelvic instability. We present a case of a 28-year
      old woman who sustained an H-type fracture of the sacrum with complete cauda
      equina syndrome treated with cauda equina decompression and pelvic percutaneous
      stabilization with an iliosacral screw. Two years after she underwent screw
      removal, but complained of back and nape pain after the operation. A lumbosacral
      MRI showed the presence of a lytic lesion involving the S1 and S2 bodies that was
      judged to be a pseudomeningocele leaning against the sacral screw hole and
      cerebrospinal fluid fistulas through this. To our knowledge, this is the first
      case of such a complication after sacral screw removal to be reported.

PMID- 22048282
TI  - Renal ischemia-reperfusion injury causes intercalated cell-specific disruption of
      occludin in the collecting duct.
AB  - Renal ischemic events open tight junctions and disrupt epithelial polarity. The
      purpose of this study was to examine the effects of ischemia-reperfusion (IR)
      injury on expression and distribution of the tight junction proteins, occludin
      and ZO-1, in the rat kidney. IR injury was induced by clamping both renal
      pedicles for 30 min and animals were killed at 6 h after the reperfusion. IR
      injury decreased blood bicarbonate level, but did not persistently alter pH,
      Na(+), K(+), or Cl(-). In control kidneys, occludin immunoreactivity was intense
      in the tight junctions in the thick ascending limb, distal convoluted tubule, and
      collecting duct, moderate in the thin limbs of the loop of Henle, and was not
      detected in the proximal tubule, glomerulus, and blood vessels. ZO-1 was
      expressed in the same sites in which occludin was expressed, and additionally was
      also expressed in the proximal tubule, glomerulus, and vascular endothelial
      cells. IR kidneys exhibited damaged renal tubular epithelial cells in both
      proximal tubule and collecting duct segments in the outer medulla. In the
      collecting duct, the response of intercalated cells and principal cells differed.
      Following IR injury, intercalated cells, but not principal cells, lost their
      normal epithelial polarity and were frequently extruded into the tubule lumen.
      Occludin, instead of being localized to tight junctions, was localized diffusely
      in the cytoplasm in intercalated cells of IR kidneys. Principal cells, in
      contrast, were not detectably affected and neither occludin nor ZO-1 expression
      were altered in response to IR injury. The normal localization of ZO-1 expression
      to tight junction sites in both the proximal tubule and collecting duct was
      altered in response to IR, and, instead, ZO-1 expression was present diffusely in
      the cytoplasm. IR injury did not alter detectably either occludin or ZO-1
      localization to the tight junction of the thick ascending limb cells. The
      abundance of total occludin protein by immunoblot analysis was not changed with
      IR injury. These results demonstrate that renal IR injury causes tight junction
      disruptions in both the proximal tubule and the collecting duct, and that altered
      distribution of the tight junction protein, occludin, may play a critical role in
      the collecting duct dysfunction which IR induces.

PMID- 22048283
TI  - Passiflora incarnata Linneaus as an anxiolytic before spinal anesthesia.
AB  - PURPOSE: Patients who undergo regional anesthesia experience anxiety in the
      preoperative period. Passiflora incarnata Linneaus is a plant that has
      traditionally been used as an anxiolytic and sedative. We aimed to investigate
      the effect of preoperative oral administration of Passiflora incarnata Linneaus
      on anxiety, psychomotor functions, sedation, and hemodynamics in patients
      undergoing spinal anesthesia. METHODS: Under local ethics committee approval, 60
      patients who were aged 25-55 years and ASAI-II and who were scheduled for spinal
      anesthesia were enrolled in this prospective, randomized, double-blind and
      placebo-controlled study. Thirty minutes before spinal anesthesia, baseline
      hemodynamic parameters, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) score, sedation
      score, and psychomotor function test results were measured, then patients were
      randomly assigned to two groups: oral Passiflora incarnata Linneaus extract or
      placebo was given to the patients. Tests were repeated just before spinal
      anesthesia. Hemodynamics, sedation score, sensory-motor block and side effects
      were assessed during the operation. Psychomotor function tests were repeated at
      the end of the operation and 60 min after the operation. RESULTS: There was a
      statistically significant difference between the two groups for the increase in
      State Anxiety Inventory (STAI-S) score obtained just before spinal anesthesia
      when compared to the baseline. There was no statistically significant difference
      in psychomotor function from the baseline for either group. A significant
      difference was not found between the two groups in demographics, psychomotor
      function, sedation score, hemodynamics, and side effects. CONCLUSION: Oral
      preoperative administration of Passiflora incarnata Linneaus suppresses the
      increase in anxiety before spinal anesthesia without changing psychomotor
      function test results, sedation level, or hemodynamics.

PMID- 22048284
TI  - Recovery of psychomotor function after total intravenous anesthesia with
      remifentanil-propofol or fentanyl-propofol.
AB  - PURPOSE: Total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) with propofol combined with
      remifentanil or fentanyl has commonly been used to achieve general anesthesia.
      The purpose of this study was to examine recovery of psychomotor function, by use
      of the Trieger dot test, after TIVA with remifentanil-propofol or with fentanyl
      propofol. METHODS: Forty patients were randomly divided into two groups of 20, to
      receive TIVA with either remifentanil-propofol (group R) or fentanyl-propofol
      (group F). Anesthesia was induced by intravenous injection of propofol. In group
      R, remifentanil at 0.3 MUg/kg/min was infused continuously during surgery. In
      group F, 3 MUg/kg fentanyl was injected as an initial dose and 1 MUg/kg fentanyl
      was administered intravenously every 30 min during surgery. Psychomotor function,
      as measured by the Trieger dot test, was evaluated before anesthesia and 30, 60,
      90, 120, and 150 min after the end of TIVA. RESULTS: From assessment of the
      Trieger dot test, the number of dots missed in group R from 30 to 120 min after
      the end of TIVA was significantly lower than in group F. The maximum distance of
      dots missed in group R from 30 to 120 min after the end of TIVA was significantly
      shorter than in group F. The average distance of dots missed in group R from 30
      to 120 min after the end of TIVA was significantly shorter than in group F.
      CONCLUSION: Recovery of psychomotor function in TIVA with remifentanil-propofol
      is faster than that in TIVA with fentanyl-propofol.

PMID- 22048286
TI  - Numerical simulation of multiple scattering by random discrete particles
      illuminated by Gaussian beams.
AB  - In this paper, we present an efficient numerical method for the simulation of
      multiple scattering by random discrete particles illuminated by focused Gaussian
      beams with arbitrary incidence. Specifically, the Davis first-order approximation
      in combination with rotation Euler angles is used to represent the arbitrarily
      incident Gaussian beams. The surface integral equations are applied to formulate
      the scattering problems involving multiple discrete particles with a random
      distribution and are numerically discretized by the method of moments. The
      resultant matrix equation is solved by employing the characteristic basis
      function method based on the use of macrobasis functions constructed according to
      the Foldy-Lax multiple scattering equations. Since this method only requires the
      solution of small-size matrix equations associated with isolated particles and it
      is also readily parallelized, the computational burden can be significantly
      relieved. Some numerical results are included to illustrate the validity of the
      present method and to show the scattering behaviors of random discrete particles
      when they are illuminated by focused Gaussian beams.

PMID- 22048285
TI  - Role of gabapentin in preventing fentanyl- and morphine-withdrawal-induced
      hyperalgesia in rats.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study was undertaken to examine the effect of gabapentin for
      preventing hyperalgesia induced by morphine and fentanyl withdrawal in rats.
      METHODS: To induce hyperalgesia, Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were subcutaneously
      injected with fentanyl four times at 15-min intervals (60 MUg/kg per injection),
      resulting in total dose of 240 MUg/kg over 1 h, and morphine 10 mg/kg twice daily
      for 7 days. The effect of gabapentin was detected with behavioral tail-flick and
      paw-withdrawal tests. RESULTS: Drug termination produced significant decrease in
      antinociception thresholds (P < 0.05 vs. saline group), indicating that the rats
      became sensitive to thermal stimuli. In rats that received combined treatment
      with fentanyl/morphine and gabapentin (25/50 mg/kg), results demonstrated that
      there were no significant decreases in antinociception thresholds (vs. saline
      group) after opioid withdrawal. Gabapentin (50 mg/kg) could also prevent morphine
      tolerance. The 50% effective dose (ED50) value was 12.5 mg/kg in tail-flick and
      13.6 mg/kg in paw-withdrawal tests. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed that gabapentin
      can significantly prevented opioid-induced hyperalgesia (OIH) induced caused by
      fentanyl and morphine, suggesting a role for the addition of gabapentin in the
      perioperative period and during chronic pain treatment as an effective drug to
      prevent OIH.

PMID- 22048287
TI  - Performance enhancements to absorbance-modulation optical lithography. I.
      Plasmonic reflector layers.
AB  - The ability to improve the transmission and intensity profiles in absorbance
      modulation optical lithography [J. Opt. Soc. Am. A 23, 2290-2294 (2006) and Phys.
      Rev. Lett. 98, 043905 (2007)] through the introduction of a plasmonic metal layer
      is investigated. In this part of the work, a plasmonic reflector layer (PRL) is
      placed beneath the photoresist layer. Improvement is expected due to surface
      plasmons being induced on the plasmonic layer and supporting the transmission of
      the image deeper into the imaging layer. The introduction of the plasmonic
      reflector improves the depth of focus markedly, with the image confinement
      extended up to 60 nm but with a penalty of up to a 50% increase in the minimum
      full width at half-maximum of the intensity profile. The presented work
      demonstrates that a PRL can be a valuable tool for near-field lithography.

PMID- 22048288
TI  - Performance enhancements to absorbance-modulation optical lithography. II.
      Plasmonic superlenses.
AB  - The ability to improve the transmission and intensity profiles in absorbance
      modulation optical lithography (AMOL) [J. Opt. Soc. Am. A 23, 2290 (2006) and
      Phys. Rev. Lett. 98, 043905 (2007)] through the introduction of a plasmonic metal
      layer is investigated. In this part of the work, a plasmonic layer is placed
      between the absorbance-modulation layer and the photoresist layer. Transmission
      through this layer is possible due to the ability of thin plasmonic layers to act
      as near-field analogues of negative refraction materials. The superlens
      performance is best with a thin layer of 10-20 nm, although this causes a full
      width at half-maximum increase of ~50%. The introduction of the plasmonic layers
      allows dichroic filtering of the two wavelengths, with a difference of a factor
      of 10 in the transmitted intensity ratio, reducing undesirable exposure of the
      resist. The presented work demonstrates that a plasmonic layer can be interfaced
      with an AMOL system, but that further optimization and material development are
      needed to allow substantial performance improvements.

PMID- 22048289
TI  - Generalization of color-difference formulas for any illuminant and any observer
      by assuming perfect color constancy in a color-vision model based on the OSA-UCS
      system.
AB  - The most widely used color-difference formulas are based on color-difference data
      obtained under D65 illumination or similar and for a 10 degrees  visual field;
      i.e., these formulas hold true for the CIE 1964 observer adapted to D65
      illuminant. This work considers the psychometric color-vision model based on the
      Optical Society of America-Uniform Color Scales (OSA-UCS) system previously
      published by the first author [J. Opt. Soc. Am. A 21, 677 (2004); Color Res.
      Appl. 30, 31 (2005)] with the additional hypothesis that complete illuminant
      adaptation with perfect color constancy exists in the visual evaluation of color
      differences. In this way a computational procedure is defined for color
      conversion between different illuminant adaptations, which is an alternative to
      the current chromatic adaptation transforms. This color conversion allows the
      passage between different observers, e.g., CIE 1964 and CIE 1931. An application
      of this color conversion is here made in the color-difference evaluation for any
      observer and in any illuminant adaptation: these transformations convert
      tristimulus values related to any observer and illuminant adaptation to those
      related to the observer and illuminant adaptation of the definition of the color
      difference formulas, i.e., to the CIE 1964 observer adapted to the D65
      illuminant, and then the known color-difference formulas can be applied. The
      adaptations to the illuminants A, C, F11, D50, Planckian and daylight at any
      color temperature and for CIE 1931 and CIE 1964 observers are considered as
      examples, and all the corresponding transformations are given for practical use.

PMID- 22048290
TI  - Depth-minimized, large period half-wave corrugation for linear to radial and
      azimuthal polarization transformation by grating-mode phase management.
AB  - The transformation of the polarization distribution of a laser beam from linear
      to radial and azimuthal by means of a subwavelength binary corrugation etched in
      a high-index substrate faces fabrication difficulties and an inherent
      contradiction preventing the achievement of both conditions of 100% transmission
      and of pi phase difference between polarization components. The contradiction is
      solved by resorting to an easily fabricable high-index corrugation on a low-index
      substrate where a larger period gives rise to grating-mode
      reflection/transmission phases that permit the fulfillment of both conditions
      with a depth-minimized corrugation. From the principle of the solution, a
      targeted numerical search gives the complete set of the corresponding shallow
      structures, achieving polarization rotation in a fitting analytical form versus
      normalized variables.

PMID- 22048291
TI  - Methods for computing weighting tables based on local power expansion for
      tristimulus values computations.
AB  - In this paper, two types of weighting tables are derived by applying the local
      power expansion method proposed by Oleari [Color Res. Appl. 25, 176 (2000)]. Both
      tables at two different levels consider the deconvolution of the
      spectrophotometric data for monochromator triangular transmittance. The first
      one, named zero-order weighting table, is similar to weighting table 5 of
      American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) used with the measured spectral
      reflectance factors (SRFs) corrected by the Stearns and Stearns formula. The
      second one, named second-order weighting table, is similar to weighting table 6
      of ASTM and must be used with the undeconvoluted SRFs. It is hoped that the
      results of this paper will aid the International Commission on Illumination TC 1
      71 on tristimulus integration in focusing on ongoing methods, testing, and
      recommendations.

PMID- 22048292
TI  - Orbital angular momentum of Laguerre-Gaussian beams beyond the paraxial
      approximation.
AB  - We derive a full field solution for Laguerre-Gaussian beams consistent with the
      Helmholtz equation using the angular spectrum method. Field components are
      presented as an order expansion in the ratio of the wavelength to the beam waist,
      f=lambda/(2piw0), which is typically small. The result is then generalized to a
      beam of arbitrary polarization. This result is then used to reproduce the
      signature angular momentum properties of Laguerre-Gaussian beams in the paraxial
      limit. The subsequent higher-order term is similarly obtained, which does not
      display a clear separation of orbital and spin angular momentum components.

PMID- 22048293
TI  - Solutions of large-scale electromagnetics problems involving dielectric objects
      with the parallel multilevel fast multipole algorithm.
AB  - Fast and accurate solutions of large-scale electromagnetics problems involving
      homogeneous dielectric objects are considered. Problems are formulated with the
      electric and magnetic current combined-field integral equation and discretized
      with the Rao-Wilton-Glisson functions. Solutions are performed iteratively by
      using the multilevel fast multipole algorithm (MLFMA). For the solution of large
      scale problems discretized with millions of unknowns, MLFMA is parallelized on
      distributed-memory architectures using a rigorous technique, namely, the
      hierarchical partitioning strategy. Efficiency and accuracy of the developed
      implementation are demonstrated on very large problems involving as many as 100
      million unknowns.

PMID- 22048294
TI  - Fast convergence with spectral volume integral equation for crossed block-shaped
      gratings with improved material interface conditions.
AB  - For block-shaped dielectric gratings with two-dimensional periodicity, a spectral
      domain volume integral equation is derived in which explicit Fourier
      factorization rules are employed. The Fourier factorization rules are derived
      from a projection-operator framework and enhance the numerical accuracy of the
      method, while maintaining a low computational complexity of O(NlogN) or better
      and a low memory demand of O(N).

PMID- 22048295
TI  - Three-dimensional polarization states of monochromatic light fields.
AB  - The 3*1 generalized Jones vectors (GJVs) [E(x) E(y) E(z)](t) (t indicates the
      transpose) that describe the linear, circular, and elliptical polarization states
      of an arbitrary three-dimensional (3-D) monochromatic light field are determined
      in terms of the geometrical parameters of the 3-D vibration of the time-harmonic
      electric field. In three dimensions, there are as many distinct linear
      polarization states as there are points on the surface of a hemisphere, and the
      number of distinct 3-D circular polarization states equals that of all two
      dimensional (2-D) polarization states on the Poincare sphere, of which only two
      are circular states. The subset of 3-D polarization states that results from the
      superposition of three mutually orthogonal x, y, and z field components of equal
      amplitude is considered as a function of their relative phases. Interesting
      contours of equal ellipticity and equal inclination of the normal to the
      polarization ellipse with respect to the x axis are obtained in 2-D phase space.
      Finally, the 3*3 generalized Jones calculus, in which elastic scattering (e.g.,
      by a nano-object in the near field) is characterized by the 3-D linear
      transformation E(s)=T E(i), is briefly introduced. In such a matrix
      transformation, E(i) and E(s) are the 3*1 GJVs of the incident and scattered
      waves and T is the 3*3 generalized Jones matrix of the scatterer at a given
      frequency and for given directions of incidence and scattering.

PMID- 22048296
TI  - Highlight detection and removal from spectral image.
AB  - We present a constrained spectral unmixing method to remove highlight from a
      single spectral image. In the constrained spectral unmixing method, the
      constraints have been imposed so that all the fractions of diffuse and highlight
      reflection sum up to 1 and are positive. As a result, the spectra of the diffuse
      image are always positive. The spectral power distribution (SPD) of the light
      source has been used as the pure highlight spectrum. The pure diffuse spectrum of
      the measured spectrum has been chosen from the set of diffuse spectra. The pure
      diffuse spectrum has a minimum angle among the angles calculated between spectra
      from a set of diffuse spectra and the measured spectrum projected onto the
      subspace orthogonal to the SPD of the light source. The set of diffuse spectra
      has been collected by an automated target generation program from the diffuse
      part in the image. Constrained energy minimization in a finite impulse response
      linear filter has been used to detect the highlight and diffuse parts in the
      image. Results by constrained spectral unmixing have been compared with results
      by the orthogonal subspace projection (OSP) method [Proceedings of International
      Conference on Pattern Recognition (2006), pp. 812-815] and probabilistic
      principal component analysis (PPCA) [Proceedings of the 4th WSEAS International
      Conference on Signal Processing, Robotics and Automation (2005), paper 15].
      Constrained spectral unmixing outperforms OSP and PPCA in the visual assessment
      of the diffuse results. The highlight removal method by constrained spectral
      unmixing is suitable for spectral images.

PMID- 22048297
TI  - Effective medium theory for random media composed of two-layered spheres.
AB  - We study the effective index of random media composed of two-layered spheres by
      using the energy-density coherent potential approximation method. As expected
      from the Ewald-Oseen extinction theorem, in the long-wavelength limit, the
      optical properties of a random medium composed of two-layered spheres are
      identical to those of a random medium composed of the corresponding pure spheres,
      while in the Mie-scattering region, the single-scattering resonances lead to an
      overall shift of the effective refractive index with the modified volume
      fraction.

PMID- 22048298
TI  - Fast computation of an optimal controller for large-scale adaptive optics.
AB  - The linear quadratic Gaussian regulator provides the minimum-variance control
      solution for a linear time-invariant system. For adaptive optics (AO)
      applications, under the hypothesis of a deformable mirror with instantaneous
      response, such a controller boils down to a minimum-variance phase estimator (a
      Kalman filter) and a projection onto the mirror space. The Kalman filter gain can
      be computed by solving an algebraic Riccati matrix equation, whose computational
      complexity grows very quickly with the size of the telescope aperture. This
      "curse of dimensionality" makes the standard solvers for Riccati equations very
      slow in the case of extremely large telescopes. In this article, we propose a way
      of computing the Kalman gain for AO systems by means of an approximation that
      considers the turbulence phase screen as the cropped version of an infinite-size
      screen. We demonstrate the advantages of the methods for both off- and on-line
      computational time, and we evaluate its performance for classical AO as well as
      for wide-field tomographic AO with multiple natural guide stars. Simulation
      results are reported.

PMID- 22048299
TI  - Full-complex amplitude modulation with binary spatial light modulators.
AB  - Imperfections and nonrobust behavior of practical multilevel spatial light
      modulators (SLMs) degrade the performance of many proposed full-complex amplitude
      modulation schemes. We consider the use of more robust binary SLMs for this
      purpose. We propose a generic method, by which, out of K binary (or 1 bit) SLMs
      of size M*N, we effectively create a new 2(K)-level (or K bit) SLM of size M*N.
      The method is a generalization of the well-known concepts of bit plane
      representation and decomposition for ordinary gray scale digital images and
      relies on forming a properly weighted superposition of binary SLMs. When K is
      sufficiently large, the effective SLM can be regarded as a full-complex one. Our
      method is as efficient as possible from an information theoretical perspective. A
      4f system is discussed as a possible optical implementation. This 4f system also
      provides a means for eliminating the undesirable higher diffraction orders. The
      components of the 4f system can easily be customized for different production
      technologies.

PMID- 22048300
TI  - Ultrasound-modulated optical tomography: recovery of amplitude of vibration in
      the insonified region from boundary measurement of light correlation.
AB  - We address a certain inverse problem in ultrasound-modulated optical tomography:
      the recovery of the amplitude of vibration of scatterers [p(r)] in the ultrasound
      focal volume in a diffusive object from boundary measurement of the modulation
      depth (M) of the amplitude autocorrelation of light [phi(r,tau)] traversing
      through it. Since M is dependent on the stiffness of the material, this is the
      precursor to elasticity imaging. The propagation of phi(r,tau) is described by a
      diffusion equation from which we have derived a nonlinear perturbation equation
      connecting p(r) and refractive index modulation [Deltan(r)] in the region of
      interest to M measured on the boundary. The nonlinear perturbation equation and
      its approximate linear counterpart are solved for the recovery of p(r). The
      numerical results reveal regions of different stiffness, proving that the present
      method recovers p(r) with reasonable quantitative accuracy and spatial
      resolution.

PMID- 22048301
TI  - Off-plane anastigmatic imaging in Offner spectrometers.
AB  - In this paper, the imaging performance of an Offner concentric imaging
      spectrometer is analyzed when the spectrometer entrance slit is disposed
      arbitrarily on the plane that is parallel to the grating grooves and contains the
      common center of curvature. Astigmatism-corrected designs are obtained for off
      plane incidence on the grating if one point on the slit is located on the Rowland
      circle of the primary mirror. In this case, the combined system of primary mirror
      plus diffraction grating provides two astigmatic line images oriented parallel
      and orthogonal to the plane of diffraction, with the former located on the same
      plane as the slit. Consequently, these images can be brought to a single focus on
      this plane by the tertiary mirror if its radius of curvature is chosen properly.
      In addition, coma aberration is simultaneously removed. These results can be
      applied to the design of two-mirror or three-mirror spectrometers, generalizing
      the concept of the best imaging circle and providing solutions to get
      anastigmatic imaging for two object points and two wavelengths.

PMID- 22048302
TI  - Self-consistent optical constants of SiC thin films.
AB  - The optical constants of ion-beam-sputtered SiC films have been measured by
      ellipsometry in the 190 to 950 nm range. The set of data has been extended both
      toward shorter and longer wavelengths with data in the literature, along with
      inter- and extrapolations, in order to obtain a self-consistent set of data by
      means of Kramers-Kronig analysis. All data correspond to films that were
      deposited by sputtering on nonheated substrates, and hence they are expected to
      be amorphous. A bandgap of 1.9 eV for the films was fitted from the obtained
      optical constants. A good global accuracy of the data was estimated through the
      use of various sum rules. The consistent dataset includes the visible to the
      extreme ultraviolet (EUV); this large spectrum of characterization will enable
      the design of multilayer coatings that combine a high reflectance in parts of the
      EUV with desired performance at a secondary range, such as the visible. To our
      knowledge, this paper provides the first compilation of the optical constants of
      amorphous SiC films.

PMID- 22048303
TI  - Resolution improvement by single-exposure superresolved interferometric
      microscopy with a monochrome sensor.
AB  - Single-exposure superresolved interferometric microscopy (SESRIM) by RGB
      multiplexing has recently been proposed as a way to achieve one-dimensional
      superresolved imaging in digital holographic microscopy by a single-color CCD
      snapshot [Opt. Lett. 36, 885 (2011)]. Here we provide the mathematical basis for
      the operating principle of SESRIM, while we also present a different experimental
      configuration where the color CCD camera is replaced by a monochrome (B&W) CCD
      camera. To maintain the single-exposure working principle, the object field of
      view (FOV) is restricted and the holographic recording is based on image-plane
      wavelength-dispersion spatial multiplexing to separately record the three
      bandpass images. Moreover, a two-dimensional extension is presented by
      considering two options: time multiplexing and selective angular multiplexing.
      And as an additional implementation, the FOV restriction is eliminated by varying
      the angle between the three reference beams in the interferometric recording.
      Experimental results are reported for all of the above-mentioned cases.

PMID- 22048304
TI  - Integral imaging using phase-only LCoS spatial light modulators as Fresnel
      lenslet arrays.
AB  - We present a digital integral imaging system. A Fresnel lenslet array pattern is
      written on a phase-only LCoS spatial light modulator device (SLM) to replace the
      regular analog lenslet array in a conventional integral imaging system. We
      theoretically analyze the capture part of the proposed system based on Fresnel
      wave propagation formulation. Because of pixelation and quantization of the
      lenslet array pattern, higher diffraction orders and multiple focal points
      emerge. Because of the multiple focal planes introduced by the discrete lenslets,
      multiple image planes are observed. The use of discrete lenslet arrays also
      causes some other artifacts on the recorded elemental images. The results reduce
      to those available in the literature when the effects introduced by the discrete
      nature of the lenslets are omitted. We performed simulations of the capture part.
      It is possible to obtain the elemental images with an acceptable visual quality.
      We also constructed an optical integral imaging system with both capture and
      display parts using the proposed discrete Fresnel lenslet array written on a SLM.
      Optical results when self-luminous objects, such as an LED array, are used
      indicate that the proposed system yields satisfactory results.

PMID- 22048305
TI  - Electromagnetic plane wave scattering by arbitrarily oriented elliptical
      dielectric cylinders.
AB  - The electromagnetic scattering by an arbitrarily oriented elliptical cylinder
      having different constitutive parameters than those of the background medium is
      treated in this work. The separation of variables method is used to solve this
      problem, but, due to the oblique incidence of the source fields, hybrid waves for
      the scattered and induced fields are generated, thus making the formulation
      complicated. Moreover, because of the different wavenumbers between the scatterer
      and the background medium, the orthogonality relations for Mathieu functions do
      not hold, leading to more complicated systems, compared to those of normal
      incidence, which should be solved in order to obtain the solution for the
      scattered or induced fields. The validation of the results reveals the high
      accuracy of the implementation, even for electrically large scatterers. Both
      polarizations are considered and numerical results are given for various values
      of the parameters. The method is exact and can be used for reference as an
      alternative validation for future methods involving scattering problems.

PMID- 22048306
TI  - Spectral color constancy using a maximum entropy approach.
AB  - This paper proposes a solution to the spectral color constancy problem. The
      method is based on a statistical model for the surface reflectance spectrum and
      applies a maximum entropy constraint. Unlike prior methods based on linear
      models, the solution process does not require a set of basis functions to be
      defined, nor does it require a database of spectra to be specified in advance.
      Experiments on simulated and real data show that spectral estimation using the
      maximum entropy approach is feasible and performs similarly to existing spectral
      methods in spite of the lower level of a priori information required.

PMID- 22048307
TI  - Code aperture optimization for spectrally agile compressive imaging.
AB  - Coded aperture snapshot spectral imaging (CASSI) provides a mechanism for
      capturing a 3D spectral cube with a single shot 2D measurement. In many
      applications selective spectral imaging is sought since relevant information
      often lies within a subset of spectral bands. Capturing and reconstructing all
      the spectral bands in the observed image cube, to then throw away a large portion
      of this data, is inefficient. To this end, this paper extends the concept of
      CASSI to a system admitting multiple shot measurements, which leads not only to
      higher quality of reconstruction but also to spectrally selective imaging when
      the sequence of code aperture patterns is optimized. The aperture code
      optimization problem is shown to be analogous to the optimization of a
      constrained multichannel filter bank. The optimal code apertures allow the
      decomposition of the CASSI measurement into several subsets, each having
      information from only a few selected spectral bands. The rich theory of
      compressive sensing is used to effectively reconstruct the spectral bands of
      interest from the measurements. A number of simulations are developed to
      illustrate the spectral imaging characteristics attained by optimal aperture
      codes.

PMID- 22048308
TI  - Spectral bidirectional reflectance distribution function measurements on well
      defined textured surfaces: direct observation of shadowing, masking, inter
      reflection, and transparency effects.
AB  - We present results for the bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF)
      for samples of uniform rectangular and triangular grooves constructed from
      polydimethylsilicone replicas. The measurements are performed with the detector
      in the plane of incidence, but with varying groove orientations with respect to
      that plane. The samples are opaque in some cases and semitransparent in others.
      By measuring the BRDF for colored samples over a wide spectral range, we
      explicitly probe the effect of sample albedo, which is important for inter
      reflections. For the opaque samples, we compare the results with exact
      theoretical results either taken from the literature (for the triangular
      geometry) or worked out here (for the rectangular geometry). For both geometries,
      we also extend the theoretical results to finite length grooves. There is
      generally very good agreement between theory and the experiment. Shadowing,
      masking, and inter-reflection are clearly observed, as well as effects that may
      be due to polarization and asperity scattering. For semitransparent samples, we
      observe the effect of increasing transparency on the BRDF.

PMID- 22048309
TI  - Direct electrical junction formation of highly vertical aligned zinc oxide
      nanorods.
AB  - A two dimensionally assembled monolayer of hexagonal convexo-convex beta-cobalt
      hydroxide nanoplates as a self-disposable sacrificial epi-template leads to a
      highly vertical alignment of zinc oxide nanorods array having a good electrical
      contact with metal or semiconductor layer on a substrate in a hydrothermal
      process.

PMID- 22048310
TI  - Adherens junction protein nectin-4 is the epithelial receptor for measles virus.
AB  - Measles virus is an aerosol-transmitted virus that affects more than 10 million
      children each year and accounts for approximately 120,000 deaths. Although it was
      long believed to replicate in the respiratory epithelium before disseminating, it
      was recently shown to infect initially macrophages and dendritic cells of the
      airways using signalling lymphocytic activation molecule family member 1 (SLAMF1;
      also called CD150) as a receptor. These cells then cross the respiratory
      epithelium and transport the infection to lymphatic organs where measles virus
      replicates vigorously. How and where the virus crosses back into the airways has
      remained unknown. On the basis of functional analyses of surface proteins
      preferentially expressed on virus-permissive human epithelial cell lines, here we
      identify nectin-4 (ref. 8; also called poliovirus-receptor-like-4 (PVRL4)) as a
      candidate host exit receptor. This adherens junction protein of the
      immunoglobulin superfamily interacts with the viral attachment protein with high
      affinity through its membrane-distal domain. Nectin-4 sustains measles virus
      entry and non-cytopathic lateral spread in well-differentiated primary human
      airway epithelial sheets infected basolaterally. It is downregulated in infected
      epithelial cells, including those of macaque tracheae. Although other viruses use
      receptors to enter hosts or transit through their epithelial barriers, we suggest
      that measles virus targets nectin-4 to emerge in the airways. Nectin-4 is a
      cellular marker of several types of cancer, which has implications for ongoing
      measles-virus-based clinical trials of oncolysis.

PMID- 22048311
TI  - Early dispersal of modern humans in Europe and implications for Neanderthal
      behaviour.
AB  - The appearance of anatomically modern humans in Europe and the nature of the
      transition from the Middle to Upper Palaeolithic are matters of intense debate.
      Most researchers accept that before the arrival of anatomically modern humans,
      Neanderthals had adopted several 'transitional' technocomplexes. Two of these,
      the Uluzzian of southern Europe and the Chatelperronian of western Europe, are
      key to current interpretations regarding the timing of arrival of anatomically
      modern humans in the region and their potential interaction with Neanderthal
      populations. They are also central to current debates regarding the cognitive
      abilities of Neanderthals and the reasons behind their extinction. However, the
      actual fossil evidence associated with these assemblages is scant and
      fragmentary, and recent work has questioned the attribution of the
      Chatelperronian to Neanderthals on the basis of taphonomic mixing and lithic
      analysis. Here we reanalyse the deciduous molars from the Grotta del Cavallo
      (southern Italy), associated with the Uluzzian and originally classified as
      Neanderthal. Using two independent morphometric methods based on microtomographic
      data, we show that the Cavallo specimens can be attributed to anatomically modern
      humans. The secure context of the teeth provides crucial evidence that the makers
      of the Uluzzian technocomplex were therefore not Neanderthals. In addition, new
      chronometric data for the Uluzzian layers of Grotta del Cavallo obtained from
      associated shell beads and included within a Bayesian age model show that the
      teeth must date to ~45,000-43,000 calendar years before present. The Cavallo
      human remains are therefore the oldest known European anatomically modern humans,
      confirming a rapid dispersal of modern humans across the continent before the
      Aurignacian and the disappearance of Neanderthals.

PMID- 22048312
TI  - Clearance of p16Ink4a-positive senescent cells delays ageing-associated
      disorders.
AB  - Advanced age is the main risk factor for most chronic diseases and functional
      deficits in humans, but the fundamental mechanisms that drive ageing remain
      largely unknown, impeding the development of interventions that might delay or
      prevent age-related disorders and maximize healthy lifespan. Cellular senescence,
      which halts the proliferation of damaged or dysfunctional cells, is an important
      mechanism to constrain the malignant progression of tumour cells. Senescent cells
      accumulate in various tissues and organs with ageing and have been hypothesized
      to disrupt tissue structure and function because of the components they secrete.
      However, whether senescent cells are causally implicated in age-related
      dysfunction and whether their removal is beneficial has remained unknown. To
      address these fundamental questions, we made use of a biomarker for senescence,
      p16(Ink4a), to design a novel transgene, INK-ATTAC, for inducible elimination of
      p16(Ink4a)-positive senescent cells upon administration of a drug. Here we show
      that in the BubR1 progeroid mouse background, INK-ATTAC removes p16(Ink4a)
      positive senescent cells upon drug treatment. In tissues--such as adipose tissue,
      skeletal muscle and eye--in which p16(Ink4a) contributes to the acquisition of
      age-related pathologies, life-long removal of p16(Ink4a)-expressing cells delayed
      onset of these phenotypes. Furthermore, late-life clearance attenuated
      progression of already established age-related disorders. These data indicate
      that cellular senescence is causally implicated in generating age-related
      phenotypes and that removal of senescent cells can prevent or delay tissue
      dysfunction and extend healthspan.

PMID- 22048314
TI  - The earliest evidence for anatomically modern humans in northwestern Europe.
AB  - The earliest anatomically modern humans in Europe are thought to have appeared
      around 43,000-42,000 calendar years before present (43-42 kyr cal BP), by
      association with Aurignacian sites and lithic assemblages assumed to have been
      made by modern humans rather than by Neanderthals. However, the actual physical
      evidence for modern humans is extremely rare, and direct dates reach no farther
      back than about 41-39 kyr cal BP, leaving a gap. Here we show, using
      stratigraphic, chronological and archaeological data, that a fragment of human
      maxilla from the Kent's Cavern site, UK, dates to the earlier period. The maxilla
      (KC4), which was excavated in 1927, was initially diagnosed as Upper Palaeolithic
      modern human. In 1989, it was directly radiocarbon dated by accelerator mass
      spectrometry to 36.4-34.7 kyr cal BP. Using a Bayesian analysis of new
      ultrafiltered bone collagen dates in an ordered stratigraphic sequence at the
      site, we show that this date is a considerable underestimate. Instead, KC4 dates
      to 44.2-41.5 kyr cal BP. This makes it older than any other equivalently dated
      modern human specimen and directly contemporary with the latest European
      Neanderthals, thus making its taxonomic attribution crucial. We also show that in
      13 dental traits KC4 possesses modern human rather than Neanderthal
      characteristics; three other traits show Neanderthal affinities and a further
      seven are ambiguous. KC4 therefore represents the oldest known anatomically
      modern human fossil in northwestern Europe, fills a key gap between the earliest
      dated Aurignacian remains and the earliest human skeletal remains, and
      demonstrates the wide and rapid dispersal of early modern humans across Europe
      more than 40 kyr ago.

PMID- 22048313
TI  - Species-specific responses of Late Quaternary megafauna to climate and humans.
AB  - Despite decades of research, the roles of climate and humans in driving the
      dramatic extinctions of large-bodied mammals during the Late Quaternary period
      remain contentious. Here we use ancient DNA, species distribution models and the
      human fossil record to elucidate how climate and humans shaped the demographic
      history of woolly rhinoceros, woolly mammoth, wild horse, reindeer, bison and
      musk ox. We show that climate has been a major driver of population change over
      the past 50,000 years. However, each species responds differently to the effects
      of climatic shifts, habitat redistribution and human encroachment. Although
      climate change alone can explain the extinction of some species, such as Eurasian
      musk ox and woolly rhinoceros, a combination of climatic and anthropogenic
      effects appears to be responsible for the extinction of others, including
      Eurasian steppe bison and wild horse. We find no genetic signature or any
      distinctive range dynamics distinguishing extinct from surviving species,
      emphasizing the challenges associated with predicting future responses of extant
      mammals to climate and human-mediated habitat change.

PMID- 22048315
TI  - Structure and function of the AAA+ protein CbbX, a red-type Rubisco activase.
AB  - Ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco) catalyses the fixation
      of atmospheric CO(2) in photosynthesis, but tends to form inactive complexes with
      its substrate ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP). In plants, Rubisco is reactivated
      by the AAA(+) (ATPases associated with various cellular activities) protein
      Rubisco activase (Rca), but no such protein is known for the Rubisco of red
      algae. Here we identify the protein CbbX as an activase of red-type Rubisco. The
      3.0-A crystal structure of unassembled CbbX from Rhodobacter sphaeroides revealed
      an AAA(+) protein architecture. Electron microscopy and biochemical analysis
      showed that ATP and RuBP must bind to convert CbbX into functionally active,
      hexameric rings. The CbbX ATPase is strongly stimulated by RuBP and Rubisco.
      Mutational analysis suggests that CbbX functions by transiently pulling the
      carboxy-terminal peptide of the Rubisco large subunit into the hexamer pore,
      resulting in the release of the inhibitory RuBP. Understanding Rubisco activation
      may facilitate efforts to improve CO(2) uptake and biomass production by
      photosynthetic organisms.

PMID- 22048317
TI  - Diagnostic imaging of an Achilles tendon rupture.
AB  - The patient was a 45-year-old man who was referred to a physical therapist with a
      chief complaint of posterior right ankle pain for the past 2 weeks. The physical
      therapist requested radiographs, which demonstrated obliteration of Kager's fat
      pad, a finding highly suspicious for an Achilles tendon rupture. Based upon
      history, physical examination, and radiographic findings, the physical therapist
      ordered magnetic resonance imaging which confirmed the diagnosis of Achilles
      tendon rupture.

PMID- 22048316
TI  - Infrared diffuse interstellar bands in the Galactic Centre region.
AB  - The spectrum of any star viewed through a sufficient quantity of diffuse
      interstellar material reveals a number of absorption features collectively called
      'diffuse interstellar bands' (DIBs). The first DIBs were reported about 90  years
      ago, and currently well over 500 are known. None of them has been convincingly
      identified with any specific element or molecule, although recent studies suggest
      that the DIB carriers are polyatomic molecules containing carbon. Most of the
      DIBs currently known are at visible and very near-infrared wavelengths, with only
      two previously known at wavelengths beyond one micrometre (10,000 angstroms), the
      longer of which is at 1.318 micrometres (ref. 6). Here we report 13 diffuse
      interstellar bands in the 1.5-1.8 micrometre interval on high-extinction
      sightlines towards stars in the Galactic Centre. We argue that they originate
      almost entirely in the Galactic Centre region, a considerably warmer and harsher
      environment than where DIBs have been observed previously. The relative strengths
      of these DIBs towards the Galactic Centre and the Cygnus OB2 diffuse cloud are
      consistent with their strengths scaling mainly with the extinction by diffuse
      material.

PMID- 22048318
TI  - Neutral coordination polymers based on a metal-mono(dithiolene) complex:
      synthesis, crystal structure and supramolecular chemistry of [Zn(dmit)(4,4'
      bpy)]n, [Zn(dmit)(4,4'-bpe)]n and [Zn(dmit)(bix)]n (4,4'-bpy = 4,4'-bipyridine,
      4,4'-bpe = trans-1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethene, bix = 1,4-bis(imidazole-1-ylmethyl)
      benzene.
AB  - This article describes a unique synthetic route that enables a neutral
      mono(dithiolene)metal unit, {Zn(dmit)}, to link with three different organic
      molecules, resulting in the isolation of a new class of neutral coordination
      polymers. The species {Zn(dmit)} coordinates with 4,4'-bipyridine (4,4'-bpy),
      trans-1,2-bis(4-pyridyl)ethene (4,4'-bpe) and 1,4-bis(imidazole-1-ylmethyl)
      benzene (bix) as linkers giving rise to the formation of coordination polymers
      [Zn(dmit)(4,4'-bpy)](n) (1), [Zn(dmit)(4,4'-bpe)](n) (2) and [Zn(dmit)(bix)](n)
      (3) respectively. Compounds 1-3 were characterized by elemental analyses, IR,
      diffuse reflectance and single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Compounds 1 and
      3 crystallize in the monoclinic space group P2(1)/n, whereby compound 2
      crystallizes in triclinic space group P1[combining macron]. In the present study,
      we chose three linkers 4,4'-bpy, 4,4'-bpe and bix (see , respectively, for their
      structural drawings), that differ in terms of their molecular dimensions. The
      crystal structures of compounds 1-3 are described here in terms of their
      supramolecular diversities that include pi-pi interactions, not only among
      aromatic stacking (compounds 1 and 3), but also between an aromatic ring and an
      ethylenic double bond (compound 2). The electronic absorption spectroscopy of
      compounds 1-3 support these intermolecular pi-pi interactions.

PMID- 22048319
TI  - Categorizing natural objects: a comparison of the visual and the haptic
      modalities.
AB  - Although the hands are the most important tool for humans to manipulate objects,
      only little is known about haptic processing of natural objects. Here, we
      selected a unique set of natural objects, namely seashells, which vary along a
      variety of object features, while others are shared across all stimuli. To
      correctly interact with objects, they have to be identified or categorized. For
      both processes, measuring similarities between objects is crucial. Our goal is to
      better understand the haptic similarity percept by comparing it to the visual
      similarity percept. First, direct similarity measures were analyzed using
      multidimensional scaling techniques to visualize the perceptual spaces of both
      modalities. We find that the visual and the haptic modality form almost identical
      perceptual spaces. Next, we performed three different categorization tasks. All
      tasks exhibit a highly accurate processing of complex shapes of the haptic
      modality. Moreover, we find that objects grouped into the same category form
      regions within the perceptual space. Hence, in both modalities, perceived
      similarity constitutes the basis for categorizing objects. Moreover, both
      modalities focus on shape to form categories. Taken together, our results lead to
      the assumption that the same cognitive processes link haptic and visual
      similarity perception and the resulting categorization behavior.

PMID- 22048320
TI  - The relationship between periodic dinucleotides and the nucleosomal DNA
      deformation revealed by normal mode analysis.
AB  - Nucleosomes, which contain DNA and proteins, are the basic unit of eukaryotic
      chromatins. Polymers such as DNA and proteins are dynamic, and their
      conformational changes can lead to functional changes. Periodic dinucleotide
      patterns exist in nucleosomal DNA chains and play an important role in the
      nucleosome structure. In this paper, we use normal mode analysis to detect
      significant structural deformations of nucleosomal DNA and investigate the
      relationship between periodic dinucleotides and DNA motions. We have found that
      periodic dinucleotides are usually located at the peaks or valleys of DNA and
      protein motions, revealing that they dominate the nucleosome dynamics. Also, a
      specific dinucleotide pattern CA/TG appears most frequently.

PMID- 22048321
TI  - EMR development... Always be prepared.

PMID- 22048322
TI  - Family connectedness moderates the association between living alone and suicide
      ideation in a clinical sample of adults 50 years and older.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether living alone is significantly associated with
      expression of suicide ideation among mood-disordered mental health patients and
      whether degree of family connectedness moderates the association between living
      alone and expression of suicide ideation. DESIGN: Cross-sectional survey design.
      SETTING: Inpatient and outpatient mental health services in Rochester, New York.
      PARTICIPANTS: A total of 130-mood-disordered inpatients and outpatients 50 years
      and older. MEASUREMENTS: Patients completed a demographics form, an interviewer
      rated measure of current suicide ideation (Scale for Suicide Ideation), and a
      self-report measure of family connectedness derived from the Reasons for Living
      Scale-Older Adult version. RESULTS: Patients who reported greater family
      connectedness were significantly less likely to report suicide ideation; this
      protective effect was strongest for those living with others (Wald chi(2)[df = 1]
      = 3.987, p = 0.046, OR = 0.905; 95% CI = 0.821-0.998). A significant main effect
      of family connectedness on suicide ideation suggested that having a stronger
      connection to family members decreased the likelihood of reporting suicide
      ideation (Wald chi(2)[df = 1] = 9.730, p = 0.002, OR = 0.852; 95% CI = 0.771
      0.942). CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest potential value in assessing the
      quality of interpersonal relationships when conducting a suicide risk assessment
      among depressed middle-aged and older adults.

PMID- 22048323
TI  - Relationships between behavioral syndromes and cognitive domains in Alzheimer
      disease:  the impact of mood and psychosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Behavioral disturbances occur in nearly all Alzheimer disease (AD)
      patients together with an array of cognitive impairments. Prior investigations
      have failed to demonstrate specific associations between them, suggesting an
      independent, rather than shared, pathophysiology. The objective of this study was
      to reexamine this issue using an extensive cognitive battery together with a
      sensitive neurobehavioral and functional rating scale to correlate behavioral
      syndromes and cognitive domains across the spectrum of impairment in dementia.
      DESIGN: Cross-sectional study of comprehensive cognitive and behavioral ratings
      in subjects with AD and mild cognitive impairment. SETTING: Memory disorders
      research center. PARTICIPANTS: Fifty subjects with AD and 26 subjects with mild
      cognitive impairment; and their caregivers. MEASUREMENTS: Cognitive rating scales
      administered included the Mini-Mental State Examination; the Modified Mini-Mental
      State Examination; the Boston Naming Test; the Benton Visual Retention Test; the
      Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease Neuropsychology
      Assessment; the Controlled Oral Word Test; the Wechsler Memory Scale logical
      memory I and logical memory II task; the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised digit
      span; the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale-Revised digit symbol task; and the
      Clock Drawing Task together with the Clinical Dementia Rating Scale and the
      Neuropsychiatric Inventory. RESULTS: Stepwise regression of cognitive domains
      with symptom domains revealed significant associations of mood with impaired
      executive function/speed of processing (Deltar = 0.22); impaired working memory
      (Deltar = 0.05); impaired visual memory (Deltar = 0.07); and worsened Clinical
      Dementia Rating Scale (Deltar = 0.08). Psychosis was significantly associated
      with impaired working memory (Deltar = 0.13). CONCLUSIONS: Mood symptoms appear
      to impact diverse cognitive realms and to compromise functional performance.
      Among neuropsychological indices, the unique relationship between working memory
      and psychosis suggests a possible common underlying neurobiology.

PMID- 22048324
TI  - L-Arginine but not L-glutamine likely increases exogenous carbohydrate oxidation
      during endurance exercise.
AB  - The addition of L-arginine or L-glutamine to glucose-electrolyte solutions can
      increase intestinal water, glucose, and sodium absorption in rats and humans. We
      evaluated the utility of L-arginine and L-glutamine in energy-rehydration
      beverages through assessment of exogenous glucose oxidation and perceptions of
      exertion and gastrointestinal distress during endurance exercise. Eight cyclists
      rode 150 min at 50% of peak power on four occasions while ingesting solutions at
      a rate of 150 mL 15 min(-1) that contained (13)C-enriched glucose (266 mmol L(
      1)) and sodium citrate ([Na(+)] 60 mmol L(-1)), and either: 4.25 mmol L(-1) L
      arginine or 45 mmol L(-1) L-glutamine, and as controls glucose only or no
      glucose. Relative to glucose only, L-arginine invoked a likely 12% increase in
      exogenous glucose oxidation (90% confidence limits: +/- 8%); however, the effect
      of L-glutamine was possibly trivial (4.5 +/- 7.3%). L-Arginine also led to very
      likely small reductions in endogenous fat oxidation rate relative to glucose (12
      +/- 4%) and L-glutamine (14 +/- 4%), and relative to no glucose, likely
      reductions in exercise oxygen consumption (2.6 +/- 1.5%) and plasma lactate
      concentration (0.20 +/- 0.16 mmol L(-1)). Effects on endogenous and total
      carbohydrate oxidation were inconsequential. Compared with glucose only, L
      arginine and L-glutamine caused likely small-moderate effect size increases in
      perceptions of stomach fullness, abdominal cramp, exertion, and muscle tiredness
      during exercise. Addition of L-arginine to a glucose and electrolyte solution
      increases the oxidation of exogenous glucose and decreases the oxygen cost of
      exercise, although the mechanisms responsible and impact on endurance performance
      require further investigation. However, L-arginine also increases subjective
      feelings of gastrointestinal distress, which may attenuate its other benefits.

PMID- 22048325
TI  - Current developments in transcatheter aortic valve implantation techniques.
AB  - Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has become a viable treatment
      option in high-risk patients with symptomatic aortic stenosis. The widespread
      uses of TAVI procedures in recent years and the steadily growing evolution of
      numerous new catheter-based devices have led to a remarkable shift in the
      treatment of this patients group towards TAVI procedures. Several developments
      have now overcome most of the initial problems with the early devices and have
      been quickly implemented in clinical routine. Nevertheless, several current TAVI
      systems have shown a number of limitations and disadvantages relating to valve
      design, the occurrence of paravalvular leakages, valve positioning and
      deployment, the occurrence of thromboembolic events during the procedure, as well
      as vascular or conduction complications. As a result, all current efforts in
      further development focus primarily on the following issues: (1) the further
      miniaturization of catheter devices and sheaths not only to facilitate
      transarterial but also transapical access; (2) the development of a broad variety
      of valve sizes to cover all aortic annulus sizes; (3) the development of
      retrievable, repositionable and removable systems; (4) the development or
      modification of stent design to prevent or reduce paravalvular leakages; (5) the
      implementation of modern imaging and navigation tools; (6) and finally, the
      initial development of prophylactic devices to prevent thromboembolic events. The
      present article provides a review of current developments in the field of TAVI.

PMID- 22048326
TI  - [Angioscopy: a new intraoperative diagnostic and interventional tool for thoracic
      aortic treatment].
AB  - In complex thoracic aortic disease endovascular techniques and the use of hybrid
      stent grafts enables a combination therapy of the aortic arch and the descending
      aorta through a median sternotomy. This emphasizes the importance of
      intraoperative visualization of the descending aorta and its pathologies.
      Intraoperative angioscopy is a new diagnostic method for the assessment of distal
      aortic disease and assists in therapeutic decision-making and navigation of
      endovascular techniques in the descending aorta. This study presents the
      angioscopic results of 62 patients (mean age 60+/-12 years, 73% male, 54 aortic
      dissections, eight aortic aneurysms) during surgery of the thoracic aorta.
      Visualization of the extent of pathology along the downstream aorta was feasible
      in all patients. The implantation of a hybrid stent graft prosthesis was assisted
      by angioscopy in 34 patients and endovascular balloon dilatation of the stent
      graft was navigated by angioscopy in 11 patients. Angioscopy has become an
      indispensable tool in the intraoperative treatment of complex thoracic aortic
      disease in our clinic, particularly in the navigation of endovascular
      interventions in the distal thoracic aorta through the aortic arch.

PMID- 22048327
TI  - [What is new in heart surgery?].

PMID- 22048328
TI  - [Sleep apnoea syndrome in the rehabilitation setting].
AB  - Sleep-related breathing disorders are a common finding in patients undergoing
      cardiological rehabilitation. Sleep apnoea is recognized as a major risk factor
      for cardiovascular disorders. The diagnosis of sleep-related breathing disorders
      begins with taking a thorough sleep medicine-related patient history and
      answering dedicated questionnaires. The second step involves portable monitoring
      to assess oxygen saturation, heart rate, respiratory flow and effort. Portable
      monitoring is able to detect the severity of the breathing disorder and forms the
      basis on which to refer the patient for further sleep laboratory diagnosis or, in
      the case of positive results, to initiate appropriate treatment. In order to
      exclude a sleep-related breathing disorder, to distinguish between obstructive
      and central sleep apnoea, or to diagnose other sleep disorders a
      cardiorespiratory polysomnography in a sleep laboratory is required.
      Polysomnography is also needed if comorbidities are present. Appropriate and
      prompt treatment of sleep-related breathing disorders can shorten cardiological
      rehabilitation and improve outcomes in this patient group.

PMID- 22048329
TI  - [Pleuritis in yellow nail syndrome].
AB  - A 76-year-old man presented clinically with coughing and shortness of breath and
      was diagnosed radiologically to have massive pleural effusion as a combined
      feature of yellow nail syndrome. A lung biopsy was taken and revealed
      histologically: chronic non-specific inflammation in the pleuropulmonary border,
      intrapleural edema with eightfold pleural thickening in comparison to normal,
      angiogenesis in both the nutritive and functional intrapleural blood vessels, no
      abnormalities of lymphatic vessels with normal topographical distribution as
      detected by immunohistochemistry for antibody D2-40, granulomatous chronic
      foreign body reaction as a consequence of pleural effusion therapy by talcum
      pleurodesis.The histopathological findings of chronic non-specific pleuritis with
      angiogenesis and increased permeability of blood vessels led to massive
      intrapleural edema with pleural effusion. Abnormalities of lymphatic vessels
      could not be confirmed. Considering the features of this disease, they are
      probably secondary to chronic r infectious or immunological inflammation or
      paraneoplastic complications with angiogenesis (in about 19%).

PMID- 22048330
TI  - Experimental characterization of rupture in human aortic aneurysms using a full
      field measurement technique.
AB  - The present study aims at investigating biomechanical failure behaviour of human
      aneurismal aortic tissues so as to diagnose the rupture risk of aneurysms more
      accurately. An inflation test is performed on aneurismal aortic tissues up to
      failure and full-field measurements are achieved using stereo digital image
      correlation. Then, an appropriate constitutive model derived from histological
      structure of arteries is adopted to retrieve the Cauchy stress. The virtual
      fields method is used as an inverse procedure to identify material parameters.
      Next, the Cauchy stress components are calculated from the identified parameters
      and the measured Lagrange strain fields. Finally, an important stress parameter
      which can quantify the strength of aneurismal tissues is derived from the failure
      stress of aneurismal tissues.

PMID- 22048331
TI  - A molecular dynamics study of structure, stability and fragmentation patterns of
      sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl)sulfosuccinate positively charged aggregates in vacuo.
AB  - Positively charged supramolecular aggregates formed in vacuo by n AOTNa (sodium
      bis(2-ethylhexyl)sulfosuccinate) molecules and n(c) additional sodium ions, i.e.
      [AOT(n)Na(n+n(c))](n(c)), have been investigated by molecular dynamics (MD)
      simulations for n = 1-20 and n(c) = 0-5. Statistical analysis of physical
      quantities like gyration radii, atomic B-factors and moment of inertia tensors
      provides detailed information on their structural and dynamical properties. Even
      for n(c) = 5, all stable aggregates show a reverse micelle-like structure with an
      internal solid-like core including sodium counterions and surfactant polar heads
      surrounded by an external layer consisting of the surfactant alkyl chains.
      Moreover, the aggregate shapes may be approximated by rather flat and elongated
      ellipsoids whose longer axis increases with n and n(c). The fragmentation
      patterns of a number of these aggregates have also been examined and have been
      found to markedly depend on the aggregate charge state. In one particular case,
      for which experimental findings are available in the literature, a good agreement
      is found with the present fragmentation data.

PMID- 22048332
TI  - Effects of intermittent media replacement on the gene expression of
      differentiating neural progenitor cells.
AB  - A culture medium provides the major environmental conditions for cells in vitro.
      Replenishment of a culture medium causes an abrupt change in the extracellular
      environment for maintaining cells in a certain state. As a primitive form of a
      complex system, a stem cell is likely to be influenced by culture conditions that
      can change the destination of development. To understand how the change in
      extracellular environment can influence a biological system, we studied the
      effect of culture media replacement on the gene expression of differentiating
      neural progenitor cells. From time-series microarray gene expression data of
      neural progenitor cells, we observed a periodic wave that was synchronized with
      intermittent culture media replacement. We identified three modes that mostly
      contribute to the periodic patterns in gene expression and investigated mode
      related genes that are sensitive to the changes in the extracellular environment.
      The biological significance of the three modes was explored, such as progressive
      development and cell fate decision, extracellular matrix reassembly, and cell
      growth regulation in response to stress. In addition, we explored systemic
      influences of media replacement on differentiating neural progenitor cells.
      Intermittent culture media replacement interrupts expression of genes that
      participate in the major processes of differentiating neural progenitor cells.
      This study shows how the abrupt changes in the cell environment influence gene
      expression systematically.

PMID- 22048333
TI  - Lipid droplet meets a mitochondrial protein to regulate adipocyte lipolysis.

PMID- 22048334
TI  - A novel nuclear miRNA mediated modulation of a non-coding antisense RNA and its
      cognate sense coding mRNA.

PMID- 22048335
TI  - The clasp between NetrinG and NGL becomes crystal clear.

PMID- 22048337
TI  - Tight bifunctional hierarchical catalyst.
AB  - A new concept to prepare tight bifunctional catalysts has been developed, by
      anchoring CoMo(6) clusters on hierarchical ZSM-5 zeolites for simultaneous use in
      HDS and hydrocracking catalysis. The prepared material displays a significant
      improved activity in HDS catalysis compared to the impregnated counterpart.

PMID- 22048338
TI  - Frequency-comb-referenced molecular spectroscopy in the mid-infrared region.
AB  - A simple method for absolute-frequency measurements of molecular transitions in
      the mid-IR region is reported. The method is based on a cw singly resonant
      optical parametric oscillator (SRO), which is tunable from 3.2 to 3.45 MUm. The
      mid-IR frequency of the SRO is referenced to an optical frequency comb through
      its pump and signal beams. Sub-Doppler spectroscopy and absolute-frequency
      measurement of the P(7) transition of the nu3 band of CH4 are demonstrated.

PMID- 22048339
TI  - Fabrication of integrated waveguide grating in azo polymers.
AB  - In this Letter, we have introduced a technique, new to our knowledge, to
      fabricate gratings on a waveguide of azo-functionalized polymeric films using a
      slit mask and a fast, direct-writing method. To prevent the destruction of the
      waveguide by the grating formation on the waveguide, we placed a slit mask on the
      waveguide. By properly adjusting the resonance, this grating can be used as an
      integrated wavelength filter. We have produced an attenuation of 13.4 dB at 1562
      nm with a FWHM of 3.45 nm. The grating has been fabricated as narrow as the width
      of the waveguide to couple filtered light into the waveguide by using a slit
      mask. Any light shifted from the resonance will pass through the waveguide
      undisturbed.

PMID- 22048340
TI  - Dual-wavelength laser source for onboard atom interferometry.
AB  - We present a compact and stable dual-wavelength laser source for onboard atom
      interferometry with two different atomic species. It is based on frequency
      doubled telecom lasers locked on a femtosecond optical frequency comb. We take
      advantage of the maturity of fiber telecom technology to reduce the number of
      free-space optical components, which are intrinsically less stable, and to make
      the setup immune to vibrations and thermal fluctuations. The source provides the
      frequency agility and phase stability required for atom interferometry and can
      easily be adapted to other cold atom experiments. We have shown its robustness by
      achieving the first dual-species K-Rb magneto-optical trap in microgravity during
      parabolic flights.

PMID- 22048341
TI  - High-speed phase imaging by parallel phase-shifting digital holography.
AB  - Parallel phase-shifting digital holography can obtain three-dimensional
      information of a dynamically moving object with high accuracy by using space
      division multiplexing of multiple holograms required for phase-shifting
      interferometry. We demonstrated high-speed parallel phase-shifting digital
      holography and obtained images of the phase variation of air caused by a
      compressed gas flow sprayed from a nozzle. In particular, we found the
      interesting phenomenon of periodic phase distributions. Reconstructed images were
      obtained at frame rates of 20,000 and 180,000 frames per second.

PMID- 22048342
TI  - Yb:CaGdAlO4 thin-disk laser.
AB  - We present the first demonstration of a Yb:CALGO thin-disk laser. In a slightly
      multimode configuration, we obtained up to 30 W of average power at a slope
      efficiency of 40% and an optical-to-optical efficiency of 32%. With a single-mode
      cavity, an average power of 25 W was achieved. A tuning range from 1018 to 1052
      nm could be demonstrated by inserting a prism into the cavity. In the Q-switched
      regime, we obtained 1 mJ of pulse energy at a repetition rate of 100 Hz.

PMID- 22048343
TI  - Transverse mode control by manipulating gain distribution in a Yb:YAG ceramic
      thin disk.
AB  - We demonstrated that transverse mode can be controlled by manipulating gain
      distribution in a Yb:YAG ceramic thin disk. Several elongated higher order
      transverse modes of a Hermite-Gaussian beam were observed when a straight-line
      shaped gain region was created by using a diode laser output from an optical
      fiber. An orthogonally crossing pair of straight-line-shaped gain regions created
      with an additional optical fiber output resulted in the generation of a doughnut
      shaped Laguerre-Gaussian beam. This implies that easy and quick switching of
      Hermite-Gaussian and Laguerre-Gaussian beams is possible without mechanical
      handling.

PMID- 22048344
TI  - Lateral cavity photonic crystal surface-emitting laser with ultralow threshold.
AB  - A lateral cavity photonic crystal (PhC) surface-emitting laser is realized on a
      commercial epitaxial waveguide wafer without a distributed Bragg reflector first.
      Energy is coupled from the lateral resonance to surface-emitting light through
      the Gamma band edge of the PhC with a square lattice. Electrically driven 1553.8
      nm surface-emitting lasing action is observed at room temperature. The threshold
      current density of 667 A/cm2 is ultralow for the surface-emitting laser.

PMID- 22048345
TI  - Generation of extreme ultraviolet vortex beams using computer generated
      holograms.
AB  - We fabricate computer generated holograms for the generation of phase
      singularities at extreme ultraviolet (EUV) wavelengths using electron beam
      lithography and demonstrate their ability to generate optical vortices in the
      nonzero diffraction orders. To this end, we observe the characteristic intensity
      distribution of the vortex beam and verify the helical phase structure
      interferometrically. The presented method forms the basis for further studies on
      singular light fields in the EUV frequency range, i.e., in EUV interference
      lithography. Since the method is purely achromatic, it may also find applications
      in various fields of x ray optics.

PMID- 22048346
TI  - Carrier-envelope phase stabilization with sub-10 as residual timing jitter.
AB  - We demonstrate carrier-envelope phase (CEP) stabilization of a mode-locked
      Ti:sapphire oscillator with unprecedented timing jitter of eight attoseconds. The
      stabilization performance is obtained by a combination of two different
      stabilization approaches. In a first step the drift of the CEP is stabilized with
      a conventional feedback loop by means of controlling the oscillator pump power
      with an acousto-optic modulator (AOM). In a second step we utilize a recently
      developed feed-forward type stabilization scheme which has a much higher control
      bandwith. Here an acousto-optic frequency shifter (AOFS) produces the stabilized
      output in the first diffraction order. Moreover, we present numerical results on
      the optimization of the length of the photonic crystal fiber, which is used to
      generate an octave-spanning spectrum, in order to optimize the sensitivity in the
      f-to-2f interferometers.

PMID- 22048347
TI  - Vector-dispersion compensation and pulse pedestal cancellation in a femtosecond
      nonlinear amplification fiber laser system.
AB  - We report on a femtosecond nonlinear amplification fiber laser system using a
      vector-dispersion compressor, which consists of a transmission grating pair and
      multipass cell based Gires-Tournois interferometer mirrors. The mirror is
      designed with nearly zero group-delay dispersion and large negative third-order
      dispersion. As a result, the third-order dispersion of the compressor can be
      adjusted independently to compensate the nonlinear phase shift of amplified
      pulses to reduce the pulse pedestal. With this scheme, the system outputs 44  fs
      laser pulses with little wing at 26.6  W output average power and 531  nJ pulse
      energy, corresponding to 10.8  MW peak power.

PMID- 22048348
TI  - Fluoride glass Raman fiber laser at 2185 nm.
AB  - We report on the first Raman laser based on a fluoride glass optical fiber. The
      Raman fiber laser was pumped by a 9.6 WTm3+:silica CW fiber laser operating at a
      wavelength of 1940 nm. A maximum output power of 580 mW was measured at 2185.1
      nm, corresponding to a frequency shift of 579 cm(-1) (17.37 THz). We observed a
      threshold power of 3.8 W and a low power slope efficiency of 29% with respect to
      the launched pump power. Using those results and the known fiber parameters, we
      estimated a Raman gain peak value of 3.52*10(-14) m/W, which is lower than the
      previously reported values.

PMID- 22048349
TI  - Efficient adiabatic wavelength conversion in Gires-Tournois resonators.
AB  - We compare theoretically the performance capabilities of Fabry-Perot and Gires
      Tournois resonators when used for adiabatic wavelength conversion. It is shown
      that the Gires-Tournois device will exhibit superior performance and is able to
      convert the wavelength of optical pulses with >74% efficiency while nearly
      preserving their temporal duration.

PMID- 22048350
TI  - Modulation of the absorption coefficient at 1.3 MUm in Ge/SiGe multiple quantum
      well heterostructures on silicon.
AB  - We report modulation of the absorption coefficient at 1.3 MUm in Ge/SiGe multiple
      quantum well heterostructures on silicon via the quantum-confined Stark effect.
      Strain engineering was exploited to increase the direct optical bandgap in the Ge
      quantum wells. We grew 9 nm-thick Ge quantum wells on a relaxed Si0.22Ge0.78
      buffer and a contrast in the absorption coefficient of a factor of greater than
      3.2 was achieved in the spectral range 1290-1315 nm.

PMID- 22048351
TI  - Kilohertz laser frequency sensing with Brillouin mutually modulated cross-gain
      modulation.
AB  - Using mutually modulated cross-gain modulation, Stokes optical frequency changes
      are converted into modulation phase changes with high sensitivity. In the slow
      light transition regime, we demonstrate kilohertz sensitivity to the Stokes
      optical carrier frequency. The sensitivity is inversely proportional to the
      modulation frequency of the pump and Stokes beams.

PMID- 22048352
TI  - Low-cost adaptive astigmatism compensator for improvement of eye fundus camera.
AB  - In this work we show a conceptually simple and cheap means by which to improve
      retinal image quality in fundus cameras. We will explain how to build a low-cost
      variable astigmatism-correcting device with a pair of identical commercial
      ophthalmic lenses. We have developed and tested a low order aberration
      compensation device capable of correcting astigmatism prescriptions up to -8.00 D
      with no significant addition of higher order aberrations. A theoretical
      description of the device, calibration, and improvement in retinal images without
      employing any image restoration technique will be shown.

PMID- 22048353
TI  - High-accuracy three-dimensional position measurement of tens of micrometers size
      transparent microspheres using digital in-line holographic microscopy.
AB  - Digital in-line holographic microscopy has a strong potential in measuring
      various three-dimensional (3D) microscale flow phenomena. However, the axial
      elongation problem in reconstructing particles severely degrades the measurement
      accuracy along the light propagation direction. In this Letter, we utilize the
      lenslike characteristic of tens of micrometers size transparent spherical
      particles to extract their 3D position. A sharp intensity peak is observed in the
      reconstructed wave field, resulting from the light-focusing effect of the
      particle. As a result, the depth-of-focus constraint caused by the particle size
      is eliminated and the measurement accuracy is drastically improved up to
      submicrometer resolution.

PMID- 22048354
TI  - Variable-diameter refractive beam shaping with freeform optical surfaces.
AB  - We propose a refractive two-element system that converts the gaussian irradiance
      of an incident laser beam into a nominally flat-top output spot at a given
      distance with the capability to vary the spot diameter. The elements are high
      order freeform surfaces that, when laterally translated, form a variable
      composite beam shaper. The general approach for determining the required freeform
      surfaces is discussed, and example design results are presented.

PMID- 22048355
TI  - Proton beam writing of Nd:GGG crystals as new waveguide laser sources.
AB  - Focused proton beam writing has been utilized to fabricate optical channel
      waveguides in Nd:GGG crystals. The 1 MeV proton beam irradiation creates a local
      modified region with positive refractive index changes at the end of the proton
      trajectory, in which the channel waveguide could confine the light field in a
      symmetric way. Room-temperature laser emission has been achieved at 1063.7 nm,
      with absorbed pump power of 61 mW (at 808 nm). The obtained slope efficiency of
      the Nd:GGG waveguide laser system is as high as 66%, which is, to our best
      knowledge, the highest value for integrated lasers from ion beam processed
      channel waveguide systems.

PMID- 22048356
TI  - Multispectral optoacoustic tomography by means of normalized spectral ratio.
AB  - Quantification of biomarkers using multispectral optoacoustic tomography can be
      challenging due to photon fluence variations with depth and spatially
      heterogeneous tissue optical properties. Herein we introduce a spectral ratio
      approach that accounts for photon fluence variations. The performance and imaging
      improvement achieved with the proposed method is showcased both numerically and
      experimentally in phantoms and mice.

PMID- 22048357
TI  - Plasmonic Zener tunneling in metal-dielectric waveguide arrays.
AB  - We elucidate in this Letter plasmonic Zener tunneling (PZT) in metal-dielectric
      waveguide arrays (MDWAs) by using numerical simulations and theoretical analyses.
      PZT in MDWAs occurs at the waveguide entrance and wherever the beam completes
      Bloch oscillations, because the bandgap between the first and second bands is
      minimal at the center of the first Brillouin zone. This feature significantly
      differs from that of optical Zener tunneling in dielectric waveguide arrays. The
      dependence of the simulated tunneling rate on the gradient of the relative
      permittivity of the dielectric layers correlates with the tunneling theory, thus
      confirming the occurrence of PZT in MDWAs.

PMID- 22048358
TI  - One-dimensional single-shot thermometry in flames using femtosecond-CARS line
      imaging.
AB  - We report single-laser-shot one-dimensional thermometry in flames using
      femtosecond coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (fs-CARS) line imaging. Fs-CARS
      enables high-repetition-rate (1-10 kHz), nearly collision-free measurement of
      temperature and species concentration in reacting flows. Two high-power 800 nm
      beams are used as the pump and probe beams and a 983 nm beam is used as the
      Stokes beam for CARS signal generation from the N2Q-branch transitions at ~2330
      cm(-1). The probe beam is frequency-chirped for single-laser-shot imaging. All
      three laser beams are formed into sheets and crossed in a line which forms the
      probe region. The resulting 1D line-CARS signal at ~675 nm is spatially and
      spectrally resolved and recorded as a two-dimensional (2D) image. Single-shot
      temperature measurements are demonstrated in flat-field flames up to temperatures
      exceeding 2000 K, demonstrating the potential of fs-CARS line imaging for high
      repetition-rate thermometry in turbulent flames. Such measurements can provide
      valuable data to validate complex turbulent-combustion models as well as increase
      the understanding of the spatio-temporal instabilities in practical combustion
      devices such as modern gas-turbine combustors and augmentors.

PMID- 22048359
TI  - Kr-PLIF for scalar imaging in supersonic flows.
AB  - Experiments were performed to explore the use of two-photon planar laser-induced
      fluorescence (PLIF) of krypton gas for applications of scalar imaging in
      supersonic flows. Experiments were performed in an underexpanded jet of krypton,
      which exhibited a wide range of conditions, from subsonic to hypersonic.
      Excellent signal-to-noise ratios were obtained, showing the technique is suitable
      for single-shot imaging. The data were used to infer the distribution of gas
      density and temperature by correcting the fluorescence signal for quenching
      effects and using isentropic relations. The centerline variation of the density
      and temperature from the experiments agree very well with those predicted with an
      empirical correlation and a CFD simulation (FLUENT). Overall, the high signal
      levels and quantifiable measurements indicate that Kr-PLIF could be an effective
      scalar marker for use in supersonic and hypersonic flow applications.

PMID- 22048360
TI  - CWDM source based on AlGaInAs/InP monolithically integrated DFB laser array.
AB  - The monolithic integration of four 1.5 MUm range AlGaInAs/InP distributed
      feedback lasers with a 4*1 multimode-interference optical combiner, a curved
      semiconductor optical amplifier, and an electro-absorption modulator using
      relatively simple technologies--sidewall grating and quantum well intermixing-
      has been demonstrated. The four channels span the wavelength range of 1530 to
      1566 nm with a channel spacing of 12 nm. The epitaxial structure was designed to
      produce a far-field pattern as small as 21.2 degrees *25.1 degrees , producing a
      coupling efficiency with an angled-end single-mode fiber at twice that of a
      conventional device design.

PMID- 22048361
TI  - Fabry-Perot interferometers built by photonic crystal fiber pressurization during
      fusion splicing.
AB  - We report on a microscopic Fabry-Perot interferometer whose cavity is a bubble
      trapped inside an optical fiber. The microcavity is formed by pressuring a
      photonic crystal fiber (PCF) with large voids during fusion splicing with a
      conventional single-mode fiber. The technique allows achieving high repeatability
      and full control over the cavity size and shape. It was found that the size of
      the PCF voids contributes to control the cavity size independently of the
      pressure in the PCF. Our devices exhibit a record fringe contrast of 30 dB
      (visibility of 0.999) due to the ellipsoidal cavity whose surfaces compensate for
      the diffraction of the reflected beam. The strain sensitivity of the
      interferometers is higher when the cavities are ellipsoidal than when they are
      spherical.

PMID- 22048362
TI  - Large phase shift of spatial solitons in lead glass.
AB  - A large phase shift of the strongly nonlocal spatial optical soliton (SNSOS) was
      predicted by Guo et al. [Phys. Rev. E69, 016602 (2004)]. We investigate the phase
      shift of the SNSOS in lead glass. It is found that the phase shift rate along the
      propagating direction of such a soliton is one order larger than that of the
      local soliton. The theory agrees quantitatively with the experiment on the
      dependence of the phase shift on the degree of nonlocality. We realize a pi-phase
      shift by changing the optical power by about 10 mW around the critical soliton
      power, which agrees qualitatively with our theoretical result.

PMID- 22048363
TI  - Optical and magneto-optical resonances in nanocorrugated ferromagnetic films.
AB  - We report here on optical and magneto-optical spectra investigations of
      nanostructured Co and Ni films deposited on top of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA)
      colloidal crystal. Resonant peculiarities have been observed in both spectra;
      their positions are scaled with the PMMA sphere diameter and depend on incident
      angle. Asymmetry of the resonance lineshapes as well as change of the direction
      of magneto-optical rotation has been observed. Both the surface plasmon resonance
      and the interference between reflections from the colloidal crystal and from the
      nanostructured film should be considered to explain the obtained results.

PMID- 22048364
TI  - Switching time in optically bistable injection-locked semiconductor lasers.
AB  - Switching between states in a dispersive bistable injection-locked slave laser
      has been theoretically investigated. We show that the switching can be achieved
      by relatively small and short (~10-50 ps) variation of the master laser injection
      power or frequency, which, besides the variation of the slave laser optical
      power, leads to significant variation of its photon phase (~5pi/6). By using an
      analytical model, we calculate the switching time dependence on the magnitude of
      the injection power and the frequency detuning variation.

PMID- 22048365
TI  - Reassessment of the electromagnetic reflection response of human skin at W-band.
AB  - Is the helical-coil form of the eccrine sweat-gland in humans suggestive of
      latent electromagnetic antenna function? In short, do humans possess in these
      saline, fluid-supporting, coil-structures, an extrasensory/signaling apparatus?
      This is the hypothesis of Feldman et al. [Phys. Rev. Lett. 100, 128102 (2008);
      Phys. Med. Biol. 54, 3341 (2009)] as they sort to correlate the mental state of a
      person with his or her W-band emission response. Ney et al. [Opt. Lett. 35, 3180
      (2010); J. Biomed. Opt. 16, 067006 (2011)] subsequently contested this and
      demonstrated theoretically that multiple interference arising from the layered
      morphology of skin is the principal mechanism governing sub-THz electromagnetic
      functionality of human skin. This paper repeats the experimental work of Feldman
      et al. A quasi-optical reflectometer is employed and we observe extreme
      sensitivity from individual to individual in horn-antenna reflection
      measurements. Variability in dielectric properties and the layered morphology of
      human skin is confirmed to be the source of such sensitivity. Numerical modeling
      and experimental data together point to the key role of the sweat-duct in
      characterizing the phenomena of skin W-band resonance behavior. Significantly,
      however, we see no correlation between the mental state of a person and their W
      band reflection response.

PMID- 22048366
TI  - Pupil-segmentation-based adaptive optical microscopy with full-pupil
      illumination.
AB  - Optical aberrations deteriorate the performance of microscopes. Adaptive optics
      can be used to improve imaging performance via wavefront shaping. Here, we
      demonstrate a pupil-segmentation based adaptive optical approach with full-pupil
      illumination. When implemented in a two-photon fluorescence microscope, it
      recovers diffraction-limited performance and improves imaging signal and
      resolution.

PMID- 22048367
TI  - Correlation-induced spectral changes in tissues.
AB  - We report experimental evidence of correlation-induced spectral changes in
      biological tissues. The overall spectral shift in our transmission measurements
      is to the red and the mean wavelength of the original spectrum is up 10% larger.
      These results indicate that the spectral changes due to elastic scattering are
      significant and likely to hinder all spectroscopic measurements based on the
      inelastic (i.e., emission and absorption) interaction between light and tissues.
      Thus, simultaneous morphology and spectral measurements are required for accurate
      measurements spectroscopic information.

PMID- 22048368
TI  - Mid-IR femtosecond pulse generation on the microjoule level up to 5 MUm at high
      repetition rates.
AB  - We show efficient generation of mid-IR pulses tunable between 1 and 5 MUm from
      100 kHz class femtosecond systems. The concept can be applied to various sources,
      particularly based on Ti:sapphire and the newly evolving Yb+ lasers. The mid-IR
      pulses are generated as the idler of a collinear optical parametric amplifier
      pumped by the laser fundamental. The seed for this amplifier is the idler of a
      previous amplification stage pumped with the second harmonic and seeded with a
      visible continuum. This enhances the energy and allows us to influence the
      bandwidth of the final output. Pulses with microjoule energy and Fourier limits
      of 50 fs are achieved.

PMID- 22048369
TI  - Subwave spikes of the orbital angular momentum of the vortex beams in a uniaxial
      crystal.
AB  - We have theoretically predicted gigantic spikes of orbital angular momentum
      caused by conversion processes of the centered optical vortex in the circularly
      polarized components of an elliptic vortex beam propagating perpendicularly to
      the crystal optical axis. We have experimentally observed the conversion process
      inside subwave deviations of the crystal length. We have found that the total
      orbital angular momentum of the wave beam is conserved.

PMID- 22048370
TI  - Understanding fractional-order surface plasmons.
AB  - We show experimentally that diffraction-induced surface plasmon excitation can
      mimic enhanced transmission and cause a highly sensitive modulation by the
      coherent interference between zero-order and reflected first-order diffraction in
      select regions of the terahertz spectrum. Based on the study of a one-dimensional
      metallic grating, we obtain the physical mechanisms of the fractional-order
      surface plasmon resonances observed with the two-dimensional grating of the
      metallic hole array.

PMID- 22048371
TI  - Sensitized broadband near-infrared luminescence from bismuth-doped silicon-rich
      silica films.
AB  - Developing Si compatible optical sources has attracted a great deal of attention
      owing to the potential for forming inexpensive, monolithic Si-based integrated
      devices. In this Letter, we show that ultra broadband near-IR (NIR) luminescence
      in the optical telecommunication window of silica optical fibers was obtained for
      Bi-doped silicon-rich silica films prepared by a co-sputtering method. Without
      excess Si, i.e., Bi-doped pure silica films, no luminescence was observed in the
      NIR range. A broad Bi-related NIR photoluminescence appears when excess Si was
      doped in the Bi-doped silica. The luminescence properties depended strongly on
      the amount of excess Si and the annealing temperature. Photoluminescence results
      suggest that excess Si acts as an agent to activate Bi NIR luminescence centers
      and also as an energy donor to transfer excitation energy to the centers. It is
      believed that this peculiar structure might find some important applications in
      Si photonics.

PMID- 22048372
TI  - Radiative and nonradiative decay rates in chromium-related centers in
      nanodiamonds.
AB  - We address for the first time the measurement of nonradiative decay rates in Cr
      related centers in nanodiamonds. Compared to our previous quantum efficiency
      measurement of Cr centers created in bulk diamond, separate measurements of
      radiative and nonradiative decay rates in grown nanodiamonds prove more
      challenging due to size dependence effects. We demonstrate in this Letter that,
      using defocused dipole imaging and collection efficiency calculation via finite
      difference time-domain (FDTD), a quantum efficiency up to 0.9 can be inferred to
      Cr-related centers showing a 2-level system photon statistics.

PMID- 22048373
TI  - All-optical pulse shaping for ultrawideband doublet pulses using nonlinear
      optical loop mirror with optical parametric amplification.
AB  - We propose and experimentally demonstrate an alternative photonic scheme for the
      generation of ultrawideband (UWB) doublet pulses, which is based on an optical
      fiber-based nonlinear optical loop mirror (NOLM) incorporating the optical
      parametric amplification (OPA) effect. The proposed scheme uses both cross-phase
      modulation and OPA within an optical fiber-based NOLM to produce an ideal
      transfer function for the shaping of input soliton pulses into doublet pulses.
      Using the proposed scheme, a successful conversion of input soliton pulses into
      doublet pulses is readily demonstrated. The system performance of UWB doublet
      pulses is also assessed by propagating the 1.25 Gbit/s doublet pulses over a
      fiber link. Error-free UWB doublet signal transmission is demonstrated.

PMID- 22048374
TI  - Widely wavelength switchable V-coupled-cavity semiconductor laser with ~40 dB
      side-mode suppression ratio.
AB  - We report the first experimental demonstration of a single-electrode-controlled
      digitally wavelength switchable V-coupled-cavity laser with high side-mode
      suppression-ratio (SMSR) in the 40 dB range. Sixteen-channel and twenty-six
      channel wavelength switchable lasers with 100 GHz spacing are demonstrated with
      the maximal SMSR of 40 dB and 37 dB, respectively. They do not require complex
      gratings, multiple epitaxial growths, or complex tuning algorithms. The device
      size is only 500 MUm*300 MUm. Such a simple, compact, and high-performance laser
      has great potential as a low-cost alternative to existing complex tunable lasers
      for wide deployment in optical networks and beyond.

PMID- 22048375
TI  - Fiber-delivered picosecond source for coherent Raman scattering imaging.
AB  - We demonstrate a two-color, fiber-delivered picosecond source for coherent Raman
      scattering (CRS) imaging. The wavelength-tunable picosecond pump is generated by
      nonlinear spectral compression of a prechirped femtosecond pulse from a mode
      locked titanium:sapphire (Ti:S) laser. The 1064 nm picosecond Stokes pulse is
      generated by an all-fiber time-lens source that is synchronized to the Ti:S
      laser. The pump and Stokes beams are combined in an optical fiber coupler, which
      serves not only as the delivery fiber but also as the nonlinear medium for
      spectral compression of the femtosecond pulse. CRS imaging of mouse skin is
      performed to demonstrate the practicality of this source.

PMID- 22048376
TI  - Femtosecond laser-induced breakdown in distilled water for fabricating the
      helical microchannels array.
AB  - We have fabricated complex helical microchannel arrays with uniform diameter in
      silica glass using femtosecond laser-induced breakdown in distilled water. The
      generated high-speed jet and shockwave cause cavitation damage in silica glass.
      Distilled water injected into microchannels through a rubber hose is used for
      effectively ejecting the debris. The low concentration of debris in the ablated
      area ensure continuously femtosecond laser-induced breakdown. The distribution,
      coil number, coil diameter and pitch of the helical microchannel arrays can be
      controlled.

PMID- 22048377
TI  - Passive harmonic mode locking of soliton crystals.
AB  - We report experimental observation of passive harmonic mode locking (HML) in
      which the basic pattern is a soliton crystal. Several crystal states were
      generated from an initial large bound state by increasing the pump power. The
      soliton crystals are identical and progressively span along the cavity to finally
      take a regular spacing leading to HML of solitons crystal.

PMID- 22048378
TI  - Resolution enhancement of random adsorbed single-molecule localization based on
      surface plasmon resonance illumination.
AB  - Single-molecule localization (SML) is a powerful tool to overcome the diffraction
      limit in optical imaging, because the fluorescence emitted by single molecules
      can be observed with nanometer accuracy when the optical background and
      associated noise are made sufficiently small. Random adsorbed SML has been
      successfully demonstrated for superresolution imaging on metal surfaces. To
      optimize the random adsorbed SML, we developed a new illumination method based on
      surface plasmon resonance (SPR). The enhancement of the fluorescence signal and
      the reduction of background noise were achieved simultaneously. A high
      localization resolution of 15 nm was demonstrated with this new SPR illumination
      system.

PMID- 22048379
TI  - Dual-band double-negative-index fishnet metamaterial at millimeter-waves.
AB  - An effective negative refractive index (NRI) is demonstrated and experimentally
      verified for the first two propagation bands of a fishnet-like metamaterial at
      millimeter-wave frequencies. The dual-band NRI behavior is achieved by
      engineering the diffraction order (+/-1, +/-1) associated with the internal mode
      supported between holey layers to correspond with the second propagation band. In
      addition to the experimental interferometric technique that accounts for the
      handedness of the propagation, numerical results are given to predict the dual
      band effective NRI and to confirm dual-band negative refraction for a prism
      composed of the proposed metamaterial.

PMID- 22048380
TI  - Effects of twisting and bending on LP21 mode propagation in optical fiber.
AB  - Twisting and bending characteristics of low-multimode LP21 mode propagation in
      optical fibers is presented for the first time. Theoretical fiber mode modeling,
      combining geometrical rotation with opto-elastic effects, demonstrates that the
      propagation of the LP21 mode is bending-effect-immune. Experimental testing
      verifies that the LP21 mode specklegram rotates 0.9112 of the fiber twist angle
      in a fused silica fiber, independent of any fiber bending. This characteristic
      allows for the LP21 mode to be highly applicable in fiber specklegram sensors.

PMID- 22048381
TI  - High-order diffraction suppression using modulated groove position gratings.
AB  - Conventional diffraction gratings composed of a series of equally spaced slits
      suffer from wavelength overlapping caused by high-order diffraction. Here
      modulated groove position gratings (MGPGs) are proposed to significantly suppress
      the high diffraction orders. Both numerical solution and experimental results
      demonstrate the effectiveness of MGPGs. The suppression ratio is determined by
      the number of grating grooves used. By using an MGPG with 10,000 grooves, a
      suppression ratio as high as 18,000 can be obtained. In addition, the minimum
      linewidth is kept to 1/4 of the grating period, which enables grating realization
      with high line density employing today's nanofabrication technology. Our results
      should be of great interest in both diffraction grating theory and applications,
      particularly due to MGPGs' applicability in a wide wavelength range and
      realizability with high line density.

PMID- 22048382
TI  - Ultracompact nonreciprocal optical isolator based on guided resonance in a
      magneto-optical photonic crystal slab.
AB  - We design an ultracompact optical isolator with normal incident geometry that
      operates with a bandwidth that is substantial for a device of this size. For
      operation in a telecommunication wavelength of 1.55 MUm, the thickness of the
      device is less than 1 MUm and the device supports an operating bandwidth of 400
      GHz over which the minimum contrast ratio exceeds 25 dB. Our design utilizes
      guided resonance in a photonic crystal slab to enhance magneto-optical effects,
      and exploits interference effects among multiple resonances to create desired
      transmission spectral line shapes.

PMID- 22048383
TI  - Optical manipulation of microparticles using whispering-gallery modes in a
      silicon nitride microdisk resonator.
AB  - We demonstrate optical manipulation of 1 MUm sized polystyrene microparticles on
      silicon nitride microdisk resonator devices using whispering-gallery modes in an
      integrated optofluidic chip. We demonstrate multiple trapping tracks and extended
      trapping ranges within single wavelengths through exciting high-order modes. We
      observe various sets of trapping tracks and ranges through exciting various
      resonance modes. We switch particle traveling tracks by tuning the laser
      wavelength to various wavelengths. We also observe microparticles assembling
      along the trapping tracks.

PMID- 22048384
TI  - All-optical multiple-channel logic XOR gate for NRZ-DPSK signals based on
      nondegenerate four-wave mixing in a silicon waveguide.
AB  - We report an all-optical multiple-channel exclusive OR (XOR) gate for 10 Gbits/s
      non-return-to-zero differential phase-shift keying (NRZ-DPSK) signals using
      nondegenerate four-wave mixing in a silicon waveguide. The function of the logic
      XOR gate is experimentally demonstrated using 40 bit DPSK sequences. Also, the
      eye diagram of the XOR signal is clearly observed as the incident signals are
      both modulated by DPSK sequences originating from 2(31)-1 pseudorandom binary
      sequences.

PMID- 22048385
TI  - Synthetic aperture microscopy for high resolution imaging through a turbid
      medium.
AB  - We report on synthetic aperture microscopy through a highly turbid medium. We
      first recorded a transmission matrix for the turbid medium with an angular basis
      of 20,000 complex images covering 0.6 NA. This effectively converts the medium
      into a lens of the same NA. Distorted images of a target object are then taken at
      500 different angles of illumination covering 0.6 NA. For each of the distorted
      images, the original object image is reconstructed from the transmission matrix
      by the recently developed turbid lens imaging (TLI) technique. All 500
      reconstructed images are synthesized to enhance the NA to 1.2 and thereby
      generate an object image with twice the enhanced spatial resolution of the
      individual images. Our method of applying aperture synthesis for TLI makes it
      possible to enhance the resolving power without increasing the number of
      transmission matrix elements. This relieves the demand for data acquisition and
      processing that has impeded the practicality of TLI.

PMID- 22048386
TI  - High conversion efficiency fiber optical parametric oscillator.
AB  - We present a chi(3) fiber parametric oscillator with high conversion efficiency
      from the input pump wave to the output parametric sidebands. By introducing an
      intracavity filter detuned from the oscillator's phase-matched frequency
      conversion efficiencies considerably higher than those possible when operating at
      the phase-matched frequency are demonstrated. Experimentally we are able to
      obtain a total internal conversion efficiency in excess of 93% from the pump to
      the Stokes and anti-Stokes sidebands.

PMID- 22048387
TI  - Fiber coupler for generating orbital angular momentum modes.
AB  - We propose a fiber coupler consisting of a central ring and four external cores
      to generate up to ten orbital angular momentum (OAM) modes. Four coherent input
      lights are launched into the external cores and then coupled into the central
      ring waveguide to generate OAM modes. By changing the size of the external cores,
      one can selectively excite a high-order OAM mode. The quality of the generated
      OAM modes can be enhanced by adjusting the polarization state and the phase of
      input lights. We show the generation of OAM modes with odd charge numbers of -9
      to +9 (i.e., 10 modes totally) with mode purity of >99% using <2 mm long fiber.
      This fiber coupler design can be extended to enable all-fiber spatial-mode
      (de)multiplexing.

PMID- 22048388
TI  - Effect of varying pore size of AAO films on refractive index and birefringence
      measured by prism coupling technique.
AB  - Anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) films with different pore sizes were prepared to
      modulate the effective refractive index and birefringence. To investigate the
      relationship between the refractive index and the pore size of the AAO film,
      optical constants were obtained using a prism coupler with various lasers. With
      experimental results, the dispersion curve of alumina itself without pores was
      extracted using a theoretical anisotropic model. We demonstrated that AAO films
      could offer a wide range of refractive index and birefringence values for optical
      device applications. Furthermore, index profiles as a function of the thickness
      of the AAO films were obtained by inverse Wentzel-Kramer-Brillouin approximation
      to examine the optical homogeneity.

PMID- 22048389
TI  - Accurate estimation of Brillouin frequency shift in Brillouin optical time domain
      analysis sensors using cross correlation.
AB  - Current methods of estimating the Brillouin frequency shift in Brillouin optical
      time domain analysis sensors are based on curve-fitting techniques. These
      techniques apply the same weight to all portions of the curve and dutifully fit
      into the peak and noisy ends of the curve. This makes them very sensitive to
      noise, initialization of fitting parameters, symmetry, and start and stop
      frequencies. We introduce a method based on the cross-correlation technique to
      estimate the central frequency of noisy Lorentzian curves, which is more robust
      to noise and free from initial settings of fitting parameters.

PMID- 22048390
TI  - Long-range dielectric-loaded surface plasmon polariton waveguides operating at
      telecommunication wavelengths.
AB  - We report on the realization of long-range dielectric-loaded surface plasmon
      polariton waveguides (LR-DLSPPWs) consisting of straight and bent subwavelength
      dielectric ridges deposited on thin and narrow metal stripes supported by a
      dielectric buffer layer covering a low-index substrate. Using imaging with a near
      field optical microscope and end-fire coupling with a tapered fiber connected to
      a tunable laser at telecommunication wavelengths (1425-1545 nm), we demonstrate
      low-loss (propagation length ~500 MUm) and well-confined (mode width ~1 MUm) LR
      DLSPPW mode guiding and determine the propagation and bend loss.

PMID- 22048391
TI  - Mode-shape measurement of piezoelectric plate using temporal speckle pattern
      interferometry and temporal standard deviation.
AB  - This study proposes an image processing method to improve the quality of
      interference fringes in mode-shape measurement using temporal speckle pattern
      interferometry. A vibrating piezoelectric plate at resonance was investigated,
      and the full-field optical information was saved as a sequence of images.
      According to derived statistical properties, an algorithm was developed to remove
      noise from both the background and disturbance, resulting in high-resolution
      images of excellent quality. In addition, the resonant frequency and mode shape
      obtained using the proposed algorithm demonstrate excellent agreement with
      theoretical results obtained by the finite element method.

PMID- 22048392
TI  - First laser oscillation and broad tunability of 1  at. % Yb-doped Sc2O3 and Lu2O3
      ceramics.
AB  - We report the first oscillation achieved on 1 at. % Yb-doped Sc2O3 and Lu2O3
      ceramics under quasi-CW pumping at 968 nm. With Sc2O3 we measured a maximum
      output power of 2.2 W with a slope efficiency of 59% at 1040.5 nm. Comparable
      results are obtained with Lu2O3 at 1032.5 nm, i.e., 1.8 W with a corresponding
      slope of 45%, while at 1078 nm we measured 1.5 W with 34% of slope efficiency.
      Finally, we present the range of tunability, which exceeds 41 nm for both
      samples. To the best of our knowledge, these are the first measurements reported
      in literature either in terms of laser emission or continuous tunability range
      achieved with 1 at. % doping level.

PMID- 22048393
TI  - High temperature and wavelength dependence of avalanche gain of AlAsSb avalanche
      photodiodes.
AB  - The evolution of the dark currents and breakdown at elevated temperatures of up
      to 450  K are studied using thin AlAsSb avalanche regions. While the dark
      currents increase rapidly as the temperature is increased, the avalanche gain is
      shown to only have a weak temperature dependence. Temperature coefficients of
      breakdown voltage of 0.93 and 1.93  mV/K were obtained from the diodes of 80 and
      230  nm avalanche regions (i-regions), respectively. These values are
      significantly lower than for other available avalanche materials at these
      temperatures. The wavelength dependence of multiplication characteristics of
      AlAsSb p-i-n diodes has also been investigated, and it was found that the
      ionization coefficients for electrons and holes are comparable within the
      electric field and wavelength ranges measured.

PMID- 22048394
TI  - Reconfigurable optical differential phase-shift-keying pattern recognition based
      on incoherent photonic processing.
AB  - We propose and experimentally demonstrate asynchronous optical differential phase
      shift-keying (DPSK) pattern recognition using a fully reconfigurable technique.
      The proposed method uses optical phase-to-bipolar intensity conversion through
      all-optical differentiation in conjunction with an incoherent time-spectrum
      convolution system where the pattern to be recognized is implemented directly in
      the spectral domain through optical amplitude-only linear filtering. Full
      reconfigurability in terms of bit rate, pattern sequence, and pattern length is
      achieved using electronically programmable optical filters. We demonstrate
      dynamically switching recognition of different 64 bit patterns in a continuous 12
      Gb/s DPSK pseudorandom optical bit stream with contrast ratio up to 3.8 dB.

PMID- 22048395
TI  - Optical isolator using two tandem phase modulators.
AB  - We propose and demonstrate an integrated optical isolator in InP using two phase
      modulators in series. The phase modulators are driven with a single-frequency
      signal in quadrature. Theoretically there is no effect on the forward signal, and
      the carrier of the backward signal can be eliminated, the energy distributed to
      other frequencies. We achieve a carrier isolation of 11 dB and an excess
      insertion loss of 2.3 dB. Such an isolator can be monolithically integrated with
      a laser without extra materials or magnetic fields.

PMID- 22048396
TI  - Oxygen vacancy density-dependent transformation from infrared to Raman active
      vibration mode in SnO2 nanostructures.
AB  - Raman spectra acquired from spherical, cubic, and cuboid SnO2 nanocrystals (NCs)
      reveal a morphologically independent Raman mode at ~302 cm(-1). The frequency of
      this mode is slightly affected by the NC size, but the intensity increases
      obviously with decreasing NC size. By considering the dipole changes induced by
      oxygen vacancies and derivation based on the density functional theory and phonon
      confinement model, an oxygen vacancy density larger than 6% is shown to be
      responsible for the transformation of the IR to Raman active vibration mode, and
      the intensity enhancement is due to strong phonon confinement.

PMID- 22048397
TI  - Low phase noise diode laser oscillator for 1S-2S spectroscopy in atomic hydrogen.
AB  - We report on a low-noise diode laser oscillator at 972 nm actively stabilized to
      an ultrastable vibrationally and thermally compensated reference cavity. To
      increase the fraction of laser power in the carrier we designed a 20 cm long
      external cavity diode laser with an intracavity electro-optical modulator. The
      fractional power in the carrier reaches 99.9%, which corresponds to an rms phase
      noise of phi(rms)2=1 mrad2 in 10 MHz bandwidth. Using this oscillator, we
      recorded 1S-2S spectra in atomic hydrogen and have not observed any significant
      loss of the excitation efficiency due to phase noise multiplication in the three
      consecutive two-photon processes.

PMID- 22048398
TI  - Dipole response of spaser on an external optical wave.
AB  - We find the conditions upon the amplitude and frequency of an external
      electromagnetic field at which the dipole moment of a Bergman-Stockman spaser
      oscillates in antiphase with the field. For these values of the amplitude and
      frequency the loss in metal nanoparticles is exactly compensated by the gain.
      This shows that spasers may be used as inclusions in designing lossless
      metamaterials.

PMID- 22048399
TI  - Phase-shifting Zernike phase contrast microscopy for quantitative phase
      measurement.
AB  - Zernike phase contrast microscopy is extended and combined with a phase-shifting
      mechanism to perform quantitative phase measurements of microscopic objects.
      Dozens of discrete point light sources on a ring are constructed for
      illumination. For each point light source, three different levels of point-like
      phase steps are designed, which are alternatively located along a ring on a
      silica plate to perform phase retardation on the undiffracted (dc) component of
      the object waves. These three levels of the phase steps are respectively selected
      by rotating the silica plate. Thus, quantitative evaluation of phase specimens
      can be performed via phase-shifting mechanism. The proposed method has low "halo"
      and "shade-off" effects, low coherent noise level, and high lateral resolution
      due to the improved illumination scheme.

PMID- 22048400
TI  - Method for measuring liquid phase diffusion based on tilted fiber Bragg grating.
AB  - We propose and experimentally demonstrate a method for measuring liquid phase
      diffusion based on tilted fiber Bragg grating (TFBG). By monitoring the
      transmission spectra of the TFBG placed at different positions of the diffusion
      zone and calculating the normalized area enclosed by the upper and lower envelope
      curves of the cladding modes, the distribution curves of the glycerol
      concentration are obtained, according to the experimental calibration formulas
      between the glycerol concentration and the normalized area. This method can
      conveniently achieve remote and distributed measurement of the liquid phase
      diffusion in hostile environment because of its all-fiber structure.

PMID- 22048401
TI  - Direct probing of ion pair formation using a symmetric triangulenium dye.
AB  - The 2,6,10-tris(dialkylamino)trioxatriangulenium dyes (ATOTA(+)) are highly
      stabilised cationic chromophores with D(3h) symmetry. The symmetry gives rise to
      a degeneracy of the main electronic transition. In low polarity solvents
      significant splitting of this degenerate transition is observed and assigned to
      ion pair formation. Ion pairing of the 2,6,10
      tris(dioctylamino)trioxatriangulenium ion with Cl(-), BF(4)(-), PF(6)(-) and
      TRISPHAT anions was studied using absorption spectroscopy. A clear correlation is
      found between the size of the anion and the splitting of the ATOTA(+)
      transitions. In benzene the Cl(-) salt displays a splitting of 1955 cm(-1), while
      the salt of the much larger TRISPHAT ion has a splitting of 1543 cm(-1). TD-DFT
      calculations confirm the splitting of the states and provide a detailed insight
      into the electronic structure of the ion pairs. The different degree of splitting
      in different ion pairs is found to correlate with the magnitude of the electric
      field generated in each ion pair, thus leading to the conclusion that the effect
      seen is an internal Stark effect. By insertion of an amphiphilic derivative of
      the ATOTA(+) chromophore in an oriented lamellar liquid crystal, it was possible
      to resolve the two bands of the double peak spectrum and show their perpendicular
      orientation in the molecular framework, as predicted by the calculations.

PMID- 22048402
TI  - Expert's comment concerning Grand Rounds case entitled "Limited access surgery
      for 360 degrees in situ fusion in a dysraphic patient with high grade
      spondylolisthesis" (by M. A. Konig and B. M. Boszczyk).
AB  - The case of a 26 year-old woman with high grade spondylolisthesis, history of
      diastematomyelia and tethered cord, with acute onset of back pain and bilateral
      sciatica after a fall. This comment will focus on three issues: indication for
      surgery, indication for reduction and levels to be included in fusion. Surgery is
      indicated in this case for intermittent urinary incontinence and saddle
      anesthesia, and failure of conservative treatment to control pain. Other
      important determinant of surgical indication is risk of progression, depending
      rather on the degree of dysplasia as classified by Marchetti-Bartolozzi than on
      the degree of slip as classified by Meyerding. High dysplastic olisthesis is
      identified by excessive pelvic retroversion. Reduction is indicated in patients
      with high torque through L5-S1. L5 severity index (SI) correlates with the
      magnitud of torque through L5-S1. Similarly, the decision to include L4 in fusion
      can be made based on the value of SI for L4.

PMID- 22048403
TI  - Congenital kypho-scoliosis: a case of thoracic insufficiency syndrome and the
      limitations of treatment.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Congenital spinal vertebral anomalies may present with deformity
      resulting in congenital scoliosis and kyphosis. This leads to abnormal spinal
      growth. The latter when combined with associated rib fusions may impair normal
      thoracic cage development and resultant pulmonary hypoplasia. Most congenital
      scoliosis can be detected in utero by ultrasound scan or recognized in the
      neonatal period, but a few spinal defects can remain undetected. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: In this Grand Round, we present the case of a 7-year-old girl with a
      severe scoliosis and thoracic insufficiency syndrome (TIS). 3D CT reconstruction
      imaging demonstrated a mixed picture of fusion and segmentation abnormalities. A
      marked kyphoscoliosis was demonstrated at the thoraco-lumbar junction. Via a left
      thoracotomy, anterior excision of intervertebral discs was performed together
      with, interbody fusion, and in situ stabilisation of the kyphosis with double
      allograft (femur) strut grafts. CONCLUSIONS: This article highlights the features
      of congenital kypho-scoliosis and TIS. The difficulties of treating kyphosis when
      combined with TIS are discussed together with the limitations of current surgical
      techniques.

PMID- 22048404
TI  - Reviewer's comment concerning "Spinous process morphology: the effect of ageing
      through adulthood on spinous process size and relationship to sagittal alignment"
      (doi:10.1007/s00586-011-2029-6 by C.E.W. Aylott, R. Puna, P.A. Robertson, C.
      Walker).

PMID- 22048405
TI  - Acute low back pain in high school adolescents in Southern Brazil: prevalence and
      associated factors.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of acute low
      back pain (ALBP) and associated factors in high school students from a Southern
      Brazilian city. METHODS: The study was cross-sectional and interviewed 1,233
      students 13- to 19-year-olds, attending high schools. A total of 25 schools were
      included in the sample (15 state institutions, 7 private, 2 federal and 1
      municipal). The ALBP was evaluated using two questions. The outcome was LBP in
      the previous 30 days. RESULTS: The prevalence of ALBP was 13.7%. Non-white
      students, who commuted to school walking, showed a higher prevalence of ALBP. The
      prevalence of ALBP is relatively high. CONCLUSIONS: Further studies with follow
      ups to adulthood are needed to investigate whether physical cumulative loads on
      the lumbar spine (for example, duration/transport, school bags and inadequate
      school furniture) during adolescence, may influence the development of ALBP later
      in life.

PMID- 22048406
TI  - Do platform-specific factors explain microRNA profiling disparities?

PMID- 22048407
TI  - Synthesis, crystal structure and properties of a new candidate for nonlinear
      optical material in the IR region: Hg2BrI3.
AB  - The synthesis, crystal structure, nonlinear optical (NLO) property and some other
      properties of a new material, Hg(2)BrI(3), are reported. The crystal structure
      has been established by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Hg(2)BrI(3)
      belongs to the HgBrI type and crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Cmc21
      (No. 36). The compound shows a phase-matchable second harmonic generation (SHG)
      of about 1.2 times as strong as that of KTiOPO(4) (KTP) based on the powder SHG
      measurement. It exhibits a wide transparency in the IR region (from 2.5 to 30
      MUm), and a good thermal stability. It is believed that Hg(2)BrI(3) is a new
      candidate for NLO materials in the IR region.

PMID- 22048408
TI  - Scientific communication: writing up.

PMID- 22048411
TI  - SHARPINing integrin inhibition.
AB  - The activity state of integrins is crucial for cell adhesion, migration and
      differentiation, and is regulated predominantly by protein interactions of the
      integrin beta cytoplasmic domain. SHARPIN is now shown to negatively regulate
      integrin activation by binding the alpha-integrin subunit and interfering with
      the association of the beta cytodomain with activating proteins.

PMID- 22048410
TI  - Nuclear actin and myosins: life without filaments.
AB  - Actin and myosin are major components of the cell cytoskeleton, with structural
      and regulatory functions that affect many essential cellular processes. Although
      they were traditionally thought to function only in the cytoplasm, it is now well
      accepted that actin and multiple myosins are found in the nucleus. Increasing
      evidence on their functional roles has highlighted the importance of these
      proteins in the nuclear compartment.

PMID- 22048417
TI  - The impact of an emergency motorcycle response vehicle on prehospital care in an
      urban area.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Faster emergency response times are generally considered to have a
      positive effect on life expectancy of patients with a life-threatening event,
      leading many communities to determine response time intervals. However,
      worldwide, increasing urbanization and traffic congestion threatens ambulance
      response times. An emergency motorcycle response vehicle (MRV) can overcome these
      hurdles more easily than a larger ambulance. It also offers dispatch flexibility
      in responding to calls estimated to have a low likelihood of a patient who needs
      transport. The first aim of this study was to determine whether an MRV can
      shorten response times and impact on resuscitation outcomes in a heavily
      urbanized and densely populated region in the Netherlands. The second aim was to
      evaluate differences in dispatch and transport between MRV and ambulance.
      METHODS: This was a nonrandomized, prospective cohort study comparing an MRV unit
      with regular ambulances in a Dutch city of 265 000 people. Included were all
      'urgent patient' cases within operating time of the MRV between January 2003 and
      August 2003. RESULTS: A total of 1664 patients was evaluated, including 468
      motorcycle and 1196 ambulance responses. Use of MRVs led to a decrease in
      response time of 54 s (P<=0.01). We could not show a decrease in mortality risk
      in cases of resuscitation [relative risk (RR): 2.50, confidence interval (CI):
      0.17-36.21]. There was a slightly improved 1-year survival in other life
      threatening cases (RR: 1.13, CI: 1.03-1.24). However, this is most likely because
      of differences in dispatch decisions (the MRV is sent to 'lighter' cases) and not
      because of faster assistance. The MRV paramedic was more likely to treat and
      release the patient (RR: 2.21, CI: 1.80-2.73) or refer them to a general
      practitioner (RR: 2.11, CI: 1.73-2.58) and much less likely to refer them to the
      hospital emergency department (41.2 vs. 72.6%). Referrals to the hospital by the
      MRV were mostly by the patient's own means of transportation (RR: 13.14, CI: 5.89
      29.32) rather than by ambulance. CONCLUSION: Using motorcycles in a Dutch setting
      lead to better emergency medical service response times. The MRV serves a
      different population. Resulting in a higher treat and release rate and less
      transportation to hospital.

PMID- 22048418
TI  - Femoral neck stress fracture and femoroacetabular impingement.
AB  - The patient was a 34-year-old male recreational marathon runner referred to a
      physical therapist with a chief complaint of worsening right lateral hip pain of
      3 months duration that was insidious in nature. Following a physical examination,
      the physical therapist discussed his suspicions with the referring physician.
      Magnetic resonance imaging revealed findings consistent with a stress fracture at
      the inferomedial right femoral neck, a mild cam-type deformity of the right
      femoral neck, and a mild degree of heterogeneity of the right superior anterior
      labrum, representing a possible tear.

PMID- 22048419
TI  - Long-term outcome in patients with carotid artery stenting and contralateral
      carotid occlusion: a single neurovascular center prospective analysis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical features and
      early and late outcome of patients treated with carotid artery stenting for
      carotid stenosis with occlusion of the contralateral vessel (CAS-CCO), and
      compare them to patients without occlusion (CAS-NO). METHODS: From 1999 through
      2010, 426 patients with 479 procedures were prospectively recorded, 61 patients
      (14.3%) CAS-CCO, and 365 patients CAS-NO. Immediate CAS complications,
      complications within the first 30 days and long-term complications were
      documented through annual clinical and ultrasonological follow-up visits.
      Stenosis rate was recorded. RESULTS: Patients with mean age of 68.4 years, 80%
      men had: (1) periprocedural stroke in three cases (0.7%), (2) cumulative 30-day
      stroke, ischemic cardiopathy, and death in 4.2%, without differences between
      groups (CAS-CCO 3.3%, CAS-NO 4.4%). Mean follow-up period was 55 +/- 32.78
      months, median 56 months. (3) Stroke during the follow-up in 8%, without
      differences between CAS-CCO and CAS-NO groups (3.7% and 8.8%). (4) Myocardial
      infarction in 11.2% and (5) global mortality in 24.3%, without statistical
      differences between groups. Of the 254 cases enrolled in the restenosis analysis,
      44 patients (17.3%) had restenosis of any grade during a mean follow-up period of
      52 months, without statistical differences between CAS-CCO and CAS-NO groups.
      Only 7.5% presented restenosis >= 50%. Its occurrence was statistically
      associated with previous neck radiation. CONCLUSIONS: Periprocedural risks and
      long-term outcomes of patients treated with CAS and presenting a contralateral
      carotid occlusion does not differ from regular patients treated with CAS. Based
      on the low stenosis rate of our study, our results do not give credit to extra
      surveillance measures in patients with contralateral carotid occlusion.

PMID- 22048421
TI  - Water and sanitation issues for persons with disabilities in low- and middle
      income countries: a literature review and discussion of implications for global
      health and international development.
AB  - The critical importance of unrestricted access to clean drinking water and basic
      sanitation for all is highlighted in Millennium Development Goal 7, which calls
      for the reduction by half of the proportion of people without such access by
      2015. Unfortunately, little attention has been paid to the needs of such access
      for the one billion people living with a disability worldwide, despite the fact
      that the right to equal access for all international development initiatives is
      guaranteed in the new United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with
      Disabilities. In this paper, we review what is currently known about access to
      water and sanitation for persons with disabilities in low- and middle-income
      countries from the perspective of both international development and global
      health, and identify existing gaps in research, practice and policy that are of
      pressing concern if the water and sanitation needs of this large - and largely
      overlooked - population are to be addressed.

PMID- 22048420
TI  - The role of carrier number on the procoagulant activity of tissue factor in blood
      and plasma.
AB  - Tissue factor (TF) is a transmembrane glycoprotein cofactor of activated blood
      coagulation factor VII (FVIIa) that is required for hemostatic thrombin
      generation at sites of blood vessel injury. Membrane-associated TF detected in
      circulating blood of healthy subjects, referred to as intravascular or
      circulating TF has been shown to contribute to experimental thrombus propagation
      at sites of localized vessel injury. Certain disease states, such as metastatic
      cancer, are associated with increased levels of intravascular TF and an elevated
      risk of venous thromboembolism. However, the physiological relevance of
      circulating TF to hemostasis or thrombosis, as well as cancer metastasis, is ill
      defined. This study was designed to assess whether the spatial separation of
      intravascular TF carriers in blood, demonstrated with TF-inducible human
      monocytic cell line U937 or TF-coated polymer microspheres, affected procoagulant
      activity and hence thrombogenic potential. Experiments were performed to
      characterize the effects of TF-carrier number on the kinetics of clot formation
      in both open and closed systems. The procoagulant activity of TF carriers was
      found to correlate with spatial separation in both closed, well-mixed systems and
      open, flowing systems. TF carriers enhanced the amidolytic activity of FVIIa
      toward the chromogenic substrate, S-2366, as a function of carrier count. These
      results suggest that TF-initiated coagulation by circulating TF is kinetically
      limited by mass transport of TF-dependent coagulation factors to the TF-bearing
      surface, a constraint that may be unique to circulating TF. Spatial separation of
      circulating TF carriers is therefore a critical determinant of the procoagulant
      activity of circulating TF.

PMID- 22048422
TI  - Away-from-home drinking water consumption practices and the microbiological
      quality of water consumed in rural western Kenya.
AB  - A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted to examine away-from-home
      drinking water consumption practices and the microbiological quality of water
      consumed in rural western Kenya. The study involved adults and schoolchildren.
      Data were collected using focus group discussions, questionnaire survey,
      observations, diaries and interviews. The findings suggest that away-from-home
      drinking water consumption is a common practice in the study area; however, the
      microbiological quality of the water consumed is poor. While some respondents
      perceive the water to be safe for drinking mainly because of the clear colour of
      the water, others are forced by circumstances to drink the water as it is owing
      to a lack of alternative safe sources. It is concluded that there is a need for
      new innovative approaches to address away-from-home drinking water consumption in
      resource-poor settings in order to complement and maximize the benefits of point
      of-use water treatment at the household level.

PMID- 22048423
TI  - Quantitative PCR-based detection of pathogenic Leptospira in Hawai'ian coastal
      streams.
AB  - Pathogenic Leptospira, the causative agents of leptospirosis, are mainly
      associated with tropical freshwaters, but little is known about their fate in the
      environment. This study analyzed the distribution of pathogenic Leptospira
      genomes in 22 tropical coastal streams using quantitative polymerase chain
      reaction (qPCR). Statistical analyses were conducted to understand pathogenic
      Leptospira associations with water quality parameters, land use, microbial source
      tracking (MST) markers, and fecal indicators. Results indicated that pathogenic
      Leptospira genomes were widespread in O'ahu coastal streams during the Hawai'ian
      rainy season, with slightly higher concentrations in December when compared with
      March. Leptospira showed a strong positive association to turbidity, a finding
      consistent with studies showing increased Leptospira survival when aggregated to
      particles. Positive correlations to salinity may also indicate survival of
      Leptospira in relatively saline stream waters. A positive association to the
      human Bacteroidales fecal marker, no correlation to pig or cow Bacteroidales
      markers, and a negative association to agricultural land coverage may suggest
      human or other non-agricultural animal sources of Leptospira (e.g., rats or
      dogs). Future studies of Leptospira in the Hawai'ian environment are recommended
      to investigate Leptospira survival in saline waters, to determine both primary
      and secondary Hawai'ian animal hosts of Leptospira, and to correlate
      environmental exposures with epidemiological studies of leptospirosis.

PMID- 22048424
TI  - Impact of cleaning regimes on dental water unit contamination.
AB  - Microorganisms that have been identified in dental unit waterlines (DUWLs) are of
      concern because they can cause infections, especially in immunocompromised
      patients. This study aimed to assess the incidence of microbial contamination in
      DUWLs before and after intervention to reduce contamination, and to investigate
      the presence of coliforms, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Water
      samples were collected aseptically from the waterlines. The high-speed hand-piece
      and dental chair units were served by one distillation apparatus, which was fed
      by the potable tap water of four dental clinics. Different interventions were
      used: chlorination, flushing before clinics and between patients, draining at the
      end of the day, and freshly distilled water on a daily basis. There was a
      significant difference between the level of contamination in the high-speed hand
      piece (1.5-2.7 log CFU/ml) and dental chair unit water (2.0-3.5 log CFU/ml).
      Coliforms (0.9%) E. coli (0.9%) and Pseudomonas (1.8%) were detected during 2008.
      This study indicates the need to monitor water quality regularly and prevent
      stagnation in DUWLs to reduce the number of viable bacteria to <100 CFU/ml. We
      recommend flushing the DUWL for 2 min before the first patient and for 10-20 s
      between patients, flushing the dental unit at the end of the day and draining it
      overnight to reduce the development of biofilms, and chlorination of the DUWLs.

PMID- 22048425
TI  - Disposable swim diaper retention of Cryptosporidium-sized particles on human
      subjects in a recreational water setting.
AB  - Cryptosporidium is a chlorine-resistant protozoan parasite responsible for the
      majority of waterborne disease outbreaks in recreational water venues in the USA.
      Swim diapers are commonly used by diaper-aged children participating in aquatic
      activities. This research was intended to evaluate disposable swim diapers for
      retaining 5-MUm diameter polystyrene microspheres, which were used as non
      infectious surrogates for Cryptosporidium oocysts. A hot tub recirculating water
      without a filter was used for this research. The microsphere concentration in the
      water was monitored at regular intervals following introduction of microspheres
      inside of a swim diaper while a human subject undertook normal swim/play
      activities. Microsphere concentrations in the bulk water showed that the majority
      (50-97%) of Cryptosporidium-sized particles were released from the swim diaper
      within 1 to 5 min regardless of the swim diaper type or configuration. After only
      10 min of play, 77-100% of the microspheres had been released from all swim
      diapers tested. This research suggests that the swim diapers commonly used by
      diaper-aged children in swimming pools and other aquatic activities are of
      limited value in retaining Cryptosporidium-sized particles. Improved swim diaper
      solutions are necessary to efficiently retain pathogens and effectively safeguard
      public health in recreational water venues.

PMID- 22048426
TI  - Comparison of indicator bacteria inactivation by the ultraviolet and the
      ultraviolet/hydrogen peroxide disinfection processes in humic waters.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to evaluate responses of potential indicator
      bacteria (i.e. Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Bacillus subtilis) to
      the ultraviolet (UV) radiation and the UV/hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) disinfection
      processes of surface waters with different qualities in terms of humic content.
      The UV and the UV/H2O2 processes were applied to waters containing various
      concentrations of fulvic acid in order to inactivate E. coli, P. aeruginosa and
      B. subtilis spores. Three fulvic acid (0, 2 and 6 mg l(-1)) and four H2O2 (0, 10,
      25 and 50 mg l(-1)) concentrations were used. Results showed that the k values of
      E. coli, P. aeruginosa and B. subtilis spores varied between 2.22 and 4.00, 1.73
      and 3.58, and 1.40 and 1.86, respectively, in all test conditions. The
      sensitivity of the test organisms followed a decreasing order of E. coli > P.
      aeruginosa > B. subtilis. Results of the study indicated that the blocking effect
      of fulvic acid for the UV light was diminished by using H2O2 in combination with
      the UV radiation. Findings of the present study strongly suggested that the
      UV/H2O2 process was significantly effective on the inactivation of E. coli and P.
      aeruginosa in humic waters, whereas it induced little or no apparent contribution
      to the disinfection efficiency of B. subtilis spores.

PMID- 22048427
TI  - Virulence genes of Aeromonas isolates, bacterial endotoxins and cyanobacterial
      toxins from recreational water samples associated with human health symptoms.
AB  - Exposure to cyanobacterial water blooms has been associated with various kinds of
      adverse health effects. In addition to cyanobacteria and their toxins, the
      bacteria associated with cyanobacteria could also be the etiological agents. We
      isolated Aeromonas strains (n = 176) from water samples (n = 38) taken from sites
      where cyanobacteria were suspected to have caused human health symptoms, of which
      fever and gastrointestinal symptoms were the most common. The isolates were
      screened by PCR for six virulence gene types (12 genes). The majority (90%) of
      the strains contained at least one of the virulence genes. Most common
      amplification products were those of genes (act/aerA/hlyA) that encode cytotoxic
      enterotoxin and haemolytic products. The genes encoding cytotonic enterotoxins
      (ast and alt), phospholipase (lip/pla/lipH3/alp-1), elastase (ahyB) and flagellin
      subunits (flaA/flaB) were also present in 5-37% of the Aeromonas strains.
      Analysed toxins (cyanobacterial hepatotoxins and neurotoxins, and bacterial
      endotoxins) were not detectable or were present in only low concentrations in the
      majority of the samples. The results indicated that the toxins were unlikely to
      be the main cause of the reported adverse health effects, whereas more attention
      should be paid to bacteria associated with cyanobacteria as a source of health
      effects.

PMID- 22048428
TI  - An estimate of the cost of acute health effects from food- and water-borne marine
      pathogens and toxins in the USA.
AB  - Large and growing segments of the United States population consume seafood or
      engage in marine recreation. These activities provide significant benefits but
      also bring risk of exposure to marine-borne illness. To manage these risks, it is
      important to understand the incidence and cost of marine-borne disease. We review
      the literature and surveillance/monitoring data to determine the annual incidence
      of disease and health consequences due to marine-borne pathogens from seafood
      consumption and beach recreation in the USA. Using this data, we employ a cost-of
      illness model to estimate economic impacts. Our results suggest that health
      consequences due to marine-borne pathogens in the USA have annual costs on the
      order of US$900 million. This includes US$350 million due to pathogens and marine
      toxins specifically identified as causing food-borne disease, an estimated US$300
      million due to seafood-borne disease with unknown etiology, US$30 million from
      direct exposure to the Vibrio species, and US$300 million due to gastrointestinal
      illness from beach recreation. Although there is considerable uncertainty about
      the degree of underreporting of certain pathogen-specific acute marine-related
      illnesses, the conservative assumptions we have used in constructing our estimate
      suggest that it should be considered a lower bound on true costs.

PMID- 22048429
TI  - Culture-based indicators of fecal contamination and molecular microbial
      indicators rarely correlate with Campylobacter spp. in recreational waters.
AB  - Campylobacter spp. are the leading cause of gastroenteritis worldwide. Most human
      infections result from contaminated food; however, infections are also caused by
      recreational waterway contamination. Campylobacter culture is technically
      challenging and enumeration by culture-based methods is onerous. Thus, we
      employed qPCR to quantify Campylobacter spp. in fresh- and marine-water samples,
      raw sewage and animal feces. Multiplex PCR determined whether Campylobacter
      jejuni or C. coli, most commonly associated with human disease, were present in
      qPCR-positive samples. Campylobacters were detected in raw sewage, and in feces
      of all avian and mammalian species tested. Campylobacter-positive concentrations
      ranged from 68 to 2.3 * 106 cells per 500 mL. Although C. jejuni and C. coli were
      rare in waterways, they were prevalent in sewage and feces. Campylobacter
      specific qPCR screening of environmental waters did not correlate with the
      regulatory EPA method 1600 (Enterococcus culture), nor with culture-independent,
      molecular-based microbial source tracking indicators, such as human polyomavirus,
      human Bacteroidales and Methanobrevibacter smithii. Our results suggest that
      neither the standard EPA method nor the newly proposed culture-independent
      methods are appropriate surrogates for Campylobacter contamination in water.
      Thus, assays for specific pathogens may be necessary to protect human health,
      especially in waters that are contaminated with sewage and animal feces.

PMID- 22048430
TI  - Hand-pumps as reservoirs for microbial contamination of well water.
AB  - The retention and release of total coliforms and Escherichia coli was
      investigated in hand-pumps removed from tubewells tapping a faecally contaminated
      aquifer in Matlab, Bangladesh, and from a new hand-pump deliberately spiked with
      E. coli. All hand-pumps were connected to reservoirs of sterile water and
      flushed. Faecal coliforms were observed in the discharge from all three of the
      previously used hand-pumps, at concentrations comparable to levels measured in
      discharge when they were attached to the tubewells. During daily flushing of one
      of the previously used hand-pumps, the concentration of total coliforms in the
      discharge remained relatively constant (approximately 103 MPN/100 mL).
      Concentrations of E. coli in the pump discharge declined over time, but E. coli
      was still detectable up to 29 days after the start of flushing. In the
      deliberately spiked hand-pump, E. coli was observed in the discharge over 125
      days (t50 = 8 days) and found to attach preferentially to elastomeric materials
      within the hand-pump. Attempts to disinfect both the village and new hand-pumps
      using shock chlorination were shown to be unsuccessful. These results demonstrate
      that hand-pumps can act as persistent reservoirs for microbial indicator
      bacteria. This could potentially influence drinking water quality and bias
      testing of water quality.

PMID- 22048431
TI  - New USEPA water quality criteria by 2012: GOMA concerns and recommendations.
AB  - The Gulf of Mexico Alliance (GOMA) was tasked by the five Gulf State Governors to
      identify major issues affecting the Gulf of Mexico (GoM) and to set priorities
      for ameliorating these problems. One priority identified by GOMA is the need to
      improve detection methods for water quality indicators, pathogens and microbial
      source tracking. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) is
      tasked with revising water quality criteria by 2012; however, the locations
      traditionally studied by the USEPA are not representative of the GoM and this has
      raised concern about whether or not the new criteria will be appropriate. This
      paper outlines a number of concerns, including deadlines associated with the
      USEPA Consent Decree, which may prevent inclusion of research needed to produce a
      well-developed set of methods and criteria appropriate for all regulated waters.
      GOMA makes several recommendations including ensuring that criteria formulation
      use data that include GoM-specific conditions (e.g. lower bather density,
      nonpoint sources), that rapid-testing methods be feasible and adequately
      controlled, and that USEPA maintains investments in water quality research once
      the new criteria are promulgated in order to assure that outstanding scientific
      questions are addressed and that scientifically defensible criteria are achieved
      for the GoM and other regulated waterbodies.

PMID- 22048432
TI  - Spatial variation of waterborne Escherichia coli - implications for routine water
      quality monitoring.
AB  - Escherichia coli are often used as faecal indicator bacteria (FIB) to provide a
      measure of microbial pollution in recreational and shellfish harvesting waters.
      However, although model forecasts for predicting the concentrations of FIB in
      surface waters are becoming more robust, they suffer from an inconsistency in
      quantification methods and an understanding of the spatial variation of FIB
      within a water course. The aim of this study was to investigate the transverse
      spatial variation in E. coli numbers (as an indicator of faecal pollution) across
      the estuary of the River Conwy, UK. Water samples were collected from four
      transverse transects across the estuary. Spatial variation of E. coli was
      significantly different from one side of the river to the other, although was not
      correlated with depth or the physiochemical properties of the water.
      Subsequently, microbial water quality classifications on the two opposite banks
      suggested very different levels of pollution coming down the river. This work has
      shown that the side of the river that routine water monitoring samples are taken
      from can make a significant difference to the classification of microbial water
      quality. This has important implications for sampling strategies and the use of
      microbial source tracking (MST) techniques.

PMID- 22048433
TI  - Microbiological assessment of private drinking water supplies in Co. Cork,
      Ireland.
AB  - The microbiological quality of 75 private drinking water supply boreholes in Co.
      Cork, Ireland was assessed in order to determine the incidence of contamination
      and the potential pathways of such contamination. Microbiological analysis was
      carried out using the membrane filtration technique for the recovery of
      thermotolerant (faecal) coliforms. The sanitary protection of the supplies was
      evaluated by means of systematic inspections and subsequent qualitative sanitary
      risk assessment. Almost a quarter of all supplies investigated (24%, n = 18) was
      found positive for thermotolerant coliforms. Weather conditions had a significant
      impact on microbiological water quality, increasing both contamination incidence
      and gross contamination frequency. Over half of the supplies had nine or more
      sanitary hazards and most had rudimentary sanitary protection measures at the
      head of the borehole. These low sanitary protection measures suggest that
      boreholes can pose a significant hazard to valuable groundwater resources by
      providing direct contamination routes.

PMID- 22048434
TI  - National surveillance capacity of water-related diseases in the WHO European
      region.
AB  - Water-related diseases continue to cause a high burden of mortality and morbidity
      in the countries of the European Region. Parties to the Protocol on Water and
      Health are committed to the sustainable use of water resources, the provision of
      safe drinking water and adequate sanitation to all people of the European Region,
      and to the reduction of the burden of water-related diseases. A specialized Task
      Force is implementing a work plan aimed at strengthening the capacity for water
      related disease surveillance, outbreak detection and contingency planning.
      Parties to the Protocol are obliged to set targets, and report on progress on
      water-related disease surveillance. The present paper aims to provide a baseline
      assessment of national capacities for water-related disease surveillance on the
      basis of the replies to a questionnaire. This was prepared in English and Russian
      and administered to 53 countries, 15 of which replied. The results confirm the
      heterogeneity in surveillance systems, the weakness of many countries to
      adequately survey emerging water-related diseases, and the need for specific
      remedial action. The findings of the exercise will form the basis for future
      action under the Protocol on Water and Health.

PMID- 22048435
TI  - Increased information on waterborne outbreaks through efficient notification
      system enforces actions towards safe drinking water.
AB  - In 1997, a compulsory notification system for waterborne outbreaks was introduced
      in Finland. The main aim of this notification is to obtain immediate information
      on suspected waterborne outbreaks in order to restrict and manage the outbreak
      promptly. During the past ten years, there have been 67 waterborne outbreaks in
      Finland, mainly associated with small groundwater supplies or private wells. The
      number of reported waterborne outbreaks has increased since the launch of the
      notification system indicating that the threshold limit of outbreak detection has
      most probably decreased. The number of cases of illness has fulfilled the
      national health target, which is below 0.01% of the population, but more action
      is still needed to ensure the production of safe drinking water under all
      circumstances. Ten years accumulation of knowledge on outbreaks has revealed that
      a compulsory notification system is an effective tool to gather information on
      waterborne outbreaks. The system has also increased awareness of possible
      problems related to the quality of drinking water. This article summarises
      management and legislative actions and policy measures taken so far in Finland to
      reduce the number of outbreaks and cases of illness related to them.

PMID- 22048436
TI  - Water supply services for Africa's urban poor: the role of resale.
AB  - In sub-Saharan Africa only 35% of the urban population has access to a piped
      water connection on their premises. The majority of households obtain water from
      public standpipes or from neighbors who are connected to the municipal network.
      Water resale is often prohibited, however, because of concerns about
      affordability and risks to public health. Using data collected from 1,377
      households in Maputo, Mozambique, we compare the microbiological quality, as well
      as the time and money costs of water supply from individual house connections,
      public standpipes, and water obtained from neighbors. Households with their own
      water connections have better service across virtually all indicators measured,
      and express greater satisfaction with their service, as compared with those using
      other water sources. Households purchasing water from their neighbors pay lower
      time and money costs per liter of water, on average, as compared with those using
      standpipes. Resale competes favorably with standpipes along a number of service
      quality dimensions; however, after controlling for water supply characteristics,
      households purchasing water from neighbors are significantly less likely to be
      satisfied with their water service as compared with those using standpipes.

PMID- 22048437
TI  - Occurrence of Aeromonas spp. in a random sample of drinking water distribution
      systems in the USA.
AB  - Aeromonads are aquatic bacteria found in drinking water supplies worldwide. Some
      species, such as Aeromonas hydrophila, can cause disease in humans. For this
      survey, 293 United States public water systems were selected using random
      sampling, stratified by water source and system type. Water samples were
      collected during one year from three sites (six samples per site) in each system.
      Temperature, pH, turbidity, total and free chlorine were measured using standard
      methods. Aeromonads were detected in 130 of 5,042 valid samples (2.6%) from 42
      (14.3%) systems using the ampicillin-dextrin agar with vancomycin culture method
      with oxidase, trehalose and indole confirmation tests. Concentrations of
      aeromonads in positive samples were 0.2 to 880 (median 1.6) colony-forming units
      (CFU) per 100 mL. Adjusted odds ratios of Aeromonas detection were 1.6 (95%
      confidence limits 1.0, 2.5) during the summer season, 3.3 (1.8, 6.2) for
      turbidity above 0.5 nephelometric units and 9.1 (3.5, 24) at 0 mg/L compared with
      0.25 mg/L total chlorine. Geographic region, system size and type of water source
      were not significant predictors of Aeromonas detection in multivariate regression
      analysis. The results of this survey demonstrate the importance of maintaining
      adequate residual chlorine and low turbidity for preventing drinking water
      contamination with aeromonads.

PMID- 22048438
TI  - Virus contamination from operation and maintenance events in small drinking water
      distribution systems.
AB  - We tested the association of common events in drinking water distribution systems
      with contamination of household tap water with human enteric viruses. Viruses
      were enumerated by qPCR in the tap water of 14 municipal systems that use non
      disinfected groundwater. Ultraviolet disinfection was installed at all active
      wellheads to reduce virus contributions from groundwater to the distribution
      systems. As no residual disinfectant was added to the water, any increase in
      virus levels measured downstream at household taps would be indicative of
      distribution system intrusions. Utility operators reported events through written
      questionnaires. Virus outcome measures were related to distribution system events
      using binomial and gamma regression. Virus concentrations were elevated in the
      wells, reduced or eliminated by ultraviolet disinfection, and elevated again in
      distribution systems, showing that viruses were, indeed, directly entering the
      systems. Pipe installation was significantly associated with higher virus levels,
      whereas hydrant flushing was significantly associated with lower virus levels.
      Weak positive associations were observed for water tower maintenance, valve
      exercising, and cutting open a water main. Coliform bacteria detections from
      routine monitoring were not associated with viruses. Understanding when
      distribution systems are most vulnerable to virus contamination, and taking
      precautionary measures, will ensure delivery of safe drinking water.

PMID- 22048441
TI  - Direct correlation between regional systolic function and regional washout rate
      of 99mTc-sestamibi in patients with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Although a higher washout of 99mTc-sestamibi (MIBI) from the ischemic
      myocardium was reported, little is known about it in idiopathic, nonischemic
      dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Using a quantitative electrocardiographic-gated
      single-photon emission computed tomography strategy, regional myocardial function
      may be obtained in conjunction with regional tracer perfusion. The aim of this
      study was to investigate the significance of regional washout of MIBI compared
      with regional systolic function in patients with DCM. METHODS: Rest quantitative
      electrocardiographic-gated single-photon emission computed tomography was
      performed in 20 patients with DCM who had no significant coronary stenosis on
      coronary angiogram and in five normal volunteers. single-photon emission computed
      tomography imaging was observed at 30 min and 4 h after 740 MBq of MIBI
      injection, and the regional washout rate (WR) was calculated using a 20-segment
      model. RESULTS: The mean global ejection fraction was 28.2 +/- 12.4% and the mean
      end-diastolic volume was 177 +/- 78 ml. The myocardial segments were divided into
      three groups on the basis of the mean WR of normal volunteers: group A (n=164):
      WR >= 25.4% (=mean+SD); group B (n=138): 19.6% <= WR < 25.4%; group C (n=98):
      WR<19.6% (=mean-SD). The regional wall thickening of group A segments was
      significantly less than that of the other groups (11.6 +/- 0.7 vs. 14.0 +/- 0.9
      and 14.9 +/- 0.7%, respectively, P<0.05). The global left ventricular ejection
      fraction showed significant negative correlation to the extent of group A
      segments per patient (R=-0.65, P<0.005), indicating that higher washout was the
      result of decreased systolic function in DCM hearts. CONCLUSION: Regional higher
      WR of MIBI may indicate a significant marker for myocardial damage in
      asymptomatic to mildly symptomatic patients with DCM.

PMID- 22048440
TI  - Plasma leptin and neuropeptide Y concentrations in patients with rheumatoid
      arthritis treated with infliximab, a TNF-alpha antagonist.
AB  - TNF-alpha is one of the key proinflammatory cytokines in pathogenesis of
      rheumatoid arthritis (RA). TNF-alpha was also found to enhance synthesis of
      leptin. Leptin is mainly adipocyte-derived hormone controlling appetite and
      energy expenditure. It acts through inhibition of neuropeptide Y secretion. It is
      possible that TNF-alpha-induced leptin secretion contributes to body mass
      reduction in patients with RA. The study was designed to determine the influence
      of inactivation of the TNF-alpha with infliximab on plasma leptin and
      neuropeptide Y concentrations in patients with RA. Sixteen female patients with
      RA treated with infliximab and 16 healthy women were investigated. Plasma leptin
      and neuropeptide Y concentrations were determined before, during and after 1 year
      management of the patients with infliximab and were compared with body mass index
      and body fatty and lean mass. There was no difference in plasma leptin
      concentration between the rheumatoid patients before therapy and the controls
      (15.6 +/- 1.85 and 14.5 +/- 2.15 ng/ml, respectively). Neuropeptide Y
      concentration was higher in the patients than in the controls (54.5 +/- 3.96 and
      24.8 +/- 2.80 pmol/l, respectively). Treatment with infliximab resulted in
      enhancement in leptin concentration (18.5 +/- 2.34 ng/ml) and a slight increase
      in neuropeptide Y concentration (58.7 +/- 4.66 pmol/l). Physiological
      relationship between leptin and body mass was shown in the patients and was not
      altered during the treatment. There was no significant correlation between the
      disease activity and plasma leptin or neuropeptide Y concentrations.

PMID- 22048442
TI  - A randomised controlled pilot trial to evaluate and optimize the use of anti
      platelet agents in the perioperative management in patients undergoing general
      and abdominal surgery--the APAP trial (ISRCTN45810007).
AB  - PURPOSE: Surgeons are increasingly confronted by patients on long-term low-dose
      acetylsalicylic acid (ASA). However, owing to a lack of evidence-based data, a
      widely accepted consensus on the perioperative management of these patients in
      the setting of non-cardiac surgery has not yet been reached. Primary objective
      was to evaluate the safety of continuous versus discontinuous use of ASA in the
      perioperative period in elective general or abdominal surgery. METHODS: Fifty-two
      patients undergoing elective cholecystectomy, inguinal hernia repair or
      colonic/colorectal surgery were recruited to this pilot study. According to
      cardiological evaluation, non-high-risk patients who were on long-term treatment
      with low-dose ASA were eligible for inclusion. Patients were allocated randomly
      to continuous use of ASA or discontinuation of ASA intake for 5 days before until
      5 days after surgery. The primary outcome was the incidence of major haemorrhagic
      and thromboembolic complications within 30 days after surgery. RESULTS: A total
      of 26 patients were allocated to each study group. One patient (3.8%) in the ASA
      continuation group required re-operation due to post-operative haemorrhage. In
      neither study group, further bleeding complications occurred. No clinically
      apparent thromboembolic events were reported in the ASA continuation and the ASA
      discontinuation group. Furthermore, there were no significant differences between
      both study groups in the secondary endpoints. CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative intake
      of ASA does not seem to influence the incidence of severe bleeding in non-high
      risk patients undergoing elective general or abdominal surgery. Further,
      adequately powered trials are required to confirm the findings of this study.

PMID- 22048443
TI  - [The AVRO study].

PMID- 22048444
TI  - [Preparticipation electrocardiographic screening for the prevention of sudden
      death in sports medicine].
AB  - Both the American Heart Association and the European Society of Cardiology
      consensus panel recommendations agree that cardiovascular screening for young
      competitive athletes is justifiable and compelling on ethical, legal, and medical
      grounds. However, there is a considerable discordance in the consensus guidelines
      on the pre-participation screening protocols used among European and US
      cardiologists/sports medicine physicians, with and without 12-lead
      electrocardiogram (ECG). In 1982 a nationwide program of pre-participation
      screening including ECG was launched in Italy. The aim of this article is to
      examine whether this long-running screening program should be considered a valid
      and advisable public health strategy. The analysis of data coming from the
      Italian experience indicates that ECG screening has provided adequate sensitivity
      and specificity for detection of potentially lethal cardiomyopathy or arrhythmias
      and has led to substantial reduction of mortality of young competitive athletes
      by approximately 90%. Screening has been feasible thanks to the Italian Health
      System, which is developed in terms of healthcare and prevention services, and
      because of the limited costs of cardiovascular evaluation in the setting of a
      mass program. The available scientific evidence suggests to adopt a screening
      protocol including ECG, which is the only screening tool proved to be effective.
      This article will also address the available data and criticisms concerning the
      screening program to prevent sudden cardiac death of middle-aged/senior athletes
      engaged in leisure-time sports activity.

PMID- 22048445
TI  - [Management of hypercholesterolemia in children: needs and concerns].
AB  - In childhood, cholesterol values are closely related to the genetic heritage of
      the young patient. Among familial hypercholesterolemia, it is essential to
      identify the monogenic and multigenic forms. In monogenic forms, heterozygotes
      respond poorly or partially to changes in diet and lifestyle, making
      pharmacological therapy necessary; in homozygote patients plasmapheresis is
      required, and liver transplantation is the only intervention that can impact
      permanently on the development of cardiovascular lesions in adulthood.
      Conversely, multigenic forms or familial hypercholesterolemia secondary to other
      diseases respond to changes in diet and lifestyle as well as to pharmacological
      treatment. It remains unclear how early pharmacological intervention should be
      implemented. In particular, the presence in children of typical histological
      lesions of athero- sclerosis and their interaction with cardiovascular disease in
      adulthood justify a prompt, although cautious, intervention. In fact, cholesterol
      is necessary for normal development of the organism, provided that percentile
      values are in the normal range according to age and sex. Two methods of
      intervention are identified: a population strategy that should be implemented on
      a large scale for advice about diet and optimal level of physical activity; and
      an individual strategy, in which diet advice should be followed by
      pharmacological treatment. Pharmacological therapy may be administered even in
      children over the age of 8-10 years, if necessary. In younger patients,
      therapeutic interventions should be restricted to children with LDL cholesterol
      levels >500 mg/dl. Although statins have only been studied in populations
      affected by severe familial hypercholesterolemia in the short term, they seem to
      be the most effective agents in children owing to their efficacy and limited side
      effects.

PMID- 22048446
TI  - [Results and complications of permanent pacing in pediatric patients with
      congenital or acquired atrioventricular block].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Currently there is no evidence to prefer an endocardial or epicardial
      approach for pacing in pediatric patients. This analysis was aimed at defining
      the complications of pacemaker implantation in a pediatric population with
      atrioventricular block according to a strategy of choosing an epicardial system
      for patients <10 kg and an endocardial system for patients >10 kg. METHODS: This
      is a retrospective study performed on 27 patients, with and without congenital
      heart disease, implanted with a permanent pacemaker because of idiopathic or
      acquired atrioventricular block at our Pediatric Cardiology and Cardiac Surgery
      Unit of S. Orsola-Malpighi Hospital in Bologna (Italy) between 1981 and 2010.
      Patients were divided into two groups: 70% of the population (group A) was
      implanted with an epicardial system, 30% (group B) with an endocardial system.
      RESULTS: After a mean follow-up of 14 years (17 +/- 8 years for group A, 7 +/- 5
      years for group B), the most frequent complications were lead failure (44%) and
      infection (18%). Both were more common in the epicardial system group: lead
      failure rate 53% in group A vs 25% in group B (p=0.0001); infection rate 26% in
      group A vs 0% in group B (p=0.0001); rate of system revision or implantation of a
      new electrode 42% in group A vs 12% in group B (p=0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The
      present study demonstrates a high complication rate in patients undergoing an
      epicardial pacing system implantation. However, in patients <10 kg the epicardial
      system allows subclavian venous access protection for endocardial system
      implantation after somatic growth, avoiding high-risk procedures of system
      revision or lead extraction and subclavian vein occlusion in the long term.

PMID- 22048447
TI  - [Undesired left ventricular pacing].

PMID- 22048449
TI  - Dipolar origin of water etching of amino acid surfaces.
AB  - The etching induced by water on hydrophobic (001) surfaces of enantiomeric L-, D-
      and racemic DL-valine crystals has been characterized by means of atomic force
      microscopy (AFM) at ambient conditions. Well-defined chiral parallelepipedic
      shallow patterns, one bilayer deep, are observed for the enantiomeric crystals
      with sides (steps) oriented along low index crystallographic directions. Hence,
      chirality can be readily identified by visual inspection of an AFM image after
      etching. The formation of such regular patterns can be rationalized using basic
      concepts of electrical dipolar interactions. The key factor that determines the
      relative etching rate for each step and thus defines the shape of the etching
      patterns is the orientation of the molecular dipoles with respect to the step
      edge. The simplicity of the approach allows the prediction of the effect of water
      etching on other amino acid crystals as well as the effect of the interaction of
      water with amino acid molecules forming part of more complex structures.

PMID- 22048448
TI  - [Catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation: Health Technology Assessment Report
      from the Italian Association of Arrhythmology and Cardiac Pacing (AIAC)].
AB  - Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common sustained cardiac arrhythmia and
      significantly impact patients' quality of life, morbidity and mortality. The
      number of affected patients is expected to increase as well as the costs
      associated with AF management, mainly driven by hospitalizations. Over the last
      decade, catheter ablation techniques targeting pulmonary vein isolation have
      demonstrated to be effective in treating AF and preventing AF recurrence. This
      Health Technology Assessment report of the Italian Association of Arrhythmology
      and Cardiac Pacing (AIAC) aims to define the current role of catheter ablation of
      AF in terms of effectiveness, efficiency and appropriateness. On the basis of an
      extensive review of the available literature, this report provides (i) an
      overview of the epidemiology, clinical impact and socio-economic burden of AF;
      (ii) an evaluation of therapeutic options other than catheter ablation of AF; and
      (iii) a detailed presentation of clinical outcomes and cost-benefit ratio
      associated with catheter ablation. The costs of catheter ablation of AF in Italy
      were obtained using a bottom-up analysis of a resource utilization survey of 52
      hospitals that were considered a representative sample, including 4 Centers that
      contributed with additional unit cost information in a separate questionnaire. An
      analysis of budget impact was also performed to evaluate the impact of ablation
      on the management costs of AF. Results of this analysis show that (1) catheter
      ablation is effective, safe and superior to antiarrhythmic drug therapy in
      maintaining sinus rhythm; (2) the cost of an ablation procedure in Italy
      typically ranges from ?8868 to ?9455, though current reimbursement remains
      insufficient, covering only about 60% of the costs; (3) the costs of follow-up
      are modest (about 8% of total costs); (4) assuming an adjustment of reimbursement
      to the real cost of an ablation procedure and a 5-10% increase in the annual rate
      of ablation procedures, after approximately 5-6 years this would result in
      significant incremental savings for the Italian Healthcare System. In conclusion,
      catheter ablation of AF is a cost-effective procedure that is inadequately
      reimbursed in Italy. Insufficient reimbursement may serve as disincentive to
      perform AF ablation, thereby limiting patient access to this treatment.
      Considering the healthcare system perspective, higher initial costs for ablation
      procedures in the short term may be offset by cost savings mainly associated with
      decreased hospitalizations over time.

PMID- 22048450
TI  - [Nutrition following trauma].

PMID- 22048451
TI  - [Nutritional management of severely injured patients :  Treatment between
      guidelines and reality].
AB  - Severe trauma triggers endocrine and inflammatory responses, leading to
      hyperglycaemia, insulin resistance and protein catabolism. Pharmacological and
      nutritional interventions cannot counteract these metabolic disturbances.
      However, adequate supply of energy and proteins may reduce excessive
      catabolism.Available guidelines recommend early use of enteral nutrition with
      energetic supply of about 25 kcal/kg and additional protein supply of 1.5
      g/kg/day. These aims will be missed frequently by solely providing enteral
      nutrition in severely injured patients. Early supplemental parenteral nutrition
      should be used in these cases. Concomitantly, gastric paresis and paralytic ileus
      hampering enteral nutrition should be treated by propulsive and prokinetic drugs
      and by use of duodenal or jejunal site of application in selected cases.Euphoric
      hopes linked with intensified insulin therapy (IIT), targeting blood glucose
      levels <110 mg/dl in intensive care patients, had to be widely abandoned in
      recent years. The goal for blood glucose levels should be set at 180 mg/dl as the
      upper limit according to current knowledge, which promises to optimize the
      balance between efficacy and safety.

PMID- 22048452
TI  - TIM polymorphisms--genetics and function.
AB  - The transmembrane immunoglobulin and mucin domain (TIM) family was identified
      more than a decade ago. Although the founding member of the family was first
      described in a rat model of ischemia-reperfusion injury, much of the recent
      interest in the TIM family members has focused on their potential roles in
      immunity. There are now a large number of genetic studies that have investigated
      the possible association of various TIM1 and TIM3 polymorphisms with different
      diseases. Here, we review this body of literature, and highlight some of the most
      interesting studies.

PMID- 22048453
TI  - Variations in the heme oxygenase-1 microsatellite polymorphism are associated
      with plasma CD14 and viral load in HIV-infected African-Americans.
AB  - Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) is an anti-inflammatory enzyme that maintains homeostasis
      during cellular stress. Given previous findings that shorter length variants of a
      HO-1 promoter region GT(n) microsatellite polymorphism are associated with
      increased HO-1 expression in cell lines, we hypothesized that shorter variants
      would also be associated with increased levels of HO-1 expression, less
      inflammation and lower levels of inflammation-associated viral replication in
      human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected subjects. Healthy donors (n = 20)
      with shorter GT(n) repeats had higher HO-1 mRNA transcript in peripheral blood
      mononuclear cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (r = -0.38, P = 0.05). The
      presence of fewer GT(n) repeats in subjects with untreated HIV disease was
      associated with higher HO-1 mRNA levels in peripheral blood (r = -0.41, P =
      0.02); similar observations were made in CD14(+) monocytes from antiretroviral
      treated subjects (r = -0.36, P = 0.04). In African-Americans, but not Caucasians,
      greater GT(n) repeats were correlated with higher soluble CD14 levels during
      highly active antiretroviral therapy (r = 0.38, P = 0.007) as well as higher mean
      viral load off-therapy (r = 0.24, P = 0.04). These data demonstrate that the HO-1
      GT(n) microsatellite polymorphism is associated with higher levels of HO-1
      expression and that this pathway may have important effects on the association
      between inflammation and HIV replication.

PMID- 22048454
TI  - Molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation and functional plasticity of
      FOXP3(+) regulatory T cells.
AB  - CD4(+) CD25(+) regulatory T (Treg) cells engage in the maintenance of
      immunological self-tolerance and homeostasis by limiting aberrant or excessive
      inflammation. The transcription factor forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) is critical for
      the development and function of Treg cells. The differentiation of the Treg cell
      lineage is not terminal, as developmental and functional plasticity occur through
      the sensing of inflammatory signals in the periphery. Here, we review the recent
      progress in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the
      regulation and functional plasticity of CD4(+) CD25(+) FOXP3(+) Treg cells,
      through the perturbation of FOXP3 and its complex at a transcriptional,
      translational and post-translational level.

PMID- 22048455
TI  - A whole genome methylation analysis of systemic lupus erythematosus:
      hypomethylation of the IL10 and IL1R2 promoters is associated with disease
      activity.
AB  - The etiology of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) involves a complex interaction
      of genetic and environmental factors. Investigations have shown that
      environmentally driven epigenetic changes contribute to the etiology of SLE.
      Here, we hypothesize that aberrant DNA methylation may contribute to the
      activation of the immune machinery and trigger lupus disease activity. A whole
      genome methylation array was applied to investigate the DNA methylation changes
      between 12 pairs of active SLE patients and healthy controls. The results were
      further confirmed in 66 SLE patients, 102 healthy controls. The methylation
      statuses of the IL10 and IL1R2 genes were significantly reduced in the SLE
      patient samples relative to the healthy controls (age-adjusted odds ratios, 64.2
      and 16.9, respectively, P<0.0001). There was a trend toward SLE patients having
      hypomethylated IL10 and IL1R2 genes accompanied by greater disease activity. We
      observed that the methylation degree of IL10 and IL1R2 genes were reduced in the
      rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients as well but the hypomethylation change was
      more significant in IL1R2 genes than in the IL10 genes in RA patients. This study
      demonstrated that DNA hypomethylation might be associated with SLE.
      Hypomethylated IL10 and IL1R2 genes may provide potential epigenetic markers as
      clinical predictors for autoimmune diseases.

PMID- 22048456
TI  - Synovial expression of Th17-related and cancer-associated genes is regulated by
      the arthritis severity locus Cia10.
AB  - We have previously identified Cia10 as an arthritis severity and articular damage
      quantitative trait locus. In this study, we used Illumina RatRef-12 microarrays
      to analyze the expression of 21,922 genes in synovial tissues from arthritis
      susceptible DA and arthritis-protected DA.ACI(Cia10) congenics with pristane
      induced arthritis. 310 genes had significantly different expression. The genes
      upregulated in DA, and reciprocally downregulated in DA.ACI(Cia10) included IL
      11, Ccl12 and Cxcl10, as well as genes implicated in Th17 responses such as IL
      17A, IL-6, Ccr6, Cxcr3 and Stat4. Suppressors of immune responses Tgfb and Vdr,
      and inhibitors of oxidative stress were upregulated in congenics. There was an
      over-representation of genes implicated in cancer and cancer-related phenotypes
      such as tumor growth and invasion among the differentially expressed genes.
      Cancer-favoring genes like Ctsd, Ikbke, and Kras were expressed in increased
      levels in DA, whereas inhibitors of cancer phenotypes such as Timp2, Reck and
      Tgfbr3 were increased in DA.ACI(Cia10). These results suggest that Cia10 may
      control arthritis severity, synovial hyperplasia and joint damage via the
      regulation of the expression of cancer-related genes, inflammatory mediators and
      Th17-related markers. These new findings have the potential to generate new
      targets for therapies aimed at reducing arthritis severity and joint damage in
      rheumatoid arthritis.

PMID- 22048457
TI  - SnO2 nanorod arrays: low temperature growth, surface modification and field
      emission properties.
AB  - SnO(2) nanorod arrays have been deposited on 4 inch SiO(2)/Si and Si wafers and
      stainless steel substrates by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition without
      any high temperature treatment or additional catalysis. The SnO(2) nanorods grow
      up from seed nanocrystals along the [110] preferential direction by a self
      catalyzed vapor-solid growth mechanism. The surface of the SnO(2) nanorods was
      modified by ZnO, Pt and Ni nanocrystals. After surface modification, the field
      emission properties of the SnO(2) nanorod arrays are improved. The Ni nanocrystal
      with sharp tips and edges act as additional field emission sites to SnO(2)
      nanorods and thus the Ni/SnO(2)/SiO(2)/Si outperforms other samples due to the
      synergistic effects of good conductivity and hierarchical sharp apexes. The field
      enhancement factor of the Ni/SnO(2)/SiO(2)/Si increased around 3 times while the
      turn-on field of 8.0 V MUm(-1) is about one third of the SnO(2)/SiO(2)/Si device.

PMID- 22048458
TI  - Growth arrest and DNA-damage-inducible, beta (GADD45b)-mediated DNA demethylation
      in major psychosis.
AB  - Aberrant neocortical DNA methylation has been suggested to be a
      pathophysiological contributor to psychotic disorders. Recently, a growth arrest
      and DNA-damage-inducible, beta (GADD45b) protein-coordinated DNA demethylation
      pathway, utilizing cytidine deaminases and thymidine glycosylases, has been
      identified in the brain. We measured expression of several members of this
      pathway in parietal cortical samples from the Stanley Foundation Neuropathology
      Consortium (SFNC) cohort. We find an increase in GADD45b mRNA and protein in
      patients with psychosis. In immunohistochemistry experiments using samples from
      the Harvard Brain Tissue Resource Center, we report an increased number of
      GADD45b-stained cells in prefrontal cortical layers II, III, and V in psychotic
      patients. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor IX (BDNF IXabcd) was selected as a
      readout gene to determine the effects of GADD45b expression and promoter binding.
      We find that there is less GADD45b binding to the BDNF IXabcd promoter in
      psychotic subjects. Further, there is reduced BDNF IXabcd mRNA expression, and an
      increase in 5-methylcytosine and 5-hydroxymethylcytosine at its promoter. On the
      basis of these results, we conclude that GADD45b may be increased in psychosis
      compensatory to its inability to access gene promoter regions.

PMID- 22048459
TI  - Exogenous and endogenous cannabinoids suppress inhibitory neurotransmission in
      the human neocortex.
AB  - Activation of CB(1) receptors on axon terminals by exogenous cannabinoids (eg,
      Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol) and by endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids)
      released by postsynaptic neurons leads to presynaptic inhibition of
      neurotransmission. The aim of this study was to characterize the effect of
      cannabinoids on GABAergic synaptic transmission in the human neocortex. Brain
      slices were prepared from neocortical tissues surgically removed to eliminate
      epileptogenic foci. Spontaneous GABAergic inhibitory postsynaptic currents
      (sIPSCs) were recorded in putative pyramidal neurons using patch-clamp
      techniques. To enhance the activity of cannabinoid-sensitive presynaptic axons,
      muscarinic receptors were continuously stimulated by carbachol. The synthetic
      cannabinoid receptor agonist WIN55212-2 decreased the cumulative amplitude of
      sIPSCs. The CB(1) antagonist rimonabant prevented this effect, verifying the
      involvement of CB(1) receptors. WIN55212-2 decreased the frequency of miniature
      IPSCs (mIPSCs) recorded in the presence of tetrodotoxin, but did not change their
      amplitude, indicating that the neurotransmission was inhibited presynaptically.
      Depolarization of postsynaptic pyramidal neurons induced a suppression of sIPSCs.
      As rimonabant prevented this suppression, it is very likely that it was due to
      endocannabinods acting on CB(1) receptors. This is the first demonstration that
      an exogenous cannabinoid inhibits synaptic transmission in the human neocortex
      and that endocannabinoids released by postsynaptic neurons suppress synaptic
      transmission in the human brain. Interferences of cannabinoid agonists and
      antagonists with synaptic transmission in the cortex may explain the cognitive
      and memory deficits elicited by these drugs.

PMID- 22048460
TI  - Adjunctive varenicline treatment with antipsychotic medications for cognitive
      impairments in people with schizophrenia: a randomized double-blind placebo
      controlled trial.
AB  - The aim of this study is to examine the effects of treatment with varenicline, a
      partial agonist at the alpha4beta2 and full agonist at the alpha7 nicotine
      acetylcholine receptor, on cognitive impairments in people with schizophrenia. In
      all, 120 clinically stable people with schizophrenia participated in randomized,
      double-blind, placebo-controlled 8-week trial. Antipsychotic and concomitant
      medication doses remained fixed throughout the study. Varenicline was titrated up
      to 1 mg twice daily for weeks 2-8. Neuropsychological, clinical, and safety
      assessments were administered at baseline and weeks 1, 2, 4, and 8. In the
      primary analyses of neurocognitive differences at week 8, no varenicline-placebo
      differences were significant. In secondary longitudinal analyses, varenicline
      improved compared with placebo on the Digital Symbol Substitution Test (p=0.013)
      and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test non-perseverative errors (p=0.043). Some
      treatment effects were different between smokers and non-smokers. In smokers,
      Continuous Performance Test hit reaction time (p=0.008) and Stroop Interference
      (p=0.004) were reduced for varenicline compared with placebo, while there were no
      treatment differences in non-smokers. No significant treatment main effects or
      interactions were noted for total scores on the Positive and Negative Syndrome
      Scale or the Scale for the Assessment for Negative Symptoms. Our findings suggest
      beneficial effects of adjunctive varenicline treatment with antipsychotics for
      some cognitive impairments in people with schizophrenia. In some cases, effects
      of treatment varied between smokers and non-smokers. Further study is required to
      assess the functional significance of these changes.

PMID- 22048461
TI  - Effect of variation in diacylglycerol kinase eta (DGKH) gene on brain function in
      a cohort at familial risk of bipolar disorder.
AB  - Several lines of evidence indicate that the diacylglycerol kinase eta (DGKH) gene
      is implicated in the etiology of bipolar disorder (BD). However, the functional
      neural mechanisms of DGKH's risk association remain unknown. Therefore, we
      examined the effects of three haplotype-tagging risk variants in DGKH (single
      nucleotide polymorphisms rs9315885, rs1012053, and rs1170191) on brain activation
      using a verbal fluency functional magnetic resonance imaging task. The subject
      groups consisted of young individuals at high familial risk of BD (n=81) and a
      comparison group of healthy controls (n=75). Individuals were grouped based on
      risk haplotypes described in previous studies. There was a significant risk
      haplotype*group interaction in the left medial frontal gyrus (BA10, involving
      anterior cingulate BA32), left precuneus, and right parahippocampal gyrus. All
      regions demonstrated greater activation during the baseline condition than
      sentence completion. Individuals at high familial risk for BD homozygous for the
      DGKH risk haplotype demonstrated relatively greater activation (poor suppression)
      of these regions during the task vs the low-risk haplotype subjects. The reverse
      pattern was seen for the control subjects. These findings suggest that there are
      differential effects of the DGKH gene in healthy controls vs the bipolar high
      risk group, which manifests as a failure to disengage default-mode regions in
      those at familial risk carrying the risk haplotype.

PMID- 22048462
TI  - Mifepristone in the central nucleus of the amygdala reduces yohimbine stress
      induced reinstatement of ethanol-seeking.
AB  - Chronic ethanol exposure leads to dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary
      adrenal axis, leading to changes in glucocorticoid release and function that have
      been proposed to maintain pathological alcohol consumption and increase
      vulnerability to relapse during abstinence. The objective of this study was to
      determine whether mifepristone, a glucocorticoid receptor antagonist, plays a
      role in ethanol self-administration and reinstatement. Male, Long-Evans rats were
      trained to self-administer either ethanol or sucrose in daily 30 min operant self
      administration sessions using a fixed ratio 3 schedule of reinforcement.
      Following establishment of stable baseline responding, we examined the effects of
      mifepristone on maintained responding and yohimbine-induced increases in
      responding for ethanol and sucrose. Lever responding was extinguished in separate
      groups of rats and animals were tested for yohimbine-induced reinstatement and
      corticosterone release. We also investigated the effects of local mifepristone
      infusions into the central amygdala (CeA) on yohimbine-induced reinstatement of
      ethanol- and sucrose-seeking. In addition, we infused mifepristone into the
      basolateral amygdala (BLA) in ethanol-seeking animals as an anatomical control.
      We show that both systemic and intra-CeA (but not BLA) mifepristone
      administration suppressed yohimbine-induced reinstatement of ethanol-seeking,
      while only systemic injections attenuated sucrose-seeking. In contrast, baseline
      consumption, yohimbine-induced increases in responding, and circulating CORT
      levels were unaffected. The data indicate that the CeA plays an important role in
      the effects of mifepristone on yohimbine-induced reinstatement of ethanol
      seeking. Mifepristone may be a valuable pharmacotherapeutic strategy for
      preventing relapse to alcohol use disorders and, as it is FDA approved, may be a
      candidate for clinical trials in the near future.

PMID- 22048463
TI  - Abnormal activity of the MAPK- and cAMP-associated signaling pathways in frontal
      cortical areas in postmortem brain in schizophrenia.
AB  - Recent evidence suggests that schizophrenia may result from alterations of
      integration of signaling mediated by multiple neurotransmitter systems.
      Abnormalities of associated intracellular signaling pathways may contribute to
      the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Proteins and phospho-proteins comprising
      mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) and 3'-5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate
      (cAMP)-associated signaling pathways may be abnormally expressed in the anterior
      cingulate (ACC) and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in schizophrenia.
      Using western blot analysis we examined proteins of the MAPK- and cAMP-associated
      pathways in these two brain regions. Postmortem samples were used from a well
      characterized collection of elderly patients with schizophrenia (ACC=36,
      DLPFC=35) and a comparison (ACC=33, DLPFC=31) group. Near-infrared intensity of
      IR-dye labeled secondary antisera bound to targeted proteins of the MAPK- and
      cAMP-associated signaling pathways was measured using LiCor Odyssey imaging
      system. We found decreased expression of Rap2, JNK1, JNK2, PSD-95, and decreased
      phosphorylation of JNK1/2 at T183/Y185 and PSD-95 at S295 in the ACC in
      schizophrenia. In the DLPFC, we found increased expression of Rack1, Fyn, Cdk5,
      and increased phosphorylation of PSD-95 at S295 and NR2B at Y1336. MAPK- and cAMP
      associated molecules constitute ubiquitous intracellular signaling pathways that
      integrate extracellular stimuli, modify receptor expression and function, and
      regulate cell survival and neuroplasticity. These data suggest abnormal activity
      of the MAPK- and cAMP-associated pathways in frontal cortical areas in
      schizophrenia. These alterations may underlie the hypothesized hypoglutamatergic
      function in this illness. Together with previous findings, these data suggest
      that abnormalities of intracellular signaling pathways may contribute to the
      pathophysiology of schizophrenia.

PMID- 22048464
TI  - Modulation of fronto-cortical activity by modafinil: a functional imaging and fos
      study in the rat.
AB  - Modafinil (MOD) is a wake-promoting drug with pro-cognitive properties. Despite
      its increasing use, the neuronal substrates of MOD action remain elusive. In
      particular, animal studies have highlighted a putative role of diencephalic areas
      as primary neuronal substrate of MOD action, with inconsistent evidence of
      recruitment of fronto-cortical areas despite the established pro-cognitive
      effects of the drug. Moreover, most animal studies have employed doses of MOD of
      limited clinical relevance. We used pharmacological magnetic resonance imaging
      (phMRI) in the anesthetized rat to map the circuitry activated by a MOD dose
      producing clinically relevant plasma exposure, as here ascertained by
      pharmacokinetic measurements. We observed prominent and sustained activation of
      the prefrontal and cingulate cortex, together with weaker but significant
      activation of the somatosensory cortex, medial thalamic domains, hippocampus,
      ventral striatum and dorsal raphe. Correlation analysis of phMRI data highlighted
      enhanced connectivity within a neural network including dopamine projections from
      the ventral tegmental area to the nucleus accumbens. The pro-arousing effect of
      MOD was assessed using electroencephalographic recording under anesthetic
      conditions comparable to those used for phMRI, together with the corresponding
      Fos immunoreactivity distribution. MOD produced electroencephalogram
      desynchronization, resulting in reduced delta and increased theta frequency
      bands, and a pattern of Fos induction largely consistent with the phMRI study.
      Altogether, these findings show that clinically relevant MOD doses can robustly
      activate fronto-cortical areas involved in higher cognitive functions and a
      network of pro-arousing areas, which provide a plausible substrate for the wake
      promoting and pro-cognitive effects of the drug.

PMID- 22048466
TI  - Smoking cessation pharmacogenetics: analysis of varenicline and bupropion in
      placebo-controlled clinical trials.
AB  - Despite effective therapies for smoking cessation, most smokers find quitting
      difficult and most successful quitters relapse. Considerable evidence supports a
      genetic risk for nicotine dependence; however, less is known about the
      pharmacogenetics of smoking cessation. In the first pharmacogenetic investigation
      of the efficacy of varenicline and bupropion, we examined whether genes important
      in the pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of these drugs and nicotine predict
      medication efficacy and adverse events. Subjects participated in randomized,
      double-blind, placebo-controlled smoking cessation clinical trials, comparing
      varenicline, a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) partial agonist, with
      bupropion, a norepinephrine/dopamine reuptake inhibitor, and placebo. Primary
      analysis included 1175 smokers of European ancestry, and 785 single nucleotide
      polymorphisms from 24 genes, representing 254 linkage disequilibrium (LD) bins
      (genes included nAChR subunits, additional varenicline-specific genes, and genes
      involved in nicotine or bupropion metabolism). For varenicline, continuous
      abstinence (weeks 9-12) was associated with multiple nAChR subunit genes
      (including CHRNB2, CHRNA5, and CHRNA4) (OR=1.76; 95% CI: 1.23-2.52) (p<0.005);
      for bupropion, abstinence was associated with CYP2B6 (OR=1.78; 95% CI: 1.27-2.50)
      (p<0.001). Incidence of nausea was associated with several nAChR subunit genes
      (OR=0.50; 95% CI: 0.36-0.70) (p<0.0001) and time to relapse after quitting was
      associated with HTR3B (HR=1.97; 95% CI: 1.45-2.68) (p<0.0001). These data provide
      evidence for multiple genetic loci contributing to smoking cessation and
      therapeutic response. Different loci are associated with varenicline vs bupropion
      response, suggesting that additional research may identify clinically useful
      markers to guide treatment decisions.

PMID- 22048467
TI  - Regional cortical thickness and subcortical volume changes are associated with
      cognitive impairments in the drug-naive patients with late-onset depression.
AB  - Previous studies have shown an association between late-onset depression (LOD)
      and cognitive impairment in older adults. However, the neural correlates of this
      relationship are not yet clear. The aim of this study was to investigate the
      differences in both cortical thickness and subcortical volumes between drug-naive
      LOD patients and healthy controls and explore the relationship between LOD and
      cognitive impairments. A total of 48 elderly, drug-naive patients with LOD and 47
      group-matched healthy control subjects underwent 3T MRI scanning, and the
      cortical thickness was compared between the groups in multiple locations, across
      the continuous cortical surface. The subcortical volumes were also compared on a
      structure-by-structure basis. Subjects with LOD exhibited significantly decreased
      cortical thickness in the rostral anterior cingulate cortex, the medial
      orbitofrontal cortex, dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, the superior and middle
      temporal cortex, and the posterior cingulate cortex when compared with healthy
      subjects (all p<0.05, false discovery rate corrected). Reduced volumes of the
      right hippocampus was also observed in LOD patients when compared with healthy
      controls (p<0.001). There were significant correlations between memory functions
      and cortical thickness of medial temporal, isthmus cingulate, and precuneus
      (p<0.001). This study was the first study to explore the relationships between
      the cortical thickness/subcortical volumes and cognitive impairments of drug
      naive patients with LOD. These structural changes might explain the
      neurobiological mechanism of LOD as a risk factor of dementia.

PMID- 22048465
TI  - Cognitive training for impaired neural systems in neuropsychiatric illness.
AB  - Neuropsychiatric illnesses are associated with dysfunction in distributed
      prefrontal neural systems that underlie perception, cognition, social
      interactions, emotion regulation, and motivation. The high degree of learning
      dependent plasticity in these networks-combined with the availability of advanced
      computerized technology-suggests that we should be able to engineer very specific
      training programs that drive meaningful and enduring improvements in impaired
      neural systems relevant to neuropsychiatric illness. However, cognitive training
      approaches for mental and addictive disorders must take into account possible
      inherent limitations in the underlying brain 'learning machinery' due to
      pathophysiology, must grapple with the presence of complex overlearned
      maladaptive patterns of neural functioning, and must find a way to ally with
      developmental and psychosocial factors that influence response to illness and to
      treatment. In this review, we briefly examine the current state of knowledge from
      studies of cognitive remediation in psychiatry and we highlight open questions.
      We then present a systems neuroscience rationale for successful cognitive
      training for neuropsychiatric illnesses, one that emphasizes the distributed
      nature of neural assemblies that support cognitive and affective processing, as
      well as their plasticity. It is based on the notion that, during successful
      learning, the brain represents the relevant perceptual and cognitive/affective
      inputs and action outputs with disproportionately larger and more coordinated
      populations of neurons that are distributed (and that are interacting) across
      multiple levels of processing and throughout multiple brain regions. This
      approach allows us to address limitations found in earlier research and to
      introduce important principles for the design and evaluation of the next
      generation of cognitive training for impaired neural systems. We summarize work
      to date using such neuroscience-informed methods and indicate some of the
      exciting future directions of this field.

PMID- 22048469
TI  - Hypoxia inducible factor-1alpha contributes to UV radiation-induced inflammation,
      epidermal hyperplasia and immunosuppression in mice.
AB  - Hypoxia inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha), a ubiquitous inducible oxygen
      sensing transcription factor, promotes cell survival under hypoxic conditions,
      including the early pre-angiogenic period of tumorigenesis, and is known to
      contribute to many malignancies. However HIF-1alpha can also be activated by
      inflammatory mediators, and can activate inflammation-modulating proteins itself,
      including heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and the cytokine IL-6. Recently HIF-1alpha was
      reported to be induced by UVB (290-320 nm) radiation in cultured human
      keratinocytes, acting as a stress protein associated with the release of reactive
      oxygen species. In this in vivo murine study we demonstrate that HIF-1alpha
      protein is an early responder to UV radiation in the skin, and its activation can
      be attenuated by treating mice with its post-translational inhibitor, YC-1.
      Treatment with YC-1 following UV-irradiation of mice has revealed the involvement
      of HIF-1alpha in UV-induced inflammation, IL-6 production, and epidermal
      hyperplasia. In addition, upregulated cutaneous HIF-1alpha was found to be an
      important factor in the UV-suppression of T cell-mediated immunity, measured by
      contact hypersensitivity (CHS). The mechanism remains unclear, however it did not
      appear to involve the immunosuppressive cutaneous photoproduct cis-urocanic acid,
      but HIF-1alpha induction was inhibited by irradiation with photoimmune protective
      UVA (320-400 nm), implicating a negative correlation between the two stress
      proteins, HIF-1alpha and the photoimmune protective UVA responder HO-1.

PMID- 22048468
TI  - Conditioned response evoked by nicotine conditioned stimulus preferentially
      induces c-Fos expression in medial regions of caudate-putamen.
AB  - Nicotine has both unconditioned and conditioned stimulus properties. Conditioned
      stimulus properties of nicotine may contribute to the tenacity of nicotine
      addiction. The purpose of this experiment was to use neurohistochemical analysis
      of rapidly developing c-Fos protein to elucidate neurobiological loci involved in
      the processing of nicotine as an interoceptive conditioned stimulus (CS). Rats
      were injected (SC) in an intermixed fashion with saline or nicotine (16 sessions
      of each) and placed in conditioning chambers where they were given one of the
      three conditions depending on group assignment: (a) nicotine paired 100% of the
      time with intermittent access to sucrose (nicotine-CS condition), (b) nicotine
      and saline each paired 50% of the time with sucrose (chamber-CS condition), or
      (c) no sucrose US control (CS-alone condition). Rats in the nicotine-CS condition
      acquired the discrimination as evidenced by goal-tracking (ie, increased dipper
      entries before initial sucrose delivery) only on nicotine sessions. The chamber
      CS condition showed goal-tracking on all sessions; no goal-tracking was seen in
      the CS-alone condition. On the test day, rats in each condition were challenged
      with saline or nicotine and later assessed for c-Fos immunoreactivity. In
      concordance with previous reports, nicotine induced c-Fos expression in the
      majority of areas tested; however, learning-dependent expression was specific to
      dorsomedial and ventromedial regions of caudate-putamen (dmCPu, vmCPu). Only rats
      in the nicotine-CS condition, when challenged with nicotine, had higher c-Fos
      expression in the dmCPu and vmCPu. These results suggest that medial areas of CPu
      involved in excitatory conditioning with an appetitive nicotine CS.

PMID- 22048470
TI  - A soluble hybrid material combining carbon nanohorns and C60.
AB  - A soluble hybrid nanomaterial that combines fullerenes and carbon nanohorns
      (CNHs) has been prepared and fully characterized. Electrochemical investigations
      revealed that the CNHs modify the electron accepting ability of C(60) in the
      hybrid material.

PMID- 22048471
TI  - beta-Fe2O3 nanomaterials from an iron(II) diketonate-diamine complex: a study
      from molecular precursor to growth process.
AB  - Iron oxide is a key multi-functional material in many different fields of modern
      technology. The beta-Fe(2)O(3) cubic phase, one of the least studied Fe-O
      systems, was obtained by Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) using for the first time
      a Fe(II) beta-diketonate diamine complex, Fe(hfa)(2).TMEDA, as the molecular
      source (hfa = 1,1,1,5,5,5-hexafluoro-2,4-pentanedionate; TMEDA = N,N,N',N'
      tetramethylethylenediamine). The strong visible light absorption of beta
      Fe(2)O(3) deposits highlights their possible functional application in
      photocatalytic hydrogen production under solar light. A comprehensive
      investigation on the Fe(ii) complex, performed by a joint experimental
      theoretical approach, explains the molecular origin of its excellent thermal
      behaviour and reveals why this species is a successful precursor for the CVD of
      iron oxide nanostructures.

PMID- 22048472
TI  - 2011 Founders Award. Ralph H. Thomas.

PMID- 22048473
TI  - 2011 Distinguished Public Service Award. Genevieve Roessler.

PMID- 22048474
TI  - 2011 Elda E. Anderson Award. Sarah J. Roberts.

PMID- 22048475
TI  - 2011 H. Wade Patterson Memorial Award. Santosh Bhatt.

PMID- 22048476
TI  - 2011 Lutz Moritz Memorial Award. Jeremy Rogers.

PMID- 22048477
TI  - 2011 Geoffrey G. Eichholz Outstanding Science Teacher Award. Richard Cole.

PMID- 22048479
TI  - 2011 Health Physics Society Student Science Awards. Emily Beisett, Victoria
      Barnes, Tabitha Clifford, Gautam Kanumuru.

PMID- 22048481
TI  - 2011 Health Physics Society Honor Roll. Thomas M. Gerusky.

PMID- 22048482
TI  - 2011 Health Physics Honor Roll. Jim Johnson.

PMID- 22048483
TI  - 2011 American Academic of Health Physics National Service Award. Kyle R.
      Kleinhans.

PMID- 22048484
TI  - 2011 William A. McAdams Outstanding Service Award. Jerry W. Hiatt.

PMID- 22048485
TI  - Reliability of a new biokinetic model of zirconium in internal dosimetry: part I,
      parameter uncertainty analysis.
AB  - The reliability of biokinetic models is essential in internal dose assessments
      and radiation risk analysis for the public, occupational workers, and patients
      exposed to radionuclides. In this paper, a method for assessing the reliability
      of biokinetic models by means of uncertainty and sensitivity analysis was
      developed. The paper is divided into two parts. In the first part of the study
      published here, the uncertainty sources of the model parameters for zirconium
      (Zr), developed by the International Commission on Radiological Protection
      (ICRP), were identified and analyzed. Furthermore, the uncertainty of the
      biokinetic experimental measurement performed at the Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen
      German Research Center for Environmental Health (HMGU) for developing a new
      biokinetic model of Zr was analyzed according to the Guide to the Expression of
      Uncertainty in Measurement, published by the International Organization for
      Standardization. The confidence interval and distribution of model parameters of
      the ICRP and HMGU Zr biokinetic models were evaluated. As a result of computer
      biokinetic modelings, the mean, standard uncertainty, and confidence interval of
      model prediction calculated based on the model parameter uncertainty were
      presented and compared to the plasma clearance and urinary excretion measured
      after intravenous administration. It was shown that for the most important
      compartment, the plasma, the uncertainty evaluated for the HMGU model was much
      smaller than that for the ICRP model; that phenomenon was observed for other
      organs and tissues as well. The uncertainty of the integral of the radioactivity
      of Zr up to 50 y calculated by the HMGU model after ingestion by adult members of
      the public was shown to be smaller by a factor of two than that of the ICRP
      model. It was also shown that the distribution type of the model parameter
      strongly influences the model prediction, and the correlation of the model input
      parameters affects the model prediction to a certain extent depending on the
      strength of the correlation. In the case of model prediction, the qualitative
      comparison of the model predictions with the measured plasma and urinary data
      showed the HMGU model to be more reliable than the ICRP model; quantitatively,
      the uncertainty model prediction by the HMGU systemic biokinetic model is smaller
      than that of the ICRP model. The uncertainty information on the model parameters
      analyzed in this study was used in the second part of the paper regarding a
      sensitivity analysis of the Zr biokinetic models.

PMID- 22048486
TI  - Reliability of a new biokinetic model of zirconium in internal dosimetry: part
      II, parameter sensitivity analysis.
AB  - The reliability of biokinetic models is essential for the assessment of internal
      doses and a radiation risk analysis for the public and occupational workers
      exposed to radionuclides. In the present study, a method for assessing the
      reliability of biokinetic models by means of uncertainty and sensitivity analysis
      was developed. In the first part of the paper, the parameter uncertainty was
      analyzed for two biokinetic models of zirconium (Zr); one was reported by the
      International Commission on Radiological Protection (ICRP), and one was developed
      at the Helmholtz Zentrum Munchen-German Research Center for Environmental Health
      (HMGU). In the second part of the paper, the parameter uncertainties and
      distributions of the Zr biokinetic models evaluated in Part I are used as the
      model inputs for identifying the most influential parameters in the models.
      Furthermore, the most influential model parameter on the integral of the
      radioactivity of Zr over 50 y in source organs after ingestion was identified.
      The results of the systemic HMGU Zr model showed that over the first 10 d, the
      parameters of transfer rates between blood and other soft tissues have the
      largest influence on the content of Zr in the blood and the daily urinary
      excretion; however, after day 1,000, the transfer rate from bone to blood becomes
      dominant. For the retention in bone, the transfer rate from blood to bone
      surfaces has the most influence out to the endpoint of the simulation; the
      transfer rate from blood to the upper larger intestine contributes a lot in the
      later days; i.e., after day 300. The alimentary tract absorption factor (fA)
      influences mostly the integral of radioactivity of Zr in most source organs after
      ingestion.

PMID- 22048487
TI  - Comparison of methods of estimation of lifetime cancer risk due to chronic
      exposure to transuranics.
AB  - The cancer risk due to chronic transuranic intakes is properly calculated using
      an integration over multiple years of intake of the annual effective dose rates
      arising each year following an intake multiplied by age-dependent risk functions
      for the year during which the dose is actually received. Approximate computations
      of risk involving sums of the products of committed effective dose and the age
      dependent risk functions for each year of intake indicate the appropriateness of
      the committed effective dose as a surrogate quantity for risk when applied to
      different circumstances. The assumptions that all dose is received at the time of
      intake with committed effective dose and that risk is uniform over a range of
      ages both lead to a misuse of the available age-dependent risk functions and thus
      contribute to a divergence from the true risk associated with an intake over
      multiple years. Comparison of the correctly integrated risk functions with the
      approximations gives insights into how the current committed effective dose
      models used for regulatory purposes are not necessarily indicative of the risk
      for chronic intakes of radionuclides with long biological and radiological half
      lives. A summary and comparison of such computations for transuranic intakes was
      prepared for the ingestion of water and the inhalation of different particle
      sizes by both males and females. Risk results for committed effective dose
      consistently overestimated risks by approximately 100% for all transuranics for
      ingestion models and approximately 75% for all transuranics for Type M inhalation
      models considering age-dependent risk models. For constant risk as a function of
      age, the committed effective dose integration underestimated the actual risk
      situation by nearly 60% for ingestion and 50% for Type M inhalation during the
      first 20 y.

PMID- 22048488
TI  - Radiation background in a LaBr3(Ce) gamma-ray scintillation detector.
AB  - Gamma-ray spectral analyses with a 5-cm * 5-cm LaBr3(Ce) detector and a NaI(Tl)
      detector of the same size show that the LaBr3(Ce) has much better gamma-ray peak
      resolution and full-energy peak counting efficiency but worse detection
      sensitivity. The LaBr3(Ce) detector has relatively high intrinsic radiation
      background due to the naturally occurring La radioisotope in lanthanum. Although
      this La background is entirely below the energy of 1,500 keV, additional
      background is in the energy region between 1,500 keV and 2,750 keV. The
      manufacturer attributes this radiation to alpha particles emitted by the five
      short-lived progeny of an Ac impurity. Comparative values for peak resolution,
      full-energy peak counting efficiency, and detection sensitivity are reported for
      Am, Co, and Cs. Results of counting Cs sources at two activity levels demonstrate
      the impact of background on detection sensitivity.

PMID- 22048489
TI  - Historical development and evolution of EPRI's post-closure dose assessment of
      potential releases to the biosphere from the proposed HLW repository at Yucca
      Mountain.
AB  - This paper describes the development and evolution of the Electric Power Research
      Institute's (EPRI) post-closure dose assessment for potential releases of
      radionuclides from the proposed High Level Waste repository at Yucca Mountain.
      The starting point for this work was the 1995 publication of Technical Bases for
      Yucca Mountain Standards by the Commission on Geosciences, Environment and
      Resources of the National Research Council. This report proposed the development
      and application of an individual risk-based standard for releases from the
      repository to replace the existing one, which was based on radionuclide release
      limits. This in turn implied the development and application of methods to assess
      radiation doses to humans. Accordingly, EPRI produced a methodology for such dose
      assessment as part of its Total System Performance Assessment program for the
      proposed Yucca Mountain repository site. The methodology initially addressed
      releases via groundwater and then releases associated with extrusive igneous
      events. The methodology was updated and applied over the following years to take
      account of regulatory developments, changes in estimates of the source term to
      the biosphere, peer review through international model comparison exercises, new
      site generic data, and new data concerning conditions at the point of compliance
      in Amargosa Valley. The main outputs were Biosphere Dose Conversion Factors,
      which relate radionuclide levels in environmental media to the annual individual
      doses to a member of a hypothetical critical group and to the regulator-defined
      Reasonably Maximally Exposed Individual. Most recently, consideration has been
      given to uncertainty in the dose estimates based on a probabilistic analysis. The
      paper provides a perspective on the evolution of the dose assessments in response
      to the developments listed above.

PMID- 22048490
TI  - An improved model for prediction of resuspension.
AB  - A complete, historical dataset is presented of radionuclide resuspension-factors.
      These data span six orders of magnitude in time (ranging from 0.1 to 73,000 d),
      encompass more than 300 individual values, and combine observations from events
      on three continents. These data were then used to derive improved, empirical
      models that can be used to predict resuspension of trace materials after their
      deposit on the ground. Data-fitting techniques were used to derive models of
      various types and an estimate of uncertainty in model prediction. Two models were
      found to be suitable: a power law and the modified Anspaugh et al. model, which
      is a double exponential. Though statistically the power-law model provides the
      best metrics of fit, the modified Anspaugh model is deemed the more appropriate
      due to its better fit to data at early times and its ease of implementation in
      terms of closed analytical integrals.

PMID- 22048491
TI  - Mg ATP and antioxidants augment the radioprotective effect of surfactant
      copolymers.
AB  - Mediated by reactive oxygen species, the damaging effects of high-intensity
      ionizing irradiation on tissues are dose, frequency, oxygen concentration, and
      tissue property dependent. Intense ionizing irradiation exposure may cause rapid
      cellular necrosis by peroxidation of membrane lipids leading to membrane
      disruption. This leads to a loss of the transmembrane ionic gradients and a
      subsequent depletion of the cellular ATP store, followed by cellular generation
      of reactive oxygen species. When membrane disruption is extensive, acute cellular
      necrosis follows. Triblock copolymer surfactants, such as Poloxamer 188 (P188),
      are able to seal damaged rhabdomyocyte membranes, increasing post-irradiation
      viability. Separated rat rhabdomyocytes were exposed to 40 Gy (Co 1.5 Gy min)
      irradiation and treated at 20 min intervals with combination permutations of
      P188, N-acetylcysteine (NAC), and Mg-ATP. Cell viability at 18 and 48 h was
      determined using Calcein-AM and Ethidium Homodimer-1 staining. At 18 h after
      irradiation, the combined administration of P188, ATP, and NAC restored cell
      viability rates to near sham-exposed levels of 60%. At 48 h post-irradiation,
      cell viability dropped substantially to the 7-20% range, regardless of attempted
      intervention. Nevertheless, the combination of P188, ATP, and NAC more than
      doubled cell viability at the 48-h time point. Neither 8 kDa polyethylene glycol
      nor 10 kDa neutral dextran was as effective in enhancing cell viability. These
      results indicate that antioxidants and cellular energy substrates improve the
      efficacy of membrane-sealing copolymer surfactants in prolonging cellular
      viability following massive radiation exposure.

PMID- 22048492
TI  - Exposure to high-frequency electromagnetic fields (100 kHz-2 GHz) in Extremadura
      (Spain).
AB  - The last decade has seen a rapid increase in people's exposure to electromagnetic
      fields. This paper reports the measurements of radiofrequency (RF) total power
      densities and power density spectra in 35 towns of the region of Extremadura,
      Spain. The spectra were taken with three antennas covering frequencies from 100
      kHz to 2.2 GHz. This frequency range includes AM/FM radio broadcasting,
      television, and cellular telephone signals. The power density data and
      transmitting antenna locations were stored in a geographic information system
      (GIS) as an aid in analyzing and interpreting the results. The results showed the
      power density levels to be below the reference level guidelines for human
      exposure and that the power densities are different for different frequency
      ranges and different size categories of towns.

PMID- 22048493
TI  - A novel phantom model for mouse tumor dose assessment under MV beams.
AB  - In order to determine a mouse's dose accurately and prior to engaging in live
      mouse radiobiological research, a tissue-equivalent tumor-bearing phantom mouse
      was constructed and bored to accommodate detectors. Comparisons were made among
      four different types of radiation detectors, each inserted into the mouse phantom
      for radiation measurement under a 6 MV linear accelerator beam. Dose detection
      response from a diode, thermoluminescent dosimeters, and metal-oxide
      semiconductor field-effect transistors were used and compared to that of a
      reference pinpoint ionization chamber. A computerized treatment planning system
      was also directly compared to the chamber. Each detector system demonstrated
      results similar to the dose computed by the treatment planning system, although
      some differences were noted. The average disagreement from an accelerator
      calibrated output dose prescription in the range of 200-400 cGy was -0.4% +/- 0.5
      sigma for the diode, -2.4% +/- 2.6 sigma for the TLD, -2.9% +/- 5.0 sigma for the
      MOSFET, and +1.3% +/- 1.4 sigma for the treatment planning system. This phantom
      mouse design is unique, simple, reproducible, and therefore recommended as a
      standard approach to dosimetry for radiobiological mouse studies by means of any
      of the detectors used in this study. The authors fully advocate for treatment
      planning modeling when possible prior to linac-based dose delivery.

PMID- 22048494
TI  - Validity of thyroid cancer incidence data following the Chernobyl accident.
AB  - The only clearly demonstrated cancer incidence increase that can be attributed to
      radiation from the Chernobyl accident is thyroid carcinoma in patients exposed
      during childhood or adolescence. Significant increases in thyroid disease were
      observed as soon as 4 y after the accident. The solid/follicular subtype of
      papillary carcinoma predominated in the early period after the accident.
      Morphological diagnosis of cancer in such cases, if no infiltrative growth is
      clearly visible, depends mainly on the nuclear criteria. Outdated equipment and
      insufficient quality of histological specimens impeded reliable evaluation of the
      nuclear criteria. Access to foreign professional literature has always been
      limited in the former Soviet Union. The great number of advanced tumors observed
      shortly after the accident can be explained by the screening effect (detection of
      previously neglected cancers) and by the fact that many patients were brought
      from non-contaminated areas and registered as Chernobyl victims. It is also worth
      noting that exaggeration of the Chernobyl cancer statistics facilitated the
      writing of dissertations, financing of research, and assistance from outside the
      former Soviet Union. "Chernobyl hysteria" impeded nuclear energy production in
      some countries, thus contributing to higher prices for fossil fuel. The
      concluding point is that since post-Chernobyl cancers tend on average to be in a
      later stage of tumor progression, some published data on molecular or
      immunohistochemical characteristics of Chernobyl-related cancers require
      reevaluation.

PMID- 22048498
TI  - Food advertisements: to ban or not to ban?

PMID- 22048499
TI  - Antenatal screening for Toxoplasma gondii infection at a tertiary care hospital
      in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Congenital toxoplasmosis is associated with
      significant morbidity and mortality. This study investigates the prevalence of
      toxoplasmosis among pregnant women. DESIGN AND SETTING: A retrospective study at
      King Khalid University Hospital, Riyadh from September 2009 to August 2010.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: 0 Laboratory data of 2176 pregnant women screened for
      Toxoplasma gondii in the antenatal care unit were assessed during the study
      period. The mean (SD) age of the women and the duration of pregnancy were 25
      (7.3) years and 18 (7.7) weeks, respectively. Data were extracted for the
      presence or absence of anti-T gondii immunoglobulin G (IgG) and IgM antibodies.
      RESULTS: Of 2176 sera tested, 1351 (62%) did not show any evidence of exposure to
      T gondii. The remaining 825 (38%) samples tested positive for anti-T gondii IgG
      antibodies, and none was found to have anti-T gondii IgM antibodies in the serum.
      These data reveal that a significantly high number of women in the antenatal care
      unit at King Khalid University Hospital in Riyadh had been exposed to T gondii.
      CONCLUSION: A high prevalence of toxoplasmosis among pregnant women warrants
      multicenter community-based investigations for assessment of T gondii infection
      and identification of risk factors for transmission of toxoplasmosis in general,
      and particularly during pregnancy.

PMID- 22048500
TI  - Assessment of hepatitis B immunization status after antineoplastic therapy in
      children with cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Hepatitis B is a disease that is preventable with
      vaccination. Antibody levels after vaccination may be affected by suppression of
      the immune system due to cancer therapy. Children with cancer have a high risk of
      hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. We aimed to assess the pretreatment
      immunization status against HBV infection and the rate of continuity of
      immunization after therapy in children with cancer. DESIGN AND SETTING:
      Retrospective case review of patients treated from 2004 to 2008. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: We reviewed the medical records of patients treated in the departments
      of pediatric hematology and oncology and collected data on immunization history
      and hepatitis B serology. Anti-HBs antibody titers were compared before and after
      treatment. RESULTS: This study included 159 (99 males, 60 females) children who
      had a serologic examination. Antineoplastic therapy had been given for acute
      leukemia (n=66), non-Hodgkin lymphoma (n=27), Hodgkin lymphoma (n=20), and solid
      tumors (n=46). Fifty-one patients had not been immunized against HBV prior to the
      therapy; HBV serology was negative in 49 of these patients and HBsAg was positive
      in 2 patients. Anti-HBs antibody positivity was present in 99 of 108 patients
      with an immunization history, whereas no vaccination response was present in 9
      patients. The titer of anti-HBs antibody was decreased below the protection level
      in 33 (33%) patients with positive anti-HBs antibody, whereas the protection
      level was found to be maintained in 66 (67%) patients. The most significant
      decrease (63.6%) was observed in leukemia patients. Posttreatment HBsAg and HBV
      DNA positivity was detected in two of the patients with negative pretreatment
      serology, whereas no HBV infection developed in the group with positive anti-HBs
      antibody. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated the importance of routine
      childhood vaccination in reducing the risk of HBV infection in patients with
      cancer.

PMID- 22048501
TI  - Success rate and neonatal morbidities associated with early extubation in
      extremely low birth weight infants.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Mechanical ventilation improves survival of preterm
      infants with respiratory failure. The aim of this study was to determine the
      success rate and short-term neonatal morbidities of early extubation in extremely
      low birth weight (ELBW) infants in a tertiary care neonatal intensive care unit
      (NICU). DESIGN AND SETTING: Retrospective cohort study of ELBW infants admitted
      to a tertiary. neonatal intensive care referral unit from January 1 st to
      December 31 st , 2005. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The primary outcome was the success
      rate of early extubation in ELBW infants who were intubated at delivery,
      extubated in the first 48 hours of life, and did not require reintubation within
      72 hours following extubation. RESULTS: Thirty of the 95 eligible infants were
      extubated early; of these 30 infants, 24 (80%) had a successful extubation.
      Infants extubated early had a higher mean birth weight (855 vs 745 g; P<.0001)
      and gestational age (27.3 vs 25.6 weeks; P<.0001). ELBW infants who were
      extubated early had lower rates of death (relative risk [RR], 0.05; 95% CI, (0.0,
      0.79); P=.003), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) (RR, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.08, 0.70;
      P=.008), and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) (RR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.60, 0.98; P=.03)
      compared with those who remained ventilated beyond the first 48 hours of life.
      CONCLUSION: The rate of successful early extubation in our unit exceeded the sole
      previously reported rate. Successful early extubation was associated with lower
      rates of death, IVH, and PDA in ELBW infants.

PMID- 22048502
TI  - Short-term outcome of very low-birth-weight infants in a tertiary care hospital
      in Saudi Arabia.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Published data on short-term outcomes of very low birth
      weight infants from Saudi Arabia are limited. In the present study, our objective
      was to describe and analyze the outcomes of very low birth weight infants
      admitted to our neonatal intensive care unit and to compare the results with data
      published by the National Institute of Child Health and Development. DESIGN AND
      SETTING: This study was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data
      from a single tertiary care center over a three years period. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: Biodemographic data and data regarding multiple outcome measures were
      analyzed for infants with birth weight of 1500 g or less. Data were obtained from
      our neonatal intensive care unit database. RESULTS: Our results included a total
      of 186 infants with birth weights of 1500 g or less. Of these infants, 154
      (82.8%) survived to discharge. Seventy-six (40.9%) were male, and mean (SD)
      gestational age (GA) was 29 (2.9) weeks with a range of 21 weeks, 6 days to 36
      weeks, 2 days. Mean (SD) birth weight was 1062 (302) g with a range of 420 to
      1495 g. Fifty-seven (30.6%) infants were characterized as small for gestational
      age. Antenatal steroids were given to 74.2% of mothers. Eighty-five percent of
      infants were born by cesarean section. The rate of bronchopulmonary dysplasia was
      17.7%, patent ductus arteriosus 31.2%, intraventricular hemorrhage 12.9%,
      periventricular leukomalacia 3.8%, necrotizing enterocolitis 7.5%, retinopathy of
      prematurity 28.3%, and late-onset sepsis was 21.9%. CONCLUSION: In this
      population of very low birth weight infants, survival rates and complications of
      prematurity were comparable to international data.

PMID- 22048503
TI  - beta2-adrenergic receptor gene polymorphisms in normal and asthmatic individuals
      in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Several polymorphisms of the beta2-adrenergic receptor
      (beta2-AR) gene have been identified, including the amino acid substitution from
      arginine (Arg) to glycine (Gly) at codon 16 and from glutamine (Gln) to glutamic
      acid (Glu) at codon 27. These substitutions affect receptor function and show
      significantly more agonist-promoted receptor down-regulation than cells
      expressing the Arg 16/Gln 27 variants. Although the ethnic dependency of this
      polymorphism has been described in other populations, no studies investigating
      its relationship to asthma have been conducted in the Saudi population .
      Therefore, our main objective was to determine the prevalence of these two
      mutations among patients with asthma in the Eastern Province and in matched
      healthy controls. DESIGN AND SETTING: A case-control study conducted at a
      university hospital among Saudi patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Blood samples
      were collected from 73 asthmatic patients and from 85 controls, and the beta2-AR
      gene polymorphisms at codon 16 and codon 27 were assessed by restriction fragment
      length polymorphism. RESULTS: Although a significant difference was observed in
      genotype frequencies at codon 16 (Arg/Gly) between the asthmatic and normal
      control subjects (P<.05), no statistically significant difference was observed in
      allele frequencies between the two groups. In addition, no statistically
      significant differences were observed in genotype and allele frequencies at codon
      27 (Gln/Glu) between the normal (control) and asthmatic groups (beta2=0.75,
      P>.68). Using the THESIAS statistical program, no significant association of any
      haplotype with asthma was found. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings indicate a poor
      association of individual single-nucleotide polymorphisms with asthma. However,
      further study is required to ascertain the interactions of different haplotypes
      and the response of patients with different haplotypes to various treatments.

PMID- 22048504
TI  - Home caregivers' satisfaction with the services provided by Riyadh Military
      Hospital's home support program.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The satisfaction of the family is essential to the
      success of home care support services. This study aimed to assess home
      caregivers' satisfaction with support services and to identify potential factors
      affecting their satisfaction. DESIGN AND SETTINGS: The study was conducted in the
      Family and Community Medicine Department at Riyadh Military Hospital using cross
      sectional design over a period of six months. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Two hundred
      forty participants were recruited by systematic random sampling from the division
      registry. Data were collected through telephone calls using a designed structured
      interview form. All research ethics principles were followed. RESULTS: The
      response rate was 76.25%. Most caregivers were patients' sons or daughters. The
      duration of patients' disabling illnesses varied from less than 1 year to up to
      40 years. The majority of caregivers agreed that a home care services team
      provided the proper healthcare-related support to the patients and improved
      caregivers' self-confidence in caring for their patients. Overall, on a scale of
      100%, the median level of satisfaction was 90%, and 73.2% of caregivers had a
      satisfaction score of 75% or higher. Increased age, female gender, and more
      frequent home visits were positive independent factors associated with
      caregivers' satisfaction scores. CONCLUSION: Although most caregivers are
      satisfied with the services provided by a home care support program, there are
      still areas of deficiency, particularly in physiotherapy, vocational therapy, and
      social services. The implications are that caregivers need to be educated and
      trained in caring for their patients and need to gain self-confidence in their
      skills. The program's administration should improve physiotherapy, vocational
      therapy, social services, and procedures for hospital referral.

PMID- 22048505
TI  - The effect of uterine blood supply cutoff during myomectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Myomectomy is considered a highly morbid procedure due
      to the risk of high intraoperative blood loss. Meticulous surgical techniques can
      reduce operative morbidity. Our aim was to evaluate and compare the
      intraoperative blood loss between two surgical techniques: 1) the uterine
      vascular cutoff technique and 2) the classical technique. DESIGN AND SETTING:
      Retrospective chart review conducted between 1 July 2008 until 30 June 2010 in a
      tertiary care referral center to compare surgical outcomes of two groups.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: The sample included 136 patients: 30 patients had their
      surgeries performed with the uterine vascular cutoff technique, and the remainder
      (106 patients) had myomectomies performed with the classical technique. The
      uterine vascular cutoff technique was performed by the same surgeon for all 30
      patients, whereas myomectomy with the classical technique was performed by
      several gynecologists. RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the
      two groups in parity and operation time; however, patients in the first group had
      a statistically significant higher mean age (39.1 [7.6] vs 35.8 [6.9] years;
      P=.025) and, on average, bigger fibroid size by gestational week (20.1 [7.3] vs
      17 [5.2] weeks; P=.0094), with standard deviation shown in parentheses. There was
      a statistically significant lesser drop in hemoglobin concentration among
      patients in the first group (1.23 [1.2] vs 2.25 [1.4] g/dL; P=.0003), and the
      postoperative hemoglobin was significantly higher in the first group (10.5 [1.6]
      vs 9.7 [1.7] g/dL; P=.036). The hospital stay was shorter for patients in the
      first group (5.8 [1.7] vs 7.1 [2.9] days; P=.031). CONCLUSION: The vascular
      cutoff technique leads to less intraoperative blood loss without increasing the
      operative time, patients tolerate this technique very well, and the technique is
      associated with shorter hospital stay, all of which could contribute to less
      postoperative morbidity.

PMID- 22048506
TI  - Influence of vitamin D levels on bone mineral density and osteoporosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The effects of vitamin D on bone mass remain to be
      understood. This study was conducted with the objective of evaluating the
      influence of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) levels on bone mineral density (BMD)
      among Saudi nationals. DESIGN AND SETTING: Cross-sectional study carried out at
      university hospital from 1 February 2008 to 31 May 2008. SUBJECTS AND METHODS:
      Healthy Saudi men and women in the peak bone mass (PBM) age group and those aged
      >= 50 years were recruited from the outpatient department of King Fahd University
      Hospital, Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia, between February 1, 2008, and May 31, 2008.
      Patient age and sex were documented, and body mass index was calculated.
      Hematological, biochemical, and serum 25OHD tests were performed. BMD was
      determined by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry of the upper femur and lumbar
      spine. Patients were divided into three groups, based on their 25OHD level.
      RESULTS: Data from 400 patients were analyzed. Among individuals with a normal
      25OHD level, 50% of women and 7% of men in the PBM age group and 26.4% of women
      and 49.2% of men aged >= 50 years had low bone mass. In patients with 25OHD
      insufficiency, 84.2% of women and 88.9% of men in the PBM age group and 83.3% of
      women and 80% of men aged >= 50 years had low bone mass. Results for patients
      with 25OHD deficiency revealed that none of the men and women in the PBM age
      group or >= 50 years old had normal BMD. Significant positive correlations
      between 25OHD level and BMD and significant negative correlations with
      parathyroid hormone were shown in most of the groups. CONCLUSIONS: This study
      showed that the vitamin D level significantly influences BMD reading among Saudi
      individuals. Evaluation and treatment of hypovitaminosis D should be considered
      during management of low bone mass.

PMID- 22048507
TI  - Can the duration of vomiting predict postoperative outcomes in hypertrophic
      pyloric stenosis?
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Hypertrophic pyloric stenosis (HPS) is a common cause
      of gastric outlet obstruction (GOO) in infants. Prolonged GOO is believed to
      result in acid and electrolyte disturbances, gastric atony, and delayed
      postoperative recovery. We studied the impact of prolonged vomiting as an
      indicator of GOO symptoms on the post-operative outcomes in HPS. DESIGN AND
      SETTING: A retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent pyloromyotomy
      at a tertiary care center between February 1997 and February 2009. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: The duration of pre-operative vomiting was correlated with presenting
      electrolytes and acid-base balances, postoperative time to full feed,
      postoperative morbidity and duration of hospitalization. RESULTS: Forty-seven
      patients were identified. At presentation, the median (range) for duration of
      symptoms was 14 (3-60) days, and surgeries were performed at 2 (0-6) days after
      admission. Apart from one case of postoperative wound infection, all patients had
      an unremarkable recovery. The unusually prolonged duration of vomiting in our
      cohort did not correlate with the mean (SD) preoperative chloride level of 93.9
      (8.8) mEq/L, mean (SD) pH level of 7.5 (0.9), mean postoperative time to full
      feeding of 31 (15.1) hours, or mean duration of hospitalization of 5.1 (2.2)
      days. CONCLUSION: Duration of vomiting in HPS at presentation does not seem to
      have a significant impact on the postoperative outcomes.

PMID- 22048509
TI  - Prevalence of depressive disorders in the elderly.
AB  - Community-based mental health studies have revealed that the point prevalence of
      depressive disorders in the elderly population of the world varies between 10%
      and 20%, depending on cultural situations. A retrospective study based on
      analysis of various study reports was conducted, to determine the median
      prevalence rates of depressive disorders in the elderly population of India and
      various other countries in the world. All the studies that constituted the sample
      were conducted between 1955 and 2005. Included are only community-based, cross
      sectional surveys and some prospective studies that had not excluded depression
      at baseline. These studies were conducted on a homogenous community of the
      elderly population in the world, who were selected by a simple random sampling
      technique. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria on published and
      indexed articles, 74 original research studies that surveyed a total of 487,275
      elderly individuals, in the age group of 60 years and above, residing in various
      parts of the world, were included for the final analysis. The median prevalence
      rate and its corresponding interquartile range were calculated. The chi-square
      test and chi-square for linear trend were applied. A P value of <.05 was
      considered as statistically significant. The median prevalence rate of depressive
      disorders in the world for the elderly population was determined to be 10.3%
      (interquartile range [IQR], 4.7%-16.0%). The median prevalence rate of depression
      among the elderly Indian population was determined to be 21.9% (IQR, 11.6%
      31.1%). Although there was a significant decrease in the trend of world
      prevalence of geriatric depression, it was significantly higher among Indians, in
      recent years, than the rest of the world.

PMID- 22048508
TI  - Knowledge and practices of, and attitudes towards, the use of hair dyes among
      females visiting a teaching hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Use of hair dye is extremely common worldwide.
      However, our literature search failed to find studies concerning the knowledge
      and attitudes of the public with regard to hair dyes. We sought to explore the
      knowledge and practices of, and attitudes towards, the use of hair dye among
      females. DESIGN AND SETTING: A cross-sectional survey conducted on females who
      attended various outpatient clinics at King Khalid University Hospital in Riyadh,
      Saudi Arabia, a tertiary referral hospital open to the general public. PATIENTS
      AND METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire about the use of hair dyes was
      distributed randomly among females attending the outpatient clinics at a
      university hospital in 2008. RESULTS: The response rate was 87.2%, with
      completion of 567 of the 650 distributed questionnaires. The mean (SD) age of
      respondents was 32.0 (10.2) years. Among respondents, 82.6% (464/562) had at some
      point dyed their hair. Furthermore, 69.3% (334/482) had dyed their hair in the
      past 12 months. The mean (SD) age of the participants when they first dyed their
      hair was 22.2 (7.1) years (range, 7-50). Of the participants, 76.8% (354/461)
      used permanent dyes, and about the same percentage of participants believed such
      dyes were the safest hair dye type. However, 52.4% (278/531) of the participants
      believed that hair dyes are harmful, and 36% (191/531) believed that hair dyes
      could cause cancer. Younger females tend to dye their hair less frequently
      (P<.001), whereas those with less education tend to dye their hair more
      frequently (P=.013). CONCLUSION: Use of hair dye is very common among females.
      Because the practice starts at a very young age, we conclude that hair dyes are
      overused and misused. The public should be informed about the risks associated
      with excessive hair dye use.

PMID- 22048510
TI  - Myocardial perfusion scintigraphy: techniques, interpretation, indications and
      reporting.
AB  - Myocardial perfusion single photon emission-computed tomography (MPS) has been
      one of the most important and common non-invasive diagnostic cardiac test. Gated
      MPS provides simultaneous assessment of myocardial perfusion and function with
      only one study. With appropriate attention to the MPS techniques, appropriate
      clinical utilization and effective reporting, gated MPS will remain a useful
      diagnostic test for many years to come. The aim of this article is to review the
      basic techniques of MPS, a simplified systematic approach for study
      interpretation, current clinical indications and reporting. After reading this
      article the reader should develop an understanding of the techniques,
      interpretation, current clinical indications and reporting of MPS studies.

PMID- 22048511
TI  - Preventing child abuse and neglect in Saudi Arabia: are we ready?
AB  - Although child abuse and neglect (CAN) have been recognized by medical
      professionals for the last 20 years, child protection services and child
      maltreatment prevention programs are still emerging in Saudi Arabia. This paper
      will review the progress made in the country in terms of recognition and
      implementation of child protection services. Furthermore, it will draw attention
      to the essential steps required to start child maltreatment prevention programs,
      as CAN prevention is currently viewed as a global healthcare priority with an
      emphasis on evidence-based interventions. In addition, this paper will assess
      Saudi Arabia's readiness to prevent CAN and the challenges that will be faced by
      the professionals in implementing evidence-based CAN prevention programs.

PMID- 22048512
TI  - Right hepatic arterial pseudoaneurysm with hemobilia following minilaparotomy
      cholecystectomy: a rare complication.
AB  - Hepatic arterial pseudoaneurysm with hemobilia occurs less frequently as a
      complication of minilaparotomy cholecystectomy than laparoscopic cholecystectomy;
      however, given its severe nature, it needs to be managed promptly. This report
      presents a case of right hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm with hemobilia in a 36
      year-old woman who underwent minilaparotomy cholecystectomy 5 weeks earlier.
      Angiography with embolization was carried out as definitive treatment.

PMID- 22048513
TI  - Three cases of macrofollicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma.
AB  - The macrofollicular variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (MFPTC) is a well
      established entity with characteristic large follicles containing pale colloid
      and lined by cells with nuclear features of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). In
      this study, we present three cases of MFPTC, along with a brief review of the
      literature. For all three of our cases, the histology of the resected specimen
      showed predominantly macrofollicular structures lined by cells with nuclear
      characteristics of PTC. Immunohistochemically, the three cases show positivity
      for galactin-3, cytokeratin-19, and HBME-1. These cases will help us in
      understanding the distinction from other benign and malignant follicular lesions
      of the thyroid, which is of utmost importance. The key to diagnosis is a high
      power examination of any macrofollicular lesion of the thyroid.

PMID- 22048514
TI  - Percutaneous coronary intervention in two patients with a solitary coronary
      artery from the right coronary sinus of Valsalva.
AB  - Two patients with a common coronary artery arising from the right sinus of
      Valsalva, who underwent coronary angiography and percutaneous coronary
      intervention following an acute coronary syndrome, are presented. The anatomic
      description based on previously published classification schemes is described.
      The clinical implications of this rare coronary anomaly and interventional
      considerations are addressed.

PMID- 22048515
TI  - Cerebral venous thrombosis associated with homozygous factor V Leiden mutation in
      a 15-year-old girl of Tunisian origin.
AB  - Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) is a rare disease. It has numerous and complex
      etiologies. Inherited or acquired prothrombotic states play a key role in the
      development of this disease, such as factor V G1691A mutation (FV Leiden). A 15
      year-old girl presented to the Department of Neurology with a complaint of severe
      headache with visual blurring. The diagnosis of CVT was not initially suspected
      because of the patient's condition on presentation. An MRI showed thrombosis in
      the superior sagittal sinus, confirming venous stroke. Anticardiolipin and
      antiphospholipid antibodies were assessed. In addition, inherited prothrombotic
      defects, such as protein C, protein S, and antithrombin deficiencies, and genetic
      mutations for FV Leiden, prothrombin gene G20210A (FII G20210A), and
      methyltetrahydrofolate reductase C677T (MTHFR C677T) were studied. All results
      were unremarkable except for the unique homozygous FV Leiden mutation, which
      likely contributed to this prothrombotic situation. This study highlights the
      fact that FV Leiden may play a significant role in the onset of CVT in young
      patients.

PMID- 22048516
TI  - Single-port laparoscopic splenectomy for idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.
AB  - Laparoscopic splenectomy has been performed with an average of 4 trocars since
      the early 1990s, and it has become the gold standard for elective splenectomy.
      Recently, single-port laparoscopic (SPL) surgery has emerged as an alternative to
      multiport laparoscopy, but SPL splenectomy in a patient with idiopathic
      thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) has not been reported to date in Saudi Arabia or
      the region. A case report of SPL splenectomy in a patient with ITP is briefly
      described along with the surgical technique needed for such a procedure. The
      patient was an otherwise healthy 24-year-old female woman with medically
      refractory ITP and a platelet count of 2200. A standard splenectomy was performed
      using a SPL technique. The patient did well intraoperatively and postoperatively,
      was happy with her incision, and was discharged home with no complications 3 days
      after the procedure. In conclusion, SPL splenectomy is feasible in select
      patients and may provide a less painful, cosmetically better alternative.

PMID- 22048517
TI  - Reply to comment on Ahmad et al. Ann Saudi Med 2011;31:24-8.

PMID- 22048518
TI  - Recurrent abdominal pain and bloody ascites.

PMID- 22048519
TI  - RE: Six-year outcome of the national premarital screening and genetic counseling
      program for sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia in Saudi Arabia.

PMID- 22048520
TI  - Comment on "Predictive value of the cow's milk skin prick test in infantile
      colic".

PMID- 22048521
TI  - A 52-year-old man with no known history of hand trauma presenting to the clinic
      with a pulsatile mass in his right palm.

PMID- 22048522
TI  - Prediction of in vivo hepatic clearance and half-life of drug candidates in human
      using chimeric mice with humanized liver.
AB  - Accurate prediction of pharmacokinetics (PK) parameters in humans from animal
      data is difficult for various reasons, including species differences. However,
      chimeric mice with humanized liver (PXB mice; urokinase-type plasminogen
      activator/severe combined immunodeficiency mice repopulated with approximately
      80% human hepatocytes) have been developed. The expression levels and metabolic
      activities of cytochrome P450 (P450) and non-P450 enzymes in the livers of PXB
      mice are similar to those in humans. In this study, we examined the
      predictability for human PK parameters from data obtained in PXB mice.
      Elimination of selected drugs involves multiple metabolic pathways mediated not
      only by P450 but also by non-P450 enzymes, such as UDP-glucuronosyltransferase,
      sulfotransferase, and aldehyde oxidase in liver. Direct comparison between in
      vitro intrinsic clearance (CL(int,in vitro)) in PXB mice hepatocytes and in vivo
      intrinsic clearance (CL(int,in vivo)) in humans, calculated based on a well
      stirred model, showed a moderate correlation (r2 = 0.475, p = 0.009). However,
      when CL(int,in vivo) values in humans and PXB mice were compared similarly, there
      was a good correlation (r2 = 0.754, p = 1.174 * 10-4). Elimination half-life
      (t(1/2)) after intravenous administration also showed a good correlation (r2 =
      0.886, p = 1.506 * 10-4) between humans and PXB mice. The rank order of CL and
      t(1/2) in human could be predicted at least, although it may not be possible to
      predict absolute values due to rather large prediction errors. Our results
      indicate that in vitro and in vivo experiments with PXB mice should be useful at
      least for semiquantitative prediction of the PK characteristics of candidate
      drugs in humans.

PMID- 22048523
TI  - Simultaneous structural variation discovery among multiple paired-end sequenced
      genomes.
AB  - With the increasing popularity of whole-genome shotgun sequencing (WGSS) via high
      throughput sequencing technologies, it is becoming highly desirable to perform
      comparative studies involving multiple individuals (from a specific population,
      race, or a group sharing a particular phenotype). The conventional approach for a
      comparative genome variation study involves two key steps: (1) each paired-end
      high-throughput sequenced genome is compared with a reference genome and its
      (structural) differences are identified; (2) the lists of structural variants in
      each genome are compared against each other. In this study we propose to move
      away from this two-step approach to a novel one in which all genomes are compared
      with the reference genome simultaneously for obtaining much higher accuracy in
      structural variation detection. For this purpose, we introduce the maximum
      parsimony-based simultaneous structural variation discovery problem for a set of
      high-throughput sequenced genomes and provide efficient algorithms to solve it.
      We compare the proposed framework with the conventional framework, on the genomes
      of the Yoruban mother-father-child trio, as well as the CEU trio of European
      ancestry (both sequenced by Illumina platforms). We observed that the
      conventional framework predicts an unexpectedly high number of de novo variations
      in the child in comparison to the parents and misses some of the known
      variations. Our proposed framework, on the other hand, not only significantly
      reduces the number of incorrectly predicted de novo variations but also predicts
      more of the known (true) variations.

PMID- 22048524
TI  - Early life-stage toxicity of eight pharmaceuticals to the fathead minnow,
      Pimephales promelas.
AB  - Human pharmaceuticals are routinely being detected in the environment, and there
      is growing concern about whether these drugs could elicit effects on aquatic
      organisms. Regulatory paradigms have shifted accordingly, with a greater emphasis
      on chronic toxicity data compared with acute data. The Organisation for Economic
      Co-operation and Development 210 Early Life Stage Test has been proposed as a
      good measure of the potential for pharmaceuticals to elicit chronic toxicity. To
      begin building a data set regarding the early life-stage toxicity of
      pharmaceuticals to fish, fathead minnows (FHM) were exposed to amiodarone,
      carbamazepine, clozapine, dexamethasone, fenofibrate, ibuprofen, norethindrone,
      or verapamil. Survival and growth were used to assess chronic toxicity in FHM at
      28 days posthatch. Exposure of FHM to carbamazepine, fenofibrate, and ibuprofen
      resulted in no significant adverse effects at the concentrations tested. FHM
      survival was not impacted by verapamil exposure; however, growth was
      significantly decreased at 600 MUg/L. Dexamethasone-exposed FHM showed a
      significant decrease in survival at a concentration of 577 MUg/L; however, growth
      was not impacted at the concentration tested. Norethindrone exposure resulted in
      a significant decrease in survival and dry weight at 14.8 and 0.74 MUg/L,
      respectively. Exposure to amiodarone and clozapine resulted in a significant
      decrease in survival and a significant increase in growth at concentrations of
      1020 and 30.8 MUg/L, respectively. Although the effect levels derived in this
      study are greater then concentrations observed in the environment, these data
      suggest that synthetic progestins may require additional research.

PMID- 22048525
TI  - Epidermolysis bullosa in a newborn.

PMID- 22048526
TI  - Calculation and experimental verification of the RBE-weighted dose for scanned
      ion beams in the presence of target motion.
AB  - We present an algorithm suitable for the calculation of the RBE-weighted dose for
      moving targets with a scanned particle beam. For verification of the algorithm,
      we conducted a series of cell survival measurements that were compared to the
      calculations. Calculation of the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) with
      respect to tumor motion was included in the treatment planning procedure, in
      order to fully assess its impact on treatment delivery with a scanned ion beam.
      We implemented an algorithm into our treatment planning software TRiP4D which
      allows determination of the RBE including its dependence on target tissue,
      absorbed dose, energy and particle spectra in the presence of organ motion. The
      calculations are based on time resolved computed tomography (4D-CT) and the
      corresponding deformation maps. The principal of the algorithm is illustrated in
      in silico simulations that provide a detailed view of the different compositions
      of the energy and particle spectra at different target positions and their
      consequence on the resulting RBE. The calculations were experimentally verified
      with several cell survival measurements using a dynamic phantom and a scanned
      carbon ion beam. The basic functionality of the new dose calculation algorithm
      has been successfully tested in in silico simulations. The algorithm has been
      verified by comparing its predictions to cell survival measurements. Four
      experiments showed in total a mean difference (standard deviation) of -1.7%
      (6.3%) relative to the target dose of 9 Gy (RBE). The treatment planning software
      TRiP is now capable to calculate the patient relevant RBE-weighted dose in the
      presence of target motion and was verified against cell survival measurements.

PMID- 22048528
TI  - Globalization of Ayurveda: New horizons!

PMID- 22048527
TI  - High manoeuvring costs force narrow-winged molossid bats to forage in open space.
AB  - Molossid bats are specialised aerial-hawkers that, like their diurnal ecological
      counterparts, swallows and swifts, hunt for insects in open spaces. The long and
      narrow wings of molossids are considered energetically adapted to fast flight
      between resource patches, but less suited for manoeuvring in more confined
      spaces, such as between tree-tops or in forest gaps. To understand whether a
      potential increase in metabolic costs of manoeuvring excludes molossids from
      foraging in more confined spaces, we measured energy costs and speed of
      manoeuvring flight in two tropical molossids, 18 g Molossus currentium and 23 g
      Molossus sinaloae, when flying in a ~500 m(3) hexagonal enclosure (~120 m(2)
      area), which is of similar dimensions as typical forest gaps. Flight metabolism
      averaged 10.21 +/- 3.00 and 11.32 +/- 3.54 ml CO(2) min(-1), and flight speeds
      5.65 +/- 0.47 and 6.27 +/- 0.68 m s(-1) for M. currentium and M. sinaloae
      respectively. Metabolic rate during flight was higher for the M. currentium than
      for the similar-sized, but broader-winged frugivore Carollia sowelli,
      corroborating that broad-winged bats are better adapted to flying in confined
      spaces. These higher metabolic costs of manoeuvring flight may be caused by
      having to fly slower than the optimal foraging speed, and by the additional
      metabolic costs for centripetal acceleration in curves. This may preclude
      molossids from foraging efficiently between canopy trees or in forest gaps. The
      surprisingly brief burst of foraging activity at dusk of many molossids might be
      related to the cooling of the air column after sunset, which drives airborne
      insects to lower strata. Accordingly, foraging activity of molossids may quickly
      turn unprofitable when the abundance of insects decreases above the canopy.

PMID- 22048529
TI  - Historical development of basic concepts of Ayurveda from Veda up to Samhita.

PMID- 22048530
TI  - Effect of Triphaladi Avaleha as an adjuvant therapy in the management of
      Thalassemia.
AB  - Thalassemia is the most common inherited single-gene (autosomal recessive)
      disorder in the world. Scientists worldwide predict that thalassemia will become
      a considerable health issue in the next century. It is a new disease entity for
      Ayurvedic medicine, and hence, it is called Anukta Vyadhi in Ayurveda; but we can
      understand it by careful scrutiny of the clinical presentation and the
      investigation results described in the available literature. Modern medical
      management is aimed at maintaining the hemoglobin level at 10 - 12 g/dl. A post
      transfusion hemoglobin level of 9.5 g/dl is said to be sufficient to maintain
      active life. Thus, blood transfusion therapy is the only treatment, but it can
      result in hemosiderosis (iron overload), a complication with a fatal outcome. The
      transfusional iron overload is compounded by increased intestinal absorption of
      iron. The most important factors associated with survival, and also those
      deciding the outcome of bone marrow transplant (the only curative therapy) are,
      age at which chelation therapy is introduced and the success with which serum
      ferritin is maintained below 2500 ng/ml. Iron chelators used in modern medicine
      to achieve this goal are expensive and associated with side effects, and hence,
      associated with poor adherence to the treatment. The present study is an endeavor
      to explore the efficacy of Triphaladi Avaleha as an iron chelator in the
      management of thalassemia, in comparison to a control group managed by routine
      modern therapy.

PMID- 22048531
TI  - A comparative study of Kaishora Guggulu and Amrita Guggulu in the management of
      Utthana Vatarakta.
AB  - Vatarakta is the major example of Vata vyadhi, caused due to avarana pathology.
      The scenario of Utthana Vatarakta occurred owing to the margavarana pathology,
      which can very well be correlated with atherosclerotic peripheral arterial
      disease. The literature enlists a number of Guggulu prayogas in the management of
      Vatarakta. An additional cavernous revise was indispensable to bring out the
      precise outcome of these products. Keeping these visions in mind, the particular
      comparative study was performed with Kaishora guggulu and Amrita guggulu, which
      are explained in the same context. This is a single-blind comparative clinical
      study with a pre-test and post-test design, wherein a minimum of 30 patients of
      either sex, suffering from Utthana Vatarakta, in an age limit of 16 to 70 years,
      were selected and randomly categorized into two groups. The 15 patients of group
      A were treated with oral administration of Tab Kaishora guggulu 1 g thrice a day
      and the group B patients with Tab Amrita guggulu of the same dose pattern with
      anupana of lukewarm water. The therapeutic effect of the treatment was assessed
      in both the groups based on specific subjective and objective parameters. The
      results obtained were analyzed statistically in both the groups and the
      comparative effect was assessed using the unpaired "t" -test. In the present
      study, 80% of the patients from both the groups had madhumeha (Diabetes
      mellitus), shonita mada (Hypertension) or both. Fifty percent of the patients in
      group A and nearly 60% of the patients in group B, suffering from Utthana
      Vatarakta, had the habit of smoking.In both the groups, a statistically
      significant improvement was observed in all the criteria of assessment. The
      outcome of the study revealed an identical therapeutic efficacy of Kaishora
      guggulu and Amrita guggulu in Utthana Vatarakta. The use of Kaishora guggulu or
      Amrita guggulu as shamana Aushadhas was a perfect selection in the management of
      rakta margavaranajanya Utthana Vatarakta.

PMID- 22048533
TI  - Effect of Kumari Taila Uttar Basti on fallopian tube blockage.
AB  - The present study was carried out to evaluate the role of Uttar Basti in tubal
      blockage, in order to establish it as a safer and cost-effective Ayurvedic
      treatment modality. The criteria for selection of patients and assessment of
      results were unilateral or bilateral tubal blockage diagnosed in
      hysterosalpingography (HSG). A total of 16 patients in the reproductive age group
      were registered for the study, with 62.50% unilateral and 37.50% bilateral tubal
      blockage. Fifteen patients completed the course of treatment. The patients with
      an evidence of active infection or chronic diseases were excluded. Kumari Taila
      was selected for its Vata Kapha Shamaka and Lekhana properties. The dose of Uttar
      Basti was 5 ml with duration of two consecutive cycles (six days of Uttar Basti
      in each cycle with an interval of three days in between). Uttar Basti was
      administered, after cessation of menstruation, to the screened patients, through
      hematological, urinary, and serological (HIV, VDRL, HBsAg) investigations. The
      tubal blockage was removed in 80% of the patients, and 40% of the patients had
      conceived within the follow-up period of two months. The results suggest that
      Uttar Basti is a highly significant treatment modality for tubal blockage, with
      no apparent complications.

PMID- 22048532
TI  - Efficacy of Rasayana Avaleha as adjuvant to radiotherapy and chemotherapy in
      reducing adverse effects.
AB  - Cancer is the most dreadful disease affecting mankind. The available treatments
      such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy have cytotoxic effects, which are hazardous
      to the normal cells of the patient, causing many unnecessary effects. This
      further leads to complications of the therapy, impaired health, and deterioration
      of quality of life, resulting in mandatory stoppage of the treatment. In the
      present study, the efficacy of an Ayurvedic formulation, Rasayana Avaleha, has
      been evaluated as an adjuvant medication to modern radiotherapy and chemotherapy.
      A total of 36 cancer patients were registered in this trial and were divided into
      two groups, group A and group B. In group A, the patients were treated with
      radiotherapy and chemotherapy along with adjuvant Rasayana Avaleha (RT + CT +
      RA), while in group B only radiotherapy and chemotherapy (RT + CT) were given, as
      the control group. After assessing the results, it was observed that Rasayana
      Avaleha gave better results in controlling the adverse effect of chemotherapy and
      radiotherapy in comparison with the control group. Therefore, Rasayana Avaleha
      has proved to be an effective adjuvant therapy in protecting patients from the
      adverse effects of chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

PMID- 22048534
TI  - Management of Amavata with 'Amrita Ghrita': A clinical study.
AB  - Amavata is a disease caused due to the vitiation or aggravation of Vayu
      associated with Ama. Vitiated Vayu circulates the Ama all over the body through
      Dhamanies, takes shelter in the Shleshma Sthana (Amashaya, Sandhi, etc.),
      producing symptoms such as stiffness, swelling, and tenderness in small and big
      joints, making a person lame. The symptoms of Amavata are identical to
      rheumatism, which include rheumatoid arthritis and rheumatic fever. It is
      observed that rheumatism is an autoimmune disorder, which is among the collagen
      disorders having strong and significant parlance with Amavata. Various drug
      trials were already carried out on Amavata, yet there is a lacuna in the
      management of Amavata. Hence, in the present clinical study, 28 patients were
      selected and kept on 'Amrita Ghrita'. All the patients were investigated for
      complete blood count (CBC), rheumatoid arthritis (RA) titer, Antistreptolysin O
      (ASO) titer, C-reactive protein (CRP) titer, platelet count, urine routine, and
      microscopic, before and after treatment. The collected data was distributed
      according to age, sex, and prakruti, and a t-test was applied for the clinical
      assessment of the subjective and objective parameters of 'Amrita Ghrita,' and it
      has shown significant reduction in the positivity of the RA titer (t > 5.09, at
      the 0.001% level), ASO titer (t > 4.08, at the 0.001% level), and CRP titer (t >
      4.82, at the 0.001% level), and weight gain (t > 5.12, at the 0.001% level), as
      also an increase in Hb% (t >9.22, at the 0.001% level), and platelet count (t>
      5.90, at the 0.001% level), and decrease in ESR (t > 9.70, at the 0.001% level).

PMID- 22048535
TI  - The role of psychic factors in pathogenesis of essential hypertension and its
      management by Shirodhara and Sarpagandha Vati.
AB  - This clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of Shirodhara and that
      of Sarpagandha Vati in essential hypertension. A total 47 patients were selected
      for study, out of which 40 patients (20 in each group) completed the course of
      treatment. Study subjects were randomly allotted into two groups, with one group
      being treated with Shirodhara and the other with Sarpagandha Vati. Specialized
      Ayurvedic rating scales like Manasa Pariksha Bhava as well as the Hamilton
      Anxiety Rating Scale were adopted to assess the effect of therapy. The effects of
      treatment on the chief complaints and the associated complaints were also
      evaluated. The results in the Shirodhara group were better than that in the
      Sarpagandha group. Although both Sarpagandha Vati and Shirodhara helped in
      reducing systolic and diastolic pressures, the effect of Shirodhara was more
      marked.

PMID- 22048536
TI  - A clinical trial of Pippali (Piper longum Linn.) with special reference to
      Abheshaja.
AB  - The classification of Dravya has been undertaken in many ways, but according to
      the medicinal value, they are mainly divided into two - Bheshaja and Abheshaja.
      No study has been documented on Abheshaja to date as per the scholar's knowledge.
      Therefore, the present study was carried out to understand the concept of
      Abheshaja by a practical study. The drug Pippali (Piper Longum Linn.) has been
      contraindicated to be used for a longer duration. A clinical study was carried
      out on patients with Kaphaja Kasa, to evolve and assess if the drug acts as
      Abheshaja or not, and if yes, then under what circumstances. The patients of
      Kaphaja Kasa had been selected by the random sampling method. They were randomly
      divided into two groups - Group A and Group B. In Group A, test drug Pippali
      Churna was administered. Group B was a standard control group and Vasa Churna was
      given to this group. The dose of both the drugs was 4 g B.I.D. The result was
      assessed after three weeks of drug administration with the help of a specially
      prepared proforma. All the important hematological, biochemical, urine, and stool
      investigations were carried out. There was no adverse drug reaction (ADR)
      observed after the administration of Pippali in this particular study.

PMID- 22048537
TI  - Clinical efficacy of Shatapushpa (Anethum sowa Kurz.) powder in the management of
      Artava kshaya (oligomenorrhoea).
AB  - A clinical trial was carried out on 30 oligomenorrhoea [Artava Kshaya] patients
      aged between 15 and 35 years having complaints of irregular, scanty and painful
      menstruations. The patients were registered from OPD and IPD of Gopabandhu
      Ayurveda Mahavidyalaya Puri. They were administrated Satapuspa churna for three
      months in a dose of 5 g twice daily with cow grita. The specific investigations
      were done in order to exclude TB endometritis, endocrine disorders, diabetes and
      heart disease. The clinical assessment was carried out in thirty days intervals.
      It is inferred that the study discloses the effect of satapuspa churna on
      irregularity of interval of menstruation [90.47%], duration of menstruation
      [79.37%], amount of blood flow [90.00%] and pain during menstruation [100.00%]
      which were highly significant in clinical study. No untoward side effect was
      noticed during clinical trial.

PMID- 22048538
TI  - A clinical study on the role of ama in relation to Grahani Roga and its
      management by Kalingadi Ghanavati and Tryushnadi Ghrita.
AB  - Grahani and Agni are having Adhara-Adheya-Sambandha. Grahani is described as an
      Agni Adhishthana by most of the acharyas. Mandagni is a root cause of Ama Dosha
      and it is the crucial factor for manifestation of most of the diseases. Among
      them, Grahani is the prime disease of gastro-intestinal tract and seen often in
      day-to-day practice. A total of 66 patients were randomly divided in three groups
      and treated with: A) Kalingadi Ghanavati, three vatis of 500 mg twice daily with
      takra, B) Tryushnadi Ghrita, 10 g twice daily before meal with lukewarm water and
      C) Combination of both the drugs for 14 days. An assessment was done on the basis
      of Rogabala, Dehabala, Agnibala, and Chetasabala. The study revealed that
      combination proved better results than those of individuals.

PMID- 22048539
TI  - A clinical study of Nirgundi Ghana Vati and Matra Basti in the management of
      Gridhrasi with special reference to sciatica.
AB  - Gridhrasi can be equated with sciatica, where pain, weakness, numbness, and other
      discomforts along the path of the sciatic nerve often accompanies low back pain.
      It is a common affliction of adults, costing billions of dollars in healthcare
      and resulting in more lost days of work than any other illness but the common
      cold. A herniated disc, spinal stenosis, piriformis syndrome, etc., can all cause
      sciatica. The treatment available for sciatica in modern medicine is not very
      satisfactory.The role of research in Ayurveda is to elucidate the underlying
      principles and to explain them in modern parameters. The present study was aimed
      at establishing clinically the effect of Nirgundi (Vitex negundo) Ghan Vati
      (dried water extract) alone as well as in combination with Matra Basti in the
      management of Gridhrasi. A total of 119 patients were registered for the study,
      out of which 102 patients completed the treatment: 52 patients in group A
      (Nirgundi Ghan Vati) and 50 in group B (Nirgundi Ghan Vati + Matra Basti). The
      results show that both treatments had an effect on Gridhrasi, but there was
      better relief of the signs and symptoms in group B. Matra Basti and Nirgundi Ghan
      Vati might both contribute to different extents in the recovery of the patient.

PMID- 22048540
TI  - Clinical evaluation of the efficacy of Khadiradi yoga avachoornana in Kachchu
      with special reference to genitoinguinal intertrigo.
AB  - Kachchu is a simple localized dermatological infection of the genitoinguinal
      region, which occurs because of unhygienic observance, and manifests in the form
      of inflammation followed by secondary bacterial or fungal infections that can be
      best correlated to genitoinguinal intertrigo. Even though it rarely causes
      systemic manifestations, its mere presence itself is disturbing because of
      intractable itching and pain. It may delay the proper healing of the episiotomy
      wound and may cause difficulty in walking because of severe pain. Candida powder
      is the highest selling medicine for the intertrigo, as the incidence of
      intertrigo is as high as 40% in some particular seasons. In the Ayurveda
      fraternity, there is no established preparation that can be preserved safely in
      all the epochs of life in females and which is easy to apply. After understanding
      the disease in the perspective of the ayurvedic and modern medicinal systems,
      Khadiradi yoga choorna - a new ayurvedic formulation - was prepared on the basis
      of stringent ayurvedic principles. Hence, an attempt has been made to study the
      efficacy of the khadiradi yoga avachurnana(1) in Kachchu, with special reference
      to genitoinguinal intertrigo in females.

PMID- 22048541
TI  - A clinical study to assess the efficacy of Triyushnadi Anjana in Kaphaja
      Abhishyanda with special reference to vernal keratoconjunctivitis.
AB  - Vernal keratoconjunctivitis / spring catarrh is a variety of exogenous allergic
      conjunctivitis, which is a very troublesome ocular disease of childhood and in
      the adolescent age group. The child suffers from intense itching, grittiness,
      discharge, redness, lacrimation, photophobia, and so on, thereby, decreasing his
      learning hours. The troublesome features are aggravated in the spring season /
      hot climate that lasts for years together and rarely persists after adolescence.
      Mast cell stabilizers, topical Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and
      steroids are the available treatment options that too with symptomatic relief and
      potential side effects, which limits the long-term use of these medicines. The
      clinical picture of vernal keratoconjunctivitis / spring catarrh is very similar
      to Kaphaja Abhishyanda, and Triyushnadi Anjana Bhaishajya Ratnavali (B.R.), and
      its treatment was clinically tried on the patients attending the Netra Roga OPD
      of the R.G. Government P.G. Ayurveda College Hospital at Paprola (H.P.). A proper
      protocol and performa was adopted with strict inclusion and exclusion criteria.
      In the first phase, a pilot study was conducted on 38 clinically diagnosed
      patients with vernal keratoconjunctivitis, and it gave 100% relief in
      photophobia, foreign body (FB) sensation, and lacrimation, with marked relief in
      other features. Encouraged by this pilot work, Triyushnadi Anjana (TA) and 2%
      sodium cromoglycate (mast cell stabilizer) eye drops in the second-phase clinical
      trial on 32 patients were tried clinically to evaluate the comparative efficacy.
      In the second clinical trial, the patients were randomly divided into two groups
      and Group I was given sodium cromoglycate 2% eye drops and Group II was given TA.
      The outcome of this study verified the results of the first phase pilot study,
      and on comparison of the results of the two groups in the second clinical study
      it was observed that the TA-treated group showed better results. Transient
      irritation in the eyes was reported by all patients after application of TA,
      which was relieved by keeping the eyes closed for a few minutes. None of the
      patients reported any adverse action of the trial drug. Thus, it can be concluded
      that TA is a safe, cost-effective, and potent Ayurvedic alternative in the
      treatment of vernal keratoconjunctivitis / spring catarrh.

PMID- 22048542
TI  - A clinical study on Akshitarpana and combination of Akshitarpana with Nasya
      therapy in Timira with special reference to myopia.
AB  - Myopia, commonly referred to as shortsightedness, is the most common eye disease
      in the world with substantial social, educational, and economic impact. Some of
      the clinical features of Timira can be correlated with myopia. An open randomized
      clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the role of Tarpana with and without
      Nasya in patients suffering from myopia. In total, 41 patients were registered in
      two groups, out of which 30 patients completed the treatment. In Group A, Tarpana
      with Mahatriphaladya Ghrita and in Group B, Nasya with Abhijita taila followed by
      Tarpana with Mahatriphaladya Ghrita was administered. After enrollment of the
      patients in the study, the cardinal signs and symptoms of Timira - myopia, that
      is, visual acuity, clinical refraction, were evaluated before and after the
      treatment. Comparatively, more relief in the signs and symptoms were found in the
      Nasya group followed by the Tarpana group.

PMID- 22048543
TI  - Effects of Ayurvedic treatment on forty-three patients of ulcerative colitis.
AB  - Ulcerative colitis is a chronic idiopathic inflammatory bowel disease with a
      relapsing nature. It is a very challenging disease affecting a patient during the
      most active period of his life i.e. 20 to 40 years of age. The main features are
      ano-rectal bleeding with increased frequency of bowel evacuation, general
      debility and with abnormal structural pathology in the descending colon,
      particularly sigmoid colon. In modern medical science, there is no permanent
      curative and safe treatment for this disease. This study can be helpful for
      reducing the need of steroids and surgical processes in the patients of
      ulcerative colitis. A clinical study of 43 patients of ulcerative colitis has
      been conducted at the O.P.D. (outdoor patient department) and I.P.D. (indoor
      patient department) of the P D Patel Ayurveda Hospital, Nadiad. They were given
      Udumbara kvatha basti with oral Ayurveda medicaments including Kutaj ghan vati,
      Udumbara kvatha, and combination of Musta, Nagakesara, Lodhra, Mukta panchamrut
      rasa for a one-month period. Results were analyzed statistically by using the 't'
      test. In this study, it was observed that the symptoms and signs, daily dose of
      steroids and other anti-inflammatory drugs were reduced by more than 75% with a
      highly significant result. The hemoglobin level was also increased.

PMID- 22048544
TI  - A comparative study of efficacy of Tugaksheeree [Curcuma angustifolia Roxb. and
      Maranta arundinacea Linn.] in management of Amlapitta.
AB  - Amlapitta is a disease caused by increase of Amla Guna of Pitta. Starch obtained
      from the rhizomes of two plants viz., Curcuma angustifolia Roxb. (Fam.
      Zingiberaceae) and Maranta arundinacea Linn. (Fam. Marantaceae) are used as
      Tugaksheeree. In the present clinical study, the efficacy of Tugaksheeree was
      studied on 67 patients of Amlapitta. A 0 total of 84 patients suffering from
      Amlapitta were selected from the O.P.D. and I.P.D. sections in the department of
      Dravyaguna, I.P.G.T. and R.A., Hospital, Jamnagar, and were randomly divided into
      two groups. Thirty four patients completed the treatment course in Group I, and
      33 patients completed the treatment course in Group II. The efficacy of drug
      Tugaksheeree was studied through internal administration of the starches of C.
      angustifolia Roxb. (Fam. Zingiberaceae) in Group I and M. arundinacea Linn. (Fam.
      Marantaceae) in Group II with the dose of 4 g TID with water for 30 days. Both
      the drugs were found highly effective in treating Amlapitta. They significantly
      relieved the cardinal symptoms viz., Avipaka, Tikta-amlodgara, Daha, Shoola,
      Chhardi and the associated symptoms viz., Aruchi, Gaurava, Udaradhmana,
      Antrakujana, Vit bheda, Shiroruja, Angasada, and Trit. Statistically significant
      increase in body weight was noticed in both the groups. This may be because the
      drugs corrected the Agni and acted as Brihmana and Dhatupushtikara. Both the
      drugs did not produce any side effects. Therefore, both these drugs (C.
      angustifolia Roxb. and M. arundinacea Linn.) can be used as substitutes for each
      other.

PMID- 22048545
TI  - A study on Apabahuka (frozen shoulder) and its management by Laghumasha taila
      nasya.
AB  - Apabahuka is a disease that usually affects the Amsa sandhi (shoulder joint).It
      is produced by the Vata dosha. Even though the term Apabahuka is not mentioned in
      the nanatmaja Vata vyadhi, Acharya Sushruta and others have considered Apabahuka
      as a Vataja vikara. Amsa shosha (wasting of the shoulder) can be considered as
      the preliminary stage of the disease, where loss or dryness of sleshaka kapha
      from amsa sandhi occurs. For the present study, Marsha nasya with Laghumasa Taila
      was administered to 15 patients for seven days, and the following results were
      obtained. After treatment, 53.33% relief was found on Bahupraspandita hara,
      26.66% on Shoola, 30.00% on Stambha, 60.00% on Atopa, and 37.50% on wasting of
      muscles. On the overall effect of therapy alone, one (6.60%) patient got marked
      improvement, eight (53.33%) got moderate improvement, four (26.66%) were
      improved, and two (13.33%) patients remained unchanged.

PMID- 22048546
TI  - Evaluation of immunomodulatory effect of Ranahamsa Rasayanaya - A Sri Lankan
      classical rasayana drug, on experimental animals.
AB  - Immunity plays a key role in maintaining the health of an individual. Therefore,
      the rational modulation of the immunity through psycho-neuro-endocrine-immune
      (PNI) axis is useful for the prevention as well as for the curing of the
      diseases. As immunomodulation is a parameter for evaluation of the rasayana
      effect of a drug, the same has been studied to assess the rasayana effect of
      Ranahamsa Rasayanaya (RR). Experimental models such as antibody formation against
      sheep red blood cells (SRBC) and cell mediated immunity (CMI) have been carried
      out befitting on Wistar strain albino rats to determine the immunomodulatory
      effect plus rasayana effect of RR. Statistically significant increase in body
      weight, nonsignificant increase in antibody formation against SRBC, highly
      significant decrease in CMI were observed in the treatment groups, when compared
      to the standard control group. These results show the probable immunomodulatory
      and anabolic activities of the test drug. Outcome of these studies validate the
      strong rasayana effect of the test drug claimed by the traditional practitioners
      of Sri Lanka.

PMID- 22048547
TI  - Experimental evaluation of Hingusauvarchaladi Ghrita and Saptavartita
      Hingusauvarchaladi Ghrita with special reference to their anticonvulsant
      activity.
AB  - Incidence of epilepsy is 0.3 to 0.5% in different populations throughout the
      world, and the prevalence of epilepsy has been estimated at 5 to 10 persons per
      1000. Scanning of the Ayurvedic classics reveals that 90% of the formulations
      mentioned to have action on sajnavaha srotas are ghrita-based formulations.
      Ghrita because of its yogavahi guna, incorporates the qualities of the drugs
      added to it without losing its own qualities. In the present study
      Hingusauvarchaladi ghrita and saptavartita Hingusauvarchaladi ghrita have been
      selected, to prove their anticonvulsant activity experimentally on albino mice,
      by the chemoshock method. The observations recorded have been analyzed by one-way
      ANOVA followed by Scheffe's test, statistically. Saptavartita Hingusauvarchaladi
      ghrita has shown better anticonvulsant activity in comparison to
      Hingusauvarchaladi ghrita.

PMID- 22048548
TI  - A comparative pharmacological evaluation of Taila (oil) and Ghrita (ghee)
      prepared with Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia).
AB  - Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia wild miers) is a well-known medicinal plant, which
      is abundantly used in different ayurvedic formulations utilizing varieties of
      media. The drug has properties like Rasayana (rejuvenating property), Krimighna
      (anthelmintics), and Kushtghna (used in skin disorders), as described in
      ayurvedic literature. Taila (oil) and Ghrita (ghee) are used as media in
      Ayurvedic Sneha (oleaginous) formulations. Both the test drugs, Guduchi Taila and
      Ghrita, are prescribed in Vatrakta (gout) and also indicated for Kushtha (skin
      disorder). With all these details, the Guduchi Taila and Guduchi Ghrita samples,
      prepared by using Taila and Ghrita as media, have been subjected to comparative
      pharmacological investigations, to assess the impact of the media on the
      expression of pharmacological activity. The formulations have been evaluated for
      immunomodulation, anti-inflammatory, and anti-stress activities. Both the
      formulations have been found to be active in most of the experiments, however,
      with the change of media, their results vary at different levels. Taila prepared
      from Guduchi was found to have an immunostimulating activity. The formulation
      prepared with Ghrita exhibited an anti-stress effect with an immunosuppressing
      activity.

PMID- 22048549
TI  - Preparation and physicochemical analysis of Rasaka Bhasma.
AB  - Rasaka, which is one among the Maharasas, is an ore of zinc and has been used to
      extract Yashada in ancient times. It has a wide range of therapeutic
      applications, including in diseases like Prameha, Streeroga, and so on. The
      practice of Rasaka Bhasma preparation has declined with time due to various
      reasons. The present study aims to identify the genuine samples of Rasaka,
      prepare Rasaka Bhasma by subjecting it to Shodhana and Marana, and undertake a
      physiochemical analysis of the prepared Bhasma with an eye toward the
      standardization of Rasaka Bhasma.

PMID- 22048550
TI  - Standardization of Gaja Puta and Ardha Gaja Puta in the preparation of Vanga
      Bhasma.
AB  - The Vanga Bhasma is an important one amongst the metallic Bhasmas. Mainly Gaja
      Puta, Ardhagaja Puta and Laghu Puta have been described for Marana of Vanga. The
      medicines, which are prepared from Gaja Puta, are said to be the best ones
      (Mahagunavidhayaka). Gaja Puta is commonly used in the preparation of almost all
      the Bhasmas. There are a few references found in classics regarding Ardhagaja
      Puta, but not any reference regarding its detail description, therefore, the
      effort was made to standardize both the Putas with regard to Vanga Bhasma. In the
      present study, Vanga Bhasma was prepared by Gaja Puta and Ardhagaja Puta. For
      Marana of Vanga, it was found that the Ardhagaja Puta is more convenient than
      Gaja Puta with respect to color and particle size analysis of Bhasma after Jarana
      procedure of Vanga.

PMID- 22048551
TI  - A critical review of concept of aging in Ayurveda.
AB  - Ayurveda has a holistic approach toward all the miseries of man and aging is one
      of these. It is classified as one of the natural and Yapya (palliative) diseases.
      It is the process of becoming old and decaying. As age advances, several changes
      take place in the body, in the external appearance, in the condition of Dosha,
      Dhatu, Mala, Agni, Oja, and so on, as well as in the mental and cognitive
      functions. Elderly people are susceptible to several chronic diseases also. The
      problems of the elderly are becoming a matter of great concern as increased life
      expectancy due to better medical services and improved technology is resulting in
      an increasing population of the aged. By the year 2020, the World will have more
      than one billion people aged 60 and over, and more than two-thirds of them will
      be living in the developing countries. A major concern related to the rapid
      increase in the population of the aged is that there will be an increase in the
      prevalence of chronic diseases and disabilities, both being conditions that tend
      to accompany the aging process. This burden is increasing day by day. In the
      Ayurvedic texts, a comprehensive description has been given of aging. The aim of
      this conceptual article is to compile and re-evaluate the various principles
      related to different aspects of aging.

PMID- 22048552
TI  - A clinical review of different formulations of Vasa (Adhatoda vasica) on Tamaka
      Shwasa (asthma).
AB  - Vasa (Adhatoda vasica Linn.) is a well known and easily available drug in almost
      all the seasons. Easy availability of any drug gains popularity among physicians
      as well as pharmaceuticals and this is the reason why almost every Kalpana of
      Vasa is found described in the Ayurvedika text. The different dosage forms of
      Vasa like Kvatha, Avaleha, Sneha, and Sandhana have been used for the treatment
      of Shwasa Roga. A number of research studies have been performed on different
      formulations of Vasa and its effect on Shwasa Roga. Therefore, a review study has
      been carried out on the Vasa extract, Vasa Avaleha (prepared from Svarasa and
      Kvatha), Vasa Ghrita, Vasarishta, and Vasakasava on Shwasa Roga, to know which
      formulation is better. It was found in the review that Vasa Ghana, Vasa Ghrita
      (1), and Vasa Avaleha have shown good results on Tamaka Shwasa.

PMID- 22048553
TI  - Description of Mutra Pariksha (urine examination) in Atreya Virachita sara
      sangraha.
AB  - Atreya in his sara sangraha, after Nadi pariksha, described / elaborated in
      detail the mutra pariksha. Under this he appropriately described various
      precautions for urine examination, various characteristics of mutra vitiated by
      Tridosha, differentiation of urine of diseased & normal person characteristics of
      sama & nirama, mutra, characters, mutra of sadhya & Asadhya rogi characters of
      murta in jeerna & Ajeerna (indigestion) conditions etc.

PMID- 22048554
TI  - Risk and protective factors for suicidal ideation among Taiwanese adolescents.
AB  - BACKGROUND: : Suicide is the ninth leading cause of death in adolescents aged 15
      19 years in Taiwan. Suicidal ideation is an important predictor of committing
      suicide among adolescents. OBJECTIVES: : The aim of this study was to examine the
      important risk factors, the protective factors, and the role of protective
      factors on the relationship of risk factors to suicidal ideation among Taiwanese
      adolescents aged 15-19 years. METHODS: : By adopting a cross-sectional study,
      senior high school students (n = 577) aged 15-19 years in southern Taiwan were
      recruited for this study. An anonymous self-reported questionnaire was used to
      collect demographic characteristics, risk factors, protective factors, and
      suicidal ideation of the sample. Hierarchical logistic regression was used to
      identify the important risk and protective factors and the interaction between
      risk and protective factors on suicidal ideation. RESULTS: : Nearly 18% (n = 101)
      of the participants reported having suicidal ideation during the past 12 months.
      Gender (female; odds ratio [OR] = 4.23), life stress (OR = 1.03), depression (OR
      = 3.44), peer suicidal ideation (OR = 4.15), and bullying victimization (OR =
      1.81) were important risk factors of suicidal ideation among the targeted sample.
      In addition, self-esteem (OR = 0.92) and emotional adaptation (OR = 0.88) were
      important protective factors of suicidal ideation. Self-esteem and emotional
      adaptation were not used to moderate the negative effects of life stress,
      depression, perceived peer suicidal ideation, and bullying victimization on
      suicidal ideation. The final model explained 40.6% of the total variance in
      suicidal ideation and correctly predicted 86.1% of participants with suicidal
      ideation. DISCUSSION: : Suicidal ideation prevention programs should be targeted
      to female adolescents. School-based efforts that provide adolescents with self
      esteem enhancement, emotional regulation skills training, positive peer norms for
      life, coping skills for managing stress and depression, and antibullying programs
      might help reduce the suicidal ideation of adolescents.

PMID- 22048555
TI  - Characterizing the structure of operating room staffing using social network
      analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: : Very little research has been focused on the interdisciplinary
      staffing characteristics of the operating room team, an essential component of
      providing safe patient care in a high-risk setting. OBJECTIVES: : The aim of this
      study was to determine how the operating room staffing of two surgical
      specialties compares in terms of social network variables. METHODS: : Staffing
      data from all general and neurosurgical procedures performed at a large
      Midwestern hospital were analyzed using Social Network Analysis methods. Network
      variables include centrality, team coreness, and the core/periphery network
      structure. Multidimensional scaling, correlation, and descriptive statistics were
      used for the analysis. RESULTS: : The core/periphery network structure was
      characteristic of both surgical services. Team coreness, a measure of how often
      the team worked together, was associated with the length of the case (p < .001).
      Procedure start time predicts the team coreness measure, with cases starting
      later in the day less likely to be staffed with a high core team (p < .001).
      Registered nurses constitute the majority of core interdisciplinary team members
      in both groups. DISCUSSION: : Analysis of the core/periphery structure of
      specialty team staffing networks indicates that many procedures are staffed with
      individuals who are associated peripherally with the specialty. Registered nurses
      as core group members are in a position to take a leadership role in the
      communication of norms and process variations to noncore members. The effect of
      having late starting cases staffed with a lower core team should be studied
      further because it pertains to patient outcomes. Future work should strive to
      account for the complex and dynamic nature of team development.

PMID- 22048556
TI  - Psychometric testing of the decisional conflict scale: genetic testing hereditary
      breast and ovarian cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: : Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) syndrome is attributed
      mostly to mutations in the Breast Cancer 1 and Breast Cancer 2 genes (BRCA1/2).
      Mutation carriers of BRCA1/2 genes have significantly higher risk for developing
      breast cancer compared with the general population (55%-85% vs. 12%) and for
      developing ovarian cancer (20%-60% vs. 1.5%). The availability of genetic testing
      enables mutation carriers to make informed decisions about managing their cancer
      risk (e.g., risk-reducing surgery). However, uptake of testing for HBOC among
      high-risk individuals is low, indicating the need to better understand and
      measure the decisional conflict associated with this process. OBJECTIVE: : The
      aim of this study was to evaluate the reliability and validity of the modified
      Decisional Conflict Scale for use in decisions associated with genetic testing
      for HBOC. METHODS: : This cross-sectional cohort study, recruited women who
      pursued genetic testing for HBOC in two genetic risk assessment clinics
      affiliated with a large comprehensive cancer center and one of their female
      relatives who did not pursue testing. The final sample consisted of 342 women who
      completed all 16 items of the Decisional Conflict Scale. The psychometric
      properties of the scale were assessed using tests of reliability and validity,
      including face, content, construct, contrast, convergent, divergent, and
      predictive validity. RESULTS: : Factor analysis using principal axis factoring
      with oblimin rotation elicited a three-factor structure: (a) Lack of Knowledge
      About the Decision (alpha = .97), (b) Lack of Autonomy in Decision Making (alpha
      = .94), and (c) Lack of Confidence in Decision Making (alpha = .87). These
      factors explained 82% of the variance in decisional conflict about genetic
      testing. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was .96. DISCUSSION: : The instrument is an
      important tool for researchers and healthcare providers working with women at
      risk for HBOC who are deciding whether genetic testing is the right choice for
      them.

PMID- 22048557
TI  - Self-efficacy program to prevent osteoporosis among Chinese immigrants: a
      randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: : Recent Chinese immigrants have a low bone mineral density and are
      at a great risk for developing osteoporosis. The majority of Chinese men and
      women of all ages have inadequate information about their risks for developing
      osteoporosis and are seldom involved in preventive activities. OBJECTIVES: : The
      aim of this study was to evaluate the preliminary effectiveness of an educational
      intervention based on the self-efficacy theory aimed at increasing the knowledge
      of osteoporosis and adoption of preventive behaviors, including regular exercise
      and osteoporosis medication adherence, designed for Chinese immigrants, aged 45
      years or above, living in the United States. METHODS: : A randomized controlled
      trial was employed, using a repeated-measure design. Foreign-born Mandarin
      speaking Asians (n = 110) were recruited to the study, and 83 of them (mean age =
      64.08 years, SD = 9.48 years) were assigned randomly to either the intervention
      group (n = 42) or the attention control group (n = 41). There were 63 (75.9%)
      women and 20 (24.1%) men. Data were collected at baseline and 2 weeks after the
      intervention. RESULTS: : The participants who received the intervention had
      statistically significant improvements (p < .05) at 2 weeks postintervention with
      respect to osteoporosis-related knowledge, self-efficacy for exercise, and
      osteoporosis medication adherence. Moreover, the participants in the treatment
      group spent more time on moderate exercise, had higher energy expenditure on
      exercise, and had more osteoporosis medication use at 2 weeks postintervention
      when compared with controls. DISCUSSION: : The intervention targeting Mandarin
      speaking immigrants was effective in increasing the knowledge of osteoporosis and
      improving the adoption of preventive behaviors. Future research is needed to
      explore the long-term effect of this intervention on bone health behavior.

PMID- 22048558
TI  - Barriers to meditation by gender and age among cancer family caregivers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite solid basic science research supporting meditation's
      physiologic benefits, meditation remains a marginalized practice for many
      Westerners; observational and descriptive studies indicate a spectrum of barriers
      to meditation practice. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine
      differences in barriers to meditation by gender and age. METHODS: A cross
      sectional survey study of 150 family caregivers to adults with cancer visiting an
      outpatient chemotherapy center in Connecticut was conducted. The primary outcome
      was the Determinants of Meditation Practice Inventory. Explanatory variables
      included demographic characteristics, Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression
      Scale, Big Five Inventory, and Caregiver Reaction Assessment. RESULTS:
      Participants included 98 women and 52 men. Age range was 18-84 years (M = 52.3
      years). The highest frequency of barriers for both genders related to
      misconceptions about meditation. The total number of barriers to meditation did
      not significantly vary by gender (p = .10) nor age (p = .27). After adjusting for
      personality trait, reactions to caregiving, and emotional distress, gender
      (adjusted beta = 0.81, SE = 1.70, p = .63) and age (adjusted beta = 0.02, SE =
      0.05, p = .67) still did not predict the number of barriers to meditation.
      Backward elimination in model building showed that personality trait and
      reactions to caregiving account for 32% of the variability in barriers.
      DISCUSSION: The total number of barriers to meditation was examined, and a
      difference was not found by age or gender. It is possible that differences by age
      and gender exist at the item level of evaluation but were not evident when
      evaluating total scores. Further study is needed with samples large enough to
      have statistical power for item-level analysis.

PMID- 22048559
TI  - Establishing treatment fidelity in a web-based behavioral intervention study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: : Treatment fidelity pertains to the methodological strategies used
      to monitor and enhance the reliability and validity of behavioral interventions.
      Approaches to establishing treatment fidelity in Web-based interventions differ
      from those used in interventions that are delivered in person. OBJECTIVE: : The
      aim of this study was to describe a methodology for ensuring treatment fidelity
      in a Web-based cognitive behavioral stress management intervention. METHODS: :
      The intervention Coping With Cancer Workbook, adapted for Web-based delivery from
      an in-person intervention, was tested in a randomized controlled trial with 123
      breast cancer survivors. Strategies for ensuring treatment fidelity were
      implemented and assessed. RESULTS: : The National Institutes of Health Behavior
      Change Consortium Treatment Fidelity Guidelines were relevant to establishing
      treatment fidelity for the Web-based intervention. DISCUSSION: : Web-based
      delivery of behavioral interventions is both a strength and a threat to treatment
      fidelity. Investigators must be cognizant of the elements of treatment fidelity
      and implement strategies to monitor and improve the reliability and validity of
      Web-based interventions.

PMID- 22048560
TI  - Factors associated with sleep quality in pregnant women: a prospective
      observational study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: : Sleep disturbance is a significant health issue in pregnant women.
      Although previous studies contribute to an understanding of the multifactorial
      nature of pregnancy-related sleep disturbance, objective measures of sleep were
      not included, and so data may be subject to recall and potential participant self
      report bias. OBJECTIVE: : The aim of this study was to identify sociodemographic,
      lifestyle, and health-related factors associated with poor sleep quality in women
      during their third trimester of pregnancy. METHODS: : This prospective study
      included 30 nulliparous women who wore a wrist actigraph to objectively monitor
      sleep for 7 consecutive days and completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index.
      RESULTS: : Fifteen women (50%) had a Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index global score
      of >5, indicating poor sleep quality. Mean actigraphic sleep efficiency was only
      80.05% +/- 6.27%. There were significant differences (p < .01) in sleep offset
      time and total nocturnal sleep time between weekdays and weekends. Later sleep
      onset time was associated with poorer sleep, including longer sleep latency, and
      reduced total nocturnal sleep time and sleep efficiency. DISCUSSION: :
      Nulliparous women experience both objective and subjective sleep disturbances,
      and their sleep patterns differ between weekdays and weekends during their third
      trimester of pregnancy. Results suggest that maternal sleep pattern may be
      improved by maintaining a regular and earlier bedtime so women have more
      opportunity to obtain sufficient nocturnal sleep and improved sleep quality.

PMID- 22048561
TI  - Sharing a traumatic event: the experience of the listener and the storyteller
      within the dyad.
AB  - BACKGROUND: : Individuals who have experienced traumatic events often share their
      experiences in story form. This sharing has consequences for both storytellers
      and listeners. Understanding the experience of both members of the listener
      storyteller dyad is of value to nurses who are often the listener within the
      nurse-patient dyad. OBJECTIVE: : The aim of this study was to illuminate the
      experiences of the listener and the storyteller when a traumatic event is shared
      within the dyad. METHODS: : The phenomenon was explored using an interpretive
      phenomenological approach. Participants consisted of 12 dyads, each with a
      storyteller and a listener. The storytellers were individuals who had been
      involved in U.S. Airways Flight 1549 when it crash-landed in the Hudson River in
      January 2009. Each storyteller identified a listener who had listened to them
      share their story of this event, dubbed The Miracle on the Hudson. In-depth
      interviews were conducted with each storyteller and each listener. RESULTS: :
      Five essential themes emerged from the data: Theme 1, The Story Has a Purpose;
      Theme 2, The Story as a Whole May Continue to Change as Different Parts Are
      Revealed; Theme 3, The Story Is Experienced Physically, Mentally,Emotionally, and
      Spiritually; Theme 4, Imagining the "What" as well as the "What If"; and Theme 5,
      The Nature of the Relationship Colors the Experience of the Listener and the
      Storyteller. Roy's Adaptation Model of Nursing was found to be applicable to the
      findings of this study. DISCUSSION: : For the participants in this study, the
      experience of sharing a traumatic event involved facts, feelings, and images. The
      story evolved as it was remembered, told, and listened to in a nonlinear,
      multifaceted way. The listener and the storyteller collaborated, adapted, and
      responded physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

PMID- 22048562
TI  - Synthesis and optical characterizations of chain-like Si@SiSe2 nanowire
      heterostructures.
AB  - A new type of chain-like Si@SiSe(2) nanowire heterostructures has been
      successfully synthesized via a one-step Au-catalyzed chemical vapor deposition
      (CVD) route. The composition and microstructure of the achieved structures were
      investigated by scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray
      spectroscopy (EDX), transmission electron microscope (TEM) and micro-Raman
      spectroscopy. Optical characterization was investigated using a confocal
      photoluminescent system with an Ar(+) laser (488 nm) as the excitation source.
      The results reveal that these chain-like structures emit pronounced and broadband
      red light, even visible with the naked eye at room temperature. A self
      organization model was proposed to illustrate the formation of these
      heterostructures, and the photoluminescent properties were discussed in detail.
      These new Si-based nanostructures may be helpful for further study of the basic
      physical properties of SiSe(2) and will find interesting applications in
      nanophotonic technologies and devices.

PMID- 22048563
TI  - Sleep, vigilance, and thermosensitivity.
AB  - The regulation of sleep and wakefulness is well modeled with two underlying
      processes: a circadian and a homeostatic one. So far, the parameters and
      mechanisms of additional sleep-permissive and wake-promoting conditions have been
      largely overlooked. The present overview focuses on one of these conditions: the
      effect of skin temperature on the onset and maintenance of sleep, and alertness.
      Skin temperature is quite well suited to provide the brain with information on
      sleep-permissive and wake-promoting conditions because it changes with most if
      not all of them. Skin temperature changes with environmental heat and cold, but
      also with posture, environmental light, danger, nutritional status, pain, and
      stress. Its effect on the brain may thus moderate the efficacy by which the clock
      and homeostat manage to initiate or maintain sleep or wakefulness. The review
      provides a brief overview of the neuroanatomical pathways and physiological
      mechanisms by which skin temperature can affect the regulation of sleep and
      vigilance. In addition, current pitfalls and possibilities of practical
      applications for sleep enhancement are discussed, including the recent finding of
      impaired thermal comfort perception in insomniacs.

PMID- 22048564
TI  - On the influence of basis sets and quantum chemical methods on the prediction
      accuracy of COSMO-RS.
AB  - This paper examines how the accuracy of activity coefficients at infinite
      dilution calculated from the conductor-like screening model for real solvents
      (COSMO-RS) depends on the basis set and the quantum chemical method used.
      Activity coefficients at various temperatures serve as experimental parameters
      for optimising the COSMO-RS parameters. A modification of the electrostatic
      misfit term of the energy function of COSMO-RS is presented that leads to a
      slightly higher accuracy. COSMO-RS parameter sets for nine different
      systematically varied basis sets using the density functional theory with the
      BP86 functional show that at least a valence double-zeta basis set is necessary
      for good accuracy. Larger basis sets show no advantages. Investigations of eight
      different quantum chemical calculation methods using a valence triple-zeta basis
      set are documented. Hartree-Fock and local density approximations give relatively
      poor results. The gradient-corrected density functionals investigated and the
      B3LYP hybrid functional show practically identical accuracy. The most accurate
      parameterisation was obtained with MP2.

PMID- 22048565
TI  - Epigenetics. Layer by layer.

PMID- 22048566
TI  - The internal rotational barriers about NCalpha and CalphaC backbone bonds of
      polypeptides.
AB  - In many studies on the protein folding problem it is assumed that the internal
      rotational barriers about NC(alpha) and C(alpha)C backbone bonds in unfolded
      polypeptides are quite small, around 0.7 kcal/mol, of an order comparable to the
      energy of kT at normal temperature (where k is Boltzmann's constant and T is the
      temperature in K) and hence that rotations about these bonds occur almost freely.
      Here it is highlighted that such consideration is an unfortunate mistake.
      Approximate values for the rotational barriers of NC(alpha) and C(alpha)C bonds
      are suggested from computations of U(phi, psi) potential energy surface (PES)
      maps of a number of oligopeptides by a semiempirical method for conformational
      analysis. The proposed values are about 16 kcal/mol for NC(alpha) bonds and 6
      kcal/mol for C(alpha)C bonds. The values of the same barriers estimated from some
      ab initio quantum-mechanical PES maps for several dipeptides available in
      literature are also highlighted.

PMID- 22048567
TI  - Effect of pH and temperature on the global compactness, structure, and activity
      of cellobiohydrolase Cel7A from Trichoderma harzianum.
AB  - Due to its elevated cellulolytic activity, the filamentous fungus Trichoderma
      harzianum (T. harzianum) has considerable potential in biomass hydrolysis
      application. Cellulases from Trichoderma reesei have been widely used in studies
      of cellulose breakdown. However, cellulases from T. harzianum are less-studied
      enzymes that have not been characterized biophysically and biochemically as yet.
      Here, we examined the effects of pH and temperature on the secondary and tertiary
      structures, compactness, and enzymatic activity of cellobiohydrolase Cel7A from
      T. harzianum (Th Cel7A) using a number of biophysical and biochemical techniques.
      Our results show that pH and temperature perturbations affect Th Cel7A stability
      by two different mechanisms. Variations in pH modify protonation of the enzyme
      residues, directly affecting its activity, while leading to structural
      destabilization only at extreme pH limits. Temperature, on the other hand, has
      direct influence on mobility, fold, and compactness of the enzyme, causing
      unfolding of Th Cel7A just above the optimum temperature limit. Finally, we
      demonstrated that incubation with cellobiose, the product of the reaction and a
      competitive inhibitor, significantly increased the thermal stability of Th Cel7A.
      Our studies might provide insights into understanding, at a molecular level, the
      interplay between structure and activity of Th Cel7A at different pH and
      temperature conditions.

PMID- 22048568
TI  - [Antipsychotic medications for bipolar I disorders. New atypical neuroleptic drug
      asenapine approved].

PMID- 22048569
TI  - [Advance directives in patients with mental disorders. Scope, prerequisites for
      validity, and clinical implementation].
AB  - Since 1 September 2009, advance directives are regulated by law in Germany. This
      article discusses ethical challenges of advance directives in patients with
      mental disorders. Besides concrete information on the preferred medical treatment
      in concrete clinical situations, the mental capacity of the patient at the time
      of issuing the directive is essential. The "Decisional Competence Assessment Tool
      for Psychiatric Advance Directives" and empirical studies from the USA on advance
      directives in patients with mental disorders and the assessment by the treating
      psychiatrists of these patient directives are discussed. Ethical conclusions are
      drawn for handling advance directives in psychiatric practice.

PMID- 22048571
TI  - Inherited proliferative oral disorder: a reductionist approach to proliferative
      verrucous leukoplakia.

PMID- 22048570
TI  - Sympathetic nervous system in obesity-related hypertension: mechanisms and
      clinical implications.
AB  - Obesity markedly increases the risk of hypertension and cardiovascular disease,
      which may be related to activation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS).
      Sympathetic overactivity directly and indirectly contributes to blood pressure
      (BP) elevation in obesity, including stimulation of the renin-angiotensin
      aldosterone system (RAAS). The adipocyte-derived peptide leptin suppresses
      appetite, increases thermogenesis, but also raises SNS activity and BP. Obese
      individuals exhibit hyperleptinemia but are resistant to its appetite-suppressing
      actions. Interestingly, animal models of obesity exhibit preserved
      sympathoexcitatory and pressor actions of leptin, despite resistance to its
      anorexic and metabolic actions, suggesting selective leptin resistance.
      Disturbance of intracellular signaling at specific hypothalamic neural networks
      appears to underlie selective leptin resistance. Delineation of these pathways
      should lead to novel approaches to treatment. In the meantime, treatment of
      obesity-hypertension has relied on antihypertensive drugs. Although sympathetic
      blockade is mechanistically attractive in obesity-hypertension, in practice its
      effects are disappointing because of adverse metabolic effects and inferior
      outcomes. On the basis of subgroup analyses of obese patients in large randomized
      clinical trials, drugs such as diuretics and RAAS blockers appear superior in
      preventing cardiovascular events in obesity--hypertension. An underused
      alternative approach to obesity-hypertension is induction of weight loss, which
      reduces circulating leptin and insulin, partially reverses resistance to these
      hormones, decreases sympathetic activation and improves BP and other risk
      factors. Though weight loss induced by lifestyle is often modest and transient,
      carefully selected pharmacological weight loss therapies can produce substantial
      and sustained antihypertensive effects additive to lifestyle interventions.

PMID- 22048572
TI  - Increasing the prosthodontic awareness of an aging Indian rural population.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aged are prone to biological, social, and psychological problems,
      especially those residing in the rural areas. The rural aging population in
      contrast to their urban counterparts is illiterate, poor, and ignorant;
      cumulative is the fact that the youth are leaving rural areas for money and
      better opportunity to urban areas. An educational and motivational program to
      increase prosthodontic awareness was therefore undertaken and it was studied
      whether this translated into an increased demand for prosthodontic services.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study area consisted of a group of six villages
      collectively known as "Sarora" situated in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India. The
      study population was divided on the basis of age, sex, education, and economic
      status and comparisons were made in between these groups. Interview and clinical
      examination were the tools of the study. Data were collected before and after the
      educational program and was subjected to statistical analysis. RESULTS: The
      educational program led to more subjects adopting tooth brushing and neem twig
      chewing as a method of oral hygiene maintenance. The prosthodontic need
      fulfillment increased from 3.5% before the program to 13.6% after education and
      motivation. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that mobile dental clinics, dental
      camps, and prosthodontic outreach programs could be solutions to spread awareness
      and disseminate treatment.

PMID- 22048573
TI  - Dental perspective on biomedical waste and mercury management: a knowledge,
      attitude, and practice survey.
AB  - CONTEXT: Management of waste generated in any health-care facility is a critical
      issue as it poses a direct threat to human health as well as to the environment.
      The biomedical waste generated in the dental scenario includes sharps, used
      disposable items, infectious waste (blood-soaked cotton, gauze, etc.), hazardous
      waste (mercury, lead), and chemical waste (such as spent film developers, fixers,
      and disinfectants). A major concern in our field is management and disposal of
      mercury. AIMS: To obtain information about the knowledge, attitude, and practices
      of dental institutions and dental practitioners in the disposal of waste.
      SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A self-administered questionnaire, composed of 50 questions
      was designed. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The questionnaire was distributed among the
      participants, chosen randomly, including dental students, faculty from dental
      colleges and private practitioners in and around Delhi, India. STATISTICAL
      ANALYSIS USED: The percentage response for each question from all the
      participants was obtained and the data was calculated. RESULTS: Many dentists
      have knowledge about the waste management but they lack in the attitude and
      practice. CONCLUSIONS: There is need for education regarding hazards associated
      with improper waste disposal at all levels of dental personnel. It is imperative
      that waste should be segregated and disposed off in a safe manner to protect the
      environment as well as human health.

PMID- 22048574
TI  - Evaluation of buccolingual inclination of posterior teeth in different facial
      patterns using computed tomography.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Buccolingual inclination of teeth is an essential
      factor in establishing good occlusion. The objective of this study was to
      evaluate the buccolingual inclination of molar teeth in different vertical
      skeletal patterns by using computed tomography scans. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Coronal section of the jaws obtained from computed tomograms were used to measure
      the buccolingual inclination of the long axis of the molars relative to their
      skeletal base. Forty male adult individuals with class I dental occlusion were
      selected. They were classified as short (Group 1), average (Group II), and long
      faced (Group III) as per their skeletal patterns measured by GoGn-SN, FH-MP, Y
      axis and facial height index in cephalograms. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: ANOVA and
      Tukey HSD tests were applied to calculate if there were any significant
      differences in the mean molar inclination between the groups. Pearson's
      coefficients of correlation were calculated between the facial parameters and
      tooth inclination. RESULTS: The differences in the mean molar inclination between
      the short, average, and long faced groups is significant for mandibular 1 st and
      2 nd molars and maxillary 2 nd molars. CONCLUSION: Variations in mean molar
      inclination values are observed between short, average, and long faced groups.

PMID- 22048575
TI  - Awareness among Indian dentist regarding the role of physical activity in
      prevention of work related musculoskeletal disorders.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal complaints in dentists
      is high and the past two decades have witnessed a sharp rise in the incidence of
      various disorders. The prevalence of musculoskeletal pain ranges between 64% and
      93%. The most effected regions have been back and neck. Various studies have been
      done to record stress levels and health-related behaviors of dentists in other
      countries but limited data is available among the Indian dentists. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Therefore a questionnaire survey was carried out among 102 Indian
      dentists belonging to different fields having at least one musculoskeletal
      disorder in last 6 months. RESULTS: The total sample consists of 80 males and 22
      females. Out of the 102 over 97 of dentists had sought medical advice for these
      disorders during the previous 06 months and 74 of them also consulted the
      physiotherapist for exercises and ergonomic advice. The number of sessions taken
      for regular physical exercises was minimum 6 till 44 the most. The percentage of
      improvement in symptoms varied between 20% and 80%. CONCLUSIONS: A significant
      direct correlation between the number of sessions taken for physical activity and
      the self-perceived improvement in the symptoms was found using the Pearson
      correlation test. The work-related musculoskeletal disorders among dentists not
      only decrease their efficiency but also is a major concern among them. Self
      awareness and benefits of regular exercise is the need of the hour.

PMID- 22048576
TI  - Comparative evaluation of formocresol and mineral trioxide aggregate as pulpotomy
      agents in deciduous teeth.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate and compare mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) and formocresol as
      pulpotomy medicaments by clinical and radiographic assessments and to assess the
      histological features of both pulpotomy medicaments in deciduous teeth. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: This study was performed on 100 mandibular deciduous molar teeth
      requiring pulpotomy treatment. Children between age four and six years were
      randomly selected and divided into formocresol or MTA group. The patients were
      recalled after 3, 6, 9, 12 months respectively and evaluated clinically and
      radiographically. Histological assessment was done on lower deciduous canine
      teeth, which were undergoing serial extraction for interceptive orthodontic
      purpose. Pulpotomy was done on four teeth with formocresol and another four teeth
      with MTA. The teeth were extracted after six months following pulpotomy procedure
      and histologically evaluated. Two freshly extracted carious teeth were taken as
      controls. RESULTS: Clinical and radiographic criteria were laid and Chi analysis
      revealed significant difference in mobility ( P<=0.05), periodontal ligament
      widening ( P<=0.01 level) and inter - radicular radiolucency ( P<=0.02 level)
      between two groups at the end of 12 months. Histologically, in MTA group, a layer
      of new dentine formation with less dentinal tubules at the pulpotomized site was
      found. In formocresol group, increased inflammatory cells, a zone of atrophy,
      were noted in radicular portion of pulp. CONCLUSION: MTA is superior to
      formocresol clinically, radiographically. Histological analysis showed better
      reparative ability with hard tissue barrier formation with MTA compared to
      formocresol.

PMID- 22048577
TI  - Assessment of combination techniques in enhancing the regenerative potential of
      tricalcium phosphate graft in treatment of infrabony periodontal defects.
AB  - AIMS: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate and compare the clinical
      outcome of infrabony defects following reconstructive surgery with the use of
      tricalcium phosphate (TCP) alone; TCP and citric acid (CA) root conditioning; and
      TCP, CA, and oxidized regenerated cellulose (ORC) membrane. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Thirty-nine systemically healthy subjects with vertical infrabony defect
      were initially selected based on intraoral periapical radiographs and clinical
      examination to record probing pocket depth (PPD) and clinical attachment level
      (CAL). Only 21 defects revealed two-walled configuration on surgical debridement.
      These defects were selected and randomly allotted to the study groups. Group 1
      defects were treated with TCP, group 2 with TCP+CA, and group 3 with TCP+CA+ORC.
      PPD, CAL, defect depth (DD), and level of alveolar crest (AC) were evaluated at
      the time of initial surgery and after 6 months at surgical re-entry. These
      measurements were utilized to calculate PPD reduction, CAL gain, defect fill
      (DF), %defect fill (%DF), and crestal resorption (CR). STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: A
      paired t-test was used for assessing changes in each group. Unpaired t-test was
      used for intergroup comparisons. RESULTS: All three groups showed statistically
      significant PPD reduction, CAL gain, DF, and %DF, but insignificant CR at the end
      of 6 months. On intergroup comparison, no statistically significant differences
      were noted between the groups for all the parameters. CONCLUSION: Efficacy of
      combination techniques using TCP+CA; TCP+CA+ORC in treatment of periodontal
      infrabony defects is at least equal to that of TCP alone.

PMID- 22048578
TI  - Prevalence of dental diseases in 5- to 14-year-old school children in rural areas
      of the Barabanki district, Uttar Pradesh, India.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Epidemiological studies are helpful in planning and implementing oral
      health programs in a given population. This initiative is a consequence of the
      absence of any information on any study being conducted in the past on the
      prevalence of dental diseases in the Barabanki district of Uttar Pradesh (UP).
      AIMS: The aims were to (1) assess the prevalence of gingivitis, fluorosis, and
      malocclusion in the school-going children of rural areas of district Barabanki
      and (2) evaluate the pattern of above-mentioned diseases in different age groups
      and genders. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 836 school-going children
      comprising 430 boys and 406 girls were examined. A total of 238 children were in
      the age group of 5-7 years. A total of 277 and 321 children were in the age
      groups of 8-10 and 11-14 years, respectively. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: A chi-square
      test was used for deriving results. RESULTS: The prevalence of gingivitis,
      fluorosis, and malocclusion was 78.35%, 33.37%, and 34.09%, respectively. The
      difference between age groups for the prevalence of gingivitis was highly
      significant, and was more among girls as compared to boys. A significant increase
      in the prevalence of malocclusion was observed with age. No significant
      difference was found among genders for the prevalence of malocclusion. An
      increase in the prevalence of fluorosis was highly significant with age. The
      difference in fluorosis was insignificant between boys and girls.

PMID- 22048579
TI  - Tobacco cessation and counseling: a dentists' perspective in Bhopal city, Madhya
      Pradesh.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Dental team has high potential to help smokers to better
      oral/general health but to achieve this; they need to be clear about their role.
      Considering the importance of tobacco cessation, the authors carried out this
      study aimed at assessing the role, knowledge, current practices, different
      barriers, and tools to overcome the same as perceived by dentists in Bhopal city.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: A self-administered structured, coded questionnaire was
      distributed to 200 private practitioners and the teaching staff in all the dental
      colleges in Bhopal city. RESULTS: Out of 200 dentists to whom questionnaire was
      administered, 168 responded within a week's time resulting in a high response
      rate of 84%. A total of 97% of the dentists agreed that it is the duty of every
      dentist to advice patients about tobacco cessation. A total of 58% strongly agree
      that formal training will be an effective tool to provide the guidelines to
      dentists in tobacco cessation and counseling. CONCLUSION: Monitoring of effective
      planning and execution of these programs by appropriate authorities at regular
      intervals is vital for successful achievement of the goal of "Tobacco Free
      Society."

PMID- 22048580
TI  - Analgesic efficacy of diazepam and placebo in patients with temporomandibular
      disorders: a double blind randomized clinical trial.
AB  - AIM: The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the analgesic efficacy of
      placebo and diazepam in patients with temporomandibular disorder. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Thirty-five patients were recruited with a diagnosis of
      temporomandibular disorder based on standard clinical diagnostic criteria for
      temporomandibular disorder. The patients were put in to one of the two groups:
      placebo or diazepam at random. The average pain intensity was recorded with
      visual analog scale (VAS) at pretreatment, at weekly interval till the completion
      of a three-week trial and at post-treatment visit on the eighth week from
      baseline. The secondary outcome measures were changes in masticatory muscle
      tenderness, viz. massater muscle, lateral pterygoid muscle, medial pterygoid
      muscle and temporalis muscle and changes in mouth opening. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS:
      Intra-group comparison for analgesic efficacy and mouth opening was carried out
      by Wilcoxon's signed ranked test. Inter-group comparison for analgesic efficacy
      was also carried out using Mann-Whitney's test. RESULTS: A statistically
      significant (P<0.01) decrease in temporomandibular disorder pain in the placebo
      group (65%) and statistically highly significant (P<0.001) decrease in the
      diazepam group (72%) were observed on VAS after three weeks of treatment. The
      inter-group comparison demonstrated no statistically significant difference
      between the groups. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the placebo can give
      near similar results as diazepam can. So the role of placebo should also be
      considered as one of the important management strategies. In the short term,
      reduction in the masticatory muscle tenderness and significant improvement in the
      mouth opening in both the groups were observed.

PMID- 22048581
TI  - Oral health status in relation to socioeconomic factors among the municipal
      employees of Mysore city.
AB  - AIM: To assess the prevalence of dental caries, periodontal diseases, oral pre
      malignant and malignant lesions in relation to socioeconomic factors among the
      municipal employees of Mysore city. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: The study was cross
      sectional in nature. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All the available employees (1187)
      during the study period were considered. World Health Organization (WHO) Oral
      Health Assessment form (1997) and a preformed questionnaire were used to collect
      the required data. Modified Kuppuswamy scale with readjustment of the per capita
      income to suit the present levels was used for classifying the individuals into
      different socioeconomic status (SES) categories. Data were collected by a single,
      trained and calibrated examiner (dentist) using mouth mirror and community
      periodontal index (CPI) probe under natural daylight. Data analysis was done
      using SPSS windows version 10. Quantitative data were analyzed using one-way
      analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tukey's post hoc test and qualitative data were
      analyzed using chi-square or contingency coefficient. RESULTS: The age range of
      the study population was 19-57 years (mean 40.74 years, standard deviation 9.17).
      The prevalence of dental caries in the upper SES category was lesser (43.3%)
      compared to that in lower SES category (78.6%). 16.4% of the subjects in the
      upper category had a CPI score of 0 (healthy periodontium) and none of the
      subjects in the lower middle, upper lower and lower SES category had this score.
      The prevalence of oral pre-malignant and malignant lesions was higher in lower
      SES category (17.9%) than in upper class (0%). CONCLUSION: There was an inverse
      relationship between oral health status and SES. The overall treatment need was
      more in the lower class people than in the upper class.

PMID- 22048582
TI  - Role of ultrasound in detection of metastatic neck nodes in patients with oral
      cancer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Head and neck cancer is one of the most physically and emotionally
      devastating cancers and often leaves the patient disabled and disfigured. The
      presence of cervical metastasis is one of the factors that influence the outcome
      of the patients. Cervical lymph node metastasis plays an essential role in the
      treatment and prognosis of head and neck cancer patients. The assessment of the
      cervical lymph node status still remains an unsolved problem. We conducted a
      study to compare the diagnostic accuracy of clinical palpation and ultrasonogram
      (USG) in the detection of metastatic cervical nodes from oral squamous cell
      carcinoma patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten patients (age range, 45-63 years;
      mean age, 54 years) with squamous cell carcinoma in the head and neck region
      underwent clinical palpation and USG. The results of each modality were analyzed
      for sensitivity, specificity, positi ve predictive value, negative predictive
      value and accuracy. Pathologic analysis of the surgical resection served as the
      reference standard. RESULTS: USG yielded a sensitivity, specificity, positive,
      negative predictive value and accuracy as 85.7%, 90%, 92.3%, 81.8% and 87.5%
      whereas clinical palpation yielded a sensitivity, specificity, positive, negative
      predictive value and accuracy as 68.7%, 87.5%, 91.6%, 58.3% and 75%. CONCLUSION:
      USG is a reliable and valuable tool for metastatic lymph node screening in head
      and neck cancer patients. It is a cheap, noninvasive, easy-to-handle and cost
      effective diagnostic method. USG performed better than clinical palpation in
      detecting cervical metastatic nodes.

PMID- 22048583
TI  - Assessment of noise levels of the equipments used in the dental teaching
      institution, Bangalore.
AB  - CONTEXT: In dental practical classes, the acoustic environment is characterized
      by high noise levels in relation to other teaching areas, due to the exaggerated
      noise produced by some of these devices and use of dental equipment by many users
      at the same time. AIMS: To measure, analyze and compare noise levels of
      equipments among dental learning areas under different working conditions and
      also to measure and compare noise levels between used and brand new handpieces
      under different working conditions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Noise levels were
      measured and analyzed in different dental learning areas that included clinical,
      pre-clinical areas and laboratories selected as representatives of a variety of
      learning-teaching activities. The noise levels were determined using a precision
      noise level meter (CENTER(r) 325 IEC 651 TYPE II) with a microphone. The mean of
      the maxima was determined. The data were collected, tabulated, and statistically
      analyzed using t tests. RESULTS: The noise levels measured varied between 64 and
      97 dB(A).The differences in sound levels when the equipment was merely turned on
      and during cutting operations and also between used and brand new equipments were
      recorded. The laboratory engines had the highest noise levels, whereas the noise
      levels in high-speed turbine handpieces and the low-speed contra angle handpieces
      were decreased. CONCLUSION: The noise levels detected in this study are
      considered to be close to the limit of risk of hearing loss.

PMID- 22048584
TI  - Bond strength of composite-resin and resin-modified glass ionomer to bleached
      enamel: delay bonding versus an antioxidant agent.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: As enamel bond strength of the resin-modified materials is reduced
      after bleaching, a delay bonding of at least 1 week is recommended. This study
      investigated the efficacy of 10% sodium ascorbate hydrogel on the bond strength
      of bleached enamel as an antioxidant agent. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ninety-six
      human, sound molars divided into eight groups. Buccal enamel surfaces of
      specimens in two negative control groups after preparation were bonded by the
      Z100 CR using the single-bond adhesive and Vitremer RmGI. Specimens in other
      groups after enamel preparation were bleached with 9.5% hydrogen peroxide. In two
      positive control groups, bonding of CR and RmGI was performed immediately after
      bleaching. Specimens in two other groups were immersed in distilled water after
      bleaching, and then CR and RmGI were bonded after 1 week. In last two groups, 10%
      sodium ascorbate hydrogel was applied after bleaching, and then they were bonded
      by CR and RmGI. The specimens were placed under shear force. STATISTICS: ANOVA
      and Duncan's multiple range tests were used for data analysis. RESULTS:
      Application of 10% sodium ascorbate hydrogel immediately before bonding and delay
      bonding for 1 week eliminated the negative effects of bleaching on CR and RmGI
      enamel bond strength. CONCLUSION: Application of 10% sodium ascorbate hydrogel or
      1 week period elapsed after bleaching could significantly increase the enamel
      bond strength to a normal value.

PMID- 22048585
TI  - Need of implant dentistry at undergraduate dental curriculum in Indian dental
      colleges.
AB  - Edentulism is the major problem in the developing countries, and is widely spread
      in the current population, although the prevalence is declining and incidence of
      tooth loss is decreasing in the developed nations. The prevalence of edentulism
      in India varies from 60% to 69% of 25 years and above age group. It is obvious
      that the number of lost teeth increases with age leading to an increase in
      prevalence of partially edentulous patients. From a biological point of view, the
      replacement of a single missing tooth with an implant rather than a three-unit
      fixed partial denture, and the implant-supported complete denture has been proved
      more efficient in improving the mastication and maintaining the bone for a longer
      time and also more cost-effective treatment. Many dental schools throughout
      Europe and America have to a various extent introduced implant dentistry as part
      of the compulsory undergraduate curriculum. Thus, it becomes more essential to
      introduce implant dentistry at undergraduate level in Indian dental schools to
      manage the higher percentage of edentulism.

PMID- 22048586
TI  - Application of Botulinum toxin type A: an arsenal in dentistry.
AB  - An extremely effective way of preventing damage to and enhancing treatment of
      dental hard tissues and restorations would be to ''de-programme'' the muscles
      responsible for excessive destructive forces and other gnathological-related
      diseases. The new paradigm is the intramuscular injection of Botulinum toxin type
      A (BOTOX) into the affected muscles. It is a natural protein produced by
      anaerobic bacterium, Clostridium botulinum. The toxin inhibits the release of
      acetylcholine (ACH), a neurotransmitter responsible for the activation of muscle
      contraction and glandular secretion, and its administration results in reduction
      of tone in the injected muscle. There are seven distinct serotypes of Botulinum
      toxin, viz., A, B, C, D, E, F, and G, which differ in their potency, duration of
      action, and cellular target sites. This paper describes the different
      applications of BOTOX in dentistry.

PMID- 22048587
TI  - Failures in implants.
AB  - The burning problem that all the implantologists are confronted today is the
      complications and failures occurring with the treatment of osseointegrated
      implants. To further optimize the treatment outcome, etiologies and factors
      associated with implant failures should be elucidated. Conceivably such knowledge
      is needed for developing adequate treatment and prevention strategies. Hence,
      this paper is intended to provide an insight regarding various aspects of
      failures that affect dental implants.

PMID- 22048588
TI  - Orofacial manifestations of hematological disorders: anemia and hemostatic
      disorders.
AB  - The aim of this paper is to review the literature and identify orofacial
      manifestations of hematological diseases, with particular reference to anemias
      and disorders of hemostasis. A computerized literature search using MEDLINE was
      conducted for published articles on orofacial manifestations of hematological
      diseases, with emphasis on anemia. Mesh phrases used in the search were: oral
      diseases AND anaemia; orofacial diseases AND anaemia; orofacial lesions AND
      anaemia; orofacial manifestations AND disorders of haemostasis. The Boolean
      operator "AND" was used to combine and narrow the searches. Anemic disorders
      associated with orofacial signs and symptoms include iron deficiency anemia,
      Plummer-Vinson syndrome, megaloblastic anemia, sickle cell anemia, thalassaemia
      and aplastic anemia. The manifestations include conjunctiva and facial pallor,
      atrophic glossitis, angular stomatitis, dysphagia, magenta tongue, midfacial
      overgrowth, osteoclerosis, osteomyelitis and paraesthesia/anesthesia of the
      mental nerve. Orofacial petechiae, conjunctivae hemorrhage, nose-bleeding,
      spontaneous and post-traumatic gingival hemorrhage and prolonged post-extraction
      bleeding are common orofacial manifestations of inherited hemostatic disorders
      such as von Willebrand's disease and hemophilia. A wide array of anemic and
      hemostatic disorders encountered in internal medicine has manifestations in the
      oral cavity and the facial region. Most of these manifestations are non-specific,
      but should alert the hematologist and the dental surgeon to the possibilities of
      a concurrent disease of hemopoiesis or hemostasis or a latent one that may
      subsequently manifest itself.

PMID- 22048589
TI  - Validation of implant stability: a measure of implant permanence.
AB  - Implant stability is a requisite characteristic of osseointegration. Without it,
      long-term success cannot be achieved. Continuous monitoring in a quantitative and
      objective manner is important to determine the status of implant stability.
      Measurement of implant stability is a valuable tool for making decisions
      pertaining to treatment protocol and also improves dentist-patient communication.
      Owing to the invasive nature of histological analysis, various others methods
      have been proposed like radiographs, cutting torque resistance, reverse torque,
      modal analysis, resonance frequency analysis and Implatest(r) . This review
      focuses on objectives and various methods to evaluate implant stability.

PMID- 22048590
TI  - Concomitant hypo-hyperdontia with dens invaginatus.
AB  - Although developmental anomalies of tooth number are quite common in permanent
      dentition, concomitant occurrence of hypohyperdontia is a very rare mixed numeric
      anomalous condition of teeth. Very few cases of this condition have been reported
      in the English literature. Here we report such a rare case noted in a 26 year-old
      male dental graduate with no other associated systemic condition or syndrome.

PMID- 22048591
TI  - Treatment of oral submucous fibrosis with ErCr: YSGG laser.
AB  - Oral submucous fibrosis (OSMF) is one of the most poorly understood and
      unsatisfactorily treated diseases. Various medical and surgical treatments have
      been used but with limited benefits. However, with advent of lasers, oral
      surgeons are provided with new modality for treating OSMF. This case report
      highlights the pioneering effort in treating a moderate case of bilateral OSMF
      with Erbium Chromium Yttrium Scandium Gallium Garnet (ErCr:YSGG) laser showing
      promising result during follow-up.

PMID- 22048592
TI  - Non-surgical management of a mutilated maxillary central incisor with open apex
      and large periapical lesion.
AB  - A 24-year-old female patient reported with a mutilated maxillary left central
      incisor. The coronal tooth structure remaining was very less, discolored, and
      brittle. She gave history of trauma about 15 years back when the tooth got
      fractured. An intraoral periapical radiograph revealed an open apex and a large
      periapical lesion. The case was managed successfully by conservative means using
      intracanal calcium hydroxide and mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) apical barrier
      followed by a fiber post and a core. The final crown restored back esthetics and
      function. A 6-month follow-up demonstrated a clinically asymptomatic and
      adequately functional tooth, with radiological signs of healing.

PMID- 22048593
TI  - Two-step procedure for root coverage using a free gingival graft and a
      subepthelial connective tissue graft.
AB  - Gingival recession is a multifaceted problem, for which several treatment options
      are available. Both epithelized and subepithelial connective tissue grafts offer
      predictable solutions for the treatment of gingival recession.The case report
      involved a 30-year-old man with gingival recession of 8 mm on 41 (Miller's class
      II recession). Before surgery, full mouth scaling and polishing were performed.
      Recession height, width, probing depth, clinical attachment level (CAL), and
      width of the attached gingiva (WAG) were measured at the baseline, two months
      postoperatively, and six months postoperatively. Four weeks after scaling, the
      first step of increasing the width of the attached gingiva was carried out, using
      a free gingival graft. Two months after this step, the subepithelial connective
      tissue was harvested from the palate and placed in relation to 41, to cover the
      residual defect.Two months postoperatively, there was a 3 mm gain in WAG and 35%
      root coverage. Six months postoperatively there was a significant increase in
      WAG, CAL; and reduction in height and width of recession (root coverage achieved
      was 75%). These results suggested that this two-stage surgical procedure could be
      successful for root coverage in case of deep recession and lack of attached
      gingiva in the mandibular anterior region.

PMID- 22048594
TI  - Restoration of an atrophic eye socket with custom made eye prosthesis, utilizing
      digital photography.
AB  - Ocular defects may cause several ocular and orbital disorders, which require
      surgical intervention. These defects are psychologically disturbing for the
      patients, and therefore, they require immediate management and rehabilitation by
      a team of specialist. Ocular prosthesis may be either readymade (stock) or custom
      made. Fabrication of a custom ocular prosthesis allows for a range of variations
      during construction. The iris can also be custom made by ocular painting or by
      digital photography. The optimum cosmetic and functional results of a custom-made
      prosthesis enhance the patient's rehabilitation to a normal life style. This
      paper elaborates the technique for fabrication of a custom-made ocular prosthesis
      for an atrophic eye socket utilizing digital photography.

PMID- 22048595
TI  - Two-piece hollow bulb obturator.
AB  - There are various types of obturator fabrication achievable by prosthodontist.
      Maxillectomy, which is a term used by head and neck surgeons and prosthodontists
      to describe the partial or total removal of the maxilla in patients suffering
      from benign or malignant neoplasms is a defect for which to provide an effective
      obturator is a difficult task for the maxillofacial prosthodontist.
      Multidisciplinary treatment planning is essential to achieve adequate retention
      and function for the prosthesis. Speech is often unintelligible as a result of
      the marked defects in articulation and nasal resonance. This paper describes how
      to achieve the goal for esthetics and phonetics and also describes the
      fabrication of a hollow obturator by two piece method, which is simple and maybe
      used as definitive obturator for maximum comfort of the patient.

PMID- 22048596
TI  - Gingival fibromatosis with hemi-osseous hyperplasia of jaws, focal maxillary
      viral papillomatosis of gingiva, fissured tongue and congenitally missing
      anterior teeth: a case report and surgical management of a new syndrome.
AB  - Gingival fibromatosis is characterized by fibrotic enlargement of the gingiva
      that can occur as inherited or sporadic form. Inherited form can be an isolated
      trait or as a component of a syndrome. This article reports a 35 year old male
      patient affected by gingival fibromatosis associated with hemiosseous hyperplasia
      of mandible, maxilla, and zygoma on the right side, viral papillomatosis of
      maxillary anterior gingiva, fissured tongue and congenitally missing anterior
      teeth. The patient was subjected to phase I and phase II periodontal therapy.
      There was no evidence of recurrence of the enlargement after one year but the
      papillomatosis recurred. Gingival fibromatosis has been reported to be associated
      with various other abnormalities but not with those described in our case. This
      observation raises the possibility that the coexistence of these entities in our
      case may represent a new syndrome.

PMID- 22048597
TI  - Comparison between five commonly used two-dimensional methods of human bite mark
      overlay production from the dental study casts.
AB  - AIM: The present study was conducted to determine the most accurate bite mark
      overlay fabrication technique by studying two physical characteristics, i.e.,
      area and rotation of biting edges of anterior teeth of thirty volunteers. The
      objective of the study was to evaluate the reliability and efficacy of five
      commonly used methods of human bite mark overlays using two dimensional (2D)
      digital images of dental study casts as a gold standard, to rank different
      methods according to statistically based determination of relative accuracy of
      each method and to determine its feasibility in Forensic science. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Overlays were produced from the biting surfaces of six upper and six
      lower anterior teeth of 30 volunteers using the following five methods: a) hand
      tracing from study casts, b) hand tracing from wax impressions, c) xerographic
      method, d) radiopaque impression method and e) 2D computer-based method. Area of
      the biting edges of the anterior teeth and relative rotation of each anterior
      tooth were measured and compared. RESULTS: The xerographic method was determined
      to be the more accurate method with respect to tooth area and rotation. Hand
      tracing methods, from either wax impressions of teeth or directly from study
      casts, were determined to be inaccurate and subjective. CONCLUSIONS: It is
      recommended that forensic odontologists discontinue the use of hand tracing
      overlays in bite mark comparison cases as there is lot of scope for manipulation
      and observer bias.

PMID- 22048598
TI  - Quantitative assessment of expression of cell adhesion molecule (CD44) splice
      variants: CD44 standard (CD44s) and v5, v6 isoforms in oral leukoplakias: an
      immunohistochemical study.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study was to semiquantitatively analyze the
      immunohistochemical expression pattern of CD44 standard (CD44s) and variant
      (CD44v) isoforms in leukoplakias using a panel of monoclonal antibodies
      recognizing epitopes of CD44s and of the variant exons v5 and v6. OBJECTIVE: To
      evaluate the efficacy of CD44s and CD44 v5, v6 immunoexpression as possible
      molecular markers in detecting high-risk leukoplakias when screening for this
      oral precancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Samples of oral leukoplakia (40 cases) and
      of normal mucosa (10 cases) were evaluated. Oral leukoplakia was graded into:
      hyperkeratosis without dysplastic change (8 cases), mild dysplasia (13 cases),
      moderate dysplasia (10 cases), and severe dysplasias (9 cases). Expression of
      CD44s,v5, v6 was analyzed by immunohistochemistry in a semiquantitative manner.
      Three areas of epithelium were scored B, S, and C, i.e., stratum basale, stratum
      corneum, and stratum spinosum, respectively in leukoplakias. Scoring of all
      specimens followed a two-parameter system, which implemented percentage of
      positive cells and staining intensities. Statistical analyses for each parameter
      of all groups and normals, mean, and standard deviation were calculated by using
      computer software package EPISTAT. RESULTS: In normal epithelium CD44s, CD44v5,
      and CD44v6 were expressed as membranous proteins localized on the surface of
      epithelial cells. Both basal and spinous layer of epithelia expressed strong
      positive staining of CD44s, v5, v6 which then gradually faded into the negative
      staining of the superficial keratin layer. Profile of CD44s and v5 revealed that
      the mean levels of stratum B, S, and C in normal cases were comparable to the
      study cases and by Student 't' test P>0.05 not significant. There was, however, a
      statistically significant decrease in the expression of v6 with increasing grades
      of dysplasias when compared with normal mucosa. CONCLUSION: Among CD44s and its
      variant isoforms,v5, v6, in this study, variant isoform v6 may serve as a marker
      in detecting high-risk leukoplakias.

PMID- 22048599
TI  - Questionnaire vs clinical surveys: the right choice?--A cross-sectional
      comparative study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the practical value of using questionnaires (self
      perceived assessment) as compared with clinical examinations (normative
      assessment) and to evaluate the role of socioeconomic status and implications of
      the results in understanding the public perception of oral health. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: This was a cross-sectional single-blind study. A purposive sample of 860
      bank employees of Belgaum city, India, were asked to fill in a close-ended
      questionnaire inquiring about their socioeconomic status, dental, periodontal
      health levels and treatment needs. Clinical examinations, employing the WHO
      dentition status and Community Periodontal Index, were performed to determine
      normative status and needs. Perceived and normative assessments were compared for
      sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values. RESULTS: The
      kappa values ranged from 0 (treatment needs) to 0.67 (for prosthesis). The degree
      of agreement with the following kappa values and sensitivity was seen in filled
      teeth (0.52, 60%), missing teeth (0.62, 83.8%), and prosthesis (0.67, 58.3%).
      However, the disagreement was seen with all other questions with average kappa
      value of 0.20. CONCLUSIONS: Self-assessment questionnaires were of low value in
      evaluating dental, periodontal health status and treatment needs in the study
      subjects. Findings reflect a low level of awareness that may influence care
      seeking behavior and socioeconomic status has a clear role to play in dental
      health perception.

PMID- 22048600
TI  - Comparative evaluation of marginal adaptation between nanocomposites and
      microhybrid composites exposed to two light cure units.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent advances in resin adhesives and restorative materials, as well
      as an increased demand for esthetics, have lead to the introduction of newer
      resin-based composites like nanocomposites and light-curing units like light
      emitting diodes (LEDs). AIM: The present study was conducted to evaluate the
      effect of conventional quartz tungsten halogen (QTH) curing unit and blue LED on
      marginal adaptation of microhybrid composite (Filtek Z250) and nanocomposite
      (Filtek Z350) resins. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty Class V cavities were
      prepared on, extracted human premolars and were divided into four groups of 20
      each. The four groups were designed according to the restorative resin and light
      cure unit used microhybrid/QTH, nanocomposites/QTH, microhybrid/LED and
      nanocomposites/LED. After thermocycling and immersion in 2% Basic Fuschin dye
      solution, the teeth were sectioned and dye penetration was observed under a
      stereomicroscope at 20X magnification. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: All the samples were
      scored and results were analyzed using the "Kruskal Wallis and Mann Whitney
      tests" with "Wilcoxone correction." RESULTS: The results revealed least
      microleakage in microhybrid composites exposed to QTH and maximum in
      nanocomposites exposed to LED. CONCLUSION: Microhybrid composites exhibited
      lesser microleakage than nanocomposite resins.

PMID- 22048601
TI  - Tooth in the line of fracture: its prognosis and its effects on healing.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: The aim of this prospective study was to compare the
      postoperative results of mandibular angle fracture cases treated by open
      reduction and internal fixation wherein the third molar in the line of fracture
      was preserved in one group while it was extracted in the second group. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Group I consisted of 30 patients in which the mandibular third molar
      in the line of fracture was preserved and group II consisted of 24 patients in
      which it was extracted following specific criteria. Various parameters like
      postoperative healing, infection, occlusion, tooth vitality, and mobility were
      graded numerically. Statistical analysis using a t-test was done. Data were
      expressed as mean+/-SD and a probability (P) value of <0.05 was considered
      significant. RESULTS: The presence of infection with pain and tenderness was
      higher in group I. Osteogenesis was higher in group I till the end of the third
      week but the difference was not significant later. Discrepancy in occlusion was
      more in group II. Mobility of tooth decreased and status of periodontal tissue
      improved significantly with time. In the tooth involved, the return of vitality
      and decrease in pain/tenderness was significant after 1 week and continued till
      24 weeks to normalcy. Two teeth showed mild root resorbtion and none showed
      ankylosis. CONCLUSION: Postoperative occlusal discrepancy is less but infection
      is higher when the tooth in the line of fracture is preserved as compared to when
      it is removed. More than half of the teeth in the fracture line show complete
      recovery within a period of 6 months to 1 year. Despite the risk of an increase
      in the rate of complications, the tooth in the line of fracture should be
      preserved for its merits.

PMID- 22048602
TI  - Bone allografts: a review of safety and efficacy.
AB  - Although bone allografts are being widely used in dentistry, many of clinicians
      appear to be unfamiliar with their preparation and processing as well as their
      use as safe and effective graft materials. The major concerns associated with
      these materials are antigenicity and risk of disease transmission from donor to
      recipient. To minimize this risk, the production of an allograft worthy of
      distribution and implantation requires strict attention to detail through a
      comprehensive process. With an increasing clinical requirement for bone grafting
      procedures, there is a commensurate increase in patients' demands for assurance
      that bank bone will not be infected with pathogens. To ensure the patients,
      dental surgeons should be able to cite factual information and recommendations by
      responsible organizations regarding safety of allografts. Knowledge of human bone
      allograft procurement, processing, and tracking may allow dentists to better
      educate patients and address concerns about this valuable treatment option. The
      purpose of this review is to furnish and update the current knowledge on
      processing, safety, and efficacy of allograft materials.

PMID- 22048603
TI  - A remarkable role of growth factors in resolving oral and specific periodontal
      pathologies: a strategic review.
AB  - The knowledge and the understanding of the role of growth factors, their
      mechanisms of action, and molecular signaling pathways, which have been reviewed
      in this article, suggest the potential for many novel therapeutic targets, not
      only for applying growth factors but also for the potential use of growth factor
      inhibitors or agents that target specific parts of the intracellular signaling
      pathways in controlling oral pathologies. There remains an enormous challenge to
      convert some of the knowledge from basic studies of bone cell physiology and
      inflammatory cells to therapeutically useful techniques for the future.

PMID- 22048604
TI  - Hemangiopericytoma - the need for a protocol-based treatment plan.
AB  - Hemangiopericytoma is a vascular tumor which comprises only 1% of all vascular
      tumors. The frequency of occurrence in the head and neck accounts for about 16
      33% of all hemangiopericytomas. In this paper we discuss the surgical management,
      the difficulties in decision-making and treatment-planning in a case of a
      maxillary tumor in a five-year-old boy with a two-year follow-up. A five-year-old
      boy presented with a large unilateral maxillary tumor with nasal obstruction.
      Computed tomography revealed a heterogeneous mass completely occupying the right
      maxillary sinus and displacing the lateral wall of the nose and nasal septum. The
      lesion was diagnosed as hemangiopericytoma after histopathological confirmation.
      The option of surgical resection (total maxillectomy) was carried out after
      evaluating the available literature. Various treatment modalities like surgery,
      chemotherapy and radiotherapy were taken into consideration as the tumor has an
      aggressive nature. Due to the inadequate literature on definitive treatment
      options for these types of tumors, there was difficulty in arriving at a protocol
      based treatment plan.

PMID- 22048605
TI  - A comparative evaluation of healing with a computed tomography scan of bilateral
      periapical lesions treated with and without the use of platelet-rich plasma.
AB  - Periradicular surgery aims to achieve complete wound healing and regeneration of
      the periodontal unit. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a platelet concentrate that
      is widely used to promote tissue healing, and bone induction through its various
      growth factors has been used in this study. This case report describes the use of
      PRP unilaterally in a bilateral periapical lesion in the same patient. The site
      treated with PRP showed better healing than the untreated site. This was
      confirmed with computed tomography (CT) scan readings. It was hypothesized that
      PRP could promote tissue regeneration and alveolar bone repair.

PMID- 22048606
TI  - Natal teeth in an infant with congenital hypothyroidism.
AB  - Teeth erupting at birth are referred to as natal teeth. It is a common and benign
      finding in the neonatal period. However, they may be associated with genetic
      syndromes like Ellis Van Creveld syndrome and Hallermann-Streiff syndrome. We
      report here a case of natal teeth in an infant with congenital hypothyroidism.

PMID- 22048607
TI  - A549 and PLC/PRF/5 cells can support the efficient propagation of swine and wild
      boar hepatitis E virus (HEV) strains: demonstration of HEV infectivity of porcine
      liver sold as food.
AB  - Recent evidence has indicated the cross-species transmission of hepatitis E virus
      (HEV) from pigs and wild boars to humans, causing zoonosis, mostly via
      consumption of uncooked or undercooked animal meat/viscera. However, no efficient
      cell culture system for swine and boar HEV strains has been established. We
      inoculated A549 cells with 12 swine and boar HEV strains of liver, feces, or
      serum origin at an HEV load of >=2.0 * 10(4) copies per well and found that the
      HEV progeny replicated as efficiently as human HEV strains, with a maximum load
      of ~10(8) copies/ml. However, the HEV load in the culture medium at 30 days post
      inoculation differed markedly by inoculum, ranging from 1.0 * 10(2) to 1.1 *
      10(7) copies/ml upon inoculation at a lower load of approximately 10(5) copies
      per well. All progeny were passaged successfully onto A549 and PLC/PRF/5 cells.
      In sharp contrast, no progeny viruses were detectable in the culture supernatant
      upon inoculation with 13 swine and boar HEV strains at an HEV load of <1.8 *
      10(4) copies per well. The present study also demonstrates that swine liver sold
      as food can be infectious, supporting the risk of zoonotic food-borne HEV
      infection.

PMID- 22048609
TI  - Formation of a cationic alkylidene complex via formal hydride abstraction:
      synthesis and structural characterization of [W(PMe3)4(eta2-CHPMe2)H]X (X = Br,
      I).
AB  - W(PMe(3))(4)(eta(2)-CH(2)PMe(2))H reacts with aryl halides to give the alkylidene
      complex, [W(PMe(3))(4)(eta(2)-CHPMe(2))H](+), which reacts with LiAlD(4) to give
      selectively W(PMe(3))(4)(eta(2)-CHDPMe(2))H, in which the deuterium resides in
      the methylene group; subsequent migration of deuterium from the methylene group
      provides a means to measure the rate constant for the formation of the 16
      electron species [W(PMe(3))(5)] from W(PMe(3))(4)(eta(2)-CH(2)PMe(2))H.

PMID- 22048610
TI  - Introducing organosilicone source into the synthetic system of polyoxovanadates:
      two novel {V15Si6O48}-based extended chains.
AB  - Two novel extended chains based on rare {V(IV)(15)Si(6)O(48)} have been prepared
      under hydrothermal conditions by introducing an organosilicone source into the
      synthetic system of the polyoxovanadates. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction
      analyses show that the neighboring {V(IV)(15)Si(6)O(48)} clusters are linked by a
      pair of V(V)O(2) fragments via the coordination bonds of (Si-)O-V-O(-Si) to give
      rise to a zig-zag chain in compound 1, which is the first example of V(iv,v)
      mixed valence states successfully synthesized in {V(15)Si(6)O(48)}-containing
      POMs. While in 2 the linkages are changed to [Co(pdn)(2)(H(2)O)](2+) (pdn = 1,3
      propanediamine) cations instead of {V(V)O(2)} fragments, to generate another
      comparable 1-D infinite chain, which demonstrates the first organic-inorganic
      vanadosilicon hybrid linked by a second transition-metal complex. The possible
      hydrolysis mechanism of tetraethyl orthosilicate as the Si source is postulated
      to afford a feasible protocol to synthesize a new type of vanadosilicate cluster.
      The magnetic properties of the two compounds have also been investigated.

PMID- 22048612
TI  - Interface-specific x-ray phase retrieval tomography of complex biological organs.
AB  - We demonstrate interface-specific propagation-based x-ray phase retrieval
      tomography of the thorax and brain of small animals. Our method utilizes a single
      propagation-based x-ray phase-contrast image per projection, under the
      assumptions of (i) partially coherent paraxial radiation, (ii) a static object
      whose refractive indices take on one of a series of distinct values at each point
      in space and (iii) the projection approximation. For the biological samples used
      here, there was a 9-200 fold improvement in the signal-to-noise ratio of the
      phase-retrieved tomograms over the conventional attenuation-contrast signal. The
      ability to 'digitally dissect' a biological specimen, using only a single phase
      contrast image per projection, will be useful for low-dose high-spatial
      resolution biomedical imaging of form and biological function in both healthy and
      diseased tissue.

PMID- 22048611
TI  - The association between extracoronary calcification and coronary artery disease
      in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
AB  - Cardiovascular complications are the major cause of diabetes-associated morbidity
      and mortality. However, not all patients with diabetes are at increased risk for
      cardiovascular disease (CVD). Coronary artery calcification was found to be a
      powerful predictor of coronary artery disease (CAD). The presence of
      extracoronary cardiac calcification as a useful predictor of CAD is not yet
      established, especially in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The aim of this study
      was to evaluate the relation between extracoronary calcification and extent of
      CAD in a group of T2DM patients who were scheduled for computed tomographic
      coronary angiography (CTCA). We prospectively studied 380 patients (151 had T2DM)
      under the age of 60 years who were scheduled for CTCA because of suspected CAD.
      Severity of CAD was assessed by Gensini score. Coronary artery calcium score
      (CACS) as well as calcium score in the aortic valve, mitral annulus, ascending
      aorta, and descending aorta were measured by a 256-row multidetector computed
      tomography scanner with dedicated software for calcium calculation. Patients with
      known CAD were excluded. Diabetic and nondiabetic patients had comparable age and
      gender distribution. However, the diabetic group had higher Gensini score, CACS,
      and extracoronary calcium score (ECCS). Logistic regression analyses identified
      male gender and ECCS as significant predictors for the presence of CAD in
      diabetic patients. Age, smoking, and ECCS were the significant predictors of CAD
      in nondiabetic patients. Type 2 diabetic patients had increased coronary and
      extracoronary calcification. ECCS was found to be a significant predictor of CAD
      in diabetic and nondiabetic patients only when CACS was not taken into account.

PMID- 22048614
TI  - Why and how do systems react in thermally fluctuating environments?
AB  - Many chemical reactions, including those of biological importance, take place in
      thermally fluctuating environments. Compared to isolated systems, there arise
      markedly different features due to the effects of energy dissipation through
      friction and stochastic driving by random forces reflecting the fluctuation of
      the environment. Investigation of how robustly the system reacts under the
      influence of thermal fluctuation, and elucidating the role of thermal fluctuation
      in the reaction are significant subjects in the study of chemical reactions. In
      this article, we start with overviewing the generalized Langevin equation (GLE),
      which has long been used and continues to be a powerful tool to describe a system
      surrounded by a thermal environment. It has been also generalized further to
      treat a nonstationary environment, in which the conventional fluctuation
      dissipation theorem no longer holds. Then, within the framework of the Langevin
      equation we present a method recently developed to extract a new reaction
      coordinate that is decoupled from all the other coordinates in the region of a
      rank-one saddle linking the reactant and the product. The reaction coordinate is
      buried in nonlinear couplings among the original coordinates under the influence
      of stochastic random force. It was ensured that the sign of this new reaction
      coordinate (= a nonlinear functional of the original coordinates, velocities,
      friction, and random force) at any instant is sufficient to determine in which
      region, the reactant or the product, the system finally arrives. We also discuss
      how one can extend the method to extract such a coordinate from the GLE framework
      in stationary and nonstationary environments, where memory effects exist in
      dynamics of the reaction.

PMID- 22048613
TI  - Impaired attentional disengagement in older adults with useful field of view
      decline.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Typical measures of the useful field of view (UFOV) involve many
      components of attention. The objective of the current research was to examine the
      attentional operations that might underlie declines in the UFOV. METHOD AND
      RESULTS: We used 2 basic attention tasks to characterize the profile of visual
      attention in UFOV-impaired and -unimpaired observers. Our results suggested that
      declines in the UFOV result from a deficit in attentional disengagement, not a
      decrease in attentional breadth or scope. DISCUSSION: The results suggested that
      UFOV decline in normal aging can be associated with a specific attentional
      operation, namely attentional disengagement. These results suggest that the
      underlying cause of UFOV decline may not be a restriction in the breadth or scope
      of attention. Because the UFOV is a reliable predictor of driving safety, our
      results point to attentional components that are critical for the visual behavior
      of older adults.

PMID- 22048615
TI  - Structure identification and fermentation characteristics of pinoresinol
      diglucoside produced by Phomopsis sp. isolated from Eucommia ulmoides Oliv.
AB  - Pinoresinol diglucoside (PDG) is the important antihypertensive compound in
      Eucommia ulmoides Oliv., a traditional Chinese herb medicine. The research
      objective was to certify the possibility of producing PDG through fermentation.
      PDG-producing endophytic fungi were isolated from E. ulmoides Oliv., and the
      highest PDG-yielding (11.65 mg/L) isolate, XP-8, was identified as Phomopsis sp.
      according to the morphological characteristics and the phylogenetic tree
      constructed on the basis of the gene sequence in the internal transcribed spacers
      district. The microbial PDG was isolated by using S-8 resin and purified to a
      purity of 98.7% using preparative high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
      Information obtained from the UV spectrum (277 and 227 nm, in water solution),
      infra-red spectrum (3,428; 2,930; 2,877; 1,637; 1,600; and 1,513; 1,460; 1,421;
      1,269; 1,223; 1,075; 658 cm(-1), in powder), molecular weight (682 Da, measured
      using HPLC-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI/MS) and tandem mass
      spectrometry), and nuclear magnetic resonance analysis show the microbial PDG is
      (+)-1-pinoresinol 4,4'-di-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside, same as the plant-derived
      PDG. The microbial PDG is stable in pH range from 3 to 11 but less stable at
      temperature higher than 90  degrees C and in light exposure. During the
      fermentation, PDG production outside cells starts at the later stage of cell
      growth when the residual sugar in the medium was low. The study reveals the
      possibility for production of PDG by fermentation.

PMID- 22048616
TI  - Engineering of routes to heparin and related polysaccharides.
AB  - Anticoagulant heparin has been shown to possess important biological functions
      that vary according to its fine structure. Variability within heparin's structure
      occurs owing to its biosynthesis and animal tissue-based recovery and adds
      another dimension to its complex polymeric structure. The structural variations
      in chain length and sulfation patterns mediate its interaction with many heparin
      binding proteins, thereby eliciting complex biological responses. The advent of
      novel chemical and enzymatic approaches for polysaccharide synthesis coupled with
      high throughput combinatorial approaches for drug discovery have facilitated an
      increased effort to understand heparin's structure-activity relationships. An
      improved understanding would offer potential for new therapeutic development
      through the engineering of polysaccharides. Such a bioengineering approach
      requires the amalgamation of several different disciplines, including
      carbohydrate synthesis, applied enzymology, metabolic engineering, and process
      biochemistry.

PMID- 22048617
TI  - An erythromycin process improvement using the diethyl methylmalonate-responsive
      (Dmr) phenotype of the Saccharopolyspora erythraea mutB strain.
AB  - The Saccharopolyspora erythraea mutB knockout strain, FL2281, having a block in
      the methylmalonyl-CoA mutase reaction, was found to carry a diethyl
      methylmalonate-responsive (Dmr) phenotype in an oil-based fermentation medium.
      The Dmr phenotype confers the ability to increase erythromycin A (erythromycin)
      production from 250-300% when the oil-based medium is supplemented with 15 mM
      levels of this solvent. Lower concentrations of the solvent stimulated
      proportionately less erythromycin production, while higher concentrations had no
      additional benefit. Although the mutB strain is phenotypically a low-level
      erythromycin producer, diethyl methylmalonate supplementation allowed it to
      produce up to 30% more erythromycin than the wild-type (control) strain-a strain
      that does not show the Dmr phenotype. The Dmr phenotype represents a new class of
      strain improvement phenotype. A theory to explain the biochemical mechanism for
      the Dmr phenotype is proposed. Other phenotypes found to be associated with the
      mutB knockout were a growth defect and hyper-pigmentation, both of which were
      restored to normal by exposure to diethyl methylmalonate. Furthermore, mutB
      fermentations did not significantly metabolize soybean oil in the presence of
      diethyl methylmalonate. Finally, a novel method is proposed for the isolation of
      additional mutants with the Dmr phenotype.

PMID- 22048618
TI  - Smoking cessation treatment practices: recommendations for improved adoption on
      cardiology wards.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Smoking cessation treatment practices described by the
      5 A's (ask, advise, assess, assist, arrange) are not well applied at cardiology
      wards because of various reasons, such as a lack of time and appropriate skills
      of the nursing staff. Therefore, a simplified guideline proposing an ask-advise
      refer (AAR) strategy was introduced in Dutch cardiac wards. This study aimed to
      identify factors that determine the intentions of cardiac ward heads in adopting
      the simplified AAR guideline, as ward heads are key decision makers in the
      adoption of new guidelines. Ward heads' perceptions of current smoking cessation
      practices at the cardiac ward were also investigated. METHODS: A cross-sectional
      survey with written questionnaires was conducted among heads of cardiology wards
      throughout the Netherlands, of whom 117 (64%) responded. RESULTS: According to
      the heads of cardiac wards, smoking cessation practices by cardiologists and
      nurses were mostly limited to brief practices that are easy to conduct. Only a
      minority offered intensive counseling or arranged follow-up contact. Heads with
      strong intentions of adopting the AAR guideline differed significantly on
      motivational and organizational attributes and perceived more smoking cessation
      assistance by other health professionals than did heads with weak intentions of
      adopting. Positive attitudes, social support toward adoption, and perception of
      much assistance at the ward were significantly associated with increased
      intentions to adopt the AAR guideline. CONCLUSIONS: Brief smoking cessation
      practices are adequately performed at cardiac wards, but the most effective
      practices, offering assistance and arranging for follow-up, are less than
      optimal. The AAR guideline offers a more feasible approach for busy cardiology
      wards. To ensure successful adoption of this guideline, the heads of cardiac
      wards should be convinced of its advantages and be encouraged by a supportive
      work environment. Policies may also facilitate the adoption of the AAR guideline.

PMID- 22048619
TI  - Supportive relationships, self-care confidence, and heart failure self-care.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The theory of heart failure (HF) self-care proposes that confidence
      mediates relationships between social support and self-care behaviors. OBJECTIVE:
      This study aimed to examine the effects of supportive relationships on self-care
      behaviors and the mediating effects of self-care confidence in HF outpatients.
      METHODS: Structural equation modeling (SAS version 9.1, SAS Institute Inc, Cary,
      North Carolina) was used to examine the influence of supportive relationships and
      self-care confidence on self-care management and maintenance in a cross-section
      of patients with HF (n = 97; age = 56 years; 57% men; 45% African American; 55%
      married). Models included 3 variables characterizing supportive relationships:
      marital status (1 = currently married, 0 = not currently married), social network
      size (number of persons available to provide support), and perceived social
      support (Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Scale). To account for the effects
      of severity of illness, 2 measures characterizing severity of HF were included:
      left ventricular ejection fraction and New York Heart Association functional
      classification of HF. The Self-Care of Heart Failure Index (version 4) was used
      to measure self-care confidence, management, and maintenance. A consensus of fit
      indices estimated overall model fit. RESULTS: Initial models fit the data;
      however, to improve fit and identify the most parsimonious models, 3
      nonsignificant paths were removed, and modified models, including only social
      support and social network size, were proposed and tested. Modified models fit
      the data well and accounted for 15% in the variance in self-care maintenance
      (chi(2) P = .29) and 18% of the variance in self-care management (chi(2) P =
      .631). The indirect effect of social support (beta = 0.37; P = .0004) through
      self-care confidence (beta = 0.35; P = .0002) on self-care management, in the
      absence of a significant direct effect, supports the hypothesis that self-care
      confidence mediates the relationship between social support and self-care
      management. Social network size had a negative effect on self-care confidence
      (beta = -0.22; P = .029), but this effect was mediated by self-care confidence
      (beta = 0.33; P = .0002), which reduced the total negative effects. Self-care
      confidence was the best predictor of self-care management. In the self-care
      maintenance model, direct (beta = 0.27; P = .003) and indirect effects of social
      support (beta = 0.37; P = .0002) on self-care maintenance through self-care
      confidence (beta = 0.22; P = .001) attenuated negative effects of social network
      size (beta = -0.22; P = .0145). Social support was the best predictor of self
      care maintenance. CONCLUSIONS: Findings support the positive influence of social
      support on self-care behaviors. Self-care confidence mediated the relationship
      between social support and self-care behaviors and had direct influence on these
      behaviors as well. This suggests that self-care confidence and self-care
      behaviors can be enhanced by improving the quality of social support.

PMID- 22048620
TI  - A highly efficient kinetic resolution of Morita-Baylis-Hillman adducts achieved
      by N-Ar axially chiral Pd-complexes catalyzed asymmetric allylation.
AB  - Palladium complexes with an axially chiral N-Ar framework have been developed.
      These complexes showed high stereoselectivities in asymmetric allylic arylation
      to achieve the kinetic resolution of Morita-Baylis-Hillman adducts, affording up
      to 99% ee of (E)-allylation products and 92% ee of recovered Morita-Baylis
      Hillman adducts.

PMID- 22048621
TI  - Prevention: vitamin E leaves bitter aftertaste.

PMID- 22048622
TI  - Opinion: a personal note--40 years after the signing of the Cancer Act.

PMID- 22048623
TI  - Radiotherapy: stop recurring breast cancer nightmares.

PMID- 22048624
TI  - Carcinomas of an unknown primary origin--diagnosis and treatment.
AB  - Carcinomas of an unknown primary origin (CUP) account for 3-5% of all
      malignancies and are thus among the ten most-frequent cancers worldwide. Having a
      specific and unique phenotype of early and usually aggressive metastatic
      dissemination with no identifiable primary tumor, CUP are a challenge for
      physicians. The diagnostic workup of patients with CUP includes a careful
      clinical and extensive histopathological examination, as well as the use of
      imaging techniques. CUP can be divided into favorable and unfavorable subsets.
      Patients with unfavorable CUP subsets have a poor prognosis with a median
      survival of approximately 8 months; the optimal chemotherapy regimen for these
      patients remains to be determined. Although studies have focused on the
      introduction of new cytotoxic agents with broad-spectrum clinical activity (such
      as gemcitabine, irinotecan, and taxanes), no randomized trial has provided clear
      evidence of a survival benefit. Molecular targeted therapies that are approved
      for other solid tumors are now considered for the treatment of patients with CUP.
      Molecular diagnostic tools, such as DNA microarray analysis, could help in the
      search for 'lost' CUP origins. In this Review, we describe the clinical
      evaluation of patients with CUP, and discuss treatment strategies and outcomes of
      patients with various CUP subsets.

PMID- 22048625
TI  - Combination therapy: update on gastric cancer in East Asia.

PMID- 22048626
TI  - Medical oncology: clinical value of circulating tumor cells in breast cancer.

PMID- 22048627
TI  - Hematology: cast iron results for ESA use in cancer.

PMID- 22048628
TI  - The impact of therapeutic delay time on acute scintigraphic lesion and ultimate
      scar formation in children with first febrile UTI.
AB  - We assessed the role of therapeutic delay time (TDT) in acute renal cortical
      scintigraphic lesion (ASL) and ultimate scar formation (USF) in children with
      first febrile UTI and whether it is affected by the presence of vesico-ureteral
      reflux (VUR). 230 children, 90 girls and 140 boys with first febrile UTI were
      included. Radiologic (USG, DMSA, and VCUG), clinical (age, gender, peak fever,
      therapeutic delay time) and laboratory (CBC with differential count, ANC
      (absolute neutrophil count), BUN, Creatinine, urine analysis, gram stain,
      culture, CRP and ESR) variables were analysed. DMSA was performed within 5 days
      and after six months. VCUG was performed after acute phase of UTI. The
      differences in TDT according to the presence of ASL, USF and VUR were assessed.
      And the correlation between ASL or USF with the duration of TDT was assessed. Of
      230 patients enrolled, 142 patients had refluxing UTI and 88 patients had non
      refluxing UTI. TDT was the risk factor associated with ASL and USF along with
      presence of VUR. TDT was longer in ASL positive group compared with the ASL
      negative group. Also USF group showed longer TDT compared with those without USF
      in both refluxing UTI and non refluxing UTI. The TDT was significantly shorter in
      USF group with the presence of VUR. Positive linear association was noted between
      prevalence of ASL and USF and duration of TDT. In conclusion, the impact of UTI
      on formation of USF may be enhanced by the presence of VUR with shorter duration
      of TDT.

PMID- 22048630
TI  - A pathway-based approach to identify molecular biomarkers in cancer.
AB  - Many examples highlight the power of gene expression profiles, or signatures, to
      provide an understanding of biological phenotypes. This is best seen in the
      context of cancer, where expression signatures have tremendous power to identify
      new cancer subtypes and to predict clinical outcomes. Gene expression profiles
      have been developed to personalize medicine, accurately predicting disease
      recurrence and tumor response to therapy. The use of these signatures as
      surrogate phenotypes allows us to link diverse experimental systems, which
      dissect the complexity of biological systems, with the in vivo setting in a way
      that was not previously feasible. Taken together, these new genomic tools provide
      the opportunity to develop rational strategies for treating the individual cancer
      patient.

PMID- 22048631
TI  - What is the best criterion for the interpretation of adrenal vein sample results
      in patients with primary hyperaldosteronism?
AB  - BACKGROUND: In patients with primary hyperaldosteronism, adrenal vein sampling
      (AVS) has emerged as a gold standard for distinguishing between unilateral and
      bilateral disease, but multiple criteria have been used and no consensus exists
      as to the most accurate criterion. The objective of this study was to determine
      which AVS criteria most accurately identify patients with unilateral surgical
      disease and are associated with significant clinical improvement after
      adrenalectomy. METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of AVS results in 108
      patients with primary hyperaldosteronism treated at a single institution.
      Literature review of AVS criteria was used to distinguish between unilateral and
      bilateral disease. RESULTS: Of the 10 AVS criteria identified in the literature,
      one criterion (ACTH stimulation, positioning: cortisol [adrenal]/cortisol
      [periphery] [Ca/Cp] > 5.0 and lateralization: aldosterone/cortisol [A/C]
      [dominant {D}]: A/C [nondominant {ND}] > 4:1) was the most accurate in
      identifying and correctly predicting lateralization of disease (P value range: <
      0.001-0.0369). For this criterion, the true positive rate was 88%. The second
      most accurate criterion was no ACTH stimulation, positioning Ca/Cp > 1.1 and
      lateralization: A/C (D): A/C (ND) > 2:1. For this criterion, the overall true
      positive was 85%. However, we found no significant difference in clinical outcome
      based on individual criteria fulfillment. CONCLUSIONS: Of the multiple criteria
      used for AVS evaluation, one criterion has the best accuracy. With the increasing
      use of AVS, there should be a consensus by which these results are evaluated and
      surgeons recommend adrenalectomy.

PMID- 22048632
TI  - Diagnostic value of sentinel lymph node biopsy in gastric cancer: a meta
      analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The possible application and validity of the sentinel lymph node
      (SLN) concept in gastric cancer (GC) is still debated. A systematic review to
      evaluate the diagnostic value of SLN biopsy (SLNB) in GC is urgently needed.
      METHODS: A systematic review of relevant literatures was performed in PubMed,
      Embase, and The Cochrane Library. A random-effect model was used to pool the
      data, and subgroup analysis was used to explain the heterogeneities. RESULTS: A
      total of 38 included studies (2,128 patients) were included. The pooled SLN
      identification rate, sensitivity, negative predictive value, and accuracy were
      93.7% (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 91.1-95.6%), 76.9% (95% CI: 71.6-81.4%),
      90.3% (95% CI: 86.9-92.9%), and 92.0% (95% CI: 89.9-93.7%), respectively.
      Subgroup analysis showed that early T stage, combined tracers, submucosal
      injection method, conventional open surgery, and usage of immunohistochemistry
      were associated with higher SLN identification rate and sensitivity. CONCLUSIONS:
      SLNB in GC is technically feasible with an acceptable sensitivity. However,
      further studies are needed to confirm the best procedure and standard criteria.

PMID- 22048633
TI  - The combined expression of metaplasia biomarkers predicts the prognosis of
      gastric cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Our previous study indicated that gene expression profiling of
      intestinal metaplasia (IM) or spasmolytic polypeptide-expressing metaplasia
      (SPEM) can identify useful prognostic markers of early-stage gastric cancer, and
      seven metaplasia biomarkers (MUC13, CDH17, OLFM4, KRT20, LGALS4, MUC5AC, and
      REG4) were selectively expressed in 17-50% of gastric cancer tissues. We
      investigated whether the combined expression of these metaplasia biomarkers could
      predict the prognosis of advanced stage gastric cancer. METHODS: The expression
      of seven metaplasia biomarkers was evaluated immunohistochemically using tissue
      microarrays comprised of 450 gastric cancer patients. The clinicopathologic
      correlations and the prognostic impact were analyzed according to the expression
      of multiple biomarkers. RESULTS: MUC13, CDH17, LGALS4, and REG4 were significant
      prognostic biomarkers in univariate analysis. No expression of four markers was
      found in 56 cases (14.2%); 1 marker was seen in 67 cases (17%), 2 in 106 cases
      (27%), 3 in 101 cases (25.7%), and 4 in 63 cases (16%). Patients in which two or
      fewer proteins were expressed (group B) showed younger age, undifferentiated or
      diffuse type cancer, larger tumor size, larger number of metastatic lymph nodes,
      and more advanced stage than those in which three or more proteins were expressed
      (group A). In undifferentiated or stage II/III gastric cancer, the prognosis of
      group B was significantly poorer than that of group A by multivariate analysis.
      CONCLUSIONS: The combined loss of expression of multiple metaplasia biomarkers is
      considered an independent prognostic indicator in undifferentiated or stage
      II/III gastric cancer.

PMID- 22048635
TI  - Morphology controllable growth of Pt nanoparticles/nanowires on carbon powders
      and its application as novel electro-catalyst for methanol oxidation.
AB  - Pt nanowires (PtNWs) have been controllably synthesized on carbon powders by the
      reduction of H(2)PtCl(6) with HCOOH. By adjusting the pH value of the solution,
      PtCl(6)(2-) can be controllable reduced into particles or nanowires. The Pt
      nanowires are single crystals growing along the <111> direction with a diameter
      of 3 nm and a length of 10 nm. The dispersion of Pt nanowires on the surface of
      carbon powders can be controlled by changing the loading of Pt. The PtNWs/C is
      evaluated as the catalyst for methanol oxidation. The PtNWs/C with 20 wt% Pt has
      a larger electrochemical active surface area and much higher mass activity for
      methanol oxidation than that of commercial Pt/C catalyst. The PtNWs/C catalyst
      shows significant improvement in the kinetics for methanol oxidation and mass
      transfer property due to the single crystal structure of the Pt nanowires. The
      PtNWs/C catalyst holds promising potential applications in energy converting
      devices and environmental protection.

PMID- 22048636
TI  - Reactions of cadmium(II) nitrate with 4-(trimethylammonio)benzenethiolate in the
      presence of N-donor ligands.
AB  - Reactions of Cd(NO(3))(2).4H(2)O with TabHPF(6) (TabH = 4
      (trimethylammonio)benzenethiol) and Et(3)N in the presence of NH(4)SCN and five
      other N-donor ligands such as 2,2'-bipyridine (2,2'-bipy), phenanthroline (phen),
      2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline (2,9-dmphen), 2,6-bis(pyrazd-3-yl)pyridine
      (bppy) and 2,6-bis(3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)pyridine (bdmppy) gave rise to a
      family of Cd(II)/thiolate complexes of N-donor ligands, {[Cd(2)(MU
      Tab)(4)(NCS)(2)](NO(3))(2).MeOH}(n) (1), [Cd(2)(MU-Tab)(2)(L)(4)](PF(6))(4) (2: L
      = 2,2'-bipy; 3: L = phen), [Cd(Tab)(2)(L)](PF(6))(2) (4: L = 2,9-dmphen; 5: L =
      bppy), and [Cd(2)(MU-Tab)(2)(Tab)(2)(bdmppy)](2)(PF(6))(8).H(2)O (6.H(2)O). These
      compounds were characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra, UV-Vis spectra,
      (1)H NMR, electrospray ionization (ESI) mass spectra and single-crystal X-ray
      diffraction. For 1, each [Cd(NCS)](+) fragment is connected to its equivalents
      via a pair of Tab bridges to a one-dimensional chain. For 2 and 3, two [Cd(2,2'
      bipy)(2)](2+) or [Cd(phen)(2)](2+) units are linked by a pair of Tab bridges to
      form a cationic dimeric structure. The Cd atom in [Cd(Tab)(2)(L)](2+) dication of
      4 or 5 is coordinated by two Tab ligands and chelated by two N atoms from 2,9
      dmphen (4) or three N atoms from bppy (5), forming a distorted tetrahedral (4) or
      trigonal bipyramidal (5) coordination geometry. For 6, each of two
      [Cd(Tab)(bdmppy)] fragments is linked to one [(Tab)Cd(MU-Tab)(2)Cd(Tab)] fragment
      via two Tab bridges to generate a unique cationic zigzag tetrameric structure
      where the Cd centers take a tetrahedral or a trigonal bipyramidal coordination
      geometry. The results may provide an interesting insight into mimicking the
      coordination spheres of the Cd(II) sites of metallothioneins and their
      interactions with various N-donor ligands encountered in nature.

PMID- 22048637
TI  - Reconciling the bizarre inheritance of microtubules in complex (euglenid)
      microeukaryotes.
AB  - We introduce a hypothetical model that explains how surface microtubules in
      euglenids are generated, integrated and inherited with the flagellar apparatus
      from generation to generation. The Euglenida is a very diverse group of single
      celled eukaryotes unified by a complex cell surface called the "pellicle",
      consisting of proteinaceous strips that run along the longitudinal axis of the
      cell and articulate with one another along their lateral margins. The strips are
      positioned beneath the plasma membrane and are reinforced with subtending
      microtubules. Euglenids reproduce asexually, and the two daughter cells inherit
      pellicle strips and associate microtubules from the parent cell in a semi
      conservative pattern. In preparation for cell division, nascent pellicle strips
      develop from the anterior end of the cell and elongate toward the posterior end
      between two parent (mature) strips, so that the total number of pellicle strips
      and underlying microtubules is doubled in the predivisional cell. Each daughter
      cell inherits an alternating pattern of strips consisting of half of the nascent
      strips and half of the parent (mature) strips. This observation combined with the
      fact that the microtubules underlying the strips are linked to the flagellar
      apparatus created a cytoskeletal riddle: how do microtubules associated with an
      alternating pattern of nascent strips and mature strips maintain their physical
      relationship to the flagellar apparatus when the parent cell divides? The model
      of microtubular inheritance articulated here incorporates known patterns of
      cytoskeletal semi-conservatism and two new inferences: (1) a multigenerational
      "pellicle microtubule organizing center" (pMTOC) extends from the dorsal root of
      the flagellar apparatus, encircles the flagellar pocket, and underpins the
      microtubules of the pellicle; and (2) prior to cytokinesis, nascent pellicle
      microtubules fall within one of two "left/right" constellations that are linked
      to one of the two new dorsal basal bodies.

PMID- 22048638
TI  - The essence of student visual-spatial literacy and higher order thinking skills
      in undergraduate biology.
AB  - Science, engineering and mathematics-related disciplines have relied heavily on a
      researcher's ability to visualize phenomena under study and being able to link
      and superimpose various abstract and concrete representations including visual,
      spatial, and temporal. The spatial representations are especially important in
      all branches of biology (in developmental biology time becomes an important
      dimension), where 3D and often 4D representations are crucial for understanding
      the phenomena. By the time biology students get to undergraduate education, they
      are supposed to have acquired visual-spatial thinking skills, yet it has been
      documented that very few undergraduates and a small percentage of graduate
      students have had a chance to develop these skills to a sufficient degree. The
      current paper discusses the literature that highlights the essence of visual
      spatial thinking and the development of visual-spatial literacy, considers the
      application of the visual-spatial thinking to biology education, and proposes how
      modern technology can help to promote visual-spatial literacy and higher order
      thinking among undergraduate students of biology.

PMID- 22048639
TI  - Mapping and pyramiding of two major genes for resistance to the brown planthopper
      (Nilaparvata lugens [Stal]) in the rice cultivar ADR52.
AB  - The brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens (Stal), is one of the most
      serious and destructive pests of rice, and can be found throughout the rice
      growing areas of Asia. To date, more than 24 major BPH-resistance genes have been
      reported in several Oryza sativa ssp. indica cultivars and wild relatives. Here,
      we report the genetic basis of the high level of BPH resistance derived from an
      Indian rice cultivar, ADR52, which was previously identified as resistant to the
      whitebacked planthopper (Sogatella furcifera [Horvath]). An F(2) population
      derived from a cross between ADR52 and a susceptible cultivar, Taichung 65 (T65),
      was used for quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis. Antibiosis testing showed
      that multiple loci controlled the high level of BPH resistance in this F(2)
      population. Further linkage analysis using backcross populations resulted in the
      identification of BPH-resistance (antibiosis) gene loci from ADR52. BPH25 co
      segregated with marker S00310 on the distal end of the short arm of chromosome 6,
      and BPH26 co-segregated with marker RM5479 on the long arm of chromosome 12. To
      characterize the virulence of the most recently migrated BPH strain in Japan,
      preliminary near-isogenic lines (pre-NILs) and a preliminary pyramided line (pre
      PYL) carrying BPH25 and BPH26 were evaluated. Although both pre-NILs were
      susceptible to the virulent BPH strain, the pre-PYL exhibited a high level of
      resistance. The pyramiding of resistance genes is therefore likely to be
      effective for increasing the durability of resistance against the new virulent
      BPH strain in Japan.

PMID- 22048640
TI  - Fine-mapping of qRfg2, a QTL for resistance to Gibberella stalk rot in maize.
AB  - Stalk rot is one of the most devastating diseases in maize worldwide. In our
      previous study, two QTLs, a major qRfg1 and a minor qRfg2, were identified in the
      resistant inbred line '1145' to confer resistance to Gibberella stalk rot. In the
      present study, we report on fine-mapping of the minor qRfg2 that is located on
      chromosome 1 and account for ~8.9% of the total phenotypic variation. A total of
      22 markers were developed in the qRfg2 region to resolve recombinants. The
      progeny-test mapping strategy was developed to accurately determine the
      phenotypes of all recombinants for fine-mapping of the qRfg2 locus. This fine
      mapping process was performed from BC(4)F(1) to BC(8)F(1) generations to narrow
      down the qRfg2 locus into ~300 kb, flanked by the markers SSRZ319 and CAPSZ459. A
      predicted gene in the mapped region, coding for an auxin-regulated protein, is
      believed to be a candidate for qRfg2. The qRfg2 locus could steadily increase the
      resistance percentage by ~12% across different backcross generations, suggesting
      its usefulness in enhancing maize resistance against Gibberella stalk rot.

PMID- 22048641
TI  - Development of wild barley (Hordeum chilense)-derived DArT markers and their use
      into genetic and physical mapping.
AB  - Diversity arrays technology (DArT) genomic libraries were developed from H.
      chilense accessions to support robust genotyping of this species and a novel crop
      comprising H. chilense genome (e.g., tritordeums). Over 11,000 DArT clones were
      obtained using two complexity reduction methods. A subset of 2,209 DArT markers
      was identified on the arrays containing these clones as polymorphic between
      parents and segregating in a population of 92 recombinant inbred lines (RIL)
      developed from the cross between H. chilense accessions H1 and H7. Using the
      segregation data a high-density map of 1,503 cM was constructed with average
      inter-bin density of 2.33 cM. A subset of DArT markers was also mapped physically
      using a set of wheat-H. chilense chromosome addition lines. It allowed the
      unambiguous assignment of linkage groups to chromosomes. Four segregation
      distortion regions (SDRs) were found on the chromosomes 2H(ch), 3H(ch) and 5H(ch)
      in agreement with previous findings in barley. The new map improves the genome
      coverage of previous H. chilense maps. H. chilense-derived DArT markers will
      enable further genetic studies in ongoing projects on hybrid wheat, seed
      carotenoid content improvement or tritordeum breeding program. Besides, the
      genetic map reported here will be very useful as the basis to develop comparative
      genomics studies with barley and model species.

PMID- 22048642
TI  - The role of MAPK and Nrf2 pathways in ketanserin-elicited attenuation of
      cigarette smoke-induced IL-8 production in human bronchial epithelial cells.
AB  - Cigarette smoking is a major risk factor in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
      (COPD) with chronic airway inflammation as a key feature. Blockade of serotonin
      receptor 2A (5-HTR(2A)) with ketanserin has been found to improve lung function
      in COPD patients. Furthermore, ketanserin has been shown to possess anti
      inflammatory properties in vivo. In this study, we investigated the antioxidative
      and anti-inflammatory properties of ketanserin and its underlying mechanism of
      action on cigarette smoke-induced interleukin (IL)-8 release in vitro. Primary
      normal human bronchial epithelial cells and human bronchial epithelial cell line
      (BEAS-2B) were treated with or without ketanserin prior to exposure to cigarette
      smoke medium (CSM). Exposure to CSM caused elevation of both mRNA and release of
      IL-8 with increased phosphorylation of p38 and extracellular signal-regulated
      kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2). Consistently, CSM-induced IL-8 release was blocked by
      SB203580, U0126, or MEK1 small interfering RNA (siRNA) but not SP600125. On the
      other hand, CSM caused a dose-dependent decrease in the ratio of reduced
      glutathione to oxidized glutathione (rGSH/GSSG) together with an increased
      translocation of Nrf2 to the nucleus demonstrated by Western blot analysis. Knock
      down of Nrf2 by siRNA completely blocked CSM-induced IL-8 release. Ketanserin
      suppressed CSM-induced IL-8 release by inhibiting p38, ERK1/2 MAPK, and Nrf2
      signaling pathways and partially inhibited CSM-induced reduction of rGSH/GSSG
      ratio. Our data demonstrated the novel antioxidative and anti-inflammatory role
      of ketanserin via the Nrf2 signaling pathway in CSM-exposed human bronchial
      epithelial cells. This may open up new perspectives in the development of novel
      therapeutic targets in the treatment of cigarette smoke-related COPD.

PMID- 22048643
TI  - Aberrant expression of miR-638 contributes to benzo(a)pyrene-induced human cell
      transformation.
AB  - Identification of aberrant microRNA (miRNA) expression during chemical carcinogen
      induced cell transformation will lead to a better understanding of the
      substantial role of miRNAs in cancer development. To explore whether aberrant
      miRNAs expression can be used as biomarkers of chemical exposure in risk
      assessment of chemical carcinogenesis, we analyzed miRNA expression profiles of
      human bronchial epithelial cells expressing an oncogenic allele of H-Ras (HBER)
      at different stages of transformation induced by benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) by miRNA
      array. It revealed 12 miRNAs differentially expressed in HBER cells at both
      pretransformed and transformed stages. Differentially expressed miRNAs were
      confirmed in transformed cells and examined in 50 pairs of primary human non
      small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissues using real-time PCR. Among these miRNAs,
      downregulation of miR-638 was found in 68% (34/50) of NSCLC tissues. However, the
      expression of miR-638 in HBER cells increased upon treatment of BaP in a dose
      dependent manner. The expression of miR-638 was also examined in peripheral
      lymphocytes from 86 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)-exposed (PE) workers.
      We found that the average expression level of miR-638 in peripheral lymphocytes
      from 86 PE workers increased by 72% compared with control group. The levels of
      miR-638 were correlated with the concentration of urinary 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP)
      and external levels of PAHs. Overexpression of miR-638 aggravated cell DNA damage
      induced by BaP, which might be mediated by suppression of breast cancer 1
      (BRCA1), one of the target genes of miR-638. In summary, we suggest that miR-638
      is involved in the BaP-induced carcinogenesis by targeting BRCA1.

PMID- 22048644
TI  - Cypermethrin induces astrocyte apoptosis by the disruption of the
      autocrine/paracrine mode of epidermal growth factor receptor signaling.
AB  - Cypermethrin is reported to affect astrocytes in rat brain; however, its
      mechanism of action is obscure. Here, we observed an increase in apoptosis in the
      cortical astrocytes upon treatment of rats with cypermethrin. We then
      characterized the mechanism governing the apoptosis. Because the epidermal growth
      factor receptor (EGFR) signaling regulates the survival of astrocytes, we
      investigated the effect of cypermethrin on EGFR activation. The astrocytes
      exhibited an early and irreversible attenuation in the basal EGFR
      phosphorylation. Supportively, molecular docking studies revealed considerable
      homology in the docking mode of cypermethrin and the known EGFR inhibitors,
      erlotinib and AG1478, to the kinase domain of EGFR. Furthermore, treatment with
      cypermethrin demonstrated a downregulation in the intracellular and secreted
      levels of heparin-binding epidermal growth factor (HB-EGF), an EGFR ligand.
      AG1478 reduced the synthesis of HB-EGF, suggesting the dependence of HB-EGF on
      EGFR activation. In addition, a neutralizing antibody against HB-EGF diminished
      the basal EGFR levels, indicating ligand-dependent expression of EGFR. Likewise,
      cypermethrin caused irreversible suppression in the basal EGFR levels, which
      induced apoptosis in astrocytes. The apoptosis was prevented by exogenous HB-EGF.
      These data imply an autocrine/paracrine mode of action of HB-EGF-EGFR in
      astrocyte survival. Consequently, cypermethrin induced a mitochondria-mediated
      apoptosis, characterized by rise in Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and cleavage of caspase-9, 
      3, and -7, and the effect was prevented by HB-EGF. HB-EGF activated the
      extracellular signal-regulated kinases and AKT pathways that protected against
      apoptosis. Together, these data demonstrate that cypermethrin induces astrocyte
      apoptosis by disrupting the autocrine/paracrine mode of HB-EGF-EGFR signaling at
      two levels, irreversible loss of basal EGFR and downregulation of HB-EGF.

PMID- 22048645
TI  - Exacerbation of acetaminophen hepatotoxicity by the anthelmentic drug
      fenbendazole.
AB  - Fenbendazole is a broad-spectrum anthelmintic drug widely used to prevent or
      treat nematode infections in laboratory rodent colonies. Potential interactions
      between fenbendazole and hepatotoxicants such as acetaminophen are unknown, and
      this was investigated in this study. Mice were fed a control diet or a diet
      containing fenbendazole (8-12 mg/kg/day) for 7 days prior to treatment with
      acetaminophen (300 mg/kg) or phosphate buffered saline. In mice fed a control
      diet, acetaminophen administration resulted in centrilobular hepatic necrosis and
      increases in serum transaminases, which were evident within 12 h. Acetaminophen
      induced hepatotoxicity was markedly increased in mice fed the fenbendazole
      containing diet, as measured histologically and by significant increases in serum
      transaminase levels. Moreover, in mice fed the fenbendazole-containing diet, but
      not the control diet, 63% mortality was observed within 24 h of acetaminophen
      administration. Fenbendazole by itself had no effect on liver histology or serum
      transaminases. To determine if exaggerated hepatotoxicity was due to alterations
      in acetaminophen metabolism, we analyzed sera for the presence of free
      acetaminophen and acetaminophen-glucuronide. We found that there were no
      differences in acetaminophen turnover. We also measured cytochrome P450 (cyp)
      2e1, cyp3a, and cyp1a2 activity. Whereas fenbendazole had no effect on the
      activity of cyp2e1 or cyp3a, cyp1a2 was suppressed. A prolonged suppression of
      hepatic glutathione (GSH) was also observed in acetaminophen-treated mice fed the
      fenbendazole-containing diet when compared with the control diet. These data
      demonstrate that fenbendazole exacerbates the hepatotoxicity of acetaminophen, an
      effect that is related to persistent GSH depletion. These findings are novel and
      suggest a potential drug-drug interaction that should be considered in
      experimental protocols evaluating mechanisms of hepatotoxicity in rodent colonies
      treated with fenbendazole.

PMID- 22048646
TI  - Doxorubicin increases oxidative metabolism in HL-1 cardiomyocytes as shown by 13C
      metabolic flux analysis.
AB  - Doxorubicin (DXR), an anticancer drug, is limited in its use due to severe
      cardiotoxic effects. These effects are partly caused by disturbed myocardial
      energy metabolism. We analyzed the effects of therapeutically relevant but
      nontoxic DXR concentrations for their effects on metabolic fluxes, cell
      respiration, and intracellular ATP. (13)C isotope labeling studies using [U
      (13)C(6)]glucose, [1,2-(13)C(2)]glucose, and [U-(13)C(5)]glutamine were carried
      out on HL-1 cardiomyocytes exposed to 0.01 and 0.02 MUM DXR and compared with the
      untreated control. Metabolic fluxes were calculated by integrating production and
      uptake rates of extracellular metabolites (glucose, lactate, pyruvate, and amino
      acids) as well as (13)C-labeling in secreted lactate derived from the respective
      (13)C-labeled substrates into a metabolic network model. The investigated DXR
      concentrations (0.01 and 0.02 MUM) had no effect on cell viability and beating of
      the HL-1 cardiomyocytes. Glycolytic fluxes were significantly reduced in treated
      cells at tested DXR concentrations. Oxidative metabolism was significantly
      increased (higher glucose oxidation, oxidative decarboxylation, TCA cycle rates,
      and respiration) suggesting a more efficient use of glucose carbon. These changes
      were accompanied by decrease of intracellular ATP. We conclude that DXR in
      nanomolar range significantly changes central carbon metabolism in HL-1
      cardiomyocytes, which results in a higher coupling of glycolysis and TCA cycle.
      The myocytes probably try to compensate for decreased intracellular ATP, which in
      turn may be the result of a loss of NADH electrons via either formation of
      reactive oxygen species or electron shunting.

PMID- 22048647
TI  - Dickkopf 1 mediates glucocorticoid-induced changes in human neural progenitor
      cell proliferation and differentiation.
AB  - Glucocorticoids (GC) are critical for normal development of the fetal brain, and
      alterations in their levels can induce neurotoxicity with detrimental
      consequences. Still, there is little information available on the effects of GC
      on human neural stem/progenitor cells (hNPC). In the present study, we have
      investigated the effects of the synthetic GC dexamethasone (Dex) on hNPC grown as
      neurospheres, with special focus on their proliferation and differentiation
      capacity and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Immunocytochemical stainings
      showed that Dex markedly decreases proliferation and neuronal differentiation
      while promoting glia cell formation. Analysis of pathway-specific genes revealed
      that Dex induces an upregulation of the Wnt-signaling antagonist DKK1. Moreover,
      Dex- or DKK1-treated hNPCs showed reduced transcriptional levels of the two
      canonical Wnt target genes cyclin D1 and inhibitor of DNA binding 2 (ID2).
      Chromatin immunoprecipitation showed that Dex, via the glucocorticoid receptor,
      interacts with the DKK1 promotor. Treatment of hNPC with recombinant DKK1 or
      neutralizing antibodies indicated that DKK1 has a critical role in the Dex
      induced inhibition of proliferation and neuronal differentiation with a
      concomitant increase in glial cells. Taken together, our findings show that GC
      reduce proliferation and interfere with differentiation of hNPCs via the
      canonical Wnt-signaling pathway.

PMID- 22048649
TI  - Centers and centroids of the cone-beam projection of a ball.
AB  - In geometric calibration of cone-beam (CB) scanners, point-like marker objects
      such as small balls are imaged to obtain positioning information from which the
      unknown geometric parameters are extracted. The procedure is sensitive to errors
      in the positioning information, and one source of error is a small bias which can
      occur in estimating the detector locations of the CB projections of the centers
      of the balls. We call these detector locations the center projections. In
      general, the CB projection of a ball of uniform density onto a flat detector
      forms an ellipse. Inside the ellipse lie the center projection M, the ellipse
      center C and the centroid G of the intensity values inside the ellipse. The
      center projection is invariably estimated from C or G which are much easier to
      extract directly from the data. In this work, we quantify the errors incurred in
      using C or G to estimate M. We prove mathematically that the points C, G, M and O
      are always distinct and lie on the major axis of the ellipse, where O is the
      detector origin, defined as the orthogonal projection of the cone vertex onto the
      detector. (The ellipse can only degenerate to a circle if the ball is along the
      direct line of sight to O, and in this case all four points coincide.) The points
      always lie in the same order: O, M, G, C which establishes that the centroid has
      less geometric bias than the ellipse center for estimating M. However, our
      numerical studies indicate that the centroid bias is only 20% less than the
      ellipse center bias so the benefit in using centroid estimates is not
      substantial. For the purposes of quantifying the bias in practice, we show that
      the ellipse center bias ||CM|| can be conveniently estimated by eA/(pi f(~) where
      A is the area of the elliptical projection, e is the eccentricity of the ellipse
      and f(~) is an estimate of the focal length of the system. Finally, we discuss
      how these results are affected by physical factors such as beam hardening, and
      indicate extensions to balls of non-uniform density.

PMID- 22048648
TI  - Smooth muscle proteins from Hirschsprung's disease facilitates stem cell
      differentiation.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The transplantation of neural crest derived stem cells
      (NCSC's) is a potent alternative for the treatment of Hirschsprung's disease
      (HSCR). Cells to be transplanted should find an appropriate microenvironment to
      survive and differentiate. To investigate the quality of this microenvironment,
      effects of HSCR-smooth-muscle-protein extracts upon NCSC's were studied in vitro.
      METHODS: Postnatal human gut from children undergoing colonic resection due to
      HSCR was divided in segments. Smooth muscle was dissected and homogenized. Glial
      cell-line-derived-neurotrophic-factor (GDNF) concentration was measured in the
      homogenates from the individual segment using ELISA. NCSC's were exposed to
      protein extracts derived from ganglionic and aganglionic HSCR segments, and their
      effect upon neurite outgrowth, survival and branching was evaluated. RESULTS: The
      amount of the factors varied considerably between the proximal and distal
      segments, and also from patient to patient. While extracts from proximal segments
      tended to have more prominent effects, all HSCR-muscle-protein extracts increased
      neuronal survival and network formation. CONCLUSION: Muscle protein from
      aganglionic bowel supports the survival and outgrowth of NCSC's and is so an
      appropriate target for neural stem cell treatment.

PMID- 22048650
TI  - Efficacy of hemivertebra resection for congenital scoliosis: a multicenter
      retrospective comparison of three surgical techniques.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Multicenter, retrospective study. OBJECTIVE: To compare the
      outcomes of three surgical treatments for congenital spinal deformity due to a
      hemivertebra. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Congenital anomalies of the spine can
      cause significant and progressive scoliosis and kyphosis. Their management may be
      challenging and controversy remains over the "best" surgical treatment. METHODS:
      A multicenter retrospective study of patients with congenital spinal deformity
      due to 1 or 2 level hemivertebra(e) was performed. The surgical treatments
      included hemiepiphysiodesis or in situ fusion (group 1), instrumented fusion
      without hemivertebra excision (group 2), or instrumented hemivertebra excision
      (group 3). RESULTS: Seventy-six patients with minimum 2-year follow-up were
      evaluated. The mean age was 8 years (range: 1-18). The hemivertebra were fully
      segmented, nonincarcerated (67%), incarcerated (1%), and semisegmented (32%).
      There were 65 patients with single hemivertebra and 11 patients with double
      hemivertebra. There were 14 (18.4%) group 1, 20 (26.3%) group 2, and 42 (55.3%)
      group 3 patients. Group 1 (37 +/- 14 degrees ) and group 3 (35 +/- 26 degrees )
      patients had smaller preoperative curves than group 2 patients (55 +/- 26 degrees
      ) (P < 0.01). Group 3 had better percent correction at 2 years than groups 1 and
      2 (P < 0.001). Group 3 had shorter fusion (P = 0.001), less estimated blood loss
      (EBL, P = 0.03), and a trend toward shorter operative times than group 2 (P =
      0.10). The overall complication rate for the entire group was 30% group 1 (23%),
      group 2 (17%), and group 3 (44%) (P = 0.09). CONCLUSION: While hemivertebra
      resection for congenital scoliosis had a higher complication rate than either
      hemiepiphysiodesis/in situ fusion or instrumentated fusion without resection,
      posterior hemivertebra resection in younger patients resulted in better percent
      correction than the other two techniques.

PMID- 22048651
TI  - Comparative effectiveness evidence from the spine patient outcomes research
      trial: surgical versus nonoperative care for spinal stenosis, degenerative
      spondylolisthesis, and intervertebral disc herniation.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Cost-effectiveness analysis of a randomized plus observational
      cohort trial. OBJECTIVE: Analyze cost-effectiveness of Spine Patient Outcomes
      Research Trial data over 4 years comparing surgery with nonoperative care for
      three common diagnoses: spinal stenosis (SPS), degenerative spondylolisthesis
      (DS), and intervertebral disc herniation (IDH). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Spine
      surgery rates continue to rise in the United States, but the safety and economic
      value of these procedures remain uncertain. METHODS: Patients with image
      confirmed diagnoses were followed in randomized or observational cohorts with
      data on resource use, productivity, and EuroQol EQ-5D health state values
      measured at 6 weeks, 3, 6, 12, 24, 36, and 48 months. For each diagnosis, cost
      per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained in 2004 US dollars was estimated for
      surgery relative to nonoperative care using a societal perspective, with costs
      and QALYs discounted at 3% per year. RESULTS: Surgery was performed initially or
      during the 4-year follow-up among 414 of 634 (65.3%) SPS, 391 of 601 (65.1%) DS,
      and 789 of 1192 (66.2%) IDH patients. Surgery improved health, with persistent
      QALY differences observed through 4 years (SPS QALY gain 0.22; 95% confidence
      interval, CI: 0.15, 0.34; DS QALY gain 0.34, 95% CI: 0.30, 0.47; and IDH QALY
      gain 0.34, 95% CI: 0.31, 0.38). Costs per QALY gained decreased for SPS from
      $77,600 at 2 years to $59,400 (95% CI: $37,059, $125,162) at 4 years, for DS from
      $115,600 to $64,300 per QALY (95% CI: $32,864, $83,117), and for IDH from $34,355
      to $20,600 per QALY (95% CI: $4,539, $33,088). CONCLUSION: Comparative
      effectiveness evidence for clearly defined diagnostic groups from Spine Patient
      Outcomes Research Trial shows good value for surgery compared with nonoperative
      care over 4 years.

PMID- 22048652
TI  - En bloc excisions of chordomas in the cervical spine: review of five consecutive
      cases with more than 4-year follow-up.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective case series of five consecutive patients. OBJECTIVE:
      To determine the oncological outcomes and morbidity rates after en bloc excisions
      of cervical chordomas. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: Studies have demonstrated that
      en bloc surgical excision of chordoma with negative margins results in improved
      local disease control and survival compared with intralesional resections.
      Chordomas arising from the cervical spine are rare and they present unique
      challenges for en bloc tumor excision. We present a series of five consecutive
      cases of cervical chordoma managed with en bloc tumor excision, which represents
      one of the largest surgical experiences of cervical chordomas reported to date.
      METHODS: A retrospective review of our institutional spine tumor database
      identified five consecutive patients who underwent en bloc tumor excision for
      cervical spine chordoma from 2000 to 2007. We analyze their surgical margins,
      perioperative complications, tumor recurrence rate, and survival. RESULTS: Our
      review demonstrated that dysphagia and cervicalgia were the most common
      presenting symptoms for cervical chordoma. The mean age of diagnosis in this
      cohort was 52.4 years and our mean follow-up is 54.7 months. All five patients
      required multistage procedures to achieve en bloc tumor excision. Independent
      analysis of the surgical margins by the pathologists revealed that marginal en
      bloc excisions were achieved in all five patients. Our 30-day perioperative
      complication was significant for one case of transient radiculopathy with paresis
      and one wound infection. Other long-term complications included three cases with
      pseudoarthrosis with instrumentation failures requiring surgical revisions. There
      were no neurological or cerebrovascular complications. The mean disease-free
      survival after en bloc spondylectomy for cervical chordoma was 84.2 months in
      this cohort. CONCLUSION: En bloc excision of chordoma, whether wide or marginal,
      is the most ideal for treatment to prolong disease-free survival. En bloc
      excisions of chordomas in the cervical spine are technically complex procedures
      but can be performed with acceptable safety and perioperative morbidity.

PMID- 22048654
TI  - The pattern of lymph node metastasis and the suitability of 7th UICC N stage in
      predicting prognosis of remnant gastric cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUNDS: The original disease and previous operation usually cause abnormal
      lymphatic drainage of remnant gastric cancer (RGC). We analyzed metastatic lymph
      nodes (MLNs) of RGCs to explore the pattern of lymphatic metastasis and rational
      surgical treatment for RGC. METHODS: Eighty-three RGC patients who underwent
      radical gastrectomy from July 1991 to July 2008 enrolled in this retrospective
      analysis. RESULTS: Original disease, tumor size, Borrmann type, depth of
      invasion, and histological type were related to an increased risk of lymph node
      (LN) metastasis (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic analysis revealed that tumor
      size and depth of invasion were independent predictive factors of LN metastasis
      (P < 0.05). In comparison with upper one-third gastric cancer, patients with RGC
      tended to have a lower incidence of perigastric LN metastasis and higher
      incidence of metastasis to the mesojejunum and lower mediastinal LNs. A high
      incidence of MLNs in the No. 14 and mesojejunum was found from the patients who
      had previously undergone Billroth II reconstruction, while patients after
      Billroth I reconstruction had higher No. 12 and No. 13 LN metastasis rates. Cut
      point survival analysis demonstrated that the most appropriate cutoffs of MLNs
      were set at 0, 2, 6, and 9. Patients of 0, 1-2, 3-6, 7-9, or >=10 MLNs presented
      with median survival time of 37, 35, 24, 13, and 9 month, respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative diagnosis of depth of invasion and tumor size can help
      surgeons to evaluate LN metastasis. The 7th UICC N stage may be unsuitable and
      should be evaluated and improved in order to help surgeons rationally to estimate
      N stage of RGC.

PMID- 22048655
TI  - NS398 induces apoptosis in non-small cell lung cancer cells.
AB  - PURPOSE: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can induce the apoptosis
      of many tumor cells and inhibit their growth. NS398 is an NSAID that inhibits COX
      2 expression and induces tumor apoptosis via other pathways. The current study
      aims to observe the effects of NS398 on A549 cell apoptosis and investigate the
      apoptosis mechanism. METHODS: The A549 cells were treated with different NS398
      concentrations. The growth inhibition of A549 cell was analyzed via a 3-(4,5
      dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, and
      morphologic alterations were observed to detect apoptosis. The expression of
      survivin and caspase-3 mRNA was quantified via reverse transcriptase polymerase
      chain reaction, and the expression of caspase-3 and p-AKT protein was detected
      via western blot analysis. RESULTS: The MTT results show that NS398 inhibits A549
      cell growth. The inhibition rate of NS398 (400 MUmol/L) on A549 cells is up to
      66.95% after 48 h of treatment. Simultaneously, the morphology experiment
      revealed significant apoptotic characteristics in A549 cells, such as green
      nuclear plasmid and different degrees of nuclear fragmentation. The expression of
      survivin mRNA was significantly reduced (P < 0.05, P < 0.01, and P < 0.001) and
      that of caspase-3 mRNA was significantly increased (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001) in
      the group treated with NS398 for 24 h in a dose-dependent manner. On the other
      hand, survivin and p-AKT were expressed at low levels (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001)
      and caspase-3 was increased significantly (P < 0.05 and P < 0.001) in the group
      treated with NS398 for 48 h in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSION: The current
      study proves that NS398 induces apoptosis in A549 cells, thereby inhibiting tumor
      growth. This function of NS398 may be related to the inhibition of AKT
      phosphorylation and survivin protein downregulation.

PMID- 22048656
TI  - Genome-wide association study of copy number variation identified gremlin1 as a
      candidate gene for lean body mass.
AB  - Lean body mass (LBM) is a heritable trait predicting a series of health problems,
      such as osteoporotic fracture and sarcopenia. We aim to identify sequence
      variants associated with LBM by a genome-wide association study (GWAS) of copy
      number variants (CNVs). We genotyped genome-wide CNVs of 1627 individuals of the
      Chinese population with Affymetrix SNP6.0 genotyping platform, which comprised of
      9 40 000 copy number probes. We then performed a GWAS of CNVs with lean mass at
      seven sites: left and right arms, left and right legs, total of limb, trunk and
      whole body. We identified a CNV that is associated with LBM variation at the
      genome-wide significance level (CNV2073, Bonferroni corrected P-value 0.002 at
      right arm). CNV2073 locates at chromosome 15q13.3, which has been implicated as a
      candidate region for LBM by our previous linkage studies. The nearest gene,
      gremlin1, has a key role in the regulation of skeletal muscle formation and
      repair. Our results suggest that the gremlin1 gene is a potentially important
      gene for LBM variation. Our findings also show the utility and efficacy of CNV as
      genetic markers in association studies.

PMID- 22048657
TI  - A family-based association study of DIO2 and children mental retardation in the
      Qinba region of China.
AB  - Deiodinase enzyme II (DIO2) has an important role in individuals' thyroid
      hormones' level, the development of central and peripheral nervous systems and
      characterized by mental retardation (MR). The DIO2 gene was genotyped by using
      five haplotype-tagging single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 157 Chinese MR
      high-density family pedigrees, including 452 nuclear families and >1460 persons.
      The single marker and haplotype analyses were performed by Family-based
      Association Tests (FBAT). Three SNPs had P-values <0.05 in at least one inherited
      model survived with the correction. Several haplotypes composed of these SNPs
      were also associated with MR. The in silico analyses identified that one of the
      SNPs, rs1388378, may be a functional SNP. However, further in vitro studies of
      this SNP should be considered in elucidating its effect on gene expression and
      the possible role in MR susceptibility.

PMID- 22048658
TI  - A multiplex SNP assay for the dissection of human Y-chromosome haplogroup O
      representing the major paternal lineage in East and Southeast Asia.
AB  - The majority of human Y chromosomes in men from East and Southeast Asia, and a
      considerable proportion of Oceanian men, especially those from Remote Oceania,
      belong to haplogroup O, characterized by a 5-bp deletion known as M175
      (rs2032678). Recent advances in Y-SNP (single-nucleotide polymorphism) discovery
      have substantially improved the phylogenetic resolution of haplogroup O
      sublineages. By taking advantage of this recent knowledge, we hereby introduce a
      sensitive Y-SNP multiplex genotyping assay for the dissection of haplogroup O
      into its most significant sublineages. The multiplex assay thus provides an
      efficient way to infer patrilineal biogeographic ancestry in males of
      Asian/Oceanian patrilineal descent, and is suitable for applications in human
      population genetics, anthropological, genealogical, as well as forensic studies.

PMID- 22048659
TI  - Extending unsupported metal-only Lewis pairs to palladium.
AB  - Synthesis of the first unsupported palladium-to-main group metal Lewis pair is
      reported, including a new synthesis for heteroleptic mono(NHC)-monophosphine
      palladium(0) complexes. All compounds were analysed by single crystal X-ray
      diffraction, multinuclear NMR spectroscopy and density functional theory
      calculations.

PMID- 22048660
TI  - Comparative genomics: mammalian alignments reveal human functional elements.

PMID- 22048661
TI  - Epigenetics: inheriting a long life.

PMID- 22048662
TI  - Software for systems biology: from tools to integrated platforms.
AB  - Understanding complex biological systems requires extensive support from software
      tools. Such tools are needed at each step of a systems biology computational
      workflow, which typically consists of data handling, network inference, deep
      curation, dynamical simulation and model analysis. In addition, there are now
      efforts to develop integrated software platforms, so that tools that are used at
      different stages of the workflow and by different researchers can easily be used
      together. This Review describes the types of software tools that are required at
      different stages of systems biology research and the current options that are
      available for systems biology researchers. We also discuss the challenges and
      prospects for modelling the effects of genetic changes on physiology and the
      concept of an integrated platform.

PMID- 22048663
TI  - Regulatory RNA: layer by layer.

PMID- 22048665
TI  - The HEART study:  a real-world experience using the CID Chrono Carbostent in
      primary and rescue PCI.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chrono Carbostent (CID, Saluggia, Italy) is characterized by a
      peculiar coating with Carbofilm which could reduce the risk of thrombosis as
      compared to other bare metal stents (BMS). This feature should be particularly
      useful in the setting of primary or rescue percutaneous coronary intervention
      (PCI) in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI).
      METHODS: We tested the efficacy and safety of this stent in patients with STEMI
      undergoing primary or rescue PCI. Inclusion criteria included the diagnosis of
      STEMI, a coronary anatomy suitable for stenting and no contraindications to dual
      antiplatelet therapy for at least 1 month. The primary endpoint was the composite
      of the following major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) at 12 months: death,
      recurrence of myocardial infarction and target vessel revascularization. RESULTS:
      One hundred and seven STEMI patients treated with Chrono Carbostent implantation
      were enrolled. Eighty-three (77%) patients underwent primary and 24 (23%) rescue
      PCI. A total of 148 stents were successfully implanted. Cardiogenic shock was
      present in 12 (11%) patients and in-hospital mortality was 6.5%. Cumulatively,
      the rate of MACEs at 12 months was 17.7% (deaths 7.4%, target lesion
      revascularization 9.3%). CONCLUSIONS: In unselected patients with STEMI treated
      by urgent PCI, the Chrono Carbostent showed a low rate of events in those
      patients surviving the acute phase of myocardial infarction. Unfortunately, and
      especially for patients in cardiogenic shock, survival continued to be relatively
      independent of interventional treatment, even when successfully completed, thus
      strictly linking prognosis of STEMI to severity of clinical presentation.

PMID- 22048664
TI  - Controlling gene expression in response to stress.
AB  - Acute stress puts cells at risk, and rapid adaptation is crucial for maximizing
      cell survival. Cellular adaptation mechanisms include modification of certain
      aspects of cell physiology, such as the induction of efficient changes in the
      gene expression programmes by intracellular signalling networks. Recent studies
      using genome-wide approaches as well as single-cell transcription measurements,
      in combination with classical genetics, have shown that rapid and specific
      activation of gene expression can be accomplished by several different
      strategies. This article discusses how organisms can achieve generic and specific
      responses to different stresses by regulating gene expression at multiple stages
      of mRNA biogenesis from chromatin structure to transcription, mRNA stability and
      translation.

PMID- 22048667
TI  - Nanoconfinement effects in energy storage materials.
AB  - Nanoconfinement effects have been studied to understand and to modify
      thermodynamic and kinetic properties of energy storage materials and to improve
      their cyclic behaviour. The paper addresses various aspects in the research and
      development of hydrogen storage materials and batteries. Fundamental
      relationships and the state-of-the art in the prediction of properties and
      experimental observations will be outlined and structure-property-relationships
      will be discussed for some hydrogen storage materials. Similar nanoconfinement
      effects in lithium battery anode materials will be addressed.

PMID- 22048666
TI  - Diffusion tensor imaging of the median nerve: intra-, inter-reader agreement, and
      agreement between two software packages.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess intra-, inter-reader agreement, and the agreement between
      two software packages for magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)
      measurements of the median nerve. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifteen healthy
      volunteers (seven men, eight women; mean age, 31.2 years) underwent DTI of both
      wrists at 1.5 T. Fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient
      (ADC) of the median nerve were measured by three readers using two commonly used
      software packages. Measurements were repeated by two readers after 6 weeks.
      Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) and Bland-Altman analysis were used for
      statistical analysis. RESULTS: ICCs for intra-reader agreement ranged from 0.87
      to 0.99, for inter-reader agreement from 0.62 to 0.83, and between the two
      software packages from 0.63 to 0.82. Bland-Altman analysis showed no differences
      for intra- and inter-reader agreement and agreement between software packages.
      CONCLUSION: The intra-, inter-reader, and agreement between software packages for
      DTI measurements of the median nerve were moderate to substantial suggesting that
      user- and software-dependent factors contribute little to variance in DTI
      measurements.

PMID- 22048668
TI  - Biomedical applications of photoacoustic imaging with exogenous contrast agents.
AB  - Photoacoustic imaging is a biomedical imaging modality that provides functional
      information, and, with the help of exogenous contrast agents, cellular and
      molecular signatures of tissue. In this article, we review the biomedical
      applications of photoacoustic imaging assisted with exogenous contrast agents.
      Dyes, noble metal nanoparticles, and other constructs are contrast agents which
      absorb strongly in the near-infrared band of the optical spectrum and generate
      strong photoacoustic response. These contrast agents, which can be specifically
      targeted to molecules or cells, have been coupled with photoacoustic imaging for
      preclinical and clinical applications ranging from detection of cancer cells,
      sentinel lymph nodes, and micrometastasis to angiogenesis to characterization of
      atherosclerotic plaques. Multi-functional agents have also been developed, which
      can carry drugs or simultaneously provide contrast in multiple imaging
      modalities. Furthermore, contrast agents were used to guide and monitor the
      therapeutic procedures. Overall, photoacoustic imaging shows significant promise
      in its ability to assist in diagnosis, therapy planning, and monitoring of
      treatment outcome for cancer, cardiovascular disease, and other pathologies.

PMID- 22048669
TI  - Seasonal variation and health risk assessment of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
      in Miaoli city, Taiwan.
AB  - The ambient PAHs levels in the downtown area of a traditional small city were
      analyzed for winter and summer seasons. A total of 16 PAHs in gaseous and
      particulate phase were quantified. The average gaseous PAHs were 2,189 +/- 1,194
      and 623.8 +/- 545.1 ng/m(3) in winter and summer seasons, respectively. For the
      PAHs in particulate phase, they were 40.32 +/- 12.15 and 11.99 +/- 5.63 ng/m(3)
      in winter and summer seasons, respectively. These values were comparable to those
      reported for large cities or even higher. The estimated BaPeq was 12.32 +/- 6.34
      ng/m(3). As low-molecular-weight PAHs primarily existed in gaseous phase, high
      molecular-weight PAHs in particulate phase became a significant fraction of total
      particulate phase PAHs. Particulate phase PAHs was significantly inversely
      associated with the ambient temperature for each individual PAHs species.
      However, this relationship did not exist for high-molecular-weight PAHs in
      gaseous phase. The results indicated the photo-degradation of high-molecular
      weight PAHs should warrant a further thoughtfully investigation.

PMID- 22048671
TI  - The rise and fall of England's National Programme for IT.

PMID- 22048673
TI  - Technology for development: innovation is not enough.

PMID- 22048674
TI  - Physiotherapy trials for the 21st century: time to raise the bar?

PMID- 22048675
TI  - Reducing global health inequalities. part 3: collaboration and funding.

PMID- 22048676
TI  - Origins of Western diseases.
AB  - Recent gynaecological studies show that childbirth, constipation, trauma and
      surgery cause injuries to autonomic nerves at different anatomical sites in the
      female pelvis resulting in endometriosis, adenomyosis and fibroids. Re-growth of
      abnormal nerves causes allodynic symptoms ('light touch causing pain or
      discomfort') some years later including vulvodynia, dyspareunia, dysmenorrhea,
      irritative bladder and bowel symptoms. Further consequences of autonomic
      denervation include tissue hypoplasia and hyperplasia, visceral dysfunction,
      susceptibility to infection, alcohol, tobacco and drugs, as well as pain with
      sensitization of the central nervous system. The 'autonomic denervation' view
      extrapolates these observations from the female pelvis to the varied anatomy of
      branches of the cardiac and coeliac plexi to provide primary mechanisms for many
      forms of Western disease. This account sets out the autonomic denervation view,
      identifies features of autonomic denervation in extrapelvic organs, and,
      contrasts it with prior accounts of chronic Western diseases including those of
      DP Burkitt, PRJ Burch and DP Barker.

PMID- 22048677
TI  - The 'gender gap' in authorship in nursing literature.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Gender bias has been found in medical literature, with more men than
      women as first or senior authors of papers, despite about half of doctors being
      women. Nursing is about 90% female, so we aimed to determine if similar biases
      exist in nursing literature. DESIGN: Taking the eight non-specialist nursing
      journals with the highest impact factors for that profession, we counted the
      numbers of men and women first authors over 30 years. SETTING: We used nursing
      journals from around the world which attract the highest impact factors for
      nursing publication. PARTICIPANTS: Eight journals qualified for entry, three from
      the United Kingdom, four from the United States of America, and one from
      Australia. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Using Chi-square and Fisher exact tests, we
      determined differences between the numbers of men and women across all the
      journals, between countries (USA, UK and Australia), changes over the 30 years,
      and changes within journals over time. RESULTS Despite the small proportion of
      men in the nursing workforce, up to 30% of first authors were men. UK journals
      were more likely to have male authors than USA journals, and this increased over
      time. USA journals had proportions of male first authors consistent with the male
      proportion of its nursing workforce. CONCLUSIONS In the UK (though not in the
      USA) gender bias in nursing publishing exists, even though the nursing workforce
      is strongly feminized. This warrants further research, but is likely to be due to
      the same reasons for the gender gap in medical publishing; that is, female nurses
      take time out to have families, and social and family responsibilities prevent
      them taking opportunities for career progression, whereas men's careers often are
      not affected in such ways.

PMID- 22048678
TI  - The introduction of numerical methods to assess the effects of medical
      interventions during the 18th century: a brief history.

PMID- 22048679
TI  - Schizophrenia as segmental progeria.
AB  - Schizophrenia is associated with a variety of physical manifestations (i.e.
      metabolic, neurological) and despite psychotropic medication being blamed for
      some of these (in particular obesity and diabetes), there is evidence that
      schizophrenia itself confers an increased risk of physical disease and early
      death. The observation that schizophrenia and progeroid syndromes share common
      clinical features and molecular profiles gives rise to the hypothesis that
      schizophrenia could be conceptualized as a whole body disorder, namely a
      segmental progeria. Mammalian cells employ the mechanisms of cellular senescence
      and apoptosis (programmed cell death) as a means to control inevitable DNA damage
      and cancer. Exacerbation of those processes is associated with accelerated ageing
      and schizophrenia and this warrants further investigation into possible
      underlying biological mechanisms, such as epigenetic control of the genome.

PMID- 22048681
TI  - Effects of myocardial fibrosis and ventricular dyssynchrony on response to
      therapy in new-presentation idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy: insights from
      cardiovascular magnetic resonance and echocardiography.
AB  - AIMS: To determine whether the extent of myocardial fibrosis by late-gadolinium
      enhancement cardiovascular magnetic resonance (LGE-CMR), and echocardiographic
      ventricular dyssynchrony are independently associated with response to medical
      therapy in patients with newly diagnosed idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM).
      Myocardial fibrosis and ventricular dyssynchrony are frequent findings in DCM.
      Previous studies focused on patients with established cardiomyopathy; however,
      the degree of myocardial fibrosis and ventricular dyssynchrony at presentation
      and their role in perpetuating left ventricular (LV) dysfunction in DCM remains
      unclear. Those studies of individuals with long-standing DCM did not characterize
      patients early in the disease course, and may not have included those with
      significant improvement in LV function. Thus factors contributing to LV recovery
      are uncertain. METHODS AND RESULTS: Consecutive patients with a new diagnosis of
      DCM [LV ejection fraction (EF) <=45%] made within the preceding 2 weeks were
      recruited. Patients underwent LGE-CMR, echocardiography, 6-minute walk testing,
      cardiopulmonary exercise testing, and blood sampling for measurement of serum
      amino-terminal pro-brain natiuretic peptide (NT-pro-BNP) concentration at
      baseline. Baseline patient characteristics were compared with a cohort of healthy
      volunteers. Myocardial fibrosis by LGE-CMR was quantified, identified by
      experienced observers blinded to patient outcome. Left ventricular systolic
      function was reassessed after 5 months of optimal medical therapy. Sixty-eight
      patients with DCM and 19 healthy volunteers were studied. DCM patients were
      studied a median 12.5 days following diagnosis. Compared with healthy controls,
      DCM patients exhibited greater inter- and intra-ventricular dyssynchrony. Twenty
      four per cent of DCM patients exhibited LGE at diagnosis. Among DCM patients with
      LGE, the mean fibrosis mass was 2.2 +/- 1.3 g. On multivariate analysis, strain
      dyssynchrony index, and fibrosis mass were independently associated with change
      in the LVEF over time (P<= 0.001). Late-gadolinium enhancement cardiovascular
      magnetic resonance conferred additive value for modelling change in the LVEF
      beyond clinical and echocardiographic dyssynchrony parameters. CONCLUSION: The
      extent of myocardial fibrosis is independently associated with lack of response
      to medical therapy in new-presentation DCM, and LGE-CMR may thus be an important
      risk-stratifying investigation in these patients. Accurate risk stratification
      may permit more targeted pharmacological and device therapies for patients with
      newly diagnosed DCM.

PMID- 22048683
TI  - Dalton Transactions after 40 volumes.

PMID- 22048682
TI  - Contribution of the human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency
      syndrome epidemic to de novo presentations of heart disease in the Heart of
      Soweto Study cohort.
AB  - AIMS: The contemporary impact of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired
      immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) epidemic on heart disease in South Africa (>5
      million people affected) is unknown. The Heart of Soweto Study provides a unique
      opportunity to identify the contribution of cardiac manifestations of this
      epidemic to de novo presentations of heart disease in an urban African community
      in epidemiological transition. METHODS AND RESULTS: Chris Hani Baragwanath
      Hospital services the >1 million people living in Soweto, South Africa. A
      prospective, clinical registry captured data from all de novo cases of heart
      disease presenting to the Cardiology Unit during 2006-08. We describe all cases
      where HIV/AIDS was concurrently diagnosed. Overall, 518 of 5328 de novo cases of
      heart disease were identified as HIV-positive (9.7%) with 54% of these prescribed
      highly active anti-retroviral therapies on presentation. Women (62%) and Africans
      (97%) predominated with women being significantly younger than men 38 +/- 13 vs.
      42 +/- 13 years (P = 0.002). The most common primary diagnosis attributable to
      HIV/AIDS was HIV-related cardiomyopathy (196 cases, 38%); being prescribed more
      anti-retroviral therapy (127/196 vs. 147/322; odds ratio 2.85, 95% confidence
      interval 1.81-3.88) with higher viral loads [median 110 000 (inter-quartile range
      26 000-510 000) vs. 19 000 (3200-87 000); P = 0.018] and a lower CD4 count
      [median 180 (71-315) vs. 211 (96-391); P = 0.019] than the rest. An additional
      128 cases (25%) were diagnosed with pericarditis/pericardial effusion with a
      range of other concurrent diagnoses evident, including 42 cases (8.1%) of HIV
      related pulmonary arterial hypertension. Only 14 of all 581 cases of coronary
      artery disease (CAD) (2.4%, mean age 41 +/- 13 years) were confirmed HIV
      positive. CONCLUSION: Cardiac manifestations of HIV/AIDS identified within this
      cohort were relatively infrequent. While HIV-related cardiomyopathy and
      pericardial disease remain important targets for early detection and treatment in
      this setting, HIV-related cases of CAD remain at historically low levels.

PMID- 22048684
TI  - Charge transport in single molecular junctions at the solid/liquid interface.
AB  - Charge transport characteristics in metal-metal nanocontacts and single molecular
      junctions were studied at electrified solid-liquid interfaces employing a
      scanning tunneling microscope-based break junction technique, in combination with
      macroscopic electrochemical methods, in non-conducting solvents and in an
      electrochemical environment. We aim to demonstrate recent attempts in developing
      fundamental relationships between molecular structure, charge transport
      characteristics, and nanoscale electrochemical concepts. After an introduction
      and brief description of the experimental methodology, a case study on the
      electrical and mechanical properties of gold atomic contacts in aqueous
      electrolytes is presented. In experiments with alkanedithiol and alpha,omega
      biphenyldithiol molecular junctions the role of sulfur-gold couplings and
      molecular conformation, such as gauche defects in alkyl chains and the torsion
      angle between two phenyl rings, are addressed. The combination with quantum
      chemistry calculations enabled a detailed molecular-level understanding of the
      electronic structure and transport characteristics of both systems. Employing the
      concept of "electrolyte gating" to 4,4'-bipyridine and redox-active molecules,
      such as perylene bisimide derivatives, the construction of "active" symmetric and
      asymmetric molecular junctions with transistor- and diode-like behavior upon
      polarization in an electrochemical environment will be demonstrated. The latter
      experimental data could be represented quantitatively by the Kutznetsov/Ulstrup
      model, assuming a two-step electron transfer with partial vibration relaxation.
      Finally, we show that (individual) surface-immobilized gold clusters within the
      quantum-confined size range exhibit features of locally addressable multistate
      electronic switching upon electrolyte gating, which appears to be reminiscent of
      a sequential charging through several redox states. The examples addressed here
      demonstrate the uniqueness and capabilities of an electrochemical approach for
      the fundamental understanding and for potential applications in nano- and
      molecular electronics.

PMID- 22048685
TI  - Progress and future of pyrethroids.
AB  - After the chemical structure of "natural pyrethrins," the insecticidal ingredient
      of pyrethrum flowers, was elucidated, useful synthetic pyrethroids provided with
      various characteristics have been developed by organic chemists throughout the
      world, leading to the advancement of pyrethroid chemistry. Even in pyrethroids
      with high selective toxicity, a chemical design placing too much importance on
      efficacy improvements may invite loss of the safety margin. It is strongly hoped
      that the development of household pyrethroids and their preparations for use in
      living environments around humans and pets will be achieved in the future by
      retaining the characteristics of natural pyrethrins.

PMID- 22048686
TI  - Star-shaped mesogens -- hekates: the most basic star structure with three
      branches.
AB  - The chapter introduces and defines the term star-shaped mesogens as a highly
      symmetric subgroup of multipodes. Hekates, the three arm stars, are in the focus
      of the other sections. Flexible, semi-flexible and shape-persistent mesogens can
      be distinguished. The chapter presents various modes of self-assembly which
      account for nanosegregation and space-filling. Recent examples are semi-flexible
      structures which fold to E-shaped conformers followed by self-organisation in
      columnar 2D and 3D and micellar cubic structures. Hekates are mesogens that will
      allow the design of complex mesomorphic and functional materials in the future.

PMID- 22048687
TI  - Reversibly expanded encapsulation complexes.
AB  - Synthetic receptors that surround their target molecules - self assembled
      capsules and deep cavitands - have emerged as the most realistic models of
      enzymes active sites. They were introduced to study the behaviour of molecules
      isolated in small spaces and it has become increasingly clear that the behavior
      of molecules in dilute aqueous solution does not reflect their behavior in
      confimed spaces. The synthetic receptors fold around their target guests, isolate
      them from the bulk solvent, provide a hydrophobic environment and present the
      guests with each other in a limited space. These features combine to show high
      binding selectivity, large rate from the ground up; they are designed,
      synthesized then tested. In recent years, we have found a short-cut to total
      synthesis; some capsules readily insert spacer elements in the presence of
      suitable guests that fill the enlarged spaces. This expands the repertoire of
      containers and the present review describes their structures, the nature of the
      spaces inside, the exchange dynamics, and the rules that govern their formation.

PMID- 22048688
TI  - Bismuth-catalyzed addition of silyl nucleophiles to carbonyl compounds and
      imines.
AB  - Bismuth triflate was found to be an efficient catalyst both in the Mannich-type
      reaction of silyl enolates and in the Sakurai reaction of allyltrimethylsilane
      with N-alkoxycarbonylamino sulfones. The reactions proceeded smoothly with a low
      catalyst loading of Bi(OTf)(3).4H(2)O (0.5-5.0 mol%) to afford the corresponding
      protected beta-amino carbonyl compounds and homoallylic amines in very good
      yields (up to 96%). The latter compounds could also be obtained via a bismuth
      mediated three-component reaction. We have also developed an efficient vinylogous
      Mukaiyama aldol reaction of 2-(trimethylsilyloxy)furan with various aromatic
      aldehydes mediated by bismuth triflate in a low catalyst loading (1 mol%). The
      reaction proceeds rapidly and affords the corresponding 5
      [hydroxy(aryl)methyl]furan-2(5H)-ones in high yields with good to very good
      diastereoselectivities (diastereoisomeric ratios>98:2). Such selectivities,
      although previously reported with other Lewis acids, could be achieved with a
      much lower catalyst loading. 5-[Hydroxy(alkyl)methyl]furan-2(5H)-ones derived
      from ketones could also be obtained with good diastereoselectivities. The
      vinylogous Mukaiyama aldol reaction has also been extended to 2,2-dimethyl-6
      methylene-4-(trimethyl-silyloxy)-1,3-diox-4-ene using 1 mol% of
      Bi(OTf)(3).4H(2)O.

PMID- 22048689
TI  - Spectral analysis of systemic and cerebral cardiovascular variabilities in
      preterm infants: relationship with clinical risk index for babies (CRIB).
AB  - Frequency spectrum analysis of circulatory signals has been proposed as a
      potential method for clinical risk assessment of preterm infants by previous
      studies. In this study, we examined the relationships between various spectral
      measures derived from systemic and cerebral cardiovascular variabilities and the
      clinical risk index for babies (CRIB II). Physiological data collected from 17
      early low birth weight infants within 1-3 h after birth were analysed. Spectral
      and cross-spectral analyses were performed on heart rate variability, blood
      pressure variability and cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy measures such as
      oxygenated and deoxygenated haemoglobins (HbO(2) and HHb) and tissue oxygenation
      index (TOI). In addition, indices related to cardiac baroreflex sensitivity and
      cerebral autoregulation were derived from the very low, low- and mid-frequency
      ranges (VLF, LF and MF). Moderate correlations with CRIB II were identified from
      mean arterial pressure (MAP) normalized MF power (r = 0.61, P = 0.009), LF MAP
      HHb coherence (r = 0.64, P = 0.006), TOI VLF percentage power (r = 0.55, P =
      0.023) and LF baroreflex gain (r = -0.61, P = 0.01 after logarithmic
      transformation), with the latter two parameters also highly correlated with
      gestational age (r = -0.75, P = 0.0005 and r = 0.70, P = 0.002, respectively).
      The relationships between CRIB II and various spectral measures of arterial
      baroreflex and cerebral autoregulation functions have provided further
      justification for these measures as possible markers of clinical risks and
      predictors of adverse outcome in preterm infants.

PMID- 22048691
TI  - The improvement of an anti-CD22 immunotoxin: conversion to single-chain and
      disulfide stabilized form and affinity maturation by alanine scan.
AB  - HA22-LR is a recombinant immunotoxin for the treatment of B-cell malignancies
      that contains the Fv portion of an anti-CD22 antibody fused to a functional
      portion of Pseudomonas exotoxin A. In the present study, we attempted to improve
      this molecule. First, we produced a single-chain version of HA22-LR (scdsFv-HA22
      LR) in which a peptide linker was introduced between the disulfide-linked light
      and heavy chains to enable production via single fermentation. No difference in
      cytotoxic activity was observed between scdsFv-HA22-LR and prototype HA22-LR.
      Next, we attempted to increase the affinity of scdsFv-HA22-LR by using alanine
      scanning mutagenesis of complementarity determining regions (CDRs) to assess the
      specific contribution of each CDR residue to the antigen binding. We found that
      mutation of asparagine 34 in VLCDR1, which is located at the VL/VH interface, to
      alanine (N34A) caused a substantial increase in affinity and activity. Estimated
      KD values measured by fluorescence-activated cell sorting were lowered by 10
      fold: 0.056 nM in the N34A mutant compared to 0.58 nM in wild type (WT). Cell
      viability assays of CD22-positive B-cell lymphoma and leukemia cell lines showed
      that the N34A mutant had increased cytotoxicity ranging from ~2 (HAL-1, IC
      50(WT): 2.37 +/- 0.62 ng/ml, IC 50(N34A): 1.32 +/- 0.41 ng/ml) to 10 (SUDHL-6, IC
      50(WT): 0.47 +/- 0.090 ng/ml, IC 50(N34A): 0.048 +/- 0.018 ng/ml)-fold compared
      to WT immunotoxin. The present study suggests that the N34A mutant of scdsFv-HA22
      LR could have important consequences in a clinical setting.

PMID- 22048692
TI  - Recent advances using FcRn overexpression in transgenic animals to overcome
      impediments of standard antibody technologies to improve the generation of
      specific antibodies.
AB  - This review illustrates the salutary effects of neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn)
      overexpression in significantly improving humoral immune responses in the
      generation of antibodies for immunotherapy and diagnostics. These include: (1)
      improved IgG protection; (2) augmented antigen-specific humoral immune response
      with larger numbers of antigen specific B cells, thus offering a wider spectrum
      of clones; (3) generation of antibodies against weakly immunogenic antigens; (4)
      significant improvements in the number and substantial developments in the
      diversity of hybridomas. FcRn transgenesis thus confers a number of practical
      benefits, including faster antibody production, higher antibody yields and
      improved generation of hybridomas for monoclonal antibody production. Notably,
      these efficiencies in polyclonal antibody production were also demonstrated in
      FcRn transgenic rabbits. Overall, FcRn transgenic animals yield more antibodies
      and provide a route to the generation of antibodies against antigens of low
      immunogenicity that are difficult to obtain using currently available methods.

PMID- 22048693
TI  - Neonatal Fc receptor and IgG-based therapeutics.
AB  - The majority of potent new biologics today are IgG-based molecules that have
      demonstrated tissue-targeting specificity with favorable clinical response.
      Several factors determine the efficacy of these products, including target
      specificity, serum half-life and effector functions via complement-dependent
      cytotoxicity, antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity or drug conjugates.
      In this review, we will focus on the interaction between therapeutic antibody and
      neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn), which is one of the critical factors in determining
      the circulating antibody half-life. Specifically, we will review the fundamental
      biology of FcRn, FcRn functions in various organs, Fc mutations designed to
      modulate binding to FcRn, IgG-based therapeutics that directly exploit FcRn
      functions and tools and strategies used to study FcRn-IgG interactions.
      Comprehensive understanding of FcRn-IgG interactions not only allows for
      development of effective therapeutics, but also avoidance of potential adverse
      effects.

PMID- 22048694
TI  - Biochemical and biophysical characterization of humanized IgG1 produced in Pichia
      pastoris.
AB  - The first full length IgG produced in Pichia pastoris was reported in late 1980.
      However, use of a wild-type Pichia expression system to produce IgGs with human
      like N-linked glycans was not possible until recently. Advances in
      glycoengineering have enabled organisms such as Pichia to mimic human N-glycan
      biosynthesis and produce IgGs with human glycans on an industrial scale. Since
      there are only a few reports of the analytical characterization of Pichia
      produced IgG, we summarize the results known in this field, and provide
      additional characterization data generated in our laboratories. The data suggest
      that Pichia-produced IgG has the same stability as that produced in Chinese
      hamster ovary (CHO) cells. It has similar aggregation profiles, charge variant
      distribution and oxidation levels as those for a CHO IgG. It contains human N
      linked glycans and O-linked single mannose. Because of the comparable biophysical
      and biochemical characteristics, glycoengineered Pichia pastoris is an attractive
      expression system for therapeutic IgG productions.

PMID- 22048696
TI  - Heart rate as an independent risk factor in patients with multiple organ
      dysfunction: a prospective, observational study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To study the association between baseline heart rate and outcome in
      patients with multiple organ dysfunction (MODS) as well as the course of heart
      rate over the first 4 days during MODS. METHODS: Prospective observational study
      in 89 patients with MODS, defined as an APACHE-II score >=20. Baseline heart rate
      (HR(0)) was determined over a 60-minute period at the time of MODS diagnosis. 28
      day all-cause mortality was the primary endpoint of the study, a fall of the
      APACHE-II score by 4 points or more from day 0 to day 4 constituted the secondary
      endpoint. Hazard ratios for heart rate of 90 beats per minute (bpm) or greater
      relative to less than 90 bpm were calculated using Cox proportional hazards model
      and adjusted for confounding variables. RESULTS: Median baseline heart rate was
      83 bpm in survivors and 92 bpm in non-survivors (p = 0.048). 28-day mortality was
      32 and 61% in patients with HR(0) < 90 bpm and HR(0) >= 90 bpm, respectively. The
      adjusted hazard ratio for 28-day mortality was 2.30 (95% confidence interval 1.21
      4.36, p = 0.001) for HR(0) >= 90 bpm relative to HR(0) < 90 bpm. No correlation
      was found between baseline heart rate and the secondary endpoint. From day 0 to
      day 4, heart rate remained elevated in all patients, as well as in survivors and
      non-survivors. CONCLUSIONS: A heart rate >=90 bpm at the time of MODS diagnosis
      is an independent risk factor for increased 28-day mortality. As in patients with
      cardiovascular conditions such as coronary heart disease or chronic heart
      failure, heart rate might constitute a target for heart rate-lowering therapy in
      the narrow initial treatment window of MODS.

PMID- 22048697
TI  - Influence of algorithm-based analgesia and sedation in patients after sudden
      cardiac arrest.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of an algorithm-based
      analgesic-sedative management on mechanical ventilation time and length of stay
      in a cardiological ICU with critical ill patients after sudden cardiac arrest.
      METHODS: We examined 100 patients after successful resuscitation in a
      retrospective-prospective single-centre trial by introducing an algorithm-based
      sedation management. Demographic data, severity of illness classified by APACHE
      II score (Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II), neurological
      outcome and data for mechanical ventilation time and length of stay were acquired
      for both groups. RESULTS: We found a shorter ventilation time for young patients
      without severe illness, whereby significant longer ventilation time was observed
      for patients with higher APACHE II score. Between both groups, we found no
      significant differences in mechanical ventilation time and length of stay.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate a tendency towards a reduction of mechanical
      ventilation time for patients without severe illness after sudden cardiac arrest
      achieved by implementation of a new sedation management, whereby significant
      longer ventilation time was observed for severe ill patients. Because of lack of
      statistical significance of our present study, a randomized study with sufficient
      power is necessary to demonstrate positive effects of a standardized sedation
      management and its influence on severity of illness.

PMID- 22048698
TI  - Polar compounds isolated from the leaves of Albertisia delagoensis
      (Menispermaceae).
AB  - Aqueous infusions of the leaves of the shrub Albertisia delagoensis
      (Menispermaceae) are used in South Africa in traditional Zulu medicine to
      alleviate a variety of symptoms, including fever, and intestinal problems. We
      report the analysis of such an aqueous extract using the HPLC-NMR technique. A
      number of polar compounds were identified, including proto-quercitol, nicotinic
      acid, allantoic acid, 3,4-dihydroxy-benzoic acid, phthalic acid and the aporphine
      alkaloid derivative roemrefidine. Allantoic acid and roemrefidine have been fully
      characterised by (1)H- and (13)C-NMR and mass spectrometry. Earlier reports of
      antiplasmodial activity of roemrefidine and of A. delagoensis extracts are
      correlated with this study and with the antipyretic properties of neutral aqueous
      extracts.

PMID- 22048699
TI  - Small molecule library synthesis using segmented flow.
AB  - Flow chemistry has gained considerable recognition as a simple, efficient, and
      safe technology for the synthesis of many types of organic and inorganic
      molecules ranging in scope from large complex natural products to silicon
      nanoparticles. In this paper we describe a method that adapts flow chemistry to
      the synthesis of libraries of compounds using a fluorous immiscible solvent as a
      spacer between reactions. The methodology was validated in the synthesis of two
      small heterocycle containing libraries. The reactions were performed on a 0.2
      mmol scale, enabling tens of milligrams of material to be generated in a single
      200 mL reaction plug. The methodology allowed library synthesis in half the time
      of conventional microwave synthesis while maintaining similar yields. The ability
      to perform multiple, potentially unrelated reactions in a single run is ideal for
      making small quantities of many different compounds quickly and efficiently.

PMID- 22048700
TI  - Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of hydroxamic acid derivatives as
      potential high density lipoprotein (HDL) receptor CLA-1 up-regulating agents.
AB  - Trichostatin A (TSA) and suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA) were reported in
      our recent publication as novel human high density lipoprotein (HDL) receptor
      CD36 and Lysosomal integral membrane protein-II Analogous-1 (CLA-1) up
      regulators. As part of a broader effort to more fully explore the structure
      activity relationships (SAR) of CLA-1 up-regulators, we synthesized a series of
      hydroxamic acid derivatives and evaluated their CLA-1 up-regulating activities in
      HepG2 cells. Some compounds exhibited over 10-fold up-regulation of CLA-1
      expression in HepG2 cells at 10 MUg/mL concentration. The compound 1g showed the
      best potency, with a lower EC(50) than TSA (EC(50) = 0.32 MUM versus 1.2 MUM).
      These compounds provide early new CLA-1 up-regulators with potential for treating
      atherosclerosis.

PMID- 22048702
TI  - Joint space narrowing, cartilage and physical function: are we deceived by
      measurements and distributions?

PMID- 22048701
TI  - Effect of Ginkgo biloba extract 50 on immunity and antioxidant enzyme activities
      in ischemia reperfusion rats.
AB  - The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of Ginkgo biloba extract 50
      (GBE50), a well-known natural antioxidant, against immunity and antioxidant
      enzyme activities in ischemia reperfusion (IR) rats. Rats were then divided into
      six groups fed for 15 days with the same diet: three groups (IV, V, VI) were
      treated by different doses of GBE50 suspension [20, 40, or 60 mg/kg body weight
      by oral gavage every day at a fixed time (10.00 a.m.)] (equal to 5, 10 and 20
      times, respectively, the maximum recommended human dose), and three groups (I,
      II, III) were untreated. At the end of the experiment, rats' hearts were
      subjected to 30 min of ischemia followed by 90 min of reperfusion. Results showed
      that IR significantly enhanced heart rate, S-T height, myocardium
      (myeloperoxidase) MPO activity and blood interleukin-8 (IL-8), tumor necrosis
      factor Alpha (TNF-a), interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) levels, blood aspartate
      transaminase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and creatinine kinase (CK)
      activities, reduced myocardium sodium-potassium adenosine triphosphatase (Na(+)
      K(+)-ATPase), calcium-magnesium adenosine triphosphatase (Ca(2+)-Mg(2+)-ATPase)
      activities and antioxidant enzyme activities in IR group (III) compared to sham
      control group (II). Pretreatment of GBE50 markedly significantly reduced heart
      rate, S-T height, myocardium MPO activity and blood IL-8, TNF-a, IL-1beta levels,
      blood AST, LDH, and CK activities, enhanced myocardium Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase, Ca(2+)
      Mg(2+)-ATPase activities and antioxidant enzyme activities in IR group (II)
      compared to IR group (III). The results suggested that the GBE50 may reduce the
      oxidative stress in the reperfused myocardium, and increased immunity and
      antioxidant activities in IR rats.

PMID- 22048703
TI  - Republished review: Triglycerides and atherogenic dyslipidaemia: extending
      treatment beyond statins in the high-risk cardiovascular patient.
AB  - Although statins significantly decrease the incidence of cardiovascular disease
      (CVD), residual CVD risk remains high. This may partly be due to uncorrected
      atherogenic dyslipidaemia. The driving force behind atherogenic dyslipidaemia is
      hypertriglyceridaemia, which results from hepatic oversecretion and/or
      hypocatabolism of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, and is typical of type 2
      diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Persistent atherogenic dyslipidaemia in patients
      treated with a statin according to low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol goals may
      be corrected with niacin, fibrates or n-3 fatty acids. Clinical trial evidence to
      inform best practice is limited, but new data support adding fenofibrate to a
      statin. A consistent feature of fibrate clinical trials is the specific benefit
      of these agents in dyslipidaemic patients and the improvement in diabetic
      retinopathy with fenofibrate. Ongoing clinical trials may provide good evidence
      for adding niacin to a statin. Low-dose n-3 fatty acids could be used routinely
      after a myocardial infarction, but the value of higher doses of n-3 fatty acids
      in reducing CVD risk remains to be demonstrated.

PMID- 22048704
TI  - Republished error management: Descriptions of verbal communication errors between
      staff. An analysis of 84 root cause analysis-reports from Danish hospitals.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Poor teamwork and communication between healthcare staff are
      correlated to patient safety incidents. However, the organisational factors
      responsible for these issues are unexplored. Root cause analyses (RCA) use human
      factors thinking to analyse the systems behind severe patient safety incidents.
      The objective of this study is to review RCA reports (RCAR) for characteristics
      of verbal communication errors between hospital staff in an organisational
      perspective. METHOD: Two independent raters analysed 84 RCARs, conducted in six
      Danish hospitals between 2004 and 2006, for descriptions and characteristics of
      verbal communication errors such as handover errors and error during teamwork.
      RESULTS: Raters found description of verbal communication errors in 44 reports
      (52%). These included handover errors (35 (86%)), communication errors between
      different staff groups (19 (43%)), misunderstandings (13 (30%)), communication
      errors between junior and senior staff members (11 (25%)), hesitance in speaking
      up (10 (23%)) and communication errors during teamwork (8 (18%)). The kappa
      values were 0.44-0.78. Unproceduralized communication and information exchange
      via telephone, related to transfer between units and consults from other
      specialties, were particularly vulnerable processes. CONCLUSION: With the risk of
      bias in mind, it is concluded that more than half of the RCARs described
      erroneous verbal communication between staff members as root causes of or
      contributing factors of severe patient safety incidents. The RCARs rich
      descriptions of the incidents revealed the organisational factors and needs
      related to these errors.

PMID- 22048705
TI  - Isolated pericardial hydatid cyst.

PMID- 22048707
TI  - Ab initio study of chain branching reactions involving second generation products
      in hydrocarbon combustion mechanisms.
AB  - sec-Alkyl radicals are key reactive intermediates in the hydrocarbon combustion
      and atmospheric decomposition mechanisms that are formed by the abstraction of
      hydrogen from an alkane, or as a second generation product of n-alkyl H
      migrations, C-C bond scissions in branched alkyl radicals, or the bimolecular
      reaction between olefins and n-alkyl radicals. Since alkanes and branched
      alkanes, which the sec-alkyl radicals are derived from, make up roughly 40-50% of
      traditional fuels an understanding of their chemistry is essential to improving
      combustion systems. The present work investigates all H-migration reactions
      initiated from an sec-alkyl radical that involve the movement of a secondary
      hydrogen, for the 2-butyl through 4-octyl radicals, using the CBS-Q, G2, and G4
      composite methods. The resulting thermodynamic and kinetic parameters are
      compared to similar reactions in n-alkyl radicals in order to determine
      underlying trends. Particular attention is paid to the effect of cis/trans and
      1,3-diaxial interactions on activation energies and rate coefficients. When
      combined with our previous work on n-alkyl radical H-migrations, a complete
      picture of H-migrations in unbranched alkyl radicals is obtained. This full data
      set suggests that the directionality of the remaining branched chains has a
      minimal effect on the rate coefficients for all but the largest viable transition
      states, which is in stark contrast to the differences predicted by the
      structurally similar dimethylcycloalkanes. In fact the initial location of the
      secondary radical site has a greater effect on the rate than does the
      directionality of the remaining alkyl chains. The activation energies for
      secondary to secondary reactions are much closer to those of the secondary to
      primary H-migrations. However, the rate coefficients are found to be closer to
      the corresponding primary to primary reaction values. A significant ramification
      of these results is that there will be multiple viable reaction pathways for
      these reactions instead of only one dominant pathway as previously believed.

PMID- 22048706
TI  - Structure of the acyl-glucose-dependent anthocyanin 5-O-glucosyltransferase gene
      in carnations and its disruption by transposable elements in some varieties.
AB  - The pink, red and crimson petal colors of carnations (Dianthus caryophyllus) are
      produced by anthocyanins. The anthocyanins, pelargonidin and cyanidin can be
      modified by two glucoses at the 3 and 5 positions, and by a single malic acid.
      Petal color variation can result from failure of such modification, for example,
      the lack of a glucose at the 5 position is responsible for the color variants of
      some commercial varieties. With respect to this variation, modification by 5-O
      glucosyltransferase plays the most important role in glucosylation at the 5
      position. Recently, we identified a novel acyl-glucose-dependent anthocyanin 5-O
      glucosyltransferase (AA5GT), that uses acyl-glucoses, but not UDP-glucose, as the
      glucose donor. Although we showed that loss of AA5GT expression was responsible
      for loss of glucosylation at the 5 position of anthocyanin in some varieties, the
      cause of this repression of AA5GT expression could not be determined. Here, we
      have succeeded in isolating the AA5GT gene and found that it consists of 12 exons
      and 11 introns. In carnation varieties lacking a glucose at the 5 position, we
      identified the insertion of two different retrotransposons, Ty1dic1 and Retdic1,
      into AA5GT. Ty1dic1, which belongs to the class I long terminal repeat (LTR)
      retrotransposons of Ty1/copia families, was inserted into exon 10. Retdic1, which
      includes a long interspersed nuclear element (LINE)-like sequence, was inserted
      into intron 5. Thus, insertion of either Ty1dic1 or Retdic1 can disrupt AA5GT and
      result in the lack of glucosylation at the 5 position in anthocyanins.

PMID- 22048708
TI  - A novel detection technique of hydrazine hydrate: modality change of hydrogen
      bonding-induced rapid and ultrasensitive colorimetric assay.
AB  - Ultrasensitive visual detection of hydrazine hydrate using a Au nanoparticles
      based colorimetric sensing system (ANCSS) is reported for the first time, which
      is based on the hydrogen bonding recognition and the modality change of hydrogen
      bonding from "linear" (simple hydrogen bond interactions) to "nonlinear" (a
      complicated hydrogen bond network) between as-modified Au nanoparticles (Au NPs).

PMID- 22048709
TI  - RNA: a new layer of regulation.

PMID- 22048710
TI  - Statistical evaluation of photon count rate data for nanoscale particle
      measurement in wastewaters.
AB  - The dynamic light scattering (DLS) technique can detect the concentration and
      size distribution of nanoscale particles in aqueous solutions by analyzing photon
      interactions. This study evaluated the applicability of using photon count rate
      data from DLS analyses for measuring levels of biogenic and manufactured
      nanoscale particles in wastewater. Statistical evaluations were performed using
      secondary wastewater effluent and a Malvern Zetasizer. Dynamic light scattering
      analyses were performed equally by two analysts over a period of two days using
      five dilutions and twelve replicates for each dilution. Linearity evaluation
      using the sixty sample analysis yielded a regression coefficient R(2) = 0.959.
      The accuracy analysis for various dilutions indicated a recovery of 100 +/- 6%.
      Precision analyses indicated low variance coefficients for the impact of
      analysts, days, and within sample error. The variation by analysts was apparent
      only in the most diluted sample (intermediate precision ~12%), where the photon
      count rate was close to the instrument detection limit. The variation for
      different days was apparent in the two most concentrated samples, which indicated
      that wastewater samples must be analyzed for nanoscale particle measurement
      within the same day of collection. Upon addition of 10 mg l(-1) of nanosilica to
      wastewater effluent samples, the measured photon count rates were within 5% of
      the estimated values. The results indicated that photon count rate data can
      effectively complement various techniques currently available to detect nanoscale
      particles in wastewaters.

PMID- 22048711
TI  - Magnetic resonance imaging: generating a new pulse in the physical therapy
      profession.
AB  - The ability to refer for diagnostic tests is particularly relevant to the topic
      of this special issue on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). As a doctoring
      profession, one could argue that the ability to refer a patient for MRI (and
      other imaging applications) must be available to the direct-access physical
      therapist. Though the prescription for and use of MRI has not typically been
      considered within the scope of physical therapist practice, this may be the
      perfect time to challenge the obstacles precluding the obtainment of such
      diagnostic privileges and to specifically provide perspective on why and how such
      a specialized privilege could positively impact the provision of physical therapy
      services and patient outcomes. An expected obligation of such autonomy, however,
      is accountability. Is our entire profession adequately prepared to accept the
      role of, or the responsibilities associated with, referral for imaging
      privileges?

PMID- 22048712
TI  - The effect of 4 weeks of aerobic exercise on vascular and baroreflex function of
      young men with a family history of hypertension.
AB  - The effect of short-term aerobic exercise on vascular function of young
      individuals with a family history of hypertension was investigated. Thirty young
      men with a family history of hypertension were randomly assigned to either an
      exercise (n=15) or control (n=15) group. Exercise subjects performed 30 min of
      supervised cycle training at 65% of their maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2max)), three
      times per week for 4 weeks. Control subjects were asked to maintain their normal
      levels of physical activity. Peak leg and forearm blood flow were assessed using
      plethysmography and was determined as the highest blood flow following 5 min of
      reactive hyperemia. Cardiopulmonary baroreceptor (CPBR) sensitivity was measured
      using lower body negative pressure (LBNP) for 5 min at -20 mm Hg. CPBR was
      determined by calculating change of stroke volume and forearm vascular resistance
      at baseline and during LBNP. Carotid baroreceptor (CBR) sensitivity was assessed
      using neck suction at -20, -40, -60 and -80 mm Hg pressures, and was determined
      from RR interval divided by systolic blood pressure. Augmentation index (AIx), a
      measure of arterial stiffness, was assessed using applanation tonometry and was
      calculated as the ratio of augmented pressure and pulse pressure. The major
      findings were that the exercise group showed increase in leg vasodilation,
      reduction in AIx and increase in VO(2max) compared with the control group
      (P<0.05). However, there was no significant change for CPBR and CBR. A short-term
      moderate-intensity aerobic exercise intervention in young men with a family
      history of hypertension significantly reduced arterial stiffness and increased
      aerobic fitness.

PMID- 22048713
TI  - Impact of calibration on estimates of central blood pressures.
AB  - Using the Sphygmocor device it is recommended that the radial pressure wave is
      calibrated for brachial systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood
      pressure (DBP). However it has been suggested that brachial-to-radial pressure
      amplification causes underestimation of central blood pressures (BPs) using this
      calibration. In the present study we examined if different calibrations had an
      impact on estimates of central BPs and on the clinical interpretation of our
      results. On the basis of ambulatory BP measurements, patients were categorized
      into patients with controlled, uncontrolled or resistant hypertension. We first
      calibrated the radial pressure wave as recommended and afterwards recalibrated
      the same pressure wave using brachial DBP and calculated mean arterial pressure.
      Recalibration of the pressure wave generated significantly higher estimates of
      central SBP (P=0.0003 and P<0.0001 at baseline and P=0.0001 and P=0.0002 after 6
      months). Using recommended calibration we found a significant change in central
      SBP in both treatment groups (P=0.05 and P=0.01), however, after recalibrating
      significance was lost in patients with resistant hypertension (P=0.15). We
      conclude that calibration with DBP and mean arterial pressure produces higher
      estimates of central BPs than recommended calibration. The present study also
      shows that this difference between the two calibration methods can produce more
      than a systematic error and has an impact on interpretation of clinical results.

PMID- 22048714
TI  - The effects of dietary patterns on plasma renin activity: results from the
      Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension trial.
AB  - A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products, and reduced in
      saturated fat, total fat and cholesterol (the 'DASH' diet) significantly lowers
      blood pressure (BP). Previous studies have documented that certain therapies that
      lower BP increase plasma renin activity (PRA). Using data from the Dietary
      Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) trial, we assessed the effects of dietary
      patterns on PRA and determined the relationship of change in PRA with change in
      BP on each diet. After eating a control diet for 3 weeks, participants were then
      randomized to receive for 8 weeks: the control diet, a diet rich in fruits and
      vegetables (F/V), or the DASH diet. Baseline and follow-up levels of PRA were
      available in 381 participants. Compared with the control diet, the DASH diet
      increased PRA by 0.37 ng ml(-1) h(-1) (P=0.01). In multivariable linear
      regression analyses, there was an inverse association of PRA change with systolic
      BP change on the control diet (slope=-0.35, P=0.001), but PRA did not differ by
      BP change on the F/V diet (slope=-0.002, P=0.98) or DASH diet (slope=-0.08,
      P=0.32). These data suggest that a blunted counter-regulatory response of the
      renin-angiotensin system is associated with the BP-lowering effect of the F/V and
      DASH diets.

PMID- 22048715
TI  - A sex-specific effect of the CYP17A1 SNP rs11191548 on blood pressure in Chinese
      children.
AB  - CYP17A1 gene encodes the cytochrome P450 enzyme CYP17A1, a key enzyme involved in
      steroid metabolism. A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) near CYP17A1,
      rs11191548, showed significant association with hypertension in European adults.
      However, this association has not been demonstrated in children thus far.
      Additionally, the role of CYP17A1 in elevating blood pressure (BP) is unclear. We
      investigated the association of rs11191548 with hypertension in Chinese children.
      A total of 3422 children participated in the study, including 1009 children with
      elevated BP (EBP, including prehypertension and hypertension) and 2413 children
      with normal BP. SNP rs11191548 was associated with systolic BP (SBP) (CC vs TT:
      P=4.8 * 10(-4); additive model: P=0.002; dominant model: P=0.011; recessive
      model: P=0.001) and EBP (CC vs TT: odds ratio (OR)=0.43, 95% confidence interval
      (CI) 0.26-0.72, P=0.001; additive model: OR=0.74, 95% CI 0.61-0.90, P=0.002;
      dominant model: OR=0.76, 95% CI 0.60-0.96, P=0.022; recessive model: recessive
      model: OR=0.46, 95% CI 0.28-0.77, P=0.003) in girls, but there was no
      statistically significant association between the SNP and diastolic BP in boys or
      girls. Our results also showed that rs11191548 was more significantly associated
      with SBP and EBP in obese girls than in girls of normal weight. Our study
      indicated that the SNP rs11191548, near CYP17A1, was associated with EBP in
      children. Moreover, we found a sex-specific effect of rs11191548 on SBP in
      Chinese children. Further studies are necessary to clarify the association
      between this CYP17A1 polymorphism and BP.

PMID- 22048716
TI  - Ninth annual meeting of the Association for Cancer Immunotherapy (CIMT 2011), May
      25-27, 2011, Mainz, Germany.

PMID- 22048717
TI  - A novel anti-Cyr61 antibody inhibits breast cancer growth and metastasis in vivo.
AB  - Cysteine-rich protein 61(CCN1/Cyr61) has been implicated as an important mediator
      in proliferation and metastasis of breast cancer, which indicated that blockage
      of Cyr61 might be a potent target for breast cancer treatment. However, the
      antitumor effect of anti-Cyr61 antibodies on breast cancer in vivo has not been
      reported so far. In this study, we reported the effect and likely mechanism of
      generated anti-human Cyr61 monoclonal antibodies (mAb) on Cyr61 high expression
      line MDA-MB-231, known as a highly malignant and invasive human breast cancer
      cell line, at aspects of proliferation and migration in vitro and in vivo. We
      found the mAb, denoted as 093G9, revealed inhibitory effects on MDA-MB-231 cell
      proliferation, migration, and invasion through downregulation of both AKT and ERK
      phosphorylation in vitro compared with its isotype control. 093G9 also showed
      significant efficacy on suppressing primary tumor growth and spontaneous lymph
      node metastasis in in vivo mouse model. The specific epitope recognized by 093G9
      was identified to be (140)LPNLGCP(146), adjacent to the VWC domain of Cyr61 by
      Ph.D.-C7C phage library display system. Our study provides direct evidence that
      Cyr61 can be a potent therapeutic target for patients who bear high Cyr61
      expression breast cancer. Furthermore, the mAb, 093G9 developed in our
      laboratory, has shown a promising therapeutic characteristic in breast cancer.

PMID- 22048718
TI  - Neurally adjusted ventilatory assist in patients with critical illness-associated
      polyneuromyopathy.
AB  - PURPOSE: Diaphragmatic electrical activity (EA(di)), reflecting respiratory
      drive, and its feedback control might be impaired in critical illness-associated
      polyneuromyopathy (CIPM). We aimed to evaluate whether titration and prolonged
      application of neurally adjusted ventilatory assist (NAVA), which delivers
      pressure (P (aw)) in proportion to EA(di), is feasible in CIPM patients. METHODS:
      Peripheral and phrenic nerve electrophysiology studies were performed in 15
      patients with clinically suspected CIPM and in 14 healthy volunteers. In
      patients, an adequate NAVA level (NAVAal) was titrated daily and was implemented
      for a maximum of 72 h. Changes in tidal volume (V (t)) generation per unit of
      EA(di) (V (t)/EA(di)) were assessed daily during standardized tests of neuro
      ventilatory efficiency (NVET). RESULTS: In patients (median [range], 66 [44-80]
      years), peripheral electrophysiology studies confirmed CIPM. Phrenic nerve
      latency (PNL) was prolonged and diaphragm compound muscle action potential (CMAP)
      was reduced compared with healthy volunteers (p < 0.05 for both). NAVAal could be
      titrated in all but two patients. During implementation of NAVAal for 61 (37-64)
      h, the EA(di) amplitude was 9.0 (4.4-15.2) MUV, and the V (t) was 6.5 (3.7-14.3)
      ml/kg predicted body weight. V (t), respiratory rate, EA(di), PaCO(2), and
      hemodynamic parameters remained unchanged, while PaO(2)/FiO(2) increased from 238
      (121-337) to 282 (150-440) mmHg (p = 0.007) during NAVAal. V (t)/EA(di) changed
      by -10 (-46; +31)% during the first NVET and by -0.1 (-26; +77)% during the last
      NVET (p = 0.048). CONCLUSION: In most patients with CIPM, EA(di) and its feedback
      control are sufficiently preserved to titrate and implement NAVA for up to 3
      days. Whether monitoring neuro-ventilatory efficiency helps inform the weaning
      process warrants further evaluation.

PMID- 22048719
TI  - Epidemiology of contrast-associated acute kidney injury in ICU patients: a
      retrospective cohort analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: Intensive care unit (ICU) patients frequently undergo contrast-enhanced
      radiographic examinations, which carries a risk for development of contrast
      associated acute kidney injury (CA-AKI). Data on this in ICU patients are scarce.
      The aim of this study was therefore to evaluate the epidemiology and short- and
      long-term outcomes of CA-AKI in ICU patients. METHODS: A retrospective single
      centre cohort study covering the period 1 March 2004 to 31 December 2008 on ICU
      patients who underwent a radiography examination with parenteral administration
      of iodinated radio contrast media was conducted. Data analysis included
      univariate and multivariate analyses of patients with and without CA-AKI.
      RESULTS: A total of 787 ICU patients were included in the study. CA-AKI occurred
      in 128 (16.3%) and was associated with higher need for RRT [30 (4.6%) vs. 21
      (16.4%), p < 0.001], worse kidney function at discharge, longer length of ICU and
      hospital stay, and higher 28-day and 1-year mortality [28-day: 86 (13.1%) vs. 46
      (35.9%), p < 0.001, and 1-year: 158 (24.0%) vs. 71 (55.5%), p < 0.001]. Higher
      serum creatinine, lower mean arterial pressure, and administration of diuretics
      and vasoactive therapy were associated with development of CA-AKI in multivariate
      analysis. After correction for confounders we found that CA-AKI was associated
      with 28-day mortality in this cohort of ICU patients (odds ratio = 2.742, 95%
      confidence interval 1.374-5.471). CONCLUSIONS: CA-AKI occurred in one out of six
      ICU patients who underwent a contrast-enhanced radiography examination and was
      associated with both short-and long-term worse outcomes such as need for RRT,
      worse kidney function at discharge, increased length of stay in the ICU and
      hospital, and mortality.

PMID- 22048720
TI  - Radiocontrast-induced acute kidney injury in the ICU: worse than presumed?

PMID- 22048722
TI  - The activity of the primary motor cortex ipsilateral to the exercising hand
      decreases during repetitive handgrip exercise.
AB  - The brain function controlling muscle force production is not yet fully
      understood. The purpose of this study was to examine bilateral primary motor
      cortex (M1) oxygenation during static-handgrip exercises performed with the right
      hand (60% maximal voluntary contraction; 10 s exercise/75 s rest; five sets).
      Twelve healthy, right-handed male subjects participated in this study. Near
      infrared spectroscopy probes were positioned over the bilateral M1 to measure
      cortical oxygenation during handgrip exercises. The maximum values of the changes
      in concentrations of oxyhemoglobin (HbO(2)) and deoxyhemoglobin (Hb) across the
      trials (i) did not change significantly during the contralateral M1 activation (p
      > 0.05), whereas (ii) in the case of the ipsilateral M1 activation a significant
      (p < 0.05) decrease in HbO(2) and a significant (p < 0.01) decrease in Hb could
      be measured. The activation in ipsilateral M1 at the fifth trial was
      significantly decreased compared with that in the first trial (HbO(2): p < 0.001;
      Hb: p < 0.001). The present results suggest that the ipsilateral M1 is recruited
      during the motor task in compensation for the contralateral M1 and the
      habituation to motor task might alter the efficiency for interaction of the
      ipsilateral M1 to the contralateral M1. The interhemispheric interaction might
      change due to habituation to motor task.

PMID- 22048721
TI  - Site-specific structural analysis of a yeast prion strain with species-specific
      seeding activity.
AB  - Prion proteins misfold and aggregate into multiple infectious strain variants
      that possess unique abilities to overcome prion species barriers, yet the
      structural basis for the species-specific infectivities of prion strains is
      poorly understood. Therefore, we have investigated the site-specific structural
      properties of a promiscuous chimeric form of the yeast prion Sup35 from
      Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Candida albicans. The Sup35 chimera forms two strain
      variants, each of which selectively infect one species but not the other.
      Importantly, the N-terminal and middle domains of the Sup35 chimera (collectively
      referred to as Sup35NM) contain two prion recognition elements (one from each
      species) that regulate the nucleation of each strain. Mutations in either prion
      recognition element significantly bias nucleation of one strain conformation
      relative to the other. Herein, we have investigated the folding of each prion
      recognition element for the serine-to-arginine mutant at residue 17 of Sup35NM
      chimera known to promote nucleation of C. albicans strain conformation. Using
      cysteine-specific labeling analysis, we find that residues in the C. albicans
      prion recognition element are solvent-shielded, while those outside the
      recognition sequence (including most of those in the S. cerevisiae recognition
      element) are solvent-exposed. Moreover, we find that proline mutations in the C.
      albicans recognition sequence disrupt the prion templating activity of this
      strain conformation. Our structural findings reveal that differential folding of
      complementary and non-complementary prion recognition elements within the prion
      amyloid core of the Sup35NM chimera is the structural basis for its species
      specific templating activity.

PMID- 22048723
TI  - The kallikrein-kinin system and oxidative stress.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The kallikrein-kinin system (KKS) constitutes a complex
      multienzyme cascade that produces several bioactive kinin peptides and their
      derivatives including bradykinin. In addition to the classical notion of the KKS
      as a potent vasodilator and a mediator of inflammatory responses, recent studies
      suggest a link between the KKS and oxidative stress. A number of established
      mouse models with altered levels of KKS components opened the way to evaluate
      precise functions of the KKS. Here we review recent findings on the role of the
      KKS in cardiovascular diseases and chronic kidney diseases, and discuss potential
      benefits of KKS activation in these diseases. RECENT FINDINGS: Deletion of both
      B1R and B2R in a diabetic mouse model exacerbates its renal phenotypes,
      suggesting that the KKS exerts protective effects on diabetic nephropathy by
      suppressing oxidative stress, presumably via nitric oxide and prostaglandins.
      SUMMARY: Accumulating evidence has highlighted the importance of the KKS as a
      protective system against oxidative stress and organ damage in the heart and
      kidney. The activation of the KKS by angiotensin I-converting enzyme inhibitors
      and vasopeptidase inhibitors is likely to be beneficial in senescence-associated
      cardiovascular diseases and chronic kidney diseases.

PMID- 22048724
TI  - Nitric oxide synthase derangements and hypertension in kidney disease.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Nitric oxide deficiency occurs by multiple mechanisms and
      contributes to the pathogenesis of progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD)
      and its cardiovascular complications. This article concentrates on recent
      developments on the regulation of the endogenous nitric oxide synthase (NOS)
      inhibitor asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) in CKD and on the importance of the
      nitric oxide synthases in kidney disease progression, particularly in diabetic
      nephropathy. RECENT FINDINGS: The increased plasma ADMA seen in renal disease is
      generally predictive of severity of CKD progression and cardiovascular risk.
      However, some assumptions about the control of ADMA have been challenged: the
      primacy of the kidney as a metabolic organ for plasma ADMA regulation has come
      under scrutiny and the relative importance of the two isoforms of the ADMA
      metabolizing enzymes dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolases (DDAHs) is being re
      evaluated. Alterations in NOS also contribute to CKD progression with the
      endothelial isoform playing a major role in diabetic nephropathy. SUMMARY:
      Improving our understanding of ADMA regulation is important since pharmacologic
      targeting of DDAH is underway. The major role of endothelial NOS-derived nitric
      oxide in diabetic nephropathy should lead to novel therapies. The beneficial
      actions of dietary nitrate supplementation on blood pressure and kidney disease
      are of considerable clinical relevance.

PMID- 22048725
TI  - A feeding inhibition based prediction of the toxic effect of dissolved metal
      mixtures upon Echinogammarus marinus (Crustacea: Amphipoda) at field relevant
      concentrations across a latitudinal gradient.
AB  - Risk assessment of metals in the environment is performed mainly with toxicity
      evaluations on single metals, which is largely inadequate since these substances
      occur in mixtures. The development of models predicting combined toxic effects on
      the basis of the concentration-response relationships of individual compounds has
      emerged as an answer. In the present study, metal effects on post-exposure
      anorexia (the concept of FdC(50)--concentration causing 50% of feeding inhibition
      -is implemented) in Echinogammarus marinus, a widely distributed gammarid
      amphipod, were assessed and compared with modelled ones obtained through the
      application of the concentration addition (CA) model, which represents a
      reasonable worst-case scenario for the risk assessment of metal mixtures. Data
      were validated using in situ experiments performed along a latitudinal gradient
      (Iceland, Scotland and Portugal) aiming at establishing a geographic profile of
      autochthonous population susceptibilities to metals. For all of the metals
      studied concentrations in the water column at exposure sites were in good
      agreement with feeding inhibition levels. Models gave low to relatively high
      percentage agreement between predictions and experimental data. Boreal
      populations demonstrated higher susceptibility to single metals, but not to
      mixture exposures. Meridional populations denoted lower susceptibilities with
      higher FdC(50).

PMID- 22048726
TI  - The specific vibrational modes of GTP in solution and bound to Ras: a detailed
      theoretical analysis by QM/MM simulations.
AB  - The hydrolysis of guanosine triphosphate (GTP) in general, and especially by
      GTPases like the Ras protein, is in the focus of biological investigations. A
      huge amount of experimental data from Fourier-transformed infrared studies is
      currently available, and many vibrational bands of free GTP, GTP.Mg(2+), and
      Ras.GTP.Mg(2+) in solution have been assigned by isotopic labeling. In the Ras
      environment, bands between 800 cm(-1) and 1300 cm(-1) have already been assigned,
      but not those below 800 cm(-1). The combination of quantum and molecular
      mechanics (QM/MM) methods takes the quantum effects for selected relevant atoms
      into account. This provides structural details, vibrational frequencies and
      electron distributions of the region of interest. We therefore used MM and QM/MM
      simulations to investigate the normal vibrational modes of GTP, GTP.Mg(2+), and
      Ras.GTP.Mg(2+) in solution, and assigned the vibrational frequencies for each
      normal vibration mode. In this study, the quantum box contains the nucleoside and
      the Mg(2+). The comparison of calculated and experimental vibrational spectra
      provides a very good control for the quality of the calculations. Structurally,
      MM and QM/MM simulations reveal a stable tridentate coordination of the Mg(2+) by
      GTP in water, and a stable bidentate coordination by GTP in complex with Ras. For
      validation, we compare the calculated frequencies and isotopic shifts with the
      experimental results available in the range of 800 cm(-1) to 1300 cm(-1). For the
      first time we suggest band assignments of the vibrational modes below 800 cm(-1)
      by comparison of calculated and experimental spectra.

PMID- 22048728
TI  - Invasive pneumococcal disease and 13-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine
      (PCV13) coverage among children aged <=59 months---selected U.S. regions, 2010-
      2011.
AB  - On March 12, 2010, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP)
      published recommendations for use of a newly licensed, 13-valent pneumococcal
      conjugate vaccine (PCV13) to replace the 7-valent vaccine (PCV7) for all children
      and for a supplemental dose for those aged 14 through 59 months. PCV is given
      routinely to children at ages 2, 4, and 6 months, and a booster dose is given at
      12--15 months. PCV13 includes antigens of six pneumococcal serotypes in addition
      to those in PCV7. Children only vaccinated with PCV7 are susceptible to those six
      serotypes, which can cause invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) and death. During
      2010 and 2011, CDC evaluated available data to assess the occurrence of PCV13
      type IPD cases and PCV13 vaccination coverage among children aged <=59 months.
      During May 1, 2010--April 30, 2011, 63 vaccine-eligible children with IPD caused
      by a serotype that would have been prevented by PCV13 were identified within 12
      study regions. Most of those children were aged 24 through 59 months and were
      vaccinated completely with PCV7 but had not received the recommended supplemental
      dose of PCV13. Immunization Information System (IIS) sentinel site data from
      March 2010--June 2011 indicated that the proportion of PCV7-vaccinated children
      who had received the PCV13 supplemental dose was only 37%. Similarly, among
      children aged <=59 months requiring additional primary series doses, PCV13
      coverage was only 46%. Given the potential for missed PCV13 vaccination, health
      care providers should recommend PCV13 vaccination for all eligible children aged
      14 through 59 months during all visits, and continue to ensure receipt of the
      full PCV13 primary series for younger children.

PMID- 22048727
TI  - Genetics of GABAergic signaling in nicotine and alcohol dependence.
AB  - Both nicotine and alcohol addictions are common chronic brain disorders that are
      of great concern to individuals and society. Although genetics contributes
      significantly to these disorders, the susceptibility genes and variants
      underlying them remain largely unknown. Many years of genome-wide linkage and
      association studies have implicated a number of genes and pathways in the
      etiology of nicotine and alcohol addictions. In this communication, we focus on
      current evidence, primarily from human genetic studies, supporting the
      involvement of genes and variants in the GABAergic signaling system in the
      etiology of nicotine dependence and alcoholism based on linkage, association, and
      gene-by-gene interaction studies. Current efforts aim not only to replicate these
      findings in independent samples, but also to identify which variant contributes
      to the detected associations and through what molecular mechanisms.

PMID- 22048729
TI  - Progress toward poliomyelitis eradication---India, January 2010--September 2011.
AB  - The Global Polio Eradication Initiative was launched in 1988. In 1995, when
      eradication activities were initiated in India, an estimated 50,000 polio cases
      were occurring each year. By 2006, transmission of indigenous wild poliovirus
      (WPV) had been interrupted in all countries except India, Afghanistan, Pakistan,
      and Nigeria. During 2006--2009, India annually reported 559 to 874 cases of
      confirmed WPV, with cases centered in the northern states of Uttar Pradesh and
      Bihar. These cases accounted for 43% of confirmed cases of WPV reported worldwide
      during this period. However, in 2010, only 42 WPV cases were reported in India,
      and in 2011, only one WPV case had been confirmed as of October 31. This report
      updates previous reports and summarizes progress toward polio eradication in
      India during January 2010--September 2011. Throughout India, the most recent
      confirmed WPV type 3 (WPV3) case occurred on October 22, 2010, in Jharkhand, and
      the most recent confirmed WPV type 1 (WPV1) case occurred on January 13, 2011, in
      West Bengal; WPV2 has not been reported in India since 1999. Importation of WPV
      into India is a risk, and undetected low-level WPV transmission is a possibility,
      requiring high vaccination coverage in all states, continued focus on children in
      migrant and underserved populations, sensitive surveillance for prompt detection
      of any WPV, and preparedness to mount a robust emergency vaccination campaign in
      response to any WPV cases.

PMID- 22048730
TI  - Vital signs: overdoses of prescription opioid pain relievers---United States,
      1999--2008.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Overdose deaths involving opioid pain relievers (OPR), also known as
      opioid analgesics, have increased and now exceed deaths involving heroin and
      cocaine combined. This report describes the use and abuse of OPR by state.
      METHODS: CDC analyzed rates of fatal OPR overdoses, nonmedical use, sales, and
      treatment admissions. RESULTS: In 2008, drug overdoses in the United States
      caused 36,450 deaths. OPR were involved in 14,800 deaths (73.8%) of the 20,044
      prescription drug overdose deaths. Death rates varied fivefold by state. States
      with lower death rates had lower rates of nonmedical use of OPR and OPR sales.
      During 1999--2008, overdose death rates, sales, and substance abuse treatment
      admissions related to OPR all increased substantially. CONCLUSIONS: The epidemic
      of overdoses of OPR has continued to worsen. Wide variation among states in the
      nonmedical use of OPR and overdose rates cannot be explained by underlying
      demographic differences in state populations but is related to wide variations in
      OPR prescribing. IMPLICATIONS FOR PUBLIC HEALTH PRACTICE: Health-care providers
      should only use OPRs in carefully screened and monitored patients when non-OPR
      treatments are insufficient to manage pain. Insurers and prescription drug
      monitoring programs can identify and take action to reduce both inappropriate and
      illegal prescribing. Third-party payers can limit reimbursement in ways that
      reduce inappropriate prescribing, discourage efforts to obtain OPR from multiple
      health-care providers, and improve clinical care. Changes in state laws that
      focus on the prescribing practices of health-care providers might reduce
      prescription drug abuse and overdoses while still allowing safe and effective
      pain treatment.

PMID- 22048731
TI  - Human dermis harbors distinct mesenchymal stromal cell subsets.
AB  - Multipotent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are found in a variety of adult
      tissues including human dermis. These MSCs are morphologically similar to bone
      marrow-derived MSCs, but are of unclear phenotype. To shed light on the
      characteristics of human dermal MSCs, this study was designed to identify and
      isolate dermal MSCs by a specific marker expression profile, and subsequently
      rate their mesenchymal differentiation potential. Immunohistochemical staining
      showed that MSC markers CD73/CD90/CD105, as well as CD271 and SSEA-4, are
      expressed on dermal cells in situ. Flow cytometric analysis revealed a phenotype
      similar to bone marrow-derived MSCs. Human dermal cells isolated by plastic
      adherence had a lower differentiation capacity as compared with bone marrow
      derived MSCs. To distinguish dermal MSCs from differentiated fibroblasts, we
      immunoselected CD271(+) and SSEA-4(+) cells from adherent dermal cells and
      investigated their mesenchymal differentiation capacity. This revealed that cells
      with increased adipogenic, osteogenic, and chondrogenic potential were enriched
      in the dermal CD271(+) population. The differentiation potential of dermal SSEA
      4(+) cells, in contrast, appeared to be limited to adipogenesis. These results
      indicate that specific cell populations with variable mesenchymal differentiation
      potential can be isolated from human dermis. Moreover, we identified three
      different subsets of dermal mesenchymal progenitor cells.

PMID- 22048732
TI  - The growth of clinical trials and systematic reviews in informing dermatological
      patient care.
AB  - Randomized controlled clinical trials remain the best method for minimizing bias
      when evaluating dermatological treatments. Many dermatologic clinical trials have
      suffered from small sample sizes, selective reporting of outcomes, publication
      bias, poor reporting, and heterogeneous outcomes that have hampered comparability
      deficiencies that can be overcome by adopting good trial planning and reporting
      practice encouraged by this journal. Although a profusion of explanatory placebo
      controlled studies have contributed little to decision making in the clinical
      setting, some comparative effectiveness trials such as the use of topical
      corticosteroids for pemphigoid may have played a pivotal role in improving the
      well-being of dermatological patients. Systematic reviews (SRs) of clinical
      trials strive to organize the entire body of evidence while minimizing bias so
      that policy makers and guideline developers can base their recommendations on the
      appropriate strength and level of evidence. In dermatology, SRs, such as those
      undertaken by the Cochrane Collaboration, have produced clear clinical messages
      despite conflicting individual studies, and also play a key role in identifying
      research gaps. Future challenges include optimizing the use of research
      resources, adopting methodological developments in health technology assessment,
      and prospective registration and complete reporting of all study results.

PMID- 22048733
TI  - Koebner phenomenon in psoriasis is not associated with deletion of late cornified
      envelope genes LCE3B and LCE3C.

PMID- 22048735
TI  - Predicting Michael-acceptor reactivity and toxicity through quantum chemical
      transition-state calculations.
AB  - The electrophilic reactivity of Michael acceptors is an important determinant of
      their toxicity. For a set of 35 alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehydes, ketones and
      esters with experimental rate constants of their reaction with glutathione (GSH),
      k(GSH), quantum chemical transition-state calculations of the corresponding
      Michael addition of the model nucleophile methane thiol (CH(3)SH) have been
      performed at the B3LYP/6-31G** level, focusing on the 1,2-olefin addition pathway
      without and with initial protonation. Inclusion of Boltzmann-weighting of
      conformational flexibility yields intrinsic reaction barriers DeltaE(?) that for
      the case of initial protonation correctly reflect the structural variation of
      k(GSH) across all three compound classes, except that they fail to account for a
      systematic (essentially incremental) decrease in reactivity upon alpha
      substitution. By contrast, the reduction in k(GSH) through beta-substitution is
      well captured by DeltaE(?). Empirical correction for the alpha-substitution
      effect yields a high squared correlation coefficient (r(2) = 0.96) for the
      quantum chemical prediction of log k(GSH), thus enabling an in silico screening
      of the toxicity-relevant electrophilicity of alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyls.
      The latter is demonstrated through application of the calculation scheme for a
      larger set of 46 Michael-acceptor aldehydes, ketones and esters with experimental
      values for their toxicity toward the ciliates Tetrahymena pyriformis in terms of
      50% growth inhibition values after 48 h exposure (EC(50)). The developed approach
      may add in the predictive hazard evaluation of alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyls
      such as for the European REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and
      Restriction of Chemicals) Directive, enabling in particular an early
      identification of toxicity-relevant Michael-acceptor reactivity.

PMID- 22048734
TI  - CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100 accelerates impaired wound healing in diabetic mice.
AB  - The antagonism of CXC-chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) with AMD3100 improves cardiac
      performance after myocardial infarction by augmenting the recruitment of
      endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) from the bone marrow to the regenerating
      vasculature. We investigated whether AMD3100 may accelerate diabetes-impaired
      wound healing through a similar mechanism. Skin wounds were made on the backs of
      leptin receptor-deficient mice and treated with AMD3100 or saline. Fourteen days
      after treatment, wound closure was significantly more complete in AMD3100-treated
      mice (AMD3100: 87.0 +/- 2.6%, saline: 33.1 +/- 1.8%; P<0.0001) and was
      accompanied by greater collagen fiber formation, capillary density, smooth muscle
      containing vessel density, and monocyte/macrophage infiltration. On day 7 after
      treatment, AMD3100 was associated with higher circulating EPC and macrophage
      counts, and with significantly upregulated mRNA levels of stromal cell-derived
      factor 1 and platelet-derived growth factor B in the wound bed. AMD3100 also
      promoted macrophage proliferation and phagocytosis and the migration and
      proliferation of diabetic mouse primary dermal fibroblasts and 3T3 fibroblasts,
      which express very little CXCR4. In conclusion, a single topical application of
      AMD3100 promoted wound healing in diabetic mice by increasing cytokine
      production, mobilizing bone marrow EPCs, and enhancing the activity of
      fibroblasts and monocytes/macrophages, thereby increasing both angiogenesis and
      vasculogenesis. Not all of the AMD3100-mediated effects evolved through CXCR4
      antagonism.

PMID- 22048736
TI  - Magnetic resonance imaging: fundamental safety issues.
AB  - SYNOPSIS: Medical practitioners have a variety of imaging modalities at their
      disposal. The exquisite soft tissue delineation available with magnetic resonance
      imaging (MRI) has resulted in the rising utilization of this particular modality.
      Increasingly, physical therapists around the world are actively involved in not
      only referring patients with musculoskeletal conditions for MRI but also in the
      acquisition of MRI data in both the clinical and research arenas. The MRI process
      involves the use of a very strong static magnetic field, time-varying (gradient)
      fields, and radiofrequency energy. To ensure the well-being of patients, staff,
      and visitors, an understanding of the primary hazards of this environment and the
      rigorous safety procedures that must be followed is imperative to the clinician.
      This paper describes the basic components of an MRI system, discusses various MRI
      safety issues, and presents the screening procedure necessary prior to using MRI.
      Primary hazards associated with the imaging process are also reviewed. J Orthop
      Sports Phys Ther 2011;41(11):820-828. doi:10.2519/jospt.2011.3906.

PMID- 22048738
TI  - Tackling antibiotic resistance.
AB  - The development and spread of antibiotic resistance in bacteria is a universal
      threat to both humans and animals that is generally not preventable but can
      nevertheless be controlled, and it must be tackled in the most effective ways
      possible. To explore how the problem of antibiotic resistance might best be
      addressed, a group of 30 scientists from academia and industry gathered at the
      Banbury Conference Centre in Cold Spring Harbor, New York, USA, from 16 to 18 May
      2011. From these discussions there emerged a priority list of steps that need to
      be taken to resolve this global crisis.

PMID- 22048737
TI  - Actin organization and dynamics in filamentous fungi.
AB  - Growth and morphogenesis of filamentous fungi is underpinned by dynamic
      reorganization and polarization of the actin cytoskeleton. Actin has crucial
      roles in exocytosis, endocytosis, organelle movement and cytokinesis in fungi,
      and these processes are coupled to the production of distinct higher-order
      structures (actin patches, cables and rings) that generate forces or serve as
      tracks for intracellular transport. New approaches for imaging actin in living
      cells are revealing important similarities and differences in actin architecture
      and organization within the fungal kingdom, and have yielded key insights into
      cell polarity, tip growth and long-distance intracellular transport. In this
      Review, we discuss the contribution that recent live-cell imaging and mutational
      studies have made to our understanding of the dynamics and regulation of actin in
      filamentous fungi.

PMID- 22048739
TI  - Viral infection. The gut microbiota: friend or foe?
AB  - The gut microbiota can facilitate viral infection and transmission.

PMID- 22048740
TI  - Osteopathy for musculoskeletal pain: a systematic review.

PMID- 22048742
TI  - Microbial systematics in the post-genomics era.
AB  - Microbial systematics and phylogeny should form the foundation and guiding light
      for a comprehensive understanding of different aspects of microbiology. However,
      there are many critical issues in microbial systematics that are currently not
      resolved. Some of these include: how to define and delimit a prokaryotic species;
      development of rationale criteria for the assignment of higher taxonomic ranks;
      understanding what unique properties distinguish species from different groups;
      and understanding the branching order and interrelationship among higher
      prokaryotic clades. The sequencing of genomes from large numbers of cultured as
      well as uncultured microbes covering prokaryotic diversity provides unique means
      to achieve these important objectives. Prokaryotic genomes are found to be very
      diverse and dynamic and horizontal gene transfers (HGTs) are indicated to have
      played important role in species/genome evolution. Although HGT adds a layer of
      complexity in terms of understanding the genomes and species evolution, it is
      contended that vast majority of genes and genetic characteristics that are
      distinctive characteristics of higher prokaryotic taxa are vertically inherited
      and based on them a solid foundation for microbial systematics can be developed.
      We describe two kinds of molecular markers consisting of conserved indels in
      protein sequences and whole proteins that are specific for different groups that
      are proving particularly valuable in defining different prokaryotic groups in
      clear molecular terms and in understanding their interrelationships. The genetic
      and biochemical studies on these taxa-specific molecular markers also open the
      way to discover novel biochemical and physiological characteristics that are
      unique properties of these groups.

PMID- 22048741
TI  - Long-term efficacy of a short period of taping followed by an exercise program in
      a cohort of patients with patellofemoral pain syndrome.
AB  - Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS) is a common source of anterior knee pain.
      While treatment for PFPS may be successful in the short term, long-term results
      are less promising. The purpose of this study was to record long-term pain and
      functionality outcomes following rehabilitation in patients affected by PFPS. A
      prospective cohort study of 44 patients with a diagnosis of PFPS and an
      activation imbalance between the vastus medialis obliquus (VMO) and vastus
      lateralis (VL) muscles were enrolled. Patients underwent patellar taping (2
      weeks) followed by a rehabilitation program lasting until the end of the third
      month. Primary outcome measures were pain and the functional level of the
      patellofemoral joint. Secondary outcome measures were surface electromyographic
      (sEMG) onset timing of the VMO/VL during seated knee extension and squat and
      isometric knee extensor muscle strength. Significant differences in all the
      outcome measures were observed between the affected and unaffected sides before
      treatment. The pain score significantly decreased both posttreatment (Delta = 
      4.7; 95% CI = -5.4 to -3.9) and at the 12-month follow-up (Delta = -5.5; 95% CI =
      -6.1 to -4.8), while the functional level significantly increased both
      posttreatment (Delta = 24; 95% CI = 18.3 to 30.2) and at the 12-month follow-up
      (Delta = 26; 95% CI = 21.4 to 30.6). Posttreatment, 35/44 patients (79.5%) and
      31/44 patients (70.5%) achieved normal sEMG onset timing of the VMO and VL in the
      seated knee extension exercise and in the squat exercise, respectively. A short
      period of patellar taping followed by an exercise program results in long-lasting
      pain control in PFPS associated with muscular dysfunction.

PMID- 22048744
TI  - Comprehensive risk reduction in patients with atrial fibrillation: Emerging
      diagnostic and therapeutic options. Executive summary of the report from the 3rd
      AFNET/EHRA consensus conference.
AB  - There are exciting new developments in several areas of atrial fibrillation (AF)
      management that carry the hope of improving outcomes in AF patients. This paper
      is an executive summary that summarises the proceedings from the 3rd AFNET/EHRA
      consensus conference on atrial fibrillation, held in Sophia Antipolis from
      November 7th to 9th 2010, shortly after the release of the new ESC guidelines on
      AF. The conference was jointly organised by the German Atrial Fibrillation
      competence NETwork (AFNET) and the European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA). This
      executive summary report covers four sections: 1. Risk factors and risk markers
      for AF, 2. Pathophysiological classification of AF, 3. Relevance of monitored AF
      duration for AF-related outcomes, and 4. Perspectives and needs for implementing
      better antithrombotic therapy.

PMID- 22048745
TI  - See the whole picture: knee preserving therapy needs more than surface repair.

PMID- 22048746
TI  - Bone-patellar tendon-bone autograft versus hamstring autograft anterior cruciate
      ligament reconstruction in the young athlete: a retrospective matched analysis
      with 2-10 year follow-up.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to examine clinical and patient-reported
      outcomes as well as return to sport in athletes younger than 25 following ACL
      reconstruction with either bone-patellar tendon-bone (BTB) or hamstring (HS)
      autografts using a matched-pairs case-control experimental design. METHODS:
      Twenty-three matched pairs were obtained based on gender (57% women), age (18 +/-
      3 years BTB vs. 18 +/- 3 HS), and length of follow-up (5 +/- 2 years BTB vs. 4 +/
      2 HS). Patients reported participating in very strenuous (soccer, basketball,
      etc.) or strenuous (skiing, tennis, etc.) sporting activity 4-7 times/week prior
      to their knee injury. Patient-reported outcomes included return to play data, the
      IKDC, SAS, ADLS, and SF-36 forms. Clinical outcomes included knee range of
      motion, laxity, and hop/jump testing. RESULTS: The majority of patients in both
      groups were able to participate in very strenuous or strenuous sporting activity
      4-7 times per week following surgery [17 (74%) BTB vs. 16 (70%) HS]. However,
      only 13 (57%) of the BTB subjects and 10 (44%) of the HS patients were able to
      return to pre-injury activity levels (P = n.s.). HS patients showed higher ADLS
      (P < 0.01) and SAS (P < 0.01) scores, better restoration of extension (P < 0.05),
      and less radiographic evidence of osteoarthritis (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS:
      Hamstring and bone-patellar tendon-bone autografts allow approximately 70% of
      young athletes to return to some degree of strenuous or very strenuous sporting
      activity, while only approximately half of patients were able to return to their
      pre-injury sporting activity level. Hamstring grafts lead to better preservation
      of extension, higher patient-reported outcome scores, and less radiographic
      evidence of osteoarthritis. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic (case-control study)
      Level III.

PMID- 22048747
TI  - Anterior cruciate ligament rupture in gouty arthritis.
AB  - A 34-year-old male presented with right knee instability without any trauma. He
      had been diagnosed with right knee gouty arthritis 2 years prior. An arthroscopic
      examination revealed abundant calcific material deposited around the knee joint,
      including in the ACL tissue, and that the ACL was torn at the femoral attachment
      site. Treatment involved a synovectomy to remove calcific material, followed by
      an ACL reconstruction. Histology evaluation revealed gouty arthritis with the
      presence of tophi in the synovium, soft tissue, and ACL tissue. The case
      presented here indicates the possibility of pathologic rupture of the ACL
      associated with gouty tophus infiltration of that ligament. Level of evidence IV.

PMID- 22048748
TI  - Arthroscopic treatment of a talar neck fracture: a case report.
AB  - Talar neck fractures are severe injuries, and their complications can lead to
      significant functional disability. Open reduction and internal fixation still
      constitute the treatment of choice. We report a case of a patient with a Hawkins
      type III talar neck fracture who was treated successfully with the use of an
      entirely arthroscopic technique. Four arthroscopic portals were used to control
      fracture reduction and fixation, which was made by two cannulated screws. There
      were no complications, and the patient returned uneventfully to her previous
      daily activities. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic study, Case report with no
      comparison group, Level IV.

PMID- 22048749
TI  - Morphometrical measurement of resected surface of medial and lateral proximal
      tibia for Chinese population.
AB  - PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to analyze the morphology of the medial
      tibial plateau and lateral tibial plateau in Chinese knees and compared these
      measurements and features with those of commercial unicondylar tibial baseplates.
      METHODS: Three-dimensional knee models were reconstructed from computed
      tomography slices of 81 subjects. Among the series, 27 knees were from male
      subjects and 54 knees from female subjects. The dimensions and shape of the
      medial and lateral tibial plateaus were measured and compared with six
      commercially available unicondylar tibial baseplates. RESULTS: The results showed
      significant differences between the shapes of the medial and lateral tibial
      plateaus. For the lateral tibial plateau, the shape was symmetric about the
      mediolateral axis. The medial plateaus presented their widest mediolateral width
      in an obviously more posterior position than the lateral compartment.
      Additionally, the plateau aspect ratio decreased with increasing mediolateral
      dimensions, in contrast to the constant aspect ratio shown by conventional
      unicondylar knee prostheses. CONCLUSION: Compartment-specific designs may
      optimize coverage between the prosthesis and resected tibial surface. The
      morphometrical measurements presented may allow manufacturers to design tibial
      baseplates that accommodate the structural variability between different ethnic
      groups. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prospective comparative study, Level II.

PMID- 22048750
TI  - Conductive artificial biofilm dramatically enhances bioelectricity production in
      Shewanella-inoculated microbial fuel cells.
AB  - A new strategy of electrogen immobilization was developed to construct a
      conductive artificial biofilm (CAB) on an anode of a microbial fuel cell (MFC).
      The MFCs equipped with an optimized CAB exhibited an eleven fold increase in
      power output compared with natural biofilms.

PMID- 22048751
TI  - Metformin causes nitric oxide-mediated dilatation in a shorter time than insulin
      in the iliac artery of the anesthetized pig.
AB  - We tested the hypothesis that metformin produces arterial dilatation indirectly,
      by directly exposing the endothelial surface, of an occluded test segment of the
      pig iliac artery in vivo, to test blood containing metformin or excess insulin,
      with and without the presence of the nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitor NG
      nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride. Such exposure to metformin 1 MUg/mL
      caused the artery to dilate at constant pressure, and this was abolished when NG
      nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride was coadministered with metformin.
      The onset of dilatation occurred approximately 4 minutes after the commencement
      of endothelial exposure to metformin; this contrasts with the approximate 10
      minutes required for a similar response to luminal hyperinsulinemia. After the
      release of flow occlusion, the subsequent flow-mediated dilatation was slightly
      but significantly enhanced compared with control for metformin; the effect of
      insulin on flow-mediated dilatation was not statistically significant. The
      hypothesis was disproved, as we have shown that insulin and metformin, like
      insulin, directly stimulate NO production by endothelium of a conduit artery;
      this function may be of value in delaying the atherothrombotic process. The time
      taken for the commencement of NO production is shorter for metformin than for
      insulin; the clinical relevance of this finding is unclear.

PMID- 22048752
TI  - Impacts of age and gender on bone marrow profiles of BMP7, BMPRs and Stro-1+
      cells in patients with total hip replacement.
AB  - PURPOSE: A successful osseointegration relies on the interplay of implant surface
      and surrounding bone marrow cells. This study was undertaken to investigate the
      impact of age and gender on the bone marrow composition. METHODS: Bone marrow
      aspirates were obtained from the discarded metaphysis region of the femoral head
      in 24 patients with total hip replacement. Flow cytometry was used to measure the
      expression of Stro-1(+) cells and BMP receptors (BMPRs)-expressing cells. ELISA
      was used to measure bone marrow aspirate bone morphology protein7 (BMP7)
      concentration. RESULTS: Our data demonstrates that there are diverse bone marrow
      profiles (Stro-1(+) cell and BMPRs(+) cells). There are no differences of Stro
      1(+) cells, BMPRs(+) cells, and BMP7 concentration between male and female
      patients. Though there are slight increases in the number of Stro-1(+) cells and
      BMPRs(+) cells in younger patients (<70 years old) than those of old patients (>=
      70 years old), the difference is not statistically significant. However, we found
      a close association between the Stro-1(+) cells, BMPR1a cells and BMP7
      concentration. In addition, a correlation exists between the number of Stro-1(+)
      cells and BMIs of these patients. CONCLUSION: Our data suggests that the age and
      gender of THR patients have little impact on their bone marrow osteogenic
      potential. The significance of the number of the Stro-1(+) with BMPRs expression
      on the implant fixation and osseointegration warrants further investigation.

PMID- 22048753
TI  - Adverse reactions and events related to musculoskeletal allografts: reviewed by
      the World Health Organisation Project NOTIFY.
AB  - PURPOSE: The use of bone and connective tissue allografts has grown rapidly and
      surpassed the use of autografts in many countries. Being of human origin, bone
      and tendon allografts carry the risk of disease transmission and complications
      have been reported. As part of the Project NOTIFY led by the World Health
      Organisation, an effort to improve recognition, reporting, tracking and
      investigation of adverse outcomes of allografts was initiated, achieving a
      comprehensive review of associated disease transmission and failures. Those
      involving the use of musculoskeletal allografts are reported here. A major
      objective is to involve orthopaedic surgeons in the improvement of the safe use
      of the musculoskeletal allografts. METHODS: We reviewed the medical literature,
      requested reports from surgeons in selected professional organisations and
      informally surveyed tissue bank organisations and selected tissue bank
      professionals to discover reported and unreported cases of adverse outcomes. We
      analysed each case to decide the likelihood that the complication was truly
      allograft related. RESULTS: The efficiency of the procedures involved in bone
      banking and bone and tendon allograft has improved significantly during the last
      three decades. The evolution of the incidence of reported adverse reactions and
      events reflects positively on the safety of transplanted tissues. Cases of
      bacterial and viral transmission by bone and tendon allografts occurred mainly
      with those that contained viable cells, were not processed to remove cells, or
      were not disinfected or sterilised. We documented cases of transmission of human
      immunodeficiency virus (HIV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), human T-lymphotropic virus
      (HTLV), unspecified hepatitis, tuberculosis and other bacteria. Reporting of
      these adverse outcomes has led to corrective actions and has significantly
      improved the safety of allograft use. However, it is probable that not all cases
      have been reported and investigated. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the high quality
      standards achieved in many countries, the best approach for further improvement
      in the safety of allografts is through a systematic reporting of all serious
      adverse reactions and events in the context of a global biovigilance programme.

PMID- 22048754
TI  - One Journey's End.

PMID- 22048755
TI  - Promoting mother's milk use in very low birth weight infants: when nutritional
      hierarchy deals with the professional value system.

PMID- 22048756
TI  - Effect of warm breastshields on breast milk pumping.
AB  - The effect of using a warm breastshield on the efficiency, effectiveness, and
      comfort of expressing milk with an electric breast pump was assessed. The authors
      tested a standard breastshield at 25 degrees C and a breastshield warmed to 39
      degrees C on 25 mothers using their maximum comfortable vacuum or -125 mm Hg.
      Using a warm breastshield effectively warmed the nipple and areola and, combined
      with maximum comfortable vacuum, decreased the time to remove 80% of the total
      milk yield and increased the percentage of available milk removed after 5 minutes
      of expression, with no change in the percentage of available milk removed after
      15 minutes of expression compared with an ambient-temperature breastshield. The
      data confirmed that use of the mother's maximum comfortable vacuum was more
      efficient than a vacuum of -125 mm Hg. Using a warm breastshield with an electric
      breast pump was comfortable and improved the efficiency of milk removal.

PMID- 22048757
TI  - Development of a postnatal educational program for breastfeeding mothers in
      community settings: intervention mapping as a useful guide.
AB  - Inconsistency in how professionals can best support the breastfeeding mother
      after discharge call on further investigation. The authors describe how
      intervention mapping was used to develop a postnatal breastfeeding support
      intervention for mothers in community settings. Breastfeeding cessation most
      often occurred in the first weeks among mothers with low self-efficacy, low
      confidence, or limited previous breastfeeding experience. Besides learning
      effective breastfeeding techniques, mothers needed to learn how to recognize
      their baby's cues, let the baby regulate meals, gain confidence in producing
      enough milk, and handle breastfeeding problems. Theory-based methods-such as
      individualization, skills training with guided practice, reattribution, planning
      coping responses, and mobilizing social support-were built into a health visitor
      delivered program. An 18-hour training course addressed determinants for
      implementation. Finally, process and effect evaluations were planned. Support of
      the breastfeeding mother in community settings should address the psychosocial
      and practical aspects of breastfeeding to prevent premature cessation.

PMID- 22048758
TI  - American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Breastfeeding.
AB  - The Section on Breastfeeding is one of 50 sections of the American Academy of
      Pediatrics. In this Physicians' Focus, we describe the mission, vision, and
      activities of the Section on Breastfeeding and the benefits it provides to
      patients, health care professionals, and the general public. We also highlight
      opportunities to participate in the section.

PMID- 22048759
TI  - A mother with glandular hypoplasia and a late preterm infant.
AB  - This case study presents a maternal-infant dyad, both of whom bring risk factors
      to the breastfeeding relationship. The mother had true glandular hypoplasia that
      was not detected in the antenatal period or during her hospital stay. In
      addition, the infant was a late preterm infant, bringing the risks of poor
      feeding behavior and ineffective removal of milk from the breast as well as
      limited body reserves. Through the use of breastfeeding technology, including
      test weights, use of a hospital grade double electric breast pump and use of a
      nipple shield, in addition to a pharmacologic intervention, in which Domperidone
      was administered, this mother was able to maximize her milk yield and the infant
      was able to receive human milk for 6 months. This case report highlights the need
      for a thorough assessment of the breasts as well as the breastfeeding process in
      all breastfeeding dyads.

PMID- 22048760
TI  - Helping your baby with torticollis.

PMID- 22048762
TI  - New evidence: exclusive breastfeeding and reduced sudden infant death syndrome
      risk.

PMID- 22048763
TI  - Structural variability and dynamics of the P3HT/PCBM interface and its effects on
      the electronic structure and the charge-transfer rates in solar cells.
AB  - Using a range of realistic interface geometries obtained from a molecular
      dynamics simulation we study the effects of different microscopic atomic
      arrangements on the electronic structure and charge transfer rates of the
      prototypical photovoltaic interface between P3HT (poly(3-hexylthiophene)) and
      PCBM ([6,6]-phenyl-C(61)-butyric acid methyl ester). The electronic structures of
      charge-transfer (CT) states belong to two groups that can be denoted as "charge
      separated" and "charge-bridging" states. For the former group of structures,
      which may lead to fully separated charges, the ranges and the average values of
      internal reorganization energy, the electronic coupling and the charge separated
      states energy are evaluated. A range and distribution of absolute charge
      separation (CS) and recombination (CR) rates are computed using the Marcus-Levich
      Jortner rate equation. Due to the variety of P3HT/PCBM interface structures, a
      very broad range of CS (7.7 * 10(9)-1.8 * 10(12) s(-1)) and CR (2.5 * 10(5)-1.1 *
      10(10) s(-1)) "instantaneous" rates are computed. However, the energetic
      parameters affecting the rate evolve in time due to the dynamic nature of the
      interface with a characteristic timescale of about 10 ns. For this reason the
      slowest CR instantaneous rates are not observed and the minimum CR rate observed
      is determined by the rate of conformational rearrangement at the interface. The
      combination of these observations provides a more general framework for the
      interpretation of experimental spectroscopic data, suggesting that the analysis
      based on simple first order rates may be insufficient to describe charge transfer
      in organic solar cell interfaces.

PMID- 22048764
TI  - Human Th1 and Th17 cells exhibit epigenetic stability at signature cytokine and
      transcription factor loci.
AB  - The linear model of Th cell lineage commitment is being revised due to reports
      that mature Th cells can trans-differentiate into alternate lineages. This
      ability of Th cells to reprogram is thought to be regulated by epigenetic
      mechanisms that control expression of transcription factors characteristic of
      opposing lineages. It is unclear, however, to what extent this new model of Th
      cell plasticity holds true in human Th cell subsets that develop under
      physiological conditions in vivo. We isolated in vivo-differentiated human Th1
      and Th17 cells, as well as intermediate Th1/17 cells, and identified distinct
      epigenetic signatures at cytokine (IFNG and IL17A) and transcription factor
      (TBX21, RORC, and RORA) loci. We also examined the phenotypic and epigenetic
      stability of human Th17 cells exposed to Th1-polarizing conditions and found that
      although they could upregulate TBX21 and IFN-gamma, this occurred without loss of
      IL-17 or RORC expression, and resulted in cells with a Th1/17 phenotype.
      Similarly, Th1 cells could upregulate IL-17 upon enforced expression of RORC2,
      but did not lose expression of IFN-gamma or TBX21. Despite alterations in
      expression of these signature genes, epigenetic modifications were remarkably
      stable aside from the acquisition of active histone methylation marks at cytokine
      gene promoters. The limited capacity of human Th17 and Th1 cells to undergo
      complete lineage conversion suggests that the bipotent Th1/17 cells may arise
      from Th1 and/or Th17 cells. These data also question the broad applicability of
      the new model of Th cell lineage plasticity to in vivo-polarized human Th cell
      subsets.

PMID- 22048765
TI  - Characterization of a human cervical CD4+ T cell subset coexpressing multiple
      markers of HIV susceptibility.
AB  - The HIV pandemic disproportionately affects women, with most infections acquired
      through receptive vaginal sex. Although the target cells by which HIV establishes
      infection in the female genital tract remain poorly defined, it is known that
      immune activation results in CD4(+) T cells with enhanced susceptibility, as does
      expression of the mucosal integrin alpha4beta7 and the HIV coreceptor CCR5. Blood
      and cervical cytobrush specimens were collected from female sex workers (FSWs) in
      Nairobi, Kenya. Genital infection diagnostics were performed, T cell populations
      were defined by multiparameter flow cytometry based on their expression of
      surface receptors relevant to mucosal homing and/or HIV acquisition, and cytokine
      production was assayed by intracellular cytokine staining. The integrin
      alpha4beta7 was expressed on 26.0% of cervical CD4(+) T cells, and these cells
      were more likely to express both the HIV coreceptor CCR5 (p < 0.0001) and the
      early activation marker CD69 (p < 0.0001) but not CXCR4 (p = 0.34). Cervical Th17
      frequencies were enhanced compared with blood (7.02 versus 1.24%; p < 0.0001),
      and cervical IL-17A(+) CD4(+) T cells preferentially coexpressed alpha4beta7 and
      CCR5. Expression of IFN-gamma and IL-22 was greater in cervical Th17 cells than
      in blood Th17 cells. In keeping with the hypothesis that these cells are
      preferential HIV targets, gp120 preferentially bound CCR5(+) cervical T cells,
      and cervical Th17 cells were almost completely depleted in HIV(+) FSWs compared
      with HIV(-) FSWs. In summary, a subset of Th17 CD4(+) T cells in the cervical
      mucosa coexpresses multiple HIV susceptibility markers; their dramatic depletion
      after HIV infection suggests that these may serve as key target cells during HIV
      transmission.

PMID- 22048766
TI  - Eosinophils regulate dendritic cells and Th2 pulmonary immune responses following
      allergen provocation.
AB  - Reports have recently suggested that eosinophils have the potential to modulate
      allergen-dependent pulmonary immune responses. The studies presented expand these
      reports demonstrating in the mouse that eosinophils are required for the allergen
      dependent Th2 pulmonary immune responses mediated by dendritic cells (DCs) and T
      lymphocytes. Specifically, the recruitment of peripheral eosinophils to the
      pulmonary lymphatic compartment(s) was required for the accumulation of myeloid
      DCs in draining lymph nodes and, in turn, Ag-specific T effector cell production.
      These effects on DCs and Ag-specific T cells did not require MHC class II
      expression on eosinophils, suggesting that these granulocytes have an accessory
      role as opposed to direct T cell stimulation. The data also showed that
      eosinophils uniquely suppress the DC-mediated production of Th17 and, to smaller
      degree, Th1 responses. The cumulative effect of these eosinophil-dependent immune
      mechanisms is to promote the Th2 polarization characteristic of the pulmonary
      microenvironment after allergen challenge.

PMID- 22048767
TI  - Lineage(-)Sca1+c-Kit(-)CD25+ cells are IL-33-responsive type 2 innate cells in
      the mouse bone marrow.
AB  - IL-33 promotes type 2 immune responses, both protective and pathogenic. Recently,
      targets of IL-33, including several newly discovered type 2 innate cells, have
      been characterized in the periphery. In this study, we report that bone marrow
      cells from wild-type C57BL/6 mice responded with IL-5 and IL-13 production when
      cultured with IL-33. IL-33 cultures of bone marrow cells from Rag1 KO and Kit(W
      sh/W-sh) mice also responded similarly; hence, eliminating the possible
      contributions of T, B, and mast cells. Rather, intracellular staining revealed
      that the IL-5- and IL-13-positive cells display a marker profile consistent with
      the Lineage(-)Sca-1(+)c-Kit(-)CD25(+) (LSK(-)CD25(+)) cells, a bone marrow cell
      population of previously unknown function. Freshly isolated LSK(-)CD25(+) cells
      uniformly express ST2, the IL-33 receptor. In addition, culture of sorted LSK(
      )CD25(+) cells showed that they indeed produce IL-5 and IL-13 when cultured with
      IL-33 plus IL-2 and IL-33 plus IL-7. Furthermore, i.p. injections of IL-33 or IL
      25 into mice induced LSK(-)CD25(+) cells to expand, in both size and frequency,
      and to upregulate ST2 and alpha(4)beta(7) integrin, a mucosal homing marker.
      Thus, we identify the enigmatic bone marrow LSK(-)CD25(+) cells as IL-33
      responsive, both in vitro and in vivo, with attributes similar to other type 2
      innate cells described in peripheral tissues.

PMID- 22048768
TI  - Pilot clinical trial of type 1 dendritic cells loaded with autologous tumor
      lysates combined with GM-CSF, pegylated IFN, and cyclophosphamide for metastatic
      cancer patients.
AB  - Twenty-four patients with metastatic cancer received two cycles of four daily
      immunizations with monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DC). DC were incubated with
      preheated autologous tumor lysate and subsequently with IFN-alpha, TNF-alpha, and
      polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid to attain type 1 maturation. One DC dose was
      delivered intranodally, under ultrasound control, and the rest intradermally in
      the opposite thigh. Cyclophosphamide (day -7), GM-CSF (days 1-4), and pegIFN
      alpha-2a (days 1 and 8) completed each treatment cycle. Pretreatment with
      cyclophosphamide decreased regulatory T cells to levels observed in healthy
      subjects both in terms of percentage and in absolute counts in peripheral blood.
      Treatment induced sustained elevations of IL-12 in serum that correlated with the
      output of IL-12p70 from cultured DC from each individual. NK activity in
      peripheral blood was increased and also correlated with the serum concentration
      of IL-12p70 in each patient. Circulating endothelial cells decreased in 17 of 18
      patients, and circulating tumor cells markedly dropped in 6 of 19 cases. IFN
      gamma-ELISPOT responses to DC plus tumor lysate were observed in 4 of 11
      evaluated cases. Tracing DC migration with [(111)In] scintigraphy showed that
      intranodal injections reached deeper lymphatic chains in 61% of patients, whereas
      with intradermal injections a small fraction of injected DC was almost constantly
      shown to reach draining inguinal lymph nodes. Five patients experienced disease
      stabilization, but no objective responses were documented. This combinatorial
      immunotherapy strategy is safe and feasible, and its immunobiological effects
      suggest potential activity in patients with minimal residual disease. A
      randomized trial exploring this hypothesis is currently ongoing.

PMID- 22048769
TI  - Cannabinoid receptor 2 is critical for the homing and retention of marginal zone
      B lineage cells and for efficient T-independent immune responses.
AB  - The endocannabinoid system has emerged as an important regulator of immune
      responses, with the cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) and its principle ligand 2
      archidonoylglycerol playing a major role. How CB2 regulates B cell functions is
      not clear, even though they express the highest levels of CB2 among immune cell
      subsets. In this study, we show that CB2-deficient mice have a significant
      reduction in the absolute number of marginal zone (MZ) B cells and their
      immediate precursor, transitional-2 MZ precursor. The loss of MZ lineage cells in
      CB2(-/-) mice was shown to be B cell intrinsic using bone marrow chimeras and was
      not due to a developmental or functional defect as determined by B cell
      phenotype, proliferation, and Ig production. Furthermore, CB2(-/-) B cells were
      similar to wild type in their apoptosis, cell turnover, and BCR and Notch-2
      signaling. We then demonstrated that CB2(-/-) MZ lineage B cells were less
      efficient at homing to the MZ and that their subsequent retention was also
      regulated by CB2. CB2(-/-) mice immunized with T-independent Ags produced
      significantly less Ag-specific IgM. This study demonstrates that CB2 positively
      regulates T-independent immune responses by controlling the localization and
      positioning of MZ lineage cells to the MZ.

PMID- 22048770
TI  - Virally-induced upregulation of heparan sulfate on B cells via the action of type
      I IFN.
AB  - Cell surface heparan sulfate (HS) is an important coreceptor for many cytokines,
      chemokines, and growth factors. In this study, we report that splenic murine B
      cells express very little HS and that upon infection with either gammaherpesvirus
      (murine gammaherpesvirus 68) or betaherpesvirus (murine cytomegalovirus), HS is
      rapidly upregulated at the surface of B cells. HS upregulation was not observed
      in mice deficient for the type I IFN (IFN-I) receptor. Additionally, treatment of
      wild-type mice with the IFN-I inducer polyinosine polycytidylic acid triggered HS
      expression at the B cell surface. Similarly, incubation of purified splenic B
      cells with IFN-I, TLR ligands, or BCR stimulators ex vivo resulted in a drastic
      increase in HS surface expression. We found that IFN-I induced an increase in the
      surface expression of HS-modified syndecan 4 as well as that of an unidentified
      heparan sulfate proteoglycan. Finally, IFN-I treatment increased B cell
      responsiveness to APRIL, a cytokine involved in B cell survival and T cell
      independent B cell responses. Enzymatic removal of HS from IFN-I-treated B cells
      inhibited APRIL. Altogether, our results indicate that upon herpesvirus infection
      in mice, HS is rapidly upregulated at the surface of B cells due to the action of
      IFN-I, potentially increasing B cell responsiveness to cytokines. Induction of HS
      expression at the B cell surface by stimulators of the innate immune response
      likely plays a key role in the development of a robust immune response.

PMID- 22048771
TI  - SAP-mediated inhibition of diacylglycerol kinase alpha regulates TCR-induced
      diacylglycerol signaling.
AB  - Diacylglycerol kinases (DGKs) metabolize diacylglycerol to phosphatidic acid. In
      T lymphocytes, DGKalpha acts as a negative regulator of TCR signaling by
      decreasing diacylglycerol levels and inducing anergy. In this study, we show that
      upon costimulation of the TCR with CD28 or signaling lymphocyte activation
      molecule (SLAM), DGKalpha, but not DGKzeta, exits from the nucleus and undergoes
      rapid negative regulation of its enzymatic activity. Inhibition of DGKalpha is
      dependent on the expression of SAP, an adaptor protein mutated in X-linked
      lymphoproliferative disease, which is essential for SLAM-mediated signaling and
      contributes to TCR/CD28-induced signaling and T cell activation. Accordingly,
      overexpression of SAP is sufficient to inhibit DGKalpha, whereas SAP mutants
      unable to bind either phospho-tyrosine residues or SH3 domain are ineffective.
      Moreover, phospholipase C activity and calcium, but not Src-family tyrosine
      kinases, are also required for negative regulation of DGKalpha. Finally,
      inhibition of DGKalpha in SAP-deficient cells partially rescues defective
      TCR/CD28 signaling, including Ras and ERK1/2 activation, protein kinase C
      membrane recruitment, induction of NF-AT transcriptional activity, and IL-2
      production. Thus SAP-mediated inhibition of DGKalpha sustains diacylglycerol
      signaling, thereby regulating T cell activation, and it may represent a novel
      pharmacological strategy for X-linked lymphoproliferative disease treatment.

PMID- 22048772
TI  - Antimicrobial peptides inhibit polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid-induced immune
      responses.
AB  - Viral proteins and nucleic acids stimulate TLRs to elicit production of
      cytokines, chemokines, and IFNs. Because of their immunostimulatory activity,
      several TLR agonists are being developed as vaccine adjuvants and cancer
      immunotherapeutics. However, TLR signaling is modified by disease state, which
      could enhance or impair therapeutic efficacy. For example, in the skin of
      psoriasis patients, the human cationic antimicrobial peptide LL37 is highly
      expressed and binds to host DNA. Association with LL37 enhances DNA uptake into
      intracellular compartments, where it stimulates TLR9-dependent overproduction of
      IFNs. Polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)), an analog of viral dsRNA, is
      recognized by TLR3 and is currently in preclinical trials as an inducer of type I
      IFN. If LL37 similarly enhanced IFN production, use of poly(I:C) might be
      contraindicated in certain conditions where LL37 is elevated. In this study, we
      show that TLR3 signaling was not enhanced, but was dramatically inhibited, by
      LL37 or mouse cathelicidin-related antimicrobial peptide in macrophages,
      microglial cells, and dendritic cells. Inhibition correlated with formation of a
      strong complex between antimicrobial peptides and poly(I:C), which partially
      inhibited poly(I:C) binding to TLR3. Therefore, after injury or during existing
      acute or chronic inflammation, when LL37 levels are elevated, the therapeutic
      activity of poly(I:C) will be compromised. Our findings highlight the importance
      of using caution when therapeutically delivering nucleic acids as
      immunomodulators.

PMID- 22048773
TI  - Peptidoglycan recognition protein Pglyrp2 protects mice from psoriasis-like skin
      inflammation by promoting regulatory T cells and limiting Th17 responses.
AB  - Skin protects the body from the environment and is an important component of the
      innate and adaptive immune systems. Psoriasis is a frequent inflammatory skin
      disease of unknown cause determined by multigenic predisposition, environmental
      factors, and aberrant immune response. Peptidoglycan recognition proteins
      (Pglyrps) are expressed in the skin, and we report in this article that they
      modulate sensitivity in an experimentally induced mouse model of psoriasis. We
      demonstrate that Pglyrp2(-/-) mice (but not Pglyrp3(-/-) and Pglyrp4(-/-) mice)
      are more sensitive to the development of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate
      induced psoriasis-like inflammation, whereas Pglyrp1(-/-) mice are less
      sensitive. The mechanism underlying this increased sensitivity of Pglyrp2(-/-)
      mice to 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol 13-acetate-induced psoriasis-like inflammation
      is reduced recruitment of regulatory T cells to the skin and enhanced production
      and activation of Th17 cells in the skin in Pglyrp2(-/-) mice, which results in
      more severe inflammation and keratinocyte proliferation. Thus, in wild type mice,
      Pglyrp2 limits overactivation of Th17 cells by promoting accumulation of
      regulatory T cells at the site of inflammation, which protects the skin from the
      exaggerated inflammatory response.

PMID- 22048774
TI  - A critical role for macrophages in promotion of urethane-induced lung
      carcinogenesis.
AB  - Macrophages have established roles in tumor growth and metastasis, but
      information about their role in lung tumor promotion is limited. To assess the
      role of macrophages in lung tumorigenesis, we developed a method of minimally
      invasive, long-term macrophage depletion by repetitive intratracheal instillation
      of liposomal clodronate. Compared with controls treated with repetitive doses of
      PBS-containing liposomes, long-term macrophage depletion resulted in a marked
      reduction in tumor number and size at 4 mo after a single i.p. injection of the
      carcinogen urethane. After urethane treatment, lung macrophages developed
      increased M1 macrophage marker expression during the first 2-3 wk, followed by
      increased M2 marker expression by week 6. Using a strategy to reduce alveolar
      macrophages during tumor initiation and early promotion stages (weeks 1-2) or
      during late promotion and progression stages (weeks 4-16), we found significantly
      fewer and smaller lung tumors in both groups compared with controls. Late-stage
      macrophage depletion reduced VEGF expression and impaired vascular growth in
      tumors. In contrast, early-stage depletion of alveolar macrophages impaired
      urethane-induced NF-kappaB activation in the lungs and reduced the development of
      premalignant atypical adenomatous hyperplasia lesions at 6 wk after urethane
      injection. Together, these studies elucidate an important role for macrophages in
      lung tumor promotion and indicate that these cells have distinct roles during
      different stages of lung carcinogenesis.

PMID- 22048775
TI  - IL-1beta and TGF-beta act antagonistically in induction and differentially in
      propagation of human proinflammatory precursor CD4+ T cells.
AB  - Cytokines are critical messengers that control the differentiation of Th cells.
      To evaluate their impact on the fate of human naive CD4(+) T cells from cord and
      adult blood, early T cell differentiation was monitored after T cell activation
      in the presence of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Interestingly, the
      analysis of Th cell lineage-specific molecules revealed that IL-1beta on its own
      mediates differentiation of Th cells that secrete a wide range of proinflammatory
      cytokines and stably express CD69, STAT1, IFN-gamma, and IL-17. Notably, our data
      suggest that IL-1beta induces Th17 cells independent of RORC upregulation. In
      contrast, TGF-beta that triggers RORC prevents Th17 cell development. This
      suppressive function of TGF-beta is characterized by inhibition of STAT1, STAT3,
      and CD69. However, after repeated anti-CD3 and anti-CD28 stimulation, we observe
      that TGF-beta provokes an increase in Th17 cells that presumably relies on
      reactivation of a default pathway by preferential inhibition of IFN-gamma. Hence,
      our data extend the view that the principal cytokines for determining Th cell
      fate are IL-12 for the Th1 lineage, IL-4 for the Th2 lineage, and TGF-beta in
      conjunction with IL-6 for the Th17 lineage. We propose that IL-1beta induces a
      general proinflammatory Th cell precursor that, in the presence of the lineage
      specifying cytokines, further differentiates into one of the specific Th cell
      subpopulations.

PMID- 22048776
TI  - Fabrication of cell container arrays with overlaid surface topographies.
AB  - This paper presents cell culture substrates in the form of microcontainer arrays
      with overlaid surface topographies, and a technology for their fabrication. The
      new fabrication technology is based on microscale thermoforming of thin polymer
      films whose surfaces are topographically prepatterned on a micro- or nanoscale.
      For microthermoforming, we apply a new process on the basis of temporary back
      moulding of polymer films and use the novel concept of a perforated-sheet-like
      mould. Thermal micro- or nanoimprinting is applied for prepatterning. The novel
      cell container arrays are fabricated from polylactic acid (PLA) films. The thin
      walled microcontainer structures have the shape of a spherical calotte merging
      into a hexagonal shape at their upper circumferential edges. In the arrays, the
      cell containers are arranged densely packed in honeycomb fashion. The inner
      surfaces of the highly curved container walls are provided with various
      topographical micro- and nanopatterns. For a first validation of the
      microcontainer arrays as in vitro cell culture substrates, C2C12 mouse
      premyoblasts are cultured in containers with microgrooved surfaces and shown to
      align along the grooves in the three-dimensional film substrates. In future stem
      cell-biological and tissue engineering applications, microcontainers fabricated
      using the proposed technology may act as geometrically defined artificial
      microenvironments or niches.

PMID- 22048777
TI  - A chelating-bond breaking and re-linking technique for rapid re-immobilization of
      immune micro-sensors.
AB  - With high sensitivity and specificity to antigen, immune micro-sensors can be
      used in rapid detection of pathogenic microbial. This study proposes and develops
      a method for rapidly regeneration of antibody on a resonant micro-cantilever
      sensor. A nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) derivative is synthesized with cystine and
      bromoacetic acid, then added with 2-mercaptoethanol to prepare a mixed self
      assembled monolayer (SAM) on Au (111) surface of the cantilever. Ni2+ ions are
      thereafter chelated on the mixed SAM to form a breakable and re-linkable
      chelating-bond layer. Repeatable cycles of antibody immobilization and erasing
      are experimentally validated with a detectable marker of synthesized biotinylated
      poly peptides harboring six histidine residues (named as His-Bio). Two
      distinguished pathogenic microbial, Escherichia. coli O157:H7 and Bacillus
      Anthracis, are detected with the rapidly regenerated sensor. The E. coli O157:H7
      sensor exhibits a three-time repeated detection to the 103 CFU/ml concentration
      microbial. Then, an E. coli O157:H7 sensor is eluted with Tris-HCl (20 mM Tris,
      150 mM NaCl, 0.1% Tween 20, pH = 3.0) and rapidly reconstructed into a B.
      Anthracis sensor by changing the re-immobilized antibody. The cantilever sensor
      no longer responses to E. coli O157:H7 even in a high concentration of 107
      CFU/ml. In contrast, the sensor is experimentally confirmed being resoluble to
      low concentration B. Anthracis at 103 spores/ml level. The proposed fast
      regeneration method is promising in repeatedly or multi-target detection
      applications of micro/nano immune-sensors, e.g. the resonant micro-cantilevers.

PMID- 22048778
TI  - Community duplicate diet methodology: a new tool for estimating dietary exposures
      to pesticides.
AB  - An observational field study was conducted to assess the feasibility of a
      community duplicate diet collection method; a dietary monitoring tool that is
      population-based. The purpose was to establish an alternative procedure to
      duplicate diet sampling that would be more efficient for a large, defined
      population, e.g., in the National Children's Study (NCS). Questionnaire data and
      food samples were collected in a residence so as not to lose the important
      component of storage, preparation, and handling in a contaminated
      microenvironment. The participants included nine Hispanic women of child bearing
      age living in Apopka, FL, USA. Foods highly consumed by Hispanic women were
      identified based on national food frequency questionnaires and prioritized by
      permethrin residue concentrations as measured for the Pesticide Data Program.
      Participants filled out questionnaires to determine if highly consumed foods were
      commonly eaten by them and to assess the collection protocol for the food
      samples. Measureable levels of permethrin were found in 54% of the samples.
      Questionnaire responses indicated that the collection of the community duplicate
      diet was feasible for a defined population.

PMID- 22048779
TI  - Enhanced UHF RFID tags for drug tracing.
AB  - Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology is playing a crucial role for
      item-level tracing systems in healthcare scenarios. The pharmaceutical supply
      chain is a fascinating application context, where RFID can guarantee transparency
      in the drug flow, supporting both suppliers and consumers against the growing
      counterfeiting problem. In such a context, the choice of the most adequate RFID
      tag, in terms of shape, frequency, size and reading range, is crucial. The
      potential presence of items containing materials hostile to the electromagnetic
      propagation exasperates the problem. In addition, the peculiarities of the
      different RFID-based checkpoints make even more stringent the requirements for
      the tag. In this work, the performance of several commercial UHF RFID tags in
      each step of the pharmaceutical supply chain has been evaluated, confirming the
      expected criticality. On such basis, a guideline for the electromagnetic design
      of new high-performance tags capable to overcome such criticalities has been
      defined. Finally, driven by such guidelines, a new enhanced tag has been
      designed, realized and tested. Due to patent pending issues, the antenna shape is
      not shown. Nevertheless, the optimal obtained results do not lose their validity.
      Indeed, on the one hand they demonstrate that high performance item level tracing
      systems can actually be implemented also in critical operating conditions. On the
      other hand, they encourage the tag designer to follow the identified guidelines
      so to realize enhanced UHF tags.

PMID- 22048780
TI  - Security risks associated with radio frequency identification in medical
      environments.
AB  - Radio frequency identification (RFID) is a form of wireless communication that is
      used to identify assets and people. RFID has significant benefits to the medical
      environment. However, serious security threats are present in RFID systems that
      must be addressed in a medical environment. Of particular interest are threats to
      patient privacy and safety based on interception of messages, interruption of
      communication, modification of data, and fabrication of messages and devices.
      This paper presents an overview of these security threats present in RFID systems
      in a medical environment and provides guidance on potential solutions to these
      threats. This paper provides a roadmap for researchers and implementers to
      address the security issues facing RFID in the medical space.

PMID- 22048781
TI  - A secure integrated medical information system.
AB  - The rapid rise and development of the internet has made digitization of our
      everyday life common. E-medicine, including electronic prescription records,
      electronic prescriptions, diagnosis information systems, and others are now being
      regarded as future trends. As development on the structure and format of
      electronic patient records and prescriptions matures, the implementation of a
      comprehensive medical information system is imperative, one which is constructed
      from integrating the various electronic information systems that is being
      developed. It is important to allow the implementation of such a system
      applicable to the present medical environment, which facilitates the integration
      of electronic patient record from all levels of medical centers and clinics,
      secures the transmission of these integrated patient records between them,
      enables the combined use of electronic prescriptions with patients' medications,
      and permits anonymous or confidential transmission of patients' private data. To
      put the ideas into practice, in this study, we would like to propose an
      Integrated Medical Information System.

PMID- 22048782
TI  - Dual function seal: visualized digital signature for electronic medical record
      systems.
AB  - Digital signature is an important cryptography technology to be used to provide
      integrity and non-repudiation in electronic medical record systems (EMRS) and it
      is required by law. However, digital signatures normally appear in forms
      unrecognizable to medical staff, this may reduce the trust from medical staff
      that is used to the handwritten signatures or seals. Therefore, in this paper we
      propose a dual function seal to extend user trust from a traditional seal to a
      digital signature. The proposed dual function seal is a prototype that combines
      the traditional seal and digital seal. With this prototype, medical personnel are
      not just can put a seal on paper but also generate a visualized digital signature
      for electronic medical records. Medical Personnel can then look at the visualized
      digital signature and directly know which medical personnel generated it, just
      like with a traditional seal. Discrete wavelet transform (DWT) is used as an
      image processing method to generate a visualized digital signature, and the peak
      signal to noise ratio (PSNR) is calculated to verify that distortions of all
      converted images are beyond human recognition, and the results of our converted
      images are from 70 dB to 80 dB. The signature recoverability is also tested in
      this proposed paper to ensure that the visualized digital signature is
      verifiable. A simulated EMRS is implemented to show how the visualized digital
      signature can be integrity into EMRS.

PMID- 22048783
TI  - Uterine artery embolization versus surgery for symptomatic uterine fibroids: a
      randomized controlled trial and a meta-analysis of the literature.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of our study was to compare the efficacy and safety of uterine
      artery embolization (UAE) for symptomatic uterine fibroids with surgery. METHODS:
      Both a randomized, controlled trial and meta-analysis of existing studies were
      performed. RESULTS: Patients were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to undergo
      either UAE or surgery with 63 patients undergoing UAE and 64 undergoing surgery.
      A meta-analysis of existing studies was also performed.There were significant
      improvements in UAE groups in most components of quality of life assessment at 6
      months. Besides, the UAE group had a shorter hospital stay (P < 0.01) and a
      shorter recovery time (P < 0.01) compared with the surgical group. During the
      follow-up, there were no difference in complications incidence (58 vs. 65%, P >
      0.05), but the UAE group had less major complications (0 vs. 6%, P < 0.05). Meta
      analysis of existing studies including those from the current study, further
      suggested that UAE group had a shorter hospital stay, a shorter recovery time and
      less major complications than the surgical group. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with
      surgery, UAE has a shorter hospital stay, a shorter recovery time, and less major
      complications. More studies in the future need to done to evaluate its long-term
      effects and impact on fertility.

PMID- 22048784
TI  - Uterine perforation with omentum incarceration after dilatation and
      evacuation/curettage: magnetic resonance imaging findings.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Cervical dilatation and/or uterine evacuation and curettage (D/E&C)
      is the most commonly performed and safest gynecological procedure. Although
      procedure-related uterine perforation is rare, this condition may require
      surgical intervention. Ultrasound examination and computed tomography are useful
      for diagnosing such perforations with incarceration of an intra-abdominal organ.
      However, the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for detecting postabortal
      uterine damage has seldom been discussed in the literature. CASE REPORT: A 31
      year-old woman was referred to our department for lower abdominal pain and a
      small amount of vaginal bleeding 28 days after D/E&C for a missed abortion.
      Transvaginal ultrasound examination showed the presence of a hyperechogenic
      structure in the anterior wall of the uterine body, which was verified to be
      fatty tissue by MRI, particularly on the fat-suppressed T1-weighted images. An
      emergency laparotomy showed a uterine perforation with omentum incarceration.
      After dissecting the omental loop, the uterine perforation site was incised, and
      the involved omental tissue was debrided appropriately. DISCUSSION: To our
      knowledge, this is the first report wherein MRI was used for the detection of
      incarcerated omental fat within the uterus. Delayed presentation of uterine
      perforation may be observed 1 month or more after D/E&C, although such a finding
      is extremely rare. Therefore, postabortal follow-up bimanual vaginal examination
      using transvaginal ultrasonography is recommended. The current study indicates
      the usefulness of MRI when myometrial perforation with or without incarceration
      of an extrauterine organ is suspected.

PMID- 22048785
TI  - Morbidity in elderly women undergoing gynaecological pelvic floor surgery.
AB  - PURPOSE: We investigated the morbidity in elderly patients undergoing surgery due
      to pelvic organ prolapse. METHODS: Perioperative data of 113 patients aged at
      least 50 years who underwent gynaecological prolapse surgery between 2005 and
      2011 were analyzed retrospectively. Forty-eight women were older than 70 years
      and matched our inclusion criteria. Sixty-five patients aged 50-69 years
      undergoing similar surgical procedures during the same period of time formed the
      control group. Operating time, duration of hospital stay, intra- and
      postoperative complications, comorbidity, and body mass index were evaluated.
      RESULTS: There were no significant differences between study and control
      collective regarding operating time, duration of hospital stay, intra- and
      postoperative complications, and body mass index although a significant
      difference could be notified between the pre-existing comorbidity. CONCLUSION:
      Surgery due to a pelvic organ prolapse in patients aged more than 70 years is a
      feasible and save treatment to improve quality of life in elderly patients.

PMID- 22048786
TI  - Expanding the 'enemy-free space' for oribatid mites: evidence for chemical
      defense of juvenile Archegozetes longisetosus against the rove beetle Stenus
      juno.
AB  - Adult oribatid mites are thought to live functionally in 'enemy-free space' due
      to numerous morphological and chemical defensive strategies. Most juvenile
      oribatid mites, however, lack hardened cuticles and are thus thought to be under
      stronger predation pressure. On the other hand, the majority of oribatids have
      exocrine oil glands in all developmental stages, possibly rendering chemical
      defense the crucial survival strategy in juvenile Oribatida. We manipulated
      tritonymphs of the model oribatid mite Archegozetes longisetosus to completely
      discharge their oil glands and offered these chemically disarmed specimens to the
      polyphagous rove beetle Stenus juno. Disarmed specimens were easily consumed. By
      contrast, specimens with filled oil glands were significantly protected, being
      rejected by the beetles. This is the first direct evidence that oil gland
      secretions provide soft-bodied juvenile oribatids with chemical protection
      against large arthropod predators.

PMID- 22048787
TI  - MicroRNA-143 expression in dorsal root ganglion neurons.
AB  - The unpleasant sensory and emotional experience of pain is initiated by
      excitation of primary afferent nociceptive neurons. Nerve damage or inflammation
      induces changes in nociceptive DRG neurons which contribute to both peripheral
      and central sensitization of pain-sensitive pathways. Recently, blockade of
      microRNA synthesis has been found to modulate the response of nociceptive neurons
      to inflammatory stimuli. However, little is known about the contributions of
      individual miRNAs to painful conditions. We compared miRNA expression in mouse
      sensory neurons and focussed on the localisation and control of miR-143. Using
      miRNA-arrays we compared the microRNA expression profile of intact lumbar DRG
      with one-day-old DRG cultures and found that nine miRNAs including miR-143 showed
      lower expression levels in cultures. Subsequent RT-qPCR confirmed array data and
      in-situ hybridisation localised miR-143 in the cytosol of sensory DRG neurons in
      situ and in vitro. Analysis of microbead-enriched neuron cultures showed
      significantly higher expression levels of miR-143 in isolectin B4 (I-B4) binding
      sensory neurons compared with neurons in the I-B4 negative flow-through fraction.
      In animal models of peripheral inflammation (injection of Complete Freund's
      Adjuvant, CFA) and nerve damage (transection of the sciatic nerve), we found that
      expression levels of miR-143 were significantly lower in DRGs ipsilateral to CFA
      injection or after nerve damage. Taken together, our data demonstrate for the
      first time miR-143 expression in nociceptive neurons. Since expression levels of
      miR-143 were higher in I-B4 positive neurons and declined in response to
      inflammation but not axotomy, miR-143 could selectively contribute to mRNA
      regulation in specific populations of nociceptors.

PMID- 22048788
TI  - Physical therapist practice and the role of diagnostic imaging.
AB  - SYNOPSIS: For healthcare providers involved in the management of patients with
      musculoskeletal disorders, the ability to order diagnostic imaging is a
      beneficial adjunct to screening for medical referral and differential diagnosis.
      A trial of conservative treatment, such as physical therapy, is often recommended
      prior to the use of imaging in many treatment guidelines for the management of
      musculoskeletal conditions. In the United States, physical therapists are
      becoming more autonomous and can practice some degree of direct access in 48
      states and Washington, DC. Referral for imaging privileges could increase the
      effectiveness and efficiency of healthcare delivery, particularly in combination
      with direct access management. This clinical commentary proposes that, given the
      American Physical Therapy Association's goal to have physical therapists as
      primary care musculoskeletal specialists of choice, it would be beneficial for
      physical therapists to have imaging privileges in their practice. The purpose of
      this commentary is 3-fold: (1) to make a case for the use of imaging privileges
      by physical therapists, using a historical perspective; (2) to discuss the
      barriers preventing physical therapists from having this privilege; and (3) to
      offer suggestions on strategies and guidelines to facilitate the appropriate
      inclusion of referral for imaging privileges in physical therapist practice. J
      Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2011;41(11):829-837. doi:10.2519/jospt.2011.3556.

PMID- 22048789
TI  - Human herpesvirus 6 in biopsies from patients with gastrointestinal symptoms
      after allogeneic stem cell transplantation.
AB  - Gastrointestinal complications are frequent after allogeneic stem cell
      transplantation (allo-SCT). Main differential diagnoses are graft-versus-host
      disease (GvHD) and viral infections. In this retrospective analysis, we included
      50 patients with severe vomiting or diarrhea in the first year after allo-SCT.
      One hundred two biopsies obtained by colonoscopy or endoscopy of the upper
      gastrointestinal tract were analysed by conventional histology for signs of GvHD
      and by qualitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for viral DNA of human
      herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) and other virus of the herpes family. DNA of HHV-6 was
      detected in 38 of 75 initial samples (51%) and in 19 of 27 follow-up biopsies
      (70%). In the initial samples (n = 75), HHV-6 DNA was detected in 20/37 (54%)
      biopsies in the presence of GvHD compared to 18/38 (47%) biopsies without signs
      of GvHD. At the time of the first endoscopic investigation, most patients
      received antiviral prophylaxis with aciclovir. None of the follow-up biopsies was
      HHV-6 DNA negative after antiviral treatment with aciclovir, foscarnet or
      ganciclovir. By univariate analysis, no risk factor for HHV-6 detection could be
      demonstrated. In this cohort of patients with severe gastrointestinal
      complications, there was no significant difference in the overall survival
      between patients with or without HHV-6 DNA detection in the gastrointestinal
      tract. In summary, the detection of HHV-6 DNA had no impact on overall survival.
      Moreover, antiviral therapy against HHV-6 was without effect. Thus, positive PCR
      results in GI tract samples do not necessarily reflect reactivation of HHV-6.
      Further studies are needed to define the significance of HHV-6 for GI tract
      symptoms after allo-SCT.

PMID- 22048790
TI  - Good adherence to imatinib therapy among patients with chronic myeloid leukemia-
      a single-center observational study.
AB  - Previous studies have suggested that adherence to imatinib therapy can be an
      obstacle among patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). We studied adherence
      to imatinib therapy among CML patients treated at the Sahlgrenska University
      Hospital. We identified all CML patients that were alive at the 1st of January
      2010 (n = 70). Nineteen patients were excluded due to a history of allogenic
      hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and nine were excluded due to treatment
      with other tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Thirty-eight out of 42 patients (90%)
      treated with imatinib accepted inclusion in the study. The patients were
      interviewed in a structured way, and adherence was evaluated in a standardized
      way using the nine-item Morisky Medication Adherence Scale that ranges from 1 to
      13. A Morisky score <=10 indicates nonadherence and >=11 indicates adherence. In
      addition, predefined follow-up questions were asked to identify factors known to
      influence adherence to therapy. In contrast to previous studies, our patients
      showed good adherence to imatinib therapy with a mean Morisky score of 12.3 out
      of 13 (range, 9-13). The interviews revealed factors known to predict adherence
      to therapy, namely being well informed and having frequent contact with a single
      hematologist. Furthermore, the patients had easy access to the treating clinic
      and felt that they took part in decisions concerning their disease and treatment.
      We show that adherence to imatinib can be very good in CML patients, and we
      suggest that simple measures such as increased patient information and continuity
      of care will increase adherence in patients with CML.

PMID- 22048792
TI  - Observational study of sleep-related disorders in Italian patients with
      Parkinson's disease: usefulness of the Italian version of Parkinson's disease
      sleep scale.
AB  - Sleep disturbances are common in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). We aimed
      to evaluate prevalence and severity of nighttime sleep disturbances in Italian PD
      patients and to validate the Italian version of the Parkinson's disease sleep
      scale. A total of 221 PD patients and 57 healthy controls participated in a cross
      sectional study with retest. PDSS, Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), Hamilton
      Depression Rating Scale, Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS), and
      Hoehn and Yahr staging were applied. PDSS total and individual items scores from
      patients were significantly lower than those in controls. Internal consistency of
      PDSS scale was satisfactory and intraclass correlation coefficient for test
      retest reliability was 0.96 for total PDSS score. A significant negative
      correlation was found between total PDSS and ESS scores, and between total PDSS
      and HDRS scores. PDSS scores were also related to UPDRS sections II, III and IV,
      and H&Y stage. PDSS and ESS scores were not related to levodopa equivalent dose.
      Daytime sleepiness, depressive symptoms and disease severity correlate with sleep
      disturbances in Italian PD patients. The PDSS is a valid and reliable tool to
      evaluate sleep disturbances in Italian patients.

PMID- 22048791
TI  - Frontal assessment battery scores and non-motor symptoms in parkinsonian
      disorders.
AB  - Using data from the PRIAMO study, we investigated non-motor symptoms (NMS) versus
      frontal lobe dysfunction in patients with idiopathic Parkinson disease (PD); 808
      patients with PD and 118 with atypical parkinsonisms (AP) were consecutively
      enrolled at 55 Centers in Italy. Twelve categories of NMS were investigated.
      Cognitive impairment was defined as a Mini-Mental Status Evaluation score <= 23.8
      and frontal lobe dysfunction as a Frontal Assessment Battery (FAB) score <= 3.48.
      Multivariable logistic regression was used to identify predictor of frontal lobe
      dysfunction in 524 PD patients, and a generalized linear model was used for each
      of the six FAB items. Not only the total FAB scores but also the single FAB items
      were lower in AP versus PD (p <= 0.005). Age (OR = 1.05), cognitive impairment
      (OR = 9.54), lack of cardiovascular symptoms (OR = 3.25), attention or memory
      problems (OR = 0.59) and treatment with L: -DOPA (OR = 5.58) were predictors of
      frontal lobe dysfunction. MMSE was negatively associated with all FAB items (beta
      <= -0.16) and age with all FAB items but prehension behavior (beta <= -0.01).
      Previous use of L: -DOPA was negatively associated with verbal fluency (beta = 
      0.32) possibly acting as surrogate marker of disease duration. Cognitive
      impairment is a predictor of frontal lobe dysfunction. Among NMS, lack of
      attention or memory problems were negatively associated with frontal impairment.
      Further studies are nonetheless needed to better identify the predictors of
      frontal impairment in PD patients.

PMID- 22048793
TI  - A pilot study of the effects of non-invasive mechanical ventilation on the
      prognosis of ischemic cerebrovascular events in patients with obstructive sleep
      apnea syndrome.
AB  - Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) is an independent risk factor for
      ischemic cerebrovascular diseases, and results in worse prognosis and higher
      mortality. We aimed to investigate the effects of early treatment of OSAS on the
      prognosis of ischemic stroke. We prospectively evaluated patients with acute
      supratentorial ischemic stroke and OSAS on admission (acute stage), at second
      week (subacute stage) and at second month (chronic stage); 11 (73.3%) out of 15
      patients put on the non-invasive mechanical ventilation treatment within 48 h of
      stroke constituted the treatment group, and 13 patients constituted the control
      group. Patients with OSAS treatment showed significantly better prognosis and
      better functioning in activities of daily living in both subacute and chronic
      stages. The rate of shrinkage of the ischemic lesion was higher in the treatment
      group, though not significant. The early and effective treatment of OSAS provides
      a better clinical prognosis in ischemic stroke. The beneficial effects on
      radiological parameters need to be further studied.

PMID- 22048794
TI  - Serum caspase-9 levels are increased in patients with amyotrophic lateral
      sclerosis.
AB  - It is known that apoptosis may play a role in the pathophysiology of amyotrophic
      lateral sclerosis (ALS). Moreover, caspase-9 is implicated in the apoptosis
      pathway. The aim of the study was to investigate caspase-9 levels in serum of
      patients with ALS. The study involved 30 patients with ALS and 30 patients from
      the control group. The serum caspase-9 levels were measured using the enzyme
      linked immunosorbent method. The study showed that caspase-9 levels are
      significantly increased in serum of the patients with ALS comparing to the
      control group (p < 0.05). There was a significant correlation of serum caspase-9
      levels with severity of clinical state of ALS patients and duration of the
      disease (p < 0.05). The results indicate that caspase-9 may be implicated in
      pathomechanism of neurodegeneration in ALS.

PMID- 22048795
TI  - Non-discussed poster presentations of the Joint Meeting of the International
      Continence Society and the International Urogynecological Association. August 23
      27, 2010. Toronto, Canada.

PMID- 22048796
TI  - Bleeding risk assessment and management in atrial fibrillation patients.
      Executive Summary of a Position Document from the European Heart Rhythm
      Association [EHRA], endorsed by the European Society of Cardiology [ESC] Working
      Group on Thrombosis.
AB  - In this executive summary of a Consensus Document from the European Heart Rhythm
      Association, endorsed by the European Society of Cardiology Working Group on
      Thrombosis, we comprehensively review the published evidence and propose a
      consensus on bleeding risk assessments in atrial fibrillation (AF) patients. The
      main aim of the document was to summarise 'best practice' in dealing with
      bleeding risk in AF patients when approaching antithrombotic therapy, by
      addressing the epidemiology and size of the problem, and review established
      bleeding risk factors. We also summarise definitions of bleeding in the published
      literature. Patient values and preferences balancing the risk of bleeding against
      thromboembolism as well as the prognostic implications of bleeding are reviewed.
      We also provide an overview of published bleeding risk stratification and
      bleeding risk schema. Brief discussion of special situations (e.g. periablation,
      peri-devices such as implantable cardioverter defibrillators [ICD] or pacemakers,
      presentation with acute coronary syndromes and/or requiring percutanous coronary
      interventions/stents and bridging therapy) is made, as well as a discussion of
      the prevention of bleeds and managing bleeding complications. Finally, this
      document puts forwards consensus statements that may help to define evidence gaps
      and assist in everyday clinical practice.

PMID- 22048797
TI  - Cross validation of liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and lectin array for
      monitoring glycosylation in fed-batch glycoprotein production.
AB  - Glycosylation analysis of recombinant glycoproteins is of importance for the
      biopharmaceutical industry and the production of glycoprotein pharmaceuticals. A
      commercially available lectin array technology was evaluated for its ability to
      present a reproducible fingerprint of a recombinant CTLY4-IgG fusion glycoprotein
      expressed in large scale CHO-cell fermentation. The glycosylation prediction from
      the array was compared to traditional negative mode capillary LC-MS of released
      oligosaccharides. It was shown that both methods provide data that allow samples
      to be distinguished by their glycosylation pattern. This included information
      about sialylation, the presence of reducing terminal galactose beta1-, terminal N
      acetylglucosamine beta1-, and antennary distribution. With both methods it was
      found that a general trend of increased sialylation was associated with an
      increase of the antenna and reduced amount of terminal galactose beta1-, while N
      acetylglucosamine beta1- was less affected. LC-MS, but not the lectin array,
      provided valuable information about the sialic acid isoforms present, including N
      acetylneuraminic acid, N-glycolylneuraminic acid and their O-acetylated versions.
      Detected small amounts of high-mannose structures by LC-MS correlated with the
      detection of the same epitope by the lectin array.

PMID- 22048798
TI  - Feasibility of fast-track elements in pediatric surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We recently showed that fast-track pathways could be applied to only
      one third of patients undergoing routine pediatric surgery. The aim of this study
      was to investigate various fast-track elements in various procedure types
      irrespective of the applicability of a whole fast-track pathway. METHODS:
      Patients undergoing routine surgical procedures from April 2009 to April 2010
      were included in the study. 11 groups of procedures were differentiated and
      quality criteria were established for 8 fast-track elements: analgesia,
      postoperative nutrition, postoperative mobilization, applicability of minimally
      invasive surgery when appropriate, hospital stay, postoperative symptoms,
      complications, and parental evaluation. A fast-track element was considered as
      successfully applied if used in at least 75% of patients. The hospital stay was
      compared with data from the German reimbursement system (G-DRG). RESULTS: A total
      of 203 patients were included. Optimal analgesia was achieved in all procedure
      types except in oncologic surgery (58%) and ureteral reimplantation (71%).
      Significant nausea and vomiting occurred only after Kasai operation and "other
      laparoscopic procedures". Early nutrition was achieved in all procedures except
      after fundoplication (67%) and Kasai operation (62%). Early postoperative
      mobilization was not successful after hypospadias repair (40%) and ureteral
      reimplantation (43%). Minimally invasive techniques could not be applied in 48%
      of thoracic procedures and in 58% of oncological patients. There were no fast
      track associated complications. In 4 of 11 procedure types, the mean hospital
      stay was significantly reduced compared to G-DRG data. There were 4 readmissions
      (2%). 2 weeks after discharge 94% of interviewed parents evaluated fast-track
      treatment as excellent. CONCLUSION: Fast-track elements in pediatric surgery
      increase patient comfort, reduce hospital stay, and achieve a high patient
      satisfaction. We wish to emphasize the benefits of using fast-track elements
      irrespective of whether a whole fast-track protocol is applicable.

PMID- 22048799
TI  - Herlyn-Werner-Wunderlich syndrome: uterus didelphys, obstructed hemivagina, and
      ipsilateral renal agenesis-role of sonographically guided minimally invasive
      vaginal surgery.

PMID- 22048800
TI  - Synthesis of 1,2,3-triazole linked galactopyranosides and evaluation of cholera
      toxin inhibition.
AB  - We report the synthesis of a series of bivalent 1,2,3-triazole linked
      galactopyranosides as potential inhibitors of cholera toxin (CT). The inhibitory
      activity of the bivalent series was examined (ELISA) and the series showed low
      inhibitory activity (millimolar IC(50)s). Conversely, the monomeric
      galactotriazole analogues were strong inhibitors of cholera toxin (IC(50) = 71-75
      MUM).

PMID- 22048801
TI  - Metabolomics-lipidomics of eicosanoids and docosanoids generated by phagocytes.
AB  - Lipid mediators derived from essential fatty acids, such as arachidonic acid,
      play important roles in physiologic and pathophysiologic processes.
      Prostaglandins, thromboxane, and leukotrienes are well-known eicosanoids that
      play critical roles in hemodynamics and inflammation. New families of mediators
      were recently uncovered that constitute a new genus stimulating resolution of
      acute inflammation, and are organ-protective. These include the resolvins (E
      series and D-series), protectins (neuroprotectin D1/protectin D1), and maresins
      biosynthesized from omega-3 essential fatty acids. Phagocytes play major roles in
      tissue homeostasis and have a high capacity to produce these mediators, which
      depend on their tissue and state of activation. It is important to select
      appropriate methods for identifying target mediators and pathway biomarkers. In
      this unit, we review state-of-the-art approaches to identify and profile
      eicosanoid and docosanoid pathways, including specialized pro-resolving mediators
      resolvins, protectins, and maresins, in relation to their biosynthesis and
      inactivation by neutrophils and macrophages.

PMID- 22048802
TI  - Measuring opsonic phagocytosis via Fcgamma receptors and complement receptors on
      macrophages.
AB  - Phagocytosis is a cellular process that plays crucial roles in the removal of
      dead or dying cells, tissue remodeling, and host defense against invading
      pathogens. Most eukaryotic cells are decorated with glycoproteins containing
      terminal sialic acids, whose negative charges tend to repel cells, making so
      called "nonspecific" phagocytosis a relatively inefficient process. Professional
      phagocytes are so designated because they express two major classes of receptors
      on their surfaces that are primarily involved in phagocytosis. Paradoxically,
      these receptors do not recognize microbes directly, but rather endogenous
      proteins that become tethered to microbes and target them for destruction. These
      are the Fcgamma receptors that bind to the Fc portion of IgG and the complement
      receptors (CRs), which bind primarily to cleavage products of the third component
      of complement, C3. This unit describes assays that are used to measure these two
      types of macrophage phagocytosis.

PMID- 22048803
TI  - Experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis in the mouse.
AB  - Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a T cell-dependent antibody-mediated autoimmune
      neuromuscular disease. Antibodies to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (AChR)
      destroy the AChR, thus leading to defective neuromuscular transmission of
      electrical impulse and to muscle weakness. This unit is a practical guide to the
      induction and evaluation of experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG) in
      the mouse, the animal model for MG. Protocols are provided for the extraction and
      purification of AChR from the electric organs of Torpedo californica, or the
      electric ray. The purified receptor is used as an immunogen to induce
      autoimmunity to AChR, thus causing EAMG. The defect in neuromuscular transmission
      can also be measured quantitatively by electromyography. In addition, EAMG is
      frequently characterized by the presence of serum antibodies to AChR, which are
      measured by radioimmunoassay and by a marked antibody-mediated reduction in the
      number of muscle AChRs. AChR extracted from mouse muscle is used in measuring
      serum antibody levels and for quantifying muscle AChR content. Another hallmark
      of the disease is complement and IgG deposits located at the neuromuscular
      junction, which can be visualized by immunofluorescence techniques.

PMID- 22048804
TI  - Immortalization of human and rhesus macaque primary antigen-specific T cells by
      retrovirally transduced telomerase reverse transcriptase.
AB  - Human and rhesus macaque primary antigen-specific T cells derived from infected
      or immunized individuals or animals are a valuable material with which to study
      cellular immune responses against pathogens and tumors. Antigen-specific T cells
      can be expanded in vitro but have a finite proliferative life span. After a
      limited period in culture, primary T cells undergo replicative senescence and
      stop dividing. This restricts their applicability to short-term experiments and
      complicates their use in adoptive immunotherapy. The proliferative life span of
      primary human and rhesus macaque T cells can be considerably extended by
      ectopically expressed human telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT). Antigen
      specific T cells transduced with TERT-expressing retroviral vectors can
      proliferate and expand in culture for long periods of time while maintaining
      their primary T cell characteristics, including antigen-specific responses. Thus,
      TERT-immortalized T cells are an important and valuable resource for studying T
      cell-mediated immune responses and, potentially, for adoptive immunotherapy.

PMID- 22048805
TI  - Simultaneous powering of forearm pronation and key pinch in tetraplegia using a
      single muscle-tendon unit.
AB  - This study clinically assessed the concept that both thumb flexion and forearm
      pronation can be restored by brachioradialis (BR)-to-flexor pollicis longus (FPL)
      tendon transfer if the BR is passed dorsal to the radius. Six patients [two women
      and four men, mean age 32.3 years (SD 4.9, range 23-56)] underwent BR-to-FPL
      transfer dorsal to the radius and through the interosseous membrane (IOM).
      Lateral key pinch strength and pronation range of motion (ROM) were measured 1
      year after surgery. A group of six patients [two women and four men, mean age
      31.2 years (SD 5.0, range 19-52)] who underwent traditional palmar BR-to-FPL was
      included for comparison. Postoperative active pronation was significantly greater
      in the dorsal transfer group compared to the palmar group [149 (SD 6) and 75 (SD
      3), respectively] and pinch strength was similar in the two groups [1.28 (SD
      0.16) kg and 1.20 (SD0.21) kg, respectively]. We conclude that it is feasible to
      reconstruct lateral key pinch and forearm pronation simultaneously using only the
      BR motor.

PMID- 22048806
TI  - Trajectories of preparation for future care among first-degree relatives of
      Alzheimer's disease patients: an ancillary study of ADAPT.
AB  - PURPOSE:  This study examines the longitudinal patterns of Preparation for Future
      Care (PFC), defined as Awareness, Avoidance, Gathering Information, Decision
      Making, and Concrete Plans, in first-degree relatives of people with Alzheimer's
      disease (AD).  DESIGN AND METHODS:  Eight time points across 6.5 years from a
      subsample of adults aged 70 years and older who were participating in the
      Alzheimer's Disease Anti-inflammatory Prevention Trial (ADAPT) were analyzed
      using latent growth modeling. Baseline attitudes toward planning for future care
      and demographic variables functioned as predictors in the conditional analyses. 
      RESULTS:  Awareness, Gathering Information, Decision Making, and Concrete
      Planning increased across time, but Avoidance did not. Covariates were more often
      associated with the initial levels of planning behavior than with change across
      time. Women engaged in more initial Decision Making than men. Education was
      associated with more initial Gathering Information, Decision Making, and less
      Avoidance. Favorable attitudes toward planning were more predictive of baseline
      Awareness, Gathering Information, Avoidance, and less so for Decision Making or
      Concrete Planning.  IMPLICATIONS:  Older adults with an elevated risk for AD
      increase in positive PFC behaviors gradually across time. Demographic
      characteristics and attitudes predict initial levels of planning, making it
      possible to identify individuals who might need help progressing to more advanced
      levels of planning. Future studies are needed to understand rates of change in
      planning behaviors.

PMID- 22048807
TI  - Family stigma and caregiver burden in Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - PURPOSE: The stigma experienced by the family members of an individual with a
      stigmatized illness is defined by 3 dimensions: caregiver stigma, lay public
      stigma, and structural stigma. Research in the area of mental illness suggests
      that caregivers' perception of stigma is associated with increased burden.
      However, the effect of stigma on caregiver burden among those caring for a
      relative with Alzheimer's disease (AD) has yet to undergo theoretical and
      empirical testing. The aim of this study was to examine whether family stigma is
      a predictor of caregiver burden in the case of Alzheimer's disease. DESIGN AND
      METHODS: Structured face-to-face interviews were conducted with 185 adult child
      caregivers (75% female; mean age = 53 years) for persons with Alzheimer's
      disease. RESULTS: Caregiver stigma variables improved the prediction of caregiver
      burden by adding an additional 18% to the explained variance over and above the
      other covariates. The 2 caregiver stigma variables of shame and decreased
      involvement with caregiving were found to be the major contributing factors.
      IMPLICATIONS: Our findings show that caregiver stigma increases caregiver burden
      in the case of Alzheimer's disease. Using this knowledge, psychosocial
      interventions should target stigmatic beliefs in order to reduce caregiver
      burden.

PMID- 22048808
TI  - The coach is in: improving nutritional care in nursing homes.
AB  - PURPOSE:  This article describes and evaluates a long distance coaching course
      aimed at improving nutritional care in nursing homes (NHs). The course was
      structured to provide more support than traditional training programs offer. 
      METHODS:  In a series of 6 monthly teleconferences led by an expert in NH
      nutritional care, participating NH staff received step-by-step instructions for
      implementing an evidence-based nutritional management program. After each
      session, participants were asked to implement the care step they had just
      learned. Coaching calls helped facilitate implementation. Staff in 18 NHs in 12
      states completed the course. Evaluation data were collected using a resident data
      form, pre- and post-training quizzes, a participant course evaluation survey, and
      a supervisor's report.  RESULTS:  NH staff attended an average of 4.8
      teleconferences, with 5 staff members typically attending each teleconference.
      Average quiz scores increased 30% (p < .0001) from pre- to post-training. A
      majority of course participants (N = 35) said they would participate in a similar
      course (82.9%) and would recommend the course (80%). Just under half preferred
      the coaching course to a more traditional 1- to 2-day conference. Nine of 12
      reporting supervisors said their facility planned to continue the new nutritional
      care program. The 10 NHs that submitted resident data assessed an average of 5
      residents using the recommended protocols.  IMPLICATIONS:  We recommend the
      coaching course format. Dissemination outcomes may improve if resources currently
      used for short-duration training activities are used instead on coaching
      activities that support NHs over extended periods.

PMID- 22048809
TI  - Older voters and the 2010 U.S. election: implications for 2012 and beyond?
AB  - PURPOSE: To analyze the extent to which Americans aged 65 and older may have
      voted as an old age-benefits bloc in the 2010 midterm election in response to
      threats of Medicare rationing. METHODS: Analysis of age group data from the
      Edison Research 2010 Election Day exit polls, complemented by data published
      elsewhere. RESULTS: For the first time in 4 decades, there were signs of an old
      age voting bloc in the 2010 election; yet, analysis of the age group data by sex
      and race/ethnicity reveals notable differences among these subgroups.
      IMPLICATIONS: This new tendency toward old-age bloc voting may well continue in
      the 2012 election and beyond. If "reforming" Medicare and Social Security persist
      as policy issues, the votes of older persons may increasingly be affected to a
      much greater degree than in past elections.

PMID- 22048810
TI  - Physical activity and older adults: expert consensus for a new research agenda.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study sought to advance the state of knowledge regarding physical
      activity and aging by identifying areas of agreement among experts regarding
      topics that are well understood versus those that are in urgent need of continued
      research efforts. DESIGN AND METHODS: We used a web-based survey with snowball
      sampling to identify 348 experts who were invited to complete a brief web-based
      survey. Responses were received from 38% of invited respondents. RESULTS:
      Respondents reported that the efficacy and effectiveness of several types of
      physical activity were well understood but the dose-response relationship
      required for a health benefit was not. In general, more research is needed
      examining the effectiveness of programs on cognitive health outcomes and the
      impact of multiple risk factor programs. With respect to translation, more
      research is needed on how to maintain older adults in evidence-based programs and
      how to adapt programs for special populations. Researchers agreed that
      racial/ethnic minorities; persons with low socioeconomic status; and those with
      physical, intellectual, or mental health disability were substantially
      understudied. Finally, research on maintenance, implementation, and reach with
      respect to these populations was judged to be more urgently needed than research
      on efficacy and effectiveness. IMPLICATIONS: A substantial amount of consensus
      was found across a national group of experts. These findings should be
      instrumental in forging a new research agenda in the area of aging and physical
      activity.

PMID- 22048811
TI  - Resident-to-resident aggression in nursing homes: results from a qualitative
      event reconstruction study.
AB  - PURPOSE: Despite its prevalence and negative consequences, research on elder
      abuse has rarely considered resident-to-resident aggression (RRA) in nursing
      homes. This study employed a qualitative event reconstruction methodology to
      identify the major forms of RRA that occur in nursing homes. DESIGN AND METHODS:
      Events of RRA were identified within a 2-week period in all units (n = 53) in
      nursing homes located in New York City. Narrative reconstructions were created
      for each event based on information from residents and staff who were involved as
      well as other sources. The event reconstructions were analyzed using qualitative
      methods to identify common features of RRA events. RESULTS: Analysis of the 122
      event reconstructions identified 13 major forms of RRA, grouped under five
      themes. The resulting framework demonstrated the heterogeneity of types of RRA,
      the importance of considering personal, environmental, and triggering factors,
      and the potential emotional and physical harm to residents. IMPLICATIONS: These
      results suggest the need for person-centered and environmental interventions to
      reduce RRA, as well as for further research on the topic.

PMID- 22048812
TI  - Advanced glycation end products enhance reactive oxygen and nitrogen species
      generation in neutrophils in vitro.
AB  - Increased oxidative stress (OS) in diabetes mellitus is one of the major factors
      leading to diabetic pathology. However, the mediators and mechanism that provoke
      OS in diabetes is not fully understood, and it is possible that accumulation of
      advanced glycation end products (AGEs) formed secondary to hyperglycemic
      conditions may incite circulating polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) to generate
      reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this report, we aim to investigate the effect
      of AGE on reactive oxygen and nitrogen species generation and subsequent OS in
      PMN. AGE-HSA exert dose- and time-dependent enhancement of ROS and reactive
      nitrogen intermediates (RNI) generation by PMN. Increased ROS and RNI generation
      were found to be mediated through the upregulation of NADPH oxidase and inducible
      nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), respectively, as evident from the fact that AGE
      treated neutrophils failed to generate ROS and RNI in presence of
      diphenyleneiodonium, a flavoprotein inhibitor for both enzymes. Further increased
      generation of ROS and RNI ceased when the cells were incubated with anti-RAGE
      antibody suggesting the involvement of AGE-RAGE interaction. Also increased
      malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyl formation in AGE-exposed PMN suggest
      induction of OS by AGE. This study provides evidence that AGEs may play a key
      role in the induction of oxidative stress through the augmentation of PMN
      mediated ROS and RNI generation and this may be in part responsible for
      development of AGE-induced diabetic pathology.

PMID- 22048814
TI  - Ki-67: level of evidence and methodological considerations for its role in the
      clinical management of breast cancer: analytical and critical review.
AB  - Clinicians can use biomarkers to guide therapeutic decisions in estrogen receptor
      positive (ER+) breast cancer. One such biomarker is cellular proliferation as
      evaluated by Ki-67. This biomarker has been extensively studied and is easily
      assayed by histopathologists but it is not currently accepted as a standard. This
      review focuses on its prognostic and predictive value, and on methodological
      considerations for its measurement and the cut-points used for treatment
      decision. Data describing study design, patients' characteristics, methods used
      and results were extracted from papers published between January 1990 and July
      2010. In addition, the studies were assessed using the REMARK tool. Ki-67 is an
      independent prognostic factor for disease-free survival (HR 1.05-1.72) in
      multivariate analyses studies using samples from randomized clinical trials with
      secondary central analysis of the biomarker. The level of evidence (LOE) was
      judged to be I-B with the recently revised definition of Simon. However,
      standardization of the techniques and scoring methods are needed for the
      integration of this biomarker in everyday practice. Ki-67 was not found to be
      predictive for long-term follow-up after chemotherapy. Nevertheless, high KI-67
      was found to be associated with immediate pathological complete response in the
      neoadjuvant setting, with an LOE of II-B. The REMARK score improved over time
      (with a range of 6-13/20 vs. 10-18/20, before and after 2005, respectively). KI
      67 could be considered as a prognostic biomarker for therapeutic decision. It is
      assessed with a simple assay that could be standardized. However, international
      guidelines are needed for routine clinical use.

PMID- 22048815
TI  - Basal-like Breast cancer DNA copy number losses identify genes involved in
      genomic instability, response to therapy, and patient survival.
AB  - Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease with known expression-defined tumor
      subtypes. DNA copy number studies have suggested that tumors within gene
      expression subtypes share similar DNA Copy number aberrations (CNA) and that CNA
      can be used to further sub-divide expression classes. To gain further insights
      into the etiologies of the intrinsic subtypes, we classified tumors according to
      gene expression subtype and next identified subtype-associated CNA using a novel
      method called SWITCHdna, using a training set of 180 tumors and a validation set
      of 359 tumors. Fisher's exact tests, Chi-square approximations, and Wilcoxon rank
      sum tests were performed to evaluate differences in CNA by subtype. To assess the
      functional significance of loss of a specific chromosomal region, individual
      genes were knocked down by shRNA and drug sensitivity, and DNA repair foci assays
      performed. Most tumor subtypes exhibited specific CNA. The Basal-like subtype was
      the most distinct with common losses of the regions containing RB1, BRCA1,
      INPP4B, and the greatest overall genomic instability. One Basal-like subtype
      associated CNA was loss of 5q11-35, which contains at least three genes important
      for BRCA1-dependent DNA repair (RAD17, RAD50, and RAP80); these genes were
      predominantly lost as a pair, or all three simultaneously. Loss of two or three
      of these genes was associated with significantly increased genomic instability
      and poor patient survival. RNAi knockdown of RAD17, or RAD17/RAD50, in
      immortalized human mammary epithelial cell lines caused increased sensitivity to
      a PARP inhibitor and carboplatin, and inhibited BRCA1 foci formation in response
      to DNA damage. These data suggest a possible genetic cause for genomic
      instability in Basal-like breast cancers and a biological rationale for the use
      of DNA repair inhibitor related therapeutics in this breast cancer subtype.

PMID- 22048816
TI  - Differential oxidative status and immune characterization of the early and
      advanced stages of human breast cancer.
AB  - Breast cancer is the malignant neoplasia with the highest incidence in women
      worldwide. Chronic oxidative stress and inflammation have been indicated as major
      mediators during carcinogenesis and cancer progression. Human studies have not
      considered the complexity of tumor biology during the stages of cancer advance,
      limiting their clinical application. The purpose of this study was to
      characterize systemic oxidative stress and immune response parameters in early
      (ED; TNM I and II) and advanced disease (AD; TNM III and IV) of patients
      diagnosed with infiltrative ductal carcinoma breast cancer. Oxidative stress
      parameters were evaluated by plasmatic lipoperoxidation, carbonyl content,
      thiobarbituric reactive substances (TBARS), nitric oxide levels (NO), total
      radical antioxidant parameter (TRAP), superoxide dismutase, and catalase
      activities and GSH levels. Immune evaluation was determined by TNF-alpha, IL
      1beta, IL-12, and IL-10 levels and leukocytes oxidative burst evaluation by
      chemiluminescence. Tissue damage analysis included heart (total CK and CKMB),
      liver (AST, ALT, GGT), and renal (creatinine, urea, and uric acid) plasmatic
      markers. C-reactive protein (CRP) and iron metabolism were also evaluated.
      Analysis of the results verified different oxidative stress statuses occur at
      distinct cancer stages. ED was characterized by reduction in catalase, 8
      isoprostanes, and GSH levels, with enhanced lipid peroxidation and TBARS levels.
      AD exhibited more pronounced oxidative status, with reduction in catalase
      activity and TRAP, intense lipid peroxidation and high levels of NO, TBARs, and
      carbonyl content. ED patients presented a Th2 immune pattern, while AD exhibited
      Th1 status. CRP levels and ferritin were increased in both stages of disease.
      Leukocytes burst impairment was observed in both the groups. Plasma iron levels
      were significantly elevated in AD. The data obtained indicated that oxidative
      stress enhancement and immune response impairment may be necessary to ensure
      cancer progression to advanced stages and may result from both host and tumor
      inflammatory mediators.

PMID- 22048817
TI  - Age-related loss of muscle fibres is highly variable amongst mouse skeletal
      muscles.
AB  - Sarcopenia is the age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass and strength,
      attributable in part to muscle fibre loss. We are currently unable to prevent
      fibre loss because we do not know what causes it. To provide a platform from
      which to better understand the causes of muscle fibre death we have quantified
      fibre loss in several muscles of aged C57Bl/6J mice. Comparison of muscle fibre
      numbers on dystrophin-immunostained transverse tissue sections at 6 months of age
      with those at 24 months shows a significant fibre loss in extensor digitorum
      longus and soleus, but not in sternomastoid or cleidomastoid muscles. The muscles
      of the elderly mice were mostly lighter than their younger counterparts, but
      fibres in the elderly muscles were of about the same cross-sectional area. This
      study shows that the contribution of fibre death to sarcopenia is highly variable
      and that there is no consistent pattern of age-related fibre loss between
      skeletal muscles.

PMID- 22048818
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 22048819
TI  - Relation of Dieting in College and High School Students to Symptoms Associated
      with Semi-starvation.
AB  - Dieting and concern with weight were found to be associated with psychological
      and neurological symptoms observed in cases of severe semi-starvation. College
      students of both sexes (n 292) and high school females (n121) rated themselves on
      dietary restraint and psychological and physical symptoms that were prevalent in
      men after 24 weeks in the Minnesota semi-starvation experiment of 1944-5.
      Apprehension, irritability, and moodiness were associated with a high concern
      with restraint. Blank spells, hunger pain, concern for health, and social
      withdrawal were associated with a history of restraint. Depression, lower self
      esteem, eating behavior patterns, apathy, and decreased motivation were
      associated with both restraint parameters. Our results suggest that normal
      dieting may be more closely related to psychological and health risks associated
      with chronic semi-starvation than is commonly believed.

PMID- 22048820
TI  - Dieting and cognitive style: the role of current and past dieting behaviour and
      cognitions.
AB  - This study aimed to investigate the relationship between dieting and global
      cognitive style in a non-clinical sample. Questionnaires were administered to 218
      Australian undergraduate students. Dieting was operationalized in two ways: self
      reported current dieting behaviour; and scores on dietary restraint. It was found
      that current, but not past, dieters had more dysfunctional cognitive attitudes,
      confirming the necessity of distinguishing between current and past dieting
      behaviour. The Concern for Dieting subscale of dietary restraint was also related
      to a dysfunctional cognitive style, even after level of depressed mood was
      statistically controlled. In particular, the dysfunctional attitude of
      Dichotomous Thinking was implicated. Taken together, the findings imply that
      dieters do not have an enduring maladaptive cognitive style, but rather that
      current dieting concerns and behaviour are associated with poorer cognitive
      functioning.

PMID- 22048821
TI  - Body dissatisfaction within couples: adding the social context to perceptions of
      self.
AB  - Nineteen heterosexual couples completed questionnaires concerning their own and
      their partner's body size. Although women reported higher levels of body
      dissatisfaction, both men and women reported being dissatisfied with their body
      parts. Further, the results showed comparability within couples for ratings of
      the male partner's body size but consistent differences for ratings of the female
      partner's body size. In addition, both partners reported most dissatisfaction
      with the female partner's body size. It is suggested that a sexual partner's
      beliefs may play a greater role in the development of men's body dissatisfaction
      and that the female body may have become a legitimate source of criticism for
      both men and women. The implications for the social context on self-perception
      are discussed.

PMID- 22048822
TI  - The Impact of Motor Vehicle Accidents on the Psychological Well-being of At-fault
      Drivers and Related Passengers.
AB  - This study assessed the effects of motor vehicle accidents (MVAs) on drivers' and
      passengers' responsibility attribution, and levels of psychological distress and
      well-being. A total of 321 MVA victims from the state of Queensland, Australia,
      participated in this study by responding to a questionnaire designed to measure
      the study's critical variables. Of the sample, 221 were drivers (99 males, 122
      females) and 100 were passengers (31 males, 69 females). Of the passengers, 47
      percent reported that they were related to the driver, while 53 percent reported
      that they were not related to the driver. The drivers were categorized by their
      attribution of responsibility for their accidents, with a resultant 20 percent
      perceiving themselves to be at fault, and 80 percent perceiving themselves not to
      be at fault. Results obtained from MANOVAs showed that there was a significant
      decrease in reported well-being for both passenger- and driver-victims following
      their accidents. For drivers, the decrease was significantly greater for those
      who did not accept responsibility for their accidents than those who did. Path
      analysis showed that blaming others for the accident was associated with higher
      levels of psychological distress and a lower level of psychological well-being
      (PWB) for both passengers and drivers. For drivers, accepting responsibility for
      the accident was associated with lower levels of psychological distress and a
      higher level of PWB. Implications for the development of coping strategies for
      MVA victims are discussed.

PMID- 22048823
TI  - The role of stress and mood in sickle cell disease pain: an analysis of daily
      diary data.
AB  - The role of stress and mood in the onset and course of sickle cell disease (SCD)
      pain was examined using a daily diary design. Fifteen adults with SCD completed
      daily diaries about their pain, stress, mood, and health care and medication use
      for an average of 94 days. Multilevel random effects models indicated that stress
      was significantly and positively related to same-day pain ratings. Stress
      remained a significant predictor of pain after omitting stressors related to SCD.
      Mood also showed significant associations with same-day pain in the expected
      directions. In addition, stress and mood were associated with health care and
      medication use during painful episodes. Finally, painful episodes were preceded
      by increases in stress 2 days previously, suggesting that stress may play a role
      in the onset of SCD pain.

PMID- 22048824
TI  - Commentary on the role of stress and mood in sickle cell disease pain: an
      analysis of daily diary data by laura s. Porter, karen m. Gil, james w. Carson,
      kelly k. Anthony, & jawana ready.

PMID- 22048825
TI  - Sensitivity to Change Following Liver Transplantation: A Comparison of Three
      Instruments that Measure Quality of Life.
AB  - There is an increasing focus on the importance of quality-of-life (QOL) factors
      in evaluating the efficacy of medical and surgical interventions. There are a
      wide number of instruments currently available, and the aim of the present study
      was to evaluate the relative sensitivity to change of three widely used QOL
      measures, the WHOQOL-100, the SF-36 and the Rotterdam Symptom Checklist, focusing
      on psychological and physical components of life quality. Fifty patients were
      assessed pre- and 3 months post-liver transplantation. In addition, 21 patients
      with liver disease but who were not transplanted were assessed twice, separated
      by a 3-month interval, in order to serve as a comparison group. All QOL measures
      showed significant improvement following liver transplantation, whereas the
      control group showed no significant within-subject change on any measure. We
      employed the Standardised Response Mean (SRM) effect size as our index of
      clinically meaningful change in QOL measures. Large SRM effect sizes were
      obtained following liver transplantation for WHOQOL-100 and SF-36 summary
      measures, and for the Rotterdam physical subscale. In contrast, the traditional
      SF-36 scale scores and Rotterdam psychological subscale exhibited only moderate
      sensitivity to change.

PMID- 22048826
TI  - Psychological Correlates of Mental Stress-induced Ischemia in the Laboratory: The
      Psychophysiological Investigation of Myocardial Ischemia (PIMI) Study.
AB  - Participants consisted of 184 patients (160 males, 24 females) with positive
      angiograms or prior myocardial infarctions who displayed at least 1 mm of ST
      segment depression on a standardized treadmill test. Mean scores on the Reward
      Dependence subscale of the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire were higher
      in patients displaying ischemia during mental stress. Patients who reported
      higher levels of irritability/anger in response to the Speech stressor were also
      more likely to display ischemia. However, this result was primarily a result of
      the females in the sample whose ratings of interest and irritability were
      associated with ischemia during the Speech task. Psychometric measures previously
      found in prospective studies to predict acute cardiac events were unrelated to
      mental stress-induced ischemia in the laboratory.

PMID- 22048827
TI  - What do General Practitioners Discuss with their Patients?: Exploring the
      Relationship between Content of Medical Consultations and Treatment Decisions.
AB  - Thirty audiotaped and transcribed general practice consultations were used to
      develop a classification scheme to code the content of doctor-patient
      communication in primary care. Open coding was used to identify subject matter
      discussed by general practitioners in consultations featuring commonly presented
      problems such as respiratory, psychological and musculoskeletal complaints. The
      classification scheme was found to have an adequate inter-rater reliability
      (0.72) and was used in a pilot study to code a further 75 consultations featuring
      psychological problems as the main presenting complaints. Multivariate analysis
      of variance showed significant relationships between what was discussed by
      general practitioners and the type of treatment decisions made (F(16, 51) 2.12, p
      .01). Consultations in which general practitioners talked to their patients about
      mental coping strategies, social support and treatment options were less likely
      to end with decisions to prescribe drugs than consultations in which general
      practitioners did not discuss these subjects.

PMID- 22048828
TI  - Psychological impact of predictive testing for colonic cancer.
AB  - Advances in DNA technology have facilitated presymptomatic testing for an
      inherited predisposition to a number of autosomal dominant cancer syndromes.
      While testing is generally undertaken with informed consent and within a
      counselling protocol, there is still much to be learned about the psychological
      impact of DNA testing in a predictive setting. In this study, patients'
      experiences were recorded using in-depth interview techniques following earlier
      testing for hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer which was coordinated
      through an hereditary cancer registry. Thematic analysis of the transcripts
      revealed consistent issues pertaining to identity as well as emotional responses
      to previous preventative strategies and ongoing cancer screening options.

PMID- 22048829
TI  - Effects of incentive items on participation in a randomized chemoprevention
      trial.
AB  - Behavioral research has an important role in increasing and maintaining
      participation in disease prevention trials, both in interventions and in follow
      up visits. We conducted a randomized experiment among participants in the lung
      cancer chemoprevention trial, CARET (Carotene and Retinol Efficacy Trial) to test
      the effects of providing two incentives on retention. The items used for this
      study were a Certificate of Appreciation and one of two lapel pins, provided in a
      2 2 design. Providing incentives, whether alone or in combination, had no
      statistically significant effect on retention by the two-year follow-up point.
      The successful implementation of this randomized incentive study has two
      implications for future research: (1) study of behavioral interventions and
      issues is feasible in the context of large controlled trials of disease end
      points; and (2) such study is necessary to determine whether selected incentives
      can increase retention.

PMID- 22048830
TI  - The mad cow crisis: health and the public good.

PMID- 22048831
TI  - Clinical communication skills.

PMID- 22048832
TI  - Women's Health: Psychological and Social Perspectives.

PMID- 22048833
TI  - Smoking in adolescence: images and identities.

PMID- 22048834
TI  - The menstrual cycle.

PMID- 22048836
TI  - Cerebral activation and catastrophizing during pain anticipation in patients with
      fibromyalgia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Anticipation of pain influences its cerebral processing and
      dysfunctional cognitive style like catastrophizing correlates with the severity
      of pain. Patients with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) exhibit higher levels of
      catastrophizing, increased attention to pain, and augmented cerebral pain
      processing. Therefore, alteration in cerebral processing during anticipation of
      experimental pain and its relation to catastrophizing are the main focus of the
      study. METHODS: Functional magnetic resonance imaging of the brain was acquired
      during the time of pain anticipation with announcement of its intensity or not in
      12 patients with FMS and 14 healthy controls. Within a two-factorial model
      (factors "group" and "session"), the main effect of group and the interaction
      effect were tested in a whole-brain analysis. In addition, activation of the
      periaqueductal gray (PAG) was analyzed in a region-of-interest analysis. RESULTS:
      Patients with FMS generally displayed greater catastrophizing behavior (p = .003)
      but not during the anticipation of the experimental pain (p > .16). Furthermore,
      patients showed greater activation of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (p =
      .05), the PAG (p = .04), and the posterior parietal cortex (p = .03) during the
      anticipation of pain, independent of the pain coping behavior during
      anticipation. CONCLUSIONS: The lack of difference in catastrophizing during the
      experimental pain suggests independent coping mechanisms during experimental and
      clinical pain. Regarding the importance of the frontal cortex and the PAG in the
      descending pain modulation system, it seems reasonable to assume that these
      functional changes related to the context of stimulus presentation may contribute
      to central sensitization in FMS.

PMID- 22048837
TI  - Patterns of emotional-cognitive functioning in pediatric conversion patients:
      implications for the conceptualization of conversion disorders.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine patterns of emotion processing in children and adolescents
      with conversion disorders and to determine whether those patterns are associated
      with particular clusters of conversion symptoms. Autobiographical narratives were
      used to investigate the organization of information about distressing feelings
      and memories. METHODS: Structured interviews about attachment relationships and
      autobiographical events were administered to 76 controls and 76 matched subjects
      aged 6 to 18 years. Age-appropriate assessments of attachment were used: the
      School-aged Assessment of Attachment for children and the Transition to Adulthood
      Attachment Interview for adolescents. Patterns of emotion processing were
      identified using dynamic-maturational model discourse analysis and categorized
      into four clusters: inhibitory, normative/balanced, coercive-preoccupied, and
      mixed inhibitory and coercive-preoccupied. These clusters were then cross
      tabulated with the sensorimotor characteristics of children with conversion
      disorders. RESULTS: Emotion processing in children with conversion disorders was
      categorized as psychological inhibition (57%), psychological coercion
      preoccupation (34%), and mixed (9%). Psychological inhibition was associated with
      negative conversion symptoms (discrete sensorimotor deficits, p = .003) and
      positive conversion symptoms (tremors and tics, p = .04). Psychological coercion
      preoccupation was associated with all other disturbances of motor function:
      bizarre gaits and postures, whole-body floppiness, and refusals to move (p <
      .0001). Nonepileptic seizures occurred across both groups (56% versus 42%, p =
      .8). CONCLUSIONS: Contrary to the classic understanding of conversion disorder as
      a unified diagnostic entity with diverse symptoms, this study identified two
      distinct subtypes of conversion patients-those using psychological inhibition and
      those using psychological coercion-preoccupation-whose symptoms fell into
      discrete clusters. Further research is needed to determine the neural mechanisms
      underlying these processes.

PMID- 22048838
TI  - Evaluating new proposals for the psychiatric classification of patients with
      multiple somatic symptoms.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The current DSM-IV classification of somatoform disorders has been
      criticized, and several new proposals for classification have been suggested
      (e.g., DSM-V work group: complex somatic symptom disorder [CSSD]). Our aim was to
      empirically validate and compare new proposals for the classification of people
      with multiple somatic complaints. METHODS: Three hundred twenty-one participants
      were selected from a general population sample of more than 2500; half were
      selected from a subgroup with increased somatization scores (Patient Health
      Questionnaire 15-item somatic symptom subscale). Clinical and psychological
      variables and health care use were assessed with interviews and self-ratings to
      validate the new proposals. In addition, a high-risk group was defined to check
      whether new classification proposals could identify people in this a priori
      defined group; criteria for this high-risk group were disabling medically
      unexplained somatic symptoms and increased health care use. To analyze the
      stability of the syndromes, participants were recontacted 1 year later
      (completion rate, 76%). RESULTS: The DSM-V proposal for CSSD shows good validity
      in the identification of people with disability and people requiring medical
      treatment. It is still restrictive but to a much lesser degree than the current
      somatization disorder: 29% of our a priori high-risk group was identified,
      whereas none of the participants fulfilled criteria for somatization disorder.
      For most proposals, the temporal stability is satisfactory yet substantially
      lower than expected for clinical samples. Classification criteria that include
      psychological features are advantageous in identifying people with health care
      needs. CONCLUSIONS: Whereas some validation criteria for the new proposals
      (including CSSD) are satisfactory, most of the new proposals are still
      restrictive.

PMID- 22048835
TI  - Metal ion acquisition in Staphylococcus aureus: overcoming nutritional immunity.
AB  - Transition metals are essential nutrients to virtually all forms of life,
      including bacterial pathogens. In Staphylococcus aureus, metal ions participate
      in diverse biochemical processes such as metabolism, DNA synthesis, regulation of
      virulence factors, and defense against oxidative stress. As an innate immune
      response to bacterial infection, vertebrate hosts sequester transition metals in
      a process that has been termed "nutritional immunity." To successfully infect
      vertebrates, S. aureus must overcome host sequestration of these critical
      nutrients. The objective of this review is to outline the current knowledge of
      staphylococcal metal ion acquisition systems, as well as to define the host
      mechanisms of nutritional immunity during staphylococcal infection.

PMID- 22048839
TI  - Effects of mindfulness training on body awareness to sexual stimuli: implications
      for female sexual dysfunction.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Treatments of female sexual dysfunction have been largely
      unsuccessful because they do not address the psychological factors that underlie
      female sexuality. Negative self-evaluative processes interfere with the ability
      to attend and register physiological changes (interoceptive awareness). This
      study explores the effect of mindfulness meditation training on interoceptive
      awareness and the three categories of known barriers to healthy sexual
      functioning: attention, self-judgment, and clinical symptoms. METHODS: Forty-four
      college students (30 women) participated in either a 12-week course containing a
      "meditation laboratory" or an active control course with similar content or
      laboratory format. Interoceptive awareness was measured by reaction time in
      rating physiological response to sexual stimuli. Psychological barriers were
      assessed with self-reported measures of mindfulness and psychological well-being.
      RESULTS: Women who participated in the meditation training became significantly
      faster at registering their physiological responses (interoceptive awareness) to
      sexual stimuli compared with active controls (F(1,28) = 5.45, p = .03, eta(p)(2)
      = 0.15). Female meditators also improved their scores on attention (t = 4.42, df
      = 11, p = .001), self-judgment, (t = 3.1, df = 11, p = .01), and symptoms of
      anxiety (t = -3.17, df = 11, p = .009) and depression (t = -2.13, df = 11, p <
      .05). Improvements in interoceptive awareness were correlated with improvements
      in the psychological barriers to healthy sexual functioning (r = -0.44 for
      attention, r = -0.42 for self-judgment, and r = 0.49 for anxiety; all p < .05).
      CONCLUSIONS: Mindfulness-based improvements in interoceptive awareness highlight
      the potential of mindfulness training as a treatment of female sexual
      dysfunction.

PMID- 22048840
TI  - Effects of ozone on species composition in an upland grassland.
AB  - Northern hemispheric background concentrations of ozone are increasing, but few
      studies have assessed the ecological significance of these changes for grasslands
      of high conservation value under field conditions. We carried out a 3-year field
      experiment in which ozone was released at a controlled rate over three
      experimental transects to produce concentration gradients over the field site, an
      upland mesotrophic grassland located in the UK. We measured individual species
      biomass in an annual hay cut in plots receiving ambient ozone, and ambient ozone
      elevated by mean concentrations of approximately 4 ppb and 10 ppb in the growing
      seasons of 2008 and 2009. There was a significant negative effect of ozone
      exposure on herb biomass, but not total grass or legume biomass, in 2008 and
      2009. Within the herb fraction, ozone exposure significantly decreased the
      biomass of Ranunculus species and that of the hemi-parasitic species Rhinanthus
      minor. Multivariate analysis of species composition, taking into account spatial
      variation in soil conditions and ozone exposure, showed no significant ozone
      effect on the grass component. In contrast, by 2009, ozone had become the
      dominant factor influencing species composition within the combined herb and
      legume component. Our results suggest that elevated ozone concentrations may be a
      significant barrier to achieving increased species diversity in managed
      grasslands.

PMID- 22048841
TI  - Enantioselective pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties of carvedilol in
      spontaneously hypertensive rats: focus on blood pressure variability.
AB  - The cardiovascular effects and pharmacokinetics of carvedilol were assessed in
      spontaneously hypertensive (SH) and Wistar Kyoto (WKY) animals with special focus
      on short-term blood pressure variability (BPV). Male SH and WKY rats were acutely
      treated with vehicle or carvedilol 1 or 5 mg kg(-1) (i.v.), and effects on blood
      pressure (BP), heart rate (HR) and BPV were recorded. Plasma pharmacokinetics of
      R- and S-carvedilol was studied by traditional blood sampling. Relationship
      between carvedilol concentrations and their hypotensive and bradycardic effects
      was established by pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) modelling. Short-term
      BPV was assessed by standard deviation of BP recording. Vascular sympatholytic
      activity of carvedilol was studied by estimation of drug effects on ratio between
      low frequency (LF) and high frequency (HF) BPV (LF/HF ratio). Although
      pharmacokinetic properties of carvedilol remained mainly unaffected in SH rats
      with regard to WKY rats, hypertensive animals showed a reduction in drug
      clearance of R- and S-carvedilol after administration of 1 mg kg(-1) compared
      with WKY rats. PK-PD analysis of HR changes induced by S-carvedilol showed a
      greater maximal bradycardic response to carvedilol in SH rats (E (max), -27.6 +/-
      3.9%; p < 0.05) compared with WKY group (E (max), -13.4 +/- 2.5%). SH rats showed
      a greater hypotensive effect of racemic carvedilol (E (max), -45.5 +/- 5.0%; p <
      0.05) with regard to WKY group (E (max), -17.9 +/- 4.5%). Carvedilol induced a
      greater reduction of LF/HF ratio in SH rats compared with WKY rats. Short-term
      BPV was markedly reduced by carvedilol in WKY and SH rats. In conclusion, as a
      consequence of an enhanced bradycardic response and a greater vascular
      sympatholytic activity, carvedilol exerts a greater hypotensive response in SH
      rats compared with WKY animals and dramatically reduces short-term BPV.

PMID- 22048842
TI  - Novel approach for quantification of hepatitis C virus in liver cirrhosis using
      real-time reverse transcriptase PCR.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infects nearly 3% of the population worldwide
      and is a major cause of acute and chronic infections leading to fibrosis,
      cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Current laboratory diagnosis of HCV is
      based on specific antibody detection (anti-hepatitis C virus (anti-HCV)) in
      serum. As HCV replicates in the liver cells, detection and localization of HCV
      RNA in liver tissue are vital for diagnosis. METHODS: Ten biopsy samples
      diagnosed for cryptogenic liver cirrhosis, negative for the presence of anti-HCV
      and serum HCV RNA, were studied for analyzing presence of viral nucleic acid in
      liver tissues. Qualitative screening for HCV was done through ELISA while the
      nucleic acid analysis was performed through COBAS Amplicor. Detection of HCV RNA
      in liver tissue biopsies was performed following standard protocol of HCV
      detection kit (Shenzhen PG Biotech) with modifications using Light Cycler 2.0
      (minimum detection limit 10 copies/ml). RESULT: Quantitative detection in liver
      biopsies following the modified method showed the presence of HCV RNA in three
      samples out of the ten studied. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that using Light
      Cycler 2.0, following the modified technique described, constitutes a reliable
      method of quantitative detection and localization of HCV in tissue in
      "serosilent" HCV infection.

PMID- 22048843
TI  - Distribution of UL144, US28 and UL55 genotypes in Polish newborns with congenital
      cytomegalovirus infections.
AB  - Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is the most common congenital infection. HCMV
      strains display genetic variability in different regions. Distribution of HCMV
      genotypes in the population of congenitally infected newborns from Central Poland
      and viral load in newborns' blood is described and discussed. HCMV isolates were
      analysed by sequencing at three sites on the genome: the UL144 tumour necrosis
      factor-alpha (TNFalpha)-like receptor gene, the US28 beta-chemokine receptor gene
      and the UL55 envelope glycoprotein B (gB) gene. The newborns' blood was examined
      for HCMV DNA with a nested (UL144, UL55) or heminested (US28) polymerase chain
      reaction, and the genotypes were determined by sequence analysis. HCMV DNA was
      detectable in 25 out of 55 examined newborns born by HCMV-infected mothers
      (45.5%). The blood viral load in mother-infant pairs was determined. Most of the
      newborns had identical virus genotype, gB2 (96%), UL144 B1 (88%) and US28 A2
      (84%). These genotypes were detected in all newborns with asymptomatic congenital
      infection. The occurrence of UL144 B1 or US28 A2 genotypes in the babies examined
      was significant in comparison to other genotypes (p=0.0002 and p=0.040
      respectively). There was no association between specific gB subtypes in all
      patients groups (p=0.463). There was no correlation between HCMV genotypes and
      the outcome.

PMID- 22048844
TI  - Use of linezolid in neonatal and pediatric inpatient facilities--results of a
      retrospective multicenter survey.
AB  - The purpose of this investigation was to describe the use of linezolid in
      pediatric inpatient facilities. A retrospective multicenter survey including data
      from nine participating tertiary care pediatric inpatient facilities in Germany
      and Austria was undertaken. Data on 126 off-label linezolid treatment courses
      administered to 108 patients were documented. The survey comprises linezolid
      treatment in a broad spectrum of clinical indications to children of all age
      groups; the median age was 6.8 years (interquartile range 0.6-15.5 years; range
      0.1-21.2 years; ten patients were older than 18 years of age but were treated in
      pediatric inpatient units). Of the 126 treatment courses, 27 (21%) were
      administered to preterm infants, 64 (51%) to pediatric oncology patients, and 5%
      to patients soon after liver transplantation. In 25%, the infection was related
      to a medical device. Linezolid iv treatment was started after intensive pre
      treatment (up to 11 other antibiotics for a median duration of 14 days) and
      changed to enteral administration in only 4% of all iv courses. In 39 (53%) of 74
      courses administered to children older than 1 week and younger than 12 years of
      age, the dose was not adjusted to age-related pharmacokinetic parameters. In only
      17 courses (13%) was a pediatric infectious disease consultant involved in the
      clinical decision algorithm. Linezolid seemed to have contributed to a favorable
      outcome in 70% of all treatment courses in this survey. Although retrospective,
      this survey generates interesting data on the off-label use of linezolid and
      highlights several important clinical aspects in which the use of this rescue
      antibiotic in children might be improved.

PMID- 22048846
TI  - Regioselective glucosidation of trans-resveratrol in Escherichia coli expressing
      glucosyltransferase from Phytolacca americana.
AB  - A glucosyltransferase (GT) of Phytolacca americana (PaGT3) was expressed in
      Escherichia coli and purified for the synthesis of two O-beta-glucoside products
      of trans-resveratrol. The reaction was moderately regioselective with a ratio of
      4'-O-beta-glucoside: 3-O-beta-glucoside at 10:3. We used not only the purified
      enzyme but also the E. coli cells containing the PaGT3 gene for the synthesis of
      glycoconjugates. E. coli cell cultures also have other advantages, such as a
      shorter incubation time compared with cultured plant cells, no need for the
      addition of exogenous glucosyl donor compounds such as UDP-glucose, and almost
      complete conversion of the aglycone to the glucoside products. Furthermore, a
      homology model of PaGT3 and mutagenesis studies suggested that His-20 would be a
      catalytically important residue.

PMID- 22048847
TI  - Natural plant genetic engineer Agrobacterium rhizogenes: role of T-DNA in plant
      secondary metabolism.
AB  - Agrobacterium rhizogenes is a natural plant genetic engineer. It is a gram
      negative soil bacterium that induces hairy root formation. Success has been
      obtained in exploring the molecular mechanisms of transferred DNA (T-DNA)
      transfer, interaction with host plant proteins, plant defense signaling and
      integration to plant genome for successful plant genetic transformation. T-DNA
      and corresponding expression of rol genes alter morphology and plant host
      secondary metabolism. During transformation, there is a differential loss of a
      few T-DNA genes. Loss of a few ORFs drastically affect the growth and
      morphological patterns of hairy roots, expression pattern of biosynthetic pathway
      genes and accumulation of specific secondary metabolites.

PMID- 22048845
TI  - Cardiovascular consequences of sleep apnea.
AB  - Sleep apnea is a common health concern that is characterized by repetitive
      episodes of asphyxia. This condition has been linked to serious long-term adverse
      effects such as hypertension, metabolic dysregulation, and cardiovascular
      disease. Although the mechanism for the initiation and aggravation of
      cardiovascular disease has not been fully elucidated, oxidative stress and
      subsequent endothelial dysfunction play major roles. Animal models, which have
      the advantage of being free of comorbidities and/or behavioral variables (that
      commonly occur in humans), allow invasive measurements under well-controlled
      experimental conditions, and as such are useful tools in the study of the
      pathophysiological mechanisms of sleep apnea. This review summarizes currently
      available information on the cardiovascular consequences of sleep apnea and
      briefly describes common experimental approaches useful to sleep apnea in
      different animal models.

PMID- 22048848
TI  - Construction of multi-functional extracellular matrix proteins that inhibits
      migration and tube formation of endothelial cells.
AB  - Artificial extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins have been designed that have
      strong cell-adhesive activity and active functional units that inhibit network
      formation among vascular endothelial cells. A laminin-derived sequence (YIGSR)
      that blocks migration of vascular endothelial cells was designed to incorporate
      into an elastin-derived structural unit. The designed ECM fusion protein also had
      a cell-adhesive RGDN sequence that conferred an intense migration-inhibitory
      effect. The resultant ECM showed cell-adhesive activity superior to that of the
      synthetic YIGSR peptide and it blocked the migration of vascular endothelial
      cells. Furthermore, the designed ECM inhibited the angiogenic activity of a
      collagen gel. The engineering strategy of designing multi-functional ECM proteins
      could be applied to support novel tissue engineering techniques.

PMID- 22048849
TI  - Coronary CT angiography in patients with high calcium score: evaluation of plaque
      characteristics and diagnostic accuracy.
AB  - Our aim was to evaluate the plaque characteristics of coronary arteries related
      to significant stenosis with coronary CT angiography (CCTA) and to discuss the
      diagnostic accuracy of CCTA in patients with high calcium scores. After
      institutional review board approval, 110 patients (63 men; mean age: 67.1 +/- 7.9
      years) with Agatston scores >400 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients
      underwent Agatston calcium scoring and 64-slice CCTA, in addition to invasive
      coronary angiography (CAG). The composition (calcified, mixed, and non-calcified)
      and configuration (concentric, eccentric) of coronary artery plaques were
      analyzed on a per-segment basis by CCTA. We analyzed the differences in plaque
      composition and configuration between significant (>= 50%) and non-significant
      (<50%) stenosis. Additionally, the diagnostic accuracy of stenosis according to
      plaque composition was evaluated by CCTA, using CAG as a reference method.
      Significant differences in plaque composition and configurations were observed
      between the two groups. In cases of significant stenosis, the proportions of
      concentric, mixed, and non-calcified plaques were significantly higher than those
      of eccentric and calcified plaques (P < 0.001). The sensitivity and positive
      predictive value of mixed (97.4, 87.6%) and non-calcified plaques (97.8, 95.7%)
      were significantly higher than those of calcified plaques (87.6, 67.2%). Although
      CCTA has limited value due to low diagnostic accuracy of calcified plaques,
      knowledge about the high frequencies of mixed and non-calcified plaques in
      significant stenosis help to make an accurate assessment of CAD with CCTA in
      patients with high calcium scores.

PMID- 22048850
TI  - Psychotropic drugs and paediatrics: a critical need for more clinical trials.
AB  - Many children in the USA are prescribed psychotropic drugs that have not been
      fully investigated in paediatric clinical trials. The common practice of
      prescribing psychotropic drugs off-label poses unknown and potentially serious
      short- and long-term consequences for these children. This paper briefly reviews
      the factors associated with the lack of paediatric clinical trials. We advocate a
      shift toward increasing paediatric trials with psychotropic drugs through a
      combination of adequate safety controls, additional reimbursement/compensation, a
      more organised and large-scale effort to collate results and outcomes across
      researchers and studies and additional public education about the importance of
      this research. In addition, we encourage the re-examination of the ethical
      standards for children's participation in phase 1 clinical trials as well as
      argue for longitudinal developmental studies on children who are prescribed off
      label psychotropic drugs.

PMID- 22048851
TI  - The principle of parity: the 'placebo effect' and physician communication.
AB  - The use of 'placebos' in clinical practice is a source of continued controversy
      for physicians and medical ethicists. There is rarely any extensive discussion on
      what 'placebos' are and how they work. In this paper, drawing on Louhiala and
      Puustinen's work, the author proposes that the term 'placebo effect' be replaced
      in clinical contexts with the term 'positive care effect'. Medical treatment
      always takes place in a 'context of care' that encompasses all the phenomena
      associated with medical intervention it includes the particular method of
      treatment, the interpersonal relationships between medical staff and the patient
      and other factors, including physicians' and patients' beliefs in the power of
      the treatment. Together, these phenomena can result in a full spectrum of
      therapeutic effects to the patient--from no effects, to small effects, to large
      effects. In cases where there are significant therapeutic benefits to the
      patient, 'positive care effects' may be spoken of. Since the ethical codes of the
      General Medical Council and the American Medical Association demand transparency
      with respect to patient treatment and insist on complete openness in 'placebo'
      usage, the author argues that, as a matter of conceptual rigour and consistency,
      if the term 'placebo effect' is replaced by 'positive care effect', these ethical
      codes appear to insist on transparency about all such beneficial components of
      treatment. Given that this appears to be a counterintuitive obligation, the
      author concludes the paper with some comments on the clinical consequences of
      this conceptual revision, including a brief discussion of how this important
      debate might develop.

PMID- 22048852
TI  - Tacitly opting out of organ donation: too presumptuous after all?

PMID- 22048854
TI  - Dissent about assent in paediatric research.

PMID- 22048853
TI  - In the lion's den? Experiences of interaction with research ethics committees.
AB  - Research ethics review is an important process, designed to protect participants
      in medical research. However, it is increasingly criticised for failing to meet
      its aims. Here, two researchers reflect on their experiences of applying for
      ethical approval of observational research in clinical settings. They highlight
      some problems faced by reviewers and researchers and propose a two-stage ethical
      review process that would alert researchers to the committee's concerns and allow
      them to give a more considered response.

PMID- 22048855
TI  - [Progress in therapy and diagnostics of neuropsychiatric  diseases].

PMID- 22048856
TI  - [Deep brain stimulation in schizophrenia].
AB  - Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has successfully advanced our treatment options for
      putative therapy-resistant neuropsychiatric diseases. Building on this strong
      foundation, more and more mental disorders in the stadium of therapy-resistance
      are considered as possible indications for DBS. Especially, schizophrenia with
      its associated severe and difficult to treat symptoms is gaining attention. This
      attention demands critical questions regarding the assumed mechanisms of DBS and
      its possible influence on the supposed pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Here, we
      synoptically compare current approaches and theories of DBS and discuss the
      feasibility of DBS in schizophrenia as well as the transferability from other
      psychiatric disorders successfully treated with DBS. For this we consider recent
      advances in animal models of schizophrenic symptoms, results regarding the
      influence of DBS on dopaminergic transmission as well as data concerning neural
      oscillation and synchronisation. In conclusion, the use of DBS for some symptoms
      of schizophrenia seems to be a promising approach, but the lack of a
      comprehensive theory of the mechanisms of DBS as well as its impact on
      schizophrenia might hinder the use of DBS for schizophrenia at this point in
      time.

PMID- 22048857
TI  - [Retrospective analysis of routine-MRI and correlation with aetiology of
      dementia, severity and neuropsychology in a memory-clinic population].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The contribution of potential treatable dementia aetiologies
      diagnosed using cerebral imaging varied considerably in previous studies and was
      not evaluated in a recent larger German sample of patients from a memory clinic.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: MRI images of 502 patients were retrospectively reassessed.
      Beside the proportion of potentially treatable dementia aetiology, the extent of
      whole brain atrophy (semiquantitative) and vascular white matter lesions were
      assessed. RESULTS: Mean age of the patients was 63.7 +/- 13.1 years; 49 % were
      female, mean MMST was 24.2 +/- 5.5. In 74 % there was an agreement between the
      clinical dementia syndrome and MRI. 9 % (45 patients) had clearly discrepant
      imaging results, according to MRI criteria (21 * ischaemia, 20 * normal pressure
      hydrocephalus (NPH), 4 * intracerebral haemorrhage). These patients could not not
      be differentiated using age and MMST alone as clinical criteria. There was a
      significant correlation between global brain atrophy and MMST (r = -0.32; p <
      0.001) and white matter lesion score (r = 0.28; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In 9 %
      there was a clear discrepancy between MRI results and the clinical syndrome
      diagnosis in memory-clinic patients. As known from earlier studies and current
      German 3 rd generation guidelines, it is reasonable to perform MRI imaging in
      dementia to improve the aetiological and differential diagnoses and to detect a
      different aetiology that can be missed using the clinical dementia criteria
      alone.

PMID- 22048858
TI  - [Metabolic myopathies - part II: disorders of the fat, purine, and oxidative
      energy metabolism].

PMID- 22048859
TI  - The ability of land plants to synthesize glucuronoxylans predates the evolution
      of tracheophytes.
AB  - Glucuronoxylans with a backbone of 1,4-linked beta-D-xylosyl residues are
      ubiquitous in the secondary walls of gymnosperms and angiosperms. Xylans have
      been reported to be present in hornwort cell walls, but their structures have not
      been determined. In contrast, the presence of xylans in the cell walls of mosses
      and liverworts remains a subject of debate. Here we present data that
      unequivocally establishes that the cell walls of leafy tissue and axillary hair
      cells of the moss Physcomitrella patens contain a glucuronoxylan that is
      structurally similar to glucuronoxylans in the secondary cell walls of vascular
      plants. Some of the 1,4-linked beta-D-xylopyranosyl residues in the backbone of
      this glucuronoxylan bear an alpha-D-glucosyluronic acid (GlcpA) sidechain at O-2.
      In contrast, the lycopodiophyte Selaginella kraussiana synthesizes a
      glucuronoxylan substituted with 4-O-Me-alpha-D-GlcpA sidechains, as do many
      hardwood species. The monilophyte Equisetum hyemale produces a glucuronoxylan
      with both 4-O-Me-alpha-D-GlcpA and alpha-D-GlcpA sidechains, as does Arabidopsis.
      The seedless plant glucuronoxylans contain no discernible amounts of the reducing
      end sequence that is characteristic of gymnosperm and eudicot xylans.
      Phylogenetic studies showed that the P. patens genome contains genes with high
      sequence similarity to Arabidopsis CAZy family GT8, GT43 and GT47
      glycosyltransferases that are likely involved in xylan synthesis. We conclude
      that mosses synthesize glucuronoxylan that is structurally similar to the
      glucuronoxylans present in the secondary cell walls of lycopodiophytes,
      monilophytes, and many seed-bearing plants, and that several of the
      glycosyltransferases required for glucuronoxylan synthesis evolved before the
      evolution of tracheophytes.

PMID- 22048860
TI  - Linolenate 9R-dioxygenase and allene oxide synthase activities of Lasiodiplodia
      theobromae.
AB  - Jasmonic acid (JA) is synthesized from linolenic acid (18:3n-3) by sequential
      action of 13-lipoxygenase, allene oxide synthase (AOS), and allene oxide cyclase.
      The fungus Lasiodiplodia theobromae can produce large amounts of JA and was
      recently reported to form the JA precursor 12-oxophytodienoic acid. The objective
      of our study was to characterize the fatty acid dioxygenase activities of this
      fungus. Two strains of L. theobromae with low JA secretion (~0.2 mg/L medium)
      oxygenated 18:3n-3 to 5,8-dihydroxy-9Z,12Z,15Z-octadecatrienoic acid as well as
      9R-hydroperoxy-10E,12Z,15Z-octadecatrienoic acid, which was metabolized by an AOS
      activity into 9-hydroxy-10-oxo-12Z,15Z-octadecadienoic acid. Analogous
      conversions were observed with linoleic acid (18:2n-6). Studies using [11S
      (2)H]18:2n-6 revealed that the putative 9R-dioxygenase catalyzed stereospecific
      removal of the 11R hydrogen followed by suprafacial attack of dioxygen at C-9.
      Mycelia from these strains of L. theobromae contained 18:2n-6 as the major
      polyunsaturated acid but lacked 18:3n-3. A third strain with a high secretion of
      JA (~200 mg/L) contained 18:3n-3 as a major fatty acid and produced 5,8-dihydroxy
      9Z,12Z,15Z-octadecatrienoic acid from added 18:3n-3. This strain also lacked the
      JA biosynthetic enzymes present in higher plants.

PMID- 22048861
TI  - Extended report from working group 5: social responsibility of scientists at the
      59th Pugwash Conference on Science and World Affairs in Berlin, 1-4 July 2011.

PMID- 22048862
TI  - Outcomes in 125 individuals with adrenal incidentalomas from a single centre. a
      retrospective assessment of the 1 mg overnight and low dose dexamethasone
      suppression tests.
AB  - Adrenal masses discovered incidentally during imaging studies - adrenal
      incidentalomas (AIs) - are common and prompt investigations to exclude secretory
      lesions and malignancy. Their best management strategy is unknown. Our objectives
      were to identify all outcomes of AI investigation in a UK centre and to assess
      the performance of the 2 mg low dose (LDDST) and 1 mg overnight dexamethasone
      (ODST) suppression tests in this setting. Out of 125 patients referred to our
      centre between 2005 and 2009 with AIs, 16 (12.8%) were diagnosed with secretory
      adrenal adenomas. 24 patients (23%) failed to suppress on LDDST or ODST using a
      serum cortisol cut-off of 50 nmol/l for both tests; in 12 this was due to false
      positive results. 5 patients were diagnosed with adrenal Cushing's syndrome and 7
      with subclinical hypercortisolism. The use of a higher post LDDST (83 nmol/l) or
      ODST (138 nmol/l) cortisol cut-off would have resulted in missing 1 patient with
      Cushing's syndrome and 4 with subclinical hypercortisolism or 2 patients with
      Cushing's syndrome and 1 with subclinical hypercortisolism, respectively. In
      patients who had both tests, the ODST systematically resulted in higher post-test
      cortisol values compared with the LDDST. The adenoma diameter correlated with and
      was predictive of the post LDDST cortisol. Our results indicate that altering the
      post dexamethasone cut-off in accordance to published guidelines changes the
      performance of the suppression tests. The ODST may result in higher post-test
      cortisol levels compared to LDDST when used in patients with AIs.

PMID- 22048863
TI  - Much more than a gene: hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, reproductive choices
      and family life.
AB  - This article presents the results of a study that investigates the way in which
      carriers of a mutation on the BRCA1 or the BRCA2 gene, associated with a high
      risk of breast and ovarian cancer, make their reproductive decisions. Using semi
      structured interviews, the study explored the way in which these persons
      reflected on the acceptability of taking the risk of transmitting this mutation
      to the next generation, the arguments they used in favor or against taking that
      risk, and in the light of these arguments, their opinion on the acceptability of
      preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) as a reproductive option. The findings
      suggest that when carriers are planning to have a(nother) child, they are mainly
      concerned by the risk of transmitting 'much more than a gene': essentially
      painful experiences not only with respect to health, such as undergoing cancer
      surveillance or combatting one's own illness, but also with regards to family
      life, such as witnessing the illness and death of a close relative, encountering
      difficulties in finding a partner or reconsidering one's plans to have a family.
      As for opinions concerning the acceptability of PGD as a reproductive option,
      opinions about personal recourse were varied but all expressed the understanding
      that PGD should be made available to those persons who consider it their best
      option.

PMID- 22048865
TI  - Proximal component modularity in THA--at what cost? An implant retrieval study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: While modular femoral heads have been used in THA for decades, a
      recent innovation is a second neck-stem taper junction. Clinical advantages
      include intraoperative adjustment of leg length, femoral anteversion, and easier
      revision, all providing flexibility to the surgeon; however, there have been
      reports of catastrophic fracture, cold welding, and corrosion and fretting of the
      modular junction. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We asked whether (1) the neck-stem junction
      showed the same degradation mechanisms, if any, as the head-neck junction, (2)
      the junction contributed to THA revision, (3) the alloy affected the degree of
      degradation, and (4) the trunion machine finish affected the degradation
      mechanisms. METHODS: We compared 57 retrievals from seven total hip modular
      designs, three cobalt-chromium-molybdenum and four titanium based: Bionik((r))
      (four), GMRS((r)) (four), Margron((r)) (22), Apex((r)) (five), M-series((r))
      (five), ZMR((r)) (two), and S-ROM((r)) (15). Macroscopic inspection, microscopy,
      and micro-CT were conducted to determine the effects of materials and design.
      RESULTS: The cobalt-chromium-molybdenum components showed crevice corrosion and
      fretting of the neck-stem taper, whereas the titanium components had less
      corrosion; however, there were several cases of cold welding where disassembly
      could not be achieved in theater. CONCLUSIONS: Even with modern taper designs and
      corrosion-resistant materials, corrosion, fretting, and particulate debris were
      observed to a greater extent in the second neck-stem junction. Titanium-based
      modular arthroplasty may lessen the degree of degradation, but cold welding of
      the components may occur. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Degradation of the second junction
      contributed to 8 cases of metallosis and two cases of aseptic lymphocyte
      laminated vascular-associated lesions contributing to revision.

PMID- 22048864
TI  - Basic aspects of tumor cell fatty acid-regulated signaling and transcription
      factors.
AB  - This article reviews the current knowledge and experimental research about the
      mechanisms by which fatty acids and their derivatives control specific gene
      expression involved during carcinogenesis. Changes in dietary fatty acids,
      specifically the polyunsaturated fatty acids of the omega-3 and omega-6 families
      and some derived eicosanoids from lipoxygenases, cyclooxygenases, and cytochrome
      P-450, seem to control the activity of transcription factor families involved in
      cancer cell proliferation or cell death. Their regulation may be carried out
      either through direct binding to DNA as peroxisome proliferator-activated
      receptors or via modulation in an indirect manner of signaling pathway molecules
      (e.g., protein kinase C) and other transcription factors (nuclear factor kappa B
      and sterol regulatory element binding protein). Knowledge of the mechanisms by
      which fatty acids control specific gene expression may identify important risk
      factors for cancer and provide insight into the development of new therapeutic
      strategies for a better management of whole body lipid metabolism.

PMID- 22048866
TI  - Does shelf acetabuloplasty influence acetabular growth and remodeling?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Shelf acetabuloplasty has the potential to cause iatrogenic
      acetabular growth arrest, although accelerated acetabular growth has been
      reported based on plain radiographic evaluations in patients with Legg-Calve
      Perthes disease. Because plain radiographs may be limited in depicting actual
      acetabular morphology, it is unclear whether there are growth disturbances.
      QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We therefore determined (1) whether focal or generalized
      acetabular growth stimulation or retardation occurred based on CT analysis in
      combination with plain radiographic assessment; and (2) whether radiographically
      assessed femoral head deformity, subluxation, and acetabular dysplasia were
      associated with residual zonal rim dysplasia of the acetabulum. METHODS: We
      examined 14 patients who had undergone shelf acetabuloplasty for "reducible
      subluxation" and underwent CT scans at a mean 7 years after surgery (range, 3-11
      years). We measured radiographic indices reflecting acetabular depth and rim
      dysplasia on multiplanar reformatted images in 10 radial planes and on plain
      radiographs and calculated their operation-to-control ratios to assess growth
      changes. The mean age at surgery was 9.3 years (range, 7-12 years). RESULTS: We
      observed generalized accelerated growth in 11 hips and equivocal growth in three.
      None of the 14 hips showed an abrupt change in acetabular geometry. Despite
      improved acetabular depth in all hips, eight hips had focal rim dysplasia in the
      superior zone on CT examinations, and this was associated with a smaller center
      edge angle, a greater deformity index, and preexisting acetabular dysplasia.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our observations support the notion that shelf acetabuloplasty has a
      favorable, stimulatory effect on acetabular growth. However, the possible
      persistence of preexisting zonal rim dysplasia should be considered.

PMID- 22048868
TI  - A single institution experience of streptozocin/fluorouracil combination
      chemotherapy: a case series.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The combination chemotherapy regimen of streptozocin and 5
      fluorouracil (FU/STZ) has been used for the treatment of metastatic
      neuroendocrine tumours. AIM: The aim of this study was to analyse the use of this
      regimen in a tertiary oncology referral centre over a 10-year period. METHOD: We
      retrospectively analysed nine cases from February 2000 to May 2010. Patient
      demographics, chemotherapy schedule, toxicities, progression-free and overall
      survival were tabulated for each patient. RESULT: The median progression-free
      survival was 17 months (range 3-48+ months), and overall survival 31 months
      (range 12-53+ months) with no toxicity related deaths. CONCLUSION: FU/STZ was a
      well-tolerated regimen that produced significant benefit in the setting of
      metastatic and progressive disease. Our case series demonstrated comparable
      progression-free survival and overall survival in relation to randomized
      controlled studies and previous case series.

PMID- 22048869
TI  - Toward developing a universal treatment for fungal disease using
      radioimmunotherapy targeting common fungal antigens.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previously, we demonstrated the ability of radiolabeled antibodies
      recognizing the cryptococcal polysaccharide capsule to kill Cryptococcus
      neoformans both in vitro and in infected mice. This approach, known as
      radioimmunotherapy (RIT), uses the exquisite ability of antibodies to bind
      antigens to deliver microbicidal radiation. To create RIT reagents which would be
      efficacious against all major medically important fungi, we have selected
      monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to common surface fungal antigens such as heat shock
      protein 60 (HSP60), which is found on the surface of diverse fungi; beta (1,3)
      glucan, which is a major constituent of fungal cell walls; ceramide which is
      found at the cell surface, and melanin, a polymer present in the fungal cell
      wall. METHODS: MAbs 4E12, an IgG2a to fungal HSP60; 2G8, an IgG2b to beta-(1,3)
      glucan; and 6D2, an IgM to melanin, were labeled with the alpha particle emitting
      radionuclide 213-Bismuth ((213)Bi) using the chelator CHXA". B11, an IgM antibody
      to glucosylceramide, was labeled with the beta emitter 188-Rhenium ((188)Re).
      Model organisms Cryptococcus neoformans and Candida albicans were used to assess
      the cytotoxicity of these compounds after exposure to either radiolabeled mAbs or
      controls. RESULTS: (213)Bi-mAbs to HSP60 and to the beta-(1,3)-glucan each
      reduced the viability of both fungi by 80-100%. The (213)Bi-6D2 mAb to melanin
      killed 22% of C. neoformans, but did not kill C. albicans. B11 mAb against fungal
      ceramide was effective against wild-type C. neoformans, but was unable to kill a
      mutant lacking the ceramide target. Unlabeled mAbs and radiolabeled irrelevant
      control mAbs caused no killing. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that it is
      feasible to develop RIT against fungal pathogens by targeting common antigens and
      such an approach could be developed against fungal diseases for which existing
      therapy is unsatisfactory.

PMID- 22048870
TI  - Arsenic speciation analysis of urine samples from individuals living in an
      arsenic-contaminated area in Bangladesh.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Chronic inorganic arsenic (iAs) exposure currently affects tens of
      millions of people worldwide. To accurately determine the proportion of urinary
      arsenic metabolites in residents continuously exposed to iAs, we performed
      arsenic speciation analysis of the urine of these individuals and determined
      whether a correlation exists between the concentration of iAs in drinking water
      and the urinary arsenic species content. METHODS: The subjects were 165 married
      couples who had lived in the Pabna District in Bangladesh for more than 5 years.
      Arsenic species were measured using high-performance liquid chromatography and
      inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. RESULTS: The median iAs
      concentration in drinking water was 55 MUgAs/L (range <0.5-332 MUgAs/L).
      Speciation analysis revealed the presence of arsenite, arsenate,
      monomethylarsonic acid (MMA), and dimethylarsinic acid in urine samples with
      medians (range) of 16.8 (7.7-32.3), 1.8 (<0.5-3.3), 13.7 (5.6-25.0), and 88.6
      MUgAs/L (47.9-153.4 MUgAs/L), respectively. No arsenobetaine or arsenocholine was
      detected. The concentrations of the 4 urinary arsenic species were significantly
      and linearly related to each other. The urinary concentrations of total arsenic
      and each species were significantly correlated with the iAs concentration of
      drinking water. CONCLUSIONS: All urinary arsenic species are well correlated with
      each other and with iAs in drinking water. The most significant linear
      relationship existed between the iAs concentration in drinking water and urinary
      iAs + MMA concentration. From these results, combined with the effects of seafood
      ingestion, the best biomarker of iAs exposure is urinary iAs + MMA concentration.

PMID- 22048871
TI  - (+)-Episesamin exerts anti-neoplastic effects in human hepatocellular carcinoma
      cell lines via suppression of nuclear factor-kappa B and inhibition of MMP-9.
AB  - Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide.
      Treatment options, especially in advanced tumor stages, are still limited.
      Inhibition of signaling cascades involved in the pathogenesis of HCC - such as NF
      KB - offer a promising therapeutic approach. Aim of this study was to examine
      anti-neoplastic effects of (+)-episesamin which has been isolated from an anti
      fibrotic extract of Lindera obtusiloba on human HCC cells with particular
      interest in activation of NF-kappaB. The human HCC cell lines HepG2, Huh-7 and SK
      Hep1 were treated with (+)-episesamin. Beside measurement of proliferation,
      invasion and apoptosis, effects of (+)-episesamin on NF-kappaB-activity, VEGF
      secretion and enzymatic MMP-9 activity were determined. Anti-inflammatory effects
      were assessed by IL-6 ELISA using HCC cells and RAW264.7 macrophages. 10 MUM (+)
      episesamin reduced the proliferation of HCC cells by ~50%, suppressed invasion
      and induced apoptosis. DNA-binding ELISA experiments revealed that (+)-episesamin
      treated HCC cells showed a suppressed basal and TNFalpha-induced activation of NF
      kappaB and a subsequent suppression of TNFalpha- and LPS-induced IL-6 production.
      Further, (+)-episesamin exhibited inhibitory effects on the enzymatic activity of
      recombinant MMP-9 and the secretion of MMP-9 and VEGF by HCC cells into their
      supernatants. Our findings show that anti-neoplastic effects of (+)-episesamin
      are mediated via suppressed activation of NF-kappaB which entails a decreased
      release of pro-inflammatory IL-6. In addition, (+)-episesamin inhibits MMP-9,
      which is strongly expressed in invasive HCC, and the production of proangiogenic
      VEGF. We conclude that (+)-episesamin has the potential to be further explored as
      a complementary treatment for HCC.

PMID- 22048872
TI  - [Broncholithiasis, lithoptysis and broncho-oesophageal fistula].
AB  - Broncho-oesophageal fistulas in broncholithiasis are extremely rare. Preceding
      lithoptysis is only seen infrequently. We report on a 68-year-old patient who
      complained of cough for more than 3 years. 5 months prior to admission he had
      hemoptysis and expectorated several greyish stones of up to 5 mm diameter.
      Endoscopy revealed a small excavation at the medial wall of the left main
      bronchus. Compared to a former CT, an actual CT scan of the thorax showed a small
      fistula between the oesophagus and the left main bronchus and revealed a missing
      calcification at this site. The patient underwent a left-sided thoracotomy with
      excision of the fistula, suture of the oesophagus and interponation of a flap of
      the M. latissimus dorsi. The demonstration of broncholith migration with CT scans
      before and after lithoptysis, the development of a left-sided fistula and its
      demonstration in the CT scan as well as endoscopically have not been reported in
      this combination before.

PMID- 22048873
TI  - [Pulmonary paraganglioma: case report and literature review].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pulmonary paraganglioma is a very rare condition with 40 cases
      reported in the literature. In the vast majority of cases the correct diagnosis
      could not be yielded preoperatively. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of
      paraganglioma of the lung. Computed tomographic scan showed a solitary pulmonary
      nodule. Diagnostic thoracotomy was performed and a tumor in the left lower lobe
      was resected. Frozen section evaluation showed an epithelial tumor with
      neuroendocrine differentiation and low grade features. Accordingly, lobectomy was
      performed. The study of the paraffin-embedded specimen yielded furthermore a
      neuroendocrine differentiated tumor, but mitotic figures were rare.
      Immunhistochemically the final diagnosis paraganglioma was made. CONCLUSION: In
      patients with pulmonary paraganglioma, the correct preoperative diagnosis is in
      general not available. Solitary pulmonary nodules or minor tumors of unknown
      histology are resected by wedge resection and sent to frozen section evaluation.
      Frozen section evaluation results in the diagnosis neuroendocrine tumor with more
      or less mitoses and mostly specified as carcinoid tumor. According to the
      literature biologic behaviour of carcinoid tumor and pulmonary paraganglioma is
      similar and thus the incorrect result of frozen section evaluation leads to a
      correct resection mode. If frozen section evaluation shows low grade features,
      surgical overtreatment may occur.

PMID- 22048874
TI  - [Costs of the influenza pandemic for the public health services - calculations
      based on the model of the metropolitan region Frankfurt am Main].
AB  - The influenza pandemic of 2009 has been the biggest challenge to the public
      health services in post-war Germany. This study investigates the impact on the
      overall costs for the public health authorities of the metropolitan region
      Frankfurt am Main which arose in the context of the pandemic as well as the
      specific costs of the implementation and realisation of the vaccination campaign
      during the pandemic. In 2009 the incremental costs for the Health Protection
      Authority of the City of Frankfurt am Main for the prevention and logistics
      caused by this pandemic amounted to ? 223,537.91, whereas costs which could be
      directly attributed to the vaccination campaign (vaccine not included amounted to
      only a fraction thereof (? 45,401.48). The per-capita costs for vaccinated
      citizens were ? 10.66.  These results clearly demonstrate the importance of
      adequate financial resources for the public health authorities to cope with
      infectious disease outbreaks and future pandemics.

PMID- 22048875
TI  - Expressed sexual assault legal context and victim culpability attributions.
AB  - Legal scholars have argued that laws have an expressive function, specifically
      that sexual assault laws may convey social-level messages that victims are
      culpable for crimes against them. In a university sample, we conducted the first
      experimental test of legal scholars' proposal, hypothesizing that legal messages
      specifically their clarity and effectiveness in conveying that sexual assault is
      a crime-affect victim culpability attributions. Results demonstrated that greater
      culpability was attributed to a victim of sexual assault within a context
      expressing unclear and ineffective sexual assault law than within a context
      clearly and effectively expressing that sexual assault is a crime. We also
      garnered empirical support for a mediation model, that is, negative affective
      reactions to a victim statistically accounted for the relationship between
      expressed legal context and victim culpability attributions. Implications for
      future psycholegal research and potential legal reforms are discussed.

PMID- 22048876
TI  - How do I treat "triple-negative" disease.
AB  - OPINION STATEMENT: Over the recent years, there has been an increasing
      recognition that triple-negative breast cancer constitutes a separate, albeit
      heterogeneous, entity arising from distinct oncogenic pathways. Despite its
      aggressive clinical behavior, triple-negative disease responds favorably to
      cytotoxic chemotherapy resulting in high response rates. Nonetheless, the relapse
      rates are high and, in the absence of targeted therapies to significantly alter
      its natural history, the prognosis can be poor. Most of the trials conducted in
      the past that led to the formulation of the current guidelines have
      indiscriminately lumped triple-negative disease with receptor-positive subtypes.
      Therefore, there are relatively scant data regarding how standard approaches
      specifically apply for triple-negative disease. By virtue of its chemosensitive
      nature and high probability of achieving a complete pathologic response,
      neoadjuvant chemotherapy in early-stage/operable and locally-advanced/inoperable
      triple-negative disease is highly recommended. The indications for adjuvant
      chemotherapy are the same as in receptor-positive tumors, although endocrine
      therapies or agents targeting Her2 signaling have no established role in triple
      negative disease. The optimal chemotherapy is not entirely clear; however, by
      virtue of their efficacy in breast cancer in general, anthracycline-containing
      regimens are the most widely used. The incorporation of taxanes in the regimen is
      supported by retrospective analyses. There is scant evidence to recommend any
      particular agent in the metastatic setting, although the combination of
      ixabepilone with capecitabine was shown to be active specifically in triple
      negative disease. Given the uncertainty in the optimal management of triple
      negative disease, the shortcomings of contemporary regimens, and the strong
      rationale of novel therapies, participation in clinical trials should be strongly
      considered at any stage of the disease.

PMID- 22048877
TI  - Optimization of a dual mechanism gastrofloatable and gastroadhesive delivery
      system for narrow absorption window drugs.
AB  - In order to overcome poor bioavailability of narrow absorption window drugs, a
      gastrosphere system comprising two mechanisms of gastric retention, namely
      buoyancy and gastroadhesion, has been investigated in this study employing
      poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA), polyacrylic acid (PAA), alginate, pectin,
      and a model drug metformin hydrochloride. Fifteen formulations were obtained
      using a Box-Behnken statistical design. The gastrosphere yield was above 80% in
      all cases; however, due to the high water solubility of metformin, drug
      entrapment efficacy was between 18% and 54%. Mean dissolution time and
      gastroadhesive strength were used as the formulation responses in order to
      optimize the formulation. Furthermore, the molecular mechanics force field
      simulations were performed to corroborate the experimental findings. Drug release
      profiles revealed three different release kinetics, namely, burst, first-order
      and zero-order release. Varying gastroadhesive results were obtained, and were
      highly sensitive to changes in polymer concentrations. FTIR revealed that strong
      bonds of PAA and PLGA were retained within the gastrosphere. Surface area and
      porosity analysis provided supporting evidence that the lyophilization process
      resulted in a significant increase in the porosity. Analysis of the surface
      morphology by SEM revealed that air pockets were spread over the entire surface
      of the gastrosphere, providing a visual proof of the high porosity and hence low
      density of the gastrosphere. The spatial disposition and energetic profile of the
      sterically constrained and geometrically optimized multi-polymeric complex of
      alginate, pectin, PAA, and PLGA corroborated the experimental results in terms of
      in vitro drug release and gastroadhesive strength of the fabricated
      gastrospheres.

PMID- 22048878
TI  - A phase II study of the Ras-MAPK signaling pathway inhibitor TLN-4601 in patients
      with glioblastoma at first progression.
AB  - This phase II trial was undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of TLN-4601 in
      patients with glioblastoma (GBM) at first progression. TLN-4601 inhibits the Ras
      MAPK signaling pathway, and in animal models crosses the blood-brain barrier and
      accumulates in implanted gliomas, possibly by binding specifically to the
      peripheral benzodiazepine receptor. A maximum of 40 patients with recurrent GBM
      were to be enrolled in this study. TLN-4601 was administered at a dose of 480
      mg/m(2)/day by continuous intravenous (CIV) administration. Each 21-day cycle
      consisted of a 14-day CIV administration and a 7-day recovery period. Samples
      were obtained from all patients for pharmacokinetic evaluations (PK) and for Raf
      1 and pERK biomarker assessment using immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry.
      Following enrollment of 20 patients, this study was terminated due to a lack of
      efficacy. Of 17 evaluable patients, 14 had MR scans performed after two cycles of
      TLN-4601. Of these 14 patients, three had stable disease and 11 had disease
      progression. Only three patients had MR scans performed after four cycles and all
      had evidence of radiographic progression. Serum PKs confirmed that patients were
      exposed to TLN-4601 at targeted drug levels. TLN-4601 was generally well
      tolerated although two patients discontinued treatment due to adverse events.
      Biomarker analysis did not show consistent changes. TLN-4601 infused via CIV at
      480 mg/m(2)/day for 14 of 21 days is well tolerated by patients with progressive
      GBM. However, this agent is ineffective in progressive GBM when administered as
      monotherapy in this schedule.

PMID- 22048880
TI  - [Social inequalites, mental health and service provision].

PMID- 22048879
TI  - Increased tryptophan transport in epileptogenic dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial
      tumors.
AB  - Dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumors (DNTs) are typically hypometabolic but
      can show increased amino acid uptake on positron emission tomography (PET). To
      better understand mechanisms of amino acid accumulation in epileptogenic DNTs, we
      combined quantitative alpha-[(11)C]methyl-L: -tryptophan (AMT) PET with tumor
      immunohistochemistry. Standardized uptake values (SUVs) of AMT and glucose were
      measured in 11 children with temporal lobe DNT. Additional quantification for AMT
      transport and metabolism was performed in 9 DNTs. Tumor specimens were
      immunostained for the L: -type amino acid transporter 1 (LAT1) and indoleamine
      2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), a key enzyme of the immunomodulatory kynurenine pathway.
      All 11 tumors showed glucose hypometabolism, while mean AMT SUVs were higher than
      normal cortex in eight DNTs. Further quantification showed increased AMT
      transport in seven and high AMT metabolic rates in three DNTs. Two patients
      showing extratumoral cortical increases of AMT SUV had persistent seizures
      despite complete tumor resection. Resected DNTs showed moderate to strong LAT1
      and mild to moderate IDO immunoreactivity, with the strongest expression in tumor
      vessels. These results indicate that accumulation of tryptophan in DNTs is driven
      by high amino acid transport, mediated by LAT1, which can provide the substrate
      for tumoral tryptophan metabolism through the kynurenine pathway, that can
      produce epileptogenic metabolites. Increased AMT uptake can extend to
      extratumoral cortex, and presence of such cortical regions may increase the
      likelihood of recurrent seizures following surgical excision of DNTs.

PMID- 22048881
TI  - [Unitary dementia].

PMID- 22048882
TI  - [Diabetes mellitus and comorbid depression: economic findings from a systematic
      literature review].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To conduct a systematic literature review of cost-of-illness studies
      and economic evaluations for diabetic patients with comorbid depression. METHODS:
      Systematic literature search in PubMed and NHS EED in March 2011, complemented by
      a bibliographic search within all eligible articles. RESULTS: The search produced
      a total of 388 studies of which 16 were analysed in full text. Altogether, eleven
      studies were included into the review, all of which were conducted in the USA.
      The results from cost-of-illness studies (n = 8) indicate excess costs in between
      35 % and 300 % for diabetics with comorbid depression, in comparison to those
      without depression. Three economic evaluations indicate that appropriate
      interventions can lead to improved health (i. e. more depression free days) at no
      extra cost. The results from two cost-effectiveness analyses indicate dominance
      (more depression free days and cost-savings compared to "usual care") for the
      evaluated interventions. CONCLUSIONS: Depressive symptoms are associated with
      increased health care costs in diabetic patients. Part of these excess costs can
      be attributed to the treatment of diabetes. Appropriate interventions aimed at
      depression treatment can increase time free of depression at no greater cost than
      usual care.

PMID- 22048883
TI  - [Psychiatry@home--establishing contact to a community mental health service via
      www].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Psychiatric services increasingly use internet technologies to
      enhance and support usual therapies, which are based on direct personal contact.
      METHODS: An anonymous e-mail-request of a young girl obviously requiring
      psychiatric support and treatment is illustrated, characterized by the intention
      of the service to establish personal contact. CONCLUSIONS: Chances and
      limitations of psychiatric interventions using the internet are discussed.

PMID- 22048884
TI  - Efficacy, safety, and tolerability of a triple reuptake inhibitor GSK372475 in
      the treatment of patients with major depressive disorder: two randomized, placebo
      and active-controlled clinical trials.
AB  - GSK372475 is a triple reuptake inhibitor with approximately equipotent inhibition
      of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine transporters. Two randomized, placebo-
      and active-controlled, double-blind studies examined the efficacy and safety of
      GSK372475 in outpatients (aged 18-64 years) with a diagnosis of major depressive
      episode associated with major depressive disorder (MDD). Patients were randomized
      1:1:1 to placebo, GSK372475 (1-2 mg/d), or active control (Study 1: venlafaxine
      XR 150-225 mg/d; Study 2: paroxetine 20-30 mg/d). GSK372475 did not significantly
      differ from placebo on any of the key efficacy endpoints (six-item Bech scale,
      IDS-Clinician Rated, MADRS) in either study. Both active controls demonstrated
      significant antidepressant activity compared with placebo on both primary and
      secondary endpoints. The most common adverse effects (AEs) with GSK372475 were
      dry mouth, headache, insomnia, and nausea. AEs were more frequent for GSK372475
      versus placebo for sleep, anxiety-related, gastrointestinal, and tachycardia
      events. Increases in mean change from baseline in heart rate and sitting blood
      pressure were greater for GSK372475 than observed for either placebo or active
      control groups. Completion rates were lower for GSK372475 (49%, 58%) compared
      with placebo (67%, 74%), venlafaxine XR (63%), or paroxetine (77%). GSK372475 was
      neither efficacious nor well tolerated in patients with MDD in two 10-week
      studies.

PMID- 22048885
TI  - Effects of lycopene and proanthocyanidins on hepatotoxicity induced by mercuric
      chloride in rats.
AB  - To evaluate the protective potential of lycopene (Lyc) and proanthocyanidins
      (PCs) against mercuric chloride (HgCl(2))-induced hepatotoxicity, the study
      focused on the mechanism of oxidative stress. Firstly, the rats were
      subcutaneously (s.c.) injected with 0, 2.2, 4.4, and 8.8 MUmol/kg HgCl(2).
      Additionally, 40 mg/kg Lyc and 450 mg/kg PCs were given to the rats
      intragastrically (i.g.) before exposure to 8.8 MUmol/kg HgCl(2). Then, body
      weight, liver weight coefficient, mercury (Hg) contents, histological feature,
      ultrastructure, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS), glutathione (GSH),
      glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde
      (MDA) in the liver were measured. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and alanine
      transaminase (ALT) in serum were determined. After exposure to different
      concentrations of HgCl(2), it was found that Hg contents, pathological and
      ultrastructure injury, activities of LDH and ALT, apoptosis, and levels of ROS,
      GSH, and MDA increased and the activities of SOD and GSH-Px decreased in a
      concentration-dependent manner. Further investigation found that pretreatment
      with Lyc and PCs inhibited ROS production, protected antioxidant enzymes, and
      reversed hepatotoxicity. We concluded that Lyc and PCs had hepatoprotective
      effects on HgCl(2)-induced toxicity by antagonizing oxidative stress in rat
      liver.

PMID- 22048886
TI  - Ether-a-go-go 1 (Eag1) potassium channel expression in dopaminergic neurons of
      basal ganglia is modulated by 6-hydroxydopamine lesion.
AB  - The ether a go-go (Eag) gene encodes the voltage-gated potassium (K(+)) ion
      channel Kv10.1, whose function still remains unknown. As dopamine may directly
      affect K(+) channels, we evaluated whether a nigrostriatal dopaminergic lesion
      induced by the neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) would alter Eag1-K(+)
      channel expression in the rat basal ganglia and related brain regions. Male
      Wistar rats received a microinjection of either saline or 6-OHDA (unilaterally)
      into the medial forebrain bundle. The extent of the dopaminergic lesion induced
      by 6-OHDA was evaluated by apomorphine-induced rotational behavior and by
      tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunoreactivity. The 6-OHDA microinjection caused a
      partial or complete lesion of dopaminergic cells, as well as a reduction of Eag1+
      cells in a manner proportional to the extent of the lesion. In addition, we
      observed a decrease in TH immunoreactivity in the ipsilateral striatum. In
      conclusion, the expression of the Eag1-K(+)-channel throughout the nigrostriatal
      pathway in the rat brain, its co-localization with dopaminergic cells and its
      reduction mirroring the extent of the lesion highlight a physiological circuitry
      where the functional role of this channel can be investigated. The Eag1-K(+)
      channel expression in dopaminergic cells suggests that these channels are part of
      the diversified group of ion channels that generate and maintain the
      electrophysiological activity pattern of dopaminergic midbrain neurons.

PMID- 22048887
TI  - Treatment of progressive brain stem glioma with bevacizumab: radiological,
      metabolic and histopathological aspects.

PMID- 22048888
TI  - Comparative screening of K-ras mutations in colorectal cancer and lung cancer
      patients using a novel real-time PCR with ADx-K-ras kit and Sanger DNA
      sequencing.
AB  - We determined frequency/types of K-ras mutations in colorectal/lung cancer. ADx-K
      ras kit (real-time/double-loop probe PCR) was used to detect somatic tumor gene
      mutations compared with Sanger DNA sequencing using 583 colorectal and 244 lung
      cancer paraffin-embedded clinical samples. Genomic DNA was used in both methods;
      mutation rates at codons 12/13 and frequency of each mutation were detected and
      compared. The data show that 91.4% colorectal and 59.0% lung carcinoma samples
      were detected conclusively by DNA sequencing, whereas 100% colorectal and lung
      samples were detected by ADx-K-ras kit. K-ras gene mutations were detected in
      32.9-27.4% colorectal samples using kit and sequencing methods, respectively.
      Whereas 10.6-8.3% lung cancer samples were positively detected by kit and
      sequencing methods, respectively. Notably, 172/677 showed mutations and 467/677
      showed wild type by both methods; 38 samples showed mutations with kit but wild
      type with sequencing. Mutations in colorectal samples were as follows: GGT ->
      GAT/codon-12 (35.1%); GGC -> GAC/codon-13 (26.6%); GGT -> GTT/codon-12 (18.2%);
      and GGT -> GCT/codon-12 (1.6%). Mutations in lung samples were as follows: GGT >
      GTT/codon-12 (40.9%) and GGT > GCT/codon-12 (4.5%). In conclusion, K-ras
      mutations involved 32.2% colorectal and 10.6% lung samples among this cohort. ADx
      K-ras real-time PCR showed higher detection rates (P < 0.05). The kit method has
      good clinical applicability as it is simple, fast, less prone to contamination
      and hence can be used effectively and reliably for clinical screening of somatic
      tumor gene mutations.

PMID- 22048889
TI  - Reversal of height dimorphism promotes pollen and seed dispersal in a wind
      pollinated dioecious plant.
AB  - Variation in the timing of reproductive functions in dioecious organisms may
      result in adaptive changes in the direction of sexual dimorphism during the
      breeding season. For plants in which both pollen and seeds are wind-dispersed, it
      may be advantageous for male plants to be taller when pollen is dispersed and
      female plants to be taller when seeds are dispersed. We examined the dynamics of
      height dimorphism in Rumex hastatulus, an annual, wind-pollinated, dioecious
      plant from the southern USA. A field survey of seven populations indicated that
      females were significantly taller than males at seed maturity. However, a
      glasshouse experiment revealed a more complex pattern of height growth during the
      life cycle. No dimorphism was evident prior to reproduction for six of seven
      populations, but at flowering, males were significantly taller than females in
      all populations. This pattern was reversed at reproductive maturity, consistent
      with field observations. Males flowered later than females and the degree of
      height dimorphism was greater in populations with a later onset of male
      flowering. We discuss the potential adaptive significance of temporal changes in
      height dimorphism for pollen and seed dispersal, and how this may be optimized
      for the contrasting reproductive functions of the sexes.

PMID- 22048890
TI  - Eurasian jays (Garrulus glandarius) overcome their current desires to anticipate
      two distinct future needs and plan for them appropriately.
AB  - Western scrub-jays (Aphelocoma californica) have been shown to overcome present
      satiety to cache food they will desire in the future. Here, we show that another
      corvid, the Eurasian jay (Garrulus glandarius), can distinguish between two
      distinct future desires and plan for each appropriately, despite experiencing a
      conflicting current motivation. We argue that these data address the criticisms
      of previous work, and suggest a way in which associative learning processes and
      future-oriented cognition may combine to allow prospective behaviour.

PMID- 22048891
TI  - Ranavirus: past, present and future.
AB  - Emerging infectious diseases are a significant threat to global biodiversity.
      While historically overlooked, a group of iridoviruses in the genus Ranavirus has
      been responsible for die-offs in captive and wild amphibian, reptile and fish
      populations around the globe over the past two decades. In order to share
      contemporary information on ranaviruses and identify critical research
      directions, the First International Symposium on Ranaviruses was held in July
      2011 in Minneapolis, MN, USA. Twenty-three scientists and veterinarians from nine
      countries examined the ecology and evolution of ranavirus-host interactions,
      potential reservoirs, transmission dynamics, as well as immunological and
      histopathological responses to infection. In addition, speakers discussed
      possible mechanisms for die-offs, and conservation strategies to control
      outbreaks.

PMID- 22048892
TI  - Challenges in the conservation and sustainable use of genetic resources.
AB  - The meeting on 'Genetic Resources in the Face of New Environmental, Economic and
      Social Challenges' held in Montpellier (France) from 20-22 September 2011 brought
      together about 200 participants active in research and management of the genetic
      diversity of plant, animal, fungal and microbial species. Attendees had the rare
      opportunity to hear about agronomy, botany, microbiology, mycology, the social
      sciences and zoology in the same conference. The research teams presented the
      results of about 50 projects funded by the French Foundation for Research on
      Biodiversity to preserve genetic diversity carried out in Africa, Asia, Europe
      and the Americas. These projects aimed to better understand and manage genetic
      resources in a rapidly changing world (e.g. structural changes in the
      agricultural industry, the need for climate change mitigation and adaptation, the
      challenge of achieving food security despite the growing world population and
      changing dietary habits, the opportunities provided by the many new molecular
      biology tools, the problems caused by widespread scientific budget cuts). The
      meeting also hosted some roundtables open to all participants which provided a
      forum to establish a much needed dialogue between policy-makers, managers and
      researchers.

PMID- 22048893
TI  - Climate change experiments in temperate grasslands: synthesis and future
      directions.
AB  - The immediate need to understand the complex responses of grasslands to climate
      change, to ensure food supplies and to mitigate future climate change through
      carbon sequestration, necessitate a global, synthesized approach. Numerous
      manipulative experiments have altered temperature or precipitation, often in
      conjunction with other interacting factors such as grazing, to understand
      potential effects of climate change on the ecological integrity of temperate
      grasslands and understand the mechanisms of change. Although the different ways
      in which temperature and precipitation may change to effect grasslands were well
      represented, variability in methodology limited generalizations. Results from
      these experiments were also largely mixed and complex; thus, a broad
      understanding of temperate grassland responses to these factors remains elusive.
      A collaboration based on a set of globally dispersed, inexpensive experiments
      with consistent methodology would provide the data needed to better understand
      responses of temperate grassland to climate change.

PMID- 22048895
TI  - Detection of two QTL on chicken chromosome 14 for keyhole lymphet haemocyanin.
AB  - A keyhole lymphet haemocyanin is an antigen which triggers Th1 type of immune
      response. A QTL for a primary immune response towards keyhole lymphet haemocyanin
      has been detected on chicken chromosome 14 in three populations. The results from
      the most recent population were inconsistent and varied depending on the applied
      QTL detection model. The major goal of the current study was the reanalysis of
      this data using a 2 QTL model. Additionally, in order to provide more accurate
      estimates of QTL effects and positions, epistasis between the QTL was considered
      as a potential important contributor to quantitative traits. Four statistical
      models were assumed: M1: A model assuming marginal additive effects of two QTL;
      M2: A model assuming marginal and epistatic additive effects of two QTL; M3: A
      model assuming marginal additive and dominance effects of two QTL; M4: A model
      assuming marginal additive and dominance effects of two QTL and all possible
      pairwise epistases. Two QTL with significant additive and dominance effects were
      detected on chicken chromosome 14 using model M3. One QTL was detected at 63 cM
      between MCW0123 and ROS0005, another at 76 cM between ROS0005 and
      MCW0225/NTN2Lsts1 (FDR = 0.0051). Modelling only additive effects resulted in a
      significantly worse fit. On the other hand, including epistatic effects did not
      improve fit significantly. The current study confirms previous reports of the QTL
      location on GGA14. A notable finding of this study is recognition of two closely
      related QTL for a keyhole lymphet haemocyanin response at the distal part of
      chicken chromosome 14.

PMID- 22048896
TI  - FGFR2 mutation confers a less drastic gain of function in mesenchymal stem cells
      than in fibroblasts.
AB  - Gain-of-function mutations in FGFR2 cause Apert syndrome (AS), a disease
      characterized by craniosynostosis and limb bone defects both due to abnormalities
      in bone differentiation and remodeling. Although the periosteum is an important
      cell source for bone remodeling, its role in craniosynostosis remains poorly
      characterized. We hypothesized that periosteal mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and
      fibroblasts from AS patients have abnormal cell phenotypes that contribute to the
      recurrent fusion of the coronal sutures. MSCs and fibroblasts were obtained from
      the periostea of 3 AS patients (S252W) and 3 control individuals (WT). We
      evaluated the proliferation, migration, and osteogenic differentiation of these
      cells. Interestingly, S252W mutation had opposite effects on different cell
      types: S252W MSCs proliferated less than WT MSCs, while S252W fibroblasts
      proliferated more than WT fibroblasts. Under restrictive media conditions, only
      S252W fibroblasts showed enhanced migration. The presence of S252W mutation
      increased in vitro and in vivo osteogenic differentiation in both studied cell
      types, though the difference compared to WT cells was more pronounced in S252W
      fibroblasts. This osteogenic differentiation was reversed through inhibition of
      JNK. We demonstrated that S252W fibroblasts can induce osteogenic differentiation
      in periosteal MSCs but not in MSCs from another tissue. MSCs and fibroblasts
      responded differently to the pathogenic effects of the FGFR2(S252W) mutation. We
      propose that cells from the periosteum have a more important role in the
      premature fusion of cranial sutures than previously thought and that molecules in
      JNK pathway are strong candidates for the treatment of AS patients.

PMID- 22048897
TI  - Developmental and functional nature of human iPSC derived motoneurons.

PMID- 22048898
TI  - How can cells sense the elasticity of a substrate? An analysis using a cell
      tensegrity model.
AB  - A eukaryotic cell attaches and spreads on substrates, whether it is the
      extracellular matrix naturally produced by the cell itself, or artificial
      materials, such as tissue-engineered scaffolds. Attachment and spreading require
      the cell to apply forces in the nN range to the substrate via adhesion sites, and
      these forces are balanced by the elastic response of the substrate. This
      mechanical interaction is one determinant of cell morphology and, ultimately,
      cell phenotype. In this paper we use a finite element model of a cell, with a
      tensegrity structure to model the cytoskeleton of actin filaments and
      microtubules, to explore the way cells sense the stiffness of the substrate and
      thereby adapt to it. To support the computational results, an analytical 1D model
      is developed for comparison. We find that (i) the tensegrity hypothesis of the
      cytoskeleton is sufficient to explain the matrix-elasticity sensing, (ii) cell
      sensitivity is not constant but has a bell-shaped distribution over the
      physiological matrix-elasticity range, and (iii) the position of the sensitivity
      peak over the matrix-elasticity range depends on the cytoskeletal structure and
      in particular on the F-actin organisation. Our model suggests that F-actin
      reorganisation observed in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in response to change of
      matrix elasticity is a structural-remodelling process that shifts the sensitivity
      peak towards the new value of matrix elasticity. This finding discloses a
      potential regulatory role of scaffold stiffness for cell differentiation.

PMID- 22048899
TI  - A combination of shear and dynamic compression leads to mechanically induced
      chondrogenesis of human mesenchymal stem cells.
AB  - There is great interest in how bone marrow derived stem cells make fate
      decisions. Numerous studies have investigated the role of individual growth
      factors on mesenchymal stem cell differentiation, leading to protocols for
      cartilage, bone and adipose tissue. However, these protocols overlook the role of
      biomechanics on stem cell differentiation. There have been various studies that
      have applied mechanical stimulation to constructs containing mesenchymal stem
      cells, with varying degrees of success. One critical fate decision is that
      between cartilage and bone. Articular motion is a combination of compressive,
      tensile and shear deformations; therefore, one can presume that compression alone
      is unlikely to be a sufficient mechanical signal to generate a cartilage-like
      tissue in vitro. Within this study, we aimed to determine the role of shear on
      the fate of stem cell differentiation. Specifically, we investigated the
      potential enhancing effect of surface shear, superimposed on cyclic axial
      compression, on chondrogenic differentiation of human bone marrow-derived stem
      cells. Using a custom built loading device we applied compression, shear or a
      combination of both stimuli onto fibrin/polyurethane composites in which human
      mesenchymal stem cells were embedded, while no exogenous growth-factors were
      added to the culture medium. Both compression or shear alone was insufficient for
      the chondrogenic induction of human mesenchymal stem cells. However, the
      application of shear superimposed upon dynamic compression led to significant
      increases in chondrogenic gene expression. Histological analysis detected
      sulphated glycosaminoglycan and collagen II only in the compression and shear
      group. The results obtained may provide insight into post-operative care after
      cell therapy involving mesenchymal stromal cells.

PMID- 22048900
TI  - Collagen fibrillogenesis in the development of the annulus fibrosus of the
      intervertebral disc.
AB  - The annulus fibrosus of the intervertebral disc is a complex, radial-ply
      connective tissue consisting of concentric lamellae of oriented collagen. Whilst
      much is known of the structure of the mature annulus, less is known of how its
      complex collagenous architecture becomes established; an understanding of which
      could inform future repair/regenerative strategies. Here, using a rat disc
      developmental series, we describe events in the establishment of the collagenous
      framework of the annulus at light and electron microscopic levels and examine the
      involvement of class I and II small leucine rich proteoglycans (SLRPs) in the
      matrix assembly process. We show that a period of sustained, ordered matrix
      deposition follows the initial cellular differentiation/orientation phase within
      the foetal disc. Fibrillar matrix is deposited from recesses within the plasma
      membrane into compartments of interstitial space within the outer annulus - the
      orientation of the secreted collagen reflecting the initial cellular orientation
      of the laminae. Medially, we demonstrate the development of a reinforcing 'cage'
      of collagen fibre bundles around the foetal nucleus pulpous. This derives from
      the fusion of collagen bundles between presumptive end-plate and inner annulus.
      By birth, the distinct collagenous architectures are established and the disc
      undergoes considerable enlargement to maturity. We show that fibromodulin plays a
      prominent role in foetal development of the annulus and its attachment to
      vertebral bodies. With the exception of keratocan, the other SLRPs appear
      associated more with cartilage development within the vertebral column, but all
      become more prominent within the disc during its growth and differentiation.

PMID- 22048901
TI  - Peroxisomal Acyl-CoA oxidase 4 activity differs between Arabidopsis accessions.
AB  - In plants, peroxisomes are the primary site of fatty acid beta-oxidation.
      Following substrate activation, fatty acids are oxidized by Acyl-CoA Oxidase
      (ACX) enzymes. Arabidopsis has six ACX genes, although ACX6 is not expressed.
      Biochemical characterization has revealed that each ACX enzyme acts on specific
      chain-length targets, but in a partially overlapping manner, indicating a degree
      of functional redundancy. Genetic analysis of acx single and double mutants in
      the Columbia (Col-0) accession revealed only minor phenotypes, but an acx3acx4
      double mutant from Wassileskija (Ws) is embryo lethal. In this study, we show
      that acx3acx4(Col) and acx1acx3acx4(Col) mutants are viable and that enzyme
      activity in these mutants is significantly reduced on a range of substrates
      compared to wild type. However, the triple mutant displays only minor defects in
      seed-storage mobilization, seedling development, and adult growth. Although the
      triple mutant is defective in the three most active and highly-expressed ACX
      proteins, increases in ACX2 expression may support partial beta-oxidation
      activity. Comparison of acx mutant alleles in the Col-0 and Ws accessions reveals
      independent phenotypes; the Ws acx4 mutant uniquely shows increased sensitivity
      to propionate, whereas the Col-0 acx4 allele has sucrose-dependent growth in the
      light. To dissect the issues between Col-0 and Ws, we generated mixed background
      mutants. Although alleles with the Col-0 acx4 mutant were viable, we were unable
      to isolate an acx3acx4 line using the Ws acx4 allele. Reducing ACX4 expression in
      several Arabidopsis backgrounds showed a split response, suggesting that the ACX4
      gene and/or protein functions differently in Arabidopsis accessions.

PMID- 22048903
TI  - The Asilomar conference on fundamentals of atmospheric pressure ionization
      techniques, October 8-12, 2010.

PMID- 22048902
TI  - The impact of bacterial infection on mast cell degranulation.
AB  - In developed countries, the prevalence of allergy is on the rise. Although the
      causes are unknown, it seems that (1) the disappearance of microbiota may play a
      role in the increase of allergies and (2) exposure to bacterial infections during
      childhood decreases the incidence of allergies. Although several cell types are
      involved in the development of allergy, mast cells play a major role in
      orchestrating inflammation. Upon activation, mast cell secretory granules fuse
      with the plasma membrane, resulting in the release of a number of inflammatory
      mediators. In addition to allergy, mast cells contribute to the innate immune
      response against a variety of bacteria. This is accomplished through the
      secretion of cytokines and other soluble mediators. Interestingly, there is
      growing evidence that mast cells exposed to bacteria down-regulate degranulation
      in response to IgE/Allergen stimulation. This inhibitory effect seems to require
      direct contact between bacteria and mast cells, but the intracellular mechanism
      by which bacterial contact suppresses allergic responses is unknown. Here, we
      review different aspects of mast cell physiology and discuss hypotheses as to how
      bacteria may influence mast cell degranulation.

PMID- 22048904
TI  - Ion yields for some salts in MALDI: mechanism for the gas-phase ion formation
      from preformed ions.
AB  - Preformed ion emission is the main assumption in one of the prevailing theories
      for peptide and protein ion formation in matrix-assisted laser desorption
      ionization (MALDI). Since salts are in preformed ion forms in the matrix-analyte
      mixture, they are ideal systems to study the characteristics of preformed ion
      emission. In this work, a reliable method to measure the ion yield (IY) in MALDI
      was developed and used for a solid salt benzyltriphenylphosphonium chloride and
      two room-temperature ionic liquids 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium
      hexafluorophosphate and trihexyltetradecylphosphonium bis(2,4,4
      trimethylpentyl)phosphinate. IY for the matrix (alpha-cyano-4-hydroxycinnamic
      acid, CHCA) was also measured. Taking 1 pmol salts in 25 nmol CHCA as examples,
      IYs for three salts were similar, (4-8) * 10(-4), and those for CHCA were (0.8
      1.2) * 10(-7). Even though IYs for the salts and CHCA remained virtually constant
      at low analyte concentration, they decreased as the salt concentrations
      increased. Two models, Model 1 and Model 2, were proposed to explain low IYs for
      the salts and the concentration dependences. Both models are based on the fact
      that the ion-pair formation equilibrium is highly shifted toward the neutral ion
      pair. In Model 1, the gas-phase analyte cations were proposed to originate from
      the same cations in the solid that were dielectrically screened from counter
      anions by matrix neutrals. In Model 2, preformed ions were assumed to be released
      from the solid sample in the form of neutral ion pairs and the anions in the ion
      pairs were assumed to be eliminated via reactions with matrix-derived cations.

PMID- 22048905
TI  - Efficient structural characterization of poly(methacrylic acid) by activated
      electron photodetachment dissociation.
AB  - Characterization of end-groups in poly(methacrylic acid) (PMAA) was achieved
      using tandem mass spectrometry after activated-electron photodetachment
      dissociation (activated-EPD). In this technique, multiply deprotonated PMAA
      oligomers produced in the negative-ion mode of electrospray ionization were
      oxidized into radical anions upon electron photodetachment using a 220 nm laser
      wavelength, and further activated by collision. In contrast to conventional
      collision induced dissociation of negatively charged PMAA, which mainly consists
      of multiple dehydration steps, fragmentation of odd-electron species is shown to
      proceed via a radical-induced decarboxylation, followed by reactions involving
      backbone bond cleavages, giving rise to product ions containing one or the other
      oligomer termination. A single radical-induced mechanism accounts for the four
      main fragment series observed in MS/MS. The relative position of the radical and
      of the anionic center in distonic precursor ions determines the nature of the
      reaction products. Experiments performed using PMAA sodium salts allowed us to
      account for relative abundances of product ions in series obtained from PMAA,
      revealing that ion stability is ensured by hydrogen bonds within pairs of MAA
      units.

PMID- 22048907
TI  - [Serology of viral hepatitis].

PMID- 22048906
TI  - Effects of walnuts (Juglans regia) on learning and memory functions.
AB  - Walnut has been regarded as a health food that is delicious and nutritious. Both
      preventive and therapeutic effects of walnut are well documented. Walnuts are
      rich in omega-3 fatty acids that are reported to have beneficial effects on brain
      function. The present work was designed to evaluate the effects of walnuts on
      learning and memory in male rats. The effect of oral intake of walnut was also
      monitored on food intake. Walnut was given orally to rats for a period of 28
      days. Memory function in rats was assessed by elevated plus maze (EPM) and radial
      arm maze (RAM). A significant improvement in learning and memory of walnut
      treated rats compared to controls was observed. Walnut treated rats also
      exhibited a significant decrease in food intake while the change in growth rate
      (in terms of percentage) remained comparable between the two groups. Analysis of
      brain monoamines exhibited enhanced serotonergic levels in rat brain following
      oral intake of walnuts. The findings suggest that walnut may exert its hypophagic
      and nootropic actions via an enhancement of brain 5-HT metabolism.

PMID- 22048909
TI  - [Diabetes/insulin - 3 contributions from 1924 and comment from the current
      viewpoint].

PMID- 22048910
TI  - [A smoking cessation intervention in the Swiss Armed Forces].
AB  - Smoking is a major health risk in young adults. We undertook a study in young
      Swiss military recruits to determine the impact of intensive training and of help
      offered on smoking cessation during Basic Military Training (BMT). A
      questionnaire including questions according to their smoking status, sporting
      activities and, alcohol use was administered to 999 conscripts at beginning and
      at the end of the BMT. The results were compared to a control group of BMT
      schools where no such intervention took place. The study shows that the
      prevalence of smokers in the intervention group decreased (start BMT 31.9%, end
      BMT 25.5%; p = 0.021), while the prevalence of smokers increased in the control
      group (start BMT 26.4%, end BMT 32.6%; p = 0.038). A motivation to serve in the
      armed forces, as well as the willingness to stop smoking in the next month were
      the factors associated with a subsequent cessation of smoking during BMT. A smoke
      stop intervention during BMT is viable and can lead to a decrease in the
      prevalence of smoking at the end of BMT.

PMID- 22048911
TI  - [Renal denervation a new treatment option in resistant arterial hypertension].
AB  - Resistant hypertension is defined as blood pressure that remains above
      therapeutic goal despite the use of 3 antihypertensive drugs including a
      diuretic. After exclusion of secondary causes and medical in compliance, the
      estimated prevalence of resistant arterial hypertension ranges from 4% to 19% in
      hypertensive patients. Treatment requires a multimodal therapeutic approach.
      Hyperactivation of the sympathetic nervous system plays a key role in the genesis
      of hypertension. Targeting renal sympathetic nerves, percutaneous catheter-based
      renal denervation is a new therapeutic option for the treatment of resistant
      arterial hypertension in selected drug resistant patients.

PMID- 22048912
TI  - [Does cannabis use lead to schizophrenia?].
AB  - There is a high comorbidity between cannabis use and schizophrenia. Several
      factors contribute to this comorbidity: secondary development of addiction,
      cannabis-related induction of psychosis and shared neurobiological alterations.
      Meanwhile, there is evidence that cannabis use is associated with an increased
      risk of schizophrenia. Prospective epidemiological studies have shown that a
      frequent cannabis use doubles the risk for schizophrenia. Interestingly,
      schizophrenic patients with comorbid cannabis use often show significantly better
      performances in neuropsychological tests than patients without cannabis use. This
      is nevertheless not due to a positive effect of cannabis, but a sign of cannabis
      related psychosis induction in subjects with a higher level of function and less
      cognitive impairment. Whether cannabis use leads to schizophrenia is determined
      by the individual vulnerability.

PMID- 22048913
TI  - [Osgood-Schlatter disease].

PMID- 22048914
TI  - [Rare cause of acute neck pain].
AB  - The acute calcific tendinitis of the longus colli muscle is a rare inflammatory
      process of the prevertebral muscles. The clinical picture includes acute neck
      pain, limited range of motion of the cervical spine with stiffness and
      odynophagia. The laboratory findings demonstrate inflammatory signs. The
      incidence of the disease peaks between the third and sixth decade. The knowledge
      of the characteristic radiologic findings and the self-limiting course prevents
      the patient from needless medical and surgical interventions.

PMID- 22048915
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 22048916
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 22048920
TI  - Increased expression of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase type II
      subunit delta after rat traumatic brain injury.
AB  - Many cellular responses to Ca(2+) signals are mediated by Ca(2+)/calmodulin
      dependent enzymes, among which is the Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase
      II (CaMKII). CaMKII was originally described in rat brain tissue. In rat brain,
      four different subunits of the kinase have been identified: alpha, beta, gamma,
      and delta. This study aims to investigate changes of CaMKIIdelta after traumatic
      brain injury and its possible role. Rat traumatic brain injury (TBI) model was
      established by controlled cortical injury system. In the present study, we mainly
      investigated the expression and cellular localization of CaMKIIdelta after
      traumatic brain injury. Western blot analysis revealed that CaMKIIdelta was
      present in normal rat brain cortex. It gradually increased, reached a peak at the
      third day after TBI, and then decreased. Importantly, more CaMKIIdelta was
      colocalized with neuron. In addition, Western blot detection showed that the
      third day postinjury was also the apoptosis peak indicated by the elevated
      expression of caspase-3.Importantly, immunohistochemistry analysis revealed that
      injury-induced expression of CaMKIIdelta was colabeled by caspase-3 (apoptosis
      cells marker). Moreover, pretreatment with the CaMKII inhibitor (KN62) reduced
      the injury-induced activation of caspase-3. Noticeably, the CaMKII inhibitor KN
      62 could reduce TBI-induced cell injury assessed with lesion volume and attenuate
      behavioral outcome evaluated by motor test. These data suggested that CaMKIIdelta
      may be implicated in the apoptosis of neuron and the recovery of neurological
      outcomes. However, the inherent mechanisms remained unknown. Further studies are
      needed to confirm the exact role of CaMKIIdelta after brain injury.

PMID- 22048921
TI  - Using multivariate statistical methods to assess the groundwater quality in an
      arsenic-contaminated area of Southwestern Taiwan.
AB  - Groundwater is a major water resource in Southwestern Taiwan; hence, long-term
      monitoring of water quality is essential. The study aims to assess the
      hydrochemical characteristics of water in the arsenic-contaminated aquifers of
      Choushui River alluvial fan and Chianan Plain, Taiwan using multivariate
      statistical methods, namely, factor analysis (FA), cluster analysis (CA), and
      discriminant analysis (DA). Factor analysis is applied to reveal the processes
      controlling the hydrochemistry of groundwater. Cluster analysis is applied to
      spatially categorize the collected water samples based on the water quality.
      Discriminant analysis is then applied to elucidate key parameters associated with
      the occurrence of elevated As concentration (>10 MUg L(-1)) in groundwater. Major
      water types are characterized as Na-Ca-Cl and Na-Mg-Cl in the Choushui River
      alluvial fan and Chianan Plain, respectively. Inorganic species of arsenic (As),
      particularly As(III), prevail in these two groundwater catchments, and their
      levels are higher in the Chianan Plain than in the Choushui River alluvial fan.
      Through FA, three factors, namely, the degree of salination, As reduction, and
      iron (Fe) reduction, are determined and denoted irrespective of some differences
      between the factorial compositions. Spatial distribution patterns of factors As
      reduction and Fe reduction imply that the redox zonation is delineated by As- and
      Fe-dominance zones separately. The results of CA demonstrate that three main
      groups can be properly explained by the factors extracted via FA. Three- (Fe(2+),
      Fe(3+), and NH (4) (+) ) and four-parameters (Fe(2+), Fe(3+), NH (4) (+) , and
      Ca(2+)) derived from discriminant analysis for Choushui River alluvial fan and
      Chianan Plain are elucidated as key parameters affecting the distribution of As
      contained groundwater. The analytical results indicate that the reductive
      dissolution of Fe minerals is prerequisite for the mobilization of As, whereas
      the shift of redox condition from Fe- to As-reducing leads to the accumulation of
      dissolved As in this area.

PMID- 22048922
TI  - Statistical source identification of major and trace elements in groundwater
      downward the tailings dam of Miduk Copper Complex, Kerman, Iran.
AB  - Identifying the possible sources of potential harmful metals in groundwater
      systems plays a crucial role in evaluating the potential risks to residents and
      local plant cover. An attempt was made to define the origin of Al, Cd, Cu, Fe,
      Mo, Ni, and Pb in groundwater using multivariate statistic approaches [principal
      component analysis (PCA), hierarchical cluster analysis], and tailings sequential
      extraction by the method of Tessier et al. The concentrations of studied elements
      were measured in 42 samples collected from 15 stations surrounding and downward
      the tailings dam of Miduk Copper Complex, central province of Kerman, Iran.
      According to the PCA results, confirmed by cluster dendrogram and metal content
      measurement of tailings sequential extracts, two components accounting for nearly
      73% of the total variance, controlled the heavy metal variability and classified
      the possible source of groundwater contamination into two categories: (1) upper
      seepage which controls the variability of Cd, Cu, Fe, Ni, and Pb and (2) toe
      seepage of tailings dump affecting on Mo and Al concentration in downstream
      groundwater.

PMID- 22048923
TI  - Application of Qual2Kw model as a tool for water quality management: Certima
      River as a case study.
AB  - Modelling can be a useful management tool because models allow the understanding
      of water body response to different pollution pressure scenarios which may help
      on the decision-making process and in prosecuting the Water Framework Directive
      objectives. This study aims to evaluate the usage of simple water quality models
      (Qual2Kw) applied to small river basins in order to better understand the
      response of a river to different loads of nitrogen and phosphorus. Qual2Kw model
      was applied to Certima River (Portugal), a small river that ends in a shallow
      lake called Pateira Fermentelos and represents a very important ecosystem to the
      local community. Along its pathway, Certima River has a significant enrichment in
      nutrients due to agriculture, livestock, domestic sewage and industrial effluents
      discharged into the river. In case of nitrogen, the highest loads are from
      domestic (44%) and diffuse (35%) sources. The main sources of phosphorous are
      domestic (46%), livestock (24%) and diffuse sources (20%). Certima River is
      strongly enriched with nutrients, and neither nitrogen nor phosphorous is
      limiting the algal growth. According to the criterion of Dodds et al. (Water Res,
      32(5):1455-1462, 1998), the river is classified as eutrophic. By comparing in
      stream measurements with Qual2Kw simulations, it can be concluded that it would
      be necessary to decrease the actual pollutants loads of nitrogen and phosphorous
      5 and 10 times, respectively, in order to change Certima River classification
      from eutrophic to mesotrophic.

PMID- 22048924
TI  - Karst aquifers on small islands--the island of Olib, Croatia.
AB  - Water supply is a major problem in the Adriatic islands, especially during the
      summer tourism season, and represents a limiting factor to the islands' further
      economic development. Much attention has been given to water supply solutions,
      primarily in terms of attempting to use the existing island water. Unfortunately,
      few islands have favourable hydrological conditions to accumulate significant
      quantities of surface water or groundwater. In the period from 2001 to 2004,
      investigations were conducted on many islands to define their own freshwater or
      partially brackish water resources since desalinisation technology could resolve
      a significant part of the water supply demand on small and distant islands. Due
      to the specificity and complexity of research in karst areas, the study was
      conducted in phases and included the geological and hydrogeological
      reconnaissance of the island, aimed at locating possible areas on the island
      where the necessary quantities of groundwater of adequate quality could be
      captured; a detailed hydrogeological mapping of the specified areas, geophysical
      investigation and test drilling; and, over several days, test pumping of the most
      promising borehole. One of the islands investigated was the island of Olib. The
      conducted surveys indicated that it is possible to pump about 3.5 L/s of
      groundwater from the karst aquifer of the island of Olib, which fully complies
      with the sanitary quality of drinking water.

PMID- 22048925
TI  - Heavy metal contaminations in the groundwater of Brahmaputra flood plain: an
      assessment of water quality in Barpeta District, Assam (India).
AB  - A study was conducted to evaluate the heavy metal contamination status of
      groundwater in Brahmaputra flood plain Barpeta District, Assam, India. The
      Brahmaputra River flows from the southern part of the district and its many
      tributaries flow from north to south. Cd, Fe, Mn, Pb, and Zn are estimated by
      using atomic absorption spectrometer, Perkin Elmer AA 200. The quantity of heavy
      metals in drinking water should be checked time to time; as heavy metal
      accumulation will cause numerous problems to living being. Forty groundwater
      samples were collected mainly from tube wells from the flood plain area. As there
      is very little information available about the heavy metal contamination status
      in the heavily populated study area, the present work will help to be acquainted
      with the suitability of groundwater for drinking applications as well as it will
      enhance the database. The concentration of iron exceeds the WHO recommended
      levels of 0.3 mg/L in about 80% of the samples, manganese values exceed 0.4 mg/L
      in about 22.5% of the samples, and lead values also exceed limit in 22.5% of the
      samples. Cd is reported in only four sampling locations and three of them exceed
      the WHO permissible limit (0.003 mg/L). Zinc concentrations were found to be
      within the prescribed WHO limits. Therefore, pressing awareness is needed for the
      betterment of water quality; for the sake of safe drinking water. Statistical
      analysis of the data was carried out using Special Package for Social Sciences
      (SPSS 16).

PMID- 22048926
TI  - The effect of inappropriate therapy on bacteremia by ESBL-producing bacteria.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the impact of empiric appropriate treatment and the risk
      factors associated with mortality in patients with bacteremia by E. coli, K.
      pneumoniae and P. mirabilis producing ESBL. METHODS: Data were reviewed in an 8
      year retrospective study, and 128 bacteremias were found: 80 caused by E. coli
      (62.5%), 28 by K. pneumoniae (21.9%) and 20 by P. mirabilis (18.6%). RESULTS: The
      initial antibiotic treatment, administered within 72 h after the first positive
      blood culture, was appropriate with carbapenems or other antimicrobial agents
      with documented in vitro sensitivity in 53.8 and 16% of patients, respectively.
      The overall mortality 21 days after diagnosis was 17.2%, and it was 14.9 and
      35.2% for patients adequately and inadequately treated, respectively. At
      univariate analysis the p value for mortality with and without appropriate
      treatment was 0.05, and significant differences were found only for previous
      positive blood cultures (p = 0.004) and presence of septic shock at diagnosis (p
      = 0.006). CONCLUSION: In this case series there was a high rate of initial
      appropriate empiric treatment, and only a marginal impact on mortality was found
      with regard to appropriate and inappropriate treatment. This report shows that
      the knowledge of ESBL-producing characteristics varies widely among the different
      case series for reasons that still have to be clarified.

PMID- 22048927
TI  - Preliminary results from a multidisciplinary university-based disease state
      management program focused on hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and diabetes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the implementation and evaluation of a pilot
      multidisciplinary disease state management (DSM) program for diabetes,
      hypertension, and hyperlipidemia at a private, self-insured university (over 900
      covered lives). METHODS: Enrollees met with a pharmacist, nurse, exercise
      physiologist, and students in these disciplines to improve clinical outcomes and
      fitness parameters. Clinical values, quality of life, patient knowledge of
      disease states, and patient satisfaction were assessed. RESULTS: Of the 20
      patients in the pilot program, 17 completed 1 nursing and 2 pharmacist visits; 8
      completed exercise physiology visits. At baseline, elevated blood pressure
      readings were observed in 64.7% (11 of 17) of patients, 20% of those with
      diabetes (1 of 5) had an elevated hemoglobin A1c value (HbA1c), and 82.4% (14 of
      17) had a cholesterol value that was not at goal. At least 1 medication-related
      problem was observed in 16 patients (94.1%). At 3 months, all patients with
      diabetes achieved HbA1c levels at or below 7%, 4 patients attained blood pressure
      control, and 1 achieved normal cholesterol readings. Patients characterized
      participation in the program as valuable and convenient. CONCLUSIONS: Patients
      involved in the multidisciplinary DSM showed improved clinical outcomes after 3
      months. Ongoing analysis of patient outcomes will determine the long-term
      effectiveness of the DSM.

PMID- 22048928
TI  - Neuroleptic-induced catatonia in two hospitalized patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report the cases of 2 hospitalized patients with chronic psychotic
      disorders who developed neuroleptic-induced catatonia (NIC), a catatonic
      extrapyramidal syndrome occurring after administration of a D2-receptor
      antagonist, and delineate the importance of prompt recognition and treatment.
      METHODS: Two patients with chronic psychotic disorders were admitted to the
      hospital for unstable medical conditions at which time their maintenance
      antipsychotic therapy was discontinued. Following administration of intravenous
      haloperidol, both patients developed catatonic and extrapyramidal signs. Both
      patients developed catatonia, rigidity, hyperthermia, leukocytosis, and
      elevations in creatine kinase. In both cases, the patients met the criteria for
      catatonia as evidenced by motoric immobility, stupor, mutism, and negativism. The
      syndrome resolved within a few days of stopping haloperidol and initiation of
      lorazepam. CONCLUSION: Neuroleptic-induced catatonia is underrecognized and can
      lead to potentially severe complications, although early recognition and
      treatment may prevent progression and complications. Previous reports do not
      underscore the importance of prompt recognition and treatment.

PMID- 22048929
TI  - Effectiveness and feasibility of pharmacist-led admission medication
      reconciliation for geriatric patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: Pharmacists have been shown to improve medication reconciliation at
      hospital admission. Limited resources may obligate pharmacy departments to target
      resources for medication reconciliation rather than extend services to the entire
      hospital. We conducted a prospective, randomized, nonblinded assessment of the
      effectiveness and feasibility of pharmacist-led admission medication
      reconciliation for geriatric patients. METHODS: Eighty-one geriatric patients
      were randomized 1:1 to receive medication reconciliation per current hospital
      practice or to pharmacist-led medication reconciliation at admission. The primary
      end point was medication profile appropriateness by pharmacist review at 48 hours
      postadmission. Secondary end points involved in determining the impact and
      feasibility of this program. RESULTS: Pharmacist-led medication was superior to
      standard hospital practice, with 48% of controls and 71% of intervention patients
      having appropriate medication profiles at 48 hours postadmission (P = .033).
      Pharmacists identified 116 discrepancies among 81 patients including
      predominantly omissions (41%) and a composite of wrong dose, route, or frequency
      (35%). Pharmacists spent a median 15 minutes per patient. CONCLUSION: Pharmacists
      improved admission medication reconciliation for geriatric patients. Pharmacists
      identified a significant number of discrepancies, including predominantly
      omissions and wrong dose, dosage form, or frequency. Pharmacists' contributions
      to medication reconciliation could yield substantial benefit to patient care.

PMID- 22048930
TI  - Case report: increased patient response to intramuscular haloperidol decanoate
      following a change in needle length.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Intramuscular (IM) injection is a commonly used administration
      route for a variety of medications. Determining the optimum needle length for
      administration of IM formulations based on individual patient variables has not
      been extensively reported in patients receiving antipsychotic medication via IM
      administration. CASE REPORT: The patient, a 23-year-old African American female
      diagnosed with schizophrenia, was referred to a community-based treatment program
      following multiple inpatient admissions. At age 19, she began experiencing
      psychiatric symptoms that resulted in assault and incarceration. Treatment
      included separate trials of haloperidol and fluphenazine decanoate formulations
      with minimal success reported. At the time of evaluation, she was experiencing
      constant positive psychiatric symptomatology. Oral haloperidol was started.
      Haloperidol decanoate 150 mg by IM injection using a 1.5-inch needle was added
      and titrated to 350 mg IM over 11 months. Auditory hallucinations continued.
      Following refusal of a haloperidol level, the physician changed to a 2-inch
      needle for decanoate injections. Noticeable and continued slow improvement of her
      psychotic symptoms resulted. CONCLUSION: Needle length may be of new importance
      to practitioners. If anticipated results of IM antipsychotic medication
      administration are not realized, practitioners are urged to consider patient
      variables, notably the amount of adipose tissue in the administration area.

PMID- 22048931
TI  - Measuring fatigue in persons with multiple sclerosis: creating a crosswalk
      between the Modified Fatigue Impact Scale and the PROMIS Fatigue Short Form.
AB  - PURPOSE: To create cross-walk tables to associate scores for the Modified Fatigue
      Impact Scale (MFIS) with scores for the Patient Reported Outcome Measurement
      Information System (PROMIS) Fatigue Short Form (SF) in persons with Multiple
      Sclerosis (MS). METHODS: Cross-walk tables were created using equipercentile
      linking and based on data collected at one time point in a longitudinal study of
      persons with MS (N = 458). Validation of the tables was conducted using data
      collected at a subsequent time point (N = 444). Deviations between estimates and
      actual scores were compared across levels of fatigue. The impact of sample size
      on the precision of sample mean estimates was evaluated using bootstrapping.
      RESULTS: Correlations between deviations and fatigue level for the PROMIS Fatigue
      SF and MFIS were (-0.31) and (-0.30), respectively, indicating moderately greater
      deviations with lower fatigue scores. Estimated sample means were impacted by
      sample size. CONCLUSIONS: Cross-walk tables allow data from studies using
      different measures of fatigue to be combined to achieve larger sample sizes and
      to compare results. These tables are valid for group-level analyses with sample
      sizes of 150 or greater.

PMID- 22048934
TI  - [How much diagnostics is required in palliative care? Results from a
      representative survey and own experiences].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Applying diagnostic techniques in palliative care (PC) requires a
      thorough balance between a physical, psychosocial (and financial) burden and its
      therapeutic relevance in far advanced diseases. The extent of diagnostic
      employment in PC, preferred techniques, application problems, its informative
      value and therapeutic significance still have to be described. METHODS: The
      Hospice and Palliative Care Evaluation (HOPE) 2007 collected data from the
      application of microbiological and imaging techniques in German PC institutions.
      Furthermore, 70 consecutive ultrasound scans in our PC unit have been
      retrospectively analyzed.In 691 PC patients (from a total of 3184 in HOPE),
      diagnostic techniques (DIA) were applied and documented. RESULTS: In-patients
      with DIA (86,1 %) and the HOPE collective showed a comparable age and duration of
      hospital stay. Microbiological techniques contributed to 26,1 % of all documented
      in-patient investigations, imaging techniques 69,1 %. Ultrasound was the
      preferred imaging technique on PC units (67,1 %), whilst radiography, CT or MRI
      scans were rather employed on oncology wards. Nuclear imaging was rarely
      documented. In 80,8 %, imaging diagnostics were considered relevant for further
      treatment decisions (in-patients only); transportation problems and pain during
      imaging were relevant obstacles. In our own patient cohort, ultrasound was
      applied rather for general prognostic purposes, less often resulting in immediate
      therapeutic actions. Transportation problems could be almost entirely avoided by
      using a mobile ultrasound device. CONCLUSION: DIA in PC are applied independently
      of age or duration of hospital stay; its therapeutic significance is considered
      to be high; procedural problems may be resolvable. Therefore, this survey might
      challenge the tradition of low technology in PC.

PMID- 22048935
TI  - [Preventive crisis management in general outpatient palliative care -
      prospectively cross-sectional study of General Practitioners in Eastern Bavaria].
AB  - BACKGROUND: General out-patient palliative care (GOPC) must be integrated into
      the care of patients with life-limiting diseases. Aim of the study was to
      evaluate experiences of general practitioners concerning advance directives and
      palliative emergency sheets. METHODS: A self-provided survey was mailed to all
      general practitioners in Regensburg (cross-sectional study). Main outcome
      measures included responses regarding a palliative emergency sheet (PES) and a
      palliative emergency plan (PEP). The investigation period was four months. The
      analysis was performed using defined criteria (e. g. professional experience
      concerning palliative care patients, patients treated in nursing homes, patients
      with dementia). RESULTS: Sixty-nine questionnaires from 259 were analysed
      (response rate 27 %). 86 % of respondents named practical experience in the care
      of palliative patients, 46 % named theoretical knowledge in this field. 41 % and
      40 % consider creating an advance directive for their practical work as
      important/very important (p = 0.004 concerning the treatment of more than five
      palliative care patients per three months). 52 % and 49 % regard a PES or a PEP
      to be relevant (PES median: 6.5, SD +/- 2.7; PEP median: 6.5 SD +/- 2.9; inter
      group analysis p < 0.05). 94 % of respondents name the general practitioner to be
      suitable for creating an advance directive. CONCLUSION: In Germany, GOPC in end
      of-life care is very important. This study shows that advance directives were
      declared as an important instrument for patients? autonomy. The sense of PES and
      PEP to ensure patients? autonomy, especially for acute emergency medical
      palliative care, must be better recognized. However, the increase in acceptance
      in the GOPC for such instruments must be disclosed. Further studies to
      investigate this problem are necessary.

PMID- 22048932
TI  - Implementing patient-reported outcomes assessment in clinical practice: a review
      of the options and considerations.
AB  - PURPOSE: While clinical care is frequently directed at making patients "feel
      better," patients' reports on their functioning and well-being (patient-reported
      outcomes [PROs]) are rarely collected in routine clinical practice. The
      International Society for Quality of Life Research (ISOQOL) has developed a
      User's Guide for Implementing Patient-Reported Outcomes Assessment in Clinical
      Practice. This paper summarizes the key issues from the User's Guide. METHODS:
      Using the literature, an ISOQOL team outlined considerations for using PROs in
      clinical practice; options for designing the intervention; and strengths,
      weaknesses, and resource requirements associated with each option. RESULTS:
      Implementing routine PRO assessment involves a number of methodological and
      practical decisions, including (1) identifying the goals for collecting PROs in
      clinical practice, (2) selecting the patients, setting, and timing of
      assessments, (3) determining which questionnaire(s) to use, (4) choosing a mode
      for administering and scoring the questionnaire, (5) designing processes for
      reporting results, (6) identifying aids to facilitate score interpretation, (7)
      developing strategies for responding to issues identified by the questionnaires,
      and (8) evaluating the impact of the PRO intervention on the practice.
      CONCLUSIONS: Integrating PROs in clinical practice has the potential to enhance
      patient-centered care. The online version of the User's Guide will be updated
      periodically.

PMID- 22048936
TI  - [Hemolytic anemias in adults].
AB  - The erythrocyte lifespan in haemolytic anemia is shortened while erythropoesis is
      increased. Important labaratory findings are increased reticulocytes, LDH,
      indirect bilirubin and a decreased haptoglobin level. The most important
      diagnostic tool for further work up of hemolytic anemia is the direct
      antiglobulin test (DAT, Coombs test) to differentiate autoimmune hemolytic anemia
      (AIHA) from other causes. Another important group are fragmentation syndroms
      (hemolytic uremic syndrome and thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura). In these
      forms of haemolytic anemia fragmented red blood cells can be found in the blood
      smear together with thrombocytopenia. A severe problem in paroxysmal nocturnal
      hematuria is the incidence of thrombosis. The following review describes the most
      important forms of hemolytic anemia in the adult and the diagnostic and
      therapeutic strategies.

PMID- 22048937
TI  - [25-year-old woman with headache and vomiting. Venous sinus thrombosis].

PMID- 22048938
TI  - [Comparison of seasonal influenza vaccines: composition and properties].
AB  - The influenza virus isolation in embryonated chicken eggs was possible early in
      1930er years and allowed the influenza vaccine production. Most influenza
      vaccines were derived from this, but actually new virus cell culture methods are
      established. For better tolerability, influenza vaccines include only antigen
      proportions (split- and subunit vaccines) but with the disadvantage of minor
      vaccine efficacy. This was compared with the addition of adjuvants. Aluminium
      salts are used for many decades and still in use to enhance the effect of
      vaccines. New formulations are MF59, AS03, AS04 or toll- like receptor-agonists.
      Also virosomal formulations and "ISCOMs"(Immune Stimulating Complexes) are newly
      designed and compromises enhanced immune reactions. Actually a broad range of
      various influenza vaccines exist and are available for a very different group of
      patients (which depends on physical conditions, age, immune status or allergies).

PMID- 22048939
TI  - [Diagnosing and expertizing asbestos-induced occupational diseases].
AB  - Due to latency periods that can last for decades, asbestos-related diseases show
      18 years after the enforcement of the prohibition of asbestos application in
      Germany their highest numbers. In the centre of attention are asbestos-induced
      pleural fibroses, mesotheliomas, asbestoses, lung and laryngeal cancer.
      Diagnosing and expertizing these diseases causes difficulties, is hitherto non
      uniform and does frequently not correspond to the current medico-scientific
      expertise. This induced the German Respiratory Society as well as the German
      Society of Occupational and Environmental Medicine in cooperation with the German
      Society of Pathology, the German Radiology Society and the German Society of
      Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Cervical Surgery, to develop the above mentioned
      guideline during seven meetings moderated by AWMF. The required thorough
      diagnosis is based on the detailed recording of a qualified occupational history.
      Since the sole radiological and pathological-anatomical findings cannot
      sufficiently contribute to the causal relationship the occupational history
      recorded by a general physician and a specialist is of decisive importance. These
      physicians have to report suspected occupational diseases and to advise patients
      on social and medical questions. Frequently, problems occur if the recognition of
      an occupational disease is neglected due to a supposedly too low exposure or too
      few ferruginous bodies or low fibre concentrations in lung tissue. The new S2k
      directive summarizing the current medico-scientific knowledge is for this reason,
      for diagnoses and expert opinions as well as for the determination of a reduced
      capacity for work a very important source of information.

PMID- 22048940
TI  - Modeling and simulation of blood collection systems.
AB  - This paper addresses the modeling and simulation of blood collection systems in
      France for both fixed site and mobile blood collection with walk in whole blood
      donors and scheduled plasma and platelet donors. Petri net models are first
      proposed to precisely describe different blood collection processes, donor
      behaviors, their material/human resource requirements and relevant regulations.
      Petri net models are then enriched with quantitative modeling of donor arrivals,
      donor behaviors, activity times and resource capacity. Relevant performance
      indicators are defined. The resulting simulation models can be straightforwardly
      implemented with any simulation language. Numerical experiments are performed to
      show how the simulation models can be used to select, for different walk in donor
      arrival patterns, appropriate human resource planning and donor appointment
      strategies.

PMID- 22048942
TI  - Overexpression of AQP5 in cervical cancer: correlation with clinicopathological
      features and prognosis.
AB  - Accumulating evidence for overexpression of AQP5 in various types of human cancer
      suggests that it plays a key role in tumor biology. However, little is known
      about the function of AQP5 in human cervical cancer. This study was to
      investigate the expression profile of AQP5 in cervical cancer and its clinical
      significance. We detected the expression profile of AQP5 mRNA and protein in
      cervical cancer tissue and in corresponding normal tissue by qRT-PCR and western
      blotting. Immunohistochemistry was also used in the detection of AQP5 protein
      expression as well as the proliferation index of Ki-67. The clinicopathological
      implications of these proteins were analyzed statistically. Survival analysis was
      performed to assess prognostic significance. AQP5 mRNA was overexpressed in
      cervical cancer tissue when compared with corresponding normal tissue, so was
      AQP5 protein. Overexpression of AQP5 was significantly associated with lymph node
      involvement (P = 0.004). Overexpression of Ki-67 was associated with lymph node
      involvement (P = 0.018) and disease stage (P = 0.005). It was demonstrated a
      positive correlation between AQP5 and Ki-67 (r = 0.543, P < 0.01). Survival
      analysis revealed that overexpression of AQP5 and Ki-67 is associated with a
      poorer prognosis. These observations suggest that AQP5 plays a key role in
      cervical cancer and therefore may provide an opportunity for developing a novel
      therapeutic target as well as a prognostic marker in cervical cancer. Its
      evaluation with Ki-67 may provide reliable prognostic information on cervical
      cancer.

PMID- 22048944
TI  - Enzyme-sharing as a cause of multi-stationarity in signalling systems.
AB  - Multi-stationarity in biological systems is a mechanism of cellular decision
      making. In particular, signalling pathways regulated by protein phosphorylation
      display features that facilitate a variety of responses to different biological
      inputs. The features that lead to multi-stationarity are of particular interest
      to determine, as well as the stability, properties of the steady states. In this
      paper, we determine conditions for the emergence of multi-stationarity in small
      motifs without feedback that repeatedly occur in signalling pathways. We derive
      an explicit mathematical relationship phi between the concentration of a chemical
      species at steady state and a conserved quantity of the system such as the total
      amount of substrate available. We show that phi determines the number of steady
      states and provides a necessary condition for a steady state to be stable-that
      is, to be biologically attainable. Further, we identify characteristics of the
      motifs that lead to multi-stationarity, and extend the view that multi
      stationarity in signalling pathways arises from multi-site phosphorylation. Our
      approach relies on mass-action kinetics, and the conclusions are drawn in full
      generality without resorting to simulations or random generation of parameters.
      The approach is extensible to other systems.

PMID- 22048943
TI  - Prognostic significance of cyclooxygenase-2, epidermal growth factor receptor 1,
      and microvascular density in gastric cancer.
AB  - Gastric cancer remains a significant global health burden with poor treatment
      outcome. New treatment modalities that target inflammation, proliferation, and
      angiogenesis have been used in various cancers, including gastric cancer. We
      sought to study the pattern of expression of two important proteins,
      cyclooxygenase-2 and epidermal growth factor receptor, and their association with
      microvascular density, clinicopathological features, and survival in Arab Omani
      patients with gastric cancer. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumors were
      studied by immunohistochemistry using monoclonal antibodies to cyclooxygenase-2,
      epidermal growth factor receptor, and CD34. The immunohistochemical results were
      correlated with clinicopathological features and survival. In our study
      population, we found a male/female ratio of 72:43, a median age of 59 years,
      stage III and IV incidence of 66.9%, and a median follow-up of 96 months.
      Positive expression rates of cyclooxygenase-2 and epidermal growth factor
      receptor were 89.6 and 23.5%, respectively. The median microvascular density
      value was 52.5. When this value was determined as the cut-off point, 50% of
      patients were found to have high microvascular density. Epidermal growth factor
      receptor over-expression correlated with high microvascular density values,
      advanced lymph node involvement (N3), and TNM stage presentation (III and IV).
      Similarly, lymph node involvement was associated with cyclooxygenase-2 over
      expression and high microvascular density. Univariate analysis showed that
      epidermal growth factor receptor over-expression, pathological T3 and T4 disease,
      and overall stage III and IV disease were adverse prognostic factors. On
      multivariate analysis using a Cox regression model, expression of epidermal
      growth factor receptor, and advanced TNM stage were significant adverse
      prognostic factors for overall survival. Expression of epidermal growth factor
      receptor in Arab Omani patients with gastric cancer correlates with aggressive
      tumor characteristics and is an independent prognostic factor. Further clinical
      studies are needed to evaluate the utility of epidermal growth factor receptor
      immunohistochemistry as a tool for gastric cancer treatment.

PMID- 22048945
TI  - Effect of oxidized low-density lipoprotein concentration polarization on human
      smooth muscle cells' proliferation, cycle, apoptosis and oxidized low-density
      lipoprotein uptake.
AB  - To clarify the effect of concentration polarization of oxidative modification of
      low-density lipoproteins (ox-LDLs) on human smooth muscle cells (SMCs), the
      proliferation, ox-LDL uptake and apoptosis with SMCs cultured on permeable (the
      permeable group) or non-permeable membranes (the non-permeable group) were
      analysed by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazolyl-2)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT)
      assay, spectrofluorometry and flow cytometry using a parallel-plate flow chamber
      technique. The concentration polarization of ox-LDLs at the surface of the
      cultured cell monolayer was assessed by confocal laser microscopy. The results
      showed that concentration polarization of ox-LDLs could indeed occur at the
      cultured cell monolayer surface of the permeable group, leading to an enhanced
      wall concentration of ox-LDLs that was over 15 per cent higher than the bulk
      concentration of the perfusion solution at a pressure of 100 mmHg. When
      concentration of ox-LDLs in the perfusion solution was less than or equal to 100
      ug ml(-1), SMCs' proliferation was induced, while cell apoptosis was induced when
      its concentration was above 150 ug ml(-1). The uptake of ox-LDLs by the cultured
      cells was significantly higher for the permeable group than for the non-permeable
      group. In addition, the ox-LDL-induced cell death and apoptosis were much more
      severe in the permeable group than that in the non-permeable group. Therefore,
      the experimental study suggests that concentration polarization of ox-LDLs plays
      an adverse role in the vascular system owing to its toxicity to vascular cells,
      in turn enhance ox-LDL infiltration into the arterial wall and accelerate SMC
      apoptosis.

PMID- 22048947
TI  - Applications of percolation theory to fungal spread with synergy.
AB  - There is increasing interest in the use of the percolation paradigm to analyse
      and predict the progress of disease spreading in spatially structured populations
      of animals and plants. The wider utility of the approach has been limited,
      however, by several restrictive assumptions, foremost of which is a strict
      requirement for simple nearest-neighbour transmission, in which the disease
      history of an individual is influenced only by that of its neighbours. In a
      recent paper, the percolation paradigm has been generalized to incorporate
      synergistic interactions in host infectivity and susceptibility, and the impact
      of these interactions on the invasive dynamics of an epidemic has been
      demonstrated. In the current paper, we elicit evidence that such synergistic
      interactions may underlie transmission dynamics in real-world systems by first
      formulating a model for the spread of a ubiquitous parasitic and saprotrophic
      fungus through replicated populations of nutrient sites and subsequently fitting
      and testing the model using data from experimental microcosms. Using Bayesian
      computational methods for model fitting, we demonstrate that synergistic
      interactions are necessary to explain the dynamics observed in the replicate
      experiments. The broader implications of this work in identifying disease-control
      strategies that deflect epidemics from invasive to non-invasive regimes are
      discussed.

PMID- 22048946
TI  - Determining elastic properties of skin by measuring surface waves from an impulse
      mechanical stimulus using phase-sensitive optical coherence tomography.
AB  - The mechanical properties of skin are important tissue parameters that are useful
      for understanding skin patho-physiology, which can aid disease diagnosis and
      treatment. This paper presents an innovative method that employs phase-sensitive
      spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (PhS-OCT) to characterize the
      biomechanical properties of skin by measuring surface waves induced by short
      impulses from a home-made shaker. Experiments are carried out on single and
      double-layer agar-agar phantoms, of different concentrations and thickness, and
      on in vivo human skin, at the forearm and the palm. For each experiment, the
      surface wave phase-velocity dispersion curves were calculated, from which the
      elasticity of each layer of the sample was determined. It is demonstrated that
      the experimental results agree well with previous work. This study provides a
      novel combination of PhS-OCT technology with a simple and an inexpensive
      mechanical impulse surface wave stimulation that can be used to non-invasively
      evaluate the mechanical properties of skin in vivo, and may offer potential use
      in clinical situations.

PMID- 22048948
TI  - Characterization and significance of ACE2 and Mas receptor in human colon
      adenocarcinoma.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: A new arm of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has been recently
      characterized; this includes angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE)2 and angiotensin
      (Ang)1-7, a heptapeptide acting through the Mas receptor (MasR). Recent studies
      show that Ang1-7 has an antiproliferative action on lung adenocarcinoma cells.
      The aim of this study was to characterize RAS expression in human colon
      adenocarcinoma and to investigate whether Ang1-7 exerts an antiproliferative
      effect on human colon adenocarcinoma cells. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Gene, protein
      expression and enzymatic activity of the main components of the RAS were
      determined on non-neoplastic colon mucosa as well as on the tumor mass and the
      mucosa taken 5 cm distant from it, both collected from patients with colon
      adenocarcinoma. Two different human colon cancer cell lines were treated with
      AngII and Ang1-7. RESULTS: The novel finding of this study was that MasR was
      significantly upregulated in colon adenocarcinoma compared with non-neoplastic
      colon mucosa, which showed little or no expression of it. ACE gene expression and
      enzymatic activity were also increased in the tumors. However, AngII and Ang1-7
      did not have any pro-/antiproliferative effects in the cell lines studied.
      CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest that upregulation of the MasR could be used as a
      diagnostic marker of colon adenocarcinoma.

PMID- 22048949
TI  - [Expert consensus statement on interventional renal sympathetic denervation for
      hypertension treatment].
AB  - This commentary summarizes the expert consensus and recommendations of the
      working group 'Herz und Niere' of the German Society of Cardiology (DGK), the
      German Society of Nephrology (DGfN) and the German Hypertension League (DHL) on
      renal denervation for antihypertensive treatment. Renal denervation is a new,
      interventional approach to selectively denervate renal afferent and efferent
      sympathetic fibers. Renal denervation has been demonstrated to reduce office
      systolic and diastolic blood pressure in patients with resistant hypertension,
      defined as systolic office blood pressure >= 160 mm Hg and >= 150 mm Hg in
      patients with diabetes type 2, which should currently be used as blood pressure
      thresholds for undergoing the procedure. Exclusion of secondary hypertension
      causes and optimized antihypertensive drug treatment is mandatory in every
      patient with resistant hypertension. In order to exclude pseudoresistance, 24
      hour blood pressure measurements should be performed. Preserved renal function
      was an inclusion criterion in the Symplicity studies, therefore, renal
      denervation should be only considered in patients with a glomerular filtration
      rate > 45 ml/min. Adequate centre qualification in both, treatment of
      hypertension and interventional expertise are essential to ensure correct patient
      selection and procedural safety. Long-term follow-up after renal denervation and
      participation in the German Renal Denervation (GREAT) Registry are recommended to
      assess safety and efficacy after renal denervation over time.

PMID- 22048950
TI  - Herpes encephalitis during natalizumab treatment in multiple sclerosis.
AB  - In this case report we describe the first non-fatal herpes simplex virus
      encephalitis (HSE) case with natalizumab for multiple sclerosis (MS). A 36-year
      old woman, previously treated with immunomodulatory and immunosuppressive drugs
      for MS, developed acute encephalitis after 6 monthly natalizumab perfusions.
      Brain imaging demonstrated suggestive bi-temporal lesions. Herpes simplex virus
      type-1 DNA was detected in cerebrospinal fluid. The patient improved gradually
      after a 21-day course of intravenous acyclovir, but neuropsychiatric changes
      remained 5 months later. Our non-fatal case of HSE and other reported cases of
      herpes infections provide evidence of an increased risk with natalizumab and
      point to the need for clinicians to maintain awareness.

PMID- 22048951
TI  - Physiological variation as a mechanism for developmental caste-biasing in a
      facultatively eusocial sweat bee.
AB  - Social castes of eusocial insects may have arisen through an evolutionary
      modification of an ancestral reproductive ground plan, such that some adults
      emerge from development physiologically primed to specialize on reproduction
      (queens) and others on maternal care expressed as allo-maternal behaviour
      (workers). This hypothesis predicts that variation in reproductive physiology
      should emerge from ontogeny and underlie division of labour. To test these
      predictions, we identified physiological links to division of labour in a
      facultatively eusocial sweat bee, Megalopta genalis. Queens are larger, have
      larger ovaries and have higher vitellogenin titres than workers. We then compared
      queens and workers with their solitary counterparts-solitary reproductive females
      and dispersing nest foundresses-to investigate physiological variation as a
      factor in caste evolution. Within dyads, body size and ovary development were the
      best predictors of behavioural class. Queens and dispersers are larger, with
      larger ovaries than their solitary counterparts. Finally, we raised bees in
      social isolation to investigate the influence of ontogeny on physiological
      variation. Body size and ovary development among isolated females were highly
      variable, and linked to differences in vitellogenin titres. As these are key
      physiological predictors of social caste, our results provide evidence for
      developmental caste-biasing in a facultatively eusocial bee.

PMID- 22048952
TI  - Parasitic infection and oxidative status are associated and vary with breeding
      activity in the Seychelles warbler.
AB  - Parasites can have detrimental effects on host fitness, and infection typically
      results in the stimulation of the immune system. While defending against
      infection, the immune system generates toxic oxidants; if these are not
      sufficiently counteracted by the antioxidant system, a state of oxidative stress
      can occur. Here, we investigated the relationship between parasitic infection
      using malarial infection as a model-and oxidative status in a natural population
      of the Seychelles warbler, while taking into account potentially interacting
      environmental covariates. We found that malaria is associated with increased
      susceptibility to oxidative stress, but this depends on the breeding stage: only
      during the energetically demanding provisioning stage did infected birds have
      higher oxidative stress susceptibility than non-infected birds. The imbalance in
      oxidative status was caused by a marked increase in oxidant levels observed only
      in infected birds during provisioning and by an overall reduction in antioxidant
      capacity observed in all birds across the breeding cycle. This finding implies
      that higher workload while dealing with an infection could aggravate oxidative
      repercussions. Malarial infection was not associated with body condition loss,
      suggesting that even when conditional effects are not directly visible,
      detrimental effects may still manifest themselves over the longer term through
      the oxidative consequences.

PMID- 22048953
TI  - Neurotoxin localization to ectodermal gland cells uncovers an alternative
      mechanism of venom delivery in sea anemones.
AB  - Jellyfish, hydras, corals and sea anemones (phylum Cnidaria) are known for their
      venomous stinging cells, nematocytes, used for prey and defence. Here we show,
      however, that the potent Type I neurotoxin of the sea anemone Nematostella
      vectensis, Nv1, is confined to ectodermal gland cells rather than nematocytes. We
      demonstrate massive Nv1 secretion upon encounter with a crustacean prey.
      Concomitant discharge of nematocysts probably pierces the prey, expediting toxin
      penetration. Toxin efficiency in sea water is further demonstrated by the rapid
      paralysis of fish or crustacean larvae upon application of recombinant Nv1 into
      their medium. Analysis of other anemone species reveals that in Anthopleura
      elegantissima, Type I neurotoxins also appear in gland cells, whereas in the
      common species Anemonia viridis, Type I toxins are localized to both nematocytes
      and ectodermal gland cells. The nematocyte-based and gland cell-based
      envenomation mechanisms may reflect substantial differences in the ecology and
      feeding habits of sea anemone species. Overall, the immunolocalization of
      neurotoxins to gland cells changes the common view in the literature that sea
      anemone neurotoxins are produced and delivered only by stinging nematocytes, and
      raises the possibility that this toxin-secretion mechanism is an ancestral
      evolutionary state of the venom delivery machinery in sea anemones.

PMID- 22048954
TI  - The sophisticated visual system of a tiny Cambrian crustacean: analysis of a
      stalked fossil compound eye.
AB  - Fossilized compound eyes from the Cambrian, isolated and three-dimensionally
      preserved, provide remarkable insights into the lifestyle and habitat of their
      owners. The tiny stalked compound eyes described here probably possessed too few
      facets to form a proper image, but they represent a sophisticated system for
      detecting moving objects. The eyes are preserved as almost solid, mace-shaped
      blocks of phosphate, in which the original positions of the rhabdoms in one
      specimen are retained as deep cavities. Analysis of the optical axes reveals four
      visual areas, each with different properties in acuity of vision. They are
      surveyed by lenses directed forwards, laterally, backwards and inwards,
      respectively. The most intriguing of these is the putatively inwardly orientated
      zone, where the optical axes, like those orientated to the front, interfere with
      axes of the other eye of the contralateral side. The result is a three
      dimensional visual net that covers not only the front, but extends also far
      laterally to either side. Thus, a moving object could be perceived by a two
      dimensional coordinate (which is formed by two axes of those facets, one of the
      left and one of the right eye, which are orientated towards the moving object) in
      a wide three-dimensional space. This compound eye system enables small arthropods
      equipped with an eye of low acuity to estimate velocity, size or distance of
      possible food items efficiently. The eyes are interpreted as having been derived
      from individuals of the early crustacean Henningsmoenicaris scutula pointing to
      the existence of highly efficiently developed eyes in the early evolutionary
      lineage leading towards the modern Crustacea.

PMID- 22048955
TI  - Tangled in a sparse spider web: single origin of orb weavers and their spinning
      work unravelled by denser taxonomic sampling.
AB  - In order to study the tempo and the mode of spider orb web evolution and
      diversification, we conducted a phylogenetic analysis using six genetic markers
      along with a comprehensive taxon sample. The present analyses are the first to
      recover the monophyly of orb-weaving spiders based solely on DNA sequence data
      and an extensive taxon sample. We present the first dated orb weaver phylogeny.
      Our results suggest that orb weavers appeared by the Middle Triassic and
      underwent a rapid diversification during the end of the Triassic and Early
      Jurassic. By the second half of the Jurassic, most of the extant orb-weaving
      families and web designs were already present. The processes that may have given
      origin to this diversification of lineages and web architectures are discussed. A
      combination of biotic factors, such as key innovations in web design and silk
      composition, as well as abiotic environmental changes, may have played important
      roles in the diversification of orb weavers. Our analyses also show that
      increased taxon sampling density in both ingroups and outgroups greatly improves
      phylogenetic accuracy even when extensive data are missing. This effect is
      particularly important when addition of character data improves gene overlap.

PMID- 22048956
TI  - Bacterial recombination promotes the evolution of multi-drug-resistance in
      functionally diverse populations.
AB  - Bacterial recombination is believed to be a major factor explaining the
      prevalence of multi-drug-resistance (MDR) among pathogenic bacteria. Despite
      extensive evidence for exchange of resistance genes from retrospective sequence
      analyses, experimental evidence for the evolutionary benefits of bacterial
      recombination is scarce. We compared the evolution of MDR between populations of
      Acinetobacter baylyi in which we manipulated both the recombination rate and the
      initial diversity of strains with resistance to single drugs. In populations
      lacking recombination, the initial presence of multiple strains resistant to
      different antibiotics inhibits the evolution of MDR. However, in populations with
      recombination, the inhibitory effect of standing diversity is alleviated and MDR
      evolves rapidly. Moreover, only the presence of DNA harbouring resistance genes
      promotes the evolution of resistance, ruling out other proposed benefits for
      recombination. Together, these results provide direct evidence for the fitness
      benefits of bacterial recombination and show that this occurs by mitigation of
      functional interference between genotypes resistant to single antibiotics.
      Although analogous to previously described mechanisms of clonal interference
      among alternative beneficial mutations, our results actually highlight a
      different mechanism by which interactions among co-occurring strains determine
      the benefits of recombination for bacterial evolution.

PMID- 22048957
TI  - An alternative method of endotracheal intubation of common marmosets (Callithrix
      jacchus).
AB  - Endotracheal intubation was carried out in 11 common marmosets (Callithrix
      jacchus). A commercially available tilting stand and a Miller laryngoscope blade
      were used to visualize the larynx. Anaesthesia was induced with alphaxalone (10.6
      +/- 1.6 mg/kg intramuscularly, followed by 3.2 +/- 1.2 mg/kg intravenously). The
      diameter of the proximal trachea easily fitted an endotracheal tube made from
      readily available material (a 12 G 'over the needle' catheter). Once the tip of
      the endotracheal tube was at the level of the vocal folds, the tube had to be
      gently rotated through a 180 degrees  angle in order to pass through the larynx
      into the trachea. Assessment of the dimensions of the larynx and trachea, and
      comparison with external anatomical features of the animals (n = 10) showed that
      the length of the trachea could be predicted by multiplying the craniosacral
      length of the marmoset by a factor of 0.42.

PMID- 22048958
TI  - A novel mouse model of Niemann-Pick type C disease carrying a D1005G-Npc1
      mutation comparable to commonly observed human mutations.
AB  - We have identified a point mutation in Npc1 that creates a novel mouse model
      (Npc1(nmf164)) of Niemann-Pick type C1 (NPC) disease: a single nucleotide change
      (A to G at cDNA bp 3163) that results in an aspartate to glycine change at
      position 1005 (D1005G). This change is in the cysteine-rich luminal loop of the
      NPC1 protein and is highly similar to commonly occurring human mutations. Genetic
      and molecular biological analyses, including sequencing the Npc1(spm) allele and
      identifying a truncating mutation, confirm that the mutation in Npc1(nmf164) mice
      is distinct from those in other existing mouse models of NPC disease (Npc1(nih),
      Npc1(spm)). Analyses of lifespan, body and spleen weight, gait and other motor
      activities, as well as acoustic startle responses all reveal a more slowly
      developing phenotype in Npc1(nmf164) mutant mice than in mice with the null
      mutations (Npc1(nih), Npc1(spm)). Although Npc1 mRNA levels appear relatively
      normal, Npc1(nmf164) brain and liver display dramatic reductions in Npc1 protein,
      as well as abnormal cholesterol metabolism and altered glycolipid expression.
      Furthermore, histological analyses of liver, spleen, hippocampus, cortex and
      cerebellum reveal abnormal cholesterol accumulation, glial activation and
      Purkinje cell loss at a slower rate than in the Npc1(nih) mouse model. Magnetic
      resonance imaging studies also reveal significantly less
      demyelination/dysmyelination than in the null alleles. Thus, although prior mouse
      models may correspond to the severe infantile onset forms of NPC disease,
      Npc1(nmf164) mice offer many advantages as a model for the late-onset, more
      slowly progressing forms of NPC disease that comprise the large majority of human
      cases.

PMID- 22048959
TI  - Whirlin interacts with espin and modulates its actin-regulatory function: an
      insight into the mechanism of Usher syndrome type II.
AB  - Whirlin mutations cause retinal degeneration and hearing loss in Usher syndrome
      type II (USH2) and non-syndromic deafness, DFNB31. Its protein recruits other
      USH2 causative proteins to form a complex at the periciliary membrane complex in
      photoreceptors and the ankle link of the stereocilia in hair cells. However, the
      biological function of this USH2 protein complex is largely unknown. Using a
      yeast two-hybrid screen, we identified espin, an actin-binding/bundling protein
      involved in human deafness when defective, as a whirlin-interacting protein. The
      interaction between these two proteins was confirmed by their
      coimmunoprecipitation and colocalization in cultured cells. This interaction
      involves multiple domains of both proteins and only occurs when espin does not
      bind to actin. Espin was partially colocalized with whirlin in the retina and the
      inner ear. In whirlin knockout mice, espin expression changed significantly in
      these two tissues. Further studies found that whirlin increased the mobility of
      espin and actin at the actin bundles cross-linked by espin and, eventually,
      affected the dimension of these actin bundles. In whirlin knockout mice, the
      stereocilia were thickened in inner hair cells. We conclude that the interaction
      between whirlin and espin and the balance between their expressions are required
      to maintain the actin bundle network in photoreceptors and hair cells. Disruption
      of this actin bundle network contributes to the pathogenic mechanism of hearing
      loss and retinal degeneration caused by whirlin and espin mutations. Espin is a
      component of the USH2 protein complex and could be a candidate gene for Usher
      syndrome.

PMID- 22048960
TI  - Inhibition of GSK3beta improves hippocampus-dependent learning and rescues
      neurogenesis in a mouse model of fragile X syndrome.
AB  - Fragile X syndrome (FXS), a common inherited form of intellectual disability with
      learning deficits, results from a loss of fragile X mental retardation protein
      (FMRP). Despite extensive research, treatment options for FXS remain limited.
      Since FMRP is known to play an important role in adult hippocampal neurogenesis
      and hippocampus-dependent learning and FMRP regulates the adult neural stem cell
      fate through the translational regulation of glycogen synthase kinase 3beta
      (GSK3beta), we investigated the effects of a GSK3beta inhibitor, SB216763, on
      Fmr1 knockout mice (Fmr1 KO). We found that the inhibition of GSK3beta could
      reverse the hippocampus-dependent learning deficits and rescue adult hippocampal
      neurogenesis at multiple stages in Fmr1 KO mice. Our results point to GSK3beta
      inhibition as a potential treatment for the learning deficits seen in FXS.

PMID- 22048961
TI  - Association of GTF2i in the Williams-Beuren syndrome critical region with autism
      spectrum disorders.
AB  - Duplications of 7q11.23, deleted in Williams-Beuren Syndrome, have been
      implicated in autism spectrum disorders (ASDs). A 1.5 Mb duplication was
      identified in one girl with severe expressive language deficits and anxiety among
      1,142 ASD individuals screened for this duplication. Family-based association
      studies of Tag-SNPs in three genes (STX1A , CYLN2 and GTF2i) in two multiplex
      autism family cohorts revealed strong association of two GTF2i SNPs and their
      haplotype in Cohort 1 and the combined families. The risk alleles and haplotype
      were associated with severe problems in social interaction and excessive
      repetitive behaviors. Our findings suggest the GTF2i gene is important in the
      etiology of autism in individuals with this duplication and in non-duplication
      cases with severe social interaction problems and repetitive behaviors.

PMID- 22048962
TI  - The prevalence of autism spectrum disorders in toddlers: a population study of 2
      year-old Swedish children.
AB  - Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is more common than previously believed. ASD is
      increasingly diagnosed at very young ages. We report estimated ASD prevalence
      rates from a population study of 2-year-old children conducted in 2010 in
      Gothenburg, Sweden. Screening for ASD had been introduced at all child health
      centers at child age 21/2 years. All children with suspected ASD were referred
      for evaluation to one center, serving the whole city of Gothenburg. The
      prevalence for all 2-year-olds referred in 2010 and diagnosed with ASD was 0.80%.
      Corresponding rates for 2-year-olds referred to the center in 2000 and 2005 (when
      no population screening occurred) were 0.18 and 0.04%. Results suggest that early
      screening contributes to a large increase in diagnosed ASD cases.

PMID- 22048963
TI  - Primary adrenal angiosarcoma and functioning adrenocortical adenoma: an
      exceptional combined tumor.
AB  - CONTEXT: Primary adrenal angiosarcoma is an extremely rare neoplasm, as are
      combined tumors within a given adrenal lesion. CLINICAL PRESENTATION AND
      INTERVENTION: A 35-year-old man presented with hypokalemic hypertension leading
      to the discovery of a 6 cm diameter malignant-appearing right adrenal tumor. The
      lesion displayed marked (18)F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake on positron emission
      tomography scanning. Endocrine investigations revealed secretion of both cortisol
      and aldosterone by the neoplasm. The entire right adrenal gland along with the
      periadrenal fat tissue was removed during laparoscopic surgery. RESULTS:
      Histological examination revealed two intermingled tumor cell proliferations,
      namely an angiosarcoma and an adrenocortical adenoma. An extensive post-operative
      search revealed no other primary tumor site, nor metastases. The lesion was then
      considered to be a primary adrenal angiosarcoma combined with a secreting
      adrenocortical adenoma. The patient received four cycles of chemotherapy
      (adriamycin/ifosfamide). At 2-year follow-up, he is alive and well, with no sign
      of relapse. CONCLUSION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of
      an adrenal neoplasm combining a primary angiosarcoma and a functioning
      adrenocortical adenoma.

PMID- 22048964
TI  - Combined expression of BUB1B, DLGAP5, and PINK1 as predictors of poor outcome in
      adrenocortical tumors: validation in a Brazilian cohort of adult and pediatric
      patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A recent microarray study identified a set of genes whose combined
      expression patterns were predictive of poor outcome in a cohort of adult
      adrenocortical tumors (ACTs). The difference between the expression values
      measured by qRT-PCR of DLGAP5 and PINK1 genes was the best molecular predictor of
      recurrence and malignancy. Among the adrenocortical carcinomas, the combined
      expression of BUB1B and PINK1 genes was the most reliable predictor of overall
      survival. The prognostic and molecular heterogeneity of ACTs raises the need to
      study the applicability of these molecular markers in other cohorts. OBJECTIVE:
      To validate the combined expression of BUB1B, DLGAP5, and PINK1 as outcome
      predictor in ACTs from a Brazilian cohort of adult and pediatric patients.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: BUB1B, DLGAP5, and PINK1 expression was assessed by
      quantitative PCR in 53 ACTs from 52 patients - 24 pediatric and 28 adults (one
      pediatric patient presented a bilateral asynchronous ACT). RESULTS: DLGAP5-PINK1
      and BUB1B-PINK1 were strong predictors of disease-free survival and overall
      survival, respectively, among adult patients with ACT. In the pediatric cohort,
      these molecular predictors were only marginally associated with disease-free
      survival but not with overall survival. CONCLUSION: This study confirms the
      prognostic value of the combined expression of BUB1B, DLGAP5, and PINK1 genes in
      a Brazilian group of adult ACTs. Among pediatric ACTs, other molecular predictors
      of outcome are required.

PMID- 22048965
TI  - Association of glucocorticoid receptor polymorphism A3669G with decreased risk of
      developing diabetes in patients with Cushing's syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) polymorphisms alter glucocorticoid (GC)
      sensitivity and have been associated with altered metabolic profiles. We evaluate
      the prevalence of the four GR (NR3C1) polymorphisms BclI, N363S, ER22/23EK, and
      A3669G in patients with Cushing's syndrome (CS) compared with healthy controls
      (HC) and we investigate their role in the development of metabolic abnormalities
      in patients with CS according to their hormonal profile. PATIENTS AND METHODS:
      Sixty-one patients with CS and 71 sex- and age-matched HC were genotyped.
      RESULTS: BclI variant was markedly higher in patients with CS compared with HC
      (62 vs 41%, P<0.05) while no significant differences were found among other
      polymorphisms. A very low frequency of N363S and the ER22/23EK was observed. In
      CS patients, despite the significantly increased levels of morning serum cortisol
      in BclI carriers compared with wild type no clinical or metabolic differences
      were found. In contrast, A3669G GR carriers showed a significantly reduced
      prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus compared with wild type (19 vs 68%,
      P=0.001) despite the higher levels of both serum morning (21.7+/-6 vs 27.3+/-8.6
      MUg/dl, P=0.009) and midnight cortisol (18.8+/-5.8 vs 24.0+/-8.0 MUg/dl, P=0.01).
      The negative association between diabetes and A3669G GR polymorphism remained
      significant when data were adjusted for potential confounding factors.
      CONCLUSIONS: The A3669G polymorphism of the GR gene plays a protective role in
      patients with CS, attenuating the effects of GC excess on glucose metabolism as
      shown by their reduced risk of diabetes.

PMID- 22048966
TI  - Diagnosis of endocrine disease: limitations of the IGF1 generation test in
      children with short stature.
AB  - The IGF1 generation test (IGFGT) is often used during the assessment of suspected
      GH insensitivity (GHI). We report the results of a survey undertaken in 2010 to
      determine the use of IGFGT amongst members of the European Society for Paediatric
      Endocrinology to evaluate suspected GHI. The literature surrounding the
      usefulness and limitations of IGFGT are reviewed, and recommendations provided
      for its use. Of 112 paediatric endocrinologists from 30 countries who responded
      to the survey, 91 (81%) reported that they had used the IGFGT in the previous 2
      years; >10 IGFGT protocols were used. The IGFGT impacted treatment decisions for
      97% of the respondents and was a prerequisite for recombinant human IGF1
      treatment for 45% of respondents. From a literature review, sensitivity of the
      IGFGT was evaluated as 77-91% in molecularly proven cases of GHI; specificity was
      <=97%, depending on the protocol. The positive predictive value of the IGFGT is
      likely to be low, as the frequency of normality is predictably higher than that
      of abnormality in GH signalling. Given the limitations of the IGFGT in the most
      severe cases of GHI syndrome (GHIS), the ability of the IGFGT to detect less
      severe GHIS is doubtful. In a pragmatic approach, the IGFGT may not be useful for
      the diagnosis of GHIS.

PMID- 22048967
TI  - Effects of teriparatide in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis pre-treated
      with bisphosphonates: 36-month results from the European Forsteo Observational
      Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To describe fracture rates, back pain, and health-related quality of
      life (HRQoL) in postmenopausal women with osteoporosis and prior bisphosphonate
      therapy, treated with teriparatide for up to 18 months and followed up for a
      further 18 months. DESIGN: Prospective, multinational, and observational study.
      METHODS: Data on prior bisphosphonate use, clinical fractures, back pain visual
      analog scale (VAS), and HRQoL (EQ-5D) were collected over 36 months. Fracture
      data were summarized in 6-month intervals and analyzed using logistic regression
      with repeated measures. Changes from baseline in back pain VAS and EQ-VAS were
      analyzed using a repeated measures model. RESULTS: Of the 1581 enrolled patients
      with follow-up data, 1161 (73.4%) had a history of prior bisphosphonate use
      (median duration: 36 months). Of them, 169 (14.6%) sustained >=1 fracture during
      36-month follow-up. Adjusted odds of fracture were significantly decreased at
      each 6-month interval compared with the first 6 months of teriparatide treatment:
      37% decrease in the 12 to <18 months period during teriparatide treatment
      (P=0.03) and a 76% decrease in the 12- to 18-month period after teriparatide was
      discontinued (P<0.001). Significant reductions in back pain and improvement in
      HRQoL were observed. CONCLUSIONS: Postmenopausal women with severe osteoporosis
      previously treated with bisphosphonates had a significant reduction in the
      incidence of fractures compared with the first 6 months of therapy, a reduction
      in back pain and an improvement in HRQoL during up to 18 months of teriparatide
      treatment. These outcomes were still evident for at least 18 months after
      teriparatide was discontinued. The results should be interpreted in the context
      of an uncontrolled, observational study in a routine clinical setting.

PMID- 22048968
TI  - Association of hypogonadism with vitamin D status: the European Male Ageing
      Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Interrelationships between hormones of the hypothalamic-pituitary
      testicular (HPT) axis, hypogonadism, vitamin D and seasonality remain poorly
      defined. We investigated whether HPT axis hormones and hypogonadism are
      associated with serum levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) in men. DESIGN AND
      METHODS: Cross-sectional survey of 3369 community-dwelling men aged 40-79 years
      in eight European centres. Testosterone (T), oestradiol (E(2)) and
      dihydrotestosterone were measured by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry; LH,
      FSH, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), 25(OH)D and parathyroid hormone by
      immunoassay. Free T was calculated from total T, SHBG and albumin. Gonadal status
      was categorised as eugonadal (normal T/LH), secondary (low T, low/normal LH),
      primary (low T, elevated LH) and compensated (normal T, elevated LH)
      hypogonadism. Associations of HPT axis hormones with 25(OH)D were examined using
      linear regression and hypogonadism with vitamin D using multinomial logistic
      regression. RESULTS: In univariate analyses, free T levels were lower (P=0.02)
      and E(2) and LH levels were higher (P<0.05) in men with vitamin D deficiency
      (25(OH)D <50 nmol/l). 25(OH)D was positively associated with total and free T and
      negatively with E(2) and LH in age- and centre-adjusted linear regressions. After
      adjusting for health and lifestyle factors, no significant associations were
      observed between 25(OH)D and individual hormones of the HPT axis. However,
      vitamin D deficiency was significantly associated with compensated (relative risk
      ratio (RRR)=1.52, P=0.03) and secondary hypogonadism (RRR=1.16, P=0.05). Seasonal
      variation was only observed for 25(OH)D (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Secondary and
      compensated hypogonadism were associated with vitamin D deficiency and the
      clinical significance of this relationship warrants further investigation.

PMID- 22048969
TI  - Successful treatment of congenital hyperinsulinism with long-acting release
      octreotide.
AB  - CONTEXT: Congenital hyperinsulinism (HI) is a common cause of hypoglycemia in
      infancy. The medical treatment of diazoxide-unresponsive HI is based on a
      somatostatin analogue. OBJECTIVE: This study aims at replacing three daily s.c.
      octreotide (Sandostatin, Novartis) injections by a single and monthly i.m.
      injection of long-acting release (LAR) octreotide (Sandostatin LP, Novartis) in
      HI patients. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: LAR octreotide was injected every 4 weeks
      during 6 months and s.c. octreotide injections were stopped after the third
      injection of LAR octreotide. After this 6-month study, LAR octreotide was
      continued, with an average follow-up of 17 months. Ten HI pediatric patients
      unresponsive to diazoxide and currently treated with s.c. octreotide were
      included in the trial. Glycemias and other parameters (HbA1c, IGF1, height,
      weight, quality of life (QoL), and satisfaction) were monitored at each monthly
      visit. RESULTS: For all ten patients, glycemias were maintained in the usual
      range, HbAlc (mean 5.5%; 95% CI: 4.6-6.2) and IGF1 (mean 89.7 ng/ml; 95% CI: 26
      153) were unchanged. Patients gained height significantly (mean 2.7 cm; 95% CI:
      1.9-3.4) and no side effect was noted during the study and the later follow-up.
      Plasma octreotide levels were stable under LAR octreotide. Parents'
      questionnaires of general satisfaction were highly positive whereas children's
      QoL evaluation remained unchanged. CONCLUSION: In these diazoxide-unresponsive HI
      patients, LAR octreotide was efficient, well tolerated and contributed to a clear
      simplification of the medical care.

PMID- 22048970
TI  - Reproductive function in men affected by X-linked
      adrenoleukodystrophy/adrenomyeloneuropathy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is the most frequent, severely
      neurodegenerative, clinically heterogeneous peroxisomal disorder, the signs of
      which are a consequence of myelin, adrenal cortex, and testes impairment.
      OBJECTIVE: We studied testosterone, LH, and FSH levels in X
      ALD/adrenomyeloneuropathy (AMN) patients. We evaluate the ability to procreate of
      these patients by analysis of pedigree and family screening by detection of very
      long-chain fatty acid (VLCFA) levels. SUBJECT AND METHODS: Seventeen patients
      with X-ALD/AMN (16 with AMN and one asymptomatic) aged 24-48 (mean+/-S.D., 34.7+/
      5.9) years, were identified based on the clinical picture, magnetic resonance
      imaging, and the presence of increased serum VLCFA levels. Nine X-ALD/AMN
      patients' daughters, mean ages +/-S.D.=7.7+/-3.8 years, were identified as
      heterozygote by elevated VLCFA levels. Serum VLCFA levels were determined as
      ester derivatives by a gas chromatography method. Serum testosterone, LH, and FSH
      levels in X-ALD/AMN patients were detected by IRMAs. RESULTS: Serum testosterone
      levels were at the lowest levels of normal range but serum LH and FSH
      concentrations were increased in 57.1 and in 42.9% of X-ALD/AMN patients
      respectively. Among the 11 investigated of X-ALD/AMN married adult men, nine had
      produced offspring, a total of 13 children. All patients' daughters showed
      elevated serum VLCFA at heterozygote levels. CONCLUSION: In this study, we report
      that in a group of X-ALD/AMN married adult men, we did not find a significant
      decrease in fertility compared with the Polish population (18.2 vs 15%).

PMID- 22048971
TI  - High-dose mitotane strategy in adrenocortical carcinoma: prospective analysis of
      plasma mitotane measurement during the first 3 months of follow-up.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The benefit-to-risk ratio of a high-dose strategy at the initiation
      of mitotane treatment of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) remains unknown. METHODS:
      To evaluate the performance of a high-dose strategy, defined as the highest
      tolerated dose administered within 2 weeks and maintenance therapy over 4 weeks,
      we conducted a single-center, prospective study with two main objectives: to
      evaluate the percentage of patients who achieve a plasma mitotane level above 14
      mg/l and to evaluate the tolerance of mitotane within the first 3 months of
      treatment. Plasma mitotane levels were measured monthly using HPLC. RESULTS:
      Twenty-two patients with ACC were prospectively enrolled. The high-dose mitotane
      strategy (4 g/day or more in all patients, with a median of 6 g/day within 2
      weeks) enabled to reach the therapeutic threshold of >14 mg/l at 1, 2, or 3
      months in 6/22 patients (27%), 7/22 patients (32%), and 7/22 patients (32%)
      respectively. In total, a therapeutic plasma mitotane level was reached in 14 out
      of 22 patients (63.6%) during the first 3 months in ten patients, and after 3
      months in four patients. Grade 3-4 neurological or hematological toxicities were
      observed in three patients (13.6%). CONCLUSION: Employing a high-dose strategy at
      the time of mitotane initiation enabled therapeutic plasma levels of mitotane to
      be reached within 1 month in 27% of the total group of patients. If this strategy
      is adopted, we suggest that mitotane dose is readjusted according to plasma
      mitotane levels at 1 or/and 2 months and patient tolerance.

PMID- 22048972
TI  - Nuclear receptor NR5A2 and bone: gene expression and association with bone
      mineral density.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: There is growing evidence for a link between energy and bone
      metabolism. The nuclear receptor subfamily 5 member A2 (NR5A2) is involved in
      lipid metabolism and modulates the expression of estrogen-related genes in some
      tissues. The objective of this study was to explore the influence of NR5A2 on
      bone cells and to determine whether its allelic variations are associated with
      bone mineral density (BMD). DESIGN: Analyses of gene expression by quantitative
      PCR and inhibition of NR5A2 expression by siRNAs were used to explore the effects
      of NR5A2 in osteoblasts. Femoral neck BMD and 30 single nucleotide polymorphisms
      (SNPs) were first analyzed in 935 postmenopausal women and the association of
      NR5A2 genetic variants with BMD was explored in other 1284 women in replication
      cohorts. RESULTS: NR5A2 was highly expressed in bone. The inhibition of NR5A2
      confirmed that it modulates the expression of osteocalcin, osteoprotegerin, and
      podoplanin in osteoblasts. Two SNPs were associated with BMD in the Spanish
      discovery cohort (rs6663479, P=0.0014, and rs2816948, P=0.0012). A similar trend
      was observed in another Spanish cohort, with statistically significant
      differences across genotypes in the combined analysis (P=0.03). However, the
      association in a cohort from the United States was rather weak. Electrophoretic
      mobility assays and studies with luciferase reporter vectors confirmed the
      existence of differences in the binding of nuclear proteins and the
      transcriptional activity of rs2816948 alleles. CONCLUSIONS: NR5A2 modulates gene
      expression in osteoblasts and some allelic variants are associated with bone mass
      in Spanish postmenopausal women.

PMID- 22048973
TI  - Analysis of plasma ghrelin in patients with medium-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase
      deficiency and glutaric aciduria type II.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Ghrelin requires a fatty acid modification for binding to the GH
      secretagogue receptor. Acylation of the Ser3 residue of ghrelin is essential for
      its biological activities. We hypothesized that acyl-CoA is the fatty acid
      substrate for ghrelin acylation. Because serum octanoyl-CoA levels are altered by
      fatty acid oxidation disorders, we examined circulating ghrelin levels in
      affected patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Blood levels of acyl (A) and des-acyl
      (D) forms of ghrelin and acylcarnitine of patients with medium-chain acyl-CoA
      dehydrogenase (MCAD) deficiency and glutaric aciduria type II (GA2) were
      measured. RESULTS: Plasma acyl ghrelin levels and A/D ratios increased in
      patients with MCAD deficiency or GA2 when compared with normal subjects. Reverse
      phase HPLC confirmed that n-octanoylated ghrelin levels were elevated in these
      patients. CONCLUSION: Changing serum medium-chain acylcarnitine levels may affect
      circulating acyl ghrelin levels, suggesting that acyl-CoA is the substrate for
      ghrelin acylation.

PMID- 22048974
TI  - Continuous glucose monitoring: coming of age?
AB  - In a recent issue of the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, an
      Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline on Continuous Glucose Monitoring
      (CGM) was published, co-sponsored by the European Society of Endocrinology. Such
      a guideline is a necessary step in the maturation of any new technology. This
      commentary tries to delineate where we stand some 10 years after the first
      retrospective CGM device entered the market from a European perspective.

PMID- 22048975
TI  - Evidence that polymorphisms in detoxification genes modulate the susceptibility
      for sporadic medullary thyroid carcinoma.
AB  - AIM: Polymorphic low-penetrance genes have been consistently associated with the
      susceptibility to a series of human tumors, including differentiated thyroid
      cancer. METHODS: To determine their role in medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), we
      used TaqMan SNP method to genotype 47 sporadic MTC (s-MTC) and a control group of
      578 healthy individuals for CYP1A2*F, CYP1A1m1, GSTP1, NAT2 and 72TP53. A
      logistic regression analysis showed that NAT2C/C (OR=3.87; 95% CI=2.11-7.10;
      P=2.2*10(-5)) and TP53C/C genotypes (OR=3.87; 95% CI=1.78-6.10; P=2.8*10(-4))
      inheritance increased the risk of s-MTC. A stepwise regression analysis indicated
      that TP53C/C genotype contributes with 8.07% of the s-MTC risk. RESULTS: We were
      unable to identify any relationship between NAT2 and TP53 polymorphisms
      suggesting they are independent factors of risk to s-MTC. In addition, there was
      no association between the investigated genes and clinical or pathological
      features of aggressiveness of the tumors or the outcome of MTC patients.
      CONCLUSION: In conclusion, we demonstrated that detoxification genes and
      apoptotic and cell cycle control genes are involved in the susceptibility of s
      MTC and may modulate the susceptibility to the disease.

PMID- 22048976
TI  - Endovascular treatment of isolated internal iliac artery aneurysms.
AB  - The aim of the paper is to evaluate the outcome of endovascular treatments for
      isolated internal iliac artery aneurysms. A systematic review of the literature
      using public domain databases was undertaken. All studies reporting on
      endovascular treatment of isolated hypogastric artery aneurysms were considered.
      Experience from our institution was involved in the data analysis. The primary
      outcome measures were technical success, perioperative, and overall mortality and
      morbidity. Data were extracted from 30 articles fulfilling the selection
      criteria, and the study cohort consisted of 55 patients having undergone
      treatment of 59 internal iliac artery aneurysms. Ten patients (18%) were treated
      on an urgent or emergency basis for a ruptured aneurysm. Technical success was
      achieved in 71% of the cases. The most common reason for technical failure was
      incomplete exclusion of the aneurysm sac. Thirty-day mortality occurred in one
      patient (2%). The 30-day morbidity rate was 20%, and was mostly associated with
      insufficiency of the pelvic circulation. One aneurysm-related death occurred
      during a mean follow-up period of 13 months (range 0.5-56 months). Open surgical
      intervention for aneurysm-related complications was required in five patients. In
      conclusion, endovascular treatment of isolated internal iliac artery aneurysms is
      an effective alternative option, with satisfactory early and mid-term results.

PMID- 22048977
TI  - Hypothenar hammer syndrome in a 22-year-old male patient: a case report and
      review of literature.
AB  - Hypothenar hammer syndrome is a rare condition with a peculiar presentation that
      aids in making a clinical diagnosis. We present a 22-year-old male patient who
      presented with critical hand ischemia secondary to a distal ulnar aneurysm with
      distal embolization. The patient was treated with an aneurysmectomy with cephalic
      vein interposition graft, which resulted in complete reversal of his hand
      ischemia. This case report outlines the clinical presentation of this rare
      condition, along with a recent review of the literature.

PMID- 22048978
TI  - Autism, imprinting and epigenetic disorders: a metabolic syndrome linked to
      anomalies in homocysteine recycling starting in early life??

PMID- 22048979
TI  - Current and emerging treatment options for castration-resistant prostate cancer:
      a focus on immunotherapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Castration-resistant prostate cancer is a disease with limited
      treatment options. However, the ongoing elucidation of the mechanisms underlying
      this disease continues to support the development of not only novel agents, but
      also innovative approaches. Among these therapies, immunotherapy has emerged as a
      promising strategy. DESIGN: This review article summarizes the most recent data
      from investigations of immunotherapies in castration-resistant prostate cancer
      (literature and congress searches current as of August 2011). RESULTS:
      Immunotherapeutic strategies such as passive immunization, vaccines, and
      particularly checkpoint blockade have demonstrated some efficacy as single
      agents. Elucidation of effective combinations of agents and drug regimens is
      ongoing but will require continued careful investigation, including the
      standardization of surrogate endpoints in clinical trials. CONCLUSIONS: It is
      hypothesized that the combination of immunotherapeutic agents with traditional
      and novel chemotherapeutics will potentiate the efficacy of the chemotherapeutics
      while maintaining manageable toxicity.

PMID- 22048980
TI  - TLR-mediated B cell defects and IFN-alpha in common variable immunodeficiency.
AB  - Common variable immune deficiency (CVID) B cells have impaired responses to TLR7
      and TLR9 agonists including poor cell proliferation, loss of cytokine production,
      and failure to produce IgG or IgA. We show that TLR7- or 9-activated B cells from
      CVID subjects with >0.5% peripheral isotype-switched CD27(+) B cells (group 2)
      have increased mature Cgamma1 and Cgamma2 heavy-chain mRNA transcripts compared
      to subjects who have <0.5% isotype-switched cells (group 1). While TLR-stimulated
      CVID plasmacytoid dendritic cells for all subjects had impaired IFN-alpha
      production, TLR7 or TLR9 stimulation in the presence IFN-alpha normalized isotype
      switched CD27(+) B cells, enhanced activation-induced cytidine deaminase mRNA,
      and significantly improved IgG production only for group 2 subjects. IFN-alpha
      also upregulated TLR7 and TLR9 mRNA expression comparable to normal levels in B
      cells of group 2 subjects, indicating that the loss of IFN-alpha could be a
      significant component of the B-cell defect for these subjects.

PMID- 22048981
TI  - Investigation of the atrial electromechanical delay duration in Behcet patients
      by tissue Doppler echocardiography.
AB  - AIMS: To investigate the atrial electromechanical delay (EMD) duration that is a
      non-invasive predictor of atrial fibrillation (AF) in patients with Behcet's
      disease (BD). METHODS AND RESULTS: Thirty-eight Behcet's patients (24 females, 14
      males; mean age: 43.6 +/- 10.3 years) who were being followed in the dermatology
      or internal medicine department and 29 demographically matched controls (13
      females, 16 males; mean: age 42.6 +/- 11.1 years) were included in the study. The
      inclusion criteria were recurrent oral ulcerations and two of the following
      features: recurrent genital ulceration, eye lesions, skin lesions or positive
      pathergy skin test for Behcet's group. Using tissue Doppler imaging, atrial
      electromechanical coupling [time interval from the onset of P wave on surface
      electrocardiogram to the beginning of A wave interval with tissue Doppler
      echocardiography (PA)] were measured from the lateral mitral annulus (PA
      lateral), septal mitral annulus (PA septum), and right ventricular tricuspid
      annulus (PA tricuspid). The mean disease duration was 10.5 +/- 7.7 years. The
      inter-atrial and intra-atrial EMD were significantly higher in the Behcet group
      than those in the controls (19.8 +/- 8.2 vs. 13.1 +/- 4.4 ms, P = 0.001; 11.5 +/-
      7.4 vs. 6.9 +/- 3.7 ms, P = 0.02; respectively). The left atrial EMD was similar
      in both of the groups. However, the P(max) and PWD values were significantly
      higher in the BD group compared with those in the controls (120.5 +/- 10.1 vs.
      112.1 +/- 5.9 ms, P < 0.0001; 44.9 +/- 10.7 vs. 28.4 +/- 5.9 ms, P < 0.0001;
      respectively). CONCLUSION: Atrial electromechanical conduction times were
      increased in the BD patients compared with those in the controls. The tendency of
      BD patients to go into AF can be easily and non-invasively detected using tissue
      Doppler echocardiography. These findings may be indicators for subclinical
      cardiac involvement.

PMID- 22048982
TI  - A complicated transseptal puncture during Mitraclip procedure: saved by 3D-TEE.
AB  - We report a case where real-time three-dimensional transoesophageal
      echocardiography (3D-TEE) was able to detect a complicated transseptal puncture
      during a Mitraclip procedure which was not seen on the two-dimensional TEE (2D
      TEE) images. This case demonstrates the incremental value of 3D-TEE during
      transseptal puncture.

PMID- 22048983
TI  - Fluorescence and electrochemical sensing of pesticides methomyl, aldicarb and
      prometryne by the luminescent europium-3-carboxycoumarin probe.
AB  - This work describes the application of time resolved fluorescence in
      microtiterplates and electrochemical methods on glassy carbon electrode for
      investigating the interactions of europium-3-carboxycoumarin with pesticides
      aldicarb, methomyl and prometryne. Stern-volmer studies at different temperatures
      indicate that static quenching dominates for methomyl, aldicarb and prometryne.
      By using Lineweaver-Burk equation binding constants were determined at 303 K, 308
      K and 313 K. A thermodynamic analysis showed that the reaction is spontaneous
      with DeltaG being negative. The enthalpy DeltaH and the entropy DeltaS of
      reactions were all determined. A time-resolved (gated) luminescence-based method
      for determination of pesticides in microtiterplate format using the long-lived
      europium-3-carboxycoumarin has been developed. The limit of detection is 4.80,
      5.06 and 8.01 MUmol L(-1) for methomyl, prometryne and aldicarb, respectively.
      This is the lowest limit of detection achieved so far for luminescent lanthanide
      based probes for pesticides. The interaction of the probe with the pesticides has
      been investigated using cyclic voltammetry (CV), differential pulse polarography
      (DPP), square wave voltammetry (SWV) and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV) on a
      glassy carbon electrode in I = 0.1 mol L(-1) p-toluenesulfonate at 25  degrees C.
      The diffusion coefficients of the reduced species are calculated. The main
      properties of the electrode reaction occurring in a finite diffusion space are
      the quasireversible maximum and the splitting of the net SWV peak for Eu(III)
      ions in the ternary complex formed . It was observed that the increase of the
      cathodic peak currents using LSV is linear with the increase of pesticides
      concentration in the range 5 * 10(-7) to 1 * 10(-5) mol L(-1). The detection
      limit (DL) were about 1.01, 2.23 and 1.89 MUmol L(-1) for aldicarb, methomyl and
      prometryne, respectively. In order to assess the analytical applicability of the
      method, the influence of various potentially interfering species was examined.
      Influence of interfering species on the recovery of 10 MUmol L(-1) pesticides has
      been investigated.

PMID- 22048984
TI  - Luminescence properties of dual valence Eu doped nano-crystalline BaF2 embedded
      glass-ceramics and observation of Eu2+ -> Eu3+ energy transfer.
AB  - Europium doped glass-ceramics containing BaF(2) nano-crystals have been prepared
      by using the controlled crystallization of melt-quenched glasses. X-ray
      diffraction and transmission electron microscopy have confirmed the presence of
      cubic BaF(2) nano-crystalline phase in glass matrix in the ceramized samples.
      Incorporation of rare earth ions into the formed crystalline phase having low
      phonon energy of 346 cm(-1) has been demonstrated from the emission spectra of
      Eu(3+) ions showing the transitions from upper excitation states (5)D(J) (J = 1,
      2, and 3) to ground states for the glass-ceramics samples. The presence of
      divalent europium ions in glass and glass-ceramics samples is confirmed from the
      dominant blue emission corresponding to its 5d-4f transition under an excitation
      of 300 nm. Increase in the reduction of trivalent europium (Eu(3+)) ions to
      divalent (Eu(2+)) with the extent of ceramization is explained by charge
      compensation model based on substitution defect mechanisms. Further, the
      phenomenon of energy transfer from Eu(2+) to Eu(3+) ion by radiative trapping or
      re-absorption is evidenced which increases with the degree of ceramization. For
      the first time, the reduction of Eu(3+) to Eu(2+) under normal air atmospheric
      condition has been observed in a BaF(2) containing oxyfluoride glass-ceramics
      system.

PMID- 22048985
TI  - Diabetes self-efficacy strongly influences actual control of diabetes in patients
      attending a tertiary hospital in India.
AB  - A cross-sectional survey of 507 in- and out-patients, with diagnosed Type 2
      diabetes mellitus (T2DM) was undertaken to study the relationships between
      personal, disease and treatment-related factors and diabetes control in a
      tertiary care hospital. On multivariate logistic regression analysis, self
      efficacy (odds ratio (OR) =2.94; 95% confidence interval (CI) =1.92-4.54);
      P<0.001) was the single most important determinant of current diabetes control
      (HbA1c <=7%), along with absence of hyperglycemic symptoms in the past year
      (OR=1.83; 95% CI=1.15-2.93, P<0.01), current treatment with oral medication
      (OR=1.77; 95% CI=1.17-2.66; P<0.007), and adherence to dietary restrictions
      (OR=2.7; 95% CI=1.28-5.88; P<0.009). Self-efficacy was itself influenced by
      educational status, employment, availability of family support, and positive
      mental attitudes. Our findings suggest that health care delivery inputs,
      patients' personal characteristics including education and attitude, and family
      support for care are complexly processed to determine patients' ability to manage
      their disease, which ultimately influences disease outcomes.

PMID- 22048986
TI  - Factors influencing colorectal cancer screening in low-income African Americans
      in Tennessee.
AB  - This study examined demographic and lifestyle factors that influenced decisions
      and obstacles to being screened for colorectal cancer in low-income African
      Americans in three urban Tennessee cities. As part of the Meharry Community
      Networks Program (CNP) needs assessment, a 123-item community survey was
      administered to assess demographic characteristics, health care access and
      utilization, and screening practices for various cancers in low-income African
      Americans. For this study, only African Americans 50 years and older (n=460) were
      selected from the Meharry CNP community survey database. There were several
      predictors of colorectal cancer screening such as being married and having health
      insurance (P< .05). Additionally, there were associations between obstacles to
      screening and geographic region such as transportation and health insurance (P<
      .05). Educational interventions aimed at improving colorectal cancer knowledge
      and screening rates should incorporate information about obstacles and predictors
      to screening.

PMID- 22048987
TI  - Achy breaky makey wakey heart? A randomised crossover trial of musical prompts.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Compared with no music (NM), does listening to 'Achy breaky heart'
      (ABH) or 'Disco science' (DS) increase the proportion of prehospital
      professionals delivering chest compressions at 2010 guideline-compliant rates of
      100-120 bpm and 50-60 mm depths? METHODS: A randomised crossover trial recruiting
      at an Australian ambulance conference. Volunteers performed three 1-min sequences
      of continuous chest compressions on a manikin accompanied by NM, repeated
      choruses of ABH and DS, prerandomised for order. RESULTS: 37 of 74 participants
      were men; median age 37 years; 61% were paramedics, 20% students and 19% other
      health professionals. 54% had taken cardiopulmonary resuscitation training within
      1 year. Differences in compression rate (mode, IQR) were significant for NM (105,
      99-116) versus ABH (120, 107-120) and DS (104, 103-107) versus ABH (p<0.001) but
      not NM versus DS (p=0.478). Differences in proportions of participants
      compressing at 100-120 bpm were significant for DS (61/74, 82%) versus NM (48/74,
      65%, p=0.007) and DS versus ABH (47/74, 64%, p=0.007) but not NM versus ABH
      (p=1). Differences in compression depth were significant for NM (48 mm, 46-59 mm)
      versus DS (54 mm, 44-58 mm, p=0.042) but not NM versus ABH (54 mm, 43-59 mm,
      p=0.065) and DS versus ABH (p=0.879). Differences in proportions of subjects
      compressing at 50-60 mm were not significant (NM 31/74 (42%); ABH 32/74 (43%); DS
      29/74 (39%); all p>0.5). CONCLUSIONS: Listening to DS significantly increased the
      proportion of prehospital professionals compressing at 2010 guideline-compliant
      rates. Regardless of intervention more than half gave compressions that were too
      shallow. Alternative audible feedback mechanisms may be more effective.

PMID- 22048988
TI  - Hormone-dependent placental manipulation of breast cancer cell migration.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Breast cancer during pregnancy is often more advanced than in non
      pregnant women. Nevertheless, no case of metastasis inside the placenta has been
      reported. Previously, we showed that placental-explants eliminated breast cancer
      cells from their surroundings, due to cell-death and elevated migration. Our
      objective was to find the underlying mechanisms of these phenomena. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: Our model contained Michigan Cancer Foundation 7 (MCF7) or T47D cells co
      cultured with and without human placental explants. Microarray analysis,
      validated by quantitative PCR, of MCF7 following their placental co-culture
      suggested activation of estrogen (E(2)) signaling. As extensive cross-talk exists
      between E(2) and progesterone, their involvement in mediating placental effects
      on breast cancer cells was tested. Indeed, addition of E(2) and progesterone
      receptor (ER and PR) inhibitors to the co-culture system reduced cancer cell
      motility, yet did not alter cell-cycle or death. E(2) and progesterone
      concentrations in placental media were found to be similar to those of early
      pregnancy blood levels. Interestingly, placental-breast cancer co-culture media
      contained lower progesterone (P < 0.05) and higher E(2) (200%, P < 0.05) levels
      than placentae cultured separately. Placental supernatant and E(2) and
      progesterone at placental levels were sufficient to increase MCF7 and T47D
      migration and invasion (P < 0.05), yet did not alter MCF7 cell-cycle or death.
      Furthermore, placental supernatant elevated p38 and Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)
      phosphorylation in both cell lines (P < 0.05). Inhibitors of JNK, ER and PR
      reversed MCF7 and T47D motility induced by the placenta, suggesting their
      involvement. CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that E(2) and progesterone contribute to
      cell migration away from placental areas. We hypothesize that they may increase
      metastatic spread to other organs in pregnancy.

PMID- 22048989
TI  - Neonatal follow-up of 995 consecutively born children after embryo biopsy for
      PGD.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Outcome data on children born after assisted reproduction treatments
      are important for both patients and health-care providers. The objective of this
      study was to determine whether embryo biopsy as performed in PGD has an impact on
      the health of infants up to 2 months of age. METHODS: A prospective comparative
      follow-up study of children born after PGD and children born after ICSI by
      collecting written reports and performing a physical examination at 2 months was
      performed. Auxological data at birth and physical findings up to 2 months of age
      were compared for 995 children consecutively live born after embryo biopsy (1994
      2009) and for a control group of 1507 children born after ICSI with embryo
      transfer on Day 5. RESULTS: No differences regarding mean term, prematurity (term
      <32 w and <37 w), mean birthweight, very low birthweight (<1500 g), perinatal
      death, major malformations and neonatal hospitalizations in singletons and
      multiples born following PGD versus ICSI were observed. Compared with ICSI, fewer
      multiples born following PGD presented a low birthweight (<2500 g) (P = 0.005).
      CONCLUSIONS: Embryo biopsy for PGD does not introduce extra risk to the overall
      medical condition of newborn children. Multiples born following embryo biopsy
      appear to be at lower risk for low birthweight compared with multiples born
      following ICSI.

PMID- 22048990
TI  - Parenthood motives, well-being and disclosure among men from couples ready to
      start treatment with intrauterine insemination using their own sperm or donor
      sperm.
AB  - BACKGROUND: As pregnancy and childbirth have long been considered women's issues
      and male infertility has long been surrounded by taboo, limited research has
      focused on the experience of infertile men. The purpose of this study was to
      compare male motives for parenthood, male well-being and disclosure patterns
      concerning the method of conception among men from couples starting treatment
      with IUI using their own sperm (autologous sperm recipient, ASR) or donor sperm
      (donor sperm recipient, DSR). METHODS: This prospective study included 46 DSR-
      and 151 ASR-couples. Self-report questionnaires assessing parenthood motives,
      well-being and disclosure patterns concerning the method of conception were
      administered to both men and women prior to treatment. Unpaired T-tests and
      Fisher's exact tests were used to test for significant differences. RESULTS: When
      compared with ASR-men, DSR-men expect more positive effects from parenthood on
      relationships and feelings of fulfilment, and report less negative effects of
      infertility on sexuality, but a lower self-image and more guilt. DSR-men plan to
      disclose the method of conception less frequently and have so far disclosed to a
      lesser degree than ASR-men. CONCLUSIONS: DSR-men feel differently about
      parenthood and infertility compared with ASR-men, and their higher expectations
      combined with lower self-esteem need (more) attention during counselling.

PMID- 22048991
TI  - Perspectives of mild cycle IVF: a qualitative study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The introduction of mild cycle IVF adds to the repertoire of
      fertility treatments. However, its place is still novel and is contested within
      the literature. Women's experiences of mild cycle IVF have received minimal
      attention. The aim of the study was to explore women's perspectives regarding
      mild cycle IVF. METHODS: In this qualitative thematic analysis study, 17 women,
      and 2 partners were interviewed regarding their perceptions of 'mild' cycle IVF.
      Data were thematically analysed to identify the key aspects of participants'
      perceptions. RESULTS: Participants reported that 'mild' cycle IVF offered a
      number of positive aspects, including the reduction in the intrusion of IVF
      procedures in women's lives, the short timeframe spent in awaiting the results
      and the way mild cycle worked with women's natural hormonal cycles. CONCLUSIONS:
      'Mild' cycle IVF was perceived positively by the participants particularly in
      terms of timeframes and the impact on their physical and emotional wellbeing.

PMID- 22048992
TI  - Donor age is a major determinant of success of oocyte donation/recipient
      programme.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In recent years, particularly in developed countries, women have
      tended to delay childbirth until over 40 years of age. Our study aims to identify
      whether the donor's age or recipient's age influences the pregnancy and live
      birth rate following oocyte recipient cycles. METHODS: A population study
      included 3889 fresh oocyte recipient cycles. Pregnancy and live delivery rates
      were compared in recipient age groups (<35, 35-39, 40-44 and >=45 years) and
      donor age groups (<30, 30-34, 35-39 and >=40 years). RESULTS: The highest live
      birth rate was of cycles in donors aged 30-34 years (25.0%), it decreased (P<
      0.05) to 24.1% in donors aged <30 years, 20.7% in donors aged 35-39 years and
      11.5% in donors aged >=40 years. The multivariate analysis showed no significant
      differences in the success by recipient's age. Compared with cycles in donors
      aged 30-34 years, cycles in donors aged 35-39 years had 14 and 18% less chance to
      achieve a pregnancy [adjusted rate ratio (ARR) 0.86, 95% confidence interval (CI)
      0.75-0.98] and a live delivery (ARR 0.82, 95% CI 0.71-0.96), while cycles in
      donors aged 40 years or older had 42 and 54% less chance to achieve a pregnancy
      (ARR 0.58, 95% CI 0.41-0.84) and a live delivery (ARR 0.46, 95% CI 0.29-0.73).
      CONCLUSIONS: Older recipients with younger donors did not have a poorer pregnancy
      outcome compared with younger recipients with younger donors. Choosing a donor
      aged <35 years would increase the chance of pregnancy and live delivery for older
      recipients.

PMID- 22048993
TI  - A standardized education protocol significantly reduces traumatic injuries and
      syncope recurrence: an observational study in 316 patients with vasovagal
      syncope.
AB  - AIMS: The aim of this study was to assess the role of a non-pharmacological
      approach on the frequency of traumatic injuries and syncope recurrence in
      patients with vasovagal syncope and normal hearts. We report the experience in
      our syncope centre with a standardized education and teaching protocol for
      patients with vasovagal syncope. The treatment of vasovagal syncope is often
      complex and discouraging. Besides medical options, behaviour modification is a
      main component of therapy but has no statistical evidence to support its use.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: Between January 1999 and September 2006, we prospectively
      enrolled all patients with vasovagal syncope. The patients were counselled about
      the benign nature of their disease. Specific recommendations were made according
      to a standardized education protocol established at our syncope centre. A pre
      /post-study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of our approach on
      syncope recurrence and frequency of injury as the study endpoints. Complete
      follow-up data were available from 85% of the study population (316 of 371) after
      a mean time of 710 +/- 286 days (mean age 50 years; standard deviation +/- 18
      years, 160 female). Eighty-seven patients (27.5%) had a syncope recurrence with
      22 suffering an injury during syncope. During the follow-up period, the syncope
      burden per month was significantly reduced from 0.35 +/- 0.03 at initial
      presentation to 0.08 +/- 0.02 (P< 0.001). The frequency of traumatic syncope was
      significantly lower at the time of recurrence compared with the initial
      presentation (25 vs. 42%; McNemar's test P= 0.02). CONCLUSION: A standardized
      education protocol significantly reduces traumatic injuries and syncope
      recurrence in patients with vasovagal syncope.

PMID- 22048994
TI  - Clinical and electrophysiological characteristics in patients with sustained
      monomorphic reentrant ventricular tachycardia associated with dilated-phase
      hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
AB  - AIMS: Little is known about sustained monomorphic ventricular tachycardia (SMVT)
      associated with dilated-phase hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (DHCM). The purpose of
      this study was to clarify the clinical characteristics and effectiveness of
      catheter ablation for SMVTs in DHCM patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: Five patients
      with DHCM (mean age; 67.0 years old, five males) who underwent catheter ablation
      for drug-refractory SMVTs were included the study. Four of five patients suffered
      from electrical storm. When the endocardial ablation failed, epicardial and/or
      intracoronary ethanol ablation, or surgical cryoablation was performed. We
      reviewed all ablation procedures and electrocardiogram (ECG) of targeted SMVTs. A
      total of 13 SMVTs were targeted for ablation. Mechanism of all ventricular
      tachycardias (VTs) was diagnosed as reentry. Endocardial ablation successfully
      eliminated all VTs in two patients. The remaining three patients needed
      epicardial ablation, intracoronary ethanol ablation, and surgical cryoablation.
      All but one VT arose from the basal septum, basal anterior to anterolateral left
      ventricle (LV). Although the ECGs demonstrated similar features of idiopathic
      outflow or mitral annulus VTs reflecting the origins, there were characteristic
      multiple QRS deflections. Following the ablation, four (80%) of the five patients
      are free from VT recurrence during 18 months of the follow-up period.
      CONCLUSIONS: In DHCM patients, VT circuits predominantly distributed in the basal
      septum and the basal anterior to anterolateral LV. In addition to the endocardial
      ablation, alternative approaches were required in some patients.

PMID- 22048995
TI  - The new emphasis on implementing evidence-based interventions: the end of
      research or a new beginning for partnerships?

PMID- 22049001
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 22049000
TI  - Young men, sexual health and responsibility for contraception: a qualitative
      pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND METHODOLOGY: Despite increasing interest over the last decade or
      more in men's views of sexual health services and use of contraception, most
      published literature focuses on women. It is important that the views of boys and
      young men are better understood, particularly with regard to responsibility for
      use of contraception. This pilot study aimed to gain insights into young men's
      views of sexual health services and contraception; five non-fathers aged between
      14 and 18 years took part in two focus groups. The groups were recorded,
      transcribed and analysed using the constant comparative method to build up
      categories of data. RESULTS: Engaging young men in research is very difficult,
      particularly young men who are not in education or employment. Young fathers
      proved impossible to recruit. The young men who took part in the study thought
      responsibility for contraception was shared, although this was partly dependent
      on relationship status, namely whether sex was with a regular partner or a one
      night stand. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: These findings are based on a small
      sample and all participants were in full-time education. It is likely that
      attitudes may differ from those who are not in education, training or employment.
      In a future study, it would be important to ensure that young men from different
      class and educational backgrounds are included in the research, as the tentative
      conclusions from this pilot study suggest that educational status is a factor in
      beliefs about responsibility.

PMID- 22049002
TI  - A pragmatic basis for judging models and theories in health psychology: the
      axiomatic method.
AB  - Psychology and its subfield of health psychology suffer from a lack of
      standardized terminology and a unified theoretical framework for the prediction
      and explanation of health behaviour. Hence, it is difficult to establish whether
      a given theory is logically consistent and to compare different theories. Science
      involves both empirical and conceptual issues. It is asserted that psychology has
      overemphasized the former and underemphasized the latter. Empirical psychology
      needs an explicit, shared conceptual system in order to develop its theories. An
      example of an axiomatic method (Psycho-Logic; see e.g. J. Smedslund.Psychological
      Inquiry 1991a; 2: 325-338) is applied to show how the Health Belief Model,the
      Theory of Planned Behaviour and Social Cognitive Theory all conform to the a
      priori conditions of acting. One implication is that studies of the predictive
      power of theories stated as definitional truths only assess auxiliary hypotheses,
      i.e. the extent to which the measuring instruments are reliable and valid. On the
      other hand, the introduction of logic into health psychology can facilitate
      genuine empirical studies by helping to avoid so-called 'pseudoempirical' work
      (Smedslund, J. In Smith, Harre & Van Langenhove (Eds.) Rethinking psychology,
      1995). Systems such as Psycho-Logic can also enhance conceptual integration by
      using logic to explicate and demonstrate intuitive relations. Implications for
      practitioners are discussed briefly.

PMID- 22049003
TI  - On judging models and theories: research and practice, psychology and public
      health.

PMID- 22049004
TI  - Alternative pragmatic bases for judging models.

PMID- 22049005
TI  - Logic, empiricism and ethics.

PMID- 22049006
TI  - Logic or Psychologism: Smedslund's Psycho-Logic and Health.

PMID- 22049007
TI  - Psycho-logic: a 'conceptual toolbox' and 'mind sharpener' for health
      psychologists: a response to commentaries.
AB  - This is a reply to K. Glanz, J. Maddock, J. O. Prochaska, D. Seedhouse, and H.
      Stam on the target article entitled: 'A pragmatic basis for judging models and
      theories in health psychology: the axiomatic method'. I defend the claim that one
      should only test hypotheses that are empirical and avoid testing hypotheses that
      are necessarily true because of conceptual relations and logic. I argue that the
      axiomatic system Psycho-Logic (PL) should be added to the other methods which
      form the health psychologist's methodological 'toolbox'.

PMID- 22049008
TI  - Transdisciplinary work with psychology from a population health perspective: an
      illustration.
AB  - One of the important implications of a population health perspective in public
      health is an increase in the need for transdisciplinary ways of working. The
      Community Health Research Unit (CHRU) is presented as an example of an
      environment where psychology and psychologists work with other disciplines to
      conduct applied research in population health. Research activities were examined
      to identify how the disciplines collaborate and to provide evidence of successful
      interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary approaches which incorporate health
      psychology. The strengths and challenges of multi-, inter-, and transdisciplinary
      approaches were examined through a poll of CHRU members. Further, members' views
      about the contributions of psychology to their work were gathered. Issues of
      working with different disciplines in a transdisciplinary approach are
      highlighted and future directions are suggested.

PMID- 22049009
TI  - Researcher Knows Best?: Toward a Closer Match between the Concept and Measurement
      of Coping.
AB  - Missing from recent critiques of coping measurement are data demonstrating
      whether concepts used by researchers are understood by study participants. We
      asked 101 rheumatoid arthritis patients to complete a structured coping checklist
      and provide descriptions of their coping for each item checked. Trained
      researchers coded these open-ended descriptions using the original checklist
      categories. In general, patients' descriptions of their coping matched
      researcherderived definitions; however, patients were less likely to interpret
      cognitive and affective coping strategies in the manner intended by researchers.
      Patients' descriptions often crossed multiple categories, suggesting complex
      patterns not captured by most data analytic techniques. Whether they assess
      coping through structured measures or not, researchers must find ways to examine
      the multiple meanings and combinations of strategies that constitute the coping
      process. Keywords.

PMID- 22049010
TI  - Assessment of Magical Beliefs about Food and Health.
AB  - The Magical Beliefs About Food and Health scale (MFH) was developed to assess
      individual differences in the tendency to adopt eating and health instructions
      that many magazines, health care books and food ideologies regard as valid but
      which obey universal laws of similarity and contagion. In a study of 216
      individuals, the total MFH score showed good internal consistency and it was
      associated with various validity criteria as hypothesized (e.g. vegetarianism and
      other ideological commitments to food choice, female gender, increased
      neuroticism, experiential thinking, positive attitudes towards alternative
      medicine, low sensation seeking and endorsement of universalism values). Factor
      analysis yielded two factors: General Magical Beliefs and Animal Products as Food
      Contaminants. In addition, three other items (the Animal Products as Personality
      Contaminants scale) cross-loaded on the two factors. The factor structure and
      test-retest reliability were confirmed with separate samples. The results showed
      that the total MFH score is a reliable and valid measure of magical food and
      health beliefs, and that the subscales may prove useful when a multidimensional
      assessment of magical beliefs is needed.

PMID- 22049011
TI  - Racial segregation and cigarette smoking among blacks: findings at the individual
      level.
AB  - This study explored the role of racial segregation in cigarette smoking among US
      blacks. Five hundred and twenty black adults sampled door-to-door in 10 randomly
      selected, southern California census tracts completed a survey assessing their
      degree of racial segregation, experiences with racial discrimination, smoking,
      and income. Results revealed that the prevalence of smoking among highly
      segregated blacks (32.9 percent) was significantly higher than that of their less
      segregated cohorts (19.9 percent). Income, gender, and experiences with racial
      discrimination did not play a role in smoking but low education levels
      contributed. Early childhood segregation appeared to be the specific segregation
      variable associated with smoking among black adults.

PMID- 22049012
TI  - Problematic and positive support in relation to depression in people with
      rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - This study focuses on the associations of both positive and problematic aspects
      of social support with depression in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. In a
      hierarchical multiple regression analysis we found that stressors such as
      functional limitations and pain are strongly related to depression. Positive and
      problematic support each explain an additional significant portion of the
      variance in depression. More positive support is associated with fewer feelings
      of depression and more problematic support is associated with more feelings of
      depression. An interaction effect between positive and problematic social support
      indicates that the negative aspects of problematic support may be partly
      diminished by positive support (buffering effect). Patients receiving more
      problematic support and less positive support experience the most feelings of
      depression.

PMID- 22049013
TI  - The effect of prescribed and preferred intensity exercise on psychological affect
      and the influence of baseline measures of affect.
AB  - This study compared the effects of 20 minutes of treadmill exercise at a
      prescribed intensity exercise (65% VO(2)max) and a preferred intensity exercise
      on psychological affect and exercise enjoyment in aerobically fit individuals.
      Affect was measured before exercise, at 5-minute intervals during exercise and 5
      minutes post-exercise. Heart rate, ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) and
      enjoyment were also measured during each session. Results indicated that there
      was no difference in psychological affect or enjoyment between the two exercise
      sessions, although work rate was higher in the preferred condition. However, pre
      exercise values of affect played an influential role in the affective response to
      exercise. These results suggest that allowing fit individuals to select their own
      exercise intensity may be more beneficial physiologically and psychologically.

PMID- 22049014
TI  - Parents' Constructions of the 'Problem' during Assessment and Diagnosis of their
      Child for an Autistic Spectrum Disorder.
AB  - The majority of studies on the effects of a diagnosis of learning disability in
      the family have employed traditional 'loss' and 'stress reaction' paradigms. In
      contrast to this approach, the current analysis employed a form of discourse
      analysis to explore the ways in which parents represented the 'problem' during
      the process of assessment of their child for an autistic spectrum disorder. The
      analysis suggested that parents employed three main discourses in their talk
      about the 'problem', which were termed the discourse of normal development, the
      medical discourse and the discourse of disability. The ways in which these
      discourses were used in constructing the 'problem', their relationship to each
      other and the discursive work underlying the diagnosis are discussed. Although
      this study focused on the specific case of autism, it is suggested that the
      findings could inform thinking around the complex ways in which medical diagnosis
      is constructed by families and extend our understanding of this important aspect
      of health care practice.

PMID- 22049015
TI  - Handbook of stress, medicine and health.

PMID- 22049016
TI  - Handbook of pain syndromes.

PMID- 22049017
TI  - Women, stress, and heart disease.

PMID- 22049018
TI  - Representations of health, illness and handicap.

PMID- 22049019
TI  - Endoscopic management of sinonasal hemangiopericytoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Sinonasal hemangiopericytomas (SNHPCs) are rare perivascular tumors
      with low-grade malignant potential. Traditionally, these tumors have been treated
      with open approaches such as lateral rhinotomy, Caldwell-Luc, or transfacial
      approaches. Increased experience with endoscopic management of benign and
      malignant sinonasal tumors has led to a shift in management of SNHPC. The authors
      present their experience in the largest series of patients with SNHPC managed
      endoscopically. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: Case series at a tertiary care medical
      center. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: A retrospective chart review of all patients
      undergoing endoscopic management of SNHPC at the University of Miami between 1999
      and 2008 was conducted. All endoscopic resections were performed with curative
      intent. RESULTS: Twelve patients with the diagnosis of SNHPC were treated
      endoscopically. Mean age was 62.5 years (range, 51-83 years). There were 6 men
      and 6 women. The mean follow-up was 41 months (range, 15-91 months). Seven
      (58.3%) presented with nasal obstruction, whereas 4 (41.6%) had epistaxis as
      their initial presenting symptom. Preoperative angiography or embolization was
      not performed in any case. Mean estimated blood loss was 630 mL (range, 100-1500
      mL). Six patients underwent endonasal endoscopic anterior skull base resection; 4
      had complete endoscopic resection all with negative margins. None underwent
      postoperative adjuvant treatment. No recurrence or metastatic disease was
      observed in this patient population. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic management of SNHPC
      is a feasible approach and did not compromise outcomes in this experience. In
      this series, familiarity with advance endoscopic sinus surgery was necessary to
      manage these patients. Postoperative adjuvant therapy was not necessary in this
      cohort.

PMID- 22049020
TI  - Effects of anatomy and particle size on nasal sprays and nebulizers.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the effects of nasal deformity on aerosol penetration past
      the nasal valve (NV) for varying particle sizes using sprays or nebulizers. STUDY
      DESIGN: Computed mathematical nasal airway model. SETTING: Department computer
      lab. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Particle deposition was analyzed using a computational
      fluid dynamics model of the human nose with leftward septal deviation and
      compensatory right inferior turbinate hypertrophy. Sprays were simulated for 10
      um, 20 um, 50 um, or particle sizes following a Rosin Rammler particle size
      distribution (10-110 um), at speeds of 1, 3, or 10 meters per second.
      Nebulization was simulated for 1, 3.2, 6.42, or 10 um particles. Steady state
      inspiratory airflow was simulated at 15.7 liters per minute. RESULTS: Sprays
      predicted higher NV penetration on the right side for particle sizes >10 um, with
      comparable penetration on both sides at 10 um. Nearly 100% deposited in the nasal
      passages for all spray characteristics. Nebulizer predictions showed nearly 100%
      of particles <6.42 um and more than 50% of 6.42 um bypassing both sides of the
      nose without depositing. Of the nebulized particles that deposited, penetration
      was higher on the right at 10 um, with comparable penetration on both sides at
      6.42 um. Spray penetration was highest at 10 um, with more than 96% penetrating
      on both sides at 1 and 3 meters per second. Nebulization penetration was also
      highest at 10 um (40% on the left, >90% on the right). CONCLUSION: In the
      presence of a septal deviation, sprays or nebulizers containing 10-um particles
      may have good penetration beyond the NV. Nebulized particles <10 um are likely to
      be respirable. Additionally, spray speeds above 3 meters per second may limit
      penetration.

PMID- 22049021
TI  - A rat model for intracranial facial nerve crush injuries.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: (1) Explain the need for an animal model to study intracranial
      injuries to the facial nerve. (2) Describe various techniques attempted to
      identify and crush the intracranial segment of the facial nerve in a rat model.
      (3) Describe in detail a successful rat model of intracranial facial nerve crush
      injury. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized controlled animal study. SETTING: Animal
      laboratory. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Multiple attempts at surgical approaches to the
      cerebellopontine angle were attempted on cadaveric rats. Once a successful
      approach was derived, this was used on 19 live rats under anesthesia. Fourteen
      rats had a 1-minute facial nerve crush performed, and 5 had a sham surgery with
      complete surgical exposure of the facial nerve but no crush. Rats were followed
      for a 12-week duration evaluating immediate postoperative facial nerve function,
      complications, and survival. RESULTS: All 14 (100%) rats that underwent surgery
      with crush injury had complete facial paralysis postoperatively. Complete facial
      paralysis was defined as loss of eye-blink reflex, flat vibrissae, and lack of
      vibrissae movement. The 5 sham surgery rats had complete facial function
      postoperatively. Surgery was performed by 2 separate surgeons with no difference
      in outcome between the 2. Complications occurred in only 1 animal (1/19, 5.3%),
      which was a corneal abrasion requiring sacrifice. CONCLUSION: Our group describes
      a consistent method for performing an intracranial crush injury in the rat. This
      new model and its applications in translational facial nerve research are
      promising, particularly with tumors or lesions at the cerebellopontine angle.

PMID- 22049022
TI  - Rapid degradation of cyclooxygenase-1 and hematopoietic prostaglandin D synthase
      through ubiquitin-proteasome system in response to intracellular calcium level.
AB  - Cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 and hematopoietic prostaglandin (PG) D synthase (H-PGDS)
      proteins, which are both involved in the arachidonate cascade, were stable in
      human megakaryocytic MEG-01 cells. In contrast, once the intracellular calcium
      level was increased by treatment with a calcium ionophore, both protein levels
      rapidly decreased with a half-life of less than 30 and 120 min for COX-1 and H
      PGDS, respectively. In the presence of a proteasome inhibitor, COX-1 and H-PGDS
      proteins accumulated within 10 and 30 min, respectively, and concurrently
      appeared as the high-molecular-mass ubiquitinated proteins within 30 and 60 min,
      respectively, after an increase in the intracellular calcium level. The
      ubiquitination of these proteins was also observed when ADP, instead of a calcium
      ionophore, was used as an inducer to elevate the intracellular calcium level.
      When the entry of calcium ion into the cells was inhibited by ethylene glycol
      tetraacetic acid (EGTA), the ubiquitination of COX-1 and H-PGDS was clearly
      suppressed; and the addition of CaCl(2) to the medium cleared the EGTA-mediated
      suppression of the ubiquitination. These results indicate that COX-1 and H-PGDS
      were rapidly ubiquitinated and degraded through the ubiquitin-proteasome system
      in response to the elevation of the intracellular calcium level.

PMID- 22049023
TI  - Analysis of model replication origins in Drosophila reveals new aspects of the
      chromatin landscape and its relationship to origin activity and the
      prereplicative complex.
AB  - Epigenetic regulation exerts a major influence on origins of DNA replication
      during development. The mechanisms for this regulation, however, are poorly
      defined. We showed previously that acetylation of nucleosomes regulates the
      origins that mediate developmental gene amplification during Drosophila
      oogenesis. Here we show that developmental activation of these origins is
      associated with acetylation of multiple histone lysines. Although these
      modifications are not unique to origin loci, we find that the level of
      acetylation is higher at the active origins and quantitatively correlated with
      the number of times these origins initiate replication. All of these acetylation
      marks were developmentally dynamic, rapidly increasing with origin activation and
      rapidly declining when the origins shut off and neighboring promoters turn on.
      Fine-scale analysis of the origins revealed that both hyperacetylation of
      nucleosomes and binding of the origin recognition complex (ORC) occur in a broad
      domain and that acetylation is highest on nucleosomes adjacent to one side of the
      major site of replication initiation. It was surprising to find that acetylation
      of some lysines depends on binding of ORC to the origin, suggesting that multiple
      histone acetyltransferases may be recruited during origin licensing. Our results
      reveal new insights into the origin epigenetic landscape and lead us to propose a
      chromatin switch model to explain the coordination of origin and promoter
      activity during development.

PMID- 22049024
TI  - Gap junction assembly: roles for the formation plaque and regulation by the C
      terminus of connexin43.
AB  - Using an established gap junction (GJ) assembly system with experimentally
      reaggregated cells, we analyzed "formation plaques" (FPs), apparent sites of GJ
      assembly. Employing freeze-fracture electron microscopy methods combined with
      filipin labeling of sterols and immunolabeling for connexin43 (Cx43), we
      demonstrated that FPs constitute distinct membrane "domains" and that their
      characteristic 10-nm particles contain connexin43, thus representing precursors
      (i.e., GJ hemichannels) engaged in assembly. Analysis of FPs in new systems-HeLa
      and N2A cells-resolved questions surrounding several key but poorly understood
      steps in assembly, including matching of FP membranes in apposed cells, reduction
      in the separation between FP membranes during assembly, and the process of
      particle aggregation. Findings also indicated that "docking" of GJ hemichannels
      occurs within FP domains and contributes to reduction of intermembrane separation
      between FPs. Other experiments demonstrated that FPs develop following a major C
      terminal truncation of Cx43 (M257), although assembly was delayed. Particle
      aggregation also occurred at lower densities, and densities of particles within
      developing GJ aggregates failed to achieve full-length levels. With regard to
      regulation, inhibition of assembly following protein kinase C activation failed
      to occur in the M257 truncation mutants, as measured by intercellular dye
      transfer. However, several C-terminal serine mutations failed to disrupt
      inhibition.

PMID- 22049025
TI  - An association between type Igamma PI4P 5-kinase and Exo70 directs E-cadherin
      clustering and epithelial polarization.
AB  - E-Cadherin-mediated formation of adherens junctions (AJs) is essential for the
      morphogenesis of epithelial cells. However, the mechanisms underlying E-cadherin
      clustering and AJ maturation are not fully understood. Here we report that type
      Igamma phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate 5-kinase (PIPKIgamma) associates with the
      exocyst via a direct interaction with Exo70, the exocyst subunit that guides the
      polarized targeting of exocyst to the plasma membrane. By means of this
      interaction, PIPKIgamma mediates the association between E-cadherin and Exo70 and
      determines the targeting of Exo70 to AJs. Further investigation revealed that
      Exo70 is necessary for clustering of E-cadherin on the plasma membrane and
      extension of nascent E-cadherin adhesions, which are critical for the maturation
      of cohesive AJs. In addition, we observed phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphosphate
      (PI4,5P(2)) accumulation at E-cadherin clusters during the assembly of E-cadherin
      adhesions. PIPKIgamma-generated PI4,5P(2) is required for recruiting Exo70 to
      newly formed E-cadherin junctions and facilitates the assembly and maturation of
      AJs. These results support a model in which PIPKIgamma and PIPKIgamma-generated
      PI4,5P(2) pools at nascent E-cadherin contacts cue Exo70 targeting and orient the
      tethering of exocyst-associated E-cadherin. This could be an important mechanism
      that regulates E-cadherin clustering and AJ maturation, which is essential for
      the establishment of solid, polarized epithelial structures.

PMID- 22049026
TI  - Several RNase T2 enzymes function in induced tRNA and rRNA turnover in the
      ciliate Tetrahymena.
AB  - RNase T2 enzymes are produced by a wide range of organisms and have been
      implicated to function in diverse cellular processes, including stress-induced
      anticodon loop cleavage of mature tRNAs to generate tRNA halves. Here we describe
      a family of eight RNase T2 genes (RNT2A-RNT2H) in the ciliate Tetrahymena
      thermophila. We constructed strains lacking individual or combinations of these
      RNT2 genes that were viable but had distinct cellular and molecular phenotypes.
      In strains lacking only one Rnt2 protein or lacking a subfamily of three
      catalytically inactive Rnt2 proteins, starvation-induced tRNA fragments continued
      to accumulate, with only a minor change in fragment profile in one strain. We
      therefore generated strains lacking pairwise combinations of the top three
      candidates for Rnt2 tRNases. Each of these strains showed a distinct starvation
      specific profile of tRNA and rRNA fragment accumulation. These results, the
      delineation of a broadened range of conditions that induce the accumulation of
      tRNA halves, and the demonstration of a predominantly ribonucleoprotein-free
      state of tRNA halves in cell extract suggest that ciliate tRNA halves are
      degradation intermediates in an autophagy pathway induced by growth arrest that
      functions to recycle idle protein synthesis machinery.

PMID- 22049027
TI  - Mycetoma.

PMID- 22049028
TI  - A 45-year-old farmer with an ulcerative rash, shock, and hemorrhagic meningitis.

PMID- 22049029
TI  - Efficacy and safety of artemether-lumefantrine in the treatment of acute,
      uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria: a pooled analysis.
AB  - Randomized trials have confirmed the efficacy and safety of artemether
      lumefantrine (AL) for treatment of uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria.
      Data from seven studies supported by Novartis (1996-2007), including 647 adults
      (> 16 years of age, 83.3% completed the study) and 1,332 children (<= 16 years of
      age, 89.3% completed the study) with microscopically confirmed uncomplicated P.
      falciparum malaria and treated with the recommended regimen of AL, were pooled.
      The 28-day polymerase chain reaction-corrected parasitologic cure rate (primary
      efficacy endpoint) was 97.1% (495 of 510) in adults and 97.3% (792 of 814) in
      children (evaluable population). Gametocytemia prevalence after day was 4.2% (23
      of 554) in adults and 0.9% (8 of 846) in children. No noteworthy safety signals
      were observed. Serious adverse events occurred in 1.4% of the adults and 1.3% of
      the children. This study is the largest data set to date assessing AL therapy for
      treatment of acute uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria. Artemether-lumefantrine
      showed high cure rates and rapid resolution of parasitemia, fever, and
      gametocytemia in adults and children, and showed an excellent safety and
      tolerability profile.

PMID- 22049030
TI  - Occupational activities associated with a reported history of malaria among women
      working in small-scale agriculture in South Africa.
AB  - Malaria-endemic agricultural communities are at risk for this disease because of
      crop and agricultural activities. A cross-sectional survey among women in small
      scale agriculture on irrigated and dryland areas in Makhatini Flats, KwaZulu
      Natal South Africa explored associations with self-reported history of malaria,
      including demographics, crop production, and specific agricultural activities.
      Ninety-eight (15.2%) of 644 women reported malaria while working in agriculture.
      More women working in drylands than women working in irrigation scheme reported
      disease (18.4% versus 10.9%; P < 0.05). Working self or family-owned farms
      (prevalence ratio [PR] = 2.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.3-5.2), spraying
      pesticides (PR = 2.3; 95% CI = 1.4-3.8), cultivating sugar cane (PR = 1.6, 95% CI
      = 1.1-2.3), and cultivating cotton and mangoes (PR = 1.7, 95% CI = 1.1-2.6) were
      positively associated with a history of malaria while working in agriculture.
      This study suggests that certain agricultural activities and types of crop
      production may increase the risk for malaria among women working in small-scale
      agriculture.

PMID- 22049031
TI  - Distribution pattern of Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine transporter (pfcrt)
      gene haplotypes in Sri Lanka 1996-2006.
AB  - Widespread antimalarial resistance has been a barrier to malaria elimination
      efforts in Sri Lanka. Analysis of genetic markers in historic parasites may
      uncover trends in the spread of resistance. We examined the frequency of
      Plasmodium falciparum chloroquine transporter (pfcrt; codons 72-76) haplotypes in
      Sri Lanka in 1996-1998 and 2004-2006 using a high-resolution melting assay. Among
      59 samples from 1996 to 1998, we detected the SVMNT (86%), CVMNK (10%), and CVIET
      (2%) haplotypes, with a positive trend in SVMNT and a negative trend in CVMNK
      frequency (P = 0.004) over time. Among 24 samples from 2004 to 2006, we observed
      only the SVMNT haplotype. This finding indicates selection for the SVMNT
      haplotype over time and its possible fixation in the population.

PMID- 22049032
TI  - Nuclear magnetic resonance: a tool for malaria diagnosis?
AB  - Malaria control can be improved by rapid, sensitive, low-cost detection of
      infection. Several such strategies are being pursued. Rapid diagnostic tests can
      detect infections at parasite densities above 200 MUL(-1). Polymerase chain
      reaction methods can detect low parasite densities, but are slow and prone to
      contamination under field conditions. Methods that detect hemozoin presence in
      blood have been proposed as alternatives for rapid detection of infection. In
      this study, we used a benchtop nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) device to detect
      hemozoin. This device could be deployed in malaria-endemic settings. We measured
      synthetic hemozoin in phosphate-buffered saline and malaria parasites in human
      blood. The NMR detected hemozoin in suspensions of 4 ng MUL(-1) and parasites at
      densities of 8,000-10,000 MUL(-1) (0.2% parasitemia). Thus, our preliminary NMR
      approach, although providing very rapid measurements, is unlikely to achieve the
      required sensitivity and specificity for malaria diagnosis, unless a preliminary
      concentration step is performed.

PMID- 22049033
TI  - Can we use a lower dose of liposomal amphotericin B for the treatment of mucosal
      American leishmaniasis?
AB  - Liposomal amphotericin B has been used as an alternative treatment of mucosal
      leishmaniasis, but the optimal dose is not established. We retrospectively
      reviewed the clinical outcome of eight patients with mucosal leishmaniasis
      treated with liposomal amphotericin B. The mean total dose was 35 mg/kg (range 24
      50 mg/kg), which resulted in the healing of all the lesions in all patients and
      no recurrences were observed during the follow-up period (mean 25 months; range 7
      40 months).

PMID- 22049034
TI  - Epidemiology of leishmaniasis in Spain based on hospitalization records (1997
      2008).
AB  - All the records from the Spanish information system for hospital data of patients
      diagnosed with leishmaniasis during a 12-year period (1997-2008) were studied.
      The 2,028 individuals were hospitalized because of leishmaniasis, as indicated by
      the principal diagnostic code. The average hospitalization rate was 0.41/100,000
      inhabitants. One-third of them were co-infected with human immunodeficiency virus
      (HIV). The incidence of hospitalization in the adult population with
      leishmaniasis co-infected with HIV increased with age, peaked at 35-39 years of
      age and subsequently declined. In the pediatric population, all leishmaniasis
      cases occurred in HIV-negative children. Incidence of hospitalizations was
      highest in Madrid and in the Mediterranean coast. The cost per inpatient hospital
      care was $9,601 corresponding to an annual direct cost of more than $1.5 million
      for inpatient care alone. The economical burden of leishmaniasis is not
      neglectable and in the 12-year study period it represented more than $19 million.

PMID- 22049035
TI  - Costs of integrated mass drug administration for neglected tropical diseases in
      Haiti.
AB  - We conducted a cost analysis of Haiti's Ministry of Public Health and Population
      neglected tropical disease program, Projet des Maladies Tropicales Negligees and
      collected data for 9 of 55 communes participating in the May 2008-April 2009 mass
      drug administration (MDA). The Projet des Maladies Tropicales Negligees Program
      partnered with IMA World Health and Hopital Ste. Croix to implement MDA for
      treatment of lymphatic filariasis and soil-transmitted helminthiasis by using
      once a year treatment with albendazole and diethylcarbamazine in a population of
      approximately 8 million persons. Methods included analyzing partner financial
      records and conducting retrospective surveys of personnel. In the nine communes,
      633,261 persons were treated at a cost of U.S. $0.64 per person, which included
      the cost of donated drugs, and at a cost of U.S. $0.42 per person treated, when
      excluding donated drug costs. The MDA for lymphatic filariasis in Haiti began in
      2000, with the treatment of 105,750 persons at a cost per person of U.S. $2.23.
      The decrease in cost per person treated is the result of cumulative
      implementation experience and economies of scale.

PMID- 22049036
TI  - Genotypic characterization of Cryptosporidium hominis from water samples in Sao
      Paulo, Brazil.
AB  - The protozoan parasite Cryptosporidium has emerged as one of the most important
      water contaminants, causing waterborne outbreaks of diarrheal diseases worldwide.
      The small size of oocysts under the microscope and the possibility of changes in
      characteristics of oocysts, mainly in environmental samples, make the taxonomy of
      the genus difficult if morphologic characteristics are considered. This
      limitation encouraged the application of molecular methods to identify this
      microorganism. The aim of this study was to detect and identify by nested
      polymerase chain reaction oocysts of Cryptosporidium present in water samples in
      the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Water samples were concentrated through a
      membrane filter, DNA was extracted by using a standard technique, and both
      amplification reactions used forward and reverse oligonucleotides that were
      complementary to Cryptosporidium 18S ribosomal RNA gene sequences. Thirty water
      samples from different sites of collection in the state of Sao Paulo were
      evaluated. Cryptosporidium oocysts were detected in 30% of the samples. By
      genoptyping, C. hominis and Cryptosporidium sp. were identified in recreational
      water and C. meleagridis was identified in surface water samples. This is the
      first report of C. hominis in environmental samples in Brazil. Although
      identification of Cryptosporidium is still a difficult task, molecular methods
      are essential for specific identification and are a helpful tool to aid to
      understand the epidemiology of this parasite in Brazil.

PMID- 22049037
TI  - Current knowledge of Leishmania vectors in Mexico: how geographic distributions
      of species relate to transmission areas.
AB  - Leishmaniases are a group of vector-borne diseases with different clinical
      manifestations caused by parasites transmitted by sand fly vectors. In Mexico,
      the sand fly Lutzomyia olmeca olmeca is the only vector proven to transmit the
      parasite Leishmania mexicana to humans, which causes leishmaniasis. Other vector
      species with potential medical importance have been obtained, but their
      geographic distributions and relation to transmission areas have never been
      assessed. We modeled the ecological niches of nine sand fly species and projected
      niches to estimate potential distributions by using known occurrences,
      environmental coverages, and the algorithms GARP and Maxent. All vector species
      were distributed in areas with known recurrent transmission, except for Lu.
      diabolica, which appeared to be related only to areas of occasional transmission
      in northern Mexico. The distribution of Lu. o. olmeca does not overlap with all
      reported cutaneous leishmaniasis cases, suggesting that Lu. cruciata and Lu.
      shannoni are likely also involved as primary vectors in those areas. Our study
      provides useful information of potential risk areas of leishmaniasis transmission
      in Mexico.

PMID- 22049038
TI  - Phlebotomine vector ecology in the domestic transmission of American cutaneous
      leishmaniasis in Chaparral, Colombia.
AB  - Phlebotomine vector ecology was studied in the largest recorded outbreak of
      American cutaneous leishmaniasis in Colombia in 2004. In two rural townships that
      had experienced contrasting patterns of case incidence, this study evaluated
      phlebotomine species composition, seasonal abundance, nocturnal activity, blood
      source, prevalence of Leishmania infection, and species identification. CDC
      miniature light traps were used to trap the phlebotomines. Traps were set
      indoors, peridomestically, and in woodlands. Natural infection was determined in
      pools by polymerase chain reaction-Southern blot, and blood sources and species
      identification were determined by sequencing. Large differences were observed in
      population abundance between the two townships evaluated. Lutzomyia longiflocosa
      was the most abundant species (83.1%). Abundance was higher during months with
      lower precipitation. Nocturnal activity was associated with human domestic
      activity. Blood sources identified were mainly human (85%). A high prevalence of
      infection was found in L. longiflocosa indoors (2.7%) and the peridomestic
      setting (2.5%). L. longiflocosa was responsible for domestic transmission in
      Chaparral.

PMID- 22049039
TI  - Mitochondrial DNA detects a complex evolutionary history with Pleistocene Epoch
      divergence for the neotropical malaria vector Anopheles nuneztovari sensu lato.
AB  - Cryptic species and lineages characterize Anopheles nuneztovari s.l. Gabaldon, an
      important malaria vector in South America. We investigated the phylogeographic
      structure across the range of this species with cytochrome oxidase subunit I
      (COI) mitochondrial DNA sequences to estimate the number of clades and levels of
      divergence. Bayesian and maximum-likelihood phylogenetic analyses detected four
      groups distributed in two major monophyletic clades (I and II). Samples from the
      Amazon Basin were clustered in clade I, as were subclades II-A and II-B, whereas
      those from Bolivia/Colombia/Venezuela were restricted to one basal subclade (II
      C). These data, together with a statistical parsimony network, confirm results of
      previous studies that An. nuneztovari is a species complex consisting of at least
      two cryptic taxa, one occurring in Colombia and Venezuela and the another
      occurring in the Amazon Basin. These data also suggest that additional incipient
      species may exist in the Amazon Basin. Divergence time and expansion tests
      suggested that these groups separated and expanded in the Pleistocene Epoch. In
      addition, the COI sequences clearly separated An. nuneztovari s.l. from the
      closely related species An. dunhami Causey, and three new records are reported
      for An. dunhami in Amazonian Brazil. These findings are relevant for vector
      control programs in areas where both species occur. Our analyses support dynamic
      geologic and landscape changes in northern South America, and infer particularly
      active divergence during the Pleistocene Epoch for New World anophelines.

PMID- 22049040
TI  - Tropical skin infections among Israeli travelers.
AB  - Infectious skin disorders are common dermatologic illnesses in travelers.
      Knowledge of post-travel-related infectious skin disorders will allow for
      effective pre- and post-travel counseling. All cases of returning travelers seen
      in our center seeking care for infectious skin diseases were included in this
      study. For a comparison, data on returned travelers with non-infectious skin
      diseases and healthy travelers who had pre-travel consultations in our
      institution were also analyzed. Altogether, skin-related diagnosis was reported
      in 540 ill travelers, and among them, 286 (53%) had infectious skin diseases.
      Tropical skin infection was diagnosed in 64% of the infectious cases. Travelers
      returning from Latin America were significantly more ill with tropical skin
      infections than those traveling to Asia and Africa, The most common diagnoses
      were cutaneous leishmaniasis, myiasis, and cutaneous larva migrans. In
      conclusion, tropical skin infections are common among Israeli travelers,
      especially among those who visited Latin America.

PMID- 22049041
TI  - A comparative study of hepatitis caused by scrub typhus and viral hepatitis A in
      South Korea.
AB  - We compared clinical features and laboratory findings of 104 patients with
      hepatitis A and 197 patients with scrub typhus. Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain,
      hepatomegaly, and jaundice were common in patient with hepatitis A, and fever and
      headache were significantly more common in patients with scrub typhus. At
      presentation, an alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level >= 500 U/L was observed in
      1% of scrub typhus patients and in 87.5% of hepatitis A patients (P < 0.001). A
      bilirubin level >= 1.3 mg/dL was observed in 16.8% of scrub typhus patients and
      90.4% of hepatitis A patients. The ALT:lactate dehydrogenase ratio was <= 5 in
      97.4% of the patients with scrub typhus and > 5 in 95.2% of those with hepatitis
      A (P < 0.001). Fever, headache, rash, and eschar are findings that indicate scrub
      typhus. An ALT level >= 500 U/L (adjusted odds ratio = 0.011) a bilirubin level
      >= 1.3 (adjusted odds ratio = 0.024), an ALT:lactate dehydrogenase ratio > 5, and
      hepatomegaly are indications of viral hepatitis A.

PMID- 22049042
TI  - Human pentastomiasis caused by Armillifer moniliformis in Malaysian Borneo.
AB  - We report a case of visceral pentastomiasis caused by Armillifer moniliformis in
      a 70-year-old aboriginal farmer from rural Malaysian Borneo. The patient
      complained of upper abdominal pain, jaundice, and loss of weight. Radiological
      investigations and subsequent histopathological examination revealed an
      adenocarcinoma of the pancreas with an adjacent liver nodule containing a nymph
      of A. moniliformis. This report constitutes the first documented human
      pentastomid infection in the whole of Malaysia after nearly 40 years, and it is
      the third description from Malaysian Borneo. Cases of human and animal
      pentastomiasis in Malaysia are discussed.

PMID- 22049043
TI  - Using child health outcomes to identify effective measures of handwashing.
AB  - We assessed which practical handwashing indicators were independently associated
      with reduced child diarrhea or respiratory disease. Fieldworkers collected 33
      indicators of handwashing at baseline in 498 households in 50 villages in rural
      Bangladesh. Community monitors visited households monthly and asked standard
      questions about diarrhea and symptoms of respiratory illness among children under
      5 years of age. In multivariate analysis, three handwashing indicators were
      independently associated with less child diarrhea-mothers reporting usually
      washing hands with soap before feeding a child, mothers using soap when asked to
      show how they usually washed their hands after defecation, and children having
      visibly clean finger pads. Two indicators were independently associated with
      fewer respiratory infections-mothers allowing their hands to air dry after the
      handwashing demonstration and the presence of water where the respondents usually
      wash hands after defecation. These rapid handwashing indicators should be
      considered for inclusion in handwashing assessments.

PMID- 22049044
TI  - Evidence for genetic susceptibility to developing early childhood diarrhea among
      shantytown children living in northeastern Brazil.
AB  - To explore the genetic components of susceptibility to early childhood diarrhea
      (ECD), we used a quantitative genetic approach to estimate the heritability of
      ECD among children from two Brazilian favelas. Shared environment was used to
      model common exposure to environmental factors. Genetic relatedness was
      determined from pedigree information collected by screening household
      participants (n = 3,267) from two geographically related favelas located in
      Fortaleza, Brazil. There were 277 children within these pedigrees for whom
      diarrheal episodes in the first two years of life were recorded. Data on
      environmental exposure and pedigree relationship were combined to quantitatively
      partition phenotypic variance in ECD into environmental and genetic components by
      using a variance components approach as implemented in Sequential Oligogenic
      Linkage Analysis Routines program. Heritability accounted for 54% of variance in
      ECD and proximity of residence effect accounted for 21% (P < 0.0001). These
      findings suggest a substantial genetic component to ECD susceptibility and the
      potential importance of future genetics studies.

PMID- 22049045
TI  - A cutaneous ulcer resulting from Mycobacterium ulcerans--Leishmania braziliensis
      coinfection in South America.
AB  - Buruli ulcer is a tropical skin disease caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans. Its
      mode of transmission is not yet clearly understood. We report here a cutaneous
      ulcer in a European traveler in South America resulting from a coinfection
      detected specifically for Mycobacterium ulcerans and Leishmania braziliensis DNA
      with real-time polymerase chain reaction. This observation of a unique cutaneous
      ulcer raises the issue about possible modes of transmission of those two
      pathogens by the same vector.

PMID- 22049046
TI  - Combining PCR with microscopy to reduce costs of laboratory diagnosis of Buruli
      ulcer.
AB  - The introduction of antibiotic therapy as first-line treatment of Buruli ulcer
      underlines the importance of laboratory confirmation of clinical diagnosis.
      Because smear microscopy has very limited sensitivity, the technically demanding
      and more expensive IS2404 diagnostic polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has become
      the main method for confirmation. By optimization of the release of mycobacteria
      from swab specimen and concentration of bacterial suspensions before smearing, we
      were able to improve the detection rate of acid-fast bacilli by microscopy after
      Ziehl-Neelsen staining. Compared with IS2404 PCR, which is the gold standard
      diagnostic method, the sensitivity and specificity of microscopy with 100
      concentrated specimens were 58.4% and 95.7%, respectively. We subsequently
      evaluated a stepwise laboratory confirmation algorithm with detection of AFB as
      first-line method and IS2404 PCR performed only with those samples that were
      negative in microscopic analysis. This stepwise approach reduced unit cost by
      more than 50% to $5.41, and the total costs were reduced from $917 to $433.

PMID- 22049047
TI  - In vitro and in vivo activity of first generation cephalosporins against
      Leptospira.
AB  - Third generation cephalosporins are commonly used in the treatment of
      leptospirosis. The efficacy of first generation cephalosporins has been less well
      studied. Susceptibility testing of 13 Leptospira strains (11 serovars) to
      cefazolin and cephalexin was conducted using broth microdilution. Median minimal
      inhibitory concentration (MIC) for cefazolin and cephalexin ranged from < 0.016
      to 2 MUg/mL (MIC(90) = 0.5 MUg/mL) and from 1 to 8 MUg/mL (MIC(90) = 8 MUg/mL),
      respectively. Efficacy of cefazolin and cephalexin in an acute lethal hamster
      model of leptospirosis was studied. Survival rates for cefazolin were 80%, 100%,
      and 100%, and survival rates for cephalexin were 50%, 80%, and 100% (treated with
      5, 25, and 50 mg/kg per day for 5 days, respectively). Each treatment group
      showed improved survival compared with no treatment (P < 0.01), and none of the
      therapies, regardless of dose, was statistically significantly different than
      doxycycline. These results support a potential role for first generation
      cephalosporins as alternative therapies for leptospirosis.

PMID- 22049048
TI  - Challenges of establishing the correct diagnosis of outbreaks of acute febrile
      illnesses in Africa: the case of a likely Brucella outbreak among nomadic
      pastoralists, northeast Kenya, March-July 2005.
AB  - An outbreak of acute febrile illness was reported among Somali pastoralists in
      remote, arid Northeast Kenya, where drinking raw milk is common. Blood specimens
      from 12 patients, collected mostly in the late convalescent phase, were tested
      for viral, bacterial, and parasitic pathogens. All were negative for viral and
      typhoid serology. Nine patients had Brucella antibodies present by at least one
      of the tests, four of whom had evidence suggestive of acute infection by the
      reference serologic microscopic agglutination test. Three patients were positive
      for leptospiral antibody by immunoglobulin M enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay,
      and two were positive for malaria. Although sensitive and specific point-of-care
      testing methods will improve diagnosis of acute febrile illness in developing
      countries, challenges of interpretation still remain when the outbreaks are
      remote, specimens collected too late, and positive results for multiple diseases
      are obtained. Better diagnostics and tools that can decipher overlapping signs
      and symptoms in such settings are needed.

PMID- 22049049
TI  - Anemia and Helicobacter pylori seroreactivity in a rural Haitian population.
AB  - Anemia is a significant health concern worldwide and can be the result of
      nutritional, environmental, social, and infectious etiologies. We estimated the
      prevalence of anemia in 336 pre-school children and 132 adults in the rural
      Central Plateau of Haiti and assessed associations with age, sex, household size,
      water source, sanitation, and Helicobacter pylori seroreactivity using logistic
      regression analysis; 80.1% (269/336) of children and 63.6% (84/132) of adults
      were anemic. Among children, younger age was associated with increased prevalence
      of anemia (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 4.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.5
      11.1 for children 6-11 months compared with children 48-59 months). Among adults,
      50.8% were H. pylori-seropositive, and seropositivity was inversely associated
      with anemia (aOR = 0.4, 95% CI = 0.2-0.9). Anemia prevalence in this region of
      Haiti is very high and not attributable to sanitary conditions or a high
      prevalence of H. pylori infection.

PMID- 22049050
TI  - Spotted fever group rickettsiae in ticks collected from wild animals in Israel.
AB  - We report molecular evidence for the presence of spotted fever group rickettsiae
      (SFGR) in ticks collected from roe deer, addax, red foxes, and wild boars in
      Israel. Rickettsia aeschlimannii was detected in Hyalomma marginatum and Hyalomma
      detritum while Rickettsia massiliae was present in Rhipicephalus turanicus ticks.
      Furthermore, a novel uncultured SFGR was detected in Haemaphysalis adleri and
      Haemaphysalis parva ticks from golden jackals. The pathogenicity of the novel
      SFGR for humans is unknown; however, the presence of multiple SFGR agents should
      be considered when serological surveillance data from Israel are interpreted
      because of significant antigenic cross-reactivity among Rickettsia. The
      epidemiology and ecology of SFGR in Israel appear to be more complicated than was
      previously believed.

PMID- 22049051
TI  - Severity predictors in eschar-positive scrub typhus and role of serum
      osteopontin.
AB  - We prospectively evaluated severity predictors in terms of host, microorganism,
      and treatment factors in 153 eschar-positive scrub typhus patients. Severity was
      assessed with the Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II
      score (< 10 versus >= 10) and predefined criteria of severe complications.
      Genotypes of Orientia tsutsugamushi were determined. Independent risk factors for
      severity (APACHE II score >= 10) were old age, diabetes mellitus, serum
      osteopontin > 100 ng/mL, and a group of underlying diseases (congestive heart
      failure, cerebrovascular disease, chronic liver disease, bronchial asthma, and
      chronic obstructive lung diseases). Anemia (<= 10 g/dL) and C-reactive protein >
      10 mg/dL were indicators of current severity. Neither the delay in antibiotics
      administration nor strain types (Boryong, Taguchi, or Kanda/Kawasaki) contributed
      to the severity. The risk factors for severe complications were similar. Serum
      osteopontin > 100 ng/mL had a negative predictive value of 96% for severe
      complications. This marker can be used to rule out severe disease status.

PMID- 22049052
TI  - Molecular detection of Rickettsia felis, Bartonella henselae, and B. clarridgeiae
      in fleas from domestic dogs and cats in Malaysia.
AB  - The presence of Rickettsia felis, Bartonella henselae and B. clarridgeiae in 209
      fleas (Ctenocephalides felis) obtained from domestic cats and dogs in several
      locations in Malaysia was investigated in this study. Using a polymerase chain
      reaction specific for the citrate synthase (gltA) and 17-kD antigenic protein
      (17kD) genes of rickettsiae, we detected R. felis DNA in 6 (2.9%) fleas. For
      detection of bartonellae, amplification of the heme-binding protein (pap31) and
      riboflavin synthase (ribC) genes identified B. henselae and B. clarridgeiae DNA
      in 24 (11.5%) and 40 (19.1%) fleas, respectively. The DNA of B. henselae and B.
      clarridgeiae was detected in 10 (4.8%) fleas. Two B. henselae genogroups
      (Marseille and Houston-1) were detected in this study; genogroup Marseille
      (genotype Fizz) was found more often in the fleas. The findings in this study
      suggest fleas as potential vectors of rickettsioses and cat-scratch disease in
      this country.

PMID- 22049053
TI  - Imported acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-related histoplasmosis in
      metropolitan France: a comparison of pre-highly active anti-retroviral therapy
      and highly active anti-retroviral therapy eras.
AB  - Histoplasma capsulatum var. capsulatum infection is rare outside disease-endemic
      areas. Clinical presentation and outcome of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
      related histoplasmosis are unknown in non-endemic areas with wide access to
      highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART). Retrospective analysis of cases
      recorded at the French National Reference Center for Mycoses and Antifungals
      during two decades: pre-HAART (1985-1994) and HAART (1997-2006). Clinical
      features and outcome of all adults with proven acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
      related histoplasmosis were compared between the two periods. One hundred four
      patients were included (40 during the pre-HAART era and 64 during the HAART era).
      Diagnosis was established a mean of 62 days after onset of symptoms. One-year
      overall mortality rates decreased from 53% (pre-HAART era) to 22% (HAART era).
      Diagnosis during the pre-HAART era and an older age were the only independent
      factors associated with death. Histoplasmosis is a rare invasive fungal infection
      outside disease-endemic areas. Its prognosis improved significantly during the
      HAART era.

PMID- 22049054
TI  - Validation of probability equation and decision tree in predicting subsequent
      dengue hemorrhagic fever in adult dengue inpatients in Singapore.
AB  - We developed a probability equation and a decision tree from 1,973 predominantly
      dengue serotype 1 hospitalized adult dengue patients in 2004 to predict
      progression to dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), applied in our clinic since March
      2007. The parameters predicting DHF were clinical bleeding, high serum urea, low
      serum protein, and low lymphocyte proportion. This study validated these in a
      predominantly dengue serotype 2 cohort in 2007. The 1,017 adult dengue patients
      admitted to Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore had a median age of 35 years. Of
      933 patients without DHF on admission, 131 progressed to DHF. The probability
      equation predicted DHF with a sensitivity (Sn) of 94%, specificity (Sp) 17%,
      positive predictive value (PPV) 16%, and negative predictive value (NPV) 94%. The
      decision tree predicted DHF with a Sn of 99%, Sp 12%, PPV 16%, and NPV 99%. Both
      tools performed well despite a switch in predominant dengue serotypes.

PMID- 22049055
TI  - Pteropid bats are confirmed as the reservoir hosts of henipaviruses: a
      comprehensive experimental study of virus transmission.
AB  - Bats of the genus Pteropus have been identified as the reservoir hosts for the
      henipaviruses Hendra virus (HeV) and Nipah virus (NiV). The aim of these studies
      was to assess likely mechanisms for henipaviruses transmission from bats. In a
      series of experiments, Pteropus bats from Malaysia and Australia were inoculated
      with NiV and HeV, respectively, by natural routes of infection. Despite an
      intensive sampling strategy, no NiV was recovered from the Malaysian bats and HeV
      was reisolated from only one Australian bat; no disease was seen. These
      experiments suggest that opportunities for henipavirus transmission may be
      limited; therefore, the probability of a spillover event is low. For spillover to
      occur, a range of conditions and events must coincide. An alternate assessment
      framework is required if we are to fully understand how this reservoir host
      maintains and transmits not only these but all viruses with which it has been
      associated.

PMID- 22049056
TI  - West nile virus (Kunjin subtype) disease in the northern territory of Australia-
      a case of encephalitis and review of all reported cases.
AB  - West Nile virus Kunjin subtype (WNV/KUNV) is enzootic across the tropical north
      of Australia, with epizootic spread into other jurisdictions. The clinical
      spectrum of illness in humans is poorly described. We report a clinical case of
      WNV/KUNV encephalitis and performed a retrospective chart audit of all cases of
      WNV/KUNV notified in the Northern Territory from 1992 to 2010. Thirteen cases of
      WNV/KUNV disease were identified; case notes were available for 10 of these
      presentations. Six of these patients had confirmed infection and presented with
      neuroinvasive illness, whereas the other four suspect cases comprised three cases
      with arthralgia, myalgia, and/or rash and one case with fever alone. On the
      available evidence, WNV/KUNV is of lower virulence compared with the New York
      1999 strain. Difficulties in serological diagnosis, especially when paired acute
      and convalescent sera are not available, may adversely impact the accuracy of the
      epidemiological and clinical understanding of this virus.

PMID- 22049057
TI  - Rotavirus prevalence in the primary care setting in Nicaragua after universal
      infant rotavirus immunization.
AB  - Nicaragua was the first developing nation to implement universal infant rotavirus
      immunization with the pentavalent rotavirus vaccine (RV5). Initial studies of
      vaccine effectiveness in Nicaragua and other developing nations have focused on
      the prevention of hospitalizations and severe rotavirus diarrhea. However,
      rotavirus diarrhea is more commonly treated in the primary care setting, with
      only 1-3% of rotavirus cases receiving hospital care. We measured the prevalence
      of rotavirus infection in primary care clinics in Leon, Nicaragua, after
      introduction of the immunization program. In the post-vaccine period, 3.5% (95%
      confidence interval = 1.9-5.8) of children seeking care for diarrhea tested
      positive for rotavirus. A high diversity of rotavirus genotypes was encountered
      among the few positive samples. In conclusion, rotavirus was an uncommon cause of
      childhood diarrhea in this primary care setting after implementation of a
      rotavirus immunization program.

PMID- 22049058
TI  - Dual infection of novel influenza viruses A/H1N1 and A/H3N2 in a cluster of
      Cambodian patients.
AB  - During the early months of 2009, a novel influenza A/H1N1 virus (pH1N1) emerged
      in Mexico and quickly spread across the globe. In October 2009, a 23-year-old
      male residing in central Cambodia was diagnosed with pH1N1. Subsequently, a
      cluster of four influenza-like illness cases developed involving three children
      who resided in his home and the children's school teacher. Base composition
      analysis of internal genes using reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction
      and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry revealed that specimens from two of
      the secondary victims were coinfected with influenza A/H3N2 and pH1N1.
      Phylogenetic analysis of the hemagglutinin genes from these isolated viruses
      showed that they were closely related to existing pH1N1 and A/H3N2 viruses
      circulating in the region. Genetic recombination was not evident within plaque
      purified viral isolates on full genome sequencing. This incident confirms dual
      influenza virus infections and highlights the risk of zoonotic and seasonal
      influenza viruses to coinfect and possibly, reassort where they cocirculate.

PMID- 22049059
TI  - Phthalates induce proliferation and invasiveness of estrogen receptor-negative
      breast cancer through the AhR/HDAC6/c-Myc signaling pathway.
AB  - The environmentally present group of chemical phthalates, or phthalate esters,
      has been recognized as a rising threat to public health, including cancer. While
      most studies have addressed the estrogenic effects of phthalates in malignancies
      of the breast and the prostate, little is known about their role in the etiology
      of hormone-independent cancer. Here we show that treatments with the phthalates n
      butyl benzyl phthalate (BBP) and dibutyl phthalate (DBP) at 1 MUM induced
      proliferation (BBP, 3.2-fold; DBP, 3.2-fold), migration (BBP, 2.6-fold; DBP, 2.6
      fold), invasion (BBP, 2.7-fold; DBP, 3.1-fold), and tumor formation (EC(50): BBP,
      0.12 MUM; DBP, 0.22 MUM) in estrogen receptor (ER)-negative breast cancer cells
      (MDA-MB-231). We further demonstrate that phthalates stimulated the cell surface
      aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and triggered the downstream cyclic AMP (cAMP)
      PKA-CREB1 signaling cascade. The pathway led to increased expression of HDAC6,
      which facilitated nuclear assembly of the beta-catenin-LEF1/TCF4 transcriptional
      complex and transactivation of the c-Myc oncogene. This nongenomic pathway
      emanated from the phthalate-induced AhR promoted tumorigenesis of ER-negative
      breast cancer. Collectively, our findings revealed a novel oncogenic mechanism of
      phthalates in breast cancer independent from their estrogenic activities.

PMID- 22049060
TI  - Loss of UDP-N-acetylglucosamine 2-epimerase/N-acetylmannosamine kinase (GNE)
      induces apoptotic processes in pancreatic carcinoma cells.
AB  - Early invasive growth and metastasis are features of pancreatic cancer that rely
      on its resistance to anoikis, an apoptosis program activated on loss of matrix
      anchorage. How anoikis is regulated is unclear. UDP-N-acetylglucosamine-2
      epimerase/N-acetylmannosamine-kinase (GNE) was silenced, or p16 was
      overexpressed, in human pancreatic carcinoma cells. Gene expression profiling,
      enzymatic assays, Western blotting, and cell cycle analysis were conducted.
      Silencing of GNE, the key enzyme of sialic acid biosynthesis, sensitizes
      pancreatic cancer cells to anoikis. Accordingly, we observed a loss of GNE enzyme
      activity in cells, which became anoikis susceptible after transfection with the
      tumor suppressor p16. Similarly, studies of another cell line with low GNE
      activity revealed strong anoikis susceptibility, confirming the association of
      low GNE activity and anoikis susceptibility. Gene expression profiling
      demonstrated that the loss of GNE triggered the transcriptional activation of the
      ATF4-ATF3-CHOP pathway, leading to apoptosis in the framework of the unfolded
      protein response. In silico analysis showed that GNE up-regulation occurred
      predominantly in pancreatic cancer but also in other malignancies. Delineation of
      GNE-dependent signaling pathways may provide targets that control anchorage
      dependence and/or restore drug efficacy, which is of utmost relevance for the
      treatment of pancreatic cancer.

PMID- 22049061
TI  - Misfolded proteins inhibit proliferation and promote stress-induced death in SV40
      transformed mammalian cells.
AB  - Protein misfolding is implicated in neurodegenerative diseases and occurs in
      aging. However, the contribution of the misfolded ensembles to toxicity remains
      largely unknown. Here we introduce 2 primate cell models of destabilized proteins
      devoid of specific cellular functions and interactors, as bona fide misfolded
      proteins, allowing us to isolate the gain-of-function of non-native structures.
      Both GFP-degron and a mutant chloramphenicol-acetyltransferase fused to GFP (GFP
      Delta9CAT) form perinuclear aggregates, are degraded by the proteasome, and
      colocalize with and induce the chaperone Hsp70 (HSPA1A/B) in COS-7 cells. We find
      that misfolded proteins neither significantly compromise chaperone-mediated
      folding capacity nor induce cell death. However, they do induce growth arrest in
      cells that are unable to degrade them and promote stress-induced death upon
      proteasome inhibition by MG-132 and heat shock. Finally, we show that
      overexpression of all heat-shock factor-1 (HSF1) and Hsp70 proteins, as well as
      wild-type and deacetylase-deficient (H363Y) SIRT1, rescue survival upon stress,
      implying a noncatalytic action of SIRT1 in response to protein misfolding. Our
      study establishes a novel model and extends our knowledge on the mechanism of the
      function-independent proteotoxicity of misfolded proteins in dividing cells.

PMID- 22049062
TI  - State of the art in neuroprotection during acute type A aortic dissection repair.
AB  - Temporary (TND) or permanent neurologic dysfunctions (PND) represent the main
      neurological complications following acute aortic dissection repair. The aim of
      our experimental and clinical research was the improvement and update of the most
      common neuroprotective strategies which are in present use. HYPOTHERMIC
      CIRCULATORY ARREST (HCA): Cerebral metabolic suppression at the clinically most
      used temperatures (18-22 degrees C) is less complete than had been assumed
      previously. If used as a 'stand-alone' neuroprotective strategy, cooling to 15-20
      degrees C with a jugular SO(2) >= 95% is needed to provide sufficient metabolic
      suppression. Regardless of the depth of cooling, the HCA interval should not
      exceed 25 min. After 40 min of HCA, the incidence of TND and PND increases, after
      60 min, the mortality rate increases. ANTEGRADE SELECTIVE CEREBRAL PERFUSION
      (ASCP): At moderate hypothermia (25-28 degrees C), ASCP should be performed at a
      pump flow rate of 10ml/kg/min, targeting a cerebral perfusion pressure of 50
      60mmHg. Experimental data revealed that these conditions offer an optimal
      regional blood flow in the cortex (80+/-27ml/min/100g), the cerebellum (77+/
      32ml/min/100g), the pons (89+/-5ml/min/100g) and the hippocampus (55+/
      16ml/min/100g) for 25 minutes. If prolonged, does ASCP at 32 degrees C provide
      the same neuroprotective effect? CANNULATION STRATEGY: Direct axillary artery
      cannulation ensures the advantage of performing both systemic cooling and ASCP
      through the same cannula, preventing additional manipulation with the attendant
      embolic risk. An additional cannulation of the left carotid artery ensures a bi
      hemispheric perfusion, with a neurologic outcome of only 6% TND and 1% PND.
      NEUROMONITORING: Near-infrared spectroscopy and evoked potentials may prove the
      effectiveness of the neuroprotective strategy used, especially if the trend goes
      to less radical cooling. CONCLUSION: A short interval of HCA (5 min) followed by
      a more extended period of ASCP (25 min) at moderate hypothermia (28 degrees C),
      with a pump flow rate of 10ml/kg/min and a cerebral perfusion pressure of 50
      mmHg, represents safe conditions for open arch surgery.

PMID- 22049063
TI  - Intestinal adenocarcinomas in three generations of sheep.

PMID- 22049064
TI  - A dirichlet process prior for estimating lineage-specific substitution rates.
AB  - We introduce a new model for relaxing the assumption of a strict molecular clock
      for use as a prior in Bayesian methods for divergence time estimation. Lineage
      specific rates of substitution are modeled using a Dirichlet process prior (DPP),
      a type of stochastic process that assumes lineages of a phylogenetic tree are
      distributed into distinct rate classes. Under the Dirichlet process, the number
      of rate classes, assignment of branches to rate classes, and the rate value
      associated with each class are treated as random variables. The performance of
      this model was evaluated by conducting analyses on data sets simulated under a
      range of different models. We compared the Dirichlet process model with two
      alternative models for rate variation: the strict molecular clock and the
      independent rates model. Our results show that divergence time estimation under
      the DPP provides robust estimates of node ages and branch rates without
      significantly reducing power. Further analyses were conducted on a biological
      data set, and we provide examples of ways to summarize Markov chain Monte Carlo
      samples under this model.

PMID- 22049065
TI  - Pancrustacean phylogeny in the light of new phylogenomic data: support for
      Remipedia as the possible sister group of Hexapoda.
AB  - Remipedes are a small and enigmatic group of crustaceans, first described only 30
      years ago. Analyses of both morphological and molecular data have recently
      suggested a close relationship between Remipedia and Hexapoda. If true, the
      remipedes occupy an important position in pancrustacean evolution and may be
      pivotal for understanding the evolutionary history of crustaceans and hexapods.
      However, it is important to test this hypothesis using new data and new types of
      analytical approaches. Here, we assembled a phylogenomic data set of 131 taxa,
      incorporating newly generated 454 expressed sequence tag (EST) data from six
      species of crustaceans, representing five lineages (Remipedia, Laevicaudata,
      Spinicaudata, Ostracoda, and Malacostraca). This data set includes all crustacean
      species for which EST data are available (46 species), and our largest alignment
      encompasses 866,479 amino acid positions and 1,886 genes. A series of
      phylogenomic analyses was performed to evaluate pancrustacean relationships. We
      significantly improved the quality of our data for predicting putative
      orthologous genes and for generating data subsets by matrix reduction procedures,
      thereby improving the signal to noise ratio in the data. Eight different data
      sets were constructed, representing various combinations of orthologous genes,
      data subsets, and taxa. Our results demonstrate that the different ways to
      compile an initial data set of core orthologs and the selection of data subsets
      by matrix reduction can have marked effects on the reconstructed phylogenetic
      trees. Nonetheless, all eight data sets strongly support Pancrustacea with
      Remipedia as the sister group to Hexapoda. This is the first time that a sister
      group relationship of Remipedia and Hexapoda has been inferred using a
      comprehensive phylogenomic data set that is based on EST data. We also show that
      selecting data subsets with increased overall signal can help to identify and
      prevent artifacts in phylogenetic analyses.

PMID- 22049066
TI  - The effects of alignment error and alignment filtering on the sitewise detection
      of positive selection.
AB  - When detecting positive selection in proteins, the prevalence of errors resulting
      from misalignment and the ability of alignment filters to mitigate such errors
      are not well understood, but filters are commonly applied to try to avoid false
      positive results. Focusing on the sitewise detection of positive selection across
      a wide range of divergence levels and indel rates, we performed simulation
      experiments to quantify the false positives and false negatives introduced by
      alignment error and the ability of alignment filters to improve performance. We
      found that some aligners led to many false positives, whereas others resulted in
      very few. False negatives were a problem for all aligners, increasing with
      sequence divergence. Of the aligners tested, PRANK's codon-based alignments
      consistently performed the best and ClustalW performed the worst. Of the filters
      tested, GUIDANCE performed the best and Gblocks performed the worst. Although
      some filters showed good ability to reduce the error rates from ClustalW and
      MAFFT alignments, none were found to substantially improve the performance of
      PRANK alignments under most conditions. Our results revealed distinct trends in
      error rates and power levels for aligners and filters within a biologically
      plausible parameter space. With the best aligner, a low false positive rate was
      maintained even with extremely divergent indel-prone sequences. Controls using
      the true alignment and an optimal filtering method suggested that performance
      improvements could be gained by improving aligners or filters to reduce the
      prevalence of false negatives, especially at higher divergence levels and indel
      rates.

PMID- 22049067
TI  - Epstein-Barr virus: an important vaccine target for cancer prevention.
AB  - Participants at the February 2011 meeting at the U.S. National Institutes of
      Health on Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) vaccine research recommend that future
      clinical trials have two goals: prevention of infectious mononucleosis and EBV
      associated cancers, facilitated by identification of disease-predictive surrogate
      markers.

PMID- 22049068
TI  - Epigenetics of nicotine: another nail in the coughing.
AB  - In a mouse model, chronic nicotine exposure before cocaine use exacerbated the
      epigenetic, gene-expression, electrophysiological, and behavioral effects that
      occur during the transition from acute to chronic responses to cocaine that have
      been linked with the addictive process. Nicotine enhancement of the effects can
      be mimicked with an inhibitor of chromatin-modifying enzymes (class I and II
      histone deacetylases). These findings may spur the discovery of therapeutics for
      the treatment of addiction.

PMID- 22049069
TI  - Molecular mechanism for a gateway drug: epigenetic changes initiated by nicotine
      prime gene expression by cocaine.
AB  - In human populations, cigarettes and alcohol generally serve as gateway drugs,
      which people use first before progressing to marijuana, cocaine, or other illicit
      substances. To understand the biological basis of the gateway sequence of drug
      use, we developed an animal model in mice and used it to study the effects of
      nicotine on subsequent responses to cocaine. We found that pretreatment of mice
      with nicotine increased the response to cocaine, as assessed by addiction-related
      behaviors and synaptic plasticity in the striatum, a brain region critical for
      addiction-related reward. Locomotor sensitization was increased by 98%,
      conditioned place preference was increased by 78%, and cocaine-induced reduction
      in long-term potentiation (LTP) was enhanced by 24%. The responses to cocaine
      were altered only when nicotine was administered first, and nicotine and cocaine
      were then administered concurrently. Reversing the order of drug administration
      was ineffective; cocaine had no effect on nicotine-induced behaviors and synaptic
      plasticity. Nicotine primed the response to cocaine by enhancing its ability to
      induce transcriptional activation of the FosB gene through inhibition of histone
      deacetylase, which caused global histone acetylation in the striatum. We tested
      this conclusion further and found that a histone deacetylase inhibitor simulated
      the actions of nicotine by priming the response to cocaine and enhancing FosB
      gene expression and LTP depression in the nucleus accumbens. Conversely, in a
      genetic mouse model characterized by reduced histone acetylation, the effects of
      cocaine on LTP were diminished. We achieved a similar effect by infusing a low
      dose of theophylline, an activator of histone deacetylase, into the nucleus
      accumbens. These results from mice prompted an analysis of epidemiological data,
      which indicated that most cocaine users initiate cocaine use after the onset of
      smoking and while actively still smoking, and that initiating cocaine use after
      smoking increases the risk of becoming dependent on cocaine, consistent with our
      data from mice. If our findings in mice apply to humans, a decrease in smoking
      rates in young people would be expected to lead to a decrease in cocaine
      addiction.

PMID- 22049070
TI  - Lipotoxicity causes multisystem organ failure and exacerbates acute pancreatitis
      in obesity.
AB  - Obesity increases the risk of adverse outcomes during acute critical illnesses
      such as burns, severe trauma, and acute pancreatitis. Although individuals with
      more body fat and higher serum cytokines and lipase are more likely to experience
      problems, the roles that these characteristics play are not clear. We used severe
      acute pancreatitis as a representative disease to investigate the effects of
      obesity on local organ function and systemic processes. In obese humans, we found
      that an increase in the volume of intrapancreatic adipocytes was associated with
      more extensive pancreatic necrosis during acute pancreatitis and that acute
      pancreatitis was associated with multisystem organ failure in obese individuals.
      In vitro studies of pancreatic acinar cells showed that unsaturated fatty acids
      were proinflammatory, releasing intracellular calcium, inhibiting mitochondrial
      complexes I and V, and causing necrosis. Saturated fatty acids had no such
      effects. Inhibition of lipolysis in obese (ob/ob) mice with induced pancreatitis
      prevented a rise in serum unsaturated fatty acids and prevented renal injury,
      lung injury, systemic inflammation, hypocalcemia, reduced pancreatic necrosis,
      and mortality. Thus, therapeutic approaches that target unsaturated fatty acid
      mediated lipotoxicity may reduce adverse outcomes in obese patients with critical
      illnesses such as severe acute pancreatitis.

PMID- 22049071
TI  - ALDH2 activator inhibits increased myocardial infarction injury by nitroglycerin
      tolerance.
AB  - Nitroglycerin, which treats impaired cardiac function through vasodilation as it
      is converted to nitric oxide, is used worldwide for patients with various
      ischemic and congestive cardiac diseases, including angina pectoris.
      Nevertheless, after continuous treatment, the benefits of nitroglycerin are
      limited by the development of tolerance to the drug. Nitroglycerin tolerance is a
      result of inactivation of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2), an enzyme essential
      for cardioprotection in animals subjected to myocardial infarction. Here, we
      tested the hypothesis that the tolerance that develops as a result of sustained
      nitroglycerin treatment increases cardiac injury by subsequent myocardial
      infarction. In a rat model of myocardial infarction, 16 hours of prior, sustained
      nitroglycerin treatment resulted in infarcts that were twice as large as those in
      untreated control animals and in diminished cardiac function at 3 days and 2
      weeks after the myocardial infarction. We also sought to identify a potential
      treatment to protect against this increased cardiac damage. Nitroglycerin
      inhibited ALDH2 activity in vitro, an effect that was blocked by Alda-1, an
      activator of ALDH2. Co-administration of Alda-1 with the nitroglycerin prevented
      the nitroglycerin-induced increase in cardiac dysfunction after myocardial
      infarction in rats, at least in part by enhancing metabolism of reactive aldehyde
      adducts that impair normal protein functions. If our animal studies showing that
      nitroglycerin tolerance increases cardiac injury upon ischemic insult are
      corroborated in humans, activators of ALDH2 such as Alda-1 may help to protect
      patients with myocardial infarction from this nitroglycerin-induced increase in
      cardiac injury while maintaining the cardiac benefits of the increased nitric
      oxide concentrations produced by nitroglycerin.

PMID- 22049072
TI  - Activation of TRPV4 on dural afferents produces headache-related behavior in a
      preclinical rat model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The mechanisms contributing to the pain of migraine are poorly
      understood although activation of afferent nociceptors in the trigeminovascular
      system has been proposed as a key event. Prior studies have shown that dural
      afferent nociceptors are sensitive to both osmotic and mechanical stimuli. Based
      on the sensitivity to these stimuli we hypothesized that dural afferents express
      the osmo/mechano-sensitive channel transient receptor-potential vanilloid 4
      (TRPV4). METHODS: These studies used in vitro patch-clamp electrophysiology of
      trigeminal neurons retrogradely labeled from the dura to examine the functional
      expression of TRPV4. Additionally, we used a rat headache model in which
      facial/hind paw allodynia following dural stimulation is measured to determine
      whether activation of meningeal TRPV4 produces responses consistent with
      migraine. RESULTS: These studies found that 56% and 49% of identified dural
      afferents generate currents in response to hypotonic solutions and 4alpha-PDD,
      respectively. The response to these stimuli indicates that dural afferents
      express TRPV4. Activation of meningeal TPRV4 using hypotonic solution or 4alpha
      PDD in vivo resulted in both facial and hind paw allodynia that was blocked by
      the TRPV4 antagonist RN1734. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that activation of
      TRPV4 within the meninges produces afferent nociceptive signaling from the head
      that may contribute to migraine headache.

PMID- 22049073
TI  - Lowered expression of heparan sulfate/heparin biosynthesis enzyme N-deacetylase/n
      sulfotransferase 1 results in increased sulfation of mast cell heparin.
AB  - Deficiency of the heparan sulfate biosynthesis enzyme N-deacetylase/N
      sulfotransferase 1 (NDST1) in mice causes severely disturbed heparan sulfate
      biosynthesis in all organs, whereas lack of NDST2 only affects heparin
      biosynthesis in mast cells (MCs). To investigate the individual and combined
      roles of NDST1 and NDST2 during MC development, in vitro differentiated MCs
      derived from mouse embryos and embryonic stem cells, respectively, have been
      studied. Whereas MC development will not occur in the absence of both NDST1 and
      NDST2, lack of NDST2 alone results in the generation of defective MCs.
      Surprisingly, the relative amount of heparin produced in NDST1(+/-) and NDST1(-/
      ) MCs is higher (~30%) than in control MCs where ~95% of the (35)S-labeled
      glycosaminoglycans produced is chondroitin sulfate. Lowered expression of NDST1
      also results in a higher sulfate content of the heparin synthesized and is
      accompanied by increased levels of stored MC proteases. A model of the GAGosome,
      a hypothetical Golgi enzyme complex, is used to explain the results.

PMID- 22049074
TI  - RB1CC1 protein suppresses type II collagen synthesis in chondrocytes and causes
      dwarfism.
AB  - RB1-inducible coiled-coil 1 (RB1CC1) functions in various processes, such as cell
      growth, differentiation, senescence, apoptosis, and autophagy. The conditional
      transgenic mice with cartilage-specific RB1CC1 excess that were used in the
      present study were made for the first time by the Cre-loxP system. Cartilage
      specific RB1CC1 excess caused dwarfism in mice without causing obvious
      abnormalities in endochondral ossification and subsequent skeletal development
      from embryo to adult. In vitro and in vivo analysis revealed that the dwarf
      phenotype in cartilaginous RB1CC1 excess was induced by reductions in the total
      amount of cartilage and the number of cartilaginous cells, following suppressions
      of type II collagen synthesis and Erk1/2 signals. In addition, we have
      demonstrated that two kinds of SNPs (T-547C and C-468T) in the human RB1CC1
      promoter have significant influence on the self-transcriptional level.
      Accordingly, human genotypic variants of RB1CC1 that either stimulate or inhibit
      RB1CC1 transcription in vivo may cause body size variations.

PMID- 22049075
TI  - Loading-related regulation of transcription factor EGR2/Krox-20 in bone cells is
      ERK1/2 protein-mediated and prostaglandin, Wnt signaling pathway-, and insulin
      like growth factor-I axis-dependent.
AB  - Of the 1,328 genes revealed by microarray to be differentially regulated by
      disuse, or at 8 h following a single short period of osteogenic loading of the
      mouse tibia, analysis by predicting associated transcription factors from
      annotated affinities revealed the transcription factor EGR2/Krox-20 as being more
      closely associated with more pathways and functions than any other. Real time
      quantitative PCR confirmed up-regulation of Egr2 mRNA expression by loading of
      the tibia in vivo. In vitro studies where strain was applied to primary cultures
      of mouse tibia-derived osteoblastic cells and the osteoblast UMR106 cell line
      also showed up-regulation of Egr2 mRNA expression. In UMR106 cells, inhibition of
      beta1/beta3 integrin function had no effect on strain-related Egr2 expression,
      but it was inhibited by a COX2-selective antagonist and imitated by exogenous
      prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). This response to PGE(2) was mediated chiefly through the
      EP1 receptor and involved stimulation of PKC and attenuation by cAMP/PKA. Neither
      activators nor inhibitors of nitric oxide, estrogen signaling, or LiCl had any
      effect on Egr2 mRNA expression, but it was increased by both insulin-like growth
      factor-1 and high, but not low, dose parathyroid hormone and exogenous Wnt-3a.
      The increases by strain, PGE2, Wnt-3a, and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate were
      attenuated by inhibition of MEK-1. EGR2 appears to be involved in many of the
      signaling pathways that constitute early responses of bone cells to strain. These
      pathways all have multiple functions. Converting their strain-related responses
      into coherent "instructions" for adaptive (re)modeling is likely to depend upon
      their contextual activation, suppression, and interaction probably on more than
      one occasion.

PMID- 22049076
TI  - Myocardin-related transcription factor-A complexes activate type I collagen
      expression in lung fibroblasts.
AB  - Pulmonary fibrosis is characterized by the excessive deposition of a collagen
      rich extracellular matrix. The accumulation of collagen within the lung
      interstitium leads to impaired respiratory function. Furthermore, smooth muscle
      actin-positive myofibroblasts within the fibrotic lung contribute to disease
      progression. Because collagen and smooth muscle cell alpha-actin are coordinately
      expressed in the setting of fibrosis, the hypothesis was tested that specific
      transcriptional regulators of the myocardin family might also regulate collagen
      gene expression in myofibroblasts. Myocardin-related transcription factors
      (MRTFs), through their interaction with the serum-response factor (SRF) on CArG
      box regulatory elements (CC(A/T)6GG), are important regulators of myofibroblast
      differentiation. MRTF-A transactivated type I collagen gene reporters as much as
      100-fold in lung myofibroblasts. Loss of functional MRTF-A using either a
      dominant negative MRTF-A isoform, shRNA targeting MRTF-A, or genetic deletion of
      MRTF-A in lung fibroblasts significantly disrupted type I collagen synthesis
      relative to controls. Analysis of the COL1A2 proximal promoter revealed a
      noncanonical CArG box (CCAAACTTGG), flanked by several Sp1 sites important for
      MRTF-A activation. Chromatin immunoprecipitation experiments confirmed the co
      localization of MRTF-A, SRF, and Sp1 bound to the same region of the COL1A2
      promoter. Mutagenesis of either the noncanonical CArG box or the Sp1 sites
      significantly disrupted MRTF-A activation of COL1A2. Together, our findings show
      that MRTF-A is an important regulator of collagen synthesis in lung fibroblasts
      and exhibits a dependence on both SRF and Sp1 function to enhance collagen
      expression.

PMID- 22049077
TI  - Genetic modifiers of cardiovascular phenotype caused by elastin
      haploinsufficiency act by extrinsic noncomplementation.
AB  - Elastin haploinsufficiency causes the cardiovascular complications associated
      with Williams-Beuren syndrome and isolated supravalvular aortic stenosis.
      Significant variability exists in the vascular pathology in these individuals.
      Using the Eln(+/-) mouse, we sought to identify the source of this variability.
      Following outcrossing of C57Bl/6J Eln(+/-), two backgrounds were identified whose
      cardiovascular parameters deviated significantly from the parental strain. F1
      progeny of the C57Bl/6J; Eln(+/-)x129X1/SvJ were more hypertensive and their
      arteries less compliant. In contrast, Eln(+/-) animals crossed to DBA/2J were
      protected from the pathologic changes associated with elastin insufficiency.
      Among the crosses, aortic elastin and collagen content did not correlate with
      quantitative vasculopathy traits. Quantitative trait locus analysis performed on
      F2 C57; Eln(+/-)x129 intercrosses identified highly significant peaks on
      chromosome 1 (LOD 9.7) for systolic blood pressure and on chromosome 9 (LOD 8.7)
      for aortic diameter. Additional peaks were identified that affect only Eln(+/-),
      including a region upstream of Eln on chromosome 5 (LOD 4.5). Bioinformatic
      analysis of the quantitative trait locus peaks revealed several interesting
      candidates, including Ren1, Ncf1, and Nos1; genes whose functions are unrelated
      to elastic fiber assembly, but whose effects may synergize with elastin
      insufficiency to predispose to hypertension and stiffer blood vessels. Real time
      RT-PCR studies show background-specific increased expression of Ncf1 (a subunit
      of the NOX2 NAPDH oxidase) that parallel the presence of increased oxidative
      stress in Eln(+/-) aortas. This finding raises the possibility that polymorphisms
      in genes affecting the generation of reactive oxygen species alter cardiovascular
      function in individuals with elastin haploinsufficiency through extrinsic
      noncomplementation.

PMID- 22049078
TI  - Nucleolin protein interacts with microprocessor complex to affect biogenesis of
      microRNAs 15a and 16.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNA) are endogenous, short, non-coding RNA that undergo a multistep
      biogenesis before generating the functional, mature sequence. The core components
      of the microprocessor complex, consisting of Drosha and DGCR8, are both necessary
      and sufficient for this process, although accessory proteins have been found that
      modulate the biogenesis of a subset of miRNA. Curiously, many of the proteins
      involved in miRNA biogenesis are also needed for ribosomal RNA processing. Here
      we show that nucleolin, another protein critical for rRNA processing, is involved
      in the biogenesis of microRNA 15a/16 (miR-15a/16), specifically at the primary to
      precursor stage of processing. Through overexpression and knockdown studies, we
      show that miR-15a/16 levels are directly correlated to nucleolin expression.
      Furthermore, we found that cellular localization is critical for the proper
      functioning of nucleolin in this pathway and that nucleolin directly interacts
      with DGCR8 and Drosha in the nucleus. Nucleolin can bind to the primary miRNA
      both directly and specifically. Finally, we show that in the absence of
      nucleolin, cell extracts are unable to process miR-15a/16 in vitro and that this
      can be rescued by the addition of nucleolin. Our findings offer a new protein
      component in the microRNA biogenesis pathway and lend insight into miRNA
      dysregulation in certain cancers.

PMID- 22049079
TI  - Two distinct sites in sonic Hedgehog combine for heparan sulfate interactions and
      cell signaling functions.
AB  - Hedgehog (Hh) proteins are morphogens that mediate many developmental processes.
      Hh signaling is significant for many aspects of embryonic development, whereas
      dysregulation of this pathway is associated with several types of cancer. Hh
      proteins require heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) for their normal
      distribution and signaling activity. Here, we have used molecular modeling to
      examine the heparin-binding domain of sonic hedgehog (Shh). In biochemical and
      cell biological assays, the importance of specific residues of the putative
      heparin-binding domain for signaling was assessed. It was determined that key
      residues in human (h) Shh involved in heparin and HSPG syndecan-4 binding and
      biological activity included the well known cationic Cardin-Weintraub motif
      (lysines 32-38) but also a previously unidentified major role for lysine 178. The
      activity of Shh mutated in these residues was tested by quantitation of alkaline
      phosphatase activity in C3H10T1/2 cells differentiating into osteoblasts and hShh
      inducible gene expression in PANC1 human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells.
      Mutated hShhs such as K37S/K38S, K178S, and particularly K37S/K38S/K178S that
      could not interact with heparin efficiently had reduced signaling activity
      compared with wild type hShh or a control mutation (K74S). In addition, the
      mutant hShh proteins supported reduced proliferation and invasion of PANC1 cells
      compared with control hShh proteins, following endogenous hShh depletion by RNAi
      knockdown. The data correlated with reduced Shh multimerization where the Lys
      37/38 and/or Lys-178 mutations were examined. These studies provide a new insight
      into the functional roles of hShh interactions with HSPGs, which may allow
      targeting this aspect of hShh biology in, for example, pancreatic ductal
      adenocarcinoma.

PMID- 22049080
TI  - Anion activation site of insulin-degrading enzyme.
AB  - Insulin-degrading enzyme (IDE) (insulysin) is a zinc metallopeptidase that
      metabolizes several bioactive peptides, including insulin and the amyloid beta
      peptide. IDE is an unusual metallopeptidase in that it is allosterically
      activated by both small peptides and anions, such as ATP. Here, we report that
      the ATP-binding site is located on a portion of the substrate binding chamber
      wall arising largely from domain 4 of the four-domain IDE. Two variants having
      residues in this site mutated, IDEK898A,K899A,S901A and IDER429S, both show
      greatly decreased activation by the polyphosphate anions ATP and PPPi.
      IDEK898A,K899A,S901A is also deficient in activation by small peptides,
      suggesting a possible mechanistic link between the two types of allosteric
      activation. Sodium chloride at high concentrations can also activate IDE. There
      are no observable differences in average conformation between the IDE-ATP complex
      and unliganded IDE, but regions of the active site and C-terminal domain do show
      increased crystallographic thermal factors in the complex, suggesting an effect
      on dynamics. Activation by ATP is shown to be independent of the ATP hydrolysis
      activity reported for the enzyme. We also report that IDEK898A,K899A,S901A has
      reduced intracellular function relative to unmodified IDE, consistent with a
      possible role for anion activation of IDE activity in vivo. Together, the data
      suggest a model in which the binding of anions activates by reducing the
      electrostatic attraction between the two halves of the enzyme, shifting the
      partitioning between open and closed conformations of IDE toward the open form.

PMID- 22049081
TI  - Photosystem I of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii contains nine light-harvesting
      complexes (Lhca) located on one side of the core.
AB  - In this work we have purified the Photosystem I (PSI) complex of Chlamydomonas
      reinhardtii to homogeneity. Biochemical, proteomic, spectroscopic, and structural
      analyses reveal the main properties of this PSI-LHCI supercomplex. The data show
      that the largest purified complex is composed of one core complex and nine Lhca
      antennas and that it contains all Lhca gene products. A projection map at 15 A
      resolution obtained by electron microscopy reveals that the Lhcas are organized
      on one side of the core in a double half-ring arrangement, in contrast with
      previous suggestions. A series of stable disassembled PSI-LHCI intermediates was
      purified. The analysis of these complexes suggests the sequence of the
      assembly/disassembly process. It is shown that PSI-LHCI of C. reinhardtii is
      larger but far less stable than the complex from higher plants. Lhca2 and Lhca9
      (the red-most antenna complexes), although present in the largest complex in 1:1
      ratio with the core, are only loosely associated with it. This can explain the
      large variation in antenna composition of PSI-LHCI from C. reinhardtii found in
      the literature. The analysis of several subcomplexes with reduced antenna size
      allows determination of the position of Lhca2 and Lhca9 and leads to a proposal
      for a model of the organization of the Lhcas within the PSI-LHCI supercomplex.

PMID- 22049082
TI  - FHL2 protein is a novel co-repressor of nuclear receptor Nur77.
AB  - The three members of the NR4A orphan nuclear receptor subfamily Nur77, Nurr1, and
      NOR-1, regulate a variety of biological functions including vascular disease and
      metabolism. In this study, we identified Four and a half LIM domains protein-2
      (FHL2) as a novel interacting protein of NR4A nuclear receptors by yeast two
      hybrid screen and co-immunoprecipitation studies. Each of the four LIM domains of
      FHL2 can bind Nur77, and both the amino-terminal domain and the DNA binding
      domain of Nur77 are involved in the interaction between FHL2 and Nur77. FHL2
      represses Nur77 transcriptional activity in a dose-dependent manner, and short
      hairpin RNA-mediated knockdown of FHL2 results in increased Nur77 transcriptional
      activity. ChIP experiments on the enolase3 promoter revealed that FHL2 inhibits
      the association of Nur77 with DNA. FHL2 is highly expressed in human endothelial
      and smooth muscle cells, but not in monocytes or macrophages. To substantiate
      functional involvement of FHL2 in smooth muscle cell physiology, we demonstrated
      that FHL2 overexpression increases the growth of these cells, whereas FHL2
      knockdown results in reduced DNA synthesis. Collectively, these studies suggest
      that association of FHL2 with Nur77 plays a pivotal role in vascular disease.

PMID- 22049083
TI  - Nucleus-localized antisense small RNAs with 5'-polyphosphate termini regulate
      long term transcriptional gene silencing in Entamoeba histolytica G3 strain.
AB  - In the deep-branching eukaryotic parasite Entamoeba histolytica, transcriptional
      gene silencing (TGS) of the Amoebapore A gene (ap-a) in the G3 strain has been
      reported with subsequent development of this parasite strain for gene silencing.
      However, the mechanisms underlying this gene silencing approach are poorly
      understood. Here we report that antisense small RNAs (sRNAs) specific to the
      silenced ap-a gene can be identified in G3 parasites. Furthermore, when
      additional genes are silenced in the G3 strain, antisense sRNAs to the newly
      silenced genes can also be detected. Characterization of these sRNAs demonstrates
      that they are ~27 nucleotides in size, have 5'-polyphosphate termini, and persist
      even after removal of the silencing plasmid. Immunofluorescence analysis (IFA)
      and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) show that both the Argonaute
      protein EhAGO2-2 and antisense sRNAs to the silenced genes are localized to the
      parasite nucleus. Furthermore, alpha-EhAGO2-2 immunoprecipitation confirmed the
      direct association of the antisense sRNAs with EhAGO2-2. Finally, chromatin
      immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays demonstrate that the loci of the silenced genes
      are enriched for histone H3 and EhAGO2-2, indicating that both chromatin
      modification and the RNA-induced transcriptional silencing complex are involved
      in permanent gene silencing in G3 parasites. In conclusion, our data demonstrate
      that G3-based gene silencing in E. histolytica is mediated by an siRNA pathway,
      which utilizes antisense 5'-polyphosphate sRNAs. To our knowledge, this is the
      first study to show that 5'- polyphosphate antisense sRNAs can mediate TGS, and
      it is the first example of RNAi-mediated TGS in protozoan parasites.

PMID- 22049084
TI  - High temperature requirement factor A1 (HTRA1) gene regulates angiogenesis
      through transforming growth factor-beta family member growth differentiation
      factor 6.
AB  - Genome-wide association study (GWAS) has identified genetic variants in the
      promoter region of the high temperature requirement factor A1 (HTRA1) gene
      associated with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). As a secreted serine
      protease, HTRA1 has been reported to interact with members of the transforming
      growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) family and regulate their signaling pathways.
      Growth differentiation factor 6 (GDF6), a member of the TGF-beta family, is
      involved in ectoderm patterning and eye development. Mutations in GDF6 have been
      associated with abnormal eye development that may result in microphthalmia and
      anophthalmia. In this report, we identified a single nucleotide polymorphism
      (SNP) rs6982567 A/G near the GDF6 gene that is significantly associated with AMD
      (p value = 3.54 * 10(-8)). We demonstrated that the GDF6 AMD risk allele
      (rs6982567 A) is associated with decreased expression of the GDF6 and increased
      expression of HTRA1. Similarly, the HTRA1 AMD risk allele (rs10490924 T) is
      associated with decreased GDF6 and increased HTRA1 expression. We observed
      decreased vascular development in the retina and significant up-regulation of
      GDF6 gene in the RPE layer, retinal and brain tissues in HTRA1 knock-out (htra1(
      /-)) mice as compared with the wild-type counterparts. Furthermore, we showed
      enhanced SMAD signaling in htra1(-/-) mice. Our data suggests a critical role of
      HTRA1 in the regulation of angiogenesis via TGF-beta signaling and identified
      GDF6 as a novel disease gene for AMD.

PMID- 22049085
TI  - Probing the origin of the metabolic precursor of the CO ligand in the catalytic
      center of [NiFe] hydrogenase.
AB  - The O(2)-tolerant [NiFe] hydrogenases of Ralstonia eutropha are capable of H(2)
      conversion in the presence of ambient O(2). Oxygen represents not only a
      challenge for catalysis but also for the complex assembling process of the [NiFe]
      active site. Apart from nickel and iron, the catalytic center contains unusual
      diatomic ligands, namely two cyanides (CN(-)) and one carbon monoxide (CO), which
      are coordinated to the iron. One of the open questions of the maturation process
      concerns the origin and biosynthesis of the CO group. Isotope labeling in
      combination with infrared spectroscopy revealed that externally supplied gaseous
      (13)CO serves as precursor of the carbonyl group of the regulatory [NiFe]
      hydrogenase in R. eutropha. Corresponding (13)CO titration experiments showed
      that a concentration 130-fold higher than ambient CO (0.1 ppmv) caused a 50%
      labeling of the carbonyl ligand in the [NiFe] hydrogenase, leading to the
      conclusion that the carbonyl ligand originates from an intracellular metabolite.
      A novel setup allowed us to the study effects of CO depletion on maturation in
      vivo. Upon induction of CO depletion by addition of the CO scavenger PdCl(2),
      cells cultivated on H(2), CO(2), and O(2) showed severe growth retardation at low
      cell concentrations, which was on the basis of partially arrested hydrogenase
      maturation, leading to reduced hydrogenase activity. This suggests gaseous CO as
      a metabolic precursor under these conditions. The addition of PdCl(2) to cells
      cultivated heterotrophically on organic substrates had no effect on hydrogenase
      maturation. These results indicate at least two different pathways for
      biosynthesis of the CO ligand of [NiFe] hydrogenase.

PMID- 22049086
TI  - Some methodological points to consider when performing systematic reviews in
      comparative effectiveness research.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of comparative effectiveness research (CER) is to assist
      consumers, clinicians, purchasers, and policy makers to make informed decisions
      that will improve health care at both the individual and population levels. There
      is an ongoing discussion as to what types of evidence are appropriate to inform
      CER and how best to interpret various forms of evidence. PURPOSE: The purpose of
      this article is primarily to highlight several interesting methodological issues
      in the conduct of CER reviews. METHODS: We describe several key challenges
      related to randomized trials, with a particular focus on noninferiority studies,
      which include active comparators used to assess 'assay sensitivity' (defined
      below), and on the use of randomized studies to perform indirect comparisons
      between therapies. We touch briefly on the use of observational studies in CER,
      particularly because of the importance of observational studies in assessing
      infrequently occurring harms. RESULTS: We argue that studies that may be
      perceived as unsuitable to address some CER questions may well be appropriate to
      address others. As an example, noninferiority studies (assuming they include an
      appropriate comparator at an appropriate dose), are sometimes discounted or
      excluded from consideration because of concerns that the sponsor's incentive is
      to conduct a study that is biased toward showing no difference between the
      treatment groups. If the purpose of a systematic review of CER is to show
      superiority with respect to a purported benefit, including studies that may be
      biased toward equality of treatments would tend to underestimate the proposed
      benefit, that is, the bias works against the sponsor. LIMITATIONS: This is not a
      comprehensive review of all methodological issues related to CER, and we
      recognize that there may be dissenting opinions regarding some of the points we
      raise. CONCLUSIONS: In considering the use of systematic reviews, we believe it
      is sound advice to perform the head-to-head comparison when possible, in the
      relevant populations, using endpoints relevant to patients, caregivers,
      physicians, or payers. These endpoints should include patient-reported outcomes
      (e.g., symptoms), when relevant. Indirect comparisons and mixed treatment meta
      analyses may be useful for simultaneously comparing multiple treatments, provided
      the assumptions underlying such analyses are plausible.

PMID- 22049087
TI  - A new dependence parameter approach to improve the design of cluster randomized
      trials with binary outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Power and sample size calculations for cluster randomized
      trials require prediction of the degree of correlation that will be realized
      among outcomes of participants in the same cluster. This correlation is typically
      quantified as the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), defined as the
      Pearson correlation between two members of the same cluster or proportion of the
      total variance attributable to variance between clusters. It is widely known but
      perhaps not fully appreciated that for binary outcomes, the ICC is a function of
      outcome prevalence. Hence, the ICC and the outcome prevalence are intrinsically
      related, making the ICC poorly generalizable across study conditions and between
      studies with different outcome prevalences. METHODS: We use a simple
      parametrization of the ICC that aims to isolate that part of the ICC that
      measures dependence among responses within a cluster from the outcome prevalence.
      We incorporate this parametrization into sample size calculations for cluster
      randomized trials and compare our method to the traditional approach using the
      ICC. RESULTS: Our dependence parameter, R, may be less influenced by outcome
      prevalence and has an intuitive meaning that facilitates interpretation.
      Estimates of R from previous studies can be obtained using simple statistics.
      Comparison of methods showed that the traditional ICC approach to sample size
      determination tends to overpower studies under many scenarios, calling for more
      clusters than truly required. LIMITATIONS: The methods are developed for equal
      sized clusters, whereas cluster size may vary in practice. CONCLUSIONS: The
      dependence parameter R is an alternative measure of dependence among binary
      outcomes in cluster randomized trials that has a number of advantages over the
      ICC.

PMID- 22049088
TI  - Transparency in the presentation of trial results may not increase patients'
      trust in medical researchers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: One of the expected benefits of sharing trial results with
      participants is that it may enhance trust in medical researchers (TMRs). PURPOSE:
      In a prospective study on a sample of clinical trial participants, we
      investigated the effect on the participants' TMRs of providing final trial
      results to participants via the Internet. METHODS: Participants in the FNCLCC
      PACS04 trial (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT00054587) were surveyed on
      average 6 years after enrollment, when the trial results were available. In the
      current study, they were randomized to receive (experimental group) or not to
      receive (control group) a letter informing them that the results of the trial
      could be consulted on a specific website. TMRs was measured before randomization
      and 6 months later using mailed self-administered questionnaires. RESULTS: The
      response rate was 93% (N = 107). TMRs remained unchanged in the control group
      (mean effect size = -0.06, 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.28 to 0.17, p =
      0.617) but decreased in the experimental group (-0.30, 95% CI: -0.53 to -0.06, p
      = 0.015). However, the difference between the two effect sizes was not
      statistically significant (p = 0.144). LIMITATIONS: The results obtained here on
      the disclosure of final trial results to breast cancer patients via the Internet
      cannot be generalized to all situations involving the disclosure of phase III
      randomized controlled trial results. CONCLUSIONS: Transparency is an ethical
      research requirement, but it may not enhance participants' TMRs.

PMID- 22049089
TI  - Choristoneura fumiferana multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus LEF-3-P143 complex can
      complement DNA replication and budded virus in an AcMNPV LEF-3-P143 double
      knockout bacmid.
AB  - Transient replication assays using Autographa californica multiple
      nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) and Choristoneura fumiferana multiple
      nucleopolyhedrovirus (CfMNPV) genes suggested that the interactions between P143,
      the viral helicase and LEF-3, a ssDNA-binding protein, may represent virus
      species specificity determinants. P143 and LEF-3 are essential for DNA
      replication in these assays and together with IE-1, the major immediate-early
      transcription factor, may be part of the viral replisome. In the current report,
      a lef-3/p143 double-knockout AcMNPV bacmid was constructed that was defective for
      viral DNA replication and late gene expression. When the homologous lef-3/p143
      CfMNPV genes were introduced into this double-knockout bacmid, DNA replication
      was restored but the level of replication was lower, budded virus production was
      delayed, and the yields were reduced from those in an AcMNPV-rescue bacmid. These
      results suggest that to maximize virus replication, baculovirus replisome
      assembly and function requires protein-protein interactions between P143 and LEF
      3, and other viral proteins.

PMID- 22049090
TI  - Raspberry leaf blotch virus, a putative new member of the genus Emaravirus,
      encodes a novel genomic RNA.
AB  - A new, segmented, negative-strand RNA virus with morphological and sequence
      similarities to other viruses in the genus Emaravirus was discovered in raspberry
      plants exhibiting symptoms of leaf blotch disorder, a disease previously
      attributed to the eriophyid raspberry leaf and bud mite (Phyllocoptes gracilis).
      The virus, tentatively named raspberry leaf blotch virus (RLBV), has five RNAs
      that each potentially encode a single protein on the complementary strand. RNAs
      1, 2 and 3 encode, respectively, a putative RNA-dependent RNA polymerase, a
      glycoprotein precursor and the nucleocapsid. RNA4 encodes a protein with sequence
      similarity to proteins of unknown function that are encoded by the genomes of
      other emaraviruses. When expressed transiently in plants fused to green or red
      fluorescent protein, the RLBV P4 protein localized to the peripheral cell
      membrane and to punctate spots in the cell wall. These spots co-localized with
      GFP-tagged tobacco mosaic virus 30K cell-to-cell movement protein, which is
      itself known to associate with plasmodesmata. These results suggest that the P4
      protein may be a movement protein for RLBV. The fifth RLBV RNA, encoding the P5
      protein, is unique among the sequenced emaraviruses. The amino acid sequence of
      the P5 protein does not suggest any potential function; however, when expressed
      as a GFP fusion, it localized as small aggregates in the cytoplasm near to the
      periphery of the cell.

PMID- 22049091
TI  - The role of neutralizing antibodies in hepatitis C virus infection.
AB  - Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a blood-borne virus estimated to infect around 170
      million people worldwide and is, therefore, a major disease burden. In some
      individuals the virus is spontaneously cleared during the acute phase of
      infection, whilst in others a persistent infection ensues. Of those persistently
      infected, severe liver diseases such as cirrhosis and primary liver cancer may
      develop, although many individuals remain asymptomatic. A range of factors shape
      the course of HCV infection, not least host genetic polymorphisms and host
      immunity. A number of studies have shown that neutralizing antibodies (nAb) arise
      during HCV infection, but that these antibodies differ in their breadth and
      mechanism of neutralization. Recent studies, using both mAbs and polyclonal sera,
      have provided an insight into neutralizing determinants and the likely protective
      role of antibodies during infection. This understanding has helped to shape our
      knowledge of the overall structure of the HCV envelope glycoproteins--the natural
      target for nAb. Most nAb identified to date target receptor-binding sites within
      the envelope glycoprotein E2. However, there is some evidence that other viral
      epitopes may be targets for antibody neutralization, suggesting the need to
      broaden the search for neutralization epitopes beyond E2. This review provides a
      comprehensive overview of our current understanding of the role played by nAb in
      HCV infection and disease outcome and explores the limitations in the study
      systems currently used. In addition, we briefly discuss the potential therapeutic
      benefits of nAb and efforts to develop nAb-based therapies.

PMID- 22049092
TI  - Co-divergence and host-switching in the evolution of tobamoviruses.
AB  - The proposed phylogenetic structure of the genus Tobamovirus supports the idea
      that these viruses have codiverged with their hosts since radiation of the hosts
      from a common ancestor. The determinations of genome sequence for two strains of
      Passion fruit mosaic virus (PafMV), a tobamovirus from plants of the family
      Passifloraceae (order Malpighiales) from which only one other tobamovirus
      (Maracuja mosaic virus; MarMV) has been characterized, combined with the
      development of Bayesian analysis methods for phylogenetic inference, provided an
      opportunity to reassess the co-divergence hypothesis. The sequence of one PafMV
      strain, PfaMV-TGP, was discovered during a survey of plants of the Tallgrass
      Prairie Preserve for their virus content. Its nucleotides are only 73 % identical
      to those of MarMV. A conserved ORF not found in other tobamovirus genomes, and
      encoding a cysteine-rich protein, was found in MarMV and both PafMV strains.
      Phylogenetic tree construction, using an alignment of the nucleotide sequences of
      PafMV-TGP and other tobamoviruses resulted in a major clade containing isolates
      exclusively from rosid plants. Asterid-derived viruses were exclusively found in
      a second major clade that also contained an orchid-derived tobamovirus and
      tobamoviruses infecting plants of the order Brassicales. With a few exceptions,
      calibrating the virus tree with dates of host divergence at two points resulted
      in predictions of divergence times of family specific tobamovirus clades that
      were consistent with the times of divergence of the host plant orders.

PMID- 22049093
TI  - Immunogenic compositions assembled from tobacco mosaic virus-generated spherical
      particle platforms and foreign antigens.
AB  - We reported recently that RNA-free spherical particles (SPs) generated by thermal
      remodelling of tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) are capable of binding GFP to their
      surface. Here, we show that SPs represent a universal particle platform that can
      form compositions by binding a diversity of various foreign proteins/epitopes of
      viral and non-viral origin to their surface. Numerous molecules of a foreign
      protein linked to the SP surface were revealed by immunogold electron microscopy.
      Several SP-based compositions were obtained containing one of the following
      foreign antigens: antigenic determinant A of rubella virus E1 glycoprotein; a
      recombinant protein containing the M2e epitope of influenza virus A protein M2; a
      recombinant antigen consisting of three epitopes of influenza virus A
      haemagglutinin; potato virus X (PVX) coat protein (CP); BSA; and PVX CP fused
      with the epitope of plum pox virus CP. The 'mixed' compositions could be also
      assembled by binding two different foreign antigens to each of the SPs.
      Immunogenicity of foreign antigens adsorbed or linked covalently to SPs in the SP
      based compositions was examined. The antigenic specificity of foreign antigens
      was retained, whereas their immunogenicity increased significantly. It was
      inferred that SPs exhibit immunopotentiating activity, in particular in the form
      of compositions comprising SP and foreign antigen linked covalently to their
      surface by formaldehyde.

PMID- 22049094
TI  - Activation of the beta interferon promoter by paramyxoviruses in the absence of
      virus protein synthesis.
AB  - Conflicting reports exist regarding the requirement for virus replication in
      interferon (IFN) induction by paramyxoviruses. Our previous work has demonstrated
      that pathogen-associated molecular patterns capable of activating the IFN
      induction cascade are not normally generated during virus replication, but are
      associated instead with the presence of defective interfering (DI) viruses. We
      demonstrate here that DIs of paramyxoviruses, including parainfluenza virus 5,
      mumps virus and Sendai virus, can activate the IFN-induction cascade and the IFN
      beta promoter in the absence of virus protein synthesis. As virus protein
      synthesis is an absolute requirement for paramyxovirus genome replication, our
      results indicate that these DI viruses do not require replication to activate the
      IFN-induction cascade.

PMID- 22049095
TI  - Characterizing the complexity of spontaneous motor unit patterns of amyotrophic
      lateral sclerosis using approximate entropy.
AB  - This paper presents a novel application of the approximate entropy (ApEn)
      measurement for characterizing spontaneous motor unit activity of amyotrophic
      lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients. High-density surface electromyography (EMG) was
      used to record spontaneous motor unit activity bilaterally from the thenar
      muscles of nine ALS subjects. Three distinct patterns of spontaneous motor unit
      activity (sporadic spikes, tonic spikes and high-frequency repetitive spikes)
      were observed. For each pattern, complexity was characterized by calculating the
      ApEn values of the representative signal segments. A sliding window over each
      segment was also introduced to quantify the dynamic changes in complexity for the
      different spontaneous motor unit patterns. We found that the ApEn values for the
      sporadic spikes were the highest, while those of the high-frequency repetitive
      spikes were the lowest. There is a significant difference in mean ApEn values
      between two arbitrary groups of the three spontaneous motor unit patterns (P <
      0.001). The dynamic ApEn curve from the sliding window analysis is capable of
      tracking variations in EMG activity, thus providing a vivid, distinctive
      description for different patterns of spontaneous motor unit action potentials in
      terms of their complexity. These findings expand the existing knowledge of
      spontaneous motor unit activity in ALS beyond what was previously obtained using
      conventional linear methods such as firing rate or inter-spike interval
      statistics.

PMID- 22049096
TI  - Effects of pioglitazone and metformin on vascular endothelial function in
      patients with type 2 diabetes treated with sulfonylureas.
AB  - Pioglitazone and metformin are insulin sensitisers used for the treatment of
      T2DM. The effects of pioglitazone and metformin on endothelial function, assessed
      by FMD, in T2DM patients treated with sulfonylureas were compared. Patients were
      randomised to receive pioglitazone (n = 15) 30 mg once daily or metformin (n =
      16) 850 mg twice daily for six months. Pioglitazone significantly decreased
      fasting insulin, HbA(1C) and HOMA-IR (p < 0.05 for all) and increased FMD (p =
      0.002). Metformin induced a significant decrease in HbA(1C) (p = 0.02) and only a
      trend for increase in FMD (p = 0.08). The greater improvement in FMD with
      pioglitazone, compared with metformin, did not reach significance (p = 0.11).
      Treatment-induced changes in FMD were not associated with the effects of the two
      insulin sensitisers on glycaemic control or insulin resistance. The beneficial
      effects of pioglitazone and metformin on endothelial function in T2DM patients
      did not differ greatly. Larger studies are needed to explore whether a
      potentially greater benefit with pioglitazone may exist.

PMID- 22049098
TI  - Finding the atomic configuration with a required physical property in multi-atom
      structures.
AB  - In many problems in molecular and solid state structures one seeks to determine
      the energy-minimizing decoration of sites with different atom types. In other
      problems, one is interested in finding a decoration with a target physical
      property (e.g. alloy band gap) within a certain range. In both cases, the sheer
      size of the configurational space can be horrendous. We present two approaches
      which identify either the minimum-energy configuration or configurations with a
      target property for a fixed underlying Bravais lattice. We compare their
      efficiency at locating the deepest minimum energy configuration of face centered
      cubic Au-Pd alloy. We show that a global-search genetic-algorithm approach with
      diversity-enhancing constraints and reciprocal-space mating can efficiently find
      the global optimum, whereas the local-search virtual-atom approach presented here
      is more efficient at finding structures with a target property.

PMID- 22049097
TI  - Mechanically adaptive intracortical implants improve the proximity of neuronal
      cell bodies.
AB  - The hypothesis is that the mechanical mismatch between brain tissue and
      microelectrodes influences the inflammatory response. Our unique, mechanically
      adaptive polymer nanocomposite enabled this study within the cerebral cortex of
      rats. The initial tensile storage modulus of 5 GPa decreases to 12 MPa within 15
      min under physiological conditions. The response to the nanocomposite was
      compared to surface-matched, stiffer implants of traditional wires (411 GPa)
      coated with the identical polymer substrate and implanted on the contralateral
      side. Both implants were tethered. Fluorescent immunohistochemistry labeling
      examined neurons, intermediate filaments, macrophages, microglia and
      proteoglycans. We demonstrate, for the first time, a system that decouples the
      mechanical and surface chemistry components of the neural response. The neuronal
      nuclei density within 100 um of the device at four weeks post-implantation was
      greater for the compliant nanocomposite compared to the stiff wire. At eight
      weeks post-implantation, the neuronal nuclei density around the nanocomposite was
      maintained, but the density around the wire recovered to match that of the
      nanocomposite. The glial scar response to the compliant nanocomposite was less
      vigorous than it was to the stiffer wire. The results suggest that mechanically
      associated factors such as proteoglycans and intermediate filaments are important
      modulators of the response of the compliant nanocomposite.

PMID- 22049099
TI  - Polarization fields of III-nitrides grown in different crystal orientations.
AB  - This article reviews the piezoelectric properties of III-nitrides with emphasis
      on GaN, InN, and their ternary alloys. After a short literature survey we
      concentrate on semipolar and nonpolar quantum wells grown on crystal planes other
      than the commonly used c  plane ({0001}). The electrostatic field within a
      quantum well causes a quantum confined Stark effect and thus lowers the radiative
      transition probability as well as the transition energy. The basic impact of the
      quantum confined Stark effect on the optical properties of GaInN/GaN quantum
      wells is discussed in detail. Some routes to determine the magnitude of the
      electric field are described, and recent results are considered. The measured
      values are compared to published piezoelectric tensor elements.

PMID- 22049100
TI  - Theory of spontaneous emission of quantum dots in the linear regime.
AB  - We develop a fully quantum-mechanical theory for the interaction of light and
      electron-hole excitations in semiconductor quantum dots. Our theoretical analysis
      results in an expression for the photoluminescence intensity of quantum dots in
      the linear regime. Taking into account the single-particle Hamiltonian, the free
      photon Hamiltonian, the electron-hole interaction Hamiltonian, and the
      interaction of carriers with light, and applying the Heisenberg equation of
      motion to the photon number expectation values, to the carrier distribution
      functions and to the correlation term between the photon generation (destruction)
      and electron-hole pair, we obtain a set of luminescence equations. Under quasi
      equilibrium conditions, these equations become a closed-set of equations. We
      solve them analytically, in the linear regime, and we find an approximate
      solution of the incoherent photoluminescence intensity. The validity of the
      theoretical analysis is tested by investigating the emission spectra in the high
      temperature regime, interpreting the experimental findings for the emission
      spectra of a lens-shaped In(0.5)Ga(0.5)As  self-assembled quantum dot. Our
      theoretical predictions for the interlevel spacing as well as for the dephasing
      time caused by electron-longitudinal optical phonon interactions are in good
      agreement with the experimental results.

PMID- 22049101
TI  - Study of thermal spin crossover in [Fe(II)(isoxazole)(6)](BF(4))(2)  with
      Mossbauer spectroscopy.
AB  - (57)Fe Mossbauer spectroscopy of the mononuclear [Fe(II)(isoxazole)(6)](BF(4))(2)
      compound has been studied to reveal the thermal spin crossover of Fe(II) between
      low-spin (S = 0) and high-spin (S = 2) states. A temperature-dependent spin
      transition curve has been constructed with the least-square fitted data obtained
      from the Mossbauer spectra measured at various temperatures in the 240-60 K range
      during the cooling and heating cycle. The compound exhibits a temperature
      dependent two-step spin transition phenomenon with T(SCO) (step 1) = 92 and
      T(SCO)  (step 2) =  191 K. The compound has three high-spin Fe(II) sites at the
      highest temperature of study; among them, two have slightly different
      coordination environments. These two Fe(II) sites are found to undergo a spin
      transition, while the third Fe(II) site retains the high-spin state over the
      whole temperature range. Possible reasons for the formation of the two steps in
      the spin transition curve are discussed. The observations made from the present
      study are in complete agreement with those envisaged from earlier magnetic and
      structural studies made on [Fe(II)(isoxazole)(6)](BF(4))(2), but highlights the
      nature of the spin crossover mechanism.

PMID- 22049102
TI  - Dimensional crossover in anisotropic Kondo lattices.
AB  - Dimensional crossover in the Kondo necklace model is analyzed using the bond
      operator method at zero and finite temperatures. Explicit relations describing
      quasi-two-dimensional properties are obtained by asymptotically solving the
      resulting equations. The crossover from two dimensions (2d) to three dimensions
      (3d) is investigated, turning on the electronic hopping ([Formula: see text]) of
      conduction electrons between different planes. In order to give continuity to our
      analysis, both cases of crossover, quasi-three-dimensional (q3d) and quasi-one
      dimensional (q1d), are also investigated. The phase diagram as a function of
      temperature T, [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see
      text] is the hopping within the planes, is calculated. Unusual reentrant behavior
      in the temperature-dependent antiferromagnetic critical line is found close to
      two dimensions. Near the isotropic three-dimensional quantum critical point the
      critical line is described by a standard power law with a square root dependence
      on the distance to the quantum critical point.

PMID- 22049103
TI  - One-dimensional Bi(2)O(3)  nanohooks: synthesis, characterization and optical
      properties.
AB  - We report the synthesis of one-dimensional (1D) Bi(2)O(3)  nanohooks by the
      oxidative metal vapor phase deposition technique. Surface morphology observations
      confirm the formation of 1D nanohooks with nanoparticles at their tips.
      Structural analysis by x-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron
      microscopy (TEM) reveals the crystalline nature of the 1D nanostructure.
      Elemental analysis confirms that the 1D nanohooks consist of only elements Bi and
      O. The XRD study suggests that the synthesized product is of two phases (alpha-
      and beta-Bi(2)O(3)) with monoclinic and tetragonal crystal structures
      respectively. The phonon vibration modes corresponding to Bi(2)O(3)  are
      determined by Raman scattering. A broadband visible photoluminescence (PL) is
      observed in the wavelength region 500-900 nm, also indicating the extension of
      luminescence into the near-infrared region. The existence of broadband visible
      emission can be attributed to the existence of defect/impurity states induced by
      oxygen vacancies.

PMID- 22049104
TI  - Temperature dependence of the current-voltage characteristics of Sn/PANI/p-Si/Al
      heterojunctions.
AB  - Sn/PANI/p-Si/Al heterojunctions were fabricated by electropolymerization of
      aniline on chemically cleaned p-Si substrates. Current-voltage characteristics of
      Sn/PANI/p-Si/Al heterojunctions measured in the temperature range 140-280 K are
      presented and analyzed. Although these devices were clearly rectifying, their I-V
      characteristics were non-ideal, which can be judged from the nonlinearity in the
      semi-logarithmic plots. The high values of the ideality factor n  depending on
      the sample temperature may be ascribed to a decrease of the exponentially
      increasing rate in current due to space-charge injection into the PANI thin film
      at higher forward bias voltages. Careful analysis of the forward bias I-V 
      characteristics on a log-log scale indicates that the space-charge-limited
      current (SCLC) conduction controlled by an exponential trap distribution above
      the valence band edge dominates the current transport in the PANI/p-Si diodes at
      high voltages. Furthermore, the PANI was characterized by using Fourier transform
      infrared (FTIR) and ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectra.

PMID- 22049105
TI  - Cluster expansions in multicomponent systems: precise expansions from noisy
      databases.
AB  - We have performed a systematic analysis of the numerical errors contained in the
      databases used in cluster expansions of multicomponent alloys. Our results
      underscore the importance of numerical noise in the determination of the
      effective cluster interactions and in the expansion determination. The relevance
      of the size of and information contained in the input database is highlighted. It
      is shown that cross-validatory approaches by themselves can produce unphysical
      expansions characterized by non-negligible, long-ranged coefficients. A selection
      criterion that combines both forecasting ability and a physical limiting behavior
      for the expansion is proposed. Expansions performed under this criterion exhibit
      the remarkable property of noise filtering. A discussion of the impact of this
      unforeseen characteristic of the cluster expansion method on the modeling of
      multicomponent alloy systems is presented.

PMID- 22049106
TI  - Anomalous structural and magnetic behaviour of Fe-25 at.% Ni alloy due to
      mechanical strain.
AB  - Mechanical strain was induced in Fe-25 at.% Ni alloy by filing the ingots into
      powder form. The phase transformations induced by the deformation thus caused and
      subsequent annealing were studied by x-ray diffraction, magnetization measurement
      and Mossbauer spectroscopy. It is concluded that around one-third of the Fe atoms
      became segregated from the Fe-Ni alloy due to filing. Annealing of the filed
      powder led to recombination of this segregated Fe to form an apparently body
      centred cubic (bcc) phase of Fe-Ni which shows little magnetic ordering at room
      temperature in magnetization measurements or in Mossbauer spectroscopy. The
      single-line Mossbauer spectrum of this phase splits into a six-line pattern below
      100 K.

PMID- 22049107
TI  - Hyper-parallel tempering Monte Carlo simulations of Ar adsorption in new models
      of microporous non-graphitizing activated carbon: effect of microporosity.
AB  - The adsorption of gases on microporous carbons is still poorly understood, partly
      because the structure of these carbons is not well known. Here, a model of
      microporous carbons based on fullerene-like fragments is used as the basis for a
      theoretical study of Ar adsorption on carbon. First, a simulation box was
      constructed, containing a plausible arrangement of carbon fragments. Next, using
      a new Monte Carlo simulation algorithm, two types of carbon fragments were
      gradually placed into the initial structure to increase its microporosity. Thirty
      six different microporous carbon structures were generated in this way. Using the
      method proposed recently by Bhattacharya and Gubbins (BG), the micropore size
      distributions of the obtained carbon models and the average micropore diameters
      were calculated. For ten chosen structures, Ar adsorption isotherms (87 K) were
      simulated via the hyper-parallel tempering Monte Carlo simulation method. The
      isotherms obtained in this way were described by widely applied methods of
      microporous carbon characterisation, i.e. Nguyen and Do, Horvath-Kawazoe, high
      resolution alpha(s)  plots, adsorption potential distributions and the Dubinin
      Astakhov (DA) equation. From simulated isotherms described by the DA equation,
      the average micropore diameters were calculated using empirical relationships
      proposed by different authors and they were compared with those from the BG
      method.

PMID- 22049108
TI  - Continuum modelling for carbon and boron nitride nanostructures.
AB  - Continuum based models are presented here for certain boron nitride and carbon
      nanostructures. In particular, certain fullerene interactions, C(60)-C(60),
      B(36)N(36)-B(36)N(36)  and C(60)-B(36)N(36), and fullerene-nanotube oscillator
      interactions, C(60)-boron nitride nanotube, C(60)-carbon nanotube, B(36)N(36)
      boron nitride nanotube and B(36)N(36)-carbon nanotube, are studied using the
      Lennard-Jones potential and the continuum approach, which assumes a uniform
      distribution of atoms on the surface of each molecule. Issues regarding the
      encapsulation of a fullerene into a nanotube are also addressed, including
      acceptance and suction energies of the fullerenes, preferred position of the
      fullerenes inside the nanotube and the gigahertz frequency oscillation of the
      inner molecule inside the outer nanotube. Our primary purpose here is to extend a
      number of established results for carbon to the boron nitride nanostructures.

PMID- 22049109
TI  - Inhomogeneous electronic states in organic metal (BEDO-TTF)(2)ReO(4).H(2)O: EPR
      and SQUID study.
AB  - It is shown by electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) and superconducting quantum
      interference device (SQUID) magnetometry that two spin systems coexist in
      conducting layers of the quasi-2D organic metal (BEDO-TTF)(2)ReO(4).H(2)O:
      delocalized moments of charge carriers (holes), I(epr)(300 K) = 1.62 * 10(-4) emu
      mol(-1), and localized moments on BEDO-TTF(+1), chi(p)(300 K) = 4.25 * 10(-4) emu
      mol(-1). The phase transition Me-Me'  at T(c) = 203 K is detected in paramagnetic
      relaxation, EPR amplitude and resistivity. Magnetic susceptibilities, I(epr)  and
      chi(p), are not sensitive to the transition. Due to fine rearrangement of ReO(4)
      linked by H(2)O, the electronic spectrum becomes inhomogeneous. Below the
      transition exchange-coupled localized states within the metallic phase are
      observed. On cooling, the concentration of delocalized moments gradually
      decreases, contributing to a localized spin system. The phenomenon is interpreted
      in terms of short-range antiferromagnetic (AFM) interactions via conducting
      electrons. Below 14 K the AFM coupled states decay, and paramagnetism of local
      moments is recovered.

PMID- 22049110
TI  - First principle calculations of alkali hydride electronic structures.
AB  - Electronic structure, volume optimization, bulk moduli, elastic constants, and
      frequencies of the transversal optical vibrations in LiH, NaH, KH, RbH, and CsH
      are calculated using the full potential augmented plane wave method, extended
      with local orbitals, and the full potential linearized augmented plane wave
      method. The obtained results show some common features in the electronic
      structure of these compounds, but also clear differences, which cannot be
      explained using simple empirical trends. The differences are particularly
      prominent in the electronic distributions and interactions in various
      crystallographic planes. In the light of these findings we have elaborated some
      selected experimental results and discussed several theoretical approaches
      frequently used for the description of various alkali hydride properties.

PMID- 22049111
TI  - Magnetic and electronic properties of Bi(0.75)Ca(0.25)MnO(3).
AB  - The magnetic, structural and electronic properties of Bi(0.75)Ca(0.25)MnO(3) have
      been investigated in comparison with those of Bi(0.75)Sr(0.25)MnO(3).
      Magnetometry, diffraction and muon spin relaxation (MUSR) data confirm different
      structural, magnetic and electronic transitions in the two compounds. The
      anisotropic changes of cell parameters across the structural transition in
      Bi(0.75)Ca(0.25)MnO(3)  (275 K) differ markedly from the lattice anomalies in
      Bi(0.75)Sr(0.25)MnO(3) (600 K) and also from those in Bi(0.50)Ca(0.50)MnO(3) (325
      K). The ground state of Bi(0.75)Ca(0.25)MnO(3)  is characterized by a high degree
      of spin disorder and frustrated interactions. There is no evidence of a
      ferromagnetic component in the ground state of Bi(0.75)Ca(0.25)MnO(3). However,
      the application of a magnetic field (even of a few gauss) produces a continuous
      progressive polarization of the Mn moments (~2 MU(B)/Mn  at 5 T, ZFC, 5 K).
      Differences between Ca and Sr perovskites with x = 1/4 are greater than for the x
      = 1/2  counterparts, and point to distinct ground states and charge/orbital
      configurations.

PMID- 22049112
TI  - Prediction for new magnetoelectric fluorides.
AB  - We use symmetry considerations in order to predict new magnetoelectric fluorides.
      In addition to these magnetoelectric properties, we discuss which among these
      fluorides are the ones susceptible to present multiferroic properties. We
      emphasize that several materials exhibit ferromagnetic properties. This
      ferromagnetism should enhance the interplay between the magnetic and dielectric
      properties in these materials.

PMID- 22049113
TI  - Ionic diffusion within the alpha(*)  and beta  phases of Ag(3)SI.
AB  - The ionic diffusion mechanism of mobile ions within an underlying body-centred
      cubic (bcc) sublattice of immobile counterions is discussed. In particular, the
      case of equal numbers of two ionic species forming long-range ordered and
      disordered bcc arrays is considered, since these form the basis of the cubic
      perovskite and alpha-AgI-type crystal structures, respectively. Their structural
      behaviour, and its influence on the dynamic ionic disorder which characterizes
      superionic conduction, is illustrated for the case of Ag(+) diffusion within the
      beta  and alpha(*)  phases of Ag(3)SI. The calculated behaviour obtained by
      molecular dynamics (MD) computer simulations is validated with reference to
      published neutron diffraction and ionic conductivity measurements of Ag(3)SI, and
      used to examine the preferred diffusion pathways. The relevance of these findings
      for the anion conduction mechanisms within perovskite structured compounds is
      briefly discussed.

PMID- 22049114
TI  - Effect of particle shape on the density and microstructure of random packings.
AB  - We study the random packing of non-spherical particles by computer simulation to
      investigate the effect of particle shape and aspect ratio on packing density and
      microstructure. Packings of cut spheres (a spherical segment which is symmetric
      about the centre of the sphere) are simulated to assess the influence of a planar
      face on packing properties. It turns out that cut spheres, in common with
      spherocylinders and spheroids, pack more efficiently as the particle's aspect
      ratio is perturbed slightly from unity (the aspect ratio of a sphere) to reach a
      maximum density at an aspect ratio of approximately 1.25. Upon increasing the
      aspect ratio further the cut spheres pack less efficiently, until approximately
      an aspect ratio of 2, where the particles are found to form a columnar phase. The
      amount of ordering is sensitive to simulation parameters and for very thin disks
      the formation of long columns becomes frustrated, resulting in a nematic phase,
      in marked contrast to the behavior of long thin rods which always randomly pack
      into entangled isotropic networks. With respect to coordination numbers it
      appears that cut spheres always pack with significantly fewer contacts than
      required for isostatic packing.

PMID- 22049115
TI  - Quasi-transverse ultrasound absorption due to point defects and anharmonic
      scattering processes in cubic crystals with positive and negative anisotropies of
      the second-order elastic moduli.
AB  - The quasi-transverse ultrasound absorption in cubic crystals with positive and
      negative anisotropies of the second-order elastic moduli is analyzed. The
      scattering of the ultrasound by point defects and during anharmonic scattering
      processes is considered. The quasi-transverse ultrasound absorption is analyzed
      as a function of the wavevector direction in terms of the anisotropic continuum
      model. The Landau-Rumer mechanism is considered for anharmonic scattering
      processes. Known values of the second- and third-order elastic moduli are used to
      calculate parameters determining the ultrasound absorption. It is shown that the
      angular dependences of the quasi-transverse ultrasound absorption differ
      qualitatively if the anharmonic scattering processes dominate in cubic crystals
      with positive and negative anisotropies of the second-order elastic moduli. For
      the scattering by point defects and the anharmonic scattering processes, the
      angular dependences of the quasi-transverse ultrasound absorption exhibit the
      inverse behavior, making it possible to determine the dominating mechanism of the
      ultrasound relaxation in the crystals under study.

PMID- 22049116
TI  - Electronic structure and magnetism of EuTiO(3): a first-principles study.
AB  - Density-functional theory calculations were carried out for the multiferroic
      EuTiO(3) using the LDA+U  approach. Total-energy calculations for ferromagnetic
      (F), and antiferromagnetic A-, C-, and G-type arrangements in the cubic phase
      shows that the ground-state magnetic configuration is G-type antiferromagnetic
      for U<=6 eV and ferromagnetic for U>=7 eV. Values of first- and second-neighbour
      exchange integrals have been calculated by mapping the energy difference between
      the different magnetic configurations to a Heisenberg Hamiltonian. The system
      seems to be critically balanced between ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic
      states for realistic values of U, and switches from antiferromagnetic to a
      ferromagnetic ground state on hydrostatic expansion of volume.

PMID- 22049117
TI  - Rigid-unit modes in tetrahedral crystals.
AB  - The 'rigid-unit mode' (RUM) model requires unit blocks, in our case tetrahedra of
      SiO(4)  groups, to be rigid within first order of the displacements of the oxygen
      ions. The wavevectors of the lattice vibrations, which obey this rigidity, are
      determined analytically. Lattices with inversion symmetry yield generically
      surfaces of RUMs in reciprocal space, whereas lattices without this symmetry
      yield generically lines of RUMs. Only in exceptional cases such as in beta-quartz
      does a surface of RUMs appear, if inversion symmetry is lacking. The occurrence
      of planes and bending surfaces, and straight and bent lines, is discussed.
      Explicit calculations are performed for five polymorphs of SiO(2)  crystals.

PMID- 22049118
TI  - Theoretical study on superconductivity in CeMIn(5) (M  =  Co, Rh, Ir): pairing
      symmetry and pressure dependence.
AB  - We study theoretically heavy fermion superconductors CeMIn(5) (M  = Co, Rh, Ir).
      CeCoIn(5)  and CeIrIn(5)  that become superconducting at ambient pressure with
      T(c) = 2.3 K and 0.4 K, respectively. On the other hand, CeRhIn(5)  is an
      antiferromagnet at ambient pressure and becomes superconducting under pressures
      greater than 1.6 GPa. With regards to the superconductivity, the existence of
      line nodes is indicated by nuclear-quadrupole-resonance (NQR), thermal
      conductivity, specific heat and electrical resistivity measurements. However, the
      pairing symmetry between d(x(2)-y(2))  and d(xy)  is controversial. Therefore, we
      investigate the gap structure of CeMIn(5)  by a detailed calculation. We
      introduce a three-dimensional periodic Anderson model (3D-PAM) in order to
      reproduce the band characteristics of CeMIn(5). Thus, we identify the gap
      structure of CeMIn(5)  as the d(x(2)-y(2))  symmetry by solving the Eliashberg
      equations. In addition, we discuss the pressure dependence of T(c) and show that
      two factors determine T(c). One factor is the momentum dependence of quasi
      particle interaction and the other factor is the wavefunction renormalization
      factor. Thus, we have explained the superconductivity in CeMIn(5)  using the
      Fermi liquid theory.

PMID- 22049119
TI  - Coherent A(1)  phonons in Te studied with tailored femtosecond pulses.
AB  - We tailor the shape and phase of the pump-pulse spectrum in order to study
      coherent lattice dynamics in tellurium. Employing coherent control by splitting
      the pump pulse into a two-pulse sequence, we show that the oscillations due to
      A(1)  coherent phonons can be cancelled but not enhanced as compared to single
      pulse excitation of the same energy. We further demonstrate that a crucial factor
      for coherent phonon generation seems to be the bandwidth of the pulse spectrum.
      We observe that the coherent amplitude for long pump pulses decreases
      exponentially with pulse duration for both Gaussian and rectangular pulses.
      Finally, by varying the pulse chirp, we show that the coherent amplitude is
      independent of the chirp sign while the oscillation lifetime is slightly
      dependent on the chirp sign.

PMID- 22049120
TI  - Raman analysis of CdSe/CdS core-shell quantum dots with different CdS shell
      thickness.
AB  - We report the first-order and high-order Raman scattering from core-shell
      CdSe/CdS nanocrystals and investigate the evolution of the longitudinal mode of
      CdSe (LO1) and CdS (LO2), and the surface mode of CdSe (SO1) and CdS (SO2) with
      increasing shell thickness (0-5.5 ML (monolayer)). We find that the shift of the
      LO2 peak from 268 to 291 cm(-1)  agrees well with the theoretical values based on
      the phonon confinement model. The variation of the dielectric environment of the
      CdSe core with increasing CdS shell thickness is modified according to the shift
      of SO1 from 198 to 185 cm(-1). The SO2 modes at 267 and 275 cm(-1), corresponding
      to the shell thickness 3.5 and 5.5 ML in CdSe/CdS nanocrystals, respectively, are
      also obtained for the first time in our experiment. Moreover, they agree well
      with the theoretical values of the dielectric corresponding function model.
      Besides, a new Raman peak at 482 cm(-1)  is observed, and it remains at that
      value with shell growth, the new peak is supposed to be caused by the alloying at
      the core-shell interface. Therefore, Raman spectroscopy can be used to determine
      the shell thickness and other surface and interface parameters of CdSe/CdS core
      shell nanocrystals.

PMID- 22049121
TI  - Scaling behavior of the energy gap of the XXZ model in a transverse magnetic
      field.
AB  - The energy gap of the one-dimensional (1D) spin-[Formula: see text] AF
      (antiferromagnetic) XXZ model in a transverse magnetic field (h) is studied by
      using the exact diagonalization technique. We have computed the energy gap in the
      region of anisotropy parameter -1<Delta<1 and in the vicinity of the critical
      line Delta = -1. By introducing a practical finite-size scaling approach, we have
      computed the correct critical exponent of the energy gap in good agreement with
      the field theoretical and spin-wave approaches. To check this approach, we have
      also studied the critical exponent of the energy gap of the 1D AF-Heisenberg
      chain in a staggered magnetic field (h(s)).

PMID- 22049122
TI  - Terahertz conductivity of localized photoinduced carriers in a Mott insulator
      YTiO(3)  at low excitation density, contrasted with the metallic nature in a band
      semiconductor Si.
AB  - We performed optical-pump terahertz-probe measurements of a Mott insulator
      YTiO(3)  and a band semiconductor Si using a laser diode (1.47 eV) and a
      femtosecond-pulse laser (1.55 eV). Both samples possess long energy-relaxation
      times (1.5 ms for YTiO(3)  and 15 us  for Si); therefore, it is possible to
      extract terahertz complex conductivities of photoinduced carriers under
      equilibrium. We observed highly contrasting behaviour-Drude conductivity in Si
      and localized conductivity possibly obeying the Jonscher law in YTiO(3). The
      carrier number at the highest carrier-concentration layer in YTiO(3)  is
      estimated to be 0.015 per Ti site. Anisotropic conductivity of YTiO(3)  is
      determined. Our study indicates that localized carriers might play an important
      role in the incipient formation of photoinduced metallic phases in Mott
      insulators. In addition, this study shows that the transfer-matrix method is
      effective for extracting an optical constant of a sample with a spatially
      inhomogeneous carrier distribution.

PMID- 22049123
TI  - Dielectric critical slowing down in ferroelectric (C(3)N(2)H(5))(5)Sb(2)Br(11).
AB  - Dielectric dispersion studies have been carried out on the pentakis(imidazolium)
      undecabromodiantimonate(III), (C(3)N(2)H(5))(5)Sb(2)Br(11), single crystal in the
      audio-frequency region. It is found that low-frequency dielectric dispersion,
      observed for the field along the a-axis of the monoclinic symmetry (P 2(1)/n),
      reveals a polydispersive nature near the paraelectric-ferroelectric phase
      transition temperature (T(c) = 145 K). The dielectric dispersion results can be
      fitted with the Cole-Cole formula. Unexpectedly, the mean relaxation frequency
      obeys the Vogel-Fulcher law with freezing temperature of 143 K. Near the
      ferroelectric phase transition temperature, the process of dielectric critical
      slowing down was observed. Such a dynamic dielectric response is characteristic
      of ferroelectrics with an 'order-disorder' transition mechanism.

PMID- 22049124
TI  - Weiss oscillations in the electronic structure of modulated graphene.
AB  - We present a theoretical study of the electronic structure of modulated graphene
      in the presence of a perpendicular magnetic field. The density of states and the
      bandwidth for the Dirac electrons in this system are determined. The appearance
      of unusual Weiss oscillations in the bandwidth and density of states is the main
      focus of this work.

PMID- 22049125
TI  - Electronic density of states of helically-wrapped carbon nanotubes.
AB  - Motivated by evidences of helical wrapping of polymeric molecules around
      nanotubes, we perform a systematic study of how the electronic density of states
      of nanotubes is affected by the introduction of a coiling polarizing potential.
      The coiling perturbation, characterized by the wrapping angle, the polarizing
      width and the polarization strength, introduces an additional geometrical
      chirality that may not necessarily coincide with the intrinsic chiral angle of
      the nanotube. Features of the electronic density of states are shown to depend on
      this perturbation with different degrees of sensitivity. When correlated with the
      binding energy between the nanotube and the wrapping molecule, we find that
      noticeable changes in the density of states occur only for minimally bound
      structures.

PMID- 22049126
TI  - Nuclear spin relaxation and diffusion of hydrogen in the A15 compound
      Nb(3)AlH(x).
AB  - The theory of nuclear spin relaxation is developed for a random walk model of H
      diffusing between sites that form a non-Bravais lattice structure, including
      multiple rates of jumps between sites in a unit cell. The results are applied to
      H diffusing by first and second nearest neighbour jumps between interstitial d
      sites in the A15 compound Nb(3)AlH(x). The random walk model is exact for H-metal
      dipolar relaxation in the low H concentration limit and provides a good
      approximation at arbitrary concentrations when average site-blocking of jumps is
      included. This model can show the high temperature [Formula: see text] frequency
      dependence of the relaxation rates for one-dimensional diffusion possible in this
      structure for nearest neighbour jumps along the crystal axes. The low and high H
      concentration proton-relaxation data for Nb(3)AlH(x), as a function of
      temperature and resonance frequency, are fitted well at high temperatures using a
      simple set of H jump parameters. The theory provides a more rigorous approach and
      enables a more complete analysis than the simple Bloembergen-Purcell-Pound model
      used in previous work.

PMID- 22049127
TI  - Field evolution of the magnetic normal modes in elongated permalloy nanometric
      rings.
AB  - The eigenmode spectrum of elongated permalloy rings with relatively wide arms is
      investigated by combined Brillouin light scattering and ferromagnetic resonance
      measurements as a function of the applied field intensity, encompassing both
      vortex and onion ground states. To reproduce the frequencies and the spatial
      profiles of the measured modes we performed micromagnetic simulations which solve
      the discretized Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation in the time domain and calculate
      locally the Fourier transform. This allowed us to correlate the field dependence
      of different modes to their localization inside different portions of the rings.
      With the rings in the vortex ground state, in addition to radial, fundamental,
      and azimuthal modes, a localized mode, existing in the element portions where the
      internal field assumes its minima, has been measured and identified. This latter
      mode, whose frequency decreases for increasing field intensity, becomes soft near
      the transition from vortex to onion state and determines the change in symmetry
      of the magnetic ground state. After the transition, it is replaced by two edge
      modes, localized on the internal and external boundary of the rings,
      respectively.

PMID- 22049128
TI  - Weak charge-density-wave transition in LaAgSb(2)  investigated by transport,
      thermal, and NMR studies.
AB  - We report a study of the charge-density-wave (CDW) behavior in LaAgSb(2)  by
      means of electrical resistivity, Seebeck coefficient, thermal conductivity,
      specific heat, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) measurements. Except for the
      Seebeck coefficient, apparent indications of CDW ordering at around 207 K were
      noticed in the physical quantities investigated. On the other hand, all measured
      physical properties are insensitive to the second CDW formation (~184 K), as the
      transition character is considerably weaker than the high-temperature one.
      Further, analyses of the thermal conductivity and NMR Knight shift data revealed
      that the observed variations are essentially of electronic origin. The present
      findings are in good agreement with the previous results, indicating that the
      high-temperature CDW ordering is associated with a small gapping of the Fermi
      surface with a minor periodic displacement of the crystal lattice in LaAgSb(2).

PMID- 22049129
TI  - Algebraic solution of a graphene layer in transverse electric and perpendicular
      magnetic fields.
AB  - We present an exact algebraic solution of a single graphene plane in transverse
      electric and perpendicular magnetic fields. The method presented gives both the
      eigenvalues and the eigenfunctions of the graphene plane. It is shown that the
      eigenstates of the problem can be cast in terms of coherent states, which appears
      in a natural way from the formalism.

PMID- 22049130
TI  - Modelling exchange bias in core/shell nanoparticles.
AB  - We present an atomistic model of a single nanoparticle with core/shell structure
      that takes into account its lattice structure and spherical geometry, and in
      which the values of microscopic parameters such as anisotropy and exchange
      constants can be tuned in the core, shell and interfacial regions. By means of
      Monte Carlo simulations of the hysteresis loops based on this model, we have
      determined the range of microscopic parameters for which loop shifts after field
      cooling can be observed. The study of the magnetic order of the interfacial spins
      for different particle sizes and values of the interfacial exchange coupling have
      allowed us to correlate the appearance of loop asymmetries and vertical
      displacements to the existence of a fraction of uncompensated spins at the shell
      interface that remain pinned during field cycling, offering new insight on the
      microscopic origin of the experimental phenomenology.

PMID- 22049131
TI  - Probing states with macroscopic circulations in magnetic photonic crystals.
AB  - We predict that when light is reflected off a magnetic photonic crystal (MPC)
      there is a grazing component that is parallel to the surface; the magnitude of
      this component can be changed by an external field. The direction of this
      parallel component is reversed as the direction of the magnetization is reversed.
      This provides a way to probe states with macroscopic circulations inside the MPC.

PMID- 22049132
TI  - Magnetic field dependence of the circular dichroism in EuTe.
AB  - The absorption magnetic circular dichroism in EuTe was investigated as a function
      of the magnetic field at T = 2 K. In order to describe the optical spectra
      theoretically, we developed a model that takes into account the magnetic order of
      the lattice as a function of the magnetic field. The model allows us to calculate
      the absorption spectrum as a continuous function of the magnetic field intensity.
      The theory accounts for the strongly dichroic absorption seen at high fields, and
      for its continuous evolution towards the B = 0  spectrum, which is described by a
      much weaker and much broader absorption line. The drastic changes observed in the
      experimental spectra as a function of magnetic field are fully explained by the
      dependence of the Eu(2+)  spin arrangement on the external magnetic field.

PMID- 22049133
TI  - Size, anisotropy and doping effects on the coercive field of ferromagnetic
      nanoparticles.
AB  - The influence of size, anisotropy and doping effects on the hysteresis loop of
      ferromagnetic nanoparticles is studied, based on the modified Heisenberg model. A
      Green's function technique in real space allows the calculation of the dependence
      of the magnetization on the temperature, magnetic field, anisotropy, defects and
      particle size. It is demonstrated that the coercive field H(c) is very sensitive
      to the surface single-ion anisotropy, and to the exchange interaction constant on
      the surface J(s) and in the defect shells J(d). With respect to the strong
      surface single-site anisotropy D(s), we observe at small particle size, N = 4 
      shells, a maximum in the size dependence of the coercive field, whereas for the
      small surface anisotropy there is no maximum. Taking into account that J  can be
      different in the defect shells compared to the case without defects, we have
      obtained for the first time that the coercive field H(c), the permanent
      magnetization M(r) and the Curie temperature T(C)  can increase or decrease for
      different kinds of doping ions. The dependence on the particle size is discussed,
      too. The results are in accordance with the experimental data.

PMID- 22049135
TI  - Reconstructing health psychology: an introduction.

PMID- 22049134
TI  - Comment on 'Microscopic structural evolution during the liquid-liquid transition
      in triphenyl phosphite' by R Kurita, Y Shinohara, Y Amemiya and H Tanaka J.
      Phys.: Condens. Matter 19 (2007) 152101.
AB  - In the communication by Kurita et al 2007 J. Phys.: Condens. Matter 19 152101,
      peaks in the liquid diffraction pattern of triphenyl phosphite have been
      attributed to intermolecular phosphor-phosphor distances. Based on our previous
      neutron and x-ray diffraction studies we argue that this assignment is incorrect
      and the peak contributions are likely to be much more complex.

PMID- 22049136
TI  - Theorizing health and illness: functionalism, subjectivity and reflexivity.
AB  - Health and illness in contemporary psychology are remarkably undertheorized, with
      the consequence that implicit definitions of these topics are unquestionably
      imported into health psychology. Largely inspired and oriented to the medical
      system, health psychology is often subservient to biomedically inspired theory or
      directed to solving the problems of the health care system, not those of its
      patients or those who might ultimately benefit from health knowledge. Qualitative
      approaches have attempted to reintroduce the voice of the
      patient/sufferer/individual back into health psychology but without adequate
      theoretical integration this work has been marginalized and ignored by mainstream
      health psychology in the service of medical modelling. The point is not to
      develop a health psychology as an exclusive disciplinary enclave but rather to
      open up the possibilities of a responsible knowing. Using Kathryn Addelson's work
      on professional knowing I argue that the collective activity that constitutes
      health psychology can be made more explicit not only by devising reflexive
      theories and practices but by focusing on what the outcomes of that activity
      might be. Functional theories of health and illness, on the other hand, obscure
      our epistemological and moral commitments.

PMID- 22049137
TI  - Methodolatry and qualitative health research.
AB  - The increasing turn to qualitative research in health psychology raises a number
      of issues about the appropriate use and relevance of qualitative methods in this
      field. In this article I raise concerns about methodolatry: the privileging of
      methodological concerns over other considerations in qualitative health research.
      I argue that qualitative researchers are in danger of reifying methods in the
      same way as their colleagues in quantitative research have done for some time.
      Reasons for the pre-eminence of methods are discussed briefly and their
      consequences considered. The latter include: a concern with 'proper' or 'correct'
      methods; a focus on description at the expense of interpretation; a concern with
      issues of validity and generalizability; an avoidance of theory; an avoidance of
      the critical; and the stance of the researcher. I offer some suggestions for
      avoiding methodolatry and some opinions on how we might develop and use
      qualitative research more effectively in health psychology.

PMID- 22049138
TI  - Health psychology, embodiment and the question of vulnerability.
AB  - The topic of the body is now firmly on the agenda for psychology, as it has been
      for sociology for some time. What contribution will health psychology make to
      this debate? This article argues that the biomedical view of the physical body is
      inappropriate for a psychology addressing the key concerns of suffering and
      healing. Instead, health psychology needs to theorize what it means to be
      embodied in the context of illness and of health care. To do this requires
      investigation of the practical relationships between staff and patients as well
      as of experiences of sufferers. By reflecting critically upon the relationship
      between clinical practice and the conceptualization of the body, a health
      psychology embracing the idea of embodiment becomes possible.

PMID- 22049139
TI  - Pain in the vernacular: psychological and physical.
AB  - A hermeneuticalphenomenological analysis of 42 narratives of pain in everyday
      life leads to the conclusion that psychological pain is pain. Psychological and
      physical pain have similar phenomenological structures. Both are felt bodily
      performances that entail at least temporarily a disabling of a potentiality for
      action. Pain is a performance of affliction of a person in a social situation.
      The category of psychological and physical pains arises from cultural conceptions
      of the nature of the person. This category reveals that pain can afflict the
      person in any aspect of existence. A categorization closer to the phenomena
      differentiates pains on the basis of what aspect of existence is afflicted. In
      conclusion, differences between pain and suffering are explored.

PMID- 22049140
TI  - Qualitative inquiries into social representations of health.
AB  - Concepts of health and illness have been a major topic for social representations
      research. Whereas studies on cognitive representations of health and illness
      develop a general, decontextualized schema of illness, social representations
      research focuses on the diversity of lay concepts of health and illness and how
      health and illness are socially constructed in different contexts. Two
      qualitative studies about the social representations of health are presented. The
      episodic interview and theoretical coding were used to study health concepts of
      nurses and clerks in East and West Germany and among Portuguese and German women.
      Results in both studies show different forms of awareness of health as the core
      of the health concepts in the various groups. Social representations theory
      connects these differences back to the political and cultural backgrounds of the
      study participants.

PMID- 22049141
TI  - The Social Negotiation of People's Views on the Causes of Illness.
AB  - Over the last two decades increasing attention has been given to lay views of
      health and illness. An important area within this research is the views that
      different socioeconomic groups hold on the causes of illness. Generally it is
      concluded that people of lower socioeconomic status are more likely than those of
      more affluent standing to talk about the causes of illness in lifestyle rather
      than structural terms that involve overt connections with the material impact of
      social inequality. We draw on 20 semi-structured interviews with New Zealanders
      of lower socioeconomic status to explore the ways various causes are assigned to
      illness. Our participants voice multiple and often contradictory views when
      assigning cause, and include references to structural issues in addition to
      lifestyle risk factors and medical ideas about biological functioning and
      disease. There appears to be a range of sociocultural explanations available for
      these people to draw on when making sense of illness. We argue that the
      prevalence of structural explanations may be due, in part, to cultural shifts and
      increased critical reaction to various social reforms. Our findings support the
      idea that people's views are socially constructed to account for the complexities
      of health and illness as part of everyday life.

PMID- 22049142
TI  - Levels of narrative analysis in health psychology.
AB  - The past 10-15 years have seen a rapid increase in the study of narrative across
      all the social sciences. It is sometimes assumed that narrative has the same
      meaning irrespective of the context in which it is expressed. This article
      considers different levels of narrative analysis within health psychology.
      Specifically, it considers the character of health and illness narratives as a
      function of the personal, interpersonal, positional and societal levels of
      analysis. At the personal level of analysis narratives are portrayed as
      expressions of the lived experience of the narrator. At the interpersonal level
      of analysis the narrative is one that is co-created in dialogue. At the
      positional level of analysis the analysis considers the differences in social
      position between the narrator and the listener. The societal level of analysis is
      concerned with the socially shared stories that are characteristic of certain
      communities or societies. The challenge is to articulate the connections between
      these different levels of narrative analysis and to develop strategies to promote
      emancipatory narratives.

PMID- 22049143
TI  - Examining media representations: benefits for health psychology.
AB  - Health psychology has tended to undervalue analyses of media representations of
      health, disease and illness. In this article I argue that critical approaches to
      media texts and images are valuable for health psychologists because:(1)
      individuals are socially located and gain their beliefs about health and illness
      from the discourses and constructions that are available to them;(2) media
      representations of health, illness and disease produce and reproduce meaning
      concerning health and illness, for lay people and professionals alike; and(3)
      media representations mediate individuals' lived experiences. These arguments are
      illustrated throughout with examples from critical and feminist research on
      representations of women, menopause and midlife. I go on to argue that critical
      approaches are particularly important in analysing media representations because
      they explicitly examine the social, cultural and political context of health and
      illness. Critical approaches increase awareness of control and power issues
      surrounding dominant representations and also provide possibilities for change
      and resistance.

PMID- 22049144
TI  - Feminist research traditions in health psychology: breast cancer research.
AB  - This article discusses three key traditions of feminist research: positivist
      empiricist, experiential and discursive. It explores the ways in which each is
      used in developing understandings of women's health and improving health care
      services, focusing in particular on breast cancer research and activism,
      including my own work in this area. It is argued that all three research
      traditions are important for advancing feminist political goals: positivist
      empiricism enables us to expose the biases of mainstream health research and to
      develop better (i.e. more objective) research; experiential approaches enable us
      to engage with the diversity of women's subjective experiences of health and
      health care; and discursive research enables us to explore issues related to
      identity management, accountability of conduct and the moral order of social life
      surrounding health and illness.

PMID- 22049145
TI  - Cultivating pluralism in health psychology.
AB  - Historically health, illness and healing operated through a single medium, or
      idiom, within relatively culturally encapsulated societies. Our increasingly
      porous societies now present us with a plethora of cultural explanations for our
      states of 'being'. Health 'seekers' can now turn to a variety of health
      'providers'. The complexities of this situation are illustrated by reviewing
      research from Africa on cognitive tolerance. In many western societies the
      clinician is also faced with the challenge of having to work with a plurality of
      complex ideas about health and illness, which he or she may be unfamiliar with.
      The Problem Portrait Technique (PPT) is presented as a means of assisting
      practitioners (and researchers) to assess the interplay of culture and health. It
      is argued that health psychology should cultivate pluralism both by acknowledging
      the influence of culture on health and by embracing the diversity of
      methodological and conceptual perspectives within itself.

PMID- 22049147
TI  - Additional papers presented at the first international conference on critical and
      qualitative approaches to health psychology.

PMID- 22049146
TI  - Possible contributions of a psychology of liberation: whither health and human
      rights?
AB  - This article explores the possible contributions of a psychology of liberation
      for the practice of health psychology. It explores alternative psychological
      'practices', for example participatory action research, with groups historically
      marginalized from access to power and resources. Selected lenses for crafting a
      liberatory psychology include: discourse of human rights and mental health;
      cultural and constructivist psychological theory; and reflexivity. Specific
      examples from the author's work with Mayan women in rural Guatemala in the
      context of ongoing war and subsequent efforts at peace building are discussed to
      clarify possible contributions of psychologists committed to accompanying local
      communities in creating more just futures. Selected challenges and contradictions
      encountered in this work are discussed.

PMID- 22049149
TI  - Communication connections: service learning and American sign language.
AB  - PURPOSE: This article describes a connection between service learning and
      American Sign Language (ASL) instruction. The Deaf community served as
      communication partners for university students, enabling them to use language
      skills in a natural setting. METHOD: The rationale and implementation of pairing
      ASL with service learning are presented. A review of one study provides
      information about student perceptions of service learning, and a second study
      presents evidence about the development of ASL skills through a service learning
      experience. RESULTS: Service learning proved to be a valuable teaching method for
      ASL instruction, facilitating an increase in cultural awareness and ASL skills.
      Students' anecdotal evidence about service learning experiences indicated that
      they gained insights beyond just the improvement in language skills. CONCLUSIONS:
      The connection between service learning and ASL instruction is advantageous
      because students gained cultural understanding as well as language skills. This
      course design could be used at other institutions where a Deaf community is
      accessible.

PMID- 22049150
TI  - Crystal structure and the Mott-Hubbard gap in YTiO(3) at high pressure.
AB  - The crystal structure of YTiO(3) at high pressures up to 30 GPa has been
      investigated by means of synchrotron x-ray powder diffraction (T = 295 K). The
      variation of the Ti-O bond lengths with pressure evidences a distinct change in
      the distortion of the TiO(6) octahedra at around 10 GPa, which is discussed in
      terms of a pressure-driven spatial reorientation of the occupied Ti 3d(t(2g))
      orbitals. Mid-infrared synchrotron microspectroscopy has been used to determine
      quantitatively the pressure-induced reduction of the optical bandgap of YTiO(3),
      and the results are interpreted on the basis of the structural and possible
      orbital orientation changes. 

PMID- 22049151
TI  - Fabrication of surface metal nanoparticles and their induced surface plasmon
      coupling with subsurface InGaN/GaN quantum wells.
AB  - Based on the fabrication of Ag nanoparticles (NPs) with controlled geometry and
      surface density on an InGaN/GaN quantum well (QW) epitaxial structure, which
      contains indium-rich nano-clusters for producing localized states and free
      carrier (delocalized) states in the QWs, and the characterization of their
      localized surface plasmon (LSP) coupling behavior with the carriers in the QWs,
      the interplay behavior of LSP coupling with carrier delocalization in the QWs is
      demonstrated. By using the polystyrene nanosphere lithography technique with an
      appropriate nanosphere size and adjusting the post-fabrication thermal annealing
      condition, the induced LSP resonance wavelength of the fabricated Ag NPs on the
      QW sample can match the QW emission wavelength for generating the coherent
      coupling between the carriers in the QWs and the induced LSP. The coupling leads
      to the enhancement of radiative recombination rate in the QWs and results in
      increased photoluminescence (PL) intensity, red-shifted PL spectrum, reduced PL
      decay time, and enhanced internal quantum efficiency. It is found that the
      observed effects are mainly due to the LSP coupling with the delocalized carriers
      in the QWs.

PMID- 22049152
TI  - Generation of native polythiophene/PCBM composite nanoparticles via the
      combination of ultrasonic micronization of droplets and thermocleaving from
      aqueous dispersion.
AB  - We report the preparation of native polythiophene (n-PT)/[6, 6]-phenyl-C61
      butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) composite nanoparticles from a poly[3-(2
      methylhex-2-yl)oxy-carbonyldithiophene] (P3MHOCT)/PCBM aqueous dispersion
      prepared from an ultrasonically generated emulsion. The subsequent steps involve
      both ultrasonic generation of microdroplets in argon as a carrier gas and drying
      followed by thermocleaving of the P3MHOCT component in the gas phase. The
      chemical transition from P3MHOCT to n-PT was confirmed by Fourier transform
      infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The morphology and size of n-PT/PCBM nanoparticles
      were determined by atomic force microscopy (AFM), small-angle x-ray scattering
      (SAXS) and grazing incidence SAXS (GISAXS), giving an average size of ~ 140 nm.
      The GISAXS results reveal that n-PT/PCBM nanoparticles pack in an ordered
      structure as opposed to the P3MHOCT/PCBM nanoparticles. The successful vapour
      phase preparation of phase-separated n-PT/PCBM nanoparticles provides a new route
      to all-aqueous processing of conjugated materials relevant to efficient polymer
      solar cells with long operational stability. The use of ultrasound was involved
      in both liquid and gas phases demonstrating it as a low-cost processing method.

PMID- 22049153
TI  - The mRNA stability factor HuR inhibits microRNA-16 targeting of COX-2.
AB  - Commonly observed in colorectal cancer is the elevated expression of the
      prostaglandin (PG) synthase COX-2. In normal intestinal epithelium, the COX-2
      mRNA is targeted for rapid decay through the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR)
      adenylate- and uridylate (AU)-rich element (ARE), whereas in tumors ARE-mediated
      decay is compromised. Here we show that the COX-2 ARE can mediate degradation
      through microRNA (miRNA)-mediated regulation. We identified miR-16 to bind the
      COX-2 3'-UTR and inhibit COX-2 expression by promoting rapid mRNA decay. In
      colorectal cancer cells and tumors, miR-16 levels were decreased approximately
      twofold and miR-16 expression in cancer cells attenuated COX-2 expression and PG
      synthesis. The COX-2 ARE is also bound by the RNA-binding protein HuR. In
      colorectal cancer tumors, HuR is overexpressed and localized within the
      cytoplasm, where it promotes ARE-mRNA stabilization. Under conditions of HuR
      overexpression, miR-16 was unable to promote rapid mRNA decay through the COX-2
      ARE. Ribonucleoprotein immunoprecipitation of HuR showed direct association with
      miR-16 that was reversed when cytoplasmic trafficking of HuR was inhibited.
      Furthermore, this interaction between HuR and miR-16 promoted the downregulation
      of miR-16. These new results identify miR-16 as a central posttranscriptional
      regulator of COX-2 and show the ability of elevated levels of HuR to antagonize
      miR-16 function. Along with insight into altered ARE-mediated mRNA decay observed
      in colorectal cancer, these findings provide a new explanation for tumor-derived
      loss of miR-16.

PMID- 22049154
TI  - Characterization of multidrug resistance 1a/P-glycoprotein knockout rats
      generated by zinc finger nucleases.
AB  - The development of zinc finger nuclease (ZFN) technology has enabled the genetic
      engineering of the rat genome. The ability to manipulate the rat genome has great
      promise to augment the utility of rats for biological and pharmacological
      studies. A Wistar Hannover rat model lacking the multidrug resistance protein
      Mdr1a P-glycoprotein (P-gp) was generated using a rat Mdr1a-specific ZFN. Mdr1a
      was completely absent in tissues, including brain and small intestine, of the
      knockout rat. Pharmacokinetic studies with the Mdr1a P-gp substrates loperamide,
      indinavir, and talinolol indicated that Mdr1a was functionally inactive in the
      blood-brain barrier and intestine in Mdr1a(-/-) rats. To identify possible
      compensatory mechanisms in Mdr1a(-/-) rats, the expression levels of drug
      metabolizing enzyme and transporter-related genes were compared in brain, liver,
      kidney, and intestine of male and female Mdr1a(-/-) and control rats. In general,
      alterations in gene expression of these genes in Mdr1a(-/-) rats seemed to be
      modest, with more changes in female than in male rats. Taken together, our
      studies demonstrate that the ZFN-generated Mdr1a(-/-) rat will be a valuable tool
      for central nervous system drug target validation and determining the role of P
      gp in drug absorption and disposition.

PMID- 22049155
TI  - Roasting and packaging in nitrogen atmosphere protect almond var. Guara against
      lipid oxidation.
AB  - The effect of packaging in nitrogen (N2) atmosphere or in air on the quality of
      peeled and roasted almond var. Guara during storage for 20 weeks at 20  degrees C
      +/- 1  degrees C and 65-70% relative humidity (RH) was studied. No changes in the
      sugar, fat, protein or fiber contents were observed during the storage period nor
      in color. Only the lipid fraction showed significant changes with the kind of
      packaging atmosphere. The composition of fatty acids remained unchanged during
      the 5 month storage in all the samples. Packaging in N2 atmosphere was seen to
      have a protective effect against the accumulation of conjugated dienes (CD) in
      peeled almonds, while in roasted almonds, the protective effect was lower and
      even nil by the end of storage. The contrary effect was observed for the
      ultraviolet (UV; K270) index which increased more slowly in the roasted samples
      packaged in N2, while in peeled samples it reached the same levels at the end of
      storage regardless of the packaging atmosphere. No effect of the packaging
      atmosphere was observed on the evolution of the peroxide value in the tested
      samples (peeled or roasted almonds). None of these changes in the lipid fraction
      was reflected in the final sensory quality of the samples and the taster panel
      found no changes in the sensory quality in any case.

PMID- 22049156
TI  - Chemical composition and antimicrobial effects of essential oils of Eucalyptus
      globulus, Myrtus communis and Satureja hortensis against Escherichia coli O157:H7
      and Staphylococcus aureus in minced beef.
AB  - Essential oils (EOs) extracted by hydrodistillation from leaf parts of Algerian
      Eucalyptus globulus, Myrtus communis and Satureja hortensis were analyzed by gas
      chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). The main components of EOs obtained
      were gamma-terpinene (94.48%), 1,8-cineole (46.98%) and carvacrol (46.10%),
      respectively, for E. globulus, M. communis and S. hortensis. The in vitro
      antimicrobial activity of the EOs was evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus
      CECT 4459 and Escherichia coli O157:H7 CECT 4267 using the agar diffusion
      technique. Results revealed that E. globulus and S. hortensis EOs had more
      antibacterial effects than that from M. communis. Minimal inhibitory
      concentrations (MIC) showed a range of 0.05-0.22% (volume by volume [v/v]).
      Sensitivity of gram-positive S. aureus was much higher than that of gram-negative
      E. coli. Plant EOs were added to minced beef (two-fold MIC value) at 0.10-0.44%,
      experimentally inoculated with the same pathogens at a level of 5 * 10(5) colony
      forming units (cfu)/g and stored at 5 +/- 2  degrees C. Results showed that the
      EOs of E. globulus and S. hortensis had remarkable antibacterial properties,
      higher than that of M. communis, against S. aureus and E. coli. Indeed, a
      reduction of 5.8 log cfu/g (70.74% of reduction) was recorded after 7 days of
      storage for S. hortensis against E. coli. However, regarding S. aureus, both S.
      hortensis and E. globulus caused a highly significant (p < 0.05) decrease of
      microbial counts, most evident after 5 days of storage; S. aureus numbers were
      3.50 and 2.50 cfu/g, respectively, corresponding to a reduction of 2.20 and 3.20
      log cfu/g (38.60 and 56.14% of reduction) after 1 week of storage. Sensory
      evaluation revealed that the aroma of minced beef meat treated with EOs was
      acceptable by panelists at the levels used.

PMID- 22049157
TI  - Eduardo Primo Yufera, founder of Revista de Agroquimica y Tecnologia de Alimentos
      and pioneer on food science and technology research in Spain.
AB  - Eduardo Primo Yufera was the founder and director of the Instituto de Agroquimica
      y Tecnologia de Alimentos (IATA, 1957-1974) until he was appointed president of
      the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas (CSIC). His aim to publicize
      food science led him to create the Revista de Agroquimica y Tecnologia de
      Alimentos in 1961, the forerunner of this journal, Food Science and Technology
      International, which he directed until 1977. Of his scientific output, 50% has
      been published in this journal. He is considered to be the promoter and exponent
      of Food Science and Technology and Chemical Ecology in Spain as well as the
      instigator of the country's innovation model (R&D and innovation). In his work,
      he was able to combine basic research excellence and socially relevant applied
      research to move both science and society forward. He was an example and
      inspiration to many colleagues and followers. The aim of this study is to
      highlight the influence and importance of Primo Yufera in the formation,
      development and consolidation of the journal Revista de Agroquimica y Tecnologia
      de Alimentos, and to appraise his scientific contribution to this journal.

PMID- 22049158
TI  - Nutritional composition and antioxidant activities of 18 different wild
      Cantharellus mushrooms of northwestern Himalayas.
AB  - A total of 18 wild edible mushrooms of Cantharellus species were collected from
      northwestern Himalayan region of India. The basic composition (moisture, total
      carbohydrates, dietary fiber, crude fat, ash, nitrogen and protein) and amino
      acid contents (by high-performance liquid chromatography) of these wild edible
      mushrooms were determined. The macronutrient profile in general revealed that the
      wild mushrooms were rich sources of protein and carbohydrates, and had low
      amounts of fat. Total phenolics and antioxidant activity from water and
      methanolic extracts of these mushrooms were also determined. These wild mushrooms
      also had significant amount of phenol content and antioxidant capacity. Studies
      also provide the precise antioxidant status of 18 indigenous species of
      mushrooms, which can serve as a useful database for the selection of mushrooms
      for the function of preparation of mushroom-based nutraceutics.

PMID- 22049159
TI  - Isolation of pectin-enriched products from red beet (Beta vulgaris L. var.
      conditiva) wastes: composition and functional properties.
AB  - The present work was dedicated to the development of an extraction process for
      red beet (Beta vulgaris L. var. conditiva) by-products that preserves the high
      molecular weight of the macromolecules with the primary aim of waste upgrading.
      Our study concerns the extraction of pectin-enriched products with potential
      thickening properties for their usage in food formulation, as well as with some
      healthy physiological effect, by using citrate buffer (pH = 5.2) either alone or
      with enzymes (hemicellulase or cellulase) active on cell wall polysaccharide
      networks. Considering that red beet tissue contains ferulic acid, which cross
      links pectin macromolecules through arabinose residues to anchor them into the
      cell wall, an alkaline pretreatment was also evaluated in order to perform
      polysaccharide hydrolysis in the cell wall network to accomplish higher
      renderings. Chemical composition and yield, as well as the in vitro glucose
      retention exerted by the isolated fiber products were finally analyzed.

PMID- 22049160
TI  - Study of the inactivation of Escherichia coli and pectin methylesterase in mango
      nectar under selected high hydrostatic pressure treatments.
AB  - High hydrostatic pressure (HHP) was applied to fresh mango nectar (FMN) and
      sterilized mango nectar (SMN) to inactivate Escherichia coli and pectin
      methylesterase (PME). Pressure was applied at 275, 345 and 414 MPa. The come-up
      time (CUT) as well as 1, 2 and 4 min of treatment times were applied at the
      selected pressure to evaluate the inactivation effect on E. coli and PME. Total
      plate counts (TPC) were also evaluated in FMN. Results showed that mesophiles are
      inactivated in FMN to an important degree (up to 4 log) only with the CUT; the
      highest inactivation for mesophiles (7 log) was reported at 414 MPa after 4 min.
      Meanwhile, for E. coli 345 and 414 MPa after 2 and 1 min, respectively, were able
      to inactivate all viable cells in FMN. However, in SMN after 4 min at 275 MPa all
      cells of E. coli were also inactivated, showing the protective effect of the
      media between FMN and SMN. The PME showed its resistance to be inactivated with
      high pressure, showing the highest decrease in enzymatic activity (45%) after 4
      min at 345 MPa but with an important activation at the highest pressure (414
      MPa).

PMID- 22049161
TI  - Influence of the simultaneous addition of bentonite and cellulose fibers on the
      mechanical and barrier properties of starch composite-films.
AB  - The addition of nanoclay or cellulose fibers has been presented in the literature
      as a suitable alternative for reinforcing starch films. The aim of the present
      work was to evaluate the effect of the simultaneous incorporation of nanoclay
      (bentonite) and cellulose fibers on the mechanical and water barrier properties
      of the resultant composite-films. Films were prepared by casting with 3% in
      weight of cassava starch, using glycerol as plasticizer (0.30 g per g of starch),
      cellulose fibers at a concentration of 0.30 g of fibers per g of starch and
      nanoclay (0.05 g clay per g starch and 0.10 g clay per g starch). The addition of
      cellulose fibers and nanoclay increased the tensile strength of the films 8.5
      times and the Young modulus 24 times but reduced the elongation capacity 14
      times. The water barrier properties of the composite-films to which bentonite and
      cellulose fibers were added were approximately 60% inferior to those of starch
      films. Diffractograms showed that the nanoclay was intercalated in the polymeric
      matrix. These results indicate that the simultaneous addition of bentonite and
      cellulose fibers is a suitable alternative to increase the tensile strength of
      the films and decrease their water vapor permeabilities.

PMID- 22049162
TI  - Lysine requirement of the enterally fed term infant in the first month of life.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Infant nutrition has a major impact on child growth and functional
      development. Low and high intakes of protein or amino acids could have a
      detrimental effect. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to determine the
      lysine requirement of enterally fed term neonates by using the indicator amino
      acid oxidation (IAAO) method. L-[1-(13)C]phenylalanine was used as an indicator
      amino acid. DESIGN: Twenty-one neonates were randomly assigned to lysine intakes
      that ranged from 15 to 240 mg . kg(-1) . d(-1). Breath, urine, and blood samples
      were collected at baseline and during the plateau. The mean lysine requirement
      was determined by using biphasic linear regression crossover analysis on the
      fraction of (13)CO(2) recovery from L-[1-(13)C]phenylalanine oxidation
      (F(13)CO(2)) and phenylalanine oxidation rates calculated from the L-[1
      (13)C]phenylalanine enrichment of urine and plasma. RESULTS: The mean (+/-SD)
      phenylalanine flux calculated from urine and plasma L-[1-(13)C]phenylalanine
      enrichment data were 88.3 +/- 6.9 and 84.5 +/- 7.4 MUmol . kg(-1) . h(-1),
      respectively. Graded intakes of lysine had no effect on phenylalanine fluxes. The
      mean lysine requirement determined by F(13)CO(2) was 130 mg . kg(-1) . d(-1)
      (upper and lower CIs: 183.7 and 76.3 mg . kg(-1) . d(-1), respectively). The mean
      requirement was identical to the requirement determined by using phenylalanine
      oxidation rates in urine and plasma. CONCLUSIONS: The mean lysine requirement of
      enterally fed term neonates was determined by using F(13)CO(2) and phenylalanine
      oxidation rates calculated from the L-[1-(13)C]phenylalanine enrichment of urine
      and plasma. These methods yielded a similar result of 130 mg lysine . kg(-1) . d(
      1). This study demonstrates that sampling of (13)CO(2) in expired air is
      sufficient to estimate the lysine requirement by using the IAAO method in
      infants. This trial was registered at www.trialregister.nl as NTR1610.

PMID- 22049163
TI  - Impact of endogenous and exogenous insulin on basal energy expenditure in
      patients with type 2 diabetes under standard treatment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Factors that affect resting energy expenditure or basal energy
      expenditure (BEE) in patients with type 2 diabetes under standard treatment have
      not been evaluated in detail. OBJECTIVE: We determined the clinical factors that
      affected BEE in addition to body composition in patients with type 2 diabetes
      under standard treatment. DESIGN: BEE was measured by using indirect calorimetry
      under a strict basal condition in 58 Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes after
      >7 d as inpatients under management of diabetes with medical nutrition therapy
      and medications. Insulin secretion was measured with a glucagon test. Stepwise
      regression was applied to explore determinants of BEE. RESULTS: In the stepwise
      estimation, insulin secretion (P = 0.015), insulin therapy (P = 0.012), and pulse
      rate (P = 0.011) were selected in addition to fat-free mass (FFM) (P < 0.001) and
      fat mass (P = 0.006) as significant independent determinants of BEE. Standardized
      partial regression coefficients of the additional 3 factors were -0.16, -0.15,
      and 0.15, respectively, whereas those for FFM and fat mass were 0.82 and 0.19,
      respectively. The additional 3 factors explained another 3.9% of the variability
      of BEE, and the adjusted coefficient of determination was 83.4%. Age, sex, other
      medications, and parameters of glycemic control were not significant determinants
      beyond the combined contribution of body composition, endogenous and exogenous
      insulin, and pulse rate. CONCLUSION: Endogenous insulin secretion and exogenous
      insulin administered in treatment have significant independent effects in the
      lowering of BEE in patients with diabetes under standard management with medical
      nutrition therapy and medications.

PMID- 22049164
TI  - Developmental programming and epigenetics.
AB  - The ways in which epigenetic modifications fix the effects of early environmental
      events, ensuring sustained responses to transient stimuli that result in modified
      gene expression patterns and phenotypes later in life, are a topic of
      considerable interest. This article focuses on recently discovered mechanisms and
      calls into question prevailing views about the dynamics, positions, and functions
      of epigenetic marks. Most epigenetic studies have addressed the long-term effects
      of environmental stressors on a small number of epigenetic marks, at the global
      or individual gene level, in humans and in animal models. In parallel, increasing
      numbers of studies based on high-throughput technologies are revealing additional
      complexity in epigenetic processes by highlighting the importance of crosstalk
      between different epigenetic marks in humans and mice. A number of studies
      focusing on metabolic programming and the developmental origin of health and
      disease have identified links between early nutrition, epigenetic processes, and
      long-term illness. The existence of a self-propagating epigenetic cycle has been
      shown. Moreover, recent studies have shown an obvious sexual dimorphism both for
      programming trajectories and in response to the same environmental insult.
      Despite recent progress, however, we are still far from understanding how, when,
      and where environmental stressors disturb key epigenetic mechanisms. Thus, the
      need to identify original key marks and monitor the changes they undergo
      throughout development, during an individual's lifetime, or over several
      generations remains a challenging issue.

PMID- 22049165
TI  - Protein requirement of healthy school-age children determined by the indicator
      amino acid oxidation method.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The current Dietary Reference Intake (DRI) recommendations for
      protein requirements in children are based on a factorial estimate and have not
      been directly determined. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the current study was to
      determine the protein requirement in healthy, school-age children by measuring
      the oxidation of L-[1-(13)C]-phenylalanine to (13)CO(2) [label tracer oxidation
      (F(13)CO(2))] in response to graded intakes of protein. DESIGN: Seven healthy
      children (6-11 y old) each randomly received a minimum of 7 protein intakes
      (range: 0.1-2.56 g . kg(-1) . d(-1)) for a total of 56 studies. The diets
      provided energy at 1.7 times the resting energy expenditure and were made
      isocaloric by using carbohydrate. Protein was given as an amino acid mixture on
      the basis of the egg-protein pattern, except for phenylalanine and tyrosine
      intakes, which were maintained constant across intakes. The mean protein
      requirement was determined by applying a 2-phase linear regression crossover
      analysis on F(13)CO(2) data, which identified a breakpoint (requirement) at
      minimal F(13)CO(2) in response to graded amounts of protein intake. RESULTS: Mean
      and population-safe (upper 95% CI) protein requirements were determined to be 1.3
      and 1.55 g . kg(-1) . d(-1), respectively. These results are significantly higher
      than the mean and population-safe protein requirements currently recommended by
      the DRI 2005 for macronutrients (0.76 and 0.95 g . kg(-1) . d(-1), respectively).
      CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this study was the first to directly estimate
      protein requirements in children by using stable isotopes and indicated that
      current recommendations are severely underestimated.

PMID- 22049167
TI  - Coevolution of nutrigenomics and society: ethical considerations.
AB  - To optimize the coevolution of nutrigenomics and society (ie, the reciprocal
      stimulation of both developments), I analyzed chances for a fruitful match
      between normative concepts and strategies of both developments. Nutrigenomics
      embodies >= 3 normative concepts. First, food is exclusively interpreted in terms
      of disease prevention. Second, striving for health is interpreted as the
      quantification of risks and prevention of diseases through positive food-gene
      interactions. The third normative idea is that disease prevention by the
      minimization of risks is an individual's task. My thesis was that these concepts
      of nutrigenomics would not easily match with concepts of food and health of
      various food styles in Western societies, which, for instance, parents in the
      case of metabolic programming endorse and with a philosophical view of the
      relation between food, health, and the meaning of life. Next, I reflected on the
      nonsynchronized coevolution of nutrigenomics and society because of this mismatch
      and introduced the concept of the fair representation of food styles in
      nutrigenomic developments. To synchronize and optimize the coevolution of
      nutrigenomics and society, I propose that the research policy of nutrigenomics
      should change to a research partnership with society on the basis of fair
      representation.

PMID- 22049166
TI  - Body fat distribution in perinatally HIV-infected and HIV-exposed but uninfected
      children in the era of highly active antiretroviral therapy: outcomes from the
      Pediatric HIV/AIDS Cohort Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Associations between abnormal body fat distribution and clinical
      variables are poorly understood in pediatric HIV disease. OBJECTIVE: Our
      objective was to compare total body fat and its distribution in perinatally HIV
      infected and HIV-exposed but uninfected (HEU) children and to evaluate
      associations with clinical variables. DESIGN: In a cross-sectional analysis,
      children aged 7-16 y in the Pediatric HIV/AIDS Cohort Study underwent
      regionalized measurements of body fat via anthropometric methods and dual-energy
      X-ray absorptiometry. Multiple linear regression was used to evaluate body fat by
      HIV, with adjustment for age, Tanner stage, race, sex, and correlates of body fat
      in HIV-infected children. Percentage total body fat was compared with NHANES
      data. RESULTS: Males accounted for 47% of the 369 HIV-infected and 51% of the 176
      HEU children. Compared with HEU children, HIV-infected children were older, were
      more frequently non-Hispanic black, more frequently had Tanner stage >=3, and had
      lower mean height (-0.32 compared with 0.29), weight (0.13 compared with 0.70),
      and BMI (0.33 compared with 0.63) z scores. On average, HIV-infected children had
      a 5% lower percentage total body fat (TotF), a 2.8% lower percentage extremity
      fat (EF), a 1.4% higher percentage trunk fat (TF), and a 10% higher trunk-to
      extremity fat ratio (TEFR) than did the HEU children and a lower TotF compared
      with NHANES data. Stavudine use was associated with lower EF and higher TF and
      TEFR. Non-nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor use was associated with
      higher TotF and EF and lower TEFR. CONCLUSION: Although BMI and total body fat
      were significantly lower in the HIV-infected children than in the HEU children,
      body fat distribution in the HIV-infected children followed a pattern associated
      with cardiovascular disease risk and possibly related to specific antiretroviral
      drugs.

PMID- 22049168
TI  - Joint association of glycemic load and alcohol intake with type 2 diabetes
      incidence in women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Little is known about the joint association between glycemic index
      (GI), glycemic load (GL), and alcohol intake with type 2 diabetes (T2D).
      OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine whether alcohol intake
      alters the associations between carbohydrate quality (GI) or quality and quantity
      (GL) and T2D incidence in women. DESIGN: Participants from the Nurses' Health
      Study who were free of T2D, cardiovascular disease, or cancer (n = 81,827) at
      baseline in 1980 were followed for 26 y. Cumulative averages of GI, GL, total
      carbohydrates, and alcohol intake were calculated every 2-4 y from validated food
      frequency questionnaires. Cox proportional hazard models were used to adjust for
      covariates. RESULTS: We documented 6950 cases of T2D during follow-up. After
      adjustment for lifestyle and dietary factors, the positive association between GL
      and T2D risk was attenuated in subjects with higher alcohol intakes. RRs that
      compared the top and bottom quintiles of GL were 1.29 (95% CI: 1.11, 1.49; P
      trend < 0.001) in women with alcohol intakes of 0 to <5 g/d, 1.34 (95% CI: 0.93,
      1.92; P-trend = 0.05) in women with alcohol intakes of 5 to <15 g/d, and 0.99
      (95% CI: 0.60, 1.65; P-trend = 0.82) in women with alcohol intakes >=15 g/d (P
      interaction = 0.02). However, a higher intake of alcohol did not modify the
      positive association between GI and T2D (P-interaction = 0.76). CONCLUSION: Our
      findings suggest that a higher alcohol intake (>=15 g/d) attenuates the positive
      association between GL and T2D incidence.

PMID- 22049169
TI  - Long-duration space flight and bed rest effects on testosterone and other
      steroids.
AB  - CONTEXT: Limited data suggest that testosterone is decreased during space flight,
      which could contribute to bone and muscle loss. OBJECTIVE: The main objective was
      to assess testosterone and hormone status in long- and short-duration space
      flight and bed rest environments and to determine relationships with other
      physiological systems, including bone and muscle. DESIGN: Blood and urine samples
      were collected before, during, and after long-duration space flight. Samples were
      also collected before and after 12- to 14-d missions and from participants in 30-
      to 90-d bed rest studies. SETTING: Space flight studies were conducted on the
      International Space Station and before and after Space Shuttle missions. Bed rest
      studies were conducted in a clinical research center setting. Data from Skylab
      missions are also presented. PARTICIPANTS: All of the participants were male, and
      they included 15 long-duration and nine short-duration mission crew members and
      30 bed rest subjects. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Serum total, free, and bioavailable
      testosterone were measured along with serum and urinary cortisol, serum
      dehydroepiandrosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, and SHBG. RESULTS: Total,
      free, and bioavailable testosterone was not changed during long-duration space
      flight but were decreased (P < 0.01) on landing day after these flights and after
      short-duration space flight. There were no changes in other hormones measured.
      Testosterone concentrations dropped before and soon after bed rest, but bed rest
      itself had no effect on testosterone. CONCLUSIONS: There was no evidence for
      decrements in testosterone during long-duration space flight or bed rest.

PMID- 22049171
TI  - Clinical implications of the ACCORD trial.
AB  - CONTEXT: The Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Type 2 Diabetes (ACCORD)
      was a double factorial randomized clinical trial comparing intensive vs. standard
      glycemic control, intensive versus standard blood pressure control and
      fenofibrate versus placebo against a background of statin treatment. EVIDENCE:
      The primary outcome of cardiovascular disease (CVD), a composite of CVD death,
      non-fatal myocardial infarction and non-fatal stroke was not reduced by either of
      the intensive strategies or by addition of fenofibrate; moreover, total mortality
      was increased by the intensive glycemic strategy. Some secondary CVD outcomes
      were benefited as were some secondary microvascular outcomes by the more
      aggressive treatments. Epidemiological analyses were perplexing: for example,
      earlier severe hypoglycemic episodes were a risk factor for mortality and
      occurred three times as often in the intensive glycemic treatment group, but the
      excess of deaths in that group was not accounted for by those subjects who had
      suffered earlier episodes of severe hypoglycemia. CONCLUSIONS: Despite such
      perplexing results, some clinical implications that can be drawn from the
      kaleidoscope of ACCORD findings are offered here. Cases are suggested where
      intensive blood pressure treatment or addition of fenofibrate to statin therapy
      may be warranted, whereas intensive glycemic therapy is rarely, if ever,
      justified in ACCORD type patients.

PMID- 22049170
TI  - Ectopic lipid accumulation and reduced glucose tolerance in elderly adults are
      accompanied by altered skeletal muscle mitochondrial activity.
AB  - CONTEXT: Aging is associated with insulin resistance and unfavorable changes in
      body composition including increased fat accumulation, particularly in visceral
      and ectopic depots. Recent studies suggest that skeletal muscle mitochondrial
      activity may underlie some age-associated metabolic abnormalities. OBJECTIVE: Our
      objective was to measure mitochondrial capacity and coupling of the vastus
      lateralis muscle in elderly and young adults using novel in vivo approaches and
      relate mitochondrial activity to metabolic characteristics. DESIGN: This was a
      cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTION: Fourteen sedentary young
      (seven males and seven females, 20-34 yr of age) and 15 sedentary elderly (seven
      males and eight females, 70-84 yr of age) nonobese subjects selected for similar
      body weight underwent measures of body composition by magnetic resonance imaging
      and dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry, oral glucose tolerance, and in vivo
      mitochondrial activity by (31)P magnetic resonance and optical spectroscopy.
      Muscle biopsy was carried out in the same muscle to measure mitochondrial
      content, antioxidant activity, fiber type, and markers of mitochondrial
      biogenesis. RESULTS: Elderly volunteers had reduced mitochondrial capacity (P =
      0.05) and a trend for decreased coupling efficiency (P = 0.08) despite similar
      mitochondrial content and fiber type distribution. This was accompanied by
      greater whole-body oxidative stress (P = 0.007), less skeletal muscle mass (P <
      0.001), more adipose tissue in all depots (P <= 0.002) except intramyocellular (P
      = 0.72), and lower glucose tolerance (P = 0.07). CONCLUSIONS: Elderly adults show
      evidence of altered mitochondrial activity along with increased adiposity,
      oxidative stress, and reduced glucose tolerance, independent of obesity. We
      propose that mild uncoupling may be induced secondary to age-associated oxidative
      stress as a mechanism to dissipate the proton-motive force and protect against
      further reactive oxygen species production and damage.

PMID- 22049172
TI  - Circulating anti-Mullerian hormone levels in adult men are under a strong genetic
      influence.
AB  - CONTEXT: The determinants of serum anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels in adult
      men remain unclear. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to investigate the
      genetic and environmental components in determining postpubertal AMH levels in
      healthy men. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS: Serum AMH levels, body mass index (BMI),
      and fat mass (dual energy x-ray absorptiometry) were measured in 64 healthy male
      (23 monozygotic and 41 dizygotic) twin pairs. RESULTS: Postpubertal AMH levels
      were highly genetically determined (broad sense heritability 0.92, 95% confidence
      interval 0.83-0.96). AMH correlated negatively with BMI (r = -0.26, P = 0.030)
      and fat mass (r = -0.23, P = 0.048). As AMH, BMI had a high heritability (0.68,
      95% confidence interval 0.39-0.83), but no genetic correlation was observed
      between them. CONCLUSIONS: AMH levels in men after puberty are under a strong
      genetic influence. Twin modeling suggests that AMH and BMI are influenced by
      different sets of genes.

PMID- 22049173
TI  - Frequent TSH receptor genetic alterations with variable signaling impairment in a
      large series of children with nonautoimmune isolated hyperthyrotropinemia.
AB  - CONTEXT: Heterozygous mutations in the TSH receptor gene (TSHR) are associated
      with partial TSH resistance, characterized by isolated nonautoimmune
      hyperthyrotropinemia (NAHT). The prevalence and management of this condition is
      controversial. OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to investigate the prevalence and
      clinical impact of TSHR alterations in a large series of pediatric patients with
      NAHT and to dissect their mechanism of action. DESIGN AND SETTING: For this
      prospective multicenter study, clinical data and samples were collected in the
      clinical units and conveyed to a centralized laboratory for analysis. PATIENTS:
      Subjects included 153 unrelated patients with NAHT aged <18 yr. Exclusion
      criteria included thyroid dysgenesis or major associated congenital defects. MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASURES: Parameters of thyroid function, TSHR gene analysis, and TSHR
      functional assays were evaluated. RESULTS: The frequency of heterozygous
      nonpolymorphic TSHR variations was 11.8%. We identified seven previously unknown
      variations: a frameshift (p.Q33PfsX46), one intronic (g.IVS4+2A->G), and five
      novel missense (p.P162L, p.Y466C, p.I583T, p.I607T, and p.R609Q) variations. The
      missense variations variably affected TSHR membrane expression and G(s) and/or
      G(q/11) signaling. Several variations cosegregated with NAHT in the affected
      families. Parameters of thyroid function were similar between affected and
      unaffected family members. CONCLUSIONS: Nonpolymorphic alterations in the TSHR
      gene are commonly associated with isolated NAHT in young patients, thus
      configuring partial TSH resistance as the most frequent inheritable cause of
      isolated NAHT. The identification of TSHR defects may thus be helpful for a
      tailored management of subclinical hypothyroidism. We provide further evidence
      that besides the well-known defects in G(s) signaling, TSHR genetic alternations
      found in NAHT may frequently impair the G(q/11) pathway.

PMID- 22049174
TI  - Antithyroid drug-induced hematopoietic damage: a retrospective cohort study of
      agranulocytosis and pancytopenia involving 50,385 patients with Graves' disease.
AB  - CONTEXT: Although antithyroid drug (ATD)-induced hematopoietic damage is a
      significant concern, it has not been comprehensively investigated. OBJECTIVE: Our
      objective was to describe the clinical features of ATD-induced hematopoietic
      damage. DESIGN AND SETTING: This was a retrospective cohort study in Tokyo,
      Japan. PATIENTS: Between January 1983 and December 2002, 50,385 patients at Ito
      Hospital were diagnosed with Graves' disease. We retrospectively reviewed their
      medical, pathological, and laboratory records between January 1983 and December
      2010. MAIN OUTCOME: Incidence and clinical features of ATD-induced
      agranulocytosis and pancytopenia were evaluated. RESULTS: Of 55 patients with
      documented hematopoietic damage, 50 had agranulocytosis and 5 had pancytopenia.
      All of them received ATD, either methimazole (n = 51) or propylthiouracil (n =
      4). Median intervals between initiation of ATD therapy and the onset of
      agranulocytosis and pancytopenia were 69 d (range, 11-233 d) and 41 d (range, 32
      97 d), respectively. Either anemia or thrombocytopenia was also documented in
      seven of the 50 patients with agranulocytosis. Agranulocytosis was the first
      manifestation of hematopoietic damage in four of the five patents with
      pancytopenia. Hematopoietic damage recovered with supportive measures including
      granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (n = 37), steroids (n = 10), and other
      supportive measures (n = 8) in 54 patients, whereas the remaining patient died of
      complications from infection. This study failed to identify the risk factors for
      ATD-induced hematopoietic damage. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that ATD cause
      hematopoietic changes, which are occasionally severe and potentially fatal. The
      pathogenesis of agranulocytosis and pancytopenia might overlap, and additional
      studies are warranted to clarify this and to establish an optimal treatment
      strategy.

PMID- 22049175
TI  - FoxM1 and its association with matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) signaling pathway
      in papillary thyroid carcinoma.
AB  - CONTEXT: Forkhead boxM1 (FoxM1) transcription factor has been shown to promote
      pathogenesis of several malignancies. FoxM1 has also been shown to be associated
      with matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) in various cancers. However, little is known
      about its function in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). OBJECTIVE: In this
      study, we investigated the role of FoxM1 in pathogenesis in a large series of PTC
      in a tissue microarray format followed by in vitro and in vivo studies using PTC
      cell lines and nude mice. DESIGN: Expression of FoxM1 and its associated proteins
      were investigated in Middle Eastern PTC samples by immunohistochemistry.
      Apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry and immunoblotting. Invasion and
      migration studies were performed using 8-MUm Transwell plates. RESULTS: FoxM1 was
      overexpressed in 28.4% of PTC and significantly associated with activated matrix
      metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) (P = 0.0004), X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein
      (XIAP) (P = 0.0024), and B-cell lymphoma-extra large (Bcl-XL) (P = 0.0014)
      expression. Treatment of PTC cell lines with thiostrepton, an inhibitor of FoxM1,
      resulted in inhibition of cell viability via induction of apoptosis. In addition,
      thiostrepton treatment of PTC cells or expression of FoxM1-specific small
      interfering RNA down-regulated expression of FoxM1 accompanied with decreased MMP
      2 and MMP-9 expression. Furthermore, inhibition of FoxM1 attenuated migration and
      invasion of PTC cells. Interestingly, overexpression of FoxM1 rescued the effects
      of thiostrepton in PTC cell lines. Finally, treatment of PTC cell line xenografts
      with thiostrepton resulted in growth inhibition of tumors in nude mice via down
      regulation of FoxM1 and MMP-9 and MMP-2. CONCLUSION: Altogether, this is the
      first study showing that FoxM1 and its associated signaling pathway play a
      critical role in the pathogenesis of PTC and may be a potential target for
      therapeutic intervention for treatment of these cancers.

PMID- 22049176
TI  - Paradoxical clearance of natriuretic peptide between pulmonary and systemic
      circulation: a pulmonary mechanism of maintaining natriuretic peptide plasma
      concentration in obese individuals.
AB  - CONTEXT: Although it has been reported that obese patients have low levels of
      natriuretic peptide, the metabolism of natriuretic peptide in this population
      remains unclear. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to examine the effects of body mass
      index on the natriuretic peptide clearance rate from the pulmonary and systemic
      circulation. DESIGN: We conducted a prospective observational cohort study.
      SETTING/PATIENTS: Thirty patients with atrial fibrillation undergoing pulmonary
      vein isolation in single center participated in the study. MAIN OUTCOMES AND
      MEASURES: We measured pulmonary and systemic atrial/brain natriuretic peptide
      clearance and clinical parameters including body mass index and pulmonary oxygen
      levels. RESULTS: Significantly lower atrial natriuretic peptide levels were found
      in all pulmonary veins when compared with the pulmonary artery. The pulmonary
      atrial natriuretic peptide clearance rate was negatively correlated with body
      mass index. In contrast, the systemic atrial natriuretic peptide clearance rate
      was positively correlated with the body mass index. A reciprocal relationship
      therefore exists between pulmonary and systemic atrial natriuretic peptide
      clearance. Regional pulmonary atrial natriuretic peptide clearances in the
      inferior lung were significantly negatively correlated to oxygen pressure in the
      inferior pulmonary veins. There was a similar tendency for brain natriuretic
      peptide, but the differences between the pulmonary artery and each pulmonary vein
      were not significant. CONCLUSIONS: Overweight patients have higher systemic
      atrial natriuretic peptide clearance, whereas they show a lower pulmonary atrial
      natriuretic peptide clearance, which might be related to pulmonary tissue
      hypoxia.

PMID- 22049177
TI  - Diets higher in dairy foods and dietary protein support bone health during diet-
      and exercise-induced weight loss in overweight and obese premenopausal women.
AB  - CONTEXT: Consolidation and maintenance of peak bone mass in young adulthood may
      be compromised by inactivity, low dietary calcium, and diet-induced weight loss.
      OBJECTIVE: We aimed to determine whether higher intakes of dairy foods, dietary
      calcium, and protein during diet- and exercise-induced weight loss affected
      markers of bone health. PARTICIPANTS: Participants included premenopausal
      overweight and obese women. DESIGN/INTERVENTION: Ninety participants were
      randomized into three groups (n = 30 per group): high protein and high dairy
      (HPHD), adequate protein and medium dairy (APMD), and adequate protein and low
      dairy (APLD), differing in dietary protein (30, 15, or 15% of energy,
      respectively), dairy foods (15, 7.5, or <2% of energy from protein,
      respectively), and dietary calcium (~1600, ~1000, or <500 mg/d, respectively).
      OUTCOME MEASURES: Serum and urine bone turnover biomarkers, serum osteoprotegerin
      (OPG), receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL), PTH, 25
      hydroxyvitamin D, leptin, and adiponectin measured at 0 and 16 wk. RESULTS: All
      groups lost equivalent body weight (P < 0.05). N-telopeptide, C-telopeptide
      (CTX), urinary deoxypyridinoline, and osteocalcin increased in APLD (P < 0.01),
      whereas in HPHD, osteocalcin and procollagen 1 amino-terminal propeptide (P1NP)
      increased (P < 0.05), and all resorption markers remained unchanged. P1NP to CTX
      and OPG to RANKL ratios increased in HPHD (P < 0.005), and P1NP to CTX ratio
      decreased in APLD (P < 0.05). PTH decreased in HPHD and APMD vs. APLD (P <
      0.005), and 25-hydroxyvitamin D increased in HPHD (P < 0.05), remained unchanged
      in APMD, and decreased in APLD (P < 0.05). Leptin decreased and adiponectin
      increased in APMD and HPHD only (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Hypoenergetic diets
      higher in dairy foods, dietary calcium, and protein with daily exercise,
      favorably affected important bone health biomarkers vs. diets with less of these
      bone-supporting nutrients.

PMID- 22049178
TI  - Variants of the adiponectin and adiponectin receptor-1 genes and
      posttransplantation diabetes mellitus in renal allograft recipients.
AB  - CONTEXT: Posttransplantation diabetes mellitus (PTDM) is a major metabolic
      complication in renal transplant recipients. Adiponectin (ADIPOQ) and adiponectin
      receptor-1 (ADIPOR1) gene polymorphisms have been associated with type 2
      diabetes. However, it is unknown whether these polymorphisms are also risk
      factors for PTDM. OBJECTIVE: We investigated the association between PTDM and
      single-nucleotide polymorphisms of ADIPOQ and ADIPOR1 in a cohort of renal
      allograft recipients. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Five hundred seventy
      five patients (367 men and 208 women) who received kidney transplants between
      1989 and 2007, without a history of diabetes and with a pretransplant fasting
      glucose concentration less than 5.5 mmol/liter. Patients were followed up for a
      median 10 yr. Genotypes included single-nucleotide polymorphisms of the
      following: ADIPOQ rs266729, rs822395, rs822396, rs2241766, and rs1501299 and
      ADIPOR1 rs2232853, rs12733285, and rs1342387. RESULTS: TT-homozygotes in ADIPOQ
      rs1501299 [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.70, P = 0.032] had greater risk of PTDM after
      adjusting for age, sex, amount of weight gain, and type of immunosuppressant.
      There was a significant interaction between sex and ADIPOQ rs1501299 genotype (P
      = 0.037). In men, but not in women, TT-homozygotes in ADIPOQ rs1501299 were more
      likely to develop PTDM than the wild GG-homozygotes (HR = 2.50, P = 0.002),
      whereas GT-heterozygotes had nonsignificantly elevated risk (HR = 1.41, P =
      0.128). CONCLUSION: Genetic variation in ADIPOQ rs1501299 is associated with PTDM
      in a sex-specific manner.

PMID- 22049179
TI  - Gonadotropin responses to estrogen-positive and -negative feedback are identical
      in African-American and Caucasian women.
AB  - CONTEXT: Gonadotropin levels are similar in African-American women (AAW) and
      Caucasian women (CW), despite higher preovulatory estradiol (E2) levels in AAW,
      suggesting that AAW may be less sensitive to E2 feedback than CW. OBJECTIVE: The
      aim of the study was to determine whether responsivity to estrogen feedback
      differs in AAW and CW. DESIGN AND SETTING: Subjects were studied in the early
      follicular phase using a 5-d, graded E2 and progesterone infusion. SUBJECTS:
      Healthy, normal-cycling AAW (n = 10) and CW (n = 13) aged 23-30 yr participated
      in the study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Blood samples were collected every 4 h and
      assayed for LH, FSH, E2, and progesterone. RESULTS: There was no difference in E2
      negative feedback on LH (nadir, 3.8 +/- 0.4 vs. 5.4 +/- 0.9 IU/liter; time of
      nadir, 33.2 +/- 3.3 vs. 32.3 +/- 2.7 h) or FSH (nadir, 3.1 +/- 0.4 vs. 3.1 +/-
      0.3 IU/liter; time of nadir, 48.8 +/- 2.7 vs. 50.5 +/- 3.1 h) in AAW compared to
      CW. The two groups also demonstrated similar positive feedback responses of E2 on
      LH (peak, 80.3 +/- 13.3 vs. 73.1 +/- 11.6 IU/liter; time of peak, 80.4 +/- 4.3
      vs. 86.5 +/- 3.1 h) and FSH (peak, 13.4 +/- 1.4 vs. 10.2 +/- 1.0 IU/liter; time
      of peak, 82.2 +/- 4.0 vs. 97.2 +/- 4.9 h). CONCLUSIONS: LH and FSH feedback
      responses to a controlled steroid infusion do not differ between AAW and CW,
      indicating that AAW do not have diminished hypothalamic-pituitary responsivity to
      E2. These studies support the concept of a threshold effect of E2 in generating
      LH-positive feedback, suggest pituitary insensitivity to differences in E2 of the
      magnitude observed in prior studies, and account for similarities in
      gonadotropins despite E2 differences in AAW compared with CW.

PMID- 22049180
TI  - Serum TSH within the reference range as a predictor of future hypothyroidism and
      hyperthyroidism: 11-year follow-up of the HUNT Study in Norway.
AB  - CONTEXT: Serum TSH in the upper part of the reference range may sometimes be a
      response to autoimmune thyroiditis in early stage and may therefore predict
      future hypothyroidism. Conversely, relatively low serum TSH could predict future
      hyperthyroidism. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to assess TSH within
      the reference range and subsequent risk of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
      DESIGN AND SETTING: This was a prospective population-based study with linkage to
      the Norwegian Prescription Database. SUBJECTS: A total of 10,083 women and 5,023
      men without previous thyroid disease who had a baseline TSH of 0.20-4.5 mU/liter
      and who participated at a follow-up examination 11 yr later. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURES: Predicted probabilities of developing hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism
      during follow-up, by categories of baseline TSH, were estimated. RESULTS: During
      11 yr of follow-up, 3.5% of women and 1.3% of men developed hypothyroidism, and
      1.1% of women and 0.6% of men developed hyperthyroidism. In both sexes, the
      baseline TSH was positively associated with the risk of subsequent
      hypothyroidism. The risk increased gradually from TSH of 0.50-1.4 mU/liter
      [women, 1.1%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.8-1.4; men, 0.3%, 95% CI 0.1-0.6] to
      a TSH of 4.0-4.5 mU/liter (women, 31.5%, 95% CI 24.6-39.3; men, 14.7%, 95% CI 7.7
      26.2). The risk of hyperthyroidism was higher in women with a baseline TSH of
      0.20-0.49 mU/liter (3.9%, 95% CI 1.8-8.4) than in women with a TSH of 0.50-0.99
      mU/liter (1.4%, 95% CI 0.9-2.1) or higher (~1.0%). CONCLUSION: TSH within the
      reference range is positively and strongly associated with the risk of future
      hypothyroidism. TSH at the lower limit of the reference range may be associated
      with an increased risk of hyperthyroidism.

PMID- 22049181
TI  - Impaired exercise performance and muscle Na(+),K(+)-pump activity in renal
      transplantation and haemodialysis patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We examined whether abnormal skeletal muscle Na(+),K(+)-pumps
      underlie impaired exercise performance in haemodialysis patients (HDP) and
      whether these are improved in renal transplant recipients (RTx). METHODS: Peak
      oxygen consumption ( O(2peak)) and plasma [K(+)] were measured during incremental
      exercise in 9RTx, 10 HDP and 10 healthy controls (CON). Quadriceps peak torque
      (PT), fatigability (decline in strength during thirty contractions), thigh muscle
      cross-sectional area (TMCSA) and vastus lateralis Na(+),K(+)-pump maximal
      activity, content and isoform (alpha(1)-alpha(3), beta(1)-beta(3)) abundance were
      measured. RESULTS: O(2peak) was 32 and 35% lower in RTx and HDP than CON,
      respectively (P < 0.05). PT was less in RTx and HDP than CON (P < 0.05) but did
      not differ when expressed relative to TMCSA. Fatigability was ~1.6-fold higher in
      RTx (24 +/- 11%) and HDP (25 +/- 4%) than CON (15 +/- 5%, P < 0.05). Na(+),K(+)
      pump activity was 28 and 31% lower in RTx and HDP, respectively than CON (P <
      0.02), whereas content and isoform abundance did not differ. Pooled (n = 28) 
      O(2peak) correlated with Na(+),K(+)-pump activity (r = 0.45, P = 0.02).
      CONCLUSIONS: O(2peak) and muscle Na(+),K(+)-pump activity were depressed and
      muscle fatigability increased in HDP, with no difference observed in RTx. These
      findings are consistent with the possibility that impaired exercise performance
      in HDP and RTx may be partially due to depressed muscle Na(+),K(+)-pump activity
      and relative TMCSA.

PMID- 22049182
TI  - Urine neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin identifies unilateral and
      bilateral urinary tract obstruction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Urinary tract obstruction (UTO) is a common problem that can lead to
      permanent loss of kidney function. Unilateral UTO may be difficult to diagnose.
      Urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated Lipocalin (uNGAL) may identify
      unilateral and bilateral UTO. METHODS: Retrospective case-control study of
      patients undergoing hospital admission at three sites. UTO was determined by
      review of medical records and cases were matched to control patients. uNGAL was
      measured by immunoblot. RESULTS: Twenty-four unilateral UTO and 15 bilateral UTO
      cases were identified. Admission serum creatinine (sCr) (milligram per decilitre)
      was significantly higher in bilateral UTO, 2.0 (1.1-5.3), but not unilateral UTO,
      1.1 (0.8-1.5), compared to controls, 0.9 (0.8-1.2). uNGAL (nanogram per
      millilitre) was significantly higher both in patients with bilateral UTO, 140 (40
      450), and unilateral UTO, 50 (20-100), compared to controls, 20 (10-45).
      DISCUSSION: uNGAL identifies kidney injury in unilateral and bilateral UTO even
      in the absence of an elevated sCr.

PMID- 22049183
TI  - Beneficial effects of integrin alphavbeta3-blocking RGD peptides in early but not
      late phase of experimental glomerulonephritis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Integrin alphavbeta3 plays an important role in the regulation of
      cell proliferation and neoangiogenesis. We found mesangial de novo expression of
      integrin alphavbeta3 in mesangioproliferative glomerulonephritis (MesGN). The aim
      of the study was to clarify if blockade of alphavbeta3 integrin with the specific
      alphavbeta3-blocking cyclic peptide RGDdFV (cRGD) has beneficial effects on the
      course of this disease. METHODS: Habu snake venom (Habu) GN was induced in male
      C57BL/6 mice 1 week after uninephrectomy (6 mg Habu toxin/kg body weight
      intravenously). After 24 h, nephritic animals received alphavbeta3-inhibitory
      cRGD or cRAD control peptides for 3 or 7 days, respectively. The kidneys were
      investigated using morphometry, immunohistochemistry and TaqMan polymerase chain
      reaction. RESULTS: At Day 3, serum creatinine and albuminuria were lower after
      cRGD compared to cRAD treatment. At Day 3, glomerulosclerosis index, percentage
      of glomerular injury, mesangial cell (MC) number and volume density of mesangial
      matrix were significantly lower (P < 0.05) in cRGD-treated mice than in cRAD
      treated controls. At Day 7, only a mild effect of cRGD on mesangial matrix
      expansion and fibronectin messenger RNA was still detectable (P < 0.05).
      Complementary in vitro studies in MCs revealed that inhibition of alphavbeta3 by
      cRGD-blocked adhesion, reduced proliferation and increased apoptosis of MCs.
      CONCLUSION: Habu GN inhibition of integrin alphavbeta3 by cRGD partly ameliorates
      early injury but has no or only mild effects on late glomerular lesions.

PMID- 22049185
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 22049186
TI  - The social relations-physical health connection: a comparison of elderly samples
      from the United States and Japan.
AB  - Cross-national comparison of the social relations-physical health association in
      the elderly can broaden our understanding of the implications of social
      relationships in this age group. Using representative cross-sectional samples of
      adults aged 60-93 years from metropolitan areas in the United States and Japan (n
      = 1005), we used analysis of variance to examine between-country differences in
      the association of illness with measures of network structure, social support,
      and negative relations. One significant between-country difference in this
      association was found: in Japan only, ill women reported more available financial
      help from their child than did non-ill women (p < .05). Ill women in both
      countries reported less sick care available from their spouse than did ill men (p
      < .05) and more negative relations with their child than did non-ill women (p <
      .05). These results suggest the primacy of gender, rather than cultural context,
      in shaping the association between social relations and health.

PMID- 22049184
TI  - Efficacy and safety of regional citrate anticoagulation in liver transplant
      patients requiring post-operative renal replacement therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Liver transplant patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) requiring
      continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) early post-operatively are at high
      risk for bleeding. Using heparin for anticoagulation during CRRT may contribute
      to the increased bleeding risk. Regional anticoagulation with citrate may
      decrease the risk of bleeding. However, citrate anticoagulation may be associated
      with metabolic complications in patients with liver impairment. The aim of the
      study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of citrate anticoagulation in liver
      transplant patients. METHODS: All liver transplant recipients transplanted
      between November 2004 and August 2007, requiring CRRT and using citrate as the
      anticoagulant were included in this retrospective study. Demographic data, CRRT
      specific and metabolic data were collected and analysed. RESULTS: Sixty-eight
      patients (40 male/28 female) with a mean age of 47.1+/-11.8 years and a Model of
      End-stage Liver Disease score of 23+/-9 developed post-operative AKI requiring
      CRRT using citrate as the anticoagulant. The median duration on CRRT was 8 days
      (range 1-39 days) with a mean circuit life of 22.7+/-14.6 h. There was no
      relevant time trend of serum sodium, potassium, calcium, bicarbonate and pH
      values during CRRT. Bleeding occurred in 8 of 68 (11.7%) patients during CRRT.
      CONCLUSION: Regional citrate anticoagulation for CRRT in the early post-operative
      period after liver transplantation is effective and safe. Therefore, the general
      exclusion of citrate anticoagulation during CRRT in patients after liver
      transplantation is not justified.

PMID- 22049187
TI  - Anger expression and natural killer cell activity in family caregivers
      participating in a physical activity trial.
AB  - Associations between psychological functioning and natural killer cell activity
      (NKA) were examined in 23 older (62.2 +/- 7.5 years) family caregivers randomized
      to a moderate intensity four-month exercise program or to a wait-list control
      condition. At baseline, although NKA was related to anger-control (r = -.42;
      trend p < .06) and anger-out (r = .50; p < .03), it was not related to
      depression, anxiety, perceived stress, or caregiver burden. After controlling for
      baseline NKA, changes in anger-control explained 14 percent of the variance in
      NKA four months later. Decreases in anger-control predicted increases in NKA.
      Group assignment (exercise vs control) was unrelated to changes in NKA over the
      four-month period; however, the study was not powered to detect this effect.
      These results are consistent with reported relationships of anger expression with
      other physiological measures, and extend the importance of anger expression to
      immune functioning in older family caregivers.

PMID- 22049188
TI  - Self-perceptions and Current Practices of High-risk Older Drivers: Implications
      for Driver Safety Interventions.
AB  - Many older drivers with visual problems meet the legal requirements for licensing
      despite having functional impairments that elevate crash risk. In a sample of
      visually impaired older drivers, over half believed that their vision was not
      likely to cause them to crash. Eighty percent acknowledged that they would feel
      more protected against crashing if they avoided certain driving situations.
      However, 75 percent of the sample reported never or rarely avoiding such
      situations (e.g. left turns, interstate highways). Almost 70 percent of drivers
      reported high self-efficacy in their ability to self-regulate and use alternative
      strategies. These data imply that behavioral interventions promoting compensatory
      strategies of self-regulation may be useful in maintaining mobility while
      improving the safety of high-risk older drivers. These findings serve as baseline
      for our ongoing study evaluating whether an educational intervention will
      increase self-regulation and improve older driver safety.

PMID- 22049189
TI  - Anticipated choices among self-, informal, and formal care by older canadians.
AB  - The present research investigated factors related to the health care choices
      seniors anticipated making in response to hypothetical illness symptoms (e.g.
      rectal bleeding). After collecting demographic data, 80 seniors were presented
      various illness symptoms. Directly following each symptom they were asked whether
      they anticipated using self-, informal, or formal care to deal with the potential
      problem. In general, seniors with higher perceived health status anticipated
      using self-care. Being male and having a lower perceived health status was
      predictive of choosing informal care, whereas being female was predictive of
      anticipating using formal care. When individual symptoms were analyzed,
      additional predictors were identified. Judged seriousness of a symptom,
      experience with a symptom, and social network status were related to different
      anticipated health care choices for some, but not all, symptoms. Perhaps the most
      striking finding was the difference between males and females. Since health
      status between males and females was not significantly different, this difference
      in anticipated choice of care seemed to be linked to personal preference rather
      than health status per se.

PMID- 22049190
TI  - Health, fear of crime and psychosocial functioning in older people.
AB  - Fear of crime is thought to limit social activity in older people. Sixty older
      people, recruited via day centres, were given questionnaire-based interviews. A
      series of questions produced two scales of crime awareness and a scale of
      perceived crime prevalence. Fear of crime was operationalized through a
      catastrophizing technique, and by a single-item measure of perceived safety.
      Physical health, mental health and psychosocial limitation were assessed.
      Physical health was found to moderate a relationship between crime awareness and
      fear of crime. In multivariate models, fear of crime was not a significant
      predictor of psychosocial limitation, which was predicted by physical and mental
      health. Implications of the findings for models of fear of crime and health
      psychology are discussed.

PMID- 22049191
TI  - Educational Status and Risk of HIV in Young Gay Men.
AB  - Lower socioeconomic status (SES) has been associated with higher rates of HIV
      infection as well as higher rates of unsafe sex. The behavioral determinants that
      might mediate the effect of SES on risky sex have not been studied thus far. We
      investigated the involvement of social cognitions in the link between educational
      status and unprotected anal sex in 292 participants of the Amsterdam Young Gay
      Men Study. We found that poorly educated men had poorer knowledge about HIV and
      preventive behavior, perceived social norms to be less favorable towards condom
      usage with casual partners, and had lower perceived control over that behavior
      than the better educated men. Poorly educated men were also more likely to have
      engaged in unprotected anal sex with casual partners in the six-month period that
      followed the assessment of the social cognitions. However, the education-related
      behavioral difference could not be explained by social cognitions. We concluded
      that cognitive models of behavior might not explain all of the risk behavior in
      gay men with lower SES. These men's risk-taking behavior might result from
      specific psychological characteristics of men with lower SES that interfere with
      traditional cognition-behavior correlations as posited in prevailing models of
      behavior.

PMID- 22049192
TI  - Psychosocial Issues in the Era of New AIDS Treatments from the Perspective of
      Persons Living with HIV.
AB  - In the past, HIV disease meant an almost invariably downward health course. New
      highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) regimens have improved the health
      outlook for many persons living with HIV/AIDS but may create new psychological
      and coping challenges. In this study, open-ended, in-depth interviews were
      undertaken with an ethnically diverse sample of 44 purposively selected men and
      women with HIV disease who were on HAART regimens. The interviews were
      transcribed and qualitatively coded to identify major themes. While patients
      responding well to the regimens held optimistic views for their future, some who
      continued to have detectable viral load exhibited depression and feelings of
      hopelessness. Many patients reported stress associated with the demands of
      adhering to complex HAART regimens. Other common themes emerging in the
      interviews involved concerns about employment, romantic and non-romantic
      relationship formation, sexual behavior and serostatus disclosure, whether to
      plan families, and experiences of AIDS-related discrimination. There continue to
      be critical roles for psychological services in the care of persons living with
      HIV.

PMID- 22049193
TI  - Coping with Negative Emotions: The Cognitive Strategies of HIV-infected
      Gay/Bisexual Men.
AB  - While the managing of negative emotions has been identified as a central adaptive
      task for those living with chronic illnesses such as HIV/AIDS, little is known
      about the specific coping strategies used to achieve this task. The present study
      employed unstructured interviews to examine illnessspecific cognitive strategies
      used by an ethnically diverse sample of HIV-infected men who have sex with men
      (MSM) in their attempts to manage the negative emotions associated with the
      illness. Fourteen specific cognitive strategies were identified, many of which
      were specific to coping with chronic illness or HIV/AIDS. These strategies were
      categorized into four major conceptual categories: (1) distancing the threat of
      death; (2) reducing the sense of victimization; (3) gaining a sense of control;
      and (4) mentally preparing for emotional upset. The findings have implications
      for what coping assessments may be neglecting and may provide insights for
      therapeutic application.

PMID- 22049194
TI  - Managing the Impact of Illness: The Experiences of Men with Prostate Cancer and
      their Spouses.
AB  - This qualitative study explored issues of support and coping for couples where
      the man had been diagnosed with prostate cancer. Thirty-four men with prostate
      cancer and their spouses were interviewed separately at three points in time:
      prior to surgery; 8 to 10 weeks post-surgery; and 11 to 13 months post-surgery.
      The core category for the couples' experience with diagnosis and treatment for
      prostate cancer was Managing the Impact of Illness. Five major domains emerged,
      including: dealing with the practicalities; stopping illness from interfering
      with everyday life; keeping relationships working; managing feelings; and making
      sense of it all. While it was clearly important for couples to manage illness and
      to reduce its potential intrusion into everyday life, this strategy had
      psychological costs as well as benefits. Men struggled to stay in control of
      their emotions and their lives, typically vacillating between the pulls of fierce
      self-reliance and fearful neediness. Women were constrained from employing their
      usual strategies of coping and were distressed by the complicated requirements of
      being supportive while also honoring their partners' need for self-reliance.

PMID- 22049195
TI  - Employment status and health in young adults: economic and behavioural mediators?
AB  - In a sample of young Canadian adults, questionnaire data indicated that both
      unemployment and selfreported underemployment represent health risks, as defined
      by subjectively rated health, experienced symptoms and illness measures. While
      health behaviours, including substance use, diet and exercise, medical compliance
      and unsafe driving practices contributed independently to health outcomes, they
      did not explain the linkage between employment status and health. Household
      income, but not personal income, predicted health and mediated this relationship
      only in the case of symptoms. The results are discussed in terms of an expanded
      understanding of the socioeconomic gradient in health.

PMID- 22049196
TI  - Handedness and age of death: new evidence on a puzzling relationship.
AB  - Based on 5743 deaths in the United States and Canada, the present study was
      undertaken to verify and extend results suggesting that left handers have a
      shorter life expectancy than right handers. Unlike previous studies, which have
      merely dichotomized handedness, this study used a 5-point scale to measure
      handedness (extremely right handed, generally right handed, ambidextrous,
      generally left handed and extremely left handed). We found a significant tendency
      for one of the five handedness categories-those classified as generally left
      handers-to die at a significantly younger age than was true for the other four
      handedness groups. Our findings add to the controversy over links between
      handedness and age of death by suggesting that only a portion of left handers are
      at risk of premature death.

PMID- 22049197
TI  - Motivations for Anabolic Steroid use Among Bodybuilders.
AB  - Steroid use is increasing, in parallel with rising concerns about body image.
      This study aimed to uncover bodybuilders' motivations for using steroids using
      135 questionnaires completed by readers of two bodybuilding magazines. The
      analyses reveal a polarization of beliefs about steroids between users and non
      users. Steroid users were less likely to be concerned about the physical side
      effects, and many believed that steroids are not harmful in moderation, and that
      only 'ignorant people' criticize steroid use. Their main motivations for using
      steroids were: wanting to excel at competitive bodybuilding; wanting to be more
      muscular; and feelings of enhanced confidence. The fact that steroid users in the
      sample were 'stacking' dangerously high levels of steroids (up to 15 steroids at
      a time) reveals the need for a detailed understanding of the motivations for
      steroid use in order to inform the development of effective harm minimization
      messages.

PMID- 22049199
TI  - Annual index.

PMID- 22049200
TI  - Neuropathy in Parkinson disease: prevalence and determinants.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the prevalence and determinants of neuropathy in patients
      with Parkinson disease (PD), in particular, the roles of vitamin B12 and levodopa
      exposure. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study of 37 patients with PD
      and 37 age- and gender-matched controls, using a sensitive and validated
      neuropathy scale. The prevalence of neuropathy was determined and compared
      between groups. We then ascertained the role of vitamin B12 by a separate case
      control analysis (1) comparing numbers of patients in whom the neuropathy was
      directly attributable to vitamin B12 deficiency and (2) comparing serum vitamin
      B12 levels in patients with PD with neuropathy with a second control group
      consisting of age- and gender-matched consecutive patients with neuropathy
      without PD. We also determined correlations between cumulative levodopa exposure,
      PD duration, neuropathy status and score, and vitamin B12 status and levels in
      all patients with PD and, specifically, in those with neuropathy. RESULTS:
      Fourteen of 37 (37.8%) patients with PD and 3 of 37 (8.1%) control subjects had
      neuropathy (p = 0.005), corresponding to an odds ratio (95% confidence interval)
      for neuropathy, of 6.9 (1.78-26.73). Vitamin B12 deficiency was a significantly
      more common cause of neuropathy (p = 0.024) and vitamin B12 levels were
      significantly lower (p = 0.002) in patients with PD with neuropathy than in age-
      and gender-matched consecutive control subjects with neuropathy without PD.
      Cumulative levodopa exposure correlated with PD duration (p = 0.001) and vitamin
      B12 levels (p = 0.044), in patients with PD with neuropathy. CONCLUSIONS:
      Neuropathy is more prevalent in patients with PD than in control subjects. This
      may be predominantly due to vitamin B12 deficiency, which could relate to
      cumulative levodopa exposure in susceptible individuals. Vitamin B12 monitoring
      and supplementation, as well as serial clinical assessment for neuropathy, may be
      advisable in patients with PD.

PMID- 22049201
TI  - Pentanucleotide repeats at the spinocerebellar ataxia type 31 (SCA31) locus in
      Caucasians.

PMID- 22049202
TI  - Parkinson disease, L-dopa, and neuropathy: did we miss something?

PMID- 22049203
TI  - Intravenous dihydroergotamine for inpatient management of refractory primary
      headaches.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine dosing and side effects of dihydroergotamine as they
      affect outcomes in primary headache disorders. METHODS: We audited our use of
      dihydroergotamine for inpatient management of disabling primary headache,
      focusing on the commonly treated problems. RESULTS: Of patients interviewed, 114
      had chronic migraine, 38 had cluster headache, and 11 had new daily persistent
      headache (NDPH). The mean time to follow-up for the entire cohort was 11 months.
      The data suggest that IV dihydroergotamine given over 5 days produces improvement
      in headache and disability in patients with migraine more than shorter courses.
      It does so with a cumulative effect after discharge up to a month. Giving more
      dihydroergotamine predicts a greater pain-free rate. Patients with cluster
      headache benefit from IV dihydroergotamine. In patients with NDPH, only those
      with migrainous symptoms responded and in that group the response was less robust
      compared with that seen in the chronic migraine cohort. CONCLUSIONS: Intravenous
      dihydroergotamine is well-tolerated, and longer treatments produce a better
      outcome. Nausea is the most common adverse effect, and its control is associated
      with a better outcome.

PMID- 22049204
TI  - Warfarin-related intraventricular hemorrhage: imaging and outcome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Oral anticoagulation therapy (OAT) with warfarin increases mortality
      and disability after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), the result of increased ICH
      volume and risk of hematoma expansion. We investigated whether OAT also
      influences risk of development of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), the volume
      of IVH and IVH expansion, and whether IVH is a substantive mediator of the
      overall effect of OAT on ICH outcome. METHODS: We performed a retrospective
      analysis of a prospectively collected single-center cohort of 1,879 consecutive
      ICH cases (796 lobar, 865 deep, 153 cerebellar, 15 multiple location, 50 primary
      IVH) from 1999 to 2009. ICH and IVH volumes at presentation, as well as hematoma
      expansion (>33% or >6 mL increase) and IVH expansion (>2 mL increase), were
      determined using established semiautomated methods. Outcome was assessed at 90
      days using either the modified Rankin Scale or Glasgow Outcome Scale. RESULTS:
      Warfarin use was associated with IVH risk, IVH volume at presentation, and IVH
      expansion in both lobar and deep ICH (all p < 0.05) in a dose-response
      relationship with international normalized ratio. Warfarin was associated with
      poor outcome in both lobar and deep ICH (p < 0.01), and >95% of this effect was
      accounted for by baseline ICH and IVH volumes, as well as ICH and IVH expansion.
      CONCLUSION: Warfarin increases IVH volume and risk of IVH expansion in lobar and
      deep ICH. These findings (along with effects on ICH volume and expansion) likely
      represent the mechanisms by which anticoagulation worsens ICH functional outcome.

PMID- 22049205
TI  - Incidence and mortality of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage in two Norwegian
      cohorts, 1984-2007.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The incidence of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) ranges from
      4 to 10 per 100,000 person-years in most countries, and 30-day case fatality is
      high. The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence and case fatality of
      aSAH and to assess preictal predictors of survival in 2 large Norwegian
      population-based cohort studies. METHODS: A total of 94,976 adults (>=20 years)
      in the Nord-Trondelag Health Study and 31,753 participants (aged >=20 years) in
      the Tromso Study were included. During follow-up, aSAHs were identified,
      incidence rates were estimated, and predictors of survival were assessed using
      Cox and Poisson regression analysis. RESULTS: A total of 214 patients with aSAH
      were identified during 2,077,927 person-years of follow-up from 1984 to 2007. The
      incidence rate was 10.3 per 100,000 person-years: 13.3 for women and 7.1 for men.
      The incidence increased by 2% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0-4) per 5-year time
      period. Case fatality at 3, 7, and 30 days was 20%, 24%, and 36%. Thirty-day case
      fatality remained stable during follow-up (odds ratio 1.01, 95% CI 0.97-1.06 per
      year). Never smokers had poorer survival after aSAH than current and former
      smokers combined (hazard ratio 1.6, 95% CI 0.9-2.9). CONCLUSIONS: The slight
      increase in incidence of aSAH over time may be explained by differences in
      diagnostic procedures. Case fatality remained stable during 23 years of follow
      up.

PMID- 22049206
TI  - Kinase activation of ClC-3 accelerates cytoplasmic condensation during mitotic
      cell rounding.
AB  - "Mitotic cell rounding" describes the rounding of mammalian cells before dividing
      into two daughter cells. This shape change requires coordinated cytoskeletal
      contraction and changes in osmotic pressure. While considerable research has been
      devoted to understanding mechanisms underlying cytoskeletal contraction, little
      is known about how osmotic gradients are involved in cell division. Here we
      describe cytoplasmic condensation preceding cell division, termed "premitotic
      condensation" (PMC), which involves cells extruding osmotically active Cl(-) via
      ClC-3, a voltage-gated channel/transporter. This leads to a decrease in
      cytoplasmic volume during mitotic cell rounding and cell division. Using a
      combination of time-lapse microscopy and biophysical measurements, we demonstrate
      that PMC involves the activation of ClC-3 by Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein
      kinase II (CaMKII) in human glioma cells. Knockdown of endogenous ClC-3 protein
      expression eliminated CaMKII-dependent Cl(-) currents in dividing cells and
      impeded PMC. Thus, kinase-dependent changes in Cl(-) conductance contribute to an
      outward osmotic pressure in dividing cells, which facilitates cytoplasmic
      condensation preceding cell division.

PMID- 22049207
TI  - This, too, shall pass--like a kidney stone: a possible path to prophylaxis of
      nephrolithiasis? Focus on "Cholinergic signaling inhibits oxalate transport by
      human intestinal T84 cells".

PMID- 22049208
TI  - The Na+-K+-ATPase as self-adhesion molecule and hormone receptor.
AB  - Thanks to the homeostasis of the internal milieu, metazoan cells can enormously
      simplify their housekeeping efforts and engage instead in differentiation and
      multiple forms of organization (tissues, organs, systems) that enable them to
      produce an astonishing diversity of mammals. The stability of the internal milieu
      despite drastic variations of the external environment (air, fresh or seawater,
      gastrointestinal fluids, glomerular filtrate, bile) is due to transporting
      epithelia that can adjust their specific permeability to H(2)O, H(+), Na(+),
      K(+), Ca(2+), and Cl(-) over several orders of magnitude and exchange substances
      with the outer milieu with exquisite precision. This exchange is due to the
      polarized expression of membrane proteins, among them Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase, an
      oligomeric enzyme that uses chemical energy from ATP molecules to translocate
      ions across the plasma membrane of epithelial cells. Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase presents
      two types of asymmetries: the arrangement of its subunits, and its expression in
      one pole of the epithelial cell ("polarity"). In most epithelia, polarity
      consists of the expression of Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase towards the intercellular space
      and arises in part from the interaction of the extracellular segment of the beta
      subunit with another beta-subunit present in a Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase molecule
      expressed by a neighboring cell. In addition to enabling the Na(+)-K(+)-ATPase to
      transport ions and water vectorially, this position exposes its receptors to
      ouabain and analogous cardiotonic steroids, which are present in the internal
      milieu because these were secreted by endocrine cells.

PMID- 22049209
TI  - Ischemia-induced stimulation of cerebral microvascular endothelial cell Na-K-Cl
      cotransport involves p38 and JNK MAP kinases.
AB  - Previous studies have provided evidence that, in the early hours of ischemic
      stroke, a luminal membrane blood-brain barrier (BBB) Na-K-Cl cotransporter (NKCC)
      participates in ischemia-induced cerebral edema formation. Inhibition of BBB NKCC
      activity by intravenous bumetanide significantly reduces edema and infarct in the
      rat permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion model of ischemic stroke. We
      demonstrated previously that the BBB cotransporter is stimulated by hypoxia,
      aglycemia, and AVP, factors present during cerebral ischemia. However, the
      underlying mechanisms have not been known. Ischemic conditions have been shown to
      activate p38 and JNK MAP kinases (MAPKs) in brain, and the p38 and JNK inhibitors
      SB-239063 and SP-600125, respectively, have been found to reduce brain damage
      following middle cerebral artery occlusion and subarachnoid hemorrhage,
      respectively. The present study was conducted to determine whether one or both of
      these MAPKs participates in ischemic factor stimulation of BBB NKCC activity.
      Cultured cerebral microvascular endothelial cell NKCC activity was evaluated as
      bumetanide-sensitive (86)Rb influx. Activities of p38 and JNK were assessed by
      Western blot and immunofluorescence methods using antibodies that detect total
      vs. phosphorylated (activated) p38 or JNK. We report that p38 and JNK are present
      in cultured cerebral microvascular endothelial cells and in BBB endothelial cells
      in situ and that hypoxia (7% O(2) and 2% O(2)), aglycemia, AVP, and O(2)-glucose
      deprivation (5- to 120-min exposures) all rapidly activate p38 and JNK in the
      cells. We also provide evidence that SB-239063 and SP-600125 reduce or abolish
      ischemic factor stimulation of BBB NKCC activity. These findings support the
      hypothesis that ischemic factor stimulation of the BBB NKCC involves activation
      of p38 and JNK MAPKs.

PMID- 22049210
TI  - T-type Ca2+ channels in mouse embryonic stem cells: modulation during cell cycle
      and contribution to self-renewal.
AB  - Ion channels participate in cell homeostasis and are involved in the regulation
      of proliferation and differentiation in several cell types; however, their
      presence and function in embryonic stem (ES) cells are poorly studied. We have
      investigated the existence of voltage-dependent inward currents in mouse ES cells
      and their ability to modulate proliferation and self-renewal. Patch-clamped ES
      cells had inactivating tetrodotoxin (TTX)-sensitive Na(+) currents as well as
      transient Ca(2+) currents abolished by the external application of Ni(2+).
      Biophysical and pharmacological data indicated that the Ca(2+) current is
      predominantly mediated by T-type (Ca(v)3.2) channels. The number of cells
      expressing T-type channels and Ca(v)3.2 mRNA levels increased at the G1/S
      transition of the cell cycle. TTX had no effect on ES cell proliferation.
      However, blockade of T-type Ca(2+) currents with Ni(2+) induced a decrease in
      proliferation and alkaline phosphatase positive colonies as well as reduced
      expression of Oct3/4 and Nanog, all indicative of loss in self-renewal capacity.
      Decreased alkaline phosphatase and Oct3/4 expression were also observed in cells
      subjected to small interfering RNA-induced knockdown for T-type (Ca(v)3.2) Ca(2+)
      channels, thus partially recapitulating the pharmacological effects on self
      renewal. These results indicate that Ca(v)3.2 channel expression in ES cells is
      modulated along the cell cycle being induced at late G1 phase. They also suggest
      that these channels are involved in the maintenance of the undifferentiated state
      of mouse ES cells. We propose that Ca(2+) entry mediated by Ca(v)3.2 channels
      might be one of the intracellular signals that participate in the complex network
      responsible for ES cell self-renewal.

PMID- 22049211
TI  - Calsequestrin (CASQ1) rescues function and structure of calcium release units in
      skeletal muscles of CASQ1-null mice.
AB  - Amplitude of Ca(2+) transients, ultrastructure of Ca(2+) release units, and
      molecular composition of sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) are altered in fast-twitch
      skeletal muscles of calsequestrin-1 (CASQ1)-null mice. To determine whether such
      changes are directly caused by CASQ1 ablation or are instead the result of
      adaptive mechanisms, here we assessed ability of CASQ1 in rescuing the null
      phenotype. In vivo reintroduction of CASQ1 was carried out by cDNA electro
      transfer in flexor digitorum brevis muscle of the mouse. Exogenous CASQ1 was
      found to be correctly targeted to the junctional SR (jSR), as judged by
      immunofluorescence and confocal microscopy; terminal cisternae (TC) lumen was
      filled with electron dense material and its width was significantly increased, as
      judged by electron microscopy; peak amplitude of Ca(2+) transients was
      significantly increased compared with null muscle fibers transfected only with
      green fluorescent protein (control); and finally, transfected fibers were able to
      sustain cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration during prolonged tetanic stimulation. Only
      the expression of TC proteins, such as calsequestrin 2, sarcalumenin, and
      triadin, was not rescued as judged by Western blot. Thus our results support the
      view that CASQ1 plays a key role in both Ca(2+) homeostasis and TC structure.

PMID- 22049212
TI  - Integrin alpha6beta4 cooperates with LPA signaling to stimulate Rac through AKAP
      Lbc-mediated RhoA activation.
AB  - The alpha(6)beta(4) integrin promotes carcinoma invasion through its ability to
      promote directed migration and polarization of carcinoma cells. In this study, we
      explore how the alpha(6)beta(4) integrin cooperates with lysophosphatidic acid
      (LPA) to activate Rho and Rac small GTPases. Through the use of dominant negative
      Rho constructs, C3 exotransferase, and Rho kinase inhibitor, we find that Rho is
      critical for LPA-dependent chemotaxis and lamellae formation. However,
      utilization of specific Rho isoforms depends on integrin alpha(6)beta(4)
      expression status. Integrin alpha(6)beta(4)-negative MDA-MB-435 cells utilize
      only RhoC for motility, whereas integrin alpha(6)beta(4)-expressing cells utilize
      RhoC but additionally activate and utilize RhoA for LPA-dependent cell motility
      and lamellae formation. Notably, the activation of RhoA by cooperative LPA and
      integrin alpha(6)beta(4) signaling requires the Rho guanine nucleotide exchange
      factor AKAP-Lbc. We also determine that integrin alpha(6)beta(4) cannot activate
      Rac1 directly but promotes LPA-mediated Rac1 activation that is dependent on RhoA
      activity and de novo beta(1) integrin ligation. Finally, we find that the
      regulation of Rac1 and RhoA in response to LPA is differentially regulated by
      phosphodiesterases, PKA, and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, thus supporting their
      spatially distinct compartmentalization. In summary, signaling from integrin
      alpha(6)beta(4) facilitates LPA-stimulated chemotaxis through preferential
      activation of RhoA, which, in turn, facilitates activation of Rac1.

PMID- 22049213
TI  - Functional role of NHE4 as a pH regulator in rat and human colonic crypts.
AB  - To regulate ionic and fluid homeostasis, the colon relies upon a series of Na(+)
      dependent transport proteins. Recent studies have identified a sodium/hydrogen
      exchanger (NHE) 4 (NHE4) protein in the gastrointestinal tract but to date there
      has been little description of its function. Additionally, we have previously
      shown that aldosterone can rapidly modulate Na(+)-dependent proton excretion via
      NHE proteins. In this study we examined the role of NHE4 in rat and human colonic
      crypts, determined the effect of aldosterone on NHE4 specifically, and explored
      the intracellular pathways leading to activation. Colonic samples were dissected
      from Sprague-Dawley rats. Human specimens were obtained from patients undergoing
      elective colon resections. Crypts were isolated using ethylenediaminetetraacetic
      acid and intracellular pH (pH(i)) changes were monitored using 2'-7'
      bis(carboxyethyl)-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein (BCECF). Crypts were exposed to 7 MUM
      ethylisopropylamiloride or 400 MUM amiloride, doses previously shown to inhibit
      NHE1 and NHE3 but allow NHE4 to remain active. Functional NHE4 activity was
      demonstrated in both rat and human colonic crypts. NHE4 activity was increased in
      the presence of 1 MUM aldosterone. In the rat model, crypts were exposed to 100
      MUM 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine/1 MUM forskolin and demonstrated a decrease in
      NHE4 activity with increased cAMP levels. No significant change in NHE4 activity
      was seen by increasing osmolarity. These results demonstrate functional NHE4
      activity in the rat and human colon and an increase in activity by aldosterone.
      This novel exchanger is capable of modulating intracellular pH over a wide pH
      spectrum and may play an important role in maintaining cellular pH homeostasis.

PMID- 22049214
TI  - Toll-like receptor deficiency worsens inflammation and lymphedema after lymphatic
      injury.
AB  - Mechanisms regulating lymphedema pathogenesis remain unknown. Recently, we have
      shown that lymphatic fluid stasis increases endogenous danger signal expression,
      and these molecules influence lymphatic repair (Zampbell JC, et al. Am J Physiol
      Cell Physiol 300: C1107-C1121, 2011). Endogenous danger signals activate Toll
      like receptors (TLR) 2, 4, and 9 and induce homeostatic or harmful responses,
      depending on physiological context. The purpose of this study was to determine
      the role of TLRs in regulating tissue responses to lymphatic fluid stasis. A
      surgical model of lymphedema was used in which wild-type or TLR2, 4, or 9
      knockout (KO) mice underwent tail lymphatic excision. Six weeks postoperatively,
      TLR KOs demonstrated markedly increased tail edema compared with wild-type
      animals (50-200% increase; P < 0.01), and this effect was most pronounced in TLR4
      KOs (P < 0.01). TLR deficiency resulted in decreased interstitial and lymphatic
      transport, abnormal lymphatic architecture, and fewer capillary lymphatics (40
      50% decrease; P < 0.001). Lymphedematous tissues of TLR KOs demonstrated
      increased leukocyte infiltration (P < 0.001 for TLR4 KOs), including higher
      numbers of infiltrating CD3+ cells (P < 0.05, TLR4 and TLR9 KO), yet decreased
      infiltrating F4/80+ macrophages (P < 0.05, all groups). Furthermore, analysis of
      isolated macrophages revealed twofold reductions in VEGF-C (P < 0.01) and LYVE-1
      (P < 0.05) mRNA from TLR2-deficient animals. Finally, TLR deficiency was
      associated with increased collagen type I deposition and increased transforming
      growth factor-beta1 expression (P < 0.01, TLR4 and TLR9 KO), contributing to
      dermal fibrosis. In conclusion, TLR deficiency worsens tissue responses to
      lymphatic fluid stasis and is associated with decreased lymphangiogenesis,
      increased fibrosis, and reduced macrophage infiltration. These findings suggest a
      role for innate immune responses, including TLR signaling, in lymphatic repair
      and lymphedema pathogenesis.

PMID- 22049215
TI  - Ligand-induced internalization of the type 1 cholecystokinin receptor independent
      of recognized signaling activity.
AB  - Receptor ligands, identified as antagonists, based on the absence of stimulation
      of signaling, can rarely stimulate receptor internalization. d-Tyr-Gly
      [(Nle(28,31),d-Trp(30))CCK-26-32]-2-phenylethyl ester (d-Trp-OPE) is such a
      ligand that binds to the cholecystokinin (CCK) receptor and stimulates
      internalization. Here, the molecular basis of this trafficking event is explored,
      with the assumption that ligand binding initiates conformational change, exposing
      an epitope to direct endocytosis. Ligand-stimulated internalization was studied
      morphologically using fluorescent CCK and d-Trp-OPE. d-Trp-OPE occupation of
      Chinese hamster ovary cell receptors stimulated internalization into the same
      region as CCK. Arrestin-biased action was ruled out using morphological
      translocation of fluorescent arrestin 2 and arrestin 3, moving to the membrane in
      response to CCK, but not d-Trp-OPE. Possible roles of the carboxyl terminus were
      studied using truncated receptor constructs, eliminating the proline-rich distal
      tail, the serine/threonine-rich midregion, and the remainder to the vicinal
      cysteines. None of these constructs disrupted d-Trp-OPE-stimulated
      internalization. Possible contributions of transmembrane segments were studied
      using competitive inhibition with peptides that also had no effect. Intracellular
      regions were studied with a similar strategy using coexpressing cell lines.
      Peptides corresponding to ends of each loop region were studied, with only the
      peptide at the carboxyl end of the third loop inhibiting d-Trp-OPE-stimulated
      internalization but having no effect on CCK-stimulated internalization. The
      region contributing to this effect was refined to peptide 309-323, located below
      the recognized G protein-association motif. While a receptor in which this
      segment was deleted did internalize in response to d-Trp-OPE, it exhibited
      abnormal ligand binding and did not signal in response to CCK, suggesting an
      abnormal conformation and possible mechanism of internalization distinct from
      that being studied. This interpretation was further supported by the inability of
      peptide 309-323 to inhibit its d-Trp-OPE-stimulated internalization. Thus the 309
      323 region of the type 1 CCK receptor affects antagonist-stimulated
      internalization of this receptor, although its mechanism and interacting partner
      are not yet clear.

PMID- 22049216
TI  - Predicting clinical behaviour of breast phyllodes tumours: a nomogram based on
      histological criteria and surgical margins.
AB  - AIM: To define a predictive model for clinical behaviour of breast phyllodes
      tumours (PT) using histological parameters and surgical margin status. METHODS:
      Cases of breast PT diagnosed in the Department of Pathology Singapore General
      Hospital between January 1992 and December 2010 were stratified into benign,
      borderline and malignant grades based on a combination of histological parameters
      (stromal atypia, hypercellularity, mitoses, overgrowth and nature of tumour
      borders). Surgical margin status was assessed. Clinical follow-up and
      biostatistical modelling were accomplished. RESULTS: Of 605 PT, 440 (72.7%) were
      benign, 111 (18.4%) borderline and 54 (8.9%) malignant. Recurrences, which were
      predominantly local, were documented in 80 (13.2%) women. Deaths from PT occurred
      in 12 (2%) women. Multivariate analysis revealed stromal atypia, overgrowth and
      surgical margins to be independently predictive of clinical behaviour, with
      mitoses achieving near significance. Stromal hypercellularity and tumour borders
      were not independently useful. A nomogram developed based on atypia, mitoses,
      overgrowth and surgical margins (AMOS criteria) could predict recurrence-free
      survival at 1, 3, 5 and 10 years. This nomogram was superior to a total
      histological score derived from adding values assigned to each of five
      histological parameters. CONCLUSION: A predictive nomogram based on three
      histological criteria and surgical margin status can be used to calculate
      recurrence-free survival of an individual woman diagnosed with PT. This can be
      applied for patient counselling and clinical management.

PMID- 22049218
TI  - A review of the clinical presentation, natural history and inheritance of
      variegate porphyria: its implausibility as the source of the 'Royal Malady'.
AB  - It has been suggested that King George III of Great Britain suffered from the
      haem biosynthetic disorder, variegate porphyria. This diagnosis is pervasive
      throughout the scientific and popular literature, and is often referred to as the
      'Royal Malady.' The authors believe it inappropriate to view the case for
      porphyria purely in terms of symptoms, as has generally been the case in his
      presumptive acute porphyria diagnosis. Accordingly, this review provides a
      current description of the natural history and clinical presentation of the
      porphyrias, against which we measure the case for porphyria in George III and his
      relatives. The authors have critically assessed the prevalence of porphyria in a
      population, the expected patterns and frequency of inheritance, its penetrance
      and its expected natural history in affected individuals, and conclude that
      neither George nor his relatives had porphyria, based on four principal reasons.
      First, the rarity of the disease mandates a very low prior probability, and
      therefore implies a vanishingly low positive predictive value for any diagnostic
      indicator of low specificity, such as a historical reading of the symptoms.
      Second, penetrance of this autosomal dominant disorder is approximately 40%, and
      one may expect to have identified characteristic clinical features of porphyria
      in a large number of descendants without difficulty. Third, the symptoms of both
      George III and his relatives are highly atypical for porphyria and are more
      appropriately explained by other much commoner conditions. Finally, the natural
      history of the illnesses reported in this family is as atypical for variegate
      porphyria as are their symptoms.

PMID- 22049217
TI  - Antifungal treatment affects the laboratory diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis.
AB  - AIMS: The purpose of this study was to investigate the performance of non
      invasive diagnostic tests such as galactomannan enzyme immunoassay and
      quantitative PCR in the early diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis (IA), and how
      these tests are impacted upon by the use of different classes of antifungal
      agents in an in-vivo model of IA. METHODS: A standardised rat inhalation model of
      IA was used to examine the effects of an azole, posaconazole, a polyene,
      amphotericin B and an echinocandin caspofungin. Daily blood samples were
      collected for subsequent analysis using a commercially available galactomannan
      assay and an inhouse qPCR assay. RESULTS: No significant differences were
      observed in the CE/g of Aspergillus fumigatus in the lungs of each group. qPCR
      was statistically more sensitive than galactomannan for both the early detection
      of infected controls (p=0.045) and for overall detection (p=0.018). However,
      antifungal treatment significantly reduced the overall sensitivity of qPCR
      (p=0.020); these effects were due to posaconazole and caspofungin. In the latter
      stages of infection (days 4 and 5) there were no significant differences in the
      numbers of infections detected by galactomannan and qPCR; however, the antifungal
      class used caused significant qualitative differences (p=0.041). Galactomannan
      showed improved detection in posaconazole-treated animals. CONCLUSIONS: Previous
      exposure to antifungal therapy must be considered when interpreting either qPCR
      or galactomannan-based IA diagnostics as this study has shown that individual
      classes of antifungal agents impact upon the dynamics of antigen and DNA release
      into the circulation.

PMID- 22049219
TI  - Preanalytical mixing of whole-blood specimens in the context of the Athlete
      Passport.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Full blood counts are now used as evidence that athletes have used
      banned blood doping. This has led to legal scrutiny of the efficacy of
      preanalytical procedures such as specimen homogenisation. AIMS: To characterise
      the impact of different mixing strategies on whole-blood homogeneity. METHODS:
      Manual inversion, mechanical mixing and automatic mixing performed by the Sysmex
      XT-2000i were evaluated. RESULTS: Automated mixing by the instrument, or 1 min of
      mechanical mixing, thoroughly homogenised specimens even for tubes that had been
      refrigerated and left undisturbed for 36 h. Manual inversions were almost as
      effective, provided that specimens were first allowed to equilibrate to ambient
      temperatures. CONCLUSIONS: Current sport guidelines that mandate at least 15 min
      of mechanical mixing are excessive. Except where specimens are presented to the
      instrument manually, mechanical mixing is redundant in the context of full blood
      counts.

PMID- 22049220
TI  - Is breast specimen shrinkage really a problem in breast-conserving surgery?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Breast-conserving surgery currently focuses on improving margin
      clearance and excision volume, the main pathology report parameters for
      oncological and cosmetic outcomes. AIM: To quantitatively evaluate discrepancies
      in surgical and pathological estimates of breast specimen sizes, including the
      influence of formalin fixation. METHODS: This prospective multicentre study
      included 68 breast specimens of consecutive patients undergoing breast-conserving
      surgery for breast cancer in three affiliated hospitals between November 2010 to
      May 2011. Specimens were weighed immediately after excision. Specimen volumes
      were calculated from the length, width and height. Actual specimen volumes were
      measured using volume displacement. Specimens were weighed once again after
      arrival at the pathology department, and volumes recalculated. The smallest pre-
      and post-fixation distances to the tumour-free margin were compared. RESULTS: The
      mean surgical specimen weight was 47.7 g and was approximately similar to the
      actual specimen volume of 49.8 cm(3). The weights of specimens immediately
      following surgery and on pathological appraisal were equal (p=0.94). The
      calculated volumes differed significantly from the actual specimen volumes
      (p>0.05). The mean distance to the closest tumour-free margin, 0.35 cm, was not
      altered by formalin fixation (p=0.1). CONCLUSIONS: No evidence was found to
      suggest that surgical breast specimens shrink in the period between the surgical
      procedure and pathological examination, or following formalin fixation. The
      pathological appraisal of specimen margins and volumes is not affected by changes
      in specimen size. As calculations of specimen volumes are unreliable, the use of
      water displacement or the more readily available specimen weight is recommended
      for accurate volume measurement. Pathologists should be encouraged to always
      measure and record specimen weight.

PMID- 22049221
TI  - Electron microscope study on a transmissible cytotoxic factor isolated from
      cerebrospinal fluid of neurological patients: analysis of its structure and of
      its effects on various types of cell cultures.
AB  - AIMS: In previous studies, the present group showed that a factor, present in the
      cerebrospinal fluid of seven neuro-patients, was capable of inducing cell damages
      on cell cultures of epithelial cells (Vero), glial cells (DG54-MG) and human
      primary lymphocytes. The cytotoxicity, once induced, could be transmitted to
      fresh cell cultures using crude preparations obtained from the cytotoxic cell
      cultures. METHODS AND RESULTS: The present electron microscope study describes in
      detail the pathological changes occurring in the previously assayed cultured cell
      types, and for the first time in human fibroblasts, as a consequence of the
      treatment with crude cytotoxic preparation. It also demonstrates with reasonable
      certainty the absence of virus-like particles in both the treated cells and the
      partially purified cytotoxic fraction. Indeed high-resolution electron microscopy
      analysis shows that this fraction consists almost entirely of protein spheroids
      with a diameter of 8-12 nm. CONCLUSIONS: The possible significance of nanotubular
      aggregates, observed in particular in the glial and in the epithelial cells
      undergoing cytotoxic damage, is also discussed.

PMID- 22049222
TI  - Female Anderson--Fabry disease mimicking hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

PMID- 22049223
TI  - Correlation between expression of cellular retinol-binding protein 1 and its
      methylation status in larynx cancer.
AB  - AIMS: The authors have previously reported that cellular retinol-binding protein
      1 (CRBP1) gene gain and its expression correlated significantly with survival in
      laryngeal carcinoma patients. The authors hypothesised that inactivation of the
      CRBP1 gene through CpG methylation is associated with patient status and gene
      expression. In this work, the authors determine the expression and methylation
      status of the CRBP1 gene and its correlation with clinical variables of laryngeal
      carcinoma patients. METHODS: The CRBP1 gene methylation promoter was assessed by
      methylation specific PCR analysis in tissue samples from larynx cancer specimens
      and its expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry on paraffin embedded
      tissue using tissue microarray. The results were then compared with the clinical
      pathological variables and outcome measures. The study included 46 samples from
      patients with non-metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx without any
      previous oncological treatments. RESULTS: Lack of CRBP1 expression was seen in 17
      of the 46 laryngeal carcinoma samples, while the remaining 29 samples showed
      increased expression. Significant associations were found between CRBP1
      expression and methylation and patient status. There was a tendency for
      association in all clinical stages of the disease. CRBP1 gene expression and its
      unmethylated promoter correlated significantly with survival (p<0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: An early event of larynx cancer could be CRBP1 expression related to
      unmethylation of the promoter region. These features could also be associated
      with good response and survival. The authors hypothesised that increased
      expression and unmethylated promoter of the CRBP1 gene could be considered as
      markers for larynx cancer.

PMID- 22049224
TI  - Antigens of persistent Chlamydia pneumoniae within coronary atheroma from
      patients undergoing heart transplantation.
AB  - AIMS: In order for Chlamydia pneumoniae to play a causative role in chronic human
      disease, it would need to persist within infected tissue for extended periods of
      time. Current theory suggests that C pneumoniae may persist at the site of
      infection via an alternative replicative form, known as an aberrant body.
      METHODS: A panel of C pneumoniae-specific antibodies upregulated by the aberrant
      body was used to probe tissue specimens from the coronary atheroma from 13
      explanted hearts to identify patterns of reactivity in these tissues, as well as
      to determine the presence and prevalence of C pneumoniae aberrant bodies.
      RESULTS: Six of 13 patients had an ischaemic cardiomyopathy secondary to coronary
      atherosclerosis, while another six patients had an idiopathic, dilated
      cardiomyopathy. One additional patient, a young (24 years) woman with
      cardiomyopathy, had no history of atherosclerotic disease. Eleven patients were
      positive by immunohistochemistry with at least one antibody. Coronary arteries of
      the two other patients were negative by immunohistochemistry with all antibodies.
      One of these patients was the 24-year-old woman with grade I disease and no risk
      factors for coronary artery disease. CONCLUSIONS: The protein antigens of
      persistent C pneumoniae infection found in the atheromatous lesions from patients
      in this study could potentially be used as markers to detect such infections and
      some may be virulence factors or immunogens specific to C pneumoniae, thus
      serving as target molecules for diagnostic use or therapeutic intervention.

PMID- 22049225
TI  - Tumour-infiltrating macrophages and clinical outcome in breast cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Macrophages constitute a major component of the leucocytic infiltrate
      of tumours. Human studies show an association between tumour-associated
      macrophages and tumours with poor prognostic features. In breast cancer, the
      presence of macrophages has been correlated with increased angiogenesis and poor
      prognosis but little information is available about the independent prognostic
      role of macrophages infiltrating breast carcinomas. AIMS AND METHODS: This study
      used immunohistochemistry and tissue microarrays to assess the density and
      localisation of CD68 macrophages infiltrating 1322 breast tumours and to identify
      any relationship with clinicopathological factors and patient outcome. RESULTS:
      Tumour-infiltrating macrophages were present in the majority of tumours with a
      predominantly diffuse pattern. The density of distant stromal macrophages
      (infiltrating stroma away from the carcinoma, median count 14 cells) was higher
      than intratumoural (median zero cells) and adjacent stromal macrophages (median
      three cells). Higher total macrophage number was associated with higher tumour
      grade (r(s)=0.39, p<0.001), ER and PgR negativity, HER-2 positivity and basal
      phenotype (p<0.001). In univariate survival analysis, higher numbers of CD68
      macrophages were significantly associated with worse breast cancer-specific
      survival (p<0.001) and shorter disease-free interval (p=0.004). However in
      multivariate model analysis, the CD68 macrophage count was not an independent
      prognostic marker. CONCLUSIONS: Macrophages are heterogeneous with different
      subsets having different functions. The present study suggests that overall
      macrophage numbers are not related to prognosis in breast cancer. However,
      further studies are needed to investigate the potential role of different subsets
      of macrophages.

PMID- 22049226
TI  - Receptor activator for nuclear factor kappa B expression predicts poor prognosis
      in breast cancer patients with bone metastasis but not in patients with visceral
      metastasis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It was recently reported that receptor activator for nuclear factor
      kappa B ligand (RANKL)/receptor activator for nuclear factor kappa B (RANK)
      pathway is critical for RANK-expressing cancer cells to home to bone and
      associates with disease progression of cancer. The present study was aimed to
      evaluate the effect of RANK on prognosis in breast cancer patients with bone
      metastasis and patients with visceral metastasis. METHODS: Immunohistochemical
      staining for RANK was carried out on paraffin-embedded primary tumour tissue
      sections from 102 patients with metastatic breast cancer. Survival analysis and
      Cox proportional hazards model were used to explore the prognostic value of RANK
      expression in breast cancer. RESULTS: The RANK expression rates were 47.1% in
      metastatic breast cancer. Patients with RANK expression showed significantly poor
      progression-free survival and disease-specific survival. Subgroup analysis
      demonstrated that the significant difference in prognosis completely resulted
      from the occurrence of bone metastasis. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that
      RANK expression was an independent predictor of bone metastasis-free survival and
      disease-specific survival in patients with bone metastasis. CONCLUSIONS: RANK
      expression might be an independent predictor of poor prognosis in breast cancer
      patients with bone metastasis, and RANK expression does not associate with the
      prognosis in patients with visceral metastasis.

PMID- 22049227
TI  - Serglycin: a structural and functional chameleon with wide impact on immune
      cells.
AB  - Among the different proteoglycans expressed by mammals, serglycin is in most
      immune cells the dominating species. A unique property of serglycin is its
      ability to adopt highly divergent structures, because of glycosylation with
      variable types of glycosaminoglycans when expressed by different cell types.
      Recent studies of serglycin-deficient animals have revealed crucial functions for
      serglycin in a diverse array of immunological processes. However, its exact
      function varies to a large extent depending on the cellular context of serglycin
      expression. Based on these findings, serglycin is emerging as a structural and
      functional chameleon, with radically different properties depending on its exact
      cellular and immunological context.

PMID- 22049228
TI  - R-alpha-lipoic acid does not reverse hepatic inflammation of aging, but lowers
      lipid anabolism, while accentuating circadian rhythm transcript profiles.
AB  - To determine the effects of age and lipoic acid supplementation on hepatic gene
      expression, we fed young (3 mo) and old (24 mo) male Fischer 344 rats a diet with
      or without 0.2% (wt/wt) R-alpha-lipoic acid (LA) for 2 wk. Total RNA isolated
      from liver tissue was analyzed by Affymetrix microarray to examine changes in
      transcriptional profiles. Results showed elevated proinflammatory gene expression
      in the aging liver and evidence for increased immune cell activation and tissue
      remodeling, together representing 45% of the age-related transcriptome changes.
      In addition, age-related increases in transcripts of genes related to fatty acid,
      triglyceride, and cholesterol synthesis, including acetyl-CoA carboxylase-beta
      (Acacb) and fatty acid synthase (Fasn), were observed. Supplementation of old
      animals with LA did not reverse the necroinflammatory phenotype but,
      intriguingly, altered the expression of genes governing circadian rhythm. Most
      notably, Arntl, Npas2, and Per changed in a coordinated manner with respect to
      rhythmic transcription. LA further caused a decrease in transcripts of several
      bile acid and lipid synthesis genes, including Acacb and Fasn, which are
      regulated by first-order clock transcription factors. Similar effects of LA
      supplementation on bile acid and lipid synthesis genes were observed in young
      animals. Transcript changes of lipid metabolism genes were corroborated by a
      decrease in FASN and ACC protein levels. We conclude that advanced age is
      associated with a necroinflammatory phenotype and increased lipid synthesis,
      while chronic LA supplementation influences hepatic genes associated with lipid
      and energy metabolism and circadian rhythm, regardless of age.

PMID- 22049229
TI  - Divergent mechanism regulating fluid intake and metabolism by the brain renin
      angiotensin system.
AB  - The purpose of this review is two-fold. First, I will highlight recent advances
      in our understanding of the mechanisms regulating angiotensin II (ANG II)
      synthesis in the brain, focusing on evidence that renin is expressed in the brain
      and is expressed in two forms: a secreted form, which may catalyze extracellular
      ANG I generation from glial or neuronal angiotensinogen (AGT), and an
      intracellular form, which may generate intracellular ANG in neurons that may act
      as a neurotransmitter. Second, I will discuss recent studies that advance the
      concept that the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in the brain not only is a potent
      regulator of blood pressure and fluid intake but may also regulate metabolism.
      The efferent pathways regulating the blood pressure/dipsogenic effects and the
      metabolic effects of elevated central RAS activity appear different, with the
      former being dependent upon the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, and the
      latter being dependent upon an interaction between the brain and the systemic (or
      adipose) RAS.

PMID- 22049230
TI  - Acid secretion by mitochondrion-rich cells of medaka (Oryzias latipes) acclimated
      to acidic freshwater.
AB  - In the present study, medaka embryos were exposed to acidified freshwater (pH 5)
      to investigate the mechanism of acid secretion by mitochondrion-rich (MR) cells
      in embryonic skin. With double or triple in situ
      hybridization/immunocytochemistry, the Na(+)/H(+) exchanger 3 (NHE3) and H(+)
      ATPase were localized in two distinct subtypes of MR cells. NHE3 was expressed in
      apical membranes of a major proportion of MR cells, whereas H(+)-ATPase was
      expressed in basolateral membranes of a much smaller proportion of MR cells. Gill
      mRNA levels of NHE3 and H(+)-ATPase and the two subtypes of MR cells in yolk sac
      skin were increased by acid acclimation; however, the mRNA level of NHE3 was
      remarkably higher than that of H(+)-ATPase. A scanning ion-selective electrode
      technique was used to measure H(+), Na(+), and NH(4)(+) transport by individual
      MR cells in larval skin. Results showed that Na(+) uptake and NH(4)(+) excretion
      by MR cells increased after acid acclimation. These findings suggested that the
      NHE3/Rh glycoprotein-mediated Na(+) uptake/NH(4)(+) excretion mechanism plays a
      critical role in acidic equivalent (H(+)/NH(4)(+)) excretion by MR cells of the
      freshwater medaka.

PMID- 22049231
TI  - Oxidative stress contributes to sex differences in angiotensin II-mediated
      hypertension in spontaneously hypertensive rats.
AB  - NADPH oxidase has been implicated in ANG II-induced oxidative stress and
      hypertension in males; however, the contribution of oxidative stress to ANG II
      hypertension in females is unknown. In the present study, we tested the
      hypothesis that greater antioxidant capacity in female spontaneously hypertensive
      rats (SHR) blunts ANG II-induced oxidative stress and hypertension relative to
      males. Whole body and renal cortical oxidative stress levels were assessed in
      female and male SHR left untreated or following 2 wk of chronic ANG II infusion.
      Chronic ANG II infusion increased NADPH oxidase enzymatic activity in the renal
      cortex of both sexes; however, this increase only reached significance in female
      SHR. In contrast, male SHR demonstrated a greater increase in all measurements of
      reactive oxygen species production in response to chronic ANG II infusion. ANG II
      infusion increased plasma superoxide dismutase activity only in female SHR (76 +/
      9 vs. 190 +/- 7 Units.ml(-1).mg(-1), P < 0.05); however, cortical antioxidant
      capacity was unchanged by ANG II in either sex. To assess the functional
      implication of alterations in NADPH enzymatic activity and oxidative stress
      levels following ANG II infusion, additional experiments assessed the ability of
      the in vivo antioxidant apocynin to modulate ANG II hypertension. Apocynin
      significantly blunted ANG II hypertension in male SHR (174 +/- 2 vs. 151 +/- 1
      mmHg, P < 0.05), with no effect in females (160 +/- 11 vs. 163 +/- 10 mmHg).
      These data suggest that ANG II hypertension in male SHR is more dependent on
      increases in oxidative stress than in female SHR.

PMID- 22049232
TI  - Chronic renin inhibition with aliskiren improves glucose tolerance, insulin
      sensitivity, and skeletal muscle glucose transport activity in obese Zucker rats.
AB  - We have demonstrated previously that overactivity of the renin-angiotensin system
      (RAS) is associated with whole body and skeletal muscle insulin resistance in
      obese Zucker (fa/fa) rats. Moreover, this obesity-associated insulin resistance
      is reduced by treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or
      angiotensin receptor (type 1) blockers. However, it is currently unknown whether
      specific inhibition of renin itself, the rate-limiting step in RAS functionality,
      improves insulin action in obesity-associated insulin resistance. Therefore, the
      present study assessed the effect of chronic, selective renin inhibition using
      aliskiren on glucose tolerance, whole body insulin sensitivity, and insulin
      action on the glucose transport system in skeletal muscle of obese Zucker rats.
      Obese Zucker rats were treated for 21 days with either vehicle or aliskiren (50
      mg/kg body wt ip). Renin inhibition was associated with a significant lowering
      (10%, P < 0.05) of resting systolic blood pressure and induced reductions in
      fasting plasma glucose (11%) and free fatty acids (46%) and homeostatic model
      assessment for insulin resistance (13%). Glucose tolerance (glucose area under
      the curve) and whole body insulin sensitivity (inverse of the glucose-insulin
      index) during an oral glucose tolerance test were improved by 15% and 16%,
      respectively, following chronic renin inhibition. Moreover, insulin-stimulated
      glucose transport activity in isolated soleus muscle of renin inhibitor-treated
      animals was increased by 36% and was associated with a 2.2-fold greater Akt
      Ser(473) phosphorylation. These data provide evidence that chronic selective
      inhibition of renin activity leads to improvements in glucose tolerance and whole
      body insulin sensitivity in the insulin-resistant obese Zucker rat. Importantly,
      chronic renin inhibition is associated with upregulation of insulin action on
      skeletal muscle glucose transport, and it may involve improved Akt signaling.
      These data support the strategy of targeting the RAS to improve both blood
      pressure regulation and insulin action in conditions of insulin resistance.

PMID- 22049234
TI  - Eating your words: discursive psychology and the reconstruction of eating
      practices.
AB  - Psychological research into eating practices has focused mainly on attitudes and
      behaviour towards food, and disorders of eating. Using experimental and
      questionnaire-based designs, these studies place an emphasis on individual
      consumption and cognitive appraisal, overlooking the interactive context in which
      food is eaten. The current article examines eating practices in a more
      naturalistic environment, using mealtime conversations tape-recorded by families
      at home. The empirical data highlight three issues concerning the discursive
      construction of eating practices, which raise problems for the existing
      methodologies. These are: (1) how the nature and evaluation of food are
      negotiable qualities; (2) the use of participants' physiological states as
      rhetorical devices; and (3) the variable construction of norms of eating
      practices. The article thus challenges some key assumptions in the dominant
      literature and indicates the virtues of an approach to eating practices using
      interactionally based methodologies.

PMID- 22049233
TI  - Blood pressure regulation in diabetic patients with and without peripheral
      neuropathy.
AB  - Cardiac and vascular dysfunctions resulting from autonomic neuropathy (AN) are
      complications of diabetes, often undiagnosed. Our objectives were to: 1)
      determine sympathetic and parasympathetic components of compromised blood
      pressure (BP) regulation in patients with peripheral neuropathy and 2) rank
      noninvasive indexes for their sensitivity in diagnosing AN. We continuously
      measured electrocardiogram, arterial BP, and respiration during supine rest and
      70 degrees  head-up tilt in 12 able-bodied subjects, 7 diabetics without, 7
      diabetics with possible, and 8 diabetics with definite, sensory, and/or motor
      neuropathy (D2). During the first 3 min of tilt, systolic BP (SBP) of D2
      decreased [-10.9 +/- 4.5 (SE) mmHg] but increased in able-bodied (+4.8 +/- 5.4
      mmHg). Compared with able-bodied, D2 had smaller low-frequency (0.04-0.15 Hz)
      spectral power of diastolic BP, lower baroreflex effectiveness index (BEI), and
      more SBP ramps. Except for low-frequency power of SBP, D2 had greater SBP and
      smaller RR interval harmonic and nonharmonic components at rest across the 0.003-
      to 0.45-Hz region. In addition, our results support previous findings of smaller
      HF RR interval power, smaller numbers of baroreflex sequences, and lower
      baroreflex sensitivity in D2. We conclude that diabetic peripheral neuropathy is
      accompanied by diminished parasympathetic and sympathetic control of heart rate
      and peripheral vasomotion and diminished baroreflex regulation. A novel finding
      of this study lies in the sensitivity of BEI to detect AN, presumably because of
      its combination of parameters that measure reductions in both sympathetic control
      of vasomotion and parasympathetic control of heart rate.

PMID- 22049235
TI  - Parental Non-verbal Sexual Communication: Its Relationship to Sexual Behaviour
      and Sexual Guilt.
AB  - The study explores the link between remembered non-verbal sexual communication in
      the home, current sexual behaviours and feelings of sexual guilt, among a sample
      of young British men and women. Non-verbal sexual communication encapsulates:
      openness about nudity in the home; the showing of affection between parents;
      signs of parental sexual activity and contraceptive use; and intimation of
      mother's menstruation. One hundred and thirty-seven young adults completed
      questionnaires measuring remembered parental non-verbal sexual communication,
      current sexual behaviour and sexual guilt. Higher levels of parental non-verbal
      sexual communication were found to be linked to: earlier onset of sexual
      activity, fewer sexual partners and lower feelings of aspects of sexual guilt.
      The findings are discussed in terms of how to advance this area of study.

PMID- 22049236
TI  - Longitudinal Influences of Knowledge and Self-efficacy on Exercise Behavior:
      Tests of a Mutual Reinforcement Model.
AB  - The central tenet of social cognitive theory, that individuals' construal
      processes and behaviors mutually reinforce each other, is tested for exercise
      behavior. Two longitudinal data sets (year 1 to year 2 and year 1 to year 6) from
      the Stanford Five-City Project, a field experiment to promote cardiovascular
      disease prevention in California, are analyzed through structural equation
      modeling techniques to evaluate the effects of demographics, exercise knowledge,
      and exercise self-efficacy on exercise behavior. The effects of exercise behavior
      on subsequent knowledge and self-efficacy are also examined. In both data sets
      (year 1 to year 2, N = 1254 and year 1 to year 6, N = 939), education, income,
      age, and sex were significant predictors of exercise behavior. Self-efficacy and
      knowledge also predicted behavior. Prior exercise behavior predicted subsequent
      knowledge and self-efficacy. Prior knowledge and self-efficacy, in turn,
      predicted subsequent exercise behavior. Recommendations are made for enhancing
      the effectiveness of public health efforts designed to promote healthy behaviors.

PMID- 22049237
TI  - Responses to Information about Psychosocial Consequences of Genetic Testing for
      Breast Cancer Susceptibility: Influences of Cancer Worry and Risk Perceptions.
AB  - We assessed the impact of information about psychosocial consequences of genetic
      testing for breast cancer susceptibility on interest in and beliefs about genetic
      testing, and whether these effects vary by levels of either cancer worry or
      perceived cancer risk. Women (N = 180) in an experimental study were randomly
      assigned to read one of four messages consisting of standard information along
      with information about either psychosocial advantages, potential disadvantages,
      both advantages and disadvantages, or no additional information. Women receiving
      only standard information reported higher interest in obtaining genetic testing
      than did women who received additional information about advantages,
      disadvantages, or both advantages and disadvantages. Cancer worry (but not
      perceived risk) predicted greater interest and more favorable beliefs about the
      benefits of testing. Beliefs that testing causes emotional distress were
      positively associated with worry and negatively associated with risk perceptions.

PMID- 22049238
TI  - Attitudes regarding chronic fatigue syndrome: the importance of a name.
AB  - Undergraduates from diverse academic backgrounds and medical trainees were
      assessed regarding their attitudes about and familiarity with chronic fatigue
      syndrome (CFS). We explored whether different names given to chronic fatigue
      syndrome (CFS, myalgic encephalopathy, or Florence Nightingale disease) were
      associated with differences in attributions regarding its cause, nature,
      severity, contagion, prognosis, and treatment. Participants' attributions toward
      the illness varied with the names used to characterize it. Participants prompted
      with the myalgic encephalopathy name were more likely to attribute a biomedical
      cause to the illness, and less likely to consider patients as candidates for
      organ donation than those prompted with the CFS name. Although the medical
      trainees were less likely to consider the patient as malingering, and more likely
      to view the illness as leading to poorer quality of life and a poorer prognosis,
      they were also more likely to consider the illness a form of primary depression,
      more likely to think the patient would attempt suicide, and less likely to
      consider associated cognitive symptoms as severe. The implications are discussed.

PMID- 22049239
TI  - Workplace bullying in nurses.
AB  - The article reports a study of workplace bullying in community nurses in an NHS
      trust. The aims were to determine the prevalence of bullying, to examine the
      association between bullying and occupational health outcomes, and to investigate
      whether support at work could moderate the effects of bullying. Forty-four
      percent of nurses reported experiencing one or more types of bullying in the
      previous 12 months, compared to 35 percent of other staff. Fifty percent of
      nurses had witnessed the bullying of others. Nurses who had been bullied reported
      significantly lower levels of job satisfaction and significantly higher levels of
      anxiety, depression and propensity to leave. They were also more critical of
      aspects of the organizational climate of the trust. Support at work was able to
      protect nurses from some of the damaging effects of bullying.

PMID- 22049240
TI  - Adjustment to an artificial limb: a qualitative perspective.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to identify factors considered to be important in
      the adjustment to amputation and the wearing of a prosthetic limb from the
      perspective of the person who has had a lower limb amputation. Hence, focus group
      methodology was employed as a means of acquiring perspectives within a population
      of young adults who had a lower limb amputation. Preliminary thematic analysis
      revealed that factors such as self-image, social, physical and practical
      concerns, the meaning attributed to and the acceptance of the amputation and
      support among others were important in the adjustment process. These findings
      have substantial implications for directing future research.

PMID- 22049241
TI  - Correlates and Predictors of Self-reported Psychological and Physical Morbidity
      in Chronic Caregiver Stress.
AB  - An investigation was conducted to explore: (1) whether psychological and physical
      morbidity share similar psychosocial determinants; (2) the long-term stability of
      these determinants; and (3) the role of neuroticism in predicting psychological
      and physical morbidity. Fifty spousal caregivers of dementia patients were
      recruited into a 12-month study. Participants were followed up at six-monthly
      interva ls during which they completed scales measuring psychosocial mediators,
      psychological morbidity, physical morbidity and neuroticism. Psychological
      morbidity was influenced primarily by indices of coping and neuroticism. Physical
      morbidity was influenced primarily by indices of psychological morbidity
      (increased psychological morbidity was associated with perceptions of greater
      physical morbidity). Neuroticism exhibited significant cross-sectional and
      longitudinal relationships with the indices of psychological morbidity, but only
      cross-sectional relationships with the indices of physical morbidity.

PMID- 22049242
TI  - Commentary on Siegel and Schrimshaw's 'Coping with negative emotions: The
      cognitive strategies of HIV-infected gay/bisexual men'.

PMID- 22049243
TI  - Coping with negative emotions: a reply to somerfield and fogarty.

PMID- 22049244
TI  - Lipid droplets as fat storage organelles in Caenorhabditis elegans: Thematic
      Review Series: Lipid Droplet Synthesis and Metabolism: from Yeast to Man.
AB  - Lipid droplets are evolutionarily conserved organelles where cellular fat storage
      and mobilization are exquisitely regulated. Recent studies have defined lipid
      droplets in C. elegans and explored how they are regulated by genetic and dietary
      factors. C. elegans offers unique opportunities to visualize lipid droplets at
      single-cell resolution in live animals. The development of novel microscopy
      techniques and protein markers for lipid droplets will accelerate studies on how
      nutritional states and subcellular organization are linked in vivo. Together with
      powerful tools for genetic and biochemical analysis of metabolic pathways,
      alteration in lipid droplet abundance, size, and distribution in C. elegans can
      be readily connected to whole-animal energy homeostasis, behavior, and life span.
      Therefore, further studies on lipid droplets in C. elegans promise to yield
      valuable insights that complement our knowledge gained from yeast, Drosophila,
      and mammalian systems on cellular and organismal fat storage.

PMID- 22049245
TI  - Down-regulation of microRNAs controlling tumourigenic factors in follicular
      thyroid carcinoma.
AB  - The molecular determinants of thyroid follicular nodules are incompletely
      understood and assessment of malignancy is a diagnostic challenge. Since microRNA
      (miRNA) analyses could provide new leads to malignant progression, we
      characterised the global miRNA expression in follicular adenoma (FA) and
      follicular carcinoma (FC). Comparison of carcinoma and adenoma with normal
      thyroid revealed 150 and 107 differentially expressed miRNAs respectively. Most
      miRNAs were down-regulated and especially miR-199b-5p and miR-144 which were
      essentially lost in the carcinomas. Integration of the changed miRNAs with
      differentially expressed mRNAs demonstrated an enrichment of seed sites among up
      regulated transcripts encoding proteins implicated in thyroid tumourigenesis.
      This was substantiated by the demonstration that pre-miR-199b reduced
      proliferation when added to cultured follicular thyroid carcinoma cells. The down
      regulated miRNAs in FC exhibited a substantial similarity with down-regulated
      miRNAs in anaplastic carcinoma (AC) and by gene set enrichment analysis, we
      observed a significant identity between target mRNAs in FC and transcripts up
      regulated in AC. To examine the diagnostic potential of miRNA expression pattern
      in distinguishing malignant from benign nodules we employed a supervised learning
      algorithm and leave-one-out-cross-validation. By this procedure, FA and FC were
      identified with a negative predicted value of 83% (data generated by microarray
      platform) and of 92% (data generated by qRT-PCR platform). We conclude that
      follicular neoplasia is associated with major changes in miRNA expression that
      may promote malignant transformation by increasing the expression of transcripts
      encoding tumourigenic factors. Moreover, miRNA profiling may facilitate the
      diagnosis of carcinoma vs adenoma.

PMID- 22049246
TI  - Modeling of the variability of fatigue crack growth using cohesive zone elements.
AB  - By its nature, metal fatigue has random characteristics, leading to extensive
      scatter in the results. Both initiation and propagation of a fatigue crack can be
      seen as random processes. This manuscript develops a numerical analysis using
      cohesive zone elements allowing the use of one single model in the finite element
      simulation of the complete fatigue life. The present formulation includes a
      damage evolution mechanism that reflects gradual degradation of the cohesive
      strength under cyclic loading. The uncertainties inherent to the fatigue process
      are assumed to be caused by the variability of the material properties, which are
      modeled using random fields. An extrapolation scheme is proposed to reduce the
      computational time. First, the accuracy of the proposed formulation is assessed
      considering a deterministic crack growth problem. Second, the effect of
      randomness in the material properties on the total fatigue life of a structure is
      then analyzed.

PMID- 22049247
TI  - Parametric Diffuse Optical Imaging in Reflectance Geometry.
AB  - Diffuse optical imaging (DOI) is a model-based technique used for noninvasive
      characterization of subsurface tissue function and structure. Compared to more
      common transmission geometries, reflectance DOI has the advantage of being
      portable and easily implemented in a clinical setting. However, reflectance
      measurements are generally not compatible with conventional DOI image
      reconstruction methods because they typically provide a limited number of unique
      tissue views. In this paper, we describe a fast and reliable DOI image
      reconstruction method based on parameterization of tissue and tumor optical
      contrast, using physiological a priori knowledge. The reconstruction method is
      formulated within the general Bayesian inversion framework and is capable of
      handling both model and measurement errors. Simulations are carried out to
      illustrate the application of this approach, using a limited number of source
      detector combinations. It is also shown that parametric reflectance DOI is robust
      to model misspecifications and measurement noise.

PMID- 22049248
TI  - A simple technique for measuring buoyant weight increment of entire, transplanted
      coral colonies in the field.
AB  - Estimating the impacts of global and local threats on coral reefs requires
      monitoring reef health and measuring coral growth and calcification rates at
      different time scales. This has traditionally been mostly performed in short-term
      experimental studies in which coral fragments were grown in the laboratory or in
      the field but measured ex situ. Practical techniques in which growth and
      measurements are performed over the long term in situ are rare. Apart from
      photographic approaches, weight increment measurements have also been applied.
      Past buoyant weight measurements under water involved a complicated and little
      used apparatus. We introduce a new method that combines previous field and
      laboratory techniques to measure the buoyant weight of entire, transplanted
      corals under water. This method uses an electronic balance fitted into an acrylic
      glass underwater housing and placed atop of an acrylic glass cube. Within this
      cube, corals transplanted onto artificial bases can be attached to the balance
      and weighed at predetermined intervals while they continue growth in the field.
      We also provide a set of simple equations for the volume and weight
      determinations required to calculate net growth rates. The new technique is
      highly accurate: low error of weight determinations due to variation of coral
      density (< 0.08%) and low standard error (< 0.01%) for repeated measurements of
      the same corals. We outline a transplantation technique for properly preparing
      corals for such long-term in situ experiments and measurements.

PMID- 22049249
TI  - Water-Soluble Polypeptides with Elongated, Charged Side Chains Adopt Ultra-Stable
      Helical Conformations.
AB  - Water-soluble polypeptides adopting alpha-helical conformations with
      unprecedented high helicities were obtained by elongating the charge-containing
      side chains of the constituent amino acids to allow the terminal charges to be
      situated distally from the peptide backbone. Poly(gamma-(4
      aminoethylthiopropoxyl)-benzyl-(L)-glutamate) (PAOBLG-AET) with a charge-peptide
      backbone distance of 17 sigma-bonds exhibited a remarkably high helical content
      (81%) at a degree of polymerization as low as 10. The helical conformations of
      these short polypeptides were very stable against various harsh, protein
      denaturing conditions, such as extreme pH, high temperature, and high salt or
      urea concentrations.

PMID- 22049250
TI  - Evaluating scaled windowed variance methods for estimating the Hurst coefficient
      of time series.
AB  - Three-scaled windowed variance methods (standard, linear regression detrended,
      and brdge detrended) for estimating the Hurst coefficient (H) are evaluated. The
      Hurst coefficient, with 0 < H < 1, characterizes self-similar decay in the time
      series autocorrelation function. The scaled windowed variance methods estimate H
      for fractional Brownian motion (fBm) signals which are cumulative sums of
      fractional Gaussian noise (fGn) signals. For all three methods both the bias and
      standard deviation of estimates are less than 0.05 for series having N >= 2(9)
      points. Estimates for short series (N < 2(8)) are unreliable. To have a 0.95
      probability of distinguishing between two signals with true H differing by 0.1,
      more than 2(15) points are needed. All three methods proved more reliable (based
      on bias and variance of estimates) than Hurst's rescaled range analysis,
      periodogram analysis, and autocorrelation analysis, and as reliable as
      dispersional analysis. The latter methods can only be applied to fGn or
      differences of fBm, while the scaled windowed variance methods must be applied to
      fBm or cumulative sums of fGn.

PMID- 22049251
TI  - Analyzing exact fractal time series: evaluating dispersional analysis and
      rescaled range methods.
AB  - Precise reference signals are required to evaluate methods for characterizing a
      fractal time series. Here we use fGp (fractional Gaussian process) to generate
      exact fractional Gaussian noise (fGn) reference signals for one-dimensional time
      series. The average autocorrelation of multiple realizations of fGn converges to
      the theoretically expected autocorrelation. Two methods commonly used to generate
      fractal time series, an approximate spectral synthesis (SSM) method and the
      successive random addition (SRA) method, do not give the correct correlation
      structures and should be abandoned. Time series from fGp were used to test how
      well several versions of rescaled range analysis (R/S) and dispersional analysis
      (Disp) estimate the Hurst coefficient (0 < H < 1.0). Disp is unbiased for H < 0.9
      and series length N >= 1024, but underestimates H when H > 0.9. R/S-detrended
      overestimates H for time series with H < 0.7 and underestimates H for H > 0.7.
      Estimates of H(H) from all versions of Disp usually have lower bias and variance
      than those from R/S. All versions of dispersional analysis, Disp, now tested on
      fGp, are better than we previously thought and are recommended for evaluating
      time series as long-memory processes.

PMID- 22049252
TI  - High mobility, low voltage operating C(60) based n-type organic field effect
      transistors.
AB  - We report on C(60) based organic field effect transistors (OFETs) that are well
      optimized for low voltage operation. By replacing commonly used dielectric layers
      by thin parylene films or by utilizing different organic materials like
      divinyltetramethyldisiloxane-bis(benzocyclo-butene) (BCB), low density
      polyethylene (PE) or adenine in combination with aluminum oxide (AlOx) to form a
      bilayer gate dielectric, it was possible to significantly increase the
      capacitance per unit area (up to two orders of magnitude). The assembly of metal
      oxide and organic passivation layer combines the properties of the high
      dielectric constant of the metal oxide and the good organic-organic interface
      between semiconductor and insulator provided by a thin capping layer on top of
      the AlOx film. This results in OFETs that operate with voltages lower than 500
      mV, while exhibiting field effect mobilities exceeding 3 cm(2) V(-1) s(-1).

PMID- 22049262
TI  - NEURO-ONCOLOGIC PHYSICAL THERAPY FOR THE OLDER PERSON.
AB  - Due to the uncertainty of the course of diagnoses, patients with neuro
      oncological malignancies present challenges to the physical therapist. At times,
      the presentation of impairments and disabilities of these patients with neuro
      oncological diagnoses do not necessarily coincide with the involved area of the
      brain or spinal cord. It is our intention to provide guidance to the physical
      therapist who will be working with these patients with neuro-oncological
      diagnoses, in hopes that their encounters will be more productive and meaningful.
      This article describes a brief overview of common central nervous system
      malignancies, its medical treatment, as well as possible complications and side
      effects that would need to be considered in rehabilitating these patients.
      Special consideration is given to the elderly patients with neuro-oncological
      diagnoses. Pertinent physical therapy assessments and interventions are
      discussed.

PMID- 22049263
TI  - Large Sample Group Independent Component Analysis of Functional Magnetic
      Resonance Imaging Using Anatomical Atlas-Based Reduction and Bootstrapped
      Clustering.
AB  - Independent component analysis (ICA) is a popular method for the analysis of
      functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) signals that is capable of revealing
      connected brain systems of functional significance. To be computationally
      tractable, estimating the independent components (ICs) inevitably requires one or
      more dimension reduction steps. Whereas most algorithms perform such reductions
      in the time domain, the input data are much more extensive in the spatial domain,
      and there is broad consensus that the brain obeys rules of localization of
      function into regions that are smaller in number than the number of voxels in a
      brain image. These functional units apparently reorganize dynamically into
      networks under different task conditions. Here we develop a new approach to ICA,
      producing group results by bagging and clustering over hundreds of pooled single
      subject ICA results that have been projected to a lower-dimensional subspace.
      Averages of anatomically based regions are used to compress the single subject
      ICA results prior to clustering and resampling via bagging. The computational
      advantages of this approach make it possible to perform group-level analyses on
      datasets consisting of hundreds of scan sessions by combining the results of
      within-subject analysis, while retaining the theoretical advantage of mimicking
      what is known of the functional organization of the brain. The result is a
      compact set of spatial activity patterns that are common and stable across scan
      sessions and across individuals. Such representations may be used in the context
      of statistical pattern recognition supporting real-time state classification.

PMID- 22049264
TI  - Modelling the relationship between body fat and the BMI.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Given the increasing concerns about the levels of obesity being
      reached throughout the world, this paper analyses the relationship between the
      most common index of obesity, the BMI, and levels of body fat.  RESEARCH METHODS
      AND PROCEDURES: The statistical relationship, in terms of functional form,
      between body fat and BMI is analysed using a large data set which can be
      categorized by race, sex and age.  RESULTS: Irrespective of race, body fat and
      BMI are linearly related for males, with age entering logarithmically and with a
      positive effect on body fat. Caucasian males have higher body fat irrespective of
      age, but African American males' body fat increases with age faster than that of
      Asians and Hispanics. Age is not a significant predictor of body fat for females,
      where the relationship between body fat and BMI is nonlinear except for Asians.
      Caucasian females have higher predicted body fat than other races, except at low
      BMIs, where Asian females are predicted to have the highest body fat. 
      DISCUSSION: Using BMIs to make predictions about body fat should be done with
      caution, as such predictions will depend upon race, sex and age and can be
      relatively imprecise. The results are of practical importance for informing the
      current debate on whether standard BMI cut-off values for overweight and obesity
      should apply to all sex and racial groups given that these BMI values are shown
      to correspond to different levels of adiposity in different groups.

PMID- 22049265
TI  - Ridge regression for longitudinal biomarker data.
AB  - Technological advances facilitating the acquisition of large arrays of biomarker
      data have led to new opportunities to understand and characterize disease
      progression over time. This creates an analytical challenge, however, due to the
      large numbers of potentially informative markers, the high degrees of correlation
      among them, and the time-dependent trajectories of association. We propose a
      mixed ridge estimator, which integrates ridge regression into the mixed effects
      modeling framework in order to account for both the correlation induced by
      repeatedly measuring an outcome on each individual over time, as well as the
      potentially high degree of correlation among possible predictor variables. An
      expectation-maximization algorithm is described to account for unknown variance
      and covariance parameters. Model performance is demonstrated through a simulation
      study and an application of the mixed ridge approach to data arising from a study
      of cardiometabolic biomarker responses to evoked inflammation induced by
      experimental low-dose endotoxemia.

PMID- 22049266
TI  - Antihypertensive medication use and change in kidney function in elderly adults:
      a marginal structural model analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The evidence for the effectiveness of antihypertensive medication use
      for slowing decline in kidney function in older persons is sparse. We addressed
      this research question by the application of novel methods in a marginal
      structural model. METHODS: Change in kidney function was measured by two or more
      measures of cystatin C in 1,576 hypertensive participants in the Cardiovascular
      Health Study over 7 years of follow-up (1989-1997 in four U.S. communities). The
      exposure of interest was antihypertensive medication use. We used a novel
      estimator in a marginal structural model to account for bias due to confounding
      and informative censoring. RESULTS: The mean annual decline in eGFR was 2.41 +/-
      4.91 mL/min/1.73 m(2). In unadjusted analysis, antihypertensive medication use
      was not associated with annual change in kidney function. Traditional
      multivariable regression did not substantially change these estimates. Based on a
      marginal structural analysis, persons on antihypertensives had slower declines in
      kidney function; participants had an estimated 0.88 (0.13, 1.63) ml/min/1.73 m(2)
      per year slower decline in eGFR compared with persons on no treatment. In a model
      that also accounted for bias due to informative censoring, the estimate for the
      treatment effect was 2.23 (-0.13, 4.59) ml/min/1.73 m(2) per year slower decline
      in eGFR. CONCLUSION: In summary, estimates from a marginal structural model
      suggested that antihypertensive therapy was associated with preserved kidney
      function in hypertensive elderly adults. Confirmatory studies may provide power
      to determine the strength and validity of the findings.

PMID- 22049267
TI  - Commentary on "Principal stratification - a goal or a tool?" by Judea Pearl.
AB  - This commentary takes up Pearl's welcome challenge to clearly articulate the
      scientific value of principal stratification estimands that we and colleagues
      have investigated, in the area of randomized placebo-controlled preventive
      vaccine efficacy trials, especially trials of HIV vaccines. After briefly arguing
      that certain principal stratification estimands for studying vaccine effects on
      post-infection outcomes are of genuine scientific interest, the bulk of our
      commentary argues that the "causal effect predictiveness" (CEP) principal
      stratification estimand for evaluating immune biomarkers as surrogate endpoints
      is not of ultimate scientific interest, because it evaluates surrogacy restricted
      to the setting of a particular vaccine efficacy trial, but is nevertheless useful
      for guiding the selection of primary immune biomarker endpoints in Phase I/II
      vaccine trials and for facilitating assessment of transportability/bridging
      surrogacy.

PMID- 22049268
TI  - On causal mediation analysis with a survival outcome.
AB  - Suppose that having established a marginal total effect of a point exposure on a
      time-to-event outcome, an investigator wishes to decompose this effect into its
      direct and indirect pathways, also known as natural direct and indirect effects,
      mediated by a variable known to occur after the exposure and prior to the
      outcome. This paper proposes a theory of estimation of natural direct and
      indirect effects in two important semiparametric models for a failure time
      outcome. The underlying survival model for the marginal total effect and thus for
      the direct and indirect effects, can either be a marginal structural Cox
      proportional hazards model, or a marginal structural additive hazards model. The
      proposed theory delivers new estimators for mediation analysis in each of these
      models, with appealing robustness properties. Specifically, in order to guarantee
      ignorability with respect to the exposure and mediator variables, the approach,
      which is multiply robust, allows the investigator to use several flexible working
      models to adjust for confounding by a large number of pre-exposure variables.
      Multiple robustness is appealing because it only requires a subset of working
      models to be correct for consistency; furthermore, the analyst need not know
      which subset of working models is in fact correct to report valid inferences.
      Finally, a novel semiparametric sensitivity analysis technique is developed for
      each of these models, to assess the impact on inference, of a violation of the
      assumption of ignorability of the mediator.

PMID- 22049269
TI  - Principal stratification and attribution prohibition: good ideas taken too far.
AB  - Pearl's article provides a useful springboard for discussing further the benefits
      and drawbacks of principal stratification and the associated discomfort with
      attributing effects to post-treatment variables. The basic insights of the
      approach are important: pay close attention to modification of treatment effects
      by variables not observable before treatment decisions are made, and be careful
      in attributing effects to variables when counterfactuals are ill-defined. These
      insights have often been taken too far in many areas of application of the
      approach, including instrumental variables, censoring by death, and surrogate
      outcomes. A novel finding is that the usual principal stratification estimand in
      the setting of censoring by death is by itself of little practical value in
      estimating intervention effects.

PMID- 22049270
TI  - Nanomanipulation of biological samples using a compact atomic force microscope
      under scanning electron microscope observation.
AB  - We introduce a compact nanomanipulator that can be operated inside the sample
      chamber of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) for biological sample
      manipulation. The design of the nanomanipulator is based on that of an atomic
      force microscope (AFM). A self-sensitive cantilever is used to realize the
      compact body and thus it is possible to put a pair of the standalone AFM units on
      the sample stage in the SEM chamber. Using this system, we accomplished
      nanodissection of biological samples as well as AFM imaging under SEM
      observation. We then fabricated the surface of a rat renal glomerulus by scan
      scratching and succeeded in making a small hole on the wall of a blood capillary.
      As a result, it was possible to observe the internal structure of the capillary,
      which had been hidden beneath the surface wall. Furthermore, using two AFM units
      on the sample stage of the SEM, we successfully dissected the lens fiber cells
      taken from a rat eye in a multi-probe operation using the two cantilevers. This
      system is expected to become a very useful tool for micro- and nanometer-scale
      anatomy and engineering applications.

PMID- 22049271
TI  - Cytotoxic evaluation of doxorubicin in combination with simvastatin against human
      cancer cells.
AB  - Doxorubicin is a broad spectrum antibiotic used in the treatment of cancers. Its
      dose dependent cardiotoxicity is the most serious side effect causing withdrawal
      of drug from hard chemotherapeutic regimen. Statins are shown to be cytotoxic in
      concentrations higher than the effective doses for the treatment of
      hypercholesterolemia (40 mg/day). Co-administration of statins and
      chemotherapeutic agents suppose to be synergic although there are some
      controversies in the literature. In this study, cytotoxic effects of doxorubicin
      alone and in combination with simvastatin on Hela tumor cell line were evaluated.
      Different concentration of doxorubicin and simvastatin were added to the cultured
      cells and incubated for 72 h. Cell survival was evaluated using MTT and trypan
      blue exclusion assays. The results indicated that simvastatin in low
      concentration (0.25 MUM) seems to be growth stimulator although cell viability
      was reduced in concentrations of >=2 MUM. Doxorubicin alone at all tested
      concentrations (0.1, 1 and 2 MUM) was a cell growth inhibitor. It was also shown
      that percent cell viability was reduced in a decreasing manner with the following
      protocols: 1) co-administration of doxorubicin and simvastatin in different
      concentrations; 2) addition of simvastatin after incubation of cells with
      doxorubicin and 3) addition of doxorubicin after incubation of cells with
      simvastatin. It could be concluded that between 3 tested protocols combination of
      doxorubicin and simvastatin after 72 h incubation, showed the highest
      cytotoxicity against Hela cells.

PMID- 22049272
TI  - Quantification of ergovaline using HPLC and mass spectrometry in Iranian
      Neotyphodium infected tall fescue.
AB  - Ergovaline, the main ergopeptine alkaloid produced in tall fescue (Fescue
      arundinacea Schreb.) infected with endophyte (Neotyphodium coenophialum Morgan-
      Jones & Gams), is known to cause tall fescue toxicosis. This study was conducted
      to examine the presence of fungal endophytes in five populations of tall fescue
      collected from various regions of Iran. The existence of Neotyphodium mycelia in
      the tissues of the samples was confirmed by microscopic examination, and the
      isolation was performed from leaf tissues of the hosts on potato dextrose agar.
      All isolates were confirmed as the Neotyphodium species by PCR, using specific
      primers. Mass detection and determination of ergovaline were performed by HPLC at
      three plant growth stages. Ergovaline was detected in all isolates, with the mean
      concentrations of 0.24 to 3.48 MUg/g dry matter of different populations for the
      whole three plant growth stages. The differences in ergovaline content between
      plant populations and sampling time were statistically significant. This is the
      first report of ergovaline content in endophyte infected Fescue arundinacea from
      natural grasslands in Iran.

PMID- 22049273
TI  - Pharmaceutical and nutraceutical effects of Pinus pinaster bark extract.
AB  - In everyday life, our body generates free radicals and other reactive oxygen
      species which are derived either from the endogenous metabolic processes (within
      the body) or from external sources. Many clinical and pharmacological studies
      suggest that natural antioxidants can prevent oxidative damage. Among the natural
      antioxidant products, Pycnogenol((r)) (French Pinus pinaster bark extract) has
      been received considerable attention because of its strong free radical
      scavenging activity against reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. P. pinaster
      bark extract (PBE) contains polyphenolic compounds (these compounds consist of
      catechin, taxifolin, procyanidins of various chain lengths formed by catechin and
      epicatechin units, and phenolic acids) capable of producing diverse potentially
      protective effects against chronic and degenerative diseases. This herbal
      medication has been reported to have cardiovascular benefits, such as
      vasorelaxant activity, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibiting activity, and the
      ability to enhance the microcirculation by increasing capillary permeability.
      Moreover, effects on the immune system and modulation of nitrogen monoxide
      metabolism have been reported. This article provides a brief overview of clinical
      studies describing the beneficial and health-promoting effects of PBE.

PMID- 22049274
TI  - Effects of extract and essential oil of Rosmarinus officinalis L. on TNBS-induced
      colitis in rats.
AB  - Rosmarinus officinalis L. (Family Lamiaceae) popularly named rosemary, is a
      common household plant grown around the world, including Iran. Rosemary aerial
      parts are used as flavoring agent in foods, beverages, and cosmetic preparations
      and have various traditional uses in ethnomedicine including: analgesic, anti
      inflammatory, anti-rheumatic, spasmolytic, carminative and choleretic
      applications. This study was carried out to investigate the effects of rosemary
      leaves hydroalcoholic extract (RHE) and essential oil (REO) in a well-defined
      model of experimental colitis induced by trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) in
      rats. Different doses of RHE (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) and REO (100, 200 and 400
      MUl/kg) were administered orally and intraperitoneally (100, 400 mg/kg and 100,
      400 MUl/kg) to male Wistar rats (n=6), 6 h after colitis induction and continued
      for 5 days by intracolonic instillation of 0.25 ml TNBS (80 mg/kg)/ethanol 50%
      v/v. Wet colon weight/length ratio was measured and tissue damage scores as well
      as indices of colitis were evaluated both macroscopically and
      histopathologically. RHE and REO at all test doses used were effective to reduce
      colon tissue lesions and colitis indices while greater doses were significantly
      effective to diminish histopathologic parameters irrespective to the route of
      administration. Administration of oral prednisolone, Asacol((r)) (mesalazine
      microgranules) and parenteral hydrocortisone acetate were effective to reduce
      colon tissue injures as well. These data suggest that RHE and REO are both
      effective to possess anti-colitic activity, and reinforce the use of this plant
      as a remedy for inflammatory bowel diseases in traditional medicine.

PMID- 22049275
TI  - Application of different chemometric tools in QSAR study of azolo-adamantanes
      against influenza A virus.
AB  - Quantitative relationships between molecular structure and azolo-adamantanes
      derivatives were discovered by different chemometric tools including factor
      analysis based multiple linear regressions (FA-MLR), principle component
      regression analysis (PCRA), and genetic algorithm-partial least squares GA-PLS.
      The FA-MLR describes the effect of geometrical and quantum indices on enzyme
      inhibition activity of the studied molecules. The quality of PCRA equation was
      found to be better than those derived from FA-MLR. GA-PLS analysis indicated that
      the topological (IC4 and MPC06), constitutional (nf) and geometrical (G (N..S]
      parameters were the most significant ones on influenza A virus activity.
      Comparison of the different statistical methods employed revealed that GA-PLS
      represented superior results and it could explain and predict 85% and 77% of
      variances in the pIC(50) data, respectively.

PMID- 22049276
TI  - New tigliane-type diterpenoids from Euphorbia aellenii Rech. f. with
      immunomodulatory activity.
AB  - The cytotoxic chloroform fraction of Euphorbia aellenii Rech. F. (Euphorbiaceae)
      afforded two new phorbol diterpenoids: 4-deoxy-4alpha-phorbol-12-(2,3-dimethyl)
      butyrate-13-isobutyrate and 17-hydroxy-4-deoxy-4alpha-phorbol-12-(2,3-dimethyl)
      butyrate-13-isobutyrate. Their structures were elucidated by NMR and other
      spectroscopic methods. The immunomodulating potentials of the isolated compounds
      were tested using standard proliferation and chemiluminescence assays. Compound 2
      showed moderate inhibitory activity against both T-cell proliferation and
      reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in whole blood with IC50 of 14.0 +/-
      0.57 and 44.1 +/- 3.8 MUg/ml, respectively, while compound 1 was relatively
      inactive with IC50 >50 MUg/mL for T-cell proliferation, and >100 MUg/mL for ROS.

PMID- 22049277
TI  - Spasmolytic effect of root and aerial parts extract of Pycnocycla spinosa on
      neural stimulation of rat ileum.
AB  - Extract prepared from aerial part of Pycnocycla spinosa is a relaxant of rat
      ileum contractions. The objective of this research was to study the spasmolytic
      activity of P. spinosa root extract for comparison with the aerial part extract.
      Hydroalcoholic extracts were prepared by percolation method. A portion of rat
      ileum was removed and suspended under 1 g tension in Tyrode's solution at 37 
      degrees C and gassed with O(2). Isotonic contractions induced by electrical field
      stimulation (EFS), and KCl were recorded before and after addition of the
      extracts. Experiments were performed alongside time-matched vehicle controls.
      Both EFS responses are blocked by lidocaine (74 MUM), indicating that contractile
      responses are mediated by neuronal mechanism and partially was blocked by
      atropine. The root extract of P. spinosa (10-320 MUg/ml) inhibited both initial
      rapid (IC(50) = 71 +/- 11.9 MUg/ml) and secondary slow contraction (IC(50) = 56
      +/- 7.8 MUg/ml) evoked by EFS (n=6) as well as the KCl response (IC(50) = 59 +/-
      11.7 MUg/ml). The aerial part extract had a similar inhibitory effect on both KCl
      (IC(50) = 47 +/- 6.3 MUg/ml) and EFS responses. This study confirms the
      inhibitory effects of root extract of P. spinosa on rat ileum contraction.
      However, the root extract was not more effective than the aerial part extract.
      Therefore, the aerial parts extract of P. spinosa could be used as a suitable
      substitute for the root extract.

PMID- 22049278
TI  - Effect of five common anticonvulsant drugs on naloxone-precipitated morphine
      withdrawal in mice.
AB  - This study was designed to assess the effect of five common anticonvulsant drugs
      on naloxone-precipitated withdrawal syndrome in morphine-dependent mice. Male
      mice (25-35 g) were made dependent by increasing doses of morphine (30-90 mg/kg).
      At least three doses of phenytoin, carbamazepine, sodium valproate, lamotrigine
      and topiramate were injected i.p. to morphine-dependent mice 45 min prior to
      induction of withdrawal syndrome by naloxone (5 mg/kg, i.p.). Control animals
      received vehicle. Number of jumpings was counted and ptosis, tremor, piloerection
      and diarrhea were checked in a 30 min period started just after naloxone
      injection. Results showed that lamotrigine, phenytoin and sodium valproate were
      ineffective in suppression of withdrawal syndrome while carbamazepine produced a
      dose-dependent reduction of jumpings. Topiramate at the maxium applied dose (100
      mg/kg) significantly reduced number of naloxone-elicited jumpings. It seems that
      carbamazepine by inhibition of N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) receptors and
      topiramate by inhibiting kainite-activated (AMPA) receptor antagonists suppress
      morphine withdrawal syndrome but further studies are needed to have a definite
      conclusion.

PMID- 22049279
TI  - Production of chlorogenic acid in Varthemia persica DC (var. persica) callus
      cultures.
AB  - Chlorogenic acid, a pharmacologically important compound, is a phenolic compound
      that occurs in certain commonly used medicinal herbs. We looked for the presence
      of this compound in the callus cultures of Varthemia persica DC (var. persica).
      We have evaluated the conditions for establishment of callus cultures of V.
      persica and the in vitro production of chlorogenic acid. Callus was initiated by
      culturing seedling of V. persica on MS basal medium supplemented with different
      concentrations of kinetin, naphthalene acetic acid and 2,4-diphenoxy acetic acid.
      Also, the influence of light, and phytohormones on the production of chlorogenic
      acid was examined. Kinetin stimulated the production of chlorogenic acid.
      Replacement of 2,4-diphenoxy acetic acid with naphthalene acetic acid did not
      alter the chlorogenic acid production. The ability to induce the accumulation of
      chlorogenic acid in the V. persica callus cultures offers an opportunity to
      produce a phenolic compound with therapeutic value.

PMID- 22049280
TI  - The effect of acquiring life skills through humor on social adjustment rate of
      the female students.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Life skills have different effects on various aspects of the mental
      health. Social adjustment prepares adolescents for entering to the adulthood. On
      the other hand, humor and joking in the education is considered as a stress
      reducer and learning increaser. Therefore, the present study conducted aimed to
      determine the effect of acquiring life skills through humor on the social
      adjustment rate of the high school girls. METHODS: This was a two-group semi
      experimental study including three phases. The study population included 69 first
      year high school female students of Isfahan Department of Education district 3
      who were selected in simple random sampling. First of all, the social adjustment
      rate was measured using California Personality Inventory. Thereafter, life skills
      education was conducted using humor during five sessions. Finally, a test was
      taken in order to assess the acquisition of the life skills in which passing
      score was required for re-completing the questionnaire. The data were analyzed
      using software SPSS(10) and independent and paired t-tests. RESULTS: The findings
      of the study indicated that the mean score of the social adjustment statistically
      had a significant difference in the intervention group before and after the
      intervention. Furthermore, statistically, there was a significant difference
      between mean score of the social adjustment in the control group and test group
      after conducting the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the study
      indicated that life skills education has been increased through humor on the
      social adjustment rate of the high school girl students. Considering the efficacy
      of learning life skills on the social adjustment and results of the other studies
      which were in accordance with the present study, implementing such trainings with
      a new method comprehensively is recommended in the schools.

PMID- 22049281
TI  - A comparative study on the effects of Hypericum Perforatum and passion flower on
      the menopausal symptoms of women referring to Isfahan city health care centers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: With regard to an increase in the life expectancy for women and the
      consistency of the menopause age, a significant portion of women's age is passed
      after the menopause. Menopause is considered as a critical and sensitive period
      due to the changes and the disorders that are involved in it. Vasomotor symptoms,
      sleep disorders and psycho-mental changes are among the most prevalent symptoms
      of this period. Hormone therapy is a common treatment and it involves some
      problems for most individuals. The purpose of this study was to comparatively
      examine the effects of two herbal medications, Hypericum Perforatum and Passion
      Flower, on menopause symptoms. METHODS: This study was of a clinical-experimental
      type which was done in 1388 in Isfahan. The sample included 59 menopausal women
      who had the conditions for entering into the study. The individuals were selected
      via simple sampling and were assigned randomly into two groups of Hypericum
      Perforatum treatment group (30 women) and Passion Flower group (29 women). The
      required data were filled out through interview, Personal Characteristics
      Questionnaire, and Cooperman's Index for menopause symptoms in three stages of
      pre-intervention, the third week of intervention, and the sixth week of
      intervention. The results were analyzed by descriptive and inferential
      statistical methods and the statistical software of SPSS. RESULTS: The findings
      showed that the average score of menopause symptoms in two treatment groups of
      Hypericum Perforatum and Passion Flower had a significant decrease throughout the
      third and the sixth weeks of study (p < 0.05). In addition, there was no
      statistically significant difference between the two groups and both herbs
      equally resulted in a decrease in the menopause symptoms scores (p > 0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: With regard to the effects of Hypericum Perforatum and Passion
      Flower on treating menopause precocious symptoms (vasomotor signs, insomnia,
      depression, anger, headache, etc.), these two herbs can be used as an alternative
      treatment for individuals who cannot, whatsoever, use hormone therapy.

PMID- 22049282
TI  - The effectiveness of stress management training program on depression, anxiety
      and stress of the nursing students.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stress has been defined as a barrier to concentration, problem
      solving, decision making, and other necessary abilities for students' learning;
      it also has some symptoms and illnesses in the students such as depression and
      anxiety. In reviewing stress and its consequences, the methods of coping with
      stress in the method of response to it would be more important than the nature of
      stress itself. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effectiveness of
      stress management training program on depression, anxiety and stress rate of the
      nursing students. METHODS: This parallel group randomized quasi-experimental
      trial, was done on 68 Bs nursing students of Nursing and Midwifery School in
      Isfahan University of Medical Sciences from 2010 to 2011. The questionnaires of
      this study consisted of individual characteristics and Depression, Anxiety and
      Stress Scale (DASS-42). In a random fashion, The intervention group was trained
      with stress management training program in 8 two hours sessions, twice a week.
      The questionnaires were completed by both groups before, after and one month
      after the study. RESULTS: The results of the study indicated that there was no
      significant difference before the intervention in depression, anxiety and stress
      mean scores in the two groups. After the intervention, the mean scores of anxiety
      and stress in the intervention group was 5.09 (4.87) and 8.93 (6.01) and in the
      control group was 10 (6.45) and 13.17 (7.20), that reduction in depression mean
      score was significantly greater in the intervention group in the control group (p
      = 0.040). Furthermore, the mean scores of anxiety and stress showed a significant
      difference between the two groups (Anxiety p = 0.001; Stress p = 0.011); this
      reduction also had been remained after a month. CONCLUSIONS: According to the
      results of the present study, holding stress management training program
      workshops in different courses of the mental health department can improve mental
      health of the students.

PMID- 22049283
TI  - The role of community health nurses in behavioral modification of parents of
      children with behavioral disorders in primary schools in Isfahan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mental health is of great importance in childhood and the foundation
      of personality of every individual is laid during this period. Moreover,
      behavioral problems are common in children, and a lot of the individual,
      familial, and social disorders originate from the fact that these problems are
      not treated at the right time. More important is that the behavioral problems of
      children are rooted in the behavior and upbringing of parents. Therefore, we
      carried out the present study to investigate the role of community health nurses
      in modifying the behavior of parents whose children have behavioral problems.
      METHODS: This research was a pre- and post-training quasi-experimental study. The
      study was carried out with the participation of the parents of 44 first-grade
      primary school children with reported behavioral problems. The instrument used in
      the study was a self-made questionnaire. The data was analyzed by SPSS software,
      using descriptive and inferential statistical methods (t-test and repeated
      ANOVA). RESULTS: The mean scores of parents' behavior before, immediately after,
      and one month after training exhibited a significant difference in both fathers
      and mothers (p = 0.04 in fathers and p < 0.001 in mothers). Moreover, the mean
      scores of mothers before and immediately after training and also before and one
      month after training showed a significant difference (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001,
      respectively). However, the mean scores of mothers immediately after and one
      month after training were not significantly different (p=0.53). Furthermore, the
      mean scores of fathers before and immediately after training and also before and
      one month after training were significantly different (p < 0.001 and p < 0.001,
      respectively). But, the mean scores of fathers immediately after and one month
      after training did not show a significant difference (p = 0.33). CONCLUSIONS:
      Since the group training of parents led to a change in their behavior towards
      children, it is advisable to prepare and implement such programs.

PMID- 22049284
TI  - Reviewing sexual function after delivery and its association with some of the
      reproductive factors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Desirable sexual function has an important role in strengthening the
      marital life of the couples. Sexual disorders can cause mental pressure and
      affect quality of life and marital relationship. METHODS: This was a descriptive
      analytical study in one group and one phase covering multivariables. The study
      sample included 384 women after delivery period that had the following inclusion
      criteria: the age of at least 18 years, delivery in 38-42 pregnancy weeks,
      primiparous and multiparous women, living in the city, single pregnancy, and six
      weeks to twelve months elapsed from the delivery. The required data such as
      reproductive and sexual function index were collected through reporting
      questionnaire. The data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential
      statistical methods using software SPSS. RESULTS: The findings of the study
      indicated that the most prevalent disorder of the sexual relationship in
      postpartum was dyspareunia and the least prevalent was the sexual desire. The
      majority of the study sample (77.1%) had marital satisfaction and 58.6% had the
      desired sexual function. There was no significant association between sexual
      function and delivery, age, the type of delivery and breastfeeding, but there was
      a significant association for other factors such as the time elapsed after the
      delivery and primiparity or multiparity (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: It is
      recommended that sexual problems after delivery be placed on the list of health
      teaching issues to pass easily this period of time. Women should be assured that
      these problems gradually would be improved and they should learn using proper
      techniques to decrease dyspareunia which is a sexual disorder in postpartum
      period.

PMID- 22049285
TI  - Evaluation of quality of working life and its association with job performance of
      the nurses.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nurses often complain about overwork and underpay. It seems that the
      association between "quality of working life" (QWL) and the degree of nurses'
      involvement in their carrier is the critical factor in achieving a higher level
      of quality of care. This study aimed to assess the quality of working life and
      its association with "job performance" of the nurses in educational hospitals
      affiliated to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in 2007. METHODS: This was a
      descriptive-correlation study. Target population included all the nurses who were
      employed in hospitals affiliated to Isfahan University of Medical Sciences.
      Sample size was 120 of the mentioned nurses. Sampling method was stratified
      random and data collection tool was a questionnaire. Data analysis was done using
      mean, frequency distribution and spearman test. RESULTS: Finding of the study
      showed that the most common kind of quality of working life in the nurses (56.7%)
      was moderate one. The most frequent nurses' task performance (79.2%) was also
      related to the moderate performance. There was a direct and significant
      relationship between job performance and quality of working life in all the
      aspects. CONCLUSIONS: According to the research findings, it is important to
      consider the workplace and quality of working life of the nurses for improving
      productivity and performance of the nurses. Organization and nursing managers
      should use programs that can improve quality of working life of the nurses.

PMID- 22049286
TI  - The effects of supine and prone positions on oxygenation in premature infants
      undergoing mechanical ventilation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Since the use of high concentrations of oxygen in infants may lead to
      chronic lung problems, using proper methods of care in infants under mechanical
      ventilation is one of the most important measures in NICU. This study aimed to
      investigate the effects of prone and supine positions on oxygenation (SPO(2)) in
      premature infants under mechanical ventilation and comparing infants' oxygenation
      in the two positions. METHODS: In across over non randomized clinical trial
      study, 32 preterm infants under mechanical ventilation who had inclusion criteria
      were enrolled in simple convenient method. Firstly, they were placed in supine
      position for 120 minutes and further in prone position for 120 minutes .Their
      SPO(2) were monitored by pulse oximeter continuously and was recorded every
      minute. Data analysis was done using Software SPSS(15) by ANOVA test and post hoc
      test. RESULTS: The data showed that during 120 minutes of exposure of infants in
      each position there were no significant changes in SPO(2). In addition, the
      SPO(2) levels in the prone position were significantly higher than the SPO(2)
      levels in the supine position from 15(th) minute to 120(th) minute (to the end).
      CONCLUSIONS: Neonatal positioning in prone position is a simple, non-invasive,
      and free of charge method that could lead to improve oxygenation in infants
      undergoing mechanical ventilation.

PMID- 22049287
TI  - Effect of aromatherapy on the quality of sleep in ischemic heart disease patients
      hospitalized in intensive care units of heart hospitals of the Isfahan University
      of Medical Sciences.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sleep disorder is one of the common problems patients face in ICU and
      CCU and it is usually treated by sleeping pills. Nowadays, the complementary
      medicine is highly considered because of its effectiveness and safety.
      Aromatherapy is one of the holistic nursing cares which sees human beings as a
      biological, mental and social unit while the psychological dimension has the
      central role. Each of these dimensions is dependent on each other and is affected
      by each other. Therefore, it is fundamental for nurses to provide aromatherapy in
      their clinical performance. Aromatherapy helps treatment of diseases by using
      vegetable oils and it seems to be effective in reducing sleeplessness. METHODS:
      This was a clinical trial on 64 patients (male and female) hospitalized in CCU in
      Al-zahra and Chamran hospitals. The intervention included 3 nights, each time 9
      hours aromatherapy with lavender oil for the experiment group, while the controls
      received no intervention. Both groups filled out the SMHSQ that includes 11 items
      to assess sleep quality before and after intervention. RESULTS: Data analysis
      showed that the mean scores of sleep quality in the two groups of experiment and
      control were significantly different after the aromatherapy with lavender oil (p
      < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Quality of sleep in ischemic heart disease patients was
      significantly improved after aromatherapy with lavender oil. Therefore, using
      aromatherapy can improve the quality of their sleep and health.

PMID- 22049288
TI  - Effect of aromatherapy on pruritus relief in hemodialysis patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pruritus is one of the commonest problems in patients with end-stage
      renal failure undergoing hemodialysis. Pruritus is an irritating symptom which
      can directly affect the life quality of patients with chronic renal failure.
      However, available treatments have failed to relieve the symptom and kidney
      transplant remains the definite treatment of the problem. A recently proposed
      treatment for pruritus is the use of complementary medicine. Thus, the aim of
      this research is to study the effect of aromatherapy on pruritus relief in
      hemodialysis patients. METHODS: The study is a pre- and post-clinical trial,
      carried out in dialysis centers of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in
      2009. Sample was performed using convenient sampling method and the participants
      were selected from among the patient who received hemodialysis three times a week
      for 3-5 hours and had pruritus scores above 3. All the participants received
      seven minutes of hand massage in the non-fistulated hand with 3-5 ml of lavender,
      mint, and tea tree oils at 5% concentration for six sessions (two weeks). The
      data of the study were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics by
      SPSS software, version 16. RESULTS: Twenty patients with end-stage renal failure
      who had pruritus fulfilled the course of the study. Data analysis indicated that
      aromatherapy significantly relieved pruritus (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS:
      Aromatherapy can significantly relieve pruritus in hemodialysis patients.

PMID- 22049289
TI  - Do nurses provide holistic care to cancer patients?
AB  - BACKGROUND: In order to support cancer patients, nurses need to identify
      different physio-psycho- social needs of patients using a holistic approach.
      Focusing on Quality of Life (QoL) is congruent with the philosophy of a holistic
      approach in nursing. The main aim of this research study thus was to identify the
      level of agreement between cancer patients and nurses about cancer patients' QoL.
      METHODS: The study was a survey which was completed in 2008. 166 cancer patients
      and 95 nurses were conveniently recruited from three major hospitals in Adelaide,
      Australia. Each patient and nurse was invited to complete the World Health
      Organization Quality of Life Brief (WHOQoL-BREF) questionnaire separately. This
      questionnaire considers QoL across four domains or dimensions: physical health,
      psychological health, social relationship and environment. RESULTS: The
      proportion of the exact agreement between the two groups was 34.9%, 34.5%, 33.8%
      and 36.9% for the physical, psychological, social relationship, and environmental
      QoL domains, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Results may indicate that nurses do not
      have a holistic understanding of cancer patients' QoL. QoL tools like the World
      Health Organization Quality of Life Brief (WHOQoL-BREF) might be used as
      guidelines for nurses to assess cancer patients' QoL rather than relying heavily
      on their perceptions and intuitions. The results provide some implications for
      Iran.

PMID- 22049290
TI  - Comparing the effects of Yasmin(r) and LD (low-dose estrogen) as contraceptive
      methods on menstrual cycle changes in women referred to the health care centers
      of Isfahan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: One of the biggest problem today that most developing countries are
      faced with is the uncontrolled population growth; a serious threat to the
      international community. One of the most accessible contraceptive methods is the
      hormonal methods in which low-dose estrogen (LD) combined pills are considered as
      the most common among them. The most important reason for discontinuation of the
      combination pills is the side effects and following the discontinuation, it can
      lead to unwanted pregnancy. Promotion of more new methods and providing better
      methods with lesser side effects can be an important step towards solving some of
      the problems and increasing the usage percentages of contraceptive methods. This
      study therefore aimed to compare the effects of Yasmin and LD on menstrual cycle
      changes. METHODS: In this clinical trial study, 60 women referred to the Family
      Planning Health Center of Isfahan in 2008 were studied that finally after the
      sample loss, 27 and 24 samples were placed in Yasmin and LD groups, respectively.
      A questionnaire was used in order to collect the data. Content validity test and
      re-test also were used to confirm the validity and reliability of the
      questionnaire. To analyze the data, SPSS software and descriptive and inferential
      statistical methods were used. RESULTS: The results of this study indicated that
      the bleeding rate in the Yasmin group within the next six month compared to
      taking them before was significantly lower than that in LD group (p = 0.02); but
      there was no significant difference in terms of menstrual bleeding duration and
      the two menstruation interval between the two groups (p = 0.2). There was no
      significant difference between the Yasmin and LD groups in terms of delay in
      menstruation and dysmenorrheal. Spotting rate significantly was higher in Yasmin
      group than that in LD group (p = 0.02). There was a significant reduction in
      terms of bleeding rate changes and menstrual bleeding duration in both Yasmin and
      LD group at the following next six months in comparison with before the
      consumption (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: According to the results obtained, the oral
      combination of Yasmin pills has fewer side effects than LD pills. Therefore, it
      is recommended to start using Yasmin pill in the family planning units in Iran.

PMID- 22049291
TI  - The effect of relaxation techniques to ease the stress in infertile women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Infertility causes psychological and emotional tension in the couples
      and makes severe stress on infertile men and women. Relaxation technique is one
      of the methods that reduces the stress and can balance the human's emotions. This
      study aimed to determine the effect of relaxation on the infertile women's stress
      score. METHODS: This was a semi-experimental and clinical trial study.
      Participants randomly divided into two groups. At the beginning, the stress
      scores were assessed in both groups using Newton's infertility stress
      questionnaire. The participants' stress scores were evaluated and then, the
      relaxation technique was implemented on the intervention group. This technique
      was performed in twelve sessions. All the questionnaires were completed under
      supervision of the researcher after embryo was transferred to the uterus (after 2
      weeks) and before conducting the pregnancy test. RESULTS: Independent t-test
      showed that the total stress score did not have a significant difference in
      groups before the intervention (p > 0.05) whereas independent t-test indicated a
      significant difference in stress scores between the two groups after the
      intervention (p < 0.05). Stress score was higher in the control group in
      comparison with the intervention group. CONCLUSIONS: Relaxation technique can
      reduce the stress score in infertile women as a complementary and alternative
      medicine method.

PMID- 22049292
TI  - Plasma retinol-binding protein predicts plasma retinol concentration in both
      infected and uninfected Cameroonian women and children.
AB  - Variation in the relationship between plasma retinol-binding protein (RBP) and
      retinol (ROH) has implications for vitamin A (VA) status assessment using RBP.
      Our objectives were to identify factors affecting the RBP:ROH relationship and to
      derive and evaluate population-specific RBP cutoffs for VA deficiency (VAD) in
      Cameroon. Plasma RBP, C-reactive protein (CRP), alpha1-acid-glycoprotein (AGP),
      and ROH concentrations were compared in a subsample of women 15-49 y (n = 121)
      and children 12-59 mo (n = 123) included in a national survey conducted in 2009.
      Plasma RBP and ROH were highly correlated (r = 0.94 for women; r = 0.96 for
      children; P < 0.001). Pregnancy and lactation altered the RBP:ROH relationship in
      women, but obesity, elevated CRP and AGP, age, and VA status did not. Among
      children, age altered the RBP:ROH relationship, but sex, stunting, VA status, and
      elevated CRP and AGP did not. Cutoffs for VAD derived using regression analysis
      were <1.17 MUmol RBP/L for women (corresponding to <1.05 MUmol ROH/L) and <0.83
      MUmol RBP/L for children (corresponding to <0.70 MUmol ROH/L). The sensitivity
      and specificity of derived cutoffs were 81.8 and 93.0% for women and 94.7 and
      88.9% for children, respectively. The infection-adjusted prevalence of low VA
      status (<1.17 MUmol RBP/L) was 21.9% (95% CI = 18.7-25.0%) among women. Among
      children, the infection-adjusted prevalence of VAD (<0.83 MUmol RBP/L) was 35.0%
      (95% CI = 31.1-39.0%). In conclusion, VAD remains a public health problem in
      Cameroon. The RBP:ROH relationship should be considered in surveys using RBP to
      assess VA status, and use of population-specific cutoffs may be advisable.

PMID- 22049293
TI  - A salt reduction of 50% in bread does not decrease bread consumption or increase
      sodium intake by the choice of sandwich fillings.
AB  - Bread is a major contributor to sodium intake in many countries. Reducing the
      salt (NaCl) content in bread might be an effective way to reduce overall sodium
      intake. The objectives of this study were to examine the effects of gradually
      lowering the salt content in brown bread, with and without flavor compensation
      (KCl and yeast extract), on bread consumption and sodium intake compensation by
      choice of sandwich fillings. A total of 116 participants (age: 21 +/- 3 y; BMI:
      22 +/- 2 kg/m2) consumed a buffet-style breakfast on weekdays for 4 wk.
      Participants received either regular bread (control group: n = 39), bread whose
      salt content was gradually lowered each week by 0, 31, 52, and 67% (reduced
      group: n = 38), or bread whose salt content was also gradually lowered each week
      but which was also flavor compensated (compensated group: n = 39). A reduction of
      up to 52% of salt in bread did not lead to lower consumption of bread compared to
      the control (P = 0.57), whereas less bread was consumed when salt was reduced by
      67% (P = 0.006). When bread was flavor compensated, however, a reduction of 67%
      did not lead to lower consumption (P = 0.69). Salt reduction in bread (with and
      without flavor compensation) did not induce sodium intake compensation (P =
      0.31). In conclusion, a salt reduction of up to 52% in bread or even up to 67% in
      flavor-compensated bread neither affected bread consumption nor choice of
      sandwich fillings.

PMID- 22049294
TI  - Both longer oral sensory exposure to and higher intensity of saltiness decrease
      ad libitum food intake in healthy normal-weight men.
AB  - Orosensory exposure to sweetness has been shown to be important in satiation,
      whereas the effect of exposure to a salty taste on satiation is not known. The
      primary objective was to investigate the effect of orosensory exposure time to
      and intensity of saltiness in soup on ad libitum intake. The secondary objective
      was to investigate the effect of intensity on bite size. Fifty-five healthy men
      consumed ad libitum from both a low-salt (LS) and a high-salt (HS) creamy tomato
      soup in 2 exposure time conditions ("long" and "short") and a free condition
      ("free"). Bites were administered and controlled via a pump. In the long
      condition, bites of 5 g were administered in 2 s at intervals of 5 s (exposure
      time: 24 s/min). In the short condition, bites of 15 g were administered in 3 s
      at intervals of 15 s (exposure time: 12 s/min). The eating rate was equal in the
      long and short conditions (60 g/min). In the free condition, participants
      adjusted their bite sizes at intervals of 15 s. The short condition resulted in
      ~34% higher ad libitum intake compared to the long condition (P < 0.001); there
      was no interaction with intensity. Ad libitum intake of HS soup was ~9% lower
      than LS soup (P < 0.001). The free condition showed that HS soup was consumed
      with smaller bite sizes during the first half of the intake period (P < 0.05).
      Longer orosensory exposure and higher saltiness intensity both decreased food
      intake, although orosensory exposure had more impact than intensity. Prolonging
      the orosensory exposure per food unit may be helpful to reduce food intake.

PMID- 22049295
TI  - Dietary energy density is associated with body weight status and vegetable intake
      in U.S. children.
AB  - The objective was to determine the relationship between dietary energy density
      (ED; kcal/g) and measured weight status in children. The present study used data
      from a nationally representative sample of 2442 children between 2 and 8 y old
      who participated in the 2001-2004 NHANES. Survey measures included 24-h dietary
      recall data, measurement of MyPyramid servings of various food groups, and
      anthropometry. The relationship among dietary ED, body weight status as
      calculated using the 2000 CDC growth charts, and food intake was evaluated using
      quartiles of ED. Additionally, other dietary characteristics associated with ED
      among children are described. Specific survey procedures were used in the
      analysis to account for sample weights, unequal selection probability, and the
      clustered design of the NHANES sample. In this sample, dietary ED was positively
      associated with body weight status in U.S. children aged 2-8 y. Obese children
      had a higher dietary ED than lean children (2.08 +/- 0.03 vs. 1.93 +/- 0.05; P =
      0.02). Diets high in ED were also found to be associated with greater intakes of
      energy and added sugars, more energy from fat; and significantly lower intake of
      fruits and vegetables. Interventions that lower dietary ED by means of increasing
      fruit and vegetable intake and decreasing fat consumption may be an effective
      strategy for reducing childhood obesity.

PMID- 22049296
TI  - A high intake of saturated fatty acids strengthens the association between the
      fat mass and obesity-associated gene and BMI.
AB  - Evidence that physical activity (PA) modulates the association between the fat
      mass and obesity-associated gene (FTO) and BMI is emerging; however, information
      about dietary factors modulating this association is scarce. We investigated
      whether fat and carbohydrate intake modified the association of FTO gene
      variation with BMI in two populations, including participants in the Genetics of
      Lipid Lowering Drugs and Diet Network (GOLDN) study (n = 1069) and in the Boston
      Puerto Rican Health (BPRHS) study (n = 1094). We assessed energy, nutrient
      intake, and PA using validated questionnaires. Genetic variability at the FTO
      locus was characterized by polymorphisms rs9939609 (in the GOLDN) and rs1121980
      (in the GOLDN and BPRHS). We found significant interactions between PA and FTO on
      BMI in the GOLDN but not in the BPRHS. We found a significant interaction between
      SFA intake and FTO on BMI, which was stronger than that of total fat and was
      present in both populations (P-interaction = 0.007 in the GOLDN and P-interaction
      = 0.014 in BPRHS for categorical; and P-interaction = 0.028 in the GOLDN and P
      interaction = 0.041 in BPRHS for continuous SFA). Thus, homozygous participants
      for the FTO-risk allele had a higher mean BMI than the other genotypes only when
      they had a high-SFA intake (above the population mean: 29.7 +/- 0.7 vs. 28.1 +/-
      0.5 kg/m2; P = 0.037 in the GOLDN and 33.6. +/- 0.8 vs. 31.2 +/- 0.4 kg/m2; P =
      0.006 in BPRHS). No associations with BMI were found at lower SFA intakes. We
      found no significant interactions with carbohydrate intake. In conclusion, SFA
      intake modulates the association between FTO and BMI in American populations.

PMID- 22049298
TI  - Physicians in US Prisons in the Era of Mass Incarceration.
AB  - The United States leads the world in creating prisoners, incarcerating one in 100
      adults and housing 25% of the world's prisoners. Since the 1976, the US Supreme
      Court ruling that mandated health care for inmates, doctors have been an integral
      part of the correctional system. Yet conditions within corrections are not
      infrequently in direct conflict with optimal patient care, particularly for those
      suffering from mental illness and addiction. In addition to providing and working
      to improve clinical care for prisoners, physicians have an opportunity and an
      obligation to advocate for reform in the system of corrections when it conflicts
      with patient well-being.

PMID- 22049297
TI  - Genetic variation in stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 is associated with metabolic
      syndrome prevalence in Costa Rican adults.
AB  - Stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1) activity, a key regulator of lipid metabolism,
      may be associated with the development of metabolic syndrome (MetS). We examined
      the association of genetic variation in the SCD1 gene with the occurrence of MetS
      and its five components in a population of Costa Rican adults (n = 2152; mean
      age, 58 y; range, 18-86 y). Associations of tag single nucleotide polymorphisms
      (tagSNP) of the SCD1 gene with prevalence of MetS and its five components were
      analyzed by use of log-Poisson models with robust variance estimates and linear
      regression models, respectively. The likelihood ratio was used to test potential
      gene-fatty acid interactive effects with adipose tissue alpha-linolenic acid. One
      tagSNP (rs1502593) was significantly associated with an increased prevalence of
      MetS in the total study sample. Compared with the common homozygous CC genotype,
      the CT and TT genotypes for rs1502593 were associated with higher prevalence
      ratios (PR) of MetS for CT vs. CC: [PR = 1.22 (95% CI = 1.03, 1.44)] and for TT
      vs. CC [PR = 1.24 (95% CI = 1.01, 1.52)]. Among women, we observed borderline
      positive associations between systolic blood pressure and fasting blood sugar
      levels and rs1502593 (P = 0.05 and 0.06). Compared to the common haplotype
      (frequency >= 5%) with no minor alleles of SCD1 tagSNP, the other two observed
      common haplotypes carrying the rs1502593 minor allele were significantly
      associated with elevated prevalence of MetS. No gene-fatty acid interactive
      effects were observed. Our results suggest that genetic variation in the SCD1
      gene may play a role in the development of MetS.

PMID- 22049299
TI  - Why we still don't understand the depressed brain - Not going beyond snapshots.
AB  - Although remarkable progress has been made in the search for the brain correlates
      of depression with neuroimaging methods, we still find a heterogeneity of results
      and lack of consensus. This short commentary proposes a theoretical reason for
      this situation linking it to the methods of conducting neuroimaging studies of
      depression and the ways to interpret findings. If we only take one snapshot of
      the "depressed brain", the brain activity is presumably the result of four
      interacting components: neural predispositions, depressogenic pathology, changes
      caused by (chronic) depression, and compensatory brain mechanisms. The four
      components will be discussed briefly along with arguments why confusion of them
      might confuse our view of the brain in depression. After a short presentation of
      promising new longitudinal studies, this commentary gives first hints how we
      could go beyond snapshots to better understand the brain in depression.

PMID- 22049300
TI  - Integration and health-related quality of life of undergraduate medical students
      with migration backgrounds - Results of a survey.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Most medical faculties in Germany are still lacking differentiated
      counseling programmes for specific target groups. The purpose of the present
      study was to determine the quality of life and integration of students with
      migration backgrounds and their interests in counseling programmes. METHODS: Data
      was collected at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf in Germany.
      Participants were students of the undergraduate medical course; n=890 (89.3%)
      students without migration backgrounds were compared to n=107 (10.7%) students
      with an existing migration background. RESULTS: The results showed that medical
      students with migration backgrounds reported lower scores for health-related
      quality of life compared to students without a migration background. They felt
      less accepted and supported by their fellow students and had fewer contacts with
      other students. Medical students with migration backgrounds were characterised by
      a higher interest in the implementation of a counseling programme (Z=-3.420;
      p=.001). CONCLUSIONS: In summary, medical students with migration backgrounds
      were identified as a group with an increased need for a specific counseling
      service. Lower scores of mental health and feelings of inferior integration set
      the necessity for early counseling and intervention needs.

PMID- 22049301
TI  - Hypervalent iodine(III)-induced methylene acetoxylation of 3-oxo-N-substituted
      butanamides.
AB  - 1-Carbamoyl-2-oxopropyl acetate derivatives were synthesized through an
      acetoxylation process to methylene with the aid of (diacetoxyiodo)benzene (DIB)
      as the oxidant. Not only mild reaction conditions, but also excellent yields and
      good substrate scope make the present protocol potentially useful in organic
      synthesis.

PMID- 22049302
TI  - Multistep flow synthesis of vinyl azides and their use in the copper-catalyzed
      Huisgen-type cycloaddition under inductive-heating conditions.
AB  - The multistep flow synthesis of vinyl azides and their application in the
      synthesis of vinyltriazoles is reported. The synthesis relies on a stable polymer
      bound equivalent of iodine azide that serves to carry out 1,2-functionalization
      of alkenes in a telescope flow protocol. The intermediate 2-iodo azides are
      subjected to a DBU-mediated polymer-supported elimination step yielding vinyl
      azides in good yield. The third step involves the formation of vinyl triazoles by
      a copper-catalyzed Huisgen-"click" cycloaddition. The required heat is generated
      by electromagnetic induction based on copper. Copper serves both as heatable as
      well as catalytically active packed-bed material inside the flow reactor.

PMID- 22049303
TI  - Association of contrast sensitivity with LogMAR visual acuity and glycosylated
      hemoglobin in non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus.
AB  - A tertiary care center-based prospective case-control study was undertaken to
      evaluate the association of contrast sensitivity with LogMAR visual acuity and
      glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in 205 cases of non-insulin dependent diabetes
      mellitus and 115 controls. LogMAR visual acuity and contrast sensitivity were
      scored using ETDRS and Pelli-Robson charts, respectively. Bivariate correlation
      between contrast sensitivity and LogMAR visual acuity showed significant inverse
      correlation in cases without retinopathy (r = -0.466) and with non-proliferative
      retinopathy (r = -0.307). In a multivariate model, on applying linear regression
      analysis, LogMAR visual acuity (p < 0.001) and HbA1c (p = 0.002) had significant
      association with contrast sensitivity. Significant difference in contrast
      sensitivity was not observed between cases without diabetic retinopathy and with
      non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, implying no association with retinal
      microvascular changes. Contrast sensitivity dysfunction observed in diabetes
      mellitus results from changes in retinal function secondary to alteration in
      carbohydrate metabolism depicted in glycosylated hemoglobin.

PMID- 22049304
TI  - A dual micro-CT system for small animal imaging.
AB  - Micro-CT is a non-invasive imaging modality usually used to assess morphology in
      small animals. In our previous work, we have demonstrated that functional micro
      CT imaging is also possible. This paper describes a dual micro-CT system with two
      fixed x-ray/detectors developed to address such challenging tasks as cardiac or
      perfusion studies in small animals. A two-tube/detector system ensures
      simultaneous acquisition of two projections, thus reducing scanning time and the
      number of contrast injections in perfusion studies by a factor of two. The system
      is integrated with software developed in-house for cardio-respiratory monitoring
      and gating. The sampling geometry was optimized for 88 microns in such a way that
      the geometric blur of the focal spot matches the Nyquist sample at the detector.
      A geometric calibration procedure allows one to combine projection data from the
      two chains into a single reconstructed volume. Image quality was measured in
      terms of spatial resolution, uniformity, noise, and linearity. The modulation
      transfer function (MTF) at 10% is 3.4 lp/mm for single detector reconstructions
      and 2.3 lp/mm for dual tube/detector reconstructions. We attribute this loss in
      spatial resolution to the compounding of slight errors in the separate single
      chain calibrations. The dual micro-CT system is currently used in studies for
      morphological and functional imaging of both rats and mice.

PMID- 22049305
TI  - Cytoskeletal dynamics: concepts in measles virus replication and
      immunomodulation.
AB  - In common with most viruses, measles virus (MV) relies on the integrity of the
      cytoskeleton of its host cells both with regard to efficient replication in these
      cells, but also retention of their motility which favors viral dissemination. It
      is, however, the surface interaction of the viral glycoprotein (gp) complex with
      receptors present on lymphocytes and dendritic cells (DCs), that signals
      effective initiation of host cell cytoskeletal dynamics. For DCs, these may act
      to regulate processes as diverse as viral uptake and sorting, but also the
      ability of these cells to successfully establish and maintain functional immune
      synapses (IS) with T cells. In T cells, MV signaling causes actin cytoskeletal
      paralysis associated with a loss of polarization, adhesion and motility, which
      has been linked to activation of sphingomyelinases and subsequent accumulation of
      membrane ceramides. MV modulation of both DC and T cell cytoskeletal dynamics may
      be important for the understanding of MV immunosuppression at the cellular level.

PMID- 22049306
TI  - What has the study of the K3 and K5 viral ubiquitin E3 ligases taught us about
      ubiquitin-mediated receptor regulation?
AB  - Cells communicate with each other and the outside world through surface
      receptors, which need to be tightly regulated to prevent both overstimulation and
      receptor desensitization. Understanding the processes involved in the homeostatic
      control of cell surface receptors is essential, but we are not alone in trying to
      regulate these receptors. Viruses, as the ultimate host pathogens, have co
      evolved over millions of years and have both pirated and adapted host genes to
      enable viral pathogenesis. K3 and K5 (also known as MIR1 and MIR2) are viral
      ubiquitin E3 ligases from Kaposi's Sarcoma Associated Herpesvirus (KSHV) which
      decrease expression of a number of cell surface receptors and have been used to
      interrogate cellular processes and improve our understanding of ubiquitin
      mediated receptor endocytosis and degradation. In this review, we summarize what
      has been learned from the study of these viral genes and emphasize their role in
      elucidating the complexity of ubiquitin in receptor regulation.

PMID- 22049309
TI  - A case of circumferential multi-vessel coronary intramural hematoma in a post
      menopausal woman.
AB  - Spontaneous coronary dissections are a well described entity which are often
      difficult to treat. Intramural hematoma is one type of coronary dissection.
      Previous case reports have described the treatment for angiographically visible
      dissection. We describe the first report of diffuse intramural hematoma
      visualized only on intravascular ultrasound with no angiographically obvious
      evidence of dissection treated with multivessel drug eluting stenting. This case
      highlights the importance of a high level of suspicion and atypical presentations
      of coronary dissection, and the use of multimodality imaging with intravascular
      ultrasound and computerized tomography for both diagnosis and therapy.

PMID- 22049308
TI  - Flavivirus cell entry and membrane fusion.
AB  - Flaviviruses, such as dengue virus and West Nile virus, are enveloped viruses
      that infect cells through receptor-mediated endocytosis and fusion from within
      acidic endosomes. The cell entry process of flaviviruses is mediated by the viral
      E glycoprotein. This short review will address recent advances in the
      understanding of flavivirus cell entry with specific emphasis on the recent study
      of Zaitseva and coworkers, indicating that anionic lipids might play a crucial
      role in the fusion process of dengue virus [1].

PMID- 22049310
TI  - Isolated right ventricular failure in hyperthyroidism: a clinical dilemma.
AB  - We present a unique case of a 42-year-old gentleman with newly diagnosed Graves'
      disease and isolated right ventricular failure. Extensive evaluation to include
      echocardiogram and cardiac catheterization were negative for significant
      pulmonary hypertension or coronary artery disease as potential etiologies.
      Hyperthyroid induced vasospasm is a rare but reported clinical entity that serves
      to be a clinical and diagnostic dilemma.

PMID- 22049307
TI  - The inside out of lentiviral vectors.
AB  - Lentiviruses induce a wide variety of pathologies in different animal species. A
      common feature of the replicative cycle of these viruses is their ability to
      target non-dividing cells, a property that constitutes an extremely attractive
      asset in gene therapy. In this review, we shall describe the main basic aspects
      of the virology of lentiviruses that were exploited to obtain efficient gene
      transfer vectors. In addition, we shall discuss some of the hurdles that oppose
      the efficient genetic modification mediated by lentiviral vectors and the
      strategies that are being developed to circumvent them.

PMID- 22049312
TI  - Platypnea-orthodeoxia due to osteoporosis and severe kyphosis: a rare cause for
      dyspnea and hypoxemia.
AB  - Platypnea orthodeoxia is a rare disorder characterized by dyspnea and arterial
      desaturation, exacerbated by the upright position and relieved when the subject
      is recumbent. We report the case of a 79-year old woman admitted to hospital with
      dyspnea who was thought to have restrictive ventilatory impairment due to
      osteoporosis and severe kyphosis. Interestingly, the dyspnea was aggravated in
      the upright position, whereas the symptoms improved in the supine position.
      Arterial blood gas analysis confirmed orthodeoxia. The lung function test showed
      only a mild obstructive and restrictive ventilation disorder. Echocardiography
      revealed a patent foramen ovale and an aneurysm of the atrial septum protruding
      into the left atrium, despite normal right atrial pressure. Transesophageal
      echocardiography showed a prominent Eustachian valve guiding a blood flow from
      the inferior vena cava directly onto the atrial septum, thereby pushing open the
      patent foramen ovale. Contrast-enhanced echocardiography confirmed a spontaneous
      right-to-left shunt through the patent foramen ovale. It was assumed that the
      platypnea-orthodeoxia was caused by a prominent Eustachian valve redirected to
      the patent foramen ovale as a result of severe osteoporosis with subsequent
      thoracic kyphosis and a change in the position of the entire heart. The patient
      underwent permanent transcatheter closure of the patent foramen ovale after
      hemodynamic assessment had confirmed a significant right-to-left shunt through
      it. After the procedure the arterial oxygen pressure increased significantly in
      the upright position and dyspnea improved.

PMID- 22049311
TI  - Mild hyperkalemia and low eGFR a tedious recipe for cardiac disaster in the
      elderly: an unusual reversible cause of syncope and heart block.
AB  - Hyperkalemia affects the myocardial tissue producing electrocardiographic
      abnormalities, such as prolongation of the P-R interval, tall peaked T waves, a
      reduction in the amplitude and an increase in the duration of P wave, and atrial
      and ventricular arrhythmias, including variable degree heart blocks. Elderly
      patients are particularly predisposed to developing hyperkalemia and the
      associated abnormalities due to an age-related reduction in glomerular filtration
      rate and pre-existing medical problems. Therefore, the impact of aging on
      potassium homeostasis must be taken into consideration, and preventive measures,
      such as early recognition of possible hyperkalemia in the geriatric population
      treated with certain medications or supplements must be investigated. The
      threshold for cardiac arrhythmias in the elderly can be lower than the general
      population. We report 3 unusual cases of mild hyperkalemia in elderly patients
      presenting with hypotension, syncope and variable degree heart blocks which
      resolved spontaneously with the correction of hyperkalemia.

PMID- 22049313
TI  - Large patent ductus arteriosus in an adult complicated by pulmonary endarteritis
      and embolic lung abscess.
AB  - Patent ductus arteriosus in the adult is an extremely rare clinical phenomenon.
      We report the case of a 34-year old man who developed pulmonary endarteritis and
      subsequent embolic lung abscess secondary to a large patent ductus arteriosus.
      This brief report also provides an overview of the natural history, potential
      complications, optimal therapy, and diagnostic dilemmas associated with this
      persistent congenital cardiac defect in adults.

PMID- 22049314
TI  - Are there differences in acute phase inflammation markers regarding the type of
      heart failure?
AB  - This study aimed to determine if there are differences in inflammatory markers in
      the acute phase between systolic heart failure and heart failure with preserved
      systolic function. One hundred and thirty-one patients with acute heart failure
      were recruited consecutively. At admission, plasma fibrinogen, C-reactive
      protein, sialic acid, von Willebrand factor, vascular endothelial growth factor,
      interleukin-6 and NTproBNP were all evaluated. If the ejection fraction was 45%
      or over patients were included in the HF-PSF group; the remaining patients were
      included in the SHF group. The HF-PSF patients were older (72+/-10 vs 63+/-12
      years, P<0.001), presented a higher rate of atrial fibrillation (56.1 vs 21.3%,
      P<0.001), and had a lower rate of hemoglobin (12.2+/-2 vs 13.3+/-2.1 g/dL,
      P<0.01). No significant differences were observed in the inflammation markers
      analyzed among SHF and HF-PSF groups. In the acute phase of heart failure there
      is a marked elevation of inflammatory markers but there are no differences in the
      inflammatory markers analyzed between the two different types of heart failure.

PMID- 22049315
TI  - Baroreflex sensitivity differs among same strain Wistar rats from the same
      laboratory.
AB  - Previous studies showed that a proportion of normotensive Sprague-Dawley rats
      spontaneously exhibit lower baroreflex sensitivity. However, investigations have
      not yet been carried out on Wistar rats. We aimed to compare baroreflex
      sensitivity among rats from the same strain and the same laboratory. Male Wistar
      normotensive rats (300-400g) were studied. Cannulas were inserted into the
      abdominal aortic artery through the right femoral artery to measure mean arterial
      pressure and heart rate. Baroreflex was calculated as the derivative of the
      variation of heart rate in function of the mean arterial pressure variation
      (DeltaHR/DeltaMAP) tested with a depressor dose of sodium nitroprusside (50
      ug/kg) and with a pressor dose of phenylephrine (8ug/kg) in the right femoral
      venous approach through an inserted cannula. We divided the rats into four
      groups: i) high bradycardic baroreflex, baroreflex gain less than -2 tested with
      phenylephrine; ii) low bradycardic baroreflex, baroreflex gain between -1 and -2
      tested with phenylephrine; iii) high tachycardic baroreflex, baroreflex gain less
      than -3 tested with sodium nitroprusside; and iv) low tachycardic baroreflex,
      baroreflex gain between -1 and -3 tested with sodium nitroprusside. Approximately
      71% of the rats presented a decrease in bradycardic reflex while around half
      showed an increase in tachycardic reflex. No significant changes in basal mean
      arterial pressure and heart rate, tachycardic and bradycardic peak and heart rate
      range were observed. There was a significant change in baroreflex sensitivity
      among rats from the same strain and the same laboratory.

PMID- 22049317
TI  - Health behavior: an interlocking personal and social task.
AB  - Traditional health behavior models comprise only person-centered motivational
      components such as personal vulnerability perceptions and specific internal
      control beliefs. However, such factors as social responsibility, perceived
      prevalence rates of illnesses, attribution of control to societal agencies, and
      the motivation to engage oneself for public health concerns are not unrelated to
      individual health protection. Therefore, an alternative model is proposed, which
      combines traditional self-centered and social variables. This alternative model
      was empirically confirmed in a questionnaire study exemplified by cancer
      preventive activities (N = 558), which embraced personal cancer prevention as
      well as efforts to reduce the cancer prevalence within the general population.
      The readiness to engage in personal cancer preventive measures appeared to be
      closely related to the readiness to engage oneself for public health programs.
      The motivational predictors of both categories of activities had significant
      overlap. Implications for model building and intervention strategies to promote
      individual as well as public health behavior are discussed.

PMID- 22049318
TI  - Sociodemographic Factors, Smoking and Common Mental Disorder in the Renfrew and
      Paisley (MIDSPAN) Study.
AB  - The relationships between common mental disorder measured by the General Health
      Questionnaire and sociodemographic variables and cigarette smoking were examined
      from baseline data in a community study of 15,406 men and women, aged between 45
      and 64 years from two towns close to Glasgow. Between 1972 and 1976 all those
      respondents from Renfrew and Paisley between the ages of 45 and 64 years who met
      the residency criteria were invited to attend community clinics, where a clinical
      examination was carried out and the General Health Questionnaire was completed by
      3783 (53.6 percent) men, and 4683 (56.1 percent) women. Women had a higher risk
      of disorder than men did. More women (20.3 percent) than men (15.4 percent) were
      possible cases of common mental disorder. Women showed a decrease in disorder
      with age but no apparent trend in men was observed. Marital status was
      significantly associated with disorder, with the widowed and separated showing
      especially high rates of psychiatric disorder. Married men, in contrast to
      married women, had relatively low levels of psychiatric disorder. Both social
      class and level of deprivation of the area were associated with psychiatric
      disorder. For both men and women there was a trend in disorder associated with
      social class; men in social class V had twice the level of psychiatric disorder
      compared to those in social class II. For women there was a shallow gradient
      showing higher levels of disorder with lower social class. Smoking habits were
      also related to psychiatric disorder; never- and exsmokers had relatively low
      rates of psychiatric disorder whereas, among current smokers, risk of psychiatric
      disorder, increased with the number of cigarettes smoked, though only for women.

PMID- 22049316
TI  - ERalpha-dependent E2F transcription can mediate resistance to estrogen
      deprivation in human breast cancer.
AB  - Most estrogen receptor alpha (ER)-positive breast cancers initially respond to
      antiestrogens, but many eventually become estrogen-independent and recur. We
      identified an estrogen-independent role for ER and the CDK4/Rb/E2F
      transcriptional axis in the hormone-independent growth of breast cancer cells. ER
      downregulation with fulvestrant or small interfering RNA (siRNA) inhibited
      estrogen-independent growth. Chromatin immunoprecipitation identified ER genomic
      binding activity in estrogen-deprived cells and primary breast tumors treated
      with aromatase inhibitors. Gene expression profiling revealed an estrogen
      independent, ER/E2F-directed transcriptional program. An E2F activation gene
      signature correlated with a lesser response to aromatase inhibitors in patients'
      tumors. siRNA screening showed that CDK4, an activator of E2F, is required for
      estrogen-independent cell growth. Long-term estrogen-deprived cells hyperactivate
      phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) independently of ER/E2F. Fulvestrant
      combined with the pan-PI3K inhibitor BKM120 induced regression of ER(+)
      xenografts. These data support further development of ER downregulators and CDK4
      inhibitors, and their combination with PI3K inhibitors for treatment of
      antiestrogen-resistant breast cancers.

PMID- 22049319
TI  - Mediators of Increased Physical Activity and Change in Subjective Well-being:
      Results from the Activity Counseling Trial (ACT).
AB  - The purpose of this study was to examine whether change in satisfaction with
      physical function (SF), satisfaction with physical appearance (SA), and self
      efficacy (SE) mediate the effects that increased physical activity has on change
      in subjective well-being (SWB). Participants in this investigation consisted of
      854 men (n = 471) and women (n = 383) who took part in the Activity Counseling
      Trial (ACT). ACT was a 24-month multicenter, randomized controlled trial to
      evaluate the effectiveness of interventions to promote physical activity in the
      primary care setting. Participants were assigned to one of three treatments:
      standard care control, staff-assisted intervention, or staff-counseling
      intervention. Results revealed that, irrespective of treatment arm, change in
      physical activity was related to change in SBW and to change in all mediators of
      interest. A statistical test of mediation revealed that the influence of change
      in physical activity on SWB was due to change in all three mediators with change
      in SF making the greatest contribution to the model.

PMID- 22049320
TI  - Proximal and Distal Predictors of AIDS Risk Behaviors among Inner-city African
      American and European American Women.
AB  - AIDS risk behavior and attitudes towards safer sex were studied in a sample of
      666 African American and 626 European American women. Condom use, AIDS-related
      knowledge, risk perception, self-efficacy beliefs, attitudes and perceived
      partner attitudes, and an assertive coping style were analyzed with regard to
      mean differences and predictive power in both ethnic groups. Compared to European
      American women, African American women had less knowledge and lower self-efficacy
      beliefs towards safer sex behavior, but they perceived themselves to be at more
      risk and reported greater condom use. Further, ethnicity was found to moderate
      the effects of the psychological predictors on safer sex behavior. This moderator
      effect was tested using a structural equation modeling design. In both groups,
      risk perception was the strongest predictor of condom use. Among African American
      women, social-cognitive barriers (e.g. low self-efficacy beliefs, negative
      attitude towards condom use) worked as a second predictor and mediator of the
      effects of risk perception on condom use. In contrast, among European American
      women, social-cognitive factors had no effect on condom use. In general,
      prediction of safer sex behavior was stronger among African American women.

PMID- 22049321
TI  - Do Patients Want Control over their Own Health Care? A Review of Measures,
      Findings, and Research Issues.
AB  - Across a wide variety of medical settings, patients report that they want
      detailed information about their condition and their treatment whereas stated
      desire for input into decision making is skewed more in the direction of
      physician-only or at least collaborative decision-making. These results, along
      with the contextual and individual difference factors associated with increased
      willingness to relinquish control (lower educational level, more serious illness,
      increasing age), indicate that patients want to assume control if they feel it
      will be beneficial to them to do so. The findings, however, are based largely on
      the relationship of patients' mean scores to arbitrarily determined scale
      midpoints on measures with little or no criterion-related validity. These
      measures also show insufficient overlap with better validated measures of desire
      for health care control, which indicate more normally distributed scores and a
      broader range of individual differences among respondents. Findings are discussed
      in terms of the need for further research on the structure (dimensionality) and
      stability of the construct desire for health care control and issues involved in
      conducting needed criterion-related validational work.

PMID- 22049322
TI  - Overcoming perceived barriers to employment among people with arthritis.
AB  - Work disability is a major problem for people with arthritis. The INTO WORK
      Personal Development (IWPD) programme aims to prevent work disability by
      addressing the internal and external barriers faced by people with arthritis
      seeking to fulfil their employment potential. The effectiveness of the programme
      was examined in a pretest-post-test study with an intervention group (n = 37) and
      a comparison control group (n = 42). Data were collected through self
      administered questionnaires and focus groups. Significant decreases on anxiety (p
      = .0002), depression (p = .009) and negative mood (p = .029), and significant
      improvements on positive mood (p = .011), self-esteem (p = .002) and satisfaction
      with life (p = .010) were found for the intervention group only. The IWPD
      programme appears to promote self-determination, psychological well-being and
      strategies for overcoming perceived barriers to employment among people with
      arthritis.

PMID- 22049323
TI  - Relaxation training and cortisol secretion in adult asthmatics.
AB  - Relaxation techniques can lead to symptom reduction and improved pulmonary
      functioning in asthmatics, although the mechanism is not clear. One possibility
      is by influencing cortisol secretion, as cortisol is implicated in inflammatory
      processes and relaxation has been shown to alter cortisol secretion in healthy
      individuals. This study explored the effect of relaxation training on cortisol
      levels and cortisol reactivity to stress in asthmatics. Twenty adult asthmatics
      participated for 21 days in their natural environment, and received relaxation
      training halfway through the study. Cortisol was assessed from saliva five times
      per day for three weeks. Relaxation training was successful, but did not lead to
      the hypothesized reduction in overall cortisol levels. Participants using
      corticosteroid medication showed increases in cortisol after relaxation, whereas
      those not using corticosteroids showed decreases in cortisol (p< .05). Relaxation
      altered the cortisol reactivity to stress (p= .007); before relaxation training
      cortisol levels increased after a stressor, whereas following relaxation training
      cortisol levels decreased after a stressor. This study suggests that relaxation
      training can influence cortisol secretion in asthmatics, but that these effects
      differ from those observed in healthy individuals and may be influenced by
      corticosteroid medication use.

PMID- 22049324
TI  - Blood glucose discrimination training: the role of internal and external cues.
AB  - The effects of observing internal and external events on blood glucose (BG)
      discrimination were assessed in eight patients with type 1 diabetes using an
      intrasubject design. During baseline condition, participants estimated their BG,
      then measured and recorded it (feedback-only procedure) three times a day.
      Participants were then divided randomly into two groups. Both were submitted to
      internal cue (IC) and external cue (EC) training conditions in a balanced order,
      and then both cues were presented together in combined cues (CC) training
      conditions. Under IC, participants observed and recorded their symptoms before
      estimating BG. Under EC, they observed and recorded environmental events prior to
      BG estimation. In CC conditions, participants paid attention to both internal and
      external cues before the estimate-feedback routine. BG estimation accuracy
      improved after either IC or EC conditions. When the two types of cues were
      combined, only two participants improved their BG estimation accuracy. The
      remainder did not, probably because they had already attained high accuracy
      levels (ceiling effect).

PMID- 22049325
TI  - Individualism and immune function: are asthma and allergies partly a function of
      an overly constricted self?
AB  - Relations of individualism/collectivism to asthma and allergies were examined in
      two studies. I proposed that a narrower psychological identity (individualism)
      might be associated with an overactive immune system. In Study 1, average
      individualism levels across 15 countries correlated significantly positively
      (.50) with national asthma rates. Pollution and crowding levels were unrelated to
      national asthma rates. In Study 2, higher levels of personality individualism
      were associated with higher numbers of allergies among college students even with
      some other individual difference factors controlled. Potential mechanisms behind,
      and potential implications of, these results are described. Some suggestions for
      further research on this topic are given.

PMID- 22049326
TI  - Narrative Identities and the Management of Personal Accountability in Talk about
      ME: A Discursive Psychology Approach to Illness Narrative.
AB  - This article takes a discursive psychology approach to the analysis of illness
      narrative. The controversial topic of ME (myalgic encephalomyelitis), otherwise
      known as chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), is used as a case study to examine the
      dilemmatics of illness talk. Using data from an ME narrative, I explore the
      complex and subtle discursive work performed by participants to show how
      attributional stories and identity formulations are linked together in a
      narrative that works to construct ME as a physical disease while countering
      potential accusations of malingering or psychological vulnerability. In working
      to counter such explanations, sufferers paradoxically implicate themselves in an
      interpretation of their illness as self-inflicted through overwork and
      mismanagement. In previous research, tales of frenetic lifestyles prior to the
      onset of ME have provided analysts (and journalists) with grounds for
      constructing their own attributional stories in the form of 'opt-out' or
      'burnout' theories of ME/CFS. An ethnomethodologically informed discursive
      psychology provides a non-cognitivist approach to analysis which looks in detail
      at how sufferers themselves make sense of ME as a practical activity and how
      their identities are constructed as part of that process.

PMID- 22049328
TI  - Health and work: critical perspectives.

PMID- 22049327
TI  - Qualitative health psychology: theories and methods.

PMID- 22049329
TI  - Material discourses of health and illness.

PMID- 22049330
TI  - A late phase of LTD in cultured cerebellar Purkinje cells requires persistent
      dynamin-mediated endocytosis.
AB  - Long-term synaptic depression (LTD) of cerebellar parallel fiber-Purkinje cell
      synapses is a form of use-dependent synaptic plasticity that may be studied in
      cell culture. One form of LTD is induced postsynaptically through an mGlu1/Ca
      influx/protein kinase Calpha (PKCalpha) cascade, and its initial expression
      requires phosphorylation of ser-880 in the COOH-terminal PDZ-ligand region of
      GluA2 and consequent binding of PICK1. This triggers postsynaptic
      clathrin/dynamin-mediated endocytosis of GluA2-containing surface AMPA receptors.
      Cerebellar LTD also has a late phase beginning 45-60 min after induction that is
      blocked by transcription or translation inhibitors. Here, I have sought to
      determine the expression mechanism of this late phase of LTD by applying various
      drugs and peptides after the late phase has been established. Neither bath
      application of mGluR1 antagonists (JNJ-16259685, LY-456236) nor the PKC inhibitor
      GF-109203X starting 60-70 min after LTD induction attenuated the late phase.
      Similarly, achieving the whole cell configuration with a second pipette loaded
      with the peptide PKC inhibitor PKC(19-36) starting 60 min postinduction also
      failed to alter the late phase. Late internal perfusion with peptides designed to
      disrupt PICK1-GLUA2 interaction or PICK1 dimerization failed to impact late phase
      LTD expression. However, late internal perfusion with two different blockers of
      dynamin, the drug dynasore and a dynamin inhibitory peptide (QVPSRPNRAP),
      produced rapid and complete reversal of cerebellar LTD expression. These findings
      suggest that the protein synthesis-dependent late phase of LTD requires
      persistent dynamin-mediated endocytosis, but not persistent PICK1-GluA2 binding
      nor persistent activation of the upstream mGluR1/PKCalpha signaling cascade.

PMID- 22049331
TI  - Does a pitch center exist in auditory cortex?
AB  - Pitch perception is an important component of hearing, allowing us to appreciate
      melodies and harmonies as well as recognize prosodic cues in speech. Multiple
      studies over the last decade have suggested that pitch is represented by a pitch
      processing center in auditory cortex. However, recent data (Barker D, Plack CJ,
      Hall DA. Cereb Cortex. In press; Hall DA, Plack CJ. Cereb Cortex 19: 576-585,
      2009) now challenge these previous claims of a human "pitch center."

PMID- 22049332
TI  - Cortical entrainment of human hypoglossal motor unit activities.
AB  - Output from the primary motor cortex contains oscillations that can have
      frequency-specific effects on the firing of motoneurons (MNs). Whereas much is
      known about the effects of oscillatory cortical drive on the output of spinal MN
      pools, considerably less is known about the effects on cranial motor nuclei,
      which govern speech/oromotor control. Here, we investigated cortical input to one
      such motor pool, the hypoglossal motor nucleus (HMN), which controls muscles of
      the tongue. We recorded intramuscular genioglossus electromyogram (EMG) and scalp
      EEG from healthy adult subjects performing a tongue protrusion task. Cortical
      entrainment of HMN population activity was assessed by measuring coherence
      between EEG and multiunit EMG activity. In addition, cortical entrainment of
      individual MN firing activity was assessed by measuring phase locking between
      single motor unit (SMU) action potentials and EEG oscillations. We found that
      cortical entrainment of multiunit activity was detectable within the 15- to 40-Hz
      frequency range but was inconsistent across recordings. By comparison, cortical
      entrainment of SMU spike timing was reliable within the same frequency range.
      Furthermore, this effect was found to be intermittent over time. Our study
      represents an important step in understanding corticomuscular synchronization in
      the context of human oromotor control and is the first study to document SMU
      entrainment by cortical oscillations in vivo.

PMID- 22049333
TI  - Chondroitinase ABC reduces time to muscle reinnervation and improves functional
      recovery after sciatic nerve transection in rats.
AB  - Application of chondroitinase ABC (ChABC) to injured peripheral nerves improves
      axon regeneration, but it is not known whether functional recovery is also
      improved. Recordings of EMG activity [soleus (Sol) M response and H reflexes]
      evoked by nerve stimulation and of Sol and tibialis anterior (TA) EMG activity
      and hindlimb and foot kinematics during slope walking were made to determine
      whether ChABC treatment of the sciatic nerve at the time of transection improves
      functional recovery. Recovery of evoked EMG responses began as multiple small
      responses with a wide range of latencies that eventually coalesced into one or
      two more distinctive and consistent responses (the putative M response and the
      putative H reflex) in both groups. Both the initial evoked responses and the time
      course of their maturation returned sooner in the ChABC group than in the
      untreated (UT) group. The reinnervated Sol and TA were coactivated during
      treadmill locomotion during downslope, level, and upslope walking throughout the
      study period in both UT and ChABC-treated rats. By 10 wk after nerve transection
      and repair, locomotor activity in Sol, but not TA, had returned to its
      pretransection pattern. There was an increased reliance on central control of Sol
      activation across slopes for both groups as interpreted from elevated prestance
      Sol EMG activity that was no longer modulated with slope. Limb length and
      orientation during locomotion were similar to those observed prior to nerve
      injury during upslope walking only in the ChABC-treated rats. Thus treatment of
      cut nerves with ChABC leads to improvements in functional recovery.

PMID- 22049334
TI  - Psychophysical measurement of contrast sensitivity in the behaving mouse.
AB  - To understand how activity in mammalian neural circuits controls behavior, the
      mouse is a promising model system due to the convergence of genetic, optical, and
      physiological methods. The ability to control and quantify behavior precisely is
      also essential for these studies. We developed an operant visual detection
      paradigm to make visual psychophysical measurements: head-fixed mice make
      responses by pressing a lever. We designed this task to permit neurophysiological
      studies of behavior in cerebral cortex, where activity is variable from trial to
      trial and neurons encode many types of information simultaneously. To study
      neural responses in the face of this complexity, we trained mice to do a task
      where they perform hundreds of trials daily and perceptual thresholds can be
      measured. We used this task to measure both visual acuity and the minimum
      detectable contrast in behaving mice. We found that the mouse contrast response
      function is similar in shape to other species. They can detect low-contrast
      stimuli, with a peak contrast threshold of 2%, equivalent to ~15 degrees 
      eccentric in human vision. Mouse acuity is modest, with an upper limit near 0.5
      cycles/ degrees , consistent with prior data.

PMID- 22049335
TI  - D(2)-like dopamine receptors differentially regulate unitary IPSCs depending on
      presynaptic GABAergic neuron subtypes in rat nucleus accumbens shell.
AB  - In the nucleus accumbens (NAc), a medium spiny (MS) neuron receives GABAergic
      inputs from two major sources: fast-spiking (FS) neurons and other, adjacent MS
      neurons. These two types of inhibitory synapses are considered to play different
      roles in output activities, i.e., FS->MS connections suppress output from the NAc
      whereas MS->MS connections contribute to lateral inhibition. In the present
      study, we focused on the electrophysiological properties of unitary inhibitory
      postsynaptic currents (uIPSCs) obtained from MS->MS connections and FS->MS
      connections and examined the effects of quinpirole, a dopamine D(2)-like receptor
      agonist, on uIPSCs with multiple whole cell patch-clamp recording. Application of
      quinpirole (1 MUM) reliably suppressed the amplitude of uIPSCs by 29.6% in MS->MS
      connections, with increases in paired-pulse ratio and failure rate. The
      suppressive effects of quinpirole on uIPSCs were mimicked by 1 MUM PD128907, a
      D(2/3) receptor agonist, whereas quinpirole-induced suppression of uISPCs was
      blocked by preapplication of 1 MUM sulpiride or 10 MUM nafadotride, both D(2/3)
      receptor antagonists. On the other hand, quinpirole (1 MUM) had divergent effects
      on FS->MS connections, i.e., quinpirole increased uIPSC amplitude in 38.1% of FS
      >MS connections and 23.8% of FS->MS connections were suppressed by quinpirole.
      Analysis of coefficient of variation in uIPSC amplitude implied the involvement
      of presynaptic mechanisms in quinpirole-induced effects on uIPSCs. These results
      suggest that activation of D(2)-like receptors facilitates outputs from MS
      neurons in the NAc by reducing lateral inhibition during a dormant period of FS
      neuron activities.

PMID- 22049336
TI  - Low-frequency oscillations of the neural drive to the muscle are increased with
      experimental muscle pain.
AB  - We investigated the influence of nociceptive stimulation on the accuracy of task
      execution and motor unit spike trains during low-force isometric contractions.
      Muscle pain was induced by infusion of hypertonic saline into the abductor digiti
      minimi muscle of 11 healthy men. Intramuscular EMG signals were recorded from the
      same muscle during four isometric contractions of 60-s duration at 10% of the
      maximal force [maximal voluntary contraction (MVC)] performed before injection
      (baseline), after injection of isotonic (control) or hypertonic saline (pain),
      and 15 min after pain was no longer reported. Each contraction was preceded by
      three 3-s ramp contractions from 0% to 10% MVC. The low-frequency oscillations of
      motor unit spike trains were analyzed by the first principal component of the low
      pass filtered spike trains [first common component (FCC)], which represents the
      effective neural drive to the muscle. Pain decreased the accuracy of task
      performance [coefficient of variation (CoV) for force: baseline, 2.8 +/- 1.8%,
      pain, 3.9 +/- 1.8%; P < 0.05] and reduced motor unit discharge rates [11.6 +/-
      2.3 pulses per second (pps) vs. 10.7 +/- 1.7 pps; P < 0.05]. Motor unit
      recruitment thresholds (2.2 +/- 1.2% MVC vs. 2.4 +/- 1.6% MVC), interspike
      interval variability (18.4 +/- 4.9% vs. 19.1 +/- 5.4%), strength of motor unit
      short-term synchronization [common input strength (CIS) 1.02 +/- 0.44 vs. 0.83 +/
      0.22], and strength of common drive (0.47 +/- 0.08 vs. 0.47 +/- 0.06) did not
      change across conditions. The FCC signal was correlated with force (R = 0.45 +/-
      0.06), and the CoV for FCC increased in the painful condition (5.69 +/- 1.29% vs.
      7.83 +/- 2.61%; P < 0.05). These results indicate that nociceptive stimulation
      increased the low-frequency variability in synaptic input to motoneurons.

PMID- 22049337
TI  - Possible cues driving context-specific adaptation of optocollic reflex in pigeons
      (Columba livia).
AB  - Context-specific adaptation (Shelhamer M, Clendaniel R. Neurosci Lett 332: 200
      204, 2002) explains that reflexive responses can be maintained with different
      "calibrations" for different situations (contexts). Which context cues are
      crucial and how they combine to evoke context-specific adaptation is not fully
      understood. Gaze stabilization in birds is a nice model with which to tackle that
      question. Previous data showed that when pigeons (Columba livia) were hung in a
      harness and subjected to a frontal airstream provoking a flying posture ("flying
      condition"), the working range of the optokinetic head response [optocollic
      reflex (OCR)] extended toward higher velocities compared with the "resting
      condition." The present study was aimed at identifying which context cues are
      instrumental in recalibrating the OCR. We investigated that question by using
      vibrating stimuli delivered during the OCR provoked by rotating the visual
      surroundings at different velocities. The OCR gain increase and the boost of the
      fast phase velocity observed during the "flying condition" were mimicked by body
      vibration. On the other hand, the newly emerged relationship between the fast
      phase and slow-phase velocities in the "flying condition" was mimicked by head
      vibration. Spinal cord lesion at the lumbosacral level decreased the effects of
      body vibration, whereas lesions of the lumbosacral apparatus had no effect. Our
      data suggest a major role of muscular proprioception in the context-specific
      adaptation of the stabilizing behavior, while the vestibular system could
      contribute to the context-specific adaptation of the orienting behavior.
      Participation of an efferent copy of the motor command driving the flight cannot
      be excluded.

PMID- 22049338
TI  - Disorder-to-order transition underlies the structural basis for the assembly of a
      transcriptionally active PGC-1alpha/ERRgamma complex.
AB  - Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR) gamma coactivator-1alpha (PGC
      1alpha) is a potent transcriptional coactivator of oxidative metabolism and is
      induced in response to a variety of environmental cues. It regulates a broad
      array of target genes by coactivating a whole host of transcription factors. The
      estrogen-related receptor (ERR) family of nuclear receptors are key PGC-1alpha
      partners in the regulation of mitochondrial and tissue-specific oxidative
      metabolic pathways; these receptors also demonstrate strong physical and
      functional interactions with this coactivator. Here we perform comprehensive
      biochemical, biophysical, and structural analyses of the complex formed between
      PGC-1alpha and ERRgamma. PGC-1alpha activation domain (PGC-1alpha(2-220)) is
      intrinsically disordered with limited secondary and no defined tertiary
      structure. Complex formation with ERRgamma induces significant changes in the
      conformational mobility of both partners, highlighted by significant
      stabilization of the ligand binding domain (ERRgammaLBD) as determined by HDX
      (hydrogen/deuterium exchange) and an observed disorder-to-order transition in PGC
      1alpha(2-220). Small-angle X-ray scattering studies allow for modeling of the
      solution structure of the activation domain in the absence and presence of
      ERRgammaLBD, revealing a stable and compact binary complex. These data show that
      PGC-1alpha(2-220) undergoes a large-scale conformational change when binding to
      the ERRgammaLBD, leading to substantial compaction of the activation domain. This
      change results in stable positioning of the N-terminal part of the activation
      domain of PGC-1alpha, favorable for assembly of an active transcriptional
      complex. These data also provide structural insight into the versatile
      coactivation profile of PGC-1alpha and can readily be extended to understand
      other transcriptional coregulators.

PMID- 22049339
TI  - Vascular ligand-receptor mapping by direct combinatorial selection in cancer
      patients.
AB  - Molecules differentially expressed in blood vessels among organs or between
      damaged and normal tissues, are attractive therapy targets; however, their
      identification within the human vasculature is challenging. Here we screened a
      peptide library in cancer patients to uncover ligand-receptors common or specific
      to certain vascular beds. Surveying ~2.35 x 10(6) motifs recovered from biopsies
      yielded a nonrandom distribution, indicating that systemic tissue targeting is
      feasible. High-throughput analysis by similarity search, protein arrays, and
      affinity chromatography revealed four native ligand-receptors, three of which
      were previously unrecognized. Two are shared among multiple tissues (integrin
      alpha4/annexin A4 and cathepsin B/apolipoprotein E3) and the other two have a
      restricted and specific distribution in normal tissue (prohibitin/annexin A2 in
      white adipose tissue) or cancer (RAGE/leukocyte proteinase-3 in bone metastases).
      These findings provide vascular molecular markers for biotechnology and medical
      applications.

PMID- 22049340
TI  - Formation of unconventional standing waves at graphene edges by valley mixing and
      pseudospin rotation.
AB  - We investigate the roles of the pseudospin and the valley degeneracy in electron
      scattering at graphene edges. It is found that they are strongly correlated with
      charge density modulations of short-wavelength oscillations and slowly decaying
      beat patterns in the electronic density profile. Theoretical analyses using
      nearest-neighbor tight-binding methods and first-principles density-functional
      theory calculations agree well with our experimental data from scanning tunneling
      microscopy. The armchair edge shows almost perfect intervalley scattering with
      pseudospin invariance regardless of the presence of the hydrogen atom at the
      edge, whereas the zigzag edge only allows for intravalley scattering with the
      change in the pseudospin orientation. The effect of structural defects at the
      graphene edges is also discussed.

PMID- 22049341
TI  - Nonautonomous regulation of Drosophila midgut stem cell proliferation by the
      insulin-signaling pathway.
AB  - Drosophila adult midgut intestinal stem cells (ISCs) maintain tissue homeostasis
      by producing progeny that replace dying enterocytes and enteroendocrine cells.
      ISCs adjust their rates of proliferation in response to enterocyte turnover
      through a positive feedback loop initiated by secreted enterocyte-derived
      ligands. However, less is known about whether ISC proliferation is affected by
      growth of the progeny as they differentiate. Here we show that nutrient
      deprivation and reduced insulin signaling results in production of growth-delayed
      enterocytes and prolonged contact between ISCs and newly formed daughters.
      Premature disruption of cell contact between ISCs and their progeny leads to
      increased ISC proliferation and rescues proliferation defects in insulin receptor
      mutants and nutrient-deprived animals. These results suggest that ISCs can
      indirectly sense changes in nutrient and insulin levels through contact with
      their daughters and reveal a mechanism that could link physiological changes in
      tissue growth to stem cell proliferation.

PMID- 22049342
TI  - Schizophrenia susceptibility gene dysbindin regulates glutamatergic and
      dopaminergic functions via distinctive mechanisms in Drosophila.
AB  - The dysfunction of multiple neurotransmitter systems is a striking
      pathophysiological feature of many mental disorders, schizophrenia in particular,
      but delineating the underlying mechanisms has been challenging. Here we show that
      manipulation of a single schizophrenia susceptibility gene, dysbindin, is capable
      of regulating both glutamatergic and dopaminergic functions through two
      independent mechanisms, consequently leading to two categories of clinically
      relevant behavioral phenotypes. Dysbindin has been reported to affect
      glutamatergic and dopaminergic functions as well as a range of clinically
      relevant behaviors in vertebrates and invertebrates but has been thought to have
      a mainly neuronal origin. We find that reduced expression of Drosophila dysbindin
      (Ddysb) in presynaptic neurons significantly suppresses glutamatergic synaptic
      transmission and that this glutamatergic defect is responsible for impaired
      memory. However, only the reduced expression of Ddysb in glial cells is the cause
      of hyperdopaminergic activities that lead to abnormal locomotion and altered
      mating orientation. This effect is attributable to the altered expression of a
      dopamine metabolic enzyme, Ebony, in glial cells. Thus, Ddysb regulates
      glutamatergic transmission through its neuronal function and regulates dopamine
      metabolism by regulating Ebony expression in glial cells.

PMID- 22049343
TI  - Alternatively spliced domains interact to regulate BK potassium channel gating.
AB  - Most human genes contain multiple alternative splice sites believed to extend the
      complexity and diversity of the proteome. However, little is known about how
      interactions among alternative exons regulate protein function. We used the
      Caenorhabditis elegans slo-1 large-conductance calcium and voltage-activated
      potassium (BK) channel gene, which contains three alternative splice sites (A, B,
      and C) and encodes at least 12 splice variants, to investigate the functional
      consequences of alternative splicing. These splice sites enable the insertion of
      exons encoding part of the regulator of K(+) conductance (RCK)1 Ca(2+)
      coordination domain (exons A1 and A2) and portions of the RCK1-RCK2 linker (exons
      B0, B1, B2, C0, and C1). Exons A1 and A2 are used in a mutually exclusive manner
      and are 67% identical. The other exons can extend the RCK1-RCK2 linker by up to
      41 residues. Electrophysiological recordings of all isoforms show that the A1 and
      A2 exons regulate activation kinetics and Ca(2+) sensitivity, but only if
      alternate exons are inserted at site B or C. Thus, RCK1 interacts with the RCK1
      RCK2 linker, and the effect of exon variation on gating depends on the
      combination of alternate exons present in each isoform.

PMID- 22049346
TI  - Getting injured runners back on track.
AB  - With more people running--and incurring lower extremity injuries--than ever
      before, you'll have many occasions to use this handy diagnostic and treatment
      guide.

PMID- 22049347
TI  - Identifying cognitive impairment during the Annual Wellness Visit: who can you
      trust?
AB  - This study found that patients, family members, and even physicians have trouble
      detecting cognitive impairment. A better bet: routinely administer an objective
      cognition test.

PMID- 22049344
TI  - Altered axonal targeting and short-term plasticity in the hippocampus of Disc1
      mutant mice.
AB  - Carefully designed animal models of genetic risk factors are likely to aid our
      understanding of the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. Here, we study a mouse strain
      with a truncating lesion in the endogenous Disc1 ortholog designed to model the
      effects of a schizophrenia-predisposing mutation and offer a detailed account of
      the consequences that this mutation has on the development and function of a
      hippocampal circuit. We uncover widespread and cumulative cytoarchitectural
      alterations in the dentate gyrus during neonatal and adult neurogenesis, which
      include errors in axonal targeting and are accompanied by changes in short-term
      plasticity at the mossy fiber/CA3 circuit. We also provide evidence that cAMP
      levels are elevated as a result of the Disc1 mutation, leading to altered axonal
      targeting and dendritic growth. The identified structural alterations are, for
      the most part, not consistent with the growth-promoting and premature maturation
      effects inferred from previous RNAi-based Disc1 knockdown. Our results provide
      support to the notion that modest disturbances of neuronal connectivity and
      accompanying deficits in short-term synaptic dynamics is a general feature of
      schizophrenia-predisposing mutations.

PMID- 22049348
TI  - Managing eczema in children--a treatment update.
AB  - What's the best way to manage pediatric atopic dermatitis? Do alternative
      remedies work? This evidence-based review--and easy-to-use treatment formula-
      answers these questions.

PMID- 22049349
TI  - PURLs: Zinc for the common cold--not if, but when.
AB  - A new meta-analysis shows that zinc supplementation can reduce the duration and
      severity of a cold, if it's started early on.

PMID- 22049350
TI  - PURLs: Ear wax removal: help patients help themselves.
AB  - Do-it-yourself ear wax removal is safe and simple--and a timesaver for patients
      as well as physicians.

PMID- 22049351
TI  - Breast swelling and erythema in a teen.
AB  - An ED doctor suspected a cat scratch was to blame and prescribed antibiotics. A
      week later, though, the patient developed dyspnea.

PMID- 22049352
TI  - Clinical inquiries. What's best for croup?
AB  - A single dose of corticosteroids is the first-line treatment for croup, resulting
      in fewer return visits and hospital admissions, shorter lengths of stay in the
      emergency department (ED) or hospital, and less need for supplemental medication
      (strength of recommendation [SOR]: A, meta-analysis and randomized controlled
      trials [RCTs]). A 0.15 mg/kg dose of oral dexamethasone is as effective as larger
      doses (SOR: B, small RCTs).Nebulized racemic or L-epinephrine reduces severity of
      symptoms in moderate-to-severe croup (SOR: C, limited-quality disease-oriented
      evidence).The role of heliox in moderate to severe croup remains uncertain.
      Studies to date have been inadequate (SOR: C, limited-quality disease-oriented
      evidence).Humidified air provides no demonstrable benefit in the acute setting
      (SOR: A, meta-analysis).

PMID- 22049353
TI  - Clinical inquiries. Which regimen treats vitamin D deficiency most effectively?
AB  - Several vitamin D replacement regimens are effective. Cumulative dosing may be
      more important than frequency of dosing (strength of recommendation [SOR]: C,
      inconsistent results from randomized controlled trials [RCTs] of disease-oriented
      outcomes).Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) may increase serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D
      (25[OH]D) concentrations more effectively than vitamin D2 (ergocalciferol) (SOR:
      C, a single RCT of disease-oriented outcomes).

PMID- 22049354
TI  - Clinical inquiries. Which combination drug therapies are most effective for
      hypertension?
AB  - Insufficient evidence exists to determine which specific combinations most
      effectively decrease cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, although
      combinations of hypertension medications at lower doses generally reduce
      cardiovascular outcomes (stroke, coronary heart disease) more than monotherapy
      (strength of recommendation [SOR]: A, large meta-analyses).The combination of
      benazepril and amlodipine reduces the composite endpoint of cardiovascular events
      and deaths more than benazepril plus hydrochlorothiazide with similar rates of
      adverse effects (SOR: A, randomized controlled trial [RCT]).Combining an
      angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitor (ACE-I) with a thiazide, beta-blocker, or
      calcium channel blocker produces side effects similar to monotherapy, as does
      combining an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) with a thiazide or calcium
      channel blocker (SOR: A, meta-analyses). However, an ACE-I combined with an ARB
      increases the risk of renal complications and death more than monotherapy (SOR:
      A, RCT)..

PMID- 22049355
TI  - Bromocriptine: its place in type 2 diabetes Tx.
AB  - Patients intolerant of other diabetes medications or requiring minimal A1c
      reduction may benefit from bromocriptine.

PMID- 22049356
TI  - Preparation of highly specific anti-zearalenone antibodies by using the cationic
      protein conjugate and development of an indirect competitive enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay.
AB  - Although anti-zearalenone (ZEN) antibodies have been widely prepared, these
      antibodies cross-react with alpha-zearalenol (alpha-ZOL), beta-zearalenol (beta
      ZOL), zearalanone (ZAN), alpha-zearalanol (alpha-ZAL) and beta-zearalanol (beta
      ZAL). To overcome this problem and improve the specificity of immunoassays, we
      produced anti-ZEN antibodies based on a ZEN-cationic protein conjugate. In this
      study, ZEN was coupled with cationic bovine serum albumin (cBSA) via a Mannich
      reaction. After BALB/c mice were immunized with ZEN-cBSA, an immunological
      response was rapidly induced. The titers of the polyclonal antisera and
      monoclonal antibody were 30,000 and 20,000, respectively. Cross-reactivity (CR)
      values of the anti-ZEN polyclonal antisera and monoclonal antibody with the 5
      analogs were <7% and <2%, respectively. An indirect competitive enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay based on the monoclonal anti-ZEN antibody was established.
      The recovery rates of ZEN in spiked cereal and feed were in the range of 80%-120%
      with coefficients of variation <15%. The intra-assay variation and inter-assay
      variation in assay buffer were both <5%. Therefore, the results demonstrated a
      feasible approach for preparing highly specific, higher titer and more rapidly
      induced antibodies against ZEN by using a ZEN-cBSA conjugate as the immunogen
      instead of currently used immunogens.

PMID- 22049357
TI  - A resampling-based Markovian model for automated colon cancer diagnosis.
AB  - In recent years, there has been a great effort in the research of implementing
      automated diagnostic systems for tissue images. One major challenge in this
      implementation is to design systems that are robust to image variations. In order
      to meet this challenge, it is important to learn the systems on a large number of
      labeled images from a different range of variation. However, acquiring labeled
      images is quite difficult in this domain, and hence, the labeled training data
      are typically very limited. Although the issue of having limited labeled data is
      acknowledged by many researchers, it has rarely been considered in the system
      design. This paper successfully addresses this issue, introducing a new
      resampling framework to simulate variations in tissue images. This framework
      generates multiple sequences from an image for its representation and models them
      using a Markov process. Working with colon tissue images, our experiments show
      that this framework increases the generalization capacity of a learner by
      increasing the size and variation of the training data and improves the
      classification performance of a given image by combining the decisions obtained
      on its sequences.

PMID- 22049358
TI  - An efficient dictionary learning algorithm and its application to 3-D medical
      image denoising.
AB  - In this paper, we propose an efficient dictionary learning algorithm for sparse
      representation of given data and suggest a way to apply this algorithm to 3-D
      medical image denoising. Our learning approach is composed of two main parts:
      sparse coding and dictionary updating. On the sparse coding stage, an efficient
      algorithm named multiple clusters pursuit (MCP) is proposed. The MCP first
      applies a dictionary structuring strategy to cluster the atoms with high
      coherence together, and then employs a multiple-selection strategy to select
      several competitive atoms at each iteration. These two strategies can greatly
      reduce the computation complexity of the MCP and assist it to obtain better
      sparse solution. On the dictionary updating stage, the alternating optimization
      that efficiently approximates the singular value decomposition is introduced.
      Furthermore, in the 3-D medical image denoising application, a joint 3-D
      operation is proposed for taking the learning capabilities of the presented
      algorithm to simultaneously capture the correlations within each slice and
      correlations across the nearby slices, thereby obtaining better denoising
      results. The experiments on both synthetically generated data and real 3-D
      medical images demonstrate that the proposed approach has superior performance
      compared to some well-known methods.

PMID- 22049359
TI  - A new adaptive line enhancer based on singular spectrum analysis.
AB  - Original adaptive line enhancer (ALE) is used for denoising periodic signals from
      white noise. ALE, however, relies mainly on second order similarity between the
      signal and its delayed version and is more effective when the signal is
      narrowband. A new ALE based on singular spectrum analysis (SSA) is proposed here.
      In this approach in the reconstruction stage of SSA, the eigentriples are
      adaptively selected (filtered) using the delayed version of the data. Unlike the
      conventional ALE where (second) order statistics are taken into account, here the
      full eigen-spectrum of the embedding matrix is exploited. Consequently, the
      system works for non-Gaussian noise and wideband periodic signals. By performing
      some experiments on synthetic signals it is demonstrated that the proposed system
      is very effective for separation of biomedical data, which often have some
      periodic or quasi-periodic components, such as EMG affected by ECG artefacts.
      This data are examined here.

PMID- 22049360
TI  - Investigation of standing-wave formation in a human skull for a clinical
      prototype of a large-aperture, transcranial MR-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS)
      phased array: an experimental and simulation study.
AB  - Standing-wave formation in an ex vivo human skull was investigated using a
      clinical prototype of a 30-cm diameter with 15-cm radius of curvature, low
      frequency (230 kHz), hemispherical transcranial magnetic resonance-guided focused
      ultrasound phased array. Experimental and simulation studies were conducted with
      changing aperture size and f -number configurations of the phased array and
      qualitatively and quantitatively examined the acoustic pressure variation at the
      focus due to standing waves. The results demonstrated that the nodes and
      antinodes of standing wave produced by the small-aperture array were clearly seen
      at approximately every 3 mm. The effect of the standing wave became more
      pronounced as the focus was moved closer to skull base. However, a sharp focus
      was seen for the full array, and there was no such standing-wave pattern in the
      acoustic plane or near the skull base. This study showed that the fluctuation
      pressure amplitude would be greatly reduced by using a large-scale, hemispherical
      phased array with a low f-number.

PMID- 22049361
TI  - Tongue-rudder: a glossokinetic-potential-based tongue-machine interface.
AB  - Glossokinetic potentials (GKPs) are electric potential responses generated by
      tongue movement. In this study, we use these GKPs to automatically detect and
      estimate tongue positions, and develop a tongue-machine interface. We show that a
      specific configuration of electrode placement yields discriminative GKPs that
      vary depending on the direction of the tongue. We develop a linear model to
      determine the direction of tongue from GKPs, where we seek linear features that
      are robust to a baseline drift problem by maximizing the ratio of intertask
      covariance to intersession covariance. We apply our method to the task of
      wheelchair control, developing a tongue-machine interface for wheelchair control,
      referred to as tongue-rudder. A teeth clenching detection system, using
      electromyography, was also implemented in the system in order to assign teeth
      clenching as the stop command. Experiments on off-line cursor control and online
      wheelchair control confirm the unique advantages of our method, such as: 1)
      noninvasiveness, 2) fine controllability, and 3) ability to integrate with other
      EEG-based interface systems.

PMID- 22049362
TI  - Group replicator dynamics: a novel group-wise evolutionary approach for sparse
      brain network detection.
AB  - Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) is increasingly used for studying
      functional integration of the brain. However, large inter-subject variability in
      functional connectivity, particularly in disease populations, renders detection
      of representative group networks challenging. In this paper, we propose a novel
      technique, "group replicator dynamics" (GRD), for detecting sparse functional
      brain networks that are common across a group of subjects. We extend the
      replicator dynamics (RD) approach, which we show to be a solution of the
      nonnegative sparse principal component analysis problem, by integrating group
      information into each subject's RD process. Our proposed strategy effectively
      coaxes all subjects' networks to evolve towards the common network of the group.
      This results in sparse networks comprising the same brain regions across subjects
      yet with subject-specific weightings of the identified brain regions. Thus, in
      contrast to traditional averaging approaches, GRD enables inter-subject
      variability to be modeled, which facilitates statistical group inference.
      Quantitative validation of GRD on synthetic data demonstrated superior network
      detection performance over standard methods. When applied to real fMRI data, GRD
      detected task-specific networks that conform well to prior neuroscience
      knowledge.

PMID- 22049363
TI  - Evaluation of three MRI-based anatomical priors for quantitative PET brain
      imaging.
AB  - In emission tomography, image reconstruction and therefore also tracer
      development and diagnosis may benefit from the use of anatomical side information
      obtained with other imaging modalities in the same subject, as it helps to
      correct for the partial volume effect. One way to implement this, is to use the
      anatomical image for defining the a priori distribution in a maximum-a-posteriori
      (MAP) reconstruction algorithm. In this contribution, we use the PET-SORTEO Monte
      Carlo simulator to evaluate the quantitative accuracy reached by three different
      anatomical priors when reconstructing positron emission tomography (PET) brain
      images, using volumetric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to provide the
      anatomical information. The priors are: 1) a prior especially developed for FDG
      PET brain imaging, which relies on a segmentation of the MR-image (Baete , 2004);
      2) the joint entropy-prior (Nuyts, 2007); 3) a prior that encourages smoothness
      within a position dependent neighborhood, computed from the MR-image. The latter
      prior was recently proposed by our group in (Vunckx and Nuyts, 2010), and was
      based on the prior presented by Bowsher  (2004). The two latter priors do not
      rely on an explicit segmentation, which makes them more generally applicable than
      a segmentation-based prior. All three priors produced a compromise between noise
      and bias that was clearly better than that obtained with postsmoothed maximum
      likelihood expectation maximization (MLEM) or MAP with a relative difference
      prior. The performance of the joint entropy prior was slightly worse than that of
      the other two priors. The performance of the segmentation-based prior is quite
      sensitive to the accuracy of the segmentation. In contrast to the joint entropy
      prior, the Bowsher-prior is easily tuned and does not suffer from convergence
      problems.

PMID- 22049364
TI  - Realistic analytical phantoms for parallel magnetic resonance imaging.
AB  - The quantitative validation of reconstruction algorithms requires reliable data.
      Rasterized simulations are popular but they are tainted by an aliasing component
      that impacts the assessment of the performance of reconstruction. We introduce
      analytical simulation tools that are suited to parallel magnetic resonance
      imaging and allow one to build realistic phantoms. The proposed phantoms are
      composed of ellipses and regions with piecewise-polynomial boundaries, including
      spline contours, Bezier contours, and polygons. In addition, they take the
      channel sensitivity into account, for which we investigate two possible models.
      Our analytical formulations provide well-defined data in both the spatial and k
      space domains. Our main contribution is the closed-form determination of the
      Fourier transforms that are involved. Experiments validate the proposed
      implementation. In a typical parallel magnetic resonance imaging reconstruction
      experiment, we quantify the bias in the overly optimistic results obtained with
      rasterized simulations-the inverse-crime situation. We provide a package that
      implements the different simulations and provide tools to guide the design of
      realistic phantoms.

PMID- 22049365
TI  - A rapid method for detection of genetically modified organisms based on magnetic
      separation and surface-enhanced Raman scattering.
AB  - In this study, a new method combining magnetic separation (MS) and surface
      enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) was developed to detect genetically modified
      organisms (GMOs). An oligonucleotide probe which is specific for 35 S DNA target
      was immobilized onto gold coated magnetic nanospheres to form oligonucleotide
      coated nanoparticles. A self assembled monolayer was formed on gold nanorods
      using 5,5'-dithiobis (2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB) and the second probe of the 35
      S DNA target was immobilized on the activated nanorod surfaces. Probes on the
      nanoparticles were hybridized with the target oligonucleotide. Optimization
      parameters for hybridization were investigated by high performance liquid
      chromatography. Optimum hybridization parameters were determined as: 4 MUM probe
      concentration, 20 min immobilization time, 30 min hybridization time, 55  degrees
      C hybridization temperature, 750 mM buffer salt concentration and pH: 7.4.
      Quantification of the target concentration was performed via SERS spectra of DTNB
      on the nanorods. The correlation between the target concentration and the SERS
      signal was found to be linear within the range of 25-100 nM. The analyses were
      performed with only one hybridization step in 40 min. Real sample analysis was
      conducted using Bt-176 maize sample. The results showed that the developed MS
      SERS assay is capable of detecting GMOs in a rapid and selective manner.

PMID- 22049366
TI  - Mobility timing for agent communities, a cue for advanced connectionist systems.
AB  - We introduce a wait-and-chase scheme that models the contact times between moving
      agents within a connectionist construct. The idea that elementary processors move
      within a network to get a proper position is borne out both by biological neurons
      in the brain morphogenesis and by agents within social networks. From the former,
      we take inspiration to devise a medium-term project for new artificial neural
      network training procedures where mobile neurons exchange data only when they are
      close to one another in a proper space (are in contact). From the latter, we
      accumulate mobility tracks experience. We focus on the preliminary step of
      characterizing the elapsed time between neuron contacts, which results from a
      spatial process fitting in the family of random processes with memory, where
      chasing neurons are stochastically driven by the goal of hitting target neurons.
      Thus, we add an unprecedented mobility model to the literature in the field,
      introducing a distribution law of the intercontact times that merges features of
      both negative exponential and Pareto distribution laws. We give a constructive
      description and implementation of our model, as well as a short analytical form
      whose parameters are suitably estimated in terms of confidence intervals from
      experimental data. Numerical experiments show the model and related inference
      tools to be sufficiently robust to cope with two main requisites for its
      exploitation in a neural network: the nonindependence of the observed
      intercontact times and the feasibility of the model inversion problem to infer
      suitable mobility parameters.

PMID- 22049367
TI  - Parallel programmable asynchronous neighborhood mechanism for Kohonen SOM
      implemented in CMOS technology.
AB  - We present a new programmable neighborhood mechanism for hardware implemented
      Kohonen self-organizing maps (SOMs) with three different map topologies realized
      on a single chip. The proposed circuit comes as a fully parallel and asynchronous
      architecture. The mechanism is very fast. In a medium sized map with several
      hundreds neurons implemented in the complementary metal-oxide semiconductor 0.18 
      MUm technology, all neurons start adapting the weights after no more than 11 ns.
      The adaptation is then carried out in parallel. This is an evident advantage in
      comparison with the commonly used software-realized SOMs. The circuit is robust
      against the process, supply voltage and environment temperature variations. Due
      to a simple structure, it features low energy consumption of a few pJ per neuron
      per a single learning pattern. In this paper, we discuss different aspects of
      hardware realization, such as a suitable selection of the map topology and the
      initial neighborhood range, as the optimization of these parameters is essential
      when looking from the circuit complexity point of view. For the optimal values of
      these parameters, the chip area and the power dissipation can be reduced even by
      60% and 80%, respectively, without affecting the quality of learning.

PMID- 22049368
TI  - Scale- and rotation-invariant local binary pattern using scale-adaptive texton
      and subuniform-based circular shift.
AB  - This paper proposes an effective scale- and rotation-invariant local binary
      pattern (LBP) feature for texture classification. A circular neighboring set of
      an image pixel is defined as a scale-adaptive texton by taking into account the
      fundamental local structure property of the pixel. The scale space of a texture
      image is derived by the Laplacian of the Gaussian and then employed to determine
      the optimal scale of each pixel reflecting the characteristic length of the
      corresponding structure and determining the radius of the scale-adaptive texton.
      Different pixels have different optimal scales, resulting in the scale
      invariance. Contrary to the traditional LBP features that usually ignore global
      spatial information, the proposed method also defines subuniform patterns of each
      uniform pattern to improve the discrimination. For each uniform pattern, the
      subuniform pattern with the maximum statistical value is defined as the dominant
      orientation subuniform pattern. It is moved to the first column, and the others
      are circularly shifted. Experimental results demonstrate a good discrimination
      capability of the proposed scale- and rotation-invariant LBP in texture
      classification. Particularly, the LBP based on the scale-adaptive texton is
      promising to be powerful for texture description and scale-invariant texture
      classification, and the circular shift subuniform LBP can further improve the
      performance in the rotation-invariant texture classification.

PMID- 22049369
TI  - Stochastic subset selection for learning with kernel machines.
AB  - Kernel machines have gained much popularity in applications of machine learning.
      Support vector machines (SVMs) are a subset of kernel machines and generalize
      well for classification, regression, and anomaly detection tasks. The training
      procedure for traditional SVMs involves solving a quadratic programming (QP)
      problem. The QP problem scales super linearly in computational effort with the
      number of training samples and is often used for the offline batch processing of
      data. Kernel machines operate by retaining a subset of observed data during
      training. The data vectors contained within this subset are referred to as
      support vectors (SVs). The work presented in this paper introduces a subset
      selection method for the use of kernel machines in online, changing environments.
      Our algorithm works by using a stochastic indexing technique when selecting a
      subset of SVs when computing the kernel expansion. The work described here is
      novel because it separates the selection of kernel basis functions from the
      training algorithm used. The subset selection algorithm presented here can be
      used in conjunction with any online training technique. It is important for
      online kernel machines to be computationally efficient due to the real-time
      requirements of online environments. Our algorithm is an important contribution
      because it scales linearly with the number of training samples and is compatible
      with current training techniques. Our algorithm outperforms standard techniques
      in terms of computational efficiency and provides increased recognition accuracy
      in our experiments. We provide results from experiments using both simulated and
      real-world data sets to verify our algorithm.

PMID- 22049370
TI  - Analysis of using interpulse intervals to generate 128-bit biometric random
      binary sequences for securing wireless body sensor networks.
AB  - Wireless body sensor network (WBSN), a key building block for m-Health, demands
      extremely stringent resource constraints and thus lightweight security methods
      are preferred. To minimize resource consumption, utilizing information already
      available to a WBSN, particularly common to different sensor nodes of a WBSN, for
      security purposes becomes an attractive solution. In this paper, we tested the
      randomness and distinctiveness of the 128-bit biometric binary sequences (BSs)
      generated from interpulse intervals (IPIs) of 20 healthy subjects as well as 30
      patients suffered from myocardial infarction and 34 subjects with other
      cardiovascular diseases. The encoding time of a biometric BS on a WBSN node is on
      average 23 ms and memory occupation is 204 bytes for any given IPI sequence. The
      results from five U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology statistical
      tests suggest that random biometric BSs can be generated from both healthy
      subjects and cardiovascular patients and can potentially be used as
      authentication identifiers for securing WBSNs. Ultimately, it is preferred that
      these biometric BSs can be used as encryption keys such that key distribution
      over the WBSN can be avoided.

PMID- 22049371
TI  - SparkMed: a framework for dynamic integration of multimedia medical data into
      distributed m-Health systems.
AB  - With the advent of 4G and other long-term evolution (LTE) wireless networks, the
      traditional boundaries of patient record propagation are diminishing as
      networking technologies extend the reach of hospital infrastructure and provide
      on-demand mobile access to medical multimedia data. However, due to legacy and
      proprietary software, storage and decommissioning costs, and the price of
      centralization and redevelopment, it remains complex, expensive, and often
      unfeasible for hospitals to deploy their infrastructure for online and mobile
      use. This paper proposes the SparkMed data integration framework for mobile
      healthcare (m-Health), which significantly benefits from the enhanced network
      capabilities of LTE wireless technologies, by enabling a wide range of
      heterogeneous medical software and database systems (such as the picture
      archiving and communication systems, hospital information system, and reporting
      systems) to be dynamically integrated into a cloud-like peer-to-peer multimedia
      data store. Our framework allows medical data applications to share data with
      mobile hosts over a wireless network (such as WiFi and 3G), by binding to
      existing software systems and deploying them as m-Health applications. SparkMed
      integrates techniques from multimedia streaming, rich Internet applications
      (RIA), and remote procedure call (RPC) frameworks to construct a Self-managing,
      Pervasive Automated netwoRK for Medical Enterprise Data (SparkMed). Further, it
      is resilient to failure, and able to use mobile and handheld devices to maintain
      its network, even in the absence of dedicated server devices. We have developed a
      prototype of the SparkMed framework for evaluation on a radiological workflow
      simulation, which uses SparkMed to deploy a radiological image viewer as an m
      Health application for telemedical use by radiologists and stakeholders. We have
      evaluated our prototype using ten devices over WiFi and 3G, verifying that our
      framework meets its two main objectives: 1) interactive delivery of medical
      multimedia data to mobile devices; and 2) attaching to non-networked medical
      software processes without significantly impacting their performance. Consistent
      response times of under 500 ms and graphical frame rates of over 5 frames per
      second were observed under intended usage conditions. Further, overhead
      measurements displayed linear scalability and low resource requirements.

PMID- 22049373
TI  - Developing a dynamic model of treatment perceptions.
AB  - A description of factors influencing perceptions of nonpharmacological treatment
      was derived inductively from interviews with people receiving chiropractic
      treatment for back pain, using grounded theory analysis. A theoretical model
      linking these factors was constructed, and was tested using interview data from a
      longitudinal study of people undertaking exercise therapy for dizziness. The
      model highlights the potential for reciprocal interactions between abstract
      beliefs relevant to illness and treatment and concrete experiences of therapy,
      and for interactions between perceptions of symptom change and of therapist
      competence. Therapist communication may modify abstract illness/treatment models
      and symptom perceptions, thus mediating effects of concordance on adherence and
      placebo effects.

PMID- 22049372
TI  - Air quality and exercise-related health benefits from reduced car travel in the
      midwestern United States.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Automobile exhaust contains precursors to ozone and fine particulate
      matter (PM <= 2.5 um in aerodynamic diameter; PM2.5), posing health risks.
      Dependency on car commuting also reduces physical fitness opportunities.
      OBJECTIVE: In this study we sought to quantify benefits from reducing automobile
      usage for short urban and suburban trips. METHODS: We simulated census-tract
      level changes in hourly pollutant concentrations from the elimination of
      automobile round trips <= 8 km in 11 metropolitan areas in the upper midwestern
      United States using the Community Multiscale Air Quality (CMAQ) model. Next, we
      estimated annual changes in health outcomes and monetary costs expected from
      pollution changes using the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Benefits Mapping
      Analysis Program (BenMAP). In addition, we used the World Health Organization
      Health Economic Assessment Tool (HEAT) to calculate benefits of increased
      physical activity if 50% of short trips were made by bicycle. RESULTS: We
      estimate that, by eliminating these short automobile trips, annual average urban
      PM2.5 would decline by 0.1 ug/m3 and that summer ozone (O3) would increase
      slightly in cities but decline regionally, resulting in net health benefits of
      $4.94 billion/year [95% confidence interval (CI): $0.2 billion, $13.5 billion),
      with 25% of PM2.5 and most O3 benefits to populations outside metropolitan areas.
      Across the study region of approximately 31.3 million people and 37,000 total
      square miles, mortality would decline by approximately 1,295 deaths/year (95% CI:
      912, 1,636) because of improved air quality and increased exercise. Making 50% of
      short trips by bicycle would yield savings of approximately $3.8 billion/year
      from avoided mortality and reduced health care costs (95% CI: $2.7 billion, $5.0
      billion]. We estimate that the combined benefits of improved air quality and
      physical fitness would exceed $8 billion/year. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest
      that significant health and economic benefits are possible if bicycling replaces
      short car trips. Less dependence on automobiles in urban areas would also improve
      health in downwind rural settings.

PMID- 22049374
TI  - Associations between attachment representations and health behaviors in late
      adolescence.
AB  - In this study, we tested the associations among attachment ratings and health
      behaviors by relationship status. For individuals in relationships, attachment
      security was associated positively with health promotion and quality sleep and
      negatively with risk behaviors; fearfulness was associated positively with risk
      behaviors. With the exception of sleep behaviors, associations with security and
      fearfulness were reversed for single participants. Associations between
      dismissingness and quality of sleep support the proposal that individuals who
      deny or dismiss their attachment needs may experience physical symptoms of
      distress that affect their health. Future work exploring the benefits of security
      when coping with illness or lifestyle change is discussed.

PMID- 22049375
TI  - Components of the Anger-hostility Complex as Risk Factors for Coronary Artery
      Disease Severity: A Multi-measure Study.
AB  - Different forms of anger and hostility have been implicated in the pathogenesis
      of coronary artery disease (CAD), though previous research has not measured all
      of these in one sample. To assess their relative predictive utility, a multi
      measure study was undertaken of three adult outpatient groups: 97 men identified
      angiographically with stenosed coronary arteries; 28 men with valvular heart
      disorders in the absence of CAD; and 28 men attending a fracture clinic with no
      CAD present. Questionnaires measured: anger expression; anger experience; cynical
      hostility; 'Ho' hostility; neurotic hostility; neurotic disagreeableness;
      resentment; and suspiciousness. The pre-eminent anger-hostility correlate of CAD
      was found to be expressed anger, with years as a smoker and age also being
      independently related to disease severity. Thus, seven of these anger/hostility
      variables do not warrant similar attention as anger expression in CAD aetiology.
      Further research should identify coronary toxic components of anger expression
      and of socio-occupational environments that afford or constrain their occurrence.

PMID- 22049376
TI  - Reducing skin cancer risk: an intervention based on protection motivation theory.
AB  - Caucasian college students who intentionally tanned participated in a brief skin
      cancer intervention based on protection motivation theory (PMT). This
      intervention targeted skin appearance and consisted of brief lectures, a
      comprehensive essay, video clips about a young man who died of melanoma, and
      short discussions. Compared to a waitlist control group, the intervention group
      showed increases on PMT variables and intentions at post-test. The waitlist group
      later received the intervention and showed similar increases. Additionally, all
      but one PMT variable maintained post-test levels at a one-month follow-up.
      Photographs taken at post-test and at the one-month follow-up were judged by
      raters blind to the hypothesis. Seventy-two percent of participants were judged
      to have lighter skin whereas only 16 percent had darker skin. These results
      provide additional support for theory-based methods for changing maladaptive
      attitudes and behaviors associated with skin cancer risk.

PMID- 22049377
TI  - Cancer Patients and their Spouses: Gender and its Effect on Psychological and
      Social Adjustment.
AB  - The aim of this research was to examine the effects of gender on the social
      adjustment and psychological distress experienced by cancer patients and their
      spouses. A total of 87 patients and spouses participated in the study, with the
      patients undergoing active medical treatment (chemotherapy, radiation or both)
      and three months post-diagnosis. Three questionnaires were used to collect data:
      a personal information one; the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), in which stress
      was examined; and the PAIS-SR, in which psychosocial adjustment to physical
      illness was examined. Both cancer patients and their spouses reported the same
      level of psychological distress and difficulties in social adjustment in most
      areas studied. Patients reported more difficulties in relationships with extended
      family and in sexual relations than their spouses did. In the area of social
      environment, spouses reported higher levels of difficulties than patients. Both
      men and women reported difficulties with social adjustment in most areas studied.
      Women reported more difficulties with social environment. As for psychological
      stress, generally men as patients and as spouses reported higher levels of
      anxiety. As patients, men reported higher levels of paranoia.

PMID- 22049379
TI  - Radon's Deadly Daughters: Science, Environ-mental Policy, and the Politics of
      Risk.

PMID- 22049378
TI  - Article predictors of wellbeing and autonomy before and after geriatric
      rehabilitation.
AB  - The aim of this study was to explore changes in the correlational association
      between predictors (i.e. sociodemographics, subjective health, social support,
      anxiety and coping) and outcome measures (i.e. subjective wellbeing and autonomy)
      before and after rehabilitation treatment. The data came from a sample of 90
      patients (mean age 78.8 years; 84 percent female; 37 percent stroke, 44 percent
      fracture, 19 percent other diagnoses), who were assessed before and after
      rehabilitative treatment. Results revealed that although changes between
      predictors and outcomes were not prevalent with respect to subjective wellbeing,
      they were clearly evident with respect to autonomy. Whereas psychological
      variables, such as state anxiety and behavioural coping, played no predictive
      role at entry, they became the strongest predictors of autonomy at discharge.

PMID- 22049380
TI  - Women, Families & HIV/AIDS: A Sociological Perspective on the Epidemic in
      America.

PMID- 22049381
TI  - Decolonizing methodologies: research and indigenous people.

PMID- 22049382
TI  - Psychodynamic perspectives on sickness and health.

PMID- 22049383
TI  - Early-life exposures and early-onset uterine leiomyomata in black women in the
      Sister Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Uterine leiomyomata (fibroids) are hormonally responsive tumors, but
      little is known about risk factors. Early-life exposures may influence uterine
      development and subsequent response to hormones in adulthood. An earlier analysis
      of non-Hispanic white women who participated in the Sister Study found
      associations between several early-life factors and early-onset fibroids.
      OBJECTIVES: We evaluated associations of early-life and childhood exposures with
      early-onset fibroids among black women and compared the results with those found
      among white women. METHODS: We analyzed baseline data from 3,534 black women, 35
      59 years of age, in the Sister Study (a nationwide cohort of women who had a
      sister diagnosed with breast cancer) who self-reported information on early-life
      and childhood exposures. Early-onset fibroids were assessed based on self-report
      of a physician diagnosis of fibroids by the age of 30 years (n = 561). We
      estimated risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) from log-binomial
      regression models. RESULTS: Factors most strongly associated with early-onset
      fibroids were in utero diethylstilbestrol (DES; RR = 2.02; 95% CI: 1.28, 3.18),
      maternal prepregnancy diabetes or gestational diabetes (RR = 1.54; 95% CI: 0.95,
      2.49), and monozygotic multiple birth (RR = 1.94; 95% CI: 1.26, 2.99). We also
      found positive associations with having been taller or thinner than peers at the
      age of 10 years and with early-life factors that included being the firstborn
      child of a teenage mother, maternal hypertensive disorder, preterm birth, and
      having been fed soy formula. CONCLUSIONS: With the exception of monozygotic
      multiple birth and maternal hypertensive disorder, early-life risk factors for
      early-onset fibroids for black women were similar to those found for white women.
      However, in contrast to whites, childhood height and weight, but not low
      socioeconomic status indicators, were associated with early-onset fibroids in
      blacks. The general consistency of early-life findings for black and white women
      supports a possible role of early-life factors in fibroid development.

PMID- 22049384
TI  - [Molecular determinants of response to topoisomerase I inhibitors].
AB  - Nuclear topoisomerase I (Top1) is involved in the relaxation of DNA supercoiling
      and plays a pivotal role in the coordination of essential DNA processes such as
      transcription, replication, DNA recombination and DNA damage signalling. For all
      these reasons, Top1 has been an attractive target for the development of
      anticancer drugs, which poison Top1 by trapping the enzyme on its DNA cleavage
      sites, which results in irreversible DNA lesions that are responsible for their
      cytotoxicity. They derive from the natural compound camptothecin and two
      derivatives are approved in the clinic, topotecan and irinotecan; other compounds
      such as indolocarbazoles and indenoisoquinolines are in development. However, the
      efficacy of these drugs is often limited by the problem of resistance, which
      involves various mechanisms at different steps of drug action, from drug
      transport and/or metabolism to the signalling and/or repair of the DNA lesions
      that are generated. A better understanding of these mechanisms is a major concern
      for the future development of new Top1 inhibitors and the identification of
      biomarkers that could be used to predict tumour response to these drugs in the
      clinic and to adapt the treatment to each patient.

PMID- 22049385
TI  - [Antimetabolites].
AB  - Antimetabolites are cytotoxic agents, which have been developed for more than 50 
      years. Which cancer patient did not receive or will not receive 5-fluorouracil or
      methotrexate during the evolution his or her disease? Antimetabolites are defined
      as interfering with the synthesis of the DNA constituents; they are structural
      analogues, either of purine and pyrimidine bases (or the corresponding
      nucleosides), or of folate cofactors, which are involved at several steps of
      purine and pyrimidine biosynthesis. Their first mechanism of action is,
      therefore, to induce depletion in nucleotides inducing in turn an inhibition of
      DNA replication. However, some of them are able to get inserted fraudulently into
      nucleic acids, inducing structural abnormalities leading to cell death by other
      mechanisms, including DNA breaks. We present in this paper, for the three classes
      of antimetabolites, both ancient and recent molecules as well as molecules still
      in clinical trials, without exhaustivity.

PMID- 22049386
TI  - Psychosomatic Symptoms among Victims of School Bullying.
AB  - Associations between being a victim of bullying and psychosomatic health have
      been examined among 856 Norwegian school adolescents aged 13 to 15 years.
      Multiple logistic and linear regression analyses were applied. Pupils being
      bullied sometimes or more often during the previous term had significantly higher
      odds of every psychosomatic symptom except sleeplessness, compared to pupils who
      reported that they were never exposed to bullying. The highest odds ratio was
      observed in analysis of feeling low. No significant interactions with gender or
      age were seen, but the association with irritability, headache and backache
      tended to be strongest for boys, whereas the association with nervousness and
      sleeplessness was strongest for girls. Increasing exposure to bullying was
      associated with a highly significant increase in number of symptoms. The strong
      and consistent associations with different symptoms and the dose-response
      relationship suggest a causal relationship.

PMID- 22049387
TI  - Being a mother and living with asthma: an exploratory analysis of discourse.
AB  - Although contemporary scholarship on the psychology of women has recognized the
      significance of motherhood for women, this positioning has received little
      attention from researchers interested in women and chronic illness. In this
      article we begin to fill this gap by exploring the complexity of being a mother
      when women are chronically ill. We focus on mothers with asthma and, adopting a
      discursive approach, analyze three interviews with asthmatic mothers using
      discourse analysis to explore how they negotiate their identities. The women were
      white, Dutch autochthones, who ranged in age from 31 to 60 years. Two were
      diagnosed with asthma in early childhood and one was diagnosed at age 40. We
      argue that being a mother is relevant to how women live with asthma.

PMID- 22049388
TI  - Experiences of Family Caregiving among Older Australian Women.
AB  - This article uses quantitative and qualitative methods to examine the effects of
      family caregiving on physical and emotional wellbeing, finances and leisure among
      a cohort of Australian women aged 70 to 75 years. A total of 11,939 women was
      examined. Of these, 10 percent (n = 1235) identified themselves as caregivers for
      frail, ill or disabled family members and 168 made open-ended comments about
      their caregiving experiences. Unlike other surveys with younger respondents, the
      data failed to demonstrate any differences in physical health between caregivers
      and others. Caregivers were, however, significantly more likely to have low
      levels of emotional wellbeing and to feel stressed, rushed and pressured.
      Qualitative analysis supported the value of the concept of the 'ethic of care' in
      understanding the social and individual forces that propel older women into
      providing family care despite its demonstrably negative effects on their
      wellbeing.

PMID- 22049389
TI  - Lay Attitudes toward Genetic Testing for Susceptibility to Inherited Diseases.
AB  - One of the most important issues facing legal and medical policy makers in the
      coming years will be whether to employ populationbased testing for genetic
      markers of inherited diseases. Two hundred and twenty-six randomly selected
      individuals from Easton, Pennsylvania completed a mail questionnaire that was
      designed to assess the general public's attitudes toward many of the personal and
      societal issues surrounding genetic testing for disease susceptibility.
      Respondents were generally optimistic about the potential benefits of genetic
      testing, and their attitudes about genetic testing were associated with their
      personal interest in getting a genetic test. Respondents were more likely to be
      interested in undergoing genetic testing for disease susceptibility if they might
      have some control over the targeted disease (i.e. there was a cure) and if the
      test was highly predictive of their chances of developing the disease.
      Respondents were wary of granting access to genetic testing results to anyone
      other than doctors and family members, and they did not want the government,
      religious leaders, or the courts involved in regulating genetic testing. These
      results have important implications for psychologists, genetic scientists,
      bioethicists, and legal scholars who are grappling with the many issues related
      to population-based genetic testing for inherited diseases.

PMID- 22049390
TI  - An Exploratory Investigation of the Relationship between Proxy Efficacy, Self
      efficacy and Exercise Attendance.
AB  - The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between perceptions of
      self-efficacy, proxy efficacy, and exercise class attendance of participants
      involved in a 10-week structured group fitness program. At week 3, 127 females
      completed measures of self-efficacy and proxy efficacy and their class attendance
      was monitored for the subsequent four weeks. Self-efficacy was assessed through
      measures of exercise, scheduling, and barrier self-efficacy. Proxy efficacy was
      assessed through a measure of fitness instructor efficacy defined as
      participants' confidence in their fitness instructors' communication, teaching,
      and motivating capabilities. Results revealed positive correlations between self
      efficacy variables and proxy efficacy. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses
      indicated that among those who were classified as exercise initiates (n = 33),
      self-efficacy and proxy efficacy accounted for 34 percent of the variance in
      exercise class attendance with the latter variable explaining a unique 12
      percent. Consistent with theorizing, these preliminary findings indicate that for
      instructor-led, group physical activities such as aerobics classes, proxy
      efficacy perceptions are related to self-efficacy and may also be an important
      predictor of exercise behavior.

PMID- 22049391
TI  - Predicting Intended and Self-perceived Sugar Restriction among Tanzanian Students
      using the Theory of Planned Behavior.
AB  - This study examines the applicability and sufficiency of the Theory of Planned
      Behavior (TPB) in predicting intention and self-perceived behavior with respect
      to avoiding between-meal intake of sugared snacks and drinks. One thousand one
      hundred and twenty-three Tanzanian students (mean age 26.4 years) completed self
      administered questionnaires designed to measure the components of the TPB during
      May-July, 1999. Self-perceived sugar consumption was obtained in a subsample of
      respondents (n = 228) four weeks later. The TPB provided a significant prediction
      of intention (R(2)= 0.44), with attitude (= 0.25), subjective norms (= 0.28) and
      perceived behavioral control (= 0.35) significant, and subsequent behavior (R(2)
      = 0.15, with intention (= 0.25) and perceived behavioral control (= 0.18)
      significant. Frequency of past behavior explained a significant, albeit small,
      amount of additional variance in intention (1 percent) and behavior (4 percent).
      The results indicate that the TPB is applicable to the prediction of food choice
      related intention and behavior among young adult students living in a non
      occidental setting.

PMID- 22049392
TI  - A structural evaluation of the expanded multidimensional health locus of control
      scale with a diverse sample of caucasian/european, native, and black canadian
      women.
AB  - The Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) scale is a widely used
      measure of the factors that people believe exert some control over their health.
      The purpose of the research reported here is to provide an independent evaluation
      of the structural properties of the recently expanded MHLC. Specifically we
      sought to address the issue of the interdependence of the external locus of
      control scales (Powerful Others, God, and Chance) and the legitimacy of the
      addition of a measure of God control as a separate subscale in the expanded MHLC.
      The study is based on an ethnically diverse sample of 371 community women,
      recruited through a random digit dialing procedure, who responded to all the
      items on the expanded MHLC. Although, the three external factors (God, Powerful
      Others, and Chance) are substantially correlated, structural analyses indicate
      that a four-factor model consisting of the three external scales and the Internal
      control scale provides the best fit to the observed covariances among the items.
      We view this result as supporting the addition of the God subscale as a separate
      dimension of external health locus of control. We also find support in these
      results for the continued scoring of four subscales on the MHLC rather than
      combining the three external subscales on one dimension as some have suggested.

PMID- 22049394
TI  - The psychology of couples and illness.

PMID- 22049393
TI  - Subliminal perception: biased attributions in matching persons with drawings of
      germs?
AB  - Subliminal perception was used to explore the magical contagion paradigm and
      ascertain whether drawings of germs perceived as harmful or threatening would be
      assumed to belong to members of stigmatized groups. In study 1, descriptions of
      persons (primes) were shown subliminally for 50 milliseconds and participants
      chose which germ they felt belonged to that person after the presentation. The
      germs perceived as least harmful and threatening were assigned to participants'
      best friends' first names, subjects' own first names, and young Hispanic persons.
      The groups of persons assigned the most harmful and threatening germs were older
      black and older Hispanic persons. In study 2, primes were shown for a longer
      period of time that allowed for conscious processing and males were assigned the
      more harmful germs at a statistically significant rate.

PMID- 22049395
TI  - Producing Patient-centered Health Care: Patient Perspectives about Health and
      Illness and the Physician/Patient Relationship.

PMID- 22049396
TI  - Psychology of medicine and surgery: a guide for psychologists, counsellors,
      nurses and doctors.

PMID- 22049397
TI  - The social construction of anorexia nervosa.

PMID- 22049398
TI  - Erratum volume 6 issue 2.

PMID- 22049399
TI  - Norepinephrine reduces omega-conotoxin-sensitive Ca2+ currents in renal afferent
      neurons in rats.
AB  - Sympathetic efferent and peptidergic afferent renal nerves likely influence
      hypertensive and inflammatory kidney disease. Our recent investigation with
      confocal microscopy revealed that in the kidney sympathetic nerve endings are
      colocalized with afferent nerve fibers (Ditting T, Tiegs G, Rodionova K, Reeh PW,
      Neuhuber W, Freisinger W, Veelken R. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 297: F1427-F1434,
      2009; Veelken R, Vogel EM, Hilgers K, Amman K, Hartner A, Sass G, Neuhuber W,
      Tiegs G. J Am Soc Nephrol 19: 1371-1378, 2008). However, it is not known whether
      renal afferent nerves are influenced by sympathetic nerve activity. We tested the
      hypothesis that norepinephrine (NE) influences voltage-gated Ca(2+) channel
      currents in cultured renal dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, i.e., the first
      order neuron of the renal afferent pathway. DRG neurons (T11-L2) retrogradely
      labeled from the kidney and subsequently cultured, were investigated by whole
      cell patch clamp. Voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCC) were investigated by
      voltage ramps (-100 to +80 mV, 300 ms, every 20 s). NE and appropriate adrenergic
      receptor antagonists were administered by microperfusion. NE (20 MUM) reduced
      VGCC-mediated currents by 10.4 +/- 3.0% (P < 0.01). This reduction was abolished
      by the alpha-adrenoreceptor inhibitor phentolamine and the alpha(2)-adrenoceptor
      antagonist yohimbine. The beta-adrenoreceptor antagonist propranolol and the
      alpha(1)-adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin had no effect. The inhibitory effect of
      NE was abolished when N-type currents were blocked by omega-conotoxin GVIA, but
      was unaffected by other specific Ca(2+) channel inhibitors (omega-agatoxin IVA;
      nimodipine). Confocal microscopy revealed sympathetic innervation of DRGs and
      confirmed colocalization of afferent and efferent fibers within in the kidney.
      Hence NE released from intrarenal sympathetic nerve endings, or sympathetic
      fibers within the DRGs, or even circulating catecholamines, may influence the
      activity of peptidergic afferent nerve fibers through N-type Ca(2+) channels via
      an alpha(2)-adrenoceptor-dependent mechanism. However, the exact site and the
      functional role of this interaction remains to be elucidated.

PMID- 22049400
TI  - The p53 inhibitor pifithrin-alpha can stimulate fibrosis in a rat model of
      ischemic acute kidney injury.
AB  - Inhibition of the tumor suppressor p53 diminishes tubular cell apoptosis and
      protects renal function in animal models of acute kidney injury (AKI). Therefore,
      targeting p53 has become an attractive therapeutic strategy in the approach to
      AKI. Although the acute protective effects of p53 inhibition in AKI have been
      examined, there is still relatively little known regarding the impact of acute
      p53 inhibition on the chronic sequelae of AKI. Consequently, we utilized the p53
      inhibitor pifithrin-alpha to examine the long-term effects of p53 inhibition in a
      rodent model of ischemic AKI. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to
      bilateral renal artery clamping for 30 min followed by reperfusion for up to 8
      wk. Pifithrin-alpha or vehicle control was administered at the time of surgery
      and then daily for 2 days [brief acute administration (BA)] or 7 days [prolonged
      acute administration (PA)]. Despite the acute protective effect of pifithrin
      alpha in models of ischemic AKI, we found no protection in the microvascular
      rarefaction at 4 wk or development fibrosis at 8 wk with pifithrin-alpha
      administered on the BA schedule compared with vehicle control-treated animals.
      Furthermore, pifithrin-alpha administered on a PA schedule actually produced
      worse fibrosis compared with vehicle control animals after ischemic injury
      [21%/area (SD4.4) vs.16%/area (SD3.6)] as well as under sham conditions
      [2.6%/area (SD1.8) vs. 4.7%/area (SD1.3)]. The development of fibrosis with PA
      administration was independent of microvascular rarefaction. We identified
      enhanced extracellular matrix production, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition,
      and amplified inflammatory responses as potential contributors to the augmented
      fibrosis observed with PA administration of pifithrin-alpha.

PMID- 22049401
TI  - Neuromodulation in a rat model of the bladder micturition reflex.
AB  - A rat model of bladder reflex contraction (BRC) was used to determine the optimal
      frequency and intensity of spinal nerve (SN) stimulation to produce
      neuromodulation of bladder activity and to assess the therapeutic mechanisms of
      this neuromodulation. In anesthetized female rats (urethane 1.2 g/kg ip), a wire
      electrode was used to produce bilateral stimulation of the L6 SN. A cannula was
      placed into the bladder via the urethra, and the urethra was ligated to ensure an
      isovolumetric bladder. Saline infusion induced BRC. Electrical stimulation of the
      SN produced a frequency- and intensity-dependent attenuation of the frequency of
      bladder contractions. Ten-herz stimulation produced maximal inhibition; lower and
      higher stimulation frequency produced less attenuation of BRC. Attenuation of
      bladder contraction frequency was directly proportional to the current intensity.
      At 10 Hz, stimulation using motor threshold pulses (T(mot)) produced a delayed
      inhibition of the frequency of bladder contractions to 34 +/- 11% of control.
      Maximal bladder inhibition appeared at 10 min poststimulation. High current
      intensity at 0.6 mA (~6 * T(mot)) abolished bladder contraction during
      stimulation, and the inhibition was sustained for 10 min poststimulation
      (prolonged inhibition). Furthermore, in rats pretreated with capsaicin (125 mg/kg
      sc), stimulation produced a stronger inhibition of BRC. The inhibitory effects on
      bladder contraction may be mediated by both afferent and efferent mechanisms.
      Lower intensities of stimulation may activate large, fast-conducting fibers and
      actions through the afferent limb of the micturition reflex arc in SN
      neuromodulation. Higher intensities may additionally act through the efferent
      limb.

PMID- 22049402
TI  - Doxorubicin-induced glomerulosclerosis with proteinuria in GFP-GABARAP transgenic
      mice.
AB  - Autophagy is a process of cellular degradation, and its dysfunction elicits many
      pathological symptoms. However, the contribution of autophagy to kidney
      glomerular function has not been fully clarified. We previously reported that
      LC3, a promising executor of autophagy, played an important role in recovery from
      podocyte damage in an experimental nephrosis model (Asanuma K, Tanida I, Shirato
      I, Ueno T, Takahara H, Nishitani T, Kominami E, Tomino Y. FASEB J 17: 1165-1167,
      2003). gamma-Aminobutyric acid A receptor-associated protein (GABARAP), has
      recently been characterized as another homolog of LC3, although its precise role
      in autophagy remains unclear. We recently generated green fluorescent protein
      (GFP)-GABARAP transgenic mice, in which GFP-GABARAP is abundantly expressed in
      glomerular podocytes. We found that the transgenic mice showed no obvious
      phenotype, and podocytes isolated from these mice manifested autophagic activity
      almost equivalent to that of wild-type mice when measured in vitro. Surprisingly,
      a single injection of doxorubicin caused a greater increase in proteinuria and
      sclerotic glomeruli in transgenic mice compared with wild-type mice. Under these
      conditions, neither GFP-GABARAP nor endogenous GABARAP appeared to be recruited
      to autophagosomes, and both remained in the cytosol. Moreover, the cytosolic GFP
      GABARAP was significantly colocalized with p62 to form aggregates. These results
      indicate that the GFP-GABARAP/p62 complex is responsible for impairment of
      glomerular function and that it retards recovery from the effects of doxorubicin.

PMID- 22049403
TI  - Vocal fold phase asymmetries in patients with voice disorders: a study across
      visualization techniques.
AB  - PURPOSE: To examine differences in vocal fold vibratory phase asymmetry judged
      from stroboscopy, high-speed videoendoscopy (HSV), and the HSV-derived playbacks
      of mucosal wave kymography, digital kymography, and a static medial digital
      kymography image of persons with hypofunctional and hyperfunctional voice
      disorders. Differences between the methods of visual judgments and objective
      measures of left-right phase asymmetry were assessed. The findings were compared
      with those from a previous study with vocally normal speakers. METHOD: Forty-nine
      persons with voice disorders underwent stroboscopy and HSV. The HSV images were
      processed, resulting in 4 different spatial or kymographic displays. Two types of
      phase asymmetries, left-right and anterior-posterior, were visually rated.
      Objective measures of left-right phase asymmetry were obtained. RESULTS: From
      stroboscopy, the HSV playback, and the HSV-derived playbacks, left-right phase
      symmetry was judged to be symmetrical in 41%, 32%, and 19% of cases,
      respectively. This difference in playbacks was not seen for anterior-posterior
      asymmetry. Correlation between visual judgments and objective measures was mild
      for stroboscopy and moderate to high for all HSV-based playbacks. CONCLUSIONS:
      The use of kymography appears important for judgments of phase asymmetry.
      Stroboscopy appears to be sensitive, but possibly not specific, to phase
      asymmetries. Further development of objective measures is warranted for this
      feature.

PMID- 22049404
TI  - Development of the communication complexity scale.
AB  - PURPOSE: Accurate description of an individual's communication status is critical
      in both research and practice. Describing the communication status of individuals
      with severe intellectual and developmental disabilities is difficult because
      these individuals often communicate with presymbolic means that may not be
      readily recognized. Our goal was to design a communication scale and summary
      score for interpretation that could be applied across populations of children and
      adults with limited (often presymbolic) communication forms. METHOD: The
      Communication Complexity Scale (CCS) was developed by a team of researchers and
      tested with 178 participants with varying levels of presymbolic and early
      symbolic communication skills. Correlations between standardized and informant
      measures were completed, and expert opinions were obtained regarding the CCS.
      RESULTS: CCS scores were within expected ranges for the populations studied, and
      interrater reliability was high. Comparison across other measures indicated
      significant correlations with standardized tests of language. Scores on informant
      report measures tended to place children at higher levels of communication.
      Expert opinions generally favored the development of the CCS. CONCLUSIONS: The
      scale appears to be useful for describing a given individual's level of
      presymbolic or early symbolic communication. Further research is needed to
      determine whether it is sensitive to developmental growth in communication.

PMID- 22049405
TI  - Macrostructural narrative language of adolescents and young adults with Down
      syndrome or fragile X syndrome.
AB  - PURPOSE: To gain a better understanding of language abilities, the expressive
      macrostructural narrative language abilities of verbally expressive adolescents
      and young adults with Down syndrome (DS) and those with fragile X syndrome (FXS)
      were examined. METHOD: The authors evaluated 24 adolescents and young adults with
      DS, 12 male adolescents and young adults with FXS, and 21 younger children with
      typical development (TD). Narrative samples were assessed at the macrostructural
      level using the narrative scoring scheme (Heilmann, Miller, Nockerts, & Dunaway,
      2010). Three group comparisons were made using (a) the full sample matched on
      nonverbal mental age, (b) a subset of the participants individually matched on
      nonverbal mental age, and (c) a subset of participants individually matched on
      mean length of utterance. RESULTS: Study analyses revealed that the DS and FXS
      groups significantly outperformed the TD group on a limited number of narrative
      scoring scheme measures. No significant differences emerged between the DS and
      FXS groups. CONCLUSIONS: The study's results suggest that some aspects of
      macrostructural narrative language may be relative strengths for adolescents and
      young adults with DS and those with FXS. These results can be used to create more
      nuanced and informed approaches to assessment and intervention for these
      populations.

PMID- 22049406
TI  - Modulation of GABA transport by adenosine A1R-A2AR heteromers, which are coupled
      to both Gs- and G(i/o)-proteins.
AB  - Astrocytes play a key role in modulating synaptic transmission by controlling the
      available extracellular GABA via the GAT-1 and GAT-3 GABA transporters (GATs).
      Using primary cultures of rat astrocytes, we show here that an additional level
      of regulation of GABA uptake occurs via modulation of the GATs by the adenosine
      A(1) (A(1)R) and A(2A) (A(2A)R) receptors. This regulation occurs through a
      complex of heterotetramers (two interacting homodimers) of A(1)R-A(2A)R that
      signal via two different G-proteins, G(s) and G(i/o), and either enhances
      (A(2A)R) or inhibits (A(1)R) GABA uptake. These results provide novel mechanistic
      insight into how G-protein-coupled receptor heteromers signal. Furthermore, we
      uncover a previously unknown mechanism in which adenosine, in a concentration
      dependent manner, acts via a heterocomplex of adenosine receptors in astrocytes
      to significantly contribute to neurotransmission at the tripartite (neuron-glia
      neuron) synapse.

PMID- 22049407
TI  - Event-related potentials elicited by errors during the stop-signal task. I.
      Macaque monkeys.
AB  - The error-related negativity (ERN) and positivity (Pe) are components of event
      related potential (ERP) waveforms recorded from humans and are thought to reflect
      performance monitoring. Error-related signals have also been found in single
      neuron responses and local-field potentials recorded in supplementary eye field
      and anterior cingulate cortex of macaque monkeys. However, the homology of these
      neural signals across species remains controversial. Here, we show that monkeys
      exhibit ERN and Pe components when they commit errors during a saccadic stop
      signal task. The voltage distributions and current densities of these components
      were similar to those found in humans performing the same task. Subsequent
      analyses show that neither stimulus- nor response-related artifacts accounted for
      the error-ERPs. This demonstration of macaque homologues of the ERN and Pe forms
      a keystone in the bridge linking human and nonhuman primate studies on the neural
      basis of performance monitoring.

PMID- 22049408
TI  - Evidence for anterograde transport and transcytosis of botulinum neurotoxin A
      (BoNT/A).
AB  - Botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT/A) is a metalloprotease that blocks synaptic
      transmission via the cleavage of SNAP-25 (synaptosomal-associated protein of 25
      kDa). BoNT/A is successfully used in clinical neurology for the treatment of
      several neuromuscular pathologies and pain syndromes. Despite its widespread use,
      relatively little is known on BoNT/A intracellular trafficking in neurons. Using
      the visual pathway as a model system, here we show that catalytically active
      BoNT/A is capable of undergoing anterograde axonal transport and transcytosis.
      Following BoNT/A injection into the rat eye, significant levels of BoNT/A-cleaved
      SNAP-25 appeared in the retinorecipient layers of the superior colliculus (SC).
      Anterograde propagation of BoNT/A effects required axonal transport, ruling out a
      systemic spread of the toxin. Cleaved SNAP-25 was present in presynaptic
      structures of the tectum, but retinal terminals were devoid of the
      immunoreactivity, indicative of transcytosis. Experiments based on sequential
      administration of BoNT/A and BoNT/E showed a persistent catalytic activity of
      BoNT/A in tectal cells following its injection into the retina. Our findings
      demonstrate that catalytically active BoNT/A is anterogradely transported from
      the eye to the SC and transcytosed to tectal synapses. These data are important
      for a more complete understanding of the mechanisms of action of BoNT/A.

PMID- 22049409
TI  - A new Prospero and microRNA-279 pathway restricts CO2 receptor neuron formation.
AB  - CO(2) sensation represents an interesting example of nervous system and
      behavioral evolutionary divergence. The underlying molecular mechanisms, however,
      are not understood. Loss of microRNA-279 in Drosophila melanogaster leads to the
      formation of a CO(2) sensory system partly similar to the one of mosquitoes.
      Here, we show that a novel allele of the pleiotropic transcription factor
      Prospero resembles the miR-279 phenotype. We use a combination of genetics and in
      vitro and in vivo analysis to demonstrate that Pros participates in the
      regulation of miR-279 expression, and that reexpression of miR-279 rescues the
      pros CO(2) neuron phenotype. We identify common target molecules of miR-279 and
      Pros in bioinformatics analysis, and show that overexpression of the
      transcription factors Nerfin-1 and Escargot (Esg) is sufficient to induce
      formation of CO(2) neurons on maxillary palps. Our results suggest that Prospero
      restricts CO(2) neuron formation indirectly via miR-279 and directly by
      repressing the shared target molecules, Nerfin-1 and Esg, during olfactory system
      development. Given the important role of Pros in differentiation of the nervous
      system, we anticipate that miR-mediated signal tuning represents a powerful
      method for olfactory sensory system diversification during evolution.

PMID- 22049410
TI  - The relationship between brain oscillations and BOLD signal during memory
      formation: a combined EEG-fMRI study.
AB  - Previous studies demonstrated that increases in the theta frequency band with
      concomitant decreases in the alpha/beta frequency band indicate successful memory
      formation. However, little is known about the brain regions and the cognitive
      processes that underlie these encoding-related oscillatory memory effects. We
      investigated this relationship using simultaneous EEG-fMRI recordings in humans
      during long-term memory encoding. In line with prior studies, we demonstrate that
      a decrease in beta power and an increase in theta power positively predict
      subsequent recall. In fMRI, stronger activity in the left inferior prefrontal
      cortex and the right parahippocampal gyrus correlated with successful memory
      formation. EEG source localization revealed that the subsequent memory effect in
      the beta band was localized in the left inferior prefrontal cortex, whereas the
      effect in the theta band was localized in medial temporal lobe regions. Trial-by
      trial correlations between EEG and BOLD activity showed that beta power
      correlated negatively with left inferior prefrontal cortex activity. This
      correlation was more pronounced for items that could later be successfully
      recalled compared to items later forgotten. Based on these findings, we suggest
      that beta oscillations in the left inferior prefrontal cortex indicate semantic
      encoding processes, whereas theta oscillations in the medial temporal lobe
      reflect the binding of an item to its spatiotemporal context.

PMID- 22049411
TI  - Geometric cues influence head direction cells only weakly in nondisoriented rats.
AB  - The influential hypothesis that environmental geometry is critical for spatial
      orientation has been extensively tested behaviorally, and yet findings have been
      conflicting. Head direction (HD) cells, the neural correlate of the sense of
      direction, offer a window into the processes underlying directional orientation
      and may help clarify the issue. In the present study, HD cells were recorded as
      rats foraged in enclosures of varying geometry, with or without simultaneous
      manipulation of landmarks and self-motion cues (path integration). All geometric
      enclosures had single-order rotational symmetry and thus completely polarized the
      environment. They also had unique features, such as corners, which could, in
      principle, act as landmarks. Despite these strongly polarizing geometric cues, HD
      cells in nondisoriented rats never rotated with these shapes. In contrast, when a
      cue card (white or gray) was added to one wall, HD cells readily rotated with the
      enclosure. When path integration was disrupted by disorienting the rat, HD cells
      rotated with the enclosure even without the landmark. Collectively, these
      findings indicate that geometry exerts little or no influence on heading
      computations in nondisoriented rats, but it can do so in disoriented rats. We
      suggest that geometric processing is only a weak influence, providing a backup
      system for heading calculations and recruited only under conditions of
      disorientation.

PMID- 22049412
TI  - The hippocampus supports both recollection and familiarity when memories are
      strong.
AB  - Recognition memory is thought to consist of two component processes--recollection
      and familiarity. It has been suggested that the hippocampus supports
      recollection, while adjacent cortex supports familiarity. However, the
      qualitative experiences of recollection and familiarity are typically confounded
      with a quantitative difference in memory strength (recollection > familiarity).
      Thus, the question remains whether the hippocampus might in fact support
      familiarity-based memories whenever they are as strong as recollection-based
      memories. We addressed this problem in a novel way by using the Remember/Know
      procedure, which allowed us to explicitly match the confidence and accuracy of
      Remember and Know decisions. As in earlier studies, recollected items had higher
      accuracy and confidence than familiar items, and hippocampal activity was higher
      for recollected items than for familiar items. Furthermore, hippocampal activity
      was similar for familiar items, misses, and correct rejections. When the accuracy
      and confidence of recollected and familiar items were matched, the findings were
      dramatically different. Hippocampal activity was now similar for recollected and
      familiar items. Importantly, hippocampal activity was also greater for familiar
      items than for misses or correct rejections (as well as for recollected items vs
      misses or correct rejections). Our findings suggest that the hippocampus supports
      both recollection and familiarity when memories are strong.

PMID- 22049413
TI  - The mitochondria-targeted antioxidant MitoQ prevents loss of spatial memory
      retention and early neuropathology in a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's
      disease.
AB  - Considerable evidence suggests that mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative
      stress contribute to the progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). We examined the
      ability of the novel mitochondria-targeted antioxidant MitoQ (mitoquinone
      mesylate: [10-(4,5-dimethoxy-2-methyl-3,6-dioxo-1,4-cycloheexadienl-yl) decyl
      triphenylphosphonium methanesulfonate]) to prevent AD-like pathology in mouse
      cortical neurons in cell culture and in a triple transgenic mouse model of AD
      (3xTg-AD). MitoQ attenuated beta-amyloid (Abeta)-induced neurotoxicity in
      cortical neurons and also prevented increased production of reactive species and
      loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (Deltapsi(m)) in them. To determine
      whether the mitochondrial protection conferred by MitoQ was sufficient to prevent
      the emergence of AD-like neuropathology in vivo, we treated young female 3xTg-AD
      mice with MitoQ for 5 months and analyzed the effect on the progression of AD
      like pathologies. Our results show that MitoQ prevented cognitive decline in
      these mice as well as oxidative stress, Abeta accumulation, astrogliosis,
      synaptic loss, and caspase activation in their brains. The work presented herein
      suggests a central role for mitochondria in neurodegeneration and provides
      evidence supporting the use of mitochondria-targeted therapeutics in diseases
      involving oxidative stress and metabolic failure, namely AD.

PMID- 22049415
TI  - Selective inhibition of striatal fast-spiking interneurons causes dyskinesias.
AB  - Fast-spiking interneurons (FSIs) can exert powerful control over striatal output,
      and deficits in this cell population have been observed in human patients with
      Tourette syndrome and rodent models of dystonia. However, a direct experimental
      test of striatal FSI involvement in motor control has never been performed. We
      applied a novel pharmacological approach to examine the behavioral consequences
      of selective FSI suppression in mouse striatum. IEM-1460, an inhibitor of GluA2
      lacking AMPARs, selectively blocked synaptic excitation of FSIs but not striatal
      projection neurons. Infusion of IEM-1460 into the sensorimotor striatum reduced
      the firing rate of FSIs but not other cell populations, and elicited robust
      dystonia-like impairments. These results provide direct evidence that
      hypofunction of striatal FSIs can produce movement abnormalities, and suggest
      that they may represent a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of
      hyperkinetic movement disorders.

PMID- 22049414
TI  - PKA/AKAP1 and PP2A/Bbeta2 regulate neuronal morphogenesis via Drp1
      phosphorylation and mitochondrial bioenergetics.
AB  - Mitochondrial shape is determined by fission and fusion reactions, perturbation
      of which can contribute to neuronal injury and disease. Mitochondrial fission is
      catalyzed by dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1), a large GTPase of the dynamin
      family that is highly expressed in neurons and regulated by various
      posttranslational modifications, including phosphorylation. We report here that
      reversible phosphorylation of Drp1 at a conserved Ser residue by an outer
      mitochondrial kinase (PKA/AKAP1) and phosphatase (PP2A/Bbeta2) impacts dendrite
      and synapse development in cultured rat hippocampal neurons. PKA/AKAP1-mediated
      phosphorylation of Drp1 at Ser656 increased mitochondrial length and dendrite
      occupancy, enhancing dendritic outgrowth but paradoxically decreasing synapse
      number and density. Opposing PKA/AKAP1, PP2A/Bbeta2-mediated dephosphorylation of
      Drp1 at Ser656 fragmented and depolarized mitochondria and depleted them from
      dendrites, stunting dendritic outgrowth but augmenting synapse formation. Raising
      and lowering intracellular calcium reproduced the effects of dephospho-Drp1 and
      phospho-Drp1on dendrite and synapse development, respectively, while boosting
      mitochondrial membrane potential with l-carnitine-fostered dendrite at the
      expense of synapse formation without altering mitochondrial size or distribution.
      Thus, outer mitochondrial PKA and PP2A regulate neuronal development by
      inhibiting and promoting mitochondrial division, respectively. We propose that
      the bioenergetic state of mitochondria, rather than their localization or shape
      per se, is the key effector of Drp1, altering calcium homeostasis to modulate
      neuronal morphology and connectivity.

PMID- 22049416
TI  - Synergy from silence in a combinatorial neural code.
AB  - The manner in which groups of neurons represent events in the external world is a
      central question in neuroscience. Estimation of the information encoded by small
      groups of neurons has shown that in many neural systems, cells carry mildly
      redundant information. These measures average over all the activity patterns of a
      neural population. Here, we analyze the population code of the salamander and
      guinea pig retinas by quantifying the information conveyed by specific multicell
      activity patterns. Synchronous spikes, even though they are relatively rare and
      highly informative, convey less information than the sum of either spike alone,
      making them redundant coding symbols. Instead, patterns of spiking in one cell
      and silence in others, which are relatively common and often overlooked as
      special coding symbols, were found to be mostly synergistic. Our results reflect
      that the mild average redundancy between ganglion cells that was previously
      reported is actually the result of redundant and synergistic multicell patterns,
      whose contributions partially cancel each other when taking the average over all
      patterns. We further show that similar coding properties emerge in a generic
      model of neural responses, suggesting that this form of combinatorial coding, in
      which specific compound patterns carry synergistic or redundant information, may
      exist in other neural circuits.

PMID- 22049417
TI  - Chronic 5-HT transporter blockade reduces DA signaling to elicit basal ganglia
      dysfunction.
AB  - Serotonin (5-HT)-selective reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are widely administered
      for the treatment of depression, anxiety, and other neuropsychiatric disorders,
      but response rates are low, and side effects often lead to discontinuation. Side
      effect profiles suggest that SSRIs inhibit dopaminergic activity, but mechanistic
      insight remains scarce. Here we show that in mice, chronic 5-HT transporter (5
      HTT) blockade during adulthood but not during development impairs basal ganglia
      dependent behaviors in a dose-dependent and reversible fashion. Furthermore,
      chronic 5-HTT blockade reduces striatal dopamine (DA) content and metabolism. A
      causal relationship between reduced DA signaling and impaired basal ganglia
      dependent behavior is indicated by the reversal of behavioral deficits through L
      DOPA administration. Our data suggest that augmentation of DA signaling would
      reduce side effects and increase efficacies of SSRI-based therapy.

PMID- 22049418
TI  - Synaptic deficits are rescued in the p25/Cdk5 model of neurodegeneration by the
      reduction of beta-secretase (BACE1).
AB  - Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia, and is
      characterized by memory loss and cognitive decline, as well as amyloid beta
      (Abeta) accumulation, and progressive neurodegeneration. Cdk5 is a proline
      directed serine/threonine kinase whose activation by the p25 protein has been
      implicated in a number of neurodegenerative disorders. The CK-p25 inducible mouse
      model exhibits progressive neuronal death, elevated Abeta, reduced synaptic
      plasticity, and impaired learning following p25 overexpression in forebrain
      neurons. Levels of Abeta, as well as the APP processing enzyme, beta-secretase
      (BACE1), are also increased in CK-p25 mice. It is unknown what role increased
      Abeta plays in the cognitive and neurodegenerative phenotype of the CK-p25 mouse.
      In the current work, we restored Abeta levels in the CK-p25 mouse to those of
      wild-type mice via the partial genetic deletion of BACE1, allowing us to examine
      the Abeta-independent phenotype of this mouse model. We show that, in the CK-p25
      mouse, normalization of Abeta levels led to a rescue of synaptic and cognitive
      deficits. Conversely, neuronal loss was not ameliorated. Our findings indicate
      that increases in p25/Cdk5 activity may mediate cognitive and synaptic impairment
      via an Abeta-dependent pathway in the CK-p25 mouse. These findings explore the
      impact of targeting Abeta production in a mouse model of neurodegeneration and
      cognitive impairment, and how this may translate into therapeutic approaches for
      sporadic AD.

PMID- 22049419
TI  - Emergence of persistent networks in long-term intracranial EEG recordings.
AB  - Over the past two decades, the increased ability to analyze network relationships
      among neural structures has provided novel insights into brain function. Most
      network approaches, however, focus on static representations of the brain's
      physical or statistical connectivity. Few studies have examined how brain
      functional networks evolve spontaneously over long epochs of continuous time. To
      address this, we examine functional connectivity networks deduced from continuous
      long-term electrocorticogram recordings. For a population of six human patients,
      we identify a persistent pattern of connections that form a frequency-band
      dependent network template, and a set of core connections that appear frequently
      and together. These structures are robust, emerging from brief time intervals
      (~100 s) regardless of cognitive state. These results suggest that a metastable,
      frequency-band-dependent scaffold of brain connectivity exists from which
      transient activity emerges and recedes.

PMID- 22049420
TI  - Diminished top-down control underlies a visual imagery deficit in normal aging.
AB  - Mental imagery is involved in a wide variety of cognitive abilities, including
      reasoning, spatial navigation, and memory. Cognitive aging is associated with
      impairments in these abilities, suggesting that diminished fidelity of mental
      images in older adults may be related to diverse cognitive deficits. However, an
      age-related deficit in mental imagery and its role in memory impairment is still
      a matter of debate. Previous human fMRI studies demonstrated that visual imagery
      activates representations in category-selective visual cortex via top-down
      control mechanisms. Here, we use fMRI to show that normal aging is associated
      with diminished selectivity of visual cortex activation during visual imagery,
      with a corresponding reduction in the selectivity of functional connections
      between prefrontal cortex and visual cortices. Moreover, a relationship between
      reduced imagery selectivity and visual memory in older adults was established.
      These results reveal that aging disrupts neural networks that subserve mental
      imagery and offers evidence of this as a factor in age-related memory decline.

PMID- 22049421
TI  - Rich-club organization of the human connectome.
AB  - The human brain is a complex network of interlinked regions. Recent studies have
      demonstrated the existence of a number of highly connected and highly central
      neocortical hub regions, regions that play a key role in global information
      integration between different parts of the network. The potential functional
      importance of these "brain hubs" is underscored by recent studies showing that
      disturbances of their structural and functional connectivity profile are linked
      to neuropathology. This study aims to map out both the subcortical and
      neocortical hubs of the brain and examine their mutual relationship, particularly
      their structural linkages. Here, we demonstrate that brain hubs form a so-called
      "rich club," characterized by a tendency for high-degree nodes to be more densely
      connected among themselves than nodes of a lower degree, providing important
      information on the higher-level topology of the brain network. Whole-brain
      structural networks of 21 subjects were reconstructed using diffusion tensor
      imaging data. Examining the connectivity profile of these networks revealed a
      group of 12 strongly interconnected bihemispheric hub regions, comprising the
      precuneus, superior frontal and superior parietal cortex, as well as the
      subcortical hippocampus, putamen, and thalamus. Importantly, these hub regions
      were found to be more densely interconnected than would be expected based solely
      on their degree, together forming a rich club. We discuss the potential
      functional implications of the rich-club organization of the human connectome,
      particularly in light of its role in information integration and in conferring
      robustness to its structural core.

PMID- 22049422
TI  - The laminar and temporal structure of stimulus information in the phase of field
      potentials of auditory cortex.
AB  - Recent studies have shown that the phase of low-frequency local field potentials
      (LFPs) in sensory cortices carries a significant amount of information about
      complex naturalistic stimuli, yet the laminar circuit mechanisms and the aspects
      of stimulus dynamics responsible for generating this phase information remain
      essentially unknown. Here we investigated these issues by means of an information
      theoretic analysis of LFPs and current source densities (CSDs) recorded with
      laminar multi-electrode arrays in the primary auditory area of anesthetized rats
      during complex acoustic stimulation (music and broadband 1/f stimuli). We found
      that most LFP phase information originated from discrete "CSD events" consisting
      of granular-superficial layer dipoles of short duration and large amplitude,
      which we hypothesize to be triggered by transient thalamocortical activation.
      These CSD events occurred at rates of 2-4 Hz during both stimulation with complex
      sounds and silence. During stimulation with complex sounds, these events reliably
      reset the LFP phases at specific times during the stimulation history. These
      facts suggest that the informativeness of LFP phase in rat auditory cortex is the
      result of transient, large-amplitude events, of the "evoked" or "driving" type,
      reflecting strong depolarization in thalamo-recipient layers of cortex. Finally,
      the CSD events were characterized by a small number of discrete types of
      infragranular activation. The extent to which infragranular regions were
      activated was stimulus dependent. These patterns of infragranular activations may
      reflect a categorical evaluation of stimulus episodes by the local circuit to
      determine whether to pass on stimulus information through the output layers.

PMID- 22049423
TI  - When attention wanders: how uncontrolled fluctuations in attention affect
      performance.
AB  - No matter how hard subjects concentrate on a task, their minds wander (Raichle et
      al., 2001; Buckner et al., 2008; Christoff et al., 2009; Killingsworth and
      Gilbert, 2010). Internal fluctuations cannot be measured behaviorally or from
      conventional neurophysiological measures, so their effects on performance have
      been difficult to study. Previously, we measured fluctuations in visual attention
      using the responses of populations of simultaneously recorded neurons in macaque
      visual cortex (Cohen and Maunsell, 2010). Here, we use this ability to
      investigate how attentional fluctuations affect performance. We found that
      attentional fluctuations have large and complex effects on performance, the sign
      of which depends on the difficulty of the perceptual judgment. As expected,
      attention greatly improves the detection of subtle changes in a stimulus.
      Surprisingly, we found that attending too strongly to a particular stimulus
      impairs the ability to notice when that stimulus changes dramatically. Our
      results suggest that all previously reported measures of behavioral performance
      should be viewed as amalgamations of different attentional states, whether or not
      those studies specifically addressed attention.

PMID- 22049424
TI  - Sustained firing of cartwheel cells in the dorsal cochlear nucleus evokes
      endocannabinoid release and retrograde suppression of parallel fiber synapses.
AB  - Neurons in many brain regions release endocannabinoids from their dendrites that
      act as retrograde signals to transiently suppress neurotransmitter release from
      presynaptic terminals. Little is known, however, about the physiological
      mechanisms of short-term endocannabinoid-mediated plasticity under physiological
      conditions. Here we investigate calcium-dependent endocannabinoid release from
      cartwheel cells (CWCs) of the mouse dorsal cochlear nucleus (DCN) in the auditory
      brainstem that provide feedforward inhibition onto DCN principal neurons. We
      report that sustained action potential firing by CWCs evokes endocannabinoid
      release in response to submicromolar elevation of dendritic calcium that
      transiently suppresses their parallel fiber (PF) inputs by >70%. Basal
      spontaneous CWC firing rates are insufficient to evoke tonic suppression of PF
      synapses. However, elevating CWC firing rates by stimulating PFs triggers the
      release of endocannabinoids and heterosynaptic suppression of PF inputs. Spike
      evoked suppression by endocannabinoids selectively suppresses excitatory
      synapses, but glycinergic/GABAergic inputs onto CWCs are not affected. Our
      findings demonstrate a mechanism of transient plasticity mediated by
      endocannabinoids that heterosynaptically suppresses subsets of excitatory
      presynaptic inputs to CWCs that regulates feedforward inhibition of DCN principal
      neurons and may influence the output of the DCN.

PMID- 22049425
TI  - Dopamine effects on human error processing depend on catechol-O-methyltransferase
      VAL158MET genotype.
AB  - Brain dopamine (DA) has been linked to error processing. Because high and low (vs
      medium) prefrontal cortex (PFC) DA levels may facilitate D2-receptor-related
      modulations of PFC neural activation patterns, we hypothesized that high and low
      DA predicts increased error-specific transitions of PFC activity. Male human
      participants (n = 169) were genotyped for the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT)
      Val158Met polymorphism, associated with low (Val) and medium (Met) PFC DA levels.
      In addition, DRD2TaqIa and 5-HTTLPR, associated with striatal D(2) receptor
      density and serotonin uptake, respectively, were assessed. Participants received
      placebo or a selective DA-D(2) receptor blocker (sulpiride, 200 mg) and performed
      a Flanker task. EEG was recorded and decomposed into independent brain components
      (ICs) using independent component analysis. After errors, participants displayed
      (1) a negative deflection in ICs source-localized to the proximity of the
      anterior midcingulate cortex [IC-error-related negativity (IC-ERN)], (2)
      increased midcingulate cortex IC power in the delta/theta frequency range, and
      (3) slowing in the subsequent trial [posterror slowing (PES)]. Importantly, all,
      IC-ERN, delta/theta power, and PES were modulated by COMT * Substance
      interactions such that the Val allele predicted elevated IC-ERN, delta/theta
      power, and PES after placebo; this association was reversed under sulpiride.
      Because low doses of sulpiride presumably increase PFC DA levels, the COMT *
      Substance interaction supports the hypothesis that low (Val, placebo) and high
      (Met, sulpiride) versus medium (Val, sulpiride; Met, placebo) DA levels elevate
      reactivity to errors. Consistent with an influence of serotonin on PFC DA, the
      COMT * Substance interaction was modulated by 5-HTTLPR.

PMID- 22049426
TI  - In vivo pathogenic role of mutant SOD1 localized in the mitochondrial
      intermembrane space.
AB  - Mutations in Cu,Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) are associated with familial
      amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Mutant SOD1 causes a complex array of
      pathological events, through toxic gain of function mechanisms, leading to
      selective motor neuron degeneration. Mitochondrial dysfunction is among the well
      established toxic effects of mutant SOD1, but its mechanisms are just starting to
      be elucidated. A portion of mutant SOD1 is localized in mitochondria, where it
      accumulates mostly on the outer membrane and inside the intermembrane space
      (IMS). Evidence in cultured cells suggests that mutant SOD1 in the IMS causes
      mitochondrial dysfunction and compromises cell viability. Therefore, to test its
      pathogenic role in vivo we generated transgenic mice expressing G93A mutant or
      wild-type (WT) human SOD1 targeted selectively to the mitochondrial IMS (mito
      SOD1). We show that mito-SOD1 is correctly localized in the IMS, where it
      oligomerizes and acquires enzymatic activity. Mito-G93ASOD1 mice, but not mito
      WTSOD1 mice, develop a progressive disease characterized by body weight loss,
      muscle weakness, brain atrophy, and motor impairment, which is more severe in
      females. These symptoms are associated with reduced spinal motor neuron counts
      and impaired mitochondrial bioenergetics, characterized by decreased cytochrome
      oxidase activity and defective calcium handling. However, there is no evidence of
      muscle denervation, a cardinal pathological feature of ALS. Together, our
      findings indicate that mutant SOD1 in the mitochondrial IMS causes mitochondrial
      dysfunction and neurodegeneration, but per se it is not sufficient to cause a
      full-fledged ALS phenotype, which requires the participation of mutant SOD1
      localized in other cellular compartments.

PMID- 22049427
TI  - ClC-2 channels regulate neuronal excitability, not intracellular chloride levels.
AB  - Synaptic inhibition by GABA(A) receptors requires a transmembrane chloride
      gradient. Hyperpolarization or shunting results from outward current produced by
      chloride flowing down this gradient, into the cell. Chloride influx necessarily
      depletes the chloride gradient. Therefore, mechanisms that replenish the gradient
      (by reducing intracellular chloride concentration, [Cl(-)](i)) are crucial for
      maintaining the efficacy of GABA(A) receptor-mediated inhibition. ClC-2 is an
      inward-rectifying chloride channel that is thought to help extrude chloride
      because inward rectification should, in principle, allow ClC-2 to act as a one
      way chloride exit valve. But chloride efflux via ClC-2 nevertheless requires an
      appropriate driving force. Using computer modeling, we reproduced voltage-clamp
      experiments showing chloride efflux via ClC-2, but testing the same model under
      physiological conditions revealed that ClC-2 normally leaks chloride into the
      cell. The discrepancy is explained by the driving force conditions that exist
      under artificial versus physiological conditions, and by the fact that ClC-2
      rectification is neither complete nor instantaneous. Thus, contrary to previous
      assertions that ClC-2 helps maintain synaptic inhibition by lowering [Cl(-)](i),
      our simulations show that ClC-2 mediates chloride influx, thus producing outward
      current and directly reducing excitability. To test how ClC-2 functions in real
      neurons, we used dynamic clamp to insert virtual ClC-2 channels into rat CA1
      pyramidal cells with and without native ClC-2 channels blocked. Experiments
      confirmed that ClC-2 reduces spiking independently of inhibitory synaptic
      transmission. Our results highlight the importance of considering driving force
      when inferring how a channel functions under physiological conditions.

PMID- 22049428
TI  - Natural movies evoke spike trains with low spike time variability in cat primary
      visual cortex.
AB  - Neuronal responses in primary visual cortex have been found to be highly
      variable. This has led to the widespread notion that neuronal responses have to
      be averaged over large numbers of neurons to obtain suitably invariant responses
      that can be used to reliably encode or represent external stimuli. However, it is
      possible that the high variability of neuronal responses may result from the use
      of simple, artificial stimuli and that the visual cortex may respond differently
      to dynamic, naturalistic images. To investigate this question, we recorded the
      responses of primary visual cortical neurons in the anesthetized cat under
      stimulation with time-varying natural movies. We found that cortical neurons on
      the whole exhibited a high degree of spike count variability, but a surprisingly
      low degree of spike time variability. The spike count variability was further
      reduced when all but the first spike in a burst were removed. We also found that
      responses exhibiting low spike time variability exhibited low spike count
      variability, suggesting that rate coding and temporal coding might be more
      compatible than previously thought. In addition, we found the spike time
      variability to be significantly lower when stimulated by natural movies as
      compared with stimulation using drifting gratings. Our results indicate that
      response variability in primary visual cortex is stimulus dependent and
      significantly lower than previous measurements have indicated.

PMID- 22049429
TI  - Dynamic analysis of amyloid beta-protein in behaving mice reveals opposing
      changes in ISF versus parenchymal Abeta during age-related plaque formation.
AB  - Growing evidence supports the hypothesis that soluble, diffusible forms of the
      amyloid beta-peptide (Abeta) are pathogenically important in Alzheimer's disease
      (AD) and thus have both diagnostic and therapeutic salience. To learn more about
      the dynamics of soluble Abeta economy in vivo, we used microdialysis to sample
      the brain interstitial fluid (ISF), which contains the most soluble Abeta species
      in brain at steady state, in >40 wake, behaving APP transgenic mice before and
      during the process of Abeta plaque formation (age 3-28 months). Diffusible forms
      of Abeta, especially Abeta(42), declined significantly in ISF as mice underwent
      progressive parenchymal deposition of Abeta. Moreover, radiolabeled Abeta
      administered at physiological concentrations into ISF revealed a striking
      difference in the fate of soluble Abeta in plaque-rich (vs plaque-free) mice: it
      clears more rapidly from the ISF and becomes more associated with the TBS
      extractable pool, suggesting that cerebral amyloid deposits can rapidly sequester
      soluble Abeta from the ISF. Likewise, acute gamma-secretase inhibition in plaque
      free mice showed a marked decline of Abeta(38), Abeta(40), and Abeta(42), whereas
      in plaque-rich mice, Abeta(42) declined significantly less. These results suggest
      that most of the Abeta(42) that populates the ISF in plaque-rich mice is derived
      not from new Abeta biosynthesis but rather from the large reservoir of less
      soluble Abeta(42) in brain parenchyma. Together, these and other findings herein
      illuminate the in vivo dynamics of soluble Abeta during the development of AD
      type neuropathology and after gamma-secretase inhibition and help explain the
      apparent paradox that CSF Abeta(42) levels fall as humans develop AD.

PMID- 22049430
TI  - Morphological characterization of the entire interneuron population reveals
      principles of neuromere organization in the ventral nerve cord of Drosophila.
AB  - Decisive contributions to our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the
      development of the nervous system have been made by studies performed at the
      level of single, identified cells in the fruit fly Drosophila. While all the
      motor neurons and glial cells in thoracic and abdominal segments of the
      Drosophila embryo have been individually identified, few of the interneurons,
      which comprise the vast majority of cells in the CNS, have been characterized at
      this level. We have applied a single cell labeling technique to carry out a
      detailed morphological characterization of the entire population of interneurons
      in abdominal segments A1-A7. Based on the definition of a set of spatial
      parameters specifying axonal projection patterns and cell body positions, we have
      identified 270 individual cell types as the complete hemisegmental set of
      interneurons and placed these in an interactive database. As well as facilitating
      analyses of developmental processes, this comprehensive set of data sheds light
      on the principles underlying the formation and organization of an entire
      segmental unit of the CNS.

PMID- 22049433
TI  - Visual selection and the human frontal eye fields: effects of frontal
      transcranial magnetic stimulation on partial report analyzed by Bundesen's theory
      of visual attention.
AB  - While the frontal eye fields (FEF) are traditionally associated with eye
      movements, recent work indicates possible roles in controlling selective visual
      processing. We applied 10 Hz bursts of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
      over left or right human FEF while subjects performed a partial-report task that
      allowed quantitative estimates of top-down control and other parameters affecting
      visual performance. Participants selectively reported digits in a relevant color
      (targets) but not those in an irrelevant color (nontargets) from a brief masked
      display. A target could appear alone or together with an accompanying item
      (nontarget or target) in the same or opposite hemifield. Targets were normally
      identified better when presented with a nontarget than with another target,
      indicating prioritization of task-relevant targets and thus top-down control. We
      found this usual pattern of results without TMS, and also with TMS over left FEF.
      However, during right FEF TMS, the detrimental impact of accompanying distractors
      increased. Formal analysis in terms of Bundesen's (1990) theory of visual
      attention confirmed that right FEF TMS diminished the top-down control parameter
      for both hemifields, indicating an FEF role in top-down selection even for
      targets defined by the nonspatial property of color. Direct comparison with our
      previous findings for parietal TMS (Hung et al., 2005) confirmed the distinct
      role of FEF in top-down control, plus right-hemisphere predominance for this in
      humans.

PMID- 22049431
TI  - Light-evoked lateral GABAergic inhibition at single bipolar cell synaptic
      terminals is driven by distinct retinal microcircuits.
AB  - Inhibitory amacrine cells (ACs) filter visual signals crossing the retina by
      modulating the excitatory, glutamatergic output of bipolar cells (BCs) on
      multiple temporal and spatial scales. Reciprocal feedback from ACs provides focal
      inhibition that is temporally locked to the activity of presynaptic BC activity,
      whereas lateral feedback originates from ACs excited by distant BCs. These
      distinct feedback mechanisms permit temporal and spatial computation at BC
      terminals. Here, we used a unique preparation to study light-evoked IPSCs
      recorded from axotomized terminals of ON-type mixed rod/cone BCs (Mb) in goldfish
      retinal slices. In this preparation, light-evoked IPSCs could only reach
      axotomized BC terminals via the lateral feedback pathway, allowing us to study
      lateral feedback in the absence of overlapping reciprocal feedback components. We
      found that light evokes ON and OFF lateral IPSCs (L-IPSCs) in Mb terminals having
      different temporal patterns and conveyed via distinct retinal pathways. The
      relative contribution of rods versus cones to ON and OFF L-IPSCs was light
      intensity dependent. ACs presynaptic to Mb BC terminals received inputs via
      AMPA/KA- and NMDA-type receptors in both the ON and OFF pathways, and used TTX
      sensitive sodium channels to boost signal transfer along their processes. ON and
      OFF L-IPSCs, like reciprocal feedback IPSCs, were mediated by both GABA(A) and
      GABA(C) receptors. However, our results suggest that lateral and reciprocal
      feedback do not cross-depress each other, and are therefore mediated by distinct
      populations of ACs. These findings demonstrate that retinal inhibitory circuits
      are highly specialized to modulate BC output at different light intensities.

PMID- 22049432
TI  - Matrix metalloproteinase-9 and stromal cell-derived factor-1 act synergistically
      to support migration of blood-borne monocytes into the injured spinal cord.
AB  - The infiltration of monocytes into the lesioned site is a key event in the
      inflammatory response after spinal cord injury (SCI). We hypothesized that the
      molecular events governing the infiltration of monocytes into the injured cord
      involve cooperativity between the upregulation of the chemoattractant stromal
      cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1)/CXCL12 in the injured cord and matrix
      metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9/gelatinase B), expressed by infiltrating monocytes.
      SDF-1 and its receptor CXCR4 mRNAs were upregulated in the injured cord, while
      macrophages immunoexpressed CXCR4. When mice, transplanted with bone marrow cells
      from green fluorescent protein (GFP) transgenic mice, were subjected to SCI, GFP+
      monocytes infiltrated the cord and displayed gelatinolytic activity. In vitro
      studies confirmed that SDF-1alpha, acting through CXCR4, expressed on bone marrow
      derived macrophages, upregulated MMP-9 and stimulated MMP-9-dependent
      transmigration across endothelial cell monolayers by 2.6-fold. There was a
      reduction in F4/80+ macrophages in spinal cord-injured MMP-9 knock-out mice (by
      36%) or wild-type mice, treated with the broad-spectrum MMP inhibitor GM6001 (by
      30%). Mice were adoptively transferred with myeloid cells and treated with the
      MMP-9/-2 inhibitor SB-3CT, the CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100, or a combination of both
      drugs. While either drug resulted in a 28-30% reduction of infiltrated myeloid
      cells, the combined treatment resulted in a 45% reduction, suggesting that SDF-1
      and MMP-9 function independently to promote the trafficking of myeloid cells into
      the injured cord. Collectively, these observations suggest a synergistic
      partnership between MMP-9 and SDF-1 in facilitating transmigration of monocytes
      into the injured spinal cord.

PMID- 22049434
TI  - Attentional bias to briefly presented emotional distractors follows a slow time
      course in visual cortex.
AB  - A central controversy in the field of attention is how the brain deals with
      emotional distractors and to what extent they capture attentional processing
      resources reflexively due to their inherent significance for guidance of adaptive
      behavior and survival. Especially, the time course of competitive interactions in
      early visual areas and whether masking of briefly presented emotional stimuli can
      inhibit biasing of processing resources in these areas is currently unknown. We
      recorded frequency-tagged potentials evoked by a flickering target detection task
      in the foreground of briefly presented emotional or neutral pictures that were
      followed by a mask in human subjects. We observed greater competition for
      processing resources in early visual cortical areas with shortly presented
      emotional relative to neutral pictures ~275 ms after picture offset. This was
      paralleled by a reduction of target detection rates in trials with emotional
      pictures ~400 ms after picture offset. Our finding that briefly presented
      emotional distractors are able to bias attention well after their offset provides
      evidence for a rather slow feedback or reentrant neural competition mechanism for
      emotional distractors that continues after the offset of the emotional stimulus.

PMID- 22049435
TI  - Gamma responses correlate with temporal expectation in monkey primary visual
      cortex.
AB  - Gamma oscillations have been linked to selective attention. Here, we investigate
      the effects of expecting a behaviorally relevant event (a change in the fixation
      point) on the oscillatory patterning of the local field potential and spiking
      responses in V1. Three protocols were used. In the first protocol, fixation point
      change occurred at a fixed time point, enabling predictions on task timing. In
      the second, fixation point change occurred in trial blocks either early or late
      in the trial, allowing us to compare responses during epochs of low and high
      expectation. Finally, we used a cue to indicate the upcoming fixation point
      change. All protocols led to an increase in gamma oscillations associated with
      alpha suppression when the monkeys expected an event in time. These effects were
      spatially widespread, since comparable results were observed for both central and
      peripheral visual representations in V1. Our findings indicate that expectations
      associated with perceptual decisions, motor responses, or upcoming reward may
      have a strong effect on the primary visual cortex, causing global, spatially
      nonselective modulation of gamma activity.

PMID- 22049436
TI  - GABAergic synaptic plasticity during a developmentally regulated sleep-like state
      in C. elegans.
AB  - Approximately one-fourth of the neurons in Caenorhabditis elegans adults are born
      during larval development, indicating tremendous plasticity in larval nervous
      system structure. Larval development shows cyclical expression of sleep-like
      quiescent behavior during lethargus periods, which occur at larval stage
      transitions. We studied plasticity at the neuromuscular junction during lethargus
      using the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor aldicarb. The rate of animal contraction
      when exposed to aldicarb is controlled by the balance between excitatory
      cholinergic and inhibitory GABAergic input on the muscle. During lethargus, there
      is an accelerated rate of contraction on aldicarb. Mutant analysis and
      optogenetic studies reveal that GABAergic synaptic transmission is reduced during
      lethargus. Worms in lethargus show partial resistance to GABA(A) receptor
      agonists, indicating that postsynaptic mechanisms contribute to lethargus
      dependent plasticity. Using genetic manipulations that separate the quiescent
      state from the developmental stage, we show that the synaptic plasticity is
      dependent on developmental time and not on the behavioral state of the animal. We
      propose that the synaptic plasticity regulated by a developmental clock in C.
      elegans is analogous to synaptic plasticity regulated by the circadian clock in
      other species.

PMID- 22049437
TI  - An orexinergic projection from perifornical hypothalamus to raphe pallidus
      increases rat brown adipose tissue thermogenesis.
AB  - Orexin (hypocretin) neurons, located exclusively in the PeF-LH, which includes
      the perifornical area (PeF), the lateral hypothalamus (LH), and lateral portions
      of the medial hypothalamus, have widespread projections and influence many
      physiological functions, including the autonomic regulation of body temperature
      and energy metabolism. Narcolepsy is characterized by the loss of orexin neurons
      and by disrupted sleep, but also by dysregulation of body temperature and by a
      strong tendency for obesity. Heat production (thermogenesis) in brown adipose
      tissue (BAT) contributes to the maintenance of body temperature and, through
      energy consumption, to body weight regulation. We identified a neural substrate
      for the influence of orexin neurons on BAT thermogenesis in rat. Nanoinjection of
      orexin-A (12 pmol) into the rostral raphe pallidus (rRPa), the site of BAT
      sympathetic premotor neurons, produced large, sustained increases in BAT
      sympathetic outflow and in BAT thermogenesis. Activation of neurons in the PeF-LH
      also enhanced BAT thermogenesis over a long time course. Combining viral
      retrograde tracing from BAT, or cholera toxin subunit b tracing from rRPa, with
      orexin immunohistochemistry revealed synaptic connections to BAT from orexin
      neurons in PeF-LH and from rRPa neurons with closely apposed, varicose orexin
      fibers, as well as a direct, orexinergic projection from PeF-LH to rRPa. These
      results indicate a potent modulation of BAT thermogenesis by orexin released from
      the terminals of orexin neurons in PeF-LH directly into the rRPa and provide a
      potential mechanism contributing to the disrupted regulation of body temperature
      and energy metabolism in the absence of orexin.

PMID- 22049438
TI  - The effects of prefrontal cortex inactivation on object responses of single
      neurons in the inferotemporal cortex during visual search.
AB  - Inferotemporal cortex (IT) is believed to be directly involved in object
      processing and necessary for accurate and efficient object recognition. The
      frontal eye field (FEF) is an area in the primate prefrontal cortex that is
      involved in visual spatial selection and is thought to guide spatial attention
      and eye movements. We show that object-selective responses of IT neurons and
      behavioral performance are affected by changes in frontal eye field activity.
      This was found in monkeys performing a search classification task by temporarily
      inactivating subregions of FEF while simultaneously recording the activity from
      single neurons in IT. The effect on object selectivity and performance was
      specific, occurring in a predictable spatially dependent manner and was strongest
      when the IT neuron's preferred target was presented in the presence of
      distractors. FEF inactivation did not affect IT responses on trials in which the
      nonpreferred target was presented in the search array.

PMID- 22049439
TI  - Sensory network dysfunction, behavioral impairments, and their reversibility in
      an Alzheimer's beta-amyloidosis mouse model.
AB  - The unique vulnerability of the olfactory system to Alzheimer's disease (AD)
      provides a quintessential translational tool for understanding mechanisms of
      synaptic dysfunction and pathological progression in the disease. Using the
      Tg2576 mouse model of beta-amyloidosis, we show that aberrant, hyperactive
      olfactory network activity begins early in life, before detectable behavioral
      impairments or comparable hippocampal dysfunction and at a time when amyloid-beta
      (Abeta) deposition is restricted to the olfactory bulb (OB). Hyperactive odor
      evoked activity in the piriform cortex (PCX) and increased OB-PCX functional
      connectivity emerged at a time coinciding with olfactory behavior impairments.
      This hyperactive activity persisted until later in life when the network
      converted to a hyporesponsive state. This conversion was Abeta-dependent, because
      liver-X receptor agonist treatment to promote Abeta degradation rescued the
      hyporesponsive state and olfactory behavior. These data lend evidence to a novel
      working model of olfactory dysfunction in AD and, complimentary to other recent
      works, suggest that disease-relevant network dysfunction is highly dynamic and
      region specific, yet with lasting effects on cognition and behavior.

PMID- 22049440
TI  - Untuned suppression makes a major contribution to the enhancement of orientation
      selectivity in macaque v1.
AB  - One of the functions of the cerebral cortex is to increase the selectivity for
      stimulus features. Finding more about the mechanisms of increased cortical
      selectivity is important for understanding how the cortex works. Up to now,
      studies in multiple cortical areas have reported that suppressive mechanisms are
      involved in feature selectivity. However, the magnitude of the contribution of
      suppression to tuning selectivity is not yet determined. We use orientation
      selectivity in macaque primary visual cortex, V1, as an archetypal example of
      cortical feature selectivity and develop a method to estimate the magnitude of
      the contribution of suppression to orientation selectivity. The results show that
      untuned suppression, one form of cortical suppression, decreases the orthogonal
      to-preferred response ratio (O/P ratio) of V1 cells from an average of 0.38 to
      0.26. Untuned suppression has an especially large effect on orientation
      selectivity for highly selective cells (O/P < 0.2). Therefore, untuned
      suppression is crucial for the generation of highly orientation-selective cells
      in V1 cortex.

PMID- 22049441
TI  - Opposing roles of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels in neuronal control of regenerative
      patterning.
AB  - There is intense interest in developing methods to regulate proliferation and
      differentiation of stem cells into neuronal fates for the purposes of
      regenerative medicine. One way to do this is through in vivo pharmacological
      engineering using small molecules. However, a key challenge is identification of
      relevant signaling pathways and therein druggable targets to manipulate stem cell
      behavior efficiently in vivo. Here, we use the planarian flatworm as a simple
      chemical-genetic screening model for nervous system regeneration to show that the
      isoquinoline drug praziquantel (PZQ) acts as a small molecule neurogenic to
      produce two-headed animals with integrated CNSs following regeneration.
      Characterization of the entire family of planarian voltage-operated Ca(2+)
      channel alpha subunits (Ca(v)alpha), followed by in vivo RNAi of specific Ca(v)
      subunits, revealed that PZQ subverted regeneration by activation of a specific
      voltage-gated Ca(2+) channel isoform (Ca(v)1A). PZQ-evoked Ca(2+) entry via
      Ca(v)1A served to inhibit neuronally derived Hedgehog signals, as evidenced by
      data showing that RNAi of Ca(v)1A prevented PZQ-evoked bipolarity, Ca(2+) entry,
      and decreases in wnt1 and wnt11-5 levels. Surprisingly, the action of PZQ was
      opposed by Ca(2+) influx through a closely related neuronal Ca(v) isoform
      (Ca(v)1B), establishing a novel interplay between specific Ca(v)1 channel
      isoforms, Ca(2+) entry, and neuronal Hedgehog signaling. These data map PZQ
      efficacy to specific neuronal Ca(v) complexes in vivo and underscore that both
      activators (Ca(v)1A) and inhibitors (Ca(v)1B) of Ca(2+) influx can act as small
      molecule neurogenics in vivo on account of the unique coupling of Ca(2+) channels
      to neuronally derived polarity cues.

PMID- 22049442
TI  - The synaptic ribbon is a site of phosphatidic acid generation in ribbon synapses.
AB  - Ribbon synapses continuously transmit graded membrane potential changes into
      changes of synaptic vesicle exocytosis and rely on intense synaptic membrane
      trafficking. The synaptic ribbon is considered central to this process. In the
      present study we asked whether tonically active ribbon synapses are associated
      with the generation of certain lipids, specifically the highly active signaling
      phospholipid phosphatidic acid (PA). Using PA-sensor proteins, we demonstrate
      that PA is enriched at mouse retinal ribbon synapses in close vicinity to the
      synaptic ribbon in situ. As shown by heterologous expression, RIBEYE, a main
      component of synaptic ribbons, is responsible for PA binding at synaptic ribbons.
      Furthermore, RIBEYE is directly involved in the synthesis of PA. Using various
      independent substrate binding and enzyme assays, we demonstrate that the B domain
      of RIBEYE possesses lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) acyltransferase (LPAAT) activity,
      which leads to the generation of PA from LPA. Since an LPAAT-deficient RIBEYE
      mutant does not recruit PA-binding proteins to artificial synaptic ribbons,
      whereas wild-type RIBEYE supports PA binding, we conclude that the LPAAT activity
      of the RIBEYE(B) domain is a physiologically relevant source of PA generation at
      the synaptic ribbon. We propose that PA generated at synaptic ribbons likely
      facilitates synaptic vesicle trafficking.

PMID- 22049443
TI  - Presynaptic gating of postsynaptically expressed plasticity at mature
      thalamocortical synapses.
AB  - Thalamocortical (TC) projections provide the major pathway for ascending sensory
      information to the mammalian neocortex. Arrays of these projections form synaptic
      inputs on thalamorecipient neurons, thus contributing to the formation of
      receptive fields (RFs) in sensory cortices. Experience-dependent plasticity of
      RFs persists throughout an organism's life span but in adults requires activation
      of cholinergic inputs to the cortex. In contrast, synaptic plasticity at TC
      projections is limited to the early postnatal period. This disconnect led to the
      widespread belief that TC synapses are the principal site of RF plasticity only
      in neonatal sensory cortices, but that they lose this plasticity upon maturation.
      Here, we tested an alternative hypothesis that mature TC projections do not lose
      synaptic plasticity but rather acquire gating mechanisms that prevent the
      induction of synaptic plasticity. Using whole-cell recordings and direct measures
      of postsynaptic and presynaptic activity (two-photon glutamate uncaging and two
      photon imaging of the FM 1-43 assay, respectively) at individual synapses in
      acute mouse brain slices that contain the auditory thalamus and cortex, we
      determined that long-term depression (LTD) persists at mature TC synapses but is
      gated presynaptically. Cholinergic activation releases presynaptic gating through
      M(1) muscarinic receptors that downregulate adenosine inhibition of
      neurotransmitter release acting through A(1) adenosine receptors. Once
      presynaptic gating is released, mature TC synapses can express LTD
      postsynaptically through group I metabotropic glutamate receptors. These results
      indicate that synaptic plasticity at TC synapses is preserved throughout the life
      span and, therefore, may be a cellular substrate of RF plasticity in both neonate
      and mature animals.

PMID- 22049444
TI  - Medial temporal lobe function and recognition memory: a novel approach to
      separating the contribution of recollection and familiarity.
AB  - Human neuroimaging studies of recognition memory have often been interpreted to
      mean that the hippocampus supports recollection but not familiarity. This
      interpretation is complicated by the fact that recollection-based decisions are
      typically associated with stronger memories than familiarity-based decisions.
      Some studies of source memory controlled for this difference in memory strength
      and found that hippocampal activity during learning predicted subsequent item
      memory strength while recollection-based memory (performance on source memory
      questions) was held at chance. This result suggests that the hippocampus is
      important for familiarity. However, a difficulty with this approach is that when
      source memory is assessed by asking specific, task-relevant source memory
      questions, participants who fail to answer the prescribed questions might
      nevertheless have available other (task-irrelevant) source information.
      Accordingly, successful item memory could still be associated with recollection.
      The present study used a novel method to assess item memory and source memory.
      Instead of responding to specific source questions, participants rated their
      source memory strength based on any information about the learning episode that
      was available to them. When subsequent source memory strength was held constant
      at the lowest possible level, we identified regions bilaterally in hippocampus,
      as well as in perirhinal cortex, where activity during learning increased as
      subsequent item memory increased in strength. In addition, activity in cortical
      regions (including prefrontal cortex) was related to source memory success
      independently of item memory strength. These findings suggest that activity in
      the hippocampus is related to the encoding of familiarity-based item memory,
      independent of subsequent recollection-based success.

PMID- 22049446
TI  - Gambling: an emerging area of concern for health psychologists.

PMID- 22049447
TI  - Accounts of Quitting among Older Ex-smokers with Smoking-related Disease.
AB  - This article uses a discourse analytic method to explore how a sample of ex
      smokers with smoking-related illness position themselves, and are positioned by,
      the language they use in their accounts of quitting. The article suggests that
      discursive constructions (having 'no choice' and getting 'another chance') used
      by the respondents position them in a way that constrains behaviour by closing
      down the option of smoking and/or opening up the possibility of change. In each
      telling, the respondents' (non-smoking) identities are confirmed anew and this
      affirmation may assist in sustaining the change and provide protection against
      relapse. Moreover, the article suggests that the development and exchange of
      these stories may contribute to the growth of shared beliefs about the experience
      of quitting, opening up the option of quitting for current smokers. In so doing,
      accounts of quitting provided by ex-smokers undermine or resist dominant social
      understandings that even among those highly motivated to stop smoking, quitting
      is a difficult, if not impossible, endeavour.

PMID- 22049445
TI  - Age-related alterations in neurons of the mouse retina.
AB  - The behavioral consequences of age-related alterations in neural function are
      well documented, but less is known about their cellular bases. To characterize
      such changes, we analyzed 14 molecularly identified subsets of mouse retinal
      projection neurons (retinal ganglion cells or RGCs) and interneurons (amacrine,
      bipolar, and horizontal cells). The retina thinned but expanded with age,
      maintaining its volume. There was minimal decline in the number of RGCs,
      interneurons, or photoreceptors, but the diameter of RGC dendritic arbors
      decreased with age. Together, the increased retinal area and the decreased
      dendritic area may lead to gaps in RGC coverage of the visual field. Axonal
      arbors of RGCs in the superior colliculus also atrophied with age, suggesting
      that the relay of visual information to central targets may decline over time. On
      the other hand, the laminar restriction of RGC dendrites and the interneuronal
      processes that synapse on them were not detectably disturbed, and RGC subtypes
      exhibited distinct electrophysiological responses to complex visual stimuli.
      Other neuronal types aged in different ways: amacrine cell arbors did not remodel
      detectably, whereas horizontal cell processes sprouted into the photoreceptor
      layer. Bipolar cells showed arbor-specific alterations: their dendrites sprouted
      but their axons remained stable. In summary, retinal neurons exhibited numerous
      age-related quantitative alterations (decreased areas of dendritic and axonal
      arbors and decreased density of cells and synapses), whereas their qualitative
      features (molecular identity, laminar specificity, and feature detection) were
      largely preserved. Together, these data reveal selective age-related alterations
      in neural circuitry, some of which could underlie declines in visual acuity.

PMID- 22049448
TI  - Getting more people on the stairs: the impact of a new message format.
AB  - Previous research has found that poster prompts are associated with significant
      increases in stair use. The present study examined the use of messages on the
      stair risers, as an alternative to posters, to encourage stair climbing.
      Observers monitored shoppers' stair and escalator use over a 2-week baseline and
      6-week intervention period. The prevalence of stair use increased from a baseline
      value of 8.1 percent to 18.3 percent when the motivating messages were in place.
      This increase is greater than that found in studies that used poster prompts in
      shopping centre venues. The apparent advantage of stair-riser banners is
      discussed in terms of their visibility and attractiveness, as well as their
      capacity to present multiple messages likely to appeal to a broader constituency.
      It is concluded that promoters of physical activity should use colourful,
      tailored stair-riser banners, rather than posters, to encourage stair climbing.

PMID- 22049449
TI  - Attributions and misconceptions in angina: an exploratory study.
AB  - Although there have been a number of studies regarding attributions and
      misconceptions in people following a heart attack, there have been no comparable
      studies in people with angina. Semi-structured interviews were held with 20
      people suffering from angina to discover their beliefs about angina, particularly
      those that may be misconceived or associated with maladaptive coping. Nineteen of
      the 20 participants held such beliefs. Stress was the most frequent causal
      attribution and misconceived angina avoidance strategies were cited by the
      majority. The beliefs about angina held by this sample may have implications for
      their health-related quality of life, if their experience mirrors that found
      within heart attack populations.

PMID- 22049450
TI  - Illness Identity and the Self-regulatory Model in Recovery from Early Stage
      Gynaecological Cancer.
AB  - Women in recovery from early stage gynaecological cancer have extremely good
      survival and low recurrence rates. Despite this, women continue to feel
      vulnerable to cancer recurrence for years after treatment. Semi-structured
      interviews were utilized to explore the factors involved in recovery from
      gynaecological cancer. This article argues that the illness identity of
      gynaecological cancer perpetuates a vulnerability to cancer recurrence. The
      absence of self-diagnosis prior to medical diagnosis is important in the
      formation of gynaecological cancer illness identity. A lack of self-diagnosis may
      be due to the 'normalization' of initial symptomatology. It is suggested that
      illness identity is responsible for maintaining fears of symptom-free cancer
      recurrence. The self-regulatory model is employed to explore this process,
      looking in particular at the reinforcement of reassurance needs.

PMID- 22049451
TI  - Assessing family members' motivational readiness and decision making for
      consenting to cadaveric organ donation.
AB  - This study assessed the applicability of two important components of the
      transtheoretical model of behavior change (TTM) to family consent for cadaveric
      organ donation. Men and women (N = 169), who consented or refused to donate the
      organs of a family member, completed a telephone survey reflecting the stage of
      change and decisional balance constructs. Psychometric analyses resulted in a two
      factor decisional balance scale: a seven-item scale representing negative
      perceptions of consent (cons), and a seven-item scale representing positive
      perceptions of consent (pros). The pros and cons were significantly associated
      with stage of readiness for donation consent and with the family consent
      decision. Research utilizing this measure has the potential to enhance
      intervention programs to increase donation consent rates.

PMID- 22049452
TI  - Feeling Indecent: Breast Cancer Screening Resistance of Mexican-descent Women.
AB  - This grounded theory study investigated how Mexican-descent women's traditional
      cultural beliefs, values, and norms regarding the propriety of their behavior and
      that of their health care providers influence their decision to participate in
      breast cancer screening. Thirty-four women (aged 49-81 years old) were
      interviewed in five focus groups using theoretical sampling across levels of
      acculturation and socioeconomic status. We discovered that the women's basic
      social-psychological problem is that screening is an insensitive procedure that
      violates their cultural standards by requiring inappropriate behavior. The risk
      involved is 'feeling indecent' since both touching one's breast and breast
      exposure to health care providers is prohibited according to cultural norms for
      respectable female behavior. Thus, women resist participating in breast cancer
      screening to avoid feeling indecent.

PMID- 22049453
TI  - The psychosocial impact of spasticityrelated problems for people with multiple
      sclerosis: a focus group study.
AB  - This focus group, qualitative study (N = 18) reports the psychosocial impact,
      specifically, of spasticity symptoms on a sample of people with MS (multiple
      sclerosis). MS, a chronic disabling disease which attacks the central nervous
      system, currently affects about 100,000 people in the UK and estimates indicate
      that worldwide prevalence varies from around 10 to 250 per 100,000. The cause
      remains unknown and the rate of disease progression varies among individuals. The
      disease of MS itself has a severe impact on psychological well-being and quality
      of life. However, there is little evidence about the additional impact of the
      spasticity-related symptoms, which include involuntary muscle contractions, loss
      of dexterity, loss of balance, incontinence and pain. These are shown here to
      lead to further distress and embarrassment and to have a detrimental influence on
      emotional and social relationships.

PMID- 22049454
TI  - Parents of Children with Autism using an Email Group: A Grounded Theory Study.
AB  - Parents of children with autism have difficulties obtaining adequate information
      and support to guide them in the care of their children. However, the growth of
      communication technologies such as email has created greater opportunities for
      accessing such resources. This article presents a grounded theory analysis of the
      messages sent to an email group by parents of children with autism. The core
      category emerging from the analysis indicates that the group functioned in making
      sense of autism. The core category comprises four categories: searching for
      meaning; adjusting to changes; providing support and encouragement; and narrative
      sharing of experiences. Although email groups function as a social support
      mechanism, we suggest that this is not the only legitimate function: such groups
      may contribute towards the development of parental representations of autism.

PMID- 22049455
TI  - Cue-responding in a Simulated Bad News Situation: Exploring a Stress Hypothesis.
AB  - The stress-coping paradigm of Folkman and Lazarus (1984) was applied to
      investigate if the communicative reactions of the physician in a bad news
      transaction are related to the stressfulness of the situation. A standardized
      video bad news consultation was presented to 88 medical students. To examine
      their communicative reactions we selected 10 patient cues with different levels
      of expressed emotion to which the participants responded from the physician's
      point of view. A strongly positive relationship between expressed emotion and
      perceived difficulty of the cues and a gender effect occurred, confirming that
      handling emotions is stressful for physicians. The reluctance of physicians to
      address the emotionally laden issues of the consultation can be understood as a
      lack of a frame of reference. The problem-solving strategies, which they apply in
      the instrumental domain of the consultation, are ineffective when dealing with
      psychosocial suffering.

PMID- 22049456
TI  - Consumer/Provider communication research: a personal plea to address issues of
      ecological validity, relational development, message diversity and situational
      constraints.

PMID- 22049458
TI  - Introducing narrative psychology: self, trauma and the construction of meaning.

PMID- 22049457
TI  - Positive initiatives for people with learning difficulties: promoting healthy
      lifestyles.

PMID- 22049459
TI  - Premature menopause: a multidisciplinary approach whurr.

PMID- 22049460
TI  - Handbook of gender, culture, and health.

PMID- 22049461
TI  - Targeting angiogenesis using a C-type atrial natriuretic factor-conjugated
      nanoprobe and PET.
AB  - Sensitive, specific, and noninvasive detection of angiogenesis would be helpful
      in discovering new strategies for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
      Recently, we reported the (64)Cu-labeled C-type atrial natriuretic factor (CANF)
      fragment for detecting the upregulation of natriuretic peptide clearance receptor
      (NPR-C) with PET on atherosclerosis-like lesions in an animal model. However, it
      is unknown whether NPR-C is present and overexpressed during angiogenesis. The
      goal of this study was to develop a novel CANF-integrated nanoprobe to prove the
      presence of NPR-C and offer sensitive detection with PET during development of
      angiogenesis in mouse hind limb. METHODS: We prepared a multifunctional, core
      shell nanoparticle consisting of DOTA chelators attached to a poly(methyl
      methacrylate) core and CANF-targeting moieties attached to poly(ethylene glycol)
      chain ends in the shell of the nanoparticle. Labeling of this nanoparticle with
      (64)Cu yielded a high-specific-activity nanoprobe for PET imaging NPR-C receptor
      in a mouse model of hind limb ischemia-induced angiogenesis. Histology and
      immunohistochemistry were performed to assess angiogenesis development and NPR-C
      localization. RESULTS: (15)O-H(2)O imaging showed blood flow restoration in the
      previously ischemic hind limb, consistent with the development of angiogenesis.
      The targeted DOTA-CANF-comb nanoprobe showed optimized pharmacokinetics and
      biodistribution. PET imaging demonstrated significantly higher tracer
      accumulation for the targeted DOTA-CANF-comb nanoprobe than for either the CANF
      peptide tracer or the nontargeted control nanoprobe (P < 0.05, both).
      Immunohistochemistry confirmed NPR-C upregulation in the angiogenic lesion with
      colocalization in both endothelial and smooth muscle cells. PET and
      immunohistochemistry competitive receptor blocking verified the specificity of
      the targeted nanoprobe to NPR-C receptor. CONCLUSION: As evidence of its
      translational potential, this customized DOTA-CANF-comb nanoprobe demonstrated
      superiority over the CANF peptide alone for imaging NPR-C receptor in
      angiogenesis.

PMID- 22049462
TI  - Serial semiquantitative imaging of brain damage using micro-SPECT and micro-CT
      after endothelin-1-induced transient focal cerebral ischemia in rats.
AB  - In this study, we validated the use of (99m)Tc-hexamethylpropyleneamine oxime
      ((99m)Tc-HMPAO) micro-SPECT combined with micro-CT for semiquantification of the
      infarct size after an experimental stroke in rats and compared our observations
      with those obtained from histology. This imaging strategy was applied to measure
      the longitudinal effect of mild hypothermia on the progression of brain damage
      after stroke in rats. METHODS: The endothelin-1 model was used to elicit a
      transient focal cerebral ischemia in rats. This resulted in a reproducible insult
      in which the core is represented by the striatum and the penumbra by the cortex.
      Micro-SPECT and micro-CT images were taken at 1, 3, and 7 d after infusion of
      endothelin-1 and compared with those taken before the insult. After the last
      acquisition, rats were sacrificed and the infarct volume was determined via Nissl
      staining. The results obtained with micro-SPECT and micro-CT were compared with
      histology at the same time points. Mild hypothermia (33 degrees C) was induced
      for 2 h, starting 20 min after the insult. RESULTS: Brain damage was estimated
      using micro-SPECT and micro-CT and was reproducible with minimal interobserver
      variability. Normothermic stroke rats had reduced (99m)Tc-HMPAO uptake at 1 and 3
      d after the insult, whereas hypothermia improved damage after stroke. These
      findings corroborate with histology at the same time points. At 1 wk after the
      insult, no reduction of radioactive uptake was observed in any treatment group.
      CONCLUSION: Micro-SPECT and micro-CT allow quick and reproducible
      semiquantification of brain damage as an interesting alternative to histology to
      measure the extent of infarcted tissue in small animals after stroke.

PMID- 22049464
TI  - Antiserotonergic properties of terguride in blood vessels, platelets, and
      valvular interstitial cells.
AB  - Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) is involved in heart valve tissue fibrosis,
      pulmonary arterial fibrosis, and pulmonary hypertension. We aimed at
      characterizing the antiserotonergic properties of the ergot alkaloid derivative
      terguride [1,1-diethyl-3-(6-methyl-8alpha-ergolinyl)urea] by using functional
      receptor assays and valvular interstitial cell culture. Terguride showed no
      vasoconstrictor effect in porcine coronary arteries (5-HT(2A) receptor bioassay)
      and no relaxant effect in porcine pulmonary arteries (5-HT(2B) receptor
      bioassay). Terguride behaved as a potent antagonist at 5-HT(2A) receptors
      (noncompetitive antagonist parameter pD'2 9.43) and 5-HT(2B) receptors (apparent
      pA2 8.87). Metabolites of terguride (N"-monodeethylterguride and 6-norterguride)
      lacked agonism at both sites. N"-monodeethylterguride and 6-norterguride were
      surmountable antagonists at 5-HT(2A) receptors (pA2 7.82 and 7.85, respectively)
      and 5-HT(2B) receptors (pA2 7.30 and 7.11, respectively). Kinetic studies on the
      effects of terguride in pulmonary arteries showed that the rate to reach drug
      receptor equilibrium for terguride was fast. Washout experiments showed that
      terguride easily disappeared from the receptor biophase. Pretreatment with
      terguride inhibited 5-HT-induced amplification of ADP-stimulated human platelet
      aggregation (IC50 16 nM). In porcine valvular interstitial cells, 5-HT-induced
      activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, an initiator of
      cellular proliferation and activity, was blocked by terguride as shown by Western
      blotting. In these cells, the stimulatory effect of 5-HT on [3H]proline
      incorporation (index of extracellular matrix collagen) was blocked by terguride.
      Because of the inhibition of both 5-HT(2A) and 5-HT(2B) receptors, platelet
      aggregation, and cellular proliferation and activity (ERK1/2 phosphorylation and
      collagen production) terguride may have therapeutic potential in the treatment of
      fibrotic disorders.

PMID- 22049465
TI  - The Relationship between Body Image and Depressed Mood in Adolescence: A 5-year
      Longitudinal Panel Study.
AB  - Much research interest has been devoted to reveal the psychosocial processes
      associated with the development of depressive symptoms during adolescence. One of
      the important factors that has been studied is body image. In a 5-year
      longitudinal investigation, we revealed and discussed the relationship between
      body image and depressed mood in a cohort of adolescents at ages 13, 15 and 18.
      Girls reported on average higher depressed mood levels and more negative body
      image than boys at all ages. However, the correlations between the variables were
      nearly as strong for boys as for girls. Structural equation modelling revealed
      that body image predicted change in depressed mood both for boys and girls, but
      at different ages. In contrast, we did not find any support for the existence of
      causal effects of depressed mood upon body image.

PMID- 22049466
TI  - Adopting the stage model for smoking acquisition in Japanese adolescents.
AB  - The purpose of the present study was to apply the stages of change model to
      smoking acquisition in Japanese adolescents. The participants were 556 senior and
      1002 junior high school students who responded anonymously to the questionnaire.
      The findings of this study confirm that the stage model is indeed applicable to
      smoking acquisition in Japanese adolescents. It was clearly seen that the process
      involves four stages: pre-contemplation, contemplation, preparation, and action.
      Furthermore, the results showed that measures of self-efficacy decreased, while
      temptation increased from precontemplation to action stages. The pros of smoking
      behavior increased toward action stage, while the cons decreased.

PMID- 22049467
TI  - Depressive Symptoms and Smoking among US Black Adults: Absence of a Relationship.
AB  - Depressive symptoms play a major role in cigarette smoking among US White adults,
      but it is not known if this holds for US Blacks. Hence, the relationship between
      depressive symptoms and smoking was examined among 520 US Black adults sampled
      from 10 randomlyselected community census tracts. Results revealed no
      relationship between depression and smoking, but education levels did contribute;
      Black high school drop-outs were four times more likely than Black college
      graduates to be smokers.

PMID- 22049468
TI  - Women's Experience at the Time of Menopause: Accounting for Biological, Cultural
      and Psychological Embodiment.
AB  - In understanding health and illness, it has long been apparent that psychological
      and social aspects are as important as the biological explanations of the
      biomedical model. Recent studies of women's experience of menopause have
      demonstrated the psychological and social constructions of women's bodies, but
      have neglected to include individual embodiment and the notion of a social world
      that is inescapably embodied. This paper presents arguments for the consideration
      of an integrated approach to embodiment and, drawing upon recent theorizing, a
      conceptual framework that is able to take into account the integration of psyche,
      biology, and culture. The accounts of 80 New Zealand women, aged between 45 and
      60, are analysed, using categories labelled, 'visceral', 'experiential',
      'normative' and 'pragmatic', to provide a description of women's embodied and
      culturally embedded experience of menopause. The incorporation of these analytic
      categories, and the usefulness of the application of the model in contemporary
      applied work, is discussed.

PMID- 22049469
TI  - Re-appraising HIV Testing among Scottish Gay Men: The Impact of New HIV
      Treatments.
AB  - This paper explores Scottish gay men's understandings of HIV testing within the
      context of changes stemming from the availability of new treatments for HIV.
      Transcripts of one-toone interviews with 18 gay men were analysed together with
      those from four focus groups (n= 19) concerning HIV testing, HIV status and HIV
      risk management. Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis was employed to
      identify recurrent themes. We focus upon a rise of HIV-optimism, risk-complacency
      and HIV fatigue and chart the apparent transformation of HIV diagnosis from
      'death sentence' to 'life sentence'. In turn, we explore how these changes have
      impacted upon HIV testing. As HIV management becomes increasingly medicalized, we
      highlight the ongoing need to attend to psychological and social issues.

PMID- 22049470
TI  - The Impact of Iatrogenically Acquired Hepatitis C Infection on the Well-being and
      Relationships of a Group of Irish Women.
AB  - The views of 32 women with iatrogenic Hepatitis C on its impact on their sense of
      wellbeing were elicited through focus groups. The views obtained were analysed
      using 'interpretative phenomenological analysis'. Accounts of profound fatigue,
      reactive depression, and deterioration in cognitive functioning predominated.
      Work outside and inside the home was severely curtailed or stopped. Marital
      relationships were affected, sometimes adversely, as were relationships with
      children and other family members. Participants experienced a general lack of
      understanding of their level of disability, yet also felt the need to shield
      others from worry. Overall results suggested that participants' compromised
      health was having a major impact on their sense of identity.

PMID- 22049471
TI  - Resources for Health: A Social-Ecological Intervention for Supporting Self
      management of Chronic Conditions.
AB  - There is a pressing need for practical interventions to support self-management
      of chronic illness that can be integrated with primary care, and that take into
      account the patient's social environment. This pilot study was conducted with low
      income clients of a community health center and focused on enhancing use of
      social-environmental resources supportive of self-management. Twenty-eight
      patients having at least one chronic illness, randomized to immediate versus
      delayed treatment conditions, met once with a health educator to develop a self
      management plan, and received one follow-up phone call and two newsletters.
      Significant improvements in use of community resources, minutes of physical
      activity, and medication adherence were obtained compared to control. Integrating
      brief self-management counseling with social environmental support appeared
      effective, although much more can be done to better link counseling to primary
      care practice.

PMID- 22049472
TI  - A Comparative Analysis of the SF-12 and the SF-36 among Ischaemic Heart Disease
      Patients.
AB  - This paper investigated whether the SF-12 could replace the SF-36 in the
      measurement of health status among ischaemic heart disease patients. The SF-36
      and SF-12 were administered to 105 cardiac patients. The SF-36 summary scores
      were strongly correlated and similar to the SF-12 summary scores. Also, the SF-12
      scores were as powerful as the SF-36 summary scores in discriminating between
      subgroups of patients categorized according to their self-reported health status
      or angina classification. It is suggested that when there is a need to collect
      routine information about cardiac patients' general physical and mental health,
      the SF-12 is preferable to the SF-36 because of its brevity and acceptability to
      patients.

PMID- 22049473
TI  - Components of the anger-hostility complex and symptom reporting in patients with
      coronary artery disease: a multi-measure study.
AB  - Multiple anger and hostility variables were investigated for associations with
      coronary artery disease (CAD) symptoms and to examine if those relationships were
      different for disease severity.Atwo year follow-up study of97 men with stenosed
      coronary arteries was undertaken. Questionnaires measured: nine forms of anger
      and hostility; Type A behaviour; anxiety; depression; social support; and
      ninesymptom measures. CAD severity was derived from clinicians' ratings of
      coronary angiograms. Results are four fold: anger-hostility variables are
      relatively unimportant predictors of symptoms compared with anxiety and
      depression; psychosocial measures (except for expressed anger) are uncorrelated
      with CAD severity, though correlate numerously with CAD symptoms; symptoms are
      not distinguishable empirically in terms of frequency, intensity and duration
      with regard to type ('angina pain', 'tiredness' and 'breathlessness and
      restricted mobility'); finally, CADsymptoms are unrelated to CAD severity. In
      conclusion, components of the angerhostility complex are of limited use for
      predicting CAD symptoms. However, anger expression is of utility for
      differentiating between CAD symptoms and disease severity.

PMID- 22049475
TI  - Social determinants of health.

PMID- 22049474
TI  - Coping and distress as predictors of glycemic control in diabetes.
AB  - This study attempts to identify the relative contribution of coping styles (task
      , emotion-oriented and avoidance) and anxiety and diabetes-related distress to
      glycemic control in IDDM (Insulin Dependent Diabetes Mellitus) patients. Recent
      research suggests that coping and distress may as well be determinants as
      consequences of certain characteristics of the illness and subject. This points
      to the need to control some of these variables in diabetic research. Ninety seven
      IDDM patients from an outpatient unit were included. Measures were self-report
      questionnaires (CISS, STAI-Y, PAID) and biological data (HbA1C i.e. metabolic
      control). When potential confounds were controlled for (current age, age at
      onset, gender, presence of complication), three main predictors of metabolic
      control could be isolated through hierarchical regression analysis: (1) presence
      of complications; (2) task-oriented coping style; and (3) diabetes-related
      distress. Three steps were included in predictors: illness and subject variables
      (step 1); coping styles (step 2); and negative emotions (step 3). Each step
      contributed to a significant increase in variance. Emotion-oriented coping style
      appeared as redundant with distress measures. Results suggest that the relations
      between psychological predictors and metabolic control would be closer in women.
      These results partly replicate other findings, and advocate for a better
      consideration of emotional factors in the prediction of blood glucose control in
      this disease.

PMID- 22049476
TI  - Male bodies: health, culture and identity.

PMID- 22049477
TI  - Women, health and the mind.

PMID- 22049478
TI  - Stress, coping and cardiovascular disease.

PMID- 22049480
TI  - Annual index.

PMID- 22049481
TI  - Questioning the specificity of ASRS-v1.1 to accurately detect ADHD in substance
      abusing populations.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the specificity of the Adult ADHD Self-Report Scale (ASRS
      v1.1) in detecting ADHD among individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs).
      METHOD: A chart review of 183 SUD patients was conducted. Patients were screened
      for ADHD with the ASRS-v1.1 and were later assessed by a psychiatrist specialized
      in ADHD. RESULTS: Among SUD patients scoring positive results on the ASRS-v1.1
      for the presence of ADHD, the ADHD diagnosis could only be confirmed in 26% of
      the sample by an expert psychiatrist. CONCLUSION: The ASRS-v1.1 reports low
      specificity in detecting ADHD among SUD populations.

PMID- 22049482
TI  - The influence of community and the built environment on physical activity.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine associations between the built environment and leisure-time
      physical activity (LTPA) among African Americans and Whites. METHOD: Independent
      and control variables were produced from the literature and theory to represent
      key components of built environment, sense of community, sociodemographic, and
      health status characteristics. Logistic regression analysis and descriptive
      statistics were used to measures correlative relationships with physical
      activity. RESULTS: Built environment elements, especially homeownership, were
      associated with LTPA, particularly among older African American rural residents.
      DISCUSSION: Recommendations include transferring the concept of community
      ownership to residents living in areas where rates of physical activity are low.

PMID- 22049483
TI  - Perceiving a negative event as central to one's identity partially mediates age
      differences in posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Older adults report fewer posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
      symptoms than younger adults, but the reasons for this age difference are
      unclear. In the current study, the authors explored the extent to which they may
      be due to age differences in event centrality (the extent to which a person
      construes a stressful event as central to their identity). METHOD: A sample of
      older and younger adults nominated their most stressful event and completed
      measures of PTSD symptoms and event centrality. RESULTS: The results revealed
      that older adults were less likely to construe a stressful event as central to
      identity, even after controlling for type of event, how long ago the event
      occurred, and gender. In addition, the results of a mediation analysis indicated
      that age-related differences in event centrality partially mediated age-related
      differences in PTSD symptoms. DISCUSSION: The results are consistent with the
      Socioemotional Selectivity Theory view that older adults tend to use cognitive
      strategies designed to protect emotional health.

PMID- 22049487
TI  - Primary pulmonary arterial hypertension diagnosed via its ophthalmic features in
      an adult: diagnosis and therapeutic challenges.

PMID- 22049489
TI  - Cytomegalovirus associated corneal endotheliitis after penetrating keratoplasty
      in a patient with Fuchs corneal endothelial dystrophy.

PMID- 22049491
TI  - Diffuse ocular metastasis of ductal breast carcinoma following vitreoretinal
      surgery. Diffuse choroidal metastasis of ductal breast carcinoma after repeat
      vitreoretinal surgery.

PMID- 22049497
TI  - Three patients with desmoplastic tricholemmoma with an incidental histological
      surprise impacting on management.

PMID- 22049499
TI  - Diagnosis of maternally inherited diabetes and deafness (mitochondrial A3243G
      mutation) based on funduscopic appearance in an asymptomatic patient.

PMID- 22049509
TI  - Authors' response.

PMID- 22049511
TI  - Peripheral corneal ring due to hypercarotenaemia in a case of nutritional
      supplement abuse.

PMID- 22049513
TI  - Cyclic AMP response element-binding protein prevents endothelial permeability
      increase through transcriptional controlling p190RhoGAP expression.
AB  - Increased endothelial permeability contributes to the morbidity and mortality
      associated with chronic inflammatory diseases, including acute lung injury.
      Cyclic AMP response element-binding protein (CREB) transcriptional factor induces
      genes that regulate inflammation and vascular remodeling. However, the role of
      CREB in regulating endothelial barrier function is unknown. Here, we demonstrate
      that CREB maintains basal endothelial barrier function and suppresses endothelial
      permeability increase by diverse agonists such as thrombin, lipopolysaccharide,
      histamine, and VEGF. We show that CREB transcriptionally controls the expression
      of p190RhoGAP-A, a GTPase-activating protein that inhibits small GTPase RhoA.
      Impairing CREB function using small interfering RNA or dominant-negative (dn)
      CREB mutant (dn-CREB) markedly suppressed p190RhoGAP-A expression, increased RhoA
      activity, induced actin stress fiber formation, and produced an amplified and
      protracted increase in endothelial permeability in response to thrombin. Rescuing
      p190RhoGAP-A expression restored the permeability defect in dn-CREB-transducing
      endothelial cells. These findings were recapitulated in vivo because dn-CREB
      expression in mice vasculature increased basal lung microvessel permeability and
      exaggerated permeability increase induced by thrombin and lipopolysaccharide.
      Inhibiting RhoA signaling restored endothelial barrier dysfunction in the dn-CREB
      expressing lung microvasculature. These results uncover a pivotal role of CREB in
      regulating endothelial barrier function by restricting RhoA signaling through
      controlling p190RhoGAP-A expression.

PMID- 22049514
TI  - Antigen stored in dendritic cells after macropinocytosis is released unprocessed
      from late endosomes to target B cells.
AB  - B lymphocytes can be triggered in lymph nodes by nonopsonized antigens (Ag),
      potentially in their native form. However, the mechanisms that promote encounter
      of B lymphocytes with unprocessed antigens in lymph nodes are still elusive. We
      show here that antigens are detected in B cells in the draining lymph nodes of
      mice injected with live, but not fixed, dendritic cells (DCs) loaded with
      antigens. This highlights active processes in DCs to promote Ag transfer to B
      lymphocytes. In addition, antigen-loaded DCs found in the draining lymph node
      were CD103+. Using 3 different model Ag, we then show that immature DCs
      efficiently take up Ag by macropinocytosis and store the internalized material in
      late endocytic compartments. We find that DCs have a unique ability to release
      antigens from these compartments in the extracellular medium, which is controlled
      by Rab27. B cells take up the regurgitated Ag and the chemokine CXCL13, essential
      to attract B cells in lymph nodes, enhances this transfer. Our results reveal a
      unique property of DCs to regurgitate unprocessed Ag that could play an important
      role in B-cell activation.

PMID- 22049515
TI  - Increased serum soluble IL-15Ralpha levels in T-cell large granular lymphocyte
      leukemia.
AB  - Large granular lymphocyte (LGL) leukemia is a clonal lymphoproliferative disease
      of mature T and natural killer cells. The etiology of LGL leukemia is unknown. IL
      15 is an inflammatory cytokine that stimulates T and natural killer cells and is
      critical for their survival and proliferation. IL-15 signals through a
      heterotrimeric receptor that is composed of a private receptor, IL-15Ralpha and
      IL-2/IL-15Rbeta and gamma(c) shared with IL-2. Using a newly developed assay, we
      demonstrated increased levels of soluble IL-15Ralpha in the serum of patients
      with T-LGL leukemia. Furthermore, IL-15Ralpha mRNA levels were also up-regulated
      in the PBMCs of these patients. FACS analysis indicated that IL-15Ralpha was
      expressed both on monocytes as well as on some CD8+ leukemic cells of the
      patients. Interestingly, the mRNA levels of IFN-gamma, a known inducer of IL
      15Ralpha, were also up-regulated in patients' PBMCs. Moreover, PBMCs of some T
      LGL patients proliferated at higher levels in response to exogenously added IL-15
      compared with those of normal donors. In summary, our study demonstrated
      increased expression of IL-15Ralpha in T-LGL leukemia. It is conceivable that
      higher IL-15Ralpha expression may lower IL-15 response threshold in vivo and,
      therefore, may contribute to the pathogenesis of the disease.

PMID- 22049516
TI  - Sphingosine-1-phosphate facilitates trafficking of hematopoietic stem cells and
      their mobilization by CXCR4 antagonists in mice.
AB  - CXCL12 and VCAM1 retain hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) in the BM, but the
      factors mediating HSC egress from the BM to the blood are not known. The
      sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1P(1)) is expressed on HSCs, and S1P
      facilitates the egress of committed hematopoietic progenitors from the BM into
      the blood. In the present study, we show that both the S1P gradient between the
      BM and the blood and the expression of S1P(1) are essential for optimal HSC
      mobilization by CXCR4 antagonists, including AMD3100, and for the trafficking of
      HSCs during steady-state hematopoiesis. We also demonstrate that the S1P(1)
      agonist SEW2871 increases AMD3100-induced HSC and progenitor cell mobilization.
      These results suggest that the combination of a CXCR4 antagonist and a S1P(1)
      agonist may prove to be sufficient for mobilizing HSCs in normal donors for
      transplantation purposes, potentially providing a single mobilization procedure
      and eliminating the need to expose normal donors to G-CSF with its associated
      side effects.

PMID- 22049518
TI  - Increased BMI correlates with higher risk of disease relapse and differentiation
      syndrome in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia treated with the AIDA
      protocols.
AB  - We investigated whether body mass index (BMI) correlates with distinct outcomes
      in newly diagnosed acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL). The study population
      included 144 patients with newly diagnosed and genetically confirmed APL
      consecutively treated at a single institution. All patients received All-trans
      retinoic acid and idarubicin according to the GIMEMA protocols AIDA-0493 and AIDA
      2000. Outcome estimates according to the BMI were carried out together with
      multivariable analysis for the risk of relapse and differentiation syndrome.
      Fifty-four (37.5%) were under/normal weight (BMI < 25), whereas 90 (62.5%)
      patients were overweight/obese (BMI >= 25). An increased BMI was associated with
      older age (P < .0001) and male sex (P = .02). BMI was the most powerful predictor
      of differentiation syndrome in multivariable analysis (odds ratio = 7.24; 95% CI,
      1.50-34; P = .014). After a median follow-up of 6 years, the estimated cumulative
      incidence of relapse at 5 years was 31.6% (95% CI, 22.7%-43.8%) in
      overweight/obese and 11.2% (95% CI, 5.3%-23.8%) in underweight/normal weight
      patients (P = .029). Multivariable analysis showed that BMI was an independent
      predictor of relapse (hazard ratio = 2.45, 95% CI, 1.00-5.99, in overweight/obese
      vs under/normal weight patients, P = .049). An increased BMI at diagnosis is
      associated with a higher risk of developing differentiation syndrome and disease
      relapse in APL patients treated with AIDA protocols.

PMID- 22049517
TI  - Enucleation of human erythroblasts involves non-muscle myosin IIB.
AB  - Mammalian erythroblasts undergo enucleation, a process thought to be similar to
      cytokinesis. Although an assemblage of actin, non-muscle myosin II, and several
      other proteins is crucial for proper cytokinesis, the role of non-muscle myosin
      II in enucleation remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the effect of
      various cell-division inhibitors on cytokinesis and enucleation. For this
      purpose, we used human colony-forming unit-erythroid (CFU-E) and mature
      erythroblasts generated from purified CD34(+) cells as target cells for
      cytokinesis and enucleation assay, respectively. Here we show that the inhibition
      of myosin by blebbistatin, an inhibitor of non-muscle myosin II ATPase, blocks
      both cell division and enucleation, which suggests that non-muscle myosin II
      plays an essential role not only in cytokinesis but also in enucleation. When the
      function of non-muscle myosin heavy chain (NMHC) IIA or IIB was inhibited by an
      exogenous expression of myosin rod fragment, myosin IIA or IIB, each rod fragment
      blocked the proliferation of CFU-E but only the rod fragment for IIB inhibited
      the enucleation of mature erythroblasts. These data indicate that NMHC IIB among
      the isoforms is involved in the enucleation of human erythroblasts.

PMID- 22049519
TI  - Active vaccination with Dickkopf-1 induces protective and therapeutic antitumor
      immunity in murine multiple myeloma.
AB  - Dickkopf-1 (DKK1), broadly expressed in myeloma cells but highly restricted in
      normal tissues, together with its functional roles as an osteoblast formation
      inhibitor, may be an ideal target for immunotherapy in myeloma. Our previous
      studies have shown that DKK1 (peptide)-specific CTLs can effectively lyse primary
      myeloma cells in vitro. The goal of this study was to examine whether DKK1 can be
      used as a tumor vaccine to elicit DKK1-specific immunity that can control myeloma
      growth or even eradicate established myeloma in vivo. We used DKK1-DNA vaccine in
      the murine MOPC-21 myeloma model, and the results clearly showed that active
      vaccination using the DKK1 vaccine not only was able to protect mice from
      developing myeloma, but it was also therapeutic against established myeloma.
      Furthermore, the addition of CpG as an adjuvant, or injection of B7H1-blocking or
      OX40-agonist Abs, further enhanced the therapeutic effects of the vaccine.
      Mechanistic studies revealed that DKK1 vaccine elicited a strong DKK1- and tumor
      specific CD4+ and CD8+ immune responses, and treatment with B7H1 or OX40 Abs
      significantly reduced the numbers of IL-10-expressing and Foxp3+ regulatory T
      cells in vaccinated mice. Thus, our studies provide strong rationale for
      targeting DKK1 for immunotherapy of myeloma patients.

PMID- 22049520
TI  - Heparin-induced thrombocytopenia: in vitro studies on the interaction of
      dabigatran, rivaroxaban, and low-sulfated heparin, with platelet factor 4 and
      anti-PF4/heparin antibodies.
AB  - Heparin is a widely used anticoagulant. Because of its negative charge, it forms
      complexes with positively charged platelet factor 4 (PF4). This can induce anti
      PF4/heparin IgG Abs. Resulting immune complexes activate platelets, leading to
      the prothrombotic adverse drug reaction heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT).
      HIT requires treatment with alternative anticoagulants. Approved for HIT are 2
      direct thrombin inhibitors (DTI; lepirudin, argatroban) and danaparoid. They are
      niche products with limitations. We assessed the effects of the DTI dabigatran,
      the direct factor Xa-inhibitor rivaroxaban, and of 2-O, 3-O desulfated heparin
      (ODSH; a partially desulfated heparin with minimal anticoagulant effects) on
      PF4/heparin complexes and the interaction of anti-PF4/heparin Abs with platelets.
      Neither dabigatran nor rivaroxaban had any effect on the interaction of PF4 or
      anti-PF4/heparin Abs with platelets. In contrast, ODSH inhibited PF4 binding to
      gel-filtered platelets, displaced PF4 from a PF4-transfected cell line, displaced
      PF4/heparin complexes from platelet surfaces, and inhibited anti-PF4/heparin Ab
      binding to PF4/heparin complexes and subsequent platelet activation. Dabigatran
      and rivaroxaban seem to be options for alternative anticoagulation in patients
      with a history of HIT. ODSH prevents formation of immunogenic PF4/heparin
      complexes, and, when given together with heparin, may have the potential to
      reduce the risk for HIT during treatment with heparin.

PMID- 22049521
TI  - Improving fitness and reducing obesity in preschool children.

PMID- 22049522
TI  - American legislative exchange council.

PMID- 22049524
TI  - Warfarin.

PMID- 22049523
TI  - Is journalism the drug industry's new dance partner?

PMID- 22049525
TI  - Environmental degradation risks undermining development progress, warns report.

PMID- 22049526
TI  - Lost in translation.

PMID- 22049527
TI  - Online is not a private space.

PMID- 22049528
TI  - Advance advance directives.

PMID- 22049530
TI  - Resveratrol protects mouse embryonic stem cells from ionizing radiation by
      accelerating recovery from DNA strand breakage.
AB  - Resveratrol has elicited many provocative anticancer effects in laboratory
      animals and cultured cells, including reduced levels of oxidative DNA damage,
      inhibition of tumor initiation and progression and induction of apoptosis in
      tumor cells. Use of resveratrol as a cancer-preventive agent in humans will
      require that its anticancer effects not be accompanied by damage to normal tissue
      stem or progenitor cells. In mouse embryonic stem cells (mESC) or early mouse
      embryos exposed to ethanol, resveratrol has been shown to suppress apoptosis and
      promote survival. However, in cells exposed to genotoxic stress, survival may
      come at the expense of genome stability. To learn whether resveratrol can protect
      stem cells from DNA damage and to study its effects on genomic integrity, we
      exposed mESC pretreated with resveratrol to ionizing radiation (IR). Forty-eight
      hours pretreatment with a comparatively low concentration of resveratrol (10 MUM)
      improved survival of mESC >2-fold after exposure to 5 Gy of X-rays. Cells
      pretreated with resveratrol sustained the same levels of reactive oxygen species
      and DNA strand breakage after IR as mock-treated controls, but repaired DNA
      damage more rapidly and resumed cell division sooner. Frequencies of IR-induced
      mutation at a chromosomal reporter locus were not increased in cells pretreated
      with resveratrol as compared with controls, indicating that resveratrol can
      improve viability in mESC after DNA damage without compromising genomic
      integrity.

PMID- 22049529
TI  - SMAC mimetic (JP1201) sensitizes non-small cell lung cancers to multiple
      chemotherapy agents in an IAP-dependent but TNF-alpha-independent manner.
AB  - Inhibitors of apoptosis proteins (IAP) are key regulators of apoptosis and are
      inhibited by the second mitocondrial activator of caspases (SMAC). Previously, a
      small subset of TNF-alpha-expressing non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC) was
      found to be sensitive to SMAC mimetics alone. In this study, we determined if a
      SMAC mimetic (JP1201) could sensitize nonresponsive NSCLC cell lines to standard
      chemotherapy. We found that JP1201 sensitized NSCLCs to doxorubicin, erlotinib,
      gemcitabine, paclitaxel, vinorelbine, and the combination of carboplatin with
      paclitaxel in a synergistic manner at clinically achievable drug concentrations.
      Sensitization did not occur with platinum alone. Furthermore, sensitization was
      specific for tumor compared with normal lung epithelial cells, increased in
      NSCLCs harvested after chemotherapy treatment, and did not induce TNF-alpha
      secretion. Sensitization also was enhanced in vivo with increased tumor
      inhibition and increased survival of mice carrying xenografts. These effects were
      accompanied by caspase 3, 4, and 9 activation, indicating that both mitochondrial
      and endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptotic pathways are activated by the
      combination of vinorelbine and JP1201. Chemotherapies that induce cell death
      through the mitochondrial pathway required only inhibition of X-linked IAP (XIAP)
      for sensitization, whereas chemotherapies that induce cell death through multiple
      apoptotic pathways required inhibition of cIAP1, cIAP2, and XIAP. Therefore, the
      data suggest that IAP-targeted therapy using a SMAC mimetic provides a new
      therapeutic strategy for synergistic sensitization of NSCLCs to standard
      chemotherapy agents, which seems to occur independently of TNF-alpha secretion.

PMID- 22049531
TI  - MicroRNA-1826 targets VEGFC, beta-catenin (CTNNB1) and MEK1 (MAP2K1) in human
      bladder cancer.
AB  - The Wnt/beta-catenin (CTNNB1) and Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK signaling pathway play an
      important role in bladder cancer (BC) progression. Tumor-suppressive microRNAs
      (miRNAs) targeting these cancer pathways may provide a new therapeutic approach
      for BC. We initially identified miRNA-1826 potentially targeting CTNNB1, VEGFC
      and MEK1 using several target scan algorithms. Also 3' untranslated region
      luciferase activity and protein expression of these target genes were
      significantly downregulated in miR-1826-transfected BC cells (J82 and T24). The
      expression of miR-1826 was lower in BC tissues and inverse correlation of miR
      1826 with several clinical parameters (pT, grade) was observed. Also the
      expression of miR-1826 was much lower in three BC cell lines (J82, T24 and
      TCCSUP) compared with a normal bladder cell line (SV-HUC-1). We then performed
      analyses to look at miR-1826 function and found that miR-1826 inhibited BC cell
      viability, invasion and migration. We also found increased apoptosis and G(1)
      cell cycle arrest in miR-1826-transfected BC cells. To examine whether the effect
      of miR-1826 was through CTNNB1 (beta-catenin) or MEK1 knockdown, we knocked down
      CTNNB1/MEK1 messenger RNA using a small interfering RNA (siRNA) technique. We
      observed that CTNNB1 or MEK1 siRNA knockdown resulted in effects similar to those
      with miR-1826 in BC cells. In conclusion, our data suggest that the miR-1826
      plays an important role as tumor suppressor via CTNNB1/MEK1/VEGFC downregulation
      in BC.

PMID- 22049533
TI  - Sphingosine-1-phosphate signals the way for Cx43-mediated cardioprotection.

PMID- 22049532
TI  - Arrhythmogenic consequences of myofibroblast-myocyte coupling.
AB  - AIMS: Fibrosis is known to promote cardiac arrhythmias by disrupting myocardial
      structure. Given recent evidence that myofibroblasts form gap junctions with
      myocytes at least in co-cultures, we investigated whether myofibroblast-myocyte
      coupling can promote arrhythmia triggers, such as early afterdepolarizations
      (EADs), by directly influencing myocyte electrophysiology. METHODS AND RESULTS:
      Using the dynamic voltage clamp technique, patch-clamped adult rabbit ventricular
      myocytes were electrotonically coupled to one or multiple virtual fibroblasts or
      myofibroblasts programmed with eight combinations of capacitance, membrane
      resistance, resting membrane potential, and gap junction coupling resistance,
      spanning physiologically realistic ranges. Myocytes were exposed to oxidative (1
      mmol/L H(2)O(2)) or ionic (2.7 mmol/L hypokalaemia) stress to induce bradycardia
      dependent EADs. In the absence of myofibroblast-myocyte coupling, EADs developed
      during slow pacing (6 s), but were completely suppressed by faster pacing (1 s).
      However, in the presence of myofibroblast-myocyte coupling, EADs could no longer
      be suppressed by rapid pacing, especially when myofibroblast resting membrane
      potential was depolarized (-25 mV). Analysis of the myofibroblast-myocyte virtual
      gap junction currents revealed two components: an early transient-outward I(to)
      like current and a late sustained current. Selective elimination of the I(to)
      like component prevented EADs, whereas selective elimination of the late
      component did not. CONCLUSION: Coupling of myocytes to myofibroblasts promotes
      EAD formation as a result of a mismatch in early vs. late repolarization reserve
      caused by the I(to)-like component of the gap junction current. These cellular
      and ionic mechanisms may contribute to the pro-arrhythmic risk in fibrotic
      hearts.

PMID- 22049535
TI  - A novel adult human ventricle slice preparation for cardiac drug discovery and
      safety pharmacology.

PMID- 22049534
TI  - Inhibition of SMAD2 phosphorylation preserves cardiac function during pressure
      overload.
AB  - AIMS: Left ventricular (LV) pressure overload leads to myocardial remodelling and
      reduced cardiac function. Both cardioprotective and deleterious effects have been
      attributed to SMAD2/3 (SMAD, small mothers against decapentaplegic) signalling,
      but the role of these important molecules in pressure overload remains unclear.
      The aim of this study was to examine the effects of SMAD2 inhibition on cardiac
      function and remodelling in mice subjected to aortic banding (AB), using a small
      molecule inhibitor (SM16) of SMAD2 signalling. METHODS AND RESULTS: C57BL/6 mice
      were subjected to 1 week of AB, which led to a three-fold increased
      phosphorylation of SMAD2 that was reduced by SM16 (P<= 0.05), as measured by
      western blotting. Cardiac function was evaluated by echocardiography and was
      preserved by SM16, as fractional shortening was increased by 38% (P<= 0.05) and
      mitral flow deceleration reduced by 28% compared with AB mice not receiving SM16
      (P<= 0.05). In accordance with this, SM16 abolished the 21% increase in lung
      weight in AB mice (P<= 0.05). Cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and foetal gene
      expression, as measured by qPCR, were also reduced. Myocardial collagen protein
      was unaltered 1 week after AB. LV sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)ATPase (SERCA2)
      reduction in AB mice and in transforming growth factor-beta1-stimulated rat
      cardiomyocytes was diminished by SM16. Ca(2+) transient decay kinetics were
      improved in cardiomyocytes isolated from AB mice receiving SM16. CONCLUSION: In
      pressure overload, pharmacological inhibition of SMAD2 signalling attenuated
      cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and preserved cardiac function. SM16 prevented SMAD2
      mediated downregulation of SERCA2 in vivo and in cardiomyocytes, suggesting
      improved cardiomyocyte Ca(2+) handling as a possible cardioprotective mechanism.

PMID- 22049536
TI  - The bittersweet of steroid therapy.

PMID- 22049537
TI  - Atrial fibrillation management: issues of concern (APRIL 2011).

PMID- 22049538
TI  - Angioedema due to the renin inhibitor aliskiren (MAY 2011).

PMID- 22049539
TI  - An erythematous plaque on the nose.

PMID- 22049540
TI  - Osborn waves: an inverse correlation with core body temperature.

PMID- 22049541
TI  - Cervical cancer screening: Less testing, smarter testing.
AB  - In its 2009 recommendations for cervical cancer screening, the American College
      of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) calls for less-frequent but smarter
      screening that integrates testing for human papillomavirus (HPV) infection with
      the Papanicolaou (Pap) test. We review the recommendations from this and other
      organizations and how and why they are evolving.

PMID- 22049542
TI  - Glucocorticoid-induced diabetes and adrenal suppression: how to detect and manage
      them.
AB  - Glucocorticoids, commonly used to treat multiple inflammatory processes, can
      cause hyperglycemia, Cushing syndrome, adrenal suppression, and, when they are
      discontinued, adrenal insufficiency. Physicians must be aware of these adverse
      effects and be equipped to manage them.

PMID- 22049544
TI  - Do you get up a lot at night to go to the bathroom?

PMID- 22049543
TI  - Nocturia in the elderly: a wake-up call.
AB  - Nocturia is a condition that health providers must seek out and address in older
      adults. Since it adversely affects quality of life and carries a risk of
      morbidity and of death (often because of falling), this symptom must be elicited
      during the physician-patient encounter. Understanding its underlying causes, risk
      factors, and consequences is essential in formulating the most suitable
      management strategy. Drug and nondrug treatments target the individual disorders
      that contribute to nocturia.

PMID- 22049546
TI  - Hints of exo-Earths spark desire for a closer look.

PMID- 22049545
TI  - Texas prepares to fight for stem cells.

PMID- 22049547
TI  - Education: time to teach.

PMID- 22049548
TI  - Retraction notice to "Synthesis and biological evaluation of [1,2,4]triazino[4,3
      a] benzimidazole acetic acid derivatives as selective aldose reductase
      inhibitors" [Eur. J. Med. Chem. (2010) 909-914].

PMID- 22049549
TI  - David R. Bowsher, M.D., Sc.D., Ph.D., FRCPEd., FRCPath., 1925-2011.

PMID- 22049550
TI  - Design, synthesis, and evaluation of 5'-diphenyl nucleoside analogues as
      inhibitors of the Plasmodium falciparum dUTPase.
AB  - Deoxyuridine 5'-triphosphate nucleotidohydrolase (dUTPase) is a potential drug
      target for malaria. We previously reported some 5'-tritylated deoxyuridine
      analogues (both cyclic and acyclic) as selective inhibitors of the Plasmodium
      falciparum dUTPase. Modelling studies indicated that it might be possible to
      replace the trityl group with a diphenyl moiety, as two of the phenyl groups are
      buried, whereas the third is exposed to solvent. Herein we report the synthesis
      and evaluation of some diphenyl analogues that have lower lipophilicity and
      molecular weight than the trityl lead compound. Co-crystal structures show that
      the diphenyl inhibitors bind in a similar manner to the corresponding trityl
      derivatives, with the two phenyl moieties occupying the predicted buried phenyl
      binding sites. The diphenyl compounds prepared show similar or slightly lower
      inhibition of PfdUTPase, and similar or weaker inhibition of parasite growth than
      the trityl compounds.

PMID- 22049551
TI  - Effects of water molecules on photoluminescence from hierarchical peptide
      nanotubes and water probing capability.
AB  - Photoluminescence (PL) spectra reveal that deficiency of water molecules in the
      channel cores of bioinspired hierarchical diphenylalanine ( L -Phe- L -Phe, FF)
      peptide nanotubes (PNTs) not only modifies the bandgap of the subnanometer
      crystalline structure formed by the self-assembly process, but also induces a
      characteristic ultraviolet PL peak the position of which is linearly proportional
      to the number of water molecules in the PNTs. Addition or loss of water molecules
      gives rise to the UV PL redshift or blueshift. Density functional theory
      calculation also confirms that addition of water molecules to the PNTs causes
      splitting of the valence-band peak, which corresponds to the shift and splitting
      of the observed UV PL peak. Water molecules play an important role in the
      biological properties of FF PNTs and the results demonstrate that the PL spectra
      can be used to probe the number of water molecules bonded to the FF molecules.

PMID- 22049552
TI  - Acupuncture still popular.

PMID- 22049553
TI  - Senator Mark O. Hatfield: an advocate for sleep.

PMID- 22049554
TI  - [The 150th birthday of Karl Herxheimer].

PMID- 22049555
TI  - Who invented and used this curious bistoury?

PMID- 22049556
TI  - Prion proteins.

PMID- 22049558
TI  - Patient involvement in preoperative marking.

PMID- 22049557
TI  - On the Horizon: Europe's next round of science funding.

PMID- 22049559
TI  - The patient with vertigo. Evaluation of the dizzy patient can pose challenges in
      the prehospital setting.

PMID- 22049560
TI  - Your chance to shine.
AB  - The core panel judges of the Nursing Standard Nurse Awards 2012 invite entrants
      to spell out their achievements. The winners will be innovators who have made a
      real difference to their patients.

PMID- 22049580
TI  - "Shovelling out your paupers": the British state and Irish famine migration, 1846
      50.

PMID- 22049581
TI  - State, civil society and separation in Victorian marriage.

PMID- 22049582
TI  - Re-engineering drug discovery and development.
AB  - The rate of new drug approvals in the US has remained essentially constant since
      1950, while the costs of drug development have soared. Many commentators question
      the sustainability of the current model of drug development, in which large
      pharmaceutical companies incur markedly escalating costs to deliver the same
      number of products to market. This Issue Brief summarizes the problem, describes
      ongoing governmental efforts to influence the process, and suggests changes in
      regulatory science and translational medicine that may promote more successful
      development of safe and effective therapeutics

PMID- 22049583
TI  - The double standard revisited: Plebeian women and male sexual reputation    in
      early modern England.

PMID- 22049584
TI  - The early modern Japanese state and Ainu vaccinations: redefining the body
      politic, 1799-1868.

PMID- 22049585
TI  - The fate of a generation.

PMID- 22049586
TI  - The hideous trade: economic aspects of the "manufacture" and sale of eunuchs.

PMID- 22049588
TI  - The Sunday-school movement in England and Wales: child labour, denominational
      control and working-class culture.

PMID- 22049587
TI  - The International Working Men's Association (1864-1876) and workers' education:
      an historical approach.

PMID- 22049589
TI  - Waging war on children and youth through schooling disruption.

PMID- 22049590
TI  - What do literacy rates in the 19th century really signify? New light on an old
      problem from unique Swedish data.

PMID- 22049591
TI  - Appropriate attribution.

PMID- 22049592
TI  - STDs: Drug resistance demands dual therapy.

PMID- 22049593
TI  - Anglo-American town planning theory since 1945: three significant    developments
      but no paradigm shifts.

PMID- 22049594
TI  - Avoiding the mistakes of the "mother country": the New Zealand garden city
      movement, 1900-1926.

PMID- 22049595
TI  - Ethnic cleansing in Silesia 1950-89 and the ennationalizing policies of Poland
      and Germany.

PMID- 22049596
TI  - Evolutionary dynamics of urban land use planning and environmental   
      sustainability in Nigeria.

PMID- 22049597
TI  - [Family, women, and the relations of the sexes in Latin    America].

PMID- 22049598
TI  - From regulation to discretion: the evolution of development control in the
      British planning system, 1909-1947.

PMID- 22049599
TI  - From westernisation to globalisation: an old district of Istanbul.

PMID- 22049600
TI  - Governments, consultants and expert bodies in the physical    reconstruction of
      the City of London in the 1940s.

PMID- 22049601
TI  - From hospital to home: how will equipment and care evolve?

PMID- 22049602
TI  - From the user's perspective: home health nurses share insights.

PMID- 22049603
TI  - Design considerations for medical devices in the home environment.
AB  - Patient demographics, economic forces, and technological advancements contribute
      to the rise in home care services. Advanced medical devices and equipment
      originally designed for use by trained personnel in hospitals and clinics are
      increasingly migrating into the home. Unlike the clinical setting, the home is an
      uncontrolled environment with additional hazards. The compatibility of the device
      with the recipient's knowledge, abilities, lifestyle, and home environment plays
      a significant role in their therapy and rehabilitation. The advent of new device
      technologies such as wireless devices and interoperability of systems lends a new
      and complex perspective for medical device use in the home that must also be
      addressed. Adequately assessing and matching the patient and their caregiver with
      the appropriate device technology while considering the suitability of the home
      environment for device operation and maintenance is a challenge that relies on
      good human factors principles. There is a need to address these challenges in the
      growing home care sector In this article, the authors take a look at some
      important considerations and design issues for medical devices used in the home
      care environment.

PMID- 22049604
TI  - Highlights of the new international standard on home healthcare devices.
AB  - In this article, leaders of the joint working group that developed a new
      international standard for medical equipment used in the home healthcare
      environment report on key provisions of the standard. A new AAMI committee is now
      considering adopting it as an American National Standard.

PMID- 22049605
TI  - Human factors in labeling and training for home healthcare technology.
AB  - In this article, Patricia A. Patterson, a contributor to the recently-released
      standard ANSI/AAMI HE75:2009 Human factors engineering-Design of medical devices,
      highlights information from the standard important to developing labeling and
      training for homecare devices. She also describes one approach to developing
      labeling and training materials.

PMID- 22049606
TI  - Simple, interoperable, wireless connectivity solutions for home healthcare.

PMID- 22049607
TI  - The hospital at home: advances in remote patient monitoring.

PMID- 22049608
TI  - Continua health alliance aims for interoperable personal health solutions.

PMID- 22049609
TI  - Home healthcare: the next BMET frontier.

PMID- 22049610
TI  - A natural fit: home healthcare and biomedical engineering.
AB  - The involvement of Biomed in management of home care equipment has become a
      natural fit for Rady Children's Hospital. Managing all aspects of home care
      equipment through an in-house biomedical engineering department is cost
      effective, efficient, provides excellent customer service, and enhances the
      relationship with the clinical staff and patients. It develops a sense of
      security for patients and staff that home care equipment is tested and maintained
      in a stringent manner that promotes safety.

PMID- 22049611
TI  - Service models for remote healthcare monitoring systems.
AB  - These scenarios reflect where the future is heading for remote health monitoring
      technology and service expectations. Being able to manage a "system of systems"
      with timely service hand-off over seams of responsibility and system interfaces
      will become very important for a BMET or clinical engineer. These interfaces will
      include patient homes, clinician homes, commercial/civilian infrastructure,
      public utilities, vendor infrastructure as well as internal departmental domains.
      Concurrently, technology is changing rapidly resulting in newer software delivery
      modes and hardware appliances as well as infrastructure changes. Those who are
      able to de-construct the complex systems and identify infrastructure assumptions
      and seams of servicing responsibility will be able to better understand and
      communicate the expectations for service of these systems. Moreover, as
      identified in Case 1, prodigious use of underlying system monitoring tools
      (managing the "meta-data") could move servicing of these remote systems from a
      reactive approach to a proactive approach. A prepared healthcare organization
      will identify their current and proposed future service combination use cases and
      design service philosophies and expectations for those use cases, while
      understanding the infrastructure assumptions and seams of responsibility. This is
      the future of technical service to the healthcare clinicians and patients.

PMID- 22049612
TI  - AAMI blood pressure device standard targets home use issues.
AB  - In this article, leaders of the AAMI Sphygmomanometer Committee report on their
      efforts to address home use issues in standards for blood pressure devices, and
      the importance of standards to ensuring safety and effectiveness of home use
      devices.

PMID- 22049613
TI  - Reengineering hemodialysis for the home environment.
AB  - Denny Treu of NxStage Medical, Inc., who has led the development of six dialysis
      systems with various companies, reports here on a home hemodialysis system that
      his company successfully designed specifically for home use.

PMID- 22049614
TI  - Home healthcare: it's about the patient, and the caregiver.

PMID- 22049615
TI  - The bone marrow stem stromal imbalance--a key feature of disease progression in
      case of myelodysplastic mouse model.
AB  - Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs) represent a spectrum of disorders that are
      generally thought to arise from a defective hematopoietic stem cell leading to
      clonal, dysregulated hematopoiesis. Although it is generally agreed that the
      marrow microenvironment plays a role in the biology of MDS, it is unclear whether
      this represents an intrinsically abnormal stromal compartment derived from the
      MDS clone. Hematopoiesis requires cooperation between progenitors and a variety
      of functionally and phenotypically different cell types that form the bone marrow
      stroma. Stromal abnormalities suspected to contribute to the pathology of bone
      marrow disorder with impaired hematopoiesis. Several studies on human MDS bone
      marrow microenvironment revealed functional alteration and increased cellular
      apoptosis thus contribute to the pathology of the disease progression. In this
      present study, we have investigated alterations in the hematopoietic
      microenvironment and underlying mechanisms involved in the disease progression of
      MDS animal model. We presented the results of bone marrow single cell culture
      study, Long-term bone marrow adherent culture study (LTBMC) and their functional
      efficacy, flowcytometric characterization of stem (Scal+c-kit+) and stromal
      (Scal+CD44+) progenitor cell population and expression level of extracellular
      apoptosis marker (Annexin v) in the bone marrow cells of MDS animal model. Bone
      marrow single cell culture study of MDS animal showed impairment in the normal
      cellular generation, proliferation and presence of apoptic cells. Long-term
      liquid Bone marrow stromal cell colony formation assay from MDS bone marrow cells
      showed significant difference in the colony formation and their maintenance than
      the control groups of animals. Immune functional capacity of the bone marrow
      stromal cells through cell mediated immune (CMI) parameter study denoted defects
      in the stromal microenvironment. Decreased expression of bone marrow long-term
      primitive hematopoietic population and stromal progenitor population depicted
      bone marrow abnormality in case of MDS animal model, which bears significant
      correlation with high expression level of apoptosis marker in the bone marrow
      cells. From the above experimental study we tried to highlight the abnormal bone
      marrow microenvironment and alteration in the bone marrow cell surface marker
      expression, which could be the probable mechanism of evolution and disease
      progression in case of MDS animal model.

PMID- 22049616
TI  - Sca-1 expression pattern in the mouse limbal epithelium and its association with
      cell cycle.
AB  - Stem Cell Antigen-1 or Sca-1 is a cell surface receptor protein commonly used to
      detect adult murine haematopoietic stem cell population. Outside the
      haematopoietic system Sca-1 is similarly expressed in stem and progenitor cells
      in a wide variety of tissues and organs such as skeletal muscle, mammary gland,
      prostate, heart, liver and dermis. Thus Sca-1 has become a candidate marker in
      the search of tissue specific stem cells. The maintenance of a healthy corneal
      epithelium is achieved by a unique population of stem cell located in the limbal
      epithelial region. This limbal epithelium mainly contains limbal epithelial stem
      cells and its immediate progenitor early transient amplifying cells (e-TAC) which
      have self renewal capacity. As stem cells in other organs have been identified by
      their expression of Sca-1, in our study we wanted to determine whether this
      antigen could be present in the limbal epithelial region which contains stem cell
      population by using immunofluorescence through flow cytometric analysis of Sca-1
      and its association with the cell cycle.

PMID- 22049617
TI  - Isolation, characterization and mobilization of prostate cancer tissue derived
      CD133+ MDR1+ cells.
AB  - Cancer stem cells undoubtedly exist in many tumor types, including the prostate.
      CD133 has recently been considered an important marker that represents the subset
      population of cancer stem cells. The purpose of the present study is to isolate
      CD133+ and CD133- cells from normal healthy volunteers and prostate cancer
      patients to check the prostate stem cells markers and chemokine receptors like
      CXCR4 for their mobilization. In this study we isolated CD133+ and CD133- cells
      using magnetic beads from prostate tissues and peripheral blood samples of normal
      healthy volunteers and prostate cancer patients (NV-CD133+, NV-CD133-, PC-CD133+
      and PC-CD133-). The isolated cells were analyzed using flow cytometry and western
      blot analysis of MDR1, alpha2beta1, CD44, Oct-4 and CXCR4. PC-CD133+ cells
      displayed higher expressions of CD44, MDR1, Oct-4 and alpha2beta1 expressions
      with the ability to differentiate into prostate cancer cells. Furthermore, PC
      CD133+, highly expressed the chemokine receptor CXCR4 and its ligand SDF1-alpha.
      Here we conclude that, PC-CD133+ displayed a higher expression of prostate stem
      cell markers like CD44, MDR1 and Oct-4 and chemokine receptor CXCR4 and its
      ligand SDF1-alpha in peripheral blood and prostate cancer tissue derived CD133+
      cells The CXCR4 and SDF1-alpha expressions will have impact on the mobilization
      of prostate cancer stem cells (PC-CD133+ cells).

PMID- 22049618
TI  - Placental membrane as a source of mesenchymal stem cells.
AB  - Non-embryonic stem cells have the potential for being used in therapeutic
      attempts to develop treatments for human diseases and injuries. There is an
      increasing demand for non invasive treatments for a number of diseases and
      disorders that strike and disable relatively young people that would otherwise
      have many active years ahead. As longevity increases and we face new challenges
      in treating patients who suffers from disorders that reduces their quality of
      life already at middle age. Simple, secure methods to isolate non-embryonic stem
      cells from different tissues is one step towards making those treatments
      available to people suffering from Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injury,
      stroke, burns, heart disease, diabetes, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis.

PMID- 22049619
TI  - Establishment of a brain tumor tissue repository in India: maintaining quality
      standards.
AB  - Tumor tissue repositories (TTRs) play a pivotal role in both basic and
      translational research by acting as a conduit to facilitate innovative research,
      thereby providing solutions to treat the incurable disease--'Cancer'. One of the
      fundamental requirements to achieve this goal would be the acquisition of high
      quality tumor tissue specimens that are stored in such a manner that its
      integrity is preserved. Further, a quality system should be in place that assures
      the compliance of procedures that are the key to a smooth functioning of all the
      inter-related departments that play a key role in the entire operations. To
      address this, we have initiated an effort to build a tumor tissue repository of
      brain tumor tissues in the Southern part of the Indian sub-continent. One of the
      cardinal features of brain tumors is the heterogeneity, both phenotypically and
      genotypically. Moreover, significant gaps exist in current understanding of the
      molecular pathways involved in the genesis, progression, and biological and
      clinical behavior of brain tumors. We hope that our initiative will provide
      researchers accessibility to a reserve of high quality tissues in this part of
      the globe. We have created and validated a complete histology service including
      tissue processing, embedding, sectioning and H&E staining for fixed tissues, in
      addition to creating and staining frozen sections. To our knowledge, such a
      structured initiative to store brain tumor samples is the first of its kind in
      the India.

PMID- 22049620
TI  - Kilimanjaro through the keyhole.
AB  - Amanda Parkin, marketing manager at approved design and build consultant to the
      NHS for integrated theatres and digital video communications, OR Networks,
      explains how, with the help of the company and its specialist equipment,
      Northumbrian surgeons successfully established a two-way audio/video link to
      their counterparts at a hospital in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro to enable
      them to train the Tanzanian surgeons in laparoscopic surgery. Alongside opening
      up many new teaching opportunities in both the UK and Tanzania, the link-up has
      already saved countless lives.

PMID- 22049621
TI  - Making hospital water safe, examined.
AB  - What are the best methods for monitoring hospital water systems to prevent
      contamination by waterborne pathogens such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and
      Legionella? How can hospital staff determine whether a Pseudomonas outbreak is
      due to cross-contamination between patients and staff, or to the contamination of
      a systemic water supply, and how can we best protect our most vulnerable patients
      from infection with the array of pathogenic organisms lurking in hospitals? As
      Susan Pearson reports, these were among the questions discussedby leading
      microbiologists at a recent one-day "waterborne infections" seminar organised by
      Pall Medical in Glasgow.

PMID- 22049622
TI  - Managing EMC within healthcare facilities.
AB  - Damon High, a consultant at international testing, certification, qualification,
      training, and consultancy services provider TUV Product Service, examines the
      issue of electromagnetic interference in hospitals, highlighting the areas that
      equipment suppliers and estates and facilities managers/healthcare engineers need
      to consider to ensure both the continuing safe, reliable operation of equipment,
      and compliance with the latest legislation.

PMID- 22049623
TI  - Turnkey offering a claimed sector 'first'.
AB  - Manufacturer and supplier of LED theatre lights, HD camera systems, video
      integration technologies, and ceiling support units, Trumpf Medical Systems UK,
      and "logistical services" company Canute International Medical Services (CIMS),
      one of whose specialities is providing mobile medical units for diagnostic
      imaging, have entered into a partnership that will see the two companies offer
      fully fitted out modular operating theatres and other medical/clinical buildings
      incorporating the latest technology and equipment, on a fully project-managed,
      "turnkey" basis. Oliver Law, Trumpf Medical Systems UK managing director,
      explains the background, and the new service's anticipated customer benefits.

PMID- 22049624
TI  - Performance. DH chases up service changes an undisguised urgency.

PMID- 22049625
TI  - Outlook worsens for challenged acute trusts.

PMID- 22049626
TI  - John Oldham intolerance of incompetence.

PMID- 22049627
TI  - Fix the system to find the finances.

PMID- 22049628
TI  - Andrew Burnell on the big bland offer.

PMID- 22049629
TI  - Mental health. Raising the bar on police custody.

PMID- 22049630
TI  - Care pathways. The full package of pneumonia care.

PMID- 22049631
TI  - Learning. All aboard for better services.

PMID- 22049632
TI  - Patient's perspective and an analytical gaze which regards communicative
      activities.

PMID- 22049633
TI  - Halting aphasic interaction: creation of intersubjectivity and spousal
      relationship in situ.
AB  - This article discusses a communicative phenomenon that is relatively less
      studied: getting stuck in an aphasic conversation. Although aphasia as a medical
      and linguistic condition has been widely examined, the more social and
      participatory aspects of the symptom are not so well-known. Aphasia forms a
      threat to the emergence of a shared understanding, as well as to the experience
      of being in the shared, i.e., in the intersubjective, social world. In our
      analysis, we closely explore how understanding is constructed in the sequential
      organization of conversation. We use two data corpora when analysing the halting
      interaction. In our data, we detected two kinds of interactive halts that emerged
      in connection with aphasic word searching. First, 'real halts' were caused by the
      aphasic person's inability to find correct words and the co-participants were
      also not able to resolve the problem. Second, 'exam halts' occurred when the co
      participant did not provide the missing words despite knowing what the aphasic
      speaker was trying to say. We discuss how this halting phenomenon is linked with
      the notions of intersubjectivity and face-work and conclude that real halts are
      more directly caused by the aphasic condition, whereas exam halts reflect the
      spousal relationship in the form of face-work.

PMID- 22049634
TI  - Coping with chronic illness: information use and treatment adherence among people
      with diabetes.
AB  - This study's goal is to understand the complex relationship among information
      usage, medication adherence, and disease management in people with diabetes.
      Toward this end, we conducted 21 in-depth interviews with Type 2 diabetics. We
      queried patients on the sources and adequacy of information that they received
      about their disease, as well as on how closely they adhered to their prescribed
      medication regimen. Interviewees identified 12 sources of information that they
      used to varying degrees in managing their diabetes. Of these sources, patients
      relied most heavily on their doctors, particularly upon initial diagnosis, in
      spite of delivering mixed assessments of the adequacy of their
      physicians'provision of information. Other sources patients most frequently
      discussed included diabetes education programs, friends/family, the internet, the
      information leaflet that accompanies prescriptions and written information.
      Further, those who reported high adherence to their treatment regimen tended to
      rely on different sources than those who reported low adherence. Findings are
      interpreted within the framework of the Health Belief Model, and implications for
      designing effective interventions are discussed.

PMID- 22049635
TI  - Positioning identity in clinical interviews with people who stutter.
AB  - Clinicians often rely on ethnographic interviews to make judgments about the
      effect of stuttering on the lives of people who stutter. This form of interview
      aids the clinician in assessing specific dimensions of the client's life (e.g.
      career choice, education, etc.) that might be impacted by dysfluency. Further,
      the information gathered from ethnographic interviews is used to make
      professional judgments relating to the client's personality type and behavioral
      traits. This study used methods associated with discursive psychology to examine
      data taken from two ethnographic interviews between a clinician and two people
      who stuttered. The interviews were semi-structured and used probe questions to
      elicit the participants' viewpoints about the effects of stuttering on their
      lives. Data taken from the interviews were then examined to investigate the
      subject positions participants discursively aligned to within their accounts. We
      discuss the implications of making clinical judgments regarding a client's
      identity from such interviews.

PMID- 22049636
TI  - Patient involvement in problem presentation and diagnosis delivery in primary
      care.
AB  - This article reports a conversation analytic study of primary care physicians'
      orientations to different types of patients' problem presentation. Four types of
      problem presentation are examined: 1. symptoms only; 2. candidate diagnosis; 3.
      diagnosis implicative symptom description; and 4. candidate diagnosis as
      background information. The analysis shows that both in receiving the problem
      presentation at the beginning of the visit and in delivering a diagnosis later
      on, doctors address the patients' presentations which involved or implied a
      candidate diagnosis. In contrast, following a symptoms-only type of problem
      presentation such references predominantly are not made. The study suggests that
      patients' problem presentation have a crucial role in shaping the doctor's
      communication patterns also in the phases of consultation in which the patient's
      active participation is of lesser significance, such as the diagnostic phase. The
      findings are discussed in relation to the question of patient participation in
      the medical consultation. The data consist of 86 video-recorded Finnish primary
      care consultations for upper respiratory tract infection including both child and
      adult patients.

PMID- 22049637
TI  - Collaborative work and medical talk: opportunities for learning through knowledge
      sharing.
AB  - Teleconsultations provide new opportunities for learning in medical settings.
      This study explores the conditions under which learning among physicians takes
      place. The empirical context is 47 real-time video conferences carried out to
      examine collaborative work and the medical talk involved. Sixteen of the
      observations were consultations wherein general practitioners (GPs) and
      specialists shared knowledge with the purpose of solving a medical problem
      related to a patient under treatment. In this exploratory study, the learning
      opportunities are seen as what medical practitioners with different types of
      expertise achieve through interaction while working with patients over periods of
      time. The analysis of medical talk in consultations shows that collaborative work
      among GPs and specialists creates a shared understanding of the patient's
      clinical history and treatment trajectory. As knowledge is demanded and
      attributed and gaps of knowledge become shared, consultations create a work tool
      that expands the medical work and talk. Collaborative work in and between
      different levels of the health care service expands knowledge, creates
      opportunities for learning in everyday settings, and improves the quality of
      knowledge distribution in the health care system.

PMID- 22049638
TI  - How care providers construct and frame problems related to violence in
      institutional care for older people.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to describe how care providers discursively
      constructed and framed problems related to the occurrence of violence in their
      interactions with older persons in institutional care. The study followed a
      social constructionist approach where violence was considered a social phenomenon
      constructed in discursive processes. It was based on the assumption that in the
      way in which a problem is articulated is closely connected to solutions that are
      possible and relevant in a given context. The analysed corpus comprised narrative
      interviews with 46 care providers who had been involved in violence that occurred
      in social interactions with older persons. The analysis was inspired by discourse
      theory. The problems concerned legitimization, illness, bodily care, competence
      and profession and relieved responsibility. The constructions of the problems are
      manifestations of discourses. The prevailing discourses in the text are the
      medical and the physical. The construction of problems can be used to challenge
      dominant ways of thinking as well as the beliefs and common understandings about
      the subject.

PMID- 22049639
TI  - The role of active participation in interaction for children who use augmentative
      and alternative communication.
AB  - The present case-study investigates practices in interaction that manifest
      themselves as active participation for three Swedish children who use
      augmentative and alternative communication (AAC). Analyses are based on
      interaction data from three different settings, involving the children in
      dialogue with adults as well as peers. In-depth analysis of the data by means of
      Conversation Analysis revealed three practices conducive for active
      participation. The first one dealt with experiencing a sense of control, i.e.
      that the child who uses AAC was treated as a competent communicator, e.g.
      initiating topics and allocating turns, etc. The second practice revealed the
      importance of co-construction of communicative projects, and the possible
      negative effects of instances where adults attempted to impose an agenda on the
      children. Finally, analyses displayed different means by which participants could
      be included in the interaction, and the effects of such strategies. The study
      stresses the importance of communication partners' abilities to balance and
      counterbalance the necessity to follow, share or sometimes inhibit a need to
      shape contributions to interaction, in order to enhance active participation for
      the child who uses AAC.

PMID- 22049640
TI  - Use of metaphors in motivational interviewing sessions in the probation service.
AB  - This paper examines the use of metaphors in client-counsellor interaction in
      motivational interviewing counselling sessions in the context of probation
      service. Clients who participated in these counselling sessions and in this study
      had either an alcohol or drug abuse problem. My aim is to show how the
      interaction between the client and counsellor is shaped by reciprocal use of
      metaphors, and how the client's change-talk finds expression in metaphorical
      utterances. In these counselling sessions, the use of metaphors occurred in five
      interactional configurations: 1. participants work with and develop together
      shared metaphors; 2. the client accepts the counsellor's metaphorical description
      but does not use it himself/ herself; 3. either the client or the counsellor
      suggests an alternative metaphor; 4. the counsellor systematically ignores the
      client's metaphor; and 5. the counsellor does not understand the meaning of the
      client's metaphor. The analysis suggests that metaphorical utterances play a
      major part in the interaction between the client and the counsellor and in the
      client's change-talk. These findings support the notion that metaphor and change
      are closely linked, and a metaphor may act as a vehicle of change.

PMID- 22049641
TI  - When trustworthiness matters: how trust influences knowledge-production and
      knowledge-sharing in a surgical department.
AB  - Transferring clinical knowledge and bringing various representations of clinical
      knowledge together is crucial as support for clinical decision-making. While
      previous scholarship has elaborated patients' trust of healthcare providers as
      well as the healthcare system, this article emphasizes trust as a catalyst for
      clinical knowledge production. Using an observational study of a surgical
      department at a large Norwegian hospital, the article focuses on knowledge
      transfer between surgeons in a surgical department. The surgeons' confidence to
      initiate knowledge requests and the perceived trustworthiness of knowledge by
      colleagues is significant. There is a distinct underuse of medical patient
      records, both paper-based and electronic, which results in an oral transferring
      and sharing of clinical knowledge. Significantly this oral knowledge-transfer is
      dynamic and effective, meeting demands for timely patient information. By
      studying knowledge-intensive work very closely from a perspective that suggests
      that knowledge is local and developed through trust and dependence, this study
      identifies how work practices have developed to be effective with little support
      of formal information systems.

PMID- 22049642
TI  - Talk about values in the British National Health Service.

PMID- 22049643
TI  - Distress after a single violent crime: how shame-proneness and event-related
      shame work together as risk factors for post-victimization symptoms.
AB  - To increase understanding of post-victimization symptom development, the present
      study investigated the role of shame- and guilt-proneness and event-related shame
      and guilt as potential risk factors. 35 individuals (M age = 31.7 yr.; 48.5%
      women), recently victimized by a single event of severe violent crime, were
      assessed regarding shame- and guilt-proneness, event-related shame and guilt, and
      post-victimization symptoms. The mediating role of event-related shame was
      investigated with structural equation modeling (SEM), using bootstrapping. The
      guilt measures were unrelated to each other and to post-victimization symptoms.
      The shame measures were highly intercorrelated and were both positively
      correlated to more severe post-victimization symptom levels. Event-related shame
      as mediator between shame-proneness and post-victimization symptoms was
      demonstrated by prevalent significant indirect effects. Both shame measures are
      potent risk factors for distress after victimization, whereby part of the effect
      of shame-proneness on post-victimization symptoms is explained by event-related
      shame.

PMID- 22049644
TI  - Sex differences in sympathy for attempted suicides.
AB  - In a sample of 115 undergraduates, women expressed more sympathy for hypothetical
      attempted suicides than did men, but not more empathy or agreement with the
      actions. A history of considering suicide was not associated with judgments about
      attempting suicide.

PMID- 22049645
TI  - Cross-national measure of fear-based xenophobia: development of a cumulative
      scale.
AB  - To apply a Mokken Scale Procedure in developing a hierarchical cross-national
      scale to measure xenophobia, a pool of 30 xenophobia-related items was collected
      from several sources and modified using established unidimensional criteria. The
      survey was administered to 608 undergraduate students in the USA, 193
      undergraduate students in The Netherlands, and 303 undergraduate students in
      Norway. 14 items measuring perceived threat or fear and meeting the criteria of
      the Stereotype Content Model were selected for further analysis. A separate item
      analysis and, subsequently, Mokken Scale Procedure yielded a cumulative scale
      with the same five items for each of the three samples. The items and the total
      scale met criteria for homogeneity in all samples with H > .40.

PMID- 22049646
TI  - Meehl's "crud" factor, subjective wellbeing, and religiosity: a critique'.
AB  - Researchers in the area of subjective wellbeing are now building on a body of
      research that spans more than three decades and includes many thousands of
      articles. It is time to move from exploratory studies to those based on
      accumulated psychometric understanding and theory. Two aspects of the article by
      Abdel-Khalek (2011) warrant attention from this perspective: the choice of scale
      and the issue of shared variance.

PMID- 22049647
TI  - Chilean validation of the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist-Civilian
      version (PCL-C) after the earthquake on February 27, 2010.
AB  - Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder in which an
      individual re-experiences a traumatic event, avoids situations related to it, and
      shows excessive arousal. The disorder appears after experiencing a life
      threatening event, such as a war or a natural disaster. Thus, the validation of
      tests which assess the disorder after the earthquake on February 27, 2010, in
      Chile is crucial for its evaluation and subsequent intervention. The present
      study includes psychometric data for the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Checklist
      Civilian version (PCL-C) on a sample of 509 survivors of the disaster. Values
      indicate good psychometric properties of the questionnaire.

PMID- 22049648
TI  - Cognitive styles in an international perspective: cross-validation of the
      Cognitive Style Indicator (CoSI).
AB  - This study examines the cross-cultural validity of the Cognitive Style Indicator
      (CoSI). Measurement equivalence tests were performed on data collected from a
      Belgian (n = 300) and a South African (n = 246) sample of students and employees.
      Confirmatory factor analyses within each sample showed the best fit to the data
      for a three-factor model underlying the CoSI. Measurement invariance tests, using
      multigroup confirmatory factor analysis, indicated that the relationships among
      the scales showed equivalence across cultures. Although the study is an important
      first step toward the cross-validation of the CoSI, further research in other
      international samples is particularly needed to strengthen these results.

PMID- 22049649
TI  - A text analysis of the poems of Sylvia Plath.
AB  - Changes in the words used in the poems of Sylvia Plath were examined using the
      Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count, a computer program for analyzing the content
      of texts. Major changes in the content of her poems were observed over the course
      of Plath's career, as well as in the final year of her life. As the time of her
      suicide came closer, words expressing positive emotions became more frequent,
      while words concerned with causation and insight became less frequent.

PMID- 22049650
TI  - Psychometric properties and factor structure of the Greek version of the Cardiac
      Anxiety Questionnaire (CAQ).
AB  - The present study assesses the psychometric properties and factor structure of
      the Greek version of the Cardiac Anxiety Questionnaire (CAQ). The questionnaire
      was administered to 598 healthy individuals from 15 different regions of Greece
      with a measure of socioeconomic characteristics and the Symptom Checklist-90
      Revised (SCL-90-R). The sample was split into two random halves, and exploratory
      factor analysis indicated a three-factor solution. This solution was tested using
      a confirmatory factor analysis on the second half of the sample. In terms of
      latent dimensions, the Greek version retains the three-factor structure as
      proposed by the initial authors. However, adequate fit was achieved only after
      omitting eight items. The shorter (10-item) version was submitted to further
      analysis. The shorter version provided satisfactory internal reliability and
      evidence indicating the validity of the scale with respect to SCL-90-R subscales.
      The stability of the questionnaire was verified by a high test-retest reliability
      over a 3-mo. period (r = .86). Sex and age differences were assessed. The 10-item
      version appears to be a practical, brief tool for clinical use.

PMID- 22049651
TI  - Psychosocial responses associated with perceived risk of cancer in an African
      American community.
AB  - This epidemiologic health survey study examined the association between health
      risk perceptions and psychosocial factors in 145 African Americans in East
      Montgomery, Alabama. The survey gathered information on demographics, population
      dynamics, health risk perceptions, and coping behaviors. Psychosocial variables
      measured were worries, concern, stress, and trauma associated with perceived risk
      of cancer. Results indicated that women were more concerned about the
      environmental health risks in their community than men. Compared to men, women
      were highly concerned about the economic effect of perceived environmental health
      risk. The findings indicate that an individual's health status and educational
      level were significant predictors of psychosocial responses.

PMID- 22049652
TI  - Different attitudes toward humor between Chinese and American students: evidence
      from the Implicit Association Test.
AB  - Although cross-cultural research indicates that Chinese people demonstrate less
      humor than do Americans, little research addresses the reasons. This cross
      cultural difference may be largely due to different implicit attitudes toward
      humor held by Chinese and Americans, deeply rooted in the two cultural
      traditions. Both self-report evaluation and the Implicit Association Test (IAT)
      were used to compare Chinese and American attitudes toward humor. Although 60
      Chinese undergraduate students showed no significant difference from 33 American
      exchange students in explicit attitudes toward humor, the former associated humor
      more frequently with unpleasant adjectives and seriousness with pleasant
      adjectives on the IAT; the opposite pattern was found for the American group.
      This indicated a negative implicit attitude toward humor among the Chinese
      students.

PMID- 22049653
TI  - Eating-related Intrusive Thoughts Inventory: exploring the dimensionality of
      eating disorder symptoms.
AB  - The aims of this study were, first, to examine the structure and validity of the
      Eating-related Intrusive Thoughts Inventory (INPIAS), a self-report questionnaire
      designed to assess eating disorders related to intrusive thoughts (EDITs), and
      second, to explore the existence of a continuum ranging from normal to abnormal
      thought intrusions related to eating, weight, and shape. Participants were 574
      (408 women) nonclinical community individuals. Analyses revealed that EDITs can
      be clustered into three sets: appearance-dieting, need to exercise, and thoughts
      impulses related to eating disorders. EDITs' consequences showed a two-factor
      structure: emotional consequences/personal meaning and thought-action fusion
      responsibility; and four factors of strategies: "anxiety," suppression, obsessive
      compulsive rituals, and distraction. The sample was then divided according to
      reported restrained eating. The High dietary restraint group reported a higher
      frequency of EDITs, whereas differences in the other factors were mediated by
      depression, anxiety, and obsessionality. The results suggest that eating disorder
      related cognitions are experienced by nonclinical individuals, and distributed on
      a continuum.

PMID- 22049654
TI  - Negative moderating effect of general self-efficacy on the relationship between
      need for cognition and cognitive effort.
AB  - This study demonstrates the negative moderating effect of general self-efficacy
      on the relationship between need for cognition, which refers to stable individual
      differences in people's tendencies to engage in and enjoy cognitive activity, and
      cognitive effort. This negative moderating effect of general self-efficacy has
      been termed "plasticity." Scholars assume the relationship between need for
      cognition and cognitive effort is true by definition. The study uses data from
      144 U.S. college students and employs moderated regression analysis followed by
      subgroup analysis to demonstrate plasticity. The results set a boundary condition
      to the generally presumed relationship between need for cognition and cognitive
      effort, thereby improving the understanding of how these phenomena are related.

PMID- 22049655
TI  - Lyrics of national anthems and suicide rates.
AB  - The suicide rates of 18 European nations were associated with the proportion of
      sad words in the lyrics of their national anthems as well as the gloominess of
      the music. It is suggested that a possible suicide prevention tactic might
      involve changing the music and lyrics of national anthems.

PMID- 22049656
TI  - Some psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Clarity of Auditory
      Imagery Scale.
AB  - Few tests have been designed to measure auditory imagery. This study assessed the
      factor structure and internal consistency of the Spanish version of the Clarity
      of Auditory Imagery Scale (CAIS). Participants were 234 undergraduate students (M
      age = 19.6 yr.). Internal consistency reliability estimated by Cronbach's alpha
      was .82. In a principal components analysis followed by varimax orthogonal
      rotation, five factors were identified. Scores correlated moderately and
      positively with ratings on the Vividness of Visual Imagery Questionnaire-2 and
      negatively on the auditory scale of Betts' Questionnaire Upon Mental Imagery, but
      weakly and negatively with scores on the Measure of the Ability to Form Spatial
      Mental Imagery.

PMID- 22049657
TI  - Turkish validation of the Emotional Approach Coping Scale.
AB  - The Emotional Approach Coping Scale is frequently used to assess coping, which
      consists of emotional processing and emotional expression. The present aim was to
      examine the psychometric properties of this scale by utilizing two independent
      samples: university students (n = 481) and community members (n = 284). Based on
      goodness-of-fit indices in confirmatory factor analysis, a two-factor model
      yielded significant findings in these samples. The results of multi-group
      analysis revealed that the theoretical structure of the dispositional Emotional
      Approach Coping Scale was the same for men and women. In addition to sufficient
      internal consistency and test-retest reliability, the relationships between the
      Emotional Approach Coping Scale and five conceptually related measures (coping
      styles, positive affect, negative affect, depression, and trait anxiety)
      demonstrated concurrent validity. Furthermore, the present study provides a map
      of emotional approach coping styles in a non-Western culture.

PMID- 22049658
TI  - Higher rates of victimization to physical abuse by adults found among victims of
      school bullying.
AB  - Retrospective reports of exposure to physical abuse by an adult during childhood
      was assessed in 874 adolescents (426 boys, 448 girls; M age = 11.5 yr., SD = 0.8)
      who also reported whether they had been victimized by school bullying. Having
      been hit by an adult was significantly more common among victims of school
      bullying (39.5%) than among adolescents not victimized by school bullying
      (16.8%). No sex difference was found. The finding raises questions about whether
      victimization by physical abuse puts a child at greater risk for developing a
      "victim personality".

PMID- 22049659
TI  - Trust as a determinant of entrepreneurs' preference to remain tenants in Turkish
      business incubators.
AB  - Relations of two types of trust by entrepreneurs with the entrepreneurs'
      preference to remain an incubator tenant were examined using questionnaire data
      from 67 owners of companies in 6 Turkish incubators. As hypothesized, trust in
      incubator management had a positive and unique relation with preference to remain
      an incubator tenant. However, trust in other incubator tenants did not show the
      hypothesized positive and unique relation with preference to remain a tenant; the
      results indicated the relation is negative.

PMID- 22049660
TI  - Characteristics of the work environment related to older employees' willingness
      to continue working: intrinsic motivation as a mediator.
AB  - The relationships between older employees' willingness to continue working and
      characteristics of the work environment for older workers were investigated, as
      well as a possible mediation by intrinsic motivation. 103 employees ages 50 to 65
      years, from various sectors of the Dutch labor market, completed questionnaires
      that measured willingness to continue working, intrinsic motivation,
      organizational stimulation, work variety, work challenge, and job autonomy.
      Hierarchical regression analyses showed organizational stimulation, as well as
      the various job characteristics, were positively related to employees'
      willingness to continue working. Moreover, intrinsic motivation fully mediated
      the relationship of work variety with willingness to continue working and
      partially mediated the relationships of organizational stimulation, work
      challenge, and job autonomy with willingness to continue working. It was
      concluded that organizations can encourage older workers to work until age 65 and
      beyond by shifting their focus from extrinsic to intrinsic rewards.

PMID- 22049661
TI  - Sorting food labels and describing properties of categories: stability of results
      between and within subjects.
AB  - The purpose of this research is to improve understanding of the consistency of
      the categorization process in cognitive psychology. To investigate the temporal
      stability of the categorization process between and within subjects, 100
      participants (M = 22.1 yr., SD = 2.1) were required to sort 65 food labels into
      groups and to explain their grouping. The sorting and property generation of food
      labels were compared by conducting two sessions (with a 15-day interval) to
      assess within-subject variability. Two groups of participants were compared to
      assess between-subjects variability. The results from the sorting task showed
      excellent stability between and within subjects. Conversely, the property
      generation task showed high variability. It is concluded that the tasks involved
      different types of knowledge. The sorting task appeared to generate good
      agreement and to involve more stable knowledge. The task of producing properties
      may involve other mechanisms. This paper discusses the results in light of
      cognitive and pragmatic theories.

PMID- 22049662
TI  - The role of descriptive norm within the theory of planned behavior in predicting
      Korean Americans' exercise behavior.
AB  - There are few studies investigating psychosocial mechanisms in Korean Americans'
      exercise behavior. The present study tested the usefulness of the theory of
      planned behavior in predicting Korean American's exercise behavior and whether
      the descriptive norm (i.e., perceptions of what others do) improved the
      predictive validity of the theory of planned behavior. Using a retrospective
      design and self-report measures, web-survey responses from 198 Korean-American
      adults were analyzed using hierarchical regression analyses. The theory of
      planned behavior constructs accounted for 31% of exercise behavior and 43% of
      exercise intention. Intention and perceived behavioral control were significant
      predictors of exercise behavior. Although the descriptive norm did not augment
      the theory of planned behavior, all original constructs--attitude, injunctive
      norm (a narrow definition of subjective norm), and perceived behavioral control-
      statistically significantly predicted leisure-time physical activity intention.
      Future studies should consider random sampling, prospective design, and objective
      measures of physical activity.

PMID- 22049663
TI  - Intentional faking of the single category Implicit Association Test and the
      Implicit Association Test.
AB  - The Implicit Association Test (IAT) provides a relative measure of implicit
      association strengths between target and attribute categories. In contrast, the
      Single Category Implicit Association Test (SC-IAT) measures association strength
      with a single attribute category. This can be advantageous if a complementary
      category--as used in the IAT--cannot be composed or is undesired. If the SC-IAT
      is to be a meaningful supplement to the IAT, it should meet the same
      requirements. In an online experiment with a large and heterogeneous sample, the
      fakability of both implicit measures was investigated when measuring anxiety.
      Both measures were fakable through specific instruction (e.g., "Slow down your
      reactions") but unfakable through nonspecific faking instruction even though
      nonspecific instruction was given immediately before the critical blocks (e.g.,
      "Alter your reaction times"). When comparing the methodological quality of both
      implicit measures, the SC-IAT had lower internal consistency than the IAT.
      Moreover, with specific faking instructions, the SC-IAT was possible to fake to a
      larger extent than the IAT.

PMID- 22049664
TI  - Reliability of informant ratings and spouse similarity based on the Temperament
      and Character Inventory.
AB  - A cohort of 136 Swedish spouse pairs rated themselves and each other with the
      Temperament and Character Inventory. The data allowed assessment of the
      reliability of ratings by knowledgeable informants compared to self-rating for
      this personality test. The reliability of the informant rating was in the
      expected range, with an average correlation of .58. Agreement was slightly higher
      for the Temperament dimensions than for the Character dimensions. Additionally,
      the design allowed evaluation of the similarity between husbands and wives across
      the seven dimensions measured by the TCI. Correlations between spouses in self
      reports were very low for Temperament, with only Harm Avoidance having a
      statistically significant correlation (.22, p < .05). On the other hand, all
      three Character dimensions were significantly correlated. These results support
      the conceptualization of Temperament and Character as separate components of
      personality. The results are consistent with previous reports on the personality
      of spouse pairs.

PMID- 22049665
TI  - Role ambiguity as a moderator of occupational self-efficacy and job satisfaction.
AB  - Role ambiguity was examined as a moderator of occupational self-efficacy and job
      satisfaction on the basis of the data obtained from 280 employees of U.S. housing
      finance agencies in four states. The interaction effect was found to be small but
      significant. The practical implications of role ambiguity at different levels of
      occupational self-efficacy were discussed. The value of reducing role ambiguity
      is higher for those who have low self-efficacy. The theoretical implications of
      the findings support the inclusion of dispositional and situational interactions
      in research regarding job satisfaction.

PMID- 22049666
TI  - Using generalizability theory to estimate the relative effect of class size and
      number of items on the dependability of student ratings of instruction.
AB  - Previous research on the effect of class size on student ratings of instruction
      has primarily investigated the effect of class size on the favorableness of these
      ratings rather than its effect on their reliability (dependability). A few
      studies have used "generalizability theory" to demonstrate the relative effect of
      class size on the dependability of student ratings of instruction. The purpose of
      the present study was to test the validity of the findings of these studies in a
      different cultural setting using a different student ratings questionnaire. Using
      a random-effect analysis of variance to estimate the variance components for a
      design in which students were nested within classes and crossed with items, it
      was found that the variance component for class size was appreciably larger than
      that for items. At least 20 students were needed to obtain a generalizability
      coefficient for relative decisions of .70 or more. Increasing the number of
      students has a greater effect on generalizability coefficients than increasing
      the number of items.

PMID- 22049667
TI  - Relationship between learning environment characteristics and academic
      engagement.
AB  - The relationship between learning environment characteristics and academic
      engagement of 777 Grade 6 children located in 41 learning environments was
      explored. Questionnaires were used to tap learning environment perceptions of
      children, their academic engagement, and their ethnic-cultural background. The
      basis of the learning environment questionnaire was the International System for
      Teacher Observation and Feedback (ISTOF). Factor analysis indicated three
      factors: the teacher as a helpful and good instructor (having good instructional
      skills, clear instruction), the teacher as promoter of active learning and
      differentiation, and the teacher as manager and organizer of classroom
      activities. Multilevel analysis indicated that about 12% of the differences in
      engagement between children was related to the learning environment. All the
      mentioned learning environment characteristics mattered, but the teacher as a
      helpful, good instructor was most important followed by the teacher as promoter
      of active learning and differentiation.

PMID- 22049668
TI  - A relative age effect in men's but not women's professional baseball: 1943-1954.
AB  - Birthdates of professional female and male baseball players active from 1943 to
      1954 (the beginning and final years for professional female leagues) were matched
      for year of birth and league years and then compared by birth quarters, with a
      cutoff date beginning August 1. A relative age effect was noted for males, as
      there was a significantly different distribution of players across birth quarter,
      but there was no such effect for female professionals. Since players were matched
      for birth year and league play, the difference was unlikely to be due to
      seasonality differences in birth. Instead, the absence of a "relative age" effect
      for female players can be attributed to the absence of organized adolescent
      baseball for girls prior to the establishment of professional baseball leagues
      for women.

PMID- 22049669
TI  - Academic decision making and prospect theory.
AB  - Two studies are reported that investigate the applicability of prospect theory to
      college students' academic decision making. Exp. 1 failed to provide support for
      the risk-seeking portion of the fourfold pattern predicted by prospect theory but
      did find the greater weighting of losses over gains. Using a more sensitive
      dependent measure, in Exp. 2 the results of the first experiment were replicated
      in terms of the gain-loss effect and also found some support for the fourfold
      pattern in the interaction between probabilities and gain versus loss. The
      greatest risk-seeking was found in the high probability loss condition.

PMID- 22049670
TI  - Juveniles tried as adults: the age of the juvenile matters.
AB  - Serious juvenile crimes require evaluation of a child as a criminal defendant in
      adult court. In such cases, it is crucial to understand jurors' attitudes,
      biases, and ability to follow legal instructions and maintain fairness. 308
      undergraduate psychology students served as mock jurors, were randomly separated
      into four groups, and each group read the same realistic summary of a trial with
      the defendant's age presented as 13, 15, 17, or 21 years. Participants were asked
      to render guilty or not guilty verdicts and, if guilty, to suggest sentences. Chi
      squared analysis indicated 13- and 15-year-old defendants were convicted less
      often than 17- and 21-year-old defendants, showing that jurors distinguished
      between juvenile defendants of different ages, but not minors and adults as
      defined by law. Additional analysis showed that age did not affect sentencing
      recommendations. Decision processes jurors use for juveniles tried as adults are
      discussed.

PMID- 22049671
TI  - Familiarity and environmental representations of a city: a self-report study.
AB  - "Sense of direction" is usually assessed by self-report. Several internal factors
      contribute to proficiency in navigation: spatial cognitive style, respondent's
      sex, and familiarity with the environment; however, questionnaires assessing
      sense of direction do not include all these factors. In a recent study, Nori and
      Piccardi reported that environmental familiarity was crucial for topographical
      orientation. Regardless of a person's spatial cognitive style (i.e., landmark,
      route, or survey), the greater their familiarity with the environment, the better
      their performance. In this study, a questionnaire was used, the Familiarity and
      Spatial Cognitive Style Scale, to measure 208 women's sense of direction and
      knowledge of their city of residence. Analysis showed that Spatial Cognitive
      Style predicted sense of direction but not town knowledge. By contrast,
      familiarity played a crucial role in both areas, confirming the importance of
      having a tool to assess this factor.

PMID- 22049672
TI  - Psychometrics of Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT)
      scores.
AB  - A sample of 183 medical students completed the Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional
      Intelligence Test (MSCEIT V2.0). Scores on the test were examined for evidence of
      reliability and factorial validity. Although Cronbach's alpha for the total
      scores was adequate (.79), many of the scales had low internal consistency (scale
      alphas ranged from .34 to .77; median = .48). Previous factor analyses of the
      MSCEIT are critiqued and the rationale for the current analysis is presented.
      Both confirmatory and exploratory factor analyses of the MSCEIT item parcels are
      reported. Pictures and faces items formed separate factors rather than loading on
      a Perception factor. Emotional Management appeared as a factor, but items from
      Blends and Facilitation failed to load consistently on any factor, rendering
      factors for Emotional Understanding and Emotional Facilitation problematic.

PMID- 22049673
TI  - The Coronary Health Improvement Project (CHIP) for lowering weight and improving
      psychosocial health.
AB  - This study extends previous research evaluating the association between the CHIP
      intervention, change in body weight, and change in psychological health. A
      randomized controlled health intervention study lasting 4 wk. was used with 348
      participants from metropolitan Rockford, Illinois; ages ranged from 24 to 81 yr.
      Participants were assessed at baseline, 6 wk., and 6 mo. The Beck Depression
      Inventory (BDI) and three selected psychosocial measures from the SF-36 Health
      Survey were used. Significantly greater decreases in Body Mass Index (BMI)
      occurred after 6 wk. and 6 mo. follow-up for the intervention group compared with
      the control group, with greater decreases for participants in the overweight and
      obese categories. Significantly greater improvements were observed in BDI scores,
      role-emotional and social functioning, and mental health throughout follow-up for
      the intervention group. The greater the decrease in BMI through 6 wk., the better
      the chance of improved BDI score, role-emotional score, social functioning score,
      and mental health score, with odds ratios of 1.3 to 1.9. Similar results occurred
      through 6 mo., except the mental health variable became nonsignificant. These
      results indicate that the CHIP intervention significantly improved psychological
      health for at least six months afterwards, in part through its influence on
      lowering BMI.

PMID- 22049674
TI  - Boiler burden reduced at Bedford site.
AB  - With the NHS aiming to reduce its 2007 carbon footprint by 10% by 2015, Chris
      Horsley, managing director of Babcock Wanson UK, a provider of industrial boilers
      and burners, thermal oxidisers, air treatment, water treatment, and associated
      services, looks at how one NHS Trust has approached the challenge, and
      considerably reduced its carbon emissions, by refurbishing its boiler house and
      moving from oil to gas-fired steam generation.

PMID- 22049675
TI  - Seizing opportunities for realising savings.
AB  - Conor Ellis, global account leader, Health; Ed Baldwin, partner, and Dr Rachel
      Dick, consultant, at international built asset consultancy, EC Harris, provide an
      updated assessment on the current NHS estate, and, in the wake of the publication
      of an earlier detailed paper on the subject in late 2010, examine the extent to
      which NHS Trusts have made progress over the past year against 10 key steps to
      "unlocking value" outlined in the previous document. This article is an adapted
      version of the co-authors' 2011 paper, NHS Service and Estate Efficiency Report:
      Seizing The Opportunity.

PMID- 22049676
TI  - Making the right noise with hospital design.
AB  - Susan Witterick, director of Acoustics and Air Quality at Capita Symonds,
      examines the important role of acoustics in healthcare facility design in the
      "Age of Austerity", warning that, despite being a key factor in creating an
      optimal hospital environment for patients, staff, and visitors, it is too often
      still viewed as "a poor cousin at the design team table".

PMID- 22049677
TI  - Savings in its sights for Somerset Trust.
AB  - Colin Russell, healthcare specialist at Schneider Electric (pictured), explains
      how the company has recently worked with Taunton and Somerset NHS Foundation
      Trust to implement a major energy-saving project at the Trust's Musgrove Park
      Hospital in Taunton. He argues that, at a time when all areas of the service are
      being asked to reduce costs, such partnerships can potentially save the
      institution millions of pounds and significantly reduce carbon emissions, while
      "revitalising" parts of the NHS estate, and ensuring continuity of vital hospital
      services for facilities managers.

PMID- 22049678
TI  - Low carbon approach for clinical building.
AB  - Health Estate Journal reports on independent building services specialist, NG
      Bailey's important role on Phase 2A of the ongoing major redevelopment of one of
      the UK, and indeed one of the world's, most iconic children's healthcare
      facilities, Great Ormond Street Hospital in London.

PMID- 22049679
TI  - [Progress in zinc finger nuclease engineering for targeted genome modification].
AB  - Zinc finger nuclease (ZFN) is an artificially engineered hybrid protein that
      contains a zinc finger protein (ZFP) domain and a Fok I endonuclease cleavage
      domain. It has recently emerged as a powerful molecular tool for targeted genome
      modifications. ZFNs recognize and bind to specific DNA sequences to generate a
      double-strand break (DSB) by its nuclease activity. Based on this finding,
      various genetic methods, including gene targeting (gene disruption), gene
      addition, gene correction etc., are being designed to manipulate the genomes of
      different species at specific loci. One particular advantage of this new
      technique is its broad applications, which can be employed to generate desirable
      inheritable mutations both at the organismal level and at the cellular level.
      Here, we review the recent progress and prospects of ZFN technology. This article
      focused on the mechanism of how it works, currently available target assessment,
      ZFP library construction and screening methods, target modification strategies,
      as well as a collection of specie and genes that have been successfully modified
      by ZFN. This review will provide a useful reference for researchers who are
      interested in applying this new technique in their studies.

PMID- 22049680
TI  - [Wnt signaling pathway and the Evo-Devo of deuterostome axis].
AB  - A series of signal transduction pathways have been found to regulate the polarity
      establishment and formation of animal primary body axis. Among them, Wnt
      signaling pathway is extremely conserved and several key components in the
      pathway have been identified in the demosponge lineage. This implies that it is
      one of the earliest pathways involved in the ancestral metazoan axis development
      and might play an important role in specification and development of posterior
      and ventral fate of animal axis. Recently, with the establishment of functional
      experiments in vitro, the body plan formation has been found to be affected, in
      varying degrees, by many genes in the Wnt signaling pathway, such as members of
      wnt gene family, maternal gene beta-catenin and some transcription factor
      encoding genes. In this review, we analyzed the evolutionary origin of the wnt
      gene family involved in development of metazoan body plans, and then made a brief
      review on the roles of canonical Wnt/beta-catenin signaling in the polarity
      establishment and formation of primary body axis in diverse deuterostomes
      including sea urchin, amphioxus, zebrafish, frog, and mouse.

PMID- 22049681
TI  - [Research progress in molecular mechanism of animal seasonal reproduction].
AB  - Animal seasonal reproduction involves complicated neuroendocrine processes of the
      hypothalamo-pituitary-gonadal axis. It is dominantly regulated by photoperiod, a
      crucial environmental cue. Melatonin, as internal photoperiod signal, regulates
      seasonal reproduction of animals. In recent years, it has been found that
      Kiss1/GPR54 system, which may influence GnRH secretion evidently, is regulated by
      both melatonin and feedback action of gonadal steroid hormones. Consequently,
      Kiss1/GPR54 system may play a key role in seasonal reproduction. Additionally,
      there exists another potential retrograde control pathway of seasonal breeding,
      which involves TSH-DIO2/DIO3 system. TSH-DIO2/ DIO3 system affects synthesis and
      secretion of GnRH and is regulated by melatonin, as well as Kiss1/GPR54 system.
      In this article, melatonin signal, especially the research advances of
      Kissl/GPR54 system and TSH-DIO2/DIO3 system were reviewed.

PMID- 22049682
TI  - [Molecular biological study on hormones in Acipenseriformes].
AB  - Sturgeons belong to the Acipenseriformes, which provide an ideal model for
      evolutionary studies due to their unique characters. At present, many species of
      Acipenseriformes are very rare and near extinct. It is urgent to protect these
      species. However, data on molecular mechanisms of their growth and reproduction
      regulation are still limited. Hormones are important factors involved in these
      processes. In this paper, we summarized recent research progresses in the
      hormones in sturgeon, which will provide valuable information for further studies
      on molecular mechanisms of growth, sexual development, and reproduction
      regulation in Acipenseriformes.

PMID- 22049683
TI  - [DNA methylation in Drosophila, a review of recent studies].
AB  - DNA methylation is a key mechanism underlying epigenetic regulation. Fruit fly
      has been considered as a free DNA methylation organism until recently a few
      studies demonstrated that genomic methylated DNA is prevalent during the early
      embryonic development; but the overall methylation level in Drosophila is lower
      than in vertebrates and plants. The putative genomic DNA methylation systerm in
      Drosophila contains a methyltransferase termed dDNMT2 and a methyl-binding
      protein dMBD2/3. dDNMT2 shows significant homology to the mammalian
      methyltransferases DNMT2 family, and dMBD2/3 encodes a protein with distinct
      homology to mammalian methyl-binding proteins MBD2 and MBD3. Some studies also
      indicated that methylation pattern varies among different species of Drosophila.
      This article summarizes the recent progresses in studies of DNA methylation in
      Drosophila.

PMID- 22049684
TI  - [Screening of mutations in SOD1 gene and analysis of genotype-phenotype
      correlation in Chinese patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis].
AB  - In this study, we screened for the Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1) mutations in
      8 probands who had been clinically diagnosed with familiar amyotrophic lateral
      sclerosis (FALS) using PCR and direct sequencing. Two known mutations were
      detected in the three probands. Two probands carried the same Cys111Tyr (c.332G >
      A) mutation in exon 4, and others carried Gly147Asp (c.440G > A) mutation in exon
      5. These two mutations were first reported in the Chinese ALS patients. After
      reviewing all clinical data of these three pedigrees, we found that Cys111Tyr led
      to a relatively mild phenotype and Gly147Asp displayed a rapidly progression,
      which needs to be confirmed by further study in more ALS patients. In conclusion,
      this study extends the spectrum of SOD1 mutations in the Chinese FALS patients
      and facilitates to investigate characteristics and distribution of SOD1 mutations
      in the Chinese population.

PMID- 22049685
TI  - [Correlation analysis between meiotic recombination frequencies and age in human
      spermatocyte].
AB  - Faithful meiotic recombination is essential for the segregation of homologous
      chromosomes and the formation of normal haploid gametes. Little is known about
      the mechanism of meiotic recombination in human germ cells. MLHl (a DNA mismatch
      repair protein) foci on synaptonemal complexes (SCs) at prophase I of meiosis can
      be used to examine recombination frequency. In 10 fertile men, the mean number of
      MLH1 foci per cell in all donors was 49.4 with a range from 33 to 63. There was
      significant variation in the recombination frequency found among 10 normal
      individuals: the mean frequencies of chromosomal recombination foci ranged from
      47 to 52.7. The bivalents without recombination focus were rare, with a frequency
      of only 0.4%. Thus, achiasmate chromosomes appeared to be rare in human male
      meiosis. Spearman correlation analysis between age and the frequencies of
      recombination foci failed to get any significantly statistical correlation,
      suggesting that aging contributes nothing to the variation among individuals.

PMID- 22049686
TI  - [The gene ontology and electro localization of ovine skin derived EST-SSR
      markers].
AB  - Abstract: In order to study the potential gene function of ovine EST-SSR markers,
      nine original EST of Ovine Skin Derived polymorphic EST-SSR loci, which were
      developed in an early study by our lab, were ontology annotated and Electro
      localized. The results revealed that the original ESTs of the six loci had high
      homology with known genes and three of them probably played an important role in
      wool traits. Compared with its cDNA library, 8 loci were located on chromosomes
      of cattle. The homology of chromosomes between cattle and sheep was estimated
      based on the similarity coefficients calculated by positioning markers.
      Additionally, NJ clustering tree was establishedto serve for electro localization
      of ovine EST-SSR markers. Finally, 8 EST-SSR markers were successfully positioned
      on ovine chromosomes. The results from this study not only provide references for
      further studies on genetic mapping, in silico cloning of key genes for wool
      traits, but also are helpful to the researchs of chromosome evolution in animal.

PMID- 22049687
TI  - [Studies on SNP and genomic imprinting of the PEG1 gene in swine].
AB  - PEG1 affects animal embryo growth and maternal behavior. The paternal allele
      specific expression of PEG1 was reported in most animal species, but the
      expressive pattern of PEG1 was not clear in piglets born. In order to investigate
      the imprinting pattern of PEG1 in pig, 166 samples were used to SNP of PEG1 from
      Landrace, Yorkshire, and Lantang breeds by PCR-SSCP. Single nucleotide
      polymorphism (SNP) of PEG1 in exon 12 was identfied. The genotype frequency and
      the expressive pattern were anslyzed in swine by RT-PCR-RFLP/SSCP. One SNP (a G-
      >A transition) was identified in exon 12 of PEG1. Maternal expression of PEG1
      exon 12 was observed in all major organs (stomach, thymus, pancreas, spleen,
      lung, muscle, liver, tongue, kidney, brain, bladder, and heart) and placenta of
      three heterozygous pigs. PEG1 was paternally expressed and maternally imprinted
      in swine.

PMID- 22049688
TI  - [Polymorphism in coding region of pig PRDX6 gene and its genetic effects
      analysis].
AB  - PRDX6, a member of antioxidant protein superfamily, plays an important role in
      oxidative stress, catabolism of lipids and phospholipid lipisomes. Therefore, we
      used PRDX6 as an important candidate gene for meat quality according to its
      physiological and biochemical function. Partial coding sequence of porcine PRDX6
      was isolated and two potenial SNPs, one at 417 bp (C/T) and the other at 423 bp
      (A/G), were found in the fourth exon by comparison of the obtained sequence from
      different pig breeds. In order to explore the relationship between PRDX6
      polymorphism and meat quality, genetic variation and trait association of these
      two SNPs were separately performed in 6 purebred pig population and 247 F2 "Large
      White x Meishan" resource population by pyrosequencing. The results showed that
      allele C was predominant in western pig breeds, while allele T was predominant in
      Chinese indigenous breeds at 417 bp (C/T). This SNP was significantly associated
      with the intramuscular fat and water moisture (P < 0.05). The A/G mutation at 423
      bp was significantly associated with drip water rate, water holding capacity,
      intramuscular fat, and water moisture (P < 0.05). Allele A was predominant in
      western pig breeds, while allele G was predominant in Chinese indigenous breeds.
      These two SNPs were likely to be important markers affecting meat quality traits
      (especially the muscle tenderness).

PMID- 22049689
TI  - [TSA improve transgenic porcine cloned embryo development and transgene
      expression].
AB  - Uncompleted epigenetic reprogramming is attributed to the low efficiency of
      producing transgenic cloned animals. Histone modification associated with
      epigenetics can directly influence the embryo development and transgene
      expression. Trichostatin A (TSA), as an inhibitor of histone deacetylase, can
      change the status of histone acetylation, improve somatic cell reprogramming, and
      enhance cloning efficiency. TSA prevents the chromatin structure from being
      condensed, so that transcription factor could binds to DNA sequence easily and
      enhance transgene expression. Our study established the optimal TSA treatment on
      porcine donor cells and cloned embryos, 250 nmol/L, 24 h and 40 nmol/L, 24 h,
      respectively. Furthermore, we found that both the cloned embryo and the donor
      cell treated by TSA resulted in the highest development efficiency. Meanwhile,
      TSA can improve transgene expression in donor cell and cloned embryo. In summary,
      TSA can significantly improve porcine reconstructed embryo development and
      transgene expression.

PMID- 22049690
TI  - [shRNAs driven by K14 promoter induce tissue-specific RNA interference].
AB  - RNA interference is an efficient method for exploring gene function. Accumulating
      evidence suggests that RNA Pol II promoters can direct cell- or tissue-specific
      gene silencing. A eGFP-shRNA fusion construct transcribed from an RNA Pol II
      promoter (K14 promoter) was used to induce gene-specific shRNA silencing ofBMP4
      gene expression. Recombinant vectors (pEGFP-C1-shRNA, psiCHECK-BMP4, and pEGFP
      K14-shRNA) were constructed. Vectors pEGFP-C1-shRNA and psiCHECK-BMP4 were
      cotransfected into Hela cells (in vitro) and shRNA-induced inhibition efficiency
      was tested by a luciferase assay. The results showed that all the six
      interference sequences inhibited the expression of BMP4 with high efficiency
      (>60%), and the interference sequence 5# showed the highest efficiency. For in
      vivo screening of JB6-C41 cells transfected with vector pEGFP-K14-shRNA, the
      inhibition efficiency was assayed by quantitative RT-PCR and Western blotting
      analyses. The results showed that the mRNA and protein products of the exogenous
      BMP4 gene were efficiently and specifically inhibited. The efficiency of gene
      silencing was greater than 60%, except for sequence 3#. The declines in mRNA and
      protein expression levels were significantly correlated during gene silence by
      the shRNA. This system may be adapted for in vivo shRNA expression and gene
      silencing. This method may provide a novel approach for the application of RNAi
      technology in suppressing gene expression in the analysis of the mechanisms of
      hair follicle development in sheep.

PMID- 22049691
TI  - [Whole cDNA sequence cloning and expression of chicken L-FABP gene and its
      relationship with lipid deposition of hybrid chickens].
AB  - Liver fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP) is closely related to intracellular
      transportation and deposition of lipids. A positive differential displayed
      fragment was found in the liver tissue among Silkie (CC), CAU-brown chicken (CD),
      and their reciprocal hybrids (CD and DC) at 8 weeks-old using differential
      display RT-PCR techniques (DDRT-PCR). Through recycling, sequencing, and
      alignment analysis, the fragment was identified as chicken liver fatty acid
      binding protein gene (L-FABP, GenBank accession number AY321365). Reverse
      Northern dot blot and semi-quantitative RT-PCR revealed that the avian L-FABP
      gene was over-expressed in the liver tissue of the reciprocal hybrids (CD and DC)
      compared to their parental lines (CC and DD), which was consistent with the fact
      that higher abdomen fat weight and wider inter-muscular fat width observed in the
      reciprocal hybrids. Considering the higher expression of L-FABP may contribute to
      the increased lipid deposition in the hybrid chickens, the functional study of
      avian L-FABP is warranted in future.

PMID- 22049692
TI  - [Genetic potential analysis of six tilapia populations by microsatellite DNA
      markers].
AB  - Twenty five microsatellite loci were used to analyze two blue tilapia populations
      ["Xia'ao 1" (ZA), Guangxi population] and four nile tilapia populations [Egypt
      strain (ZN), 88 strain (XN), Guangxi population (GN), American strain (MN)]. A
      total of 7775 fragments ranging from 100 bp to 400 bp in length were obtained.
      Three to eight alleles were amplified in 25 loci and 143 alleles in all the six
      populations. The average number of alleles in each locus was 5.72. The average
      values of observed heterozygosity (Ho) ranged from 0.7253 to 0.8160, the average
      expected heterozygosity (He) ranged from 0.5146 to 0.6834, the average
      polymorphic information content (PIC) ranged from 0.4212 to 0.6105, and the
      number of average effective alleles (Ae) ranged from 2.20 to 3.23. The highest
      genetic similarity index was 0.9130 (between ZA and GA); and the lowest was
      0.4352 (between ZA and ZN). The results showed that the four nile tilapia
      populations contained a high level of genetic potential, and the two blue tilapia
      populations were moderate.

PMID- 22049693
TI  - [Bioinformatic prediction of conserved microRNAs and their target genes in
      eggplant (Solanum melongena L.)].
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a recently discovered class of small (-21nt), non-coding,
      endogenous, single-stranded RNAs in eukaryotes, regulate gene expression
      negatively at the post-transcriptional levels depending on the extent of
      complementation between miRNA and mRNA. To date, a large number of miRNAs have
      been reported in many species, but none for eggplant (Solanum melongena L.). In
      this paper, a computational homology search approach based on the conservation of
      miRNA sequences and the stem-loop hairpin secondary structures of miRNAs was
      adopted. The search was started with the known plant miRNAs compared to eggplant
      expressed sequence tags (EST) databases to find potential miRNAs. Following a
      range of filtering criteria, a total of 16 potential miRNAs belonging to 12
      families were identified. Three pairs of sense and antisense strand eggplant
      miRNAs belonging to three different miRNA families were also found. Furthermore,
      miR390 and miR399 sense/antisense pairs are identified for the first time in
      plants. Using online software psRNATarget, we further predicted the target genes
      of these 16 miRNAs and got 71 potential targets genes on base of 15 eggplant
      miRNAs. Most of these target genes were predicted to encode proteins that play
      key role in eggplant growth, development, metabolism, and stress responses.

PMID- 22049694
TI  - [Genome-wide analysis of the secreted proteins of phytophthora infestans].
AB  - Based on the Phytophthora infestans genome sequence, we used bioinformatics and
      computer-based prediction algorithms to predict the secreted proteins of P
      infestans in detail, which would help us to elucidate the molecular mechanism
      underlying the interaction between the host plants and the P infestans. In this
      study, the signal peptide prediction algorithms SignalP v3.0 and PSORT,
      transmembrane helix prediction algorithms TMHMM-2.0 and THUMBUP, GPI-anchoring
      site prediction algorithm big-PI Predictor, and subcellular protein location
      distribution algorithm TargetP v1.01 were used to analyze the 22658 protein
      sequences of P infestans published. Our results suggested that there might be 671
      secreted pro- teins, accounting for 3.0% of the total proteins. Among them, the
      functions of the 45 secreted proteins had been described previously. Their
      functions involved cellular metabolism and signal transduction etc. In addition,
      some of the secreted proteins were functionally similar to elicitin, which were
      likely to be associated with the virulence of P. infestans.

PMID- 22049695
TI  - [Research on the features of DNA methylation in leaves of different chronological
      ages of Phyllostachys heterocycla var. pubescens based on the method of MSAP].
AB  - In order to probe the features of DNA methylation for bamboo stand with different
      chronological ages, the technique of methylation-sensitive amplified polymorphism
      (MSAP) was employed to detect DNA methylation in the paper. Experiment material
      is Moso bamboo (Phyllostachys heterocycla var. pubescens) leaves with 3 various
      chronological ages (5, 31, and > 60 years after seed germination). During the
      procedure of genome DNA extration and MSAP analysis, total 35 pairs of MSAP
      primers were amplyfied. The results showed that MSAP value for bamboo with those
      three chronological ages were respectively 24.44%, 28.21% and 32.12%, and full
      methylation ratios were 16.57%, 19.41% and 21.23%. Meanwhile, the value of
      variable sites for methylation reached 52.3% and for demethylation was 10.3%.
      Therefore, it could be concluded that with ages increasing MSAP value rising for
      Moso bamboo. Moreover the result of variance analysis for methylation ratio
      indicated that no significant (P = 0.307 > 0.05) difference among individuals
      with the same ages, while significant (P < 0.001) difference exsited among
      different chronological ages. Throuygh ANOVA it showed that 6 pairs (E3/HM2,
      E3/HM6, E3/HM7, E4/HM5, E4/HM6 and E5/HM5) of primers had obvious influence on
      DNA methylation for ones with different chronological ages and could be used for
      further research.

PMID- 22049696
TI  - [Investigation on the integrative course of genetics and genomics].
AB  - Genomics is an important subdiscipline of genetics, and it forms a complete
      research system based on novel theories and techniques. Incorporating genomics in
      undergraduate curriculum is a response to the need of the development of
      genetics. The teaching of genomics has significant advantages on developing
      scientific thinking, enhances bioethics accomplishment, and professional
      interests in undergraduate students. The integration of genomics into genetics is
      in accordance with the principles of subject development and education. Related
      textbooks for undergraduate education are currently available in China, and it is
      feasible to set up a genetics and genomics integrative course by modifying
      teaching contents of the genetics course, selecting appropriate teaching
      approaches, and optimal application of the computer-assisted instruction.

PMID- 22049697
TI  - Gamma radiolysis of ceftriaxone sodium for water treatment: assessments of the
      activity.
AB  - As large quantities of antibiotics have been misused in human and veterinary
      medicine, many different classes of antibiotics with low concentration have been
      detected in the environmental water. This existence may cause severe ecosystem
      alterations. Ceftriaxone sodium was employed as the targeted antibiotic to
      evaluate gamma radiolysis of antibiotics based on the primary elimination test
      and activity assay. The decomposition percentage of ceftriaxone sodium (20
      microg/ml) in purified water increases with increasing doses and reaches 98%
      under 5 kGy of gamma radiation. The residual activity after gamma radiation does
      not follow the corresponding decomposition percentage of ceftriaxone sodium.
      Liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was subsequently employed to
      analyze possible structures of radiolytic products relating to the activity.
      Different degrees of the residual activity may attribute to different cleavage
      pathways of ceftriaxone sodium produced by radiation with different doses. The
      results indicate that the radiolytic treatment is a highly-effective means for
      degradation of ceftriaxone sodium, and the activity status of ceftriaxone sodium
      after primary elimination should be taken into consideration for selecting a
      degrading dose. Three kGy is the appropriate dose for radiolysis of ceftriaxone
      sodium in purified water.

PMID- 22049698
TI  - Biosorption of Methylene Blue onto spent corncob substrate: kinetics, equilibrium
      and thermodynamic studies.
AB  - This study focuses on the possible use of the spent corncob substrate (SCS), an
      agricultural waste used after the cultivation of white rot fungus Pleurotus
      ostreatus, to adsorb Methylene Blue (MB) from aqueous solutions. A batch
      adsorption study was carried out with variable solution pH, adsorption time,
      temperature and initial MB concentration. It was found that MB uptake was
      favorable at pH ranging from 4.0 to 12.0 and the equilibrium adsorption capacity
      can be reached promptly within about 180 min. The biosorption data were also
      calculated by the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm model.
      Thermodynamic parameters show that the adsorption is a spontaneous and
      endothermic process. The study highlighted a new pathway to develop potential low
      cost biosorbent for the removal of dye pollutants from wastewater.

PMID- 22049699
TI  - Removal of hexavalent chromium in soil and groundwater by supported nano zero
      valent iron on silica fume.
AB  - Silica fume supported-Fe(0) nanoparticles (SF-Fe(0)) were prepared using
      commercial silica fume as a support. The feasibility of using this SF-Fe(0) for
      reductive immobilization of Cr(VI) was investigated through batch tests. Compared
      with unsupported Fe(0), SF-Fe(0) was significantly more active in Cr(VI) removal
      especially in 84 wt% silica fume loading. Silica fume had also been found to
      inhibit the formation of Fe(III)/Cr(III) precipitation on Fe nanoparticles'
      surface, which was increasing the deactivation resistance of iron. Cr(VI) was
      removed through physical adsorption of Cr(VI) onto the SF-Fe(0) surface and
      subsequent reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III). The rate of reduction of Cr(VI) could
      be expressed by pseudo first-order reaction kinetics. The rate constant increased
      with the increase in iron loading but decreased with the increase in initial
      Cr(VI) concentration. Furthermore, column tests showed that the SF-Fe(0) could be
      readily transported in model soil.

PMID- 22049700
TI  - Lab scale study on electrocoagulation defluoridation process optimization along
      with aluminium leaching in the process and comparison with full scale plant
      operation.
AB  - An excess or lack of fluoride in drinking water is harmful to human health.
      Desirable and permissible standards of fluoride in drinking water are 1.0 and 1.5
      mg/L, respectively, as per Indian drinking water quality standards i.e., BIS
      10500, 1991. In this paper, the performance of an electro-coagulation
      defluoridation batch process with aluminium electrodes was investigated.
      Different operational conditions such as fluoride concentration in water, pH and
      current density were varied and performance of the process was examined.
      Influence of operational conditions on (i) electrode polarization phenomena, (ii)
      pH evolution during electrolysis and (iii) the amount of aluminium released
      (coagulant) was investigated. Removal by electrodes is primarily responsible for
      the high defluoridation efficiency and the adsorption by hydroxide aluminium floc
      provides secondary effect. Experimental data obtained at optimum conditions that
      favored simultaneous mixing and flotation confirmed that concentrations lower
      than 1 mg/L could be achieved when initial concentrations were between 2 and 20
      mg/L. pH value was found to be an important parameter that affected fluoride
      removal significantly. The optimal initial pH range is between 6 and 7 at which
      effective defluoridation and removal efficiencies over 98% were achieved.
      Furthermore, experimental results prominently displayed that an increase in
      current density substantially reduces the treatment duration, but with increased
      residual aluminium level. The paper focuses on pilot scale defluoridation process
      optimization along with aluminium leaching and experimental results were compared
      with a full-scale plant having capacity of 600 liter per batch.

PMID- 22049701
TI  - Operational data of the Star City rainwater harvesting system and its role as a
      climate change adaptation and a social influence.
AB  - The Star City rainwater harvesting system (RWHS) was featured in the December,
      2008, issue of Water 21. The article highlighted that the RWHS has a 3,000 m3
      rainwater tank used in water saving, flood mitigation, and emergency response.
      Since then, many news media, public officials, and people from both South Korea
      and abroad have visited the RWHS. In this paper, two years of the system's
      operational data are presented and its role in short- and long-term climate
      change adaptation is investigated. The downstream sewer system has become safe
      for a 50-year rainfall without upgrading the existing sewer system, which was
      designed for a 10-year period. The 26,000 m3 of water saved has reduced the
      energy requirement of transferring water from a distant area. The success of the
      Star City RWHS has influenced 47 cities across South Korea, including Seoul, to
      enact regulations on rainwater management. It has shown that decentralized
      rainwater management can supplement the existing centralized system to ensure its
      safety.

PMID- 22049702
TI  - Low temperature biological phosphorus removal and partial nitrification in a
      pilot sequencing batch reactor system.
AB  - Partial nitrification and biological phosphorus removal appear to hold promise of
      a cost-effective and sustainable biological nutrient removal process. Pilot
      sequencing batch reactors (SBRs) were operated under anaerobic/aerobic
      configuration for 8 months. It was found that biological phosphorus removal can
      be achieved in an SBR system, along with the partial nitrification process.
      Sufficient volatile fatty acids supply was the key for enhanced biological
      phosphorus removal. This experiment demonstrated that partial nitrification can
      be achieved even at low temperature with high dissolved oxygen (>3 mg/L)
      concentration. Shorter solid retention time (SRT) for nitrite oxidizing bacteria
      (NOB) than for ammonia oxidizing bacteria due to the nitrite substrate limitation
      at the beginning of the aeration cycle was the reason that caused NOB wash-out.
      Controlling SRT should be the strategy for an SBR operated in cold climate to
      achieve partial nitrification. It was also found that the aerobic phosphorus
      accumulating organisms' P-uptake was more sensitive to nitrite inhibition than
      the process of anaerobic P-release.

PMID- 22049703
TI  - Inorganic greywater matrix impact on photocatalytic oxidation: does flocculation
      of TiO2 nanoparticles impair process efficiency?
AB  - This study was conducted in order to clarify whether photocatalyst flocculation-
      as observed in biologically pretreated greywater--contributes to photocatalytic
      oxidation (PCO) efficiency impairment. Aqueous solutions of tetraethyleneglycol
      dimethylether spiked with different inorganic salts in concentrations as found in
      biologically treated greywater were investigated with respect to TiO2
      flocculation and PCO mineralisation kinetics. Flocculation of the photocatalyst
      primarily depended on pH (which was affected by the salts) and how close pH was
      to the point of zero charge (PZC). Photocatalyst agglomeration was maximum at pH
      5.5. With salt concentrations >7 mmol L(-1), flocculation was strong even at pH
      far above PZC due to electric double layer compression. PCO rate constants were
      not unequivocally related to flocculation. Increasing pH was observed as the
      clearest factor deteriorating PCO efficiency. This was interpreted to result from
      impaired adsorbability of negatively charged oxidation intermediates as well as
      from enhanced CO2 absorption with increasing pH and subsequent formation of HCO3(
      ) anions which are OH radical scavengers.

PMID- 22049704
TI  - Degradation of methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) in water by glow discharge plasma.
AB  - This study evaluated the ability of the glow discharge plasma (GDP) technique to
      degrade methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) in an aqueous solution. The results showed
      that a large amount of hydrogen peroxide and highly active *OH free radicals were
      produced during the treatment. Various experimental parameters including
      discharge current, initial MTBE concentration and initial pH played significant
      roles on MTBE degradation. In addition, Fe2+ had a catalytic effect on the
      degradation of MTBE, which is potentially attributable to the reaction between
      Fe3+ and the hydrated electron. It was also confirmed that GDP was comparable to
      electrocatalytic oxidation and high-density plasma and more efficient than
      photocatalytic degradation techniques. These results suggest that GDP may become
      a competitive MTBE wastewater treatment technology.

PMID- 22049705
TI  - Pervaporative removal of acrylonitrile from aqueous streams through
      polydimethylsiloxane membrane.
AB  - This study describes the successful separation of acrylonitrile (ACN) from dilute
      aqueous streams using pervaporation process. The influences of ACN feed
      concentration, permeate pressure, operating temperature, feed flow rate and
      membrane thickness on the membrane separation performance were investigated. The
      results showed that with an increase in ACN concentration in the feed solution,
      the permeation flux of ACN increased while the enrichment factor decreased. It
      was also indicated that increasing the permeate pressure reduced the driving
      force for mass transfer and consequently the permeation flux dropped while the
      enrichment factor enhanced. Polydimethylsiloxane membranes used in this study
      showed very good properties in the separation process, leading to enrichment
      factors in the range of 70-140. Furthermore, the activation energy for
      pervaporation of both ACN and water calculated from Arrhenius plot indicated that
      the permeation of water through the membrane was more temperature dependant than
      ACN.

PMID- 22049706
TI  - Synthesis and structure-activity study of quaternary ammonium functionalized beta
      cyclodextrin-carboxymethylcellulose polymers.
AB  - Carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) and beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD)-based polymers
      functionalized with two types of quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs), the
      alkaquat DMB-451 (N-alkyl (50% C14, 40% C12, 10% C10) dimethylbenzylammonium
      chloride) (DMD-451) named polymer DMB-451, and FMB 1210-8 (a blend of 32 w% N
      alkyl (50% C14, 40% C12, 10% C10) dimethylbenzylammonium chloride and 48 w% of
      didecyldimethylammonium chloride) named polymer FMB 1210-8, were synthethized and
      characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The antimicrobial
      activities of these polymers against Eschericia coli were also evaluated at 25
      degrees C in wastewater. The results have indicated that the polymer FMB 1210-8
      possesses a high-affinity binding with bacterial cells that induces a rapid
      disinfection process. Moreover, in the same experimental conditions of
      disinfection (mixture of 1.0 g of polymer and 100 mL of wastewater), the polymer
      FMB 1210-8 has a higher antimicrobial efficiency (99.90%) than polymer DMB-451
      (92.8%). This phenomenon might be associated to a stronger interaction with
      bacterial cells due to stronger binding affinity for E. coli cells and greater
      killing efficiency of the C10 alkyl chains QAC of polymer FMB 1210-8 to disrupt
      the bacterial cell membrane as compared to N-alkyl (50% C14, 40% C12, 10% C10)
      dimethylbenzylammonium chloride. Together, these results suggest that the polymer
      FMB 1210-8 could constitute a good disinfectant against Escherichia coli, which
      could be advantageously used in wastewater treatments due to the low toxicity of
      beta-CD and CMC, and moderated toxicity of FMB 1210-8 to human and environment.

PMID- 22049707
TI  - Research of waste dump water mutagenicity of bacterial detection system SOS
      chromotest.
AB  - The paper deals with a possible use of the bacterial detection system of SOS
      chromotest to test mutagenicity of waste dump water checking the mutagenicity
      degree on real samples from Praksice waste dump, which is a controlled waste dump
      with mixed industrial, municipal and inert wastes. The waste dump surface water
      samples were taken from a no-name influent stream springing below the waste dump
      body between 2005 and 2009. After metabolic activation by microsomal fraction in
      vitro, medium to high mutagenicity was registered in all the samples. The SOS
      chromotest is assessed as an effective and economically acceptable method to
      check and determine the mutagenicity degree of contaminated water.

PMID- 22049708
TI  - Dynamics of nitrogen oxides emission from a full-scale sludge liquor treatment
      plant with nitritation.
AB  - Biological treatment in wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) is a source of
      nitrogen oxides (N2O, NO and NO2) emitted to the atmosphere. Aerobic ammonia
      oxidising bacteria (AOB) have been suggested to be the main source of these
      emissions. In a full-scale sludge liquor treatment plant at Sjolunda WWTP, it was
      shown that significant emissions of N2O, NO and NO2 do occur. The plant is
      operated with nitritation alone, which gives an environment enriched in aerobic
      AOB. During normal operation, emissions of N2O, NO and NO2 were found to be 3.8%,
      0.06% and 0.01% of the ammonium nitrogen load. The N2O emissions were larger than
      the recommended estimated figure of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
      (IPCC) for a complete wastewater treatment plant. The N2O emissions correlated
      positively with the length of the previous anoxic period, i.e., settling and
      decantation, and with the ammonium oxidation rate. The NO and NO2 emission
      profiles were similar and dependent on ammonium oxidation and DO level, but the
      NO2 concentrations were always lower.

PMID- 22049709
TI  - Screening optimisation for indirect potable reuse.
AB  - An automatic backflush pre-filter used for pre-treatment for secondary wastewater
      re-use was evaluated and optimised at two different mesh sizes over an 18 month
      period. The filter was initially run with a 500 microm rating mesh size, as
      recommended by the supplier of the downstream membrane filtration process, and
      then at 100 microm to investigate any change in water quality produced and
      associated improved membrane performance. With the 500 microm mesh in place, the
      filter fouling rate was low and a backflush was initiated every 3.5 h. For the
      100 microm mesh the fouling rate was extremely rapid. Fouling was found to be
      caused by reverse side blockage of the pre-filter due to biofilm growth, and not
      by improved solids capture; there was no improvement in water quality with the
      smaller mesh size, since particle unloading from the biofilm took place. The pre
      filter fouling rate was found to be related to turbidity. At a turbidity of 5 NTU
      the filter backflushed around 200 times per day, while at 10 NTU this increased
      to over 300 times. Further analysis enabled the backflush water volume to be
      decreased by reducing the backflush duration and increasing the backflush cycle
      time (i.e. the time between backflushes).

PMID- 22049710
TI  - Impact of Microcystis aeruginosa on membrane fouling in a biologically treated
      effluent.
AB  - Microcystis aeruginosa was cultured in biologically treated municipal effluent to
      simulate blue-green algal bloom conditions in a treatment lagoon. The effect of
      algae in the early, mid and late phases of growth on membrane fouling, chemical
      coagulation (alum or aluminium chlorohydrate (ACH)) and hydraulic cleaning on the
      microfiltration of this effluent was investigated. The effect of M. aeruginosa in
      the early phase was negligible and gave a similar flux profile and permeate
      volume to that of effluent alone. The increase in M. aeruginosa concentration for
      the mid and late phases caused a significant reduction in permeate volume
      compared with the early phase. Full flux recovery was achieved with an alum dose
      of 1 mg Al3+ L(-1) (early phase) and 10 mg Al3+ L(-1) (mid phase), demonstrating
      that membrane fouling was hydraulically reversible. For the late phase, the
      highest flux recovery was 89%, which was achieved with an alum dose of 5 mg Al3+
      L(-1). Higher alum dosages resulted in a reduction in flux recovery. The use of
      1.5 pm pre-filtration after alum treatment showed little improvement in water
      quality but led to a drastic reduction in flux recovery, which was attributed to
      diminishing the protective layer on the membrane surface, thus enabling internal
      fouling. The performance of ACH was comparable to alum at low dissolved organic
      carbon (DOC) and cell concentration, but was not as effective as alum at high DOC
      and cell concentration due to the formation of more compact ACH flocs, which
      resulted in a higher cake layer specific resistance, leading to the deterioration
      of performance.

PMID- 22049711
TI  - The dissolution characteristics of calcium sulfide and utilization as a
      precipitation agent in acidic wastewater effluent treatment.
AB  - The dissolution characteristics of CaS in the presence of CO2 has been
      investigated by monitoring sulfide speciation, solution conductivity and pH
      during dissolution. The sulfide speciation associated with CaS dissolution was
      utilized for metal precipitation from acidic wastewater effluents. The mechanism
      involved in the dissolution process was observed to be pH-dependent,
      characterized by increased solution conductivity as the HS(-) species becomes
      dominant in solution in the form of the Ca(HS)2 complex. The replacement of HS(-)
      by CO3(2-) in the Ca(HS)2 complex triggered CaCO3 precipitation and H2S stripping
      and this was characterized by decreased solution pH and conductivity. The sulfide
      to total metal molar ratio was observed to have an effect on the pH and therefore
      sulfide speciation as well as extent of metal removal. The utilization of CaS in
      the treatment of acidic wastewater effluents demonstrated complete metal removal,
      with the potential of a pH-controlled selective metal removal and recovery.

PMID- 22049712
TI  - Retrofitting a stormwater retention pond using a deflector island.
AB  - Stormwater retention ponds are one of the principal methods to treat stormwater
      runoff. Analysis of residence time distribution (RTD) curves can be used to
      evaluate the capability of these ponds for sediment removal. Deflector islands
      have been suggested as a means of improving the performance of retention ponds,
      due to their diffusing the inlet jet. In this study, the effect of an island on
      retention pond performance was investigated using a physical model of an existing
      stormwater retention pond. The physical model is a trapezoidal pond having top
      dimensions 4.1 x 1.5 x 0.23 m and side slopes of 2:1 (h:v). Three different
      arrangements were studied. The results show that placing an island to deflect the
      influent to a stormwater retention pond does not improve pond performance, rather
      it stimulates short-circuiting. This unexpected behaviour, in relation to
      previous studies, is considered to be a consequence of the model pond
      incorporating sloping walls; which is a novel aspect of this paper.

PMID- 22049713
TI  - Development of headspace-gas chromatography-flame ionization detection procedure
      to determine volatile fatty acids in zoo organic waste leachates.
AB  - In order to determine volatile fatty acids (short chain monocarboxylic acids with
      2 to 6 carbon atoms in a molecule) in leachates formed in organic waste piles a
      procedure based on static headspace (HS) coupled with gas chromatography (GC)
      have been proposed and optimized. The conditions of HS extraction and sample
      introduction into a gas chromatograph as well as of chromatographic separation
      were considered. Using flame ionization detection LODs were of the order of 0.02
      0.37 mg/L. The analyzed leachate collecting on and close to a zoo organic waste
      pile contained VFAs (Volatile Fatty Acids) at a concentration ranging from 5.5
      mg/L to 0.88 g/L and from below LOD to 10.1 mg/L for pool water at some distance
      from the pile, respectively.

PMID- 22049714
TI  - The fate of 14C-radiolabelled diclofenac and 4'-hydroxydiclofenac in membrane
      bioreactor treatment of wastewater.
AB  - This study aimed at enhancing knowledge on the fate of diclofenac (DF), together
      with its main human metabolite 4'-hydroxydiclofenac (4'OHDF), during wastewater
      treatment by using a laboratory-scale membrane bioreactor (MBR). The reactor was
      fed continuously with non-radiolabelled diclofenac for a one month period prior
      to a single pulse of a 14C-radiolabelled solution of DF and 4'OHDF. The solution
      spike contained approximately 25% 4'OHDF and 65% DF, which corresponds to the
      ratio observed in municipal sewage, as well as traces of two other metabolites.
      The radioactivity was monitored for a total of twelve days in the various output
      streams. The calculation of the complete mass balance in the system demonstrated
      that the major part of the radioactivity left the reactor with the permeate
      (88.7%), while 2.1% was recovered in the excess sludge. Negligible amounts were
      recovered in the off-gas traps and on the membranes. Chromatographic analyses of
      effluent samples, by means of HPLC-MS coupled in parallel to a radiodetector,
      displayed a different pattern than the one of the spiked solution. It showed the
      occurrence of three additional metabolites.

PMID- 22049715
TI  - Evaluation of the pollution load discharged at an upstream industry--Egypt--and
      methods for its reduction.
AB  - Oil exploration in Egypt is a major contributor to the national Gross Domestic
      Product (GDP). With 50-65% of the oil resources located in the Gulf of Suez (GoS)
      region, the impact of such activity upon the region's water environment and its
      quality cannot be overlooked because of the volume of effluent generated. The
      objective of this study (September 2000-September 2001) was to assess the impact
      of a 650,000 barrels/day (bl/d) (100,000 m3/d) effluent arising from a major oil
      exploration site located south of GoS upon the local water environment. Another
      objective was to identify the pollutant contents amenable for reduction relative
      to the new Egyptian regulations. This was achieved by the characterization of the
      main contributing streams and the identification of the final effluent parameter
      constraints relative to the type of injection waters used. Subsequent
      investigations for the reduction of these contents were conducted on site and the
      results obtained are reviewed herewith.

PMID- 22049716
TI  - Electro-thermal treatment optimization of high concentration ammonia nitrogen by
      gaseous oxidation in liquid phase (GOLP).
AB  - This study is focused on optimizing the treatment parameters for high
      concentration ammonia using gaseous oxidation in liquid phase (GOLP). The
      conversion of ammonia was achieved electrothermally over mono-crystalline silicon
      supported CoOx catalyst. The experimental results demonstrated that factors
      including the co-anions, pH of the solutions, air flowrate and the current showed
      apparent influences on the ammonia removal. The higher the Cl(-) concentration
      and/or current, the better the efficiency of ammonia degradation. The increase of
      the air flowrate would increase the ammonia removal accordingly. And it was also
      observed that the pH declined during the ammonia conversion, and the neutral and
      alkaline pH were beneficial to the ammonia removal. The preliminary cost analysis
      based on lab data was also provided for future reference.

PMID- 22049717
TI  - Fouling cake layer in a submerged anaerobic membrane bioreactor treating saline
      wastewaters: curse or a blessing?
AB  - The treatment of inhibitory (saline) wastewaters is known to produce considerable
      amounts of soluble microbial products (SMPs), and this has been implicated in
      membrane fouling; the fate of these SMPs was of considerable interest in this
      work. This study also investigated the contribution of SMPs to membrane fouling
      of the; (a) cake layer/biofilm layer, (b) the compounds below the biofilm/cake
      layer and strongly attached to the surface of the membrane, (c) the compounds in
      the inner pores of the membrane, and (d) the membrane. It was found that the
      cake/biofilm layer was the main reason for fouling of the membrane.
      Interestingly, the bacteria attached to the cake/biofilm layer showed higher
      biodegradation rates compared with the bacteria in suspension. Moreover, the
      bacteria attached to the cake layer showed higher amounts of attached
      extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) compared with the bacteria in suspension,
      possibly due to accumulation of the released EPS from suspended biomass in the
      cake/biofilm layer. Molecular weight (MW) analysis of the effluent and reactor
      bulk showed that the cake layer can retain a large fraction of the SMPs in the
      reactor and prevent them from being released into the effluent. Hence, while cake
      layers lead to lower fluxes in submerged anaerobic membrane bioreactors (SAMBRS),
      and hence higher costs, they can improve the quality of the reactor effluent.

PMID- 22049718
TI  - Opportunities for public water utilities in the market of energy from water.
AB  - An inventory is made of the possibilities to recover sustainable energy from the
      water cycle by identifying different water flows in a municipal environment as a
      sustainable energy source. It is discussed what role public water utilities
      should play in the market of energy from water. This is done for Waternet, the
      public water utility of Amsterdam, by describing experiences on two practical
      applications for aquifer thermal energy storage and energy recovery from drinking
      water. The main conclusion is that public water utilities can substantially
      contribute to the production of sustainable energy, especially by making use of
      heat and cold from the water cycle. Public water utilities have the opportunity
      to both regulate and enter the market for energy from water.

PMID- 22049719
TI  - Blending anaerobic co-digestates: synergism and economics.
AB  - Co-digestion is the process in which wastes from various sources are treated
      together. Therefore, more organic carbon is added to make efficient use of
      existing digesters. The objectives of this study were to compare potential co
      digestates, determine synergistic and antagonistic co-digestion outcomes and
      estimate economic benefits for preliminary screening. Over 80 wastes were
      identified from 54 facilities within 160 km of an existing municipal digester.
      Synergistic, antagonistic and neutral co-digestion outcomes were observed for the
      various wastes. A simple economic comparison resulted in the greatest potential
      benefits for four co-digestates: yeast flavorings production waste, meat
      production dissolved air flotation float, acid whey from cheese production and
      thin stillage from corn ethanol production. Performance was investigated using
      bench-scale digesters receiving primary sludge with and without co-digestates.
      Methane production rates were 105 and 66% higher when co-digestates were present,
      but were anticipated to increase only 57 and 23% due to the additional chemical
      oxygen demand. Therefore, significant synergistic outcomes were observed during
      co-digestion. Co-digestion of the most promising wastes with primary sludge in
      full scale was estimated to generate enough electricity to power more than 2,500
      houses.

PMID- 22049720
TI  - Effect of pH on nitrate and selenate reduction in flue gas desulfurization brine
      using the H2-based membrane biofilm reactor (MBfR).
AB  - Increased tightening of air regulations is leading more electric utilities to
      install flue gas desulfurization (FGD) systems. These systems produce brine
      containing high concentrations of nitrate, nitrite, and selenate which must be
      removed before discharge. The H2-based membrane biofilm reactor (MBfR) was shown
      to consistently remove nitrate, nitrite, and selenate at high efficiencies. The
      maximum selenate removal flux reached 362 mgSe m(-2)d(-1) and was higher than
      that observed in earlier research, which shows continual improvement of the
      biofilm for selenate reduction. A low pH of 6.8 inhibited precipitation when
      treating actual FGD brine, yet did not inhibit removal. SO4(2-) was not removed
      and therefore did not compete with nitrate, nitrite, and selenate reduction for
      the available H2.

PMID- 22049721
TI  - Integrated constructed wetlands: water management as a land-use issue,
      implementing the 'Ecosystem Approach'.
AB  - Awareness of the need for social, economic and environmental coherence in the
      management of water is becoming evermore apparent. Water supply as well as
      treatment is becoming more costly; a challenge that is not only limited to
      developing countries. The use of wetlands, natural and constructed, is now more
      widely accepted as a means of tackling a range of problems in water management to
      deliver this coherence. The use of 16 Integrated Constructed Wetlands that mimic
      shallow, emergent-vegetated, palustrine wetlands in a 2,500 ha catchment in
      County Waterford, Southeast Ireland, has shown a number of distinct advantages in
      implementing the all encompassing 'Ecosystem Approach', addressing the key
      elements for sustainable water management in an intensively used agricultural
      area. The significant increase in water quality, biodiversity, social amenities
      and acceptance by the local rural community provided by this 'real' field-scale
      demonstration show the benefits that such a joined-up approach can have on
      catchment management in the widest sense.

PMID- 22049722
TI  - Effect of polyaluminium chloride on phosphorus removal in constructed wetlands
      treated with swine wastewater.
AB  - Total phosphorus (TP) removal in aged constructed wetlands poses a challenge,
      especially when treated with swine wastewater with high concentrations of
      phosphorus (P). Our earlier studies with anaerobic lagoon swine wastewater
      treatment in constructed wetlands showed a decline in P removal (45-22%) with
      increased years of operation. These particular wetlands have been treated with
      swine wastewater every year since the first application in 1997. Preliminary lab
      scale studies were conducted to evaluate the efficiency of polyaluminium chloride
      (PAC) in the removal of phosphate-P (PO4-P) from swine wastewater. The
      experimental objective was to increase the phosphorus treatment efficiency in
      constructed wetland by adding PAC as a precipitating agent. PAC was added by
      continuous injection to each wetland system at a rate of 3 L day(-1) (1:5
      dilution of concentrated PAC). Swine wastewater was added from an anaerobic
      lagoon to four constructed wetland cells (11m wide x 40m long) at TP loads of 5.4
      6.1 kg ha(-1) day(-1) in two experimental periods, September to November of 2008
      and 2009. Treatment efficiency of two wetland systems: marsh-pond-marsh (M-P-M)
      and continuous marsh (CM) was compared. The wetlands were planted with cattails
      (Typha latifolia L.) and bulrushes (Scirpus americanus). In 2008, PAC treatment
      showed an increase of 27.5 and 40.8% of TP removal over control in M-P-M and CM
      respectively. Similar trend was also observed in the following year. PAC as a
      flocculant and precipitating agent showed potential to enhance TP removal in
      constructed wetlands treated with swine wastewater.

PMID- 22049723
TI  - Application of PTFE membrane for ammonia removal in a membrane contactor.
AB  - The feasibility of a membrane contactor system for ammonia removal was studied.
      The mass transfer coefficient was used to quantitatively compare the effect of
      various operation conditions on ammonia removal efficiency. Effective removal of
      ammonia was possible with a Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) membrane contactor
      system at all tested conditions. Among the various operation parameters, contact
      time and solution pH showed significant effect on the ammonia removal mechanism.
      The overall ammonia removal rate was not affected by influent suspended solution
      concentration unlike other pressure driven membrane filtration processes. Also
      the osmotic distillation phenomena which deteriorate the mass transfer efficiency
      can be minimized by preheating of influent wastewater. A membrane contactor
      system can be a possible alternative to treat high strength nitrogen wastewater
      by optimizing operation conditions such as stripping solution flow rate, influent
      wastewater temperature, and influent pH.

PMID- 22049724
TI  - Estimated costs of implementation of membrane processes for on-site greywater
      recycling.
AB  - Greywater reuse inside buildings is a possible way to preserve water resources
      and face up to water scarcity. This study is focused on a technical-economic
      analysis of greywater treatment by a direct nanofiltration (NF) process or by a
      submerged membrane bioreactor (SMBR) for on-site recycling. The aim of this paper
      is to analyse the cost of recycled water for two different configurations (50 and
      500 inhabitants) in order to demonstrate the relevance of the implementation of
      membrane processes for greywater recycling, depending on the production capacity
      of the equipment and the price of drinking water. The first step was to define a
      method to access the description of the cost of producing recycled water. The
      direct costs were defined as a sum of fixed costs due to equipment, maintenance
      and depreciation, and variable costs generated by chemical products and
      electricity consumptions. They were estimated from an experimental approach and
      from data found in literature, enabling operating conditions for greywater
      recycling to be determined. The cost of treated water by a SMBR unit with a
      processing capacity of 500 persons is close to 4.40 euros m(-3), while the cost
      is 4.81 euros m(-3) with a NF process running in the same conditions. These costs
      are similar to the price of drinking water in some European countries.

PMID- 22049725
TI  - Development of a screening method to assess flood risk on danish national roads
      and highway systems.
AB  - A method to assess flood risk on Danish national roads in a large area in the
      middle and southern part of Jutland, Denmark, was developed for the Danish Road
      Directorate. Flood risk has gained renewed focus due to the climate changes in
      recent years and extreme rain events are expected to become more frequent in the
      future. The assessment was primarily based on a digital terrain model (DTM)
      covering 7,500 km2 in a 1.6 x 1.6 m grid. The high-resolution terrain model was
      chosen in order to get an accurate estimation of the potential flooding in the
      road area and in the immediate vicinity, but also put a high requirement on the
      methods, hardware and software applied. The outcome of the analysis was detailed
      maps (as GIS layers) illustrating the location of depressions with depths,
      surface area and volume data for each depression. Furthermore, preferential flow
      paths, catchment boundaries and ranking of each depression were calculated. The
      ranking was based on volume of depressions compared with upstream catchment and a
      sensitivity analysis of the runoff coefficient. Finally, a method for assessing
      flood risk at a more advanced level (hydrodynamic simulation of surface and
      drainage) was developed and used on a specific blue spot as an example. The case
      study shows that upstream catchment, depressions, drainage system, and use of
      hydrodynamic calculations have a great influence on the result. Upstream
      catchments can contribute greatly to the flooding.

PMID- 22049726
TI  - Quantification of increased flood risk due to global climate change for urban
      river management planning.
AB  - Global climate change is expected to affect future rainfall patterns. These
      changes should be taken into account when assessing future flooding risks. This
      study presents a method for quantifying the increase in flood risk caused by
      global climate change for use in urban flood risk management. Flood risk in this
      context is defined as the product of flood damage potential and the probability
      of its occurrence. The study uses a geographic information system-based flood
      damage prediction model to calculate the flood damage caused by design storms
      with different return periods. Estimation of the monetary damages these storms
      produce and their return periods are precursors to flood risk calculations. The
      design storms are developed from modified intensity-duration-frequency
      relationships generated by simulations of global climate change scenarios (e.g.
      CGCM2A2). The risk assessment method is applied to the Kanda River basin in
      Tokyo, Japan. The assessment provides insights not only into the flood risk cost
      increase due to global warming, and the impact that increase may have on flood
      control infrastructure planning.

PMID- 22049727
TI  - Samplinghelper a web-based tool to assess the reliability of sampling strategies
      in sewers and receiving waters.
AB  - Sampling is a key step in the analysis of chemical compounds. It is particularly
      important in the environmental field, for example for wastewater effluents, wet
      weather discharges or streams in which the flows and concentrations vary greatly
      over time. In contrast to the improvements that have occurred in analytical
      measurement, developments in the field of sampling are less active. However,
      sampling errors may exceed by an order of magnitude those related to analytical
      processes. We proposed an Internet-based application based on a sampling theory
      to identify and quantify the errors in the process of taking samples. This
      general theory of sampling, already applied to different areas, helps to answer
      questions related to the number of samples, their volume, their
      representativeness, etc. The use of the internet to host this application
      facilitates use of theoretical tools and raise awareness of the uncertainties
      related to sampling. An example is presented, which highlights the importance of
      the sampling step in the quality of analytical results.

PMID- 22049728
TI  - Assessing dry weather flow contribution in TSS and COD storm events loads in
      combined sewer systems.
AB  - Continuous high resolution long term turbidity measurements along with continuous
      discharge measurements are now recognised as an appropriate technique for the
      estimation of in sewer total suspended solids (TSS) and Chemical Oxygen Demand
      (COD) loads during storm events. In the combined system of the Ecully urban
      catchment (Lyon, France), this technique is implemented since 2003, with more
      than 200 storm events monitored. This paper presents a method for the estimation
      of the dry weather (DW) contribution to measured total TSS and COD event loads
      with special attention devoted to uncertainties assessment. The method accounts
      for the dynamics of both discharge and turbidity time series at two minutes time
      step. The study is based on 180 DW days monitored in 2007-2008. Three distinct
      classes of DW days were evidenced. Variability analysis and quantification showed
      that no seasonal effect and no trend over the year were detectable. The law of
      propagation of uncertainties is applicable for uncertainties estimation. The
      method has then been applied to all measured storm events. This study confirms
      the interest of long term continuous discharge and turbidity time series in sewer
      systems, especially in the perspective of wet weather quality modelling.

PMID- 22049729
TI  - Cementitious porous pavement in stormwater quality control: pH and alkalinity
      elevation.
AB  - A certain level of alkalinity acts as a buffer and maintains the pH value in a
      stable range in water bodies. With rapid urban development, more and more acidic
      pollutants flow to watersheds with runoff and drop alkalinity to a very low level
      and ultimately degrade the water environment. Cementitious porous pavement is an
      effective tool for stormwater acidic neutralization. When stormwater infiltrates
      cement porous pavement (CPP) materials, alkalinity and pH will be elevated due to
      the basic characteristics of cement concrete. The elevated alkalinity will
      neutralize acids in water bodies and maintain the pH in a stable level as a
      buffer. It is expected that CPP materials still have a certain capability of
      alkalinity elevation after years of service, which is important for CPP as an
      effective tool for stormwater management. However, few previous studies have
      reported on how CPP structures would elevate runoff alkalinity and pH after being
      exposed to rainfall-runoff for years. In this study, three groups of CPP
      specimens, all exposed to rainfall-runoff for 3 years, were used to test the pH
      and alkalinity elevation properties. It was found that runoff pH values were
      elevated from 7.4 to the range of 7.8-8.6 after infiltrating through the uncoated
      specimens, and from 7.4 to 8.5-10.7 after infiltrating through aluminum-coated
      specimens. Runoff alkalinity elevation efficiencies are 11.5-14.5% for uncoated
      specimens and 42.2% for coated specimens. The study shows that CPP is an
      effective passive unit operation for stormwater acid neutralization in our built
      environment.

PMID- 22049730
TI  - A performance evaluation of three membrane bioreactor systems: aerobic,
      anaerobic, and attached-growth.
AB  - Water sustainability is essential for meeting human needs for drinking water and
      sanitation in both developing and developed countries. Reuse, decentralization,
      and low energy consumption are key objectives to achieve sustainability in
      wastewater treatment. Consideration of these objectives has led to the
      development of new and tailored technologies in order to balance societal needs
      with the protection of natural systems. Membrane bioreactors (MBRs) are one such
      technology. In this investigation, a comparison of MBR performance is presented.
      Laboratory-scale submerged aerobic MBR (AMBR), anaerobic MBR (AnMBR), and
      attached-growth aerobic MBR (AtMBR) systems were evaluated for treating domestic
      wastewater under the same operating conditions. Long-term chemical oxygen demand
      (COD) and total organic carbon (TOC) monitoring showed greater than 80% removal
      in the three systems. The AnMBR system required three months of acclimation prior
      to steady operation, compared to one month for the aerobic systems. The AnMBR
      system exhibited a constant mixed liquor suspended solids concentration at an
      infinite solids retention time (i.e. no solids wasting), while the aerobic MBR
      systems produced approximately 0.25 g of biomass per gram of COD removed. This
      suggests a more economical solids management associated with the AnMBR system.
      Critical flux experiments were performed to evaluate fouling potential of the MBR
      systems. Results showed similar critical flux values between the AMBR and the
      AnMBR systems, while the AtMBR system showed relatively higher critical flux
      value. This result suggests a positive role of the attached-growth media in
      controlling membrane fouling in MBR systems.

PMID- 22049731
TI  - Constructed wetland as a low cost and sustainable solution for wastewater
      treatment adapted to rural settlements: the Chorfech wastewater treatment pilot
      plant.
AB  - The paper presents the detailed design and some preliminary results obtained from
      a study regarding a wastewater treatment pilot plant (WWTPP), serving as a
      multistage constructed wetland (CW) located at the rural settlement of 'Chorfech
      24' (Tunisia). The WWTPP implemented at Chorfech 24 is mainly designed as a
      demonstration of sustainable water management solutions (low-cost wastewater
      treatment), in order to prove the efficiency of these solutions working under
      real Tunisian conditions and ultimately allow the further spreading of the
      demonstrated techniques. The pilot activity also aims to help gain experience
      with the implemented techniques and to improve them when necessary to be
      recommended for wide application in rural settlements in Tunisia and similar
      situations worldwide. The selected WWTPP at Chorfech 24 (rural settlement of 50
      houses counting 350 inhabitants) consists of one Imhoff tank for pre-treatment,
      and three stages in series: as first stage a horizontal subsurface flow CW
      system, as second stage a subsurface vertical flow CW system, and a third
      horizontal flow CW. The sludge of the Imhoff tank is treated in a sludge
      composting bed. The performances of the different components as well as the whole
      treatment system were presented based on 3 months monitoring. The results shown
      in this paper are related to carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus removal as well as
      to reduction of micro-organisms. The mean overall removal rates of the Chorfech
      WWTPP during the monitored period have been, respectively, equal to 97% for total
      suspended solids and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), 95% for chemical oxygen
      demand, 71% for total nitrogen and 82% for P-PO4. The removal of E. coli by the
      whole system is 2.5 log units.

PMID- 22049732
TI  - Element patterns for particulate matter in stormwater effluent.
AB  - Particulate matter in stormwater deteriorates the quality of receiving water and
      sediment. Characterization of stormwater particulate matter by means of its
      particle-associated element pattern provides an aid to determining its impact on
      receiving surface waters. During a 6 month measurement campaign, we determined
      particle-associated concentrations of major pollutants and rare earths for three
      combined water/stormwater outlets in the town of Stassfurt. We differentiated the
      particle-associated constituents on the basis of a hierarchical cluster analysis.
      Repeating the cluster analysis on random subsets, we gained information about the
      variability of the element patterns between and within the sites. In general,
      constituents associated with sewage and sewer sediment behave differently
      compared with constituents associated with runoff. The degree to which
      associations can be established for element patterns from site to site is limited
      by the variability encountered within sample sets taken from individual sites.
      The latter variability depends on the complexity of the catchment.

PMID- 22049733
TI  - Multiphase modeling study for storm water solids treatment in experimental storm
      water settling chamber.
AB  - This study tests four different types of multiphase models to determine the most
      appropriate model for predicting the behaviors of various types of storm water
      solids in a settling chamber. The Lagrangian reference frame discrete phase
      models of uncoupled and coupled models based on the interaction between the
      discrete phase and the continuous phase were tested. The rigid moving objects
      model providing six degrees of freedom particle motion was also tested to model
      non-spherical particle motion. The fourth model was a sediment transport model
      using the Eulerian reference frame model. This study tested five different storm
      water solids consisting of bulk, gross, coarse, sediment and fine which are
      classified by particle size and settling characteristics. Particle settling
      efficiency and computational time were considered in determining the most
      appropriate multiphase model. The coupled model provided better solid settling
      than the uncoupled model, but required 8.2% more computational time in this
      study. The Eulerian model matched settling efficiency for the high density finer
      solids. Although the Eulerian model showed reliable settling prediction, the
      Lagrangian coupled model can be an effective alternative requiring significantly
      reduced computational time.

PMID- 22049734
TI  - Assessment of diffuser pressure loss on WWTPs in Baden-Wurttemberg.
AB  - Aeration of activated sludge is a critical treatment step for the operation of
      activated sludge plants. To achieve a cost effective treatment process, assessing
      and benchmarking of aeration system performance are important measures. A simple
      means of gauging the relative condition of a fine bubble diffused aeration system
      is to evaluate the pressure loss of the diffusers as oxygen transfer tests are
      rarely applied during the lifetime of an aeration system. This paper shows an
      assessment of fine bubble diffuser systems in Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany, based
      on the results of a questionnaire sent to 941 WWTPs. Apart from the results with
      regards to the diffuser pressure loss, this paper also presents information on
      the current state of diffuser technology such as types and materials as well as
      the diffuser cleaning methods used in Baden-Wurttemberg. The majority of the
      WWTPs were equipped with tube diffusers (71%) with 50% of all plants having EPDM
      membranes installed. Regular mechanical cleaning is the most common cleaning
      method followed by regular pressure release/air-bumping programs during
      operations. With regard to the diffuser pressure loss it was found that 50% of
      the evaluated plants had a diffuser pressure loss that was twice as high as
      measured for new diffusers.

PMID- 22049735
TI  - Oxygen transfer in activated sludge--new insights and potentials for cost saving.
AB  - The alpha-factor has the greatest impact on the calculation of the required
      standard oxygen transfer rate (SOTR) in activated sludge systems equipped with
      submerged aeration systems. Knowing the dependencies of the alpha-factor leads to
      a better design of the aeration devices and, consequently, to a more efficient
      use of aeration energy. Applying the current state of knowledge about oxygen
      transfer leads to the conclusion that, in contrast to current opinion,
      simultaneous aerobic stabilization requires the same SOTR as conventional
      activated sludge systems with advanced nutrient removal, even though a higher
      organic load is degraded.

PMID- 22049736
TI  - Effect of diffusional mass transfer on the performance of horizontal subsurface
      flow constructed wetlands in tropical climate conditions.
AB  - The effect of mass transfer on the removal rate constants of BOD5, NH3, NO3 and
      TKN has been investigated in a Horizontal Subsurface Flow Constructed Wetland
      (HSSFCW) planted with Phragmites mauritianus. The plug flow model was assumed and
      the inlet and outlet concentrations were used to determine the observed removal
      rate constants. Mass transfer effects were studied by assessing the influence of
      interstitial velocity on pollutant removal rates in CW cells of different widths.
      The flow velocities varied between 3-46 m/d. Results indicate that the observed
      removal rate constants are highly influenced by the flow velocity. Correlation of
      dimensionless groups namely Reynolds Number (Re), Sherwood Number (Sh) and
      Schmidt Number (Sc) were applied and log-log plots of rate constants against
      velocity yielded straight lines with values beta = 0.87 for BOD5, 1.88 for NH3,
      1.20 for NO3 and 0.94 for TKN. The correlation matched the expected for packed
      beds although the constant beta was higher than expected for low Reynolds
      numbers. These results indicate that the design values of rate constants used to
      size wetlands are influenced by flow velocity. This paper suggests the
      incorporation of mass transfer into CW design procedures in order to improve the
      performance of CW systems and reduce land requirements.

PMID- 22049737
TI  - Optimization of Fenton process for decoloration and COD removal in tobacco
      wastewater and toxicological evaluation of the effluent.
AB  - Decoloration and chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal in tobacco wastewater by
      Fenton process has been optimized under 25 +/- 2 degrees C. The results showed
      that the optimal range of conditions were pH 4.13-4.66, Fe(2+) 0.29-0.34 g/L and
      H2O2 > or = 2.73 g/L. Within this range, up to 95% of colour and 90% of COD was
      removed. In an enlarged system, setting the optimal conditions as pH 4.50, Fe(2+)
      0.34 g/L and H2O2 4.00 g/L, the colour removal rate was 96.03 +/- 2.57%, with COD
      removal rate of 93.30 +/- 2.92%. The residual COD of 73.67 +/- 19.70 mg/L in
      effluent had hit the State's first-class standard for the industrial discharge in
      China (< 100 mg/L COD, GB8978-1996). The ecological safety of Fenton process has
      also been evaluated. When reaction completed, the content of hydroxyl free
      radical (OH) was 3.26 +/- 0.44 mg/L. There was no inhibition of Fenton effluent
      in growth of Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas putida, Pseudomonas sp. HF-1,
      Acinetobacter sp. TW and Sphingomonas sp. TY. No oxidative stress was induced on
      strain HF-1 by Fenton effluent. Thus, Fenton process was one of high-efficiency
      and ecologically safe strategy for tobacco wastewater advanced treatment.

PMID- 22049738
TI  - Respirometric assays of two different MBR (microfiltration and ultrafiltration)
      to obtain kinetic and stoichiometric parameters.
AB  - A comparison of two different medium scale MBRs (ultrafiltration and
      microfiltration) using respirometric methods has been achieved. The
      ultrafiltration membrane plant (0.034 microm pore size) maintained recirculation
      sludge flow at seven times the influent flow, and membranes were backwashed every
      5 min and chemically cleaned weekly. The microfiltration membrane plant (0.4
      microm pore size) maintained recirculation sludge flow at four times the influent
      flow, membrane-relax was applied after the production phase and membranes were
      chemically cleaned in the event of high trans-membrane pressure. Both
      technologies showed a similar performance with regard to heterotrophic kinetic
      and stoichiometric parameters and organic matter effluent concentrations. The
      influent was characterized by means of its COD fractions and the average removal
      percentages for COD concentrations were around 97% for both plants in spite of
      influent COD fluctuation, temperature variations and sludge retention time (SRT)
      evolution. Both SRT evolution and temperature affect the heterotrophic yield
      (Y(H)) and the decay coefficient (bH) in the same range for both plants. Y(H)
      values of over 0.8 mg COD/mg COD were obtained during the unsteady periods, while
      under steady state conditions these values fell to less than 0.4 mg COD/mg COD.
      bH by contrast reached values of less than 0.05 d(-1).

PMID- 22049739
TI  - On-site evaluation of the removal of 100 micro-pollutants through advanced
      wastewater treatment processes for reuse applications.
AB  - The next challenge of wastewater treatment is to reliably remove micro-pollutants
      at the microgram per litre range in order to meet reuse applications and
      contribute to reach the good status of the water bodies. A hundred priority and
      relevant emerging substances were measured to evaluate at full-scale the removal
      efficiencies of seven advanced treatment lines (one membrane bioreactor process
      and six tertiary treatment lines) that were designed for reuse applications. To
      reliably compare the processes, specific procedures for micro-pollutants were
      applied for sampling, analysis and calculation of removal efficiencies. The
      membrane bioreactor process allowed to upgrade the removal efficiencies of about
      20% of the substances measured, especially those that were partially degraded
      during conventional processes. Conventional tertiary processes like high rate
      clarification, sand filtration and polishing pond achieved significant removal
      for some micro-pollutants, especially for adsorbable substances. Advanced
      tertiary processes, like ozonation, activated carbon and reverse osmosis were all
      very efficient to complete the removal of polar pesticides and pharmaceuticals;
      metals and less polar substances were better retained by reverse osmosis.

PMID- 22049740
TI  - Application of the material flow analysis method for evaluating strategic
      sanitation plan in Sub-Saharan Africa: the case of Fada N'Gourma-Burkina Faso.
AB  - In the context of rapid urbanization across Sub-Saharan Africa there is a
      critical need for more robust decision-making between different ways of providing
      sanitation services in existing and new peri-urban areas. In several countries,
      authorities tried to find solutions by developing strategies to address
      sanitation problems in the form of Strategic Sanitation Plans. In Burkina,
      Strategic Sanitation Plans have been elaborated and implemented since the 1990s.
      Fada N'Gourma, a secondary city in Burkina, also adopted a Strategic Plan for
      wastewater and excreta management in 2006. In this study we use material flow
      analysis as a decision making tool to verify technology options of the Plan. A
      model was developed and data was collected in order to assess material and
      nitrogen flows. The status quo situation was compared to scenario based on the
      proposals made in the Sanitation Plan. Results show that the technology options
      which were recommended improved human health in the short term. However, the
      options led to groundwater pollution in the medium term. Compared to the current
      situation, matter and nitrogen flows would increase by 7% and 7.4% respectively
      in groundwater. It is thus concluded that the proposed options will not achieve
      the Plan's stated objectives of environmental protection.

PMID- 22049741
TI  - Monitoring pH and ORP in a SHARON reactor.
AB  - This paper analyses the valuable information provided by the on-line measurements
      of pH and oxidation reduction potential (ORP) in a continuous single high ammonia
      removal over nitrite (SHARON) reactor. A laboratory-scale SHARON reactor equipped
      with pH, ORP, electric conductivity and dissolved oxygen (DO) probes has been
      operated for more than one year. Nitrogen removal over nitrite has been achieved
      by adding methanol at the beginning of anoxic stages. Time evolution of pH and
      ORP along each cycle allows identifying the decrease in nitritation rate when
      ammonia is consumed during the aerobic phase and the end of the denitrification
      process during the anoxic phase. Therefore, monitoring pH and ORP can be used to
      develop a real-time control system aimed at optimizing the length of both aerobic
      and anoxic stages. Real-time control of methanol addition can be carried out by
      using the information provided by these probes: excessive methanol addition in
      the anoxic stage is clearly detected in the ORP profile of the following aerobic
      phase, while a deficit of methanol is detected in both pH and ORP profiles of
      that anoxic phase. Moreover, other valuable information such as the amount of
      ammonia nitrified, failures in DO measurements, excessive stirring during the
      anoxic stage and methanol dosage in the aerobic phase was also provided by the pH
      and ORP profiles.

PMID- 22049742
TI  - Pre-ozonation in the activated sludge process: fate of nitrogen species.
AB  - The objective of this research was to include ozonation prior to an activated
      sludge treatment and investigate the effect on the nitrogen species, their fate
      and the consequences of this oxidation upon the biomass. Three parallel treatment
      systems were used: the base system, where feed went directly to the activated
      sludge reactor, and two others, where the influent was ozonated at two different
      dosages, 15 and 25 mg/L of influent, prior to the biological reactors. The
      results from the ozonation chamber show a high oxidation capacity of the entering
      ammonia and organic nitrogen, proportional to the ozone dose. The oxidation
      product was nitrate. No de-nitrification was expected because a high oxygen
      concentration (4 mg/L) was maintained in the reactors. The reactors receiving
      ozonated influent showed a lower assimilation of nitrogen by the biomass. The
      sludge nitrogen content resulted in 11, 9.3 and 7.4% dry-weight corresponding to
      no-ozone, low ozone and high ozone dosages, respectively. In spite of the lower
      ammonia available in the ozonated flows, the corresponding reactors showed a
      higher specific nitrification rate. The ozonated system also performed better in
      terms of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5)
      removals, besides showing a higher true biomass yield coefficient.

PMID- 22049743
TI  - The impact of cost recovery and sharing system on water policy implementation and
      human right to water: a case of Ileje, Tanzania.
AB  - In Tanzania, the National Water Policy (NAWAPO) of 2002 clearly stipulates that
      access to water supply and sanitation is a right for every Tanzanian and that
      cost recovery is the foundation of sustainable service delivery. To meet these
      demands, water authorities have introduced cost recovery and a water sharing
      system. The overall objective of this study was to assess the impact of cost
      recovery and the sharing system on water policy implementation and human rights
      to water in four villages in the Ileje district. The specific objectives were:
      (1) to assess the impact of cost recovery and the sharing system on the
      availability of water to the poor, (2) to assess user willingness to pay for the
      services provided, (3) to assess community understanding on the issue of water as
      a human right, (4) to analyse the implications of the results in relation to
      policies on human rights to water and the effectiveness of the implementation of
      the national water policy at the grassroots, and (5) to establish the guidelines
      for water pricing in rural areas. Questionnaires at water demand, water supply,
      ability and willingness to pay and revenue collection were the basis for data
      collection. While 36.7% of the population in the district had water supply
      coverage, more than 73,077 people of the total population of 115,996 still lacked
      access to clean and safe water and sanitation services in the Ileje district. The
      country's rural water supply coverage is 49%. Seventy-nine percent of the
      interviewees in all four villages said that water availability in litres per
      household per day had decreased mainly due to high water pricing which did not
      consider the income of villagers. On the other hand, more than 85% of the
      villagers were not satisfied with the amount they were paying because the
      services were still poor. On the issue of human rights to water, more than 92% of
      the villagers know about their right to water and want it exercised by the
      government. In all four villages, more than 78% of the interviewees are willing
      to payforwater provided that the tariffs are affordable. Water policy
      implementation continues slowly: regardless of the fact that more than five years
      have passed since policy inception, 60% of the villagers in Itumba still have no
      water services at all. The study shows that government fulfilment of human rights
      to water has a long way to go, especially in rural areas where people cannot
      afford to pay for water and some of the villages still depend on water from wells
      and seasonal rivers.

PMID- 22049744
TI  - Influence of design, physico-chemical and environmental parameters on
      pharmaceuticals and fragrances removal by constructed wetlands.
AB  - The ability of several mesocosm-scale and full-scale constructed wetlands (CWs)
      to remove pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) from urban
      wastewater was assessed. The results of three previous works were considered as a
      whole to find common patterns in PPCP removal. The experiment took place outdoors
      under winter and summer conditions. The mesocosm-scale CWs differed in some
      design parameters, namely the presence of plants, the vegetal species chosen
      (Typha angustifolia versus Phragmites australis), the flow configuration (surface
      flow versus subsurface flow), the primary treatment (sedimentation tank versus
      HUSB), the feeding regime (batch flow versus continuous saturation) and the
      presence of gravel bed. The full-scale CWs consisted of a combination of various
      subsystems (ponds, surface flow CWs and subsurface flow CWs). The studied PPCPs
      were ketoprofen, naproxen, ibuprofen, diclofenac, salicylic acid, carbamazepine,
      caffeine, methyl dihydrojasmonate, galaxolide and tonalide. The performance of
      the evaluated treatment systems was compound dependent and varied as a function
      of the CW-configuration. In addition, PPCP removal efficiencies were lower during
      winter. The presence of plants favoured naproxen, ibuprofen, diclofenac,
      salicylic acid, caffeine, methyl dihydrojasmonate, galaxolide and tonalide
      removal. Significant positive correlations were observed between the removal of
      most PPCPs and temperature or redox potential. Accordingly, microbiological
      pathways appear to be the most likely degradation route for the target PPCPs in
      the CWs studied.

PMID- 22049745
TI  - Redesigning wastewater infrastructure to improve resource efficiency.
AB  - Resource efficiency of wastewater management is a question of optimizing at the
      same time the management of resources in wastewater (e.g. water), the resources
      spent on treatment and transport (e.g. energy), the natural resources to protect
      (e.g. the receiving waters), and the anthropogenic resources (e.g. capital). For
      instance, wastewater can be treated to any given quality, but only at the expense
      of energy and investment costs. Today, many up-coming problems are solved
      incrementally, leading to resource consuming solutions optimized for water
      pollution control in well off countries, whereas large parts of the world have at
      the best very simple wastewater treatment. From a global point of view, a system
      change is necessary in order to solve the immense problems arising from global
      population growth, urban development and climate change. Source separation is a
      promising concept for resource efficient wastewater management, but a more
      concerted effort is necessary from the international community in order to
      develop competitive technologies and overcome the inflexibility of the present
      end-of-pipe technology. Much more research and development are necessary, not
      only in the area of engineering, but also with respect to the socio-economic
      dimensions, especially in the area of regulation, suitable governance and
      management models, and concerning the involvement of industrial partners.

PMID- 22049746
TI  - Experimental investigation on water treatment by the combined nano MgO
      nanofiltration technique.
AB  - A combined system using nano MgO and nanofiltration (NF) membrane was established
      to purify polluted water in this experiment. The turbidity, permanganate index,
      UVA254, colony counts and the concentrations of NO3-, NO2-, NH4+, Fe, Mn and Mg
      of the effluents from each unit of this combined system were measured to
      investigate the pollutant removal of this system. Based on the results obtained,
      the combined nano MgO-NF system could efficiently remove many kinds of pollutants
      in this experiment, including organic matter, nitrogen species, heavy metals,
      suspended solids and bacteria. And the effluents could meet the standard of
      drinking water. Furthermore, increasing the nano MgO dosage could not elevate the
      removal ratio of the pollutants, but only increase the Mg content of the
      effluent. Thus, 0.05 g L(-1) of nano MgO may be a suitable dosage for 2,000 L of
      polluted water treatment. Also, the operating pressure of NF membrane had no
      significant effect on pollutant removal when the operating pressure of NF
      membrane was increased from 0.3 to 0.9 MPa.

PMID- 22049747
TI  - Intensification of sonochemical degradation of phenol using additives at pilot
      scale operation.
AB  - The present work reports the use of sonochemical reactors for the degradation of
      phenol in the presence of additives with an objective of enhancing the rates of
      degradation at a pilot scale operation. Process intensification studies have been
      carried out using additives such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) (0.5-2.0 g/L),
      sodium chloride (0.5-1.5 g/L) and solid particles viz. cupric oxide (CuO) and
      titanium dioxide (TiO2) (0.5-2.5 g/L). Optimum concentration for H2O2 and sodium
      chloride has been observed beyond which no beneficial effects are obtained even
      with additional loadings. Maximum extent of degradation has been observed by
      using ultrasound/H2O2/CuO approach at a solid loading of 1.5 g/L followed by
      ultrasound/H2O2/TiO2 approach at a loading of 2.0 g/L. The obtained results at
      pilot scale operation in the current work are very important especially due to
      the fact that the majority of earlier studies are at laboratory scale which
      cannot provide the design related information for large scale operation as
      required scale up ratios are quite high adding a degree of uncertainty in the
      design. The novelty of the present work lies in the fact that it highlights
      successful application of sonochemical reactors for wastewater treatment at pilot
      scale operation.

PMID- 22049748
TI  - Investigating the spatial-temporal variation of nitrogen cycling in an urban
      river in the North China Plain.
AB  - Urban rivers are essential in retaining nutrients, but little is known about
      nitrogen cycling in these rivers in semiarid areas. We measured chemical and
      isotopic compositions of ammonium (NH4(+)-N) and nitrate (NO3(-)-N) to
      investigate spatial-temporal variation of nitrogen cycling in the Fuhe River in
      the North China Plain. Nitrogen pollution in the river was mainly induced by
      extra NH4(+)-N inputs which come from the discharges of urban sewage and
      effluents of wastewater treatment plants in upstream. NH4(+)-N obtained from
      decomposing organic matter of sediments can diffuse into the overlying water.
      Intense nitrification then occurs at the terrestrial-aquatic interface. Due to
      less vegetation in spring and autumn, loss of NH4(+)-N is mainly caused by
      nitrification. In contrast, significant NH4(+)-N is absorbed by plants in summer.
      NO3(-)-N generated from nitrification can be denitrified during the study period.
      The highest NO3(-)-N loss (about 86.3%) was observed in summer. The contribution
      of NO3(-)-N loss due to denitrification is 44.6%. The remaining 55.4% is due to
      plant uptake. The results suggested that nitrogen cycling in the river is related
      to temperature and dry-wet cycles. And vegetation restoration along the river
      could benefit the incremental improvements to the aquatic ecosystem.

PMID- 22049749
TI  - Several natural indicators of radial well ageing at the Belgrade groundwater
      source, part 1.
AB  - Over time, the radial collector wells of the Belgrade Groundwater Source, located
      in the alluvial sediments of the Sava River, exhibit a decline in discharge and a
      reduction in operating efficiency due to well ageing. An increase in hydraulic
      losses at the lateral screens, due to chemical and biochemical clogging, has been
      identified as the primary cause. Certain hydrogeological, hydrochemical and
      microbiological parameters reflect the well-ageing process and can, therefore, be
      considered as its indicators. An indicator-based determination of scale is an
      important aspect in the selection of appropriate well locations, structural
      characteristics, and maintenance approaches. Well ageing was studied over a
      period of 5 years (2005-2009). The objective was to investigate the causes of
      well ageing. The correlations established between the groundwater redox
      potential, the total iron concentration in groundwater, the grain-size
      distribution of the aquifer, and well discharge, are presented in the paper.

PMID- 22049750
TI  - Several natural indicators of radial well ageing at the Belgrade groundwater
      source, part 2.
AB  - From 2005 to 2009, research was conducted at the Belgrade Groundwater Source
      (BGWS) to investigate the process of clogging of wells with horizontal lateral
      screens (radial wells). The clogging process was monitored via the kinetics of
      the increase in hydraulic losses at the laterals. A correlation of this process
      with the redox potential, the iron concentration in water, and the microbial
      population growth at the laterals and in their immediate vicinity was
      established. Research outcomes are presented here from a study of five wells
      where laterals were replaced between 2006 and 2008. Derived dependencies were
      later used to define the preferred approach to the installation and maintenance
      of well laterals at the BGWS. Results contribute to the study of well ageing
      caused by biochemical clogging.

PMID- 22049751
TI  - Combination of batch experiments with continuous reactor data for ADM1
      calibration: application to anaerobic digestion of pig slurry.
AB  - Modelling anaerobic digestion processes is a key aspect of studying and
      optimizing digesters and related waste streams. However, for the satisfactory
      prediction of biogas production and effluent characteristics, some parameters
      have to be calibrated according to the characteristics of the substrates. This
      article describes a calibration procedure for the IWA 'Anaerobic Digestion Model
      no. 1' applied to the modelling of a digester for treatment of pig slurry. The
      most sensitive parameters were selected and calibrated combining results from a
      continuous digester and from batch trials run with the sludge sampled from the
      digester and the addition of specific substrates. According to the sensitivity
      analysis, acetoclastic methanogenesis, acetogenesis of propionate and
      acidogenesis of sugars were identified as the main sensitive steps in our case.
      The calibration procedure led us to modify slightly acetogenesis of propionate
      kinetic. However, acetoclastic methanogenesis and acidogenesis of sugars kinetics
      were significantly reduced by decreasing km and increasing Ks. Indeed, for
      instance, a decrease of km_ac from 8 to 7 day(-1) combined with an increase of
      Ks_ac from 0.15 to 1.5 kgCOD/m3 was necessary. After calibration, ADM1 provides
      an accurate simulation of the continuous reactor results.

PMID- 22049752
TI  - Dual-electrode oxidation used for aniline degradation in aqueous electrolyte.
AB  - The electrochemical degradation of aniline in aqueous electrolyte has been
      studied by dual-electrode oxidation process using Ti/SnO2-Sb2O5 for anodic
      oxidation and graphite cathode to produce H2O2 in situ. The linear voltammograms
      were employed to obtain reasonable anodic and cathodic potential values for the
      purpose of restraining side reactions. The influence of Fe2+ on aniline
      degradation was investigated under potentiostatic condition with a three
      electrode system. It was found that an anodic potential range of 2.0 +/- 0.1 V
      and a cathodic potential of -0.65 V could favor anodic oxidation and H2O2
      generation. Anodic oxidation was accounted for aniline degradation in the absence
      of Fe2+, while in the presence of Fe2+ both electro-Fenton oxidation and anodic
      oxidation (dual-electrode oxidation) could degradate aniline effectively. When
      cathodic potential values were -0.65 and -0.80 V, the optimum Fe2+ concentration
      were 0.50 and 0.30 mM, respectively. 77.5% COD removal and 70.4% TOC removal with
      a current efficiency (CE) of 96-100% were achieved under the optimum conditions.
      This work indicates that dual-electrode oxidation process characterized by a high
      CE is feasible for the degradation of organic compounds.

PMID- 22049753
TI  - Zn and Pb emissions from roofing materials--modelling and mass balance attempt at
      the scale of a small urban catchment.
AB  - Many studies have shown that roofing materials are an important source of metals
      in urban runoff. Today, in the context of the European Water Directive (2000/60
      CE), the quantification of these emissions is necessary, and thus the development
      of assessment tools is needed. This study focuses on a small urban catchment
      (drained by a separative sewer system). Atmospheric fallout, road runoff, roof
      runoff and total runoff at the outlet of the catchment were sampled. The aim is
      (1) to verify the contribution of roofing materials to metallic flows of Zn and
      Pb at the catchment scale and (2) to try to model emissions using some models
      previously developed at the test-bed scale. These models have to be tested at
      different spatial scales. Results obtained confirm the strong contribution of
      roofing materials to Zn and Pb flows at the catchment scale. For Zn, models
      tested were successfully transposed and validated at the roof and the catchment
      scales, permitting a good quantification of Zn emissions. For Pb, the use of the
      models highlights some difficulties, especially concerning the identification and
      the quantification of lead surface areas implemented.

PMID- 22049754
TI  - Cost effectiveness of centralised and decentralised storm water treatment.
AB  - As part of a research & development project commissioned by the Land of North
      Rhine-Westphalia's Ministry for the Environment and Nature Conservation,
      Agriculture and Consumer Protection (MUNLV) an examination is being carried out
      of the general possibilities for centralised and decentralised treatment storm
      water runoff to be discharged into (canalised) receiving waters and the costs
      ensuing from this. The examination of the different options is being carried out
      under real conditions, with the Briller Creek (Wuppertal/Germany) and Muggen
      Creek (Remscheid/Germany) catchment areas being used as models. The range of
      investigations deals with a comparison between 'decentralised, semicentralised,
      centralised' storm water treatment, centralised storm water treatment involving a
      separate sewer and parameter-specific pollution based storm water runoff control.
      In the framework of the research project each of the variants is to be elaborated
      and the costs are to be calculated so as to permit a comparison between the
      different system designs. In particular, the investigations are to take into
      account the actual requirements to be met by storm water drainage systems
      involving separate sewage systems.

PMID- 22049755
TI  - Potential of UV/H2O2 oxidation for enhancing the biodegradability of municipal
      reverse osmosis concentrates.
AB  - UVC/H2O2 and VUV/H2O2 oxidation processes were evaluated for the degradation of
      organic pollutants in reverse osmosis concentrate (ROC) produced from a municipal
      secondary effluent. It was found that the oxidation by UVC/H2O2 and VUV/H2O2
      processes could be described as a pseudo first-order reaction. For UVC increased
      oxidation occurred with increasing H2O2 dosage up to 2 mM above which improvement
      in oxidation performance decreased. At the same H2O2 dosage, VUV irradiation gave
      better overall oxidation performance. Compared with UVC/6 mM H2O2, VUV/2 mM H2O2
      gave a greater rate of reduction of chemical oxygen demand, but a lower rate for
      reduction of dissolved organic carbon, suggesting that oxidation of organics by
      the two methods followed different pathways. The change of absorbance at 254 nm
      and fluorescence excitation emission matrix spectra of irradiated samples
      indicated that the large and complex compounds were fragmented rapidly by the
      *OH, resulting in rapid decolourisation. The biodegradability of the organics in
      the ROC was increased from 11% to 35% after 1 h treatment by UVC/3 mM H2O2,
      whereas a greater increase (41%) was obtained with VUV/2 mM H2O2. This increase
      in biodegradability indicates the potential for employing a subsequent biological
      treatment process.

PMID- 22049756
TI  - Enhancing the removal of arsenic, boron and heavy metals in subsurface flow
      constructed wetlands using different supporting media.
AB  - The presence of arsenic and heavy metals in drinking water sources poses a
      serious health risk due to chronic toxicological effects. Constructed wetlands
      have the potential to remove arsenic and heavy metals, but little is known about
      pollutant removal efficiency and reliability of wetlands for this task. This lab
      scale study investigated the use of vertical subsurface flow constructed wetlands
      for removing arsenic, boron, copper, zinc, iron and manganese from synthetic
      wastewater. Gravel, limestone, zeolite and cocopeat were employed as wetland
      media. Conventional gravel media only showed limited capability in removing
      arsenic, iron, copper and zinc; and it showed virtually no capability in removing
      manganese and boron. In contrast, alternative wetland media: cocopeat, zeolite
      and limestone, demonstrated significant efficiencies--in terms of percentage
      removal and mass rate per m3 of wetland volume--for removing arsenic, iron,
      manganese, copper and zinc; their ability to remove boron, in terms of mass
      removal rate, was also higher than that of the gravel media. The overall results
      demonstrated the potential of using vertical flow wetlands to remove arsenic and
      metals from contaminated water, having cocopeat, zeolite or limestone as
      supporting media.

PMID- 22049757
TI  - Effects on evaporation rates from different water-permeable pavement designs.
AB  - The urban water balance can be attenuated to the natural by water-permeable
      pavements (WPPs). Furthermore, WPPs have a 16% higher evaporation rate than
      impermeable pavements, which can lead to a better urban climate. Evaporation
      rates from pavements are influenced by the pavement surface and by the deeper
      layers. By a compared evaporation measurement between different WPP designs, the
      grain size distribution of the sub-base shows no influence on the evaporation
      rates in a significant way. On the contrary, a sub-base made of a twin-layer
      decreases the evaporation by 16% compared to a homogeneous sub-base. By a change
      in the colour of the paving stone, 19% higher evaporation rates could be
      achieved. A further comparison shows that the transpiration-effect of the grass
      in grass pavers increases the evaporation rates more than threefold to pervious
      concrete pavements. These high evapotranspiration rates can not be achieved with
      a pervious concrete paving stone. In spite of this, the broad field of
      application of the pervious concrete paving stone increases the importance in
      regard to the urban climate.

PMID- 22049758
TI  - Real-time control of sewer systems using turbidity measurements.
AB  - Real-time control (RTC) of urban drainage systems has been proven useful as a
      means to reduce pollution by combined sewer overflow discharges. So far, RTC has
      been investigated mainly with a sole focus on water quantity aspects. However, as
      measurement techniques for pollution of wastewater are advancing, pollution-based
      RTC might be of increasing interest. For example, turbidity data sets from an
      extensive measurement programme in two Paris catchments allow a detailed
      investigation of the benefits of using pollution-based data for RTC. This paper
      exemplifies this, comparing pollution-based RTC with flow-based RTC. Results
      suggest that pollution-based RTC indeed has some potential, particularly when
      measurements of water-quality characteristics are readily available.

PMID- 22049759
TI  - Climate change tendencies observable in the rainfall measurements since 1950 in
      the federal land of North Rhine-Westphalia and their consequences for urban
      hydrology.
AB  - Climate change is present in climatological models - but did we already observe
      changes in the past measurement data? For the state of North Rhine Westphalia,
      the rainfall measurements since 1950 have been systematically analysed in order
      to find out whether there have already been trends and whether the behaviour of
      rainfall has changed in time. More than 600 station series have been screened for
      use in the project and quality controlled. Implausible data were discarded. For
      the analysis, standard values such as yearly sums, half-yearly sums, monthly
      sums, number of dry days, number of days with precipitation above a threshold,
      partial time series and extreme values statistics have been calculated and
      evaluated. Results show that also in the past 50 years, changes in precipitation
      regime could be observed. These changes have been regionally different.
      Consequences for urban hydrology include a development of more flexible design
      approaches.

PMID- 22049760
TI  - Uncertainty evaluation of design rainfall for urban flood risk analysis.
AB  - A reliable and long dataset describing urban flood locations, volumes and depths
      would be an ideal prerequisite for assessing flood frequency distributions.
      However, data are often piecemeal and long-term hydraulic modelling is often
      adopted to estimate floods from historical rainfall series. Long-term modelling
      approaches are time- and resource-consuming, and synthetically designed rainfalls
      are often used to estimate flood frequencies. The present paper aims to assess
      the uncertainty of such an approach and for suggesting improvements in the
      definition of synthetic rainfall data for flooding frequency analysis. According
      to this aim, a multivariate statistical analysis based on a copula method was
      applied to rainfall features (total depth, duration and maximum intensity) to
      generate synthetic rainfalls that are more consistent with historical events. The
      procedure was applied to a real case study, and the results were compared with
      those obtained by simulating other typical synthetic rainfall events linked to
      intensity-duration-frequency (IDF) curves. The copula-based multi-variate
      analysis is more robust and adapts well to experimental flood locations even if
      it is more complex and time-consuming. This study demonstrates that statistical
      correlations amongst rainfall frequency, duration, volume and peak intensity can
      partially explain the weak reliability of flood-frequency analyses based on
      synthetic rainfall events.

PMID- 22049761
TI  - Monitoring the variations of the oxygen transfer rate in a full scale membrane
      bioreactor using daily mass balances.
AB  - Oxygen transfer in biological wastewater treatment processes with high sludge
      concentration, such as membrane bioreactor (MBR), is an important issue. The
      variation of alpha-factor versus mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS)
      concentration was investigated in a full scale MBR plant under process
      conditions, using mass balances. Exhaustive data from the Supervisory Control And
      Data Acquisition (SCADA) and from additional online sensors (COD, DO, MLSS) were
      used to calculate the daily oxygen consumption (OC) using a non-steady state mass
      balance for COD and total N on a 24-h basis. To close the oxygen balance, OC has
      to match the total oxygen transfer rate (OTRtot) of the system, which is provided
      by fine bubble (FB) diffusers in the aeration tank and coarse bubbles (CB) in
      separate membrane tanks. First assessing OTR(CB) then closing the balance OC =
      OTRtot allowed to calculate OTR(FB) and to fit an exponential relationship
      between OTR(FB) and MLSS. A comparison of the alpha-factor obtained by this
      balance method and by direct measurements with the off-gas method on the same
      plant is presented and discussed.

PMID- 22049762
TI  - Performance of infiltration swales with regard to operation in winter times in an
      Alpine region.
AB  - In cold climate regions winter conditions significantly influence the performance
      of stormwater infiltration devices. Frozen soil and water storage by snow changes
      their operation. In this paper winter operation of a grassed infiltration swale
      was investigated using on-site and laboratory measurements. The field
      investigation of a grassed swale at a parking place in an Alpine region showed
      that the swale fulfilled its function properly. Although the top layer was frozen
      for some time, the storage capacity of the swale was sufficient to store the
      precipitation until the conditions improved. The soil attenuated the air
      temperature, at 20 cm below ground surface the soil was only frozen for one week.
      winter maintenance proved to be a problem, together with the snow from the
      parking place a lot of gravel and fine particles were deposited at one end of the
      swale. This decreased the hydraulic conductivity at that point significantly. The
      laboratory tests with soil columns showed an increase of flow time through the
      soil column with decreasing soil moisture content. For soil temperatures below 0
      degrees C the hydraulic conductivity was reduced for increasing initial soil
      moisture contents. All in all the hydraulic conductivity was best around 0
      degrees C for all soil water contents. However, also at minus 5 degrees C the
      coefficient of hydraulic conductivity was always at least above 10(-6) m/s, thus
      within the range of tolerated hydraulic conductivity specified in the national
      guidelines. Nevertheless, the handling of the soil was found to have high
      influence on the results. The results indicate that in the Alpine region
      infiltration swales operate sufficiently under winter conditions although with
      decreased performance.

PMID- 22049763
TI  - Methodologies to study the surface hydraulic behaviour of urban catchments during
      storm events.
AB  - A good knowledge of the hydraulic behaviour of an urban catchment and its surface
      drainage system is an essential requirement to guarantee traffic and pedestrian
      safety. In many cases, inlets have been situated according to spatial density
      criteria. Indeed a more rational location of inlets on urban catchments must be
      defined according to an accurate analysis of the relationship between street flow
      and inlet hydraulic efficiency. Moreover we lack specific hazard criteria in
      terms of the maximum acceptable flow depths and velocities on the streets that do
      not cause problems to pedestrians. In this paper the results of two different
      experimental campaigns are presented. The first was carried out to evaluate inlet
      hydraulic efficiency; the second was carried out to address the pedestrian
      stability in urban flood conditions, whose aim was to propose new hazard
      criteria. On the basis of the experimental results, a methodology was developed
      to assess flood hazard in urban areas during storm events. If a refined
      topographic representation of urban areas is available, a two-dimensional
      numerical simulation of urban flooding can be performed using complete shallow
      water equations. According to this approach a numerical application for flood
      hazard assessment in a street of Barcelona is shown.

PMID- 22049764
TI  - Analysis of enterovirus and adenovirus presence in swimming pools in Cyprus from
      2007-2008.
AB  - An analysis was carried out to determine the presence of enteroviruses and
      adenoviruses in public swimming pools in Cyprus. The effectiveness of the
      commonly implemented disinfection procedure of chlorination was confirmed by
      determination of bacteriological markers. Analysis of viral presence was carried
      out by sampling random swimming pools from the five major cities in Cyprus during
      a period of 21 months spanning from April 2007 to December 2008. A 10 I sample
      was taken from each swimming pool to be tested and was subsequently concentrated
      via membrane filtration using a new methodological approach for virus elution.
      Concentrated samples were analysed using of a Real Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
      (PCR) TaqMan probe based approach to detect the presence of enteroviruses and
      adenoviruses. Over the period of 21 months a total of 126 swimming pools were
      sampled and analysed. In four swimming pools enteroviruses were detected, in one
      pool echovirus 18 was identified, in two pools echovirus 30 was identified and in
      one other pool poliovirus Sabin 1 was identified. Similarly, in four swimming
      pools adenoviruses were detected, in all four adenovirus 41 was identified.
      Bacteriological marker analysis showed that 98% of pools complied with Cyprus
      regulations.

PMID- 22049765
TI  - A new strategy for determination of current efficiency during electro-oxidation
      of aromatic compounds in a packed-bed system.
AB  - The electro-oxidation of aromatic compounds in 4,4'-diaminostilbene-2,2'
      disulfonic (DSD) acid wastewater on IrO2-Ta2O5/Ti anodes was studied. The current
      efficiency was evaluated in terms of chemical oxygen demand (COD) by introducing
      a new factor, the fraction of the Faradaic current to the total cell current
      (beta) through the network analysis of packed bed electrode system (PBEs).
      Experimental results using an up-flow PBEs at current intensities ranging from 5
      to 16 A m(-2), flow rates ranging from 20 to 80 L h(-1) and inter-electrode
      distance of 5 to 50 cm are in good agreement with the proposed equation. In
      addition, lower current density, increasing flow rate and larger inter-electrode
      distance are beneficial to enhance the current efficiency.

PMID- 22049766
TI  - Seasonal factors influencing the failure of buried water reticulation pipes.
AB  - While the use of environmental factors in the analysis and prediction of failures
      of buried reticulation pipes in cold environments has been the focus of extensive
      work, the same cannot be said for failures occurring on pipes in other (non
      freezing) environments. A novel analysis of pipe failures in such an environment
      is the subject of this paper. An exploratory statistical analysis was undertaken,
      identifying a peak in failure rates during mid to late summer. This peak was
      found to correspond to a peak in the rate of circumferential failures, whilst the
      rate of longitudinal failures remained constant. Investigation into the effect of
      climate on failure rates revealed that the peak in failure rates occurs due to
      differential soil movement as the result of shrinkage in expansive soils.

PMID- 22049767
TI  - Nitrate removal using different carbon substrates in a laboratory model.
AB  - Agricultural fields have been frequently identified as major contributors of
      nitrate leaching into surface and ground waters. Tile drains can act as direct
      pathways, transferring leached nitrate to surface water. Bioreactor filters are
      useful for the removal of nitrate from drainage waters; however, these filters
      require an external carbon supply to sustain denitrification. In this study, four
      organic carbon sources including wood, barley straw, rice husks, and date palm
      leaf, were used to enhance denitrification and the effects of water velocity and
      influent nitrate concentration on the nitrate removal were evaluated. Cumulative
      nitrate removal was highest for the date palm leaf treatments and was lowest for
      the wood treatments. The effects were in decreasing order for date palm leaf,
      barley straw, rice husks, and wood, respectively. The performance of the
      biofilters improved with increasing influent nitrate concentration and decreasing
      water velocity, allowing for high nitrate removal rates to be achieved. The
      results showed that all of the treatments had reduced the effluent nitrate
      concentrations below the USEPA maximum contaminant level for drinking water of 45
      mg L(-1) nitrate at the end of the study.

PMID- 22049768
TI  - Exploring fecal indicator bacteria in a constructed stormwater wetland.
AB  - Microbial pollution in surface waters is a concern throughout the world, with
      both public health and economic implications. One contributing source to such
      pollution is stormwater runoff, often treated using various types of stormwater
      control measures. However, relatively little is known regarding microbe
      sequestration in constructed stormwater wetlands (CSWs), one type of commonly
      installed stormwater control measure. In this study, indicator bacteria
      concentrations in both the water and sediment of a CSW were evaluated at multiple
      locations. Results suggested that fecal coliform concentrations in stormwater
      runoff decrease through the system, with relatively consistent concentrations
      noted throughout the second half of the wetland. This potentially indicates a
      baseline concentration of fecal coliform is present due to internal processes
      such as animal activity and microbial persistence. However, wetland sediments
      showed little E. coli present during most sampling events, with minimal patterns
      existing with respect to sediment sampling location. CSW designs should promote
      optimization of hydraulic retention time and minimization of stormwater
      velocities to promote sedimentation and degradation of microbes by way of wetland
      treatment functions.

PMID- 22049769
TI  - Treatment of petroleum refinery wastewater by distillation-assisted catalytic
      oxidation under low temperature and low pressure.
AB  - A distillation-assisted catalytic oxidation (DACO) process under low temperature
      (100 degrees C) and atmospheric pressure was investigated to treat heavily
      contaminated wastewater from oil refining industry. The DACO experiments were
      carried out in a distillation batch reactor, using CuO/gamma-A1(2)O3 as catalyst.
      The experimental temperature was kept at 100 degrees C and H2O2 oxidant was
      supplied into the reactive system with 200 mL/L. The results demonstrated that
      more than 92.2% of chemical oxygen demand removal was obtained and the absorbance
      of the refinery wastewater after treatment was zero, indicating significant
      decolorization efficiency for the solution. The research of life and stability
      showed that the catalyst had a good stability. The present study indicates that
      this DACO approach may have a significant application potential for industrial
      wastewater treatment.

PMID- 22049770
TI  - Phosphorus removal by laboratory-scale unvegetated vertical-flow constructed
      wetland systems using anthracite, steel slag and related blends as substrate.
AB  - This research aimed to investigate the phosphorus (P) removal of a series of
      laboratory-scale unvegetated vertical-flow constructed wetland systems using
      anthracite, steel slag and related blends as substrate in treatment of low
      concentration domestic sewage. The long-term performance of P removal was firstly
      studied by using single substrate of anthracite or steel slag, and three systems
      applying various combined substrates were investigated when the average P loading
      rate varied between 0.9 and 1.5 g TP/m2 x d. The results demonstrated that both
      anthracite and steel slag systems were highly effective in removing total P (CTP,
      77.17 +/- 23.34% and 90.26 +/- 4.48%) and soluble reactive P (SRP, 92.14 +/-
      12.56% and 96.20 +/- 2.58%). The system filled with anthracite, vermiculite and
      steel slag from the top down removed 82.45 +/- 9.52% and 87.83 +/- 8.58% of TP
      and SRP, respectively. However, other combined substrate systems showed
      comparative low and fluctuant P removal. The effluent pH was maintained at 7-9,
      which met environmental requirements of China. Therefore, anthracite provides a
      long-term high efficiency of P removal and may be a promising substrate from the
      standpoint of the effluent pH, and the arrangement of combined substrate has a
      prominent effect on P removal.

PMID- 22049771
TI  - Quality assessment of rooftop runoff and harvested rainwater from a building
      catchment.
AB  - A major obstacle to the promotion of rainwater harvesting is chemical and
      microbiological concerns. To determine its suitability as an alternative water
      resource, water quality parameters such as pH, turbidity and metal ion
      concentrations and counted total coliform, Escherichia coli and heterotrophic
      bacteria were measured. It was observed that the stored rainwater had a neutral
      average pH and that its turbidity depended on the duration and intensity of the
      rainfall event. Metal concentrations were within the permissible limits specified
      in the Korea drinking water standard. In addition, counts of coliform, E. coli
      and heterotrophic bacteria were higher in the first flush 5 min after the start
      of the rainfall event. Principal component analysis and correlation analysis
      through 40 events in 2009 showed that the quality of stored rainwater depends on
      the conditions of the catchment and storage tank and the antecedent dry period.

PMID- 22049772
TI  - Electrochemical treatment of residual ammonia nitrogen in biologically pretreated
      coking wastewater with three-dimensional electrodes.
AB  - The electrochemical oxidation of the residual ammonia nitrogen contained in
      biologically pretreated coking wastewater using three-dimensional electrode
      system was studied. The results show the Ti/RuO2/IrO2 anode plates and the coke
      have good surface characteristics for the purpose of this study. In addition,
      studies also show that the three-dimensional electrode system should be able to
      give a satisfied solution to the residual bio-refractory ammonia nitrogen in
      biologically pretreated coking wastewater in comparison to conventional two
      dimensional electrodes. At coke size of 10-20 mesh, electrode distance of 1.0 cm
      and current density of 4.5 mA/cm2, the residual ammonia nitrogen in the three
      dimensional electrode system was almost completely removed in 60 min.

PMID- 22049773
TI  - Removal of micropollutants and NOM in carbon nanotube-UF membrane system from
      seawater.
AB  - One of the main problems for seawater reverse osmosis desalination is membrane
      fouling associated with natural organic matter. Bisphenol-A (BPA) and 17alpha
      ethinylestradiol (EE2) are well-known endocrine-disrupting compounds that have
      been detected in wastewater and seawater. In this study, the contribution of
      carbon nanotubes (CNTs, single-walled carbon nanotubes) to membrane fouling
      control and the potential adsorption mechanisms of BPA and EE2 were investigated
      using artificial seawater (ASW) in a bench scale ultrafiltration (UF) membrane
      coupled with CNTs. For high ionic strength ASW, UVA254 nm is a good alternative
      for highly aromatic dissolved organic carbon (DOC) determination, with a very
      strong linear relationship (R2 > or = 0.99) with increasing DOC concentrations.
      Approximately 80% of DOC in ASW was rejected by the CNT-UF system where 31% of
      DOC was removed due to adsorption by CNTs. The presence of CNTs shows a 20%
      increase in membrane flux in ASW. A strong linear correlation between retention
      and adsorption of BPA and EE2 was obtained. The percentage of
      adsorption/retention of BPA and EE2 in UF-CNTs follows the order: 94.0/96.6 (DI +
      CNTs, EE2) > 86.2/90.0 (ASW + CNTs, EE2) > 73.6/78.9 (DI + CNTS, BPA) > or =
      74.1/77.3 (ASW + CNTS, BPA) > 29.8/29.8 (ASW, EE2) approximately equal to
      27.3/27.3 (ASW, BPA) > or = 25.3/25.3 (DI, EE2) approximately equal to 24.8/24.8
      (DI, BPA). This indicates that retention by the UF-CNT system is mainly due to
      adsorption. Overall, EE2 adsorption was greater than BPA during the UF-CNT
      experiments, presumably due to the higher hydrophobicity of EE2 than BPA.

PMID- 22049774
TI  - Presence, molecular characteristics and geosmin producing ability of
      actinomycetes isolated from South Korean terrestrial and aquatic environments.
AB  - The unpleasant odor of drinking water is one of the major problems in many water
      utilities in the world. Actinomycetes have long been associated with odorous
      compounds. Considering the paucity of research on Actinomycetes producing odorous
      compounds in South Korea, presence of Actinomycetes, their molecular
      characteristics and ability to produce odorous compounds were investigated in
      this study. Findings confirmed the presence of Actinomycetes in surface soil,
      sediment, and water samples from four sites: two artificial lakes [Paldang and
      Cheongpyeong (CP)], and two streams [Gyeongan (GA) and Yangpyeong]. Surface soil
      and sediment from CP area had the greatest concentration of Actinomycetes (8.2 x
      10(7) and 6.8 x 10(6) colony forming units (CFUs)/gram, dry weight,
      respectively). When water samples are considered, samples from GA had the highest
      concentration (1.9 x 10(2) CFU/mL). 16S rRNA sequencing and molecular
      phylogenetic analysis showed that Streptomyces was the dominant genus (64.1%). In
      addition, the isolated Actinomycetes synthesized 5.4 ng/L geosmin as demonstrated
      by thermal desorption unit-gas chromatograph/mass spectrometry analysis.

PMID- 22049775
TI  - Enhanced biodegradation of 4-aminobenzenesulfonate in membrane bioreactor by
      Pannonibacter sp. W1.
AB  - 4-Aminobenzenesulfonate (4-ABS), an aromatic amine and recalcitrant toxic
      pollutant, is widely used in the dye and pharmaceutical industry.
      Pannonibactersp. W1 is a specialized microbial strain which can efficiently
      degrade 4-ABS. This study shows the feasibility of using the specialized strain
      in an MBR system to treat synthetic wastewater containing large amount of 4-ABS.
      Due to membrane retention, the biomass concentration is able to reach 5 g/L
      within two months of continuous operation. Pannonibacter sp. W1 is able to adapt
      to the high loading rate of 1000 mg 4-ABS/L and achieve a remarkable 4-ABS
      removal efficiency of 99% within 6 h. Strain W1 grows well under the MBR
      continuous operation and remains as the dominant bacterium at the end of 60 days
      continuous operation. Minor membrane fouling has been detected within 40 days of
      operating at 15 LMH. At a flux of 25 LMH, the system experiences the 'TMP jump'.
      The high organic removal rate and low membrane fouling results illustrate the
      excellent performance of the bioaugmented MBR system in 4-ABS wastewater
      treatment.

PMID- 22049776
TI  - Energy and phosphorus recovery from black water.
AB  - Source-separated black water (BW) (toilet water) containing 38% of the organic
      material and 68% of the phosphorus in the total household waste (water) stream
      including kitchen waste, is a potential source for energy and phosphorus
      recovery. The energy recovered, in the form of electricity and heat, is more than
      sufficient for anaerobic treatment, nitrogen removal and phosphorus recovery. The
      phosphorus balance of an upflow anaerobic sludge blanket reactor treating
      concentrated BW showed a phosphorus conservation of 61% in the anaerobic
      effluent. Precipitation of phosphate as struvite from this stream resulted in a
      recovery of 0.22 kgP/p/y, representing 10% of the artificial phosphorus
      fertiliser production in the world. The remaining part of the phosphorus ended up
      in the anaerobic sludge, mainly due to precipitation (39%). Low dilution and a
      high pH favour the accumulation of phosphorus in the anaerobic sludge and this
      sludge could be used as a phosphorus-enriched organic fertiliser, provided that
      it is safe regarding heavy metals, pathogens and micro-pollutants.

PMID- 22049777
TI  - Security lapses. Critics urge execs to take safety issues more seriously.
AB  - Violence in hospitals remains high a year after the Joint Commission's Sentinel
      Event Alert for it, but experts say CEOs can reduce violence by encouraging staff
      to report incidents and planning for when the unthinkable strikes. "I think we'd
      all be better served to give a little more forethought to what you would do if
      that kind of event takes place," says David Banks, left, of Forida Hospital.

PMID- 22049778
TI  - Trade bill hits QIOs. Program being regionalized as a funding offset.

PMID- 22049779
TI  - SSteady gains in quality ... but some insurers still won't publicly report data.

PMID- 22049780
TI  - Bridging the divide. RUC recommends payment for care coordination.

PMID- 22049781
TI  - Full of potential. List highlights healthcare innovations for 2012.

PMID- 22049782
TI  - Plenty of green in gray market. There's more at issue than just inflated prices
      for drugs in short supply.

PMID- 22049783
TI  - Playing well together. Bundled payments answer call for incentives to better
      coordinate care.

PMID- 22049784
TI  - Role call. COOs have seen their responsibilities shift and expand with changes in
      healthcare and growing demands on the chief executive.

PMID- 22049785
TI  - Taking hybrid ORs to heart. New facilities bring marriage of diagnostic imaging
      and cardiac surgery.

PMID- 22049786
TI  - [Reconstructed seminiferous tubules from ectopic grafting of testicular cells].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the ectopic grafts of mouse testicular cells by
      observing the reconstruction of seminiferous tubules, colonization of
      spermatogenic cells and spermatogenesis using immunodeficient mice as recipients.
      METHODS: The testes of newborn male ICR mice were digested to obtain single cell
      suspension. The cells were then mixed with matrigel and subcutaneously grafted
      into the dorsal region of the male nude mice. The mice were castrated after the
      operation and the grafts were dissected from 5 of the nude mice at 4, 6, 8 and 10
      weeks, respectively. The success rates of transplantation and the graft diameters
      were calculated, and the structure of the reconstituted seminiferous tubules,
      colonization of the germ cells and spermatogenesis were observed by HE staining
      and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: All the mice recipients survived after the
      testicular cell transplantation. Within 10 weeks after the operation, tissue
      masses could be observed, with the diameter increased from (3.91 +/- 0.71) mm at
      4 weeks to (6.69 +/- 0.50) mm. Neovascularization was detected at the surface of
      the masses and seminiferous tubule structures found in the grafts. The germ cells
      that developed from spermatogonia to round spermatids were observed, but with no
      sperm in the tubules. Germ cells, Sertoli cells and Leydig cells were identified
      by immunochemical detection of Mvh, Gata4 and P450Scc in the grafts at 8 weeks.
      CONCLUSION: Seminiferous tubules could be ectopically reconstructed from
      suspension of neonatal mouse testicular cells. Ectopic grafting provided a
      preferable model for the studies on testis tissue engineering and interactions
      between testicular cells during testicular development and spermatogenesis.

PMID- 22049787
TI  - [Impact of unilateral acute testicular ischemia on the contralateral testis of
      rabbits in anesthetic and conscious states].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the impact of unilateral acute testicular ischemia on the
      hemodynamics and histology of the contralateral testis of the rabbits under
      consistent anesthesia with that of the rabbits in the conscious state. METHODS:
      Forty-two healthy male white rabbits were randomly divided into an anesthetic
      group (Group A) to receive injection of sodium pentobarbital (PS) and a non
      anesthetic group (Group B), each including a control group of 5 animals (A0 and
      B0), an incomplete testicular ischemia group of 8 (A1 and B1), and a complete
      testicular ischemia group of 8 (A2 and B2). Testicular ischemia models were
      constructed by color Doppler ultrasonography. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS)
      was used to observe the perfusion of the contralateral testes before and after
      ligating and loosening the unilateral spermatic cord in each experimental group.
      The control animals also underwent CEUS and measurement of the heart rate (HR)
      and blood pressure (BP) at the corresponding time. Histological structure changes
      in the contralateral testes of the rabbits were observed in both anesthetic and
      conscious states. RESULTS: PS anesthesia markedly suppressed the HR and BP of the
      rabbits. The parameters in Groups of A0, A1 and A2 showed no statistically
      significant changes after unilateral ligation of the spermatic cord, while Groups
      B1 and B2 displayed significantly decreased peak-base difference (PBD) and
      prolonged arrival time (AT) and half time of descending peak intensity (HT).
      Groups A1, B1 and B2 showed significantly increased PBD and prolonged HT shortly
      after loosening the spermatic cord. Focal pathological and ultrastructural
      changes were observed in the contralateral testes of the ischemic rabbits, but no
      significant difference was found in Johnson's score in comparison with the
      controls. The apoptotic cells were remarkably increased in Groups A1, B1 and B2.
      CONCLUSION: Acute testicular ischemia may induce injury to the contralateral
      testis to some degree, and a reflexive sympathetic response may cause hemodynamic
      changes in the non-anesthetic state. And the neural and vascular inhibitory
      effects of anesthesia could make insignificant changes of blood perfusion in the
      contralateral testis.

PMID- 22049788
TI  - [Relationship between vitamin D receptor gene Fok I polymorphisms and benign
      prostatic hyperplasia complicated by histological prostatitis].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between vitamin D receptor (VDR) gene
      Fok I polymorphisms and BPH complicated by histological prostatitis (BPH + HP).
      METHODS: We detected Fok I polymorphisms in the peripheral blood of 79 patients
      with BPH + HP and 81 controls with BPH only using polymerase chain reaction
      restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP), and analyzed the frequency
      distribution of the genotypes and alleles of the two groups of patients. RESULTS:
      Obvious differences were found in the distribution of genotypes and alleles
      between the BPH + HP patients (FF: 27% [21/79], Ff: 30% [24/79], ff: 43% [34/79])
      and the controls (FF: 33% [27/81], Ff: 36% [29/81], ff: 31% [25/81]), with
      statistical significance in the distribution of the genotype ff (P < 0.05). The
      histological prostatitis group showed a significant difference from the controls
      in the frequency of the f allele (58% [196/338] vs 49% [153/312], P < 0.05), but
      not in that of the F allele (42% [142/338] vs 51% [159/312] , P > 0.05).
      CONCLUSION: VDR Fok I polymorphisms may be correlated with BPH complicated by
      histological prostatitis.

PMID- 22049789
TI  - [Effects of staurosporine on the proliferation and apoptosis of prostate cancer
      PC-3 cells].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of staurosporine (ST) on the proliferation
      and apoptosis of prostate cancer PC-3 cells. METHODS: Prostate cancer PC-3 cells
      were treated in vitro with ST at 10(-8) mol/L. The expressions of cyclin A and
      cyclin D1 proteins in the cells were detected by Western blot, the effect of ST
      on the proliferation of the cells determined by MTT assay and plate colony
      formation, the apoptosis of the cells examined by flow cytometry, and their
      morphological changes observed under the light microscope. RESULTS: ST treatment
      markedly decreased the expressions of cyclin A and cyclin D1 in the PC-3 cells,
      and significantly inhibited the growth of the PC-3 cells (19.35%) at 48 h. (F =
      31.06, P < 0.01). The colony formation rate of the PC-3 cells was (37.10 +/-
      3.43) % in the ST group, significantly lower than (64.80 +/- 4.34) % in the
      control (chi2 = 14.59, P < 0.05) and (62.80 +/- 4.36) % in the DMSO group (chi2 =
      12.50, P < 0.05), while the apoptosis rate of the cells was remarkably higher in
      the ST group ([19.6 +/- 2.20] %) than in the control ([5.33 +/- 1.40] %) and the
      DMSO group ([5.50 +/- 0.96] %) (F = 104.36, P < 0.01). Under the light
      microscope, the ST-treated cells were round with indistinct margins as compared
      with those of the other two groups. CONCLUSION: ST could significantly inhibit
      the proliferation and induce the apoptosis of PC-3 cells.

PMID- 22049790
TI  - [Expressions of CD4+ CD25(high) regulatory T cells, TGF-beta 1 and COX-2 in the
      peripheral blood of prostate cancer patients].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expressions of CD4+ CD25(high) regulatory T cells,
      TGF-beta 1 and COX-2 in the peripheral blood of prostate cancer (PCa) patients,
      and analyze the role of CD4+ CD25(high) regulatory T cells in the pathogenesis of
      PCa and their relationship with TGF-beta 1 and COX-2. METHODS: We used flow
      cytometry to calculate the percentage of CD4+ CD25(high) regulatory T cells in
      the CD4+ T cells in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from 30 PCa
      patients (11 localized and 19 non-localized cases) and 20 healthy volunteer
      controls, determined the expressions of TGF-beta 1 and COX-2 in the serum by
      ELISA, and analyzed their correlation with the CD4+ CD25(high) regulatory T cells
      in the PCa patients as well as the differences between the localized and non-
      localized cases. RESULTS: CD4+ CD25(high) regulatory T cells accounted for (18.32
      +/- 7.49) % in the CD4+ T cells in PBMCs from the PCa patients, significantly
      higher than (7.77 +/- 1.86) % from the controls (P < 0.05), but with no
      statistically significant difference between pre- and post-treatment in the PCa
      patients (P > 0.05). The expressions of TGF-beta 1 and COX-2 in the peripheral
      blood were (215.97 +/- 55.16) ng/ml and (6.88 +/- 5.14) ng/ml in the PCa
      patients, in comparison with (149.75 +/- 47.11) ng/ml (P < 0.05) and (6.88 +/-
      5.14) ng/ml (P > 0.05) in the controls. Multiple linear regression analysis
      showed no significant correlation between the expression of CD4+ CD25(high)
      regulatory T cells in PBMCs and those of TGF-beta 1 and COX-2 in the peripheral
      blood of the PCa patients. There were no significant differences between the
      localized and non-localized PCa groups in the expressions of CD4+ CD25(high)
      regulatory T cells, TGF-beta 1 and COX-2 (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: CD4+ CD25(high)
      regulatory T cells in in PBMCs are involved in the pathogenesis of PCa. The
      proliferation of CD4+ CD25(high) regulatory T cells is not significantly
      correlated to the expressions of TGF-beta 1 and COX-2 in the peripheral blood,
      but maybe to the tumor itself and the local tumor microenvironment.

PMID- 22049791
TI  - [Tadalafil for ED after transurethral resection of the prostate: a report of 113
      cases].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of tadalafil in the treatment of ED after
      transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). METHODS: A total of 113 patients
      with ED after TURP received 3 months of tadalafil treatment and were followed up
      for 6 months. The IIEF-5 scores of the patients and the number of successful
      penile intromissions and sustained penile erections in the patients' sexual life
      diary were compared before and after the treatment. RESULTS: The IIEF-5 scores
      were 9.83 +/- 3.96 before the medication, 20.23 +/- 3.25 after it, and 17.28 +/-
      3.03 at 6 months after drug withdrawal, with statistically significant
      differences between pre- and post-treatment (P < 0.05). The patients' success
      rates of penile intromission and sexual intercourse were increased from 44.8% and
      7.5% before the medication to 81.7% and 63.2% after it. CONCLUSION: Tadalafil can
      be used as a first-line drug for the treatment of ED after TURP.

PMID- 22049792
TI  - [High ligation of the spermatic vein and sperm DNA fragmentation].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of high ligation of the spermatic vein
      (HLSV) on DNA fragmentation in varicocele (VC) patients. METHODS: Thirty-four VC
      patients underwent HLSV. Sperm motion indexes and the results of papanicolaou
      staining and DNA fragmentation detection were analyzed before and 3 months after
      the operation according to the WHO guidelines. RESULTS: Compared with pre
      operation, HLSV achieved a significant increase in the percentage of
      morphologically normal sperm (P < 0.01), and remarkable decreases in DNA
      fragmentation, sperm deformity index (SDI) and multiple anomalies index (MAI) (P
      < 0.01). The patients also showed significant increases in sperm concentration
      and the percentages of grade b sperm (P < 0.05) and grade a and a + b sperm (P <
      0.01) after the operation. The post-operative percentages of sperm DNA
      fragmentation in those with grades I - III VC were markedly lower (P < 0.01), but
      showed no significant difference from that in those with subclinical VC (P >
      0.05). The percentage of big-halo sperm was significantly increased (P < 0.01),
      while those of the medium-, small- and non-halo sperm remarkably decreased (P <
      0.01) after HLSV. CONCLUSION: HLSV can effectively improve the sperm quality of
      VC patients.

PMID- 22049793
TI  - [A combined method for weighing human semen volume].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To search for a method for the precise measurement of human semen
      volume so as to provide reliable evidence for clinical semen analysis. METHODS:
      The volumes of 492 semen samples collected from 137 donors by Zhejiang Human
      Sperm Bank were measured respectively by three different methods including
      electronic balance weighing, volumetric cylinder measuring, and combination of
      the two methods above. With the combined measuring method, the semen weight was
      first obtained by electronic balance weighing, then the semen density determined
      by volumetric cylinder measuring, and lastly the semen volume figured out by a
      formula. Paired sample t-test was used to compared the combined method with
      electronic balance weighing and volumetric cylinder measuring. RESULTS: The mean
      volume of the 492 semen samples obtained by the combined measuring method was
      (3.46 +/- 1.17) ml, significantly lower than (3.75 +/- 1.21) ml from electronic
      balance weighing (P < 0.05) and markedly higher than (3.22 +/- 1.16) ml from
      volumetric cylinder measuring (P < 0.05). The mean semen density of the 492
      samples was (1.0928 +/- 0.0761) g/ml, and the mean weight of the residual semen
      in the container used in volumetric cylinder measuring was (0.269 +/- 0.122) g.
      CONCLUSION: Semen volume measured by electronic balance weighing is higher while
      that obtained from volumetric cylinder measuring is lower than the actual value.
      An accurate semen volume can be achieved by the combined measuring method, which,
      therefore, deserves to be widely used both clinically and in researches.

PMID- 22049794
TI  - [Modified urethral pull-through procedure for posterior urethral stricture or
      atresia].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility and safety of the modified urethral pull
      through procedure for the treatment of posterior urethral stricture or atresia.
      METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 212 cases of posterior urethral stricture or
      atresia treated by the modified urethral pull-through procedure. The length of
      the stricture or atresia was 1.5 - 12 cm, and 66 cases had experienced 1 - 4
      previous unsuccessful urethral repairs. Simple transperineal approach was adopted
      in 208 cases and transperineal-inferiorpubic approach in the other 4. And 15 of
      the patients underwent urethral construction with grafts. RESULTS: Satisfactory
      voiding was achieved in 198 (93.4%) of the patients, of whom 16 received 3 - 15
      urethral dilations. Of the 14 cases that failed, 10 succeeded after a second and
      2 after a third operation. Of the 15 cases that underwent substitution
      urethroplasty, 14 achieved satisfactory voiding, and only 1 needed repeat
      dilation. No serious complications were observed in any of the patients.
      CONCLUSION: Modified urethral pull-through procedure, with its advantages of
      safety, mini-invasiveness, simple operation and high success rate, is feasible
      for the treatment of posterior urethral stricture or atresia, while for that with
      the length >5 cm, substitution urethroplasty should be considered.

PMID- 22049795
TI  - [Expressions of integrinalpha2beta1 and CD133 in benign prostatic hyperplasia
      complicated by prostatitis and their significance].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the expressions of Integrinalpha2beta1 and CD133 in benign
      prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) complicated by prostatitis and their significance.
      METHODS: Specimens were obtained from 56 BPH patients undergoing transvesical
      prostatectomy. Paraffin sections of the specimens were subjected to HE staining
      for pathological examination of inflammatory changes under the light microscope.
      Twenty-four patients with simple BPH were included in Group A, and the other 32
      with BPH complicated with prostatitis in Group B. The expressions of
      Integrinalpha2beta1 and CD133 in the prostatic tissues of the two groups were
      determined by immunohistochemistry, Western blotting and IPP6.0 image analysis
      software. RESULTS: The expressions of Integrinalpha2beta1 and CD133 were
      significantly higher in Group B than in A (P < 0.05), and so were the mean
      relative value of the optical density of Integrinalpha2beta1 (0.29 +/- 0.18 vs
      0.04 +/- 0.03) and that of CD133 (0.08 +/- 0.07 vs 0.0020 +/- 0.0018) (P < 0.05).
      CONCLUSION: Inflammation can up-regulate the expressions of Integrinalpha2beta1
      and CD133 in BPH tissue.

PMID- 22049796
TI  - [Calcitonin gene-related peptide induces phenotypic transformation of corpus
      cavernosum smooth muscle cells in diabetic rats with erectile dysfunction].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the effect of the calcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) on
      the phenotypic transformation of corpus cavernosum smooth muscle cells (CCSM) in
      diabetic rats with erectile dysfunction (ED). METHODS: Models of diabetes and
      diabetic ED were established in male Sprague-Dawley rats by administration of
      streptozotocin, and CCSMs were primarily cultured and subjected to
      immunocytochemical assay. The cells were divided into a diabetic ED and a normal
      control group, and exposed to 0, 10, 60 and 100 nmol/L of CGRP for 24 hours. Then
      the relative expressions of calponin 1 (Cnn1) and osteopontin (OPN) mRNA were
      determined by real-time fluorescence quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR). RESULTS: The
      rate of SMalpha-actin positive cells in the CCSMs was (95.94 +/- 0.03) %. The
      expression of Cnn1 mRNA was significantly lower while that of OPN mRNA remarkably
      higher in the diabetic ED rats (4.41 +/- 0.29 and 5.28 +/- 0.32) than in the
      normal controls (10.35 +/- 0.62 and 1.32 +/- 0.24) (P < 0.01). Exposure to 100
      nmol/L of CGRP significantly upregulated the expression of Cnn1 mRNA and
      downregulated that of OPN mRNA as compared with the unexposed rats (6.9 +/- 0.22
      vs 4.41 +/- 0.29 and 3.26 +/- 0.31 vs 5.28 +/- 0.32, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: CGRP
      can transform the phenotype of CCSMs in diabetic ED rats from contractile to
      synthetic type.

PMID- 22049797
TI  - [Undifferentiated prostate sarcoma with cartilage metaplasia: a case report and
      review of the literature].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical presentations and pathologic features of
      undifferentiated sarcoma of the prostate with cartilage metaplasia, and to
      clarify its category. METHODS: We analyzed the clinical data of a case of
      undifferentiated sarcoma of the prostate with cartilage metaplasia treated by
      surgical resection. The tumor tissue was subjected to routine HE and
      immunohistochemical staining, its histological structure and immunohistochemical
      expression were observed under the light microscope, and relevant literature on
      its manifestations was reviewed. RESULTS: The case was pathologically diagnosed
      as gray prostate tumor, with chondrosarcomatous and undifferentiated malignant
      mesenchymal components under the light microscope. Immunohistochemical staining
      revealed vimentin (+), local CD117 (+/-), SMA (-), Des (-), myoglobin (-), CD34 (
      ), CK7 (-), and CK8 (-). Tumor metastasis was found 2 months after the operation,
      and the patient died 4 months later. CONCLUSION: Undifferentiated sarcoma of the
      prostate with cartilage metaplasia is a very rare and highly malignant aggressive
      tumor, which can be diagnosed by biopsy and immunohistochemistry.

PMID- 22049798
TI  - [Oral paroxetine for premature ejaculation: a randomized controlled study].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To validate the therapeutic efficacy of paroxetine in the treatment of
      premature ejaculation (PE). METHODS: Eighty PE patients up to the inclusion
      criteria were equally randomized to an experimental and a control group. We
      observed all the patients for 4 weeks and recorded the baseline data on
      intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT) and sexual satisfaction scores,
      followed by oral medication of paroxetine at 20 mg/d for the patients in the
      experimental group and placebo for the controls. Thirty days after the treatment,
      we again recorded IELT and sexual satisfaction scores of the patients. RESULTS:
      After the treatment, the experimental group showed significantly prolonged IELT
      ([5.75 +/- 1.24] min) and increased sexual satisfaction score (6.4 +/- 1.2) as
      compared with the baseline data ([0.89 +/- 0.21] min and [2.7 +/- 0.9]) (P <
      0.01). The control group exhibited no significant differences before and after
      the medication either in the mean IELT or in sexual satisfaction scores ([1.06 +/
      0.28] min vs [0.97 +/- 0.18] min and 3.6 +/- 1.3 vs 3.1 +/- 1.1, P > 0.05).
      CONCLUSION: Oral medication of paroxetine at 20 mg/d for 30 days could improve
      IELT and sexual satisfaction in PE patients.

PMID- 22049799
TI  - [Effects of remifentanil combined with naloxone on human sperm motility].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of remifentanil combined with naloxone on human
      sperm motility in vitro and to investigate its possible mechanism. METHODS:
      Twenty normal semen samples were collected, each divided into 13 aliquots, one as
      the control and the others treated in vitro with different concentrations of
      remifentanil or remifentanil + naloxone for 35 min. The percentage of progressive
      mobile sperm was assessed by computer-assisted sperm analysis at 5, 10, 15, 20
      and 35 min. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, remifentanil at 0.1, 1, 10
      and 100 microg/L significantly decreased sperm motility at 5 and 10 min in a dose
      dependent manner, with no significant difference at 15 and 30 min; sperm motility
      showed no significant difference on 5 -35 min exposure to naloxone at 0.004 -0.04
      mg/L, nor on 5, 10, 15 and 20 min exposure at 0.4 -4 mg/L, but was significantly
      increased at 35 min. Compared with the corresponding concentrations of
      remifentanil alone, remifentanil + naloxone remarkably increased sperm motility
      at 0.1 + 0.004, 1 + 0.04, 10 + 0.4, and 100 + 4 mg/L at 5 and 10 min, with no
      obvious difference at 15 and 30 min. CONCLUSION: The onset and offset of the
      effect of remifentanil on sperm motility are rapid and its inhibitory effect can
      be antagonized by naloxone, which may be related with the micro-opioid receptor.

PMID- 22049800
TI  - [Progress in the treatment of penile defect].
AB  - As the important external genitalia of males, penis has the functions of both
      urination and copulation. Battle wound, other trauma, and some diseases such as
      penile cancer can result in total and partial penile defect, which has great
      impact on the sufferers' mind and life. Therefore, the treatment of penile defect
      is receiving more and more importance from both the patients and doctors. The
      ideal treatment is expected to achieve a satisfactory appearance, unobstructed
      standing urination and successful copulation. Nowadays, the main clinical
      techniques for the treatment of penile defect include penile replantation, penile
      lengthening, and penile reconstruction. The progress made in transplantation
      immunity, tissue matching, immunosuppressive agents, and long-term surviving of
      animal allograft limb transplantation has prepared a firm ground for human penile
      allograft. The construction of penile tissues by tissue engineering techniques is
      still at the experimental stage. It would be a valuable research how to
      assimilate the constructed and autologous tissues in clinical practice so as to
      achieve better function and appearance of the penis.

PMID- 22049801
TI  - [Molecular genetics of globozoospermia: an update].
AB  - Globozoospermia, as a severe teratozoospermia caused by gene mutations, is a rare
      congenital disease with main clinical manifestations of the round head of sperm
      and abnormality or absence of acrosome, and its precise mechanism is not yet
      clear. Studies show that the pathogenic genes associated with globozoospermia
      include SPATA16, PICK1, GOPC, Hrb, Csnk2a2 and bs. This paper outlines the
      progress in the studies of molecular genetics of globozoospermia, aiming to
      contribute to the molecular diagnosis and mechanism investigation of the disease.

PMID- 22049802
TI  - [Chronic prostatitis and cytokines].
AB  - Chronic prostatitis (CP) is a common disease in men, and its pathogenesis remains
      to be clarified. The precise regulation of cytokines is involved in all types and
      all stages of CP. The interaction of inflammation, inflammatory cells and
      cytokines leads to the development and progression of CP. With further
      understanding of the immunological and molecular biological mechanisms of the
      disease and more inflammatory cytokines used in its detection, it is of special
      significance to apply cytokines in the classification and treatment of CP. This
      review outlines the roles of cytokines in the pathogenesis of CP, particularly
      chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CPPS), their relationship with CP, and their
      significance in the classification and diagnosis of CP/CPPS.

PMID- 22049803
TI  - [Impact of endocrine disrupting chemicals on semen quality].
AB  - Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are natural or man-made agents that
      interfere in some way with human or animal normal endocrine function, and even
      influence the endocrine function of their offspring. There are many kinds of
      EDCs, which are widely present in soil, water, and even food. This review
      elaborates the impact of EDCs on human and animal semen quality from the
      viewpoint of epidemiology and biology by focusing on pesticides, plasticizers and
      detergents.

PMID- 22049805
TI  - Difficult decisions.

PMID- 22049804
TI  - [Compound Xuanju capsule improves sex hormones and sex organ indexes in castrated
      male rats].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of Compound Xuanju Capsule on the levels of
      sex hormones and the weight of sexual organs in castrated male rats. METHODS: A
      randomized model control trail was performed in 60 young male SD rats of SPF
      grade, of which 12 were included in the normal control group, and the others were
      castrated and randomly divided into a model control group and a high-dose, a
      median-dose and a low-dose Xuanju group. The control groups received intragastric
      administration of normal saline, and the model groups solution of Compound Xuanju
      Capsule, all for 20 days. Then we determined by radioimmunoassay the levels of
      testosterone (T), luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)
      in the peripheral blood of the rats, and measured the weights of the epididymis,
      preputial gland, seminal vesicle, prostate and levator ani muscle. RESULTS: The T
      levels were remarkably lower in the castrated groups than in the normal controls,
      and significantly higher in the three Xuanju groups than in the model controls (P
      < 0.01). Both LH and FSH levels were increased in the model control and Xuanju
      groups as compared with the normal control group, the former with statistically
      significant difference (P < 0.05) and the latter without. In comparison with the
      normal controls, the model control rats showed a marked reduction in the indexes
      of the preputial gland, seminal vesicle, prostate and levator ani muscle, and the
      high-dose Xuanju group exhibited a significant increase in the seminal vesicle
      index as compared with the model controls (P < 0.05). There were no statistically
      significant differences in the indexes of preputial gland, prostate and levator
      ani muscle among different dose groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Compound Xuanju
      Capsule can elevate T and LH levels in the peripheral blood of male SD rats and
      improve the indexes of their sex organs, which may be an important mechanism
      behind its effect on ED.

PMID- 22049806
TI  - Preparation of the resuscitation room and patient reception.
AB  - Experience from the Role 3 Medical Treatment Facility in Afghanistan has allowed
      the development of a variety of processes to improve management of seriously
      injured patients. This review describes some of the techniques that facilitate
      the reception of the patient in the Emergency Department. In particular the
      preparation of the team and the resuscitation bay, and the way the team members
      work together to optimise assessment and resuscitation while minimising delay to
      imaging and surgery. Within this context the systems described have been refined
      and function effectively. Many of these lessons may be relevant to future
      deployments.

PMID- 22049807
TI  - Critical decision-making and timelines in the emergency department.
AB  - The resuscitation of severely injured patients has evolved during the last
      decade. Patients are now surviving injuries that previously were thought to be
      unsurvivable. Systems have been put in place, that reflect the intensity of
      workload and severity of injury of patients presenting to deployed medical
      treatment facilities. This paper aims to describe some of the elements that may
      differ from routine practice in the resuscitation room, and in particular the
      role of timelines in the management of such patients.

PMID- 22049808
TI  - Massive transfusion.
AB  - Massive Transfusion is a part of Damage Control Resuscitation. The aim of
      transfusion therapy is to restore oxygen delivery to poorly perfused tissues and
      to treat the acute coagulopathy of trauma. The severity and complexity of modern
      injuries have led to the use of swift, protocol-driven care with the use of'Shock
      Packs' and management of metabolic complications. The proactive treatment of the
      coagulopathy has been termed Haemostatic Resuscitation. The delivery of this
      transfusion capability has required an increasingly sophisticated logistic and
      laboratory response. New operational capabilities have included cold chain
      solutions; laboratory management information systems; platelet apheresis and
      ROTEM. This investment in the massive transfusion capability has delivered rapid
      resuscitation. It has also enabled clinicians to direct individualised
      transfusion support following initial resuscitation i.e. goal directed therapy.
      Future technical solutions should further support the prehospital delivery of
      transfusion while addressing the logistic tail. However, the key to success is
      the knowledge and skills of frontline staff to deliver safe and appropriate blood
      transfusion.

PMID- 22049809
TI  - Major military trauma: decision making in the ICU.
AB  - The management of trauma in the field intensive care unit has evolved in recent
      years. Key issues in current practice and organisation are discussed, with
      particular attention to areas where civilian and military practice differs.
      Possible future improvements are explored.

PMID- 22049810
TI  - Use of imaging in trauma decision-making.
AB  - Damage Control Radiology describes the process where imaging aids the decision
      making process in a trauma setting and is an important part of Damage Control
      Surgery and Resuscitation. This article outlines how radiology fits in to the
      primary and secondary surveys and discusses the role of imaging modalities such
      as ultrasound and CT. The importance of deployed radiology to aid rapid diagnosis
      and decision making is described.

PMID- 22049811
TI  - Making difficult decisions in major military trauma: a crew resource management
      perspective.
AB  - The purpose of this article is to consider three underappreciated but important
      features of high performance teams: the trade-off relation between social and
      technical competence, the relevance of team size on productivity, and the
      inevitability of tensions that, while often experienced as dysfunctional, are in
      fact quite useful. It does so by reviewing a series of related studies in
      aviation and the organisation sciences, and by extrapolating insights for crew
      resource management in major military trauma along two generic themes: team
      context and team process.

PMID- 22049812
TI  - Current controversies in military pre-hospital critical care.

PMID- 22049813
TI  - Right turn resuscitation: frequently asked questions.
AB  - In this article the process of operating room resuscitation - commonly known as
      Right Turn Resuscitation (RTR) when conducted in the medical treatment facility
      at Camp Bastion - is described. The place of RTR within the concepts of damage
      control resuscitation and surgery is discussed along with activation criteria and
      protocols. The medical leadership, team roles, advantages and disadvantages are
      reviewed. Finally, studies describing the impact of RTR and operating room
      resuscitation are briefly described.

PMID- 22049814
TI  - Limb salvage of severely injured extremities after military wounds.
AB  - Severely wounded extremities following battlefield injuries present a surgical
      dilemma to military surgeons of whether to attempt salvage or amputate the limb.
      There are many considerations to be made, including local and systemic patient
      factors, other wounded personnel and logistical constraints. Attempts have been
      made previously to form objective scoring criteria so as to remove possible
      subjectivity in this decision-making process. Furthermore, paediatric patients
      present their own particular dilemmas. This paper examines these various matters
      and, with contemporaneous evidence, presents recommendations for management.

PMID- 22049815
TI  - Difficult decisions in the surgical care of military casualties with major torso
      trauma.
AB  - Testing and difficult decision-making is a sine qua non of surgical practice on
      military operations. Better pre-hospital care protocols, reduced evacuation
      timelines and increased scrutiny of outcome have rightfully emphasised the
      requirement of surgeons to "get it right, first time and every time" when
      treating patients. This article addresses five contentious areas concerning
      severe torso trauma, with relevant literature summarised by a subject matter
      expert, in order to produce practical guidance that will assist the newly
      deployed surgeon in delivering optimal clinical outcomes.

PMID- 22049816
TI  - Paediatric trauma management on deployment.
AB  - There remains a significant paediatric workload through the military hospital in
      Camp Bastion. In this paper the authors review and discuss particular problems
      with resuscitation, investigation, anaesthetic and surgical issues in dealing
      with children suffering from ballistic injuries. Personal experience and recent
      papers are used for a qualitative analysis of difficult decisions in the
      management of paediatric ballistic trauma. Key questions are answered in separate
      paragraphs for each specialty. The information described in this paper should
      assist any deployed physician deal with paediatric casualties particularly if
      they are unaccustomed to paediatric patients in their normal practice.

PMID- 22049817
TI  - Nutritional management of critically ill trauma patients in the deployed military
      setting.
AB  - The role of nutritional support in critical illness is well established. This
      article reviews the nutritional management of military trauma patients in the
      deployed setting, which poses special challenges for the surgeon and intensivist.
      There is little direct evidence relating to the nutritional management of trauma
      patients in general, and military trauma patients in particular, but much of the
      evidence accrued in the civilian and non-trauma critical care setting can be
      extrapolated to military practice. There is strong consensus that feeding should
      be commenced as soon possible after injury. Enteral nutrition should be used in
      preference to parenteral nutrition whenever possible. If available, supplemental
      parenteral feeding can be considered if enteral delivery is insufficient.
      Gastrointestinal anastomoses and repairs, including those in the upper
      gastrointestinal tract, are not a contraindication to early enteral feeding.
      Intragastric delivery is more physiological and usually more convenient than
      postpyloric feeding, and thus the preferred route for the initiation of
      nutritional support. Feeding gastrostomies or jejunostomies should not be used
      for short-term nutritional support. Enteral feeding of patients with an open
      abdomen does not delay closure and may reduce the incidence of pneumonia, and
      enteral nutrition should be continued for scheduled relook surgery not involving
      hollow viscera or airway. Glutamine supplementation may improve outcome in trauma
      patients, but fish-oil containing feeds, while showing some promise, should be
      reserved for subgroups of patients with ARDS.

PMID- 22049818
TI  - The deployed medical director: managing the challenges of a complex trauma
      system.
AB  - Contemporary combat casualty care has never been more sophisticated or effective,
      which is matched by an unprecedented level of clinical complexity. The management
      of this complexity has demanded the evolution of a more direct clinical
      leadership model in the field hospital: the Deployed Medical Director (DMD). The
      DMD has a central co-ordinating role in reducing the friction generated by
      individuals' unfamiliarity in a rapidly developing clinical environment that has
      diverged from the NHS; in cementing interoperability within a multinational
      medical treatment facility working at high intensity; and in maintaining and
      developing the highest clinical standards within the deployed trauma system. This
      article describes the evolution of the DMD role and illustrates the challenges
      through a series of vignettes. Particular emphasis is given to the organisational
      risk that the role carries through necessary ethical choices, the requirement to
      integrate multi-national cultural differences and the challenge of dealing with
      interpersonal frictions amongst senior staff.

PMID- 22049819
TI  - Emphasizing qualitative study.

PMID- 22049820
TI  - Time for an undergraduate curriculum in general practice for Nepal.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This is a qualitative study, to generate a framework for a core
      curriculum in General Practice in the undergraduate setting, designed
      specifically for Nepal. METHODS: A Delphi process was used to involve
      representatives from the GP faculty in Institute of Medicine, BP Koirala
      institute BPKIHS, Patan Hospital/National Academy Medical Sciences and Tansen
      mission hospital. The Delphi involves getting input from an identified group of
      experts and progressively feeding back the results from each round of enquiry so
      that subsequent views are influenced until a point of convergence is reached. In
      effect the Delphi not only analyses problems and identifies solutions, but can
      begin the process of commitment to change. RESULTS: A prioritized list of the key
      outcomes for an undergraduate GP curriculum was developed and a broad list of
      knowledge, skills and attitudes were defined. A balance was observed between the
      need to train doctors who are skilled in communication, who have compassion for
      their patients, who are also required to be excellent rational clinicians able to
      respond to emergency situations. There was also the need for doctors to be
      competent not just in individual clinical care, but in the care of communities.
      CONCLUSIONS: General Practice, as a core component of primary care, should be an
      obligatory part of every undergraduate medical curriculum. This Delphi process
      has produced an important framework for a national undergraduate curriculum in
      General Practice, designed specifically for Nepal.

PMID- 22049821
TI  - Early experience of day care surgery in Nepal.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The day care laparoscopic cholecystectomy (DCLC) is found to be
      safe and effective in developed countries. However, it has not been well accepted
      in our part of the world probably because of lack of infrastructures,established
      norms and published reports. We have analyzed the safety and feasibility of the
      procedure in the recently established first dedicated day care surgery centre of
      the country. METHODS: All the patients with American society of anaesthesiologist
      (ASA) score I and II admitted for laparoscopic cholecystectomy are included.
      Operation are performed in the morning and closely observed till evening.
      Patients found to be medically fit to discharge; having a responsible person at
      home and who can make their own arrangements in case of problems were advised for
      discharge. Follow up was done by telephone call from next morning. RESULTS: Total
      35 patients underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Age range was between 16-65
      years and most of them were females (88%). Only 30 patients were operated in
      early morning and were eligible for day care surgery. 25 (83%) Patients were
      advised for discharge but only 10 (33%) could make arrangement. Other 15 patients
      could not go home mainly due to different psychosocial reasons. Only one patient
      needed readmission and Complications observed were minor and relatively few.
      CONCLUSIONS: Day care laparoscopic cholecystectomy is safe and feasible in our
      set up. Acceptance of the procedure is expected to increase once it is regularly
      practiced and awareness in improved.

PMID- 22049822
TI  - Anaesthesia and perioperative care in remote health camps: patients' concerns.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Identifying patients' concerns and expectations regarding
      anaesthesia and perioperative care in mobile surgical camps is relevant for the
      camp workers. This prospective observational study was conducted to assess
      knowledge, concerns, and expectations about anaesthesia and perioperative care in
      patients undergoing surgery in mobile surgical camps in remote mountainous
      districts of Eastern Nepal. METHODS: A questionnaire with seven items related to
      anaesthesia and perioperative care was used for interviewing 80 individuals of
      age > or = 12 years, 20 from each camp at Solukhumbu, Sankhuwasabha, Khotang and
      Bhojpur districts. RESULTS: Data of two patients were lost leaving only 78
      individuals for analysis. The mean age of the subjects was 30.5 (+/- 14.6) years
      with the male: female ratio of 43: 35. Fifty-eight (74.4%) patients had some
      gross idea about the modality of administration of anaesthetics. Twenty-six
      (33.3%) individuals preferred GA over local anaesthesia, whereas 22 (28.2%) were
      happy either way if there was no pain. Pain was the main concern for 73.1% of the
      patients. Of the 25 patients expressing fear of GA, death or not being able to
      wake up anymore was the main concern for 60.0%. Increasing age was associated
      with lower fear of GA (p < 0.05). Surgical experience was distressing for 17
      (21.8%) patients. The overall experience of the anaesthesia and surgery was worse
      than expected for 25.6% of the patients. CONCLUSIONS: Patients presenting to
      these health camps have limited knowledge regarding anaesthesia and perioperative
      care but have valid concerns and expectations in respect of their safety, comfort
      and outcome.

PMID- 22049823
TI  - T-tube vs primary common bile duct closure.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Closure of the common bile duct over T-tube after exploration is a
      widely practiced traditional method. However, its use may give rise to many
      complications. We do primary closure of common bile duct after exploration. Aim
      of the study is to see the efficacy and safety of the primary closure. METHODS:
      Study was carried out to compare the results of both the techniques from 2006 to
      2009 in the cases proven to have common bile duct stone with or without the
      features of obstructive jaundice. Post operative hospital stay and morbidities
      related to both the groups were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS: There were total
      71 cases included in the study. Thirty one in T-tube group and 40 in primary
      closure group. T-tube was removed in most of the cases after three weeks where as
      average time of drain removal in primary closure group is 5.79 +/-1.79 days.
      Incidence of retained stone was equal in each group. Major complication in T-tube
      group is biliary peritonitis in four patients at the time of T-tube removal
      whereas none of the patient from primary closure group suffered from such major
      complication. CONCLUSIONS: Primary closure after the common bile duct exploration
      is safe and it helps to avoid the morbidities related to T-tube.

PMID- 22049824
TI  - Need of improvement in timing of prophylactic antibiotic in elective surgery.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Infections in surgery are major concern of morbidity, mortality,
      and costs. Timely antibiotic prophylaxis before incision ensures optimum
      concentration of AP in blood and tissues to prevent surgical site infections .
      However, proper timing of AP remains problematic as reported by various studies,
      though none so far from Nepal. Aim of this prospective observational study was to
      assess and address the issues for improvements in timing of AP. METHODS: The
      pattern of antibiotic prophylaxis were prospectively collected in respect to time
      of induction, and incision time were recorded on predesigned 'AP form'. The study
      included all the elective major cases who received AP of intravenous Cefazoline 1
      g as per our existing protocol. The emergency surgeries and obstetric cases were
      excluded from the study. RESULTS: There were 125 cases of which 89% received AP
      before incision (63% within 5 minutes before incision), while 11% had AP after
      the incision and 1% within the recommended time period of 2 hour to 30 minutes
      before incision. CONCLUSIONS: Current practice of antibiotic prophylaxis (AP)
      needs improvement as per standard guidelines of AP within 2 hour to 30 before
      incision.

PMID- 22049825
TI  - Nurses' views on need for professional development in Nepal.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This study explores the nurses' views on need for professional
      development and barriers in Nepal. METHODS: This is a qualitative content
      analysis study conducted among nurses from different health institutes. In-depth
      interviews and focus group discussions were used to obtain their views on need of
      professional development and major barriers against professional development in
      Nepal. Eleven nurses for in-depth interviews and three groups of six nurses each
      for focus group discussions were selected purposefully from Kathmandu University
      Hospital, Dhulikhel and Tribhuban University Teachng Hospital, Kathmnadu.
      RESULTS: Five themes emerged from qualitative data. "Continuing professional
      development", "supportive management", "nursing leadership", "recognition and
      respect" and "professional networking" were considered as essential factors for
      professional development. Lack of "commitment by the nurses", "female gender
      professional" and "lack of autonomy" were felt as barriers for the nursing
      professioanl development. CONCLUSIONS: Continuing professional development and
      supportive working environment are crucial to make nursing profession more
      dynamic and appealing in Nepal.

PMID- 22049826
TI  - Single incision laparoscopic cholecystectomy vs conventional cholecystectomy in
      developing country.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Use of laparoscopic surgery has demanded principles of less trauma
      of access hence less scar and so probably less complications. Hence conventional
      laparoscopic surgeries were tried with natural orifice transluminal surgery
      (NOTES) and then single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS). With refinement in
      instruments and surgeons skills SILS have bridged up between conventional and
      NOTES in order to quench the desire of less or no scar at all. METHODS:
      Comparative case control study between conventional laparoscopic cholecystectomy
      and SILS in public teaching hospital. RESULTS: Total 20 patients underwent SILS
      cholecystectomy and 20 underwent conventional cholecystectomy and found that no
      difference between both in terms of post operative pain score, hospital stay and
      post operative wound infection except significant difference in mean operative
      time and patient's level of satisfaction was less in patient with SILC if were
      subjected to pay for instruments in order to maintain cosmesis. CONCLUSIONS:
      Though SILS have gained rapid acceptance in surgical fraternity, large number of
      randomized controlled trials are necessary to show its benefit over conventional
      laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

PMID- 22049827
TI  - Antimicrobial resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Pneumococcal infections are important cause of morbidity and
      mortality. Knowledge of antimicrobial susceptibility patterns plays important
      role in the selection of appropriate therapy. Present study was undertaken to
      analyze the susceptibility patterns of pneumococcal isolates against commonly
      used antimicrobials with special reference to determination of minimum inhibitory
      concentration (MIC) of penicillin in a tertiary care hospital in eastern Nepal.
      METHODS: Twenty-six strains of S. pneumoniae isolated from various clinical
      specimens submitted to microbiology laboratory were evaluated. All isolates were
      tested for antimicrobial susceptibility by disk diffusion method. MIC of
      penicillin was tested by broth dilution method. RESULTS: Of the total isolates 19
      (73%) were from invasive infections. Seven isolates were resistant to
      cotrimoxazole. No resistance to penicillin was seen in disk diffusion testing.
      Less susceptibility to penicillin (MIC 0.1-1.0 mg/L) was observed in five (17%)
      isolates. High level resistance to penicillin was not detected. One isolate was
      multidrug resistant. CONCLUSIONS: S. pneumoniae isolates with intermediate
      resistance to penicillin prevail in Tertiary Care Hospital in eastern Nepal,
      causing invasive and noninvasive infections. As intermediate resistance is not
      detected in routine susceptibility testing, determination of MIC is important. It
      helps not only in the effective management of life threatening infections but is
      also essential in continuous monitoring and early detection of resistance. In
      addition, further study on pneumococcal infections, its antimicrobial resistance
      profile and correlation with clinical and epidemiological features including
      serotypes and group prevalence is recommended in future.

PMID- 22049828
TI  - In-vitro activity of three brands of ceftriaxone against different clinical
      isolates.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Ceftriaxone is an extended spectrum cephalosporin that has been
      used for decades for combating infections caused by wide array of pathogens and
      prescription of antibiotic is in favor of specific brands without realizing the
      potency of the brand. The in-vitro activity of three brands of ceftriaxone and
      various antibiotics against clinical isolates is studied. METHODS: This
      comparative study was carried in Kathmandu Medical College Teaching Hospital
      (KMCTH), Basic Science Complex, Duwakot, Bhaktapur in 2009. Thirteen clinical
      isolates isolated from the specimens processed in the Microbiology Laboratory at
      KMCTH were used. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of three brands of
      ceftriaxone (A, B, and C) was determined by agar dilution and antibiotic
      resistance patterns were deduced by disc diffusion test. RESULTS: MIC for three
      brands of ceftriaxone ranged from < 0.25 to > 256 mg/L. The MIC for brands A and
      C of ceftriaxone were consistent for all isolates while for brand B, MIC was
      higher by at least two fold suggesting this brand had less in-vitro activity
      against isolates tested. All isolates were multi-drug resistant. Ceftriaxone
      resistant isolates (n = 6) were simultaneously resistant to various antibiotics
      tested. Imipenem and amino glycosides were sensitive to the isolates studied.
      CONCLUSIONS: Different brands of ceftriaxone are available in Nepal and imprudent
      use of less potent antibiotics should be controlled to stop the emergence and
      spread of multi-drug resistant pathogens and to prevent undue economic burden to
      the patient and the country.

PMID- 22049829
TI  - Fracture union in closed interlocking nail in femoral fracture.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Fractures shaft femur is a major cause of morbidity and mortality
      in patients with lower extremity injuries. The objective of this study was to
      find out the outcome of Interlocking nail in fracture femur. METHODS: This study
      was conducted in the Department of Orthopaedic surgery in M. M. Medical College
      from July 2006 to November 2008. Seventy eight patients were recruited from
      Emergency and out patient department having closed fracture of femoral shaft. All
      patients were operated under general or spinal anesthesia. All patients were
      followed for nine months. RESULTS: Out of seventy eight patients, sixty nine
      patients underwent union in 90 to 150 days with a mean of 110.68 days. Touch down
      weight bearing was started on 2nd post-operative day. Complications found in four
      patients who had non-union, and five patients had delayed union which was treated
      with dynamization and bone graft. The results were excellent in 88.46% and good
      in 6.41% patients. CONCLUSIONS: We concluded that this technique is advantageous
      because of early mobilization (early weight bearing), less complication with good
      results and is economical.

PMID- 22049830
TI  - Antibiotic susceptibility patterns of Vibrio cholerae isolates.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Cholera is one of the most common diarrhoeal diseases in Nepal.
      Etiological agent of cholera is Vibrio cholerae which removes essential body
      fluids, salts and vital nutrients, which are necessary for life causing
      dehydration and malnutrition. Emerging antimicrobial resistant is common. The aim
      of the present study was to determine the antibiotic susceptibility pattern of
      cholera patients in Nepal. METHODS: All the laboratory works were conducted in
      the bacteriology section of National Public Health Laboratory, Teku from March to
      September 2005. During this period a total of 340 stool samples from diarrhoeal
      patients were collected and processed according to the standard laboratory
      methods. Each patient suffering from diarrhoea was directly interviewed for his
      or her clinical history during sample collection. RESULTS: A total of 340 stool
      samples were processed and studied from both sex including all ages of patients.
      Among the processed sample 53 Vibrio cholerae cases were found. All isolated
      Vibrio cholerae O1 were El Tor, Inaba. All isolated (100%) Vibrio cholerae O1
      were sensitive to Ampicillin, Ciprofloxacin, Erythromycin and Tetracycline
      whereas all were resistant to Nalidixic acid and Cotrimoxazole. Only 15.1% cases
      were sensitive to Furazolidone whereas 84.9% were resistant. CONCLUSION: All V.
      cholerae strains isolated in this study were found resistant to Multi Drug
      Resistant (resistant to at least two antibiotics of different group). Ampicillin,
      Ciprofloxacin, Erythromycin and Tetracycline were found still more potent
      antibiotics against Vibrio cholerae isolated during the study.

PMID- 22049831
TI  - Giant cell tumor arising from anterior arc of first rib: a rare presentation.
AB  - We report a case of Giant Cell Tumor (GCT) arising from anterior are of first rib
      along with literature review which was treated with excision of rib through its
      normal margin along with tumor mass. GCT of rib is rare and if found mostly
      arises from the posterior aspect. However, GCT should be considered as
      differential diagnosis when bony mass is present in the anterior are of rib. It
      poses surgical challenge for excision because of the delicate and vital
      neurovascular structures passing above it between clavicle and first rib.

PMID- 22049832
TI  - Self injurious behavior in temporal lobe epilepsy.
AB  - Self-injurious behavior (SIB) or self-mutilating behavior (SMB) is rare but can
      occur in temporal lobe epilepsy. Such a behavior during seizures is not usually
      recalled by patient. Here is a case with self mutilating behavior in left
      temporal lobe epilepsy, presented because of its rare manifestation and
      diagnostic dilemma. A 19 year old unmarried Muslim student presented to emergency
      with SMB, guilty rumination and a persecutory delusion. The patient was
      intermittently confused about place and time. In subsequent assessments, he was
      found harboring death wishes and suicidal ideation. He transiently had auditory
      hallucination and thought broadcasting. He episodically tried to harm himself by
      severely biting only his left ring finger. It was difficult to influence him
      during such episodes. EEG revealed left temporal lobe seizure. Diagnosis of
      'Epilepsy and Organic Psychosis' was made. The patient responded well to
      Antiepileptic and Antipsychotic medications.

PMID- 22049833
TI  - Complete bicornuate uterus with complete longitudinal vaginal septum.
AB  - Bicornuate Uterus is a type of lateral fusion disorder of the mullerian ducts.
      According to the American Fertility Society Classification of Mullerian
      Anomalies, bicornuate uterus is a class IV anomaly. Incidence of this anomaly
      varies. This may affect a woman's obstetric, as well as her gynecologic outcome.
      Here we present a 23 year primigravida at 38 weeks and 5 days gestation with
      footling breech presentation. She was identified, during cesarean section, of
      having complete bicornuate uterus with complete longitudinal vaginal septum.

PMID- 22049834
TI  - Prospects of jugular venous pulse assessment.
AB  - There is no controversy regarding the current clinical method of examination of
      waveform of jugular vein pulse. However there are limitations of clinical
      assessment of central venous pressure by jugular vein pressure measurement from
      the level of sternal angle. There are variations in the reported distances from
      sternal angle to right atrium as well as to upper limit of JVP. In erect
      position, anterior end of fourth intercostal space is at about the level of mid
      right atrium. In patients with visible JVP at neck in erect position, measurement
      of CVP can be done more accurately directly from the anterior end of fourth
      intercostal space. For others, the position of mid-right atrium can be marked in
      lateral chest wall first in erect position at the mid-point of an anteroposterior
      line from anterior end of fourth intercostal space to back. Subsequently in
      reclining position, the vertical height of venous pressure can be measured from
      the horizontal plane of the midpoint marked at lateral chest wall to visible
      upper limit of JVP. Such measurement can be done in a more reliable way with
      venous pressure (VP) manometer with its indicator rod at the horizontal plane of
      mid-right atrium and with its horizontal surface at upper limit of JVP. The
      venous pressure manometer can also be used to measure relatively less reliable
      upper limb venous pressure (ULVP), as indicated by the vertical distance at which
      veins of upper limb collapse, especially when JVP is not visualized due to
      subnormal CVP as in hypovolemia.

PMID- 22049835
TI  - Novel swine influenza A/H1N1 and the phase six pandemic.
AB  - The family Orthomyxoviridae consists of Influenza A virus which is negative sense
      single stranded virus. The genome of the virus is segmented and possesses a
      peculiar trait of genetic reassortment. The influenza virus on its envelop
      consists of the antigenic glycoprotein like haemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase
      (NA). The changes in those glycoprotein components due to antigenic shift and
      antigenic drift leads to the development of new strain of Influenza A viruses.
      Now the novel swine influenza A/H1N1 strain has been detected from different
      parts of the world which is causing pandemic. World Health Organization has
      declared the pandemic phase six and more than 60 countries have reported the
      cases of novel influenza A/H1N1 strain including Nepal. As the disease is
      spreading world wide, it is a major public health concern for all the countries.
      And especially the developing countries like Nepal should immediately respond to
      the situation and should be well prepared to combat the disease before the
      disease spreads to enough population.

PMID- 22049836
TI  - Bone and joint decade 2000-2010 in Nepalese perspective.
AB  - The Bone and Joint Decade is a worldwide multi-disciplinary initiative targeting
      the care of people with musculoskeletal disorders. It focuses on improving the
      quality of life of these people through advances in the understanding and
      treatment through education, research, and prevention strategies. Though the
      epidemiological data in Nepal are very scanty, worldwide statistics have shown
      that musculoskeletal conditions represent more than half of all chronic diseases,
      and are the most common cause of severe long-term pain and disability. There is
      acute shortage of specialist manpower that care for people with these disorders.
      Furthermore the teaching in musculoskeletal disorders in health institutions is
      very minimal. All of these problems highlight the need for expanding the teaching
      of musculoskeletal disorders at all levels of medical education; promotion of
      clinical research; improving diagnostic, treatment, and rehabilitative
      facilities; and implementation of preventive strategies to reduce the burden of
      these chronic debilitating conditions in the society.

PMID- 22049837
TI  - High sensitivity C-reactive protein: emerging biomarker for primary prevention of
      cardiovascular disease.

PMID- 22049838
TI  - Data scan. With access to a newly available trove of private insurers' claims
      data, new institute aims to study what's driving spiraling healthcare costs.
AB  - A new research initiative aims to delve into private-insurer claims data to study
      utilization and what's driving healthcare costs. The Health Care Cost Institute
      will help researchers, who have been limited to Medicare data or limited private
      claims. "We're optimistic. We have nothing to hide here," says Michael Richards,
      left, of Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center.

PMID- 22049839
TI  - Obama puts Dems on guard. Some senators wary of healthcare cuts.

PMID- 22049840
TI  - Three-way fight. Post-acute segments work to ward off cuts.

PMID- 22049841
TI  - To wait or not to wait .... Decision to go for EHR incentive payments not a
      simple one for providers.

PMID- 22049842
TI  - Veiled disclosures. Providers eager to know extent of CMS' leniency for Stark law
      violators.

PMID- 22049843
TI  - Pharmacy deal causes waves. Critics: Express Scripts, Medco plan would up prices.

PMID- 22049844
TI  - Pricey healthcare. Studies show U.S. costs are higher, benefits lower--with blame
      for all.

PMID- 22049845
TI  - Keeping the focus on patients. Team-based care, increased access add to a better
      medical home, panelists say.

PMID- 22049847
TI  - Taking it to the next level. Judges laud designs for meeting patient demands.

PMID- 22049846
TI  - Desperation premium. Providers, patients, pharmacies can all work to stop drug
      price gouging.

PMID- 22049848
TI  - First consolidation, then coordination. LTAC operators using acquisitions to
      expand their care continuums.

PMID- 22049849
TI  - Taking a beating. Healthcare execs see stock holdings, company portfolios
      nosedive.
AB  - The pounding that healthcare companies have taken on Wall Street is getting
      personal for their CEOs, whose holdings at their respective companies are down
      more than $180 million in value this year. "The key driver of incentives is stock
      holding. That's where the action is," says Wayne Guay, left, of the Wharton
      School. Boards may want to consider increasing their CEOs' relative weighting to
      equity compensation, he says.

PMID- 22049850
TI  - Readmission questions. With rates static, some wonder if focus helps quality.

PMID- 22049851
TI  - Approaching with caution. HHS offers another coordinated-care push.

PMID- 22049852
TI  - 'Quite a jump' in premiu. Medical care declined as prices soared rapidly.

PMID- 22049853
TI  - Path set for ACA? Proponents, foes of law appeal to Supreme Court.

PMID- 22049854
TI  - Laws fail to slow gray market. Concerns raised over secondary drug distributors.

PMID- 22049855
TI  - Painful reminders. New reports add emphasis to the cost and quality challenges in
      healthcare.

PMID- 22049856
TI  - Long wait nearly over. ICD-10 implementation now important and urgent ahead of
      2013 deadline.

PMID- 22049857
TI  - Going the distance.ICD-10 compliance deadline still two years off but plenty of
      hurdles remain for providers, vendors.

PMID- 22049858
TI  - Accounting abracadabra. New FASB rule will alter how bad debt is reported.

PMID- 22049859
TI  - Revision rates after total ankle arthroplasty in sample-based clinical studies
      and national registries.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of specific
      implants in total ankle arthroplasty as reported in clinical studies and
      determined by national registries. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A structured literature
      review was conducted regarding sample-based clinical studies and national
      registry data. To allow for comparative analyses, registry data had to be
      available for the implants included. These were STAR Ankle, Buchel-Pappas,
      Hintegra, Mobility, Agility, and Ramses Total Ankle Arthroplasty. The revision
      rate was used as the main outcome parameter. RESULTS: On average, the revision
      rates published in sample-based clinical studies were about half the value found
      in registries. Implant developers represent a share of almost 50% of the
      published content and are therefore over-represented in scientific publications.
      The inventors of STAR Ankle and BP total ankle implants published data which was
      statistically significantly superior to the outcome achieved in average patients
      as documented in registries. Irrespective of the implant, the average revision
      rate to be expected according to the registry data available is 21.8% after 5
      years, and 43.5% after 10 years. CONCLUSION: The average revision rate published
      in peer-reviewed scientific articles was significantly lower than the outcome
      achieved according to national arthroplasty registry data, which reflect actual
      average patient care in the respective countries. Publications by some research
      groups, particularly by implant inventors, show a deviation from the outcome
      published by other users and those shown in registry data.

PMID- 22049860
TI  - Extracorporeal shock wave treatment of non- or delayed union of proximal
      metatarsal fractures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nonunion or delayed union of fractures in the proximal aspect of
      metatarsals 1 to 4 and Zone 2 of the fifth metatarsal were treated by high energy
      extracorporeal shock wave treatment (ESWT) to study the safety and efficacy of
      this method of treatment in a FDA study of the Ossatron device. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: In a prospective single-arm, multi-center study, 34 fractures were
      treated in 32 patients (two subjects had two independent fractures) with ESWT.
      All fractures were at least 10 (range, 10 to 833) weeks after injury, with a
      median of 23 weeks. ESWT application was conducted using a protocol totaling
      2,000 shocks for a total energy application of approximately 0.22 to 0.51 mJ/mm2
      per treatment. The mean ESWT application time for each of the treatments was 24.6
      +/- 16.6 minutes, and anesthesia time averaged 27.1 +/- 10.4 minutes. All
      subjects were followed for 1 year after treatment at intervals of 12 weeks, 6, 9,
      and 12 months. RESULTS: The overall success rate at the 12-week visit was 71%
      with low complications, significant pain improvement as well as improvement on
      the SF-36. The success/fail criteria was evaluated again at the 6- and 12-month
      followup, showing treatment success rates of 89% (23/26) and 90% (18/20),
      respectively. The most common adverse event was swelling in the foot, reported by
      five subjects (15.6%). CONCLUSION: High-energy ESWT appears to be effective and
      safe in patients for treatment of nonunion or a delayed healing of a proximal
      metatarsal, and in fifth metatarsal fractures in Zone 2.

PMID- 22049861
TI  - Prospective study of a cementless, mobile-bearing, third generation total ankle
      prosthesis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The SALTO total ankle prosthesis is a noncemented mobile bearing
      anatomic design characterized by dual Ti-HA coating. This study reviews our
      results with this prosthesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between 2001 and 2007, 413
      consecutive SALTO prostheses were implanted in our institution in 215 women and
      198 men, aged 57.1 +/- 11.9 years. At the last visit, 401 implants (47% in the
      left ankle) were available with a mean followup of 29 (range, 1 to 84) months.
      RESULTS: Based on the results of the 218 patients with at least 2 years of
      postoperative followup, the 5-year estimated survivorship, with the primary end
      point being implant removal, was 86.6% and ranged from 85.1% in patients with
      post-traumatic osteoarthritis to 95.6% in those with rheumatoid arthritis. The
      AOFAS score increased from 50.9 +/- 16.8 points preoperatively to 82.2 +/- 14
      points at followup (mean difference, 31.1 +/- 1.4, 95% confidence interval (C.I.)
      for the difference, 28.3 to 33.8, p < 0.001). Visual analog scale for pain
      decreased from 7.4 +/- 1.1 preoperatively to 2.0 +/- 2.0 postoperatively (mean
      difference, -5.4 +/- 0.7, 95% C.I. for the difference, -5.6 to -5.2, p < 0.001).
      Flexion/extension ROM increased from 25.2 +/- 14.1 degrees to 33.1 +/- 13.6
      degrees at the last followup visit (mean difference, 7.9 +/- 0.5 degrees, 95%
      C.I. for the difference, 4.3 to 7.2, p < 0.001), while pronation/supination ROM
      increased from 23.8 +/- 13.7 degrees to 25.4 +/- 14.5 degrees (mean difference,
      1.6 +/- 0.7 degrees, 95% C.I. for the difference, 0.9 to 2.2, p = 0.005).
      CONCLUSION: The SALTO prosthesis provided good clinical and functional results
      and we believe helps validate the concept of anatomic replacement.

PMID- 22049862
TI  - Operative correction of arch collapse with forefoot deformity: a retrospective
      analysis of outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are many forefoot deformities, including hallux valgus,
      forefoot overload, and hammertoe that are treated as unrelated problems with
      multiple different techniques. Currently, there has been renewed interest in the
      role of a gastrocnemius contracture on foot deformities. Our objective was to
      review a specific surgical treatment plan for forefoot deformities classified by
      us as Type 2 arch collapse and evaluate the outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We
      retrospectively reviewed the charts of 374 patients who underwent foot procedures
      to treat deformity classified as a Type 2 arch collapse. Data was collected
      regarding complications and need for secondary surgery. A phone survey was
      performed to assess patient satisfaction, pain level, and Foot Function Index
      (FFI) scores. RESULTS: Of the 374 patients (412 feet), there was a 96% (357 of
      371 feet) union rate at the first tarsometatarsal joint and 98% (227 of 232 feet)
      union rate at metatarsal shortening osteotomy sites. Recurrence of hallux valgus
      was 2.7% (7 of 256 feet), while hallux varus occurred in 1.6% (4 of 256 feet).
      There were 292 patients (78%) available for phone interview. Of those patients,
      88% were satisfied with the results of the procedure. The subset of procedures
      relating to the highest mean FFI was hammertoe correction (22.2) and the highest
      mean pain score was related to metatarsal shortening osteotomy (2.6). CONCLUSION:
      Utilizing the arch collapse model, operative treatment of forefoot deformities
      with a combination of procedures including gastrocnemius recession, first TMT
      fusion, modified McBride, hammertoe correction, and metatarsal shortening
      osteotomy can produce good satisfaction rates with low complication rates.

PMID- 22049863
TI  - Trimalleolar fracture with involvement of the entire posterior plafond.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A special type of trimalleolar fracture with the involvement of the
      entire posterior tibial plafond has been reported recently. Because of the low
      incidence, the characteristics of the fracture in different studies have not been
      consistent. We describe our clinical experience with this fracture type.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 2007 to December 2009, 12 patients were
      identified with a trimalleolar fracture with involvement of entire posterior
      tibial plafond. All the fractures were openly reduced and fixed through a
      combined operative approach (posterolateral and posteromedial). Ten of 12
      patients were followed up. The clinical outcome was assessed with the Short Form
      36 (SF-36) and standardized AAOS foot and ankle questionnaire, and the
      radiological evaluation with an osteoarthritis-score (OA-score). RESULTS: Based
      on the pathoanatomy of the posteromedial malleolar fragment, all the fractures
      could be classified into two types. Using a combined operative approach,
      anatomical reduction and stable fixation was accomplished in all 12 patients. At
      a mean followup of 18.9 (range, 12 to 30) months, 10 patients achieved a good
      radiological result and satisfactory clinical recovery. CONCLUSION: This fracture
      pattern may be classified into two types with different injury mechanisms, which
      has not been described previously. After anatomic reduction and stable fixation
      through a combined operative approach, the short-term outcome was good.

PMID- 22049864
TI  - Radiographic considerations of hallux valgus versus hallux rigidus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Metatarsus primus elevatus (MPE) has long been suggested as a primary
      causative factor in the pathogenesis of hallux rigidus (HR). The purpose of this
      investigation was to more clearly define this relationship by comparison of first
      ray position in patients with hallux rigidus, hallux valgus, and a control
      population with no known foot pathology. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Clinical and
      radiographical data were retrospectively collected from 297 patients (394 feet)
      between the periods of January 2007 and September 2008. Patients were stratified
      into those having isolated HR (110 patients, 145 feet), isolated hallux valgus
      (HV) (118 patients, 159 feet), and control group (C) of asymptomatic volunteers
      (69 patients, 90 feet). Any patient with a previous history of foot trauma,
      surgery, or other foot or ankle pathology was excluded from the study. Standing
      lateral weightbearing X-rays were obtained for measurement of first to second
      metatarsal head elevation (Horton Index), Seiberg Index, and Sagittal
      Intermetatarsal Angle (IMA). RESULTS: A significant difference in first ray
      elevation in HR population was identified by all the three measurements. Horton
      Index (mm) was 6.4 +/- 2.5 for HR population, as compared to 4.0 +/- 2.5 and 3.4
      +/- 1.9 for the HV and C populations (p < or = 0.05). Seiberg Index (mm) measured
      2.5 +/- 1.8 for the HR group, versus 1.0 < or = 1.6 and 0.24 +/- 0.9 for the HV
      and C groups respectively (p < or = 0.05). The sagittal IMA (degrees) were 4.5 +/
      2.5 versus 2.7 +/- 2.2 and 1.8 +/- 1.2 (p < or = 0.05). CONCLUSION: This
      investigation does not show any etiological relation between MPE and HR, but
      identified a correlation between them.

PMID- 22049865
TI  - Peroneal tenography to evaluate lateral hindfoot pain after calcaneal fracture.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lateral hindfoot pain after union of a calcaneal fracture remains a
      challenge to orthopaedic surgeons. This study aimed to investigate the
      relationship between lateral calcaneal pain, calcaneal width and peroneal tendon
      sheath impingement in patients with lateral hindfoot pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Seventy-four consecutive patients with unilateral lateral hindfoot pain were
      identified from an institutional trauma registry. Regular followups were
      performed and the severity of lateral hindfoot pain was recorded. CT scans were
      conducted to measure calcaneal width at the level of sustentaculum tali.
      Bilateral peroneal tenography was performed to examine compression of the
      peroneal tendon sheath. The sheaths on the injured, painful side were compared to
      the contralateral sheath at the same level. The data was analyzed with bivariate
      correlation using SPSS 13.0 for Windows. RESULTS: The injured calcanei were wider
      in all patients and the peroneus longus and brevis tendon sheaths were compressed
      on peroneal tenography in 68.9% (51 of 74). Statistics demonstrated significant
      correlations between compression of tendon sheaths and lateral hindfoot pain (Rs
      = 0.93, p < 0.001), and between increasing calcaneal width and lateral hindfoot
      pain (Rs = 0.665, p < 0.001). The severity of lateral hindfoot pain was directly
      correlated to tendon sheath impingement and indirectly related to calcaneal
      widening. CONCLUSION: Calcaneal widening following fracture union was the cause
      of compression of the peroneal tendons. Increasing compression correlated with
      increasing levels of lateral pain. Our study demonstrated the utility of peroneal
      tenography in identifying the presence of peroneal tendon impingement in patients
      with lateral pain following calcaneal fractures.

PMID- 22049866
TI  - Radiographic evaluation of foot structure following fifth metatarsal stress
      fracture.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Correlation between foot structure and stress fracture risk has not
      been adequately evaluated or proven. The purpose of this study was to compare
      foot structure in fracture cases versus control with respect to radiological
      parameters in stress fractures of the fifth metatarsal. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      The study group consisted of 50 consecutive athletes with a diagnosis of fifth
      metatarsal stress fracture and a control group matched for sport type and age.
      Fifth metatarsophalangeal (MTP-5) angle, fourth-fifth intermetatarsal (IMA4-5)
      angle, fifth metatarsal lateral deviation (MT5-LD) angle were measured on
      standing antero-posterior (AP) radiographs. Talo first metatarsal (T-MT1) angle,
      talo-calcaneal (TC) angle, and calcaneal pitch (CP) angle were measured on a
      standing lateral view, and MT5-LD angle was measured on a 30-degree medial
      oblique view. RESULTS: Significant inter-group differences were found for TC
      angle (p < 0.001) and calcaneal pitch angle (p < 0.001) on lateral radiographs,
      and for IMA4-5 angle (p = 0.003), MT5-LD angle (p = 0.002) on AP radiographs, and
      for MT5-LD angle (p < 0.001) on the 30-degree medial oblique radiographs.
      CONCLUSION: Fifth metatarsal stress fractures were found to be associated with
      elevated T-MT1 angle and CP angle representing a cavus foot and the increased
      curvature of fifth metatarsal. In addition, the extent of fifth metatarsal
      curvature on a 30-degree medial oblique view was found to be more related to the
      risk of fracture than on the AP view.

PMID- 22049867
TI  - Histomorphological evaluation of diabetic and non-diabetic plantar soft tissue.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diabetic foot ulceration has a complex and multifactorial etiology
      and can involve changes in the pathophysiology of the plantar soft tissue. In the
      current study, histomorphological analyses of diabetic and non-diabetic plantar
      tissue were performed. It was hypothesized that the diabetic tissue would have
      thicker skin (epidermis and dermis), less interdigitation between the dermis and
      epidermis, thicker elastic septa and decreased adipose cell size. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Two locations of the foot (the heel and the first metatarsal) were
      examined, both of which have been reported to be locations with a high incidence
      of ulceration. Stereological methods and quantitative morphological techniques
      were used to evaluate the skin thickness, interdigitation index, elastic septae
      thickness and adipocyte cell size. RESULTS: The diabetic donors had a greater
      body mass index (BMI) than the non-diabetic donors. The diabetic tissue had
      significantly thicker elastic septae and dermis. However, no significant
      difference was observed in the interdigitation index or adipocyte size.
      CONCLUSION: These findings demonstrate that morphological changes can be
      evaluated histologically to give a better understanding of the pathological
      changes in the plantar soft tissue with diabetes. These evaluations can then be
      associated with biomechanical changes that occur in diabetes to provide new
      insight into how microstructural changes can alter macroscopic properties.
      CLINICAL RELEVANCE: An understanding of the histomorphological changes in the
      soft tissue in relationship to the location on the foot could help to explain the
      biomechanical changes that occur in diabetes and the subsequent increase in
      susceptibility to breakdown.

PMID- 22049868
TI  - Biomechanical comparison of lag screw versus self-drilling screw fixation of
      oblique metatarsal osteotomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several fixation methods for a Weil metatarsal osteotomy have been
      proposed. Lag screw fixation has been described as the preferred fixation
      technique. The self-drilling screw has been introduced and can be used for
      fixation of the Weil osteotomy. The current study compared self-drilling screws
      with lag screw fixation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A Weil metatarsal osteotomy was
      performed on the second, third, and fourth metatarsals of five matched pairs of
      fresh frozen cadaver feet. The feet of each pair were randomly assigned ical to
      fixation with either a 2.0-mm cortical lag screw or a 2.0-mm self-drilling screw.
      The second metatarsals were stressed using cantilever bending. The third and
      fourth metatarsals were stressed under a shear force. Yield load, deformation at
      yield load, structural stiffness, and energy stored at yield load were recorded.
      RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) noted.
      However, there was a trend toward greater biomechanical stability with the lag
      screw. CONCLUSION: There were no significant differences in the stability of
      fixation of the self-drilling screw and lag screw. There was a trend toward the
      lag screw fixation being more stable. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The clinical
      significance of this trend is uncertain but suggests there is not a large
      difference between the two methods of fixation.

PMID- 22049869
TI  - Medial approach for hindfoot arthrodesis with a valgus deformity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Surgical correction of valgus deformity of the hindfoot has
      traditionally been via a lateral incision, often complicated by wound healing
      problems and sural nerve damage. Potential advantages of a medial approach
      especially for a valgus deformity include excellent wound healing, no risk of
      damage to the sural nerve and extensibility of the approach to include additional
      procedures such as navicular fusion or tendon transfer if indicated. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: We present a retrospective review of 18 consecutive patients with
      valgus deformity of the hindfoot, all undergoing arthrodesis via a medial
      approach. Indications included osteoarthritis, tibialis posterior dysfucntion,
      post-traumatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. RESULTS: All wounds healed by
      primary intention and there were no postoperative neurovascular complications.
      The mean preoperative subtalar valgus deformity was 32 (range, 12 to 49) degrees,
      which was improved to mean postoperative valgus deformity of 17 (range, 10 to 25)
      degrees. Fusion following the primary surgery was achieved in all but one of the
      patients (a heavy smoker and post-traumatic arthritis), with the mean time to
      fusion being 5.6 months. CONCLUSION: We provide further evidence to support
      previous documentation in the literature that the medial approach for the
      correction of hindfoot valgus deformity can be successfully used to achieve
      excellent exposure of the subtalar joint in order to correct the valgus
      deformity, avoiding the risks of wound healing and nerve damage associated with a
      lateral approach.

PMID- 22049870
TI  - Metatarso-sesamoid osteoarthritis as a cause of pain after first
      metatarsophalangeal joint fusion: case report.

PMID- 22049871
TI  - Gout associated with fracture of the fifth metatarsal shaft: a case report.

PMID- 22049872
TI  - Simple two-portal technique for endoscopic gastrocnemius recession: clinical tip.

PMID- 22049874
TI  - The house that tech built. The time is now to plug into patient-centered medical
      home incentives. Here's how to do it.

PMID- 22049873
TI  - Current concepts review: traumatic disorders of the first metatarsophalangeal
      joint and sesamoid complex.

PMID- 22049875
TI  - Selling your practice. Consider several key factors to help you get the most out
      of your sale.

PMID- 22049876
TI  - 5 Tips you need to know when buying insurance. Avoid common mistakes such as not
      enough disability insurance, with too many riders.

PMID- 22049877
TI  - Do you have the urge to merge? Buying or combining with another practice can
      lower overhead costs and boost operating efficiencies.

PMID- 22049878
TI  - Building profits. Don't leave money on the table when it comes to net A/R.

PMID- 22049879
TI  - Maintaining a connection. We listen to our patients, but in this ever-changing
      computer era, are we really attending to them?

PMID- 22049880
TI  - What dying patients want. Volunteering at a hospice shows a retired doctor
      people's differing needs at the end of life.

PMID- 22049881
TI  - A matter of respect. A friendship with an unusual patient changes how a young
      doctor approaches the practice of medicine.

PMID- 22049882
TI  - Security on the go. Patient data dos and don'ts in the era of mobile access.

PMID- 22049883
TI  - The roadmap to incentive payments. Follow these steps to get reimbursed for using
      electronic health records.

PMID- 22049884
TI  - On-site assessments offer several benefits.

PMID- 22049885
TI  - A better way in malpractice cases. Mediation could right an unjust legal system.

PMID- 22049886
TI  - Development of subspecialty within specialty.

PMID- 22049887
TI  - Color vision defects in school going children.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Color vision defect can be observed in various diseases of optic
      nerve and retina and also a significant number of people suffer from the
      inherited condition of red and green color defect. METHODS: A cross-sectional
      descriptive study was designed with purposive sampling of students from various
      schools of Kathmandu Valley. All children were subjected to color vision
      evaluation using Ishihara Isochromatic color plates along with other examination
      to rule out any other causes for color deficiency. RESULTS: A total of 2001
      students were examined, 1050 male students and 951 females with mean age of 10.35
      (+/- 2.75) and 10.54 (+/- 2.72) respectively. Among the total students examined,
      2.1% had some form of color vision defects. Of the male population, 3.9% had
      color vision defects while none of the female was found with the deficiency.
      CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of color vision defect in Nepal is significant and
      comparable with the prevalence quoted in studies from different countries.

PMID- 22049888
TI  - Substance use among medical students in Kathmandu valley.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Substance use including tobacco and alcohol is the most important
      cause of preventable morbidity, disability, and premature mortality. The study
      aims to specify the prevalence and the pattern of use of different substance.
      METHODS: A cross sectional study was performed amongst first year and final year
      students in four medical colleges in Kathmandu using self administered anonymous
      questionnaire.Data collectedfrom 446 students were analyzed. RESULTS: Prevalence
      of substance use was found to be 60.3% among the medical students. Alcohol
      (57.6%) was the substance most prevalently used followed by tobacco (27.58%) and
      cannabis (12.8%). Mean age of first exposure was 17.94 (Confidence interval:
      17.91-17.97). There was significant difference in the useof tobacco and cannabis
      amongst final year students than first year students. Male and female differed
      significantly in use of every substance except for benzodiazepine. Medical
      college, college and school were place of first exposure in 17.26%, 15.92% and
      13.23% of the cases respectively. Family history was associated with substance
      use in medical students and was statistically significant
      (P<0.0001).Experimentation was the major reason for the use of most of the
      substances. CONCLUSIONS: Substance use is prevalent in male medical students of
      both first and final year. Hence steps should be initiated early in school,
      college and medical college to prevent substance use.

PMID- 22049889
TI  - Measles outbreak among unvaccinated children in Bajura.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Measles outbreak occurs when there are three or more laboratory
      confirmed measles cases in a village in a period of one month. Integrated
      surveillance system has helped to identify the measles outbreak, to characterize
      its epidemiology and to timely respond it. METHODS: This is a descriptive study
      of measles outbreak that occurred in Bajura district in February to March 2010.
      The epidemiological characteristics of the outbreak are described. The outbreak
      was investigated from 4-8 March 2010 with necessary epidemiological information
      and biological specimen collection. One month follow up was done to determine the
      clinical outcome of the measles cases. RESULTS: A total of 36 people had measles;
      97% of them were under 15 years of age and 89% had not been immunized with
      measles vaccine. Attack rate and vaccine efficacy was 23% and 50% amongst
      children less than 15 years of age and case fatality rate (CFR) was 3%.
      Biological samples were collected from 11 patients; all of which tested IgM
      positive for measles and genotype D8 was isolated. CONCLUSIONS: CFR of this
      outbreak is higher than the national CFR. Vaccine efficacy of 50% points towards
      the need for investigation of vaccine logistics and cold chain system. Moreover,
      this laboratory test confirmed an outbreak showing that the measles virus could
      be imported from an endemic region and rapidly spread through a susceptible
      population who were previously not immunized.

PMID- 22049890
TI  - Antibiotic resistance pattern of bacterial isolates in neonatal care unit.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Bacterial infections account for a huge proportion of neonatal
      deaths worldwide. The problem of antibiotic resistance among common bacterial
      pathogens mainly the gram negative bacteria is emerging globally which is of more
      serious concern in developing countries like Nepal. METHODS: A one year
      retrospective hospital based study was carried out to analyze the results of
      neonatal blood, cerebrospinal fluid, urine, stool and surface cultures and to
      look into the sensitivity pattern of the commonly used antibiotics. RESULTS: The
      positive yield of blood, urine, eye swab and CSF cultures were 19.56%, 38.5%, 60%
      and 0.36% respectively. The most common isolates in the blood culture were
      coagulase negative Staphylococcus, Acinetobacter, Enterobacter and non-haemolytic
      Streptococcus. A significant percent of the isolates were resistant to the first
      line antibiotics. Among the gram negative isolates more than 30% are resistant to
      cefotaxime and more than 50% are resistant to gentamicin. During the one year
      period we had Nursery outbreaks of methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus
      and Salmonella infections. With the help of environmental cultures we were able
      to trace the source and intervene appropriately. CONCLUSIONS: Continuous
      surveillance for antibiotic susceptibility, rational use of antibiotics and the
      strategy of antibiotic cycling can provide some answers to the emerging problem
      of antibiotic resistance.

PMID- 22049891
TI  - Ketamine gargling and postoperative sore throat.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Tracheal intubation is a foremost cause of trauma to the airway
      mucosa, resulting in postoperative sorethroat (POST). The aim of the study was to
      compare the effectiveness of ketamine gargle with placebo in preventing POST
      after endotracheal intubation. METHODS: Forty patients scheduled for elective
      surgery under general anaesthesia were enrolled in this randomized, control
      trial. Patients were randomly allocated into two groups of 20 patients each:
      Group C, gargling with drinking water 30 ml; Group K, gargling with ketamine 50
      mg in drinking water 30 ml for 30 s, 5 min before induction of anaesthesia. POST
      was graded at 4, 8, and 24 hours respectively after operation on a four- point
      scale (0-3). RESULTS: POST occurred more frequently in Group C, when compared
      with Group K at 4, 8, and 24 hours. CONCLUSIONS: Ketamine gargle reduces the
      incidence of POST after endotracheal intubation.

PMID- 22049892
TI  - Outcome of preterm babies and associated risk factors in a hospital.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Preterm birth is a major problem associated with maximum perinatal
      mortality and morbidity in developed and developing countries. The aim of this
      study is to identify risk factors associated with preterm birth and to study
      morbidities and mortality. METHODS: A descriptive retrospective study was
      conducted on 164 cases of preterm babies admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
      from January, 2007 to December, 2009 RESULTS: Incidence of preterm birth was
      19.5%. Mean birth weight was 1670 +/- 370 grams and mean gestational age was
      30.02 +/- 0.37 weeks. Common risk factor associated with preterm birth were
      inadequate antenatal checkup (52%), maternal age <20 years (34.7%), ante partum
      hemorrhage (23.4%) and pregnancy induced hypertension (13.1%). Common morbidities
      were clinical sepsis (66.7%), hyperbilirubinemia (58.8%), birth asphyxia (26.8%)
      and hyaline membrane disease (23.5%). Overall survival was 79.4% with minimum age
      of survival of 880 grams. The mortality rate in extremely low birth rate and very
      low birth rate was 80% and 39.5% respectively. The common causes of death were
      hyaline membrane disease (64.5%), sepsis (58.06%) and necrotizing enterocolitis
      (25.8%). CONCLUSIONS: The main risk factors for preterm delivery were inadequate
      antenatal check up, maternal age <20 years, antepartum hemorrhage and pregnancy
      induced hypertension. The most common morbidity was clinical sepsis followed by
      hyperbilirubinemia. Common causes of death were hyaline membrane disease and
      sepsis.

PMID- 22049893
TI  - Effective control of hypertension in adults with chronic kidney disease.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Adequate control of hypertension in Chronic Kidney Disease patients
      is difficult to achieve. This study was designed to analyze the adequacy of
      Hypertension control in adults with CKD using different classes of
      antihypertensive drugs. METHODS: A cross-sectional observational study was done
      that included 85 patients with CKD admitted to our Medicine Department over a
      period of two years (2006-2008 A.D.). Presence of CKD was defined as glomerular
      filtration rate <60 ml/min per 1.73 m2 for more than three months or presence of
      albuminuria (albumin:creatinine ratio >30ug/mg). Adequate blood pressure control
      was defined as systolic blood pressure less than or equals to 130 and diastolic
      blood pressure less than or equals to 80 mm Hg. Data and Statistical analysis was
      done using SPSS Version 12 for Windows. RESULTS: Of all the CKD patients, 51.4%
      required three Anti-Hypertensive drugs combination for the effective control of
      Hypertension, while only 21% of CKD patients with hypertension was controlled on
      two drugs. CONCLUSION: Adequate control of blood pressure in CKD patient was
      shown to be most effective on combination of three antihypertensive drugs. A poor
      control was seen on patients taking less than three antihypertensive drugs.

PMID- 22049894
TI  - Conservative treatment in acute appendicitis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Acute appendicitis is one of the commonest surgical problems and
      appendectomy is one of the most commonly done operations in the emergency world
      wide. Though there have been occasional reports with conservative treatment in
      acute appendicitis, it is not being practiced as a routine. METHODS: All patients
      between ten to sixty years of age admitted at BPKIHS with the diagnosis of acute
      appendicitis over a period of one year were enrolled in the study. After taking
      informed consent the patients were managed conservatively. Those who did not
      respond to antibiotics within 24 hours were operated. Total hospital stay and
      complications were recorded and they were followed up at first week, sixth week
      and sixth month. The success rate, conversion rate, recurrence rate and morbidity
      and mortality pattern were assessed as the final outcome of conservative
      treatment of acute appendicitis. RESULTS: A total of 96 patients (48 males and 48
      females) underwent conservative treatment. The conservative treatment was
      successful in 79 (82.3%) cases and failed in 11 (11.4%) cases, which included:
      conversion to appendectomy during conservative treatment period 4 (4.2%) cases,
      recurrence 7 (7.3%) cases. There was no mortality in this study. CONCLUSION:
      Acute appendicitis can be treated successfully with conservative (antibiotics)
      treatment with a short hospital stay. Though there is a risk of recurrence in
      some cases, all the complications after appendectomy can be eliminated with the
      conservative treatment.

PMID- 22049895
TI  - Pralidoxime in organophosphorus poisoning.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Pralidoxime are enzyme reactivator that are known to reactivate the
      phosphorylated acetylcholinesterase by binding to the organophosphorus molecule.
      The use of oximes in acute organophosphorus poisoning has been a controversial
      subjects for over two decades. This study was conducted with the objective to
      find out the estimation of serum cholinesterase and use of pralidoxime in
      organophosphorus poisoning. METHODS: A prospective analysis of all
      organophosphorus poisoning cases presented at the Emergency Department, Tribhuvan
      University Teaching Hospital for seven months was done. RESULTS: Out of 26 cases
      about 60% of poisoning cases were monitored for pseudocholinesterase level. About
      50% of them had pseudocholinesterase level within normal limit and 20% had less
      than 10% of normal value. Only 33% cases with pseudocholinesterase level less
      than 10% were treated with pralidoxime. CONCLUSIONS: The initial dose of
      Pralidoxime used was 1 gm followed by maintenance dose of 500mg 6 hourly, the
      doses prescribed were less than WHO recommended doses.

PMID- 22049896
TI  - Curved knife "Khukuri" injury in the back and anaesthesia induction in lateral
      position for thoracotomy.
AB  - Penetrating injury in the back with knife (Khukri) demands induction of
      anaesthesia and intubation in lateral position. In thoracic injury a double lumen
      tube placement is required to facilitate one lung ventilation during thoracotomy.
      In emerging situation, we could successfully execute induction of patient in
      right lateral position using right sided DLT for left thoracotomy. Its correct
      placement was confirmed by fiberoptic bronchoscopy. In conclusion right-DLT
      intubation can be performed without difficulty by conventional direct
      laryngoscopy using Macintosh blade in lateral position.

PMID- 22049897
TI  - Local resection of gastrointestinal stromal tumor of the second part of duodenum.
AB  - Gastrointestinal stromal tumors are relatively rare in the duodenum, representing
      2-4% of Gastrointestinal stromal tumors of the gastrointestinal tract. We
      describe a huge Gastrointestinal stromal tumor arising from the second part of
      the duodenum invading the transverse colon which was removed successfully by
      local resection of the second part of the duodenum along with a segment of
      transverse colon.

PMID- 22049898
TI  - Bilateral eventration of sciatic nerve.
AB  - During routine dissection of a 60 years male cadaver, it was observed that the
      two divisions of sciatic nerve were separate in the gluteal region on both the
      sides with the tibial nerve passing below the piriformis and the common peroneal
      nerve piercing the piriformis muscle. The abnormal passage of the sciatic nerve
      (SN), the common peroneal nerve (CPN), and the tibial nerve (TN), either through
      the piriformis or below the superior gemellus may facilitate compression of these
      nerves. Knowledge of such patterns is also important for surgeons dealing with
      piriformis syndrome which affects 5-6% of patients referred for the treatment of
      back and leg pain. A high division may also account for frequent failures
      reported with the popliteal block.

PMID- 22049899
TI  - Enteric fever with severe pancytopenia in a four year girl.
AB  - Typhoid fever and paratyphoid fever (also known as enteric fever) are severe
      systemic illnesses caused by salmonella typhi and S. paratyphi respectively.
      Enteric fever is prevalent in developing countries including Nepal, where it
      still remains as a major health problem. There have been reports of pancytopenia
      with enteric fever which has been attributed to mechanisms like bone marrow
      suppression, infection associated hemophagocytic syndrome and disseminated
      intravascular coagulation. We report here a case of severe pancytopenia in
      enteric fever as a result of bone marrow suppression due to systemic infection.

PMID- 22049900
TI  - Abstruse diagnosis of obturator hernia--a case series.
AB  - The diagnosis of obturator hernia is one of suspicion as it is almost never seen
      and rarely palpated. The incidence is less than 1% of all hernias worldwide. Five
      cases of obturator hernias are reported where the diagnosis of obturator hernia
      were overlooked.

PMID- 22049901
TI  - Disease mongering in psychiatry: fact or fiction?
AB  - Disease mongering starts at the top of recent accusations being hurled at
      psychiatry. It is used to refer to the attempts by pharmaceutical companies or
      others who have similar interests, to enlarge the market for a treatment by
      convincing people that they are sick and need medical intervention. This paper
      critically analyses the 'for' and 'against' arguments of disease mongering in
      psychiatric disorders, both new and old, such as Bipolar disorders, attention
      deficit hyperactivity disorder, Restless legs syndrome, Premenstrual dysphoric
      disorder, female sexual dysfunction, social phobia, metabolic syndrome and road
      rage disorder.

PMID- 22049902
TI  - Residents' work schedule and patient safety.

PMID- 22049903
TI  - General practice specialist in Nepal.

PMID- 22049904
TI  - Life as a medical officer in peripheral government health institution.

PMID- 22049905
TI  - History of syphilis.

PMID- 22049906
TI  - Nail lichen planus: epidemiological, clinical, pathological, therapeutic and
      prognosis study of 67 cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lichen planus limited to the nail is uncommon, and information about
      its long-term prognosis is lacking. OBJECTIVES: We attempted to review the
      epidemiological, clinical and histological features, the response to treatment
      and the follow-up of a large series of patients with nail lichen planus (NLP).
      METHODS: We searched for the records of all patients with a clinical and
      histopathological diagnosis of isolated NLP apart from January 1997 to December
      2008. The patients presented during this period and followed until December 2009
      in the consultation for nail disorder were reviewed in detail. RESULTS: Data on
      67 patients were collected, with an average age of 47 years (6-78 years). A male
      preponderance was observed (64%). The mean duration of the disease was about 38
      months. Fingernails were the site of involvement in 94% of cases. Matrix
      involvement was observed in 91% of cases. A total of 120 specimen's biopsy were
      taken and was contributory in 90% of cases. Two specimens biopsy were practiced
      in 70.15% of patients. Systemic corticosteroids were used in 46 patients, and
      associated in 20 cases to intralesional corticosteroids. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      findings indicate that if NLP is correctly diagnosed and appropriately treated.
      Nail biopsy is proven to be a relatively simple, safe and useful procedure with a
      minimal scarring risk. Long-term observation indicates that the prognosis of NLP
      is poor with high rate of relapses, with permanent damage to the nail unit.

PMID- 22049907
TI  - Dephosphorylation reactions with deferoxamine, a potential chemical nuclease.
AB  - We report a detailed kinetic and mechanistic study of the reaction of a widely
      used therapeutic agent, deferoxamine (DFO), which contains three nucleophilic
      hydroxamate groups, with the model phosphate diester bis-2,4
      dinitrophenylphosphate BDNPP. We clarify the mechanism by detecting important
      phosphorylated intermediates in the model reaction and show that the mechanism
      can be extended to the reaction with DNA. The effectiveness of DFO in cleaving
      DNA was examined over a range of pH in the absence and presence of a biologically
      available metal (Zn(2+)). The results inform and complement ongoing studies
      involving DFO, which can act as a powerful nucleophile toward DNA and other
      targets susceptible to nucleophilic attack.

PMID- 22049909
TI  - The cytotoxic effects of preserved and preservative-free prostaglandin analogs on
      human corneal and conjunctival epithelium in vitro and the distribution of
      benzalkonium chloride homologs in ocular surface tissues in vivo.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the cytotoxicity of benzalkonium chloride (BAC)
      containing ophthalmic solutions of prostaglandin analogs (latanoprost,
      travoprost, bimatoprost, and preservative-free (PF) tafluprost), BAC mixture
      (BACmix) and BAC homologs with different alkyl chain lengths using human corneal
      epithelial (HCE) and conjunctival epithelial (IOBA-NHC) cell cultures. The
      distribution of BAC homologs in rabbit ocular surface tissues in vivo was
      examined. METHODS: The cells were exposed for one hour to prostaglandin analogs,
      BACmix and three homologs. Cytotoxicity was assessed with the WST-1 and lactate
      dehydrogenase (LDH) assays for cellular viability and cell membrane integrity.
      BAC 0.02% solution was instilled on the rabbit eye daily for 14 days and the
      concentrations of BAC homologs in external ocular tissues were determined.
      RESULTS: The order of decreasing cytotoxicity in the WST-1 test was latanoprost
      >= travoprost > bimatoprost >= PF tafluprost. IOBA-NHC cells were more sensitive
      than HCE cells. In HCE, only latanoprost diluted to 10% increased LDH leakage. In
      IOBA-NHC, LDH leakage was statistically significant with 3-10% travoprost and 10%
      latanoprost. The order of decreasing cytotoxicity of preservatives was C14 > C12
      > BACmix > C16 in HCE and C12 > C14 > BACmix > C16 in IOBA-NHC. Following
      treatment with BAC 0.02% solution, the amounts of BAC-C12, -C14 and -C16 in
      rabbit cornea and conjunctiva, respectively were: 0.37 +/- 0.08 and 2.64 +/- 0.27
      ng/mg; 0.42 +/- 0.07 and 4.77 +/- 0.43 ng/mg; 0.04 +/- 0.01 and 0.54 +/- 0.05
      ng/mg. CONCLUSIONS: The cytotoxic effects of latanoprost, travoprost, and
      bimatoprost were dependent on the BAC concentration in their formulations. BACmix
      was cytotoxic at the concentrations above those corresponding to 0.001% BAC in
      ophthalmic medications. PF tafluprost was the least toxic of the drugs tested.
      Within studied BAC homologs, those with longer alkyl chain and higher lipophility
      penetrated effectively into rabbit external ocular tissues.

PMID- 22049908
TI  - Phylogenetic analysis of the Latvian HIV-1 epidemic.
AB  - The Latvian HIV-1 outbreak among intravenous drug users (IDUs) in 1997-1998
      involved subtype A1. To obtain a more complete picture of the Latvian HIV-1
      epidemic, 315 HIV-1-infected patients diagnosed in 1990-2005 representing
      different transmission groups and geographic regions were phylogenetically
      characterized using env V3 and gag p17 sequences. Subtypes A1 and B infections
      were found in 76% and 22% of the patients, respectively. The subtype A1 sequences
      formed one large cluster, which also included sequences from other parts of the
      former Soviet Union (FSU), whereas most subtype B sequences formed three distinct
      clusters. We estimated that subtype A1 was introduced from FSU around 1997 and
      initially spread explosively among IDUs in Riga. A recent increase of
      heterosexually infected persons did not form a separate subepidemic, but had
      multiple interactions with the IDU epidemic. Subtype B was introduced before the
      collapse of the Soviet Union and primarily has spread among men who have sex with
      men.

PMID- 22049910
TI  - Full-length human glutaminase in complex with an allosteric inhibitor.
AB  - Glutaminase (GLS1/2) catalyzes the conversion of L-glutamine to L-glutamate and
      ammonia. The level of a splice variant of GLS1 (GAC) is elevated in certain
      cancers, and GAC is specifically inhibited by bis-2-(5-phenylacetimido
      1,2,4,thiadiazol-2-yl)ethyl sulfide (BPTES). We report here the first full-length
      crystal structure of GAC in the presence and absence of BPTES molecules. Two
      BPTES molecules bind at an interface region of the GAC tetramer in a manner that
      appears to lock the GAC tetramer into a nonproductive conformation. The
      importance of these loops with regard to overall enzymatic activity of the
      tetramer was revealed by a series of GAC point mutants designed to create a BPTES
      resistant GAC.

PMID- 22049911
TI  - Apigenin, a plant-derived flavone, activates transient receptor potential
      vanilloid 4 cation channel.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) is a
      Ca(2+) -permeable channel with multiple modes of activation. Apigenin is a plant
      derived flavone, which has potential preventive effects on the development of
      cardiovascular disease. We set out to explore the effects of apigenin on TRPV4
      channel activity and its role in vasodilatation. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: The
      effects of apigenin (0.01-30 uM) on TPRV4 channels were investigated in HEK293
      cells over-expressing TRPV4, rat primary cultured mesenteric artery endothelial
      cells (MAECs) and isolated small mesenteric arterial segments using whole-cell
      patch clamp, fluorescent Ca(2+) imaging, intracellular recording and pressure
      myography. KEY RESULTS: Whole-cell patch clamp and fluorescent Ca(2+) imaging in
      HEK cells over-expressing TRPV4 showed that apigenin concentration-dependently
      stimulated the TRPV4-mediated cation current and Ca(2+) influx. In MAECs,
      apigenin stimulated Ca(2+) influx in a concentration-dependent manner. These
      increases in cation current and Ca(2+) influx were markedly inhibited by TRPV4
      specific blockers and siRNAs. Furthermore, pressure myography and intracellular
      recording in small third-order mesenteric arteries showed that apigenin dose
      dependently evoked smooth muscle cell membrane hyperpolarization and subsequent
      vascular dilatation, which were significantly inhibited by TRPV4-specific
      blockers. TRPV4 blocker or charybdotoxin (200 nM) plus apamin (100 nM) diminished
      the apigenin-induced dilatation. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: This is the first
      study to demonstrate the selective stimulation of TRPV4 by apigenin. Apigenin was
      found to activate TRPV4 channels in a dose-dependent manner in HEK cells over
      expressing TRPV4 and in native endothelial cells. In rat small mesenteric
      arteries, apigenin acts on TRPV4 in endothelial cells to induce EDHF-mediated
      vascular dilatation.

PMID- 22049912
TI  - Mometasone furoate dry powder inhaler for the treatment of asthma.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease that causes significant
      morbidity and mortality. Inhaled corticosteroids are the preferred initial
      treatment for this disorder. Mometasone furoate dry powder is an inhaled
      corticosteroid that is approved for once-daily treatment of asthma in both adults
      and children as young as 4 years. AREAS COVERED: The goal of this paper is to
      review the clinical efficacy and safety of mometasone furoate dry powder inhaler
      for the treatment of asthma. A literature search using PubMed was done using the
      terms 'mometasone furoate', 'inhaled corticosteroid' and 'asthma', focusing on
      articles that highlighted clinical trials and addressed efficacy of the
      medication. EXPERT OPINION: Mometasone furoate dry powder inhaler has an
      excellent safety and efficacy profile. For patients with persistent asthma who
      require treatment with an inhaled corticosteroid, mometasone furoate is an
      excellent therapeutic choice.

PMID- 22049913
TI  - The impact of low serum sodium level on mortality depends on glycemic control.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Low serum sodium levels have been associated with mortality both in
      patients with and without chronic kidney disease. In this study, we investigated
      this association in relation to glycemic control in hemodialysis (HD) patients.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between March and September 2005, 697 prevalent HD
      patients were enrolled in this prospective observational study and followed up
      for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. The associations of serum sodium
      concentration with both overall and cardiovascular survival rates were studied.
      RESULTS: At baseline, mean predialysis serum sodium concentration was 138.4 +/-
      2.3 mEq/L (range: 130-145 mEq/L). Mild hyponatremia (< 135 mEq/L) was present in
      only 41 subjects (5.9%), and no patient had serum sodium level < 130 mEq/L.
      During 20.2 +/- 6.2 months of follow-up, 119 patients (15.9%) died, 68 from CV
      causes. In adjusted Cox regression analysis, lowest sodium quartile was
      associated with 2.13-fold increased risk of overall mortality (95% confidence
      interval (CI) 1.14-3.98, P = 0.01, model chi-square 114.6, P < 0.001). As a
      continuous variable, each 1 mEq/L increase in predialysis sodium concentration
      was associated with a hazard ratio (HR) of 0.87 for overall mortality (95% CI
      0.81-0.95, P = 0.002) and 0.86 for cardiovascular mortality (95% CI 0.78-0.96, P
      = 0.007). The predictivity of low serum sodium was prominent in diabetic subjects
      but not in nondiabetics. However, relationship between serum sodium and patient
      survival in diabetics was lost after adjustment for the HbA1c level: HR 0.91 (95%
      CI 0.78-1.05, P = 0.20). CONCLUSIONS: Low serum sodium concentration is
      associated with mortality only in those with diabetes. Furthermore, the impact of
      serum sodium on survival in these patients seems to be derived from poor glucose
      control.

PMID- 22049914
TI  - How to target postablation perimitral flutter: valve isthmus or PV triggers?

PMID- 22049915
TI  - Family quality of life in Nigeria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The limited literature that exists about intellectual disabilities
      (ID) in Nigeria suggests that perceptions of ID may be shaped by social and
      cultural beliefs, and that socio-economic factors have prevented the development
      of policy and services. The present study sought to explore these suggestions in
      more detail by administering the Family Quality of Life Survey, an instrument
      used extensively throughout the world to collect comprehensive data on family
      quality of life. Its specific purposes were: (1) to describe the family quality
      of life of Nigerian families that have a son or daughter with ID and (2) to
      provide some initial ideas about the relationship between the families' life
      experiences and government policy and provision of services. METHOD: Eighty main
      caregivers from 80 families that received services for their sons and daughters
      with ID from two community agencies volunteered to participate. Two trained
      assistants administered the Family Quality of Life Survey in accordance with the
      administration methods set out by the Survey authors. Quantitative data and
      explanatory comments were also collected. RESULTS: Regarding the first study
      purpose, all nine life domains of the Family Quality of Life Survey were rated as
      important. The two main outcome measures, Attainment and Satisfaction, showed
      that three domains (Family relationships, Influence of values and Health) were
      sources of quality for families, but that three domains (Support from services,
      Support from others and Leisure) detracted from family quality of life. Measures
      of Opportunities, Initiative and Stability were somewhat related to one another,
      and with the two main outcome measures. Participants' explanatory comments
      suggested that the main caregivers perceived some domains to make their lives
      better and others did not. Regarding the second study purpose, it was only
      possible with the data available to make suggestions, but it seemed that there is
      a strong need for the development of government policy and services, and for
      education and training. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that some
      areas of family life contribute to quality of life for Nigerian families and
      other areas of life are problematic for families. Although this study is not
      representative of all Nigerian families that have a son or daughter with ID, it
      provides important initial information on the family experience with disability
      in Nigeria.

PMID- 22049916
TI  - Ammonia removal using activated carbons: effect of the surface chemistry in dry
      and moist conditions.
AB  - The effect of surface chemistry (nature and amount of oxygen groups) in the
      removal of ammonia was studied using a modified resin-based activated carbon.
      NH(3) breakthrough column experiments show that the modification of the original
      activated carbon with nitric acid, that is, the incorporation of oxygen surface
      groups, highly improves the adsorption behavior at room temperature. Apparently,
      there is a linear relationship between the total adsorption capacity and the
      amount of the more acidic and less stable oxygen surface groups. Similar
      experiments using moist air clearly show that the effect of humidity highly
      depends on the surface chemistry of the carbon used. Moisture highly improves the
      adsorption behavior for samples with a low concentration of oxygen
      functionalities, probably due to the preferential adsorption of ammonia via
      dissolution into water. On the contrary, moisture exhibits a small effect on
      samples with a rich surface chemistry due to the preferential adsorption pathway
      via Bronsted and Lewis acid centers from the carbon surface. FTIR analyses of the
      exhausted oxidized samples confirm both the formation of NH(4)(+) species
      interacting with the Bronsted acid sites, together with the presence of NH(3)
      species coordinated, through the lone pair electron, to Lewis acid sites on the
      graphene layers.

PMID- 22049917
TI  - Alcohol use among young men who have sex with men.
AB  - This study reveals associations between alcohol use and demographic variables, as
      well as the relation between alcohol use and sexual activity, using episodic
      data. Data were obtained during summer and fall  2008  from a sample of 558 gay,
      bisexual, and other young men who have sex with men (YMSM), ages of 13-29 years
      in New York City. Recruitment strategies targeted potential participants at gay
      related venues and public spaces often frequented by YMSM. Alcohol use varied by
      race/ethnicity, with White YMSM consuming significantly more alcohol than other
      races/ethnicities. Participants over the age of 21 drank significantly more
      alcohol than participants ages 13-20. Alcohol use was not found to be associated
      with sexual risk-taking activity. Our findings are enriched by a large, diverse
      sample of urban YMSM. Study limitations are noted.

PMID- 22049919
TI  - "Turn-on" chemiluminescence sensor for the highly selective and ultrasensitive
      detection of Hg2+ ions based on interstrand cooperative coordination and
      catalytic formation of gold nanoparticles.
AB  - Monitoring the levels of potentially toxic metal ions such as Hg(2+) in aquatic
      ecosystems is important because this ion can have severe effects on human health
      and the environment. Thus, a novel chemiluminescence (CL) sensor is developed for
      the highly selective and ultrasensitive detection of Hg(2+) ions in aqueous
      solution, based on thymine-Hg(2+)-thymine (T-Hg(2+)-T) coordination chemistry and
      subsequent formation of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) in a HAuCl(4)/NH(2)OH
      reaction. The thus-formed Au NPs trigger the reaction between luminol and
      AgNO(3), producing CL emission. This novel CL technique has several advantages
      including high sensitivity (0.01 ppb) and selectivity over a spectrum of
      interfering metal ions. In view of these advantages, as well as the cost
      effective, minimized working steps and portable features of the CL techniques, we
      expect that this CL sensor will be a promising candidate for the field detection
      of toxic Hg(2+) ions in environment, water, and food samples.

PMID- 22049920
TI  - Improved DFT description of intrastrand cross-link formation by inclusion of
      London dispersion corrections.
AB  - The formation of covalent linkages between two vicinal nucleotides has been
      proved experimentally to constitute a particularly deleterious class of DNA
      lesions. These tandem lesions by essence present a competitive chemistry. The
      density functional theory with dispersion (DFT-D) method is shown to dramatically
      improve the theoretical description of the formation of a prototypical
      intrastrand cross-link, when compared to pure or hybrid GGA functionals which
      strongly deviate from the pi-pi self-stacking mode, as dinucleotides are
      artificially stabilized by the formation of unrealistic intramolecular hydrogen
      bonds (HBs). Inclusion of London dispersion correction restores a more realistic
      picture of the reactant structure and also of geometries and energies along the
      reaction profile. This paves the way toward a robust insilico screening of
      intrastrand cross-link DNA defects.

PMID- 22049921
TI  - A novel mutation of CYLD in a Chinese family with multiple familial
      trichoepithelioma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Trichoepithelioma is a benign cutaneous tumour that originates from
      hair follicles and occurs either as a sporadic non-familial or a multiple
      familial type. Recently, several mutations in the cylindromatosis (CYLD) gene
      have been reported in multiple familial trichoepithelioma (MFT). OBJECTIVES: To
      report a Chinese family of MFT and to explore the genetic mutation. METHODS: A
      Chinese pedigree of typical MFT was subjected to mutation detection in CYLD.
      Direct sequencing of all PCR products of the whole coding regions of CYLD gene
      was performed to identify the mutation. RESULTS: The c.1178-1179delCA (p.T393fs)
      mutation was found in CYLD gene in the affected members, but not in the healthy
      individuals in the family. CONCLUSION: Our study found a novel mutation in exon
      10 of CYLD gene.

PMID- 22049922
TI  - Design and methodology of POWER, an open-label observation of the effect of
      primary care interventions on total cardiovascular risk in patients with
      hypertension.
AB  - This article describes the design and methodology of the POWER study (Physicians'
      Observational Work on Patient Education According to their Vascular Risk). POWER
      is an open-label multinational postmarketing study of the angiotensin II-receptor
      blocker eprosartan. The Systemic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) model has been
      used to estimate total cardiovascular risk and changes in total cardiovascular
      risk status during treatment for patients recruited in all countries other than
      Canada. Framingham Heart Study equations have been used to estimate risk in the
      Canadian contingent of POWER. Observations from POWER will provide insights into
      how clinicians try to achieve blood pressure goals within the framework of total
      cardiovascular risk management and how they integrate their treatment of blood
      pressure with other interventions. Experience during the POWER study may also
      help to affirm the utility, practicability and perhaps limitations of the SCORE
      system for estimating total cardiovascular risk and identify ways to improve the
      acceptance and implementation of risk estimation methods in cardiovascular
      primary prevention.

PMID- 22049923
TI  - Psychiatric comorbidities in patients with alopecia areata in Taiwan: a case
      control study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Alopecia areata (AA) may be related to stress and has been reported
      to be associated with psychiatric disorders. Nevertheless, a nationwide study of
      the relationship between AA and comorbid psychiatric diseases has not been
      conducted, and the effect of onset age has rarely been reported. OBJECTIVES: To
      analyse the associations between AA and various psychiatric disorders using a
      nationwide database in Taiwan. METHODS: Data were obtained from the National
      Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan from 2000 to 2009. In total, 5117
      patients with AA and 20 468 age- and gender-matched controls were enrolled.
      RESULTS: Patients with AA tended to have more coexisting anxiety and less
      comorbid schizophrenia. Differences in ages of onset revealed differences in
      comorbidities. An increased risk of depression [odds ratio (OR) 2.23; 95%
      confidence interval (CI) 1.09-4.54] was found in patients with AA aged < 20years.
      An increased rate of anxiety (OR 1.43; CI 1.15-1.77) was observed with AA onset
      between the ages of 20 and 39years. The highest odds of obsessive-compulsive
      disorder (OR 3.00; CI 1.11-8.12) and anxiety (OR 2.05; CI 1.56-2.68) were
      observed in patients with AA aged 40-59years. Moreover, about 50% of psychiatric
      disorders occurred earlier than AA. CONCLUSIONS: AA is related to various
      psychiatric disorders. Onset age of AA is an important factor in the association
      with different comorbid psychiatric diseases. In addition to cosmetic impact,
      which may bring about anxiety or depression, stress neuroendocrine immunology may
      play an important role in the pathogenesis of both AA and psychiatric disorders.

PMID- 22049924
TI  - Formation of high aspect ratio GaAs nanostructures with metal-assisted chemical
      etching.
AB  - Periodic high aspect ratio GaAs nanopillars with widths in the range of 500-1000
      nm are produced by metal-assisted chemical etching (MacEtch) using n-type (100)
      GaAs substrates and Au catalyst films patterned with soft lithography. Depending
      on the etchant concentration and etching temperature, GaAs nanowires with either
      vertical or undulating sidewalls are formed with an etch rate of 1-2 MUm/min. The
      realization of high aspect ratio III-V nanostructure arrays by wet etching can
      potentially transform the fabrication of a variety of optoelectronic device
      structures including distributed Bragg reflector (DBR) and distributed feedback
      (DFB) semiconductor lasers, where the surface grating is currently fabricated by
      dry etching.

PMID- 22049925
TI  - Tumor suppressor p16INK4a controls oncogenic K-Ras function in human pancreatic
      cancer cells.
AB  - Pancreatic cancer is characterized by oncogenic activation of K-Ras and
      inactivation of the cell cycle inhibitor p16(INK4a) . We previously demonstrated
      that reintroduction of p16(INK4a) reversed anoikis resistance and clonogenicity
      of human pancreatic cancer cells, properties commonly attributed to the
      transforming potential of oncogenic K-Ras. Therefore, we aimed to determine the
      role of Ras after p16(INK4a) re-expression. Here, we show that restitution of
      p16(INK4a) in pancreatic cancer cell lines elicits a profound suppression of K
      Ras activity. A more detailed analysis in p16(INK4a) reconstituted Capan-1 cells
      indicated selective reduction of both K-Ras activity and protein stability. Re
      expression of K-Ras in p16(INK4a) restituted Capan-1 cells reversed the anoikis
      sensitive phenotype and increased colony formation, indicating that K-Ras
      suppression was required for p16(INK4a) -mediated reversion of the transformed
      phenotype. Inducible expression of p16(INK4a) in DanG cells confirmed inhibition
      of K-Ras activity as well as an increase in anoikis susceptibility. Thus, our
      results delineate a novel functional interaction with defined biological
      consequences for the two most frequent alterations observed in pancreatic cancer.

PMID- 22049926
TI  - Probiotics prevent the development of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced colonic
      tumorigenesis through suppressed colonic mucosa cellular proliferation and
      increased stimulation of macrophages.
AB  - Probiotics modulate immunity and inhibit colon carcinogenesis in experimental
      models, but these effects largely depend on the bacterial strain, and the precise
      mechanisms are not well understood. Therefore, we studied the effect of 
      Bifidobacterium longum  and/or  Lactobacillus gasseri  on the development of 1,2
      dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced colonic precancerous lesions and tumors in mice
      while delineating the possible mechanisms involved. The results suggest that
      dietary consumption of probiotics (B. longum and L. gasseri) resulted in a
      significant inhibition of DMH-induced aberrant crypt foci (ACF) formation in male
      ICR mice. Long-term (24 weeks) dietary consumption of probiotics resulted in a
      reduction of colon tumor multiplicity and the size of the tumors. Administration
      of B. longum and L. gasseri suppressed the rate of colonic mucosa cellular
      proliferation in a manner correlating with the inhibition of tumor induction by
      DMH. In addition, the phagocytic activity of peritoneal macrophages was
      significantly increased in the DMH-treated mice that were fed various doses of B.
      longum, but not with L. gasseri or combined probiotics (B. longum + L. gasseri).
      We also found that L. gasseri significantly increased the proliferation of
      RAW264.7 macrophage cells through an increase in S phase DNA synthesis, which was
      related to the up-regulation of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and
      cyclin A. Taken together, these results demonstrate the in vivo chemopreventive
      efficacy and the immune stimulating mechanisms of dietary probiotics against DMH
      induced colonic tumorigenesis.

PMID- 22049930
TI  - Operative Dentistry Home Page.

PMID- 22049927
TI  - Are mental health problems and depression associated with bruxism in children?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Previous studies have found an association between bruxism and
      emotional and behavioral problems in children, but reported data are
      inconsistent. The objective of this study was to estimate the prevalence of
      bruxism, and of its components clenching and grinding, and its associations with
      mental problems and depression. METHODS: Data from two Brazilian birth cohorts
      were analyzed: one from 869 children in Ribeirao Preto - RP (Sao Paulo), a more
      developed city, and the other from 805 children in Sao Luis - SL (Maranhao).
      Current bruxism - evaluated by means of a questionnaire applied to the
      parents/persons responsible for the children - was defined when the habit of
      tooth clenching during daytime and/or tooth grinding at night still persisted
      until the time of the assessment. Additionally, the lifetime prevalence of
      clenching during daytime only and grinding at night only was also evaluated.
      Mental health problems were investigated using the Strength and Difficulties
      Questionnaire (SDQ) and depression using the Children's Depression Inventory
      (CDI). Analyses were carried out for each city: with the SDQ subscales (emotional
      symptoms, conduct problems, peer problems, attention/hyperactivity disorder),
      with the total score (sum of the subscales), and with the CDI. These analyses
      were performed considering different response variables: bruxism, clenching only,
      and grinding only. The risks were estimated using a Poisson regression model.
      Statistical inferences were based on 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). RESULTS:
      There was a high prevalence of current bruxism: 28.7% in RP and 30.0% in SL. The
      prevalence of clenching was 20.3% in RP and 18.8% in SL, and grinding was found
      in 35.7% of the children in RP and 39.1% in SL. Multivariable analysis showed a
      significant association of bruxism with emotional symptoms and total SDQ score in
      both cities. When analyzed separately, teeth clenching was associated with
      emotional symptoms, peer problems, and total SDQ score; grinding was
      significantly associated with emotional symptoms and total SDQ score in RP and
      SL. Female sex appeared as a protective factor for bruxism, and for clenching and
      grinding in RP. Furthermore, maternal employment outside the home and white skin
      color of children were associated with increased prevalence of teeth clenching in
      SL. CONCLUSIONS: Mental health problems were associated with bruxism, with teeth
      clenching only and grinding at night only. No association was detected between
      depression and bruxism, neither clenching nor grinding. But it is necessary to be
      cautious regarding the inferences from some of our results.

PMID- 22049931
TI  - Reflection and reasoning in moral judgment.
AB  - While there is much evidence for the influence of automatic emotional responses
      on moral judgment, the roles of reflection and reasoning remain uncertain. In
      Experiment 1, we induced subjects to be more reflective by completing the
      Cognitive Reflection Test (CRT) prior to responding to moral dilemmas. This
      manipulation increased utilitarian responding, as individuals who reflected more
      on the CRT made more utilitarian judgments. A follow-up study suggested that
      trait reflectiveness is also associated with increased utilitarian judgment. In
      Experiment 2, subjects considered a scenario involving incest between consenting
      adult siblings, a scenario known for eliciting emotionally driven condemnation
      that resists reasoned persuasion. Here, we manipulated two factors related to
      moral reasoning: argument strength and deliberation time. These factors
      interacted in a manner consistent with moral reasoning: A strong argument
      defending the incestuous behavior was more persuasive than a weak argument, but
      only when increased deliberation time encouraged subjects to reflect.

PMID- 22049932
TI  - Physiology of biosurfactant synthesis by Rhodococcus species H13-A.
AB  - The physiology of biosurfactant synthesis by a soil isolate, identified as a
      Rhodococcus species, is described. The biosurfactant is a surface-active
      glycolipid produced during the stationary growth phase of Rhodococcus species H13
      A on n-alkanes and fatty alcohols in response to limiting ammonium ion
      concentrations. Hexadecane-grown cells produced increasing amounts of
      extracellular glycolipid when the carbon to nitrogen ratio (C/N) was increased
      from 1.7 to 3.4. The increase in extracellular glycolipid in hexadecane-grown
      cells correlated with a decrease in the interfacial tension of the spent growth
      medium to values less than 5 mN/m. Significant levels of extracellular glycolipid
      were not detected in the spent growth medium of cells grown on triglycerides,
      fatty acids, ethanol, organic acids, or carbohydrates. Rhodococcus species H13-A
      contains the three indigenous plasmids pMVS100, pMVS200, and pMVS300, with
      neither pMVS200 nor pMVS300 being involved in glycolipid synthesis or hexadecane
      dissimilation. The role of pMVS100 remains undetermined. Key words:
      biosurfactants, glycolipids, trehalose lipids, Rhodococcus.

PMID- 22049933
TI  - Physical and chemical properties of a biosurfactant synthesized by Rhodococcus
      species H13-A.
AB  - The chemical and physical properties of a biosurfactant synthesized by hexadecane
      grown Rhodococcus species H13-A are described. The biosurfactant is an anionic
      glycolipid consisting of 1 major and 10 minor components. The hydrophilic portion
      of the molecule is trehalose, which is acylated with normal C(10) to C(22)
      saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, C(35) to C(40) mycolic acids, hexanedioic
      and dodecanedioic acids, and 10-methyl hexadecanoic and 10-methyl octadecanoic
      acids. The major glycolipid species was identified as 2,3,4,6,2',3',4',6'
      octaacyltrehalose, plus minor glycolipid species of di-, tetra- and hexa
      acyltrehalose derivatives. The glycolipid exhibited a critical micelle
      concentration of 1.5 mg/mL and minimum interfacial tension value of 2 * 10(-2)
      mN/m against decane, with a further reduction in interfacial tension to 6 * 10(
      5) mN/m in the presence of the cosurfactant pentanol. The phase behavior of the
      glycolipid indicates the formation of a surfactant-rich, "middle-phase"
      microemulsion containing liquid crystals, both of which are associated with
      surfactant systems having ultralow interfacial tension values. Key words:
      trehalose lipids, glycolipids, biosurfactants.

PMID- 22049934
TI  - Production of amylases by yeasts.
AB  - Yeasts (228) isolated for natural habitats were screened for their ability to
      produce amylases in semisolid medium of wheat bran. Strains of Aureobasidium
      pullulans, Candida famata, and Candida kefyr showed high enzymatic activity for
      alpha-amylase, glucoamylase, and debranching enzyme. Key words: Aureobasidium,
      Candida, amylolytic yeasts, alpha-amylase, glucoamylase.

PMID- 22049935
TI  - Selection of strains of Epicoccum purpurascens for tolerance to fungicides and
      improved biocontrol of Sclerotinia sclerotiorum.
AB  - A wild-type isolate of Epicoccum purpurascens was exposed to shortwave
      ultraviolet light. One of the resulting cultures (M-20-A) was grown on media
      amended with the fungicides iprodione or vinclozolin and fungicide-tolerant
      strains were obtained. Several comparisons were made between new strains and the
      wild type. Sporulation was improved compared with the wild type. Strains varied
      in their tolerance to iprodione and vinclozolin but were not tolerant to the
      fungicide benomyl. Strains R4000, 16-B, and 7-A inhibited Sclerotinia
      sclerotiorum in vitro more than either the wild type or M-20-A, and exhibited
      improved control of white mold of bean in the greenhouse compared with M-20-A.
      Key words: biological control, fungicide resistance, white mold, iprodione,
      vinclozolin.

PMID- 22049936
TI  - Identification of a denitrifying gliding bacterium, isolated from soil and able
      to reduce nitrous oxide in the presence of sulfide and acetylene, as Flexibacter
      canadensis.
AB  - We have reexamined the properties of a gliding bacterium, Is-11, which was
      previously isolated from soil because of its ability to denitrify and to reduce
      nitrous oxide in the presence of sulfide and normally inhibitory concentrations
      of acetylene. Occurrence of such an organism may have important implications for
      the use of the acetylene inhibition assay for measuring denitrification rates in
      reduced, sulfidic environments. Although originally tentatively identified as a
      Cytophaga sp., extensive morphological, physiological, and biochemical tests as
      well as G+C analysis and DNA hybridization studies now indicate that the soil
      isolate Is-11 is a strain of Flexibacter canadensis. Key words: gliding bacteria,
      Flexibacter canadensis, denitrification, acetylene, sulfide, nitrous oxide.

PMID- 22049937
TI  - Involvement of cell surface sugars in recognition, attachment, and appressorium
      formation by a mycoparasite.
AB  - Fluorescein isothiocyanate labeled lectin binding techniques have revealed
      differences in the distribution pattern of glycosyl residues at the cell wall
      level between fungi that are hosts and those that are nonhosts of the
      mycoparasite Piptocephalis virginiana, and at the protoplast level between
      compatible and incompatible hosts. The cell wall of the compatible hosts
      (Choanephora cucurbitarum and Mortierella pusilla) and an incompatible host
      (Phascolomyces articulosus), as well as that of the mycoparasite itself, contains
      glucose and N-acetylglucosamine. However, the cell wall of a nonhost (Mortierella
      candelabrum) tested positive with lectins specific for various sugars, including
      not only glucose and N-acetylglucosamine, but also fucose, N-acetylgalactosamine,
      and galactose. These latter sugars could also be exposed at the surfaces of hosts
      and of the mycoparasite, but only after mild treatment with proteinase or when
      grown in a liquid culture. Pretreatment of the mycoparasite with glucose and N
      acetylglucosamine inhibited its attachment to the host cell surface, but had no
      obvious effect on appressorium formation. On the other hand, appressorium
      formation was inhibited by heat treatment of host cell wall fragments which still
      permitted attachment, thus indicating that the factors responsible for attachment
      and for appressorium formation are different. The protoplast surfaces of
      compatible hosts contained all the sugars listed above and these protoplasts
      could attach to the germ tube of the mycoparasite. Only lectins specific for N
      acetylglucosamine and for glucose were bound at the protoplast surface of the
      incompatible host; these protoplasts did not attach to the mycoparasite germ
      tube. Key words: mycoparasite, appressorium formation, lectins, host cell
      surface, attachment, protoplast surface.

PMID- 22049938
TI  - Nitrate reduction to ammonia: a dissimilatory process in Enterobacter amnigenus.
AB  - Thirty-four bacterial isolates from an agricultural soil anaerobically
      preincubated in the presence of glucose were tested for their ability to reduce
      nitrate to ammonia or to denitrify in two different media: nitrate broth and a
      minimal medium enriched with glucose. Ten isolates were considered denitrifying
      bacteria and 7 were dissimilatory ammonia producers. Ammonia production by the
      isolate identified as Enterobacter amnigenus was quantified and attained 50% of
      138 mg?L(-1) of added NO(3)(-) N. The dissimilatory character of this reduction
      was clearly confirmed by culturing this (15)N-labeled bacterium in the presence
      of unlabeled nitrite. Nitrous oxide was produced at the same time as nitrite was
      reduced to ammonia. Increasing nitrate N levels from 48 to 553 mg?L(-1) in
      culture medium resulted in an increase in the level of nitrite produced and
      simultaneously a decrease in ammonia and nitrous oxide production. Key words:
      dissimilatory nitrate reduction, dissimilatory ammonia production,
      denitrification, Enterobacter amnigenus, (15)N.

PMID- 22049939
TI  - Dissimilatory ammonia production vs. denitrification in vitro and in inoculated
      agricultural soil samples.
AB  - A dissimilatory ammonia-producing isolate identified as Enterobacter amnigenus
      and a denitrifier identified as Agrobacterium radiobacter isolated from the same
      soil were studied. The products of nitrate reduction in a minimal medium,
      enriched with glucose and containing nitrate N as the sole nitrogen source, were
      quantified when each of these isolates was cultured anaerobically, alone or mixed
      together in the presence or absence of C(2)H(2). When they were cultured
      together, ammonia was the principal product of nitrate reduction. The
      distribution between denitrification and dissimilatory ammonia production (DAP)
      for nonsterilised soil samples inoculated with E. amnigenus or A. radiobacter, or
      a mixture of these two isolates, was also investigated. Production of NH(4)(+)
      was increased under these conditions (strict anaerobiosis and much available
      fermentable carbon), but the inoculation of soil samples with 1.2 * 10(7) cells
      of E. amnigenus.g dried soil(-1) was not sufficient to shift nitrate reduction
      from nitrous oxide (denitrification) to ammonia production, suggesting that
      inoculation with a greater number of DAP bacteria than introduced would probably
      be required to enable ammonia production to exceed nitrous oxide release. Key
      words: dissimilatory ammonia production, denitrification, Enterobacter amnigenus,
      Agrobacterium radiobacter.

PMID- 22049940
TI  - Persistence of introduced Bradyrhizobium japonicum strains in forming nodules in
      subsequent years after inoculation in Wisconsin soils.
AB  - Nodulation of soybeans by indigenous and inoculum strains of Bradyrhizobium
      japonicum was studied in field experiments in Wisconsin from 1983 to 86. Aqueous
      suspensions of bacteria were applied to seeds at the time of planting at levels
      of 7 * 10(7)-10(10) bacteria per 2.5-cm row. The predominant indigenous serogroup
      was 123 in these soils. Six different inoculum strains were used (two from
      serocluster 123, two from serogroup 110, and one each from serogroups 122 and
      C1). Nodule occupants were identified using spontaneous antibiotic-resistant
      mutations in the inoculum strains, phage typing, and serotyping. In the 1983
      experiment, the majority of nodules were formed by the inoculum strains in almost
      all cases (up to 100% in some cases), in two different soils containing 3.5 *
      10(5) indigenous B. japonicum per gram. After 2 years without inoculation at the
      same two site, the inoculum strains did not form many nodules on uninoculated
      soybeans (less than 10% in most cases; less than 30% in all cases). In
      inoculation experiments carried out in 1985 and 1986, four inoculum strains were
      used (3 members of 123 serocluster and USDA 110str); inocula containing 10(8)
      bacteria per 2.5-cm row formed less than42%ofthe nodules in soils containing 1 *
      10(4)-4 * 10(4)B. japonicum per gram. The major conclusions are (i) the success
      of inoculation in Midwestern U.S. soils is highly variable, even with members of
      the (highly competitive) 123 serocluster, and (ii) successful inoculation in 1
      year in a Wisconsin soil does not ensure that the inoculated strain will persist
      in forming nodules in that field in subsequent years without further inoculation.
      Key words: Bradyrhizobium japonicum, strain persistence, field trials.

PMID- 22049941
TI  - Erratum: Variation in epitopes of the B subunit of Vibrio cholerae non-O1 and
      Vibrio mimicus cholera toxins.

PMID- 22049942
TI  - Single site laparoscopic surgery: an intermediate step toward no (visible) scar
      surgery or the next gold standard in minimally invasive surgery?

PMID- 22049943
TI  - Successful cholecystectomy during robotic gastrectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Surgeons have successfully combined various laparoscopic procedures
      with increasing technical ease. However, few reports exist regarding the
      feasibility of combined robotic operations. We present our institution's
      successful concomitant robotic surgery for early gastric cancer and coexisting
      gallbladder disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From our prospectively collected
      database, seven patients who received robotic cholecystectomies during their
      robotic gastric cancer operations were retrospectively compared to 247 patients
      who underwent robotic gastrectomies alone. Preoperative patient characteristics,
      operative factors, postoperative length of stay, and complications were
      evaluated. RESULTS: The preoperative patient characteristics and operative
      factors did not differ between the two groups. All robotic cholecystectomies were
      performed with the same ports and instruments used during robotic gastrectomies
      without open conversion, robot redocking or patient repositioning. Mean time to
      perform robotic cholecystectomies was 15.1 + 3.2 minutes. The combined group had
      no mortality, one wound infection, and one intraabdominal fluid collection at the
      gastric resection bed, which were comparable to the gastrectomy alone group. The
      mean postoperative length of hospital stay was unaltered by the addition of the
      cholecystectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Robotic cholecystectomies can safely and
      efficiently be combined with robotic gastric cancer surgery, yielding several
      benefits. Improving robotic technology and experience may allow surgeons to
      efficiently combine more complicated procedures.

PMID- 22049944
TI  - Clinical use of a neuronavigation system in hemangioblastoma resection of
      posterior cranial fossa.
AB  - The aim of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the effectiveness of the
      Stryker Leibinger neuronavigation system in surgical resection of
      hemangioblastomas of the posterior fossa. The study included 16 cases of solid
      hemangioblastoma of posterior cranial fossa treated since we began using Stryker
      Leibinger neuronavigation system-assisted microneurosurgery in 2003. These cases
      were compared on the basis of time, blood loss, and complications to 19 similar
      cases of solid hemangioblastoma that underwent conventional microneurosurgical
      resection prior to 2003. All patients in the experimental (neuronavigation
      assisted) group underwent surgical resection without complications while the
      control groups' resections all involved blood loss related to the longer
      operation time. Neuronavigation also resulted in a clear field of surgical vision
      and clear lesion boundaries, making it easier to remove lesions and reduce
      accidental injury of adjacent normal structures. The application of navigation
      technology is very valuable for solid hemangioblastoma operations not only by
      shortening operative time, thereby significantly reducing operative blood loss,
      but also by making surgical excision easier, reducing damage to adjacent normal
      structures, and decreasing surgical complications and mortality.

PMID- 22049945
TI  - LESS technique for liver resection: the progress of the mini-invasive approach: a
      single-centre experience.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: During the last years, the safety and efficacy of the laparoscopic
      approach for liver masses located in the left lobe have been demonstrated,
      encouraging the mini-invasive approach and, in more recent times, the LESS
      technique (Laparo Endoscopic Single Site), in an attempt to reduce the biological
      invasiveness related to surgical trauma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From January 2009
      to December 2010, 39 patients underwent laparoscopic liver resection at our
      institution. In 14 of these, the LESS technique was used. The aim of our study is
      to evaluate the short-term outcome of this group of patients. RESULTS: We
      recorded the following results: Mean operative time of 187 min (range 145-420
      min), mean intraoperative blood loss of 214 ml (range 50-700 ml), postoperative
      morbidity rate of 21.4%, one postoperative death (related to acute heart failure
      related to severe aortic valve stenosis). Excluding this patient from the
      statistical analysis, the morbidity rate was 14.3%. The median hospital stay was
      five days. DISCUSSION: The LESS technique for liver resections is safe and
      effective in selected patients and in centres with high expertise in laparoscopic
      liver surgery.

PMID- 22049946
TI  - Analysis of protease and reverse transcriptase genes of HIV for antiretroviral
      drug resistance in Jamaican adults.
AB  - This study reports on the drug resistance profiles for HIV-infected adults in
      Jamaica using genotypic methods. The genetic diversity of HIV-1 found in these
      patients was also determined using phylogenetic analysis. Epidemiological data
      were documented for each patient, blood was collected by venous puncture, and
      plasma was separated and stored. Viral RNA was extracted and analyzed for
      mutations in the viral genome by the amplification of the protease and reverse
      transcriptase (Pro-RT) regions using a nested PCR method. The rate of drug
      resistance among treatment-experienced individuals was 35%, while treatment-naive
      individuals showed a prevalence of 29%. The overall prevalence of drug resistance
      mutations in Jamaicans was consistent with the increased use of antiretroviral
      drugs in the region, with many of the mutations detected reducing susceptibility
      to the drugs commonly used to treat Jamaican patients. These results indicate the
      need for regular drug resistant surveillance to guide treatment strategies.

PMID- 22049947
TI  - Crystal structures of prethrombin-2 reveal alternative conformations under
      identical solution conditions and the mechanism of zymogen activation.
AB  - Prethrombin-2 is the immediate zymogen precursor of the clotting enzyme thrombin,
      which is generated upon cleavage at R15 and separation of the A chain and
      catalytic B chain. The X-ray structure of prethrombin-2 determined in the free
      form at 1.9 A resolution shows the 215-217 segment collapsed into the active site
      and occluding 49% of the volume available for substrate binding. Remarkably, some
      of the crystals harvested from the same crystallization well, under identical
      solution conditions, diffract to 2.2 A resolution in the same space group but
      produce a structure in which the 215-217 segment moves >5 A and occludes 24% of
      the volume available for substrate binding. The two alternative conformations of
      prethrombin-2 have the side chain of W215 relocating >9 A within the active site
      and are relevant to the allosteric E*-E equilibrium of the mature enzyme. Another
      unanticipated feature of prethrombin-2 bears on the mechanism of prothrombin
      activation. R15 is found buried within the protein in ionic interactions with
      E14e, D14l, and E18, thereby making its exposure to solvent necessary for
      proteolytic attack and conversion to thrombin. On the basis of this structural
      observation, we constructed the E14eA/D14lA/E18A triple mutant to reduce the
      level of electrostatic coupling with R15 and promote zymogen activation. The
      mutation causes prethrombin-2 to spontaneously convert to thrombin, without the
      need for the snake venom ecarin or the physiological prothrombinase complex.

PMID- 22049948
TI  - A case of an apparent infestation by Proisotoma spp. springtails (Collembola:
      Isotomidae) in a cat.
AB  - This case report is presumed to be the first case of infestation of a cat by
      springtails which are small arthropods closely related to insects. The organisms,
      found by skin scrapings, were identified as Proisotoma spp. (Collembola:
      Isotomidae). The cat presented with dermatological lesions (itchy, furfuraceous
      dermatitis), and we speculate that they were due to this infestation. The
      pathogenic role of the Collembola was hypothesized because of the large number of
      organisms, the presence of eggs indicating an active reproduction cycle, the lack
      of other pathogens (fleas, mites or lice) and the clinical recovery accompanied
      by the disappearance of Collembola following treatment. The owner seemed to be
      affected by the infestation, because a few days after having purchased the cat,
      she developed a pruriginous papular dermatitis on the neck and the arms, which
      disappeared shortly after treatment of the kitten and a careful washing of all of
      its toys and other accoutrements.

PMID- 22049949
TI  - Efficacy of repeat magnetic resonance imaging of the knee.
AB  - A patient often initially presents to an orthopedic surgeon with the magnetic
      resonance image (MRI) ordered by his or her primary care physician in hand.
      Often, a significant period of time elapses after injury before the patient is
      assessed by the orthopedic surgeon; therefore, the initial MRI may be considered
      outdated because of a new injury or a change in symptoms or because the
      orthopedist may prefer a new study, a stronger magnet, or a special imaging
      protocol. However, the decision to repeat a knee MRI is presently an arbitrary
      one because no clinical guidelines exist to justify this practice.All repeat knee
      MRIs performed at our academic institution in the past 9 years were
      retrospectively examined. Inclusion criterion was repeat MRI of the same knee
      with no surgical intervention. The formal radiology reports were grouped into 3
      categories: change, no change, and unclear. Knee pathology was further grouped
      into 6 categories indicating what specific structures were pathological or
      injured. Logistic regression analysis was used to test the association of time vs
      category or condition change between MRIs. Of 3501 knee MRI studies, 88 patients
      had a total of 101 repeat MRIs. The average number of days between repeats for
      those with category or condition change was 612 vs 504 for those with no change.
      Age, sex, and time between MRIs were not significantly associated with a category
      or condition change. Repeat knee MRI prior to surgical intervention is becoming
      more prevalent and may have clinical merit. A further prospective study is
      warranted.

PMID- 22049950
TI  - Randomized prospective evaluation of injection techniques for the treatment of
      lateral epicondylitis.
AB  - Lateral epicondylitis is a commonly made diagnosis for general practitioners and
      orthopedic surgeons. Corticosteroid injection is a mainstay of early treatment.
      However, conflicting evidence exists to support the use of steroid injection, and
      no evidence in the literature supports an injection technique. Nineteen patients
      diagnosed with acute lateral epicondylitis were evaluated to compare the peppered
      and single-injection techniques using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and
      Hand (DASH) score, visual analog score (VAS), and grip strength. For elbows with
      a single injection, mean grip strength increased from 22.9 to 27.8 (P=.053), mean
      VAS pain score decreased from 4.8 to 3.6 (P=.604), and mean DASH score decreased
      from 2.6 to 1.8 points (P=.026). For elbows with peppered injections, mean grip
      strength increased from 28.7 to 32.8 (P=.336), mean VAS pain scores decreased
      from 3.7 to 2.3 (P=.386), and mean DASH score decreased from 2.6 to 1.3
      (P=.008).No studies have directly compared the peppered-injection technique to
      the single-injection technique. Our results suggest that patient outcome is
      improved with the single injection. The biomechanical or chemical reason for the
      distinction is yet unknown, but we postulate that the peppered technique may
      actually further damage the already compromised tendon. The theory that the
      peppered injection stimulates blood flow may be overestimated or false.
      Histochemical studies of the pathologic tissue must be performed to further
      delineate the reason for improved outcomes with the single-injection technique.

PMID- 22049951
TI  - Subcutaneous anterior transposition versus decompression and medial
      epicondylectomy for the treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome.
AB  - A review of the literature often fails to uncover the best procedure for the
      treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome. This article compares 2 frequently used
      methods (subcutaneous anterior transposition vs decompression and medial
      epicondylectomy) for their effectiveness in relieving both subjective and
      objective symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome. Between August 1991 and October
      1993, nineteen patients underwent surgical decompression by a single surgeon for
      ulnar neuropathy at the elbow. Factors evaluated included upper extremity range
      of motion, elbow valgus stress, grip strength, pinch, 2-point discrimination, and
      pre- and postoperative nerve conduction. A standardized questionnaire was
      administered to assess subjective relief of symptoms.In the transposition group,
      grip strength averaged 71.2% of normal and pinch strength 86.6% of normal, and 2
      point discrimination averaged 8.0 mm. The derived subjective assessment score was
      23.2 of a possible 40. The average ulnar motor conduction velocity across the
      elbow was 50.1 m/sec preoperatively and 56.3 m/sec postoperatively. In the medial
      epicondylectomy group, grip strength averaged 79.5% of normal and pinch strength
      81.7% of normal, and 2-point discrimination averaged 8.0 mm. The average ulnar
      motor conduction velocity across the elbow was 45.7 m/sec preoperatively and 55.7
      m/sec postoperatively. No statistically significant difference existed between
      the 2 groups for the aforementioned indexes. These results do not indicate a
      difference between the outcomes of the patients undergoing either of the
      procedures. Because epicondylectomy is less technically demanding, with less soft
      tissue dissection of the nerve, it may be preferred over ulnar transposition.

PMID- 22049952
TI  - Comparing hook plates and Kirschner tension band wiring for unstable lateral
      clavicle fractures.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes and complications of clavicular
      hook plate and Kirschner tension band wiring for fixation of unstable lateral
      clavicle fractures. The surgical outcomes of 92 consecutive patients (mean age,
      49.30 +/- 15.54 years) with unstable fractures of the lateral clavicle treated
      using AO clavicle hook plates were compared with those of 24 patients (mean age,
      50.67 +/- 17.58 years) treated using K-wire tension banding. Patients in the hook
      plate and K-wire groups were followed up for 22.76 +/- 2.22 and 25.67 +/- 2.75
      months, respectively (P<.001). The time to hardware removal was significantly
      shorter (P<.001) in the hook plate group (5.20 +/- 1.93 months) compared with the
      K-wire group (7.58 +/- 2.00 months), whereas the Constant-Murley score was
      significantly higher (P<.001) in the hook plate group (90.43 +/- 4.78) compared
      with the K-wire group (85.63 +/- 5.38) at final follow-up. There were 12
      complications in the hook plate group and 7 in the K-wire group (P=.069).
      Complications in the hook plate group included 7 periprosthetic fractures, 4
      plate removals, and 1 plate malposition. Complications in the K-wire group
      included 3 K-wire migrations, 3 losses of reduction, and 1 wire breakage. We
      found that hook plate fixation of unstable lateral clavicle fractures was
      associated with statistically better shoulder function and earlier implant
      removal than K-wire tension band fixation, with an equivalent rate of
      complications. Our findings suggest that hook plates are useful for treating
      unstable lateral clavicular fractures.

PMID- 22049953
TI  - Outcomes of modified 2-incision technique with use of indomethicin in treatment
      of distal biceps tendon rupture.
AB  - Multiple surgical techniques for distal biceps tendon ruptures exist. Heterotopic
      ossification is an associated omplication of the 2-incision technique. The
      purpose of this study was to review the results of distal biceps tendon repairs
      via the modified 2-incision technique using indomethacin chemoprophylaxis. A
      retrospective review of 34 2-incision repairs of the distal biceps tendon was
      performed. All patients received 6 weeks of indomethacin treatment
      postoperatively to prophylax against heterotopic ossification. Outcome measures
      included disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) scoring, incidence of
      heterotopic ossification, and forearm range of motion. Of the 34 elbows, 2 had
      minor complications that resolved within 6 weeks of presentation. The average
      DASH score at final follow-up was 3.8. No cases of heterotopic ossification,
      nerve palsies, reruptures, or radioulnar synostoses were observed. At final
      follow-up, no significant difference was noted in range of motion between the
      injured and uninjured extremity in all planes. The Morrey modification of the 2
      incision technique can be safe and provide full functional recovery in patients
      with ruptured distal biceps tendons when performed in conjunction with
      indomethacin prophylaxis.

PMID- 22049954
TI  - Staged bone grafting following placement of an antibiotic spacer block for the
      management of segmental long bone defects.
AB  - Segmental long bone defects resulting from injury or surgical intervention are
      difficult problems to manage. Amputation, external fixators, vascularized fibular
      grafts, acute limb shortening, and various quantities of allograft and autograft
      have historically been the mainstays of treatment. Recently, the use of
      osteoinductive substances such as recombinant bone morphogenic proteins, and
      osteoconductive scaffolds such as calcium phosphate have found use in the
      treatment of these clinical situations. More recently, Masquelet described the
      use of a cement spacer placed within the osseous void followed by staged bone
      grafting within the induced biomembrane formed around the spacer as a potential
      treatment strategy to manage these large defects.This article describes a series
      of 11 patients for which we used this technique of staged bone grafting following
      placement of an antibiotic spacer to successfully manage osseous long bone
      defects ranging from 4 to 15 cm. The limbs were stabilized and aligned at the
      time of initial spacer placement with a plate and screw construct, intramedullary
      nail, or fine wire fixator. Osteoinductive substances including bone morphogenic
      protein-2 and platelet rich concentrate were used in addition to allograft to
      improve bony healing. In our series, osseous consolidation and full weight
      bearing was achieved in 10 of 11 patients. Two patients developed heterotopic
      ossification. There was 1 non-union and 1 infection, which occurred in the same
      patient. Staged bone grafting within an induced biomembrane created after the use
      of a cement spacer is a reasonable option in the management of both acute and
      delayed segmental long bone defects.

PMID- 22049955
TI  - Infected total femoral replacements: evaluation of limb loss risk factors.
AB  - A complication of total femoral replacement (TFR) is periprosthetic infection.
      Studies have shown that infected endoprostheses have a significant amputation
      rate, as high as 36.7%. This study examined possible risk factors that may
      attribute to unsalvageable TFRs following periprosthetic infections, including
      age, sex, primary vs secondary TFRs, number of irrigation and debridements,
      recent history of periprosthetic infection, early vs late infection, use of
      antibiotic cement, and the number of postoperative antibiotics. In a
      retrospective chart review, 10 patients who had periprosthetic infections of
      their TFRs were identified from our orthopedic surgical database between 2000 and
      2010. Seven of 10 TFRs were unsalvageable due to infection. The 2 greatest risk
      factors that influenced unsalvageable TFR were age older than 50 years and
      recipients of secondary TFRs. All 6 patients older than 50 years had
      unsalvageable TFRs, whereas 1 of 4 patients younger than 50 years had an
      unsalvageable TFR (P<.05). Similarly, all 6 patients who received secondary TFRs
      had unsalvageable TFRs, whereas 1 of 4 patients who received a TFR as the primary
      method of treatment had an unsalvageable TFR (P<.05). No other risk factors
      showed statistical significance or could be identified as possible risk factors.
      Surgeons should educate patients who fall into high-risk categories about the
      benefits of early intervention, such as amputation, that could prevent additional
      surgeries and decrease the lengths of hospitalizations.

PMID- 22049956
TI  - Proximal epiphysis of the second metatarsal: normal trait, possible contribution
      to growth, and clinical implications.
AB  - Analysis of 998 dorsoplantar foot radiographs of 231 patients was performed. Age
      ranged between 0.21 and 19.94 years. The authors proved the existence of a
      previously nondescribed additional proximal ossification center in the second
      metatarsal. This additional proximal center was seen in 78 of 998 radiographs,
      which corresponds with 7 of the 231 patients. If only 111 patients within the age
      range in which the additional proximal center appears are considered, the true
      prevalence of the additional proximal center was found in 7 (6.3%) patients. This
      additional proximal center was found to be bilateral in 4 (57.1%) of these 7
      patients. The presence of the proximal center was more common in girls and was
      associated with index plus metatarsal type (P=.000) and foot pathology,
      especially flatfoot (P=.000). Age of appearance was 2.3 +/- 0.24 years and age of
      fusion was 5.5 +/- 2.2 years. Using a descriptive maturation scale, the authors
      classified the ossification stages of the additional proximal center in 4 stages:
      rudimentary, fully formed, partially fused, and fully fused. After creating a
      mathematical ratio, the authors could not prove that the presence of this
      additional proximal center increased the length of the second metatarsal or the
      complete second ray.

PMID- 22049957
TI  - Feasibility of whole-body MRI for detecting metastatic myxoid liposarcoma: a case
      series.
AB  - No feasible method currently exists to evaluate systemic metastasis in patients
      with myxoid liposarcoma. The purpose of this study was to determine the
      feasibility of performing whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to detect
      metastatic myxoid liposarcoma. From June 2008 to May 2010, all patients who were
      newly diagnosed with myxoid liposarcomas at our institution underwent whole-body
      MRI along with other conventional imaging methods. We divided the whole body into
      38 sections (7 soft tissue sections and 31 bone tissue sections). In total, there
      were 570 regions (105 soft tissue regions and 465 bony regions) in 15 patients
      (10 men and 5 women) who underwent whole-body MRI.Of 105 soft tissue regions,
      there were 4 true positives, 3 false positives, 1 false negative, and 97 true
      positives. Of 465 bone tissue regions, there were 11 true positives, 5 false
      positives, 2 false negatives, and 447 true negatives. In soft tissue, whole-body
      MRI for the detection of metastatic lesion showed a sensitivity of 80%, a
      specificity of 97.0%, a positive predictive value of 57.1%, and a negative
      predictive value of 99.0%. In bone tissue, whole-body MRI had a sensitivity of
      84.6%, a specificity of 98.9%, a positive predictive value of 68.8%, and a
      negative predictive value of 99.6%.Whole-body MRI is feasible and effective for
      detecting bone and soft tissue metastasis in patients with myxoid liposarcoma.

PMID- 22049958
TI  - Hibernomas: clinicopathological features, diagnosis, and treatment of 17 cases.
AB  - Hibernomas are rare benign adipose tumors composed of brown fat cells with
      granular, multivacuolated cytoplasm admixed with white adipose tissue. They
      account for 1.6% of benign lipomatous tumors and approximately 1.1% of all
      adipocytic tumors. They are more common in the third and fourth decades of life.
      The most common location is the thigh, followed by the shoulder, back, and head
      and neck. Four histological types have been reported; abundant vascularity is
      characteristic, and atypias are rare. The treatment of choice for hibernomas is
      complete surgical excision. Metastases or malignant transformation have not been
      reported.This article presents a series of 17 patients with hibernomas diagnosed
      and treated at our institution from January 1986 to December 2009. Six men and 11
      women (M:F, 1:2) had a mean age of 38 years (range, 10 months to 64 years). All
      patients underwent surgical treatment; 14 patients had marginal and 3 had wide
      excision. Adjuvants such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or embolization were
      not administered for any patient. The most common symptom was a painless palpable
      mass, followed by a tender or painful mass; in 2 patients, the tumor was an
      incidental finding. The duration of symptoms ranged from 1 month to 10 years
      (mean, 27 months). The most common location was the thigh, followed by the
      buttock, scapula, and neck. The most common histological variant was the typical
      variant followed by the lipoma-like variant. At a mean follow-up of 5 years
      (range, 1-9 years), local recurrences were not observed.

PMID- 22049959
TI  - Lumbar lordosis restoration following single-level instrumented fusion comparing
      4 commonly used techniques.
AB  - A major sequelae of lumbar fusion is acceleration of adjacent-level degeneration
      due to decreased lumbar lordosis. We evaluated the effectiveness of 4 common
      fusion techniques in restoring lordosis: instrumented posterolateral fusion,
      translumbar interbody fusion, anteroposterior fusion with posterior
      instrumentation, and anterior interbody fusion with lordotic threaded (LT) cages
      (Medtronic Sofamor Danek, Memphis, Tennessee). Radiographs were measured
      preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and a minimum of 6 months
      postoperatively. Parameters measured included anterior and posterior disk space
      height, lumbar lordosis from L3 to S1, and surgical level lordosis.No significant
      difference in demographics existed among the 4 groups. All preoperative
      parameters were similar among the 4 groups. Lumbar lordosis at final follow-up
      showed no difference between the anteroposterior fusion with posterior
      instrumentation, translumbar interbody fusion, and LT cage groups, although the
      posterolateral fusion group showed a significant loss of lordosis (-10 degrees )
      (P<.001). Immediately postoperatively and at follow-up, the LT cage group had a
      significantly greater amount of lordosis and showed maintenance of anterior and
      posterior disk space height postoperatively compared with the other groups.
      Instrumented posterolateral fusion produces a greater loss of lordosis compared
      with anteroposterior fusion with posterior instrumentation, translumbar interbody
      fusion, and LT cages. Maintenance of lordosis and anterior and posterior disk
      space height is significantly better with anterior interbody fusion with LT
      cages.

PMID- 22049960
TI  - Do protective lead garments harbor harmful bacteria?
AB  - This study attempted to identify and characterize bacteria present on shared-use
      protective lead shielding garments worn in the operating room. Those worn at the
      authors' institution were collected and swabbed in designated 5*5-cm areas. Swabs
      were sent to the clinical laboratory for bacterial isolation and identification.
      All isolates were identified using standard microbiological methods. Isolates
      then underwent antimicrobial susceptibility testing as per standard hospital
      procedures. Of 182 total collected swabs, bacteria were isolated on only 5 (2.7%)
      samples. Coagulase-negative Staphylococci was identified on 3 samples and the
      remaining 2 grew coagulase-negative Staphylococci and gram-positive rods. The
      collection sites for these isolates were the lead apron, midline, bottom outer
      surface (n=3), thyroid shield midline, inner surface (n=1), and skirt midline,
      bottom inner surface (n=1). Of the collected samples, 98.3% were negative for
      bacterial growth. The remaining isolates were consistent with common skin flora.
      No multi-drug resistant organisms were identified on any garments. Standard
      cleaning procedures at the institution are an effective way to prevent growth of
      bacteria on shared-use protective lead shielding garments worn in the operating
      room.

PMID- 22049961
TI  - Malignant mixed tumor of the soft tissue occurring after total knee arthroplasty.
AB  - A 70-year-old woman developed a malignant mixed tumor of the soft tissue 2 years
      after total knee arthroplasty. A 5*3*3-cm elastic hard tumor at the lateral side
      of the surgical scar was resected. The tumor showed focal infiltration into
      surrounding adipose and fibrous tissues, focal necrosis, and vascular
      infiltration. It was diagnosed as malignant. Mixed tumor, or myoepithelioma, of
      the soft tissue is a relatively rare tumor that was recently recognized as a
      disease entity; the vast spectrum of myoepithelial cell differentiation and the
      resultant morphologic diversity might increase the difficulty of the histological
      diagnosis. Postoperatively, the patient did not receive adjuvant therapy and no
      recurrence of the tumor was observed for 6 years. Range of motion of her left
      knee is -5 degrees  extension and 90 degrees  flexion; however, her activities of
      daily living are restricted because of general fatigue, partly due to hepatoma
      and chemotherapy.Despite the increase of artificial implant use worldwide,
      reports of peri-implant tumor formation are rare. Although we do not know the
      exact mechanism of tumor genesis, we consider the fibroblast formation in the
      routine healing process to be a possible mechanism. Further investigation is
      necessary to identify coexisting factors that increase the risk of tumor
      formation after implantation.

PMID- 22049962
TI  - Medial and lateral segond fractures in a skeletally immature patient: a
      radiographic marker for the multiply injured knee.
AB  - Marginal fractures of the medial tibial plateau have been reported in the
      literature as a secondary type of Segond fracture. Some reports described this
      entity in the setting of combined injuries such as root avulsions of the medial
      meniscus, complete disruption of the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), partial
      tear of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), and tears of the medial meniscus
      and medial collateral ligament. It has been postulated that medial marginal
      fractures are secondary to compression of the medial aspect of the femoral
      condyle and tibial plateau with a corresponding posterolateral corner injury.
      However, this mechanism of injury may not always be as straightforward.This
      article presents a case of an alternate injury pattern in a skeletally immature
      patient. A 16-year-old boy sustained a varus force and twisting injury to his
      knee, resulting in radiographic evidence of multiple avulsion fractures of the
      knee, including a fibular epiphyseal avulsion fracture and medial and lateral
      Segond fractures. Usually, the avulsion fractures serve as markers for
      significant ligamentous injuries in adult patients, but our patient had minimal
      injury to the PCL, ACL, and posterolateral corner. Further physical examination
      and imaging studies revealed an anterior horn root avulsion, meniscocapsular
      separation, and anterior cortical rim fracture. A combination of imaging
      modalities helped us further characterize the injury pattern to devise the
      optimal surgical plan, especially the fixation of the anterior cortical fracture
      of the tibia.

PMID- 22049963
TI  - Open glenohumeral dislocation: skeletonization of the proximal humerus without
      associated fracture.
AB  - Shoulder dislocations are common injuries. In the realm of high-energy trauma,
      enough force can be dissipated to violate the entire soft tissue envelope
      surrounding the shoulder girdle, generating an open injury. This article presents
      a case of a young man involved in a motorcycle accident in which he sustained an
      open glenohumeral dislocation with complete skeletonization of the proximal
      humerus. There were no associated fractures with his injury. Our patient
      underwent staged irrigation and debridement of his shoulder with delayed
      tendoligamentous reconstruction of the skeletonized proximal humerus. After
      reconstruction, he was immobilized for 3 weeks and then began a progressive
      shoulder rehabilitation protocol. He healed with no evidence of infection,
      residual instability, or avascular necrosis at his 4-month follow-up examination.
      At that point, he had regained functional use of his shoulder for activities of
      daily living and had no pain. His range of active motion was limited to 90
      degrees  of flexion and abduction, 0 degrees  of external rotation, and internal
      rotation to the L4. He had complete resolution of a sensory and motor axillary
      neuropraxia that resulted from his initial injury. It was felt that the patient
      had potential for continued gains in range of motion and strength.Our patient is
      only the second description of an open glenohumeral dislocation with no
      associated fractures of the proximal humerus. This skeletonization of the
      proximal humerus represents a complex soft tissue injury that severely
      compromises the functional capacity of the shoulder. Understanding the nature of
      the injury and the involved structures and maintaining a sound treatment
      algorithm allow orthopedic surgeons to maximize the patient's functional outcome.

PMID- 22049964
TI  - Treatment of severe hand deformities caused by epidermolysis bullosa.
AB  - Little research has been done regarding the treatment of severe hand deformities
      caused by epidermolysis bullosa. A 14-year-old boy was diagnosed with congenital
      epidermolysis bullosa. He was treated in our hospital several times, but the
      pathogenetic condition worsened. On examination, both hands were clenched fists
      and had scar formation. Skin fusion was observed between the 5 fingers. Nails
      were absent and the thumb was in the fist. His fingers were short, and active and
      passive flexion and extension could not be performed. The right hand was treated
      first. After the adhesions were separated, we found that the 5 fingers were
      connected by dermis. After the dermis was separated and the hand was fixed in the
      extension position, there were small cutaneous deficiencies. The fingers were
      fixed in the functional position with Kirschner wires. The wound surface was
      covered with self-made aureomycin ointment gauze. After regular dressing changes
      for 6 weeks, the wound surface was completely healed. After 3 months of
      rehabilitation training, most hand function was recovered.Based on our findings
      in this case, when treating patients with epidermolysis bullosa, physicians must
      carefully observe whether enough dermis exists to avoid an unnecessary skin
      graft. We also found that the quality of skin used in skingrafting is
      questionable due to pathological changes in the skin. If there is enough dermis
      and the cutaneous deficiency is smaller after contracture release, the covering
      of drug dressings on the cutaneous deficiency is more conducive to the recovery
      of limb function and the reduction of damage to the donor sites.

PMID- 22049965
TI  - Intracapsular origin of the long head of the biceps tendon with glenoid avulsion
      of the glenohumeral ligaments.
AB  - An 18-year-old woman presented with a history of recurrent glenohumeral
      dislocations involving her right dominant shoulder. Physical examination
      suggested physiologic hyperlaxity and anterior instability. Magnetic resonance
      arthrography demonstrated an anomalous intracapsular origin of the long head of
      the biceps tendon (LHBT), with normal-appearing LHBT in the intertubercular
      groove. Diagnostic arthroscopy confirmed the absence of the LHBT attachment on
      the superior labrum. Instead, the LHBT originated from the capsule of the
      shoulder joint. Diagnostic arthroscopy also revealed glenoid avulsion of the
      glenohumeral ligaments (GAGL) lesion as a tear in the anterior-inferior capsule
      near its insertion on the glenoid and labrum. An arthroscopic anterior
      capsulolabral repair was performed with rotator interval closure by imbrication
      of superior and middle glenohumeral ligaments. A retrospective review of the
      magnetic resonance arthrogram identified irregularity and interposition of
      contrast between the capsule and the anterior-inferior labrum that was reproduced
      in the abduction-external rotation view corresponding with the GAGL lesion seen
      at arthroscopy. At 12 months postoperatively, the patient demonstrated full range
      of motion and no signs of instability. This case report helps to raise awareness
      about 2 rare shoulder lesions: the anomalous origin of LHBT and the GAGL lesion.
      Diagnosing such lesions on preoperative magnetic resonance imaging may aid in
      operative planning and avoid unexpected intraoperative findings.

PMID- 22049966
TI  - Lumbar diskal cyst containing intervertebral disk materials.
AB  - The diskal cyst is a relatively new clinical entity and develops clinical
      symptoms of a unilateral single nerve root lesion. Although many cases of diskal
      cyst have been reported, the pathogenesis of diskal cyst remains unclear, and
      several theories regarding the pathogenesis have been proposed. This article
      presents 2 cases of diskal cyst communicating with an adjacent herniated disk.
      Magnetic resonance imaging findings showed diskal cysts in the epidural space of
      the lumbar spine. Surgical resection was performed, and apparent connections
      between the corresponding disk and cysts were found. Histopathologic examinations
      of the cyst wall demonstrated cartilaginous tissue including nucleus pulposus and
      annulus fibrosis. These patient's symptoms improved remarkably postoperatively,
      and there was no recurrence of diskal cyst.The hypothesis supported by many
      authors is hemorrhage from the epidural venous plexus. Diskal cysts arise first
      from an underlying intervertebral disk injury that causes an annulus fibrosis
      fissure in the posterior intervertebral disk. Hemorrhage from the epidural venous
      plexus with a rich blood flow then occurs in the space between the peridural
      membrane and vertebral body. However, in our cases, we confirmed that the diskal
      cyst could have developed from the resorption process of an intervertebral disk
      herniation. Only 5 cases of diskal cyst demonstrating the presence of
      cartilaginous tissue in the cyst have been reported. Our 2 cases are rare and
      support the hypothesis of resorption of intervertebral disk herniation.

PMID- 22049967
TI  - Unusual case of isolated lunate fracture without ligamentous injury.
AB  - Fractures of the lunate are rare injuries that usually result from high-energy
      trauma and are typically associated with other carpal and ligamentous injuries.
      The incidence of lunate fractures has been cited as 0.5% to 6.5% of all carpal
      fractures. These fractures are not frequently reported in the literature, and no
      consensus exists on the treatment of these injuries in the acute and chronic
      setting. The mechanism typically producing this fracture is a loading force
      applied to a dorsiflexed, ulnarly deviated wrist such that the capitate is driven
      downward into the lunate.No prior reports exist in the literature of an isolated
      fracture of the lunate without perilunate dislocation or ligament disruption.
      This article reports a case of an isolated displaced transverse shear fracture of
      the lunate seen 3 months after initial injury, which was successfully treated
      using a volar and dorsal combined approach and open reduction and internal
      fixation using microscrews. Bony union across the fracture site was obtained by 7
      week follow-up and continued to show improved consolidation through 10-month
      follow-up. The patient had decreased pain, normal range of motion, and no
      radiographic evidence of lunate osteonecrosis on most recent follow-up despite
      the delayed presentation and degree of fracture displacement. This case
      demonstrates a previously unreported type of wrist injury.

PMID- 22049968
TI  - Percutaneous vertebral body cement augmentation for back pain related to occult
      osteomyelitis/diskitis.
AB  - Although complications related to vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty are few, we
      treated 2 patients with vertebroplasty or kyphoplasty for pain, presumed to be
      due to vertebral compression fractures, which were subsequently found to be due
      to occult osteomyelitis/diskitis. The onset of their infections appeared to have
      preceded their vertebral body augmentation procedures and was possibly due to
      prior interventional procedures for histories of back pain.An 86-year-old woman
      had had 3 prior kyphoplasty procedures for fractures at T10, T11, and L1. She
      reported continued severe pain, and subsequent magnetic resonance imaging was
      misinterpreted for another fracture at T12, resulting in her fourth kyphoplasty.
      She became septic and had some improvement with antibiotics, but she declined
      specialty care and died. A 74-year-old man with chronic back pain had recently
      undergone lumbar facet joint injections. Computed tomography and subsequent bone
      scan found uptake at both L2 and L3. Despite abnormal erythrocyte sedimentation
      rate and C-reactive protein level and normal radiographic vertebral height, he
      underwent a vertebroplasty. His pain increased, and subsequent workup found L2-3
      diskitis. He recovered with antibiotics and specialty care. Similar to prior
      reports of spondylodiskitis, both patients had multiple medical
      comorbidities.This article emphasizes the need for clinical reevaluation and
      scrutiny in the interpretation of imaging studies, including for infection in
      patients with continued pain after spinal procedures. The differential diagnosis
      of infectious etiology is an important consideration prior to vertebral cement
      augmentation for presumed fragility fracture.

PMID- 22049969
TI  - Giant gouty tophi of the hand and wrist.
AB  - Gout is an inflammatory-rheumatic disease characterized by an elevated serum
      urate concentration and recurrent flares, including painful, hot, red, and
      swollen joints and surrounding tissue. Untreated gout often develops into a
      chronic disease with tophi and destruction of joint surfaces. Giant tophi are
      often resistant to medication and change in diet.This article presents a case of
      a 44-year-old man with giant gouty tophi at his hand and wrist. The last acute
      gout flare in his left wrist was approximately 3 years prior. For 2 years he had
      refused adequate nutrition, such as a low-purine diet, and had refused to take
      any preventive medication. Blood urate level was elevated to 8.7 mg/dL (normal
      range, 3.4-7.0 mg/dL). In time, the tophi led to a massive limitation of motion
      and use of especially the left wrist and thumb. Under the condition that the
      patient changed his diet and took the medication for his underlying disease, we
      surgically removed the almost skin-perforating tophi. Surgical debulking
      significantly improved joint function and cosmetic appearance.The best treatment
      for gouty tophi is prevention by ensuring adequate nutrition, treating the
      underlying causes, and taking effective medication. In the case of massive
      limitation of joint motion, skin breakdown with risk of infection, and
      compression of neurovascular structures, surgical debulking of the tophi should
      be considered.

PMID- 22049970
TI  - Pyogenic cervical spondylitis caused by Pasteurella haemolytica attributed to
      excessive contact with dogs.
AB  - The bacterium Pasteurella haemolytica is resident in the oral cavities of dogs
      and cats and is often a cause of zoonotic infection. However, it is rare for it
      to be the pathogenic bacteria behind pyogenic spondylitis, and few studies have
      been conducted on it. This article reports a case of pyogenic cervical
      spondylitis thought to be caused by excessive contact with pet dogs.A 52-year-old
      man reported neck pain and pain in the right upper limb. He was admitted after
      plain radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging suggested pyogenic spondylitis.
      Pasteurella haemolytica was detected by needle aspiration biopsy of the
      intervertebral disk. Because the patient owned 2 dogs and frequently kissed them
      on the mouth, the cause of infection was thought to be excessive contact with pet
      dogs. Symptoms were alleviated with bed rest and administration of antibiotics
      with a higher sensitivity to this bacterium.

PMID- 22049971
TI  - Periostitis secondary to prolonged voriconazole therapy in a lung transplant
      recipient.
AB  - This article reports a case of perostitis deformans in a lung transplantation
      patient taking the fluoride-containing medication voriconazole, a relatively new
      and potent anti-fungal. The patient had a normal range of motion in all joints
      and a normal gait. On radiographs at presentation, multifocal areas of
      periostitis were visualized involving the left-hand first, second, and third
      proximal phalanx shafts. Similar periostitis was present on the left-hand third,
      fourth, and fifth middle phalanx shafts. Plain radiographs of the right hand also
      demonstrated multifocal periostitis of the third and fourth proximal and middle
      phalanges. Aggressive periostitis at the level of the right fourth proximal and
      middle phalanges was also present. Given her long-term treatment with
      voriconazole and a presentation consistent with periostitis deformans,
      voriconazole was presumed to be the offending agent and was replaced with
      itraconazole. The patient's symptoms resolved shortly after withdrawal of
      voriconazole.Voriconazole-associated periostitis has only recently been reported
      in the literature. Food and Drug Administration-approved in 2002, voriconazole is
      efficacious in treating serious, invasive fungal infections that are generally
      seen in immunocompromised patients. Due to the novel nature of voriconazole and
      the uncommon indications for its long-term use, the periostitis deformans
      described in this article may be unfamiliar to the orthopedic surgeon.
      Consequently, a patient presenting with bone pain and periosteal involvement on
      plain radiographs may provoke a broad, expensive, and ultimately unnecessary
      diagnostic evaluation. The clinical case and imaging findings presented here can
      help to promote understanding of this benign condition and its simple cure:
      voriconazole discontinuation.

PMID- 22049972
TI  - Digital flexion contracture and severe carpal tunnel syndrome due to tophaceus
      infiltration of wrist flexor tendon: first manifestation of gout.
AB  - The authors report an unusual case of flexor tenosynovitis, severe carpal tunnel
      syndrome, and triggering at the carpal tunnel as the first manifestation of gout.
      A 69-year-old man presented with digital flexion contracture and severe carpal
      tunnel syndrome of his right hand and was treated surgically. A flexor
      tenosynovectomy and a median nerve neurolysis were performed through an extended
      carpal tunnel approach. The sublimis and the profundus tendons were involved.
      Partial ruptures and multiple whitish lesions suggestive of tophacceous
      infiltration of the flexor tendons were seen. Macroscopically, the removed
      synovial tissue was involved by multiple whitish nodules that were milimetric in
      size and was suggestive of monosodium urate crystals deposits. By light
      microscopy examination, numerous nonnecrotizing granulomas of different sizes
      were observed that were compounded by large aggregations of acellular
      nonpolarized material, surrounded by epithelioid histiocytes, mononuclear cells,
      and foreign body multinucleated giant cells. Postoperatively, the patient
      recovered with resolution of the median nerve symptoms and a near-to-full range
      of motion of the affected digits.To the authors' knowledge, this patient is the
      first case report with flexor tendons tophacceous infiltration as the first
      clinical sign of gout. Gouty flexor tenosynovitis can occur in the absence of a
      long history of gout. A high index of suspicion is paramount to the initiation of
      proper management. Operative treatment of gouty flexor tenosynovitis is mandatory
      to debulk tophaceous deposits, improve tendon gliding, and decompress nerves.
      Routine uric acid determination could be helpful in the preoperative evaluation
      of patients with flexor tenosynovitis.

PMID- 22049973
TI  - Cholesteryl butyrate solid lipid nanoparticles inhibit the adhesion and migration
      of colon cancer cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Cholesteryl butyrate solid lipid nanoparticles (cholbut
      SLN) provide a delivery system for the anti-cancer drug butyrate. These SLN
      inhibit the adhesion of polymorphonuclear cells to the endothelium and may act as
      anti-inflammatory agents. As cancer cell adhesion to endothelium is crucial for
      metastasis dissemination, here we have evaluated the effect of cholbut SLN on
      adhesion and migration of cancer cells. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Cholbut SLN was
      incubated with a number of cancer cell lines or human umbilical vein endothelial
      cells (HUVEC) and adhesion was quantified by a computerized micro-imaging system.
      Migration was detected by the scratch 'wound-healing' assay and the Boyden
      chamber invasion assay. Expression of ERK and p38 MAPK was analysed by Western
      blot. Expression of the mRNA for E-cadherin and claudin-1 was measured by RT-PCR.
      KEY RESULTS Cholbut SLN inhibited HUVEC adhesiveness to cancer cell lines derived
      from human colon-rectum, breast, prostate cancers and melanoma. The effect was
      concentration and time-dependent and exerted on both cancer cells and HUVEC.
      Moreover, these SLN inhibited migration of cancer cells and substantially down
      modulated ERK and p38 phosphorylation. The anti-adhesive effect was additive to
      that induced by the triggering of B7h, which is another stimulus inhibiting both
      ERK and p38 phosphorylation, and cell adhesiveness. Furthermore, cholbut SLN
      induced E-cadherin and inhibited claudin-1 expression in HUVEC. CONCLUSION AND
      IMPLICATIONS These results suggest that cholbut SLN could act as an anti
      metastastic agent and they add a new mechanism to the anti-tumour activity of
      this multifaceted preparation of butyrate.

PMID- 22049974
TI  - Management of cirrhotic patients with hepatocellular carcinoma treated with
      sorafenib.
AB  - Sorafenib (Nexavar(r), Bayer), a multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor, was
      the first systemic agent that demonstrated a significant improvement in the
      overall survival in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma and well
      preserved liver function. This drug is now recommended in patients with advanced
      hepatocellular carcinoma as first-line therapy and for patients not suitable for
      locoregional treatment. This brief article, produced by a multidisciplinary panel
      including specialists in gastroenterology and oncology, provides an overview of
      the major issues related to systemic treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma with
      sorafenib, including staging and prognostic strategies, assessment of liver
      disease and its complications, and efficacy and safety of this molecule.
      Particular emphasis is given on how to improve tolerability of sorafenib in
      difficult-to-treat patients.

PMID- 22049975
TI  - Interdisciplinary approach towards female patients with Fabry disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fabry disease (FD) is a rare X-linked lysosomal storage disorder
      leading to an accumulation of globotriaosylceramides in the lysosomes of various
      organs. DESIGN: Being X-chromosomal-linked, most studies in the past have focused
      on involvement in male patients. However, it has been elucidated recently that
      female patients can present typical organ involvement and thus need to be
      treated, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This review wants to give a systematical
      overview of the typical organ involvement in female patients with FD. Moreover,
      therapy recommendations especially for female patients are discussed.

PMID- 22049976
TI  - The right ventricular septum presents the optimum site for maximal electrical
      separation during left ventricular pacing.
AB  - Cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) benefits selected heart failure (HF)
      patients. The optimal placement of the right ventricle (RV) lead during
      biventricular pacing has not been assessed. Greater electrical separation (ES)
      between left ventricle (LV) and RV leads has been associated with better clinical
      outcomes. The site of maximal electrical separation(MES) in the RV is unknown.
      METHODS: Prospective study of 50 CRT patients. The LV lead was placed in a
      postero-lateral branch of the coronary sinus. ES was recorded at 6 sites within
      the RV during LV pacing at 600 milliseconds cycle length (CL). The median ES was
      recorded with a roving deflectable catheter at the RV outflow tract (RVOT), high
      septum, inflow septum, mid-septum, apical septum and apex. RESULTS: Mean age was
      67 +/- 7 years, 39 were male (78%). Thirty had ischemic etiology (60%). Mean left
      ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 25 +/- 7%, QRS duration pre and post was
      165 +/- 26 milliseconds and 138.5 +/- 15.6 milliseconds (P < 0.001). Mapping ES
      showed a difference between 20 and 50 milliseconds distributed across the RV in
      the majority of patients (40/49). However, 7 subjects demonstrated delay
      distribution of between 50 and 82 milliseconds. ES was significant greater in the
      RV mid-septum (161.2 +/- 23.7 milliseconds) compared with RVOT (154.1 +/- 20.8
      milliseconds) and apex (148.0 +/- 25.5 milliseconds; P < 0.001). The site of
      Maximal ES was most commonly found at the mid-septum (40 patients, 80%) and only
      rarely at the RVOT (5, 10%) and apex (5, 10%; P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: MES was
      observed most commonly at the RV septum and rarely at the RV apex. Better
      correction of electrical and mechanical dyssynchrony by CRT may be achieved by
      placing the RV lead in a site outside of the apex in the majority of patients.
      Clinical studies exploring RV septal pacing in CRT seem warranted.

PMID- 22049977
TI  - New evidence for toxicity of polybrominated diphenyl ethers: DNA adduct formation
      from quinone metabolites.
AB  - This study investigated the formation of DNA adducts of polybrominated diphenyl
      ethers (PBDEs) and the possible mechanisms. DNA adduction was conducted by in
      vitro reaction of deoxyguanosine (dG) and DNA with PBDE-quinone (PBDE-Q)
      metabolites, and DNA adducts were characterized by using electrospray ionization
      tandem mass spectrometry. The results suggested DNA adduction involved Michael
      Addition between the exocyclic NH(2) group at the N-2 position of dG and the
      electron-deficient carbon of quinone, followed by reductive cyclization with loss
      of (bromo-)1-hydroperoxy-benzene or water to form a type I or type II adduct.
      PBDE-Q with substituted bromine on the quinone ring was proven to be a favorable
      structure to form a type I adduct, while the absence of bromine on the quinone
      ring resulted in a type II adduct. Lower reactivity of adduction was also
      observed with increasing the number of bromine atoms on the phenoxyl ring. Our
      data clearly demonstrated PBDEs could covalently bind to DNA mediated by quinone
      metabolites, depending on the degree of bromine substitution. This study opened a
      new view on the mechanism of toxicity of PBDEs and reported the structure of PBDE
      DNA adducts, which might be valuable for the evaluation on potential in vivo
      formation of PBDE-DNA adducts.

PMID- 22049978
TI  - Is quantity more important than quality?

PMID- 22049979
TI  - A truly integrated treatment system must be both patient- and process-focused.

PMID- 22049980
TI  - Innovative policy strategies need empirical evaluation.

PMID- 22049981
TI  - Market forces do not solve the problems.

PMID- 22049982
TI  - Commentary on Vangeli et al. (2011): Towards an improved understanding of smoking
      relapse predictors--recipe for success?

PMID- 22049983
TI  - Commentary on Andreuccetti et al. (2011): The gap between stricter blood alcohol
      concentration legislation and enforcement in Brazil.

PMID- 22049984
TI  - Commentary on Bodin & Strandberg (2011): Scepticism, publication bias and a grain
      of salt--do we already know how to evaluate prevention programmes?

PMID- 22049985
TI  - Commentary on Gibson et al. (2011): Brief alcohol interventions in the context of
      treatment for hepatitis C.

PMID- 22049986
TI  - Real-time PCR method applied to seafood products for authentication of European
      sole (Solea solea) and differentiation of common substitute species.
AB  - Judged by quality and taste, the European sole (Solea solea) is considered one of
      the finest flatfish and is, thus, of considerable commercial value. In the
      present work, a specific fast real-time PCR was developed for the authentication
      of S. solea, i.e. to distinguish it from other related species and avoid
      substitution of this species, either deliberately or unintentionally. The method
      is based on a species-specific set of primers and MGB Taqman probe which
      amplifies a 116-bp fragment of the internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS 1)
      ribosomal DNA region. This assay combines the high specificity and sensitivity of
      real-time PCR with the rapidity of the fast mode, allowing the detection of S.
      solea in a short period of time. The present methodology was validated for
      application to all types of manufactured products for the presence of S. solea,
      with successful results. Subsequently, the method was applied to 40 commercial
      samples to determine whether correct labeling had been employed in the market. It
      was demonstrated that the assay is a useful tool in monitoring and verifying food
      labeling regulations.

PMID- 22049987
TI  - Some alternatives to asymptotic tests for the analysis of pharmacogenetic data
      using nonlinear mixed effects models.
AB  - Nonlinear mixed effects models allow investigating individual differences in drug
      concentration profiles (pharmacokinetics) and responses. Pharmacogenetics focuses
      on the genetic component of this variability. Two tests often used to detect a
      gene effect on a pharmacokinetic parameter are (1) the Wald test, assessing
      whether estimates for the gene effect are significantly different from 0 and (2)
      the likelihood ratio test comparing models with and without the genetic effect.
      Because those asymptotic tests show inflated type I error on small sample size
      and/or with unevenly distributed genotypes, we develop two alternatives and
      evaluate them by means of a simulation study. First, we assess the performance of
      the permutation test using the Wald and the likelihood ratio statistics. Second,
      for the Wald test we propose the use of the F-distribution with four different
      values for the denominator degrees of freedom. We also explore the influence of
      the estimation algorithm using both the first-order conditional estimation with
      interaction linearization-based algorithm and the stochastic approximation
      expectation maximization algorithm. We apply these methods to the analysis of the
      pharmacogenetics of indinavir in HIV patients recruited in the COPHAR2-ANRS 111
      trial. Results of the simulation study show that the permutation test seems
      appropriate but at the cost of an additional computational burden. One of the
      four F-distribution-based approaches provides a correct type I error estimate for
      the Wald test and should be further investigated.

PMID- 22049988
TI  - Analytical measurements of atmospheric urban aerosol.
AB  - Understanding the complex nature of atmospheric urban aerosol mandates the
      utilization of analytical technology. In this feature article, we provide a
      glimpse of several analytical techniques that are most commonly used for urban
      atmospheric aerosol measurements, with an emphasis on particle mass spectrometry
      methods.

PMID- 22049989
TI  - Diversified nanoparticle assembly pathways: materials architecture control beyond
      the amphiphilicity paradigm.
AB  - The functional versatility of a chemical system is ultimately dictated by the
      availability of distinctly accessible architectures. The generation of a diverse
      array of assembled constructs from a single type of nanoscale building block is a
      promising yet largely elusive goal. We report herein the utility of a monolayer
      modified nanoparticle for the creation of a broad range of architectures. The
      versatile modes of assembly complement the conventionally used, amphiphilicity
      driven strategy. We demonstrate that one can vary the nanoparticle assembly
      pathways within the confines of solvent media through the modulation of
      interactions and partitioning of nanoparticles. Merging of the molecular-scale
      design and higher-ordered arrangement enables diversified assembly through the
      manipulation of experimental parameters such as solvent, pH, affinity molecule,
      and temperature. Microfluidics provides an effective channel to control the
      monodispersity and size on all the architectures attainable in the bulk solution
      phase. These observations could be further explored for an understanding of
      diversified matter organization and order generation beyond the amphiphilicity
      paradigm.

PMID- 22049990
TI  - Antifungal susceptibility patterns of yeasts and filamentous fungi isolated from
      nail infection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Onychomycosis is the nail infection caused by a wide spectrum of
      fungi species, including yeasts, dermatophytes and filamentous fungi non
      dermatophytes (FFND). This fungal infection represents an important medical
      problem because it involves the patient's life quality. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to
      isolate and identify the fungal agents of onychomycosis, and to determine the in
      vitro susceptibility to antifungal agents. METHODS: During the period of March
      2008 to March 2009, 114 patients clinically suspected of having onychomycosis
      were examined. Demographic data, mainly age and gender were obtained from each
      patient. The nail samples collected (136) were submitted to direct examination
      with potassium hydroxide 20% and grown on Sabouraud dextrose agar. The in vitro
      antifungal susceptibility testing was performed according to the method of broth
      microdilution, recommended by the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI).
      RESULTS: Onychomycosis was observed in 95 (83.3%) patients, including 16 men
      (16.8%) and 79 women (83.2%), with mean age of 48.1 years. Candida parapsilosis,
      Trichophyton rubrum and Fusarium spp were the fungi most frequently isolated. The
      most of the isolated yeasts showed susceptibility to antifungal agents studied.
      Among filamentous fungi, high MIC values to itraconazole were found for T. rubrum
      and T. mentagrophytes, while Fusarium spp showed decreased susceptibility to
      itraconazole and voriconazole. CONCLUSION: C. parapsilosis was the most common
      fungal species isolated from patients with onychomycosis. The different response
      obtained by in vitro susceptibility testing to drugs shows the importance of
      these methods to assist clinicians in choosing the best therapeutic option.

PMID- 22049991
TI  - Zinc sulphate: a new concept of treatment of erythropoietic protoporphyria.

PMID- 22049992
TI  - Improvement in water stability and other related functional properties of thin
      cast kafirin protein films.
AB  - Improvement in the water stability and other related functional properties of
      thin (<50 MUm) kafirin protein films was investigated. Thin conventional kafirin
      films and kafirin microparticle films were prepared by casting in acetic acid
      solution. Thin kafirin films cast from microparticles were more stable in water
      than conventional cast kafirin films. Treatment of kafirin microparticles with
      heat and transglutaminase resulted in slightly thicker films with reduced tensile
      strength. In contrast, glutaraldehyde treatment resulted in up to a 43% increase
      in film tensile strength. The films prepared from microparticles treated with
      glutaraldehyde were quite stable in ambient temperature water, despite the loss
      of plasticizer. This was probably due to the formation of covalent cross-linking
      between free amino groups of the kafirin polypeptides and carbonyl groups of the
      aldehyde. Thus, such thin glutaraldehyde-treated kafirin microparticle films
      appear to have good potential for use as biomaterials in aqueous applications.

PMID- 22049993
TI  - Spin relaxation in InGaN quantum disks in GaN nanowires.
AB  - The spin relaxation time of photoinduced conduction electrons has been measured
      in InGaN quantum disks in GaN nanowires as a function of temperature and In
      composition in the disks. The relaxation times are of the order of ~100 ps at 300
      K and are weakly dependent on temperature. Theoretical considerations show that
      the Elliott-Yafet scattering mechanism is essentially absent in these materials
      and the results are interpreted in terms of the D'yakonov-Perel' relaxation
      mechanism in the presence of Rashba spin-orbit coupling of the wurtzite
      structure. The calculated spin relaxation times are in good agreement with the
      measured values.

PMID- 22049994
TI  - Isolation of human mAbs that directly modulate FMS-related tyrosine kinase 3
      signaling.
AB  - FMS-related tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) is a class III receptor tyrosine kinase that
      plays important roles in hematopoiesis, including early progenitors and dendritic
      cell development. FLT3 is expressed at high levels in 70-100% of cases of AML and
      in virtually all cases of B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia. FLT3 is
      regarded as a molecular target in the development of novel therapies for acute
      leukemia patients. Currently, many small-molecule FLT3 inhibitors have been
      developed, but clinical trials have resulted in limited antileukemia effects
      because of off-target toxicities and drug resistance. The development of anti
      FLT3 Abs might overcome these difficulties and enhance the antileukemia efficacy
      of FLT3 inhibitors. In the present study, we demonstrate the isolation of novel
      human mAbs against FLT3 with antagonistic or agonistic activities. An
      antagonistic Ab, designated A2, continuously inhibits FLT3 ligand (FL)-induced
      phosphorylation of FLT3 and MAPK. A2 cooperatively induces apoptosis with
      daunorubicin, even in the presence of FL. An agonistic Ab, designated 3E6,
      surprisingly induces the phosphorylation of FLT3 and MAPK, and supports the
      growth of a factor-dependent cell line independently of FL addition. In addition,
      A2 showed complement-dependent cytotoxicity activity, but was devoid of Ab
      dependent cell mediated cytotoxicity. Finally, we evaluated Ab internalization in
      a cell line. Immunofluorescence and flow cytometry analyses revealed that A2 is
      efficiently internalized. Collectively, these data demonstrate that A2 is a
      potent human Ab that might be capable of delivering cytotoxic reagents and that
      has antagonistic effects on FLT3 signaling. In addition, 3E6 might be a potential
      scaffold for novel dendritic cell-based immunotherapies.

PMID- 22049996
TI  - Polymorphism in morels: isozyme electrophoretic analysis.
AB  - The aim of this study was to assess whether isozyme polymorphism in different
      members of the Morchellaceae could be used to improve the systematics in this
      fungal group and to characterize intraspecific crossings between monosporal
      strains in Morchella esculenta. For this purpose, isozyme electrophoretic
      analysis of the following enzymes was performed: glutamine synthetase, NAD
      glutamate dehydrogenase, NADP-glutamate dehydrogenase, aspartate
      aminotransferase, malate dehydrogenase, NAD-glyceraldehyde phosphate
      dehydrogenase, glucose phosphate isomerase, and superoxide dismutase. The
      analyses allowed discrimination at the inter- or intra-specific levels and could
      help to establish a method of identification for strains in the Morchellaceae. To
      a certain extent they appeared to be suitable to analyze interactions of
      monosporal strains of Morchella esculenta in pairing experiments. The
      polymorphism shown in this study was consistent with the phylogenetic
      relationships between the investigated strains only at the genus level.Key words:
      isozyme analysis, electrophoresis, Morchella sp., polymorphism.

PMID- 22049995
TI  - Level of agreement between self-administered and interviewer-administered CPQ8-10
      and CPQ1-14.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study was to assess the psychometric
      properties and level of agreement between the self-administered and interviewer
      administered Child Perceptions Questionnaire (CPQ) for children between 8 and 10
      years of age (CPQ(8-10) ) and between 11 and 14 (CPQ(11-14) ) years of age.
      METHODS: A randomized cross-over study was carried out, involving 180 children
      (Group 1 - 90 children between 8 and 10; Group 2 - 90 children between 11 and 14
      years of age) in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. All children completed both
      administration modes of the CPQ; half of each group received interviewer
      administered mode first [Subgroup A (CPQ(8-10) n = 45) and Subgroup C (CPQ(11-14)
      n = 45)], and the other half performed the self-administered mode first [Subgroup
      B (CPQ(8-10) n = 45) and Subgroup D (CPQ(11-14) n = 45)]. Test-retest reliability
      of each mode of administration was tested on 60 children (30 for CPQ(8-10) ; 30
      for CPQ(11-14) ), who were not included in the other analyses. The level of
      agreement between scores on the self-administered and interviewer-administered
      versions of the CPQ(8-10) and CPQ(11-14) was established using the intraclass
      correlation coefficient (ICC). The order of presentation of both instruments was
      tested considering the four subgroups (A, B, C and D). The calculation of effect
      size proposed by Cohen (1992) was used to test the clinical significance of the
      findings. RESULTS: Both the self-administered and interviewer-administered
      versions of CPQ(8-10) and CPQ(11-14) demonstrated acceptable psychometric
      properties. Agreement between the administration modes for the CPQ(8-10) and
      CPQ(11-14) was 0.90 and 0.88 (ICC), respectively. With the exception of the
      functional limitation subscale, the scores of the subscales and overall score on
      the CPQ(8-10) were significantly higher in the group of children who responded to
      the interviewer-administered measure first. With the CPQ(11-14) , statistically
      significant differences were found only for the emotional well-being subscale.
      CONCLUSIONS: Both administration modes of the CPQ(8-10) and CPQ(11-14)
      demonstrated satisfactory psychometric properties and a high level of agreement.
      Although statistically significant differences were observed for oral symptoms,
      emotional well-being and social well-being, with the first administration of the
      interviewer-administered version, the effect of the order of administration had
      small to medium effects on the CPQ scores.

PMID- 22049997
TI  - Biosynthesis of the trichothecene 3-acetyldeoxynivalenol: cell-free
      hydroxylations of isotrichodermin.
AB  - 3-Acetyldeoxynivalenol is the major trichothecene produced by the fungus Fusarium
      culmorum. Studies in vivo with F. culmorum have established the following
      biosynthetic precursors of 3-acetyldeoxynivalenol: isotrichool -> isotrichodiol 
      > isotrichodermin -> 15-deacetylcalonectrin, 7alpha-hydroxyisotrichodermin,
      8alpha-hydroxyisotrichodermin -> calonectrin -> deoxynivalenol. In this paper, we
      describe in vitro investigations of one of these metabolic steps. The cell-free
      system of F. culmorum that converts isotrichodermin into 15-deacetylcalonectrin,
      7alpha-hydroxyisotrichodermin, and 8alpha-hydroxyisotrichodermin is described
      here. This preparation requires NADPH but not NADH for activity and is not
      inhibited by carbon monoxide, cyanide, or known oxygenase inhibitors, such as SKF
      525-A or ancymidol.Key words: trichothecene, Fusarium culmorum, cell-free system,
      isotrichodermin, 15-deacetylcalonectrin.

PMID- 22049998
TI  - Preference in the nodulation of Phaseolus vulgaris cv. RAB39. II. Effect of
      delayed inoculation or low cell representation in the inoculant on nodule
      occupancy by Rhizobium tropici UMR1899.
AB  - Common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a traditional crop in much of Latin
      America, where it is often planted into soils containing numerous, sometimes
      ineffective, indigenous rhizobia. The presence of these indigenous organisms can
      limit response to inoculation. Because of this, we have sought bean cultivars
      that will nodulate preferentially with the inoculant strain, and have previously
      reported on the preference between the bean cultivar RAB39 and strains of
      Rhizobium tropici. We have detailed this interaction using the inoculant-quality
      strain UMR1899. In the present study the root tip marking (RTM) technique was
      used to demonstrate that this preference in nodulation was evident, even when
      inoculation with UMR1899 was delayed up to 8 relative to that with Rhizobium etli
      UMR1632. In contrast to studies with other legumes, roots of RAB39 were not
      predisposed to nodulate with UMR1632, even though preexposed to this strain for
      considerable periods of time. The presence of UMR1899 actually reduced nodulation
      by UMR1632 substantially, even when inoculation with UMR1899 was significantly
      delayed. When UMR1899 and UMR1632 were applied to separate halves of a split-root
      system, the number of nodules on the side receiving UMR1632 was less than for the
      half root inoculated with UMR1899, but the differences were not significant. This
      suggests that the preference response is not systemic but requires proximity
      between the strains involved. UMR1899 produced more than 50% of the nodules even
      when the ratio of UMR1632:UMR1899 in the inoculant was 10:1. The results are
      further evidence of a stable and marked preference of RAB39 for UMR1899, which
      warrants a more detailed study at the field level.Key words: Phaseolus vulgaris
      L., common bean, delayed inoculation, strain preference, cell proportions.

PMID- 22049999
TI  - Microbial transformation of 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine and 3,4
      methylenedioxyamphetamine.
AB  - The biotransformation of 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylarnphetamine (MDMA) and 3,4
      methylenedioxyamphetamine (MDA) was examined in the fungus Cunninghamella
      echinulata. In addition to the reported mammalian metabolites (MDA, 3,4
      methylenedioxybenzyl methyl ketoxime, 3,4-methylenedioxybenzyl methyl ketone) and
      the parent substrate, there were six novel metabolites detected. N-Acetyl-3,4
      methylenedioxyamphetamine (NAcMDA) was unequivocally identified and three
      unidentified metabolites related to NAcMDA were also detected. N-Acetyl-3,4
      methylenedioxy-1-phenyl-1-hydroxy-2-aminopropane was tentatively identified as a
      metabolite of MDMA. The only metabolite of MDA identified was NAcMDA. Two
      metabolites related to MDA remain unidentified.Key words: Cunninghamella,
      amphetamine, biotransformation, 3,4-methylenedioxy-N-methylamphetamine, 3,4
      methylenedioxyamphetamine.

PMID- 22050002
TI  - Operative Dentistry Home Page.

PMID- 22050000
TI  - Oxidation and amidation of salicylate by Streptomyces species.
AB  - Seven streptomycete strains were tested for biotransformation of salicylate. The
      products were identified by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and three
      types of conversion were found. Streptomyces cinnamonensis and Streptomyces
      spectabilis formed gentisate and salicylamide concurrently. Streptomyces rimosus
      transformed salicylate to salicylamide. Streptomyces lividans, Streptomyces
      coelicolor, Streptomyces griseus and Streptomyces avermitilis produced only
      gentisate. Time course studies of salicylate conversion by thin-layer
      chromatography and high pressure liquid chromatography showed that salicylamide
      was accumulated in the culture broth, whereas gentisate was further
      metabolized.Key words: salicylate, gentisate, salicylamide, biotransformation,
      Streptomyces spp.

PMID- 22050003
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 22050004
TI  - Hydrothermal carbon from biomass: structural differences between hydrothermal and
      pyrolyzed carbons via 13C solid state NMR.
AB  - The objective of this paper is to better describe the structure of the
      hydrothermal carbon (HTC) process and put it in relationship with the more
      classical pyrolytic carbons. Indeed, despite the low energetic impact and the
      number of applications described so far for HTC, very little is known about the
      structure, reaction mechanism, and the way these materials relate to coals. Are
      HTC and calcination processes equivalent? Are the structures of the processed
      materials related to each other in any way? Which is the extent of polyaromatic
      hydrocarbons (PAH) inside HTC? In this work, the effect of hydrothermal treatment
      and pyrolysis are compared on glucose, a good model carbohydrate; a detailed
      single-quantum double-quantum (SQ-DQ) solid state (13)C NMR study of the HTC and
      calcined HTC is used to interpret the spectral region corresponding to the signal
      of furanic and arene groups. These data are compared to the spectroscopic
      signatures of calcined glucose, starch, and xylose. A semiquantitative analysis
      of the (13)C NMR spectra provides an estimation of the furanic-to-arene ratio
      which varies from 1:1 to 4:1 according to the processing conditions and
      carbohydrate employed. In addition, we formulate some hypothesis, validated by
      DFT (density functional theory) modeling associated with (13)C NMR chemical
      shifts calculations, about the possible furan-rich structural intermediates that
      occur in the coalification process leading to condensed polyaromatic structures.
      In combination with a broad parallel study on the HTC processing conditions
      effect on glucose, cellulose, and raw biomass (Falco, C.; Baccile, N.; Titirici,
      M.-M. Green Chem., 2011, DOI: 10.1039/C1GC15742F), we propose a broad reaction
      scheme and in which we show that, through HTC, it is possible to tune the furan
      to-arene ratio composing the aromatic core of the produced HTC carbons, which is
      not possible if calcination is used alone, in the temperature range below 350 
      degrees C.

PMID- 22050005
TI  - The effect of sonority on word segmentation: evidence for the use of a
      phonological universal.
AB  - It has been well documented how language-specific cues may be used for word
      segmentation. Here, we investigate what role a language-independent phonological
      universal, the sonority sequencing principle (SSP), may also play. Participants
      were presented with an unsegmented speech stream with non-English word onsets
      that juxtaposed adherence to the SSP with transitional probabilities.
      Participants favored using the SSP in assessing word-hood, suggesting that the
      SSP represents a potentially powerful cue for word segmentation. To ensure the
      SSP influenced the segmentation process (i.e., during learning), we presented two
      additional groups of participants with either (a) no exposure to the stimuli
      prior to testing or (b) the same stimuli with pauses marking word breaks. The SSP
      did not influence test performance in either case, suggesting that the SSP is
      important for word segmentation during the learning process itself. Moreover, the
      fact that SSP-independent segmentation of the stimulus occurred (in the latter
      control condition) suggests that universals are best understood as biases rather
      than immutable constraints on learning.

PMID- 22050006
TI  - Biological efficacy and stability of diluted ticarcillin-clavulanic acid in the
      topical treatment of Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections.
AB  - Topical compounded Timentin((r)) diluted with an inactive vehicle has been
      reported to be effective in the treatment of otitis externa caused by Pseudomonas
      aeruginosa. The aims of this study were to determine the biological efficacy of
      Timentin((r)) (ticarcillin and clavulanic acid) when diluted in the carrier
      vehicle Methopt((r)) against P. aeruginosa and to determine the efficacy and
      stability of Timentin((r)) aqueous stock concentrate solution. Timentin((r))
      stock concentrate was tested against four P. aeruginosa isolates on days 0, 7,
      14, 21 and 28; then after 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9 and 12 months of storage at 4 or -20
      degrees C. The diluted Timentin((r))-Methopt((r)) solutions were tested against
      all isolates after 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 17, 21, 24 and 28 days of storage
      at 24 or 4 degrees C. Minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) levels for all
      strains were determined using the broth microdilution method. The MIC of the
      stock solution remained relatively constant and acceptable throughout the study
      when stored at -20 degrees C and was also acceptable for shorter time periods (6
      9 months) when stored at 4 degrees C. The MIC for the diluted Timentin((r))
      Methopt((r)) solution remained relatively constant and acceptable throughout the
      study for all four bacterial strains, with no difference between the solutions
      stored at 4 or 24 degrees C. The results of this study indicate that storage of
      the Timentin((r)) stock solution at -20 degrees C does not compromise efficacy
      for at least 12 months and that Timentin((r)) diluted in Methopt((r)) was stable
      for 28 days when stored at either 4 or 24 degrees C.

PMID- 22050007
TI  - Robust and responsive silk ionomer microcapsules.
AB  - We demonstrate the assembly of extremely robust and pH-responsive thin shell LbL
      microcapsules from silk fibroin counterparts modified with poly(lysine) and
      poly(glutamic) acid, which are based on biocompatible silk ionomer materials in
      contrast with usually exploited synthetic polyelectrolytes. The microcapsules are
      extremely stable in an unusually wide pH range from 1.5 to 12.0 and show a
      remarkable degree of reversible swelling/deswelling response in dimensions, as
      exposed to extreme acidic and basic conditions. These changes are accompanied by
      reversible variations in shell permeability that can be utilized for pH
      controlled loading and unloading of large macromolecules. Finally, we confirmed
      that these shells can be utilized to encapsulate yeast cells with a viability
      rate much higher than that for traditional synthetic polyelectrolytes.

PMID- 22050008
TI  - Role of ion channels in sepsis-induced atrial tachyarrhythmias in guinea pigs.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Supraventricular tachyarrhythmias, including atrial
      fibrillation, are occasionally observed in patients suffering from sepsis.
      Modulation of cardiac ion channel function and expression by sepsis may have a
      role in the genesis of tachyarrhythmias. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: Sepsis was
      induced by LPS (i.p.; 300 ug.kg(-1) ) in guinea pigs. Membrane potentials and
      ionic currents were measured in atrial myocytes isolated from guinea pigs 10 h
      after LPS, using whole cell patch-clamp methods. KEY RESULTS: In atrial cells
      from LPS-treated animals, action potential duration (APD) was significantly
      shortened. It was associated with a reduced L-type Ca(2+) current and an
      increased delayed rectifier K(+) current. These electrophysiological changes were
      eliminated when N(G) -nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME) or S
      ethylisothiourea was given together with LPS. In atrial tissues from LPS-treated
      animals, Ca(2+) channel subunits (Ca(v) 1.2 and Ca(v) 1.3) decreased and delayed
      rectifier K(+) channel subunits (K(v) 11.1 and K(v) 7.1) increased. However, L
      NAME treatment did not substantially reverse such changes in atrial expression in
      LPS-treated animals, with the exception that K(v) 11.1 subunits returned to
      control levels. After LPS injection, inducible NOS in atrial tissues was up
      regulated, and atrial NO production clearly increased. CONCLUSIONS AND
      IMPLICATIONS: In atrial myocytes from guinea pigs with sepsis, APD was
      significantly shortened. This may reflect nitration of the ion channels which
      would alter channel functions, rather than changes in atrial expression of the
      channels. Shortening of APD could serve as one of the mechanisms underlying
      atrial tachyarrhythmia in sepsis.

PMID- 22050009
TI  - Concomitant use of clopidogrel and proton pump inhibitors is not associated with
      major adverse cardiovascular events following coronary stent implantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cytochrome P450 inhibition by proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) may
      attenuate the effectiveness of clopidogrel. AIM: To examine whether PPI use
      modifies the association between clopidogrel use and major adverse cardiovascular
      events (MACE) after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with stent
      implantation, using time-varying drug exposure ascertainment. METHODS: We
      conducted this population-based cohort study in Western Denmark (population 3
      million) using medical databases. We identified all 13,001 patients with coronary
      stent implantation between 2002 and 2005 and ascertained their reported
      comorbidities. During the recommended 12-month postintervention treatment period,
      we tracked use of clopidogrel and PPI and the rate of MACE. We used Cox
      regression to compute hazard ratios (HRs), controlling for potential confounders.
      RESULTS: During follow-up, one or more prescriptions were redeemed by 91% of
      patients for clopidogrel and by 21% of patients for PPIs. Of the patients, 15%
      experienced a MACE. The adjusted HR for MACE comparing clopidogrel use with non
      use was 0.57 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.44-0.74] among PPI users and 0.47
      (95% CI: 0.42-0.53) among PPI non-users, yielding an interaction effect (i.e.
      relative rate increase) of 1.20 (95% CI: 0.91-1.58). PPI users treated from
      before PCI had a 25% increased rate of MACE compared to PPI non-users,
      independent of clopidogrel use [adjusted HR = 1.24 (95% CI: 0.97-1.58) for
      clopidogrel users and 1.26 (95% CI: 0.97-1.63) for clopidogrel non-users].
      CONCLUSIONS: The use of PPIs as a class did not modify the protective effect of
      clopidogrel, but its use was associated with major adverse cardiovascular events
      itself, particularly among patients having used PPIs before percutaneous coronary
      intervention.

PMID- 22050010
TI  - Psychotherapy and psychopharmacology for mental health in adolescents with
      cancer: what integration is possible?

PMID- 22050012
TI  - Targeted therapies used sequentially in metastatic renal cell cancer: overall
      results from a large experience.
AB  - Targeted therapies have improved survival in patients with metastatic renal cell
      cancer (RCC); however, expert opinion on the optimal therapeutic strategy is
      divided. This retrospective study evaluates different sequential schemes of
      targeted therapies in 310 patients with advanced/metastatic RCC who received
      different systemic agents - sorafenib, sunitinib, bevacizumab, everolimus,
      temsirolimus and axitinib - alone or in different sequences, until disease
      progression or intolerable toxicity (median follow-up: 37 months). The median
      overall survival (OS) was 22 months and the 5-year OS was 23.4%; differential
      therapeutic schemes were not associated with differences in OS. A worse
      performance status, no nephrectomy and a poor-risk classification according to
      the Motzer criteria was associated with a shorter OS. These findings support the
      use of targeted therapies in the treatment of RCC, even in a large unselected
      population from a single institution, and suggest that treatment should be
      tailored to meet individual circumstances and needs.

PMID- 22050013
TI  - Role of fulvestrant in the management of postmenopausal breast cancer.
AB  - Fulvestrant is a form of endocrine therapy used in the treatment of
      postmenopausal breast cancer. It has a unique mechanism of action in that it
      causes the degradation of estrogen receptor and therefore has been labeled a
      selective estrogen receptor downregulator. Unlike the selective estrogen receptor
      modulator tamoxifen, it has no agonistic properties and is therefore a pure anti
      estrogen. Given its low level of bioavailability and presystemic metabolism, it
      has been formulated as an intramuscular injection. A number of dosing regimens
      have been utilized - these include a dose of 250 mg monthly ('approved dose'), an
      initial 500 mg followed by 250 mg on days 14 and 28, and thereafter 250 mg every
      28 days ('loading dose'), or 500 mg on days 0, 14 and 28, and thereafter every 28
      days ('high dose'). This article will review its unique mode of action and
      preclinical data, as well as clinical data for different dosing regimens and data
      for its combination with aromatase inhibitors. Fulvestrant is a well-tolerated
      drug and its toxicities will also be reviewed. The optimal position of
      fulvestrant in sequential endocrine therapy has yet to be defined.

PMID- 22050014
TI  - Chimeric antigen receptors: a costimulatory boost promotes immunological memory
      to B-cell malignancies.
AB  - Cellular immunotherapies offer perhaps the best proof of concept of the ability
      of immune cells to eradicate malignancy. However, the majority of these data
      derive from either the use of expanded tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes to treat
      metastatic melanoma or the use of donor lymphocytes in relapsed hematological
      malignancies following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
      Genetic engineering of T cells to redirect specificity against tumor-associated
      antigens potentially overcomes one of the major hurdles to more widespread
      application. Despite early evidence of possible activity, limited in vivo
      expansion and persistence of adoptively transferred cells has been associated
      with disappointing clinical efficacy. A report from Porter and colleagues now
      demonstrates more fully the potential of such genetic modification in a patient
      with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, illustrating that when delivered in the right
      setting with appropriate costimulatory signaling, these cells can expand and
      persist, and in doing so effect quite remarkable anti-tumor activity.

PMID- 22050015
TI  - Role of bacillus Calmette-Guerin in the treatment of advanced melanoma.
AB  - Early trials of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG)-based immunotherapy for melanoma
      consistently show a trend toward improved clinical outcomes in patients treated
      with BCG compared with observation alone. As an extension of these findings,
      investigators have initiated the Malignant Melanoma Active Immunotherapy (MMAIT)
      trials in patients with stage III (MMAIT-III) and stage IV (MMAIT-IV) disease.
      The overall survival of the patients receiving BCG plus placebo was much better
      than expected in both studies, thus suggesting a potential for BCG as an adjuvant
      after the resection of advanced disease. The work contained herein will explore
      the clinical rationale for adjuvant BCG in future trials focused on the treatment
      of patients with advanced malignant melanoma.

PMID- 22050016
TI  - Anaplastic lymphoma kinase as a new target for the treatment of non-small-cell
      lung cancer.
AB  - The anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene rearrangement identifies a distinct
      molecular subset in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) populations susceptible to
      targeted inhibition. It consists of a small inversion in the short arm of
      chromosome 2 between exon 20 of the ALK gene and different exons of the
      echinoderm microtubule-associated protein-like (EML4) gene. This translocation
      leads to a chimeric protein with constitutive activation of ALK that possesses an
      oncogenic activity demonstrated both in vitro and in vivo. Other rare
      translocation partners for ALK other than EML4 may be found in lung cancers,
      including TRK-fused gene (TFG) and kinesin family member 5B (KIF5B). ALK-positive
      patients represent 5-6% of all NSCLCs and they seem to have particular
      clinicopathological and molecular features. Recently, Phase I-II trial results of
      crizotinib, a potent dual c-MET and ALK inhibitor, demonstrated its dramatic
      efficacy in ALK-positive patients with advanced NSCLC. This article will present
      knowledge on the characteristics of ALK-positive patients, discuss the different
      methods of ALK rearrangement detection and focus on clinical results of
      crizotinib.

PMID- 22050017
TI  - Role of sorafenib in renal cell carcinoma: focus on elderly patients.
AB  - Mounting evidence suggests that, in order to optimize therapeutic benefits, it is
      important to consider the range of parameters and characteristics relevant to
      each individual patient. Of note, the six targeted therapies currently approved
      for the treatment of advanced/metastatic renal cell carcinoma have not been
      evaluated in all relevant settings and in all prognostic groups. Among different
      agents currently licensed for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma, sorafenib
      was the first therapy to show improvements in progression-free survival and
      overal survival in Phase III trials. This article will discuss the current role
      of sorafenib in the treatment of elderly patients with renal cell carcinoma.

PMID- 22050018
TI  - New developments in melanoma: utility of ultrasound imaging (initial staging,
      follow-up and pre-SLNB).
AB  - Melanoma incidence is still increasing, but the mortality rate has remained
      unchanged. Lymph node metastases are the single most important prognostic factor
      for stage I/II melanoma patients. Currently, the standard of care with regard to
      the staging of these patients is the surgical sentinel node procedure. Ultrasound
      is not routine for the diagnostic work-up of primary melanomas. Some may use
      ultrasound for the preoperative assessment of the tumor thickness and lymphatic
      drainage, but this has not found wide application. For the follow-up of melanoma
      patients, ultrasound has been proven to be superior to physical examination for
      the detection of lymph node metastases. A meta-analysis has shown that ultrasound
      is superior to computed tomography (CT) and/or positron emission tomography (PET)
      CT for the detection of lymph node metastases, whereas PET-CT was superior for
      the detection of distant visceral metastases. Ultrasound of regional lymph nodes
      has been incorporated into many national guidelines across Europe and in
      Australia for the follow-up of melanoma patients. A new avenue for ultrasound
      (US)-guided fine-needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) is the pre-sentinel node
      modality. Like the situation in breast and thyroid cancer, US-FNAC, a minimally
      invasive procedure, may decrease the need for surgical sentinel node staging. New
      ultrasound morphology criteria have significantly increased the sensitivity of
      this technique. Peripheral perfusion is an early sign of metastases (77%
      sensitivity, 52% positive-predictive value), whereas balloon-shaped lymph node
      was a late sign of metastases (30% sensitivity, 96% positive-predictive value).
      Together, these new ultrasound morphology criteria were able to accurately
      demonstrate metastases in 65% of sentinel node-positive patients. Future
      perspectives of ultrasound in melanoma include the start of a large multicenter,
      multicountry validation study - USE-FNAC - by the European Organisation for
      Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Melanoma Group. In light of new and
      promising adjuvant therapies, the need for ultrasound staging might increase
      rapidly.

PMID- 22050019
TI  - Debulking surgery in advanced melanoma.
AB  - In general, patients with stage IV melanoma have poor survival. However, there
      are subsets of stage IV melanoma patients who are candidates for surgical
      debulking. There is a growing body of retrospective evidence about clinicians
      being able to better select patients who may benefit from surgical resection in
      isolated stage IV disease. In addition, palliative-type resections may improve
      quality of life in selected cases. In this article, we discuss how recent
      advances in effective systemic therapies for melanoma may impact the clinical use
      of debulking surgery in melanoma patients. We also review the available
      literature about the rationale, risks, benefits and selection of patients for
      these procedures.

PMID- 22050020
TI  - End points for Phase II trials in recurrent glioblastoma: the cornerstone for a
      new era.
AB  - In recent years, novel approaches have been developed in medical oncology, and
      antiangiogenic treatments have had a role in the treatment of colorectal, renal
      and breast cancers. The role of these agents in brain tumors is, however,
      controversial, since these drugs may induce modifications in neuroradiological
      patterns without even affecting the real tumor burden. Moreover, despite the
      intriguing results in terms of progression-free survival and response rate
      obtained with these agents, data about survival are superimposable with
      historical controls. Thus, there is a need for solid end points to evaluate the
      role of these agents in Phase II trials in the field of neuro-oncology.

PMID- 22050021
TI  - Evolution of care for patients with relapsed glioblastoma.
AB  - Glioblastoma is the most common and aggressive form of brain tumor in adults and
      has a poor prognosis and a high recurrence rate despite optimal care. The
      management of patients with relapsed glioblastoma is challenging, with no widely
      agreed standard of care. Different chemotherapy and radiotherapy combination
      treatment strategies provide only modest benefits. Recently, several novel
      agents, including bevacizumab and XL-184, have demonstrated promising results in
      Phase II trials with their further evaluation ongoing in Phase III randomized
      trials. Interpreting the data from such trials is a key challenge in
      glioblastoma, highlighting the need for relevant and standardized patient
      assessment techniques. Data from ongoing and planned trials should help to define
      optimal treatment strategies for this disease.

PMID- 22050022
TI  - Stereotactic radiosurgery with or without whole-brain radiotherapy for brain
      metastases: an update.
AB  - Brain metastases are unfortunately a common occurrence in patients with cancer.
      Whole-brain radiation therapy (WBRT) is still considered the standard of care in
      the treatment of brain metastases. Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) offers the
      additional ability to treat tumors with relative sparing of normal brain tissue
      in a single fraction. While the addition of SRS to WBRT has been shown to improve
      survival and local tumor control in selected patients, the idea of deferring WBRT
      in order to avoid its effects on normal tissues and using SRS alone continues to
      generate significant discussion and interest. Three recent randomized trials from
      Japan, Europe and the MD Anderson Cancer Center (TX, USA) have attempted to
      address this issue. In this article, we update a previous review by discussing
      these trials to compare the outcomes for SRS alone versus SRS plus WBRT for
      limited metastases. We also discuss recent nonrandomized evidence for the use of
      SRS alone for oligometastatic disease.

PMID- 22050023
TI  - Role of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in the management of high-grade gliomas.
AB  - Recent years have witnessed an explosion of promising therapies for cancer
      patients. New insights into the biology of malignancies have led to the
      development of targeted agents with the potential to improve survival and quality
      of life. One of the most important classes of these compounds are tyrosine kinase
      inhibitors. These agents are beginning to offer a clinically relevant benefit to
      patients with tumors that until recently have been refractory to medical
      therapies. High-grade gliomas represent one class of medically refractory solid
      tumors. This article summarizes the state of the art of tyrosine kinase
      inhibitors in the management of patients with high-grade gliomas.

PMID- 22050024
TI  - Meningioma: review of the literature with emphasis on the approach to
      radiotherapy.
AB  - Meningiomas are tumors that arise from arachnoid cap cells, which surround and
      adhere to the dura mater. Currently, meningiomas comprise 13-30% of primary
      intracranial tumors and are only less frequent than gliomas. In this article an
      overview of meningiomas is presented, with brief mention to their epidemiology,
      clinical presentation, histopathological and imaging features. The main therapies
      for meningiomas are also presented, focusing on radiation. In this article the
      authors conclude that the epidemiological, imaging and histopathological features
      and the clinical presentation of meningiomas are well-defined. Despite the need
      for randomized trials and larger studies with long median follow-up, radiotherapy
      can be used as an alternative treatment to surgery either as a first-line
      treatment or at its recurrence. Various conventional radiotherapy techniques can
      be employed for residual tumor or at recurrence.

PMID- 22050027
TI  - Retraction.

PMID- 22050025
TI  - Brain cancer immunoediting: novel examples provided by immunotherapy of malignant
      gliomas.
AB  - A number of studies in murine models have suggested that the immune system may
      edit different tumors by forcing their expression profiles so that they escape
      immune reactions and proliferate. Glioblastoma (GB), the most frequent and
      aggressive primary brain tumor, provides a good example of this, thanks to the
      production of numerous immunosuppressive molecules (with TGF-beta being of
      paramount importance), downregulation of the MHC complex and deregulation of the
      potential for antigen presentation by the surrounding microglia. Given that
      surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy with available protocols have limited
      effects on the survival of GB patients, different immunotherapy strategies have
      been developed, based on the use of dendritic cells, antibodies and peptide
      vaccination. Presently, bevacizumab, a humanized anti-VEGF antibody, provides the
      most successful example for immune-based treatment of GB, however, its action is
      limited in time, as the often tumor relapses due to still undefined immunoediting
      mechanisms. Altered function of EGF receptor-driven pathways is common in GB and
      is most frequently due to the presence of a deleted form named EGFRvIII,
      providing a unique cancer epitope that has been targeted by immunotherapy. A
      recent trial of GB immunotherapy based on vaccination with the EGFRvIII peptide
      has shown clinical benefit: interestingly most GBs at relapse were negative for
      EGFRvIII expression, a relevant, direct example of cancer immunoediting.
      Investigations on the mechanisms of GB immunoediting will lead to an increased
      understanding of the biology of this malignancy and hopefully provide novel
      therapeutic targets.

PMID- 22050028
TI  - Anatomic assessment of variations in myocardial approaches to the
      atrioventricular node.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The tissues in the posteroinferior atrioventricular (AV) junction
      around the AV node are important in procedures for ablating and manipulation of
      catheters in and around the coronary sinus (CS). However, information with regard
      to the histological arrangement of perinodal myocardium relative to the CS is
      lacking. METHODS AND RESULTS: We examined 21 postmortem human hearts without any
      abnormalities (9 women; mean age 68.8 +/- 14.3 years). After making measurements,
      the posteroinferior AV junction was removed and processed for histology. Sections
      were cut parallel to the septum. We assessed the myocardial arrangements from the
      atrial septum and the CS toward the AV nodal tissue, including the transitional
      cell zone, and measured the dimensions between the compact AV node and the CS,
      and the circumference of the CS. We observed 3 patterns of myocardial approaches
      to the AV node: extension of myocardium from the atrial septum (Group A; n = 6);
      extension of CS musculature (Group B; n = 6); and both septal and CS musculature
      (Group C; n = 9). The distance between the AV node and the CS in Group A was
      significantly longer than in the other groups (mean 11.5 +/- 3.1 mm, 1.7 +/- 0.6
      mm, 3.8 +/- 1.5 mm, respectively; P < 0.0001), and the circumference of the CS in
      Group B was longer than in Group A (mean 31.1 +/- 7.9 mm*, 44.4 +/- 8.4 mm*, 33.7
      +/- 6.9 mm, respectively; P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The myocardial approaches
      including the transitional cell zone toward the AV node are variable in normal
      hearts. The location and size of the CS can affect the myocardial arrangements
      and the area of transitional cells around the AV node.

PMID- 22050029
TI  - Impact of electrocardiographic interpretability on outcome in patients referred
      for stress testing.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is limited insight into the association of electrocardiographic
      interpretability with outcome in patients referred for stress testing. METHODS:
      Exercise echocardiography was performed in 8226 patients with known or suspected
      coronary artery disease. Electrocardiograms were considered uninterpretable in
      the presence of left bundle-branch block (LBBB), left ventricular hypertrophy
      (LVH) with strain, repolarization abnormalities because of digitalis therapy,
      ventricular paced rhythm, preexcitation or ST depression >= 0.1 mV because of
      other causes. End points were all-cause mortality, cardiac death and hard cardiac
      events (i.e. cardiac death or nonfatal myocardial infarction). RESULTS: A total
      of 2450 patients had uninterpretable electrocardiograms. During a follow-up
      period of 4.1 +/- 3.5 years, there were 1011 deaths (of which 478 were cardiac
      deaths) and 1069 patients experienced a hard cardiac event. The 5-year rates of
      death, cardiac death and hard cardiac events were, respectively, 18.7%, 10.9% and
      18.8% in patients with uninterpretable ECGs, compared with 9.5%, 4.1% and 10.9%
      in those with interpretable ECGs (P < 0.001). After covariate adjustment, lack of
      ECG interpretability remained an independent predictor of all-cause mortality
      (hazard ratio [HR] 1.25, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.08-1.44, P = 0.002),
      cardiac death (HR 1.63, 95% CI 1.32-2.01, P < 0.001) and hard cardiac events (HR
      1.28, 95% CI 1.11-1.47, P < 0.001). When the specific ECG abnormalities were
      included as covariates, LBBB, LVH and digitalis therapy remained predictors of
      cardiac death; LBBB and LVH were predictors of hard cardiac events, and LVH
      remained predictive of all-cause mortality. CONCLUSION: Uninterpretable ECGs
      portend a worse prognosis in patients referred for stress testing.

PMID- 22050031
TI  - Temporal dynamics of periphyton exposed to tetracycline in stream mesocosms.
AB  - Significant amounts of antibiotics enter the environment via point and nonpoint
      sources. We examined the temporal dynamics of tetracycline exposure to stream
      periphyton and associated organisms across a logarithmically dosed-series of
      experimental mesocosms, designed to mimic natural conditions. Target in-stream
      tetracycline exposures were based on environmentally relevant concentrations in
      aquatic ecosystems throughout the United States (<1-100 MUg L(-1)). Significant
      changes in the stream biotic community were observed within 7 days with in-stream
      tetracycline concentrations as low as 0.5 MUg L(-1), including significant
      changes in antibiotic resistance, bacteria abundance and productivity, algae
      biomass, cyanobacteria, organic biomass, and nematodes. These effects were
      magnified with increased exposure time and dosing concentration. Recovery of the
      periphyton community after 28 days of exposure was dependent upon the
      tetracycline dose. At the highest doses, 10 and 100 MUg L(-1), bacteria
      productivity recovered; however, bacteria, algae, and nematode abundance did not
      recover at the same rate and remained low even after a 28-day recovery period (of
      nondosing). This study demonstrates that tetracycline exposure under near-natural
      conditions and at concentrations currently observed in aquatic environments may
      have important consequences for the structure and function of stream periphyton
      and, potentially, public health via increasing resistance of naturally occurring
      bacteria.

PMID- 22050030
TI  - Comparison of intranasal methamphetamine and d-amphetamine self-administration by
      humans.
AB  - AIMS: There are no studies directly comparing self-administration of
      methamphetamine and d-amphetamine by humans. This study compared intranasal
      methamphetamine- and d-amphetamine self-administration and characterized the
      mood, performance and physiological effects produced by the drugs. DESIGN: A
      randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over study. SETTING: An out
      patient research unit at the New York State Psychiatric Institute. PARTICIPANTS:
      Male recreational methamphetamine users (n = 13). MEASUREMENTS: Five 2-day blocks
      of sessions were conducted. On the first day of each block, participants
      'sampled' a single methamphetamine or d-amphetamine dose (0, 12, 50 mg/70 kg) and
      a monetary reinforcer ($5 or $20). Amphetamine plasma levels, cardiovascular,
      mood, and psychomotor performance effects were assessed before drug
      administration and repeatedly thereafter. On the second day of each block,
      participants chose between the sampled reinforcers (drug or money). FINDINGS:
      There were no significant differences between the drugs on the majority of
      measures. Under the $5 condition, both amphetamines increased self-administration
      dose-dependently, with 41% drug choices overall. Under the $20 condition, only
      17% drug options were selected. Both drugs increased cardiovascular activity and
      'positive' mood, although methamphetamine produced more prominent effects on some
      measures (e.g. heart rate and ratings of 'high'). CONCLUSIONS: Methamphetamine
      and d-amphetamines appear to produce a similar dose-related profile of effects in
      humans, which supports their equivalence for abuse potential.

PMID- 22050032
TI  - Correlated electron dynamics: how aromaticity can be controlled.
AB  - In this Article, we show that the aromaticity of a molecule can be turned off by
      controlling the electron dynamics. We present a controlled switching from the
      aromatic ground state of benzene to two different nonaromatic states, using a
      laser pulse. The propagation of the molecular wave function is carried out with
      the time-dependent configuration interaction method. The laser pulse for
      switching between the ground and excited states is optimized using optimal
      control theory. Bond orders and Mulliken charges serve as an aromaticity
      criterion. The nonaromatic target states exhibit localized bonds and partial
      charges on the carbon atoms; these localized electrons circulate on an attosecond
      time scale in the ring system.

PMID- 22050033
TI  - Hydroxyl radical (OH*) reaction with guanine in an aqueous environment: a DFT
      study.
AB  - The reaction of hydroxyl radical (OH(*)) with DNA accounts for about half of
      radiation-induced DNA damage in living systems. Previous literature reports point
      out that the reaction of OH(*) with DNA proceeds mainly through the addition of
      OH(*) to the C?C bonds of the DNA bases. However, recently it has been reported
      that the principal reaction of OH(*) with dGuo (deoxyguanosine) is the direct
      hydrogen atom abstraction from its exocyclic amine group rather than addition of
      OH(*) to the C?C bonds. In the present work, these two reaction pathways of OH(*)
      attack on guanine (G) in the presence of water molecules (aqueous environment)
      are investigated using the density functional theory (DFT) B3LYP method with 6
      31G* and 6-31++G** basis sets. The calculations show that the initial addition of
      the OH(*) at C(4)?C(5) double bond of guanine is barrier free and the adduct
      radical (G-OH(*)) has only a small activation barrier of ca. 1-6 kcal/mol leading
      to the formation of a metastable ion-pair intermediate (G(*+)---OH(-)). The
      formation of ion-pair is a result of the highly oxidizing nature of the OH(*) in
      aqueous media. The resulting ion-pair (G(*+)---OH(-)) deprotonates to form H(2)O
      and neutral G radicals favoring G(N(1)-H)(*) with an activation barrier of ca. 5
      kcal/mol. The overall process from the G(C(4))-OH(*) (adduct) to G(N(1)-H)(*) and
      water is found to be exothermic in nature by more than 13 kcal/mol. (G-OH(*)),
      (G(*+)---OH(-)), and G(N(1)-H)(*) were further characterized by the CAM-B3LYP
      calculations of their UV-vis spectra and good agreement between theory and
      experiment is achieved. Our calculations for the direct hydrogen abstraction
      pathway from N(1) and N(2) sites of guanine by the OH(*) show that this is also a
      competitive route to produce G(N(2)-H)(*), G(N(1)-H)(*) and H(2)O.

PMID- 22050034
TI  - Does the epidermal growth factor receptor play a role in the progression of
      thyroid cancer?

PMID- 22050035
TI  - Historical note: TSH suppression for thyroid cancer.

PMID- 22050039
TI  - Combining multiple imputation and inverse-probability weighting.
AB  - Two approaches commonly used to deal with missing data are multiple imputation
      (MI) and inverse-probability weighting (IPW). IPW is also used to adjust for
      unequal sampling fractions. MI is generally more efficient than IPW but more
      complex. Whereas IPW requires only a model for the probability that an individual
      has complete data (a univariate outcome), MI needs a model for the joint
      distribution of the missing data (a multivariate outcome) given the observed
      data. Inadequacies in either model may lead to important bias if large amounts of
      data are missing. A third approach combines MI and IPW to give a doubly robust
      estimator. A fourth approach (IPW/MI) combines MI and IPW but, unlike doubly
      robust methods, imputes only isolated missing values and uses weights to account
      for remaining larger blocks of unimputed missing data, such as would arise, e.g.,
      in a cohort study subject to sample attrition, and/or unequal sampling fractions.
      In this article, we examine the performance, in terms of bias and efficiency, of
      IPW/MI relative to MI and IPW alone and investigate whether the Rubin's rules
      variance estimator is valid for IPW/MI. We prove that the Rubin's rules variance
      estimator is valid for IPW/MI for linear regression with an imputed outcome, we
      present simulations supporting the use of this variance estimator in more general
      settings, and we demonstrate that IPW/MI can have advantages over alternatives.
      IPW/MI is applied to data from the National Child Development Study.

PMID- 22050040
TI  - Once-daily topical brimonidine tartrate gel 0.5% is a novel treatment for
      moderate to severe facial erythema of rosacea: results of two multicentre,
      randomized and vehicle-controlled studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Erythema of rosacea is thought to result from abnormal cutaneous
      vasomotor activity. Brimonidine tartrate (BT) is a highly selective alpha(2) 
      adrenergic receptor agonist with vasoconstrictive activity. OBJECTIVE: To
      determine the optimal concentration and dose regimen of topical BT gel for the
      treatment of erythema of rosacea and to evaluate its efficacy and safety.
      METHODS: In study A, 122 subjects were randomized to receive a single application
      of BT 0.07%, 0.18%, 0.5% or vehicle. In study B (4-week treatment and 4-week
      follow-up), 269 subjects were randomized to receive BT 0.5% once daily, BT 0.18%
      once daily, vehicle once daily, BT 0.18% twice daily or vehicle twice daily.
      Evaluations included Clinician's Erythema Assessment (CEA), Patient's Self
      Assessment (PSA), Chroma Meter measurements and adverse events. RESULTS: In study
      A, a single application of topical BT gel reduced facial erythema in a dose
      dependent fashion. A significant difference between BT 0.5% and vehicle in Chroma
      Meter redness value was observed from 30min to 12h after application. In study B,
      BT 0.5% once daily had a statistically superior success profile (defined as a two
      grade improvement on both CEA and PSA over 12h) compared with vehicle once daily
      on days 1, 15 and 29 (all P<0.001). No tachyphylaxis, rebound of erythema or
      aggravation of other disease signs (telangiectasia, inflammatory lesions) was
      observed. All regimens were safe and well tolerated with similarly low incidence
      of adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Once-daily BT gel 0.5% is well tolerated and
      provides significantly greater efficacy than vehicle gel for the treatment of
      moderate to severe erythema of rosacea.

PMID- 22050041
TI  - Ketjenblack carbon supported amorphous manganese oxides nanowires as highly
      efficient electrocatalyst for oxygen reduction reaction in alkaline solutions.
AB  - A composite air electrode consisting of Ketjenblack carbon (KB) supported
      amorphous manganese oxide (MnOx) nanowires, synthesized via a polyol method, is
      highly efficient for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in a Zn-air battery. The
      low-cost and highly conductive KB in this composite electrode overcomes the
      limitations due to low electrical conductivity of MnOx while acting as a
      supporting matrix for the catalyst. The large surface area of the amorphous MnOx
      nanowires, together with other microscopic features (e.g., high density of
      surface defects), potentially offers more active sites for oxygen adsorption,
      thus significantly enhancing ORR activity. In particular, a Zn-air battery based
      on this composite air electrode exhibits a peak power density of ~190 mW/cm2,
      which is far superior to those based on a commercial air cathode with Mn3O4
      catalysts.

PMID- 22050042
TI  - Molecular fluorescence, phosphorescence, and chemiluminescence spectrometry.

PMID- 22050043
TI  - Expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the azoospermic human
      testis.
AB  - Azoospermia, which is the absence of spermatozoa in the ejaculate, is not a rare
      cause of male infertility. Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) is a calcium
      independent NOS, which is present in the testis and involved in spermatogenesis,
      and apoptosis of Sertoli and germ cells. Twenty idiopathic infertile men
      presenting nonobstructive azoospermia were enrolled in this study, and testicular
      sperm extraction procedures were performed. Tissue extracts were dissected, and
      the fluid samples were investigated to determine the presence of spermatozoa.
      Histologic evaluation of the spermatozoa-present samples revealed that
      seminiferous tubules were normal and were lined by Sertoli cells and
      spermatogenic cells. However, in the spermatozoa-absent samples, the diameter of
      the seminiferous tubules was small, and Sertoli-cell-only syndrome was determined
      in most of the tubules. iNOS expression was very weak in Sertoli cells, germ
      cells, and in Leydig cells in the spermatozoa-present group. In the spermatozoa
      absent group, the immunostaining was very intense in Sertoli and Leydig cells.
      Electron microscopy findings were supported the histologic results. In
      conclusion, complete germ cell loss and intense expression of iNOS in the Sertoli
      and Leydig cells in the spermatozoa-absent groups of azoospermic human testis
      suggest an essential role of iNOS in spermatogenesis.

PMID- 22050044
TI  - Combined therapy with low-dose omalizumab and intravenous immunoglobulin for
      severe atopic dermatitis. Report of four cases.

PMID- 22050046
TI  - Colic in competing endurance horses presenting to referral centres: 36 cases.
AB  - REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Colic is a common reason for elimination from
      equine endurance competitions and has recently been identified as the leading
      cause of mortality in this group of horses. Hydration and electrolyte
      derangements are often severe, but are probably related to endurance exercise and
      not necessarily the episode of colic. Better understanding of the causes of colic
      and the expected outcome is needed to guide treatment decisions in endurance
      horses. OBJECTIVES: To describe the history, case details, clinical examination,
      laboratory, treatment and outcomes for horses presenting to equine referral
      centres for treatment of colic associated with endurance competition and to
      identify variables associated with prolonged hospitalisation. METHODS: Thirty-six
      horses from 2 equine referral centres were included in the analysis. In addition
      to descriptive statistics, Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate
      factors associated with length of hospitalisation. RESULTS: A diagnosis of open
      or ileus was made in the majority of horses (56%). Salmonellosis and enteritis
      (Salmonella negative) were also recognised (16%). Exploratory abdominal surgery
      was performed in 5 of the horses. Only one of 36 horses did not survive to
      discharge. Previous eliminations from competition (negative association) and
      total i.v. fluids within the first 24 h (positive association) of admission were
      both associated with length of hospitalisation. CONCLUSIONS: Endurance horses
      with colic typically respond to medical treatment but in some cases
      hospitalisation may be prolonged. The role of Salmonella infections in endurance
      horses with colic requires further research. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: Despite
      potentially severe clinical and laboratory derangements, equine practitioners
      should make owners aware that the prognosis for competing endurance horses with
      colic is good when treated appropriately.

PMID- 22050045
TI  - Nucleostemin and TWIST as predictive markers for recurrence after neoadjuvant
      chemotherapy for esophageal carcinoma.
AB  - We recently demonstrated that overexpression of the nucleolar GTP-binding protein
      nucleostemin drives the fraction of genetically-defined tumor cells that exhibit
      markers and tumorigenic properties of tumor initiating cells. More specifically,
      cells that constitutively express elevated levels of nucleostemin exhibit
      increased TWIST expression; expression of genes that induced pluripotent stem
      cells; enhanced radioresistance; tumor formation, even when small numbers of
      cells are implanted; and an increased propensity to metastasize. An
      immunohistochemical analysis of cancer stem cell markers, such as nucleostemin
      and TWIST has not been conducted in surgically-resected esophageal squamous cell
      carcinomas after neoadjuvant chemotherapy. In the present study, we examined the
      expression of CD133, CD44, nucleostemin, guanine nucleotide-binding protein-like
      3-like, and TWIST by immunohistochemistry in a series of 54 surgically-resected
      specimens of esophageal squamous cell carcinomas after neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
      We identified that high nucleostemin proportion, TWIST intensity, and advanced
      pathological N stage were significantly correlated with poor relapse-free
      survival. Together, these observations imply nucleostemin and TWIST as the
      predictive markers for postoperative recurrence.

PMID- 22050047
TI  - Reduction of latent infection and enhancement of disease resistance in muskmelon
      by preharvest application of harpin.
AB  - Latent infection was analyzed when harpin at 50 mg/L was sprayed on muskmelon 4
      times at four different stages: florescence, young fruit, fruit enlarging, and
      netting periods. Results showed that the latent infection was significantly lower
      in sprayed muskmelons than in the control fruit. Meanwhile, the activities of
      peroxidase, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, beta-1,3-glucanase, and chitinase
      increased significantly in the fruit treated with harpin. It also resulted in an
      increase of contents of total phenolic compounds, flavanoids, and lignin. In
      addition, the treatment of harpin increased the activity of superoxide dismutase,
      enhanced the content of hydrogen peroxide, and reduced catalase activity.
      Furthermore, harpin treatments contributed to the reinforcement of cell walls of
      pericarp in fruit, the reduction of postharvest decay, and the improvement of
      postharvest qualities. These results suggested that harpin effectively
      participated in inducing resistance and could be a new strategy for preventing
      latent infection in muskmelon.

PMID- 22050048
TI  - Fifty years of brief intervention effectiveness trials for heavy drinkers.

PMID- 22050049
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 22050051
TI  - Preclinical and clinical characterization of the selective 5-HT(1A)  receptor
      antagonist DU-125530 for antidepressant treatment.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The antidepressant efficacy of selective 5-HT reuptake
      inhibitors (SSRI) and other 5-HT-enhancing drugs is compromised by a negative
      feedback mechanism involving 5-HT(1A) autoreceptor activation by the excess 5-HT
      produced by these drugs in the somatodendritic region of 5-HT neurones. 5-HT(1A)
      receptor antagonists augment antidepressant-like effects in rodents by preventing
      this negative feedback, and the mixed beta-adrenoceptor/5-HT(1A) receptor
      antagonist pindolol improves clinical antidepressant effects by preferentially
      interacting with 5-HT(1A) autoreceptors. However, it is unclear whether 5-HT(1A)
      receptor antagonists not discriminating between pre- and post-synaptic 5-HT(1A)
      receptors would be clinically effective. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: We characterized
      the pharmacological properties of the 5-HT(1A) receptor antagonist DU-125530
      using receptor autoradiography, intracerebral microdialysis and
      electrophysiological recordings. Its capacity to accelerate/enhance the clinical
      effects of fluoxetine was assessed in a double-blind, randomized, 6 week placebo
      controlled trial in 50 patients with major depression (clinicaltrials.gov
      identifier NCT01119430). KEY RESULTS: DU-125530 showed equal (low nM) potency to
      displace agonist and antagonist binding to pre- and post-synaptic 5-HT(1A)
      receptors in rat and human brain. It antagonized suppression of 5
      hydroxytryptaminergic activity evoked by 8-OH-DPAT and SSRIs in vivo. DU-125530
      augmented SSRI-induced increases in extracellular 5-HT as effectively as in mice
      lacking 5-HT(1A) receptors, indicating a silent, maximal occupancy of pre
      synaptic 5-HT(1A) receptors at the dose used. However, DU-125530 addition to
      fluoxetine did not accelerate nor augment its antidepressant effects. CONCLUSIONS
      AND IMPLICATIONS: DU-125530 is an excellent pre- and post-synaptic 5-HT(1A)
      receptor antagonist. However, blockade of post-synaptic 5- HT(1A) receptors by DU
      125530 cancels benefits obtained by enhancing pre-synaptic 5
      hydroxytryptaminergic function.

PMID- 22050052
TI  - Review article: the benefits of pharmacogenetics for improving thiopurine therapy
      in inflammatory bowel disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Thiopurines represent an effective and widely prescribed therapy in
      inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Concerns about toxicity, mainly resulting from
      a wide inter-individual variability in thiopurine metabolism, restrict their use.
      Optimal thiopurine dosing is challenging for preventing adverse drug reactions
      and improving clinical response. AIM: To review efficacy and toxicity of
      thiopurines in IBD. To provide pharmacogenetic-based therapeutic recommendations.
      METHODS: We conducted a query on PubMed database using 'inflammatory bowel
      disease', 'thiopurine', 'azathioprine', '6-mercaptopurine', 'TPMT',
      'pharmacogenetics', 'TDM', and selected relevant articles, especially clinical
      studies. RESULTS: Thiopurine metabolism - key enzyme: thiopurine S
      methyltransferase (TPMT) - modulates clinical response, as it results in
      production of the pharmacologically active and toxic metabolites, the thioguanine
      nucleotides (6-TGN). Adjusting dosage according to TPMT status and/or metabolite
      blood levels is recommended for optimising thiopurine therapy (e.g. improving
      response rate up to 30% or decreasing haematological adverse events of 25%).
      Other enzymes or transporters of interest, as inosine triphosphatase (ITPase),
      glutathione S-transferase (GST), xanthine oxidase (XO), aldehyde oxidase (AOX),
      methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) and ATP-binding cassette sub-family
      C member 4 (ABCC4) are reviewed and discussed for clinical relevance.
      CONCLUSIONS: Based on the literature data, we provide a therapeutic algorithm for
      thiopurines therapy with starting dose recommendations depending on TPMT status
      and thereafter dose adjustments according to five metabolite profiles identified
      with therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM). This algorithm allows a dosage
      individualisation to optimise the management of patients under thiopurine.
      Furthermore, identification of new pharmacogenetic biomarkers is promising for
      ensuring maximal therapeutic response to thiopurines with a minimisation of the
      risk for adverse events.

PMID- 22050054
TI  - Winter and venous thromboembolism: a dangerous liaison?

PMID- 22050053
TI  - Covalent layer-by-layer assembly of hyperbranched polyether and
      polyethyleneimine: multilayer films providing possibilities for surface
      functionalization and local drug delivery.
AB  - A convenient and simple route to multifunctional surface coatings via the
      alternating covalent layer-by-layer (LBL) assembly of p-nitrophenyloxycarbonyl
      group-terminated hyperbranched polyether (HBPO-NO(2)) and polyethylenimine (PEI)
      is described. The in situ chemical reaction between HBPO-NO(2) and PEI onto
      aminolyzed substrates was rapid and mild. Results from ellipsometry measurements,
      contact angle measurements, and ATR-FTIR spectra confirmed the successful LBL
      assembly of the building blocks, and the surface reactivity of the multilayer
      films with HBPO-NO(2) as the outmost layer was demonstrated by the immobilization
      of an amine-functionalized fluorophore. Furthermore, a biomimetic surface was
      achieved by surface functionalization of the multilayer films with extracellular
      matrix protein collagen to promote the adhesion and growth of cells. The studies
      on the drug loading and in vitro release behaviors of the multilayer films
      demonstrated their application potentials in local delivery of hydrophilic and
      hydrophobic therapeutic agents.

PMID- 22050055
TI  - Is periodic fasting really good for reducing cardiovascular risk and improving
      heart health?

PMID- 22050056
TI  - Calcium supplementation and vitamin D: a trigger for adverse cardiovascular
      events?

PMID- 22050059
TI  - Highlights of the 2011 scientific sessions of the Congress of the Heart Failure
      Association of the European Society of Cardiology.
AB  - The Annual Scientific Sessions of the Heart Failure Association of the European
      Society of Cardiology was held in Gothenburg, Sweden, 21-24 May 2011. Over 700
      abstracts, along with many invited programs and several satellite programs were
      presented. Some of the late-breaking clinical trials are summarized here.

PMID- 22050058
TI  - Ranolazine versus amiodarone for prevention of postoperative atrial fibrillation.
AB  - Postoperative atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major complication of cardiothoracic
      surgery, leading to significant consequences, including a higher rate of stroke,
      longer hospital stays and increased costs. Amiodarone is among the most widely
      used agents for prevention of postoperative AF. Ranolazine, a US FDA-approved
      antianginal agent, has been shown to effectively, safely prevent and terminate
      nonpostoperative AF in both experimental and clinical studies. In a recent
      publication, Miles and colleagues directly compared the efficacy and safety of
      amiodarone and ranolazine for prevention of postoperative AF in 393 patients. The
      patients were pretreated with amiodarone and ranolaizne for >1 week and 1 day,
      respectively, and the treatment continued for 10-14 days after surgery. Following
      coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), AF occurred in 26.5% of patients taking
      amiodarone and in 17.5% of patients taking ranolazine (34% reduction; p < 0.035).
      No differences in adverse events between the two groups of patients were
      recorded. The results of this retrospective nonrandomized single-center study
      indicate that ranolazine may be used to effectively and safely prevent
      postoperative AF. These results need to be confirmed in a larger randomized
      study. If confirmed, ranolazine may be a good choice for preventing AF in
      patients undergoing CABG.

PMID- 22050060
TI  - Drug-eluting stent thrombosis after 2029 days of placement: longest ever reported
      interval between drug-eluting stent placement and very late thrombosis.
AB  - In this era of very wide-spread use of percutaneous coronary intervention for the
      management of coronary artery disease, the appropriate duration of antiplatelet
      therapy after drug-eluting stent implantation still remains a subject of debate.
      Current recommendations from the American College of Cardiology/American Heart
      Association (2007) is to continue treatment with aspirin and clopidogrel for 1
      year and then continue with aspirin only. However, cases of very late stent
      thrombosis (more than 12 months postimplantation) are being increasingly reported
      in literature. In this article we report a case of thrombosis as a result of drug
      eluting stent placement after almost 67 months (2029 days), which to our
      knowledge, is the longest reported duration between the implantation of drug
      eluting stent and occurrence of vascular event associated with very late stent
      thrombosis.

PMID- 22050061
TI  - Primary percutaneous coronary intervention for the treatment of a patient with
      cardiogenic shock due to acute total occlusion of unprotected left main coronary
      artery without supportive collateral flow.
AB  - Total occlusion of unprotected left main coronary artery (LMCA) is rarely
      encountered in clinical practice and the incidence cannot be determined
      precisely, since most of the patients die before hospital admission. Malignant
      arrhythmia, cardiogenic shock or sudden death due to pump failure develops in
      most of these patients. The cases complicated by cardiogenic shock have bad
      prognosis in both the short and long term, despite the advancements in
      reperfusion treatments. Successful treatment of sudden total occlusion of
      unprotected LMCA has been rarely reported. Over the last decade, many cases and
      comparisons in patients with LMCA lesions were reported on percutaneous
      interventions for unprotected LMCA using different stent and stenting procedures
      or in comparison to coronary bypass surgery. On the other hand, these patients
      either had stable coronary artery disease or a partially occluded LMCA in the
      setting of acute coronary syndromes with well supporting collateral flow. In our
      case, a 50 year-old male patient with cardiogenic shock and extensive anterior ST
      elevation myocardial infarction due to acute total occlusion of unprotected LMCA,
      who was not receiving collateral flow from the right coronary system, was treated
      successfully through primary percutaneous coronary angioplasty, was presented. In
      our case, there was an totally occluded unprotected LMCA without any supportive
      coronary flow to left system. In this regard, our case is unique in literature.

PMID- 22050063
TI  - Current status, challenges and future directions of drug-eluting balloons.
AB  - For the past 30 years, contemporary coronary and endovascular interventions
      utilized balloon catheters, bare metal- and drug-eluting stents (DES) to
      recanalize narrowed vessels. Despite this, the quest for outcome optimization is
      ongoing for specific lesions and patients. Drug-eluting balloons (DEBs) are among
      the latest technologies proposed to overcome the limitations of DES, such as
      stent thrombosis and the dependency on long-term dual antiplatelet therapy. In
      the large part, DEBs were introduced as a substitute for DES in the treatment of
      in-stent restenosis and perhaps in certain de novo lesion subsets. DEBs have been
      tested in several clinical scenarios with encouraging preliminary results. This
      article will discuss the rationale for developing DEBs, basic concepts and
      available DEB platforms, along with preclinical studies and clinical experience
      to support the use of this new technology for endovascular interventions.

PMID- 22050062
TI  - Combined antihypertensive and cardioprotective effects of nebivolol and
      hydrochlorothiazide in spontaneous hypertensive rats.
AB  - The antihypertensive and cardioprotective effects of the combination of nebivolol
      (NEB) and hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR)
      were investigated. SHR and age-matched Wistar-Kyoto normotensive rats were
      randomly assigned to one of six groups: SHR treated with NEB (1 mg/kg/day,
      intragastric); SHR treated with HCTZ (5 mg/kg/day, intragastric); SHR treated
      with NEB plus HCTZ (1 + 2.5 mg/kg/day); SHR treated with NEB plus HCTZ (1 + 5
      mg/kg/day), along with a SHR and a WKY control group. The effects of NEB and HCTZ
      on clinical chemistry parameters and on cardiac function and structure were
      evaluated. NEB and HCTZ in combination had synergistic antihypertensive effects
      and significantly reduced heart rate and blood pressure compared with monotherapy
      with either agent. These effects were independent of water intake, urine output
      and electrolyte excretion. NEB plus HCTZ was associated with reduced oxidative
      stress in terms of glutathione availability, lower angiotensin I levels as index
      of plasma renin activity and reduced clearance of urinary sodium compared with
      HCTZ alone. Cardiac morphometric data and antioxidant parameters indicate that
      NEB may influence cardiac structure by reducing hypertrophy and by enhancing the
      availability of endothelial nitric oxide - a unique characteristic of NEB. The
      authors suggest that a combination of NEB and HCTZ for the treatment of
      hypertension may be useful for the synergistic characteristics of both drugs.

PMID- 22050064
TI  - Minimally invasive video-assisted cardiac surgery: operative techniques,
      application fields and clinical outcomes.
AB  - Minimally invasive video-assisted surgery through a right minithoracotomy has
      become the standard surgical approach for several cardiac diseases at many major
      centers worldwide. In this article we review the existing literature on the
      subject and describe different operative techniques, application fields and
      clinical outcomes.

PMID- 22050065
TI  - Telomere length in cardiovascular disease: new challenges in measuring this
      marker of cardiovascular aging.
AB  - Atherosclerosis is an age-related systemic disease characterized by systemic
      oxidative stress and low grade chronic inflammation. Various types of leukocytes
      play an important role within this process. Telomeres, the ends of chromosomes,
      shorten during each and every cell division and have therefore been regarded as a
      cellular clock. Telomere dysfunction has been implicated in aging and senescence,
      and shorter leukocyte telomere length (LTL) has been demonstrated to predict
      cardiovascular disease and mortality. However, although LTL can predict
      cardiovascular events in population studies, a number of factors have prevented
      its broad use as a surrogate end point, such as serum levels of LDL cholesterol.
      In this article we will provide an overview of telomere biology and telomere
      dynamics of different leukocyte populations, and we will also discuss pitfalls in
      the methodology of LTL quantification, in context with landmark studies, which
      measured LTL in cardiovascular disease. Finally, we will attempt to critically
      assess and explain the shortcomings of LTL as a biomarker and identify further
      research avenues that require further investigation before telomere length can be
      implemented as an individual biomarker for cardiovascular aging. From this it
      becomes evident that LTL can be susceptible to methodological errors affecting
      longitudinal reproducibility. LTL is generally confounded at least by genetic
      factors, population variation and leukocyte composition.

PMID- 22050066
TI  - Kounis syndrome: a new twist on an old disease.
AB  - Kounis syndrome is the concurrence of acute coronary syndromes with conditions
      associated with mast cell activation, such as allergies or hypersensitivity and
      anaphylactic or anaphylactoid insults that can involve other interrelated and
      interacting inflammatory cells behaving as a 'ball of thread'. It is caused by
      inflammatory mediators such as neutral proteases including tryptase and chymase,
      arachidonic acid products, histamine, platelet activating factor and a variety of
      cytokines and chemokines released during the activation process. Platelets with
      FCepsilonRI and FCepsilonRII receptors also participate in the above cascade.
      Vasospastic allergic angina, allergic myocardial infarction and stent thrombosis
      with occluding thrombus infiltrated by eosinophils and/or mast cells constitute
      the three reported variants of this syndrome. Kounis syndrome is a ubiquitus
      disease that represents a magnificent natural paradigm and nature's own
      experiment, in a final trigger pathway implicated in cases of coronary artery
      spasm and plaque rupture. Kounis syndrome can complicate anesthesia, vaccination,
      medical therapy and stent implantation and it seems to be associated with
      coronary allograft vasculopathy and takotsubo syndrome, it can often be confused
      with hypersensitivity myocarditis and can be the cause of unexplained sudden
      death. Kounis syndrome has revealed that the same mediators released from the
      same inflammatory cells are present in acute coronary events of nonallergic
      etiology. These cells are not only present in the culprit region before plaque
      erosion or rupture but they release their contents just before an actual coronary
      event. Therefore, does Kounis syndrome represent a magnificent natural paradigm
      and nature's own experiment in a final trigger pathway implicated in cases of
      coronary artery spasm and plaque rupture showing a novel way towards our effort
      to prevent acute coronary syndromes? Drugs, substances targeting the stem cell
      factor that is essential for mast cell development, proliferation, survival,
      adhesion and homing as well as monoclonal antibodies and natural molecules that
      protect mast cell surface and stabilize mast cell membrane could emerge as novel
      therapeutic ways capable to prevent acute coronary and acute cerebrovascular
      events.

PMID- 22050067
TI  - Spinal cord stimulation for long-term treatment of severe angina pectoris: what
      does the evidence say?
AB  - Patients who continue to suffer from severe and disabling angina pectoris,
      despite optimum treatment in terms of conventional pharmacological therapy and/or
      revascularization procedures, have been termed as having refractory angina
      pectoris. The future group of patients with refractory angina pectoris will be
      different from today's patients and represent a 'moving target' as risk factors,
      efficacy of treatment and indications continue to change. Spinal cord stimulation
      (SCS) is today considered as first-line treatment of refractory angina pectoris,
      by the European Society of Cardiology, with an anti-ischemic effect. There is
      strong evidence for SCS giving symptomatic benefits (decrease in anginal
      attacks), improved quality of life and improvement of functional status. In
      addition, SCS seems to be cost effective with a 'break-even' after approximately
      15-16 months.

PMID- 22050068
TI  - Monomorphic and polymorphic ventricular tachycardias arising from the His
      Purkinje system: what do we know?
AB  - Monomorphic and polymorphic Purkinje-related ventricular tachycardias (VTs) may
      occur in patients with and without underlying structural heart disease.
      Monomorphic Purkinje-related VTs can be divided into different entities:
      verapamil-sensitive left fascicular VTs; bundle branch reentry tachycardias
      (BBRT); interfascicular VTs and focal Purkinje VTs. The most frequent fascicular
      VT is left posterior fascicular VT, characterized by macro-reentry within the
      posterior Purkinje network. However, the reentry may also be located in the
      anterior Purkinje network (left anterior fascicular VT). BBRT is also a macro
      reentry-tachycardia, utilizing both the right and the left bundle branch as the
      antegrade and the retrograde limb and is often associated with pre-existing
      conduction disturbances in the specific conduction system. Interfascicular VT is
      rare and characterized by a macro-reentry within the left fascicles. BBRT and
      interfascicular VT may also occur in the same patient. In contrast to the
      mentioned macro-reentry mechanisms there are focal Purkinje-related VTs arising
      from the anterior or posterior Purkinje system. Focal Purkinje triggered
      premature ventricular contractions originating from the distal Purkinje
      arborization in patients without a structural heart disease, as well as in
      patients with known ischemic heart disease or an underlying channelopathy such as
      Brugada syndrome may induce polymorphic VTs. Catheter ablation is an effective
      treatment option for both monomorphic as well as polymorphic Purkinje-related
      VTs, often resulting in noninducibility and freedom from VT recurrence. A
      systematic analysis of the surface ECG and the intracardiac electrograms is
      essential for successful ablation of these heterogeneous and potentially curable
      VTs.

PMID- 22050070
TI  - Public awareness of heart attack symptoms: what should we look for and how will
      it help?

PMID- 22050071
TI  - Mapping flows of embodied emissions in the global production system.
AB  - Environmentally extended multiregional input-output (MRIO) analysis can be used
      to investigate final production and consumption attributions of emissions. As the
      distinction between the two attributions has been brought to the attention of
      policy-makers, there is an ever greater need to understand how and why they
      differ, by analyzing the connections between production and consumption
      activities. Seeking to meet this need, we present an approach for mapping flows
      of embodied emissions through a Leontief production system. The approach, seen as
      an extension of Structural Path Analysis (SPA), provides an exhaustive map of
      supply chain linkages between final production and consumption attributions of
      emissions. Whereas SPA is traditionally used to extract and rank individual
      supply chains according to the emissions occurring at the end of each chain, the
      mapping approach considers emissions embodied in the flows of intermediate
      products linking different economic sectors along supply chains. Illustrative
      results are presented from a global MRIO model and CO(2) emissions for 2004. The
      emissions embodied in a sector's total output of products is also of interest: a
      method for calculating this is presented and shown to provide further insight
      into where in the production system a sector's overall emissions impact is
      concentrated.

PMID- 22050072
TI  - Auriculo-condylar syndrome.
AB  - The auriculo-condylar syndrome is caused by abnormalities of the first and second
      pharyngeal arches during embryonic development. Its inheritance follows the
      autosomal dominant pattern. Both familial and individual cases are reported in
      the literature. The syndrome is characterized by wide phenotypic variation, with
      affected individuals expressing clinical signs of variable severity due to
      variable expressivity of the responsible genes. Clinical signs of the syndrome
      include auricular malformation, hypoplasia of the mandibular condyles, anomalies
      of the temporomandibular joints, malocclusion, and, in more severe cases, cleft
      palate, glossoptosis, facial asymmetry, and respiratory problems. The aim of this
      article is to report a case of a female patient with signs of the auriculo
      condylar syndrome and to present the pedigree of her family. Clinical findings,
      diagnosis, treatment plan, and final treatment are analyzed.

PMID- 22050073
TI  - Effects of predrilling depth and implant shape on the mechanical properties of
      orthodontic mini-implants during the insertion procedure.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of orthodontic mini-implant (OMI) shape and
      predrilling depth on the mechanical properties of OMIs during the insertion
      procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 30 OMIs (self-drilling type, 7 mm in
      length; Biomaterials Korea Inc) were allocated into six groups according to OMI
      shape (cylindrical and tapered type) and pre-drilling depth (control, 1.5-mm and
      3.0-mm predrilling; predrilled with a drill-bit [1 mm in diameter]): C-con, C
      1.5, C-3.0, T-con, T-1.5, and T-3.0 groups (N  =  5 per group). The OMIs were
      installed in artificial bone blocks with two layers that simulated the cortical
      and cancellous bone (Sawbone(r), Pacific Research Laboratories Inc). Total
      insertion time (TIT), maximum insertion torque (MIT), total insertion energy
      (TIE), and inclination of the time-torque graph (INC) were measured. RESULTS:
      Within the same shape group, although predrilling groups exhibited shorter TIT
      than control groups (control vs 1.5; control vs 3.0; all P < .05), there was no
      difference in TIT between 1.5-mm and 3.0-mm predrilling groups. MIT and TIE
      decreased in the order of control, 1.5-mm predrilling, and 3.0-mm predrilling
      (control vs 1.5; 1.5 vs 3.0; all P < .05), but INC revealed a pattern of increase
      from control to 1.5-mm predrilling and of decrease from 1.5-mm predrilling to 3.0
      mm predrilling within the same shape group (control vs 1.5, 1.5 vs 3.0, all P <
      .05). The MIT and INC of C-con were smaller and less steep than those of T-con (P
      < .01 and P < .05, respectively). In the same predrilling depth, no differences
      were observed in MIT, INC, and TIE between cylindrical and tapered groups.
      CONCLUSION: In cases of thick cortical bone, predrilling might be an effective
      tool for reducing microdamage without compromising OMI stability.

PMID- 22050074
TI  - Pattern formation kinetics for charged molecules on surfaces: microscopic
      correlation function analysis.
AB  - The kinetics of pattern formation and phase separation in a system of two types
      of oppositely charged molecules with competing short- and long-range interactions
      on surfaces/interfaces is studied combining three methods: a microscopic
      formalism of the joint correlation functions, reverse Monte Carlo, and
      nonequilibrium charge-screening factors. The molecular ordering occurs on the
      background of the Ostwald ripening and thus is strongly nonequilibrium. We have
      demonstrated how initial random distribution of molecules is changed for loose
      similar-molecule aggregates, with further reorganization into dense macroscopic
      domains of oppositely charged molecules. Pattern formation process is
      characterized by the correlation length which monotonically increases in time.

PMID- 22050075
TI  - Interaction between glycaemic control and serum insulin-like growth factor 1 on
      the risk of retinopathy in type 2 diabetes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is strong experimental evidence that insulin-like growth factor
      1 (IGF-1) plays a role in the development of diabetic retinopathy. We carried out
      this study to determine the association between serum IGF-1 levels and
      retinopathy in patients with type 2 diabetes and whether this association is
      modified by the severity of hyperglycaemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 480
      consenting patients with type 2 diabetes were enrolled between 1 August 2001 and
      31 December 2002. All participants provided a medical history and underwent a
      physical examination, biochemical assessment and eye fundi examination. These
      patients were followed up in our clinics according to our national guidelines
      until 31 December 2009. RESULTS: Compared with the middle tertile, increased
      levels of IGF-1 did not increase the risk of mild-to-moderate retinopathy (RR,
      1.11; 95% CI, 0.63-1.95) and severe retinopathy (RR, 1.84; 95% CI, 0.79-8.57) at
      baseline. In the longitudinal analysis, increased levels of IGF-1 showed a
      nonsignificantly increased hazard ratio (HR) for the progression of retinopathy
      (HR, 1.61; 95% CI, 0.52-4.96) and severe retinopathy (HR, 1.63; 95% CI, 0.65
      4.09). However, in patients with relatively good glycaemic control, there was a
      significantly increased risk of the progression of retinopathy (HR, 2.21; 95% CI,
      1.01-5.91) and a cumulative incidence of severe retinopathy (HR, 4.82; 95% CI,
      1.10-18.25) in individuals with the highest serum IGF-1 levels. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      data suggested serum IGF-1 was a contributing factor in severe diabetic
      retinopathy and this effect may be masked by poor glycaemic control.

PMID- 22050076
TI  - Engineering of glucose oxidase for direct electron transfer via site-specific
      gold nanoparticle conjugation.
AB  - Optimizing the electrical communication between enzymes and electrodes is
      critical in the development of biosensors, enzymatic biofuel cells, and other
      bioelectrocatalytic applications. One approach to address this limitation is the
      attachment of redox mediators or relays to the enzymes. Here we report a simple
      genetic modification of a glucose oxidase enzyme to display a free thiol group
      near its active site. This facilitates the site-specific attachment of a
      maleimide-modified gold nanoparticle to the enzyme, which enables direct
      electrical communication between the conjugated enzyme and an electrode. Glucose
      oxidase is of particular interest in biofuel cell and biosensor applications, and
      the approach of "prewiring" enzyme conjugates in a site-specific manner will be
      valuable in the continued development of these systems.

PMID- 22050077
TI  - The funny current (If): is it a novel antiarrhythmic target to treat atrial
      fibrillation?

PMID- 22050078
TI  - Use of other opioids during methadone therapy: a population-based study.
AB  - AIMS: To determine the extent to which other opioids are prescribed to patients
      receiving methadone in Ontario, Canada. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study.
      SETTING: Ontario, Canada from 1 April 2003 to 31 March 2010. PARTICIPANTS: We
      studied patients aged 15-64 years with publically funded drug coverage who
      received at least 30 days of continuous methadone maintenance therapy (MMT).
      MEASUREMENTS: The proportion of patients who received more than 7 days of a non
      methadone opioid during MMT. A secondary analysis examined the extent to which
      non-methadone opioids were prescribed by physicians or dispensed by pharmacies
      not involved in a patient's MMT. FINDINGS: Among 18,759 patients treated with
      methadone, 3456 (18.4%) received at least one prescription for non-methadone
      opioids of more than 7 days' duration. In this group, the median number of non
      methadone opioid prescriptions dispensed per year was 11.9 (interquartile range
      4.1-25.0). The most frequently prescribed opioids were codeine and oxycodone. Of
      the 73,520 non-methadone opioid prescriptions of more than 7 days' duration,
      nearly half (45.8%) originated from non-MMT prescribers and pharmacies.
      CONCLUSIONS: Many patients receiving methadone maintenance therapy in Ontario
      receive overlapping prescriptions for other opioids, often for extended periods.
      The associated prescribing patterns suggest that many such prescriptions may be
      duplicitous. The prescribing and dispensing of non-methadone opioids to patients
      receiving methadone maintenance therapy is likely to be observed in jurisdictions
      outside Ontario, Canada.

PMID- 22050079
TI  - Goodness-of-fit diagnostics for Bayesian hierarchical models.
AB  - This article proposes methodology for assessing goodness of fit in Bayesian
      hierarchical models. The methodology is based on comparing values of pivotal
      discrepancy measures (PDMs), computed using parameter values drawn from the
      posterior distribution, to known reference distributions. Because the resulting
      diagnostics can be calculated from standard output of Markov chain Monte Carlo
      algorithms, their computational costs are minimal. Several simulation studies are
      provided, each of which suggests that diagnostics based on PDMs have higher
      statistical power than comparable posterior-predictive diagnostic checks in
      detecting model departures. The proposed methodology is illustrated in a clinical
      application; an application to discrete data is described in supplementary
      material.

PMID- 22050080
TI  - The microscopic structure of adsorbed water on hydrophobic surfaces under ambient
      conditions.
AB  - The interaction of water vapor with hydrophobic surfaces is poorly understood. We
      utilize graphene templating to preserve and visualize the microscopic structures
      of adsorbed water on hydrophobic surfaces. Three well-defined surfaces [H
      Si(111), graphite, and functionalized mica] were investigated, and water was
      found to adsorb as nanodroplets (~10-100 nm in size) on all three surfaces under
      ambient conditions. The adsorbed nanodroplets were closely associated with atomic
      scale surface defects and step-edges and wetted all the hydrophobic substrates
      with contact angles<~10 degrees , resulting in total water adsorption that was
      similar to what is found for hydrophilic surfaces. These results point to the
      significant differences between surface processes at the atomic/nanometer scales
      and in the macroscopic world.

PMID- 22050082
TI  - Low yield of routine screening for thyroid dysfunction in asymptomatic patients
      with vitiligo.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nonsegmental vitiligo is considered to be an autoimmune disease and
      is known to be associated with other autoimmune diseases, particularly affecting
      the thyroid. Screening patients with nonsegmental vitiligo for thyroid function
      and for the presence of thyroid autoantibodies has been recommended. OBJECTIVE:
      To investigate the prevalence of thyroid dysfunction and thyroid peroxidase
      specific (TPO) antibodies in a large cohort of patients with nonsegmental
      vitiligo in order to help decide whether routine screening is justified. METHODS:
      A total of 434 adults with nonsegmental vitiligo who were referred to our
      institute were enrolled. Thyroid function and anti-TPO antibody titres were
      assessed in those patients who had no history of thyroid disease or recent
      thyroid screening. RESULTS: Forty-three patients had already been diagnosed with
      thyroid dysfunction, and in 27 patients the general practitioner had performed a
      thyroid function test with negative results <3months previously. In these
      patients, thyroid function assessment was not repeated. The remaining 364
      patients were screened for thyroid dysfunction. Overt hypothyroidism was newly
      diagnosed in three (0.8%) patients; subclinical disease was found in 10 (2.7%)
      patients and increased levels of TPO antibodies, without thyroid disease, were
      found in 49 (13.5%) patients. An elevated risk for thyroid disease was found
      among older women and in women with a positive family history of thyroid disease.
      CONCLUSION: The overall prevalence of thyroid dysfunction in adult patients with
      nonsegmental vitiligo was higher than reported in the general population.
      However, the number of newly diagnosed cases with overt and subclinical thyroid
      dysfunction in our population was low. Most patients had already been diagnosed
      by their general practitioner and had symptoms indicative for thyroid disease.
      Thyroid disease was found predominantly among older women and in subjects with a
      positive family history of thyroid disease. Thyroid screening including anti-TPO
      antibodies is advisable in these high-risk subpopulations.

PMID- 22050083
TI  - Quantification of human uridine-diphosphate glucuronosyl transferase 1A isoforms
      in liver, intestine, and kidney using nanobore liquid chromatography-tandem mass
      spectrometry.
AB  - Uridine-disphosphate glucuronosyl transferase (UGT) enzymes catalyze the
      formation of glucuronide conjugates of phase II metabolism. Methods for absolute
      quantification of UGT1A1 and UGT1A6 were previously established utilizing stable
      isotope peptide internal standards with liquid chromatography-tandem mass
      spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The current method expands upon this by quantifying
      eight UGT1A isoforms by nanobore high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
      coupled with a linear ion trap time-of-flight mass spectrometer platform.
      Recombinant enzyme digests of each of the isoforms were used to determine assay
      linearity and detection limits. Enzyme expression level in human liver, kidney,
      and intestinal microsomal protein was determined by extrapolation from spiked
      stable isotope standards. Intraday and interday variability was <25% for each of
      the enzyme isoforms. Enzyme expression varied from 3 to 96 pmol/mg protein in
      liver and intestinal microsomal protein digests. Expression levels of UGT1A7,
      1A8, and 1A10 were below detection limits (<1 pmol/mg protein) in human liver
      microsome (HLMs). In kidney microsomes the expression of UGT1A3 was below
      detection limits, but levels of UGT1A4, 1A7, 1A9, and 1A10 protein were higher
      relative to that of liver, suggesting that renal glucuronidation could be a
      significant factor in renal elimination of glucuronide conjugates. This novel
      method allows quantification of all nine UGT1A isoforms, many previously not
      amenable to measurement with traditional methods such as immunologically based
      assays. Quantitative measurement of proteins involved in drug disposition, such
      as the UGTs, significantly improves the ability to evaluate and interpret in
      vitro and in vivo studies in drug development.

PMID- 22050084
TI  - Confluent and reticulated papillomatosis: clinical and histopathological study of
      10 cases from Lebanon.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Confluent and reticulate papillomatosis (CRP) is a rare disorder that
      has mostly been described in case reports and limited case series. Studies on
      this condition from our region are lacking. OBJECTIVE/METHODS: To describe the
      clinical and histopathological findings, as well as response to treatment of all
      patients diagnosed with CRP at the American University of Beirut Medical Center
      (AUB-MC) between 1999 and 2009, and to compare our findings with those published
      in the literature. RESULTS: Confluent and reticulate papillomatosis was diagnosed
      in 10 patients (five men, five women). Mean age at diagnosis was 19 years.
      Duration of lesions ranged from few months to several years. Skin lesions mainly
      consisted of reticulated, pigmented macules, patches and plaques. The most common
      area of involvement was the chest in five cases. The rash was asymptomatic in
      eight patients. Skin biopsy specimens from all patients revealed hyperkeratosis,
      papillomatosis and variable acanthosis. Whereas follicular plugging was observed
      in nine cases, anastomosis of the rete ridges was noted in three. Periodic acid
      Schiff stains highlighted yeast forms in six cases. CONCLUSION: The clinical and
      histopathological features of the CRP patients in our study are generally
      comparable to those published in the literature, with minor differences.
      Clinically, one case had an atypical clinical presentation, and microscopically
      follicular plugging was seen in the majority of cases. Yeast-like spores were
      seen in six cases further supporting a role of Malassezia furfur in the
      pathogenesis of CRP.

PMID- 22050085
TI  - Reversed binding of a small molecule ligand in homologous chemokine receptors -
      differential role of extracellular loop 2.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The majority of small molecule compounds targeting
      chemokine receptors share a similar pharmacophore with a centrally located
      aliphatic positive charge and flanking aromatic moieties. Here we describe a
      novel piperidine-based compound with structural similarity to previously
      described CCR8-specific agonists, but containing a unique phenyl-tetrazol moiety
      which, in addition to activity at CCR8 was also active at CCR1. EXPERIMENTAL
      APPROACH: Single point mutations were introduced in CCR1 and CCR8, and their
      effect on small molecule ligand-induced receptor activation was examined through
      inositol trisphosphate (IP(3) ) accumulation. The molecular interaction profile
      of the agonist was verified by molecular modeling. KEY RESULTS: The chemokine
      receptor conserved glutamic acid in TM-VII served as a common anchor for the
      positively charged amine in the piperidine ring. However, whereas the phenyl
      tetrazol group interacted with TyrIV:24 (Tyr(172) ) and TyrIII:09 (Tyr(114) ) in
      the major binding pocket (delimited by TM-III to VII) of CCR8, it also interacted
      with TrpII:20 (Trp(90) ) and LysII:24 (Lys(94) ) in the minor counterpart
      (delimited TM-I to III, plus TM-VII) in CCR1. A straightening of TM-II by Ala
      substitution of ProII:18 confirmed its unique role in CCR1. The extracellular
      loop 2 (ECL-2) contributed directly to the small molecule binding site in CCR1,
      whereas it contributed to efficacy, but not potency in CCR8. CONCLUSION AND
      IMPLICATIONS: Despite high ligand potency and efficacy and receptor similarity,
      this dual-active and bitopic compound binds oppositely in CCR1 and CCR8 with
      different roles of ECL-2, thereby expanding and diversifying the influence of
      extracellular receptor regions in drug action.

PMID- 22050086
TI  - Confidential enquiry into perioperative equine fatalities: CEPEF 4--a chance to
      gain new evidence about the risks of equine general anaesthesia.

PMID- 22050087
TI  - Theory and simulation of angular hysteresis on planar surfaces.
AB  - A simple model is proposed to simulate contact angle hysteresis in drops on a
      planar surface. The model is based on assuming a friction force acting on the
      triple contact line in such a way that the contact line keeps fixed for contact
      angles comprised between the advancing angle and the receding one and is allowed
      to move in order to avoid angles outside this interval. The model is
      straightforwardly applied to axisymmetric drops for which a simple solution of
      the Young-Laplace equation can be obtained. A variation of the method has also
      been implemented for nonaxisymmetric drops by resorting to the public-domain
      "Surface Evolver" software. Comparison with experiments shows the excellent
      performance of the model.

PMID- 22050089
TI  - Perineuriomatous melanocytic nevi.

PMID- 22050090
TI  - Shana and james.

PMID- 22050091
TI  - Use of classic and novel immunohistochemical markers in the diagnosis of
      cutaneous myeloid sarcoma.
AB  - Cutaneous myeloid sarcoma is often challenging to diagnose based solely upon
      histopathological features. Although immunohistochemistry can aid in its
      diagnosis, specific markers have not been clearly identified. We evaluated the
      utility of immunohistochemical markers in 57 cutaneous myeloid sarcoma cases. In
      addition to classical markers (CD117, CD163, CD34, myeloperoxidase and lysozyme),
      we used CD33 and CD14, recently described markers in paraffin-embedded tissue
      samples, and Kruppel-like factor 4 (KLF-4), a novel monocytic marker. Our results
      show that lysozyme was expressed in 91%, CD33 in 60%, myeloperoxidase in 54%,
      CD34 in 39% and CD117 in 36% of cases. An antibody panel that included lysozyme,
      CD117 and CD33 identified all cases. The monocytic markers CD14, KLF-4 and CD163
      were expressed in 60, 58 and 40% of all cases, respectively. CD14 and KLF-4
      expression was significantly more common in cases with monocytic differentiation.
      CD14 is the single most sensitive and specific marker for monocytic
      differentiation (79 and 80%). Although KLF-4 in isolation is relatively
      insensitive (50 and 87%), it enhances sensitivity in detecting monocytic
      cutaneous myeloid sarcoma when combined with CD14. Our results indicate that in
      addition to classical immunohistochemical markers, targeted use of newer
      antibodies, including CD33, CD14 and KLF-4 is useful in the diagnosis of
      cutaneous myeloid sarcoma and in the detection of monocytic differentiation.

PMID- 22050092
TI  - Aberrant Melan-A expression in atypical fibroxanthoma and undifferentiated
      pleomorphic sarcoma of the skin.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) is a distinctive clinicopathologic
      entity presenting on sun-damaged skin of the elderly. Its behavior is benign if
      strict diagnostic criteria are applied. Tumors showing invasion of deeper
      structures or perineural/lymphovascular invasion are best regarded as
      undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma of the skin. The diagnosis requires
      immunohistochemical studies to exclude melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma,
      angiosarcoma and leiomyosarcoma. METHODS: Two AFX and one undifferentiated
      pleomorphic sarcoma showing aberrant expression of Melan-A were identified.
      Clinical data were obtained and histopathological features, immunohistochemical
      profile and electron microscopy were assessed. RESULTS: All tumors arose on sun
      damaged skin of elderly males. Two AFX showed pushing growth into superficial
      subcutis only. The undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma was characterized by
      infiltrative growth into galea as well as perineural invasion. Multifocal
      expression of Melan-A and MART-1 was largely limited to tumor giant cells in the
      absence of S100 or HMB-45 labeling. No melanosomes or premelanosomes were
      identified by electron microscopy. CONCLUSIONS: Aberrant expression of Melan-A
      and MART-1 in AFX and undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma of the skin represents
      an important diagnostic pitfall with potential for misdiagnosis as melanoma.

PMID- 22050093
TI  - Angiosarcoma: a study of 98 cases with immunohistochemical evaluation of TLE3, a
      recently described marker of potential taxane responsiveness.
AB  - Angiosarcomas may be primary in the skin, primary in soft tissue or viscera, or
      secondary to irradiation. All angiosarcomas have a poor prognosis. Taxanes may
      have efficacy in the treatment of angiosarcoma. Expression of TLE3 has been
      associated with improved outcome in taxane-treated breast cancers. We studied a
      series of angiosarcoma with TLE3 immunohistochemistry. Cases of angiosarcoma (98
      total cases; 37 cutaneous, 48 soft tissue/visceral and 13 post-irradiation) were
      retrieved and follow up was obtained. Tumors were classified as 'vasoformative',
      'spindled', 'epithelioid' and 'mixed'. TLE3 immunohistochemistry was performed.
      Statistical analyses were performed. Patients (50 males and 48 females) had a
      median age of 60.2 years. Tumors had a median size 7.5 cm and were vasoformative
      (N = 43, 44%), spindled (N = 21, 21%), epithelioid (N = 16, 16%) and mixed (N =
      18, 18%). Follow up was available for 89/98 patients (91%): 32 (36%) were dead
      due to disease, 36 (41%) were dead due to other causes and 21 (24%) remained
      alive. The median time to death was 2.1 years. TLE3 reactivity was observed in
      0/37 (0%) cutaneous angiosarcomas, in 28/48 (58%) cases from soft tissue/viscera
      and in 4/13 (31%) post-irradiation angiosarcomas. (p = <0.0001). Improved 5-year
      survival was seen in vasoformative angiosarcomas (p = 0.03). TLE3 expression was
      not associated with taxane response. However, only a subset of patients was
      treated with taxane. Our study confirms the poor prognosis of angiosarcoma.
      Vasoformative angiosarcoma may have a more favorable prognosis. A lack of TLE3
      expression in cutaneous angiosarcoma may reflect differing pathogenesis.

PMID- 22050094
TI  - Perforin and granzyme B expression in oral and cutaneous lichen planus - a
      comparative study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although cutaneous and oral lichen planus (LP) share similar
      histopathological features, oral LP often follows a recalcitrant course while LP
      skin lesions tend to be self-limiting. Apoptosis, mediated by cytotoxic T-cells
      in LP, may be triggered by the release of molecules such as perforin and granzyme
      B. As variation in clinical behavior can reflect differences in LP immune
      expression, we studied the role of those cytotoxic molecules in oral and
      cutaneous LP. METHODS: We analyzed 16 cases of cutaneous LP and 29 of oral LP.
      The sections were studied on hematoxylin and eosin, CD4, CD8, perforin and
      granzyme B staining. RESULTS: The mean number of immunostained cells expressing
      each cytotoxic molecule was significantly higher in oral LP than in cutaneous LP.
      A higher number of single necrotic keratinocytes (apoptotic bodies) was found in
      oral LP lesions when compared to cutaneous LP. Only in oral LP lesions, a higher
      number of CD4-positive cells was found in active lesions when compared to
      regressive lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Our results confirm increased expression of
      granzyme B and perforin in oral LP lesions as compared to cutaneous LP. The
      increased expression suggests a relationship with the clinical behavior of the
      disease.

PMID- 22050096
TI  - My cup runneth over: young people's lack of knowledge of low-risk drinking
      guidelines.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: If young people are to consume alcohol in accordance with
      government guidelines, they must possess the relevant knowledge and skills. No
      previous research has examined correlations between different forms of knowledge
      of alcohol guidelines or how they are related to personality variables and
      beliefs. DESIGN AND METHODS: Two samples were recruited in South-East England:
      309 secondary school students aged 16-18, and 125 university students aged 18-25.
      All participants completed a computer-administered survey of knowledge and
      beliefs. University students also reported their alcohol consumption and
      completed tasks in which they poured their 'usual' drinks, and what they believed
      to be 'units' of alcohol. RESULTS: Most respondents lacked the knowledge and
      skills required to drink in accordance with government guidelines. Participants'
      usual drinks were substantially larger than one unit, and participants tended to
      underestimate the unit content of drinks. There was little evidence that
      possession of accurate knowledge of one aspect of alcohol units and guidelines
      was related to accurate knowledge in other domains. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS:
      Many young people may lack the knowledge required to monitor their alcohol
      consumption or give accurate self-reports in research. Future research should
      evaluate using a drink-pouring task as part of interventions designed to improve
      knowledge and skills and encourage moderate consumption of alcohol.

PMID- 22050097
TI  - Long-term culture and cryopreservation of interstitial cells of Cajal.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) in the gastrointestinal tract
      generate and propagate slow waves and mediate neuromuscular neurotransmission.
      Damage to ICCs has been described in several gastrointestinal motor disorders,
      and although many studies have examined ICCs in culture, they have been largely
      limited to freshly dissociated cells or short-term cultures. An efficient and
      reliable method to establish a source of ICCs is much needed. The aim of this
      study was to investigate methods for culturing, subculturing, cryopreservation,
      and recovery of ICCs. METHODS: ICCs were derived from intestinal segments of
      domestic rabbits, and immunohistochemistry for c-Kit was used to identify ICCs in
      culture and after recovery. Recovered ICCs were also examined for motilin
      receptor expression. RESULTS: Optimal conditions for ICC culture and
      cryopreservation were based on cell growth curves and MTT assay. On the basis of
      these findings, recovered cells were cultured for 7 days and then sorted via flow
      cytometry based on c-Kit immunoreactivity. The percent of c-Kit positive cells
      was 64.3%, and the number of ICCs sorted was 6.7 * 10(5). Reverse-transcription
      polymerase chain reaction and western blotting verified motilin receptor
      expression in c-Kit-positive ICCs. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to
      describe the culture, passage, and recovery of ICCs and to show motilin receptor
      expression. Our results suggest that ICCs play an important role, at least in
      some species, in initiating the migrating myoelectric complex induced by motilin.

PMID- 22050108
TI  - Maximal accumulated oxygen deficit in running and cycling.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to compare values of maximal accumulated oxygen
      deficit (MAOD; a measure of anaerobic capacity) in running and cycling. Twenty
      seven women and 25 men performed exhaustive treadmill and cycle ergometer tests
      of ~3 min, ~5 min, and ~7 min duration. Oxygen demands were estimated assuming a
      linear relationship between demand and intensity and also using upwardly
      curvilinear relationships. When oxygen demand was estimated using speed (with
      exponent 1.05), values for MAOD for the three running tests were virtually
      identical; the mean of the three values was 78 +/- 7 mL.kg-1. Use of an oxygen
      demand that was estimated using work rate (with exponent 1.00) generated the most
      similar values for MAOD from the three cycling tests (mean of 59 +/- 6 mL.kg-1).
      Consistent with the higher (p < 0.05) MAOD in running, peak post-exercise blood
      lactate concentrations were also higher (p < 0.05) in running (13.9 +/- 2.2
      mmol.L-1) than in cycling (12.6 +/- 2.4 mmol.L-1). The results suggest that the
      relationship between oxygen demand and running speed is upwardly curvilinear for
      the speeds used to measure MAOD; the relationship between demand and cycle
      ergometer work rate is linear; MAOD is greater in running than in cycling.

PMID- 22050109
TI  - Nonadiabatic quantum chemistry--past, present, and future.

PMID- 22050111
TI  - Covalent stabilization: a sturdy molecular square from reversible metal-ion
      directed self-assembly.
AB  - Supramolecular self-assembly using weak interactions under quasi-equilibrium
      conditions has provided easy access to very complex but often quite fragile
      molecules. We now show how a labile structure obtained from reversible transition
      metal-directed self-assembly of rods and connectors serves as a template that can
      be converted into a sturdy structure of identical topology and similar geometry.
      The process consists of Cu(I)-catalyzed replacement of all rods or connectors
      terminated with pyridines for analogues terminated with ethynyls, converting
      dative N->Pt(+) bonds into covalent C-Pt bonds. The procedure combines the
      facility and high yield of reversible self-assembly with the robustness of
      covalent synthesis.

PMID- 22050116
TI  - Understanding the equilibrium ion exchange properties in faujasite zeolite from
      Monte Carlo simulations.
AB  - We have adapted a grand ensemble Monte Carlo simulation method to directly
      compute, for the first time to our knowledge, univalent cation exchange isotherms
      in zeolites. The computed isotherms for the exchange of sodium in NaY faujasite
      by lithium, potassium, rubidium, and cesium ions, respectively, are in good
      agreement with the experimental ones. They display the three main types of
      behavior observed in zeolites, namely, a monotonous evolution of selectivity
      throughout the exchange process (Li(+)), a selectivity reversal (K(+)), and an
      incomplete exchange (Rb(+) and Cs(+)). The initial stage of the cation exchange
      is shown to be dominated by the hydration energy of the cations in the external
      aqueous solution. The final part of the process is often dominated by the cation
      framework and cation-cation interactions. A crossover between these two regimes
      explains the frequently observed reversal of selectivity phenomenon. The
      incomplete exchange observed in the case of Rb(+) and Cs(+) is shown to
      correspond to a blocked state of the system for highest accessible composition of
      the aqueous solution. This stable state is shown not to be linked to an inability
      of the cesium cations to cross the six-ring window in order to penetrate into the
      smallest cages.

PMID- 22050114
TI  - A seven country comparison of nurses' perceptions of their professional practice
      environment.
AB  - Papastavrou E., Efstathiou G., Acaroglu R., da Luz M.D.A., Berg A., Idvall E.,
      Kalafati M., Kanan N., Katajisto J., Leino-Kilpi H., Lemonidou C., Sendir M.,
      Sousa V.D. & Suhonen R. (2011) Journal of Nursing Management A seven country
      comparison of nurses' perceptions of their professional practice environment Aims
      To describe and compare nurses' perceptions of their professional practice
      environment in seven countries. Background  There is evidence of variation in the
      nursing professional practice environments internationally. These different work
      environments affect nurses' ability to perform and are linked to differing nurse
      and patient outcomes. Methods  A descriptive, comparative survey was used to
      collect data from orthopaedic and trauma nurses (n = 1156) in Finland, Cyprus,
      Greece, Portugal, Sweden, Turkey and Kansas, USA using the 39-item Revised
      Professional Practice Environment instrument. Results  Differences were found
      between participants from the northern countries of Europe, Kansas, USA, and the
      Mediterranean countries regarding perceptions about control over practice. No
      between-country differences were reported in the internal work motivation among
      the nurses from any of the participating countries. Conclusions  Although between
      country differences in nurses' professional practice environment were found,
      difficulties related to demographic, cultural and health system differences and
      the way in which nursing is defined in each country need to be considered in the
      interpretation of the results. Implications for Nursing Management  The results
      support investment to improve nurse's work environment, which is important for
      improving the quality of patient care, optimizing patient outcomes and developing
      the nursing workforce.

PMID- 22050117
TI  - Chemically isolated graphene nanoribbons reversibly formed in fluorographene
      using polymer nanowire masks.
AB  - We demonstrated the fabrication of graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) as narrow as 35 nm
      created using scanning probe lithography to deposit a polymer mask(1-3) and then
      fluorinating the sample to isolate the masked graphene from the surrounding wide
      band gap fluorographene. The polymer protected the GNR from atmospheric
      adsorbates while the adjacent fluorographene stably p-doped the GNRs which had
      electron mobilities of ~2700 cm2/(V.s). Chemical isolation of the GNR enabled
      resetting the device to nearly pristine graphene.

PMID- 22050115
TI  - Ultrafast photophysics of the isolated indole molecule.
AB  - The relaxation dynamics of the isolated indole molecule has been tracked by
      femtosecond time-resolved ionization. The excitation region explored (283-243 nm)
      covers three excited states: the two pipi* L(b) and L(a) states, and the dark
      pisigma* state with dissociative character. In the low energy region (lambda >
      273 nm) the transients collected reflect the absorption of the long living L(b)
      state. The L(a) state is met 1000-1500 cm(-1) above the L(b) origin, giving rise
      to an ultrafast lifetime of 40 fs caused by the internal conversion to the lower
      L(b) minimum through a conical intersection. An additional ~400 fs component,
      found at excitation wavelengths shorter than 263 nm, is ascribed to dynamics
      along the pisigma* state, which is likely populated through coupling to the
      photoexcited L(a) state. The study provides a general view of the indole
      photophysics, which is driven by the interplay between these three excited
      surfaces and the ground state.

PMID- 22050120
TI  - Cu(bipy)2+/TEMPO-catalyzed oxidation of alcohols: radical or nonradical
      mechanism?
AB  - In the oxidation of alcohols with TEMPO as catalyst, the substrate has
      alternatively been postulated to be oxidized but uncoordinated TEMPO(+)
      (Semmelhack) or Cu-coordinated TEMPO(*) radical (Sheldon). The reaction with the
      Cu(bipy)(2+)/TEMPO cocatalyst system has recently been claimed, on the basis of
      DFT calculations, to not be a radical reaction but to be best viewed as
      electrophilic attack on the alcohol C-H(alpha) bond by coordinated TEMPO(+). This
      mechanism combines elements of the Semmelhack mechanism (oxidation of TEMPO to
      TEMPO(+)) and the Sheldon proposal ("in the coordination sphere of Cu"). The
      recent proposal has been challenged on the basis of DFT calculations with a
      different functional, which were reported to lead to a radical mechanism. We
      carefully examine the results for the two functionals and conclude from both the
      calculated energetics and from an electronic structure analysis that the results
      of the two DFT functionals are consistent and that both lead to the proposed
      mechanism with TEMPO not acting as radical but as (coordinated) positive ion.

PMID- 22050119
TI  - Research needs grants, funding and money--missing something?

PMID- 22050112
TI  - Risk for permanent pacemaker after transcatheter aortic valve implantation: a
      comprehensive analysis of the literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Permanent pacemaker (PM) requirement is a known complication after
      transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). There are, however, no systematic
      data concerning this complication. OBJECTIVE: To determine the incidence and
      potential predictors of permanent PM requirement after TAVI based on published
      literature. METHODS: We conducted a MEDLINE search to identify potentially
      relevant literature dealing with PM requirement after TAVI. Data were collected
      on paper extraction forms by 2 independent investigators. RESULTS: There were 32
      relevant published studies comprising data of 5,258 patients without an implanted
      PM before TAVI. An Edwards-Sapiens(r) prosthesis (ESP) was implanted in 2,887
      patients, whereas 2,371 patients received a CoreValve(r) prosthesis (CVP). The
      crude incidence of PM implantation after TAVI was 15%. Six hundred and fourteen
      of 2,371 (25.8%) CVP patients and 189 of the 2,887 (6.5%) ESP patients had to
      receive a permanent PM (odds ratio [OR] 4.91, 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.12
      5.86, P < 0.001). Presence of right bundle branch block (RBBB) before TAVI was a
      significant predictor for development of complete atrioventricular (AV) block and
      subsequent PM need (OR 1.358, 95% CI 1.001-1.841, P = 0.02). More than 90% of all
      AV-block requiring PM implantation occurred immediately or within 7 days after
      TAVI. CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing TAVI with implantation of CVP are at
      significantly higher risk for development of AV block and subsequent need for
      permanent PM, particularly if RBBB preexists. Since AV block occurs in >90%
      within the first week after the procedure, careful monitoring should be performed
      for at least 7 days after TAVI.

PMID- 22050110
TI  - Clinical significance of steroid and xenobiotic receptor and its targeted gene
      CYP3A4 in human prostate cancer.
AB  - The steroid and xenobiotic receptor (SXR) regulates cytochrome P450 (CYP)
      enzymes, which are key inactivators of testosterone in the liver and prostate. In
      the present study, we investigated SXR expression in human prostate tissues. We
      determined SXR immunoreactivity using an anti-SXR antibody in benign (n = 78) and
      cancerous (n = 106) tissues obtained by radical prostatectomy. Stained slides
      were evaluated for the proportion and staining intensity of immunoreactive cells.
      Total immunoreactivity (IR) scores (range: 0-8) were calculated as the sum of the
      proportion and intensity scores. Associations between the clinicopathological
      features of the patients, SXR status, and CYP3A4 immunoreactivity were analyzed.
      Western blot analyses validated the specificity of the anti-SXR antibody in 293T
      cells transfected with pcDNA-FLAG-SXR. Positive (IR score: >= 2) nuclear SXR
      staining was observed in 91% (71/78) of benign foci and 47% (50/106) of cancerous
      lesions. Immunoreactivity scores were significantly lower in the cancerous
      lesions than in the benign foci (P < 0.0001). Clinicopathological analyses showed
      that cancer-specific survival in patients with high SXR IR scores (>= 4) was
      significantly increased (P = 0.046). Combined data of present and previous
      studies showed that high IR scores for both the SXR and CYP3A4 correlated with
      significantly better cancer-specific survival rates in multivariate regression
      analyses (hazard ratio: 2.15, 95% confidence interval: 1.25-3.55, P = 0.007). We
      showed differential SXR expression in human prostate tissues. The high expression
      of the SXR and CYP3A4 is a strong prognostic indicator of favorable outcomes in
      prostate cancer, and could be a therapeutic target.

PMID- 22050113
TI  - Anti-alpha actinin antibodies as new predictors of response to treatment in
      autoimmune hepatitis type 1.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We reported that combined presence of autoantibodies (Abs) against
      filamentous-actin (AFA) and alpha-actinin are specific for autoimmune hepatitis
      type 1 (AIH-1) diagnosis. AIM: To explore our data and assess whether anti-alpha
      actinin and AFA Abs could be used as indicators of response to treatment and
      predictors of AIH-1 flares in a large cohort of AIH-1 patients. METHODS: Seven
      hundred and sixty-four serial serum samples of 86 consecutive AIH-1 patients, 509
      pathological and 110 normal controls were tested for the presence of anti-alpha
      actinin and AFA Abs by an in-house IgG-specific ELISA and a standardised
      commercially available ELISA respectively. Patients sera were divided into
      baseline group (active disease before treatment initiation, n = 86) and then
      according to treatment response into group A-responders (n = 40 patients), group
      B-relapsers/incomplete responders (n = 37 patients) and group C-not-treated (n =
      9 patients). RESULTS: Anti-alpha-actinin and AFA levels were significantly higher
      at baseline. Double reactivity against alpha-actinin and AFA was associated with
      disease activity (OR 4.9; 95% CI: 2.7-9). Anti-alpha-actinin optical densities
      (ODs) before treatment decreased significantly at first remission (P < 0.05).
      Treatment response was associated with anti-alpha-actinin Abs negativity before
      treatment (OR 3.4; 95% CI: 1.3-8.9) and absence of double positivity for anti
      alpha-actinin and AFA Abs before treatment (OR 3.8; 95% CI: 1.4-10.4). Responders
      had lower baseline levels of anti-alpha-actinin than relapsers and/or incomplete
      responders (P = 0.002). Binary logistic regression revealed lower levels of anti
      alpha-actinin as the only independent predictors of response (P = 0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: Anti-alpha-actinin Abs at baseline appear to predict treatment
      response and therefore they might be used for monitoring treatment outcome in AIH
      1.

PMID- 22050118
TI  - Modeling functional data with spatially heterogeneous shape characteristics.
AB  - We propose a novel class of models for functional data exhibiting skewness or
      other shape characteristics that vary with spatial or temporal location. We use
      copulas so that the marginal distributions and the dependence structure can be
      modeled independently. Dependence is modeled with a Gaussian or t-copula, so that
      there is an underlying latent Gaussian process. We model the marginal
      distributions using the skew t family. The mean, variance, and shape parameters
      are modeled nonparametrically as functions of location. A computationally
      tractable inferential framework for estimating heterogeneous asymmetric or heavy
      tailed marginal distributions is introduced. This framework provides a new set of
      tools for increasingly complex data collected in medical and public health
      studies. Our methods were motivated by and are illustrated with a state-of-the
      art study of neuronal tracts in multiple sclerosis patients and healthy controls.
      Using the tools we have developed, we were able to find those locations along the
      tract most affected by the disease. However, our methods are general and highly
      relevant to many functional data sets. In addition to the application to one
      dimensional tract profiles illustrated here, higher-dimensional extensions of the
      methodology could have direct applications to other biological data including
      functional and structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

PMID- 22050128
TI  - Surface faceting dependence of thermal transport in silicon nanowires.
AB  - Surface faceting on sidewalls is ubiquitously observed during crystal growth of
      semiconductor nanowires. However, predicting the thermal transport
      characteristics of faceted nanowires relevant to thermoelectric applications
      remains challenging. Here, direct molecular dynamics simulations show that
      thermal conductivity is considerably reduced in crystalline <111> Si nanowires
      with periodic sawtooth faceting compared to nanowires of same size with smooth
      sidewalls. It is discovered that surface phonon scattering is particularly high
      with {100} facets, but less pronounced with {113} facets and remarkably low with
      {111} facets, which suggests a new means to optimize phonon dynamics for
      nanoscale thermoelectric devices. This anomaly is reconciled by showing that the
      contribution of each facet to surface phonons is due to diffuse scattering rather
      than to backward scattering. It is further shown that this property is not
      changed by addition of an amorphous shell to the crystalline core, similar to the
      structure of experimental nanowires.

PMID- 22050125
TI  - Effects of the ruminal comminution rate and microbial contamination of particles
      on accuracy of in situ estimates of ruminal degradability and intestinal
      digestibility of feedstuffs.
AB  - Effects of considering the comminution rate (k(c) ) and the correction of
      microbial contamination (using (15) N techniques) of particles in the rumen on
      estimates of ruminally undegraded fractions and their intestinal digestibility
      were examined generating composite samples (from rumen-incubated residues)
      representative of the undegraded feed rumen outflow. The study used sunflower
      meal (SFM) and Italian ryegrass hay (RGH) and three rumen and duodenum cannulated
      wethers fed with a 40:60 RGH to concentrate diet (75 g DM/kgBW(0.75) ). Transit
      studies up to the duodenum with Yb-SFM and Eu-RGH marked samples showed higher
      k(c)  values (/h) in SFM than in RGH (0.577 vs. 0.0892, p = 0.034), whereas
      similar values occurred for the rumen passage rate (k(p) ). Estimates of
      ruminally undegraded and intestinal digestibility of all tested fractions
      decreased when k(c)  was considered and also applying microbial correction. Thus,
      microbial uncorrected k(p) -based proportions of intestinal digested undegraded
      crude protein overestimated those corrected and k(c) -k(p) -based by 39% in SFM
      (0.146 vs. 0.105) and 761% in RGH (0.373 vs. 0.0433). Results show that both k(c)
      and microbial contamination correction should be considered to obtain accurate
      in situ estimates in grasses, whereas in protein concentrates not considering
      k(c)  is an important source of error.

PMID- 22050123
TI  - Copper quantum clusters in protein matrix: potential sensor of Pb2+ ion.
AB  - A one-pot synthesis of extremely stable, water-soluble Cu quantum clusters (QCs)
      capped with a model protein, bovine serum albumin (BSA), is reported. From matrix
      assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass
      spectrometry, we assign the clusters to be composed of Cu(5) and Cu(13) cores.
      The QCs also show luminescence properties having excitation and emission maxima
      at 325 and 410 nm, respectively, with a quantum yield of 0.15, which are found to
      be different from that of protein alone in similar experimental conditions. The
      quenching of luminescence of the protein-capped Cu QCs in the presence of very
      low hydrogen peroxide concentration (approximately nanomolar, or less than part
      per-billion) reflects the efficacy of the QCs as a potential sensing material in
      biological environments. Moreover, as-prepared Cu QCs can detect highly toxic
      Pb(2+) ions in water, even at the part-per-million level, without suffering any
      interference from other metal ions.

PMID- 22050124
TI  - Dynamic measurements of mitochondrial hydrogen peroxide concentration and
      glutathione redox state in rat pancreatic beta-cells using ratiometric
      fluorescent proteins: confounding effects of pH with HyPer but not roGFP1.
AB  - Using the ROS (reactive oxygen species)-sensitive fluorescent dyes
      dichlorodihydrofluorescein and dihydroethidine, previous studies yielded opposite
      results about the glucose regulation of oxidative stress in insulin-secreting
      pancreatic beta-cells. In the present paper, we used the ratiometric fluorescent
      proteins HyPer and roGFP1 (redox-sensitive green fluorescent protein 1) targeted
      to mitochondria [mt-HyPer (mitochondrial HyPer)/mt-roGFP1 (mitochondrial roGFP1)]
      to monitor glucose-induced changes in mitochondrial hydrogen peroxide
      concentration and glutathione redox state in adenovirus-infected rat islet cell
      clusters. Because of the reported pH sensitivity of HyPer, the results were
      compared with those obtained with the mitochondrial pH sensors mt-AlpHi and mt
      SypHer. The fluorescence ratio of the mitochondrial probes slowly decreased (mt
      HyPer) or increased (mt-roGFP1) in the presence of 10 mmol/l glucose. Besides its
      expected sensitivity to H2O2, mt-HyPer was also highly pH sensitive. In
      agreement, changes in mitochondrial metabolism similarly affected mt-HyPer, mt
      AlpHi and mt-SypHer fluorescence signals. In contrast, the mt-roGFP1 fluorescence
      ratio was only slightly affected by pH and reversibly increased when glucose was
      lowered from 10 to 2 mmol/l. This increase was abrogated by the catalytic
      antioxidant Mn(III) tetrakis (4-benzoic acid) porphyrin but not by N-acetyl-L
      cysteine. In conclusion, due to its pH sensitivity, mt-HyPer is not a reliable
      indicator of mitochondrial H2O2 in beta-cells. In contrast, the mt-roGFP1
      fluorescence ratio monitors changes in beta-cell mitochondrial glutathione redox
      state with little interference from pH changes. Our results also show that
      glucose acutely decreases rather than increases mitochondrial thiol oxidation in
      rat beta-cells.

PMID- 22050122
TI  - The effect of green tea polyphenols on macrophage migration inhibitory factor
      associated steroid resistance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recently, evidence has been obtained to suggest that inflammation is
      provoked through upregulation of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF)
      expression by steroids. However, little is known regarding the effect of steroids
      on MIF expression in human keratinocytes and the counter-effect of
      epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a member of the class of green tea
      polyphenols. OBJECTIVES: We determined whether or not steroids cause the
      upregulation of MIF in human keratinocytes, and if so, whether or not EGCG
      suppresses MIF upregulation in keratinocytes by steroids. We then assessed the
      effects of EGCG on MIF-induced Th-related chemokine and cytokine expression in
      keratinocytes. METHODS: HaCaT keratinocytes were first treated with dexamethasone
      in the presence or absence of EGCG in the culture medium. The keratinocytes were
      then treated with recombinant human (rh)-MIF in the presence or absence of EGCG
      in the culture medium. The expression of mRNA and protein in Th-related cytokines
      and chemokines, including MIF in the keratinocytes, was measured by real-time
      reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting and enzyme
      linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: Dexamethasone significantly enhanced MIF
      expression in human keratinocytes, and EGCG significantly downregulated the
      expression of dexamethasone-induced MIF. EGCG also significantly downregulated rh
      MIF-induced expression of Th-related cytokines and chemokines, such as
      interleukin (IL)-6, IL-18, transforming growth factor-beta, CCL17, CCL22 and
      CXCL10, in human keratinocytes. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrated that EGCG
      may have a novel pharmacological effect to prevent steroid-induced tachyphylaxis
      and inflammation by suppressing the expression of MIF in human keratinocytes.

PMID- 22050129
TI  - Molecular structure encodes nanoscale assemblies: understanding driving forces in
      electrostatic self-assembly.
AB  - Supramolecular nanoparticles represent a key field in recent research as their
      synthesis through self-assembly is straightforward and they often can respond to
      external triggers. A fundamental understanding of structure-directing factors is
      highly desirable for a targeted structure design. This contribution demonstrates
      a quantitative relation between the size of supramolecular self-assembled
      nanoparticles and the free energy of association. Nanoparticles are prepared by
      electrostatic self-assembly of cationic polyelectrolyte dendrimers as model
      macroions and oppositely charged di- and trivalent organic dye molecules relying
      on the combination of electrostatic and pi-pi-interactions. A systematic set of
      sulfonate-group carrying azo-dyes was synthesized. Light scattering and zeta
      potential measurements on the resulting nanoparticles yield hydrodynamic radii
      between 20 nm < R(H) < 50 nm and positive zeta-potential values indicating a
      positive particle charge. Studies on dye self-aggregation and dendrimer-dye
      association by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and UV-vis spectroscopy
      allow for the correlation of the thermodynamic parameters of dendrimer-dye
      association with the size of the particles, showing that at least a free energy
      gain of DeltaG ~ - 32 kJ mol(-1) is necessary to induce dendrimer
      interconnection. Structural features of the azo dyes causing these to favor or
      prevent nanoparticle formation have been identified. The dye-dye-interaction was
      found to be the key factor in particle size control. A simple model yields a
      quantitative relation between the free energy and the particle sizes, allowing
      for predicting the latter based on thermodynamic measurements. Hence, a set of
      different molecular "building bricks" can be defined where the choice of building
      block determines the resulting assembly size.

PMID- 22050130
TI  - A questionnaire study on parasite control practices on UK breeding Thoroughbred
      studs.
AB  - REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY: Improved education of veterinarians and equine
      owners/managers is essential in implementing parasite control strategies that are
      less reliant on chemicals. METHODS: This questionnaire study, conducted on 61 UK
      Thoroughbred (TB) establishments during 2009 and 2010, was designed to obtain an
      understanding of current helminth control practices on studs. To our knowledge,
      this is the first occasion that statements obtained from TB studs via
      questionnaire have been supported by statistical analysis. RESULTS: Despite many
      respondents indicating high levels of concern regarding anthelmintic resistance,
      56% of these establishments that received visiting equines co-grazed these
      animals with permanent stock and <74% administered anthelmintics prior to
      integration. In the 12 months preceding the study, most respondents administered
      frequent macrocyclic lactone (ML) treatments, with none appearing to leave any
      animals in groups untreated at each administration. Indiscriminate whole group
      treatments with MLs and movement of animals to 'clean grazing' post treatment
      (reported by >25% of respondents), indicates that many stud owners/managers are
      not aware of the strong risk factors for the development of anthelmintic
      resistance. Few studs had conducted faecal egg count (FEC) analysis in the past
      and only 22% indicated that they considered this form of analysis beneficial in
      determining anthelmintic choice. CONCLUSIONS AND POTENTIAL RELEVANCE: The
      challenge now is to convince stud owners/managers to deviate from their current
      practices to control strategies that are more likely to preserve anthelmintic
      efficacy. Veterinarians need to get more involved in implementing these control
      strategies, with better emphasis placed on the role of diagnostic tests in
      facilitating targeted treatments and in investigating anthelmintic sensitivity in
      the associated nematode populations.

PMID- 22050135
TI  - IBS: transforming our governance.
AB  - After more than 60 years, the Legislative Council overwhelming approved a revised
      governance structure for the International Biometric Society (IBS) to take effect
      from 1 January 2012. Responsibility for the governance and leadership of the
      society will be combined and placed in the hands of an Executive Board, supported
      by a much larger Representative Council. The Representative Council will be
      composed of members selected by the different regions (or geographical
      components) of the society. It will be responsible for overseeing the nomination
      and election (by the whole society) of the Executive Board and provide the
      conduit between the regions and this leadership team. Members of the
      Representative Council will also chair the Standing Committees. The transition
      process to the new governance structure is outlined, as are focus issues for the
      next decade.

PMID- 22050132
TI  - The effect of sports specialization on musculus quadriceps function after
      exercise-induced muscle damage.
AB  - The primary aim of the present study was to examine the effect of eccentric
      exercise-induced (100 submaximal eccentric contractions at an angular velocity of
      60 degrees  s-1, with 20-s rest intervals) muscle damage on peripheral and
      central fatigue of quadriceps muscle in well-trained long-distance runners,
      sprint runners, volleyball players, and untrained subjects. We found that (i)
      indirect symptoms of exercise-induced muscle damage (prolonged decrease in
      maximal voluntary contraction, isokinetic concentric torque, and electrically
      induced (20 Hz) torque) were most evident in untrained subjects, while there were
      no significant differences in changes of muscle soreness and plasma creatine
      kinase 48 h after eccentric exercise between athletes and untrained subjects;
      (ii) low-frequency fatigue was greater in untrained subjects and volleyball
      players than in sprint runners and long-distance runners; (iii) in all subjects,
      electrically induced (100 Hz) torque decreased significantly by about 20%, while
      central activation ratio decreased significantly by about 8% in untrained
      subjects and sprint runners, and by about 3%-5% in long-distance runners and
      volleyball players. Thus, trained subjects showed greater resistance to exercise
      induced muscle damage for most markers, and long-distance runners had no
      advantage over sprint runners or volleyball players.

PMID- 22050127
TI  - Contact allergy to methylchoroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI):
      findings from a contact dermatitis unit.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Several preservatives are currently allowed in cosmetic products in
      the EU. However, only a few of them are strongly represented on the market:
      formaldehyde, parabens, formaldehyde releasers and
      methylchoroisothiazolinone/methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI). MCI/MI has been widely
      used during recent years for the preservation of aqueous systems in cosmetics,
      toiletries and in several industrial applications. OBJECTIVE: To describe the
      frequency of contact allergy to (MCI/MI) in a contact dermatitis unit. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted including all patients submitted
      to patch testing, from January 2007 to December 2009. RESULTS: In total, 629
      consecutive patients with a clinical diagnosis of contact dermatitis were patch
      tested over a period of 3 years. The frequency of positive reaction to MCI/MI was
      2.4% (15/629). Of the positive patients, 26.5% (4/15) gave a history of atopy.
      The dermatitis was generalized in 4 patients (26.5%), localized to the head and
      neck in 3 patients, and involved hands or feet in 9 patients. Other allergen
      sensitivities were found to occur simultaneously in the majority of cases: two
      patients (2/15) were allergic to fragrance mix 1 (FM1) and one (1/15) was
      allergic to fragrance mix 2 (FM2) as well as two (2/15) were allergic to chromium
      and three (3/15) were allergic to nickel. In 80% of the cases (12/15), the
      reaction was judged to be of current relevance for products used in personal
      hygiene. CONCLUSION: The frequency of positive reactions to MCI/MI reported in
      our study is in the middle range thus far reported in European series in the
      literature. MCI/MI is a very common biocide for use by the general public at the
      established allowed concentration, which has been subject of successive measures
      of regulation considering the compound's current nearly ubiquitous presence in
      cosmetics. Certain factors appear to increase the risk of sensitization, namely
      chronic dermatitis and the frequent use of leave-on products containing MCI/MI by
      these patients.

PMID- 22050126
TI  - Preparation of stable electroneutral nanoparticles of sodium dodecyl sulfate and
      branched poly(ethylenimine) in the presence of pluronic F108 copolymer.
AB  - Mixing of polyelectrolyte solutions with solutions of oppositely charged
      surfactants usually leads to phase separation in a certain concentration range.
      However, since the charge-neutralized polyelectrolyte/surfactant nanoparticles
      might be utilized as versatile nanocarriers of different substances, it would be
      desirable to prevent their aggregation for some applications. As it was revealed
      in earlier investigations, the complete suppression of precipitation may be
      achieved only in mixtures of ionic surfactants and appropriate copolymer
      polyelectrolytes with nonionic and ionic blocks. In this work, we present a
      method that could prevent phase separation in mixtures of homopolyelectrolytes
      and oppositely charged surfactants. Specifically, it is shown that nonaggregating
      electroneutral nanocomplexes of branched poly(ethylenimine) (PEI) and sodium
      dodecyl sulfate (SDS) can be prepared in the presence of the amphiphilic triblock
      copolymer Pluronic F108, provided that an adequate mixing protocol is used for
      preparation of the PEI/SDS/F108 mixtures.

PMID- 22050140
TI  - The rare occurrence of three subungual melanomas in one patient.
AB  - Subungual melanoma commonly presents with solitary longitudinal melanonychia.
      Herein, we report the case of a patient with subungual melanoma who developed
      involvement of three digits by three independent primary melanomas. A 98-year-old
      male patient presented with a two-year history of longitudinal melanonychia on
      three different fingernails. Histopathologically, all three lesions were proved
      to be melanoma. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case in which three
      subungual melanomas developed in one patient. Our case indicates that that not
      all examples of multiple longitudinal melanonychia represent benign lesions.

PMID- 22050133
TI  - The effect of branched chain amino acids on psychomotor performance during
      treadmill exercise of changing intensity simulating a soccer game.
AB  - The present study was designed to determine changes in the multiple-choice
      reaction time (MRT) during treadmill running simulating locomotor activity during
      a soccer game and to examine the effect of branched chain amino acids (BCAA)
      ingestion on psychomotor performance during the effort. Ten male soccer players
      were submitted to BCAA and placebo trials at 1-week intervals in a randomized
      order. BCAA (7 g) or placebo were given 1 h before exercise in a double blind
      manner. The running test consisted of two 45 min exercise bouts separated by a 15
      min passive rest period and the whole test ended with 20-min active recovery.
      Running-walking speed changed from 0 to 6.4 m.s-1 according to the time-motion
      analysis of soccer match. During the test, blood samples were taken for lactate,
      glucose, free fatty acid, and catecholamine determination. Following placebo
      treatment, MRT shortened from 320 +/- 18 to 271 +/- 11 ms (p < 0.001) during the
      first exercise bout then it increased during the resting break to 303 +/- 138 ms
      (p < 0.05). During the second bout, MRT decreased to 280 +/- 13 ms (p < 0.001).
      During active recovery, further shortening of MRT was noted. During BCAA trial,
      MRT was shorter than during placebo trial by ~10% (p < 0.05) before and during
      exercise. No significant differences were found between BCAA and placebo trials
      in biochemical indices. It is concluded that BCAA supplementation might be
      recommended in sport activities that change in intensity and require quick
      responses to external signals (e.g., soccer and other team games).

PMID- 22050137
TI  - Nurse-administered propofol sedation for gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures:
      first Nordic results from implementation of a structured training program.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Proper training to improve safety of NAPS (nurse-administered
      propofol sedation) is essential. OBJECTIVE: To communicate our experience with a
      training program of NAPS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 2007, a training program was
      introduced for endoscopists and endoscopy nurses in collaboration with the
      Department of Anaesthesiology. During a 2.5-year period, eight nurses were
      trained. Propofol was given as monotherapy. The training program for nurses
      consisted of a 6-week course including theoretical and practical training whereas
      the training program for endoscopists consisted of 2.5 h of theory. Patients were
      selected based on strict criteria including patients in ASA (American Society of
      Anesthesiologists) group I-III. RESULTS: 2527 patients undergoing 2.656
      gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures were included. The patients were ASA group
      I, II and III in 34.7%, 56% and 9,3%, respectively. Median dose of propofol was
      300 mg. No mortality was noted. 119 of 2527 patients developed short lasting
      hypoxia (4.7%); 61 (2.4%) needed suction; 22 (0.9%) required bag-mask ventilation
      and 8 (0.3%) procedures had to be discontinued. In 11 patients (0.4%), anesthetic
      assistance was called due to short lasting desaturation. 34 patients (1.3%)
      experienced a change in blood pressure greater than 30%. CONCLUSION: NAPS
      provided by properly trained nurses according to the present protocol is safe and
      only associated with a minor risk (short lasting hypoxia 4.7%). National or
      international structured training programs are at present few or non-existing.
      The present training program has documented its value and is suggested as the
      basis for the current development of guidelines.

PMID- 22050136
TI  - Single-institution experience with solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of the
      pancreas.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Solid pseudopapillary neoplasm (SPN) of the pancreas is a rare
      clinical entity. The objective of this study was to review a single institution's
      experience with this uncommon tumor, as well as review the literature. MATERIAL
      AND METHODS: Consecutive patients, who underwent surgery for a pathologically
      confirmed SPN between 1991 and 2010, were retrospectively reviewed. A PubMed
      search (January 1980-June 2011) was conducted to identify risk factors for death
      among SPN patients. RESULTS: The institutional review identified 16 patients with
      SPN. Thirteen patients were female and three patients were male (median age 34
      years). All patients underwent radical resection. Two patients had metastatic
      disease at the time of operation as evident by the presence of lymph node
      metastasis and gallbladder metastasis. One developed liver metastasis 4 months
      postoperatively and subsequently died. The other patient received adjuvant
      chemotherapy (gemcitabine and capecitabine), and 23 months after the initial
      operation, no tumor recurrence was detected and the patient is still alive. All
      other patients remain disease-free. Analysis of 29 fatalities reported in the
      English literature (including the present case) revealed several atypical
      features including male gender, old age, tumor size >5 cm, diffuse growth
      pattern, cellular or nuclear atypia, high mitotic rate, extensive necrosis,
      extrapancreatic invasion, metastasis and incomplete resection. CONCLUSIONS: SPN
      is not always indolent. Male patients and those with old age, atypical
      histopathology (large tumors, diffuse growth, cellular/nuclear atypia, mitotic
      activity, necrosis, invasion/metastasis) and incomplete resection may have a
      higher risk of recurrence and death, deserving particular attention.

PMID- 22050143
TI  - Diagnosis, therapy, and prevention of common infectious diseases in the cat.

PMID- 22050142
TI  - Diagnosis, therapy, and prevention of common infectious diseases in the dog.

PMID- 22050139
TI  - Silver distribution and release from an antimicrobial denture base resin
      containing silver colloidal nanoparticles.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate a denture base resin containing
      silver colloidal nanoparticles through morphological analysis to check the
      distribution and dispersion of these particles in the polymer and by testing the
      silver release in deionized water at different time periods. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: A Lucitone 550 denture resin was used, and silver nanoparticles were
      synthesized by reduction of silver nitrate with sodium citrate. The acrylic resin
      was prepared in accordance with the manufacturers' instructions, and silver
      nanoparticle suspension was added to the acrylic resin monomer in different
      concentrations (0.05, 0.5, and 5 vol% silver colloidal). Controls devoid of
      silver nanoparticles were included. The specimens were stored in deionized water
      at 37 degrees C for 7, 15, 30, 60, and 120 days, and each solution was analyzed
      using atomic absorption spectroscopy. RESULTS: Silver was not detected in
      deionized water regardless of the silver nanoparticles added to the resin and of
      the storage period. Micrographs showed that with lower concentrations, the
      distribution of silver nanoparticles was reduced, whereas their dispersion was
      improved in the polymer. Moreover, after 120 days of storage, nanoparticles were
      mainly located on the surface of the nanocomposite specimens. CONCLUSIONS:
      Incorporation of silver nanoparticles in the acrylic resin was evidenced.
      Moreover, silver was not detected by the detection limit of the atomic absorption
      spectrophotometer used in this study, even after 120 days of storage in deionized
      water. Silver nanoparticles are incorporated in the PMMA denture resin to attain
      an effective antimicrobial material to help control common infections involving
      oral mucosal tissues in complete denture wearers.

PMID- 22050131
TI  - Is peak oxygen uptake a determinant of moderate-duration self-paced exercise
      performance in the heat?
AB  - This study aimed to identify whether reductions in peak oxygen uptake (VO2(peak))
      dictate performance outcomes during 30 min of self-paced exercise in the heat,
      which is expected to induce minimal hyperthermia. On 4 occasions, 11 male
      subjects completed peak and self-paced exercise in both hot (HOT, 40.2 +/- 0.3 
      degrees C) and moderate (MOD; 20.4 +/- 0.7  degrees C) conditions. During peak
      exercise, submaximal oxygen uptake (VO2) was ~8% higher in HOT, but VO2(peak)
      (MOD, 4.64 +/- 0.83 L.min-1; HOT, 4.54 +/- 0.77 L.min-1) and peak cardiac output
      (Q(peak)) were similar. Self-paced exercise performance was reduced by ~21% in
      HOT. VO2 was similar through 15 min, but lower in HOT thereafter. Relative to
      MOD, this represented a higher and lower %VO2(peak) during the initial and latter
      stages. Cardiac output was similar in both trials (MOD, 31.6 +/- 6.6 L.min-1;
      HOT, 30.1 +/- 6.0 L.min-1), representing a similar percentage of Q(peak)
      throughout. Rectal temperature was similar in both conditions until 30 min (MOD,
      38.5 +/- 0.3  degrees C; HOT, 38.7 +/- 0.3  degrees C), while skin temperature
      was higher throughout in HOT (mean: MOD, 32.4 +/- 1.1  degrees C; HOT, 37.3 +/-
      0.4  degrees C). Perceived exertion rose similarly in both conditions, while
      thermal discomfort was higher in HOT. These data indicate that when only skin
      temperature is elevated, reductions in exercise performance during moderate
      duration self-paced exercise are not associated with changes in VO2(peak).
      Rather, increases in VO2 at a given submaximal external workload and (or) thermal
      discomfort appear to play a larger role.

PMID- 22050141
TI  - Randomised clinical trial: the efficacy of treatment, guided by a shorter
      duration of response, using peginterferon alfa-2a plus ribavirin for hepatitis C
      virus other than genotypes 2 or 3.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The efficacy of individualised antiviral treatment durations for
      chronic hepatitis C remains unclear. AIM: To evaluate treatment durations based
      on virological responses at week 4, 8 and 12 of peginterferon alfa-2a plus
      ribavirin therapy. METHODS: Previously untreated patients with HCV genotypes,
      other than 2 or 3, initiated therapy with peginterferon alfa-2a 180 MUg/week plus
      ribavirin 1000-1400 mg/day. HCV-RNA-negative patients at week 4 rapid virological
      response (RVR) were randomised to 24 or 48 weeks of treatment; those negative at
      week 8 were randomised to 36 or 48 weeks; and those who were negative or had a >=
      2-log drop at week 12 were randomised to 72 or 48 weeks. Sustained virological
      response (SVR) was defined as undetectable HCV-RNA after 24 weeks of follow-up.
      RESULTS: The study was terminated prematurely due to lagging enrollment. Of 236
      patients who started treatment, 195 were randomised at week 4 (n = 50), 8 (n =
      61) or 12 (n = 84). Ninety-five per cent of patients had genotype 1. SVR rates
      were not significantly different between patients randomised to 24 (84%) or 48
      weeks (84%) at week 4, to 36 (73%) or 48 weeks (74%) at week 8, or to 48 (49%) or
      72 weeks (40%) at week 12. CONCLUSIONS: In this predominantly genotype 1 cohort,
      shortening therapy to 24 weeks in patients with a week-4 response and 36 weeks in
      those with a week-8 response produced SVR rates that were similar to a 48-week
      regimen. Lengthening treatment to 72 weeks did not improve SVR rates. Genotype 1
      patients with RVR can be treated for 24 weeks.

PMID- 22050149
TI  - Diagnosis, pathogenesis, and treatment of neck lesions in cats.

PMID- 22050138
TI  - Preclinical antitumor activity of the novel heat shock protein 90 inhibitor
      CH5164840 against human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-overexpressing
      cancers.
AB  - Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90), a molecular chaperone that plays a significant
      role in the stability and maturation of client proteins, including oncogenic
      targets for cell transformation, proliferation, and survival, is an attractive
      target for cancer therapy. We identified the novel Hsp90 inhibitor, CH5164840,
      and investigated its induction of oncogenic client protein degradation,
      antiproliferative activity, and apoptosis against an NCI-N87 gastric cancer cell
      line and a BT-474 breast cancer cell line. Interestingly, CH5164840 demonstrated
      tumor selectivity both in vitro and in vivo, binding to tumor Hsp90 (which forms
      active multiple chaperone complexes) in vitro, and being distributed effectively
      to tumors in a mouse model, which, taken together, supports the decreased levels
      of phosphorylated Akt by CH5164840 that we observed in tumor tissues, but not in
      normal tissues. As well as being well tolerated, the oral administration of
      CH5164840 exhibited potent antitumor efficacy with regression in NCI-N87 and BT
      474 tumor xenograft models. In addition, CH5164840 significantly enhanced
      antitumor efficacy against gastric and breast cancer models when combined with
      the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-targeted agents, trastuzumab
      and lapatinib. These data demonstrate the potent antitumor efficacy of CH5164840
      when administered alone, and its significant combination efficacy when combined
      with trastuzumab or lapatinib, supporting the clinical development of CH5164840
      as an Hsp90 inhibitor for combination therapy with HER2-targeted agents against
      HER2-overexpressing tumors.

PMID- 22050134
TI  - Muscle damage slows oxygen uptake kinetics during moderate-intensity exercise
      performed at high pedal rate.
AB  - This study aimed to investigate the dependence of oxygen uptake (VO2) kinetics on
      pedal cadence during moderate-intensity exercise following exercise-induced
      muscle damage (EIMD). Twenty untrained males were randomly assigned to a 50
      revolution per minute (rpm) (age, 23.3 +/- 1.8 years; VO2(max), 38.9 +/- 2.8
      mL.kg-1.min-1) or 100 rpm group (age, 24.4 +/- 3.5 years, VO2(max), 42.9 +/- 4.3
      mL.kg-1.min-1). Participants completed "step" tests to moderate-intensity
      exercise from an unloaded baseline on a cycle ergometer before (baseline) and at
      24 and 48 h after muscle-damaging exercise (10 sets of 10 eccentric contractions
      performed on an isokinetic dynamometer with a 2-min rest between each set). Pedal
      cadence was kept constant throughout each cycling trial (50 or 100 rpm). There
      were no changes in phase II pulmonary VO2 kinetics following EIMD for the 50 rpm
      group (baseline = 35 +/- 4 s; 24 h = 35 +/- 7 s; and 48 h = 36 +/- 9 s). However,
      the phase II VO2 was significantly greater at 24 h (59 +/- 27 s) compared with
      baseline (39 +/- 6 s) and 48 h (40 +/- 9 s) for the 100 rpm group. It is
      concluded that the effects of EIMD on phase II VO2 kinetics during moderate
      intensity cycling exercise is dependent on pedal cadence. The slower VO2 kinetics
      after muscle damage suggests that type II fibers are involved during transition
      to moderate-intensity exercise at high pedal cadence.

PMID- 22050150
TI  - Diffuse neuromuscular disorders.

PMID- 22050148
TI  - Aspects of obstetric care in the dog.

PMID- 22050145
TI  - Cat scratch disease.

PMID- 22050146
TI  - Toxocarosis in dogs and cats.

PMID- 22050147
TI  - Canine pediatrics.

PMID- 22050155
TI  - Evaluation of pet foods.

PMID- 22050152
TI  - Prognostic factors for malignant lymphoma in the dog: An update.

PMID- 22050153
TI  - Growth and growth hormone in the dog.

PMID- 22050151
TI  - Seizures and behavioral abnormalities in dogs and cats with neurological
      dysfunction.

PMID- 22050154
TI  - Recent advances in dietary management of hepatic diseases.

PMID- 22050144
TI  - Some aspects of vaccination in companion animal practice.

PMID- 22050157
TI  - Ultrasonography of the thoracic cavity.

PMID- 22050156
TI  - Calcium chloride as urinary acidifier in relation to its potential use in the
      prevention of struvite urolithiasis in the cat.

PMID- 22050158
TI  - An introduction to ultrasonographic imaging.

PMID- 22050159
TI  - Basic principles of abdominal radiography.

PMID- 22050160
TI  - Diseases and management of pet fishes.

PMID- 22050161
TI  - Differential approach to house-soiling by dogs and cats.

PMID- 22050162
TI  - Differential approach to aggression by dogs and cats.

PMID- 22050163
TI  - Pathological anticipatory defence behavior in dogs.

PMID- 22050164
TI  - Fly snapping syndrome in dogs.

PMID- 22050165
TI  - Social behavior of wolves and dogs.

PMID- 22050166
TI  - Commonly encountered feline behavior problems.

PMID- 22050167
TI  - Dogs have feelings.

PMID- 22050168
TI  - Disciplinary law.

PMID- 22050169
TI  - What does vaccination mean to your clients?

PMID- 22050170
TI  - Marketing in my practice.

PMID- 22050171
TI  - For or against lens implantation in dogs.

PMID- 22050172
TI  - Ct and ultrasonographic diagnosis of canine hydrocephalus.

PMID- 22050173
TI  - Diabetes insipidus in a dog with an alphaMSH-producing pituitary tumor.

PMID- 22050174
TI  - Mycosis fungoides: A dermatological puzzle.

PMID- 22050175
TI  - Coccidioidomycosis in a dog.

PMID- 22050177
TI  - Osteoprotegerin is associated with cardiovascular risk in hypertension and/or
      diabetes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Osteoprotegerin (OPG), a secreted member of the tumour necrosis
      factor receptor superfamily of cytokines, has been associated with endothelial
      dysfunction. We studied in type 2 diabetic and/or hypertensive patients the
      relationship between serum OPG and vascular alterations associated with these
      pathologies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analysed 191 consecutive patients (52 with
      type 2 diabetes and 139 hypertensive nondiabetic patients) and 54 healthy
      controls. We assessed the relationship of OPG serum levels measured by ELISA with
      basal glycaemia, glycosylated haemoglobin, blood pressure, endothelial
      dysfunction (assessed by pulse wave velocity), retinopathy (by Keith-Wagener
      classification), left ventricular hypertrophy (by Cornell index), cardiovascular
      risk and target organs (heart, vascular, kidney) damage. RESULTS: Serum OPG
      levels were higher in either hypertensive or diabetic patients and in patients
      with non-dipper and riser circadian blood pressure patterns. We found significant
      correlations between OPG levels and age, height, glycaemia, systolic, diastolic
      and pulse blood pressure, pulse wave velocity and left ventricular hypertrophy in
      both hypertensive and diabetic patients. OPG levels were also higher in
      hypertensive patients with retinopathy, patients with high probability of 10-year
      cardiovascular risk, patients with three or more damaged target organs (heart,
      vessels, kidneys) and patients with previous episodes of ischaemic cardiopathy or
      hypercholesterolaemia. CONCLUSIONS: Osteoprotegerin is an indicator of diabetes-
      and hypertension-associated vascular pathologies as endothelial dysfunction and
      cardiovascular risk.

PMID- 22050178
TI  - Polarizing animal cells via mRNA localization in oogenesis and early development.
AB  - The localization of mRNAs in developing animal cells is essential for
      establishing cellular polarity and setting up the body plan for subsequent
      development. Cellular and molecular mechanisms by which maternal mRNAs are
      localized during oogenesis have been extensively studied in Drosophila and
      Xenopus. In contrast, evidence for mechanisms used in the localization of mRNAs
      encoded by developmentally important genes has also been accumulating in several
      other organisms. This offers the opportunity to unravel the fundamental
      mechanisms of mRNA localization shared among many species, as well as unique
      mechanisms specifically acquired or retained by animals based on their
      developmental needs. In addition to maternal mRNAs, the localization of
      zygotically expressed mRNAs in the cells of cleaving embryos is also important
      for early development. In this review, mRNA localization dynamics in the
      oocytes/eggs of Drosophila and Xenopus are first summarized, and evidence for
      localized mRNAs in the oocytes/eggs and cleaving embryos of other organisms is
      then presented.

PMID- 22050179
TI  - Efficacy of risperidone in children with disruptive behavioural disorders.
AB  - This study aims to review the evidence for the efficacy of risperidone in the
      treatment of disruptive behavioural disorders (DBDs) in children and adolescents.
      Established databases were searched using the terms 'Risperidone and efficacy and
      children' and 'Risperidone and efficacy and adolescents'. Randomised, double
      blind controlled studies were retained for analysis. Janseen-Cilag was contacted
      to identify any unpublished studies. Quality of studies was measured using Jadad
      scores. Seven studies of 657 subjects with a mean age of 9.9 years (SD= 2.0)
      (range 4-18 years) were identified. Only one study was judged to use the highest
      quality of methodology according to the Jadad score. Patients with DBD who were
      treated with risperidone showed clinical improvement compared with placebo.
      Weight gain, somnolence and gastrointestinal complaints were common. Risperidone
      was found to be efficacious in reducing symptoms in children and adolescents with
      DBD. However, studies were mostly of short duration and had deficiencies in the
      descriptions of blinding and randomisation. Research using rigorous methodology
      examining the long-term outcomes of efficacy and safety are required to inform
      clinicians and families of the therapeutic benefits and risks of risperidone in
      this clinical population.

PMID- 22050180
TI  - The Chinese Youth Attitudes toward Young Drug Users scale: an initial scale
      development and refinement.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Little is known about adolescents' perspectives of young
      drug users, especially in the Chinese context. This study aimed to develop a
      scale to measure Chinese youth attitudes toward young drug users. DESIGN AND
      METHODS: Initially, a total of 26 non-at-risk and at-risk adolescents (15 male
      and 11 female) aged 13 to 20 years were interviewed in five separate focus group
      sessions to explore their general views of young drug users. At-risk youths
      recruited in this study were adolescents who previously had contact with the
      juvenile justice system. The responses of these 26 adolescents were documented,
      and subsequently 25 items were generated out of the respondents' common themes.
      These 25 items were then surveyed in a group of 137 secondary school-aged
      adolescents (68 male and 69 female), ranging 13 to 17 years, to examine its
      underlying factor structure for further scale refinement, with the use of the
      exploratory factor analysis. RESULTS: A five-factor structure with 12 items was
      ultimately selected for the Chinese Youth Attitudes toward Young Drug Users
      (CYAYDU) scale. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: This newly developed scale is
      anticipated to provide utility in the social work settings, especially for youth
      social workers to assist in providing effective social services to young drug
      users. Despite the promising strength of the CYAYDU scale, further validation
      with large sample size is needed.

PMID- 22050181
TI  - Dynamics of structure formation in a discotic liquid crystal by infrared
      spectroscopy and related techniques.
AB  - The dynamics of the herringbone structure formation have been studied in a
      monobromo hexa-peri-hexabenzocoronene derivative by infrared spectroscopy and
      complementary techniques. Selective probing of the vibration modes corresponding
      to the aromatic core and the alkyl chains, allowed investigation of their role in
      the phase transformation dynamics over an extraordinarily broad time-window (1
      10(5) s). Identical kinetics were found suggesting that both the core and the
      alkyl chains simultaneously drive the system from the undercooled liquid
      crystalline to the crystalline phase with the herringbone structure.

PMID- 22050182
TI  - Anti-proliferative effect of rosiglitazone on angiotensin II-induced vascular
      smooth muscle cell proliferation is mediated by the mTOR pathway.
AB  - VSMC (vascular smooth muscle cell) proliferation contributes significantly to
      intimal thickening in atherosclerosis, restenosis and venous bypass graft
      diseases. Ang II (angiotensin II) has been implicated in VSMC proliferation
      though the activation of multiple growth-promoting signals. Although TZDs
      (thiazolidinediones) can inhibit VSMC proliferation and reduce Ang II-induced
      fibrosis, the mechanism underlying the inhibition of VSMC proliferation and
      fibrosis needs elucidation. We have used primary cultured rat aortic VSMCs and
      specific antibodies to investigate the inhibitory mechanism of rosiglitazone on
      Ang II-induced VSMC proliferation. Rosiglitazone treatment significantly
      inhibited Ang II-induced rat aortic VSMC proliferation in a dose-dependent
      manner. Western blot analysis showed that rosiglitazone significantly lowered
      phosphorylated ERK1/2 (extracellular-signal-regulated kinase 1/2), Akt (also
      known as protein kinase B), mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin), p70S6K (70 kDa
      S6 kinase) and 4EBP1 (eukaryotic initiation factor 4E-binding protein) levels in
      Ang II-treated VSMCs. In addition, PPAR-gamma (peroxisome-proliferator-activated
      receptor gamma) mRNA increased significantly and CTGF (connective tissue growth
      factor), Fn (fibronectin) and Col III (collagen III) levels decreased
      significantly. The results demonstrate that the rosiglitazone directly inhibits
      the pro-atherosclerotic effect of Ang II on rat aortic VSMCs. It also attenuates
      Ang II-induced ECM (extracellular matrix) molecules and CTGF production in rat
      aortic VSMCs, reducing fibrosis. Importantly, PPAR-gamma activation mediates
      these effects, in part, through the mTOR-p70S6K and -4EBP1 system.

PMID- 22050183
TI  - Highly sensitive elemental analysis for Cd and Pb by liquid electrode plasma
      atomic emission spectrometry with quartz glass chip and sample flow.
AB  - This paper describes the development of a highly sensitive liquid-electrode
      plasma atomic emission spectrometry (LEP-AES) by combination of quartz glass chip
      and sample flow system. LEP-AES is an ultracompact elemental analysis method, in
      which the electroconductive sample solution is put into a microfluidic channel
      whose center is made narrower (~100 MUm in width). When high voltage pulses (1500
      V) are applied at both ends of the channel, the sample evaporates locally at the
      narrow part and generates plasma. By the emission from the plasma, elemental
      concentration is analyzed. In this paper, the limits of detection (LODs) were
      investigated in various conditions of accumulation time, material of the chip,
      and the sample flow. It was found that the long accumulation using the quartz
      chip with sample flow was effective to improve LOD. Authors suggested that this
      was because bubbles remaining after each plasma pulse were removed from the
      narrow channel by sample flow, resulting in highly reproducible plasma
      generation, to enable a high accumulation effect. Finally, LODs were calculated
      from a calibration curve, to be 0.52 MUg/L for Cd and 19.0 MUg/L for Pb at
      optimized condition. Sub-ppb level LOD was achieved for Cd.

PMID- 22050184
TI  - Pharmacologic strategies for improvement of islet survival: targeting the
      enterohormonal axis.

PMID- 22050185
TI  - The right to refuse.

PMID- 22050186
TI  - The mucosa beyond the polyps in juvenile polyposis.
AB  - Little is known of early histologic changes in the mucosa of the colon aside from
      the polyps in Juvenile Polyposis. Provided with a surgical specimen of a total
      colectomy of a 6-year-old boy with this condition, this report describes those
      changes. The mucosa depicted a peculiar serrated profile of the uppermost part of
      the crypts due to elongation of them, dilated openings, and scant stroma. Also
      present were frequent aberrant crypts. Early juvenile polyps presented associated
      with lympho-glandular sites as distorted and microcystically dilated crypts
      containing granular and filamentous mucoid material. The findings possibly
      represent the abnormal cytologic potential of this genetic condition.

PMID- 22050187
TI  - Electronic structures and spectroscopy of the electron transfer series
      [Fe(NO)L2]z (z = 1+, 0, 1-, 2-, 3-; L = dithiolene).
AB  - The electronic structures and spectroscopic parameters for the electron transfer
      series of [Fe(NO)(L)(2)](z) (z = 1+, 0, 1-, 2-, 3-; L = S(2)C(2)R(2); R = p-tolyl
      (1) and CN (2)) were calculated and compared to experiment. Some compounds in the
      series were isolated and characterized by spectroscopy. The calculations support
      the notion that all the monocation (S(t) = 0), neutral (S(t) = 1/2), and
      monoanion (S(t) = 0) complexes contain NO(+) (S(NO) = 0), in which the redox
      active fragment is either the bis-dithiolene (2 L) or the central iron. The
      calculated electronic structures give insight into how p-tolyl and CN
      substituents and the redox states of the 2 L ligand impact the spin density on
      the iron in the monocation and neutral species. The electronic structure of
      [1](0) has some [Fe(I)(NO(+))(L(2)(2-))](0) character in resonance with
      [Fe(II)(NO(+))(L(2)(2-))](0) whereas [2](0) has a smaller amount of a
      [Fe(I)(NO(+))(L(2)(2-))](0) description in its ground state wavefunction.
      Similarly, the electronic structure of [1](1+) also has some [Fe(I)(NO(+))(L(2)(1
      ))](1+) character in resonance with [Fe(II)(NO(+))(L(2)(2-))](1+) whereas [2](1+)
      is best described as [Fe(II)(NO(+))(L(*))(2)](1+). For the monoanion, the bis
      dithiolene fragment is fully reduced and both [1](-) and [2](-) are best
      formulated as [Fe(II)(NO(+))(L(2)(4-))](-). The reduction of the monoanion to
      give dianions [1](2-) and [2](2-) results in {FeNO}(7) species. The calculated
      (57)Fe isomer shift and hyperfine couplings are in line with the experiment and
      support a description of the form [Fe(III)(NO(-))(L(2)(4-))](2-), in which
      Fe(III) S(Fe) = (3)/(2) is antiferromagnetically coupled to NO(-) (S(NO) = 1).
      Finally, the calculated redox potential and nu(NO) frequency for the {FeNO}(8)
      trianionic species [2](3-) is in agreement with experiment and consistent with a
      triplet ground state [Fe(II)(NO(-))(L(2)(4-))](3-), in which Fe(II) (S(Fe) = 2)
      is involved in antiferromagnetic coupling with NO(-) (S(NO) = 1).

PMID- 22050188
TI  - Correlating interface heterostructure, charge recombination, and device
      efficiency of poly(3-hexyl thiophene)/TiO2 nanorod solar cell.
AB  - The charge recombination rate in poly(3-hexyl thiophene)/TiO(2) nanorod solar
      cells is demonstrated to correlate to the morphology of the bulk heterojunction
      (BHJ) and the interfacial properties between poly(3-hexyl thiophene) (P3HT) and
      TiO(2). The recombination resistance is obtained in P3HT/TiO(2) nanorod devices
      by impedance spectroscopy. Surface morphology and phase separation of the bulk
      heterojunction are characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The surface
      charge of bulk heterojunction is investigated by Kelvin probe force microscopy
      (KPFM). Lower charge recombination rate and lifetime have been observed for the
      charge carriers in appropriate heterostructures of hybrid P3HT/TiO(2) nanorod
      processed via high boiling point solvent and made of high molecular weight P3HT.
      Additionally, through surface modification on TiO(2) nan,orod, decreased
      recombination rate and longer charge carrier lifetime are obtained owing to
      creation of a barrier between the donor phases (P3HT) and the acceptor phases
      (TiO(2)). The effect of the film morphology of hybrid and interfacial properties
      on charge carrier recombination finally leads to different outcome of
      photovoltaic I-V characteristics. The BHJ fabricated from dye-modified TiO(2)
      blended with P3HT exhibits 2.6 times increase in power conversion efficiency due
      to the decrease of recombination rate by almost 2 orders of magnitude as compared
      with the BHJ made with unmodified TiO(2). In addition, the interface
      heterostructure, charge lifetime, and device efficiency of P3HT/TiO(2) nanorod
      solar cells are correlated.

PMID- 22050189
TI  - Self-reported dry mouth in Swedish population samples aged 50, 65 and 75 years.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Reduced salivary flow may have a negative impact on general well
      being, quality of life and oral health. OBJECTIVES: To examine xerostomia in 50-,
      65- and 75-year-olds, background factors and effect on Oral Impacts on Daily
      Performances (OIDP). METHODS: In 1992, a questionnaire was sent to all 50-year
      old persons (n = 8888) in two Swedish counties. In 2007, the same questionnaire
      was sent to all 65-year-olds (n = 8313) in the two counties and to all 75-year
      olds (n = 5195). Response rate was for the 50, 65 and 75 year olds 71.4, 73.1 and
      71.9%, respectively. RESULTS: Xerostomia was higher in women than in men in all
      age groups. There was higher prevalence of xerostomia with increasing age in both
      sexes and it was more frequent at night than during daytime. 'Often mouth
      dryness' was 2.6-3.4 times more prevalent in those who reported an impact from
      OIDP. The highest odd ratios were for daytime xerostomia and for the variables
      burning mouth (17.1), not feeling healthy (4.5), daily smoking (4.4), and
      medication (4.1). CONCLUSIONS: The dramatic increase of xerostomia between age 50
      and 75, especially amongst women, needs to be considered in the management of
      this age group.

PMID- 22050190
TI  - Percutaneous balloon atrioseptostomy for left heart discharge in extracorporeal
      life support patients with persistent pulmonary edema.
AB  - AIMS: In severe myocardial dysfunction, extracorporeal life support (ECLS) can
      preserve organ perfusion. Occasionally, the high resulting afterload can lead to
      refractory pulmonary edema. We report our experience with percutaneous balloon
      atrioseptostomy used in this circumstance to discharge the left heart and prevent
      worsening pulmonary congestion. METHODS AND RESULTS: Between October 2002 and
      December 2009, 5 patients, with a mean age of 39 years, who were under peripheral
      ECLS underwent percutaneous balloon atrioseptostomy for refractory worsening
      pulmonary edema as determined by clinical, radiological, and echocardiographic
      criteria. Myocardial dysfunction was related to drug poisoning in 2 cases and to
      myocarditis in the 3 others. Atrioseptostomy successfully improved pulmonary
      edema and echocardiographic indices of left ventricular function in all cases.
      Four patients were eventually discharged. The fifth patient died in hospital due
      to multiorgan failure. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, percutaneous balloon
      atrioseptostomy appeared to be a rapid, effective, and minimally invasive
      technique for offloading the left heart of patients with a reversible cardiac
      dysfunction under ECLS and suffering from refractory pulmonary edema.

PMID- 22050191
TI  - Genistein binding mode to doubly nicked dumbbell DNA. Dynamic and diffusion
      ordered NMR study.
AB  - New genistein derivatives were synthesized, which are fairly well soluble in
      water, with respect to parent genistein, and thus facilitate study of the
      interaction with dumbbell DNA dodecamer, mimicking the biological target for
      topoisomerase II inhibitors. A pulsed field gradient spin echo NMR experiment was
      used to check the binding and to estimate the association constants and its pH
      dependence of genistein with dumbbell DNA. Experimental restraints based on
      nuclear Overhauser spectroscopy spectra were used to calculate the NMR structure
      in solution in case of 6,8-disubstituted genistein with dimethylaminomethyl
      groups and were used in molecular modeling calculations. The structure is
      dynamic, and 10 molecular dynamics runs yield a family of conformations that
      essentially differ in a depth of inclusion of genistein into a nick. The paper
      experimentally shows evidence for binding, intercalation in the nick is proposed
      as a mode of genistein binding, and a model of the event is provided.

PMID- 22050192
TI  - A review of primary writing tremor.
AB  - A task-specific tremor (TST) is a rare form of movement disorder that appears
      while performing or attempting to perform a particular task. Primary writing
      tremor (PWT) is the most common form of TST which only occurs during the act of
      writing and hinders it. (Bain PG, Findley LJ, Britton TC, Rothwell JC, Gresty MA,
      Thompson PD, Marsden CD. MRC Human Movement, and Balance Unit, Institute of
      Neurology, London, UK. Primary writing tremor. Brain. 1995;118(6):1461-72.)
      Primary writing tremor type B is present not only during the act of writing but
      also when the hand assumes a writing posture. (Bain PG, Findley LJ, Britton TC,
      Rothwell JC, Gresty MA, Thompson PD, Marsden CD. MRC Human Movement and Balance
      Unit, Institute of Neurology, London, UK. Primary writing tremor. Brain.
      1995;118(6):1461-72.) We first of all describe a remarkable case study of a 50
      year old, right-handed male who started experiencing a primary writing tremor in
      his right hand about a year ago. This case was found to be of particular interest
      because the patient had it relatively difficult when attempting to write numbers
      as opposed to writing letters. This review further discusses the clinical
      manifestations of PWT. In addition, three main hypotheses have been proposed for
      the causation of PWT, although the exact pathophysiology of PWT still remains
      unknown. It has been suggested that PWT is a separate entity, a variant of
      essential tremor and not a separate entity, or a type of dystonia. The various
      treatment options for PWT are discussed including botulinum toxin and oral
      pharmacotherapy.

PMID- 22050193
TI  - A carbohydrate-conjugated deep cavitand permits observation of caviplexes in
      human serum.
AB  - A deep cavitand was covalently modified with carbohydrates to provide solubility
      in biologically relevant environments and to investigate its receptor function.
      Specifically, a tetrakis(beta-D-glucosyl) cavitand (1) that was soluble in
      neutral water or acid/base-buffered solutions was synthesized, and it formed
      complexes with hydrophobic small molecules. Extraction of the cavitand into
      aqueous sodium dodecyl sulfate micelles as simple membrane mimetics increased the
      scope of guests bound by 1 beyond that observed in only aqueous media. Complex
      formation was also detected in human serum. The findings show the functional
      compatibility of the receptor in both micelle-bound and serum-soluble forms.

PMID- 22050194
TI  - Interleukin-18 system plays an important role in keloid pathogenesis via
      epithelial-mesenchymal interactions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Keloid scarring is a dermal fibroproliferative disorder characterized
      by increased fibroblast proliferation and excessive production of collagen and
      extracellular matrix (ECM) components. To date, the role of cytokines in keloid
      pathogenesis has not been completely unravelled. Interleukin (IL)-18 is a pro
      inflammatory cytokine that plays important roles in wound healing, fibrogenesis
      and carcinogenesis. OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to study the role of the IL-18 system
      in keloid pathogenesis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Expression and localization of IL
      18 and its receptor (IL-18R) were investigated in normal skin and keloid tissues
      using Western blot and immunohistochemistry. We further studied the expression of
      the IL-18 system in normal and keloid-derived cell lines in a coculture model.
      RESULTS: Results from Western blot and immunohistochemistry revealed that IL-18,
      IL-18Ralpha and IL-18Rbeta expression was elevated in keloid tissue compared with
      normal skin tissue. Studies on the expression of IL-18 and its antagonist, IL-18
      binding protein (IL-18BP), using a coculture model demonstrated severe IL-18/IL
      18BP imbalance in keloid keratinocyte/keloid fibroblast (KK/KF) cocultures with
      significant elevation of bioactive IL-18 whereas IL-18BP levels remained the
      same. This overproduction of bioactive IL-18 in keloid cocultures could be due to
      increased caspase-1 and decreased caspase-3 expression in keloid tissue, as well
      as decreased soluble IL-10 levels observed in keloid cocultures. The important
      inductive effects of IL-18 on KFs were further underscored by the observation
      that exposure of KF to IL-18 resulted in increased collagen and ECM component
      synthesis, and increased secretion of profibrotic cytokines such as IL-6 and IL
      8. Finally, the addition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), mitogen
      activation protein kinase (MAPK), specificity protein 1 (Sp1) and mammalian
      target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors inhibited IL-18 secretion in keloid
      cocultures. CONCLUSIONS: The present study has proven that the IL-18 system plays
      an important role in keloid pathogenesis via epithelial-mesenchymal interactions.
      It also suggests a therapeutic potential of PI3K, MAPK, Sp1 and mTOR inhibitors
      in the treatment of keloid scarring.

PMID- 22050195
TI  - Hydroxychloroquine retinopathy combined with retinal pigment epithelium
      detachment.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe a case of hydroxychloroquine retinopathy combined with
      retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) detachment and evaluate possible causes of
      pigment epithelium detachment. METHODS: Single case report and literature review.
      RESULTS: A 44-year-old lady presented with "decreasing visual acuity and field
      since a few months ago". She was diagnosed with systemic lupus erythematosus and
      had been on hydroxychloroquine 400 mg orally twice daily for 10 years.
      Fluorescein angiography and fundus autofluorescence revealed the decrease in RPE
      amount or function in the right eye. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography
      revealed preservation of central foveal outer retinal structure surrounded by
      perifoveal outer retinal thinning in the right eye. Adjacent to fovea, between
      fovea and disc, large sized RPE detachment was seen. CONCLUSION: We herein report
      the first case of hydroxychloroquine retinopathy combined with RPE detachment.
      RPE dysfunction caused by long-term use of hydroxychloroquine can be manifested
      as pigment epithelium detachment.

PMID- 22050197
TI  - Theoretical analysis of [5.7](n)cyclacenes: closed-shell cyclacene isomers.
AB  - The [5.7](n)cyclacenes represent a novel class of all sp(2)-hybridized carbon
      structures. In contrast to the isomeric [n]cyclacenes, [5.7](n)cyclacenes are
      predicted at the B3LYP/6-31G* level of theory to have stable, closed-shell
      singlet ground state configurations. Predicted geometries, electronic structures,
      band gaps, nucleus-independent chemical shift (NICS) values, and strain energies
      for this new family of cyclic conjugated molecules are presented.

PMID- 22050198
TI  - European veterinary dissertations.

PMID- 22050199
TI  - Meta-analysis: pioglitazone improves liver histology and fibrosis in patients
      with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Thiazolidinediones (TZDs) have been used in the treatment of non
      alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). However, the magnitude of treatment response
      associated with TZDs in improving liver histology in NASH has not been quantified
      systematically. AIM: To conduct a meta-analysis of randomised, placebo-controlled
      clinical trials (RPCTs) using pioglitazone and rosiglitazone in the treatment of
      NASH. METHODS: Pubmed/MEDLINE and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials
      2010 were searched until September 2010 and four RPCTs were identified. Peto odds
      ratios (ORs) and their respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were used to
      assess the efficacy of TZDs in improving liver histological parameters. RESULTS:
      Four good quality RPCTs derived from three continents were included. The meta
      analysis showed that TZDs (n = 169) were significantly better than placebo (n =
      165) in improving ballooning degeneration, lobular inflammation and steatosis
      with combined ORs of 2.11 (95% CI, 1.33-3.36), 2.58 (95% CI, 1.68-3.97) and 3.39
      (95% CI, 2.19-5.25) respectively. The improvement in combined necroinflammation
      with TZD (n = 58) vs. placebo (n = 52) was also statistically significant
      (combined OR 6.52[95% CI, 3.03-14.06]), but improvement in fibrosis was not. When
      pioglitazone (n = 137) was analysed alone, the improvement in fibrosis with
      pioglitazone (n = 137) vs. placebo (n = 134) (combined OR 1.68 [95% CI, 1.02
      2.77]) was statistically significant. The total body fat slightly decreased in
      the control, while it markedly and highly significantly increased with TZD
      treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Thiazolidinediones significantly improve ballooning
      degeneration, lobular inflammation, steatosis and combined necroinflammation in
      patients with NASH. Pioglitazone may improve fibrosis. Larger randomised, placebo
      controlled clinical trials are needed to examine the efficacy of
      thiazolidinediones in improving NASH fibrosis.

PMID- 22050200
TI  - Exercise-induced respiratory symptoms not due to asthma.
AB  - This manuscript describes two interesting patients who had exercise-induced
      symptoms that unmasked an alternative underlying diagnosis. The first is an 8
      year-old boy who was treated for asthma all his life but really had exercise
      induced stridor (labelled as wheeze) causing significant exercise limitation,
      which was due to a double aortic arch with the right arch compressing the
      trachea. The second case describes the diagnosis of vocal cord dysfunction in a
      13-year-old anxious high achiever. He also initially had exercise-induced
      symptoms treated as exercise-induced wheeze but again had a stridor due to vocal
      cord dysfunction. Both these cases demonstrate the importance of detailed history
      including during exercise, which can unmask alternative diagnosis. Another
      important message is that if there is no response to bronchodilator treatment
      with absence of typical signs and symptoms of asthma, alternative diagnosis
      should be considered. 

PMID- 22050201
TI  - Characterization of induced Staphylococcus aureus bacteriophage SAP-26 and its
      anti-biofilm activity with rifampicin.
AB  - Lytic bacteriophages (phages) have been investigated as treatments for bacterial
      infectious diseases. An induced phage, SAP-26, was isolated from a clinical
      isolate of Staphylococcus aureus. It belongs to the family Siphoviridae and its
      genome consists of double-stranded 41,207 bp DNA coding for 63 open reading
      frames. The phage SAP-26 showed a wide spectrum of lytic activity against both
      methicillin-resistant S. aureus and methicillin-susceptible S.aureus.
      Furthermore, combined treatment with a phage and antimicrobial agents showed a
      strong biofilm removal effect which induced structural changes in the biofilm
      matrix and a substantial decrease in the number of bacteria. Such a broad host
      range in S. aureus and biofilm removal activity of the phage SAP-26 suggests the
      possibility of its use as a therapeutic phage in combination with appropriate
      antimicrobial agent(s). Among the three antimicrobial agents combined with phage,
      the combination of rifampicin showed the best biofilm removal effect. To the
      authors' knowledge, this study showed for the first time that S. aureus biofilm
      could be efficiently eradicated with the mixture of phage and an antimicrobial
      agent, especially rifampicin.

PMID- 22050202
TI  - Metastatic chondrosarcoma - current aspects of a rare event in dermatopathology.

PMID- 22050203
TI  - Metal-controlled assembly of uranyl diphosphonates toward the design of
      functional uranyl nanotubules.
AB  - Two uranyl nanotubules with elliptical cross sections were synthesized in high
      yield from complex and large oxoanions using hydrothermal reactions of uranyl
      salts with 1,4-benzenebisphosphonic acid or 4,4'-biphenylenbisphosphonic acid and
      Cs(+) or Rb(+) cations in the presence of hydrofluoric acid. Disordered
      Cs(+)/Rb(+) cations and solvent molecules are present within and/or between the
      nanotubules. Ion-exchange experiments with
      A(2){(UO(2))(2)F(PO(3)HC(6)H(4)C(6)H(4)PO(3)H)(PO(3)HC(6)H(4)C(6)H(4)PO(3))}.2H(2
      O (A = Cs(+), Rb(+)), revealed that A(+) cations can be exchanged for Ag(+) ions.
      The uranyl phenyldiphosphonate nanotubules,
      Cs(3.62)H(0.38)[(UO(2))(4){C(6)H(4)(PO(2)OH)(2)}(3){C(6)H(4)(PO(3))(2)}F(2)].nH(2
      O, show high stability and exceptional ion-exchange properties toward monovalent
      cations, as demonstrated by ion-exchange studies with selected cations, Na(+),
      K(+), Tl(+), and Ag(+). Studies on ion-exchanged single crystal using scanning
      electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) provide
      evidence for chemical zonation in
      Cs(3.62)H(0.38)[(UO(2))(4){C(6)H(4)(PO(2)OH)(2)}(3){C(6)H(4)(PO(3))(2)}F(2)].nH(2
      O, as might be expected for exchange through a diffusion mechanism.

PMID- 22050204
TI  - Treatment of primary autoimmune thrombocytopenia (AITP) [1].

PMID- 22050205
TI  - Marginal and internal discrepancies related to margin design of ceramic crowns
      fabricated by a CAD/CAM system.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the marginal discrepancy (MD) and
      internal discrepancy (ID) of ceramic crowns manufactured by a CAD/CAM system,
      having different finish lines. The hypotheses tested were that the finish line
      type would not influence the MD or ID of the crowns, and ID would not change in
      different regions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Three aluminum master dies (height: 5.5
      mm, O: 7.5 mm, conicity: 6 degrees ) with different finish lines (TC: tilted
      chamfer; LC: large chamfer; RS: rounded shoulder) were manufactured. Ten
      impressions were made from each master die using a modified parallelometer.
      Impressions were poured in type IV dental stone, and 30 ceramic crowns (IPS
      Empress CAD, Ivoclar) were subsequently milled. The crowns were fixed on their
      respective metallic die using a metallic fixation device. The distance between
      the external edges of the crown to the edge of the cervical preparation was
      performed at 50 points on the respective metallic die (MD analysis). With the
      replica technique, the ID values of each crown were further evaluated at 12
      points equidistant to each other in three regions: radius (R), axial (A), and
      occlusal (Occl). The measurements were performed using an optical microscope
      (250*). The data (MUm) were analyzed using ANOVA and Tukey's test (5%). RESULTS:
      The RS group (28.24 +/- 11.42 MUm) showed significantly lower MD values (p=
      0.001) than those of TC (99.92 +/- 18.32 MUm) and LC (64.71 +/- 25.64 MUm)
      groups, both of which also differed statistically from one another. The ID
      results demonstrated significantly lower values in the LC group (183.01 +/- 62.82
      MUm) (p= 0.0014) than those of TC (216.26 +/- 83.23 MUm) and RS (219.12 +/- 87.24
      MUm) groups. ID results of TC and RS were not significantly different.
      Additionally, the ID results showed significant differences among the regions (p=
      0.0001). The null hypotheses were rejected. CONCLUSION: The RS finish line
      produced MD values significantly lower than tilted and large chamfer, but large
      chamfer presented the lowest internal discrepancy values. Independent of the
      finish line type, internal discrepancy was the lowest in the axial region
      followed by radius and occlusal regions.

PMID- 22050206
TI  - Does meal ingestion enhance sensitivity of visceroperception assessment in
      irritable bowel syndrome?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Visceral hypersensitivity is frequently observed in irritable bowel
      syndrome (IBS). Previous studies have shown that administration of a meal can
      aggravate symptoms or increase visceroperception in IBS patients. We investigated
      whether meal ingestion could increase the sensitivity of the barostat procedure
      for the detection of visceral hypersensitivity in IBS patients. METHODS: Seventy
      one IBS patients and 30 healthy controls (HC) were included in the study. All
      subjects underwent a barostat procedure under fasted and postprandial conditions
      to measure visceroperception. Urge, discomfort, and pain were scored on a visual
      analog scale. Furthermore, percentages of hypersensitive IBS patients and HC were
      calculated and dynamic rectal compliance was assessed. KEY RESULTS: In IBS
      patients, urge, discomfort, and pain scores were significantly increased
      postprandially vs the fasted state. The HC showed increased scores for urge and
      pain only. Rectal dynamic compliance remained unaltered in both groups.
      Postprandial hypersensitivity percentages did not significantly differ vs the
      fasted state in IBS patients, nor in HC. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES: Postprandial
      barostat measurement enhances visceroperception in IBS but has no added value to
      detect visceral hypersensitivity in individual IBS patients.

PMID- 22050207
TI  - Validation of FDG-PET/MRI coregistration in nonlesional refractory childhood
      epilepsy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To validate the use of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission
      tomography/magnetic resonance imaging (FDG-PET/MRI) coregistration for
      epileptogenic zone detection in children with MRI nonlesional refractory epilepsy
      and to assess its ability to guide a second interpretation of the MRI studies.
      METHODS: Thirty-one children with refractory epilepsy whose MRI results were
      nonlesional were included prospectively. All patients underwent presurgical
      evaluation following the standard protocol of our epilepsy unit, which included
      FDG-PET and FDG-PET/MRI coregistration. Cerebral areas of decreased uptake in PET
      and PET/MRI fusion images were compared visually and then contrasted with
      presumed epileptogenic zone localization, which had been obtained from other
      clinical data. A second interpretation of MRI studies was carried out, focusing
      on the exact anatomic region in which hypometabolism was located in FDG-PET/MRI
      fusion images. KEY FINDINGS: Both FDG-PET and FDG-PET/MRI detected hypometabolism
      in 67.8% of patients, with good concordance on a subject basis and on the
      cerebral region involved (kappa statistic = 0.83 and 0.79, respectively).
      Hypometabolism detected by single PET, as well as by PET/MRI fusion images, was
      located in the same hemisphere, as indicated by electroclinical data in 58% of
      patients, and at the same place in 39% of cases. Of the patients who showed
      hypometabolism on PET/MRI, 43% also experienced changes in the guided second MRI
      interpretation, from nonlesional to subtle-lesional. SIGNIFICANCE: PET/MRI
      coregistration is an imaging variant that is at least as accurate as PET alone in
      detecting epileptogenic zone in pediatric nonlesional patients, and can guide a
      second look at MRI studies previously reported as nonlesional, turning a
      meaningful percentage into subtle-lesional.

PMID- 22050208
TI  - Spatial and temporal infiltration dynamics during managed aquifer recharge.
AB  - Natural groundwater recharge is inherently difficult to quantify and predict,
      largely because it comprises a series of processes that are spatially distributed
      and temporally variable. Infiltration ponds used for managed aquifer recharge
      (MAR) provide an opportunity to quantify recharge processes across multiple
      scales under semi-controlled conditions. We instrumented a 3-ha MAR infiltration
      pond to measure and compare infiltration patterns determined using whole-pond and
      point-specific methods. Whole-pond infiltration was determined by closing a
      transient water budget (accounting for inputs, outputs, and changes in storage),
      whereas point-specific infiltration rates were determined using heat as a tracer
      and time series analysis at eight locations in the base of the pond. Whole-pond
      infiltration, normalized for wetted area, rose rapidly to more than 1.0 m/d at
      the start of MAR operations (increasing as pond stage rose), was sustained at
      high rates for the next 40 d, and then decreased to less than 0.1 m/d by the end
      of the recharge season. Point-specific infiltration rates indicated high spatial
      and temporal variability, with the mean of measured values generally being lower
      than rates indicated by whole-pond calculations. Colocated measurements of head
      gradients within saturated soils below the pond were combined with infiltration
      rates to calculate soil hydraulic conductivity. Observations indicate a brief
      period of increasing saturated hydraulic conductivity, followed by a decrease of
      one to two orders of magnitude during the next 50 to 75 d. Locations indicating
      the most rapid infiltration shifted laterally during MAR operation, and we
      suggest that infiltration may function as a "variable source area" processes,
      conceptually similar to catchment runoff.

PMID- 22050209
TI  - Formation of N-N cross-links in DNA by reaction of radiation-produced DNA base
      pair diradicals: a DFT study.
AB  - This study employs DFT (density functional theory) to investigate the formation
      of hydrazine-like (N-N) cross-linked structures between DNA base pair diradicals
      that are likely to result from the interaction of high linear energy transfer
      (LET) radiation, such as ion-beam radiation, with DNA. In our calculations, we
      generated the guanine (G), cytosine (C), adenine (A), and thymine (T) radicals by
      removing one hydrogen atom from an N-H bond involved in the normal base pairing.
      The radical species formed are those that naturally result from one-electron
      oxidation of the bases followed by deprotonation. N-N cross-links between G and C
      or A and T diradicals were studied using the BHandHLYP, B3LYP, M06, and M06-2X
      density functionals and 6-31G* basis set. From a comparison to several test cases
      performed with the G3B3 method, which gives thermodynamically reliable values, we
      found that calculations employing the BHandHLYP/6-31G* method predict the best
      estimates of bonding energies for hydrazine-like structures. Our study shows that
      the N-N cross-link formed between guanine radical and a neutral cytosine is
      endothermic in nature but can form metastable structures. However, the reactions
      between two DNA base radicals (diradical) to form several N-N cross-linked
      structures are found to be highly exothermic in nature. The N-N cross-links
      formed between various G-C, G-G, and C-C diradicals have binding energies in the
      range of ca. -54 to -68, -41 to -47, and -67 to -75 kcal/mol, respectively,
      whereas A-T, A-A, and T-T have binding energies of -80, -60, and -98 kcal/mol,
      respectively. In all purine-pyrimidine N-N cross-linked structures, the highest
      occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) is found to be localized on the purine moiety
      and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) is on the pyrimidine moiety.

PMID- 22050210
TI  - Two novel alleles, HLA-B*40:125 and B*40:129, in the Brazilian population.
AB  - The new alleles, HLA-B*40:125 and HLA-B*40:129, present a mismatch at codon 103.1
      (G -> C) and three mismatches at codons 9.1 (C -> T), 11.1 (T -> G) and 12.1 (G 
      > A).

PMID- 22050211
TI  - Three hours of training improve psychiatric staff's self-perceived knowledge and
      attitudes toward problem-drinking patients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Staff attitudes are an important factor in the successful
      implementation of systematic alcohol strategies and policies. The forms and
      extent of training needed to improve therapeutic attitude among psychiatric staff
      to problem drinking are unclear. The aim of the investigation was to study the
      knowledge and attitudes of psychiatric staff toward problem-drinking patients. A
      further aim was to investigate whether a short 3 h training is sufficient to
      improve knowledge and therapeutic attitude toward problem drinking. DESIGN AND
      METHODS: A tailored training model for psychiatric staff (non-physicians) was
      carried out at a medium size university clinic. Participants were medical (nurses
      and psychiatric aides) and non-medical staff (psychologists and social workers).
      The training consisted of a 2 h workshop and a 1 h follow-up session. Knowledge
      and attitudes were measured at baseline and follow up by a questionnaire
      including vignettes assessment and the Short Alcohol and Alcohol Problems
      Perception Questionnaire. RESULTS: In total, 115 persons completed the
      questionnaire (follow-up rate 83.5%). The distribution was even (50% for the
      medical and 50% for the non-medical staff). After training, the non-medical staff
      estimated vignette case severity higher than before. Both staff groups estimated
      their capacity to help a patient with complex problems higher after training.
      Role adequacy was higher in both subgroups after training. Medical staff scored
      work satisfaction higher after the training. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Three
      hours of tailored training for psychiatric staff improve their knowledge and
      therapeutic attitude to problem-drinking patients.

PMID- 22050212
TI  - Synthesis and biological characterization of 3-substituted-1H-indoles as ligands
      of GluN2B-containing N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors.
AB  - As an extension of our studies, novel indole derivatives were rationally designed
      and synthesized as ligands targeted to GluN2B/NMDA receptors. The 2-(4
      benzylpiperidin-1-yl)-1-(6-hydroxy-1H-indol-3-yl)ethanone (4i) and 1-(4
      benzylpiperidin-1-yl)-2-(6-hydroxy-1H-indol-3-yl)ethane-1,2-dione (6i) showed
      high binding affinity in [3H]ifenprodil displacement assay. By computational
      studies, we suggested the hypothetical interactions playing a significant role
      during the binding process. However, in functional and in vivo studies the most
      potent compound 4i did not show any activity whereas it displayed relevant
      affinity toward the sigma2 receptor.

PMID- 22050213
TI  - Comment on "Chromium contamination accident in China: viewing environment policy
      of China".

PMID- 22050215
TI  - Impact of pinning of the triple contact line on electrowetting performance.
AB  - Pinning of the triple contact line adversely affects electrowetting on
      dielectric. Electrowetting response of substrates with contact angle hysteresis
      ranging from 1 degrees  to 30 degrees  has been characterized, and the results
      are interpreted within the framework of electromechanics corrected for pinning.
      The relationship between contact angle hysteresis, threshold potential for liquid
      actuation, and electrowetting hysteresis is quantified. Our results demonstrate
      that a modified electrowetting equation, based on balance of forces (including
      the pinning forces) acting on the triple contact line and on the drop, describes
      the electrowetting response of substrates with significant contact angle
      hysteresis. Finally, the surface properties of PDMS Sylgard 184 were found to be
      influenced by the electric field.

PMID- 22050214
TI  - A preliminary assessment of the periodontal status of elderly pensioners in Benin
      City, Nigeria.
AB  - AIM: This study was to assess the periodontal status of pensioners in Benin City
      and obtain baseline data. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The cross-sectional descriptive
      study involved 250 subjects selected by systematic random sampling from three
      clusters of general, university and teaching hospital pensioners examined using
      the Community Periodontal Index index in four locations within Benin City.
      RESULTS: The percentages of the dentate subjects with healthy gingiva, bleeding
      on probing, calculus, shallow pockets and deep pockets were 2.4, 5.2, 46.8, 38.8
      and 6.8%, respectively. Only 2% needed no periodontal treatment; those requiring
      oral hygiene instructions, scaling and polishing and complex treatment were 52,
      39 and 7%, respectively. There were no significant differences in the periodontal
      status of the pensioners by gender, age or tooth brushing habits. CONCLUSION: The
      presence of calculus accounted for the most prevalent periodontal condition among
      the elderly pensioners followed by shallow periodontal pocketing apparently owing
      to poor dental attendance or lack of access to care. A comprehensive pensioner's
      oral health programme is recommended.

PMID- 22050216
TI  - Lack of health insurance in living kidney donors.
AB  - Living donors are recommended to receive lifelong routine health maintenance
      after donation. There has been little examination of health insurance status
      among living donors, despite the fact that lack of health insurance is likely to
      impede donors' ability to obtain long-term healthcare post-donation. We performed
      a retrospective chart review for all living kidney donors at our institution
      between 2004 and 2008 to determine insurance status, demographic, socioeconomic,
      and basic health characteristics. Twenty-three percent of donors were uninsured
      at the time of donation. Odds of being uninsured were significantly lower in
      donors who were older than 40 yr of age or who had at least a college education,
      and significantly higher in donors who were non-white, non-English-speaking, or
      non-US citizens. Odds of being uninsured did not differ according to whether
      donors were obese, hypertensive, or smokers. On multivariate analysis, only non
      white race, non-US citizenship, and education level less than a college degree
      were associated with lack of insurance. Lack of health insurance is more
      prevalent in living kidney donors than in the general US population. Its
      disproportionate impact on minorities, non-citizens, and the less well educated
      is greater than that in the general population.

PMID- 22050217
TI  - Role of melatonin in the prevention of morphine-induced hyperalgesia and spinal
      glial activation in rats: protein kinase C pathway involved.
AB  - PURPOSES: Morphine can induce tolerance and hyperalgesia after long-term
      administration. Glial activation is believed to cause and maintain a state of
      morphine-induced pain hypersensitivity. The present study examines the effect of
      melatonin on tolerance, hyperalgesia, and reactive gliosis induced by morphine in
      rats. METHODS: The study examines the effect of melatonin on morphine-induced
      hyperalgesia using tail-flick test. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot was
      performed to investigate the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)
      indicative of spinal glial activity. This study also measures protein kinase C
      (PKC) activity and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels in spinal cords
      to investigate the mechanisms which melatonin involved. RESULTS: When
      coadministered intragastrically (i.g.) with morphine, melatonin in doses of 50 or
      100 mg/kg significantly prevented hyperalgesia after termination of morphine.
      Immunohistochemistry and Western blot with GFAP revealed that melatonin
      significantly decreased morphine-induced over-expression of GFAP in spinal cord
      (p < .05). By measuring PKC activity and cAMP levels, the upregulated PKC
      activity and cAMP levels induced by morphine were significantly inhibited by
      melatonin. CONCLUSIONS: Melatonin can prevent morphine-withdrawal-induced
      hyperalgesia and glial reactivity. This effect of melatonin after morphine
      administration may mediated by inhibiting PKC activity and cAMP upregulation.

PMID- 22050218
TI  - Surfactant-free, large-scale, solution-liquid-solid growth of gallium phosphide
      nanowires and their use for visible-light-driven hydrogen production from water
      reduction.
AB  - Colloidal GaP nanowires (NWs) were synthesized on a large scale by a surfactant
      free, self-seeded solution-liquid-solid (SLS) method using triethylgallium and
      tris(trimethylsilyl)phosphine as precursors and a noncoordinating squalane
      solvent. Ga nanoscale droplets were generated in situ by thermal decomposition of
      the Ga precursor and subsequently promoted the NW growth. The GaP NWs were not
      intentionally doped and showed a positive open-circuit photovoltage based on
      photoelectrochemical measurements. Purified GaP NWs were used for visible-light
      driven water splitting. Upon photodeposition of Pt nanoparticles on the wire
      surfaces, significantly enhanced hydrogen production was observed. The results
      indicate that colloidal surfactant-free GaP NWs combined with potent surface
      electrocatalysts could serve as promising photocathodes for artificial
      photosynthesis.

PMID- 22050219
TI  - Onychodermis (specialized nail mesenchyme) containing onychofibroblasts in
      horizontal sections of the nail unit.

PMID- 22050220
TI  - Unexpected C-C bond cleavage: synthesis of 1,2,4-oxadiazol-5-ones from amidoximes
      with pentafluorophenyl or trifluoromethyl anion acting as leaving group.
AB  - An unexpected C-C bond cleavage has been observed on pentafluorobenzoylamidoximes
      under mild basic conditions. This observation has been exploited to develop a new
      synthesis of 1,2,4-oxadiazol-5-ones from amidoximes using pentafluorobenzoyl
      chloride or trifluoroacetic anhydride (TFAA) as a double acylating agent. The
      pentafluorophenyl anion and the trifluoromethyl anion acted as leaving groups in
      this transformation.

PMID- 22050221
TI  - Application of the UV laser printing technique to soft gelatin capsules
      containing titanium dioxide in the shells.
AB  - AIM: The purpose of this study was to examine application of ultraviolet (UV)
      laser irradiation to printing soft gelatin capsules containing titanium dioxide
      (TiO(2)) in the shells and to study effect of UV laser power on the color
      strength of printing on the soft gelatin capsules. METHODS: Size 6 Oval type soft
      gelatin capsules of which shells contained 0.685% TiO(2) and 0.005% ferric
      dioxide were used in this study. The capsules were irradiated pulsed UV laser at
      a wavelength 355 nm. The color strength of the printed capsules was determined by
      a spectrophotometer as total color difference (dE). RESULTS: The soft gelatin
      capsules which contained TiO(2) in the shells could be printed gray by the laser.
      Many black particles, which were associated with the printing, were formed at the
      colored parts of the shells. It was found that there were two inflection points
      in relationship between output laser energy of a pulse and dE. Below the lower
      point, the capsules were not printed. From the lower point to the upper point,
      the capsules were printed gray and total color difference of the printing
      increased linearly in proportion with the output laser energy. Beyond the upper
      point, total color difference showed saturation because of micro-bubbles
      formation at the laser irradiated spot. CONCLUSIONS: Soft gelatin capsules
      containing TiO(2) in the shells could be performed stable printing using the UV
      laser printing technique. Color strength of the printing could be controlled by
      regulating the laser energy between the two inflection points.

PMID- 22050222
TI  - Squalene monooxygenase - a target for hypercholesterolemic therapy.
AB  - Squalene monooxygenase catalyzes the epoxidation of C-C double bond of squalene
      to yield 2,3-oxidosqualene, the key step of sterol biosynthesis pathways in
      eukaryotes. Sterols are essential compounds of these organisms and squalene
      epoxidation is an important regulatory point in their synthesis. Squalene
      monooxygenase downregulation in vertebrates and fungi decreases synthesis of
      cholesterol and ergosterol, respectively, which makes squalene monooxygenase a
      potent and attractive target of hypercholesterolemia and antifungal therapies.
      Currently some fungal squalene monooxygenase inhibitors (terbinafine, naftifine,
      butenafine) are in clinical use, whereas mammalian enzymes' inhibitors are still
      under investigation. Research on new squalene monooxygenase inhibitors is
      important due to the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia and the lack of both
      sufficient and safe remedies. In this paper we (i) review data on activity and
      the structure of squalene monooxygenase, (ii) present its inhibitors, (iii)
      compare current strategies of lowering cholesterol level in blood with some of
      the most promising strategies, (iv) underline advantages of squalene
      monooxygenase as a target for hypercholesterolemia therapy, and (v) discuss
      safety concerns about hypercholesterolemia therapy based on inhibition of
      cellular cholesterol biosynthesis and potential usage of squalene monooxygenase
      inhibitors in clinical practice. After many years of use of statins there is some
      clinical evidence for their adverse effects and only partial effectiveness.
      Currently they are drugs of choice but are used with many restrictions,
      especially in case of children, elderly patients and women of childbearing
      potential. Certainly, for the next few years, statins will continue to be a
      suitable tool for cost-effective cardiovascular prevention; however research on
      new hypolipidemic drugs is highly desirable. We suggest that squalene
      monooxygenase inhibitors could become the hypocholesterolemic agents of the
      future.

PMID- 22050223
TI  - Cysteine proteinase SpeB from Streptococcus pyogenes - a potent modifier of
      immunologically important host and bacterial proteins.
AB  - Group A streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes) is an exclusively human pathogen
      that causes a wide spectrum of diseases ranging from pharyngitis, to impetigo, to
      toxic shock, to necrotizing fasciitis. The diversity of these disease states
      necessitates that S. pyogenes possess the ability to modulate both the innate and
      adaptive immune responses. SpeB, a cysteine proteinase, is the predominant
      secreted protein from S. pyogenes. Because of its relatively indiscriminant
      specificity, this enzyme has been shown to degrade the extracellular matrix,
      cytokines, chemokines, complement components, immunoglobulins, and serum protease
      inhibitors, to name but a few of the known substrates. Additionally, SpeB
      regulates other streptococcal proteins by degrading them or releasing them from
      the bacterial surface. Despite the wealth of literature on putative SpeB
      functions, there remains much controversy about this enzyme because many of
      reported activities would produce contradictory physiological results. Here we
      review all known host and bacterial protein substrates for SpeB, their cleavage
      sites, and discuss the role of this enzyme in streptococcal pathogenesis based on
      the current literature.

PMID- 22050224
TI  - S-Glucuronidation of 7-mercapto-4-methylcoumarin by human UDP
      glycosyltransferases in genetically engineered fission yeast cells.
AB  - Human UDP glycosyltransferases (UGTs) play an important role in xenobiotic
      detoxification. They increase the solubility of their substrates by adding a
      sugar moiety (such as glucuronic acid) to different functional entities (such as
      hydroxyl groups). The aim of this study was to investigate how glucuronidation of
      a standard substrate is affected by a change of the hetero-atom at the
      conjugation site. For this purpose, we compared the in vitro glucuronidation
      rates of 4-methylumbelliferone and 7-mercapto-4-methylcoumarin, respectively.
      Human liver microsomes catalyzed the S-glucuronidation of 7-mercapto-4-
      methylcoumarin almost as efficient as the O-glucuronidation of 4
      methylumbelliferone. When testing isoenzyme specificity by whole cell
      biotransformation with fission yeast strains that recombinantly express all 19
      human members of the UGT1 and UGT2 families, it was found that 13 isoenzymes were
      able to glucuronidate 7-mercapto-4-methylcoumarin, with five of them being
      specific for this substrate and the other eight also converting 4
      methylumbelliferone under these conditions. The remaining six UGTs did not accept
      either substrate. Out of the eight isoenzymes that glucuronidated both
      substrates, four catalyzed both reactions approximately to the same extent, while
      three displayed higher conversion rates towards 4-methylumbelliferone and one
      preferred 7-mercapto-4-methylcoumarin. These data suggest that 7-mercapto-4
      methylcoumarin is a convenient new standard substrate for monitoring S
      glucuronidation.

PMID- 22050225
TI  - Dimerization of human 5-lipoxygenase.
AB  - Human 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) can form dimers as shown here via native gel
      electrophoresis, gel filtration chromatography and LILBID (laser induced liquid
      bead ion desorption) mass spectrometry. After glutathionylation of 5-LO by
      diamide/glutathione treatment, dimeric 5-LO was no longer detectable and 5-LO
      almost exclusively exists in the monomeric form which showed full catalytic
      activity. Incubation of 5-LO with diamide alone led to a disulfide-bridged dimer
      and to oligomer formation which displays a strongly reduced catalytic activity.
      The bioinformatic analysis of the 5-LO surface for putative protein-protein
      interaction domains and molecular modeling of the dimer interface suggests a head
      to tail orientation of the dimer which also explains the localization of
      previously reported ATP binding sites. This interface domain was confirmed by the
      observation that 5-LO dimer formation and inhibition of activity by diamide was
      largely prevented when four cysteines (C159S, C300S, C416S, C418S) in this domain
      were mutated to serines.

PMID- 22050226
TI  - Cloning, expression, characterization and inhibition studies on trypanothione
      synthetase, a drug target enzyme, from Leishmania donovani.
AB  - Trypanothione synthetase, a validated drug target, synthesizes trypanothione from
      glutathione and spermidine. Here we report the gene cloning, expression,
      characterization and inhibition studies of trypanothione synthetase from
      Leishmania donovani (LdTryS). The purified recombinant LdTryS enzyme obeyed
      Michaelis-Menten kinetics. High substrate inhibition was observed with
      glutathione (K(m)=33.24 MUm, k(cat)=1.3 s(-1), K(i)=866 MUm). The enzyme shows
      simple hyperbolic kinetics with fixed glutathione concentration and with other
      substrates limiting K(m) values for Mg. ATP and spermidine of 14.2 MUm and 139.6
      MUm, respectively. LdTryS was also screened for inhibitors. Tomatine, conessine,
      uvaol and betulin were identified as inhibitors of the enzyme and were tested for
      leishmanicidal activity. Finally, the effect of LdTryS inhibitors on redox
      homeostasis of the parasite gives a broader picture of their action against
      leishmaniasis.

PMID- 22050227
TI  - Glucagon counteracts interleukin-6-dependent gene expression by redundant action
      of Epac and PKA.
AB  - Inflammation is the biological response to injurious stimuli. In the initial
      phase of the inflammatory process, interleukin-6 (IL-6) is the main inducer of
      acute phase protein expression in the liver. A prolonged acute phase response is
      characterised by a disturbed glucose homeostasis and elevated levels of IL-6,
      insulin, and counterregulatory hormones such as glucagon. Several studies deal
      with the impact of IL-6 on glucagon-dependent gene expression. In contrast, only
      very little is known about the influence of G-protein-coupled receptors on IL-6
      signalling. Therefore, the aim of this study is to elucidate the regulation of IL
      6-induced gene expression by glucagon. We could reveal a novel mechanism of
      negative regulation of IL-6-induced MAP kinase activation by glucagon in primary
      murine hepatocytes. IL-6-dependent induction of the ERK-dependent target gene
      Tfpi2, coding for a Kunitz-type serine protease inhibitor, was strongly down
      regulated by glucagon treatment. Studying the underlying mechanism revealed a
      redundant action of the signalling molecules exchange protein activated by cyclic
      AMP (Epac) and protein kinase A. The metabolic hormone glucagon interferes in IL
      6-induced gene expression. This observation is indicative for a regulatory role
      of G-protein-coupled receptors in the IL-6-dependent inflammatory response.

PMID- 22050228
TI  - The influenza virus PB1-F2 protein has interferon antagonistic activity.
AB  - PB1-F2 is a nonstructural protein of influenza viruses encoded by the PB1 gene
      segment from a +1 open reading frame. It has been shown that PB1-F2 contributes
      to viral pathogenicity, although the underlying mechanisms are still unclear.
      Induction of type I interferon (IFN) and the innate immune response are the first
      line of defense against viral infection. Here we show that influenza A viruses
      (IAVs) lacking the PB1-F2 protein induce an enhanced expression of IFN-beta and
      IFN-stimulated genes in infected epithelial cells. Studying molecular mechanisms
      underlying the PB1-F2-mediated IFN antagonistic activity showed that PB1-F2
      interferes with the RIG-I/MAVS protein complex thereby inhibiting the activation
      of the downstream transcription factor IFN regulatory factor 3. These findings
      were also reflected in in vivo studies demonstrating that infection with PR8 wild
      type (wt) virus resulted in higher lung titers and a more severe onset of disease
      compared with infection with its PB1-F2-deficient counterpart. Accordingly, a
      much more pronounced infiltration of lungs with immune cells was detected in mice
      infected with the PB1-F2 wt virus. In summary, we demonstrate that the PB1-F2
      protein of IAVs exhibits a type I IFN-antagonistic function by interfering with
      the RIG-I/MAVS complex, which contributes to an enhanced pathogenicity in vivo.

PMID- 22050229
TI  - Somatotropic gene response to recombinant growth hormone treatment in buffalo
      leucocytes.
AB  - The use of recombinant bovine growth hormone (rbGH) to increase milk yield in
      cows is banned in some countries. In others, where it is authorised, it has
      triggered harsh debates on labelling of dairy products. If many studies have been
      performed on bovines, there is a lack of information on buffaloes, which are
      sometimes treated with rbGH and re-present an important economical resource for
      dairy products in some countries. Analytical methods with legal value for
      surveillance of rbGH treatments do not yet exist. Research on gene expression
      biomarkers is one of the most promising approaches to this purpose. For this
      reason, we treated five buffaloes for 10 weeks with a sustained-release
      formulation of rbGH and analysed the response of 20 somatotropic axis genes in
      leucocytes by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Overall changes in gene
      expression levels were of low magnitude and sometimes affected by the 'time'
      factor. Only the IGFBP-1 gene showed a significant under-expression (about two
      fold; p <0.001) in treated animals. Taken together, these results give evidence
      that expression analysis of the somatotropic axis genes in leucocytes is little
      helpful for discrimination of rbGH-treated buffaloes, but do not exclude that
      another array of genes could provide useful patterns of variation.

PMID- 22050230
TI  - Ammonia increases nitric oxide, free Zn(2+), and metallothionein mRNA expression
      in cultured rat astrocytes.
AB  - Ammonia is a major player in the pathogenesis of hepatic encephalopathy (HE) and
      affects astrocyte function by triggering a self-amplifying cycle between osmotic
      and oxidative stress. We recently demonstrated that hypoosmotic astrocyte
      swelling rapidly stimulates nitric oxide (NO) production and increases
      intracellular free Zn(2+) concentration ([Zn(2+)](i)). Here we report effects of
      ammonia on [Zn(2+)](i) homeostasis and NO synthesis. In cultured rat astrocytes,
      NH(4)Cl (5 mm) increased within 6 h both cytosolic and mitochondrial [Zn(2+)].
      The [Zn(2+)](i) increase was transient and was mimicked by the nonmetabolizable
      CH(3)NH(3)Cl, and it was dependent on NO formation, as evidenced by the
      sensitivity toward the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor N(G)-monomethyl-l
      arginine. The NH(4)Cl-induced NO formation was sensitive to the Ca(2+) chelator
      1,2-bis(o-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid tetra(acetoxymethyl)
      ester and increases in both NO and [Zn(2+)](i) were blocked by the N-methyl-d
      aspartate receptor antagonist MK-801. The NH(4)Cl-triggered increase in
      [Zn(2+)](i) was followed by a Zn(2+)-dependent nuclear appearance of the metal
      response element-binding transcription factor and metallothionein messenger RNA
      (mRNA) induction. Metallothionein mRNA was also increased in vivo in rat cerebral
      cortex 6 h after an NH(4)Ac challenge. NH(4)Cl increased peripheral-type
      benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) protein expression, whereas PBR mRNA levels were
      decreased in a Zn(2+)-independent manner. The Zn(2+)-dependent upregulation of
      metallothionein following ammonia intoxication may reflect a cytoprotective
      response, whereas the increase in PBR expression may augment HE development.

PMID- 22050231
TI  - Expression pattern of cathepsin W isoforms in peripheral blood and
      gastroesophageal mucosa of patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease.
AB  - Cathepsin W is exclusively expressed in immune cells, and a novel isoform was
      identified previously. To characterize the expression pattern of the wildtype and
      isoform Ins10, specific polymerase chain reaction assays were generated and used
      to study respective transcript levels in peripheral blood cells and gastric
      biopsies in healthy subjects. The wildtype-encoding transcript levels were 3- and
      9-fold higher in mucosal samples and peripheral immune cells, respectively
      (p<0.05). The predominant expression of wildtype form by infiltrating immune
      cells was confirmed in 116 patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease and 27
      reflux-negative individuals demonstrating that cathepsin W expression is not
      altered in this disease.

PMID- 22050233
TI  - Review--Interactions between diatoms and stainless steel: focus on biofouling and
      biocorrosion.
AB  - There is a considerable body of information regarding bacterially enhanced
      corrosion, however, this review focuses on diatoms (unicellular algae) whose
      contribution to biocorrosion is less well studied. The reasons why diatoms have
      been neglected in studies of biocorrosion in natural waters are discussed and the
      question whether diatoms should be considered as inert with respect of
      electrochemical processes is considered. A particular focus is given to the case
      of stainless steels (SS), which are widely used in variety of applications in
      natural waters. Basic information on the cell biology of diatoms is included in
      the review, particularly with respect to their ability to 'sense' and adhere to
      surfaces. Investigations at the nanoscale are reviewed as these studies provide
      information about the behavior of cells at interfaces. Recent advances include
      the use of atomic force microscopy (AFM), although only a few studies have been
      applied to diatoms. Regarding the electrochemical behavior of SS, the mechanisms
      by which diatoms influence the potential ennoblement process is discussed. Such
      studies reveal the association of diatoms, in addition to bacteria, with
      biocorrosion processes.

PMID- 22050234
TI  - Reassessing the human health benefits from cleaner air.
AB  - Recent proposals to further reduce permitted levels of air pollution emissions
      are supported by high projected values of resulting public health benefits. For
      example, the Environmental Protection Agency recently estimated that the 1990
      Clean Air Act Amendment (CAAA) will produce human health benefits in 2020, from
      reduced mortality rates, valued at nearly $2 trillion per year, compared to
      compliance costs of $65 billion ($0.065 trillion). However, while compliance
      costs can be measured, health benefits are unproved: they depend on a series of
      uncertain assumptions. Among these are that additional life expectancy gained by
      a beneficiary (with median age of about 80 years) should be valued at about
      $80,000 per month; that there is a 100% probability that a positive, linear, no
      threshold, causal relation exists between PM(2.5)  concentration and mortality
      risk; and that progress in medicine and disease prevention will not greatly
      diminish this relationship. We present an alternative uncertainty analysis that
      assigns a positive probability of error to each assumption. This discrete
      uncertainty analysis suggests (with probability >90% under plausible alternative
      assumptions) that the costs of CAAA exceed its benefits. Thus, instead of
      suggesting to policymakers that CAAA benefits are almost certainly far larger
      than its costs, we believe that accuracy requires acknowledging that the costs
      purchase a relatively uncertain, possibly much smaller, benefit. The difference
      between these contrasting conclusions is driven by different approaches to
      uncertainty analysis, that is, excluding or including discrete uncertainties
      about the main assumptions required for nonzero health benefits to exist at all.

PMID- 22050235
TI  - Amelanotic melanoma: a detailed morphologic analysis with clinicopathologic
      correlation of 75 cases.
AB  - Amelanotic melanoma can have a varied appearance both clinically and
      microscopically. Here, we present our experiences with 75 cases of amelanotic
      melanoma defined clinically as a non-pigmented lesion and histopathologically as
      a tumor lacking significant melanization. We evaluated microscopic features such
      as morphology, mitotic count, nuclear atypia and presence of solar elastosis. Our
      amelanotic melanomas exhibited the following morphology: epitheloid (72%),
      spindled (18.7%) or desmoplastic (5.3%). In addition, we obtained patient
      information and clinical presentations on most of the cases (74/75; 98.7%) and
      follow-up data on 40% (30/75) of the cases. The majority of amelanotic melanomas
      in men were found on the trunk (13/45; 29%), head and neck (12/45; 26.7%), and
      lower limb (13/45; 29%) and in women were found on the lower limb (12/30; 40%),
      upper limb (10/30; 33.3%) and head and neck (6/30; 20%). In addition, we found
      that an increase in mitotic index correlated with worse survival (p < 0.026),
      whereas there were no differences in survival for other pathological features,
      such as nuclear atypia or solar elastosis. Furthermore, in cases with available
      tissue, all amelanotic melanoma expressed microphthalmia-associated transcription
      factor and tyrosinase, suggesting that the tumor cells retained melanocytic
      lineage and an enzyme in melanin formation, respectively. As the occurrence of
      amelanotic melanoma and the expression melanoma markers were similar to pigmented
      melanoma, we favor that amelanotic melanoma represents a subtype of melanoma
      rather than poorly differentiated or de-differentiated melanoma.

PMID- 22050236
TI  - Transient innermolecular carbene-hemicarcerand complex of fluorophenylcarbene.
AB  - Laser flash photolysis of fluorophenyldiazirine incarcerated in hemicarcerand 2
      affords incarcerated fluorophenylcarbene [2?3], which forms a metastable,
      innermolecular pi-complex with aryl moieties of 2. This carbene complex can be
      observed spectroscopically. Extensive computational studies provide insights into
      the structure, spectroscopy, energetics, and kinetics of the 2?3 carbene complex.

PMID- 22050237
TI  - Iodide, azide, and cyanide complexes of (N,C), (N,N), and (N,O) metallacycles of
      tetra- and pentavalent uranium.
AB  - In contrast to the neutral macrocycle [UN*(2)(N,C)] (1) [N* = N(SiMe(3))(3); N,C
      = CH(2)SiMe(2)N(SiMe(3))] which was quite inert toward I(2), the anionic
      bismetallacycle [NaUN*(N,C)(2)] (2) was readily transformed into the enlarged
      monometallacycle [UN*(N,N)I] (4) [N,N =
      (Me(3)Si)NSiMe(2)CH(2)CH(2)SiMe(2)N(SiMe(3))] resulting from C-C coupling of the
      two CH(2) groups, and [NaUN*(N,O)(2)] (3) [N,O = OC(?CH(2))SiMe(2)N(SiMe(3))],
      which is devoid of any U-C bond, was oxidized into the U(V) bismetallacycle
      [Na{UN*(N,O)(2)}(2)(MU-I)] (5). Sodium amalgam reduction of 4 gave the U(III)
      compound [UN*(N,N)] (6). Addition of MN(3) or MCN to the (N,C), (N,N), and (N,O)
      metallacycles 1, 4, and 5 led to the formation of the anionic azide or cyanide
      derivatives M[UN*(2)(N,C)(N(3))] [M = Na, 7a or Na(15-crown-5), 7b],
      M[UN*(2)(N,C)(CN)] [M = NEt(4), 8a or Na(15-crown-5), 8b or K(18-crown-6), 8c],
      M[UN*(N,N)(N(3))(2)] [M = Na, 9a or Na(THF)(4), 9b], [NEt(4)][UN*(N,N)(CN)(2)]
      (10), M[UN*(N,O)(2)(N(3))] [M = Na, 11a or Na(15-crown-5), 11b],
      M[UN*(N,O)(2)(CN)] [M = NEt(4), 12a or Na(15-crown-5), 12b]. In the presence of
      excess iodine in THF, the cyanide 12a was converted back into the iodide 5, while
      the azide 11a was transformed into the neutral U(V) complex
      [U(N{SiMe(3)}SiMe(2)C{CHI}O)(2)I(THF)] (13). The X-ray crystal structures of 4,
      7b, 8a-c, 9b, 10, 12b, and 13 were determined.

PMID- 22050238
TI  - Inherited neuromuscular disorders: pathway to diagnosis.
AB  - Muscle weakness in childhood can be caused by a lesion at any point extending
      from the motor cortex, brainstem and spinal cord to the anterior horn cell,
      peripheral nerve, neuromuscular junction and muscle. A comprehensive history and
      physical examination is essential to aid classification of the neuromuscular
      disorder and direct gene testing. The more common disorders such as spinal
      muscular atrophy, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, myotonic dystrophy and
      facioscapulohumeral dystrophy may be diagnosed on direct gene testing based on
      the history and clinical examination. The congenital myopathies are classified
      based on structural abnormalities on muscle biopsy, while protein abnormalities
      on immunohistochemistry and immunoblotting aid classification of the muscular
      dystrophies. In this review, we provide an approach to diagnosis of a child with
      weakness, with a focus on the inherited neuromuscular disorders, and the features
      on history, examination and investigation that help to distinguish between them.

PMID- 22050239
TI  - Asthma in adults and its association with chronic rhinosinusitis: the GA2LEN
      survey in Europe.
AB  - BACKGROUND:   The prevalence of asthma and its association with chronic
      rhinosinusitis (CRS) have not been widely studied in population-based
      epidemiological surveys. METHODS:   The Global Allergy and Asthma Network of
      Excellence (GA(2) LEN) conducted a postal questionnaire in representative samples
      of adults living in Europe to assess the presence of asthma and CRS defined by
      the European Position Paper on Rhinosinusitis and Nasal Polyps. The prevalence of
      self-reported current asthma by age group was determined. The association of
      asthma with CRS in each participating centre was assessed using logistic
      regression analyses, controlling for age, sex and smoking, and the effect
      estimates were combined using standard methods of meta-analysis. RESULTS:   Over
      52,000 adults aged 18-75 years and living in 19 centres in 12 countries took
      part. In most centres, and overall, the reported prevalence of asthma was lower
      in older adults (adjusted OR for 65-74 years compared with 15-24 years: 0.72; 95%
      CI: 0.63-0.81). In all centres, there was a strong association of asthma with CRS
      (adjusted OR: 3.47; 95% CI: 3.20-3.76) at all ages. The association with asthma
      was stronger in those reporting both CRS and allergic rhinitis (adjusted OR:
      11.85; 95% CI: 10.57-13.17). CRS in the absence of nasal allergies was positively
      associated with late-onset asthma. CONCLUSION:   Geographical variation in the
      prevalence of self-reported asthma was observed across Europe, but overall, self
      reported asthma was more common in young adults, women and smokers. In all age
      groups, men and women, and irrespective of smoking behaviour, asthma was also
      associated with CRS.

PMID- 22050240
TI  - Increased prokineticin 2 expression in gut inflammation: role in visceral pain
      and intestinal ion transport.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prokineticin 2 (PROK2) is an inflammatory cytokine-like molecule
      expressed predominantly by macrophages and neutrophils infiltrating sites of
      tissue damage. Given the established role of prokineticin signaling on
      gastrointestinal function, we have explored Prok2 gene expression in inflammatory
      conditions of the gastrointestinal tract and assessed the possible consequences
      on gut physiology. METHODS: Prokineticin expression was examined in normal and
      colitic tissues using qPCR and immunohistochemistry. Functional responses to
      PROK2 were studied using calcium imaging and a novel antagonist, Compound 3, used
      to determine the role of PROK2 and prokineticin receptors in inflammatory
      visceral pain and ion transport. KEY RESULTS: Prok2 gene expression was up
      regulated in biopsy samples from ulcerative colitis patients, and similar
      elevations were observed in rodent models of inflammatory colitis. Prokineticin
      receptor 1 (PKR1) was localized to the enteric neurons and extrinsic sensory
      neurons, whereas Pkr2 expression was restricted to sensory ganglia. In rats,
      PROK2-increased intracellular calcium levels in cultured enteric and dorsal root
      ganglia neurons, which was blocked by Compound 3. Moreover, PROK2 acting at
      prokineticin receptors stimulated intrinsic neuronally mediated ion transport in
      rat ileal mucosa. In vivo, Compound 3 reversed intracolonic mustard oil-induced
      referred allodynia and TNBS-induced visceral hypersensitivity, but not non
      inflammatory, stress-induced visceral pain. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES: Elevated
      Prok2 levels, as a consequence of gastrointestinal tract inflammation, induce
      visceral pain via prokineticin receptors. This observation, together with the
      finding that PROK2 can modulate intestinal ion transport, raises the possibility
      that inhibitors of PROK2 signaling may have clinical utility in gastrointestinal
      disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease.

PMID- 22050241
TI  - Presentation of two cases of immediate restoration of implants in the esthetic
      region, using facilitate software and guides with stereolithographic model
      surgery prior to patient surgery.
AB  - Improvements in both implant microsurfaces and placement techniques have reduced
      healing time and increased survival rates. CAD/CAM technology and improved
      ceramic materials allow for achievement of improved esthetics at the implant
      restoration level. Two clinical procedures have the capacity to decrease patient
      postoperative discomfort and improve esthetics. Flapless surgery reduces surgical
      trauma and postoperative problems. Placement of the final prosthetic abutment at
      the time of implant placement stabilizes soft tissue adhesion and position to the
      implant. Both results require careful presurgical planning with precise implant
      and abutment placement. This is a clinical report of two cases that are part of a
      larger ongoing clinical trial of 20 patients. The inclusion criterion was that
      patients should be missing a single tooth in the esthetic zone. FacilitateTM
      software was used in conjunction with dicom files transferred from CT scans for
      diagnosis. Stereolithographic models and surgical guides were fabricated from the
      digital information. Surgical guides were used preoperatively so implant replicas
      could be placed in stereolithographic models as simulated surgery. A ZirDesignTM
      ceramic abutment was adapted on the model, and a provisional crown was
      fabricated. At the time of actual implant surgery, the same surgical guide was
      used with a flapless approach. The previously modified ceramic abutment was screw
      retained and torqued to place into the implant. The provisional crown was then
      cemented after blocking out the screw access hole. A final restoration was
      fabricated from all-ceramic material after several months. Success requires
      careful patient selection and attention to each step of the technique.
      Preliminary outcomes from the ongoing clinical trial are promising.

PMID- 22050242
TI  - Retrospective audit of postictal generalized EEG suppression in telemetry.
AB  - Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) has on rare occasions occurred during
      electroencephalography (EEG) telemetry, and in such cases postictal EEG
      suppression (PI EEG-SUP) was frequently observed. More recently a retrospective
      case-control study reported this pattern as a risk factor for SUDEP. We
      retrospectively audited frequency and electroclinical features of this pattern as
      well as immediate management following tonic-clonic seizures during telemetry.
      Forty-eight patients with tonic-clonic seizures were identified from 470
      consecutive EEG-videotelemetry reports. Thirteen patients (27%) with PI EEG-SUP
      (mean duration 38.1 s, range 6-69 s, median 38 s) were compared to 12 randomly
      selected controls. One seizure was analyzed per individual. Those with PI EEG-SUP
      were significantly more likely to be motionless after the seizure and have simple
      nursing interventions performed (suction, oxygen administration, placed in
      recovery position, vital signs checked). This pattern is relatively common and
      requires further study as a potential marker for increased mortality in epilepsy.

PMID- 22050243
TI  - Simulating pH titration of a single surfactant in ionic and nonionic surfactant
      micelles.
AB  - Calculation of surfactant pK(a)'s in micelles is a challenging task using
      traditional electrostatic methods due to the lack of structural data and
      information regarding the effective dielectric constant. Here we test the
      implicit- and hybrid-solvent-based continuous constant pH molecular dynamics
      (CpHMD) methods for predicting the pK(a) shift of a lauric acid solubilized in
      three micelles: dodecyl sulfate (DS), dodecyltrimethylammonium (DTA), and
      dodecyltriethylene glycol ether (DE3). Both types of simulations are able to
      reproduce the observed positive pK(a) shifts for the anionic DS and nonionic DE3
      micelles. However, for the cationic DTA micelle, the implicit-solvent simulation
      fails to predict the direction of the pK(a) shift, while the hybrid-solvent
      simulation, where conformational sampling is conducted in explicit solvent, is
      consistent with experiment, although the specific-ion effects remain to be
      accurately determined. Comparison between the implicit- and hybrid-solvent data
      shows that the latter gives a more realistic description of the conformational
      environment of the titrating probe. Surprisingly, in the DTA micelle, surfactants
      are only slightly attracted to the laurate ion, which diminishes the magnitude of
      the electrostatic stabilization, resulting in a positive pK(a) shift that cannot
      be explained by chemical intuition or other theoretical models. Our data
      underscores the importance of microscopic models and ionization-coupled
      conformational dynamics in quantitative prediction of the pK(a) shifts in
      micelles.

PMID- 22050244
TI  - Boundary condition effects on maximum groundwater withdrawal in coastal aquifers.
AB  - Prevention of sea water intrusion in coastal aquifers subject to groundwater
      withdrawal requires optimization of well pumping rates to maximize the water
      supply while avoiding sea water intrusion. Boundary conditions and the aquifer
      domain size have significant influences on simulating flow and concentration
      fields and estimating maximum pumping rates. In this study, an analytical
      solution is derived based on the potential-flow theory for evaluating maximum
      groundwater pumping rates in a domain with a constant hydraulic head landward
      boundary. An empirical correction factor, which was introduced by Pool and
      Carrera (2011) to account for mixing in the case with a constant recharge rate
      boundary condition, is found also applicable for the case with a constant
      hydraulic head boundary condition, and therefore greatly improves the usefulness
      of the sharp-interface analytical solution. Comparing with the solution for a
      constant recharge rate boundary, we find that a constant hydraulic head boundary
      often yields larger estimations of the maximum pumping rate and when the domain
      size is five times greater than the distance between the well and the coastline,
      the effect of setting different landward boundary conditions becomes
      insignificant with a relative difference between two solutions less than 2.5%.
      These findings can serve as a preliminary guidance for conducting numerical
      simulations and designing tank-scale laboratory experiments for studying
      groundwater withdrawal problems in coastal aquifers with minimized boundary
      condition effects.

PMID- 22050245
TI  - Radiologic case study.

PMID- 22050246
TI  - Inaccurate histological documentation of massive desmoplastic fibroblastoma with
      scapular invasion.

PMID- 22050247
TI  - Identifying multiple reports from the same study.

PMID- 22050248
TI  - 54-year follow-up of lumbar posterior fusion with tibial graft.

PMID- 22050249
TI  - Merger mania: a sign of the times or typical market maturation?

PMID- 22050250
TI  - Arthroscopically assisted conversion of total shoulder arthroplasty to
      hemiarthroplasty with glenoid bone grafting.
AB  - Aseptic loosening of the glenoid component after total shoulder arthroplasty
      presents a considerable treatment challenge in the setting of substantial glenoid
      bone loss. Glenoid component explantation and bone grafting of defects have
      become common methods of recreating bone stock in hopes of preventing later
      fractures, maintaining joint kinematics, and allowing for later glenoid
      reimplantation if necessary. Although this has been traditionally accomplished
      via open techniques, this article describes an arthroscopic-assisted method of
      glenoid explantation and bone grafting for cases of aseptic glenoid loosening
      with contained bone defects.

PMID- 22050251
TI  - Overuse injuries in youth throwing athletes.

PMID- 22050252
TI  - Twitter as a communication tool for orthopedic surgery.
AB  - Twitter is a social networking Web site that has changed the way information is
      communicated. This study involved identifying, categorizing, and reviewing
      orthopedic Twitter profiles. A total of 412 profiles were identified. Of those,
      176 (50.3%) were surgeons; 89 (50.5%) were based in the United States and 77
      (43.8%) were not (10 unclassified). Most surgeons were young; 66% of surgeons
      were board certified within the past 10 years. Only a small percentage of
      orthopedic surgeons and practices currently use Twitter, but the use of social
      networking for orthopedic communication is likely to play an increasing role in
      future clinical practice.

PMID- 22050253
TI  - A review of the methods, interpretation, and limitations of the urine drug
      screen.
AB  - Toxicology screens are used to detect the presence of prescription,
      nonprescription, or illicit substances. These tests are used in emergency
      situations to detect intentional or accidental overdose, to monitor drug
      dependency, and to screen for medical or legal purposes. An initial immunoassay
      reports qualitative results based on established cut-off concentrations. As a
      screening test, the initial immunoassay is less sensitive and therefore must be
      interpreted in the context of confounding variables such as the testing method,
      the substance being screened, and patient-specific characteristics. Either gas
      chromatography or high-performance liquid chromatography can be used to confirm
      positive results.

PMID- 22050254
TI  - Subtle injuries to the lisfranc joint.
AB  - The tarsometatarsal joint complex is an osseous and capsuloligamentous network
      that includes the 5 metatarsals, their articulations with the cuneiforms and
      cuboid, and the Lisfranc ligament, a strong interosseous attachment between the
      medial cuneiform and second metatarsal. A multitude of injury patterns exist
      involving the tarsometatarsal joint complex; a Lisfranc injury does not delineate
      a specific injury, but instead a spectrum of processes involving the
      tarsometatarsal joint complex.

PMID- 22050255
TI  - Patient activation and functional recovery in persons undergoing spine surgery.

PMID- 22050256
TI  - Results of cervical arthroplasty compared with anterior discectomy and fusion:
      four-year clinical outcomes in a prospective, randomized controlled trial.

PMID- 22050257
TI  - Intrasubstance ruptures of the biceps brachii: diagnosis and management.
AB  - Traumatic intrasubstance ruptures of the biceps brachii are rare and historically
      specific to military static line parachute jumps; however, these injuries have
      recently been reported in the civilian literature. Diagnosis is made by history,
      clinical weakness in supination and elbow flexion, extensive ecchymosis and
      edema, and a palpable defect. Ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging are
      useful to confirm the diagnosis and injury severity. Nonoperative treatment
      involves splinting in acute flexion. Percutaneous hematoma aspiration has been
      described. Early surgical intervention with primary repair has been shown to be
      more successful than late reconstruction. Studies comparing operative and
      nonoperative treatment are lacking.

PMID- 22050259
TI  - The new HLA allele, HLA-A*03:57, differs from HLA-A*03:01 by two amino acids at
      positions 76 and 77 in the alpha2 domain affecting the pocket F of the peptide
      binding groove.
AB  - HLA-A*03:57 has two amino acid exchanges in exon 2 at adjacent positions of the
      peptide-binding groove.

PMID- 22050260
TI  - Surgical revision of biliary strictures following adult live donor liver
      transplantation: patient selection, morbidity, and outcomes.
AB  - Biliary strictures after live donor liver transplantation (LDLT) are frequent and
      difficult to manage. The outcomes of surgical correction of biliary anastomotic
      complications remain unclear. Clinical outcomes of patients requiring surgical
      revision of their biliary anastomosis following LDLT were analyzed. Of 296
      consecutive right lobe LDLTs, approximately 21% of patients developed biliary
      strictures. Of these patients, twelve required surgical revision of a biliary
      anastomotic stricture. For patients who had operative repair, the average time
      from transplantation to stricture diagnosis was 7.6 months. Mean time to surgical
      correction was 8.2 months from the time of stricture diagnosis. Eight of 12 (67%)
      patients no longer require any intervention with a mean follow-up of 43.7 months.
      Two of 12 patients require intermittent medical treatment for presumed
      cholangitis, but have not required biliary interventions. Two patients have
      required chronic PTC catheter drainage. The 30-day postoperative morbidity was
      58%, with four serious (Grade 3) complications occurring in three patients. Early
      stricture repair (<6 months from diagnosis of stricture) and younger donor grafts
      were associated with better surgical outcomes. Timely surgical correction of
      biliary strictures is successful and durable in appropriately selected patients.
      However, operative repair is associated with significant postoperative morbidity.

PMID- 22050261
TI  - Maternal exposure to aqueous extract of Jacaranda decurrens: effects on
      reproductive system in male rats.
AB  - CONTEXT: Jacaranda decurrens subsp. symmetrifoliolata Farias & Proenca
      (Bignoniaceae) is a species widely used for their medicinal properties. At least
      to our known, no study has been conducted concerning its toxicological profile
      after gestational and lactational exposure. OBJECTIVE: The present study was
      carried out to evaluate the effects of J. decurrens on development of the
      reproductive system in male rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pregnant rats were
      treated daily (gavage) with 250 or 500 mg/kg/day of aqueous extract of J.
      decurrens or vehicle, from day 12 of pregnancy to day 21 of lactation. RESULTS
      AND DISCUSSION: Both doses of J. decurrens significantly anticipated (p < 0.05)
      the age of testicular descent to the scrotum, a parameter indicative of puberty
      initiation. Furthermore, at puberty, there was a significant reduction (p < 0.05)
      in testicular and epididymis weights in the offspring exposed to the higher dose
      of extract, without effect on sperm production and the histology of reproductive
      organs. On the other hand, at adulthood, the reproductive parameters analyzed did
      not differ among groups. CONCLUSIONS: J. decurrens, in this experimental model,
      interfered with the initial development of the reproductive system, but without
      lasting effects on sperm production in adulthood.

PMID- 22050262
TI  - Understanding standard drinks and drinking guidelines.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: For consumers to follow drinking guidelines and limit
      their risk of negative consequences they need to track their ethanol consumption.
      This paper reviews published research on the ability of consumers to utilise
      information about the alcohol content of beverages when expressed in different
      forms, for example in standard drinks or units versus percentage alcohol content.
      DESIGN AND METHODS: A review of the literature on standard drink definitions and
      consumer understanding of these, actual drink pouring, use of standard drinks in
      guidelines and consumer understanding and use of these. RESULTS: Standard drink
      definitions vary across countries and typically contain less alcohol than actual
      drinks. Drinkers have difficulty defining and pouring standard drinks with over
      pouring being the norm such that intake volume is typically underestimated.
      Drinkers have difficulty using percentage alcohol by volume and pour size
      information in calculating intake but can effectively utilise standard drink
      labelling to track intake. Standard drink labelling is an effective but little
      used strategy for enabling drinkers to track their alcohol intake and potentially
      conform to safe or low-risk drinking guidelines.

PMID- 22050263
TI  - Exploring the binding sites of glycogen synthase kinase 3. Identification and
      characterization of allosteric modulation cavities.
AB  - Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3) is an important drug target for human severe
      unmet diseases. Discovery and/or design of allosteric kinase modulators are
      gaining importance in this field not only for the increased selectivity of this
      kind of compounds but also for the subtle modulation of the target. This last
      point is of utmost importance for the GSK-3 inhibition as a therapeutic approach.
      GSK-3 activity is completely necessary for life, and only the aberrant
      overactivity found in the pathologies should be inhibited with its inhibitors
      treatment. We performed here a search for the druggable sites on the enzyme using
      the fpocket algorithm with the aim to provide allosteric potential binding sites
      on it and new clues for further drug discoveries. Moreover, our results allowed
      us to determine the binding sites of different GSK-3 ATP noncompetitive
      inhibitors, such as manzamine A and the new small molecule VP 0.7, providing
      evidence for potential allosteric inhibition of GSK-3.

PMID- 22050264
TI  - Dissolved organic carbon--a practical consideration in application of biotic
      ligand models in Chinese waters.

PMID- 22050265
TI  - Prevalence of temporomandibular disorders in a population of complete denture
      wearers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Complete tooth loss among the elderly is still frequent in developing
      countries and the incidence of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) is a common
      finding in complete denture wearers. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to
      evaluate the prevalence of temporomandibular disorders (TMD) in a population of
      complete denture wearers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data were collected by four
      examiners for the diagnosis of use and need for complete dentures followed by the
      World Health Organization standards and interviews for TMD signs and symptoms
      evaluation. Exploratory variables included demographic, socio-economic status and
      TMD prevalence. RESULTS: The prevalence of TMD among denture wearers was 55.12%.
      Chi-squared test showed no statistical difference between subjects with or
      without TMD for gender, geographical location and skin colour (p < 0.05). The
      number of subjects with TMD increased as the period of complete denture wear
      increased, although no statistical difference between groups were found (p <
      0.05). CONCLUSIONS: There is a need of educational programmes aiming at the
      importance of health care and periodical change of a complete denture, and
      strategies with a preventive approach to quality general dental care.

PMID- 22050266
TI  - Pancreas transplantation after bariatric surgery.
AB  - Obese transplant candidates are at increased risk for perioperative and
      postoperative complications. In many transplant programs, morbid obesity is
      considered to be an exclusion criterion for transplantation. The only potential
      option that would grant these patients access to transplant is weight loss. Non
      operative weight loss strategies such as behavioral modifications, exercise,
      diet, or medication have only very limited success in achieving long-term weight
      loss. In contrast, bariatric surgery was shown to achieve not only more excessive
      weight loss, but more importantly, this weight loss can be sustained for longer
      periods of time. Therefore, bariatric surgery presents an attractive option for
      weight loss for morbidly obese transplant candidates. We report our experience
      with four patients who underwent bariatric surgery prior to successful pancreas
      transplantation. Even though gastric bypass and laparoscopic adjustable gastric
      band present as equivalent alternatives for weight reduction, we believe that in
      the population of morbidly obese diabetic patients who are possible candidates
      for pancreas transplantation, laparoscopic adjustable gastric band placement is
      the more suitable procedure.

PMID- 22050267
TI  - Plant-derived extracts in the neuroscience of anxiety on animal models: biases
      and comments.
AB  - Generalized anxiety disorders probably represent one of the world's biggest
      mental health problems. A large number of studies have also shown that anxiety
      disorders and depression are often associated with quality of life impairments.
      As anxiety represents a big concern in public health, a substantial literature
      supports clinically important associations between psychiatric illness and
      chronic medical conditions. Actually, most research focuses on depression,
      finding that depression can adversely affect self-care and increase the risk of
      incident medical illness, complications, and mortality. Anxiety disorders are
      less well studied, but robust epidemiological and clinical evidences show that
      they play an equally important role. Recent reported articles have raised a
      debate about the effectiveness of some plant-derived extracts in anxiety-like
      models in mice. Biases about several aspects related with experimental setting,
      animal selection, environments, operators and investigators, selection and
      performance of behavioral tests, controls, results managing, and statistics are
      here discussed.

PMID- 22050268
TI  - C-N bond cleavage of allylic amines via hydrogen bond activation with alcohol
      solvents in Pd-catalyzed allylic alkylation of carbonyl compounds.
AB  - Hydrogen-bond-activated C-N bond cleavage of allylic amines was realized in Pd
      catalyzed allylic alkylation to form the C-C bond product. The method could be
      expanded to a series of allylic amines and carbonyl compounds with excellent
      results. It provides a new and convenient access to C-C bond formation based on
      Pd-catalyzed allylic alkylation of allylic amines by using only inexpensive
      alcohol solvents.

PMID- 22050269
TI  - Intramolecular ester enolate-imine cyclization reactions for the asymmetric
      synthesis of polycyclic beta-lactams and cyclic beta-amino acid derivatives.
AB  - Enolates of chiral N-(alpha-methyl-p-methoxybenzyl)-omega-imino-esters undergo
      intramolecular cyclization reactions to afford (syn)-aza-anions of beta-amino
      esters in high dr that cyclize to afford N-(alpha-methyl-p-methoxybenzyl)-beta
      lactams that can be readily deprotected to afford their corresponding cyclic NH
      beta-lactams, beta-amino esters, or beta-amino acids.

PMID- 22050270
TI  - Combination treatment by 10 600 nm ablative fractional carbon dioxide laser and
      narrowband ultraviolet B in refractory nonsegmental vitiligo: a prospective,
      randomized half-body comparative study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vitiligo is a common acquired depigmentation disorder caused by the
      loss of melanocytes. Despite the numerous treatment modalities available for
      vitiligo, responses to treatment are still unsatisfactory. For this reason, new
      treatment modalities and approaches are needed. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the
      effects of fractional carbon dioxide (CO(2) ) laser therapy followed by systemic
      narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) phototherapy on nonsegmental vitiligo (NSV) as
      a prospective and randomized left-right comparative study. METHODS: Ten patients
      with NSV who presented symmetrical vitiligo lesions with no further improvement
      despite more than 1 year of conventional treatment were enrolled. Two sessions of
      half-body fractional CO(2) laser therapy were performed at a 2-month interval. NB
      UVB phototherapy was then administered to the entire body 5 days after each
      fractional laser treatment twice a week, increasing the dose incrementally by 15%
      at each session. Objective clinical assessments were made by two blinded
      dermatologists using a quartile grading scale, and the patients' overall
      satisfaction was evaluated using a 10-point visual analogue scale. RESULTS: Two
      months after the last treatment, mean improvement scores, assessed by physicians,
      were significantly higher for those treated with half-body fractional CO(2) laser
      therapy followed by NB-UVB phototherapy, compared with those treated with NB-UVB
      alone (P=0.034). In addition, according to subjective assessment, the half-body
      laser treatment followed by NB-UVB showed significantly higher improvements
      compared with NB-UVB treatment alone (P=0.023). Noticeable adverse events, such
      as infection, scarring and Koebner phenomenon, were not found in any patient.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that fractional CO(2) laser therapy followed by
      NB-UVB phototherapy could be used effectively and safely as an alternative
      modality for the treatment of refractory vitiligo.

PMID- 22050271
TI  - Prevalence of diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes and hypertension in India-
      results from the Screening India's Twin Epidemic (SITE) study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Despite the rising number of patients with diabetes and hypertension
      in India, there is a dearth of nationwide, comprehensive prevalence data on these
      diseases. Our study aimed at collecting data on the prevalence of diabetes and
      hypertension and the underlying risk factors in various outpatient facilities
      throughout India. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was planned to be conducted
      in 10 Indian states, one state at a time. It was targeted to enroll about 2,000
      patients from 100 centers in each state. Each center enrolled the first 10
      patients (>=18 years of age, not pregnant, signed consent) per day on two
      consecutive days. "Diabetes" and "hypertension" were defined by the 2008 American
      Diabetes Association and the Joint National Committee's 7(th) Report guidelines,
      respectively. Patient data (demographics, lifestyle factors, medical history, and
      laboratory diagnostic results) were collected and analyzed. RESULTS: During 2009
      2010, in total, 15,662 eligible patients (54.8% males; mean age, 48.9+/-13.9
      years) from eight states were enrolled. Diabetes was prevalent in 5,427 (34.7%)
      patients, and 7,212 (46.0%) patients had hypertension. Diabetes and hypertension
      were coexistent in 3,227 (20.6%) patients. Among those whose disease status was
      not known at enrollment, 7.2% (793 of 11,028) and 22.2% (2,408 of 10,858)
      patients were newly diagnosed with diabetes and hypertension, respectively;
      additionally, 18.4% (2,031 of 11,028) were classified as having prediabetes and
      60.1% (6,521 of 10,858) as having prehypertension. A positive association
      (P<0.05) was observed between diabetes/hypertension and age, familial history of
      either, a medical history of cardiovascular disorders, alcohol consumption, and
      diet. CONCLUSIONS: Our study demonstrates that the substantial burden of diabetes
      and hypertension is on the rise in India. Patient awareness and timely diagnosis
      and intervention hold the key to limiting this twin epidemic.

PMID- 22050273
TI  - Errata.

PMID- 22050272
TI  - Seventy-five years' Institute of Veterinary Pathology.

PMID- 22050274
TI  - ABM Clinical Protocol #24: Allergic Proctocolitis in the Exclusively Breastfed
      Infant.
AB  - A central goal of The Academy of Breastfeeding Medicine is the development of
      clinical protocols for managing common medical problems that may impact
      breastfeeding success. These protocols serve only as guidelines for the care of
      breastfeeding mothers and infants and do not delineate an exclusive course of
      treatment or serve as standards of medical care. Variations in treatment may be
      appropriate according to the needs of an individual patient. These guidelines are
      not intended to be all-inclusive, but to provide a basic framework for physician
      education regarding breastfeeding.

PMID- 22050275
TI  - Characterisation of Plasmodium falciparum aspartic protease inhibition by
      piperidine derivatives.
AB  - Piperidine derivatives are reported to exhibit a variety of pharmacological
      activities. In this article, synthesis and aspartic protease inhibitory activity
      of three nitrophenacyl derivatives of N-methyl-4-hydroxy piperidine are reported.
      Enzyme assays showed that the attachment of a nitro group in the benzene ring
      plays an important role in the inhibition of plasmepsin-II of Plasmodium
      falciparum. The compound 1-methyl-1-(4'-nitrophenacyl)-4-hydroxypiperidinium
      bromide (3), consisting of a nitro group at the para position, was the most
      active at the concentration of 1.0 uM. The activity of the compounds was
      evaluated through the observed orientation and diagrammatic representation of
      nitrophenacyl derivatives of 4-hydroxy piperidine.

PMID- 22050276
TI  - Robust allocation of a defensive budget considering an attacker's private
      information.
AB  - Attackers' private information is one of the main issues in defensive resource
      allocation games in homeland security. The outcome of a defense resource
      allocation decision critically depends on the accuracy of estimations about the
      attacker's attributes. However, terrorists' goals may be unknown to the defender,
      necessitating robust decisions by the defender. This article develops a robust
      optimization game-theoretical model for identifying optimal defense resource
      allocation strategies for a rational defender facing a strategic attacker while
      the attacker's valuation of targets, being the most critical attribute of the
      attacker, is unknown but belongs to bounded distribution-free intervals. To our
      best knowledge, no previous research has applied robust optimization in homeland
      security resource allocation when uncertainty is defined in bounded distribution
      free intervals. The key features of our model include (1) modeling uncertainty in
      attackers' attributes, where uncertainty is characterized by bounded intervals;
      (2) finding the robust-optimization equilibrium for the defender using concepts
      dealing with budget of uncertainty and price of robustness; and (3) applying the
      proposed model to real data.

PMID- 22050277
TI  - Synthesis and structural characterization of an unprecedented nonmetal cation
      polyborate salt containing two different "isolated" polyborate anions:
      [H2en]2[B4O5(OH)4][B7O9(OH)5].3H2O (en = H2NCH2CH2NH2).
AB  - The nonmetal cation polyborate salt of stoichiometry
      [H(2)en](2)[B(11)O(18)(OH)].7H(2)O is obtained from the reaction of 1,2
      diaminoethane and boric acid (1:5 ratio) in H(2)O/MeOH. An X-ray crystallographic
      study of the product reveals that the polyborate moiety is composed of two
      isolated hydrated polyborate anions: [B(4)O(5)(OH)(4)](2-) and
      [B(7)O(9)(OH)(5)](2-). The structure is templated by the cations with the anions
      forming a supramolecular H-bonded network, augmented by additional H-bonds
      involving the waters of crystallization and the cations.

PMID- 22050279
TI  - Practical guide to skin prick tests in allergy to aeroallergens.
AB  - This pocket guide is the result of a consensus reached between members of the
      Global Allergy and Asthma European Network (GA(2) LEN) and Allergic Rhinitis and
      its Impact on Asthma (ARIA). The aim of the current pocket guide is to offer a
      comprehensive set of recommendations on the use of skin prick tests in allergic
      rhinitis-conjunctivitis and asthma in daily practice. This pocket guide is meant
      to give simple answers to the most frequent questions raised by practitioners in
      Europe, including 'practicing allergists', general practitioners and any other
      physicians with special interest in the management of allergic diseases. It is
      not a long or detailed scientific review of the topic. However, the
      recommendations in this pocket guide were compiled following an in-depth review
      of existing guidelines and publications, including the 1993 European Academy of
      Allergy and Clinical Immunology position paper, the 2001 ARIA document and the
      ARIA update 2008 (prepared in collaboration with GA(2) LEN). The recommendations
      cover skin test methodology and interpretation, allergen extracts to be used, as
      well as indications in a variety of settings including paediatrics and developing
      countries.

PMID- 22050280
TI  - Quality of life assessment in breast cancer: when does it add prognostic value
      for survival?

PMID- 22050281
TI  - Excessive resections in breast-conserving surgery: a retrospective multicentre
      study.
AB  - The main determinant of cosmetic outcomes following breast-conserving surgery
      (BCS) for breast cancer is the volume of resection. The importance of achieving
      optimal oncological control may lead to an unnecessarily large resection of
      breast tissue. The aim of this study is to evaluate excess resection volume in
      BCS for cancer by determining a calculated resection ratio (CRR). This
      retrospective study was conducted in four affiliated institutions and involved
      726 consecutive patients with T1-T2 invasive breast cancer treated by BCS between
      January 2006 and 2009. The pathology reports were reviewed for tumor palpability,
      tumor size, surgical specimen size, and oncological margin status. The optimal
      resection volume (ORV) was defined as the spherical tumor volume with an added
      1.0 cm margin of healthy breast tissue. The total resection volume (TRV) was
      defined as the ellipsoid volume of the surgical specimen. CRR was determined by
      dividing the TRV by the ORV. Of all tumors, 72% (525/726) were palpable, and 28%
      (201/726) were nonpalpable. The tumor stage was T1 in 492 patients (67.8%) and T2
      in 234 patients (32.2%). The median CRR was 2.5 (0.01-42.93). Margin status was
      positive or focally positive in 153 patients (21.1%). Lower tumor stage was
      associated with a higher CRR (factor 0.61 [p < 0.0001] and a lower positive
      margin rate [p = 0.064]). Accordingly, the median CRR of the nonpalpable lesions
      was higher than that of the palpable lesions (3.1 and 2.2, respectively; p <
      0.01), and the involved margin rate was lower (17.4% and 22.5%, respectively; p =
      0.13). Of patients with a CRR >4.0, 10.7% still had tumor involved margins. This
      study clearly shows that BCS is associated with excessive resection of healthy
      breast tissue while clear margins are not assured. Surgical factors should be
      modified to improve surgical accuracy.

PMID- 22050282
TI  - Treatment of early breast cancer, a long-term follow-up study: the GOCS
      experience.
AB  - Most cases of breast cancer are diagnosed at early stage of disease; therefore,
      treatment is oriented to increase the disease-free interval (DFI) and overall
      survival (OS). The prognosis, in comparison with other malignancies, has improved
      in the last decades as a result of mammographic screening. The aim of the study
      was to report the incidence of local and distant recurrence, DFI and OS in
      patients (pts) with stage I and stage II breast cancer over a period of 26 years
      divided into three groups. From January 1978 to December 2004, 927 women with
      early breast cancer (EBC) were included, 350 were stage I and 577 Stage II (AJCC
      2002). Patients were divided according to the year of diagnosis into three
      periods of 10 years: Group A (1978-1987) 135 pts, Group B (1988-1997) 412 pts,
      and Group C (1998-2004) 380 pts. DFI was analyzed from the date of initial
      diagnosis to the date of local or distant recurrence. OS was estimated from the
      date of initial diagnosis to the last follow-up or date of death. Median age was
      51 years (28-92). Conservative surgery was performed in 69% of pts, adjuvant
      radiation therapy in 78%, adjuvant chemotherapy in 29%, and adjuvant hormone
      therapy in 18%. The median follow-up was 8.4 years (0.3-30). The mean tumor size
      in Group A was 2.7 cm, in Group B 2.2 cm, and in Group C 1.94 cm (p = 0.0001).
      The percentage of pts with stage I increased from 13% in Group A to 38% in Group
      B and to 47% in Group C (p = 0.0001). Local recurrence was documented in 5% of
      all pts, whereas 28% developed metastatic disease. The DFI and OS showed a
      statistically significant difference among the three groups (p = 0.005). DFI rate
      at 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 years was 71%, 67%, 65%, 65%, and 64%, respectively. OS
      at 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 years was 82%, 62%, 49%, 39%, and 28%, respectively.
      Factors that had an effect in OS demonstrated by the multivariate regression
      analysis were: Tumor size, ER status, and nodal involvement (p < 0.001). Clinical
      outcomes in EBC in our experience are similar to those reported in international
      literature. The DFI and OS showed a statistically significant difference among
      the three groups. This group of pts continues to have a good prognosis as shown
      by the OS rate at 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25 years, although a high percentage of pts
      still to have recurrence and die from breast cancer after 5, 10, 15, 20, and 25
      years of follow-up.

PMID- 22050283
TI  - Increasing coverage rates for mammographic screening in France in older women--16
      years of follow-up.

PMID- 22050284
TI  - Electrochemical determination of pKa of N-bases in ionic liquid media.
AB  - Two electrochemical techniques have been used to measure the pK(a) of N-bases in
      several ionic liquids (ILs). The first method corresponds to a potentiometric
      titration of a strong acid with the N-base using a platinized Pt indicator
      electrode immersed in the IL solution and maintained under dihydrogen atmosphere
      via gas bubbling. The second approach involves performing cyclic voltammetry at a
      platinized Pt electrode in a solution containing both strong acid and the
      conjugate weak acid of the N-base. Values of pK(a) obtained by one or the other
      approach are in good agreement with each other. The experimental data clearly
      demonstrated that acid/base chemistry in ILs is similar to that observed in
      molecular nonaqueous solvents; i.e., the relative strengths of the bases were in
      the right order and spaced (DeltapK(a)). It was also observed that the strength
      of N-bases is highly dependent on the anion of the ionic liquid; this observation
      indicates that pH-dependent reactions could be controlled by the appropriate
      choice of anion for bulk ILs or as an added co-ion to bulk IL.

PMID- 22050285
TI  - Pattern of antiepileptic drug-induced cell death in limbic regions of the
      neonatal rat brain.
AB  - The induction of neuronal apoptosis throughout many regions of the developing rat
      brain by phenobarbital and phenytoin, two drugs commonly used for the treatment
      of neonatal seizures, has been well documented. However, several limbic regions
      have not been included in previous analyses. Because drug-induced damage to
      limbic brain regions in infancy could contribute to emotional and psychiatric
      sequelae, it is critical to determine the extent to which these regions are
      vulnerable to developmental neurotoxicity. To evaluate the impact of
      antiepileptic drug (AED) exposure on limbic nuclei, we treated postnatal day 7
      rat pups with phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazepine, or vehicle, and examined
      nucleus accumbens, septum, amygdala, piriform cortex, and frontal cortex for cell
      death. Histologic sections were processed using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl
      transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay to label apoptotic
      cells. Nucleus accumbens displayed the highest level of baseline cell death
      (vehicle group), as well as the greatest net increase in cell death following
      phenobarbital or phenytoin. Phenobarbital exposure resulted in a significant
      increase in cell death in all brain regions, whereas phenytoin exposure increased
      cell death only in the nucleus accumbens. Carbamazepine was without effect on
      cell death in any brain region analyzed, suggesting that the neurotoxicity
      observed is not an inherent feature of AED action. Our findings demonstrate
      pronounced cell death in several important regions of the rat limbic system
      following neonatal administration of phenobarbital, the first-line treatment for
      neonatal seizures in humans. These findings raise the possibility that AED
      exposure in infancy may contribute to adverse neuropsychiatric outcomes later in
      life.

PMID- 22050287
TI  - Address Abuse in Functional/Psychogenic Neurological Symptoms and Headache.

PMID- 22050286
TI  - Glucose metabolism in sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease: a statistical
      parametric mapping analysis of (18) F-FDG PET.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Reports describing functional neuroimaging techniques,
      such as positron emission tomography (PET) and single-photon emission computed
      tomography (SPECT), in sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (sCJD) have
      consistently suggested that these tools are sensitive for the identification of
      areas of hypoperfusion or hypometabolism, even in the early stages of sCJD.
      However, there are few reports on the use of [18F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG)
      PET in sCJD, and most of them are single case reports. Only two small cohort
      studies based on visual inspection or a region of interest method have been
      published to date. Using a statistical parametric mapping (SPM) analysis of (18)
      F-FDG PET, we investigated whether there are brain regions preferentially
      affected in sCJD. METHODS: After controlling for age and gender, using SPM 2, we
      compared the glucose metabolism between (i) 11 patients with sCJD and 35 controls
      and (ii) the subset of five patients with the Heidenhain variant of sCJD and 35
      controls. RESULTS: The patients with sCJD showed decreased glucose metabolism in
      bilateral parietal, frontal and occipital cortices. The Heidenhain variant of
      sCJD showed glucose hypometabolism mainly in bilateral occipital areas.
      CONCLUSIONS: Glucose hypometabolism in sCJD was detected in extensive cortical
      regions; however, it was not found in the basal ganglia or thalamus, which are
      frequently reported to be affected on diffusion-weighted images. The medial
      temporal area, which is possibly resistant to the prion deposits, was also less
      involved in sCJD.

PMID- 22050288
TI  - Highly enantioselective one-pot synthesis of spirocyclopentaneoxindoles
      containing the oxime group by organocatalyzed Michael addition/ISOC/fragmentation
      sequence.
AB  - A highly diastereo- and enantioselective organocatalytic protocol for the
      synthesis of biologically important spirocyclopentaneoxindoles containing the
      oxime functional group from easily accessible 3-allyl-substituted oxindoles and
      nitroolefins has been developed by a one-pot Michael addition/ISOC/fragmentation
      sequence.

PMID- 22050289
TI  - Systematic review and meta-analysis of the value of clinical features to exclude
      radiographic pneumonia in febrile neutropenic episodes in children and young
      people.
AB  - INTRODUCTION:   Children and young people who present with febrile neutropenia
      (FNP) secondary to malignancies or their treatment frequently do not undergo
      routine chest radiography. With shorter courses of antibiotic therapy, failure to
      recognise pneumonia and consequent under-treatment could produce significant
      problems. METHODS:   The review was conducted determine the value of the absence
      of clinical features of lower respiratory tract infection in excluding
      radiographic pneumonia at presentation of FNP using Centre for Reviews and
      Dissemination methods. It was registered with the HTA Registry of systematic
      reviews, CRD32009100453. Ten bibliographic databases, conference proceedings,
      reference lists and citations were searched. Cohort studies which compared
      clinical examination to radiographic findings were included. Results were
      summarised by random-effects meta-analysis. RESULTS:   Four studies were
      included. Synthesis of the three higher-quality studies gave imprecise estimates
      of the average sensitivity (75%; 95% CI 52% to 89%) and average specificity (69%;
      95% CI 57% to 78%) for clinical examination in the detection of radiographic
      pneumonia. If the prevalence of pneumonia is 5%, these estimates produce a
      negative predictive value of 98% (95% CI 96% to 99%). Alternatively, there
      remains a 1.9% probability of pneumonia (95% CI 0.7% to 4.2%). CONCLUSION:  
      Signs and symptoms of lower respiratory infection have only moderate sensitivity
      and specificity for pneumonia; the low prevalence of the condition justifies the
      routine withholding of chest radiographs. However, for those with a
      predisposition to pneumonia, or re-presenting after a short course of antibiotic
      therapy, a chest X-ray should be performed despite an absence of signs.

PMID- 22050290
TI  - Non-classical HLA-E gene variability in Brazilians: a nearly invariable locus
      surrounded by the most variable genes in the human genome.
AB  - The non-classical human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I genes present a very low
      rate of variation. So far, only 10 HLA-E alleles encoding three proteins have
      been described, but only two are frequently found in worldwide populations.
      Because of its historical background, Brazilians are very suitable for population
      genetic studies. Therefore, 104 bone marrow donors from Brazil were evaluated for
      HLA-E exons 1-4. Seven variation sites were found, including two known single
      nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at positions +424 and +756 and five new SNPs at
      positions +170 (intron 1), +1294 (intron 3), +1625, +1645 and +1857 (exon 4).
      Haplotyping analysis did show eight haplotypes, three of them known as
      E*01:01:01, E*01:03:01 and E*01:03:02:01 and five HLA-E new alleles that carry
      the new variation sites. The HLA-E*01:01:01 allele was the predominant haplotype
      (62.50%), followed by E*01:03:02:01 (24.52%). Selective neutrality tests have
      disclosed an interesting pattern of selective pressures in which balancing
      selection is probably shaping allele frequency distributions at an SNP at exon 3
      (codon 107), sequence diversity at exon 4 and the non-coding regions is facing
      significant purifying pressure. Even in an admixed population such as the
      Brazilian one, the HLA-E locus is very conserved, presenting few polymorphic SNPs
      in the coding region.

PMID- 22050292
TI  - Early alterations in left ventricular diastolic function in normotensive diabetic
      patients.
AB  - In diabetes mellitus, structural and functional alterations of the heart can be
      already present at the time of first diagnosis. However, how early these
      alterations may occur has never been fully clarified. The present study aimed at
      investigating cardiac functional abnormalities in uncomplicated hypertensive or
      normotensive patients with a recent diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. We studied 40
      diabetics (24 normotensives and 16 hypertensives) by means of routine
      echocardiography plus pulse tissue Doppler analysis. Data were compared with
      those obtained in healthy age- and sex-matched controls. Left ventricular
      remodelling was more evident in hypertensive diabetics than in normotensive
      diabetics vs controls. Diastolic function was altered in diabetic patients only
      when detected by pulse tissue Doppler analysis and not by conventional
      transmitral Doppler evaluation. Normotensive patients with type 2 diabetes with
      little or no evidence at standard echocardiography of alterations in cardiac
      structure and function, already displayed an alteration in diastolic function
      when the evaluation was based on the tissue Doppler approach. Patients with type
      2 diabetes combined to hypertension showed more evident functional cardiac
      alterations at echocardiography. These findings support the conclusion that
      cardiac abnormalities are very early phenomena in type 2 diabetes.

PMID- 22050291
TI  - Engineering pH-gated transitions for selective and efficient double-strand DNA
      photocleavage in hypoxic tumors.
AB  - We describe a family of hybrid compounds for the most efficient light-activated
      double-strand (ds) DNA cleavage known to date. This family represents the second
      generation of "switchable" molecular systems for pH-gated ds DNA-cleavage which
      combine a potent DNA-photocleaver and a pH-regulated part derived from a
      dipeptide. Design of the pH-switchable part utilizes amino groups of different
      basicity. Whereas the basic amino groups are protonated throughout the
      biologically relevant pH range, the pH-gating amines undergo protonation at the
      pH threshold which separates cancer and normal cells. Control over the reactivity
      and selectivity is achieved via transformation of the initial protonation state
      (a monocation or a dication) into a trication at the acidic pH. This change leads
      to an extraordinary increase in the efficiency of ds DNA cleavage leading to the
      ds:ss ratios comparable with the most efficient nonenzymatic ds DNA cleavers.
      Statistical analysis reveals that these high ds:ss ratios result from the
      combination of several factors: (a) true double-stranded cleavage, and (b)
      conversion of single-stranded (ss)-scission into ds cleavage. Considerable part
      of ds cleavage is also produced via the combination of ss cleavage events.

PMID- 22050294
TI  - The long-term effect of lockouts on alcohol-related emergency department
      attendances within Ballarat, Australia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Alcohol has consistently been demonstrated to increase
      levels of aggression and violence, particularly in late night licensed venues.
      Since August 2003, Ballarat (a regional city of approximately 95,000 inhabitants,
      in Victoria, Australia) has implemented a 3:00 AM 'lockout' with the goal of
      reducing alcohol-related harms. This paper is the first long-term analysis of the
      effect of this type of intervention on emergency department (ED) attendances. The
      aim of this paper is to examine the effectiveness of a lockout intervention
      within the city of Ballarat, Victoria on alcohol-related ED presentations. DESIGN
      AND METHODS: This paper examines alcohol-related injury frequencies pre- to post
      lockout intervention in Ballarat, Victoria, from 1999 to 2009, as indicated by ED
      International Classification of Diseases codes for acute alcohol intoxication and
      assault. These data are further compared with similar data from Geelong,
      Victoria, as a control. RESULTS: A small reduction in alcohol-related assaults
      and intoxication rates within Ballarat occurred before and after the introduction
      of the lockout. However, after this decline these rates steadily increased,
      surpassing Geelong by 2005. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: There is no discernible
      long-term impact on alcohol-related ED attendances of the lockout intervention in
      Ballarat. As such, other interventions may be more appropriate to reduce alcohol
      related ED attendances.

PMID- 22050293
TI  - Donor-transmitted metastasis of colorectal carcinoma in a transplanted liver.
AB  - A 62-year-old man with alcoholic liver cirrhosis underwent liver transplantation.
      The transplantation went uneventful and the ultrasound imaging of the liver
      performed after transplantation did not show any abnormalities. Eighteen months
      later, an intra-hepatic focal lesion was found on ultrasound. A contrast-enhanced
      ultrasound revealed a lesion with a malignant pattern of contrast uptake. The
      histo-pathological and subsequent molecular-pathological analysis concluded a
      colorectal metastasis of donor origin. The donor had no history of malignancy but
      no complete autopsy had been performed which illustrates the importance of the
      meticulous donors' screening. Transplanted patients carry a high risk of
      developing malignancy in general but donor related-tumors are very rare. The
      therapeutic considerations differ substantially between recipient- and donor
      related malignancies. Therefore, considering the possibility of donor-related
      tumor by raising suspicion of malignant lesion with appropriate imaging and
      distinction from recipient-related malignancy by molecular analysis are crucial
      for proper therapeutic decision.

PMID- 22050297
TI  - International Guiding Principles for Biomedical Research Involving Animals issued
      by CIOMS.

PMID- 22050296
TI  - Editorial Publication of experimental animal research: Guiding Principles.

PMID- 22050299
TI  - Mental time travel after trauma: the specificity and temporal distribution of
      autobiographical memories and future-directed thoughts.
AB  - The present study investigated the relationship between trauma exposure and
      specificity and temporal distribution of autobiographical memories and future
      directed thoughts. A group of sexual assault victims were compared with women
      without previous trauma exposure in relation to specificity of autobiographical
      memories, as measured by the Autobiographical Memory Task (AMT) and specificity
      of future-directed thoughts as measured by the Future Cueing Task (FCT). The
      temporal distribution of future-directed thoughts and autobiographical memories
      was studied by asking the participants to estimate when each memory reported on
      the AMT had occurred and when each future event reported on the FCT would occur.
      The results showed no difference between the trauma group and the controls on
      specificity of autobiographical memories and future-directed thoughts. In line
      with a review of Moore and Zoellner (2007), PTSD symptoms as measured by the
      Impact of Event Scale (IES) correlated negatively with specificity. Furthermore,
      we observed no difference in temporal distribution of future-directed thoughts or
      autobiographical memories between trauma exposed participants and controls.

PMID- 22050301
TI  - Monovalent and mixed-valent potassium salts of [1,2,5]thiadiazolo[3,4
      f][1,10]phenanthroline 1,1-dioxide: a radical anion for multidimensional network
      structures.
AB  - A novel phenanthlorine derivative, [1,2,5]thiadiazolo[3,4-f][1,10]phenanthroline
      1,1-dioxide (tdapO(2)), was prepared to act as a radical-anion building block for
      coordination polymers. The crystal structures and magnetic properties of the
      monovalent and mixed-valent radical-anion salts K.tdapO(2) and K.(tdapO(2))(2)
      were elucidated and confirm the possibility of tdapO(2) to act as a bridging
      ligand and its capability to exhibit magnetic ordering at 15 K.

PMID- 22050302
TI  - Effect of detection methods on risk estimates of exposure to biosolids-associated
      human enteric viruses.
AB  - This study illustrates the effect of virus detection methods on estimates of
      risks of infection of biosolids-associated viruses for occupational workers and
      residential population during a hypothetical exposure of biosolids. Five
      gastroenteritis-associated human enteric viruses--enteroviruses (echovirus-12,
      enteroviruse types 68-71), adenoviruses, rotaviruses, and noroviruses genotype--I
      were considered to represent human enteric viruses for risk estimation purposes.
      Ingested viral doses were calculated using literature-reported total infectious
      virus concentrations (based on BGM and A549 cell lines) and genome copies (GCs)
      in Michigan dewatered and class B biosolids. Cell-line-based infectivity
      parameters (i.e., ratio of total infectious virus concentration to GCs) were
      developed for different viruses in biosolids to use GCs for calculating ingested
      viral dose, addressing the issue of integration of molecular methods with
      biosolids-based virus risk assessment. Use of virus concentrations from molecular
      methods (with and without using cell-line-based infectivity parameter) resulted
      in higher risk estimates than culture methods, indicating the effect of the virus
      detection method on risk estimates. Further, use of virus concentrations from
      A549 cell lines resulted in higher risk estimates compared to those from BGM cell
      lines, suggesting the need for a proper choice of cell lines in determining
      infectious viral dose. The Monte Carlo uncertainty analyses of estimates for risk
      of infection due to enteroviruses showed that enteroviruses concentration was the
      most important parameter influencing risk estimates, indicating the need for
      reducing associated uncertainty. More work is required to develop cell-line-based
      infectivity parameters for different virus concentration levels and sample matrix
      types using a cut-off-based approach.

PMID- 22050305
TI  - Organocatalytic, enantioselective intramolecular [6+2] cycloaddition reaction for
      the formation of tricyclopentanoids and insight on its mechanism from a
      computational study.
AB  - Diphenylprolinol silyl ether was found to be an effective organocatalyst for
      promoting the asymmetric, catalytic, intramolecular [6 + 2] cycloaddition
      reactions of fulvenes substituted at the exocyclic 6-position with a delta
      formylalkyl group to afford synthetically useful linear triquinane derivatives in
      good yields and excellent enantioselectivities. The cis-fused triquinane
      derivatives were obtained exclusively; the trans-fused isomers were not detected
      among the reaction products. The intramolecular [6 + 2] cycloaddition occurs
      between the fulvene functionality (6pi) and the enamine double bond (2pi)
      generated from the formyl group in the substrates and the diphenylprolinol silyl
      ether. The absolute configuration of the reaction products was determined by
      vibrational circular dichroism. The reaction mechanism was investigated using
      molecular orbital calculations, B3LYP and MP2 geometry optimizations, and
      subsequent single-point energy evaluations on model reaction sequences. These
      calculations revealed the following: (i) The intermolecular [6 + 2] cycloaddition
      of a fulvene and an enamine double bond proceeds in a stepwise mechanism via a
      zwitterionic intermediate. (ii) On the other hand, the intramolecular [6 + 2]
      cycloaddition leading to the cis-fused triquinane skeleton proceeds in a
      concerted mechanism via a highly asynchronous transition state. (iii) The fulvene
      functionality and the enamine double bond adopt the gauche-syn conformation
      during the C-C bond formation processes in the [6 + 2] cycloaddition. (iv) The
      energy profiles calculated for the intramolecular reaction explain the observed
      exclusive formation of the cis-fused triquinane derivatives in the [6 + 2]
      cycloaddition reactions. The reasons for the enantioselectivity seen in these [6
      + 2] cycloaddition reactions are also discussed.

PMID- 22050303
TI  - Interaction of melittin peptides with perfluorocarbon nanoemulsion particles.
AB  - Melittin, an antimicrobial peptide, forms pores in biological membranes and
      triggers cell death. Therefore, it has potential as an anticancer therapy.
      However, until recently, the therapeutic application of melittin has been
      impractical because a suitable platform for delivery was not available. Recently,
      we showed that phospholipid-stabilized perfluorooctyl bromide based nanoemulsion
      particles (PFOB-NEPs) were resistant to destruction by melittin and enabled
      specific delivery of melittin to tumor cells, killing them and reducing tumor
      growth. Earlier, prior work also showed that melittin adsorbed onto the
      stabilizing phospholipid monolayer of PFOB-NEP but did not disrupt the
      phospholipid monolayer or produce "cracking" of the PFOB-NEPs. The present work
      identifies the important structural motifs for melittin binding to PFOB-NEPs
      through a series of atomistic molecular dynamics simulations. The conformational
      ensemble of melittin bound to PFOB-NEP lipid monolayer was compared to structure
      from a control simulation of melittin bound to a lipid bilayer to identify
      several differences in melittin-lipid interactions between the two systems.
      First, melittin was deeply buried in the hydrophobic tail region of bilayer,
      while its depth was attenuated in the PFOB-NEP monolayer. Second, a helical
      conformation was the major secondary structure in the bilayer, but the fraction
      of helix was reduced in the PFOB-NEP. Finally, the overall pattern for the direct
      interaction of melittin with surrounding lipids was similar between liposome and
      PFOB-NEP, but the level of interaction was slightly decreased in the PFOB-NEP.
      These results suggest that melittin interacts with the monolayer of PFOB-NEP in a
      way that is similar way to its interaction with bilayers but that deeper
      penetration into the hydrophobic interior is inhibited.

PMID- 22050304
TI  - The effectiveness of an improved multidisciplinary pain management programme: a 6
      and 12-month follow-up study.
AB  - AIM:   This article is a report of a Norwegian-revised study on the effectiveness
      of a follow-up multidisciplinary management programme for chronic pain to
      investigate the change processes associated with treatment. BACKGROUND:  
      Substantial evidence supports the use of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy approaches
      to chronic pain. As relapse is often reported, follow-up sessions should be
      included. METHODS:   A follow-up quasi-experimental design was performed, and a
      previous control group was used. The study initially included 117 participants,
      and 104 of the sample completed the 6- and 12-month follow-up programme. The 6
      month follow-up consisted of therapeutic dialogue and education combined with
      physical activity. At the 12-month follow-up, a telephonic consultation was
      conducted. The data collection period was between September 2006 and January
      2008. The statistical and clinical significance were considered. RESULTS:  
      Findings suggest that this follow-up programme can potentially maintain the
      positive results of the basic programme in terms of reduced pain perception,
      improved health-related quality of life, and movement towards self-management.
      CONCLUSION:   These results are consistent with the ultimate goal of Cognitive
      Behavioural Therapy approaches, which is to help patients with chronic pain to
      cope more effectively and to improve their health-related quality of life and
      functioning. To maintain treatment improvements and advance nursing, there is a
      clear need for research that tests the efficacy of follow-up interventions that
      are designed to prevent drop out and relapse.

PMID- 22050306
TI  - Outcomes of ovarian stimulation in a two-day oocyte collection week with PGD
      cycles compared to a five-day oocyte collection week with conventional IVF/ICSI
      cycles.
AB  - We assessed the outcomes of ovarian stimulation in a two-day egg collection (EC)
      week with preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD) cycles (N = 307) compared to a
      five-day EC week with conventional in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm
      injection (IVF/ICSI) cycles (N = 2,417). The mean (SD) age of women undergoing
      PGD was 34 (3.97) and 35 (3.85) for IVF/ICSI (P < 0.001), the number of oocytes
      collected was 13 (7.37) and 11 (7.02), (P < 0.001), while the mean (SD) number of
      fertilized oocytes was 8 (5.09) and 6 (4.58), respectively (P < 0.001). The
      clinical pregnancy rate per embryo transfer (ET) was 37% with PGD and 38% with
      IVF/ICSI (P = 0.49), while the implantation rate was 0.35 and 0.30, respectively
      (P = 0.05). After adjusting for age and confounding variables including the
      number of oocytes collected and fertilized normally, the mode of treatment (PGD
      or IVF/ICSI) had no effect on clinical pregnancy (P = 0.48). In conclusion,
      scheduling of PGD cycles to a two-day EC week did not compromise the outcomes of
      ovarian stimulation when compared to a five-day EC week with conventional
      IVF/ICSI cycles. This can allow the provision of a more patient friendly service,
      increase the flexibility of satellite PGD services, and facilitate cycle
      programming with the genetics team providing PGD.

PMID- 22050307
TI  - Anti-IL-33 antibody has a therapeutic effect in a murine model of allergic
      rhinitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Interleukin (IL)-33 is involved in the Th2 immune response and could
      play an essential role in nasal allergy. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the
      therapeutic potential of anti-IL-33 for allergic rhinitis (AR). METHODS: Twenty
      four BALB/c mice were used. In group A (control group, n = 6), mice were
      sensitized and challenged with saline. Group B [ovalbumin (OVA) group, n = 6]
      mice received intraperitoneal and intranasal OVA challenge. In group C (control
      IgG group, n = 6), mice were injected intraperitoneally with rabbit control IgG
      before OVA challenge. In group D (anti-IL-33 group, n = 6), anti-IL-33 was
      injected before challenge. We evaluated the number of nose-scratching events and
      external morphology; serum total and OVA-specific IgE; number of eosinophils,
      neutrophils, and lymphocytes in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid;
      histopathologic examination of nasal cavity; and IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 in BAL
      fluid. RESULTS: Anti-IL-33 treatment significantly reduced the nose-scratching
      events and ameliorated skin denudation. Serum total and OVA-specific IgE was
      significantly decreased in group D. The number of eosinophils in BAL fluid was
      also significantly decreased. Eosinophilic infiltration in the nasal cavity was
      significantly decreased in group D. IL-4, IL-5, and IL-13 in BAL fluid were also
      significantly decreased after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Anti-IL-33 antibody has a
      therapeutic potential for experimental AR.

PMID- 22050308
TI  - Computational tests of models for kinetic parameters of unimolecular reactions of
      organophosphorus and organosulfur compounds.
AB  - A computational study of the kinetics of isomerization and elimination reactions
      of organophosphorus and organosulfur reactions is presented with a view to
      characterizing the predictive capabilities of widely applied techniques for
      processes that pertain to the destruction of chemical warfare agents. A set of 22
      reactions has been studied, and the results have been compared to experimentally
      derived data. The BMK functional and the MG3S basis set have been used to compute
      minimum energy paths. Corrections have been added from CBS-QB3, CASSCF, and
      CASMP2 calculations. Thermal rate constants at experimental temperatures have
      been calculated with canonical variational transition state theory and small
      curvature tunneling theory. The quality of these results may depend on recrossing
      of the variational transition state, the amount of radical or diradical character
      found in the minimum energy paths, or the accuracy of barrier heights.

PMID- 22050309
TI  - The therapeutic potential of the adiponectin pathway.
AB  - Adiponectin is an adipocyte-derived hormone that has been shown to play an
      important role in the regulation of metabolic, inflammatory, and apoptotic
      pathways. Adiponectin improves insulin sensitivity, promotes vascular health, and
      increases cell survival. These observations suggest a potential therapeutic role
      for adiponectin in the treatment of diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases,
      and cancer. However, biologically active recombinant adiponectin proteins are
      inherently unstable and difficult to produce, thus making it a challenge for both
      research and clinical development. One main challenge relates to the existence of
      adiponectin as homo-/hetero-trimers, and complexes containing multiple
      adiponectin trimer units, in plasma. The underlying mechanism for adiponectin
      function is also not completely understood. Two receptors for adiponectin
      (ADIPOR1 and ADIPOR2) have been cloned, and activation of adenosine monophosphate
      activated kinase (AMPK) has been reported to be downstream of the receptors.
      Recent findings suggest that adiponectin potently stimulates ceramidase activity
      via activation of its two known receptors, therefore connecting sphingolipid
      metabolism to adiponectin functions and providing a potential mechanism
      explaining the different actions of adiponectin. Interestingly, a new report also
      identified a pathway involving adiponectin and insulin receptor substrate 2,
      which is independent of the ADIPOR1/ADIPOR2 pathway. In this manuscript, we will
      review previous approaches and challenges in exploring adiponectin-based
      therapeutics. In particular, we will review some of the recent developments in
      engineering adiponectin proteins as well as potential therapeutic opportunities
      offered by recently elucidated adiponectin-mediated signaling pathways.

PMID- 22050310
TI  - How can we enhance girls' interest in scientific topics?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Girls are considerably less interested in scientific subjects than
      boys. One reason may be that scientific subjects are considered to be genuinely
      masculine. Thus, being interested in science may threaten the self-perception of
      girls as well as the femininity of their self-image. AIMS: If scientific topics
      that are considered to be stereotypically feminine were chosen, however, this
      potential threat might be overcome which, in turn, might lead to an increase in
      girls' interest in science. This hypothesis was empirically tested by means of
      two studies. SAMPLE: Participants were 294 (Study 1) and 190 (Study 2) Grade 8 to
      Grade 9 students. METHOD: Gender differences in students' interest in masculine
      and feminine topics were investigated for a range of scientific concepts (Study
      1) as well as for a given scientific concept (Study 2) for four scientific
      subjects (i.e., biology, physics, information technology, and statistics),
      respectively. RESULTS: Both studies indicated that the mean level of girls'
      scientific interest was higher when scientific concepts were presented in the
      context of feminine topics and boys' level of scientific interests was higher
      when scientific concepts were presented in the context of masculine topics.
      CONCLUSION: Girls' interest in science could be substantially increased by
      presenting scientific concepts in the context of feminine topics. Gender
      differences as well as individual differences in the level of interest in
      scientific topics may be taken into account by creating learning environments in
      which students could select the context in which a certain scientific concept is
      embedded.

PMID- 22050311
TI  - Pedagogical strategies for teaching literacy to ESL immigrant students: a meta
      analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many countries rely on immigrants for population growth and to
      maintain a skilled workforce. However, many such immigrants face literacy-related
      barriers to success in education and in the labour force. AIMS: This meta
      analysis reviews experimental and quasi-experimental studies to examine
      strategies for teaching English literacy to immigrant students. METHOD: Following
      an exhaustive and systematic search for studies meeting pre-determined inclusion
      criteria, two researchers independently extracted data from 26 English as a
      Second Language (ESL) studies involving 3,150 participants. These participants
      consisted of ESL immigrant students in kindergarten through grade 6 who were
      exposed to English literacy instructional interventions. Measured outcomes were
      reading and writing. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Mean effect sizes vary from small
      to large, depending on instructional interventions and outcome constructs. Across
      several different grade levels, settings, and methodological features,
      pedagogical strategies used in teaching ESL to immigrant students are associated
      with increased competence in reading and writing. Collaborative reading
      interventions, in which peers engage in oral interaction and cooperatively
      negotiate meaning and a shared understanding of texts, produced larger effects
      than systematic phonics instruction and multimedia-assisted reading
      interventions. The results show that the pedagogical strategies examined in this
      meta-analysis produced statistically significant benefits for students in all
      grade levels. The findings also show that students from low socio-economic status
      (SES) background benefit from ESL literacy interventions. However, significant
      heterogeneity was found in each subset. Educators and policy makers are
      encouraged to consider specific school contexts when making decisions about
      optimal pedagogical strategies. It is possible that contextual factors as well as
      ESL learner characteristics may influence the effectiveness of these strategies.
      To ensure literacy acquisition for immigrant students whose primary language is
      not English, it is important to continue to research successful literacy
      practices in ways that better inform educators and policy makers.

PMID- 22050312
TI  - The influences of course effort, mastery and performance goals, grade
      expectancies, and earned course grades on student ratings of course satisfaction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The positive relation between course grades and student ratings of
      course satisfaction is well established but controversy continues concerning the
      magnitude, interpretation, and implications of this association. AIMS: This study
      examined the within course relations of a set of variables often implicated as
      potential contributors to the grade-student rating relation. SAMPLE: Two-hundred
      and twenty students enrolled in an internet-based university course. METHOD:
      Measures of course mastery and performance goals, expected grades, course effort,
      cumulative GPA, and final course grade were prospectively collected. The
      dependent variable was a global measure of course satisfaction obtained at the
      end of the semester. RESULTS:   A path model fit the data very well and all study
      variables directly or indirectly predicted course satisfaction. Grades had a
      moderately strong effect, half of which was independent of other model variables.
      Adjusting for all model variables, students high on mastery course goals
      evaluated the course more positively whereas students high on performance goals
      provided less favourable evaluations. CONCLUSIONS: Students can assess the same
      course and instructor in different ways depending upon such factors as their
      degree of success, their motivations for taking the course, and the amount of
      effort invested. Course satisfaction, then, can be substantially influenced by
      factors loosely or unrelated to course or teacher effectiveness.

PMID- 22050313
TI  - Performance-approach and performance-avoidance classroom goals and the adoption
      of personal achievement goals.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Students' perceptions of classroom goals influence their adoption of
      personal goals. To assess different forms of classroom goals, recent studies have
      favoured an overall measure of performance classroom goals, compared to a two
      dimensional assessment of performance-approach and performance-avoidance
      classroom goals (PAVCG). AIMS: This paper considered the relationship between
      students' perceptions of classroom goals and their endorsement of personal
      achievement goals. We proposed that three (instead of only two) classroom goals
      need to be distinguished. We aimed to provide evidence for this hypothesis by
      confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and also by divergent associations between the
      respective classroom goal and students' personal goal endorsement. SAMPLE: A
      total of 871 (474 female) 10th grade students from several German high schools
      participated in this study. METHOD: Students responded to items assessing their
      perception of mastery, performance-approach, and performance-avoidance goals in
      the classroom. Additionally, the students reported how much they personally
      pursue mastery, performance-approach, and performance-avoidance goals. All items
      referred to German as a specific school subject. RESULTS.A CFA yielded empirical
      support for the proposed distinction of three (instead of only two) different
      kinds of classroom goals. Moreover, in hierarchical linear modelling (HLM)
      analyses all three classroom goals showed unique associations with students'
      personal goal adoption. CONCLUSIONS: The findings emphasized the need to
      distinguish performance-approach and PAVCG. Furthermore, our results suggest that
      multiple classroom goals have interactive effects on students' personal
      achievement strivings.

PMID- 22050314
TI  - Subtypes of medial temporal lobe epilepsy: influence on temporal lobectomy
      outcomes?
AB  - Surgical resection of the hippocampus is the most successful treatment for
      medication-refractory medial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) due to hippocampal
      sclerosis. Unfortunately, at least one of four operated patients continue to have
      disabling seizures after surgery, and there is no existing method to predict
      individual surgical outcome. Prior to surgery, patients who become seizure free
      appear identical to those who continue to have seizures after surgery.
      Interestingly, newly converging presurgical data from magnetic resonance imaging
      (MRI) and intracranial electroencephalography (EEG) suggest that the entorhinal
      and perirhinal cortices may play an important role in seizure generation. These
      areas are not consistently resected with surgery and it is possible that they
      continue to generate seizures after surgery in some patients. Therefore, subtypes
      of MTLE patients can be considered according to the degree of extrahippocampal
      damage and epileptogenicity of the medial temporal cortex. The identification of
      these subtypes has the potential to drastically improve surgical results via
      optimized presurgical planning. In this review, we discuss the current data that
      suggests neural network damage in MTLE, focusing on the medial temporal cortex.
      We explore how this evidence may be applied to presurgical planning and suggest
      approaches for future investigation.

PMID- 22050315
TI  - Diabetes and previous stroke: hazards for intravenous thrombolysis?
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Alteplase licensing approval in Europe does not advocate
      intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) for diabetic ischaemic stroke (IS) patients with
      previous cerebral infarction (PCI). Our aim was to assess whether concomitant
      diabetes mellitus (DM) and PCI are associated with symptomatic intracerebral
      haemorrhage (SICH) and poor outcome after IVT. METHODS: Multicentre prospective
      registry, which included consecutive IVT-treated, acute IS patients from January
      2003 to December 2010. The frequency of SICH (SITS-MOST criteria) and 3-month
      outcomes (mRS) were compared between the following groups: (i) diabetic patients
      with PCI (DM+/PCI+); (ii) diabetic patients without PCI (DM+/PCI-); (iii) non
      diabetic patients with PCI (DM-/PCI+); and (iv) patients without diabetes or PCI
      (DM-/PCI-). RESULTS: A total of 1475 patients were included. Thirty-four patients
      (2.3%) had known DM and PCI, 258 (17.5%) were diabetics without PCI, and 119
      (8.1%) had a PCI and no DM. Thirty-six patients (2.6%) developed SICH, with no
      differences between groups (P = 985). Fifteen (40.9%) DM+/PCI+ patients, 113
      (46.5%) DM+/PCI- patients, 47 (42%) DM-/PCI+ patients and 414 (40.9%) DM-/PCI-
      patients had mRS >= 3 at 3 months (P = 427). The presence neither of DM nor of
      PCI, nor their combination, had any impact on the risk of SICH or on outcome at 3
      months after adjusting for age, stroke severity and glucose levels on admission.
      CONCLUSIONS: Acute IS diabetic patients with PCI who were treated with IVT had
      similar outcomes to patients without such history, with no increase in the rates
      of SICH. Thus, they should not be excluded from IVT only on the basis of DM and
      PCI.

PMID- 22050316
TI  - Dravet syndrome--considerable delay in making the diagnosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess delay in diagnosis and clinical characteristics of Dravet
      syndrome based on the Dravet register at The National Centre for Epilepsy in
      Norway. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Medical records of patients diagnosed with Dravet
      syndrome since 2007 were analysed. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients were identified.
      In 15, genetic screening disclosed mutations/deletions in the SCN1A gene. Average
      time from seizure onset to diagnosis was 7.4 years. Mean age at seizure onset was
      6.7 months, nine had hemiconvulsions and 13 had generalized tonic-clonic
      seizures. The seizures were precipitated by fever in 17, by external heating in
      three. During second year of life, multiple seizure types and cognitive and
      motoric stagnation occurred. No patients became seizure-free with antiepileptic
      drugs. The effect of vagal nerve stimulation was disappointing. CONCLUSIONS: By
      making an early diagnosis, an extensive presurgical evaluation may be avoided,
      and the patient and their parents may be offered genetic guidance.

PMID- 22050317
TI  - Migraine attack frequency, duration, and pain intensity: disease burden derived
      from a community-based survey in northern Tanzania.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: One goal of the campaign "Lifting the burden: The global campaign
      against headache" is to highlight existing evidence about headache worldwide. In
      this context, the aim of our study was to report the migraine-related headache
      burden in northern Tanzania. METHODS: From December 2003 until June 2004 a
      community-based door-to-door survey was undertaken in northern Tanzania, using
      multistage cluster sampling. Based on the criteria of the International Headache
      Society, 7412 individuals were enrolled in this survey. RESULTS: Migraine
      patients' average annual attack frequency was 18.4 (n = 308, standard deviation
      [SD] +/- 47.4) with a mean duration of 16.4 hours (SD +/- 20.6). The average
      headache intensity per patient was 2.65 (SD +/- 0.59) with a calculated loss of
      6.59 (SD +/- 26.7) working days per year. Extrapolation of data to the
      investigated population (n = 7412) resulted in annual migraine burden of 281.0
      migraine days per 1000 inhabitants. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this study
      reports for the first time the burden that arises from migraine headache in a
      rural population of sub-Sahara Africa (SSA). As the presented migraine-related
      burden is considerable, we hope that our data will increase the awareness among
      local decision makers in allocating resources for treatment and research on
      headache.

PMID- 22050318
TI  - Alkylated flavanones from the bark of Cryptocarya chartacea as dengue virus NS5
      polymerase inhibitors.
AB  - An in vitro screening of New Caledonian plants allowed the selection of several
      species with a significant dengue virus NS5 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp)
      inhibiting activity. The chemical investigation of Cryptocarya chartacea led to
      the isolation of a series of new mono- and dialkylated flavanones named
      chartaceones A-F (1-6), along with pinocembrin. They were isolated as racemic
      mixtures and characterized using extensive one- and two-dimensional NMR
      spectroscopy. Four diastereomers of chartaceone A (1) were separated using chiral
      HPLC, and their absolute configurations were established by comparison of their
      experimental and calculated ECD spectra. The dialkylated flavanones, chartaceones
      C-F (3-6), exhibited the most significant NS5 RdRp inhibiting activity, with
      IC(50) ranging from 1.8 to 4.2 MUM. Chartaceones represent a new class of non
      nucleosidic inhibitors of the DENV NS5 RdRp.

PMID- 22050319
TI  - 'Hotspots' for aggression in licensed drinking venues.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: In order to better understand the social context of
      barroom aggression, the aim was to identify common locations ('hotspots') for
      aggression in bars and examine the association of hotspots with aggression
      severity and environmental characteristics. DESIGN AND METHODS: Aggression
      hotspots were identified using narrative descriptions and data recorded on
      premises' floor plans for 1057 incidents of aggression collected in the Safer
      Bars evaluation. Hierarchical Linear Modelling was used to identify bar-level and
      night-level characteristics associated with each hotspot. RESULTS: The most
      common location for aggression was the dance floor (20.0% of incidents) or near
      the dance floor (11.5%), followed by near the serving bar (15.7%), at tables
      (13.1%), aisles, hallways and other areas of movement (6.2%), entrance (4.5%) and
      the pool playing area (4.1%). Hotspots were predicted mainly by bar-level
      characteristics, with dance floor aggression associated with crowded bars, a high
      proportion of female and young patrons, lots of sexual activity, a large number
      of patrons and staff, security staff present, better monitoring and coordination
      by staff, and people hanging around at closing. Incidents at tables and pool
      tables tended to occur in bars with the opposite characteristics. Nightly
      variations in patron intoxication and rowdiness were associated with aggression
      at tables while variations in crowding and sexual activity were associated with
      aggression in areas of movement. Incidents outside tended to be more severe.
      DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: Each aggression location and their associated
      environments have somewhat different implications for staff training, premises
      design, policy and prevention.

PMID- 22050321
TI  - NF-Y and the transcriptional activation of CCAAT promoters.
AB  - The CCAAT box promoter element and NF-Y, the transcription factor (TF) that binds
      to it, were among the first cis-elements and trans-acting factors identified;
      their interplay is required for transcriptional activation of a sizeable number
      of eukaryotic genes. NF-Y consists of three evolutionarily conserved subunits: a
      dimer of NF-YB and NF-YC which closely resembles a histone, and the "innovative"
      NF-YA. In this review, we will provide an update on the functional and biological
      features that make NF-Y a fundamental link between chromatin and transcription.
      The last 25 years have witnessed a spectacular increase in our knowledge of how
      genes are regulated: from the identification of cis-acting sequences in promoters
      and enhancers, and the biochemical characterization of the corresponding TFs, to
      the merging of chromatin studies with the investigation of enzymatic machines
      that regulate epigenetic states. Originally identified and studied in yeast and
      mammals, NF-Y - also termed CBF and CP1 - is composed of three subunits, NF-YA,
      NF-YB and NF-YC. The complex recognizes the CCAAT pentanucleotide and specific
      flanking nucleotides with high specificity (Dorn et al., 1997; Hatamochi et al.,
      1988; Hooft van Huijsduijnen et al, 1987; Kim & Sheffery, 1990). A compelling set
      of bioinformatics studies clarified that the NF-Y preferred binding site is one
      of the most frequent promoter elements (Suzuki et al., 2001, 2004; Elkon et al.,
      2003; Marino-Ramirez et al., 2004; FitzGerald et al., 2004; Linhart et al., 2005;
      Zhu et al., 2005; Lee et al., 2007; Abnizova et al., 2007; Grskovic et al., 2007;
      Halperin et al., 2009; Hakkinen et al., 2011). The same consensus, as determined
      by mutagenesis and SELEX studies (Bi et al., 1997), was also retrieved in ChIP-on
      chip analysis (Testa et al., 2005; Ceribelli et al., 2006; Ceribelli et al.,
      2008; Reed et al., 2008). Additional structural features of the CCAAT box -
      position, orientation, presence of multiple Transcriptional Start Sites - were
      previously reviewed (Dolfini et al., 2009) and will not be considered in detail
      here.

PMID- 22050322
TI  - Long-term neurocognitive and neuroimaging outcomes in posterior reversible
      encephalopathy syndrome: two case reports and implications.
AB  - Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a neurotoxic and
      neurometabolic state associated with a distinct appearance on computed tomography
      and magnetic resonance imaging, as well as particular clinical features. While
      PRES is defined as a reversible condition, instances of irreversible or
      persisting cytotoxic edema have been reported and appear to be associated with
      poor outcomes. Studies addressing the post-acute neurocognitive findings in
      persisting/irreversible PRES are lacking. We report two cases of persisting PRES
      with associated neurocognitive deficits and functional limitations following
      acute presentation. Neuroimaging revealed abnormalities within the posterior
      parietal lobes, along with bilateral involvement of the occipital and frontal
      lobes. The results from the neuropsychological examination revealed a pattern of
      impairment generally affecting spatial-perceptual and related functions and
      aspects of executive function. These cases document instances of
      irreversible/persisting PRES with associated neurocognitive deficits and
      functional limitations generally corresponding with the areas implicated on
      neuroimaging. Studies addressing the post-acute neurocognitive presentation and
      functional outcomes of PRES are needed.

PMID- 22050323
TI  - Mechanistic studies of the effect of bile salts on rhodamine 123 uptake into RBE4
      cells.
AB  - To examine the ability of bile salts (BS) to act as permeation enhancers at the
      blood brain barrier, the effect of four BS (cholate, deoxycholate,
      monoketocholate and taurocholate) on accumulation of rhodamine 123 (R123) in rat
      brain endothelial (RBE4) cells was investigated. Experiments were performed using
      BS concentrations shown to be noncytotoxic to RBE4 cells. Uptake and efflux of
      R123 in the absence and presence of BS were studied by fluorescence spectroscopy
      and confocal microscopy. Changes in RBE4 cell membrane fluidity in the presence
      of BS were evaluated using fluorescence anisotropy. The direct interaction
      between BS and R123 (ion pairing) and the effect of BS on distribution of R123
      into liposomes were studied by capillary electrophoresis. All BS influenced R123
      uptake in a concentration-dependent manner and increased cell membrane fluidity.
      Monoketocholate produced the greatest increase in uptake and also significantly
      reduced R123 efflux probably by inhibition of P-glycoprotein (P-gp). Direct
      interaction of BS and R123 was weak, but distribution of R123 into liposomes was
      increased by BS. The results suggest that BS increase R123 uptake by increasing
      cell membrane fluidity and, in the case of MKC, by inhibiting P-gp.

PMID- 22050324
TI  - A new organotypic model containing dermal-type macrophages.
AB  - Human skin equivalents (SEs) are popular three-dimensional (D) cell culture
      systems in fundamental and applied dermatology. They have been made to contain
      dendritic cells, but so far no study on the incorporation of potentially anti
      inflammatory dermal macrophages has been performed. Here, we show that monocyte
      derived dermal-type macrophages can be introduced into a rigid scaffold with
      dermal fibroblasts. They maintain their cell surface markers CD163, DC-SIGN/CD209
      and HLA-DR, which discriminate them from monocytes and dendritic cells. They
      retain the ability to produce the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in response to
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and to phagocytose latex beads. We thus demonstrate the
      feasibility of creating macrophage-fibroblast 3D cultures as a first step towards
      generating SEs with dermal macrophages.

PMID- 22050325
TI  - Public perceptions of hurricane modification.
AB  - If hurricane modification were to become a feasible strategy for potentially
      reducing hurricane damages, it would likely generate public discourse about
      whether to support its implementation. To facilitate an informed and constructive
      discourse, policymakers need to understand how people perceive hurricane
      modification. Here, we examine Florida residents' perceptions of hurricane
      modification techniques that aim to alter path and wind speed. Following the
      mental models approach, we conducted a survey study about public perceptions of
      hurricane modification that was guided by formative interviews on the topic. We
      report a set of four primary findings. First, hurricane modification was
      perceived as a relatively ineffective strategy for damage reduction, compared to
      other strategies for damage reduction. Second, hurricane modification was
      expected to lead to changes in projected hurricane path, but not necessarily to
      the successful reduction of projected hurricane strength. Third, more anger was
      evoked when a hurricane was described as having changed from the initially
      forecasted path or strength after an attempted modification. Fourth, unlike what
      we expected, participants who more strongly agreed with statements that
      recognized the uncertainty inherent in forecasts reported more rather than less
      anger at scientists across hurricane modification scenarios. If the efficacy of
      intensity-reduction techniques can be increased, people may be willing to support
      hurricane modification. However, such an effort would need to be combined with
      open and honest communications to members of the general public.

PMID- 22050326
TI  - Development of semen quality following reversible downregulation of testicular
      function in male dogs with a GnRH agonist implant.
AB  - Slow-release GnRH agonist implants have shown to be an effective and reversible
      alternative to surgical castration. Testicular function is downregulated with an
      arrest of spermatogenesis on the level of spermatogonia/primary spermatocytes but
      is fully restored after abolition of downregulation. Aim of this study was to
      assess the quality of ejaculates after active abolishment of downregulation by
      implant removal and to follow recrudescence of spermatogenesis. Five dogs - which
      served as their own controls - were treated with a slow-release implant
      containing the GnRH agonist azagly-nafarelin. Implants were removed during full
      downregulation (testosterone <0.1 ng/ml), and attempts to collect ejaculates
      started from week 4 onwards to week 29. First ejaculates could be obtained
      between weeks 8 and 12 with the first fully elongated spermatozoa observed in
      week 10. Volume, %motility and total sperm count increased and %pathomorphology
      decreased during the course of the study with all ejaculates being in the normal
      range by week 29. Our data indicate that onset of recrudescence of
      spermatogenesis coincides with the first testosterone increase after active
      abolishment of downregulation. Semen quality was fully regained with a
      significant improvement of %pathomorphology (p < 0.05) and a tendency of improved
      %motility. However, these observations on an improved semen quality need further
      validation and no final conclusions can be drawn yet.

PMID- 22050327
TI  - Risk and protective factors associated with postnatal depression in Mexican
      adolescents.
AB  - We explored factors associated with postnatal depression and further evaluated
      whether any of these risk and protective factors are specific for adolescent
      mothers. Data concerning depression levels, family and individual factors were
      collected in a cross-sectional study which surveyed 298 women in Monterrey, N.L.,
      Mexico. Mean maternal age was 24.64 years, and 27.18% of the mothers were between
      14 and 19 years old. Prevalence of postnatal depression was higher in adolescents
      (16.05%) than in adult mothers (14.29%) but, on average, this difference was not
      significant. The association between individual factors and postnatal depression
      for both adult and adolescent mothers was explored. Our results revealed that
      social support is significantly associated with less possibility of postnatal
      depression in both groups, and that this effect is stronger for adolescents
      (OR=0.81) than for adults (OR=0.92). For the sample as a whole postnatal
      depression was associated with lower levels of education, reported fear during
      labor and living with partner. We also found that having a girl greatly increased
      the possibility of postnatal depression. We conclude that social support is a
      protective factor associated with postnatal depression, especially for
      adolescents.

PMID- 22050328
TI  - Comparison between tissue doppler imaging (TDI) and tissue synchronization
      imaging (TSI) in evaluation of left ventricular dyssynchrony in patients with
      advanced heart failure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Assessment of left ventricular (LV) dyssynchrony has an important
      role in optimizing the selection of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT)
      candidates. We compared a new semiautomatic echocardiographic modality, tissue
      synchronization imaging (TSI) with a manual method, color-coded tissue Doppler
      imaging (TDI), in the assessment of LV dyssynchrony in patients with heart
      failure (HF). METHODS: Ninety-five patients (age = 54.5 +/- 17.1 years, 66.3%
      male) with advanced HF (NYHA functional class >=III and ejection-fraction <=35%)
      were included in the study and evaluated echocardiographically. The time to
      regional peak systolic velocity (Ts) in six basal and six middle segments of the
      LV was measured manually using velocity curves from TDI and semiautomatically
      using TSI and seven parameters of systolic dyssynchrony were computed. RESULTS:
      Overall, a moderate-to-good association was found between Ts derived by these two
      modalities, whereas the mean of Ts via TSI was significantly lower than that
      measured by TDI in many LV segments. The agreement between these two modalities
      in identifying LV dyssynchrony varied from weak to moderate according to various
      dyssynchrony indices. In comparison to the TDI-derived dyssynchrony indices, TSI
      showed a high sensitivity of more than 90% using Ts delay at the basal/all LV
      segments and the indices for their standard deviations (SD) for identifying LV
      dyssynchrony, whereas the highest specificity of 80% was achieved using the
      septal-lateral dyssynchrony index in the prediction of LV dyssynchrony.
      CONCLUSION: With the aid of selected LV dyssynchrony indices, the TSI method may
      confer enough sensitivity for a speedy evaluation and initial screening of LV
      dyssynchrony in HF patients; however, the current technology of TSI does not seem
      specific enough to replace TDI in the evaluation of dyssynchrony.

PMID- 22050329
TI  - Deciphering the DNAzyme activity of multimeric quadruplexes: insights into their
      actual role in the telomerase activity evaluation assay.
AB  - The end of human telomeres is comprised of a long G-rich single-stranded DNA
      (known as 3'-overhang) able to adopt an unusual three-dimensional "beads-on-the
      string" organization made of consecutively stacked G-quadruplex units (so-called
      quadruplex multimers). It has been widely demonstrated that, upon interaction
      with hemin, discrete quadruplexes acquire peroxidase-mimicking properties,
      oxidizing several organic probes in H(2)O(2)-rich conditions; this property,
      known as DNAzyme, has found tens of applications in the last two decades.
      However, little is known about the DNAzyme activity of multimeric quadruplexes;
      this is an important question to address, especially in light of recent reports
      that exploit the DNAzyme process to optically assess the activity of an enzyme
      that elongates the telomeric overhang, the telomerase. Herein, we thoroughly
      investigate the DNAzyme activity of long telomeric fragments, with a particular
      focus on both the nature of the hemin/multimeric quadruplex interactions and the
      putative higher-order fold of the studied fragments; in light of our results, we
      also propose possible ways that may be followed to improve the use of DNAzyme to
      evaluate the telomerase activity.

PMID- 22050330
TI  - 'Therapeutic emplotment': a new paradigm to explore the interaction between
      nurses and patients with a long-term illness.
AB  - AIMS: This paper presents a discussion of the use of 'therapeutic emplotment'
      during health professional-patient interactions when caring for patients with a
      long-term illness, with implications for nursing. BACKGROUND: Therapeutic
      emplotment' develops from two philosophical strains: one emphasizing the
      connection of speech to actions, the other the linguistically mediated nature of
      human experience. Mattingly defines therapeutic emplotment as the creation of
      story-like structures through therapist-patient interactions which encourage the
      patient to see therapy as integral to healing. DATA SOURCES: A literature search
      for the period 1994-2010 was undertaken using the keywords therapeutic
      emplotment, chronic illness, illness narratives, nursing narratives and nurse
      patient interaction in the following databases: CINAHL, MEDLINE, COCHRANE, Social
      Care online, PsycInfo and AnthroSource. Reference lists of papers and books were
      examined for relevant studies published before 1994. DISCUSSION: Differing from
      other social scientists, Mattingly highlights potential of narratives to create
      experiences in clinical practice. With therapeutic emplotment, narratives become
      'tools' in the hands of health professionals to shape the interaction with
      patients with a long-term illness and are constructed by them together. This
      introduces changes in the way health professionals, including nurses, look at
      their practice. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Therapeutic emplotment may provide
      nurses with a way of improving communication and relationship skills to help
      patients reach therapeutic goals; its use may also help qualitative research that
      explores the impact of nurses' interactions with patients on the quality of care.
      CONCLUSION: Therapeutic emplotment may be used by a broader range of health
      professionals, including nurses, for clinical and research purposes.

PMID- 22050331
TI  - Insight into the photoinduced ligand exchange reaction pathway of cis-[Rh2(MU
      O2CCH3)2(CH3CN)6]2+ with a DNA model chelate.
AB  - We previously showed that [Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(6)](2+) binds to dsDNA
      only upon irradiation with visible light and that photolysis results in a 34-fold
      enhancement of its cytotoxicity toward Hs-27 human skin fibroblasts, making it
      potentially useful for photodynamic therapy (PDT). With the goal of gaining
      further insight on the photoinduced binding of DNA to the complex, we
      investigated by NMR spectroscopy the mechanism by which 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy), a
      model for biologically relevant bidentate nitrogen donor ligands, binds to
      [Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(6)](2+) upon irradiation in D(2)O. The
      photochemical results are compared to the reactivity in the dark in D(2)O and
      CD(3)CN. The photolysis of [Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(6)](2+) with equimolar
      bpy solutions in D(2)O with visible light affords [Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(eq/eq
      bpy)(CH(3)CN)(2)(D(2)O(ax))(2)](2+) (eq/eq) with the reaction reaching completion
      in ~8 h. Only vestiges of eq/eq are observed at the same time in the dark,
      however, and the reaction is ~20 times slower. Conversely, the dark reaction of
      [Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(6)](2+) with an equimolar amount of bpy in CD(3)CN
      affords [Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(eta(1)-bpy(ax))(CH(3)CN)(5)](2+) (eta(1)-bpy(ax)),
      which remains present even after 5 days of reaction. The photolysis results in
      D(2)O are consistent with the exchange of one equiv CH(3)CNeq for solvent, and
      the resulting species quickly reacting with bpy to generate eq/eq; the initial eq
      ligand dissociation is assisted by absorption of a photon, thus greatly enhancing
      the reaction rate. The photolytic reaction of
      [Rh(2)(O(2)CCH(3))(2)(CH(3)CN)(6)](2+):bpy in a 1:2 ratio in D(2)O affords the
      eq/eq and (eq/eq)(2) adducts. The observed differences in the reactivity in D(2)O
      vs CD(3)CN are explained by the relative ease of substitution of eq D(2)O vs
      CD(3)CN by the incoming bpy molecule. These results clearly highlight the
      importance of dissociation of an eq CH(3)CN molecule from the dirhodium core to
      attain high reactivity and underscore the importance of light for the reactivity
      of these compounds, which is essential for PDT agents.

PMID- 22050332
TI  - Overcoming food allergy through acquired tolerance conferred by transfer of Tregs
      in a murine model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The number of food allergy patients is increasing. Some children
      outgrow their food allergies through tolerance, whereas others remain susceptible
      throughout their lives. We aimed to contribute to food allergy therapeutics by
      understanding induction of oral tolerance in a murine food allergy model.
      METHODS: We modified an existing murine food allergy model by using ovalbumin
      (OVA) to induce oral tolerance, either by pretreating mice with OVA or by
      transferring mesenteric lymph node (MLN) cells or T cells derived from mice
      treated with OVA. RESULTS: Pretreatment with OVA prevented food allergy, with
      complete suppression of OVA-specific immunoglobulin (Ig)E and IgA antibody
      production and interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10, and IL-9 mRNA expression. The
      proportion of regulatory T cells (Tregs) in MLN cells and expression of
      transforming growth factor-beta mRNA increased. In the transfer model,
      anaphylaxis secondary to OVA intake was suppressed by transfer of whole MLN cells
      and Tregs from OVA-treated mice. However, OVA-specific IgE and IgA expressions
      were partially attenuated by transfer of antigen-specific and nonspecific Tregs,
      but not by whole MLN cells from OVA-treated mice. In the Treg transfer model, IL
      4 and IL-10 mRNA expression decreased, but IL-9 mRNA expression increased.
      CONCLUSION: We concluded that oral tolerance for food antigens is induced in two
      ways: (i) by initial exposure to antigen, or inherent tolerance, and (ii) by
      transfer of Tregs, or acquired tolerance. Because food allergies occur when
      inherent tolerance is absent, understanding of acquired tolerance is important
      for the development of therapies for food allergy.

PMID- 22050333
TI  - Exponential sensitivity and speciation of Al(III), Sc(III), Y(III), La(III), and
      Gd(III) at fused silica/water interfaces.
AB  - The binding contants, adsorption free energies, absolute adsorbate number
      densities, and interfacial charge densities of Al(III), Sc(III), Y(III), La(III),
      and Gd(III) interacting with fused silica/water interfaces held at pH 4 were
      determined using second harmonic generation and the Eisenthal chi((3)) technique.
      By examining the relationship between the measured adsorption free energies and
      the electric double layer interfacial potential at multiple electrolyte
      concentrations, we elucidate the charge state and possible binding pathways for
      each ion at the fused silica surface. Al(III) and Sc(III) ions are found to bind
      to the fused silica surface as fully hydrated trivalent species in a bidentate
      geometry. In contrast, the Y(III), La(III), and Gd(III) ions are each shown to
      adsorb to the silica surface in a decreased charge state, but the extent and mode
      of binding varies with each ion. By quantifying the exponential sensitivity of
      the surface coverage of the adsorbed ions to their charge state directly at the
      fused silica/water interface, we provide benchmarks for theory calculations
      describing the interactions of metal ions with oxide interfaces in geochemistry
      and hope to improve the prediction of trivalent metal ion transport through
      groundwater environments.

PMID- 22050334
TI  - Direct correlation between the facial nerve nucleus and hemifacial seizures
      associated with a gangliocytoma of the floor of the fourth ventricle: a case
      report.
AB  - A dysplastic neuronal lesion of the floor of the fourth ventricle (DNFFV) causes
      hemifacial seizures (HFS) from early infancy. However, it is still controversial
      whether HFS is generated by the facial nerve nucleus or cerebellar cortex. In
      this study, we confirm a direct correlation between the rhythmic activities in
      the DNFFV and HFS using intraoperative electroencephalography (EEG) and
      electromyography (EMG) monitoring. Our results support the theory that a DNFFV
      provokes ipsilateral HFS via the facial nerve nucleus.

PMID- 22050335
TI  - Interictal pattern-induced visual discomfort and ictal photophobia in episodic
      migraineurs: an association of interictal and ictal photophobia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pattern-induced visual discomfort and photophobia are frequently
      observed symptoms in migraineurs. The presumed pathophysiologic mechanisms of
      pattern glare and photophobia seem to overlap anatomically within the central
      nervous system. OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between interictal pattern
      induced visual discomfort and ictal photophobia in episodic migraineurs. METHODS:
      We compared pattern-induced visual discomfort among 3 groups: controls,
      migraineurs without ictal photophobia (MwoP), and migraineurs with ictal
      photophobia (MwP). Photophobia was assessed with a validated photophobia
      questionnaire. Visual discomfort tests were performed using 3 striped patterns
      with different spatial frequencies. After viewing the patterns for 10 seconds,
      subjects were asked to report the severity of visual discomfort using 4 scales
      (none, mild, moderate, and severe) and using a 0-10 visual analog scale (VAS). We
      compared the proportion of subjects choosing moderate-to-severe discomfort and
      the median values of VAS scores for each pattern among the 3 groups. RESULTS: We
      enrolled 35 controls, 18 MwoP, and 44 MwP, and there were no significant
      differences in clinical features among the 3 groups. MwP reported a significantly
      higher proportion of moderate-to-severe discomfort and higher median VAS scores
      than the controls and MwoP did. The intensity of discomfort increased with higher
      frequency of visual stimuli. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that MwP experienced more
      severe pattern-induced visual discomfort as compared with the controls and MwoP.

PMID- 22050337
TI  - Potential of bacteriophages and their lysins in the treatment of MRSA: current
      status and future perspectives.
AB  - Bacteriophages (phages) are viruses that specifically infect and kill bacteria.
      Lysins are enzymes of bacteriophage origin that cleave covalent bonds in
      peptidoglycan, thereby inducing rapid lysis of a bacterial cell. As potential
      antibacterial agents, phages and lysins have some important features in common,
      especially the capacity to kill antibiotic-resistant bacteria, a narrow
      antibacterial range, and lack of toxic effects on mammalian cells. In this
      article we present the staphylococcal phages and their lysins that can be used to
      combat methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), one of today's most
      dangerous pathogens. We also discuss the use of phages as vectors specifically
      delivering different antibacterial agents to bacterial cells. Experimental data
      show that both phages and lysins could be effective in the treatment of MRSA.

PMID- 22050338
TI  - Smarter drugs: a focus on pan-specific monoclonal antibodies.
AB  - Antibodies capable of targeting more than one antigen are envisioned to expand
      therapeutic efficacy in complex disease settings. Several strategies have been
      developed to achieve multiple targeting, including antibody mixtures and
      bispecific formats. In recent years, several dual- and pan-specific antibodies
      have been described and represent an alternative approach. These antibodies bind
      to different targets using a single antigen-combining site while maintaining high
      affinity and specificity, thus challenging the 'one antibody, one antigen' dogma.
      Despite certain drawbacks, the simple IgG format of this drug class enables rapid
      progression into the clinic.

PMID- 22050340
TI  - Gene therapy for rheumatoid arthritis: current status and future prospects.
AB  - Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was one of the earliest targets for gene therapy. Since
      the first clinical trial involving gene therapy in RA was initiated in 1996,
      eight clinical trials have been conducted assessing gene therapy in RA. Gene
      therapy has benefited from advances in biologics in terms of the increasing
      choice of novel, efficient targets to treat RA and also from the optimization of
      the delivery systems. Several strategies are possible; one of particular interest
      is local gene therapy directed to rheumatic joints, which avoids systemic vector
      diffusion. In this review, we discuss (i) gene therapeutic approaches that have
      been attempted for patients with RA, and (ii) novel strategies that are in
      development for delivery into patients. We analyze the advantages and
      disadvantages of the various approaches and how best to optimize them with regard
      to choosing the most promising vectors and strategies to allow for efficient,
      long-term, safe delivery of gene therapy in RA.

PMID- 22050341
TI  - Romidepsin in the treatment of T-cell lymphoma: profile report.

PMID- 22050342
TI  - Denosumab in the prevention of skeletal-related events in patients with bone
      metastases from solid tumors: profile report.

PMID- 22050339
TI  - Targeting T cells with bispecific antibodies for cancer therapy.
AB  - Bispecific antibodies (BiAbs) offer a unique opportunity to redirect immune
      effector cells to kill cancer cells. BiAbs combine the benefits of different
      binding specificities of two monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) into a single
      construct. This unique feature of BiAbs enables approaches that are not possible
      with single mAbs. Advances in antibody engineering and antigen profiling of
      malignant cells have led to the development of a number of BiAb formats and their
      combinations for redirecting effector cells to tumor targets. There have been
      significant advances in the design and application of BiAbs for intravenous and
      local injection.The initial barrier of cytokine storm has been partially overcome
      by more recent constructs that have improved clinical effectiveness without dose
      limiting toxicities. Since the recent revival of BiAbs, there has been multiple,
      ongoing, phase I/II and III trials, and some promising clinical outcomes have
      been reported in completed clinical studies. This review focuses on arming T
      cells with BiAbs to create the 'poor man's cytotoxic lymphocyte'.

PMID- 22050343
TI  - Spotlight on eltrombopag in treatment-refractory chronic primary immune
      thrombocytopenia.
AB  - Eltrombopag (Revolade(r)) is an orally bioavailable, low molecular weight,
      synthetic nonpeptide thrombopoietin receptor agonist, which selectively binds to
      the transmembrane and juxtamembrane domains of the thrombopoietin receptor on the
      surface of platelets, megakaryocytes, and megakaryocyte precursor cells,
      resulting in responses similar to those induced by recombinant human
      thrombopoietin. Eltrombopag does not compete with thrombopoietin for its binding
      domain on the thrombopoietin receptor, and is highly selective. This article
      provides an overview of the pharmacological properties of eltrombopag and reviews
      the clinical efficacy and tolerability of the drug in adult patients with chronic
      primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). In well designed 6-week and 6-month
      trials, eltrombopag was more effective than placebo at increasing platelet count
      and decreasing the incidence of bleeding in patients with treatment-refractory
      chronic ITP, and was generally well tolerated in these patients. Long-term
      (median duration 100 weeks) data from a noncomparative trial support these
      results. Importantly, previous splenectomy did not appear to have an effect on
      the efficacy of eltrombopag. As the first licensed oral thrombopoietin receptor
      agonist, eltrombopag may be a more convenient option than other ITP medications;
      however, it may be a costly option long term, as platelet counts generally return
      to baseline levels following treatment cessation, implying that continued
      treatment may be advised. Long-term treatment is often necessary in patients with
      chronic ITP, as curative rates with any treatment are very low. Eltrombopag was
      generally well tolerated in clinical trials in patients with chronic ITP.
      Hepatobiliary abnormalities occurred in a greater proportion of eltrombopag than
      placebo recipients; however, these were usually mild and reversible. Other
      potential concerns, such as thromboembolic events, cataracts, and increased bone
      marrow reticulin, need to be further investigated. Eltrombopag is an effective
      treatment option for adult patients with chronic ITP and an increased risk of
      bleeding who are refractory to previous treatments, including splenectomy, as
      demonstrated in well designed clinical trials.

PMID- 22050344
TI  - Spotlight on tesamorelin in HIV-associated lipodystrophy.
AB  - Tesamorelin (EgriftaTM) is a synthetic analog of human growth hormone-releasing
      hormone (also known as growth hormone-releasing factor) that stimulates the
      synthesis and release of endogenous growth hormone. It is the first and, so far,
      only treatment indicated for the reduction of excess abdominal fat in patients
      with HIV-associated lipodystrophy. This article reviews the pharmacological
      properties, clinical efficacy and tolerability of tesamorelin in patients with
      HIV-associated central fat accumulation. Subcutaneous tesamorelin was effective
      in reducing visceral adipose tissue (VAT), but did not affect subcutaneous
      adipose tissue to a clinically significant extent in two 26-week, well designed,
      clinical trials in patients with HIV-associated central fat accumulation. This
      reduction in VAT was maintained in the longer term in patients who continued to
      receive tesamorelin until week 52 in the extension phases of the two trials.
      However, discontinuation of therapy during this period resulted in the
      reaccumulation of VAT. Tesamorelin therapy was also associated with significant
      improvements in other body composition measures (e.g. trunk fat and waist
      circumference) and improvements were generally seen in some body image parameters
      (e.g. belly image distress). Tesamorelin was generally well tolerated, with
      treatment-emergent serious adverse events occurring in <4% of patients during 26
      weeks of therapy. Most of these events were injection-site reactions or events
      known to be associated with growth hormone therapy (e.g. arthralgia, headache and
      peripheral edema). Although long-term clinical experience is needed to further
      assess the benefits and risks of therapy, current evidence suggests that
      tesamorelin may be useful for reducing visceral adiposity in patients with HIV
      associated lipodystrophy, thereby potentially improving self image.

PMID- 22050345
TI  - Oxidative processes in the Australian marine sponge Plakinastrella clathrata:
      isolation of plakortolides with oxidatively modified side chains.
AB  - Sixteen new cyclic peroxides (1-16) with a plakortolide skeleton and the methyl
      ester derivative of a didehydroplakinic acid (17) were isolated from the
      Australian sponge Plakinastrella clathrata Kirkpatrick, 1900. Structural
      elucidation and configurational assignments were based on spectroscopic analysis
      and comparison with data for previously isolated plakortolides and revealed both
      phenyl- and methyl-terminating side chains attached to the plakortolide core.
      Plakortoperoxides A-D (5-8) each contained a second 1,2-dioxine ring; a cis
      configuration for the side chain endoperoxide ring was determined by a low
      temperature NMR study and by comparison of chemical shift values with those of
      reported compounds. An enantioselective HPLC study compared natural
      plakortoperoxide A with a synthetic sample prepared by cyclization of
      plakortolide P with singlet oxygen and revealed that the natural sample was a
      mixture of cis diastereomers at C-15/C18. Four other cyclic peroxides (9-12)
      possessed a C(9)-truncated side chain terminating in a formyl or carboxylic acid
      functionality, suggesting that these metabolites may have been formed by
      oxidative cleavage of the Delta(9,10) bond of diene-functionalized plakortolides.
      A final group of four metabolites (13-16) with hydroxy or the rare hydroperoxy
      functionality unexpectedly revealed a C(8) side chain, while the ester (17)
      represents further structural variation within the growing family of cyclic
      peroxy sponge metabolites.

PMID- 22050346
TI  - Association of an increased frequency of CD14+ HLA-DR lo/neg monocytes with
      decreased time to progression in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL).

PMID- 22050347
TI  - Winning the arms race by improving drug discovery against mutating targets.
AB  - Enzymes are often excellent drug targets. Yet drug pressure on an enzyme target
      often fosters the rise of cells with resistance-conferring mutations, some of
      which may compromise fitness and others that compensate to restore fitness. This
      review presents, first, a structural analysis of a diverse group of wild-type and
      mutant enzyme targets and, second, an in-depth analysis of five diverse targets
      to elucidate a broader perspective of the effects of resistance-conferring
      mutations on protein or organismal fitness. The structural analysis reveals that
      resistance-conferring mutations may introduce steric hindrance or eliminate
      critical interactions, as expected, but that they may also have indirect effects
      such as altering protein dynamics and enzyme kinetics. The structure-based
      development of the latest generation of inhibitors targeting HIV reverse
      transcriptase, P. falciparum and S. aureus dihydrofolate reductase,
      neuraminidase, and epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase, is
      highlighted to emphasize lessons that may be applied to future drug discovery to
      overcome mutation-induced resistance. Successful next-generation drugs tend to be
      more flexible and exploit a greater number of interactions mimicking those of the
      substrate with conserved residues.

PMID- 22050348
TI  - Reengineering a tryptophan halogenase to preferentially chlorinate a direct
      alkaloid precursor.
AB  - Installing halogens onto natural products can generate compounds with novel or
      improved properties. Notably, enzymatic halogenation is now possible as a result
      of the discovery of several classes of halogenases; however, applications are
      limited because of the narrow substrate specificity of these enzymes. Here we
      demonstrate that the flavin-dependent halogenase RebH can be engineered to
      install chlorine preferentially onto tryptamine rather than the native substrate
      tryptophan. Tryptamine is a direct precursor to many alkaloid natural products,
      including approximately 3000 monoterpene indole alkaloids. To validate the
      function of this engineered enzyme in vivo, we transformed the tryptamine
      specific RebH mutant (Y455W) into the alkaloid-producing plant Madagascar
      periwinkle ( Catharanthus roseus ) and observed the de novo production of the
      halogenated alkaloid 12-chloro-19,20-dihydroakuammicine. While wild-type (WT)
      RebH has been integrated into periwinkle metabolism previously, the resulting
      tissue cultures accumulated substantial levels of 7-chlorotryptophan. Tryptophan
      decarboxylase, the enzyme that converts tryptophan to tryptamine, accepts 7
      chlorotryptophan at only 3% of the efficiency of the native substrate tryptophan,
      thereby creating a bottleneck. The RebH Y455W mutant circumvents this bottleneck
      by installing chlorine onto tryptamine, a downstream substrate. In comparison
      with cultures harboring RebH and WT RebF, tissue cultures containing mutant RebH
      Y455W and RebF also accumulate microgram per gram fresh-weight quantities of 12
      chloro-19,20-dihydroakuammicine but, in contrast, do not accumulate 7
      chlorotryptophan, demonstrating the selectivity and potential utility of this
      mutant in metabolic engineering applications.

PMID- 22050350
TI  - Urology in Asia--Indonesia.

PMID- 22050351
TI  - Outline of JUA clinical guidelines for benign prostatic hyperplasia.
AB  - The Japanese Urological Association has developed Clinical Guidelines for Benign
      Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) for men with suspected BPH, which have been abridged
      and translated into English. This article is a shortened version of the English
      translation. The Guidelines were formulated on the basis of evidence retrieved
      from the PubMed database between 1995 and 2009, as well as other relevant
      sources. The target patients of these Guidelines are men with suspected BPH, and
      the target users are urologists. A mandatory assessment should include a medical
      history, a physical examination, the completion of symptom and quality of life
      questionnaires, urinalysis, prostate ultrasonography, measurement of serum
      prostate specific antigen and postvoid residual urine, and an uroflowmetry.
      Optional tests include a bladder diary, the measurement of serum creatinine, and
      upper urinary tract ultrasonography. Care should be taken to not overlook
      coexisting diseases such as an infection or malignancy that may obscure the
      diagnosis. Treatment should consist of conservative therapy or the use of
      medications such as alpha(1) -adrenoceptor antagonists, or both. The use of
      5alpha-reductase inhibitors or anticholinergic agents should be considered in
      patients with an enlarged prostate (>30 mL) or overactive bladder symptoms
      (overactive bladder symptom score >= 6), respectively. Surgical intervention is
      indicated when non-surgical treatments fail to provide sufficient symptomatic
      relief and bladder outlet obstruction is highly suspected.

PMID- 22050352
TI  - Editorial Comment to Impact of diabetes mellitus on recurrence and progression in
      patients with non-muscle invasive bladder carcinoma: a retrospective cohort
      study.

PMID- 22050354
TI  - Is there a 'low-risk' drinking level for youth? The risk of acute harm as a
      function of quantity and frequency of drinking.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: Drinking guidelines have rarely provided recommendations
      for different age groups despite evidence of significant age effects on alcohol
      consumption and related risks. This study attempted to quantify the degree of
      risk associated with lower levels of consumption for people under 25 years of
      age, with the broader purpose of informing the development of Canadian low-risk
      drinking guidelines. DESIGN AND METHODS: A random community-based sample of 540
      youth aged 16-23 (54.4% female) completed an interview concerning alcohol
      consumption patterns and a broad range of acute health and social harms. Logistic
      regression analyses were designed to test whether there were discernible
      thresholds of risk as a function of both gender and age. RESULTS: A significant
      proportion of young people consumed in excess of adult drinking limits
      recommended by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) to minimise risk
      of alcohol-related harm. Compared with abstainers, rates of reported harm
      increased linearly with increasing frequency and quantity levels. However,
      problems were most strongly associated with consumption in excess of two drinks
      per occasion and a frequency of more than once a week. No independent effects of
      age or gender were identified. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The CAMH guidelines
      for adult drinkers do not adequately address acute risks for young people. More
      specific guideline recommendations for young people could be considered with a
      more prominent focus on drinking quantity (one to two drinks per occasion), and a
      recommended frequency of consumption (once a week).

PMID- 22050356
TI  - Fourth congress of the European association for veterinary pharmacology and
      toxicology.

PMID- 22050355
TI  - Sialochemistry and cortisol levels in patients with Sjogren's syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: (i) To determine whether salivary cortisol and electrolyte levels
      differ between patients with Sjogren's syndrome (SjS) and healthy individuals.
      (ii) To assess correlations between whole-saliva cortisol and some clinical
      manifestations in patients with SjS. METHODS: A total of 24 healthy women (mean
      age 49.3+/-9.8) served as controls (C) vis-a-vis 17 patients with SjS (mean age
      55.5+/-15.7). Salivary cortisol concentration was determined, and sialochemistry
      analysis was performed. RESULTS: Significantly lower saliva flow rates and higher
      salivary chloride (Cl(-) ), potassium (K(+) ), and Ca(2+) levels were found in
      the SjS group. No significant differences or correlations were found in other
      parameters, including sodium (Na(+) ), magnesium (Mg(2+) ), phosphate ((-) ),
      urea (U), and salivary cortisol levels. CONCLUSION: Increased whole-salivary
      output of Cl(-) and K(+) in SjS may reflect release from apoptotic rests of
      acinar cells after secondary necrosis. Normal levels of salivary Na(+) , Mg(2+) ,
      and (-) argue against concentration effect, deranged tubular function or cortisol
      (mineralocorticosteroid) effect as the cause for these findings. Increased
      salivary Ca(2+) levels probably reflect leakage of plasma Ca(2+) through the
      injured oral mucosa in SjS. In spite of disease-associated stress, salivary
      cortisol, a stress biomarker, was not increased, suggesting insufficient
      hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis response and/or local consumption of
      cortisol by lymphocyte infiltrates.

PMID- 22050358
TI  - DNA building blocks: keeping control of manufacture.
AB  - Ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) is the only source for de novo production of the
      four deoxyribonucleoside triphosphate (dNTP) building blocks needed for DNA
      synthesis and repair. It is crucial that these dNTP pools are carefully balanced,
      since mutation rates increase when dNTP levels are either unbalanced or elevated.
      RNR is the major player in this homeostasis, and with its four different
      substrates, four different allosteric effectors and two different effector
      binding sites, it has one of the most sophisticated allosteric regulations known
      today. In the past few years, the structures of RNRs from several bacteria, yeast
      and man have been determined in the presence of allosteric effectors and
      substrates, revealing new information about the mechanisms behind the allosteric
      regulation. A common theme for all studied RNRs is a flexible loop that mediates
      modulatory effects from the allosteric specificity site (s-site) to the catalytic
      site for discrimination between the four substrates. Much less is known about the
      allosteric activity site (a-site), which functions as an on-off switch for the
      enzyme's overall activity by binding ATP (activator) or dATP (inhibitor). The two
      nucleotides induce formation of different enzyme oligomers, and a recent
      structure of a dATP-inhibited alpha(6)beta(2) complex from yeast suggested how
      its subunits interacted non-productively. Interestingly, the oligomers formed and
      the details of their allosteric regulation differ between eukaryotes and
      Escherichia coli. Nevertheless, these differences serve a common purpose in an
      essential enzyme whose allosteric regulation might date back to the era when the
      molecular mechanisms behind the central dogma evolved.

PMID- 22050359
TI  - Maternal report on child outcome after a community-based program following
      intimate partner violence.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study examined the perceived effectiveness of a 15-week
      community-based program for 46 children exposed to intimate partner violence
      (IPV) and their mothers. AIMS: The primary aims were to describe the children who
      entered one of the existing community-based programs in terms of behavioral
      problems and to evaluate the impact of the program on children's general
      behavioral functioning as assessed by their mothers. RESULTS: Children's rated
      behavioral problems (SDQ) dropped following treatment; the effect size was in the
      medium range. The social impairment caused by the problems decreased as well. The
      effect regarding behavioral problems was not related to the degree of exposure to
      IPV or the mothers own changes in trauma symptoms following treatment. Results
      were analyzed as well at the individual level with the Reliable Change Index
      (RCI), which showed that the majority of children were unchanged following
      treatment. CONCLUSIONS: One implication from the study is the need for baseline
      screening and assessment. About half of the current sample had a clinical symptom
      picture indicating the need for specialized psychiatric/psychotherapeutic
      treatment. Furthermore, the reduction in behavioral problems was significant but
      many children still had high levels of behavioral problems after treatment,
      indicating a need of a more intense or a different type of intervention.

PMID- 22050360
TI  - Treatment of steroid-unresponsive optic neuritis with plasma exchange.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Until now, the significance of plasma exchange (PE) as a treatment
      for steroid-unresponsive optic neuritis (ON) is still unclear because placebo
      controlled and larger studies are missing. We report our experience with 23
      patients treated by PE due to steroid-unresponsive ON. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Patients were admitted to the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf between
      2006 and 2010 with a visual acuity of <50% on the affected eye following steroid
      treatment. Ten patients suffered from RR-MS, one from neuromyelitis optica, and
      12 patients developed ON as a clinically isolated syndrome. Routinely, they were
      treated with five cycles of PE. Visual acuity was measured before and directly
      after PE and during follow-up (first follow-up after 50 days, second follow-up
      after 174 days). RESULTS: Altogether, 70% of our patients improved after PE, 69%
      of them showed a good or very good response to therapy. Patients who improved
      well after PE (n = 11) showed a mean visual acuity of 16% before PE compared to
      45% immediately after PE and 60% at the first follow-up. No serious adverse
      events occurred. CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, our study is the largest case
      series of patients with steroid-unresponsive ON treated with PE. Based on our
      experience, we conclude that PE is an important treatment option for patients
      with steroid-unresponsive ON although placebo-controlled studies are missing
      until now.

PMID- 22050361
TI  - Administration of flutamide alters sperm ultrastructure, sperm plasma membrane
      integrity and its stability, and sperm mitochondrial oxidative capability in the
      boar: in vivo and in vitro approach.
AB  - Our previous work has shown that an anti-androgen flutamide administered pre- and
      post-natally induced adverse effects on the epididymal morphology and function of
      adult boars. The present investigation is aimed to understand the effect of
      flutamide and its metabolite on changes in sperm plasma membrane integrity and
      its stability, changes in mitochondrial oxidative capability and frequency of
      abnormal sperm. In vivo effects of flutamide (50 mg/kg b.w.) on sperm
      ultrastructure were examined by electron microscopic observations. In vitro
      effects of 5, 50 and 100 MUg/ml hydroxyflutamide, administered for 2 and 24 h, on
      sperm plasma membrane integrity were measured by LIVE/DEAD Sperm Vitality kit,
      while those on sperm membrane stability and mitochondrial oxidoreductive activity
      were investigated using Merocyanine 540 and NADH tests, respectively. The
      incidence of abnormal spermatozoa increased significantly (p < 0.05) in flutamide
      treated boars compared with controls. In an in vitro approach, low dose of
      hydroxyflutamide in 2-h incubations appeared less effective in altering the sperm
      plasma membrane integrity and its stability than two higher doses used (p <
      0.05). No further decrease in the membrane integrity was found when the effect of
      anti-androgen lasted for 24 h. On the other hand, a decrease in sperm membrane
      destabilization and mitochondrial oxidoreductive activity was strengthened after
      24 h of hydroxyflutamide administration (p < 0.05). Characterization of sperm
      parameters with regard to oxidative capability of mitochondria, plasma membrane
      changes and sperm ultrastructure provides novel data on the boar sperm
      sensitivity to anti-androgen action. Results indicate high sensitivity of boar
      spermatozoa to androgen withdrawal.

PMID- 22050362
TI  - Lateral epicondylalgia: a structured programme better than corticosteroids and
      NSAID.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate whether patients with lateral epicondylalgia had less pain or
      function loss two years following treatment by a structured programme and if the
      number of recurrent episodes and sick leave days differed compared with a control
      group. SUBJECTS: All of the patients were diagnosed by a physician with the
      diagnosis code M77.1 (lateral epicondylitis). The intervention group (n = 103)
      was treated by a physiotherapist and an occupational therapist with a home
      training programme that included ergonomic advice. Wrist supports and/or night
      bandages were also available. Controls (n = 194) were diversely treated by
      different professionals. MAJOR FINDINGS: In the total study group (n = 297), 54%
      of the patients experienced pain and 55% experienced function loss after two
      years. The intervention group had less pain than patients treated with
      corticosteroid injections (p < 0.0001) or NSAIDs (p = 0.048) and experienced
      better function than those treated with corticosteroid injections (p = 0.002).
      The intervention group had a lower recurrence (p < 0.0001) and fewer sick leave
      days at the time of the visit to the health care centre (p = 0.005). PRINCIPAL
      CONCLUSIONS: A structured treatment programme was more effective than
      corticosteroid injections and NSAIDs. Patients did not require additional
      treatment or sick leave and had learned self-treatment of the disorder.

PMID- 22050363
TI  - Unique DNA binding mode of antitumor trinuclear tridentate platinum(II) compound.
AB  - The new trinuclear tridentate Pt(II) complex [Pt(3)Cl(3)(hptab)](3+) (1; hptab =
      N,N,N',N',N'',N''-hexakis(2-pyridylmethyl)-1,3,5-tris(aminomethyl)benzene)
      exhibits promising cytotoxic effects in human and mouse tumor cells including
      those resistant to conventional cisplatin (Dalton Trans. 2006, 2617; Chem. Eur.
      J. 2009, 15, 5245). The present study is focused on the molecular pharmacology of
      1, in particular on its interactions with DNA (which is the major pharmacological
      target of platinum antitumor drugs), to elucidate more deeply the mechanism
      underlying its antitumor effects. Results obtained with the aid of methods of
      molecular biophysics and pharmacology reveal new details of DNA modifications by
      1. Complex 1 binds to DNA forming in the absence of proteins and molecular
      crowding agents mainly trifunctional intrastrand cross-links. In these DNA
      adducts all three Pt(II) centers of 1 are coordinated to DNA base residues, which
      leads to extensive conformational alterations in DNA. An intriguing aspect of the
      DNA-binding mode of this trinuclear Pt(II) complex 1 is that it can cross-link
      proteins to DNA. Even more interestingly, 1 can cross-link in the presence of
      molecular crowding agent, which mimics environmental conditions in cell nucleus,
      two DNA duplexes in a high yield--a feature observed for the first time for
      antitumor trinuclear platinum complexes. Thus, the concept for the design of
      agents capable of forming intramolecular tridentate DNA adducts, DNA-protein and
      interduplex DNA-DNA cross-links based on trinuclear tridentate Pt(II) complexes
      with semirigid aromatic linkers may result in new compounds which exhibit a
      variety of biological effects and can be also useful in nucleic acids research.

PMID- 22050364
TI  - Extended GTST-MLD for aerospace system safety analysis.
AB  - The hazards caused by complex interactions in the aerospace system have become a
      problem that urgently needs to be settled. This article introduces a method for
      aerospace system hazard interaction identification based on extended GTST-MLD
      (goal tree-success tree-master logic diagram) during the design stage. GTST-MLD
      is a functional modeling framework with a simple architecture. Ontology is used
      to extend the ability of system interaction description in GTST-MLD by adding the
      system design knowledge and the past accident experience. From the level of
      functionality and equipment, respectively, this approach can help the technician
      detect potential hazard interactions. Finally, a case is used to show the method.

PMID- 22050365
TI  - Psychological resistance to insulin therapy in adults with type 2 diabetes: mixed
      method systematic review.
AB  - AIM: This paper is a report of a review that aimed to describe the phenomenon of
      psychological resistance to insulin therapy from the perspective of adults with
      type 2 diabetes mellitus. BACKGROUND: Although the benefits of insulin for people
      with diabetes who are poorly controlled by oral agents have been established,
      delay in transition to insulin treatment is common. An understanding of the
      barriers to insulin from the client's viewpoint provides information to
      facilitate appropriate and effective care. DATA SOURCES: Searches were carried
      out between 1999 and 2009 using computerized databases, three in English language
      and one in Chinese. REVIEW METHODS: Review design was a mixed-method systematic
      review, and data abstraction and synthesis were undertaken by thematic synthesis.
      Reviewed articles were restricted to adults with type 2 diabetes and published in
      English or Chinese. RESULTS: Sixteen articles were included. For adults with type
      2 diabetes, psychological resistance to insulin therapy could be explained by
      five themes. Three themes were categorized as cognitive appraisal, including
      'people do not see the necessity for insulin and actively seek ways to control
      blood sugars without insulin', 'people have a holistic view of the consequences
      of insulin' and 'people see insulin therapy as less feasible'. Two themes were
      categorized as emotional reactions: 'people see insulin as a source of
      fear/anxiety', and 'the necessity to start insulin therapy has a very negative
      connotation for them and is associated with dysfunctional emotions'. CONCLUSION:
      Psychological resistance to insulin therapy can result from a range of personal
      viewpoints involving cognitive appraisal and/or emotional reactions.

PMID- 22050366
TI  - Implementation of two tests for measuring sensitivity to temporal fine structure.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To implement two methods for measuring sensitivity to temporal fine
      structure (TFS) for use in assessing effects of hearing loss and age that may not
      be apparent from the audiogram. DESIGN: The TFS1 test was described by Moore and
      Sek (2009). The task is to discriminate a harmonic complex tone from a tone in
      which all frequency components are shifted upwards by the same amount in Hz. The
      TFSLF test was described by Hopkins and Moore (2010a). The task is to detect
      changes in lateral position of a binaurally presented tone based on interaural
      phase difference (IPD). Both tests have been implemented in software that can be
      run on a PC with a good-quality sound card. The software includes a routine for
      measuring the absolute threshold at the test frequency. RESULTS: For each test,
      an experimental run at a single frequency takes about three minutes. Practice
      tasks (frequency discrimination of pure tones for TFS1 and discrimination of
      changes in lateral position based on interaural level difference for TFSLF) are
      also implemented that are similar to the main task, but easier. CONCLUSIONS: The
      software implementation allows sensitivity to TFS to be measured quickly without
      a requirement for specialized equipment.

PMID- 22050367
TI  - Systems-wide proteomic analysis in mammalian cells reveals conserved, functional
      protein turnover.
AB  - The turnover of each protein in the mammalian proteome is a functionally
      important characteristic. Here, we employed high-resolution mass spectrometry to
      quantify protein dynamics in nondividing mammalian cells. The ratio of externally
      supplied versus endogenous amino acids to de novo protein synthesis was about
      17:1. Using subsaturating SILAC labeling, we obtained accurate turnover rates of
      4106 proteins in HeLa and 3528 proteins in C2C12 cells. Comparison of these human
      and mouse cell lines revealed a highly significant turnover correlation of
      protein orthologs and thus high species conservation. Functionally, we observed
      statistically significant trends for the turnover of phosphoproteins and gene
      ontology categories that showed extensive covariation between mouse and human.
      Likewise, the members of some protein complexes, such as the proteasome, have
      highly similar turnover rates. The high species conservation and the low complex
      variances thus imply great regulatory fine-tuning of protein turnover.

PMID- 22050368
TI  - Tissue Doppler and strain rate imaging detect improvement of myocardial function
      in iron deficient patients with congestive heart failure after iron replacement
      therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Iron deficiency may contribute to diminished exercise tolerance in
      patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) even in absence of anemia. The aim
      of this study was to evaluate the effect of correction of iron deficiency on
      functional capacity and myocardial function in patients with CHF. METHODS: We
      studied 40 patients with ejection fraction <40%, hemoglobin% >12 g/dL, serum
      ferritin <100 ug/L, and transferrin saturation <20%. Patients received 200 mg
      weekly doses of iron dextran complex until serum ferritin level was between 200
      and 300 ug/L or transferrin saturation level was between 30% and 40%.
      Transthoracic echocardiogram, tissue Doppler imaging, peak systolic strain rate,
      and 6 minute walk test were performed before iron therapy and at 12-week follow
      up. Peak early diastolic myocardial tissue velocity (E'), peak late diastolic
      myocardial tissue velocity (A'), and peak systolic myocardial tissue velocity
      (S') were measured. RESULTS: There was a significant improvement of New York
      Heart Association functional class (3.0 +/- 0.4 vs. 2.1 +/- 0.3, P < 0.05) and
      6minutes walk distance (322 +/- 104 vs. 377 +/- 76, P < 0.01) from rest to follow
      up, respectively. Ejection fraction did not change significantly (32 +/- 8% vs.
      34 +/- 9%, respectively). There was a significant improvement of S'-wave (3.0 +/-
      0.8 cm/sec vs. 6.0 +/- 1.2 cm/sec, P < 0.05), E/E' ratio (22 +/- 3 vs. 13 +/- 3,
      P < 0.05), and peak systolic strain rate (-0.72 +/- 0.11/s vs. -1.09 +/- 0.37/s,
      P < 0.05) from baseline to follow-up, respectively. CONCLUSION: Correction of
      iron deficiency improves functional class and walking distance in nonanemic iron
      deficient patients with systolic heart failure. Tissue Doppler and strain rate
      demonstrated a significant improvement of diastolic and systolic function after
      therapy despite lack of improvement of ejection fraction. (Echocardiography
      2012;29:13-18).

PMID- 22050369
TI  - Pentanuclear cyanide-bridged complexes based on highly anisotropic Co(II) seven
      coordinate building blocks: synthesis, structure, and magnetic behavior.
AB  - Pentagonal-bipyramidal complexes [Co(DABPH)X(H(2)O)]X [X = NO(3) (1), Br (2), I
      (3)] were synthesized, and their magnetic behavior was investigated. Simulation
      of the magnetization versus temperature data revealed the complexes to be highly
      anisotropic (D ~ +30 cm(-1)) and the magnitude of the anisotropy to be
      independent of the nature of the axial ligands. The reaction of 1 with
      K(3)[M(CN)(6)] (M = Cr, Fe) produces the pentametallic clusters
      [{Co(DABPH)}(3){M(CN)(6)}(2)(H(2)O)(2)] [M = Cr (4), Fe (5)]. Both clusters
      consist of three {Co(DABPH)} moieties separated by two {M(CN)(6)} fragments. In
      4, the central and terminal Co(II) ions are bound to cyanide groups cis to one
      another on the bridging {Cr(CN)(6)}, whereas in 5, the connections are via trans
      cyanide ligands, resulting in the zigzag and linear structures observed,
      respectively. Magnetic investigation revealed ferromagnetic intramolecular
      interactions; however, the ground states were poorly isolated because of the
      large positive local anisotropies of the Co(II) ions. The effects of the local
      anisotropies appeared to dominate the behavior in 5, where the magnetic axes of
      the Co(II) ions were approximately colinear, compared to 4, where they were
      closer to orthogonal.

PMID- 22050370
TI  - In honour of professor Jindrich (Henry) Kopecek, recipient of the Journal of Drug
      Targeting's Life-Time Achievement Award for 2011.

PMID- 22050371
TI  - Adjunctive levetiracetam in children, adolescents, and adults with primary
      generalized seizures: open-label, noncomparative, multicenter, long-term follow
      up study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term efficacy and tolerability of adjunctive
      levetiracetam (LEV) in patients with uncontrolled idiopathic generalized epilepsy
      (IGE). METHODS: This phase III, open-label, long-term, follow-up study (N167;
      NCT00150748) enrolled patients (4 to <65 years) with primary generalized seizures
      (tonic-clonic, myoclonic, absence). Patients received adjunctive LEV at
      individualized doses (1,000-4,000 mg/day; 20-80 mg/kg/day for
      children/adolescents weighing <50 kg). Efficacy results are reported for all
      seizure types [intention-to-treat (ITT) population, N = 217] and subpopulations
      with tonic-clonic (n = 152), myoclonic (n = 121), and/or absence (n = 70)
      seizures at baseline. KEY FINDINGS: One hundred twenty-five (57.6%) of 217
      patients were still receiving treatment at the end of the study. Mean (standard
      deviation, SD) LEV dose was 2,917.5 (562.9) mg/day. Median (Q1-Q3) exposure to
      LEV was 2.1 (1.5-2.8) years, and the maximum duration was 4.6 years. Most
      patients were taking one (124/217, 57.1%) or >=2 (92/217, 42.4%) concomitant
      antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). Seizure freedom of >=6 months (all seizure types;
      primary efficacy end point) was achieved by 122 (56.2%) of 217 patients, and 49
      (22.6%) of 217 patients had complete seizure freedom. Seizure freedom of >=6
      months from tonic-clonic, myoclonic, and absence seizures was achieved by 95
      (62.5%) of 152, 75 (62.0%) of 121, and 44 (62.9%) of 70 patients, respectively.
      Mean (SD) maximum seizure freedom duration was 371.7 (352.4) days. At least one
      treatment-emergent adverse event (TEAE) was reported by 165 (76%) of 217
      patients; most TEAEs were mild/moderate in severity, with no indication of an
      increased incidence over time. Seventeen (7.8%) of 217 patients discontinued
      medication because of TEAEs. The most common psychiatric TEAEs were depression
      (16/217, 7.4%), insomnia (9/217, 4.1%), nervousness (8/217, 3.7%), and anxiety
      (7/217, 3.2%). SIGNIFICANCE: Adjunctive LEV (range 1,000-4,000 mg/day)
      demonstrated efficacy as a long-term treatment for primary generalized seizures
      in children, adolescents, and adults with IGE, and was well tolerated.

PMID- 22050372
TI  - Photochemistry and photophysics of n-butanal, 3-methylbutanal, and 3,3
      dimethylbutanal: experimental and theoretical study.
AB  - Dilute mixtures of n-butanal, 3-methylbutanal, and 3,3-dimethylbutanal in
      synthetic air, different N(2)/O(2) mixtures, and pure nitrogen (up to 100 ppm)
      were photolyzed with fluorescent UV lamps (275-380 nm) at 298 K. The main
      photooxidation products were ethene (n-butanal), propene (3-methylbutanal) or i
      butene (3,3-dimethylbutanal), CO, vinylalcohol, and ethanal. The photolysis rates
      and the absolute quantum yields were found to be dependent on the total pressure
      of synthetic air but not of nitrogen. At 100 Torr, the total quantum yield
      Phi(100) = 0.45 +/- 0.01 and 0.49 +/- 0.07, whereas at 700 Torr, Phi(700) = 0.31
      +/- 0.01 and 0.36 +/- 0.03 for 3-methylbutanal and 3,3-dimethybutanal,
      respectively. Quantum yield values for n-butanal were reported earlier by Tadic
      et al. (J. Photochem. Photobiol. A2001143, 169-179) to be Phi(100) = 0.48 +/-
      0.02 and Phi(700) = 0.32 +/- 0.01. Two decomposition channels were identified:
      the radical channel RCHO -> R + HCO (Norrish type I) and the molecular channel
      CH(3)CH(CH(3))CH(2)CHO -> CH(2)CHCH(3) + CH(2)?CHOH or CH(3)C(CH(3))(2)CH(2)CHO 
      > CHC(CH(3))CH(3) + CH(2)?CHOH, (Norrish type II) having the absolute quantum
      yields of 0.123 and 0.119 for 3-methybutanal and 0.071 and 0.199 for 3,3
      dimethylbutanal at 700 Torr of synthetic air. The product ethenol CH(2)?CHOH
      tautomerizes to ethanal. We have performed ab initio and density functional
      quantum (DFT) chemical computations of both type I and type II processes starting
      from the singlet and triplet excited states. We conclude that the Norrish type I
      dissociation produces radicals from both singlet and triplet excited states,
      while Norrish type II dissociation is a two-step process starting from the
      triplet excited state, but is a concerted process from the singlet state.

PMID- 22050373
TI  - Implementation of the harmonized EU isotretinoin Pregnancy Prevention Programme:
      a questionnaire survey among European regulatory agencies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is little information on the status of the implementation of
      the isotretinoin Pregnancy Prevention Programme (PPP) in the EU, and on
      compliance with this programme by the regulatory agencies. OBJECTIVE: The aim of
      the study was to obtain information on implementation of the harmonized PPP of
      isotretinoin in the EU member states plus Norway and Iceland. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: In January 2009, a questionnaire (request for non-urgent information
      [NUI]) was sent to all 25 EU member states, plus Norway and Iceland, to collect
      information on the implementation status of the PPP and its effectiveness.
      RESULTS: The response rate was 82% (22 of the 27 countries). In 21 of the 27
      member states, isotretinoin is marketed and the PPP is in force, and in 18 of the
      22 responding countries, the total required elements (seven) following a formal
      EU review are incorporated in the PPP. Seven member states had additional
      measures in place. In spite of implementation of the PPP and additional measures,
      a total of 143 isotretinoin-exposed pregnancies have been reported in 16 of the
      22 responding member states since implementation of the harmonized PPP.
      CONCLUSIONS: Despite implementation of the isotretinoin PPP in most member
      states, isotretinoin-exposed pregnancies were reported. This has led some member
      states to implement additional measures to the PPP, resulting in inconsistency
      with the approach agreed in 2003 following the European-wide review. It has been
      further suggested that common elements should be developed for PPPs for all
      medicines that are known to carry a high teratogenic risk.

PMID- 22050374
TI  - Interleukin-6 in oral diseases: a review.
AB  - Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a pleomorphic cytokine involved in a number of
      physiologic and pathologic processes including response to trauma and infection
      and development and progression of inflammation and malignancy. IL-6 is emerging
      as an important mediator and novel therapeutic target for chronic inflammatory
      diseases and cancer. The present study reviews the available evidence regarding
      the association between IL-6 and a range of oral diseases including infections
      (periodontal disease and endodontic infections), immunologically mediated
      disorders (oral lichen planus and Sjogren's syndrome) and malignancy (oral cancer
      and precancer). The role of common genetic variants of IL-6 in determining
      individual susceptibility to certain oral diseases, as well as novel therapeutic
      strategies based on IL-6 inhibition are also discussed.

PMID- 22050376
TI  - Low T2 signal intensity on magnetic resonance imaging: a feature of minimal fat
      angiomyolipomas.

PMID- 22050378
TI  - Distinctive attributes of beta-lactam target proteins in Acinetobacter baumannii
      relevant to development of new antibiotics.
AB  - Multi-drug-resistant forms of the Gram-negative pathogen Acinetobacter baumannii
      are an emerging threat to human health and further complicate the general problem
      of treating serious bacterial infections. Meeting this challenge requires an
      improved understanding of the relationships between the structures of major
      therapeutic targets in this organism and the activity levels exhibited against it
      by different antibiotics. Here we report the first crystal structures of A.
      baumannii penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) covalently inactivated by four beta
      lactam antibiotics. We also relate the results to kinetic, biophysical, and
      computational data. The structure of the class A protein PBP1a was solved in apo
      form and for its covalent conjugates with benzyl penicillin, imipenem, aztreonam,
      and the siderophore-conjugated monocarbam MC-1. It included a novel domain
      genetically spliced into a surface loop of the transpeptidase domain that
      contains three conserved loops. Also reported here is the first high-resolution
      structure of the A. baumannii class B enzyme PBP3 in apo form. Comparison of this
      structure with that of MC-1-derivatized PBP3 of Pseudomonas aeruginosa identified
      differences between these orthologous proteins in A. baumannii and P. aeruginosa.
      Thermodynamic analyses indicated that desolvation effects in the PBP3 ligand
      binding sites contributed significantly to the thermal stability of the enzyme
      antibiotic covalent complexes. Across a significant range of values, they
      correlated well with results from studies of inactivation kinetics and the
      protein structures. The structural, biophysical, and computational data help
      rationalize differences in the functional performance of antibiotics against
      different protein targets and can be used to guide the design of future agents.

PMID- 22050377
TI  - Using the heat-shock response to discover anticancer compounds that target
      protein homeostasis.
AB  - Unlike normal tissues, cancers experience profound alterations in protein
      homeostasis. Powerful innate adaptive mechanisms, especially the transcriptional
      response regulated by Heat Shock Factor 1 (HSF1), are activated in cancers to
      enable survival under these stressful conditions. Natural products that further
      tax these stress responses can overwhelm the ability to cope and could provide
      leads for the development of new, broadly effective anticancer drugs. To identify
      compounds that drive the HSF1-dependent stress response, we evaluated over 80,000
      natural and synthetic compounds as well as partially purified natural product
      extracts using a reporter cell line optimized for high-throughput screening.
      Surprisingly, many of the strongly active compounds identified were natural
      products representing five diverse chemical classes (limonoids, curvularins,
      withanolides, celastraloids, and colletofragarones). All of these compounds share
      the same chemical motif, an alpha,beta-unsaturated carbonyl functionality, with
      strong potential for thiol-reactivity. Despite the lack of a priori mechanistic
      requirements in our primary phenotypic screen, this motif was found to be
      necessary albeit not sufficient, for both heat-shock activation and inhibition of
      glioma tumor cell growth. Within the withanolide class, a promising therapeutic
      index for the compound withaferin A was demonstrated in vivo using a stringent
      orthotopic human glioma xenograft model in mice. Our findings reveal that diverse
      organisms elaborate structurally complex thiol-reactive metabolites that act on
      the stress responses of heterologous organisms including humans. From a chemical
      biology perspective, they define a robust approach for discovering candidate
      compounds that target the malignant phenotype by disrupting protein homeostasis.

PMID- 22050379
TI  - Do cognitive functions in obsessive-compulsive disorder change after treatment? A
      systematic review and a double case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neuropsychological and neuroimaging studies have documented that
      patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) have cognitive difficulties
      dependent upon fronto-striatal circuits in the brain. It is, however, unclear
      whether the cognitive difficulties change after treatment. Answering this
      question could help establish whether cognitive difficulties in OCD are state
      dependent or more trait-like. AIM: To determine whether cognitive functions in
      OCD change after treatment, based on a systematic literature review, supplemented
      by a double case report of monozygotic twins with OCD. METHODS: For the
      literature review, systematic searches were conducted in PubMed, Embase and
      PsycINFO from the earliest dates available to September 2010. For the double case
      report, monozygotic twins underwent blood samples and magnetic resonance imaging
      before treatment with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), antidepressants and
      small doses of antipsychotic medication. Before and after CBT they were assessed
      with measures of content and severity of OCD symptoms, and with a comprehensive
      battery of neuropsychological tests to assess cognitive functions. RESULTS:
      Results from the studies under review (n = 14) were so inconsistent that it could
      not be concluded whether cognitive functions in OCD change after treatment. The
      twins improved some of their cognitive functions after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: A
      better understanding of whether cognitive dysfunctions in OCD are state dependent
      or trait-like could bring important implications in understanding the pathology
      and future treatment of OCD.

PMID- 22050380
TI  - Advances in companion animal medicine and surgery.

PMID- 22050382
TI  - Jadomycins derived from the assimilation and incorporation of norvaline and
      norleucine.
AB  - Streptomyces venezuelae ISP5230 is recognized for the production of
      chloramphenicol and the jadomycin family of natural products. The jadomycins are
      angucycline natural products containing a unique oxazolone ring incorporating an
      amino acid present in the minimal culture media. Substitution of different amino
      acids results in products of varying biological activity. Analysis of cultures of
      S. venezuelae ISP5230 incubated with l- and d-norvaline and l- and d-norleucine
      indicated that only the d-configured amino acids were incorporated into the
      natural products. Subsequently, jadomycin DNV and jadomycin DNL were isolated and
      characterized (titers 4 and 9 mg L(-1), respectively). The compounds were
      evaluated in the National Cancer Institute cell line cancer growth inhibition and
      cytotoxicity screens, for antimicrobial activity against selected Gram-positive
      and Gram-negative bacteria, and as DNA-cleavage agents in vitro.

PMID- 22050383
TI  - Investigation into developmental potential and nuclear/mitochondrial function in
      early wood and plains bison hybrid embryos.
AB  - Studies to date have shown that bison embryo development in vitro is compromised
      with few embryos developing to the blastocyst stage. The aim of this study was to
      use bison-cattle hybrid embryos, an interspecific cross that is known to result
      in live offspring in vivo, as a model for assessing species-specific differences
      in embryo development in vitro. Cattle oocytes fertilized with cattle, plains
      bison and wood bison sperm were assessed for various developmental parameters
      associated with embryo quality, including cell number, apoptosis and ATP content.
      Decreased development to the blastocyst stage was observed in hybrid wood bison
      embryos compared with the other treatment groups. Although both wood bison and
      plains bison hybrid blastocysts had significantly lower cell numbers than cattle
      blastocysts, only wood bison hybrid blastocysts had a greater incidence of
      apoptosis than cattle blastocysts. Among the treatment groups, ATP levels and
      expression profiles of NRF1, TFAM, MT-CYB, BAX and BCL2 were not significantly
      different in both 8- to 16-cell stage and blastocyst stage embryos. These data
      provide evidence of decreased developmental competence in the wood bison hybrid
      embryos, owing to inadequate culture conditions that have increased apoptotic
      events.

PMID- 22050384
TI  - Secondary primary malignancies in patients with multiple myeloma treated with
      high-dose chemotherapy and autologous blood stem cell transplantation.

PMID- 22050385
TI  - Nestin is induced by hypoxia and is attenuated by hyperoxia in Muller glial cells
      in the adult rat retina.
AB  - This study investigated the reactive changes in Muller glial cells and astrocytes
      of the rat retinae, which had been subjected either to hypoxia or to hypoxia
      followed by hyperoxia treatments. Fifteen rats were used. Ten rats were exposed
      to 9% O(2) for 2 h. Of these, five rats were killed at 24 h later; the remaining
      five rats were immediately exposed to 80% O(2) for 2 h and then killed 24 h
      later. Double immunofluorescence was carried out between nestin and glutamine
      synthetase (GS) and between glial fibrilary acidic proteins (GFAP) and GS in
      normal and pathological retinae. Enhanced nestin expression was observed in
      reactive astrocytes following hypoxia treatment as revealed in whole mount
      sections. A novel finding was the induction of nestin expression in Muller glial
      cells. Remarkably, the nestin immunostaining was downregulated to levels
      comparable to those of the normal rats with immediate hyperoxia treatment.
      Induced nestin expression by hypoxia colabelled with GFAP in astrocytes, however,
      remained unaffected after hyperoxia treatment. The induced expression of nestin
      in Muller glial cells and astrocytes in hypoxia and differential downregulation
      after hyperoxia treatment suggest a structural plasticity of the cytoskeletal
      framework of these cells. The differential response after hyperoxia treatment may
      be related to the functional states of the cells.

PMID- 22050386
TI  - Genetic polymorphisms of human beta-defensins in patients with ischemic stroke.
AB  - OBJECTIVES AND METHODS: Genetic predisposition of the inflammatory host response
      may affect the development of stroke. On the basis of the theory of infectious
      burden and risk of stroke, we considered it of interest to investigate the
      relevance of the single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the DEFB1 gene and the
      copy number variant (CNV) of the DEFB4 genes in ischemic stroke. RESULTS: There
      were no significant differences in the genotype frequencies of the three SNPs of
      the DEFB1 gene between the patients with stroke (n = 312) and the healthy blood
      donors (n = 221). However, a higher frequency of a lower (<4) copy number of the
      DEFB4 gene was observed in the patients with ischemic stroke as compared with the
      healthy controls (40% vs 24%, respectively). Additionally, low plasma
      concentrations of hBD-2 (187 +/- 20 pg/ml) were characteristic of the patients
      with fewer than four copy numbers relative to those with more than four copy
      numbers (385 +/- 35 pg/ml). CONCLUSIONS: The low copy number of the DEFB4 gene,
      involving a weakened antimicrobial defense of the host, might be important in the
      pathogenesis of stroke.

PMID- 22050387
TI  - Degenerative changes of the temporomandibular joint. Relationship to ethnicity,
      sex and occlusal supporting zones based on a skull material.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The first aim of this study was to examine a contemporary human skull
      material for possible ethnic differences in respect of degenerative changes in
      the temporomandibular joints (TMJs). A second aim was to see if there was any
      correlation between such changes and occlusal support in any of the two groups
      and, if so, if this correlation was sex-related. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The
      material consisted of 129 Caucasian skulls and 76 skulls from Afro-Americans.
      Ninety-four of the Caucasian skulls came from males (73%) and the corresponding
      figure for the Afro-Americans was 40 (53%). Their mean age at death was 46 years
      (range: 19-89 years) and 37 years (range: 18-70 years), respectively. RESULTS:
      Dental status was in general poor and 13% of the Afro-Americans and 26% of the
      Caucasians were edentulous. Form and surface changes of the TMJs were more common
      in the present material compared to most previous studies. No differences could
      be found between the two ethnic groups in respect of degenerative joint changes
      in the TMJs. In men, no correlation of clinical relevance could be found between
      severity of joint changes and occlusal support. However, in both Caucasian and
      Afro-American women, such a correlation was obvious, especially in higher age.
      CONCLUSIONS: The present findings give no evidence for any differences in the
      prevalence of degenerative changes in the TMJs in Caucasians and Afro-Americans.
      The strong correlation found between such changes and occlusal support in women
      but not in men might be explained by hormonal differences.

PMID- 22050388
TI  - Catestatin is useful in detecting patients with stage B heart failure.
AB  - Screening patients with stage B heart failure(HF) may be one strategy for
      reducing human morbidity. To describe catestatin levels in different stages of HF
      and evaluate the diagnostic utility of catestatin for detecting stage B HF, we
      included 300 patients. Catestatin, BNP testing and echocardiogram were performed.
      Our studies showed catestatin decreased gradually from stage A to C. There was
      significant difference between stage A and B. Cutoff value for detecting stage B
      HF was 19.73 ng/ml for catestatin with 90% sensitivity and 50.9% specificity.
      These results may have implications in the new method to detect patients with
      stage B HF.

PMID- 22050389
TI  - Polymorphism and a metastable solvate of duloxetine hydrochloride.
AB  - Duloxetine hydrochloride (1) is an important antidepressant that acts as a
      serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor that has only recently been
      characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. This study describes an
      investigation into polymorphism of duloxetine hydrochloride, discusses the
      challenges of characterizing new structures, and reports a new metastable solvate
      (1(acetone)) where acetone is trapped in a duloxetine hydrochloride host lattice.
      In view of the importance of formulation processing and bioavailability
      characteristics of the crystalline forms of 1, a comprehensive structural study
      of 1(acetone) was carried out using single-crystal and powder X-ray diffraction,
      infrared and Raman spectroscopies, and solid-state NMR spectroscopy. The rapid
      desolvation from 1(acetone) to the stable unsolvated form was investigated, and
      the structures of free and solvated forms are discussed in terms of the
      noncovalent intermolecular interactions.

PMID- 22050390
TI  - Decision analysis and risk models for land development affecting infrastructure
      systems.
AB  - Coordination and layering of models to identify risks in complex systems such as
      large-scale infrastructure of energy, water, and transportation is of current
      interest across application domains. Such infrastructures are increasingly
      vulnerable to adjacent commercial and residential land development. Land
      development can compromise the performance of essential infrastructure systems
      and increase the costs of maintaining or increasing performance. A risk-informed
      approach to this topic would be useful to avoid surprise, regret, and the need
      for costly remedies. This article develops a layering and coordination of models
      for risk management of land development affecting infrastructure systems. The
      layers are: system identification, expert elicitation, predictive modeling,
      comparison of investment alternatives, and implications of current decisions for
      future options. The modeling layers share a focus on observable factors that most
      contribute to volatility of land development and land use. The relevant data and
      expert evidence include current and forecasted growth in population and
      employment, conservation and preservation rules, land topography and geometries,
      real estate assessments, market and economic conditions, and other factors. The
      approach integrates to a decision framework of strategic considerations based on
      assessing risk, cost, and opportunity in order to prioritize needs and potential
      remedies that mitigate impacts of land development to the infrastructure systems.
      The approach is demonstrated for a 5,700-mile multimodal transportation system
      adjacent to 60,000 tracts of potential land development.

PMID- 22050391
TI  - Glycemic control and hypoglycemia in Veterans Health Administration patients
      converted from glyburide to glipizide.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In 2009, the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) released a national
      bulletin regarding the risk of hypoglycemia associated with the use of glyburide
      in elderly patients with renal dysfunction. Providers were encouraged to avoid
      glyburide and use glipizide in patients with a calculated creatinine clearance
      (CrCl) of less than 50 mL per minute. Since this initiative, many veterans were
      converted by their providers from glyburide to glipizide regardless of renal
      impairment. OBJECTIVES: To (a) identify whether hemoglobin A1c remained
      equivalent in patients converted from glyburide to glipizide, (b) evaluate the
      prevalence of hypoglycemia during treatment with glyburide or glipizide, (c)
      compare change in glycemic control for renally impaired versus nonimpaired
      patients, and (d) analyze dosage conversion ratios selected by providers and
      measures of patient follow-up after conversion including time until A1c
      measurement and number of glipizide dose titrations. METHODS: This was a single
      center, retrospective analysis of veterans converted from glyburide to glipizide
      from January 1, 2008, through May 31, 2010, who had documented A1c values
      concurrent with glyburide and glipizide use. A 2-sided equivalence analysis was
      used for the primary outcome. Equivalence was defined as a change in mean A1c of
      +/- 0.2. Hypoglycemia was defined as blood glucose of less than 70 mg per dL,
      symptoms of hypoglycemia, or hypoglycemia that led to a fall, loss of
      consciousness, emergency room visit, hospitalization, or death. The pre- to post
      conversion change in rates of hypoglycemia was tested for significance using a
      McNemar's test. RESULTS: In the 141 (99.3% male, 53.9% CrCl less than 50 mL per
      minute, mean age = 74.0 years) patients meeting inclusion criteria between 2008
      2010, the average change in A1c (+ 0.34) was nonequivalent after conversion from
      glyburide to glipizide (7.08% vs. 7.42%, respectively). Hypoglycemia occurred
      more frequently during treatment with glyburide than glipizide (31.2% vs. 12.8%,
      respectively, P less than 0.001). Mean dose conversion ratios were consistent
      with VHA recommendations (1 mg per day glyburide = 1.26- 1.55 mg per day
      glipizide). CONCLUSIONS: Conversion from glyburide to glipizide was associated
      with an increase in A1c, but the incidence of hypoglycemia was reduced. Results
      of this study are consistent with the recommendation of the American Diabetes
      Association and European Association for the Study of Diabetes to use second
      generation sulfonylureas other than glyburide. Patients converted to glipizide
      should be monitored closely to adjust therapy as appropriate to maintain glycemic
      control.

PMID- 22050392
TI  - All-cause and bleeding-related health care costs in warfarin-treated patients
      with atrial fibrillation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bleeding is a major complication of warfarin therapy. Assessing the
      cost of warfarin-associated bleeding may more fully describe the costs associated
      with warfarin use. OBJECTIVE: To assess health care costs related to warfarin
      associated bleeding in patients with newly diagnosed atrial fibrillation (AF).
      METHODS: Medical and pharmacy claims were analyzed for patients with AF (ICD-9-CM
      code 427.31) in the Medstat MarketScan database from January 2003 to December
      2007. Eligible patients had no warfarin pharmacy claim or AF diagnosis in the 4
      months prior to AF index date, a warfarin pharmacy claim within 30 days of AF
      diagnosis, and 12 months follow-up data after the index warfarin claim. Subjects
      were categorized based on the first type of bleeding event observed during follow
      up, and only bleeding events occurring within 30 days following a warfarin claim
      were considered. Intracranial hemorrhage (ICH) and gastrointestinal (GI) events
      were assessed based on primary or secondary ICD-9-CM codes, and major GI bleeding
      was defined as a GI bleed associated with hospitalization. Annual total all-cause
      allowed charges in patients with and without bleeding events after the index
      warfarin claim were compared using generalized linear model (GLM) regression with
      gamma distribution and log link, controlling for demographics, insurance status,
      and comorbidities. Costs for claims with a primary or secondary diagnosis of
      bleeding were calculated separately. RESULTS: Of the 47,437 patients who were
      analyzed, 194 (0.4%) had an ICH, 919 (1.9%) had a major GI bleed, and 1,804
      (3.8%) had a minor GI bleed within 30 days after a warfarin claim during follow
      up. Compared with patients who had no bleeding events after a warfarin claim (n =
      44,520, 93.9%) during the study period, patients with at least 1 bleeding event
      were older and had more comorbidities (P < 0.01). Patients with at least 1 ICH or
      major GI bleed had more all-cause hospitalizations (P < 0.05) and hospital days
      (P < 0.01) than patients without bleeding events. Patients with at least 1 ICH,
      major GI bleed, or minor GI bleed had more all-cause emergency room visits (P <
      0.01) than patients without bleeding events. Mean (SD) unadjusted all-cause
      health care costs in the 12 months after the warfarin index claim were $41,903
      ($56,654), $40,586 ($65,164), and $24,347 ($56,488) for patients with at least 1
      ICH, major GI bleed, and minor GI bleed, respectively, compared with $24,129
      ($36,425) for patients with no bleeding events. Claims with a primary or
      secondary diagnosis of bleeding accounted for 49.6%, 30.2%, and 2.6% of annual
      cost in patients with ICH, major GI bleeding, and minor GI bleeding,
      respectively. On average, 50.9%, 33.5%, and 10.8% of annual all-cause costs
      occurred within 30 days after the first ICH, major GI bleeding event, and minor
      GI bleeding event, respectively. GLM regression showed that annual all-cause
      costs were 64.4% and 49.0% higher (P? less than ?0.001) for patients with ICH and
      major GI bleeding, respectively, than for patients with no bleeding events.
      CONCLUSION: ICH and major GI bleeding associated with warfarin therapy are rare
      but costly.

PMID- 22050393
TI  - Formulary management of the protease inhibitors boceprevir and telaprevir for
      chronic hepatitis C virus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is the most common chronic bloodborne illness
      in the United States. The incidence of acute hepatitis C in the United States
      peaked near 50,000 cases in the late 1980s but has stabilized since 2003 to less
      than 5,000 cases annually. The combination of pegylated interferon
      (peginterferon) and ribavirin has been the standard recommended treatment for
      HCV. Protease inhibitors telaprevir and boceprevir were approved by the FDA in
      May 2011 for the treatment of hepatitis C genotype 1 in combination with
      peginterferon and ribavirin. OBJECTIVE: To review the phase 3 trials for
      telaprevir and boceprevir and provide managed care considerations. METHODS: A
      MEDLINE review was performed for articles published and available through
      September 15, 2011, using keywords "boceprevir" or "telaprevir" with an emphasis
      on phase 3 trials. The literature search was limited to articles in English,
      clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, and research conducted in humans.
      Additional information was obtained from the FDA website. RESULTS: Three phase 3
      trials are available for telaprevir, which provided data that were the basis for
      FDA approval. Boceprevir demonstrated efficacy and safety in 2 pivotal phase 3
      trials. Both agents demonstrated statistically significantly higher rates of
      virologic response compared with the standard of care involving peginterferons
      and ribavirin. Telaprevir and boceprevir also demonstrated efficacy in the
      treatment of patients who had previously failed dual therapy for hepatitis C.
      Safety concerns for both agents include anemia, drug interactions, skin rashes,
      and gastrointestinal adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Decision makers have many
      factors to consider in developing a strategy around hepatitis C. Increased drug
      costs, patient management, adherence, comparative safety and efficacy, and
      appropriate utilization management controls are important issues. Payers may
      consider developing clinical programs to encourage adherence and appropriate use
      and leverage an appropriate channel to ensure cost-effective therapy.

PMID- 22050394
TI  - Assessment of the appropriateness of serum digoxin concentration measurement in a
      medical group setting.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent quality initiatives require that the routine annual
      therapeutic drug-monitoring (TDM) parameters for the high-risk medication digoxin
      include a measure of renal function and a serum potassium level but not a serum
      digoxin concentration (SDC) measurement. Several studies have shown that the
      majority of the SDCs obtained in hospital settings provide little clinically
      actionable information. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the appropriateness and utility of
      SDCs ordered in a medical group practice setting by categorizing the reason the
      SDC was ordered and identifying action taken in response to the result. METHODS:
      The descriptive study was conducted as a retrospective, electronic medical record
      (EMR) review of 90 primary care patients with continuous prescriptions for
      digoxin current on their medication profile with no gaps in therapy for at least
      2 years prior to an SDC result entered into the EMR between January 1, 2009, and
      September 30, 2009. The reason the SDC was ordered was abstracted independently
      by 2 reviewers, who then assigned it to 1 of 8 predefined indication categories
      based on previously published criteria and practice guidelines. A third reviewer
      resolved inter-reviewer discrepancy (n = 1). RESULTS: A total of 90 patients with
      at least 1 SDC met inclusion criteria. Routine monitoring was the most frequent
      SDC order indication category with 35 patients (38.9%), 17 (48.6%) of whom did
      not have the recommended monitoring measures of potassium or renal function drawn
      concurrently. Patients were included in other categories as follows: confirmation
      of signs/symptoms of toxicity 30 (33.3%); assessment of factors altering
      pharmacokinetics 5 (5.6%); assessment of dosage change 5 (5.6%); assessment of
      drug interaction 3 (3.3%); assessment of clinical response 3 (3.3%); assessment
      of adherence 1 (1.1%); and other 2 (2.2%). Across all categories, a total of 19
      (21.1%) of SDC results were outside the therapeutic range of 0.5 nanograms (ng)
      per mL and 2.0 ng per mL, 18 of which were below 0.5 ng per mL, with none of the
      subtherapeutic levels leading to a change in digoxin therapy. Only 1 patient
      (1.1%) had therapy changed in response to an elevated abnormal SDC result of 2.1
      ng per mL and was in the routine monitoring category. CONCLUSIONS: The majority
      of SDC results obtained in our medical group setting did not lead to clinical
      action, such as dose adjustment or drug discontinuation. SDCs were commonly
      measured as part of routine monitoring, which is considered an inappropriate
      indication, and often without being accompanied by better markers for digoxin
      toxicity such as serum potassium levels and measures of renal function as
      recommended by drug-monitoring quality initiatives. Provider education is needed
      regarding the most indicative digoxin TDM parameters to obtain in order to
      satisfy quality initiatives.

PMID- 22050395
TI  - Evaluation of pneumococcal vaccination rates after vaccine protocol changes and
      nurse education in a tertiary care teaching hospital.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pneumococcal vaccination in eligible patients is recommended by the
      Infectious Disease Society of America and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)
      Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices. Because hospitalization provides an
      opportunity to vaccinate patients at high risk for developing serious pneumonia
      complications, eligibility screening and administration of the pneumococcal
      vaccine prior to discharge in qualified patients are evaluated by the Joint
      Commission and the Centers for Medicare Medicaid Services (CMS) as part of
      pneumococcal vaccination core quality measures. Among patients with an inpatient
      diagnosis of pneumonia in 2008, 56% in our 580-bed tertiary care teaching
      hospital, compared with 84% nationwide, received pneumococcal vaccination. To
      improve pneumococcal vaccination rates for all patients in the study facility and
      not just those with pneumonia, a multifaceted intervention including a revised
      nurse screening tool, rescheduling of the vaccine order, storage of the vaccine
      in automated dispensing cabinets on the nursing unit, and creation of a vaccine
      tracking system was developed and implemented between August 2009 and October
      2009. OBJECTIVE: To determine the impact of a multifaceted intervention on
      pneumococcal vaccine screening and administration rates in eligible patients
      according to the CDC recommendations who were admitted to an internal medicine
      unit of a tertiary care teaching hospital. METHODS: All patients aged 18 years or
      older from 2 internal medicine units were identified during 4-month time
      intervals before (pre-intervention, April through July 2009) and after (post
      intervention, November 2009 through February 2010) implementation of the
      multifaceted pneumococcal vaccine protocol. Of these, 150 patients from each 4
      month period were randomly selected for electronic medical record review.
      Eligibility for pneumococcal vaccination was derived from the CDC recommendations
      and consensus of the vaccine steering committee at the study institution; the
      criteria included aged 65 years or older, admitting diagnosis of pneumonia, at
      least 1 of several chronic diseases, immunocompromising condition, cochlear
      implant, cerebrospinal fluid leak, current tobacco smoking, pregnancy or having a
      child in the home less than aged 6 months, or awaiting solid organ
      transplantation. Patients who had vaccine contraindications/precautions or had
      been vaccinated in the previous 5 years were ineligible. Data on demographics,
      presence of vaccine screening, indication, administration, rescheduling, and
      refusal were collected. The primary endpoint was the rate of pneumococcal vaccine
      administration in eligible medicine patients. Secondary endpoints included
      changes in screening rates, vaccine refusal, and order rescheduling. Descriptive
      statistics and Student's t-test were used to evaluate patient demographic data.
      Pearson chi-square was used to compare the pre- and post-implementation periods.
      RESULTS: The rate of pneumococcal vaccine administration in eligible patients
      significantly improved post-implementation compared with pre-implementation
      (74.2% vs. 19.1%, respectively, P < 0.001). Rates of vaccine screening were
      similar pre-implementation (96.0%) and post-implementation (99.3%, P = 0.056).
      The rates of vaccine refusal in the pre- and post-implementation periods did not
      significantly differ (10.6% vs. 22.6%, respectively, P = 0.203). CONCLUSIONS:
      Implementation of vaccine protocol changes was associated with improved
      pneumococcal vaccination rates in eligible medicine patients. Protocol changes
      were relatively easy to implement in a large institution, and a similar approach
      may be implemented at other institutions as an effective way to improve
      pneumococcal vaccination rates.

PMID- 22050396
TI  - The expanding role of the pharmacist in the management of hepatitis C infection.

PMID- 22050397
TI  - Careful scrutiny of the evidence for drug-drug interactions in clinical decision
      support systems is necessary.

PMID- 22050398
TI  - Electronic prescription errors in an ambulatory pharmacy.

PMID- 22050399
TI  - Absence seizures with intellectual disability as a phenotype of the 15q13.3
      microdeletion syndrome.
AB  - 15q13.3 microdeletions are the most common genetic findings identified in
      idiopathic generalized epilepsies to date, and they are present in up to 1% of
      patients. In addition, 15q13.3 microdeletions have been described in patients
      with epilepsy as part of a complex neurodevelopmental phenotype. We analyzed a
      cohort of 570 patients with various pediatric epilepsies for 15q13.3
      microdeletions. Screening was performed using quantitative polymerase chain
      reaction; deletions were confirmed by array comparative genomic hybridization
      (CGH). We carried out detailed phenotyping of deletion carriers. In total, we
      identified four pediatric patients with 15q13.3 microdeletions, including one
      previously described patient. Two of four deletions were de novo, one deletion
      was inherited from an unaffected parent, and for one patient the inheritance is
      unknown. All four patients had absence epilepsy with various degrees of
      intellectual disability. We suggest that absence epilepsy accompanied by
      intellectual disability may represent a common phenotype of the 15q13.3
      microdeletion in pediatric patients with epilepsy.

PMID- 22050400
TI  - Lithium aluminates on a molecular titanium oxide.
AB  - Lithium aluminates Li[Al(O-2,6-Me(2)C(6)H(3))R'(3)] (R' = Et, Ph) react with the
      MU(3)-alkylidyne oxoderivative ligands [{Ti(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))(MU-O)}(3)(MU(3)
      CR)] [R = H (1), Me (2)] to afford the aluminum-lithium-titanium cubane complexes
      [{R'(3)Al(MU-O-2,6-Me(2)C(6)H(3))Li}(MU(3)-O)(3){Ti(eta(5)-C(5)Me(5))}(3)(MU(3)
      CR)] [R = H, R' = Et (5), Ph (7); R = Me, R' = Et (6), Ph (8)]. Complex 7 evolves
      with the formation of a lithium dicubane species and a Li{Al(MU-O-2,6
      Me(2)C(6)H(3))Ph(3)}(2)] unit.

PMID- 22050401
TI  - Does Vitamin D deficiency play a role in peripheral neuropathy in Type 2
      diabetes?
AB  - AIM: Despite recent reports linking vitamin D deficiency with increased risk of
      diabetes mellitus and complications, there is limited data on patients with
      diabetic peripheral neuropathy. We aimed to evaluate the incidence and
      associations of vitamin D deficiency in 210 patients with Type 2 diabetes with
      and without diabetic peripheral neuropathy. METHODS: Renal, liver, lipid profile
      and HbA(1c) were measured. Vitamin D status was determined by measuring 25
      dihydroxyvitamin D. Presence or absence of coronary heart disease was determined
      and early-morning urine microalbumin:creatinine ratio was measured. All patients
      were assessed clinically using neuropathy symptom score, neuropathy disability
      score and nerve conduction study. RESULTS: Eighty-seven patients had diabetic
      peripheral neuropathy and these patients had significantly longer duration of
      diabetes and higher HbA(1c). Age, gender, incidence of retinopathy and coronary
      heart disease were not significantly different from those without neuropathy.
      Mean (SD) vitamin D was significantly lower in those with neuropathy [36.9 (39.9)
      nmol/l] compared with those without [58.32 (58.9) nmol/l] and 81.5% of patients
      with neuropathy had vitamin D deficiency compared with 60.4% of those without.
      Vitamin D showed significant (P < 0.05) correlations with total cholesterol, LDL
      cholesterol and urine microalbumin:creatinine ratio. Binary logistic regression
      analysis showed that diabetic peripheral neuropathy was significantly associated
      with vitamin D deficiency (odds ratio = 3.47; 95% CI = 1.04-11.56, P = 0.043)
      after inclusion of potential confounders such as duration of diabetes, HbA(1c)
      and LDL-cholesterol. CONCLUSION: Vitamin D deficiency is an independent risk
      factor for diabetic peripheral neuropathy, and further studies are required to
      confirm if Vitamin D supplementation could prevent or delay the onset.

PMID- 22050402
TI  - Nano-scaled pH-responsive polymeric vesicles for intracellular release of
      doxorubicin.
AB  - Polymeric vesicles produced by spontaneous self-association of poly(acrylic acid
      co-distearin acrylate) (poly(AAc-co-DSA)) with varying ratios of AAc and DSA
      units in aqueous solution of pH 5.0 exhibit the pH-regulated drug release
      behavior. Through the electrostatic interaction with ionized AAc residues,
      doxorubicin (DOX) molecules can be highly accommodated onto either the inner or
      outer surfaces of vesicles when the pH is adjusted from 5.0 to 7.4. The extent of
      DOX encapsulation is dependent largely on the structural transition of vesicles
      in response to the pH change. While the pH-evolved drug release profile varies to
      some extent with the distribution of DOX molecules within vesicles, the drug
      release from vesicles is accelerated significantly via the disruption of the
      electrostatic interaction of DOX species with ionized AAc moieties at pH 5.0. The
      DOX-loaded polymeric vesicles show promoted cellular uptake and cytotoxicity
      comparable to free DOX for HeLa cells. This indicates that they are probably
      taken up by the cells via the lipid raft-mediated endocytosis.

PMID- 22050403
TI  - Toxicological review and oral risk assessment of terephthalic acid (TPA) and its
      esters: A category approach.
AB  - Polyethylene terephthalate, a copolymer of terephthalic acid (TPA) or dimethyl
      terephthalate (DMT) with ethylene glycol, has food, beverage, and drinking water
      contact applications. Di-2-ethylhexyl terephthalate (DEHT) is a plasticizer in
      food and drinking water contact materials. Oral reference doses (RfDs) and total
      allowable concentrations (TACs) in drinking water were derived for TPA, DMT, and
      DEHT. Category RfD and TAC levels were also established for nine C(1)-C(8)
      terephthalate esters. The mode of action of TPA, and of DMT, which is metabolized
      to TPA, involves urinary acidosis, altered electrolyte elimination and
      hypercalciuria, urinary supersaturation with calcium terephthalate or calcium
      hydrogen terephthalate, and crystallization into bladder calculi. Weanling rats
      were more sensitive to calculus formation than dams. Calculi-induced irritation
      led to bladder hyperplasia and tumors in rats fed 1000 mg/kg-day TPA. The lack of
      effects at 142 mg/kg-day supports a threshold for urine saturation with calcium
      terephthalate, a key event for calculus formation. Chronic dietary DMT exposure
      in rodents caused kidney inflammation, but not calculi. Chronic dietary DEHT
      exposure caused general toxicity unrelated to calculi, although urine pH was
      reduced suggesting the TPA metabolite was biologically-active, but of
      insufficient concentration to induce calculi. Respective oral reference doses of
      0.5, 0.5, and 0.2 mg/kg-day and total allowable drinking water concentrations of
      3, 3, and 1 mg/L were derived for TPA, DMT, and DEHT. An oral RfD of 0.2 mg/kg
      day for the terephthalate category chemicals corresponded to a drinking water TAC
      of 1 mg/L.

PMID- 22050404
TI  - Proteomic study of the impact of Hik33 mutation in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803
      under normal and salt stress conditions.
AB  - Cyanobacteria are the only prokaryotes possessing plasma, thylakoid, and outer
      membranes. The plasma membrane of a cyanobacterial cell is essential for the
      biogenesis of cyanobacterial photosystems and serves as a barrier against
      environmental stress. We previously identified dozens of salt-responsive proteins
      in the plasma membrane of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. Five histidine kinases
      (Hiks) including Hik33 were also proposed to be involved in the perception of
      salt stress in Synechocystis. In this study, we analyzed proteomic profiles of
      the plasma membrane from a hik33-knockout mutant (DeltaHik33) under normal and
      salt-stress conditions. Using 2D-DIGE followed by mass spectrometry analysis, we
      identified 26 differentially expressed proteins in DeltaHik33 mutant cells. Major
      changes, due to the Hik33 mutation, included the substrate-binding proteins of
      ABC transporters, such as GgtB and FutA1, regulatory proteins including MorR and
      Rre13, as well as several hypothetical proteins. Under salt-stress conditions,
      the Hik33 mutation reduced levels of 7 additional proteins, such as NrtA,
      nitrate/sulfonate/bicarbonate-binding protein and LexA, and enhanced levels of 9
      additional proteins including SphX. These observations suggest a substantial
      rearrangement in the plasma membrane proteome of Synechocystis due to the loss of
      hik33. Furthermore, a comprehensive molecular network was revealed in DeltaHik33
      mutant coping with salt stress.

PMID- 22050405
TI  - Life-threatening anaphylaxis to leuprorelin acetate depot: case report and review
      of the literature.
AB  - Gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog depots have been widely used for a variety
      of diseases including prostate cancer, breast cancer, endometriosis, uterine
      leiomyomas, and central precocious puberty. Most of the side/adverse effects of
      gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog depots, such as leuprorelin acetate depot,
      are related to hypotestosteronism in males. Anaphylaxis to gonadotropin-releasing
      hormone analog depot is extremely rare. We present the first case report of a
      Japanese man who developed anaphylaxis to leuprorelin acetate depot during the
      treatment of metastatic prostate cancer and recovered successfully by
      conservative treatment. A drug-lymphocyte stimulation test showed that not only
      leuprorelin acetate itself, but also its vehicle polylactic and glycolic acids,
      might be responsible for the anaphylaxis to leuprorelin acetate depot. Because
      anaphylaxis can be lethal, the present case suggests that one should bear in mind
      the possibility of anaphylaxis in all patients who receive gonadotropin-releasing
      hormone analog depot and monitor such patients carefully.

PMID- 22050406
TI  - Variations in immunohistochemical preservation of proteins in a mummification
      model.
AB  - Immunohistochemistry is an important tool in the investigation of ancient
      mummified remains because of its ability not only to detect proteins but also to
      isolate their location to specific tissues and thereby improve confidence that
      the results are genuine. A mouse model of Egyptian mummification has been used to
      demonstrate that the survival of proteins, judged by the retention of
      immunohistochemical staining, varies markedly. Some survive the process well,
      whereas others become barely detectable despite the morphology of the tissue
      being excellently preserved. The results obtained show that protein preservation
      is multi-factorial, with tissue type and degradation, and the properties of the
      protein itself all having significant effects. Proteins forming large, multi
      subunit complexes such as collagen IV appear to be more resistant to degradation
      than those that do not, such as S-100. Although modern modelling studies cannot
      replicate the full extent of degradative processes and taphonomic changes
      experienced by real mummies, the results obtained can be useful for guiding
      research that requires ancient tissues.

PMID- 22050407
TI  - The effect of adolescent- and parent-induced family transitions in middle
      adolescence.
AB  - In a longitudinal school-based survey of Finnish adolescents aged 15-16 years at
      baseline, we examined associations of parent-induced family transitions (parental
      separation, divorce, remarriage) and adolescent-induced family transitions
      (moving away from the parental home) with adolescent maladjustment (substance
      abuse and internalizing symptoms). The findings revealed that externalizing
      problems were associated with moving away from the parental home, whereas the
      risk of internalizing problems was associated with a change in the caretaking
      parent through parental marital transition or being taken into custody.

PMID- 22050408
TI  - Ultrastable, redispersible, small, and highly organomodified mesoporous silica
      nanotherapeutics.
AB  - Practical biomedical application of mesoporous silica nanoparticles is limited by
      poor particle dispersity and stability due to serious irreversible aggregation in
      biological media. To solve this problem, hydrothermally treated mesoporous silica
      nanoparticles of small size with dual-organosilane (hydrophilic and hydrophobic
      silane) surface modification have been synthesized. These highly organomodified
      mesoporous silica nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron
      microscopy, X-ray diffraction, N(2) adsorption-desorption, dynamic light
      scattering, zeta potential, and solid-state (29)Si NMR, and they prove to be very
      stable in simulated body fluid at physiological temperature. Additionally, they
      can be dried to a powdered solid and easily redispersed in biological media,
      maintaining their small size for a period of at least 15 days. Furthermore, this
      preparation method can be expanded to synthesize redispersible fluorescent and
      magnetic mesoporous silica nanoparticles. The highly stable and redispersible
      mesoporous silica NPs show minimal toxicity during in vitro cellular assays. Most
      importantly, two types of doxorubicin, water-soluble doxorubicin and poorly water
      soluble doxorubicin, can be loaded into these highly stable mesoporous silica
      nanoparticles, and these drug-loaded nanoparticles can also be well-redispersed
      in aqueous solution. Enhanced cytotoxicity to cervical cancer (HeLa) cells was
      found upon treatment with water-soluble doxorubicin-loaded nanoparticles compared
      to free water-soluble doxorubicin. These results suggest that highly stable,
      redispersible, and small mesoporous silica nanoparticles are promising agents for
      in vivo biomedical applications.

PMID- 22050409
TI  - Injury incidence and patterns in workers with intellectual disability: a
      comparative study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Workplace safety is a concern in the employment of persons with
      intellectual disability, due to both real concerns for employee well-being, and
      the effect that negative perceptions of safety risk can have on hiring. METHOD:
      This study involved a retrospective analysis of workplace insurance claim records
      for workers with and without disability in a Canadian social enterprise. RESULTS:
      Workers with intellectual disability sustained fewer injuries and experienced
      fewer absences due to injury than workers without disability. Lost-time injury
      rates for this business were not significantly different from those reported by
      other employers in the jurisdiction. CONCLUSION: Workplace safety is a concern
      for all workers, but fear of increased injury rates and heightened compensation
      costs should not be perceived as a risk when hiring individuals with intellectual
      disability.

PMID- 22050410
TI  - Effect of buspirone, a 5-HT1A receptor agonist, on esophageal motility in healthy
      volunteers.
AB  - There are limited data concerning the effects of 5-HT(1A) receptor activation on
      esophageal motility. Sumatriptan, a 5-HT(1A) receptor agonist, was recently
      reported to enhance esophageal peristalsis after intravenous administration.
      Buspirone, an orally available 5-HT(1A) receptor agonist, was shown to modulate
      gastroduodenal motor function. Our aim was to evaluate the effect of buspirone on
      esophageal motility of healthy volunteers. On two separate visits, 20 healthy
      volunteers aged 21-29 years (nine women) underwent esophageal manometry before
      and 10, 30, and 60 minutes after the administration of buspirone 20-mg or placebo
      capsule, according to a double-blind crossover design. At each time point, we
      compared buspirone and placebo effects on: resting pressure of the lower
      esophageal sphincter (LES); residual pressure and duration of LES relaxation;
      amplitude, duration, and onset velocity of esophageal body contractions, during
      10 swallows of 5 mL of water. Significant analysis of variance differences (P <
      0.05) are presented as mean +/- standard deviation. Buspirone significantly
      increased mean distal esophageal wave amplitude (151 vs. 87 mmHg, P < 0.05) and
      duration (6.1 vs. 4.2 seconds, P < 0.05). Similarly, buspirone significantly
      increased mean LES resting pressure (26 vs. 21 mmHg, P < 0.05) and mean residual
      LES pressure (7.9 vs. 2 mmHg, P < 0.05), whereas reduced mean LES relaxation
      duration (7.2 vs. 8.0 seconds, P < 0.05) and mean distal onset velocity (7.6 vs.
      14.7 cm/second, P < 0.05). Buspirone enhances esophageal peristalsis and LES
      function in healthy volunteers. Further study is warranted on the effects of
      buspirone on esophageal function and symptoms in patients with ineffective
      esophageal motility.

PMID- 22050412
TI  - Taking Responsibility.

PMID- 22050411
TI  - Autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation in multiple myeloma patients
      from ethnic minority groups in an equal access healthcare system.

PMID- 22050413
TI  - Academy of Operative Dentistry Hollenback Memorial Prize.

PMID- 22050414
TI  - Academy of Operative Dentistry Award of Excellence.

PMID- 22050419
TI  - Glucocorticoid resistance in paediatric acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
AB  - Glucocorticoids (GCs), such as prednisolone and dexamethasone, are key components
      in multi-agent chemotherapy protocols used for the treatment of acute
      lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). Approximately 10% of children with ALL will
      respond poorly to GCs, and GC resistance is associated with a significantly
      inferior outcome. This review summarises the current knowledge of GC resistance
      in ALL, including the roles of the GC receptor and its co-chaperone molecules,
      the pro-apoptotic and pro-survival B-cell lymphoma 2 family members and
      alternative non-apoptotic mechanisms of cell death. It concludes with a
      discussion on therapeutic attempts to overcome GC resistance.

PMID- 22050417
TI  - Morphofunctional changes underlying intestinal dysmotility in diabetic RIP
      I/hIFNbeta transgenic mice.
AB  - The pathogenetic mechanisms underlying gastrointestinal dysmotility in diabetic
      patients remain poorly understood, although enteric neuropathy, damage to
      interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC) and smooth muscle cell injury are believed to
      play a role. The aim of this study was to investigate the morphological and
      functional changes underlying intestinal dysmotility in RIP-I/hIFNbeta transgenic
      mice treated with multiple very low doses of streptozotocin (20 mg/kg, i.p., 5
      days). Compared with vehicle-treated mice, streptozotocin-treated animals
      developed type 1 diabetes mellitus, with sustained hyperglycaemia for 3.5 months,
      polyphagia, polydipsia and increased faecal output without changes in faecal
      water content (metabolic cages). Diabetic mice had a longer intestine, longer
      ileal villi and wider colonic crypts (conventional microscopy) and displayed
      faster gastric emptying and intestinal transit. Contractility studies showed
      selective impaired neurotransmission in the ileum and mid-colon of diabetic mice.
      Compared with controls, the ileal and colonic myenteric plexus of diabetic mice
      revealed ultrastructural features of neuronal degeneration and HuD
      immunohistochemistry on whole-mount preparations showed 15% reduction in neuronal
      numbers. However, no immunohistochemical changes in apoptosis-related markers
      were noted. Lower absolute numbers of neuronal nitric oxide synthase- and choline
      acetyltransferase-immunopositive neurons and enhanced vasoactive intestinal
      polypeptide and substance P immunopositivity were observed. Ultrastructural and
      immunohistochemical analyses did not reveal changes in the enteric glial or ICC
      networks. In conclusion, this model of diabetic enteropathy shows enhanced
      intestinal transit associated with intestinal remodelling, including neuroplastic
      changes, and overt myenteric neuropathy. Such abnormalities are likely to reflect
      neuroadaptive and neuropathological changes occurring in this diabetic model.

PMID- 22050420
TI  - The erythropoietin-derived peptide mimetic pHBSP affects cellular and cognitive
      consequences in a rat post-status epilepticus model.
AB  - PURPOSE: The selection of a minimal active sequence of erythropoietin allowed the
      design of peptide mimetics that exert beneficial effects in the central nervous
      system but lack an erythropoietic effect. Erythropoietin has been suggested as a
      promising therapeutic and prophylactic for epilepsies based on its
      neuroprotective, neuroregenerative, and antiinflammatory potency. Therefore, it
      is of particular interest to evaluate whether the nonerythropoietic
      erythropoietin-derived peptide pHBSP can affect epileptogenesis. METHODS: In a
      post-status epilepticus model in rats, we determined the effects of pHBSP and of
      recombinant human erythropoietin with short-term administration following status
      epilepticus. KEY FINDINGS: Both pHBSP and erythropoietin further enhanced the
      status epilepticus-associated increase in hippocampal cell proliferation.
      Thereby, pHBSP seemed to promote neuronal differentiation and survival resulting
      in a significant increase in neurogenesis. Neither pHBSP nor erythropoietin
      affected the number of animals exhibiting spontaneous recurrent seizures as well
      as the seizure frequency in the chronic phase. In the Morris water maze, pHBSP
      attenuated cognitive deficits in epileptic animals. SIGNIFICANCE: In conclusion,
      the helix B-derived erythropoietin peptide pHBSP can modulate the cellular and
      cognitive consequences of a status epilepticus. The impact of pHBSP on spatial
      learning might indicate that the peptide allows beneficial effects on
      epileptogenesis-associated cognitive deficits. However, it needs to be considered
      that learning deficits were not abolished by pHBSP and that the effects were not
      observed consistently until the end of the study. Therefore, adjustment of
      timing, duration, and dose of peptide administration might be necessary to
      further evaluate the efficacy of pHBSP.

PMID- 22050421
TI  - Communicating food risks in an era of growing public distrust: three case
      studies.
AB  - The communication and regulation of risk has changed significantly over the past
      30 years in Europe and to a noticeable but lesser extent in the United States. In
      Europe, this is partly due to a series of regulatory mishaps, ranging from mad
      cow disease in the United Kingdom to contamination of the blood supply in France.
      In the United States, general public confidence in the American government has
      been gradually declining for more than three decades, driven by a mix of cultural
      and political conflicts like negative political advertising, a corrosive news
      media, and cuts in regulatory budgets. While the former approach is based on an
      objective assessment of the risk, the latter is driven more by the perception of
      the risk, consumer sentiment, political will, and sectoral advocacy. In this
      article, the author examines three U.S.-based food case studies (acrylamide,
      bisphenol A, and artificial food colorings) where regulations at the local and
      state levels are increasingly being based on perceived risk advocacy rather than
      on the most effective response to the risk, be it to food safety or public
      health, as defined by regulatory interpretation of existing data. In the final
      section, the author puts forward a series of recommendations for how U.S.-based
      regulators can best handle those situations where the perceived risk is markedly
      different from the fact-based risk, such as strengthening the communication
      departments of food regulatory agencies, training officials in risk
      communication, and working more proactively with neutral third-party experts.

PMID- 22050422
TI  - Improvement of 2D-PAGE resolution of human, porcine and canine follicular fluid:
      comparison of two immunodepletion columns.
AB  - Follicular fluid provides the microenvironment within which somatic cells
      proliferate and differentiate, and the oocyte matures. It contains a number of
      soluble factors implicated in various stages of follicular development, most of
      them being functionally unknown. The presence of several high-abundance proteins,
      mainly originating from the blood circulation, is a major challenge of follicular
      fluid proteomic analysis, as these proteins can mask or decrease the
      visualization of follicle-specific proteins. In this study, we evaluated the
      efficiency of two immunodepletion columns (ProteomeLabTM IgY-HSA and MARS-6) on
      follicular fluids of human, porcine and canine prior to 2D-PAGE. Our results
      showed that both columns were suitable to remove some of the high-abundance
      proteins present in human and canine follicular fluid. In conclusion, we
      demonstrated that the immunodepletion strategy enables the detection of new
      protein spots, increases resolution and highly improves the intensity of low
      abundance proteins by 2D-PAGE.

PMID- 22050423
TI  - Nicotine: specific role in angiogenesis, proliferation and apoptosis.
AB  - Nowadays, tobacco smoking is the cause of ~5-6 million deaths per year, counting
      31% and 6% of all cancer deaths (affecting 18 different organs) in middle-aged
      men and women, respectively. Nicotine is the addictive component of tobacco
      acting on neuronal nicotinic receptors (nAChR). Functional nAChR, are also
      present on endothelial, haematological and epithelial cells. Although nicotine
      itself is regularly not referred to as a carcinogen, there is an ongoing debate
      whether nicotine functions as a 'tumour promoter'. Nicotine, with its specific
      binding to nAChR, deregulates essential biological processes like regulation of
      cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, inflammation
      and cell-mediated immunity in a wide variety of cells including foetal
      (regulation of development), embryonic and adult stem cells, adult tissues as
      well as cancer cells. Nicotine seems involved in fundamental aspects of the
      biology of malignant diseases, as well as of neurodegeneration. Investigating the
      biological effects of nicotine may provide new tools for therapeutic
      interventions and for the understanding of neurodegenerative diseases and tumour
      biology.

PMID- 22050425
TI  - Extended versus limited lymph node dissection in radical cystectomy: impact on
      recurrence pattern and survival.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To compare recurrence patterns and survival of patients with
      carcinoma of the urinary bladder undergoing radical cystectomy and extended or
      limited lymph node dissection. METHODS: From a consecutive series of 469 patients
      undergoing radical cystectomy, two different historical cohorts were constructed;
      one with 265 patients intentionally undergoing extended lymph node dissection and
      one with 204 patients undergoing limited lymph node dissection. RESULTS: Early
      lymph node recurrences were more frequently located outside the pelvic region in
      patients from the extended lymph node dissection cohort, whereas the overall risk
      of recurrence was not reduced by carrying out an extended lymph node dissection
      compared with the limited lymph node dissection cohort (8% vs 6%, P = 0.5).
      However, positive node patients had a significantly better prognosis after
      extended lymph node dissection (5-year disease-specific survival 29% vs 8%, P =
      0.002). Improved survival was also found in negative node patients with non-organ
      confined tumors undergoing extended lymph node dissection compared with limited
      lymph node dissection (5-year disease-specific survival 76% vs 62%, P = 0.008). A
      total of 16 positive node patients (6%) in the extended lymph node dissection
      cohort were identified as possible stage migrators with metastasis exclusively in
      lymph nodes outside the limited template. A total of 5% of patients undergoing
      extended lymph node dissection had an evident survival benefit of an extended
      lymph node dissection compared with a limited lymph node dissection. CONCLUSIONS:
      Extended lymph node dissection provides more accurate nodal staging than a
      limited lymph node dissection. However, recurrence patterns are not significantly
      altered by extending the limits of lymph node dissection, suggesting a survival
      benefit only in a minority of patients. Improved survival is more likely in
      patients with locally advanced disease.

PMID- 22050424
TI  - Proteomic analysis of early-responsive redox-sensitive proteins in Arabidopsis.
AB  - Regulation of protein function through oxidative modification has emerged as an
      important molecular mechanism modulating various biological processes. Here, we
      report a proteomic study of redox-sensitive proteins in Arabidopsis cells
      subjected to H(2)O(2) treatment. Four gel-based approaches were employed, leading
      to the identification of four partially overlapping sets of proteins whose thiols
      underwent oxidative modification in the H(2)O(2)-treated cells. Using a method
      based on differential labeling of thiols followed by immunoprecipitation and
      Western blotting, five of the six selected putative redox-sensitive proteins were
      confirmed to undergo oxidative modification following the oxidant treatment in
      Arabidopsis leaves. Another method, which is based on differential labeling of
      thiols coupled with protein electrophoretic mobility shift assay, was adopted to
      reveal that one of the H(2)O(2)-sensitive proteins, a homologue of cytokine
      induced apoptosis inhibitor 1 (AtCIAPIN1), also underwent oxidative modification
      in Arabidopsis leaves after treatments with salicylic acid or the peptide
      elicitor flg22, two inducers of defense signaling. The redox-sensitive proteins
      identified from the proteomic study are involved in various biological processes
      such as metabolism, the antioxidant system, protein biosynthesis and processing,
      and cytoskeleton organization. The identification of novel redox-sensitive
      proteins will be helpful toward understanding of cellular components or pathways
      previously unknown to be redox-regulated.

PMID- 22050427
TI  - Combinatorial atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition (cAPCVD): a route to
      functional property optimization.
AB  - We demonstrate how combinatorial atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition
      (cAPCVD) can be used as a synthetic tool for rapidly optimizing the functional
      properties of thin-films, by analyzing the self-cleaning properties of tungsten
      doped anatase as an example. By introducing reagents at separate points inside
      the reactor, a tungsten/titanium compositional gradient was formed and a diverse
      range of film growth conditions were obtained. By partially mixing the metal
      sources, a combinatorial film with a compositional profile that varied primarily
      in the lateral plane was synthesized. A combinatorial thin-film of anatase TiO(2)
      doped with an array of tungsten levels as a solid solution ranging from 0.38-13.8
      W/Ti atom % was formed on a single glass substrate. The compositional-functional
      relationships were understood through comprehensively analyzing combinatorial
      phase space, with 200 positions investigated by high-throughput methods in this
      study. Physical and functional properties, and their compositional dependencies,
      were intercorrelated. It was found that increases in photocatalytic activity and
      conductivity were most highly dependent on film crystallinity within the 0.38
      13.8 atom % W/Ti doping regime. However, enhancements in photoinduced surface
      wetting were primarily dependent on increases in preferred growth in the (211)
      crystal plane.

PMID- 22050428
TI  - Death rate of residents with diabetes in nursing homes.

PMID- 22050430
TI  - Validating a firefly luciferase-based high-throughput screening assay for
      antimalarial drug discovery.
AB  - The emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant Plasmodium falciparum and recent
      detection of potential artemisinin-resistant strains in Southeast Asia highlight
      the importance of developing novel antimalarial therapies. Using a previously
      generated stable transgenic P. falciparum line with high-level firefly luciferase
      expression, we report the adaptation, miniaturization, optimization, and
      validation of a high-throughput screening assay in 384-well plates. Assay
      conditions, including the percentage of parasitemia and hematocrit, were
      optimized. Parameters of assay robustness, including Z'-value, coefficient
      variation (CV), and signal-to-background (S/B) ratio, were determined. The
      LOPAC(1280) small-compound library was used to validate this assay. Our results
      demonstrated that this assay is robust and reliable, with an average Z'-value of
      >0.7 and CV of <10%. Moreover, this assay showed a very low background, with the
      S/B ratio up to 71. Further, identified hits were selected and confirmed using a
      SYBR Green I-based confirmatory assay. It is evident that this assay is suitable
      for large-scale screening of chemical libraries for antimalarial drug discovery.

PMID- 22050432
TI  - Theory of mind in schizophrenia: exploring neural mechanisms of belief
      attribution.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although previous behavioral studies have shown that schizophrenia
      patients have impaired theory of mind (ToM), the neural mechanisms associated
      with this impairment are poorly understood. This study aimed to identify the
      neural mechanisms of ToM in schizophrenia, using functional magnetic resonance
      imaging (fMRI) with a belief attribution task. METHODS: In the scanner, 12
      schizophrenia patients and 13 healthy control subjects performed the belief
      attribution task with three conditions: a false belief condition, a false
      photograph condition, and a simple reading condition. RESULTS: For the false
      belief versus simple reading conditions, schizophrenia patients showed reduced
      neural activation in areas including the temporoparietal junction (TPJ) and
      medial prefrontal cortex (MPFC) compared with controls. Further, during the false
      belief versus false photograph conditions, we observed increased activations in
      the TPJ and the MPFC in healthy controls, but not in schizophrenia patients. For
      the false photograph versus simple reading condition, both groups showed
      comparable neural activations. CONCLUSIONS: Schizophrenia patients showed reduced
      task-related activation in the TPJ and the MPFC during the false belief condition
      compared with controls, but not for the false photograph condition. This pattern
      suggests that reduced activation in these regions is associated with, and
      specific to, impaired ToM in schizophrenia.

PMID- 22050434
TI  - A novel model of accelerated intimal hyperplasia in the pig iliac artery.
AB  - There is no good animal model of large artery injury-induced intimal hyperplasia
      (IH). Those available are reproducible, providing only a few layers of
      proliferating cells or have the disadvantage of the presence of a metallic stent
      that complicates histology evaluation. This study was designed to develop a new,
      simple model of accelerated IH based on balloon injury in conjunction with
      disruption of the Internal Elastic Lamina (IEL) in pig external iliac arteries.
      Iliac artery injury (n = 24) was performed in 12 Yorkshire pigs divided in two
      groups: Group I (n = 10), overdistention injury induced by an oversized non
      compliant balloon; Group II (n = 14), arterial wall disruption by pulling back an
      isometric cutting balloon (CB) followed by stretching with a compliant Fogarty
      Balloon (FB). At two weeks, arteries were processed for morphometric analysis and
      immunohistochemistry (IHC) for smooth muscle cells (SMC) and proliferating cell
      nuclear antigen (PCNA). When comparing the two groups, at 2 weeks, arteries of
      group II had a higher incidence of IH (100%vs. 50%, P = 0.0059), increased
      intimal areas (2.54 +/- 0.33 mm(2) vs. 0.93 +/- 0.36 mm(2) , P = 0.004),
      increased intimal area/Media area ratios (0.95 +/- 0.1 vs. 0.28 +/- 0.05; P <
      0.0001) and decreased lumen areas (6.24 +/- 0.44 vs. 9.48 +/- 1.56, P = 0.026).
      No thrombosis was noticed in Group II. Neointima was composed by proliferating
      SMC located with the highest concentration in the area of IEL disruption (IHC).
      Arterial injury by pulling back CB and FB induces significant IH in pig iliac
      arteries by two weeks without thrombosis. This model is superior to the classical
      overdistention non-compliant model and should be useful and cost-effective for
      preclinical testing of procedures designed to inhibit IH in large peripheral
      arteries.

PMID- 22050436
TI  - Correction.

PMID- 22050437
TI  - Operative Dentistry Home Page.

PMID- 22050440
TI  - Assessing the conceptual clarity and evidence base of quality criteria/standards
      developed for evaluating decision aids.
AB  - CONTEXT: Promoting patient participation in treatment decision making is of
      increasing interest to researchers, clinicians and policy makers. Decision aids
      (DAs) are advocated as one way to help achieve this goal. Despite their
      proliferation, there has been little agreement on criteria or standards for
      evaluating these tools. To fill this gap, an international collaboration of
      researchers and others interested in the development, content and quality of DAs
      have worked over the past several years to develop a checklist and, based on this
      checklist, an instrument for determining whether any given DA meets a defined set
      of quality criteria. OBJECTIVE/METHODS: In this paper, we offer a framework for
      assessing the conceptual clarity and evidence base used to support the
      development of quality criteria/standards for evaluating DAs. We then apply this
      framework to assess the conceptual clarity and evidence base underlying the
      International Patient Decision Aids Standards (IPDAS) checklist criteria for one
      of the checklist domains: how best to present in DAs probability information to
      patients on treatment benefits and risks. CONCLUSION: We found that some of the
      central concepts underlying the presenting probabilities domain were not defined.
      We also found gaps in the empirical evidence and theoretical support for this
      domain and criteria within this domain. Finally, we offer suggestions for steps
      that should be undertaken for further development and refinement of quality
      standards for DAs in the future.

PMID- 22050439
TI  - Inhibition of NADPH oxidase promotes alternative and anti-inflammatory microglial
      activation during neuroinflammation.
AB  - Like macrophages, microglia are functionally polarized into different phenotypic
      activation states, referred as classical and alternative. The balance of the two
      phenotypes may be critical to ensure proper brain homeostasis, and may be altered
      in brain pathological states, such as Alzheimer's disease. We investigated the
      role of NADPH oxidase in microglial activation state using p47(phox) and
      gp91(phox) -deficient mice as well as apocynin, a NADPH oxidase inhibitor during
      neuroinflammation induced by an intracerebroventricular injection of LPS or
      Abeta1-42. We showed that NADPH oxidase plays a critical role in the modulation
      of microglial phenotype and subsequent inflammatory response. We demonstrated
      that inhibition of NADPH oxidase or gene deletion of its functional p47(phox)
      subunit switched microglial activation from a classical to an alternative state
      in response to an inflammatory challenge. Moreover, we showed a shift in redox
      state towards an oxidized milieu and that subpopulations of microglia retain
      their detrimental phenotype in Alzheimer's disease brains. Microglia can change
      their activation phenotype depending on NADPH oxidase-dependent redox state of
      microenvironment. Inhibition of NADPH oxidase represents a promising
      neuroprotective approach to reduce oxidative stress and modulate microglial
      phenotype towards an alternative state.

PMID- 22050441
TI  - Attitudes and beliefs about anti-retroviral therapy are associated with high risk
      sexual behaviors among the general population of Kisumu, Kenya.
AB  - Attitudes and beliefs about antiretroviral therapy (ART) may affect sexual risk
      behaviors among the general population in sub-Saharan Africa. We performed a
      cross-sectional population-based study in Kisumu, Kenya to test this hypothesis
      in October 2006. A total of 1655 participants were interviewed regarding
      attitudes and beliefs about ART and their sexual risk behaviors. The majority of
      participants, (71%) men and (70%) women, had heard of ART. Of these, 20% of men
      and 29% of women believed ART cures HIV. Among women, an attitude that "HIV is
      more controllable now that ART is available" was associated with sex with a non
      spousal partner, increased lifetime number of sexual partners as well as a
      younger age at sexual debut. No significant associations with this factor were
      found among men. The belief that "ART cures HIV" was associated with younger age
      of sexual debut among women. The same belief was associated with an increased
      likelihood of exchanging sex for money/gifts and decreased likelihood of condom
      use at last sex among men. These findings were most significant for people aged
      15-29 years. In high HIV seroprevalence populations with expanding access to ART,
      prevention programs must ensure their content counteracts misconceptions of ART
      in order to reduce high risk sexual behaviors, especially among youth.

PMID- 22050442
TI  - Predicting psychological ripple effects: the role of cultural identity, in
      group/out-group identification, and attributions of blame in crisis
      communication.
AB  - Incidents of intentional food contamination can produce ripple effects in
      consumers such as reduced trust and increased anxiety. In their postcrisis
      communication, food companies often direct the blame at the perpetrator in an
      effort to mitigate potential losses and regain consumer trust. The attempt to
      placate consumers may, in itself, potentially create psychological ripple effects
      in message readers. This study examined the interacting influence of two message
      characteristics: identity of the perpetrator of the crime (in-group/out-group
      membership), and the attribution of blame (reason why the perpetrator committed
      the crime), with message receiver characteristic (cultural identity) on
      psychological ripple effects such as blame, trust, anxiety, and future purchase
      intention. Results indicated that although group membership of the perpetrator
      was not significant in predicting outcomes for the organization, the attribution
      communicated in the message was. American message receivers blamed the
      organization more and trusted it less when personal dispositional attributions
      were made about the perpetrator. Asian message receivers blamed the organization
      more and trusted it less when situational attributions were made about the
      perpetrator. Lowered trust in the company and increased anxiety correlated with
      lower purchase intent for both American and Asian message receivers. Implications
      for crisis message design are discussed.

PMID- 22050443
TI  - A balanced translocation disrupts SYNGAP1 in a patient with intellectual
      disability, speech impairment, and epilepsy with myoclonic absences (EMA).
AB  - Epilepsy with myoclonic absences (EMA) is a rare form of generalized epilepsy
      occurring in childhood and is often difficult to treat. The underlying etiology
      of EMA is unknown in the majority of patients. Herein, we describe a patient with
      EMA and intellectual disability who carries a de novo balanced translocation:
      t(6;22)(p21.32;q11.21). We mapped the translocation breakpoints by fluorescence
      in situ hybridization (FISH), and the breakpoint at 6p21.32 was found to truncate
      the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA)-receptor associated gene SYNGAP1. The breakpoint
      at 22q11.21 was within a highly variable region without known protein-coding
      genes. Mutations of SYNGAP1 are associated with nonsyndromal intellectual
      disability (NSID). Two-thirds of the patients described so far also have
      generalized epilepsy. This finding, together with our report, suggests that
      dysfunction of SYNGAP1 contributes to the development of generalized epilepsy,
      including EMA.

PMID- 22050444
TI  - Acceptance of a semi-custom hearing protector by manufacturing workers.

PMID- 22050445
TI  - Acute liver failure in young children with systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic
      arthritis without macrophage activation syndrome: report of two cases.
AB  - Acute liver failure (ALF) with macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is well known
      as a complication of systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis (S-JIA).
      However, liver failure without overt MAS is rare in S-JIA. We encountered two
      Japanese children with S-JIA in whom ALF developed during the remission of
      clinical manifestations. ALF without MAS was improved with plasma exchange and
      cyclosporine A combined with pulse methylprednisolone.

PMID- 22050446
TI  - Relationship between dose of cloprostenol and age of corpus luteum on the
      luteolytic response of early dioestrous mares: a field study.
AB  - The objective of this study was to establish and characterize the relationship
      between the dose of cloprostenol (37.5, 250, 500 and 750 MUg) and the age of the
      early corpus luteum (CL) (80, 88, 96, 104 and 112 h) on the luteolytic response
      of mares. Behavioural oestrus and ultrasonographic signs of return to oestrus
      were considered as the occurrence of full luteolysis. A total of 298 mares were
      divided into groups according to dose of cloprostenol and CL age. There was an
      effect of dose of cloprostenol (p < 0.001) and age of the CL at the time of
      treatment (p < 0.001) on the percentage of mares with full luteolysis. The
      efficacy of 37.5 MUg of d-cloprostenol was similar to that of 250 MUg of d,l
      cloprostenol (p > 0.05); and that of 500 similar to that of 750 MUg (p > 0.05).
      The higher dose groups (500 and 750 MUg) induced full luteolysis more frequently
      than the lower dose groups (37.5 and 250 MUg) 96-104 h post-ovulation. There was
      no effect of CL age or cloprostenol dose on the interovulatory interval (p >
      0.05). In conclusion, the effect of cloprostenol on the percentage of mares
      undergoing full luteolysis is dose-dependent. However, this effect is only
      evident in mares with CLs aged between 96 and 104 h. There is no advantage of
      administering more than 500 MUg of d,l-cloprostenol (Estrumate((r))), to obtain a
      higher percentage of mares with full luteolysis in mares with CLs aged 80-112 h.

PMID- 22050447
TI  - Length of hospital stay is shorter in black and ethnic minority patients with
      diabetes.

PMID- 22050448
TI  - Inhibition of cortactin and SIRT1 expression attenuates migration and invasion of
      prostate cancer DU145 cells.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Cortactin is overexpressed in various types of cancer and enhances
      cell motility. It has been recently reported that silent mating type information
      regulation 2 homolog 1 interacts with cortactin and promotes cell migration.
      Here, we examined the role of cortactin and silent mating type information
      regulation 2 homolog 1 in migration and invasion of prostate cancer cells.
      METHODS: The cortactin expression levels in DU145, LNCaP and PC3 prostate cancer
      cells, and in PrEC normal human prostate epithelial cells were evaluated by
      western blot analysis. In DU145 cells, the expression of cortactin or silent
      mating type information regulation 2 homolog 1 was inhibited by small interfering
      RNA, and the effects of their knockdown on migration and invasion were examined
      by cell migration and invasion assays. To determine the localization of cortactin
      and silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 1, western blot and
      immunofluorescence microscopic analyses were carried out. The functional
      interaction between silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 1 and
      cortactin was also studied by in vivo acetylation assay. RESULTS: The protein
      expression of cortactin was significantly higher in DU145 cells than in other
      cell lines. Knockdown of cortactin or silent mating type information regulation 2
      homolog 1 expression inhibited both migration and invasion of DU145 cells.
      Similarly to cortactin, silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 1 was
      found to be predominantly expressed in the cytoplasm. Finally, the knockdown of
      silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 1 expression increased the
      acetylation level of cortactin. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that inhibition
      of cortactin or silent mating type information regulation 2 homolog 1 expression
      attenuates migration and invasion of DU145 cells and this could represent a
      promising strategy to regulate metastasis of prostate cancer.

PMID- 22050449
TI  - Efficacy of adding sodium alginate to omeprazole in patients with nonerosive
      reflux disease: a randomized clinical trial.
AB  - Nonerosive reflux disease (NERD) is the most common form of gastroesophageal
      reflux disease. Patients with NERD have a lower response rate to proton pump
      inhibitors (PPIs) than patients with erosive esophagitis when gauged from relief
      of heartburn. Sodium alginate decreases the acidity of refluxate and protects the
      esophageal mucosa. However, whether the addition of sodium alginate to PPI
      therapy can improve NERD symptoms remains unknown. Accordingly, the aim of this
      study was to evaluate the efficacy of adding sodium alginate to basal PPI therapy
      for NERD. Patients who had experienced heartburn on at least 2 days per week
      during the 1-month period before entering the study and had no endoscopic mucosal
      breaks (grade M or N according to Hoshihara's modification of the Los Angeles
      classification) were randomized to one of two treatments for 4 weeks: omeprazole
      (20 mg once daily) plus sodium alginate (30 mL four times a day) (group A) or
      omeprazole (20 mg once daily) alone (group B). Eighty-seven patients were
      enrolled, and 76 patients were randomly assigned to group A (n = 36) or group B
      (n = 40). Complete resolution of heartburn for at least 7 consecutive days by the
      end of treatment was significantly more common in group A (56.7%) than in group B
      (25.7%). One patient from group A had mild drug-related diarrhea that was not
      clinically serious. In conclusion, omeprazole combined with sodium alginate was
      better than omeprazole alone in Japanese patients with NERD.

PMID- 22050450
TI  - Short communication: human lymphotropic virus type 1 coinfection modulates the
      synthesis of cytokines by peripheral blood mononuclear cells from HIV type 1
      infected individuals.
AB  - HIV-1 and HTLV-1 infect CD4(+) T lymphocyte but little is known about the impact
      of coinfection on patient's immune response. In this study we have evaluated the
      spontaneous production of interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10 and
      interferon (IFN)-gamma by unstimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC)
      cultures obtained from patients infected by HTLV-1, HIV-1, or both viruses. We
      have observed that HIV/HTLV-coinfected individuals presented significantly higher
      production of IL-2 and IFN-gamma compared to both HIV single-infected and HTLV
      single-infected individuals. IL-6 and IL-10 synthesis was similar in all infected
      groups, but HTLV single-infected individuals presented a lower production of IL
      4. These results show that HIV/HTLV-coinfected individuals presented a profile of
      higher production of Th-1 cytokines, suggesting a predominant stimulus of HTLV-1
      in detriment to HIV-1 infection.

PMID- 22050452
TI  - The in vivo expression of radiation-induced chromosomal instability has an
      inflammatory mechanism.
AB  - Ionizing radiation is unequivocally leukemogenic and carcinogenic, and this is
      generally attributed to DNA damage arising as a consequence of deposition of
      energy in the cell nucleus at the time of exposure. However, nontargeted effects,
      in which DNA damage is produced in nonirradiated cells as a consequence of cell
      signaling processes, indicate additional mechanisms. Radiation-induced
      chromosomal instability, a nontargeted effect with the potential to produce
      pathological consequences, is characterized by an increased rate of chromosome
      aberrations many generations after the initial insult. In this study, using a
      mouse model that has been well characterized with respect to its susceptibility
      to both radiation-induced chromosomal instability and acute myeloid leukemia, we
      investigated whether the underlying signaling mechanism was an inflammatory
      process by studying the effects of a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Treated
      mice showed significant reduction in expression of the chromosomal instability
      phenotype 100 days postirradiation associated with reduced expression of
      inflammatory markers. The data support the hypothesis that the radiation-induced
      chromosomal instability phenotype is not an intrinsic property of the cells but a
      consequence of inflammatory processes having the potential to contribute
      secondary damage expressed as nontargeted and delayed radiation effects.

PMID- 22050453
TI  - FLUKA capabilities for microdosimetric analysis.
AB  - Delta-ray transport is important in microdosimetric studies, and how Monte Carlo
      models handle delta electrons using condensed histories is important for accurate
      simulation. The purpose of this study was to determine how well FLUKA can
      simulate energy deposition spectra in a tissue-equivalent proportional counter
      (TEPC) and produce a reliable estimate of delta-ray events produced when a TEPC
      is exposed to high-energy heavy ions (HZE) like those in the galactic cosmic-ray
      (GCR) environment. A 1.27-cm spherical TEPC with a low-pressure gas simulating a
      1-MUm site, typical of the one flown on the ISS, was constructed in FLUKA, and
      its response was compared to experimental data for an (56)Fe-ion beam at 360
      MeV/nucleon. Several narrow beams at different impact parameters were used to
      explain the response of the same detector exposed to a uniform field of
      radiation. Additionally, the effect that wall thickness had on the response of
      the TEPC and the range of delta rays in the tissue-equivalent (TE) wall material
      was investigated, and FLUKA produced the expected wall effect for primary
      particles passing outside the sensitive volume. A final comparison to
      experimental data was made for the simulated TEPCs exposed to various broad beams
      in the energy range of 200-1000 MeV/nucleon. FLUKA overestimated energy
      deposition in the gas volume in all cases. The FLUKA results differed from the
      experimental data by an average of 25.2% for y(F) and 12.4% for y(D). It is
      suggested that this difference can be reduced by adjusting the FLUKA default
      ionization potential and density correction factors. Accurate transport codes are
      desirable because of the high cost of beam time for experimental evaluation of
      energy deposition spectra produced by HZE ions and the flexibility that
      calculations offer in the TEPC engineering and design process.

PMID- 22050454
TI  - LEAFY controls Arabidopsis pedicel length and orientation by affecting adaxial
      abaxial cell fate.
AB  - Pedicel length and orientation (angle) contribute to the diversity of
      inflorescence architecture, and are important for optimal positioning of the
      flowers. However, relatively little is known about pedicel development. We
      previously described the Arabidopsis CORYMBOSA1 (CRM1)/BIG gene, which affects
      inflorescence architecture by controlling pedicel elongation and orientation.
      Here, we performed a suppressor screen using the partial loss-of-function allele
      crm1-13 to identify genes and pathways that affect pedicel development. We
      identified a hypomorph allele of the meristem identity regulator LEAFY (LFY) as
      the suppressor. Consistent with this, crm1 pedicels had elevated LFY levels and
      conditional gain of LFY function produced downward-bending pedicels. Steroid
      activation of 35S:LFY-GR plants caused a reduction in the cortical cell length in
      the abaxial domain and additional defects associated with adaxialization. Further
      analyses of loss of LFY function revealed that LFY is required for reduced
      cortical cell elongation at the adaxial side of the pedicel base. Defects in
      conditional LFY gain-of-function pedicels were correlated with decreased
      BREVIPEDICELLUS (BP) expression, while ASYMMETRIC LEAVES2 (AS2), a
      transcriptional repressor of BP, and REVOLUTA, a promoter of adaxial cell fate,
      were highly and ectopically expressed in LFY gain-of-function pedicels. LFY bound
      to cis-regulatory regions upstream of AS2, and as2 mutations partially suppressed
      the pedicel length and orientation defects caused by increased LFY activity.
      These data suggest that LFY activity promotes adaxial cell fate and hence the
      proper orientation and length of the pedicel partly by directly activating AS2
      expression, which suppresses BP expression.

PMID- 22050455
TI  - Intelligence involves risk-awareness and intellectual disability involves risk
      unawareness: implications of a theory of common sense.
AB  - Survival in the everyday world (in both social and practical functioning) depends
      on one's ability to recognise and avoid going down the worst possible path,
      especially when doing so places one at risk of death, injury, or social disaster.
      Most people possess "common sense" (the ability to recognise obvious risk) but
      some people lack that ability and thus are at high risk of engaging in "foolish"
      (i.e., risk-unaware) action. People who have a cognitive impairment are much less
      able to recognise and avoid risk, and this is what causes them to be seen as
      needing protection and support. In this paper, we argue that the answer to the
      question "What is intellectual disability (ID)?" is more likely to come from the
      question "What is unintelligent behavior?" than "What is intelligence?" The
      answer which comes from such a question is that "ID is a common sense deficit
      disorder characterised by unawareness of obvious social and practical risk."
      Several implications of this answer are explored for the field of intellectual
      disability. These implications are explored primarily for adults who may have ID,
      given that the inspiration for this paper came from the way existing ID
      definitions are applied or misapplied in the US adult criminal justice system.

PMID- 22050456
TI  - Proteomic analysis reveals Warburg effect and anomalous metabolism of glutamine
      in pancreatic cancer cells.
AB  - In this present work, we characterized the proteomes of pancreatic ductal
      adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cell line PANC-1 and normal pancreatic duct cells by mass
      spectrometry using LTQ-Orbitrap and identified more than 1700 proteins from each
      sample. On the basis of the spectra count label-free quantification approach, we
      identified a large number of differentially expressed metabolic enzymes and
      proteins involved in cytoskeleton, cell adhesion, transport, transcription,
      translation, and cell proliferation as well. The data demonstrated that metabolic
      pathways were altered in PANC-1, consistent with the Warburg effect. In addition,
      the comparative MS analysis unveiled anomalous metabolism of glutamine,
      suggesting that glutamine was largely consumed as a nitrogen donor in nucleotide
      and amino acid biosynthesis in PANC-1. Our analysis provides a potentially
      comprehensive picture of metabolism in PANC-1, which may serve as the basis of
      new diagnostics and treatment of PDAC.

PMID- 22050458
TI  - Autophagy: a common road to perdition in acute brain injuries and Alzheimer's
      disease.

PMID- 22050457
TI  - Assessing quality of a worksite health promotion programme from participants'
      views: findings from a qualitative study in Malaysia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An assessment of the process and outcomes of a health promotion
      programme is necessary for the continuous improvement of a programme. OBJECTIVE:
      To explore the participants' perceptions of the quality and effectiveness of the
      'Love Your Heart Programme'. DESIGN: A qualitative study using semi-structured
      interviews with a purposive sample of participants of the 'Love Your Heart'
      programme. Interviews were based on an interview guide that grouped questions
      into four main subgroups: structure, process, immediate outcomes and impact. The
      interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using the
      principles of grounded theory. RESULTS: A total of 17 interviews were conducted.
      The participants were satisfied with the structural aspects of the programme.
      Different opinions arose regarding the ideal frequency and duration of the
      programme. The content of the seminars was thought to be too general. There was
      also a lack of interest in the 'Road to a Healthy Heart' booklet. All of the
      respondents had positive opinions about the communication skills and attitude of
      the health educator. The potential advantages and disadvantages of participating
      in the programme were discussed. Finally, the respondents expressed their
      satisfaction with the programme and the impact it had on them. DISCUSSION AND
      CONCLUSIONS: In general, the participants who were interviewed held the
      programme, and the health educator conducted the programme in high regard. The
      suggestions that were received can be used to further improve the acceptability
      and feasibility of the programme.

PMID- 22050459
TI  - Competing statistical methods for the fitting of normal species sensitivity
      distributions: recommendations for practitioners.
AB  - A species sensitivity distribution (SSD) models data on toxicity of a specific
      toxicant to species in a defined assemblage. SSDs are typically assumed to be
      parametric, despite noteworthy criticism, with a standard proposal being the log
      normal distribution. Recently, and confusingly, there have emerged different
      statistical methods in the ecotoxicological risk assessment literature,
      independent of the distributional assumption, for fitting SSDs to toxicity data
      with the overall aim of estimating the concentration of the toxicant that is
      hazardous to % of the biological assemblage (usually with small). We analyze two
      such estimators derived from simple linear regression applied to the ordered log
      transformed toxicity data values and probit transformed rank-based plotting
      positions. These are compared to the more intuitive and statistically defensible
      confidence limit-based estimator. We conclude based on a large-scale simulation
      study that the latter estimator should be used in typical assessments where a
      pointwise value of the hazardous concentration is required.

PMID- 22050460
TI  - Clinical and neurophysiologic features of progressive myoclonus epilepsy without
      renal failure caused by SCARB2 mutations.
AB  - PURPOSE: Mutations of the SCARB2 gene cause action myoclonus renal failure
      syndrome (AMRF), a rare condition that combines progressive myoclonus epilepsy
      (PME) with severe renal dysfunction. We describe the clinical and
      neurophysiologic features of PME associated with SCARB2 mutations without renal
      impairment. METHODS: Clinical and neurophysiologic investigations, including
      wakefulness and sleep electroencephalography (EEG), polygraphic recording (with
      jerk-locked back-averaging and analysis of the EEG-EMG (electromyography)
      relationship by coherence spectra and phase calculation), multimodal evoked
      potentials, and electromyography were performed on five Italian patients with
      SCARB2 mutations. KEY FINDINGS: The main clinical features were adolescent-young
      adulthood onset, progressive action myoclonus, ataxia, absence of cognitive
      deterioration and, in most cases, epilepsy. The severity of the epilepsy could
      vary from uncontrolled seizures and status epilepticus in patients with
      adolescent onset to absent or rare seizures in patients with adult onset.
      Relevant neurophysiologic findings were a pronounced photosensitivity and massive
      action myoclonus associated with rhythmic myoclonic jerks at a frequency of 12-20
      Hz, clinically resembling a postural tremor. The cortical origin of rhythmic
      myoclonus was demonstrated mainly by coherence and phase analysis of EEG-EMG
      signals indicating a significant EEG-EMG coupling and a direct corticospinal
      transfer. SIGNIFICANCE: Our patients with SCARB2 mutations showed the clinical
      and neurophysiologic phenotype of PME, in which epilepsy could be extremely
      severe, extending the spectrum reported in the typical AMRF syndrome. Patients
      with PME of unknown origin of adolescent or young adult onset, with these
      neurophysiologic features, should be tested for SCARB2 mutations, even in the
      absence of renal impairment.

PMID- 22050461
TI  - Meningococcal surface fibril (Msf) binds to activated vitronectin and inhibits
      the terminal complement pathway to increase serum resistance.
AB  - Complement evasion is an important survival strategy of Neisseria meningitidis
      (Nm) during colonization and infection. Previously, we have shown that Nm Opc
      binds to serum vitronectin to inhibit complement-mediated killing. In this study,
      we demonstrate meningococcal interactions with vitronectin via a novel adhesin,
      Msf (meningococcal surface fibril, previously NhhA or Hsf). As with Opc, Msf
      binds preferentially to activated vitronectin (aVn), engaging at its N-terminal
      region but the C-terminal heparin binding domain may also participate. However,
      unlike Opc, the latter binding is not heparin-mediated. By binding to aVn, Msf or
      Opc can impart serum resistance, which is further increased in coexpressers, a
      phenomenon dependent on serum aVn concentrations. The survival fitness of aVn
      binding derivatives was evident from mixed population studies, in which msf/opc
      mutants were preferentially depleted. In addition, using vitronectin peptides to
      block Msf-aVn interactions, aVn-induced inhibition of lytic C5b-9 formation and
      of serum killing could be reversed. As Msf-encoding gene is ubiquitous in the
      meningococcal strains examined and is expressed in vivo, serum resistance via Msf
      may be of significance to meningococcal pathogenesis. The data imply that
      vitronectin binding may be an important strategy for the in vivo survival of Nm
      for which the bacterium has evolved redundant mechanisms.

PMID- 22050462
TI  - The immune marker soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor is associated
      with new-onset diabetes in non-smoking women and men.
AB  - AIM: To explore the putative association of new-onset diabetes and the soluble
      urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR), which is a new and stable
      plasma marker of immune function and low-grade inflammation. This association has
      been previously suggested by using the less sensitive International
      Classification of Disease system to detect incident diabetes in the Danish MONICA
      10 cohort. METHODS: The Danish National Diabetes Register enabled more accurate
      identification of incident diabetes during a median follow-up of 13.8 years in
      the Danish MONICA 10 cohort (n = 2353 generally healthy individuals). The soluble
      urokinase plasminogen activator receptor was measured by the ELISA method. To
      fulfil model assumptions, outcome analyses were stratified by age, and further by
      smoking, owing to the interaction between the soluble urokinase plasminogen
      activator receptor and smoking on new-onset diabetes (P < 0.0001). RESULTS: New
      onset diabetes (n = 182) was associated with increased soluble urokinase
      plasminogen activator receptor levels (P = 0.013). Among 699 middle-aged (41 and
      51 years) and 564 older (61 and 71 years) non-smokers, participants in the upper
      soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor quartile had a sex- and age
      adjusted relative risk of 6.01 (95% CI 2.17-16.6, P < 0.0006) and relative risk
      of 3.25 (95% CI 1.51-6.98, P = 0.0025), respectively, for new-onset diabetes
      compared with participants in the lowest quartile. This relationship remained
      significant after additional adjustments for C-reactive protein and leukocytes or
      fasting glucose and insulin or BMI (P < 0.05). The soluble urokinase plasminogen
      activator receptor was not related to incident diabetes among smokers (P >=
      0.85). CONCLUSIONS: In these explorative analyses, the soluble urokinase
      plasminogen activator receptor associated independently with incident diabetes in
      non-smokers, supporting an immune origin of Type 2 diabetes. Competing disease
      risk may explain lack of association among smokers.

PMID- 22050464
TI  - Fluorescence recovery after photobleaching reveals high cycling dynamics of
      plasma membrane aquaporins in Arabidopsis roots under salt stress.
AB  - The constitutive cycling of plant plasma membrane (PM) proteins is an essential
      component of their function and regulation under resting or stress conditions.
      Transgenic Arabidopsis plants that express GFP fusions with AtPIP1;2 and
      AtPIP2;1, two prototypic PM aquaporins, were used to develop a fluorescence
      recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) approach. This technique was used to
      discriminate between PM and endosomal pools of the aquaporin constructs, and to
      estimate their cycling between intracellular compartments and the cell surface.
      The membrane trafficking inhibitors tyrphostin A23, naphthalene-1-acetic acid and
      brefeldin A blocked the latter process. By contrast, a salt treatment (100 mm
      NaCl for 30 min) markedly enhanced the cycling of the aquaporin constructs and
      modified their pharmacological inhibition profile. Two distinct models for PM
      aquaporin cycling in resting or salt-stressed root cells are discussed.

PMID- 22050465
TI  - Computational methods for early predictive safety assessment from biological and
      chemical data.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The goal of early predictive safety assessment (PSA) is to keep
      compounds with detectable liabilities from progressing further in the pipeline.
      Such compounds jeopardize the core of pharmaceutical research and development and
      limit the timely delivery of innovative therapeutics to the patient.
      Computational methods are increasingly used to help understand observed data,
      generate new testable hypotheses of relevance to safety pharmacology, and
      supplement and replace costly and time-consuming experimental procedures. AREAS
      COVERED: The authors survey methods operating on different scales of both
      physical extension and complexity. After discussing methods used to predict
      liabilities associated with structures of individual compounds, the article
      reviews the use of adverse event data and safety profiling panels. Finally, the
      authors examine the complexities of toxicology data from animal experiments and
      how these data can be mined. EXPERT OPINION: A significant obstacle for data
      driven safety assessment is the absence of integrated data sets due to a lack of
      sharing of data and of using standard ontologies for data relevant to safety
      assessment. Informed decisions to derive focused sets of compounds can help to
      avoid compound liabilities in screening campaigns, and improved hit assessment of
      such campaigns can benefit the early termination of undesirable compounds.

PMID- 22050466
TI  - Physiological changes in green stems of Vitis vinifera L. cv. Chardonnay in
      response to esca proper and apoplexy revealed by proteomic and transcriptomic
      analyses.
AB  - Among grapevine trunk diseases, esca proper and apoplexy commonly represent a
      threat for viticulture worldwide. To retrieve further information about the
      mechanisms activated in apoplectic and esca proper-affected plants, a two
      dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) based analysis was conducted on green
      stems from 26-year-old standing vines. Symptomatic and asymptomatic stems from
      both apoplectic (A) and esca proper-affected (E) plants compared to control
      (without visual symptom since 10 years) stems were studied. Thirty-three
      differentially expressed proteins were identified by nanoLC-MS/MS and included
      into three groups conceptually defined as proteins involved in (i) metabolism and
      energy, (ii) stress tolerance, and (iii) defense response. For nine of them,
      expression of the relative mRNA's was also monitored by qRT-PCR. Proteome
      variations were specifically related to apoplexy and esca proper but were more
      similar in asymptomatic stems than in the symptomatic ones. Remarkable
      quantitative differences were noted for several proteins in symptomatic stems
      according to the expressed form, A and E. Results further indicate that similar
      responses are likely activated in asymptomatic stems but a various quantitative
      expression is triggered upon onset of apoplexy or esca proper symptoms while both
      kind of plants are infected by the same pathogenic fungi.

PMID- 22050470
TI  - World Health Organization growth charts for monitoring the growth of Australian
      children: time to begin the debate.
AB  - The recently released World Health Organization growth charts are
      methodologically robust, as well as clinically useful tools for monitoring the
      growth of children. They have been endorsed by premier organisations such as the
      Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (UK), Canadian Pediatric Society,
      Australian Breastfeeding Association, United Nations Standing Committee on
      Nutrition, International Union of Nutrition Sciences, International Pediatric
      Association and the European Childhood Obesity Group. The Centers for Disease
      Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as the American Academy of Pediatrics have
      also recently endorsed these charts for the 0- to 24-month age group in USA.
      These growth charts have been adopted by many countries including Canada, UK and
      New Zealand. Nearly 140 countries are at various stages of implementing them.
      They offer significant advantages over the currently used CDC 2000 growth charts.
      They have the potential to contribute in reducing the worldwide incidence of
      obesity as well as under nutrition in children. Except Northern Territory,
      Australia continues to use the CDC 2000 growth charts. Paediatricians need to
      initiate and lead robust debate involving key stakeholders about the
      implementation of World Health Organization growth charts for monitoring the
      growth of Australian infants and children.

PMID- 22050471
TI  - Ganoderma lucidum protects liver mitochondrial oxidative stress and improves the
      activity of electron transport chain in carbon tetrachloride intoxicated rats.
AB  - AIM:   Liver injuries induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4) ) cause
      mitochondrial stress and disruption of membrane potential resulting in apoptosis.
      In this study, we evaluated the effects of Ganoderma lucidum against CCl(4)  (1:5
      v/v in paraffin oil, 1.5 mL/kg, i.p) induced deterioration of the activities of
      mitochondrial enzymes and electron transport chain complexes in the liver
      mitochondria. METHODS:   Ganoderma lucidum (100 and 250 mg/kg) was administered
      once daily for 15 days prior to the CCl(4)  administration. alpha-Tocopherol (100
      mg/kg, p.o.) was used as the standard. Hepatic damage was assessed by determining
      the activities of serum transaminases (SGPT and SGOT) and alkaline phosphatase
      (ALP), 24 h after CCl(4)  injection. The activities of mitochondrial
      dehydrogenases as well as mitochondrial complexes I, II, III, and IV were
      evaluated. RESULTS:   Activities of SGPT, SGOT and ALP were significantly (P <
      0.01) elevated whereas, the activities of mitochondrial enzymes were
      significantly (P < 0.01) decreased by the CCl(4)  challenge. The mitochondrial
      reactive oxygen species level was enhanced and mitochondrial membrane potential
      was declined significantly. Administration of G. lucidum significantly and dose
      independently protected liver mitochondria. CONCLUSION:   The findings suggest
      that protective effect of G. lucidum against hepatic damage could be mediated by
      ameliorating the oxidative stress; restoring the mitochondrial enzyme activities
      and membrane potential.

PMID- 22050472
TI  - Seeding plaques in Alzheimer's disease.

PMID- 22050473
TI  - Cost-effectiveness of rosuvastatin 20 mg for the prevention of cardiovascular
      morbidity and mortality: a Swedish economic evaluation of the JUPITER trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study estimated the long-term health outcomes, healthcare costs,
      and cost-effectiveness of rosuvastatin 20 mg therapy in primary prevention of
      major cardiovascular disease (CVD) in a Swedish population. METHODS: Based on
      data from the JUPITER trial, long-term CVD outcomes with rosuvastatin vs no
      active treatment were estimated for patients with an elevated baseline CVD risk
      (Framingham CVD score >20%, sub-population of JUPITER population) and for a
      population similar to the total JUPITER population. Using a decision-analytic
      model, trial CVD event rates were combined with epidemiological and cost data
      specific for Sweden. First and subsequent CVD events and death were estimated
      over a lifetime perspective. The observed relative risk reduction was
      extrapolated beyond the trial duration. Incremental effectiveness was measured as
      life-years gained (LYG) and quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) gained. RESULTS:
      Treating 100,000 patients with rosuvastatin 20 mg was estimated to avoid 14,692
      CVD events over the lifetime (8021 non-fatal MIs, 3228 non-fatal strokes, and
      4924 CVD deaths) compared to placebo. This translated into an estimated gain of
      42,122 QALYs and 36,865 total life years (LYG). Rosuvastatin was both more
      effective and less costly over a lifetime perspective, and rosuvastatin is
      subsequently a dominant alternative compared to no treatment in the assessed
      population. Using the overall JUPITER population, rosuvastatin was dominant for
      the lifetime horizon. In the sensitivity analysis, rosuvastatin was the dominant
      treatment strategy over a 20-year time horizon, and cost-effective with an
      incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (cost per QALY) of SEK 1783 over a 10-year
      time horizon. LIMITATIONS: Some model inputs were derived from literature or
      other data sources, but uncertainty was controlled by sensitivity analyses.
      CONCLUSIONS: Results indicate that rosuvastatin 20 mg treatment is a cost
      effective option vs no-treatment in patients with Framingham CVD risk >20% in
      Sweden and might even be cost saving if taking a long-term perspective.

PMID- 22050474
TI  - Etiopathological aspects of achalasia: lessons learned with Hirschsprung's
      disease.
AB  - The etiology of primary esophageal achalasia is largely unknown. There is
      increasing evidence that genetic alterations might play an important but
      underestimated role. Current knowledge of the genetic base of Hirschsprung's
      disease in contrast is far more detailed. The two enteric neuropathies have
      several clinical features in common. This association may also exist on a
      cellular and molecular level. The aim of this review is to enlighten those
      etiopathogenetic concepts of Hirschsprung's disease that seem to be useful in
      uncovering the pathological processes causing achalasia. Three aspects are looked
      at: (i) the genetic base of Hirschsprung's disease, particularly its major
      susceptibility gene rearranged during transfection and its potential reference to
      achalasia; (ii) the altered motor functions in both conditions with loss of
      inhibitory innervation and interstitial cell pathology; and (iii) the involvement
      of these motility disorders in genetic syndromes.

PMID- 22050475
TI  - Incidence and implications of negative serum thyroglobulin but positive I-131
      whole-body scans in patients with well-differentiated thyroid cancer prepared
      with rhTSH or thyroid hormone withdrawal.
AB  - AIMS: To evaluate the incidence and clinical implications of a positive whole
      body I-131 scan but negative stimulated serum Tg/TgAb level following an ablative
      or diagnostic I-131 dose in patients with well-differentiated thyroid cancer and
      whether there is a difference in incidence if prepared with thyroid hormone
      withdrawal compared with rhTSH stimulation. METHODS: I-131 scan findings, serum
      Tg/TgAb levels, TNM stage and method of thyroid tissue stimulation in 193
      consecutive patients (138F, 55M) with well-differentiated thyroid cancer
      undergoing postoperative ablative I-131 therapy and 121 consecutive (94F, 27M)
      patients undergoing diagnostic I-131 surveillance scans were retrospectively
      reviewed. Comparisons of proportions were performed using Chi-square tests.
      Clinical, biochemical and I-131 scan follow-up data were obtained for each
      patient cohort. RESULTS: 39/193 (20.2%) postablative I-131 and 10/121 (8.3%)
      diagnostic I-131 patients had negative stimulated serum Tg/TgAb levels but
      positive I-131 scans for residual thyroid tissue. Nine (4.7%) of the postablative
      patients had I-131 uptake in the lateral neck suspicious for loco-regional
      metastatic disease. In the postablative I-131 group, 38/169 (22.5%) prepared with
      rhTSH compared to 1/24 (4.2%) prepared with thyroid hormone withdrawal were
      Tg/TgAb negative but I-131 scan positive (P = 0.04). Follow-up of 21/39
      postablative I-131 patients with negative Tg/TgAb but positive I-131 scans
      confirmed a significant proportion of patients (4/21) (19.1%), remained Tg/TgAb
      negative/I-131 scan positive, some of whom had higher-risk disease at original
      diagnosis (2/4) (50%). CONCLUSIONS: Our study confirms that in the setting of I
      131 ablation therapy or diagnostic I-131 scanning, a significant proportion of
      patients (20.2% and 8.3%, respectively) have residual benign or malignant thyroid
      tissue on whole-body scanning despite a negative stimulated serum Tg level.
      Whether such patients who would otherwise be missed as having residual thyroid
      tissue on serum Tg testing alone have a worse clinical outcome remains uncertain.
      Our findings do however suggest performing both stimulated serum Tg/TgAb levels
      and I-131 scans for the follow-up of patients with higher-risk thyroid cancer may
      be important. There may also be a slightly higher incidence of this phenomenon in
      patients prepared with rhTSH rather than by thyroxine withdrawal.

PMID- 22050477
TI  - Changing healthcare utilization patterns in diabetes mellitus: case-control
      studies 1 year and 8 years after diagnosis.
AB  - AIMS: To describe healthcare utilization patterns in young and middle-aged
      patients with diabetes 1 year and 8 years after diagnosis and to compare with the
      general population at two time points, 16 years apart. METHODS: Four cohorts with
      disease duration of 1 year or 8 years were selected from the Diabetes Incidence
      Study in Sweden, which registers all incident cases of diabetes in the 15- to 34
      year age group. Control subjects were selected from the population register
      matched by age, sex and county of residence. A postal questionnaire was sent to
      the 1983 and 1992 cohorts in 1991 and 1993, and to the 1999 and 2008 cohorts in
      2007 and 2009. Nine hundred and thirteen patients with diabetes and 1679 control
      subjects responded. RESULTS: One year after diagnosis, 49% of patients with
      diabetes in the 1992 cohort compared with 4.2% in the 2008 cohort reported visits
      to departments of internal medicine and endocrinology. A similar pattern was seen
      8 years after diagnosis. The use of day care was 4-5 times higher among patients
      with diabetes compared with control subjects. Utilization of outpatient hospital
      care was higher among patients with diabetes compared with control subjects, even
      when excluding visits to diabetes clinics. CONCLUSIONS: Excess use of health care
      among patients with diabetes remained 16 years after the first follow-up.
      Utilization patterns were stable, except for a major decrease in inpatient care 1
      year after diagnosis and an increase in day care 8 years after diagnosis.
      Observed changes probably reflect successive reforming of diabetes care in
      Sweden.

PMID- 22050476
TI  - Female reproductive factors and risk of seizure or epilepsy: data from the
      Nurses' Health Study II.
AB  - Reproductive factors are associated with seizures in women with epilepsy. We
      prospectively examined the association between reproductive factors and the risk
      of adult-onset isolated seizure, epilepsy, or any unprovoked seizure (defined as
      single unprovoked seizure or epilepsy) among 114,847 Nurses' Health Study II
      participants followed from 1989 to 2005. Validated seizure questionnaires and
      medical records were used to confirm incident cases of isolated seizure (n = 95)
      or epilepsy (n = 151). Overall, there were no significant associations between
      any reproductive factor and risk of any unprovoked seizure (n = 196). However,
      menstrual irregularity at ages 18-22 years was specifically associated with an
      increased risk of epilepsy [relative risk (RR) 1.67, 95% confidence interval (CI)
      1.12-2.51]. Menstrual irregularity during follow-up (RR 2.21, 95% CI 1.16-4.20)
      and early age at menarche (<12 years vs. 12-13 years; RR 1.76, 95% CI 1.10-2.81)
      increased the risk of isolated seizure. Oral contraceptive use and parity were
      not associated with isolated seizure or epilepsy. Therefore, menstrual factors
      were associated with risk of seizure and epilepsy.

PMID- 22050478
TI  - 'Remote' adiabatic photoinduced deprotonation and aggregate formation of
      amphiphilic N-alkyl-N-methyl-3-(pyren-1-yl)propan-1-ammonium chloride salts.
AB  - The absorption and emission properties of a series of amphiphilic N-alkyl-N
      methyl-3-(pyren-1-yl)propan-1-ammonium chloride salts were investigated in
      solvents of different polarities and over a wide concentration range. For
      example, at 10(-5) M concentrations in tetrahydrofuran (THF), salts with at least
      one N-H bond exhibited broad, structureless emissions even though time-correlated
      single photon counting (TCSPC) experiments indicated negligible static or dynamic
      intermolecular interactions. Salts with a butylene spacer or lacking an N-H bond
      showed no discernible structureless emission; their emission spectra were
      dominated by the normal monomeric fluorescence of a pyrenyl group and the TCSPC
      histograms could be interpreted on the basis of intramolecular photophysics. The
      broad, structureless emission is attributed to an unprecedented, rapid, adiabatic
      proton-transfer to the medium, followed by the formation of an intramolecular
      exciplex consisting of amine and pyrenyl groups. The proposed mechanism involves
      excitation of a ground-state conformer of the salts in which the ammonium group
      sits over the pyrenyl ring due to electrostatic stabilization. At higher
      concentrations, with longer N-alkyl groups, or in selected solvents, electronic
      excitation of the salts led to dynamic and static excimeric emissions. For
      example, whereas the emission spectrum of 10(-3) M N-hexyl-N-methyl-3-(pyren-1
      yl)propan-1-ammonium chloride in THF consisted of comparable amounts of monomeric
      and excimeric emission, the emission from 10(-5) M N-dodecyl-N-methyl-3-(pyren-1
      yl)propan-1-ammonium chloride in 1:9 (v:v) ethanol/water solutions was dominated
      by excimeric emission, and discrete particles near micrometer size were
      discernible from confocal microscopy and dynamic light scattering experiments.
      Comparison of the static and dynamic emission characteristics of the particles
      and of the neat solid of N-dodecyl-N-methyl-3-(pyren-1-yl)propan-1-ammonium
      chloride indicate that molecular packing in the microparticles and in the single
      crystal are very similar if not the same. It is suggested that other examples of
      the adiabatic proton transfer found in the dilute concentration regime with the
      pyrenyl salts may be occurring in very different systems, such as in proteins
      where conformational constraints hold ammonium groups over aromatic rings of
      peptide units.

PMID- 22050479
TI  - Looking back, moving forward: towards a game-changing response to AIDS.

PMID- 22050480
TI  - Creating a different international HIV response for young people.
AB  - This paper demonstrates that certain notions of young people in the HIV and AIDS
      response reveal an overly generalised understanding of 'youth' that does not
      reflect a realistic view of young people's identity and lives. Faulty stereotypes
      of 'youth'--such as the perceptions that young people are necessarily victims or
      risk-takers--result in many HIV programmes based on generalisations about young
      people, rather than their actual needs and realities. These stereotypes and
      generalisations dominate million dollar prevention programmes that have little
      effect on HIV incidence rates amongst young people. To create a different future
      for young people and achieve real and lasting change, this paper recommends three
      discrete but interrelated actions for the international HIV community to
      undertake now; to base programmes on definitions of young people that emerge from
      the setting in which the programme will be implemented; to ensure HIV prevention
      programming is targeted at specific groups of young people, rather than a 'one
      size-fits-all' package; and to incorporate structural approaches into AIDS
      programming to address the underlying factors that make younger age groups more
      vulnerable to HIV--including age-related stigma, discrimination and human rights
      abuses.

PMID- 22050481
TI  - Criminalising consensual sexual behaviour in the context of HIV: consequences,
      evidence, and leadership.
AB  - This paper provides an overview of the use of the criminal law to regulate sexual
      behaviour in three areas of critical importance: (1) HIV exposure in otherwise
      consensual sex, (2) sex work and (3) sexual activity largely affecting sexual
      minorities. It analyses criminal law pertaining to these three distinct areas
      together, allowing for a more comprehensive and cohesive understanding of
      criminalisation and its effects. The paper highlights current evidence of how
      criminalisation undermines HIV prevention and treatment. It focuses on three
      specific negative effects of criminalisation: (1) enhancing stigma and
      discrimination, (2) undermining public health intervention through legal
      marginalisation and (3) placing people in state custody. The paper also
      highlights gaps in evidence and the need for strong institutional leadership from
      UN agencies in ending the criminalisation of consensual sexual activity. This
      paper serves two goals: (1) highlighting the current state of research and
      emphasising where key institutions have or have not provided appropriate
      leadership on these issues and (2) establishing a forward-looking agenda that
      includes a concerted response to the inappropriate use of the criminal law with
      respect to sexuality as part of the global response to HIV.

PMID- 22050482
TI  - Cytokinin-facilitated proteolysis of ARABIDOPSIS RESPONSE REGULATOR 2 attenuates
      signaling output in two-component circuitry.
AB  - Cytokinins propagate signals via multiple phosphorelays in a mechanism similar to
      bacterial two-component systems. In Arabidopsis, signal outputs are determined by
      the activation state of transcription factors termed type-B Arabidopsis response
      regulators (ARRs); however, their regulatory mechanisms are largely unknown. In
      this study, we demonstrate that the proteolysis of ARR2, a type-B ARR, modulates
      cytokinin signaling outputs. ARR2-hemagglutinin (HA) is rapidly degraded by
      cytokinin treatment, but other type-B ARRs, such as ARR1-HA, ARR10-HA, ARR12-HA
      and ARR18-HA, are not. ARR2 degradation is mediated by the 26S proteasome
      pathway, and requires cytokinin-induced phosphorylation of Asp80 residue in the
      receiver domain. Through mutational analysis of amino acid residues in the
      receiver domain, we found that substitution of Lys90 with Gly inhibits ARR2
      degradation. ARR2(K90G) -HA in transgenic Arabidopsis conferred enhanced
      cytokinin sensitivity in various developmental processes, including primary root
      elongation, callus induction, leaf senescence and hypocotyl growth. ARR2(K90G) 
      HA increased the expression of type-A ARRs, primary cytokinin-responsive genes
      and indicators of signaling output in two-component circuits. Expression of
      ARR2(K90G) -HA from the native ARR2 promoter in the arr2-4 knock-out mutant also
      increased cytokinin sensitivity. In conclusion, ARR2 proteolysis is involved in
      the maintenance of the primary signaling output for normal developmental
      processes mediated by cytokinin in Arabidopsis.

PMID- 22050484
TI  - Scientific consensus forum to review the evidence underpinning the
      recommendations of the Australian SIDS and Kids Safe Sleeping Health Promotion
      Programme--October 2010.
AB  - This paper summarises a 1-day scientific consensus forum that reviewed the
      evidence underpinning the Australian SIDS and Kids Safe Sleeping Health Promotion
      Programme. The focus was on each of the potentially modifiable risk factors for
      sudden unexpected deaths in infancy, including sudden infant death syndrome
      (SIDS) and fatal sleeping accidents. In particular infant sleeping position,
      covering of the face, exposure to cigarette smoke, room sharing, unsafe sleeping
      environments, bed sharing, immunisation, breastfeeding, pacifier use and
      Indigenous issues were discussed in depth. The participants recommended that
      future 'Reducing the Risk' campaign messages should focus on back to sleep, face
      uncovered, avoidance of cigarette smoke before and after birth, safe sleeping
      environment, room sharing and sleeping baby in own cot.

PMID- 22050485
TI  - Azithromycin in periodontal treatment: more than an antibiotic.
AB  - Azithromycin is a macrolide antibiotic used extensively in medicine for the
      treatment of a wide range of infections such as upper respiratory tract
      infections, middle ear infections, sexually transmitted infections and trachoma.
      It is also effective against the most common periodontopathogens. The versatility
      of the macrolides extends beyond their antibiotic properties as a result of their
      well-documented immune-modulating/anti-inflammatory effects. Macrolides,
      including azithromycin, are therefore used to treat diseases not associated with
      bacteria, such as severe asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases and, more
      recently, cystic fibrosis. Azithromycin is concentrated in neutrophils,
      macrophages and particularly fibroblasts; all of these cells are central players
      in the pathogenesis of most periodontal diseases. This paper reviews the diverse
      properties of azithromycin and the clinical periodontal studies of its effects in
      both the treatment of periodontitis and in resolving drug-related gingival
      overgrowth. Evidence exists to support the use of a single course of azithromycin
      in the treatment of advanced periodontal diseases. Azithromycin could have a
      triple role in the treatment and resolution of periodontal diseases: suppressing
      periodontopathogens, anti-inflammatory activity and healing through persistence
      at low levels in macrophages and fibroblasts in periodontal tissues, even after a
      single course of three tablets. If future periodontal research confirms these
      properties, it could become a valuable host-modulator in periodontal treatment.

PMID- 22050483
TI  - A single beta adaptin contributes to AP1 and AP2 complexes and clathrin function
      in Dictyostelium.
AB  - The assembly of clathrin-coated vesicles is important for numerous cellular
      processes, including nutrient uptake and membrane organization. Important
      contributors to clathrin assembly are four tetrameric assembly proteins, also
      called adaptor proteins (APs), each of which contains a beta subunit. We
      identified a single beta subunit, named beta1/2, that contributes to both the AP1
      and AP2 complexes of Dictyostelium. Disruption of the gene encoding beta1/2
      resulted in severe defects in growth, cytokinesis and development. Additionally,
      cells lacking beta1/2 displayed profound osmoregulatory defects including the
      absence of contractile vacuoles and mislocalization of contractile vacuole
      markers. The phenotypes of beta1/2 null cells were most similar to previously
      described phenotypes of clathrin and AP1 mutants, supporting a particularly
      important contribution of AP1 to clathrin pathways in Dictyostelium cells. The
      absence of beta1/2 in cells led to significant reductions in the protein amounts
      of the medium-sized subunits of the AP1 and AP2 complexes, establishing a role
      for the beta subunit in the stability of the medium subunits. Dictyostelium
      beta1/2 could resemble a common ancestor of the more specialized beta1 and beta2
      subunits of the vertebrate AP complexes. Our results support the essential
      contribution of a single beta subunit to the stability and function of AP1 and
      AP2 in a simple eukaryote.

PMID- 22050486
TI  - Robotic versus open distal ureteral reconstruction and reimplantation for benign
      stricture disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Minimally invasive techniques are currently used for
      numerous urologic procedures, given decreased morbidity and equivalent outcomes
      to open surgery. There is, however, a relative paucity of data related to robot
      assisted ureteral reimplantation (RAUR) in adult patients for benign stricture
      disease. We sought to determine the periprocedure outcomes of open distal
      ureteral reimplantation vs RAUR at our institution. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We
      retrospectively identified 10 consecutive mid/distal RAUR procedures performed by
      one surgeon since 2005. Twenty-four patients undergoing open mid/distal ureter
      reconstruction over the same period were identified, and 10 controls matched for
      age and body mass index (BMI) were used for comparison. Demographic, operative,
      and clinical/radiographic outcomes were compared. RESULTS: Etiology of the
      strictures included stone disease (n=8, 40%), iatrogenic injury during previous
      abdominopelvic surgery (n=10, 50%), or other causes (n=2, 10%). None of the
      robotic procedures necessitated conversion to open surgery. No intraoperative
      complications occurred. Six neocystostomies, three psoas hitches, and one Boari
      flap were completed in an open fashion. Four neocystostomies, four psoas hitches,
      and two Boari flaps were performed in the RAUR group. Estimated blood loss (30.6
      vs 327.5 mL, P=0.001) and length of hospital stay (2.4 vs 5.1 d, P=0.01) were
      significantly reduced in the robotic group. Median BMI (29.4+/-5.3 vs 26.5+/-5.2,
      P=0.130) and operative time in minutes (306.6 vs 270.0 min, P=0.316) were higher
      in the robotic group, although these were not statistically significant. None of
      the patients in either group had clinical or radiologic evidence of recurrent
      stricture disease at a median follow-up of 30 and 24 months in the open and RAUR
      groups, respectively. The retrospective comparative nature of this study may
      introduce selection bias. CONCLUSIONS: In experienced hands, RAUR for mid/distal
      benign ureteral strictures appears to be a reasonable alternative to open
      surgery.

PMID- 22050487
TI  - Which is more important in predicting the outcome of extracorporeal shockwave
      lithotripsy of solitary renal stones: stone location or stone burden?
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the effect of stone location and burden on the outcome of
      extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) as a primary treatment of solitary
      renal stone. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study included 438 patients with a
      solitary renal stone who underwent SWL as a primary treatment for their stones.
      All were evaluated by plain radiography of the kidneys, ureters, and bladder
      (KUB), ultrasonography, intravenous urography, or noncontrast enhanced CT before
      SWL and followed up for 3 months after treatment by KUB radiography and/or
      ultrasonography. Patients were classified into four groups according to stone
      location (renal pelvis, lower, middle, and upper calix) and three groups
      according to stone burden (<= 1 cm(2), 1.1-2 cm(2), and >2 cm(2)). Treatment
      outcome was considered successful if no residual fragments (stone free) or
      clinically insignificant nonobstructing residuals less than 4 mm remained after 3
      months of follow-up. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 45.1 +/- 12.5
      years. The mean stone burden, number of sessions, and shockwaves for the whole
      study were 1.3 +/- 0.49 cm(2), 2.1 +/- 0.7 sessions, and 5616.6 +/- 2017.4
      shockwaves, respectively. The stone-free rate of the study was 65.1%. The stone
      free rates of the stones in the renal pelvis, lower, middle, and upper calices
      were 72.4%, 56%, 55.6%, and 69%, respectively. The stone-free rate of the stones
      <= 1 cm(2), 1.1 to 2 cm(2), and >2 cm(2) was 50.2%, 39.6%, and 10.2%,
      respectively (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Stone burden rather than stone location is
      considered as a predicting factor for the outcome of SWL in a solitary renal
      stone, especially in the renal pelvis and lower calix.

PMID- 22050488
TI  - Multi-institutional analysis of robot-assisted partial nephrectomy for renal
      tumors >4 cm versus <= 4 cm in 445 consecutive patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Robot-assisted partial nephrectomy (RPN) has emerged as a
      viable approach to minimally invasive surgery for small renal tumors. There are
      few reports of RPN for tumors >4 cm. Our objective was to evaluate outcomes of
      RPN for tumors >4 cm compared with RPN for tumors <= 4 cm in a large multi
      institutional study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We reviewed data for 445 consecutive
      patients who underwent RPN by experienced surgeons at four academic institutions
      from 2006 to 2010. Patients were stratified into two groups according to
      radiographic tumor size. Patient demographics, perioperative outcomes, and
      oncologic outcomes were recorded. RESULTS: A total of 83 of 445 (18.7%) patients
      had tumors >4 cm with a median radiographic tumor size of 5.0 cm (4.1-11 cm).
      Patients with tumors >4 cm had a higher proportion of hilar tumors (9.8% vs 4.7%,
      P<0.001), a higher mean R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry score (8.0 vs 6.3, P<0.01), longer
      warm ischemia time (WIT) (24 vs 17 min, P<0.001), and an increased rate of
      collecting system repair (72.2% vs 51.6%, P=0.006) compared with patients with
      tumors <= 4 cm. Functional outcomes and complications were similar between
      groups. There were no positive margins in patients with tumors >4 cm and only one
      recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: In the largest multi-institutional series of RPN for
      tumors >4 cm, we demonstrate safety, feasibility, and efficacy of RPN for tumors
      >4 cm. Patients with tumors >4 cm had a higher nephrometry score, longer WIT, and
      slightly higher estimated blood loss compared with patients who had tumors <= 4
      cm, but there was no increased risk of adverse outcomes in the hands of
      experienced surgeons.

PMID- 22050489
TI  - Introduction and validation of the American Urological Association Basic
      Laparoscopic Urologic Surgery skills curriculum.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The Fundamentals of Laparoscopic Surgery (FLS(TM)) skills
      curriculum has validity evidence supporting use for assessing laparoscopic skills
      for general surgeons. As charged by the American Urological Association (AUA)
      Laparoscopy, Robotic, and New Surgical Technology Committee, we sought to develop
      and validate a urology-specific FLS, referred to as the Basic Laparoscopic
      Urologic Surgery (BLUS((c))) skills curriculum. The psychomotor component
      consists of three existing FLS tasks and one new clip-applying task. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: An animate renal artery model was designed for a clip-applying
      skills task. We assessed the acceptability and construct validity of using BLUS
      for basic laparoscopic skills assessment for urologists. A cohort of practicing
      urologists, fellows, residents, and medical students completed the tasks at the
      AUA Annual Meetings in 2010 and 2011. RESULTS: All exercises were acceptable and
      demonstrated excellent face and content validity (>4.5/5 on a five-point Likert
      scale). Practicing clinical urologists (N=81) outperformed residents and medical
      students (N=35) in time to completion of circle cut (P<0.01) and in keeping
      scissor tips toward the center of the circle (P<0.01). Practicing urologists who
      reported >3 laparoscopic procedures per week were faster at the peg-transfer
      exercise (P<0.05) and the cutting exercise (P<0.01) than those reporting one to
      two procedures. More errors were committed for clip-applying among practicing
      urologists who perform one to two laparoscopic procedures (1.24) vs. those who
      perform >3 procedures (0.57) per week (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: All exercises
      including the novel clip-applying model demonstrated good acceptability and
      evidence of construct validity (face, content, concurrent and convergent
      validity) for assessment of basic laparoscopic skill for urologic surgeons.

PMID- 22050490
TI  - Pelvic lymph node dissection for patients with elevated risk of lymph node
      invasion during radical prostatectomy: comparison of open, laparoscopic and robot
      assisted procedures.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Published outcomes of pelvic lymph node dissection (PLND)
      during robot-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) demonstrate significant
      variability. The purpose of the study was to compare PLND outcomes in patients at
      risk for lymph node involvement (LNI) who were undergoing radical prostatectomy
      (RP) by different surgeons and surgical approaches. PATIENTS AND METHODS:
      Institutional policy initiated on January 1, 2010, mandated that all patients
      undergoing RP receive a standardized PLND with inclusion of the hypogastric
      region when predicted risk of LNI was >= 2%. We analyzed the outcomes of
      consecutive patients meeting these criteria from January 1 to September 1, 2010
      by surgeons and surgical approach. All patients underwent RP; surgical approach
      (open radical retropubic [ORP], laparoscopic [LRP], RALP) was selected by the
      consulting surgeon. Differences in lymph node yield (LNY) between surgeons and
      surgical approaches were compared using multivariable linear regression with
      adjustment for clinical stage, biopsy Gleason grade, prostate-specific antigen
      (PSA) level, and age. RESULTS: Of 330 patients (126 ORP, 78 LRP, 126 RALP), 323
      (98%) underwent PLND. There were no significant differences in characteristics
      between approaches, but the nomogram probability of LNI was slightly greater for
      ORP than RALP (P=0.04). LNY was high (18 nodes) by all approaches; more nodes
      were removed by ORP and LRP (median 20, 19, respectively) than RALP (16) after
      adjusting for stage, grade, PSA level, and age (P=0.015). Rates of LNI were high
      (14%) with no difference between approaches when adjusted for nomogram
      probability of LNI (P=0.15). Variation in median LNY among individual surgeons
      was considerable for all three approaches (11-28) (P=0.005) and was much greater
      than the variability by approach. CONCLUSIONS: PLND, including hypogastric nodal
      packet, can be performed by any surgical approach, with slightly different yields
      but similar pathologic outcomes. Individual surgeon commitment to PLND may be
      more important than approach.

PMID- 22050491
TI  - Editorial comment for Ma et al.

PMID- 22050492
TI  - Severe primary obstructive megaureter in the first year of life: preliminary
      experience with endoscopic balloon dilation.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Although conservative management is indicated in most
      cases of primary obstructed megaureter (POM), surgery is still indicated when POM
      is associated with increasing dilation, symptoms, or progressive renal damage.
      Surgery is associated with a significant rate of complications, however,
      especially in the case of very large ureter in the first year of life. A valid
      alternative could be endoscopic high pressure balloon dilation (EHPBD) of the
      vesicoureteral junction (VUJ). We report the first experience with EHPBD in
      patients under 1 year of age who were affected by severe POM. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: Five patients, aged between 6 and 12 months, were treated with EHPBD. In
      all patients, preoperative renal ultrasonography showed a distal ureteral
      dilation >=15 mm that increased at later evaluations; an obstructive pattern was
      detected by preoperative diuretic renography. An 8-9,8 F cystoscope, and a 3F
      balloon catheter (balloon maximum diameter 4 mm) was used. The VUJ was dilated
      for 5 minutes at 12 to 14 atm. A 4.7F Double-J stent was then positioned and left
      in place for 6 to 8 weeks. Ultrasonography was performed every 3 months, and
      renography and voiding cystourethrography the fourth month after the EHPBD.
      RESULTS: No operative complications were observed. All the patients showed an
      improvement at the ultrasonography postoperative follow-up, and there was no
      evidence of obstruction/reflux at the postoperative check up. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      preliminary results seem to indicate that EHPBD is a feasible, safe, and
      successful procedure. It could play a role as a minimally invasive alternative to
      open surgery in cases of POM that necessitate intervention in the first year of
      life. Longer follow-up is necessary to verify the stability of these results.

PMID- 22050493
TI  - Does size really matter? The impact of prostate volume on the efficacy and safety
      of GreenLight HPSTM laser photoselective vaporization of the prostate.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of GreenLight HPSTM laser
      photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) for the treatment of benign
      prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in patients with different prostate volumes. PATIENTS
      AND METHODS: Between July 2006 and February 2011, 207 consecutive patients were
      identified from a prospectively maintained urologic database. Based on
      preoperative prostate volume measured by transrectal ultrasonography, patients
      were stratified into two groups: >= 80 cc (group 1, n=57) and < 80 cc (group 2,
      n=150). Transurethral PVP was performed using a 120W GreenLight HPS side-firing
      laser system. American Urological Association Symptom Score (AUASS), quality-of
      life (QoL) score, maximum flow rate (Qmax), and postvoid residual (PVR) volume
      were measured preoperatively and at 1 and 4 weeks and 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, and 36
      months postoperatively. RESULTS: Among the preoperative parameters evaluated,
      there were significant differences (P<0.05) in the incidence of preoperative
      urinary retention (1: 24.6%; 2: 7.3%), serum prostate-specific antigen level (1:
      4.5 +/- 2.7; 2: 1.8 +/- 1.9 ng/mL), QoL (1: 4.2 +/- 1.1; 2: 4.7 +/- 0.9), and
      mean prostate volume (1: 118.1 +/- 37.9; 2: 48.5 +/- 15.5 cc), while AUASS, Qmax,
      and PVR were similar (P>0.05) between groups. Significant differences (P<0.05) in
      laser use (1: 22.8 +/- 13.3; 2: 10.4 +/- 6.4 minutes) and energy usage (1: 152.7
      +/- 90.6; 2: 70.9 +/- 44.8 kJ) were also noted. Clinical outcomes (AUASS, QoL,
      Qmax, and PVR) showed immediate and stable improvement from baseline (P<0.05)
      within each group, but no significant differences between the two groups were
      observed during the follow-up period (P>0.05). The incidence of adverse events
      was low and similar in both cohorts. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that
      prostate volume has little effect on the efficacy and safety of GreenLight HPS
      laser PVP, and that this technique remains a viable surgical option for BPH,
      irrespective of preoperative prostate volume.

PMID- 22050494
TI  - Renal transplant lithiasis: analysis of our series and review of the literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Renal transplant lithiasis represents a rather uncommon
      complication. Even rare, it can result in significant morbidity and a devastating
      loss of renal function if obstruction occurs. We present our experience with
      graft lithiasis in our series of renal transplantations and review the literature
      regarding the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and current therapeutic strategies
      in the management of renal transplant lithiasis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a
      retrospective analysis of a consecutive series of 1525 renal transplantations
      that were performed between January 1983 and March 2007, 7 patients were found to
      have allograft lithiasis. In five cases, the calculi were localized in the renal
      unit, and in two cases, in the ureter. A review in the English language was also
      performed of the Medline and PubMed databases using the keywords renal transplant
      lithiasis, donor-gifted lithiasis, and urological complications after kidney
      transplantation. Several retrospective studies regarding the incidence, etiology,
      as well as predisposing factors for graft lithiasis were reviewed. Data regarding
      the current therapeutic strategies for graft lithiasis were also evaluated, and
      outcomes were compared with the results of our series. RESULTS: Most studies
      report a renal transplant lithiasis incidence of 0.4% to 1%. In our series,
      incidence of graft lithiasis was 0.46% (n=7). Of the seven patients, three were
      treated via percutaneous nephrolithotripsy (PCNL); in three patients, shockwave
      lithotripsy (SWL) was performed; and in a single case, spontaneous passage of a
      urinary calculus was observed. All patients are currently stone free but still
      remain under close urologic surveillance. CONCLUSION: Renal transplant lithiasis
      requires vigilance, a high index of suspicion, prompt recognition, and
      management. Treatment protocols should mimic those for solitary kidneys.
      Minimally invasive techniques are available to remove graft calculi. Long-term
      follow-up is essential to determine the outcome, as well as to prevent
      recurrence.

PMID- 22050495
TI  - Staghorn morphometry: a new tool for clinical classification and prediction model
      for percutaneous nephrolithotomy monotherapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Staghorn stone volume and its distribution within the
      collecting system, "staghorn morphometry," predicts the requirement of tract and
      stage for percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) monotherapy. The purpose of the
      study was to develop a CT urography staghorn morphometry-based prediction
      algorithm to predict tract(s) and stage(s) for PCNL monotherapy and classify
      staghorn accordingly. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective case-control design
      of 94 units was used. CT software calculated the total stone volume (TSV) with
      absolute volume and percentile volume in the pelvis, planned entry calix,
      favorable and unfavorable calix. Entry calix was the optimum calix chosen,
      keeping the relations of the ribs and adjoining viscera that could clear maximum
      stone volume. Unfavorable calix was defined as having an acute angle from the
      entry calix and infundibular width of <= 8 mm. A prediction model with odds ratio
      (OR) (95% confidence interval) was constructed on univariate and multivariate
      regression factors. RESULTS: On univariate analysis, TSV (P=0.013), unfavorable
      calix stone volume (0.007), and percentile distribution of stone in pelvis
      (0.026), pelvis and entry calix (<0.001), and unfavorable calix (0.001) predicted
      tracts while total stone (<0.001), pelvic stone (0.0046), and unfavorable calix
      stone (<0.001) volume and percentile volume in pelvis (0.04), pelvis and entry
      calix (0.005) and unfavorable calix (P<0.001) predicted stage. Multivariate
      analysis showed that unfavorable calix stone percentile volume predicted tract
      (area under the curve [AUC] - 0.91) while TSV and unfavorable calix stone
      percentile volume (AUC - 0.846) predicted stage. The OR-based prediction model
      suggested a need for single tract and stage PCNL vs multiple tract and stage PCNL
      for TSV and unfavorable calix percentile stone volume of (<5,000 mm(3) and 5%)
      and (>20,000 mm(3) and 10%), respectively. CONCLUSION: The model predicts the
      tract and stage for PCNL monotherapy. Staghorn morphometry differentiates
      staghorn into type 1 (single tract and stage); type 2 (single tract
      single/multiple stage, or multiple tract-single stage), and type 3 (multiple
      tract and stage).

PMID- 22050496
TI  - Comparison of three different analgesic protocols during shockwave lithotripsy.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Shockwave lithotripsy (SWL) is one of the most important
      treatment modalities for urinary stone disease. The procedure may cause pain, and
      patient relaxation and cooperation are crucial in maintaining stone localization
      for optimal fragmentation and patient comfort during the procedure. As yet, there
      is not a standard analgesic protocol for patients undergoing SWL. We aimed to use
      three different analgesic agents and compare their efficacy during SWL in this
      study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Written informed consents were obtained from 95
      patients with kidney stones, and they were randomized to receive lornoxicam
      (group L, n=32 patients), paracetamol (group P, n=31 patients), and tramadol with
      a patient-controlled analgesia device (group T, n=32 patients). All groups
      received patient-controlled analgesia with tramadol during the SWL procedure. The
      intensity of pain was evaluated with a visual analog scale (VAS). RESULTS: The
      mean age of the patients was 41.87 +/- 16.53 years, 44.07 +/- 11.48 years, and
      41.24 +/- 14.82 years in group L, group P, and group T, respectively. No
      significant differences were found between the three groups concerning patient
      age, stone location, or session duration (P>0.05). The mean VAS scores and
      analgesic consumption were lower in group L compared with other groups (P<0.05).
      CONCLUSION: The results of this study showed that additional administration of
      analgesics was decreased with intravenous lornoxicam in comparison with
      paracetamol and only tramadol.

PMID- 22050497
TI  - Radiopaque laser fiber for holmium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet laser lithotripsy:
      critical evaluation.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Laser energy has gained widespread use, not only in stone
      treatment, but also in multiple endourologic procedures such as endopyelotomy and
      incision of ureteral strictures. Furthermore, laser use gains access to open,
      laparoscopic, and robot-assisted surgery. Therefore, potential complications,
      such as fiber breakage and detection of these radiolucent fiber remainders, may
      become of interest. The aim of this study was to evaluate a prototype of a
      radiopaque laser fiber that was designed for lithotripsy with a holmium:yttrium
      aluminum-garnet laser. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A gold-clad 200-MUm optical laser
      fiber was evaluated for its influence on deflection, fiber degradation, as well
      as radiopaque property in vitro and in vivo. The results were compared with a
      commercially available 200 MUm optical core lithotripsy fiber. RESULTS: The gold
      clad prototype fiber showed radiopaque property in vitro as well as in vivo,
      although high body mass index reduces visibility. Introducing the fiber into a
      flexible ureteroscope had no influence on deflection properties or the diameter
      of the fully deflected tip. Fiber burn was considerably low and comparable to
      that of the standard fiber. CONCLUSION: The 200 MUm optical core gold-cladd fiber
      prototype offers comparable performance to a commercially available fiber of the
      same optical core diameter. Radiopaque property was proven in vitro as well as
      intracorporeally, thereby adding an additional safety feature to laser treatment
      in endourology as well as in laparoscopic and robotic surgery.

PMID- 22050498
TI  - Laparoendoscopic single-site radical cystectomy and urinary diversion: initial
      experience in China using a homemade single-port device.
AB  - PURPOSE: We report our initial experience with the first series of
      laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) radical cystectomy and urinary diversion
      performed by a single surgeon using a homemade single-port device at a single
      institution in China. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between December 2010 and February
      2011, we performed five LESS radical cystectomis using a homemade single-port
      device composed of an inverted cone device of polycarbonate and a powder-free
      surgical glove. The port was placed into a 5-cm periumbilical incision. The
      conventional laparoscope and laparoscopic instruments were inserted through the
      single-port. No additional ports were needed for radical cystoprostatectomy and
      bilateral standard pelvic lymphadenectomy. Cutaneous ureterostomy and ileal
      conduit urinary diversion were used for our patients, respectively.
      Perioperatively, oncologic data and complications were collected and analyzed.
      RESULTS: All the procedures were completed successfully. The mean extirpative
      operative time was 208.2 (168-280) minutes, estimated blood loss was 270 (100
      500) mL, bowel recovering time was 9.75 (6-12) days, and postoperative hospital
      stay was 19.5 (14-28) days. One patient needed a transfusion of 400 mL of red
      blood cells. The pathologic evaluation revealed negative margins and negative
      lymph node involvement. After the operations, one patient had a bowel
      obstruction, while another patient died from cardiac disease. Mean follow-up time
      was 143 (110-173) days. CONCLUSIONS: In our experience, LESS radical cystectomy
      is clinically feasible and safe for selected patients, but requires a learning
      curve. Our homemade single-port device is a cost-effective and convenient device.
      Although the initial outcomes have been promising, the long-term oncologic
      evaluation of these patients awaits.

PMID- 22050499
TI  - Photoselective GreenLightTM laser vaporization versus transurethral resection of
      the prostate in Greece: a comparative cost analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare photoselective vaporization of the prostate (PVP) using the
      120W GreenLightTM laser with transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) in
      terms of their cost to the Greek National Health Service (NHS) or to the Public
      Insurance Sickness Funds (PISF). PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective cost
      evaluation with 1-year follow-up of 60 patients with infravesical obstruction of
      benign prostatic hyperplasia origin who underwent o either TURP (n=30) or PVP
      (n=30). The cost of equipment, consumables, anesthesia, drugs, inpatient
      hospitalization, and complication management within 1 year postoperatively were
      used to calculate the cost for the NHS. PISF reimbursements to hospitals and PISF
      opportunity cost from the lost days of work were used to calculate PISF
      perspective. RESULTS: From the NHS perspective, the average cost was ?1722
      ($2371) for PVP and ?2132 ($2935) for TURP. From the PISF perspective, the
      average cost for hospital reimbursement was ?1348 ($1856) in the case of PVP and
      ?938 ($1291) in the case of TURP. Nevertheless, in the case of patients still
      working, total PISF reimbursement cost was ?2038 ($2806) for PVP and ?2666
      ($3671) for TURP. CONCLUSIONS: PVP for 40 to 70 cc prostates is preferable from
      the perspective of the NHS. From the perspective of PISF, PVP is less costly only
      in the case of patients who are still working, because patients who undergo PVP
      stay much less out of work. Further investigation in larger populations as well
      as in different protocols of PVP hospitalization and return to work times is
      deemed necessary to reinforce the conclusions of this study.

PMID- 22050500
TI  - The safety and efficacy of percutaneous nephrolithotomy for management of large
      renal stones in single- versus double-functioning kidney patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: To demonstrate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous nephrolithotomy
      (PCNL) for management of large renal stones between single-functioning kidney and
      double-kidney patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Thirty single-functioning kidneys
      and 30 double-kidney patients with a mean age of 38.5 (+/-15.6) years in the
      single group and 42.1 (+/-14.3) years in the double group (range 11-72 years)
      underwent PCNL for renal stones larger than 2 cm. The effect of PCNL on global
      and regional cortical activity was measured using quantitative single-photon
      emission CT measurement of technetium-99m ((99m)Tc) dimercaptosuccinic acid
      (DMSA) scan uptake by the kidneys before and 6 months after PCNL. Variables
      assessed were stone bulk, size, location, the number of punctures, and anatomic
      factors. Average hemoglobin and serum creatinine changes, mean operative time,
      transfusion rate, hospital stay, and different complications were also assessed.
      RESULTS: Mean stone size, mean hospital stay, success rate, and complications
      were statistically similar in both groups. Mean serum creatinine changes
      (preoperative and postoperative) were not statistically significant between the
      two groups (P=0.12). Mean hemoglobin drop (preoperative and postoperative) in
      both groups was significant, and there was a valuable difference between them
      (P=0.01). There was a significant difference in the uptake by the treated kidneys
      before vs after PCNL between both groups statistically (P=0.019), so that the
      DMSA renal uptake was obviously higher 6 months after PCNL in the double-kidney
      group compared with its uptake in the single-functioning kidney group.
      CONCLUSION: (99m)Tc-DMSA renal scan confirms that renal function was preserved or
      even often improved after percutaneous stone removal, and the procedure had no
      detrimental effects on renal function in both groups. There was no statistically
      significant difference between these groups in terms of morbidity and stone
      clearance.

PMID- 22050501
TI  - Outpatient simultaneous treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and bladder
      lithiasis with GreenLightTM and holmium laser.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate our experience in the combined treatment of benign prostatic
      hyperplasia (BPH) and bladder lithiasis with GreenLight(TM) and holmium laser,
      respectively, on an outpatient basis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From August 2006 to
      May 2009, 20 patients with prostatic hyperplasia and bladder lithiasis were
      treated. First, the lithiasis was treated, and then the GreenLight laser
      vaporization of the prostate was performed, both at the same surgical time and
      under general anesthesia. Discharge of patients was scheduled 3 to 4 hours after
      completion of the procedure. RESULTS: The procedure was simultaneously completed
      in 19 of 20 patients. The mean stone size was 2.3 (1-4) cm, and the mean prostate
      volume was 56.5 (30-108) cc. The mean operating time was 115 (50-190) minutes.
      There was a significant percentage change in maximum flow, postmicturition
      residual volume, and International Prostate Symptom Score, which were 129.5%,
      88.4%, and 68.3%, respectively. All patients were stone free after the procedure.
      CONCLUSIONS: The combined transurethral treatment of BPH associated with bladder
      lithiasis by means of GreenLight laser vaporization and holmium laser lithotripsy
      on an outpatient basis can be performed safely and yields excellent results.

PMID- 22050502
TI  - Ex-vivo ureteroscopy at the time of live donor nephrectomy: a word of caution.

PMID- 22050503
TI  - Isoprostane: quantitation of renal ischemia and reperfusion injury after renal
      artery clamping in an animal model.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Laparoscopic and robotic partial nephrectomy involves
      temporary clamping of the renal artery, making the kidney susceptible to ischemic
      damage. Isoprostane represents one potential marker of oxidative injury. The
      objective was to determine if renal interstitial isoprostane levels can
      quantitate renal damage secondary to warm ischemia. A second goal is to
      investigate allopurinol for renoprotective abilities using this model. We chose
      to investigate potential renoprotection of allopurinol because previous studies
      have demonstrated transplant kidneys pretreated with allopurinol to have less
      damage from ischemia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A microdialysis probe was inserted
      into the renal parenchyma of rats to allow continuous dialysis and collection of
      the effluent for isoprostane levels. After clamping of the renal vessels for
      predefined intervals of ischemia, the interstitial effluent from the probe was
      collected and subsequently analyzed for isoprostane levels with and without
      allopurinol pretreatment. RESULTS: Clamping of the renal artery and vein produced
      increases in isoprostane levels during the ischemic period and larger increases
      during reperfusion. There was a trend for increased postclamp isoprostane levels
      as clamp times increased. When comparing isoprostane levels in rats that did not
      receive allopurinol, there were significant differences between the clamp and
      postclamp levels of isoprostane, with allopurinol offering protection to the
      kidney from ischemic changes caused by clamping the renal hilum. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      data have demonstrated that isoprostane levels are a potential real-time marker
      of renal ischemia and reperfusion injury. We also found allopurinol
      administration demonstrated a trend toward renoprotective abilities in the hilar
      occluded kidney.

PMID- 22050504
TI  - Pediatric laparoscopic and robot-assisted laparoscopic surgery: technical
      considerations.
AB  - Laparoscopy has become an effective modality for the treatment of many pediatric
      urologic conditions that need both extirpative and reconstructive techniques.
      Laparoscopic procedures for urologic diseases in children, such as pyeloplasty,
      orchiopexy, nephrectomy, and bladder augmentation, have proven to be safe and
      effective with outcomes comparable to those of open techniques. Given the steep
      learning curve and technical difficulty of laparoscopic surgery, robot-assisted
      laparoscopic surgery (RAS) is increasingly being adopted in pediatric patients
      worldwide. Anything that can be performed laparoscopically in adults can be
      extended into pediatric practice with minor technical refinements. We review the
      role of laparoscopic and RAS in pediatric urology and provide technical
      considerations necessary to perform minimally invasive surgery successfully.

PMID- 22050505
TI  - Intermediate-term outcomes after renal cryoablation: results of a multi
      institutional study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To present intermediate-term oncologic efficacy of cryoablation (CA) for
      the treatment of patients with small renal masses in a multi-institution
      multisurgeon cohort. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed billing
      records and tumor registries, identifying 116 renal tumors in 116 patients
      treated with CA by six surgeons at four institutions. Patient age, sex, tumor
      size, RENAL nephrometry score, complications, and recurrences were recorded.
      RESULTS: One hundred-sixteen patients (66.4% male, 33.6% female) with 116 tumors
      underwent renal mass CA with a mean follow-up of 27.4 months (range 1-112 mos).
      Mean tumor size was 2.76 +/- 0.97 cm (range 1.1-5.5 cm). Twenty-seven
      complications occurred in 23 patients for an overall complication rate of 19.8%.
      Low-grade complications (Clavien I and II) accounted for 92.6% (n=25) of overall
      complications. Seven (6%) patients had enhancement on initial imaging and were
      considered incomplete ablations. Local recurrence and metastatic disease
      developed in four and one patients, respectively. In patients with biopsy-proven
      renal-cell carcinoma (RCC), the 2- and 5-year recurrence-free survival (RFS)
      probability was 0.83 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.74, 0.95) and 0.77 (95% CI:
      0.60, 0.94), respectively. After excluding biopsy proven RCC patients with
      incomplete ablations, the 2- and 5-year RFS increased to 0.91 (95% CI: 0.82,
      1.00) and 0.85 (95% CI: 0.71, 1.00) respectively. CONCLUSION: CA of renal masses
      results in acceptable oncologic efficacy accompanied by a tolerable complication
      profile in a cohort with a mean follow-up of 27.4 months. CA remains a viable
      treatment option for small renal masses in selected patients.

PMID- 22050506
TI  - Laparoendoscopic single-site nephrectomy in obese living renal donors.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) surgery has been
      shown to be feasible in living donor nephrectomies (DNs). Obesity is an
      established risk factor for perioperative morbidity. We sought to determine
      whether LESS-DN is safe and effective in the obese (body mass index [BMI] >=30
      kg/m(2)) population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between August 2009 and September
      2010, 125 consecutive LESS-DN were performed; 32 patients were obese. This group
      was matched to 32 nonobese LESS-DN (BMI <30 kg/m(2)) patients, 32 obese
      conventional laparoscopic DN (obese LAP-DN) patients, and 32 nonobese LAP-DN
      patients. Comparison parameters included organ recovery time, operative time,
      estimated blood loss (EBL), warm ischemia time (WIT), incision length,
      complications, and recipient allograft function. RESULTS: Demographic data were
      similar between the groups, except BMI (P>0.0001). Organ recovery time, EBL, WIT,
      complications, and recipient allograft function were similar between the obese
      LESS-DN group and the other three groups (P>0.05). Total operative time was
      longer in the obese LESS-DN compared with the nonobese LAP-DN (P<0.0001);
      however, incision length was shorter in the obese LESS-DN group compared with
      either LAP group (P<0.0001). Complete LESS-DN was successful in 62 (97%) cases
      (two obese donor cases were converted to hand-assisted laparoscopy). CONCLUSIONS:
      Our results indicate that LESS-DN can be performed safely in obese donors without
      increased donor morbidity and similar recipient allograft outcomes compared with
      ideal-sized donors as well as with conventional LAP-DN patients.

PMID- 22050507
TI  - Preclinical evaluation of new indomethacin-eluting biodegradable urethral stent.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the effect of an indomethacin-eluting biodegradable urethral
      stent on the production of inflammatory cytokines in vitro and the degradation
      and biocompatibility of the new stent in vivo. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effects
      of an indomethacin and indomethacin-eluting biodegradable stent on monocyte
      chemoattractant protein (MCP)-1, RANTES (regulated on activation, normal T-cell
      expressed and secreted), and transforming growth factor-beta were measured in THP
      1 cells by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Stents (copolymer of L-lactide and
      glycolide acid) that were coated with 50L/50D polylactic acid and two different
      concentrations of indomethacin were inserted into the rabbit urethra. Stents
      without the drug were used as controls. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was
      used to assess the degradation of the stents. Biocompatibility was evaluated
      using histologic analyses of the urethral specimen. The measurements were
      performed at 3 weeks and 3 months. RESULTS: Indomethacin and indomethacin
      releasing stent material inhibited MCP-1 and RANTES production in activated THP-1
      macrophages. SEM analysis revealed that indomethacin coating had no effect on the
      degradation process of the stents and less epithelial polyposis had developed in
      the indomethacin stent group. In histologic analyses at 3 weeks, indomethacin
      eluting stents caused more calcification but no significant differences in other
      tissue reactions. At 3 months, the indomethacin-eluting stents caused less
      inflammatory reaction and calcification compared with the control stents.
      CONCLUSION: Indomethacin-eluting property can be safely added to biodegradable
      stents without major influence on the degradation time. The development of
      epithelial polyposis in the urethra can be potentially reduced by the new
      indomethacin-eluting urethral stents.

PMID- 22050508
TI  - Does the presence of median lobe affect outcomes of robot-assisted laparoscopic
      radical prostatectomy?
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine whether the presence of median lobe (ML) affects
      perioperative outcomes, positive surgical margin (PSM) rates, and recovery of
      urinary continence after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). PATIENTS
      AND METHODS: We analyzed 1693 consecutive patients undergoing RARP performed by a
      single surgeon. Patients were analyzed in two groups based on the presence or not
      of a ML identified during RARP. Perioperative outcomes, PSM rates, and recovery
      of urinary continence were compared between the groups. Continence was assessed
      using validated questionnaires, and it was defined as the use of "no pads"
      postoperatively. RESULTS: A ML was identified in 323 (19%) patients. Both groups
      had similar estimated blood loss, length of hospital stay, pathologic stage,
      complication rates, anastomotic leakage rates, overall PSM rates, and PSM rate at
      the bladder neck. The median overall operative time was slightly greater in
      patients with ML (80 vs 75 min, P<0.001); however, there was no difference in the
      operative time when stratifying this result by prostate weight. Continence rates
      were also similar between patients with and without ML at 1 week (27.8% vs 27%,
      P=0.870), 4 weeks (42.3% vs 48%, P=0.136), 12 weeks (82.5% vs 86.8%, P=0.107),
      and 24 weeks (91.5% vs 94.1%, P=0.183) after catheter removal. Finally, the
      median time to recovery of continence was similar between the groups (median: 5
      wks, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.41-5.59 vs median: 5 wks, CI 4.66-5.34; log
      rank test, P=0.113). CONCLUSION: The presence of a ML does not affect outcomes of
      RARP performed by an experienced surgeon.

PMID- 22050509
TI  - Mn-porphyrins as novel molecular magnetic resonance imaging contrast agents.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: In this study, we investigated the potential of a new
      class of therapeutic Mn porphyrins as molecular MRI probes for prostate cancer
      imaging. Two compounds of different bioavailibility were investigated: Mn(III)
      meso-tetrakis(N-ethylpyridinium-2-yl)porphyrin (MnTE-2-PyP(5 +)) and Mn(III)
      mesotetrakis(N-n-hexylpyridinium-2-yl)porphyrin (MnTnHex-2-PyP(5 +)). These
      compounds have previously been shown to have adjunctive antineoplastic activity
      through their actions as powerful superoxide dismutase mimics, peroxynitrite
      scavengers, and modulators of cellular redox-based signaling pathways. Strong
      paramagnetic MRI contrast properties and affinity for cancer cells suggest their
      potential application as novel diagnostic imaging agents. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      MRI experiments were performed at 7.0T on a Bruker Biospec horizontal bore
      scanner. All in-vivo experiments were performed on 12 C57 black mice implanted
      with RM-9 prostate cancer cells on the hind limb. Two mg/kg of MnTnHex-2-PyP(5 +)
      (n = 6) and 8 mg/kg MnTE-2-PyP(5 +) (n = 6) were administered intraperitoneally
      90 minutes before imaging. All the images were collected using a volume coil and
      processed using Paravision 4.0. RESULTS: Phantom studies reveal remarkably high
      T1 relaxivity changes for both metalloporphyrins, which are twofold to threefold
      higher than commercially available gadolinium chelates. Observable detection
      limits using conventional T1-weighted MRI are in the low micromolar range for
      both compounds. In vivo, MR relaxation changes in prostate tumor xenografts were
      readily observed after a single injection of either MnTE-2-PyP(5 +) or MnTnHex-2
      PyP(5 +), with tumor contrast to background ratio greatest after MnTE-2-PyP(5 +)
      administration. CONCLUSION: After a single dose of MnTE-2-PyP(5 +), contrast
      changes in prostate tumors are up to sixfold greater than in surrounding,
      noncancerous tissues, suggesting the potential use of this metalloporphyrin as a
      novel diagnostic probe for detecting prostate malignancy using MRI.

PMID- 22050510
TI  - Preoperative warming up exercises improve laparoscopic operative times in an
      experienced laparoscopic surgeon.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Performing warm-up exercises before athletic competition
      or stage performance is very common; however, most surgeons do not "warm up"
      before performing complex surgery. We analyzed the intraoperative effects of
      warming up before surgery in an experienced laparoscopic surgeon. METHODS: A
      retrospective review of all laparoscopic partial (LPN) and radical nephrectomies
      (LRN) completed by an experienced laparoscopic surgeon (RVC) were analyzed
      according to whether warm-up exercises were performed before surgery. Routine
      warm-up consisted of 15 to 20 minutes of pelvic trainer suturing exercises
      (forehand and backhand sutures and knot tying), using both hands. Intraoperative
      and postoperative parameters were examined. RESULTS: LRN and LPN subjects were
      well matched among the warm-up group and nonwarm-up group. Patients in the LPN
      warm-up group did have significantly larger tumors (3.7 cm vs 2.4 cm, P=0.02).
      Despite larger tumors, surgical time was significantly less in the warm-up group
      (227 min vs 281 min, P=0 .04), and total operating room time trended toward
      significance (320 min vs 371 min, P=0.0501). Similarly, in the LRN group,
      operative times and total operating room time was significantly less in the
      preoperative warm-up group (P=0.0068 and P=0.014, respectively). Intraoperative
      and postoperative complications, estimated blood loss, positive margin rate, warm
      ischemia time, length of stay, changes in hemoglobin and creatinine levels from
      baseline were not significantly different between the two groups. CONCLUSION:
      Performing warm-up exercises before complex laparoscopic surgery may improve
      operative times and performance in the operating room, especially for complex
      laparoscopic surgeries.

PMID- 22050511
TI  - Endoscopic assessment and prediction of prostate urethral disintegration after
      histotripsy treatment in a canine model.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Histotripsy is a nonthermal focused ultrasound technology
      that uses acoustic cavitation to homogenize tissue. Previous research has
      demonstrated that the prostatic urethra is more resistant to histotripsy effects
      than prostate parenchyma, a finding that may complicate the creation of
      transurethral resection of the prostate-like treatment cavities. The purpose of
      this study was to characterize the endoscopic appearance of the prostatic urethra
      during and after histotripsy treatment and to identify features that are
      predictive of urethral disintegration. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-five
      histotripsy treatments were delivered in a transverse plane traversing the
      prostatic urethra in 17 canine subjects (1-3/prostate >=1 cm apart). Real-time
      endoscopy was performed in the first four subjects to characterize development of
      acute urethral treatment effect (UTE). Serial postprocedure endoscopy was
      performed in all subjects to assess subsequent evolution of UTE. RESULTS:
      Endoscopy during histotripsy was feasible with observation of intraurethral
      cavitation, allowing characterization of the real-time progression of UTE from
      normal to frank urethral disintegration. While acute urethral fragmentation
      occurred in 3/35 (8.6%) treatments, frank urethral disintegration developed in
      24/35 (68.5%) within 14 days of treatment. Treating until the appearance of
      hemostatic pale gray shaggy urothelium was the best predictor of achieving
      urethral fragmentation within 14 days of treatment with positive and negative
      predictive values of 0.91 and 0.89, respectively. CONCLUSION: Endoscopic
      assessment of the urethra may be a useful adjunct to prostatic histotripsy to
      help guide therapy to ensure urethral disintegration, allowing drainage of the
      homogenized adenoma and effective tissue debulking.

PMID- 22050512
TI  - Is there still a place for the use of nerve stimulation?
AB  - The introduction of nerve stimulation as a method of nerve localization sparked a
      new beginning in regional anesthesia. It was an epochal development akin to the
      utilization of ultrasound in more recent times. Many experts now consider
      ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve blockade to be more efficient, less painful,
      and more successful than landmark and nerve stimulation techniques. However,
      inadvertent intraneural injection continues to occur despite the widespread use
      of ultrasound and nerve stimulation. Both of these technologies allow for only
      limited elucidation of needle position relative to the target nerve and are
      unable to reliably identify intraneural position of the needle. This article will
      review the role of nerve stimulation in modern regional anesthesia techniques in
      light of the introduction of ultrasound technology.

PMID- 22050513
TI  - Diagnosis and therapy for Cushing's disease with negative dynamic MRI finding: a
      single-centre experience.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Most patients with Cushing's disease (CD) will have evidence of an
      adenoma on high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). However, a
      significant minority of patients with CD and biochemical hypercortisolaemia have
      no visible adenoma on MRI. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the
      diagnostic value of preoperative biochemical assessment and accuracy of MRI
      findings on surgical outcome. DESIGN: Retrospective data set analyses. PATIENTS
      AND MEASUREMENT: The clinical, endocrinological, histopathological and surgical
      outcomes of 24 consecutive CD patients with negative MRI findings were compared
      with those of 95 consecutive age- and sex-matched CD patients with pituitary
      adenomas on MRI. RESULTS: The total remission rate was 86.6%. Among all patients,
      87 had concordant positive endocrine tests and underwent neurosurgery, while
      bilateral inferior petrosal sinus sampling (BIPSS) was performed in 12 and 50
      other patients with negative and positive MRI, respectively. A pituitary adenoma,
      confirmed by pathological examination, was found in 83.3% and 93.6% of patients
      with negative and positive MRI, respectively. The remission rate was not
      different between patients with negative and positive MRI (87.5 % and 86.3%,
      respectively; P > 0.05) or between patients who did not undergo BIPSS with
      negative MRI and patients with positive MRI (P > 0.05). The remission rate of
      patients who underwent BIPSS with negative MRI was not different from those not
      undergoing BIPSS (P > 0.05). The recurrence rate was higher, although not
      statistically different, in patients with negative MRI compared to positive ones.
      CONCLUSIONS: Based on the findings outlined, MRI-negative CD may be a surgically
      remediable syndrome, with a pathophysiological basis that primarily involves a
      pituitary cause of the hypercortisolaemia.

PMID- 22050514
TI  - Serotonin 1A receptors, depression, and memory in temporal lobe epilepsy.
AB  - PURPOSE: Memory deficits and depression are common in patients with temporal lobe
      epilepsy (TLE). Previous positron emission tomography (PET) studies have shown
      reduced mesial temporal 5HT1A-receptor binding in these patients. We examined the
      relationships among verbal memory performance, depression, and 5HT1A-receptor
      binding measured with 18F-trans-4-fluoro-N-2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)piperazin-1
      yl]ethyl-N-(2-pyridyl) cyclohexane carboxamide (18FCWAY) PET in a cross-sectional
      study. METHODS: We studied 40 patients (24 male; mean age 34.5 +/- 10.7 years)
      with TLE. Seizure diagnosis and focus localization were based on ictal video
      electroencephalography (EEG) recording. Patients had neuropsychological testing
      with Wechsler Adult Intelligence Score III (WAIS III) and Wechsler Memory Score
      III (WMS III) on stable antiepileptic drug (AED) regimens at least 24 h since the
      last seizure. Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores were obtained. We performed
      interictal PET with 18FCWAY, a fluorinated derivative of WAY 100635, a highly
      specific 5HT1A ligand, and structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans to
      estimate partial volume and plasma free fraction corrected 18FCWAY volume of
      distribution (V/f1). KEY FINDINGS: Hippocampal V/f1 was significantly lower in
      area ipsilateral than contralateral to the epileptic focus (73.7 +/- 27.3 vs.
      95.4 +/- 28.4; p < 0.001). We found a significant relation between both left
      hippocampal 18FCWAY V/f1 (r = 0.41; p < 0.02) and left hippocampal volume (r =
      0.36; p < 0.03) and delayed auditory memory score. On multiple regression, there
      was a significant effect of the interaction of left hippocampal 18FCWAY V/f1 and
      left hippocampal volume on delayed auditory memory, but not of either alone. High
      collinearity was present. In an analysis of variance including the side of the
      seizure focus, the effect of left hippocampal 18FCWAY V/f1 but not focus
      laterality retained significance. Mean BDI was 8.3 +/- 7.0. There was a
      significant inverse relation between BDI and 18FCWAY V/f1 ipsilateral to the
      patient's epileptic focus (r = 0.38 p < 0.02). There was no difference between
      patients with a right or left temporal focus. There was no relation between BDI
      and immediate or delayed auditory memory. SIGNIFICANCE: Our study suggests that
      reduced left hippocampal 5HT1A-receptor binding may play a role in memory
      impairment in patients with TLE.

PMID- 22050515
TI  - Binary Pt-Si nanostructures prepared by focused electron-beam-induced deposition.
AB  - Binary systems of Pt-Si are prepared by electron-beam-induced deposition using
      the two precursors, trimethyl(methylcyclopentadienyl)platinum(IV) (MeCpPt(Me)(3))
      and neopentasilane (Si(SiH(3))(4)), simultaneously. By varying the relative flux
      of the two precursors during deposition, we are able to study composites
      containing platinum and silicon in different ratios by means of energy-dispersive
      X-ray spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, electrical transport measurements,
      and transmission electron microscopy. The results show strong evidence for the
      formation of a binary, metastable Pt(2)Si(3) phase, leading to a maximum in the
      conductivity for a Si/Pt ratio of 3:2.

PMID- 22050516
TI  - Psychological therapies for chronic pelvic pain: systematic review of randomized
      controlled trials.
AB  - Chronic pelvic pain (CPP), a common cause of disability in women, is a condition
      best viewed in the biopsychosocial framework. Psychological interventions are
      frequently considered alongside medical and surgical treatments. Our objective
      was to evaluate the effectiveness of psychological therapies for the treatment of
      CPP. Electronic literature searches were conducted in Medline, Embase, PsycInfo
      and DARE databases from database inception to April 2010. Reference lists of
      selected articles were searched for further articles. The studies selected were
      randomized controlled trials of psychological therapies in patients with CPP
      compared with no treatment, standard gynecological treatment or another form of
      psychological therapy. Two reviewers independently selected articles without
      language restrictions and extracted data covering study characteristics, study
      quality and results. Reduction in pain, measured using visual analog scales or
      other measurements, was the main outcome measure. Of the 107 citations
      identified, four studies satisfied the inclusion criteria. Compared with no
      psychological intervention, therapy produced a standardized mean pain score of 
      3.27 [95% confidence interval (CI) -4.52 to -2.02] and 1.11 (95% CI -0.05 to
      2.27) at 3 months and -3.95 (95% CI -5.35 to -2.55) and 0.54 (95% CI -0.78 to
      1.86) at 6 months and greater, based on a visual analog scale score of 0-10. The
      current evidence does not allow us to conclude whether psychological
      interventions have an effect on self-reported pain scores in women with CPP.

PMID- 22050517
TI  - The wisdom of the body: future techniques and approaches to morphogenetic fields
      in regenerative medicine, developmental biology and cancer.

PMID- 22050521
TI  - Comparison of mesenchymal-like stem/progenitor cells derived from supernumerary
      teeth with stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth.
AB  - AIMS: Dental tissue has been the focus of attention as an easily accessible
      postnatal tissue source of high-quality stem cells. Since the first report on the
      dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs) from permanent third molar teeth, stem cells from
      human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) were identified as a population distinct
      from DPSCs. In this study, we compared DPSCs from supernumerary teeth and SHED in
      three age- and sex-matched patients. PATIENTS & METHODS: Dental samples were
      obtained from the three patients, who were 6 years old and male, with the
      parental consent of the three donors, and then isolated cells from dental pulp
      for comparative analysis between supernumerary DPSCs and SHED. RESULTS: Colony
      forming unit fibroblast levels and the proliferation rate of supernumerary DPSCs
      were slightly lower than that of SHED. The expression of cell surface antigens in
      supernumerary DPSCs and SHED were almost identical. Cells were mainly expressing
      endogenous mesodermal and ectodermal lineage markers. Differentiation capacity to
      osteogenic, adipogenic and chondrogenic lineage was similar in the SHED and
      supernumerary DPSCs. Migration assay revealed that both supernumerary DPSCs and
      SHED rapidly migrated toward wounded areas. Supernumerary DPSCs were altered in
      cell growth after storage for 2 years. Specially, the population doubling time of
      supernumerary DPSCs increased while that of SHED remained nearly unchanged.
      CONCLUSION: Both supernumerary teeth and deciduous teeth share many
      characteristics, such as highly proliferative clonogenic cells with a similar
      immunophenotype to that of mesenchymal stem cells, although they are inferior to
      SHED for long-term banking. Our findings suggest that supernumerary teeth are
      also easily accessible and noninvasive sources of postnatal stem cells with
      multipotency and regenerative capacity.

PMID- 22050522
TI  - Clinical implementation of a procedure to prepare bone marrow cells from
      cadaveric vertebral bodies.
AB  - AIMS: Vertebral bone marrow is a rich and easily accessible source of
      hematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cells that has been used to promote chimerism
      and transplantation tolerance in connection with cadaveric organ transplantation.
      The purpose of this study is to provide a detailed account of the procedure used
      to prepare the first five vertebral bone marrow products for infusion in
      conjunction with the first hand/hand-forelimb transplants performed at the
      University of Pittsburgh (PA, USA). MATERIALS & METHODS: The cell separation and
      release testing were performed at the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute's
      Hematopoietic Stem Cell Laboratory, a Good Manufacturing Practice-compliant
      facility accredited for clinical cell processing by the Foundation for
      Accreditation of Cellular Therapy (FACT) and for clinical flow cytometry by the
      College of American Pathologists (CAP).

PMID- 22050523
TI  - Combination of activated Schwann cells with bone mesenchymal stem cells: the best
      cell strategy for repair after spinal cord injury in rats.
AB  - AIM: We aim to explore the repair effect of combined cell therapy using activated
      Schwann cells (ASCs) and bone mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in traumatic spinal
      cord injury (SCI) in rats. MATERIALS & METHODS: ASCs and BMSCs were used for
      combined transplantation to treat acute SCI in rats, both of which can be
      obtained from SCI patients. ASCs were obtained by prior ligation of saphenous
      nerve and BMSCs by flush of the marrow cavity with Dulbecco's modified Eagle's
      medium solution. Our experiment in vitro confirmed that ASCs promoted BMSCs to
      differentiate into mature neural cells. It also indicates that BMSCs hold the
      potential to repair CNS injury. ASCs and BMSCs were co-transplanted into the
      injured epicenter of spinal cord made by the New York University (NYU) impactor
      machine using a 10 g * 50 mm drop weight. Complete ASCs, BMSCs and Dulbecco's
      modified Eagle's medium were also transplanted in rats with SCI as a control.
      Recovery of rat's hindlimb function was serially evaluated by Basso, Beattie,
      Bresnahan locomotor rating scale and footprint analysis. Changes of neurological
      potential were recorded by nerve electrophysiologic test. Improvement in the
      microenvironment of the injured spinal cord was evaluated by hematoxylin and
      eosin staining, glial fibrillary acidic protein staining, biotinylated dextran
      amine anterograde tracing and electron microscopy. RESULTS: Using biotinylated
      dextran amine anterograde tracing, we demonstrated that there were more
      regenerative axons of corticospinal tract surrounding and passing through the
      injured cavity to the caudal cord in the ASC-BMSC co-graft group than those in
      the other three groups, and we also confirmed this further by quantitative
      analysis. Immunostaining for glial fibrillary acidic protein showed the smallest
      population of astrocytes in the injury epicenter in the ASC-BMSC group compared
      with the other three groups. Relatively complete myelin sheaths and organelles
      were found in the ASC-BMSC group compared with the other three groups under
      electron microscopy. CONCLUSION: Effective co-transplantation of ASCs and BMSCs
      promotes functional recovery in rats' hindlimbs and reduces the formation of
      glial scar, and remyelinates the injured axons as compared with the other three
      groups. This conclusion was also supported by the observation of
      immunohistochemistry staining and electron microscopy, suggesting the possible
      clinical application for the treatment of spinal injury.

PMID- 22050524
TI  - Regeneration of rodent small intestine tissue following implantation of scaffolds
      seeded with a novel source of smooth muscle cells.
AB  - AIMS: To apply an organ regeneration platform technology of autologous smooth
      muscle cell/biomaterial combination products, previously demonstrated to be
      successful for urinary tissue regeneration, to the regeneration of the small
      intestine. MATERIALS & METHODS: Patch and tubular constructs were implanted in
      rodent small intestines and histologically evaluated over a time course for
      evidence of regeneration of the laminarly organized neo-mucosa and muscle layers.
      RESULTS: Laminarly organized neo-mucosa and muscle layer bundles are demonstrated
      as early as 8 weeks postimplantation. CONCLUSION: An organ regeneration
      technology platform of autologous smooth muscle cell/biomaterial combination
      products can be extended to the regeneration of the small intestine.

PMID- 22050525
TI  - Intravenous umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell infusion for the treatment of
      combined malnutrition nonunion of the humerus and radial nerve injury.
AB  - Nonunion and nerve injury are the most severe and common complications of bone
      fracture treatments. There is still no ideal therapy for these two complications.
      In this report, we first applied umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell (UC-MSC)
      therapy to one patient with both nonunion and nerve injury, and observed the
      therapeutic effects. UC-MSCs were produced and expanded according to a clinical
      grade technique using serum-free medium enriched in human platelet lysate. Flow
      cytometry was performed to evaluate the purity of UC-MSCs, which were then
      intravenously injected. At 60 days postinjection, clinical examinations were
      performed to evaluate the therapeutic effects. Compared with before treatment,
      the patient's nerve reflex was present, and their muscle tone and strength
      increased, and x-ray and electromyography analysis further showed that the
      fracture gap disappeared and the nerve conduction velocity increased with shorter
      latency and higher amplitude. Furthermore, the clinical evolution was favorable
      and no side effects were observed during the 1-year follow-up. Overall, this
      novel treatment might open up a new strategy for the treatment of bone fracture
      complications.

PMID- 22050527
TI  - Urologic applications of engineered tissue.
AB  - Many congenital and acquired anomalies affect the genitourinary tract,
      necessitating surgical intervention. Among these are bladder exstrophy,
      hypospadias, epispadias, posterior urethral valves, myelomeningocele, bladder
      carcinoma, urethral stricture disease, stress urinary incontinence, pelvic organ
      prolapse, vesicoureteral reflux and traumatic injuries of the urinary tract.
      Surgical repair of these conditions often utilizes skin, oral mucosa or bowel
      autograft or xenograft material to replace missing tissue or to augment
      inadequate tissues. These materials are often sufficient to restore the basic
      anatomy of the organ to which they are being grafted, but they usually do not
      completely restore normal function. In addition, postoperative complications are
      common, especially in the case of bladder augmentation or neobladder creation
      with autologous bowel. The complications and inherent limitations of these
      procedures may be mitigated by the availability of alternative tissue sources.
      Therefore, there has been a great deal of interest in developing tissues
      engineered from autologous materials, such as mature bladder cells, bone marrow
      derived stem cells and adipose tissue. Ideally, an engineered tissue would
      restore or preserve the normal function of the organ it is augmenting or
      replacing. In addition, the engineered tissue should be nonimmunogenic to
      minimize rejection or foreign-body reactions. For the purposes of this article,
      we will focus on selection of scaffolding materials, selection of cell sources,
      and the current applications and potential future roles of tissue engineering in
      urology.

PMID- 22050528
TI  - Ocular epithelial transplantation: current uses and future potential.
AB  - Visual loss may be caused by a variety of ocular diseases and places a
      significant burden on society. Replacing or regenerating epithelial structures in
      the eye has been demonstrated to recover visual loss in a number of such
      diseases. Several types of cells (e.g., embryonic stem cells, adult
      stem/progenitor/differentiated epithelial cells and induced pluripotent cells)
      have generated much interest and research into their potential in restoring
      vision in a variety of conditions: from ocular surface disease to age-related
      macular degeneration. While there has been some success in clinical
      transplantation of conjunctival and particularly corneal epithelium utilizing
      ocular stem cells, in particular, from the limbus, the replacement of the retinal
      pigment epithelium by utilizing stem cell sources has yet to reach the clinic.
      Advances in our understanding of all of these cell types, their differentiation
      and subsequent optimization of culture conditions and development of suitable
      substrates for their transplantation will enable us to overcome current clinical
      obstacles. This article addresses the current status of knowledge concerning the
      biology of stem cells, their progeny and the use of differentiated epithelial
      cells to replace ocular epithelial cells. It will highlight the clinical outcomes
      to date and their potential for future clinical use.

PMID- 22050529
TI  - Sustained interaction: the new normal for stem cell repositories?
AB  - Stem cell repositories, similar to many areas in human scientific research, must
      balance the interests of the individuals who donate their time and samples to
      science with the interests of scientific progress. This article seeks to explore
      how sustained interaction with stem cell donors can advance key donor interests
      (autonomy and privacy) while also increasing the scientific utility of stem cell
      lines. The ability to trace stem cell lines to their respective donors -
      underpinned by robust informed consent - enables donors to gain access to
      information regarding research outcomes and the uses of their biological samples,
      while also supporting basic and clinical research by providing a means for
      quality and safety controls. Measures to recontact donors and also to enable
      donors to withdraw from research should be well designed to ensure donors'
      preferences are respected while mitigating negative consequences resulting from
      limited data availability or compromised sample quality. To guarantee the
      integrity of research while respecting donors' autonomy and preferences, stem
      cell repositories require a prospective approach to informed consent.

PMID- 22050526
TI  - Generating intestinal tissue from stem cells: potential for research and therapy.
AB  - Intestinal resection and malformations in adult and pediatric patients result in
      devastating consequences. Unfortunately, allogeneic transplantation of intestinal
      tissue into patients has not been met with the same measure of success as the
      transplantation of other organs. Attempts to engineer intestinal tissue in vitro
      include disaggregation of adult rat intestine into subunits called organoids,
      harvesting native adult stem cells from mouse intestine and spontaneous
      generation of intestinal tissue from embryoid bodies. Recently, by utilizing
      principles gained from the study of developmental biology, human pluripotent stem
      cells have been demonstrated to be capable of directed differentiation into
      intestinal tissue in vitro. Pluripotent stem cells offer a unique and promising
      means to generate intestinal tissue for the purposes of modeling intestinal
      disease, understanding embryonic development and providing a source of material
      for therapeutic transplantation.

PMID- 22050531
TI  - Peroxyesters as precursors to peroxyl radical clocks.
AB  - The reactions of peroxyl radicals are at the center of the oxidative degradation
      of essentially all petroleum-derived hydrocarbons and biological lipids and
      consequently, the inhibition of these processes by radical-trapping antioxidants.
      Recently described peroxyl radical clocks offer a simple, convenient, and
      inexpensive method of determining rate constants for H-atom transfer reactions to
      peroxyl radicals, greatly enabling the kinetic and mechanistic characterization
      of compounds with antioxidant properties. We follow up our preliminary
      communication on the development of a methodology utilizing tert-butyl
      styrylperacetate as a precursor to a versatile peroxyl radical clock with the
      present paper, wherein we describe a novel naphthyl analogue, which provides for
      much improved product resolution for analysis, and provide the complete details
      associated with its development and application. Using this new precursor, and
      with consideration of the expanded set of reaction products, inhibition rate
      constants were measured for a variety of representative phenolic and diarylamine
      radical-trapping antioxidants. We also provide details for the use of this
      methodology for the determination of mechanistic information, such as kinetic
      solvent effects, Arrhenius parameters, and kinetic isotope effects.

PMID- 22050532
TI  - Serum uric acid is related to cardiovascular events and correlates with N
      terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide and albuminuria in patients with diabetes
      mellitus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hyperuricemia is a risk factor for cardiovascular events and renal
      insufficiency. It correlates to intima-media thickness and microalbuminuria. In
      this study we evaluated uric acid as an independent marker for cardiac events in
      patients with diabetes. METHODS: In a prospective observational study we
      recruited 494 patients with diabetes. Patients were then followed for 12.8 months
      (mean follow-up) and hospitalizations as a result of cardiac events (ischaemic
      heart disease, arrhythmias, heart failure) were recorded. RESULTS: The median
      duration of diabetes was 11 +/- 10.35 years. Patients were in the mean 60 +/- 13
      years old and mean HbA(1c) was 62 +/- 13 mmol/mol (7.8 +/- 3.3%). At baseline,
      mean uric acid was 321.2 +/- 101.1 MUmol/l (range 101.1-743.5 MUmol/l), median N
      terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide was 92 +/- 412 pg/ml and median urinary
      albumin to creatinine ratio was 8 +/- 361 mg/g; Uric acid significantly
      correlated to N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide (r = 0.237, P < 0.001)
      and urinary albumin:creatinine ratio (r = 0.198, P < 0.001). In a Cox regression
      model, including age, estimated glomerular filtration rate, gender, systolic
      blood pressure, smoking and alcohol consumption, uric acid was the best predictor
      of cardiac events (hazard ratio 1.331, confidence interval 1.095-1.616, P =
      0.04). However, uric acid lost its prognostic value when the natural logarithm of
      N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide was added to the model. CONCLUSION:
      Serum uric acid is a predictor of cardiac events and correlates to N-terminal pro
      B-type natriuretic peptide and albuminuria, underscoring the importance of uric
      acid as a cardiovascular risk marker in patients with diabetes.

PMID- 22050533
TI  - Signal transduction by IRE1-mediated splicing of bZIP50 and other stress sensors
      in the endoplasmic reticulum stress response of rice.
AB  - The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress sensor IRE1 transduces signals by inducing
      the unconventional splicing of mRNAs encoding key transcription factors: HAC1 in
      yeast and XBP1 in animals. However, no HAC1 or XBP1 homologues have been found in
      plants, and until recently the substrate for plant IRE1 has remained unknown.
      This study demonstrates that the Oryza sativa (rice) OsbZIP50 transcription
      factor, an orthologue of Arabidopsis AtbZIP60, is regulated by IRE1-mediated
      splicing of its RNA. Despite the presence of a transcriptional activation domain,
      OsbZIP50 protein is not translocated into the nucleus efficiently in the absence
      of OsbZIP50 mRNA splicing. Unconventional splicing of OsbZIP50 mRNA causes a
      frame shift, which results in the appearance of a nuclear localization signal in
      the newly translated OsbZIP50. OsbZIP50 mRNA is spliced in a similar manner to
      HAC1 and XBP1 mRNAs; however, this splicing has very different effects on the
      translation products, a finding that shows the diversity of IRE1-related
      transcription factors in eukaryotes. In addition, the expression of OsbZIP50 is
      affected by ER stress sensor proteins OsIRE1, OsbZIP39 and OsbZIP60. ER stress
      related genes differ with respect to their dependency on OsbZIP50 for their
      expression. The findings of this study improve our understanding of the molecular
      mechanisms underlying the plant ER stress response.

PMID- 22050534
TI  - Improvement of the composition of Tunisian myrtle berries (Myrtus communis L.)
      alcohol extracts.
AB  - Different extracts from myrtle berries were obtained using alcohol-water mixtures
      as an extraction medium in the range of 60-90% (v/v) to study the extraction
      efficiency in the preparation of myrtle liqueur. Flavonoids and anthocyanins were
      identified by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with
      electrospray mass spectrometry and quantified during the maceration period by
      HPLC coupled with ultraviolet/visible detection. The antioxidant activity was
      tested by the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay. Dry matter, pH, and color
      parameters (L, a, b) were also analyzed. At the end of the maceration period,
      EE80 showed better anthocyanins stability and the highest total antioxidant
      activity (87.5%). These results suggest that the use of ethanol 80% provides the
      extract with the best characteristics for liqueur preparation. The present study
      contributes significantly to increase the marketing appeal of myrtle berries.

PMID- 22050535
TI  - Which obese youth are at increased risk for type 2 diabetes? Latent class
      analysis and comparison with diabetic youth.
AB  - PURPOSE: Most obese youth screened for diabetes have normal fasting glucose
      levels. Identification of youth with increased risk for type 2 diabetes (T2D) is
      needed within this large population to guide further management. METHODS:
      Retrospective chart review was performed for obese youth, 8-20 yr old, who met
      American Diabetes Association criteria for screening (OB) or had T2D (D).
      Measures included body mass index z-score (BMIz) and homeostasis model assessment
      of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) by fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and insulin.
      Statistics compared OB with D and further examined OB by latent class analysis
      (LCA). RESULTS: Normal FPG was found in 91.5% of all obese youth (OBt n = 94)
      Comparison of OB with normal FPG (OBng; n = 86) and D (n = 44) was significant
      for family history of T2D (p = 0.008) without other associations. Evaluation of
      OBng by LCA showed three classes with increasing BMIz and HOMA-IR. Class 3
      (32.5%; BMIz 2.66 +/- 0.38; HOMA-IR 6.72 +/- 2.29) differed from classes 1 and 2
      (p < 0.05), and was associated with family history of T2D. CONCLUSION: Currently
      recommended screening of obese youth by FPG is normal in 91.5%, but lacks further
      information to detect increased risk for youth-onset T2D. Evaluation of obese
      youth by LCA identified one third (class 3) in whom the combination of higher
      levels of BMIz, HOMA-IR, and family history suggests the greatest risk for T2D
      and targets them for further evaluation and intensive preventative management.

PMID- 22050536
TI  - Colorectal cancer screening disparities in Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders:
      which groups are most vulnerable?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a significant cause of mortality among
      Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs), yet studies have consistently
      reported lower CRC screening rates among AAPIs than among non-Latino Whites and
      African Americans. Moreover, existing research tends to aggregate AAPIs as one
      group when reporting CRC screening, masking the disproportionate burden in cancer
      screening that exists across AAPI groups. METHODS: This study examines
      differences in CRC screening rates in both aggregated and disaggregated AAPI
      groups as compared with non-Latino Whites in order to identify the most
      vulnerable AAPI subgroups in terms of obtaining CRC screening. This study
      utilizes merged data from the 2001, 2003, and 2005 California Health Interview
      Survey (CHIS), specifically the data pertaining to adults aged 50 and older (n =
      52,491) from seven AAPI groups (Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Filipino, South Asian,
      Vietnamese, and Pacific Islander) and non-Latino Whites. Andersen's Behavioral
      Model of Health Services Use was utilized to select potential confounders to
      racial/ethnic differences in CRC screening. RESULTS: When AAPI groups were
      considered as an aggregate, their CRC screening rate (46.8%) was lower than that
      of non-Latino Whites (57.7%). When AAPI groups were disaggregated, further
      disparity was noted: Koreans (32.7%) showed the lowest CRC screening rate,
      whereas Japanese (59.8%) had the highest. When the influence of potential
      predisposing, enabling, and need confounders was adjusted, Koreans, Filipinos,
      and South Asians were found to have a lower likelihood than non-Latino Whites to
      undergo CRC screening. Comparisons among AAPI subgroups further revealed that
      Filipinos, Koreans, Pacific Islanders, and South Asians were less likely than
      Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese to receive CRC screening. CONCLUSION: These
      results highlight the importance of identifying differences in CRC screening
      behavior among disaggregated AAPI subgroups in order to help health professionals
      and policy-makers prioritize which AAPI subgroups need the most urgent
      interventions in terms of CRC screening promotion.

PMID- 22050537
TI  - Use and quality of mental health services for Haitian youth.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the mental health service use of Haitian, African
      American, and non-Latino White youth in a community mental health setting. Groups
      are compared on adherence to treatment guidelines for attention
      deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and depressive disorders. DESIGN:
      Retrospective review of outpatient mental health charts (n = 252) from five
      community sites in an urban area of the Northeastern United States. We recorded
      the total number and treatment type of sessions during the first six months of
      treatment. Guideline-adherent treatments were compared and predicted after
      controlling for clinical need. RESULTS: Most Haitian and African-American youth
      stopped treatment by six months, with the majority attending less than eight
      sessions. One third of Haitian and African-American patients attended just one
      session. Haitian patients who presented with less severe symptoms and dysfunction
      were more likely to have single-session treatments. Guideline-adherent treatment
      for ADHD and depression was less likely for Haitians. Older patients were more
      likely to receive adequate depression treatment. Haitian youth were relatively
      underinsured, had more family separations documented, and received Adjustment
      Disorder diagnoses more often. CONCLUSIONS: Haitian youth use outpatient mental
      health services in similar proportion to African-American youth and at lower
      rates than White youth. Guideline-adherent treatment for ADHD and depression is
      limited by low retention in care for Black youth. Low insurance coverage is
      likely an important contributor to reduced use of services, especially for
      Haitians. These findings are discussed in the context of providing culturally
      sensitive mental health care to diverse communities.

PMID- 22050539
TI  - The association between inflammatory bowel disease and periodontitis among
      Jordanians: a case-control study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is hypothesized to
      involve immuno-inflammatory alterations, and the condition has been related to
      increased susceptibility to oral challenges. The objective of the study was to
      determine the association between the prevalence, severity and extent of
      periodontitis and both ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD). MATERIAL
      AND METHODS: A case-control study was conducted among patients who attended
      outpatient clinics at King Hussein Medical City in Jordan during the study
      period. All participants completed the questionnaire and underwent thorough oral
      and periodontal examinations. Periodontitis was defined as presence of four or
      more teeth with one or more sites with probing pocket depth >= 4 mm and clinical
      attachment level >= 3 mm. The general linear model multivariate procedure and
      multivariate binary logistic regression were used to analyse the data. RESULTS:
      This case-control study included 260 Jordanian adults (101 with UC, 59 with CD
      and 100 with no IBD) with a mean (SD) age of 39.4 (0.7) years. The prevalence of
      periodontitis was much higher among patients with CD and those with UC compared
      with subjects having no IBD in the age groups < 36 and 36-45 years old only.
      After adjusting for age and number of missing teeth, patients with CD (odds ratio
      4.9, 95% confidence interval 1.8-13.2) and patients with UC (odds ratio 7.00, 95%
      confidence interval 2.8-17.5) had significantly higher odds of periodontitis than
      subjects with no IBD. In multivariate analysis, the severity of periodontitis was
      significantly higher among patients with CD and patients with UC when compared
      with subjects having no IBD. Ulcerative colitis patients but not CD patients had
      significantly higher prevalence of deep ulcers in oral soft tissues than the non
      IBD group (p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Patients with IBD have higher prevalence,
      severity and extent of periodontitis compared with those having no IBD.

PMID- 22050540
TI  - Management of daytime urinary incontinence and lower urinary tract symptoms in
      children.
AB  - Lower urinary tract symptoms, particularly urgency, frequency and incontinence
      are common in school-aged children but are often overlooked. They may cause
      considerable physical, social and psychological difficulties to children and
      their families, and usually are manifestations of underlying non-neurogenic
      voiding disorders. The differential diagnoses include overactive bladder
      syndrome, dysfunctional voiding and vaginal reflux as well as less common
      conditions like giggle incontinence, voiding postponement, pollakiuria and
      diabetes insipidus. In this paper, we discuss an evidence-based approach to the
      management of conditions causing daytime urinary incontinence and lower urinary
      tract symptoms in children from a general paediatrician's perspective.

PMID- 22050541
TI  - Anti-inflammatory phenolics isolated from Juniperus rigida leaves and twigs in
      lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophage cells.
AB  - Inflammation is an essential host defense system particularly in response to
      infection and injury; however, excessive or undesirable inflammatory responses
      contribute to acute and chronic human diseases. A high-throughput screening
      effort searching for anti-inflammatory compounds from medicinal plants deduced
      that the methanolic extract of Juniperus rigida S. et L. (Cupressaceae) inhibited
      significantly nitric oxide (NO) production in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated
      RAW264.7 macrophage cells. Activity-guided fractionation and isolation yielded 13
      phenolic compounds, including one new phenylpropanoid glycosides, 3,4
      dimethoxycinnamyl 9-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (1). Among the isolated compounds,
      phenylpropanoid glycosides with p-hydroxy group (2, 4) and massoniaside A (7),
      (+)-catechin (10), amentoflavone (11) effectively inhibited LPS-induced NO
      production in RAW264.7 cells.

PMID- 22050542
TI  - CD36 c.1264 T>G null mutation impairs acquisition of IgG antibodies to Plasmodium
      falciparum MSP119 antigen and is associated with higher malaria incidences in
      Tanzanian children.
AB  - Polymorphisms in genes that encode crucial signalling molecules have been
      proposed as factors that influence susceptibility to, and outcome of malaria. We
      studied the role of a mutation, c.1264 T>G, that causes CD36 deficiency on IgG
      responses to MSP-119 antigen and malaria incidence. Children were genotyped for
      the c.1264 T>G mutation at the beginning of the study using PCR-RFLP. IgG levels
      [optical density (OD) readings] and per cent seropositivity to MSP-119 were
      determined at baseline by ELISA. Children were followed for 12 months for
      acquisition of anti-MSP-119 IgG antibody and malaria incidence. We observed a
      significant increase in the production of anti-MSP-119 IgG antibody in normal and
      heterozygous children during the 12 months of follow-up, but not in homozygous
      mutants. Normal children had a significantly lower malaria incidence rate
      compared to other genotypes (chi2 = 115.59; P < 0.01). We conclude that the
      presence of the c.1264 T>G mutation that leads to CD36 deficiency is closely
      associated with reduced IgG production and higher malaria incidence. It is most
      likely that deficiency of CD36 which is known to modulate dendritic cell function
      suppresses the production of protective IgG antibodies directed to Plasmodium
      falciparum MSP-119 antigen, which predisposes to the acquisition of clinical
      malaria in children.

PMID- 22050543
TI  - Using chemical reactivity to provide insights into environmental transformations
      of priority organic substances: the Fe0-mediated reduction of Acid Blue 129.
AB  - Sulfonated anthracenedione dyes are medium priority organic compounds targeted
      for environmental assessment under the Government of Canada's Chemical Management
      Plan (CMP). Since organic compounds undergo transformations in environmental
      matrices, understanding these transformations is critical for a proper assessment
      of their environmental fate. In the current study, we used zero-valent iron (ZVI)
      to provide insight into reductive transformation processes available to the
      anthracenedione dye, Acid Blue 129 (AB 129), a dye which is used in the textile
      industry. At high temperatures, we found that AB 129 was rapidly reduced (within
      3 h) after being adsorbed onto the ZVI-surface, whereupon decomposition took
      place via multiple competitive and consecutive reaction pathways. Reaction
      products were identified using state-of-the-art accurate mass Liquid
      Chromatography-Quadrupole Time of Flight-Mass Spectroscopy (LC-QToF-MS). Five
      transformation products were identified, including a genotoxic (and thus,
      potentially carcinogenic) end-product, 2,4,6-trimethylaniline. The same products
      were found at room temperature, demonstrating that the transformation pathways
      revealed here could plausibly arise from biological and/or environmental
      reductions of AB 129. Our results demonstrate the importance of identifying
      reaction product arising from priority substances as part of the environmental
      risk assessment process.

PMID- 22050544
TI  - Periodontal regeneration with enamel matrix derivative in reconstructive
      periodontal therapy: a systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Enamel matrix derivative (EMD) is commonly used in periodontal
      therapy. The aim of this systematic review is to give an updated answer to the
      question of whether the additional use of EMD in periodontal therapy is more
      effective compared with a control or other regenerative procedures. METHODS: A
      literature search in MEDLINE (PubMed) for the use of EMD in periodontal treatment
      was performed up to May 2010. The use of EMD in treatment of intrabony defects,
      furcations, and recessions was evaluated. Only randomized controlled trials with
      >=1 year of follow-up were included. The primary outcome variable for intrabony
      defects was the change in clinical attachment level (CAL), for furcations the
      change in horizontal furcation depth, and for recession complete root coverage.
      RESULTS: After screening, 27 studies (20 for intrabony defects, one for
      furcation, and six for recession) were eligible for the review. A meta-analysis
      was performed for intrabony defects and recession. The treatment of intrabony
      defects with EMD showed a significant additional gain in CAL of 1.30 mm compared
      with open-flap debridement, EDTA, or placebo, but no significant difference
      compared with resorbable membranes was shown. The use of EMD in combination with
      a coronally advanced flap compared with a coronally advanced flap alone showed
      significantly more complete root coverage (odds ratio of 3.5), but compared with
      a connective tissue graft, the result was not significantly different. The use of
      EMD in furcations (2.6 +/- 1.8 mm) gave significantly more improvement in
      horizontal defect depth compared with resorbable membranes (1.9 +/- 1.4 mm) as
      shown in one study. CONCLUSIONS: In the treatment of intrabony defects, the use
      of EMD is superior to control treatments but as effective as resorbable
      membranes. The additional use of EMD with a coronally advanced flap for recession
      coverage will give superior results compared with a control but is as effective
      as a connective tissue graft. The use of EMD in furcations will give more
      reduction in horizontal furcation defect depth compared with resorbable
      membranes.

PMID- 22050545
TI  - Effectiveness of systemic amoxicillin/metronidazole as an adjunctive therapy to
      full-mouth scaling and root planing in the treatment of aggressive periodontitis:
      a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The systemic use of combined amoxicillin and metronidazole (AMX/MET)
      as an adjunctive treatment to full-mouth scaling and root planing (FMSRP) has
      been proposed for the treatment of generalized aggressive periodontitis; however,
      its effectiveness and clinical safety remain to be defined. The purpose of the
      present meta-analysis is to assess the effectiveness of FMSRP + AMX/MET compared
      to FMSRP alone. METHODS: An electronic search of eight databases and a hand
      search of 10 international dental journals were conducted through September 11,
      2011. Gain in clinical attachment level (CAL), reduction in probing depth (PD),
      secondary outcomes, and adverse events were analyzed. A random-effect model was
      used to pool the extracted data. The weighted mean difference (MD) with 95%
      confidence interval (CI) was calculated for continuous outcomes, whereas risk
      difference (RD) with 95% CI was used for dichotomous data; heterogeneity was
      assessed with the chi(2)-based Cochran Q test and I(2) statistic. The level of
      significance was set at P <0.05. RESULTS: After the selection process, six
      randomized clinical trials were included. Results of the meta-analysis showed
      significant CAL gain (MD, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.23 to 0.61; P <0.05) and PD reduction
      (MD, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.39 to 0.77; P <0.05) in favor of FMSRP + AMX/MET; moreover,
      no significant RD was found in the occurrence of adverse events (RD, 0.01; 95%
      CI, -0.02 to 0.04; P >0.05). CONCLUSION: The findings of the meta-analysis seem
      to support the effectiveness and the clinical safety of FMSRP + AMX/MET; however,
      future studies are needed to confirm these results.

PMID- 22050546
TI  - The effects of chronic periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis on serum and
      gingival crevicular fluid total antioxidant/oxidant status and oxidative stress
      index.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic periodontitis (CP) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) appear to
      share many pathologic features. Oxygen metabolism has an important role in the
      pathogenesis of both CP and RA. The aim of this study is to evaluate the
      relationship between these two chronic inflammatory diseases with regard to
      antioxidant and oxidant status. METHODS: A total of 80 participants were divided
      into four groups of 20 each: group RA-CP (patients with RA and CP), group RA
      (periodontally healthy patients with RA), group CP (systemically healthy patients
      with CP), and group C (periodontally and systemically healthy volunteers) were
      included in the study. After assessment of periodontal measurements, gingival
      crevicular fluid (GCF) samples were taken at one incisor, premolar, and molar
      tooth and stored with serum samples at -80 degrees C for the antioxidant/oxidant
      assay. RESULTS: Although all clinical measurements in groups RA-CP and CP were
      statistically higher compared to those of C and RA groups (P <0.001), there were
      no differences between CP and RA-CP groups (P >0.05). GCF total oxidant status
      (TOS) values of CP and RA-CP groups were higher than those of the RA group (P
      <0.05). GCF oxidative stress index (OSI) values of the RA-CP group were higher
      than those of the RA group (P <0.05). There were no differences among the groups
      in terms of serum TOS and OSI values (P >0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Local OSI values in
      groups with patients with CP were higher, whereas systemic OSI values showed no
      difference among the groups. The presence of RA seems not to affect local and
      systemic OSI values in patients with CP.

PMID- 22050547
TI  - Enamel matrix derivative promotes superoxide production and chemotaxis but
      reduces matrix metalloproteinase-8 expression by polymorphonuclear leukocytes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) is the predominant innate immune
      cell type activated in acute inflammation. The aim of this study is to determine
      the impact of enamel matrix derivative (EMD) on superoxide (O(2)(-)) generation,
      chemotaxis, and matrix metalloproteinase-8 (MMP-8) secretion by PMN in vitro to
      better understand the role of EMD in surgical wound healing. METHODS: PMNs were
      isolated from healthy volunteers (n = 14). O(2)(-) generation was measured using
      a cytochrome c reduction assay. Chemotaxis was measured in a modified Boyden
      chamber. MMP-8 secretion was analyzed by Western blotting. A relative density
      method was used to determine the percentage of MMP-8 released from the PMNs in
      relation to the total cellular MMP-8 content. RESULTS: O(2)(-) generation was
      significantly elevated when PMNs were stimulated with EMD (200 MUg/mL) (P <0.01).
      Secondary stimulation of PMNs with 1 MUM N-formyl-methionyl-leucyl-phenylalanine
      (fMLP) triggered earlier and more sustained O(2)(-) generation with EMD. EMD
      significantly increased PMN chemotactic activity (P <0.05). Combined stimulation
      with EMD plus fMLP resulted in significantly higher chemotaxis compared to fMLP
      alone (P <0.05). Conversely, EMD did not induce MMP-8 secretion from PMNs. MMP-8
      secretion by PMNs in response to fMLP or serum-opsonized zymosan stimulation was
      significantly inhibited by EMD (P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: EMD has specific,
      differential actions on PMNs that suggest potential for enhancement of wound
      healing, bacterial and tissue debris clearance (O(2)(-) generation and
      chemotaxis), and suppression of tissue damage and degradation (MMP-8 ). Together,
      the data suggest that EMD enhances wound healing and reduces inflammation.

PMID- 22050548
TI  - Expression of the interleukin-10 signaling pathway genes in individuals with Down
      syndrome and periodontitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) have a higher prevalence and
      severity of periodontal disease, which cannot be explained by poor oral hygiene
      alone and is related to changes in the immune response. The aim of this study is
      to evaluate whether DS was associated with differential modulation of expression
      of genes associated with proinflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses in
      periodontal disease. METHODS: A total of 51 individuals were evaluated: 19
      individuals with DS and periodontal disease (group 1), 20 euploid individuals
      with periodontal disease (group 2; positive control), and 12 euploid individuals
      without periodontal disease (group 3; negative control). Clinical periodontal
      evaluation and gingival biopsies were performed. Quantitative reverse
      transcription-polymerase chain reaction was used to determine expression levels
      of interleukin-10 (IL-10), the receptors IL-10RA and IL-10RB, intracellular
      adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), interferon-gamma-inducible protein 10 (IP-10), and
      the signaling intermediates Janus kinase 1, signal transducer and activator of
      transcription 3 (STAT-3), and suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS-3).
      RESULTS: Expression of IL10, SOCS3, IP10, and ICAM1 mRNA in DS patients was
      significantly lower compared to euploid individuals with periodontal disease,
      whereas IL-10RB and STAT-3 mRNA levels were higher in individuals with DS.
      CONCLUSION: Reduced expression of IL-10 coupled with a possible increase of STAT3
      activation (increase of STAT3 and reduction of SOCS3 mRNA) indicates an important
      modulation of the immune response, with attenuation of anti-inflammatory and
      increase of proinflammatory mediators. This modulation may be related to the
      increased prevalence and severity of periodontitis in individuals with DS.

PMID- 22050549
TI  - A case of squamous cell carcinoma presenting as localized severe periodontitis in
      the maxillary gingiva.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the most common malignant neoplasm
      of the oral cavity. The clinical features of gingival SCC include alveolar bone
      loss and erythematous lesion. Therefore, gingival SCC sometimes presents as
      advanced periodontitis. This case report describes a patient diagnosed with
      gingival SCC after the extraction of molars presenting as being affected by
      localized severe periodontitis. METHODS: The patient was a 61-year-old man whose
      chief complaint was pain in the left maxillary area. Clinical and radiographic
      examinations revealed common findings of a periodontal abscess on the left
      maxillary first and second molars. These teeth were extracted based on a
      diagnosis of a periodontal abscess. Three months later, a rapidly growing
      exophytic soft tissue mass was observed, and a biopsy of the mass was performed.
      RESULTS: According to the biopsy, the final diagnosis was a well-differentiated
      SCC. The patient was treated with a partial maxillectomy of the left maxilla and
      split-thickness skin graft. Two years after treatment, the patient remained free
      of recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: Gingival SCC is quite different from other forms of
      SCC, mimicking localized periodontal disease. Therefore, it can be misdiagnosed
      as localized periodontal disease and is generally discovered after extracting
      teeth. Therefore, clinicians must diagnose these lesions carefully and follow up
      with the patient after tooth extraction.

PMID- 22050550
TI  - Peripheral catheter techniques.
AB  - With ultrasound, continuous peripheral nerve blocks (CPNBs) are one of the most
      recent developments in regional anesthesia in children. CPNBs are now used more
      widely in children because more suitable materials have been marketed, allowing
      complete, and prolonged postoperative pain control. Their use after orthopedic
      procedures in children and treatment for complex regional pain syndrome in
      adolescents has demonstrated the benefits. Perineural catheters have also shown
      their superiority over other techniques of continuous regional anesthesia in
      terms of side effects. The efficiency and the safety of these techniques may
      facilitate early ambulation with improved pain management, treatment at home with
      disposable pumps, and improved rehabilitation of children. Studies on large
      cohorts of patients published to date have failed to highlight any severe
      complications in their use compared with other adult studies. Accidents owing to
      systemic toxicity are very unlikely if the recommended maximum dose is not
      exceeded. The safety of continuous regional anesthesia techniques in children
      relies on the use of low-concentration l-enantiomer solutions (ropivacaine or
      levobupivacaine) accompanied by low plasma concentrations of local anesthetics,
      limiting the risk of systemic toxicity of these molecules. CPNB can ensure strong
      and lasting analgesia in hospital or at home.

PMID- 22050551
TI  - Seizure-induced miosis.
AB  - Ictal autonomic pupillary dilation is common; however, miosis is rare. We
      describe a case of focal seizures secondary to cortical dysplasia presenting with
      bilateral pupillary miosis, rendered seizure free by resective surgery. The
      seizure-onset zone was localized within the left middle parietal gyrus by
      intracranial electrographic recording. Seizure onset was coincident with focal
      left centroparietal fast spike activity on electroencephalography (EEG). A large
      region of the left frontocentral cortical dysplasia was demonstrated on magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI). Complete resection of the area of cortical dysplasia and
      additional cortical regions of ictal activity, identified using intracranial EEG,
      rendered the patient seizure free.

PMID- 22050553
TI  - Does postoperative 'M' technique massage with or without mandarin oil reduce
      infants' distress after major craniofacial surgery?
AB  - AIM: This article is a report of a randomized controlled trial of the effects of
      'M' technique massage with or without mandarin oil compared to standard
      postoperative care on infants' levels of pain and distress, heart rate and mean
      arterial pressure after major craniofacial surgery. BACKGROUND: There is a
      growing interest in non-pharmacological interventions such as aromatherapy
      massage in hospitalized children to relieve pain and distress but well performed
      studies are lacking. METHODS: This randomized controlled trial allocated 60
      children aged 3-36 months after craniofacial surgery from January 2008 to August
      2009 to one of three conditions; 'M' technique massage with carrier oil, 'M'
      technique massage with mandarin oil or standard postoperative care. Primary
      outcome measures were changes in COMFORT behaviour scores, Numeric Rating Scale
      pain and Numeric Rating Scale distress scores assessed from videotape by an
      observer blinded for the condition. RESULTS: In all three groups, the mean
      postintervention COMFORT behaviour scores were higher than the baseline scores,
      but differences were not statistically significant. Heart rate and mean arterial
      pressure showed a statistically significant change across the three assessment
      periods in all three groups. These changes were not related with the
      intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Results do not support a benefit of 'M' technique
      massage with or without mandarin oil in these young postoperative patients.
      Several reasons may account for this: massage given too soon after general
      anaesthesia, young patients' fear of strangers touching them, patients not used
      to massage.

PMID- 22050552
TI  - Genetic susceptibility to psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis: implications for
      therapy.
AB  - The era of genome-wide association studies has revolutionized the search for
      genetic susceptibility loci in complex genetic conditions such as psoriasis.
      There are currently 16 loci with confirmed evidence for association with
      psoriasis susceptibility but there is the potential for more to be discovered as
      the genetic heritability of the disease has not yet been fully explained. Many of
      the associated loci overlap with those for psoriatic arthritis. In contrast to
      psoriasis susceptibility, few studies have been performed to identify predictors
      of drug response in psoriasis. As large-scale collaborations and registries for
      psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis are established, it is likely that a genome
      wide approach may be used as a more effective method of searching for genetic
      predictors of treatment response. However, candidate gene studies will still have
      a role; for example, it is likely that some disease susceptibility genes will
      also be markers of treatment response, based on evidence from other diseases.
      This review summarizes recent advances in investigating the role genetics plays
      in psoriasis susceptibility and contrasts these to advances made in psoriatic
      arthritis. Further, it describes the genetics of treatment response in the two
      diseases and indicates how susceptibility loci could be used to identify drug
      response in the future.

PMID- 22050554
TI  - Adult-onset diabetes among Arabs and Jews in Israel: a population-based study.
AB  - AIMS: To study the age at presentation and factors associated with adult-onset
      diabetes (>= 20 years) among Arabs and Jews in Israel. METHODS: Participants (n =
      1100) were randomly selected from the urban population of the Hadera District in
      Israel. The study sample was stratified into equal groups according to sex,
      ethnicity (Arabs and Jews) and age. Information on age at diabetes presentation,
      family history of diabetes, history of gestational diabetes, socio-demographic
      and lifestyle characteristics was obtained through personal interviews. Self
      reports of diabetes were compared with medical records and were found reliable
      (kappa = 0.87). The risk for diabetes was calculated using Kaplan-Meier survival
      analysis. Factors associated with diabetes in both ethnic groups were studied
      using Cox proportional hazard model. RESULTS: The prevalence of adult-onset
      diabetes was 21% among Arabs and 12% among Jews. Arab participants were younger
      than Jews at diabetes presentation. By the age of 57 years, 25% of Arabs had
      diagnosed diabetes; the corresponding age among Jews was 68 years, a difference
      of 11 years (P < 0.001). The greater risk for diabetes among Arabs was
      independent of lifestyle factors, family history of diabetes and, among women,
      history of gestational diabetes; adjusted hazard ratio 1.70; 95% confidence
      interval 1.19-2.43. CONCLUSIONS: Arabs in Israel are at greater risk for adult
      onset diabetes than Jews and are younger at diabetes presentation. Culturally
      sensitive interventions aimed at maintaining normal body weight and active
      lifestyle should be targeted at this population. Possible genetic factors and
      gene-environmental interactions underlying the high risk for diabetes among Arabs
      should be investigated.

PMID- 22050556
TI  - Discovery of amino acid motifs for thrombin cleavage and validation using a model
      substrate.
AB  - Understanding the active site preferences of an enzyme is critical to the design
      of effective inhibitors and to gaining insights into its mechanisms of action on
      substrates. While the subsite specificity of thrombin is understood, it is not
      clear whether the enzyme prefers individual amino acids at each subsite in
      isolation or prefers to cleave combinations of amino acids as a motif. To
      investigate whether preferred peptide motifs for cleavage could be identified for
      thrombin, we exposed a phage-displayed peptide library to thrombin. The resulting
      preferentially cleaved substrates were analyzed using the technique of
      association rule discovery. The results revealed that thrombin selected for amino
      acid motifs in cleavage sites. The contribution of these hypothetical motifs to
      substrate cleavage efficiency was further investigated using the B1 IgG-binding
      domain of streptococcal protein G as a model substrate. Introduction of a P(2)
      P(1)' LRS thrombin cleavage sequence within a major loop of the protein led to
      cleavage of the protein by thrombin, with the cleavage efficiency increasing with
      the length of the loop. Introduction of further P(3)-P(1) and P(1)-P(1)'-P(3)'
      amino acid motifs into the loop region yielded greater cleavage efficiencies,
      suggesting that the susceptibility of a protein substrate to cleavage by thrombin
      is influenced by these motifs, perhaps because of cooperative effects between
      subsites closest to the scissile peptide bond.

PMID- 22050557
TI  - Increased tear osmolarity in patients with severe cases of conjunctivochalasis.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate and compare tear osmolarity in different grades of
      conjunctivochalasis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty subjects divided into four
      groups based on grading of conjunctivochalasis by lid-paralell conjunctival fold
      (LIPCOF) test and tear osmolarity evaluated by TearLab osmometer. Schirmer test,
      tear film break up time (BUT) and vital staining were also performed. RESULTS:
      Patients with mild and moderate conjunctivochalasis showed similar tear
      osmolarity to normal subjects. A significant increase (P < 0.008) of osmolarity
      was found in patients with severe conjunctivochalasis. A significant increase of
      osmolarity was found in patients with abnormal BUT (P = 0.018) and in patients
      with positive lissamine-green staining (P = 0.023). No association could be
      elicited when results of osmolarity were compared to those of Schirmer test or
      when compared those of fluorescein staining to osmolarity, respectively.
      CONCLUSION: Hyperosmolarity of tear was reported as a fact of ocular surface
      inflammation. While in mild and moderate conjunctivochalasis tear osmolarity was
      similar to normal controls, increased osmolarity can refer to the presence of
      ocular surface inflammation in these patients with severe conjunctivochalasis.

PMID- 22050558
TI  - Avulsion injury and levator hiatal ballooning: two independent risk factors for
      prolapse? An observational study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study whether avulsion and ballooning are independent risk factors
      for symptoms and/or signs of pelvic organ prolapse. DESIGN: Retrospective
      analysis of data obtained in clinical practice. SETTING: Tertiary urogynecology
      unit. POPULATION: Seven hundred and sixty-one consecutive women with symptoms of
      pelvic floor dysfunction. METHODS: Evaluation included history, vaginal
      examination and four-dimensional translabial ultrasound. Ultrasound analysis was
      performed off-line, blinded against clinical data. Hiatal dimensions were
      measured at the plane of minimal hiatal dimensions. Puborectalis avulsion was
      identified using tomographic imaging. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Symptoms and
      objective signs of prolapse (ICS POP-Q stage 2+). RESULTS: Owing to previous
      surgery 156 women were excluded, leaving 605, of whom 258 (43%) had prolapse
      symptoms. Significant prolapse (International Continence Society Prolapse
      Quantification System grade 2+) was identified as follows: cystocele in 222 (37%)
      women, rectocele in 159 (27%) and apical in 40 (8%), while 110 (18%) had an
      avulsion. There was a strong association between avulsion, hiatal ballooning and
      symptoms/signs of prolapse (p < 0.001). On multivariable backwards stepwise
      logistic regression, puborectalis avulsion was associated with an increased risk
      of symptoms and signs of prolapse, even after allowing for the degree of levator
      ballooning. The presence of avulsion did not modify the relation between hiatal
      area and symptoms of prolapse. CONCLUSIONS: Puborectalis avulsion injury and
      levator hiatal ballooning are independent risk factors for symptoms and signs of
      prolapse. The role of avulsion in the pathogenesis of prolapse is not fully
      explained by its effect on hiatal dimensions. It is likely that avulsion implies
      not only muscular trauma but also damage to structures impossible to assess
      clinically or by imaging, i.e. myofascial and connective tissue.

PMID- 22050559
TI  - Awareness, practice and attitude to cervical Papanicolaou smear among female
      health care workers in Jordan.
AB  - The objective was to investigate Jordanian female health care workers' awareness,
      practice and attitude towards screening for cervical cancer. A cross-sectional,
      interview-based survey of 187 female health care workers (53 physicians, 92
      nurses/midwives, 42 others) was conducted. Descriptive statistics were generated.
      A total of 187 female health care workers were interviewed. Over 80% of sexually
      active interviewees, with a mean age +/- SD of 36.5 +/- 9.2 years and an
      awareness score +/- SD of 7.91 +/- 2.8, had never undergone Papanicolaou smear
      testing. Nearly half of them (47.2%) were not aware that screening was available.
      The majority of those who had been tested (19.1%), with an awareness score +/- SD
      of 9.23 +/- 3.03, did so as part of a routine visit to their gynaecologist. Only
      26% of the participants were aware of the availability of a vaccine against
      cervical cancer, of which 63% were physicians. It is concluded that the current
      screening programme is not effective. There is urgent need to influence women's
      health care providers to highlight the need for smear tests and to develop
      educational programmes that will target women and health care workers.

PMID- 22050560
TI  - Safety profile of anterior chamber paracentesis performed at the slit lamp.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anterior chamber paracentesis is a valuable diagnostic tool in the
      management of uveitis, but may be underutilized because of concerns over its
      safety. We evaluated the safety profile of anterior chamber paracentesis
      performed at the slit lamp as an outpatient procedure. DESIGN: Retrospective,
      observational case series in a single tertiary centre. PARTICIPANTS: Five hundred
      and sixty patients with uveitis undergoing anterior chamber paracentesis.
      METHODS: All anterior chamber paracenteses performed at the slit lamp for
      diagnostic or research purposes between January 1997 and June 2009 were analysed
      with regard to adverse events and pipet/syringe used. Procedures were included
      whether carried out on undilated or dilated pupils. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
      Adverse events and serious adverse events. RESULTS: Out of 560 paracenteses, 510
      were performed with a 27-gauge fixed-needle tuberculin syringe, and 50 using an
      O'Rourke aqueous pipet. All patients were prescribed a short course of topical
      antibiotic and examined post-procedure and 1-2 weeks later. Out of 560 procedures
      there were four complications (0.7%). Two patients had inadvertent injection of
      sterile air into the anterior chamber but with spontaneous resolution and no
      adverse outcome (O'Rourke pipet for both). One patient had anterior lens capsule
      touch that was self-sealing and left a tiny localized opacity (tuberculin
      syringe). One patient had an allergic reaction to povidone iodine. No patients
      reported pain, and there were no cases of iris trauma, entry site leak, hypotony,
      hyphaema or endophthalmitis. CONCLUSION: Anterior chamber paracentesis can be
      performed safely as an outpatient procedure at the slit lamp following adequate
      aseptic precaution, and appropriate counselling.

PMID- 22050562
TI  - Rarebit perimetry: normative values and test-retest variability.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We aim to establish normative values and evaluate test-retest
      variability for the central and foveal field tests of version 4 of rarebit
      perimetry. DESIGN: This was a prospective study undertaken in collaboration
      between Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore, and Singapore Polytechnic.
      PARTICIPANTS: Fifty-four normal subjects were recruited and included in the
      study. METHODS: Subjects underwent rarebit perimetry testing, studying the
      central and foveal fields. All subjects repeated the test within 1 month of the
      initial visit. The 'mean hit rates' of one eye of every subject were analysed.
      MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Mean hit rates of subjects were analysed to establish
      normative values for the central and foveal fields. Test-retest variability was
      also analysed. RESULTS: Overall normative mean hit rates were 86.3 +/- 13.95% for
      the central field and 91.6 +/- 6.35% for the foveal field. For every increasing
      year of age, we found a 0.47% decrease in the central mean hit rates (P < 0.001).
      Normative mean hit rate for central and foveal fields were 90.6 +/- 12.3% and
      98.2 +/- 3.7% respectively, in 'young' subjects, and 81.9 +/- 15.6% and 85.0 +/-
      9.0% respectively, in 'mature' subjects. We found no significant test-retest
      variability in the foveal field (P = 0.554). There was significant test-retest
      variability in the central field (P < 0.001), but the difference was a 3.5 unit
      mean hit rate increase, which may be clinically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Rarebit
      perimetry is repeatable and reliable. We have established normative values for
      two age groups.

PMID- 22050561
TI  - Treating uncorrected refractive error in adults in the developing world with
      autorefractors and ready-made spectacles.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To evaluate a method for treating uncorrected refractive error in
      adults in the developing world. DESIGN: Prospective, cross-sectional study in
      outpatient community health centres. PARTICIPANTS: Eight hundred and forty
      subjects aged 18 and older from rural villages in Haiti and Belize. METHODS:
      Undilated refractive error screening exams were conducted over a 5-day period in
      rural Haiti and Belize using portable autorefractors. Isometropic, spherical,
      ready-made spectacles were provided to patients with bilateral refractive error,
      astigmatism <= 1 dioptre in each eye and visual acuity worse than 6/9 in each
      eye. Visual acuity was measured with and without corrective spectacles. MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASURES:   The mean visual improvement and median final visual acuity
      after treatment with ready-made glasses. RESULTS: Eight hundred and forty
      patients aged 18 and older were screened with autorefractors. One hundred and
      eighty-nine subjects (22.5%) were found to have visually significant bilateral
      refractive error. Fifty-eight per cent (110/189) of these patients met criteria
      for treatment with ready-made spectacles. Visual acuity improved an average of
      4.2 lines in the better eye and 4.1 lines in the worse eye with corrective
      glasses. The median visual acuity in the better eye was 6/6 after treatment.
      CONCLUSION: Autorefractors and ready-made spectacles allow for effective
      treatment of uncorrected refractive error in adults in the developing world.

PMID- 22050563
TI  - Lifetime visual prognosis of patients with glaucoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To investigate the visual outcome of glaucoma patients. DESIGN: This
      is a retrospective study of case notes of patients who died while under follow up
      in a glaucoma clinic of a University Hospital in Scotland between 2006 and 2009.
      PARTICIPANTS: Seventy-seven patients were identified. METHODS: Data collected
      included type of glaucoma, coexisting pathology and best-corrected visual acuity
      in Snellen (converted to decimal values) for the first and final clinic visit.
      The final visual status was evaluated based on the best-corrected visual acuity
      of the better seeing eye at the last glaucoma clinic visit. Patients who had best
      corrected visual acuity of less than Snellen decimal 0.5 were considered not to
      meet the standards for driving. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Snellen decimal best
      corrected visual acuity, fulfilment of driving standards, and eligibility for
      partial sight and blind registration at the last clinic visit. RESULTS: The mean
      ages at presentation and death were 71.8 +/- 10.3 years and 82.2 +/- 8.7 years
      respectively. The mean Snellen decimal best-corrected visual acuity of the better
      eye at presentation was 0.78, and at the final clinic visit was 0.61. At the
      final clinic visit, no patients were partial sight registrable, four (5.2%) were
      blind registrable, and 27 (35.1%) did not fulfil UK driving criteria. Glaucoma
      patients with other ocular pathologies were more likely to fail UK driving
      criteria at presentation (P = 0.02) and at last clinic visit (P = 0.03).
      CONCLUSION: The majority of glaucoma patients maintained good visual function at
      the end of their lifetime.

PMID- 22050564
TI  - Early intravitreal treatment of endogenous bacterial endophthalmitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are currently no standardized treatment guidelines for
      endogenous bacterial endophthalmitis. We report the long-term outcomes of early
      intravitreal treatment of endogenous bacterial endophthalmitis, defined as
      intravitreal and systemic antibiotics administered within 24 h of diagnosis, with
      conservative use of pars plana vitrectomy. DESIGN: Interventional retrospective
      case series. PARTICIPANTS: Consecutive patients treated for culture-proven
      endogenous bacterial endophthalmitis between 2001 and 2008 at the Weill Cornell
      Medical Center. METHODS: The clinical records of 18 eyes from 13 patients were
      reviewed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Visual acuity. RESULTS: Mean age at presentation
      was 61 (25-85) years. All patients had underlying medical conditions. Extraocular
      infectious foci were identified in nine (69%) patients, with endocarditis being
      the most common. Gram-positive organisms were identified in 12 (92%) patients,
      including five with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. No cases were
      misdiagnosed. Final visual acuities of better than 6/120 and counting fingers
      were achieved in 6 (55%) and 7 (64%) of 11 eyes, respectively. Longer time
      between onset of ocular symptoms and intravitreal antibiotic injection correlated
      with worse visual outcomes (P < 0.05) and was associated with mortality (P <
      0.05). Mortality was also associated with methicillin-resistant S. aureus
      infection (P < 0.05). Of those with follow up longer than 1 year, retinal
      detachment developed in 3 of 10 eyes (30%) after the acute infection, and
      cataract developed in 6 of 9 (67%) phakic eyes. Mean follow up was 146 (4-313)
      weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreal antibiotics for endogenous bacterial
      endophthalmitis administered within 24 h to supplement immediate systemic
      antibiotics may provide a relatively favourable visual prognosis.

PMID- 22050565
TI  - Geldanamycin is effective in the treatment of herpes simplex virus epithelial
      keratitis in a rabbit model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To evaluate the efficacy of geldanamycin eye drops against herpes
      simplex virus epithelial keratitis in a rabbit model. METHODS: New Zealand white
      rabbits were randomized into four groups and infected with herpes simplex virus
      type 1; geldanamycin topical eye drops was initiated 24 h after the infection and
      maintained for 12 consecutive days. Four groups of rabbits received 5 ug/mL
      geldanamycin, 10 ug/mL geldanamycin, 0.1% acyclovir and escipient (a kind of
      artificial tears), respectively. The severity of herpes simplex virus type 1
      epithelial keratitis was measured by slit-lamp and scored for statistics
      analysis. The virus shedding in eye swabs was isolated, and tissue culture
      infective dose (TCID50) was determined. RESULTS: Geldanamycin (10 ug/mL)
      treatment reduced significantly the severity of herpes simplex virus type 1
      epithelial keratitis than the other three groups. Geldanamycin (5 ug/mL) was as
      effective as acyclovir (0.1%) treatment. The effect of geldanamycin against
      herpes simplex virus type 1 epithelial keratitis correlated with accelerated
      clearance of virus of the rabbits. CONCLUSION: Geldanamycin is a promising
      treatment option against herpes simplex virus type 1 epithelial keratitis.
      Geldanamycin (10 ug/mL) is better than acyclovir and geldanamycin (5 ug/mL) in
      the rabbit model. The optimal concentration of this drug in human is still to be
      determined.

PMID- 22050566
TI  - Downregulation of c-Myc in pterygium and cultured pterygial cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine c-Myc expression in pterygial
      tissue and in cultured fibroblasts and epithelial cells of pterygia, using normal
      human conjunctival samples as a control. METHODS: Expression of c-Myc in
      pterygium and normal human conjunctiva tissue was examined by immunohistochemical
      assay and Western blot. Fibroblasts and epithelial cells from primary pterygium
      and normal human conjunctiva were cultured in medium with or without transforming
      growth factor beta1 for up to 3 days. c-Myc protein expression was analysed by
      indirect immunofluorescence. Levels of c-Myc mRNA in fibroblasts were measured by
      reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: c-Myc protein
      expression was reduced in human pterygial tissue compared with normal human
      conjunctiva in immunohistochemical staining. The decrease was further verified by
      Western blot analysis. In primary cultured cells c-Myc expression as stained by
      immunofluorescence was reduced in both pterygial epithelial and fibroblast cells
      when compared with cultured normal human conjunctiva cells. In addition, compared
      with cells from normal conjunctiva, reduced levels of c-Myc mRNA were observed in
      both cultured pterygial epithelial and fibroblast cells. Increased c-Myc
      expression in pterygial cells, but not in normal conjunctival cells, was found
      when the cultured cells were treated with transforming growth factor beta1. This
      increase of c-Myc mRNA appeared to be time and transforming growth factor beta1
      dose dependent. CONCLUSIONS: c-Myc expression is reduced in pterygium compared
      with normal conjunctiva. Transforming growth factor beta1 can elevate the
      downregulated c-Myc in cultured pterygial cells.

PMID- 22050567
TI  - 3-D spheroid culture of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell of rhesus monkey with
      improved multi-differentiation potential to epithelial progenitors and neuron in
      vitro.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bone mesenchymal stem cells are an attractive source of cells with
      potential applications in ocular regenerative medicine. However, the low
      differentiation efficiency in the traditional two-dimensional (2-D) culture
      system limits their application for clinical therapy. Here, we describe a simple
      and innovative 3-D culture environment and assess the potential for bone
      mesenchymal stem cells to differentiate into a variety of cell types in the 3-D
      system. METHODS: Bone mesenchymal stem cells of rhesus monkey were isolated and
      cultured using a density gradient centrifugation and adherence screening method.
      Cells at passage three were cultured by hanging drop and formed spheres. After 3
      days, the spheres were collected and plated onto culture plates and maintained in
      a floating state by a rotary method for 10 days. Under appropriate induction
      conditions, the sphere cells were induced into adipocytes, osteoblasts,
      epithelial progenitors and neuronal cells. Differentiated cells were identified
      by histochemical staining, immunofluorescence and reverse transcription
      polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: Bone mesenchymal stem cells of rhesus monkey
      in the 3-D spheroid culture system acquired improved efficient multipotency for
      not only adipogenic and osteogeneic differentiation, but ectodermal epithelial
      progenitor-like cells and neuron-like cells compared with the 2-D culture system.
      CONCLUSION: Our 3-D spheroid culture system provides a useful technique to gain
      insight into the mechanisms of bone mesenchymal stem cells differentiation, and
      may have potential applications for the treatment of ocular surface and optic
      nerve disease.

PMID- 22050568
TI  - Mathematics of Zernike polynomials: a review.
AB  - Monochromatic aberrations of the eye principally originate from the cornea and
      the crystalline lens. Aberrometers operate via differing principles but function
      by either analysing the reflected wavefront from the retina or by analysing an
      image on the retina. Aberrations may be described as lower order or higher order
      aberrations with Zernike polynomials being the most commonly employed fitting
      method. The complex mathematical aspects with regards the Zernike polynomial
      expansion series are detailed in this review. Refractive surgery has been a key
      clinical application of aberrometers; however, more recently aberrometers have
      been used in a range of other areas ophthalmology including corneal diseases,
      cataract and retinal imaging.

PMID- 22050569
TI  - Recurrent orbital inflammation in a patient with multiple sclerosis treated with
      interferon-beta.

PMID- 22050570
TI  - Bilateral acute angle-closure glaucoma as the presenting feature of a systemic
      leukocytoclastic vasculitis.

PMID- 22050571
TI  - Projected needs for eye-care services in indigenous Australians.

PMID- 22050572
TI  - Diabetes and its ocular complications in Timor-Leste.

PMID- 22050575
TI  - Genomic insights into microbial iron oxidation and iron uptake strategies in
      extremely acidic environments.
AB  - This minireview presents recent advances in our understanding of iron oxidation
      and homeostasis in acidophilic Bacteria and Archaea. These processes influence
      the flux of metals and nutrients in pristine and man-made acidic environments
      such as acid mine drainage and industrial bioleaching operations. Acidophiles are
      also being studied to understand life in extreme conditions and their role in the
      generation of biomarkers used in the search for evidence of existing or past
      extra-terrestrial life. Iron oxidation in acidophiles is best understood in the
      model organism Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans. However, recent functional genomic
      analysis of acidophiles is leading to a deeper appreciation of the diversity of
      acidophilic iron-oxidizing pathways. Although it is too early to paint a detailed
      picture of the role played by lateral gene transfer in the evolution of iron
      oxidation, emerging evidence tends to support the view that iron oxidation arose
      independently more than once in evolution. Acidic environments are generally rich
      in soluble iron and extreme acidophiles (e.g. the Leptospirillum genus) have
      considerably fewer iron uptake systems compared with neutrophiles. However, some
      acidophiles have been shown to grow as high as pH 6 and, in the case of the
      Acidithiobacillus genus, to have multiple iron uptake systems. This could be an
      adaption allowing them to respond to different iron concentrations via the use of
      a multiplicity of different siderophores. Both Leptospirillum spp. and
      Acidithiobacillus spp. are predicted to synthesize the acid stable citrate
      siderophore for Fe(III) uptake. In addition, both groups have predicted receptors
      for siderophores produced by other microorganisms, suggesting that competition
      for iron occurs influencing the ecophysiology of acidic environments. Little is
      known about the genetic regulation of iron oxidation and iron uptake in
      acidophiles, especially how the use of iron as an energy source is balanced with
      its need to take up iron for metabolism. It is anticipated that integrated and
      complex regulatory networks sensing different environmental signals, such as the
      energy source and/or the redox state of the cell as well as the oxygen
      availability, are involved.

PMID- 22050574
TI  - IL-10 contributes to the suppressive function of tumour-associated myeloid cells
      and enhances myeloid cell accumulation in tumours.
AB  - Studies have revealed that tumour-associated myeloid cells (TAMC) are one of the
      major sources of IL-10 in tumour-bearing mice. However, the significance of TAMC
      derived IL-10 in tumour immunity is poorly understood. Here, we show that IL-10
      blockade or IL-10 deficiency reduces the capacity of TAMC in suppressing the
      proliferation of P1A-specific CD8 T cells. In the spleen, IL-10-deficient and
      wild-type (WT) mice bearing large tumour burdens have similar TAMC populations.
      The tumours from IL-10-deficient mice, however, have reduced numbers of TAMC
      compared with tumours from their WT counterparts. IL-10-/- RAG-2-/- mice also had
      reduced numbers of TAMC compared with tumours from IL-10+/+ RAG-2-/- mice;
      therefore, the reduction in TAMC in IL-10-deficient tumours was not because of
      adaptive immune response in tumours. Adoptively transferred tumour antigen
      specific CD8 T cells expanded more efficiently within tumours in IL-10-/- RAG-2-/
      mice than in tumours from IL-10+/+ RAG-2-/- mice. Cytotoxic T lymphocyte
      adoptive transfer therapy prevented tumour evasion in IL-10-/- RAG-2-/- mice more
      efficiently than in IL-10+/+ RAG-2-/- mice. Thus, IL-10 enhances the accumulation
      of myeloid cells in tumours, and TAMC-derived IL-10 suppresses the activation and
      expansion of tumour antigen-specific T cells.

PMID- 22050576
TI  - The cellular language of myo-inositol signaling.
AB  - The simple polyol, myo-inositol, is used as a building block of a cellular
      language that plays various roles in signal transduction. This review describes
      the terminology used to denote myo-inositol-containing molecules, with an
      emphasis on how phosphate and fatty acids are added to create second messengers
      used in signaling. Work in model systems has delineated the genes and enzymes
      required for synthesis and metabolism of many myo-inositol-containing molecules,
      with genetic mutants and measurement of second messengers playing key roles in
      developing our understanding. There is increasing evidence that molecules such as
      myo- inositol(1,4,5)trisphosphate and phosphatidylinositol(4,5)bisphosphate are
      synthesized in response to various signals plants encounter. In particular, the
      controversial role of myo-inositol(1,4,5)trisphosphate is addressed, accompanied
      by a discussion of the multiple enzymes that act to regulate this molecule. We
      are also beginning to understand new connections of myo-inositol signaling in
      plants. These recent discoveries include the novel roles of inositol phosphates
      in binding to plant hormone receptors and that of
      phosphatidylinositol(3)phosphate binding to pathogen effectors.

PMID- 22050577
TI  - Urinary tubular biomarkers as potential early predictors of renal allograft
      rejection.
AB  - Confirmation of kidney transplant rejection still requires a histological
      diagnosis on renal allograft biopsy. Research continues for new non-invasive
      means for early diagnosis and treatment of kidney allograft rejection.
      Examination of the urine in renal transplant recipients provides a logical and
      readily accessible non-invasive window on allograft function, reflecting the
      function of the kidney in its transplanted environment. Renal tubular epithelial
      cells (TEC) respond dynamically to the surrounding microenvironment and play an
      important role in allograft survival. Proteins released from TEC into the urine
      potentially serve as biomarkers for the early diagnosis of graft dysfunction and
      rejection. Activated proximal TEC express human leucocyte antigens and co
      stimulatory molecules, transiently transforming into non-professional antigen
      presenting cells that augment renal allograft rejection. Chemokines and
      chemoattractants expressed on proximal tubules may also facilitate the migration
      of alloreactive lymphocytes to local site of injury and stimulate cytokine
      release from infiltrating lymphocytes. Proximal TEC are also potential targets
      for circulating alloreactive antibodies and complement leading to cell damage.
      Changes in cell state during development, regeneration or immune response require
      a rapid modulation of both surface protein expression and secretion, altering the
      repertoire of proteins secreted or expressed at the TEC plasma membrane. Due to
      the proximity of TEC to the tubular lumen, these proteins are passed into the
      urine. In this regard, TEC possess a unique anatomic location within the
      transplanted organ and are therefore ideal indicators of graft function. Hence,
      measurement of the changes of TEC-derived molecules in the urine, in response to
      different challenges or modification, may predict graft outcome.

PMID- 22050578
TI  - Rheumatic fever in New Zealand.
AB  - Acute rheumatic fever and its sequel rheumatic heart disease remain major
      unsolved problems in New Zealand, causing significant morbidity and premature
      death. The disease burden affects predominantly indigenous Maori and Pacific
      Island children and young adults. In the past decade these ethnic disparities are
      even widening. Secondary prophylaxis using 28-day intramuscular penicillin has
      been the mainstay of disease control. In the greater Auckland region, audit shows
      community nurse-led penicillin delivery rates of 95% and recurrence rates of less
      than 5%. The true penicillin failure rate of 0.07 per 100 patient years supports
      4 weekly penicillin rather than more frequent dose regimens. Landmark primary
      prevention research has been undertaken supporting sore throat primary prevention
      programmes in regions with very high rheumatic fever rates. Echocardiographic
      screening found 2.4% previously undiagnosed rheumatic heart disease in socially
      disadvantaged children. Combined with secondary prevention, echocardiography
      screening has the potential to reduce the prevalence of severe rheumatic heart
      disease.

PMID- 22050580
TI  - A significant milestone for palliative care: imperative for dissemination and
      implementation research.

PMID- 22050581
TI  - Is routinely ascertaining preferred place of death for hospice patients possible
      or desirable?

PMID- 22050582
TI  - Considerations of quality-adjusted life-year in palliative care for the
      terminally ill.

PMID- 22050583
TI  - Bedside ultrasound: a radiologic boon for placement of complex nerve blocks for
      abdominal malignancies.

PMID- 22050584
TI  - Physicians and prayer requests #120.

PMID- 22050585
TI  - Screening for opioid misuse and abuse #244.

PMID- 22050586
TI  - Living with the late effects of irradiation treatment: a physician as a cancer of
      the neck patient perspective.

PMID- 22050587
TI  - A family's struggle.

PMID- 22050588
TI  - Come home sweetheart: a fight for my father's last wish.

PMID- 22050589
TI  - A fight to the end.

PMID- 22050592
TI  - In vitro enzymatic response of Turkish native chicken "Gerze" to heavy metal
      exposure.
AB  - Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) was purified and characterized from the
      Turkish native chicken, Gerze, erythrocytes for the first time, and some
      characteristics were investigated. Purification procedure consisted of ammonium
      sulphate fractionation and affinity chromatography on 29, 59-ADP Sepharose-4B.
      The enzyme was purified 1063.22-fold with a yield of 43.27% and specific activity
      of 93.5 EU/mg proteins. Kinetic parameters of the enzyme were determined with
      glucose-6-phosphate (G6P) as substrate and purified enzyme had an apparent K(M)
      and V(max) values of 0.222 mM and 0.097 U/ml, respectively. The same parameters
      were determined with NADP(+) and the K(M) and V(max) values were 0.0603 mM and
      0.153 U/ml, respectively. The following metals, Cd(+2), Pb(+2), Hg(+2), Cu(+2),
      Zn(+2) and Fe(+3) showed inhibitory effects on the enzyme. Cd(+2) and Pb(+2)
      exhibited the strongest inhibitory action. Hg(+2) and Cu(+2) were moderate
      inhibitors, whereas Zn(+2) and Fe(+3) showed weaker actions. All tested metals
      inhibited the enzyme in competitive manner.

PMID- 22050593
TI  - CD57 and gammadelta T-cell receptor expression in nodal metastatic spread of
      melanoma.

PMID- 22050594
TI  - Patient and nurse staffing characteristics associated with high sitter use costs.
AB  - AIM: This paper is a report of a study of the relationships between patient
      health conditions, nurse staffing characteristics and high sitter use costs.
      BACKGROUND: Increasing recourse to patient sitters is a major cost concern to
      hospitals. To reduce these expenses, we need to understand better the factors
      associated with high sitter use costs. METHODS: From a cohort of 43,212
      medical/surgical patients admitted to an academic health centre in Montreal
      (Canada) in 2007 and 2008, all 1151 patients who received a sitter were selected.
      We applied multivariate logistic regression, using the Generalized Estimating
      Equation framework, to estimate the relationships between patient health
      conditions, nurse staffing characteristics and being in the upper two quintiles
      of sitter costs, vs. the lower three. RESULTS: The median sitter cost per
      patient, in Canadian dollars, was $772.35 (IQR = $1737.84); and $2397.00 (IQR =
      $3085.03) among the patients with high sitter use costs. In multivariate
      analyses, dementia, delirium and other cognitive impairments (OR = 1.49; 95% CI =
      1.01-2.22) and schizophrenia and other psychoses (OR = 2.42; 95% CI = 1.08-5.76)
      increased the likelihood of high sitter use costs. In addition, every additional
      worked hour per patient per day by Registered Nurses (OR =0.33; 95% CI = 0.27
      0.39) and by patient care assistants (OR = 0.11; 95% CI = 0.08-0.15) reduced the
      likelihood of high sitter use costs. Conclusion.  Circumstances of understaffing
      and patients having psycho-geriatric conditions are associated with high sitter
      use costs. Improving staffing and providing additional resources to support the
      care of psycho-geriatric patients may lower these expenses.

PMID- 22050595
TI  - Two structurally similar fungal prions efficiently cross-seed in vivo but form
      distinct polymers when coexpressed.
AB  - HET-s is a prion protein of the filamentous fungus Podospora anserina. An
      orthologue of this protein, called FgHET-s has been identified in Fusarium
      graminearum. The region of the FgHET-s protein corresponding to the prion forming
      domain of HET-s, forms amyloid fibrils in vitro. These fibrils seed HET-s(218
      289) fibril formation in vitro and vice versa. The amyloid fold of HET-s(218-289)
      and FgHET-s(218-289) are remarkably similar although they share only 38%
      identity. The present work corresponds to the functional characterization of the
      FgHET-s(218-289) region as a prion forming domain in vivo. We show that FgHET
      s(218-289) is capable of prion propagation in P. anserina and is able to
      substitute for the HET-s PFD in the full-length HET-s protein. In accordance with
      the in vitro cross-seeding experiments, we detect no species barrier between P.
      anserina and F. graminearum PFDs. We use the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a
      host to compare the prion performances of the two orthologous PFDs. We find that
      FgHET-s(218-289) leads to higher spontaneous prion formation rates and mitotic
      prion stability than HET-s(218-289). Then we analysed the outcome of HET-s(218
      289)/FgHET-s(218-289) coexpression. In spite of the cross-seeding ability of HET
      s(218-289) and FgHET-s(218-289), in vivo, homotypic polymerization is favoured
      over mixed fibril formation.

PMID- 22050596
TI  - I-THM formation and speciation: preformed monochloramine versus prechlorination
      followed by ammonia addition.
AB  - An increasing number of utilities in the United States have been switching from
      chlorination to chloramination practices to comply with the more stringent
      trihalomethane (THM) and haloacetic acid (HAA) regulations. This has important
      implications for disinfection byproduct (DBP) formation because the reactions of
      chlorine and monochloramine (NH(2)Cl) with natural organic matter (NOM) are not
      the same. In this study, iodinated trihalomethane (I-THM) formation from
      preformed NH(2)Cl and prechlorination (at two chlorine doses and contact times)
      followed by ammonia addition was compared. A representative bromide/iodide ratio
      of 10:1 was selected and four bromide/iodide levels (ambient, 50/5 or 100/10,
      200/20, and 800/80 [MUg/L/MUg/L]) were evaluated. The results showed that I-THM
      formation was generally lower for prechlorination as compared to preformed
      NH(2)Cl due to the oxidation of iodide to iodate by chlorine. However, while
      prechlorination minimized iodoform (CHI(3)) formation, prechlorination sometimes
      formed more I-THMs as compared to preformed NH(2)Cl due to a large increase in
      the formation of brominated I-THM species, which were formed at much smaller
      amounts from preformed NH(2)Cl. I-THM concentrations and speciation for the two
      chloramination scenarios (i.e., preformed NH(2)Cl vs prechlorination followed by
      ammonia) depended on chlorine dose, contact time, bromide/iodide concentration,
      and NOM characteristics of the source water (SUVA(254)).

PMID- 22050597
TI  - Translating clinical activity and gene expression signatures of etanercept and
      ciclosporin to the psoriasis xenograft SCID mouse model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The psoriasis xenograft severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) mouse
      model is used in drug discovery to obtain preclinical proof-of-principle of new
      antipsoriatic drug candidates. Validation of this model by antipsoriatic
      therapeutic agents in clinical use is important to understand its utility as well
      as its limitations. The effects of the clinically efficacious antitumour necrosis
      factor-alpha biologics have not yet been demonstrated in the psoriasis xenograft
      SCID mouse model. OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of etanercept and to
      explore the time-dependent changes induced by ciclosporin on psoriatic biomarkers
      at the gene expression level in the psoriasis xenograft SCID mouse model.
      METHODS: Xenografted SCID mice were treated either with etanercept and vehicle
      for 2 weeks or with ciclosporin and vehicle for 2 and 4 weeks, respectively.
      Treatment-induced changes in the psoriatic grafts were assessed by gene
      expression analysis and compared with published clinical microarray data. The
      grafts were further evaluated by histology and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS:
      Etanercept induced normalization of gene expression, which correlated with a
      significant reduction in epidermal thickness as well as a decrease in the number
      of proliferative cells. Anti-inflammatory activity induced by ciclosporin
      preceded the reduction in epidermal hyperplasia. Comparison of the etanercept-
      and ciclosporin-induced gene expression signatures with clinical microarray data
      showed significant correlations. CONCLUSIONS: Efficacy of etanercept and
      ciclosporin could be translated to the psoriasis xenograft SCID mouse model.

PMID- 22050598
TI  - Native chemical ligation of hydrolysis-resistant 3'-peptidyl-tRNA mimics.
AB  - Hydrolysis-resistant 3'-peptidyl-RNA conjugates that mimic tRNA termini represent
      a remarkable synthetic challenge, particularly if they contain amino acids with
      complex side-chain functionalities, such as arginines. Here we demonstrate a
      novel approach that combines solid-phase synthesis and bioconjugation to obtain
      these derivatives with high efficiency and purity. The key step is native
      chemical ligation of 3'-cysteinyl-RNA fragments to highly soluble peptide
      thioesters. The so-prepared 3'-peptidyl-RNA conjugates relate to resistance
      peptides that can render the ribosome resistant to macrolide antibiotics by a yet
      unknown ribosomal translation mechanism.

PMID- 22050599
TI  - Availability of insulin pump therapy in clinical practice.
AB  - AIM: To examine the availability of insulin pump therapy in patients with Type 1
      diabetes. METHODS: Patients using insulin pumps among a cohort of 7224 patients
      with Type 1 diabetes were studied. RESULTS: In logistic regression, used to
      evaluate variables not changing over time among the total cohort, use of insulin
      pumps varied by outpatient clinic (P<0.001) and sex (P<0.001). Cox regression
      analysis in 5854 patients with detailed patient data prior to use of an insulin
      pump showed higher HbA(1c) (P<0.0001), lower creatinine (P=0.002), high and low
      insulin doses (P<0.0001), younger age (P<0.0001) and female sex (P<0.0001) to be
      associated with use of an insulin pump. Women were 1.5-fold more likely to start
      using an insulin pump (hazard ratio 1.52, 95% confidence interval 1.29-1.79) and
      patients in the 20- to 30-years age range were more than twice as likely to begin
      use of an insulin pump than patients aged 40-50 years (hazard ratio 8.63, 95%
      confidence interval 5.91-12.59 and hazard ratio 3.98, 95% confidence interval
      2.80-5.64, respectively). A 10-MUmol/l higher level of creatinine was associated
      with a hazard ratio of 0.56 (95% confidence interval 0.39-0.81) of starting use
      of an insulin pump. CONCLUSIONS: At 10 hospital outpatient clinics in Sweden, use
      of insulin pumps therapy varied by clinic. A higher proportion of women began
      using insulin pumps. Younger patients and patients with fewer complications were
      also more likely to start using an insulin pump. Further research is needed to
      confirm these findings in other geographical regions and to understand whether
      the availability of insulin pumps today is optimized.

PMID- 22050601
TI  - Identification and potency of cyclodextrin-lipid inhibitors of Staphylococcus
      aureus alpha-toxin.
AB  - PURPOSE: Staphylococcus aureus, a leading cause of bacterial keratitis, secretes
      alpha-toxin, a cytotoxin active on the corneal epithelium. This study describes
      the production and testing of chemical inhibitors of alpha-toxin action. METHODS:
      Purified alpha-toxin was titered by its ability to lyse rabbit erythrocytes in
      buffered saline (PBS). To prepare potential toxin inhibitors, each of 18 lipids
      was incorporated into a complex with methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (MbetaCD) or
      hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin (HPbetaCD). Serial dilutions of each lipid
      cyclodextrin (CD-lipid) complex were mixed with alpha-toxin prior to the addition
      of rabbit erythrocytes. Select CD-lipid complexes were mixed with 12 hemolytic
      units (HU) alpha-toxin and injected into the rabbit corneal stroma so the
      resulting corneal erosions could be measured at 4 and 8 hours post-injection
      (PI). Eyes injected with toxin alone, MbetaCD, or HPbetaCD alone served as
      controls. RESULTS: Neither form of CD alone inhibited alpha-toxin. Of the 36
      complexes prepared, 6 lipid-CD complexes were found to inhibit >100 HU of alpha
      toxin. Four lipid complexes able to inhibit >200 HU of alpha-toxin were tested in
      toxin-injected corneas; at 4 and 8 hours PI, the complexes of cholesterol or
      lanosterol with MbetaCD and squalene or desmosterol with HPbetaCD caused a
      significant reduction in the corneal erosion size as compared to eyes injected
      with alpha-toxin alone (P <= 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Specific lipid inclusion
      complexes with either MbetaCD or HPbetaCD demonstrated a significant inhibition
      of alpha-toxin in both in vitro and in vivo assays. Changes in either the
      cyclodextrin or lipid of a complex affected the inhibitory activity.

PMID- 22050600
TI  - Induced fit or conformational selection? The role of the semi-closed state in the
      maltose binding protein.
AB  - A full characterization of the thermodynamic forces underlying ligand-associated
      conformational changes in proteins is essential for understanding and
      manipulating diverse biological processes, including transport, signaling, and
      enzymatic activity. Recent experiments on the maltose binding protein (MBP) have
      provided valuable data about the different conformational states implicated in
      the ligand recognition process; however, a complete picture of the accessible
      pathways and the associated changes in free energy remains elusive. Here we
      describe results from advanced accelerated molecular dynamics (aMD) simulations,
      coupled with adaptively biased force (ABF) and thermodynamic integration (TI)
      free energy methods. The combination of approaches allows us to track the ligand
      recognition process on the microsecond time scale and provides a detailed
      characterization of the protein's dynamic and the relative energy of stable
      states. We find that an induced-fit (IF) mechanism is most likely and that a
      mechanism involving both a conformational selection (CS) step and an IF step is
      also possible. The complete recognition process is best viewed as a "Pac Man"
      type action where the ligand is initially localized to one domain and naturally
      occurring hinge-bending vibrations in the protein are able to assist the
      recognition process by increasing the chances of a favorable encounter with side
      chains on the other domain, leading to a population shift. This interpretation is
      consistent with experiments and provides new insight into the complex recognition
      mechanism. The methods employed here are able to describe IF and CS effects and
      provide formally rigorous means of computing free energy changes. As such, they
      are superior to conventional MD and flexible docking alone and hold great promise
      for future development and applications to drug discovery.

PMID- 22050603
TI  - Yearly diagnostic yield of colonoscopy in patients age 80 years or older, with a
      special interest in colorectal cancer.
AB  - AIM: A high diagnostic yield of colonoscopy has been reported in elderly
      patients, but there is no data on the yearly yield. Our aim was to detect the
      yearly yield of colonoscopy in elderly patients. METHODS: All consecutive
      endoscopies in the years 1992-2009 were included. Important endoscopic diagnoses
      were defined as colorectal cancer (CRC), polyps, diverticuli and inflammation.
      RESULTS: In total, 19 569 endoscopies were performed, of which 1706 (8.7%) were
      in patients age 80 years or older. The number of women was significantly higher
      (P < 0.001). The percentage of patients who were 80 years or older was higher
      than in the general population and remained stable during the study period,
      though there has been a proportional increase of elderly people in the general
      population. Inconclusive procedures were present in 106 (6.2%) elderly patients
      compared with 277 (1.6%) patients under 80 years of age (P < 0.001). There were
      no significant changes in the consecutive years. A procedure revealing no
      endoscopic diagnosis was observed less often in patients who were 80 years or
      older (P < 0.001). CRC was diagnosed in 221 (19.6%) older patients. This figure
      remained more or less constant each year. Polyps were seen in 448 (8.8%) patients
      80 years of age or older. The percentage of patients with diverticuli and
      inflammation was constant. The number of patients 80 years or older with CRC and
      polyps rose at a lower rate than the number of older people in the general
      population. CONCLUSION: The yield of colonoscopy in patients 80 years or older
      was high and constant over the years. The number of tumors rose less than
      expected compared to the increase of elderly in the general population.

PMID- 22050602
TI  - Determination of the human cardiomyocyte mRNA and miRNA differentiation network
      by fine-scale profiling.
AB  - To gain insight into the molecular regulation of human heart development, a
      detailed comparison of the mRNA and miRNA transcriptomes across differentiating
      human-induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived cardiomyocytes and biopsies
      from fetal, adult, and hypertensive human hearts was performed. Gene ontology
      analysis of the mRNA expression levels of the hiPSCs differentiating into
      cardiomyocytes revealed 3 distinct groups of genes: pluripotent specific,
      transitional cardiac specification, and mature cardiomyocyte specific.
      Hierarchical clustering of the mRNA data revealed that the transcriptome of hiPSC
      cardiomyocytes largely stabilizes 20 days after initiation of differentiation.
      Nevertheless, analysis of cells continuously cultured for 120 days indicated that
      the cardiomyocytes continued to mature toward a more adult-like gene expression
      pattern. Analysis of cardiomyocyte-specific miRNAs (miR-1, miR-133a/b, and miR
      208a/b) revealed an miRNA pattern indicative of stem cell to cardiomyocyte
      specification. A biostatistitical approach integrated the miRNA and mRNA
      expression profiles revealing a cardiomyocyte differentiation miRNA network and
      identified putative mRNAs targeted by multiple miRNAs. Together, these data
      reveal the miRNA network in human heart development and support the notion that
      overlapping miRNA networks re-enforce transcriptional control during
      developmental specification.

PMID- 22050604
TI  - S1 domain-containing STF modulates plastid transcription and chloroplast
      biogenesis in Nicotiana benthamiana.
AB  - * In this study, we examined the biochemical and physiological functions of
      Nicotiana benthamiana S1 domain-containing Transcription-Stimulating Factor (STF)
      using virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS), cosuppression, and overexpression
      strategies. * STF : green fluorescent protein (GFP) fusion protein colocalized
      with sulfite reductase (SiR), a chloroplast nucleoid-associated protein also
      present in the stroma. Full-length STF and its S1 domain preferentially bound to
      RNA, probably in a sequence-nonspecific manner. * STF silencing by VIGS or
      cosuppression resulted in severe leaf yellowing caused by disrupted chloroplast
      development. STF deficiency significantly perturbed plastid-encoded multimeric
      RNA polymerase (PEP)-dependent transcript accumulation. Chloroplast transcription
      run-on assays revealed that the transcription rate of PEP-dependent plastid genes
      was reduced in the STF-silenced leaves. Conversely, the exogenously added
      recombinant STF protein increased the transcription rate, suggesting a direct
      role of STF in plastid transcription. Etiolated seedlings of STF cosuppression
      lines showed defects in the light-triggered transition from etioplasts to
      chloroplasts, accompanied by reduced light-induced expression of plastid-encoded
      genes. * These results suggest that STF plays a critical role as an auxiliary
      factor of the PEP transcription complex in the regulation of plastid
      transcription and chloroplast biogenesis in higher plants.

PMID- 22050605
TI  - Prognostic significance of residual tumor in patients with epithelial ovarian
      carcinoma stage IV in a 20 year perspective.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate prognostic factors impacting on overall survival
      during a 20 year period with substantial changes in surgical approach and
      chemotherapy management of patients with epithelial ovarian carcinoma stage IV.
      DESIGN: A retrospective population-based study. SETTING: The Norwegian Radium
      Hospital during 1985-2005. POPULATION: Three hundred and ninety-four patients
      with epithelial ovarian carcinoma stage IV treated at the Norwegian Radium
      Hospital. METHODS: The cohort was divided into two groups (1985-1995 and 1996
      2005), and clinical and pathological characteristics were compared. Univariate
      and multivariate analyses were performed to identify prognostic factors during
      1985-1995, 1996-2005 and 1985-2005. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prognostic factors and
      overall survival in the three periods. RESULTS: Median overall survival improved
      from 1985-1995 to 1996-2005 (from 1.3 to 2.1 years). More patients had
      macroscopic radical surgery (28 vs. 11%), received neoadjuvant chemotherapy and
      were treated with platinum-taxane combination therapy from 1996-2005 compared to
      1985-1995. Patients with primary surgery had improved median overall survival
      from 1996-2005 compared to 1985-1995. In multivariate analyses, surgical approach
      was not a prognostic factor for overall survival, but chemotherapy was during
      1985-2005. Postoperative residual tumor was a prognostic factor for overall
      survival in all periods. CONCLUSIONS: Macroscopic radical surgery is a strong
      prognostic factor for overall survival and is achievable in a subset of patients
      with epithelial ovarian carcinoma stage IV. Improved selection criteria for what
      treatment algorithm to choose for patients with epithelial ovarian carcinoma
      stage IV are warranted.

PMID- 22050606
TI  - alpha-Carbonic anhydrases are sulfatases with cyclic diol monosulfate esters.
AB  - Carbonic anhydrases (CA) catalyze activated ester hydrolysis in addition to the
      hydration of CO(2) to bicarbonate. They also show phosphatase activity with 4
      nitrophenyl phosphate as substrate but not sulfatase with the corresponding
      sulfate. Here we prove that the enzyme is catalyzing the synthesis of cyclic
      diols from sulfate esters. 5-, 6- and 8-membered ring cyclic sulfates
      incorporating a neighboring secondary alcohol moiety were treated with CA II and
      yielded the corresponding cyclic diols. Inhibitory properties of obtained cyclic
      and original sulfate esters were then investigated on human carbonic anhydrase I
      (hCA I), hCA II, hCA IV and hCA VI (h = human isoform). K(I)-s of these compounds
      ranged between 32.7-423 MUM against hCA I, 2.13-32.4 MUM against hCA II, 13.7-234
      MUM against hCA IV and 76-278 MUM against CA VI, respectively. The sulfatase
      activity of CA with such esters is amazing considering the fact that 4
      nitrophenyl-sulfate is not a substrate of these enzymes.

PMID- 22050607
TI  - Adiponectin elevation by telmisartan ameliorates ischaemic myocardium in Zucker
      diabetic fatty rats with metabolic syndrome.
AB  - AIM: This study investigated whether telmisartan, a selective angiotensin type 1
      (AT1) receptor antagonist and gamma peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor
      (PPAR-gamma) partial agonist, reduces myocardial ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R)
      injury in an experimental model of metabolic syndrome. METHODS: Zucker Diabetic
      Fatty (ZDF) rats were treated for 3 weeks with telmisartan at doses of 2, 7 and
      12 mg/kg/day. After treatment, rats were subjected to a 25-min occlusion of the
      left descending coronary artery followed by 2-h reperfusion (I/R). RESULTS:
      Telmisartan reduced the extension of the infarct size in a dose-dependent fashion
      and decreased the levels of plasma troponin I, a specific marker of myocardial
      damage. Telmisartan also caused a dose-dependent increase in adiponectin both in
      plasma and cardiac tissue of infarcted ZDF rats. These levels were minimally
      increased (p < 0.05 vs. vehicle) by telmisartan 7 mg/kg/day and reached the
      maximum values with the highest dose of 12 mg/kg/day (p < 0.01 vs. vehicle). In
      contrast, within the infarcted tissue telmisartan decreased the expression of
      markers of inflammation such as the transcription factor NF-kappaB, the toll-like
      receptors TLR2 and TLR4 as well as TNF-alpha cytokine. Nitrosative stress was
      maximal in vehicle-treated infarcted hearts as evidenced by increased expression
      of iNOS, which was almost abolished after treatement with telmisartan.
      CONCLUSIONS: Treatment of ZDF rats for 3 weeks with telmisartan, a dual
      angiotensin II receptor antagonist and partial PPAR-gamma receptor agonist,
      resulted in a significant reduction of myocardial damage induced by I/R and was
      associated with increased adiponectin and a decrease in inflammatory markers.

PMID- 22050608
TI  - Metagenomic analysis of a complex marine planktonic thaumarchaeal community from
      the Gulf of Maine.
AB  - Thaumarchaea, which represent as much as 20% of prokaryotic biomass in the open
      ocean, have been linked to environmentally relevant biogeochemical processes,
      such as ammonia oxidation (nitrification) and inorganic carbon fixation. We have
      used culture-independent methods to study this group because current cultivation
      limitations have proved a hindrance in studying these organisms. From a
      metagenomic data set obtained from surface waters from the Gulf of Maine, we have
      identified 36,111 sequence reads (containing 30 Mbp) likely derived from
      environmental planktonic Thaumarchaea. Metabolic analysis of the raw sequences
      and assemblies identified copies of the catalytic subunit required in aerobic
      ammonia oxidation. In addition, genes that comprise a nearly complete carbon
      assimilation pathway in the form of the 3-hyroxypropionate/4-hydroxybutyrate
      cycle were identified. Comparative genomics contrasting the putative
      environmental thaumarchaeal sequences and 'Candidatus Nitrosopumilus maritimus
      SCM1' revealed a number of genomic islands absent in the Gulf of Maine
      population. Analysis of these genomic islands revealed an integrase-associated
      island also found in distantly related microbial species, variations in the
      abundance of genes predicted to be important in thaumarchaeal respiratory chain,
      and the absence of a high-affinity phosphate uptake operon. Analysis of the
      underlying sequence diversity suggests the presence of at least two dominant
      environmental populations. Attempts to assemble complete environmental genomes
      were unsuccessful, but analysis of scaffolds revealed two diverging populations,
      including a thaumarchaeal-related scaffold with the full urease operon.
      Ultimately, the analysis revealed a number of insights into the metabolic
      potential of a predominantly uncultivated lineage of organisms. The predicted
      functions in the thaumarchaeal metagenomic sequences are directly supported by
      historic measurements of nutrient concentrations and provide new avenues of
      research in regards to understanding the role Thaumarchaea play in the
      environment.

PMID- 22050609
TI  - The attitudes of neonatal nurses towards extremely preterm infants.
AB  - AIM: The paper is a report of a study of the attitudes of neonatal nurses towards
      extremely preterm infants. BACKGROUND: Alongside advancing survival at extremely
      preterm gestational ages, ethical debates concerning the provision of invasive
      care have proliferated in light of the high morbidity. Despite nurses being the
      healthcare professionals who work closest with the infant and their family, their
      potential influence is usually ignored when determining how parents come to
      decisions about future care for their extremely premature infant. METHODS: A Q
      methodology was employed to explore the attitudes of neonatal nurses towards
      caring for extremely preterm infants. Data were collected between 2007 and 2008
      and analysed using PQMethod and Card Content Analysis. RESULTS: Thirty-six nurses
      from six neonatal units in the United Kingdom participated. Although there was
      consensus around the professional role of the nurse, when faced with the
      complexities of neonatal nursing three distinguishing factors emerged: the
      importance of parental choice in decision-making, the belief that technology
      should be used to assess response to treatment, and the belief that healthcare
      professionals should undertake difficult decisions. CONCLUSION: Neonatal nurses
      report unexpected difficulties in upholding their professionally defined role
      through highly complex and ever varied decision-making processes. Recognition of
      individual attitudes to the care of extremely preterm infants and the role of the
      family in the face of difficult decisions should facilitate more open
      communication between the nurse and the parents and improve the experience of
      both the nurse and the family during these emotional situations.

PMID- 22050610
TI  - Randomized prospective trial on the occurrence of laparoscopic trocar site
      hernias.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Laparoscopy has become the gold standard in an increasing number of
      procedures. We analyze the incidence of trocar site hernias (TSH) and determine
      whether closure of the external fascia prevents onset of TSH and possible
      complications. METHODS: We performed a simple-blind randomized trial with two
      groups, one in which all the orifices were closed by suturing the external fascia
      of the abdominal wall (group A), and another in which the orifices were left
      open, closing only the skin (group B). Monitoring for TSH lasted 2 years from the
      intervention. The trial has been registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov with the
      clinicaltrials.gov identifier number: NCT01240434. RESULTS: A total of 195
      patients were randomized. Thirty-three were removed from the study after
      conversion to open surgery, early open reoperation, or loss to follow-up. The
      remaining 162 patients comprised the study population, 80 in group A and 82 in
      group B. We found no differences between the groups regarding basic demographic
      data, kind of surgery, or topographic distribution of the trocars. Five TSH were
      diagnosed-four in group A and one in group B (P=.176)-and there was no relation
      between TSH and trocar size (11 or 12 mm) or location. We found 10 wound
      infections, 7 in group A and 3 in group B (P=.154). CONCLUSION: Our study
      suggests that the onset of TSH does not depend on trocar size or location. There
      is no evidence that suture of the fascial defect prevents the onset of TSH. In
      addition, we found a trend toward a higher incidence of wound infection among
      patients in whom the fascia had been sutured.

PMID- 22050613
TI  - Ideas with impact.

PMID- 22050612
TI  - The role of cortical and hypothalamic histamine-3 receptors in the modulation of
      central histamine neurotransmission: an in vivo electrophysiology and
      microdialysis study.
AB  - The current study aimed to investigate the effect of histamine-3 (H(3))
      receptors, expressed in the tuberomammillary nucleus (TMN) of the hypothalamus
      and in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), on histamine neurotransmission in the rat
      brain. The firing activity of histamine neurons in the TMN was measured using in
      vivo extracellular single-unit electrophysiology, under propofol anesthesia.
      Extracellular histamine levels were determined using the dual (PFC and TMN) probe
      microdialysis, in freely-moving animals. Histamine levels in dialysates were
      determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and fluorescence
      detection. It was found that systemic administration of the selective H(3)
      agonist, immepip, decreases, and the reverse H(3) /H(4)-agonist, thioperamide,
      increases the firing activity of histamine neurons in the TMN and the release of
      histamine in TMN and PFC. Local perfusion of immepip into the TMN increased, and
      thioperamide decreased, histamine levels in the TMN but not in the PFC. Local
      perfusion of immepip into the PFC, however, decreased extracellular histamine
      levels in both TMN and PFC. It can be concluded that brain H(3) receptors, and
      especially those expressed in the PFC, play an important role in the
      autoregulation of histamine neurotransmission. It is possible that H(3) receptors
      in the PFC are expressed on pyramidal neurons projecting to the TMN, and
      activation of these receptors diminishes glutamate excitatory input from PFC to
      the TMN. As the brain histamine system has a role in pathophysiology of
      psychotic, affective, cognitive, sleep and eating disorders, H(3) receptors are
      potential targets for future CNS medications.

PMID- 22050614
TI  - Challenges of patient-centred care: practice or rhetoric.

PMID- 22050615
TI  - Understanding medication safety in healthcare settings: a critical review of
      conceptual models.
AB  - Understanding medication safety in healthcare settings: a critical review of
      conceptual models Communication can impact on the way in which medications are
      managed across healthcare settings. Organisational cultures and the environmental
      context provide an added complexity to how communication occurs in practice. The
      aims of this paper are: to examine six models relating to medication safety in
      various hospital and community settings, to consider the strengths and
      limitations of each model and to explore their applications to medication safety
      practices. The models examined for their ability to address the complexity of the
      medication communication process include causal models, such as the Human Error
      Model and the System Analysis to Clinical Incidents Model, and exploratory
      models, such as the Shared Decision-Making Model, the Medication Decision-Making
      and Management Model, the Partnership Model and the Medication Communication
      Model. The Medication Communication Model provides particular insights into
      possible interactions between aspects that influence medication safety practices.
      The implications of all six models for healthcare practice and future research
      are also discussed.

PMID- 22050616
TI  - Deconstructing child and adolescent mental health: questioning the'taken-for
      granted'....
AB  - Deconstructing child and adolescent mental health: questioning the 'taken-for
      granted'... We present a critical deconstructive reading, seeking to problematise
      'taken-for-granted' assumptions in child and adolescent mental health (CAMH). The
      start point for this critical reading is conventional 'history-telling' within
      CAMH. The aim is not to take issue with the detail in such histories but to
      critically examine the texts, so as to highlight constructions that structure the
      presentation of conventional histories and possible purposes that such
      constructions may serve. The argument is that such conventional histories leave
      key questions not just unanswered, but unconsidered - a tendency that can be seen
      throughout the CAMH literature more generally. Therefore, we then pursue critical
      discussion of how 'taken-for-granted' constructions of CAMH enabled psychiatry to
      successfully expand its power and influence to establish hegemony over 'problem
      children'. We do not claim any closure to this critical reading; that is, we do
      not claim that our critical deconstructive reading is the only reading possible.
      Similarly, it is not presented in any sense as 'final word'. Rather our hope for
      this work is that it might stimulate readers to question the 'taken-for-granteds'
      that we present, and indeed others that they might identify themselves. In so
      doing, it is our hope that creative dialogue might ensue.

PMID- 22050617
TI  - Gender, sexuality and the participatory dimensions of a comparative life history
      policy study.
AB  - Gender, sexuality and the participatory dimensions of a comparative life history
      policy study In this paper, I explore how a critical feminist lens was a crucial
      element in creating a participatory policy study which used a qualitative design
      and comparative life history methodology. This study focused on Canadian nurses'
      political practice related to advocacy for lesbian health. Findings show that the
      combination of the gender lens and life history approach offers potential to
      create knowledge in ways aligned with health-promoting and emancipatory outcomes.
      However, the nature of participation and interaction by researcher and
      participants is contexualized and contested given complex dynamics of power that
      shape all aspects of this doctoral study process. The critical feminist lens with
      its focus on reflexivity informed the content and process of knowledge production
      in this study and shaped key turning points: the ways in which this policy study
      was conceptualized, the choice of comparative life history methodology, ethical
      considerations, data collection and analysis and representation of findings. Life
      history is unlikely to be the methodology that first comes to mind when
      undertaking a policy study. Its historical roots are associated with
      biographical, oral history and narrative approaches, which typically aim to
      elicit understanding of lived experience. Yet, it was this very aspect, this
      focus on lived experience, which rendered life history methodology fitting as I
      contemplated how to examine the relationship between nurses and policy. I was
      interested in understanding nurses' political practice, how policy influenced
      nurses' capacity to advocate in their everyday lives, as well as nurses' impacts
      on policy processes and their larger social worlds.

PMID- 22050618
TI  - A discursive exploration of the practices that shape and discipline nurses'
      responses to postoperative delirium.
AB  - A discursive exploration of the practices that shape and discipline nurses'
      responses to postoperative delirium Although delirium is classified as a medical
      emergency, it is often not treated as such by health care providers. The aim of
      this study was to critically examine, through a poststructural, Foucauldian
      concept of discourse, the language practices and discourses that shape and
      discipline nurses' care of older adults with postoperative delirium (POD) with a
      purpose to question accepted nursing practice. The study was based on data
      collected from face-to-face, in-depth, personal interviews with six nurses who
      work on an acute postoperative patient care unit. Five analytic readings of the
      data identified two prominent discourses at work in nursing practice which
      influenced the care of patients with POD. These were identified as discourses of
      legitimacy/illegitimacy and discourses of nursing work. Through the process of
      poststructural analysis it became evident that one overriding discourse - the
      biomedical/scientific discourse - served to direct, legitimize and govern all
      other discourses. The findings of this study have implications for nursing
      knowledge and practice, length of hospital stay and improved patient outcomes.
      This study builds on previous work and is the first study to conduct a discourse
      analysis illuminating nurses' responses to POD through comparison with other
      acute medical emergencies from a poststructural perspective.

PMID- 22050619
TI  - Living with an adult family member using advanced medical technology at home.
AB  - Living with an adult family member using advanced medical technology at home An
      increased number of chronically ill adults perform self-care while using
      different sorts of advanced medical technology at home. This hermeneutical study
      aimed to gain a deeper understanding of the meaning of living with an adult
      family member using advanced medical technology at home. Eleven next of kin to
      adults performing self-care at home, either using long-term oxygen from a
      cylinder or ventilator, or performing peritoneal or haemodialysis, were
      interviewed. The qualitative interviews were analysed using a Gadamerian
      methodology. The main interpretation explained the meaning as rhythmical patterns
      of connectedness versus separation, and of sorrow versus reconciliation.
      Dependence on others was shown in the need for support from healthcare
      professionals and significant others. In conclusion, next of kin took
      considerable responsibility for dependent-care. All next of kin were positive to
      the idea of bringing the technology home, even though their own needs receded
      into the background, while focusing on the best for the patient. The results were
      discussed in relation to dependent-care and transition, which may have an
      influence on the self-care of next of kin and patients. The study revealed a need
      for further nursing attention to next of kin in this context.

PMID- 22050620
TI  - Morbidly obese patients and lifestyle change: constructing ethical selves.
AB  - Morbidly obese patients and lifestyle change: constructing ethical selves In
      contemporary societies, bodily size is an important part of individuals' self
      representation. As the number of persons clinically diagnosed as morbidly obese
      increases, programmes are developed to make people reduce weight by changing
      their lifestyle, and for some, by bariatric surgery. This article presents
      findings from interviews with 12 participants undergoing a prerequisite course
      prior to bariatric surgery that is intended both as a preparation for further
      (surgical) treatment and as a tool to empower individuals regarding lifestyle
      changes. In this study, we investigate how power operates by looking at how the
      participants position themselves throughout the course. Findings reveal how
      participants construct their ability to act in line with norms of lifestyle
      change. They do this by positioning themselves as both included group members and
      as 'morally' acceptable individuals. Despite some resistance, the participants
      tend to glide into the role of 'good patients' acting in compliance with the aims
      of the course in their hope and striving for new positions as 'normal-sized'. The
      intention in the course is to empower individuals towards lifestyle changes. The
      findings provide a basis to question whether these kinds of courses create new
      forms of compliance and dependency.

PMID- 22050621
TI  - Promoting the health of Europeans in a rapidly changing world: a historical study
      of the implementation of World Health Organisation policies by the Nursing and
      Midwifery Unit, European Regional Office, 1970-2003.
AB  - Promoting the health of Europeans in a rapidly changing world: a historical study
      of the implementation of World Health Organisation policies by the Nursing and
      Midwifery Unit, European Regional Office, 1970-2003 The World Health Organisation
      (WHO) was inaugurated in 1948. Formed in a period of post-war devastation, WHO
      aimed to develop and meet goals that would rebuild the health of shattered
      populations. The historical study reported here examined the work of the Nursing
      and Midwifery Unit (NMU) of WHO's European Regional Office during the later part
      of the twentieth century. The study examined archive sources lodged at the NMU
      archive. The sources included manuscripts relating to important NMU initiatives,
      reports and papers published by WHO, and a range of secondary sources. The study
      identified three main driving forces in the work of the NMU of the European
      Regional Office of WHO. One of the strongest of these was a drive to develop and
      promote the nursing profession within the countries of the European Region. The
      second was the promulgation and implementation of the positive public health
      strategies of WHO, particularly its '38 Targets for Health for All by the Year
      2000'. The third focussed on securing equity across the European continent and on
      promoting the development of the nursing professions in poorer and less-developed
      countries. The study concludes that the nursing professions in European states
      grew in strength and influence, and that the health of populations improved
      throughout the continent between 1970 and 2003. It discusses the extent to which
      the role of the NMU in these advances may have been significant.

PMID- 22050622
TI  - Quantifying the relationships of blood pressure with weight, height and body mass
      index in Chinese children and adolescents.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study was to quantify the relationships of height, weight
      and body mass index (BMI) with blood pressure (BP) levels in Chinese children and
      adolescents. METHODS: Height, weight, BMI and BP measurements were obtained from
      a nationally representative sample of 231,227 children aged 7-18 years. Body size
      measurements were converted to age- and sex-specific standard deviation (SD)
      scores. The relationships between body size and BP measurements were assessed
      using linear regression analysis. RESULTS: All body size measurements were
      significantly associated with BP levels. Systolic BP increased 4.14, 3.70 and
      2.88 mmHg in boys and 2.98, 2.63 and 1.87 mmHg in girls, corresponding to 1 SD
      increase in weight, BMI and height, respectively. A similar pattern was also
      observed for diastolic BP. After adjustment for height, systolic BP increased
      substantially with increasing weight (3.96 mmHg/SD increase for boys and 2.92
      mmHg for girls). With adjustment for weight, systolic BP increased slightly with
      1 SD increase in height (0.27 mmHg for boys and 0.10 mmHg for girls). The
      strength of the association between a body size measurement and BP varied among
      different ages, peaked at 10-11 years in girls and around 12-14 years in boys.
      CONCLUSIONS: Weight is the most powerful driving force of BP in children and
      adolescents, followed by BMI and height. Height has little impact on BP in
      children with a given weight, while weight has considerable impact on BP in
      children with a given height.

PMID- 22050623
TI  - A preliminary study of changes in tear film proteins in the feline eye following
      nictitating membrane removal.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of nictitating membrane (third eyelid)
      removal on selected proteins in feline tears. ANIMAL STUDIED: Domestic short
      haired cats (7-17 months; 2.6-5.2 kg) were used. PROCEDURES: Eye-flush tears were
      collected periodically for up to 18 weeks from both eyes of animals with
      nictitating membranes removed, but nictitating gland left intact, (n = 4) or with
      nictitating membranes intact (n = 4). Tear comparisons were based on total
      protein content (TPC) using micro bicinchoninic acid assay, immunoglobulin A
      (IgA), and matrix-metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 measurements using sandwich enzyme
      linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and tear gelatinase activity using gelatin
      zymography. Expression of MMP-2 and -9 in nictitating membranes removed at
      baseline (week 0) and eyes collected at 18 weeks were also investigated in
      histological sections using immunoperoxidase for visualization. RESULTS:
      Nictitating membrane removal did not significantly change TPC and MMP-9 in tears
      within the first 4 weeks. MMP-9 was not detected by ELISA in tears from eyes
      without nictitating membranes from week 5 onwards. IgA (%IgA of TPC) data varied
      between animals. Gelatin zymography showed increased MMP-2 and -9 activity in
      tears from eyes without nictitating membranes at week 1 and a decrease following
      week 2 post-surgery. MMP-2 and -9 were immunolocalised to conjunctival goblet
      cells of removed nictitating membranes and to the conjunctival epithelium,
      respectively. After 18 weeks, the distribution of MMPs in tissue was comparable
      between eyes with and without nictitating membranes. CONCLUSIONS: Based on this
      preliminary study, nictitating membrane removal appeared to cause long-term
      changes in expression of tear proteins, including reduced MMP-9 expression.

PMID- 22050624
TI  - Comparison of intraocular pressure measurements between the Tono-Pen XL(r) and
      Perkins(r) applanation tonometers in dogs and cats.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the accuracy between two applanation tonometers, Tono-Pen
      XL((r)) and Perkins((r)), in ophthalmoscopically normal dogs and cats. ANIMALS:
      Both eyes of 25 conscious and healthy dogs and cats were evaluated. Both eyes of
      five dogs and cats immediately after sacrifice were used as controls for the
      postmortem study. PROCEDURE: In conscious animals, the tonometry was performed
      with topical anesthesia using 0.5% proxymetacaine eye drops for both tonometers
      and 1% fluorescein eye drops for the Perkins tonometer. Readings of intraocular
      pressure (IOP) in the postmortem study were taken using manometry and tonometry
      by Tono-Pen XL((r)) and Perkins((r)). RESULTS: The correlation coefficient (r(2)
      ) in dogs between manometry and applanation tonometers Tono-Pen XL((r)) and
      Perkins((r)) were, respectively, 0.896 and 0.981 and in cats were 0.905 and
      0.988. The mean IOP values in conscious dogs with Tono-Pen XL((r)) and
      Perkins((r)) were, respectively, 17.5 +/- 3.7 mmHg (10.0-25.0 mmHg) and 15.3 +/-
      2.1 mmHg (12.0-19.8 mmHg) and in conscious cats were 16.8 +/- 3.6 mmHg (10.5-24.5
      mmHg) and 15.5 +/- 1.3 mmHg (13.0-18.5 mmHg). CONCLUSION: There was a strong
      correlation between the IOP values obtained by direct ocular manometry and the
      Tono-Pen XL((r)) and Perkins((r)) tonometers in dogs and cats. There was no
      statistically significant difference between the mean IOP obtained with both
      tonometers in conscious animals, there was, however, a difference between the
      minimum and mainly in the maximum values that were on average 5-6 mmHg higher
      with Tono-Pen XL((r)) than those measured with Perkins((r)), which justifies a
      table of normal values differentiated for each tonometer.

PMID- 22050625
TI  - Cardiomyocytes generated from CPVTD307H patients are arrhythmogenic in response
      to beta-adrenergic stimulation.
AB  - Sudden cardiac death caused by ventricular arrhythmias is a disastrous event,
      especially when it occurs in young individuals. Among the five major
      arrhythmogenic disorders occurring in the absence of a structural heart disease
      is catecholaminergic polymorphic ventricular tachycardia (CPVT), which is a
      highly lethal form of inherited arrhythmias. Our study focuses on the autosomal
      recessive form of the disease caused by the missense mutation D307H in the
      cardiac calsequestrin gene, CASQ2. Because CASQ2 is a key player in excitation
      contraction coupling, the derangements in intracellular Ca(2+)  handling may
      cause delayed afterdepolarizations (DADs), which constitute the mechanism
      underlying CPVT. To investigate catecholamine-induced arrhythmias in the CASQ2
      mutated cells, we generated for the first time CPVT-derived induced pluripotent
      stem cells (iPSCs) by reprogramming fibroblasts from skin biopsies of two
      patients, and demonstrated that the iPSCs carry the CASQ2 mutation. Next, iPSCs
      were differentiated to cardiomyocytes (iPSCs-CMs), which expressed the mutant
      CASQ2 protein. The major findings were that the beta-adrenergic agonist
      isoproterenol caused in CPVT iPSCs-CMs (but not in the control cardiomyocytes)
      DADs, oscillatory arrhythmic prepotentials, after-contractions and diastolic
      [Ca(2+) ](i)  rise. Electron microscopy analysis revealed that compared with
      control iPSCs-CMs, CPVT iPSCs-CMs displayed a more immature phenotype with less
      organized myofibrils, enlarged sarcoplasmic reticulum cisternae and reduced
      number of caveolae. In summary, our results demonstrate that the patient-specific
      mutated cardiomyocytes can be used to study the electrophysiological mechanisms
      underlying CPVT.

PMID- 22050626
TI  - The influence of sex, age and BMI on the degeneration of the lumbar spine.
AB  - Previous research on lumbar spine osteophyte formation has focused on patterned
      development and the relation of age and sex to degeneration within the vertebral
      bodies. The inclusion of osteophytes originating on the laminae and body mass
      index (BMI) may result in a more complete evaluation. This study investigates
      lumbar osteophyte development on the laminae and vertebral bodies to determine
      whether osteophyte development: (i) is related bilaterally, at different lumbar
      levels, and superior and inferior margins; (ii) on the laminae and vertebral
      bodies are reciprocally dependent responses; (iii) is correlated with sex, age
      and/or BMI. Seventy-six individuals (39 females, 37 males) were randomly selected
      from a modern skeletal collection (Bass Donated Collection). Osteophyte
      development was scored in eight regions on each vertebra at all five lumbar
      levels. A factor analysis considered all 40 scoring regions and Pearson's
      correlation analyses assessed the relatedness of age and BMI with the consequent
      factors. The factor analysis separated the variables into two similar factors for
      males and females defined as: (i) superior and inferior vertebral body scores and
      (ii) superior laminar scores at higher lumbar levels. The factor analysis also
      determined a third factor for females defined as: (iii) inferior laminar scores
      at lower lumbar levels. The severity of vertebral body osteophytes increased with
      age for both sexes. Additionally for females, as BMI increased, osteophyte
      severity increased for both the superior laminar margins higher in the column and
      the vertebral bodies. Dissimilarities between the factors in males and females
      and the correlation of BMI to osteophyte severity exclusively in females provide
      evidence for different biomechanical processes influencing osteophyte
      development.

PMID- 22050628
TI  - Boron accumulation and toxicity in hybrid poplar (Populus nigra * euramericana).
AB  - Poplars accumulate high B concentrations and are thus used for the
      phytomanagement of B contaminated soils. Here, we performed pot experiments in
      which Populus nigra * euramericana were grown on a substrate with B
      concentrations ranging from 13 to 280 mg kg(-1) as H(3)BO(3). Salix viminalis,
      Brassica juncea, and Lupinus albus were grown under some growing conditions for
      comparison. Poplar growth was unaffected at soil B treatment levels up to 93 mg
      kg(-1). Growth was progressively reduced at levels of 168 and 280 mg kg(-1). None
      of the other species survived at these substrate B levels. At leaf B
      concentrations <900 mg kg(-1) only <10% of the poplar leaf area showed signs of
      toxicity. Neutron radiography revealed that chlorotic leaf tissues had B
      concentrations of 1000-2000 mg kg(-1), while necrotic tissues had >2000 mg kg(
      1). Average B concentrations of up to 3500 mg kg(-1) were found in leaves, while
      spots within leaves had concentrations >7000 mg kg(-1), showing that B
      accumulation in leaf tissue continued even after the onset of necrosis. The B
      accumulation ability of P. nigra * euramericana is associated with B
      hypertolerance in the living tissue and storage of B in dead leaf tissue.

PMID- 22050627
TI  - Melatonin synergistically enhances cisplatin-induced apoptosis via the
      dephosphorylation of ERK/p90 ribosomal S6 kinase/heat shock protein 27 in SK-OV-3
      cells.
AB  - To evaluate melatonin's ability to enhance ovarian cancer cells to cisplatin
      treatment for ovarian cancer, this study was performed. Melatonin by itself had
      no significant cytotoxicity against SK-OV-3 cells, while cisplatin suppressed the
      cell viability in a dose-dependent manner. Combined treatment with cisplatin and
      melatonin synergistically inhibited the viability of SK-OV-3 cells with the
      synergism between two drugs (1 > combination index). In contrast, melatonin
      revealed the protective effect against cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity in OSEN
      normal ovarian epithelial cells. Cotreatment with cisplatin and melatonin
      increased the sub-G1 DNA contents and TdT-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL)
      positive cells compared with cisplatin control in SK-OV-3 cells, suggesting that
      melatonin augments cisplatin-induced apoptosis. Consistently, combined treatment
      of cisplatin and melatonin increased the cleavage of caspase-3 and poly-(ADP
      ribose) polymerase (PARP). Importantly, melatonin synergistically inhibited the
      phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) along with
      dephosphorylation of 90-kDa ribosomal S6 kinase (p90RSK) and heat shock protein
      27 (HSP27) induced by cisplatin. Furthermore, melatonin remarkably blocked the
      expression and colocalization of p90RSK and HSP27 by combination treatment with
      cisplatin. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that melatonin enhances
      cisplatin-induced apoptosis via the inactivation of ERK/p90RSK/HSP27 cascade in
      SK-OV-3 cells as a potent synergist to cisplatin treatment.

PMID- 22050629
TI  - Increased risk of recurrence of membranous nephropathy after related donor kidney
      transplantation.

PMID- 22050630
TI  - Identification of exonic regions in DNA sequences using cross-correlation and
      noise suppression by discrete wavelet transform.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The identification of protein coding regions (exons) in DNA sequences
      using signal processing techniques is an important component of bioinformatics
      and biological signal processing. In this paper, a new method is presented for
      the identification of exonic regions in DNA sequences. This method is based on
      the cross-correlation technique that can identify periodic regions in DNA
      sequences. RESULTS: The method reduces the dependency of window length on
      identification accuracy. The proposed algorithm is applied to different
      eukaryotic datasets and the output results are compared with those of other
      established methods. The proposed method increased the accuracy of exon detection
      by 4% to 41% relative to the most common digital signal processing methods for
      exon prediction. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated that periodic signals can be
      estimated using cross-correlation. In addition, discrete wavelet transform (DWT)
      can minimise noise while maintaining the signal. The proposed algorithm, which
      combines cross-correlation and DWT, significantly increases the accuracy of
      exonic region identification.

PMID- 22050631
TI  - Treatment of chronic heel osteomyelitis in vasculopathic patients. Can the
      combined use of Integra(r) , skin graft and negative pressure wound therapy be
      considered a valid therapeutic approach after partial tangential calcanectomy?
AB  - Osteomyelitis of the calcaneus is a difficult problem to manage. Patients
      affected by osteomyelitis of the calcaneus often have a below-the-knee amputation
      because of their comorbidity. In this article, we present seven cases of heel
      ulcerations with chronic osteomyelitis treated with Integra((r)) Dermal
      Regeneration Template, skin graft and negative pressure wound therapy after
      partial tangential calcanectomy, discussing the surgical and functional results.
      In this casuistic of patients, all wounds healed after skin grating of the
      neodermis generated by Integra((r)), with no patient requiring a below-knee
      amputation.

PMID- 22050632
TI  - Use of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy and adjustable gastric banding for
      suboptimally controlled diabetes in Hong Kong.
AB  - Bariatric surgery has recently been considered as an option for treatment of type
      2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). We assessed the effect of laparoscopic gastric
      banding and laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy in a cohort of 39 T2DM Chinese
      patients with body mass index (BMI) over 30 kg/m(2) . Their mean body weights and
      BMI before surgery were 108 kg and 40 kg/m(2) , respectively, and 18 patients
      (46%) had suboptimal diabetic control (HbA1c >7%). After a mean follow-up of 27
      months, 4 of 11 insulin-dependent patients (36%) were able to stop their insulin
      therapy, and 18 patients (46%) achieved remission of T2DM (HbA1c <6.5% without
      the use of medication). Glycaemic control remained poor in only nine other
      patients (27%). Logistic regression analysis showed that a short history of T2DM
      and high BMI could predict remission of diabetes after restrictive procedures.
      Our results suggest that restrictive surgery can significantly improve glycaemic
      control in obese T2DM patients.

PMID- 22050634
TI  - Environmental factors determining ammonia-oxidizing organism distribution and
      diversity in marine environments.
AB  - Ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB) and archaea (AOA) play a vital role in bridging
      the input of fixed nitrogen, through N-fixation and remineralization, to its loss
      by denitrification and anammox. Yet the major environmental factors determining
      AOB and AOA population dynamics are little understood, despite both groups having
      a wide environmental distribution. This study examined the relative abundance of
      both groups of ammonia-oxidizing organisms (AOO) and the diversity of AOA across
      large-scale gradients in temperature, salinity and substrate concentration and
      dissolved oxygen. The relative abundance of AOB and AOA varied across
      environments, with AOB dominating in the freshwater region of the Chesapeake Bay
      and AOA more abundant in the water column of the coastal and open ocean. The
      highest abundance of the AOA amoA gene was recorded in the oxygen minimum zones
      (OMZs) of the Eastern Tropical South Pacific (ETSP) and the Arabian Sea (AS). The
      ratio of AOA : AOB varied from 0.7 in the Chesapeake Bay to 1600 in the Sargasso
      Sea. Relative abundance of both groups strongly correlated with ammonium
      concentrations. AOA diversity, as determined by phylogenetic analysis of clone
      library sequences and archetype analysis from a functional gene DNA microarray,
      detected broad phylogenetic differences across the study sites. However,
      phylogenetic diversity within physicochemically congruent stations was more
      similar than would be expected by chance. This suggests that the prevailing
      geochemistry, rather than localized dispersal, is the major driving factor
      determining OTU distribution.

PMID- 22050635
TI  - TOP3A, a new partner gene fused to MLL in an adult patient with de novo acute
      myeloid leukaemia.

PMID- 22050636
TI  - Detection and functional characterization of a large genomic deletion resulting
      in decreased pathogenicity in Ralstonia solanacearum race 3 biovar 2 strains.
AB  - Bacterial wilt (brown rot) disease of potato caused by Ralstonia solanacearum is
      one of the most important bacterial diseases and a major constraint on potato
      production worldwide. Through a comparative genomic analysis between R.
      solanacearum'race 3 biovar 2' (R3bv2) strains, we identified a 77 kb region in
      strain UW551 which is specifically absent in the hypoaggressive strain IPO1609.
      We proved that IPO1609 indeed carries a 77 kb genomic deletion and provide
      genetic evidence that occurrence of this deletion is responsible for almost
      complete loss of pathogenicity of this strain. We carried out a functional
      analysis of this 77 kb region in strain UW551 using a combination of gene
      deletion and functional complementation approaches which identified the
      methionine biosynthesis genes metER as having a major contribution to IPO1609
      pathogenesis. Deletion of the metER genes significantly impacts pathogenicity of
      R3bv2 strains but does not lead to methionine auxotrophy nor reduced ability to
      multiply in planta. In addition, this study indicated that three type III
      secretion system effectors or a type VI secretion system present within the 77 kb
      region have no or very minor contribution to pathogenicity.

PMID- 22050637
TI  - The sulfated polysaccharide fucoidan stimulates osteogenic differentiation of
      human adipose-derived stem cells.
AB  - Human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) are an attractive source for cell
      therapies, because they can be obtained from aspirated adipose tissues with the
      capacity of proliferation and differentiation into several mesenchymal lineages
      under certain conditions. Sulfated polysaccharides, including heparin, modulate
      osteogenic differentiation of stem cells through the regulation of growth factor
      binding and signaling pathways. Here, we examined the effects of the sulfated
      polysaccharide fucoidan on osteogenic differentiation of hADSCs. Strikingly,
      fucoidan treatment resulted in increased alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity and
      alizarin red and von Kossa staining. At the molecular level, fucoidan treatment
      enhanced the expression of osteogenesis-specific marker genes, including ALP,
      osteopontin, type I collagen, Runt-related transcription factor 2, and
      osteocalcin. Furthermore, fucoidan also promoted the osteogenic differentiation
      of another mesenchymal cell lineage, human amniotic fluid stem cells. These
      findings strongly suggest that fucoidan enhances osteogenic differentiation of
      hADSCs and possibly other mesenchymal cell lineages, indicating that it may be a
      potential candidate for promoting bone regeneration.

PMID- 22050638
TI  - Decrease in thyroid adenoma associated (THADA) expression is a marker of
      dedifferentiation of thyroid tissue.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Thyroid adenoma associated (THADA) has been identified as the target
      gene affected by chromosome 2p21 translocations in thyroid adenomas, but the role
      of THADA in the thyroid is still elusive. The aim of this study was to quantify
      THADA gene expression in normal tissues and in thyroid hyper- and neoplasias,
      using real-time PCR. METHODS: For the analysis THADA and 18S rRNA gene expression
      assays were performed on 34 normal tissue samples, including thyroid, salivary
      gland, heart, endometrium, myometrium, lung, blood, and adipose tissue as well as
      on 85 thyroid hyper- and neoplasias, including three adenomas with a 2p21
      translocation. In addition, NIS (sodium-iodide symporter) gene expression was
      measured on 34 of the pathological thyroid samples. RESULTS: Results illustrated
      that THADA expression in normal thyroid tissue was significantly higher (p <
      0.0001, exact Wilcoxon test) than in the other tissues. Significant differences
      were also found between non-malignant pathological thyroid samples (goiters and
      adenomas) and malignant tumors (p < 0.001, Wilcoxon test, t approximation),
      anaplastic carcinomas (ATCs) and all other samples and also between ATCs and all
      other malignant tumors (p < 0.05, Wilcoxon test, t approximation). Furthermore,
      in thyroid tumors THADA mRNA expression was found to be inversely correlated with
      HMGA2 mRNA. HMGA2 expression was recently identified as a marker revealing
      malignant transformation of thyroid follicular tumors. A correlation between
      THADA and NIS has also been found in thyroid normal tissue and malignant tumors.
      CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest THADA being a marker of dedifferentiation of
      thyroid tissue.

PMID- 22050639
TI  - The next generation of psychological autopsy studies. Part I. Interview content.
AB  - The psychological autopsy (PA) is a systematic method to understand the
      psychological and contextual circumstances preceding suicide. The method requires
      interviews with one or more proxy respondents (i.e., informants) of decedents.
      The methodological challenges that need to be addressed when determining the
      content of these research interviews for PA studies are described and
      recommendations are made for meeting these challenges in future PA
      investigations. Ways to improve the data collected about mental disorders and
      life events--domains that are assessed in almost all PA studies--are discussed at
      length. Other understudied content areas considered include the role of
      personality traits, medical illness and functional limitations, availability of
      lethal agents, medications, and select distal variables including child
      maltreatment and family history of mental disorders and suicide. The benefits and
      challenges to using common protocols across studies are also discussed.

PMID- 22050640
TI  - Measurements of genomic GC content in plant genomes with flow cytometry: a test
      for reliability.
AB  - * Knowledge of the phylogenetic pattern and biological relevance of the base
      composition of large eukaryotic genomes (including those of plants) is poor. With
      the use of flow cytometry (FCM), the amount of available data on the guanine +
      cytosine (GC) content of plants has nearly doubled in the last decade. However,
      skepticism exists concerning the reliability of the method because of uncertainty
      in some input parameters. * Here, we tested the reliability of FCM for estimating
      GC content by comparison with the biochemical method of DNA temperature melting
      analysis (TMA). We conducted measurements in 14 plant species with a maximum
      currently known GC content range (33.6-47.5% as measured by FCM). We also
      compared the estimations of the GC content by FCM with genomic sequences in 11
      Oryza species. * FCM and TMA data exhibited a high degree of correspondence which
      remained stable over the relatively wide range of binding lengths (3.39-4.09)
      assumed for the base-specific dye used. A high correlation was also observed
      between FCM results and the sequence data in Oryza, although the latter GC
      contents were consistently lower. * Reliable estimates of the genomic base
      composition in plants by FCM are comparable with estimates obtained using other
      methods, and so wider application of FCM in future plant genomic research,
      although it would pose a challenge, would be supported by these findings.

PMID- 22050641
TI  - The validity of the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale in predicting resource
      utilization and the need for immediate life-saving interventions in elderly
      emergency department patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We evaluated the validity of the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale
      (CTAS) in elderly emergency department (ED) patients. In particular, we examined
      the sensitivity and specificity of the CTAS for identifying elderly patients who
      received an immediate life-saving intervention in the ED. METHODS: We reviewed
      the medical records of consecutive patients who were 65 years of age or older and
      presented to a single academic ED within a three-month period. The CTAS triage
      scores were compared to actual patient course, including disposition, discharge
      outcome and resource utilization. We calculated the sensitivity and specificity
      of the CTAS triage for identifying patients who received an immediate
      intervention. RESULTS: Of the 1903 consecutive patients who were >= 65 years of
      age, 113 (5.9%) had a CTAS level of 1, 174 (9.1%) had a CTAS level of 2, 1154
      (60.6%) had a CTAS level of 3, 347 (18.2%) had a CTAS level of 4, and 115 (6.0%)
      had a CTAS level of 5. As a patient's triage score increased, the severity (such
      as mortality and intensive care unit admission) and resource utilization
      increased significantly. Ninety-four of the patients received a life-saving
      intervention within an hour following their arrival to the ED. The CTAS scores
      for these patients were 1, 2 and 3 for 46, 46 and 2 patients, respectively. The
      sensitivity and specificity of a CTAS score of <= 2 for identifying patients for
      receiving an immediate intervention were 97.9% and 89.2%, respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS: The CTAS is a triage tool with high validity for elderly patients,
      and it is an especially useful tool for categorizing severity and for recognizing
      elderly patients who require immediate life-saving intervention.

PMID- 22050642
TI  - Aqueous humor vascular endothelial growth factor in dogs: association with
      intraocular disease and the development of pre-iridal fibrovascular membrane.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the concentrations of vascular endothelial growth factor
      (VEGF) in aqueous humor of dogs with intraocular disease and to evaluate the
      association of aqueous humor VEGF with pre-iridal fibrovascular membrane (PIFM)
      formation. PROCEDURES: Two hundred and twenty six aqueous humor samples and 101
      plasma samples were collected from 178 dogs with a variety of intraocular
      diseases (including cataract, primary glaucoma, uveitic glaucoma,
      aphakic/pseudophakic glaucoma, retinal detachment, lens luxation, and intraocular
      neoplasia), and aqueous humor was collected from 13 ophthalmically normal control
      dogs. Systemic disease status and administration of select medications were
      recorded. Aqueous and plasma VEGF was assayed via enzyme-linked immunosorbant
      assay validated for canine VEGF. Available histopathology samples were examined
      for the presence of PIFM. Where present, PIFMs were categorized as none,
      cellular, vascular or fibrous, and fibrovascular. Data were evaluated by mixed
      model anova, with application of Tukey-Kramer adjustment for multiple
      comparisons. RESULTS: There was no association between aqueous humor and plasma
      VEGF levels. Compared with normal controls, aqueous humor VEGF was significantly
      elevated for all intraocular diseases (P < 0.05) except for primary and diabetic
      cataracts. Systemic disease and administered medications had no significant
      effect on aqueous humor VEGF concentration. Compared to dogs without PIFM,
      aqueous humor VEGF was significantly higher in dogs with fibrovascular PIFM (P =
      0.001), but not cellular (P = 0.1704) or fibrous/vascular PIFM (P = 0.0667).
      CONCLUSIONS: These findings confirm that VEGF is commonly elevated in aqueous
      humor of dogs with intraocular disease and likely plays a role in the causation
      or progression of a variety of intraocular disorders, including the development
      of PIFM.

PMID- 22050643
TI  - Medical assessment for child sexual abuse: a post-code lottery?
AB  - AIM: To describe the number of children and young people in New Zealand who
      receive a medical assessment for sexual abuse, the proportion of those where
      there is concern about sexual abuse who receive such assessments and the way in
      which assessment services are structured. METHODS: Medical assessments for child
      and adolescent sexual abuse over 12 months were counted by direct communication
      with health providers throughout New Zealand, and compared with the number of
      cases substantiated by statutory child protective services, the number of claims
      for counselling for mental injury from sexual abuse and the regional population.
      All doctors providing medical assessments were surveyed as to how this was
      organised by region. RESULTS: There were 804 medical assessments. Child
      protective services regarded 1207 cases as substantiated, and 1434 claims for
      mental injury were lodged. There was marked regional variation. In a matched
      sample, only 38% of cases of substantiated sexual abuse were seen for a medical
      assessment. A doctor with expertise in the assessment of sexual abuse was
      available in most areas, but service structure varied widely. The availability of
      nurse or social work support was poor. The proportion of children and adolescents
      receiving a medical assessment, and the quality of service structure, was
      directly related to regional population. CONCLUSIONS: Health assessments for
      alleged child and adolescent sexual abuse are relatively infrequent, nationally
      inconsistent and often poorly supported by local health systems. There is also
      marked but apparently unrelated regional variation in statutory child protection
      practice.

PMID- 22050644
TI  - Gender differences in iridocorneal angle morphology: a potential explanation for
      the female predisposition to primary angle closure glaucoma in dogs.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Female dogs have approximately twice the risk of males for developing
      primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG). The cause of this gender difference is
      unknown, but one theory proposes that the gender differences in iridocorneal
      angle morphology are involved in this risk differential. PROCEDURES: Fifty
      beagles (25 males, 25 females) were included into this study and had normal
      baseline ophthalmic examinations. Normal dogs were selected so as to avoid any
      potentially confounding influence of goniodysgenesis. Standardized 20-MHz high
      resolution ultrasound images of the iridocorneal angle were acquired from one eye
      of each dog with the scan plane perpendicular to the limbus in the superior
      temporal quadrant. Images were imported into ImageJ, and the angle opening
      distance (AOD) and angle recess area (ARA) were measured by a masked observer,
      and the analysis of variance method was used to compare differences. RESULTS: The
      mean (+/-SD) AOD was significantly smaller for female dogs (0.847 +/- 0.241 mm)
      vs. male dogs (1.058 +/- 0.322 mm) P-value = 0.012. The mean (+/- SD) ARA tended
      to be smaller for female dogs (0.584 +/- 0.278 mm) vs. male dogs (0.748 +/- 0.385
      mm), but this difference was not significant (P-value = 0.092). CONCLUSIONS:
      Female dogs have a significantly smaller AOD vs. males. This difference may
      render the female iridocorneal angle more susceptible to closure and may
      partially explain the 2:1 female/male predisposition to PACG. Further studies
      using goniodysgenic dogs are warranted.

PMID- 22050645
TI  - Epidemiology and clinical characteristics of hospitalized patients with pandemic
      influenza A (H1N1) 2009 infections: the effects of bacterial coinfection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Numerous reports have described the epidemiological and clinical
      characteristics of influenza A (H1N1) 2009 infected patients. However, data on
      the effects of bacterial coinfection on these patients are very scarce.
      Therefore, this study explores the impact of bacterial coinfection on the
      clinical and laboratory parameters amongst H1N1 hospitalized patients. FINDINGS:
      This retrospective study involved hospitalized patients with laboratory-confirmed
      H1N1 infections (September 2009 to May 2010). Relevant clinical data and the
      detection of bacterial coinfection from respiratory or sterile site samples were
      obtained. Multiplex PCR was used to determine the co-existence of other
      respiratory viruses. Comparison was made between patients with and without
      bacterial coinfection. The occurrence of coinfection was 34%; 14 (28%) bacterial
      and only 3 (6%) viral. Mycoplasma pneumoniae (n = 5) was the commonest bacteria
      followed by Staphylococcus aureus (n = 3). In univariate analysis, clinical
      factors associated with bacterial coinfection were age > 50 years (p = 0.02),
      presence of comorbidity (p = 0.04), liver impairment (p = 0.02), development of
      complications (p = 0.004) and supplemental oxygen requirement (p = 0.02).
      Leukocytosis (p = 0.02) and neutrophilia (p = 0.004) were higher in bacterial
      coinfected patients. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that age
      > 50 years and combined complications were predictive of bacterial coinfection.
      CONCLUSIONS: Bacterial coinfection is not uncommon in H1N1 infected patients and
      is more frequently noted in the older aged patients and is associated with higher
      rates of complications. Also, as adjunct to clinical findings, clinicians need to
      have a higher index of suspicion if neutrophilia was identified at admission as
      it may denote bacterial coinfection.

PMID- 22050646
TI  - Trust and trustworthiness in nursing: an argument-based literature review.
AB  - Caring requires nurses to establish trusting relationships with patients and to
      be trustworthy professionals. This article provides insight into the conceptual
      understanding of trust and trustworthiness in nursing through an argument-based
      literature review of 17 articles published between 1980 and 2010. Trust is
      characterized as an attitude relying with confidence on someone. The importance
      of trust relationships is considered by addressing the imbalances of power in
      nurse-patient relationships as they increase the vulnerability and dependency of
      the truster. Trust is considered as a process, and time, reliance on others, risk
      and fragility are identified as basic attributes of trust. However,
      trustworthiness is inadequately explored in the nursing ethics literature. Nurse
      educators have a responsibility to ensure that nurses are equipped with the
      attitudes and knowledge that are needed to establish trusting nurse-patient
      relationships.

PMID- 22050647
TI  - Repetitive transplantation of different cell types sequentially improves heart
      function after infarction.
AB  - Cell-based therapy is considered a novel and potentially new strategy in
      regenerative medicine. But the efficacy of cell-based therapy has been limited by
      the poor survival of the transplanted cells in an ischaemic environment. The goal
      of the present study is to present a possibility to increase survival of the
      transplanted cardiomyocytes, by increasing the vascularization of the infarcted
      area. First, we injected endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) to augment the
      vascular density in infarcted areas and to improve the benefit of a subsequent Tx
      of foetal cardiomyocytes. Serial echocardiography indeed showed significant
      improvement of the left ventricular function after application of EPC and a
      significant additive improvement after Tx of foetal cardiomyocytes. In contrast,
      repetitive EPC transplantation as a control group did not show an additional
      improvement after the second transplantation. Histologically, cells could be
      readily detected after Tx by BrdU-staining for EPC and by carboxy-fluorescein
      diacetate succinimidyl ester (CFSE)-staining for foetal cardiomyocytes. Staining
      for CD31 revealed a significant increase in vessel density in the infarction area
      compared with medium controls, possibly contributing to the benefit of
      transplanted foetal cardiomyocytes. Notably, a significant increase in the number
      of apoptotic cells was observed in cell-transplanted hearts accompanied by an
      increase in proliferation, collagen content and neutrophil infiltration,
      suggesting an active remodelling concomitant with sustained inflammatory
      processes. In conclusion, repetitive Tx of different cell types after myocardial
      infarction in rat hearts significantly improved left ventricular function and
      could represent a feasible option to enhance the benefit of cell therapy.

PMID- 22050649
TI  - Dr Jos? E Medina.

PMID- 22050648
TI  - Histological study of the extratympanic portion of the discomallear ligament in
      adult humans: a functional hypothesis.
AB  - This study was carried out on histological aspects of the extratympanic portion
      of the discomallear ligament (DL) in adult humans. The temporomandibular joint
      (TMJ) was dissected bilaterally in 20 cadavers; in 15 cases the articular disc
      (AD) and the retroarticular tissue were extirpated. The extratympanic portion of
      the DL had the shape of a base-down triangle, in relation to the AD, and an upper
      vertex, in relation to the petrotympanic fissure. In five cases, the base,
      measured bilaterally, had an average length of 6.4 mm, while the distance from
      the base to the upper vertex averaged 9.3 mm in length. The extratypanic portion
      of the DL is an intrinsic ligament of the TMJ, composed of collagen fibres and
      abundant elastic fibres. We propose that this ligament could act as a tensor of
      the synovial membrane in movements of the TMJ.

PMID- 22050650
TI  - Exponential Increase.

PMID- 22050651
TI  - Online Access.

PMID- 22050652
TI  - Potential role of statins on wound healing: review of the literature.
AB  - Wound healing is a dynamic and complex biological process, which requires
      coordinated events including haemostasis, inflammation, proliferation,
      revascularisation and remodelling. Impaired wound healing is a common problem
      that occurs in both community and hospital settings. Various experimental and
      clinical studies have evaluated different modalities for the treatment of topical
      wounds, such as sugar, antibiotics, honey and phytotherapies; also statins have
      diverse pleiotropic effects that have been suggested to be useful to improve
      wound healing. Data derived from both animal and human studies showed that
      statins especially atorvastatin, simvastatin and pravastatin can accelerate the
      wound-healing process. However, further high-quality and evidence-based studies
      are needed to address the best statin drug, appropriate dose, the best
      administration route, duration of treatment and to determine correlation between
      pleiotropic effects of statins and their probable clinical benefits.

PMID- 22050653
TI  - General health, health-related quality of life and sexual health after pediatric
      liver transplantation: a nationwide study.
AB  - The long-term impact of pediatric liver transplantation (LT) and its
      complications on general health, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and
      sexual health were assessed. We conducted a national cross-sectional study of all
      pediatric recipients who underwent LT between 1987 and 2007. Of 66 survivors, 57
      participants (86%) were compared to randomly chosen healthy controls (n = 141) at
      10.7 +/- 6.6 years posttransplant. PedsQL4.0, SF-36, DISF-SR and AUDIT
      questionnaires for appropriate age groups were used. Patients and controls <7
      years had similar HRQoL and 54% of patients aged over 7 scored within the
      controls' normal range on all HRQoL domains. In adult survivors, physical
      functioning and general health were decreased (p < 0.05). Biliary complications,
      reoperations and obesity were independently associated with reduced HRQoL (p <
      0.05 for all). Still 64% of adult survivors considered their health excellent.
      Sexual health was similar to controls but LT recipients may experience problems
      with their orgasm strength (p = 0.050) and condom-based contraception was more
      common after LT than among controls (58% and 12%, p < 0.001). In conclusion,
      normal HRQoL and sexual health are achievable post-LT.

PMID- 22050654
TI  - Global source-receptor relationships for mercury deposition under present-day and
      2050 emissions scenarios.
AB  - Global policies regulating anthropogenic mercury require an understanding of the
      relationship between emitted and deposited mercury on intercontinental scales.
      Here, we examine source-receptor relationships for present-day conditions and
      four 2050 IPCC scenarios encompassing a range of economic development and
      environmental regulation projections. We use the GEOS-Chem global model to track
      mercury from its point of emission through rapid cycling in surface ocean and
      land reservoirs to its accumulation in longer lived ocean and soil pools.
      Deposited mercury has a local component (emitted Hg(II), lifetime of 3.7 days
      against deposition) and a global component (emitted Hg(0), lifetime of 6 months
      against deposition). Fast recycling of deposited mercury through photoreduction
      of Hg(II) and re-emission of Hg(0) from surface reservoirs (ice, land, surface
      ocean) increases the effective lifetime of anthropogenic mercury to 9 months
      against loss to legacy reservoirs (soil pools and the subsurface ocean). This
      lifetime is still sufficiently short that source-receptor relationships have a
      strong hemispheric signature. Asian emissions are the largest source of
      anthropogenic deposition to all ocean basins, though there is also regional
      source influence from upwind continents. Current anthropogenic emissions account
      for only about one-third of mercury deposition to the global ocean with the
      remainder from natural and legacy sources. However, controls on anthropogenic
      emissions would have the added benefit of reducing the legacy mercury re-emitted
      to the atmosphere. Better understanding is needed of the time scales for transfer
      of mercury from active pools to stable geochemical reservoirs.

PMID- 22050655
TI  - Sorafenib monotherapy gives sustainable suppression of FLT3 clone in untreated
      patients with FLT3-internal tandem duplication positive acute myeloid Leukaemia.

PMID- 22050656
TI  - Belief in a Werther Effect: third-person effects in the perceptions of suicide
      risk for others and the moderating role of depression.
AB  - Werther Effect research has almost solely focused on the behavioral level of
      media effects. Clinically relevant predispositions like depression as well as the
      moderating role of media effects on a perceptional level have been omitted so
      far. To bridge this gap, we reanalyzed the data of an experiment conducted by
      Rustad, Small, Jobes, Safer, and Peterson: volunteer students' ratings for their
      self-risk of depression and suicide as well as their perceptions of others'
      suicide risk were investigated. While a Werther Effect could not be observed,
      there is a general overestimation of media influences on others--presumed Werther
      Effects--that are moderated by the personal degree of depression.

PMID- 22050657
TI  - Ectopic brain tissue in the retina of a beagle dog: a case report and literature
      review.
AB  - Isolated ectopic brain tissue within the orbit is an extremely rare finding and
      has never been reported in dogs or other domestic species. In this case, a focal
      choristoma of ectopic grey matter-like tissue was present within the retina of a
      mature female beagle dog, and consisted of neurons and astrocytes as demonstrated
      respectively by microtubule-associated protein 2 and glial fibrillary acidic
      protein immunohistochemistry. The lesion was located within the optic fundus
      adjacent to the optic disk and surrounded by dysplastic retina. The case is
      presented with a review of literature on this rare entity.

PMID- 22050661
TI  - Intraocular signet-ring cell melanoma in a hamster (Cricetulus griseus).
AB  - A two-and-a-half year-old male Chinese hamster (Cricetulus griseus) was referred
      for evaluation of an intraorbital mass involving the right eye. Based on
      ophthalmic examination and ultrasonography, a diagnosis of intraocular neoplasia
      was made. Enucleation of the affected eye was performed. The mass was
      histologically diagnosed as a primary malignant intraocular signet-ring cell
      melanoma. No signs of recurrence were detected, and the hamster remained
      clinically healthy until it died 6 months after surgery. This case report
      attempts to contribute to the limited body of knowledge available in the
      literature on primary intraocular neoplasms in hamsters.

PMID- 22050662
TI  - Carpal kinematics in quadrupedal monkeys: towards a better understanding of wrist
      morphology and function.
AB  - The purpose of this study is to provide new data on carpal kinematics in primates
      in order to deepen our understanding of the relationships between wrist
      morphology and function. To that end, we provide preliminary data on carpal
      kinematics in seven species of quadrupedal monkeys that have not been previously
      investigated in this regard (cercopithecoids, n = 4; ceboids, n = 3). We
      radiographed wrists from cadavers at their maximum radial and ulnar deviations,
      as well as at maximum flexion and extension. We took angular measurements to
      quantify the contribution of the mobility of the two main wrist joints
      (antebrachiocarpal and midcarpal) with respect to total wrist mobility. We also
      recorded qualitative observations. Our quantitative results show few clear
      differences among quadrupedal monkeys for radioulnar deviation and flexion
      extension: all the primates studied exhibit a greater midcarpal mobility
      (approximately 54-83% of the total range of motion) than antebrachiocarpal
      mobility; however, we identified two patterns of carpal kinematics that show the
      functional impact of previously recognised morphological variations in
      quadrupedal monkeys. Firstly, qualitative results show that the partition that
      divides the proximal joint of the wrist in ceboids results in less mobility and
      more stability of the ulnar part of the wrist than is seen in cercopithecoids.
      Secondly, we show that the olive baboon specimen (Papio anubis) is characterised
      by limited antebrachiocarpal mobility for extension; this effect is likely the
      result of a radial process that projects on the scaphoid notch, as well as an
      intraarticular meniscus. Because of these close relationships between carpal
      kinematics and morphology in quadrupedal monkeys, we hypothesise that, to some
      extent, these functional tendencies are related to their locomotor hand postures.

PMID- 22050663
TI  - Pancreatic cancer tumour initiating cells: the molecular regulation and
      therapeutic values.
AB  - Pancreatic cancer is an aggressive solid tumour characterized by its local
      invasion, early metastasis and resistance to standard chemotherapy or radiation
      therapy. Tumour initiating cells (TICs) are not only capable of self-renewal and
      differentiation, but also play an important role in multi-drug resistance, and
      thus become a popular topic in cancer research especially in pancreatic cancer.
      In this review, we summarize the current progress of TICs in tumourigenesis,
      various newly identified surface markers of pancreatic TICs, and the signalling
      pathways such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition, sonic hedgehog and Notch that
      regulate TICs. We also discuss the role which microRNA plays in TICs as well as
      its application in TIC-targeted therapy along with other approaches.

PMID- 22050664
TI  - Bioenergetics of T cell activation and death in HIV type 1 infection.
AB  - Regressive morphological lesions, found in peripheral lymphocytes from HIV(+)
      patients, clearly conflict with normal cycle progression and with the execution
      of basic housekeeping and immune functions. With these lesions, circulating
      lymphocytes are destined to spontaneous and energy-independent cell lysis. By
      means of confocal microscopy and morphometry, we have quantified the rate of
      circulating T cells that are probably destined to emocatheresis in vivo. This
      rate includes lymphocytes in which nucleolin fragments have been scattered out of
      the nuclear region as a result of prelethal alterations in the nuclear membrane
      permeability. In terms of bioenergetics, these cells show evident anomalies in
      the energy production machinery that make them unable to carry out ATP-requiring
      functions. The extent of damaged cell fraction in peripheral blood reflects the
      frequency with which T lymphocytes leave lymphoid tissue to be cleared in
      hemocatheretic processes.

PMID- 22050665
TI  - Changes in anticonvulsant prescribing for Australian children: implications for
      Quality Use of Medicines.
AB  - AIMS: The evidence-base guiding choices between newer versus established
      anticonvulsants in children is limited. Inappropriate use exposes children to
      potentially ineffective and/or harmful medicines. Our objective is to describe
      recent anticonvulsant prescribing patterns in the Australian paediatric
      population, evaluating overall trends and extent of off-label prescribing of
      newer agents. METHODS: Aggregated national data on 15 anticonvulsants with
      Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme subsidy dispensed by community pharmacies for
      children aged <16 years were obtained from the Drug Utilisation Subcommittee,
      which is part of the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. We
      analysed trends for the five most prescribed anticonvulsants dispensed between
      2002 and 2009 and off-label prescribing for agents where approved Australian
      product information stipulates a minimum age. RESULTS: Valproate was the most
      frequently prescribed anticonvulsant with no marked change in prescription
      numbers per 1000 children aged 0-16 years (11.3-11.8 prescriptions/year).
      Lamotrigine was the most frequently prescribed newer anticonvulsant (7.9-9.3
      prescriptions/year). Carbamazepine prescriptions decreased by 38% and topiramate
      prescriptions increased by 19% over the 7-year study period; 3.6% of topiramate
      prescriptions were off-label (by age) for children aged <2 years. Since
      Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme listing in 2003, levetiracetam prescriptions
      increased steeply to 2.5 prescriptions/year per 1000 children in 2009; 4.2% were
      off-label for children aged <4 years. CONCLUSIONS: The substantial reduction in
      carbamazepine use and corresponding increase in newer anticonvulsant prescribing,
      including off-label uses, raises questions about potentially suboptimal Quality
      Use of Medicines. Such major changes in prescribing may have important clinical
      and economic consequences. Further study to better understand paediatric
      prescribing choices and outcomes is needed.

PMID- 22050666
TI  - Managing acute respiratory decompensation in the morbidly obese.
AB  - Morbid obesity adversely affects respiratory physiology, leading to reduced lung
      volumes, decreased lung compliance, ventilation perfusion mismatch, sleep
      disordered breathing and the impairment of ventilatory control, and neurohormonal
      and neuromodulators of breathing. Therefore, morbidly obese subjects are at
      increased risk of various pulmonary complications that can present either acutely
      or chronically. Respiratory failure is one of the most common pulmonary
      complications related to morbid obesity. Both acute hypoxaemic and hypercapnic
      respiratory failure are more common among obese patients. The management pathway
      of respiratory failure depends, to a large extent, on the underlying cause,
      primarily due to the diversity of the underlying triggering diseases, the
      pathophysiology and the prognosis associated with each disease. Morbidly obese
      patients with hypoventilation have an increased risk of acute hypercapnic
      respiratory failure. Early diagnosis of this disorder and the application of non
      invasive ventilation in this group of patients have been shown to improve
      respiratory parameters, decrease the need for invasive mechanical ventilation and
      improve survival. Invasive ventilation remains the last life-saving procedure in
      patients with respiratory failure who do not respond to non-invasive measures.
      However, due to the abnormal respiratory physiology in obese patients, special
      precautions are required during intubation, mechanical ventilation and weaning.

PMID- 22050667
TI  - Tunable bandgap in silicene and germanene.
AB  - By using ab initio calculations, we predict that a vertical electric field is
      able to open a band gap in semimetallic single-layer buckled silicene and
      germanene. The sizes of the band gap in both silicene and germanene increase
      linearly with the electric field strength. Ab initio quantum transport simulation
      of a dual-gated silicene field effect transistor confirms that the vertical
      electric field opens a transport gap, and a significant switching effect by an
      applied gate voltage is also observed. Therefore, biased single-layer silicene
      and germanene can work effectively at room temperature as field effect
      transistors.

PMID- 22050668
TI  - Alcohol consumption and female urinary incontinence: a community-based study in
      Japan.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between alcohol consumption and
      urinary incontinence among Japanese women. METHODS: A total of 300 women aged 40
      75 years were recruited from the community in middle and southern Japan. A
      validated food frequency questionnaire was given face-to-face to obtain
      information on dietary intake and habitual alcohol consumption. Urinary
      incontinence status was ascertained using the International Consultation on
      Incontinence Questionnaire-Short Form. RESULTS: Among the 298 eligible
      participants, 82 women (27.5%) experienced urine leakage. The prevalence of
      alcohol drinking and mean ethanol intake were slightly higher among the
      incontinent women (39%; 7.1, standard deviation 24.1 g/day) than others without
      the condition (35.6%; 4.3, standard deviation 10.7 g/day). Relative to non
      drinkers, the adjusted odds ratios of urinary incontinence were 1.31 (95%
      confidence interval 0.74-2.33) for alcohol drinking and 1.69 (95% confidence
      interval 0.42-6.81) for ethanol intake over 32 g/day, though the increases in
      risk did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS: Little association is
      evident between alcohol consumption and urinary incontinence in middle-aged and
      older Japanese women. Further studies are required to define the role of alcohol
      as a contributing factor of this distressing condition.

PMID- 22050669
TI  - Feline calicivirus: a neglected cause of feline ocular surface infections?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of feline calicivirus (FCV) infection in
      relation to ocular surface lesions in cats with upper respiratory tract diseases
      (URTD). ANIMALS STUDIED: Ninety-nine cats with ocular surface infection and
      symptoms or recent history of URTD were examined at various rescue shelters and
      hospitals. PROCEDURE: A complete general and ophthalmic examination was performed
      including Schirmer tear test, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, fluorescein and lissamine
      green staining. Clinical and ocular symptoms were scored and recorded.
      Conjunctival samples were collected using a cytobrush, and nucleic acid
      extraction using RT-PCR was carried out to analyze for the presence of various
      infectious agents. RESULTS: RT-PCR detected either FCV, feline herpes virus type
      1 (FHV-1), Chlamydophila felis or Mycoplasma spp. in 63/99 samples. 30/63 samples
      were positive for FCV, 23/63 for C. felis, 21/63 for Mycoplasma spp., and 16/63
      for FHV-1. Out of the 30 FCV-positive samples, 11 were positive only for FCV and
      in 19 samples FCV was seen in combination with other agents. FCV infection was
      highest in animals examined at the rescue centers and in the age group of 0-2
      months. Erosive conjunctivitis was an important ocular finding. Oral ulcers were
      detected in all FCV-infected cats. CONCLUSION: Results indicate that FCV is
      highly prevalent in cats with URTD either as a sole infectious agent or in
      combination with other pathogens and therefore is a potential cause for ocular
      surface lesions during the URTD.

PMID- 22050672
TI  - Corrections.

PMID- 22050673
TI  - Male gender predicts mortality in a large cohort of patients receiving
      antiretroviral therapy in Uganda.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Because men in Africa are less likely to access HIV/AIDS care than
      women, we aimed to determine if men have differing outcomes from women across a
      nationally representative sample of adult patients receiving combination
      antiretroviral therapy in Uganda. METHODS: We estimated survival distributions
      for adult male and female patients using Kaplan-Meier, and constructed
      multivariable regressions to model associations of baseline variables with
      mortality. We assessed person-years of life lost up to age 55 by sex. To minimize
      the impact of patient attrition, we assumed a weighted 30% mortality rate among
      those lost to follow up. RESULTS: We included data from 22,315 adults receiving
      antiretroviral therapy. At baseline, men tended to be older, had lower CD4
      baseline values, more advanced disease, had pulmonary tuberculosis and had
      received less treatment follow up (all at p < 0.001). Loss to follow up differed
      between men and women (7.5 versus 5.9%, p < 0.001). Over the period of study, men
      had a significantly increased risk of death compared with female patients
      (adjusted hazard ratio 1.43, 95% CI 1.31-1.57, p < 0.001). The crude mortality
      rate for males differed importantly from females (43.9, 95% CI 40.7-47.0/1000
      person-years versus 26.9, 95% CI 25.4-28.5/1000 person years, p < 0.001). The
      probability of survival was 91.2% among males and 94.1% among females at 12
      months. Person-years of life lost was lower for females than males (689.7 versus
      995.9 per 1000 person-years, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In order to maximize the
      benefits of antiretroviral therapy, treatment programmes need to be gender
      sensitive to the specific needs of both women and men. Particular efforts are
      needed to enroll men earlier into care.

PMID- 22050675
TI  - QSPR models for computer-aided drug design in microbiology, parasitology, and
      pharmacology.

PMID- 22050677
TI  - Deterministic and stochastic model for the role of the immune response time delay
      in periodic therapy of the tumors.
AB  - We consider the deterministic model of interaction between the immune system and
      tumor cells including a memory function that reflects the influence of the past
      states, to simulate the time needed by the latter to develop a chemical and cell
      mediated response to the presence of the tumor. The memory function is called
      delay kernel. The results are compared with those from other papers, concluding
      that the memory function introduces new instabilities in the system leading to an
      uncontrollable growth of the tumor. If the coefficient of the memory function is
      used as a bifurcation parameter, it is found that Hopf bifurcation occurs for
      kernel. The direction and stability of the bifurcating periodic solutions are
      determined. The deterministic model with delay allows stochastic perturbation.
      Mean value and square mean value of the linearized model are analyzed for the
      variables of the stochastic model. Some numerical simulations for justifying the
      theoretical analysis are also given.

PMID- 22050676
TI  - Review of QSAR for DNA polymerase inhibitors and new models for heterogeneous
      series of compounds.
AB  - DNA polymerases are essential enzymes for DNA replication, repair and
      recombination. The high number of possible candidates creates the necessity of
      Quantitative Structure-Activity Relationship models in order to guide the DNA
      polymerase inhibitors. In this work, we revised different computational studies
      for a very large and heterogeneous series of DNA polymerase inhibitors. First, we
      reviewed QSAR methods with different compounds to find out the structural
      requirements for DNA polymerase inhibitory activity. Last, we report a new LDA
      analysis with the different molecular descriptors calculated with DRAGON
      software.

PMID- 22050674
TI  - Identification of common and cell type specific LXXLL motif EcR cofactors using a
      bioinformatics refined candidate RNAi screen in Drosophila melanogaster cell
      lines.
AB  - BACKGROUND: During Drosophila development, titers of the steroid ecdysone trigger
      and maintain temporal and tissue specific biological transitions. Decades of
      evidence reveal that the ecdysone response is both unique to specific tissues and
      distinct among developmental timepoints. To achieve this diversity in response,
      the several isoforms of the Ecdysone Receptor, which transduce the hormone signal
      to the genome level, are believed to interact with tissue specific cofactors. To
      date, little is known about the identity of these cofactor interactions;
      therefore, we conducted a bioinformatics informed, RNAi luciferase reporter
      screen against a subset of putative candidate cofactors identified through an in
      silico proteome screen. Candidates were chosen based on criteria obtained from
      bioinformatic consensus of known nuclear receptor cofactors and homologs,
      including amino acid sequence motif content and context. RESULTS: The
      bioinformatics pre-screen of the Drosophila melanogaster proteome was successful
      in identifying an enriched putative candidate gene cohort. Over 80% of the genes
      tested yielded a positive hit in our reporter screen. We have identified both
      cell type specific and common cofactors which appear to be necessary for proper
      ecdysone induced gene regulation. We have determined that certain cofactors act
      as co-repressors to reduce target gene expression, while others act as co
      activators to increase target gene expression. Interestingly, we find that a few
      of the cofactors shared among cell types have a reversible roles to function as
      co-repressors in certain cell types while in other cell types they serve as co
      activators. Lastly, these proteins are highly conserved, with higher order
      organism homologs also harboring the LXXLL steroid receptor interaction domains,
      suggesting a highly conserved mode of steroid cell target specificity.
      CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, we submit these cofactors as novel components of the
      ecdysone signaling pathway in order to further elucidate the dynamics of steroid
      specificity.

PMID- 22050678
TI  - Current drug design of anti-HIV agents through the inhibition of C-C chemokine
      receptor type 5.
AB  - Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the responsible causal agent of acquired
      immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), a condition in humans in which the immune
      system begins to fail, allowing the entry of opportunistic infections. HIV
      infection in humans is considered pandemic by the World Health Organization
      (WHO). HIV needs to use a protein as a co-receptor to enter its target cells.
      Several chemokine receptors can in principle act as viral co-receptors, but the
      chemokine (C-C motif) receptor 5 (CCR5) is likely the most physiologically
      important co-receptor during natural infection. For this reason the development
      of new CCR5 inhibitors like anti-HIV agents, constitutes a challenge for the
      scientific community. The present review will focus on the current state of the
      design of novel anti-HIV drugs, and how the existing computer aided-drug design
      methodologies, have been effective in the search of new anti-HIV agents. In
      addition, a QSAR model based on substructural descirptors is presented as a
      rapid, rational and promising alternative for the discovery of anti-HIV agents
      through the inhibition of the CCR5.

PMID- 22050679
TI  - Current computational approaches towards the rational design of new insecticidal
      agents.
AB  - Pesticides are chemicals with a great impact in the economy of any country. They
      are employed for the eradication of pests. Insects constitute one of these pests
      which are extremely difficult to control. With the passage of the time, insects
      have become resistant to pesticides, causing huge crop losses and diseases in
      humans. For this reason, there is an increasing need for the design of more
      potent insecticides. The present review is focused on the current state of the
      application of computational approaches as essential tools for the design of
      novel insecticidal agents. Also, a model based on a substructural approach is
      presented as a rational, efficient and promising alternative for the discovery of
      new insecticides.

PMID- 22050680
TI  - Computational models for 5alphaR inhibitors for treatment of prostate cancer:
      review of previous works and screening of natural inhibitors of 5alphaR2.
AB  - Taking into consideration the high importance of the drug target 5-alpha
      reductase (5alphaR) in prostate cancer in this work we are going first to review
      previous works and discuss works related to the computer aided drug design of
      5alphaR inhibitors. We report new results in the in silico screening of natural
      5alphaR inhibitors. Traditionally, drugs were discovered by testing compounds
      synthesized in time consuming multi-step processes against a battery of in vivo
      biological screens. Promising compounds were then further studied in development,
      where their pharmacokinetic properties, metabolism and potential toxicity were
      investigated. Here we present a study on herbal lead compounds and their
      potential binding affinity to the effectors molecules of major disease like
      Prostate Cancer. Clinical studies demonstrate a positive correlation between the
      extent of 5alphaR type 2 (5alphaR2) and malignant progression of precancerous
      lesions in prostate. Therefore, identification of effective, well-tolerated
      5alphaR inhibitors represents a rational chemo preventive strategy. This study
      has investigated the effects of naturally occurring non-protein compounds
      berberine and monocaffeyltartaric acid that inhibits 5alphaR type2. Our results
      reveal that these compounds use less energy to bind to 5alphaR and inhibit its
      activity. Their high ligand binding affinity to 5alphaR introduce the prospect
      for their use in chemopreventive applications; in addition they are freely
      available natural compounds that can be safely used to prevent prostate cancer.

PMID- 22050681
TI  - Revision of QSAR, docking, and molecular modeling studies of anti-influenza virus
      A (H1N1) drugs and targets: analysis of hemagglutinins 3D structure.
AB  - Recently WHO and NREVSS collaborating laboratories located in all 50 states, and
      Washington D.C reported that out of 3,588 specimens,164 were found positive for
      influenza type (i.e. 4.6%) and from these 164 specimens 162 (i.e. 98.8 %) were of
      influenza A H1N1 subtype. Comparative study of the past and current reports gives
      a general idea that the influenza activity deserves high attention from public
      health authorities in the U.S. In this connection, presently some groups are
      developing intensive computer-aided research in QSAR, Docking, Molecular Modeling
      and Drug Design, Sequence Analysis and Phylogenetic analysis of candidate
      compounds and/or targets; in order to advance in the treatment and/or prevention
      of this pandemic Flu. In this work, primarily we carry out a mini-review of the
      more important theoretical studies reported until now within this area, followed
      by the study of a specific type of target. Keeping in view the nature of this
      virus, we can conclude that there is always a need to find other target protein
      as inhibitor other than the existing one. So that this lethal pandemic flu can be
      treated and prevented further. Therefore, after Neuraminidase and M2 ion channels
      the surface protein that we can target in H1N1 strain is Hemagglutinins (HA). We
      use comparative modeling; which is one of the methods that can reliably generate
      a 3D model for HA protein. Multiple structures of this subtype of Influenza Virus
      are available at PDB, but we are focused on Influenza A (H1N1). Therefore,
      methodology of analysis mainly focuses on modeling the structure of this protein
      and, if possible, finding a probable active sites and inhibitors to it.

PMID- 22050682
TI  - Review of synthesis, biological assay and QSAR studies of beta-secretase
      inhibitors.
AB  - Alzheimer's disease (AD) is highly complex. While several pathologies
      characterize this disease, amyloid plaques, composed of the beta-amyloid peptide,
      are hallmark neuropathological lesions in Alzheimer's disease brain. Indeed, a
      wealth of evidence suggests that beta-amyloid is central to the pathophysiology
      of AD and is likely to play an early role in this intractable neurodegenerative
      disorder. The BACE-1 enzyme is essential for the generation of beta-amyloid. BACE
      1 knockout mice do not produce beta-amyloid and are free from Alzheimer's
      associated pathologies, including neuronal loss and certain memory deficits. The
      fact that BACE-1 initiates the formation of beta-amyloid, and the observation
      that BACE-1 levels are elevated in this disease provide direct and compelling
      reasons to develop therapies directed at BACE-1 inhibition, thus reducing beta
      amyloid and its associated toxicities. In this sense, quantitative structure
      activity relationships (QSAR) could play an important role in studying these beta
      secretase inhibitors. QSAR models are necessary in order to guide the beta
      secretase synthesis. This work is aimed at reviewing different design and
      synthesis and computational studies for a very large and heterogeneous series of
      beta-secretase inhibitors. First, we review design, synthesis, and Biological
      assay of beta-secretase inhibitors. Next, we review 2D QSAR, 3D QSAR, CoMFA,
      CoMSIA and Docking with different compounds to find out the structural
      requirements. Next, we review QSAR studies using the method of Linear
      Discriminant Analysis (LDA) in order to understand the essential structural
      requirement for receptor binding for beta- secretase inhibitors.

PMID- 22050683
TI  - From chemical graphs in computer-aided drug design to general Markov-Galvez
      indices of drug-target, proteome, drug-parasitic disease, technological, and
      social-legal networks.
AB  - Complex Networks are useful in solving problems in drug research and industry,
      developing mathematical representations of different systems. These systems move
      in a wide range from relatively simple graph representations of drug molecular
      structures to large systems. We can cite for instance, drug-target protein
      interaction networks, drug policy legislation networks, or drug treatment in
      large geographical disease spreading networks. In any case, all these networks
      have essentially the same components: nodes (atoms, drugs, proteins,
      microorganisms and/or parasites, geographical areas, drug policy legislations,
      etc.) and edges (chemical bonds, drug-target interactions, drug-parasite
      treatment, drug use, etc.). Consequently, we can use the same type of numeric
      parameters called Topological Indices (TIs) to describe the connectivity patterns
      in all these kinds of Complex Networks despite the nature of the object they
      represent. The main reason for this success of TIs is the high flexibility of
      this theory to solve in a fast but rigorous way many apparently unrelated
      problems in all these disciplines. Another important reason for the success of
      TIs is that using these parameters as inputs we can find Quantitative Structure
      Property Relationships (QSPR) models for different kind of problems in Computer
      Aided Drug Design (CADD). Taking into account all the above-mentioned aspects,
      the present work is aimed at offering a common background to all the manuscripts
      presented in this special issue. In so doing, we make a review of the most common
      types of complex networks involving drugs or their targets. In addition, we
      review both classic TIs that have been used to describe the molecular structure
      of drugs and/or larger complex networks. Next, we use for the first time a Markov
      chain model to generalize Galvez TIs to higher order analogues coined here as the
      Markov-Galvez TIs of order k (MGk). Lastly, we illustrate the calculation of MGk
      values for different classes of networks found in drug research, nature,
      technology, and social-legal sciences.

PMID- 22050684
TI  - Selective cholinesterase inhibitors from Buxus sempervirens L. and their
      molecular docking studies.
AB  - In this work, two alkaloids namely (+)-buxabenzamidienine (1) and (+)-buxamidine
      (2) were isolated from Buxus sempervirens, using bioassay-guided fractionation
      and isolation method. Their acetyl- (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE)
      inhibitory activities were studied and the compounds were found to be quite
      selective inhibitors of AChE. IC50 values of compound 1 for electric eel AChE and
      horse BChE were 0.787 and 7.68 mM, respectively; while the corresponding IC50 of
      compound 2 were 1.70 and 549.98 mM, respectively. Theoretical (quantum
      mechanical, homology modelling and docking) calculations were performed in order
      to explain their interactions with different AChE (electric eel and human) and
      BChE (horse and human). The x-ray crystal structures of electric eel AChE, human
      AChE, human BChE and a model of horse BChE constructed by homology with human
      BChE were used for docking of compounds 1 and 2. Density functional theory (DFT)
      calculations of the compounds were performed at the B3LYP/6- 31G** level using
      the program SpartanTM, and their HOMO and LUMO energy levels were calculated.
      Docking studies exhibited that compound 1 interacts with the acyl-binding pocket
      of the active site gorge of huAChE, and including several other hydrophobic
      interactions.

PMID- 22050685
TI  - Review of computer-aided models for predicting collagen stability.
AB  - Collagen is the most abundant protein in the whole human body and its instability
      is involved in many important diseases, such as Osteogenesis imperfecta, Ehlers
      Danlos syndrome, and collagenopathy. The stability of the collagen triple helix
      is strictly related to its amino acid sequence, especially the main Gly-X-Y
      motif. Many groups have used computational methods to investigate collagen's
      structure and the relationship between its stability and structure. In this
      study, we initially reviewed the most important computational methods that have
      been applied in this field. We then assembled data on a large number of collagen
      like peptides to build the first Markov chain model for predicting the stability
      of the collagen at different temperatures, simply by analyzing the amino acid
      sequence. We used the literature to assemble a set of 102 peptides and their
      relative melting temperatures were determined experimentally, indicating a great
      variance with the main motif of the collagen. This dataset was then split in two
      classes, stable and unstable, according to their melting temperatures and the
      dataset was then used to build artificial neural network (ANN) models to predict
      collagen stability. We built models to predict stability at temperatures of 38
      degrees C, 35 degrees C, 30 degrees C, and 25 degrees C degrees, and all models
      had an accuracy between 82% and 92%. Several cross-validation procedures were
      performed to validate the model. This method facilitates fast and accurate
      predictions of collagen stability at different temperatures.

PMID- 22050686
TI  - Different patient subgroup, different ranking? Which quality indicators do
      patients find important when choosing a hospital for hip- or knee arthroplasty?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients are increasingly expected to become active, critical
      consumers in healthcare. They can use comparative healthcare information
      presented on websites to make informed choices for healthcare providers. However,
      the use of this information has been limited so far. An obstacle can be that the
      information is not perceived as relevant by patients. Presenting only the most
      important quality indicators might improve the usefulness of this information.
      The aim of this study was to explore which quality indicators different subgroups
      of patients find important when choosing a hospital for total hip arthroplasty
      (THA) or total knee arthroplasty (TKA). METHODS: In this explorative, cross
      sectional study, questionnaires were distributed to 265 patients who underwent or
      had to undergo THA/TKA. Participants were asked to rank the importance of three
      types of quality indicators: patient experience indicators, clinical performance
      indicators, and indicators about hospital services. We used random effects
      regression analyses to assess the relative importance of the indicators in
      different subgroups of patients. RESULTS: 110 patients (response rate 41.5%) who
      underwent or had to undergo THA/TKA participated. Conduct of doctors, the
      presence of procedures to prevent adverse effects of thrombosis and information
      about the specialist area of orthopaedists were the most important patient
      experience indicator, clinical performance indicator and indicator about hospital
      services, respectively. We found a few differences between patient subgroups in
      the importance attached to the quality indicators. CONCLUSIONS: This study
      provides a first insight into which quality indicators patients find important
      when choosing a hospital for THA/TKA, and shows that subgroups of patients differ
      in the value they attach to these indicators. More extended research is needed to
      establish the indicators that should at least be presented in succinct overviews
      of comparative healthcare information for patients choosing a hospital for
      THA/TKA.

PMID- 22050687
TI  - Dose response for travoprost(r) in the glaucomatous beagle.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) and pupil size
      in 12 Beagles with inherited glaucoma after instillations of 0.033, 0.0033,
      0.001, 0.00033, and 0.0001% travoprost (Travatan(r)-Alcon Laboratories, Inc., Ft
      Worth, TX, USA) in multiple single-dose studies. PROCEDURES: Intraocular pressure
      and pupil diameter (PD) measurements were obtained at 9 am, 12 pm, 3 pm, and 9 am
      the following day (24 h) in two groups of six glaucoma dogs. After 7 days, the
      vehicle or concentration was repeated in the contralateral eye of the same
      animals. RESULTS: Concentrations of 0.00033, 0.001, and 0.0033% travoprost
      significantly lowered IOP and PD, but the 0.0001% concentration provided limited
      IOP changes, although PD changes were still significant. This suggests travoprost
      is effective in the dog to lower IOP and reduce pupil size at concentrations
      starting between 0.0001 and 0.00033%. CONCLUSIONS: The dose response for
      travoprost in the glaucomatous Beagle indicates this model is highly sensitive to
      this group of drugs, even at concentrations as low as 0.00033% (1/12 the
      commercially available concentration).

PMID- 22050688
TI  - Effect of diesel oxidation catalysts on the diesel particulate filter
      regeneration process.
AB  - A Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) regeneration process was investigated during
      aftertreatment exhaust of a simulated diesel engine under the influence of a
      Diesel Oxidation Catalyst (DOC). Aerosol mass spectrometry analysis showed that
      the presence of the DOC decreases the Organic Carbon (OC) fraction adsorbed to
      soot particles. The activation energy values determined for soot nanoparticles
      oxidation were 97 +/- 5 and 101 +/- 8 kJ mol(-1) with and without the DOC,
      respectively; suggesting that the DOC does not facilitate elementary carbon
      oxidation. The minimum temperature necessary for DPF regeneration was strongly
      affected by the presence of the DOC in the aftertreatment. The conversion of NO
      to NO(2) inside the DOC induced the DPF regeneration process at a lower
      temperature than O(2) (DeltaT = 30 K). Also, it was verified that the OC
      fraction, which decreases in the presence of the DOC, plays an important role to
      ignite soot combustion.

PMID- 22050689
TI  - MBL2 and fever during neutropenia in children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.

PMID- 22050690
TI  - Effect of acute intraocular pressure elevation on blood flow velocity and
      resistance in the rabbit ophthalmic artery.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of intraocular pressure (IOP) on blood flow
      velocity and resistance in the rabbit ophthalmic artery. ANIMALS: Ten adult New
      Zealand White rabbits were used. PROCEDURES: Right eyes were cannulated and the
      IOP was raised in a stepwise manner from 20 to 70 mmHg. Peak systolic velocity
      (PSV), end diastolic velocity (EDV) and resistive index (RI) in the ophthalmic
      artery were measured by color Doppler imaging. Values of PSV, EDV and RI were
      compared at various IOPs via the analysis of variance (anova) of a randomized
      block design with post hoc Bonferroni test. RESULTS: Significant differences of
      PSV, EDV and RI at different IOP points (all P < 0.001) were observed. Over the
      entire IOP range, linear regression showed a negative correlation between IOP and
      both PSV and EDV (beta = -0.07434, P = 0.0020 and beta = -0.07829, P < 0.001,
      respectively), as well as a positive correlation between the RI and IOP (beta =
      0.00221, P < 0.001). Moreover, line plots identified a point with IOP = 40 mmHg,
      splitting the IOP range with different regression slopes. Piecewise linear
      regression indicated no correlation between PSV, EDV, RI and IOP when the IOP was
      elevated from 20 to 40 mmHg (P = 0.1832, P = 0.5932 and P = 0.5819,
      respectively). However, piecewise linear regression detected a stronger negative
      correlation between PSV, EDV and IOP (beta = -0.15760, P = 0.0011 and beta = 
      0.11872, P = 0.001, respectively) and a stronger positive correlation between RI
      and IOP (beta = 0.00273, P = 0.0015) during the stage from 40 to 70 mmHg.
      CONCLUSIONS: The ophthalmic artery in the rabbits was capable of maintaining
      normal blood velocity and resistance when IOP was below 40 mmHg. However, the
      autoregulatory capacity was greatly limited when IOP was over 40 mmHg.

PMID- 22050691
TI  - Involvement of COX-2/PGE2 signalling in hypoxia-induced angiogenic response in
      endothelial cells.
AB  - To evaluate the impact of hypoxia on the angiogenic capability of endothelial
      cells (ECs), and further investigate whether the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX
      2)/prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) signalling is involved in the angiogenic response
      of ECs to hypoxia. We explored the impact of various periods (1, 3, 6, 12, 24
      hrs) of hypoxia (2% O(2)) on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) in
      vitro. We observed cell viability, migration, tube formation, analysed COX-2,
      vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), AQP1 mRNA transcription, protein
      expression and measured PGE(2), VEGF protein concentration in cell supernatants.
      Then we treated HUVECs with COX-2 selective inhibitor NS398, EP1/2 combined
      antagonist AH6809 and exogenous PGE(2) to investigate the role of COX-2/PGE(2)
      signalling in the angiogenic response of ECs to hypoxia. The results demonstrated
      that short-term hypoxic treatment enhanced HUVECs proliferation, migration, tube
      formation, significantly up-regulated COX-2, VEGF, AQP1 mRNA level, protein
      expression and promoted PGE(2) , VEGF release. The pharmacological inhibition
      study revealed that exposure of HUVEC to NS398 and AH6809 under hypoxia impaired
      the biological responses of ECs to hypoxia. Exogenous PGE(2) augments the effects
      of hypoxia on HUVECs, and partially reversed the inhibitory effects of NS398 on
      HUVECs proliferation and angiogenic capability. Short-term hypoxic treatment
      enhanced angiogenic capability of ECs, and COX-2/PGE(2) signalling may play a
      critical role in the biological response of ECs to hypoxia.

PMID- 22050692
TI  - Visualising difference, similarity and belonging in paediatric genetics.
AB  - Paediatric genetics is increasingly playing a role in explorations of why a child
      may not be reaching developmental milestones, while experiencing various health
      concerns and displaying unusual physical characteristics. The diagnostic
      processes include close analyses of a child's body in order to identify 'clues'
      to possible genetic variation. When the genetic variation identified is new and
      complex there is significant uncertainty about what relationship that variation
      has to childhood development and what it will mean for a child's future. This
      paper, drawing from an ethnographic study of a genetics clinic, explores what
      versions of childhood difference and normality are produced by genetic
      explorations marked by uncertainty. The focus is on the significance of visual
      dynamics within the consultation, in family stories or photographs, and in the
      images found on websites which catalogue genetic syndromes. Our argument is that
      inside and outside the clinic the visual interpretations create understandings of
      the child that at times position him or her as 'other', while at other times
      recognise the child as normal and 'one of us'. The uncertainty embedded in
      identifying rare genetic variations enables multiple interpretations to emerge
      which do not 'fix' the child into the category of the 'genetically other'.

PMID- 22050693
TI  - Report of two cases of influenza virus A/H1N1v and B co-infection during the
      2010/2011 epidemics in the Italian Veneto Region.
AB  - From October 2010 to April 2011, in the Italian Veneto Region, 1403 hospitalized
      patients were tested for influenza virus infection by specific real time RT-PCR.
      Overall, 327 samples were positive for either influenza A (75%) or B (25%)
      viruses. Among these positive patients two resulted co-infected by A/H1N1v and B
      viruses. Even though co-infection with both influenza A and B viruses appears to
      be a rare event, it occurs naturally and may play a role in epidemiology and
      pathogenicity. In the present study the two co-infected patients were a
      transplant recipient immunocompromised adult and a child displaying a severe
      respiratory illness. The co-infection was confirmed by inoculation of the
      nasopharyngeal swabs in MDCK.2 cells, followed by immunofluorescence and real
      time RT-PCR assays. Moreover, in the case of the adult patient, the immune system
      response against both viruses was assayed by hemoagglutination inhibition test
      against reference influenza virus strains. Both patients fully recovered from
      infection, without significant differences with mono-infected patients.

PMID- 22050694
TI  - The effects of immobilization on vascular canal orientation in rat cortical bone.
AB  - It is well established that bone is capable of adapting to changes in loading;
      however, little is known regarding how loading specifically affects the internal
      3D microarchitecture of cortical bone. The aim of this study was to
      experimentally test the hypothesis that loading is a determinant of the 3D
      orientation of primary vascular canals in the rat tibial diaphysis. Left tibiae
      from 10 rats (30 weeks old) that had been immobilized (sciatic neurectomy) for 27
      weeks, right SHAM-operated tibiae from these same rats (internal control) and
      right tibiae from 10 normal age-matched rats (external control) were scanned by
      micro-CT. Mean canal orientation (for the whole bone segment and by region),
      percent porosity, canal diameter and canal separation were quantitatively
      assessed in 3D. Canal orientation in the immobilized tibiae was significantly (P
      < 0.001) more radial (by 9.9 degrees ) compared to the external controls but did
      not differ from the internal controls (P = 0.310). Comparing the external and
      internal controls, orientation was significantly (P < 0.05) more radial in the
      internal control group (by 6.8 degrees ). No differences were found for percent
      porosity and canal separation. Canal diameter was significantly greater in the
      immobilized vs. internal (P < 0.001) and external control (P < 0.001) tibiae. The
      differences in orientation relative to the external controls indicated that the
      organization of cortical bone in the rat is affected by loading. Although the
      predicted difference in canal orientation was not detected between immobilized
      and internal control groups, the distributions of individual canal orientations,
      from which the mean values were derived, revealed distinctive patterns for all
      three groups. The internal controls exhibited an intermediate position between
      the immobilized and external controls, suggesting that paralysis on the
      contralateral side resulted in altered loading relative to the normal state
      represented by the external control. This was also evident in a regional analysis
      by quadrant. The loaded bones had the same cross-sectional shape; however, their
      internal structure differed. These results provide novel insights into the impact
      of loading on the 3D organization of primary cortical bone and have implications
      for understanding the relation between cortical bone adaptation, disease and
      mechanical properties.

PMID- 22050695
TI  - Effects of HAART on platelet-activating factor metabolism in naive HIV-infected
      patients I: study of the tenofovir-DF/emtricitabine/efavirenz HAART regimen.
AB  - Platelet-activating factor (PAF) is implicated in human immunodeficiency virus
      (HIV)-related manifestations. Increased PAF synthesis has been recently detected
      in HIV-infected patients. In this study, we examined in naive HIV-infected
      patients the in vivo effects of a highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART)
      regimen, containing tenofovir-DF/emtricitabine/efavirenz, on PAF metabolism. The
      specific activities of PAF basic biosynthetic enzymes, PAF
      cholinephosphotransferase (PAF-CPT) and lyso-PAF-acetyltransferase (lyso-PAF-AT),
      but also the ones of PAF-basic catabolic enzymes, PAF acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH) in
      leukocytes and platelets, and lipoprotein-associated-phospholipase-A(2)
      (LpPLA(2)) in plasma, were measured in blood samples of eight asymptomatic naive
      male HIV-infected patients just before and after 1, 3, and 6 months of treatment.
      CD4 cell counts, viral load, and several biochemical markers were also measured
      in the same blood samples of these patients. The repeated measures ANOVA and the
      Pearson r criterion were used to study statistical differences and correlations
      partial correlations, while linear mixed models were conducted in order to
      estimate association(s) between time-dependent changes in these factors. Before
      treatment, the activities of PAF-CPT in leukocytes and LpPLA(2) in plasma were
      found to be inversely correlated with CD4 cell counts and positively correlated
      with the viral load. After 6 months of treatment, the activities of basic PAF
      biosynthetic enzymes, PAF-CPT and lyso-PAF-AT, were both reduced in leukocytes.
      At 6 months, PAF-AH activity was also reduced in these cells, while LpPLA(2)
      remained stable. The reduction of PAF-CPT occurred even from the first month,
      while there is a time-dependent correlation between the increase of CD4 and the
      decrease of both viral load and PAF-CPT of leukocytes during treatment. Apart
      from its classical antiretroviral activities the tenofovir
      DF/emtricitabine/efavirenz regimen also exhibited favorable effects on PAF
      metabolism and therefore may also display beneficial effects in some HIV-related
      conditions, such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), in which PAF is implicated.

PMID- 22050696
TI  - Editorial comment to Impact of the tumor enhancement pattern in computed
      tomography for the differential diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma and benign
      renal tumor.

PMID- 22050697
TI  - George C Paffenbarger Student Research Award.

PMID- 22050699
TI  - Operative Dentistry Home Page.

PMID- 22050700
TI  - Effects of an unfixed combination of latanoprost and pilocarpine on the
      intraocular pressure and pupil size of normal dogs.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) and pupil diameter
      (PD) induced by daily application of an unfixed combination of latanoprost and
      pilocarpine in normal dogs. ANIMALS STUDIED: Fifteen mixed breed clinically
      normal dogs of both sexes. PROCEDURES: Three groups of five dogs each were
      administered in the right eye, one drop of 0.005% latanoprost (group L), 2%
      pilocarpine (group P), and 0.005% latanoprost with 2% pilocarpine (group LP),
      respectively. The left eyes received placebo. Drugs were administered once a day
      at 8 a.m. over a period of 5 days. IOP and PD measurements were conducted daily
      at 8 a.m., 10 a.m., 12 noon, 2 p.m., and 4 p.m. from 1 day preceding treatment to
      7 days following treatment, and the presence of blepharospasm and/or conjunctival
      hyperemia was noted. RESULTS: Compared to baseline values, mean diurnal IOPs
      significantly decreased during the treatment period, by 4.4 (24.4%), 5.8 (31.4%),
      and 6.1 mmHg (35%) in the L, P, and LP groups, respectively. Compared to placebo
      treated eyes, reductions of 2.1(14.1%), 3.2 (20.1%), and 4.1 mmHg (26.6%) were
      observed for the L, P, and LP groups, respectively. Although mean IOPs in the LP
      group decreased slightly more than the other two groups, these differences were
      not statistically significant. Miosis and conjunctival hyperemia were observed in
      the treated eyes of all three groups of animals during the treatment period.
      CONCLUSIONS: Although both 0.005% latanoprost and 2% pilocarpine individually
      produced significant decrease in IOP, the topical administration of a combination
      of latanoprost (0.005%) and pilocarpine (2%) was not associated with a
      statistically significant synergistic reduction in IOP in dogs; and miosis was
      the most frequent side effect observed during treatment.

PMID- 22050701
TI  - Cigarette smoke exposure hinders long-term allograft survival by suppressing
      indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase expression.
AB  - Cigarette smoke causes cancer and increases the vulnerability of smokers to
      infections. Epidemiologic studies have shown that smoking is one of major risk
      factors for late allograft rejection. Despite statistical data that associate
      smoking with allograft rejection, no any study has been conducted to prove that
      cigarette smoke directly causes allograft rejection in a cause-effect manner. In
      particular, investigation into immunologic mechanisms underlying smoke-related
      allograft rejection is lacking. Here we found that second hand smoke (SHS)
      hindered long-term islet allograft survival induced by CD154 costimulatory
      blockade plus donor-specific splenocyte transfusion (DST), although it failed to
      alter acute islet allograft rejection. SHS did not directly interfere with
      vigorously alloreactive T-cell proliferation in vivo and in vitro. Neither
      naturally occurring nor induced CD4+CD25+ Treg cell numbers were significantly
      reduced by SHS. However, SHS suppressed mRNA and protein expression of
      indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase (IDO) and its activity upon transplantation while
      IDO overexpression in islet allografts restored their long-term survival induced
      by CD154 blockade. Therefore, SHS prevents long-term allograft survival by
      inhibiting IDO expression and activity. Thus, our study for the first time
      demonstrates that SHS shortens allograft survival in a cause-effect manner and
      unveils a novel immunologic mechanism underlying smoking-related allograft
      rejection.

PMID- 22050702
TI  - Functional microRNA screening using a comprehensive lentiviral human microRNA
      expression library.
AB  - BACKGROUND: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small regulatory RNAs that target
      sequences in messenger RNAs (mRNAs) to inhibit their protein output. Dissecting
      the complexities of miRNA function continues to prove challenging as miRNAs are
      predicted to have thousands of targets, and mRNAs can be targeted by dozens of
      miRNAs. RESULTS: To systematically address biological function of miRNAs, we
      constructed and validated a lentiviral miRNA expression library containing 660
      currently annotated and 422 candidate human miRNA precursors. The miRNAs are
      expressed from their native genomic backbone, ensuring physiological processing.
      The arrayed layout of the library renders it ideal for high-throughput screens,
      but also allows pooled screening and hit picking. We demonstrate its
      functionality in both short- and long-term assays, and are able to corroborate
      previously described results of well-studied miRNAs. CONCLUSIONS: With the miRNA
      expression library we provide a versatile tool for the systematic elucidation of
      miRNA function.

PMID- 22050703
TI  - Portrait of socio-economic inequality in childhood morbidity and mortality over
      time, Quebec, 1990-2005.
AB  - AIM: To determine the age and cause groups contributing to absolute and relative
      socio-economic inequalities in paediatric mortality, hospitalisation and tumour
      incidence over time. METHODS: Deaths (n= 9559), hospitalisations (n= 834,932) and
      incident tumours (n= 4555) were obtained for five age groupings (<1, 1-4, 5-9, 10
      14, 15-19 years) and four periods (1990-1993, 1994-1997, 1998-2001, 2002-2005)
      for Quebec, Canada. Age- and cause-specific morbidity and mortality rates for
      males and females were calculated across socio-economic status decile based on a
      composite deprivation score for 89 urban communities. Absolute and relative
      measures of inequality were computed for each age and cause. RESULTS: Mortality
      and morbidity rates tended to decrease over time, as did absolute and relative
      socio-economic inequalities for most (but not all) causes and age groups,
      although precision was low. Socio-economic inequalities persisted in the last
      period and were greater on the absolute scale for mortality and hospitalisation
      in early childhood, and on the relative scale for mortality in adolescents. Four
      causes (respiratory, digestive, infectious, genito-urinary diseases) contributed
      to the majority of absolute inequality in hospitalisation (males 85%, females
      98%). Inequalities were not pronounced for cause-specific mortality and not
      apparent for tumour incidence. CONCLUSIONS: Socio-economic inequalities in Quebec
      tended to narrow for most but not all outcomes. Absolute socio-economic
      inequalities persisted for children <10 years, and several causes were
      responsible for the majority of inequality in hospitalisation. Public health
      policies and prevention programs aiming to reduce socio-economic inequalities in
      paediatric health should account for trends that differ across age and cause of
      disease.

PMID- 22050704
TI  - For money or service?: a cross-sectional survey of preference for financial
      versus non-financial rural practice characteristics among Ghanaian medical
      students.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Health worker shortage and maldistribution are among the biggest
      threats to health systems in Africa. New medical graduates are prime targets for
      recruitment to deprived rural areas. However, little research has been done to
      determine the influence of workers' background and future plans on their
      preference for rural practice incentives and characteristics. The purpose of this
      study was to identify determinants of preference for rural job characteristics
      among fourth year medical students in Ghana. METHODS: We asked fourth-year
      Ghanaian medical students to rank the importance of rural practice attributes
      including salary, infrastructure, management style, and contract length in
      considering future jobs. We used bivariate and multivariate ordinal logistic
      regression to estimate the association between attribute valuation and students'
      socio-demographic background, educational experience, and future career plans.
      RESULTS: Of 310 eligible fourth year medical students, complete data was
      available for 302 students (97%). Students considering emigration ranked salary
      as more important than students not considering emigration, while students with
      rural living experience ranked salary as less important than those with no rural
      experience. Students willing to work in a rural area ranked infrastructure as
      more important than students who were unwilling, while female students ranked
      infrastructure as less important than male students. Students who were willing to
      work in a rural area ranked management style as a more important rural practice
      attribute than those who were unwilling to work in a rural area. Students
      studying in Kumasi ranked contract length as more important than those in Accra,
      while international students ranked contract length as less important than
      Ghanaian students. CONCLUSIONS: Interventions to improve rural practice
      conditions are likely to be more persuasive than salary incentives to Ghanaian
      medical students who are willing to work in rural environments a priori. Policy
      experiments should test the impact of these interventions on actual uptake by
      students upon graduation.

PMID- 22050705
TI  - Carbon nanotube active-matrix backplanes for conformal electronics and sensors.
AB  - In this paper, we report a promising approach for fabricating large-scale
      flexible and stretchable electronics using a semiconductor-enriched carbon
      nanotube solution. Uniform semiconducting nanotube networks with superb
      electrical properties (mobility of ~20 cm2 V(-1) s(-1) and ION/IOFF of ~10(4))
      are obtained on polyimide substrates. The substrate is made stretchable by laser
      cutting a honeycomb mesh structure, which combined with nanotube-network
      transistors enables highly robust conformal electronic devices with minimal
      device-to-device stochastic variations. The utility of this device concept is
      demonstrated by fabricating an active-matrix backplane (12*8 pixels, physical
      size of 6*4 cm2) for pressure mapping using a pressure sensitive rubber as the
      sensor element.

PMID- 22050706
TI  - An X chromosome-wide association study in autism families identifies TBL1X as a
      novel autism spectrum disorder candidate gene in males.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental
      disorder with a strong genetic component. The skewed prevalence toward males and
      evidence suggestive of linkage to the X chromosome in some studies suggest the
      presence of X-linked susceptibility genes in people with ASD. METHODS: We
      analyzed genome-wide association study (GWAS) data on the X chromosome in three
      independent autism GWAS data sets: two family data sets and one case-control data
      set. We performed meta- and joint analyses on the combined family and case
      control data sets. In addition to the meta- and joint analyses, we performed
      replication analysis by using the two family data sets as a discovery data set
      and the case-control data set as a validation data set. RESULTS: One SNP,
      rs17321050, in the transducin beta-like 1X-linked (TBL1X) gene [OMIM:300196]
      showed chromosome-wide significance in the meta-analysis (P value = 4.86 * 10-6)
      and joint analysis (P value = 4.53 * 10-6) in males. The SNP was also close to
      the replication threshold of 0.0025 in the discovery data set (P = 5.89 * 10-3)
      and passed the replication threshold in the validation data set (P = 2.56 * 10
      4). Two other SNPs in the same gene in linkage disequilibrium with rs17321050
      also showed significance close to the chromosome-wide threshold in the meta
      analysis. CONCLUSIONS: TBL1X is in the Wnt signaling pathway, which has
      previously been implicated as having a role in autism. Deletions in the Xp22.2 to
      Xp22.3 region containing TBL1X and surrounding genes are associated with several
      genetic syndromes that include intellectual disability and autistic features. Our
      results, based on meta-analysis, joint analysis and replication analysis, suggest
      that TBL1X may play a role in ASD risk.

PMID- 22050708
TI  - Chemical speciation of vanadium in particulate matter emitted from diesel
      vehicles and urban atmospheric aerosols.
AB  - We report on the development and application of an integrated set of analytical
      tools that enable accurate measurement of total, extractable, and, importantly,
      the oxidation state of vanadium in sub-milligram masses of environmental aerosols
      and solids. Through rigorous control of blanks, application of magnetic-sector
      ICPMS, and miniaturization of the extraction/separation methods we have
      substantially improved upon published quantification limits. The study focused on
      the application of these methods to particulate matter (PM) emissions from diesel
      vehicles, both in baseline configuration without after-treatment and also
      equipped with advanced PM and NO(x) emission controls. Particle size-resolved
      vanadium speciation data were obtained from dynamometer samples containing total
      vanadium pools of only 0.2-2 ng and provide some of the first measurements of the
      oxidation state of vanadium in diesel vehicle PM emissions. The emission rates
      and the measured fraction of V(V) in PM from diesel engines running without
      exhaust after-treatment were both low (2-3 ng/mile and 13-16%, respectively). The
      V(IV) species was measured as the dominant vanadium species in diesel PM
      emissions. A significantly greater fraction of V(V) (76%) was measured in PM from
      the engine fitted with a prototype vanadium-based selective catalytic reductors
      (V-SCR) retrofit. The emission rate of V(V) determined for the V-SCR equipped
      vehicle (103 ng/mile) was 40-fold greater than that from the baseline vehicle. A
      clear contrast between the PM size-distributions of V(V) and V(IV) emissions was
      apparent, with the V(V) distribution characterized by a major single mode in the
      ultrafine (<0.25 MUm) size range and the V(IV) size distribution either flat or
      with a small maxima in the accumulation mode (0.5-2 MUm). The V(V) content of the
      V-SCR PM (6.6 MUg/g) was 400-fold greater than that in PM from baseline (0.016
      MUg/g) vehicles, and among the highest of all environmental samples examined.
      Synchrotron based V 1s XANES spectroscopy of vanadium-containing fine-particle PM
      from the V-SCR identified V(2)O(5) as the dominant vanadium species.

PMID- 22050709
TI  - Richter transformation: clonal identity does not indicate a linear disease
      progression.

PMID- 22050707
TI  - Modulation of microRNA 20b with resveratrol and longevinex is linked with their
      potent anti-angiogenic action in the ischaemic myocardium and synergestic effects
      of resveratrol and gamma-tocotrienol.
AB  - Resveratrol, a constituent of red wine, and gamma-tocotrienol, a constituent of
      palm oil are important for cardioprotection. Although microRNAs are known
      regulators for genes involved in cardiac remodelling, the regulatory pathway
      involving microRNA has not been studied so far. We explored the cardioprotection
      by resveratrol, longevinex and gamma-tocotrienol in ischaemia/reperfusion(I/R)
      model of rat and determined miRNA profile from isolated RNA. Systemic analyses of
      miRNA array and theirs targets were determined using a number of computational
      approaches. Resveratrol and gamma-tocotrienol, either alone or in combination,
      modulated the expression pattern of miRNAs close to the control level based on
      PCA analyses. Differential expression was observed in over 75 miRNAs, some of
      them, such as miR-21 and miR-20b (anti-angiogenic) were previously implicated in
      cardiac remodelling. The target genes for the highest differentially expressed
      miRNA include genes of various molecular functions such as TGFbeta1-Smad3
      signalling pathway, inflammation and their transcription factors, which may play
      key role in reducing I/R injury. Administration of antagomiR-20 attenuated I/R
      induced vascular endothelial growth factor and HIF1alpha level. All the
      interventions treated for 3 weeks lead to significant cardioprotection against
      ischaemia/reperfusion injury. A unique signature of miRNA profile is observed in
      control heart pretreated with resveratrol or gamma-tocotrienol. We have
      determined specific group of miRNA in heart that have altered during IR injuries.
      Most of those altered microRNA expressions modulated close to their basal level
      in resveratrol or longevinex treated I/R rat. Interestingly, resveratrol and
      gamma-tocotrienol resulted in synergestic action.

PMID- 22050710
TI  - A maxillary lateral incisor with four root canals.
AB  - AIM: To describe the successful non-surgical endodontic management of a permanent
      maxillary lateral incisor tooth with four root canals. SUMMARY: Aberrant
      morphology of root canals can occur in any tooth, including maxillary lateral
      incisors. In the presented case, clinical examination and radiographs clearly
      depicted the presence of four root canals in a right maxillary lateral incisor.
      The differential diagnosis included fusion, gemination, dens invaginatus or a
      combination of these. The report emphasises the need for attention during root
      canal treatment of maxillary lateral incisors. KEY LEARNING POINTS: * Clinicians
      should be aware of the variable root canal anatomy in maxillary lateral incisor
      teeth. * Careful examination of radiographs and the internal anatomy of teeth are
      essential prerequisites for successful root canal treatment. * Four root canals
      in maxillary lateral incisors is a possibility.

PMID- 22050711
TI  - Short communication: activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) promotes HIV type 1
      activation.
AB  - Activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4) is a central factor in the cellular
      response to multiple stresses, including altered metabolic conditions, anoxia and
      hypoxia, and redox stress. ATF4 is triggered by endoplasmic reticulum stress and
      consequent unfolded protein response. This report identifies for the first time
      ATF4 as a transcription factor upregulated by HIV-1 infection. Upregulation of
      ATF4 enhances HIV replication, by synergistic interactions with HIV Tat.
      Moreover, in specific cell lines ATF4 has a direct transactivating potential on
      the LTR, even in the absence of Tat. We also provide evidence that expression of
      ATF4 induces HIV reactivation in chronically infected cell lines. These results
      show for the first time that ATF4 induction might have an important role in HIV
      replication, and suggest that ATF4 might represent a convergent signaling
      molecule for different stressors important in regulating the HIV-1 cycle.

PMID- 22050712
TI  - Evaluation of topical nalbuphine or oral tramadol as analgesics for corneal pain
      in dogs: a pilot study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of topical nalbuphine or oral tramadol
      in the treatment of corneal pain in dogs. ANIMALS STUDIED: Fourteen male Beagle
      dogs. PROCEDURES: Dogs were divided into three treatment groups and sedated with
      dexmedetomidine (5 MU/kg IV). A 4 mm corneal epithelial wound was created in the
      right eye (OD) of all dogs. Sedation was reversed with atipamazole IM. All dogs
      received pre/post ophthalmic examinations. Post operatively, Group NB (n = 5)
      received topical 1% preservative-free nalbuphine OD q8 h and an oral placebo PO
      q8 h. Group TR (n = 5) received tramadol (4 mg/kg) PO q8 h and topical sterile
      saline OD q8 h. Group CNTRL (n = 4) received topical sterile saline OD q8 h and
      an oral placebo q8 h. All dogs received topical 0.3% gentamicin OD TID until
      healed. Dogs were pain scored using a pain scoring system modified from the
      University of Melbourne pain scale at 0, 1, 2, 4, and 6 h, then every 6 h by
      observers masked to treatment, until corneal wounds were healed. Treatment
      failure was recorded if cumulative pain scores were above a minimum threshold of
      acceptable pain and rescue analgesia of morphine (1.0 mg/kg IM) was administered
      subsequently. RESULT: Four dogs in Group NB, one dog in Group TR, and two dogs in
      Group CNTRL required rescue analgesia. There was no significant difference in the
      incidence of treatment failure between groups (P = 0.184). Mean time to rescue
      was 9.16 h. All corneal wounds were healed by 84 h. CONCLUSIONS: The results of
      this study suggest tramadol rather than nalbuphine should be further investigated
      for the treatment of corneal pain.

PMID- 22050713
TI  - The spatial and temporal determinants of campylobacteriosis notifications in New
      Zealand, 2001-2007.
AB  - Despite recent improvements, New Zealand still has one of the highest per-capita
      incidence rates of campylobacteriosis in the world. To reduce the incidence, a
      thorough understanding of the epidemiology of infection is needed. This
      retrospective analysis of 36 000 notified human cases during a high-risk period
      between 2001 and 2007 explored the spatial and temporal determinants of
      Campylobacter notifications at a fine spatial scale in order to improve
      understanding of the complex epidemiology. Social deprivation was associated with
      a decreased risk of notification, whereas urban residence was associated with an
      increased risk. However, for young children rural residence was a risk factor.
      High dairy cattle density was associated with an increased risk of notification
      in two of the three regions investigated. Campylobacter notification patterns
      exhibit large temporal variations; however, few factors were associated with
      periods of increased risk, in particular temperature did not appear to drive the
      seasonality in campylobacteriosis.

PMID- 22050714
TI  - Relationship between humeral geometry and shoulder muscle power among suspensory,
      knuckle-walking, and digitigrade/palmigrade quadrupedal primates.
AB  - Shoulder morphology is functionally related to different patterns of locomotion
      in primates. To investigate this we performed a quantitative analysis of the
      relationship between cortical bone thickness (Cbt) of the muscle/tendon
      attachment site on the humerus and physiological cross-sectional area (PCSA) of
      the shoulder muscle in primates with different locomotory habits. The deltoid,
      subscapularis, supraspinatus, and infraspinatus were investigated. A chimpanzee,
      a gibbon, a baboon, two species of macaque, a lutong, a capuchin, and a squirrel
      monkey were included in the study. The total length of the humerus was measured
      and the values were converted into three-dimensional reconstructed data on a
      computer by computed tomography. The Cbt values were obtained from the volumes
      divided by the areas of the muscle/tendon attachment sites of the humerus by
      computer analysis. Muscle mass, muscle fascicle length, and muscle pennation
      angle were measured and PCSA was calculated using these parameters. A relatively
      high Cbt and small PCSA were characteristic of the gibbon. The gibbon's high Cbt
      suggests that passive tension in the muscle/tendon attachment site of suspensory
      primates (brachiators) may be greater than that of quadrupedal primates, whereas
      the relatively small PCSA indicates an association with a large amount of
      internal muscle fascia to endure the passive stress of brachiation. Although
      chimpanzees undertake some suspensory locomotion, the results for this species
      resemble those of the digitigrade/palmigrade quadrupedal primates rather than
      those of the suspensory primate. However, the deltoid and subscapularis in
      chimpanzee differ from those of the other primates and appear to be affected by
      the peculiar locomotion of knuckle-walking, i.e. the moment arm of forelimb in
      chimpanzees is relatively longer than that of digitigrade/palmigrade quadrupedal
      primates. Hence, a large PCSA in the deltoid and subscapularis may contribute to
      sustaining the body weight during locomotion. On the other hand, a thin cortical
      bone relative to a large PCSA was a feature of the cercopithecids, indicating
      that digitigrade/palmigrade quadrupedal locomotion produces less tension at the
      muscle/tendon attachment sites compared with that produced by brachiators.

PMID- 22050715
TI  - Molecular detection of Torque teno virus in different breeds of swine.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Torque teno virus (TTV), of the Anelloviridae family, Iotatorquevirus
      genus, is a non-enveloped, single-stranded, and negative sense DNA (ssDNA) virus
      infecting human and many domestic animals including swines. Very little
      information is known about the investigations of TTV prevalence in different
      swine breeds so far. METHODS: In this study, 208 serum samples collected from
      seven swine breeds (Rongchang pig, Chenghua pig, Zibet pig, Wild boar, Duroc,
      Landrace, Large Yorkshire) from two independent farms were detected to determine
      the prevalence of two swine TTV genogroups, TTV1 and TTV 2, by nested polymerase
      chain reaction methods, and to analyse prevalence difference among these breeds.
      RESULTS: The results showed that the prevalence of TTV in the seven breeds was
      92%-100%. No significant difference (p > 0.05) in TTV infection was observed
      between different breeds. Interestingly, significantly higher prevalence for TTV1
      in Rongchang boars (90%) and for TTV2 in Rongchang sows (95%) were detected,
      while co-infection rate (43.8%) was lower than other breeds. Sequence analysis
      showed that the homology of TTV1 and TTV2 were over 90.9% and 86.4% in these
      breeds, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicated that TTV was widely
      distributed in the seven swine breeds. The prevalence of both TTV genogroups
      associated with swine breeds and genders. This study also respented the first
      description of swine TTV prevalence in different swine breeds. It was vitally
      necessary to further study swine TTV pathogenicity.

PMID- 22050716
TI  - A portable, contact animal fundus imaging system based on Rol's GRIN lenses.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate a cost-effective, portable, and simple-to-use fundus
      imaging system for laboratory animals. ANIMALS STUDIED: Albino rats, pigmented
      mice, albino guinea pigs, and New Zealand white rabbits. PROCEDURE: A contact
      fundus imaging system was designed and constructed using standard optical and
      mechanical components: a digital camera, an otoscope, a fiber optic light source,
      and standard optical lenses and mounts. Digital fundus video and photography of
      two albino rats, two pigmented mice, two New Zealand white rabbits, and two
      albino guinea pigs were obtained. For all animals examined, pupils were dilated
      and local anesthetic was administered. RESULTS: Digital images of the fundus were
      obtained in all animals. Contrast of retinal vasculature and overall image
      quality varied from one species to another, as the axial length, ocular optics,
      and retinal reflectance varied significantly across species. Light intensity and
      focus were optimized via the light source and lens focusing mount to produce high
      quality images for each animal. CONCLUSIONS: The portable, cost-effective contact
      fundus imaging system was easy to use for fundus examination of laboratory
      animals.

PMID- 22050717
TI  - What's Up, Doc?

PMID- 22050718
TI  - Academy of Operative Dentistry Award of Excellence.

PMID- 22050719
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 22050722
TI  - Comparing Enterovirus 71 with Coxsackievirus A16 by analyzing nucleotide
      sequences and antigenicity of recombinant proteins of VP1s and VP4s.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Enterovirus 71 (EV71) and Coxsackievirus A16 (CA16) are two major
      etiological agents of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD). EV71 is associated
      with severe cases but not CA16. The mechanisms contributed to the different
      pathogenesis of these two viruses are unknown. VP1 and VP4 are two major
      structural proteins of these viruses, and should be paid close attention to.
      RESULTS: The sequences of vp1s from 14 EV71 and 14 CA16, and vp4s from 10 EV71
      and 1 CA16 isolated in this study during 2007 to 2009 HFMD seasons were analyzed
      together with the corresponding sequences available in GenBank using DNAStar and
      MEGA 4.0. Phylogenetic analysis of complete vp1s or vp4s showed that EV71
      isolated in Beijing belonged to C4 and CA16 belonged to lineage B2 (lineage C).
      VP1s and VP4s from 4 strains of viruses expressed in E. coli BL21 cells were used
      to detect IgM and IgG in human sera by Western Blot. The detection of IgM against
      VP1s of EV71 and CA16 showed consistent results with current infection, while
      none of the sera were positive against VP4s of EV71 and CA16. There was
      significant difference in the positive rates between EV71 VP1 and CA16 VP1
      (chi(2) = 5.02, P < 0.05) as well as EV71 VP4 and CA16 VP4 (chi(2) = 15.30, P <
      0.01) in the detection of IgG against recombinant proteins with same batch of
      serum samples. The sera-positive rate of IgG against VP1 was higher than that
      against VP4 for both EV71 (chi(2) = 26.47, P < 0.01) and CA16 (chi(2) = 16.78, P
      < 0.01), which might be because of different positions of VP1 and VP4 in the
      capsid of the viruses. CONCLUSIONS: EV71 and CA16 were highly diverse in the
      nucleotide sequences of vp1s and vp4s. The sera positive rates of VP1 and VP4 of
      EV71 were lower than those of CA16 respectively, which suggested a less exposure
      rate to EV71 than CA16 in Beijing population. Human serum antibodies detected by
      Western blot using VP1s and VP4s as antigen indicated that the immunological
      reaction to VP1 and VP4 of both EV71 and CA16 was different.

PMID- 22050723
TI  - Conjunctival dacryops in two golden retrievers.
AB  - Two 5-month-old golden retriever dogs were referred for the evaluation of a mass
      arising from the left ventrolateral conjunctiva of the lower eyelid. The masses
      were externally located, deemed to be cystic in nature, and were surgically
      removed, and in one case, 0.15 mL of clear fluid was collected. Cytological
      examination of the aspirated fluid revealed proteinaceous, basophilic amorphous
      material, and few epithelial cells with foamy cytoplasm and small nuclei. No
      micro-organisms were detected. Histological examination of the cysts showed a
      wall composed of single to double cell layers. The cells were cuboidal to
      flattened, nonciliated, lined with mild submucosal connective tissues and slight
      inflammation composed of lymphocytes, plasma cells, and rare macrophages. In some
      areas, lobules of acinar glandular tissue were observed. To the authors'
      knowledge, this is the first case report of conjunctival dacryops in dogs. The
      complete surgical removal of the cysts was curative in both cases.

PMID- 22050724
TI  - Transplant accommodation--are the lessons learned from xenotransplantation
      pertinent for clinical allotransplantation?
AB  - "Accommodation" refers to a vascularized transplant that has acquired resistance
      to antibody-mediated rejection (AMR). The term was coined in 1990, but the
      phenomenon was first described after clinical ABO-incompatible (ABOi) renal
      transplantation in the 1980s and is recognized as a common outcome in this
      context today. Because of the absence, until recently of reliable animal models
      of allograft accommodation, it has been studied extensively by investigators in
      the xenotransplantation field. With recent advances in the ability to recognize
      and diagnose AMR in human organs, the growth of desensitization programmes for
      transplantation into sensitized recipients and the availability of therapies that
      have the potential to promote accommodation, it is timely to review the
      literature in this area, identifying lessons that may inform preclinical and
      clinical studies in the future.

PMID- 22050725
TI  - Synthesis of an azide-bearing N-mustard analogue of S-adenosyl-L-methionine.
AB  - The synthesis of an azide-bearing N-mustard S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAM)
      analogue, 8-azido-5'-(diaminobutyric acid)-N-iodoethyl-5'-deoxyadenosine, has
      been accomplished in 10 steps from commercially available 2',3'-isopropylidene
      adenosine. Critical to this success was executing C8 azidation prior to
      derivatizing the 5'-position of the ribose sugar and the late stage alkylation of
      the 5' amino group with bromoethanol, which was necessitated by the reactivity of
      the aryl azide moiety. The azide-bearing N-mustard is envisioned as a useful
      biochemical tool by which to probe DNA and protein methylation patterns.

PMID- 22050726
TI  - Misconceived causal explanations for emergent processes.
AB  - Studies exploring how students learn and understand science processes such as
      diffusion and natural selection typically find that students provide misconceived
      explanations of how the patterns of such processes arise (such as why giraffes'
      necks get longer over generations, or how ink dropped into water appears to
      "flow"). Instead of explaining the patterns of these processes as emerging from
      the collective interactions of all the agents (e.g., both the water and the ink
      molecules), students often explain the pattern as being caused by controlling
      agents with intentional goals, as well as express a variety of many other
      misconceived notions. In this article, we provide a hypothesis for what
      constitutes a misconceived explanation; why misconceived explanations are so
      prevalent, robust, and resistant to instruction; and offer one approach of how
      they may be overcome. In particular, we hypothesize that students misunderstand
      many science processes because they rely on a generalized version of narrative
      schemas and scripts (referred to here as a Direct-causal Schema) to interpret
      them. For science processes that are sequential and stage-like, such as cycles of
      moon, circulation of blood, stages of mitosis, and photosynthesis, a Direct
      causal Schema is adequate for correct understanding. However, for science
      processes that are non-sequential (or emergent), such as diffusion, natural
      selection, osmosis, and heat flow, using a Direct Schema to understand these
      processes will lead to robust misconceptions. Instead, a different type of
      general schema may be required to interpret non-sequential processes, which we
      refer to as an Emergent-causal Schema. We propose that students lack this
      Emergent Schema and teaching it to them may help them learn and understand
      emergent kinds of science processes such as diffusion. Our study found that
      directly teaching students this Emergent Schema led to increased learning of the
      process of diffusion. This article presents a fine-grained characterization of
      each type of Schema, our instructional intervention, the successes we have
      achieved, and the lessons we have learned.

PMID- 22050727
TI  - Editorial comment to extended versus limited lymph node dissection in radical
      cystectomy: impact on recurrence pattern and survival.

PMID- 22050729
TI  - Infant gender, shared sleeping and sudden death.
AB  - AIM: To determine whether there is a gender imbalance in infant deaths in shared
      sleeping compared to solitary sleeping situations. METHODS: Examination of
      autopsy reports of 133 infants aged between 7 and 364 days autopsied over a 19
      year period from January 1991 to December 2009 was undertaken where death had
      either been attributed to SIDS, or had been classified as undetermined or
      unascertained. Cases were divided into two groups of solitary sleepers and shared
      sleepers, and the ratio of male to female cases was compared. RESULTS: Ninety
      five solitary sleepers were aged from 1 to 11 months (average 4.1 months) and
      consisted of 63 males (age range 1 to 11 months) and 32 females (age range 1 to
      10 months). The 38 shared sleepers were aged from 1 week to 12 months (average
      2.6 months) and consisted of 17 males (age range 2 weeks to 5 months) and 21
      females (age range 1 week to 10 months). The male to female ratio in the solitary
      sleepers was approximately 2:1 and in the shared sleepers was 0.8:1, a
      statistically significant difference (p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: The lack of a male
      predominance typical of SIDS cases in infants who were sleeping with others,
      compared to those who were sleeping alone, suggests that these situations may be
      different. It is possible, therefore, that different lethal mechanisms may be
      involved in some shared sleeping situations.

PMID- 22050728
TI  - Effect of genetic and environmental influences on cardiometabolic risk factors: a
      twin study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Both genetic and environmental factors play a role in the
      pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. The magnitude of
      genetic and environmental influences may vary in different populations and can be
      investigated by twin studies. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 101 (63
      monozygotic and 38 dizygotic) adult twin pairs (n = 202; mean age: 44.3 +/- 15.8
      years) were investigated. Past medical history was recorded and physical
      examination was performed. Fasting venous blood samples were taken for measuring
      laboratory parameters. For assessing heritability of 14 cardiovascular risk
      factors, the structural equation (A-C-E) model was used. RESULTS: The following
      risk factors were highly (> 70.0%) or moderately (50.0 - 69.0%) heritable: weight
      (88.1%), waist circumference (71.0%), systolic blood pressure (57.1%), diastolic
      blood pressure (57.7%), serum creatinine (64.1%), fibrinogen (59.9%), and serum C
      reactive protein (51.9%). On the other hand, shared and unique environmental
      influences had the highest proportion of total phenotypic variance in serum total
      cholesterol (46.8% and 53.2%), serum HDL-cholesterol (58.1% and 14.9%),
      triglycerides (0.0% and 55.9%), fasting blood glucose (57.1% and 42.9%), fasting
      insulin (45.4% and 54.5%), serum uric acid (46.0% and 31.3%), and serum
      homocysteine (71.8% and 28.2%, respectively). CONCLUSION: Some cardiometabolic
      risk factors have strong heritability while others are substantially influenced
      by environmental factors. Understanding the special heritability characteristics
      of a particular risk factor can substantiate further investigations, especially
      in molecular genetics. Moreover, identifying genetic and environmental
      contribution to certain cardiometabolic risk factors can help in designing
      prevention and treatment strategies in the population investigated.

PMID- 22050730
TI  - Fully printed separated carbon nanotube thin film transistor circuits and its
      application in organic light emitting diode control.
AB  - The advantages of printed electronics and semiconducting single-walled carbon
      nanotubes (SWCNTs) are combined for the first time for display electronics.
      Conductive silver ink and 98% semiconductive SWCNT solutions are used to print
      back-gated thin film transistors with high mobility, high on/off ratio, and high
      current carrying capacity. In addition, with printed polyethylenimine with LiClO4
      as the gating material, fully printed top-gated devices have been made to work as
      excellent current switches for organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs). An OLED
      driving circuit composed of two top-gated fully printed transistors has been
      fabricated, and the successful control over external OLED is demonstrated. Our
      work demonstrates the significant potential of using printed carbon nanotube
      electronics for display backplane applications.

PMID- 22050731
TI  - Composite effects of gene determinants on the translation speed and density of
      ribosomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Translation is a central process of life, and its regulation is
      crucial for cell growth. In this article, focusing on two model organisms,
      Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae, we study how three major local
      features of a gene's coding sequence (its adaptation to the tRNA pool, its amino
      acid charge, and its mRNA folding energy) affect its translation elongation.
      RESULTS: We find that each of these three different features has a non-negligible
      distinct correlation with the speed of translation elongation. In addition, each
      of these features might contribute independently to slowing down ribosomal speed
      at the beginning of genes, which was suggested in previous studies to improve
      ribosomal allocation and the cost of translation, and to decrease ribosomal
      jamming. Remarkably, a model of ribosomal translation based on these three basic
      features highly correlated with the genomic profile of ribosomal density. The
      robustness to transcription errors in terms of the values of these features is
      higher at the beginnings of genes, suggesting that this region is important for
      translation. CONCLUSIONS: The reported results support the conjecture that
      translation elongation speed is affected by the three coding sequence
      determinants mentioned above, and not only by adaptation to the tRNA pool; thus,
      evolution shapes all these determinants along the coding sequences and across
      genes to improve the organism's translation efficiency.

PMID- 22050732
TI  - Viral interference with innate immunity by preventing NF-kappaB activity.
AB  - Viruses are the most abundant and diverse pathogens challenging the host immune
      system, and as such are a severe threat to human health. To this end, viruses
      have evolved multiple strategies to evade and subvert the host immune response.
      Host-pathogen interactions are usually initiated via recognition of pathogen
      associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) by host sensors known as pattern
      recognition receptors (PRRs), which include, Toll-like receptors (TLRs), RIG-I
      like receptors (RLRs), NOD-like receptors (NLRs) and DNA receptors. Effective
      sensing of PAMPs rapidly triggers host immune responses, via activation of
      complex signalling pathways that culminates in the induction of inflammatory
      responses and the eradication of pathogens. Activation of the nuclear factor
      kappaB (NF-kappaB) transcription pathway is crucial for the immediate early step
      of immune activation. This review discusses the recent evidence describing a
      variety of viral effectors that have been shown to prevent NF-kappaB signalling.
      Most of these viral effectors can be broadly classified into three categories
      based on the site of inhibition within the NF-kappaB pathway, that is, at the (i)
      TLRs, (ii) IKK complex or (iii) the transcriptional level.

PMID- 22050734
TI  - Short communication: UGT1A1*28 variant allele is a predictor of severe
      hyperbilirubinemia in HIV-infected patients on HAART in southern Brazil.
AB  - Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has increased the survival of HIV
      infected patients. However, adverse effects play a major role in adherence to
      HAART. Some protease inhibitors (mainly atazanavir and indinavir) act as
      inhibitors of uridine diphosphate-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT1A1), the enzyme
      responsible for hepatic conjugation of bilirubin. Variations in the promoter
      region of the UGT1A1 gene (UGT1A1*28, rs8175347) can influence bilirubin plasma
      levels, modulating the susceptibility to hyperbilirubinemia. Aiming to analyze
      the association between UGT1A1*28 allele and hyperbilirubinemia in individuals
      exposed to HAART, we evaluated 375 HIV-positive individuals on antiretroviral
      therapy. Individuals carrying the UGT1A1*28 allele had a higher risk of
      developing severe hyperbilirubinemia [prevalence ratio (PR)=2.43, 95% confidence
      interval (CI) 1.08-5.45, p=0.032] as well as atazanavir users (PR=7.72, 95%
      CI=3.14-18.98, p<0.001). This is the first description of such an association in
      Brazilian HIV patients, which shows that in African-American and Euroamerican
      HAART users, the UGT1A1*28 allele also predisposes to severe hyperbilirubinemia,
      especially in those exposed to atazanavir.

PMID- 22050733
TI  - The role of dorsal root ganglia activation and brain-derived neurotrophic factor
      in multiple sclerosis.
AB  - Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by focal destruction of the white matter
      of the brain and spinal cord. The exact mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology
      of the disease are unknown. Many studies have shown that MS is predominantly an
      autoimmune disease with an inflammatory phase followed by a demyelinating phase.
      Recent studies alongside current treatment strategies, including glatiramer
      acetate, have revealed a potential role for brain-derived neurotrophic factor
      (BDNF) in MS. However, the exact role of BDNF is not fully understood. We used
      the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model of MS in adolescent
      female Lewis rats to identify the role of BDNF in disease progression. Dorsal
      root ganglia (DRG) and spinal cords were harvested for protein and gene
      expression analysis every 3 days post-disease induction (pdi) up to 15 days. We
      show significant increases in BDNF protein and gene expression in the DRG of EAE
      animals at 12 dpi, which correlates with peak neurological disability. BDNF
      protein expression in the spinal cord was significantly increased at 12 dpi, and
      maintained at 15 dpi. However, there was no significant change in mRNA levels. We
      show evidence for the anterograde transport of BDNF protein from the DRG to the
      dorsal horn of the spinal cord via the dorsal roots. Increased levels of BDNF
      within the DRG and spinal cord in EAE may facilitate myelin repair and
      neuroprotection in the CNS. The anterograde transport of DRG-derived BDNF to the
      spinal cord may have potential implications in facilitating central myelin repair
      and neuroprotection.

PMID- 22050738
TI  - Operative Dentistry Home Page.

PMID- 22050735
TI  - Comparison of the pig and feline models for full thickness corneal
      transplantation.
AB  - PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to report on the advantages and limitations
      of the pig and feline models for experimental in vivo corneal transplantation.
      METHODS: Ten healthy domestic pigs and ten healthy cats were used. Full thickness
      penetrating keratoplasty was performed using autologous (eight cases), allogeneic
      (seven cases) or human xenogeneic (three cases) tissue. In two other cases, the
      inflammatory response to partial thickness trephination (without transplantation)
      was evaluated. Eyes were assessed daily before and after surgery by slit-lamp,
      pachymetry, and tonometry. A transparency score ranging from 0 (opaque graft) to
      4 (clear graft) was used, based on the slit-lamp examination. Optical coherence
      tomography, histology, and electron microscopy were performed postmortem.
      RESULTS: In the pig, the mean (+/-SD) transparency score for the eight full
      thickness grafts was 0.88 +/- 0.99, ranging from 0 to 3. In the feline model, the
      mean transparency score for the seven uncomplicated grafts was 3.93 +/- 0.19,
      ranging from 3.5 to 4. Both negative controls without endothelium remained opaque
      at all time. Intraoperative tendency for iris incarceration into the wound, rapid
      corneal swelling, suture cheese wiring, and postoperative intraocular
      inflammation were the main factors jeopardizing the functional success of the
      corneal transplant in the pig model. CONCLUSION: Suboptimal functional results
      were obtained after full thickness corneal transplantation in the pig model,
      while in the feline model, the same protocol yielded uneventful surgeries and
      clear transplants, with functional results similar to those achieved in human
      subjects.

PMID- 22050739
TI  - Corporate Sponsorship.

PMID- 22050740
TI  - The HOX genes network in uro-genital cancers: mechanisms and potential
      therapeutic implications.
AB  - Genito-urinary malignancies (prostate, bladder, renal and testicular cancers)
      rank high among human tumors with an incidence that varies with age and organ
      involvement. Prostate cancer is the most commonly detected male cancer followed
      by bladder and kidney cancers, less frequent in women. Testicular cancer,
      although rare, is the most frequent cancer in males under 35. The majority of
      oncogenic and tumor suppressor signaling pathways involved with urogenital
      cancers converge on sets of transcription factors that ultimately control gene
      expression resulting in tumor formation and metastatic progression. The activity
      of these transcription factors is modulated by multiple mechanisms spanning from
      transcriptional regulation, deregulation of the splicing, maturation, export and
      location of mRNAs, protein synthesis and post-translational modifications. The
      recent involvement of the epigenitic mechanisms in the generation and the
      evolution of cancer has produced a great deal of interest. This is related to the
      possibility that revealing these mechanisms able to regulate the cell memory
      program (the gene systems polycomb, trithorax and HOX) may generate important
      biological and therapeutic achievements. The HOX gene network is the only
      physically and functionally identifiable transcription factor network located in
      the human genome controlling crucial cellular processes. Here we describe the
      implication of the HOX genes in the urogenital embryonic development and cancers.
      We further highlight the mechanisms uncovered along these processes and involving
      the HOX genes. Finally, we foresee the specific targeting of HOX genes and in
      general the cell memory gene program in the therapeutic setting of urogenital
      malignancies due to their upstream location in these stepwise cell processes and
      their early deregulation in cancer evolution.

PMID- 22050741
TI  - Aliphatic and aromatic oxidations, epoxidation and S-oxidation of prodrugs that
      yield active drug metabolites.
AB  - About one hundred and fifty of the several thousands of drugs on the market are
      known to have active metabolites. Medicinal chemistry of the parent drugs as well
      as that of the metabolites are very important both in medical practice and drug
      research. The efficacy of a drug will depend on a number of properties including,
      pharmacokinetic behavior, absorption, tissue distribution, pharmacological
      potency, toxicity and tissue-specificity. The production and release of active
      metabolites are important because active drug metabolites may influence the
      clinical outcome of a drug by increasing the gross level of pharmacologically
      active compounds (drug + active metabolite) and/or essentially increasing the
      duration of drug effect, when t(1/2) of active metabolite is much longer than
      that of the parent drug. Furthermore, certain drug metabolizing enzymes can
      either be inhibited or induced by other drugs and a variety of food and
      environmental factors. A careful control of the clinical effects of any drug with
      active metabolites is important especially in the treatment of the elderly
      population where the administration of several drugs is not unusual.This review
      provides a detailed description of the medicinal chemistry of drugs yielding
      active metabolites after undergoing transformation via aliphatic and aromatic
      oxidations, epoxidation and S-oxidation. Their respective pharmacologically
      active metabolites, metabolizing enzymes and changes in lipophilicity are also
      summarized. The most recent analytical methods used for the reliable
      quantification of both the parent drugs and their metabolites are also included.

PMID- 22050742
TI  - 1,4-Dihydropyridine scaffold in medicinal chemistry, the story so far and
      perspectives (part 1): action in ion channels and GPCRs.
AB  - Since the pioneering studies of Fleckenstein and co-workers, L-Type Calcium
      Channel (LTCC) blockers have attracted large interest due to their effectiveness
      in treating several cardiovascular diseases. Medicinal chemists achieved high
      potency and tissue selectivity by decorating the 1-4-DHP nucleus, the most
      studied scaffold among LTCC blockers. Nowadays it is clear that the 1,4-DHP
      nucleus is a privileged scaffold since, when appropriately substituted, it can
      selectively modulate diverse receptors, channels and enzymes. Therefore, the 1,4
      DHP scaffold could be used to treat various diseases by a single-ligand multi
      target approach. In this review, we describe the structure-activity relationships
      of 1,4-DHPs at ion channels, G-protein coupled receptors, and outline the
      potential for future therapeutic applications.

PMID- 22050743
TI  - Alkaloids and flavonoids as alpha(1)-adrenergic receptor antagonists.
AB  - Since the subtypes of alpha(1)-adrenergic receptor have been thoroughly
      determined, to date medicinal chemists raise their deliberation on how to
      conceive selective alpha(1)-adrenergic receptor antagonist with the minimal side
      effects. It needs to be well recognized that natural products can exist as a
      significant source of drug leads, thus portraying a consequential capacity in
      drug design and development. The current review article would like to present a
      comprehensive survey on natural products, mainly including alkaloids and
      flavonoids, which exhibit alpha(1)-adrenergic receptor antagonistic activities.

PMID- 22050744
TI  - Classical neurotransmitters and neuropeptides involved in generalized epilepsy: a
      focus on antiepileptic drugs.
AB  - We describe the alterations of classical neurotransmitters and neuropeptides in
      generalized epilepsy. A neuronal network in this disease is developed. Gamma
      aminobutyric acid (GABA) hypoactivity induces dopamine hyperactivity because
      dopaminergic neurons are affected by the inhibitory influence of the GABAergic
      system through GABA(A) receptors. Glutamate hyperactivity is exerted via
      presynaptic N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, which strongly inhibit
      serotoninergic neurons, and via postsynaptic ionotropic glutaminergic receptors,
      which can induce epileptic seizures. A collection of specific subreceptors of
      classical neurotransmitters and neuropeptides involved in epileptogenesis is
      reported. The question arises whether agonists/antagonists of neuropeptides
      (neuropeptide Y, galanin...) could have additional antiepileptic properties. The
      effect of conventional and newer antiepileptic drugs interfering with these
      subreceptors is discussed on the basis of the neuronal network suggested. From
      these data, it is concluded that new antiepileptic drugs interfering with other
      specific subreceptors (GABA(B) antagonists, metabotropic glutaminergic receptors
      subtype 5 (mGlu5R) antagonists, mGlu2/3R agonists, 5-serotonin (5-HT(7))
      agonists) could further stabilize the neuronal network in generalized epilepsy.

PMID- 22050745
TI  - Multi-target-directed ligands in Alzheimer's disease treatment.
AB  - Among the various drug discovery methods, a very promising modern approach
      consists in designing multi-target-directed ligands (MTDLs). This methodology has
      been specifically developed for treatment of disorders with complex pathological
      mechanisms. One such disorder is Alzheimer's disease (AD), currently the most
      common multifactorial neurodegenerative disease. AD is related to increased
      levels of the amyloid beta peptide (Abeta) and the hyperphosphorylated tau
      protein, along with loss of neurons and synapses. Moreover, there is some
      evidence pointing to the role of oxidative stress, metal ion deregulation,
      inflammation and cell cycle regulatory failure in its pathogenesis. There are
      many attractive targets for the development of anti-AD drugs, and the multi
      factor nature of this disease calls for multi-target-directed compounds which can
      be beneficial for AD treatment. This review presents the discovery of dualand
      multi-acting anti-AD drug candidates, focusing on the novel design strategy and
      the compounds it yields - particularly hybrids obtained by linking structurally
      active moieties interacting with different targets. The first group of compounds
      includes cholinesterase inhibitors acting as dual binding site inhibitors and/or
      inhibitors with additional properties. These compounds are characterized by
      increased potency against acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and Abeta plaque formation
      with additional properties such as antioxidant activity, neuroprotective, and
      metal-complexing property, voltage-dependent calcium channel antagonistic
      activity, inhibitory activity against glutamate-induced excitotoxicity, histamine
      H(3) receptor antagonism, cannabinoid CB(1) receptor antagonism and beta
      secretase (BACE1) inhibition. A novel class of compounds represents the
      combination of dual BACE1 inhibitors with metal chelators, and dual modulators of
      gamma-secretase with peroxisome proliferator-ativated receptor gamma (PPARgamma).
      We have reviewed the latest reports (2008-2011) presenting new multi-target
      directed compounds in Alzheimer's disease treatment.

PMID- 22050746
TI  - Endocrine orchestration of cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and hypothalamic
      control.
AB  - The richly structured neuroendocrine control of the heart in health and disease
      requires, in addition to the autonomic nervous outflow, the essential contribute
      of various and often interacting humoral peptides (e.g. natriuretic peptides,
      Chromogranin-A-derived fragments, etc). In many cases, these molecules also
      influence the activity of other organ systems, including the gastrointestinal
      apparatus, in which they control mucosal function as well as motility and
      secretion. Interestingly, by acting centrally, some of these peptides also
      regulate satiety and appetite, thus forming an interesting link between cardiac
      and gastrointestinal function, and the feeding pattern. Prolonged inhibition
      and/or activation of these peptide pathways frequently results in severe and long
      lasting dysfunctions, including cardiovascular diseases associated to alimentary
      disorders (e.g. obesity). Notably, their multifarious actions and mutual
      interactions make them excellent candidates for long-term resetting of both
      cardiac, gastrointestinal and nutrition homeostasis. Here we will provide only
      few examples taken from the quickly evolving scenario, with the purpose to
      provide indications concerning the complex circuits generated by multilevel
      signalling peptides, which contributes to orchestrate the association between
      cardiovascular, gastrointestinal and alimentary functions. This will highlight
      not only the complexity of the cardiovascular and GI regulatory networks, but
      also aspects of integration between feeding stimulating peptides and the other
      neuroendocrine systems affecting the heart and the GI tract.

PMID- 22050747
TI  - Fatty liver and ischemia/reperfusion: are there drugs able to mitigate injury?
AB  - Fatty livers are more prone to damage caused by ischemia/reperfusion (I/R).
      Impaired microcirculation, Kupffer cell dysfunction, increased adhesion of
      leukocytes, impaired mitochondrial function and ATP depletion are probable causes
      for fatty liver susceptibility. Therefore, hepatic steatosis is a major risk
      factor for liver surgery and success of transplantation of fatty donor organs.
      The mechanisms involved in I/R injury are complex and there is no general
      consensus regarding the sources of ROS generation, nitric oxide (NO) action, the
      role of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and transcription factors, such
      as nuclear factor kappa B (NFkappaB). Impairment of mitochondrial function is one
      of the most important alterations that occur in I/R injury, resulting in the
      alteration of energy metabolism. Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) and post
      conditioning (IPost) are adaptive mechanisms against I/R insults that induce
      intracellular protective responses associated with the preservation of
      mitochondrial function.There are several pharmacological drugs and natural
      derivatives presenting metabolic and/or antioxidant effects that can directly or
      indirectly protect the liver against I/R injury. While the precise targets and
      mechanisms are still not totally understood, the mitochondrion presents itself as
      a major player on mediating these protective events. As so, compounds that are
      able to improve mitochondrial function and hepatic energetic balance might prove
      viable candidates when developing new pharmacological approaches that can
      minimize injury to steatotic livers subjected to I/R events.

PMID- 22050748
TI  - Advances on aptamers targeting Plasmodium and trypanosomatids.
AB  - Aptamers are single-stranded oligonucleotides (ssDNA or RNA) selected from
      combinatorial libraries by an in vitro process and possess a specific three
      dimensional structure depending on its sequence. These molecules are able to
      recognize and, eventually, alter the activity of their targets by binding
      directly in a similar way to antibodies. Over the last years, aptamer technology
      has been used in a wide range of diagnostic and therapeutic applications and,
      concretely, several strategies are currently being explored using aptamers
      against Plasmodium and trypanosomatid proteins associated with parasitic diseases
      which affect hundreds of millions people. One approach tries to block the
      interaction between the parasite and the host using aptamers targeting host-cell
      matrix receptors. A second strategy consists in attack the parasite
      intracellularly targeting heme group or interfering in the intracellular RNA
      transport. In another strategy, aptamers targeting invariant polypeptides could
      be used as a specific drug delivery system into the parasite. Finally, aptamers
      addressed to re-direct the immune response of the infected host are being
      studied. Other potential use of the aptamers is as biorecognition element in
      diagnostic systems for parasitic diseases. In this paper, we briefly review how
      aptamers against Plasmodium and trypanosomatids are discovered, with a focus on
      recent advances that improve the aptamers properties as a real tool for parasite
      fighting.

PMID- 22050749
TI  - Recent advance in aminopeptidase N (APN/CD13) inhibitor research.
AB  - APN is an important zinc dependent metallo-exopeptidase, which can degrade the
      extracellular matrix, and plays an important role in tumor invasion, metastasis
      and angiogenesis. it has been considered as a suitable target for anti-cancer
      drug design. Recently, research of structure-based APN inhibitors is becoming an
      interesting field, and many APN inhibitors have been reported. Here we review a
      series of APN inhibitors and the recent progress in this field.

PMID- 22050750
TI  - The role of antiangiogenetic agents in the treatment of breast cancer.
AB  - Angiogenesis is known to be essential for the development and progression of
      cancer. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a critical mediator in tumor
      angiogenesis for many solid malignancies, including breast cancer. Increased
      levels of VEGF have been associated with poor clinical outcomes, including
      reduced survival. VEGF has become an attractive target for cancer therapy in view
      of its pivotal role in angiogenesis. The primary approaches for inhibiting
      angiogenesis have focused on inhibiting the activity of VEGF, either by targeting
      the VEGF ligand itself with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) or by interfering with
      the signaling events downstream of VEGF through the use of tyrosine kinase
      inhibitors (TKIs). Bevacizumab is a recombinant, humanized monoclonal IgG1, anti
      VEGF antibody that has demonstrated significant clinical benefit in several solid
      tumors. Bevacizumab has been approved for use in combination with paclitaxel for
      the first line treatment of patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC) based on
      the results of the randomized phase III E2100 trial in which it improves response
      rate and time to progress when administered with weekly paclitaxel until disease
      progression. Several trials to define the role of bevacizumab in different
      setting of disease and in combination with different chemotherapy regimens and
      targeted therapy in breast cancer patients are ongoing. Other small molecule
      inhibitors of VEGF tyrosine kinase activity (TKIs) such as sunitinib, vandetanib
      and sorafenib are being tested in MBC. This review will focus on bevacizumab and
      on the developements of the main antiangiogenic agents in the treatment of breast
      cancer.

PMID- 22050751
TI  - New prognostic markers and potential therapeutic targets in human testicular germ
      cell tumors.
AB  - Although testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are relatively uncommon, they are
      particularly important as they tend to affect children and young men,
      representing the most common tumor in male aged from 20 to 40 years, and the
      incidence has been increasing over the last decades. TGCTs are a heterogeneous
      group of tumors, with specific peculiarities reflecting on epidemiologic
      distribution and clinic-pathological features. Seminomas are highly sensitive to
      both radiation and chemotherapy, with a good prognosis, non- seminomas are
      sensitive to platinum-based combination chemotherapy and are less susceptible to
      radiation, with the exception of teratomas. However, up to 30% of patients
      diagnosed with metastatic nonseminomas do not achieve a durable remission, and in
      metastatic teratomas cisplatin-based treatment resistance has been observed. The
      different therapeutic outcome might be explained by inherent properties of the
      cells from which testicular neoplasia originate. The unique treatment sensitivity
      of TGCTs is unexplained so far, but it is likely to be related to intrinsic
      molecular characteristics of the PGCs/gonocytes, from which these tumours
      originate. In the last years novel markers, including OCT3/4, SOX2, SOX17, HMGA1,
      HMGA2, PATZ1, GPR30, Aurora B, and others has given further advantages to
      discriminate between histological subgroups. In addition, therapeutic approaches
      for the treatment of TGCTs have been proposed: humanized antibodies against
      receptors/surface molecules on cancer cells, inhibitors of serine-threonine, and
      tyrosine kinases, angiogenesis inhibitors, and others. In same cases the clinical
      trials have confirmed the efficacy of these approaches. The review will focus on
      the molecular alteration identified in post-puberal TGCTs and on novel targeted
      antineoplastic strategies that could contribute to the cure of chemotherapy
      resistant TGCTs.

PMID- 22050752
TI  - Insight to physiology and pathology of zinc(II) ions and their actions in breast
      and prostate carcinoma.
AB  - Zinc(II) ions contribute to a number of biological processes e.g. DNA synthesis,
      gene expression, enzymatic catalysis, neurotransmission, and apoptosis. Zinc(II)
      dysregulation, deficiency and over-supply are connected with various diseases,
      particularly cancer. 98 % of human body zinc(II) is localized in the
      intracellular compartment, where zinc(II) is bound with low affinity to
      metallothionein (MT). Zinc transporters ZIP and ZnT maintain transmembrane
      transport from/to cells or organelles. Imbalance of their regulation is described
      in cancers, particularly prostate (down-regulated zinc transporters ZIP1, 2, 3
      and ZnT-2) and breast, notably its high-risk variant (up-regulated ZIP6, 7, 10).
      As a result, intracellular and even blood plasma zinc(II) levels are altered. MT
      protects cells against oxidative stress, because it cooperates with reduced
      glutathione (GSH). Recent studies indicate elevated serum level of MT in a number
      of malignancies, among others in breast, and prostate. MT together with zinc(II)
      affect apoptosis and proliferation, thus together with its antioxidative effects
      it may affect cancer. To date, only little is known about the influence of
      zinc(II) and MT on cancer, while these compounds may play an important role in
      pathogenesis. This review concludes current data regarding the impact of zinc(II)
      on the pathogenesis of breast and prostate cancers with potential outlines of
      new, targeted therapy and prevention. Moreover, blood plasma zinc(II) and MT
      levels and dietary zinc(II) intake are discussed in relation to breast and
      prostate cancer risk.

PMID- 22050753
TI  - Macrocyclic proteasome inhibitors.
AB  - Proteasome inhibitors have proven to be effective anticancer agents. Despite the
      success of the first on the market proteasome inhibitor bortezomib in
      chemotherapy, alternative clinically useful proteasome inhibitors are still
      urgently needed as bortezomib therapy causes severe side effects and is limited
      by arising drug resistance. Experience from previous proteasome inhibitor studies
      has thereby demonstrated that the identification of proteasome inhibitor
      structures with suitable pharmacological properties is a key factor for a
      successful development of clinically useful proteasome inhibitors. Macrocycles
      often show distinct and in comparison to linear small molecules superior
      pharmacological properties. Consequently, macrocyclic proteasome inhibitors might
      represent promising small molecules for drug development. Here, we want to
      highlight the current state of the art of macrocyclic proteasome inhibitor
      research. To this end, we give an overview and critically discuss currently known
      classes of macrocyclic proteasome inhibitors.

PMID- 22050754
TI  - SRC kinase inhibitors: an update on patented compounds.
AB  - The cytoplasmatic tyrosine in kinase c-Src is involved in the regulation of
      several cell functions including adhesion, invasion, proliferation, survival and
      angiogenesis. Src activity is strictly regulated in healthy cells, whereas its
      overexpression or hyperactivation plays a critical role during tumor development.
      Recently it has been suggested that the oncogenic potential of Src is linked to
      its role in the activation of key signalling molecules involved in several cell
      pathways, rather than its direct activity. For all these reasons Src represents a
      promising therapeutic target for the treatment of tumors. In this article a
      number of examples of c-Src inhibitors appeared in selected patents from 2006 to
      early 2011 will be reported, focusing on their chemical features and, whenever
      possible, on structure- activity relationships and mechanism of action. Examples
      of type I or II ATP-competitive inhibitors or substrate competitive inhibitors
      will be presented. The research in this field is very active and will probably
      lead to the discovery of therapeutically useful compounds, both c-Src selective
      and multitargeted inhibitors, that acting on different cell pathways could be
      more effective in blocking cancer development. However, only the results of
      clinical trials will show in the near future the most promising compounds.

PMID- 22050755
TI  - Toll-like receptor agonists as adjuvants for HIV vaccines.
AB  - Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are pattern-recognition receptors responsible for
      detecting invading pathogens. About 13 TLRs are currently known to be expressed
      (see Table 1). TLR2 detects lipotechoic acid and bacterial lipoproteins, TLR4
      recognizes LPS, TLR5, flagellin and TLR3 detects double-stranded RNA. The
      unmethylated CPG DNA of bacteria and viruses is detected by TLR9. TLR7 recognizes
      single-stranded RNA of viruses. TLR 11 in mice recognizes profillin from
      Toxoplasma gondii. Binding to TLRs expressed on dendritic cells (DCs) can trigger
      adaptive immune responses and DCs thus serve as a bridge between innate and
      adaptive immunity. In HIV, it has been shown that polymorphism of the TLR9, 4, 7
      and 8 plays a role in disease progression and viral load. In addition, several
      researchers began investigating using TLR agonists as adjuvants for HIV vaccine
      candidates. TLR3 has shown good results if used with vaccine proteins selectively
      delivered to DCs by antibodies to DEC-205/CD205, a receptor for antigen
      presentation. TLR7/8 and TLR9 agonists enhanced immune responses if conjugated to
      the vaccine protein. A triple combination of TLR2/6, -3, and -9 agonists and IL
      15 synergistically up regulated immune responses to vaccine formulated as
      recombinant MVA viruses expressing SIVmac239 Gag, Pol, Env and Rev, Tat, Nef.
      These and other studies are just beginning to unravel the potential of TLRs
      agonists and much more and broader research is needed in order to revitalize the
      field of HIV vaccines.

PMID- 22050757
TI  - Functional non-synonymous polymorphisms prediction methods: current approaches
      and future developments.
AB  - Non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs) are genetic variations
      that affect the encoded protein by an amino acid change. In humans, many
      naturally-occurring nsSNPs cause protein dysfunction and increase vulnerability
      to disease. Identification of such nsSNPs provides an important opportunity to
      develop drugs/nutrients with precise therapeutic targets. Therefore, current
      biomedical research and medicinal chemistry look for targets and functional
      nsSNPs, to establish correlation with disease susceptibility and foster rational
      drug design. We review the molecular bases of missense mutation effects at the
      protein level, namely on sequence conservation, including stability,
      conformation, biophysical parameters, and protein-protein interaction. Further,
      we summarize some computational methods, available information resources, and the
      current approaches used to predict nsSNPs functionality in human genome, most of
      which based on protein structures and/or evolutionary conservation. Finally,
      using an approach paradigmatic of the nsSNPs-gene interactions, we evaluate the
      functional consequences and phenotypic effects of nsSNPs on two genes associated
      with cholesterol response. Biophysical changes produced by exchanged amino acids
      I638V (rs5908) from the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl- coenzyme A reductase gene,
      and A370T (rs11669576) from the low density lipoprotein receptor gene have been
      analyzed with an emphasis on stability, activity, and structure of their related
      proteins. Based on available data and the results of our study, we propose that,
      even though the extent and precise nature of nsSNPs' role in health and disease
      is yet to be fully elucidated, targeted investigations are warranted and will--in
      the future--provide useful tools to develop targeted drugs.

PMID- 22050758
TI  - Antimicrobial proteins from snake venoms: direct bacterial damage and activation
      of innate immunity against Staphylococcus aureus skin infection.
AB  - The innate immune system is the first line of defense against microbial diseases.
      Antimicrobial proteins produced by snake venoms have recently attracted
      significant attention due to their relevance to bacterial infection and potential
      development into new therapeutic agents. Staphylococcus aureus is one of the
      major human pathogens causing a variety of infections involving pneumonia, toxic
      shock syndrome, and skin lesions. With the recent emergence of methicillin (MRSA)
      and vancomycin (VRSA) resistance, S. aureus infection is a serious clinical
      problem that will have a grave socio-economic impact in the near future. Although
      S. aureus susceptibility to innate antimicrobial peptides has been reported
      recently, the protective effect of snake venom phospholipase A2 (svPLA2) proteins
      on the skin from S. aureus infection has been understudied. This review details
      the protective function of svPLA2s derived from venoms against skin infections
      caused by S. aureus. We have demonstrated in vivo that local application of
      svPLA2 provides complete clearance of S. aureus within 2 weeks after treatment
      compared to fusidic acid ointment (FAO). In vitro experiments also demonstrate
      that svPLA2 proteins have inhibitory (bacteriostatic) and killing (bactericidal)
      effects on S. aureus in a dose-dependant manner. The mechanism of bacterial
      membrane damage and perturbation was clearly evidenced by electron microscopic
      studies. In summary, svPLA2s from Viperidae and Elapidae snakes are novel
      molecules that can activate important mechanisms of innate immunity in animals to
      endow them with protection against skin infection caused by S. aureus.

PMID- 22050756
TI  - New developments in vaccines, inhibitors of anthrax toxins, and antibiotic
      therapeutics for Bacillus anthracis.
AB  - Bacillus anthracis, the causative agent responsible for anthrax infections, poses
      a significant biodefense threat. There is a high mortality rate associated with
      untreated anthrax infections; specifically, inhalation anthrax is a particularly
      virulent form of infection with mortality rates close to 100%, even with
      aggressive treatment. Currently, a vaccine is not available to the general public
      and few antibiotics have been approved by the FDA for the treatment of inhalation
      anthrax. With the threat of natural or engineered bacterial resistance to
      antibiotics and the limited population for whom the current drugs are approved,
      there is a clear need for more effective treatments against this deadly
      infection. A comprehensive review of current research in drug discovery is
      presented in this article, including efforts to improve the purity and stability
      of vaccines, design inhibitors targeting the anthrax toxins, and identify
      inhibitors of novel enzyme targets. High resolution structural information for
      the anthrax toxins and several essential metabolic enzymes has played a
      significant role in aiding the structure-based design of potent and selective
      antibiotics.

PMID- 22050759
TI  - The state of the art of pyrazole derivatives as monoamine oxidase inhibitors and
      antidepressant/anticonvulsant agents.
AB  - Monoamine oxidase plays a significant role in the control of intracellular
      concentration of monoaminergic neurotransmitters or neuromodulators and dietary
      amines. The rapid degradation of these molecules ensures the proper functioning
      of synaptic neurotransmission and is critically important for the regulation of
      emotional and other brain functions. The development of human MAO inhibitors led
      to important breakthroughs in the therapy of several neuropsychiatric disorders.
      Different families of heterocycles containing 2 or 4 nitrogen atoms have been
      used as scaffolds for synthesizing selective monoamine oxidase inhibitors, but
      the early period of the MAO-inhibitors started with hydrazine derivatives.
      Pyrazole, pyrazoline, and pyrazolidine derivatives can be considered as a cyclic
      hydrazine moiety. This scaffold also displayed promising antidepressant and
      anticonvulsant properties as demonstrated by different and established animal
      models. Diversely substituted pyrazoles, embedded with a variety of functional
      groups, are important biological agents and a significant amount of research
      activity has been directed towards this chemical class.

PMID- 22050760
TI  - Chemical connexin impairment in the developing gonad associated with offspring
      infertility.
AB  - A dramatical decline in human male reproductive function has been reported for
      the past 20 years. Many recent epidemiological, clinical and experimental
      findings suggest that the reproductive dysfunction could result from prenatal and
      neonatal chemical compound exposure. Even if numerous studies argue for a
      relationship between male infertility and environmental and/or occupational
      exposure, the molecular mechanisms by which these anti-reproductive compounds act
      are still unclear. Recent findings showed that a family of transmembranous
      proteins, connexins, regulates numerous physiological functions involved in the
      development such as cell proliferation, differentiation, migration and apoptosis.
      In the testis and the ovary, connexins are known to be essential for the
      establishment and the maintenance of spermatogenesis in males and oogenesis and
      folliculogenesis in females. Moreover, mutation of connexin genes leads to
      several developmental human diseases (myelin-related diseases, hearing loss,
      congenital cataract, skin disorders or more complex syndromes such as the
      oculodendrodigital dysplasia....) and altered connexin expression, trafficking
      and degradation are often associated with the tumoral process. We propose, in the
      present work, to give an overview of connexin expression and intercellular gap
      junction coupling during development: in preimplantation, implantation and
      postimplantation embryos. Moreover, we underline the impact of maternal chemical
      exposure on connexin expression during fetal gonad development and we link this
      effect to future offspring fertility.

PMID- 22050761
TI  - Novel treatment options of binge eating disorder.
AB  - Obesity is a major problem of modern societies that sometimes, but not
      necessarily, is associated with binge-eating disorder (BED), a relatively new
      disorder characterized by binge eating without purging. The purpose of this
      article is to review the rationale for the potential use of pharmacological
      treatments in BED, and the potential use of the recently proposed compounds.
      Therefore, a careful medline of published articles from 1980 to December 2010 was
      carried out using the following keywords: BED and treatment, topiramate,
      zonisamide, sibutramine, venlafaxine, duloxetine, ghrelin, opiate blockers.
      Single case reports, observational studies, opinion articles, and studies
      concerning adults with syndromes resulting in BED (i.e., night eating syndrome)
      were also reviewed. All examined papers would indicate that the pharmacological
      treatment of BED is still heterogenous and poorly established, mainly for the
      lack of controlled studies in large samples of patients. In any case, the data on
      serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and on novel anticonvulsants
      seem quite promising in terms of efficacy and tolerability. In addition, the
      preliminary findings on the possibility of modulating appetite through the
      interference with the ghrelin system suggest new and intriguing ways of
      intervention in BED.

PMID- 22050762
TI  - A new combined therapeutic strategy of governor vessel electro-acupuncture and
      adult stem cell transplantation promotes the recovery of injured spinal cord.
AB  - Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a very severe traumatic disease of the central
      nervous system (CNS). Because of its high incidence rate in causing disabilities,
      it brings great burdens to patients and society. Both Traditional Chinese
      Medicine (TCM) and Western Medicine have been adopted to ameliorate SCI with
      promising outcomes. In TCM, the use of Governor Vessel electro-acupuncture has
      achieved remarkable results on the rehabilitation of patients with SCI. In the
      past decade, Governor Vessel electro-acupuncture has also been used in
      experimentally induced SCI and this has resulted in promising functional
      recovery. Both neural stem cells (NSCs) and bone marrow mesenchymal cells (MSCs)
      have been used extensively in recent years for improvement of functional recovery
      of CNS disorders. We have used a combined approach by integrating the basic and
      clinical research in SCI in recent years. In this connection, transplantation of
      NSCs or MSCs coupled with the Governor Vessel electro-acupuncture (GV-EA) has
      been adopted to improve the recovery of SCI. Our study suggests that GV-EA may
      activate the process of cell metabolism, and initiate synthesis and secretion of
      endogenous neurotrophic factors in the ambient tissues at the lesion site of
      spinal cord. It is proposed that the new combined strategy could promote a better
      structural and functional recovery of injured spinal cord.

PMID- 22050763
TI  - PRDM16 (1p36) translocations define a distinct entity of myeloid malignancies
      with poor prognosis but may also occur in lymphoid malignancies.
AB  - The PRDM16 (1p36) gene is rearranged in acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and
      myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) with t(1;3)(p36;q21), sharing characteristics with
      AML and MDS with MECOM (3q26.2) translocations. We used fluorescence in situ
      hybridization to study 39 haematological malignancies with translocations
      involving PRDM16 to assess the precise breakpoint on 1p36 and the identity of the
      partner locus. Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was
      performed in selected cases in order to confirm the partner locus. PRDM16
      expression studies were performed on bone marrow samples of patients, normal
      controls and CD34(+) cells using TaqMan real-time quantitative PCR. PRDM16 was
      rearranged with the RPN1 (3q21) locus in 30 cases and with other loci in nine
      cases. The diagnosis was AML or MDS in most cases, except for two cases of
      lymphoid proliferation. We identified novel translocation partners of PRDM16,
      including the transcription factors ETV6 and IKZF1. Translocations involving
      PRDM16 lead to its overexpression irrespective of the consequence of the
      rearrangement (fusion gene or promoter swap). Survival data suggest that patients
      with AML/MDS and PRDM16 translocations have a poor prognosis despite a simple
      karyotype and a median age of 65 years. There seems to be an over-representation
      of late-onset therapy-related myeloid malignancies.

PMID- 22050764
TI  - Novel genetic reassortants in H9N2 influenza A viruses and their diverse
      pathogenicity to mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: H9N2 influenza A viruses have undergone extensive reassortments in
      different host species, and could lead to the epidemics or pandemics with the
      potential emergence of novel viruses. METHODS: To understand the genetic and
      pathogenic features of early and current circulating H9N2 viruses, 15
      representative H9N2 viruses isolated from diseased chickens in northern China
      between 1998 and 2010 were characterized and compared with all Chinese H9N2
      viruses available in the NCBI database. Then, the representative viruses of
      different genotypes were selected to study the pathogenicity in mice with the aim
      to investigate the adaptation and the potential pathogenicity of the novel H9N2
      reassortants to mammals. RESULTS: Our results demonstrated that most of the 15
      isolates were reassortants and generated four novel genotypes (B62-B65), which
      incorporated the gene segments from Eurasian H9N2 lineage, North American H9N2
      branch, and H5N1 viruses. It was noteworthy that the newly identified genotype
      B65 has been prevalent in China since 2007, and more importantly, different H9N2
      influenza viruses displayed a diverse pathogenicity to mice. The isolates of the
      2008-2010 epidemic (genotypes B55 and B65) were lowly infectious, while two
      representative viruses of genotypes B0 and G2 isolated from the late 1990s were
      highly pathogenic to mice. In addition, Ck/SD/LY-1/08 (genotype 63, containing
      H5N1-like NP and PA genes) was able to replicate well in mouse lungs with high
      virus titers but caused mild clinical signs. CONCLUSION: Several lines of
      evidence indicated that the H9N2 influenza viruses constantly change their
      genetics and pathogenicity. Thus, the genetic evolution of H9N2 viruses and their
      pathogenicity to mammals should be closely monitored to prevent the emergence of
      novel pandemic viruses.

PMID- 22050765
TI  - Evaluation of hexavalent chromium extraction method EPA method 3060A for soils
      using XANES spectroscopy.
AB  - Hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI)) occurrence in soils is generally determined using an
      extraction step to transfer it to the liquid phase where it is more easily
      detected and quantified. In this work, the performance of the most common
      extraction procedure (EPA Method 3060A) using NaOH-Na(2)CO(3) solutions is
      evaluated using X-ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy (XANES), which
      enables the quantification of Cr(VI) directly in the solid state. Results
      obtained with both methods were compared for three solid samples with different
      matrices: a soil containing chromite ore processing residue (COPR), a loamy soil,
      and a paint sludge. Results showed that Cr(VI) contents determined by the two
      methods differ significantly, and that the EPA Method 3060A procedure
      underestimated the Cr(VI) content in all studied samples. The underestimation is
      particularly pronounced for COPR. Low extraction yield for EPA Method 3060A was
      found to be the main reason. The Cr(VI) present in COPR was found to be more
      concentrated in magnetic phases. This work provides new XANES analyses of SRM
      2701 and its extraction residues for the purpose of benchmarking EPA 3060A
      performance.

PMID- 22050766
TI  - Use of a sclerosing agent (1% polidocanol) to treat an orbital mucocele in a dog.
AB  - A case of a salivary gland mucocele in a dog causing nonpainful exopthalmos with
      dorsolateral deviation of the globe and protrusion of the third eyelid. Diagnosis
      was made via ultrasound and confirmed with computed tomography. Aspiration of the
      cystic material along with injection of a sclerosing agent, 1% polidocanol
      (Aethoxysklerol), was used to destroy the mucocele. Follow-up monthly examination
      post injection confirmed resolution of clinical signs to date, namely abnormal
      globe position, with no complications observed.

PMID- 22050767
TI  - Whole-organ analysis of calcium behaviour in the developing pistil of olive (Olea
      europaea L.) as a tool for the determination of key events in sexual plant
      reproduction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The pistil is a place where multiple interactions between cells of
      different types, origin, and function occur. Ca(2+) is one of the key signal
      molecules in plants and animals. Despite the numerous studies on Ca(2+)
      signalling during pollen-pistil interactions, which constitute one of the main
      topics of plant physiology, studies on Ca(2+) dynamics in the pistil during
      flower formation are scarce. The purpose of this study was to analyze the
      contents and in situ localization of Ca(2+) at the whole-organ level in the
      pistil of olive during the whole course of flower development. RESULTS: The
      obtained results showed significant changes in Ca(2+) levels and distribution
      during olive pistil development. In the flower buds, the lowest levels of
      detectable Ca(2+) were observed. As flower development proceeded, the Ca(2+)
      amount in the pistil successively increased and reached the highest levels just
      after anther dehiscence. When the anthers and petals fell down a dramatic but not
      complete drop in calcium contents occurred in all pistil parts. In situ Ca(2+)
      localization showed a gradual accumulation on the stigma, and further expansion
      toward the style and the ovary after anther dehiscence. At the post-anthesis
      phase, the Ca(2+) signal on the stigmatic surface decreased, but in the ovary a
      specific accumulation of calcium was observed only in one of the four ovules.
      Ultrastructural localization confirmed the presence of Ca(2+) in the
      intracellular matrix and in the exudate secreted by stigmatic papillae.
      CONCLUSIONS: This is the first report to analyze calcium in the olive pistil
      during its development. According to our results in situ calcium localization by
      Fluo-3 AM injection is an effective tool to follow the pistil maturity degree and
      the spatial organization of calcium-dependent events of sexual reproduction
      occurring in developing pistil of angiosperms. The progressive increase of the
      Ca(2+) pool during olive pistil development shown by us reflects the degree of
      pistil maturity. Ca(2+) distribution at flower anthesis reflects the spatio
      functional relationship of calcium with pollen-stigma interaction, progamic
      phase, fertilization and stigma senescence.

PMID- 22050769
TI  - Reference values for Schirmer tear tests I and II in clinically normal pigs.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine reference values for Schirmer tear tests I and II in
      clinically normal pigs. ANIMAL STUDIED: Twenty clinically normal Landrace pigs
      (10 males and females) without ocular abnormalities were used in this study.
      PROCEDURES: In all pigs, Schirmer tear tests (STT) I and II were performed by
      using a sterile Schirmer tear test standardized strip (Schirmer-Tranentest((r)),
      Germany) placed in the lower conjunctival fornix for 1 min. RESULTS: For each
      test (STT I and STT II), no differences were observed between the right and left
      eyes (P >= 0.5). The mean +/- SD STT I value was 15.6 +/- 3.7 mm/min (range, 10
      22 mm/min), while the mean STT II value was 12.4 +/- 3.8 mm/minute (range, 5-18
      mm/min). The mean STT II value was significantly lower than the STT I level (P <
      0.001). Animal gender did not have a significant effect on STT I and II values (P
      = 0.52). The mean +/- SD STT I/II values of 10 juvenile pigs were significantly
      lower than the mean +/- SD STT I/II values of 10 adult pigs (P < 0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: This study of 20 Landrace pigs provided valuable information on
      normal STT I/II in this species. Knowledge of normal STT reference values in pigs
      enables the clinician to evaluate corneal pathology and diagnose tear deficiency
      syndromes with greater accuracy.

PMID- 22050768
TI  - Protein trafficking, ergosterol biosynthesis and membrane physics impact
      recombinant protein secretion in Pichia pastoris.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The increasing availability of 'omics' databases provide important
      platforms for yeast engineering strategies since they offer a lot of information
      on the physiology of the cells under diverse growth conditions, including
      environmental stresses. Notably, only a few of these approaches have considered a
      performance under recombinant protein production conditions. Recently, we have
      identified a beneficial effect of low oxygen availability on the expression of a
      human Fab fragment in Pichia pastoris. Transcriptional analysis and data mining
      allowed for the selection of potential targets for strain improvement. A first
      selection of these candidates has been evaluated as recombinant protein secretion
      enhancers. RESULTS: Based on previous transcriptomics analyses, we selected 8
      genes for co-expression in the P. pastoris strain already secreting a recombinant
      Fab fragment. Notably, WSC4 (which is involved in trafficking through the ER) has
      been identified as a novel potential target gene for strain improvement, with up
      to a 1.2-fold increase of product yield in shake flask cultures. A further
      transcriptomics-based strategy to modify the yeast secretion system was focused
      on the ergosterol pathway, an aerobic process strongly affected by oxygen
      depletion. By specifically partially inhibiting ergosterol synthesis with the
      antifungal agent fluconazole (inhibiting Erg11p), we tried to mimic the hypoxic
      conditions, in which the cellular ergosterol content was significantly decreased.
      This strategy led to an improved Fab yield (2-fold) without impairing cellular
      growth. Since ergosterol shortage provokes alterations in the plasma membrane
      composition, an important role of this cellular structure in protein secretion is
      suggested. This hypothesis was additionally supported by the fact that the
      addition of non-ionic surfactants also enhanced Fab secretion. CONCLUSIONS: The
      current study presents a systems biotechnology-based strategy for the engineering
      of the industrially important yeast P. pastoris combining the use of host
      specific DNA microarray technologies and physiological studies under well defined
      environmental conditions. Such studies allowed for the identification of novel
      targets related with protein trafficking and ergosterol biosynthesis for improved
      recombinant protein production. Nevertheless, further studies will be required to
      elucidate the precise mechanisms whereby membrane biogenesis and composition
      impact on protein secretion in P. pastoris.

PMID- 22050770
TI  - Developing a dimensional model for successful cognitive and emotional aging.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is currently a lack of consensus on the definition of
      successful aging (SA) and existing implementations have omitted constructs
      associated with SA. We used empirical methods to develop a dimensional model of
      SA that incorporates a wider range of associated variables, and we examined the
      relationship among these components using factor analysis and Bayesian Belief
      Nets. METHODS: We administered a successful aging questionnaire comprising
      several standardized measures related to SA to a sample of 1948 older women
      enrolled in the San Diego site of the Women's Health Initiative study. The SA
      related variables we included in the model were self-rated successful aging,
      depression severity, physical and emotional functioning, optimism, resilience,
      attitude towards own aging, self-efficacy, and cognitive ability. After adjusting
      for age, education and income, we fitted an exploratory factor analysis model to
      the SA-related variables and then, in order to address relationships among these
      factors, we computed a Bayesian Belief Net (BBN) using rotated factor scores.
      RESULTS: The SA-related variables loaded onto five factors. Based on the loading,
      we labeled the factors as follows: self-rated successful aging, cognition,
      psychosocial protective factors, physical functioning, and emotional functioning.
      In the BBN, self-rated successful aging emerged as the primary downstream factor
      and exhibited significant partial correlations with psychosocial protective
      factors, physical/general status and mental/emotional status but not with
      cognitive ability. CONCLUSIONS: Our study represents a step forward in developing
      a dimensional model of SA. Our findings also point to a potential role for
      psychiatry in improving successful aging by managing depressive symptoms and
      developing psychosocial interventions to improve self-efficacy, resilience, and
      optimism.

PMID- 22050771
TI  - Excess folate during adolescence suppresses thyroid function with permanent
      deficits in motivation and spatial memory.
AB  - Cognitive and memory deficits can be caused or exacerbated by dietary folate
      deficiency, which has been combatted by the addition of folate to grains and
      dietary supplements. The recommended dose of the B9 vitamin folate is 400 ug/day
      for adolescents and non-pregnant adults, and consumption above the recommended
      daily allowance is not considered to be detrimental. However, the effects of
      excess folate have not been tested in adolescence when neuro and endocrine
      development suggest possible vulnerability to long-term cognitive effects. We
      administered folate-supplemented (8.0 mg folic acid/kg diet) or control lab chow
      (2.7 mg folic acid/kg diet) to rats ad libitum from 30 to 60 days of age, and
      subsequently tested their motivation and learning and memory in the Morris water
      maze. We found that folate-supplemented animals had deficits in motivation and
      spatial memory, but they showed no changes of the learning- and memory-related
      molecules growth-associated protein-43 or Gs-alpha subunit protein in the
      hippocampus. They had decreased levels of thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine
      (T3) in the periphery and decreased protein levels of thyroid receptor-alpha1 and
      -alpha2 (TRalpha1 and TRalpha2) in the hippocampus. The latter may have been due
      to an observed increase of cytosine-phosphate-guanosine island methylation within
      the putative thyroid hormone receptor-alpha promoter, which we have mapped for
      the first time in the rat. Overall, folate supplementation in adolescence led to
      motivational and spatial memory deficits that may have been mediated by
      suppressed thyroid hormone function in the periphery and hippocampus.

PMID- 22050772
TI  - PE_PGRS30 is required for the full virulence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
AB  - The role and function of PE_PGRS proteins of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb)
      remains elusive. In this study for the first time, Mtb isogenic mutants missing
      selected PE_PGRSs were used to investigate their role in the pathogenesis of
      tuberculosis (TB). We demonstrate that the MtbDeltaPE_PGRS30 mutant was impaired
      in its ability to colonize lung tissue and to cause tissue damage, specifically
      during the chronic steps of infection. Inactivation of PE_PGRS30 resulted in an
      attenuated phenotype in murine and human macrophages due to the inability of the
      Mtb mutant to inhibit phagosome-lysosome fusion. Using a series of functional
      deletion mutants of PE_PGRS30 to complement MtbDeltaPE_PGRS30, we show that the
      unique C-terminal domain of the protein is not required for the full virulence.
      Interestingly, when Mycobacterium smegmatis recombinant strain expressing
      PE_PGRS30 was used to infect macrophages or mice in vivo, we observed enhanced
      cytotoxicity and cell death, and this effect was dependent upon the PGRS domain
      of the protein.Taken together these results indicate that PE_PGRS30 is necessary
      for the full virulence of Mtb and sufficient to induce cell death in host cells
      by the otherwise non-pathogenic species M. smegmatis, clearly demonstrating that
      PE_PGRS30 is an Mtb virulence factor.

PMID- 22050773
TI  - Editorial comment to effect of constipation on serum total prostate-specific
      antigen levels in men.

PMID- 22050774
TI  - Isocyanide-based multicomponent reactions: synthesis of alkyl-2-(1
      (alkylcarbamoyl)-2,2-dicyanoethyl)benzoate and isochromeno[3,4-b]pyrrole
      derivatives.
AB  - A novel four-component reaction between 2-formylbenzoic acids, malononitrile,
      isocyanides, and alcohols has been developed for a highly efficient preparation
      of alkyl-2-(1-(alkylcarbamoyl)-2,2-dicyanoethyl)benzoate derivatives. This high
      atom economy reaction led to the construction of two carbon-carbon bonds, one
      amide, and one ester group in a single synthetic step. Furthermore, a three
      component reaction between 2-formylbenzoic acids, malononitrile, and isocyanides
      in dichloromethane for the preparation of isochromeno[3,4-b]pyrroles has been
      reported.

PMID- 22050775
TI  - Are causal structure and intervention judgments inextricably linked? A
      developmental study.
AB  - The application of the formal framework of causal Bayesian Networks to children's
      causal learning provides the motivation to examine the link between judgments
      about the causal structure of a system, and the ability to make inferences about
      interventions on components of the system. Three experiments examined whether
      children are able to make correct inferences about interventions on different
      causal structures. The first two experiments examined whether children's causal
      structure and intervention judgments were consistent with one another. In
      Experiment 1, children aged between 4 and 8 years made causal structure judgments
      on a three-component causal system followed by counterfactual intervention
      judgments. In Experiment 2, children's causal structure judgments were followed
      by intervention judgments phrased as future hypotheticals. In Experiment 3, we
      explicitly told children what the correct causal structure was and asked them to
      make intervention judgments. The results of the three experiments suggest that
      the representations that support causal structure judgments do not easily support
      simple judgments about interventions in children. We discuss our findings in
      light of strong interventionist claims that the two types of judgments should be
      closely linked.

PMID- 22050776
TI  - Epigenetic control of CCR5 transcript levels in immune cells and modulation by
      small molecules inhibitors.
AB  - Previously, we have shown that CCR5 transcription is regulated by CREB-1.
      However, the ubiquitous pattern of CREB-1 expression suggests the involvement of
      an additional level of transcriptional control in the cell type-specific
      expression of CCR5. In this study, we show that epigenetic changes (i.e. DNA
      methylation and histone modifications) within the context of the CCR5 P1 promoter
      region correlate with transcript levels of CCR5 in healthy and in malignant
      CD4(+)  T lymphocytes as well as in CD14(+)  monocytes. In normal naive T cells
      and CD14(+)  monocytes the CCR5 P1 promoter resembles a bivalent chromatin state,
      with both repressive and permissive histone methylation and acetylation marks.
      The CCR5-expressing CD14(+)  monocytes however show much higher levels of
      acetylated histone H3 (AcH3) compared to the non-CCR5-expressing naive T cells.
      Combined with a highly methylated promoter in CD14(+)  monocytes, this indicates
      a dominant role for AcH3 in CCR5 transcription. We also show that pharmacological
      interference in the epigenetic repressive mechanisms that account for the lack of
      CCR5 transcription in T leukaemic cell lines results in an increase in CREB-1
      association with CCR5 P1 chromatin. Furthermore, RNA polymerase II was also
      recruited into CCR5 P1 chromatin resulting in CCR5 re-expression. Together, these
      data indicate that epigenetic modifications of DNA, and of histones, contribute
      to the control of CCR5 transcription in immune effector cells.

PMID- 22050778
TI  - Role of five-fold twin boundary on the enhanced mechanical properties of fcc Fe
      nanowires.
AB  - The role of 5-fold twin boundary on the structural and mechanical properties of
      fcc Fe nanowire under tension is explored by classical molecular dynamics. Twin
      stabilized fcc nanowire with various diameters (6-24 nm) are examined by tension
      tests at several temperatures ranging from 0.01 to 1100 K. Significant increase
      in the Young's modulus of the smaller nanowires is revealed to originate from the
      central area of quinquefoliolate-like stress-distribution over the 5-fold twin,
      rather than from the surface tension that is often considered as the main source
      of such size-effects found in nanostructures. Because of the excess compressive
      stress caused by crossing twin-boundaries, the atoms in the center behave stiffer
      than those in bulk and even expand laterally under axial tension, providing
      locally negative Poisson's ratio. The yield strength of nanowire is also enhanced
      by the twin boundary that suppresses dislocation nucleation within a fcc twin
      domain; therefore, the plasticity of nanowire is initiated by strain-induced fcc
      >bcc phase transformation that destroys the twin structure. After the yield, the
      nucleated bcc phase immediately spreads to the entire area, and forms a
      multigrain structure to realize ductile deformation followed by necking. As
      temperature elevated close to the critical temperature between bcc and fcc
      phases, the increased stability of fcc phase competes with the phase
      transformation under tension, and hence dislocation nucleations in fcc phase are
      observed exclusively at the highest temperature in our study.

PMID- 22050777
TI  - Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) assessment of the healthy
      female canine retina and optic nerve.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To provide normative data for canine whole retinal thickness (WRT),
      nerve fiber layer thickness (NFL), photoreceptor layer thickness (PR), and outer
      nuclear layer thickness (ONL) using spectral domain optical coherence tomography.
      ANIMAL STUDIED: Twelve healthy adult intact female beagles. PROCEDURE: Horizontal
      volume scans through the area dorso-temporal from the optic nerve (superior
      retina), and the area ventro-temporal from the optic nerve (inferior retina) were
      used to evaluate the thickness of retinal NFL, PR, ONL, and WRT. Peripapillary
      circular scans were used to evaluate NFL thickness. Statistical analyses were
      performed to compare the thickness of the individual layers between the superior
      and inferior retina (paired t-test). One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was
      used to compare the thickness of peripapillary NFL between the superior,
      inferior, temporal and nasal quadrants of the circle scan. RESULTS: The WRT, PR,
      and NFL thickness were greater in the superior than in the inferior retina (198.7
      +/- 9.6 MUm vs. 164.4 +/- 6.4 MUm, P < 0.0001; 95.5 +/- 6.5 MUm vs. 78.8 +/- 7.4
      MUm, P < 0.0001; and 26.4 +/- 1.6 MUm vs. 25.0 +/- 1.9 MUm, P = 0.0236,
      respectively). No statistical difference was found between the ONL thickness of
      the superior and inferior retina (50.1 +/- 6.4 MUm vs. 44.3 +/- 3.6, P = 0.0578).
      Peripapillary NFL thickness showed a similar tendency as the linear scans, with
      the superior quadrant having the greatest thickness (91.26 +/- 7.0 MUm) and the
      inferior quadrant being the thinnest (76.42 +/- 9.2 MUm) (P < 0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: Results of our in vivo studies showed significant differences
      between thickness values for the superior (tapetal) and inferior (nontapetal)
      retinal regions.

PMID- 22050779
TI  - Recovery of pure ZnO nanoparticles from spent Zn-MnO2 alkaline batteries.
AB  - The recovery of pure ZnO (zinc oxide) nanoparticles from spent Zn-Mn dry alkaline
      batteries is reported. Spent batteries were dismantled to separate the contained
      valuable metals of the cell electrodes in the form of black powder. Treatment of
      this black powder with 5 mol L(-1) HCl produced leach liquor, primarily
      containing 2.90 g L(-1) Zn and 2.02 g L(-1) Mn. Selective and quantitative liquid
      liquid extraction of Zn(II) was then carried out in three counter current steps
      by using Cyanex 923 (0.10 mol L(-1) in n-hexane). Zn(II) distributed in the
      organic phase as complex ZnCl(2).2R (R = Cyanex 923 molecule). The metal loaded
      organic phase was subjected to combust at 600  degrees C to yield pure ZnO
      nanoparticles (40-50 nm). Important characteristics of the synthesized
      nanoparticles were investigated by field emission scanning electron microscopy
      (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction
      spectroscopy (XRD), and atomic force microscopy (AFM).

PMID- 22050780
TI  - Exploration of the pathogenesis of haemophilic joint arthropathy: understanding
      implications for optimal clinical management.
AB  - Haemophilia is an inherited disorder of clotting factor deficiencies resulting in
      musculoskeletal bleeding, including haemarthroses, leading to orthopaedic
      complications. The pathogenesis of haemophilic joint arthropathy continues to be
      explored and there is evidence to suggest that iron, cytokines, and neo
      angiogenesis can initiate synovial and early cartilage damage resulting in
      molecular changes and the perpetuation of a chronic inflammatory state. This
      joint arthropathy has long term consequences for bone health resulting in chronic
      pain and quality of life issues in the individual with haemophilia. Haemarthroses
      can be prevented by the administration of clotting factor concentrates
      (prophylaxis). However, high costs and the need for venous access devices in
      younger children continue to complicate recommendations for universal
      prophylaxis. In patients who fail or refuse prophylaxis, procedures, such as
      synovectomy and arthroplasty, can provide relief from repeated haemarthroses. The
      optimal timing of these, however, is not well defined. Prevention of joint
      arthropathy needs to focus on prevention of haemarthroses through prophylaxis,
      identifying early joint disease through the optimal use of cost effective imaging
      modalities and the validation of serological markers of joint arthropathy.
      Screening for effects on bone health and optimal management of pain to improve
      quality of life are, likewise, important issues.

PMID- 22050781
TI  - Regressed three-dimensional capillary network and inhibited angiogenic factors in
      the soleus muscle of non-obese rats with type 2 diabetes.
AB  - Based on findings obtained using two-dimensional capillary analyses on tissue
      cross-sections, diabetes has been shown to be associated with a high risk for
      microangiopathy and capillary regression in skeletal muscles. We visualized the
      three-dimensional architecture of the capillary networks in the soleus muscle of
      non-obese Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats with type 2 diabetes and compared them with
      those of control Wistar rats to provide novel information, e.g., capillary
      volume, on the capillary networks. In addition, we examined pro- and anti
      angiogenic gene expression levels in the soleus muscle of GK rats using TaqMan
      probe-based real-time PCR. As expected, plasma glucose levels were higher and
      insulin levels lower in GK than control rats. The three-dimensional architecture
      of the capillary networks was regressed and capillary volume was smaller in the
      soleus muscle of GK compared to control rats. The mRNA expression levels of the
      pro-angiogenic factors HIF-1alpha, KDR, Flt-1, ANG-1, and Tie-2 were lower,
      whereas the level of the anti-angiogenic factor TSP-1 was higher in GK than
      control rats. These data suggest that a decrease in pro-angiogenic and increase
      in anti-angiogenic factors may play an important role in type 2 diabetes-induced
      muscle circulatory complications.

PMID- 22050782
TI  - Morphology of retinal vessels in the optic disk in a Gottingen minipig
      experimental glaucoma model.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the morphology of normal, healthy Gottingen minipig retinal
      vessels of the optic disk with experimentally induced glaucomatous optic disks in
      order to identify the glaucomatous excavation. Present results were compared to
      human glaucoma findings. PROCEDURE: Sixteen eyes from eight Gottingen minipigs
      were studied using fundoscopic photography and fluorescein angiography.
      Experimental glaucoma was then induced in the left eyes over 14 months, and
      changes in the optic disk vessels were assessed using fundoscopic photography and
      fluorescein angiography. The changes were compared with those previously reported
      in humans. RESULTS: Regarding the number of vessels, the location from where they
      emerge and the sectors of the optic disk that they cross, arterial and retinal
      vessels in Gottingen minipigs present a more asymmetric layout than in humans.
      The central excavation is filled by the central venous ring. Changes in the
      glaucomatous optic disk include arteriolar incurvation, and sometimes, nasal, and
      peripheral displacement of the arterioles that emerge between the ganglion cell
      axons of the neuroretinal ring. No angiographic changes were observed in the
      experimental glaucoma model. CONCLUSIONS: The changes in the glaucomatous optic
      disk of the minipig imply a predominant involvement of the arterioles. However,
      in humans with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), both the arterioles and the
      venules are displaced, and the central excavation is easier to distinguish,
      because of the absence of a central venous ring.

PMID- 22050783
TI  - A highly conserved NB-LRR encoding gene cluster effective against Setosphaeria
      turcica in sorghum.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The fungal pathogen Setosphaeria turcica causes turcicum or northern
      leaf blight disease on maize, sorghum and related grasses. A prevalent foliar
      disease found worldwide where the two host crops, maize and sorghum are grown.
      The aim of the present study was to find genes controlling the host defense
      response to this devastating plant pathogen. A cDNA-AFLP approach was taken to
      identify candidate sequences, which functions were further validated via virus
      induced gene silencing (VIGS), and real-time PCR analysis. Phylogenetic analysis
      was performed to address evolutionary events. RESULTS: cDNA-AFLP analysis was run
      on susceptible and resistant sorghum and maize genotypes to identify resistance
      related sequences. One CC-NB-LRR encoding gene GRMZM2G005347 was found among the
      up-regulated maize transcripts after fungal challenge. The new plant resistance
      gene was designated as St referring to S. turcica. Genome sequence comparison
      revealed that the CC-NB-LRR encoding St genes are located on chromosome 2 in
      maize, and on chromosome 5 in sorghum. The six St sorghum genes reside in three
      pairs in one locus. When the sorghum St genes were silenced via VIGS, the
      resistance was clearly compromised, an observation that was supported by real
      time PCR. Database searches and phylogenetic analysis suggest that the St genes
      have a common ancestor present before the grass subfamily split 50-70 million
      years ago. Today, 6 genes are present in sorghum, 9 in rice and foxtail millet,
      respectively, 3 in maize and 4 in Brachypodium distachyon. The St gene homologs
      have all highly conserved sequences, and commonly reside as gene pairs in the
      grass genomes. CONCLUSIONS: Resistance genes to S. turcica, with a CC-NB-LRR
      protein domain architecture, have been found in maize and sorghum. VIGS analysis
      revealed their importance in the surveillance to S. turcica in sorghum. The St
      genes are highly conserved in sorghum, rice, foxtail millet, maize and
      Brachypodium, suggesting an essential evolutionary function.

PMID- 22050785
TI  - Natural history of prenatal ventricular septal defects and their association with
      foetal echocardiographic features.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the evolution of ventricular septal defects in infants
      from intra-uterine diagnosis to the age of 3 years or until documented
      echocardiographic closure of the defect, as well as any relationship between
      closure rate, time and foetal echocardiographic features. METHODS: Between
      January, 2004 and December, 2006, 268 cases of congenital cardiac defect were
      detected in 14,993 pregnancies referred to our hospital for routine foetal
      echocardiography; of these cases, 125 had isolated ventricular septal defect. The
      mothers were scheduled for regular ultrasonography every 2 weeks from diagnosis
      until the ventricular septal defect closed or 3 years postnatally. RESULTS: Of
      the 125 cases of ventricular septal defects, the pregnancy was terminated in 25,
      four resulted in death, two defects closed spontaneously in utero, 55 closed at a
      mean age of 13.7 months postnatally, 17 were treated with surgery, nine remained
      unclosed, and 13 cases were lost to follow-up. Only 7.7% of muscular ventricular
      septal defects remained patent as compared with 35.7% of perimembranous
      ventricular septal defects (p is less than 0.01). Muscular ventricular septal
      defects closed earlier than perimembranous ventricular septal defects. All the
      ventricular septal defects less than or equal to 3 millimetres closed, whereas
      only 79.5% of the defects greater than 3 millimetres closed before the age of 3
      years; 60.9% of the defects less than or equal to 3 millimetres closed before the
      age of 1 year as compared with 41.7% of the defects greater than 3 millimetres.
      The velocity of right-to-left flow was negatively correlated with closure rate
      but not related to closure period. CONCLUSION: Ventricular septal defects can
      close in utero or during the postnatal period, and both the size and site play a
      role in the natural history, with small and muscular ventricular septal defects
      having a high closure rate and early closure.

PMID- 22050784
TI  - Molecular cloning, expression and biochemical characterisation of a cold-adapted
      novel recombinant chitinase from Glaciozyma antarctica PI12.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cold-adapted enzymes are proteins produced by psychrophilic organisms
      that display a high catalytic efficiency at extremely low temperatures. Chitin
      consists of the insoluble homopolysaccharide beta-(1, 4)-linked N
      acetylglucosamine, which is the second most abundant biopolymer found in nature.
      Chitinases (EC 3.2.1.14) play an important role in chitin recycling in nature.
      Biodegradation of chitin by the action of cold-adapted chitinases offers
      significant advantages in industrial applications such as the treatment of chitin
      rich waste at low temperatures, the biocontrol of phytopathogens in cold
      environments and the biocontrol of microbial spoilage of refrigerated food.
      RESULTS: A gene encoding a cold-adapted chitinase (CHI II) from Glaciozyma
      antarctica PI12 was isolated using Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends (RACE) and RT
      PCR techniques. The isolated gene was successfully expressed in the Pichia
      pastoris expression system. Analysis of the nucleotide sequence revealed the
      presence of an open reading frame of 1,215 bp, which encodes a 404 amino acid
      protein. The recombinant chitinase was secreted into the medium when induced with
      1% methanol in BMMY medium at 25 degrees C. The purified recombinant chitinase
      exhibited two bands, corresponding to the non-glycosylated and glycosylated
      proteins, by SDS-PAGE with molecular masses of approximately 39 and 50 kDa,
      respectively. The enzyme displayed an acidic pH characteristic with an optimum pH
      at 4.0 and an optimum temperature at 15 degrees C. The enzyme was stable between
      pH 3.0-4.5 and was able to retain its activity from 5 to 25 degrees C. The
      presence of K+, Mn2+ and Co2+ ions increased the enzyme activity up to 20%.
      Analysis of the insoluble substrates showed that the purified recombinant
      chitinase had a strong affinity towards colloidal chitin and little effect on
      glycol chitosan. CHI II recombinant chitinase exhibited higher Vmax and Kcat
      values toward colloidal chitin than other substrates at low temperatures.
      CONCLUSION: By taking advantage of its high activity at low temperatures and its
      acidic pH optimum, this recombinant chitinase will be valuable in various
      biotechnological applications under low temperature and acidic pH conditions.

PMID- 22050786
TI  - Effect of initial combination therapy with sitagliptin and metformin on beta-cell
      function in patients with type 2 diabetes.
AB  - AIM: To examine the effect of sitagliptin and metformin, alone and in
      combination, on modelled parameters of beta-cell function in patients with type 2
      diabetes. METHODS: The data used in the present analyses are from a 104-week
      study, which included a 24-week, placebo- and active controlled phase followed by
      a 30-week, active controlled, continuation phase and an additional 50-week,
      active controlled extension phase. Patients were randomised to one of six blinded
      treatments: sitagliptin 50 mg + metformin 1000 mg b.i.d., sitagliptin 50 mg +
      metformin 500 mg b.i.d., metformin 1000 mg b.i.d., metformin 500 mg b.i.d.,
      sitagliptin 100 mg q.d. or placebo. Patients on placebo were switched in a
      blinded manner to metformin 1000 mg b.i.d. at week 24. Subsets of patients
      volunteered to undergo frequently sampled meal tolerance tests at baseline and at
      weeks 24, 54 and 104. beta-cell responsivity was assessed with the C-peptide
      minimal model. The static component (Phi(s)) estimates the rate of insulin
      secretion related to above-basal glucose concentration. The dynamic component
      (Phi(d)) is related to the rate of change in glucose. The total index
      (Phi(total)) represents the overall response to a glycaemic stimulus and is
      calculated as a function of Phi(s) and Phi(d). Insulin sensitivity was estimated
      with the Matsuda index (ISI). The disposition index, which assesses insulin
      secretion relative to the prevailing insulin sensitivity, was calculated based on
      the Phi(total) and ISI. RESULTS: At week 24, substantial reductions in postmeal
      glucose were observed with all active treatment groups relative to the placebo
      group. Phi(s), Phi(total) and the disposition index were significantly improved
      from baseline at week 24 with all active treatments relative to placebo.
      Generally larger effects were observed with the initial combination of
      sitagliptin and metformin relative to the monotherapy groups. When expressed as
      median percent change from baseline, Phi(s) increased from baseline by 137 and
      177% in the low- and high-dose combination groups and by 85, 54, 73 and -9% in
      the high-dose metformin, low-dose metformin, sitagliptin monotherapy and placebo
      groups, respectively. At weeks 54 and 104, the combination treatment groups
      continued to demonstrate greater improvements in beta-cell function relative to
      their respective monotherapy groups. CONCLUSIONS: After 24 weeks of therapy,
      relative to placebo, initial treatment with sitagliptin or metformin monotherapy
      improved beta-cell function; moreover, initial combination therapy demonstrated
      larger improvements than the individual monotherapies. Improvements in beta-cell
      function were found with treatments for up to 2 years.

PMID- 22050787
TI  - Common and novel transcriptional routes to behavioral maturation in worker and
      male honey bees.
AB  - Worker honey bees (Apis mellifera) undergo a process of behavioral maturation
      leading to their transition from in-hive tasks to foraging--a process which is
      associated with profound transcriptional changes in the brain. Changes in brain
      gene expression observed during worker behavioral maturation could represent
      either a derived program underlying division of labor or a general program
      unrelated to sociality. Male bees (drones) undergo a process of behavioral
      maturation associated with the onset of mating flights, but do not partake in
      division of labor. Drones thus provide an excellent reference point for
      polarizing transcriptional changes associated with behavioral maturation in honey
      bees. We assayed the brain transcriptomes of adult drones and workers to compare
      and contrast differences associated with behavioral maturation in the two sexes.
      Both behavioral maturation and sex were associated with changes in expression of
      thousands of genes in the brain. Many genes involved in neuronal development,
      behavior, and the biosynthesis of neurotransmitters regulating the perception of
      reward showed sex-biased gene expression. Furthermore, most of the
      transcriptional changes associated with behavioral maturation were common to
      drones and workers, consistent with common genetic and physiological regulation.
      Our study suggests that there is a common behavioral maturation program that has
      been co-opted and modified to yield the different behavioral and cognitive
      phenotypes of worker and drone bees.

PMID- 22050788
TI  - Symblepharon secondary to ophthalmomyiasis externa in a dog.
AB  - A 4-month-old crossbred female dog presented with complaints of poor vision and
      odd appearance of the eyes. At the age of a month, the animal was found lying in
      a railway road in a very bad condition and was rescued from death. At that time,
      the patient was presented with severe bilateral ocular discharge, and from both
      eyes, dipterous fly larvae were extracted. The dog was given symptomatic
      treatment (deworming, topical and systemic antibiotics, nutritional support) but
      never regained a normal eye appearance. At the time of the initial presentation,
      it had severe vision impairment because of bilateral cicatricial symblepharon,
      total in the left eye and occupying 3/4 of the cornea in the right eye. Surgery
      was proposed to attempt a resolution. Superficial keratectomy was performed in
      both eyes. After a midline incision in the cornea, the conjunctiva was dissected
      away. The conjunctiva was apposed to and sutured to the limbus and secured in the
      upper and lower conjunctival fornix. Additionally, in the left eye, a lateral
      canthotomy and canthoplasty were performed to enlarge the size of the eyelid
      opening. The corneal epithelium healed without complications, the patient
      regained vision, and after 36 months of follow-up, no recurrences were observed.
      To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of symblepharon secondary to
      ophthalmomyiasis externa in a dog.

PMID- 22050789
TI  - Long-pulsed Nd : YAG laser: does it give clinical benefit on the treatment of
      resistant telangiectasia?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Long-pulsed Nd : YAG laser has been used in treating larger and deep
      seated leg veins. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated the effectiveness and safety
      of long-pulsed Nd : YAG laser to treat alae nasae and nasal tip telangiectasia.
      METHODS: Twelve patients were evaluated in a prospective IRB approved study. They
      had a history of previous unsatisfactory treatments with pulsed dye laser and/or
      intense pulsed light for their telangiectases on alae nasae and tip (4-12 times,
      average 5.8 times). All patients underwent a single treatment session using long
      pulsed Nd : YAG laser. Photographic images were taken. At 12-week follow-up, two
      independent physicians evaluated the percentage of vessels cleared, and patients
      were asked to rate their satisfaction with the procedure. RESULTS: Five men and
      seven women were enrolled (aged 43 +/- 5.8 years). Total clearance of vessels was
      78.3%. The number of vessels in diameter of 0.1 mm was reduced by 61.1% and that
      of vessels in diameter of 0.2-0.3 mm decreased by 92.2% on the average at 12-week
      follow-up. Eleven of 12 patients were very satisfied with the clinical results.
      One patient rated as 'satisfied' due to hyperpigmentation after the treatment,
      which improved at 12-week follow-up. CONCLUSION: Long-pulsed Nd : YAG laser can
      be considered as another effective and safe treatment modality for stubborn
      telangeictasia even on face, if applied cautiously.

PMID- 22050791
TI  - Iodine-mediated cascade cyclization of enediynes to iodinated benzo[a]carbazoles.
AB  - Treatment of N,N-dimethyl 2-[2-(2-ethynylphenyl)ethynyl]anilines (1) with 1.2
      equiv of iodine in CH(2)Cl(2) gave benzo[a]carbazoles (2) in good yields.
      Mechanistic studies showed this reaction must go through the haloindole (3)
      followed by iodonium ion catalyzed atom-transfer cyclization reaction to give the
      benzo[a]carbazoles.

PMID- 22050792
TI  - Quantity recognition among speakers of an anumeric language.
AB  - Recent research has suggested that the Piraha, an Amazonian tribe with a number
      less language, are able to match quantities > 3 if the matching task does not
      require recall or spatial transposition. This finding contravenes previous work
      among the Piraha. In this study, we re-tested the Pirahas' performance in the
      crucial one-to-one matching task utilized in the two previous studies on their
      numerical cognition, as well as in control tasks requiring recall and mental
      transposition. We also conducted a novel quantity recognition task. Speakers were
      unable to consistently match quantities > 3, even when no recall or transposition
      was involved. We provide a plausible motivation for the disparate results
      previously obtained among the Piraha. Our findings are consistent with the
      suggestion that the exact recognition of quantities > 3 requires number
      terminology.

PMID- 22050790
TI  - Inhibition of JAK2/STAT3 signalling induces colorectal cancer cell apoptosis via
      mitochondrial pathway.
AB  - Abnormalities in the JAK2/STAT3 pathway are involved in the pathogenesis of
      colorectal cancer (CRC), including apoptosis. However, the exact mechanism by
      which dysregulated JAK2/STAT3 signalling contributes to the apoptosis has not
      been clarified. To investigate the role of both JAK2 and STAT3 in the mechanism
      underlying CRC apoptosis, we inhibited JAK2 with AG490 and depleted STAT3 with a
      small interfering RNA. Our data showed that inhibition of JAK2/STAT3 signalling
      induced CRC cellular apoptosis via modulating the Bcl-2 gene family, promoting
      the loss of mitochondrial transmembrane potential (Deltapsim) and the increase of
      reactive oxygen species. In addition, our results demonstrated that the
      translocation of cytochrome c (Cyt c), caspase activation and cleavage of poly
      (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) were present in apoptotic CRC cells after down
      regulation of JAK2/STAT3 signalling. Moreover, inhibition of JAK2/STAT3
      signalling suppressed CRC xenograft tumour growth. We found that JAK2/STAT3
      target genes were decreased; meanwhile caspase cascade was activated in xenograft
      tumours. Our findings illustrated the biological significance of JAK2/STAT3
      signalling in CRC apoptosis, and provided novel evidence that inhibition of
      JAK2/STAT3 induced apoptosis via the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. Therefore,
      JAK2/STAT3 signalling may be a potential target for therapy of CRC.

PMID- 22050793
TI  - Gas-generating polymeric microspheres for long-term and continuous in vivo
      ultrasound imaging.
AB  - Ultrasound (US) imaging is one of the most common biomedical imaging methods, due
      to the easy assessment and noninvasive way. For more precise and accurate US
      imaging, many contrast agents have been developed in a form of microbubbles
      composed of inner gas and shell materials. However, microbubbles showed
      undesirable short half-life under acoustic field during US imaging and
      insufficient in vivo stability in blood flow due to diffusion or bubble
      destruction. Therefore, the improvement of the half-life and stability of
      microbubbles under in vivo condition is highly needed for long-term in vivo US
      imaging. Herein, we developed rationally designed gas-generating polymeric
      microsphere (GGPM) that can produce microbubbles without encapsulation of gas for
      long-term and continuous US imaging. The poly(cholesteryl gamma-butyrolactone-b
      propylene oxide), poly(CB-PO), with carbonate side chains was synthesized as gas
      generating polymer by ring-opening polymerization of cholestryl gamma
      butyrolactone (CB) and propylene oxide (PO). As optimal structure for intense US
      signal generation, porous GGPMs (p-GGPMs) with the average size about 3-5 MUm
      were prepared with poly(CB-PO) by double emulsion method. These p-GGPMs generated
      continuous US signals over 70 min, while the signals from Sonovue((r)), a
      commercial US contrast agent were completely attenuated within 15 min. This long
      term signal duration of p-GGPM was also reproduced when they were subcutaneously
      injected under the skin of mouse. Moreover, as advanced in vivo application, the
      fine US imaging of heart in rat was enabled by intravenous injection of p-GGPM.
      Therefore, these overall results showed the great potential of p-GGPM as gas
      generating US contrast agent for in vivo biomedical imaging and diagnosis.

PMID- 22050794
TI  - Epidural anesthesia as a novel anesthetic technique for anterior lumbar interbody
      fusion.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine if epidural anesthesia is a reasonable technique
      for anterior lumbar interbody fusion. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review.
      SETTING: Academic university hospital. MEASUREMENTS: The charts of patients who
      underwent an anterior lumbar interbody fusion between January 1, 2001 and
      November 1, 2008 were reviewed. A total of 102 consecutive patients, of whom 19
      received an epidural and 83 underwent general anesthesia, met inclusion criteria.
      Postoperative pain, nausea, opioid administration, operating room time,
      anesthesia time, Postanesthesia Care Unit (PACU) time, and total hospital time
      were compared. MAIN RESULTS: In the PACU, patients receiving epidural anesthesia
      showed reductions in median immediate [numerical rating scale (NRS) 0 vs 7; P <
      0.001] and peak (NRS 4 vs 8; P = 0.001) postoperative pain scores, and
      postoperative mean arterial pressure (69.7 vs 90.3; P < 0.001). Epidural
      anesthesia patients also needed significantly less intravenous morphine
      equivalent medication both intraoperatively (5 vs 29; P < 0.001) and
      postoperatively (3.34 vs 10; P = 0.021). CONCLUSIONS: Epidural anesthesia for
      anterior lumbar interbody fusion is potentially beneficial compared with general
      anesthesia, showing improved perioperative pain control.

PMID- 22050795
TI  - The effects of hormonal status on upper airway patency in normal female subjects
      during propofol anesthesia.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine the mechanical upper airway properties and
      compensatory neuromuscular responses to obstruction during propofol anesthesia in
      the follicular and luteal phases of the menstrual cycle. DESIGN: Prospective,
      randomized study. SETTING: University-affiliated hospital. SUBJECTS: 12
      premenopausal female volunteers for studies of upper airway collapse throughout
      their menstrual cycle during the follicular phase (6 -10 days) and mid-late
      luteal phase (20 - 24 days). MEASUREMENTS: The level of propofol anesthesia (1.5 
      2.0 MUg/mL) required to suppress arousal responses was determined by Observer's
      Assessment of Alertness/Sedation scoring (level 2) and confirmed by bispectral
      index monitoring. Pressure-flow relationships were constructed to evaluate
      collapsibility (P(CRIT)) and up-stream resistance (R(US)) during acute [Passive;
      hypotonic electromyography (EMG)] and sustained (Active; elevated EMG) changes in
      nasal mask pressure. The difference between passive P(CRIT) and active P(CRIT)
      (DeltaP(CRIT A-P)) represented the magnitude of the compensatory response to
      obstruction. MAIN RESULTS: Passive P(CRIT) was significantly higher in the mid
      late luteal phase (-4.7 cm H(2)O) than in the follicular phase (-6.2 cmH(2)O; P <
      0.05). Active P(CRIT) significantly decreased compared with passive P(CRIT) in
      the follicular phase (-10.1 cm H(2)O) and in the mid-late luteal phase (-7.7 cm
      H(2)O) and (P < 0.05). No significant difference was noted in DeltaP(CRIT)
      between the follicular (3.9 +/- 2.9 cm H(2)O) and mid-late luteal phases (3.0 +/-
      2.6 cm H(2)O). No differences were seen in R(US) between the menstrual phases for
      either the passive (P = 0.8) or active (P = 0.75) states. CONCLUSIONS: Menstrual
      phase has an effect on anatomical alterations (mechanical properties) in the
      hypotonic upper airway during propofol anesthesia.

PMID- 22050796
TI  - Rapid injection of propofol reduces vascular pain and facilitates Laryngeal Mask
      Airway insertion.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical efficacy of a rapid injection of
      propofol in regard to pain and ability to facilitate Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA)
      insertion. DESIGN: Randomized, single-blinded, placebo-controlled study. SETTING:
      University hospital. PATIENTS: 120 ASA physical status 1 and 2 patients
      undergoing elective orthopedic surgeries. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomly
      allocated to one of 4 groups. Group A patients were pretreated with normal saline
      followed by propofol 2.0 mg/kg at 3.3 mg/sec. Group B patients were pretreated
      with lidocaine 0.5 mg/kg followed by propofol 2.0 mg/kg at 3.3 mg/sec. In Group
      C, patients were pretreated with lidocaine 1.0 mg/kg followed by propofol 2.0
      mg/kg at 3.3 mg/sec. In Group D, patients were pretreated with normal saline
      followed by propofol 2.0 mg/kg at 50 mg/sec. MEASUREMENTS: Pain on injection was
      measured using a 4-point scale. Scale and success rate of smooth LMA insertion
      also were recorded. MAIN RESULTS: Rapid injection was less painful than after
      pretreatment with lidocaine 0.5 mg/kg, but was similar to slow injection after
      pretreatment with lidocaine 1.0 mg/kg. Rapid injection facilitated LMA insertion,
      unlike slow injection with lidocaine 0.5 mg/kg pretreatment, and was similarly
      successful to slow injection after pretreatment with lidocaine 1.0 mg/kg.
      CONCLUSIONS: The rapid administration of propofol reduces pain and facilitates
      LMA insertion versus slow administration of propofol.

PMID- 22050797
TI  - Effects of preoperative oral beta blocker versus intraoperative nitroprusside or
      esmolol on quality of surgical field during tympanoplasty.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine whether orally administered atenolol provides an
      optimal surgical field in comparison to intravenous sodium nitroprusside or
      esmolol during tympanoplasty. DESIGN: Randomized, double-blinded study. SETTING:
      Operating room in a university hospital. PATIENTS: 105 ASA physical status 1 and
      2 adult patients undergoing tympanoplasty. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were
      randomized to three groups to receive either oral atenolol 50 mg twice daily for
      one day prior to surgery (Group I), intraoperative nitroprusside infusion (Group
      II), or intraoperative esmolol infusion (Group III). MEASUREMENTS: Quality of the
      operative field, mean arterial pressure, and heart rate were assessed. Blood
      gases, liver enzymes, cardiac troponin I, creatine kinase isoenzyme-MB release,
      blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine concentrations also were measured. MAIN
      RESULTS: Time to achieve target surgical field was significantly reduced in the
      atenolol group versus the other groups (8.3 +/- 3.2, 28.2 +/- 6.4, and 17.2 +/-
      5.3 min, respectively). Heart rate significantly decreased in the atenolol and
      esmolol groups versus the nitroprusside group (P < 0.0001). Mean arterial
      pressure after extubation and frequency of rebound hypertension were comparable
      in the groups. No significant changes in cardiac enzymes, renal and hepatic
      function, or acid-base status were noted. CONCLUSIONS: Although the three drugs
      are acceptable for obtaining an optimum surgical field, preoperative oral beta
      blocker appeared to be rapid in onset and was simpler to implement.

PMID- 22050798
TI  - A prospective controlled study to determine the blood propofol concentration in
      anesthesiologists exposed to propofol vapor in the expired gases of patients
      receiving propofol-based intravenous sedation.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine the blood propofol concentration of
      anesthesiologists who were exposed to the expired gases of patients receiving
      propofol-based intravenous (IV) sedation. DESIGN: Prospective controlled
      investigation and laboratory analysis. SETTING: Operating room of a university
      hospital and an independent technical laboratory. SUBJECTS: 5 anesthesiologists
      who independently delivered propofol-based IV sedation to patients presenting for
      first trimester termination of pregnancy. In addition, a patient receiving
      propofol-based IV sedation was recruited as a positive control. A laboratory
      technician who never had previous exposure to propofol was recruited as a
      negative control. INTERVENTIONS: Blood samples were obtained from each
      anesthesiologist before and after an 8-hour work period of anesthesia care of
      patients as described above. Blood samples were also obtained from the positive
      control, following propofol-based IV sedation, and the negative control.
      MEASUREMENTS: An independent laboratory determined the blood propofol
      concentrations using a gas-liquid partition chromatograph and verified the
      results by repeated measurements in order to avoid a laboratory error. The gas
      liquid partition chromatograph had an analytic capability that set the detection
      limit for propofol at 50 ng/mL. MAIN RESULTS: None of the anesthesiologists had
      detectable blood propofol concentration in either the pre-exposure or post
      exposure sample. The positive control and the negative control had detectable and
      non-detectable blood propofol concentration, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This
      experiment did not detect propofol in the blood of anesthesiologists who
      administered propofol-based IV sedation to patients.

PMID- 22050799
TI  - Exposure of anesthesia providers in recovery from substance abuse to potential
      triggering agents.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine the experience, attitudes, and opinions of
      anesthesia providers in recovery from addiction to anesthetic agents, who
      subsequently undergo surgery or who require opioid analgesics for injuries or
      other conditions. DESIGN: Survey instrument. SETTING: Academic medical center.
      SUBJECTS: Physicians and nurse-anesthetists in recovery in the United States.
      MEASUREMENTS: A link to a survey was posted on the Anesthetists in Recovery
      website on January 17, 2010 and allowed to remain active for a period of one
      week. The survey also was distributed via email to recovering anesthesiologists
      in a "snowball sampling" method. Completed surveys were reviewed, and data were
      compiled using Survey Monkey, with categorical variables described as frequencies
      and percentages. MAIN RESULTS: A total of 30 surveys were returned, with 27 (90%)
      reporting a history of abusing anesthetics or drugs commonly found in the work
      environment, and 19 (65.5%) reporting abuse of recreational drugs and drugs used
      during the administration of anesthesia. Twenty-eight (93%) respondents reported
      finding themselves in a situation that necessitated they receive their former
      drug of choice for legitimate medical reasons while in recovery. CONCLUSIONS:
      Anesthesia care providers in recovery from addiction to anesthetic agents may
      undergo subsequent exposure to these agents due to medical necessity.
      Participation in a program of recovery with support from family members may
      decrease the risk of relapse but does not eliminate it.

PMID- 22050800
TI  - Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva: anesthetic management in complex
      orthopedic spine procedures.
AB  - Fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP) is a rare disorder of the connective
      tissue leading to progressive tissue ossification and immobilization. Soft-tissue
      trauma may exacerbate this condition, causing further ossification. Multisystem
      involvement includes restrictive lung disease, cervical ankylosis with limited
      mouth opening, and cardiac dysfunction. A 39-year-old woman with FOP presented
      with multiple orthopedic spine and femur fractures sustained from a fall.
      Anesthetic management was complicated by airway, pulmonary, and positioning
      challenges. Neuromonitoring allowed identification of spinal cord ischemia while
      avoiding a wake-up test.

PMID- 22050801
TI  - Intracranial hemorrhage from undiagnosed metastatic brain tumor during general
      anesthesia.
AB  - A patient with endometrial cancer presented with intracranial hemorrhage from an
      undiagnosed metastatic brain tumor during abdominal radical hysterectomy. Since
      she was neurologically intact, a systematic examination for brain metastasis had
      not been performed preoperatively. After the surgery, she had delayed recovery
      from general anesthesia with right hemiplegia and aphasia. Computed tomography
      and magnetic resonance imaging showed left putaminal hemorrhage from brain
      metastasis.

PMID- 22050802
TI  - Acute hyperkalemia as a complication of intravenous therapy with epsilon
      aminocaproic acid.
AB  - Epsilon-aminocaproic acid (EACA) is used frequently during surgery as prophylaxis
      to decrease blood loss and transfusion requirements. A rare complication of EACA
      induced acute hyperkalemia in a patient undergoing total hip replacement is
      presented.

PMID- 22050803
TI  - A new risk of facemask ventilation: entrained esophageal air.
AB  - Facemask ventilation has been associated with the development of postoperative
      nausea and vomiting, increasing the risk of tracheal aspiration; development of
      gastric distension that further impairs alveolar ventilation; perforation of
      gastric and duodenal ulcers; development of pneumothorax; extrabronchial air
      dissection; and development of cardiac dysrhythmias, including bradycardia from
      indirect vagal nerve stimulation. An unusual complication that occurred during
      prolonged facemask ventilation is presented: development of a pseudo-obstruction
      of the intrathoracic airway due to the presence of entrained esophageal air.

PMID- 22050804
TI  - Transhiatal herniation of intestine with circulatory collapse on anesthesia
      induction.
AB  - Diaphragmatic herniation is known to create cardiorespiratory challenges for the
      anesthesiologist. With the increasing use of the transhiatal surgical approach
      for esophagectomy, the occurrence of transhiatal herniation of bowel is likely to
      be encountered. A case of circulatory collapse during induction of anesthesia in
      a patient with transhiatal herniation is presented.

PMID- 22050805
TI  - Perioperative evaluation of the obese patient.
AB  - There is rapidly increasing prevalence of obesity throughout Western societies
      and increasing numbers of patients undergoing surgery are obese. Obesity is a
      condition of chronic systemic inflammation and is associated with an increased
      burden of comorbidities. Despite traditional teaching, obesity may not be an
      independent risk factor for poor postoperative outcomes. The Obesity Paradox
      describes the observation that small amounts of excess body fat may be protective
      against postoperative complications.

PMID- 22050806
TI  - Regional anesthesia in anticoagulated patients.

PMID- 22050808
TI  - Premolar loss following insertion of a Classic Laryngeal Mask Airway in a patient
      in the prone position.

PMID- 22050809
TI  - "Full stomach" in a diabetic patient taking anticholinergics after 12 hours of
      fasting.

PMID- 22050810
TI  - Subarachnoid-pleural fistula complicating thoracotomy.

PMID- 22050811
TI  - Audit of recall of propofol injection pain.

PMID- 22050812
TI  - Postpartum analgesia with dexmedetomidine in opioid tolerance during pregnancy.

PMID- 22050813
TI  - Precipitation of sugammadex by protamine.

PMID- 22050814
TI  - Hemodynamic, respiratory, and fluid volume changes with bronchopulmonary lavage.

PMID- 22050815
TI  - Korean translation and use of the Iowa Satisfaction with Anesthesia Scale.

PMID- 22050816
TI  - Neck flexion to correct the placement of a malplaced Laryngeal Mask Airway (LMA)
      Supreme.

PMID- 22050817
TI  - Urinary retention during trial of a spinal cord stimulator.

PMID- 22050818
TI  - Limited mouth opening following induction of anesthesia in two patients with
      masticatory muscle tendon-aponeurosis hyperplasia.

PMID- 22050819
TI  - Thrombelastograph platelet mapping in a patient with von Willebrand disease who
      was treated with Humate-P.

PMID- 22050820
TI  - Phage therapy pharmacology: calculating phage dosing.
AB  - Phage therapy, which can be described as a phage-mediated biocontrol of bacteria
      (or, simply, biocontrol), is the application of bacterial viruses-also
      bacteriophages or phages-to reduce densities of nuisance or pathogenic bacteria.
      Predictive calculations for phage therapy dosing should be useful toward rational
      development of therapeutic as well as biocontrol products. Here, I consider the
      theoretical basis of a number of concepts relevant to phage dosing for phage
      therapy including minimum inhibitory concentration (but also "inundation
      threshold"), minimum bactericidal concentration (but also "clearance threshold"),
      decimal reduction time (D value), time until bacterial eradication, threshold
      bacterial density necessary to support phage population growth ("proliferation
      threshold"), and bacterial density supporting half-maximal phage population
      growth rates (K(B)). I also address the concepts of phage killing titers,
      multiplicity of infection, and phage peak densities. Though many of the presented
      ideas are not unique to this chapter, I nonetheless provide variations on
      derivations and resulting formulae, plus as appropriate discuss relative
      importance. The overriding goal is to present a variety of calculations that are
      useful toward phage therapy dosing so that they may be found in one location and
      presented in a manner that allows facile appreciation, comparison, and
      implementation. The importance of phage density as a key determinant of the phage
      potential to eradicate bacterial targets is stressed throughout the chapter.

PMID- 22050821
TI  - From Rio Tinto to Mars: the terrestrial and extraterrestrial ecology of
      acidophiles.
AB  - The recent geomicrobiological characterization of Rio Tinto, Iberian Pyrite Belt
      (IPB), has proven the importance of the iron cycle, not only in generating the
      extreme conditions of the habitat (low pH, high concentration of toxic heavy
      metals) but also in maintaining the high level of microbial diversity, both
      prokaryotic and eukaryotic, detected in the water column and the sediments. The
      extreme conditions of the Tinto basin are not the product of industrial
      contamination but the consequence of the presence of an underground bioreactor
      that obtains its energy from the massive sulfide minerals of the IPB. To test
      this hypothesis, a drilling project was carried out to intersect ground waters
      that interact with the mineral ore in order to provide evidence of subsurface
      microbial activities and the potential resources to support these activities. The
      oxidants that drive the system appear to come from the rock matrix, contradicting
      conventional acid mine drainage models. These resources need only groundwater to
      launch microbial metabolism. There are several similarities between the vast
      deposits of sulfates and iron oxides on Mars and the main sulfide-containing iron
      bioleaching products found in the Tinto. Firstly, the short-lived methane
      detected both in Mars' atmosphere and in the sediments and subsurface of the IPB
      and secondly, the abundance of iron, common to both. The physicochemical
      properties of iron make it a source of energy, a shield against radiation and
      oxidative stress as well as a natural pH controller. These similarities have led
      to Rio Tinto's status as a Mars terrestrial analogue.

PMID- 22050822
TI  - Fungal adaptation to extremely high salt concentrations.
AB  - Hypersaline environments support substantial microbial communities of selected
      halotolerant and halophilic organisms, including fungi from various orders. In
      hypersaline water of solar salterns, the black yeast Hortaea werneckii is by far
      the most successful fungal representative. It has an outstanding ability to
      overcome the turgor loss and sodium toxicity that are typical for hypersaline
      environments, which facilitates its growth even in solutions that are almost
      saturated with NaCl. We propose a model of cellular responses to high salt
      concentrations that integrates the current knowledge of H. werneckii adaptations.
      The negative impact of a hyperosmolar environment is counteracted by an increase
      in the energy supply that is needed to drive the energy-demanding export of ions
      and synthesis of compatible solutes. Changes in membrane lipid composition and
      cell-wall structure maintain the integrity and functioning of the stressed cells.
      Understanding the salt responses of H. werneckii and other fungi (e.g., the
      halophilic Wallemia ichthyophaga) will extend our knowledge of fungal stress
      tolerance and promote the use of the currently unexploited biotechnological
      potential of fungi that live in hypersaline environments.

PMID- 22050823
TI  - Resistance of yeasts to weak organic acid food preservatives.
AB  - Carboxylate weak acids are invaluable for large-scale food and beverage
      preservation. However, in response to safety concerns, there is now desire to
      reduce the use of these additives. The resistance to these compounds displayed by
      spoilage yeasts and fungi is a major reason why these preservatives often have to
      be used in millimolar levels. This chapter summarizes the mechanisms whereby
      yeasts are rendered resistant to acetate, propionate, sorbate, and benzoate. In
      baker's yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae), resistance to high acetic acid is
      acquired partly by loss of the plasma membrane aquaglyceroporin that facilitates
      the passive diffusional entry of undissociated acid into cells (Fps1), and partly
      through a transcriptional response mediated by the transcription factor Haa1.
      Other carboxylate preservatives are too large to enter cells through the Fps1
      channel but instead penetrate at appreciable rates by passive diffusion across
      the plasma membrane. In Saccharomyces and Candida albicans though not, it seems,
      in the Zygosaccharomyces, resistance to the latter acids involves activation of
      the War1 transcription factor, which in turn generates strong induction of a
      specific plasma membrane ATP-binding cassette transporter (Pdr12). The latter
      actively pumps the preservative anion from the cell. Other contributors to weak
      acid resistance include enzymes that allow preservative degradation, members of
      the Tpo family of major facilitator superfamily transporters, and changes to the
      cell envelope that minimize the diffusional entry of the preservative into the
      cell.

PMID- 22050824
TI  - Silver nanoparticles: a microbial perspective.
AB  - Silver nanoparticles (NPs) are used for a wide range of commercial reasons to
      restrict microbial growth. The increasing use of silver NPs in modern materials
      ensures they will find their way into environmental systems. The mode of action
      which makes them desirable as an antimicrobial tool could also pose a severe
      threat to the natural microbial balance existing in these systems. Research into
      the potential environmental threats of silver NPs has mainly focused on
      particular areas, such as their influence in rivers and estuaries or their effect
      on organisms such as earthworms and plants. There is a need to focus studies on
      all aspects of the microbial world and to highlight potential risks and methods
      of overcoming problems before significant damage is done. This review focuses on
      the antimicrobial uses, mechanisms of toxicity, and effects on the environment
      (mainly soil) of silver NPs, illustrating gaps in current knowledge.

PMID- 22050825
TI  - ADAMTS17 mutation associated with primary lens luxation is widespread among
      breeds.
AB  - Primary lens luxation (PLL) is a well-recognized, painful and potentially
      blinding inherited ocular condition in dogs. We screened PLL-affected dogs of 30
      different breeds, to identify those which carried a previously described c.1473+1
      G>A mutation in ADAMTS17 that is associated with PLL in Miniature Bull terriers,
      Lancashire Heelers, and Jack Russell terriers. This ADAMTS17 mutation was
      identified in PLL-affected dogs from 14 additional breeds. PLL-affected dogs from
      some breeds (most notably the Shar pei and the Brittany spaniel) did not carry
      the G1473+1A ADAMTS17 mutation, indicating they must suffer from a genetically
      distinct form of the condition. We also estimated the frequency of this ADAMTS17
      mutation in some of the breeds. Our findings indicate the mutation segregates in
      a large number of different breeds of dog, many of which are terriers or breeds
      with terrier co-ancestry, but some of which have more diverse origins. Our
      results also indicate that the mutation is present at high frequency within most
      of the breeds in which it segregates. In the miniature bull terrier breed
      estimates of mutation frequency ranged from 0.27 to 0.39, corresponding to 7.3
      15.2% PLL-affected dogs in this breed. We also identified an increased risk of
      PLL associated with heterozygosity at ADAMTS17, suggesting that carriers carry a
      low risk of developing PLL.

PMID- 22050826
TI  - The bladder pain/interstitial cystitis symptom score: development, validation,
      and identification of a cut score.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is a need to develop a self-report measure that reliably
      identifies moderate to severe bladder pain syndrome (BPS) patients for inclusion
      into clinical trials to assess the efficacy of new BPS treatments. OBJECTIVE: To
      develop and validate a patient-reported symptom-based instrument, the Bladder
      Pain/Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Score (BPIC-SS), for clinical trial
      eligibility of BPS patients. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Stage 1:
      Qualitative concept elicitation (CE) interviews were conducted with BPS patients
      in France (n=12), Germany (n=12), and the United States (US) (n=20), and
      overactive bladder (OAB) (n=10) patients in the US for comparison. Stage 2:
      Cognitive debriefing (CD) interviews were performed with US BPS patients (n=20).
      Stage 3: An observational study with 99 BPS, 99 OAB, and 100 healthy participants
      in the US was used to perform item reduction, identify cut scores, and validate
      the measure. A cut score was defined using logistic regression and receiver
      operating characteristic curves. Psychometric properties, including test-retest
      reliability, were assessed. MEASUREMENTS: In addition to the BPIC-SS, the Pelvic
      Pain and Urgency/Frequency Patient Symptom Scale, the Interstitial Cystitis
      Symptom Index, a Clinician Global Impression of Severity, and a Patient Global
      Impression of Change were included in the observational study. RESULTS AND
      LIMITATIONS: In CE, reported symptoms were bladder pain, persistent urge to
      urinate, and high urinary frequency. In CD, 13 items were deleted, and 15 were
      retained. Based on validation analyses, qualitative findings, and clinical
      relevance, the instrument was reduced to eight items that had strong sensitivity
      (0.72) and specificity (0.86) with a cut score >=19 to determine clinical trial
      inclusion. Psychometric properties were strong. CONCLUSIONS: The BPIC-SS is a
      reliable, valid, and appropriate questionnaire to select BPS/interstitial
      cystitis patients for clinical trials.

PMID- 22050827
TI  - Effects of 28 days of resistance exercise while consuming commercially available
      pre- and post-workout supplements, NO-Shotgun(r) and NO-Synthesize(r) on body
      composition, muscle strength and mass, markers of protein synthesis, and clinical
      safety markers in males.
AB  - PURPOSE: The effects of 28 days of heavy resistance training while ingesting the
      pre- and post-workout supplements, NO-Shotgun(r) and NO-Synthesize(r) were
      determined on body composition, muscle strength and mass, markers of protein
      synthesis, and clinical safety markers. METHODS: Nineteen non-resistance-trained
      males participated in a resistance training program 4 times/week for 28 days
      while either ingesting 27 g/day of carbohydrate (CARB) or NO-Shotgun(r) 30 min
      pre-exercise and 27 g/day of carbohydrate or NO- Synthesize(r) 30 min post
      exercise (NOSS). Data were analyzed with separate 2 * 2 ANOVA (p < 0.05).
      RESULTS: Total body mass was increased in both groups (p = 0.001), but not
      different between groups. Fat mass was unchanged with CARB, but NOSS decreased
      fat mass (p = 0.026). Both groups increased fat-free mass (p = 0.001); however,
      the increases were greater with NOSS (p = 0.023). NOSS underwent greater
      increases in upper-body (p = 0.023) and lower-body (p = 0.035) strength than
      CARB. Myofibrillar protein significantly increased in both groups (p = 0.041),
      with NOSS being greater than CARB (p = 0.049). All of the MHC isoforms were
      significantly increased in both groups; however, NOSS was greater than CARB for
      MHC 1 (p = 0.013) and MHC 2A (p = 0.046). All of the myogenic regulatory factors
      were significantly increased in both groups; however, NOSS was greater than CARB
      for Myo-D (p = 0.038) and MRF-4 (p = 0.001). For the whole blood and serum
      clinical chemistry markers, all variables remained within normal clinical ranges.
      CONCLUSIONS: Heavy resistance training for 28 days, with NO-Shotgun(r) and NO
      Synthesize(r) ingested before and after exercise, respectively, significantly
      improved body composition and increased muscle mass and performance without
      abnormally impacting any of the clinical chemistry markers.

PMID- 22050829
TI  - Observations on the ultrastructure of equatorial scleral collagen fibrils in
      sheep eyes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate collagen fibrils of the equatorial sclera in relation
      to the age-related changes in eye size in sheep. ANIMALS STUDIED: Lambs and
      outbred ewes. PROCEDURES: Sheep eyes (three lamb and three from adult outbred
      ewes), presumed disease-free, were processed for transmission electron microscopy
      (TEM) immediately postmortem. Tissue blocks from the equatorial region were
      sectioned across fibril bundles orientated along the equator. Micrographs
      including at least 500 fibrils were projected at 22,000* magnification for
      measures of fibril diameters (FDs). RESULTS: Lamb eyes were smaller than those of
      adult ewes but equatorial scleral thickness was only marginally less at 0.232+/
      0.013 vs. 0.254+/-0.012 mm (P value not significant). Scleral tissue was composed
      of compacted bundles of collagen fibers that tended to be rounder in outer
      compared to being flatter in inner regions. In typical (normal) appearing
      regions, FDs were distinctly larger (68-410 nm) in outer sclera compared to inner
      sclera (63-281 nm). Outer sclera FDs were bimodal averaging 192+/-58 nm, compared
      to unimodal distributions at inner locations averaging 156+/-48 nm (P<0.001).
      Some atypical regions, especially at outer-mid sclera locations, were also noted
      where the FD distribution was bimodal but also included numerous microfibrils
      (<50 nm diameter), with similar appearances being found for both lamb and adult
      ewe eyes. CONCLUSIONS: The equatorial sclera is a mixture of rounder versus
      flatter collagen fiber bundles, the former being more likely to be made up of a
      mixture of both smaller and larger fibrils, as compared to slightly smaller
      fibrils.

PMID- 22050828
TI  - Not so benign haematology: anaemia of the elderly.
AB  - Developed countries, such as the United Kingdom, are experiencing a change in
      demographics resulting in the largest proportion of adults over 65 years of age
      that our health systems have ever experienced. As such, haematologists must be
      prepared to evaluate and treat anaemia in a more complicated patient population,
      but sufficient evidence-based guidelines are lacking. Critical next steps that
      must be taken to ensure the best care of this population include the
      determination of appropriate haemoglobin concentrations for older adults in light
      of age, gender, race, and comorbidities; the development of interventional trials
      that address physical performance outcomes in addition to haemoglobin targets;
      and translational studies which address the molecular pathogenesis of anaemia in
      older adults with the most advanced scientific approaches.

PMID- 22050830
TI  - Suitability of measures of self-reported medication adherence for routine
      clinical use: a systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is a recognised need to build primary care medication adherence
      services which are tailored to patients' needs. Continuous quality improvement of
      such services requires a regular working method of measuring adherence in order
      to monitor effectiveness. Self report has been considered the method of choice
      for clinical use; it is cheap, relatively unobtrusive and able to distinguish
      between intentional and unintentional non-adherence, which have different
      underlying causes and therefore require different interventions. A self report
      adherence measure used in routine clinical practice would ideally be brief,
      acceptable to patients, valid, reliable, have the ability to distinguish between
      different types of non-adherence and be able to be completed by or in conjunction
      with carers where necessary. METHODS: We systematically reviewed the literature
      in order to identify self report adherence measures currently available which are
      suitable for primary care and evaluate the extent to which they met the criteria
      described above. We searched the databases Medline, Embase, International
      Pharmaceutical Abstracts, Pharmline, CINAHL, PsycINFO and HaPI to identify
      studies reporting the development, validation or reliability of generic adherence
      measures. One reviewer screened all abstracts and assessed all relevant full text
      articles obtained and a second reviewer screened/assessed 10% to check
      reliability. RESULTS: Fifty eight measures were identified. While validation data
      were presented in support of the vast majority of self reported measures (54/58),
      data for a relatively small number of measures was presented for reliability
      (16/58) and time to complete (3/58). Few were designed to have the ability to be
      completed by or in conjunction with carers and few were able to distinguish
      between different types of non-adherence, which limited their ability be used
      effectively in the continuous improvement of targeted adherence enhancing
      interventions. The data available suggested that patients find it easier to
      estimate general adherence than to report a specific number of doses missed.
      Visual analogue scales can be easier for patients than other types of scale but
      are not suitable for telephone administration. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need for a
      measure which can be used in the routine continual quality monitoring of
      adherence services.

PMID- 22050831
TI  - Diagnostic challenges of Marfan syndrome in an XYY young man.
AB  - Tall stature is a common feature of both Marfan syndrome and XYY syndrome.
      Differential diagnosis between these entities has important prognostic
      implications. We report the case of a 21-year-old young man with a previously
      known diagnosis of XYY syndrome, in whom the identification of a fibrilin-1
      mutation was determinant to establish an appropriate diagnosis, medical follow
      up, and genetic counselling.

PMID- 22050832
TI  - Pharmaceutical services for endemic situations in the Brazilian Amazon:
      organization of services and prescribing practices for Plasmodium vivax and
      Plasmodium falciparum non-complicated malaria in high-risk municipalities.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In spite of the fact that pharmaceutical services are an essential
      component of all malaria programmes, quality of these services has been little
      explored in the literature. This study presents the first results of the
      application of an evaluation model of pharmaceutical services in high-risk
      municipalities of the Amazon region, focusing on indicators regarding
      organization of services and prescribing according to national guidelines.
      METHODS: A theoretical framework of pharmaceutical services for non-complicated
      malaria was built based on the Rapid Evaluation Method (WHO). The framework
      included organization of services and prescribing, among other activities. The
      study was carried out in 15 primary health facilities in six high-risk
      municipalities of the Brazilian Amazon. Malaria individuals >= 15 years old were
      approached and data was collected using specific instruments. Data was checked by
      independent reviewers and fed to a data bank through double-entry. Descriptive
      variables were analyzed. RESULTS: A copy of the official treatment guideline was
      found in 80% of the facilities; 67% presented an environment for receiving and
      prescribing patients. Re-supply of stocks followed a different timeline; no
      facilities adhered to forecasting methods for stock management. No shortages or
      expired anti-malarials were observed, but overstock was a common finding. On
      86.7% of facilities, the average of good storage practices was 48%. Time between
      diagnosis and treatment was zero days. Of 601 patients interviewed, 453 were
      diagnosed for Plasmodium vivax; of these, 99.3% received indications for the
      first-line scheme. Different therapeutic schemes were given to Plasmodium
      falciparum patients. Twenty-eight (4.6%) out of 601 were prescribed regimens not
      listed in the national guideline. Only 5.7% individuals received a prescription
      or a written instruction of any kind. CONCLUSIONS: The results show that while
      diagnostic procedure is well established and functioning in the Brazilian malaria
      programme, prescribing is still an activity that is actually not performed. The
      absence of physicians and poor integration between malaria services and primary
      health services make for the lack of a prescription or written instruction for
      malaria patients throughout the Brazilian Amazon. This fact may lead to a great
      number of problems in rational use and in adherence to medication.

PMID- 22050833
TI  - Biological pathways to adaptability--interactions between genome, epigenome,
      nervous system and environment for adaptive behavior.
AB  - Because living systems depend on their environment, the evolution of
      environmental adaptability is inseparable from the evolution of life itself
      (Pross 2003). In animals and humans, environmental adaptability extends further
      to adaptive behavior. It has recently emerged that individual adaptability
      depends on the interaction of adaptation mechanisms at diverse functional levels.
      This interaction enables the integration of genetic, epigenetic and environmental
      factors for coordinated regulation of adaptations. In this review, we first
      present the basis for the regulation of adaptation mechanisms across functional
      levels. We then focus on neuronal activity-regulated adaptation mechanisms that
      involve the regulation of genes, noncoding DNA (ncDNA), ncRNAs and proteins to
      change the structural and functional properties of neurons. Finally, we discuss a
      selection of these important neuronal activity-regulated molecules and their
      effects on brain structure and function and on behavior. Most of the evidence so
      far is based on sampling of animal tissue or post-mortem studies in humans.
      However, we also present techniques that combine genetic with behavioral and
      neurophysiological measures in humans (e.g. genetic imaging) and discuss their
      potential and limitations. We argue that we need to understand how neuronal
      activity-dependent adaptation mechanisms integrate genetic, epigenetic and
      experience-dependent signals in order to explain individual variations in
      behavior and cognitive performance.

PMID- 22050834
TI  - [Reliability of the pulse contour analysis for cardiac output measurement for
      assessing the fluid responsiveness].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The cardiac output (CO) is classically measured in intensive care
      unit patients. pulse contour (PC) method allows monitoring of CO. OBJECTIVE: The
      aim of the present study was to assess the ability of PC to assess the fluid
      responsiveness defined as an increase in CO more than or equal to 15% after 500
      mL hydroxyethyl starch over 20 minutes. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this
      observational prospective study, patients in shock in whom a PC method was
      inserted were included. CO was measure using the PC and thermodilution methods
      before and after a fluid challenge indicated by the physician. The correlation
      coefficient was measured, the diagram of Bland and Altman was built and the
      percentage of error (Critchley and Critchley method) was calculated. The ability
      of PC to diagnose fluid responsiveness was assessed using a receiver operating
      characteristics (ROC) curve. RESULTS: Sixty-two fluid challenges were performed
      in 37 included patients. After fluid challenge, r(2) was 0.05 (P<0.01), the bias
      between PC and thermodilution was 0.3 +/- 1.2L/min and the percentage of error
      was 36%. The area of the ROC curve was 0.601 [0.468-0.723]. CONCLUSION: In ICU
      patients with shock, PC cannot replace thermodilution to diagnose fluid
      responsiveness.

PMID- 22050835
TI  - Kappaphycus alvarezii as a source of bioethanol.
AB  - The present study describes production of bio-ethanol from fresh red alga,
      Kappaphycus alvarezii. It was crushed to expel sap--a biofertilizer--while
      residual biomass was saccharified at 100  degrees C in 0.9 N H2SO4. The
      hydrolysate was repeatedly treated with additional granules to achieve desired
      reducing sugar concentration. The best yields for saccharification, inclusive of
      sugar loss in residue, were 26.2% and 30.6% (w/w) at laboratory (250 g) and bench
      (16 kg) scales, respectively. The hydrolysate was neutralized with lime and the
      filtrate was desalted by electrodialysis. Saccharomyces cerevisiae (NCIM 3523)
      was used for ethanol production from this non-traditional bio-resource.
      Fermentation at laboratory and bench scales converted ca. 80% of reducing sugar
      into ethanol in near quantitative selectivity. A petrol vehicle was successfully
      run with E10 gasoline made from the seaweed-based ethanol. Co-production of
      ethanol and bio-fertilizer from this seaweed may emerge as a promising
      alternative to land-based bio-ethanol.

PMID- 22050836
TI  - Evaluation of alkaline pretreatment temperature on a multi-product basis for the
      co-production of glucose and hemicellulose based films from lignocellulosic
      biomass.
AB  - Cotton stalks were subjected to alkaline pretreatment for the co-production of
      glucose and hemicellulose based films with a multi-product approach. Three
      pretreatment temperatures (25, 60 and 90  degrees C) were evaluated for their
      effects both on the glucose yield and on the properties of hemicellulose based
      films. Compared to untreated cotton stalks, the glucose yields were enhanced 3.9,
      4.1 and 4.2 times for pretreatments conducted at 25, 60 and 90  degrees C,
      respectively. The pretreatment temperature of 90  degrees C was detrimental in
      terms of film formation. Tensile energy to break values of the films obtained
      after pretreatments conducted at 25, 60 and 90  degrees C were 1.1, 0.8, and 0.4
      MJ/m3, respectively. The hemicellulosic part of the process, which considers the
      production of hemicellulose based films, should govern the pretreatment
      temperature since it was more responsive to the changes in the pretreatment
      temperature compared to the cellulosic part that accounts for glucose production.

PMID- 22050837
TI  - Enhancing aerobic granulation for biological nutrient removal from domestic
      wastewater.
AB  - This study focuses on the enhancement of aerobic granulation and biological
      nutrient removal maintenance treating domestic wastewater. Two sequencing batch
      reactors (SBRs) were inoculated with either only floccular sludge (100%-floc SBR)
      or supplemented with 10% crushed granules (90%-floc SBR). Granules developed in
      both reactors. The 100%-floc SBR achieved 75% of nitrogen and 93% of phosphorus
      removal at the end of the performance, but some floccular sludge remained in the
      system. The 90%-floc SBR became fully granulated and finished with 84% and 99% of
      nitrogen and phosphorus removal, respectively. Regarding biological phosphorus
      removal, nitrite was identified as an inhibitor of the process. Nitrite levels
      lower than 5 mg N-NO2-L(-1) were used for anoxic phosphate uptake while higher
      concentrations inhibited the process.

PMID- 22050838
TI  - Microbial community and biomass characteristics associated severe membrane
      fouling during start-up of a hybrid anoxic-oxic membrane bioreactor.
AB  - In MBR, severe membrane fouling is often observed in the initial phase in which
      biomass is yet fully acclimated and stabilized in terms of microbial community
      structure and biomass characteristics. The focus of this study was to investigate
      the microbial community development and its influence on biomass characteristics
      and membrane fouling during start-up of a hybrid anoxic-oxic MBR. PCR-DGGE
      analysis indicated that the microbial community shifted in start-up period when a
      severe membrane fouling was observed. Small particle size, high fractal dimension
      (DF) and high EPS production, which were closely associated with microbial
      community, were found to be the major contributors to the severe fouling.
      Microbial community development was most likely the ultimate factor responsible
      for the severe membrane fouling.

PMID- 22050839
TI  - Characterization of Spanish biomass wastes for energy use.
AB  - Energy plays an important role in the world's present and future. The best way to
      absorb the huge increase in energy demands is through diversification. In this
      context biomass appears as an attractive source for a number of environmental,
      economical, political and social reasons. There are several techniques used to
      obtain energy from biomass. Among these techniques, the most commonly used
      throughout the world is a thermo-chemical process to obtain heat. To optimize the
      combustion process in adequate reactors, a comprehensive study of the
      characterization of biomass fuel properties is needed, which includes proximate
      analysis (determination of moisture, ash, volatile and fixed carbon content),
      ultimate analysis (C, H, N, S and O composition) and calorimetry, focusing on
      biomass fuels obtained in Spain.

PMID- 22050840
TI  - Microwave-assisted preparation and adsorption performance of activated carbon
      from biodiesel industry solid reside: influence of operational parameters.
AB  - Preparation of activated carbon has been attempted using KOH as activating agent
      by microwave heating from biodiesel industry solid residue, oil palm empty fruit
      bunch (EFBAC). The significance of chemical impregnation ratio (IR), microwave
      power and activation time on the properties of activated carbon were
      investigated. The optimum condition has been identified at the IR of 1.0,
      microwave power of 600 W and activation time of 7 min. EFBAC was characterized by
      scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and
      nitrogen adsorption isotherm. The surface chemistry was examined by zeta
      potential measurement, determination of surface acidity/basicity, while the
      adsorptive property was quantified using methylene blue as dye model compound.
      The optimum conditions resulted in activated carbon with a monolayer adsorption
      capacity of 395.30 mg/g and carbon yield of 73.78%, while the BET surface area
      and total pore volume were corresponding to 1372 m2/g and 0.76 cm3/g,
      respectively.

PMID- 22050841
TI  - Anterior and posterior segment photography. An alternative approach using a dSLR
      camera adaptor.
AB  - PURPOSE:   To describe a novel digital single lens reflex (dSLR) camera adaptor
      for anterior and posterior segment photography. METHODS:   The adaptor was used
      to evaluate canine, feline, and equine patients presenting to Tufts Ophthalmology
      service. Anterior segment imaging was conducted with the adaptor mounted between
      a dSLR camera body (Canon 7D) and a macro lens (Canon EF-S 60mm/f2.8). Posterior
      segment imaging was performed with the aid of an indirect ophthalmic lens mounted
      in front of the macro lens. Coaxial illumination during viewing was provided by a
      single white light-emitting diode (LED) within the adaptor, while illumination
      during exposure was provided by the pop-up flash or an accessory flash. Corneal
      and/or lens reflections were eliminated using a pair of linear polarizers, having
      their azimuths at right angles to one another. RESULTS:   This dSLR camera
      adaptor provides quality high-resolution, reflection-free, images of both the
      anterior and posterior segments. It was easy to transport, assemble, and handle.
      The necessary adjustments, positioning, and focusing required for quality images
      were easily performed. CONCLUSION:   The described dSLR camera adaptor provides
      an alternative to existing imaging systems. High-resolution image acquisition
      occurred at a fraction of the cost of established imaging system, particularly
      those devoted to the posterior segment.

PMID- 22050842
TI  - Genome-wide analysis of mitral valve disease in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.
AB  - The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (CKCS) is prone to severe early onset mitral
      valve disease. In this study, 36 purebred CKCS dogs were evaluated for mitral
      valve murmur and divided into early and late onset groups. A genome-wide genetic
      approach was used to assess whether the condition is determined by a small number
      of genetic factors. There were no regions of highly discrepant
      homo/heterozygosity in the two groups. Similarly, there was no evidence for loci
      associated with mitral valve murmur in a genome-wide association study. This
      analysis suggests that familial occurrence of mitral valve murmur in the CKCS
      breed is not due to a single major gene effect, indicating that breeding
      strategies to eliminate the disease cannot be based on genotype information at
      this time.

PMID- 22050843
TI  - Hypoxia-inducible factor 1-mediated human GATA1 induction promotes erythroid
      differentiation under hypoxic conditions.
AB  - Hypoxia-inducible factor promotes erythropoiesis through coordinated cell type
      specific hypoxia responses. GATA1 is essential to normal erythropoiesis and plays
      a crucial role in erythroid differentiation. In this study, we show that hypoxia
      induced GATA1 expression is mediated by HIF1 in erythroid cells. Under hypoxic
      conditions, significantly increased GATA1 mRNA and protein levels were detected
      in K562 cells and erythroid induction cultures of CD34(+)  haematopoietic
      stem/progenitor cells. Enforced HIF1alpha expression increased GATA1 expression,
      while HIF1alpha knockdown by RNA interference decreased GATA1 expression. In
      silico analysis revealed one potential hypoxia response element (HRE). The
      results from reporter gene and mutation analysis suggested that this element is
      necessary for hypoxic response. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-PCR showed
      that the putative HRE was recognized and bound by HIF1 in vivo. These results
      demonstrate that the up-regulation of GATA1 during hypoxia is directly mediated
      by HIF1.The mRNA expression of some erythroid differentiation markers was
      increased under hypoxic conditions, but decreased with RNA interference of
      HIF1alpha or GATA1. Flow cytometry analysis also indicated that hypoxia,
      desferrioxamine or CoCl(2)  induced expression of erythroid surface markers CD71
      and CD235a, while expression repression of HIF1alpha or GATA1 by RNA interference
      led to a decreased expression of CD235a. These results suggested that HIF1
      mediated GATA1 up-regulation promotes erythropoiesis in order to satisfy the
      needs of an organism under hypoxic conditions.

PMID- 22050844
TI  - Postoperative glaucoma in the Labrador Retriever: incidence, risk factors, and
      visual outcome following routine phacoemulsification.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence and risk factors associated with development
      of postoperative glaucoma in the Labrador Retriever following routine
      phacoemulsification. METHODS: Medical records from Labradors and a randomly
      selected population of non-Labradors were retrospectively evaluated. Signalment,
      diabetic status, cataract stage, gonioscopic findings, presence of preoperative
      lens-induced uveitis, development of postoperative hypertension (POH),
      postoperative glaucoma and postoperative visual status were recorded for each
      patient. Survival curves were developed using the Cox proportional hazards model.
      RESULTS: Forty-two Labradors (66 eyes) and 199 non-Labradors (314 eyes) were
      included. The incidence of POH was significantly higher in Labradors (33%) than
      non-Labradors (18%). Labradors were at significantly increased risk of
      postoperative glaucoma and blindness compared to non-Labradors. Estimated
      probabilities of postoperative glaucoma in Labradors were 23%, 25%, 30% and 35%
      at weeks 4, 26, 52 and 104, respectively, compared with 5%, 6%, 7% and 9% at
      weeks 4, 26, 52 and 104, respectively, in non-Labradors. Estimated probabilities
      of postoperative blindness in Labradors were 5%, 9%, 15% and 27% at weeks 4, 26,
      52 and 104, respectively, compared with 2%, 3%, 5% and 10% at weeks 4, 26, 52 and
      104, respectively, in non-Labradors. Risk factors for the development of glaucoma
      in Labradors included increasing age and development of POH. No statistically
      significant risk factors for the development of glaucoma were identified in non
      Labradors. CONCLUSIONS: Labradors are at increased risk of glaucoma and blindness
      following phacoemulsification compared with non-Labradors. POH and increasing age
      represent risk factors for the development of postoperative glaucoma in
      Labradors.

PMID- 22050845
TI  - Role of Trpc channels, Stim1 and Orai1 in PGF(2alpha)-induced calcium signaling
      in NRK fibroblasts.
AB  - Normal rat kidney (NRK) fibroblasts exhibit growth-dependent changes in
      electrophysiological properties and intracellular calcium dynamics. The
      transition from a quiescent state to a density-arrested state results in altered
      calcium entry characteristics. This coincides with modulation of the expression
      of the genes encoding the calcium channels Trpc1, Trpc6 and Orai1, and of the
      intracellular calcium sensor Stim1. In the present study we have used gene
      selective short hairpin (sh) RNAs against these various genes to investigate
      their role in (a) capacitative store-operated calcium entry (SOCE); (b) non
      capacitative OAG-induced receptor-operated calcium entry (ROCE); and (c)
      prostaglandin F(2alpha) (PGF(2alpha))-induced Ca(2+)-oscillations in NRK
      fibroblasts. Intracellular calcium measurements revealed that knockdown of the
      genes encoding Trpc1, Orai1 and Stim1 each caused a significant reduction of SOCE
      in NRK cells, whereas knockdown of the gene encoding Trpc6 reduced only the OAG
      induced ROCE. Furthermore, our data show that knockdown of the genes encoding
      Trpc1, Orai1 and Stim1, but not Trpc6, substantially reduced the frequency (up to
      60%) of PGF(2alpha)-induced Ca(2+) oscillations in NRK cells. These results
      indicate that in NRK cells distinct calcium channels control the processes of
      SOCE, ROCE and PGF(2alpha)-induced Ca(2+) oscillations.

PMID- 22050846
TI  - General overview: biomarkers in neuroscience research.
AB  - Biomarkers are in demand for disease diagnosis, treatment response monitoring,
      and development of novel therapeutics. Biomarker discovery in neuroscience is
      challenging due to absence of robust molecular correlates and the interpatient
      heterogeneity that characterizes neuropsychiatric disorders. Because of the
      complexity of these disorders, a panel of biomarkers derived from different
      platforms will be required to precisely reflect disease-related alterations.
      Animal models of psychiatric phenotypes as well as -omics and imaging
      methodologies are important tools for biomarker discovery. However, the
      limitations of current research concerning sample handling and collection,
      candidate biomarker validation, and a lack of interdisciplinary approaches need
      to be addressed. Ultimately, the coordinated effort of relevant stakeholders
      including researchers, physicians, and funding organizations together with
      standardization initiatives will be vital to overcome the present challenges and
      to advance personalized health care using sensitive and specific biomarkers.

PMID- 22050847
TI  - Imaging brain microglial activation using positron emission tomography and
      translocator protein-specific radioligands.
AB  - Microglia are rapidly activated by a wide range of neuropathological insults.
      Quantifying microglial density in vivo would allow a new, potentially important
      range of clinic-pathological correlations. Microglia express the 18kDa
      translocator protein (TSPO) which can be quantified by the positron emission
      tomography (PET) ligand [(11)C]PK11195, although signal quantification is limited
      by nonspecific binding. New generation TSPO radioligands with an improved signal
      to-noise ratio are now available, but variation in their binding affinity for the
      TSPO between subjects complicates their use. This review describes the principles
      of PET imaging, the rationale and challenges in targeting the TSPO as means of
      quantifying microglial activation in vivo, and disease applications that have
      been studied with TSPO-PET hitherto.

PMID- 22050848
TI  - The utility of gene expression in blood cells for diagnosing neuropsychiatric
      disorders.
AB  - Objective diagnostic tools are required for neuropsychiatric disorders. Gene
      expression in blood cells may provide such a tool and has already been used to
      construct classifiers capable of diagnosing many human diseases. This chapter
      discusses the use of microarray gene expression data to construct diagnostic
      classifiers for neuropsychiatric disorders. The potential pitfalls of microarray
      gene expression analysis and the experimental design and methods suitable for
      classifier construction are described in detail. A review of studies that have
      analyzed gene expression in blood cells from patients with neuropsychiatric
      disorders is presented with an emphasis on the feasibility of generating a
      diagnostic classifier for schizophrenia. Finally, the future directions of the
      field are discussed with respect to using blood gene expression to tailor
      antipsychotic medications to individual patients, applying microRNA expression
      for diagnostic purposes, as well as the implications of next-generation
      sequencing technologies for gene expression analysis.

PMID- 22050849
TI  - Proteomic technologies for biomarker studies in psychiatry: advances and needs.
AB  - In the postgenome era, proteomics has arisen as a promising tool for more
      complete comprehension of diseases and for biomarker discovery. Some of these
      objectives have already been partly achieved for illnesses such as cancer. In the
      case of psychiatric conditions, however, proteomic advances have had a less
      profound impact. Here, we outline the necessity of improving and applying
      proteomic methods for biomarker discovery and validation in the field of
      psychiatric disorders. While proteomic-based applications in neurosciences have
      increased in accuracy and sensitivity over the past 10 years, the development of
      orthogonal validation technologies has fallen behind. These issues are discussed
      along with the importance of integrating systems biology approaches and combining
      proteomics with other research approaches. The future development of such
      technologies may put proteomics closer to clinical applications in psychiatry.

PMID- 22050850
TI  - Converging evidence of blood-based biomarkers for schizophrenia: an update.
AB  - This chapter has carried out a review of the literature and combined this with
      the results of in-house studies to identify candidate blood-based biomarkers for
      schizophrenia and antipsychotic drug response. Literature searches retrieved 185
      publications describing a total of 273 schizophrenia biomarkers identified in
      serum and/or plasma. Examination of seven in-house multicenter studies resulted
      in the identification of 137 serum/plasma biomarkers. Taken together, the
      findings suggested an ongoing immunological and inflammatory process in
      schizophrenia. This was accompanied by altered cortisol levels which suggested
      activated stress response and altered hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis
      function in these patients. The authors conclude that such biomarkers may prove
      useful as additional parameters for characterizing specific immune and/or
      metabolic or hormonal subsystems in schizophrenia and might, therefore,
      facilitate the development of future patient stratification and personalized
      medicine strategies.

PMID- 22050851
TI  - Abnormalities in metabolism and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function in
      schizophrenia.
AB  - For decades, evidence has been emerging that the pathogenesis of schizophrenia
      can involve perturbations in metabolic and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA)
      axis pathways. Variations in manifestation of these effects could be related to
      the differences in clinical symptoms between affected individuals as well as to
      differences in treatment response, including the finding that a high proportion
      of subjects fail to respond to current antipsychotic medications. Here, we review
      the evidence for abnormalities in metabolism and HPA axis regulation in
      schizophrenia. Such studies may prove critical for increasing our understanding
      of the multidimensional nature of psychiatric illnesses and for improving the
      timeliness and accuracy of diagnosis. Stratification of subjects according to
      molecular phenotype reflecting the disease state or trait could help to improve
      existing treatments through application of novel personalized medicine strategies
      and by the development of much-needed novel antipsychotic agents.

PMID- 22050852
TI  - Immune and neuroimmune alterations in mood disorders and schizophrenia.
AB  - A large number of publications over the past 20 years have indicated that immune
      system function is altered in schizophrenia and mood disorder patients. This
      chapter reviews the evidence, which suggests that a proinflammatory state of the
      cytokine network induces psychopathologic symptoms and may be involved in the
      pathogenesis and pathophysiology of these major mental illnesses. The authors
      also present recent data, which relates immune activation to present theories on
      the influence of activated immune cells in altering brain function. They also
      focus on the role of the environment in immune activation and on the role of the
      microbiome and gut flora. Increased understanding of such factors could help in
      the development of novel treatment strategies and improved clinical management of
      mental disorders.

PMID- 22050853
TI  - Behavioral and molecular biomarkers in translational animal models for
      neuropsychiatric disorders.
AB  - Modeling neuropsychiatric disorders in animals poses a significant challenge due
      to the subjective nature of diverse often overlapping symptoms, lack of objective
      biomarkers and diagnostics, and the rudimentary understanding of the
      pathophysiology. Successful translational research requires animal models that
      can inform about disease mechanisms and therapeutic targets. Here, we review
      behavioral and neurobiological findings from selected animal models, based on
      presumed etiology and risk factors, for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and
      major depressive disorder. We focus on the use of appropriate statistical tools
      and newly developed Research Domain Criteria (RDoC) to link biomarkers from
      animal models with the human disease. We argue that this approach will lead to
      development of only the most robust animal models for specific psychiatric
      disorders and may ultimately lead to better understanding of the pathophysiology
      and identification of novel biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

PMID- 22050854
TI  - Stem cell models for biomarker discovery in brain disease.
AB  - Most brain diseases arise from interactions between complex genetic and
      environmental risk factors. Finding biomarkers for brain diseases will require
      appropriate cellular models to identify dysregulated cell functions and disease
      associated biochemistries. Patient-derived stem cells hold great potential as
      models of brain diseases. Stem cells can proliferate and can be banked, stored,
      and thawed for genomic, proteomic, and functional studies. Patient-derived,
      induced pluripotent stem cells and adult stem cells from the olfactory organ in
      the nose are already giving novel insights into a number of brain diseases,
      including Parkinson's disease and schizophrenia. Biomarker discovery may be
      possible from investigating disease-associated cell biologies in patient-derived
      stem cells.

PMID- 22050855
TI  - The application of multiplexed assay systems for molecular diagnostics.
AB  - For decades, the diagnosis of schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders has
      relied on subjective assessments such as Diagnostic and Statistical Manual
      criteria. There is now increasing interest in the identification of altered
      molecular patterns in blood and other accessible body fluids that can be used to
      help identify, stratify, and monitor psychiatric patients. Since shorter periods
      of psychosis are associated with a better prognosis, an accurate molecular test
      may lead to early intervention and thereby improve patient outcomes. In addition,
      such a test would open up the possibility to stratify more accurately the disease
      and could represent a novel translational medicine tool, which is crucial for the
      discovery and development of more efficacious therapies.

PMID- 22050856
TI  - Algorithm development for diagnostic biomarker assays.
AB  - This chapter describes the ground-breaking development of a serum-based test to
      help confirm the diagnosis of schizophrenia. A multiplex panel of 51 immunoassays
      was developed that allowed reproducible identification of schizophrenia patients
      compared to controls with high sensitivity and specificity. Validation of this
      test consisted of developing a linear support vector machine decision rule and
      testing its performance using cross-validation. This resulted in readjustment of
      the panel and algorithm to a smaller set of 40 robust assays, along with a simple
      procedure for maintenance and recalibration across future measurement changes
      associated with different reagent lots. The resulting decision rule delivered a
      sensitive and specific prediction for presence of schizophrenia in subjects
      compared to matched controls, with a receiver operating characteristic area under
      the curve of 88%. Performance of the recalibrated decision rule remained constant
      across lot changes, ensuring consistency and accuracy.

PMID- 22050857
TI  - Challenges of introducing new biomarker products for neuropsychiatric disorders
      into the market.
AB  - There are many challenges associated with the discovery and development of serum
      based biomarkers for psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia. Here, we review
      these challenges from the point of view of psychiatrists, general practitioners,
      the regulatory agencies, and biomarker scientists. There is a general opinion in
      psychiatric medicine that improvements over the current subjective tests are
      essential. Despite this, there is a reluctance to accept that peripheral
      molecules can do the job any better. In addition, psychiatrists find it difficult
      to accept that peripheral molecules, such as those found in blood, can reflect
      what is happening in the brain. However, the regulatory health authorities now
      consider biomarkers as important for the future of drug development and have
      called for efforts to modernize methods, tools, and techniques for the purpose of
      developing more efficient and safer drugs. We also describe here the development
      of the first ever molecular blood test for schizophrenia, and its reception in
      the market place, as a case in point.

PMID- 22050858
TI  - Toward personalized medicine in the neuropsychiatric field.
AB  - There are great expectations for the personalized medicine approach to address
      the therapeutic needs of patients in the twenty-first century. Advances in human
      genome science and molecular innovations in neuroscience have encouraged the
      pharmaceutical industry to focus beyond broad spectrum population therapeutics-
      the driving force behind the "blockbuster" product concept--to personalized
      medicine. For central nervous system (CNS) therapeutics, repeated failures in
      converting scientific discoveries to clinical trial successes and regulatory
      approvals have precipitated a drug pipeline crisis and eroded confidence in the
      industry. This chapter describes how innovations in genomics and translational
      medicine can impact the future of neuropsychiatry and deconvolute the complexity
      of psychiatric diseases from symptoms biology. A targeted and consistent
      investment is needed to restore confidence in translating science into clinical
      success.

PMID- 22050859
TI  - Clinical utility of serum biomarkers for major psychiatric disorders.
AB  - There is a major unmet clinical need for molecular blood-based biomarkers in
      studies of major psychiatric disorders. Thus far, identification of such
      biomarkers has been sparse, most likely due to the fact that this is reliant on
      long-standing diagnostic concepts used in psychiatry, which are notoriously
      heterogeneous. Also, identification of biomarkers for a syndrome that has already
      been categorized based on clinical phenomenology is not useful in the clinic.
      This chapter describes the need for innovative approaches for identification of
      biomarkers which can been used to classify at-risk patients such as youngsters
      with prodromal symptoms for psychosis and existing patients who are likely to
      progress to more severe states. The authors argued for the use of broader
      categories of related patients and to deconstruct the traditional diagnoses in
      favor of molecular biomarker profiles.

PMID- 22050860
TI  - The future: biomarkers, biosensors, neuroinformatics, and e-neuropsychiatry.
AB  - The emergence of molecular biomarkers for psychological, psychiatric, and
      neurodegenerative disorders is beginning to change current diagnostic paradigms
      for this debilitating family of mental illnesses. The development of new genomic,
      proteomic, and metabolomic tools has created the prospect of sensitive and
      specific biochemical tests to replace traditional pen-and-paper questionnaires.
      In the future, the realization of biosensor technologies, point-of-care testing,
      and the fusion of clinical biomarker data, electroencephalogram, and MRI data
      with the patient's past medical history, biopatterns, and prognosis may create
      personalized bioprofiles or fingerprints for brain disorders. Further, the
      application of mobile communications technology and grid computing to support
      data-, computation- and knowledge-based tasks will assist disease prediction,
      diagnosis, prognosis, and compliance monitoring. It is anticipated that,
      ultimately, mobile devices could become the next generation of personalized
      pharmacies.

PMID- 22050861
TI  - Biomarkers of neurological and psychiatric disease. Preface.

PMID- 22050862
TI  - The impact of clinical data on the evaluation of tibial fracture healing.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Radiographic healing is a common outcome measure in orthopedic trials
      and adjudication by outcome assessors is often conducted on the basis of plain
      films alone. The degree to which this process reflects clinical practice, in
      which both plain films and clinical notes are available, is uncertain. We
      explored the effect of adding clinical notes to radiographs in the adjudication
      process of a feasibility trial of tibial shaft fractures. METHODS: Radiographic
      and clinical data from a multicenter randomized controlled trial of 51 patients
      with operatively treated tibial fractures formed the basis of the study data. At
      the completion of the trial, serial radiographs (anteroposterior and lateral)
      were independently evaluated for progression of fracture healing, defined as
      bridging of at least 3 of 4 cortices, by an adjudication committee comprised of 3
      blinded orthopaedic trauma surgeons. Immediately after determination of
      radiographic time to healing, each surgeon was provided with clinical notes
      associated with each radiographic follow up visit and asked to re-visit their
      initial impression. Consensus was achieved for both adjudications. We calculated
      the percentage of time to healing consensus decisions that changed after
      evaluation of clinical notes. We further examined the contents of clinical notes
      and their relative influence on the committee's decisions. RESULTS: 47 of 51
      patients were determined to have healed radiographically during the trial follow
      up period, and consideration of clinical notes resulted in a change of 40% (19 of
      47) of time to healing consensus decisions; however, revised decisions were
      equally likely to support an earlier or a later time to healing. Clinical notes
      that resulted in a change to either a 'healed' or a 'not healed' decision
      contained significantly more comments of either pain resolution or deterioration,
      respectively, resumption of or failure to resume weightbearing, or either return
      or no return to work/pre-injury activities (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The addition
      of clinical notes to the adjudication of radiographic fracture healing changed
      the outcome decision in a substantial number of cases. Orthopedic trialists
      should consider the addition of clinical notes to adjudication material in
      studies of fracture healing in order to enhance the generalizability of their
      results. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The TRUST trial was registered [ID NCT00667849] at
      http://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00667849.

PMID- 22050865
TI  - Applied Radiation and Isotopes. Preface.

PMID- 22050864
TI  - Blastocyst-stage versus cleavage-stage embryo transfer in women with high
      oestradiol concentrations: randomized controlled trial.
AB  - This prospective, randomized, controlled trial tested the hypothesis that
      delaying embryo transfer to the blastocyst stage can increase the probability of
      clinical pregnancy and live birth in women with high oestradiol concentrations on
      the day of human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG) undergoing intracytoplasmic sperm
      injection using the long protocol. A total of 200 women with oestradiol >3000
      pg/ml on the HCG day with four or more good-quality, day-3 embryos were
      randomized in a 1:1 ratio to undergo day-3 or day-5 embryo transfer. Clinical
      pregnancy rates (CPR; 41% versus 59%; relative risk 0.70, 95% CI 0.52-0.93) and
      ongoing pregnancy/live-birth rates (35% versus 52%; relative risk 0.67, 95% CI
      0.46-0.93) were lower in women undergoing cleavage-stage than blastocyst-stage
      embryo transfer. Using receiver operating characteristic curves, among women
      undergoing cleavage-stage embryo transfer, a detrimental cut-off value for not
      achieving pregnancy for oestradiol was 4200 pg/ml, with lower CPR and ongoing
      pregnancy/live-birth rates (P = 0.006 and 0.02, respectively). No detrimental cut
      off value for oestradiol was identified among women undergoing blastocyst-stage
      embryo transfer. Delaying embryo transfer to the blastocyst stage can increase
      the probability of pregnancy in women with high oestradiol on the HCG day

PMID- 22050863
TI  - Early identification of and proactive palliative care for patients in general
      practice, incentive and methods of a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: According to the Word Health Organization, patients who can benefit
      from palliative care should be identified earlier to enable proactive palliative
      care. Up to now, this is not common practice and has hardly been addressed in
      scientific literature. Still, palliative care is limited to the terminal phase
      and restricted to patients with cancer. Therefore, we trained general
      practitioners (GPs) in identifying palliative patients in an earlier phase of
      their disease trajectory and in delivering structured proactive palliative care.
      The aim of our study is to determine if this training, in combination with
      consulting an expert in palliative care regarding each palliative patient's
      tailored care plan, can improve different aspects of the quality of the remaining
      life of patients with severe chronic diseases such as chronic obstructive
      pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure and cancer. METHODS/DESIGN: A two
      armed randomized controlled trial was performed. As outcome variables we studied:
      place of death, number of hospital admissions and number of GP out of hours
      contacts. DISCUSSION: We expect that this study will increase the number of
      identified palliative care patients and improve different aspects of quality of
      palliative care. This is of importance to improve palliative care for patients
      with COPD, CHF and cancer and their informal caregivers, and to empower the GP.
      The study protocol is described and possible strengths and weaknesses and
      possible consequences have been outlined. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The Netherlands
      National Trial Register: NTR2815.

PMID- 22050866
TI  - Conjunctivitis and ulcerative keratitis secondary to conjunctival plant foreign
      bodies in a herd of alpacas (Lama Pacos).
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe six cases of conjunctivitis and ulcerative keratitis
      secondary to plant foreign bodies from weed-contaminated grass hay which were
      lodged within the temporal conjunctival fornix in a herd of alpacas. METHODS: A
      total of 21 alpacas from the same farm developed blepharospasm and mucopurulent
      ocular discharge. Six of the 21 were evaluated at the University of Tennessee
      College of Veterinary Medicine within a 2-week period. The six animals evaluated
      received an ophthalmic examination including slit-lamp biomicroscopy, fluorescein
      staining, and topical corneal anesthesia for foreign body removal when necessary.
      RESULTS: Six animals had conjunctivitis characterized by hyperemia and
      mucopurulent discharge. Five animals had superficial ulcerative keratitis with
      intense corneal neovascularization and edema. In all cases, the keratitis was
      located at the temporal limbus. Seven plant foreign bodies were observed and were
      removed following topical corneal anesthesia in five animals. The plant seeds
      were identified as three common weed species found in orchard grass hay. Complete
      resolution of all clinical signs was achieved with foreign body removal and
      medical therapy. CONCLUSIONS: Fan-shaped temporal corneal ulcers may signify the
      presence of conjunctival foreign bodies in alpacas. Plant foreign bodies should
      be considered in addition to ocular infection when multiple animals of a herd are
      affected as outbreaks may occur with weed-contaminated hay.

PMID- 22050867
TI  - Vivax malaria in Mauritania includes infection of a Duffy-negative individual.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Duffy blood group polymorphisms are important in areas where
      Plasmodium vivax is present because this surface antigen is thought to act as a
      key receptor for this parasite. In the present study, Duffy blood group
      genotyping was performed in febrile uninfected and P. vivax-infected patients
      living in the city of Nouakchott, Mauritania. METHODS: Plasmodium vivax was
      identified by real-time PCR. The Duffy blood group genotypes were determined by
      standard PCR followed by sequencing of the promoter region and exon 2 of the
      Duffy gene in 277 febrile individuals. Fisher's exact test was performed in order
      to assess the significance of variables. RESULTS: In the Moorish population, a
      high frequency of the FYBES/FYBES genotype was observed in uninfected individuals
      (27.8%), whereas no P. vivax-infected patient had this genotype. This was
      followed by a high level of FYA/FYB, FYB/FYB, FYB/FYBES and FYA/FYBES genotype
      frequencies, both in the P. vivax-infected and uninfected patients. In other
      ethnic groups (Poular, Soninke, Wolof), only the FYBES/FYBES genotype was found
      in uninfected patients, whereas the FYA/FYBES genotype was observed in two P.
      vivax-infected patients. In addition, one patient belonging to the Wolof ethnic
      group presented the FYBES/FYBES genotype and was infected by P. vivax.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study presents the Duffy blood group polymorphisms in
      Nouakchott City and demonstrates that in Mauritania, P. vivax is able to infect
      Duffy-negative patients. Further studies are necessary to identify the process
      that enables this Duffy-independent P. vivax invasion of human red blood cells.

PMID- 22050868
TI  - Extended spectrum of human glucose-6-phosphatase catalytic subunit 3 deficiency:
      novel genotypes and phenotypic variability in severe congenital neutropenia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To delineate the phenotypic and molecular spectrum of patients with a
      syndromic variant of severe congenital neutropenia (SCN) due to mutations in the
      gene encoding glucose-6-phosphatase catalytic subunit 3 (G6PC3). STUDY DESIGN:
      Patients with syndromic SCN were characterized for associated malformations and
      referred to us for G6PC3 mutational analysis. RESULTS: In a cohort of 31 patients
      with syndromic SCN, we identified 16 patients with G6PC3 deficiency including 11
      patients with novel biallelic mutations. We show that nonhematologic features of
      G6PC3 deficiency are good predictive indicators for mutations in G6PC3.
      Additionally, we demonstrate genetic variability in this disease and define novel
      features such as growth hormone deficiency, genital malformations, disrupted bone
      remodeling, and abnormalities of the integument. G6PC3 mutations may be
      associated with hydronephrosis or facial dysmorphism. The risk of transition to
      myelodysplastic syndrome/acute myeloid leukemia may be lower than in other
      genetically defined SCN subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: The phenotypic and molecular
      spectrum in G6PC3 deficiency is wider than previously appreciated. The risk of
      transition to myelodysplastic syndrome or acute myeloid leukemia may be lower in
      G6PC3 deficiency compared with other subgroups of SCN.

PMID- 22050869
TI  - Comparative effectiveness of different types of splenectomy for children with
      congenital hemolytic anemias.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness of different types of splenectomy in
      children with congenital hemolytic anemias. STUDY DESIGN: We constructed key
      questions that addressed outcomes relevant to clinicians and families on effects
      of partial or total splenectomy, including hematologic effect, splenic function,
      and the risk of adverse events. We identified from Pubmed and Embase 703 studies
      that evaluated different types of splenectomy and accepted 93 studies that
      satisfied entry criteria. We graded the quality of each report and summarized the
      overall strength of research evidence for each key question. RESULTS: We did not
      identify any randomized clinical trials. All types of splenectomy have favorable
      clinical outcomes in most diseases. We did not identify any hematologic advantage
      of laparoscopy compared with laparotomy. Adverse events are uncommon in most
      studies and are minimized with use of laparoscopy. CONCLUSIONS: There is a need
      for randomized clinical trials and improved data collection of different types of
      splenectomy in congenital hemolytic anemias. Outcomes studied should address the
      concerns of families and clinicians to assess the risks and benefits of various
      treatments.

PMID- 22050870
TI  - Pharmacokinetics of intravenous lorazepam in pediatric patients with and without
      status epilepticus.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the single dose pharmacokinetics of an intravenous dose of
      lorazepam in pediatric patients treated for status epilepticus (SE) or with a
      history of SE. STUDY DESIGN: Ten hospitals in the Pediatric Emergency Care
      Applied Research Network enlisted patients 3 months to 17 years with convulsive
      SE (status cohort) or for a traditional pharmacokinetics study (elective cohort).
      Sparse sampling was used for the status cohort, and intensive sampling was used
      for the elective cohort. Non-compartmental analyses were performed on the
      elective cohort, and served to nest compartmental population pharmacokinetics
      analysis for both cohorts. RESULTS: A total of 48 patients in the status cohort
      and 15 patients in the elective cohort were enrolled. Median age was 7 years, 2
      months. The population pharmacokinetics parameters were: clearance, 1.2
      mL/min/kg; half-life, 16.8 hours; and volume of distribution, 1.5 L/kg. On the
      basis of the pharmacokinetics model, a 0.1 mg/kg dose is expected to achieve
      concentrations of approximately 100 ng/mL and maintain concentrations >30 to 50
      ng/mL for 6 to 12 hours. A second dose of 0.05 mg/kg would achieve desired
      therapeutic serum levels for approximately 12 hours without excessive sedation.
      Age-dependent dosing is not necessary beyond using a maximum initial dose of 4
      mg. CONCLUSIONS: Lorazepam pharmacokinetics in convulsive SE is similar to
      earlier pharmacokinetics measured in pediatric patients with cancer, except for
      longer half-life, and similar to adult pharmacokinetics parameters except for
      increased clearance.

PMID- 22050872
TI  - Should cardiac involvement be included in the criteria for diagnosis of Churg
      Strauss syndrome?

PMID- 22050873
TI  - Hyperventilation during exercise in very low birth weight school-age children may
      implicate inspiratory muscle weakness.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To study the ventilatory response during exercise in 8- to 10-year
      old children born in 1998 to 2000 with a birthweight <1500 g (very low
      birthweight [VLBW]). STUDY DESIGN: We studied 19 VLBW children and 20 full-term
      children paired for age and sex. A physical activity questionnaire was
      administered. Lean body mass, spirometry, and maximal inspiratory pressure were
      assessed at rest. Gas exchange, breathing pattern, and the tension-time index of
      the inspiratory muscles, a noninvasive indicator of inspiratory muscle effort,
      were evaluated during a continuous incremental cycling protocol. RESULTS: VLBW
      children had lower weight, height, lean body mass, and maximal inspiratory
      pressure than control subjects. Their physical activity level was not different.
      During exercise, they had a higher respiratory rate and minute ventilation for
      the same metabolic level (VCO(2)/kg) and a higher tension-time index of the
      inspiratory muscles for the same exercise level (percentage of maximal oxygen
      consumption). CONCLUSIONS: The lower inspiratory muscle strength observed in
      school-age VLBW children resulted in a higher inspiratory effort during
      incremental exercise. The rapid but not shallow breathing pattern adopted by this
      population during exercise may have been in response to their lower inspiratory
      muscle resistance to fatigue. VLBW children complaining of dyspnea should be
      investigated with exercise testing.

PMID- 22050874
TI  - Use of targeted neonatal echocardiography to prevent postoperative
      cardiorespiratory instability after patent ductus arteriosus ligation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the value of targeted neonatal echocardiography
      (TnECHO) in predicting cardiorespiratory instability after patent ductus
      arteriosus (PDA) ligation, and to evaluate the impact of TnECHO-directed care.
      STUDY DESIGN: We reviewed serial echocardiography evaluations of 62 preterm
      infants after PDA ligation to investigate the relationship between indices of
      myocardial performance and postoperative cardiorespiratory instability. A
      predictive model was developed based on TnECHO criteria, with targeted initiation
      of intravenous milrinone. A comparative evaluation was performed between matched
      infants in the previous era (epoch 1; n=25) and current era (epoch 2; n=27) of
      TnECHO-guided treatment. RESULTS: Left ventricular output <200 mL/kg/min at 1
      hour after PDA ligation was a sensitive predictor of systemic hypotension and the
      need for inotropes, and was used for initiation of i.v. milrinone infusion in
      epoch 2. Infants treated with milrinone had a lower incidence of ventilation
      failure (15% vs 48%; P=.02) and less need for inotropes (19% vs 56%; P=.01), and
      showed a trend toward improved oxygenation (P=.08). CONCLUSION: TnECHO
      facilitates early detection of infants at greatest risk for subsequent
      cardiorespiratory deterioration. Administration of milrinone to neonates with low
      cardiac output may lead to improved postoperative stability.

PMID- 22050871
TI  - Evolution of encephalopathy during whole body hypothermia for neonatal hypoxic
      ischemic encephalopathy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the predictive ability of stage of hypoxic-ischemic
      encephalopathy (HIE) for death or moderate/severe disability at 18 months among
      neonates undergoing hypothermia. STUDY DESIGN: Stage of encephalopathy was
      evaluated at <6 hours of age, during study intervention, and at discharge among
      204 participants in the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development
      Neonatal Research Network Trial of whole body hypothermia for HIE. HIE was
      examined as a predictor of outcome by regression models. RESULTS: Moderate and
      severe HIE occurred at <6 hours of age among 68% and 32% of 101 hypothermia group
      infants and 60% and 40% of 103 control group infants, respectively. At 24 and 48
      hours of study intervention, infants in the hypothermia group had less severe HIE
      than infants in the control group. Persistence of severe HIE at 72 hours
      increased the risk of death or disability after controlling for treatment group.
      The discharge exam improved the predictive value of stage of HIE at <6 hours for
      death/disability. CONCLUSIONS: On serial neurologic examinations, improvement in
      stage of HIE was associated with cooling. Persistence of severe HIE at 72 hours
      and an abnormal neurologic exam at discharge were associated with a greater risk
      of death or disability.

PMID- 22050875
TI  - Upper airway complications of junctional epidermolysis bullosa.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the incidence of upper airway pathology in patients with
      junctional epidermolysis bullosa (JEB). STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a
      retrospective chart review of all patients with JEB who came to an
      interdisciplinary epidermolysis bullosa center at a tertiary care institution
      between 2004 and 2010. RESULTS: Twenty-five patients with JEB were identified,
      and 12 patients were seen in the otolaryngology clinic (age range, 2 months-15
      years; 8 male, 4 female). Of the 12 patients, 8 underwent rigid laryngoscopy and
      bronchoscopy for upper respiratory tract symptoms; 7 of these patients displayed
      laryngeal pathology, and 5 of them underwent surgical intervention with
      successful resolution of symptoms. Furthermore, none of these patients had any
      short- or long-term complications from their surgery. A strict protocol and a
      precise problem-focused cold surgical technique were used in these cases to
      protect skin and mucus membranes. CONCLUSION: With appropriate precautions,
      endoscopic laryngeal surgery can be safe and effective in patients with JEB and
      larygnotracheal disease. Endoscopic laryngeal surgery is feasible when indicated
      for these patients.

PMID- 22050876
TI  - The pathogenesis and management of the coagulopathy of acute promyelocytic
      leukaemia.
AB  - Coagulopathy occurs in most patients with (APML) and is life-threatening;
      therefore prompt diagnosis and recognition of any coagulation defect is
      imperative. Unfortunately haemorrhage remains a major cause of early death,
      preventing some from reaching treatment. The coagulopathy is caused directly or
      indirectly by the leukaemic cells through expression of activators of coagulation
      and fibrinolysis, proteases and cytokine generation, compounded by failure of
      platelet production due to marrow invasion. At presentation the predominant
      feature is usually hyperfibrinolysis. Since the introduction of all-trans
      retinoic acid (ATRA), patient outcome has dramatically improved; yet,
      haemorrhagic complications remain the most frequent cause of mortality.
      Thrombotic complications occur but are less well recognized and potentially
      underreported. Supportive measures and prompt initiation of ATRA currently
      represent the mainstay of treatment of the coagulopathy in patients with
      suspected APML, but unanswered questions remain as to the optimal approach to
      further decrease the associated haemorrhagic and thrombotic risks. In particular,
      it is unclear how to best predict and monitor the coagulopathy; whether there is
      a role for the early use of antifibrinolytics; the most appropriate trigger for
      giving fibrinogen replacement and the value of low-dose anticoagulation to
      suppress coagulation activation once fibrinolysis has been suppressed.

PMID- 22050877
TI  - Limits of infrainguinal bypass surgery for critical leg ischemia in high-risk
      patients (Finnvasc score 3-4).
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study was to compare the early- and midterm
      outcomes after infrainguinal bypass surgery in the treatment of low- and high
      risk patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) (Finnvasc score 0-2 and 3-4,
      respectively), and to evaluate limits of infrainguinal bypass surgery in
      treatment of the latter group. METHODS: Two hundred seventy-four infrainguinal
      bypass procedures performed in 218 patients were retrospectively reviewed. The
      Finnvasc score (range: 0-4) was calculated by assigning one point to each of four
      preoperative risk factors, that is, coronary artery disease, diabetes, urgency of
      the procedure, and gangrene. Major outcome end points were survival, limb
      salvage, and amputation-free survival. RESULTS: Among 274 infrainguinal bypass
      procedures performed for CLI, 92 procedures (33.6%) were performed in patients
      with Finnvasc score 3-4. They had significantly lower leg salvage (at 3-year
      follow-up, 53.7 vs. 70.6%; log-rank: p = 0.004), survival (at 3-year follow-up,
      49.7 vs. 69.7%; log-rank: p < 0.0001), and amputation-free survival (at 3-year
      follow-up, 27.7 vs. 53.1%; log-rank: p < 0.0001) compared with patients with
      Finnvasc score 0-2. Patients with Finnvasc score 3-4 and a preoperative serum
      creatinine level of >150 MUmol/L had 1-year amputation-free survival of 12.5%,
      whereas patients with lower level of creatinine had 1-year amputation-free
      survival of 53.1% (p = 0.028). CONCLUSIONS: Infrainguinal bypass
      revascularization in CLI patients who present with Finnvasc score 3-4 can be
      considered at higher risk of poor intermediate outcome in terms of survival, leg
      salvage, and amputation-free survival. Poor outcome is particularly expected in
      patients with Finnvasc score 3-4 and renal failure. In this subgroup of patients,
      primary amputation should be considered.

PMID- 22050878
TI  - Femorofemoral bypass as an alternative to a direct aortic approach in daily
      practice: appraisal of its current indications and midterm results.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To assess our current practice concerning the indications and the
      immediate and midterm results of femorofemoral bypass. METHODS: We
      retrospectively included all patients, from 1997 to 2008, operated on for
      aortoiliac occlusive disease using an extra-anatomical bypass from a donor iliac
      artery or a femoral artery to the contralateral femoral artery (common or
      profunda artery). Demographic data, initial clinical status, characteristics of
      the interventions, and short- and midterm results were collected. Elective
      surgery was distinguished from urgent surgery (critical limb ischemia, acute
      ischemia, vascular infection). RESULTS: One hundred twenty-four femorofemoral
      bypasses were performed (103 male), mean age 68 (+/-12) years. Indications were
      critical limb ischemia (47.1%), intermittent claudication (38.8%), acute ischemia
      (12.1%), and vascular infections (1.7%). Perioperative outcomes were 5.6%
      mortality (elective surgery 0.0%, urgent surgery 9.7%, P = 0.02) and 27.4%
      morbidity without any secondary graft infections (elective surgery 22.5%, urgent
      surgery 31.9%, P = 0.17). Mean follow-up period was 3 years, and overall survival
      was 69.4% (elective surgery 88.7%, urgent surgery 56.7%, P = 0.08). At 3 years,
      primary patency was 81.8% and secondary patency was 89.3% (elective surgery
      96.4%, urgent surgery 84.2%, P = 0.68). No significant risk factors for immediate
      and secondary thromboses were found. CONCLUSION: In our current practice,
      femorofemoral bypasses are applied mainly for urgent procedures when avoiding a
      direct aortic approach is mandatory, with good midterm results. Although
      indications are limited for good-fit patients, femorofemoral bypass has confirmed
      safety (no perioperative deaths, no infections) and high durability (good
      secondary patency).

PMID- 22050879
TI  - Early protection and compression of residual limbs may improve and accelerate
      prosthetic fit: a preliminary study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The goal of rehabilitation following lower extremity amputation is to
      restore the highest level of independent function. As much as possible, this
      includes the functional use of a prosthetic device fitted to the residual limb.
      Early prosthetic fit depends, in turn, on rapid healing of the amputation site.
      METHODS: We hypothesized that compliance with a novel custom-designed amputation
      protection and compression system (CAPCS) to the residual limb can accelerate and
      improve the likelihood of successful prosthesis use. We conducted a retrospective
      study of all patients who were offered CAPCS by certified prosthetists (Hanger
      Prosthetics and Orthotics, Bethesda, MD) during the period between April 2004 and
      November 2009. Variables included age, sex, indication for amputation, and
      compliance with CAPCS. Compliance was defined as consistent observed wearing of
      the CAPCS as directed. The primary end point was the fitting of a prosthetic
      device to the amputated limb, with time to prosthetic fit being the secondary
      outcome. RESULTS: Out of 100 patients who were offered CAPCS (n = 100) during the
      study period, 76% were considered compliant (n = 76). Sixty five patients (65%)
      were ultimately fitted with prosthetic limbs. In multivariate analysis, we found
      that patients who had compliant use of CAPCS were significantly more likely to be
      successfully fit with prosthesis (72 vs. 42%, p = 0.005). At 100 days post
      amputation, the cumulative incidence of prosthesis fitting was significantly
      higher in CAPCS compliant patients (69.7 vs. 22.2%, p = 0.012). CONCLUSIONS:
      Compliant use of a CAPCS following amputation is associated with earlier and more
      frequent use of a prosthetic. Based on this limited data set, a conclusion can be
      drawn that the potential exists to significantly improve functional outcomes
      after amputation, but well-designed prospective studies are needed to confirm
      this association.

PMID- 22050880
TI  - Magnetic resonance imaging reveals edema-like changes not only subcutaneously,
      but also in muscle tissue after femoropopliteal bypass surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The pathophysiological mechanisms that induce postrevascularization
      edema after femoropopliteal bypass surgery are not completely understood.
      Reperfusion-associated injury to revascularized tissue and damage to lymphatic
      structures are both likely to play a role. Aim of this study was to study edema
      formation after peripheral bypass surgery with magnetic resonance imaging.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Nine patients suffering from severe peripheral arterial
      occlusive disease were subjected to magnetic resonance imaging scans before and 1
      week after autologous femoropopliteal or femorocrural bypass surgery. RESULTS: A
      12% increase in volume of the upper legs and an 11% increase in volume of the
      lower legs were measured in patients postoperatively. The increase of volume was
      largely due to expansion of the subcutaneous compartments: a 35% increase in the
      upper legs and a 41% increase in the lower legs. Edema in the upper legs was
      predominantly located medially at the site of the surgical wound. In contrast,
      edema in the lower legs was homogenously distributed around the entire leg
      circumference. The muscle compartment showed no significant change of volume.
      However, in the majority of patients, edema-like changes were seen in selected
      muscles as well after a peripheral bypass reconstruction. CONCLUSION: Swelling of
      the subcutaneous compartments is mainly responsible for the volume increases in
      upper and lower legs similar to lymphatic edema. In addition, in a majority of
      patients, edema-like changes in selected muscles were seen especially in the
      upper legs. Reperfusion-associated injury as a cause of these changes cannot be
      ruled out.

PMID- 22050881
TI  - Lower-limb ischemia in the young patient: management strategies in an
      endovascular era.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this paper is to review the potential role of endovascular
      interventions for young patients with lower-limb ischaemia. METHODS: A literature
      search was performed of PubMed and Medline databases using appropriate search
      terms and limits. Case reports, retrospective studies, and prospective studies
      evaluating treatment of lower-limb ischemia in patients aged <50 years were
      scrutinized. Articles published between 1966 and 2010 were included in this
      review. RESULTS: Premature atherosclerosis is likely to represent the commonest
      cause of lower-limb ischemia in patients aged <50 years, although the incidence
      of nonatherosclerotic causes such as popliteal entrapment syndrome, cystic
      adventitial disease, and arteritis in these patients is greater than in older
      patients. As with older patients, endovascular interventions may be beneficial
      for patients with symptoms secondary to atherosclerosis. At present, the
      perceived durability of open surgery may be more preferable to patients aged <50
      years, but the development of new endovascular technology is challenging this
      view. Endovascular interventions such as catheter-directed thrombolysis have
      specific roles in the treatment of lower-limb ischemia due to nonatherosclerotic
      causes. CONCLUSION: The use of angioplasty and stenting procedures to treat young
      patients with lower-limb ischemia is increasing and has specific roles. However,
      many developmental causes and nonatherosclerotic conditions still require primary
      surgical correction.

PMID- 22050882
TI  - Funnel technique for EVAR: "a way out" for abdominal aortic aneurysms with
      ectatic proximal necks.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To describe an endovascular technique for proximal stent-graft
      fixation in patients with an abdominal aortic aneurysm and an ectatic aortic
      neck. METHODS: We describe a method in which using currently available devices in
      a hybrid assembly offers another option for circumventing the limitations of
      problematic proximal fixation. CONCLUSIONS: Through four examples, we illustrate
      the feasibility of placing a straight endograft as proximal extension of a
      bifurcated or aorto-uni-iliac graft in patients with a dilated proximal aortic
      neck. It appears secure and effective, with no type I endoleak or migration over
      a midterm follow-up.

PMID- 22050883
TI  - Endovascular treatment for acute aortic syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The term "acute aortic syndrome" (AAS) includes conditions of high
      mortality, such as ruptured aneurysm, pseudoaneurysm and, aortic dissection. Open
      surgery for these cases has demonstrated unsatisfactory results, and endovascular
      treatment has become an excellent alternative. METHODS: We performed a
      retrospective review of patients with AAS who underwent endovascular treatment in
      our emergency department from July 2009 to February 2011. They represent 64% (16
      of 25) of all patients with AAS seen during this period. RESULTS: Sixteen
      patients underwent endovascular treatment: eight ruptured aneurysms, six aortic
      dissections, one nonruptured painful aneurysm, and one pseudoaneurysm. No
      intramural hematoma or penetrating atherosclerotic ulcer was found. The mean age
      was 64.3 years, and arterial hypertension (100%) and smoking (64.7%) were the
      major comorbidities. Technical success rate was 93%, and overall 30-day mortality
      was 6.25%. CONCLUSION: Endovascular treatment for AAS was feasible. Technical
      success, 30-day mortality, hospital stay, and procedure time were similar to
      those of the other series reported in the literature, and the endovascular
      approach has became the main technique for AAS in our hospital.

PMID- 22050884
TI  - Surgical treatment of renal artery compression by diaphragmatic crus.
AB  - Symptomatic compression of the renal artery by the diaphragmatic crus is a rare
      disorder. To our knowledge, renal artery compression by the diaphragmatic crus
      complicated with poststenosis aneurysm has not been reported. We present the case
      of a 28-year-old man with refractory hypertension. Extrinsic compression of the
      bilateral renal arteries and celiac artery and the aneurysm were proven by
      surgical exploration. We successfully performed left renal artery
      revascularization and renal autotransplantation in situ. Normal perfusion of the
      two bypass graft vessels was proven by computed tomography angiography.

PMID- 22050885
TI  - Early protein malnutrition disrupts cerebellar development and impairs motor
      coordination.
AB  - Maternal malnutrition affects every aspect of fetal development. The present
      study asked the question whether a low-protein diet of the mother could result in
      motor deficits in the offspring. Further, to examine whether cerebellar pathology
      was correlated with motor deficits, several parameters of the postnatal
      development of the cerebellum were assayed. This is especially important because
      the development of the cerebellum is unique in that the time scale of development
      is protracted compared with that of the cortex or hippocampus. The most important
      result of the study is that animals born to protein-deficient mothers showed
      significant delays in motor development as assessed by rotarod and gait analysis.
      These animals also showed reduced cell proliferation and reduced thickness in the
      external granular layer. There was a reduction in the number of calbindin
      positive Purkinje cells (PC) and granular cells in the internal granular layer.
      However, glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive population including Bergmann
      glia remained unaffected. We therefore conclude that the development of the
      granular cell layer and the PC is specifically prone to the effects of protein
      malnutrition potentially due to their protracted developmental period from
      approximately embryonic day 11 to 13 until about the third postnatal week.

PMID- 22050886
TI  - Adamantane-platinum conjugate hosted in beta-cyclodextrin: enhancing transport
      and cytotoxicity by noncovalent modification.
AB  - This work reports the synthesis of a complex of a carboplatin analog having
      tethered adamantane that is encapsulated in the hydrophobic cavity of beta
      cyclodextrin (betaCD) and its cytotoxic activity towards human neuroblastoma
      cells (SK-N-SH). We found that this inclusion complex of betaCD adamantane
      carboplatin analog exhibited higher cytotoxicity towards SK-N-SH cells than
      carboplatin itself, and the inclusion complex exhibited a higher binding to
      plasmid pBR322 deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) than carboplatin. Confocal
      fluorescence images of SK-N-SH cells treated with betaCD having an attached
      fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-tag exhibited fluorescence in the vicinity of
      the nuclei of the neuroblastoma cells. Direct measurements of the platinum
      content in SK-N-SH cells using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP
      MS) indicated that the uptake rate of carboplatin was about 4 times higher than
      betaCD adamantane carboplatin analog inclusion complex. When compared to
      carboplatin, we believe that the higher cytotoxicity of inclusion complex towards
      SK-N-SH cells is due to its higher DNA binding ability as compared to
      carboplatin, and more efficient delivery to the nucleus of the cell. This work
      suggests that the advantage of deliberate noncovalent modification with betaCD
      through host-guest chemistry may also be broadly applicable to other anticancer
      agents as well.

PMID- 22050887
TI  - PET imaging using 64Cu-labeled sulfophthalocyanines: synthesis and
      biodistribution.
AB  - Sulfonated metallo phthalocyanines (MPcS(n)) are second generation
      photosensitizers advanced for photodynamic therapy of various medical
      applications. A series of ZnPcS(n) was demetallated and subsequently converted to
      the corresponding [(64)Cu]CuPcS(n) in 40-50% isolated yields and >98%
      radiochemical purities. Tumor-bearing mice were injected with the (64)Cu-labeled
      products and subjected to 3-h dynamic PET imaging studies. Biodistribution
      patterns showed characteristic differences between the various derivatives. Tumor
      uptake was detected only for the amphiphilic derivatives [(64)Cu]CuPcS(2) and
      [(64)Cu]CuPcS(3)C(6) (1-1.5%ID/g). The biological data suggest that PET imaging
      with [(64)Cu]CuPc can be used to establish structure-PDT efficacy relationships
      for Pc-based photosensitizers.

PMID- 22050888
TI  - beta-PNA: peptide nucleic acid (PNA) with a chiral center at the beta-position of
      the PNA backbone.
AB  - Peptide nucleic acid (PNA) monomers with a methyl group at the beta-position have
      been synthesized. The modified monomers were incorporated into PNA oligomers
      using Fmoc chemistry for solid-phase synthesis. Thermal denaturation and circular
      dichroism (CD) studies have shown that PNA containing the S-form monomers was
      well suited to form a hybrid duplex with DNA, whose stability was comparable to
      that of unmodified PNA-DNA duplex, whereas PNA containing the R-form monomers was
      not.

PMID- 22050889
TI  - Tumor bombesin analog loaded long-circulating and pH-sensitive liposomes as tool
      for tumor identification.
AB  - Long-circulating and pH-sensitive liposomes trapping (99m)Tc-HYNIC-betaAla
      bombesin((7-14)) (aSpHL-(99m)Tc-BBN((7-14))) were successfully prepared.
      Biodistribution studies and scintigraphic images were performed in Ehrlich tumor
      bearing Swiss mice. This system showed high accumulation in tumor tissue with
      high tumor-to-muscle ratio. Therefore, aSpHL-(99m)Tc-BBN((7-14)) could be
      considered as a potential agent for tumor diagnosis.

PMID- 22050890
TI  - [Diagnosis and therapy of cutaneous and mucocutaneous Leishmaniasis in Germany].
AB  - The incidence of cutaneous and mucocutaneous Leishmaniasis (CL/MCL) is increasing
      globally, also in Germany, although the cases are imported and still low in
      number. The current evidence for the different therapies has many limitations due
      to lack of sufficient studies on the different Leishmania species with differing
      virulence. So far there is no international gold standard for the optimal
      management. The aim of the German joint working group on Leishmaniasis, formed by
      the societies of Tropical Medicine (DTG), Chemotherapy (PEG) and Dermatology
      (DDG), was to establish a guideline for the diagnosis and treatment of CL and MCL
      in Germany, based on evidence (Medline search yielded 400 articles) and, where
      lacking, on consensus of the experts. As the clinical features do not necessarily
      reflect the involved Leishmania species and, as different parasite species and
      even geographically distinct strains of the same species may require different
      treatments or varying dosages or durations of therapy, the guidelines suggest for
      Germany to identify the underlying parasite prior to treatment. Because of
      relevant differences in prognosis and ensuing therapy species should be
      identified in i) New World CL/MCL (NWCL/ MCL) to distinguish between L. mexicana
      complex and subgenus Viannia, ii) in suspected infections with L. mexicana
      complex to distinguish from L. amazonensis, and iii) in Old World CL (OWCL) to
      distinguish between L. infantum and L. major, L. tropica, or L. aethiopica. A
      state-of-the-art diagnostic algorithm is presented. For recommendations on
      localized and systemic drug treatment and physical procedures, data from the
      accessible literature were adjusted according to the involved parasite species
      and a clinical differentiation into uncomplicated or complex lesions. Systemic
      therapy was strictly recommended for i) complex lesions (e. g. > 3 infected
      lesions, infections in functionally or cosmetically critical areas such as face
      or hands, presence of lymphangitis), ii) lesions refractory to therapy, iii) NWCL
      by the subgenus Viannia or by L. amazonensis, iv) in MCL and v) in recalcitrant,
      or disseminating or diffuse cutaneous courses. In e. g. infection with L. major
      it encompasses miltefosine, fluconazole and ketoconazole, while antimony or
      allopurinol were here considered second choice. Local therapy was considered
      appropriate for i) uncomplicated lesions of OWCL, ii) L. mexicana-complex and
      iii) pregnant women. In e. g. infection with L. major it encompasses perilesional
      antimony, combined with cryotherapy, paromomycin 15 %/in
      methylbenzethoniumchlorid 12 % and thermotherapy. The group also stated that
      there is an urgent need for improving the design and the way of publishing of
      clinical trials in leishmaniasis.

PMID- 22050891
TI  - Exploring implementation of the 2010 Institute of Medicine's Child and Adult Food
      Care Program recommendations for after-school snacks.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to explore the implementation of
      nutrition recommendations made in the 2010 Institute of Medicine (IOM) report,
      Child and Adult Care Food Program: Aligning Dietary Guidance for All, in school
      based after-school snack programmes. DESIGN: A descriptive study. SETTING: One
      large suburban school district in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA. SUBJECTS: None.
      RESULTS: Major challenges to implementation included limited access to product
      labelling and specifications inconsistent with the IOM's Child and Adult Care
      Food Program (CACFP) recommendations, limited access to healthier foods due to
      current school district buying consortium agreement, and increased costs of
      wholegrain and lower-sodium foods and pre-packaged fruits and vegetables.
      CONCLUSIONS: Opportunities for government and industry policy development and
      partnerships to support schools in their efforts to promote healthy after-school
      food environments remain. Several federal, state and industry leadership
      opportunities are proposed: provide product labelling that makes identifying
      snacks which comply with the 2010 IOM CACFP recommended standards easy; encourage
      compliance with recommendations by providing incentives to programmes; prioritize
      the implementation of paperwork and technology that simplifies enrollment and
      accountability systems; and provide support for food safety training and/or
      certification for non-food service personnel.

PMID- 22050892
TI  - Insights into fruit function from the proteome of the hypanthium.
AB  - Apple (Malus*domestica Borkh.) was used as a model to studying essential
      biological processes occurring in mature fruit hypanthium, commonly referred to
      as the fruit flesh or pulp, a highly active tissue where numerous metabolic
      processes such as carbohydrate metabolism and signal transduction occur. To
      understand the complex biological processes occurring in the hypanthium, a
      proteomics approach was used to analyze the proteome from freshly harvested ripe
      apple fruits. A total of 290 well-resolved spots were detected using two
      dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE). Out of these, 216 proteins were
      identified representing 116 non-redundant proteins using matrix-assisted laser
      desorption ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and either
      the MASCOT or ProteinProspector engine for peptide mass fingerprinting (PMF)
      database searching. Identified proteins were classified into 13 major functional
      categories. Among these, the energy metabolism class was the most represented and
      included 50% of proteins homologous to Arabidopsis proteins that are involved in
      the response to biotic and abiotic stresses, suggesting a dual role for these
      proteins in addition to energy metabolism. We also identified dynein heavy chain
      in the hypanthium although this protein has been proposed as absent from
      angiosperms and thus suggest that the lack of dyneins in higher plants studied to
      date may not be a general characteristic to angiosperm genomic organisation. We
      therefore conclude that the detection and elucidation of the apple hypanthium
      proteome is an indispensable step towards the comprehension of fruit metabolism,
      the integration of genomic, proteomic and metabolomic data to agronomic trait
      information and thus fruit quality improvements.

PMID- 22050893
TI  - Discovering the role of mitochondria in the iron deficiency-induced metabolic
      responses of plants.
AB  - In plants, iron (Fe) deficiency-induced chlorosis is a major problem, affecting
      both yield and quality of crops. Plants have evolved multifaceted strategies,
      such as reductase activity, proton extrusion, and specialised storage proteins,
      to mobilise Fe from the environment and distribute it within the plant. Because
      of its fundamental role in plant productivity, several issues concerning Fe
      homeostasis in plants are currently intensively studied. The activation of Fe
      uptake reactions requires an overall adaptation of the primary metabolism because
      these activities need the constant supply of energetic substrates (i.e., NADPH
      and ATP). Several studies concerning the metabolism of Fe-deficient plants have
      been conducted, but research focused on mitochondrial implications in adaptive
      responses to nutritional stress has only begun in recent years. Mitochondria are
      the energetic centre of the root cell, and they are strongly affected by Fe
      deficiency. Nevertheless, they display a high level of functional flexibility,
      which allows them to maintain the viability of the cell. Mitochondria represent a
      crucial target of studies on plant homeostasis, and it might be of interest to
      concentrate future research on understanding how mitochondria orchestrate the
      reprogramming of root cell metabolism under Fe deficiency. In this review, I
      summarise what it is known about the effect of Fe deficiency on mitochondrial
      metabolism and morphology. Moreover, I present a detailed view of the possible
      roles of mitochondria in the development of plant responses to Fe deficiency,
      integrating old findings with new and discussing new hypotheses for future
      investigations.

PMID- 22050894
TI  - The morphology of the pecten oculi in the common buzzard (Buteo buteo).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The pecten oculi are an intraocular, vascular, and pigmented structure
      peculiar to the avian eye. In this study, we investigated the pecten oculi of the
      common buzzard (Buteo buteo) using stereomicroscopy and light and scanning
      electron microscopy (SEM). PROCEDURES: Twenty eyes from 10 adult buzzards were
      studied. Specimens from each buzzard were preserved in 10% buffered formalin and
      observed stereomicroscopically before being embedded in paraffin, sectioned, and
      stained with three stains: Mallory's triple staining technique as modified by
      Crossman, Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE), and Safranin O, and for examination by light
      microscopy. Specimens from two buzzards were also prepared for SEM. RESULTS:
      Stereomicroscopy and SEM examination showed the pecten oculi in the common
      buzzard to be pleated-consisting of 17-18 100 MUm thick folds. These folds are
      connected to one another by bands of connective tissue extending vertically
      between the plications. Blood vessels, approximately 30-40 MUm in diameter, were
      seen on the surface of the each fold. These vessels arise from the base of
      pecten, becoming thinner toward the apical end of the structure. A network of
      capillary vessels at the base of the plicated structure resembles contour lines.
      At high amplification, melanin granule accumulations were observed around the
      vascular structures of the plica on SEM images. Light microscopy supported the
      SEM observations. CONCLUSIONS: These findings reveal that the pecten oculi in the
      common buzzard are plicated and are remarkably similar to that of the other
      diurnal raptors.

PMID- 22050895
TI  - Pseudotumour cerebri in children: etiological, clinical features and treatment
      modalities.
AB  - To investigate the etiological and clinical features of pseudotumour cerebri
      (PTC) in children, features of 12 children with PTC were documented. The etiology
      could be clarified in 6 patients. The other 6 patients were accepted as
      idiopathic intracranial hypertension (primary PTC). Acetazolamide was used as the
      first drug and was effective in only 4 patients who had no underlying cause.
      Repeated lumbar punctures (LP) were performed in 6 patients and 5 of them were
      unresponsive. Prednisone was used in 3 patients and was effective in only one
      patient. The CSF pressure continued to be high in five patients and could be
      normalized only by withdrawing of the precipitating drug in three patients and by
      ventricular-peritoneal shunting in two patients with cerebral venous thrombosis.
      Although, medical treatment and repeated LP are usually effective in children
      with PTC, clarifying and solving the underlying cause can be crucial.

PMID- 22050896
TI  - Effect of short-term diphenhydramine administration on aqueous tear production in
      normal dogs.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To perform a randomized, placebo-controlled, masked clinical trial
      using a cross-over design to determine the effect of oral diphenhydramine on
      aqueous tear production in normal dogs. ANIMALS STUDIED: Seventeen dogs with
      normal ophthalmic examinations. PROCEDURES: Baseline tear production was
      established for each dog by performing Schirmer tear test I (STT I). Dogs
      received 20-day treatment courses of both oral diphenhydramine and placebo
      solutions with a 10-day washout period between treatment periods. Each dog was
      randomly assigned to receive diphenhydramine or placebo at the outset of the
      study. Measurements of STT I values were measured at regular intervals during the
      study and were conducted at the same time of day throughout the study to control
      for diurnal variations in tear production. The significance of the impact of
      diphenhydramine treatment on the quantity of aqueous tear production, as
      determine by STT results over time, was evaluated using regression analysis with
      appropriate transformation. RESULTS: Statistical comparisons at each measurement
      time, including baseline measurements between control and treatment groups,
      revealed no significant differences. Mean STT I levels also did not differ
      significantly at any measurement time compared to baseline for treatment or
      control groups. CONCLUSIONS: Short-term administration of oral diphenhydramine
      does not result in a significant decrease in aqueous tear production in normal
      dogs.

PMID- 22050897
TI  - Philosophy and epidemiology.

PMID- 22050898
TI  - Strong nuclear EGFR expression in colorectal carcinomas is associated with cyclin
      D1 but not with gene EGFR amplification.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prognostic and predictive significance of epidermal growth factor
      receptor (EGFR) in colorectal carcinomas (CRCs) is still controversial. The aim
      of the present study was to explore and correlate membrane and nuclear EGFR and
      cyclin-D1 protein expression with EGFR gene status of tumor cells. METHODS:
      Immunohistochemical and FISH analysis was performed on 135 archival formalin
      fixed and paraffin embedded CRCs. RESULTS: Strong membrane and strong nuclear
      EGFR staining was detected in 16% and 57% of cases, respectively, and strong
      cyclin-D1 expression in 57% samples. Gene EGFR amplification was identified in
      5.9% and polysomy in 7.4% of cases, while 87% showed no EGFR gene changes. A
      statistically significant difference was only found between tumor grade and
      expression of membrane EGFR, while nuclear EGFR and cyclin-D1 expression was not
      associated with the clinicopathologic characteristics analyzed. Tumor cells
      displaying gene amplification and strong protein membrane EGFR expression
      overlapped, while EGFR gene status showed no correlation with nuclear EGFR and
      cyclin-D1. There was no association between membrane EGFR and cyclin-D1, whereas
      nuclear EGFR expression was strongly related to cyclin-D1 expression.
      CONCLUSIONS: Study results revealed heterogeneity among CRCs, which could have a
      predictive value by identifying biologically and probably clinically different
      subsets of tumors with the possibly diverse response to anti-EGFR therapies.

PMID- 22050899
TI  - Opportunities for primary and secondary prevention of excess gestational weight
      gain: General Practitioners' perspectives.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The impact of excess gestational weight gain (GWG) on maternal and
      child health outcomes is well documented. Understanding how health care providers
      view and manage GWG may assist with influencing healthy gestational weight
      outcomes. This study aimed to assess General Practitioner's (GPs) perspectives
      regarding the management and assessment of GWG and to understand how GPs can be
      best supported to provide healthy GWG advice to pregnant women. METHODS:
      Descriptive qualitative research methods utilising semi - structured interview
      questions to assess GPs perspectives and management of GWG. GPs participating in
      shared antenatal care in Geelong, Victoria and Sydney, New South Wales were
      invited to participate in semi - structured, individual interviews via telephone
      or in person. Interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Data
      was analysed utilising thematic analysis for common emerging themes. RESULTS:
      Twenty eight GPs participated, 14 from each state. Common themes emerged relating
      to awareness of the implications of excess GWG, advice regarding weight gain,
      regularity of gestational weighing by GPs, options for GPs to seek support to
      provide healthy lifestyle behaviour advice and barriers to engaging pregnant
      women about their weight. GPs perspectives concerning excess GWG were varied.
      They frequently acknowledged maternal and child health complications resulting
      from excess GWG yet weighing practices and GWG advice appeared to be
      inconsistent. The preferred support option to promote healthy weight was referral
      to allied health practitioners yet GPs noted that cost and limited access were
      barriers to achieving this. CONCLUSIONS: GPs were aware of the importance of
      healthy GWG yet routine weighing was not standard practice for diverse reasons.
      Management of GWG and perspectives of the issue varied widely. Time efficient and
      cost effective interventions may assist GPs in ensuring women are supported in
      achieving healthy GWG to provide optimal maternal and infant health outcomes.

PMID- 22050900
TI  - New approaches to in vitro diagnosis of hepatitis C infection a reason for post
      transfusion hepatitis: Diagnostic value of determination of hepatitis C virus
      core antigen.
AB  - In between the dates of February 2008-March 2009, by applying to Istanbul
      University CTF Microbiology and Clinical Microbiology Basic Sciences Branch and
      Duzen laboratories, 123 cases, where HCV RNA and anti-HCV positivity are
      identified with molecular (real-time PCR) and serologic (ELISA) methods as a
      positive control group, and 48 cases where HCV RNA and anti-HCV negativity are
      identified as a negative control group are established. The values of
      sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative approximation of recently
      developed HCV Core Ag (Abbott Diagnostics, Germany) kit are determined
      successively as 94.3%, 97.9%, 99.1%, 87%, 95.3% and 88%. Although the new HCV Ag
      assay is clearly not sensitive enough to replace HCV NAT it may serve as a
      valuable tool in the HCV diagnostic algorithm as it is able to pick up a great
      majority of anti-HCV and HCV RNA positive samples, thus allowing a timely and
      less expensive serological diagnosis of an active HCV infection. This may be an
      advantage for labs that do not have access to PCR easily.

PMID- 22050901
TI  - Continuous renal replacement therapy and blood transfusions in treating patients
      with crush syndrome: 8 Case studies from the Wenchuan earthquake.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We analyzed the efficacy of continuous renal replacement therapy
      (CRRT) combined with blood transfusion for patients with crush syndrome from an
      earthquake. METHODS: Eight patients with crush syndrome were included. CRRT were
      performed in six of eight patients with crush syndrome, and transfusion was
      performed in all eight patients. Routine blood tests, urea nitrogen, creatinine,
      blood coagulation function, electrolyte levels, and serum myoglobin were
      determined and analyzed. RESULTS: Two patients regained their health completely,
      four patients required amputation but recovered well, and two patients died. The
      total amount of red blood cells transfused in the eight cases was 521U (mean
      volume=68.25U). CRRT was performed 164 times in six patients (mean 27.33 times
      per person). The routine blood test results and coagulation and renal function
      parameters improved obviously (P<0.05) in the six surviving patients.
      CONCLUSIONS: Sufficient blood transfusion and early dialysis treatment
      effectively improved the conditions of patients with crush syndrome.

PMID- 22050902
TI  - Methods related to molecular virology.

PMID- 22050903
TI  - Localized colonic stem cell transplantation enhances tissue regeneration in
      murine colitis.
AB  - Many patients suffer from chronic gastrointestinal diseases characterized by
      chronic inflammation, increased intestinal permeability and visceral pain in
      which there is no definitive treatment. Adult stem cells have recently been used
      in various disease states to contribute wound-healing processes. In the current
      study we investigated the ability of intra-colonic adult stem cells application
      to heal colonic inflammation in IL-10(-/-)  mice with active colitis. The aims of
      this study were to determine whether intra-colonic infusion of adult colonic stem
      cells (CSCs) (local stem cell transplantation): (i) restores intestinal
      permeability; (ii) attenuates visceral hypersensitivity; (iii) heals murine
      colitis. IL-10(-/-)  mice with active colitis were transplanted with adult stem
      cells. Mice received either a single intracolonic infusion of CSCs or colonic
      epithelial cells. Two weeks after transplantation, we measured visceral
      hypersensitivity and intestinal permeability and correlated these with
      histological improvement of colitis. IL-10(-/-)  mice that received stem cell
      transplantation showed histopathologic evidence of recovery from colitis.
      Improvement in colitis as graded by pathology scores correlated with restoration
      of intestinal permeability and decreased visceral hypersensitivity. Intra-colonic
      administration of CSCs is a potential therapeutic method for treating refractory
      symptoms in patients with chronic gastrointestinal diseases associated with
      chronic inflammation and visceral hypersensitivity. This method may be safer and
      should have far fewer side effects than systemic stem cell administration.

PMID- 22050904
TI  - Allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell and bone marrow transplantation for
      hematologic malignancies: meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
AB  - Peripheral blood stem cells have emerged as an alternative to bone marrow for
      allogeneic transplantation. To elucidate the advantages and disadvantages of
      research evidence related to the effects of allogeneic peripheral blood stem
      cells transplantation (PBSCT) and bone marrow transplantation (BMT) for
      hematological malignancies, we conducted a systematic review of the literature of
      randomized controlled trials comparing PBSCT to BMT. We systematically searched
      Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE and CNKI up to May 2011. Two reviewers
      independently identified the eligible studies and assessed the methodological
      quality of included trials. The relevant data were extracted and analysed using
      RevMan 5.1. Ten trials totaling 1224 patients have been assessed. Pooled
      comparisons of studies of PBSCT and BMT found that the overall survival in PBSCT
      group was non-significantly different from that in BMT group [RR 0.92, 95% CI
      (0.80-1.07)]. The disease-free survival and relapse rate in PBSCT group were
      significantly different from that in BMT group [RR 0.67, 95% CI (0.52-0.86) and
      RR 0.51, 95% CI (0.34-0.76), respectively]. The number of days to reach the
      absolute neutrophil and platelet count were shorter with PBSCT. The rates of
      acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) in PBSCT group were
      significantly higher than that in the BMT group. The mortality in PBSCT group was
      non-significantly different from that in BMT group. We concluded that PBSCT was
      associated with a similar overall survival and mortality, improved disease-free
      survival and a decrease in relapse, faster engraftment, more GVHD when compared
      with BMT in transplantation for hematologic malignancies.

PMID- 22050905
TI  - Protocatechuic aldehyde protects against experimental sepsis in vitro and in
      vivo.
AB  - Recent studies have demonstrated that nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) and high
      mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) are associated with the pathophysiology of sepsis.
      The present study was carried out to investigate the effects of protocatechuic
      aldehyde (PA) on an experimental model of sepsis induced by caecal ligation and
      puncture (CLP) in rats and to elucidate the potential mechanism in the cultured
      murine macrophage cell line, RAW264.7 cells. Treatment of RAW 264.7 cells with PA
      blocked TNF-alpha-induced NF-kappaB phosphorylation and decreased HMGB1
      expression. Septic rats received doses of 50 mg of PA alone or plus Imipenem by
      intravenous bolus injection into the tail vein. The results showed that PA
      reduced serum levels of HMGB1 and triggering the receptor expressed on myeloid
      cells, it attenuated myeloperoxidase in the lung, liver and small intestine,
      while it up-regulated serum level of IL-10. Meanwhile, PA alone or plus Imipenem
      reduced CLP-induced lethality in septic rats. These data indicate that the anti
      septic effect of PA is mediated by decreasing local and systemic levels of a wide
      spectrum of inflammatory mediators. The protective effects of PA might block the
      inflammatory cascades through HMGB1 and NF-kappaB signalling pathway. Our studies
      enhance the case for the use of PA in sepsis, and PA therefore seems promising in
      the treatment of sepsis in human beings.

PMID- 22050906
TI  - Concurrent clinical intraocular findings in horses with depigmented punctate
      chorioretinal foci.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To report concurrent clinical intraocular findings in horses with
      depigmented punctate chorioretinal foci and to document any correlation with
      equine recurrent uveitis (ERU). PROCEDURE: Records of 131 horses (241 eyes)
      examined at the University of Georgia Veterinary Teaching hospital from 2001 to
      2010 were reviewed with either clinically normal fundi or depigmented punctate
      chorioretinal foci in the absence of other fundic pathology. Data collected
      included patient signalment, concurrent clinical ocular findings and follow-up
      information. Sex, presence of no other intraocular findings, presence of ERU,
      presence of cataracts, and presence of vitreal disease were compared between
      normal and foci groups using chi-squared analysis. Age and length of follow-up
      time were compared using a student's t-test. RESULTS: Ninety-one horses (167
      eyes) with chorioretinal foci and forty horses (74 eyes) with clinically normal
      ocular fundi were examined. Fifty-eight (64%) horses with chorioretinal foci and
      20 (50%) horses with clinically normal fundi had a normal intraocular
      examination. There was no significant difference in any of the criteria examined
      between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Horses with depigmented punctate chorioretinal foci,
      in the absence of other fundic pathology, are not more likely to have intraocular
      disease or ERU than horses with clinically normal ocular fundi. These findings
      suggest that depigmented punctate fundic foci in horses are not indicative of or
      associated with ERU.

PMID- 22050907
TI  - Inflammasomes as molecular mediators of inflammation and cancer: potential role
      in melanoma.
AB  - The inflammasome is a multi-protein complex that mediates immune responses to
      microbial, host, and environmental signals. When active, inflammasomes regulate
      caspase-1 activation and IL-1beta secretion. There is a strong link between
      inflammation and cancer, and IL-1beta is one of the major molecules involved in
      both of these disease processes. Here we review the role of inflammasomes in
      regulating IL-1beta secretion, and the impact of this pathway on cancer
      pathogenesis, with a focus on melanoma. This represents an exciting new area of
      research, and could potentially result in new targets for melanoma therapeutics
      in the future.

PMID- 22050908
TI  - PPARgamma-PGC-1alpha activity is determinant of alcohol related breast cancer.
AB  - Alcohol is a risk factor for postmenopausal breast cancer. One of several
      proposed mechanisms is that alcohol-related breast cancer is caused by increased
      sex hormone levels. PPARgamma inhibits aromatase transcription in breast
      adipocytes. We reproduced previously found allele-specific effects of the
      wildtype Pro-allele of PPARG Pro(12)Ala in alcohol related breast cancer. In
      transiently transfected cells, transcriptional activation by PPARgamma and the
      PPARgamma-PGC-1alpha complex was inhibited by ethanol. PPARgamma 12Ala-mediated
      transcription activation was not enhanced by PGC-1alpha, resulting in allele
      specific transcription activation by the PPARgamma 12Pro-PGC-1alpha complex. Our
      results suggest that PPARgamma and PGC-1alpha activity is an important
      determinant of alcohol related breast cancer.

PMID- 22050909
TI  - Nanoencapsulated anti-CK2 small molecule drug or siRNA specifically targets
      malignant cancer but not benign cells.
AB  - CK2, a pleiotropic Ser/Thr kinase, is an important target for cancer therapy. We
      tested our novel tenfibgen-based nanocapsule for delivery of the inhibitor 2
      dimethylamino-4,5,6,7-tetrabromo-1H-benzimidazole (DMAT) and an siRNA directed
      against both CK2alpha and alpha' catalytic subunits to prostate cancer cells. We
      present data on the TBG nanocapsule itself and on CK2 inhibition or
      downregulation in treated cells, including effects on Nuclear Factor-kappa B (NF
      kappaB) p65. By direct comparison of two CK2-directed cargos, our data provide
      proof that the TBG encapsulation design for delivery of drugs specifically to
      cancer cells has strong potential for small molecule- and nucleic acid-based
      cancer therapy.

PMID- 22050910
TI  - Subcellular distribution of glutathione precursors in Arabidopsis thaliana.
AB  - Glutathione is an important antioxidant and has many important functions in plant
      development, growth and defense. Glutathione synthesis and degradation is highly
      compartment-specific and relies on the subcellular availability of its
      precursors, cysteine, glutamate, glycine and gamma-glutamylcysteine especially in
      plastids and the cytosol which are considered as the main centers for glutathione
      synthesis. The availability of glutathione precursors within these cell
      compartments is therefore of great importance for successful plant development
      and defense. The aim of this study was to investigate the compartment-specific
      importance of glutathione precursors in Arabidopsis thaliana. The subcellular
      distribution was compared between wild type plants (Col-0), plants with impaired
      glutathione synthesis (glutathione deficient pad2-1 mutant, wild type plants
      treated with buthionine sulfoximine), and one complemented line (OE3) with
      restored glutathione synthesis. Immunocytohistochemistry revealed that the
      inhibition of glutathione synthesis induced the accumulation of the glutathione
      precursors cysteine, glutamate and glycine in most cell compartments including
      plastids and the cytosol. A strong decrease could be observed in gamma
      glutamylcysteine (gamma-EC) contents in these cell compartments. These
      experiments demonstrated that the inhibition of gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase
      (GSH1) - the first enzyme of glutathione synthesis - causes a reduction of gamma
      EC levels and an accumulation of all other glutathione precursors within the
      cells.

PMID- 22050912
TI  - The role of a membrane-bound glutathione transferase in the peroxynitrite-induced
      mitochondrial permeability transition pore: formation of a disulfide-linked
      protein complex.
AB  - We have previously shown that the mitochondrial membrane-bound glutathione
      transferase (mtMGST1) is activated via thiol modifications and contributes to the
      mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) pore. In the present study we aimed
      to confirm the role of mtMGST1 in the oxidant peroxynitrite (PON)-induced MPT
      pore opening. PON induced the swelling of mitoplasts (inner membranes including
      the matrix) as well as of the mitochondria. The swelling was markedly suppressed
      by ADP [an adenine nucleotide translocator (ANT) ligand] and partially suppressed
      by cyclosporin A or by GST inhibitors (tannic acid, S-hexylglutathione).
      Dithiothreitol (DTT), a disulfide bond-reducing reagent, prevented the swelling.
      Western blot analyses of mitoplast proteins after PON-induced swelling positively
      identified the high molecular weight protein (HMP) including mtMGST1 (monomer),
      ANT (48kDa), and cyclophilin D (CypD, 30kDa). The HMP level was decreased
      according to suppression of the swelling and undetectable after DTT treatment.
      The HMP formation and swelling were also suppressed by a Ca(2+) chelating agent
      and antioxidants. These results suggest that the HMP is a disulfide-linked
      protein complex involving mtMGST1, ANT, CypD and function as a MPT pore in PON
      induced swelling, in which the Ca(2+) released by PON might play an important
      role in the complex formation.

PMID- 22050911
TI  - Costs and cost-effectiveness of malaria control interventions--a systematic
      review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The control and elimination of malaria requires expanded coverage of
      and access to effective malaria control interventions such as insecticide-treated
      nets (ITNs), indoor residual spraying (IRS), intermittent preventive treatment
      (IPT), diagnostic testing and appropriate treatment. Decisions on how to scale up
      the coverage of these interventions need to be based on evidence of programme
      effectiveness, equity and cost-effectiveness. METHODS: A systematic review of the
      published literature on the costs and cost-effectiveness of malaria interventions
      was undertaken. All costs and cost-effectiveness ratios were inflated to 2009 USD
      to allow comparison of the costs and benefits of several different interventions
      through various delivery channels, across different geographical regions and from
      varying costing perspectives. RESULTS: Fifty-five studies of the costs and forty
      three studies of the cost-effectiveness of malaria interventions were identified,
      78% of which were undertaken in sub-Saharan Africa, 18% in Asia and 4% in South
      America. The median financial cost of protecting one person for one year was
      $2.20 (range $0.88-$9.54) for ITNs, $6.70 (range $2.22-$12.85) for IRS, $0.60
      (range $0.48-$1.08) for IPT in infants, $4.03 (range $1.25-$11.80) for IPT in
      children, and $2.06 (range $0.47-$3.36) for IPT in pregnant women. The median
      financial cost of diagnosing a case of malaria was $4.32 (range $0.34-$9.34). The
      median financial cost of treating an episode of uncomplicated malaria was $5.84
      (range $2.36-$23.65) and the median financial cost of treating an episode of
      severe malaria was $30.26 (range $15.64-$137.87). Economies of scale were
      observed in the implementation of ITNs, IRS and IPT, with lower unit costs
      reported in studies with larger numbers of beneficiaries. From a provider
      perspective, the median incremental cost effectiveness ratio per disability
      adjusted life year averted was $27 (range $8.15-$110) for ITNs, $143 (range $135
      $150) for IRS, and $24 (range $1.08-$44.24) for IPT. CONCLUSIONS: A transparent
      evidence base on the costs and cost-effectiveness of malaria control
      interventions is provided to inform rational resource allocation by donors and
      domestic health budgets and the selection of optimal packages of interventions by
      malaria control programmes.

PMID- 22050913
TI  - Merkel cell carcinoma induces lymphatic microvessel formation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare, highly malignant
      neuroendocrine tumor of the skin characterized by frequent lymphatic metastasis.
      OBJECTIVE: We sought to identify lymphovascular anatomy and expression profiles
      of lymphangiogenic cytokines to give an opinion on lymphangiogenesis in MCC.
      METHODS: We studied lymphatic microanatomy and lymphangiogenic cytokines in 27
      MCC by immunohistology or immunofluorescence (D2-40, lymphatic vessel endothelial
      hyaluronan receptor [LYVE-1], vascular endothelial growth factor [VEGF] receptor
      3, VEGF-C, VEGF-D, Ki67/MiB-1, CD68/PG-M1, CD68/KP1, CD163), Merkel cell
      polyomavirus-specific polymerase chain reaction, and coanalysis with clinical and
      histologic data. RESULTS: We found a more than 3-fold increase in the mean
      density of absolute numbers of small lymphatic capillaries (diameter <10 MUm) and
      a more than 8-fold increase in the median ratio of the number of small to large
      lymphatics (<10/>=10 MUm) paratumorally compared with intraindividual controls.
      VEGF-C(+)CD68(+) CD163(+) cells (interpreted as M2 macrophages) could be
      identified as an important potentially lymphangiogenesis-inducing cell type.
      LIMITATIONS: Partially lacking follow-up data limited the analysis of the
      prognostic impact. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings strongly indicate lymphangiogenesis
      in MCC driven by VEGF-C(+)CD68(+) CD163(+) M2 macrophages.

PMID- 22050914
TI  - Nonbullous neutrophilic lupus erythematosus: a newly recognized variant of
      cutaneous lupus erythematosus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neutrophils in the setting of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) are
      commonly associated with bullous disease. Rare cases of nonbullous neutrophilic
      lesions have been reported in patients with SLE. OBJECTIVE: This study used
      clinical and histologic findings of 4 patients to further define the newly
      emerging entity of nonbullous neutrophilic lupus erythematosus (LE). METHODS: We
      reviewed the clinical and pathological findings of 4 patients with known SLE who
      developed urticarial papules, plaques, subcutaneous nodules, or a combination of
      these. RESULTS: All patients were women with established SLE. Histopathological
      findings in all patients included an interstitial and perivascular neutrophilic
      infiltrate with leukocytoclasia, and variable vacuolar alteration along the
      dermoepidermal junction. Direct immunofluorescence study results in two patients
      were positive for C3, IgG, and IgM along the basement membrane zone. One patient
      also presented with neutrophil-rich lupus panniculitis. All clinical lesions
      resolved with immunomodulating/immunosuppressive agents. LIMITATIONS: This study
      was limited by the small number of cases. CONCLUSIONS: Nonbullous neutrophilic LE
      is an important entity to consider in the differential diagnosis of neutrophil
      mediated eruptions. In addition, the histologic finding of neutrophils in the
      setting of lupus should alert one to the possibility of systemic disease.

PMID- 22050915
TI  - Effects of intravenous administration of dexmedetomidine on intraocular pressure
      and pupil size in clinically normal dogs.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of the intravenous administration of
      dexmedetomidine on the intraocular pressure (IOP) and pupil size (PS) in normal
      dogs. ANIMALS STUDIED: Forty-two animals with no ocular abnormalities were
      included in this study. PROCEDURE: Following initial readings (T(0)) of IOP and
      PS, the dogs received an intravenous injection of dexmedetomidine (5 MUg/kg).
      Both measurements were repeated 10 min (T(10) ) and 20 min (T(20)) later.
      RESULTS: There were no significant differences in IOP measurements between T(0)
      and T(10), although a significant decrease was observed at T(20). A significant
      miosis was found in the first 10 min after sedation. At T(20), the PS slightly
      increased, resulting in no statistical differences with T(0) and T(10).
      CONCLUSION: Dexmedetomidine is an excellent option for surgery or diagnostic
      ocular procedures in dogs when a specific control of IOP is required. However, it
      must be used in combination with mydriatics in ophthalmic surgical or diagnostic
      procedures, which require complete dilation of the pupil.

PMID- 22050916
TI  - Prevalence and risk factors for self-reported diabetes among adult men and women
      in India: findings from a national cross-sectional survey.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We examined the distribution of diabetes and modifiable risk factors
      to provide data to aid diabetes prevention programmes in India. DESIGN:
      Population-based cross-sectional survey of men and women included in India's
      third National Family Health Survey (NFHS-3, 2005-2006). SETTING: The sample is a
      multistage cluster sample with an overall response rate of 98 %. All states of
      India are represented in the sample (except the small Union Territories),
      covering more than 99 % of the country's population. SUBJECTS: Women (n 99 574)
      and men (n 56 742) aged 20-49 years residing in the sample households. RESULTS:
      Prevalence of diabetes was 1598/100 000 (95 % CI 1462, 1735) among men and
      1054/100 000 (95 % CI 974, 1134) among women in India. Rural-urban and marked
      geographic variation were found with higher rates in south and north-eastern
      India. Weekly and daily fish intake contributed to a significantly higher risk of
      diabetes among both women and men. Risks of diabetes increased with increased
      BMI, age and wealth status of both women and men, but no effects of the
      consumption of milk/curd, vegetables, eggs, television watching, alcohol
      consumption or smoking were found. Daily consumption of pulse/beans or fruits was
      associated with a significantly reduced risk of diabetes among women, whereas non
      significant inverse associations were observed in the case of men. CONCLUSIONS:
      Prevalence was underestimated using self-reports. The wide variation in self
      reported diabetes is unlikely to be due entirely to reporting biases or access to
      health care, and indicates that modifiable risk factors exist. Prevention of
      diabetes should focus on obesity and target specific socio-economic groups in
      India.

PMID- 22050917
TI  - Protein levels in enteral feeds: do these meet requirements in children with
      severe cerebral palsy?
AB  - Children with cerebral palsy (CP) have been documented to have feeding
      difficulties, which increase in line with condition severity and result in
      lowered growth potential. Much nutrition literature surrounds energy intake and
      expenditure in these children, with less information available on other
      parameters such as protein and micronutrients, which are also important for
      growth and development. We examined differences in protein intake and a variety
      of protein metabolism indices in children with CP compared with controls. A total
      of twenty-four children aged 4-12 years with marked CP fed orally (O, n 15) or
      enterally (E, n 9) were recruited, including age-matched typically developing
      children (C, n 24). Fasting blood samples were analysed for levels of albumin,
      creatinine, urea and urate. Parents collected an exact food replica for three
      consecutive days of their child's actual intake, which were directly analysed for
      protein content. Significant differences were found in protein intakes between
      the groups (mean percentage minimum requirements: E = 178 (sd 47); O = 208 (sd
      95); C = 311 (sd 119), P = 0.005). Despite all children consuming over
      recommended levels, children with CP had significantly reduced levels of the
      protein metabolic indices compared with controls. These include as z-scores:
      albumin mean C = 0.71 (sd 1.04) and CP = - 0.17 (sd 1.60), P = 0.03; creatinine C
      = - 2.06 (sd 0.46) and CP = - 3.11 (sd 0.98), P < 0.001; urate C = 0.18 (sd 0.62)
      and CP = - 0.58 (sd 0.93), P = 0.002. Post hoc analysis, the present data show
      potentially greater protein metabolism issues in enterally fed children, compared
      with the other groups. This may also support recent literature that suggests
      shortfalls in current recommendations.

PMID- 22050918
TI  - Effect of mydriasis induced by topical instillations of 0.5% tropicamide on the
      anterior segment in normotensive dogs using ultrasound biomicroscopy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the effect of 0.5% tropicamide and the resultant
      mydriasis on the anterior segment in normotensive dogs using ultrasound
      biomicroscopy. PROCEDURE: Twenty-four dogs without ocular disease underwent
      ultrasound biomicroscopic examination of both the eyes under general anesthesia.
      Pharmacologic mydriasis was induced in the right eye of each dog by the topical
      instillation of 0.5% tropicamide. Ultrasound biomicroscopic examinations were
      performed and the anatomical parameters of the anterior segment were evaluated
      including the geometric iridocorneal angle (ICA) - formed by the plane of the
      iris root and the internal corneoscleral limbus - the width of the opening of the
      ciliary cleft (CC), the width of the mid-CC, the length of the CC, and the
      anterior chamber (AC) depth (distance between the corneal endothelium and the
      anterior lens capsule). RESULTS: Mydriasis resulting from the topical use of 0.5%
      tropicamide is associated with an increase in the geometric ICA and a decrease in
      the opening of the CC, without any effect on the width of the mid-CC, or on the
      length of the CC, or on the AC depth. CONCLUSIONS: Mydriasis induced by topical
      0.5% tropicamide results in modification of the anterior segment which may
      influence the drainage of aqueous humor.

PMID- 22050919
TI  - Penetrating ocular gunshot injury in a Labrador Retriever.
AB  - A 31/2-year-old, female (spayed) working black Labrador Retriever was referred to
      the Unit of Comparative Ophthalmology at the Animal Health Trust after a
      penetrating lead gunshot injury to the right eye. Clinical examination revealed
      penetrating injuries to the right cornea, left lateral canthus, and left
      forelimb. Radiography revealed the presence of multiple metallic foreign bodies
      in the head and one in the left forelimb. B-mode ocular ultrasonography confirmed
      the presence of an intraocular metallic foreign body within the posterior tunics
      of the right eye. Medical treatment of the right eye over a period of 1 month
      resulted in a comfortable, visual eye. Long-term follow-up over 41/2 years
      revealed a slow deterioration in vision because of progressive lens opacification
      and the presence of a localized area of chorioretinopathy.

PMID- 22050920
TI  - Protocol: methodology for chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) in Chlamydomonas
      reinhardtii.
AB  - We report on a detailed chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) protocol for the
      unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. The protocol is suitable for
      the analysis of nucleosome occupancy, histone modifications and transcription
      factor binding sites at the level of mononucleosomes for targeted and genome-wide
      studies. We describe the optimization of conditions for crosslinking, chromatin
      fragmentation and antibody titer determination and provide recommendations and an
      example for the normalization of ChIP results as determined by real-time PCR.

PMID- 22050921
TI  - Spin tagging for hyperpolarized 13C metabolic studies.
AB  - In studies utilizing pre-polarized (13)C substrates to investigate metabolic
      activities in vivo, the metabolite signals observed in a region or a voxel
      contains a mixture of intracellular and extracellular components. This
      extracellular component arriving via perfusion may confound the measurements of
      metabolic flux or exchange rates. But if spin tagging is performed on the
      magnetization of the substrate, it may be possible to measure the signals of the
      metabolic products in the intracellular space that were derived from the tagged
      substrate spins locally. In this study, a spin tagging pulse sequence designed
      for acquiring data from spatially tagged longitudinal magnetization in
      hyperpolarized (13)C metabolic studies was presented and tested. Using a spectral
      spatial RF pulse during the tagging preparation enabled the observation of
      metabolite signals derived exclusively from the tagged substrate in vivo.

PMID- 22050922
TI  - Protracted wound healing due to pro-inflammatory condition: an instance of
      antagonistic pleiotropy theory.

PMID- 22050924
TI  - Air pollution and anemia as risk factors for pneumonia in Ecuadorian children: a
      retrospective cohort analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ambient air pollution and malnutrition, particularly anemia, are risk
      factors for pneumonia, a leading cause of death in children under five. We
      simultaneously assessed these risk factors in Quito, Ecuador. METHODS: In 2005,
      we studied two socioeconomically similar neighborhoods in Quito: Lucha de los
      Pobres (LP) and Jaime Roldos (JR). LP had relatively high levels of air pollution
      (annual median PM2.5 = 20.4 MUg/m3; NO2 = 29.5 MUg/m3) compared to JR (annual
      median PM2.5 = 15.3 MUg/m3; NO2 = 16.6 MUg/m3). We enrolled 408 children from LP
      (more polluted) and 413 children from JR (less polluted). All subjects were aged
      18-42 months. We obtained medical histories of prior physician visits and
      hospitalizations during the previous year, anthropometric nutrition data,
      hemoglobin levels, and hemoglobin oxygen saturation via oximetry. RESULTS: In
      anemic children, higher pollution exposure was significantly associated with
      pneumonia hospitalization (OR = 6.82, 95%CI = 1.45-32.00; P = 0.015). In non
      anemic children, no difference in hospitalizations by pollution exposure status
      was detected (OR = 1.04, NS). Children exposed to higher levels of air pollution
      had more pneumonia hospitalizations (OR = 3.68, 1.09-12.44; P = 0.036), total
      respiratory illness (OR = 2.93, 95% CI 1.92-4.47; P < 0.001), stunting (OR =
      1.88, 1.36-2.60; P < 0.001) and anemia (OR = 1.45, 1.09-1.93; P = 0.013) compared
      to children exposed to lower levels of air pollution. Also, children exposed to
      higher levels of air pollution had significantly lower oxygen saturation (92.2%
      +/- 2.6% vs. 95.8% +/- 2.2%; P < 0.0001), consistent with air pollution related
      dyshemoglobinemia. CONCLUSIONS: Ambient air pollution is associated with rates of
      hospitalization for pneumonia and with physician's consultations for acute
      respiratory infections. Anemia may interact with air pollution to increase
      pneumonia hospitalizations. If confirmed in larger studies, improving nutrition
      related anemia, as well as decreasing the levels of air pollution in Quito, may
      reduce pneumonia incidence.

PMID- 22050925
TI  - Association of mannose-binding lectin gene polymorphism with tuberculosis
      susceptibility and sputum conversion time.
AB  - Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) plays an important role in innate immunity. The
      effect of low MBL levels producing variants of MBL2 gene on tuberculosis (TB) has
      been controversial with some studies reporting it to confer protection against
      the disease, whereas others estimating a susceptibility relation. Other than
      conducting a case-control study to evaluate the role of MBL A/B polymorphism on
      TB, we conducted a longitudinal study to check whether this MBL variant can
      influence the host response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. A total of
      357 TB patients (286 pulmonary TB, 71 extrapulmonary (EP) TB) and 392 healthy
      controls belonging to same ethnicity were included in the study. We found the
      mutant allele 'B' allele confers a protective role against TB in our study
      population. This effect was absent in EP patients. On stratification on the basis
      of sex, the protective role of the 'B' allele was found to be limited to females
      only and males reported no significant difference. No effect of MBL A/B
      polymorphism on sputum conversion time was reported. We conclude that MBL 'B'
      allele is associated with protection against TB, but no influence was found on
      sputum conversion rate.

PMID- 22050926
TI  - Prentiss orchiopexy applied in younger age group.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the operative technique for the
      correction of cryptorchidism described by Prentiss in the 1950s, who conducted
      measurements on patients over 6 years of age, and on cadaveric specimens. We
      applied the technique in a younger age group. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We
      prospectively studied the results of 50 orchiopexies in children 8-59 months of
      age (mean 32.3 months), separated into three age groups: 8-18 (N=14), 19-36
      (N=18), and 36-59 (N=18) months. The patients were selected for having their
      undescended testis in the inguinal canal and not reaching the scrotum after
      adequate inguinal and retroperitoneal dissection. We eliminated the anatomic
      angulation of the vas deferens and testicular vessels around the internal
      inguinal ring and inferior epigastric vessels, in order to improve distal scrotal
      positioning (Prentiss maneuver). We compared the position of the testis before
      and after the maneuver. We re-examined the children 1 year postoperatively for
      testicular position and quality. RESULTS: The average gain in scrotal positioning
      was 6-20 mm (mean 13 mm). At follow-up, 36 testes (78%) had retained a low
      scrotal position, 10 (20%) a middle scrotal position, and 4 (8%) presented in an
      upper scrotal position. CONCLUSIONS: The Prentiss maneuver is both safe and
      efficient when applied to the younger age group, in order to gain adequate
      intrascrotal cord length and to place the testis in a more distal scrotal
      position.

PMID- 22050927
TI  - Excretory/secretory antigens from Dirofilaria immitis adult worms interact with
      the host fibrinolytic system involving the vascular endothelium.
AB  - Dirofilaria immitis is the causative agent of canine and feline heartworm
      disease. The parasite can survive for long periods of time (7 years or more) in
      the circulatory system of immunocompetent reservoirs, producing usually a chronic
      inflammatory vascular disease. In addition, the simultaneous death of groups of
      adult worms can trigger an acute disease characterized by the exacerbation of
      inflammatory reactions and the emergence of serious thromboembolic events. In the
      context of the D. immitis/host relationships, the aim of this study was to
      investigate the interaction between the excretory/secretory antigens from D.
      immitis adult worms (DiES) and the fibrinolytic system of the host. Using an
      enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay we showed that DiES extract is able to bind
      plasminogen and generate plasmin, although this fact requires the presence of the
      tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA). Moreover, we established that DiES extract
      enhances t-PA expression in cultured vascular endothelial cells. Additionally, 10
      plasminogen-binding proteins from DiES extract were identified by mass
      spectrometry (HSP60, actin-1/3, actin, actin 4, transglutaminase, GAPDH, Ov87,
      LOAG_14743, galectin and P22U). The data suggest that DiES antigens interact with
      the environment of the parasite regulating the activation of the fibrinolytic
      system of the host with involvement of the vascular endothelium in the process.

PMID- 22050928
TI  - Studies on the kinetics and equilibrium of the solvent extraction of
      chromium(III) from alkaline aqueous solutions of different composition in the
      system with Aliquat 336.
AB  - The kinetics and equilibrium of Cr(III) extraction with Aliquat 336 from the
      alkaline aqueous solutions containing anions of various complexing abilities and
      solvating properties, as: nitrates, or perchlorates, or sulphates, were studied
      and interpreted. Stoichiometry of Cr(III) complexes formed in the organic phases
      was also discussed. It was found that under the same conditions the yield and the
      rate of Cr(III) extraction as well as values of mass transfer coefficient
      increase in the following order of anions: perchlorates<nitrates<sulphates. The
      equilibrium of extraction of Cr(III) in the systems with nitrates and/or
      perchlorates differs significantly from that one established for the extraction
      of Cr(III) from the alkaline aqueous solutions of sulphates. Experiments with the
      modified Lewis cell and analysis of the experimental data by mathematic models
      appeared that the studied extraction of Cr(III) occurs in the mixed diffusion
      kinetic regime, irrespective of the kind of anions present in the aqueous phase.

PMID- 22050929
TI  - Non-isothermal thermal decomposition reaction kinetics of dimethylhexane-1,6
      dicarbamate (HDC).
AB  - The thermal decomposition behavior and reaction kinetics of dimethylhexane-1,6
      dicarbamate (HDC) were investigated by TG-DTG, DSC and IR techniques. It is shown
      that the decomposition process can be divided into 3 main stages and the first
      stage is the thermal decomposition reaction for HDC to dimethylhexane-1,6
      diisocyanate (HDI). The main gaseous products of the decomposition are CO(2) and
      CH(3)OH. The kinetic parameters of the reaction for HDC to HDI are Ea=119.51 kJ
      mol(-1), lg(A/s(-1))=14.82, respectively. The kinetic equation is d(alpha)/d(t) =
      10(15.12)(1-alpha)(3/2)e(-1.4375*10(4)/T).

PMID- 22050930
TI  - Synthesis by precipitation polymerization of molecularly imprinted polymer for
      the selective extraction of diclofenac from water samples.
AB  - A molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) was synthesized by precipitation
      polymerization using diclofenac (DFC) as a template, 2-vinylpyridine (2-VP) as
      functional monomer, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (EGDMA) as cross-linker, and
      toluene as porogen. The MIP showed outstanding affinity toward DFC in aqueous
      solution with a binding site capacity (Q(max)) of 324.8 mg/g (1.09 mmol/g) and
      was used as solid-phase extraction (SPE) material for the quantitative enrichment
      of DFC in environmental water samples and off-line coupled to a reversed-phase
      HPLC/DAD. Various parameters including washing solvent, elution solvent and
      breakthrough volume affecting the extraction efficiency of the polymers have been
      evaluated to achieve the selective preconcentration of DFC from water samples and
      to reduce non-specific interactions. Recoveries of DFC extracted from tap water,
      river water and wastewater samples were higher than 95%, and no significant DFC
      recovery difference was obtained among the different water matrix. The stability
      of MIP was tested by consecutive percolation of water sample, and it was shown
      that the performance of the MIP did not vary even after 30 adsorption and
      desorption cycles. Furthermore, the MISPE was used for the analysis of DFC in
      river water and wastewater samples and revealed DFC concentrations of 0.69+/
      0.002 MUg/L (n=3) and 0.31+/-0.004MUg/L (n=3), respectively. The results were in
      good agreement with corresponding LC-MS/MS data.

PMID- 22050931
TI  - Synthesis, characterization and dye removal ability of high capacity polymeric
      adsorbent: polyaminoimide homopolymer.
AB  - In this paper, polyaminoimide homopolymer (PAIHP) was synthesized and its dye
      removal ability was investigated. Physical characteristics of PAIHP were studied
      using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).
      Direct Red 31 (DR31), Direct Red 23 (DR23), Direct Black 22 (DB22) and Acid Blue
      25 (AB25) were used as model compounds. The kinetic and isotherm of dye
      adsorption were studied. The effect of operational parameter such as adsorbent
      dosage, pH and salt on dye removal was evaluated. Adsorption kinetic of dyes
      followed pseudo-second order kinetics. The maximum dye adsorption capacity (Q(0))
      of PAIHP was 6667 mg/g, 5555 mg/g, 9090 mg/g and 5882 mg/g for DR31, DR23, DB22
      and AB25, respectively. It was found that adsorption of DR31, DR23, DB22 and AB25
      onto PAIHP followed with Langmuir isotherm. Dye desorption tests (adsorbent
      regeneration) showed that the maximum dye release of 90% for DR31, 86% for DR23,
      87% for DB22 and 90% for AB25 were achieved in aqueous solution at pH 12. The
      results showed that the PAIHP as a polymeric adsorbent with high dye adsorption
      capacity might be a suitable alternative to remove dyes from colored wastewater.

PMID- 22050932
TI  - Effect of self-glazing on reducing the radioactivity levels of red mud based
      ceramic materials.
AB  - Self-glazing red mud based ceramic materials (RMCM) were produced by normal
      pressure sintering process using the main raw materials of red mud. The
      properties of the RMCM samples were investigated by the measurements of
      mechanical properties, radiation measurement, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and
      scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results show that the self-glazing RMCM
      have good mechanical properties (water absorption and apparent porosity
      approached zero; bulk density, 2.94 g/cm(3); compressive strength, 78.12 MPa).
      The radiation level has clear change regularity that the radioactivity levels of
      red mud (6360 Bq) is obvious declined, and can be reduced to that of the natural
      radioactive background of Guilin Karst landform, China (3600 Bq). It will not
      only consume large quantities of red mud, but also decrease the production cost
      of self-glazing RMCM. And the statement of this paper will offer effective ways
      to reduce the radioactivity level of red mud.

PMID- 22050934
TI  - Physiology and global gene expression of a Corynebacterium glutamicum
      DeltaF(1)F(O)-ATP synthase mutant devoid of oxidative phosphorylation.
AB  - A mutant of Corynebacterium glutamicum ATCC 13032 with a deletion of the
      atpBEFHAGDC genes encoding F(1)F(O)-ATP synthase was characterized. Whereas no
      growth was observed with acetate as sole carbon source, the DeltaF(1)F(O) mutant
      reached 47% of the growth rate and 65% of the biomass of the wild type during
      shake-flask cultivation in glucose minimal medium. Initially, the mutant strain
      showed a strongly increased glucose uptake rate accompanied by a high oxygen
      consumption rate and pyruvate secretion into the medium. When oxygen became
      limiting, the glucose consumption rate was reduced below that of the wild type
      and pyruvate was consumed again. The DeltaF(1)F(O) mutant had increased levels of
      b- and d-type cytochromes and a significantly increased proton motive force.
      Transcription of genes involved in central carbon metabolism was essentially
      unchanged, whereas genes for cytochrome bd oxidase, pyruvate:quinone
      oxidoreductase, oxidative stress response, and others showed increased mRNA
      levels. On the other hand, genes for amino acid biosynthesis and ribosomal
      proteins as well as many genes involved in transport displayed decreased mRNA
      levels. Several of the transcriptional changes were reflected at the protein
      level, but there were also discrepancies between the mRNA and protein levels
      suggesting some kind of posttranscriptional regulation. The results prove for the
      first time that F(1)F(O)-ATP synthase and oxidative phosphorylation are in
      general not essential for growth of C. glutamicum.

PMID- 22050933
TI  - Generation, characterization and crystallization of a cytochrome c(1)-subunit IV
      fused cytochrome bc(1) complex from Rhodobacter sphaeroides.
AB  - Cytochrome bc(1) complex catalyzes the reaction of electron transfer from
      ubiquinol to cytochrome c (or cytochrome c(2)) and couples this reaction to
      proton translocation across the membrane. Crystallization of the Rhodobacter
      sphaeroides bc(1) complex resulted in crystals containing only three core
      subunits. To mitigate the problem of subunit IV being dissociated from the three
      subunit core complex during crystallization, we recently engineered an R.
      sphaeroides mutant in which the N-terminus of subunit IV was fused to the C
      terminus of cytochrome c(1) with a 14-glycine linker between the two fusing
      subunits, and a 6-histidine tag at the C-terminus of subunit IV (c(1)-14Gly-IV
      6His). The purified fusion mutant complex shows higher electron transfer
      activity, more structural stability, and less superoxide generation as compared
      to the wild-type enzyme. Preliminary crystallization attempts with this mutant
      complex yielded crystals containing four subunits and diffracting X-rays to 5.5A
      resolution.

PMID- 22050935
TI  - TREM-1 expression on neutrophils and monocytes of septic patients: relation to
      the underlying infection and the implicated pathogen.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Current knowledge on the exact ligand causing expression of TREM-1 on
      neutrophils and monocytes is limited. The present study aimed at the role of
      underlying infection and of the causative pathogen in the expression of TREM-1 in
      sepsis. METHODS: Peripheral venous blood was sampled from 125 patients with
      sepsis and 88 with severe sepsis/septic shock. The causative pathogen was
      isolated in 91 patients. Patients were suffering from acute pyelonephritis,
      community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), intra-abdominal infections (IAIs), primary
      bacteremia and ventilator-associated pneumonia or hospital-acquired pneumonia
      (VAP/HAP). Blood monocytes and neutrophils were isolated. Flow cytometry was used
      to estimate the TREM-1 expression from septic patients. RESULTS: Within patients
      bearing intrabdominal infections, expression of TREM-1 was significantly lower on
      neutrophils and on monocytes at severe sepsis/shock than at sepsis. That was also
      the case for severe sepsis/shock developed in the field of VAP/HAP. Among
      patients who suffered infections by Gram-negative community-acquired pathogens or
      among patients who suffered polymicrobial infections, expression of TREM-1 on
      monocytes was significantly lower at the stage of severe sepsis/shock than at the
      stage of sepsis. CONCLUSIONS: Decrease of the expression of TREM-1 on the
      membrane of monocytes and neutrophils upon transition from sepsis to severe
      sepsis/septic shock depends on the underlying type of infection and the causative
      pathogen.

PMID- 22050936
TI  - Epidemiology of youth sports concussion.
AB  - The overall prevalence of concussion is high school sports is unknown. In
      general, concussions in this age range occur much more frequently in games than
      in practice. Also for sports in which both sexes participate, reported concussion
      rates are higher for female than male high school athletes. Recent data show that
      the time required for return to play and resolution of symptoms is similar for
      women and men. Very little is known about the epidemiology of concussions in
      middle school-aged athletes and younger children.

PMID- 22050938
TI  - Sport-related concussion: on-field and sideline assessment.
AB  - The careful and well-planned sideline assessment of concussion can be the
      difference between a good and bad outcome when managing sport-related concussion.
      In most cases, the sideline assessment serves as a triage for determining if an
      injury, such as a concussion, has actually occurred, and if so, establishes a
      benchmark for determining whether a more serious and potentially catastrophic
      condition could be developing. Concussions can evolve into something more serious
      if signs and symptoms go undetected or are ignored. Although these are very rare
      events, they must always be at the forefront of the clinician's mind.

PMID- 22050939
TI  - Return-to-play decisions.
AB  - Concussions occur as a result of forces directed to the head or neck, or from
      impulsive forces transmitted from the body to the head. They result in the rapid
      onset and spontaneous recovery of short-lived impairment of neurologic function.
      Concussions represent a functional, rather than structural, disturbance, and do
      not result in abnormalities on standard structural imaging. This article
      discusses a comprehensive approach to return to play in sports concussion,
      including managing athletes returning after prolonged postconcussion syndrome,
      multiple concussions, and intracranial hematomas and craniotomy.

PMID- 22050940
TI  - Diagnosis of concussion: the role of imaging now and in the future.
AB  - The primary role of neuroimaging in the clinical context of sports-related
      concussion is the exclusion of a more severe, unsuspected intracranial injury.
      Computed tomography remains the test of choice for this purpose. Magnetic
      resonance imaging is more commonly used as a secondary test for the investigation
      of persistent symptoms. New imaging techniques are currently being developed to
      detect the molecular and cellular changes underlying concussion that are
      invisible with standard structural imaging. In the future, these techniques may
      be used as tools for directing rehabilitation after concussion and aiding in the
      decision of when it is safe for an athlete to return to play.

PMID- 22050937
TI  - The pathophysiology of concussions in youth.
AB  - Mild traumatic brain injury, especially sport-related concussion, is common among
      young persons. Consequences of transient pathophysiologic dysfunction must be
      considered in the context of a developing or immature brain, as must the
      potential for an accumulation of damage with repeated exposure. This review
      summarizes the underlying neurometabolic cascade of concussion, with emphasis on
      the young brain in terms of acute pathophysiology, vulnerability, alterations in
      plasticity and activation, axonal injury, and cumulative risk from chronic,
      repetitive damage, and discusses their implications in the context of clinical
      care for the concussed youth, highlighting areas for future investigation.

PMID- 22050941
TI  - Use of neuropsychological evaluations.
AB  - Neuropsychological or neurocognitive tests provide information regarding the
      cognitive and emotional status of the concussed athlete. The development and
      availability of computerized testing platforms has allowed the application of
      baseline and follow-up testing models, and provide a more precise measurement of
      reaction time and processing speed. A combination of computerized assessment and
      a more expanded battery of tests may be a better approach to understanding the
      nature of the cognitive impact of sports concussion in youth athletes. This
      approach may be especially important for athletes with general risk factors and
      other potential modifiers or influencers on the cognitive performance data.

PMID- 22050942
TI  - Subacute concussion-related symptoms in youth.
AB  - Most athletes who experience a sports-related concussion recover from the acute
      effects within a few weeks. However, some children and adolescents with
      concussion experience symptoms for many weeks, or even months after the injury.
      Subacute and chronic symptoms related to concussion are particularly concerning
      in children, because cognitive deficits, headache or neck pain, sleep
      dysfunction, and emotional dysregulation can affect school performance and social
      function at a critical period of development and maturation. This article reviews
      the epidemiology of subacute symptoms after pediatric concussion and the current
      recommendations for the assessment and management of these symptoms in children
      and adolescents.

PMID- 22050944
TI  - School and the concussed youth: recommendations for concussion education and
      management.
AB  - School learning and performance is arguably the critical centerpiece of child and
      adolescent development, and there can be significant temporary upset in cognitive
      processing after a mild traumatic brain injury, also called a concussion. This
      injury results in a cascade of neurochemical abnormalities, and, in the wake of
      this dysfunction, both physical and cognitive activities become sources of
      additional neurometabolic demand on the brain and may cause symptoms to reemerge
      or worsen. This article provides a foundation for postinjury management of
      cognitive activity, particularly in the school setting, including design and
      implementation of schoolwide concussion education and management programs.

PMID- 22050945
TI  - Youth sports and concussions: preventing preventable brain injuries. One client,
      one cause, and a new law.
AB  - Effective concussion prevention and management for youth athletes requires both
      education and legislation. Education alone effectively begins the awareness of an
      issue, but does not change behavior. Education and legislation are required to
      prevent preventable concussion and brain injuries in youth athletes.

PMID- 22050943
TI  - Long-term consequences: effects on normal development profile after concussion.
AB  - Each year in the United States, approximately 1.7 million people are diagnosed
      with a traumatic brain injury (TBI), about 75% of which are classified as mild
      TBIs or concussions. Although symptoms typically resolve in a matter of weeks,
      both children and adults may suffer from postconcussion syndrome for months or
      longer. A progressive tauopathy, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, is believed to
      stem from repeated brain trauma. Alzheimer-like dementia, Parkinsonism, and motor
      neuron disease are also associated with repetitive brain trauma. Effective
      diagnoses, treatments, and education plans are required to reduce the future
      burden and incidence of long-term effects of head injuries.

PMID- 22050946
TI  - Youth sports concussions. Preface.

PMID- 22050948
TI  - Preoxygenation and prevention of desaturation during emergency airway management.
AB  - Patients requiring emergency airway management are at great risk of hypoxemic
      hypoxia because of primary lung pathology, high metabolic demands, anemia,
      insufficient respiratory drive, and inability to protect their airway against
      aspiration. Tracheal intubation is often required before the complete information
      needed to assess the risk of periprocedural hypoxia is acquired, such as an
      arterial blood gas level, hemoglobin value, or even a chest radiograph. This
      article reviews preoxygenation and peri-intubation oxygenation techniques to
      minimize the risk of critical hypoxia and introduces a risk-stratification
      approach to emergency tracheal intubation. Techniques reviewed include
      positioning, preoxygenation and denitrogenation, positive end expiratory pressure
      devices, and passive apneic oxygenation.

PMID- 22050949
TI  - Rethinking out-of-hospital intravenous access.

PMID- 22050950
TI  - Thrombolysis rate and impact of a stroke code: a French hospital experience and a
      systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intravenous rt-PA is effective in hyperacute ischemic stroke (HAIS)
      but is administered only in few patients. OBJECTIVES: To report the thrombolysis
      rate in our stroke unit using a stroke code (SC) protocol with a prenotification
      system and to analyze the SC impact on the thrombolysis rate in a systematic
      review. METHODS: We report, from 2005 to 2009, the intravenous rt-PA rate in our
      prospective registry of hyperacute strokes suspicions. The systematic review was
      conducted in searching PubMed and EMBASE for prospective studies reporting
      thrombolysis rates and their use of a SC. We categorized SC between those with a
      prenotification by the Emergency Medical Services and those with only an in
      hospital SC system. RESULTS: Among the 1450 stroke patients hospitalized in our
      stroke unit, 349 were admitted via the SC protocol as suspicions of hyperacute
      strokes. Intravenous rt-PA rates were: 12.9% of the ischemic strokes, 36% of the
      suspicions of hyperacute strokes and 59.6% of the HAIS. We found 23 studies
      reporting thrombolysis rates ranging from 10.3% to 58% of HAIS. Ten studies gave
      data concerning the use of a SC in case of HAIS. Thrombolysis rate was higher in
      hospitals with a prenotification system (54.7%) compared with both those with no
      specific organization (18.2%) (OR=5.43, 95% CI: 3.84-7.73) and those with an in
      hospital restricted SC (37.9%) (OR=1.97, 95% CI: 1.53-2.54). CONCLUSIONS:
      Thrombolysis rate of HAIS is improved by a SC, especially when a prenotification
      system of thrombolysis candidates by Emergency Medical Services to the stroke
      unit is used.

PMID- 22050951
TI  - Parkinson's disease: acquired frailty of archaic neural networks?
AB  - In Parkinson's disease (PD) many motor and non-motor symptoms are difficult to
      explain in terms of a purely ascending degeneration process as described by
      Braak. This essay proposes phylogenetic considerations for consolidating the
      multidimensional elements of PD. Subtle clinical analysis paired with ethological
      comparisons as well as patho-anatomical data suggests that disrupted automatic
      gait control, olfactory deficits, selected visual deficits, impaired emotional
      face recognition, and REM sleep behavior disorder could be due to dysfunction of
      phylogenetically ancient networks. Neuroanatomical and behavioral findings lead
      to a reconsideration of the basal ganglia, to be viewed as the nuclear core of a
      widely distributed neural network that arborizes throughout the primordial core
      of the neuraxis, including the brainstem. Fragility of the resulting multiple,
      closed, ancillary loops that link brainstem and forebrain components of the basal
      ganglia may be a nodal point, pivotal to the pathogenesis of PD. Other primitive
      neural networks, such as those located at cardiac or gastro-intestinal levels,
      may share the same vulnerability. Such a network-based hypothesis overrides the
      need of a fixed temporal ordering of symptoms based on putative caudal-cephalic
      propagation patterns of pathological lesions. It also creates testable, secondary
      hypotheses such as differential gene expression in different neural networks,
      potential early epigenetic influences, concepts of "overuse" or maladaptation of
      primitive networks to the constraints of adult life, and system frailty due to
      irreparable mitochondrial "exhaustion" in highly energy consuming postmitotic
      cells.

PMID- 22050952
TI  - CD49d expression as a promising biomarker to monitor natalizumab efficacy.
AB  - Natalizumab (TysabriTM), a monoclonal antibody against the alpha4-integrin of VLA
      4 (CD49d) antigen of leukocytes, is highly effective in multiple sclerosis (MS).
      The most common reason for treatment failure is the development of neutralizing
      antibodies (NAbs). According to health authorities Nabs testing is recommended in
      case of relapse or repeated infusion reactions. However NAbs may develop in
      clinically asymptomatic patients. In this study we investigated if CD49d
      expression could serve as a biomarker of natalizumab bioavailability and
      treatment response. In a cohort of 49 natalizumab treated relapsing-remitting MS,
      followed over 2 years, CD49d expression was determined on peripheral blood
      mononuclear cells (PBMCs) before each infusion and compared to NAbs and serum
      natalizumab levels. In a majority of patients (41/49) the CD49d expression in
      PBMCs was strongly inhibited (>50%) after the first infusion and maintained at
      low levels throughout the treatment period. In contrast, in eight patients (16%)
      there was an early recovery of CD49d expression to pre-treatment levels related
      to NABs development. While three cases experienced hypersensitivity reactions,
      three others were identified solely on the basis of an undiminished level of
      CD49d, with neither infusion reaction nor clinical worsening. These 3 patients
      had very high levels of NAbs and no detectable serum natalizumab. Two additional
      patients had early but transient recovery of CD49d expression. These patients had
      low levels of transient Nabs and returned to significant CD49d inhibition after
      few natalizumab infusions. We suggest that monitoring of CD49d expression can be
      used as a surrogate biomarker of natalizumab efficiency. If the CD49d expression
      is sustained at pre-treatment levels, patients should be tested for persistent
      NAbs and considered for treatment interruption.

PMID- 22050953
TI  - Hereditary diffuse leukoencephalopathy with axonal spheroids (HDLS): a
      misdiagnosed disease entity.
AB  - Hereditary diffuse leukoencephalopathy with spheroids (HDLS) was originally
      described in a large Swedish pedigree. Since then, 22 reports describing a total
      of 13 kindreds and 11 sporadic cases have been published. Inheritance is
      autosomal dominant, albeit the gene is unknown. Here we report on the clinical
      findings, genealogical data, brain MRI data, and autopsy/biopsy findings of four
      probands from three independently ascertained novel families from Norway, Germany
      and US. We identified a 39-year-old female and her twin sister, a 52-year-old
      male and a 47-year-old male with progressive neurological illness characterized
      by personality changes, cognitive decline and motor impairments, such as gait
      problems, bradykinesia, tremor and rigidity. Brain MRI showed white matter
      abnormalities with frontal prominence. Brain biopsy/autopsies were consistent
      with HDLS. HDLS is an under-recognized disease and in reporting these cases, we
      aim to increase the awareness of the disorder. Due to varied and wide phenotypic
      presentations, which may imitate several neurodegenerative diseases, HDLS can be
      difficult to diagnose. Definitive diagnosis can be established only by direct
      brain tissue examination. Familiarity with the clinical presentation and typical
      neuroimaging findings may be helpful in narrowing the diagnosis.

PMID- 22050955
TI  - A new age for child protection--General Comment 13: why it is important, how it
      was constructed, and what it intends?
AB  - Children continue to be subjected to high levels of violence (i.e., physical,
      psychological and sexual maltreatment) throughout the world. International
      concern about violence against children has increased significantly during the
      last decade. A Study on Violence Against Children, encouraged by the UN Committee
      on the Rights of the Child, conducted under the auspices of the United Nations
      Secretary General and reported in 2006, has become a rallying call to improve
      child protection. Child protection practices and systems have been judged to be
      generally inadequate and, in some cases, destructive. It is widely recognized
      that business as usual-more of the same-will not do. A General Comment (guide to
      fulfilling obligations) for Article 19, the central conceptualization of child
      protection of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, has the potential to
      promote a worldwide reformulation of child protection priorities, policies, and
      practices by virtue of the infusion of a child rights approach. It can be a
      mechanism for framing and promoting the transformational change needed - for a
      genuine paradigm shift. Here, explication is given for the historical context,
      rationale, centrality of child rights, process of development, holistic nature,
      and primary elements of General Comment 13 (GC13): The child's right to freedom
      from all forms of violence. GC13 embodies and champions a child rights approach
      to child protection entailing strong support for proactive primary prevention,
      promotion of good child care, and a commitment to secure the rights and well
      being of all children. A child rights-based, comprehensive coordinating framework
      is recommended for the implementation of GC13.

PMID- 22050954
TI  - Cell-derived microparticles in atherosclerosis: biomarkers and targets for
      pharmacological modulation?
AB  - Cardiovascular diseases remain an important cause of morbi-mortality.
      Atherosclerosis, which predisposes to cardiovascular disorders such as myocardial
      infarction and stroke, develops silently over several decades. Identification of
      circulating biomarkers to evaluate cardiovascular event risk and pathology
      prognosis is of particular importance. Microparticles (MPs) are small vesicles
      released from cells upon apoptosis or activation. Microparticles are present in
      blood of healthy individuals. Studies showing a modification of their
      concentrations in patients with cardiovascular risk factors and after
      cardiovascular events identify MPs as potential biomarkers of disease. Moreover,
      the pathophysiological properties of MPs may contribute to atherosclerosis
      development. In addition, pharmacological compounds, used in the treatment of
      cardiovascular disease, can reduce plasma MP concentrations. Nevertheless,
      numerous issues remain to be solved before MP measurement can be applied as
      routine biological tests to improve cardiovascular risk prediction. In
      particular, prospective studies to identify the predictive values of MPs in
      pathologies such as cardiovascular diseases are needed to demonstrate whether MPs
      are useful biomarkers for the early detection of the disease and its progression.

PMID- 22050956
TI  - Developing a template for National Child Protection Index Reports.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: What impact does the strengthening of child rights have on the
      experience and circumstances of children? CRC General Comment 13 emphasizes that
      defining measurable targets for improvements in child protection is a key element
      of efforts to strengthen child rights and well-being across the world. This paper
      describes an attempt to identify key domains relevant to such mapping of child
      protection indicators, and the feasibility of collecting data-from existing data
      sources or otherwise-to complete a "National Child Protection Index Report"
      summarizing achievements and concerns at a national level. METHODS: A process of
      inter-agency consultation was facilitated by the CPC Learning Network to
      establish a template for the Index Report. The template was modeled on that used
      for the "Countdown to 2015" maternal, neonatal and child health initiative,
      aiming to capture indices not only of key protection risks but also
      implementation and coverage of key protection measures. The work drew on
      indicator development and policy initiatives by a number of international child
      protection agencies. The template developed was used as a basis to pilot national
      data collection in Indonesia and, at a sub-national level, in northern Uganda.
      FINDINGS: The template provides a concise summary of protection issues of
      relevance to a broad range of constituencies, global and national. However, in
      the pilot settings, existing routine data collection was inadequate to
      effectively populate a large proportion of indicators. Mechanisms of collating
      findings from discrete assessments-another potential source of data for
      completion of the index report-were also generally underdeveloped. PRACTICE
      IMPLICATIONS: In settings where state infrastructure allows the collection and
      analysis of routine data in such domains as health and economic activity, such
      efforts should be extended to the child protection sector. Discrete assessments
      by governmental or non-governmental agencies also provide significant potential
      for more effective sharing and collation of information. National Child
      Protection sub-clusters or equivalent structures can play an important role in
      facilitating both of these processes.

PMID- 22050957
TI  - Commentary: an approach to assessing "accountability" in implementing the UN
      Convention on the Rights of the Child.

PMID- 22050958
TI  - Intraocular pressure and Schirmer tear test results in clinically normal Long
      Eared Hedgehogs (Hemiechinus auritus): reference values.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The present study was undertaken to establish reference values for
      Schirmer tear test (STT) and intraocular pressure (IOP) in the long-eared
      hedgehog (Hemiechinus auritus). ANIMALS: Fourteen healthy long-eared hedgehogs
      (H. auritus) of either sex were studied. PROCEDURES: The hedgehogs were
      individually immobilized with an intramuscular injection of combined Ketamine (20
      mg/kg) and Diazepam (0.5 mg/kg), and each animal underwent ophthalmic
      examinations including: STT, tonometry, biomicroscopy, and indirect
      ophthalmoscopy. RESULTS: No significant effects of animal gender, weight, side
      (right vs. left eye) were found in this study. Mean (SD) STT values for all eyes
      (n = 28) were 1.7 +/- 1.2 mm/1 min with a range of 0-4 mm/1 min. Mean STT in male
      animals was 2.2 +/- 1.2. Mean STT in female Hedgehogs was 1.3 +/- 1.1. Mean (SD)
      IOP values by applanation tonometry were 20.1 +/- 4.0 mmHg (range 11.5-26.5
      mmHg). Mean (SD) IOP values by applanation tonometry were 18.2 +/- 4.0 and 22.0
      +/- 3.2 mmHg for males and females, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This study reports
      STT and IOP findings in long-eared hedgehogs (H. auritus).

PMID- 22050959
TI  - Activation of satellite glial cells in lumbar dorsal root ganglia contributes to
      neuropathic pain after spinal nerve ligation.
AB  - The role of satellite glial cells (SGCs) of sensory ganglia in chronic pain
      begins to receive interest. The present study aims to investigate the
      contribution of SGC activation to the development of neuropathic pain. A
      neuropathic pain model was established by lumbar 5 spinal nerve ligation (SNL),
      and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) was used as a marker of SGC
      activation. It was found that SGCs were activated in the ipsilateral dorsal root
      ganglia (DRG) increased significantly as early as 4h following SNL, gradually
      increased to a peak level at day 7, and then stayed at a high level to the end of
      the experiment at day 56. SGC activation in the SNL group was significantly
      higher than that in the sham group at days 1, 3 and 7 after operation.
      Immunofluorescent double labeling showed that the activated SGCs encircled large,
      medium-sized and small neurons. The SGCs surrounded the small and medium-sized
      neurons were preferentially activated in the early phase, but shifted to large
      diameter neurons as time went on. Continuous infusion of fluorocitrate, a glial
      metabolism inhibitor, to the affected DRG via mini-osmotic pump for 7d
      significantly alleviated mechanical allodynia at day 7. These results suggest
      that SGCs in the DRG were activated after SNL. SGC activation contributed to the
      early maintenance of neuropathic pain.

PMID- 22050960
TI  - Metabolic gene expression changes in the hippocampus of obese epileptic male rats
      in the pilocarpine model of temporal lobe epilepsy.
AB  - Chronically epileptic male adult rats in the pilocarpine model of temporal lobe
      epilepsy (TLE), exhibited gross expansion of abdominal fat mass and significant
      weight gain several months after induction of status epilepticus (SE) when
      compared to control rats. We hypothesized that epileptogenesis can induce
      molecular changes in the hippocampus that may be associated with metabolism. We
      determined the expression levels of genes Hsd11b1, Nr3c1, Abcc8, Kcnj11, Mc4r,
      Npy, Lepr, Bdnf, and Drd2 that are involved in regulation of energy metabolism,
      in the hippocampus of age-matched control and chronic epileptic animals. Taqman
      based quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and the delta-delta
      cycle threshold (CT) methods were used for the gene expression assays. Gene
      expression of Hsd11b1 (cortisol generating enzyme) was significantly higher in
      epileptic versus control rats at 24h and 2 months, after induction of SE. Nr3c1
      (glucocorticoid receptor) mRNA levels on the other hand were down-regulated at
      24h, 10 days and 2 months, post SE. Abcc8 (Sur1; subunit of ATP-sensitive
      potassium (K(ATP)) channel) was significantly down-regulated at 10 days post SE.
      Kcnj11 (Kir6.2; subunit of ATP-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channel) was
      significantly up-regulated at 24h, 1 month and 2 months post SE. Thus, we
      demonstrated development of obesity and changes in the expression of metabolic
      genes in the hippocampus during epileptogenesis in male rats in the pilocarpine
      model of TLE.

PMID- 22050961
TI  - Inhibition by dexmedetomidine of the activation of spinal dorsal horn glias and
      the intracellular ERK signaling pathway induced by nerve injury.
AB  - Activation of glial cells and the intracellular ERK signaling pathway plays an
      important role in the development and maintenance of neuropathic pain. As well as
      neurons, glial cell membranes also express alpha2-adrenergic receptors, but the
      effects of selective activation of these receptors on glial cell activation
      induced by neuropathic pain have yet to be clarified. We investigated the effects
      of intraperitoneal (IP) injections of tolerable doses of dexmedetomidine (DEX), a
      highly selective agonist of alpha2-adrenergic receptors, on activation of spinal
      dorsal root glial cells and the intracellular ERK signaling pathway induced by
      neuropathic pain. Adult rats that underwent partial sciatic nerve ligation (PNSL)
      were treated with repeated IP injections of DEX 20 MUg/kg or 40 MUg/kg, and their
      thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia thresholds were measured. The distribution
      and morphological changes of microglias and astrocytes were observed by
      immunofluorescence. Western blot was used to detect changes of glial fibrillary
      acid protein (GFAP) and pERK expression. Repeated IP injections of DEX 40 MUg/kg
      for 7 or 14 days markedly reduced the thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia induced
      by PSNL. In addition, DEX 20 MUg/kg for 14 days and 40 MUg/kg for 7 days also
      significantly inhibited PSNL-induced activation of pERK in the spinal dorsal
      horn. Thus, repeated IP injections of DEX can markedly relieve the hyperalgesia
      of neuropathic pain in rats. The analgesic effect of DEX may be attributed to its
      inhibition of glial cell hypertrophy in the spinal dorsal horn and activation of
      the intracellular ERK signaling pathway.

PMID- 22050962
TI  - Dentigerous cyst of inflammatory origin-a diagnostic dilemma.
AB  - Odontogenic cysts commonly encountered in dental practice are the radicular cysts
      and dentigerous cysts. Apart from the developmental origin of dentigerous cysts,
      an inflammatory origin has also been suggested. It has been reported that
      inflammation progressing from the root apex of the deciduous tooth brings about
      development of the dentigerous cyst around the unerupted permanent tooth. The aim
      of the present article is to report 4 additional cases of dentigerous cyst
      believed to be of inflammatory origin and to highlight the diagnostic dilemma in
      segregating both the entities. The 4 cases were of patients with a mixed
      dentition with the pathology related to the deciduous tooth present.
      Radiographically, pericoronal radiolucency was seen attached at the cementoenamel
      junction of impacted tooth and in continuation with lamina dura of deciduous
      tooth. Microscopically, the cystic cavity was lined by reduced enamel epithelium
      like lining, which was hyperplastic to anastomosing in areas in few cases. This
      study proposes the predicament in accurately diagnosing such cases.

PMID- 22050963
TI  - Distinct immunophenotype of early T-cell progenitors in T lymphoblastic
      leukemia/lymphoma may predict FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 mutations.
AB  - FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) mutation in T lymphoblastic leukemia/lymphoma
      (T-LL) is rare (~4%) and reported only in cases with CD117 expression. This study
      aimed to identify the immunophenotypic features that may predict FLT3 mutations.
      We report 3 (43%) of 7 CD117(+) T-LL cases harboring FLT3-internal tandem
      duplication mutation. Compared with 4 FLT3-unmutated cases, all 3 FLT3-mutated
      cases had a distinct immunophenotype (CD1a(
      )/CD2(+)/CD7(+)/CD34(+)/CD117(uniform+)/Tdt(+)) corresponding to the stage of
      earliest thymic T-cell progenitors possessing myeloid lineage potential. Indeed,
      all FLT3-mutated T-LL cases expressed myeloperoxidase on a very small subset of
      blasts and, thus, may be further considered a mixed phenotype acute leukemia,
      T/myeloid, by the 2008 World Health Organization classification scheme. We
      conclude that this unique immunophenotype (CD1a(
      )/CD2(+)/CD7(+)/CD34(+)/CD117(+)/Tdt(+)) is a better predictor of FLT3 mutation
      than sole CD117 expression.

PMID- 22050964
TI  - Pathologic complete response to neoadjuvant therapy in patients with pancreatic
      ductal adenocarcinoma is associated with a better prognosis.
AB  - In patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) who received neoadjuvant
      therapy and pancreatectomy, pathologic complete response (pCR) is rarely observed
      and the prognostic significance of pCR is not clear. In this study, we identified
      11 patients with pCR (2.5%) from 442 patients with PDA who received neoadjuvant
      treatment and pancreatectomy from 1995 to 2010. There were 6 men and 5 women,
      with a median age of 61 years. Four patients had either synchronous or history of
      extrapancreatic cancer. Five patients received neoadjuvant chemotherapy followed
      by chemoradiation, and 6 received chemoradiation alone. Ten patients had
      pancreaticoduodenectomy, and 1 had distal pancreatectomy. Scar and chronic
      pancreatitis consistent with therapy effect were present in all cases (100%).
      Pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) 3/carcinoma in situ was present in 5
      cases, and PanIN1 and PanIN2 in 5 cases. However, no residual invasive carcinoma
      or lymph node metastasis was identified in all cases. Follow-up information was
      available in 10 patients. Follow-up time ranges from 6 to 194 months (median, 63
      months). During the follow-up, 3 patients died of other causes, and 1 developed a
      second primary PDA in the tail of the pancreas at 84 months after the initial
      pancreaticoduodenectomy and died at 105 months after the initial diagnosis of
      PDA. The other 6 patients were alive with no evidence of disease. Patients with
      pCR had a better survival than did those who had posttherapy stage I or IIA
      disease (P < .001). Patients with PDA who received neoadjuvant therapy and had
      pCR in pancreatectomy are rare but have a better prognosis.

PMID- 22050965
TI  - Histology and distribution of prostatic tissue on prostatic urethral margins:
      evaluation of radical prostatectomy specimens and implications on frozen section
      analysis.
AB  - The identification of prostate-specific antigen (PSA)-producing glands in
      prostatic urethral margins is often challenging, especially when examined as
      intraoperative frozen sections. To assess the histology of periurethral prostatic
      urethral glands and their expression of PSA and cytokeratins 7 and 20, we
      examined prostatic urethras of frozen and permanent sections of radical
      prostatectomy specimens. We observed 3 types of prostatic urethral glands:
      urethral mucosal, prostatic acinar, and mixed. The urethral mucosal type
      consisted of a single layer of surface cuboidal to columnar cells with densely
      eosinophilic luminal cytoplasm and underlying urothelial cells. The prostatic
      acinar type was lined by prostatic-type secretory cells and basal cells. The
      mixed type showed luminal secretory cells and underlying urothelial cells. The
      gland types were correctly assigned in most frozen section slides. The proximal
      segment of the prostatic urethra and the bladder neck consisted mostly of the
      urethral mucosal type, whereas the distal segment and apical margins consisted
      mostly of the prostatic acinar type. Prostate-specific antigen was expressed in
      secretory cells in prostatic acinar and mixed types, whereas cytokeratin 7 was
      expressed by urothelial cells and surface cells of the urethral mucosal type.
      Cytokeratin 20 was not expressed in any of these cells. These results indicate
      that PSA-expressing cells are abundant in the distal segment of the prostatic
      urethra and apical margin and share histologic features of prostatic secretory
      cells. These PSA-expressing prostatic acinar and mixed-type glands should be
      reported as a potential source of PSA-secreting benign glands.

PMID- 22050966
TI  - Comparison of clarity of nucleocytoplasmic differentiation of oral tissues
      processed by microwave and conventional methods.
AB  - The microwave-assisted tissue processing is believed to have brought a
      revolutionary improvement in histopathology. The technique shortens the tissue
      processing time from hours to minutes. The technique is responsive to the patient
      and physician needs, improves the use of reagents while reducing or eliminating
      their toxicity, creates a personnel-friendly workflow, and places the laboratory
      in a better position to meet the demands of the rapidly expanding field of
      molecular medicine. This study was conducted to determine the efficacy of
      microwave tissue processing method for orofacial biopsy specimens by comparing 5
      different protocols of microwave histoprocessing with the conventional method,
      based on the clarity of nucleocytoplasmic differentiation of tissues processed by
      each method. The current study demonstrated that different protocols of microwave
      histoprocessing can be achieved without a demonstrable decrease in section
      quality or interpretation.

PMID- 22050968
TI  - Efficacy of albendazole combined with a marine fungal extract (m2-9) against
      Angiostrongylus cantonensis-induced meningitis in mice.
AB  - The pathogenesis of angiostrongyliasis, resulting from Angiostrongylus
      cantonensis invasion of the human central nervous system, remains elusive.
      Anthelmintics are usually used to kill worms, although dead worms in the brain
      may cause severe inflammation which will lead to central nervous system damage.
      Therefore, combination therapy with anthelmintics and anti-inflammatory drugs in
      the treatment of human angiostrongyliasis needs further study. To evaluate the
      efficacy of albendazole combined with a marine fungal extract (m2-9) in A.
      cantonensis infection, BALB/c mice infected by the third-stage larvae of A.
      cantonensis were divided into three groups: mice treated with albendazole or m2-9
      alone or in combination from day 5 post-inoculation (PI). Several efficacy
      parameters were recorded, including weight change, worm recovery, neurological
      function, behavioural analysis, eosinophil and leucocyte counts. The results
      showed that combination therapy increased body weight, reduced worm burden,
      improved learning ability, memory and action, decreased neurological dysfunction
      and leucocyte response in these mice. The combination of albendazole and m2-9
      treatment significantly decreased leucocyte response and increased the frequency
      of rearing, compared to infected mice treated with either drug alone. Therefore,
      m2-9 is a natural product with potentially significant therapeutic value for
      angiostrongyliasis and is worthy of further study.

PMID- 22050969
TI  - Three-dimensional analysis by electron diffraction methods of nanocrystalline
      materials.
AB  - To analyze nanocrystalline structures quantitatively in 3D, a novel method is
      presented based on electron diffraction. It allows determination of the average
      size and morphology of the coherently scattering domains (CSD) in a
      straightforward way without the need to prepare multiple sections. The method is
      applicable to all kinds of bulk nanocrystalline materials. As an example, the
      average size of the CSD in nanocrystalline FeAl made by severe plastic
      deformation is determined in 3D. Assuming ellipsoidal CSD, it is deduced that the
      CSD have a width of 19 +/- 2 nm, a length of 18 +/- 1 nm, and a height of 10 +/-
      1 nm.

PMID- 22050967
TI  - Biomonitoring of bisphenol A concentrations in maternal and umbilical cord blood
      in regard to birth outcomes and adipokine expression: a birth cohort study in
      Taiwan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bisphenol A (BPA) is a sealant and flux of plastic materials and has
      been determined to be an endocrine-disrupting chemical. Prenatal exposure to BPA
      can lead to substantial adverse effects on fetal growth and development. This
      study was conducted to assess BPA concentration in pregnant women and umbilical
      cord blood, and to investigate whether maternal BPA exposure affected fetal
      outcomes including lower birth weight (LBW), smaller size for gestational age
      (SGA), and high leptin (HLP) and low adiponectin (LAD) secretion. METHODS: We
      measured the BPA levels of maternal blood (n = 97) and umbilical cord blood (n =
      97) with a high-performance liquid chromatography/UV detector. The protein
      secretion of leptin and adiponectin were separately determined using enzyme
      linked immunosorbent assay. A logistic regression was performed to estimate the
      effects of maternal exposure to BPA on LBW, SGA, and adverse action of adipokines
      in newborns. RESULTS: The geometric means of BPA concentration in maternal blood
      and fetal cord blood were 2.5 ng/ml and 0.5 ng/ml, respectively. Elevated risks
      of LBW (OR 2.42, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.72-3.36), SGA (OR 2.01, 95% CI
      1.39-3.01), and adverse action of leptin (OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.12-2.25) and
      adiponectin (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.52-3.97) were observed in male neonates in the
      highest quartile of maternal BPA exposure. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated prenatal BPA
      exposure increased the risk of LBW, SGA, and adverse actions of adipokines in
      neonates, especially in male infants. These results provide further evidence that
      maternal exposure is correlated with adverse birth outcomes.

PMID- 22050970
TI  - Feeling more pain, yet showing less: the influence of social threat on pain.
AB  - The present study investigated the effects of social threat to physical integrity
      on reported pain and facial pain expression. Predictions of a cognitive appraisal
      model and a communicative perspective on pain expression were compared.
      Participants (N = 67) received 5 electric pain stimuli administered by a
      confederate. They were led to believe that 5 pain stimuli were the minimum, a
      fixed amount, or the maximum number of pain stimuli allowed, thereby varying the
      social threat posed by the confederate. Reported pain and facial pain expression
      were recorded during the delivery of pain stimuli. Increased perceived social
      threat led to an increase of reported pain, specifically for high pain
      catastrophizing participants, while it led to a reduction of facial pain
      expression. This is the first study to demonstrate that a social threat
      manipulation has opposite effects on reported pain and facial expression,
      suggesting differences in adaptive function for both forms of pain expression.
      PERSPECTIVE: This is the first demonstration showing an increase in verbal pain
      report and a decrease in nonverbal pain expression at the same time during social
      threat. This knowledge may contribute to improving pain assessment in different
      contexts.

PMID- 22050972
TI  - Gait status 17-26 years after selective dorsal rhizotomy.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to use three-dimensional gait analysis to describe
      the gait status of adults with spastic diplegia who underwent selective dorsal
      rhizotomy (SDR) in childhood. Outcome measures were the gait deviation index
      (GDI), non-dimensional temporal-distance parameters, and kinematics of the lower
      limbs. A total of 31 adults with spastic diplegia who had previously undergone
      SDR were eligible and participated in current study (SDR group). These
      participants had a median age of 26.8 years (range 21-44 years) with a mean time
      between surgery and assessment of 21.2+/-2.9 years (range 17-26 years). For
      comparison purposes, 43 typically developed adults also participated (CONTROL
      group), with a median age of 28.3 years (range 21-45 years). More than 17 years
      after SDR 58% of the SDR group showed improved GMFCS levels, while none of them
      deteriorated. The participants in the SDR group walked with a mild crouch gait,
      although there was a loading response, adequate swing-phase knee flexion,
      adequate swing-phase plantarflexion, reasonable speed and cadence. The gait
      status of the SDR group more than 17 years after SDR was similar to what has been
      reported in short-term follow-up studies, as well as our earlier 20 year follow
      up study that did not include 3D gait analysis. Appropriate orthopaedic
      intervention was required in 61% of the study cohort. Whether the types and
      numbers of orthopaedic interventions are positively affected by SDR remains an
      open question. Further studies examining this question are warranted. In
      addition, long-term follow-up studies focused on other interventions would also
      be of clinical relevance.

PMID- 22050971
TI  - Muscle paresis and passive stiffness: key determinants in limiting function in
      Hereditary and Sporadic Spastic Paraparesis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: People with Hereditary and Sporadic Spastic Parapresis (SP) walk with
      a stiff legged gait characterised by a lack of knee flexion. OBJECTIVE: We
      investigated the relationship between lower limb strength and stiffness and knee
      flexion during swing phase while walking in 20 people with SP and 18 matched
      controls. METHODS: Maximal isometric strength was measured using a dynamometer.
      Passive stiffness and spasticity was assessed during motor-driven slow (5 degrees
      /s) and fast (60 degrees /s) stretches at the ankle and knee while the subject
      was relaxed or preactivating the muscle. Walking was assessed using 3D motion
      analysis. RESULTS: Isometric muscle strength was decreased in people with SP with
      over a 50% reduction in strength being found in the ankle dorsiflexors. Passive
      stiffness, assessed during slow stretches, was 35% higher in the plantarflexors
      in people with SP (P<0.05). Faster stretches induced large stretch evoked muscle
      activity and over a 110% increase in stiffness at the ankle and knee in people
      with SP reflecting the presence of spasticity (P<0.05). However, stretch reflex
      size and stiffness was similar between the groups following identical stretches
      of the pre-activated muscle (P>0.05). Lower knee flexion during swing phase was
      associated with reduced knee flexion velocity at the end of stance phase which in
      turn was associated with reduced plantarflexor strength and increased passive
      stiffness in the knee extensors. CONCLUSIONS: The relative importance of muscle
      paresis and passive stiffness in limiting walking in SP suggests that these
      impairments should be the target of future therapies.

PMID- 22050973
TI  - The effect of an exercise ball on trunk muscle responses to rapid limb movement.
AB  - The use of exercise balls as an aid to facilitate improvements in posture in
      patients with trunk weakness is widely advocated. However, mechanisms underlying
      any effect on postural mechanisms have received little attention. This study
      compared the increases in trunk EMG activity in response to limb movement when
      seated on an exercise ball or on a chair in 16 healthy, moderately active
      subjects. At the sound of an auditory cue, the subjects carried out either hip
      flexion or arm flexion (unilateral or bilateral), as fast as possible, whilst
      sitting on an exercise ball or a standard chair. The amplitude of EMG activity
      was recorded from selected trunk muscles (erector spinae, external obliques,
      internal obliques and rectus abdominis) and either an upper limb muscle (deltoid)
      or a lower limb muscle (rectus femoris). There were minimal differences in
      amplitudes of EMG activity in any of the trunk muscles between the conditions
      (ball or chair) following the upper limb movements. These results suggest that
      there is no benefit in simple arm flexion movements whilst seated on the exercise
      ball in comparison to a chair. The onset and amplitude of the rectus abdominis
      (RA) and external obliques (EO) were significantly different between conditions
      in the hip flexion protocol. However, they do suggest significant benefit in
      decreasing RA and EO muscle activity onsets and increasing amplitude in the hip
      flexion condition. These results may have implications for rehabilitation of
      those with trunk muscle deficits such as stroke.

PMID- 22050974
TI  - Spring-like Ankle Foot Orthoses reduce the energy cost of walking by taking over
      ankle work.
AB  - In patients with central neurological disorders, gait is often limited by a
      reduced ability to push off with the ankle. To overcome this reduced ankle push
      off, energy-storing, spring-like carbon-composite Ankle Foot Orthoses (AFO) can
      be prescribed. It is expected that the energy returned by the AFO in late stance
      will support ankle push-off, and reduce the energy cost of walking. In 10
      patients with multiple sclerosis and stroke the energy cost of walking, 3D
      kinematics, joint power, and joint work were measured during gait, with and
      without the AFO. The mechanical characteristics of the AFO were measured
      separately, and used to calculate the contribution of the AFO to the ankle
      kinetics. We found a significant decrease of 9.8% in energy cost of walking when
      walking with the AFO. With the AFO, the range of motion of the ankle was reduced
      by 12.3 degrees , and the net work around the ankle was reduced by 29%. The total
      net work in the affected leg remained unchanged. The AFO accounted for 60% of the
      positive ankle work, which reduced the total amount of work performed by the leg
      by 11.1% when walking with the AFO. The decrease in energy cost when walking with
      a spring-like energy-storing AFO in central neurological patients is not induced
      by an augmented net ankle push-off, but by the AFO partially taking over ankle
      work.

PMID- 22050975
TI  - Clinical utility of a complete diagnostic protocol for the ocular evaluation of
      free-living raptors.
AB  - OBJECTIVE:   To describe a protocol for the examination of free-living raptors
      and report the ophthalmic examination findings of seven raptor species native to
      central Illinois, namely the barred owl, Cooper's hawk, eastern screech owl,
      great horned owl, American kestrel, red-tailed hawk, and turkey vulture and to
      determine if the findings relative to visual prognosis affected eligibility for
      future release. ANIMALS STUDIED:   Seventy-nine free-living raptors. PROCEDURES: 
      Under manual restraint, complete ophthalmic examination including slit-lamp
      biomicroscopy and indirect funduscopy, applanation tonometry, rebound tonometry,
      ocular morphometrics, B-mode ultrasound, and electroretinography (ERG) were
      performed on each bird. Histopathology of enucleated globes was performed after
      euthanasia or death in selected cases. RESULTS:   The examination protocol was
      easily performed using manual restraint alone on all birds. Ocular lesions were
      detected in 48.1% of birds, with 47.3% affected unilaterally and 52.6% affected
      bilaterally. Ocular lesions were considered to be vision threatening in 29.0% of
      the unilaterally affected birds and 29.0% of the bilaterally affected birds. The
      most common case outcomes were discharge from hospital to rehabilitation facility
      (45.6%) followed by euthanasia (43.0%). The presence of an ocular lesion or a
      vision-threatening ocular lesion was not significantly associated with outcome.
      Reference ranges are reported for B-mode ultrasound, ocular morphometrics, and
      horizontal corneal diameter in all species. CONCLUSION:   Complete ophthalmic
      examination can be supplemented by the use of ocular morphometrics, ultrasound,
      and ERG in the manually restrained raptor. These advanced diagnostic techniques
      may be useful in developing more objective criteria for evaluating eligibility
      for release following rehabilitation of free-living birds of prey.

PMID- 22050976
TI  - Can Seizure-Alert Dogs predict seizures?
AB  - An index observation where a dog was trained to alert to, as well as respond to,
      human tonic-clonic seizures led to further research and refinement of training
      techniques. This was followed by anecdotal reports of pet dogs spontaneously
      anticipating human epileptic seizures. An industry has since developed training
      Seizure-Alert Dogs (SADs) to give humans warnings of their seizures. In some
      cases this has been accompanied by a reduction in seizure frequency. SADs may be
      trained along with the person with epilepsy, responding specifically to that
      person's seizures, or may be trained separately. Recent sceptical reports of non
      epileptic seizures in some people with SADs have cast doubt on dogs' ability to
      anticipate true epileptic seizures. This may reflect selection criteria for
      training programmes as well as training methods used, but does not necessarily
      indicate that SADs might not be able to predict epileptic seizures. Whether the
      seizures are epileptic or non-epileptic, it is speculated that SADs probably
      alert to subtle pre-ictal human behaviour changes, but may also be sensitive to
      heart rate or olfactory cues. As yet, however, no rigorous data exist as to
      whether seizure prediction by SADS is better than chance, and what false positive
      and negative prediction rates might be.

PMID- 22050977
TI  - TMS studies of preictal cortical excitability change.
AB  - The transition between the interictal and ictal states may be characterised in
      terms of the dynamics of a complex system. Seizures may emerge because of a
      change in system parameters, but these parameters may be invisible to passive
      observation. Therefore, a number of investigators have developed methods to probe
      the system using stimulation; these probing stimuli may reveal important hidden
      parameters. Here we describe studies from two sets of investigators working
      independently, which have shown that motor responses to transcranial magnetic
      brain stimulation (TMS) differ between the interictal state remote from any
      seizure, and a period of hours immediately prior to a seizure. We place these
      studies in the context of the known physiology of motor responses to TMS and
      discuss how actively probing the state of brain excitability may open new windows
      on its dynamics.

PMID- 22050979
TI  - Long term outcomes in patients with preoperative generalized interictal
      epileptiform abnormalities following amygdalohippocampectomy.
AB  - We evaluated long term surgical outcomes in 21 patients with temporal lobe
      epilepsy and presurgical generalized interictal epileptiform discharges (IEDs).
      Following amygdalohippocampectomy, 12 patients (57.1%) were noted to have
      favorable outcomes (Engel classification of I-II). Favorable outcomes were
      significantly associated with a history of auras prior to seizure onset
      (p=0.021), the absence of generalized IEDs on postoperative EEG (p=0.024), and
      the presence of focal slowing on postoperative EEG (p=0.045).

PMID- 22050978
TI  - PCDH19 mutation in Japanese females with epilepsy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the significance of PCDH19 mutations in Japanese females
      with epilepsy and to delineate their phenotypes. METHODS: PCDH19 sequencing
      analysis was performed in 116 females with various epilepsies, including 97 with
      Dravet syndrome (83.6%). They were referred for SCN1A analysis, and 52 carried
      SCN1A mutations. RESULTS: Seven heterozygous mutations in exon 1 were identified
      in 7 patients (6.0%): 2 frameshift, 2 nonsense, and 3 missense mutations. One
      patient was a monozygotic twin, and her sister with mild phenotype carried the
      same mutation. The main clinical features among these 8 patients included early
      seizure onset (<=25 months of age), seizure clusters (7/8), fever-associated
      seizures (7/8), single seizure type (6/8), and late deterioration of intellect
      (5/8). Seizure durations were generally up to a few minutes, and only one patient
      developed status epilepticus once. The main seizure types were generalized tonic
      clonic (4/8), tonic (3/8) and focal seizures, with (2/8) or without secondary
      generalization (3/8). Myoclonic, atonic and absence seizures were extremely rare.
      Two patients had Dravet syndrome (25%), and this proportion was significantly
      smaller than that in the total subjects (p<0.01). CONCLUSION: PCDH19 mutation is
      a relatively frequent cause of epilepsy in Japanese females. Dravet syndrome was
      rare in our cohort.

PMID- 22050980
TI  - Phenotypic differences between fast and slow methionine sulfoximine-inbred mice:
      seizures, anxiety, and glutamine synthetase.
AB  - Seizures induced by the convulsant methionine sulfoximine (MSO) resemble human
      "grand mal" epilepsy, and brain glutamine synthetase is inhibited. We recently
      selected two inbred lines of mice: sensitive to MSO (MSO-Fast) and resistant (MSO
      Slow). In the present study, the selection pressure was increased and
      consanguinity established. To gain insight into the mechanisms of
      epileptogenesis, we studied the behaviour of MSO-Fast and MSO-Slow mice based on
      their responses to various convulsants and anticonvulsants, and also the kinetics
      of glutamine synthetase. The results show that increasing the number of
      generations of sib-crossings resulted in an increase in the differences between
      MSO-Fast and MSO-Slow mice. The dose-response curve of MSO-dependent seizures
      demonstrated that the MSO-Slow mice were highly insensitive to MSO-dependent
      seizures compared with MSO-Fast inbred mice that were highly sensitivity. The MSO
      Slow were resistant to convulsions induced by various convulsants having
      different mechanisms of action, whereas those in the MSO-Fast line were more
      sensitive to kainic acid-induced seizures. These data, in addition to the effects
      of anticonvulsant, strongly suggest that glutamatergic pathways are most likely
      involved in MSO-dependent seizures, rather than GABAergic ones. This hypothesis
      is corroborated by the glutamine synthetase activity, which is more elevated in
      the MSO-Slow line. Behaviour tests showed that MSO-Slow were less anxious than
      MSO-Fast. Collectively, these results showed that glutamatergic pathways could be
      involved in the epileptogenic action of MSO, which may be related to the
      glutamate/glutamine cycle in the brain.

PMID- 22050981
TI  - Pre-ictal autonomic changes.
AB  - Autonomic measures frequently alter with seizure activity and with brain state
      and so theoretically, there could be pre-ictal changes in autonomic function.
      However, there are considerable confounders. First, the measurement of autonomic
      function is not straightforward; heart rate and measures derived form heart rate
      have been those that have used the most in assessing changes in autonomic
      function. Second, autonomic function can vary considerably over the 24h cycle and
      can change suddenly depending on internal and external stimuli (e.g. fear, pain)
      and so any measures of changes in autonomic function will lose specificity.
      Third, changes in autonomic function in response to seizures, depends upon the
      individual, seizure type and spread of the seizure and even then can vary from
      seizure to seizure in the same individual. The idea that there will be well
      defined, unique autonomic changes that occur in the pre-ictal period is very
      unlikely. These factors make it unlikely that autonomic function monitoring can
      be used successfully as a means of seizure prediction. However, in sleep, changes
      in autonomic function relate to changes in arousal state and since such states
      and the transition between such states may predict seizure occurrence in certain
      individuals, autonomic function could be a helpful determinant of seizure risk at
      certain stages of sleep. This hypothesis has, however, yet to be tested.

PMID- 22050982
TI  - Restricted cusp motion in right-left type of bicuspid aortic valves: a new risk
      marker for aortopathy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Bicuspid aortic valve disease is heterogeneous with respect to valve
      morphology and aortopathy risk. This study searched for early imaging predictors
      of aortopathy in patients with a bicuspid aortic valve with right-left coronary
      cusp fusion, the most common morphotype. METHODS: Time-resolved magnetic
      resonance imaging was performed in 36 subjects with nonstenotic, nonregurgitant
      bicuspid aortic valves and nondilated aortas and in 10 healthy controls with
      tricuspid aortic valves. Sinus dimensions (diameter, width, and height),
      ascending tract diameters, and wall strain were measured for each sinus/leaflet
      unit and corresponding ascending tract area to account for asymmetries. A novel
      parameter, "cusp opening angle," measured the degree of valve leaflet alignment
      to outflow axis in systole, quantifying cusp motility. Phase-contrast magnetic
      resonance imaging and computational fluid dynamic models assessed flow patterns.
      Aortic growth rate was estimated over a follow-up period ranging from 9 to 84
      months. RESULTS: The expected restriction of bicuspid aortic valve opening
      (conjoint cusp opening angle, 62 degrees +/-5 degrees  vs 76 degrees +/-3 degrees
      for nonfused leaflet and 75 degrees +/-3 degrees  for tricuspid aortic valve
      cusps; P<.001) was confirmed, and the introduced parameter reproducibly
      quantified this phenomenon. Phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging
      demonstrated systolic flow deflection toward the right, affecting the right
      anterolateral ascending wall. Computational models confirmed that restricted cusp
      motion alone is sufficient to cause the observed flow pattern. Ascending tract
      wall strain was not circumferentially homogeneous in bicuspid aortic valves. In
      multivariable analyses, the conjoint cusp opening angle independently predicted
      ascending aorta diameters and growth rate (P<.001). CONCLUSIONS: In the bicuspid
      aortic valve commonly defined as normofunctional by echocardiographic criteria,
      restricted systolic conjoint cusp motion causes flow deflection. The novel
      measurement introduced can quantify restricted cusp opening, possibly assuming
      prognostic importance.

PMID- 22050983
TI  - Beating heart surgery via right thoracotomy for reoperative mitral valve surgery:
      a safe and effective operative alternative.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Right thoracotomy using ventricular fibrillation with cooling has been
      used for redo mitral valve surgery. This approach avoids the complications of
      redo sternotomy, such as injury to prior grafts and hemorrhage. As a further
      refinement, we have used a beating heart technique to further minimize
      complications while simplifying the operation. METHODS: We reviewed the outcomes
      of 450 patients who underwent redo mitral valve surgery via a right thoracotomy
      from 1996 to 2011 at the University of Michigan. Of these, 134 patients underwent
      redo mitral valve surgery with ventricular fibrillation, and 316 patients
      underwent beating heart surgery. Although operative eras were consecutive,
      patients' age, risk factors, New York Heart Association, and preoperative left
      ventricular ejection fraction were not significantly different. Core temperature
      on cardiopulmonary bypass for beating heart surgery was 32 degrees C versus 26
      degrees C for ventricular fibrillation. RESULTS: Patients undergoing beating
      heart surgery had shorter periods of cardiopulmonary bypass: 81+/-9 minutes
      versus 113+/-36 minutes. Beating heart surgery required less blood products than
      ventricular fibrillation: 1.65+/-2 units versus 3.8+/-5 units packed red blood
      cells, 0.6+/-1.2 units versus 1.8+/-4 units fresh-frozen plasma, and 1.02+/-4
      versus 7.5+/-17 platelet packs (all P<.01). Conversely, patients receiving
      ventricular fibrillation required longer postoperative ventilation: 34+/-101
      hours versus 15.5+/-27 hours (P<.01). The 30-day mortality was similar for both
      (6.5% for beating heart and 7.4% for ventricular fibrillation), and postoperative
      length of stay was the same at 7 days. Stroke rate was 2.6% for patients
      undergoing beating heart surgery and 3% for patients receiving ventricular
      fibrillation. Significant operative complications were uncommon; there was no
      catastrophic hemorrhage, and only 2 patients receiving ventricular fibrillation
      and 2 patients undergoing beating heart surgery required reexploration.
      CONCLUSIONS: As reoperative cardiac surgery continues to increase, techniques
      that safely facilitate operation while improving outcome should be adopted. As an
      operative alternative, redo right thoracotomy mitral valve surgery on the beating
      heart is associated with shorter bypass time, less transfusion requirements,
      shorter postoperative ventilation, and lower mortality. This safe and effective
      approach should be considered for this complex operation.

PMID- 22050985
TI  - Pulmonary artery sling: current results with cardiopulmonary bypass.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We have used cardiopulmonary bypass with left pulmonary artery
      reimplantation for pulmonary artery sling repair since 1985. This review presents
      our current results with this technique, emphasizing the importance of diagnosis
      and treatment of frequently associated tracheal stenosis. METHODS: Since 1985, 34
      patients have undergone pulmonary artery sling repair using a median sternotomy
      and cardiopulmonary bypass. Age ranged from 9 days to 43 years (mean 2.1 +/- 7.5
      years, median 0.2 years). Twenty-seven patients (79%) had tracheal stenosis
      secondary to complete cartilage tracheal rings. All patients had preoperative
      airway imaging with rigid bronchoscopy, and since 2000 all patients have had
      computed tomography imaging of the chest with 3-dimensional reconstruction (n =
      14). Tracheal repair has included pericardial patch tracheoplasty (n = 7),
      tracheal autograft (n = 10), tracheal resection (n = 4), and slide tracheoplasty
      (n = 5). All patients had an echocardiogram, and cardiac lesions repaired
      simultaneously included atrial septal defect (4), tetralogy of Fallot (2), and
      ventricular septal defect (1). One patient had a severely hypoplastic right lung,
      and 3 patients had an absent right lung. In these patients, the left pulmonary
      artery was translocated anterior to the trachea. In all other patients, the left
      pulmonary artery was reimplanted into the main pulmonary artery. RESULTS: There
      have been no early deaths or complications related to the use of cardiopulmonary
      bypass. Median hospital stay was 24 days. There have been 4 late deaths. Two late
      deaths were the result of complications of tracheal surgery (1 pericardial patch
      [6 months postoperatively] and 1 autograft [1.7 years postoperatively]). One
      child died of biliary atresia (0.2 years postoperatively), and 1 child died of
      pneumonia (5.8 years postoperatively). All recent tracheal stenosis repairs have
      been with slide tracheoplasty. All left pulmonary arteries are patent with a mean
      percent flow by perfusion scan of 41% +/- 13%. Older patients (n = 2) have noted
      a significant improvement in exercise tolerance. CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary artery
      sling is best repaired with median sternotomy, cardiopulmonary bypass, and left
      pulmonary artery reimplantation. This resulted in uniformly patent left pulmonary
      arteries in all patients. Preoperative computed tomography imaging,
      echocardiography, and bronchoscopy are essential for precise operative planning.
      The frequently associated tracheal stenosis is best repaired with slide
      tracheoplasty.

PMID- 22050986
TI  - Coarctectomy combined with an interdigitating arch reconstruction results in a
      lower incidence of recurrent arch obstruction after the Norwood procedure than
      coarctectomy alone.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Recurrent aortic arch obstruction after the Norwood procedure
      continues to be a source of morbidity. We sought to determine if a modified
      interdigitating technique for aortic arch reconstruction during the Norwood
      procedure decreased recurrent arch obstruction. METHODS: A total of 142
      consecutive infants undergoing the Norwood procedure were divided into groups
      according to surgical technique: Group 1 (n = 79, January 1999 to May 2003)
      underwent arch reconstruction with complete coarctectomy followed by anastomosis
      of the descending aorta to the transverse arch. Group 2 (n = 63, June 2003 to
      September 2006) underwent complete coarctectomy plus a modified interdigitating
      technique. Catheterization before stage 2 palliation was reviewed for
      hemodynamics and angiographic arch dimensions, and a coarctation index was
      calculated. RESULTS: Reintervention for recurrent coarctation occurred in 28%
      (22/79) of group 1 patients compared with 2% (1/63) of group 2 patients (P =
      .001). Aortic pressures, gradients, dimensions, and coarctation index were
      consistently more favorable for group 2. CONCLUSIONS: Coarctectomy plus an
      interdigitating arch anastomosis was superior to coarctectomy alone and resulted
      in a dramatically decreased incidence of recurrent arch obstruction.

PMID- 22050987
TI  - Preoperative proteinuria predicts acute kidney injury in patients undergoing
      cardiac surgery.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The study objective was to examine the utility of using proteinuria in
      preoperative risk stratification for acute kidney injury. Acute kidney injury is
      a common and important complication for patients undergoing cardiac surgery.
      Proteinuria, which reflects structural damage to the glomeruli or renal tubules,
      may aid the prediction of acute kidney injury. METHODS: The urine albumin to
      creatinine ratio and dipstick proteinuria concentration were prospectively
      measured in 1159 patients undergoing cardiac surgery. The cohort was organized
      into 4 clinical risk categories based on the preoperative urine albumin to
      creatinine ratio: 10 mg/g or less (<= 1.1 mg/mmol), 11 to 29 mg/g (1.2-3.3
      mg/mmol), 30 to 299 mg/g (3.4-33.8 mg/mmol), and 300 mg/g or greater (>= 33.9
      mg/mmol). The primary outcome was postoperative acute kidney injury, defined by
      the Acute Kidney Injury Network stage I criterion (serum creatinine increase >=
      50% or >= 0.3 mg/dL; 26.5 MUmol/L). RESULTS: An increase in the incidence of
      acute kidney injury was noted across the urine albumin to creatinine ratio
      categories. Adding the urine albumin to creatinine ratio to the clinical model to
      predict acute kidney injury improved the area under the curve from 0.67 to 0.70
      (P < .001), and the continuous net reclassification improvement was 29% (P <
      .001). The urine albumin to creatinine ratio was also independently associated
      with the risk of in-hospital dialysis and intensive care unit and hospital
      lengths of stay. Surgery status and preoperative glomerular filtration rate were
      effect modifiers; the association was stronger among those undergoing elective
      surgery and those with an estimated glomerular filtration rate of 45 mL/min/1.73
      m(2) or greater. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative proteinuria provides graded
      stratification risk for acute kidney injury and is an independent predictor of
      other outcomes in patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

PMID- 22050988
TI  - Training residents in off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery: a 14-year
      experience.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB) is an established
      procedure in many cardiothoracic centers. For it to be widely applicable,
      however, teaching methods must be developed for surgical trainees. Early clinical
      outcomes and long-term survival of patients who underwent OPCAB at our
      institution by trainees supervised and unsupervised were compared with those of
      patients whose procedures were performed by senior surgeons. To evaluate
      evolution of training, outcomes were analyzed according to 3 different periods
      (1996-1999, 2000-2004, 2005-2009) and trainee seniority level. METHODS: This was
      a retrospective, observational cohort study of prospectively collected data from
      5566 consecutive patients who underwent isolated OPCAB performed by trainees
      (1589, 28.6%; 1111 supervised, 478 unsupervised) and by senior surgeons (3977,
      71.4%). RESULTS: Patients of senior surgeons were more likely to have left
      ventricular dysfunction (P = .001), peripheral vascular disease (P = .05), more
      extensive coronary artery disease (P = .001), and higher EuroSCOREs than patients
      of trainees. In addition, trainees were less likely to have performed urgent
      operations (P = .02) or reoperations (P = .03) but more likely to have operated
      on patients with previous percutaneous coronary intervention (P = .006). Early
      clinical outcomes and long-term survival were similar between groups and not
      related to trainee seniority, level of supervision by senior surgeon, or period
      during which training took place. CONCLUSIONS: OPCAB is a safe and reproducible
      surgical technique that can be taught successfully to cardiothoracic trainees.
      Clinical outcomes are unrelated to level of supervision or seniority of trainees.

PMID- 22050989
TI  - Pseudoprolapse of the anterior leaflet in chronic ischemic mitral regurgitation:
      identification and repair.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Recurrence rates as high as 30% have been observed 6 months after
      treatment of chronic ischemic mitral regurgitation (CIMR) with isolated
      annuloplasty. We postulated that the high early recurrence rates resulted from
      the presence of untreated pseudoprolapse of the anterior leaflet. METHODS: We
      conducted a retrospective study of all mitral valve repairs for CIMR performed by
      a single surgeon (S.W.H.) from 1995 to 2011. After annuloplasty, Gore-Tex
      neochordae were added if the high-pressure saline test indicated the presence of
      pseudoprolapse of the anterior leaflet. RESULTS: A total of 47 patients underwent
      mitral valve repair for CIMR. Of the 47 patients, 24 (51%) were found to have
      pseudoprolapse requiring the addition of neochordae. For all patients, the
      average age was 65.1 years, and 65.2% were men. Fourteen (30%) had had a
      preoperative intra-aortic balloon pump placed by cardiologists. Fourteen (30%)
      had severe pulmonary hypertension. Concomitant coronary artery bypass grafting
      was performed in 40 patients, with an average of 2.2 grafts; 7 had previously
      undergone coronary artery bypass grafting. Mitral Carpentier-Edwards physio
      annuloplasty rings were used in all patients with a mean size of 29 mm. One
      patient died postoperatively. Follow-up data were available for all 47 patients
      at an average of 4.9 years. The 5-year survival rate was 82.5%. The mean pre- and
      postoperative New York Heart Association class, ejection fraction, and mitral
      regurgitation grade were 3 and 1.52 (P < .0001), 34% and 41% (P = .0006), and
      3.51 and 1.08 (P < .0001), respectively. Two patients developed greater than
      moderate mitral regurgitation. CONCLUSIONS: Effective repair of CIMR should
      include surgical techniques to correct pseudoprolapse of the anterior leaflet,
      when present. The selective addition of Gore-Tex neochordae to an undersized
      annuloplasty nearly eliminates recurrent regurgitation after mitral valve repair
      for CIMR.

PMID- 22050990
TI  - Papillary muscle relocation in conjunction with valve annuloplasty improve repair
      results in severe ischemic mitral regurgitation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The incidence of recurrent mitral regurgitation (MR) after restrictive
      annuloplasty (RA) was 5% to 20% in several reports. There are many opinions in
      favor of adding subvalvular procedures to RA to reduce the tenting forces and
      improve the repair results. METHODS: From March 2003 to May 2010, 55 patients
      with severe ischemic MR who had undergone papillary muscle (PPM) relocation in
      conjunction with mitral annuloplasty in our institutions were enrolled. The
      patients were matched 1:1 with those who underwent isolated RA using the
      propensity score. The mean left ventricular ejection fraction was 42% +/- 6%. The
      mean tenting area and coaptation depth was 3.2 +/- 0.6 cm(2) and 1.3 +/- 0.2 cm,
      respectively. The study endpoints were early mortality and clinical and
      echocardiographic outcomes, freedom from cardiac-related deaths, and cardiac
      related events. RESULTS: In-hospital death occurred in 5 patients (4.5%), without
      a statistically significant difference between the 2 groups (P = .72). The 5-year
      freedom from cardiac-related deaths and cardiac-related events in the PPM
      relocation group versus the RA group was 90.9% +/- 1.8% versus 89% +/- 1.6% (P =
      .82) and 83% +/- 2.1% versus 65.4% +/- 1.2% (P < .001), respectively. Recurrent
      MR equal to or greater than moderate occurred in 2 (3.7%) and 6 (11.5%) patients
      in the PPM relocation group and RA group (P = .01), respectively. Moreover, we
      found statistically significant differences for the postoperative mean tenting
      area and coaptation depth in both groups (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: PPM relocation
      in conjunction to mitral annuloplasty is an easy and safe method and can be
      performed without an increase in-hospital mortality. This technique reduced the
      tenting area and coaptation depth compared with isolated RA, leading to
      improvement in the incidence of recurrent MR. The PPM group of patients
      experienced fewer cardiac-related events.

PMID- 22050991
TI  - Importance of anterior leaflet tethering in predicting recurrence of ischemic
      mitral regurgitation after restrictive annuloplasty.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We investigated the relationship between anterior mitral leaflet (AML)
      tethering and recurrent ischemic mitral regurgitation (MR) after restrictive
      annuloplasty. We also explored whether the effect of AML tethering was secondary
      to modifications in left ventricular size and geometry. METHODS: The study
      population consisted of 435 consecutive patients with chronic ischemic MR who
      survived combined coronary artery bypass grafting and undersized mitral ring
      annuloplasty performed at 3 institutions (University Hospital, Maastricht, The
      Netherlands; Careggi Hospital, Florence, Italy; and Civic Hospital, Brescia,
      Italy) from 2001 to 2008. The median follow-up was 44.7 months (interquartile
      range 25.9-66.4). The patients were divided by the baseline measurements into
      quintiles of AML tethering angle alpha' as follows: group 1, normal/slight AML
      tethering; group 2, mild AML tethering; group 3, moderate AML tethering; group 4,
      moderate-to-severe AML tethering; and group 5, severe AML tethering. RESULTS:
      Recurrence of MR was significantly greater in patients with moderate-to-severe
      (28.3%) and severe (39.4%) AML tethering (P < .001). A strong correlation was
      found between alpha' (r = 0.83, P < .001) and recurrent MR but a weak correlation
      with the posterior mitral angle beta' (r = 0.12, P = .05). On logistic regression
      analysis corrected for other echocardiographic risk factors, moderate-severe AML
      tethering or worse (adjusted odds ratio, 3.6; 95% confidence interval, 3.0-4.1; P
      < .001) was a strong predictor of MR recurrence. Compared with patients with
      beta' of 45 or greater, those with severe and moderate-severe AML tethering had
      more than 3.7 and 1.7 times greater odds of MR recurrence, respectively. No
      significant interactions were found between alpha' and the indexes of left
      ventricular function and geometry. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative moderate-severe AML
      tethering or worse was strongly associated with MR recurrence. Thus, assessment
      of leaflet tethering should be incorporated into clinical risk assessment and
      prediction models.

PMID- 22050992
TI  - Stimulation of Ca2+-sensing receptor inhibits the basolateral 50-pS K channels in
      the thick ascending limb of rat kidney.
AB  - We used the patch-clamp technique to study the effect of changing the external
      Ca2+ on the basolateral 50-pS K channel in the thick ascending limb (TAL) of rat
      kidney. Increasing the external Ca2+ concentration from 1 mM to 2 or 3 mM
      inhibited the basolateral 50-pS K channels while decreasing external Ca2+ to 10
      MUM ?increased the 50-pS K channel activity. The effect of the external Ca2+ on
      the 50-pS K channels was observed only in cell-attached patches but not in
      excised patches. Moreover, the inhibitory effect of increasing external Ca2+ on
      the 50-pS K channels was absent in the presence of NPS2390, an antagonist of Ca2+
      sensing receptor (CaSR), suggesting that the inhibitory effect of the external
      Ca2+ was the result of stimulation of the CaSR. Application of the membrane
      permeable cAMP analog increased the 50-pS K channel activity but did not block
      the effect of raising the external Ca2+ on the K channels. Neither inhibition of
      phospholipase A2 (PLA2) nor suppression of cytochrome P450-omega-hydroxylation
      dependent metabolism of arachidonic acid was able to abolish the effect of
      raising the external Ca2+ on the 50-pS K channels. In contrast, inhibition of
      phospholipase C (PLC) or blocking protein kinase C (PKC) completely abolished the
      inhibition of the basolateral 50-pS K channels induced by raising the external
      Ca2+. We conclude that the external Ca2+ concentration plays an important role in
      the regulation of the basolateral K channel activity in the TAL and that the
      effect of the external Ca2+ is mediated by the CaSR which stimulates PLC-PKC
      pathways. The regulation of the basolateral K channels by the CaSR may be the
      mechanism by which extracellular Ca2+ level modulates the reabsorption of
      divalent cations.

PMID- 22050994
TI  - Network analysis of microRNAs and their regulation in human ovarian cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNA molecules that repress
      the translation of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) or degrade mRNAs. These functions of
      miRNAs allow them to control key cellular processes such as development,
      differentiation and apoptosis, and they have also been implicated in several
      cancers such as leukaemia, lung, pancreatic and ovarian cancer (OC).
      Unfortunately, the specific machinery of miRNA regulation, involving
      transcription factors (TFs) and transcription co-factors (TcoFs), is not well
      understood. In the present study we focus on computationally deciphering the
      underlying network of miRNAs, their targets, and their control mechanisms that
      have an influence on OC development. RESULTS: We analysed experimentally verified
      data from multiple sources that describe miRNA influence on diseases, miRNA
      targeting of mRNAs, and on protein-protein interactions, and combined this data
      with ab initio transcription factor binding site predictions within miRNA
      promoter regions. From these analyses, we derived a network that describes the
      influence of miRNAs and their regulation in human OC. We developed a methodology
      to analyse the network in order to find the nodes that have the largest potential
      of influencing the network's behaviour (network hubs). We further show the
      potentially most influential miRNAs, TFs and TcoFs, showing subnetworks
      illustrating the involved mechanisms as well as regulatory miRNA network motifs
      in OC. We find an enrichment of miRNA targeted OC genes in the highly relevant
      pathways cell cycle regulation and apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS: We combined several
      sources of interaction and association data to analyse and place miRNAs within
      regulatory pathways that influence human OC. These results represent the first
      comprehensive miRNA regulatory network analysis for human OC. This suggests that
      miRNAs and their regulation may play a major role in OC and that further directed
      research in this area is of utmost importance to enhance our understanding of the
      molecular mechanisms underlying human cancer development and OC in particular.

PMID- 22050995
TI  - A computational index derived from whole-genome copy number analysis is a novel
      tool for prognosis in early stage lung squamous cell carcinoma.
AB  - Squamous cell carcinoma of the lung is remarkable for the extent to which the
      same chromosomal abnormalities are detected in individual tumours. We have used
      next generation sequencing at low coverage to produce high resolution copy number
      karyograms of a series of 89 non-small cell lung tumours specifically of the
      squamous cell subtype. Because this methodology is able to create karyograms from
      formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded material, we were able to use archival stored
      samples for which survival data were available and correlate frequently occurring
      copy number changes with disease outcome. No single region of genomic change
      showed significant correlation with survival. However, adopting a whole-genome
      approach, we devised an algorithm that relates to total genomic damage,
      specifically the relative ratios of copy number states across the genome. This
      algorithm generated a novel index, which is an independent prognostic indicator
      in early stage squamous cell carcinoma of the lung.

PMID- 22050996
TI  - New triterpenoid saponins from Patrinia scabiosaefolia.
AB  - Phytochemical investigation of the methanol extract from the whole plants of
      Patrinia scabiosaefolia Fisch. resulted in the isolation of four new triterpenoid
      saponins (1-4) along with six known compounds (5-10). On the basis of
      spectroscopic and chemical methods, the structures of the new compounds were
      established as 3-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1->3)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1->2)
      beta-D-xylopyranosyl-12beta,30-dihydroxy-olean-28,13beta-olide (1), 3-O-alpha-L
      rhamnopyranosyl-(1->2)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-12beta,30-dihydroxy-olean-28,13beta
      olide (2), 3-O-beta-D-xylopyranosyl-(1->2)-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-12beta, 30
      dihydroxy-olean-28,13beta-olide (3), and 3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-(1->4)-beta-D
      xylopyranosyl-(1->3)-alpha-L-rhamnopyranosyl-(1->2)-beta-D-xylopyranosyl
      oleanolic acid 28-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (4), respectively. Compounds 1-3
      possess a novel 12beta,30-dihydroxy-olean-28,13beta-lactone aglycone and a 12beta
      hydroxy substituent that is rarely found in this kind of triterpenoid saponin.

PMID- 22050997
TI  - Glycosylation studies on conformationally restricted 3,5-O-(di-tert
      butylsilylene)-D-galactofuranosyl trichloroacetimidate donors for 1,2-cis alpha-D
      galactofuranosylation.
AB  - Conformationally restricted 3,5-O-di-tert-butylsilylene-D-galactofuranosyl
      trichloroacetimidate donors were synthesized from allyl alpha-D-galactofuranoside
      for the construction of 1,2-cis alpha-D-galactofuranosyl linkages. Glycosylation
      reactions were performed with several acceptors, including D-galactono-1,4
      lactone, D-rhamnopyranosyl, and D-mannopyranosyl derivatives. The influence of
      the temperature and the reaction solvents was evaluated, as well as the 6-O
      substitution pattern of the donor. The higher alpha-selectivities were obtained
      at -78  degrees C in diethyl ether as solvent. 6-O-Acetyl substitution on
      constrained donor increased the alpha-selectivity compared to the 6-O-benzyl
      substitution. Almost no selectivities were observed in the non-participating
      solvent CH(2)Cl(2). In contrast, ethereal solvents enhanced the alpha-selectivity
      suggesting a participating effect in the reaction intermediate.

PMID- 22050998
TI  - Microanatomy of the anterior uveoscleral outflow pathway in normal and primary
      open-angle glaucomatous dogs.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the morphology of the uveoscleral (US) outflow pathway in
      normal and glaucomatous canines. ANIMALS STUDIED: 10 normal beagles, 10 beagles
      with inherited primary open-angle glaucoma, 4 cocker spaniels with spontaneous
      glaucoma. PROCEDURES: Formalin-preserved globes were sectioned tangentially and
      sagittally and treated with H&E, Masson's trichrome, or elastin stains or
      analyzed by immunohistochemistry to visualize smooth muscle actin. Tissues
      associated with the US pathway were observed and compared using light microscopy.
      RESULTS: Tangentially oriented sections clearly revealed spaces for the transport
      of aqueous humor at the junction of the posterior iridocorneal angle (ICA) and
      anterior ciliary body musculature (CBM). Within the external anterior-most of the
      US pathway, the supraciliary space, distinct connective tissue cords and smooth
      muscle pegs fastened the ciliary body to the adjacent sclera. Compared to normal
      controls, glaucomatous eyes developed a robust scleral elastic sheath at the
      junction between the posterior ICA and the anterior CBM. In advanced glaucomatous
      beagles and cocker spaniels, a large amount of melanophores were seen in the US
      pathway and surrounding vasculature. Within the C8M of glaucomatous specimens,
      the smooth muscle bundles appeared fewer and separated by elastic-rich ECM.
      Structures of the US pathway changed little with age. CONCLUSIONS: The anterior
      portion of the canine US pathway is well defined and appears to be altered little
      with age. However with glaucoma, changes of the US pathway were associated with
      its the elastic components, as well as the accumulation of melanophores.
      Collectively, these changes may have an effect on US outflow and, subsequently,
      aqueous humor dynamics.

PMID- 22050999
TI  - Long-term prognosis of symptomatic isolated middle cerebral artery disease in
      Korean stroke patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the long-term mortality and
      recurrence rate of stroke in first-time stroke patients with symptomatic isolated
      middle cerebral artery disease (MCAD) under medical management. METHODS: We
      identified 141 first ever stroke patients (mean age, 64.4 +/- 12.5 years; 53%
      male) with symptomatic isolated MCAD. MCAD was defined as significant stenosis of
      more than 50% or occlusion of the MCA as revealed by MR angiography. The median
      follow-up was 27.7 months. We determined a cumulative rate of stroke recurrence
      and mortality by Kaplan-Meier survival analyses and sought predictors using the
      Cox proportional hazard model. RESULTS: The cumulative composite outcome rate
      (stroke recurrence or any-cause death) was 14%, 19%, 22%, and 28% at years 1, 2,
      3, and 5, respectively. The annual recurrence rate of stroke was 4.1%. The
      presence of diabetes mellitus was the only significant independent predictor of
      stroke recurrence or any cause of death in multivariate analyses of Cox
      proportional hazard model adjusted for any plausible potential confounding
      factors. CONCLUSIONS: We estimated the long-term prognosis of stroke patients
      with isolated symptomatic MCAD under current medical management in Korea.
      Diabetes mellitus was found to be a significant predictor for stroke recurrence
      and mortality.

PMID- 22051000
TI  - Gender identity issues in youth: opportunities, terminologies, histories, and
      advancements.
AB  - An expanding number of mental health professionals evaluate, advocate for, treat,
      and refer gender variant children and transgender youth.Official recognition of
      these persons and their needs as well as support for improvement and change come
      from several different national surveys and professional policy and accreditation
      organizations. Being informed about these and other available resources can help
      with patient advocacy. The author provides a reading list for youth and families,
      definitions of terms, a history of youth gender variance, history and policies of
      professional organizations, and recent reports and initiatives. An appendix with
      a patient's first-hand story is included.

PMID- 22051001
TI  - Thoughts on the nature of identity: disorders of sex development and gender
      identity.
AB  - Children with disorders of sex development have similarities to, but also marked
      contrasts with, children with normal anatomy but who have gender dysphoria.
      Understanding gender identity development in children with sex disorders will
      probably help us understand typical gender identity development more than in
      understanding gender development in children with gender identity disorder.

PMID- 22051002
TI  - Gender monitoring and gender reassignment of children and adolescents with a
      somatic disorder of sex development.
AB  - Individuals born with a somatic disorder of sex development (DSD) have high rates
      of gender-atypical behavior, gender uncertainty, gender dysphoria, and patient
      initiated gender change in childhood, adolescence,and adulthood. This article
      addresses the issues a mental health services provider has to consider in
      evaluating and assisting such patients and provides examples of assessment-method
      batteries. To date, the World Professional Association for Transgender Health's
      Standards of Care, 6th version, for non-DSD patients with gender dysphoria, may
      be cautiously used for guidance, taking into account the considerable differences
      in presentation and medical context between gender dysphoric patients with and
      without a DSD.

PMID- 22051003
TI  - Development of AACAP practice parameters for gender nonconformity and gender
      discordance in children and adolescents.
AB  - The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) is preparing a
      publication, Practice Parameter on Gay, Lesbian or Bisexual Sexual Orientation,
      Gender-Nonconformity, and Gender Discordance in Children and Adolescents. This
      article discusses the development of the part of the parameter related to gender
      nonconformity and gender discordance and describes the practice parameter
      preparation process,rationale, key scientific evidence, and methodology. Also
      discussed are terminology considerations, related clinical issues and practice
      skills, and overall organization of information including influences on gender
      development, gender role behavior, gender nonconformity and gender discordance,
      and their relationship to the development of sexual orientation.

PMID- 22051004
TI  - Assessment of gender variance in children.
AB  - This article focuses on the assessment of children who display gender-atypical
      behavior and, perhaps, identity. The aim is to provide an overview of assessment
      techniques that can be used clinically with children who show this behavioral
      pattern and that complement the routine use of DSM-IV criteria for the diagnosis
      of gender identity disorder in clinical practice. It will also provide an
      overview of some common approaches to the assessment of other types of behavioral
      and socioemotional issues that may require clinical attention in these
      youngsters.

PMID- 22051005
TI  - Female-to-male transgender adolescents.
AB  - This article focuses on considerations for natal females who present in the
      adolescent years with concerns related to their gender. They maybe individuals
      previously evaluated in their childhood years who have persisted with gender
      variance or gender identity disorder (GID) in DSM-IV, or they may be presenting
      for the first time in their adolescent years. The article discusses how to assess
      adolescents who come for evaluation and what treatments and other resources are
      available for them and their families. Where there seem to be differences between
      boys and girls with gender identity issues, they will be noted.

PMID- 22051006
TI  - Treatment of adolescents with gender dysphoria in the Netherlands.
AB  - In the Netherlands, gender dysphoric adolescents may be eligible for puberty
      suppression at age 12, subsequent cross-sex hormone treatment at age 16, and
      gender reassignment surgery at age 18. Initially, a thorough assessment is made
      of the gender dysphoria and vulnerabilities in functioning or circumstances.
      Psychological interventions and/or gender reassignment may be offered.
      Psychological interventions are offered if the adolescent needs to explore gender
      identity and treatment wishes, suffers from coexisting problems, or needs support
      and counseling during gender reassignment. Although more studies are necessary,
      this approach seems to contribute significantly to the well-being of gender
      dysphoric adolescents.

PMID- 22051007
TI  - The development of a gender identity psychosocial clinic: treatment issues,
      logistical considerations, interdisciplinary cooperation, and future initiatives.
AB  - Few interdisciplinary treatment programs that tend to the needs of youth with
      gender nonconforming behaviors, expressions, and identities exist in academic
      medical centers with formal residency training programs. Despite this, the
      literature provides evidence that these youth have higher rates of poor
      psychosocial adjustment and suicide attempts. This article explores the
      logistical considerations involved in developing a specialized interdisciplinary
      service to these gender minority youth in accordance with the existing treatment
      guidelines.Demographic data will be presented and treatment issues will be
      explored. The impact that a specialized interdisciplinary treatment program has
      on clinical expansion, research development, education and training, and
      community outreach initiatives is discussed.

PMID- 22051008
TI  - Guidelines for pubertal suspension and gender reassignment for transgender
      adolescents.
AB  - Pubertal suppression at Tanner stage 2 should be considered in adolescents with
      persistent gender identity disorder (GID). Issues related to achievement of adult
      height, timing of initiating sex steroid treatment, future fertility options,
      preventing uterine bleeding, and required modifications of genital surgery remain
      concerns. Concerns have been raised about altering neuropsychological development
      during cessation of puberty and reinitiation of puberty by the sex steroid
      opposite those determined by genetic sex. Collaborative assessment and treatment
      of dysphoric adolescents with persistent GID resolves these concerns and deepens
      our understanding of gender development.

PMID- 22051009
TI  - A therapeutic group for parents of transgender adolescents.
AB  - Therapy for transgender, transsexual, and gender variant persons has
      traditionally assisted individuals in the process of adjusting to their newly
      adopted gender role. Increasingly, younger gender variant patients,teens and
      preteens, present to the clinical consultation raising the need to develop
      therapeutic interventions that better address the psychosocial needs of minors.
      The Gender and Sexuality Development Program at Children's National Medical
      Center (CNMC) in Washington,DC (http://www.childrensnational.org/gendervariance),
      provides outpatient psychosocial evaluations and therapeutic services for
      children,adolescents, and their families.

PMID- 22051010
TI  - Snakes and snails and mermaid tails: raising a gender-variant son.
AB  - This article is a first-person account of a father's journey to lovingly accept
      his young gender-variant son, who began to show traits and preferences more
      common to girls almost from birth. The dad's efforts to discover constructive
      parenting strategies for raising his boy are also detailed. Experiences described
      begin with guilt and awareness of his own difficulty in coming to terms with his
      son's behavior, progress toward seeking and finding support and guidance, and
      eventually learning to embrace his son as he is, perhaps with questions about his
      own liberality and apprehensions about his boy's future.

PMID- 22051011
TI  - Raising a gender non-conforming child.
AB  - This article overviews the challenges parents face raising gender non-conforming
      children. The author is the mother of a fifteen year old gender non-conforming
      (GNC) child and co-founder of Stepping Stones Support Group which organizes
      support programs for families of GNC. The article discusses social challenges,
      educational challenges and internal conflicts the author has experienced while
      raising her child. The author also discusses the process of founding Stepping
      Stones and the importance having support has played in her and her child's life.

PMID- 22051012
TI  - Considerations for affirming gender nonconforming boys and their families: new
      approaches, new challenges.
AB  - The media and the public's reaction have created the impression that gender
      variant behaviors of many children are indicative of later transsexual
      identities. This has suggested to some parents that the best way to manage their
      sons' gender variance and perhaps gender dysphoria is to allow them to dress as
      girls in increasingly more situations. For some this becomes a transition to
      living full-time as a girl. However, the author believes that most of these boys
      would be better served by helping them develop an awareness of the many ways of
      being a boy, stigma-reducing social strategies, and facilitating a positive gay
      identity.

PMID- 22051013
TI  - Improving medical education about gender-variant youth and transgender
      adolescents.
AB  - Gender minority children and adolescents present to a wide variety of health
      professionals for gender-related care and other care. However,few professionals
      may be prepared to meet their needs. Unprepared clinicians risk developing
      insufficient therapeutic rapport, missing salient information, and inadvertently
      contributing to risk. In this article the authors outline ways to address these
      gaps at all training levels to meet the needs of gender minority children and
      adolescents. They provide practical resources for colleagues interested in
      expanding education opportunities in their own community. In the end, competency
      in gender minority health should improve access to care for these youths.

PMID- 22051014
TI  - Finding clarity through the confusion.

PMID- 22051015
TI  - Gender-variant children and transgender adolescents.

PMID- 22051017
TI  - Angular smoothing and radial regularization of ODF fields: application on
      deterministic crossing fiber tractography.
AB  - The advent of high angular resolution diffusion imaging (HARDI) has opened up new
      perspectives for the delineation of crossing and branching fiber pathways.
      However, image acquisition under clinical conditions with limited measurement
      time faces the problem of poor spatial and angular resolution and the technique's
      high susceptibility to noise. In this paper we present a straightforward spatial
      filter for ODF fields that uses the data-inherent structural information around a
      voxel as part of a directionally selective method for angular smoothing and
      radial regularization (ASRR). Especially in regions where fibers cross
      (multimodal voxels), the method allows us to reduce noise, improve the accuracy
      of ODF diffusion peaks, and strengthen signals of non-dominant fibers. Moreover,
      we propose a dynamic scheme in which regularization is applied only to ODFs
      classified as multimodal. The approach is quantitatively evaluated on synthetic
      datasets of various configurations. With an in vivo dataset of a human subject,
      measured under clinical imaging conditions, we demonstrate the method's ability
      to improve tractography of non-dominant transcallosal fiber pathways and the long
      fibers of the superior longitudinal fasciculus.

PMID- 22051018
TI  - Conformational changes of the betaine transporter BetP from Corynebacterium
      glutamicum studied by pulse EPR spectroscopy.
AB  - The betaine transporter BetP from Corynebacterium glutamicum is activated by
      hyperosmotic stress critically depending on the presence and integrity of its
      sensory C-terminal domain. The conformational properties of the trimeric BetP
      reconstituted in liposomes in the inactive state and during osmotic activation
      were investigated by site-directed spin labeling and electron paramagnetic
      resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. Comparison of intra- and intermolecular inter spin
      distance distributions obtained by double electron-electron resonance (DEER) EPR
      with the crystal structure of BetP by means of a rotamer library analysis suggest
      a rotation of BetP protomers within the trimer by about 15 degrees  as compared
      to the X-ray structure. Furthermore, we observed conformational changes upon
      activation of BetP, which are reflected in changes of the distances between
      positions 545 and 589 of different protomers in the trimer. Introduction of
      proline at positions 550 and 572, both leading to BetP variants with a permanent
      (low level) transport activity, caused changes of the DEER data similar to those
      observed for the activated and inactivated state, respectively. This indicates
      that not only displacements of the C-terminal domain in general but also
      concomitant interactions of its primary structure with surrounding protein
      domains and/or lipids are crucial for the activity regulation of BetP.

PMID- 22051020
TI  - Elastic, electrostatic and electrokinetic forces influencing membrane curvature.
AB  - Many cellular and intracellular processes critically depend on membrane shape,
      but the shape generating mechanisms are still to be fully understood. In this
      study we evaluate how electrostatic/electrokinetic forces contribute to membrane
      curvature. Membrane bilayer had finite thickness and was either elastically
      anisotropic or anisotropic overall, but isotropic per sections (heads and tails).
      The physics of the situation was evaluated using a coupled system of elastic and
      electrostatic/electrokinetic (Poisson-Nernst-Planck) equations. The fixed charges
      present only on the upper membrane surface lead to the accumulation of counter
      ions and depletion of co-ions that decay spatially very rapidly (Debye
      length<1nm), as does the potential and electric field. Spatially uneven electric
      field and the permittivity mismatch also induce charges at the membrane-solution
      interface, which are not fixed but influence the electrostatics nevertheless.
      Membrane bends due to - Coulomb force (caused by fixed membrane charges in the
      electric field) and the dielectric force (due to the non-uniform electric field
      and the permittivity mismatch between the membrane and the solution). Both act as
      membrane surface forces, and both depend supra-linearly on the fixed charge
      density. Regardless of sign of the fixed charges, the membrane bends toward the
      charged (upper) surface owing to the action of the Coulomb force, but this is
      opposed by the smaller dielectric force. The spontaneous membrane curvature
      becomes very pronounced at high fixed charge densities, leading to very small
      spontaneous radii (<50nm). In conclusion the electrostatic/electrokinetic forces
      contribute significantly to the membrane curvature.

PMID- 22051019
TI  - Voltage-dependant anion channels: novel insights into isoform function through
      genetic models.
AB  - Voltage-dependant Anion Channels, also known as mitochondrial porins, are pore
      forming proteins located in the mitochondrial outer membrane (MOM) that, in
      addition to forming complexes with other proteins that localize to the MOM, also
      function as the main conduit for transporting metabolites between the cytoplasm
      and mitochondria. VDACs are encoded by a multi-member gene family, and the number
      of isoforms and specific functions of VDACs varies between species. Translating
      the well-described in vitro characteristics of the VDAC isoforms into in vivo
      functions has been a challenge, with the generation of animal models of VDAC
      deficiency providing much of the available information about isoform-specific
      roles in biology. Here, we review the approaches used to create these insect and
      mammalian animal models, and the conclusions reached by studying the consequences
      of loss of function mutations on the genetic, physiologic, and biochemical
      properties of the resulting models. This article is part of a Special Issue
      entitled: VDAC structure, function, and regulation of mitochondrial metabolism.

PMID- 22051021
TI  - Kinetics of demetallation of a zinc-salophen complex into liposomes.
AB  - A Zn-salophen complex has been incorporated into POPC large unilamellar liposomes
      (LUV) obtained in phosphate buffer at pH 7.4. Fluorescence optical microscopy and
      anisotropy measurements show that the complex is located at the liposomal
      surface, close to the polar headgroups. The interaction of the POPC phosphate
      group with Zn(2+) slowly leads to demetallation of the complex. The process
      follows first order kinetics and rate constants have been measured
      fluorimetrically in pure water and in buffered aqueous solution. The coordination
      of the phosphate group of monomeric POPC with salophen zinc also occurs in
      chloroform as detected by ESI-MS measurements. The effect of the Zn-salophen
      complex on the stability of POPC LUV has been evaluated at 25 degrees C by
      measuring the rate of release of entrapped 5(6)-carboxyfluorescein (CF) in the
      presence and in the absence of Triton X-100 as the perturbing agent. It turns out
      that the inclusion of the complex significantly increases the stability of POPC
      LUV.

PMID- 22051022
TI  - Strain, stress and energy in lipid bilayer induced by
      electrostatic/electrokinetic forces.
AB  - Lipid bilayer was deformed by the electrostatic/electrokinetic forces induced by
      the fixed charges on the top monolayer-solution interface. The strains, stresses
      and energy were simulated using finite element method. The elastic moduli of the
      heads were four times greater than those of tails sections, but were individually
      isotropic. The physics of the situation was evaluated using a coupled system of
      linear elastic equations and electrostatic-electrokinetic (Poisson-Nernst-Planck)
      equations. The Coulomb force (due to fixed charges in the electric field), and
      the dielectric force (due to uneven electric field and the solution-membrane
      permittivity mismatch) bend the membrane, but unevenly. Whereas the bottom
      monolayer extends vertically (towards charged surface), the top monolayer
      compresses. In contrast the top monolayer extends horizontally, but the bottom
      monolayer compresses. The horizontal normal stress is higher in the heads than in
      the tails sections, but is similar in two monolayers, whereas the vertical normal
      stress is small. The horizontal normal stress is associated with horizontal
      normal strain, and vertical with both vertical and horizontal strain.
      Surprisingly, the shear stress (an indicator where the membrane will deform), is
      greater in the tails sections. Finally, the elastic energy (which is clearly
      greater in the heads sections) is dominated by its horizontal component and peaks
      in the middle of the membrane. The shear component dominates in the tails
      sections, and is minimal in the membrane center. Even spatially uniform external
      force thus leads to complex membrane deformation and generates complex profiles
      of stress and elastic energy.

PMID- 22051024
TI  - Canine neurogenic Keratoconjunctivitis sicca: 11 cases (2006-2010).
AB  - OBJECTIVE:   To describe the clinical data of dogs with neurogenic
      Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) and an ipsilateral dry nose without other
      neurologic deficits. PROCEDURE:   The retrospective case study included 11 dogs
      diagnosed with neurogenic KCS and an ipsilateral dry nose between 2006 and 2010.
      Medical records were reviewed for breed, age, sex, history, suspected cause of
      neurogenic KCS, clinical signs, and treatment modalities. Follow-up information
      was obtained by re-examination of patients or completion of a telephone survey
      with the referring veterinarian or the owners. RESULTS:   Mean age of the dogs
      was 6.6 +/- 4.5 years. Neurogenic KCS was diagnosed in three females, five spayed
      females, one male, and two castrated males representing 10 different breeds.
      Ophthalmic signs of KCS (mean Schirmer tear test [STT] value of 1.9 +/- 2.9
      mm/min) combined with an ipsilateral dry nose were diagnosed in seven left and
      four right eyes. The suspected cause of neurogenic KCS was idiopathic in nine and
      trauma in two cases. Systemic therapy consisted of oral pilocarpine 1-2% eye
      drops combined with case-specific topical treatment with cyclosporine 0.2% and
      tear substitutes. Duration of systemic treatment with pilocarpine until healing
      was 125 days (range 84-204, median 98 days) for five dogs. One dog was lost to
      follow-up, and the remaining five dogs are still under systemic treatment with
      pilocarpine. CONCLUSIONS:   Neurogenic KCS with an ipsilateral dry nose seems to
      be a predominantly idiopathic disease of middle-aged female dogs without breed
      predisposition, which may be self-limiting in some cases.

PMID- 22051025
TI  - Assessment of lateral line function: a potential technique for studies in
      ototoxicity.
AB  - In zebrafish neuromast hair cells, the process of programmed cell death ototoxic
      damage is strikingly similar to that of degenerating hair cells of the mammalian
      organ of Corti. Therefore, in vivo zebrafish assays involving the lateral line
      have been developed for drug ototoxicity screening. This is accomplished by
      examination of canal neuromast morphology in treated larvae using fluorescent
      dyes. To-date however, physiological confirmation of lateral line dysfunction
      resulting from such ototoxins has not been reported in the scientific literature-
      neither for larval nor adult zebrafish. Here we describe a rapid, non-invasive
      far-field electrophysiological method for assessing lateral line function. We
      suggest that ototoxic and otoprotective agents identified in larval studies may
      be assessed using this tool in adult fish. In this way, potential drug candidates
      can be further screened en route to testing in mammalian models, before potential
      clinical trials begin.

PMID- 22051026
TI  - Meningoencephalitis or meningitis in relapsing polychondritis: four case reports
      and a literature review.
AB  - Relapsing polychondritis (RP) is a rare autoimmune disease that affects cartilage
      throughout the body, causing episodic and progressive inflammation. Although
      rare, RP has diverse acute and subacute nervous system complications, which may
      sometimes precede systemic manifestations. Here, we report four patients with RP
      who presented with meningoencephalitis or meningitis without infectious
      aetiology. In addition, we review the literature for this disease with regard to
      clinical manifestations and treatment options.

PMID- 22051027
TI  - Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures: a challenging entity.
AB  - Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) are commonly encountered in neurologic
      practice. They are often misdiagnosed as epileptic seizures and treated as such
      for several years before a correct diagnosis is established. Such a misdiagnosis
      has the potential to expose patients to undue risk through several anti-epileptic
      drugs (AEDs). Patients are also affected in other ways, such as by financial
      consequences and the limitation of certain daily activities. In this review, we
      present the contemporary opinion of PNES with attention to clinically relevant
      salient features and management strategies.

PMID- 22051023
TI  - Computational studies of membrane proteins: models and predictions for biological
      understanding.
AB  - We discuss recent progresses in computational studies of membrane proteins based
      on physical models with parameters derived from bioinformatics analysis. We
      describe computational identification of membrane proteins and prediction of
      their topology from sequence, discovery of sequence and spatial motifs, and
      implications of these discoveries. The detection of evolutionary signal for
      understanding the substitution pattern of residues in the TM segments and for
      sequence alignment is also discussed. We further discuss empirical potential
      functions for energetics of inserting residues in the TM domain, for interactions
      between TM helices or strands, and their applications in predicting lipid-facing
      surfaces of the TM domain. Recent progresses in structure predictions of membrane
      proteins are also reviewed, with further discussions on calculation of ensemble
      properties such as melting temperature based on simplified state space model.
      Additional topics include prediction of oligomerization state of membrane
      proteins, identification of the interfaces for protein-protein interactions, and
      design of membrane proteins. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled:
      Protein Folding in Membranes.

PMID- 22051028
TI  - Surgery for paediatric thoracic outlet syndrome.
AB  - The effectiveness of operative treatment of paediatric thoracic outlet syndrome
      (TOS) has been analysed, and an attempt made to improve the definition of the
      condition in terms of presentation, aetiology and diagnosis. A retrospective
      review of postoperative pain, functional capability and overall outcome was
      carried out on 13 patients (<18 years) treated by a single surgeon. In 20
      operations, 17 were scalenotomies, and three were transaxillary rib resections
      (TARRs). Follow-up was 6-96 months post-operatively. Surgery alleviated many TOS
      symptoms, especially vascular compromise, although pain resolution was
      inconsistent and that of motor deficit poor. Mean functional improvement was
      good, and overall operative outcomes excellent. Therefore, surgery was successful
      for paediatric TOS in this series. Anatomical anomalies and sport participation
      may be related to early onset of TOS in many paediatric patients.

PMID- 22051029
TI  - Factors associated with anxiety and depression in the management of acoustic
      neuroma patients.
AB  - The objectives of this study were to describe anxiety and depression levels among
      acoustic neuroma patients; examine differences in anxiety and depression across
      the acoustic neuroma management options of microsurgery, radiation and
      observation; and to investigate management, medical and demographic factors that
      might predict anxiety and depression in this patient group. A cross-sectional
      questionnaire was completed by 205 adults diagnosed with, or treated for, a
      unilateral acoustic neuroma within five years of questionnaire distribution.
      Median age of participants was 57.0 years, and 120 (58.5%) were female. Anxiety
      and depression were measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale
      (HADS). Clinically significant anxiety was reported by 29.8% of participants and
      10.2% were depressed. Mean anxiety and depression scores did not differ from
      general population norms. No significant differences in anxiety and depression
      were found across management options. Time since management, number of symptoms
      and comorbid medical conditions predicted anxiety, while depression was predicted
      by number of symptoms. This appears to be the first study among acoustic neuroma
      patients in which anxiety and depression were compared across management options.
      Treating physicians should be aware that as the number of acoustic neuroma
      symptoms increases, so may the likelihood of clinically significant anxiety and
      depression.

PMID- 22051030
TI  - Right temporal variant frontotemporal dementia with motor neuron disease.
AB  - Patterns of atrophy in frontotemporal dementia (FTD) correlate with the clinical
      subtypes of behavioral variant FTD (bvFTD), semantic dementia, progressive non
      fluent aphasia (PNFA) and FTD with motor neuron disease (FTD-MND). Right temporal
      variant FTD is associated with behavioral dyscontrol and semantic impairment,
      with tau abnormalities more common in right temporal bvFTD and TDP-43
      accumulation in right temporal semantic dementia. However, no clinical and
      anatomical correlation has been described for patients with predominant right
      temporal atrophy and FTD-MND. Therefore, we performed a database screen for all
      patients diagnosed with FTD-MND at Mayo Clinic and reviewed their MRI scans to
      identify those with striking, dominant, right temporal lobe atrophy. For cases
      with volumetric MRI we performed voxel based morphometry and for those with brain
      tissue we performed pathological examination. Of three such patients identified,
      each patient had different presenting behavioral and/or aphasic characteristics.
      MRI, including diffusion tensor imaging in one patient, and FDG positron emission
      tomography revealed striking and dominant right temporal lobe atrophy, right
      corticospinal tract degeneration, and right temporal hypometabolism. Archived
      brain tissue was available in two patients; both demonstrating TDP-43 type 3
      pathology (Mackenzie scheme) with predominant neuronal cytoplasmic inclusions. In
      one case, neurofibrillary tangles (Braak V) and neuritic plaques were also
      present in keeping with a diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease. There appears to be
      an association between FTD-MND and severe right temporal lobe atrophy. Until
      further characterization of such cases are determined, they may be best
      classified as right temporal variant FTD-MND.

PMID- 22051031
TI  - Postlaminectomy synovial cyst formation: a possible consequence of ligamentum
      flavum excision.
AB  - Ligamentum flavum is generally resected with impunity when a laminectomy is
      performed; it is a strong ligament and its removal may not be inconsequential. We
      sought to examine the consequence of resection of ligamentum flavum as it
      pertains to the formation of synovial cysts. Following IRB approval, we
      retrospectively reviewed the charts of consecutive patients who underwent a
      laminectomy for any diagnosis during the years 2009-2010. Exclusions were made
      for patients undergoing resection of a synovial cyst, laminectomy done as part of
      a fusion, and microdiscectomy. A total of 201 laminectomies were performed. 10
      instances of post-laminectomy synovial cyst occurred in only the lumbar spine.
      Synovial cysts occurred exclusively after surgery for stenosis (n=10).
      Laminectomy and resection of the ligament flavum is a risk factor for the
      subsequent formation of a synovial cyst. Secondary synovial cyst formation should
      be suspected in individuals who develop radiculopathy after laminectomy for
      stenosis.

PMID- 22051032
TI  - Cerebrovascular bypass and aneurysm trapping for the treatment of an A2-segment
      anterior cerebral artery pseudoaneurysm and herniation through a skull base
      defect following trauma.
AB  - Fractures of the anterior skull base can lead to pseudoaneurysm formation as a
      result of direct injury to a vessel wall. Pseudoaneurysms in this location are
      challenging to treat, as both perforator and distal blood supply must be
      maintained. Additionally, traumatic skull base fractures can lead to a rare
      condition of cerebral blood vessel herniation through the bony defect, further
      complicating treatment planning. Treatment of these lesions is essential to (1)
      prevent the occurrence of potentially fatal subarachnoid hemorrhage and (2)
      prevent dissection from propagating and compromising blood flow to distal
      vessels, perforators, and even parent vessels. We present a unique case of a
      traumatic proximal anterior cerebral artery pseudoaneurysm, herniating through a
      skull base defect. Treatment consisted of aneurysm trapping and bypass with skull
      base reconstruction.

PMID- 22051033
TI  - ALOX5AP genetic variants and risk of atherothrombotic stroke in the Taiwanese
      population.
AB  - We explored the role of variants of the arachidonate 5-lipoxygenase-activating
      protein (ALOX5AP) gene as factors for atherothrombotic stroke (ATS). A HapMap
      based haplotype-tagging single nucleotide polymorphism (htSNP) association study
      was conducted in an isolated Taiwanese population. Multivariate logistic
      regression analyses revealed that patients with the GG/CG genotype of rs4293222
      and the AA/AG genotype of rs4360791 had a 1.61-fold (odds ratio [OR]=1.61; 95%
      confidence interval [CI]=1.02-2.56, p=0.042) and a 1.69-fold (OR=1.69; 95%
      CI=1.00-2.86, p=0.047) increased risk of ATS, compared with patients with the
      CC/GG genotype, respectively. The most common haplotype allele, GTA, was used as
      a reference when analyzing the association between the haplotypes related to
      rs4293222, rs10507391, rs12429692 and ATS. The combined frequencies of all minor
      variant alleles of the three selected htSNP were associated with a 44% decreased
      risk of ATS (OR=0.56; 95% CI=0.37-0.84, p=0.005). This study provides preliminary
      evidence suggesting that genetic polymorphisms of ALOX5AP are associated with
      ATS.

PMID- 22051034
TI  - Unusual variants of midline nasal dermoid cysts: a series of three cases.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Dermoids presenting in early life with a sinus tract along the midline
      of the nasal dorsum are well described. We present three very unusual variants of
      this condition. METHODS: Case one was a two-year-old child with a pit in the
      philtrum of the lip. The tract pierced the nasal spine and extended towards the
      crista galli. Case two was a 15-month-old child with two separate sinus openings
      on the dorsum, one below and one above a dermoid cyst. Case three was a 17-year
      old adolescent with neurological disability. Scanning showed a dermoid cyst deep
      in the anterior skull base, but the sinus tract had been obliterated by bony
      overgrowth due to long term use of antiepileptic medication. RESULTS: Cases one
      and two were successfully managed by complete excision via an external
      rhinoplasty approach. Case three, in contrast, was not operated upon due to bony
      obliteration of the sinus tract. CONCLUSION: Surgeons dealing with nasal dermoids
      must be able to adapt to the variable anatomical and clinical features of these
      lesions.

PMID- 22051035
TI  - Z dependence of electron scattering by single atoms into annular dark-field
      detectors.
AB  - A simple parameterization is presented for the elastic electron scattering cross
      sections from single atoms into the annular dark-field (ADF) detector of a
      scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM). The dependence on atomic
      number, Z, and inner reciprocal radius of the annular detector, q(0), of the
      cross section sigma(Z,q(0)) is expressed by the empirical relation [see formula
      in text] where A(q(0)) is the cross section for hydrogen (Z = 1), and the
      detector is assumed to have a large outer reciprocal radius. Using electron
      elastic scattering factors determined from relativistic Hartree-Fock simulations
      of the atomic electron charge density, values of the exponent n(Z,q(0)) are
      tabulated as a function of Z and q(0), for STEM probe sizes of 1.0 and 2.0 A.
      Comparison with recently published experimental data for single-atom scattering
      [Krivanek et al. (2010). Nature 464, 571-574] suggests that experimentally
      measured exponent values are systematically lower than the values predicted for
      elastic scattering from low-Z atoms. It is proposed that this discrepancy arises
      from the inelastic scattering contribution to the ADF signal. A simple expression
      is proposed that corrects the exponent n(Z,q(0)) for inelastic scattering into
      the annular detector.

PMID- 22051036
TI  - Dental injuries with kick-scooters in 6- to 12-year-old children.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: The objective of this study was to investigate the occurrence of
      injuries, especially dental trauma, in scooter-related accidents. In addition,
      children's habits of wearing protective gear were assessed. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      The study was conducted in primary schools in three neighboring towns near Basel,
      Switzerland, using anonymous multiple-choice questionnaires completed by parents
      of schoolchildren. RESULTS: A total of 953 scooter riders were included in the
      study. The average age was 9.1 years (range 6-12 years). Of riders, 58.3% wore no
      protective gear, 39.6% wore a helmet, and 2% wore other protective equipment.
      Twenty-nine percentage of the children have sustained an accident while riding
      the scooter, of those injuries, 41.4% affected the lower extremities, 37.0% the
      upper extremities, 21.6% the head, and 11.2% dental injuries; 20.3% of accidents
      required medical treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Parents, teachers, and doctors should be
      aware of the dangers involved in scooter riding. Educational measures, especially
      concerning use of protective gear, should be implemented to reduce the number and
      severity of injuries caused by this popular recreational activity.

PMID- 22051037
TI  - 31P-MR spectroscopy in monozygotic twins discordant for schizophrenia or
      schizoaffective disorder.

PMID- 22051038
TI  - Massive sedimentation of fine sediment with organic matter and enhanced benthic
      pelagic coupling by an artificial dyke in semi-enclosed Chonsu Bay, Korea.
AB  - To assess the impact of an artificial dyke in Chonsu Bay (CBD) on the organic
      carbon (C(org)) cycle, we measured excess (210)Pb activities, C(org) and nitrogen
      content in sediment cores. The C(org) oxidation rates (C(ox)) on the surface
      sediment and benthic nutrient fluxes were also quantified with an in situ benthic
      chamber. The higher excess (210)Pb inventory, C(org) and nitrogen in cores near
      the CBD indicated lateral transport and local, massive deposition of particulate
      matter due to tidal circulation altered by artificial dyke construction. The
      C(ox) in sediment near the CBD was about twice as high as that out of the bay,
      suggesting the importance of benthic remineralization of organic matter. The
      benthic fluxes of dissolved inorganic nitrogen and phosphate were four to six
      times higher than those outside the bay, corresponding to 141% and 131%
      respectively, of the requirements for primary production.

PMID- 22051039
TI  - Marine debris impacts to a tidal fringing-marsh in North Carolina.
AB  - We evaluated injuries to Spartina alterniflora by debris items common to North
      Carolina coastal waters as a function of debris type (wire blue crab pots,
      vehicle tires, and anthropogenic wood) and deployment duration, and monitored S.
      alterniflora recovery following debris removal. Injuries sustained by S.
      alterniflora and subsequent recovery, varied considerably between debris types.
      Differences were likely due to dissimilarities in the structure and composition
      of debris. Tires caused an immediate (within 3 weeks) and long-term impact to S.
      alterniflora; tire footprints remained devoid of vegetation 14 months post
      removal. Conversely, crab pot impacts were not as abrupt and recovery was short
      term (<10 months). We suggest that removal programs specifically target habitats
      that are susceptible to negative impacts (e.g., salt marsh) and prone to debris
      accumulation. Management would benefit from the inclusion of habitat information
      in removal databases.

PMID- 22051040
TI  - Response of ERbeta and aromatase expression in the monkey hippocampal formation
      to ovariectomy and menopause.
AB  - Changes in the expression of estrogen-related substances in monkeys' brains at
      the menopausal transition, when estrogen deficit starts to occur, have not yet
      been examined thoroughly. In the present study, we immunohistochemically
      investigated the expression levels of estrogen receptor beta (ERbeta) and
      aromatase (local estrogen synthesizing enzyme) in the hippocampal formation of
      premenopausal, menopausal, and ovariectomized premenopausal monkeys. In all
      monkeys tested, ERbeta immunoreactivity was observed in interneurons located in
      the subiculum and the Ammon's horn, and most of these ERbeta-immunoreactive
      neurons coexpressed a GABAergic neuron marker, parvalbumin. In the menopausal
      monkeys who exhibited a decline in estrogen concentration, hippocampal ERbeta was
      highly upregulated, while aromatase expression was not markedly changed. By
      contrast, aromatase in the ovariectomized monkeys was significantly upregulated,
      while ERbeta expression was not changed. In the brains of ovariectomized and
      menopausal monkeys, depletion of ovary-derived estrogen brought about different
      reactions which may be attributed to the senescence of brain aging.

PMID- 22051041
TI  - An integrative genomic analysis revealed the relevance of microRNA and gene
      expression for drug-resistance in human breast cancer cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acquisition of drug-resistance in cancer has led to treatment
      failure, however, their mechanisms have not been clarified yet. Recent
      observations indicated that aberrant expressed microRNA (miRNA) caused by
      chromosomal alterations play a critical role in the initiation and progression of
      cancer. Here, we performed an integrated genomic analysis combined with array
      based comparative hybridization, miRNA, and gene expression microarray to
      elucidate the mechanism of drug-resistance. RESULTS: Through genomic approaches
      in MCF7-ADR; a drug-resistant breast cancer cell line, our results reflect the
      unique features of drug-resistance, including MDR1 overexpression via genomic
      amplification and miRNA-mediated TP53INP1 down-regulation. Using a gain of
      function study with 12 miRNAs whose expressions were down-regulated and genome
      regions were deleted, we show that miR-505 is a novel tumor suppressive miRNA and
      inhibits cell proliferation by inducing apoptosis. We also find that Akt3,
      correlate inversely with miR-505, modulates drug sensitivity in MCF7-ADR.
      CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that various genes and miRNAs orchestrate to
      temper the drug-resistance in cancer cells, and thus acquisition of drug
      resistance is intricately controlled by genomic status, gene and miRNA expression
      changes.

PMID- 22051042
TI  - Congenital stationary night blindness is associated with the leopard complex in
      the Miniature Horse.
AB  - OBJECTIVE:   To determine if congenital stationary night blindness (CSNB) exists
      in the Miniature Horse in association with leopard complex spotting patterns
      (LP), and to investigate if CSNB in the Miniature Horse is associated with three
      single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the region of TRPM1 that are highly
      associated with CSNB and LP in Appaloosas. ANIMALS STUDIED:   Three groups of
      Miniature Horses were studied based on coat patterns suggestive of LP/LP (n=3),
      LP/lp (n=4), and lp/lp genotype (n=4). PROCEDURES:   Horses were categorized
      based on phenotype as well as pedigree analysis as LP/LP, LP/lp, and lp/lp.
      Neurophthalmic examination, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, indirect ophthalmoscopy, and
      scotopic flash electroretinography were performed on all horses. Hair samples
      were processed for DNA analysis. Three SNPs identified and associated with LP and
      CSNB in the Appaloosa were investigated for association with LP and CSNB in these
      Miniature Horses. RESULTS:   All horses in the LP/LP group were affected by CSNB,
      while none in the LP/lp or lp/lp groups were affected. All three SNPs were
      completely associated with LP genotype (chi(2) = 22, P << 0.0005) and CSNB status
      (chi(2) =11, P<0.0005). CONCLUSIONS:   The Miniature Horse breed is affected by
      CSNB and it appears to be associated with LP as in the Appaloosa breed. The SNPs
      tested could be used as a DNA test for CSNB until the causative mutation is
      determined.

PMID- 22051043
TI  - Acute exercise stress activates Nrf2/ARE signaling and promotes antioxidant
      mechanisms in the myocardium.
AB  - Oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular
      diseases, including myocardial hypertrophy and infarction. Although impairment of
      antioxidant defense mechanisms has been thought to provoke oxidative stress
      induced myocardial dysfunction, it has been difficult to clearly demonstrate.
      Nuclear erythroid 2 p45-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a redox-sensitive, basic
      leucine zipper protein that regulates the transcription of several antioxidant
      genes. We previously reported that sustained activation of Nrf2 upregulates
      transcription of a number of endogenous antioxidants in the heart. Here, we show
      that acute exercise stress (AES) results in activation of Nrf2/ARE (antioxidant
      response element) signaling and subsequent enhancement of antioxidant defense
      pathways in wild-type (WT) mouse hearts, while oxidative stress, along with
      blunted defense mechanisms, was observed in Nrf2-/- mice. We also find that AES
      is associated with increased trans-activation of ARE-containing genes in
      exercised animals when compared to age-matched sedentary WT mice. However,
      enhanced oxidative stress in response to AES was observed in Nrf2-/- mice due to
      lower basal expression and marked attenuation of the transcriptional induction of
      several antioxidant genes. Thus, AES induces ROS and promotes Nrf2 function, but
      disruption of Nrf2 increases susceptibility of the myocardium to oxidative
      stress. Our findings suggest the basis for a nonpharmacological approach to
      activate Nrf2/ARE signaling, which might be a potential therapeutic target to
      protect the heart from oxidative stress-induced cardiovascular complications.

PMID- 22051044
TI  - Preoperative management in patients with single-ventricle physiology.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Advancements in the preoperative management of patients with single
      ventricle physiology continue to evolve. Previous reports have questioned the
      benefit of using inhaled nitrogen in single-ventricle patients, suggesting that
      this therapeutic modality may not provide adequate systemic cardiac output. The
      objective of this study was to review our institutional experience managing
      preoperative patients with single-ventricle physiology using a combination of
      afterload reduction and inhaled hypoxemic therapy. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS:
      This is a retrospective review of 49 consecutive single-ventricle patients
      admitted preoperatively between July 2004 and January 2009, to the cardiac
      intensive care unit at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh who underwent single
      ventricle palliation, and treated preoperatively with milrinone and inhaled
      nitrogen. Therapeutic interventions and indirect indicators of cardiac output
      were collected on day of admission (time 0) and compared with those collected on
      the morning of surgery (time 1); data included clinical assessment, hemodynamic
      measurements, and laboratory values. RESULTS: When comparing time 0 to time 1,
      there was a statistically significant decrease in lactate (from 2.2 to 1.8 mEq/L
      [P < 0.001]) and an increase in pH (from 7.36 to 7.41 [P < 0.001]), serum
      bicarbonate (from 24.16 to 27.55 mmol/L [P < 0.001]) and arterial PaO2 (from
      38.10 to 41.82 mm Hg [P = 0.027]). Preoperatively, there were no deaths, and only
      two patients had an evidence of multiorgan dysfunction on day of surgery (time
      1). CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that a combination of afterload reduction and
      hypoxemic therapy was able to maintain an appropriate distribution of the cardiac
      output in the majority of preoperative patients with single-ventricle physiology.
      An adequate balance of systemic and pulmonary blood flow was successfully
      achieved with an increase in arterial PaO2 values.

PMID- 22051045
TI  - Plasticity of TGF-beta signaling.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The family of TGF-beta ligands is large and its members are involved
      in many different signaling processes. These signaling processes strongly differ
      in type with TGF-beta ligands eliciting both sustained or transient responses.
      Members of the TGF-beta family can also act as morphogen and cellular responses
      would then be expected to provide a direct read-out of the extracellular ligand
      concentration. A number of different models have been proposed to reconcile these
      different behaviours. We were interested to define the set of minimal
      modifications that are required to change the type of signal processing in the
      TGF-beta signaling network. RESULTS: To define the key aspects for signaling
      plasticity we focused on the core of the TGF-beta signaling network. With the
      help of a parameter screen we identified ranges of kinetic parameters and protein
      concentrations that give rise to transient, sustained, or oscillatory responses
      to constant stimuli, as well as those parameter ranges that enable a proportional
      response to time-varying ligand concentrations (as expected in the read-out of
      morphogens). A combination of a strong negative feedback and fast shuttling to
      the nucleus biases signaling to a transient rather than a sustained response,
      while oscillations were obtained if ligand binding to the receptor is weak and
      the turn-over of the I-Smad is fast. A proportional read-out required inefficient
      receptor activation in addition to a low affinity of receptor-ligand binding. We
      find that targeted modification of single parameters suffices to alter the
      response type. The intensity of a constant signal (i.e. the ligand
      concentration), on the other hand, affected only the strength but not the type of
      the response. CONCLUSIONS: The architecture of the TGF-beta pathway enables the
      observed signaling plasticity. The observed range of signaling outputs to TGF
      beta ligand in different cell types and under different conditions can be
      explained with differences in cellular protein concentrations and with changes in
      effective rate constants due to cross-talk with other signaling pathways. It will
      be interesting to uncover the exact cellular differences as well as the details
      of the cross-talks in future work.

PMID- 22051046
TI  - Novel metabolic biomarkers related to sulfur-dependent detoxification pathways in
      autistic patients of Saudi Arabia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Xenobiotics are neurotoxins that dramatically alter the health of the
      child. In addition, an inefficient detoxification system leads to oxidative
      stress, gut dysbiosis, and immune dysfunction. The consensus among physicians who
      treat autism with a biomedical approach is that those on the spectrum are
      burdened with oxidative stress and immune problems. In a trial to understand the
      role of detoxification in the etiology of autism, selected parameters related to
      sulfur-dependent detoxification mechanisms in plasma of autistic children from
      Saudi Arabia will be investigated compared to control subjects. METHODS: 20 males
      autistic children aged 3-15 years and 20 age and gender matching healthy children
      as control group were included in this study. Levels of reduced glutathione
      (GSH), total (GSH+GSSG), glutathione status (GSH/GSSG), glutathione reductase
      (GR), glutathione- s-transferase (GST), thioredoxin (Trx), thioredoxin reductase
      (TrxR) and peroxidoxins (Prxs I and III) were determined. RESULTS: Reduced
      glutathione, total glutathione, GSH/GSSG and activity levels of GST were
      significantly lower, GR shows non-significant differences, while, Trx, TrxR and
      both Prx I and III recorded a remarkably higher values in autistics compared to
      control subjects. CONCLUSION: The impaired glutathione status together with the
      elevated Trx and TrxR and the remarkable over expression of both Prx I and Prx
      III, could be used as diagnostic biomarkers of autism.

PMID- 22051047
TI  - The contribution of pain and depression to self-reported sleep disturbance in
      patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - The objective of this article is to assess the contribution of disease activity,
      pain, and psychological factors to self-reported sleep disturbance in patients
      with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and to evaluate whether depression mediates the
      effects of pain on sleep disturbance. The sample included 106 patients with
      confirmed RA who participated in an assessment of their disease activity, pain,
      psychological functioning, and sleep disturbance during a baseline evaluation
      prior to participating in a prospective study to help them manage their RA. Self
      measures included the Rapid Assessment of Disease Activity in Rheumatology, the
      SF-36 Pain Scale, the Helplessness and Internality Subscales of the Arthritis
      Helplessness Index, the Active and Passive Pain Coping Scales of the Pain
      Management Inventory, the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale,
      and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis
      confirmed that higher income, pain, internality, and depression contributed
      independently to higher sleep disturbance. A mediational analysis demonstrated
      that depression acted as a significant mechanism through which pain contributed
      to sleep disturbance. Cross-sectional findings indicate that pain and depression
      play significant roles in self-reported sleep disturbance among patients with RA.
      The data suggest the importance of interventions that target pain and depression
      to improve sleep in this medical condition.

PMID- 22051048
TI  - Suppression of the maturation and activation of the dendritic cell line DC2.4 by
      melanoma-derived factors.
AB  - Dendritic cells play critical roles in both innate and adaptive immunity, and
      their numerous functions are tightly linked to their maturation and activation
      status. Here, we characterize the murine dendritic cell line DC2.4 as a model for
      studying dendritic cell maturation and activation, and we evaluate the influence
      of melanoma tumor cells on these processes. Exposure of DC2.4 cells to the Toll
      like receptor ligand lipopolysaccharide induces both maturation and activation of
      these cells, characterized by upregulation of costimulatory molecule expression
      and proinflammatory cytokine/chemokine production. This maturation and activation
      is suppressed by soluble factors derived from both the highly tumorigenic B16-F1
      and the poorly tumorigenic D5.1G4 murine melanoma cell lines. Interestingly, the
      extent of DC2.4 immunosuppression by these melanomas correlates with their
      tumorigenicity, suggesting a potentially vital role for dendritic cell/tumor cell
      interactions in the regulation of anti-tumor immunity and tumor outgrowth.

PMID- 22051049
TI  - Disruption of HIF-1alpha in hepatocytes impairs glucose metabolism in diet
      induced obesity mice.
AB  - The liver plays a central role in glucose homeostasis in the whole-body by
      responding to environmental factors including nutrients, hormones, and oxygen. In
      conditions of metabolic overload such as diabetes mellitus and obesity,
      coordinated regulation between oxygen supply and consumption has been reported to
      be disrupted and subsequently cause tissue hypoxia, although pathological
      significance of the disease-related hypoxia remains elusive. To investigate the
      role of tissue hypoxia in the liver on systemic glucose homeostasis, mice lacking
      HIF-1alpha gene, a critical component of a master regulator of hypoxic response,
      in hepatocytes were exposed to high fat/sucrose diet (HFSD). Exposure to HFSD for
      5 weeks elicited liver hypoxia with a transient increase in HIF-1alpha protein
      expression in the liver of control mice. Glucose disposal was marginally impaired
      in control mice when challenged oral glucose tolerance test, but such impairment
      was enhanced in the mutant mice. This alteration was accompanied by a complete
      inhibition of glucokinase induction with a significant reduction of hepatic
      glucose uptake. Mice fed HFSD for 20 weeks exhibited fasting hyperglycemia and
      glucose intolerance, whereas these metabolic phenotypes deteriorated considerably
      with severe insulin resistance in skeletal muscles and adipose tissues in the
      mutant mice. These findings suggest that HIF-1 in hepatocytes plays protective
      roles against the progression of diabetes mellitus.

PMID- 22051050
TI  - A new chromosome 14-based human artificial chromosome (HAC) vector system for
      efficient transgene expression in human primary cells.
AB  - The use of non-integrating human artificial chromosomes (HACs) in gene therapy
      possibly allows for safe and reliable genetic modification of human cells without
      insertional mutagenesis and/or unexpected oncogene activations. Although we
      previously demonstrated that the HAC provides long-term therapeutic
      erythropoietin (EPO) production in normal human primary fibroblasts (hPFs), the
      expression level of EPO was too low to provide medical benefits for human
      therapy. Thus, the next challenge for the application of this system in
      therapeutic purposes is to improve the transgene expression on HACs. Here, we
      newly constructed chromosome 14-based HACs and examined the effects of the
      telomere and promoter regions on the expression level of the tansgene in hPFs. We
      showed that the use of natural telomere/sub-telomere and enhancers within the 5'
      untranslated region of the human ubiquitin C gene greatly increased (over 1000
      fold) the EPO production in hPFs. Furthermore, we demonstrated the reprogramming
      of mouse embryonic fibroblasts by HAC-mediated introduction of four transcription
      factors, and established induced pluripotent stem cells with no trace of the HACs
      carrying multiple expression cassettes with large genome fragments. These results
      indicate that this HAC system could allow us to manipulate multiple transgenes
      efficiently in human primary cells, providing a promising tool not only for gene
      therapy but also for investigating genome functions in drug discoveries.

PMID- 22051051
TI  - Everted third eyelid cartilage in a cat: a case report and literature review.
AB  - An 8-year-old neutered female British Blue cat was presented with a presumed
      diagnosis of a prolapsed nictitans gland and associated ocular irritation and
      epiphora. However, during surgery, the apparent nictitans gland protrusion was
      determined to be an everted cartilage of the nictitating membrane. The scrolled
      portion of the cartilage was removed through an incision through the conjunctiva
      on the bulbar aspect of the third eyelid, as previously described in the dog.
      This operation resolved the ocular irritation occurring, and the third eyelid
      returned to its anatomically correct position.

PMID- 22051052
TI  - Chemical and morphological study of gunshot residue persisting on the shooter by
      means of scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry.
AB  - Persistence of gunshot residue (GSR) simultaneously collected from hands, face
      and hair, and clothing of the shooting person was examined. Samples were
      collected from five shooters in nine time intervals after a single shoot with a
      Luger 9 mm pistol, in the range of 0-4 h and examined with scanning electron
      microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry. Numbers of particles,
      frequencies of occurrence of certain compositions of particles, and their sizes
      in function of the time intervals were inspected. The greatest numbers of
      particles were observed in samples collected from hands right after shooting, but
      they decrease quickly with time. In samples collected from the face smaller
      initial numbers of particles were found, but they lasted at a similar level
      longer. The estimated half-life times of particles were less than 1 h for samples
      taken from the hands, over 1 h for clothing and about 2-3 h for the face. In
      samples collected at longer intervals after shooting, there were particles
      present of small sizes and irregular shapes. The results demonstrate that
      including evidence collected from the suspect's face and hair may increase the
      probability of detection of GSR in cases when the suspect has not been
      apprehended immediately after the investigated incident.

PMID- 22051053
TI  - Biofilm accumulation on endotracheal tubes following prolonged intubation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To demonstrate that patients who have been intubated for prolonged
      periods of time will have an increased likelihood of developing bacterial biofilm
      on their endotracheal tubes. METHODS: We collected endotracheal tubes from
      patients at the time of extubation, and analysed representative sections with
      scanning electron microscopy for morphologic evidence of biofilms. RESULTS: From
      September 2007 to September 2008, 32 endotracheal tubes were analysed with
      electron microscopy. Patients who had been intubated for 6 days or longer had a
      significantly higher percentage of endotracheal tubes that exhibited bacterial
      biofilms, compared with patients intubated for less than 6 days (88.9 versus 57.1
      per cent, p = 0.0439). CONCLUSIONS: Longer duration of intubation is associated
      with a higher incidence of bacterial biofilm. Further research is needed to link
      the presence of bacterial biofilms to acquired laryngotracheal damage.

PMID- 22051054
TI  - Synthesis, molecular modeling studies and biological evaluation of fluorine
      substituted analogs of GW 501516.
AB  - (+/-)-2-Fluoro-2-(2-methyl-4-(((4-methyl-2-(4-(trifluoromethyl)phenyl)thiazol-5
      yl)methyl)thio)phenoxy)acetic acid (2a) has been prepared and subjected to
      biological testing against all three subtypes of the PPARs. This compound
      exhibited agonist effects with EC(50) values of 560 and 55 nM against PPARalpha
      and PPARdelta, respectively, in a luciferase assay. Moreover, compound (+/-)-2a
      also exhibited potent ability to induce oleic acid oxidation in a human myotube
      cell assay with EC(50)=3.7 nM. Compound (+/-)-2a can be classified as a dual
      PPARalpha/delta agonist with a 10-fold higher potency against the PPARdelta
      receptor than against the PPARalpha receptor. Molecular modeling studies revealed
      that both enantiomers of 2a bind to the PPARdelta receptor with similar binding
      energies.

PMID- 22051055
TI  - Effect of early reassessment of antimicrobial prescription on antibiotic use in
      acute respiratory tract infections.

PMID- 22051056
TI  - Attenuation of psoriasis-like skin lesion in a mouse model by topical treatment
      with indirubin and its derivative E804.

PMID- 22051057
TI  - Top predators as biodiversity regulators: the dingo Canis lupus dingo as a case
      study.
AB  - Top-order predators often have positive effects on biological diversity owing to
      their key functional roles in regulating trophic cascades and other ecological
      processes. Their loss has been identified as a major factor contributing to the
      decline of biodiversity in both aquatic and terrestrial systems. Consequently,
      restoring and maintaining the ecological function of top predators is a critical
      global imperative. Here we review studies of the ecological effects of the dingo
      Canis lupus dingo, Australia's largest land predator, using this as a case study
      to explore the influence of a top predator on biodiversity at a continental
      scale. The dingo was introduced to Australia by people at least 3500 years ago
      and has an ambiguous status owing to its brief history on the continent, its
      adverse impacts on livestock production and its role as an ecosystem architect. A
      large body of research now indicates that dingoes regulate ecological cascades,
      particularly in arid Australia, and that the removal of dingoes results in an
      increase in the abundances and impacts of herbivores and invasive mesopredators,
      most notably the red fox Vulpes vulpes. The loss of dingoes has been linked to
      widespread losses of small and medium-sized native mammals, the depletion of
      plant biomass due to the effects of irrupting herbivore populations and increased
      predation rates by red foxes. We outline a suite of conceptual models to describe
      the effects of dingoes on vertebrate populations across different Australian
      environments. Finally, we discuss key issues that require consideration or
      warrant research before the ecological effects of dingoes can be incorporated
      formally into biodiversity conservation programs.

PMID- 22051058
TI  - Shear bond strength of restorations applied to un-complicated crown fractures: an
      in vitro study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Study was designed to evaluate shear bond strengths of different
      restorative techniques of uncomplicated enamel-dentin fractures in permanent
      incisors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty human mandibular incisors were divided into
      four groups. One-third of their anatomical crowns from the incisal edges were cut
      off in three groups, representing an uncomplicated enamel-dentin fracture. Intact
      teeth in group 1 were used as control. In group 2, edge fragments were reattached
      by flowable composite (Filltek Flowable Supreme XT). In group 3, teeth were
      restored with universal resin composite (Filtek Z 250). In group 4, pre
      impregnated glass fiber sheet (everStickNet) was positioned onto fractured
      surface, and then restorations were completed with resin composite. Three-step
      etch-and-rinse adhesive system (Adper Scotchbond Multi Purpose) was used in all
      test groups. Shear bond strengths of all samples were determined in universal
      testing machine, and data were analyzed with Kruskal-Wallis followed by Mann
      Whitney U tests. Failure types were observed by light microscope. RESULTS: Shear
      bond strength of sound teeth was significantly higher than those of restored
      teeth (P < 0.05). Mean shear bond strengths of the reattached teeth were lower
      than the other two restoration types; however, differences were not statistically
      significant (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Load-bearing capacity of restored teeth was
      not as high as sound teeth in the uncomplicated crown fracture. However, shear
      bond strength of different types of restorations seems close to each other.

PMID- 22051059
TI  - Effects of losartan on whole body, skeletal muscle and vascular insulin responses
      in obesity/insulin resistance without hypertension.
AB  - AIMS: Renin-angiotensin system antagonists have been found to improve glucose
      metabolism in obese hypertensive and type 2 diabetic subjects. The mechanism of
      these effects is not well understood. We hypothesized that the angiotensin
      receptor antagonist losartan would improve insulin-mediated vasodilation, and
      thereby improve insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in skeletal muscle of insulin
      resistant subjects. METHODS: We studied subjects with obesity and insulin
      resistance but without hypertension, hypercholesterolaemia or dysglycaemia [age
      39.0 +/- 9.6 yr (mean +/- SD), body mass index (BMI) 33.2 +/- 5.9 kg/m(2) , BP
      115.8 +/- 12.2/70.9 +/- 7.2 mmHg, LDL 2.1 +/- 0.5 mmol/l]. Subjects were
      randomized to 12 weeks' double-blind treatment with losartan 100 mg once daily (n
      = 9) or matching placebo (n = 8). Before and after treatment, under
      hyperinsulinaemic euglycaemic clamp conditions we measured whole-body insulin
      stimulated glucose disposal, insulin-mediated vasodilation, and insulin
      stimulated leg glucose uptake by the limb balance technique. RESULTS: Whole-body
      insulin-stimulated glucose disposal was not significantly increased by losartan.
      Insulin-mediated vasodilation was augmented following both treatments [increase
      in leg vascular conductance: pretreatment 0.7 +/- 0.3 l/min/mmHg (losartan, mean
      +/- SEM) and 0.9 +/- 0.3 (placebo), posttreatment 1.0 +/- 0.4 (losartan) and 1.3
      +/- 0.6 (placebo)] but not different between treatment groups (p = 0.53).
      Insulin's action to augment nitric oxide (NO) production and to augment
      endothelium-dependent vasodilation was also not improved. Leg glucose uptake was
      not significantly changed by treatments, and not different between groups (p =
      0.11). CONCLUSIONS: These findings argue against the hypothesis that losartan
      might improve skeletal muscle glucose metabolism by improving insulin-mediated
      vasodilation in normotensive insulin-resistant obese subjects. The metabolic
      benefits of angiotensin receptor blockers may require the presence of
      hypertension in addition to obesity-associated insulin resistance.

PMID- 22051060
TI  - The ORF3-encoded proteins of vitiviruses GVA and GVB induce tubule-like and
      punctate structures during virus infection and localize to the plasmodesmata.
AB  - The genomic RNA of vitiviruses contains 5 open reading frames (ORF). ORF3 encodes
      a protein to which the function of a movement protein (MP) was assigned, based on
      sequence homology with other viral proteins. The aim of the research described in
      this paper was to gain further insight in distribution profile of the ORF3
      product encoded by the vitiviruses Grapevine virus A (GVA) and Grapevine virus B
      (GVB). Expression of the GVA MP-GFP fusion protein via the virus genome in
      Nicotiana benthamiana leaves resulted in the formation of irregular spots and
      fibrous network structures on the outermost periphery of epidermal cells.
      Expression of GVA MP-GFP and GVB MP-GFP was involved in the formation of the
      tubule-like and punctate structures on the periphery of N. benthamiana and Vitis
      vinifera protoplasts. Co-expression of the GVA MP-GFP and GVA MP-RFP in
      protoplasts resulted in co-localization of these proteins into the same punctate
      structures, indicating that the MP is not accumulated randomly onto the cell
      surface, but targeted to particular sites at the cell periphery, where punctate
      and tubule-like structures are likely formed. With the use of cytoskeleton and
      secretory pathway inhibitors, we showed that the cytoskeletal elements are not
      likely to be involved in targeting of the MP-GFP to the punctate cellular
      structures. In addition to MP, a functional coat protein was found to be
      essential for virus spread within inoculated leaves.

PMID- 22051061
TI  - Apoptosis, mastocytosis, and diminished adipocytokine gene expression accompany
      reduced epididymal fat mass in long-standing diet-induced obese mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Obesity is characterized by increased cell death and inflammatory
      reactions in the adipose tissue. Here, we explored pathophysiological alterations
      taking place in the adipose tissue in long-standing obesity. In the epididymal
      fat of C57BL/6 mice fed a high-fat diet for 20 weeks, the prevalence and
      distribution of dead adipocytes (crown-like structures), mast cells (toluidine
      blue, mMCP6), macrophages (F4/80), and apoptotic cells (cleaved caspase-3) were
      measured. Moreover, gene and/or protein expression of several adipocytokines
      (leptin, adiponectin, TNF-alpha, IL-10, IL-6, MCP-1), F4/80, mMCP6, cleaved
      caspase-3 were determined. RESULTS: We observed that the epididymal fat mass was
      lower in obese than in lean mice. In obese mice, the epididymal fat mass
      correlated inversely with body weight and liver mass. Dead adipocytes, mast
      cells, macrophages, and apoptotic cells were abundant in the epididymal fat of
      obese mice, especially in the rostral vs. caudal zone. Accordingly, mMCP6, F4/80,
      and cleaved caspase-3 gene and/or protein expression was increased. Conversely,
      adiponectin, leptin, IL-6, and MCP-1 gene expression levels were lower in the
      epididymal fat of obese than lean mice. Although TNF-alpha and IL-10 gene
      expression was higher in the epididymal fat of obese mice, their expression
      relative to F4/80 and mMCP6 expression were lower in the heavily infiltrated
      rostral than caudal zone. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates that in mice with
      long-standing obesity diminished gene expression of several adipocytokines
      accompany apoptosis and reduced mass of the epididymal fat. Our findings suggest
      that this is due to both increased prevalence of dead adipocytes and altered
      immune cell activity. Differential distribution of metabolically challenged
      adipocytes is indicative of the presence of biologically diverse zones within the
      epididymal fat.

PMID- 22051063
TI  - Synthesis and kinetic testing of new inhibitors for a metallo-beta-lactamase from
      Klebsiella pneumonia and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
AB  - There are currently no clinically useful inhibitors against metallo-beta
      lactamases (MBLs), enzymes that confer resistance against a broad spectrum of
      commonly used antibiotics and that are produced by an increasing number of
      bacterial pathogens. New pyrrole derivatives were synthesized and assayed for
      their inhibitory effect on the catalytic activity of the IMP-1 MBL from
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Six compounds tested (3a-3c, 5,
      7 and 8) show micromolar inhibition constants (K(i) values range from ~10 to 30
      MUM). In silico docking was employed to investigate the binding mode of the
      strongest inhibitor, 3b, in the active site of IMP-1. Implications for further
      improvements of binding efficiency and specificity are discussed.

PMID- 22051062
TI  - Astrocytic responses in the lateral geniculate nucleus of monkeys with
      experimental glaucoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVE:   To investigate the responses of lateral geniculate nucleus (LGN)
      astrocytes to experimental glaucoma in monkeys. ANIMAL STUDIED:   Rhesus monkeys
      (Macaca mulatta). PROCEDURES:   Unilateral chronic elevation of intraocular
      pressure (IOP) was induced in six rhesus monkeys by laser photocoagulation of the
      trabecular meshwork. Four normal monkeys were used as controls.
      Immunohistochemistry with antibodies to glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP),
      S100beta and parvalbumin was used to specifically label astrocytes and neurons in
      the LGN. The relative immunointensity (RI) of GFAP was defined as the ratio of
      intensity between each region of interest to a reference field and compared
      between the experimental and control groups as a function of percentage optic
      nerve fiber loss. Ultrastructural changes of LGN astrocytes were examined by
      transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS:   An increase in GFAP and S100beta
      immunoreactivity was observed in the LGN layers receiving projections from the
      experimental glaucoma eyes. Quantitative analysis revealed that the RI of GFAP in
      both the magnocellular and parvocellular layers connected to the glaucomatous
      eyes increased in a linear fashion with increasing optic nerve fiber loss.
      Compared to controls, the RI of GFAP was also moderately elevated in LGN layers
      connected to the fellow nonglaucomatous eyes. Ultrastructurally, accumulation of
      glial filaments that occurred throughout the perikaryon and extended into the
      process in reactive astrocytes was observed in LGN layers of glaucomatous
      monkeys. CONCLUSIONS:   Reactive astrogliosis occurs in the magnocellular and
      parvocellular LGN layers of monkeys with unilateral glaucoma. Astrocytes may play
      an important role in the regulation of LGN microenvironment in glaucoma.

PMID- 22051064
TI  - Copper(II) chloride mediated synthesis and DNA photocleavage activity of 1
      aryl/heteroaryl-4-substituted-1,2,4-triazolo[4,3-a]quinoxalines.
AB  - A new class of photonucleases, 1-aryl/heteroaryl-4-substituted-1,2,4-triazolo[4,3
      a]quinoxalines (4) was synthesized in a facile and efficient manner via
      copper(II) chloride mediated oxidative intramolecular cyclization of 2
      (arylidenehydrazino)-3-substituted-quinoxalines (3). DNA cleavage potency of
      compounds 4a-d (40 MUg each) was quantitatively evaluated on supercoiled plasmid
      PhiX174 under UV irradiation (312 nm, 15 W) without any additive. Compound 4c was
      found to be the most efficient DNA photocleaver which had converted supercoiled
      DNA (form I) into the relaxed DNA (form II) at 30 MUg and the DNA photocleavage
      activity increases with increase in concentration of 4c.

PMID- 22051065
TI  - Synthesis and biological activity of novel N-cycloalkyl-(cycloalkylaryl)-2-[(3-R
      2-oxo-2H-[1,2,4]triazino[2,3-c]quinazoline-6-yl)thio]acetamides.
AB  - In this paper the novel N-cycloalkyl-(cycloalkylaryl)-2-[(3-R-2-oxo-2H
      [1,2,4]triazino[2,3-c]quinazoline-6-yl)thio]acetamides synthesis by aminolysis of
      activated by thionyl chloride or carbonyldiimidazole [(3-R-2-oxo-2H
      [1,2,4]triazino[2,3-c]quinazolin-6-yl)-thio]acetic acids and alkylation of the 3
      R-6-thio-6,7-dihydro-2H-[1,2,4]triazino[2,3-c]quinazoline-2-ones potassium salts
      with N-cycloalkyl-(cycloalkylaryl)-2-chloroacetamides are proposed. The
      structures of compounds are determined by (1)H, (13)C NMR, LC-MS and EI-MS
      analysis. The in vitro anticancer, antibacterial activity and Photobacterium
      leiognathi Sh1 bioluminescence inhibition of synthesized compounds were revealed.
      SAR results were discussed. Compound 4.10 was found to be the most anticancer
      active one, selectively influenced on the non-small cell lung and CNS cancer cell
      lines, especially on the HOP-92 (log GI(50) = -6.01) and U251 (log GI(50) = 
      6.00).

PMID- 22051066
TI  - Comparative studies on interactions of baicalein, baicalin and scutellarin with
      lysozyme.
AB  - The interactions of baicalein, baicalin and scutellarin with lysozyme (LYSO) were
      studied by fluorescence and UV spectroscopy. The results showed that all the
      three flavones can quench the fluorescence of LYSO via static quenching with the
      distance between the donor and acceptor less than 7 nm. The hydroxyl at B-ring
      gave flavones an advantage to binding with LYSO. Electrostatic forces played a
      major role in stabilizing baicalein-LYSO complex and baicalin-LYSO complex,
      whereas hydrophobic interactions in scutellarin-LYSO. Furthermore, the presence
      of pantothenic acid can increase the binding constant and the number of binding
      sites between flavones and LYSO.

PMID- 22051067
TI  - Surgical strategy for aortic coarctation repair resulting in physiologic arm and
      leg blood pressures.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The goal of aortic coarctation repair is laminar aortic blood flow
      resulting in a negative or absent arm:leg blood pressure (BP) gradient. Despite
      satisfactory relief of coarctation, associated arch hypoplasia can result in
      residual obstruction and postoperative upper body hypertension. INTERVENTION: We
      devised a surgical strategy to create a tension-free anastomosis with a diameter
      as large as both the adjacent proximal and distal aorta using a radically
      extended end-to-end anastomosis via sternotomy and/or thoracotomy. Sternotomy is
      chosen when there is significant transverse arch hypoplasia defined as a distal
      transverse arch <= diameter of the left carotid artery, presence of a common
      brachiocephalic trunk, or coexisting intracardiac lesion requiring repair.
      Thoracotomy is used in all other cases. RESULTS: From 2000 to 2008, 95
      consecutive patients were repaired using this approach, 35 with sternotomy and 60
      with thoracotomy. At a mean follow-up of 50 +/- 23 months, mean systolic BP was
      94 +/- 10 mm Hg, and 84% of patients had no residual arm:leg BP gradient. Mean
      arm:leg BP gradient was not statistically different between groups (-8.5 +/- 15
      sternotomy and -7.0 +/- 10 mm Hg thoracotomy, P= .7). With Doppler
      echocardiography, 96% of patients demonstrated normal early diastolic reversal of
      blood flow in the descending thoracic aorta. CONCLUSIONS: For aortic coarctation
      repair in infancy, a strategy designed to directly address aortic arch hypoplasia
      results in excellent intermediate-term results with normal BP, physiologic
      arm:leg BP relationship, and near normal descending aortic blood flow velocities
      by Doppler.

PMID- 22051069
TI  - Modeling the Calvin-Benson cycle.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Modeling the Calvin-Benson cycle has a history in the field of
      theoretical biology. Anyone who intends to model this system will look at
      existing models to adapt, refine and improve them. With the goal to study the
      regulation of carbon metabolism, we investigated a broad range of relevant models
      for their suitability to provide the basis for further modeling efforts. Beyond a
      critical analysis of existing models, we furthermore investigated the question
      how adjacent metabolic pathways, for instance photorespiration, can be integrated
      in such models. RESULTS: Our analysis reveals serious problems with a range of
      models that are publicly available and widely used. The problems include the
      irreproducibility of the published results or significant differences between the
      equations in the published description of the model and model itself in the
      supplementary material. In addition to and based on the discussion of existing
      models, we furthermore analyzed approaches in PGA sink implementation and
      confirmed a weak relationship between the level of its regulation and efficiency
      of PGA export, in contrast to significant changes in the content of metabolic
      pool within the Calvin-Benson cycle. CONCLUSIONS: In our study we show that the
      existing models that have been investigated are not suitable for reuse without
      substantial modifications. We furthermore show that the minor adjacent pathways
      of the carbon metabolism, neglected in all kinetic models of Calvin-Benson cycle,
      cannot be substituted without consequences in the mass production dynamics. We
      further show that photorespiration or at least its first step (O2 fixation) has
      to be implemented in the model if this model is aimed for analyses out of the
      steady state.

PMID- 22051068
TI  - Polymorphisms of the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (NOS3) gene in
      preeclampsia: a candidate-gene association study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene (NOS3) has been proposed
      as a candidate gene for preeclampsia. However, studies so far have produced
      conflicting results. This study examines the specific role of variants and
      haplotypes of the NOS3 gene in a population of Caucasian origin. METHODS: We
      examined the association of three common variants of the NOS3 gene (4b/a, T-786C
      and G894T) and their haplotypes in a case-control sample of 102 patients with
      preeclampsia and 176 women with a history of uncomplicated pregnancies.
      Genotyping for the NOS3 variants was performed and odds ratios and 95% confidence
      intervals were obtained to evaluate the association between NOS3 polymorphisms
      and preeclampsia. RESULTS: The single locus analysis for the three variants using
      various genetic models and a model-free approach revealed no significant
      association in relation to clinical status. The analysis of haplotypes also
      showed lack of significant association. CONCLUSIONS: Given the limitations of the
      candidate-gene approach in investigating complex traits, the evidence of our
      study does not support the major contributory role of these common NOS3 variants
      in preeclampsia. Future larger studies may help in elucidating the genetics of
      preeclampsia further.

PMID- 22051070
TI  - General guidelines for detection of anthelmintic resistance in horses. Preface.

PMID- 22051071
TI  - Phylogenetic and host-parasite relationship analysis of Henneguya
      multiplasmodialis n. sp. infecting Pseudoplatystoma spp. in Brazilian Pantanal
      wetland.
AB  - A new species of the genus Henneguya (Henneguya multiplasmodialis n. sp.) was
      found infecting the gills of three of 89 specimens (3.3%) of Pseudoplatystoma
      corruscans and two of 79 specimens (2.6%) of Pseudoplatystoma reticulatum from
      rivers in the Pantanal wetland, Brazil. Partial sequencing of the 18S rDNA gene
      of the spores obtained from one plasmodium from the gills of P. corruscans and
      other one from the gills of P. reticulatum, respectively, resulted in a total of
      1560 and 1147 base pairs. As the spores of H. multiplasmodialis n. sp. resemble
      those of Henneguya corruscans, which is also a parasite of P. corruscans,
      sequencing of the 18S rDNA gene of the spores of H. corruscans found on P.
      corruscans caught in the Brazilian Pantanal wetland was also provided to avoid
      any taxonomic pendency between these two species, resulting in 1913 base pairs.
      The sequences of H. multiplasmodialis n. sp. parasite of P. corruscans and P.
      reticulatum and H. corruscans did not match any of the Myxozoa available in the
      GenBank. The similarity of H. multiplasmodialis n. sp. obtained from P.
      corruscans to that from P. reticulatum was of 99.7%. Phylogeny revealed a strong
      tendency among Henneguya species to form clades based on the order and/or family
      of the host fish. H. multiplasmodialis n. sp. clustered in a clade with Henneguya
      eirasi and H. corruscans, which are also parasites of siluriforms of the family
      Pimelodidae and, together with the clade composed of Henneguya spp. parasites of
      siluriforms of the family Ictaluridae, formed a monophyletic clade of parasites
      of siluriform hosts. The histological study revealed that the wall of the
      plasmodia of H. multiplasmodialis n. sp. were covered with a stratified
      epithelium rich in club cells and supported by a layer of connective tissue. The
      interior of the plasmodia had a network of septa that divided the plasmodia into
      numerous compartments. The septa were composed of connective tissue also covered
      on both sides with a stratified epithelium rich in club cells. Inflammatory
      infiltrate was found in the tissue surrounding the plasmodia as well as in the
      septa.

PMID- 22051072
TI  - Detection of specific antibodies in dogs infected with Angiostrongylus vasorum.
AB  - Canine angiostrongylosis, caused by the nematode Angiostrongylus vasorum, is an
      emerging cardiopulmonary disease in Europe which can be fatal if left untreated.
      We determined the diagnostic value of the specific detection of antibodies
      against A. vasorum adult somatic antigen, adult excretory/secretory (E/S) antigen
      and first stage larvae (L1) somatic antigen in ELISAs. Also, A. vasorum adult
      somatic antigen purified by monoclonal antibodies (mAb) was evaluated in a
      sandwich-ELISA. Among the crude antigens, the best sensitivities when testing 21
      naturally infected dogs were obtained using adult E/S and somatic antigen (85.7%
      and 76.2%, respectively), which were comparable with the results of the sandwich
      ELISA based on mAb-purified antigens (81%). The ELISA performed with L1 antigen
      had the lowest sensitivity (42.9%). In experimentally inoculated dogs, the
      sensitivities ranged from 97.7% to 100% with all test settings. The specificity
      was 98.8% (92.5-99.9%, 95% CI) with all ELISAs using sera of 82 randomly selected
      dogs. Cross-reactions using adult somatic, adult E/S and L1 somatic antigen were
      observed in sera of dogs infected with Crenosoma vulpis, Dirofilaria immitis,
      Dirofilaria repens, and Eucoleus aerophilus. In contrast, using the mAb-purified
      antigens, the cross-reactions were minimal. Depending on the antigens used,
      specific antibodies were detected starting between 13 and 21 days post
      experimental inoculation (dpi), and at latest between 35 and 48 dpi, thus before
      or around the onset of patency. The serological follow-up of four A. vasorum
      infected dogs after anthelmintic treatment at 88 dpi showed a decrease of
      antibody levels after drug administration, and the animals became seronegative 2
      9 weeks later. Two untreated dogs remained seropositive. In four dogs treated 4
      dpi, virtually no antibody-reaction was detectable, with the exception of the
      ELISA performed with L1 antigen. The early detection of specific antibodies
      against A. vasorum by ELISA represents a valid alternative for a reliable
      diagnosis and for follow-up investigations after anthelmintic treatment.

PMID- 22051073
TI  - Comparison of loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) and real-time PCR
      method targeting a 529-bp repeat element for diagnosis of toxoplasmosis.
AB  - Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) is a simple method that can amplify
      DNA with high specificity, sensitivity, and rapidity. In this study, we compared
      the performance of LAMP and real-time PCR assays for diagnosis of toxoplasmosis.
      We designed a real-time PCR assay targeting a 529 bp element repeated 200-300
      times in the Toxoplasma gondii genome. The detection limits of the LAMP and real
      time PCR assays were 10 fg/MUL and 1 fg/MUL of T. gondii DNA, respectively.
      Conventional PCR, LAMP, and real-time PCR methods were applied to detect T.
      gondii DNA in blood samples from 284 pigs and 292 sheep. Positive results were
      obtained with 0.4%, 3.2%, and 4.2% of the pig samples and 3.8%, 17.1%, and 17.8%
      of the sheep samples with conventional PCR, LAMP, and real-time PCR analyses,
      respectively. The real-time PCR assay provided the most sensitive diagnosis of
      toxoplasmosis, but the LAMP assay has potential as an alternative tool for
      detection of T. gondii in the field.

PMID- 22051074
TI  - Estrogen receptor alpha gene variants and major depressive episodes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite evidence of estrogen's mood-enhancing effects, the
      association between estrogen receptor (ER) gene variants and lifetime major
      depression has been insufficiently studied. METHODS: 3987 community-dwelling
      women aged 65years and over were recruited in France as part of the Three City
      Study. Current and past major depressive disorders (MDD) were diagnosed using the
      Mini-International Neuropsychiatry Interview, according to DSM-IV criteria. The
      association between two common estrogen receptor alpha (ESR1) polymorphisms with
      lifetime MDD was examined using adjusted logistic regression models, taking into
      account the age at first depressive episode and the recurrence of depression.
      RESULTS: Women homozygous for the variant G allele of ESR1 rs9340799 had a 1.6
      fold increased risk of MDD across their lifetime compared with women who were
      homozygous for the A allele (p=0.009). There was a similar non-significant trend
      for the C allele of rs2234693 being associated with an increased risk (p=0.09).
      Polytomous regression analysis further indicated that the GG genotype of
      rs9340799 was specifically associated with an increased risk of recurrent
      depressive episodes, regardless of the age at first onset of depression relative
      to the menopause. LIMITATIONS: The duration and severity of depressive episodes
      was not considered in the analysis. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to
      examine the association between ESR1 gene variants and lifetime MDD. Our findings
      indicate a significant association between common variants and the risk of
      recurrent depressive episodes. This suggests that certain depressed women could
      be most responsive to hormone-based treatment.

PMID- 22051075
TI  - Subthreshold symptoms in bipolar disorder: impact on neurocognition, quality of
      life and disability.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To provide empirical evidence of the effect of subthreshold
      symptomatology (both depressive and manic) on psychosocial functioning,
      neurocognition and quality of life in bipolar disorder. METHODS: A total of 133
      participants were enrolled for this study (bipolar patients, n=103; healthy
      controls, n=30). Patients were divided into two groups according to their levels
      of subthreshold symptomatology: the subsyndromic group was constituted by those
      patients with upper levels of subthreshold symptomatology (HDRS>=4 and YMRS>=3)
      and the asymptomatic group represented the patients with lower scores (HDRS<=3
      and YMRS<=2). All participants were administered a comprehensive
      neuropsychological battery. Moreover the patients answered the SF-36 (Quality of
      Life, QoL) and were interviewed with the WHODAS-2 (Psychosocial functioning and
      disability). One-way ANOVA were used in order to compare the differences between
      the three groups. RESULTS: The analyses revealed that both patients groups,
      albeit free of acute symptoms of mania or depression, differed in terms of
      functioning and disability assessed with the WHODAS-2. Specifically, the total
      global score of disability was higher for the subsyndromic group indicating more
      impairment (p=0.008). The same pattern of impairment was found for three of its
      domains: "understanding and communicating" (p=0.013); "self-care" (p=0.035) and
      "getting along with others" (p=0.024). The subsyndromic group also scored lower
      when compared to their counterparts in the Mental Component of QoL of the SF-36
      (p=0.045). Finally, in the neuropsychological performance verbal learning and
      memory was found to be impaired regardless the levels of subthreshold
      symptomatology, suggesting that this variable is a robust indicator of
      neuropsychological impairment in BD patients. CONCLUSIONS: This report presents
      empirical data suggesting a moderate impact of subthreshold symptoms on
      functioning/disability and QoL and a discrete impact on neuropsychological
      impairment.

PMID- 22051076
TI  - Compulsive buying in bipolar disorder: is it a comorbidity or a complication?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The objective of this study was to investigate the frequency of
      compulsive buying in bipolar disorder (BD), to compare it with healthy controls,
      and to search if there is a difference between bipolar cases with and without
      compulsive buying in terms of sociodemographic qualities, temperament, clinical
      characteristics and comorbid diagnoses. METHODS: One-hundred outpatient cases
      diagnosed as BD according to DSM-IV were evaluated consecutively. Following the
      diagnosis interview (SCID-I and II) the subjects completed the mood disorders
      registry form, Compulsive Buying Scale and TEMPS-A. RESULTS: Compulsive buying
      scores were higher in bipolar patients than healthy controls (p<0.001). Cases
      with compulsive buying revealed higher cyclothymic and irritable temperament
      scores than other bipolar patients (p=0.029 vs 0.045). Premenstrual syndrome and
      postpartum onset were more frequent, while psychotic symptoms were less in
      compulsive buyer bipolar patients (p=0.002, 0.009 vs 0.034). Severity of episode
      was lower (p=0.01), number of episodes was higher (p=0.009). Acute onset and
      remission before and after maintenance treatment were more frequent in patients
      with compulsive buying (p=0.011 and p=0.011). Full remission between episodes was
      100%. Cases with axis-1 and axis-2 comorbidities demonstrated higher compulsive
      buying scores (p=0.025 and 0.005). LIMITATIONS: Treatment regimen differences
      between patients are a limitation of the study. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first
      study to relate compulsive buying with the clinical characteristics of BD. Our
      results reveal that compulsive buying in BD occurs together with mood episodes
      which are not very severe, but frequent and with abrupt onset.

PMID- 22051077
TI  - Histopathologic features of canine distichiasis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the histologic features of canine distichiasis using
      excised tarsoconjunctival specimens that included roots of distichiatic cilia.
      PROCEDURES: The study group included 21 strips of cilia-bearing tarsoconjunctiva
      resected from 20 dogs with distichiasis. Eyelid tissue specimens were also
      collected from 11 euthanized dogs without distichiasis to serve as controls. All
      flat mount preparations were processed for histologic examination, and serial
      sections were stained with hematoxylin-eosin (H&E). A total of 157 slides were
      examined for the study group to describe the follicles and path of the
      distichiatic hairs and determine their potential connection with the tarsal
      glands. A total of 82 slides were examined for the control group. RESULTS: In 19
      of the 20 dogs with distichiasis, serial sections of the specimens identified
      anatomic segments of hair follicles located abnormally in the eyelid tarsus and
      associated with the aberrant cilia. They appeared as hair bulbs adjacent to
      tarsal glands, middle portions of hair follicles located between sebaceous
      lobules, and single or multiple hair shafts present within the sebaceous duct.
      The tarsal glands in the cilia-bearing tarsoconjunctiva were not different from
      those of the controls, in which no distichiatic hair bulbs or shafts were
      observed. CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that adventitious cilia are not
      associated with histologic changes of the tarsal glands, and appear to arise from
      ectopic hair follicles present in the tarsus. Canine distichiasis may result from
      anomalous regulation of morphogenesis of hair follicles in the mesenchymal tissue
      of the tarsal plate.

PMID- 22051078
TI  - Peptide therapeutics for CNS indications.
AB  - Neuropeptides play a crucial role in the normal function of the central nervous
      system and peptide receptors hold great promise as therapeutic targets for the
      treatment of several CNS disorders. In general, the development of peptide
      therapeutics has been limited by the lack of drug-like properties of peptides and
      this has made it very difficult to transform them into marketable therapeutic
      molecules. Some of these challenges include poor in vivo stability, poor
      solubility, incompatibility with oral administration, shelf stability, cost of
      manufacture. Recent technical advances have overcome many of these limitations
      and have led to rapid growth in the development of peptides for a wide range of
      therapeutic indications such as diabetes, cancer and pain. This review examines
      the therapeutic potential of peptide agonists for the treatment of major CNS
      disorders such as schizophrenia, anxiety, depression and autism. Both clinical
      and preclinical data has been accumulated supporting the potential utility of
      agonists at central neurotensin, cholecystokinin, neuropeptide Y and oxytocin
      receptors. Some of the successful approaches that have been developed to increase
      the stability and longevity of peptides in vivo and improve their delivery are
      also described and potential strategies for overcoming the major challenge that
      is unique to CNS therapeutics, penetration of the blood-brain barrier, are
      discussed.

PMID- 22051079
TI  - The liver X receptor modulator 22(S)-hydroxycholesterol exerts cell-type specific
      effects on lipid and glucose metabolism.
AB  - The aim of this study was to explore the effects of 22(S)-hydroxycholesterol
      (22(S)-HC) on lipid and glucose metabolism in human-derived cells from metabolic
      active tissues. Docking of T0901317 and 22(S)-HC showed that both substances
      fitted into the ligand binding domain of liver X receptors (LXR). Results show
      that while several lipogenic genes were induced by T0901317 in myotubes, HepG2
      cells and SGBS cells, effect of 22(S)-HC varied more between cell types. In
      myotubes, most lipogenic genes were downregulated or unchanged by 22(S)-HC,
      whereas a more diverse pattern was found in HepG2 and SGBS cells. Treatment with
      22(S)-HC induced sterol regulatory element binding transcription factor 1 in SGBS
      and HepG2 cells, but not in myotubes. Fatty acid synthase was downregulated by
      22(S)-HC in myotubes, upregulated in SGBS and unchanged in HepG2 cells. De novo
      lipogenesis was increased by T0901317 in all cell models, whereas differently
      affected by 22(S)-HC depending on the cell type; decreased in myotubes and HepG2
      cells, whereas increased in SGBS cells. Oxidation of linoleic acid was reduced by
      22(S)-HC in all cell models while glucose uptake increased and tended to increase
      in myotubes and SGBS cells, respectively. Cholesterol efflux was unaffected by
      22(S)-HC treatment. These results show that 22(S)-HC affects LXR-regulated
      processes differently in various cell types. Ability of 22(S)-HC to reduce
      lipogenesis and lipid accumulation in myotubes and hepatocytes indicate that
      22(S)-HC might reduce lipid accumulation in non-adipose tissues, suggesting a
      potential role for 22(S)-HC or a similar LXR modulator in the treatment of type 2
      diabetes.

PMID- 22051080
TI  - Ex vivo spontaneous generation of 19-norandrostenedione and nandrolone detected
      in equine plasma and urine.
AB  - 19-Norandrostenedione (NAED) and nandrolone are anabolic-androgenic steroids
      (AASs). Nandrolone was regarded solely as a synthetic AAS until the 1980s when
      trace concentrations of apparently endogenous nandrolone were detected in urine
      samples obtained from intact male horses (stallions). Since then, its endogenous
      origin has been reported in boars and bulls; endogenous NAED and nandrolone have
      been identified in plasma and urine samples collected from stallions. More
      recently, however, it was suggested that NAED and nandrolone detected in urine
      samples from stallions are primarily artifacts due to the analytical procedure.
      The present study was undertaken to determine whether NAED and nandrolone
      detected in plasma and urine samples collected from stallions are truly
      endogenous or artifacts from sample processing. To answer this question, fresh
      plasma and urine samples from >=8 stallions were analyzed for the two AASs, soon
      after collection, by liquid chromatography hyphenated to tandem mass spectrometry
      (LC-MS/MS). NAED and nandrolone were not detected in fresh plasma samples but
      detected in the same samples post storage. Concentrations of both AASs increased
      with storage time, and the increases were greater at a higher storage temperature
      (37 degrees C versus 4 degrees C, and ambient temperature versus 4 degrees C).
      Although NAED was detected in some fresh stallion urine samples, its
      concentration (<407 pg/mL) was far lower (<0.4%) than that in the same samples
      post storage (at ambient temperature for 15 days). Nandrolone was not detected in
      most of fresh urine samples but detected in the same samples post storage. Based
      on these results, it is concluded that all NAED and nandrolone detected in stored
      plasma samples of stallions and most of them in the stored urine samples are not
      from endogenous origins but spontaneously generated during sample storage, most
      likely from spontaneous decarboxylation of androstenedione-19-oic acid and
      testosterone-19-oic acid. To our knowledge, it is the first time that all NAED
      and nandrolone detected in plasma of stallions and most of them detected in the
      urine have been shown to be spontaneously generated in vitro during sample
      storage. This finding would have significant implications with regard to the
      regulation of the two steroids in horse racing.

PMID- 22051081
TI  - The changing face of informed surgical consent.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine whether procedure-specific brochures improve patients'
      pre-operative knowledge, to determine the amount of information expected by
      patients during the consenting process, and to determine whether the recently
      proposed 'Request for Treatment' consenting process is viable on a large scale.
      METHOD: A prospective, questionnaire-based study of 100 patients admitted for
      selected, elective surgical procedures. RESULTS: In total, 99 per cent of
      patients were satisfied with the information received in the out-patient
      department, regarding the proposed procedure. However, 38 per cent were unable to
      correctly state the nature of the surgery or specific procedure they were
      scheduled to undergo. Although the vast majority of patients were able to state
      the intended benefits to be gained from the procedure, only 54 per cent were able
      to list at least one potential complication, and 80 per cent indicated that they
      wished to be informed about all potential complications, even if these occurred
      in less than 1 per cent of cases. CONCLUSIONS: The introduction of procedure
      specific brochures improved patients' pre-operative knowledge. Although the
      failings of current consenting practice are clear, the Request for Treatment
      consenting process would not appear to be a viable alternative because of the
      large number of patients unable to accurately recall the nature of the proposed
      surgery or potential complications, following consent counselling.

PMID- 22051082
TI  - Comment on: Does bariatric surgery reduce the risk of major cardiovascular
      events? A retrospective cohort study of morbidly obese surgical patients.

PMID- 22051083
TI  - Influence of white mineral trioxide aggregate on inflammatory cells before and
      after expiry date.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of subcutaneously
      implanted white mineral trioxide aggregate (WMTA) on inflammatory reactions
      before and after expiry date. METHODS: Fifty Wistar rats were used in this study.
      Polyethylene tubes were filled with WMTA with expiry dates of 2008, 2009, and
      2011, and empty ones serving as the controls were implanted into the subcutaneous
      tissue. The rats were sacrificed at 7-, 14-, 28-, and 60-day intervals. 5-MUm
      sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and observed under a light
      microscope. Inflammatory reactions were categorized as 0, none (without
      inflammatory cells); 1, mild (inflammatory cells < 25); 2, moderate (25-125
      inflammatory cells); and 3, severe (more than 125 inflammatory cells).
      Statistical analysis was performed with Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: All the
      experimental materials provoked moderate to severe inflammatory reactions after 7
      days, which significantly differed from the control group (P < 0.05). At 14-day
      interval, WMTA with expiry date of 2008 and the control group elicited mild to
      moderate infiltration of inflammatory cells. However, WMTA with expiry dates of
      2009 and 2011 provoked moderate to severe inflammatory reactions, which were
      significantly different from WMTA with expiry date of 2008 and the control group
      (P < 0.05). At 28- and 60-day intervals, the overall inflammation subsided in all
      the groups to mild to moderate infiltration of inflammatory cells without any
      significant differences (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: It seems that the expiry date has
      less negative effects on the response of inflammatory cells. WMTA keeps its
      biocompatibility even after expiry date.

PMID- 22051084
TI  - Prediction of visceral response to multi-directional loading as measured by the
      chestband.
AB  - Thoracic and abdominal injury outcomes are correlated to chestband-derived
      uniaxial metrics in post-mortem human specimen (PMHS) experiments. Yet, uniaxial
      metrics may neglect deformations remote from the measurement site which still may
      be relevant to injury risk in motor vehicle crashes. Using 2D chestband contours
      from PMHS experiments, visceral strain and strain energy density responses were
      examined using a planar viscoelastic finite element model. The model was
      exercised by applying to the periphery 21 subject-specific PMHS chestband
      deformation patterns representing four boundary conditions: (a) lateral impact
      with close-proximity torso airbag, (b) stationary close-proximity torso airbag
      loading, (c) flat rigid lateral impact, and (d) antero-lateral oblique rigid
      impact. ANOVA determined that mean peak responses were dependent on boundary
      condition (p<0.002). Using matched-pair experiment injury outcomes, 50% risk of
      visceral trauma corresponded to localized strain and strain energy density of
      1.55 and 33.0 kJ/m(3) (p<0.1). Although strains were large, model response
      demonstrated sensitivity to impact boundary conditions and observed PMHS trauma.
      This model formulation is useful for comparative examination of injury risk from
      torso deformations measured experimentally using the chestband device.

PMID- 22051085
TI  - Exoskeleton robots for upper-limb rehabilitation: state of the art and future
      prospects.
AB  - Current health services are struggling to provide optimal rehabilitation therapy
      to victims of stroke. This has motivated researchers to explore the use of
      robotic devices to provide rehabilitation therapy for strokepatients. This paper
      reviews the recent progress of upper limb exoskeleton robots for rehabilitation
      treatment of patients with neuromuscular disorders. Firstly, a brief introduction
      to rehabilitation robots will be given along with examples of existing commercial
      devices. The advancements in upper limb exoskeleton technology and the
      fundamental challenges in developing these devices are described. Potential areas
      for future research are discussed.

PMID- 22051086
TI  - Matrix effects in the energy dispersive X-ray analysis of CaO-Al(2)O(3)-MgO
      inclusions in steel.
AB  - Energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis of micron-sized inclusions in steel is of
      considerable industrial importance. Measured spectra and Monte Carlo simulations
      show a significant effect of the steel matrix on analysis of CaO-Al(2)O(3)-MgO
      inclusions: the steel matrix filters the softer (Al and Mg) characteristic X
      rays, increasing the relative height of the Ca peak. Bulk matrix correction
      methods would not result in correct inclusion compositions, but operating at a
      lower acceleration voltage shifts the effect to smaller inclusion sizes.

PMID- 22051087
TI  - Uncertainty studies of topographical measurements on steel surface corrosion by
      3D scanning electron microscopy.
AB  - Pitting corrosion is a damage mechanism quite serious and dangerous in both
      carbon steel boiler tubes for power plants which are vital to most industries and
      stainless steels for orthopedic human implants whose demand, due to the increase
      of life expectation and rate of traffic accidents, has sharply increased.
      Reliable methods to characterize this kind of damage are becoming increasingly
      necessary, when trying to evaluate the advance of damage and to establish the
      best procedures for component inspection in order to determine remaining lives
      and failure mitigation. A study about the uncertainties on the topographies of
      corrosion pits from 3D SEM images, obtained at low magnifications (where errors
      are greater) and different stage tilt angles were carried out using an in-house
      software previously developed. Additionally, measurements of pit depths on
      biomaterial surfaces, subjected to two different surface treatments on stainless
      steels, were carried out. The different depth distributions observed were in
      agreement with electrochemical measurements.

PMID- 22051088
TI  - Elasticity and nanomechanical response of Aspergillus niger spores using atomic
      force microscopy.
AB  - The elasticity and nanomechanical response of Aspergillus niger spores determined
      using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and nanoindentation are discussed. The force
      displacement curve of the spore surfaces shows that the average surface roughness
      of spores was approximately 33 nm and that the adhesion force ranged from 9 to 28
      nN. The Young's modulus of the A. niger spores ranged from 0.1 to 21.4 GPa and
      the hardness ranged from 0.01 to 0.17 GPa. The critical buckling load of the
      spore membrane is 290 MUN.

PMID- 22051089
TI  - Associations of obesity genes with obesity-related outcomes in multiethnic
      children.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified
      several loci that are associated with body mass index (BMI = kg/m(2)). However,
      little is known regarding whether the genetic basis of BMI differs among children
      of diverse racial/ethnic backgrounds, how the cumulative effect of these genes
      influences weight, or the contribution of these variants to body composition.
      This study examined the association between 17 GWAS-identified loci located in 16
      genes and body-composition phenotypes in a multiethnic pediatric sample and
      evaluated the association of a composite genetic risk score with these
      phenotypes. METHODS: Anthropometric measures of BMI, waist circumference and
      waist-to-hip ratio were obtained in a sample of 298 children. Lean and fat mass
      were obtained from dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Genotypes of 17 single
      nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were tested for association with the phenotypic
      measures, adjusted by standard covariates and estimates of genetic admixture.
      RESULTS: Both SNPs rs8050136 and rs9939609 in FTO were associated with BMI and
      waist circumference in a direction opposite to that observed among adults, and an
      inverse association was detected between the risk variant in MC4R and total lean
      body mass. Lean body mass mediated the association between TMEM18 and BMI. The
      association between the genetic risk score and body composition differed
      according to ethnic/racial classification. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that
      genetic associations with BMI among children are different from those in adults,
      that some loci may operate through lean body mass, and that genetic risk scores
      will not have universal applicability across ethnic/racial groups.

PMID- 22051091
TI  - Going on a drug holiday?

PMID- 22051092
TI  - Low bone mass prevalence, therapy type, and clinical risk factors in an HIV
      infected Brazilian population.
AB  - Low bone mineral density (BMD) has been described in human immunodeficiency virus
      (HIV)-infected patients, but data on associated factors are still unclear, and to
      our knowledge, no reports are available in Brazil. Our goal was to evaluate BMD
      in HIV patients attending an outpatient clinic in Vitoria, Brazil. A sectional
      study was performed in 300 HIV-infected patients to measure BMD by dual-energy X
      ray absorptiometry (DXA). Age, gender, anthropometric parameters, nadir and
      current CD4 cell count, HIV viral load, smoking habit, and current antiretroviral
      therapy (ART) associations were investigated by multivariable analysis. Based on
      World Health Organization T-score ranges, low BMD (T-score <-1.0 standard
      deviation [SD] in postmenopausal women and men aged 50 and older or Z-score <-
      2.0 SD in premenopausal women and men below the age of 50) was detected in 54.7%
      (95% confidence interval: 49.1-60.3%) of the 300 enrolled patients. The observed
      median age was 46 yr (interquartile range: 39-52), 58% were male, 88.5% were on
      ART, and 21.4% smoked. The following factors were identified, by multiple
      logistic modeling, as being independently associated with low BMD: (1) male
      gender (4.6 [1.28-16.39]), (2) body mass index lower than 25 kg/m(2) (2.9 [1.31
      6.49]), (3) menopause (13.4 [2.53-71.12]), and (4) HIV-1 undetectable viral load
      (7.9 [1.96-32.25]). Conversely, zidovudine (0.2 [0.04-0.85]) and nevirapine (0.1
      [0.02-0.38]) use were inversely associated with low BMD. Low BMD was frequently
      found in our cohort of about 300 Brazilian HIV-infected subjects. This study
      supports the need for periodic DXA testing in HIV outpatient clinics.

PMID- 22051093
TI  - Shorter sleep may be a risk factor for impaired bone mass accrual in childhood.
AB  - The purpose of the study was to investigate whether sleep duration during early
      childhood was associated with fat mass and bone mineral content (BMC). BMC and
      fat mass were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in children (n=336)
      aged 4-12 yr. Sleep was quantified according to parental report of hours slept at
      night and napping. The relationship between sleep pattern and body composition
      was tested using analysis of variance including confounding factors. Based on the
      sample distribution, children were grouped into tertiles of sleep duration. BMC
      was greater in children with longer sleep duration (p=0.02). Age was inversely
      associated with sleep duration; therefore, the sample was analyzed by age
      category using age 7 yr as a cut-off point. The relationship remained significant
      only among younger children. Napping was positively associated with BMC
      (p=0.001). Sleep duration was not associated with fat parameters. Longer sleep
      duration may allow for optimal energy resource partitioning in which bone is
      favored. Sleep duration of less than 8h may impair bone mass accrual,
      particularly during periods of rapid growth.

PMID- 22051094
TI  - Discriminative ability of heel quantitative ultrasound in postmenopausal women
      with prevalent low-trauma fractures: application of optimal threshold cutoff
      values using CART models.
AB  - Quantitative ultrasound (QUS) of the heel has been proposed as a screening tool
      to evaluate the bone status and risk of osteoporotic fragility fractures. The aim
      of this study was to define threshold values of QUS that would maximize the
      predictive ability of this technique to discriminate subjects with fragility
      fractures. A cross-sectional analysis was made of a cohort of 1132 postmenopausal
      women with a mean age of 58 yr. A total of 361 women (31.9%) presented with a
      history of osteoporotic fracture. Most fractures (74.1%) were nonvertebral. For
      all patients, a questionnaire of osteoporosis risk factors and measurements of
      the heel QUS and bone mineral density at the lumbar spine and the proximal femur
      obtained by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) were assessed. Spinal
      radiographs were assessed for fractures and historical nonvertebral fragility
      fractures. Sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, likelihood ratios, and
      receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve QUS values were calculated using the
      optimal threshold identified in the classification and regression trees (CART)
      models. Cutoff values calculated from the best CART model (i.e., a quantitative
      ultrasound index (QUI) greater than 88.5% in women aged 58 yr or older) yielded
      88.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 81.4-93.5) for sensitivity, a negative
      predictive value of 93.8 (95% CI: 89.4-96.4), and 70.4% (95% CI: 64.6-75.7) for
      specificity. This cutoff value would obviate the need to perform DXA in 43.1% of
      the population. The area under the ROC curve of the best model was 0.8363 (95%
      CI: 0.8249-0.8477). In conclusion, QUS was shown to discriminate between women
      with and without a history of fragility fracture and constitutes a useful tool
      for assessing fracture risk. The application of decision trees (CART analyses)
      was helpful to define the optimal threshold QUS values.

PMID- 22051095
TI  - Lanthanum carbonate interference with lumbar spine DXA.

PMID- 22051097
TI  - Applying stable isotopes to examine food-web structure: an overview of analytical
      tools.
AB  - Stable isotope analysis has emerged as one of the primary means for examining the
      structure and dynamics of food webs, and numerous analytical approaches are now
      commonly used in the field. Techniques range from simple, qualitative inferences
      based on the isotopic niche, to Bayesian mixing models that can be used to
      characterize food-web structure at multiple hierarchical levels. We provide a
      comprehensive review of these techniques, and thus a single reference source to
      help identify the most useful approaches to apply to a given data set. We
      structure the review around four general questions: (1) what is the trophic
      position of an organism in a food web?; (2) which resource pools support
      consumers?; (3) what additional information does relative position of consumers
      in isotopic space reveal about food-web structure?; and (4) what is the degree of
      trophic variability at the intrapopulation level? For each general question, we
      detail different approaches that have been applied, discussing the strengths and
      weaknesses of each. We conclude with a set of suggestions that transcend
      individual analytical approaches, and provide guidance for future applications in
      the field.

PMID- 22051098
TI  - Corneal sensitivity in healthy, immature, and adult alpacas.
AB  - OBJECTIVE:   To determine the corneal sensitivity of healthy, immature, and adult
      alpacas to establish normal reference values for this species. ANIMALS STUDIED:  
      Six normal crias and 18 normal adult alpacas. PROCEDURES:   Corneal sensitivity
      was determined by evaluating the corneal touch threshold (CTT) in five regions of
      the cornea using a Cochet-Bonnet aesthesiometer. The nylon filament length in cm
      was then converted to applied pressure values in mg/0.0113 mm(2) and g/mm(2)
      using a conversion chart. RESULTS:   The central region of the cornea was the
      most sensitive, and the dorsal and temporal regions were the least sensitive in
      alpacas. There were no significant differences between the right and left eyes or
      between values in males and females at any site. Crias had significantly greater
      corneal sensitivity compared with adult alpacas in all five regions of the cornea
      that were evaluated. CONCLUSIONS:   Normal reference values for CTT in alpacas
      were established using a Cochet-Bonnet aesthesiometer. The central region of the
      cornea is the most sensitive in alpacas, and crias have higher corneal
      sensitivity than adult alpacas.

PMID- 22051096
TI  - The role of GLP-1 mimetics and basal insulin analogues in type 2 diabetes
      mellitus: guidance from studies of liraglutide.
AB  - In people with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), the incretin effect is reduced,
      but the recent advent of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors and glucagon-like
      peptide (GLP)-1 agonists/analogues has enabled restoration of at least some of
      the function of the incretin system, with accompanying improvements in glycaemic
      control. Two GLP-1 receptor agonists/analogues are currently approved for the
      treatment of T2DM-exenatide (Byetta(r), Eli Lilly & Co., Indianapolis, IN, US)
      and liraglutide (Victoza(r), Novo Nordisk, Bagsvaerd, Denmark); a once-weekly
      formulation of exenatide (Bydureon(r), Eli Lilly & Co.) has also been approved by
      the European Medicines Agency. The National Institute for Health and Clinical
      Excellence (NICE) has recently published guidance on the use of liraglutide in
      T2DM, based on evidence from the Liraglutide Effect and Action in Diabetes (LEAD)
      Phase III trial programme, which compared liraglutide with existing glucose
      lowering therapies, such as exenatide and insulin glargine. The LEAD programme
      reported HbA1c reductions from 0.8 to 1.5% with liraglutide (1.2 and 1.8 mg),
      accompanied by low rates of hypoglycaemia and some weight loss; side effects were
      primarily gastrointestinal in nature (e.g. nausea and diarrhoea). Based on the
      findings of the LEAD studies and the NICE recommendation, liraglutide now
      represents an important therapy widely available in the UK for certain patient
      groups, including those with a body mass index (BMI) >=35.0 kg/m(2) , and
      patients with a BMI <35 kg/m(2)  who are considered unsuitable for insulin and
      are failing to meet targets for glycaemic control with oral agents. NICE
      guidelines still suggest that most patients without considerable obesity (BMI <35
      kg/m(2) ) are probably best managed using insulin therapy. Evidence also suggests
      a future role for GLP-1 mimetics in combination with basal insulin.

PMID- 22051099
TI  - Variation in the CXCR1 gene (IL8RA) is not associated with susceptibility to
      chronic periodontitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The chemokine receptor 1 CXCR-1 (or IL8R-alpha) is a specific
      receptor for the interleukin 8 (IL-8), which is chemoattractant for neutrophils
      and has an important role in the inflammatory response. The polymorphism
      rs2234671 at position Ex2+860G>C of the CXCR1 gene causes a conservative amino
      acid substitution (S276T). This single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) seemed to be
      functional as it was associated with decreased lung cancer risk. Previous studies
      of our group found association of haplotypes in the IL8 and in the CXCR2 genes
      with the multifactorial disease chronic periodontitis. In this study we
      investigated the polymorphism rs2234671 in 395 Brazilian subjects with and
      without chronic periodontitis. FINDINGS: Similar distribution of the allelic and
      genotypic frequencies were observed between the groups (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The
      polymorphism rs2234671 in the CXCR1 gene was not associated with the
      susceptibility to chronic periodontitis in the studied Brazilian population.

PMID- 22051100
TI  - Supporting the midwifery practice-based curriculum: the role of the link
      lecturer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is essential that Approved Education Institutions (AEIs) support
      practice learning to the education standards required by the Nursing and
      Midwifery Council (NMC, 2009). Evaluating whether midwife lecturers bring a
      unique contribution to the outcomes of preregistration midwifery education
      programmes was investigated through a national research project (Fraser et al.,
      2011). The study task addressed in this paper was to establish which roles and
      responsibilities of lecturers have most impact on student learning and capability
      as midwives and provide best support for mentors' teaching and assessment
      decisions. METHODS: Data were collected through United Kingdom (UK) wide survey
      of Lead Midwives for Education, midwife lecturers and questionnaires and focus
      groups of student midwives from six case study sites. An activity analysis tool
      was completed by lecturers in these sites, as well as individual interviews with
      LMEs and Programme Leads. FINDINGS: The nature of midwife lecturers' engagement
      with practice is variable and is determined by the particular organisation model
      used. There is an overall agreement that midwife lecturers have a vital role in
      supporting the practice based curriculum. Key findings highlight the link
      lecturer role in supporting students, participating in assessments, supporting
      mentors and maintaining clinical credibility. Enhancements and deterrents to
      undertaking the link role are also outlined. These findings are relevant to
      health care programmes worldwide where clinical practice is an essential
      component. IMPLICATIONS: contribution to knowledge development about models to
      support and enhance practice-based learning.

PMID- 22051101
TI  - Development of a support skill scale in insulin therapy: a nationwide study in
      Japan.
AB  - The aim of this cross-sectional, nationwide study in Japan was to develop a
      support skill scale for insulin therapy (IT-SSS) and to evaluate its validity and
      reliability. The sample consisted of 1604 nurses at 123 hospitals throughout the
      country. The factor validity, known-group validity, convergent validity,
      discriminant validity and internal consistency of IT-SSS were assessed. IT-SSS
      consisted of 26 minimum and 25 standard support skills. They included 4 subscales
      for minimum skills: management strategy for hypoglycemia, education about insulin
      injection technique, individual assessment and support about insulin rejection,
      and collaboration with medical professionals and patient/family. Three subscales
      for standard skills: apprehensions concerning the will and emotion of the
      patient, management for blood glucose control, and coordination in insulin
      management. Cronbach's alpha coefficient was between 0.75 and 0.90, suggesting
      strong internal consistency. Multitrait analysis showed that convergent validity
      was complete, and discriminant validity was found to be almost complete in both
      minimum and standard skill scales (scaling success rates of 97.6% and 98.7%
      across all subgroups, respectively). Known group analysis clearly showed that
      specialist nurses have significantly higher skills than general nurses. These
      findings indicate that IT-SSS has a reasonable factor validity, convergent
      validity, discriminant validity, known group validity, and internal consistency.

PMID- 22051102
TI  - Developing an assessment tool for intended learning outcomes in clinical practice
      for nursing students.
AB  - This report describes the development of a new criterion based reference tool to
      assess nursing knowledge and competence in clinical practice. Nursing education
      has changed from educating a profession, based on tested experience, to being
      based on a scientific approach and research based knowledge. Assessment should be
      capable of measuring whether intended learning outcomes have been reached or not,
      and if the aims of a course have been fulfilled in order to ensure safe and
      competent nursing care. The intended learning outcomes from a first year course
      syllabus were integrated and formed into a three-graded criterion-referenced
      assessment tool, Assessment of Clinical Education, (AClEd). The AClEd is to be
      seen as a template, and may be tailor-made in accordance to the objectives, level
      and criteria of a specific course. The tool showed validity in assessing nursing
      skills not only the nursing student's ability to perform a task but also, most
      importantly, the quality of nursing care.

PMID- 22051103
TI  - Effectiveness of an educational intervention on improving knowledge level of
      Chinese registered nurses on prevention of falls in hospitalized older people--a
      randomized controlled trial.
AB  - Falls are highly prevalent in hospitalized older people. Although many factors
      contribute to this, registered nurses (RNs) lack of knowledge about how to
      prevent hospitalized older people falls was identified as one of the major
      factors. This study explored the effects of an educational intervention on
      improving knowledge level of RNs on prevention of falls in hospitalized older
      people. It was a randomized controlled trial. 374 RNs from 4 acute care hospitals
      in ChongQing were recruited to the study. Data were collected before the
      intervention and at the 3-month follow-up. After the intervention, knowledge
      scores increased significantly from baseline in the intervention group and
      significant differences were detected between the scores of the two groups at the
      3-month follow-up. The results reflected that the educational intervention was an
      effective strategy for improving knowledge level of RNs on prevention of falls in
      hospitalized older people.

PMID- 22051104
TI  - Knowledge of congenital heart disease of mothers: presentation of a standardized
      questionnaire and first results.
AB  - OBJECTIVE:   The "Hannover Inventory of Parental Knowledge of Congenital Heart
      Disease," a questionnaire for the assessment of knowledge about congenital heart
      disease (CHD) for use in parents, is presented, and the first results are
      reported. It consists of eight subscales covering general knowledge of cardiac
      functioning, signs and symptoms of the child's individual CHD before and after
      treatment, type of individual CHD and treatment, management of CHD, surveillance
      of deterioration, endocarditis, and physical activity. DESIGN:   One hundred
      thirty-seven mothers completed the questionnaire immediately after their children
      underwent CHD surgery. RESULTS:   The questionnaire has satisfactory psychometric
      properties. Knowledge on most dimensions was satisfactory, but it was rather poor
      with respect to important subscales as endocarditis and surveillance of
      deterioration. CONCLUSIONS:   The questionnaire covers a range of relevant topics
      by taking the individual CHD into account. Parents have satisfactory knowledge of
      CHD in some areas, but knowledge about preventive behaviors turned out as rather
      poor. This needs to be improved in order to make parents capable to take their
      share of after-treatment care.

PMID- 22051105
TI  - Deciphering causal and statistical relations of molecular aberrations and gene
      expressions in NCI-60 cell lines.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cancer cells harbor a large number of molecular alterations such as
      mutations, amplifications and deletions on DNA sequences and epigenetic changes
      on DNA methylations. These aberrations may dysregulate gene expressions, which in
      turn drive the malignancy of tumors. Deciphering the causal and statistical
      relations of molecular aberrations and gene expressions is critical for
      understanding the molecular mechanisms of clinical phenotypes. RESULTS: In this
      work, we proposed a computational method to reconstruct association modules
      containing driver aberrations, passenger mRNA or microRNA expressions, and
      putative regulators that mediate the effects from drivers to passengers. By
      applying the module-finding algorithm to the integrated datasets of NCI-60 cancer
      cell lines, we found that gene expressions were driven by diverse molecular
      aberrations including chromosomal segments' copy number variations, gene
      mutations and DNA methylations, microRNA expressions, and the expressions of
      transcription factors. In-silico validation indicated that passenger genes were
      enriched with the regulator binding motifs, functional categories or pathways
      where the drivers were involved, and co-citations with the driver/regulator
      genes. Moreover, 6 of 11 predicted MYB targets were down-regulated in an MYB
      siRNA treated leukemia cell line. In addition, microRNA expressions were driven
      by distinct mechanisms from mRNA expressions. CONCLUSIONS: The results provide
      rich mechanistic information regarding molecular aberrations and gene expressions
      in cancer genomes. This kind of integrative analysis will become an important
      tool for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer in the era of personalized
      medicine.

PMID- 22051106
TI  - Cataracts are not associated with retinal detachment in the Bichon Frise in the
      UK--a retrospective study of preoperative findings and outcomes in 40 eyes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the Bichon Frise
      population in the UK is at the same risk of developing retinal detachment in
      association with cataract formation and following phacoemulsification as
      described in reports from the USA. PROCEDURES: The medical records of Bichon
      Frises which were presented for cataract assessment and of those which were
      treated with phacoemulsification at Willows Referral Service between 1997 and
      2009 were reviewed. RESULTS: Forty eyes (26 dogs) with unilateral or bilateral
      cataracts were included in the study. There was no evidence of retinal detachment
      associated with the cataracts at initial presentation. Phacoemulsification was
      performed on 34 eyes (20 dogs). Clinically evident lens-induced uveitis was
      treated preoperatively in 17/34 eyes. Artificial lens implantation was carried
      out in 30/34 eyes; automated anterior vitrectomy was performed in 7/34 eyes. The
      mean follow-up time was 16.6 months (range 1.5-73 months). At the last re
      examination, 31/34 eyes (91.2%) were visual. Three eyes (8.8%) were blind--two
      (in the same dog) because of presumptive bilateral optic nerve disease and one
      because of uveitis and secondary glaucoma. There was no evidence of retinal
      detachment following phacoemulsification in any of the 34 eyes. CONCLUSION: This
      study suggests that the Bichon Frise population in the UK does not appear to have
      a predisposition for retinal detachment in association with cataract formation or
      following cataract surgery. Prophylactic random transscleral laser retinopexy or
      transscleral cryopexy cannot therefore be routinely recommended for Bichon Frises
      with cataracts in the UK.

PMID- 22051108
TI  - Performance and penetration of laccase and ABTS inks on various printing
      substrates.
AB  - Introduction of an enzyme and a colour-forming reagent into paper enables the
      development of an authenticity indicator. The purpose of this work was to study
      the performance of Trametes versicolor laccase, TvL, and ABTS, 2,2'-azino-bis(3
      ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) diammonium salt, in various printing
      substrates when printed with inkjet. The printing substrates included pre-coated
      mechanical paper additionally coated with PVA, silica and latex. The focus was on
      the bioanalytical performance and ink penetration. The setting of the printed TvL
      and ABTS ink was studied visually, with optical and confocal microscopy and with
      a so-called tape laminating technique. Technical properties of the printing
      substrates and effect of the surface chemistry were discussed and related to the
      bioanalytical properties. TvL activity persisted well during the printing. The
      best colour response was attained using the PVA-coated base paper. The film
      forming ability of the PVA was found to be the main contributor to the colour
      reaction. The uniform, dense and non-porous PVA layer retains the ABTS and TVL
      molecules on top of the printing substrate. The high local ink concentration on
      the PVA coating layer combined with the absorptive paper substrate suggests that
      the PVA film acts as a filtering layer which retains TvL and ABTS molecules in
      the coating layer but allows most of the ink solvents to penetrate into the paper
      structure. TvL and ABTS molecules are also trapped in the PVA polymer network due
      to swelling effect of water. Electrostatic attractions between the PVA and ABTS
      and TvL molecules do not contribute to the colour reaction.

PMID- 22051109
TI  - Hakai reduces cell-substratum adhesion and increases epithelial cell invasion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The dynamic regulation of cell-cell adhesions is crucial for
      developmental processes, including tissue formation, differentiation and
      motility. Adherens junctions are important components of the junctional complex
      between cells and are necessary for maintaining cell homeostasis and normal
      tissue architecture. E-cadherin is the prototype and best-characterized protein
      member of adherens junctions in mammalian epithelial cells. Regarded as a tumour
      suppressor, E-cadherin loss is associated with poor prognosis in carcinoma. The
      E3 ubiquitin-ligase Hakai was the first reported posttranslational regulator of
      the E-cadherin complex. Hakai specifically targetted E-cadherin for
      internalization and degradation and thereby lowered epithelial cell-cell contact.
      Hakai was also implicated in controlling proliferation, and promoted cancer
      related gene expression by increasing the binding of RNA-binding protein PSF to
      RNAs encoding oncogenic proteins. We sought to investigate the possible
      implication of Hakai in cell-substratum adhesions and invasion in epithelial
      cells. METHODS: Parental MDCK cells and MDCK cells stably overexpressing Hakai
      were used to analyse cell-substratum adhesion and invasion capabilities. Western
      blot and immunofluoresecence analyses were performed to assess the roles of
      Paxillin, FAK and Vinculin in cell-substratum adhesion. The role of the
      proteasome in controlling cell-substratum adhesion was studied using two
      proteasome inhibitors, lactacystin and MG132. To study the molecular mechanisms
      controlling Paxillin expression, MDCK cells expressing E-cadherin shRNA in a
      tetracycline-inducible manner was employed. RESULTS: Here, we present evidence
      that implicate Hakai in reducing cell-substratum adhesion and increasing
      epithelial cell invasion, two hallmark features of cancer progression and
      metastasis. Paxillin, an important protein component of the cell-matrix adhesion,
      was completely absent from focal adhesions and focal contacts in Hakai
      overexpressing MDCK cells. The expression of Paxillin was found to be regulated
      by a proteasome-independent mechanism, possibly due to the decreased abundance of
      E-cadherin. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, these results suggest that Hakai may be
      involved in two hallmark aspects of tumour progression, the lowering cell
      substratum adhesion and the enhancement of cell invasion.

PMID- 22051107
TI  - BMP4 signaling directs primitive endoderm-derived XEN cells to an extraembryonic
      visceral endoderm identity.
AB  - The visceral endoderm (VE) is an epithelial tissue in the early postimplantation
      mouse embryo that encapsulates the pluripotent epiblast distally and the
      extraembryonic ectoderm proximally. In addition to facilitating nutrient exchange
      before the establishment of a circulation, the VE is critical for patterning the
      epiblast. Since VE is derived from the primitive endoderm (PrE) of the
      blastocyst, and PrE-derived eXtraembryonic ENdoderm (XEN) cells can be propagated
      in vitro, XEN cells should provide an important tool for identifying factors that
      direct VE differentiation. In this study, we demonstrated that BMP4 signaling
      induces the formation of a polarized epithelium in XEN cells. This morphological
      transition was reversible, and was associated with the acquisition of a molecular
      signature comparable to extraembryonic (ex) VE. Resembling exVE which will form
      the endoderm of the visceral yolk sac, BMP4-treated XEN cells regulated
      hematopoiesis by stimulating the expansion of primitive erythroid progenitors. We
      also observed that LIF exerted an antagonistic effect on BMP4-induced XEN cell
      differentiation, thereby impacting the extrinsic conditions used for the
      isolation and maintenance of XEN cells in an undifferentiated state. Taken
      together, our data suggest that XEN cells can be differentiated towards an exVE
      identity upon BMP4 stimulation and therefore represent a valuable tool for
      investigating PrE lineage differentiation.

PMID- 22051110
TI  - Each type of cause that initiates rheumatoid arthritis or RA flares
      differentially affects the response to therapy.
AB  - The autoimmune disease rheumatoid arthritis (RA) presents difficulty in
      diagnosis, commonly observed flare ups, polycyclical nature of RA progression,
      and variable response to therapies. Congruent with multiple causes, literature
      has documented various infectious agents, environmental factors, physical trauma,
      silica and food sensitivities as potential causes of RA or RA flares in different
      populations. We propose that these>36 events can initiate RA or RA flares which
      complicates treatment decisions. Each pharmaceutical medicine benefits 15-82% of
      RA patients. Predictive factors are needed. Because the initiating cause of RA or
      RA flare affects the type of joint damage, initial inflammatory response,
      adaptive immune response, and potential molecular mimicry, we propose the "RA
      cause affects response to therapy" (RACART) theory. The potential cause combined
      with confounding factors such as genetic risk factors, nutritional status,
      epigenetic status, inflammatory levels, and detoxification ability may help
      predict responses to various therapies.

PMID- 22051111
TI  - The anabolic benefits of venous blood flow restriction training may be induced by
      muscle cell swelling.
AB  - Venous blood flow restriction (VBFR) combined with low intensity resistance
      exercise (20-30% concentric 1-RM) has been observed to result in skeletal muscle
      hypertrophy, increased strength, and increased endurance. Knowledge of the
      mechanisms behind the benefits seen with VBFR is incomplete, but the benefits
      have traditionally been thought to occur from the decreased oxygen and
      accumulation of metabolites. Although many of the proposed mechanisms appear
      valid and are likely true with VBFR combined with resistance exercise, there are
      certain situations in which benefits are observed without a large accumulation of
      metabolites and/or large increases in fast twitch fiber type recruitment. Cell
      swelling appears to be a likely mechanism that appears to be present throughout
      all studies. VBFR may be able to induce cell swelling through a combination of
      blood pooling, accumulation of metabolites, and reactive hyperemia following the
      removal of VBFR which may contribute to skeletal muscle adaptations that occur
      with VBFR. We hypothesize that cell swelling is important for muscle growth and
      strength adaptation but when coupled with higher metabolic accumulation, this
      adaptation is even greater.

PMID- 22051112
TI  - Visceral obesity, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance and cancer.
AB  - This paper presents emerging evidence linking visceral adiposity and the
      metabolic syndrome (MetSyn) with carcinogenesis. The link between obesity and
      cancer has been clearly identified in a multitude of robust epidemiological
      studies. Research is now focusing on the role of visceral adipose tissue in
      carcinogenesis; as it is recognised as an important metabolic tissue that
      secretes factors that systemically alter the immunological, metabolic and
      endocrine milieu. Excess visceral adipose tissue gives rise to a state of chronic
      systemic inflammation with associated insulin resistance and dysmetabolism,
      collectively known as the MetSyn. Prospective cohort studies have shown
      associations between visceral adiposity, the MetSyn and increased risk of breast
      cancer, colorectal cancer and oesophageal adenocarcinoma. Furthermore, visceral
      adiposity and the MetSyn have been associated with increased tumour progression
      and reduced survival. The mechanisms by which visceral adiposity and the MetSyn
      are thought to promote tumorigenesis are manifold. These include alterations in
      adipokine secretion and cell signalling pathways. In addition, hyperinsulinaemia,
      subsequent insulin resistance and stimulation of the insulin-like growth factor-1
      axis have all been linked with visceral adiposity and promote tumour progression.
      Furthermore, the abundance of inflammatory cells in visceral adipose tissue,
      including macrophages and T-cells, create systemic inflammation and a pro
      tumorigenic environment. It is clear from current research that excess visceral
      adiposity and associated dysmetabolism play a central role in the pathogenesis of
      certain cancer types. Further research is required to elucidate the exact
      mechanisms at play and identify potential targets for intervention.

PMID- 22051113
TI  - Increase in endoplasmic reticulum-associated tissue transglutaminase and
      enzymatic activation in a cellular model of Parkinson's disease.
AB  - Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by accumulation of alpha-synuclein
      aggregates and degeneration of melanized, catecholaminergic neurons. The tissue
      transglutaminase (tTG) enzyme catalyzes molecular protein cross-linking. In PD,
      tTG levels are increased and cross-linking has been identified as an important
      factor in alpha-synuclein aggregation. In our quest to link tTGs distribution in
      the human brain to the hallmarks of PD pathology, we recently reported that
      catecholaminergic neurons in PD disease-affected brain areas display typical
      endoplasmic reticulum (ER) granules showing tTG immunoreactivity. In the present
      study, we set out to elucidate the nature of the interaction between tTG and the
      ER in PD pathogenesis, using retinoic-acid differentiated SH-SY5Y cells exposed
      to the PD-mimetic 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP(+)). Alike our observations in
      PD brain, MPP(+)-treated cells displayed typical TG-positive granules, that were
      also induced by other PD mimetics and by ER-stress inducing toxins. Additional
      immunocytochemical and biochemical investigation revealed that tTG is indeed
      associated to the ER, in particular at the cytoplasmic face of the ER. Upon
      MPP(+) exposure, additional recruitment of tTG toward the ER was found. In
      addition, we observed that MPP(+)-induced tTG activity results in transamidation
      of ER membrane proteins, like calnexin. Our data provide strong evidence for a,
      so far unrecognized, localization of tTG at the ER, at least in catecholaminergic
      neurons, and suggests that in PD activation of tTG may have a direct impact on ER
      function, in particular via post-translational modification of ER membrane
      proteins.

PMID- 22051114
TI  - Effect of platelet-derived growth factor-BB on root resorption after
      reimplantation of partially denuded tooth in dog.
AB  - The prognosis for a reimplanted tooth depends largely on the condition of the
      root. Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-BB has been shown to regenerate
      periodontal tissue in animal and human clinical studies. However, information
      regarding the effect of PDGF-BB on tooth reimplantation is limited. The objective
      of this study was to investigate the effect of PDGF-BB on root resorption after
      reimplantation of a partially denuded tooth in dog. A total of 15 healthy female
      beagle dogs were used. Mandibular third and fourth premolars were endodontically
      treated and then extracted as atraumatically as possible. The coronal portion of
      each root was carefully scaled and planed. The roots on the right side of the
      mandible were treated with PDGF-BB and reimplanted, while the roots on the left
      side served as controls. After 2, 4, or 8 weeks, specimens were collected and
      processed for histopathological examination. By the 4th week after
      reimplantation, new periodontal ligament (PDL)-like tissue had formed around the
      PDGF-BB-treated root surfaces and new bone. By the 8th week, healing of the PDGF
      BB-treated roots was characterized by newly formed PDL with inserting attachment
      formation. In contrast, control roots showed multiple areas of replacement
      resorption. Immunohistochemical staining of proliferating cell nuclear antigen
      (PCNA) performed at 2 weeks after reimplantation showed that the number of PCNA
      positive cells in the connective tissue area was statistically significantly
      greater in the PDGF-BB-treated group than in the control group (P < 0.001). The
      application of PDGF-BB resulted in a significantly lower occurrence and extent of
      root resorption and ankylosis. These results suggest that the use of PDGF-BB
      reduces occurrence of ankylosis and root resorption in tooth reimplantation.

PMID- 22051116
TI  - Metabolic effects of bariatric surgery in type 2 diabetic patients with body mass
      index < 35 kg/m2.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this meta-analysis is to assess the metabolic effects of
      bariatric surgery in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with body mass
      index (BMI) < 35 kg/m(2) . METHODS: We performed an electronic literature search
      of published articles to identify relevant evidence since inception to June 2011.
      Primary outcome measures were metabolic improvement and resolution diabetes after
      bariatric surgery. The weighted mean difference (WMD) and its 95% confidence
      interval (CI) were calculated from the raw data extracted from the original
      literature. The software Review Manager (version 4.3.1) was applied for meta
      analysis. RESULTS: Thirteen trials involving 357 patients were included in the
      meta-analysis. The follow-up interval ranged from 6 months to 18 years. According
      to WMD calculation, bariatric surgery led to 5.18 kg/m(2) of BMI lowering (95%
      CI, 3.79-6.57, p < 0.00001), 4.8 mmol/l of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) decrement
      (95% CI, 3.88-5.71 mmol/l, p < 0.00001), 2.59% of HbA1c decreasing (95% CI, 2.12
      3.07%, p < 0.00001), 56.67 mg/dl of triglyceride decrement (95% CI 11.53-101.82,
      p = 0.01) and 48.38 mg/dl of total cholesterol reduction (95% CI 21.08-75.68, p =
      0.0005). Moreover, the procedures produced an increased high-density lipoprotein
      cholesterol by 5.37 mg/dl (95% CI -11.37-0.63, p = 0.08). However, this effect
      was not statistically significant. Overall, 80.0% of the patients achieved
      adequate glycaemic control (HbA1c < 7%) without antidiabetic medication. The
      surgeries produced a low incidence of major complications (3.2%) with no
      mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Bariatric surgery is effectual and safe in the treatment
      of non-severely obese (BMI < 35 kg/m(2) ) T2DM patients. Moreover, the metabolic
      benefits acquired from the procedures can be long sustained after the surgery.

PMID- 22051117
TI  - New insights into the functions and localization of nuclear transglutaminase 2.
AB  - Transglutaminase 2 (TG2; EC 2.3.2.13) is the most abundantly expressed member of
      the transglutaminase family and exerts opposing effects on cell growth,
      differentiation and apoptosis via multiple activities, including transamidase,
      GTPase, cell adhesion, protein disulfide isomerase, kinase and scaffold
      activities. It is distributed in and around various parts of a cell, including
      the extracellular matrix, plasma membrane, cytosol, mitochondria and nucleus.
      Generally, nuclear TG2 represents only 5-7% of the total TG2 in a cell, and
      various stimuli will increase nuclear TG2 via cellular stress and/or an increased
      intracellular Ca(2+)  concentration. There is increasing evidence indicating the
      importance of nuclear TG2 in regulating gene expression via post-translational
      modification of (or interaction with) transcriptional factors and related
      proteins. These include E2F1, hypoxia inducible factor 1, Sp1 and histones.
      Through this mechanism, TG2 controls cell growth or survival, differentiation and
      apoptosis, and is involved in the pathogenesis and/or treatment of
      neurodegenerative diseases, liver diseases and cancers. The balance between
      import from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, and export from the nucleus to the
      cytoplasm, determines the level of TG2 in the nucleus. Selective regulation of
      the expression, activity or localization of nuclear TG2 will be important for
      basic research, as well as clinical applications, suggesting a new era for this
      long-studied enzyme.

PMID- 22051115
TI  - Chronic alloantibody mediated rejection.
AB  - Alloantibodies clearly cause acute antibody mediated rejection, and all available
      evidence supports their pathogenic etiology in the development of chronic
      alloantibody mediated rejection (CAMR). But the slow evolution of this disease,
      the on-going immunosuppression, the variations in titer of alloantibodies, and
      variation in antigenic targets all complicate identifying which dynamic factors
      are most important clinically and pathologically. This review highlights the
      pathological factors related to the diagnosis of CAMR, the time course and
      natural history of this disease. What is known about CAMR pathogenesis is
      discussed including alloantibodies, the role of complement, gene activation, and
      Fc effector cell function. Therapy, which is problematic for this disease, is
      also discussed, including on-going and potential therapies and their limitations.

PMID- 22051118
TI  - Social anxiety disorder in genuine halitosis patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is a possibility that genuine halitosis patients' anxiety do
      not recover after oral malodor treatment due to their social anxiety disorder.
      The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of social anxiety
      disorder on the level of anxiety in genuine halitosis patients before and after
      treatment for oral malodor. METHODS: The subjects were 262 genuine halitosis
      patients who visited the Fresh Breath Clinic from March, 2008 to October, 2009.
      The subjects who had score 2 or higher by the organoleptic test were diagnosed as
      genuine halitosis patients. Gas chromatography (GC) was conducted before and
      after oral malodor treatment for the oral malodor measurement. Based on their
      risk of social anxiety disorder, subjects were divided into low- and high-risk
      groups using the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS). The questions related to
      oral malodor and the clinical oral examination were both conducted before oral
      malodor treatment. The level of anxiety before and after oral malodor treatment
      was evaluated using the Visual Analogue Scale of Anxiety (VAAS). RESULTS: More
      than 20% of subjects had a score of 60 or more on the LSAS (high LSAS group). The
      mean age and the percentage of females were significantly higher in the high LSAS
      group compared to the low LSAS group. The high LSAS group was more likely to have
      problems associated with oral malodor and to adopt measures against oral malodor
      compared to the low LSAS group. The mean concentrations of H2S and CH3SH by GC
      significantly decreased after the oral malodor treatment in both LSAS groups.
      VAAS scores also significantly decreased after treatment in both LSAS groups. The
      logistic regression analysis indicated that the high LSAS group had a 2.28 times
      higher risk of having a post-VAAS score of 50 or more compared to the low LSAS
      group. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed that genuine halitosis patients with a
      strong trait of social anxiety disorder have difficulty overcoming their anxiety
      about oral malodor. Oral malodor treatment of genuine halitosis patients requires
      not only regular oral malodor treatment but also attention to social anxiety
      disorder.

PMID- 22051119
TI  - Nutritional risk screening in surgery: valid, feasible, easy!
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: We aimed to test the capacity in identifying patients at
      nutritional risk, by comparing BMI, recent %weight loss,Nutritional Risk
      Screening 2002(NRS-2002),Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool(MUST) and
      Nutritional Risk Index(NRI) with Subjective Global Assessment(SGA),considered the
      Standard. The main purpose was to select the most consistent screening method for
      effective integration in daily surgical wards' practice. METHODS: 300 surgical
      patients were assessed at admission: BMI(categorized by WHO's criteria), weight
      loss >= 5% in previous 6 months, NRS-2002, MUST, NRI, SGA. Concordances,
      correlations, sensitivity, specificity, positive(PPV) and negative predictive
      values(NPV) were calculated to evaluate methods' performance vs the Standard.
      RESULTS: Prevalence of nutritional risk was 66% by NRS-2002 + MUST, and 87% by
      NRI. By SGA, 64% patients were undernourished. All methods agreed with SGA(k =
      0.85-0.91,p < 0.001), except BMI & NRI(k = 0.07-0.34,p < 0.05). NRS-2002, MUST
      and %weight loss effectively detected patients at risk: sensitivity 0.8-0.89,
      specificity 0.89-0.93, PPV 81%-89%, NPV 89%-100%. Conversely, BMI & NRI were
      ineffective: sensitivity 0.29-0.43, specificity 0.27-0.39, PPV 24%-35%, NPV 27%
      31%; %weight loss alone vs MUST/NRS-2002 was explored: sensitivity 0.79-0.87,
      specificity 0.85-0.89, PPV 84%-85%, NPV 87%-89%, thus successfully identifying
      undernutrition risk. CONCLUSIONS: In surgical patients, MUST + NRS-2002 are valid
      for nutritional screening; recent weight loss >= 5% also proved highly efficient;
      its easy/quick calculation may facilitate adherence/integration by health
      professionals as a minimum obligatory in clinical practice.

PMID- 22051120
TI  - Examination of the anterior uveoscleral pathway in domestic species.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the uveoscleral (US) pathway in the normal eyes of four
      domestic spp.: the cat, pig, cow and horse by examining the comparative
      anatomical structure of anterior US pathway. ANIMALS STUDIED: Four cats, ten
      pigs, four cows, eight horses. PROCEDURES: Formalin-preserved specimens from
      anterior uveas of the cat, pig, cow and horse were embedded and serially
      sectioned sagittally and tangentially and stained with H&E, Masson's trichrome,
      smooth muscle actin immunolabel, or elastin stain. RESULTS: Spaces between the
      endings of the outer anterior ciliary body musculature (CBM) formed avenues for
      the beginning of the US pathway and varied in the amount of extracellular matrix
      (ECM) material being most developed in the pig. In the cow, other anterior muscle
      bundles attached the CBM to the sclera concomitant with the presence of an
      anterior elastic sheath. In the horse, these muscle bundles were connected to
      branching connective tissue trabeculae within the US pathway that were attached
      radially to the sclera. In the cat, muscle bundles were more abundant and formed
      a fine meshwork of trabecular associations with the posterior ICA. Supraciliary
      development was most pronounced in the horse and least in the pig. CONCLUSION:
      All species possessed clearly developed and unique US pathways. The outermost
      muscle bundles of the CBM appeared to have close interaction with the US pathway
      and the degree of these muscle associations differed with species. The species
      specific anatomical variations within the US pathway could play a pivotal role in
      the variability of aqueous outflow along this pathway.

PMID- 22051121
TI  - Challenges associated with curcumin therapy in Alzheimer disease.
AB  - Curcumin, the phytochemical agent in the spice turmeric, which gives Indian curry
      its yellow colour, is also a traditional Indian medicine. It has been used for
      millennia as a wound-healing agent and for treating a variety of ailments. The
      antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative and other properties of
      curcumin have only recently gained the attention of modern pharmacology. The
      mechanism of action of curcumin is complex and multifaceted. In part, curcumin
      acts by activating various cytoprotective proteins that are components of the
      phase II response. Over the past decade, research with curcumin has increased
      significantly. In vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated that curcumin could
      target pathways involved in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer disease (AD), such
      as the beta-amyloid cascade, tau phosphorylation, neuroinflammation or oxidative
      stress. These findings suggest that curcumin might be a promising compound for
      the development of AD therapy. However, its insolubility in water and poor
      bioavailability have limited clinical trials and its therapeutic applications. To
      be effective as a drug therapy, curcumin must be combined with other drugs, or
      new delivery strategies need to be developed.

PMID- 22051122
TI  - Writing academic papers: lost in translation?
AB  - The process of writing for publication is a challenging one. It moves us from the
      spoken and written word into a realm that requires us to provide supporting
      evidence to develop an argument in a logical and progressive way. In English
      language journals, as elsewhere, the quality of the written word is a determining
      factor in the likelihood of a paper being accepted for publication. By reading
      past issues of a targeted journal, drawing on the expertise of colleagues and
      responding positively to feedback, it is possible to significantly enhance your
      prospects of publication.

PMID- 22051123
TI  - Cost-effective ways of delivering enquiry services: a rapid review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the recent times of recession and budget cuts, it is more
      important than ever for library and information services to deliver cost
      effective services. OBJECTIVES: This rapid review aims to examine the evidence
      for the most cost-effective ways of delivering enquiry services. METHODS: A
      literature search was conducted on LISA (Library and Information Sciences
      Abstracts) and MEDLINE. Searches were limited to 2007 onwards. RESULTS: Eight
      studies met the inclusion criteria. The studies covered hospital and academic
      libraries in the USA and Canada. Services analysed were 'point-of-care' librarian
      consultations, staffing models for reference desks and virtual/digital reference
      services. CONCLUSIONS: Transferable lessons, relevant to health library and
      information services generally, can be drawn from this rapid review. These
      suggest that 'point-of-care' librarians for primary care practitioners are a cost
      effective way of answering questions. Reference desks can be cost-effectively
      staffed by student employees or general reference staff, although librarian
      referral must be provided for more complex and subject-specific enquiries.
      However, it is not possible to draw any conclusions on virtual/digital reference
      services because of the limited literature available. Further case analysis
      studies measuring specific services, particularly enquiry services within a
      health library and information context, are required.

PMID- 22051124
TI  - A review and rationalisation of journal subscriptions undertaken by a library and
      information service in a mental health trust in north-east England in 2009.
AB  - AIM: To describe the methods and processes used in an evaluation of local journal
      subscriptions in a mental health trust and to suggest possible further areas of
      investigation were similar exercises to be undertaken again. METHOD AND RESULTS:
      Results from a user questionnaire were analysed along with e-journal usage
      statistics and data from local document supply activity. CONCLUSIONS: Journal
      reviews can yield surprising results. Carrying out a user survey is valuable in
      highlighting awareness of e-resources more generally and thus in providing
      evidence for marketing/information literacy initiatives. Future journal reviews
      should undertake impact analysis as potent evidence for continued expenditure on
      journals in this age of austerity.

PMID- 22051125
TI  - Integrating evidence-based practice and information literacy skills in teaching
      physical and occupational therapy students.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To ensure that physical and occupational therapy graduates develop
      evidence-based practice (EBP) competencies, their academic training must promote
      EBP skills, such as posing a clinical question and retrieving relevant
      literature, and the information literacy skills needed to practice these EBP
      skills. OBJECTIVE: This article describes the collaborative process and outcome
      of integrating EBP and information literacy early in a professional physical
      therapy and occupational therapy programme. METHODS: The liaison librarian and a
      faculty member designed an instructional activity that included a lecture,
      workshop and assignment that integrated EBP skills and information literacy
      skills in the first year of the programme. The assignment was designed to assess
      students' ability to conduct a search independently. RESULTS: The lecture and
      workshop were successful in their objectives, as 101 of the 104 students received
      at least 8 out of 10 points on the search assignment. CONCLUSIONS: The teaching
      activities developed for the students in this course appear to have achieved the
      goal of teaching students the EBP research cycle so that they might begin to
      emulate it. The collaboration between the faculty member and the librarian was
      integral to the success of this endeavour. Future work will include the
      evaluation of students' long-term retention of information literacy objectives.

PMID- 22051126
TI  - Effectiveness of bibliographic searches performed by paediatric residents and
      interns assisted by librarians. A randomised controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Considerable barriers still prevent paediatricians from successfully
      using information retrieval technology. OBJECTIVES: To verify whether the
      assistance of biomedical librarians significantly improves the outcomes of
      searches performed by paediatricians in biomedical databases using real-life
      clinical scenarios. METHODS: In a controlled trial at a paediatric teaching
      hospital, nine residents and interns were randomly allocated to an assisted
      search group and nine to a non-assisted (control) group. Each participant
      searched PubMed and other online sources, performing pre-determined tasks
      including the formulation of a clinical question, retrieval and selection of
      bibliographic records. In the assisted group, participants were supported by a
      librarian with >=5 years of experience. The primary outcome was the success of
      search sessions, scored against a specific assessment tool. RESULTS: The median
      score of the assisted group was 73.6 points interquartile range (IQR = 13.4) vs.
      50.4 (IQR = 17.1) of the control group. The difference between median values in
      the results was 23.2 points (95% CI 4.8-33.2), in favour of the assisted group (P
      value, Mann-Whitney U test: 0.013). CONCLUSIONS: The study has found quantitative
      evidence of a significant difference in search performance between paediatric
      residents or interns assisted by a librarian and those searching the literature
      alone.

PMID- 22051127
TI  - Evidence-based medicine: is the evidence out there for primary care clinicians?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Finding evidence to answer clinical questions is essential to the
      practice of evidence-based medicine (EBM). However, practising EBM in primary
      care is thought to be problematic because of concerns about whether evidence
      exists to answer specific questions. OBJECTIVES: To determine the highest level
      of evidence per question; to ascertain the number of questions unanswered because
      of a lack of evidence; to establish the frequency with which guidelines answered
      questions; and to determine the domain of websites used to answer questions.
      METHODS: Clinical questions were identified from two primary care answering
      services: ATTRACT and National Library for Health (NLH) Primary Care Answering
      Service. The types of evidence used to answer the question were noted, including
      whether this was from systematic reviews or meta-analyses (level one evidence) or
      from randomised controlled trials (level two). The data were collected from March
      to June 2008. RESULTS: Level 1 or level 2 evidence answered 11% of questions.
      Sixteen per cent were unanswered because of a lack of evidence. Over 40% of
      questions were answered using guidelines. Forty-three per cent of questions were
      answered with one type of evidence and 24% with two. CONCLUSION: Guidelines are
      useful resources for primary care clinicians, answering two-fifths of questions.

PMID- 22051128
TI  - Evaluating the quality of websites relating to diet and eating disorders.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To verify whether the Credibility Indicator is able to evaluate the
      quality of websites. METHOD: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study of
      websites on diet and anorexia/bulimia, using searches on Google to access the
      study population. Quality was studied using 22 variables selected by
      consolidating international proposals. In addition, eight variables belonging to
      the Credibility Indicator were also studied. RESULTS: Three hundred and fifty
      four homepages relating to diet and 366 homepages relating to anorexia/bulimia
      were evaluated. None of the websites met all of the quality criteria; neither did
      any website satisfy all of the Credibility Indicators. A positive correlation was
      observed between fulfilment of the Quality items and the Credibility Indicator (R
      = 0.72; P < 0.001). Significant differences were found in the fulfilment of the
      Total Quality variables between the websites that had these variables and those
      that did not (t-test = -9.91, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The quality of websites
      covering issues of diet and anorexia/bulimia is still poor. The Credibility
      Indicator is a useful aid when determining the quality of a website. It is
      evident that identifying authorship and affiliation is an important factor in
      predicting the quality of the information.

PMID- 22051129
TI  - A study of the information seeking behaviour of hospital pharmacists: empirical
      evidence from Greece.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hospital pharmacists need access to high-quality information in order
      to constantly update their knowledge and improve their skills. In their modern
      role, they are expected to address three types of challenges: scientific,
      organizational and administrative, thus having an increased need for adequate
      information and library services. OBJECTIVES: This study investigates the
      information-seeking behaviour of public hospital pharmacists providing evidence
      from Greece that could be used to encourage the development of effective
      information hospital services and study the links between the information seeking
      behaviour of hospital pharmacists and their modern scientific and professional
      role. METHOD: An empirical research was conducted between January and February
      2010 with the development and distribution of a structured questionnaire. The
      questionnaire was filled in and returned by 88 public hospital pharmacists from a
      total of 286 working in all Greek public hospitals, providing a response rate of
      31%. RESULTS: The hospital pharmacists in Greece are in search of scientific
      information and, more particularly, pharmaceutical information (e.g., drug
      indications, storage, dosage and prices). The Internet and the National
      Organization of Medicines are their main information sources, while the lack of
      time and organized information are the main obstacles they have to face when
      seeking information. CONCLUSIONS: The modern professional role of hospital
      pharmacists as invaluable contributors to efficient and safer healthcare services
      may be further supported through the development of specialized libraries and
      information services within Greek public hospitals.

PMID- 22051131
TI  - Trend spotting--whither health science librarianship?
AB  - This feature surveys 20th-century trends in health sciences librarianship. It
      sets the scene for a series of features looking at 21st-century trends in various
      countries and regions. Whilst the mission of the health science library remains
      constant, librarians must find ways of adjusting their role and the services they
      provide to take account of changes in the external environment.

PMID- 22051130
TI  - Physicians utilisation of internet medical databases at the tertiary health
      institutions in Osun State, south west, Nigeria.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the extent, purpose, determinants and the impact of the
      utilization of Internet medical databases among the respondents. METHODOLOGY: A
      descriptive cross sectional survey of 540 randomly selected physicians at the two
      tertiary health institutions in Osun State, south west, Nigeria. RESULT: A total
      of 444 (82.2%) physicians completed the questionnaires. All the respondents have
      used the internet medical databases within the last 4 weeks of the study.
      Majority, (53.8%) used the internet resources at least once in 2 weeks, while
      12.2% used the resources every day. The online resources are mainly sought for
      Routine patient care and for Research purposes. pubmed (70.3%), hinari (69.0%),
      and Free medical journals (60.1%) are the frequently used online
      databases/digital archives. The internet resources has positively impacted the
      Clinical practice (40.0%) and Research output (65.5%) of the physicians.
      CONCLUSION: There had been considerable increase in the extent and quality of
      utilization of online medical databases which has positively impacted on the
      Clinical practice and Research output of the physicians. Ease of finding the
      needed information and the availability of evidence based resources are the major
      determinants of the databases utilized.

PMID- 22051132
TI  - Health librarians: developing professional competence through a 'legitimate
      peripheral participation' model.
AB  - This feature considers the legitimate peripheral participation model in
      developing professional competencies in health librarianship. It is described how
      this model was used in the development of a framework for mapping and recognising
      the competencies gained by new health librarians at the Royal Free Hospital
      Medical Library. HS.

PMID- 22051133
TI  - Bridging the 'Know-do gap': a role for health information professionals?
AB  - This feature briefly examines the development of knowledge translation, knowledge
      transfer and the knowledge broker role as constituting the next manifestation of
      the movement that brought us evidence based medicine and its derivatives. It
      examines the extent to which health information professionals currently meet the
      specification for a knowledge broker role. In doing so it assesses the strengths
      and weaknesses of the profession when ranged alongside the five components of the
      knowledge transfer process that is, problem identification; knowledge development
      and selection; analysis of context; knowledge transfer interventions; and
      knowledge utilization. Current deficiencies also lie in a need for political
      astuteness and awareness and in a lack of knowledge of the most significant
      models of behavioural change. The feature concludes by examining the potential
      for knowledge team approaches arguing that gains from a wider perspective that
      encompasses the entire knowledge process may be even more significant than the
      pooling of collective knowledge, skills and expertise.

PMID- 22051135
TI  - Methods in vaccine effectiveness and safety studies: a critical need for vaccine
      confidence.

PMID- 22051136
TI  - Intranasal administration of a flagellin-adjuvanted inactivated influenza vaccine
      enhances mucosal immune responses to protect mice against lethal infection.
AB  - The influenza virus, a mucosal pathogen that infects the respiratory tract, is a
      major global health issue. There have been attempts to mucosally administer
      inactivated influenza vaccines to induce both mucosal and systemic immune
      responses. However, mucosally administered inactivated influenza vaccine has low
      immunogenicity, which is partially due to the lack of an effective mucosal
      adjuvant. The development of a safe and effective mucosal adjuvant is a
      prerequisite to the practical use of a mucosal inactivated influenza vaccine. We
      have previously demonstrated that a bacterial flagellin, Vibrio vulnificus FlaB,
      when mixed with antigen and administered intranasally, exerts a strong mucosal
      adjuvant activity by stimulating the Toll-like receptor 5 (TLR5). In this study,
      we tested whether the FlaB protein could serve as an effective mucosal adjuvant
      for an inactivated trivalent influenza vaccine (TIV) manufactured for humans; in
      a murine vaccination model, this vaccine consists of A/Brisbane/59/07 (H1N1
      subtype), A/Uruguay/716/07 (H3N2 subtype), and B/Florida/4/06 (B type).
      Intranasal co-administration of the TIV with FlaB induced prominent humoral
      responses as demonstrated by high influenza-specific IgA levels in both the
      mucosal secretions and serum and significant specific IgG induction in the
      systemic compartment. The FlaB protein significantly potentiated influenza
      specific cytokine production by draining lymph node cells and splenocytes. The
      FlaB mucosal adjuvant conferred excellent protection against a lethal challenge
      with a live virulent virus with high hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) antibody
      (Ab) titers. The FlaB did not accumulate in the olfactory nerve and epithelium,
      guaranteeing against a retrograde uptake into the central nervous system. These
      results suggest that FlaB can be used as a promising mucosal adjuvant for nasal
      inactivated influenza vaccine development.

PMID- 22051137
TI  - Influence of in vitro hemolysis on hematological testing on Advia 2120.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Although there is broad knowledge on the effect of several
      preanalytical errors on laboratory hematology, there is no information on the
      reliability of routine hematological testing on hemolyzed specimens. METHODS:
      K(2) EDTA-anticoagulated blood collected from 13 healthy volunteers was divided
      in three aliquots. Aliquot A did not undergo further manipulation, while the
      second and third aliquots (B and C, respectively) were passed 5 and 10 times
      through a small-gauge needle to produce scalar amounts of hemolysis.
      Hematological testing was first performed on Advia 2120. The plasma was then
      separated by centrifugation and tested for lactate dehydrogenase and hemolysis
      index (HI). RESULTS: As compared with the nonhemolyzed aliquot, analytically and
      clinically significant variations were recorded in both mildly and frankly
      hemolyzed specimens for lactate dehydrogenase, HI, red blood cells count,
      hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean hemoglobin content, lymphocytes,
      basophils, and large unstained cells. Both the platelets count and the mean
      platelet volume were also dramatically affected. The other parameters tested
      (hemoglobin, red blood cell distribution width, neutrophils, and eosinophils) did
      not vary significantly. CONCLUSION: The results of routine hematological testing
      on mildly to frankly hemolyzed specimens might be unreliable.

PMID- 22051138
TI  - A non-healing corneal ulcer as the presenting feature of type 1 diabetes
      mellitus: a case report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Diabetic keratopathy is a rare complication of diabetes mellitus.
      This case illustrates the importance of checking blood sugar levels of patients
      with non-healing corneal ulcers to rule out the possibility of undiagnosed
      diabetes mellitus. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the unusual case of a 24-year-old
      southeast Asian woman who presented with a sterile corneal ulcer to our hospital
      and later was found to be diabetic after a prolonged hospital stay. Despite all
      efforts, the corneal ulcer had failed to heal until treatment for previously
      undiagnosed diabetes was started. The sterile corneal ulcer began to heal once
      blood sugar levels began to normalize. CONCLUSIONS: Diabetic keratopathy is a
      rare complication of diabetes mellitus and needs to be considered as a diagnosis
      in younger patients with non-healing sterile corneal ulcers. Blood sugar levels
      should be checked in these cases for undiagnosed diabetes mellitus.

PMID- 22051139
TI  - A retrospective study of the clinical, histological, and immunohistochemical
      manifestations of 5 dogs originally diagnosed histologically as necrotizing
      scleritis.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe the clinical, histological, and immunohistochemical
      manifestations of canine necrotizing scleritis. METHODS: A retrospective
      examination of the clinical records and samples of ocular tissues from five dogs
      with a histological diagnosis 'necrotizing scleritis' was completed. Archived,
      formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded samples and two control globes were stained
      with hematoxylin and eosin, Gram, periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and Masson trichrome
      stains, and they were immunohistochemically labeled for CD3, CD18, and CD20.
      RESULTS: Of the five cases reviewed, only two could be confirmed as idiopathic
      necrotizing scleritis. The other three cases were retrospectively diagnosed as
      unilateral focal, non-necrotizing scleritis, one as episcleritis and the third
      was scleritis secondary to a proptosed globe based on our retrospective clinical,
      histological, and immunohistochemical evaluations. In these two cases, idiopathic
      necrotizing scleritis manifested as a bilateral, progressive, inflammatory
      disease of the sclera and cornea that induces significant uveitis. Light
      microscopic examination confirmed collagen degeneration and granulomatous
      inflammation. There was no evidence for an infectious etiology based on Gram's
      and PAS stainings. Immunohistochemical labeling revealed a predominance of B
      cells in idiopathic, bilateral necrotizing scleritis. Tinctorial staining
      abnormalities with Masson's trichrome stain were present in scleral collagen of
      the two cases with idiopathic necrotizing scleritis as well as a case of
      secondary traumatic scleritis. CONCLUSIONS: Based on a limited number of cases,
      idiopathic canine necrotizing scleritis shares similar histopathological features
      with non-necrotizing scleritis and episcleritis; however, necrotizing scleritis
      is B-cell-dominated and bilateral, and significant collagen alterations manifest
      with Masson's trichrome stain.

PMID- 22051140
TI  - Plasma pseudo cholinesterase deficiency leading to seven hour apnoea in a child
      undergoing adeno-tonsillectomy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We report a rare, silent, potentially fatal operative complication of
      seven hour apnoea in a patient undergoing adenotonsillectomy secondary to
      deficiency of plasma cholinesterase. Awareness of this hereditary disorder is
      important to otolaryngologist as; it is difficult to diagnose, can be
      unexpectedly alarming for parents and the surgeon. METHODS: Case report and
      review of world literature. RESULTS: A four-year male with obstructive sleep
      apnoea underwent a routine elective adenotonsillectomy; there was no spontaneous
      recovery of respiration following surgery. He was transferred to the intensive
      care unit and 7 h later was successfully weaned from the ventilator and
      extubated. A plasma cholinesterase level of 456 1U/L was discovered much later.
      CONCLUSION: To our knowledge this is the first case report of pseudo
      cholinesterase deficiency reported in otolaryngology literature and first in
      Oman. The patient should receive information about the condition, the associated
      risks, inheritance and need for testing other family members.

PMID- 22051141
TI  - Clinical spectrum of acute rhinosinusitis among atopic and nonatopic children in
      Taiwan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rhinitis and sinusitis are very common medical conditions and have
      been shown to be frequently associated. The role of allergies in the pathogenesis
      of chronic rhinosinusitis has been confirmed; however, the role of allergies in
      acute rhinosinusitis is debatable. Nonetheless, allergies are an important factor
      in the development of rhinosinusitis. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence of
      allergic rhinitis in patients with acute rhinosinusitis and identify the clinical
      spectrum in Taiwan. METHODS: This study randomly recruited 69 participants
      between 3 and 12 years of age with acute rhinosinusitis over the period of one
      and a half years. All participants underwent a nasal peak expiratory flow rate
      (nPEFR) test, skin-Prick test (SPT), nasal smear examination, nasal culture,
      radiography (Water's projection) and were requested to complete the Pediatric
      Rhinoconjunctivitis Quality of Life Questionnaire (PRQLQ) as well as provide
      their allergic history. RESULTS: Among the 69 participants in the study, 27
      (39.1%) participants were shown to have allergic rhinitis. The most troublesome
      symptoms among the 69 participants with acute rhinosinusitis were postnasal drip
      (3.00 +/- 1.29), nasal obstruction (2.94 +/- 1.39) and cough (2.67 +/- 1.42). The
      most troublesome symptoms among the 27 participants with acute rhinosinusitis
      combined with allergic rhinitis were nasal obstruction (3.33 +/- 1.24), postnasal
      drip (3.22 +/- 1.09) and itchy eyes (2.74 +/- 1.43) and with the higher values.
      In addition, the participants (? 6 y/o) with acute rhinosinusitis combined with
      allergic rhinitis had significantly lower nPEFR values compared with the
      nonatopic children (75.2 +/- 18.2 vs 96.6 +/- 21.4, p<0.05). If nPEFR is below 75
      mL/min, the positive predict value in the patients of acute rhinosinusitis is
      75.0% combined with allergic rhinitis (sensitivity 63.2%; specificity 85.7%).
      Streptococcus pneumoniae (29.0%), Haemophilus influenzae (20.3%), and Moraxella
      catarrhalis (17.4%) were the major isolated pathogens in this study. The
      prevalence of colonization with Staphylococcus aureus in the 69 participants with
      acute rhinosinusitis was 23.2%, and 15.9% for methicillin-resistant S. aureus
      (MRSA). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that the bacteriological properties
      of acute rhinosinusitis among children in Taiwan are the same as those in other
      parts of the world; however, the prevalence of colonization by MRSA was higher
      than among healthy children. Second, atopic children were more likely to develop
      acute rhinosinusitis than nonatopic children. Third, most Taiwanese children with
      acute rhinosinusitis complained of postnasal drip, nasal obstruction and cough.
      If a child suffering from acute rhinosinusitis complained of severe nasal
      obstruction (nPEFR?75 mL/min), the doctor should be alerted to atopic conditions
      requiring further treatment. The issues dealt with in this study may require
      further research with a larger sample population over an extended period of time
      to verify these conclusions.

PMID- 22051142
TI  - Short-term vs long-term calcium hydroxide therapy after immediate tooth
      replantation: a histomorphometric study in monkey's teeth.
AB  - Endodontic treatment is an important step of tooth replantation protocols, but
      the ideal moment for definitive obturation of replanted teeth has not yet been
      established. In this study, a histomorphometric analysis was undertaken to
      evaluate the repair process on immediate replantation of monkey's teeth after
      calcium hydroxide (CH) therapy for 1 and 6 months followed by root canal filling
      with a CH-based sealer (Sealapex((r)) ). The maxillary and mandibular lateral
      incisors of five female Cebus apella monkeys were extracted, kept in sterile
      saline for 15 min, replanted and splinted with stainless steel orthodontic wire
      and composite resin for 10 days. In Group I (control), definitive root canal
      filling was performed before tooth extraction. In Groups II and III, CH therapy
      started after removal of splint, and definitive root canal filling was performed
      1 and 6 months later, respectively. The animals were euthanized 9 months after
      replantation, and specimens were processed for histomorphometric analysis. In all
      groups, epithelial attachment occurred at the cementoenamel junction or very
      close to this region; the areas of resorption on root surface had small extension
      and depth and were repaired by newly formed cementum; and the periodontal
      ligament was organized. Statistical analysis of the scores obtained for the
      histomorphometric parameters did not show any statistically significant
      difference (P = 0.1221) among the groups. The results suggests that when
      endodontic treatment is initiated 10 days after immediate replantation and an
      antibiotic regimen is associated, definitive root canal filling can be performed
      after a short-term CH therapy.

PMID- 22051143
TI  - A cost-effectiveness analysis of a preventive exercise program for patients with
      advanced head and neck cancer treated with concomitant chemo-radiotherapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Concomitant chemo-radiotherapy (CCRT) has become an indispensable
      organ, but not always function preserving treatment modality for advanced head
      and neck cancer. To prevent/limit the functional side effects of CCRT, special
      exercise programs are increasingly explored. This study presents cost
      effectiveness analyses of a preventive (swallowing) exercise program (PREP)
      compared to usual care (UC) from a health care perspective. METHODS: A Markov
      decision model of PREP versus UC was developed for CCRT in advanced head and neck
      cancer. Main outcome variables were tube dependency at one-year and number of
      post-CCRT hospital admission days. Primary outcome was costs per quality adjusted
      life years (cost/QALY), with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) as
      outcome parameter. The Expected Value of Perfect Information (EVPI) was
      calculated to obtain the value of further research. RESULTS: PREP resulted in
      less tube dependency (3% and 25%, respectively), and in fewer hospital admission
      days than UC (3.2 and 4.5 days respectively). Total costs for UC amounted to
      ?41,986 and for PREP to ?42,271. Quality adjusted life years for UC amounted to
      0.68 and for PREP to 0.77. Based on costs per QALY, PREP has a higher probability
      of being cost-effective as long as the willingness to pay threshold for 1
      additional QALY is at least ?3,200/QALY. At the prevailing threshold of
      ?20,000/QALY the probability for PREP being cost-effective compared to UC was
      83%. The EVPI demonstrated potential value in undertaking additional research to
      reduce the existing decision uncertainty. CONCLUSIONS: Based on current evidence,
      PREP for CCRT in advanced head and neck cancer has the higher probability of
      being cost-effective when compared to UC. Moreover, the majority of sensitivity
      analyses produced ICERs that are well below the prevailing willingness to pay
      threshold for an additional QALY (range from dominance till ?45,906/QALY).

PMID- 22051144
TI  - Nutritional influences on epigenetics and age-related disease.
AB  - Nutritional epigenetics has emerged as a novel mechanism underlying gene-diet
      interactions, further elucidating the modulatory role of nutrition in aging and
      age-related disease development. Epigenetics is defined as a heritable
      modification to the DNA that regulates chromosome architecture and modulates gene
      expression without changes in the underlying bp sequence, ultimately determining
      phenotype from genotype. DNA methylation and post-translational histone
      modifications are classical levels of epigenetic regulation. Epigenetic phenomena
      are critical from embryonic development through the aging process, with
      aberrations in epigenetic patterns emerging as aetiological mechanisms in many
      age-related diseases such as cancer, CVD and neurodegenerative disorders.
      Nutrients can act as the source of epigenetic modifications and can regulate the
      placement of these modifications. Nutrients involved in one-carbon metabolism,
      namely folate, vitamin B12, vitamin B6, riboflavin, methionine, choline and
      betaine, are involved in DNA methylation by regulating levels of the universal
      methyl donor S-adenosylmethionine and methyltransferase inhibitor S
      adenosylhomocysteine. Other nutrients and bioactive food components such as
      retinoic acid, resveratrol, curcumin, sulforaphane and tea polyphenols can
      modulate epigenetic patterns by altering the levels of S-adenosylmethionine and S
      adenosylhomocysteine or directing the enzymes that catalyse DNA methylation and
      histone modifications. Aging and age-related diseases are associated with
      profound changes in epigenetic patterns, though it is not yet known whether these
      changes are programmatic or stochastic in nature. Future work in this field seeks
      to characterise the epigenetic pattern of healthy aging to ultimately identify
      nutritional measures to achieve this pattern.

PMID- 22051145
TI  - Electroporation improves the immune response induced by a DNA vaccine against
      pseudorabies virus glycoprotein B in pigs.
AB  - This study was performed to determine whether electroporation can be used to
      enhance the efficacy of a DNA vaccine against pseudorabies virus (PrV) in pigs.
      Immune responses to PrV were measured in pigs following a single intramuscular
      injection of plasmids encoding PrV glycoprotein B, with or without
      electroporation. Plasmid injection coupled with electroporation increased
      production of specific antibodies against PrV and peripheral blood mononuclear
      cells proliferated in response to stimulation with PrV glycoproteins. These
      results show that electroporation can improve the performance of a DNA vaccine
      against PrV in pigs. However, additional work is required to maximise the
      effectiveness of the vaccination protocol.

PMID- 22051146
TI  - Increased expression of CD146 and microvessel density (MVD) in invasive
      micropapillary carcinoma of the breast: Comparative study with invasive ductal
      carcinoma-not otherwise specified.
AB  - Invasive micropapillary carcinoma (IMPC) is a rare variant of ductal carcinoma of
      the breast, and is characterized by a high metastatic potential and an aggressive
      clinical course. Studies of CD146 expression and function in breast cancer remain
      scarce. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of CD146 and microvessel
      density (MVD) in breast IMPC. CD146 mRNA expression and immunohistochemistry for
      CD146 and MVD measured by CD31 were assessed in 82 cases of IMPC and 137 cases of
      invasive ductal carcinoma, not otherwise specified (IDC-NOS). The mRNA level of
      CD146 in cancer specimens was higher in IMPC than in IDC-NOS. CD146 expression in
      tumor cells was up-regulated in IMPC as compared with that in IDC-NOS, and was
      positively correlated with histological grade, ER, PR status, and P53 expression
      in IMPC and IDC-NOS. CD146 expression in vascular endothelial cells was
      significantly higher than that in IDC, and was positively correlated with tumor
      progression in IMPC and IDC-NOS. MVD in IMPC was significantly higher than that
      in IDC. CD146 expression in tumor cells was positively correlated with that in
      vascular endothelial cells of IMPC and IDC-NOS. The association of CD146
      expression with MVD and its correlation with progression in breast carcinoma
      indicated that CD146 is a potentially useful prognostic marker for breast cancer.
      CD146 could be a new drug target in the treatment of breast cancer.

PMID- 22051147
TI  - Toll-like receptor 2/MyD88 signaling mediates zymosan-induced joint
      hypernociception in mice: participation of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and CXCL1/KC.
AB  - Arthritic pain is a serious health problem that affects a large number of
      patients. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) activation within the joints has been
      implicated in pathophysiology of arthritis. However, their role in the genesis of
      arthritic pain needs to be demonstrated. In the present study, it was addressed
      the participation of TLR2 and TLR4 and their adaptor molecule MyD88 in the
      genesis of joint hypernociception (a decrease in the nociceptive threshold)
      during zymosan-induced arthritis. Zymosan injected in the tibio-tarsal joint
      induced mechanical hypernociception in C57BL/6 wild type mice that was reduced in
      TLR2 and MyD88 null mice. On the other hand, zymosan-induced hypernociception was
      similar in C3H/HePas and C3H/HeJ mice (TLR4 mutant mice). Zymosan-induced joint
      hypernociception was also reduced in TNFR1 null mice and in mice treated with IL
      1 receptor antagonist or with an antagonist of CXCR1/2. Moreover, the joint
      production of TNF-alpha, IL-1beta and CXCL1/KC by zymosan was dependent on
      TLR2/MyD88 signaling. Investigating the mechanisms by which TNF-alpha, IL-1beta
      and CXCL1/KC mediate joint hypernociception, joint administration of these
      cytokines produced mechanical hypernociception, and they act in an interdependent
      manner. In last instance, their hypernociceptive effects were dependent on the
      production of hypernociceptive mediators, prostaglandins and sympathetic amines.
      These results indicate that in zymosan-induced experimental arthritis, TLR2/MyD88
      is involved in the cascade of events of joint hypernociception through a
      mechanism dependent on cytokines and chemokines production. Thus, TLR2/MyD88
      signaling might be a target for the development of novel drugs to control pain in
      arthritis.

PMID- 22051148
TI  - GPR40-induced insulin secretion by the novel agonist TAK-875: first clinical
      findings in patients with type 2 diabetes.
AB  - AIM: Free fatty acids act as signalling molecules for modulating insulin
      secretion, and their insulinotropic effects are glucose-dependent and mediated
      through G protein-coupled receptor 40 (GPR40). This mechanism is a potential
      target for new treatments for managing diabetes. In this study, we present the
      first clinical data for TAK-875, a novel highly selective, orally bioavailable
      GPR40 agonist, in Japanese patients with type 2 diabetes insufficiently
      controlled by diet or exercise therapy. METHODS: This was an exploratory phase
      II, multicentre, randomized, double-blind, parallel group study comparing the
      efficacy and tolerability of TAK-875 100 and 400 mg, and placebo, all
      administered once daily for 2 weeks. RESULTS: After 2 weeks of treatment, TAK-875
      produced marked glucose lowering effects in a 75 g oral glucose tolerance test
      (OGTT) as evidenced by mean +/- SE intergroup differences in plasma glucose AUC(0
      3 h) of -12.98 +/- 1.48 (p < 0.0001) and -8.12 +/- 1.49 mmol.h/l (p < 0.0001),
      for TAK-875 400 mg vs. placebo and TAK-875 100 mg vs. placebo, respectively, and
      2 h plasma glucose [-4.95 +/- 0.71 (p < 0.0001) and -3.21 +/- 0.71 mmol/l (p <
      0.0001), respectively]. This was accompanied by a significant increase in insulin
      AUC(0-3 h) [34.68 +/- 12.16 (p < 0.01) and 31.49 +/- 12.20 (p < 0 . 05) uIU.h/ml,
      respectively]. Improvement in glycaemic profile was mirrored by a significant
      change in fasting plasma glucose [-2.37 +/- 0.27 (p < 0.0001) and -1.88 +/- 0.27
      mmol/l (p < 0.0001), respectively]. No cases of hypoglycaemia were observed
      despite the significant reduction in plasma glucose. CONCLUSIONS: These
      exploratory findings provide evidence of the glucose-dependent insulinotropic
      potential of the GPR40 agonist TAK-875, and the promising clinical changes
      support future longer term clinical investigation.

PMID- 22051149
TI  - Ultrastructure features of camel cornea--collagen fibril and proteoglycans.
AB  - INTRODUCTION:   The uniform distribution of collagen fibrils and proteoglycans
      maintain the transparency of normal cornea. We describe the ultrastructural
      features of camel cornea including collagen fibrils and proteoglycans (PGs).
      METHODS:   Camel corneas (of 6-, 8-, and 10-month-old animals) were fixed in 2.5%
      glutaraldehyde containing cuprolinic blue in sodium acetate buffer and processed
      for electron microscopy. The 'AnalySIS LS Professional' program was used to
      analyze the collagen fibril diameter. RESULTS:   The camel cornea consists of
      four layers: the epithelium (227 MUm), stroma (388 MUm), Descemet's membrane
      (DM), and endothelium. The epithelium constituted 36% of the camel cornea,
      whereas corneal stroma constituted 62% of the corneal thickness (629 MUm). The
      PGs in the posterior stroma were significantly larger in number and size compared
      with the anterior and middle stroma. The collagen fibril diameter was 25 nm and
      interfibrillar spacing 40 nm. Fibrillar structures are present throughout the DM.
      CONCLUSION:   The structure of the camel cornea is very different from human and
      other animals. The unique structure of the cornea might be an adaptation to help
      the camel to survive in a hot and dry climate. The camel cornea may also be a
      good model to study the effect of hot and dry climates on the cornea.

PMID- 22051150
TI  - Function and evolution of 'green' GSK3/Shaggy-like kinases.
AB  - Glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) proteins, also known as SHAGGY-like kinases,
      have many important cell signalling roles in animals, fungi and amoebae. In
      particular, GSK3s participate in key developmental signalling pathways and also
      regulate the cytoskeleton. GSK3-encoding genes are also present in all land
      plants and in algae and protists, raising questions about possible ancestral
      functions in eukaryotes. Recent studies have revealed that plant GSK3 proteins
      are actively implicated in hormonal signalling networks during development as
      well as in biotic and abiotic stress responses. In this review, we outline the
      mechanisms of Arabidopsis GSK3 action, summarize GSK3 functions in dicot and
      monocot flowering plants, and speculate on the possible functions of GSK3s in the
      earliest-evolving land plants.

PMID- 22051151
TI  - Thermofluor-based optimization strategy for the stabilization and crystallization
      of Campylobacter jejuni desulforubrerythrin.
AB  - Desulforubrerythrin from Campylobacter jejuni has recently been biochemical and
      spectroscopically characterized. It is a member of the rubrerythrin family, and
      it is composed of three structural domains: the N-terminal desulforedoxin domain
      with a non-heme iron center, followed by a four-helix bundle domain harboring a
      binuclear iron center and finally a C-terminal rubredoxin domain. To date, this
      is the first example of a protein presenting this kind of structural domain
      organization, and therefore the determination of its crystal structure may unveil
      unexpected structural features. Several attempts were made in order to obtain
      protein crystals, but always without success. As part of our strategy the
      thermofluor method was used to increase protein stability and its propensity to
      crystallize. This approach has been recently used to optimize protein buffer
      formulation, thus yielding more stable and homogenous protein samples.
      Thermofluor has also been used to identify cofactors/ligands or small molecules
      that may help stabilize native protein states. A successful thermofluor approach
      was used to select a pH buffer condition that allowed the crystallization of
      Campylobacter jejuni desulforubrerythrin, by screening both buffer pH and salt
      concentration. A buffer formulation was obtained which increased the protein
      melting temperature by 7 degrees C relatively to the initial purification buffer.
      Desulforubrerythrin was seen to be stabilized by lower pH and high salt
      concentration, and was dialyzed into the new selected buffer, 100mM MES pH 6.2,
      500mM NaCl. This stability study was complemented with a second thermofluor assay
      in which different additives were screened. A crystallization screening was
      carried out and protein crystals were rapidly obtained in one condition. Protein
      crystal optimization was done using the same additive screening. Interestingly, a
      correlation between the stability studies and crystallization experiments using
      the additive screening could be established. The work presented here shows an
      elegant example where thermofluor was shown to be a key biophysical method that
      allowed the identification of an improved buffer formulation and the
      applicability of this technique to increase the propensity of a protein to
      crystallize is discussed.

PMID- 22051152
TI  - [A new opportunity to continue to grow].

PMID- 22051153
TI  - Effects of vildagliptin on postprandial markers of bone resorption and calcium
      homeostasis in recently diagnosed, well-controlled type 2 diabetes patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bone metabolism is a dynamic process that is influenced by food
      ingestion. Endogenous incretins have been shown to be important regulators of
      bone turnover. The aim of the present study was to assess whether a
      dipeptidylpeptidase (DPP)-4 inhibitor affects markers of bone resorption and
      calcium homeostasis. METHODS: The present study was a single-center, double
      blind, randomized clinical trail. Fifty-nine drug-naive patients with type 2
      diabetes (T2D) were randomized to either 1 year treatment with the DPP-4
      inhibitor vildagliptin (100 mg, once daily; n = 29) or placebo (n = 30). Patients
      received a standardized breakfast after measurement of serum concentrations of
      cross-linked C-terminal telopeptide (s-CTx), a bone resorption marker influenced
      by food intake, before and after 50 weeks treatment. RESULTS: Vildagliptin did
      not change postprandial s-CTx concentrations compared with pretreatment levels
      (between-group ratio 1.15 +/- 0.17; P = 0.320). Fasting serum alkaline
      phosphatase, calcium, and phosphate were also unaffected y 1 year treatment with
      vildagliptin. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with vildagliptin for 1 year was not
      associated with changes in markers of bone resorption and calcium homeostasis in
      drug-naive patients with T2D and mild hyperglycemia.

PMID- 22051154
TI  - Microbes and mass extinctions: paleoenvironmental distribution of microbialites
      during times of biotic crisis.
AB  - Widespread development of microbialites characterizes the substrate and
      ecological response during the aftermath of two of the 'big five' mass
      extinctions of the Phanerozoic. This study reviews the microbial response
      recorded by macroscopic microbial structures to these events to examine how
      extinction mechanism may be linked to the style of microbialite development. Two
      main styles of response are recognized: (i) the expansion of microbialites into
      environments not previously occupied during the pre-extinction interval and (ii)
      increases in microbialite abundance and attainment of ecological dominance within
      environments occupied prior to the extinction. The Late Devonian biotic crisis
      contributed toward the decimation of platform margin reef taxa and was followed
      by increases in microbialite abundance in Famennian and earliest Carboniferous
      platform interior, margin, and slope settings. The end-Permian event records the
      suppression of infaunal activity and an elimination of metazoan-dominated reefs.
      The aftermath of this mass extinction is characterized by the expansion of
      microbialites into new environments including offshore and nearshore ramp,
      platform interior, and slope settings. The mass extinctions at the end of the
      Triassic and Cretaceous have not yet been associated with a macroscopic microbial
      response, although one has been suggested for the end-Ordovician event. The case
      for microbialites behaving as 'disaster forms' in the aftermath of mass
      extinctions accurately describes the response following the Late Devonian and end
      Permian events, and this may be because each is marked by the reduction of reef
      communities in addition to a suppression of bioturbation related to the
      development of shallow-water anoxia.

PMID- 22051156
TI  - Quantified tracking and monitoring of diazepam treated socially housed cynomolgus
      monkeys.
AB  - Quantitative assessment of behavioural patterns is frequently used in rodent
      toxicity studies, however only limited approaches are available for monkeys.
      Often qualitative behavioural scoring using functional observation batteries
      (FOBs) is performed, with difficulties like poor reproducibility or lack of
      sensitivity. In this study, we investigated whether quantitative behavioural
      monitoring can be applied to group-housed cynomolgus monkeys. Video-tracking
      EthoVision(r) XT system and special analysis software were used to evaluate
      diazepam (i.v. 1mg/kg) related behavioural changes in group-housed animals.
      Recordings were made predose and at the anticipated time of maximum drug exposure
      (T(max)). General parameters such as distance travelled and velocity did not
      reveal the known sedative effects of diazepam. However, inspection of the
      automatically generated track images indicated that diazepam-treated animals had
      more a meandering movement pattern suggesting that diazepam induced a loss of
      balance which was regained by corrective movements. Therefore, parameters
      revealing specific aspects of the meandering movement pattern such as velocity
      profiles and turn angles have been analyzed and revealed an increase in the
      curvature and in the number of directional changes of the movement path.

PMID- 22051155
TI  - Investigation by site-directed mutagenesis of the role of cytochrome P450 2B4 non
      active-site residues in protein-ligand interactions based on crystal structures
      of the ligand-bound enzyme.
AB  - Residues located outside the active site of cytochromes P450 2B have exhibited
      importance in ligand binding, structural stability and drug metabolism. However,
      contributions of non-active-site residues to the plasticity of these enzymes are
      not known. Thus, a systematic investigation was undertaken of unique residue
      residue interactions found in crystal structures of P450 2B4 in complex with 4-(4
      chlorophenyl)imidazole (4-CPI), a closed conformation, or in complex with
      bifonazole, an expanded conformation. Nineteen mutants distributed over 11 sites
      were constructed, expressed in Escherichia coli and purified. Most mutants showed
      significantly decreased expression, especially in the case of interactions found
      in the 4-CPI structure. Six mutants (H172A, H172F, H172Q, L437A, E474D and E474Q)
      were chosen for detailed functional analysis. Among these, the K(s) of H172F for
      bifonazole was ~ 20 times higher than for wild-type 2B4, and the K(s) of L437A
      for 4-CPI was ~ 50 times higher than for wild-type, leading to significantly
      altered inhibitor selectivity. Enzyme function was tested with the substrates 7
      ethoxy-4-(trifluoromethyl)coumarin, 7-methoxy-4-(trifluoromethyl)coumarin and 7
      benzyloxyresorufin (7-BR). H172F was inactive with all three substrates, and
      L437A did not turn over 7-BR. Furthermore, H172A, H172Q, E474D and E474Q showed
      large changes in k(cat)/K(M) for each of the three substrates, in some cases up
      to 50-fold. Concurrent molecular dynamics simulations yielded distances between
      some of the residues in these putative interaction pairs that are not consistent
      with contact. The results indicate that small changes in the protein scaffold
      lead to large differences in solution behavior and enzyme function.

PMID- 22051157
TI  - Role of iodine in diiodomethyl-p-tolylsulfone induced reproductive toxicity in
      rats: proposed mode of action.
AB  - The biocide diiodomethyl-p-tolylsulfone (DIMPTS) caused dystocia, decreased
      neonatal survival and hypothyroidism in rat reproduction studies resembling the
      effects caused by iodine. One molecule of DIMPTS contains two iodine moieties
      that are hydrolyzed upon ingestion and systemically absorbed, suggesting iodine
      toxicity as a probable mode of action for the effects observed in rats. This
      study compared the effects induced by DIMPTS and an equimolar concentration of
      its de-iodinated analogue, methyl-p-tolylsulfone (MPTS). Groups of 20 female
      Sprague Dawley rats were fed diets supplying 80 mg DIMPTS/kg/day, 32 mg
      MPTS/kg/day or control feed from prior to breeding through lactation and gonadal
      function, mating performance, conception, gestation, parturition, lactation,
      survival, growth and development of pups evaluated through postnatal day 7. Serum
      thyroid hormones and iodine levels in milk and sera were also determined. Females
      given DIMPTS had increased incidence of vulvar discharge and dystocia, decreased
      litter size, decreased body weights and feed consumption, increased thyroid
      weights, thyroid follicular cell hypertrophy with decreased colloid, decreased
      triidothyronine, and increased thyroid stimulating hormone levels. DIMPTS pups
      had decreased neonatal survival and body weights. These effects were associated
      with elevated levels of iodine in milk and sera. In contrast, MPTS did not
      produce similar effects in adult females or their offspring. These data support
      the hypothesis that the dystocia, altered neonatal survival and hypothyroidism
      following repeated dietary administration of DIMPTS were due to excessive iodine
      released from DIMPTS during absorption and metabolism.

PMID- 22051158
TI  - Src family kinases: modulators of neurotransmitter receptor function and
      behavior.
AB  - Src family kinases (SFKs) are non-receptor-type protein tyrosine kinases that
      were originally identified as the products of proto-oncogenes and were
      subsequently implicated in the regulation of cell proliferation and
      differentiation in the developing mammalian brain. Recent studies using
      transgenic mouse models have demonstrated that SFKs that are highly expressed in
      the adult brain regulate neuronal plasticity and behavior through tyrosine
      phosphorylation of key substrates such as neurotransmitter receptors. Here, we
      provide an overview of these recent studies, as well as discussing how modulation
      of the endocytosis of neurotransmitter receptors by SFKs contributes, in part, to
      this regulation. Deregulation of SFK-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation of such
      substrates might underlie certain brain disorders.

PMID- 22051159
TI  - In vitro antibacterial activity of different endodontic irrigants.
AB  - AIM: The objective of this study was to compare in vitro the antibacterial
      activity of Tetraclean (mixture of doxycycline, citric acid and polypropylene
      glycol), Niclor 5 (5.25% sodium hypochlorite solution), Cloreximid (0.2%
      chlorhexidine and 0.2% cetrimide solution) and hydrogen peroxide 12 volumes on
      three endodontic pathogens associated with primary endodontic infections.
      Enterococcus faecalis, Streptococcus mutans and Staphylococcus aureus strains
      were selected to evaluate the antibacterial activity of endodontic irrigants by
      the agar disc-diffusion test. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Paper discs were saturated
      with each one of the test solutions (at room temperature and preheating at 50
      degrees C) and placed onto culture agar-plates preadsorbed with bacterial cells
      and further incubated for 24 h at 37 degrees C. The growth inhibition zones
      around each irrigant were recorded and compared for each bacterial strain.
      Kruskal-Wallis and Mann-Whitney tests were applied to compare the various groups.
      RESULTS: At room temperature, Tetraclean showed significantly higher inhibition
      of bacteria growth than all other irrigants tested. Preheating at 50 degrees C
      significantly increased growth inhibition for all the groups tested. At 50
      degrees C, hydrogen peroxide 12 volumes and Tetraclean showed significantly
      higher efficacy than all other irrigants tested. CONCLUSIONS: 50 degrees C
      preheated hydrogen peroxide 12 volumes and Tetraclean showed highest inhibition
      of the bacterial growth.

PMID- 22051160
TI  - Characteristics of autism spectrum disorders in a sample of egyptian and saudi
      patients: transcultural cross sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Autism is a biological disorder with clearly defined phenomenology.
      Studies from the Middle East on this topic have been particularly rare. Little is
      known about the influence of culture on clinical features, presentations and
      management of autism. The current study was done to compare characteristics of
      autism in two groups of Egyptian as well as Saudi children. METHODS: The sample
      included 48 children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. They were recruited from the
      Okasha Institute of Psychiatry, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt and Al-Amal
      Complex for Mental Health, Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. They were grouped
      into an Egyptian group (n = 20) and a Saudi group (n = 28). They were assessed
      both clinically and psychometrically using the GARS, the Vineland adaptive
      behavioral scale, and the Stanford Binnet IQ test. RESULTS: Typical autism was
      more prevalent than atypical autism in both groups. There were no statistically
      significant differences in clinical variables like regression, hyperactivity,
      epilepsy or mental retardation. Delayed language development was significantly
      higher in the Egyptian group while delay in all developmental milestones was more
      significant in the Saudi group. The Vineland communication subscale showed more
      significant severe and profound communication defects in the Saudi group while
      the Gilliam developmental subscale showed significantly more average scores in
      the Egyptian group. Both groups differed significantly such that the age of
      noticing abnormality was younger in the Saudi group. The age at diagnosis and at
      the commencement of intervention was lower in the Egyptian group. The Saudi group
      showed a higher percentage of missing examinations, older birth order and
      significantly higher preference to drug treatment, while the Egyptian group
      showed a high preference to behavioral and phoniatric therapies, higher paternal
      and maternal education, higher employment among parents and higher family
      concern. CONCLUSION: Cultural context may significantly influence the age of
      noticing abnormality, the age of starting intervention, developmental and
      perinatal problems, family concerns about managing the problem as well as
      familial tendency for neurodevelopmental disorders, all of which have important
      impact on clinical symptomatology and severity of autism. Culture also influences
      significantly the ways of investigating and treating autism.

PMID- 22051162
TI  - Comparisons of the effects of 12-week administration of miglitol and voglibose on
      the responses of plasma incretins after a mixed meal in Japanese type 2 diabetic
      patients.
AB  - To compare the effects of miglitol [an alpha-glucosidase inhibitor (AGI) absorbed
      in the intestine] and voglibose (an AGI not absorbed) on plasma glucagon-like
      peptide-1 (GLP-1) and gastric inhibitory polypeptide (GIP) levels, 26 and 24
      Japanese type 2 diabetic patients were randomly assigned to receive miglitol or
      voglibose, respectively. After 12-week administration of both drugs, during 2-h
      meal tolerance test, plasma glucose, serum insulin and total GIP were
      significantly decreased and active GLP-1 was significantly increased. Miglitol
      group showed a significantly lower total GIP level than voglibose group.
      Miglitol, but not voglibose, significantly reduced body weight (BW). In all
      participants, the relative change in BW was positively correlated with that of
      insulin significantly and of GIP with a weak tendency, but not of GLP-1. In
      conclusion, both drugs can enhance postprandial GLP-1 responses and reduce GIP
      responses. The significant BW reduction by miglitol might be attributable to its
      strong GIP-reducing efficacy.

PMID- 22051161
TI  - Non-blood medical care in gynecologic oncology: a review and update of blood
      conservation management schemes.
AB  - This review attempts to outline the alternative measures and interventions used
      in bloodless surgery in the field of gynecologic oncology and demonstrate their
      effectiveness. Nowadays, as increasingly more patients are expressing their fears
      concerning the potential risks accompanying allogenic transfusion of blood
      products, putting the theory of bloodless surgery into practice seems to gaining
      greater acceptance. An increasing number of institutions appear to be
      successfully adopting approaches that minimize blood usage for all patients
      treated for gynecologic malignancies. Preoperative, intraoperative and
      postoperative measures are required, such as optimization of red blood cell mass,
      adequate preoperative plan and invasive hemostatic procedures, assisting
      anesthetic techniques, individualization of anemia tolerance, autologous blood
      donation, normovolemic hemodilution, intraoperative cell salvage and
      pharmacologic agents for controlling blood loss. An individualised management
      plan of experienced personnel adopting a multidisciplinary team approach should
      be available to establish non-blood management strategies, and not only on demand
      of the patient, in the field of gynecologic oncology with the use of drugs,
      devices and surgical-medical techniques.

PMID- 22051163
TI  - Immunohistochemical evaluation of fibrovascular and cellular pre-iridal membranes
      in dogs.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Histologically, two morphologically distinct types of pre-iridal
      membranes appear to occur in diseased canine globes: fibrovascular and cellular.
      Cellular pre-iridal membranes of corneal endothelial origin exist in iridocorneal
      endothelial (ICE) syndrome in humans and arise through metaplastic transformation
      of corneal endothelial cells into epithelial-like cells.(1) The purpose of this
      study was to (i) evaluate immunohistochemical staining of these two types of
      membranes in diseased canine globes, (ii) determine whether endothelial cell
      metaplasia or iridal vascular budding plays a role in cellular membrane formation
      and (iii) compare the primary histopathologic diagnosis between the two groups.
      PROCEDURES: Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E)-stained slides of 28 enucleated canine
      specimens with pre-iridal membranes were randomly selected and examined with
      light microscopy. The globes were divided into two groups based on the appearance
      of the membrane: fibrovascular or cellular, and the histopathologic diagnoses
      were recorded. Immunohistochemical staining for vimentin, cytokeratin AE1/AE3,
      and Von Willebrand's factor (Factor VIII) was completed on the slides of each
      globe. The histopathologic diagnoses were compared between the two groups.
      RESULTS: The fibrovascular and cellular membranes stained positive for vimentin
      and negative for cytokeratin AE1/AE3. All fibrovascular membranes stained
      positive for Factor VIII compared with the cellular membranes which stained
      negative. In the cellular membrane group, primary glaucoma was a common
      histologic diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Immunohistochemical evaluation in this study
      does not support the hypothesis of metaplastic transformation of endothelial
      cells into epithelial-like cells in the canine globes with cellular membranes.
      The cellular membranes in this study do not represent a canine version of ICE
      syndrome and are not of vascular endothelial origin.

PMID- 22051165
TI  - Regenerative medicine.

PMID- 22051164
TI  - GnRH receptor activation competes at a low level with growth signaling in stably
      transfected human breast cell lines.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gonadotrophin releasing hormone (GnRH) analogs lower estrogen levels
      in pre-menopausal breast cancer patients. GnRH receptor (GnRH-R) activation also
      directly inhibits the growth of certain cells. The applicability of GnRH anti
      proliferation to breast cancer was therefore analyzed. METHODS: GnRH-R expression
      in 298 primary breast cancer samples was measured by quantitative
      immunofluorescence. Levels of functional GnRH-R in breast-derived cell lines were
      assessed using 125I-ligand binding and stimulation of 3H-inositol phosphate
      production. Elevated levels of GnRH-R were stably expressed in cells by
      transfection. Effects of receptor activation on in vitro cell growth were
      investigated in comparison with IGF-I and EGF receptor inhibition, and correlated
      with intracellular signaling using western blotting. RESULTS: GnRH-R
      immunoscoring was highest in hormone receptor (triple) negative and grade 3
      breast tumors. However prior to transfection, functional endogenous GnRH-R were
      undetectable in four commonly studied breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7, ZR-75-1,
      T47D and MDA-MB-231). After transfection with GnRH-R, high levels of cell surface
      GnRH-R were detected in SVCT and MDA-MB-231 clones while low-moderate levels of
      GnRH-R occurred in MCF-7 clones and ZR-75-1 clones. MCF-7 sub-clones with high
      levels of GnRH-R were isolated following hygromycin phosphotransferase
      transfection. High level cell surface GnRH-R enabled induction of high levels of
      3H-inositol phosphate and modest growth-inhibition in SVCT cells. In contrast,
      growth of MCF-7, ZR-75-1 or MDA-MB-231 clones was unaffected by GnRH-R
      activation. Cell growth was inhibited by IGF-I or EGF receptor inhibitors. IGF-I
      receptor inhibitor lowered levels of p-ERK1/2 in MCF-7 clones. Washout of IGF-I
      receptor inhibitor resulted in transient hyper-elevation of p-ERK1/2, but co
      addition of GnRH-R agonist did not alter the dynamics of ERK1/2 re
      phosphorylation. CONCLUSIONS: Breast cancers exhibit a range of GnRH-R
      immunostaining, with higher levels of expression found in triple-negative and
      grade 3 cancers. However, functional cell surface receptors are rare in cultured
      cells. Intense GnRH-R signaling in transfected breast cancer cells did not
      markedly inhibit growth, in contrast to transfected HEK 293 cells indicating the
      importance of intracellular context. GnRH-R signaling could not counteract IGF-I
      receptor-tyrosine kinase addiction in MCF-7 cells. These results suggest that
      combinatorial strategies with growth factor inhibitors will be needed to enhance
      GnRH anti-proliferative effects in breast cancer.

PMID- 22051166
TI  - Chemical-physical properties and in vitro cell culturing of a novel biphasic bio
      mimetic scaffold for osteo-chondral tissue regeneration.
AB  - The requirements for a successful regeneration of an osteo-chondral defect could
      effectively be met by using a bi-layered composite scaffold, able to support
      proliferation and differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells, while providing a
      biochemical environment promoting the formations of the two distinct tissues. The
      novel strategy here presented consists of developing a bio-mimetic scaffolds
      obtained by the combination of two integrated organic compounds (type I collagen
      and chitosan) with or without bioactive Mg-doped hydroxyapatite (Mg-HA)
      nanocrystals, depending on the specific layer, reproducing cartilaginous or
      subchondral bone tissue. An innovative patented methodology for scaffolds
      production, called - pH-dependent 3-phasic assembling -, allowed to development
      of a highly homogenous and chemically stable scaffold, presenting a very good
      integration among all three components, as confirmed by extensive SEM and
      thermogravimetric analyses. A preliminary in vitro evaluation was also carried
      out by seeding bi-layered scaffold with human bone marrow stromal cells (h-MSCs),
      by giving particular emphasis to cell viability and distribution at day 0, 7 and
      14. Cells were viable and uniformly colonized the whole scaffold until day 14,
      indicating that the scaffold contributed to the maintenance of cell behaviour.

PMID- 22051167
TI  - Electrically conductive surface modifications of three-dimensional polypropylene
      fumarate scaffolds.
AB  - Polypropylene fumarate (PPF) scaffolds fabricated by rapid prototyping were
      surface modified by solution deposition of electrically conductive polypyrrole
      coatings with or without hydroxyapatite. Scaffolds were electrically conductive
      with resistivity as low as 2Omega. Scaffold characterization by Fourier transform
      infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and thermo gravimetric
      analysis shows both polypyrrole and hydroxyapatite are present. Cell viability,
      attachment, proliferation, and differentiation were analyzed using human fetal
      osteoblast cells. These studies show that surface modification using
      hydroxyapatite improved cell attachment and proliferation of osteoblasts onto the
      PPF scaffolds. Alkaline phosphatase activity as a marker for osteogenic
      differentiation of cell to mature osteoblasts was analyzed. Our data reveal that
      osteoblasts maintained their phenotype on PPF scaffolds with and without
      coatings. Thus, these scaffolds could be appropriate candidates for our future in
      vivo studies.

PMID- 22051168
TI  - Reversine increases multipotent human mesenchymal cells differentiation
      potential.
AB  - Among different human stem cell sources, adult mesenchymal stem cells from bone
      marrow (BMSCs), and more recently from adipose tissues (ASCs), have shown their
      capability to differentiate into a variety of different cell types, including
      osteoblasts, adipocytes, and muscle cells. However, mesenchymal stem cell
      differentiation toward certain cell types (including skeletal and cardiac
      muscle), while shown to be achievable, still suffers of low yields and needs to
      be greatly improved before any therapeutic application could be foreseen. A
      possible way of achieving this goal is by using a chemical-pharmacological
      approach to increase stem cell plasticity. Along this line, we envisioned the
      possibility of pre-treating BMSCs and ASCs with reversine, a synthetic purine
      that has been shown to induce adult cells de-differentiation. In the current
      study we tested reversine effects on both BMSCs and ASCs to increase their
      differentiation toward osteoblasts, smooth and skeletal muscle cells. Reversine
      pre-treatment, at very low concentration (50 nM), caused a marked increase in the
      differentiation yields of both BMSCs and ASCs.

PMID- 22051169
TI  - Enhanced biological performance of human adipose-derived stem cells cultured on
      titanium-based biomaterials and silicon carbide sheets for orthopaedic
      applications.
AB  - It is well known that the surface properties of biomaterials may affect bone
      healing processes by modulating both cell viability and osteogenic
      differentiation. In this study we evaluated proliferation and osteogenic
      differentiation of human adipose-derived stem cells (hASCs) cultured on three
      prototypes of titanium disks and on thin layers of silicon carbide (SiC-PECVD), a
      material characterized by a high hardness and wear resistance. Our data indicated
      that all the tested surfaces supported cell growth, in particular, hASCs seeded
      on both titanium treated by a double-step etching process (TIT) and titanium
      modified by two Anodic Spark Deposition processes (TAA) grew better respect to
      the ones cultured on titanium obtained by KOH alkali etching process on TAA
      (TAAK). Furthermore, hASCs well colonized SiC-PECVD surface, showing a quite
      similar viability to cells cultured on plastic (PA). TIT and TAA better supported
      osteogenic differentiation of hASCs compared to PA, as shown by a marked increase
      of both alkaline phosphatase activity and calcified extracellular matrix
      deposition; in contrast TAAK did not positively affect hASCs differentiation. SiC
      PECVD did not alter osteogenic differentiation of hASC cells: indeed, ALP and
      calcium deposition levels were comparable to those of cells cultured on plastic.
      Furthermore, we observed similar results testing hASCs either pre-differentiated
      for 14 days in osteogenic medium or directly differentiated on biomaterials. Our
      study suggests that modifications of titanium surface may improve osteo
      integration of implant devices and that SiC-PECVD may represent a valid
      alternative for the coating of prosthetic devices to reduce wear and metallosis
      events.

PMID- 22051170
TI  - Thrombin and thrombin-derived peptides promote proliferation of cardiac
      progenitor cells in the form of cardiospheres without affecting their
      differentiation potential.
AB  - Many studies demonstrated that human adult cardiac progenitor cells in the form
      of cardiospheres (CSps) could represent a powerful candidate for cardiac cell
      therapy. To achieve the clinical translation of this biotechnological product,
      the development of well-defined culture conditions is required to optimize their
      proliferation and differentiation. Thrombin, a serine protease acting through the
      protease-activated receptor 1 (PAR-1) signalling to modulate many cellular
      functions such as proliferation and differentiation in several cell types, is one
      of the factors included in the CSps medium. Therefore, the assessment of the
      effective dependence of the thrombin related cellular effects from PAR-signalling
      is strategic both for understanding the biological potential of these cells and
      for the GMP translation of the medium formulation, using synthesised analogs. In
      this study the effects of thrombin on human CSps and their potential relationship
      with the specific proteolytic activation of PAR-1 have been investigated in
      different culture conditions, including thrombin inhibitor hirudin and PAR-1
      agonist/ antagonist peptides TFLLR and MUMB2. In this study we show that, in the
      presence of thrombin and TFLLR, CSps, in which PAR-1 expression was evidenced by
      immunofluorescence and western blot analysis, increase their proliferation
      activity (BrdU assay). Such increased proliferative rate was consistently
      associated with a higher phosphorylation level of the cell cycle inhibitor GSK3.
      Concerning the assessment of the potential effects of thrombin and its agonist on
      differentiation, both western blot and real-time PCR analysis for stemness,
      cardiac and vascular markers (such as cKit, cx43 and KDR) showed that CSps
      commitment was substantially unaffected, except for GATA4 mRNA, whose
      transcription was down-regulated in the presence of the natural protease, but not
      after treatment with TFLLR. In conclusion, activation of PAR-1-dependent
      signalling is important to support CSps proliferative potential, keeping
      unaltered or at best stable their differentiation properties. The availability of
      thrombin agonists, such as TFLLR, able to guarantee the required growth effect
      without affecting CSps lineage commitment, could represent a technological
      improvement for cost-effective, easy-to-handle and GMPtranslatable synthetic
      media.

PMID- 22051171
TI  - Evaluation of chondrocyte behavior in a new equine collagen scaffold useful for
      cartilage repair.
AB  - Association of biomaterials with autologous cells can provide a new generation of
      implantable devices for cartilage repair. An ideal scaffold should possess a
      preformed three-dimensional shape, fix the cells to the damaged area and prevent
      their migration into the articular cavity. Furthermore, the constructs should
      have sufficient mechanical strength to facilitate handling in a clinical setting
      and stimulate the uniform spreading of cells and a phenotype re-differentiation
      process. The aim of this study was to verify the ability of an equine collagen
      membrane to support the growth of human chondrocytes and to allow the re
      expression of their original phenotype. This ability was assessed by the
      evaluation of collagen type I, II and aggrecan mRNA expression by Real-Time PCR.
      Immunohistochemical analyses were performed to evaluate collagen type I, II and
      proteoglycans synthesis. Electron microscopy was utilized to highlight the
      structure of the biomaterial and its interactions with the cells. Our data
      indicate that human chondrocytes seeded onto a collagen membrane express and
      produce collagen type II and aggrecan and downregulate the production of collagen
      type I during the experimental times analyzed. These results provide an in vitro
      demonstration for the therapeutic potential of autologous chondrocyte
      transplantation by an equine collagen membrane as a delivery vehicle in a tissue
      engineered approach towards the repair of articular cartilage defects.

PMID- 22051172
TI  - Biodegradable microcarriers as cell delivery vehicle for in vivo transplantation
      and magnetic resonance monitoring.
AB  - Microcarrier culture systems offer an attractive method for cell amplification
      and as delivery vehicle. At the same time, super paramagnetic iron oxide (SPIO)
      nanoparticles represent a unique in vivo tracking system, already approved for
      clinical use. In our study, we tested the combination of clinically approved
      microcarriers and SPIO nanoparticles for cell-construct delivery and subsequent
      tracking after implantation. In order to mimic better a clinical setting,
      biodegradable macroporous microcarriers were employed as an alternative approach
      to expand human primary chondrocytes in a dynamic culture system for subsequent
      direct transplantation. In addition, cellseeded microcarriers were labeled with
      SPIO nanoparticles to evaluate the benefits of cell-constructs tracking with
      magnetic resonance. In vivo subcutaneous implants were monitored for up to 3
      weeks and orthotopic implantation was simulated and monitored in ex vivo
      osteochondral defects.

PMID- 22051173
TI  - Characterization and differentiation of equine tendon-derived progenitor cells.
AB  - Mesenchymal stem cells have been recently investigated for their potential use in
      regenerative medicine. Population of adult stem cells were recently identified in
      human and lab animal tendons, but no detailed investigations have been made in
      the equine species. The aim of our study is to identify a progenitor cell
      population from tendon tissue (TSPCs) in the horse superficial digital flexor
      tendon that are able to be highly clonogenic, to grow fast and to differentiate
      in different induced cell lineages as well as bone marrow derived progenitor
      cells (BM-MSCs). The hypothesis that TSPCs possess a mesenchymal stem cell
      behavior opens a new prospective for tendon regenerative medicine approaches.
      TSPCs were expanded more rapidly and showed higher plating efficiency when
      compared with BM-MSCs. Both cell lines expressed identical stem cell markers in
      vitro and they were able to differentiate towards osteogenic and adipogenic
      lineages as demonstrated with cytochemical staining and mRNA gene expression.
      TSPCs showed a positive but limited chondrogenic differentiation compared with BM
      MSCs as demonstrated by histological and biochemical analyses. According to our
      results, equine TSPCs have high clonogenic properties and proliferating
      potential, they express stem cell markers and have the capability to be
      multipotent as well as BM-MSCs. These findings suggest that TSPCs may represent a
      good model for stem cell biology and could be useful for future tendon
      regenerative medicine investigations.

PMID- 22051174
TI  - Effects of cognitive therapy versus interpersonal psychotherapy in patients with
      major depressive disorder: a systematic review of randomized clinical trials with
      meta-analyses and trial sequential analyses.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Major depressive disorder afflicts an estimated 17% of individuals
      during their lifetime at tremendous suffering and cost. Cognitive therapy and
      interpersonal psychotherapy are treatment options, but their effects have only
      been limitedly compared in systematic reviews. METHOD: Using Cochrane systematic
      review methodology we compared the benefits and harm of cognitive therapy versus
      interpersonal psychotherapy for major depressive disorder. Trials were identified
      by searching the Cochrane Library's CENTRAL, Medline via PubMed, EMBASE,
      Psychlit, PsycInfo, and Science Citation Index Expanded until February 2010.
      Continuous outcome measures were assessed by mean difference and dichotomous
      outcomes by odds ratio. We conducted trial sequential analysis to control for
      random errors. RESULTS: We included seven trials randomizing 741 participants.
      All trials had high risk of bias. Meta-analysis of the four trials reporting data
      at cessation of treatment on the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression showed no
      significant difference between the two interventions [mean difference -1.02, 95%
      confidence interval (CI) -2.35 to 0.32]. Meta-analysis of the five trials
      reporting data at cessation of treatment on the Beck Depression Inventory showed
      comparable results (mean difference -1.29, 95% CI -2.73 to 0.14). Trial
      sequential analysis indicated that more data are needed to definitively settle
      the question of a differential effect. None of the included trial reported on
      adverse events. CONCLUSIONS: Randomized trials with low risk of bias and low risk
      of random errors are needed, although the effects of cognitive therapy and
      interpersonal psychotherapy do not seem to differ significantly regarding
      depressive symptoms. Future trials should report on adverse events.

PMID- 22051175
TI  - Prevalence of protozoa, viruses, coliphages and indicator bacteria in groundwater
      and river water in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal.
AB  - Limited information is available on the prevalence of waterborne pathogens in
      aquatic environments in developing countries. In this study, water samples were
      collected from nine shallow wells and a river in the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal,
      during the rainy season in 2009 and were subjected to detection of waterborne
      protozoa, viruses and coliphages using a recently developed method for
      simultaneous concentration of protozoa and viruses in water. Escherichia coli and
      total coliforms were also tested as indicator bacteria. At least one type of the
      five pathogens tested (Cryptosporidium, Giardia, human adenoviruses, and
      noroviruses of genogroups I and II) was detected in five groundwater samples
      (56%) (1000 ml each) from shallow wells. Compared with groundwater samples, the
      pathogens were more abundant in the river water sample (100ml); the
      concentrations of Cryptosporidium and Giardia were 140 oocysts/l and 8500
      cysts/l, respectively, and the mean threshold cycle (Ct) values in real-time RT
      PCR were 34.3, 36.8 and 34.0 for human adenoviruses and noroviruses of genogroups
      I and II, respectively. Genotyping of F-RNA coliphages by real-time RT-PCR was
      successfully used to differentiate human and animal faecal contamination in the
      samples. Moreover, for the groundwater samples, protozoa and viruses were
      detected only in E. coli-positive samples, suggesting that E. coli may be an
      appropriate indicator of pathogen contamination of valley groundwater.

PMID- 22051176
TI  - Maternal hypertension during pregnancy modifies the response of the immature
      brain to hypoxia-ischemia: sequential MRI and behavioral investigations.
AB  - Hypoxic-ischemic (HI) brain injury occurring during the perinatal period is still
      a major cause of mortality and morbidity. We assessed the impact of maternal
      hypertension, the most common medical disorder of pregnancy, on the anatomical
      and functional consequences of HI insult in the immature brain. Rat pups from
      spontaneously hypertensive (SHR) and normotensive (Wistar Kyoto - WKY) dams were
      subjected to HI brain damage at post-natal day 7 (P7). Brain lesion and
      functional deficits were analyzed from 10 min to 35 days after HI, using magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI), sensorimotor and cognitive tests. MRI data revealed that
      SHR pups displayed less brain damage than WKY, attested by an initial smaller
      lesion followed by a reduced tissue loss at chronic stage (57.1+/-21.6 and 31.1+/
      27% ipsilateral hemisphere atrophy in WKY and SHR, respectively). Behavioral
      analyses showed less HI-induced behavioral deficits in motor coordination
      (rotarod test) and spatial learning (Morris water maze test) in pups from
      hypertensive dams compared to those from normotensive ones. The data suggest that
      maternal hypertension causes prenatal stress that may render the immature brain
      more resistant to subsequent hypoxia-ischemia, related to a preconditioning
      phenomenon.

PMID- 22051177
TI  - Eosinophilic keratoconjunctivitis in two rabbits.
AB  - The purpose of this case report is to describe the clinical course and cytologic
      findings, treatment, and outcome of eosinophilic keratoconjunctivitis in two
      rabbits. Ophthalmic examination revealed ocular discharge, dacryocystitis,
      blepharitis, conjunctivitis, white conjunctival and corneal plaques, corneal
      vascularization, and stromal infiltration with different degrees of severity in
      each case. In case 2 there was also ulcerative disease of the cornea.
      Computerized tomography scan of the head, corneal biopsy for histopathologic
      examination with additional Luna and Giemsa stain were performed in case 2 and
      conjunctival as well as corneal specimens were obtained for bacteriologic culture
      and cytologic examination in case 1. Based on test results, a diagnosis of
      eosinophilic keratoconjunctivitis was made in case 2 and a tentative diagnosis of
      eosinophilic keratoconjunctivitis was made in case 1. Response to treatment with
      a topical steroid and topical cyclosporin was supportive of the diagnosis in both
      cases and shared many similarities with the response to treatment previously
      described in cats. Eosinophilic keratitis should be considered as part of a
      differential diagnosis list in rabbits with a history of keratitis.

PMID- 22051178
TI  - Silent sinus syndrome.
AB  - Silent sinus syndrome is defined as a spontaneous and progressive enophthalmos
      and hypoglobus with hypoplasia of the maxillary sinus and resorption of the
      orbital floor. It is caused by atelectasis of the maxillary sinus in the presence
      of ipsilateral chronic hypoventilation of the sinus. The problem may be
      idiopathic, but the term is now also used to describe cases that follow operation
      or trauma. We describe three cases, each with a different aetiology, and discuss
      the clinical and radiographic evaluation of the condition, theories regarding its
      pathophysiology, and surgical correction.

PMID- 22051179
TI  - An experimental study of the management of severe keratoconjunctivitis sicca with
      autologous reduced-sized submandibular gland transplantation.
AB  - We have evaluated transplantation of reduced submandibular glands for the
      treatment of severe keratoconjunctivitis sicca. Thirty-four rabbits were
      allocated into three groups: dry eye (controls, n=10), transplantation of whole
      submandibular glands (n=12), and transplantation of reduced submandibular glands
      (n=12). Outcome measures included the results of Schirmer's test and the Rose
      Bengal test, and histological examination of the cornea and the transplanted
      gland. Volume of tears significantly increased after transplantation of the whole
      gland, but did not change after transplantation of the reduced gland compared
      with dry eyes induced preoperatively. Neither transplantion group had
      keratoconjunctivitis sicca postoperatively. There were no histological
      abnormalities in the transplanted tissues. The results that the surgical
      technique of using reduced submandibular glands for transplantation was feasible,
      and that the secretion from the reduced gland was similar to that from a normal
      lacrimal gland. In conclusion, transplantation of a reduced submandibular glands
      is feasible in the treatment of keratoconjunctivitis sicca.

PMID- 22051180
TI  - Morphological characterization and functional immune response of the carpet shell
      clam (Ruditapes decussatus) haemocytes after bacterial stimulation.
AB  - The morphology and functionality of Ruditapes decussatus haemocytes have been
      characterized by light microscopy and flow cytometry, leading to the
      identification of three different cellular subpopulations. Granulocytes were the
      largest cells, the hyalinocytes were smaller and contained fewer granules and the
      intermediate cells showed a size similar to hyalinocytes and a higher number of
      granules. The phagocytosis of different particles and the associated production
      of oxygen radicals were measured by flow cytometric methods. Granulocytes were
      the most active cells, followed by the intermediate cells and hyalinocytes. The
      effect of stimulation of haemocytes with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), with a heat
      inactivated bacterial mixture or with the infection of Vibrio splendidus on the
      cell viability and the expression of selected immune-related genes were studied.
      While significant low levels of damaged cells were registered in LPS-stimulated
      cells, the treatment with dead bacteria or V. splendidus reduced cell viability 1
      h, 3 h and 6 h after treatment. The stimulation of haemocytes with LPS and dead
      bacteria induced changes in the expression of defender against cell death (DAD
      1), thrombin, prosaposin, inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP), factor B and C3
      complement component.

PMID- 22051181
TI  - Long-term stimulation of trout head kidney cells with the cytokines MCSF, IL-2
      and IL-6: gene expression dynamics.
AB  - The production of salmonid leukocyte cell lines from primary cell cultures has
      been attempted on several occasions, however, to date only monocyte/macrophage
      like cell lines exist (e.g. RTS-11 and SHK-1 cells). With the increasing number
      of cytokines discovered in fish in recent years, many of which are growth factors
      for leukocytes, we now have the possibility of using these molecules to promote
      leukocyte development and differentiation in culture. We have generated stable
      cell lines transfected with a variety of plasmids expressing cytokines
      (Interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6 and Macrophage Colony Stimulating Factor (MCSF)), in
      order to produce conditioned media rich in these cytokines. The cytokine
      conditioned media were used to assess their activity and ability to support the
      growth of primary head kidney (HK) leukocyte cultures. Here, we describe a series
      of experiments aimed to determine which cell population(s) of primary HK cultures
      is supported and will grow in conditioned media containing MCSF, IL-2 or IL-6.
      For a period of 5 weeks, cells were incubated at 22 degrees C and media were
      changed every 3-4 days. Samples were taken at different time points, from freshly
      isolated HK cells (T0), one week post-stimulation (1-WPS), 3-WPS and 5-WPS for
      RNA extraction. A variety of cell lineage markers (MCSF Receptor 2 (MCSFR2) for
      macrophages, CD4 and CD8a for T cells and IgM heavy chain for B cells) were then
      analysed by real-time qPCR to study the cell population dynamics as influenced by
      the different recombinant cytokines in the cultures. We show here that whilst
      MCSF appears to drive macrophage differentiation and maintenance, IL-2 and IL-6
      seem to preferentially drive lymphocyte differentiation.

PMID- 22051183
TI  - Informed consent and living kidney donation: more (information) is not always
      better.

PMID- 22051182
TI  - Distribution, characterization, and induction of CD8+ regulatory T cells and IL
      17-producing CD8+ T cells in nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: CD8+ effector cells often have an antitumor function in patients with
      cancer. However, CD8+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells (Tcregs) and interleukin (IL)-17
      producing CD8+ T cells (Tc17 cells) also derive from the CD8+ T cell lineage.
      Their role in the antitumor response remains largely unknown. In the present
      study, we aimed to investigate the distribution, characterization, and generation
      of CD8+ Tcregs and Tc17 cells in NPC patients. METHODS: Peripheral blood and
      tumor biopsy tissues from 21 newly diagnosed patients with nasopharyngeal
      carcinoma (NPC) were collected, along with peripheral blood from 21 healthy
      donors. The biological characteristics of Tcregs and Tc17 cells from blood and
      tumor tissues were examined by intracellular staining, tetramer staining and
      fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis. The suppressive function of
      Tcregs was investigated using a proliferation assay that involved co-culture of
      sorted CD8+CD25+ T cells with naive CD4+ T cells in vitro. RESULTS: We observed
      an increased prevalence of Tcregs and Tc17 cells among tumor-infiltrating
      lymphocytes (TILs) and different distribution among peripheral blood mononuclear
      cells (PBMCs) in NPC patients. Cytokine profiles showed that the Tcregs expressed
      a high level of IL-10 and low level of transforming growth factor beta, whereas
      Tc17 cells expressed a high level of tumor necrosis factor alpha. Interestingly,
      both subsets expressed a high level of interferon gamma in TILs, and the Tcregs
      suppressed naive CD4+ T cell proliferation by a cell contact-dependent mechanism
      in vitro. Moreover, we demonstrated the existence of Epstein-Barr virus latent
      membrane protein (LMP) 1 and LMP2 antigen-specific Tcregs in NPC. CONCLUSIONS:
      Our data provide new insights into the composition and function of CD8+ T-cell
      subsets in NPC, which may have an important influence on NPC immunotherapy.

PMID- 22051184
TI  - A toxicological and dermatological assessment of aryl alkyl alcohols when used as
      fragrance ingredients.
AB  - The aryl alkyl alcohol (AAA) fragrance ingredients are a diverse group of
      chemical structures with similar metabolic and toxicity profiles. The AAA
      fragrances demonstrate low acute and subchronic dermal and oral toxicity. No
      carcinogenicity in rats or mice was observed in 2-year chronic testing of benzyl
      alcohol or alpha-methylbenzyl alcohol; the latter did induce species and gender
      specific renal adenomas in male rats at the high dose. There was no to little
      genotoxicity, mutagenicity, or clastogenicity in the mutagenic in vitro bacterial
      assays, and in vitro mammalian cell assays. All in vivo micronucleus assays were
      negative. NOAELs for maternal and developmental toxicity are far in excess of
      current human exposure levels. At concentrations likely to be encountered by
      consumers, AAA fragrance ingredients are non-irritating to the skin. The
      potential for eye irritation is minimal. With the exception of benzyl alcohol and
      to a lesser extent phenethyl and 2-phenoxyethyl AAA alcohols, human sensitization
      studies, diagnostic patch tests and human induction studies, indicate that AAA
      fragrance ingredients generally have no or low sensitization potential. Available
      data indicate that the potential for photosensitization is low. It is concluded
      that these materials would not present a safety concern at current levels of use
      as fragrance ingredients.

PMID- 22051185
TI  - WITHDRAWN: Estimation of flavonoids and evaluation of protective effect of
      Carissa opaca Stapf ex Haines fruit against CCl(4) induced nephrotoxicity in rat.
AB  - This article has been withdrawn at the request of the author(s) and/or editor.
      The Publisher apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. The full Elsevier
      Policy on Article Withdrawal can be found at
      http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy.

PMID- 22051186
TI  - Structural comparison of cytochromes P450 2A6, 2A13, and 2E1 with pilocarpine.
AB  - Human xenobiotic-metabolizing cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes can each bind and
      monooxygenate a diverse set of substrates, including drugs, often producing a
      variety of metabolites. Additionally, a single ligand can interact with multiple
      CYP enzymes, but often the protein structural similarities and differences that
      mediate such overlapping selectivity are not well understood. Even though the CYP
      superfamily has a highly canonical global protein fold, there are large
      variations in the active site size, topology, and conformational flexibility. We
      have determined how a related set of three human CYP enzymes bind and interact
      with a common inhibitor, the muscarinic receptor agonist drug pilocarpine.
      Pilocarpine binds and inhibits the hepatic CYP2A6 and respiratory CYP2A13 enzymes
      much more efficiently than the hepatic CYP2E1 enzyme. To elucidate key residues
      involved in pilocarpine binding, crystal structures of CYP2A6 (2.4 A), CYP2A13
      (3.0 A), CYP2E1 (2.35 A), and the CYP2A6 mutant enzyme, CYP2A6
      I208S/I300F/G301A/S369G (2.1 A) have been determined with pilocarpine in the
      active site. In all four structures, pilocarpine coordinates to the heme iron,
      but comparisons reveal how individual residues lining the active sites of these
      three distinct human enzymes interact differently with the inhibitor pilocarpine.

PMID- 22051187
TI  - Hepatitis B virus infection among medical aste handlers in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Healthcare wastes contain a wide range of microorganisms among which
      hepatitis B virus (HBV) are the most significant pathogens. No data about the
      prevalence of HBV among medical waste handlers is available in Addis Ababa,
      Ethiopia. Therefore; this study was conducted to describe the prevalence of HBV
      infection among medical waste handlers in Government hospitals of Addis Ababa,
      Ethiopia. FINDINGS: A cross sectional study was conducted among 252 medical and
      non-medical waste handlers working in three Government hospitals of Addis Ababa
      between May to July, 2010. Predesigned and tested questionnaire was used to
      collect soiociodemographic information. Blood sample was taken from 252 waste
      handlers and serum was tested for Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and anti
      Hepatitis core antigen (anti-HBcAg) using Enzyme Linked Immuno Sorbent Assay.Of
      the 126 Medical Waste Handlers and 126 Non Medical Waste Handler, HBsAg was
      detected in 8 (6.3%) and 1 (0.8%), and anti-HBcAg in 60 (47.6%) and 40 (31.7%),
      respectively. Significant differences were observed in the detection rates of
      HBsAg (OR: 8, 95% CI: 1.02, 63.02; p = 0.01), Anti-HB c Ag (OR: 1.5, 95% CI: 1.1,
      2.1; p = 0.01) and either markers (OR: 1.7, 95% CI: 1.2, 2.2; p = 0.001) in
      medical waste handlers compared to non medical waste handlers. 19.8% were trained
      to handle medical waste and none was immunized against HBV. CONCLUSION: This
      study shows a high prevalence of HBV infection in medical waste handlers compared
      to non medical waste handlers. Lack of training on how to handle medical waste
      among medical waste handlers was high.

PMID- 22051188
TI  - VEGF-A immunohistochemical and mRNA expression in tissues and its serum levels in
      potentially malignant oral lesions and oral squamous cell carcinomas.
AB  - The aim of the study was to investigate whether the estimation of circulating
      Vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) levels by ELISA could be used as
      surrogate of VEGF-A expression in tissues of pre-malignant oral lesions (PMOLs)
      and oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) as compared to that in healthy controls.
      The study samples comprised of tissue and blood samples from 60 PMOLs, 60 OSCC,
      and 20 healthy controls. Serum VEGF-A levels were determined by an ELISA based
      assay (Quantikine human VEGF; R & D System, Minneapolis USA). Tissue VEGF-A
      expression and microvessel density (MVD) were assessed by immunohistochemistry
      (IHC) using antibodies against VEGF-A and CD-34 on formalin fixed paraffin
      embedded (FFPE) tissue sections. VEGF-A mRNA expression was analyzed by real-time
      PCR in snap frozen tissues. Serum VEGF-A levels and immunohistochemical VEGF-A
      expression were significantly high in PMOLs and OSCC in comparison with controls.
      VEGF mRNA gene expression showed more than 50-fold increase in PMOLs and OSCC.
      VEGF-A levels in serum correlated in a linear fashion with the tissue expression
      in oral pre-malignant and malignant lesions, suggesting that the serum levels may
      serve as surrogate material for tissue expression of VEGF-A.

PMID- 22051189
TI  - Introduction: Pathology of the inner ear.

PMID- 22051190
TI  - Collie eye anomaly in Hokkaido dogs: case study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe a Hokkaido dog, one of the traditional Japanese breeds
      that was affected by Collie eye anomaly (CEA), and to report the genotype of this
      dog and the Hokkaido dog allelic frequency of the CEA-associated mutation. CASE:
      A nine-month-old intact female Hokkaido dog without any obvious visual
      disturbance was diagnosed ophthalmoscopically with CEA. Severe choroidal
      hypoplasia was observed in the bilateral temporal area adjacent to the optic
      nerve head, appearing as whitish areas. Therefore, the dog was suspected of
      possessing the CEA-associated mutation that was previously reported as an
      intronic 7.8-kilo base deletion in the canine NHEJ1 gene. PROCEDURES: SYBR Green
      based real-time PCR with a melting curve analysis, conventional PCR with agarose
      gel electrophoresis, and direct DNA sequencing were carried out to determine the
      genotype of the dog. Furthermore, a preliminary genotyping survey was carried out
      in 17 Hokkaido dogs from three kennels using the real-time PCR method, and the
      pedigree relationships were analyzed using their pedigree papers. RESULTS: The
      Hokkaido dog affected by CEA was proven to possess the CEA-associated mutation.
      Of these 17 Hokkaido dogs, 12 dogs were heterozygous carriers and five dogs were
      affected by this mutation. The preliminary genotyping survey and pedigree
      analysis demonstrated that the allelic frequency of the CEA-associated mutation
      is very high in Hokkaido dogs. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that the Hokkaido
      breed is highly susceptible to CEA because of the known CEA-associated mutation
      much like the Collie-related breeds.

PMID- 22051191
TI  - Hypothyroidism stimulates D2 receptor-mediated breathing in response to acute
      hypoxia and alters D2 receptors levels in carotid bodies and brain.
AB  - Hypothyroidism can depress breathing and alter dopamine D2 receptor expression
      and function. We hypothesized that relative to euthyroid hamsters (EH),
      hypothyroid hamsters (HH) contain increased D2 receptors in brain regions
      associated with breathing and carotid bodies (CB), and that stimulation of D2
      receptors would decease ventilation more in the HH compared to the EH. Hamsters
      were treated with vehicle, carmoxirile (peripherally acting D2 receptor agonist),
      or bromocriptine (central and peripherally acting D2 receptor agonist) and
      breathing was evaluated during exposure to air, hypoxia, and then air. HH
      exhibited increased D2 receptor protein levels in the striatum and CB, but
      decreased levels in the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus. Relative to
      vehicle, carmoxirole and bromocriptine stimulated ventilation in the HH during
      and following exposure to hypoxia. Only bromocriptine depressed ventilation in
      the EH during and after exposure to hypoxia. Thus, hypothyroidism impacts the
      expression of D2 receptors in the carotid body, PVN and striatum, and D2
      stimulation affects ventilation remarkably differently than in EH.

PMID- 22051192
TI  - Avoiding the 'twilight zone': recommendations for the transition of services from
      adolescence to adulthood for young people with ADHD.
AB  - Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common childhood disorder
      that frequently persists into adulthood. However, in the UK, there is a paucity
      of adult services available for the increasing number of young people with ADHD
      who are now graduating from child services. Furthermore, there is limited
      research investigating the transition of young people with ADHD from child to
      adult services and a lack of guidance on how to achieve this effectively. This
      paper reviews the difficulties of young people with ADHD and their families who
      are transitioning between services; we review transition from the child and adult
      health teams' perspectives and identify barriers to the transition process. We
      conclude with recommendations on how to develop transition services for young
      people with ADHD.

PMID- 22051193
TI  - Filamin-A as a marker and target for DNA damage based cancer therapy.
AB  - Filamin-A, also called actin binding protein 280 (ABP-280), cross-links the actin
      filaments into dynamic orthogonal network to serve as scaffolds in multiple
      signaling pathways. It has been reported that filamin-A interacts with DNA damage
      response proteins BRCA1 and BRCA2. Defects of filamin-A impair the repair of DNA
      double strand breaks (DSBs), resulting in sensitization of cells to ionizing
      radiation. In this study, we sought to test the hypothesis that filamin-A can be
      used as a target for cancer chemotherapy and as a biomarker to predict cancer
      response to therapeutic DNA damage. We found that reduction of filamin-A
      sensitizes cancer cells to chemotherapy reagents bleomycin and cisplatin, delays
      the repair of not only DSBs but also single strand breaks (SSBs) and interstrand
      crosslinks (ICLs), and increases chromosome breaks after the drug treatment. By
      treating a panel of human melanoma cell lines with variable filamin-A expression,
      we observed a correlation between expression level of filamin-A protein and drug
      IC(50). We further inhibited the expression of filamin-A in melanoma cells, and
      found that this confers an increased sensitivity to bleomycin and cisplatin
      treatment in a mouse xenograft tumor model. These results suggest that filamin-A
      plays a role in repair of a variety of DNA damage, that lack of filamin-A is a
      prognostic marker for a better outcome after DNA damage based treatment, and
      filamin-A can be inhibited to sensitize filamin-A positive cancer cells to
      therapeutic DNA damage. Thus filamin-A can be used as a biomarker and a target
      for DNA damage based cancer therapy.

PMID- 22051194
TI  - DNA binding is essential for PprI function in response to radiation damage in
      Deinococcus radiodurans.
AB  - The extremely radioresistant bacterium Deinococcus radiodurans possesses a rapid
      and efficient but poorly known DNA damage response mechanism that mobilizes one
      third of its genome to survive lethal radiation damage. Deinococcal PprI serves
      as a general switch to regulate the expression of dozens of proteins from
      different pathways after radiation, including the DNA repair proteins RecA, PprA
      and SSB. However, the underlying mechanism is poorly understood. In this study,
      we analyzed the dynamic alteration in global transcriptional profiles in wildtype
      and pprI mutant strains by combining microarrays and time-course sampling. We
      found that PprI up-regulated transcription of at least 210 genes after radiation,
      including 21 DNA repair and replication-related genes. We purified PprI and a
      helix-turn-helix (HTH) domain mutant and found that PprI specifically bound to
      the promoters of recA and pprA in vitro but did not bind nonspecific double
      strand DNA. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays confirmed that PprI
      specifically interacted with the promoter DNA of recA and pprA after radiation.
      Finally, we showed that a DNA-binding activity-deficient pprI mutant only
      partially restored resistance of the pprI mutant strain to gamma radiation, UV
      radiation, and mitomycin C. Taken together, these results indicate that DNA
      binding activity is essential for PprI to program the DNA repair process and
      cellular survival of D. radiodurans in response to radiation damage.

PMID- 22051195
TI  - Regulation of Actinomycin D induced upregulation of Mdm2 in H1299 cells.
AB  - Mdm2 is a critical negative regulator of the p53 tumor suppressor and also has
      many p53-independent functions. Deregulation of Mdm2 is closely associated with
      tumorigenesis. However, how Mdm2 is regulated in response to various stresses is
      not well understood. In this study, we found that Mdm2 was stabilized and
      upregulated upon Actinomycin D (ActD) treatment in the p53-deficient H1299 cell
      line. This Mdm2 upregulation was not dependent on the ribosomal protein L11, an
      essential player in ribosomal stress-induced p53 activation, but did require a
      NEDDylation-dependent mechanism. We further demonstrated that the ActD-induced
      Mdm2 stabilization may be modulated by the cell growth signaling, and that
      knockdown of Mdm2 enhanced ActD-induced cell death in H1299 cells. These results
      suggested a role of Mdm2 in the ribosomal stress response in the p53 deficient
      cells, which could be exploited in therapeutic use for treating cancers harboring
      p53 mutations.

PMID- 22051196
TI  - Low prevalence of major depressive disorder in Taiwanese adults: possible
      explanations and implications.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study examined the prevalence of major depressive disorder
      (MDD), and the correlations and co-morbid conditions associated with MDD, in the
      adult Taiwanese population, which a previous estimate in the 1980s had found to
      be at the lower end of the spectrum worldwide. Possible explanations for the
      reported low prevalence of MDD were evaluated. METHOD: As part of a survey of
      common psychiatric disorders in a nationally representative sample of individuals
      aged >= 18 years who were non-institutionalized civilians in Taiwan, a face-to
      face interview using the paper version of the World Mental Health Survey of the
      World Health Organization (WHO) Composite International Diagnostic Interview (WMH
      CIDI) was conducted between 2003 and 2005. Functional impairment and help-seeking
      behaviors were compared between Taiwanese subjects with MDD and their
      counterparts in the USA. RESULTS: Among the 10 135 respondents, the lifetime
      prevalence of MDD was 1.20% [standard error (S.E.)=0.2%]. Individuals who were
      divorced or widowed, aged <= 40 years, and female were at increased risk, whereas
      rural residents were at lower risk for MDD. The proportion of MDD cases co-morbid
      with other psychiatric disorders in this study was much lower than in the US
      study. Only one-third of Taiwanese individuals with MDD sought help despite
      having twice the number of lost workdays compared with the US sample.
      CONCLUSIONS: Despite the low prevalence of MDD in Taiwanese adults, the pattern
      of low help-seeking behavior and profound functional impairment indicates much
      room for improvement in the early detection of and intervention in major
      depression in this population.

PMID- 22051197
TI  - Volcanic perturbations of the marine environment in South China preceding the
      latest Permian mass extinction and their biotic effects.
AB  - The Dongpan section in southern Guangxi Province records the influence of local
      volcanic activity on marine sedimentation at intermediate water depths (~200-500
      m) in the Nanpanjiang Basin (South China) during the late Permian crisis. We
      analyzed ~100 samples over a 12-m-thick interval, generating palynological,
      paleobiological, and geochemical datasets to investigate the nature and causes of
      environmental changes. The section records at least two major volcanic episodes
      that culminated in deposition of approximately 25- to 35-cm-thick ash layers
      (bentonites) and that had profound effects on conditions in both the Dongpan
      marine environment and adjacent land areas. Intensification of eruptive activity
      during each volcanic cycle resulted in a shift toward conifer forests, increased
      wildfire intensity, and elevated subaerial weathering fluxes. The resulting
      increase in nutrient fluxes stimulated marine productivity in the short term but
      led to a negative feedback on productivity in the longer term as the OMZ of the
      Nanpanjiang Basin expanded, putting both phytoplankton and zooplankton
      communities under severe stress. Radiolarians exhibit large declines in diversity
      and abundance well before the global mass extinction horizon, demonstrating the
      diachroneity of the marine biotic crisis. The latest Permian crisis, which was
      probably triggered by the Siberian Traps flood basalts, intensified the
      destructive effects of the earlier local eruptions on terrestrial and marine
      ecosystems of the South China craton.

PMID- 22051198
TI  - The importance of pulsed lavage on interface temperature and ligament tension
      force in cemented unicompartmental knee arthroplasty.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mechanical loosening is the most common cause of revision in
      unicompartmental knee arthroplasty. We determined the effect of bone lavage on
      tibial cement penetration and interface temperature with controlled ligament
      tension forces. We presumed pulsed lavage would allow increased cement
      penetration compared with syringe lavage. METHODS: Cemented unicompartmental knee
      arthroplasty was performed in 12 pairs of fresh-frozen knees. Lavage was
      performed using pulsed lavage on one side (A) and syringe lavage on the other
      (B). Cement penetration pressure, interface temperature, and ligament tension
      forces were continuously monitored during the operation. Screened radiographs
      were taken and cement penetration under the tibial plateau was measured.
      FINDINGS: The pulsed lavage group showed a mean cement penetration area of 187.24
      (SD 36.37) mm2, whereas 144.29 (SD 35.74) mm(2) was measured in the group with
      syringe lavage. Cement penetration pressure was 13.29 (SD 8.69) kPa in Group A
      and 20.21 (SD 7.78) kPa in Group B. Maximum interface temperatures of 46.99
      degrees C were observed in Group A and 45.02 degrees C in Group B.
      INTERPRETATION: Our data showed pulsed lavage cleansing of the cancellous tibial
      bone substantially improved cement penetration compared with syringe lavage
      without reaching the temperature threshold for bone necrosis. We recommend the
      routine use of pulsed lavage to improve long-term fixation.

PMID- 22051199
TI  - Alleviation of lung injury by glycyrrhizic acid in benzo(a)pyrene exposed rats:
      Probable role of soluble epoxide hydrolase and thioredoxin reductase.
AB  - Benzo(a)pyrene [B(a)P] is known to alter lung physiology by interfering in
      various intracellular pathways including alterations in NF-kappaB activities,
      cytokine release and cell survival. NF-kappaB suppression/activation plays a
      major role in cell survival status. Present investigation deals with such kind of
      effects of B(a)P on lungs in relation with soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) and
      thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) activities. Glycyrrhizic acid (GA), an active
      principle of Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice), is known to modulate various
      molecular processes. In the present study, we investigated the protective effects
      of GA against B(a)P induced debilities in lungs of Wistar rats. Intratracheal
      instillation of B(a)P significantly suppressed NF-kappaB translocation, sEH, TrxR
      and catalase activities in lung tissue. A marked induction of H(2)O(2) levels
      along with caspases activation (caspases-2, -3, -6, -8, and -9) in lung tissue
      after B(a)P exposure was observed. Lung injury was assessed by measuring lactate
      dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total cell count, total protein,
      neutrophil elastase activity in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Reduction in
      phospholipid content further potentiated these parameters. GA oral administration
      (50 and 100mg/kg b.wt.) significantly showed protection of lung epithelium by
      suppression of caspases activities in lung tissue and reduction of total protein,
      total cells, elastase activity, LDH and ALP activities along with fortification
      of phospholipids in BALF. Histological observations also confirm the findings in
      above mentioned parameters. Results indicate a strong correlation between
      amelioration of sEH and TrxR activities, and NF-kappaB activation. The present
      investigation gives an insight into probable mechanisms of lung injuries induced
      by short term exposures of B(a)P and prevention by glycyrrhizic acid.

PMID- 22051201
TI  - The lived experience of a foot burn injury from the perspective of seven
      Jordanians with diabetes: a hermeneutic phenomenological study.
AB  - Poor vision and poor pain sensation expose sufferers of diabetes to foot burn
      injuries. A phenomenological approach was used to illuminate the lived experience
      of those with diabetes who sustained foot burn injuries. Face-to-face
      unstructured interviews were conducted with seven patients recruited from health
      care facilities throughout Jordan. The interviews were digitally recorded,
      transcribed verbatim into Arabic, checked for accuracy and then analysed using
      thematic analysis. Our study highlights that household appliances are a major
      cause of foot burn injuries among the studied population and that culturally
      specific risk factors predispose Jordanians with diabetes to foot burn injuries,
      namely ablution for males and cooking activities for females. Participants sought
      health care when home remedies failed. Inconsistent management practices were
      identified among health care providers. Culturally specific health education
      programs should be made to raise patients' awareness towards avoiding possible
      risks at home.

PMID- 22051200
TI  - Multiple point action mechanism of valproic acid-teratogenicity alleviated by
      folic acid, vitamin C, and N-acetylcysteine in chicken embryo model.
AB  - The teratogenicity of antiepilepsy drug valproic acid (VPA) mostly is found in
      genetic and somatic levels, causing teratogenesis involving neurotubular defects
      (NTDs), anencephaly, lumbosacral meningomyelocele, and leg dysfunction due to
      spina bifida aperta. A diversity of nutraceutics have been tried to alleviate the
      risk of VPA-teratogenicity. The effect was varying. In order to promote the
      preventive prescription, to find out its action mechanism can be rather crucial.
      We used chicken embryo model to try the effect of folic acid (FA), ascorbic acid
      (AA), and N-acetyl cysteine (NAC). VPA at 30mM showed the higher malformation
      rate (66.7%) with the least mortality (22.2%). Pathological findings indicated
      that the cervical muscle was more susceptible to VPA injury than the ankle
      muscle. VPA downregulated levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione
      (GSH), histone deacetylase (HDAC) and folate, and upregulated H(2)O(2) and
      homocysteine. FA, AA, and NAC significantly upregulated SOD, but only AA alone
      activated GSH. AA and NAC downregulated H(2)O(2), while FA was totally
      ineffective. All three nutraceutics comparably rescued HDAC with simultaneously
      suppressed homocysteine accumulation and folate re-elevation, although less
      effectively by NAC. Based on these data, we conclude VPA possesses "Multiple
      Point Action Mechanism". In addition to affecting the cited transcription and
      translation levels, we hypothesize that VPA competitively antagonize the glutamic
      acid to couple with pteroic acid in biosynthesis of dihydrofolic acid (DHFA).
      H(2)O(2) directly destroyed the NADPH reducing system at dihydrofolate reductase
      (DHFR) and methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) levels, while completely
      restored by AA, an implication in preservation of intact apoenzymes. In addition,
      the GSH-GSSG system is sandwiched between the reducing systems NADPH/NADP and DHA
      AA, its net balance is highly dependent on in situ in vivo Redox state, hence
      folic acid transformation is varying. To rescue the VPA-induced teratogenicity,
      simultaneous multiple prescriptions are suggested.

PMID- 22051202
TI  - Trends in alcohol use among women with and without myocardial infarction in the
      United States: 1997-2008.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study examined the frequency and temporal trends of alcohol use
      among women with and without myocardial infarction (MI) in the United States.
      METHOD: We pooled yearly surveys from the nationally representative Behavioral
      Risk Factor Surveillance System between 1997 and 2008. Subjects for this study
      were 1,186,951 women, of whom 50,055 had a previous MI. Yearly weighted
      prevalence rates and frequencies of drinking behaviors were calculated for
      alcohol use in women with and without previous MI. RESULTS: Fewer post-MI women
      consumed alcohol than other women (24% vs. 46%), but the prevalence of drinking
      increased over time in both groups. Nearly one third of post-MI women and half of
      all women consumed more than one drink per day. Heavy episodic drinking (four or
      more drinks per day) increased over time in both groups. After multivariable
      adjustment, post-MI women were less likely to report any drinking or consuming
      more than one drink per day, but the prevalence of heavy episodic drinking and
      the increasing trends over time were similar in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Heavy
      alcohol use and heavy episodic drinking among women in the United States
      increased over the past decade, regardless of MI history. Although this may have
      reflected the influence of national guidelines on alcohol consumption, the
      increase in heavy episodic drinking suggests that better efforts to educate
      clinicians and women about the harms from excessive alcohol are required.

PMID- 22051203
TI  - Heavy alcohol use and premature death from hepatocellular carcinoma in the United
      States, 1999-2006.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The incidence rate of hepatocellular carcinoma has been rising in the
      United States during the last 2 decades. Heavy alcohol use has been widely
      recognized as one of the major etiological factors of hepatocellular carcinoma.
      This study sought to assess the extent to which heavy alcohol use contributed to
      premature death from hepatocellular carcinoma on a population scale in the United
      States. METHOD: We analyzed the Multiple Cause of Death public-use data sets.
      Using codes from the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision,
      hepatocellular carcinoma death was defined based on the underlying cause of
      death, and heavy alcohol use was indicated by the presence of any alcohol-induced
      medical conditions among the contributing causes of death. During 1999-2006 in
      the United States, 51,400 hepatocellular carcinoma deaths were identified from
      17,727,245 natural deaths of persons age 25 or older. We conducted Poisson
      regression, life table, and multiple linear regression analyses to compare
      prevalence ratios, cumulative probabilities, and mean ages of death,
      respectively, from hepatocellular carcinoma by heavy alcohol use status across
      sex and race/ethnicity. RESULTS: Heavy alcohol use decedents had higher
      prevalence ratios of dying from hepatocellular carcinoma than from non-chronic
      liver diseases compared with those decedents without heavy alcohol use. Heavy
      alcohol use was associated with decreased mean ages and increased cumulative
      probabilities of death among hepatocellular carcinoma decedents across
      racial/ethnic groups in both sexes. This association was stronger among women
      than men and stronger among non-Hispanic Whites than non-Hispanic Blacks.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study provides mortality-based empirical evidence to further
      establish heavy alcohol consumption as one of the key risk factors contributing
      to premature deaths from hepatocellular carcinoma in the United States, and its
      effect appears more prominent among women and non-Hispanic Whites.

PMID- 22051205
TI  - Are changes in financial strain associated with changes in alcohol use and
      smoking among older adults?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess whether changes in levels of financial
      strain are associated with changes in alcohol use and smoking among older adults.
      METHOD: Multilevel analyses were conducted using longitudinal data from a
      randomly selected national sample of older adults (N = 2,352; 60% female). The
      data were collected in six waves during the period of 1992-2006. We estimated
      associations between within-person changes in levels of financial strain and the
      odds of engaging in heavy drinking and smoking, while also testing for the
      moderating effects of gender, education, and age. RESULTS: A direct association
      was observed between changes in levels of financial strain and the odds of heavy
      drinking, particularly among elderly men (odds ratio [OR] = 1.31) and those with
      low levels of education (OR = 1.27). A direct association between changes in
      levels of financial strain and the odds of smoking was also evident, particularly
      among the young-old (i.e., age 65 at baseline; OR = 1.44). CONCLUSIONS: Exposure
      to financial strain places some groups of older adults at increased risk for
      unhealthy drinking and smoking. If the current global financial crisis leads to
      increases in experiences of financial strain among older adults, alcohol and
      smoking problems can also be expected to increase in this population.

PMID- 22051204
TI  - Proposed model of the neurobiological mechanisms underlying psychosocial alcohol
      interventions: the example of motivational interviewing.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Despite the prevalence and profound consequences of alcohol use
      disorders, psychosocial alcohol interventions have widely varying outcomes. The
      range of behavior following psychosocial alcohol treatment indicates the need to
      gain a better understanding of active ingredients and how they may operate.
      Although this is an area of great interest, at this time there is a limited
      understanding of how in-session behaviors may catalyze changes in the brain and
      subsequent alcohol use behavior. Thus, in this review, we aim to identify the
      neurobiological routes through which psychosocial alcohol interventions may lead
      to post-session behavior change as well as offer an approach to conceptualize and
      evaluate these translational relationships. METHOD: PubMed and PsycINFO searches
      identified studies that successfully integrated functional magnetic resonance
      imaging and psychosocial interventions. RESULTS: Based on this research, we
      identified potential neurobiological substrates through which behavioral alcohol
      interventions may initiate and sustain behavior change. In addition, we proposed
      a testable model linking within-session active ingredients to outside-of-session
      behavior change. CONCLUSIONS: Through this review, we present a testable
      translational model. Additionally, we illustrate how the proposed model can help
      facilitate empirical evaluations of psychotherapeutic factors and their
      underlying neural mechanisms, both in the context of motivational interviewing
      and in the treatment of alcohol use disorders.

PMID- 22051206
TI  - Anger, hostility, and aggression as predictors of persistent smoking during
      pregnancy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We examined the role of anger, hostility, and aggression, in addition
      to depression and stress, in predicting persistent smoking during pregnancy in a
      low-income sample. METHOD: The sample consisted of 270 pregnant women (189
      smokers, 81 nonsmokers) recruited into a prospective study of prenatal cigarette
      exposure in the first trimester. Persistent pregnancy smoking was defined as self
      reporting daily smoking in at least two trimesters, a positive salivary cotinine
      level in at least two trimesters, or infant meconium positive for nicotine and/
      or its metabolites. RESULTS: Persistent smokers reported higher prenatal stress
      and negative affect symptoms (depression, anger, hostility, aggression) than
      nonpersistent smokers or nonsmokers. However, in the context of model testing,
      maternal anger, hostility, and aggression each accounted for unique variance in
      persistent smoking, whereas symptoms of depression and stress did not.
      CONCLUSIONS: To date, interventions for pregnant low-income smokers have been
      largely ineffective. The current results suggest that anger management
      interventions may be particularly effective for low-income persistent pregnant
      smokers and may be more likely to prevent relapse than depression-focused
      interventions.

PMID- 22051207
TI  - Test of a conceptual model of partner aggression among women entering substance
      use disorder treatment.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Despite extensive intimate partner violence (IPV) among women in
      substance use disorder treatment, few studies have investigated IPV risk factors
      within this population. Conceptual models, which have received support in other
      populations, propose that antisociality and generalized violence, alcohol and
      drug use, and relationship adjustment may be interrelated pathways that influence
      IPV. The purpose of this study was to test a conceptual model that integrates
      these individual and relationship pathways to explain IPV among women entering
      substance use disorder treatment. METHOD: Women entering substance use disorder
      treatment (N = 277) who had a male relationship partner completed measures of the
      following domains about themselves and their male partners:
      antisociality/generalized violence, heavy alcohol use, drug use, relationship
      adjustment, and psychological and physical IPV. RESULTS: Structural equation
      modeling analyses showed that the antisociality/generalized violence of each
      partner had direct and indirect effects on IPV. Each partner's
      antisociality/generalized violence was directly related to her or his physical
      IPV. Female antisociality/ generalized violence was indirectly related to female
      physical IPV via female drug use and female psychological IPV. Male
      antisociality/generalized violence was indirectly associated with male physical
      IPV via male drinking, relationship adjustment, and male psychological IPV. A
      reciprocal relationship was found between partners' psychological IPV but not
      physical IPV. When accounting for other individual and relational IPV predictors,
      male partners' physical IPV influenced women's physical IPV, but women's physical
      IPV did not influence their male partner's physical IPV. CONCLUSIONS: Both
      partners' antisociality/generalized violence, substance use, and overall
      relationship adjustment are important in understanding IPV among women entering
      substance use disorder treatment.

PMID- 22051208
TI  - Acute modafinil effects on attention and inhibitory control in methamphetamine
      dependent humans.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Individuals who are methamphetamine dependent exhibit higher rates of
      cognitive dysfunction than healthy people who do not use methamphetamine, and
      this dysfunction may have a negative effect on the success of behavioral
      treatments for the disorder. Therefore, a medication that improves cognition,
      such as modafinil (Provigil), may serve as a useful adjunct to behavioral
      treatments for methamphetamine dependence. Although cognitive-enhancing effects
      of modafinil have been reported in several populations, little is known about the
      effects of modafinil in methamphetamine-dependent individuals. We thus sought to
      evaluate the effects of modafinil on the cognitive performance of methamphetamine
      dependent and healthy individuals. METHOD: Seventeen healthy subjects and 24
      methamphetamine- dependent subjects participated in this randomized, double
      blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. Effects of modafinil (200 mg, single
      oral dose) were assessed on participants' performance on tests of inhibitory
      control, working memory, and processing speed/attention. RESULTS: Across
      subjects, modafinil improved performance on a test of sustained attention, with
      no significant improvement on any other cognitive tests. However, within the
      methamphetamine-dependent group only, participants with a high baseline frequency
      of methamphetamine use demonstrated a greater effect of modafinil on tests of
      inhibitory control and processing speed than those participants with low baseline
      use of methamphetamine. CONCLUSIONS: Although modafinil produced limited effects
      across all participants, methamphetamine-dependent participants with a high
      baseline use of methamphetamine demonstrated significant cognitive improvement on
      modafinil relative to those with low baseline methamphetamine use. These results
      add to the findings from a clinical trial that suggested that modafinil may be
      particularly useful in methamphetamine-dependent subjects who use the drug
      frequently.

PMID- 22051209
TI  - Methamphetamine-using parents: the relationship between parental role strain and
      depressive symptoms.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The methamphetamine epidemic in the United States involves a large
      number of men and women with dependent-age children. However, we know little
      about the parenting strains experienced by methamphetamine-using mothers and
      fathers and the relationship of these parenting strains to mental health
      outcomes, specifically depressive symptoms. METHOD: The primary goal of this
      study was to examine five dimensions of parental role strain in relation to
      depressive symptoms in a sample of 180 methamphetamine-using parents of dependent
      age children in San Diego, CA. Dimensions of parental role strain included child
      emotional and behavioral problems, child physical health problems, child-related
      financial strain, interpersonal conflict involving children, and intrapsychic
      strain related to children. RESULTS: Methamphetamineusing mothers reported
      significantly more child-related emotional and behavioral problems compared with
      methamphetamine-using fathers (7.9 vs. 6.8; t = 2.5, p < .05). In multiple
      regression analysis, higher Beck depression scores were associated with being a
      mother (beta = .186, p < .05), having more children younger than 18 years old
      (beta = .165, p < .05), less emotional support (beta = -.230, p < .01), and
      higher scores on intrapsychic parental role strain related to children (beta =
      .288, p < .01). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest the importance of considering
      the multidimensional nature of parenting strain in the development of drug
      treatment and counseling programs for methamphetamine-using parents.

PMID- 22051210
TI  - The role of academic motivation in high school students' current and lifetime
      alcohol consumption: adopting a self-determination theory perspective.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The current study investigated the relationship between different
      types of academic motives-specifically, intrinsic motivation, introjected
      regulation, and external regulation-and high school students' current and
      lifetime alcohol consumption. METHOD: One thousand sixty-seven high school
      students completed measures of academic motivation, other school-related factors,
      and lifetime and current alcohol consumption. RESULTS: Using structural equation
      modeling, different types of motivation and school-related factors were
      differentially related to student drinking. Specifically, intrinsic motivation
      was negatively related to lifetime and current alcohol consumption. External
      regulation, on the other hand, was positively associated with current drinking.
      Grade point average was the only school-related factor related to student alcohol
      use. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that motivation is an important
      construct to consider in predicting students' alcohol use, even when other more
      commonly studied educational variables are considered. In addition, it supports
      the adoption of a motivation framework that considers different types of
      motivation in understanding the relationship between academic motivation and
      alcohol use. Suggestions for incorporating the self-determination model of
      motivation into studies of alcohol and substance use, as well as potential
      impacts on intervention efforts, are discussed. In particular, it may be
      important to foster only certain types of motivation, rather than all types of
      academically-focused motives, in efforts to deter alcohol use.

PMID- 22051211
TI  - Progression to problem drinking among Mexican American and White European first
      year college students: a multiple group analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Problem drinking during college is a well-known phenomenon. However,
      predictors of progression to problematic drinking, particularly among ethnic
      minorities such as Mexican Americans, have received limited research attention.
      METHOD: The current study compared the rates and predictors of problem drinking
      progression from the first to the second year of college among four groups:
      Mexican American men, Mexican American women, White European men, and White
      European women (N = 215). At baseline, participants were all first-year college
      students who scored as nonproblem drinkers on the Young Adult Alcohol Problems
      Screening Test (YAAPST). Participants were classified as progressors or stable
      nondrinkers/nonproblem drinkers based on YAAPST scores 12 months later.
      Hypothesized predictors of progression included behavioral undercontrol, negative
      emotionality, alcohol use expectancies, and cultural orientation (Mexican
      American sample only). Differences were anticipated between gender and ethnic
      groups in both progression rates and predictors of progression. RESULTS: Twenty
      nine percent of the sample progressed to problematic drinking; however, no
      differences emerged by gender or ethnicity. For the full sample, higher
      behavioral undercontrol and higher negative emotionality significantly predicted
      progression. Differences in predictors were not found across gender and ethnic
      subgroups. CONCLUSIONS: The hypothesis that rates of progression to problem
      drinking would differ among the four gender and ethnic groups was not supported.
      Thus, although White European men are most often identified as at high risk for
      alcohol use problems, the present findings indicate that women and Mexican
      American students also should be targeted for prevention and/or intervention.

PMID- 22051212
TI  - Modeling the severity of drinking consequences in first-year college women: an
      item response theory analysis of the Rutgers Alcohol Problem Index.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The present study examined the latent continuum of alcohol-related
      negative consequences among first-year college women using methods from item
      response theory and classical test theory. METHOD: Participants (N = 315) were
      college women in their freshman year who reported consuming any alcohol in the
      past 90 days and who completed assessments of alcohol consumption and alcohol
      related negative consequences using the Rutgers Alcohol Problem Index. RESULTS:
      Item response theory analyses showed poor model fit for five items identified in
      the Rutgers Alcohol Problem Index. Two-parameter item response theory logistic
      models were applied to the remaining 18 items to examine estimates of item
      difficulty (i.e., severity) and discrimination parameters. The item difficulty
      parameters ranged from 0.591 to 2.031, and the discrimination parameters ranged
      from 0.321 to 2.371. Classical test theory analyses indicated that the omission
      of the five misfit items did not significantly alter the psychometric properties
      of the construct. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that those consequences that had
      greater severity and discrimination parameters may be used as screening items to
      identify female problem drinkers at risk for an alcohol use disorder.

PMID- 22051213
TI  - Drinking motives mediate the relationship between reinforcing efficacy and
      alcohol consumption and problems.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Several studies have shown that demand curve indices of the
      reinforcing efficacy of alcohol (i.e., reports of hypothetical alcohol
      consumption and expenditures across a range of drink prices) are associated with
      alcohol-related outcomes. A next logical step in this area of research is to
      examine potential mediators of this direct relationship. It is possible that
      enhancement and coping drinking motives serve as an intermediary of the
      reinforcing efficacy-alcohol use relationship, such that higher reinforcing
      efficacy is associated with increased motivation to drink, which is then
      associated with greater alcohol use and problems. METHOD: Data were collected
      from 215 college undergraduates who reported drinking in the past 30 days.
      RESULTS: The demand curve reinforcing efficacy indices O(max) (maximum alcohol
      expenditure) and intensity (consumption level when drinks were free) demonstrated
      the strongest and most consistent associations with alcohol use, problems, and
      motives. Results from two structural equation models indicated that enhancement
      and coping motives mediated the relationship between reinforcing efficacy and
      alcohol use and alcohol-related problems. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that
      the motivational effects of the behavioral economic variable reinforcing efficacy
      on problematic alcohol use are in part mediated by increases in enhancement and
      coping motives for drinking.

PMID- 22051214
TI  - Influence of religiosity on 12-step participation and treatment response among
      substance-dependent adolescents.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Religious practices among adults are associated with more 12-step
      participation which, in turn, is linked to better treatment outcomes. Despite
      recommendations for adolescents to participate in mutual-help groups, little is
      known about how religious practices influence youth 12-step engagement and
      outcomes. This study examined the relationships among lifetime religiosity,
      during-treatment 12-step participation, and outcomes among adolescents, and
      tested whether any observed beneficial relation between higher religiosity and
      outcome could be explained by increased 12-step participation. METHOD:
      Adolescents (n = 195; 52% female, ages 14-18) court-referred to a 2-month
      residential treatment were assessed at intake and discharge. Lifetime religiosity
      was assessed with the Religious Background and Behaviors Questionnaire; 12-step
      assessments measured meeting attendance, step work (General Alcoholics Anonymous
      Tools of Recovery), and Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)/Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
      related helping. Substance-related outcomes and psychosocial outcomes were
      assessed with toxicology screens, the Adolescent-Obsessive Compulsive Drinking
      Scale, the Children's Global Assessment Scale, and the Narcissistic Personality
      Inventory. RESULTS: Greater lifetime formal religious practices at intake were
      associated with increased step work and AA/NA-related helping during treatment,
      which in turn were linked to improved substance outcomes, global functioning, and
      reduced narcissistic entitlement. Increased step work mediated the effect of
      religious practices on increased abstinence, whereas AA/NA-related helping
      mediated the effect of religiosity on reduced craving and entitlement.
      CONCLUSIONS: Findings extend the evidence for the protective effects of lifetime
      religious behaviors to an improved treatment response among adolescents and
      provide preliminary support for the 12-step proposition that helping others in
      recovery may lead to better outcomes. Youth with low or no lifetime religious
      practices may assimilate less well into 12-step-oriented treatment and may need
      additional 12-step facilitation, or a different approach, to enhance treatment
      response.

PMID- 22051215
TI  - Adherence monitoring in naltrexone pharmacotherapy trials: a systematic review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The efficacy of naltrexone (Revia, Vivitrol) for the treatment of
      alcohol dependence exhibits a high degree of heterogeneity. The aim of the
      current study was to evaluate the extent to which variability in patient
      adherence to treatment contributed to the range of clinical responses observed
      during naltrexone treatment. METHOD: A systematic review was conducted of
      efficacy trials of naltrexone for the treatment of alcohol dependence to evaluate
      the level of adherence monitoring. RESULTS: Of 49 identified trials, 22 (49%) met
      the inclusion criteria of being randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled
      trials that reported adherence. The "adherence-assurance score" of these trials
      was calculated as a function of the frequency with which "low," "moderate," or
      "high" confidence levels of adherence monitoring were used. Of these 22
      randomized, controlled trials, only 3 (14%) met criteria for high levels of
      adherence assurance, 5 (23%) met medium adherenceassurance criteria, and 14 (64%)
      met low adherence criteria. Of the three high-assurance studies, one used direct
      supervision of thrice-weekly oral dosing of naltrexone, and two used extended
      release injectable formulations of naltrexone administered once per month. The
      Spearman correlation between risk ratios for return to heavy drinking (for
      naltrexone vs. placebo) and the level of adherence assurance (low vs. medium vs.
      high) was significant (r = -.62, p = .025). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest
      that the modest effect sizes for naltrexone reported in systematic reviews and
      meta-analyses may be attributable, at least in part, to variability in naltrexone
      adherence rates. High-assurance adherence strategies should be standard practice
      in clinical trials of medications being evaluated for the treatment of alcohol
      dependence.

PMID- 22051216
TI  - Vulnerability to the rapid ("telescoped") development of alcohol dependence in
      individuals with anxiety disorder.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The frequent co-occurrence of alcohol dependence and anxiety disorder
      is a long-standing clinical conundrum. An underdeveloped perspective on this
      issue concerns the impact of a co-occurring anxiety disorder on the sequence and
      developmental course of alcohol-related milestones. Extrapolating from the body
      of basic science indicating overlap in the neurobiological processes associated
      with both anxiety disorder and alcohol dependence-particularly those involving
      the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and elements of the amygdala- we
      hypothesized that anxiety-disordered individuals are vulnerable to the rapid
      development of alcohol dependence. Specifically, we predicted that the time from
      pre-dependence alcohol milestones (e.g., age at which regular drinking began) to
      post-dependence alcohol milestones would be briefer ("telescoped") among those
      with an anxiety disorder. METHOD: Seventy-eight individuals with alcohol
      dependence who had recently begun a chemical dependency treatment program
      underwent a diagnostic interview to determine the presence of current anxiety
      disorders and to establish the age at which several alcohol use and dependence
      milestones were first achieved. RESULTS: We found that, compared with others in
      the sample, anxiety-disordered individuals transitioned significantly more
      quickly from the time they first began drinking regularly and first began getting
      drunk regularly to the onset of alcohol dependence, as well as from most pre
      dependence alcohol milestones to the point at which their alcohol dependence was
      most severe. CONCLUSIONS: Individuals with anxiety disorders transition from
      regular drinking to alcohol dependence more rapidly than do individuals without
      anxiety disorders. These findings contribute to an improved understanding of the
      etiology of comorbidity and suggest novel directions for future research.

PMID- 22051217
TI  - Behavioral approach system moderates the prospective association between the
      behavioral inhibition system and alcohol outcomes in college students.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Reinforcement sensitivity theory (RST) is a useful framework for
      understanding alcohol use, including problematic drinking among college students.
      Although the link between the behavioral approach system (BAS) and drinking is
      well established, the role of the behavioral inhibition system (BIS) is less well
      studied, and findings have been mixed. Consistent with RST, the relationship
      between BIS and problematic drinking may be moderated by BAS, but tests of the
      BIS * BAS interaction have been scarce. We hypothesized that high BIS would be a
      risk factor for subsequent problematic drinking in combination with an elevated
      BAS, whereas BIS would protect against subsequent problematic drinking in the
      context of low levels of BAS. METHOD: College student drinkers (N = 638; 66%
      women) at two universities completed online measures of BIS, BAS, alcohol use,
      and alcohol problems at matriculation (Time 1 [T1]) and again 1 year later (Time
      2 [T2]). RESULTS: Regression analyses of alcohol use and problems were performed
      with BIS, BAS, and the BIS * BAS interaction as predictors. The interaction was
      not statistically significant in cross-sectional models (T1 alcohol outcomes),
      but it was a significant prospective predictor of T2 alcohol use (marginal) and
      T2 alcohol problems. Simple slopes analyses revealed that BIS was a positive
      predictor of T2 alcohol use and problems at high but not low levels of BAS,
      albeit this effect was less reliable for use. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings enhance
      interpretation of RST, demonstrating a complex link between BIS and problematic
      drinking risk, one that is moderated by BAS. The prospective nature of these
      associations suggests that, together, BIS and BAS may promote increases in
      problematic drinking over time, highlighting the need for targeted interventions
      during the first year of college.

PMID- 22051218
TI  - Brief report of a test of differential alcohol risk using sibling attributions of
      paternal alcoholism.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Parental alcoholism is generally found to be a strong predictor of
      alcohol misuse. Although the majority of siblings agree on the presence of
      parental alcohol issues, there is a significant minority who do not. METHOD: The
      current study analyzed sibling data from the 1979 National Longitudinal Survey of
      Youth using multilevel modeling, which accounts for the nested structure of the
      data. These analyses permitted a test of whether (a) identifying one's father as
      an alcoholic predicted greater risk of alcohol problems, (b) being from a family
      whose siblings did not all agree on the presence of paternal alcoholism increased
      the likelihood of alcohol problems, and (c) risk of alcohol misuse significantly
      differed among individuals from families in which there was familial disagreement
      about paternal alcoholism. RESULTS: Results show that individuals who identified
      their father as an alcoholic were themselves more likely to have alcohol issues
      as compared with individuals both within and between families who did not
      identify their father as an alcoholic. Risk was similar for individuals in
      families in which there was disagreement about paternal alcoholism compared with
      individuals from families in which everyone agreed on the presence of paternal
      alcoholism. Moreover, there was not a significant interaction between paternal
      alcoholism attributions and familial disagreement. CONCLUSIONS: Findings indicate
      that in the case of child reports of paternal alcoholism, the increased risk of
      alcohol problems holds true regardless of the accuracy of an individual's
      assessment. These results may be not only because of the impact of paternal
      alcoholism on a person's alcohol misuse but also because of a person's alcohol
      problems potentially influencing his or her perceptions of familial alcohol
      related behaviors.

PMID- 22051219
TI  - Social network characteristics and heavy episodic drinking among women at risk
      for HIV/sexually transmitted infections.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Social networks can either negatively or positively influence a
      variety of behaviors, including alcohol use. This study examined social network
      characteristics that are risk factors for and protective factors against heavy
      episodic drinking among a sample of women at risk for HIV/sexually transmitted
      infections. METHOD: This was a cross-sectional study using baseline data from 567
      impoverished women participating in an HIV prevention study in Baltimore, MD.
      Data were collected through face-to-face interviews at a community-based research
      clinic. Heavy episodic drinking was defined as six or more drinks per drinking
      episode on at least a weekly basis. We examined network characteristics,
      including structure and function and their association with heavy episodic
      drinking. Multivariate logistic regression was used, adjusting for individual
      level factors, such as drug use, demographics, and depression. RESULTS:
      Approximately 21% of the sample engaged in heavy episodic drinking at least
      weekly. Controlling for individual-level factors, women who engaged in heavy
      episodic drinking had fewer social network members (a) who were in drug
      treatment, adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.65, 95% CI [0.49, 0.88]; (b) who were
      employed, AOR = 0.89, 95% CI [0.79, 0.99]; and (c) with whom the participant
      socialized, AOR = 0.74, 95% CI [0.63, 0.96]. Women who engaged in heavy episodic
      drinking had a significantly higher number of social network members with whom
      they drank alcohol, AOR = 1.71, 95% CI [1.43, 2.03]. CONCLUSIONS: Social network
      characteristics are both protective and risk factors for heavy episodic drinking
      among women. Interpersonal interventions, such as peer education, may be a useful
      strategy to decrease heavy episodic drinking and its subsequent outcomes among
      women.

PMID- 22051220
TI  - Determining specific competencies for General Internal Medicine residents (PGY 4
      and PGY 5). What are they and are programs currently teaching them? A survey of
      practicing Canadian General Internists.
AB  - BACKGROUND: General Internal Medicine (GIM) has recently been approved as a
      subspecialty by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada. As such,
      there is a need to define areas of knowledge that a General Internist must learn
      in those two years of training. There is limited literature as to what
      competencies are needed in a GIM practice. Draft competencies for GIM (4th and
      5th year residents in internal medicine) training were developed over eight years
      with input from many stakeholders. Practicing General Internists were surveyed
      and asked their perspective as to the level of importance of each of these
      competencies for GIM training. They were also asked if training gaps exist in
      current training programs. The survey was offered widely online in both English
      and French to gain perspectives from as many different contexts as possible.
      RESULTS: 157 General Internists, in practice on average for 15 years, responded
      from all of Canada's provinces and territories. Practice profiles were diverse
      (large urban centers to rural centers). The majority of the competencies surveyed
      were perceived as important to attain at least proficiency in. Perioperative
      care, risk reduction, and the management of common, emergent, and complex
      internal medicine problems were identified as key areas to focus training
      programs on, with respondents perceiving these should be mastered to an expert
      level. Training gaps were identified, most frequently in that of the manager role
      (example managing practice). CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study we are aware of
      to attempt to isolate the opinions of practicing Canadian General Internists as
      to the major competencies that should be mastered as a General Internist. We
      suggest that "generalism" in the context of GIM, does not mean a bit of knowledge
      about everything but that defined objectives for training in this 'newest' of
      Royal College subspecialties can be identified. This includes mastery of core
      areas such as perioperative care, risk reduction, and management of common,
      emergent and multiple internal medicine problems. The training gaps identified
      need to be addressed to ensure that General Internists continue to provide
      excellence in health care delivery.

PMID- 22051221
TI  - Characterization of the normal dark adaptation curve of the horse.
AB  - OBJECTIVE:   The goal of this work is to study the dark adaptation curve of the
      normal horse electroretinogram (ERG). PROCEDURES:   The electroretinographic
      responses were recorded from six healthy female ponies using a contact lens
      electrode and a mini-Ganzfeld electroretinographic unit. The horses were sedated
      intravenously with detomidine, an auriculopalpebral nerve block was then
      performed, and the pupil was fully dilated. The ERG was recorded in response to a
      low intensity light stimulus (30 mcd.s/m(2) ) that was given at times (T) T = 5,
      10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, 50, and 60 min of dark adaptation. Off-line analysis of
      the ERG was then performed. RESULTS:   Mean b-wave amplitude of the full-field
      ERG increased continuously from 5 to 25 min of dark adaptation. The b-wave
      amplitude peaked at T = 25, however, there was no statistical significance
      between T = 20 and T = 25. The b-wave amplitude then remained elevated with no
      significant changes until the end of the study at T = 60 (P > 0.49). The b-wave
      implicit time increased continuously between T = 5 and T = 20, then gradually
      decreased until T = 60. No distinct a-wave was observed during the testing time.
      CONCLUSIONS:   Evaluation of horse rod function or combined rod/cone function by
      means of full-field ERG should be performed after a minimum 20 min of dark
      adaptation.

PMID- 22051222
TI  - The incidence of experimental smoking in school children: an 8-year follow-up of
      the child and adolescent behaviors in long-term evolution (CABLE) study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Studies have established that most regular adult smokers become
      addicted in their adolescent years. We investigated the incidence of and risk
      factors associated with initial experimental smoking among a group of school
      children who were followed for 8 years. METHODS: We used cohort data collected as
      part of the Child and Adolescent Behaviors in Long-term Evolution (CABLE) study,
      which selected nine elementary schools each from an urban area (Taipei City) and
      a rural area (Hsingchu county) in northern Taiwan. From 2002 to 2008, children
      were asked annually whether they had smoked in the previous year. An accelerated
      lifetime model with Weibull distribution was used to examine the factors
      associated with experimental smoking. RESULTS: In 2001, 2686 4th-graders
      participated in the study. For each year from 2002 to 2008, their incidences of
      trial smoking were 3.1%, 4.0%, 2.8%, 6.0%, 5.3%, 5.0% and 6.0%, respectively.
      There was an increase from 7th to 8th grade (6.0%). Children who were males,
      lived in rural areas, came from single-parent families, had parents who smoked,
      and had peers who smoked were more likely to try smoking earlier. The influence
      of parents and peers on experimental smoking demonstrated gradient effects.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study used a cohort to examine incidence and multiple
      influences, including individual factors, familial factors, and community
      factors, on experimental smoking in adolescents. The findings fit the social
      ecological model, highlighting the influences of family and friends. School and
      community attachment were associated with experimental smoking in teenagers.

PMID- 22051224
TI  - The future of fMRI and genetics research.
AB  - I provide a brief and subjective view of where the field of imaging genetics is
      heading. After recapitulating early debates between imagers and geneticists
      revolving around the topic of candidate gene studies, I point out the importance
      of genome-wide significant, rare and common variants. I propose that the next
      stages will be dominated by large-scale multi-site studies that will enable the
      examination of rare-high penetrance variants and methodological developments that
      will be required to properly assess the effects of pleiotropy, epistasis, and
      gene-by environment interactions. The incorporation of new sources of biological
      information such as whole genome sequencing, proteomic, lipidomic and expression
      profiles and cellular models derived from induced pluripotent stem cells opens
      new vistas for imaging genetics in a translational enterprise that is ultimately
      hoped to improve and create therapeutic options for psychiatric disorders.

PMID- 22051223
TI  - Cross-correlation: an fMRI signal-processing strategy.
AB  - The discovery of functional MRI (fMRI), with the first papers appearing in 1992,
      gave rise to new categories of data that drove the development of new signal
      processing strategies. Workers in the field were confronted with image time
      courses, which could be reshuffled to form pixel time courses. The waveform in an
      active pixel time-course was determined not only by the task sequence but also by
      the hemodynamic response function. Reference waveforms could be cross-correlated
      with pixel time courses to form an array of cross-correlation coefficients. From
      this array of numbers, colorized images could be created and overlaid on
      anatomical images. An early paper from the authors' laboratory is extensively
      reviewed here (Bandettini et al., 1993. Magn. Reson. Med. 30:161-173). That work
      was carried out using the vocabulary of vector algebra. Cross-correlation
      methodology was central to the discovery of functional connectivity MRI (fcMRI)
      by Biswal et al. (1995. Magn. Reson. Med. 34:537-541). In this method, a whole
      volume time course of images is collected while the brain is nominally at rest
      and connectivity is studied by cross-correlation of pixel time courses.

PMID- 22051225
TI  - Characterization of cytokines associated with Th17 cells in the eyes of horses
      with recurrent uveitis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Equine recurrent uveitis (ERU) is a spontaneous disease that is the
      most common cause of blindness in horses, affecting up to 15% of the horse
      population. Th17 cells are a major cell population driving the pathogenesis in
      several mouse models of autoimmune inflammation, including experimental
      autoimmune uveitis. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role a Th17
      cell-mediated response plays in the pathogenesis of ERU. PROCEDURE: Banked,
      Davidson's-fixed equine globes histopathologically diagnosed with ERU (n = 7)
      were compared immunohistochemically with healthy control globes (n = 7).
      Immunohistochemical staining was performed using a pan-Leptospira antibody and
      antibodies against IL-6, IL-17, and IL-23. Additionally, immunostaining was
      performed for T-cell (CD3) and B-cell (CD79alpha) markers. Specificity of
      immunoreactivity was confirmed by western blot analysis. RESULTS:
      Immunohistochemical staining was positive for IL-6, IL-17, and IL-23 within the
      cytoplasm of nonpigmented ciliary epithelial cells and mononuclear inflammatory
      cells infiltrating the iris, and ciliary body of ERU horses (n = 7) but negative
      in controls (n = 7). ERU-affected eyes were CD3 positive (n = 7) and CD79alpha
      negative (n = 7). Staining for Leptospira was negative in all ERU and control
      globes. CONCLUSIONS: Strong immunoreactivity for IL-6, IL-17, and IL-23, in
      conjunction with the fact that T lymphocytes are the predominating inflammatory
      cells present in ERU, suggests that IL-17-secreting helper T-cells play a role in
      the pathogenesis of ERU. These findings suggest that horses with ERU may serve as
      a naturally occurring animal model for autoimmune uveitis.

PMID- 22051226
TI  - The challenge of informed consent for increased risk living donation and
      transplantation.
AB  - The Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) mandates that organ
      recipients provide "specific informed consent" before accepting organs that the
      OPTN defines as "increased risk". However, the OPTN does not provide specific
      guidelines for what information should be disclosed to potential recipients. Such
      vagueness opens the door to inadequate informed consent. This paper examines the
      ethical dimensions of informed consent when the prospective living donor has self
      reported behaviors associated with increased risk for infection transmission.
      Donor privacy is a primary ethical concern that conflicts with recipients'
      informed consent for use of increased risk organs. We propose that both the
      increased risk status and the specific behavior be disclosed to the recipient.
      Because the actual risk posed is linked to the type of risk behavior, disclosure
      is therefore needed to make an informed decision. The donor's risk behavior is
      material to recipients' decision making because it may impact the donor-recipient
      relationship. This relationship is the foundation of the donation and acceptance
      transaction, and thus comprises a critical feature of the recipient's informed
      consent. Optimizing a recipient's informed consent is essential to protecting
      patient safety and autonomy.

PMID- 22051227
TI  - Influence of index finger proximal interphalangeal joint arthrodesis on precision
      pinch kinematics.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the impact of proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint
      arthrodesis on the kinematics of precision pinch. METHODS: Eleven healthy
      subjects performed index finger-thumb pinch motions under 4 conditions:
      unrestricted thumb and index finger (CONTROL) and fusion of the PIP joint of the
      index finger in flexion of 30 degrees  (PIP30), 40 degrees  (PIP40), and 50
      degrees  (PIP50). Fusion was simulated with metallic splints. Kinematics of the
      thumb and index finger were recorded with a motion capture system. RESULTS:
      Proximal interphalangeal joint fusion at 30 degrees , 40 degrees , and 50 degrees
      restricted maximal pinch span between the thumb tip and index finger tip by 6%,
      10%, and 14%, respectively. At the time of pulp contact, PIP fusion led to an
      increase in index metacarpophalangeal joint flexion angle for the PIP30 condition
      and an increase in variability of thumb tip location for the PIP50 condition.
      Furthermore, the dynamic coordination between joint angles throughout the
      movement was affected by PIP fusion. CONCLUSIONS: This study reports impairment
      in the kinematics of precision pinch associated with index finger PIP joint
      fusion. A PIP joint fusion at 40 degrees  to 50 degrees  leads to a more natural
      precision pinch posture, but it restricts the aperture and reduces pinch
      precision.

PMID- 22051228
TI  - Lunate fractures in the face of a perilunate injury: an uncommon and easily
      missed injury pattern.
AB  - Lunate fractures are rare and are usually associated with high-energy trauma.
      Typically, they are described in isolation or with associated carpal injuries
      such as scaphoid, capitate, or radial styloid fractures. We report a case of a
      complex lunate fracture in combination with a perilunate dissociation injury.

PMID- 22051229
TI  - Open reduction internal fixation versus percutaneous pinning with external
      fixation of distal radius fractures: a prospective, randomized clinical trial.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this randomized clinical trial was to investigate the
      functional outcomes of the surgical treatment of distal radius fractures,
      comparing treatment by external fixation and percutaneous pinning to open
      reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) using a plate. METHODS: We randomized 53
      patients with distal radius fractures that failed closed reduction and casting to
      ORIF (n = 27) or external fixation (n = 26). For pragmatic reasons, the choice of
      ORIF was left to the surgeon's discretion (early recruitment, dorsal plates [n =
      9]; later recruitment, volar locked plates [n = 18]). Outcomes were measured
      before surgery, at 6 weeks, and at 3, 6, and 12 months and included the Patient
      Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE); Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand; range
      of motion; grip strength; and serial radiographic analysis. Generalized linear
      modeling using repeated measures was used to identify differences in outcome
      scores between fixation types over time. Other continuous variables were analyzed
      using the Student t-test or one-way analysis of variance for multiple groups.
      RESULTS: There were no differences in the demographic characteristics or fracture
      severity between groups. Based on generalized linear modeling, on average, the
      ORIF group scored 11 points lower on the PRWE across all time points compared to
      the external fixation group. The PRWE detected higher pain and disability with
      external fixation before surgery, at 6 weeks, and at 3 months. Using generalized
      linear modeling, a post hoc subgroup analysis identified significantly better (15
      point advantage) PRWE scores averaged across all time points with volar locking
      plates compared to both external fixation and dorsal plating. CONCLUSIONS: The
      PRWE scores were significantly lower for patients treated with ORIF compared to
      those with external fixation, with the best outcomes observed with volar locking
      plates. These advantages were observed in the early postoperative period, and
      overall scores equalized at 1 year. A higher mean initial preoperative PRWE score
      was seen with external fixation, perhaps indicating a more severe initial injury.
      Given this difference, the interpretation of these results is not clear.

PMID- 22051230
TI  - Osseous and ligamentous scaphoid anatomy: Part I. A systematic literature review
      highlighting controversies.
AB  - PURPOSE: The interpretation of scaphoid anatomy and kinematics is confusing and
      controversial. This results from a lack of consensus on the anatomy of the
      ligaments attaching to the scaphoid and an overwhelming variety of substantially
      different anatomic descriptions and classification systems of the wrist joint in
      the literature. The present study systemically reviews the consistencies or
      inconsistencies of the various scaphoid ligament descriptions and aims to clarify
      and unify different concepts and classification systems. METHODS: We performed a
      systematic search of the medical literature from 1950 to 2010. We included all
      descriptive reports of the anatomy or morphology of the scaphoid, ligaments, or
      both. With the aim to describe the best available evidence, we considered all
      anatomical descriptions but emphasized a selection of the most frequently cited
      articles. RESULTS: The literature search resulted in 555 potentially eligible
      descriptive reports, 58 of which met the inclusion criteria and were included in
      the review. Variations in the anatomic descriptions appear to be mostly due to
      the difficulty of identifying individual interdigitating ligaments or bundles by
      macroscopic dissections, as well as the interindividual variability in ligament
      anatomy. The most important areas of controversy in the scaphoid ligament
      attachments include the radial collateral ligament, dorsal radiocarpal ligament,
      dorsal intercarpal ligament, volar scaphotriquetral ligament, and scaphotrapezium
      trapezoid ligament. CONCLUSIONS: None of the scaphoid ligaments other than the
      scaphocapitate ligament have been described consistently. Future research is
      required to verify the ligament attachments that currently have the most
      controversial descriptions, while addressing the interindividual variability of
      ligament insertions and morphology. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Thorough knowledge of the
      anatomy will enhance our understanding of the kinematics of the scaphoid.

PMID- 22051231
TI  - Morphology of the cubital tunnel: an anatomical and biomechanical study with
      implications for treatment of ulnar nerve compression.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to provide a thorough understanding of the
      anatomy of the cubital tunnel and to outline specific anatomical parameters of
      the cubital tunnel retinaculum (CuTR) that might aid in the management of ulnar
      nerve problems. The hypotheses of this study are (1) that the nerve elongates
      with elbow flexion and (2) that the cross-sectional area of the cubital tunnel is
      inversely proportional to the degree of elbow flexion. METHODS: Eleven fresh
      frozen cadaver arms were dissected at the medial elbow. The CuTR was identified,
      and its thickness was measured. After excising the CuTR, we measured the
      elongation of the anterior and posterior aspects of the ulnar nerve, as well as
      the length of the CuTR origin/insertion, at increasing intervals of elbow flexion
      (15 degrees , 30 degrees , 45 degrees , 90 degrees , 120 degrees , and 135
      degrees ). Using 3-dimensional digitization technology, the surface of the
      cubital tunnel was recorded at 4 positions of elbow flexion (15 degrees , 45
      degrees , 90 degrees , and 135 degrees ) and analyzed to define the tunnel
      geometry. RESULTS: The CuTR origin-to-insertion length and the ulnar nerve length
      both increased significantly with increasing flexion angle. Both lengths at 90
      degrees , 120 degrees , and 135 degrees  of elbow flexion were greater than at 15
      degrees  or 30 degrees . The cubital tunnel area was significantly less at 135
      degrees  compared to either 45 degrees  or 90 degrees  of flexion. There was a
      linear relationship between the cubital tunnel area of the different arms with
      the corresponding nerve cross-sectional area when measured at the level of the
      epicondyle and when the arm was at 90 degrees  of elbow flexion. CONCLUSIONS: The
      CuTR begins to stretch at 60 degrees  of flexion and continues to stretch with
      increasing flexion. Similarly, the ulnar nerve is more taut in flexion. The area
      within the cubital tunnel decreases beyond 90 degrees  of elbow flexion. CLINICAL
      RELEVANCE: Understanding the dynamic anatomical relationships of the cubital
      tunnel might help in the safe treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome when using
      minimally invasive techniques and instrumentation.

PMID- 22051232
TI  - Comparison of third toe joint cartilage thickness to that of the finger proximal
      interphalangeal (PIP) joint to determine suitability for transplantation in PIP
      joint reconstruction.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the cartilage thickness of the third toe joints to the finger
      proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joints to assess the appropriateness of using
      third toe osteochondral grafts for finger PIP joint reconstruction. METHODS: A
      laser scanner was used to construct 3-dimensional computer models of 6 matched
      cadaver right third toe PIP joints, condyles of the third toe middle phalanx, and
      finger PIP joints with and without cartilage. Cartilage distribution patterns
      were computed and analyzed for each surface. The cartilage thickness of both
      sides of the third toe PIP joint and the third toe middle phalanx condyles were
      compared to the PIP joint of the fingers. A total of 18 third toe and 48 finger
      joint surfaces were analyzed. RESULTS: For the third toe middle phalanx condyles,
      the mean thickness was 0.20 +/- 0.09 mm with a maximum of 0.52 +/- 0.18 mm, and a
      coefficient of variation (CV%; a measure of uniformity of cartilage distribution)
      of 62. For the third toe proximal phalanx condyles, the mean cartilage thickness
      was 0.26 +/- 0.10 mm with a maximum thickness of 0.56 +/- 0.14 mm and a CV% of
      44. The mean thickness, maximum thickness, and CV% of the finger proximal phalanx
      condyles was 0.43 +/- 0.11 mm, 0.79 +/- 0.16 mm, and 31, respectively. For the
      third toe middle phalanx base, the mean thickness was 0.28 +/- 0.06 mm with a
      maximum of 0.47 +/- 0.09 mm and a CV% of 34, compared to the finger middle
      phalanx base mean of 0.40 +/- 0.12 mm with a maximum of 0.67 +/- 0.14 mm and a
      CV% of 27. CONCLUSIONS: There were significant differences in cartilage thickness
      between the third toe and the fingers in this study. However, fewer differences
      were observed with the third toe middle phalanx base cartilage thickness than
      with the third toe condyles in comparison to the fingers.

PMID- 22051233
TI  - Abduction in internal rotation: a test for the diagnosis of axillary nerve palsy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe and validate the use of a test of abduction in internal
      rotation for the assessment of axillary nerve injury. METHODS: A total of 14 male
      patients with a mean age of 29 years (SD +/- 6 y), with axillary nerve lesions
      lasting an average of 6 months, participated. We measured their shoulder range of
      motion. In the upright position, with the trunk bending forward, we asked our
      patients to actively extend the shoulder (swallowtail test), and then we extended
      the shoulders and asked each patient to hold them in that position (deltoid
      extension lag test). For the abduction in internal rotation test, we asked
      patients to abduct the shoulder in internal rotation. If full abduction compared
      with the normal contralateral side was not possible, the examiner passively held
      the affected limb in maximal abduction and internal rotation. The patient was
      instructed to maintain the position when the examiner released the limb. In each
      test, any lag compared with the normal side accounted for deltoid palsy. RESULTS:
      All patients exhibited abduction beyond horizontal and full external rotation.
      The swallowtail test and the deltoid extension lag test identified the axillary
      nerve lesion in 10 of 14 patients. The abduction in internal rotation test
      recognized the axillary nerve injury in all 14. The average difference in the
      range of abduction in internal rotation between the normal and affected side was
      37 degrees  (abduction lag). CONCLUSIONS: Compensatory abduction in axillary
      nerve palsy has been attributed to the action of the supraspinatus, biceps,
      coracobrachialis, and pectoralis major. During abduction in internal rotation,
      compensatory abduction is impaired, clearly indicating deltoid muscle
      dysfunction.

PMID- 22051234
TI  - An all-inside technique for arthroscopic suturing of the volar scapholunate
      ligament.
AB  - Repair of the volar scapholunate ligament has not been performed
      arthroscopically. We present an all-inside technique that presents closure of the
      anterior scapholunate interval. A Tuohy needle and a resorbable suture are all
      that is required.

PMID- 22051235
TI  - Unilateral congenital terminal finger absences: a condition that differs from
      symbrachydactyly.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe a type of nonhereditary unilateral transverse deficiency,
      which we have named hypodactyly, that is distinct from symbrachydactyly or
      amniotic disruption sequence. METHODS: We identified 19 patients with unilateral
      congenital anomalies consisting of absent or short bulbous fingers that lack
      terminal ectodermal elements. Medical records and radiographs were
      retrospectively reviewed and contrasted with the typical findings of
      symbrachydactyly and amniotic disruption sequence. RESULTS: No associated
      syndromes or potentially causative diagnoses were identified in the hypodactyly
      patients. The digital absences were of a truncated pattern with thickened,
      tubular soft tissue coverage. Radiographs revealed a pattern of severity
      progression that is different from that of symbrachydactyly. Distal phalanges
      were the bony elements absent most frequently, followed sequentially by the
      middle phalanx and proximal phalanx. In all cases, metacarpals were present.
      Unlike symbrachydactyly, the ulnar 2 digits were more involved than the index and
      long fingers, and the thumb was the least involved digit. CONCLUSIONS:
      Hypodactyly appears to be a congenital hand anomaly that is clinically and
      radiographically different from symbrachydactyly or amniotic disruption sequence
      and is presumed to be caused by a distinct pathomechanism. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: Prognostic IV.

PMID- 22051236
TI  - Transferrin-conjugated curcumin-loaded superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles
      induce augmented cellular uptake and apoptosis in K562 cells.
AB  - Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles are currently used for precise drug
      delivery and as an image contrast agent. In the present study, the potentiality
      of curcumin-loaded magnetic nanoparticles (Cur-MNPs) for the treatment of chronic
      myeloid leukemia (CML) was investigated. For active therapy, transferrin (Tf)
      ligand was further conjugated to Cur-MNPs, which demonstrated enhanced uptake
      compared to Cur-MNPs in p210bcr/abl-positive cell line (K562). Cur-MNPs
      demonstrated greater and sustained anti-proliferative activity in a dose- and
      time-dependent manner; however, with the advent of a magnetic field the anti
      proliferative activity of Cur-MNPs as well as Tf-Cur-MNPs was enhanced due to
      higher cellular uptake with enhanced cytotoxicity activity. Down-regulation of
      Bcr-Abl protein activates intrinsic apoptotic pathways for promoting anti
      leukemic responses. Our in vitro results advocate potential clinical applications
      of Cur-MNPs by activating multiple signaling pathways for provoking the anti
      leukemic activity.

PMID- 22051237
TI  - Synthesis of biomimetic segmented polyurethanes as antifouling biomaterials.
AB  - Controlling the non-specific adsorption of proteins, cells and bacteria onto
      biomaterial surfaces is of crucial importance for the development of medical
      devices with specific levels of performance. Among the strategies pursued to
      control the interactions between material surfaces and biological tissues, the
      immobilization of non-fouling polymers on biomaterial surfaces as well as the
      synthesis of the so-called biomimetic polymers are considered promising
      approaches to elicit specific cellular responses. In this study, in order to
      obtain materials able to prevent infectious and thrombotic complications related
      to the use of blood-contacting medical devices, heparin-mimetic segmented
      polyurethanes were synthesized and fully characterized. Specifically, sulfate or
      sulfamate groups, known to be responsible for the biological activity of heparin,
      were introduced into the side chain of a carboxylated polyurethane. Due to the
      introduction of these groups, the obtained polymers possessed a higher hard/soft
      phase segregation (lower glass transition temperatures) and a greater
      hydrophilicity than the pristine polymer. In addition, the synthesized polymers
      were able to significantly delay the activated partial thromboplastin time, this
      increased hemocompatibility being related both to polymer hydrophilicity and to
      the presence of the -SO3H groups. This last feature was also responsible for the
      ability of these biomimetic polymers to prevent the adhesion of a strain of
      Staphylococcus epidermidis.

PMID- 22051238
TI  - Strontium promotes cell proliferation and suppresses IL-6 expression in human PDL
      cells.
AB  - This study was designed to investigate the effect of strontium on human PDL cells
      in vitro. Strontium is used to treat osteoporosis because of its bone formation
      promoting effect on osteoblast cells. This investigation presents evidence that
      strontium promotes PDL cell proliferation. Simultaneously, strontium suppresses
      the expression of the inflammation-promoting cytokine IL-6. The observed effect
      of strontium on PDL cells supports its use it in guided dental tissue
      regeneration.

PMID- 22051239
TI  - Sialylated glycans and mucins in the lacrimal gland and eyelid of man and pig.
      Potential receptors for pathogenic microorganisms.
AB  - The conjunctiva of the eyelid is coated by secretion products from the lacrimal
      and eyelid glands, and by mucins produced by conjunctival goblet cells, which
      together form a glycoprotein-rich layer that lubricates and protects the surface
      of the eye. However, these ocular carbohydrates may also act as adhesives for
      viruses and bacteria and thereby facilitate their colonization. This paper
      provides histochemical demonstration of the in situ localization of such
      carbohydrate receptors in the form of sialylated glycans and mucins in the
      lacrimal and eyelid glands and conjunctiva from both humans and pigs. The pig is
      included in this study because viruses of swine origin may be capable of
      transmission to humans. We found that the human and pig ocular surfaces contain
      receptors for bacteria and viruses in the form of mucins (both membrane bound and
      secreted) and carbohydrates terminating in Sialylalpha2-6Gal epitopes and to a
      lesser degree in Sialylalpha2-3Gal. The glycosylation of the human soft palate
      could indicate a mucinous route for the spread of microorganisms from the eye via
      the nasolacrimal duct to the nasopharynx and thus to the upper part of the
      respiratory tract.

PMID- 22051240
TI  - Society of interventional radiology position statement: mini training courses in
      interventional radiology techniques.

PMID- 22051241
TI  - A prospective study of social difficulties, acculturation and persistent
      depression in Pakistani women living in the UK.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The reasons for the high prevalence of depressive disorders in women
      of Pakistani origin living in the UK are not clear. The aim of this study was to
      determine the relative importance of life events, chronic social difficulties and
      acculturation in a population-based sample of British Pakistani women. METHOD: A
      cross-sectional and prospective cohort study of 18- to 65-year-old Pakistani
      women in UK was carried out. The Schedule for Clinical Assessment in
      Neuropsychiatry for diagnosis, the Life Events and Difficulties Schedule for
      social stress and an acculturation questionnaire were used. RESULTS: Depressive
      disorder at baseline was associated with older age, social isolation and marked
      difficulties involving health and close relationships. Depressive disorder at
      follow-up was associated with severity of depression at baseline, difficulties in
      close relationships and two aspects of acculturation, especially less
      acculturation in relation to use of the English language. CONCLUSIONS: Lack of
      acculturation, especially less familiarity with the English language, is an
      independent predictor of persistence of depression in Pakistani women in UK. This
      needs to be taken into consideration when planning treatment, which also needs to
      address the personal difficulties associated with persistent depression. The
      implication of this work is that women of Pakistani origin with depression should
      be encouraged to receive help in the use of English as one part of treatment that
      may prevent relapse.

PMID- 22051242
TI  - mIGF-1/JNK1/SirT1 signaling confers protection against oxidative stress in the
      heart.
AB  - Oxidative stress contributes to the pathogenesis of aging-associated heart
      failure. Among various signaling pathways mediating oxidative stress, the NAD(+) 
      dependent protein deacetylase SirT1 has been implicated in the protection of
      heart muscle. Expression of a locally acting insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1)
      propeptide (mIGF-1) helps the heart to recover from infarct and enhances SirT1
      expression in cardiomyocytes (CM) in vitro, exerting protection from hypertrophic
      and oxidative stresses. To study the role of mIGF-1/SirT1 signaling in vivo, we
      generated cardiac-specific mIGF-1 transgenic mice in which SirT1 was depleted
      from adult CM in a tamoxifen-inducible and conditional fashion. Analysis of these
      mice confirmed that mIGF-1-induced SirT1 activity is necessary to protect the
      heart from paraquat (PQ)-induced oxidative stress and lethality. In cultured CM,
      mIGF-1 increases SirT1 expression through a c-Jun NH(2)-terminal protein kinase 1
      (JNK1)-dependent signaling mechanism. Thus, mIGF-1 protects the heart from
      oxidative stress via SirT1/JNK1 activity, suggesting new avenues for cardiac
      therapy during aging and heart failure.

PMID- 22051243
TI  - Diagnostic accuracy of probe-based confocal laser endomicroscopy in detecting
      residual colorectal neoplasia after EMR: a prospective study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Residual neoplasia after EMR of colorectal lesions is common. There
      is a critical need for imaging methods to accurately diagnose residual disease
      and to guide retreatment in real time. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to estimate and
      compare the accuracy of virtual chromoendoscopy (VCE) and probe-based confocal
      laser endomicroscopy (pCLE) for detection of residual neoplastic tissue at the
      site of prior EMR. DESIGN: Prospective, blind, pilot comparison of advanced
      endoscopic imaging (VCE and pCLE) by using matching histology as reference
      standard. SETTING: Three tertiary-care referral hospitals. PATIENTS: This study
      involved 92 participants who underwent follow-up colonoscopies for the evaluation
      of prior EMR sites within 1 year. INTERVENTION: The EMR scars were assessed
      during follow-up high-resolution colonoscopy by using VCE (narrow-band
      imaging/Fujinon Intelligent Color Enhancement [FICE]), and pCLE. Confocal videos
      of EMR scars were interpreted in real time and were also stored and reviewed
      offline, blinded to histopathology and endoscopic appearance. Tissue confirmation
      by biopsies or polypectomy/repeat EMR was performed in all cases. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASUREMENTS: Sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for VCE and pCLE alone and
      in combination against histopathology as the standard reference standard.
      RESULTS: Among 129 EMR scars, residual neoplasia was confirmed by histology in 29
      sites (22%). For VCE, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value
      (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and accuracy were 72%, 77%, 49%, 91%, and
      77%, respectively, and were 97%, 77%, 55%, 99%, and 81% for pCLE (P = .045 for
      sensitivity). When only EMR scars for which VCE and pCLE agreed on the diagnosis
      were analyzed (95/129 scars), the accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and
      NPV of pCLE and VCE were 90%, 100%, 87%, 67%, and 100%, respectively.
      LIMITATIONS: Small sample size, lack of power, involvement of highly experienced
      pCLE experts. CONCLUSION: Confocal endomicroscopy significantly increases the
      sensitivity for detecting residual neoplasia after colorectal EMR compared with
      endoscopy alone. When confocal endomicroscopy is used in combination with VCE,
      the accuracy is extremely high, and sensitivity approaches that of
      histopathology. Together, they may reduce the need for histologic examination and
      allow a highly accurate on-table decision to treat again or not, thus avoiding
      unnecessary repeat procedures. ( CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: 00874263.).

PMID- 22051244
TI  - Poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase-1 modulates microglial responses to amyloid beta.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Amyloid beta (Abeta) accumulates in Alzheimer's disease (AD) brain.
      Microglial activation also occurs in AD, and this inflammatory response may
      contribute to disease progression. Microglial activation can be induced by Abeta,
      but the mechanisms by which this occurs have not been defined. The nuclear enzyme
      poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) regulates microglial activation in
      response to several stimuli through its interactions with the transcription
      factor, NF-kappaB. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether PARP-1
      activation is involved in Abeta-induced microglial activation, and whether PARP-1
      inhibition can modify microglial responses to Abeta. METHODS: hAPP(J20) mice,
      which accumulate Abeta with ageing, were crossed with PARP-1(-/-) mice to assess
      the effects of PARP-1 depletion on microglial activation, hippocampal synaptic
      integrity, and cognitive function. Abeta peptide was also injected into brain of
      wt and PARP-1(-/-) mice to directly determine the effects of PARP-1 on Abeta
      induced microglial activation. The effect of PARP-1 on Abeta-induced microglial
      cytokine production and neurotoxicity was evaluated in primary microglia cultures
      and in microglia-neuron co-cultures, utilizing PARP-1(-/-) cells and a PARP-1
      inhibitor. NF-kappaB activation was evaluated in microglia infected with a
      lentivirus reporter gene. RESULTS: The hAPP(J20) mice developed microglial
      activation, reduced hippocampal CA1 calbindin expression, and impaired novel
      object recognition by age 6 months. All of these features were attenuated in
      hAPP(J20)/PARP-1(-/-) mice. Similarly, Abeta(1-42) injected into mouse brain
      produced a robust microglial response in wild-type mice, and this was blocked in
      mice lacking PARP-1 expression or activity. Studies using microglial cultures
      showed that PARP-1 activity was required for Abeta-induced NF-kappaB activation,
      morphological transformation, NO release, TNFalpha release, and neurotoxicity.
      Conversely, PARP-1 inhibition increased release of the neurotrophic factors
      TGFbeta and VEGF, and did not impair microglial phagocytosis of Abeta peptide.
      CONCLUSIONS: These results identify PARP-1 as a requisite and previously
      unrecognized factor in Abeta-induced microglial activation, and suggest that the
      effects of PARP-1 are mediated, at least in part, by its interactions with NF
      kappaB. The suppression of Abeta-induced microglial activation and neurotoxicity
      by PARP-1 inhibition suggests this approach could be useful in AD and other
      disorders in which microglial neurotoxicity may contribute.

PMID- 22051245
TI  - Relative incidence of ESRD versus cardiovascular mortality in proteinuric type 2
      diabetes and nephropathy: results from the DIAMETRIC (Diabetes Mellitus Treatment
      for Renal Insufficiency Consortium) database.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies have shown that patients with chronic kidney
      disease, including those with diabetic nephropathy, are more likely to die of
      cardiovascular disease than reach end-stage renal disease (ESRD). This analysis
      was conducted to determine whether ESRD is a more common outcome than
      cardiovascular death in patients with type 2 diabetic nephropathy, significant
      proteinuria, and decreased kidney function who were selected for participation in
      a clinical trial. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of the DIAMETRIC (Diabetes
      Mellitus Treatment for Renal Insufficiency Consortium) database derived from 2
      prospective randomized controlled clinical trials (IDNT [Irbesartan Diabetic
      Nephropathy Trial] and RENAAL [Reduction of Endpoints in Non-Insulin-dependent
      Diabetes With the Angiotensin II Antagonist Losartan]). SETTING & PARTICIPANTS:
      3,228 adult patients with type 2 diabetic nephropathy from IDNT and RENAAL were
      combined to establish the DIAMETRIC database. This is the largest global source
      of clinical information for patients with type 2 diabetic nephropathy who have
      decreased kidney function and significant proteinuria. INTERVENTION: Angiotensin
      receptor blocker versus non-angiotensin receptor blocker therapy to slow the
      progression of type 2 diabetic nephropathy (in the prospective trials). OUTCOMES
      & MEASUREMENTS: Incidence rates of ESRD, cardiovascular death, and all-cause
      mortality. RESULTS: Mean follow-up was 2.8 years; 19.5% of patients developed
      ESRD, approximately 2.5 times the incidence of cardiovascular death and 1.5 times
      the incidence of all-cause mortality. ESRD was more common than cardiovascular
      death in all subgroups analyzed with the exception of participants with low
      levels of albuminuria (albumin excretion <1.0 g/g) and well-preserved levels of
      kidney function (estimated glomerular filtration rate >45 mL/min/1.73 m(2)) at
      baseline. LIMITATIONS: All participants were included in a prospective clinical
      trial. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with type 2 diabetic nephropathy, characterized by
      decreased kidney function and significant proteinuria, are more likely to reach
      ESRD than die during 3 years' mean follow-up. Given the rapidly increasing number
      of cases of type 2 diabetes worldwide, this has implications for predicting
      future renal replacement therapy requirements.

PMID- 22051246
TI  - In situ randomised trial investigating abrasive effects of two desensitising
      toothpastes on dentine with acidic challenge prior to brushing.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine if brushing dentine with 2 moderate RDA desensitising
      toothpastes, results in a significant dentine wear difference and whether this
      difference continues to be relevant when preceded with an erosive challenge.
      METHODS: An in situ, single centre, single blind, randomised, split mouth study,
      evaluated the difference in abrasion of 2 toothpastes (SFM - Sensodyne Fresh
      Mint((r)) RDA 70; CPHM - Crest Pro-Health Clean Mint((r)) RDA 120) in 28 healthy
      volunteers. Two toothpaste treatments were administered 3*/day, for each of the
      two 15 day periods, subjects wearing bi-lateral, lower buccal appliances each
      with 4 dentine sections. A 2 min extra-oral acidic challenge preceded
      toothbrushing for 2 study arms. Contact profilometry measured samples at
      baseline, days 5, 10 and 15. RESULTS: Brushing with SFM was significantly less
      abrasive than brushing with CPHM at all time points, with or without a preceding
      acidic challenge (p<0.0001). The additional dentine loss arising from the erosive
      challenge prior to brushing with each paste was linear with time and independent
      of abrasive effect. CONCLUSIONS: The desensiting toothpastes' RDA, directly
      related to dentine loss with toothbrushing. An acidic challenge prior to brushing
      did not negate the benefits of reduced wear from the lower RDA paste compared to
      the higher RDA paste. When brushing eroded dentine, the additional wear appeared
      independent of abrasive effect. Dentine hypersensitivity sufferers should be
      recommended to use a low-moderate RDA toothpaste, not to brush more than 2*/day
      and not immediately following an acidic challenge.

PMID- 22051247
TI  - Split-thickness skin graft donor site management: a randomized controlled trial
      comparing polyurethane with calcium alginate dressings.
AB  - Split-thickness skin grafting (SSG) is a common reconstructive technique for the
      treatment of patients with deep burns and other traumatic injuries. The
      management of the donor site after harvesting an SSG remains controversial
      because of a variety of dressings available for use. The aim of this randomized
      controlled trial was to compare the effectiveness of a polyurethane dressing,
      AllevynTM, to a calcium alginate, Kaltostat(r). From August 2009 to April 2010,
      36 patients were randomized to AllevynTM or Kaltostat(r) for donor site
      management following split skin graft surgery. Pain intensity and adverse events
      were the primary outcomes assessed. Secondary outcome measures included time for
      wound healing, ease of application and removal and overall patient satisfaction.
      Time to first dressing change was earlier in those randomized to AllevynTM
      compared with Kaltostat(r) (5.5 days versus 8.11 days, P = 0.014). In patients
      randomized to AllevynTM, excessive exudate lead to a significantly increased
      number of dressing changes before day 10 (14 days versus 7 days, P = 0.018). The
      total number of dressing changes applied was also greater in those with AllevynTM
      compared with Kaltstat(r) (P = 0.007). There were no significant differences
      between the two treatment groups with respect to time to wound healing, level of
      pain intensity, length of stay, staff and patient satisfaction levels. This trial
      showed AllevynTM to be associated with increase demands on nursing time,
      increased cost of dressing products, medical consumables and wastes. Kaltostat(r)
      remains the dressing of choice for initial donor site dressing in this burns
      unit.

PMID- 22051248
TI  - Characteristics of patients presenting to the vascular emergency department of a
      tertiary care hospital: a 2-year study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The structure of health care in Greece is receiving increased
      attention to improve its cost-effectiveness. We sought to examine the
      epidemiological characteristics of patients presenting to the vascular emergency
      department of a Greek tertiary care hospital during a 2-year period. We studied
      all patients presenting to the emergency department of vascular surgery at Red
      Cross Hospital, Athens, Greece between 1st January 2009 and 31st December 2010.
      RESULTS: Overall, 2452 (49.4%) out of 4961 patients suffered from pathologies
      that should have been treated in primary health care. Only 2509 (50.6%) needed
      vascular surgical intervention. CONCLUSIONS: The emergency department of vascular
      surgery in a Greek tertiary care hospital has to treat a remarkably high
      percentage of patients suitable for the primary health care level. These results
      suggest that an improvement in the structure of health care is needed in Greece.

PMID- 22051249
TI  - Frozen elephant trunk technique for extensive chronic thoracic aortic dissection:
      is it the final answer?

PMID- 22051250
TI  - Should a Jehovah's Witness patient who faces imminent exsanguination be
      transfused?

PMID- 22051251
TI  - Baseline left ventricular volume and shape as determinants of reverse remodeling
      induced by surgical ventricular reconstruction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Early postoperative data show that surgical ventricular
      reconstruction (SVR) induces reverse remodelling (RR) in dilated ischemic
      cardiomyopathy. The stability of these results at follow-up is debated. This
      retrospective study determined whether RR was stable at follow-up and the role,
      if any, of preoperative left ventricle volume and shape on SVR-induced changes.
      METHODS: The study group comprised 220 patients (age, 64 +/- 9 years) with an
      echocardiography study at baseline, discharge, and at follow-up. RR was defined
      as a reduction of left ventricular end-systolic volume index (ESVI) at follow-up
      exceeding 15% vs baseline. RESULTS: Reverse remodelling occurred in 162 patients
      (74%); the ESVI at follow-up in the remaining 58 (26%) was equal to or greater
      than at baseline (no-RR). At baseline, the no-RR patients had lower volumes and
      higher ejection fraction; at the 1-week post-SVR evaluation, all patients reached
      significant ESV reduction, but at follow-up, the no-RR patients had dilated and
      showed significantly higher volumes and lower ejection fraction vs patients with
      RR. New York Heart Association class improved in both groups (2.6 +/- 0.6 to 1.6
      +/- 0.5 and 2.5 +/- 0.8 to 1.8 +/- 0.7, respectively, p = 0.0001). Baseline ESVI
      less than 73 mL/m(2), apical axis less than 4.35 cm, and conicity index less than
      0.759 were predictors of no-RR. CONCLUSIONS: A relatively small ESVI and a more
      physiologic apical shape (conical) are predictors of no-RR after SVR. Despite
      lack of RR, the ESV at follow-up is not severely enlarged, which explains the
      good survival rate in these patients.

PMID- 22051252
TI  - Invited commentary.

PMID- 22051253
TI  - Invited commentary.

PMID- 22051254
TI  - Integrated thoracic residency program applicants: the best and the brightest?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Comparative data are lacking on the numbers and nature of applicants
      to North American 6-year integrated thoracic residency and traditional thoracic
      fellowship programs. METHODS: Candidates applying within the first 3 months of
      the application cycles to the integrated and traditional thoracic surgery
      residency programs starting in 2011 at Mount Sinai Medical Center, New York, were
      reviewed. RESULTS: The overall ratio of applicants to positions was 27:1 for the
      traditional program and 131:1 for the integrated program. There was no
      significant difference in the proportion of female applicants (22% vs 16%, p =
      0.57). Almost half of integrated program applicants were final-year medical
      students, 20% of whom attended institutions with integrated programs. Traditional
      program applicants on average had 4 years surgery residency experience compared
      with the average of 3 years reported by the 46% of applicants to the integrated
      program who had postgraduate clinical experience. More than half of integrated
      program applicants were overseas graduates. Shortlisted integrated applicants had
      significantly greater United States Medical Licensing Examination scores and peer
      reviewed publications than shortlisted traditional applicants and were more
      likely to hold higher degrees and national research funding. CONCLUSIONS: Much of
      the dramatic increase in the number of applicants to North American integrated
      thoracic residency programs has been driven by experienced international
      graduates. The caliber of applicants is strong, but efforts are needed to
      increase the appeal of thoracic surgery training to North American medical
      students if the goals of integrated programs are to be realized.

PMID- 22051255
TI  - Invited commentary.

PMID- 22051256
TI  - Lessons learned from experience with over 100 consecutive HeartMate II left
      ventricular assist devices.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) such as the
      HeartMate II have become the therapy of choice in patients with end-stage heart
      failure. The aim of this study is to report the outcomes in patients receiving
      the HeartMate II LVAD at a single center and review the lessons learned from this
      experience. METHODS: From June 2005 to June 2010, 130 consecutive patients
      received the HeartMate II LVAD. Of these, 102 were bridge-to-transplant (BTT), 17
      destination therapy, and 11 exchanges for failed HeartMate XVE. This study
      focuses on the 102 BTT patients. The HeartMate II was approved by the US Food and
      Drug Administration (FDA) as BTT in April 2008 and 64 patients received this
      device as BTT since that date. We review our experience with the device as BTT
      and report on patient survival and adverse events as well as the impact of FDA
      approval on outcomes. RESULTS: Overall, mean age was 52.6 +/- 12.8 years; 26
      (25.5%) were female. Disease etiology was ischemic in 58, nonischemic in 36, and
      other in 8. Overall, 30-day, 6-month, and 1-year survival for the BTT patients
      was 95.1%, 83.5%, and 78.8%, respectively. The 6-month survival in 38 patients in
      the clinical trial (pre-FDA) was 88.8% and was not statistically significant
      compared with the 76.2% 6-month survival in the 64 patients in the post-FDA
      approval period (p value = 0.1). Major adverse events among the 102 BTT patients
      included right ventricular failure in 5 (4.9%), LVAD driveline infections in 25
      (24.5%), neurologic events in 10 (9.8%), and gastrointestinal bleeding in 18
      (17.6%) patients. In addition, 1 patient (0.98%) had pump thrombus requiring
      device replacement. CONCLUSIONS: Despite significant morbidity, use of the
      HeartMate II LVAD as BTT provides excellent hemodynamic support and is associated
      with excellent survival and low mortality. In addition, there needs to be
      improvement and focused strategies in the areas of gastrointestinal bleeding,
      driveline infections, and adverse neurologic events for these devices to be able
      to provide a real long-term alternative to heart transplantation.

PMID- 22051257
TI  - Predictors of mortality after short-term ventricular assist device placement.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Risk assessment prior to long-term ventricular assist device (VAD)
      placement has been shown to be crucial for successful outcomes and efficient
      resource utilization. Short-term VADs are often used as salvage therapy in acute
      heart failure when the clinical scenario precludes such thorough preoperative
      assessment. Our goal was to devise a risk stratification system that may be used
      shortly after stabilization of hemodynamics with a short-term VAD to predict the
      likelihood of survival. METHODS: A retrospective study was performed of all
      patients undergoing Abiomed (Abiomed Cardiovascular Inc., Danvers, MA) or
      CentriMag (Levitronix LLC, Waltham, MA) placement at our institution or
      transferred to our institution with the device in place. From January 2001 until
      August 2009, 93 patients were identified. Preoperative and early postoperative
      variables were analyzed for their correlation with in-hospital mortality.
      RESULTS: Multivariable logistic regression analysis identified factors that were
      associated with death. A three-point scoring system, utilizing a diagnosis of
      postcardiotomy shock or graft failure, female sex, and postoperative day 3 total
      bilirubin greater than 5.2 mg/dL was devised. A score of 2 or greater was
      associated with an 86% mortality rate, whereas a score of 0 was associated with a
      13% mortality rate. CONCLUSIONS: A simple scoring system based on readily
      available data may predict mortality after short-term VAD placement. Such a
      scoring system may be of prognostic value for physicians and patient families
      early in the support period and may help guide decisions.

PMID- 22051258
TI  - Invited commentary.

PMID- 22051259
TI  - Foldoplasty: a new and simplified technique for mitral valve repair that produces
      excellent medium-term outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Quadrangular resection with sliding valvuloplasty is the most common
      technique used to repair the posterior leaflet of the prolapsed mitral valve.
      Folding valvuloplasty is a simplified repair that does not involve resection and
      reduces the effective height of the posterior leaflet. We describe medium-term
      outcomes of patients who underwent folding valvuloplasty at our institution.
      METHODS: From 2002 to 2010, 161 patients underwent folding valvuloplasty at our
      institution. The primary endpoints in our study of these patients' medium-term
      outcomes included survival, freedom from reoperation, and echocardiographic
      evidence of recurrent mitral regurgitation (MR). RESULTS: The patients' median
      age was 61 +/- 14 years, 68 of the patients (42%) were male, and 146 of the
      patients (90%) had more than moderate to severe MR. Cardiopulmonary bypass and
      cross-clamp times were 117 +/- 40 minutes and 83 +/- 29 minutes, respectively. In
      addition to folding valvuloplasty, mitral rings with a median size of 38 mm
      (interquartile range, 34 mm to 38 mm) were used in 155 (96%) of the patients. One
      patient died during surgery. Medium-term follow-up data were available for all of
      the patients at a mean of 3.0 +/- 1.9 years after folding valvuloplasty. The
      patients' mean New York Heart Association class decreased significantly, from 2.0
      +/- 0.9 to 1.1 +/- 0.4 (p < 0.0001), from the time of valvuloplasty to their mean
      medium-term follow-up evaluation. Two patients required reoperative mitral valve
      repair in the follow-up period. Postoperative echocardiograms were obtained for
      142 (88%) patients at a mean of 1.6 +/- 1.2 years after valvuloplasty. The
      patients' mean grade of MR decreased significantly from the time of valvuloplasty
      to the time of mean medium-term follow up, from 3.8 +/- 0.5 (severe) to 0.8 +/-
      0.8 (trace-mild) (p < 0.0001), with only five patients (3%) having moderate MR at
      follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Folding valvuloplasty is durable and provides excellent
      structural and symptomatic results in patients with mitral prolapse. Given the
      ease and reproducibility of this technique, it should be offered as a suitable
      alternative to quadrangular resection for repair of the posterior leaflet in
      mitral prolapse.

PMID- 22051260
TI  - Invited commentary.

PMID- 22051261
TI  - Midterm outcome of valve-sparing aortic root replacement in inherited connective
      tissue disorders.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study determined the midterm outcome of valve-sparing aortic
      root replacement for patients with inherited connective tissue disorders.
      METHODS: From 1993 to 2008, 94 patients underwent valve-sparing aortic root
      replacement. Sixty patients (64%), average age 33 years (range, 15 to 61 years),
      had inherited connective tissue disorders: Marfan syndrome, 54 (92%); Loeys-Dietz
      syndrome, 5 (8%); and smooth muscle alpha-actin (ACTA2) mutation in 1. Median
      preoperative sinus diameter was 52 mm (range, 42 to 76 mm), and moderate/severe
      aortic regurgitation was present in 14 (23%). Seven (12%, 1993 to 1999) underwent
      remodeling procedures, and 53 had reimplantation procedures. Cusp repair was
      performed in 4. Median follow-up was 55 months (range, 1 to 149 months). There
      were 15 patients in the early term (1993 to 2000) and 45 in the late term (2001
      to 2008). RESULTS: Four late deaths occurred (cardiac, 3; aortic, 1), with 10
      year survival of 86%. Rates of freedom from aortic valve replacement at 5 and 10
      years were 85% and 58% in remodeling and 96% and 58% in reimplantation. Risk
      factors for reoperations were postprocedure intraoperative aortic insufficiency
      greater than mild (p = 0.046), remodeling procedure (p = 0.016), and early term
      (p = 0.0002). One patient (2%) with none/trivial postprocedure aortic
      insufficiency required aortic valve replacement. Freedom from reoperation in
      patients with none/trivial postprocedure aortic insufficiency at 5 and 10 years
      was 100% and 67%. CONCLUSIONS: Meticulous control of aortic insufficiency during
      operation would bring favorable midterm durability in valve-sparing aortic root
      replacement using a reimplantation technique, even in patients with inherited
      connective tissue disorders.

PMID- 22051262
TI  - Invited commentary.

PMID- 22051263
TI  - The frozen elephant trunk for the treatment of chronic dissection of the thoracic
      aorta: a multicenter experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Because of the extensive involvement of the aorta, surgical treatment
      of its chronic dissection continues to represent a surgical challenge. We
      conducted a study of a multicenter experience to describe a multicenter
      experience in the treatment of this complex pathology, using the frozen elephant
      trunk (FET) technique. METHODS: Between January 2005 and May 2010, 240 patients
      underwent treatment with the FET technique and had their clinical data collected
      in the International E-vita Open Registry. Ninety of the patients, who were the
      population in the present study, underwent operations for chronic dissection of
      the aorta (type A, 77%). The mean age of these 90 patients was 57 +/- 12 years,
      and 72 (80%) of the patients were male. Sixty-two patients (69%) had undergone a
      previous aortic operation. All of the procedures in the study were performed with
      the aid of antegrade selective cerebral perfusion. RESULTS: Total replacement of
      the aortic arch was done in 84 patients (93%). Cardiopulmonary bypass, myocardial
      ischemia, cerebral perfusion, and visceral ischemia times were 243 +/- 65, 145 +/
      48, 86 +/- 24, and 75 +/- 22 minutes, respectively. In-hospital mortality was
      12% (11 patients). One patient died from a stroke and 8 patients (9%) died from
      ischemic spinal cord injury. The false lumen (FL) in the patients' aortae was
      evaluated with computed tomography after operation and during follow up. The
      rates of complete thrombosis of the FL around the elephant trunk were 69% and 79%
      at the first and last postoperative examinations, respectively. The rates of 4
      year survival and freedom from aortic reoperation were 78% +/- 5% and 96% +/- 3%,
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The treatment of chronic aortic dissection (AD) with
      the FET technique is feasible, with respectable results. The rate of aortic
      reoperation with the use of this technique appears to be lower than that with a
      conventional approach to the repair of chronic AD. Ischemic spinal cord injury
      represents a concerning complication of the FET technique but seems to be
      unrelated to thrombosis of the FL.

PMID- 22051264
TI  - Transapical aortic valve implantation in high-risk patients with severe aortic
      valve stenosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Transapical aortic valve implantation (TA-TAVI) represents an
      alternative in patients with symptomatic severe aortic valve stenosis (SSAVS) who
      cannot be operated on or have a high surgical risk. The aim of this prospective
      multicenter observational study was to assess early and 2-year clinical and
      hemodynamic outcomes after TA-TAVI. METHODS: From May 2008 to September 2010, 179
      patients with inoperable conditions or high-risk patients underwent TA-TAVI at 4
      institutions. Indications for TA-TAVI were SSAVS and logistic EuroSCORE (European
      System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation) greater than 20% or porcelain aorta
      in patients with severe aortoiliac disease. Patients underwent clinical and
      echocardiographic follow-up visits at hospital discharge, 3 and 6 months after TA
      TAVI, and every 6 months thereafter. The impact of the learning curve for the
      centers and of intraoperative complications on patient outcomes was also
      evaluated. RESULTS: Mean age was 81 +/- 6 years. Mean logistic EuroSCORE was 22%
      +/- 12%. Transapical delivery was successful in all patients. Seventeen severe
      intraoperative complications occurred in 13 (7.3%) patients. Thirty-day mortality
      was 3.9% (7 patients). Mean follow-up was 9.2 +/- 6.5 months. Late mortality
      occurred in 9 patients. Two-year survival was 88% +/- 3%. An intraoperative
      severe complication was identified as the only significant independent predictor
      of 1-year mortality. A significant benefit was found when comparing 2-year
      survival of the second versus the first 50% patients at each center (93% +/- 2%
      versus 84% +/- 3 %; p = 0.046). A significant reduction of both mean and peak
      gradients from the preoperative to the postoperative period, which remained
      stable during follow-up, was found. CONCLUSIONS: TA-TAVI provides excellent early
      and 2-year results in terms of survival, valve-related adverse events, and
      hemodynamic performance. Survival after TA-TAVI is affected by the center
      learning curve and by the occurrence of an intraoperative complication.

PMID- 22051265
TI  - Invited commentary.

PMID- 22051266
TI  - Critical analysis of early and late outcomes after isolated coronary artery
      bypass surgery in elderly patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The proportion of elderly (>=80 years) patients undergoing coronary
      artery bypass surgery (CABG) is increasing. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of
      data, collected by the Australasian Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons
      Cardiac Surgery Database Program between June 2001 and December 2009 was
      performed. Isolated CABG was performed in 21,534 patients; of these, 1,664 (7.7%)
      were at least 80 years old (group 1). Patient characteristics, morbidity, and
      short-term mortality of these patients were compared with those aged less than 80
      years (group 2). The long-term outcome of group 1 patients after CABG surgery was
      compared with an age and sex-matched Australian population. RESULTS: Patients
      over 80 years old were more likely to be female (36.6% vs 17.3%, p < 0.001) and
      presented significantly more often with heart failure, hypertension, and triple
      vessel disease (all p < 0.05). The 30-day mortality was higher in group 1
      patients (4.2% vs 1.5%, p < 0.001). Group 1 patients also had an increased risk
      of complications, including prolonged (>24 hours) ventilation (14.2% vs 8.2%, p <
      0.001), renal failure (7.3% vs 3.4%, p < 0.001), and mean intensive care unit
      stay (60.7 vs 42.5 hours, p < 0.001). The 5-year survival of elderly patients
      (73%) was comparable with the age-matched Australian population. Independent risk
      factors for 30-day mortality in group 1 patients included preoperative renal
      failure (p = 0.010), congestive heart failure (p = 0.014), and a nonelective
      procedure (p = 0.016). CONCLUSIONS: Elderly patients who undergo isolated CABG
      have significantly lower perioperative risks than have been previously reported.
      The long-term survival of these patients is comparable with an age-adjusted
      population.

PMID- 22051267
TI  - Invited commentary.

PMID- 22051268
TI  - Invited commentary.

PMID- 22051269
TI  - Invited commentary.

PMID- 22051270
TI  - Invited commentary.

PMID- 22051271
TI  - Long-term myocardial scarring after operation for anomalous left coronary artery
      from the pulmonary artery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anomalous left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery (ALCAPA) is
      a very rare disease. Accordingly, the incidence and distribution of myocardial
      scarring in long-term follow-up of patients after successful surgery of ALCAPA is
      unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe the distribution of
      left ventricular (LV) myocardial scarring by late gadolinium enhancement magnetic
      resonance in these patients. METHODS: Fourteen consecutive patients over 12 years
      of age with ALCAPA without any further cardiac abnormalities, and after
      corrective surgery at our center, participated prospectively in this study. All
      patients underwent cardiac magnetic resonance including LV function analysis and
      late gadolinium enhancement magnetic resonance. Of these 14 patients, 12 patients
      also underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing. RESULTS: Four patients had no
      evidence of myocardial scarring. The median extent of the myocardial scar of all
      patients by late gadolinium enhancement magnetic resonance, expressed as a
      percentage of the total LV myocardial volume, was only 2% (range, 0% to 11%).
      Median LV ejection fraction was 0.55 (range, 0.31 to 0.73). Median LV end
      diastolic volume indexed to body surface area was 84 mL/m(2) (39 to 120 mL/m(2)).
      Median peak oxygen uptake during cardiopulmonary exercise was 24 mL . kg(-1) .
      minute(-1) (range, 19 to 51 mL/kg/minute). CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that despite
      often severely compromised LV function and evidence of scarring before corrective
      surgery of patients with ALCAPA, in long-term follow-up scar tissue is relatively
      scarce.

PMID- 22051272
TI  - Invited commentary.

PMID- 22051273
TI  - Invited commentary.

PMID- 22051274
TI  - Pulmonary resection of metastatic sarcoma: prognostic factors associated with
      improved outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are few data to predict the benefit of pulmonary metastasectomy
      in patients with extrathoracic sarcoma. This study analyzes prognostic factors
      associated with improved outcomes. METHODS: Between June 2002 and December 2008,
      97 patients underwent pulmonary resection for metastatic sarcoma at Massachusetts
      General Hospital. Eight patients were excluded because of lack of follow-up data.
      Analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier estimates of survival, log-rank test,
      and multivariate Cox model. RESULTS: Overall 5-year survival for the cohort was
      50.1%. Patients who had multiple operations for recurrent pulmonary metastases
      had better 5-year survival compared with patients who had a single operation (69
      versus 41%; p = 0.017). Median disease- free survival (DFS) for the reoperation
      group was 12.9 months compared with 9.1 months for the single-operation group (p
      < 0.028). Patients with a disease-free interval (DFI) greater than 12 months from
      detection of primary sarcoma to pulmonary metastasectomy had improved survival
      compared with those whose DFI was less than 12 months (p < 0.0001). Patients with
      bilateral metastasectomy had lower 5-year survival compared with metastasectomy
      for unilateral disease (22% versus 68% ;p < 0.0001). Two or more metastases were
      associated with poorer outcome compared with a single metastasis (p = 0.0007). A
      positive resection margin portended worse survival compared with a negative
      resection margin (p = 0.004). Patients with lesions larger than 3 cm had
      decreased survival compared with patients with lesions smaller than 3 cm (p =
      0.017) with no difference in median DFS. Histologic type, grade of tumor, and use
      of chemotherapy had no effect on survival. Multivariate analysis showed that
      patients with a DFI greater than 12 months (p = 0.001), single-sided metastasis
      (p = 0.001), negative margins (p = 0.002), and multiple operations (p = 0.018)
      had better survival. CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary metastasectomy for sarcoma can be
      associated with prolonged survival. Tumor resectability, DFI, number of
      metastases, and laterality are important factors in determining patient selection
      for curative surgical intervention. Repeated pulmonary metastasectomy in select
      patients may improve survival despite recurrent disease.

PMID- 22051275
TI  - Epithelial to mesenchymal transition is a determinant of sensitivity to
      chemoradiotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a fundamental
      biological process during which epithelial cells change to a mesenchymal
      phenotype; it has a profound impact on cancer progression. The purpose of this
      study was to clarify the role of EMT in the sensitivity of non-small cell lung
      cancer (NSCLC) to chemoradiotherapy (CRT). METHODS: We evaluated the correlation
      between EMT and sensitivity to chemotherapy or radiotherapy using NSCLC cells
      induced to undergo EMT with epidermal growth factor or transforming growth factor
      beta1. Immunohistochemistry was used to examine the expression of EMT markers, E
      cadherin, cytokeratin, N-cadherin, and vimentin in 50 tumor specimens obtained
      from patients with NSCLC both before and after CRT. RESULTS: The EMT resulted in
      increased malignant potential and reduced sensitivity to cisplatin and paclitaxel
      in NSCLC cells. Furthermore, chronic exposure to cisplatin, paclitaxel, or
      radiation altered the cells into therapy-resistant sub-lines that showed
      phenotypic changes such as a spindle-cell shape and increased EMT marker
      expression. Also, decreased expression of epithelial markers and upregulation of
      mesenchymal markers were detected in surgically resected specimens after CRT
      compared with biopsy specimens obtained before treatment. The disease-free
      survival rate of patients with EMT marker-positive tumors was significantly lower
      than that of those with EMT marker-negative tumors. CONCLUSIONS: The EMT marker
      expression was detected in NSCLC tumors after CRT, indicating that EMT changes
      are associated with insensitivity to CRT. New therapeutic combinations using EMT
      signaling inhibitors may be needed to circumvent the resistance of some types of
      cancer to CRT.

PMID- 22051276
TI  - Invited commentary.

PMID- 22051277
TI  - Lobectomy versus sublobar resection for small (2 cm or less) non-small cell lung
      cancers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We evaluated a cohort of patients who underwent resection for small
      (2 cm or less) non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) to determine if there is an
      association between extent of resection (lobar versus sublobar resection) and
      local recurrence or survival. METHODS: We reviewed 468 consecutive patients who
      underwent resection for small NSCLC at our institution between 2000 and 2005. We
      excluded patients who had neoadjuvant therapy, active noncutaneous malignancies,
      pure bronchioalveolar carcinoma, lymph node (n = 53) or distant metastases at
      diagnosis, or multicentric cancers. Clinicopathologic data, recurrence, and vital
      status as of June 15, 2010, were retrieved. Overall and recurrence-free survival
      from surgery rates were assessed. RESULTS: Two hundred thirty-eight patients
      underwent resection for primary solitary small NSCLC. Lobectomy (n = 84) was
      associated with longer overall (p = 0.0027) and recurrence-free (p = 0.0496)
      survival. Patients who underwent sublobar resection were older (p < 0.0001) and
      had worse pulmonary function (p < 0.0014). While there was a trend toward
      increased rate of local recurrence for sublobar resection (16% versus 8%, p =
      0.1117), there was no difference in distant recurrence. Moreover, when lymph
      nodes were sampled with sublobar resection, local recurrence rate and overall and
      recurrence-free survival distributions were similar to those for lobectomy.
      CONCLUSIONS: Sublobar resection is reasonable in older patients with limited
      cardiopulmonary function. For healthy patients, however, lobectomy remains the
      standard therapy, with sublobar resection with lymph node sampling representing
      an alternative to consider. These findings support continued effort to conduct a
      randomized trial of lobar versus sublobar resection, such as CALGB 140503.

PMID- 22051278
TI  - Positron emission tomography-computed tomography for postoperative surveillance
      in non-small cell lung cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The role of positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT)
      for the staging of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has been well documented,
      whereas its role for postoperative surveillance after the curative resection of
      this cancer has not. We prospectively implemented PET-CT in our surveillance
      protocol for recurrence of NSCLC and investigated its effectiveness as compared
      with that of conventional methods. METHODS: The cohort for our study of PET-CT in
      detecting recurrence of NSCLC consisted of 358 patients who had undergone
      complete resection of NSCLC between January 2005 and June 2008. After resection
      of their tumors, all of the patients were routinely examined at the thoracic
      surgical outpatient clinic at 3-month intervals for 2 years and after this at 6
      month intervals for next 3 years. Careful patient interviews, physical
      examinations, chest roentgenography, and measurements of the serum
      carcinoembryonic antigen level were done at each visit. Contrast-enhanced chest
      CT was done at 6-month intervals, and PET-CT was done annually for 5 years after
      resection of NSCLC. RESULTS: Recurrences were detected in 111 patients (31%). In
      60 of these patients, recurrence was detected with conventional methods, and in
      the remaining 51 patients recurrences were detected with simultaneous PET-CT and
      chest CT. Among these latter patients, recurrence was evident in both the chest
      CT and PET-CT scans of 26 patients (51.0%), and in the PET-CT scans alone of 19
      patients (37.3%). Five lung lesions (2 small, 1 subpleural, 1 cavitary, and 1
      nodule of ground-glass opacity) and 1 pancreatic metastasis were detected with
      chest CT only. CONCLUSIONS: When the two methods were used simultaneously, PET-CT
      seemed superior to chest CT for detecting recurrences of NSCLC. However, because
      PET-CT may fail to detect small or hypometabolic recurrences of NSCLC, we
      recommend that it be done on an annual basis along with low-dose chest CT.

PMID- 22051279
TI  - Adenosine A2A agonist improves lung function during ex vivo lung perfusion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) is a novel technique than can be used
      to assess and potentially repair marginal lungs that may otherwise be rejected
      for transplantation. Adenosine has been shown to protect against pulmonary
      ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury through its A(2A) receptor. We hypothesized that
      combining EVLP with adenosine A(2A) receptor agonist treatment would enhance lung
      functional quality and increase donor lung use. METHODS: Eight bilateral pig
      lungs were harvested and flushed with cold Perfadex (Vitrolife, Englewood, CO).
      After 14 hours of storage at 4 degrees C, EVLP was performed for 5 hours on 2
      explanted lung groups: (1) control group lungs (n = 4) were perfused with Steen
      Solution (Vitrolife) and dimethyl sulfoxide and (2) treated group lungs (n = 4)
      received 10 MUM CGS21680, a selective A(2A) receptor agonist, in a Steen solution
      primed circuit. Lung histologic features, tissue cytokines, gas analysis, and
      pulmonary function were compared between groups. RESULTS: Treated lungs
      demonstrated significantly less edema as reflected by wet-dry weight ratio (6.6
      versus 5.2; p < 0.03) and confirmed by histologic examination. In addition,
      treated lung demonstrated significantly lower levels of interferon-gamma (IFN-
      gamma) (45.1 versus 88.5; p < 0.05). Other measured tissue cytokine levels
      (interleukin [IL]-1beta, IL-6, and IL-8) were lower in the treatment group, but
      values failed to reach statistical significance. The oxygenation index was
      improved in the treated group (1.5 versus 2.3; p < 0.01) as was mean airway
      pressure (10.3 versus 13; p < 0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Combined use of adenosine
      A(2A) agonist and EVLP significantly attenuates the inflammatory response in
      acutely injured lungs after IR and enhances pulmonary function. This combination
      may improve donor lung quality and could increase the donor lung pool for
      transplantation.

PMID- 22051280
TI  - Geographic distance between donor and recipient does not influence outcomes after
      lung transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The shortage in organ donation is a major limiting factor for
      patients with end-stage lung disease. Expanding the donor pool would be
      beneficial. We investigated the importance of geographic distance between the
      donor and recipient and hypothesized that it would not be a critical determinant
      of outcomes after lung transplantation. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the
      United Network for Organ Sharing lung transplant database from 2000 to 2005 to
      allow sufficient time for bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) development.
      Allograft recipients were stratified by geographic distance from their donors
      (local, regional, and national) and had yearly follow-up. The primary end points
      were the development of BOS and 1-year and 3-year mortality. Posttransplant
      outcomes were compared using a multivariable Cox proportional hazard model.
      Kaplan-Meier curves were compared by log-rank test. RESULTS: Of 6,055 allograft
      recipients, donors were local in 59%, regional in 19.3%, and national in 21.7%.
      BOS-free survival did not differ by geographic distance. Geographic distance did
      not independently predict BOS (hazard ratio, 1.03; 95% confidence interval, 0.96
      to 1.10). Similarly, Kaplan-Meier survival curves were not significantly worse
      for recipients with national donors. Geographic distance did not independently
      predict 3-year mortality (hazard ratio, 0.95; 95% confidence interval, 0.89 to
      1.01). CONCLUSIONS: With appropriate donor selection, moderately long geographic
      distance (average ischemic time < 6 hours) between the donor and recipient is not
      associated with the development of BOS or increased death after lung
      transplantation. By placing less emphasis on distance, more donors could
      potentially be used to expand the donor pool.

PMID- 22051281
TI  - First experience with biodegradable airway stents in children.
AB  - PURPOSE: We here report our experience with biodegradable polydioxanone stents
      for tracheal narrowing in children. DESCRIPTION: Eleven custom-made polydioxanone
      stents were implanted in 4 patients with airway narrowing due to external
      compression or intrinsic collapse. The median stent diameter was 9 mm (range, 6
      to 14 mm) and median length was 15 mm (range, 13 to 70 mm). EVALUATION: Narrowing
      was relieved initially in all cases. There was no bleeding or perforation after
      polydioxanone stent implantation. Size mismatching was a problem in 2 cases.
      Three patients needed repeat stenting after stent absorption. There was 1 death,
      unrelated to the stent implantation. All 3 survivors are in good clinical
      condition up to 12 months after first stenting. CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study
      shows that polydioxanone stents offer an alternative to metallic or silastic
      stents for collapse or external compression of the trachea in children. They may
      avoid the need for permanent stenting and allow subsequent growth of the airway.

PMID- 22051282
TI  - Intraoperative diagnosis of bilateral coronary ostia stenosis: a rare case of
      ischemic heart disease in a 3-month-old patient.
AB  - We report a case of a 3-month-old child, presenting with signs of myocardial
      ischemia and hemodynamic instability, requiring extracorporeal membrane
      oxygenation support. Due to the unclear preoperative instrumental findings, a
      surgical exploration was performed revealing the presence of coronary ostia
      stenosis and an intramural course of both coronary arteries. The child underwent
      a successful plasty of the coronary artery ostia by resecting the excessive
      obstructing fibrous tissue followed by unroofing of the intramural coronary
      artery course with restoring of a normal myocardial perfusion and function.

PMID- 22051283
TI  - Cardiac paraganglioma and gastrointestinal stromal tumor: a pediatric case of
      Carney-Stratakis syndrome.
AB  - The eponymous Carney triad reported the association of gastric leiomyosarcoma,
      also known as a gastrointestinal stromal tumor, extra-adrenal paraganglioma and
      pulmonary chondromata. Subsequently, Carney and Stratakis distinguished the
      inherited gastrointestinal stromal tumor with paraganglioma syndrome from the
      classical Carney Triad as an autosomal dominant condition in adult patients. This
      combination of gastrointestinal stromal tumor and cardiac paragangliomata in a
      child is almost unique.

PMID- 22051284
TI  - Aortic erosion during negative pressure therapy in a pediatric heart transplant
      recipient.
AB  - A happy-ending "series of unfortunate events" is reported of the successful
      emergency treatment of an erosion of the ascending aorta during negative pressure
      sternal wound therapy for a relapse of Berlin Heart driveline infection in a
      pediatric transplant recipient. Several key issues related to assist device
      related infections and negative pressure complications are discussed in this
      peculiar setting.

PMID- 22051285
TI  - Transcatheter self-expandable aortic valve implantation after undersized mitral
      annuloplasty.
AB  - No data are available in the literature regarding the effectiveness and safety of
      transcatheter aortic valve implantation in patients who underwent previous mitral
      valve ring repair. Concerns exist related to the possible interference between
      the percutaneous aortic valve and the mitral annuloplasty ring. We report our
      experience with percutaneous aortic self-expandable valve implantation in a 76
      year-old woman affected by severe aortic stenosis, previously operated on for
      "undersized" mitral annuloplasty repair of severe functional mitral regurgitation
      in dilated cardiomyopathy. No deformation of the nitinol tubing of the CoreValve
      device (CoreValve, Inc, Irvine, CA), neither distortion nor malfunction nor
      change of the conformation of the mitral ring occurred. No change in mitral
      function and regurgitation was evident at echocardiography monitoring, which was
      performed during the implant.

PMID- 22051286
TI  - Spontaneous coronary artery dissection in Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
AB  - Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a heterogeneous group of connective tissue disorders
      with type IV, the vascular subtype, behaving as the most severe largely due to
      spontaneous arterial aneurysm and dissection. In this case report we describe a
      spontaneous left anterior descending coronary artery dissection treated with
      coronary artery bypass graft in a patient with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type IV.

PMID- 22051287
TI  - Coronary artery spasm after Cryo Maze III procedure.
AB  - The Cox Maze III procedure has been simplified with the availability of tissue
      ablation devices; however, complications related to their use are recognized. We
      report a case of 45-year-old woman who underwent mitral valve repair and
      concomitant Cryo-Maze procedure. She had reversible right coronary artery spasm
      develop after the procedure demonstrated by ST-segment elevation changes and
      coronary angiography, which was reversed with intracoronary nitroglycerin. The
      region of spasm suggested it as a consequence of proximity of the right coronary
      artery to the right atrial ablation lines.

PMID- 22051288
TI  - Compression of an anomalous left circumflex artery after aortic and mitral valve
      replacement.
AB  - A 52-year-old gentleman with a history of rheumatic fever presented with dyspnea.
      Transthoracic echocardiography revealed severe valvular aortic stenosis and
      severe mitral stenosis. A preoperative coronary angiogram revealed an anomalous
      left circumflex (LCX) artery arising from the right coronary sinus. The patient
      underwent aortic and mitral valve replacement. Postoperatively, a non-ST segment
      elevation myocardial infarction developed, and coronary angiography confirmed
      subtotal occlusion of the anomalous LCX. An emergent reoperation with surgical
      revascularization was performed. Intraoperatively, the mechanism of injury to the
      LCX was determined to be compression of the distal LCX by the sewing ring of the
      two prosthetic valves.

PMID- 22051289
TI  - Successful reconstruction of sternum with a scapular autograft segment: 5-year
      follow-up.
AB  - Complete loss of the sternum after osteomyelitis leads to chest wall instability
      and decreases respiratory mechanics. Thus, surgical management with prosthetic
      devices or various flap coverage procedures is required to restore anterior chest
      wall stability. We report on a new technique of an osteocutaneous flap from the
      scapula providing thoracic stability and protective coverage of mediastinal
      organs, and additionally allowing removal of osteosynthesis material. A 5-year
      follow-up demonstrates excellent durability and outcome.

PMID- 22051290
TI  - Successful surgical treatment of a posttransplantation bronchovascular fistula
      involving the pulmonary vein.
AB  - Bronchovascular fistula is a rare complication after lung transplantation, which
      usually has a fatal outcome. We describe the case of successful surgical
      treatment of bronchovascular fistula of the left upper pulmonary vein and the
      left main bronchus.

PMID- 22051291
TI  - Proliferating bronchial webs after lung transplantation.
AB  - This case details the decline in lung function due to bronchial webs in a lung
      transplant recipient. The decline occurred 2 years after transplantation and,
      despite therapy, the webs, which had an inflammatory component, became treatment
      resistant. We outline the pathological findings and management strategies used,
      discuss the evidence in the literature, and offer possible causes for these
      unusual clinical findings.

PMID- 22051292
TI  - Transection of the aerodigestive tract after blunt neck trauma.
AB  - Survival after blunt neck trauma resulting in combined tracheal and esophageal
      injury is uncommon. We present the case of a young boy who sustained complete
      transection of the trachea and subtotal transection of the esophagus after a
      clothes line type injury.

PMID- 22051293
TI  - Metastasis of pleural mesothelioma presenting as bleeding colonic polyp.
AB  - We report the case of a 72-year-old woman with metastatic malignant mesothelioma
      presenting as right colonic polyp. She was diagnosed with malignant pleural
      mesothelioma 2 years previously and underwent surgery, radiotherapy, and
      chemotherapy. After 2 years with a negative follow-up, she was admitted to the
      infectious disease department for malaria and severe anaemia. A computed
      tomographic scan and a colonoscopy showed a huge bleeding polypoid lesion in the
      right colon diagnosed as adenocarcinoma. She underwent a right hemicolectomy; a
      pathologic examination found neoplastic cell population positive to anti
      cytokeratin7, anti-calretinin, anti-vimentin, and negative for anti-cytokeratin
      20, MOC-31, and thyroid transcription factor 1, providing a diagnosis of
      metastatic mesothelioma.

PMID- 22051294
TI  - Fatal cerebral air embolus complicating multimodality treatment of esophageal
      cancer.
AB  - A 38-year-old woman with clinical T3N1M0 esophageal adenocarcinoma received an
      institutional protocol of induction chemotherapy, esophagectomy, and
      consolidation chemoradiotherapy. Three months after treatment, she had an acute
      mental status change develop and grand mal seizures. Intracranial imaging
      demonstrated massive cerebral air emboli, and a rapidly fatal neurologic
      deterioration ensued. At autopsy, a nonmalignant 0.5-cm gastric conduit to the
      left atrial fistula was identified. This case illustrates a rare, but fatal, late
      benign complication of aggressive therapy for locally advanced esophageal cancer.

PMID- 22051295
TI  - An unusual mediastinal mass.

PMID- 22051296
TI  - Refractory bilateral pneumothoraces in end-stage cystic fibrosis.

PMID- 22051297
TI  - Late complication of a silastic prosthetic correction of pectus excavatum.

PMID- 22051298
TI  - Total cavopulmonary connection with innovative combined lateral tunnel and
      extracardiac conduit in heterotaxy syndrome.
AB  - Total cavopulmonary connection remains a challenging procedure when treating
      heterotaxy syndrome patients with a widely separate drainage of the inferior vena
      cava and the hepatic vein into the common atrium. We trimmed a Gore-Tex tube
      graft (W.L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, AZ) to form a skirt to cover both
      openings of the inferior vena cava and the hepatic vein. This tubular structure
      pierces the atrium and travels outside the heart, and then reaches the inferior
      side of the pulmonary artery to avoid pulmonary vein obstruction. We then sutured
      the pierced atriotomy margin to the conduit. This innovative procedure has been
      shown to accommodate the widely separated hepatic vein drainage with a promising
      outcome.

PMID- 22051299
TI  - Transapical valve implantation and resuscitation: risk of valve destruction.
AB  - In this article we illustrate our experience with the destruction of a
      transapically implanted aortic valve prosthesis due to postoperative
      cardiopulmonary resuscitation. The fact of the existing risk of the valve damage
      by chest compression during cardiopulmonary resuscitation should be taken into
      consideration when discussing the potential exposure of this technology to lower
      the risk for patients. Furthermore, we introduce a technique of less invasive
      cardiopulmonary resuscitation that offers the possibility of lowering the risk of
      compressing the valve.

PMID- 22051300
TI  - Staged resternotomy for a retrosternal giant aneurysm of the thoracic aorta using
      an inferior T-shaped ministernotomy.
AB  - We describe a staged resternotomy technique using an inferior T-shaped
      ministernotomy for three redo cases with a retrosternal aortic arch aneurysm. To
      minimize the disadvantages of resternotomy during closed-chest hypothermia, an
      inferior T-shaped ministernotomy was performed before approaching the aneurysm.
      After establishment of the cardiopulmonary bypass with femoral or axillary
      arterial cannulation, or both, and right atrial drainage, a venting catheter was
      inserted into the left ventricle and core cooling was induced at 25 degrees C.
      The retrosternal aneurysm was then exposed by additional superior sternotomy.
      Under hypotherma with antegrade cerebral perfusion, the distal side of a four
      branched graft was anastomosed. During rewarming, reconstruction of the arch
      vessels and proximal anastomosis of the branched graft were performed. In the 3
      patients operated on using this technique, there were no perioperative deaths or
      serious complications. This suggests that the technique can be safely performed
      and minimizes the disadvantages of the widely used resternotomy technique.

PMID- 22051301
TI  - A new proximal anastomosis technique in two patients with severely calcified
      aorta.
AB  - A severely calcified aorta carries a high risk of atheroemboli and bleeding for
      cardiac surgery with an incidence range of 14% to 29%. Various techniques were
      described avoiding cannulation and clamping of the aorta. Nowadays, the no-touch
      beating heart technique seems to be the best alternative in patients with
      calcific aorta. Herein, we present a closed proximal anastomosis technique in
      this high-risk patient group.

PMID- 22051302
TI  - Suturing of penetrating wounds to the heart in the nineteenth century: the
      beginnings of heart surgery.
AB  - The beginnings of cardiac surgery go back to the 19th century. This article
      describes the history of the first attempts to operate on the heart. In 1882, Dr
      Block from Danzig, and in 1895, Simplicio Del Vecchio, published reports of
      animal experiments showing that the suturing of heart wounds is possible. After
      unsuccessful attempts by Axel Cappelen in Norway and Guido Farina in Italy, it
      was Ludwig Rehn of Germany who first sutured a laceration of the right ventricle
      of a human heart. Shortly afterward, Antonio Parrozzani successfully sutured a
      stab wound of the left ventricle. Following cardiac surgery back to its very
      beginnings, it is striking that the first attempts in the 19th century to repair
      the injured heart were regarded with great skepticism, and that heart suturing
      only slowly became an established method of treatment. Once the concept of
      cardiac surgery had become accepted, however, many kinds of operations were
      developed, paving the way for an explosion in the number of cardiac operations,
      as we well know, in the century that followed.

PMID- 22051303
TI  - Effects of blood conservation on perioperative CABG outcomes.

PMID- 22051305
TI  - When is the optimal time to perform neurocognitive assessment after coronary
      artery bypass surgery?

PMID- 22051307
TI  - Combined use of the Iida device and the "loop" technique in mitral neochordal
      construction.

PMID- 22051309
TI  - Freedom solo stentless aortic valve: quantitative and qualitative assessment of
      thrombocytopenia.

PMID- 22051310
TI  - Are transcatheter aortic valve implantations cost-effective in the management of
      patients with aortic stenosis?

PMID- 22051311
TI  - Pathophysiology of pneumopericardium after blunt thoracic trauma.

PMID- 22051313
TI  - Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation as a bridge to pulmonary endarterectomy.
AB  - Untreated severe chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension has a poor
      prognosis ending with right heart decompensation and multiorgan failure. This
      case report demonstrates that it is possible to intervene in the terminal stages
      of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension and bridge patients to surgery
      and recovery using various forms of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation support.

PMID- 22051314
TI  - Stent angioplasty for a kink in the pulmonary artery anastomosis soon after
      living-donor lobar lung transplantation.
AB  - Herein, we report a case of stent angioplasty for a kink in the pulmonary artery
      (PA) anastomosis soon after living-donor lobar lung transplantation (LDLLT). A 64
      year-old man with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis underwent bilateral LDLLT with
      lung donations from his daughters. After reperfusion, the left PA anastomosis
      showed a kink, which could not be corrected completely during surgery. Due to the
      kink in the left PA, and the relatively small donor grafts, the patient required
      extracorporeal membrane oxygenation) after LDLLT. Approximately 24 hours after
      reperfusion, stent angioplasty was performed, resulting in the patient being
      successfully weaned from extracorporeal membrane oxygenation on postoperative day
      4.

PMID- 22051315
TI  - Nonsymptomatic tracheocele-like sac after tracheoesophageal fistula repair.

PMID- 22051316
TI  - Multiple cystic pulmonary amyloidosis.

PMID- 22051317
TI  - Tracheal reconstruction using S-shaped skin flaps and a conchal cartilage graft.
AB  - We have devised a technique of two-stage tracheal reconstruction using S-shaped
      skin flaps and an aural conchal cartilage graft. During the first operation, S
      shaped skin flaps were elevated before resection of the trachea. A
      tracheocutaneous fistula was created at the tracheal defect using S-shaped skin
      flaps while placing the conchal cartilage graft underneath. During the second
      operation, a skin incision was made around the fistula to elevate the hinge
      flaps, including the cartilage. The edges of the hinge flaps were sutured to form
      the tracheal lumen, and the area of the skin defect was then closed with double
      rotation skin flaps.

PMID- 22051318
TI  - Long-term survival of salvage cardiac transplantation for infective endocarditis.
AB  - Cardiac transplantation has been rarely performed in patients with infective
      endocarditis. A 31-year-old man developed aortic endocarditis due to Brucella
      melitensis. He presented with fever and developed acute myocardial infarct,
      severe aortic regurgitation, and heart failure. Aortic valve replacement did not
      improve cardiac function; hence, an emergent cardiac transplantation was carried
      out. Eighteen years later, he is doing well and living an active and productive
      life. Only 6 patients have received a cardiac transplant as part of the treatment
      of active infective endocarditis. This patient shows how cardiac transplantation
      may be successfully used as salvage therapy for patients with infective
      endocarditis who are not candidates for valve replacement or have severe and
      irreversible myocardial damage.

PMID- 22051319
TI  - Embol-X intraaortic filter and transaortic approach for improved cerebral
      protection in transcatheter aortic valve implantation.
AB  - Techniques for transcatheter aortic valve implantation involve manipulation of
      the native aortic valve and the aortic arch. As a result, excellent technical
      outcomes of this technique remain counterbalanced by a level of neurologic
      complications that remain unacceptably high. We present here a report of a new
      potential combined approach to reduce periprocedural neurologic events. After a 6
      cm J-shaped upper-mini-sternotomy, 26-mm Sapien valve (Edwards Lifesciences,
      Irvine, CA) was deployed through a transaortic approach. In addition, the Embol-X
      device (Edwards Lifescience) was directly inserted in the distal ascending aorta
      was deployed during all the procedure. Postoperative evolution was clinically
      uneventful. Postoperative magnetic resonance imaging revealed no new ischemic
      lesions in this first patient.

PMID- 22051320
TI  - Rupture of a left sinus of valsalva aneurysm with coronary compression: a rare
      cause of ischemic chest pain.
AB  - We describe the case of a 52-year-old man presenting with chest pain and ischemic
      electrocardiogram changes. He was initially prepared to undergo primary
      percutaneous intervention, but echocardiography revealed pericardial effusion and
      computed tomography confirmed the diagnosis of rupture of a left sinus of
      Valsalva aneurysm. Emergency surgery was performed, and the aneurysm was repaired
      using a composite Dacron-Aortic homograft patch. The patient had a good
      postoperative recovery. This case report demonstrates the difficulty dealing with
      the minority of patients presenting with presumed ST elevation myocardial
      infarction, but for whom the life-saving treatment is surgery.

PMID- 22051321
TI  - Characterization of Paralichthys olivaceus peroxisome proliferator-activated
      receptor-alpha gene as a master regulator of flounder lipid metabolism.
AB  - Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are nuclear hormone receptors
      that play key roles in lipid and energy homeostasis. Paralichthys olivaceus
      PPARalpha (PoPPARalpha) cDNA was isolated by initial reverse transcription
      polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using conserved region among fish species and
      rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE). The full-length of PoPPARalpha cDNA is
      2040-bp long encoding a polypeptide with 505 amino acids and containing a DNA
      binding domain (C4-type zinc finger) and a ligand-binding domain. PoPPARalpha was
      detected from 1 day post-hatch and was highly expressed in the stomach, liver,
      and intestine of continuously fed flounder, approximately 16 cm in size.
      PoPPARalpha mRNA expression was down-regulated in the kidney, stomach, and liver
      of the 4.5-month-old flounder after a 30 day food-deprivation period. PoPPARalpha
      activates the PPAR response element (PPRE)-driven reporter, and treatment with
      Wy14643, a PPARalpha agonist, augmented PoPPARalpha-stimulated peroxisome
      proliferator response element activity in HINAE and HepG2 cells. PoPPARalpha
      activated the expression of fatty acid beta-oxidation related genes such as
      carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A, medium chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase, and acyl
      CoA oxidase 1 and inhibited the expression of sterol regulatory element binding
      protein and fatty acid synthase by competitively inhibiting LXR/RXR heterodimer
      formation. These results suggest that PoPPARalpha plays an important role in
      lipid metabolism of olive flounder and that it is functionally and evolutionarily
      conserved in olive flounder and mammals.

PMID- 22051323
TI  - The use of methotrexate for treatment of inflammatory bowel disease in clinical
      practice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Methotrexate is considered a treatment for Crohn's disease, whilst
      few data in ulcerative colitis are available. AIM: To evaluate frequency,
      indications, efficacy and safety of methotrexate in inflammatory bowel disease
      patients. METHODS: 5420 case histories were reviewed. RESULTS: Methotrexate was
      prescribed to 112 patients (2.1%; 89 Crohn's disease, 23 ulcerative colitis). It
      was the first-line immunosuppressive option in 32 (28.6%), it was an alternative
      drug due to toxicity or failure of thiopurines in 80 (71.4%). Steroid-dependence
      represented the main indication both when it was used as first (13/32, 40.6%) and
      second option (41/80, 51.2%). Efficacy was considered optimal in 39/112 (34.8%),
      partial in 29/112 (25.9%), absent in 22/112 (19.6%), not assessable in 22/112
      (19.6%). Side effects happened in 49 out of 112 patients (43.7%) (39 Crohn's
      disease, 10 ulcerative colitis), leading to drug discontinuation in 38 (33.9%).
      The occurrence of side effects was approximately fivefold higher in patients who
      did not receive folic acid (14/19, 73.7%) than in those who did (35/93, 37.6%):
      odds ratio 4.64, 95% confidence interval 1.54-14.00; p=0.005. CONCLUSIONS: The
      use of methotrexate appears to be negligible in clinical practice. However, our
      results suggest that, if appropriately used, methotrexate could be more widely
      administered to inflammatory bowel disease patients with complicated disease.

PMID- 22051322
TI  - Rose hip and its constituent galactolipids confer cartilage protection by
      modulating cytokine, and chemokine expression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clinical studies have shown that rose hip powder (RHP) alleviates
      osteoarthritis (OA). This might be due to anti-inflammatory and cartilage
      protective properties of the complete RHP or specific constituents of RHP.
      Cellular systems (macrophages, peripheral blood leukocytes and chondrocytes),
      which respond to inflammatory and OA-inducing stimuli, are used as in vitro
      surrogates to evaluate the possible pain-relief and disease-modifying effects of
      RHP. METHODS: (1) Inflammatory processes were induced in RAW264.7 cells or human
      peripheral blood leukocytes (PBL) with LPS. Inflammatory mediators (nitric oxide
      (NO), prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) and cytokines/chemokines) were determined by
      the Griess reaction, EIA and multiplex ELISA, respectively. Gene expression was
      quantified by RT-PCR. RHP or its constituent galactolipid, GLGPG (galactolipid
      (2S)-1, 2-di-O-[(9Z, 12Z, 15Z)-octadeca-9, 12, 15-trienoyl]-3-O-beta-D
      galactopyranosyl glycerol), were added at various concentrations and the effects
      on biochemical and molecular parameters were evaluated. (2) SW1353 chondrosarcoma
      cells and primary human knee articular chondrocytes (NHAC-kn) were treated with
      interleukin (IL)-1beta to induce in vitro processes similar to those occurring
      during in vivo degradation of cartilage. Biomarkers related to OA (NO, PGE(2),
      cytokines, chemokines, metalloproteinases) were measured by multiplex ELISA and
      gene expression analysis in chondrocytes. We investigated the modulation of these
      events by RHP and GLGPG. RESULTS: In macrophages and PBL, RHP and GLGPG inhibited
      NO and PGE(2) production and reduced the secretion of cytokines (TNF-alpha, IFN
      gamma, IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-12) and chemokines (CCL5/RANTES, CXCL10/IP-10). In
      SW1353 cells and primary chondrocytes, RHP and GLGPG diminished catabolic gene
      expression and inflammatory protein secretion as shown by lower mRNA levels of
      matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-13), aggrecanase (ADAMTS-4),
      macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP-2, MIP-3alpha), CCL5/RANTES, CXCL10/IP-10,
      IL-8, IL-1alpha and IL-6. The effects of GLGPG were weaker than those of RHP,
      which presumably contains other chondro-protective substances besides GLGPG.
      CONCLUSIONS: RHP and GLGPG attenuate inflammatory responses in different cellular
      systems (macrophages, PBLs and chondrocytes). The effects on cytokine production
      and MMP expression indicate that RHP and its constituent GLGPG down-regulate
      catabolic processes associated with osteoarthritis (OA) or rheumatoid arthritis
      (RA). These data provide a molecular and biochemical basis for cartilage
      protection provided by RHP.

PMID- 22051324
TI  - Comment to "rumination syndrome: when the lower oesophageal sphincter rises".

PMID- 22051325
TI  - Influence of CIT-induced DGF on kidney transplant outcomes.
AB  - Increased cold ischemia time (CIT) predisposes to delayed graft function (DGF).
      DGF is considered a risk factor for graft failure after kidney transplantation,
      but DGF has multiple etiologies. To analyze the risk of CIT-induced DGF on graft
      survival, we evaluated paired deceased-donor kidneys (derived from the same donor
      transplanted to different recipients) in which one donor resulted in DGF and the
      other did not, using national Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients data
      between 2000 and 2009. Of 54 565 kidney donors, 15 833 were excluded for mate
      kidney non-transplantation, 27 340 because both or neither kidney developed DGF
      and 2310 for same/unknown CIT. The remaining 9082 donors (18 164 recipients) were
      analyzed. The adjusted odds (aOR) of DGF were significantly higher when CIT was
      longer by >= 1 h (aOR 1.81, 95% CI 1.7-2.0), >= 5 h (aOR 2.5, 95% CI 2.3-2.9), >=
      10 h (aOR 3.3, 95% CI 2.7-2.9) and >= 15 h (aOR 4.4, 95% CI 3.4-5.8) compared to
      shorter CIT transplants. In the multivariable models adjusted for recipient
      characteristics, graft survival between paired donor transplants, with and
      without DGF, were similar. These results suggest that DGF, specifically induced
      by prolonged CIT, has limited bearing on long-term outcomes, which may have
      important implications for kidney utilization.

PMID- 22051326
TI  - Acute primary canine herpesvirus-1 dendritic ulcerative keratitis in an adult
      dog.
AB  - We present a report of dendritic ulcerative keratitis in a 4-year old locally
      immunosuppressed dog suspected to result from acute primary canine herpesvirus-1
      (CHV-1) infection. The dog was presented for evaluation of mild blepharospasm and
      conjunctival hyperemia in the right eye (OD) shortly after attending a public
      boarding facility. For approximately 3 months, the dog had been receiving topical
      prednisolone acetate 1.0% and tacrolimus 0.02% in both eyes (OU) q12h for
      treatment of follicular conjunctivitis. Ophthalmic examination revealed three
      regions of corneal fluorescein retention OD. The lesions had a dendritic pattern,
      were approximately 2-3 mm in length, and were located at the dorsomedial,
      lateral, and ventromedial aspects of the cornea. No additional abnormalities were
      noted on complete ophthalmic and physical examinations. CHV-1 was identified in
      conjunctival samples OD by polymerase chain reaction, and paired CHV-1 serum
      virus neutralization antibody titers were positive and consistent with acute
      infection. Topical prednisolone acetate and tacrolimus were discontinued. The dog
      was treated with cidofovir 0.5% OU q12h for a period of 4 weeks, with resolution
      of corneal disease noted within 1 week of treatment. In conjunction with previous
      studies, this case report supports a central role for alterations in host immune
      status in the pathogenesis and clinical manifestations of CHV-1 ocular disease in
      dogs.

PMID- 22051327
TI  - Omega-3 fatty acids and cardiovascular disease: effects on risk factors,
      molecular pathways, and clinical events.
AB  - We reviewed available evidence for cardiovascular effects of n-3 polyunsaturated
      fatty acid (PUFA) consumption, focusing on long chain (seafood) n-3 PUFA,
      including their principal dietary sources, effects on physiological risk factors,
      potential molecular pathways and bioactive metabolites, effects on specific
      clinical endpoints, and existing dietary guidelines. Major dietary sources
      include fatty fish and other seafood. n-3 PUFA consumption lowers plasma
      triglycerides, resting heart rate, and blood pressure and might also improve
      myocardial filling and efficiency, lower inflammation, and improve vascular
      function. Experimental studies demonstrate direct anti-arrhythmic effects, which
      have been challenging to document in humans. n-3 PUFA affect a myriad of
      molecular pathways, including alteration of physical and chemical properties of
      cellular membranes, direct interaction with and modulation of membrane channels
      and proteins, regulation of gene expression via nuclear receptors and
      transcription factors, changes in eicosanoid profiles, and conversion of n-3 PUFA
      to bioactive metabolites. In prospective observational studies and adequately
      powered randomized clinical trials, benefits of n-3 PUFA seem most consistent for
      coronary heart disease mortality and sudden cardiac death. Potential effects on
      other cardiovascular outcomes are less-well-established, including conflicting
      evidence from observational studies and/or randomized trials for effects on
      nonfatal myocardial infarction, ischemic stroke, atrial fibrillation, recurrent
      ventricular arrhythmias, and heart failure. Research gaps include the relative
      importance of different physiological and molecular mechanisms, precise dose
      responses of physiological and clinical effects, whether fish oil provides all
      the benefits of fish consumption, and clinical effects of plant-derived n-3 PUFA.
      Overall, current data provide strong concordant evidence that n-3 PUFA are
      bioactive compounds that reduce risk of cardiac death. National and international
      guidelines have converged on consistent recommendations for the general
      population to consume at least 250 mg/day of long-chain n-3 PUFA or at least 2
      servings/week of oily fish.

PMID- 22051328
TI  - The anti-oxidative capacity of high-density lipoprotein is reduced in acute
      coronary syndrome but not in stable coronary artery disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study examined an anti-inflammatory property of high-density
      lipoprotein (HDL) in subjects with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and stable
      coronary artery disease (CAD) compared with control subjects. BACKGROUND: HDL has
      anti-inflammatory properties in vitro, but its relationship to coronary disease
      in humans is unclear. The high-density lipoprotein inflammatory index (HII)
      measures the ability of HDL to mitigate oxidation of low-density lipoprotein;
      this function may be impaired in ACS and/or CAD. METHODS: We measured HII in 193
      patients undergoing angiography for symptoms of CAD. Control subjects (n = 99)
      had no angiographic CAD, chronic CAD subjects (n = 51) had >= 70% vessel
      stenosis, and ACS subjects (n = 43) had >= 20% vessel stenosis and ischemia or
      infarction. We also examined HII in a cohort of healthy subjects randomly
      assigned to a statin or placebo. RESULTS: Subjects who had ACS had higher HII
      (less antioxidative capacity) compared with controls (1.57 vs. 1.17, p = 0.005)
      or those with chronic CAD (1.57 vs. 1.11, p = 0.006). HII was not different in
      subjects with stable CAD compared with controls. Furthermore, those subjects with
      higher HII were more likely to have ACS than no CAD (quartile 4 vs. 1, odds ratio
      [OR]: 1.74, p = 0.008). In a multivariate logistic regression model, HII was
      associated with ACS after adjusting for traditional cardiac risk factors (OR:
      3.8, p = 0.003). There was a small improvement in HII after statin therapy
      compared with placebo (-14%, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: HDL has less anti
      inflammatory capacity as assessed by HII in the setting of ACS compared with
      controls or subjects with chronic CAD.

PMID- 22051329
TI  - The association of Framingham and Reynolds risk scores with incidence and
      progression of coronary artery calcification in MESA (Multi-Ethnic Study of
      Atherosclerosis).
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to compare the association of the
      Framingham risk score (FRS) and Reynolds risk score (RRS) with subclinical
      atherosclerosis, assessed by incidence and progression of coronary artery calcium
      (CAC). BACKGROUND: The comparative effectiveness of competing risk algorithms for
      identifying subclinical atherosclerosis is unknown. METHODS: MESA (Multi-Ethnic
      Study of Atherosclerosis) is a prospective cohort study of 6,814 participants
      free of baseline cardiovascular disease. All participants underwent risk factor
      assessment, as well as baseline and follow-up CAC testing. We assessed the
      performance of the FRS and RRS to predict CAC incidence and progression using
      relative risk and robust linear regression. RESULTS: The study population
      included 5,140 individuals (mean age 61 +/- 10 years, 47% males, mean follow-up:
      3.1 +/- 1.3 years). Among 53% of subjects (n = 2,729) with no baseline CAC, 18%
      (n = 510) developed incident CAC. Both the FRS and RRS were significantly
      predictive of incident CAC (relative risk: 1.40 [95% confidence interval (CI):
      1.29 to 1.52] and 1.41 [95% CI: 1.30 to 1.54] per 5% increase in risk,
      respectively) and CAC progression (mean CAC score change: 6.92 [95% CI: 5.31 to
      8.54] and 6.82 [95% CI: 5.51 to 8.14] per 5% increase). Discordance in risk
      category classification (<10% or >10% per 10-year coronary heart disease risk)
      occurred in 13.7%, with only the RRS consistently adding predictive value for
      incidence and progression of CAC. These subclinical atherosclerosis findings are
      supported by a coronary heart disease events analysis over a mean follow-up of
      5.6 +/- 0.7 years. CONCLUSIONS: Both the RRS and FRS predict onset and
      progression of subclinical atherosclerosis. However, the RRS may provide
      additional predictive information when discordance between the scoring systems
      exists.

PMID- 22051330
TI  - The impact of renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system blockade on heart failure
      outcomes and mortality in patients identified to have aortic regurgitation: a
      large population cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of renin
      angiotensin system blockade on outcomes in patients with aortic regurgitation
      (AR). BACKGROUND: Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors have the
      potential to reduce afterload, blunt left ventricular wall stress, and limit left
      ventricular dilation and hypertrophy. However, long-term studies have yielded
      inconsistent results, and very few have assessed clinical outcomes. METHODS: The
      Health Informatics Centre dispensed prescription and morbidity and mortality
      database for the population of Tayside, Scotland, was linked through a unique
      patient identifier to the Tayside echocardiography database. Patients diagnosed
      with at least moderate AR from 1993 to 2008 were identified. Cox regression
      analysis was used to assess differences in all-cause mortality and cardiovascular
      (CV) and AR events (heart failure hospitalizations, heart failure deaths, or
      aortic valve replacement) between those treated with and without ACE inhibitors
      or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs). RESULTS: A total of 2,266 subjects with
      AR (median age 74 years; interquartile range: 64 to 81 years) were studied, with
      a mean follow-up period of 4.4 +/- 3.7 years. Seven hundred and five patients
      (31%) received ACE inhibitor or ARB therapy. There were 582 all-cause deaths
      (25.7%). Patients treated with ACE inhibitors or ARBs had significantly lower all
      cause mortality and fewer CV and AR events, with adjusted hazard ratios of 0.56
      (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.64 to 0.89; p < 0.01) for all-cause mortality,
      0.77 (95% CI: 0.67 to 0.89; p < 0.01) for CV events, and 0.68 (95% CI: 0.54 to
      0.87; p < 0.01) for AR events. CONCLUSIONS: This large retrospective study shows
      that the prescription of ACE inhibitors or ARBs in patients with moderate to
      severe AR was associated with significantly reduced all-cause mortality and CV
      and AR events. These data need to be confirmed by a prospective randomized
      controlled outcome trial.

PMID- 22051331
TI  - Renin-angiotensin system blockade and improved clinical outcomes in chronic
      aortic regurgitation: enough ammunition to revise guidelines, or do we need a
      randomized controlled trial?

PMID- 22051332
TI  - Impaired natriuretic and renal endocrine response to acute volume expansion in
      pre-clinical systolic and diastolic dysfunction.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We hypothesized an impaired renal endocrine and natriuretic response
      to volume expansion (VE) in humans with pre-clinical systolic dysfunction (PSD)
      and pre-clinical diastolic dysfunction (PDD). We further hypothesized that
      exogenous B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) could rescue an impaired natriuretic
      response in PSD and PDD. BACKGROUND: Recent reports suggest that in early
      systolic heart failure (HF), there is an impaired natriuretic response to acute
      VE. METHODS: PSD was defined as left ventricular ejection fraction <40% without
      HF symptoms. PDD was defined as ejection fraction >50%, moderate to severe
      diastolic dysfunction by Doppler criteria, and no HF symptoms. A double-blinded,
      placebo-controlled, crossover study was employed to determine the renal response
      to VE (0.25 ml/kg/min of normal saline for 60 min) in the presence and absence of
      exogenous BNP. Twenty healthy control subjects, 20 PSD subjects, and 18 PDD
      subjects participated. RESULTS: In healthy control subjects, urinary cyclic
      guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) and natriuresis increased after VE. In contrast,
      among PSD and PDD subjects, there was a paradoxical decrease in urinary cGMP and
      attenuated natriuresis. Pre-treatment with subcutaneous BNP resulted in similar
      increases in both urinary cGMP and natriuresis among healthy normal, PSD, and PDD
      subjects. CONCLUSIONS: In PSD and PDD, there is impaired renal cGMP activation,
      which contributes to impaired natriuresis in response to VE. Impaired activation
      of urinary cGMP and reduced natriuresis may contribute to volume overload and the
      progression of HF among PSD and PDD subjects. Importantly, the impaired renal
      excretory response to VE is rescued by exogenous BNP in PSD and PDD.

PMID- 22051333
TI  - The early intertwining of the heart and the kidney through an impaired
      natriuretic response to acute volume expansion.

PMID- 22051334
TI  - Mechanical stretch of atrial myocyte monolayer decreases sarcoplasmic reticulum
      calcium adenosine triphosphatase expression and increases susceptibility to
      repolarization alternans.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of stretch
      (the major risk factor for atrial fibrillation [AF]) on spatial and temporal
      alternations of action potential duration (APD-ALT) and calcium transient in
      cultured atrial myocyte monolayer. BACKGROUND: How rapid firings or premature
      beats trigger AF is not completely understood. Discordant repolarization
      alternans, characterized by simultaneous prolongation and shortening of APD in
      different myocardial regions, is central to the genesis of ventricular
      fibrillation. We hypothesized that repolarization alternans also is central to
      the initiation of multiple re-entry circuits and AF. METHODS: Confluent HL-1
      atrial myocyte monolayer with spontaneous depolarization was cultured in silicone
      membrane and subjected to mechanical stretch. Rapid field pacing was used to
      induce alternans. A high-resolution dual optical mapping system was used to
      record action potentials and calcium transients. RESULTS: High-rate pacing
      induced APD-ALT and calcium transient in atrial myocyte monolayer. Mechanical
      stretch significantly decreased the thresholds for APD-ALT and calcium transient.
      Mechanical stretch decreased the expression of sarcoplasmic reticulum adenosine
      triphosphatase 2, and thus slower calcium reuptake kinetics, which was
      responsible for the susceptibility to alternans. Mechanical stretch did not alter
      the APD restitution kinetics. Mechanical stretch also enhanced spatially
      discordant alternans. Overexpression of sarcoplasmic reticulum adenosine
      triphosphatase 2 reversed all the effects of stretch on susceptibility to
      alternans. In intact atrium, mechanical stretch also enhanced discordant
      alternans. CONCLUSIONS: Mechanical stretch increased the susceptibility to
      alternans in atrial myocytes, which may explain the susceptibility to AF in
      conditions of atrial stretch, such as mitral valvular heart disease, heart
      failure, and hypertension.

PMID- 22051335
TI  - Repolarization alternans in dilated pulsing atria: a preventable "prelude" to
      atrial fibrillation?

PMID- 22051336
TI  - Reduced collagen deposition in infarcted myocardium facilitates induced
      pluripotent stem cell engraftment and angiomyogenesis for improvement of left
      ventricular function.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of scar tissue
      composition on engraftment of progenitor cells into infarcted myocardium.
      BACKGROUND: Scar tissue formation after myocardial infarction creates a barrier
      that severely compromises tissue regeneration, limiting potential functional
      recovery. METHODS: In vitro: A tricell patch (Tri-P) was created from peritoneum
      seeded and cultured with induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes,
      endothelial cells, and mouse embryonic fibroblasts. The expression of fibrosis
      related molecules from mouse embryonic fibroblasts and infarcted heart was
      measured by Western blot and quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain
      reaction. In vivo: A Tri-P was affixed over the entire infarcted area 7 days
      after myocardial infarction in mice overexpressing adenylyl cyclase 6 (AC6).
      Engraftment efficiency of progenitor cells in hearts of AC6 mice was compared
      with that of control wild-type (WT) mice using a combination of in vivo
      bioluminescence imaging, post-mortem ex vivo tissue analysis, and the number of
      green fluorescent protein-positive cells. Echocardiography of left ventricular
      (LV) function was performed weekly. Hearts were harvested for analysis 4 weeks
      after Tri-P application. Mouse embryonic fibroblasts were stimulated with
      forskolin before an anoxia/reoxygenation protocol. Fibrosis-related molecules
      were analyzed. RESULTS: In AC6 mice, infarcted hearts treated with Tri-P showed
      significantly higher bioluminescence imaging intensity and numbers of green
      fluorescent protein-positive cells than in WT mice. LV function improved
      progressively in AC6 mice from weeks 2 to 4 and was associated with reduced LV
      fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Application of a Tri-P in AC6 mice resulted in
      significantly higher induced pluripotent stem cell engraftment accompanied by
      angiomyogenesis in the infarcted area and improvement in LV function.

PMID- 22051337
TI  - A tale of 2 biologies: stem cell patch: myocardial interactions are critical for
      myocardial regeneration.

PMID- 22051338
TI  - Persistent left superior vena cava with retrograde drainage from the left atrium
      into the left brachiocephalic vein.

PMID- 22051339
TI  - A rare combination of two rare diseases: left ventricular noncompaction and
      hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

PMID- 22051340
TI  - Diabetogenic T lymphocytes in human Type 1 diabetes.
AB  - The field of Type 1 diabetes research has been quick to embrace the era of
      translational medicine in the recent epoch. Building upon some 30 years of
      intense immunological research, the past decade has been marked by a series of
      clinical trials designed to evaluate the potential beneficial effects of a range
      of immune intervention and prevention strategies [1(**),2-5]. At the heart of
      Type 1 diabetes is an autoimmune process, the consequence of which is immune
      mediated destruction of islet beta-cells. Although understanding the pathogenesis
      of islet autoimmunity is critical, there are also good reasons to focus research
      onto the beta-cell destructive process itself. Measuring preservation of function
      of insulin-producing cells is currently the best means available to evaluate
      potential beneficial effects of immunotherapy, but there is an urgent need to
      discover and monitor immunological correlates of this beta-cell destructive
      process. Whilst the best approach to intervention and prevention has yet to
      emerge, it is logical that future attempts to intelligently design therapeutics
      for Type 1 diabetes will need to be predicated on a clear understanding of the
      process of beta-cell destruction and the immune components involved. For these
      reasons, this review will focus on the role of diabetogenic T lymphocytes in this
      disease-defining event.

PMID- 22051341
TI  - Evaluation of the seasonal performance of a water reclamation pond-constructed
      wetland system for removing emerging contaminants.
AB  - The capacity of a full-scale reclamation pond-constructed wetland (CW) system to
      eliminate 27 emerging contaminants (i.e. pharmaceuticals, sunscreen compounds,
      fragrances, antiseptics, fire retardants, pesticides, and plasticizers) and the
      seasonal occurrence of these contaminants is studied. The compounds with the
      highest concentrations in the secondary effluent are diclofenac, caffeine,
      ketoprofen, and carbamazepine. The results show that the constructed wetland
      (61%) removes emerging contaminants significantly more efficiently than the pond
      (51%), presumably due to the presence of plants (Phragmites and Thypa) as well as
      the higher hydraulic residence time (HRT) in the CW. A greater seasonal trend to
      the efficient removal of these compounds is observed in the pond than in the CW.
      The overall mass removal efficiency of each individual compound ranged from 27%
      to 93% (71% on average), which is comparable to reported data in advanced
      treatments (photo-fenton and membrane filtration). The seasonal average content
      of emerging contaminants in the river water (2488 ng L(-1)) next to the water
      reclamation plant is found to be higher than the content in the final reclaimed
      water (1490 ng L(-1)), suggesting that the chemical quality of the reclaimed
      water is better than available surface waters.

PMID- 22051342
TI  - Sunlight-induced degradation of soil-adsorbed veterinary antimicrobials
      Marbofloxacin and Enrofloxacin.
AB  - Marbofloxacin (MAR) and Enrofloxacin (ENR), two largely employed veterinary
      Fluoroquinolones (FQs), were found to be present at the micrograms per kilogram
      level in agricultural soils of South Lombardy (Italy) several months after
      manuring. Distribution coefficients (K(d)) from sorption experiments indicated a
      strong binding to the soil. Soil samples fortified with environmentally
      significant FQs amounts (0.5 mg kg(-1)) were exposed to solar light that promoted
      extensive degradation (80%) of both drugs in 60-150 h. Thus, photochemistry could
      be considered a significant depollution path in the soil, although it was two
      orders of magnitudes slower than in aqueous solution and a fraction of the drug
      (ca. 20%) remained unaffected. For MAR the photoprocess was the same as in
      solution, and involved cleavage of the tetrahydrooxadiazine ring. On the
      contrary, with ENR only some of the photoproducts determined in water (those
      arising from a stepwise oxidation of the piperazine side chain) were observed.
      Substitution of the 6-fluoro by a hydroxyl group and reduction did not occur in
      the soil, supporting the previous contention that such processes required polar
      solvation of FQs. Consistently with this rationalization, the irradiation of thin
      layers of solid drugs led to essentially the same products distribution as in the
      soil. From the environmental point of view it is important to notice that
      photodegradation mainly affects the side-chains, while the fluoroquinolone ring,
      to which the biological effect is associated, is conserved up to the later stages
      of the degradation.

PMID- 22051343
TI  - Antibiotic resistant bacteria/genes dissemination in lacustrine sediments highly
      increased following cultural eutrophication of Lake Geneva (Switzerland).
AB  - This study investigates faecal indicator bacteria (FIB), multiple antibiotic
      resistant (MAR), and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs), of sediment profiles
      from different parts of Lake Geneva (Switzerland) over the last decades. MARs
      consist to expose culturable Escherichia coli (EC) and Enterococcus (ENT) to
      mixed five antibiotics including Ampicillin, Tetracycline, Amoxicillin,
      Chloramphenicol and Erythromycin. Culture-independent is performed to assess the
      distribution of ARGs responsible for, beta-lactams (blaTEM;
      Amoxicillin/Ampicillin), Streptomycin/Spectinomycin (aadA), Tetracycline (tet)
      Chloramphenicol (cmlA) and Vancomycin (van). Bacterial cultures reveal that in
      the sediments deposited following eutrophication of Lake Geneva in the 1970s, the
      percentage of MARs to five antibiotics varied from 0.12% to 4.6% and 0.016% to
      11.6% of total culturable EC and ENT, respectively. In these organic-rich
      bacteria-contaminated sediments, the blaTEM resistant of FIB varied from 22% to
      48% and 16% to 37% for EC and ENT respectively, whereas the positive PCR assays
      responsible for tested ARGs were observed for EC, ENT, and total DNA from all
      samples. The aadA resistance gene was amplified for all the sediment samples,
      including those not influenced by WWTP effluent water. Our results demonstrate
      that bacteria MARs and ARGs highly increased in the sediments contaminated with
      WWTP effluent following the cultural eutrophication of Lake Geneva. Hence, the
      human-induced changing limnological conditions highly enhanced the sediment
      microbial activity, and therein the spreading of antibiotic resistant bacteria
      and genes in this aquatic environment used to supply drinking water in a highly
      populated area. Furthermore, the presence of the antibiotic resistance gene aadA
      in all the studied samples points out a regional dissemination of this emerging
      contaminant in freshwater sediments since at least the late nineteenth century.

PMID- 22051344
TI  - Assessment of exposure to PCB 153 from breast feeding and normal food intake in
      individual children using a system approach model.
AB  - Investigators have typically relied on a single or few discrete time points as
      measures of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) body burden, however health effects
      are more likely to be the result of integrative exposure in time, optionally
      expressed as an area under the time curve (AUC) of PCB serum concentration. Using
      data from a subgroup of 93 infants from a birth cohort in eastern Slovakia-a
      region highly polluted by PCBs-we fit a system type model, customized to our
      longitudinal measures of serum PCB concentrations in cord, 6, 16, and 45 month
      blood specimens. The most abundant congener, PCB 153, was chosen for modeling
      purposes. In addition to currently used methods of exposure assessment, our
      approach estimates a concentration time profile for each subject, taking into
      account mean residence time of PCB 153 molecules in the body, duration of breast
      feeding, hypothetical PCB 153 concentration in steady-state without breast
      feeding and alternately without normal food intake. Hypothetical PCB 153
      concentration in steady-state without normal food intake correlates with AUC
      (r=0.84, p<0.001) as well as with duration of breast feeding (r=0.64, p<0.001).
      It makes possible to determine each subject's exposure profile expressed as AUC
      of PCBs serum concentration with a minimum model parameters. PCB body burden in
      most infants was strongly associated with duration of breast feeding in most, but
      not all children, was apparent from model output.

PMID- 22051345
TI  - Influence of dissolved humic substances on the mass transfer of organic compounds
      across the air-water interface.
AB  - The effect of dissolved humic substances (DHS) on the rate of water-gas exchange
      of two volatile organic compounds was studied under various conditions of
      agitation intensity, solution pH and ionic strength. Mass-transfer coefficients
      were determined from the rate of depletion of model compounds from an apparatus
      containing a stirred aqueous solution with continuous purging of the headspace
      above the solution (dynamic system). Under these conditions, the overall transfer
      rate is controlled by the mass-transfer resistance on the water side of the water
      gas interface. The experimental results show that the presence of DHS hinders the
      transport of the organic molecules from the water into the gas phase under all
      investigated conditions. Mass-transfer coefficients were significantly reduced
      even by low, environmentally relevant concentrations of DHS. The retardation
      effect increased with increasing DHS concentration. The magnitude of the
      retardation effect on water-gas exchange was compared for Suwannee River fulvic
      and humic acids, a commercially available leonardite humic acid and two synthetic
      surfactants. The observed results are in accordance with the concept of
      hydrodynamic effects. Surface pressure forces due to surface film formation
      change the hydrodynamic characteristics of water motion at the water-air
      interface and thus impede surface renewal.

PMID- 22051346
TI  - Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: bees, honey and pollen as sentinels for
      environmental chemical contaminants.
AB  - Three beehive matrices, sampled in six different apiaries from West France, were
      analyzed for the presence of four polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH4:
      benzo[a]pyrene, benzo[a]anthracene, benzo[b]fluoranthene and chrysene). Samples
      were collected during four different periods in both 2008 and 2009. Honey samples
      showed the lowest levels of PAH4 contamination (min=0.03 MUg kg(-1); max=5.80 MUg
      kg(-1); mean=0.82 MUg kg(-1); Sd=1.17). Bee samples exhibited higher levels of
      PAH4 contamination (min=0.32 MUg kg(-1); max=73.83 MUg kg(-1); mean=7.03 MUg kg(
      1); Sd=17.83) with a great dispersion of the concentrations due to four main
      events of high concentrations. Pollen samples showed only one major episode with
      the highest PAH4 concentration found (min=0.33 MUg kg(-1); max=129.41 MUg kg(-1);
      mean=7.10 MUg kg(-1); Sd=22.28). The PAH4 concentrations found were significantly
      influenced by the landscape context for all beehive samples.

PMID- 22051347
TI  - Increasing levels of long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) in Arctic and
      North Atlantic marine mammals, 1984-2009.
AB  - Temporal variations in concentrations of perfluorinated carboxylic acids (PFCAs)
      and sulfonic acids (PFSAs), including perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and
      perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) structural isomers, were examined in livers of pilot
      whale (Globicephala melas), ringed seal (Phoca hisida), minke whale (Balaenoptera
      acutorostrata), harbor porpoise (Phocoena phocoena), hooded seal (Cystophora
      cristata), Atlantic white-sided dolphin (Lagenorhynchus acutus) and in muscle
      tissue of fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus). The sampling spanned over 20 years
      (1984-2009) and covered a large geographical area of the North Atlantic and West
      Greenland. Liver and muscle samples were homogenized, extracted with
      acetonitrile, cleaned up using hexane and solid phase extraction (SPE), and
      analyzed by liquid chromatography with negative electrospray tandem mass
      spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). In general, the levels of the long-chained PFCAs (C9
      C12) increased whereas the levels of PFOS remained steady over the studied
      period. The PFOS isomer pattern in pilot whale liver was relatively constant over
      the sampling years. However, in ringed seals there seemed to be a decrease in
      linear PFOS (L-PFOS) with time, going from 91% in 1984 to 83% in 2006.

PMID- 22051348
TI  - Genetic co-morbidity between neuroticism, anxiety/depression and somatic distress
      in a population sample of adolescent and young adult twins.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Genetic studies in adults indicate that genes influencing the
      personality trait of neuroticism account for substantial genetic variance in
      anxiety and depression and in somatic health. Here, we examine for the first time
      the factors underlying the relationship between neuroticism and
      anxiety/depressive and somatic symptoms during adolescence. METHOD: The Somatic
      and Psychological Health Report (SPHERE) assessed symptoms of anxiety/depression
      (PSYCH-14) and somatic distress (SOMA-10) in 2459 adolescent and young adult
      twins [1168 complete pairs (35.4% monozygotic, 53% female)] aged 12-25 years
      (mean=15.5 +/- 2.9). Differences between boys and girls across adolescence were
      explored for neuroticism, SPHERE-34, and the subscales PSYCH-14 and SOMA-10.
      Trivariate analyses partitioned sources of covariance in neuroticism, PSYCH-14
      and SOMA-10. RESULTS: Girls scored higher than boys on both neuroticism and
      SPHERE, with SPHERE scores for girls increasing slightly over time, whereas
      scores for boys decreased or were unchanged. Neuroticism and SPHERE scores were
      strongly influenced by genetic factors [heritability (h(2)) = 40-52%]. A common
      genetic source influenced neuroticism, PSYCH-14 and SOMA-10 (impacting PSYCH-14
      more than SOMA-10). A further genetic source, independent of neuroticism,
      accounted for covariation specific to PSYCH-14 and SOMA-10. Environmental
      influences were largely specific to each measure. CONCLUSIONS: In adolescence,
      genetic risk factors indexed by neuroticism contribute substantially to
      anxiety/depression and, to a lesser extent, perceived somatic health. Additional
      genetic covariation between anxiety/depressive and somatic symptoms, independent
      of neuroticism, had greatest influence on somatic distress, where it was equal in
      influence to the factor shared with neuroticism.

PMID- 22051350
TI  - Towards a species level tree of the globally diverse genus Chenopodium
      (Chenopodiaceae).
AB  - Chenopodium is a large and morphologically variable genus of annual and perennial
      herbs with an almost global distribution. All subgenera and most sections of
      Chenopodium were sampled along with other genera of Chenopodieae, Atripliceae and
      Axyrideae across the subfamily Chenopodioideae (Chenopodiaceae), totalling to 140
      taxa. Using Maximum parsimony and Bayesian analyses of the non-coding trnL-F
      (cpDNA) and nuclear ITS regions, we provide a comprehensive picture of
      relationships of Chenopodium sensu lato. The genus as broadly classified is
      highly paraphyletic within Chenopodioideae, consisting of five major clades.
      Compared to previous studies, the tribe Dysphanieae with three genera Dysphania,
      Teloxys and Suckleya (comprising the aromatic species of Chenopodium s.l.) is now
      shown to form one of the early branches in the tree of Chenopodioideae. We
      further recognize the tribe Spinacieae to include Spinacia, several species of
      Chenopodium, and the genera Monolepis and Scleroblitum. The Chenopodium rubrum
      and the Ch. murale-clades were newly discovered as distinct major lineages but
      their relationships within Chenopodioideae will need further evaluation. Based on
      our results, we suggest the delimitation of Chenopodium to include Einadia and
      Rhagodia because these are part of the crown group composed of species of subg.
      Chenopodium that appear sister to the Atripliceae. The tetraploid crops such as
      Ch. berlandieri subsp. nuttalliae and Ch. quinoa also belong to Chenopodium sensu
      stricto. Trees derived from trnL-F and ITS were incongruent within this shallow
      crown group clade. Possible biological causes are discussed, including
      allopolyploidization.

PMID- 22051349
TI  - A new role for laminins as modulators of protein toxicity in Caenorhabditis
      elegans.
AB  - Protein misfolding is a common theme in aging and several age-related diseases
      such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. The processes involved in the
      development of these diseases are many and complex. Here, we show that components
      of the basement membrane (BM), particularly laminin, affect protein integrity of
      the muscle cells they support. We knocked down gene expression of epi-1, a
      laminin alpha-chain, and found that this resulted in increased proteotoxicity in
      different Caenorhabditis elegans transgenic models, expressing aggregating
      proteins in the body wall muscle. The effect could partially be rescued by
      decreased insulin-like signaling, known to slow the aging process and the onset
      of various age-related diseases. Our data points to an underlying molecular
      mechanism involving proteasomal degradation and HSP-16 chaperone activity.
      Furthermore, epi-1-depleted animals had altered synaptic function and displayed
      hypersensitivity to both levamisole and aldicarb, an acetylcholine receptor
      agonist and an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, respectively. Our results
      implicate the BM as an extracellular modulator of protein homeostasis in the
      adjacent muscle cells. This is in agreement with previous research showing that
      imbalance in neuromuscular signaling disturbs protein homeostasis in the
      postsynaptic cell. In our study, proteotoxicity may indeed be mediated by the
      neuromuscular junction which is part of the BM, where laminins are present in
      high concentration, ensuring the proper microenvironment for neuromuscular
      signaling. Laminins are evolutionarily conserved, and thus the BM may play a much
      more causal role in protein misfolding diseases than currently recognized.

PMID- 22051351
TI  - Evaluation of patient's understanding and recall of the consent process after
      open inguinal hernia repairs.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Open inguinal Hernia repair is one of the most commonly performed
      operative procedure. Despite this, hernia repair can cause considerable morbidity
      and rarely mortality. Some of these complications such as chronic pain and
      testicular complications can be easily disregarded, thereby leading to medico
      legal claims being made. As a result, the quality of consent process is crucial
      in increasing patient satisfaction after inguinal hernia repair. This is a
      prospective study exploring patient's recall of the consenting practice after
      elective open inguinal hernia repairs at our institute. METHODS: Patients who had
      an elective, Lichtenstein inguinal hernia repair between January to October 2009
      were identified. Patients were contacted by telephone after 3 days and a
      questionnaire was completed. RESULTS: There were 86 patients included in our
      study. The male:female ratio was 70:16 whilst the average age was 63.2+/-19.2
      years. 42 patients stated pain relief as the main indication for having the
      operation whilst 30 patients feared incarceration or strangulation as the main
      indication. Infection was the complication recalled most by patients in our study
      (31 patients), followed by bleeding (30 patients). Only 2 patients were aware of
      developing potential chronic pain and 10 patients realised the potential for
      testicular problems. 57 patients were aware of having a mesh inside their groin.
      There were 61 patients who were aware of laparoscopic approach as an alternative
      to open inguinal hernia repair. CONCLUSIONS: Recall of consent is very poor. As a
      result, repeating the information stated and providing additional resource may
      reinforce the consent process.

PMID- 22051352
TI  - Stroke incidence and usage rate of thrombolysis in a Japanese urban city: the
      Kurashiki stroke registry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To investigate stroke incidence and rate of thrombolytic therapy in
      an urban city of around 500,000 residents. METHODS: Patients suffering acute
      stroke in Kurashiki City (population 474,415) between March 2009 and February
      2010 (inclusive) and admitted to 1 of 10 hospitals throughout the city were
      prospectively enrolled. RESULTS: We enrolled patients with first-ever stroke (n =
      763; men 415; median age 72 years) and first-ever/recurrent stroke (n = 1009; men
      552; median age 73 years). Among first-ever strokes, 68% were cerebral
      infarctions, 23% were intracerebral hemorrhages, and 8% were subarachnoid
      hemorrhages. Crude incidences for first-ever stroke per 100,000 residents were
      159.8 (95% confidence interval [CI] 148.4-171.1) for all strokes, 108.8 (95% CI
      99.4-118.1) for cerebral infarction, and 36.5 (95% CI 31.0-41.9) for
      intracerebral hemorrhage. After adjustment using the world population model, age
      adjusted incidences were 60.7 (95% CI 45.4-75.9) for all strokes, 38.4 (95% CI
      26.3-50.5) for cerebral infarction, and 16.1 (95% CI 8.3-24.0) for intracerebral
      hemorrhage. Among 698 cases with first-ever and recurrent cerebral infarction,
      thrombolysis was administered for 31 (5%). Of 197 cerebral infarction patients
      admitted within 3 hours of onset, the thrombolysis rate was 16%. CONCLUSION: In
      this urban Japanese city, the age-adjusted incidence of first-ever stroke between
      March 2009 and February 2010 was 60.7 per 100,000 residents, which was relatively
      low compared with findings for other countries. Thrombolysis was given to
      approximately 5% of patients with acute ischemic stroke.

PMID- 22051353
TI  - Psychological well-being and the body dissatisfaction-bulimic symptomatology
      relationship: an examination of moderators.
AB  - Research has examined psychological moderators of the body dissatisfaction
      bulimic symptomatology relationship, but the focus has been on variables thought
      to worsen the relationship. In this study, we examined self-esteem, optimism,
      satisfaction with life, and self-determination as potential buffers. Participants
      were 847 female undergraduates. Using hierarchical multiple regression (HMR), we
      controlled for the influences of social desirability and body mass index on
      bulimic symptomomatology and then determined the main and interactive effects of
      body dissatisfaction and each moderator. Self-determination, optimism, self
      esteem, and satisfaction with life all buffered the deleterious effects of body
      dissatisfaction, such that when levels of the moderators were high, the
      relationship between body dissatisfaction and bulimic symptomatology was weakest.
      Knowing what psychological variables moderate women's body dissatisfaction can
      assist psychologists and other health professionals in developing effective
      treatments for lessening disordered eating among women.

PMID- 22051354
TI  - Typology of emergent eating patterns in early childhood.
AB  - The stability of eating patterns from infancy through childhood is largely
      unknown. This study identified subgroups of children based on emergent eating
      patterns from ages 1 to 3 years and examined differences between groups in
      demographic, anthropometric and temperamental variables. We conducted secondary
      analyses of 262 boys and 225 girls from the Colorado Adoption Project. Three
      eating styles (Reactivity to Food, Predictable Appetite, Distractibility at
      Mealtime) and five temperaments were assessed at ages 1 and 3 years. Weight and
      height (length) were assessed on children and mothers. Correlations examined the
      stability of eating patterns, cluster analysis identified subgroups of emergent
      eating styles, and analysis of variance identified variables differentiating the
      derived subgroups. Eating styles were moderately stable over time, although all
      increased on average. Four subgroups were identified: Diet Expanding and
      Preference Establishing Eaters (37%), Emerging Reactive Tendency Eaters (23%),
      Emerging Food-Indifferent and Non-Fussy Eaters (31%), and Emerging High-Reactive
      and Fussy Eaters (9%). The subgroups differed in year 1 Wt/L and Reaction to
      Food, and year 1-to-3 changes in Emotionality and Reaction to Food. Four emergent
      eating patterns were identified. How these subgroups of children differ in later
      weight and health trajectories warrants research.

PMID- 22051355
TI  - Making implicit measures of associations with snack foods more negative through
      evaluative conditioning.
AB  - The present study examined whether implicit measures of associations with snack
      foods and food consumer behaviour could be changed through a picture-picture
      evaluative conditioning procedure. In the experimental condition (n=41), female
      participants completed a conditioning procedure in which pictures of snack foods
      were paired with images of negatively valenced female body shapes, and pictures
      of fruits were paired with images of positively valenced body shapes. In a
      control condition (n=44), snack and fruit stimuli were randomly paired with
      positively and negatively valenced body shapes. Implicit measures of associations
      with high-fat snack foods were obtained by using a positive and a negative
      unipolar single category Implicit Association Test (sc-IAT). A virtual
      supermarket task was used to assess food consumer behaviour. Results indicated
      that participants in the experimental condition held a less positive association
      with high-fat foods on the positive sc-IAT and a more negative association with
      these foods on the negative sc-IAT as compared to control participants. Opposed
      to our hypothesis, no behavioural differences were found between the groups.
      These results imply that this form of associative learning can produce shifts in
      implicit measures of food evaluations, though behavioural effects were absent.

PMID- 22051356
TI  - Evaluation of the French version of the Orientation Towards Chocolate
      Questionnaire: chocolate-related guilt and ambivalence are associated with
      overweight and disordered eating.
AB  - The aims of this study were firstly to evaluate the psychometric properties of
      the French version of the Orientation towards Chocolate Questionnaire (OCQ),
      secondly to examine differences in chocolate craving as a function of weight
      status, and thirdly to examine the OCQ craving dimensions as predictors of body
      dissatisfaction and disordered eating. Participants included 247 female students
      from the University of Toulouse, France, who completed measures of chocolate
      craving, body dissatisfaction, bulimia, drive for thinness, and emotional eating,
      and for whom body mass index (BMI) was available. Confirmatory factor analysis
      supported the three-factor model of the OCQ, with guilt, approach, and avoidance
      subscales. Patterns of endorsement of chocolate craving dimensions differed
      according to weight status, with ambivalence present only amongst overweight
      participants. Guilt and approach were positively associated with disordered
      eating, whereas avoidance was negatively associated with bulimia. These results
      confirm the validity and reliability of the French version of the OCQ and
      highlight strong associations between chocolate craving dimensions and disordered
      eating patterns.

PMID- 22051357
TI  - The 'freshman 15': trends and predictors in a sample of multiethnic men and
      women.
AB  - This study focused on predictors of the 'freshman 15' phenomenon among university
      students. Participants (N=390) included men and women who identified as African
      American (32%), Latino American (27%), and European American (41%). Students
      gained on average 3.2 lbs and 0.5 in BMI from their first through third
      semesters. Changes in weight and BMI did not differ by gender or racial/ethnic
      group. Students with lower Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) scores were more likely
      to experience the 'freshman 15'. Results suggest that universities should work
      with students who may be underprepared for college in order to minimize weight
      gain.

PMID- 22051358
TI  - The EDE-Q, BULIT-R, and BEDT as self-report measures of binge eating disorder.
AB  - Binge eating disorder, currently classified as an eating disorder not otherwise
      specified, is a valid and clinically useful psychiatric diagnosis. Given its
      probable inclusion in the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual
      of Mental Disorders (DSM-V), identification of self-report measures with high
      levels of diagnostic utility should improve the likelihood and accuracy of
      screening. The aim of the current study was to assess the diagnostic utility of
      two widely used measures of eating disorder symptoms, namely the Eating Disorder
      Examination-Questionnaire (EDEQ) and the Bulimia Test-Revised (BULIT-R), as well
      as a factor of the BULIT-R (coined the Binge Eating Disorder Test or BEDT), newly
      created specifically for the assessment of BED. Participants included 15
      individuals with BED and 26 non-BED controls, as determined via the diagnostic
      section of the Eating Disorder Examination, who met criteria for being overweight
      or obese. Results showed that the BEDT achieved 100% sensitivity, specificity,
      positive and negative predictive values. The BULIT-R and Eating Concern subscale
      of the EDE-Q evidenced strong sensitivity (100 vs 87), specificity (96 vs 100),
      positive predictive values (94 vs 100), and negative predictive values (100 vs
      93), respectively. Results suggest that the BEDT is an excellent overall measure
      of BED in obese populations. The BULIT-R affords the advantage of ruling out
      compensatory behaviors, particularly of the non-purging variety (e.g., severe
      restriction outside of binges), while the brevity of the Eating Concern subscale
      of the EDE-Q makes it optimal for use in brief screening situations.

PMID- 22051359
TI  - Food thought suppression: a matched comparison of obese individuals with and
      without binge eating disorder.
AB  - Preliminary studies of non-clinical samples suggest that purposely attempting to
      avoid thoughts of food, referred to as food thought suppression, is related to a
      number of unwanted eating- and weight-related consequences, particularly in obese
      individuals. Despite possible implications for the treatment of obesity and
      eating disorders, little research has examined food thought suppression in obese
      individuals with binge eating disorder (BED). This study compared food thought
      suppression in 60 obese patients with BED to an age-, gender-, and body mass
      index (BMI)-matched group of 59 obese persons who do not binge eat (NBO). In
      addition, this study examined the associations between food thought suppression
      and eating disorder psychopathology within the BED and NBO groups and separately
      by gender. Participants with BED and women endorsed the highest levels of food
      thought suppression. Food thought suppression was significantly and positively
      associated with many features of ED psychopathology in NBO women and with eating
      concerns in men with BED. Among women with BED, higher levels of food thought
      suppression were associated with higher frequency of binge eating, whereas among
      men with BED, higher levels of food thought suppression were associated with
      lower frequency of binge eating. Our findings suggest gender differences in the
      potential significance of food thought suppression in obese groups with and
      without co-existing binge eating problems.

PMID- 22051360
TI  - Measuring the meanings of eating in minority youth.
AB  - The aim of this study is to present the development of the Meanings of Eating
      Index (MEI) in a diverse sample of children. Exploratory factor analysis was
      performed on MEI items. Factors with eigenvalues above 1.0 were retained. Items
      that loaded on multiple factors or with item-total correlations below 0.50 were
      discarded. A 24-item, 5-factor scale comprised the final MEI. Personal Negative
      Emotions and Disturbed Eating were positively associated with frequency of high
      calorie snack food intake (r=0.21, p<0.05; r=0.33, p<0.01), and Personal Well
      Being was positively associated with eating vegetables more frequently (r=0.20;
      p<0.05). Eating on Behalf of Others was negatively associated with frequency of
      vegetable intake (r=-.20; p<0.05). Pleasure Eating was not associated with
      dietary intake. The MEI shows promise as a tool for understanding the affective
      determinants of dietary intake in minority youth.

PMID- 22051361
TI  - Binge Eating Disorder and body image perception among university students.
AB  - Binge Eating Disorder (BED) is characterized by recurrent episodes of compulsive
      eating, without any compensatory behavior to avoid possible gain weight.
      Individuals who suffer from eating disorders often show negative self-image. The
      present paper aimed to assess BED prevalence and self-image disorders among
      university students in the city of Sao Jose do Rio Preto, State of Sao Paulo,
      Brazil. The survey had the participation of 217 undergraduates. The following
      procedures were carried out: a personal data questionnaire, the Binge Eating
      Scale and a figure scale. In the surveyed population, 12.90% showed BED. Most
      subjects (86.32%) chose larger figures when compared to their current BMI,
      overestimating their body size. Furthermore, BED individuals showed higher self
      image inadequacy in comparison to people without the disorder. Therefore, this is
      a public health problem to which undergraduates are exposed; forthcoming studies
      may be carried out to understand BED and associated commorbidities.

PMID- 22051362
TI  - Loss of control over eating in pre-adolescent youth: the role of attachment and
      self-esteem.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed to add to the limited literature on the role
      of self-esteem and attachment for the explanation of loss of control over eating
      (LC) among pre-adolescent boys and girls. METHOD: Self-report questionnaires were
      administered to a community sample of 555 children (8-11 years; 47% female).
      RESULTS: Children reporting LC (17.6% of the sample) were characterized by a
      lower self-esteem and less secure attachment toward both of their parents. No
      gender differences emerged. Moreover, the relation between self-esteem and LC was
      fully mediated by attachment toward mother and partially mediated by attachment
      toward father. DISCUSSION: The present study provides preliminary evidence for
      the idea that the influence of self-esteem on LC seems to operate through a third
      variable that is an insecure relationship with the parents. Longitudinal research
      is needed to further elucidate the influence of interpersonal factors on the
      development of LC.

PMID- 22051364
TI  - Objectified body consciousness in relation to recovery from an eating disorder.
AB  - In Western society, the feminine body has been positioned as an object to be
      looked at and sexually gazed upon; thus, females often learn to view themselves
      as objects to be observed (i.e., objectified body consciousness (OBC)). This
      study examined the relation between OBC and eating disorder recovery by comparing
      its components across non-eating disorder controls, fully recovered, partially
      recovered, and active eating disorder cases. Results revealed that non-eating
      disorder controls and fully recovered individuals had similarly low levels of two
      components of OBC, body surveillance and body shame. Partially recovered
      individuals looked more similar to those with an active eating disorder on these
      constructs. The third component of OBC, control beliefs, and a conceptually
      similar construct, weight/shape self-efficacy, did not differ across groups.
      Results provide support for the importance of measuring aspects of self
      objectification, particularly body surveillance and body shame, across the course
      of an eating disorder.

PMID- 22051363
TI  - Multiple health behaviors: patterns and correlates of diet and exercise in a
      Hispanic college sample.
AB  - Obesity rates are alarming in various ethnocultural groups, particularly in
      Hispanics. With Hispanics being the fastest growing group to enter college, the
      aims of the current study were to examine patterns and correlates of exercise and
      dietary behaviors in Hispanic college students. Data were collected from 693
      Hispanic undergraduates who enrolled online and received course extra credit for
      participation. Individuals completed questionnaires assessing constructs of the
      transtheoretical model for three health behaviors (exercise, dietary fat, and
      fruit/vegetable stages of change) along with demographic, psychosocial, and
      acculturation measures. Less than 1% of students had 0 obesity-relevant risks,
      while 68% indicated 2 or more risks. Only 2% of the sample met fruit and
      vegetable guidelines. Lower income was associated with greater obesity-relevant
      risks, while stress coping ability was associated with fewer such risks. Findings
      indicate specific obesity risk behaviors in Hispanic college students and suggest
      demographic and psychosocial targets for prevention and intervention according to
      stage of change.

PMID- 22051365
TI  - Interactive effects of dietary restraint and adiposity on stress-induced eating
      and the food choice of children.
AB  - The Individual Differences Model posits that individual differences in
      physiological and psychological factors explain eating behaviors in response to
      stress. The purpose was to determine the effects of individual differences in
      adiposity, dietary restraint and stress reactivity on children's energy intake
      and food choices. A total of 40 boys and girls, age 8-12 years, with wide ranges
      of dietary restraint, adiposity, and stress reactivity were measured for total
      energy intake and choice of energy dense 'comfort' and lower density 'healthy'
      foods following reading and speech stressor manipulations. When exploring the
      interaction of dietary restraint and stress reactivity, lower restraint/lower
      reactivity and lower restraint/higher reactivity were associated with reductions
      in energy intake (37-62 kcal) and comfort food (33-89 kcal). Higher
      restraint/lower reactivity was associated with consuming 86 fewer total kcal and
      45 fewer kcal of comfort food. Only higher restraint/higher reactivity predicted
      increased energy intake (104 kcal) and comfort food (131 kcal). The interaction
      of dietary restraint and percentage body fat revealed that lower restraint/lower
      adiposity was associated with consuming 123 fewer kcal after being stressed with
      the entire reduction due to a decrease in comfort food. Lower restraint/higher
      adiposity was associated with consuming 116 kcal more after being stressed with
      70% (81 kcal) of the increase in the form of comfort foods. Higher
      restraint/lower adiposity and higher restraint/higher adiposity were associated
      with smaller changes in total energy intake of 22 kcal and 1 kcal; respectively.
      Both restraint and adiposity moderated the effect of stress on energy intake and
      food choice. Children with greater adiposity may be at risk for stress-induced
      eating to contribute to their obesity.

PMID- 22051366
TI  - Beverage intake in low-income parent-child dyads.
AB  - Beverage consumption adds to daily energy intake and often exceeds the
      recommended amount for discretionary energy. Previous research has shown that
      children are consuming sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) in greater frequency and
      the relationship between parent-child dyads in beverage consumption is meaningful
      due to the parental influence on the development of beverage consumption
      behaviors. In particular, low-income families are at greater risk for obesity and
      higher levels of SSB consumption. The current investigation assessed habitual
      beverage intake among low-income parent-child dyads (N=95) with children between
      the ages of 9-17 years. The sample (46% African American; 45% Caucasian) had a
      mean body mass index (BMI) for the parents of 31.8+/-8.9 kg/m(2), while the mean
      BMI percentile for age and gender for the children was 70.3+/-31.3. Both parents
      and children consumed fewer nutrient-dense beverages and more energy-dense
      beverages than the recommended amount. The mean daily energy intake from
      beverages was 451+/-236 kcal for the parents and 457+/-237 kcal for the children.
      Correlations between parent-child dyad intake was also evident, identifying
      parents as potential role models and gatekeepers of the home food environment.
      Future interventions to prevent childhood obesity in low-income populations
      should address beverage intake, particularly SSB consumption, and determine the
      degree to which this behavior is learned behavior in the home.

PMID- 22051367
TI  - Measurement invariance of the Eating Attitudes Test-26 in Caucasian and Hispanic
      women.
AB  - To determine whether the EAT-26 functions similarly in Caucasian and Hispanic
      samples, the current study investigated the factor structure of the Eating
      Attitudes Test (EAT-26) in 235 undergraduate Caucasian (53.6%) and Hispanic
      (46.4%) women, and tested for measurement invariance across the two samples. A
      Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) of the original 3-factor structure of the EAT
      resulted in a poor fit in both the Caucasian and Hispanic samples. We then
      performed a CFA using a previously discovered 4-factor, 16-item structure. This
      abbreviated measure was a good fit in both the Caucasian and Hispanic samples,
      and the model was invariant across all dimensions tested. The 16-item EAT is a
      better-fitting measure in Caucasian and Hispanic women than the commonly used EAT
      26. This replicates an earlier finding and generalizes those conclusions to a
      Hispanic sample.

PMID- 22051368
TI  - Assessing rumination in eating disorders: principal component analysis of a
      minimally modified ruminative response scale.
AB  - A process account of eating disorders (EDs) (Park et al., in press-a) proposes
      that preoccupation with ruminative themes of eating, weight and shape may be
      important in ED maintenance. No self-report measure exists to capture disorder
      specific rumination in EDs. 275 healthy participants rated rumination items and
      completed self-report measures of ED symptoms, depression and anxiety. Principal
      component analysis revealed two factors, reflection and brooding. The final nine
      item Ruminative Response Scale for Eating Disorders (RRS-ED) demonstrated good
      convergent and discriminant validity and test-retest reliability. The
      psychometric properties were replicated in an anorexia nervosa sample. The
      findings support the notion that rumination in EDs is distinct from rumination in
      depression and is not adequately captured by existing measures.

PMID- 22051369
TI  - The relation between the lack of control attributional style for indulgent food
      consumption and bulimic symptoms.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The study examined the potential link between the lack of control
      attributional style for indulgent food consumption and bulimic symptoms. METHOD:
      One hundred and 77 undergraduates (145 female; mean age=19 years-2 months) were
      administered the Eating Attributional Style Questionnaire and the Sterling Eating
      Disorder Scales across a five-month period. RESULTS: SEM analyses confirmed that:
      (1) uncontrollability attributions for indulgent food consumption were
      concurrently associated with bulimic symptoms, and (2) external locus of control
      and uncontrollability attributions for indulgent food consumption predicted
      changes in bulimic symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The findings yielded support for the
      conclusion that the lack of control attributional style for indulgent food
      consumption is a probable cause of bulimic symptoms.

PMID- 22051370
TI  - Driven exercise among treatment-seeking youth with eating disorders.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study evaluated the prevalence and clinical significance of driven
      exercise (DE) in treatment-seeking youth. METHODS: Participants were 380
      consecutive referrals to a pediatric eating disorder program (90.8% female; M
      age=14.9+/-2.2). Spearman's rho correlations examined the relation between DE
      frequency, and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Eating Disorders Examination
      (EDE) Global Severity scores. ANOVA compared those reporting only DE, only
      vomiting, or both DE and vomiting on the aforementioned measures. RESULTS: 51.3%
      of participants (n=193) reported DE in the past 3 months, with an average of 21.8
      (SD=32.6) episodes. Frequency of DE was related to EDE global severity score
      (Spearman's rho=.46; p<.001) and BDI Total Score (Spearman's rho=.33; p<.001).
      Participants reporting both vomiting and DE had the highest EDE global severity
      and BDI total scores. CONCLUSIONS: DE is associated with greater eating disorder
      and depressive symptomatology, especially when paired with vomiting. The findings
      highlight the importance of assessing for DE in youth presenting for eating
      disorder treatment.

PMID- 22051371
TI  - Knowledge, attitude and practice of women in Campinas, Sao Paulo, Brazil with
      respect to physical exercise in pregnancy: a descriptive study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pregnancy is a good time to develop healthy lifestyle habits
      including regular exercise and good nutrition. Programs of physical exercise for
      pregnant women have been recommended; however, there are few references on this
      subject in the literature. The objective of this study was to evaluate the
      knowledge, attitude and practice of pregnant women with respect to appropriate
      physical exercise during pregnancy, and also to investigate why some women do not
      exercise during pregnancy. METHODS: A descriptive study was conducted in which
      161 women of 18 to 45 years of age were interviewed in the third trimester of
      pregnancy. These women were receiving prenatal care at National Health Service
      (SUS) primary healthcare units and had no pathologies for which physical exercise
      would constitute a risk. The women were selected at an ultrasonography clinic
      accredited to the SUS in Campinas, Sao Paulo. A previously elaborated knowledge,
      attitude and practice (KAP) questionnaire was used to collect data, which were
      then stored in an Epinfo database. Statistical analysis was conducted using
      Pearson's chi-square test and Fisher's exact test to evaluate the association
      between the study variables (p < 0.05). RESULTS: Almost two-thirds (65.6%) of the
      women were sufficiently informed about the practice of physical exercise during
      pregnancy and the vast majority (93.8%) was in favor of it. Nevertheless, only
      just over 20% of the women in this sample exercised adequately. Significant
      associations were found between an adequate knowledge of physical exercise during
      pregnancy and education level (p = 0.0014) and between the adequate practice of
      physical exercise during pregnancy and having had fewer pregnancies (p = 0.0001).
      Lack of time and feeling tired and uncomfortable were the principal reasons given
      by the women for not exercising. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that women's
      knowledge concerning the practice of physical exercise during pregnancy is
      reasonable and their attitude is favorable; however, relatively few actually
      exercise during pregnancy.

PMID- 22051372
TI  - Clinical ocular findings in cows with malignant catarrhal fever: ocular disease
      progression and outcome in 25 cases (2007-2010).
AB  - OBJECTIVE:   To describe the ocular clinical signs in a group of cows diagnosed
      with sheep associated malignant catarrhal fever (MCF), and to investigate a
      possible correlation between the severity and progression of certain typical
      clinical signs and disease outcome. PROCEDURE:   This prospective study involved
      cows diagnosed with MCF between 2007 and 2010, and included cows enrolled in a
      larger clinical trial. Signalment of affected cows, presence and progression of
      ocular lesions, as well as disease outcome were recorded. Cows were divided into
      two groups based on the disease outcome: (1) survival and (2) nonsurvival. The
      degree of corneal edema at first examination was statistically compared between
      groups. The progression of corneal edema, uveitis and the examining
      ophthalmologists' subjective assessment of disease progression between the first
      and last examination were also compared between groups. RESULTS:   Twenty-five
      cows (22 F, 3 M) of six different breeds and one mixed breed were included.
      Median age was 21 months (range 8-113). Ten cows survived, 13 cows were
      euthanized, and two died. No statistical association was identified between the
      degree of corneal edema at the first examination and the disease outcome.
      Deterioration of corneal edema was not noticed in any of the surviving animals.
      Anterior uveitis improved in all 10 surviving cows. CONCLUSIONS:   The degree of
      corneal edema at first examination had no prognostic value for the disease
      outcome. The results of this study suggest that the progression of corneal edema
      correlates well with disease outcome, and that nonimprovement of uveitis is a bad
      prognostic sign.

PMID- 22051373
TI  - Cytotoxic and anthelmintic potential of crude saponins isolated from Achillea
      Wilhelmsii C. Koch and Teucrium Stocksianum boiss.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Saponins isolated from plant sources have a number of traditional and
      industrial applications. Saponins have pharmacological effects like anti
      inflammatory, molluscicidal, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, antidiabetic,
      anticancer, anticonvulsant, anthelmintic, antitussive and cytotoxic activities.
      The current work describes the anthelmintic and cytotoxic activities of crude
      saponins of Achillea Wilhelmsii and Teucrium Stocksianum as these plants are rich
      with saponins. METHODS: Brine shrimp cytotoxic activity of crude saponins was
      determined by Meyer et al. (1982) at test concentrations of 1000 MUg/ml, 100
      MUg/ml, 10 MUg/ml, 7.5 MUg/ml, 5.0 MUg/ml, 2.5 MUg/ml and 1.25 MUg/ml. Percentage
      mortality of test concentrations was determined. Similarly, in vitro anthelmintic
      activity was determined against roundworms, tapeworms and earthworms. Albendazole
      and piperazine citrate at concentration 10 mg/ml were used as standard
      anthelmintic drugs. RESULTS: Crude saponins of Achillea wilhelmsii (CSA) and
      Teucrium stocksianum (CST) had, respectively, cytotoxic activity with LC50 values
      2.3+/-0.16 and 5.23+/-0. 34 MUg/ml. For in vitro anthelmintic activity, time for
      paralysis and death of parasites (parasiticidal activity) was noted. At
      concentration 40 mg/ml, crude saponins of Achillea wilhelmsii are 1.96 and 2.12
      times more potent than albendazole against Pheretima posthuma and Raillietina
      spiralis, respectively. Similarly, at concentration 40 mg/ml, crude saponins of
      Teucrium stocksianum (CST) has 1.89, 1.96 and 1.37 times more parasiticidal
      activity than albendazole against Pheretima posthuma, Raillietina spiralis and
      Ascardia galli, respectively. CONCLUSION: Crude saponins of Achillea wilhelmsii
      and Teucrium stocksianum have cytotoxic and anthelmintic activity. The crude
      saponins may be excellent sources of cytotoxic and anthelmintic constituents that
      warrant its isolation and purification for new drug development.

PMID- 22051374
TI  - Regulation of chemotropic guidance of nerve growth cones by microRNA.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The small non-coding microRNAs play an important role in development
      by regulating protein translation, but their involvement in axon guidance is
      unknown. Here, we investigated the role of microRNA-134 (miR-134) in chemotropic
      guidance of nerve growth cones. RESULTS: We found that miR-134 is highly
      expressed in the neural tube of Xenopus embryos. Fluorescent in situ
      hybridization also showed that miR-134 is enriched in the growth cones of Xenopus
      spinal neurons in culture. Importantly, overexpression of miR-134 mimics or
      antisense inhibitors blocked protein synthesis (PS)-dependent attractive
      responses of Xenopus growth cones to a gradient of brain-derived neurotrophic
      factor (BDNF). However, miR-134 mimics or inhibitors had no effect on PS
      independent bidirectional responses of Xenopus growth cones to bone morphogenic
      protein 7 (BMP7). Our data further showed that Xenopus LIM kinase 1 (Xlimk1) mRNA
      is a potential target of miR-134 regulation. CONCLUSIONS: These findings
      demonstrate a role for miR-134 in translation-dependent guidance of nerve growth
      cones. Different guidance cues may act through distinct signaling pathways to
      elicit PS-dependent and -independent mechanisms to steer growth cones in response
      to a wide array of spatiotemporal cues during development.

PMID- 22051375
TI  - Lost in folding space? Comparing four variants of the thermodynamic model for RNA
      secondary structure prediction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many bioinformatics tools for RNA secondary structure analysis are
      based on a thermodynamic model of RNA folding. They predict a single, "optimal"
      structure by free energy minimization, they enumerate near-optimal structures,
      they compute base pair probabilities and dot plots, representative structures of
      different abstract shapes, or Boltzmann probabilities of structures and shapes.
      Although all programs refer to the same physical model, they implement it with
      considerable variation for different tasks, and little is known about the effects
      of heuristic assumptions and model simplifications used by the programs on the
      outcome of the analysis. RESULTS: We extract four different models of the
      thermodynamic folding space which underlie the programs RNAFOLD, RNASHAPES, and
      RNASUBOPT. Their differences lie within the details of the energy model and the
      granularity of the folding space. We implement probabilistic shape analysis for
      all models, and introduce the shape probability shift as a robust measure of
      model similarity. Using four data sets derived from experimentally solved
      structures, we provide a quantitative evaluation of the model differences.
      CONCLUSIONS: We find that search space granularity affects the computed shape
      probabilities less than the over- or underapproximation of free energy by a
      simplified energy model. Still, the approximations perform similar enough to
      implementations of the full model to justify their continued use in settings
      where computational constraints call for simpler algorithms. On the side, we
      observe that the rarely used level 2 shapes, which predict the complete
      arrangement of helices, multiloops, internal loops and bulges, include the "true"
      shape in a rather small number of predicted high probability shapes. This calls
      for an investigation of new strategies to extract high probability members from
      the (very large) level 2 shape space of an RNA sequence. We provide
      implementations of all four models, written in a declarative style that makes
      them easy to be modified. Based on our study, future work on thermodynamic RNA
      folding may make a choice of model based on our empirical data. It can take our
      implementations as a starting point for further program development.

PMID- 22051376
TI  - Properties of BoAGE2, a second N-acetyl-D-glucosamine 2-epimerase from
      Bacteroides ovatus ATCC 8483.
AB  - N-Acyl-D-Glucosamine 2-epimerase (AGE) catalyzes the reversible epimerization
      between N-acetyl-D-mannosamine (ManNAc) and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine (GlcNAc).
      Bacteroides ovatus ATCC 8483 shows 3 putative genes for AGE activity
      (BACOVA_00274, BACOVA_01795 and BACOVA_01816). The BACOVA_00274 gene encodes an
      AGE (BoAGE1) with strong similarity to the AGE previously characterized in
      Bacteroides fragilis. Interestingly, the BACOVA_01816 gene (BoAGE2) shares 57%
      identity with Anabaena sp. CH1 AGE, but has an extra 27-amino acid tag sequence
      in the N-terminal. When cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli Rosetta
      (DE3)pLys, BACOVA_01816 was able to convert ManNAc into GlcNAc and vice versa. It
      was stable over a broad range of pHs and its activity was enhanced by ATP (20
      MUM). The incubation with ATP stabilized its structure, raising its melting
      temperature by about 8  degrees C. In addition, the catalytic efficiency for
      ManNAc synthesis was higher than that for GlcNAc synthesis. These characteristics
      make BoAGE2 a promising biocatalyst for sialic acid production using cheap GlcNAc
      as starting material. BoAGE2 could be considered a Renin-binding Protein and its
      interaction with renin was studied for the first time in a prokaryotic AGE.
      Surprisingly, renin activated BoAGE2, an effect which is contrary to that
      described for mammalian AGE and unrelated with the unique N-terminal tag, since a
      mutant without this tag was also activated by renin. When BoAGE2 sequence was
      compared with other related (real and putative) AGE described in the databases,
      it was seen that AGE enzymes can be divided in 3 different groups. The
      relationship between these groups is also discussed.

PMID- 22051377
TI  - Effect of onion-type multilamellar liposomes on Trametes versicolor laccase
      activity and stability.
AB  - Trametes versicolor laccase was encapsulated into onion-type, lipid-based
      multilamellar vesicles (MLVs). When encapsulated, laccase was isolated from the
      assay medium but was still active once freed from its capsule. The encapsulation
      efficiency was larger than 65% at 25  degrees C and 37  degrees C and decreased
      to 55% by introducing 140 mM NaCl into the buffered medium (pH = 4.5). MLVs were
      shown to drastically improve both laccase stability and activity. At 25  degrees
      C, laccase activity was doubled in the presence of MLVs. At 37  degrees C in the
      salt-free medium, the half-life time of laccase was increased from 2 hr 30-65 h
      without and with MLVs, respectively. This effect was even more pronounced in the
      salted medium where laccase activity was unchanged for 6 days in the presence of
      MLVs. These beneficial effects were attributed to the immobilization of laccase
      onto MLV surface. Laccase activity as well as stability was notably shown to be
      directly correlated to MLV stability.

PMID- 22051378
TI  - Molecular identification of the sperm selection involved porcine sperm binding
      glycoprotein (SBG) as deleted in malignant brain tumors 1 (DMBT1).
AB  - Porcine sperm binding glycoprotein (SBG) is involved in sperm-oviduct
      interaction. Here we use mass spectrometry to identify SBG, finding peptides
      corresponding to deleted in malignant brain tumors 1 (DMBT1), at scavenger
      receptor cysteine-rich (SRCR) and CUB domains. RT-PCR allowed the cloning of
      unique sequences, belonging to porcine DMBT1. Western blot and immunofluorescence
      of oviductal tissues using anti-SBG and anti-hDMBT1 antibodies showed identical
      results. The biochemical characteristics of both proteins are coincident. We
      conclude that porcine SBG is an oviductal form of DMBT1, and thus assign this
      protein a novel location and function.

PMID- 22051380
TI  - Endothelial development taking shape.
AB  - Blood vessel development is a vital process during embryonic development, during
      tissue growth, regeneration and disease processes in the adult. In the past
      decade researchers have begun to unravel basic molecular mechanisms that regulate
      the formation of vascular lumen, sprouting angiogenesis, fusion of vessels, and
      pruning of the vascular plexus. The understanding of the biology of these
      angiogenic processes is increasingly driven through studies on vascular
      development at the cellular resolution. Single cell analysis in vivo, advanced
      genetic tools and the widespread use of powerful animal models combined with
      improved imaging possibilities are delivering new insights into endothelial cell
      form, function and behavior angiogenesis. Moreover, the combination of in silico
      modeling and experimentation including dynamic imaging promotes insights into
      higher level cooperative behavior leading to functional patterning of vascular
      networks. Here we summarize recent concepts and advances in the field of vascular
      development, focusing in detail on the endothelial cell.

PMID- 22051379
TI  - A distinctive translocation carcinoma of the kidney; "rosette forming," t(6;11),
      HMB45-positive renal tumor: a histomorphologic, immunohistochemical,
      ultrastructural, and molecular genetic study of 4 cases.
AB  - To date, only a few cases of "rosette forming t(6;11), HMB45-positive renal
      carcinoma" have been published. In this article, we contribute further data on 4
      cases of this rare entity. Patients were 3 women and 1 man with an age range of
      20 to 54 years (median, 23 years). Follow-up (range, 3-5 years; median, 4 years)
      did not reveal any metastatic events or recurrences. All tumors were well
      circumscribed and mostly encapsulated with homogeneous gray to tan cut surfaces.
      No necrosis was seen. All tumors displayed a solid or solid/alveolar architecture
      and contained occasionally long and branching tubular structures composed of
      discohesive neoplastic cells and pseudorosettes. The presence of pseudorosettes
      was a constant finding, but the number of pseudorosettes varied significantly
      among cases. All cases displayed focal immunoreactivity for the melanocytic
      marker HMB45, cathepsin K, and vimentin. Melan A, tyrosinase, cytokeratins, CD10,
      and microphthalmia transcription factor were each positive in 3 of 4 cases. On
      ultrastructural examination, numerous electron-dense secretory cytoplasmic
      granules with some resemblance to melanosomes were identified. The pseudorosettes
      were composed of reduplicated basement membrane material surrounded by small
      lymphocyte-like neoplastic cells. Using reverse transcription polymerase chain
      reaction, 2 tumors were positive for the Alpha-TFEB fusion transcript. The
      presence of the translocation t(6;11)(Alpha-TFEB) was confirmed in 2 analyzed
      cases. No von Hippel-Lindau tumor suppressor gene mutation, promotor methylation
      or loss of heterozygosity of 3p was found. Losses of part of chromosome 1 and
      chromosome 22 were found in one case.

PMID- 22051381
TI  - The history and evolution of hand transplantation.
AB  - Hand transplantation has proven itself to be a viable treatment option for upper
      extremity reconstruction. It has grown through advancements in several critical
      areas: microsurgery, transplant immunology, and hand surgery. The field has also
      benefited from a global effort with active transplant centers in 3 different
      continents. The early struggles and breakthroughs of hand transplantation's past
      have shaped and formed its current state. This article traces the events of the
      modern era of hand transplantation.

PMID- 22051382
TI  - World experience after more than a decade of clinical hand transplantation:
      update on the French program.
AB  - The first hand transplantation was realized in Lyon and the results achieved in
      this case showed the feasibility of the surgical technique, the efficacy of the
      immunosuppressive protocol, the limited adverse effects and the importance of a
      patient's compliance and rehabilitation to ensure graft viability and functional
      recovery. Based on these findings and the positive results achieved in other
      single hand transplants realized around the world the authors performed also the
      first double hand transplantation, then followed by other four cases. The
      recipients received the same immunosuppressive treatment including tacrolimus,
      prednisone, mycophenolate mofetil and antithymocyte globulins for induction,
      nevertheless they showed some episodes of acute rejection episodes which reversed
      after a prompt treatment. All the bilateral hand grafted patients showed a
      relevant sensorimotor recovery particularly of sensibility and activity of
      intrinsic muscles. They were able to perform the majority of daily activities and
      to lead a normal social life. On the basis of the authors' experience the results
      achieved in hand allotransplantation are very encouraging as major adverse
      effects due to surgery and immunosuppressive regimen did not occur and patients'
      quality of life improved considerably.

PMID- 22051383
TI  - World experience after more than a decade of clinical hand transplantation:
      update from the Louisville hand transplant program.
AB  - In the last 12 years, the Louisville CTA program has screened more than 600
      interested hand transplant candidates and has transplanted 6 patients with 7 hand
      allografts. The program is a collaborative effort between the surgeons and staff
      of Kleinert, Kutz and Associates, Jewish Hospital and St. Mary's Healthcare, the
      Christine M. Kleinert Institute, and the University of Louisville. The functional
      outcome and long-term results of clinical hand transplantation have exceeded
      initial expectations both within the program and in the community at large. This
      report summarizes the successes and challenges of the Louisville CTA experience
      in composite tissue allotransplantation.

PMID- 22051384
TI  - World experience after more than a decade of clinical hand transplantation:
      update on the Innsbruck program.
AB  - Patients who have lost a hand or upper extremity face many challenges in everyday
      life. For some patients, reconstructive hand transplantation represents a
      reasonable option for anatomic reconstruction, restoring prehensile function with
      sensation and allowing them to regain daily living independence. The first
      clinical case of bilateral hand transplantation at University Hospital Innsbruck
      was realized on March 17th, 2000. A decade later, a total of 7 hands and forearms
      were transplanted in 4 patients. This article review the clinical courses of 3
      bilateral hand transplant recipients and highlights psychological aspects on
      reconstructive hand transplantation with special regard to unilateral/bilateral
      transplantation.

PMID- 22051385
TI  - World experience after more than a decade of clinical hand transplantation:
      update on the Polish program.
AB  - It has been demonstrated over the past decade that the generally achieved
      functional outcomes of patients after hand transplantation (HTx) are better than
      those of equivalent replantations. However, HTx should be performed in
      specialized centers with Institutional Review Board-approved transplantation
      programs. In Poland such requirements are fulfilled by The Subdepartment of
      Replantation of Limbs of St. Jadwiga Hospital in Trzebnica. A main emphasis of
      this subdepartment is to make the very involved process of donor recruitment,
      recipient screening, surgery, and postoperative treatment fully transparent. This
      article summarizes the experience of this center with HTx over the past 5 years.

PMID- 22051386
TI  - The Spanish experience with hand, forearm, and arm transplantation.
AB  - This article summarizes the findings from 3 recipients of hand allografts,
      including a description of the preparatory surgery and the transplant and
      secondary procedures to enhance the function of the hand, forearm, and arm
      allografts. The study focuses on the complications and disability reported by
      each patient, with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. The few complications were
      controlled successfully with medical treatment. Hand transplantation is a major
      reconstructive procedure that requires careful medical follow-up. The authors
      provide the first report of a significant improvement in disabilities of the
      upper limb as a result of hand allotransplantation.

PMID- 22051387
TI  - Functional outcome after hand and forearm transplantation: what can be achieved?
AB  - The first successful hand transplant in the modern era of reconstructive
      transplantation was performed in 1998. Since then, more than 65 hand and upper
      limb transplantations have been performed around the globe, with encouraging
      results. The main goal of all upper limb transplantations is to enhance the
      patient's quality of life. The transplant must be successfully integrated into
      the patient's body and self-image and the recipient should be satisfied with the
      recovery of sensitivity and muscle function of the new limb. To achieve these
      goals, a proper and thorough design of the rehabilitation regimen is of critical
      importance.

PMID- 22051388
TI  - Immunosuppressive protocols and immunological challenges related to hand
      transplantation.
AB  - There are many immunological challenges related to hand transplantation. Curbing
      the immune system's ability to effectively mount an immune response against the
      graft is the goal. As the various components of the immune response are defined
      and their mechanisms of action delineated, more specific immunosuppressive agents
      and protocols have been developed. Complications related to immunosuppression in
      hand transplant recipients are similar to incidences among solid organ
      recipients. With longer follow-up, the increased cardiovascular risk factors or
      the development of a neoplasm will likely cause mortality. Standardizing
      immunosuppression in hand transplantation with the long-term goal of minimization
      is critically needed.

PMID- 22051389
TI  - Acute and chronic rejection in upper extremity transplantation: what have we
      learned?
AB  - To date, 78 upper extremity transplants have been performed in 55 recipients
      around the world. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of acute
      and chronic rejection (CR) and to summarize collective insights in upper
      extremity transplantation. To date, almost all patients experienced AR that is
      pathophysiologically similar to that in solid organs. The spectre of chronic
      rejection is just emerging. Upper extremity transplantation has significant
      potential as a reconstructive option only if efforts are invested in strategies
      to reduce risks of prolonged immunosuppression and in approaches to better
      diagnose, monitor and treat AR and CR.

PMID- 22051391
TI  - Favoring the risk-benefit balance for upper extremity transplantation--the
      Pittsburgh Protocol.
AB  - Upper extremity transplantation is an innovative reconstructive strategy with
      potential of immediate clinical application and the most near-term pay-off for
      select amputees, allowing reintegration into employment and society. Routine
      applicability and widespread impact of such strategies for the upper extremity
      amputees with devastating limb loss could be enabled by implementation of
      cellular therapies that integrate and unify the concepts of transplant tolerance
      induction with those of reconstructive transplantation. Such therapies offer the
      promise of minimizing the risks, maximizing the benefits and optimizing outcomes
      of these innovative procedures.

PMID- 22051392
TI  - Surgical and technical aspects of hand transplantation: is it just another
      replant?
AB  - The ultimate goal of hand allotransplantation is to achieve graft survival and
      useful long-term function. To achieve these goals, selection of the appropriate
      patient, detailed preoperative planning, and precise surgical technique are of
      paramount importance. Transplantation should be reserved for motivated consenting
      adults in good general heath, who are psychologically stable and have failed a
      trial of prosthetic use. While the key surgical steps of transplantation are
      similar to those of replantation, there are major differences. This article
      describes the steps in hand allotransplantation, and the importance of patient
      selection as well as preoperative and postoperative care.

PMID- 22051393
TI  - Development of an upper extremity transplant program.
AB  - Starting a hand transplant program poses tremendous challenges. Solid organ
      transplantation and hand replantation are time-tested procedures and are now
      standard of care. Hand transplantation is the amalgamation of the scientific
      principles of reconstructive surgery and the concepts of organ transplantation.
      Thus, for any hand transplant program to be successful, there must be
      collaboration within a multidisciplinary team comprising a core group of hand and
      transplant surgeons. Such a joint effort can overcome the challenges that are
      inherent in a complex therapeutic option that integrates different disciplines
      and organizations during the planning, procedural, and posttransplant phases.

PMID- 22051390
TI  - Clinical strategies to enhance nerve regeneration in composite tissue
      allotransplantation.
AB  - Reinnervation of a hand transplant ultimately dictates functional recovery but
      provides a significant regenerative challenge. This article highlights
      interventions to enhance nerve regeneration through acceleration of axonal
      regeneration or augmentation of Schwann cell support and discuss their relevance
      to composite tissue allotransplantation. Surgical techniques that may be
      performed at the time of transplantation to optimize intrinsic muscle recovery-
      including appropriate alignment of ulnar nerve motor and sensory components,
      transfer of the distal anterior interosseous nerve to the recurrent motor branch
      of the median nerve, and prophylactic release of potential nerve entrapment
      points--are also presented.

PMID- 22051394
TI  - Recipient screening and selection: who is the right candidate for hand
      transplantation.
AB  - Hand transplantation is an elective non-life saving but quality of life-giving
      surgery for good candidates that is not without risk. Patient screening and
      selection is the most critical element to successful transplantation outcomes and
      cannot be overemphasized in terms of importance in the overall scheme of an
      active composite tissue allotransplantation (CTA) program. This article discusses
      the various criteria that are important in the selection of patients for CTA.

PMID- 22051395
TI  - Donor-related issues in hand transplantation.
AB  - The policies and procedures for solid-organ donation, under the auspices of the
      Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network, currently cannot be applied to
      hand donation, because a hand allograft is considered a tissue in the United
      States and is under the jurisdiction of the Food and Drug Administration. Hand
      transplant centers have developed their own protocols. This article discusses the
      unique elements of such protocols, including training and education, the consent
      process, the necessary recipient and donor data, donor management, and operating
      room procedures. Candidate listing, allocation, and oversight of hand donation in
      the future are also discussed.

PMID- 22051396
TI  - Ethical, financial, and policy considerations in hand transplantation.
AB  - Currently, more than 65 hand transplants have been performed with studies
      demonstrating favorable cosmetic and functional outcomes and cortical
      reintegration of the transplanted hand. Due to such favorable outcomes, many view
      hand transplant as a potential gold standard for treatment of a double amputee.
      However, ethical debate continues regarding risks and benefits of this
      nonlifesaving procedure. Clinicians, patients, and society must agree on whether
      hand transplantation is ethical and affordable. If a decision is made to
      transplant a hand, this must be performed in a dedicated center that facilitates
      integration of multiple specialists, ethicists, pharmacists, and
      rehabilitationists.

PMID- 22051397
TI  - Arthroscopic dorsal capsuloligamentous repair in chronic scapholunate ligament
      tears.
AB  - This article discusses the preliminary results of treatment of chronic
      scapholunate lesions by arthroscopic dorsal capsuloligamentous repair, which does
      not require open exposure of the wrist capsule. Thirty six patients underwent
      arthroscopically assisted dorsal capsuloplasties. Sixteen had percutaneous
      pinning. Mean follow-up was at 11.4 months. The average arc of motion was 105
      degrees preoperatively and 120 degrees postoperatively. The average grip strength
      attained 92% of the contralateral side. Most of the results were excellent-to
      good. Seven professional athletes returned to preinjury level. Arthroscopic
      dorsal capsuloligamentous repair is a promising option, but a longer follow-up is
      necessary to confirm these results.

PMID- 22051398
TI  - Hand transplantation.

PMID- 22051399
TI  - Multilocus phylogeographical analysis of Trypanosoma (Megatrypanum) genotypes
      from sympatric cattle and water buffalo populations supports evolutionary host
      constraint and close phylogenetic relationships with genotypes found in other
      ruminants.
AB  - Species of the subgenus Trypanosoma (Megatrypanum) have been reported in cattle
      and other domestic and wild ruminants worldwide. A previous study in Brazil found
      at least four genotypes infecting cattle (Bos taurus), but only one in water
      buffalo (Bubalus bubalis). However, the small number of isolates examined from
      buffalo, all inhabiting nearby areas, has precluded evaluation of their
      diversity, host associations and geographical structure. To address these
      questions, we evaluated the genetic diversity and phylogeographical patterns of
      25 isolates from water buffalo and 28 from cattle from four separate locations in
      Brazil and Venezuela. Multigene phylogenetic analyses of ssrRNA, internal
      transcribed spacer of rDNA (ITSrDNA), 5SrRNA, glycosomal glyceraldehyde 3
      phosphate dehydrogenase (gGAPDH), mitochondrial cytochrome b (Cyt b), spliced
      leader (SL) and cathepsin L-like (CATL) sequences positioned all isolates from
      sympatric and allopatric buffalo populations into the highly homogeneous genotype
      TthIA, while the cattle isolates were assigned to three different genotypes, all
      distinct from TthIA. Polymorphisms in all of these sequences separated the
      trypanosomes infecting water buffalo, cattle, sheep, antelope and deer, and
      suggested that they correspond to separate species. Congruent phylogenies
      inferred with all genes indicated a predominant clonal structure of the
      genotypes. The multilocus analysis revealed one monophyletic assemblage formed
      exclusively by trypanosomes of ruminants, which corresponds to the subgenus T.
      (Megatrypanum). The high degree of host specificity, evidenced by genotypes
      exclusive to each ruminant species and lack of genotype shared by different host
      species, suggested that the evolutionary history of trypanosomes of this subgenus
      was strongly constrained by their ruminant hosts. However, incongruence between
      ruminant and trypanosome phylogenies did not support host-parasite co-evolution,
      indicating that host switches have occurred across ruminants followed by
      divergences, giving rise to new trypanosome genotypes adapted exclusively to one
      host species.

PMID- 22051400
TI  - Abundance-variance and abundance-occupancy relationships in a marine host
      parasite system: the importance of taxonomy and ecology of transmission.
AB  - Abundance-occupancy and abundance-variance relationships are two of the most
      general macroecological patterns capturing essential fundamentals of the
      structuring of species distributions and are widely documented for free-living
      animal and plant species populations at different spatial scales. However,
      empirical data for parasites have been gathered using appropriate sampling
      designs only recently. We performed analyses across species of the variation in
      infection parameters and patterns of aggregation of the most widespread parasites
      in the marine sparid fish Boops boops across seven localities of two marine
      biogeographical regions, the North East Atlantic and the Mediterranean. We used a
      large dataset of multiple population samples replicated over time for 20 parasite
      species and carried out assessments both intraspecifically and interspecifically,
      across taxonomic and ecological groupings. This taxonomically diverse complex of
      species representing five major metazoan higher taxa with differing transmission
      ecologies allowed us to assess the effect of taxonomic and ecological
      determinants on the abundance-occupancy and abundance-variance relationships in
      the model marine host-parasite system. The results revealed that: (i) a power
      function, relating spatial variance to mean abundance, represents a suitable
      model for the spatial distribution of the species; (ii) prevalence, abundance and
      the degree of spatial heterogeneity are true species characteristics and differ
      consistently between higher level taxonomic groupings; (iii) infection parameters
      and abundance-variance relationship are dependent on host specificity and
      regional distribution patterns of the parasites; and (iv) the observed infection
      parameters agree well with predictions from the epidemiological negative binomial
      abundance-occupancy model built on parameters of Taylor's power law both within
      and across species.

PMID- 22051401
TI  - Genetic diversity of Schistosoma japonicum miracidia from individual rodent
      hosts.
AB  - Schistosoma japonicum is an important parasite in terms of clinical, veterinary
      and socio-economic impacts, and rodents, a long neglected reservoir for the
      parasite, have recently been found to act as reservoir hosts in some endemic
      areas of China. Any difference in the host's biological characteristics and/or
      associated living habitats among rodents may result in different environments for
      parasites, possibly resulting in a specific population structure of parasites
      within hosts. Therefore knowledge of the genetic structure of parasites within
      individual rodents could improve our understanding of transmission dynamics and
      hence our ability to develop effective control strategies. In this study, we
      aimed to describe a host-specific structure for S. japonicum and its potential
      influencing factors. The results showed a significant genetic differentiation
      among hosts. Two factors, including sampling seasons and the number of miracidia
      genotyped per host, showed an effect on the genetic diversity of an
      infrapopulation through a univariable analysis but not a multivariable analysis.
      A possible scenario of clustered infection foci and the fact of multiple
      definitive host species, the latter of which is unique to S. japonicum compared
      with other schistosomes, were proposed to explain the observed results and
      practical implications for control strategies are recommended.

PMID- 22051402
TI  - [The geography of aging in atlantic Canada: analysis from the point of view of
      territorial disparities during 1981-2006].
AB  - Following the example of other Canadian provinces, those in Atlantic Canada are
      affected, albeit to a lesser degree, by the increase in the number of persons
      aged 65 or over, a trend that we can define as gerontogrowth. In addition, this
      region of Canada seems particularly affected by the trend of an aging population,
      that is, the rise in the proportion of people in the total population aged 65 or
      more. For example, on a national scale, New Brunswick is the third oldest
      province according to the last five-year period (2001-2006), having advanced from
      the fourth position it held between 1981 and 2001 and from the fifth position
      occupied between 1971 and 1981. In addition, these trends evolve in different
      manners in different places, contrasts that are strongest at the regional and
      local level. The goal of this article is to examine the strength of these
      disparities during the period 1981 to 2006 and to identify some potential
      solutions for a territorial development strategy for seniors.

PMID- 22051403
TI  - Understanding why women adopt and sustain home water treatment: insights from the
      Malawi antenatal care program.
AB  - In many settings in Africa, social marketing has proven more successful in
      generating brand recognition for chlorine water treatment products than in
      promoting their use. To promote household use of one such product in Malawi,
      WaterGuard, the Ministry of Health (MOH) and Population Services International
      (PSI) distributed free hygiene kits that included WaterGuard to pregnant women
      attending antenatal clinics in 2007. Follow-up surveys documented a sustained
      increase in WaterGuard use three years after the initial intervention. In 2010,
      PATH (www.path.org) conducted qualitative research on the factors motivating
      women to adopt, sustain, or discontinue use. To provide context, interviews were
      also conducted with their friends, relatives, and husbands. Interviews revealed
      that sustained use of WaterGuard does not necessarily imply consistent use. Most
      respondents reported switching back and forth between WaterGuard and stock
      chlorine distributed for free by the government, and many treated water
      seasonally rather than year-round. Qualitative findings suggest that two program
      strategies strongly influenced women's decisions to adopt, purchase, and continue
      using WaterGuard. First, positive, ongoing contacts with health care workers,
      especially during home visits, raised awareness of the need to treat water,
      encouraged trial use, and supported continuing use. Second, an extended free
      trial of the product overcame initial cost barriers and allowed women and their
      families to experience the health benefits of WaterGuard, appreciate its value
      and relevance to their lives, and get used to its taste. Social support-from like
      minded relatives, friends, neighbors, health care workers, husbands, and children
      was also a critical factor that promoted consistent, ongoing use of WaterGuard.
      The findings confirm the importance of interpersonal communication in prompting
      adoption of household water treatment and suggest that consumers assess the
      perceived value of a product, not simply its cost. Further research is planned to
      investigate questions raised about patterns of ongoing use.

PMID- 22051404
TI  - Proteomic study of malignant pleural mesothelioma by laser microdissection and
      two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis identified cathepsin D as a novel
      candidate for a differential diagnosis biomarker.
AB  - To investigate the proteomic background of malignancies of the pleura, we
      examined and compared the proteomic profile of malignant pleural mesothelioma
      (MPM)(10 cases), lung adenocarcinoma (11 cases), squamous cell carcinoma of the
      lung (13 cases), pleomorphic carcinoma of the lung (3 cases) and synovial sarcoma
      (6 cases). Cellular proteins were extracted from specific populations of tumor
      cells recovered by laser microdissection. The extracted proteins were labeled
      with CyDye DIGE Fluor saturation dyes and subjected to two-dimensional difference
      gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) using a large format electrophoresis device. Among
      3875 protein spots observed, the intensity of 332 was significantly different
      (Wilcoxon p value less than 0.05) and with more than two-fold inter-sample-group
      average difference between the different histology groups. Among these 332, 282
      were annotated by LC-MS/MS and included known biomarker proteins for MPM, such as
      calretinin, as well as proteins previously uncharacterized in MPM. Tissue
      microarray immunohistochemistry revealed that the expression of cathepsin D was
      lower in MPM than in lung adenocarcinoma (15% vs. 44% of cases respectively in
      immunohistochemistry). In conclusion, we examined the protein expression profile
      of MPM and other lung malignancies, and identified cathepsin D to distinguish MPM
      from most popular lung cancer such as lung adenocarcinoma.

PMID- 22051405
TI  - Point: balloon versus strut brachytherapy-which device offers the most dose
      modulation capability and normal tissue sparing?

PMID- 22051406
TI  - Counterpoint: the device with the most dose modulation capacity.

PMID- 22051409
TI  - Combined transperineal implant and external beam radiation for the treatment of
      prostate cancer: a large patient cohort in the community setting.
AB  - PURPOSE: Treatment of prostate cancer using higher doses of external beam
      radiation (EBRT) has been shown to improve results, but there are toxicity
      concerns with further dose escalation. A treatment option to safely increase
      total dose to the prostate includes combination therapy using EBRT and low-dose
      rate transperineal brachytherapy seed implant. Our purpose was to report the
      results of combined modality therapy from a single institution in the community
      setting. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Retrospective review from single institution in
      the community setting. All patients were treated with a combination of EBRT
      followed by low-dose-rate brachytherapy seed placement. RESULTS: A total of 824
      patients were analyzed with a median followup of 5.5 years, all censored patients
      had a minimum followup of 2 years. A total of 588 patients received hormone
      therapy before or concurrent with the radiation. Three hundred twenty-nine
      patients had low-risk disease, 300 patients had intermediate-risk disease, and
      195 patients had high-risk disease. Five-year overall survivals were 86.1%,
      85.0%, and 82.5% for low-, intermediate-, and high-risk patients. Five-year
      actuarial biochemical relapse-free survivals (bRFSs) were 85.4%, 83.2%, and 79.6%
      for low-, intermediate-, and high-risk patients. High-risk patients who received
      hormonal therapy had an improved bRFS vs. patients not receiving hormones.
      CONCLUSIONS: Combination treatment using brachytherapy and EBRT is well
      tolerated, with acceptable overall survival and bRFS rates and should be
      considered a standard treatment option for patients. Hormones should be
      considered for high-risk patients.

PMID- 22051410
TI  - FT-IR spectroscopy and DFT calculation study on the solvent effects of
      benzaldehyde in organic solvents.
AB  - FT-IR spectra of benzaldehyde in 11 different organic solvents were recorded and
      analyzed. The density functional theory (DFT) B3LYP/6-31G* method was chosen to
      calculate the infrared spectrum of benzaldehyde in gaseous state. The
      electrostatic effects of different solvents in benzaldehyde solutions were
      calculated using DFT with the self-consistent isodensity polarizable continuum
      model (SCI-PCM). Two remarkable carbonyl (C=O) peaks of benzaldehyde were
      observed by FT-IR in alcohol solvents, which were caused by different hydrogen
      bond species and explained by ab initio calculation. The results showed that the
      combination of SCI-PCM model and ab initio calculation could give excellent
      agreements with FT-IR spectra of title compound in solutions.

PMID- 22051411
TI  - Quantum chemistry study of molecular structure and vibrational spectrum of
      naproxen.
AB  - The purpose of this research was to compare the performance of different DFT
      methods at different basis sets in predicting geometry and vibrational spectrum
      of naproxen. The molecular structure and infrared spectrum of naproxen was
      studied. Quantum chemical calculations using density functional theory (DFT) with
      functions LSDA, B3LYP, B3PW91, BPV86, mPW1PW91 and PBEPBE at various basis set
      levels (LANL2DZ, SDD, 3-21G, 6-31G, 6-311G and STO-3G) were performed. The
      computed result indicates that LSDA/6-311G level is distinctly superior to all
      the remaining DFT methods in predicting molecular structure of naproxen. The
      vibrational spectral analysis indicates the LSDA/3-21G level and LSDA/6-311G
      level are both better than the other methods at all the remaining basis sets.

PMID- 22051412
TI  - Binding interactions of water-soluble camptothecin derivatives with bovine serum
      albumin.
AB  - In this study, the binding interactions of the water-soluble camptothecin
      derivatives hydroxycamptothecin (10-HCPT), topotecan (TPT), and camptothecin
      quaternary salt (CPT8), to bovine serum albumin (BSA) were determined using
      fluorescence spectra and UV-vis spectra. The results revealed that the
      fluorescence of BSA was strongly quenched by the binding of camptothecin
      derivatives to BSA. The quenching mechanism of the camptothecin derivatives was
      found to be static according to the Stern-Volmer equation. The binding constant
      and binding sites were confirmed by fluorescence quenching spectra. The
      thermodynamic parameters Gibbs free energy change (DeltaG<0), enthalpy change
      (DeltaH>0), and entropy change (DeltaS>0) implied that the interaction process
      was spontaneous and endothermic, and the interaction forces between camptothecin
      compounds and BSA were found to be hydrophobic. According to Foster non
      radioactive energy transfer, the binding distances between 10-HCPT, TPT, and
      CPT8, and BSA were determined to be 1.73nm, 1.63nm, and 1.61nm, respectively. The
      synchronous fluorescence spectra confirmed that the camptothecin compounds cannot
      cause conformational changes in BSA. A rapid and sensitive method for determining
      the binding interaction between water-soluble camptothecin derivatives and BSA
      was established based on these principles of fluorescence quenching.

PMID- 22051413
TI  - Temperature-dependent Raman and IR studies of multiferroic MnWO4 doped with Ni2+
      ions.
AB  - Temperature-dependent Raman and IR studies of MnWO(4) crystal doped with Ni(2+)
      ions were performed in the 4.2-300 K range. These studies were complemented by
      magnetization and specific heat measurements in the 2-100K range, which revealed
      that MnWO(4) crystal doped with Ni(2+) ions exhibits two phase transitions at
      13.9 and 12.5K. Temperature evolution of Raman wavenumbers and linewidths
      revealed anomalous behaviour at low temperatures. These anomalies have been
      attributed to spin-phonon coupling, which appear due to onset of
      antiferromagnetic spin ordering. The observed anomalies extend above T(N)=13.9 K.
      This behaviour is consistent with the fact that MnWO(4) is a moderately
      magnetically frustrated material.

PMID- 22051414
TI  - Enhanced photoluminescence of Gd2O3:Eu3+ nanophosphors with alkali (M=Li+, Na+,
      K+) metal ion co-doping.
AB  - Gd(1.95)Eu(0.04)M(0.01)O(3) (M=Li(+), Na(+), K(+)) nanophosphors have been
      synthesized by a low temperature solution combustion (LSC) method. Powder X-ray
      diffraction pattern (PXRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), UV-vis and
      photoluminescence (PL) measurements were carried out to characterize their
      structural and luminescent properties. The excitation and emission spectra
      indicated that the phosphor could be well excited by UV light (243 nm) and emit
      red light about 612 nm. The effect of alkali co-dopant on PL properties has been
      examined. The results showed that incorporation of Li(+), Na(+) and K(+) in to
      Gd(2)O(3):Eu(3+) phosphor would lead to a remarkable increase of
      photoluminescence. The PL intensity of Gd(2)O(3):Eu(3+) phosphor was improved
      evidently by co-doping with Li(+) ions whose radius is less than that of Gd(3+)
      and hardly with Na(+), K(+) whose radius is larger than that of Gd(3+). The
      effect of co-dopants on enhanced luminescence was mainly regarded as the result
      of a suitable local distortion of crystal field surrounding the Eu(3+) activator.
      These results will play an important role in seeking some more effective co
      dopants.

PMID- 22051415
TI  - Experimental FTIR and theoretical studies of gallic acid-acetonitrile clusters.
AB  - Gallic acid (3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid, GA) has many possible conformers
      depending on the orientations of its three OH and COOH groups. The biological
      activity of polyphenolic compounds has been demonstrated to depend on their
      conformational characteristics. Therefore, experimental FTIR and theoretical
      studies of the GA-solvent clusters were performed to investigate the possible
      most favored conformation of GA. Acetonitrile (ACN) was selected as the solvent
      since its spectrum did not interfere with the OH stretching bands of GA. Also of
      importance was that these OH groups, in addition to the carboxyl group, of the GA
      are the most likely groups to interact with receptors. The solution of GA in the
      ACN solution was measured and the complex OH bands were deconvoluted to four
      component bands. These component bands corresponded to the three OH bands on the
      benzene ring and a broad band which is a combination band of mainly the OH of the
      COOH group and the inter- and intramolecular H-bonds from the OH groups on the
      ring. The conformations, relative stabilities and vibrational analysis of the GA
      monomers and the GA-ACN clusters were investigated using the B3LYP/6
      311++G(2d,2p) method. Conformational analysis of the GA monomer yielded four most
      possible conformers, GA-I, GA-II, GA-III and GA-IV. These conformers were
      subsequently used for the study of the GA:ACN clusters at the 1:1, 1:2 and 1:4
      mole ratios. The IR spectra of the most stable structures of these clusters were
      simulated and the vibrational wavenumbers of the OH and C=O groups were compared
      with those from the experiment. The FTIR component bands were comparable to the
      computed OH bands of the GA-I-(ACN)(2), GA-IV-(ACN)(2) and GA-I-(ACN)(4)
      clusters. Furthermore, the C=O stretching bands and the bands in the regions of
      1800-1000 cm(-1) obtained by computing and the experiment were similar for these
      clusters. Thus, GA-I and GA-IV are the most preferable conformations of GA in ACN
      and perhaps in the polar environment around the receptor sites of GA.

PMID- 22051416
TI  - A series of Ti(IV)/Ti(III) coordination polymers: structures and surface
      photoelectric properties.
AB  - Three titanium coordination polymers, {[Ti(SO(4))(2)(H(2)O)].0.5bipy.2H(2)O}(n)1,
      {[Ti1(SO(4))(2)(H(2)O)].[Ti2(SO(4))(2)(H(2)O)].bipy.5H(2)O}(n)2 and [Ti(tea)](n)3
      (bipy=4,4'-bipyridine, H(3)tea=triethanolamine) were synthesized and
      characterized by IR, UV-Vis absorption spectra, TG analysis, X-ray single crystal
      diffraction and surface photovoltage spectroscopy (SPS). The surface
      photoelectric properties of titanium coordination polymers were discussed
      emphatically by the SPS. The results of single crystal diffraction indicate that
      polymers 1 and 2 possess 1D infinite structure bridged by SO(4)(2-) groups and
      coordinated water molecules and further connected into supramolecular structures
      by hydrogen bonds. Polymer 3 possesses 2D infinite structure bridged by weak sub
      coordinated Ti-O bonds. The results of SPS show that there are obvious
      photovoltage responses in the range of 300-500 nm, which indicates that they
      possess photoelectric conversion ability. The SPS of three titanium polymers were
      analyzed comparatively. It is found that the valence of central metal ions,
      coordination micro-environment and kinds of coordination atoms influence the
      results of the SPS. The SPS is associated with UV-Vis absorption spectra.

PMID- 22051417
TI  - Treatment with beta-blockers and incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder
      after cardiac surgery: a prospective observational study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim was to investigate perioperative factors associated with the
      development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in patients who underwent
      cardiac surgery. DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: Single
      academic center. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred twenty-eight consecutive patients
      scheduled for elective cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass.
      INTERVENTIONS: Patients were interviewed within the surgical unit 1 to 3 days
      before cardiac surgery. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Six months after surgery,
      participants were mailed the modified version of the Posttraumatic Stress Symptom
      Inventory 10. Of the 71 patients who completed the questionnaire and mailed it
      back at follow-up, 14 (19.7%) received a diagnosis of PTSD. Seven of 13 female
      patients who were not treated with beta-blockers received a diagnosis of PTSD
      compared with 0 of 12 who were treated with beta-blockers (p = 0.005, Fisher
      exact test). In a general linear model, including sex and beta-blocker treatment
      as predictors, the Posttraumatic Stress Symptom Inventory 10 score was
      significantly predicted by beta-blockade (F = 4.74, p = 0.033), with a
      significant interaction between sex and beta-blockade (F = 9.72, p = 0.003).
      CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the use of beta-blockers might be
      protective against the development of PTSD in women after cardiac surgery.

PMID- 22051418
TI  - Mitral annular nonplanarity: correlation between annular height/commissural width
      ratio and the nonplanarity angle.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare two methods of mitral annular nonplanarity: the
      mathematically calculated annular height-to-commissural width ratio (AHCWR) and
      the echocardiographically derived nonplanarity angle. DESIGN: Prospective.
      SETTING: Tertiary care university hospital. INTERVENTIONS: Three-dimensional
      transesophageal echocardiography. PARTICIPANTS: Patients undergoing mitral valve
      surgery. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Using 3-dimensional transesophageal
      echocardiography, volumetric datasets were acquired from 22 patients undergoing
      mitral valve surgery. The intraoperative nonplanarity angle was calculated with
      Mitral Valve Assessment software (Tomtec GmbH, Munich, Germany). Furthermore, the
      datasets acquired during 3-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography were
      exported to Matlab software (MathWorks, Natick, MA), which was used to calculate
      the AHCWR. The nonplanarity angle was seen to correlate favorably with the AHCWR
      (r = 0.70). CONCLUSIONS: A favorable correlation was found between the
      nonplanarity angle and the AHCWR. This suggests that the nonplanarity angle can
      be used to assess mitral annular nonplanarity in a clinically feasible fashion.

PMID- 22051419
TI  - Levosimendan versus an intra-aortic balloon pump in high-risk cardiac patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that levosimendan is more effective than intra
      aortic balloon pump (IABP) support in cardiac surgical patients with low left
      ventricular ejection fraction to decrease cardiac troponin I levels (primary
      endpoint) and improve hemodynamics. DESIGN: Prospective randomized trial.
      SETTING: Tertiary cardiothoracic referral center. PARTICIPANTS: Ninety patients
      with coronary artery disease and left ventricular ejection fraction <35% who
      underwent surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass. INTERVENTION: Patients were
      assigned randomly to 1 of 3 groups. Group A received a prophylactic IABP one day
      before surgery. Group B received a prophylactic IABP one day before surgery and a
      levosimendan infusion at a dose of 0.1 MUg/kg/min with an initial bolus (12
      MUg/kg for 10 minutes) after anesthesia induction. Group C received a
      levosimendan infusion at a dose of 0.1 MUg/kg/min with an initial bolus (12
      MUg/kg for 10 minutes) after anesthesia induction. Hemodynamic and biochemical
      data and rate of complications were analyzed. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The
      cardiac troponin I level in group C 6 hours after surgery was lower than in group
      A (p = 0.048). The cardiac index in group A was significantly lower than in
      groups B and C. The intensive care unit stay was significantly shorter in group C
      than in groups A and B (p = 0.001). The need for inotropic support, the rate of
      complications, and mortality among groups did not differ. CONCLUSIONS: The
      infusion of levosimendan after anesthesia induction in cardiac surgical patients
      contributes to lower cardiac troponin I levels and improved hemodynamics compared
      with a preoperative IABP.

PMID- 22051420
TI  - New British guidelines mandate ambulatory blood pressure monitoring to diagnose
      hypertension in all patients: not ready for prime time in the United States.

PMID- 22051421
TI  - The United Nations high level meeting addresses noncommunicable diseases, but
      where is hypertension?

PMID- 22051422
TI  - Management of cardiovascular risk factors is leaving the office: potential impact
      of telemedicine.
AB  - Effective control of hypertension and the other cardiovascular risk factors has
      been dependent on primary medical care as provided by family practitioners and
      internists. The progressive reduction in availability of primary care for adult
      populations in the United States threatens the likelihood of better control of
      the risk factors and potential loss of opportunity for prevention of
      cardiovascular disease. Recent progress has been made in the use of home blood
      pressure monitoring for improvement in classification of risk for hypertensive
      patients. Several studies establish the feasibility of home pressure monitoring
      combined with telemedicine for improving control of hypertension. Some studies
      have explored the role of self-care for adjustment of medication, as well. The
      potential growth of this strategy for effective control of hypertension with
      reduced need for face-to-face encounter time in primary care is a promising
      solution to the reduction in primary care providers. Management of hyperlipidemia
      and diabetes by telemedicine is also being explored, particularly for rural
      areas, but may also be effective in urban settings. Development of technology for
      home monitoring together with electronic communication to providers and
      mechanisms for education, feedback, and warnings offers a promising solution to
      the possible crisis in prevention of cardiovascular disease due to the loss of
      traditional primary care.

PMID- 22051423
TI  - Determinants of blood pressure response to low-salt intake in a healthy adult
      population.
AB  - Although the beneficial effects of lowering salt intake in hypertensive patients
      are widely appreciated, the impact of promoting dietary salt restriction for
      blood pressure (BP) reduction at the population level remains controversial. The
      authors used 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring to characterize the determinants of
      systolic BP (SBP) response to low-salt intake in a large, relatively healthy
      Amish population. Patients received a high- and low-sodium diet for 6 days each,
      separated by a 6- to 14-day washout period. Variance component analysis was used
      to assess the association of several variables with SBP response to low-salt
      diet. Mean SBP was 0.7 +/- 5.8 mm Hg and 1.3 +/- 6.1 mm Hg lower on the low-salt
      compared with the high-salt diet during daytime (P=.008) and nighttime (P<.0001),
      respectively. SBP response to a low-salt diet was significantly associated with
      increasing age and pre-intervention SBP, in both daytime and nighttime, while the
      association with female sex and SBP response to cold pressor test (CPT) was
      significant only during nighttime. Our results suggest that salt reduction may
      have greater BP-lowering effects on women, older individuals, individuals with
      higher SBP, and individuals with higher SBP response to CPT.

PMID- 22051424
TI  - Blood pressure outcomes in patients receiving angiotensin II receptor blockers in
      primary care: a comparative effectiveness analysis from electronic medical record
      data.
AB  - The authors examined the comparative effectiveness of 4 angiotensin receptor
      blockers (ARBs) in patients with hypertension using a large electronic medical
      record database. Analysis of covariance and logistic multivariate regression
      models were used to estimate the blood pressure (BP) outcomes of 73,012 patients
      during 13 months of treatment with olmesartan, losartan, valsartan, and
      irbesartan. Results were adjusted by baseline BP, starting dose, year, age, sex,
      race, body mass index, comorbid conditions, and concomitant medications of
      patients. All ARBs led to sustained reductions in BP, but with significant
      differences in the magnitude of BP reduction. Raw mean systolic BP/diastolic BP
      reductions with losartan, valsartan, irbesartan, and olmesartan were 9.3/4.9 mm
      Hg, 10.4/5.6 mm Hg, 10.1/5.3 mm Hg, and 12.4/6.8 mm Hg, respectively. Adjusting
      for all covariates, the overall BP reductions with olmesartan were 1.88/0.86 mm
      Hg, 1.21/0.52 mm Hg, and 0.89/0.51 mm Hg greater than for losartan, valsartan,
      and irbesartan, respectively, and mean differences were higher for monotherapy:
      2.43/1.16 mm Hg; 2.18/0.93 mm Hg; 1.44/0.91 mm Hg, respectively (all P values
      <.0001). Adjusted odds ratios of the JNC 7 goal attainment for losartan,
      valsartan, and irbesartan compared with olmesartan were 0.76, 0.86, and 0.91
      (P<.05). Differences were also found in subpopulations: African Americans,
      diabetics, and obese/overweight patients but not all of these reached statistical
      significance. A broad choice of ARBs may be required to get patients to treatment
      goals.

PMID- 22051425
TI  - The dynamics of blood pressure and cognitive functioning: results from 6-year
      follow-up of an elderly cohort.
AB  - The association between blood pressure (BP) and cognitive functioning in the
      elderly is still under debate. Theoretically, high BP could either prevent or
      enhance cognitive impairment. The authors assessed the changes that took place in
      BP and cognitive functioning over 6 years. A total of 318 noninstitutional
      elderly (81% of the survivors) were re-evaluated. BP was measured and a cognitive
      test was performed. Elderly patients who had higher systolic BP (SBP) and scored
      lower on the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) at baseline were less likely to
      survive. At follow-up, the proportion of patients with normal or normalized BP by
      treatment increased. Considerable changes in SBP were observed. Most cognitive
      functions declined during follow-up; however, decline in SBP was associated with
      better verbal fluency and memory. Both an increase and a decline in SBP were
      associated with better MMSE scores. Changes in diastolic BP (DBP) were less
      evident and DBP was not related to cognitive functioning. The current study
      demonstrates the importance of studying the dynamics of both BP and cognition
      over time. It appears that transition from hypertension to normotension improves
      cognitive functions. Survival processes may restrict the evaluation of the BP
      cognition interaction over time.

PMID- 22051426
TI  - Neurovascular decompression of the rostral ventrolateral medulla decreases blood
      pressure and sympathetic nerve activity in patients with refractory hypertension.
AB  - Recently, the authors experienced four patients who had refractory hypertension
      and neurovascular compression of the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM). One of
      them, a 49-year-old woman, had undergone continuous intravenous drip injections
      of calcium channel blockers and beta-blockers for more than 3 years because of
      severe and refractory hypertension. The patients had undergone microvascular
      decompression (MVD) of the RVLM, and the changes in blood pressure (BP) and
      sympathetic nerve activities were recorded. In these patients, BP decreased to
      the normal range without any antihypertensive drugs 2 to 3 months after MVD. The
      tibial sympathetic nerve activities under resting and stress conditions
      significantly decreased, and plasma levels of norepinephrine, urinary levels of
      adrenaline, and plasma renin activity were also significantly decreased after MVD
      of RVLM. In some patients with refractory hypertension, arterial compression of
      the RVLM enhances sympathetic nerve activity and renin-angiotensin system to
      thereby increase BP. In these patients, the operative decompression of the RVLM
      could lower BP via restoration of sympathetic nerve activities and the renin
      angiotensin system.

PMID- 22051427
TI  - Accuracy of blood pressure measurements reported in an electronic medical record
      during routine primary care visits.
AB  - Electronic medical records (EMRs) allow for real-time access to blood pressure
      (BP) information on a population basis and improve identification and treatment
      of individuals with hypertension. Despite the potential uses of the data
      available from EMRs, relatively little research has examined the reliability of
      this data. To address this gap, the authors examined the reliability of BP taken
      at primary care visits and recorded in an EMR with those taken at a research
      study visit at which standard protocols were used to measure BP among all adults
      as well as by sex and age. Systolic BP (SBP) averaged 3.7 (17.3) points and
      diastolic BP (DBP) was 2.8 (10.6) points lower in the EMR than in the study visit
      across age and sex groups, with all differences statistically significant. For
      this cohort of patients with a diagnosis of hypertension, there was moderate
      correlation between BP measurements taken in clinic and at research. However, BP
      control for individuals, as defined by an SBP <140 mm Hg and DBP 90 mm Hg,
      differed by almost 25%. Known variability of BP and clinic procedures for
      measuring and recording BP may account for these differences.

PMID- 22051428
TI  - Nondrug interventions for treatment of hypertension.
AB  - The treatment of hypertension is no longer limited to the simple prescription of
      pharmaceuticals. For many patients, maximal medical therapy is insufficient to
      adequately treat refractory hypertension. In addition, some patients may prefer
      to explore therapies that do not involve drugs as an initial step. Utilizing our
      broadening understanding of the physiology of hypertension, new technology and
      interventions have been developed that allow for treatments that do not rely on
      medications. In addition, dietary supplements and modification, as well as herbal
      supplements, may be useful under the right circumstances. Lifestyle modification
      remains a necessary part of treatment for all patients with hypertension. This
      article will review the evidence behind some available nondrug interventions for
      the treatment of hypertension.

PMID- 22051429
TI  - "Environmental hypertensionology" the effects of environmental factors on blood
      pressure in clinical practice and research.
AB  - Blood pressure (BP) is affected by many environmental factors including ambient
      temperature, altitude, latitude, noise, and air pollutants. Given their
      pervasiveness, it is plausible that such factors may also have an impact on
      hypertension prevalence and control rates. Health care providers should be aware
      that the environment can play a significant role in altering BP. Although not
      among the established modifiable risk factors (eg, obesity) for hypertension,
      reducing exposures when pertinent should be considered to prevent or control
      hypertension. The authors provide a concise review of the evidence linking
      diverse environmental factors with BP and suggest an approach for incorporating
      this knowledge into clinical practice. The authors propose using the term
      environmental hypertensionology to refer to the study of the effects of
      environmental factors on BP in clinical and research settings.

PMID- 22051430
TI  - The role of magnesium in hypertension and cardiovascular disease.
AB  - Magnesium intake of 500 mg/d to 1000 mg/d may reduce blood pressure (BP) as much
      as 5.6/2.8 mm Hg. However, clinical studies have a wide range of BP reduction,
      with some showing no change in BP. The combination of increased intake of
      magnesium and potassium coupled with reduced sodium intake is more effective in
      reducing BP than single mineral intake and is often as effective as one
      antihypertensive drug in treating hypertension. Reducing intracellular sodium and
      calcium while increasing intracellular magnesium and potassium improves BP
      response. Magnesium also increases the effectiveness of all antihypertensive drug
      classes. It remains to be conclusively proven that cardiovascular disease such as
      coronary heart disease, ischemic stroke, and cardiac arrhythmias can be prevented
      or treated with magnesium intake. Preliminary evidence suggests that insulin
      sensitivity, hyperglycemia, diabetes mellitus, left ventricular hypertrophy, and
      dyslipidemia may be improved with increased magnesium intake. Various genetic
      defects in magnesium transport are associated with hypertension and possibly with
      cardiovascular disease. Oral magnesium acts as a natural calcium channel blocker,
      increases nitric oxide, improves endothelial dysfunction, and induces direct and
      indirect vasodilation.

PMID- 22051431
TI  - Reducing cardiorenal risk through combination therapy with a direct renin
      inhibitor.
AB  - Interruption of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) cascade with
      angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers
      (ARBs), or more recently direct renin inhibitors (DRIs) is a safe and effective
      antihypertensive strategy that is in routine clinical use. The clinical utility
      of these agents in cardiorenal end-organ protection is increasingly being
      recognized. Although both ACE inhibitors and ARBs demonstrate substantial benefit
      in patients with cardiovascular and/or renal disease, considerable evidence
      indicates that they only partially suppress the RAAS pathway due to feedback
      upregulation of plasma renin activity. With the goal of providing more
      comprehensive RAAS blockade, combination ACE inhibitor/ARB therapy has been
      evaluated. However, this approach has not shown the anticipated improvements in
      composite cardiovascular and renal outcomes and appears to be associated with
      significant toxicity. Due to a unique mechanism of action, the combination of a
      DRI with an ACE inhibitor or ARB may represent an effective end-organ-protective
      therapeutic strategy.

PMID- 22051432
TI  - Seasonal variability of blood pressure in California.

PMID- 22051433
TI  - Should patients with chronic kidney disease have an ambulatory BP monitor for
      accurate renal and cardiovascular risk assessment?

PMID- 22051434
TI  - Hypertension associated with angiogoenesis inhibitors: what do oncologists really
      do in daily routine? A small survey.

PMID- 22051437
TI  - Self-reported health status (EQ-5D) in adults with congenital heart disease.
AB  - PURPOSE: Today, more patients with congenital heart disease (CHD) reach
      adulthood. There are conflicting findings concerning the relationship between
      quality of life (QoL) or health state for adults with CHD and the complexity of
      their CHD. The aim of the study was, firstly, to compare the reported health
      status and health perception of adult patients with CHD and, secondly, to
      investigate what variables influenced the patients' health status and health
      perception. METHODS: Data from 1435 patients completing the EQ-5D questionnaire,
      which includes reported health status and health perception, were analyzed.
      RESULTS: Valid EQ-5D data were reported by 1274 patients, showing overall results
      indicating a good health status. Problems were most frequently reported in the
      dimension "pain/discomfort" (31.9%) and "anxiety/depression" (29.8%). Higher
      occurrence of problems were reported by patients with complex disease i.e. single
      ventricle (p<0.001) and by female patients (p<0.0001). Symptomatic patients
      reported a lower health status (p<0.0001) and a lower perceived health on EQ-VAS
      (p<0.0001). Of the asymptomatic patients, 20.5% nevertheless reported problems in
      "pain/discomfort" and 22.2% in the "anxiety/depression" dimension. CONCLUSION:
      The health status of adults with CHD is influenced by symptoms, NYHA
      classification, age and gender. Adults with CHD report a lower occurrence of
      problems in comparison to previously published results from a general population,
      but the importance of actively asking about the patient's experience is
      demonstrated by the high degree of asymptomatic patients reporting problems on EQ
      5D.

PMID- 22051438
TI  - Promoting psychosocial well-being following a stroke: developing a theoretically
      and empirically sound complex intervention.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The psychosocial consequences of stroke are complex and comprehensive
      and include substantial and longlasting impacts on mood, identity, social
      relationships, return to work and quality of life. Many studies have explored
      possible interventions to prevent or treat psychosocial problems, but the results
      have generally been disappointing. Very few studies have provided adequate
      theoretical accounts of the mechanisms assumed to contribute to positive
      outcomes. OBJECTIVES: To describe the development of a psychosocial nursing
      intervention aimed at promoting psychosocial health and well-being and to
      stimulate dialogue about how to develop and report theoretically and empirically
      sound complex interventions in nursing. DESIGN: A systematic, stepwise approach
      was used, consistent with the framework recommended for developing and evaluating
      complex interventions by the UK Medical Research Council. DATA SOURCES:
      Systematic reviews of empirical studies regarding the psychosocial consequences
      and needs of patients following stroke; qualitative, experiential studies of
      stroke and stroke recovery; theories of psychosocial well-being, coping, life
      skills, narrative approaches to rehabilitation and guided self-determination.
      REVIEW METHODS: Each systematic review was examined to determine the major
      psychosocial challenges and needs experienced by stroke survivors, focusing on
      how these challenges and needs developed over the illness trajectory, how
      previous interventions had sought to address them and the effective mechanisms
      assumed to affect the level of success of interventions. Qualitative studies were
      examined to reveal the subjective experiences of stroke and stroke recovery,
      paying particular attention to the development of needs across time and context.
      A qualitative synthesis of the major characteristics of the trajectory of stroke
      rehabilitation and recovery during the first year was developed. Theories were
      examined to illuminate possible effective mechanisms and actions aimed at
      promoting psychosocial well-being during the stroke recovery process. RESULTS: A
      dialogue-based intervention comprising eight encounters between stroke survivors
      and trained health care workers was designed, based on narrative theories,
      empowerment philosophy and guided self determination. Worksheets and a guiding
      topical outline were developed to support the dialogue. CONCLUSIONS: The UK
      Medical Research Council framework facilitated the systematic development of an
      empirically and theoretically informed complex nursing intervention aimed at
      promoting post-stroke psychosocial well-being.

PMID- 22051439
TI  - Developing a healthy living intervention for people with early psychosis using
      the Medical Research Council's guidelines on complex interventions: phase 1 of
      the HELPER - InterACT programme.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Young people with early psychosis often gain a significant amount of
      weight after the initiation of anti-psychotic treatment. Despite the current
      policy guidance to develop and evaluate 'healthy living' interventions for people
      with psychosis there remains a paucity of research. Our aim was to develop an
      acceptable, feasible, culturally sensitive and potentially effective 'healthy
      living' intervention, specifically for young people with early psychosis.
      METHODS: Using the Medical Research Council guidelines for developing and
      evaluating complex interventions we conducted a number of studies to devise a
      'healthy living' intervention. We used a 'top down' (published evidence), bottom
      up (stakeholder perspectives) approach, which included updating a systematic
      review, identifying a theoretical basis for the intervention, exploring the
      perspectives of service users and health professionals, and identifying key
      cultural issues. The results of these studies were synthesised to determine the
      content and delivery of the intervention. RESULTS: The intervention developed
      comprised eight individual sessions to be delivered by a support time recovery
      worker over a 12 month period with emphasis on individualised action plans to
      facilitate participatory exercise and changes in diet. To optimise engagement,
      choice and self management a booklet and website were developed to provide
      participants with educational advice, healthy eating recipes and other materials.
      CONCLUSION: Using the Medical Research Council guidelines we have developed a
      potentially effective, feasible and acceptable 'healthy living' intervention for
      people with psychosis using early intervention services in the UK.

PMID- 22051440
TI  - No evidence of the Shiga toxin-producing E. coli O104:H4 outbreak strain or
      enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC) found in cattle faeces in northern Germany, the
      hotspot of the 2011 HUS outbreak area.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ruminants, in particular bovines, are the primary reservoir of Shiga
      toxin-producing E. coli (STEC), but whole genome analyses of the current German
      ESBL-producing O104:H4 outbreak strain of sequence type (ST) 678 showed this
      strain to be highly similar to enteroaggregative E. coli (EAEC). Strains of the
      EAEC pathotype are basically adapted to the human host. To clarify whether in
      contrast to this paradigm, the O104:H4 outbreak strain and/or EAEC may also be
      able to colonize ruminants, we screened a total of 2.000 colonies from faecal
      samples of 100 cattle from 34 different farms - all located in the HUS outbreak
      region of Northern Germany - for genes associated with the O104:H4 HUS outbreak
      strain (stx2, terD, rfbO104, fliCH4), STEC (stx1, stx2, escV), EAEC (pAA, aggR,
      astA), and ESBL-production (blaCTX-M, blaTEM, blaSHV). RESULTS: The faecal
      samples contained neither the HUS outbreak strain nor any EAEC. As the current
      outbreak strain belongs to ST678 and displays an en-teroaggregative and ESBL
      producing phenotype, we additionally screened selected strains for ST678 as well
      as the aggregative adhesion pattern in HEp-2 cells. However, we were unable to
      find any strains belonging to ST678 or showing an aggregative adhesion pattern. A
      high percentage of animals (28%) shed STEC, corroborating previous knowl-edge and
      thereby proving the validity of our study. One of the STEC also harboured the LEE
      pathogenicity island. In addition, eleven animals shed ESBL-producing E. coli.
      CONCLUSIONS: While we are aware of the limitations of our survey, our data
      support the theory, that, in contrast to other Shiga-toxin producing E. coli,
      cattle are not the reservoir for the O104:H4 outbreak strain or other EAEC, but
      that the outbreak strain seems to be adapted to humans or might have yet another
      reservoir, raising new questions about the epidemiology of STEC O104:H4.

PMID- 22051441
TI  - Prior contest experience exerts a long-term influence on subsequent winner and
      loser effects.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Animals are capable of using information from recent experiences to
      modify subsequent behavioral responses. Animals' ability or propensity to modify
      their behavior in the light of new information has repeatedly been shown to
      correlate with, or be influenced by, either their intrinsic competitive ability
      or their dominance experience - an influence which can be long-lasting. Using a
      mangrove killifish, Kryptolebias marmoratus, as the study organism, we
      investigated whether and if so how the effect of a winning or a losing experience
      one day prior to a dyadic contest was modulated by both competitive ability
      measured two months previously and a winning or losing experience forced on the
      contestants one month previously. RESULTS: Winning/losing experience forced on
      the fish one month previously affected how they utilized information from their
      winning/losing experience one day before Test Day: Individuals that were randomly
      assigned a losing experience one month previously were more susceptible to the
      influence of their 1-day winning/losing experience than those assigned a winning
      experience. Competitive ability measured two months previously, winning/losing
      experience from one month previously and the winning/losing experience received
      one day previously all significantly influenced the fish's contest behaviors on
      Test Day, although only 2-month competitive ability significantly influenced
      escalation duration, indicating that it was still a good index for the fish's
      competitive ability two months later. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the
      value to the fish of information from a recent win or loss depends on the outcome
      of their past contests and show that contest experience has a long-term effect on
      contest behavior.

PMID- 22051442
TI  - Reconstruction of a massive lower limb soft-tissue defect by giant free DIEAP
      flap.
AB  - Treatment of high-velocity trauma of the lower limb is often challenging in its
      nature, especially when dealing with extensive soft-tissue loss, underlying bone
      fractures and vascular lesions. The main goal in this surgery is the preservation
      of a functional and sensitive limb, or maximal functional length of the stump
      when dealing with limb amputations. We present a case report of a reconstruction
      of a complex massive soft-tissue defect of a lower limb by a giant free deep
      inferior epigastric artery perforator (DIEAP) flap. Classification and treatment
      options for massive lower limb defects are discussed. The free DIEAP flap is
      another valuable option for massive soft-tissue lower limb reconstructions and
      limb salvage procedures. It provides massive amounts of soft tissue with minimal
      donor-site morbidity, which is easily amenable for secondary corrections.

PMID- 22051443
TI  - Treatment of complex ischial pressure sores with free partial lateral latissimus
      dorsi musculocutaneous flaps in paraplegic patients.
AB  - In paraplegic patients dependent on their upper body for mobility, the latissimus
      dorsi muscle is generally unacceptable for microsurgical reconstruction of
      complex ischial defect. To avoid total muscle function loss, a portion of the
      lateral latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap can instead be harvested. From
      February 1999 to March 2009, 11 paraplegic patients with complex ischial pressure
      sores were prospectively recruited. The reconstruction was performed using a free
      partial lateral latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap. The follow-up period
      ranged from 18 to 114 months (mean, 60 months). All flaps survived
      postoperatively. No recurrence occurred in our series. All patients experienced
      various degrees of back tightness, shoulder weakness and limited shoulder motion
      since surgery, which were relieved within 9 months. The free partial lateral
      latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flap can be a good alternative for covering
      severe infected ischial defect. Shoulder functional deficits will lessen over
      time and normal function will be regained gradually.

PMID- 22051444
TI  - A case of congenital unilateral amastia.
AB  - Numerous reports have been published regarding the reconstruction of the breast,
      but the majority of these reports focus on breast reconstruction for defects
      caused by the removal of breast cancers. The authors treated a rare case of
      unilateral amastia where a 54-year-old female had a complete absence of the
      breast on one side, though the breast on the other side was intact. The defect
      was reconstructed successfully with a transverse rectus abdominis myocutaneous
      flap (TRAM) flap. The present study introduces this rare case with reference to
      past reports of amastia.

PMID- 22051445
TI  - A novel dendrimeric peptide induces high level neutralizing antibodies against
      classical swine fever virus in rabbits.
AB  - The amino acid sequence (TAVSPTTLR, 829-837aa) on the glycoprotein E2 of
      classical swine fever virus (CSFV) is a conserved and linear neutralizing
      epitope. In the present study, two peptides were constructed based the core
      sequence of this neutralizing epitope, the dendrimeric peptide (Th-B(4))
      containing four copies of B cell epitope fused to one copy of promiscuous T
      helper (Th) cell epitope and the peptide Th-B containing a single copy of B cell
      epitope fused to one copy of Th cell epitope. The dendrimeric peptide Th-B(4)
      elicited high titers of neutralizing antibodies as detected in an indirect ELISA,
      blocking ELISA and neutralization test and induced a complete protection against
      CSFV C strain in rabbits. The Th-B elicited low titers of neutralizing antibodies
      and did not induce a protection in rabbits. These results suggest that the
      dendrimeric peptide Th-B(4) may be a promising marker vaccine candidate against
      CSFV and the multimerization is a requirement for development of a peptide
      vaccine.

PMID- 22051446
TI  - Genome analysis of Betanodavirus from cultured marine fish species in Malaysia.
AB  - Betanodavirus is the causative agent of the viral nervous necrosis (VNN) or viral
      encephalopathy and retinopathy disease in marine fish. This disease is
      responsible for most of the mass mortalities that occurred in marine fish
      hatcheries in Malaysia. The genome of this virus consists of two positive-sense
      RNA molecules which are the RNA1 and RNA2. The RNA1 molecule contains the RdRp
      gene which encodes for the RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and the RNA2 molecule
      contains the Cp gene which encodes for the viral coat protein. In this study,
      total RNAs were extracted from 32 fish specimens representing the four most
      cultured marine fish species in Malaysia. The fish specimens were collected from
      different hatcheries and aquaculture farms in Malaysia. The RNA1 was successfully
      amplified using three pairs of overlapping PCR primers whereas the RNA2 was
      amplified using a pair of primers. The nucleotide analysis of RdRp gene revealed
      that the Betanodavirus in Malaysia were 94.5-99.7% similar to the RGNNV genotype,
      79.8-82.1% similar to SJNNV genotype, 81.5-82.4% similar to BFNNV genotype and
      79.8-80.7% similar to TPNNV genotype. However, they showed lower similarities to
      FHV (9.4-14.2%) and BBV (7.2-15.7%), respectively. Similarly, the Cp gene
      revealed that the viruses showed high nucleotide similarity to RGNNV (95.9
      99.8%), SJNNV (72.2-77.4%), BFNNV (80.9-83.5%), TPNNV (77.2-78.1%) and TNV (75.1
      76.5%). However, as in the RdRp gene, the coat protein gene was highly dissimilar
      to FHV (3.0%) and BBV (2.6-4.1%), respectively. Based on the genome analysis, the
      Betanodavirus infecting cultured marine fish species in Malaysia belong to the
      RGNNV genotype. However, the phylogenetic analysis of the genes revealed that the
      viruses can be further divided into nine sub-groups. This has been expected since
      various marine fish species of different origins are cultured in Malaysia.

PMID- 22051447
TI  - Vessel remodelling, pregnancy hormones and extravillous trophoblast function.
AB  - During early human pregnancy, extravillous trophoblast (EVT) cells from the
      placenta invade the uterine decidual spiral arterioles and mediate the
      remodelling of these vessels such that a low pressure, high blood flow can be
      supplied to the placenta. This is essential to facilitate normal growth and
      development of the foetus. Defects in remodelling can manifest as the serious
      pregnancy complication pre-eclampsia. During the period of vessel remodelling
      three key pregnancy-associated hormones, human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG),
      progesterone (P(4)) and oestradiol (E(2)), are found in high concentrations at
      the maternal-foetal interface. Potentially these hormones may control EVT
      movement and thus act as regulators of vessel remodelling. This review will
      discuss what is known about how these hormones affect EVT proliferation,
      migration and invasion during vascular remodelling and the potential relationship
      between hCG, P(4), E(2) and the development of pre-eclampsia.

PMID- 22051448
TI  - Hind limb suspension and long-chain omega-3 PUFA increase mRNA endocannabinoid
      system levels in skeletal muscle.
AB  - Muscle disuse has numerous physiological consequences that end up with
      significant catabolic metabolism and ultimately tissue atrophy. What is not known
      is how muscle atrophy affects the endocannabinoid (EC) system. Arachidonic acid
      (AA) is the substrate for anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonylgycerol (2-AG), which
      act as agonists for cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 found in muscle. Diets with
      n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) have been shown to reduce tissue levels of
      AA, AEA and 2-AG. Therefore, we hypothesized that hind limb suspension (HS)
      induced muscle atrophy and intake of n-3 PUFA will change mRNA levels of the EC
      system. Mice were randomized and assigned to a moderate n-3 PUFA [11.7 g/kg
      eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA)+docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)], high n-3 PUFA (17.6 g/kg
      EPA+DHA) or control diets for 12 days and then subjected to HS or continued
      weight bearing (WB) for 14 days. HS resulted in body weight, epididymal fat pad
      and quadriceps muscle loss compared to WB. Compared to WB, HS had greater mRNA
      levels of AEA and 2-AG synthesis enzymes and CB2 in the atrophied quadriceps
      muscle. The high n-3 PUFA diet resulted in greater mRNA levels of EC synthesis
      enzymes, and CB1 and CB2. The higher mRNA levels for EC with HS and dietary n-3
      PUFA suggest that muscle disuse and diet induce changes in the EC system to
      sensitize muscle in response to metabolic and physiological consequences of
      atrophy.

PMID- 22051449
TI  - Salmonellosis and charter tourism: epidemiology and trends of imported human
      cases to Norway from the Canary Islands and Thailand, 1994-2008.
AB  - More than 70% of reported human Salmonella infections in Norway are infected
      abroad. The Canary Islands and Thailand are two of the most popular charter
      tourist destinations for Norwegians. Using surveillance data for the years 1994
      2008, and denominator data on travel to the Canary Islands 2000-2008 and to
      Thailand 1997-2008, we present the epidemiology and trends of Salmonella
      infections in Norwegian tourists to these destinations. We found a declining
      trend in risk of salmonellosis in tourists returning from the Canary Islands, and
      a change in serovar distribution in travellers to Thailand with more S.
      Enteritidis infections, similar to that observed in Western European countries.
      The use of denominator data is important when studying risk of travel-related
      disease, as surveillance data tend to reflect travel activity more than the risk.
      Infections among tourists do not always affect the local residents and therefore
      may not be detected by local public health authorities. Sharing knowledge on the
      epidemiology of infections in tourists could be useful for observation of changes
      in trends in the countries visited, and in future outbreak investigations.

PMID- 22051451
TI  - The challenges of leadership in the new era of health care.

PMID- 22051450
TI  - Tiotropium Handihaler and the risk of cardio- or cerebrovascular events and
      mortality in patients with COPD.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tiotropium has been associated with an increased risk of mortality
      and/or cardiovascular events. Recent data from RCTs suggests tiotropium
      Handihaler to be safe, but its safety has not yet been fully investigated under
      real-life circumstances. METHODS: We conducted 2 nested case-control studies in a
      COPD cohort from the Dutch IPCI database. In the first case-control study, cases
      had a cardiovascular or cerebrovascular endpoint (CCVE): stroke and transient
      ischemic attack (TIA), myocardial infarction, heart failure and/or ventricular
      arrhythmia. In the second, cases were all patients who died. Cases were matched
      to controls on age, sex and index date. Conditional logistic regression analysis
      was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (OR(adj)) with 95% confidence
      intervals (CI) for tiotropium vs. long-acting beta-agonists (LABA). RESULTS:
      Within a cohort of 6788 COPD patients, 784 CCVE's and 1032 deaths were reported.
      Compared to current LABA use, use of tiotropium Handihaler was neither associated
      with an increased risk of a CCVE (OR(adj) 0.89, 95% 0.55-1.44) nor with an
      increased risk of death (OR(adj) 0.79, 95% CI 0.49-1.28). CONCLUSIONS: In real
      life, use of tiotropium Handihaler in COPD patients is not associated with an
      increased risk of a CCVE or mortality compared to LABA.

PMID- 22051452
TI  - Always read the fine print.

PMID- 22051453
TI  - Informing patients about risks and benefits of radiology examinations utilizing
      ionizing radiation: a legal and moral dilemma.

PMID- 22051454
TI  - The mores of radiology.

PMID- 22051455
TI  - MOC for dollars.

PMID- 22051456
TI  - ACR Appropriateness Criteria(r) right lower quadrant pain--suspected
      appendicitis.
AB  - The diagnostic imaging of patients presenting with right lower quadrant pain and
      suspected appendicitis may be organized according to age and gender and to the
      presence or absence of "classic" signs and symptoms of acute appendicitis. Among
      adult patients presenting with clinical signs of acute appendicitis, the
      sensitivity and specificity of CT are greater than those of ultrasound, with
      improved performance when CT is performed with intravenous contrast. The use of
      rectal contrast has been associated with decreased time in the emergency
      department. Computed tomography has also been shown to reduce cost and negative
      appendectomy rates. Both CT and ultrasound are also effective in the
      identification of causes of right lower quadrant pain unrelated to appendicitis.
      Among pediatric patients, the sensitivity and specificity of graded-compression
      ultrasound can approach those of CT, without the use of ionizing radiation.
      Performing MRI after inconclusive ultrasound in pregnant patients has been
      associated with sensitivity and specificity of 80% to 86% and 97% to 99%,
      respectively. The ACR Appropriateness Criteria((r)) are evidence-based guidelines
      for specific clinical conditions that are reviewed every 2 years by a
      multidisciplinary expert panel. The guideline development and review include an
      extensive analysis of current medical literature from peer-reviewed journals and
      the application of a well-established consensus methodology (modified Delphi) to
      rate the appropriateness of imaging and treatment procedures by the panel. In
      those instances in which evidence is lacking or not definitive, expert opinion
      may be used to recommend imaging or treatment.

PMID- 22051457
TI  - Ionizing radiation in abdominal CT: unindicated multiphase scans are an important
      source of medically unnecessary exposure.
AB  - PURPOSE: CT radiation exposure has come under increasing scrutiny because of
      dramatically increased utilization. Multiphase CT studies (repeated scanning
      before and after contrast injection) are a potentially important, overlooked
      source of medically unnecessary radiation because of the dose-multiplier effect
      of extra phases. The purpose of this study was to determine the frequency of
      unindicated multiphase scanning and resultant excess radiation exposure in a
      sample referral population. METHODS: Abdominal and pelvic CT examinations (n =
      500) performed at outside institutions submitted for tertiary interpretation were
      retrospectively reviewed for (1) the appropriateness of each phase on the basis
      of clinical indication and ACR Appropriateness Criteria((r)) and (2) per phase
      and total radiation effective dose. RESULTS: A total of 978 phases were performed
      in 500 patients; 52.8% (264 of 500) received phases that were not supported by
      ACR criteria. Overall, 35.8% of phases (350 of 978) were unindicated, most
      commonly being delayed imaging (272 of 350). The mean overall total radiation
      effective dose per patient was 25.8 mSv (95% confidence interval, 24.2-27.5 mSv).
      The mean effective dose for unindicated phases was 13.1 mSv (95% confidence
      interval, 12.3-14.0 mSv), resulting in a mean excess effective dose of 16.8 mSv
      (95% confidence interval, 15.5-18.3 mSv) per patient. Unindicated radiation
      constituted 33.3% of the total radiation effective dose in this population.
      Radiation effective doses exceeding 50 mSv were found in 21.2% of patients (106
      of 500). CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study suggest that a large proportion
      of patients undergoing abdominal and pelvic CT scanning receive unindicated
      additional phases that add substantial excess radiation dose with no associated
      clinical benefit.

PMID- 22051458
TI  - Common incidental findings on MDCT: survey of radiologist recommendations for
      patient management.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate for agreement with respect to how
      radiologists report incidental findings encountered on CT. METHODS: A multiple
      choice survey was designed to query radiologists about how they handle 12
      incidental findings on body CT, assuming the patient is a 45-year-old woman with
      no history of malignancy. Included were a 1-cm thyroid nodule, a 5-mm
      noncalcified lung nodule, coronary artery calcification, a 2-cm adrenal nodule, a
      2-cm pancreatic cyst, a 1-cm enhancing liver lesion, a 2-cm high-density renal
      cyst, short-segment small bowel intussusception, a 1-cm splenic cyst, focal
      gallbladder wall calcification, and a 3-cm ovarian cyst in both a premenopausal
      woman and a postmenopausal woman. Choices ranged from "do not report" to advising
      interventional procedures tailored to the organ. Surveys were administered to
      body CT attending radiologists at 3 academic institutions. RESULTS: Twenty-seven
      radiologists completed the survey. The mean experience level was 15.7 years after
      training. Seventy percent or greater agreement on interpretation was identified
      for only 6 findings: recommend ultrasound for a 1-cm thyroid nodule, recommend
      ultrasound for a 3-cm cyst in postmenopausal woman, follow Fleischner Society
      recommendations for a 5-mm lung nodule, describe only coronary calcification, and
      describe as likely benign both short-segment small bowel intussusception and a 1
      cm splenic cyst. CONCLUSIONS: Agreement is lacking, both across institutions and
      within departments, for the management of 6 commonly encountered incidental
      findings on body CT. Individual departments should develop internal guidelines to
      ensure consistent recommendations based on existing evidence.

PMID- 22051459
TI  - Medical imaging data reconciliation, part 3: reconciliation of historical and
      current radiology report data.
AB  - Correlation of historical imaging and radiology report data with the current
      imaging data set is a critical step in the radiologic interpretation process and,
      if incomplete, can adversely affect diagnostic accuracy. In its current form, the
      extraction and analysis of historical imaging and report data is limited by
      manual workflow, inefficient data organization, and a lack of imaging and report
      data integration. The reconciliation of historical and contemporaneous radiology
      report data provides an opportunity to improve the consistency, completeness, and
      accuracy of radiology report data, while providing opportunities to automate
      workflow related to data extraction, interpretation, and peer review. The derived
      data analytics can in turn be used to facilitate physician consultations,
      education and training, and proactive intervention in the event of report
      discrepancies.

PMID- 22051460
TI  - Noncardiac point-of-care ultrasound by nonradiologist physicians: how widespread
      is it?
AB  - PURPOSE: The use of point-of-care (POC) ultrasound by nonradiologist physicians
      has recently been advocated. The aim of this study was to see how widespread this
      practice is. METHODS: The Medicare Part B databases for 2004 to 2009 were used.
      Global and professional component claims for noncardiac ultrasound were
      tabulated, and utilization rates per 1,000 beneficiaries were calculated.
      Provider specialty was determined. Utilization rates of ultrasound by
      radiologists and other specialists were compared, and changes over the years were
      studied. RESULTS: In 2009, 425.3 Medicare noncardiac ultrasound examinations per
      1,000 beneficiaries were performed (+21% since 2004). Of these, radiologists
      performed 233.7 (55%), and another 15.6 (4%) were done at independent diagnostic
      testing facilities, for which provider specialty could not be determined. The
      remaining 175.7 (41%) constituted POC ultrasound by nonradiologists. Between 2004
      and 2009, radiologists' utilization rate increased by 17%, compared with 28% for
      nonradiologists. Radiologists' market share of noncardiac ultrasound was 56.6% in
      2004 and 54.9% in 2009. Other major specialties involved in POC ultrasound and
      their 2009 rates per 1,000 and percentage increases since 2004 were cardiology
      (39.7 [+60%]), vascular surgery (34.9 [+36%]), primary care (27.2 [+11%]),
      general surgery (24.2 [+8%]), and urology (22.3 [+12%]). CONCLUSIONS: Between
      2004 and 2009, there was a 21% increase in the overall utilization rate of
      noncardiac ultrasound. Point-of-care ultrasound by nonradiologists amounted to
      41% of all studies done in 2009. Multiple nonradiologic specialties are involved,
      but radiologists' involvement is far higher than any other single specialty.
      Radiologists' ultrasound market share remained relatively stable between 2004 and
      2009.

PMID- 22051461
TI  - Failure to notify reportable test results: significance in medical malpractice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diagnostic physicians generally acknowledge their responsibility to
      notify referring clinicians whenever examinations demonstrate urgent or
      unexpected findings. During the past decade, clinicians have ordered dramatically
      greater numbers of diagnostic examinations. One study demonstrated that between
      1996 and 2003, malpractice payments related to diagnosis increased by
      approximately 40%. Communication failures are a prominent cause of action in
      medical malpractice litigation. The aims of this study were to (1) define the
      magnitude of malpractice costs related to communication failures in test result
      notification and (2) determine if these costs are increasing significantly.
      EVALUATION: Linear regression analysis of National Practitioner Data Bank claims
      data from 1991 to 2009 suggested that claims payments increased at the national
      level by an average of $4.7 million annually (95% confidence interval, $2.98
      million to $6.37 million). Controlled Risk Insurance Company/Risk Management
      Foundation claims data for 2004 to 2008 indicate that communication failures
      played a role, accounting for 4% of cases by volume and 7% of the total cost.
      DISCUSSION: Faile communication of clinical data constitutes an increasing
      proportion of medical malpractice payments. The increase in cases may reflect
      expectations of more reliable notification of medical data. Another explanation
      may be that the remarkable growth in diagnostic test volume has led to a
      corresponding increase in reportable results. If notification reliability
      remained unchanged, this increased volume would predict more failed
      notifications. CONCLUSIONS: There is increased risk for malpractice litigation
      resulting from diagnostic test result notification. The advent of semiautomated
      critical test result management systems may improve notification reliability,
      improve workflow and patient safety, and, when necessary, provide legal
      documentation.

PMID- 22051462
TI  - Greening radiology.
AB  - PURPOSE: Reducing energy consumption has increased in importance with rising
      energy prices and funding cutbacks. With the introduction of electronic medical
      records on the rise in all fields of medicine, there will be a large jump in the
      number of computers in health care. Radiologist have the unique opportunity, as
      technological leaders, to direct energy efficiency measures as a means of cost
      savings and the reduction of airborne by-products from energy production to
      improve patients' lives. The aim of this study was to assess the many
      workstations and monitors throughout the authors' department to determine their
      electrical consumption and cost. METHODS: Equipment was monitored using an
      electricity meter during both active and standby states. Cost per kilowatt-hour
      was calculated at $0.11, not including taxes and fees. RESULTS: Any given monitor
      left on 24/7 would annually consume between 49.5 and 1,399.84 kWh, costing from
      $5.45 to $153.98. A single workstation left on 24/7 would use 455.65 to 2,358.72
      kWh, costing from $59.91 to $259.46. In aggregate, all workstations and monitors
      would use approximately 137,759.54 kWh, costing $15,153.55. If all equipment were
      shut down after an 8-hour workday, the department would consume about 32,633.64
      kWh, costing $3,589.70 thereby saving 83,866.6 kWh and $9,225.33. Although
      computers in the remainder of the hospital may use less energy than workstations,
      this serves as a predictive model for potential energy consumption and cost.
      CONCLUSIONS: With the increasing necessity of cost savings and energy reduction,
      this small and simple step, implemented hospital-wide, will lead to much larger
      cost savings across institutions.

PMID- 22051463
TI  - Residents' educational needs during transition into radiation oncology residency.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess current practices, strengths, and
      deficiencies in the orientation process for incoming radiation oncology (RO)
      residents. METHODS: An institutional review board-approved anonymous survey was
      distributed electronically to RO residents in postgraduate years 2 to 5 and those
      in their first postgraduate years. Questions were included on the type and
      utility of orientation materials received by residents before and upon entering
      RO residency. RESULTS: Responses were received from 25.3% of all current and
      recent residents. Most residents (81.3%) had 2 or 3 months of prior experience
      rotating in clinical RO. Orientation materials in RO were received by 74.1% of
      residents before starting residency. An orientation at the start of RO residency
      was received by 95.4% of RO residents. Orientation length was <1 hour in 2.8%, 1
      hour to a half day in 7.8%, more than a half day but <1 full day in 21.8%, >1
      full day but <1 week in 45.8%, and >1 week but <1 month in 20.1%. Almost half of
      RO residents (48.4%) felt that an RO orientation was essential, but only 11.3% of
      residents felt that their orientation programs were essential. A statistically
      significant Spearman's correlation was observed between programs with longer
      orientation and increased helpfulness of orientation (rho = 0.26, P = .008).
      Residents with more components in their onsite orientations felt that their
      orientations were more helpful (rho = 0.407, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Radiation
      oncology residents could benefit from a more comprehensive orientation, including
      a broader array of materials sent to incoming residents for their review before
      starting residency and a more extensive onsite orientation.

PMID- 22051464
TI  - Safety in radiation oncology: the role of international initiatives by the
      International Atomic Energy Agency.
AB  - The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has a wide range of initiatives
      that address the issue of safety. Quality assurance initiatives and comprehensive
      audits of radiotherapy services, such as the Quality Assurance Team for Radiation
      Oncology, are available through the IAEA. Furthermore, the experience of the IAEA
      in thermoluminescence dosimetric audits has been transferred to the national
      level in various countries and has contributed to improvements in the quality and
      safety of radiotherapy. The IAEA is also involved in the development of a safety
      reporting and analysis system (Safety in Radiation Oncology). In addition, IAEA
      publications describe and analyze factors contributing to safety-related
      incidents around the world. The lack of sufficient trained, qualified staff
      members is addressed through IAEA programs. Initiatives include national,
      regional, and interregional technical cooperation projects, educational
      workshops, and fellowship training for radiation oncology professionals, as well
      as technical assistance in developing and initiating local radiation therapy,
      safety education, and training programs. The agency is also active in developing
      staffing guidelines and encourages advanced planning at a national level, aided
      by information collection systems such as the Directory of Radiotherapy Centers
      and technical cooperation project personnel planning, to prevent shortages of
      staff. The IAEA also promotes the safe procurement of equipment for radiation
      therapy centers within a comprehensive technical cooperation program that
      includes clinical, medical physics, and radiation safety aspects and review of
      local infrastructure (room layout, shielding, utilities, and radiation safety),
      the availability of qualified staff members (radiation oncologists, medical
      physicists, and radiation technologists and therapists), as well as relevant
      imaging, treatment planning, dosimetry, and quality control items. The IAEA has
      taken the lead in developing a comprehensive program that addresses all of these
      areas of concern and is actively contributing to the national and international
      efforts to make radiation therapy safer in all settings, including resource
      limited settings.

PMID- 22051465
TI  - Diagnostic reference levels from the ACR CT Accreditation Program.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the distribution of CT dose index
      (CTDI) values reported by sites undergoing ACR CT accreditation between 2002 and
      2004. METHODS: Weighted CTDI (CTDI(w)) values were measured and reported by sites
      applying for ACR CT accreditation, and the percentage of scanners with values
      above the 2002 ACR diagnostic reference levels (DRLs) was determined. Acquisition
      parameters for a site's adult head, adult abdominal, and pediatric abdominal
      examinations were used to calculate volume CTDI (CTDI(vol)), and the average and
      standard deviation were calculated by year. Histogram analysis was performed to
      determine 75th and 90th percentiles of CTDI(vol). RESULTS: Between September 2002
      and December 2004, 829 scanners underwent the accreditation process. Volume CTDI
      values (average +/- SD) for 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2002 to 2004, respectively,
      were 66.7 +/- 23.5, 58.5 +/- 17.5, 55.8 +/- 15.7, and 59.1 +/- 18.6 mGy for adult
      head examinations; 18.7 +/- 8.0, 19.2 +/- 8.6, 17.0 +/- 7.6, and 18.4 +/- 8.3 for
      adult abdominal examinations; and 17.2 +/- 9.7, 15.9 +/- 8.6, 14.0 +/- 7.0, and
      15.5 +/- 8.4 for pediatric abdominal examinations. For 2004 data, 23.8%, 2.3%,
      and 6.9% of sites reported doses above the 2002 CTDI(w) reference levels,
      compared with 49.6%, 4.7%, and 15% for 2002 data for adult head, adult abdominal,
      and pediatric abdominal examinations, respectively. Seventy-fifth percentiles of
      CTDI(vol) were 76.8 mGy (adult head, 2002 only), 22.2 mGy (adult abdominal), and
      20.0 mGy (pediatric abdominal). CONCLUSIONS: From 2002 to 2004, average CTDI(vol)
      values decreased by 10.9, 1.7, and 3.2 mGy for adult head, adult abdominal, and
      pediatric abdominal examinations. Effective January 1, 2008, the ACR program
      implemented United States-specific diagnostic reference levels of 75, 25, and 20
      mGy, respectively, for the CTDI(vol) of routine adult head, adult abdominal, and
      pediatric abdominal CT scans.

PMID- 22051466
TI  - Impact of ABR changes on pediatric radiology residency training.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the impact of new ABR changes on
      pediatric radiology residency training in terms of the number, timing,
      availability, and funding of pediatric radiology rotations. METHODS: Participants
      were selected by using the ACGME's list of accredited American radiology
      residency programs, and data were collected via a survey. Program directors or
      persons designated by the program directors filled out the surveys. RESULTS: Of
      186 programs, 84 (45%) responded. Three months of pediatric radiology were
      required in 61.0% of programs, with most having their residents complete one
      pediatric rotation during postgraduate years 2, 3, and 4. In 46% of training
      programs, pediatric radiology rotations were completed at the home institution.
      Seven percent of the programs plan to decrease the number of required pediatric
      rotations, while 75% plan no changes. Additional rotations in areas of interest
      are planned for 82% of programs. Only 54% could provide additional rotations in
      all 10 subspecialties, and 57% indicated that it was "very unlikely" or
      "impossible" that residents could acquire >=12 months in a single area. Pediatric
      radiology is among the top 3 most frequent subspecialty areas that cannot be
      accommodated, along with obstetric and gynecologic (women's) and cardiac imaging.
      Funding limitations for pediatric rotations were not considered a barrier at 51%
      of programs. CONCLUSIONS: Seven percent of residency programs plan to cut back
      the overall number of pediatric radiology core rotations and move them to earlier
      in training (20%). Although 82% of programs said that they plan to provide more
      time in areas of interest, 57% said that it is very unlikely or impossible that
      residents could accumulate >=12 months in an area of interest. It is possible
      that funding may limit access to additional pediatric rotations in up to 44% of
      programs. Seventeen of the programs did not know how their institution funded
      pediatric radiology rotations.

PMID- 22051467
TI  - If you starve them, will they still come? Do complementary food provisions affect
      faculty meeting attendance in academic radiology?

PMID- 22051468
TI  - Two-day workshop on incident reporting, analysis, and learning: defining the
      structure.

PMID- 22051469
TI  - Resident and fellow state chapters: providing impact from the local level.

PMID- 22051470
TI  - Helen C. Redman.

PMID- 22051472
TI  - Adapting to the new realities of radiology resident education.

PMID- 22051474
TI  - Concerns about the new logo!

PMID- 22051475
TI  - Third molars.

PMID- 22051476
TI  - Clarification of a historical fact.

PMID- 22051478
TI  - When the tail wags the dog.

PMID- 22051480
TI  - Three-dimensional analysis of the airway with cone-beam computed tomography.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In this study, using a cone-beam computed tomography system, we
      evaluated the airways of 30 adults. METHODS: The shapes of the 3-dimensional
      volume of the airway were analyzed and compared among the subjects by using
      surface superimposition software techniques. RESULTS: The airway had the greatest
      variability in the hypopharynx, in the region below the epiglottis, and above the
      vocal folds. Moderate variation was apparent at the nares, behind the soft
      palate, and at the base of the tongue. Conservation of form was seen at the
      central portion of the nasal airway surrounding the inferior turbinate.
      CONCLUSIONS: The potential for comparing the shape of the airway among subjects
      is possible.

PMID- 22051481
TI  - Comparison of treatments with the Forsus fatigue resistant device in relation to
      skeletal maturity: a cephalometric and magnetic resonance imaging study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to compare the dentoskeletal changes and
      alterations of mandibular condyle-disc-fossa relationships in subjects at the
      peak and the end of the pubertal growth period treated with the Forsus fatigue
      resistant device (3M Unitek, Monrovia, Calif). METHODS: The sample consisted of
      29 subjects with Class II Division 1 malocclusions who were classified according
      to their hand-wrist radiographs. Fifteen patients were at or just before the peak
      phase of pubertal growth (peak pubertal group). Fourteen patients were near the
      end of the pubertal growth period (late pubertal group). The study was conducted
      by using lateral cephalometric radiographs and magnetic resonance images obtained
      at the beginning and at the end of the application of the Forsus fatigue
      resistant device. The treatment period was 9 months. RESULTS: The Wilcoxon signed
      rank test was used to evaluate differences within groups. The changes observed in
      both groups were compared by using the Mann-Whitney U test. There were
      statistically significant group differences in mandibular length and ramus
      length, with significant increases of these parameters in the peak pubertal group
      (P <0.05). No significant differences were observed between the groups concerning
      dental parameters (P >0.05), with the exception of mandibular molar vertical
      movements, which were significantly greater in the peak pubertal group (P <0.05).
      Analysis of the magnetic resonance images showed no positional changes of the
      mandibular condyle in relation to the glenoid fossa in either group (P >0.05).
      Although the articular disc was positioned more anteriorly in the peak pubertal
      group compared with its pretreatment position (P <0.05), the position of the disc
      was still within the physiologic range. No significant intergroup difference was
      observed for disc-condyle relationship (P >0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The Forsus fatigue
      resistant device did not appear to cause significant increases in mandibular
      dimensions in subjects in late puberty. According to the magnetic resonance image
      findings, Forsus treatment is not a risk factor for the development of
      temporomandibular dysfunction in subjects with no signs and clinical symptoms of
      dysfunction.

PMID- 22051482
TI  - Development of a prediction equation for the mixed dentition in a Pakistani
      sample.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Regression equations are widely used for mixed dentition analysis.
      However, estimations from these equations can vary in different population
      groups. The aim of this study was to produce simple linear equations and tables
      for Pakistani children. METHODS: Two hundred subjects of Pakistani descent who
      met our criteria (ages, 13-15 years; 100 boys, 100 girls) were selected from
      local schools. The mesiodistal widths of all mandibular permanent incisors,
      canines, and premolars were measured and analyzed by using paired t tests. The
      results were also compared with predicted values from the Moyers and the Tanaka
      and Johnston methods. Correlation and linear regression analyses were performed
      between the predicted and actual tooth sizes for Pakistani children, and standard
      regression equations were developed. RESULTS: No significant differences were
      observed for measured canine and premolar antimeres and sex. Significant and high
      positive correlations were found between the mandibular incisors and the combined
      mesiodistal widths of the canines and premolars for the maxillary (r = 0.65; P
      <0.001) and mandibular (r = 0.59; P <0.001) segments. CONCLUSIONS: The equations
      and charts commonly used for North American children (75th percentile) did not
      accurately predict for our sample. The regression equations and tables developed
      in this study can be used for orthodontic treatment planning for children in
      Pakistan.

PMID- 22051483
TI  - Nasal cavity volume changes after rapid maxillary expansion in adolescents
      evaluated with 3-dimensional simulation and modeling programs.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of rapid
      maxillary expansion on nasal cavity volume by using 3-dimensional simulation and
      modeling programs. METHODS: The study group consisted of 15 patients (9 boys, 6
      girls; mean age, 13.86 years) with maxillary constriction. Computed tomography
      scans were obtained before treatment and 6 months after the end of expansion. All
      computed tomography data were transferred to a computer, and the nasal cavity and
      maxillary teeth were segmented by using the Mimics and Simplant Ortho software
      programs (both, Materialise, Leuven, Belgium). Paired samples t tests were used
      to compare pretreatment and posttreatment nasal cavity volumes and maxillary
      areas. Data analysis was performed by using the software program SPSS for Windows
      (version 15.00; SPSS, Chicago, Ill). RESULTS: Rapid maxillary expansion treatment
      induced significant increases in nasal cavity volume (P <= 0.001) and maxillary
      transverse dimensions (P <= 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Both anterior-to-posterior and
      coronal-to-cranial expansions were observed after rapid maxillary expansion
      treatment, with the direction of expansion most likely affected by resistance
      from the cranial bones.

PMID- 22051484
TI  - Nasal cavity size, airway resistance, and subjective sensation after surgically
      assisted rapid maxillary expansion: a prospective longitudinal study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aims of this study were to measure changes in nasal minimum
      cross-sectional area and nasal airway resistance after surgically assisted rapid
      maxillary expansion and to explore a possible correlation with the subjective
      sensation of nasal obstruction. METHODS: Minimum cross-sectional area and nasal
      airway resistance were measured in 39 consecutive patients treated with
      surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion. Subjective nasal obstruction was
      assessed by a questionnaire at pretreatment and at 3 and 18 months
      postoperatively. RESULTS: Subjective nasal obstruction had improved significantly
      by 3 months postoperatively. Minimum cross-sectional area increased and nasal
      airway resistance decreased. No correlations were found. In subjects with
      pretreatment subjective nasal obstruction and initially narrow anterior minimum
      cross-sectional area, there was a significant correlation between a moderate
      increase in anterior minimum cross-sectional area and improvement in perceived
      nasal obstruction. Eighteen months postoperatively, no changes were found from
      pretreatment values for subjective nasal obstruction, minimal cross-sectional
      area, or nasal airway resistance, and there were no correlations. Subjects with a
      sensation of nasal obstruction at treatment start reported a lasting significant
      subjective improvement. CONCLUSIONS: The postoperative effects of surgically
      assisted rapid maxillary expansion did not persist in the long term. No
      correlation was found between objective and subjective findings. Subjects with
      pretreatment nasal obstruction, however, reported a lasting sensation of improved
      nasal function after surgically assisted rapid maxillary expansion.

PMID- 22051485
TI  - On the relevance of "ideal" occlusion concepts for incisor inclination target
      definition.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The concept of "ideal" occlusion in harmony with craniofacial
      structures is often proposed as an ultimate goal of orthodontic treatment. The
      aim of this study was to assess the impact of slight variations in posterior
      occlusion and the history of straight-wire orthodontic treatment on the
      predictability of incisor inclination and third-order angles. METHODS: Axial
      incisor inclinations, third-order angles, and craniofacial relationships were
      assessed on lateral headfilms and corresponding dental casts of 75 healthy white
      subjects, 16 to 26 years old, selected by the general inclusion criterion of a
      good interincisal relationship. Four groups were formed: group A (n = 17), Angle
      Class I occlusion subjects with no orthodontic treatment; group B (n = 20), Angle
      Class I occlusion subjects treated with standardized straight-wire orthodontics;
      group C (n = 20), up to a half-cusp distal occlusion after straight-wire
      treatment; and group D (n = 18), up to a half-cusp distal occlusion and no
      orthodontic treatment. Regression analysis was used to insert predictor angles
      into selected regression equations of the subjects with "ideal" occlusion, and
      the absolute differences between predicted and observed response angles were
      determined. RESULTS: Small differences in incisor inclination were found between
      subjects with "ideal" occlusion and those who slightly deviated from "ideal" with
      a mild occlusion of the Angle Class II category. Posterior occlusion was not
      relevant to the validity of the vast majority of predictor-response pairs.
      Straight-wire treatment produced incisor inclination that was slightly protruded
      compared with subjects who had good natural occlusion. CONCLUSIONS: The "ideal"
      posterior occlusion concepts as a general orthodontic treatment goal should be
      reconsidered.

PMID- 22051486
TI  - MI Paste Plus to prevent demineralization in orthodontic patients: a prospective
      randomized controlled trial.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Enamel demineralization is a problem in orthodontics. Fluoride is
      partially effective in addressing this problem, but additional treatment options
      are needed. The objective of this prospective randomized controlled trial was to
      determine the effectiveness of a new product, MI Paste Plus (GC America, Alsip,
      Ill), in the prevention or reduction of white spot lesions in orthodontic
      patients. METHODS: Sixty patients who were undergoing routine orthodontic
      treatment were recruited for this prospective randomized clinical trial. A double
      blind method of randomization was used to determine whether each patient received
      the MI Paste Plus or a placebo paste (Tom's of Maine, Salisbury, United Kingdom).
      Each patient was asked to administer the paste by using a fluoride tray for a
      minimum of 3 to 5 minutes each day at night after brushing. Photographic records
      obtained in a light-controlled environment were used to record the presence or
      absence of white spot lesions in both groups. The enamel decalcification index
      was used to determine the number of white spot lesions per surface at each time
      interval. Patients were followed at 4-week intervals for 3 months. A scoring
      system from 0 to 6 was used to determine the level of caries or cavitations. This
      system was also used for each tooth at each time interval. RESULTS: Fifty
      patients (26 using MI Paste Plus, 24 using the placebo paste) completed the
      study. The enamel decalcification index scores for all surfaces were 271 and 135
      at the start of treatment and 126 and 258 at the end of treatment for the MI
      Paste Plus and placebo paste groups, respectively. The enamel decalcification
      index scores in the MI Paste Plus group reduced by 53.5%, whereas the placebo
      group increased by 91.1% during the study period. A 3-way analysis of variance
      (ANOVA) was done for the average enamel decalcification index scores. The surface
      type, the product/time interactions, and the product/surface interactions of the
      mean enamel decalcification index scores were significant (P <0.05). CONCLUSIONS:
      MI Paste Plus helped prevent the development of new white spot lesions during
      orthodontic treatment and decreased the number of white spot lesions already
      present. The placebo paste had no preventive action on white spot development
      during orthodontic treatment; the number of lesions actually increased. MI Paste
      Plus reduced white spots on the gingival surfaces; the placebo paste had the
      opposite effect. The incisal surface effect on the mean enamel decalcification
      index scores over time and between products was highly significant. The incisal
      enamel decalcification index scores were consistently higher than those for the
      other surfaces (mesial, distal, and gingival).

PMID- 22051487
TI  - Malocclusions and perceptions of attractiveness, intelligence, and personality,
      and behavioral intentions.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In this study, we explored how others perceive persons with normal
      occlusion or different malocclusions (open bite, deepbite, underbite, overjet,
      crowding, and spacing). The objectives were to investigate (1) how occlusion
      affects others' perceptions of attractiveness, intelligence, and personality, and
      their desire to interact in personal and professional settings, and (2) whether
      these assessments are affected by the target person's sex or the respondent's
      characteristics. METHODS: Survey data were collected from 889 patients or
      accompanying adults (46% male, 54% female; age range, 18-90 years) who evaluated
      target photos that had been manipulated to display either a normal occlusion or 1
      of 6 malocclusions. RESULTS: The ratings of attractiveness, intelligence,
      conscientiousness, agreeableness, and extraversion differed significantly
      depending on the occlusion status depicted. Persons with normal occlusion were
      rated as most attractive, intelligent, agreeable, and extraverted, whereas
      persons with an underbite were rated as least attractive, intelligent, and
      extraverted. Female targets were rated more positively than male targets. Younger
      respondents and more educated respondents were more critical in their evaluations
      than were older and less educated respondents. CONCLUSIONS: Occlusion status
      affects a person's perceptions comprehensively. Subjects with normal occlusion
      were rated the most positively.

PMID- 22051488
TI  - Discriminant factor analysis of dental arch dimensions with 3-dimensional virtual
      models.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The form and the size of a dental arch are products of the
      configuration and the naturally established balance of the jaw, alveolar bone,
      and muscles. We investigated which arch dimensions mostly discriminate particular
      dentoalveolar classes and sexes. METHODS: Plaster dental casts were collected
      from 137 white adolescent subjects (71 girls, 66 boys) aged between 15 and 18
      years (mean, 16.0 +/- 1.2 years) with Class I (43 subjects: 24 girls, 19 boys),
      Class II (50 subjects: 28 girls, 22 boys), and Class III (44 subjects: 19 girls,
      25 boys) malocclusions. Casts were scanned with the ATOS II SO (small objects)
      scanner (GOM mbH, Braunschweig, Germany) and measured with ATOS Viewer software
      (version 6.0.2; GOM mbH). RESULTS: The major discriminating factors of the
      particular dentoalveolar classes are the mandibular canine width/depth ratio and
      the maxillary molar width/depth ratio, which explain 82.8% of the total
      variability (P <0.001). Class III subjects with the widest and shallowest frontal
      segment of the mandibular arch and the posterior segment of maxillary arch are
      clearly distinguished from Class II subjects whose abovementioned segments are
      the deepest and narrowest. Class I subjects are more similar to Class II than to
      Class III subjects. The most homogenous are Class III subjects, with 61.1% of
      them correctly classified, followed by Class II (57.8%) and Class I (52.4%). Sex
      differences are significant in linear measurements, but not in ratios.
      CONCLUSIONS: Variability of dental arch dimensions and forms is a common
      characteristic of all dentoalveolar classes. Maxillary arch form is more
      distinguishing in the posterior segment, and mandibular arch form is more
      distinguishing in the anterior segment. Class III patients have the most
      detectable arch form, and Class I the least detectable arch form.

PMID- 22051489
TI  - Efficacy of 2 finishing protocols in the quality of orthodontic treatment
      outcome.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The objectives of this prospective clinical study were to evaluate
      the quality of treatment outcomes achieved with a complex orthodontic finishing
      protocol involving serpentine wires and a tooth positioner, and to compare it
      with the outcomes of a standard finishing protocol involving archwire bends used
      to detail the occlusion near the end of active treatment. METHODS: The complex
      finishing protocol sample consisted of 34 consecutively treated patients; 1 week
      before debonding, their molar bands were removed, and serpentine wires were
      placed; this was followed by active wear of a tooth positioner for up to 1 month
      after debonding. The standard finishing protocol group consisted of 34 patients;
      their dental arches were detailed with archwire bends and vertical elastics. The
      objective grading system of the American Board of Orthodontics was used to
      quantify the quality of the finish at each time point. The Wilcoxon signed rank
      test was used to compare changes in the complex finishing protocol; the Mann
      Whitney U test was used to compare changes between groups. RESULTS: The complex
      finishing protocol group experienced a clinically significant improvement in
      objective grading system scores after treatment with the positioner. Mild
      improvement in posterior space closure was noted after molar band removal, but no
      improvement in the occlusion was observed after placement of the serpentine
      wires. Patients managed with the complex finishing protocol also had a lower
      objective grading system score (14.7) at the end of active treatment than did
      patients undergoing the standard finishing protocol (23.0). CONCLUSIONS: Tooth
      positioners caused a clinically significant improvement in interocclusal
      contacts, interproximal contacts, and net objective grading system score; mild
      improvement in posterior band space was noted after molar band removal 1 week
      before debond.

PMID- 22051490
TI  - Evaluation of enamel surfaces after bracket debonding: an in-vivo study with
      scanning electron microscopy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The purposes of this in-vivo study were to compare the modes of
      failure of uncoated and adhesive precoated metal brackets by using the adhesive
      remnant index, and to assess the quality of the enamel surface after cleanup by
      using the enamel damage index. METHODS: Twelve Victory brackets (group A) and 12
      Victory adhesive precoated brackets (group B) (both, 3M Unitek, Monrovia, Calif)
      were bonded onto the maxillary second premolars of 12 volunteers. The uncoated
      brackets were bonded with Transbond XT adhesive resin (3M Unitek). Replicas of
      the teeth were made before bonding (T0), after bracket removal (T1), and after
      cleanup (T2). Scanning electron microscope images of all labial enamel surfaces
      were taken at T0, T1, and T2, and these were evaluated according to the adhesive
      remnant index and the enamel damage index. RESULTS: Evaluation of the adhesive
      remnant index scores with the chi-square test showed no statistically significant
      difference between the groups. Evaluation of the enamel damage index grades with
      the sign test for paired samples showed a statistically significant difference (P
      <0.01) between T0 and T2. CONCLUSIONS: Uncoated and precoated brackets exhibited
      similar debonding patterns. Additionally, the debonding method tested in this
      study did not restore the original enamel surface, although there was no
      clinically relevant enamel damage.

PMID- 22051491
TI  - Orthodontic-orthognathic surgical treatment in a patient with Class II
      subdivision malocclusion: occlusal plane alteration.
AB  - Despite the different orthodontic treatment options for patients with Class II
      subdivision malocclusions, the involvement of the skeletal structures is
      significant. It is desirable to combine orthodontic and surgical treatment to
      achieve a stable and better esthetic result, as illustrated in this case report.
      The occlusal plane was canted to the right as a part of the patient's facial
      asymmetry. Consequently, a 3-mm differential impaction of the maxilla on the left
      side allowed occlusal plane leveling. Mandibular rotation with advancement on the
      right side corrected the right Class II malocclusion. The successful attainment
      of the treatment goals was accomplished through teamwork and integration between
      the orthodontist and the maxillofacial surgeon.

PMID- 22051493
TI  - Corticotomy-assisted decompensation for augmentation of the mandibular anterior
      ridge.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This article introduces a technique combining corticotomy and
      orthodontic forces, or accelerated osteogenic orthodontics, for use in patients
      with a Class III occlusion and a thin alveolus who will undergo orthognathic
      surgery. METHODS: Two adults with Class III malocclusion undergoing anterior
      decompensation for mandibular setback surgery were selected. The first patient
      was treated with accelerated osteogenic orthodontics and conventional
      decompensation. The second patient was treated with accelerated osteogenic
      orthodontics and decompensation with a temporary skeletal anchorage device in
      concert with guided tissue regeneration. Decortication of bone was performed to
      the mandibular teeth with a low-speed round bur and piezosurgery. After
      hemostasis, bone graft material was placed into the decorticated area. In the
      severely thin alveolar ridge, a rigid scaffold was applied for immobilization of
      graft material. After approximation of the flap, an immediate orthodontic force
      was applied to the teeth to initiate rapid tooth movement. RESULTS: Rapid tooth
      movement into predetermined positions for orthognathic surgery was accomplished
      in all mandibular anterior teeth. Preoperative 3-dimensional imaging showed
      dehiscences on the facial aspects of the mandibular anterior teeth. Postoperative
      imaging demonstrated coverage of the denuded roots with radiodense material.
      CONCLUSIONS: The accelerated osteogenic orthodontic technique is a safe and
      effective treatment option for mandibular anterior decompensation treatment of
      these patients. When combined with a temporary skeletal anchorage device and bone
      augmentation, this technique facilitated the decompression of the mandibular
      anterior teeth in severely compromised dentitions.

PMID- 22051492
TI  - Orthodontic treatment in a patient with sickle cell anemia.
AB  - Sickle cell anemia is a common hereditary hematologic disease. It affects many
      systems and tissues in the body, including the mouth. Delayed tooth eruption, an
      uncommon degree of periodontitis, alterations in the cells of the tongue surface,
      hypomaturation and hypomineralization in enamel and dentin, pulp calcifications,
      hypercementosis, and bone alterations resulting in maxillary protrusion and
      formation of a thick trabecular pattern are some oral manifestations of the
      disease. The aim of this study was to report the orthodontic treatment of a
      patient with sickle cell anemia. Treatment consisted of correcting a Class II
      dental and skeletal pattern with an extraoral appliance combined with a fixed
      orthodontic appliance. From the orthodontic point of view, the results were
      satisfactory: the occlusion was normalized, and the patient's health was
      maintained throughout the entire treatment period.

PMID- 22051494
TI  - Facial lipodystrophy in an HIV-positive patient using an orthodontic appliance.
AB  - The aim of this article was to relate the clinical case of an HIV-positive
      orthodontic patient who reported that her cheeks had been hurting since treatment
      began. We started with the data collected in anamnesis and by contact with the
      patient's physician, and a diagnosis of facial lipodystrophy as a result of the
      use of retroviral drugs was reached. The patient was referred to a dermatologist
      for treatment of the facial lipodystrophy.

PMID- 22051495
TI  - Accuracy and reliability of buccal bone height and thickness measurements from
      cone-beam computed tomography imaging.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging has broadened
      opportunities for examining morphologic aspects of the craniofacial complex,
      including alveolar bone, but limitations of the technology have yet to be
      defined. Through the use of comparisons with direct measurements, the purpose of
      this study was to investigate the accuracy and reliability of buccal alveolar
      bone height and thickness measurements derived from CBCT images. METHODS: Twelve
      embalmed cadaver heads (5 female, 7 male; mean age: 77 years) were scanned with
      an i-CAT 17-19 unit (Imaging Sciences International, Hatfield, Pa) at 0.3 mm
      voxel size. Buccal alveolar bone height and thickness measurements of 65 teeth
      were made in standardized radiographic slices and compared with direct
      measurements made by dissection. All measurements were repeated 3 times by 2
      independent raters and examined for intrarater and interrater reliability.
      Measurement means were compared with 2-tailed t tests. Agreement between direct
      and CBCT measurements was assessed by concordance correlation coefficients,
      Pearson correlation coefficients, and Bland-Altman plots. RESULTS: Intrarater
      reliability was high as were interrater correlations for all measurements
      (>=0.97) except CBCT buccal bone thickness (0.90). CBCT measurements did not
      differ significantly from direct measurements, and there was no pattern of
      underestimation or overestimation. The mean absolute differences were 0.30 mm in
      buccal bone height and 0.13 mm in buccal bone thickness with 95% limits of
      agreement of -0.77 to 0.81 mm, and -0.32 to 0.38 mm, respectively. Agreement
      between the 2 methods was higher for the measurements of buccal bone height than
      buccal bone thickness, as demonstrated by concordance correlation coefficients of
      0.98 and 0.86, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: For the protocol used in this study,
      CBCT can be used to quantitatively assess buccal bone height and buccal bone
      thickness with high precision and accuracy. Comparing the 2 sets of CBCT
      measurements, buccal bone height had greater reliability and agreement with
      direct measurements than did the buccal bone thickness measurements.

PMID- 22051496
TI  - Litigation and legislation. Don't bug me.

PMID- 22051497
TI  - Randomization. Part 1: sequence generation.

PMID- 22051498
TI  - Physical properties of root cementum: part 20. Effect of fluoride on
      orthodontically induced root resorption with light and heavy orthodontic forces
      for 4 weeks: a microcomputed tomography study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The major side effect of orthodontic treatment is orthodontically
      induced inflammatory root resorption. Fluoride was previously shown to reduce the
      volume of the root resorption craters in rats. However, the effect of fluoride on
      orthodontically induced inflammatory root resorption in humans has not yet been
      investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of high and low
      amounts of fluoride intake from birth on orthodontically induced inflammatory
      root resorption under light (25 g) and heavy (225 g) force applications. METHODS:
      Forty-eight patients who required maxillary premolar extractions as part of their
      orthodontic treatment were selected from 2 cities in Turkey with high and low
      fluoride concentrations in the public water of >= 2 and <= 0.05 ppm,
      respectively. The patients were randomly separated into 4 groups of 12 each:
      group 1, high fluoride intake and heavy force; group 2, low fluoride intake and
      heavy force; group 3, high fluoride intake and light force; and group 4, low
      fluoride intake and light force. Light or heavy buccal tipping orthodontic forces
      were applied on the maxillary first premolars for 28 days. At day 28, the teeth
      were extracted, and the samples were analyzed with microcomputed tomography.
      RESULTS: Fluoride reduced the volume of root resorption craters in all groups;
      however, this effect was significantly different with high force application (P =
      0.015). It was also found that light forces caused less root resorption than
      heavy forces. There was no statistical difference in the amount of root
      resorption observed on root surfaces (buccal, lingual, mesial, and distal) in all
      groups. However, the middle third of the roots showed the least root resorption.
      With high fluoride intake and heavy force application, less root resorption was
      found in all root surfaces and root thirds. CONCLUSIONS: Fluoride may reduce the
      volume of root resorption craters. This effect is significant with heavy force
      applications (P <0.05). The cervical and apical thirds of the root showed
      significantly greater root resorption after the application of buccal tipping
      force for 4 weeks.

PMID- 22051499
TI  - How does the rate of dentoalveolar distraction affect the bone regenerate
      produced?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This experimental study was designed to evaluate how the rate of
      dentoalveolar distraction into a bony defect affects bone quality and quantity.
      METHODS: Using 6 adult foxhound dogs and a randomized split-mouth design, we
      evaluated the differences between regenerate bone produced by distracting
      segments of bone containing the second premolars at either 1 or 2 mm per day for
      5 days, followed by a 6-week consolidation period. Microcomputed tomography was
      used to evaluate bone density, percent bone volume, trabecular number, trabecular
      separation, and trabecular thickness. RESULTS: The lingual aspect of the
      regenerate exhibited more bone than did the buccal aspect, and all but one of the
      12 specimens showed less than 1 mm of vertical bone deficiency in the regenerate
      area. No differences were found between the 1-mm per day and the 2-mm per day
      rates for bone density, percent bone volume, trabecular number, trabecular
      separation, and trabecular thickness. With the exception of trabecular separation
      on the 2-mm per day side (P = 0.030), there were no statistically significant
      differences between the mesial, middle, and distal segments of the regenerate.
      Compared with control bone, the regenerate bone was less dense, and had less bone
      volume, a higher trabecular number, and approximately half the trabecular
      thickness. CONCLUSIONS: Bone regenerate produced by rates of 1 and 2 mm per day
      of dentoalveolar distraction was similar in quality and quantity. Although less
      mature, the size and shape of the regenerate bone produced by rapid dentoalveolar
      distraction was comparable with the control bone.

PMID- 22051500
TI  - Effects of modified and conventional facemask therapies with expansion on dynamic
      measurement of natural head position in Class III patients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of this prospective clinical trial was to assess the
      effects of varying force directions on the dynamic measurement of natural head
      position and orofacial airway dimensions of Class III patients during maxillary
      orthopedic protraction compared with an untreated control group. METHODS: The
      conventional facemask group comprised 15 patients (8 girls, 7 boys; mean age, 9.6
      +/- 1.3 years), the modified facemask group comprised 15 patients (7 girls, 8
      boys; mean age, 9.5 +/- 1.5 years), and the control group comprised 15 subjects
      (7 girls, 8 boys; mean age, 9.8 +/- 1.6 years). Natural head position
      measurements and cephalometric records were obtained from all subjects before and
      after treatment or the control period (approximately 1 year). An inclinometer and
      a portable data logger were used to collect the dynamic natural head position
      data. For statistical comparisons, paired samples t tests, analysis of variance
      (ANOVA), and post-hoc Tukey tests were used at the P <0.05 level. RESULTS: Both
      treatment groups showed statistically significant changes in the sagittal (pitch)
      measurements of natural head position and upper pharynx, aerial, and total area
      of airway measurements during the treatment period. In the control group, the
      only statistically significant change was an increased upper pharynx measurement
      (P = 0.020). According to the intergroup comparisons, statistically significant
      natural head position differences were found in the conventional (6.4 degrees 
      flexion) and the modified (5.7 degrees  flexion) facemask groups when compared
      with the controls. The modified facemask group also showed significant changes in
      aerial (P = 0.003) and total (P <0.001) areas of the airway measurements compared
      with the control group. No statistically significant differences were observed
      between the 2 treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that modified
      and conventional facemask therapy with expansion have significant cranial flexion
      effects on the dynamic measurements of natural head position. Additionally, the
      modified facemask procedure showed significant effects on the orofacial airway
      dimensions compared with the initial values and the values of the untreated
      controls.

PMID- 22051501
TI  - Maxillary posterior intrusion mechanics with mini-implant anchorage evaluated
      with the finite element method.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of 3 maxillary
      posterior intrusion mechanics with mini-implant anchorage by using the finite
      element method. METHODS: Finite element models were generated by assembling the
      images obtained by computed tomography and a laser surface scanner. For each
      posterior dental segment, a 300-g force was applied and distributed to the mini
      implants in proportion to their calculated root surface areas. RESULTS: The most
      balanced intrusion and the most uniform stress distribution were obtained by
      concurrent force applications from the vestibular and palatinal sides. In the
      models with transpalatal arches and buccal force application, vestibular tipping
      movement and overall stress values were prominent. In all models, increased
      stress values were identified at the apical region of the first premolar roots
      and at the apical region of the first molar mesial root. CONCLUSIONS: The results
      of this study suggest that the apical region of the first premolar roots and the
      apical region of the first molar mesial root should be considered to be prone to
      resorption during posterior intrusion treatment. Posterior intrusion systems with
      force application from counterbalancing sites lead to a more uniform stress
      distribution and balanced intrusion than the mechanics with a transpalatal arch.
      For a balanced intrusion, root surface areas should be considered when
      determining the appropriate forces.

PMID- 22051502
TI  - Real-time cell analysis of the cytotoxicity of the components of orthodontic
      acrylic materials on gingival fibroblasts.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxicity of 3
      orthodontic acrylic materials and 2 manipulation methods. METHODS: The
      orthodontic acrylic materials Orthocryl EQ (Dentaurum, Ispringen, Germany),
      Orthoplast (Vertex Dental, Zeist, The Netherlands), and O-80 (Imicryl, Konya,
      Turkey) were prepared with 2 polymerization methods (doughing and spray on).
      Totally, 60 cylinders (5 * 2 mm), fabricated by using a different acrylic and
      method, were divided into 6 groups. Gingival fibroblasts were isolated from
      gingival connective tissue of systemically healthy subjects. Materials were
      incubated in Dulbecco's modified eagle's medium culture medium (Biological
      Industries, Beit Haemek, Israel) for 72 hours according to ISO 10993-5 standards
      (surface area to volume ratio of the specimen to cell-culture medium: 3
      cm(2)/mL). Gingival fibroblasts were maintained with Dulbecco's modified eagle
      medium containing 10% fetal bovine serum. A real-time cell analyzer (RT-CES,
      xCELLigence; Roche Applied Science, Mannheim, Germany, and ACEA Biosciences, San
      Diego, Calif) was used to evaluate cell survival. After seeding 200 MUL of the
      cell suspensions into the wells (20,000 cells/well) of the E-plate 96, gingival
      fibroblasts were treated with bioactive components released by the acrylic
      materials (1/1 and 1/2 dilutions) and monitored every 15 minutes for 121 hours.
      For the proliferation experiments, the statistical analyses used were 1-way
      analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey-Kramer multiple comparisons tests.
      RESULTS: There was no significant difference between the cell indexes of the
      control and study groups for the 1/1 and 1/2 dilutions at 21 and 32 hours. When
      evaluated at 68 hours, all 1/2 dilutions of acrylic materials showed
      statistically insignificant differences (P >0.05) except for Orthoplast (P
      <0.05). But all acrylic materials were different from the control group in the
      1/1 dilutions (P <0.001). At 121 hours, all test groups were significantly
      different from the untreated control group (P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The results
      indicate that the long cycle increased the cytotoxicity of the tested materials,
      and there was no significant difference between the spray-on and doughing methods
      on cytotoxicity.

PMID- 22051503
TI  - Comparison between the automated Roche Cobas AmpliPrep/Cobas TaqMan HIV-1 test
      version 2.0 assay and its version 1 and Nuclisens HIV-1 EasyQ version 2.0 assays
      when measuring diverse HIV-1 genotypes in China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several commercially available HIV-1 viral load assays based on real
      time detection technology and automated platforms are available. It is not clear
      how the diversity of HIV-1 genotypes impacts the ability to consistently detect
      HIV-1 viral loads. OBJECTIVES: To examine whether the diversity of HIV-1
      genotypes impacts the ability of the Cobas AmpliPrep/Cobas TaqMan HIV-1 test
      version 2.0 (CAP/CTM v2.0), its version 1.0 (CAP/CTM v1.0) and the NucliSens
      EasyQ HIV-1 version 2.0 (EasyQ v2.0) assays to consistently determine the viral
      loads. STUDY DESIGN: The three assays were used to measure the viral load in 178
      plasma samples with diverse genotypes from treatment-naive patients. RESULTS:
      CAP/CTM v2.0 showed significant correlation and high agreement with CAP/CTM v1.0
      and EasyQ v2.0. CAP/CTM v2.0 showed excellent detection of clade B samples
      compared with CAP/CTM v1.0 and EasyQ v2.0. However, significant differences were
      observed when using CAP/CTM v2.0 to test clade BC and AE samples. The HIV-1 load
      measured by CAP/CTM v2.0 differed by >0.5logIU/ml in 59.52% and 72.62% of clade
      BC samples, and in 57.14% and 85.71% of clade AE samples, compared with CAP/CTM
      v1.0 and EasyQ v2.0, respectively. CAP/CTM v2.0 was more precise (13.18%) than
      EasyQ v2.0 (29.21%), and both assays showed good linearity (R>=0.9926).
      CONCLUSIONS: The three assays may not deliver consistent results for samples
      belonging to clades BC and AE. It is strongly suggested that the version of the
      HIV-1 viral load assay used initially is also used at follow-up.

PMID- 22051504
TI  - Rash in a neonate.

PMID- 22051505
TI  - Heart transplantation and cardiac amyloidosis: approach to screening and novel
      management strategies.
AB  - Limited data exist regarding screening methods and outcomes for orthotopic heart
      transplantation (OHT) in cardiac amyloidosis. As a result, uncertainty exists
      over the best approach to OHT for cardiac amyloidosis and for the timing of
      critical post-transplant therapies. This article reviews 6 patients who underwent
      OHT for cardiac amyloidosis at the Stanford University Amyloid Center from 2008
      to present. All patients with light-chain amyloidosis received chemotherapy in
      the interval between OHT and autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant. Five
      patients remain alive up to 25 months after OHT, without evidence of recurrent
      cardiac amyloid deposition. A novel strategy of OHT, followed by light-chain
      suppressive chemotherapy before autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplant, is
      feasible for patients with light-chain amyloidosis.

PMID- 22051506
TI  - Endobronchial valve therapy for pneumothorax as a bridge to lung transplantation.

PMID- 22051507
TI  - The role of mammalian PPR domain proteins in the regulation of mitochondrial gene
      expression.
AB  - Pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) domain proteins are a large family of RNA-binding
      proteins that are involved in the maturation and translation of organelle
      transcripts in eukaryotes. They were first identified in plant organelles and
      their important role in mammalian mitochondrial gene regulation is now emerging.
      Mammalian PPR proteins, like their plant counterparts, have diverse roles in
      mitochondrial transcription, RNA metabolism and translation and consequently are
      important for mitochondrial function and cell health. Here we discuss the current
      knowledge about the seven mammalian PPR proteins identified to date and their
      roles in the regulation of mitochondrial gene expression. Furthermore we discuss
      the mitochondrial RNA targets of the mammalian PPR proteins and methods to
      investigate the RNA targets of these mitochondrial RNA-binding proteins. This
      article is part of a Special Issue entitled: Mitochondrial Gene Expression.

PMID- 22051508
TI  - Safety and clinical activity of ipilimumab in melanoma patients with brain
      metastases:  retrospective analysis of data from a phase 2 trial.
AB  - Melanoma has a high propensity to metastasize to the brain, and this is often
      responsible for treatment failure in patients with advanced disease. Melanoma
      patients with brain metastases are usually excluded from clinical trials because
      of their expected survival of approximately 5 months. A growing body of evidence
      suggests that ipilimumab, a human monoclonal antibody that blocks cytotoxic T
      lymphocyte antigen-4, has activity against melanoma brain metastases. We
      conducted a retrospective analysis of data from a phase II study of ipilimumab in
      advanced melanoma patients. Twelve of 115 patients randomized in the parent trial
      had stable brain metastases at baseline, as identified by an Independent Review
      Committee, and were evaluated for efficacy. Two of the 12 patients achieved a
      partial response and three had stable disease. Both patients with a partial
      response and one with stable disease were alive at the last follow-up, with
      survival time of more than 4 years. The median overall survival of the 12
      patients was 14 months (range: 2.7-56.4+). An additional four patients with
      stable brain metastases at baseline were identified by a secondary Independent
      Review Committee reviewer, and were evaluated for safety. Central nervous system
      related adverse events of grade 3-4, specifically cerebral edema and
      convulsion/seizure, occurred in two of 16 patients. Although the present study is
      limited by the fact that it is a retrospective analysis of a small number of
      patients, the results provide further evidence for the safety and efficacy of
      ipilimumab in melanoma patients with stable brain metastases.

PMID- 22051509
TI  - Evaluation of self-assessed melanoma growth rate in a Mediterranean patient
      population.

PMID- 22051511
TI  - Oligomerization propensity and flexibility of yeast frataxin studied by X-ray
      crystallography and small-angle X-ray scattering.
AB  - Frataxin is a mitochondrial protein with a central role in iron homeostasis.
      Defects in frataxin function lead to Friedreich's ataxia, a progressive
      neurodegenerative disease with childhood onset. The function of frataxin has been
      shown to be closely associated with its ability to form oligomeric species;
      however, the factors controlling oligomerization and the types of oligomers
      present in solution are a matter of debate. Using small-angle X-ray scattering,
      we found that Co(2+), glycerol, and a single amino acid substitution at the N
      terminus, Y73A, facilitate oligomerization of yeast frataxin, resulting in a
      dynamic equilibrium between monomers, dimers, trimers, hexamers, and higher-order
      oligomers. Using X-ray crystallography, we found that Co(2+) binds inside the
      channel at the 3-fold axis of the trimer, which suggests that the metal has an
      oligomer-stabilizing role. The results reveal the types of oligomers present in
      solution and support our earlier suggestions that the trimer is the main building
      block of yeast frataxin oligomers. They also indicate that different mechanisms
      may control oligomer stability and oligomerization in vivo.

PMID- 22051513
TI  - Influence of histone tails and H4 tail acetylations on nucleosome-nucleosome
      interactions.
AB  - Nucleosome-nucleosome interaction plays a fundamental role in chromatin folding
      and self-association. The cation-induced condensation of nucleosome core
      particles (NCPs) displays properties similar to those of chromatin fibers, with
      important contributions from the N-terminal histone tails. We study the self
      association induced by addition of cations [Mg(2+), Ca(2+),
      cobalt(III)hexammine(3+), spermidine(3+) and spermine(4)(+)] for NCPs
      reconstituted with wild-type unmodified histones and with globular tailless
      histones and for NCPs with the H4 histone tail having lysine (K) acetylations or
      lysine-to-glutamine mutations at positions K5, K8, K12 and K16. In addition, the
      histone construct with the single H4K16 acetylation was investigated. Acetylated
      histones were prepared by a semisynthetic native chemical ligation method. The
      aggregation behavior of NCPs shows a general cation-dependent behavior similar to
      that of the self-association of nucleosome arrays. Unlike nucleosome array self
      association, NCP aggregation is sensitive to position and nature of the H4 tail
      modification. The tetra-acetylation in the H4 tail significantly weakens the
      nucleosome-nucleosome interaction, while the H4 K->Q tetra-mutation displays a
      more modest effect. The single H4K16 acetylation also weakens the self
      association of NCPs, which reflects the specific role of H4K16 in the nucleosome
      nucleosome stacking. Tailless NCPs can aggregate in the presence of oligocations,
      which indicates that attraction also occurs by tail-independent nucleosome
      nucleosome stacking and DNA-DNA attraction in the presence of cations. The
      experimental data were compared with the results of coarse-grained computer
      modeling for NCP solutions with explicit presence of mobile ions.

PMID- 22051512
TI  - DDX1 is an RNA-dependent ATPase involved in HIV-1 Rev function and virus
      replication.
AB  - The human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) Rev protein is essential for the
      virus because it promotes nuclear export of alternatively processed mRNAs, and
      Rev is also linked to translation of viral mRNAs and genome encapsidation.
      Previously, the human DEAD-box helicase DDX1 was suggested to be involved in Rev
      functions, but this relationship is not well understood. Biochemical studies of
      DDX1 and its interactions with Rev and model RNA oligonucleotides were carried
      out to investigate the molecular basis for association of these components. A
      combination of gel-filtration chromatography and circular dichroism spectroscopy
      demonstrated that recombinant DDX1 expressed in Escherichia coli is a well
      behaved folded protein. Binding assays using fluorescently labeled Rev and cell
      based immunoprecipitation analysis confirmed a specific RNA-independent DDX1-Rev
      interaction. Additionally, DDX1 was shown to be an RNA-activated ATPase, wherein
      Rev-bound RNA was equally effective at stimulating ATPase activity as protein
      free RNA. Gel mobility shift assays further demonstrated that DDX1 forms
      complexes with Rev-bound RNA. RNA silencing of DDX1 provided strong evidence that
      DDX1 is required for both Rev activity and HIV production from infected cells.
      Collectively, these studies demonstrate a clear link between DDX1 and HIV-1 Rev
      in cell-based assays of HIV-1 production and provide the first demonstration that
      recombinant DDX1 binds Rev and RNA and has RNA-dependent catalytic activity.

PMID- 22051514
TI  - A three-dimensional FRET analysis to construct an atomic model of the actin
      tropomyosin complex on a reconstituted thin filament.
AB  - Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) was used to construct an atomic
      model of the actin-tropomyosin (Tm) complex on a reconstituted thin filament. We
      generated five single-cysteine mutants in the 146-174 region of rabbit skeletal
      muscle alpha-Tm. An energy donor probe was attached to a single-cysteine Tm
      residue, while an energy acceptor probe was located in actin Gln41, actin Cys374,
      or the actin nucleotide binding site. From these donor-acceptor pairs, FRET
      efficiencies were determined with and without Ca(2+). Using the atomic
      coordinates for F-actin and Tm, we searched all possible arrangements for Tm
      segment 146-174 on F-actin to calculate the FRET efficiency for each donor
      acceptor pair in each arrangement. By minimizing the squared sum of deviations
      for the calculated FRET efficiencies from the observed FRET efficiencies, we
      determined the location of the Tm segment on the F-actin filament. Furthermore,
      we generated a set of five single-cysteine mutants in each of the four Tm regions
      41-69, 83-111, 216-244, and 252-279. Using the same procedures, we determined
      each segment's location on the F-actin filament. In the best-fit model, Tm runs
      along actin residues 217-236, which were reported to compose the Tm binding site.
      Electrostatic, hydrogen-bonding, and hydrophobic interactions are involved in
      actin and Tm binding. The C-terminal region of Tm was observed to contact actin
      more closely than did the N-terminal region. Tm contacts more residues on actin
      without Ca(2+) than with it. Ca(2+)-induced changes on the actin-Tm contact
      surface strongly affect the F-actin structure, which is important for muscle
      regulation.

PMID- 22051515
TI  - Disruption of a long distance regulatory region upstream of SOX9 in isolated
      disorders of sex development.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The early gonad is bipotential and can differentiate into either a
      testis or an ovary. In XY embryos, the SRY gene triggers testicular
      differentiation and subsequent male development via its action on a single gene,
      SOX9. The supporting cell lineage of the bipotential gonad will differentiate as
      testicular Sertoli cells if SOX9 is expressed and conversely will differentiate
      as ovarian granulosa cells when SOX9 expression is switched off. RESULTS: Through
      copy number variation mapping this study identified duplications upstream of the
      SOX9 gene in three families with an isolated 46,XX disorder of sex development
      (DSD) and an overlapping deletion in one family with two probands with an
      isolated 46,XY DSD. The region of overlap between these genomic alterations, and
      previously reported deletions and duplications at the SOX9 locus associated with
      syndromic and isolated cases of 46,XX and 46,XY DSD, reveal a minimal non-coding
      78 kb sex determining region located in a gene desert 517-595 kb upstream of the
      SOX9 promoter. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that a non-coding regulatory
      region critical for gonadal SOX9 expression and subsequent normal sex development
      is located far upstream of the SOX9 promoter. Its copy number variations are the
      genetic basis of isolated 46,XX and 46,XY DSDs of variable severity (ranging from
      mild to complete sex reversal). It is proposed that this region contains a gonad
      specific SOX9 transcriptional enhancer(s), the gain or loss of which results in
      genomic imbalance sufficient to activate or inactivate SOX9 gonadal expression in
      a tissue specific manner, switch sex determination, and result in isolated DSD.

PMID- 22051516
TI  - Sex differences in reproductive fitness contribute to preferential maternal
      transmission of 22q11.2 deletions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: 22q11.2 deletion syndrome (22q11.2DS) is the most common
      microdeletion syndrome in humans. In a minority of patients, the underlying
      22q11.2 deletion is found to have been inherited, usually from an affected
      mother. Serious neuropsychiatric conditions that are commonly associated features
      of 22q11.2DS could disproportionately affect reproductive success in males.
      METHODS: This study compared standard measures of reproductive fitness (mean
      number of liveborn offspring and proportion childless) in 141 Canadian adults
      with 22q11.2DS (cases) and their 200 unaffected siblings (controls). Multivariate
      regression models were used to identify phenotypic predictors of fitness in
      22q11.2DS. RESULTS: The adults with 22q11.2DS had significantly fewer children
      than their siblings (p<0.0001, relative fitness=0.28); 85.8% were childless. As
      expected, younger age (p<0.0001), mental retardation (p=0.0211), and
      schizophrenia (p=0.0046) were significant negative predictors of reproductive
      fitness in 22q11.2DS; however, serious congenital heart disease was not. Female
      sex emerged as a significant positive predictor of fitness independent of the
      major neuropsychiatric phenotypes (p=0.0082). Post-hoc analyses corroborated
      these sex differences. Notably, fitness in women with 22q11.2DS with neither
      mental retardation nor schizophrenia was not significantly different from that of
      unaffected female siblings. CONCLUSIONS: There is a strong negative selective
      pressure against 22q11.2 deletions. This appears to be primarily mediated by the
      severity of the neuropsychiatric phenotype and an independent sexual selection
      effect. The latter also contributes to the observed excess of transmitting
      mothers. These results may have implications both for the evolutionary biology of
      this structural rearrangement and for genetic counselling and reproductive
      services for adolescents and adults with 22q11.2DS.

PMID- 22051517
TI  - Exposure to keyboard/mouse use = keystrokes + mouse clicks + POSTURE: a missing
      variable that cannot be overstated.

PMID- 22051518
TI  - Is carpal tunnel syndrome overdiagnosed?

PMID- 22051519
TI  - Dutch health minister is quizzed about "intensive" contact with tobacco industry.

PMID- 22051520
TI  - Obama takes action on drugs shortages.

PMID- 22051521
TI  - Lack of clarity and high expectations could lead England's new health regulator
      to fail.

PMID- 22051522
TI  - Preferred step frequency minimizes veering during natural human walking.
AB  - In the absence of visual information, humans cannot maintain a straight walking
      path. We examined the hypothesis that step frequency during walking affects the
      magnitude of veering in healthy adults. Subject walked at a preferred (1.77 +/-
      0.18 Hz), low (0.8 * preferred, 1.41 +/- 0.15 Hz), and high (1.2* preferred, 2.13
      +/- 0.20 Hz) step frequency with and without a blindfold. We compared the
      absolute differences between estimated and measured points of crossing a target
      line after 16 m of forward walking at the three step frequencies. There was no
      significant difference in veering when subjects walked at the different
      frequencies without a blindfold. However, the magnitude of veering was the
      smallest at the preferred (mean +/- SE=91.6 +/- 33.6 cm) compared with the low
      (204.3 +/- 43.0 cm) and high (112.7 +/- 34.0 cm) frequency gaits with a
      blindfold. Thus, walking at a preferred step frequency minimizes veering, which
      occurs in the absence of visual information. This phenomenon may be associated
      with the previously reported minimization of movement variability, energy cost,
      and attentional demand while walking at a preferred step frequency.

PMID- 22051523
TI  - Ethical and medicolegal issues in neuromonitoring during thyroid and parathyroid
      surgery:  a review of the recent literature.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Neuromonitoring of the recurrent laryngeal nerve is
      increasingly utilized in thyroid and parathyroid surgery. Many studies have
      examined this practice with respect to rates of nerve injury. We have reviewed
      this literature with specific focus on ethical and medicolegal issues. RECENT
      FINDINGS: The preponderance of data fail to show that neuromonitoring
      significantly reduces the rates of nerve injury in thyroid and parathyroid
      surgery. However, potential benefits can nevertheless be identified for patients
      in predicting nerve injuries and reducing risks of bilateral recurrent laryngeal
      nerve injury. The primary ethical and medicolegal issues raised by
      neuromonitoring relate to setting high expectations of unproven benefit and not
      utilizing the technology to gain the most information for patient care decision
      making. SUMMARY: Neuromonitoring can provide valuable information to surgeons
      about the functioning of the recurrent laryngeal nerve and external branch of the
      superior laryngeal nerve. Surgeons should follow guidelines for optimal use of
      neuromonitoring but should not overestimate the benefits of neuromonitoring when
      discussing the technology with patients.

PMID- 22051524
TI  - The non-Gaussian dynamics of glycerol.
AB  - We have combined incoherent quasielastic neutron scattering experiments and
      atomistic molecular simulations to investigate the microscopic dynamics of
      glycerol moving away from the hydrodynamic limit. We relate changes in the
      momentum transfer (Q) dependence of the relaxation time to distinct changes of
      the single-particle dynamics. Going from small to large values of Q, a first
      crossover at about 0.5 A(-1) is related to the coupling of the translational
      diffusion dynamics to the non-Debye structural relaxation, while the second
      crossover at a Q-value near the main diffraction peak is associated with the
      Gaussian to non-Gaussian crossover of the short-time molecular dynamics, related
      to the decaging processes. We offer an unprecedented extension of previous
      studies on polymeric systems towards the case of the typical low-molecular-weight
      glass-forming system glycerol.

PMID- 22051525
TI  - Prevalence and predictors of idiopathic asymmetry in infants born preterm.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An idiopathic asymmetry in posture of the head is recognized as a
      risk factor to develop a deformational plagiocephaly (DP). In our neonatal follow
      up clinic, an IA is often observed in infants born preterm at term-equivalent age
      (TEA). AIMS: To explore (1) the prevalence of an idiopathic asymmetry in 192
      infants (gestational age <=32.0 weeks) at TEA and 6 months corrected age (CA),
      (2) whether demographical, perinatal, and medical factors were predictors of the
      asymmetry, and (3) differences in motor maturation between infants with and
      without asymmetry. METHODS: In a retrospective study, frequencies of idiopathic
      asymmetry and DP, putative predictors, and Alberta Infant Motor Scale scores at 6
      months CA were abstracted and analyzed with Chi(2), Mann-Whitney, logistic
      regression and T-test. RESULTS: The prevalence rate of a positional preference of
      the head at TEA was 44.8% (n=86), 10.4% (20/192) had a DP at TEA and 13% (25/192)
      at 6 months CA. Positional preference, multiple birth and male gender predicted
      the presence of DP (p<.05, odds ratio 3.0, 3.2, and 3.1 respectively). Gross
      motor maturity at 6 months CA was less developed in infants with a positional
      preference at TEA compared to preterm norms (p=0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The high
      prevalence of a positional preference in infants born preterm at term equivalent
      age requires extra alertness to prevent the development of a deformational
      plagiocephaly, especially in boys and twins. Although, considering the lower
      prevalence of plagiocephaly at 6 months CA, therapists should be aware of over
      treating these infants.

PMID- 22051526
TI  - Change in cognitive abilities over time during preschool age in low risk preterm
      children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: More information is needed on 'low-risk' preterm infants'
      neurological outcome so that they can be included in follow-up programs at least
      until school age. OBJECTIVE: To examine the neuropsychological outcome in a group
      of low-risk low birth weight (LBW) children without neurological impairment
      followed from birth to 5 years of age. PATIENTS: 26 intellectually normal
      children born preterm (30-34 weeks gestation) without major neurological
      disabilities and 23 control children born at term and matched for age, sex, and
      parental educational and occupational status. METHODS: Subjects already evaluated
      at 3 years of age underwent assessment again at 5 years using as
      neuropsychological outcome measures a wide range of tests including perceptual
      and visual-motor function, language comprehension and expression, and attention
      skills. RESULTS: When tested at 5 years, children born preterm still obtained
      significantly lower mean scores than controls on visual motor integration test
      (57 vs 64, p=0.01), visual perception test (41 vs 43, p=0.002) and a trend toward
      a lower score in the picture vocabulary test (81 vs 85.5, p=0.07). The group of
      premature infants and controls improved their performance over time in the
      neuropsychological abilities investigated and, in some skills such as visual
      perception. Children born preterm took longer than those born at term to reach
      similar performance levels, 5 versus 3 years. CONCLUSION: Ex low-risk children
      born preterm achieve lower scores over time in visual-motor and perceptual
      ability scales and in some language tests than children born at term. Like high
      risk premature infants even those at low risk deserve regular follow-up with long
      term programs.

PMID- 22051527
TI  - Suspected Bartonella-associated myocarditis and supraventricular tachycardia in a
      cat.
AB  - A 4-year old female spayed domestic short hair cat presented for evaluation of a
      tachyarrhythmia identified on routine physical examination. Supraventricular
      tachycardia (SVT) was identified on electrocardiogram (ECG). Echocardiogram
      failed to identify any structural heart disease. A positive Bartonella antibody
      titer was identified on serological evaluation. The cat received anti-arrhythmics
      for control of the SVT and azithromycin for Bartonella. After completion of
      antibiotic therapy, a four-fold decrease in the Bartonella antibody titer was
      measured and the cat was eventually weaned off anti-arrhythmic medications. At 1
      week, 1 month and 3 month re-checks off all therapy, no SVT was identified.

PMID- 22051528
TI  - Association of QRS duration and survival in dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy: a
      retrospective study of 266 clinical cases.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the prognostic value of
      QRS duration in dogs with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) by studying its
      relationship with survival time. METHODS: The medical records of dogs diagnosed
      with DCM were retrospectively searched for good quality ECG tracings. The QRS
      duration was measured from the ECG tracing and two different models were used:
      binary variable (dogs were divided into 2 groups based on a QRS duration of <60
      ms or >=60 ms) and continuous variable. The survival times were analysed by the
      Kaplan-Meier method and Cox's proportional hazard model. RESULTS: 266 dogs met
      the inclusion and exclusion criteria. A QRS duration >=60 ms was associated with
      a reduced survival time compared to those with a QRS duration <60 ms (Hazard
      Ratio of 1.34, 95% CI 1.05-1.71, P = 0.02). When considered as a continuous
      variable the Hazard Ratio was 1.015 for each increase in QRS duration of 1 ms
      (95% CI 1.006-1.024, p = 0.001).Dogs with a QRS duration < 60 ms had a median
      survival time (IQ range) of 25 weeks (97-65) and dogs with a QRS duration >=60 ms
      had a median survival time (IQ range) of 13 weeks (3-34). CONCLUSION: The
      measurement of QRS duration is relatively simple to perform from a surface ECG
      recording. A duration >=60 ms is associated with shorter survival times in dogs
      with DCM, which may provide practitioners with additional prognostic information.

PMID- 22051529
TI  - Use of a third class in latent class modelling for the diagnostic evaluation of
      five infectious salmon anaemia virus detection tests.
AB  - In the absence of a reference standard, a latent class model (LCM) was used in
      this study to assess diagnostic sensitivity (DSe) and specificity (DSp) of a
      recently developed reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for
      infectious salmon anaemia virus (ISAV). The study included 4 populations of
      Atlantic salmon, and to ensure the identifiability of the LCM, four additional
      detection methods were used in parallel including real-time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR),
      virus isolation (VI), indirect fluorescent antibody test (IFAT), and a lateral
      flow immunoassay (LFI). While a conventional LCM assumes DSe and DSp to be
      constant across the populations, Nerette et al. (2008) previously reported
      concerns about non-constant DSp of RT-PCR, which detects viral RNA from both
      active and inactive viral particles. It was suspected that some ISAV recovered
      fish may carry residual RNA and may be more likely to test positive compared to
      naive fish. The various mixture distributions of the two sub-classes of non
      infected fish would lead to a non-constant combined DSp estimate across
      populations. Within a Bayesian framework, the conventional two-class LCM was
      extended to three classes of infection stages (naive non-infected, recovered non
      infected carrying RNA, and infected). The resulting analysis confirmed the
      existence of three classes of fish with substantially different test performances
      for ISAV. For infected fish, DSe of RT-PCRs and VI approximated 90%, and antibody
      based assays were the least sensitive (DSe around 65%). Regardless of the test,
      the DSp estimates on naive fish were all above 98% with LFI being in average the
      most specific. Only RT-PCR and qRT-PCR tested positive with the additional class
      of recovered fish (DSp around 30%). The true infectious status of this sub-class
      (i.e. viral RNA carriers) is debatable and requires further knowledge about ISAV
      infection dynamics at the fish level. Promising applications of multiple class
      estimates require adjustments of traditional test interpretation and further
      epidemiological knowledge of the infection dynamics at the population level.

PMID- 22051530
TI  - How to manage essential thrombocythemia.
AB  - I use the hematological, morphological and molecular criteria recently
      established by the World Health Organization to diagnose essential
      thrombocytemia. In these patients, major causes of morbidity and mortality are
      represented by thrombosis and bleeding, whereas progression to myelofibrosis and
      transformation to acute leukemia are more rare. Myelosuppressive therapy can
      reduce the rate of vascular complications, but there is some concern about
      treatment-related toxicity. Therefore, I follow a risk-oriented therapeutic
      approach to avoid inappropriate exposure to cytotoxic drugs on one side or
      suboptimal treatment on the other. Established predictors of cardiovascular
      events are represented by older age and previous thrombosis, whereas recent data
      suggest a prognostic role for novel risk factors, including leukocytosis and
      JAK2V617F mutational status. There is no indication for therapeutic intervention
      in asymptomatic, low-risk patients, while I treat high-risk patients with
      hydroxyurea (HU) first. Other therapeutic options, such as interferon alpha or
      anagrelide, may find place in selected patients including those who are resistant
      or intolerant to HU. I follow a risk-oriented approach also for management of
      pregnancy. Low-risk women are given low-dose aspirin throughout pregnancy and
      prophylactic low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) post partum, whereas LMWH
      throughout pregnancy and/or interferon-alpha can be required in high-risk cases.

PMID- 22051531
TI  - An immature immunophenotype of bone marrow mast cells predicts for multilineage
      D816V KIT mutation in systemic mastocytosis.
AB  - D816V KIT mutation of bone marrow (BM) mast cells (MC) is a common feature to
      systemic mastocytosis (SM) patients. Nevertheless, occurrence of the KIT mutation
      in BM cell compartments other than MC is associated with progression to more
      aggressive forms of the disease and poor outcome in indolent SM (ISM). Here, we
      assessed the potential association between the immunophenotype of MC and
      multilineage KIT mutation in the BM of SM patients through the investigation of
      the flow cytometric protein expression profile (PEP) of bone marrow mast cells
      (BMMC) from 70 control individuals and 206 SM patients, classified according to
      the WHO (World Health Organization), and the degree of involvement of BM
      hematopoiesis by the D816V KIT mutation; additionally, we developed a score-based
      class prediction algorithm for the detection of SM cases with multilineage
      mutation. Our results show that aberrant expression of CD25 with a FcERI(lo),
      FSC(lo), SSC(lo) and CD45(lo) immature phenotype of BMMC, in the absence of
      coexisting normal MC in the BM, was associated with multilineage involvement by
      the D816V KIT mutation, regardless of the diagnostic subtype of the disease (for
      example, indolent vs aggressive SM), which supports the utility of the
      immunophenotype of BMMC as a surrogate marker to screen for multilineage KIT
      mutation in ISM.

PMID- 22051532
TI  - beta-catenin is dynamically stored and cleared in multiple myeloma by the
      proteasome-aggresome-autophagosome-lysosome pathway.

PMID- 22051533
TI  - Antigen receptor stereotypy across B-cell lymphoproliferations: the case of IGHV4
      59/IGKV3-20 receptors with rheumatoid factor activity.

PMID- 22051534
TI  - Notch induces human T-cell receptor gammadelta+ thymocytes to differentiate along
      a parallel, highly proliferative and bipotent CD4 CD8 double-positive pathway.
AB  - In wild-type mice, T-cell receptor (TCR) gammadelta(+) cells differentiate along
      a CD4 CD8 double-negative (DN) pathway whereas TCRalphabeta(+) cells
      differentiate along the double-positive (DP) pathway. In the human postnatal
      thymus (PNT), DN, DP and single-positive (SP) TCRgammadelta(+) populations are
      present. Here, the precursor-progeny relationship of the various PNT
      TCRgammadelta(+) populations was studied and the role of the DP TCRgammadelta(+)
      population during T-cell differentiation was elucidated. We demonstrate that
      human TCRgammadelta(+) cells differentiate along two pathways downstream from an
      immature CD1(+) DN TCRgammadelta(+) precursor: a Notch-independent DN pathway
      generating mature DN and CD8alphaalpha SP TCRgammadelta(+) cells, and a Notch
      dependent, highly proliferative DP pathway generating immature CD4 SP and
      subsequently DP TCRgammadelta(+) populations. DP TCRgammadelta(+) cells are
      actively rearranging the TCRalpha locus, and differentiate to TCR(-) DP cells, to
      CD8alphabeta SP TCRgammadelta(+) cells and to TCRalphabeta(+) cells. Finally, we
      show that the gammadelta subset of T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemias (T-ALL)
      consists mainly of CD4 SP or DP phenotypes carrying significantly more activating
      Notch mutations than DN T-ALL. The latter suggests that activating Notch
      mutations in TCRgammadelta(+) thymocytes induce proliferation and differentiation
      along the DP pathway in vivo.

PMID- 22051535
TI  - Roth versus MBT: does bracket prescription have an effect on the subjective
      outcome of pre-adjusted edgewise treatment?
AB  - The aim was to determine if bracket prescription has any effect on the subjective
      outcome of pre-adjusted edgewise treatment as judged by professionals. This
      retrospective observational assessment study was undertaken in the Orthodontic
      Department of the Charles Clifford Dental Hospital, Sheffield, UK. Forty sets of
      post-treatment study models from patients treated using a pre-adjusted edgewise
      appliance (20 Roth and 20 MBT) were selected. The models were masked and shown in
      a random order to nine experienced orthodontic clinicians, who were asked to
      assess the quality of the outcome, using a pre-piloted questionnaire. The
      principal outcome measure was the Incisor and Canine Aesthetic Torque and Tip
      (ICATT) score for each of the 40 post-treatment models carried out by the nine
      judges. A two-way analysis of variance was undertaken with the dependent
      variable, total ICATT score and independent variables, Bracket prescription (Roth
      or MBT) and Assessor. There were statistically significant differences between
      the subjective assessments of the nine judges (P<0.001), but there was no
      statistically significant difference between the two bracket prescriptions (P =
      0.900). The best agreement between a clinician's judgment of prescription used
      and the actual prescription was fair (kappa statistic 0.25; CI -0.05 to 0.55).
      The ability to determine which bracket prescription was used was no better than
      chance for the majority of clinicians. Bracket prescription had no effect on the
      subjective aesthetic judgments of post-treatment study models made by nine
      experienced orthodontists.

PMID- 22051536
TI  - Comparison of tooth displacement between buccal mini-implants and palatal plate
      anchorage for molar distalization: a finite element study.
AB  - The purposes of this study were to mechanically evaluate distalization modalities
      through the application of skeletal anchorage using finite element analysis. Base
      models were constructed from commercial teeth models. A finite element model was
      created and three treatment modalities were modified to make 10 models.
      Modalities 1 and 2 placed mini-implants in the buccal side, and modality 3 placed
      a plate on the palatal side. Distalization with the palatal plate in modality 3
      showed bodily molar movement and insignificant displacement of the incisors.
      Placing mini-implants on the buccal side in modalities 1 and 2 caused the first
      molar to be distally tipped and extruded, while the incisors were labially flared
      and intruded. Distalization with the palatal plate rather than mini-implants on
      the buccal side provided bodily molar movement without tipping or extrusion. It
      is recommended to use our findings as a clinical guide for the application of
      skeletal anchorage devices for molar distalization. 

PMID- 22051537
TI  - A finite element simulation of initial movement, orthodontic movement, and the
      centre of resistance of the maxillary teeth connected with an archwire.
AB  - The purpose of this article is to simulate long-term movement of maxillary teeth
      connected with an archwire and to clarify the difference between the initial
      tooth movement and the long-term orthodontic movement. Initial tooth movement was
      calculated based on the elastic deformation of the periodontal ligament.
      Orthodontic tooth movement was simulated based on the bone remodeling law of the
      alveolar bone, while consequentially updating the force system. In the initial
      tooth movement, all teeth tipped individually due to an elastic deflection of the
      archwire. In the long-term movement, the maxillary teeth moved as one united
      body, as if the archwire were a rigid material. Difference of both movement
      patterns was due to the change in force system during tooth movement. The long
      term movement could not be predicted from the initial tooth movement. Movement
      pattern and location of the centre of resistance in the long-term movement were
      almost the same as those in the initial tooth movement as calculated by assuming
      the archwire to be a rigid material.

PMID- 22051538
TI  - Facial aesthetics and perceived need for further treatment among adults with
      repaired cleft as assessed by cleft team professionals and laypersons.
AB  - The objectives of this study were to compare the ratings of professionals and
      laypeople with and without a cleft regarding the facial aesthetics of adult
      patients previously treated for orofacial clefting. The necessity for further
      treatment, as perceived by the respective groups, is also compared. The design of
      the study was a cross-sectional study. Professionals (two plastic surgeons, one
      dentist, one orthodontist, and one psychologist) and laypeople (one male and one
      female adult without a cleft and one male and one female adult with a cleft) were
      recruited to rate photographs of 80 non-syndromic cleft patients treated by the
      Australian Craniofacial Unit from 1975 to 2009. Facial aesthetics were measured
      by a visual analogue scale (VAS; 0-100 mm). High values indicated good
      aesthetics. Necessity for further treatment was also measured by a VAS (0-100
      mm). High values indicated high perceived need for further treatment. The
      professionals rated facial aesthetics significantly lower and had a lower
      perception of need for further treatment than the raters with and without a
      cleft. The laypeople with a cleft rated facial aesthetics significantly higher
      and had a lower perceived need for further treatment than laypeople without a
      cleft. The non-surgical professionals rated facial aesthetics significantly lower
      and had a lower perceived need for further treatment than the surgical
      professionals. Differences exist in the facial aesthetics ratings and perceived
      need for further surgery between professionals and laypeople with and without a
      cleft. This should be considered when managing cleft treatment expectations.

PMID- 22051539
TI  - Recombinant medaka (Oryzias melastigmus) pro-hepcidin: Multifunctional
      characterization.
AB  - Recently, two hepcidin variant genes (Om-hep1 and Om-hep2) were identified in a
      model fish marine medaka and both were highly induced in vivo with bacterial
      challenge, suggesting that the medaka hepcidin may have a similar function to
      other reported teleostean hepcidins. In the present study, the antibacterial,
      antiviral and antitumor activities of Om-hep1 were determined using its synthetic
      and recombinant pro-peptides. The recombinant pro-hepcidin1 was expressed in
      Escherichia coli and an effective method to produce recombinant Pro-Omhep1 was
      developed in order to obtain a right folded structure. The results showed that
      both the synthetic mature peptide and recombinant pro-peptide had similar
      antibacterial activity against Gram-positive and negative bacteria. In
      particular, both the synthetic mature Om-hep1 and recombinant Pro-Omhep1
      inhibited the viral replication of white spot syndrome virus in the hematopoietic
      tissue cells of the crayfish Cherax quadricarinatus. Om-hep1 also presented
      antitumor activity on the cultured human hepatocellular carcinoma cells. In
      addition, the antimicrobial mechanism of Om-hep1 was measured and it was found
      that Om-hep1 was likely to be non-membranolytic. The recombinant Pro-Omhep1
      performed better biological activity compared to the synthetic mature Om-hep1.
      This study suggested that Om-hep1 was likely to be an important multifunction
      protein involved in various resistance actions in the marine medaka immune
      system.

PMID- 22051540
TI  - Phosphoric acid functionalized mesoporous organo-silica (EPO) as the adsorbent
      for in situ enrichment and isotope labeling of endogenous phosphopeptides.
AB  - Ti(4+)-EPO nanoparticles were adopted as the adsorbent for in situ solid phase
      enrichment and isotope labeling of endogenous phosphopeptides, which has great
      potential application in high-throughput analyses of biological samples for
      screening and discovery of disease-specific biomarkers.

PMID- 22051541
TI  - Localization of small parathyroid adenomas using modified 4-dimensional computed
      tomography/ultrasound.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether parathyroid gland weight has an impact on the
      accuracy of preoperative localization of parathyroid adenomas with modified 4
      dimensional computed tomography/ultrasound. And to determine if the weight of
      parathyroid adenomas can be calculated accurately based on the dimensions of the
      gland on the CT images. STUDY DESIGN: Case series with chart review. SETTING:
      Tertiary care hospital. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: One hundred forty-two patients who
      had a preoperative modified 4-dimensional computed tomography/ultrasound and
      underwent parathyroidectomy for hyperparathyroidism due to a parathyroid adenoma
      between 1998 and 2009. Charts were reviewed to identify (1) the sensitivity and
      specificity for localization of parathyroid adenomas according to gland weight
      and (2) correlation between preoperative estimate of parathyroid weight and the
      surgical weight of the parathyroid gland. RESULTS: Modified 4-dimensional
      computed tomography/ultrasound displayed 92% sensitivity for localizing adenomas
      weighing <150 mg to the correct side of the neck (95% confidence interval [CI],
      65%-99%), 100% sensitivity for glands weighing 150 to 500 mg (95%-100%), and 98%
      sensitivity for glands weighing >500 mg (92%-100%). For localization to the
      correct quadrant of the neck, sensitivity was 75% (95% CI, 47%-91%) for glands
      weighing <150 mg, 89% (79%-95%) for those weighing 150 to 500 mg, and 94% (85%
      97%) for glands weighing >500 mg. A positive correlation was seen between the
      preoperative weight estimate based on imaging and the operative weight of the
      gland, with a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.96. CONCLUSION: Modified 4
      dimensional computed tomography/ultrasound can closely predict the weight of
      parathyroid glands preoperatively and has good sensitivity for localization of
      adenomas, even in glands weighing less than 150 mg.

PMID- 22051542
TI  - Protective effect of erdosteine against cisplatin-induced ototoxicity in a guinea
      pig model.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Cisplatin is a commonly used chemotherapeutic agent. One of its major
      dose-limiting side effects is ototoxicity. No treatment has yet been approved for
      this condition. The objective of this study was to determine the potential
      protective effect of a systemic administration of erdosteine against cisplatin
      induced ototoxicity. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective controlled trial conducted in an
      animal model. SETTING: Animal care research facilities of The Montreal Children's
      Hospital Research Institute. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 27 guinea pigs were
      assigned to 4 groups, each receiving a different concentration of intraperitoneal
      erdosteine: group 1 (control group; n = 9) did not receive erdosteine, group 2 (n
      = 6) received 100 mg/kg/d, group 3 (n = 6) received 200 mg/kg/d, and group 4 (n =
      6) received 500 mg/kg/d. The animals in the experimental groups received the
      erdosteine injection daily for 4 days. All of the animals received 12 mg/kg of
      intraperitoneal cisplatin. Auditory brainstem response threshold shifts were
      measured at 4 frequencies (8, 16, 20, and 25 kHz) for all groups. Scanning
      electron microscopy and outer hair cell counts were performed to assess the
      protective effect of erdosteine. RESULTS: Significant protection was observed in
      groups 3 and 4 at 25 kHz. These findings are supported by outer hair cell counts
      by scanning electron microscopy. CONCLUSION: A systemic administration of
      erdosteine appears to provide an otoprotective effect at high frequencies for
      cisplatin-induced ototoxicity.

PMID- 22051543
TI  - Face and content validation of a virtual reality temporal bone simulator.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To validate the VOXEL-MAN TempoSurg simulator for temporal bone
      dissection. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective international study. SETTING:
      Otolaryngology departments of 2 academic health care institutions in the United
      Kingdom and United States. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Eighty-five subjects were
      recruited consisting of an experienced and referent group. Participants performed
      a standardized familiarization session and temporal bone dissection task.
      Realism, training effectiveness, and global impressions were evaluated across 21
      domains using a 5-point Likert-type scale. A score of 4 was the minimum threshold
      for acceptability. RESULTS: The experienced group comprised 25 otolaryngology
      trainers who had performed 150 mastoid operations. The referent group comprised
      60 trainees (mean otolaryngology experience of 2.9 years). Familiarization took
      longer in the experienced group (P = .01). User-friendliness was positively rated
      (mean score 4.1). Seventy percent of participants rated anatomical appearance as
      acceptable. Trainers rated drill ergonomics worse than did trainees (P = .01).
      Simulation temporal bone training scored highly (mean score 4.3). Surgical
      anatomy, drill navigation, and hand-eye coordination accounted for this. Trainees
      were more likely to recommend temporal bone simulation to a colleague than were
      trainers (P = .01). Transferability of skills to the operating room was undecided
      (mean score 3.5). CONCLUSION: Realism of the VOXEL-MAN virtual reality temporal
      bone simulator is suboptimal in its current version. Nonetheless, it represents a
      useful adjunct to existing training methods and is particularly beneficial for
      novice surgeons before performing cadaveric temporal bone dissection.
      Improvements in realism, specifically drill ergonomics and visual-spatial
      perception during deeper temporal bone dissection, are warranted.

PMID- 22051544
TI  - Highly sensitive detection of Salmonella typhi using surface aminated
      polycarbonate membrane enhanced-ELISA.
AB  - The identification of pathogenic bacteria in water is important for addressing
      preventive and treatment issues regarding health and safety. A highly sensitive
      and specific solid-phase sandwich ELISA procedure was developed for the detection
      of typhoid causing extremely lethal water borne pathogen Salmonella typhi (S.
      typhi) on modified isopore polycarbonate (PC) black membranes. PC membranes were
      chemically derivatized to generate amino groups on the surface maintaining their
      pysico-optico properties. Surface modified PC membranes were characterized by ATR
      FTIR spectrometer, goniometer and scanning electron microscope. Polyclonal
      somatic 'O' type antibodies (Abs) against whole cell S. typhi were immobilized on
      them by following the amine glutaraldehyde chemistry. Antibody immobilized
      membranes captured S. typhi from buffer solution and this complex was detected
      colourimetrically using HRP labelled S. typhi Ab. A detection limit of
      2*10(3)cells/ml of bacteria was achieved with the modified PC membranes without
      any pre-enrichment step as against 10(6)-10(7)CFU/ml of bacteria by typical ELISA
      method. The assay was demonstrated to be specific for the target bacteria when
      compared with other cross-reactant water borne pathogens. The intra- and inter
      assay precision for 10(4) and 10(5)cells/ml was 5.3-7.4 and 10.3-19.7%
      respectively. The developed immunoassay for the detection of S. typhi is simple,
      easy to handle, sensitive specific, reproducible and cost effective in comparison
      with the commercially existing immunochromatographic assays.

PMID- 22051545
TI  - Ultra-sensitive suspended graphene nanocomposite cancer sensors with strong
      suppression of electrical noise.
AB  - The cancer sensor based on suspended layer-by-layer self-assembled graphene
      reported in the paper exhibits an ultra high sensitivity due to graphene material
      properties in nature. By simply immersing the substrate alternatively into
      charged graphene suspensions and polyions, graphene nanoplatelets are self
      assembled in the channel as the sensing region, followed by SF(6) dry etching to
      suspend the structure. Conductance shift curves demonstrate that the suspended
      graphene sensors functionalized with specific anti-PSA antibodies as bioreceptor
      are capable of detecting prostate specific antigen down to 0.4 fg/ml (11 aM), at
      least one order of magnitude lower than unsuspended devices. The noise spectra
      analysis confirms the lower level of 1/f noise in suspended graphene devices.
      Carbon nanotube sensor under the same conditions of design, manufacture, and
      measurement are implemented to compare with graphene devices, showing the
      prominent advantages of graphene as a sensing material.

PMID- 22051546
TI  - Paper-based chemiluminescence ELISA: lab-on-paper based on chitosan modified
      paper device and wax-screen-printing.
AB  - A novel lab-on-paper device combining the simplicity and low-cost of microfluidic
      paper-based analytical devices (MUPADs) and the sensitivity and selectivity of
      chemiluminescence ELISA (CL-ELISA) for the high-throughput, rapid, stable and
      reusable point-of-care testing is presented here. Chitosan was used to modify
      MUPADs to covalently immobilize antibodies on MUPADs. Thus, sandwich CL-ELISA on
      MUPADs can be easily realized for further development of this technique in
      sensitive, specific and low-cost application. The paper device was fabricated by
      a low-cost, simple, and rapid wax-screen-printing method. Using tumor markers and
      paper microzone plate as model, the application test of this paper-based CL-ELISA
      was successfully performed with a linear range of 0.1-35.0 ng mL(-1) for alpha
      fetoprotein, 0.5-80.0 U mL(-1) for cancer antigen 125 and 0.1-70.0 ng mL(-1) for
      carcinoembryonic antigen. Since the cutoff values of the three tumor markers in
      clinical diagnosis are 25 ng mL(-1), 35 U mL(-1) and 5 ng mL(-1), the sensitivity
      and linear ranges of the proposed method were enough for clinical application. In
      addition, this lab-on-paper immunodevice can provide reproducible results upon
      storage at 4  degrees C (sealed) for at least 5 weeks. Ultimately, this novel
      chitosan modification and wax-screen-printing methodology for MUPADs can be
      readily translated to other signal reporting mechanism including
      electrochemiluminescence and photoelectrochemistry, and other receptors such as
      enzyme receptors and DNA receptors for determination of DNA, proteins and small
      molecules in point-of-care testing.

PMID- 22051547
TI  - Monoclinic honeycomb-layered compound Li3Ni2SbO6: preparation, crystal structure
      and magnetic properties.
AB  - Two synthetic routes-ion-exchange preparation from layered Na(3)Ni(2)SbO(6) at
      300  degrees C and direct solid-state synthesis at 1150  degrees C resulted in
      layered Li(3)Ni(2)SbO(6), a cation-ordered derivative from the rocksalt type. The
      Fddd form reported earlier could not be reproduced. According to the XRD Rietveld
      analysis, Li(3)Ni(2)SbO(6) is a pseudohexagonal monoclinic structure, C2/m, with
      a = 5.1828(2) A, b = 8.9677(3) A, c = 5.1577(2) A, beta = 109.696(2) degrees . No
      Li/Ni mixed occupancy was detected. At high temperatures, the magnetic
      susceptibility follows the Curie-Weiss law with a positive value of Weiss
      temperature, ~8 K, indicating a predominance of ferromagnetic interactions.
      However, Li(3)Ni(2)SbO(6) orders antiferromagnetically at T(N)~ 15 K. The
      effective magnetic moment is 4.3 MU(B)/f.u. which satisfactorily agrees with
      theoretical estimations assuming high-spin configuration of Ni(2+) (S = 1).
      Electron spin resonance (ESR) spectra show single Lorentzian shape line
      attributed to Ni(2+) ion in octahedral coordination. The absorption is
      characterized by isotropic temperature independent effective g-factor g = 2.150
      +/- 0.005. In accordance with the layered honeycomb crystal structure determined
      for Li(3)Ni(2)SbO(6), the superexchange interaction between Ni(2+) ions through
      Ni-O-Ni pathways within Ni(2)SbO(6) layers are assumed to be ferromagnetic, while
      the dominant interaction between layers is antiferromagnetic.

PMID- 22051548
TI  - Neurophysiological changes after intramuscular injection of botulinum toxin.
AB  - Botulinum toxin (BT) acts peripherally by inhibiting acetylcholine release from
      the presynaptic neuromuscular terminals and by weakening muscle contraction.
      Therefore, its clinical benefit is primarily due to its peripheral action. As a
      result, local injection of BT has become a successful and safe tool in the
      treatment of several neurological and non-neurological disorders. Studies in
      animals have also shown that the toxin can be retrogradely transported and even
      transcytosed to neurons in the central nervous system (CNS). Further human
      studies have suggested that BT could alter the functional organisation of the CNS
      indirectly through peripheral mechanisms. BT can interfere with and modify
      spinal, brainstem and cortical circuits, including cortical excitability and
      plasticity/organisation by altering spindle afferent inflow directed to spinal
      motoneurons or to the various cortical areas. It is well demonstrated that the
      distant CNS effects of BT treatment parallel the peripheral effect, although
      there is limited evidence as to the cause of this. Therefore, further studies
      focussed on central changes after BT treatment is needed for a better
      understanding of these non-peripheral effects of BT.

PMID- 22051549
TI  - Aquatic toxicity and ecological risk assessment of seven parabens: Individual and
      additive approach.
AB  - In the present study, aquatic concentrations of seven parabens were determined in
      urban streams highly affected by treated or untreated domestic sewage in
      Tokushima and Osaka, Japan. The detected highest concentrations were 670, 207,
      and 163ngl(-1) for methylparaben, n-propylparaben, and n-butylparaben,
      respectively in sampling sites with watershed area of no sewer system in
      Tokushima. Conventional acute/chronic toxicity tests were conducted using medaka
      (Oryzias latipes), Daphnia magna, and Psuedokirchneriella subcapitata for four
      parabens, which was consistent with our previous study on three parabens, n
      butylparaben, i-butylparaben, and benzylparaben. The aquatic toxicity on fish,
      daphnia, and algae was weaker for the parabens with a shorter alkyl chain than
      those with a longer alkyl chain as predicted by their hydrophobicity. Medaka
      vitellogenin assays and DNA microarray analysis were carried out for
      methylparaben and found induction of significant vitellogenin in male medaka at
      630MUgl(-1) of methylparaben, while the expression levels of genes encoding
      proteins such as choriogenin and vitellogenin increased for concentrations at
      10MUgl(-1) of methylparaben. Measured environmental concentrations (MECs) of
      seven parabens in Tokushima and Osaka were divided by predicted no effect
      concentrations (PNECs) and hazard quotient (MEC/PNEC) was determined for
      individual parabens. The MEC/PNEC was highest for n-propylparaben and was 0.010
      followed by n-butylparaben (max. of 0.0086) and methylparaben (max. of 0.0042).
      The sum of the MEC/PNEC for the seven parabens was 0.0049. Equivalence factors
      were assigned for each paraben on the basis of the toxicity of n-butylparaben for
      each species, and n-butylparaben equivalence was calculated for the measured
      environmental concentrations. The MEC/PNEC approach was also conducted for the n
      butylparaben-based equivalence values. The maximum MEC/PNEC was 0.018, which is
      lower than the trigger level for further detailed study such as large-scale
      monitoring for chronic toxicity tests including full-life cycle tests for fish.

PMID- 22051550
TI  - Arsenic accumulation and distribution in relation to young seedling growth in
      Atriplex atacamensis Phil.
AB  - Even at trace levels, arsenic is of environmental and health concern due to its
      high toxicity. The xerohalophyte plant species Atriplex atacamensis grows on an
      arsenic-contaminated mining area in North Chile. Young seedlings that were grown
      from seeds collected from these plants were grown in a nutrient solution under
      controlled environmental conditions and were exposed for 14 and 28 days to 0, 100
      or 1000 MUM arsenate. More than 75% of the plants that were exposed to the
      highest As dose survived until the end of the treatment. The seedling growth was
      reduced (100 MUM As) or inhibited (1000 MUM As) in the stress conditions, but the
      plants were able to efficiently close their stomata and perform osmotic
      adjustments to avoid secondary water stress. Arsenic accumulated up to 400 MUg g(
      1) DW in the shoots and 3500 MUg g(-1) DW in the roots. Arsenate drastically
      impaired the P content and increased glycinebetaine content, although no
      arsenobetaine was found in the tissues. With the exception of arsenite and
      arsenate, no As-containing organic compound was detected. Arsenic was not
      excreted by the trichomes that were present at the leaf surface. Although an
      increase in the total level of non-protein thiols suggested that arsenite
      fixation on the sulfhydryl groups could occur in the stressed tissues, the
      majority of the soluble arsenic remained in its oxidized state As(V). Arsenate
      induced an increase in the free soluble polyamine concentrations in all of the
      organs, and it increased the proportion of spermidine and spermine and decreased
      the proportion of putrescine in the polyamine pool. Therefore, it is likely that
      these polycationic molecules may assist in arsenate sequestration in the stressed
      tissues, and A. atacamensis may represent a promising plant species that can be
      tested in field trials for its phytomanagement of As-contaminated sites in desert
      areas.

PMID- 22051551
TI  - Atmospheric corrosion of brass in outdoor applications: patina evolution, metal
      release and aesthetic appearance at urban exposure conditions.
AB  - Short (days, weeks) and long-term (months, years) non-sheltered field exposures
      of brass (15, and 20 wt.% Zn) and copper sheet have been conducted in three
      European cities (Milan, Stockholm, Madrid) to generate an in-depth time-dependent
      understanding of patina evolution, corrosion rates, aesthetic appearance, metal
      release and degree of dezincification in relation to detailed bulk and surface
      characteristics prior to exposure. This has been accomplished by using a
      multitude of surface and bulk analytical tools, chemical analysis and
      colorimetric investigations. Small differences in surface finish and local
      variations in nobility observed for the non-exposed brass alloys resulted in
      slight differences in corrosion initiation. Despite different kinetic behaviour
      and relative surface distributions of zinc- and copper-rich patina constituents,
      similar phases were identified with copper-rich phases rapidly dominating the
      outermost patina layer in Milan, compared to Madrid and Stockholm showing both
      copper- and zinc-rich phases. As a consequence of differences in surface coverage
      of copper- and zinc-rich corrosion products at the different sites, the release
      ratios of copper to zinc varied concordantly. The released amount of zinc to
      copper (Zn/Cu) was for both alloys and test sites always higher compared to the
      bulk composition showing a preferential release of zinc. The amount of released
      copper from the brass alloys was on an average 30-40% lower compared to copper
      sheet at all test sites investigated. Significantly lower annual total release
      rates of copper and zinc compared with annual corrosion rates were evident for
      both brass alloys at all sites.

PMID- 22051552
TI  - p53-Mediated regulation of hepatic lipid metabolism: forging links between
      metabolism, atherogenesis, and cancer.

PMID- 22051553
TI  - The LDLR deficient mouse as a model for aortic calcification and quantification
      by micro-computed tomography.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Patients with familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) due mutations in the
      low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) suffer premature aortic calcification, an
      effect that is age- and gene dosage-dependent and cholesterol level independent
      later in life. To better understand this process, we examined a murine model.
      METHODS: We compared chow fed Ldlr(-/-) mice to controls at 6, 12 and 18 months
      and on a Western diet (WD) at 6 months. Additionally, we compared controls to
      Ldlr(-/-) mice and transgenic mice Tg(Pcsk9) overexpressing PCSK9, which promotes
      LDLR degradation. Aortas were perfused-fixed, embedded in paraffin, and sections
      were stained with alizarin red. Micro-computerized tomography (micro-CT) was used
      to quantify vascular calcification. RESULTS: Ldlr(-/-) mice develop calcification
      in the ascending, transverse aorta and neck vessels with a distribution similar
      to that of human. Calcification was most prominent in 18-month-old Ldlr(-/-) mice
      fed a chow diet and in 6-month-old Ldlr(-/-) mice fed a WD. Interestingly,
      Tg(Pcsk9) mice fed a WD develop aortic calcifications as well. Histology
      confirmed that the calcification were predominantly sub-intimal. Marked
      expression of LRP5 and WNT was observed in the Ldlr(-/-) and Tg(Pcsk9) models,
      but not in age-matched controls. CONCLUSIONS: The two mouse models develop aortic
      calcification in an age- and diet-dependent manner. Abnormal regulation of the
      LRP5/Wnt pathway may play a role in the calcification process. Further analysis
      of these aortic calcification models using this micro-CT imaging technique may
      provide a better understanding of the link between FH and arterial calcification.

PMID- 22051554
TI  - Relative blindsight arises from a criterion confound in metacontrast masking:
      implications for theories of consciousness.
AB  - Relative blindsight is said to occur when different levels of subjective
      awareness are obtained at equality of objective performance. Using metacontrast
      masking, Lau and Passingham (2006) reported relative blindsight in normal
      observers at the shorter of two stimulus-onset asynchronies (SOAs) between target
      and mask. Experiment 1 replicated the critical asymmetry in subjective awareness
      at equality of objective performance. We argue that this asymmetry cannot be
      regarded as evidence for relative blindsight because the observers' responses
      were based on different attributes of the stimuli (criterion contents) at the two
      SOAs. With an invariant criterion content (Experiment 2), there was no asymmetry
      in subjective awareness across the two SOAs even though objective performance was
      the same. Experiment 3 examined the effect of criterion level on estimates of
      relative blindsight. Collectively, the present results question whether
      metacontrast masking is a suitable paradigm for establishing relative blindsight.
      Implications for theories of consciousness are discussed.

PMID- 22051555
TI  - Levels of processing influences both recollection and familiarity: evidence from
      a modified remember-know paradigm.
AB  - A modified Remember/Know (RK) paradigm was used to investigate reported
      subjective awareness during retrieval. Levels of processing (shallow vs. deep)
      was manipulated at study. Word pairs (old/new or new/new) were presented during
      test trials, and participants were instructed to respond "remember" if they
      recollected one of the two words, "know" if the word was familiar in the absence
      of recollection, or "new" if they judged both words to be new. Participants were
      then required to indicate which of the 2 words was old (2AFC recognition). With
      the standard RK proportions, deeper processing at study increased remember
      proportions and decreased know proportions, but this dissociation was not shown
      with the 2AFC proportion correct measure which instead demonstrated robust LOP
      effects for both remember and know trials, suggesting that the know proportion
      measure severely distorts the nature of LOP effects on familiarity.

PMID- 22051557
TI  - Dr. Guarneri honored at Bravewell leadership event.

PMID- 22051558
TI  - Meditation: the controlled psychophysical self-regulation process that works.
AB  - The Schwartz Report tracks emerging trends that will affect the world,
      particularly the United States. For EXPLORE, it focuses on matters of health in
      the broadest sense of that term, including medical issues, changes in the
      biosphere, technology, and policy considerations, all of which will shape our
      culture and our lives.

PMID- 22051559
TI  - The role of inspiration in scientific scholarship and discovery: views of
      theistic scientists.
AB  - This qualitative research study examined the ways those who identify themselves
      as theistic scientists and scholars experience inspiration, as defined as divine
      guidance or influence, in their scientific scholarship and discovery. It also
      explored participants' beliefs about how scientists and scholars can seek and
      prepare to receive inspiration in their work. Open-ended surveys of 450
      participants from the behavioral and natural sciences and from a variety of
      religious backgrounds were analyzed for content themes in the areas of
      experiences with inspiration, preparing to receive inspiration, and further
      thoughts on inspiration in science. The themes extracted indicated that these
      scientists and scholars have experienced inspiration throughout all stages of the
      research process. They also believe that certain practices and virtues, such as
      openness to inspiration and nurturing a relationship with God, can help
      scientists and scholars be more prepared to receive inspiration in their work.

PMID- 22051560
TI  - The almost obvious case for a transcendental understanding of life.
AB  - The follow-up to the Human Genome Project has found very little to connect
      variations in our DNA blueprints to some of our basic individual characteristics.
      This very surprising "missing heritability" problem, plus a number of existing
      underappreciated challenges to the DNA-based model, together are consistent with
      an underlying complementary transcendental contribution to life. Some of the
      behavioral challenges for DNA and the material-only model are quite suggestive of
      transcendental contributions. This possible overlap between an apparent hole in
      the scientific understanding of life and the common premodern transcendental
      perspective is introduced here.

PMID- 22051561
TI  - Mirror box therapy: seeing is believing.
AB  - Working with patients with different chronic pain syndromes can be challenging.
      Pharmacological therapies are often associated with variety of side effects. Mind
      body modalities are thought to play a role; however, the lack of clear consensus
      and large body of clinical experience makes it hard to provide good evidence
      based recommendation to most of our chronic pain patients. In recent years the
      Phantom Limb Pain (PLP) and to some degree Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
      may prove to be an exception. In this review we summarize the current evidence
      supporting use of Mirror Box Therapy and its successor, Immersive Virtual
      Reality.

PMID- 22051562
TI  - Effects of mass consciousness: changes in random data during global events.
AB  - A long-term, continuing experiment is designed to assess the possibility that
      correlations may occur in synchronized random data streams generated during major
      world events. The project is motivated by numerous experiments that suggest that
      the behavior of random systems can be altered by directed mental intention, and
      related experiments showing subtle changes associated with group coherence. Since
      1998, the Global Consciousness Project (GCP) has maintained a global network of
      random number generators (RNGs), recording parallel sequences of random data at
      65 sites around the world. A rigorous experiment tests the hypothesis that data
      from the RNG network will deviate from expectation during times of "global
      events," defined as transitory episodes of widespread mental and emotional
      reaction to major world events. An ongoing replication experiment measures
      correlations across the network during the designated events, and the result from
      over 345 formal hypothesis tests departs substantially from expectation. A
      composite statistic for the replication series rejects the null hypothesis by
      more than six standard deviations. Secondary analyses reveal evidence of a
      second, independent correlation, as well as temporal and spatial structure in the
      data associated with the events. Controls exclude conventional physical
      explanations or experimental error as the source of the measured deviations. The
      experimental design constrains interpretation of the results: they suggest that
      some aspect of human consciousness is involved as a source of the effects.

PMID- 22051563
TI  - A systematic review of the literature on the chiropractic care of patients with
      autism spectrum disorder.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In addition to impacting the affected child and his/her family's
      quality of life, recent estimates place the lifetime cost for an individual with
      ASD at $3.2 million and $35 billion for the entire birth cohort. Given the
      clinical heterogeneity of ASD, treatment approaches are multidisciplinary
      including alternative therapies, particularly when no pharmaceutical agent is
      effective for the core symptoms of ASD. Chiropractic is a popular alternative
      therapy for children. A systematic review of the literature was performed to
      provide context for future research endeavors in this field. METHODS: A
      systematic review of the literature on the chiropractic care of patients with ASD
      utilized 8 databases. Eligibility criteria for inclusion included: (1) the study
      was a primary investigation/report published in an English peer-reviewed journal;
      (2) the study involved patients <=18 years; and (3) patients are diagnosed with
      autism, Asperger's Syndrome, PDD-NOS, or ASD. RESULTS: Our systematic review of
      the literature revealed a total of five articles consisting of three case
      reports, one cohort study and one randomized comparison trial. The literature is
      lacking on documenting the chiropractic care of children with ASD. DISCUSSION: At
      the heart of the core symptoms of ASD (ie, impaired social interactions, deficits
      in communication and repetitive or restricted behavioral patterns) is abnormal
      sensory processing. Preliminary studies indicate that the chiropractic adjustment
      may attenuate sensorimotor integration based on somatosensory evoked potentials
      studies. CONCLUSION: We encourage further research for definitive studies on
      chiropractic's effectiveness for ASD. However, given the ineffectiveness of
      pharmaceutical agents, a trial of chiropractic care for sufferers of autism is
      prudent and warranted.

PMID- 22051565
TI  - Advancing integration through evidence informed practice: Northwestern Health
      Sciences University's integrated educational model.

PMID- 22051566
TI  - Constructing ecologies.
AB  - We synthesize the generic properties of ecologically realistic multi-trophic
      level models and define criteria for ecological realism. We define an "ecospace"
      in which all ecologically realistic dynamics are confined, and construct
      "resource rays" that define the resources available to each species at every
      point in the ecospace. Resource rays for a species are lines from a vertex of
      maximum resource to the opposite boundary where no resources are available. The
      growth functions of all biota normally decrease along their resource rays, and
      change sign from positive to negative. This property prescribes that each species
      must have a zero isosurface within the ecospace. We illustrate our conditions on
      a highly cited three trophic level model from population dynamics, showing how to
      extend this system biologically consistently to a closed ecological system. Our
      synthesis extends the concept of carrying capacity of population models to
      explicitly include exhaustion of limiting resources, and so allows for population
      biology models to be considered as ecologically closed systems with respect to a
      key limiting nutrient. This approach unifies many theoretical and applied models
      in a common biogeochemical framework, facilitates better understanding of the key
      structures of complex ecologies, and suggests strategies for efficient design of
      experiments.

PMID- 22051567
TI  - Animal social networks as substrate for cultural behavioural diversity.
AB  - We used individual-based stochastic models to examine how social structure
      influences the diversity of socially learned behaviour within a non-human
      population. For continuous behavioural variables we modelled three forms of
      dyadic social learning, averaging the behavioural value of the two individuals,
      random transfer of information from one individual to the other, and directional
      transfer from the individual with highest behavioural value to the other.
      Learning had potential error. We also examined the transfer of categorical
      behaviour between individuals with random directionality and two forms of error,
      the adoption of a randomly chosen existing behavioural category or the innovation
      of a new type of behaviour. In populations without social structuring the
      diversity of culturally transmitted behaviour increased with learning error and
      population size. When the populations were structured socially either by making
      individuals members of permanent social units or by giving them overlapping
      ranges, behavioural diversity increased with network modularity under all
      scenarios, although the proportional increase varied considerably between
      continuous and categorical behaviour, with transmission mechanism, and population
      size. Although functions of the form e(c)1(m)-(c)2 + (c)3(Log(N)) predicted the
      mean increase in diversity with modularity (m) and population size (N),
      behavioural diversity could be highly unpredictable both between simulations with
      the same set of parameters, and within runs. Errors in social learning and social
      structuring generally promote behavioural diversity. Consequently, social
      learning may be considered to produce culture in populations whose social
      structure is sufficiently modular.

PMID- 22051568
TI  - A mathematical model of tumor-immune interactions.
AB  - A mathematical model of the interactions between a growing tumor and the immune
      system is presented. The equations and parameters of the model are based on
      experimental and clinical results from published studies. The model includes the
      primary cell populations involved in effector T-cell mediated tumor killing:
      regulatory T cells, helper T cells, and dendritic cells. A key feature is the
      inclusion of multiple mechanisms of immunosuppression through the main cytokines
      and growth factors mediating the interactions between the cell populations.
      Decreased access of effector cells to the tumor interior with increasing tumor
      size is accounted for. The model is applied to tumors with different growth rates
      and antigenicities to gauge the relative importance of various immunosuppressive
      mechanisms. The most important factors leading to tumor escape are TGF-beta
      induced immunosuppression, conversion of helper T cells into regulatory T cells,
      and the limitation of immune cell access to the full tumor at large tumor sizes.
      The results suggest that for a given tumor growth rate, there is an optimal
      antigenicity maximizing the response of the immune system. Further increases in
      antigenicity result in increased immunosuppression, and therefore a decrease in
      tumor killing rate. This result may have implications for immunotherapies which
      modulate the effective antigenicity. Simulation of dendritic cell therapy with
      the model suggests that for some tumors, there is an optimal dose of transfused
      dendritic cells.

PMID- 22051569
TI  - Exercise increases tryptophan availability to the brain in older men age 57-70
      years.
AB  - PURPOSE: Many aspects of serotonergic activity, both central and peripheral in
      origin, undergo significant changes with human aging. These alterations might
      predispose elderly people to develop mood disorders. Because previous work showed
      that increasing the peripheral availability of tryptophan (TRP) to the brain
      holds antidepressant properties, this study evaluated whether TRP availability to
      the brain is increased during prolonged exercise in older men. METHODS: Nineteen
      males age 64 +/- 3 yr completed a treadmill exercise bout at an HR eliciting ~68%
      VO(2peak) for 60 min. Fasting blood was collected at rest, after 30 and 60 min of
      exercise, and at 90 min (after exercise). Branched-chain amino acids (BCAA),
      total and free TRP, prolactin, ammonia, nonesterified fatty acids, glucose, and
      lactate were measured. RESULTS: Changes in free TRP/BCAA ratio and prolactin were
      used as peripheral proxies of central serotonin synthesis rate and activity. The
      free TRP/BCAA ratio observed at baseline was increased by 102% after 1 h of
      exercise (P < 0.0001) and remained elevated after exercise (78% above baseline, P
      < 0.001). The free TRP portion in serum increased from 2.8 +/- 0.7 to 5.7 +/- 1.8
      MUmol.L-1 after 1 h of exercise (P < 0.001) and was strongly correlated with
      plasma nonesterified fatty acid contents (r17 = 0.887, P < 0.0001, all time
      points). Serum prolactin was significantly elevated after 1 h of exercise (8.6 +/
      2.4 MUg.L-1, P < 0.001) and was positively correlated with free TRP/BCAA ratio
      (r16 = 0.48, P < 0.05, all time points). CONCLUSIONS: These results concur with
      previous observations in younger men and unveil that significant elevations in
      TRP availability to the brain are encountered during sustained exercise in older
      men. These results provide support to the hypothesis that increases in serotonin
      synthesis and activity might be involved in the antidepressant effect of exercise
      in the elderly.

PMID- 22051570
TI  - Daily step target to measure adherence to physical activity guidelines in
      children.
AB  - PURPOSE: There is a lack of robust evidence to support a daily step count target
      that equates to current physical activity guidelines in children and youth. This
      information would be useful to researchers and practitioners who are using
      pedometers to monitor physical activity. METHODS: Accelerometer and pedometer
      data collected on children and youth age 6-19 yr in the Canadian Health Measures
      Survey were used in this analysis (n = 1613). Correlation analyses of daily step
      counts and minutes of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) by age and
      sex were completed. The daily step count equivalent to 60 min of MVPA was derived
      using linear regression by age and sex. Cross-validation, including receiver
      operating curve analysis, was completed to compare the new cut points to one
      currently used as a proxy estimate of 60 min of daily MVPA (13,500 steps per day)
      as well as a range of possible step count targets between 8000 and 15,000 steps
      per day. RESULTS: Daily step counts were correlated with daily minutes of MVPA (r
      = 0.81, P < 0.0001). The step count equivalents to 60 min of MVPA ranged between
      11,290 and 12,512 steps per day (R range = 0.59-0.74). A step count target of
      12,000 steps per day resulted in closer population estimates of meeting the
      physical activity guideline (as measured as minutes of MVPA by accelerometer) as
      well as improved balance between sensitivity and specificity when compared with
      any cut point between 8000 and 15,000 steps per day, including the currently used
      daily step count target of 13,500 steps per day. CONCLUSIONS: We propose that
      12,000 steps per day be used as a target to determine whether children and youth
      age 6-19 yr are meeting the current physical activity guideline of 60 min of
      daily MVPA.

PMID- 22051571
TI  - Isomaltulose improves glycemia and maintains run performance in type 1 diabetes.
AB  - PURPOSE: Individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) are encouraged to
      reduce rapid-acting insulin and consume CHO to prevent hypoglycemia during or
      after exercise. However, research comparing the metabolic and performance effects
      of different CHO is limited. This study compared the alterations in metabolism
      and fuel oxidation in response to performance running after preexercise ingestion
      of isomaltulose or dextrose in T1DM. METHODS: After preliminary testing, on two
      occasions, seven T1DM individuals consumed 0.6 g.kg-1 body mass of either
      dextrose (DEX; glycemic index = 96) or isomaltulose (ISO; glycemic index = 32), 2
      h before a discontinuous incremental run to 80% VO2peak on a motorized treadmill
      followed by a 10-min all-out performance test on a nonmotorized treadmill. Blood
      glucose (BG), acid-base, and cardiorespiratory parameters were measured 2 h
      before, during, and after both run tests. Data (mean +/- SEM) were analyzed using
      repeated-measures ANOVA. RESULTS: Preexercise BG area under the curve was lower
      under ISO in comparison with DEX (ISO = +4.0 +/- 0.3 mmol.L-1.h-1 vs DEX = +7.0
      +/- 0.6 mmol.L-1.h-1, P < 0.01). Resting blood lactate concentrations and rate of
      CHO oxidation under ISO were greater than those elicited under DEX (P < 0.05).
      There were no metabolic or cardiorespiratory differences between conditions in
      response to submaximal exercise despite lower BG concentrations under ISO (P <
      0.05). T1DM individuals completed the same distance at the same speed during the
      10-min run test under both conditions (not significant). CONCLUSIONS: Consumption
      of isomaltulose alongside rapid-acting insulin reduction improves BG responses to
      exercise and produces a similar high-intensity run performance compared with
      dextrose in T1DM individuals.

PMID- 22051574
TI  - How has hospital consolidation affected the price and quality of hospital care?
AB  - During the 1990s, the hospital industry was transformed by mergers and
      acquisitions. This synthesis looks at why this rapid consolidation occurred and
      what impact it had on the price and quality for patients, and the cost of care
      for hospitals. Key findings include: Managed care was not a main driver of
      consolidation, but fear of managed care may have played a part. Other factors,
      including technological advances that reduced inpatient demand, and an antitrust
      environment that was receptive to consolidation contributed to consolidation.
      Research suggests hospital prices increased by 5 percent or more as a result of
      consolidation. When two hospitals merge, not only does the surviving hospital
      raise prices but so do its competitors. Evidence of the impact of consolidation
      on quality of care is limited and mixed, but the strongest studies show a
      reduction in quality. Hospital consolidation does modestly reduce the cost to
      hospitals of providing care.

PMID- 22051572
TI  - Exercise dose and insulin sensitivity:  relevance for diabetes prevention.
AB  - PURPOSE: Exercise improves insulin resistance and is a first line for the
      prevention and treatment of type 2 diabetes. The extent, however, to which these
      responses are dose dependent is not known. The purpose of this study was to
      examine whether exercise dose was associated with improvements in insulin
      sensitivity after 4 months of exercise training in previously sedentary adults.
      METHODS: Fifty-five healthy volunteers participated in a 16-wk supervised
      endurance exercise intervention with a pre/postintervention design. Insulin
      sensitivity was assessed by euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp, peak oxygen uptake
      by a graded exercise test, and body composition by dual-energy x-ray
      absorptiometry. The exercise intervention consisted of three to five sessions per
      week with a minimum of three sessions supervised. A ramped exercise prescription
      protocol was used to achieve 75% of peak HR for 45 min per session. Exercise
      dose, expressed as average kilocalories expended per week, was computed as the
      product of exercise intensity, duration and frequency. RESULTS: Improved insulin
      sensitivity was significantly related to exercise dose in a graded dose-response
      relationship. No evidence of threshold or maximal dose-response effect was
      observed. Age and gender did not influence this dose-response relationship.
      Exercise intensity was also significantly related to improvements in insulin
      sensitivity, whereas frequency was not. CONCLUSIONS: This study identifies a
      graded dose-response relationship between exercise dose and improvements in
      insulin sensitivity. The implication of this observation is of importance for the
      adaptation of exercise prescription in clinical situations.

PMID- 22051575
TI  - snoU6 and 5S RNAs are not reliable miRNA reference genes in neuronal
      differentiation.
AB  - Accurate profiling of microRNAs (miRNAs) is an essential step for understanding
      the functional significance of these small RNAs in both physiological and
      pathological processes. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) has gained acceptance
      as a robust and reliable transcriptomic method to profile subtle changes in miRNA
      levels and requires reference genes for accurate normalization of gene
      expression. 5S and snoU6 RNAs are commonly used as reference genes in microRNA
      quantification. It is currently unknown if these small RNAs are stably expressed
      during neuronal differentiation. Panels of miRNAs have been suggested as
      alternative reference genes to 5S and snoU6 in various physiological contexts. To
      test the hypothesis that miRNAs may serve as stable references during neuronal
      differentiation, the expressions of eight miRNAs, 5S and snoU6 RNAs in five
      differentiating neuronal cell types were analyzed using qPCR. The stabilities of
      the expressions were evaluated using two complementary statistical approaches
      (geNorm and Normfinder). Expressions of 5S and snoU6 RNAs were stable under some
      but not all conditions of neuronal differentiation and thus are not suitable
      reference genes. In contrast, a combination of three miRNAs (miR-103, miR-106b
      and miR-26b) allowed accurate expression normalization across different models of
      neuronal differentiation.

PMID- 22051576
TI  - Dielectrophoretic tweezers as a platform for molecular force spectroscopy in a
      highly parallel format.
AB  - We demonstrated the application of a simple electrode geometry for
      dielectrophoresis (DEP) on colloidal probes as a form of molecular force
      spectroscopy in a highly parallel format. The electric field between parallel
      plates is perturbed with dielectric microstructures, generating uniform DEP
      forces on colloidal probes in the range of several hundred piconewtons across a
      macroscopic sample area. We determined the approximate crossover frequency
      between negative and positive DEP using electrodes without dielectric
      microstructures-a simplification over standard experimental methods involving
      quadrupoles or optical trapping. 2D and 3D simulations of the electric field
      distributions validated the experimental behavior of several of our DEP tweezers
      geometries and provided insight into potential improvements. We applied the DEP
      tweezers to the stretching of a short DNA oligomer and detected its extension
      using total-internal reflection fluorescence microscopy. The combination of a
      simple cell fabrication, a uniform distribution of high axial forces, and a
      facile optical detection of our DEP tweezers makes this form of molecular force
      spectroscopy ideal for highly parallel detection of stretching or unbinding
      kinetics of biomolecules.

PMID- 22051577
TI  - Are hot flashes associated with sleep disturbance during midlife? Results from
      the STRIDE cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Sleep disturbance and hot flashes are common during menopause, but
      their association is not well understood. We sought to understand the
      associations among sleep disturbance and the frequency, bothersomeness, and
      interference of hot flashes in mid-life women. STUDY DESIGN: STRIDE is a study of
      women ages 40-65 years at varied menopausal stages. We examined the cross
      sectional associations of sleep disturbance with the frequency and bothersomeness
      of hot flashes, and interference of hot flashes with work, social, and leisure
      activities during the 2nd year of STRIDE. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Self-reported
      sleep disturbance. RESULTS: Of the 623 women with complete data, 370 (59%)
      reported having hot flashes. Bivariate analyses showed that reporting hot flashes
      with bother, but not hot flashes alone, was associated with sleep disturbance
      (odds ratio [OR] [95% confidence interval (CI)]: 2.8 [2.0-4.0] and 1.3 [0.7-2.5],
      respectively). In multivariable models, women reporting bothersome hot flashes
      were more likely to report sleep disturbance (OR [95% CI]: 2.1 [1.4-3.2])
      compared to women who reported no hot flashes. When the perceived interference of
      hot flashes with work, social activities, and leisure activities were included in
      the model, the relationships between bothersome hot flashes and sleep disturbance
      disappeared. CONCLUSIONS: Hot flashes are not associated with sleep disturbance,
      unless they are bothersome. Mid-life patients should routinely be queried about
      the bothersomeness of their hot flashes.

PMID- 22051578
TI  - Volatile components of the enzyme-ripened sufu, a Chinese traditional fermented
      product of soy bean.
AB  - In the present study, sufu, a soft cheese-like oriental fermented food, was
      prepared by ripening the salted-tofu cubes in Aspergillus oryzae-fermented
      soybean-rice koji at 37 degrees C for 16 days (16-day sufu). Sufu was further
      held at room temperature for another 30 days (46-day sufu). The volatile
      components of the non-fermented tofu cubes and the sufu products were identified
      and quantified by GC and GC-MS. A total of 70 volatile compounds including 20
      aldehydes, 18 alcohols, 16 esters, 5 ketones, 5 acids and 6 other compounds were
      identified. Sufu products contained more volatile compounds than non-fermented
      tofu cubes qualitatively and quantitatively. After 16-days of ripening, fatty
      acid, aldehyde and ester were noted to be the dominant volatile fractions. In
      contrast, the 46-day sufu contained ester, and alcohol as the major volatile
      fractions. They comprise approximately 63.9% of the total volatile components.

PMID- 22051579
TI  - Regional cerebral oxygen saturation on hospital arrival is a potential novel
      predictor of neurological outcomes at hospital discharge in patients with out-of
      hospital cardiac arrest.
AB  - AIM: To investigate the association between regional brain oxygen saturation
      (rSO(2)) on hospital arrival and neurological outcomes at hospital discharge in
      patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). METHODS: A prospective
      cohort study was conducted, registering 179 patients with OHCA who were referred
      to Senri Critical Care Medical Centre between April 2009 and June 2010. Of these
      patients, 92 met the inclusion criteria. The primary end point was "neurological
      outcomes" at hospital discharge according to the "Utstein style" guidelines.
      RESULTS: The overall rate of good neurological outcome at hospital discharge was
      14% (n=13). Sixty-one patients with rSO(2) <=25% showed poor neurological outcome
      in the receiver operating curve analysis (optimal cut-off point, 25%;
      sensitivity, 0.772; specificity, 1.000; positive predictive value, 1.000; area
      under the curve (AUC), 0.919; p<0.0001). The AUC for rSO(2) was greater than that
      for base excess (p=0.0461) or lactate (p=0.0128) measured on hospital arrival.
      Since rSO(2) >40% was previously collated with good neurological outcome after
      cardiovascular surgery, we categorised our patients into three groups in a post
      hoc analysis: patients with rSO(2) <=25% (n=61); patients with rSO(2) 26-40%
      (n=9) and patients with rSO(2) >40% (n=22). Patients with good neurological
      outcome were as follows: 0 (0%)/61 with rSO(2) <=25%; two (22.2%)/9 with rSO(2)
      26-40% and 11 (50.0%)/22 with rSO(2) >40% (p<0.0001). CONCLUSION: rSO(2) on
      hospital arrival may help predict neurological outcomes at hospital discharge in
      patients with OHCA.

PMID- 22051580
TI  - The changes of brain water diffusion and blood flow on diffusion-weighted and
      perfusion-weighted imaging in a canine model of cardiac arrest.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the changes of brain water diffusion and cerebral
      haemodynamics of cortical areas using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in canine
      models of cardiac arrest (CA) and restoration of spontaneous circulation (ROSC).
      The secondary study objective was to evaluate whether MRI can be used to observe
      haemodynamic disorders in brain microcirculation. METHODS: CA was induced in six
      beagle dogs using electrical stimulation followed by resuscitation to spontaneous
      circulation 3 min later. The dogs were scanned using MRI for echo planar,
      diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) and perfusion-weighted imaging (PWI) with
      injection of Gd-diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) prior to induction of
      CA and 3 days after ROSC. The arterial blood pressure, unilateral common carotid
      artery flow and intracranial microcirculation were recorded. RESULTS: All dogs
      successfully underwent electric-induced ventricular fibrillation which lasted 3
      min and were resuscitated to maintain blood pressure stability. Serial MRI scans
      found that cerebral blood flow (RCBF) decreased in day 1 after ROSC and returned
      to baseline on day 3. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), however, decreased on
      day 1 and remained lower than baseline on day 3, with 765.8+/-82.5*10(-6) mm(2)
      s(-1) on day 1 and 770.4+/-59.4*10(-6) mm(2) s(-1) on day 3 comparing to 855.8+/
      43.4*10(-6) mm(2) s(-1) on baseline. CONCLUSIONS: These data provide the evidence
      that early MRI can be used to observe acute haemodynamic disorders in brain
      microcirculation in a canine model of cardiac arrest.

PMID- 22051581
TI  - Violence towards those who care.

PMID- 22051582
TI  - The presence of fungi on contact electrical stimulation electrodes and ultrasound
      transducers in physiotherapy clinics.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the presence of fungi on contact electrodes and
      ultrasound transducers from physiotherapy clinics. DESIGN: Quantitative study
      conducted at the Laboratory of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Health
      Sciences and Technology of Piaui - NOVAFAPI, Teresina, Brazil. SETTING: Sample
      collection was performed in 10 clinics (20 ultrasound transducers and 20 contact
      electrodes). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Swabs were soaked with saline solution,
      inoculated in culture and incubated for filamentous fungi and yeast growth.
      RESULTS: Fourteen taxons were identified: Acremomium hyalinulum (Sacc.),
      Aspergillus terreus, Candida albicans, Cladosporium cladosporioides, Cladosporium
      elatum, Cladosporium oxysporum, Cladosporium sphaerospermum, Cladosphialophora
      bantiana, Curvularia clavata, Curvularia senegalensis, Fusarium oxysporum,
      Penicillium decumbens, Scopulariopsis candida and Sporothrix schenckii.
      Aspergillus terreus, Cladosporium oxysporum, Sporothrix shenckii and Candida
      albicans were found most often on contact electrodes, and Penicillium decumbens
      and Cladosporium cladosporioides were found most often on ultrasound transducers.
      CONCLUSION: Fungi were found on all of the contact electrodes and ultrasound
      transducers. Physiotherapy professionals need to improve the disinfection
      procedures for this equipment.

PMID- 22051583
TI  - Comparison of recognition tools for postoperative pulmonary complications
      following thoracotomy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the recognition of postoperative pulmonary complications
      (PPC) following thoracotomy and lung resection using three PPC scoring tools.
      DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: Regional thoracic centre.
      PARTICIPANTS: One hundred and twenty-nine consecutive thoracotomy and lung
      resection patients (October 2007 and April 2008). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: PPC
      assessment was performed on a daily basis using three sets of criteria described
      by Brooks-Brunn, Gosselink et al. and Reeve et al.: the Brooks-Brunn Score (BBS),
      Gosselink Score (GS) and Melbourne Group Scale (MGS), respectively. The results
      were compared with treatment for PPC and clinical outcomes including mortality,
      postoperative length of stay and high dependency unit length of stay. RESULTS:
      PPC frequency was 13% (17/129) with the MGS, 6% (8/129) with the GS and 40%
      (51/129) with the BBS. The clinically observed incidence of treated (requiring
      antibiotic therapy or bronchoscopy) PPC was 12% (16/129). CONCLUSION: PPC
      treatment following thoracotomy is common. Of the three scoring tools, the MGS
      outperforms the BBS and the GS in terms of PPC recognition following thoracotomy
      and lung resection. Patients with a PPC-positive MGS score have a worse outcome
      as defined by mortality, high dependency unit length of stay and postoperative
      length of stay. The MGS is an easy-to-use multidisciplinary scoring tool, but
      further work is required into its use in minimally invasive surgery and in
      targeting high-risk groups for therapy.

PMID- 22051584
TI  - Pulmonary rehabilitation in Australia: a national survey.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the current structure and content of pulmonary
      rehabilitation programs in Australia. DESIGN: A cross sectional, observational
      design using a purpose designed anonymous written survey. SETTING AND
      PARTICIPANTS: The National database of Pulmonary Rehabilitation Programs
      maintained by the Australian Lung Foundation was used to identify all known
      programs in all states and territories of Australia (n=193). All pulmonary
      rehabilitation programs listed on the database were included. Respondents were
      health professionals who coordinated programs. RESULTS: The response rate was 83%
      (161/193). Programs were coordinated by physiotherapists (75/147, 51%) and/or
      nurses (49/147, 33%), were hospital based (97/147, 66%) and ran for 8 weeks or
      longer (95/147, 65%). Pre (145/147, 99%) and post (137/147, 93%) program
      assessment was undertaken using a variety of measures. The Six Minute Walk Test
      (138/147, 94%) was the most commonly used test of exercise capacity. Exercise
      training was included in 145 programs (99%). Most patients attended at least two
      supervised exercise sessions per week (106/147, 72%) and exercised for at least
      20 minutes (135/147, 92%). Lower limb endurance, upper limb endurance, strength
      training, and stretching/flexibility exercises were the most commonly included
      modes of exercise. Intensity prescription for exercise training was variable.
      Many respondents (93/147, 63%) indicated that they perceived a gap between their
      clinical practice and current evidence. CONCLUSIONS: Pulmonary rehabilitation
      programs in Australia generally meet the broad recommendations for practice in
      terms of components, program length, assessment and exercise training. The
      prescription of exercise training intensity is an area requiring deeper
      exploration.

PMID- 22051585
TI  - A preliminary investigation into the effects of active interferential current
      therapy and placebo on pressure pain sensitivity: a random crossover placebo
      controlled study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: (1) To determine the effect of active and placebo interferential
      current on muscle pain sensitivity using an experimental mechanically induced
      pain model. (2) To evaluate the predictive role of expectations, gender, baseline
      muscle pain sensitivity, and intervention order on placebo response. DESIGN:
      Randomized placebo controlled cross-over trial. SETTING: University research
      laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Forty healthy volunteers (20 females, 20 males).
      INTERVENTIONS: Active interferential current, placebo (sham) interferential
      current, and no treatment/control were applied to the lumbar area on different
      days. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES: Pressure pain thresholds and placebo response.
      RESULTS: The two-way ANOVA with repeated measures analysis determined a
      significant interaction between condition and time (P=0.002). Pairwise
      comparisons found differences between active interferential and the control
      condition at 15 minutes into treatment (mean difference=0.890 kg/cm(2), 95% CI
      0.023 to 1.757, P=0.043) and at 30 minutes into treatment (mean difference=0.910
      kg/cm(2), 95% CI 0.078 to 1.742, P=0.028). The increase in pressure pain
      thresholds between the active interferential and the control condition (1.12
      kg/cm(2)) was clinically meaningful. Logistic regression analysis showed that the
      condition sequence order was the only variable that predicted placebo response
      (odds ratio 9.7; P=0.028). If a subject started the sequence receiving placebo
      treatment first, the odds of responding to placebo would be approximately 10
      times higher (i.e. 90% probability of being a placebo responder) than that of
      starting with an active treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Active interferential was more
      efficient than control condition in decreasing muscle pain sensitivity. Placebo
      interferential was not significantly different from control. Treatment sequence
      demonstrated a strong association with placebo response. These findings have
      implications for future research characterizing and identifying placebo
      responders in physiotherapy.

PMID- 22051586
TI  - Responsiveness of physical function outcomes following physiotherapy intervention
      for osteoarthritis of the knee: an outcome comparison study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the responsiveness of two self-report measures and three
      physical performance measures of function following physiotherapy for
      osteoarthritis of the knee. SETTING: Single centre study in acute hospital
      setting. METHODS: Patients referred for physiotherapy with osteoarthritis of the
      knee were recruited. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities (WOMAC),
      Lequesne Algofunctional Index (LAI), timed-up-and-go test (TUGT), timed-stand
      test (TST) and six-minute walk test (6MWT) were administered at first and final
      physiotherapy visits. Wilcoxon Signed Rank tests were used to determine the
      effect of physiotherapy on each outcome. Responsiveness was calculated using
      effect size, standardised response mean and a median-based measure of
      responsiveness due to some outlying data. RESULTS: Thirty-nine patients with a
      mean age of 65.3 (standard deviation 6.9) years were investigated before and
      after a course of exercise-based physiotherapy. There was a significant
      improvement in all outcomes except the WOMAC scores. All measures demonstrated
      small effect sizes for all statistics (<0.50), except the 6MWT which was in the
      moderate range for one of the indices (standardised response mean 0.54). The LAI
      was more responsive than the WOMAC total score and the WOMAC physical function
      subscale for all responsiveness statistics, whilst the 6MWT was more responsive
      than the TST and the TUGT. The median-based effect size index produced the
      smallest effect sizes for all measures (0.1 to 0.43). CONCLUSION: These results
      can be used to guide decision making about which physical function outcome
      measures should be used to evaluate effectiveness of rehabilitation of people
      with osteoarthritis of the knee at group level in a clinical setting.

PMID- 22051587
TI  - Calculating effect size for continuous variables: D537--a robust, quantile-based
      approach.
AB  - The calculation of effect size is an important step in measuring the potential
      real-life significance of the effect of an intervention. In the case of
      continuous data, Cohen's d is frequently used. This scales the difference between
      the means of two groups, or the mean difference between pairs of measurements, by
      dividing by the standard deviation. However, outlying values, especially in small
      studies, can influence the size of d. This article presents D537, a robust
      formula for d that is based on rank statistics. The median is used as a measure
      of difference, while the scaling factor is the range between the 30th and 70th
      percentiles of the distribution; a range that is equal to one standard deviation
      when the data are normally distributed. When data are normally distributed, the
      value of D537 is equal to that of Cohen's d. As D537 is based on the 30th, 50th
      and 70th percentiles, it is robust to outliers.

PMID- 22051588
TI  - Physiotherapy students' experience, confidence and attitudes on the causes and
      management of violent and aggressive behaviour.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Healthcare professionals are at risk of experiencing violent and
      aggressive behaviour from patients. This is most notable in those with least
      experience, such as students, yet little reported research has considered the
      experiences of physiotherapy students. The aims of this study were to: (1)
      explore the incidence and nature of violent and aggressive behaviour experienced
      by physiotherapy students; and (2) consider the attitudes and confidence of the
      students in dealing with such behaviour. DESIGN: Retrospective survey. SETTING: A
      university in the Midlands region of the UK. PARTICIPANTS: Sixty-four final year
      physiotherapy students. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The Management of Aggression and
      Violence Attitude Scale and an additional survey. RESULTS: Over half (33/64, 52%)
      of the respondents had experienced at least one incident of violent and
      aggressive behaviour on a clinical placement. The overwhelming majority of
      victims (60/64, 94%) did not feel adequately confident to deal with such
      situations. However, no incidents were officially reported to the university.
      Both victims and non-victims agreed broadly with the internal model of the causes
      of aggression and violence, but significantly (P=0.02) more victims did not
      associate the violent and aggressive behaviour with the responsibility of the
      patient to control their feelings. CONCLUSIONS: Many physiotherapy students
      experience at least one incident of violent and aggressive behaviour whilst on a
      clinical placement. Training in the recognition and management of violent and
      aggressive behaviour would be a beneficial addition to the curricula of
      physiotherapy programmes. Further larger scale research is warranted.

PMID- 22051589
TI  - Penetration and spread of interferential current in cutaneous, subcutaneous and
      muscle tissues.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the penetration depth of interferential current (IFC)
      through soft tissue and the area over which it spreads during clinical
      application. DESIGN: A laboratory-based study of healthy participants. SETTING: A
      university research laboratory. PARTICIPANTS: Twelve healthy subjects.
      INTERVENTIONS: Premodulated IFC at 90 Hz and 'true' IFC at frequencies of 4, 40
      and 90 Hz were applied via four electrodes, in a quadrant setting, to the distal
      medial thigh of each participant on separate occasions. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE:
      Voltage induced by tested currents was measured at three locations (middle of the
      four electrodes, in line with one circuit and outside the four electrodes) and
      three depths (skin, subcutaneous and muscle tissues) using three Teflon-coated
      needle electrodes connected to a Cambridge Electronic Design data acquisition
      system. RESULTS: All voltages were greater at all depths and locations compared
      with baseline (P<0.001): premodulated IFC [mean difference 0.112, 95% confidence
      interval (CI) 0.065 to 0.160], 4 Hz (mean difference 0.168, 95% CI 0.106 to
      0.229), 40 Hz (mean difference 0.165, 95% CI 0.107 to 0.223) and 90 Hz (mean
      difference 0.162, 95% CI 0.102 to 0.221). Voltages decreased with depth. Lower
      voltages of all currents were recorded in the middle of the four electrodes, with
      the highest voltage for 'true' IFC being recorded outside the four electrodes
      (mean difference 0.04, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.029; P=0.011). The premodulated IFC had
      the highest voltage in line with one circuit. CONCLUSIONS: IFC passed through
      soft tissues, with the highest voltages recorded in superficial tissue and the
      lowest voltages recorded in muscle. For 'true' IFC, the current spread outside
      the electrodes at higher voltages compared with the intersection of the four
      electrodes. The premodulated IFC had the highest voltage in line with one
      circuit. In terms of higher recorded voltages, 'true' IFCs were more efficient
      than the premodulated IFC when targeting deeper tissues. However, further studies
      with larger samples are required to confirm the results of this study.

PMID- 22051590
TI  - A national survey of the physiotherapy management of patients following first
      time patellar dislocation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to determine how musculoskeletal
      physiotherapists in acute National Health Service (NHS) hospitals manage patients
      following a first time patellar dislocation. DESIGN: National survey study.
      SETTING: All NHS acute hospitals with an accident and emergency and/or an
      orthopaedic department were surveyed. PARTICIPANTS: 306 institutions were
      surveyed. INTERVENTIONS: Each institution was sent a 14 question self
      administered questionnaire pertaining to the assessment, treatment, evaluation
      and outcome of patients following a first time patellar dislocation. After 3
      weeks, all non-respondents were sent a reminder letter. After a further 3 weeks,
      those who had not responded by this time were sent a final reminder and copy of
      the questionnaire. RESULTS: The survey response rate was 59%. The respondents
      indicated that first-time patellar dislocation was not a common musculoskeletal
      disorder managed by NHS physiotherapists, constituting an average of 2% of
      caseloads. The results suggested that physiotherapists most commonly assess for
      reduced quadriceps or VMO capacity, gait, patellar tracking and glide, and knee
      effusion when examining patients following a first-time patellar dislocation. The
      most common treatments adopted are reassurance, behaviour modification followed
      by proprioceptive, knee mobility, quadriceps and specific VMO exercises.
      CONCLUSIONS: Generic lower limb assessment and treatment strategies are widely
      used to manage this patient group. Given the previous paucity in this literature,
      further study is now recommended to assess the efficacy of these interventions to
      provide UK physiotherapists with an evidence-base to justify their management
      strategies.

PMID- 22051591
TI  - Impact of the Accreditation of Clinical Educators scheme: reflections from one
      higher education institution.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To provide a critically reflective account of clinical educators'
      experiences of the Accreditation of Clinical Educators (ACE) scheme, launched by
      the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy in 2004, and its impact on practice.
      DESIGN: A qualitative methodology with three elements: focus group interviews
      during the accreditation process, and completion of a questionnaire at its
      conclusion and 6 months following completion. All data were transcribed and
      analysed using the constant comparative method. PARTICIPANTS: Seventeen
      participants provided initial feedback through focus group interviews. Thirteen
      participants completed all three phases of the inquiry. The sample was purposive.
      RESULTS: Three main themes emerged: getting to grips with reflection: a benefit
      for CPD; the relationship between professional recognition, competence and
      confidence; and perceived impact within the educators' scope of influence.
      CONCLUSIONS: This small-scale study of the outcomes of clinical educators'
      engagement with the ACE process suggests that it contributes to their personal
      and professional development by helping them to gain experience of portfolio
      building and reflective writing, and increasing confidence in their own
      competence through providing acknowledgment of having achieved a recognised
      standard. The ACE scheme appears to impact positively on clinical educators'
      approaches to supporting students on clinical placement. However, positive
      effects also extend to colleagues and clients.

PMID- 22051592
TI  - Respiratory physiotherapy: towards a clearer definition of terminology.
AB  - Interventions used in clinical practice and research need to be described in
      sufficient detail to permit accurate replication. Since words and phrases can
      change their meaning over time, it is important that authors choose their words
      carefully and define anything which might be ambiguous. 'Breathing exercises' is
      a phrase which covers a multitude of therapeutic approaches. Recent randomised
      controlled trials have established the value of teaching patients with asthma to
      retrain their breathing. However, the descriptions of the breathing interventions
      are generally inadequate. This problem stems partly from a degree of confusion
      surrounding terms such as 'diaphragmatic breathing' which has been variously
      interpreted. A more structured approach to reporting such interventions is
      proposed. This approach will help to avoid confusion, and will permit the
      transfer of those interventions found to be effective in research trials into
      routine clinical practice.

PMID- 22051593
TI  - Familiarisation with lower limb strength testing in middle-aged women with
      osteoarthritis of the knee.

PMID- 22051594
TI  - Adolescent hip pain: the needle in the haystack. A case report.

PMID- 22051595
TI  - Traumatic pneumothorax sustained via fine-wire electromyography insertion at the
      shoulder.

PMID- 22051596
TI  - Synthesis of ruthenium(II) complexes of tetradentate bis(N
      pyridylimidazolylidenyl)methane and their reactivities towards N- donors.
AB  - A family of hexa-coordinated ruthenium(II) complexes of bis(N
      pyridylimidazolylidenyl)methane (L) were prepared and structurally characterized.
      Carbene transfer reactions of [Ru(p-cymene)Cl(2)](2), [Ru(CO)(2)Cl(2)](n) and
      RuHCl(CO)(PPh(3))(3) with silver-NHC complexes in situ generated from
      [H(2)L](PF(6))(2) and Ag(2)O afforded [RuL(CH(3)CN)(2)](PF(6))(2) (1), [Ru(2)L(p
      cymene)(2)Cl(2)](PF(6))(2) (2), [RuL(CO)(2)](PF(6))(2) (3) and
      [RuL(PPh(3))(2)](PF(6))(2) (4), respectively. The reactions of 1 towards several
      N- and P-donors were studied. The treatment of 1 with 1,10-phenanthroline
      resulted in the substitution of one pyridine and one acetonitrile molecule
      affording [RuL(phen)(CH(3)CN)](PF(6))(2) (5) as a mixture of two isomers.
      Reaction of 1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane (dppe) and 1 gave
      [RuL(dppe)(CH(3)CN)(2)](PF(6))(2) (7), in which two pyridines were substituted by
      a dppe ligand trans to two NHC groups. In contrast, reactions of 1 with ethane
      1,2-diamine, propane-1,3-diamine and 3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazole led to the
      substitution of acetonitrile and subsequent N-H addition of the C=N bond of the
      coordinated acetonitrile yielding [RuL(ethane-1,2-diamine)(N-(2
      aminoethyl)acetimidamide)](PF(6))(2) (8), [RuL(propane-1,3-diamine)(N-(3
      aminopropyl)acetimidamide)](PF(6))(2) (9) and RuL(1-(3,5-dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1
      yl)ethanimine)(CH(3)CN)](PF(6))(2) (10), respectively.

PMID- 22051597
TI  - Rapid residue analysis of fluoroquinolones in raw bovine milk by online solid
      phase extraction followed by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass
      spectrometry.
AB  - Online solid phase extraction followed by liquid chromatography coupled to tandem
      mass spectrometry was used for the determination of 15 fluoroquinolones and one
      quinolone antibiotic in raw bovine and skimmed commercial milk. Milk samples were
      partially deproteinized and defatted by 15 min centrifugation and then subjected
      to online solid phase extraction. Chromatographic separation was achieved in less
      than 15 min. Identification and quantification of the compounds of interest were
      performed by selected reaction monitoring, using an electrospray ionization
      source. Relative recoveries were calculated for raw milk (at 0.5, 1 and 1.5 times
      the MRL, or assuming 30 ng/mL for non permitted compounds) and skimmed milk (at
      30 ng/mL) and ranged between 65% and 123% (raw milk) or 78% and 109% (skimmed
      milk). Matrix interferences were also assessed and yielded significant
      suppression and enhancement effects, which, at the time of quantification, were
      corrected by the use of six isotopically labeled standards. Quality parameters of
      the method were established, and limits of detection of selected antibiotics in
      raw milk ranged from 0.01 to 1.93 ng/mL, while in skimmed milk from 0.03 to 4.23
      ng/mL. The validation of the method has been carried out according to the
      requirements set by the 2002/657/EC regulation. Finally, the applicability of the
      method was tested by analysing 28 milk samples.

PMID- 22051598
TI  - AAV vector biology in primates: finding the missing link?

PMID- 22051601
TI  - Personalized cell transfer immunotherapy for B-cell malignancies and solid
      cancers.

PMID- 22051602
TI  - An intravenous stimulus package for oncolytic virotherapy.

PMID- 22051605
TI  - Novel photocatalytic antibacterial activity of TiO2 microspheres exposing 100%
      reactive {111} facets.
AB  - TiO(2) microspheres constructed by well-crystallized faceted nanorods with high
      aspect ratios expose 100% photocatalytic reactive {111} facets on the spherical
      surface. The microspheres demonstrated excellent photocatalytic antibacterial
      activity towards Staphylococcus aureus due to effective suppression of
      photoinduced electron-hole pair recombination and active TiO(2)@OH core-shell
      structure.

PMID- 22051606
TI  - Persistence: mechanisms for triggering and enhancing phenotypic variability.
AB  - When microorganisms are exposed to lethal agents, the initial exponential decay
      in survival is typically followed by a slower decrease. This tailing of the
      survival curve is due to persister cells that have differentiated into phenotypes
      with reduced sensitivity to the lethal agent. We review the environmental factors
      that have been shown to trigger such differentiation processes, as well as the
      network motifs that enable the co-existence of persistent and nonpersistent cells
      within genetically uniform populations. Threshold amplification of noise and bi
      stability from positive feedback emerge as key motifs underlying persistence.

PMID- 22051604
TI  - Manipulation or capitulation: virus interactions with autophagy.
AB  - Autophagy is a homeostatic process that functions to balance cellular metabolism
      and promote cell survival during stressful conditions by delivering cytoplasmic
      components for lysosomal degradation and subsequent recycling. During viral
      infection, autophagy can act as a surveillance mechanism that delivers viral
      antigens to the endosomal/lysosomal compartments that are enriched in immune
      sensors. Additionally, activated immune sensors can signal to activate autophagy.
      To evade this antiviral activity, many viruses elaborate functions to block the
      autophagy pathway at a variety of steps. Alternatively, some viruses actively
      subvert autophagy for their own benefit. Manipulated autophagy has been proposed
      to facilitate nearly every stage of the viral lifecycle in direct and indirect
      ways. In this review, we synthesize the extensive literature on virus-autophagy
      interactions, emphasizing the role of autophagy in antiviral immunity and the
      mechanisms by which viruses subvert autophagy for their own benefit.

PMID- 22051607
TI  - WWP1: a versatile ubiquitin E3 ligase in signaling and diseases.
AB  - WW domain-containing E3 ubiquitin protein ligase 1 (WWP1) is a multifunction
      protein containing an N-terminal C2 domain, four tandem WW domains for substrate
      binding, and a C-terminal catalytic HECT domain for ubiquitin transferring. WWP1
      has been suggested to function as the E3 ligase for several PY motif-containing
      proteins, such as Smad2, KLF5, p63, ErbB4/HER4, RUNX2, JunB, RNF11, SPG20, and
      Gag, as well as several non-PY motif containing proteins, such as TbetaR1, Smad4,
      KLF2, and EPS15. WWP1 regulates a variety of cellular biological processes
      including protein trafficking and degradation, signaling, transcription, and
      viral budding. WWP1 has been implicated in several diseases, such as cancers,
      infectious diseases, neurological diseases, and aging. In this review article, we
      extensively summarize the current knowledge of WWP1 with special emphasis on the
      roles and action of mechanism of WWP1 in signaling and human diseases.

PMID- 22051608
TI  - When the brain decides: a familiarity-based approach to the recognition heuristic
      as evidenced by event-related brain potentials.
AB  - Humans can make fast and highly efficient decisions by using simple heuristics
      that are assumed to exploit basic cognitive functions. In the study reported
      here, we used event-related potentials (ERPs) to disclose the psychological
      mechanisms underlying one of the most frugal decision rules, namely, the
      recognition heuristic. According to this heuristic, whenever two objects have to
      be ranked by a specific criterion and only one object is recognized, the
      recognized object is ranked higher than the unrecognized object. Using a standard
      recognition-heuristic paradigm, we predicted participants' decisions by analyzing
      an ERP correlate of familiarity-based recognition occurring 300 to 450 ms after
      stimulus onset. The measure remained a significant predictor even when later ERP
      correlates were taken into account. These findings are evidence for the thesis
      that simple heuristics exploit basic cognitive processes. Specifically, the
      findings show that familiarity--that is, recognition in the absence of
      recollection--contributes to decisions made on the basis of such heuristics.

PMID- 22051609
TI  - Familial versus sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis--a false dichotomy?

PMID- 22051610
TI  - Filtering microfluidic bubble trains at a symmetric junction.
AB  - We report how a nominally symmetric microfluidic junction can be used to sort all
      bubbles of an incoming train exclusively into one of its arms. The existence of
      this "filter" regime is unexpected, given that the junction is symmetric. We
      analyze this behavior by quantifying how bubbles modulate the hydrodynamic
      resistance in microchannels and show how speeding up a bubble train whilst
      preserving its spatial periodicity can lead to filtering at a nominally symmetric
      junction. We further show how such an asymmetric traffic of bubble trains can be
      triggered in symmetric geometries by identifying conditions wherein the
      resistance to flow decreases with an increase in the number of bubbles in the
      microchannel and derive an exact criterion to predict the same.

PMID- 22051611
TI  - The effects of galanin on dorsal root ganglion neurons with high glucose
      treatment in vitro.
AB  - The exposure of neurons to high glucose concentrations is considered a
      determinant of diabetic neuropathy. The extracellular high concentration of
      glucose can cause neuronal cellular damage. Galanin (Gal) not only plays a role
      in processing of sensory information but also participates in energy homeostasis
      and glucoregulation. However, the effects of Gal on dorsal root ganglion (DRG)
      neurons with high glucose are not clear. Using an in vitro model of high glucose
      treated DRG neurons in culture, the effects of Gal on intracellular reactive
      oxygen species (ROS) expression, cell viability, apoptosis, expression of Gal and
      its receptors (GalR1 and GalR2) of DRG neurons were investigated. Neurons were
      dissociated from embryonic day 15 (E15) rat DRG and cultured for 48 h and then
      maintained in serum-free neurobasal medium containing high glucose (45 mmol/L) or
      normal glucose (25 mmol/L) for 24h. Mannitol (20 mmol/L) was also used to create
      a high osmotic pressure mimicking the high glucose condition. The results showed
      that high glucose caused a rapid increasing of intracellular ROS, decreases of
      cell viability, and upregulation of Gal and its mRNA. Exogenous Gal (1 MUmol/L)
      inhibited the above effects caused by high glucose. Interestingly, high glucose
      caused downregulation of GalR1 and its mRNA and administration of exogenous Gal
      could further decrease their expression, whereas expression of GalR2 and its mRNA
      was not affected at different experimental conditions. The results of the present
      study indicate for the first time that Gal and its receptor system are involved
      in high glucose-induced DRG neuronal injury. The contribution of exogenous Gal on
      neuroprotection appears to be quite significant. These results provide rationale
      and experimental evidence for development and further studies of Gal on
      therapeutic strategy for improving diabetic neuropathy.

PMID- 22051612
TI  - Creatine reduces oxidative stress markers but does not protect against seizure
      susceptibility after severe traumatic brain injury.
AB  - Achievements made over the last years have highlighted the important role of
      creatine in health and disease. However, its effects on hyperexcitable circuit
      and oxidative damage induced by traumatic brain injury (TBI) are not well
      understood. In the present study we revealed that severe TBI elicited by fluid
      percussion brain injury induced oxidative damage characterized by protein
      carbonylation, thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) increase and
      Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity inhibition 4 and 8 days after neuronal injury.
      Statistical analysis showed that after TBI creatine supplementation (300 mg/kg,
      p.o.) decreased the levels of protein carbonyl and TBARS but did not protect
      against TBI-induced Na(+),K(+)-ATPase activity inhibition. Electroencephalography
      (EEG) analysis revealed that the injection of a subconvulsant dose of PTZ (35
      mg/kg, i.p.), 4 but not 8 days after neuronal injury, decreased latency for the
      first clonic seizures and increased the time of spent generalized tonic-clonic
      seizures compared with the sham group. In addition, creatine supplementation had
      no effect on convulsive parameters induced by a subconvulsant dose of PTZ.
      Current experiments provide evidence that lipid and protein oxidation represents
      a separate pathway in the early post-traumatic seizures susceptibility.
      Furthermore, the lack of consistent anticonvulsant effect exerted by creatine in
      this early phase suggests that its apparent antioxidant effect does not protect
      against excitatory input generation induced by TBI.

PMID- 22051613
TI  - [Superficial mycoses in the city of Valparaiso, Chile: period 2007-2009].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Superficial mycoses are infections of the keratinous tissue caused
      by dermatophytes, yeasts and environmental fungi. OBJECTIVES: To identify the
      species of dermatophytes, yeasts and environmental fungi that cause superficial
      mycosis and analyze their differences by sex, age and location of the lesion, in
      patients from the region of Valparaiso, during 2007-2009. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      1004 patients diagnosed with superficial mycoses were studied. All ages and both
      genera were included. The study was done using direct microscopic examination
      with 20% KOH and culture of the lesions. Fungi identification was mainly
      morphophysiological. RESULTS: Of the 1004 patients studied, 609 were women and
      87.7% was 15 years old or younger. Toenail onychomycosis was the most frequent
      lesion (58.1%), followed by tinea pedis and interdigitalis (16.3%). In patients
      younger than 8 years old, tinea capitis by Microsporum canis was the most common
      mycoses. Among dermatophytes, Trichophyton rubrum (78.9%) predominated in most
      locations, followed by Trichophyton mentagrophytes (14.9%) and M. canis (5.4%).
      Candida spp. (95.4%) prevailed among the yeasts causing onychomycosis. There were
      27 cases of toenail onychomycosis caused by environmental fungi, mainly Fusarium.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our results are consistent with national and international data,
      where T. rubrum is the predominant agent of dermatomycoses. We report the
      emergency of agents not described in Chile or Latin America in these infections.

PMID- 22051614
TI  - [In vitro andulafungin susceptibility of 100 of Candida strains obtained
      previously to the introduction of this echinocandin in Chile].
AB  - Fungi, particularly yeasts, have become important opportunistic pathogens that
      can be resistant to antifungal agents or develop resistance. To address this
      problem, new molecules such as echinocandins, have been developed. Susceptibility
      to anidulafungin was studied in yeasts isolated previous to the introduction of
      this drug in Chile. One hundred strains of different yeast species isolated from
      invasive fungal infections during 2007 and 2008 were studied. Susceptibility
      testing of anidulafungin was performed by broth microdilution according to CLSI.
      All strains were susceptible to anidulafungin. MIC50 and MIC90 were 0.125 ug/mL
      and 1 ug/mL, respectively. Compared to other yeasts, C. parapsilosis showed a
      slight increase in the MICs for anidulafungin (MIC50, 1 ug/mL, MIC90, 2 ug/mL),
      but remained within the susceptible range. Both, fluconazole resistant (8) and
      dose dependent susceptible strains (16) were susceptible to anidulafungin. In
      vitro, this echinocandin appears to be an effective therapeutic alternative.

PMID- 22051615
TI  - [Declaration of Punta del Este concerning antimicrobial resistance in Latin
      America].

PMID- 22051617
TI  - [Kawasaki disease: a clinical serie].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Kawasaki disease (KD) is a serious disease in children due to its
      potential complications and sequelae if not promptly and adequately managed.
      OBJECTIVES: To describe clinical and epidemiological characteristics of children
      hospitalized due to KD at a tertiary care center and identify risk factors for
      poor outcome. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Retrospective and descriptive study of 32
      medical records of patients hospitalized with diagnosis of KD at a tertiary care
      center of Santiago, Chile between February 1999 and May 2007. RESULTS: The annual
      frequency was of 5 cases, mainly boys and during spring. The median age at
      diagnosis was 1.5 years and 87.5% of the children were younger than 5 years.
      Typical presentation prevailed in all ages (68,7%). Coronary artery affection,
      including dilatation or aneurisms, occurred in 21.9% of the cases, with aneurysms
      in 3 cases. All patients were treated with aspirin and intravenous immunoglobulin
      (IVIG); 4 patients required a second dose. No deaths were reported. The
      identified risk factors for poor outcome were age older than 5 years and
      hypoalbuminemia. CONCLUSIONS: KD is an infrequent disease that mainly occurs in
      children younger than 5 years and with a typical presentation. There are risk
      factors associated with poor outcome.

PMID- 22051618
TI  - [Diagnostic methods in candidemia: a systematic review of literature with meta
      analysis].
AB  - Candidemia is a disease with high morbidity and mortality especially in critical
      care patients. Early diagnosis enables early treatment. OBJECTIVES: To conduct a
      systematic review of the literature in order to establish the best laboratory
      tests for the diagnosis of candidemia in critical patients. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: We conducted a systematic review of available literature in PubMed.
      Serological studies were subjected to meta-analysis in metadisk-Beta 1.1.1.
      RESULTS: 4 studies of 1286 reviewed were included. Three were about serological
      tests and one about molecular testing (RT-PCR). The sensitivity and specificity
      for RT-PCR, antibody testing and antigen and antibody tests were 87% and 100%,
      47.5% and 82.6%, 96% and 81%, respectively. Diagnostic Odds Ratio of antigenemia
      was 1.51 (95% CI = 0,032-70,964, p = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: RT-PCR has better
      diagnostic performance, measuring antigenemia plus antibodies improves
      sensitivity, specificity, LR + and LR-- . There is insufficient evidence to
      support this.

PMID- 22051619
TI  - [Weeksella virosa].

PMID- 22051620
TI  - [Prevalence of ocular lesions in children seropositive to Toxocara canis].
AB  - Intraocular invasion by Toxocara canis is one of the most commonly recognized
      etiologies of uveitis and blindness in children. In order to estimate the
      prevalence of ocular lesions caused by toxocariasis in a pediatric referral
      hospital, we conducted a retrospective analysis of clinical charts of all
      children seropositive to Toxocara canis, who also had an eye exam between the
      years 2005 and 2009 at the Calvo Mackenna Children's Hospital in Santiago, Chile.
      We identified 175 children [mean age 6 years (range 0.66-15)] seropositive to
      Toxocara canis, who had dilated eye exam. Only one child [(0.57%); 95% CI, -0.55 
      1.69] had ophthalmoscopic findings compatible with Toxocara canis infection. The
      patient also suffered from decreased vision of the affected eye. The information
      gained from this study may be of useful for the implementation of algorithms for
      the ophthalmological examination of children seropositive to Toxocara canis in
      public hospitals in Chile.

PMID- 22051621
TI  - [Ectoparasitosis of clinical importance in Chile].
AB  - Several parasitic diseases affect the skin and appendages in humans, the most
      common are head lice and scabies. Both diseases have worldwide distribution with
      geographical variations. In Chile, the reported prevalence of head lice is 20-25%
      and of scabies 1-5%. Other ectoparasites include fleas and mite, causing
      transient parasitosis related to human and animal contact. These parasites are
      associated with various factors such as poor personal hygiene, promiscuity, long
      hair, crowding, and sharing of combs, among others. Various effective
      pharmacological therapies are available, which base on several active compounds.
      Important therapeutic options include topical treatments with pyrethroids,
      lindane, crotamiton, and malathion as well as oral medications such as
      ivermectin, which is used in case of drug intolerance, poor treatment response,
      infections with multiple parasites or concomitant bacterial infections. For some
      drugs, resistance has been reported in patients received multiple dosis.

PMID- 22051622
TI  - [Diagnosis and treatment of opportunistic infections in HIV/AIDS adult patients].
AB  - The following guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of opportunistic
      infections (OI) in adult HIV/AIDS patients represent the first approach to
      standardize the management of this patient group in Chile. The guidelines are
      based on scientific evidence. They intend to serve as a practical and easy-to-use
      tool for physicians during the process of selecting appropriate diagnostic tests
      and effective treatments for their patients. They also include the local
      experience in Chile related to OI in HIV/AIDS patients. Regular up-dates to
      include new scientific knowledge are proposed.

PMID- 22051623
TI  - [Antiretroviral resistance in human immunodeficiency virus infection].
AB  - Resistance to anti-retroviral therapy is one of the main problems in the
      favorable outcome of treatment in HIV patients, as well as toxicity and adherence
      to treatment. Resistance has increased in recent years, and it is evaluated
      through genotyping and phenotypic tests. Information provided by these studies is
      crucial when deciding the most appropriate treatment. However, genotype
      interpretation is complex and subject to frequent change, because of the
      incorporation of new drugs and the appearance of new resistance patterns. This
      review aims ,understanding the fundamental concepts of antiretroviral resistance
      (ARV), which examines the general principles, mechanisms and patterns of
      resistance, both for the traditional family of anti-retrovirals, as well as for
      the most recently licensed drugs.

PMID- 22051624
TI  - [Acute gastroenteritis caused by a Vibrio cholerae non-O1, non-O139 strain
      harboring a genetic region homologous to the VpaI-7 pathogenicity island].
AB  - Pathogenic Vibrio cholerae isolates, the etiologic agents of cholera, generally
      express one of two O antigens (O1 or O139). Most environmental isolates are
      nonpathogenic and are referred to as "non-O1, non-O139". However some V. cholerae
      non-O1, non-O139 strains are clearly pathogenic and have caused outbreaks or
      sporadic cases of gastroenteritis and extraintestinal infections in humans. We
      report a case of acute gastroenteritis by a V. cholerae non-O1, non-O139
      harboring a genetic region homologous to a segment of the VpaI-7 V.
      parahaemolyticus pathogenicity island.

PMID- 22051625
TI  - [Breast implant infection by Mycobacterium fortuitum in a patient with systemic
      lupus erythematosus].
AB  - In recent decades there has been an increase in the number of breast implants for
      reconstruction and cosmetic purposes. Infection is a severe complication mostly
      caused by Staphylococcus aureus or coagulase-negative staphylococci. Mycobacteria
      are an infrequent cause of infection in this type of surgery. We describe a case
      of Mycobacterium fortuitum infection in a patient with lupus, subjected to a
      prosthetic replacement. These patients are more prone to unusual opportunistic
      infections. Treatment always requires both removal of prosthetic material and
      antibiotic therapy.

PMID- 22051626
TI  - [Elimination of juvenile stages of Ascaris lumbricoides (Linnaeus, 1758) by
      mouth. Report of a case and some epidemiological considerations].
AB  - Ascariosis is a parasitic disease caused by Ascaris lumbricoides, a large
      geohelmint endemic in our country. At present, ascariosis is a rare infection in
      Chile. We present a case of an adult, resident of the Villa Alemana municipality,
      Valparaiso Region, who spontaneously expelled two juvenile nematodes by mouth. We
      review the manifestations produced by the larval and adult stages of this
      parasite including their diagnosis, treatment, and epidemiological
      considerations.

PMID- 22051627
TI  - [Dr. Pedro Moran, the medical school of 1833, and the battle of Rancagua].
AB  - With the foundation of the Medical School of 1833, the figure of Pedro Moran, the
      first professor of anatomy, physiology and hygiene, stands out. Diverse comments
      of his acts are recounted, some praising him and others revealing his concealment
      during the heat of the battle. His humble origins, competence and perseverance in
      the fulfillment of the teaching duties are extolled.

PMID- 22051628
TI  - Diffuse hepatic calcification following ischemic insult in the setting of
      impaired renal function.

PMID- 22051629
TI  - Medical malpractice: impact of the crisis and effect of state tort reforms.
AB  - As a result of rapidly rising medical malpractice insurance premiums, reduced
      availability of coverage, and financially distressed liability insurers, many
      states have passed tort reforms. This synthesis examines the medical malpractice
      ""crisis"" and the effect of state tort reforms. Evidence shows that caps on non
      economic damages reduce the average size of malpractice awards by 20 to 30
      percent and have a modest impact on malpractice insurance premium growth There is
      also evidence that the most severely injured patients are disproportionately
      affected by caps, however. Other state reforms such as changes to joint-and
      several liability, statutes of limitations, or attorney contingency fees have had
      little impact. Studies do not support the notion that overall physician supply
      has decreased, nor that there is a relationship between malpractice cost and
      physician supply. There is ""good evidence"" that doctors ""often"" engage in
      defensive medicine, ordering referrals, medications and tests to protect
      themselves from liability, but the impact of this practice is difficult to
      quantify.

PMID- 22051630
TI  - Hydrolytic behaviour and chloride ion binding capability of [Ru(eta6-p
      cym)(H2O)3]2+: a solution equilibrium study.
AB  - Hydrolysis of an organometallic cation, [Ru(eta(6)-p-cym)(H(2)O)(3)](2+) (p-cym =
      1-isopropyl-4-methylbenzene), in the presence of 0.20 M KNO(3) or KCl as
      supporting electrolyte was studied in detail with the combined use of pH
      potentiometry, (1)H-NMR, UV-VIS and ESI-TOF-MS. Stoichiometry and stability
      constants of chlorido, hydroxido and mixed chlorido-hydroxido complexes formed in
      aqueous solution have been determined. At pH < 4.0 where hydrolysis of [Ru(eta(6)
      p-cym)(H(2)O)(3)](2+) is negligible with increasing chloride ion concentration
      two chlorido complexes, [Ru(eta(6)-p-cym)(H(2)O)(2)Cl](+) and [{Ru(eta(6)-p
      cym)}(2)(MU(2)-Cl)(3)](+), are detectable. At pH > 5.0, in chloride ion free
      samples the exclusive formation of [{Ru(eta(6)-p-cym)}(2)(MU(2)-OH)(3)](+) is
      found. However, if chloride ion is present (in the range 0-3.50 M) novel mixed
      chlorido-hydroxido species, [{Ru(eta(6)-p-cym)}(2)(MU(2)-OH)(2)(MU(2)-Cl)](+) and
      [{Ru(eta(6)-p-cym)}(2)(MU(2)-OH)(MU(2)-Cl)(2)](+) can also be identified at pH >
      4.0. The results obtained in this study may help in rationalizing the solution
      behaviour of half-sandwich [Ru(eta(6)-p-cym)(XY)Z] type complexes which, after
      dissociation of both the monodentate Z and the chelating XY, are capable of
      yielding the free aqua species [Ru(eta(6)-p-cym)(H(2)O)(3)](2+). Our results
      demonstrate that different chloride ion concentrations can influence the
      speciation in the acidic pH range but at biologically relevant conditions (pH =
      7.4, c(Cl(-)) = 0.16 M) and at c(M) = 1 MUM [{Ru(eta(6)-p-cym)}(2)(MU(2)
      OH)(3)](+) is predominant in the absence of any coordinating ligands.

PMID- 22051631
TI  - Molecular cloning, heterologous expression and functional characterization of a
      novel translationally-controlled tumor protein (TCTP) family member from
      Loxosceles intermedia (brown spider) venom.
AB  - Envenoming with brown spiders (Loxosceles genus) is common throughout the world.
      Cutaneous symptoms following spider bite accidents include dermonecrosis,
      erythema, itching and pain. In some cases, accidents can cause hypersensibility
      or even allergic reactions. These responses could be associated with
      histaminergic events, such as an increase in vascular permeability and
      vasodilatation. A protein that may be related to the effects of spider venom was
      identified from a previously obtained cDNA library of the L. intermedia venom
      gland. The amino acid sequence of this protein is homologous to proteins from the
      TCTP (translationally-controlled tumor protein) family, which are extracellular
      histamine-releasing factors (HRF) that are associated with the allergic reactions
      to parasites. Herein, we described the cloning, heterologous expression,
      purification and functional characterization of a novel member of the TCTP family
      from the Loxosceles intermedia venom gland. This recombinant protein, named
      LiRecTCTP, causes edema, enhances vascular permeability and is likely related to
      the inflammatory activity of the venom. Moreover, LiRecTCTP presents an
      immunological relationship with mammalian TCTPs.

PMID- 22051633
TI  - More in Montreal.

PMID- 22051634
TI  - The mind's tangled web.

PMID- 22051632
TI  - Enhancement of the behavioral effects of endogenous and exogenous cannabinoid
      agonists by phenylmethyl sulfonyl fluoride.
AB  - Marijuana's effects in humans are most often reported as intoxicating or
      therapeutic; yet, some humans report dysphoria or other negative affect. To
      evaluate whether differences in endocannabinoid levels might account for this
      variability, the present study examined whether sensitivity to cannabinoids
      changed when anandamide (AEA) metabolism was inhibited through administration of
      phenylmethyl sulfonyl fluoride (PMSF) a non-specific irreversible amidase
      inhibitor. Male Long Evans rats were trained to discriminate 3 mg/kg Delta(9)
      tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) versus vehicle in 2-lever drug discrimination
      procedure. ED(50)s for THC and CP 55,940 were lower when administered with PMSF
      than alone. PMSF administration also potentiated characteristic cannabimimetic
      effects of THC in ICR mice. Potentiation of AEA's in vivo effects by PMSF were
      also observed, primarily as a consequence of PMSF inhibition of the enzyme fatty
      acid amide hydrolase. Enhancement of the effects of THC and CP 55,940 through
      this mechanism is unlikely, as these cannabinoids are predominantly metabolized
      through the P450 system. Mass spectrometry revealed that, in the presence of THC,
      endogenous AEA levels in the brain decreased and that this decrease was prevented
      by PMSF, suggesting that increased AEA levels may have acted additively with
      exogenously administered cannabinoids to increase cannabimimetic effects. These
      findings may account for the varying affect in response to marijuana in humans or
      cannabinoids in animals while also suggesting that metabolic inhibitors of AEA
      may potentiate marijuana's intoxicating effects in humans. This article is part
      of a Special Issue entitled 'Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder'.

PMID- 22051635
TI  - Collision course.

PMID- 22051636
TI  - Scientists and the media must give a balanced view.

PMID- 22051648
TI  - Mississippi to vote on 'personhood'.

PMID- 22051649
TI  - Mental-health guide accused of overreach.

PMID- 22051650
TI  - Report finds massive fraud at Dutch universities.

PMID- 22051651
TI  - Drilling ship to probe Japanese quake zone.

PMID- 22051653
TI  - Megatelescopes look for support.

PMID- 22051652
TI  - Research cuts hit the DNA business.

PMID- 22051655
TI  - Special issue on neuroscience: The autism enigma.

PMID- 22051656
TI  - The prevalence puzzle: Autism counts.

PMID- 22051657
TI  - Scientists and autism: When geeks meet.

PMID- 22051658
TI  - Autism's fight for facts: A voice for science.

PMID- 22051659
TI  - Changing perceptions: The power of autism.

PMID- 22051660
TI  - Science and law: Improve statistics in court.

PMID- 22051663
TI  - Patenting: European stem-cell ruling is misleading.

PMID- 22051665
TI  - Economic crisis: Call to support Greek research reforms.

PMID- 22051664
TI  - Epidemic: Control of dengue fever in Pakistan.

PMID- 22051666
TI  - Walking statues: Easter Island's complex history.

PMID- 22051667
TI  - Steve Jobs (1955-2011).

PMID- 22051668
TI  - Societal collapse: Drought and the Maya.

PMID- 22051669
TI  - Neuroscience: Periodicity without rhythmicity.

PMID- 22051670
TI  - Quantum computing: Diamond and silicon converge.

PMID- 22051671
TI  - Immunology: A heavyweight knocked out.

PMID- 22051672
TI  - Climate change: Man-made cyclones.

PMID- 22051673
TI  - Palaeontology: Fresh light on southern early mammals.

PMID- 22051674
TI  - Subsurface water and clay mineral formation during the early history of Mars.
AB  - Clay minerals, recently discovered to be widespread in Mars's Noachian terrains,
      indicate long-duration interaction between water and rock over 3.7 billion years
      ago. Analysis of how they formed should indicate what environmental conditions
      prevailed on early Mars. If clays formed near the surface by weathering, as is
      common on Earth, their presence would indicate past surface conditions warmer and
      wetter than at present. However, available data instead indicate substantial
      Martian clay formation by hydrothermal groundwater circulation and a Noachian
      rock record dominated by evidence of subsurface waters. Cold, arid conditions
      with only transient surface water may have characterized Mars's surface for over
      4 billion years, since the early-Noachian period, and the longest-duration
      aqueous, potentially habitable environments may have been in the subsurface.

PMID- 22051676
TI  - Room temperature coherent control of defect spin qubits in silicon carbide.
AB  - Electronic spins in semiconductors have been used extensively to explore the
      limits of external control over quantum mechanical phenomena. A long-standing
      goal of this research has been to identify or develop robust quantum systems that
      can be easily manipulated, for future use in advanced information and
      communication technologies. Recently, a point defect in diamond known as the
      nitrogen-vacancy centre has attracted a great deal of interest because it
      possesses an atomic-scale electronic spin state that can be used as an
      individually addressable, solid-state quantum bit (qubit), even at room
      temperature. These exceptional quantum properties have motivated efforts to
      identify similar defects in other semiconductors, as they may offer an expanded
      range of functionality not available to the diamond nitrogen-vacancy centre.
      Notably, several defects in silicon carbide (SiC) have been suggested as good
      candidates for exploration, owing to a combination of computational predictions
      and magnetic resonance data. Here we demonstrate that several defect spin states
      in the 4H polytype of SiC (4H-SiC) can be optically addressed and coherently
      controlled in the time domain at temperatures ranging from 20 to 300 kelvin.
      Using optical and microwave techniques similar to those used with diamond
      nitrogen-vacancy qubits, we study the spin-1 ground state of each of four
      inequivalent forms of the neutral carbon-silicon divacancy, as well as a pair of
      defect spin states of unidentified origin. These defects are optically active
      near telecommunication wavelengths, and are found in a host material for which
      there already exist industrial-scale crystal growth and advanced microfabrication
      techniques. In addition, they possess desirable spin coherence properties that
      are comparable to those of the diamond nitrogen-vacancy centre. This makes them
      promising candidates for various photonic, spintronic and quantum information
      applications that merge quantum degrees of freedom with classical electronic and
      optical technologies.

PMID- 22051675
TI  - Melanopsin signalling in mammalian iris and retina.
AB  - Non-mammalian vertebrates have an intrinsically photosensitive iris and thus a
      local pupillary light reflex (PLR). In contrast, it is thought that the PLR in
      mammals generally requires neuronal circuitry connecting the eye and the brain.
      Here we report that an intrinsic component of the PLR is in fact widespread in
      nocturnal and crepuscular mammals. In mouse, this intrinsic PLR requires the
      visual pigment melanopsin; it also requires PLCbeta4, a vertebrate homologue of
      the Drosophila NorpA phospholipase C which mediates rhabdomeric
      phototransduction. The Plcb4(-/-) genotype, in addition to removing the intrinsic
      PLR, also essentially eliminates the intrinsic light response of the M1 subtype
      of melanopsin-expressing, intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (M1
      ipRGCs), which are by far the most photosensitive ipRGC subtype and also have the
      largest response to light. Ablating in mouse the expression of both TRPC6 and
      TRPC7, members of the TRP channel superfamily, also essentially eliminated the M1
      ipRGC light response but the intrinsic PLR was not affected. Thus, melanopsin
      signalling exists in both iris and retina, involving a PLCbeta4-mediated pathway
      that nonetheless diverges in the two locations.

PMID- 22051677
TI  - Synthesis of macrocyclic natural products by catalyst-controlled stereoselective
      ring-closing metathesis.
AB  - Many natural products contain a C = C double bond through which various other
      derivatives can be prepared; the stereochemical identity of the alkene can be
      critical to the biological activities of such molecules. Catalytic ring-closing
      metathesis (RCM) is a widely used method for the synthesis of large unsaturated
      rings; however, cyclizations often proceed without control of alkene
      stereochemistry. This shortcoming is particularly costly when the cyclization
      reaction is performed after a long sequence of other chemical transformations.
      Here we outline a reliable, practical and general approach for the efficient and
      highly stereoselective synthesis of macrocyclic alkenes by catalytic RCM;
      transformations deliver up to 97% of the Z isomer owing to control induced by a
      tungsten-based alkylidene. Utility is demonstrated through the stereoselective
      preparation of epothilone C (refs 3-5) and nakadomarin A (ref. 6), the previously
      reported syntheses of which have been marred by late-stage, non-selective RCM.
      The tungsten alkylidene can be manipulated in air, delivering the products in
      useful yields with high stereoselectivity. As a result of efficient RCM and re
      incorporation of side products into the catalytic cycle with minimal alkene
      isomerization, desired cyclizations proceed in preference to alternative
      pathways, even under relatively high substrate concentration.

PMID- 22051678
TI  - Arabian Sea tropical cyclones intensified by emissions of black carbon and other
      aerosols.
AB  - Throughout the year, average sea surface temperatures in the Arabian Sea are warm
      enough to support the development of tropical cyclones, but the atmospheric
      monsoon circulation and associated strong vertical wind shear limits cyclone
      development and intensification, only permitting a pre-monsoon and post-monsoon
      period for cyclogenesis. Thus a recent increase in the intensity of tropical
      cyclones over the northern Indian Ocean is thought to be related to the weakening
      of the climatological vertical wind shear. At the same time, anthropogenic
      emissions of aerosols have increased sixfold since the 1930s, leading to a
      weakening of the southwesterly lower-level and easterly upper-level winds that
      define the monsoonal circulation over the Arabian Sea. In principle, this aerosol
      driven circulation modification could affect tropical cyclone intensity over the
      Arabian Sea, but so far no such linkage has been shown. Here we report an
      increase in the intensity of pre-monsoon Arabian Sea tropical cyclones during the
      period 1979-2010, and show that this change in storm strength is a consequence of
      a simultaneous upward trend in anthropogenic black carbon and sulphate emissions.
      We use a combination of observational, reanalysis and model data to demonstrate
      that the anomalous circulation, which is radiatively forced by these
      anthropogenic aerosols, reduces the basin-wide vertical wind shear, creating an
      environment more favourable for tropical cyclone intensification. Because most
      Arabian Sea tropical cyclones make landfall, our results suggest an additional
      impact on human health from regional air pollution.

PMID- 22051679
TI  - Highly specialized mammalian skulls from the Late Cretaceous of South America.
AB  - Dryolestoids are an extinct mammalian group belonging to the lineage leading to
      modern marsupials and placentals. Dryolestoids are known by teeth and jaws from
      the Jurassic period of North America and Europe, but they thrived in South
      America up to the end of the Mesozoic era and survived to the beginnings of the
      Cenozoic. Isolated teeth and jaws from the latest Cretaceous of South America
      provide mounting evidence that, at least in western Gondwana, dryolestoids
      developed into strongly endemic groups by the Late Cretaceous. However, the lack
      of pre-Late Cretaceous dryolestoid remains made study of their origin and early
      diversification intractable. Here we describe the first mammalian remains from
      the early Late Cretaceous of South America, including two partial skulls and jaws
      of a derived dryolestoid showing dental and cranial features unknown among any
      other group of Mesozoic mammals, such as single-rooted molars preceded by double
      rooted premolars, combined with a very long muzzle, exceedingly long canines and
      evidence of highly specialized masticatory musculature. On one hand, the new
      mammal shares derived features of dryolestoids with forms from the Jurassic of
      Laurasia, whereas on the other hand, it is very specialized and highlights the
      endemic, diverse dryolestoid fauna from the Cretaceous of South America. Our
      specimens include only the second mammalian skull known for the Cretaceous of
      Gondwana, bridging a previous 60-million-year gap in the fossil record, and
      document the whole cranial morphology of a dryolestoid, revealing an unsuspected
      morphological and ecological diversity for non-tribosphenic mammals.

PMID- 22051680
TI  - Grid cells without theta oscillations in the entorhinal cortex of bats.
AB  - Grid cells provide a neural representation of space, by discharging when an
      animal traverses through the vertices of a periodic hexagonal grid spanning the
      environment. Although grid cells have been characterized in detail in rats, the
      fundamental question of what neural dynamics give rise to the grid structure
      remains unresolved. Two competing classes of models were proposed: network
      models, based on attractor dynamics, and oscillatory interference models, which
      propose that interference between somatic and dendritic theta-band oscillations
      (4-10 Hz) in single neurons transforms a temporal oscillation into a spatially
      periodic grid. So far, these models could not be dissociated experimentally,
      because rodent grid cells always co-exist with continuous theta oscillations.
      Here we used a novel animal model, the Egyptian fruit bat, to refute the proposed
      causal link between grids and theta oscillations. On the basis of our previous
      finding from bat hippocampus, of spatially tuned place cells in the absence of
      continuous theta oscillations, we hypothesized that grid cells in bat medial
      entorhinal cortex might also exist without theta oscillations. Indeed, we found
      grid cells in bat medial entorhinal cortex that shared remarkable similarities to
      rodent grid cells. Notably, the grids existed in the absence of continuous theta
      band oscillations, and with almost no theta modulation of grid-cell spiking--both
      of which are essential prerequisites of the oscillatory interference models. Our
      results provide a direct demonstration of grid cells in a non-rodent species.
      Furthermore, they strongly argue against a major class of computational models of
      grid cells.

PMID- 22051682
TI  - Ethnic differences in self-rated overweight and association with reporting weight
      loss action: the SUNSET study.
AB  - AIM: To investigate ethnic differences in self-rated overweight and self-reported
      weight loss action. METHODS: Cross-sectional study (conducted in 2001-03) of 1441
      residents (35-60 years) of Amsterdam, The Netherlands: Surinamese of South Asian
      (SA-Sur) and African (Afr-Sur) origin and ethnic Dutch. Self-rated overweight and
      self-reported weight loss action assessed by questionnaire. Height, weight and
      waist circumference (WC) measured in a clinic setting. RESULTS: Compared with
      ethnic Dutch and adjusting for BMI, Afr-Sur men [odds ratio (OR) 0.32; 95% CI
      0.19-0.57] and women (OR 0.54; 95% CI 0.34-0.86) were less likely to rate
      themselves as overweight. However, adjustment for WC reduced differences in self
      rated overweight (men: OR 0.79; 95% CI 0.46-1.35; women: OR 0.89; 95% CI 0.59
      1.36). SA-Sur participants did not differ significantly from ethnic Dutch when
      adjusting for either BMI or WC. Surinamese participants were significantly more
      likely to report weight loss action independent of BMI, WC or self-rated
      overweight. In Afr-Sur men, elevated WC, not BMI was associated with reported
      weight loss action (OR 2.31; 95% CI 1.35-3.99 vs. OR 1.52, 95% CI 0.89-2.58,
      respectively). CONCLUSION: In this population, differences in self-rated
      overweight were explained by measured weight variables (BMI or WC). Our results
      do not support the hypothesis that Surinamese migrants would be less likely to be
      attempting weight loss than their Dutch peers. Further research into the reasons
      underlying this finding and associated weight loss behaviour seems indicated.

PMID- 22051683
TI  - Parents' alcohol use: gender differences in the impact of household and family
      chores.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Social roles influence alcohol use. Nevertheless, little is known
      about how specific aspects of a given role, here parenthood, may influence
      alcohol use. The research questions for this study were the following: (i) are
      family-related indicators (FRI) linked to the alcohol use of mothers and fathers?
      and (ii) does the level of employment, i.e. full-time, part-time employment or
      unemployment, moderate the relationship between FRI and parental alcohol use?
      METHODS: Survey data of 3217 parents aged 25-50 living in Switzerland. Mean
      comparisons and multiple regression models of annual frequency of drinking and
      risky single occasion drinking, quantity per day on FRI (age of the youngest
      child, number of children in the household, majority of child-care/household
      duties). RESULTS: Protective relationships between FRI and alcohol use were
      observed among mothers. In contrast, among fathers, detrimental associations
      between FRI and alcohol use were observed. Whereas maternal responsibilities in
      general had a protective effect on alcohol use, the number of children had a
      detrimental impact on the quantity of alcohol consumed per day when mothers were
      in paid employment. Among fathers, the correlations between age of the youngest
      child, number of children and frequency of drinking was moderated by the level of
      paid employment. CONCLUSION: The study showed that in Switzerland, a systematic
      negative relationship was more often found between FRI and women's drinking than
      men's. Evidence was found that maternal responsibilities per se may protect from
      alcohol use but can turn into a detrimental triangle if mothers are additionally
      in paid employment.

PMID- 22051684
TI  - CR@BaSO4: an acid rain-indicating material.
AB  - The CR@BaSO(4) hybrid was synthesized, characterized and used as an acid rain
      indicating (ARI) material. A painted ARI umbrella was discolored after exposure
      to simulated acid rain of pH 5 or less and returned to the initial color after
      the rain stopped. Such a functionalized material may make acid rain visual to
      remind people in real-time.

PMID- 22051685
TI  - Synthesis, characterization and magnetic properties of hollow microspheres with
      micro-mesoporous shells assembled from cobalt-based ferrocenyl coordination
      polymers.
AB  - Hollow magnetic microspheres with micro-mesoporous shells were constructed with
      layered cobalt-based ferrocenyl coordination polymers (Co-Fc-HCPS) through a one
      step Ostwald ripening process. The diameters of microspheres and corresponding
      cavities were controlled in the range of several microns by tuning the reaction
      time and reactant concentration, which would attribute the microspheres with high
      loading, and enhanced mass diffusion and transfer efficiency. The high
      crystallinity of hollow microspheres allowed determination of the crystal
      structure of cobalt-based ferrocenyl coordination polymer, which crystallized in
      Brucite-type layered structure with the formula of Co(4)(OH)(4)(FcDC)(2),
      (H(2)FcDC=1,1'-ferrocenedicarboxylic acid), by combination of powder X-ray
      diffraction (PXRD), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), element analysis
      (EA), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). N(2)
      adsorption/desorption investigation revealed the existence of both mesopores
      around 3.81 nm and micropores of ca. 1 nm in the shells. The hollow microspheres
      exhibited spin-canted antiferromagnetism with weak ferromagnetic ordering below
      ~52 K, which showed a remanent magnetization (Mr) of 1.0 MU(B) and a large
      coercive field (Hc) of 5 kOe at 7 K.

PMID- 22051686
TI  - Deposition of gold nanoparticles on beta-FeOOH nanorods for detecting melamine in
      aqueous solution.
AB  - This study demonstrates a facile but efficient approach to deposit metallic
      (gold) nanoparticles on beta-FeOOH nanorods to obtain Au/beta-FeOOH
      nanocomposites without the assistance of any polymers or surfactants at ambient
      conditions. In this method, a strong reducing agent (NaBH(4)) can be used to
      extensively produce Au nanoparticles, converting beta-FeOOH into Fe(3)O(4) and
      depositing gold particles onto magnetic Fe(3)O(4) simultaneously. The
      microstructure, composition, and chemical properties of the obtained
      nanocomposites are characterized by various advanced techniques, including
      transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray
      diffraction (XRD), and UV-vis spectroscopy. Moreover, the Au/beta-FeOOH
      nanocomposite can be used to detect trace melamine using UV spectrum in the
      ultraviolet wavelength range (190-260 nm), in which the nanocomposites show a
      higher sensitivity toward melamine due to the promotion of symmetry-forbidden
      bands (n->pi(*)) of melamine molecules and also avoid the disturbance of
      commercial products containing solid colloids or food colorings that distort
      visual spectrum during the detection of chemical sensing. The deposition
      mechanisms and their sensing detection toward melamine are discussed.

PMID- 22051687
TI  - Self-assembled amorphous drug-polyelectrolyte nanoparticle complex with enhanced
      dissolution rate and saturation solubility.
AB  - The dissolution rate and solubility of poorly soluble drugs can be enhanced by
      formulating them into stable amorphous nanoparticle complex (nanoplex). For this
      purpose, a highly sustainable self-assembly drug-polyelectrolyte complexation
      process is developed, with ciprofloxacin and dextran sulfate as the drug and
      polyelectrolyte models, respectively. The nanoplex are prepared by mixing two
      aqueous salt solutions - one containing the drug and the other containing the
      oppositely charged polyelectrolyte. The nanoplex suspension is transformed into
      stable dry-powder form by freeze-drying. The effects of drug concentration, drug
      to-polyelectrolyte charge ratio, and salt concentration on the complexation
      efficiency, yield, drug loading, and nanoplex morphology are examined. The
      dissolution rates and solubility of the nanoplex are characterized and compared
      to raw drug crystals. Nearly spherical amorphous nanoplex having fairly uniform
      sizes in the range of 200-400 nm and 80% drug loading are successfully produced
      at >=80% complexation efficiency and yield. The complexation efficiency is
      governed by the drug concentration and its ratio to the salt concentration. The
      nanoplex powders exhibit approximately twice higher dissolution rate and
      solubility than raw drug crystals and remain stable after one-month storage.
      Overall, amorphous nanoplex represent a promising bioavailability-enhanced
      formulation of poorly soluble drugs owed to their superior characteristics and
      ease of preparation.

PMID- 22051688
TI  - Validity of a brief self-report instrument for assessing compliance with physical
      activity guidelines amongst adolescents.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine the validity of a brief self-report questionnaire for
      assessing physical activity, and compliance and non-compliance with moderate-to
      vigorous physical activity (MVPA) recommendations in Australian adolescents
      against accelerometry. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. METHODS: MVPA of 203
      adolescents (124 females, 79 males) aged 15-17 years was objectively assessed for
      8 consecutive days using uni-axial accelerometers and calculated using age
      specific cut-points. Adolescents self-reported the number of days (0-7) they were
      physically active for a total of at least 60 min/day (1) over the past 7 days and
      (2) over a typical week. Compliance with physical activity recommendations was
      defined as (1) 5 and (2) 7 days of self-reported MVPA (of at least 60 min/day),
      and (3) >=60 min MVPA per average day, and (4) >60 min MVPA on every day
      according to accelerometry. Spearman's Rho correlations analysed the association
      between accelerometry-derived MVPA/day and self-reported MVPA days/week for the
      whole sample, sex and weight status. Percent agreement determined the proportion
      of adolescents correctly identified as not meeting physical activity
      recommendations (specificity) or as meeting physical activity recommendations
      (sensitivity) according to the self-report questionnaire. RESULTS: Moderate to
      large correlations were found between the self-report and accelerometer data (0.2
      0.51) across population subgroups. The percent agreement between the self-report
      and accelerometry data was good for specificity; however, the sensitivity was
      low, potentially due to poor compliance with recommendations. CONCLUSIONS:
      Compared to accelerometry, the brief MVPA self-report questionnaire appears to
      have acceptable validity for measuring non-compliance with physical activity
      recommendations in 15-17 year old adolescents.

PMID- 22051689
TI  - Regarding cancer predisposition detected by CHG arrays.

PMID- 22051692
TI  - Optical super-resolution microscopy in neurobiology.
AB  - Understanding the highly plastic nature of neurons requires the dynamic
      visualization of their molecular and cellular organization in a native context.
      However, due to the limited resolution of standard light microscopy, many of the
      structural specializations of neurons cannot be resolved. A recent revolution in
      light microscopy has given rise to several super-resolution light microscopy
      methods yielding 2-10-fold higher resolution than conventional microscopy. We
      here describe the principles behind these techniques as well as their application
      to the analysis of the molecular architecture of the synapse. Furthermore, we
      discuss the potential for continued development of super-resolution microscopy as
      necessary for live imaging of neuronal structure and function in the brain.

PMID- 22051693
TI  - Depolarization gates spine calcium transients and spike-timing-dependent
      potentiation.
AB  - Timing-dependent long-term potentiation (t-LTP) is induced when synaptic activity
      is immediately followed by one or more back-propagating action potentials (bAPs)
      in the postsynaptic cell. As a mechanistic explanation, it has been proposed that
      the bAP removes the Mg2+ block of synaptic NMDA receptors, allowing for rapid
      Ca2+ entry at the active synapse. Recent experimental studies suggest that this
      model is incomplete: NMDA receptor-based coincidence detection requires strong
      postsynaptic depolarization, usually provided by AMPA receptor currents.
      Apparently, the brief AMPA-EPSP does not only enable t-LTP, it is also
      responsible for the very narrow time window for t-LTP induction. The emerging
      consensus puts the spine in the center of coincidence detection, as active
      conductances on the spine together with the electrical resistance of the spine
      neck regulate the depolarization of the spine head and thus Ca2+ influx during
      pairing. A focus on postsynaptic voltage during synaptic activation not only
      encompasses spike-timing-dependent plasticity (STDP), but explains also the
      cooperativity and frequency-dependence of plasticity.

PMID- 22051694
TI  - Regulation of AMPA receptor surface diffusion by PSD-95 slots.
AB  - Excitatory synaptic transmission is largely mediated by AMPA receptors (AMPARs)
      present at the postsynaptic density. Recent studies in single molecule tracking
      of AMPAR has revealed that extrasynaptic AMPARs are highly mobile and thus might
      serve as a readily available pool for their synaptic recruitment during synaptic
      plasticity events such as long-term potentiation (LTP). Because this hypothesis
      relies on the cell's ability to increase the number of diffusional traps or
      'slots' at synapses during LTP, we will review a number of protein-protein
      interactions that might impact AMPARs lateral diffusion and thus potentially
      serve as slots. Recent studies have identified the interaction between the AMPAR
      Stargazin complex and PSD-95 as the minimal components of the diffusional
      trapping slot. We will overview the molecular basis of this critical interaction,
      its activity-dependent regulation and its potential contribution to LTP.

PMID- 22051695
TI  - Patterning cells and shear flow conditions: convenient observation of endothelial
      cell remoulding, enhanced production of angiogenesis factors and drug response.
AB  - We present a method that allows patterning cells and shear flow conditions for
      endothelial cell based assays. This method is novel in combining (1) cell culture
      on the surface of a substrate both topographically and chemically patterned; (2)
      multi-shear flow assays after covering the cell substrate with a microfluidic
      cover plate containing microchannels of different channel widths, and (3)
      conventional immunostaining assays after removal of the cover plate. This method
      has the advantage of performing cell cultures and immunoassays in standard cell
      biology environments with open access, facilitating the formation of confluent
      cell layers and the observation of cell responses to shear-flow and drug
      stimulations. To obtain multi-shear stress conditions, a single channel with
      stepwise increasing channel widths was patterned on the surfaces of both the
      substrate and the microfluidic cover plate. As results, we observed excellent
      viability of endothelial cells in the whole range of applied shear stresses (0-25
      dyn cm(-2)) and shear stress dependent cytoskeleton remoulding, activation of von
      Willebrand factor (vWF), and re-organisation of angiogenesis factors such as
      tetra peptide acetyl-Ser-Asp-Lys-Pro (AcSDKP) of endothelial cells. To validate
      this approach for drug analysis, we also studied drug effects under shear stress
      conditions. Our results indicate that the drug effect of combretastatin A-4, an
      anti-tumour vascular targeting drug, could be significantly enhanced under shear
      flow conditions.

PMID- 22051696
TI  - Induction and maintenance of allergen-specific FOXP3+ Treg cells in human tonsils
      as potential first-line organs of oral tolerance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tonsils are strategically located in the gateway of both alimentary
      and respiratory tracts representing the first contact point of food and
      aeroallergens with the immune system. Tonsillectomy removes only the palatine
      tonsils and sometimes adenoids. Lingual tonsil is anatomically big and remains
      lifelong intact. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to demonstrate cellular and
      molecular mechanisms of oral tolerance induction to food and aeroallergens in
      human tonsils. METHODS: Tonsil allergen-specific FOXP3(+) regulatory T (Treg)
      cells, plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs), and myeloid dendritic cells were
      characterized by flow cytometry and suppressive assays. Intracellular staining,
      [(3)H]-thymidine incorporation, and carboxy-fluorescein succinimidyl ester
      dilution experiments were performed. Tonsil biopsies were analyzed by confocal
      microscopy. RESULTS: CD4(+)FOXP3(+) Treg cells and pDCs constitute important T-
      and dendritic cell-compartments in palatine and lingual tonsils. Tonsil pDCs have
      the ability to generate functional CD4(+)CD25(+)CD127(-)FOXP3(+) Treg cells with
      suppressive property from naive T cells. CD4(+)FOXP3(+) Treg cells proliferate
      and colocalize with pDCs in vivo in T-cell areas of lingual and palatine tonsils.
      Tonsil T cells did not proliferate to common food and aeroallergens. Depletion of
      FOXP3(+) Treg cells enables the allergen-induced proliferation of tonsil T cells,
      indicating an active role of Treg cells in allergen-specific T-cell
      unresponsiveness. High numbers of major birch pollen allergen, Bet v 1-specific
      CD4(+)FOXP3(+) Treg cells, are identified in human tonsils compared with
      peripheral blood. A positive correlation between the percentages of FOXP3(+) Treg
      cells and pDCs is observed in tonsils from nonatopic individuals. CONCLUSION:
      Functional allergen-specific Treg cells are identified both in lingual and in
      palatine tonsils.

PMID- 22051697
TI  - Genome-wide association study reveals class I MHC-restricted T cell-associated
      molecule gene (CRTAM) variants interact with vitamin D levels to affect asthma
      exacerbations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It has recently been shown that vitamin D deficiency can increase
      asthma development and severity and that variations in vitamin D receptor genes
      are associated with asthma susceptibility. OBJECTIVE: We sought to find genetic
      factors that might interact with vitamin D levels to affect the risk of asthma
      exacerbation. METHODS: We conducted a genome-wide study of gene-vitamin D
      interaction on asthma exacerbations using population-based and family-based
      approaches on 403 subjects and trios from the Childhood Asthma Management
      Program. Twenty-three polymorphisms with significant interactions were studied in
      a replication analysis in 584 children from a Costa Rican cohort. RESULTS: We
      identified 3 common variants in the class I MHC-restricted T cell-associated
      molecule gene (CRTAM) that were associated with an increased rate of asthma
      exacerbations based on the presence of a low circulating vitamin D level. These
      results were replicated in a second independent population (unadjusted combined
      interaction, P = .00028-.00097; combined odds ratio, 3.28-5.38). One variant,
      rs2272094, is a nonsynonymous coding polymorphism of CRTAM. Functional studies on
      cell lines confirmed the interaction of vitamin D and rs2272094 on CRTAM
      expression. CRTAM is highly expressed in activated human CD8(+) and natural
      killer T cells, both of which have been implicated in asthmatic patients.
      CONCLUSION: The findings highlight an important gene-environment interaction that
      elucidates the role of vitamin D and CD8(+) and natural killer T cells in asthma
      exacerbation in a genome-wide gene-environment interaction study that has been
      replicated in an independent population. The results suggest the potential
      importance of maintaining adequate vitamin D levels in subsets of high-risk
      asthmatic patients.

PMID- 22051698
TI  - Evaluation of national institute of allergy and infectious diseases/food allergy
      and anaphylaxis network criteria for the diagnosis of anaphylaxis in emergency
      department patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diagnostic criteria were proposed at the Second Symposium on the
      Definition and Management of Anaphylaxis convened by the National Institute of
      Allergy and Infectious Diseases/Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network
      (NIAID/FAAN). Validation is needed before these criteria can be widely adapted
      into clinical practice. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to retrospectively assess the
      diagnostic accuracy of the NIAID/FAAN criteria for the diagnosis of anaphylaxis
      in emergency department (ED) patients. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study of
      ED patients presenting from April to October 2008 was conducted. Patients given a
      diagnosis of an allergic reaction or anaphylaxis and a subset of patients with
      related diagnoses were included. Electronic medical records were reviewed and
      data were abstracted to determine whether the NIAID/FAAN criteria were met.
      Records were also independently reviewed in a blinded fashion by 2 experienced
      attending allergists. Final diagnosis by allergists was considered the reference
      standard. RESULTS: Of 214 patients, 86 (40.2%) met the NIAID/FAAN criteria for
      anaphylaxis. Allergists gave 61 (28.5%) patients diagnoses of anaphylaxis, 59
      (96.7%) of whom satisfied the NIAID/FAAN criteria. The interrater agreement
      between allergists was substantial (kappa = 0.77). The test characteristics of
      the NIAID/FAAN criteria were as follows: sensitivity, 96.7% (95% CI, 88.8% to
      99.1%); specificity, 82.4% (95% CI, 75.5% to 87.6%); positive predictive value,
      68.6% (95% CI, 58.2% to 77.4%); negative predictive value, 98.4% (95% CI, 94.5%
      to 99.6%); positive likelihood ratio, 5.48; and negative likelihood ratio, 0.04.
      CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the NIAID/FAAN criteria are highly
      sensitive but less specific and are likely to be useful in the ED for the
      diagnosis of anaphylaxis.

PMID- 22051699
TI  - Gold-peptide nanoconjugate cellular uptake is modulated by serum proteins.
AB  - Gold nanoparticles (Au NPs, 20 nm) were conjugated with two different cysteine
      terminated peptides. Radio-ligand binding studies were conducted to characterize
      Au NP-peptide binding, suggesting both covalent and noncovalent interactions. The
      interactions of serum proteins with Au NP-peptide nanoconjugates were determined
      using gel electrophoresis and dynamic light scattering. Serum proteins rapidly
      bound the nanoconjugates (15 minutes). The cellular uptake of free peptides and
      nanoconjugates into mouse myogenic (Sol8) cells was investigated in the absence
      or presence of serum. In the absence of serum, peptides presented as
      nanoconjugates showed significantly higher intracellular fluorescence signals
      compared to those in the presence of serum (P < 0.05), suggesting that serum
      proteins inhibit Au NP-mediated peptide delivery. The cellular uptake of
      nanoconjugates was also confirmed using transmission electron microscopy. These
      data suggest that Au NP-peptide nanoconjugates are a useful platform for
      intracellular delivery of therapeutics. However, a deeper understanding of the
      mechanisms regulating their uptake and intracellular trafficking is needed.

PMID- 22051700
TI  - Nonylphenol polyethoxylates induce phosphorylation of histone H2AX.
AB  - Nonylphenol polyethoxylates (NPEOs) are non-ionic surfactants widely used for
      industrial and household purposes. Since biodegraded short chain NPEOs were
      reported to elicit estrogenic activity in organisms, numerous studies have been
      carried out to assess the endocrine-disrupting potential of NPEOs; however, the
      genotoxicity of the compounds is not fully known, let alone the relationship
      between the genotoxic potential and number of ethylene oxide (EO) units of NPEOs.
      In this study, we examined the genotoxicity of NPEO(n) having various EO units
      (n=0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 30, 40 and 70) in a human breast adenocarcinoma cell line,
      MCF-7, based on the phosphorylation of histone H2AX (gamma-H2AX), recently
      regarded as a sensitive marker for DNA damage. We clarified that NPEOs have the
      ability to form gamma-H2AX via activation of ATM or DNA-PK, a general signaling
      pathway in response to DSBs, and this ability was strongly dependent on the
      number of EO units, that is, NPEO(0-15) having smaller numbers of EO units more
      readily generated gamma-H2AX. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that the
      generation of gamma-H2AX was independent of cell cycle phases. Although the
      mechanism by which the NPEOs generated gamma-H2AX was not able to be elucidated
      in the present study, it was clear that the involvement of reactive oxygen
      species and apoptotic DNA fragmentation were not causal factors. The generation
      of gamma-H2AX means the formation of DSBs, the worst type of DNA damage. The
      results indicated that attention should be paid to degradated short chain NPEOs
      and their genotoxicity.

PMID- 22051702
TI  - Diruthenium(II,III) tetramidates as a new class of oxygenation catalysts.
AB  - Two new diruthenium(II,III) tetramidate compounds, Ru(2)(NHOCC(CH(3))(2))(4)Cl
      (1) and Ru(2)(NHOCCH(2)CH(3))(4)Cl (2) have been prepared and structurally
      characterized by X-ray crystallography. The activity of promoting sulfide
      oxygenation using simple oxidants such as hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) and tert
      butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP) was studied. A UV-kinetics study indicated that the
      initial rates of 1 and 2 are comparable to the previously studied diruthenium
      tetracarboxylates in promoting TBHP oxygenation of methyl phenyl sulfide (MPS).
      Using excess oxidant and CH(3)CN as the solvent, organic sulfides MPS and
      diphenyl sulfide (PPS) were oxidized using 1 mol% of the catalytic species.
      Compound 1 is more effective than 2 in converting sulfides to sulfoxide under the
      same conditions. Fast conversion was achieved when the reactions were carried out
      in the solvent-free conditions, and the major oxidation product was the
      sulfoxide. The electronic structure of the title compounds was studied with DFT
      calculations to gain an understanding of the activation of peroxy reagents.

PMID- 22051701
TI  - Anti-diabetic potential of ursolic acid stearoyl glucoside: a new triterpenic
      gycosidic ester from Lantana camara.
AB  - A new stearoyl glucoside of ursolic acid, urs-12-en-3beta-ol-28-oic acid 3beta-D
      glucopyranosyl-4'-octadecanoate and other compounds were isolated from the leaves
      of Lantana camara L. The structure of this new glycoside was elucidated and
      established by standard spectroscopic methods. In streptozotocin-induced diabetic
      rats it showed significant reduction in blood glucose level.

PMID- 22051703
TI  - The built environment and physical activity.
AB  - Regular physical activity has many health benefits, but in spite of the benefits
      many Americans are not sufficiently active. There is increasing recognition of
      the importance of environmental factors-including the built environment-to help
      promote physical activity. The built environment describes physical or manmade
      features such as sidewalks, streetlights, traffic and parks that may promote or
      discourage activity. This synthesis examines the evidence on the built
      environment-proximity to destinations, sidewalks, aesthetics, access to parks and
      open spaces, and the walkability of the community-and the relationship to
      increased physical activity. Findings include: There is reasonably strong
      evidence of an association between many factors of the built environment and
      increased physical activity, but the evidence on whether or not the built
      environment promotes activity is weak. Most research shows that individual and
      societal factors are stronger drivers of activity than the built environment.

PMID- 22051705
TI  - [Availability of physicians and specialists in Chile].
AB  - The availability and planning of Human Resources are important issues in many
      countries, as it is a key factor to cope with the critical challenges of Health
      Care Systems. In Chile, the Ministry of Health has undertaken several studies in
      order to improve knowledge about the medical workforce both in public and private
      sectors. The aim of this paper is to update and systematize the existing data on
      physicians and specialists availability in Chile. Several information sources
      were crossed to obtain new and more precise figures about this topic. According
      to the Internal Revenue System, 29.996 physicians practice medicine in the
      country, 43% of them hired in public services, part or full time. There is a high
      concentration of professionals in the central regions of Chile. Being the overall
      density of physicians of one per 559 inhabitants, the figures in the central
      region is one per 471 and one per more than 800 in the South and North. Between
      2004 and 2008, the public sector increased its physician workforce by more than
      80% in primary health care and more than 20% in the secondary and tertiary
      levels. This paper presents a method for a more rigorous identification of the
      categories of general practitioner and specialist respectively, and the results
      obtained from the databases used.

PMID- 22051704
TI  - The associations of parental under-education and unemployment on the risk of
      preterm birth: 2003 Korean National Birth Registration database.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the associations of combined parental
      low educational level and combined parental unemployment on the risk of preterm
      birth (PTB) in Korea. METHODS: Data on 427,857 singleton births were obtained
      from the National Birth Registration (NBR) database in 2003 and analyzed.
      Parental education and parental employment status were combined as exposure for
      analysis. Place of birth, sex, marital status, parental age and parity were
      included for analysis of unconditional multiple logistic regressions. PTB was
      defined as birth before a gestational age of 37 complete weeks. RESULTS: Group of
      the lowest educational level, below high school, had the highest odds of PTB in
      both father and mother in multivariable analysis [odds ratio (OR) 1.15 and 1.16,
      respectively]. After combining parental educational status for the multivariable
      analysis, the highest probability of PTB was in families where both parents had
      below college level education (OR 1.22). As for paternal employment, the
      multivariable analysis showed an increased rate of PTB occurred where the father
      was unemployed (OR 1.11). After combining the employment status of both parents,
      the multivariable analysis revealed that PTB was only significant in families
      where both parents were unemployed (OR 1.09). CONCLUSIONS: We found that combined
      parental low educational level and combined parental unemployment increased the
      likelihood of preterm birth.

PMID- 22051706
TI  - [Anxiety, depression and self-concept among morbid obese patients before and
      after bariatric surgery].
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is conflicting evidence about the emotional impact of bariatric
      surgery among obese individuals. AIM: To evaluate anxiety, depression and self
      concept, before and after bariatric surgery among patients with morbid obesity.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: Fifteen males and 5 females aged 28 to 61 years with a mean
      body mass index of 42.6 +/- 5 kg/m(2), were studied. Grid Technique (TR),
      Personal Self Evaluation Questionnaire (OQ-45.2) and Anxiety Sate-Trait Inventory
      (STAI) were applied before and six months after bariatric surgery. RESULTS: After
      surgery, the scores of self-esteem, well-being, flexibility, attraction, self
      acceptance, confidence and guilt improved significantly. STAI and OQ-45.2 anxiety
      and depressive symptoms assessment were in the normal range before and after
      surgery. However, after surgery, there was a significant decrease in these sub
      scales in the OQ-45.2. No significant changes in anxiety measured using the STAI,
      were observed after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Six months after bariatric surgery,
      positive changes were found in self-concept, and overall well-being.

PMID- 22051707
TI  - [Validation of the WHOQOL-BREF quality of life questionnaire among Chilean older
      people].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The WHOQOL-BREF is a generic questionnaire to measure quality of life
      created by the Study Group on Quality of Life of the World Health Organization.
      AIM: To adapt and evaluate the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of
      the WHOQOL-BREF instrument in a group of Chilean older subjects living in
      Metropolitan Santiago. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A linguistic-cultural adaptation of
      the Spanish version of the WHOQOL-BREF was performed and tested in a pilot study.
      Subsequently, the modified scale was applied to a group of 1186 older women aged
      72 +/- 8 years and 334 men aged 72 +/- 7 years. The psychometric properties such
      as internal consistency, item-total correlation of responses, and construct
      validity were evaluated. A confirmatory factor analysis was done to check if the
      dimensions described in the original version, were evaluated. Analyses were
      performed with STA-TA statistical software 10.0 and LISREL 8.50. RESULTS:
      Confirmatory factor analysis confirmed that the dimensions physical health,
      psychological, social relationships and environment, described by the authors in
      their original description, were maintained. The instrument had a good internal
      consistency with a Cronbach alpha of 0.88 for the total scale and ranging from
      0.70 to 0.79 in each of the dimensions. CONCLUSIONS: The evaluated version of the
      WHOQOL-BREF has an acceptable reliability and validity, and suggests that it is
      suitable for the assessment of Quality of Life in elderly people in Chile.

PMID- 22051708
TI  - [Silent celiac disease among 21 patients with cryptogenic epilepsy].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Celiac disease (CD) is predominant in women and young people.
      Atypical, non-enteric symptoms are more common among adults. There is also an
      association between CD and neurological disorders, especially with cerebellar
      ataxia, polyneuropathy and epilepsy. AIM: To study the frequency of CD in a group
      of adults with cryptogenic epilepsy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Twenty one patients
      with cryptogenic epilepsy, aged 20 to 65 years (14 women) were studied, measuring
      IgA-anti transglutaminase antibodies and deamidated gliadin peptide (DGP) IgG and
      IgA antibodies. RESULTS: One patient had elevated titers of both types of
      antibodies. Small bowel biopsy showed villous atrophy and lymphocytic
      infiltration compatible with CD. CONCLUSIONS: One of 21 adult patients with
      cryptogenic epilepsy had a silent CD.

PMID- 22051709
TI  - [Evaluation of the program for detection and treatment of depression in Chilean
      primary health care centers].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Depression is highly prevalent among Chilean adults, therefore a
      primary care treatment program was devised. AIM: To evaluate the Program for
      detection, diagnosis and integral treatment of depression, implemented in Chilean
      Primary Health Care Centers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A three and six months follow
      up study was conducted among women admitted to the program at seven primary
      health care centers in two regions of Chile. Socio-demographic data, treatments
      provided and compliance with the program were assessed. A clinical standardized
      interview (with ICD-10) was carried out and the intensity of depressive symptoms
      was evaluated using Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). RESULTS: The initial sample
      was composed by 201 women aged 25 to 65 years. At 6 months, 35% were lost from
      follow up. Depression was mild, moderate or severe in 12, 63 and 25% of women,
      respectively. The severity of depression was underestimated by primary care
      teams. Among women with regular and irregular attendance to medical appointments
      and those that abandoned treatment, BDI score decreased by 35, 37 and 13%,
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: This primary care program for depression was effective
      to reduce BDI scores. Diagnostic precision of primary care teams must be
      improved.

PMID- 22051710
TI  - [Risk of attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder in Aymara and Rapa-Nui school
      children: association with dopaminergic system polymorphisms].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common, highly
      heritable neurobiological disorder of childhood onset, characterized by
      hyperactivity, impulsiveness or inattentiveness. AIM: To search for differences
      in risk for ADHD and its components among Chilean native and mixed populations
      and to look forpossible associations with dopamine receptor D4 (DRD4) and
      dopamine transporter 1 (DAT1) polymorphisms. MATERIAL AND METHODS: School
      teachers were requested to complete the Conners test, which uses DSM-IV criteria,
      to screen for ADHD risk among Aymara and Rapa-Nui students. RESULTS: Rapa-Nui
      children from Easter Island had the highest risk of hyperactivity/impulsiveness.
      Aymara children from the Arica-Parinacota Region had lower scores. Although
      inattentiveness scores had lower differences between groups, overall ADHD score
      differences among studied populations were highly significant. DRD4 and DAT1
      alleles had a heterogeneous distribution. Easter islanders had more divergent
      frequencies, mostprobably as a result of separate migration routes utilized at
      different timeperiods during the colonization of America and Polynesia.
      CONCLUSIONS: The comparison of ADHD risk parameters between Rapa-Nui and Aymara
      children showed marked differences. Allele distri-bution of dopamine
      polymorphisms in Easter Island was also significantly different from northern
      Chile, due probably to different colonization histories. These findings suggest
      that higher ADHD risk scores in Easter Island children may be linked to the
      presence of different DRD4 alleles.

PMID- 22051711
TI  - [Association between body mass index (BMI) and height from birth to 5 years in
      Chilean preschool children].
AB  - BACKGROUND: It has been shown that excess weight gain during childhood is
      associated with a greater risk of obesity; this relationship may be mediated by
      growth in height. AIM: To quantify the associations between z scores for body
      mass index (BMIZ) and height for age (HAZ) from birth to 5 years of age and to
      assess how this association varies according to age and adiposity. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: Weight and height were recorded at 11 occasions from birth on a cohort
      of 1089 Chilean five year-old children with a birth weight > 2500 g. BMI, BMIZ,
      HAZ and prevalence of obesity were calculated. We determined the cross-sectional
      association between BMIZ and HAZ for the total sample and by 3 BMI Z categories,
      using Pearson correlation. We determined the probability of obesity according to
      four HAZ categories. RESULTS: Obesity increased continuously reaching
      approximately 16% at 5 years. Stunting was virtually nonexistent. No association
      between BMIZ and HAZ was observed at birth, while at 1 and 2 months, leaner
      infants had lower stature. No association between these parameters was observed
      between 6-24 months, while after 3 years, a clear relationship was observed.
      CONCLUSIONS: The probability of a preschool child of being obese is less than 10%
      with a HAZ is < 0. Nevertheless, children with heights above the median (even
      within the normal range) have an increased risk of obesity, especially after 3 y
      of age. Between 0-5 years, the relationship between weight and height varies by
      age and adiposity.

PMID- 22051712
TI  - [Evaluation of embryotoxicity of misoprostol using the whole embryo culture
      assay].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Approximately 15% of misoprostol-induced-abortions may not be
      successful, leading to in utero exposure to the drug and to the induction of a
      series of defects including central nervous system, limb and visceral defects. A
      common proposal is that the drug causes disruption of the fetal vasculature
      leading to embryonic or fetal hypoxia. AIM: To evaluate the teratogenicity of
      misoprostol using the rat post-implantation embryo culture. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      Rat embryos were collected at the beginning of organogenesis and cultured in rat
      serum containing misoprostol at concentrations of 200, 2,000 or 20,000 pg/ml.
      Functionality, morphology and morphometry parameters were evaluated. RESULTS:
      Misoprostol induced a dose-dependent embryotoxic effect causing a decrease in
      embryo viability and function (poor vascular development and survival) and
      morphometry (alterations in branchial arches, heart and cephalic portions of the
      neural tube, among others). CONCLUSIONS: All the manifestations observed are
      indicative of the ability of misoprostol to directly induce developmental
      retardation and alterations.

PMID- 22051713
TI  - [Lifestyles and quality of life of post menopausal women].
AB  - BACKGROUND: During menopause the quality of life of women can be seriously
      deteriorated and influenced by lifestyles. AIM: To assess the prevalence of
      menopausal symptoms and their relationship with lifestyles and quality of life.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: The Menopause Rating Scale (MRS), a survey that measures
      menopausal symptoms and has questions related to lifestyles, was applied to 1023
      women aged 54 +/- 6 years (range 45 to 64 years), consulting in primary health
      care clinics. A multiple linear regression analysis was used to evaluate the
      association between menopausal symptoms and lifestyle. RESULTS: Fifty six percent
      of women did not have a paid work, 64% were nonsmokers and 90% did not perform
      any physical exercise. The most frequent menopausal symptoms referred were muscle
      and joint ailments (85%) followed by mental and physical exhaustion (80%).
      Sedentary women, smokers or those who did not to have time for leisure activities
      showed worst quality of life scores. CONCLUSIONS: Postmenopausal women with
      unhealthy lifestyles had the lower quality of life scores and more menopausal
      symptoms.

PMID- 22051714
TI  - [Effectiveness of an educational program about the Chilean AIDS law in primary
      care health workers].
AB  - BACKGROUND: In Chile, members of the civil society and government achieved the
      passing of the HIV/AIDS Law (19.779). The level of knowledge of the law held by
      healthcare workers in Chile is not well known. AIM: To analyze the effect of an
      intervention on knowledge of the existence of the law and its application in
      clinical practice among primary healthcare workers in southeastern Santiago.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: Healthcare workers of primary care centers were invited to
      participate in the study. One group received an educational intervention lasting
      a total of 16 hours, about AIDS physiopathology, sexually transmitted diseases,
      communication with patients and current legislation. A control group did not
      receive the educational intervention. Both groups answered a self-administered
      questionnaire about the HIV/AIDS law at baseline and three months after the
      intervention. RESULTS: The intervention was carried out in 262 workers and 293
      participated as controls. The initial evaluation revealed that only 16.3% (n =
      89) had heard of the law, without any significant difference between intervention
      and control groups. The knowledge about the law improved by 65% in the
      intervention group and did not change in controls. At the end of the education
      period, the intervention and control groups improved their global knowledge by 29
      and 3%, respectively (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The educational intervention was
      effective in improving knowledge of the HIV/AIDS Law among Chilean healthcare
      workers.

PMID- 22051715
TI  - Familial benign chronic pemphigus (Hailey-Hailey Disease): use of topical
      immunomodulators as a modern treatment option.
AB  - Benign chronic familial pemphigus (Hailey-Hailey disease) is a rare autosomal
      dominant blistering skin disorder characterized by suprabasal cell separation
      (acantholysis) of the epidermis. The Hailey brothers first described it in 1939.
      Hailey-Hailey disease usually appears in the third or fourth decade, although it
      can occur at any age. Heat, sweating and friction often exacerbates the disease,
      and most patients have worse symptoms during summer. It is characterized
      clinically by a recurrent eruption of vesicles and bullae at the sites of
      friction and intertriginous areas. We report a 51-year-old male presenting with
      grey-brown hyperkeratosis with partial papillomatosis and lichenification in the
      axillary and inguinal areas and infiltrated erythematous lesions in the
      infraorbitary region, on the side of the face. Biopsies obtained from inguinal
      and axillar areas revealed parakeratotic crusts overlying an acantholytic
      epidermis. A biopsy from one of the lesions from the infraorbital area showed a
      Jessner-Kanof lymphocytic infiltration. The patient was treated with
      antimicrobials and four days later, topical Pimecrolimus was started, leading to
      an improvement of the clinical picture. The efficacy of Pimecrolimus in our case
      suggests that cellular immunity could play a role in the pathogenesis of Hailey
      Hailey disease.

PMID- 22051716
TI  - [Cognitive impairment associated to primary hyperparathyroidism: report of one
      case].
AB  - We report a 79-year-old male patient presenting with progressive memory loss
      associated with anxiety and muscular pain. An extensive biochemical control
      revealed high serum calcium and parathormone levels, and normal thyroid hormones.
      Cognitive assessment prior to surgery was compatible with mild cognitive
      impairment, showing significant improvement two months after parathyroidectomy.
      Our case suggests that, although rare, primary hyperparathyroidism should be
      considered as a possible cause of cognitive decline in the elderly.

PMID- 22051717
TI  - [Euthanasia and medical act].
AB  - Right to life -as the prohibition of intentionally and arbitrarily taking life,
      even with authorization of the concerned one- is an internationally recognized
      right. In many countries, debate regarding euthanasia is more centered in its
      convenience, social acceptability and how it is regulated, than in its
      substantial legitimacy. Some argue that euthanasia should be included as part of
      clinical practice of health professionals, grounded on individual's autonomy
      claims-everyone having the liberty to choose how to live and how to die. Against
      this, others sustain that life has a higher value than autonomy, exercising
      autonomy without respecting the right to life would become a serious moral and
      social problem. Likewise, euthanasia supporters some-times claim a 'right to live
      with dignity', which must be understood as a personal obligation, referred more
      to the ethical than to the strictly legal sphere. In countries where it is
      already legalized, euthanasia practice has extended to cases where it is not the
      patient who requests this but the family or some healthcare professional, or even
      the legal system-when they think that the patient is living in a condition which
      is not worthy to live. Generalization of euthanasia possibly will end in
      affecting those who need more care, such as elder, chronically ill or dying
      people, damaging severely personal basic rights. Nature, purpose and tradition of
      medicine rule out the practice of euthanasia, which ought not be considered a
      medical act or legitimately compulsory for physicians. Today's medicine counts
      with effective treatments for pain and suffering, such as palliative care,
      including sedative therapy, which best preserves persons dignity and keeps safe
      the ethos of the medical profession.

PMID- 22051718
TI  - [To kill, let die and euthanasia in the bill of rights of patients and in the
      Chilean doctrine].
AB  - The Bill of Rights for Patients provides the patient with autonomy for disposing
      of his life, enabling him to reject those treatments that unnecessarily prolong
      his life. However, the bill does not allow an artificial acceleration of death.
      Therefore, the bill does not permit euthanasia (at least, certain form of it) nor
      assisted-suicide. However, according to the practice of medicine and also Chilean
      doctrine, it is permitted to inject morphine to a patient to relieve his pain,
      even though that could hasten his death. In consequence, it is allowed for the
      patient to dispose of his life and also to inject in him morphine for pain
      relief, endangering his life, but neither euthanasia nor assisted-suicide is
      allowed. Is this coherent? According to Chilean doctrine, it could be coherent
      under the condition of accepting the distinction between killing and letting die
      and also the double effect doctrine. The problem is that there is abundant
      English literature in the realm of moral philosophy to disregard both conditions.
      Therefore, it is possible to claim that the Bill is not coherent and that the
      Chilean doctrine is based upon a distinction and a doctrine that are not
      acceptable.

PMID- 22051719
TI  - [Bone allografts and the functions of bone banks].
AB  - The use of bone grafts is a common practice in musculoskeletal surgery to provide
      mechanical stability where there is a defect and it allows skeletal
      reconstruction. Classically auto and allografts have been used. The latter are
      the choice in large, complex defects. Allografts can be transplanted despite cell
      death, have osteoconduction and osteoinduction capacity, low antigenicity and
      biomechanical properties similar to the original bone. They can be obtained from
      living and death donors. They are stored by cryopreservation and lyophilization
      in entities called bone banks. This is a review about bone allografts and the
      organization and function of the bone banks.

PMID- 22051720
TI  - [Malpractice in health care teams].
AB  - To be successful, modern medical acts require the participation of several
      professionals and assistants and, as such, there has been a steady trend from
      individual medicine to the collective practice of the profession. This format
      raises issues in determining when a medical professional or other practitioner is
      liable for the acts of a colleague. This thesis proposes to resolve the problems
      involved in the collective practice of medicine by restricting liability to a
      physician responsible for another practitioner, only to those cases where he/she
      has been willingly introduced into the medical act.

PMID- 22051721
TI  - [Applying results from studies on diagnostic tests].

PMID- 22051724
TI  - [Endovascular surgery as treatment for multiple sclerosis].

PMID- 22051725
TI  - [How to face the increased prevalence of individual health-risk behaviours in
      Chile?].

PMID- 22051726
TI  - Audiotactile integration is reduced in congenital blindness in a spatial
      ventriloquism task.
AB  - In the ventriloquism effect, the presentation of spatially discrepant visual
      information biases the localization of simultaneously presented sounds. Recently,
      an analogous spatial influence of touch on audition has been observed. By
      manipulating hand posture, it has been demonstrated that this audiotactile
      ventriloquist effect predominantly operates in an external frame of reference. In
      the present study, we examined the contribution of developmental vision to
      audiotactile interactions as indicated by the ventriloquism effect. Congenitally
      blind, late blind and sighted adults were asked to report the perceived location
      of sounds presented from a left, a central or a right location. Auditory stimuli
      were either delivered alone or concurrently with touches at the left or the right
      hand. The hands were located to the right and to the left of the lateral speakers
      and participants either adopted an uncrossed or a crossed hand posture. While
      sighted controls and late blind participants similarly mislocalized auditory
      stimuli toward the concurrent tactile stimuli in bimodal trials, the congenitally
      blind showed a reduced ventriloquism effect. All groups showed a reduced
      audiotactile ventriloquism effect in the crossed hand condition. However, the
      magnitude of the reduction was significantly larger in the group of congenitally
      blind than in the group of sighted controls. These results suggest reduced audio
      tactile interactions in spatial processing following a lack of visual input from
      birth.

PMID- 22051729
TI  - A biomechanical comparison of a novel thoracic screw fixation method:
      transarticular screw fixation vs traditional pedicle screw fixation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Transarticular screw fixation is used in the upper cervical and
      lumbar spine to achieve posterior spinal stability, and its biomechanical
      performance has been proven to be similar to that of pedicle screw fixation.
      However, few studies have reported the use of transarticular screw fixation in
      the upper thoracic spine. OBJECTIVE: To biomechanically compare transarticular
      screws with pedicle screws in short-term cyclic loading in the upper thoracic
      spine. METHODS: Eight fresh human cadaveric spine specimens (T1-T3) were
      harvested and tested for 6 cycles in flexion, extension, lateral bending, and
      torsion in their intact condition. Each specimen was then destabilized and
      restabilized with 3 fixation methods: the pedicle screw/rod construct, the
      transarticular screw/rod construct, and transarticular screws alone. The
      instrumented specimens were reteted with the same protocol. RESULTS: All fixation
      systems reduced the range of motion significantly with respect to flexion,
      extension, lateral bending, and axial rotation (P < .01). However, no significant
      difference was observed between the 3 instrumented groups. CONCLUSION: This
      biomechanical study demonstrates in vitro that transarticular screws and pedicle
      screws have statistically similar biomechanical stability in a noncorpectomy
      model. Posterior transarticular screws may be an alternative for internal
      fixation in the upper thoracic spine.

PMID- 22051730
TI  - Identification of oncostatin M as a JAK2 V617F-dependent amplifier of cytokine
      production and bone marrow remodeling in myeloproliferative neoplasms.
AB  - The JAK2 mutation V617F is detectable in a majority of patients with Philadelphia
      chromosome-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). Enforced expression of
      JAK2 V617F in mice induces myeloproliferation and bone marrow (BM) fibrosis,
      suggesting a causal role for the JAK2 mutant in the pathogenesis of MPNs.
      However, little is known about mechanisms and effector molecules contributing to
      JAK2 V617F-induced myeloproliferation and fibrosis. We show that JAK2 V617F
      promotes expression of oncostatin M (OSM) in neoplastic myeloid cells.
      Correspondingly, OSM mRNA levels were increased in the BM of patients with MPNs
      (median 287% of ABL, range 22-1450%) compared to control patients (median 59% of
      ABL, range 12-264%; P < 0.0001). OSM secreted by JAK2 V617F+ cells stimulated
      growth of fibroblasts and microvascular endothelial cells and induced the
      production of angiogenic and profibrogenic cytokines (HGF, VEGF, and SDF-1) in BM
      fibroblasts. All effects of MPN cell-derived OSM were blocked by a neutralizing
      anti-OSM antibody, whereas the production of OSM in MPN cells was suppressed by a
      pharmacologic JAK2 inhibitor or RNAi-mediated knockdown of JAK2. In summary, JAK2
      V617F-mediated up-regulation of OSM may contribute to fibrosis, neoangiogenesis,
      and the cytokine storm observed in MPNs, suggesting that OSM might serve as a
      novel therapeutic target molecule in these neoplasms.

PMID- 22051731
TI  - Phenotypic heterogeneity in Chinese patients with hepatocyte nuclear factor-1beta
      mutations.
AB  - AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this study was to investigate clinical spectrum of
      hepatocyte nuclear factor-1beta (HNF-1beta) mutation in Chinese diabetic patients
      with renal dysfunction and/or structure abnormalities. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A
      total of 104 diabetic patients with renal structural abnormalities and/or non
      diabetic renal dysfunction were recruited and HNF-1beta mutation was screened by
      direct sequencing. RESULTS: Three heterozygous missense mutations including
      c.494G>A (p.R165H), c.662A>T (p.D221V) and c.780G>C (p.E260D) were identified.
      Progression of diabetes and mild decline of renal function were observed in the
      mutation carriers during the follow-up. The p.R165H mutation carrier had severe
      beta-cell dysfunction and different extrapancreatic phenotypes. Compared with
      type 2 diabetes and normoglycemics, the p.R165H mutation carrier had a lower
      basal C-peptide (0.30, 0.61+/-0.07 and 0.50+/-0.04 nmol/L for p.R165H, type 2
      diabetes and normoglycemics, respectively) and low values of acute C-peptide
      response to arginine (0.15, 0.48+/-0.18 and 0.76+/-0.08 nmol/L for p.R165H, type
      2 diabetes and normoglycemics, respectively). CONCLUSION: Patients with the HNF
      1beta mutation in our population can have different pancreatic and
      extrapancreatic phenotypes. The exact contributions of mutations to the
      phenotypes await functional confirmation.

PMID- 22051732
TI  - Simultaneous high speed optical and impedance analysis of single particles with a
      microfluidic cytometer.
AB  - We describe a microfluidic cytometer that performs simultaneous optical and
      electrical characterisation of particles. The microfluidic chip measures side
      scattered light, signal extinction and fluorescence using integrated optical
      fibres coupled to photomultiplier tubes. The channel is 80 MUm high and 200 MUm
      wide, and made from SU-8 patterned and sandwiched between glass substrates.
      Particles were focused into the analysis region using 1-D hydrodynamic focusing
      and typical particle velocities were 0.1 ms(-1). Excitation light is coupled into
      the detection channel with an optical fibre and focused into the channel using an
      integrated compound air lens. The electrical impedance of particles is measured
      at 1 MHz using micro-electrodes fabricated on the channel top and bottom. This
      data is used to accurately size the particles. The system is characterised using
      a range of different sized polystyrene beads (fluorescent and non-fluorescent).
      Single and mixed populations of beads were measured and the data compared with a
      conventional flow cytometer.

PMID- 22051733
TI  - Preoperative spirometry results as a determinant for long-term mortality after
      EVAR for AAA.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to analyse lung function test determinants
      for long-term mortality after standard endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for
      infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA). DESIGN: Retrospective analysis.
      MATERIALS: Three-hundred and four consecutive patients treated electively with
      EVAR (Zenith((r)) stent grafts, Cook) between May 1998 and February 2006 were
      prospectively enrolled in a computerised database. METHODS: The Global Initiative
      for Chronic Obstructive Lung Diseases (GOLD) guideline was used to grade the
      severity of obstructive lung disease. Mortality was checked until 1 December
      2010. Median follow-up time was 68 (interquartile range (IQR) 40-94) months.
      RESULTS: The percentage of patients with mild, moderate or severe (grade 3)
      chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was 9.9%, 23.2% and 7.7%,
      respectively. In a combined medical severity assessment, arterial partial
      pressure of oxygen (PaO(2)) < 8.0 kPa or COPD, grade >=3 (hazard ratio (HR) 2.06;
      95% confidence interval (CI) (1.24-3.42)), anaemia (HR 1.72; 95% CI (1.21-2.44)),
      chronic kidney disease, stage >=3 (HR 1.55; 95% CI (1.08-2.24)) and age >=80
      years (HR 1.55; 95% CI (1.04-2.31)) were independently associated with long-term
      mortality. Lower forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV(1)) (p = 0.002) and lower
      forced vital capacity (FVC) (p = 0.003) were independently associated with long
      term mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings strengthen the need for formal
      evaluation of lung function with spirometry prior to proceeding to AAA repair.

PMID- 22051734
TI  - The EORTC 10041/BIG 03-04 MINDACT trial is feasible: results of the pilot phase.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The MINDACT (Microarray In Node-negative and 1-3 node positive
      Disease may Avoid ChemoTherapy) trial investigates the clinical utility of the 70
      gene profile (MammaPrint) for the selection of breast cancer patients for
      adjuvant chemotherapy (CT) together with standard clinicopathological criteria.
      We present the results of the pilot phase consisting of first 800 patients
      included. METHODS: MINDACT has enrolled 6600 patients, classified into high or
      low risk by MammaPrint and clinicopathological risk through Adjuvant! Online.
      Patients with both clinical (C) and genomic (G) high risks are offered adjuvant
      CT; those with both C and G low risks do not receive CT; patients with discordant
      risk are randomised for the decision of adjuvant CT based on C or G risk. CT
      randomisation of anthracycline-based versus docetaxel/capecitabine and endocrine
      therapy randomisation between letrozole and tamoxifen->letrozole are offered.
      RESULTS: During the pilot phase 46% of screened patients were enrolled. Main
      reasons for non-enrolment were node positivity before trial amendment, sample
      quality problems and failure to meet logistic settings. Among the 800 patients,
      386 (48%) were C-low/G-low, 198 (24.8%) as C-high/G-high, 75 (9.4%) as C-low/G
      high and 141 (17.6%) as C-high/G-low. In total 216 (27%) cases were discordant.
      The difference between patients with C-high (42%) and G-high risk (34%) is 8.25%
      (95% confidence interval (CI), 4.7-11.8%; P<.0001). Compliance with the treatment
      decision was high (>92%). CONCLUSIONS: The logistically complex MINDACT trial is
      feasible in a multinational setting. The proportion of discordant patients, the
      potential reduction in CT by using the genomic signature and compliance to
      treatment assignment are in accordance with the trial hypotheses.

PMID- 22051735
TI  - Rare cancers of the head and neck area in Europe.
AB  - The RARECARE project has proposed a different and more detailed grouping of
      cancers, based on localisation and histological type, in order to identify rare
      entities with clinical meaning. RARECARE gathered data on cancer patients
      diagnosed from 1978 to 2002 and archived in 76 population-based cancer
      registries, all of which had vital status information available up to at least
      31st December 2003. This study provides incidence, prevalence and survival rates
      for rare head and neck epithelial (H&N) cancers. Among the rare H&N cancers,
      those of oral cavity had the highest annual crude incidence rate of 48 per
      million, followed by oropharynx and 'major salivary glands and salivary gland
      type tumours' (28 and 13 per million, respectively). Incidence rates of
      epithelial tumours of nasal cavities, nasopharynx, eye and adnexa and middle ears
      were all lower than 5 per million. The prevalence for all investigated entities
      was lower than 35 per 100,000. The 5-year relative survival rates ranged from 40%
      for epithelial cancer of oropharynx to 85% for epithelial cancer of eye and
      adnexa. Survival rates were lower for men and for patients aged >=65 years. With
      few exceptions, the lowest and highest survival figures were observed for Eastern
      Europe and Northern Europe, respectively. According to the definition for rare
      tumours by RARECARE (incidence<6 per 100,000), as well as according to the
      definition for rare diseases by the European Commission (prevalence<50 per
      100,000) the H&N cancers described in this paper should be considered rare and
      diagnosis and treatment of these cancers should therefore be centralised.

PMID- 22051736
TI  - Association between 11 genetic polymorphisms in folate-metabolising genes and
      head and neck cancer risk.
AB  - Genetic polymorphisms in folate metabolism may affect the risk of head and neck
      cancer (HNSCC) due to its involvement in DNA methylation and synthesis. We
      conducted a case-control study (265 HNSCC cases and 466 non-cancer controls) to
      investigate associations of MTHFR C677T and A1298C, MTR A2756G, MTRR A66G, RFC1
      A80G, MTHFD1 G1958A, CBS 844ins68, TC2 C776G and A67G, SHMT C1420T and BHMT G742A
      polymorphisms with HNSCC risk. Interactions between polymorphisms and survival
      time, tobacco and alcohol habits, age, gender and tumour staging (TNM
      classification) were evaluated by multiple logistic regression analysis. We found
      that age >= 49 years (P<0.001), male gender (P=0.03), tobacco habit (P<0.001),
      MTHFR 1298AC/CC (P=0.028), MTR 2756AG/GG (P=0.010) and RFC1 80AG/GG (P=0.015)
      genotypes were associated with an increased risk of HNSCC. There were
      interactions between lower survival and CBS 844ins68 (P=0.005); age >= 49 years
      and MTR 2756 AG/GG (P=0.004) and RFC1 80AG/GG (P=0.006) genotypes; male gender
      and MTHFR 1298 AC/CC (P=0.030), MTR 2756 AG/GG (P=0.006) and RFC1 80 AG/GG
      (P=0.009); tobacco non-habit and MTHFD1 1958GA/AA (P=0.040); tobacco and MTHFR
      1298 AC/CC (P=0.054) and MTR 2756 AG/GG (P=0.010); alcohol non-consume and RFC1
      80 AG/GG (P=0.008) with HNSCC increased risk. MTHFR C677CT/TT genotypes were less
      frequently in advanced tumours (P=0.04). In conclusion, our data provide evidence
      that folate metabolism genetic polymorphisms associated with variables as
      advanced age, male gender, tobacco and alcohol increase HNSCC development; CBS
      844ins68 and MTHFR C677T polymorphisms are associated with less survival time and
      advanced stage tumours, respectively.

PMID- 22051737
TI  - A sensitive graphene oxide-DNA based sensing platform for fluorescence "turn-on"
      detection of bleomycin.
AB  - A sensitive and selective fluorescent sensing platform for bleomycin (BLM) was
      developed based on BLM-induced DNA strand scission and the difference in affinity
      of graphene oxide for single-stranded DNA containing different numbers of bases
      in length.

PMID- 22051738
TI  - Prevention of cervical cancer in women's hands: Mexico leads the way.

PMID- 22051739
TI  - Self-collection of vaginal specimens for human papillomavirus testing in cervical
      cancer prevention (MARCH): a community-based randomised controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vaginal self-sampling for human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA testing
      could increase rates of screening participation. In clinic-based settings,
      vaginal HPV testing is at least as sensitive as cytology for detecting cervical
      intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grade 2 or worse; however, effectiveness in home
      settings is unknown. We aimed to establish the relative sensitivity and positive
      predictive value for HPV screening of vaginal samples self-collected at home as
      compared with clinic-based cervical cytology. METHODS: We did a community-based,
      randomised equivalence trial in Mexican women of low socioeconomic status aged 25
      65 years. Participants came from 540 medically underserved, predominantly rural
      communities in Morelos, Guerrero, and the state of Mexico. Our primary endpoint
      was CIN 2 or worse, detected by colposcopy. We used a computer-generated
      randomisation sequence to randomly allocate patients to HPV screening or cervical
      cytology. Eight community nurses who were masked to patient allocation received
      daily lists of the women's names and addresses, and did the assigned home visits.
      We referred women with positive results in either test to colposcopy. We did per
      protocol and intention-to-screen analyses. This trial was registered with the
      Instituto Nacional de Salud Publica, Mexico, INSP number 590. FINDINGS: 12,330
      women were randomly allocated to HPV screening and 12,731 to cervical cytology;
      9202 women in the HPV screening group adhered to the protocol, as did 11,054 in
      the cervical cytology group. HPV prevalence was 9.8% (95% CI 9.1-10.4) and
      abnormal cytology rate was 0.38% (0.23-0.45). HPV testing identified 117.4 women
      with CIN 2 or worse per 10,000 (95.2-139.5) compared with 34.4 women with CIN 2
      or worse per 10,000 (23.4-45.3) identified by cytology; the relative sensitivity
      of HPV testing was 3.4 times greater (2.4-4.9). Similarly, HPV testing detected
      4.2 times (1.9-9.2) more invasive cancers than did cytology (30.4 per 10,000
      [19.1-41.7] vs 7.2 per 10,000 [2.2-12.3]). The positive predictive value of HPV
      testing for CIN 2 or worse was 12.2% (9.9-14.5) compared with 90.5% (61.7-100)
      for cytology. INTERPRETATION: Despite the much lower positive predictive value
      for HPV testing of self-collected vaginal specimens compared with cytology, such
      testing might be preferred for detecting CIN 2 or worse in low-resource settings
      where restricted infrastructure reduces the effectiveness of cytology screening
      programmes. Because women at these sites will be screened only a few times in
      their lives, the high sensitivity of a HPV screen is of paramount importance.
      FUNDING: Instituto Nacional de Salud Publica, the Health Ministry of Mexico,
      QiAGEN Corp.

PMID- 22051741
TI  - Cavity optomechanics: Mechanical memory sees the light.

PMID- 22051742
TI  - Nanoelectronics: Shuttle transport for single electrons.

PMID- 22051743
TI  - Nanomedicine: Gold nanowires to mend a heart.

PMID- 22051744
TI  - Nanoparticle devices: Going with the electron flow.

PMID- 22051745
TI  - Survival rates of implants inserted in the maxillary sinus area by internal or
      external approach.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: There are 2 surgical techniques to elevate the sinus floor: sinus lift
      with crestal approach (internal sinus lift [ISL]) and sinus lift with lateral
      wall approach (external sinus lift [ESL]). The aim of this study was to evaluate
      and compare the survival rates of implants placed in the posterior maxilla with
      ESL or ISL. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Ninety sinus lifts with lateral wall approach
      were performed in 82 patients, and 147 implants were inserted in these augmented
      sinuses in ESL group. Forty-five implants were inserted in maxilla in 33 patients
      with sinus lift with crestal approach in ISL group. The follow-up time was 33.8
      and 15.6 months for ESL and ISL groups, respectively. RESULTS: One implant
      failure was observed in ESL group, and there was no implant failure in ISL group.
      All other implants were functioning well without any significant clinical
      finding. Implant survival was 99.2% in ESL group and 100% in ISL group.
      CONCLUSION: The sinus lift with lateral wall approach and crestal approach were
      reliable methods for implant insertion in the posterior maxilla. Survival rates
      of the ISL were slightly higher than ESL group. However, follow-up time of the
      ISL was shorter.

PMID- 22051746
TI  - Predictive value of different HDL particles for the protection against or risk of
      coronary heart disease.
AB  - The inverse relationship between plasma HDL levels and the risk of developing
      coronary heart disease is well established. The underlying mechanisms of this
      relationship are poorly understood, largely because HDL consist of several
      functionally distinct subpopulations of particles that are continuously being
      interconverted from one to another. This review commences with an outline of what
      is known about the origins of individual HDL subpopulations, how their
      distribution is regulated, and describes strategies that are currently available
      for isolating them. We then summarise what is known about the functionality of
      specific HDL subpopulations, and how these findings might impact on
      cardiovascular risk. The final section highlights major gaps in existing
      knowledge of HDL functionality, and suggests how these deficiencies might be
      addressed. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Advances in High
      Density Lipoprotein Formation and Metabolism: A Tribute to John F. Oram (1945
      2010).

PMID- 22051747
TI  - Severe mitral regurgitation secondary to dehiscence of a mitral annuloplasty ring
      shown on 3D transoesophageal echocardiography.

PMID- 22051748
TI  - [Compliance with Chilean diagnostic guidelines among patients with ischemic
      stroke admitted to a public hospital].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute ischemic stroke in adults was given an Explicit Guarantee of
      diagnosis and treatment (GES) with Clinical Guidelines in 2007 as part of the on
      going Chilean National Health Reform. AIM: To evaluate the adherence to official
      guidelines with regard to the use of diagnostic methods for patients with acute
      ischemic stroke during their stay in a public hospital. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The
      study included a review of the medical records of 101 patients aged 70 +/- 13
      years (49 males and 52 females) diagnosed with acute ischemic stroke and
      discharged within August and September of 2008 and 2009 from a public hospital.
      Three trained observers independently determined the degree of dependency of
      patients at discharge using the Modified Rankin score. The completion of
      recommended diagnostic tests (electrocardiogram, carotid Doppler ultrasound and
      echocardiogram) as well as their overuse was evaluated. RESULTS: Ten patients
      died before discharge, 38% were discharged with and 52% were discharged without
      disabilities. Nineteen percent of patients with a Modified Rankin score of two or
      less (corresponding to a slight disability) had a complete diagnostic workup,
      compared with 87% of patients with a score of 3 to 5 (moderate to severe
      disability). In 27% of the patients, there was an overuse of diagnostic tests. No
      association between the diagnostic test use adequacy and year of discharge was
      observed. CONCLUSIONS: There exists a disparity between the recommended
      diagnostic testing and the actual tests completed among patients with acute
      ischemic stroke.

PMID- 22051749
TI  - [Results of treatment with peginterferon plus ribavirin in patients with chronic
      hepatitis C].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The current treatment recommendation for chronic hepatitis C virus
      infection is the combination of peginterferon and ribavirin for 24 or 48 weeks,
      depending on the viral genotype. The aim of the therapy is to obtain a sustained
      virological response. AIM: To report our experience in the treatment of chronic
      hepatitis C. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Analysis of 52 patients treated between
      September 2000 and June 2009. Patients with genotype 1 or 5 were treated with
      peginterferon alpha 2a (180 ug/week) and ribavirin (1000 mg/day for those
      weighing less than 75 kg and 1200 mg/day for those weighing more than 75 kg)
      during 48 weeks. Patients with genotypes 2 and 3 were treated for 24 weeks with
      the same dose of peginterferon and ribavirin 800 mg/day. RESULTS: Viral genotypes
      1, 2, 3 and 5 were present in 81, 4, 11 and 4% of patients, respectively. Twenty
      four patients (46 %), 18 with genotype 1, achieved a sustained viral response.
      Age was the only variable that influenced the response to treatment. CONCLUSIONS:
      Approximately half of the patients with chronic hepatitis C, achieve a sustained
      viral response with peginterferon and ribavirin.

PMID- 22051750
TI  - [Combined influence of preconception body mass index and gestational weight gain
      on fetal growth].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Chilean Ministry of Health has been using standards for
      nutritional evaluation and weight gain recommendations during pregnancy in the
      last 25 years. In the meantime new standards have been developed. AIM: To study
      the combined influence of preconception maternal nutritional status and
      gestational weight gain, using new standards to classify those parameters, on
      perinatal outcomes. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cohort of 11,465 healthy pregnant
      women was prospectively followed until term. Their pre-gestational nutritional
      status was classified using the body mass index cut-offs in use in the United
      States (USA). Their gestational weight gain was classified using categories
      proposed in a Danish study. Perinatal outcomes included were risky birth weight,
      i.e. < 3000 g and >= 4000 g, and cesarean delivery. Relative risks for those
      perinatal outcomes were calculated for all combined categories of pre-gestational
      nutritional status and gestational weight gain. RESULTS: Relative risks of almost
      all gestational weight gain results were statistically significant for women
      having a normal pre-gestational nutritional status meanwhile all of them were not
      significant for underweight women. Overweight and obese women had similar
      relative risks values as normal women. However, many of them were not
      significant, especially in obese women. CONCLUSIONS: There is an independent and
      combined influence of preconception nutritional status and gestational weight
      gain on perinatal outcomes, when using standards to classify those parameters
      developed in the USA and Denmark, respectively.

PMID- 22051751
TI  - [Association between atherosclerosis and periodontitis].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic inflammation and infections are involved in the development
      and progression of atherosclerotic vascular disease. AIM: To evaluate the
      association between periodontitis and early atherosclerosis. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: Fifty-three subjects who received periodontal treatment and regular
      maintenance for at least 10 years, and 55 subjects with periodontitis but without
      a history of periodontal treatment were studied. Carotid artery intima-media wall
      thickness (CIMT) was measured with high-resolution B-mode ultrasonography. A
      blood sample was obtained to measure high sensitivity C-reactive protein,
      fibrinogen, lipoprotein cholesterol, leukocyte count and erythrocyte
      sedimentation rate. Covariates included age, gender, smoking, level of education,
      body mass index and physical activity. The benzoyl-DL-arginine-naphthylamide
      (BANA) test was used to determine the number of periodontal sites with
      periodontal pathogens. RESULTS: CIMT value was significantly higher in subjects
      with periodontitis than those without it (0.775 +/- 0.268 and 0.683 +/- 0.131 mm
      respectively, p = 0.027). C-reactive protein, leukocyte count and percentage of
      sites with periodontal pathogens were also significantly higher in subjects with
      periodontitis. Regression analysis identified age, periodontitis, and smoking as
      independent predictors of CIMT. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that untreated
      periodontitis is associated with early atherosclerotic carotid lesions and higher
      levels of inflammatory markers.

PMID- 22051752
TI  - [Cross sectional geriatric assessment of Mexican older people].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Due to the progressive aging of our population, it is imperative to
      evaluate the life conditions and health limitations of older people. AIM: To
      report the results of an integral geriatric evaluation of Mexican older people.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cross-sectional assessment of 324 older subjects of a
      median age of 70 years (57% females) beneficiaries of the Mexican Institute of
      Social Security of the city of Queretaro. Social, demographic, medical,
      functional and cognitive variables were evaluated. RESULTS: Of the studied
      subjects, 37% were illiterate, 61% lived with a partner and 47% were dedicated to
      household activities. Thirty three percent had visual impairment, 54% had hearing
      impairment, 39% had urinary incontinence, 26% reported falls in the last six
      months, 34% had nutritional problems, 38% were functionally dependent, 49% had
      sleeping problems, 25% had cognitive impairment and 25% had depression.
      CONCLUSIONS: The general health outlook of this population is encouraging,
      considering that more than half are not functionally impaired.

PMID- 22051753
TI  - [Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in children and adolescents who consult with
      obesity].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The higher prevalence of childhood obesity has led to search for
      metabolic syndrome (MS) in this age group. AIM: To study the prevalence of MS in
      obese children and adolescents. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross sectional study of
      255 obese children and adolescents aged 11.3 +/- 2.4 years, 45% males, 60%
      pubertal, with a body mass index (BMI) z score of 2.7 +/- 0.6, who were evaluated
      for obesity. MS was defined as the presence of at least three of the following
      criteria, according to Ferranti: fasting glucose (FG) >= 100 mg/dl, triglycerides
      (TG) >= 100 mg/dl, HDL < 50 mg/dl, waist circumference (WC) > percentile (p) 75
      and blood pressure (BP) > p90. Patients were also classified using Cook criteria:
      FG >= 100 mg/dl, TG >= 110 mg/dl, HDL < 40 mg/dl, WC > p 90, BP > p 90. RESULTS:
      MS was observed in 45 and 22.7% of patients, according to Ferranti and Cook
      definitions, respectively. WC was the most frequent criteria and glucose was the
      most uncommon. Males had higher body mass index, WC and TG levels than females.
      According to Ferranti and Cook definitions, MS prevalence was 53.5 and 28% in
      males and 37.6 and l8.4% in females (p < 0.05). Fifty and 26.1% of pubertal
      patients exhibited MS vs 36.9 and 17.5% in pre-pubertal subjects (p < 0.05) using
      Ferranti and Cook criteria, respectively. The frequency of MS increased along
      with a higher BMI. CONCLUSIONS: MS is a prevalent condition in obese children and
      adolescents, especially in males and pubertal children. It is necessary to have a
      better and universal definition for MS in pediatrics including all ages, in order
      to be focused in obesity prevention and treatment.

PMID- 22051754
TI  - [Vulnerability of pregnant women living in a community of Metropolitan Santiago].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The program "Chile grows with you" is a part of the Chilean social
      protection system oriented to decrease social inequities from pregnancy (a
      socially secure pregnancy) to four years of age, directed to the poorest 40% of
      the population. AIM: To determine the incidence of social vulnerability and its
      determinants, starting at the gestation period. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Data was
      obtained from anonymous secondary data based on the records of the first
      assessment of pregnant women and from social protection surveys, provided by the
      Ministry of Planning and Cooperation. RESULTS: The incidence of social
      vulnerability was high. However there was a disparity between the figures
      obtained from the social protection records and the survey carried out during the
      first assessment of pregnant women (91 and 27% respectively). The psychosocial
      risk was higher among vulnerable women (42% compared to 28% among women not
      considered vulnerable). This risk was associated with lack of family support,
      depressive symptoms, gender violence, substance abuse and maternity conflicts.
      Working conditions were precarious with a low level of social security, there
      were habitability problems, disability, dependency, female householders and a
      mean income below the threshold of poverty. CONCLUSIONS: Among vulnerable
      families, there are adverse determinants that attempt against a socially secure
      pregnancy and integral development of children.

PMID- 22051755
TI  - Demographic characteristics in preeclamptic women in Macedonia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Worldwide, pre-eclampsia and eclampsia contribute to the death of a
      pregnant woman every three minutes. AIM: To determine the demographic risk
      factors and values of blood pressure to predict preeclampsia. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: Demographic and clinical features of 300 normotensive pregnant women
      aged 28 +/- 5 years and 100 preeclamptic women aged 28 +/- 6 years, were
      assessed. Women with multiple pregnancies were excluded from the study. RESULTS:
      Women with less educational attainment had a higher risk of mild and severe
      preeclampsia. Weight gain during pregnancy in control and pre eclamptic women
      were 14 +/- 3 and 20 +/- 5 kg, respectively (p < 0.01). Women with severe
      preeclampsia had high significantly shorter gestations then the other two patient
      groups (p < 0.01). Compared to normotensive women, at 6 to 12 weeks of gestation,
      pre eclamptic women had higher systolic (102 +/- 7 and 113 +/- 9 mmHg
      respectively), diastolic (64 +/- 5 and 74 +/- 10 mmHg respectively) and mean
      arterial pressure (77 +/- 5 and 87 +/- 8.01 mmHg respectively). CONCLUSIONS:
      Women with basic education or illiterate have a higher risk of developing
      preeclampsia. During the first or second trimester of pregnancy, mean arterial
      pressure is the best predictor for preeclampsia.

PMID- 22051756
TI  - [Effects on blood glucose of prophylactic dexamethasone for postoperative nausea
      and vomiting in diabetics and non-diabetics].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) prophylaxis with
      dexamethasone may produce significant hyperglycemia in the postoperative period.
      AIM: To evaluate if this effect is of greater severity in type 2 diabetics
      compared with non-diabetic patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Forty non-diabetic and
      thirty type 2 diabetic patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were
      studied in a prospective and double-blind fashion manner. Patients were randomly
      distributed into 4 groups: Group I, non-diabetics control (n = 20), Group II, non
      diabetics dexamethasone (n = 20), Group III, type 2 diabetics control (n = 15),
      and Group IV, type 2 diabetics dexamethasone (n = 15). Immediately after
      induction, patients in groups I and III received isotonic saline and patients in
      the dexamethasone groups received 8 mg i.v. of the steroid. Capillary blood
      glucose concentrations were measured at baseline and every 2 hours during the
      first 12 hours since the start of surgery. A linear mixed effect model, adjusted
      for baseline capillary glucose concentration, age and duration of surgery was
      used to analyze the data. RESULTS: No effect of the presence of diabetes mellitus
      was observed in the evolution of glucose concentrations. There was a difference
      in capillary glucose concentrations between patients who received dexamethasone
      and placebo that started 2 hours post-intervention, reaching a mean maximum
      difference of 34 mg/dl (adjusted model, p < 0.001) at 10 hours post-intervention.
      CONCLUSIONS: In this study, Type 2 diabetic patients did not show a higher
      susceptibility than non-diabetics to develop postoperative hyperglycemia after
      the use of prophylactic dexamethasone for PONV.

PMID- 22051757
TI  - [Training of specialists in the Chilean national health services].
AB  - Several institutions, such as the Ministry of Health, Universities, the Chilean
      Medical Association, Scientific societies and public opinion, recognize that
      there is a deficiency of specialized physicians in Chile. To overcome this
      shortage of specialists, the Ministry of Health, along with universities, is
      developing diverse initiatives to train specialists and cope with the
      requirements of the country. Seventy five percent of posts offered were filled by
      physicians. The number of positions increased from 173 in 2007 to 576 in 2010,
      with a cumulative total of 1582 physicians in four years. Fifty two percent are
      being trained in Basic Primary Specialties and 48% in primary specialties. Thirty
      three percent of graduates have the obligation to continue working in the public
      service during a certain lapse. This figure will increase to 50% in the following
      years. These specialists are mainly working in the more densely populated regions
      of the country. The universities that offer the higher number of training
      positions are the University of Chile, The Catholic University of Chile and the
      University of Santiago.

PMID- 22051758
TI  - [Primary left atrial hemangiopericytoma. Report of one case].
AB  - We report a 41-year-old male presenting with progressive dyspnea lasting one
      month. A CAT scan disclosed a left atrial mass, that was surgically excised. The
      pathological study of the surgical piece showed a primary hemangiopericytoma. One
      month later, the patient consulted for cervical pain and a positron emission
      tomography showed multiple metastases. The patient died two months later.

PMID- 22051759
TI  - [Severe disseminated tuberculosis in a patient on immunosuppressive treatment.
      Report of one case].
AB  - Patients on immunosuppressive therapy are at increased risk of developing
      tuberculosis. We report a 39-year-old female with an ulcerative colitis receiving
      prednisone, azathioprine and azulfidine that was admitted to hospital due to
      fever, anemia, diarrhea and hematochezia. A chest CT scan showed multiple miliary
      micronodular images diffusely distributed and mediastinal enlarged lymph nodes
      with central necrosis, suggestive of disseminated tuberculosis. Antituberculous
      treatment was started but discontinued and the patient was treated as a
      bronchiolitis obliterans with methylprednisolone pulses and discharged. She was
      readmitted in shock one week later and died. After her death cultures for
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis were informed as positive. The clinical picture of the
      patient is known as sepsis tuberculosa gravissima.

PMID- 22051760
TI  - [Herpes simplex virus type 1 as risk factor associated to Alzheimer disease].
AB  - Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) is ubiquitous, neurotropic, and the most
      common pathogenic cause of sporadic acute encephalitis in humans. Herpes simplex
      encephalitis is associated with a high mortality rate and significant
      neurological, neuropsychological, and neurobehavioral sequels. HSV-1 infects
      limbic system structures in the central nervous system (CNS), and has been
      suggested as an environmental risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. The
      possibility that HSV-1 reactivates in CNS neurons causing chronic progressive
      damage at cellular level and altering the neuronal functionality has not been
      thoroughly investigated. Currently it is ignored if recurrent reactivation of HSV
      1 in asymptomatic patients involves some risk of progressive deterioration of the
      CNS functions caused, in example, by a neuroinflammatory response against the
      virus or by direct toxicity of the pathogen on neurons. Therefore, studies
      regarding the routes of dissemination of HSV-1 from the peripheral ganglions to
      the CNS, as well as the possible cellular and molecular mechanisms implied in
      generating neuronal damage during latent and productive infection, are of much
      relevance.

PMID- 22051761
TI  - [Coronary stents and non-cardiac surgery: current management strategies].
AB  - The care of patients with coronary stents in the perioperative period of non
      cardiac surgery requires anesthesiologists, surgeons and cardiologists. The
      management of dual antiplatelet therapy should be handled depending on type and
      urgency of the surgery, the risk of bleeding, type of coronary stent implanted,
      time from placement and the risk of stent thrombosis. For patients identified as
      high risk of stent thrombosis, surgery should be planned at hospitals with
      cardiac catheterization facilities. These patients require postoperative
      monitoring and antiplatelet therapy should be restarted immediately. Stent
      thrombosis should be recognized early and treated aggressively with percutaneous
      coronary intervention.

PMID- 22051762
TI  - [Possible association between Mycobacterium avium subsp paratuberculosis
      infection and Crohn's disease].
AB  - Paratuberculosis is a chronic intestinal disease of animals caused by
      Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP), which has some pathological
      features similar to Crohn's disease (CD) in humans. The presence of MAP in food
      for human consumption and in affected tissues of patients with CD has been
      detected. Therefore, a causal association between this microorganism and the
      disease in humans, has been postulated. However, several related studies have
      failed to confirm this hypothesis and the scientific acceptance of MAP as a
      zoonotic agent remains controversial. This review presents the main findings
      related to this issue, contrasting evidences for and against an association
      between MAP and CD. The need to promote national studies focusing on this area is
      suggested.

PMID- 22051763
TI  - [Cholesteryl ester transfer protein inhibition in the management of
      atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: second act "A rebirth of hope"].
AB  - Despite the clinical use of statins to reduce serum levels of LDL cholesterol and
      treat atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, a high proportion of patients
      remain at significant residual cardiovascular risk. In this context, low HDL
      cholesterol levels are an additional risk factor and intervention studies suggest
      that a fraction of the cardiovascular protection achieved with pharmacotherapy is
      explained specifically by the increase in serum levels of HDL cholesterol.
      Pharmacological inhibitors of the cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) can
      induce a significant elevation in HDL cholesterol and, potentially, lead to
      better control of residual cardiovascular risk beyond the benefit demonstrated by
      statins. While the use of torcetrapib had unexpected side effects, dalcetrapib
      and anacetrapib are new CETP inhibitors with a better safety profile and are
      currently under study to evaluate their effects on vascular lesions and clinical
      events in patients at high cardiovascular risk. If these studies show positive
      findings, we will witness a new biomedical advance as significant as was the
      clinical.

PMID- 22051764
TI  - [Florence Nightingale (1820-1910), 101 years after her death].
AB  - We herein describe Florence Nightingale's life and work. She is considered one of
      the pioneers in nursing practice. Her greatest success was during the Crimean war
      when, along with 38 voluntary nurses, she cleaned and refurbished the hospital in
      Scutari and reduced the mortality rate from 40 to 2%. She used to make rounds at
      night in the wards under the light of a lamp, and therefore she was named "The
      Lady with the Lamp". Queen Victory gave her the Royal Red Cross and she was the
      first woman who was honored with the Order of Merit in 1907. She had solid
      knowledge on Statistics and Mathematics which were useful for her nursing job.

PMID- 22051765
TI  - [The teaching profession].

PMID- 22051766
TI  - [Economic evaluation in health care in Chile: towards a broader framework].

PMID- 22051767
TI  - [Importance of chain of custody of evidences].

PMID- 22051768
TI  - [The length of hospital stay in patients with acute coronary syndrome is reduced
      by establishing a chest pain unit].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Providing prompt and appropriate therapy, combined with the increased
      economic requirements of treating patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS),
      places high demands on the emergency department. The aim of the present analysis
      is to evaluate to what extent establishing a dedicated chest pain unit (CPU)
      influences the length of hospital stay in ACS patients. METHODS: Patients
      presenting with suspected ACS between 05/2004 and 05/2006 to either the emergency
      department (ED) or the newly established CPU were retrospectively analyzed. The
      CPU became functional in July 2005. Data were obtained according to standardized
      procedures based on patient charts and all available clinical information.
      RESULTS: A total of 247 patients were treated in the ED and 765 in the CPU. In
      the ED patient group 29 (11.7%) were diagnosed with ST elevation myocardial
      infarction (STEMI), 38 (15.4%) with non-ST elevation myocardial infarction
      (NSTEMI) and 15 (6.1%) with unstable angina pectoris (UAP), while ACS could be
      excluded in 165 (66.8%) patients. Patients treated in the CPU showed a higher
      percentage of ACS with 75 (9.8%) STEMI, 128 (16.7%) NSTEMI and 136 (17.8%) UAP
      patients; ACS could be excluded in 426 (55.7%) patients. The median length of
      hospital stay was shorter in ACS patients treated in the CPU at 5.0 days compared
      to 8.0 days if admitted to the ED (p<0.001). No difference in length of hospital
      stay was observed in UAP patients, whereas in STEMI patients admitted to the ED
      the time was longer at 8.0 days compared to 7.0 days if admitted to the CPU
      (p=0.042). A reduction from 8.0 to 6.0 days in the length of hospital stay if
      admitted to the CPU compared to the ED could be observed (p=0.002) in NSTEMI
      patients. CONCLUSIONS: Establishing a chest pain unit with optimized diagnostic
      and structural processes is associated with reduced lengths of hospital stay in
      patients with ACS treated according to current guidelines and recommendations.

PMID- 22051769
TI  - [Melanotan].

PMID- 22051770
TI  - The influence of ethanol containing cosmetics on ethyl glucuronide concentration
      in hair.
AB  - Ethyl glucuronide (EtG) and fatty acid ethyl esters (FAEE), non-volatile, direct
      metabolites of ethanol have been shown to be suitable markers for the evaluation
      of social and chronic excessive alcohol consumption. Previous investigations have
      shown that the regular use of hair-care products with high alcohol content lead
      to an increase of FAEE concentration and consequently gave false-positive results
      for the determination of FAEE in hair. In this study we investigated the
      influence of a long-term hair treatment with EtOH containing lotion, on the EtG
      concentrations in hair. In this study 7 volunteer subjects (classified as either
      rare, social or heavy drinkers) treated the right side of their scalp every day
      during a one or two month period with a commercial hair tonic (Seborin), which
      contains 44.0% ethanol (vol%). Collection of hair specimens from both sides of
      the scalp was done one day before hair treatment, one week and one month after
      treatment (for 5 subjects also after two months of treatment). A hair segment of
      3 centimeters (cm) was cut and then washed with water and acetone, and then
      pulverized. EtG was quantified by GC/MS after pulverization and 2h of
      ultrasonication in water, extraction by solid phase extraction using Oasis MAX
      columns and derivatization with HFBA. Measurements were done in negative chemical
      ionization mode using EtG-D5 as internal standard. Comparison of EtG
      concentration in the treated and in the non-treated hair specimens did not show
      any increase at the different dates of collection for the 7 subjects. In
      conclusion, these results show that there is no indication for an increase of EtG
      after use of ethanol containing hair cosmetics.

PMID- 22051771
TI  - Racial and ethnic disparities in access to and quality of health care.
AB  - Racial and ethnic disparities in access to care and quality of care are pervasive
      but not universal. This Synthesis reviews the evidence on racial and ethnic
      disparities. Key findings include: disparities exist in many indicators of
      access, such as having a usual source of care, number of ambulatory visits, and
      receiving recommended preventive care, but some disparities are reduced or nearly
      eliminated after adjusting for factors such as income and insurance coverage.
      Hispanics have a large gap relative to Whites in many access factors. Spanish
      speaking Hispanics have the greatest disparities relative to non-Hispanic whites,
      suggesting language is a barrier. Both Blacks and Hispanics are less likely than
      Whites to identify a doctor's office as their usual source of care, which can
      point to problems with continuity of care and less favorable outcomes. The most
      significant disparities in quality of care involve newer therapies and invasive
      procedures. Adjusting the data for insurance coverage demonstrates that expanding
      coverage will reduce but not eliminate disparities.

PMID- 22051772
TI  - Design of a magnesium-pridinolum complex for polylactide-drug conjugates
      formation.
AB  - Polylactide conjugates of the muscle contraction agent Pridinolum (PriOH = 1,1
      diphenyl-3-(1-piperidinyl)-1-propanol) were prepared directly by ring-opening
      polymerization of L-lactide (L-LA) mediated by the pridinolum magnesium complex
      [Mg(MU,eta(2)-OPri)(eta(1)-OPri)](2). The ancillary O,N - bifunctional drug as a
      ligand stabilizes the magnesium species and initiates L-LA polymerization
      affording a polymer chain terminated by covalently attached drug molecules to the
      PLLA through ester linkers to form PriO-PLLA conjugate. Up to 80% of the
      pridinolum can be released from the conjugate by treatment with deuterated
      hydrochloric acid DCl at pH = 1.5 for 10 h at 37  degrees C.

PMID- 22051773
TI  - Expression of aquaporin-4 augments cytotoxic brain edema after traumatic brain
      injury during acute ethanol exposure.
AB  - We previously reported that ethanol consumption affects morbidity and mortality
      after traumatic brain injury (TBI) by accelerating brain edema via oxidative
      stress after TBI. Aquaporin-4 (AQP4), a water channel, is involved in brain edema
      formation. In this study, we found that acute ethanol administration increased
      AQP4 expression after TBI, leading to severe brain edema in rats. Rats were
      pretreated with ethanol (3 g/kg) or dl-buthionine-(S,R)-sulfoximine (BSO; 100
      mg/kg), an oxidative stressor, before TBI. Acetazolamide, an AQP4 inhibitor, was
      administered to ethanol-pretreated rats 3 or 12 hours after TBI. Brain edema was
      increased 24 hours after TBI in both the ethanol- and BSO-pretreated groups.
      Ethanol pretreatment induced lipid peroxidation 24 hours after TBI. Transcription
      factors, NF-kappaB and hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha, were activated 3 and 24
      hours after TBI in the BSO- and ethanol-pretreated groups, respectively. In the
      ethanol-pretreated group, AQP4 was accumulated, particularly in astrocyte end
      feet, 24 hours after TBI. Acetazolamide treatment improved the survival rate to
      100% and decreased brain edema and AQP4 in ethanol-pretreated rats. These
      findings suggest that ethanol induces up-regulation of AQP4, leading to brain
      edema. The accumulation of AQP4 may play an important role in the augmentation of
      brain edema after TBI under ethanol consumption.

PMID- 22051774
TI  - Chronic inflammatory cardiomyopathy of interferon gamma-overexpressing transgenic
      mice is mediated by tumor necrosis factor-alpha.
AB  - We recently described a model of inflammatory cardiomyopathy in interferon (IFN)
      gamma overexpressing transgenic mice stably circulating IFN-gamma in the serum
      referred to as SAP--IFN-gamma mice. SAP-IFN-gamma transgenic mice show cardiac
      infiltration by mononuclear leukocytes, culminating in dilated cardiomyopathy
      characterized by an increase of left ventricular end diastolic diameter and
      reduction of fractional shortening. We hypothesized that the pathological
      mechanism underlying SAP-IFN-gamma cardiomyopathy might be mediated by
      (auto)immune processes or tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha synthesis from IFN
      gamma-activated macrophages. To verify these hypotheses, we crossed SAP-IFN-gamma
      transgenic mice with immunodeficient Rag1(-/-) or TNF-alpha(-/-) knockout mice
      and analyzed the cardiac phenotype of the resulting double-mutant offspring.
      Immunodeficient Rag1(-/-) SAP-IFN-gamma mice had a decreased impaired life span
      and intensive cardiac inflammatory reactions, showing that the cardiotoxic IFN
      gamma effect operative in SAP-IFN-gamma mice was not mediated by an adaptive
      immune mechanism. SAP-IFN-gamma TNF-alpha(-/-) hearts showed virtually no
      histopathological alterations, a significant reduction of cardiac infiltration by
      CD11c(+) dendritic cells and F4/80(+) macrophages, almost complete normalization
      of cardiac troponin T levels in serum and of left ventricular end diastolic
      diameter and fractional shortening, and a dramatic increase of life span,
      compared with SAP-IFN-gamma transgenic controls. Thus, myocarditis and
      cardiomyopathy developing in IFN-gamma-overexpressing transgenic mice is, to a
      significant degree, mediated by TNF-alpha. TNF-alpha-mediated cardiotoxicity in
      SAP-IFN-gamma transgenic mice is independent of changes of apoptosis.

PMID- 22051775
TI  - Heat shock proteins 27 and 70 are potential biliary markers for the detection of
      cholangiocarcinoma.
AB  - Cholangiocarcinoma often is diagnosed at an advanced stage. Thus, it is necessary
      to establish sensitive screening methods that would allow cholangiocarcinoma and
      preferably its precursor lesion [biliary intraepithelial neoplasia (BilIN)] to be
      detected. We sought to clarify the usefulness of heat shock protein (HSP) 27 and
      HSP70 as biomarkers of cholangiocarcinoma and have used immunohistochemical
      analyses of hepatolithiatic livers to characterize HSP27 and HSP70 expression
      during the multistep cholangiocarcinogenesis process. HSP27 and HSP70 were
      measured in serum and bile samples via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In
      hepatolithiatic tissue, the expression of HSP27 and HSP70 was increased in BilIN
      as well as in invasive cholangiocarcinoma. The serum levels of HSP27 and HSP70
      were not significantly different between the hepatolithiatic patients with and
      without cholangiocarcinoma. In contrast, the bile levels of HSP27 and HSP70 were
      increased significantly in the patients with cholangiocarcinoma compared with
      those in the patients with lithiasis. Combining the measurements of the bile
      levels of HSP27 and HSP70 increased their usefulness as biomarkers, and the sum
      (HSP27 + HSP70) yielded the best sensitivity (90%) and specificity (100%). These
      results suggest that HSP27 and HSP70 could be used as biliary biomarkers for the
      detection of cholangiocarcinoma including BilIN.

PMID- 22051776
TI  - Regulation of lipin1 by nutritional status, adiponectin, sex and pituitary
      function in rat white adipose tissue.
AB  - Lipin1 is a member of the lipin protein family that plays an important role in
      the regulation of lipid metabolism. The endogenous role of lipin1 was
      demonstrated by the fact that mutations in lipin1 caused lipodystrophy and
      metabolic disorders. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of
      nutritional status, pregnancy, insulin-sensitizers and pituitary hormones on
      lipin1 mRNA levels in adipose tissue of rats. Lipin1 gene expression was induced
      in conditions of hypoleptinemia (fasting) and leptin resistance (high fat diet),
      whereas it was decreased by high circulating leptin levels (leptin
      administration, pregnancy) and in leptin-deficient mice. Lipin1 mRNA levels were
      also decreased in adiponectin-deficient mice. Lipin1 mRNA levels are influenced
      by age in female rats, with peak expression at 25th day of life and decreasing
      thereafter. Consistently, ovariectomy increased lipin1 expression indicating that
      estrogens modulate lipin1. Finally, lipin1 was also regulated by pituitary
      hormones, since its expression was modified by thyroid status and growth hormone
      deficiency. Our observations indicate that: a) gWAT lipin1 mRNA levels are
      regulated by nutritional status, and leptin plays an important role in this
      regard, b) lipin1 is modulated by adiponectin, c) lipin1 is influenced by age and
      sex, and d) alterations in pituitary function modify lipin1 mRNA levels. To
      dissect the complicated interactions between key regulators of lipid metabolism
      like lipin1, may be important for the development of new therapies for the
      treatment and prevention of obesity and its associated disorders.

PMID- 22051777
TI  - Characterization of cis-regulatory elements controlling repo transcription in
      Drosophila melanogaster.
AB  - The glial cells missing (gcm) gene has been identified as a "master regulator" of
      glial cell fate in the fruit fly Drosophila. However, gcm is also expressed in
      and required for the development of larval macrophages and tendon cells. Thus,
      the Gcm protein activates the transcription of different sets of genes in
      different developmental contexts. How the Gcm protein regulates these different
      outcomes is not known. Our goal is to identify proteins that collaborate with Gcm
      to promote the transcriptional activation of Gcm target genes specifically in
      glial cells, or prevent their activation in the other tissues in which Gcm is
      expressed. To address this, we have focused on the transcriptional regulation of
      a well-characterized glial-specific Gcm target gene, the transcription factor
      reversed polarity (repo). We aim to understand how the transcription of the glial
      specific Gcm target gene repo is regulated by Gcm and other factors. Previously
      we defined a 4.3 kb cis-regulatory DNA region that recapitulates the endogenous
      Repo expression pattern dependent on multiple Gcm binding sites. We proposed that
      there may be multiple cis-regulatory sub-regions that drive cell-specific
      expression independent of Gcm binding sites. Here, using lacZ reporter activity
      in transgenic lines, we have characterized three cis-regulatory elements: 1) a
      distal element that promotes expression in dorsolateral epidermis; 2) a repressor
      element that suppresses expression in the epidermis; and, 3) a proximal element
      that promotes expression in a subset of cell body glia. Most significantly, we
      have defined a minimal cis-regulatory element that recapitulates the endogenous
      repo expression pattern dependent on a single Gcm binding site.

PMID- 22051778
TI  - 1kbp 5' upstream sequence enables developmental stage-specific expressions of
      globin genes in the fish, medaka Oryzias latipes.
AB  - Hemoglobin of bony fish and higher vertebrates is a tetrameric protein
      constructed by 2 alpha- and 2 beta-globins, which are expressed in a
      developmental stage-specific manner. The genomic organization of genes for
      embryonic and adult alpha- and beta-globin varies from species to species. In
      fish, it is known that there is a unique genomic organization of globin genes,
      that is, alpha- and beta-globin genes are arranged in a bi-directional and head
      to-head orientation with respect to transcription start sites. In medaka, we have
      demonstrated that 14 globin genes are located in 2 different clusters, and 5
      pairs of the alpha- and beta-globin genes were found to be organized in a head-to
      head orientation. The developmental expression patterns of the 11 globin genes
      were classified into 4 types. To clarify how their developmental stage-specific
      expressions are regulated, we produced 4 types of GFP- or RFP-transgenic medaka.
      Such transgenic medaka revealed that each of the 1-1.7 kbp 5' upstream sequences
      from respective globin genes possesses the ability to regulate the developmental
      stage-specific globin gene expression. In particular, the intervals between head
      to-head alpha3 and beta3, and alpha4 and beta4 genes controlled the synchronized
      expression of the globin genes located at both sides of the intervals, which is
      significant to understand the mechanism by which equal amounts of alpha- and beta
      globins are expressed in erythroid cells. We also demonstrated that the head-to
      head intervals can control the expression of the globin genes located at both
      sides. These findings are significant to understand the mechanism by which alpha-
      and beta-globins are equally expressed in erythroid cells.

PMID- 22051779
TI  - Citation analysis of the contact lens field.
AB  - PURPOSE: To identify, analyze, and celebrate the most highly cited articles
      relating to contact lenses and the leading authors, journals, institutions, and
      countries associated with these publications. METHODS: To capture all contact
      lens articles published since 1900, a search equation targeting specific contact
      lens-related terms in the titles of articles was derived and entered into "Web of
      Science." A rank order list of the 1000 most highly cited articles was assembled,
      each having received at least eight citations. The most prominent articles,
      authors, journals, institutions, and countries were identified from this list by
      simple counts. RESULTS: The most highly cited article relating to contact lenses
      (although cited exclusively in the physical sciences literature) is that of
      Phillip and Schmidt (J Non Cryst Solids 1984;63:288-92), reporting the
      application of the sol-gel process for the fabrication of rigid contact lenses.
      Eight of the top 10 articles ranked according to average number of citations/year
      relate to contact lens-associated microbial keratitis. Of the top eight authors,
      six have spent all, or a substantial proportion, of their academic careers in
      Australia and seven have worked in optometric research environments. Optometry
      and Vision Science is the leading journal. The top-ranked institution is The
      University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. The United States is the most
      prominent publishing country in the field, and Australia ranks highest when the
      numbers of highly cited articles are considered per head of population.
      CONCLUSIONS: This work provides a unique snapshot of significant articles
      relating to contact lenses.

PMID- 22051780
TI  - Asthenopia and blink rate under visual and cognitive loads.
AB  - PURPOSE: Asthenopia has been associated with reading under visually stressful
      conditions. However, it is not known whether increased cognitive load contributes
      to asthenopic symptoms. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the
      contribution of increased cognitive load (with or without visual stress inducing
      conditions) to asthenopic symptoms associated with prolonged near work. METHODS:
      Thirty-three visually normal subjects, aged 18 to 30 years, participated in the
      study. Subjects read texts or watched videos under different visual stress and
      cognitive loads. Visual stress conditions were good visual quality, low contrast,
      and induced refractive error. The cognitive load levels were watching video,
      reading fairy tales, and reading technical articles. As an additional task,
      subjects also listened to technical articles. At the end of each condition,
      subjects rated the magnitude of any asthenopic symptoms, visual discomfort, and
      cognitive discomfort they experienced during the task. Electromyography
      potentials recorded from the lower orbicularis oculi muscle were used to obtain
      blink rate. RESULTS: Subjects reported greater internal symptoms for the
      refractive error condition coupled with higher cognitive load compared to good
      visual and low contrast conditions (p < 0.01). For the low contrast condition
      coupled with higher cognitive load, greater external symptoms were reported
      compared to good visual and refractive error conditions (p < 0.05). However,
      asthenopic symptoms were not reported for cognitively demanding tasks when the
      visual condition was good. Blink rates were not significantly different between
      the good visual and low contrast conditions within each cognitive load level. For
      the cognitively difficult reading conditions, blink rate was significantly
      decreased for the low contrast and good visual conditions compared to the
      refractive error condition. CONCLUSIONS: An interaction between cognitive and
      visual demands was observed. Greater cognitive loads accentuate the same
      differentiated symptoms normally caused by visual stressors.

PMID- 22051781
TI  - Two cases of keratoconus diagnosed after pregnancy.
AB  - PURPOSE: This case report aims to demonstrate that pregnancy-induced
      biomechanical corneal changes in combination with risk factors for ectasia can
      develop into (the exacerbation of) keratoconus. CASE REPORT: We describe two
      women who were clinically diagnosed with keratoconus after their second
      pregnancy. Both women were myopic and had a history of allergies and contact lens
      wear. It is unclear whether these two women had a newly diagnosed keratoconus
      that developed during pregnancy or had experienced an exacerbation of an
      unrecognized, subclinical keratoconus. CONCLUSIONS: Nowadays, documented
      progression of keratoconus can be treated by corneal crosslinking to stabilize
      the weakened cornea. Therefore, it is important to understand the effects of
      hormonal changes in (keratoconic) eyes during pregnancy and to include
      topographic imaging in unexplained visual deterioration in young individuals,
      especially during or after a pregnancy.

PMID- 22051782
TI  - Heterologous production of bisucaberin using a biosynthetic gene cluster cloned
      from a deep sea metagenome.
AB  - A siderophore biosynthetic gene cluster was cloned from a metagenomic library
      generated from deep sea sediment. The gene cluster was successfully expressed in
      Escherichia coli to produce bisucaberin, a siderophore originally reported from
      the marine bacterium Alteromonas haloplanktis. The cloned bisucaberin
      biosynthetic gene cluster was moderately similar to that of the known bisucaberin
      producer Vibrio salmonicida. However, the cloned gene cluster consists of four
      genes rather than three genes found in the V. salmonicida cluster. The low
      overall homology of the amino acid and nucleotide sequences with those of other
      species suggests that the cloned genes were derived from one of the unsequenced
      bacteria including uncultured species.

PMID- 22051783
TI  - Ovarian endometrioma in an 11-year-old girl before menarche: a case study with
      literature review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To date, a limited number of endometriosis cases occurring before or
      around the time of menarche have been documented. CASE: An 11-year-old adolescent
      underwent an emergency operation for left ovarian endometrioma. Her menarche
      occurred spontaneously 6 months after surgery. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: We
      discuss the above mentioned case and consider data published in the literature.
      Endometrioma should be considered even in premenarcheal girls with ovarian cysts,
      regardless of their size.

PMID- 22051784
TI  - The use of effective contraception among young Hispanic women: the role of
      acculturation.
AB  - PURPOSE: Culture may play an important role in contraceptive preference among
      young Hispanic women. We examined whether acculturation predicted the use of
      different contraceptives, grouped by level of efficacy in preventing pregnancy.
      METHODS: 1017 sexually active Hispanic women between the ages of 16 and 24 (mean
      age 20.69 +/- 2.42 years) responded to a self-administered questionnaire. Data
      were analyzed using multinomial logistic regression. RESULTS: Women low in
      acculturation (OR 1.79, CI 1.06-3.02) and bicultural (OR 2.66, CI 1.52-4.64) were
      more likely than women high in acculturation to have used no method of
      contraception than long-acting reversible contraception (LARC). Bicultural women
      were more likely to have used condoms than LARC (OR 2.51, CI 1.40-4.49) compared
      to women high in acculturation. Finally, women in low in acculturation (OR 1.98,
      CI 1.11-3.50) and bicultural (OR 1.88, CI 1.01-3.51) were more likely to have
      used cyclic hormonal contraception than LARC compared to women high in
      acculturation. CONCLUSIONS: Educational efforts should focus on young Hispanic
      women who are bicultural and low in acculturation in order to increase their use
      of more effective contraceptive methods and reduce the number of unplanned
      pregnancies among this population.

PMID- 22051785
TI  - Cultural practices relating to menarche and menstruation among adolescent girls
      in Taiwan--qualitative investigation.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to qualitatively record the cultural
      attitudes and practices associated with menarche and menstruation in Taiwanese
      girls, particularly with respect to coping mechanisms. PARTICIPANTS: Forty-eight
      adolescent girls participated. INTERVENTION: Adolescent girls were individually
      interviewed to investigate the effects of their cultural practices, coping
      mechanisms, and physiological symptoms during menarche and menstruation. MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASURE(S): The qualitative investigation revealed mixed reactions to
      menstruation, such as eating chocolate, using sanitary napkins, and feeling
      irritable or embarrassed. Cluster construction suggested that adolescents were
      prepared for menarche but required emotional support; in addition, the new
      generation employed the Internet to learn how to cope. RESULTS: A
      phenomenological approach showed that menarche and menstrual attitudes among
      Taiwanese adolescents were comprised in 4 dimensions: self-perception,
      information, and cultural practices with regard to menarche; physiological
      symptoms and psychological reactions during menstruation; coping mechanisms
      during menarche and menstruation; and methods for coping and cultural practices
      for menstruation. Cultural beliefs and the Internet have changed cross-cultural
      contacts. CONCLUSIONS: Educators and health professionals should seek to
      understand this generation of girls, who perceive the world as more flexible and
      available and have more creativity and new eating behaviors and hobbies.

PMID- 22051786
TI  - Vaginal agenesis, the hymen, and associated anomalies.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVES: Review anomalies in patients with vaginal agenesis. In
      particular, to clarify the impact of an absent hymen on the presence of other
      anomalies; on the success of creating a vagina with dilators; and on sexual
      function outcomes. DESIGN: Retrospective medical record review; questionnaire on
      sexual function. SETTING: Gynecology service at a children's hospital and the
      practice of 1 gynecologist. PARTICIPANTS: All patients with vaginal agenesis were
      identified from the databases, as well as the subgroup in which hymenal status
      was known. OUTCOME MEASURES: Data regarding hymen, renal, skeletal, cardiac, and
      other anomalies; for women who had a neovagina, the technique used to create a
      functional vagina. RESULTS: Of 69 females (age range 2-70 years), renal tract
      anomalies (43.3%), vertebral anomalies (29%), cardiac anomalies (14.5%), and
      syndromes including Klippel-Feil (7%) and MURCS association (7%) were identified.
      Where hymenal status was known (n = 47), 31 were normal, and 16 had an absent
      hymen. Where the hymen was absent, renal agenesis was increased (odds ratio =
      13.5, P < .001). There was no association between other anomalies and an absent
      hymen, or between the various anomalies. For women without a hymen, the
      likelihood of failing dilation therapy was increased (odds ratio = 21.7; P <
      .01]. CONCLUSION: An absent hymen makes renal agenesis more likely and increases
      the likelihood that dilator techniques will fail. This condition appears to be
      associated with reports of long-term problems with poor lubrication that are
      potentially related to the absence of the peri-hymenal Bartholin's glands.

PMID- 22051787
TI  - Urogenital symptoms in premenarchal girls: parents' and girls' perceptions and
      associations with irritants.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Premenarchal girls commonly seek care for urogenital symptoms, yet
      little is published about parents' and girls' perceived causes of symptoms or
      associations with irritant exposures. We sought to describe urogenital symptoms,
      perceived causes, and associations between symptoms and genital irritant
      exposures. DESIGN: Descriptive study. Parents/girls interviewed; medical records
      reviewed. PARTICIPANTS: Five- to 12-year-old well, premenarchal girls and their
      parents. SETTING: One urban and 1 suburban pediatric practice. OUTCOME MEASURES:
      Prevalence of histories of urogenital symptoms and perceived causes; association
      between symptoms and exposure to genital irritants in a well population. RESULTS:
      Of 191 parent/girl dyads, 33% of parents and 48% of girls reported girls'
      histories of urogenital symptoms not attributed to urinary tract infections or
      trauma. Perceived causes: poor hygiene (29% of parents vs 14% of girls); soap
      products (20% of parents and girls); none identified (24% of parents vs 53% of
      girls). Analysis of symptoms versus irritant exposures demonstrated these
      associations: dysuria and genital soreness with poor genital hygiene, tight
      garments, or exposure to soap products; genital pruritus with poor hygiene (all P
      < .05). No symptoms were associated with nylon underwear, tights, or bike or
      horseback riding. Vaginal discharge was not associated with any irritants.
      CONCLUSION: Almost half the girls had histories of urogenital symptoms. Poor
      hygiene and soap exposure were perceived causes of most symptoms. When no cause
      for urogenital symptoms is identified, treatment should be focused on hygiene,
      soap exposure, and tight-fitting clothes, not on bike or horseback riding or
      wearing nylon underwear or tights. Vaginal discharge warrants further evaluation.

PMID- 22051788
TI  - Substance use and mental health disparities among sexual minority girls: results
      from the Pittsburgh girls study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To examine substance use and mental health disparities between sexual
      minority girls and heterosexual girls. METHODS: Data from the Pittsburgh Girls
      Study were analyzed. All girls were 17 years old. Girls were included if they
      were not missing self-reported sexual orientation and mental health data (N =
      527). Thirty-one girls (6%) endorsed same-sex romantic orientation/identity or
      current same-sex attraction. Bivariate analyses were conducted to test group
      differences in the prevalence of substance use and suicidal behavior, and group
      differences in depression, anxiety, borderline personality disorder (BPD),
      oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), and conduct disorder (CD) symptoms. RESULTS:
      Compared with heterosexual girls, sexual minority girls reported higher past-year
      rates of cigarette, alcohol, and heavy alcohol use, higher rates of suicidal
      ideation and self-harm, and higher average depression, anxiety, BPD, ODD, and CD
      symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: Sexual minority girls are an underrepresented group in the
      health disparities literature, and compared with heterosexual girls, they are at
      higher risk for mental health problems, most likely because of minority stress
      experiences such as discrimination and victimization. The disparities found in
      this report highlight the importance of discussing sexual orientation as part of
      a comprehensive preventive care visit.

PMID- 22051789
TI  - Diagnosis and management of precocious puberty in atypical presentations of
      McCune-Albright syndrome: a case series review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: McCune-Albright syndrome is a rare syndrome, classically defined as
      the triad of precocious puberty, fibrous dysplasia of bone, and cafe au lait
      lesions. Partial or atypical presentations of McCune-Albright syndrome, with only
      one or two of the classic symptoms, have been described in the literature and
      remain particularly challenging due to lack of diagnostic phenotype. In these
      patients, the utility of analysis of mutations in the gene of the alpha subunit
      of the stimulatory G-protein is limited and so the diagnosis is often based on
      clinical judgment. Three atypical cases of suspected McCune-Albright syndrome
      with gonadotropin-independent precocious puberty are presented. CASES: Case #1: A
      5-year-old female presented with painlesss vaginal bleeding and was found to have
      cafe au lait lesions. She was diagnosed with gonadotropin independent precocious
      puberty with eventual progression to gonadotropin dependent precocious puberty
      which was successfully treated with both letrozole and gonadotropin-releasing
      hormone agonist therapy. Case #2: A 3-year-old female presented with painless
      vaginal bleeding and was found to have cafe au lait lesions. She was diagnosed
      with gonadotropin independent precocious puberty and was successfully treated
      with letrozole. Case #3: A 5-year-old female presented with fibrous dysplasia and
      was found to have evidence of uterine and ovarian enlargement on ultrasound. She
      was diagnosed with gonadotropin-independent precocious puberty and was
      successfully treated with letrozole. SUMMARY AND CONCLUSION: Although different
      in presentation, all three atypical cases of suspected McCune-Albright syndrome
      with gonadotropin-independent precocious puberty were successfully treated with
      aromatase inhibitors. This small case series shows the utility and efficacy of
      aromatase inhibitors in the setting of atypical cases of suspected MAS with
      gonadotropin-independent precocious puberty.

PMID- 22051791
TI  - Awareness and knowledge of the intrauterine device in adolescents.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to explore intrauterine device (IUD)
      awareness and knowledge in a diverse, multiethnic population. METHODS: We
      conducted a self-administered, anonymous survey addressing awareness of the IUD
      as a contraceptive method and knowledge about aspects of IUD use in a group of
      women aged 14 to 19 years. Demographic and medical information was obtained to
      compare awareness and knowledge between demographic groups. Chi-square, Fisher
      exact test, and t tests were used for analysis. Multiple logistic regression was
      utilized to confirm relationships. RESULTS: Of the 106 respondents, 76.4%
      (81/106) were sexually active and 56.6% (60/106) reported a history of ever being
      pregnant. There were 21.1% (33/106) of respondents who had heard of the IUD as a
      contraceptive method. Of the subjects who had heard of the IUD, 39.4 % (13/33)
      were able to identify key features of the IUD. Although a history of pregnancy
      was predictive of having heard of the IUD, age, insurance status, education, and
      all other demographic factors were not associated with IUD awareness. CONCLUSION:
      Over 70% of the adolescents had not heard of the IUD and less than half of
      adolescents who had heard of the IUD were able to identify key features about
      this contraceptive method. The lack of knowledge of this effective and safe
      contraceptive option is concerning given that most participants were at high risk
      for unintended pregnancy.

PMID- 22051790
TI  - Prevalence and correlates of recent vaginal douching among African American
      adolescent females.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVE: To describe the prevalence and correlates of vaginal douching
      among urban African American adolescents and to examine the association between
      douching and sexually transmitted infection (STI) status. DESIGN: Demographic,
      psychosocial, and behavioral data were collected through cross-sectional, self
      administered surveys. Self-collected vaginal swabs were assayed using nucleic
      acid amplification tests for trichomoniasis, chlamydia, and gonorrhea. SETTING:
      Sexual health clinic in a large metropolitan area of the southeastern United
      States. PARTICIPANTS: African American females (N = 701), ages 14-20,
      participating in a human immunodeficiency virus prevention intervention. MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASURE: The outcome of interest was the association between vaginal
      douching (lifetime, past 90 days, and past 7 days) with demographic
      characteristics (eg, age, education, and socioeconomic status), physical and
      mental health status, STI status, sexual behavior (eg, number of vaginal sexual
      partners, age of sex partners, consistent condom use in the past 90 days, sex
      while self/partner was high on drugs or alcohol), and psychosocial
      characteristics (eg, sexual adventurism, social support, peer norms, sexual
      satisfaction, self-efficacy for sex refusal, self-esteem, relationship power,
      risk avoidance). RESULTS: Forty-three percent reported ever douching, and 29%
      reported douching in the past 90 days. In bivariate analyses, recent douching was
      associated with demographic, behavioral, and psychosocial variables, but not
      current STI status. In multivariate analyses, recent douching was associated with
      age (odds ratio [AOR] = 1.13, confidence interval [CI] = 1.02-1.25), lower
      socioeconomic status (AOR = 1.25, CI = 1.05-1.47), and having sex with much older
      partners (AOR = 1.87, CI = 1.22-2.86). CONCLUSION: Increased age, lower
      socioeconomic status, and older partners may be salient risk factors for douching
      behavior among African American young women.

PMID- 22051792
TI  - Long acting reversible contraception in postpartum adolescents: early initiation
      of etonogestrel implant is superior to IUDs in the outpatient setting.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the outpatient initiation of postpartum long-acting
      reversible contraception (LARC). DESIGN: Prospective cohort study of pregnant
      adolescents' prenatal contraceptive intentions and successful postpartum
      initiation of LARC. SETTING: Urban, university hospital-affiliated, adolescent
      outpatient clinic. PARTICIPANTS: Adolescents attending an integrated prenatal and
      postpartum maternity clinic. INTERVENTIONS: Data were collected via the
      electronic medical record and telephone interview. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
      Contraceptive intentions during the third trimester, contraceptive methods used
      postpartum, timing of LARC initiation, timing of resumption of intercourse.
      RESULTS: 116 patients were enrolled; 75% intended LARC use postpartum. Of 38
      implant-intenders, 14 received it within 14 days postpartum. All reported
      abstinence pre-placement. Mean time to insertion was 18+/-13 days. Of 37 IUD
      intenders, only two received one by 8 weeks postpartum. By 14 weeks postpartum,
      43% received one. Over half reported intercourse prior to insertion; the only
      method of contraception used was condoms. Mean time to insertion was 70+/-11
      days. Resumption of intercourse prior to initiation of the intended LARC method
      was significantly higher in IUD recipients compared to those who intended and
      received the implant (RR 8.8; CI 1.3-57.5). CONCLUSION: In postpartum teens
      attending a clinic that prioritizes contraceptive use, the implant is far more
      likely to be received prior to resumption of sexual activity than the IUD. This
      may be due to more and earlier opportunities for placement, or waning commitment
      with time since delivery. Post-placental IUDs may be needed to equal the success
      of the implant in this patient population. Short-acting, reliable contraceptive
      methods should be implemented for postpartum adolescents preferring to wait for
      IUD insertion.

PMID- 22051793
TI  - The role of examination under anesthesia (EUA) and vaginoscopy in pediatric and
      adolescent gynecology: a retrospective review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Examination under anesthesia (EUA) with diagnostic vaginoscopy is an
      invaluable method in the lower genital tract assessment of pediatric and
      adolescent females. The literature on this topic remains scarce. METHODS: This is
      a retrospective medical notes review of all patients who underwent EUA with or
      without vaginoscopy over the past 5 years at a pediatric and adolescent
      gynecology unit specializing in disorders of sex development (DSD). RESULTS: From
      2005 to 2010, 83 patients underwent 92 procedures. All procedures were performed
      under general anesthesia, and a 3-mm pediatric cystoscope was used for
      vaginoscopy. Of the 92 cases, 33 (36%) were EUA alone and 59 (64%) consisted of a
      combined EUA and vaginoscopy. The mean age was 13.3 +/- 3.7 years. The most
      common indications included assessment for reconstructive surgery (33.7%),
      vaginal stenosis (21.7%), vaginal discharge (19.6%), vaginal bleeding (16.3%),
      and pelvic pain (8.7%). Most (61%) of those presenting for assessment for
      reconstructive surgery had a DSD and history of surgical correction in early
      childhood. In 88 cases (96%), the evaluation was satisfactory and a diagnosis was
      reached or normality confirmed. Four cases (4%) required further investigation.
      No significant intraoperative or postoperative complications were encountered. Of
      the 92 cases, 15 (16%) required a further minor procedure, which was performed at
      the time of the EUA/vaginoscopy. Another 33 (36%) required further major surgery,
      which was performed at a later date. CONCLUSION: EUA/vaginoscopy is a safe and
      highly useful method in the assessment of the lower genital tract in pediatric
      and adolescent patients.

PMID- 22051794
TI  - The rechargeable aluminum-ion battery.
AB  - We report a novel aluminium-ion rechargeable battery comprised of an electrolyte
      containing AlCl(3) in the ionic liquid, 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium chloride, and
      a V(2)O(5) nano-wire cathode against an aluminium metal anode. The battery
      delivered a discharge capacity of 305 mAh g(-1) in the first cycle and 273 mAh g(
      1) after 20 cycles, with very stable electrochemical behaviour.

PMID- 22051795
TI  - Widespread polymorphism in the positions of stop codons in Drosophila
      melanogaster.
AB  - The mechanisms underlying evolutionary changes in protein length are poorly
      understood. Protein domains are lost and gained between species and must have
      arisen first as within-species polymorphisms. Here, we use Drosophila
      melanogaster population genomic data combined with between species divergence
      information to understand the evolutionary forces that generate and maintain
      polymorphisms causing changes in protein length in D. melanogaster. Specifically,
      we looked for protein length variations resulting from premature termination
      codons (PTCs) and stop codon losses (SCLs). We discovered that 438 genes
      contained polymorphisms resulting in truncation of the translated region (PTCs)
      and 119 genes contained polymorphisms predicted to lengthen the translated region
      (SCLs). Stop codon polymorphisms (SCPs) (especially PTCs) appear to be more
      deleterious than other polymorphisms, including protein amino acid changes. Genes
      harboring SCPs are in general less selectively constrained, more narrowly
      expressed, and enriched for dispensable biological functions. However, we also
      observed exceptional cases such as genes that have multiple independent SCPs,
      alleles that are shared between D. melanogaster and Drosophila simulans, and high
      frequency alleles that cause extreme changes in gene length. SCPs likely have an
      important role in the evolution of these genes.

PMID- 22051796
TI  - An enhanced MODIS remote sensing model for detecting rainfall effects on sediment
      plume in the coastal waters of Apalachicola Bay.
AB  - Mapping of total suspended solids (TSS) was conducted to investigate rainstorm
      induced characteristic of sediment plume in the coastal waters of Apalachicola
      Bay. An improved TSS quadratic polynomial regression model (Calibration:
      R2=0.8586, N=32; validation: RMSE of 4.76 mg/l, N=30) for MODIS remote sensing
      was presented in this study. TSS mapping of MODIS before and after a rainstorm
      event showed distinct temporal-spatial variability of TSS concentration. Driven
      by ocean tidal current, a storm plume of width at about 40-50 km was formed
      flowing towards southwest of study area. The distinct boundary separating the
      highly turbid (west side) and relatively clear water (east side) was found near
      Sikes Cut. Further, by taking the TSS mapping under the low river discharge
      condition due to a local rainstorm as a reference of background TSS, two
      thresholds of TSS (25 and 45 mg/l respectively) were used to estimate the range
      of rainstorm plume and the central area of sediment load from surrounding land,
      and the spatial extent and evolution of the sediment plume during the local
      rainstorm. Besides, it was found that the storm plume concentration of TSS at
      east side of Sites Cut was quickly diluted under 25 mg/L, forming a storm plume
      towards east with width at about 7-8 km. The method developed in this study may
      be used to support coastal storm water research and management activities.

PMID- 22051797
TI  - Imaging protein activity in live embryos using fluorescence resonance energy
      transfer biosensors.
AB  - Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)-based molecular biosensors serve as
      important tools for studying protein activity in live cells and have been widely
      used for this purpose over the past decade. However, FRET biosensors are rarely
      used in the context of the live organism because of the inherent high cellular
      complexity and imaging challenges associated with the three-dimensional
      environment. Here we provide a protocol for using single-chain intramolecular
      FRET-based biosensors in early development. We provide a general protocol for
      FRET ratio imaging in embryos, including the data-acquisition conditions and the
      algorithm for ratio image generation. We then use the pRaichu RacFRET biosensor
      to exemplify the adaptation and optimization of a particular biosensor for use in
      live zebrafish embryos. Once an optimized biosensor is available, the complete
      procedure, including introduction of the probes into embryos, imaging and data
      analysis, requires 2-3 d.

PMID- 22051798
TI  - Using an adherent cell culture of the mouse subependymal zone to study the
      behavior of adult neural stem cells on a single-cell level.
AB  - A comprehensive understanding of the cell biology of adult neural stem cells
      (aNSCs) requires direct observation of aNSC division and lineage progression in
      the absence of niche-dependent signals. Here we describe a culture preparation of
      the adult mouse subependymal zone (SEZ), which allows for continuous single-cell
      tracking of aNSC behavior. The protocol involves the isolation (approximately 3
      h) and culture of cells from the adult SEZ at low density in the absence of
      mitogenic growth factors in chemically defined medium and subsequent live imaging
      using time-lapse video microscopy (5-7 d); these steps are followed by
      postimaging immunocytochemistry to identify progeny (approximately 7 h). This
      protocol enables the observation of the progression from slow-dividing aNSCs of
      radial/astroglial identity up to the neuroblast stage, involving asymmetric and
      symmetric cell divisions of distinct fast-dividing precursors. This culture
      provides an experimental system for studying instructive or permissive effects of
      signal molecules on aNSC modes of cell division and lineage progression.

PMID- 22051799
TI  - Transcription factor binding predictions using TRAP for the analysis of ChIP-seq
      data and regulatory SNPs.
AB  - The transcription factor affinity prediction (TRAP) method calculates the
      affinity of transcription factors for DNA sequences on the basis of a biophysical
      model. This method has proven to be useful for several applications, including
      for determining the putative target genes of a given factor. This protocol covers
      two other applications: (i) determining which transcription factors have the
      highest affinity in a set of sequences (illustrated with chromatin
      immunoprecipitation-sequencing (ChIP-seq) peaks), and (ii) finding which factor
      is the most affected by a regulatory single-nucleotide polymorphism. The protocol
      describes how to use the TRAP web tools to address these questions, and it also
      presents a way to run TRAP on random control sequences to better estimate the
      significance of the results. All of the tools are fully available online and do
      not need any additional installation. The complete protocol takes about 45 min,
      but each individual tool runs in a few minutes.

PMID- 22051800
TI  - Multiplexed array-based and in-solution genomic enrichment for flexible and cost
      effective targeted next-generation sequencing.
AB  - The unprecedented increase in the throughput of DNA sequencing driven by next
      generation technologies now allows efficient analysis of the complete protein
      coding regions of genomes (exomes) for multiple samples in a single sequencing
      run. However, sample preparation and targeted enrichment of multiple samples has
      become a rate-limiting and costly step in high-throughput genetic analysis. Here
      we present an efficient protocol for parallel library preparation and targeted
      enrichment of pooled multiplexed bar-coded samples. The procedure is compatible
      with microarray-based and solution-based capture approaches. The high flexibility
      of this method allows multiplexing of 3-5 samples for whole-exome experiments, 20
      samples for targeted footprints of 5 Mb and 96 samples for targeted footprints of
      0.4 Mb. From library preparation to post-enrichment amplification, including
      hybridization time, the protocol takes 5-6 d for array-based enrichment and 3-4 d
      for solution-based enrichment. Our method provides a cost-effective approach for
      a broad range of applications, including targeted resequencing of large sample
      collections (e.g., follow-up genome-wide association studies), and whole-exome or
      custom mini-genome sequencing projects. This protocol gives details for a single
      tube procedure, but scaling to a manual or automated 96-well plate format is
      possible and discussed.

PMID- 22051802
TI  - Levamisole-induced necrosis of skin, soft tissue, and bone:  case report and
      review of literature.
AB  - This represents the largest case of skin necrosis related to levamisole, a common
      cocaine contaminant, requiring closure with skin grafts, and is the only case
      resulting in nasal amputation, central upper lip excision, extremity bone
      necrosis, and above knee amputation. The case report is followed by a review of
      the literature. Unique considerations for the full-thickness necrosis induced by
      levamisole vasculitis are highlighted, including antibody level monitoring, need
      for multiple excisions, timing of skin grafting, and potential for soft tissue
      and bone necrosis as well. A 54-year-old man presented to an outside facility
      with fever, generalized weakness, and agranulocytosis, with a history of cocaine
      use 3 weeks before. After admission, he developed generalized violaceous lesions
      and an elevated p-antineutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody and was diagnosed with
      disseminated vasculitis and agranulocytosis secondary to levamisole-contaminated
      cocaine exposure. On transfer to the authors' facility, 52% TBSA was involved
      with violaceous, nonblanching lesions, which progressed to full-thickness
      necrosis. Local wound care continued until necrotic areas fully demarcated and
      progressive necrosis stabilized, and skin grafting for closure was not performed
      until antibody levels normalized. Current treatment of levamisole-induced skin
      rash or necrosis focuses on discontinuation of levamisole. As demonstrated by
      this case, extensive necrosis secondary to levamisole-induced vasculitis can be
      successfully treated with multiple excisions until necrosis stabilizes, and then,
      split-thickness autografts may be applied. In areas with poor vascular supply or
      areas with poor functional prognosis, amputation may ultimately be required.

PMID- 22051801
TI  - Imaging of rat optic nerve axons in vivo.
AB  - In this protocol, we describe the imaging of single axons in the rat optic nerve
      in vivo. Axons are labeled through the intravitreal injection of adeno-associated
      viral vectors (AAVs) expressing a fluorophore (duration of the procedure ~1 h).
      Two weeks after intravitreal injection, the optic nerve is surgically exposed
      (duration ~1 h) and labeled axons are imaged with an epifluorescence microscope
      either for up to 8 h or repetitively on the following days. Additionally,
      intravitreal injection of calcium-sensitive dyes allows for imaging of intra
      axonal calcium kinetics. This procedure enables the analysis of the morphological
      changes of degenerating axons in the optic nerve in different lesion paradigms,
      such as optic nerve crush, axotomy or pin lesion. Furthermore, the effects of
      pharmacological manipulations on axonal stability and axonal calcium kinetics in
      axons of the central nervous system can be studied in vivo.

PMID- 22051803
TI  - [Cystic lesion in the area of the vestibular folds].
AB  - Warthin tumor is the second most frequently seen benign tumor of the salivary
      glands and is generally located in the parotid gland. Although extraparotideal
      manifestations in the small salivary glands are rare, the occurrence of cystic
      lesions in the area of the nasopharynx, eyelid, oral cavity or vestibular folds
      should include the Warthin tumor in the differential diagnosis. The therapy of
      choice is complete surgical tumor resection.

PMID- 22051804
TI  - Expression pattern analysis of DNA repair-related and DNA damage response genes
      revealed by 55K oligomicroarray upon UV-B irradiation in the intertidal copepod,
      Tigriopus japonicus.
AB  - Ultraviolet-B (UV-B) radiation affects the genome stability of aquatic organisms
      by absorption of certain wavelength at the molecular level. Recently, extensive
      gene information has been identified from the intertidal copepod, Tigriopus
      japonicus. Here, we developed a 55K (54,254 genes) oligomicroarray and tested its
      usefulness to identify the effect of single dose of UV-B irradiation (12 kJ/m(2))
      on transcriptomes of the copepod T. japonicus. A total of 35,361 spots were
      identified to be significantly modulated on the 55K oligomicroarray by
      hierarchical clustering after exposure to UV-B irradiation over 48 h (6, 12, 24,
      and 48 h). Of them, 1300 and 588 genes were observed to be up-regulated and down
      regulated at all time points, respectively. Particularly, it was observed that
      several genes involved in DNA repair mechanism were significantly modulated in
      the UV-B-exposed T. japonicus by microarray and quantitative real-time RT-PCR
      analysis. In detail, UV-B irradiation specifically up-regulated some genes in non
      homologous end-joining (NHEJ), homologous recombination (HR), base excision
      repair (BER), and mismatch repair (MMR) pathways. On the other hand, a majority
      of down-regulated genes were representatives for the nucleotide excision repair
      (NER) mechanism. These results demonstrated that DNA damage would be induced by
      UV-B irradiation in this species, resulting in reliable induction or repression
      of various DNA repair mechanism on UV-B-induced DNA damage. In this report, we
      suggest that a high density microarray-based approach for risk assessment of UV-B
      irradiation would be useful to elucidate the mechanistic analysis in a non-model
      organism. This study could also provide a better understanding of molecular
      mechanisms of cellular protection against UV-B-induced stress.

PMID- 22051805
TI  - Stenting from the vertebral artery to the posterior inferior cerebellar artery.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: There are only a few reports on the feasibility and
      safety of stents used in the PICA, and clinical and angiographic follow-up
      results have not been fully addressed. We report our experiences of treating PICA
      origin or vertebral artery-PICA lesions by using self-expanding stents as
      adjuvant or rescue therapy with angiographic and clinical follow-up results.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six patients were treated with self-expanding stent
      placements from the vertebral artery to the PICA. Two patients had a vertebral
      artery dissecting aneurysm involving the PICA origin, 3 had vertebral artery-PICA
      aneurysms, and 1 had segmental stenosis of the vertebral artery harboring the
      origin of the PICA. The safety, feasibility, and follow-up angiographic results
      were retrospectively evaluated. RESULTS: All procedures were successfully
      performed without any procedure-related complications. None of the patients
      showed PICA territorial infarction on DWI posttreatment. All patients were
      neurologically intact during the clinical follow-up of 3-24 months following the
      procedure. Follow-up angiography was performed at between 6 and 12 months in 5 of
      the 6 patients and was scheduled for the sixth patient but was not performed. The
      PICA showed good patency without in-stent stenosis in all 5 patients.
      CONCLUSIONS: In patients with lesions of the PICA origin or vertebral artery-PICA
      lesions, vertebral artery-to-PICA stent placement may be an option for preserving
      PICA patency in selected cases.

PMID- 22051806
TI  - Visualization of internal carotid artery atherosclerotic plaques in symptomatic
      and asymptomatic patients: a comparison of optical coherence tomography and
      intravascular ultrasound.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: OCT has been reported as a high-resolution imaging tool
      for characterizing plaque in the coronary arteries. The present study aimed to
      evaluate the ability of OCT to visualize carotid artery plaques compared with
      that of IVUS in asymptomatic and symptomatic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: OCT
      was performed for 34 plaques (17 symptomatic, 17 asymptomatic) in 30 patients
      during CAS under a proximal cerebral protection method. OCT was performed before
      balloon angioplasty and after stent placement. IVUS was also performed just after
      OCT. RESULTS: No technical or neurologic complications were encountered by using
      OCT. An inner catheter was used in 12 of 34 procedures (35.3%) for advancing the
      OCT image wire beyond the site of stenosis. OCT clearly visualized intraluminal
      thrombus in 15 of 34 plaques (44.1%), whereas IVUS detected a thrombus in 1
      plaque (2.9%, P < .001). Neovascularization was demonstrated in 13 of 34 plaques
      (38.2%) by OCT, but not by IVUS (0%, P < .001). Intraluminal thrombus was more
      frequently observed in symptomatic plaques (13 of 17, 76.5%) than in asymptomatic
      plaques (2 of 17, 11.8%; P < .001). Interobserver and intraobserver variability
      with OCT diagnosis was excellent for thrombus, ulceration, neovascularization,
      and lipid pool. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings suggest that OCT can safely and
      precisely visualize human carotid plaques during CAS and that intraluminal
      thrombus and neovascularization are more frequently detected in symptomatic
      plaques.

PMID- 22051807
TI  - Different iron-deposition patterns of multiple system atrophy with predominant
      parkinsonism and idiopathetic Parkinson diseases demonstrated by phase-corrected
      susceptibility-weighted imaging.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: MSA-P and IPD have similar clinical presentations that
      may complicate accurate clinical diagnosis. Different iron-deposition patterns of
      those 2 diseases have been demonstrated in histopathology. The aim was to
      demonstrate the different iron-deposition patterns of MSA-P and IPD by using SWI
      phase images. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen patients with IPD, 8 with MSA-P, and
      44 age-matched healthy controls underwent SWI of brain. The different phase
      shifts as well as the high iron percentage of the area in several gray nuclei
      were statistically evaluated. The putamen was divided into 4 subregions for
      further analysis. RESULTS: Patients with MSA-P had significantly higher iron
      deposition in the putamen and PT compared with those with IPD (P < .05).
      Moreover, ROC curves indicated slightly more sensitivity in differentiating MSA-P
      from IPD, by means of the high-iron-deposition-percentage area than the average
      phase shift (putamen: AUC = 0.88 versus 0.78; PT: AUC = 0.79 versus 0.62).
      Moreover, the lower inner region of the putamen was the most valuable subregion
      in differentiating MSA-P from IPD among the 4 subregions (AUC = 0.92 and 0.91 for
      high-iron-percentage area and average phase shift, respectively). CONCLUSIONS:
      Higher iron deposition in the putamen and PT may differentiate MSA-P from IPD,
      but the lower inner region of the putamen may be better compared with the PT and
      other subregions of the putamen. Moreover, the high iron percentage makes it
      possible to detect smaller increases in iron content more confidently in
      comparison with average phase shift.

PMID- 22051808
TI  - Combined endovascular and surgical approach for the treatment of palpebral
      arteriovenous malformations: experience of a single center.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Palpebral AVMs (pAVMs) are rare vascular lesions for
      which the treatment is challenging. Our aim was to present the technical aspects
      of the presurgical treatment by interventional neuroradiology of pAVMs and to
      report the clinical and angiographic results of combined (interventional
      neuroradiology/surgery) treatment of these malformations. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Nine patients (5 females, 4 males) with a mean age of 22 years (range, 12-35
      years) were treated in our department from December 1992 to April 2007 for
      superficial pAVMs. Seven patients presented with isolated pAVMs, while 2 had
      hemifacial AVMs. Ten TAE procedures, by using a liquid embolic agent (glue or
      Onyx) or microparticles, were performed in 7 patients. Six patients underwent
      absolute alcohol, glue, or sclerotic agent injection by direct puncture in 8
      procedures. Clinical and angiographic follow-up were performed with a mean delay
      of, respectively, 6.3 and 5 years. RESULTS: Three patients had a single EVT.
      Iterative procedures were performed in 5 patients. In 1 patient, EVT was not
      performed because of the risk of occlusion of the central retinal artery. No
      complication occurred except 1 case of transient palpebral hematoma. No visual
      acuity loss related to an endovascular procedure was reported. Exclusion of the
      AVMs at the end of the procedure was >75% in all cases and total in 3/8 cases.
      All the patients except 2 underwent at least 1 surgical procedure after the
      embolization. Good clinical regression of the mass was obtained in all patients
      at long-term follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Combined endovascular and surgical treatment
      of pAVMs is an effective and safe technique with good clinical results at long
      term follow-up.

PMID- 22051809
TI  - Utility and interobserver agreement of ultrasound elastography in the detection
      of malignant thyroid nodules in clinical care.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Malignancy correlates with hardness of tissues and US
      elastography can potentially analyze the stiffness of lesions. Our aim was to
      evaluate the utility of US elastography in the detection of malignant nodules and
      to investigate interobserver agreement with this technique. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: One-hundred three consecutive patients with 106 thyroid nodules were
      examined prospectively with conventional B-mode sonography and real-time US
      elastography. All patients were referred for FNAB. Conventional B-mode sonography
      and US elastographic examinations were performed, and images were separated and
      independently interpreted by 2 radiologists blinded to pathologic results. US
      elastogram evaluation was based on a simplified classification of stiffness based
      on gray-scale patterns, tumor size compared with B-mode, and margins.
      Interobserver agreement was studied. FNAB was used as the reference standard for
      the diagnosis of benign nodules, but histopathologic evaluations were performed
      when results suspicious for malignancy or malignant results were obtained on FNAB
      as well as in indeterminate lesions. RESULTS: In our study, pattern of stiffness
      based on gray-scale and classification proposed were statistically significant
      and predicted malignancy with 100% sensitivity and 40.6% specificity. Tumor size
      when compared with B-mode images or margins was not statistically significant in
      our study. No false-negatives were found, and an NPV of 100% was seen.
      Interobserver agreement for US elastography was excellent in our study, with a
      kappa index of 0.82 (95% CI). CONCLUSIONS: We believe that US elastography is a
      promising technique that can assist in the evaluation of thyroid nodules and can
      potentially diminish the number of FNAB procedures needed. We believe that it may
      be useful to introduce US elastography into routine clinical practice.

PMID- 22051810
TI  - Modeling MR imaging enhancing-lesion volumes in multiple sclerosis: application
      in clinical trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Although the number of enhancing lesions is the typical
      outcome measure of choice in clinical trials in MS, a potentially more sensitive
      and statistically more powerful outcome measure is the volume of enhancing
      lesions. In this study, we assessed the distribution and statistical power of the
      volume of enhancing brain lesions as an outcome measure by means of their
      required sample size, and we compared the results with the number of enhancing
      lesions. MATERIAL AND METHODS: First, a literature search was performed to
      compare the effects of treatment on the number and volume of enhancing lesions.
      Then, a statistical model was proposed to describe the distribution of the volume
      of enhancing lesions in 2 datasets of patients with RRMS, and sample sizes for
      enhancing-lesion volume as primary outcome measure were calculated. RESULTS: A
      mixture of the binomial and Weibull distribution was determined to model
      enhancing-lesion volumes in patients. Sample size calculations for enhancing
      lesion volumes showed that approximately 94 patients per arm would be required to
      detect a combination of 20% decrease in lesion volume and 20% increase in
      patients without enhancing lesions, whereas calculations for enhancing-lesion
      counts showed that approximately 129 patients would be required to detect a 50%
      decrease. CONCLUSIONS: The mixture of the binomial and Weibull distribution is a
      suitable approach in modeling new enhancing-lesion volumes in MS and yielded
      feasible sample size estimates for clinical trials, showing lesion volumes to be
      an advantageous outcome measure compared with lesion counts in terms of
      statistical power.

PMID- 22051811
TI  - The lumbar multifidus muscles are affected by medial branch interventions for
      facet joint syndrome: potential problems and proposal of a pericapsular
      infiltration technique.

PMID- 22051812
TI  - Positional venous MR angiography: an operator-independent tool to evaluate
      cerebral venous outflow hemodynamics.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: CCSVI has been proposed as a cause for MS. According to
      this theory, strictures of the IJV are among the described causes for CCSVI.
      Little is known about their influence on the hemodynamics of the CVBO. We used
      positional MR imaging to describe the influence of positional changes on the
      CVBO. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using the Fonar Upright MR imaging system, we
      performed venous time-of-flight angiography of the cervical region in the supine
      and sitting positions in 15 healthy volunteers. The image quality was rated; the
      positional findings and interindividual variances in the CVBO were analyzed.
      RESULTS: A venous time-of-flight angiography of the cervical spine was feasible
      with good image quality. Strictures of 1 or both IJVs were found in 8 of 15
      healthy volunteers in the supine position; however, none were visible in upright
      position. The IJV was not the main outflow route in the erect position. No
      relevant venous reflux was observed. CONCLUSIONS: IJV strictures are a common
      finding in healthy volunteers in the supine position. They seem to be of no
      relevance in the erect position. This finding questions the validity of this
      criterion for the diagnosis of CCSVI. Reflux into the venous system was not
      visualized, and it remains to be seen whether it can be identified in patients
      with MS. Positional MR imaging enables operator-independent evaluation of the
      CVBO and may help to clarify the validity of the criteria for CCSVI.

PMID- 22051813
TI  - Simultaneous arteriovenous shunting and venous congestion identification in dural
      arteriovenous fistulas using susceptibility-weighted imaging: initial experience.
AB  - In this short report, we describe the potential contribution of SWI in the
      noninvasive evaluation of DAVFs. SWI images were compared with DSA for the
      identification of the location of the fistulous point, the presence of CVR, and
      the presence of the PPP. In 5 of 6 patients, it was possible to identify the
      fistulous locations depicted as hyperintensity within venous structures. Cortical
      venous reflux was underestimated on SWI in 3 cases of robust CVR and not
      identified in 2 cases of less severe CVR. The PPP seen on angiograms correlated
      anatomically with increased number, caliber, and tortuosity of hypointense veins
      seen on SWI. Furthermore, SWI was superior to conventional MR imaging in the
      detection of these dilated veins. These preliminary results suggest an important
      role for SWI in the detection and assessment of the complex hemodynamics
      associated with DAVFs.

PMID- 22051814
TI  - Unilateral hypoplasia of the rostral end of the superior sagittal sinus.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Hypoplasia of the rostral third of the SSS is a well
      known variant and constitutes the most frequent variation of the SSS after
      preferential drainage to one of the transverse sinuses. Our aim was to describe
      unilateral hypoplasia of the rostral end of the SSS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CTA
      performed in 100 consecutive patients studied for conditions other than dural
      sinus thrombosis was reviewed for the presence of a unilateral or bilateral
      hypoplastic rostral SSS. Associated dural venous sinus anomalies were recorded as
      well. The angiographic anatomy of unilateral hypoplastic rostral SSS was
      illustrated by 2 cases further imaged with DSA. RESULTS: Unilateral hypoplastic
      rostral SSS was found in 7 patients (7%). In all cases, compensatory drainage
      occurred through a large superior frontal vein that joined the SSS in the region
      of the coronal suture. Three of the 7 patients with a unilateral hypoplastic
      rostral SSS had at least another dural venous sinus anomaly. Complete or
      bilateral hypoplastic rostral SSS was noted in 3 patients (3%). CONCLUSIONS:
      Unilateral hypoplastic rostral SSS is more than twice as frequent as bilateral
      hypoplastic rostral SSS. It is the most frequently encountered variation of the
      SSS. Knowledge of this anatomic variation is important to avoid diagnostic
      pitfalls and to avoid erroneously mistaking it for a thrombosis. Four types of
      variations of the rostral SSS may be identified: 1) classic anatomy with a fully
      developed rostral SSS; 2) duplication of the rostral SSS; 3) complete or
      bilateral hypoplastic rostral SSS; 4) unilateral hypoplastic rostral SSS. The 4
      types of rostral SSS variations can be explained by studying the embryologic
      development of the SSS.

PMID- 22051815
TI  - Morbidity following primary cesarean delivery in the Danish National Birth
      Cohort.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Cesarean delivery rates are on the rise in many countries, including
      the United States. There is mounting evidence that cesarean delivery is
      associated with adverse reproductive outcomes in subsequent pregnancies. The
      purpose of this article is to review those outcomes in a well-defined cohort of
      pregnant women. STUDY DESIGN: In a cohort of primigravid women from the Danish
      National Birth Cohort with known baseline exposure characteristics, we stratified
      women by method of first delivery, vaginal or cesarean, and evaluated for
      appearance of adverse reproductive events in subsequent pregnancies. RESULTS:
      After adjusting for age, body mass index, alcohol, smoking, and socioeconomic
      status, women who underwent cesarean delivery at first birth were at increased
      risk in their subsequent pregnancy for anemia (odds ratio [OR], 2.8; 95%
      confidence interval [CI], 2.3-3.4), placental abruption (OR, 2.3; 95% CI, 1.5
      3.6), uterine rupture (OR, 268; 95% CI, 65.6-999), and hysterectomy (OR, 28.8;
      95% CI, 3.1-263.8). CONCLUSION: Women who deliver their first baby with a
      cesarean are at increased risk of adverse reproductive outcomes in subsequent
      pregnancies and should be counseled accordingly.

PMID- 22051816
TI  - Inverted balloon vaginoplasty: an obstructed upper vaginal pouch was pulled
      downward to form a neovagina.
AB  - Inverted balloon vaginoplasty technique was performed for a case with segmental
      vaginal aplasia and upper hematocolpos within 50 min operative time without any
      complications. The neovagina was naturally covered, 11 cm in depth and
      communicated with dimple at hymen's site. Regular painless menstruations were
      reported.

PMID- 22051817
TI  - Resuscitation of likely nonviable infants: a cost-utility analysis after the Born
      Alive Infant Protection Act.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of universal vs
      selective resuscitation on maternal utilities, perinatal costs, and outcomes of
      preterm delivery and termination of pregnancy at 20-23 weeks 6 days' gestation.
      STUDY DESIGN: We used studies on medical practices, prematurity outcomes, costs,
      and maternal utilities to construct decision-analytic models for a cohort of
      annual US deliveries after preterm delivery or induced termination. Outcome
      measures were (1) the numbers of infants who survived intact or with mild,
      moderate, or severe sequelae; (2) maternal quality-adjusted life years (QALYs);
      and (3) incremental cost-effectiveness ratios. RESULTS: Universal resuscitation
      of spontaneously delivered infants between 20-23 weeks 6 days' gestation
      increases costs by $313.1 million and decreases QALYs by 329.3 QALYs; after a
      termination, universal resuscitation increases costs by $15.6 million and
      decreases QALYs by 19.2 QALYs. With universal resuscitation, 153 more infants
      survive: 44 infants are intact or mildly affected; 36 infants are moderately
      impaired, and 73 infants are severely disabled. CONCLUSION: Selective
      intervention constitutes the highest utility and least costly treatment for
      infants at the margin of viability.

PMID- 22051818
TI  - [Tuberculosis: steady dynamics between past and present to imagine the future].
AB  - Progress in understanding the biological processes that allow Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis to be a successful parasite have accelerated in the last twenty
      years. This progress has been stimulated by the return of tuberculosis (TB) as an
      important disease in industrialized countries, by its increase in emergent
      nations in the tail of population increases and poverty and by the spread of
      multiple drug resistant (MDR) and extensively drug resistant (XDR) M.
      tuberculosis as a result of treatment failures. Progress on M. tuberculosis
      biology has also been fueled by advances in microbiology and molecular biology,
      including molecular genetics, genomics, proteomics and in vitro and in vivo
      models of infection. The study of latency or dormancy, a phenomenon central to
      understanding the persistence of M. tuberculosis and the development of TB in
      individuals, its spread in human populations and the emergence of antibiotic
      resistant/tolerant organisms, has been preferred targets for investigators in
      this area. In this manner, factors that trigger M. tuberculosis latency (e. g,
      hypoxia, nutrient starvation, NO exposure) have been characterized and the
      metabolic shifts to host lipid utilization, tolerance to antimicrobials and
      resistance to host immune mechanisms involved in latency have been determined.
      Similarly, genetic changes and the resulting antimicrobial mechanisms mediating
      the MDR and XDR states have been characterized and potential new vaccines that
      avoid reactivation from latency and infection are being developed. Despite this
      progress, and given the fact that effective anti tuberculosis therapy was
      developed and first introduced clinically at the end of the 1940s, there are now
      more cases of latent and active TB worldwide than ever before. This reinforces
      the concept of TB as a bacterial disease with strong social and economical!
      determinants which are presently stimulating increased transmission in many human
      groups, undermining diagnostics, treatment and prevention. It suggests that in a
      scenario of global economical crisis the struggle against TB will be weakened,
      unless efforts are included to alleviate poverty, decrease economic inequality,
      improve public health and allow democracy and political organization.

PMID- 22051819
TI  - [Genetic characterization of the virus causing H1N1 influenza pandemic in Chile:
      analysis of the first detected cases].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Following the announcement of the Influenza A(H1N1) pandemic by the
      World Health Organization in April 2009, a surveillance program was carried out
      in Chile to detect the introduction of the virus in the country and to monitor
      its propagation and impact. AIM: To describe the onset of the outbreak and the
      genetic characterization of the pandemic H1N1 influenza virus in the first
      detected cases in Chile. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Analysis of18 clinical samples
      coming from suspicious patients, received in a National Reference Laboratory. RNA
      reverse transcription and real time influenza gene DNA amplification was carried
      out in a 7500 Fast and Step One Real Time PCR Systems of Applied Biosystems and
      MxPro-Mx3000P thermocycler from Stratagene. Super Script III Platinum One-Step
      Quantitative RT-PCR was used. RESULTS: The virus was first detected in three
      persons returning from the Dominican Republic via Panama and a child from the
      east zone of Santiago. Genetic characterization of the virus showed that the
      child was infected by a different variant of the pandemic virus than the three
      persons returning from the Caribbean. CONCLUSIONS: The onset of the Influenza
      outbreak in Chile apparently carne from two different epidemiological groups. The
      spread of the virus detected in the voyagers was limited immediately However the
      virus of the fourth case was found in different regions of Chile.

PMID- 22051820
TI  - [A national online survey applied to patients with celiac disease in Chile].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Celiac disease (CD) is an immune-mediated enteropathy triggered by
      the ingestion of gluten in genetically susceptible individuals. Its prevalence in
      Europe and the USA is 0.5 to 1%. AIM: To analyze epidemiological aspects and
      degree of compliance with gluten-free diet (GFD) among Chilean individuals with
      CD. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Subjects with confirmed or suspected CD were invited to
      answer an online survey published on the web at www.fundacionconvivir.cl. The
      answers were reinforced with a telephone interview. RESULTS: The survey was
      answered by 1212 subjects (79% females). Median age at diagnosis was 25.8 years
      (range 1 to 84 years), with a bimodal curve with two peaks at less than 3 years
      and at 20 to 40 years of age. The diagnosis was made only by serologic markers in
      9%, only by intestinal biopsy in 17.5%, and by a combination of both methods in
      70%o. Conditions associated with CD were reported by 30% > of subjects and 20% >
      had relatives with CD. The GFD was strictly adhered to by 70% >, occasionally by
      27% > and never by 3% >. Seventy five percent of subjects with a strict adherence
      to GFD had a favorable clinical response compared with 42% > of those with
      incomplete or lack of adherence (odds ratio 4.0, 95% > confidence intervals 2.8
      5.7p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: In 30% of respondents, the diagnosis of CD was not
      confirmed according to international guidelines that require serology and
      duodenal biopsy. One third of subjects recognized a poor compliance with GFD.
      Those with a strict adherence to it had a more favorable clinical course.
      However, 25% > did not experience a clinical improvement despite a strict GFD, a
      finding which requires further study.

PMID- 22051821
TI  - [Competences on hypoglycemia management among healthcare professionals in a
      clinical hospital].
AB  - BACKGROUND: A tight glycemic control of hospitalized patients increases the risk
      of hypoglycemia, whose management is not always optimal. AIM: To assess the
      hypoglycemia management competences of a multidisciplinary team in a clinical
      hospital. MATERIAL AND METHODS: An anonymous questionnaire about hypoglycemia
      management was answered by 11 staff physicians, 42 residents and 28 nurses of the
      department of medicine and critical care unit ofa university hospital. RESULTS:
      Respondents had a mean of 60% of correct answers, without significant differences
      between groups. The capillary blood glucose level that defines hypoglycemia was
      known by most of the respondents, but the value that defines severe episodes was
      known only by 60%. The initial management and follow up was well known only for
      severe episodes. Less than 50%o knew the blood glucose value that required
      continuing with treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Although most professionals are able to
      recognize hypoglycemia, the knowledge about is management if insufficient.

PMID- 22051822
TI  - [Prevalence of the drug consumption among Chilean university students].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Drug abuse is one of the main public health problems and mostly
      involves young people. AIM: To determine the prevalence of drug consumption among
      university students and its associated social factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A
      questionnaire exploring consumption of drugs and social-demographic, economic and
      religious variables, was applied to 1577 third year students aged 22 +/- 2 years
      (54% females) of a public university. RESULTS: Sixty eight percent of the
      students were of middle socioeconomic class, 71 % belonged to some religion and
      29% declared themselves as agnostic. Ninety six percent drank alcohol at least
      once and 29% never smoked. Among illicit drugs, marijuana was consumed by 22%
      followed by cocaine in 5.3%o, hallucinogenic drugs in 2.6 % >, inhalants in 2.3%
      > and cocaine free base in 1.4%). Six percent consumed stimulants and 13.8%>,
      sedatives. A higher economic income facilitated drug consumption and the
      adscription to a religion was protective against it. CONCLUSIONS: Alcohol is the
      most commonly consumed drug, and is the substance that generates more problems to
      students.

PMID- 22051823
TI  - [Non compaction cardiomyopathy: a series of 15 cases].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Non compaction cardiomyopathy is a rare disorder caused by the arrest
      of myocardial compaction during embryogenesis, leading to a non compacted
      endocardial layer with marked hypertrabeculation and deep recesses. AIM: To
      report the clinical and echocardiographic characteristics of a series of 15 adult
      patients with non-compaction cardiomyopathy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We included a
      total of 15 patients aged 52 +/- 17 years (40% males) diagnosed at our
      echocardiography laboratory between January 2001 and July 2010. RESULTS: The form
      of presentation was heart failure in 53% of subjects, syncope in 20%o,
      ventricular arrhythmias in 13%o and stroke in 7%>. Left ventricular end-diastolic
      diameter was 66 +/- 11 mm and estimated ejection fraction was 27 +/- 10%>. Apical
      and/or mid-ventricular segments of the left ventricle were involved in all the
      cases. Pulmonary hypertension was present in 40%o. The average follow-up was 19
      months and no patient died during this period. Sixty seven percent of the
      patients had manifestations of heart failure, 27%o presented sustained
      ventricular arrhythmias and 20%> had atrial fibrillation or flutter, whereas 13%o
      had cerebral embolic events. An automated internal cardioverter defibrillator was
      implanted in 47%o of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Non-compaction cardiomyopathy is
      associated with high cardiovascular morbidity. The diagnosis is made in advanced
      stages of the disease, with significant dilation and ventricular dysfunction.

PMID- 22051824
TI  - [Prevalence of hypertension in school age children and its association with
      obesity].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hypertension in children is a frequently overlooked problem that is
      an important cardiovascular risk factor. AIM: To determine the prevalence of
      hypertension among school age children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Cross-sectional
      study of 2980 children aged 10 +/- 2 years (48% females) from 10 schools of
      middle and lower class in Metropolitan Santiago. Blood pressure (BP) was measured
      in the sitting position on three occasions after a rest period, using a mercury
      sphygmomanometer with appropriate cuff arm diameter, averaging the results of the
      measurements. Systolic and diastolic hypertension were defined as blood pressure
      values over 95 percentile for age, sex and height. RESULTS: The overall
      prevalence of hypertension was 12.2% in women and 15% in men (p < 0.05).
      According to nutritional status, the prevalence was 6.7, 8.9,13.6 and 26% in
      underweight, eutrophic, overweight and obese children, respectively (p < 0.01).
      Compared with normal weight children, the risk of being hypertensive for
      overweight children was 1.6 (95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.2-2.3) and for obese
      children was 3.6 (95% CI 2.8-4.7). CONCLUSIONS: The studied children had a high
      prevalence of hypertension, that was directly related to a higher body mass
      index.

PMID- 22051825
TI  - [A study of hospital complaints and the role of the doctor-patient
      communication].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Medical practice in Chile has changed dramatically over the last few
      years. Patients have raised their expectations and there is a growing number of
      complaints, and malpractice lawsuits. The doctor-patient relationship plays a
      fundamental role in patient satisfaction and has also been identified as an issue
      in most medical lawsuits. AIM: To analyze the importance of doctor-patient
      communication in the complaints received in a university hospital in Chile.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: Review ofall complaints received at the office for quality
      of care at a university hospital. Complaints classified in delay, manners and
      information categories were selected for further analysis. RESULTS: Of a total of
      8931 complaints registered between 2001 and 2008, 635 (19%) involved a doctor.
      Fifty one per cent of the latter, were related to the doctor-patient
      relationship. Of these, 146 cases (45%) were further classified as "Dysfunctional
      delivery of Information", 74 cases (23%) as "Not understanding the
      patient/'family's perspective", 54 cases (17%) as "Discrediting the patient or
      family's views" and 49 cases (15%) as "Lack of communication". CONCLUSIONS: The
      percentage of complaints related to communication with the doctor is high, though
      lower than cited in other studies. The most common complaint is the dysfunctional
      delivery of information.

PMID- 22051826
TI  - [Validation of the sino-nasal outcome test in Chile].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Allergic rhinitis and sinusitis are common diseases that affect
      quality of life of pediatric and adult patients. AIM: To adapt and validate the
      Sino-Nasal Outcome Test 20 indicators (SNOT-20) survey in Chilean subjects.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a psychometric validation study, an adapted version of
      the SNOT-20 adapted version was applied to 181 volunteers on two different
      occasions, three weeks apart. Feasibility (response time and perceived
      difficulty), reliability (internal consistency and test-retest) and validity
      (concurrent validity, correlating results with an independent instrument;
      predictive validity assessing its sensitivity to detect changes and discriminate
      validity, assessing receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves), were
      assessed. An exploratory factor analysis was performed to confirm the presence of
      previously described underlying constructs. RESULTS: Eighty percent of
      participants considered SNOT-20 easy to complete. This task was completed in less
      than 5 minutes. Cronbach's alpha was 0.946. Temporal stability on a healthy
      subgroup was strong with an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.92. SNOT-20
      had a correlation coefficient of 0.82 with an independent instrument and its
      score significantly decreased after 3 weeks of treatment (p = 0.003). The area
      under ROC curve was 0.895. Factor analysis identified four principal components
      which possessed identical structure as previously described. CONCLUSIONS: SNOT-20
      survey was valid, reliable and easy to implement among Chilean subjects.

PMID- 22051827
TI  - Screen viewing, body mass index, cigarette smoking and sleep duration in Belgrade
      University student population: results of an observational, cross-sectional
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Subjects that spend more time working on computers or watching
      television could have a higher body mass index. AIM: To assess the relationship
      between time spent in front of a screen and studying, body mass index (BMI),
      smoking, and sleep duration among university students. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A
      cross-sectional study of 734 randomly selected students aged 21 +/- 2 years (450
      females) that responded an anonymous, structured questionnaire about time spent
      watching television or in front of a computer, time spent studying, number of
      daily hours of sleep, smoking habits and number of daily meals. Body mass index
      was also calculated for all subjects RESULTS: Among males, the number of daily
      sleep hours, time spent working with computers and number of daily meals were
      significantly higher and time spent studying was significantly lower than
      females. Nonsmokers ate a significantly higher number of meals and spent less
      time watching television. No association was observed between time spent in front
      of a screen and number of sleep hours of body mass index. CONCLUSIONS: Men and
      smokers spend more time working in computers. There is no association between
      body mass index and time spent in front of screens.

PMID- 22051828
TI  - [Relative bioavailability study of two oral formulations of mycophenolate mofetil
      in healthy volunteers].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The bioequivalence of different formulations of a same pharmaceutical
      product must be tested empirically. AIM: To evaluate the relative bioavailability
      for an oralformulation of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) (LinfonexTM) compared to
      the reference formulation (CellceptTM) to determine the bioequivalence between
      both formulations. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A randomized, crossover, double-blind
      trial in 22 healthy male volunteers, who received a single oral dose of 1000 mg
      of Linfonex and Cellcept with a washout period of 10 days. Plasma levels of the
      drug were determined by high performance liquid chr ornatography. Plasma
      concentrations were plotted and maximum concentration, area under the plasma
      concentration versus time between 0 and 12 hours after administration and area
      under plasma concentration curve versus time after administration between 0 and
      infinity, were calculated for both products. RESULTS: The active compound,
      mycophenolic acid, was similarly absorbed in both formulations. No statistically
      significant differences were found in calculated pharmacokinetic parameters
      between both formulations. CONCLUSIONS: LinfonexTM 500 mg is bioequivalent to
      CellceptTM 500 mg.

PMID- 22051829
TI  - [Thalidomide for recurrent gastrointestinal bleeding caused by angiodysplasia:
      report of one case].
AB  - Chronic hemodialysis patients may have recurrent bleeding from gastrointestinal
      angiodysplasia, that often is diffusely located in the digestive tract or in
      places difficult to reach with traditional endoscopes. Therefore, they cannot be
      locally treated or removed. We report a 70 years old man on chronic hemodialysis,
      with severe and persistent anemia due to bleeding from angiodysplasia of the
      small bowel. Despite administration of high doses of erythropoiesis stimulating
      agents, intravenous iron, folate, B6 and B12 vitamins, his hemoglobin levels were
      < 6.5 g/dL, becoming totally dependent on transfusions of red blood cells (up to
      46 units per year). Recurrent bleeding was refractory to conventional management
      and we decided to use thalidomide at doses of 50-100 mg/day achieving rapid
      control of gastrointestinal bleeding and significant increase of hemoglobin
      levels, not requiring further transfusions.

PMID- 22051830
TI  - [Myeloid sarcoma: report of one case with trisomy 11].
AB  - Myeloid sarcoma is a form of extra-medullary myeloid neoplasia. Cytogenetic
      characterization is hampered in the absence of invasion to the bone marrow,
      origin of cells that are usually studied in cytogenetic studies. We report a 13
      years old mole presenting with a mass in the right shoulder. A biopsy of the
      tumor disclosed a Myeloid Sarcoma. A conventional cytogenetic study of a bone
      marrow aspirate did not show t (8;21) translocation. A fluorescent in situ
      hybridization (FISH) performed in the paraffin embedded biopsy of the tumor,
      detected a chromosome 11 trisomy.

PMID- 22051831
TI  - [Twiddler syndrome: report of one case].
AB  - We report a 26 year old patient who had a single chamber pacemaker implantation
      one year before. During a routine pre-operative evaluation, pacemaker dysfunction
      was demonstrated due to sensing and pacing failure, associated to left pectoral
      muscle rhythmic contraction. Chest X-ray confirmed Twiddler syndrome, in which
      twisting or rotation of the device inside the pocket results in lead dislodgement
      and device malfunction.

PMID- 22051832
TI  - [Live birth after the transfer of embryos obtained by fertilization of vitrified
      oocytes: report of one case].
AB  - We report the first successful live birth after the transfer of embryos obtained
      by fertilization of vitrified oocytes. A couple with primary infertility due to
      teratozoospermy and chronic an ovulation decided to undergo assisted reproductive
      technology after 4 failed cycles of super ovulation and intrauterine
      insemination. The woman underwent a standard luteal phase agonist protocol, with
      controlled ovarian hyper stimulation with daily 150 IU recombinant gonadotropin
      and 75 IU urinary gonadotropin for 12 days. Due to the high risk of ovarian hyper
      stimulation syndrome the couple was advised to delay embryo transfer. Eighteen
      mature oocytes were recovered, eight were vitrified and 10 fertilized and
      cryopreserved as pro-nuclei. Two months later, four vitrified oocytes were
      thawed, and three morphologically-normal embryos were transferred to an estrogen
      progesterone-primed uterus, obtaining triple clinical pregnancy. The pregnancy
      was uneventful until 32 weeks of amenorrhea, when pre-term delivery started.
      After inducing lung maturity, a cesarean section was performed and three healthy
      fetuses were delivered. Nowadays, the babies are two and a half years old, and
      have had a normal psycho-motor development.

PMID- 22051833
TI  - [Quality of fat intake, atherosclerosis and coronary disease: effects of
      saturated and trans fatty acids].
AB  - Epidemiological, clinical and metabolic research has shown a strong association
      between dietary fatty acids intake and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors
      and clinical events. Saturated fatty acids (SFA) and trans fatty acids (TFA)
      derived from industrial hydrogenation of oils have been associated with an
      increased prevalence of CVD. However experimental results on the relationship
      between physiological pathologic effects and specific functions of individual SFA
      are often contradictory. Therefore a more detailed exploration of the potential
      benefit and risks of specific saturated and trans fatty acids is needed in order
      to update dietary recommendations. In the case of TFAs, the deleterious effect on
      CVD has been well demonstrated and a maximum accepted level of 1 % of total
      energy has been agreed internationally. What is currently under discussion is
      what would be the best alternative to replace them in the diet.

PMID- 22051834
TI  - [Sleep deprivation as a risk factor for obesity].
AB  - Nocturnal sleep patterns may be a contributing factor for the epidemic of
      obesity. Epidemiologic ana experimental studies have reported that sleep
      restriction is an independent risk factor for weight gain and obesity. Moreover,
      sleep restriction is significantly associated with incidence and prevalence of
      obesity and several non-transmissible chronic diseases. Experimental sleep
      restriction is related to altered plasma leptin and ghrelin concentrations. Both
      hormones are directly related to appetite and satiety mechanisms. Also, a higher
      activity of the orexin/hypocretin system has been reported, as well as changes in
      glucose metabolism and autonomic nervous system. Some studies indicate that these
      endocrine changes could be associated with a higher diurnal food intake and
      preference for energy- dense foods. All these changes could result in a positive
      energy balance, leading to weight gain and a higher obesity risk in the long
      term. The present article summarizes the epidemiologic and experimental evidence
      related to sleep deprivation and higher obesity risk. The possible mechanisms are
      highlighted.

PMID- 22051835
TI  - [Applying positive psychology to medical education].
AB  - Today we are witnessing an exponential growth in positive psychology (PP), a
      scientific approach to the most significant purpose of human existence: happiness
      and meaning of life. As a consequence of PP studies, happiness and wellbeing are
      now accepted as valid topics of research, despite their subjective and supposedly
      unscientific essence. Experimental evident indicates that happiness and wellbeing
      have biological bases and, thus, can be scientifically approached and eventually
      changed. We believe that we need to learn from this new discipline and apply its
      discoveries in our profession as medical educators to foster the full development
      of our students. In this review, we will summarize the major developments and
      discoveries of PP, and open the debate on the implications of PP offer to medical
      education.

PMID- 22051837
TI  - [Neruda and antimicrobial resistance].
AB  - Antimicrobial resistance has been a problem in medicine, since their
      incorporation to clinical practice. Numerous papers have been written on the
      subject. The analysis of two poems by Pablo Neruda "How much does a man live" and
      "Larynx", included in the volume "Estravagario" and published for the first time
      in 1957 and 1958, give us an incredible revelation about the concept of
      resistance. In these poems aureomycin, the first antimicrobial of the family of
      tetracyclines, was included as a poetic figure and the therapeutic action of
      antimicrobials was described. "Never so much bugs died I tons of them fell I but
      the few that remained olive I manifested their perversity". These writings
      incorporated novel concepts, even for physicians of that time and described the
      closeness of death that a patient may perceive during the course of a given
      disease. The capacity of Pablo Neruda to extract the essence of situations and to
      anticipate to conditions that only years later became clinically relevant
      problems, is noteworthy.

PMID- 22051838
TI  - [Mental health of young offenders deprived of liberty: a pending debt].

PMID- 22051839
TI  - [Flow sheet to evaluate Post Graduate Teaching Programs].

PMID- 22051840
TI  - Direct ion-selective electrode method is useful in diagnosis of
      pseudohyponatremia.

PMID- 22051841
TI  - Small bowel obstruction from potato and broccoli phytobezoar mimicking mesenteric
      ischemia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bezoars are concretions of undigested foreign material that form in
      the gastrointestinal tract. Rare in humans, they are nonetheless a well
      documented cause of intraluminal bowel obstruction. OBJECTIVES: The objectives of
      this case report include describing an unusual presentation of small bowel
      obstruction due to phytobezoar, which mimicked mesenteric ischemia, and
      highlighting the risk factors, presentation, and management of bezoars, in
      addition to covering historical beliefs regarding bezoars. CASE REPORT: Here we
      report a 64-year-old man who presented to the Emergency Department with chest
      pain, vomiting, and hypotension. Initial work-up was directed at ruling out
      cardiac causes and aortic catastrophe such as aortic dissection or ruptured
      abdominal aortic aneurysm. Computed tomography angiography of the chest and
      abdomen showed findings suggestive of mesenteric ischemia and small bowel
      obstruction. However, exploratory laparotomy revealed intraluminal small bowel
      obstruction from a phytobezoar consisting of undigested chunks of potato,
      brussels sprouts, and broccoli. CONCLUSIONS: Although rare in humans, bezoars are
      a documented cause of small bowel obstruction, and should be considered when
      intraluminal bowel obstruction occurs. Bezoars causing small bowel obstruction
      require surgical treatment.

PMID- 22051842
TI  - A patient with massive localized lymphedema.

PMID- 22051843
TI  - Non-operative management in penetrating abdominal trauma: is it feasible at a
      Level II trauma center?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The recent mandate for surgical exploration for all penetrating
      abdominal trauma has been questioned. High-volume centers report good outcomes
      for non-operative treatment in penetrating trauma for hemodynamically stable
      patients without peritonitis and with tangential wounds. The applicability of
      this strategy in smaller hospitals is unknown. STUDY OBJECTIVES: The purpose of
      this study was to evaluate non-operative management of penetrating abdominal
      trauma at a Level II trauma center. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all
      patients with penetrating abdominal trauma from 2006 through 2008. Demographic
      information, treatments, and outcomes were analyzed using descriptive statistics.
      RESULTS: Our sample consisted of 86 patients with penetrating abdominal trauma;
      12 (14%) had documented peritoneal violation and were managed non-operatively.
      The average age was 30 years (range 21-39 years), with 50% African American, 33%
      Caucasian, and 17% Hispanic. Male patients accounted for 92%, and the average
      Injury Severity Score was 5.2 (range 1-13). Overall non-operative treatment
      failed in 3 patients (25%); one required drainage of a retrogastric abscess on
      hospital day 4, and another underwent gastric and diaphragm repair on hospital
      day 1. The third treatment failure did not require an operation but developed a
      biloma requiring percutaneous drainage. There were no other complications related
      to non-operative therapy and no mortalities. The average length of stay was 3.9
      days; 83% of patients were discharged home. CONCLUSIONS: In hemodynamically
      stable patients without peritonitis and documented isolated injuries to solid
      organs, non-operative management of penetrating abdominal trauma seems safe;
      however, it can delay diagnosis of hollow viscus injuries. Until further data
      emerge, extreme caution should be used in employing non-operative management for
      penetrating abdominal injuries at small trauma centers.

PMID- 22051844
TI  - Swabbing skin with alcohol could change the blood alcohol level significantly.

PMID- 22051845
TI  - A review on adherence management in patients on oral cancer therapies.
AB  - PURPOSE: There is currently an ongoing paradigm shift in cancer treatment from
      intravenous (IV) chemotherapeutics to oral therapies. Additionally, the increased
      use of long-term maintenance therapy with oral targeted agents or chemotherapy is
      contributing to a shift toward a chronic-disease model. This shift is creating
      challenges and responsibilities for health care professionals in patient
      adherence management. This article will inform health care professionals of
      current trends and describe ways that they can overcome common barriers to
      adherence. A comprehensive review of recommendations and evidence derived from
      oncological studies describing adherence to oral targeted therapies and
      maintenance chemotherapy will provide guidance for the use of emerging oral
      maintenance therapies. METHODS: Articles in the scientific literature were
      reviewed if published between January 1985 and November 2010. Searches were
      conducted using the PubMed database-search terms included "oral therapy,"
      "chemotherapy," "cancer," and "adherence" or "compliance." RESULTS: The change
      from IV therapy administered and monitored in hospitals or clinics to self
      administered outpatient oral treatments decreases the likelihood of adherence.
      Methods, such as patient education and monitoring and involvement of family or
      caretakers, can improve adherence in patients undergoing treatment. CONCLUSIONS:
      At treatment onset, oncology nurses can engage patients directly in a
      collaborative dialogue, and when issues affecting adherence arise, oncology
      nurses may limit nonadherence by providing individually tailored educational
      material. A practical approach to patient education, along with building strong
      health care provider-patient relationships, can help patients overcome
      nonadherence to new oral anticancer therapies and treatment paradigms.

PMID- 22051846
TI  - Needs of relatives of breast cancer patients: the perspectives of families and
      nurses.
AB  - PURPOSE: Breast cancer is not only a stressful event for those afflicted, but
      also for their family and friends. In Germany, attention and support from
      professional nurses is almost exclusively given to the patient. But even
      relatives require information and support in order to keep their anxiety levels
      low and strength up. The aim of this study is to survey those needs and the
      current level of satisfaction, as well as to ascertain which needs are perceived
      by nurses. METHOD: Data were collected in a German-wide descriptive cross
      sectional study surveying 242 relatives and 356 nurses from 150 randomly chosen
      certified breast care centers between August 2008 and February 2009. Two
      questionnaires developed for this study were used. RESULTS: The findings indicate
      that relatives need above all a) security and trust, followed by b) partnership
      of care and c) emotional support. Regarding satisfaction, relatives consider the
      need for "security and trust" to be most satisfied. Least fulfilled were those
      for "partnership of care" and "emotional support". The nurses regarded the
      importance of most of the relatives' needs to be higher than the relatives
      themselves. Even the fulfillment of needs was over-estimated. CONCLUSIONS: The
      targeted and professional involvement of relatives in the care of breast cancer
      patients is still not common practice. An initial step toward better family
      nursing is viewing families as an integral part of the patient and intentionally
      planning contact.

PMID- 22051847
TI  - Interaction between Smad1 and p97/VCP in rat testis and epididymis during the
      postnatal development.
AB  - Members of the bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) superfamily are expressed in
      the testis and epididymis and are believed to have different biological functions
      during testicular and epididymal development. Smad1 is one of the signal
      transducers of BMP signaling and binds to several proteins involved in ubiquitin
      proteasome system (UPS). Valosin-containing protein (p97/VCP) is required for the
      degradation of some UPS substrates. Although p97/VCP has been indicated in
      different cellular pathways, its association with BMP signaling in male
      reproductive system has not been elucidated. The aim of the present study was to
      investigate the cellular localization of Smad1, phospho-Smad1, and p97/VCP and
      the interaction of proteins in the postnatal rat testis and epididymis.
      Testicular and epididymal tissues from 5-, 15- and 60-day-old rats were examined
      by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, Western blotting, and
      immunoprecipitation techniques. In 5-day-old rat testis, Smad1, phospho-Smad1,
      and p97/VCP were mainly expressed in gonocytes. In 15- and 60-day-old rat testis,
      proteins were overlapped in spermatogonia, Sertoli cells, and spermatocytes.
      Expression of proteins in the epithelial cells of epididymis was gradually
      increased from 5 to 15 days of age. Smad1 and phospho-Smad1 expressions showed
      uniformity in the different regions of epididymis, however p97/VCP
      immunoreactivity was higher only in caput epididymis compared to corpus and cauda
      epididymis in 15- and 60-day-old rat epididymis. Co-immunoprecipitation
      experiments further confirmed the Smad1-p97/VCP and p-Smad1-p97/VCP interactions.
      The overlap between Smad1 and p97/VCP expressions in the postnatal rat testis and
      epididymis suggests that p97/VCP may play important roles in mediating BMP
      signaling during spermatogenesis.

PMID- 22051848
TI  - Reduced levels of serum pigment epithelium-derived factor in women with
      endometriosis.
AB  - The authors previously demonstrated decreased levels of pigment epithelium
      derived factor (PEDF) in peritoneal fluid of women with endometriosis compared to
      women without endometriosis. Here, the authors determine whether women with
      endometriosis have altered levels of PEDF in serum. Peripheral blood samples were
      collected from 71 women with and without endometriosis (n = 43 and 28,
      respectively) before laparoscopic surgery. Concentrations of serum PEDF were
      measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. We detected lower levels of serum
      PEDF in women with endometriosis (16.3 +/- 6.6 ng/mL) than in those without
      endometriosis (24.5 +/- 7.3 ng/mL; P < .001). In women with endometriosis, the
      concentrations of serum PEDF were significantly lower in women with pain (n = 11,
      12.6 +/- 7.1 ng/mL) compared to women without pain (n = 32, 17.5 +/- 6.0 ng/mL; P
      < .05). However, the concentrations of serum PEDF did not correlate with disease
      stage or site or infertility. In addition, the concentrations of serum PEDF did
      not show any difference in the phase of the cycle in either group. Our results
      suggest that reduced levels of serum PEDF in women with endometriosis and disease
      related pain may play a role in the pathogenesis of this disease.

PMID- 22051849
TI  - Myocardial performance and its acute response to angiotensin II infusion in fetal
      sheep adapted to chronic anemia.
AB  - Fetal chronic anemia causes lengthening of cardiomyocytes. In adults, severe left
      ventricular overload may lead to irreversible ventricular dysfunction. We
      hypothesized that in sheep fetuses with chronic anemia, remodeled myocardium
      would less successfully respond to angiotensin II (AT II) infusion than in
      fetuses without anemia. A total of 14 ewes with twin pregnancy underwent surgery
      at 113 +/- 1 days of gestation. After a recovery period, anemia was induced by
      isovolumic hemorrhage in 1 fetus of each pair. At 126 +/- 1 days of gestation,
      longitudinal myocardial velocities of the right (RV) and left (LV) ventricles
      were assessed at the level of the atrioventricular valve annuli via tissue
      Doppler imaging. Cardiac outputs were calculated by pulsed Doppler ultrasound.
      All measurements were performed at baseline and during fetal AT II infusion.
      Fetal serum cardiac natriuretic peptide (N-terminal peptide of proatrial
      natriuretic peptide [NT-proANP] and B-type natriuretic peptide [BNP])
      concentrations were determined. Nine ewes successfully completed the experiment.
      At baseline, ventricular free wall thicknesses, cardiac outputs, and NT-proANP
      levels were significantly greater in the anemic fetuses than in the controls. The
      LV isovolumic contraction velocity (IVCV) acceleration and isovolumic relaxation
      velocity (IVRV) deceleration were lower (P < .05) in the anemic fetuses than in
      the controls. In the anemic fetuses, there was a positive correlation (R = .93, P
      < .01) between RV IVRV deceleration and NT-proANP concentration. Angiotensin II
      infusion increased (P < .05) LV IVCV acceleration in the anemic fetuses. We
      conclude that in anemic sheep fetuses, myocardial adaptation is associated with
      impaired LV early contraction and relaxation. However, the LV can improve its
      contractility with an inotropic stimulus, even in the presence of increased
      afterload.

PMID- 22051850
TI  - Aqueous fenugreek seed extract ameliorates adriamycin-induced cytotoxicity and
      testicular alterations in albino rats.
AB  - The present work studied the effect of fenugreek seed extracts on cytotoxicity
      and testicular damage induced by adriamycin (ADR) in albino rats. Administrating
      animals with ADR caused significant increase in the percentage of chromosomal
      aberrations, decreased the mitotic index, and induced DNA damage in bone marrow.
      Testes of ADR-treated rats showed many histopathological alterations and the
      number of sperm head abnormalities increased. Moreover, the concentration of
      malondialdehyde (MDA) increased and the activity of catalase (CAT) and superoxide
      dismutase (SOD) decreased in the testis. Treating animals with ADR and aqueous
      seed extracts of fenugreek led to an improvement in the cytogenetic effect and
      testicular alterations induced by ADR. Lipid peroxidation was reduced and the
      activities of CAT and SOD were increased. In conclusion, the results indicated
      that fenugreek seeds ameliorated the cytotoxicity and testicular alterations
      induced by ADR in albino rats and this may be mediated by its potent antioxidant
      effects.

PMID- 22051851
TI  - Temporal investigation of matrix metalloproteinases and their inhibitors in human
      cervicovaginal fluid in late pregnancy and labor.
AB  - Temporal expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-1, -2, -3, -7, -8, -9, -12,
      and -13, and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs)-1 and -2 in human
      cervicovaginal fluid (CVF) in term pregnancy and labor was investigated. Term
      parous women provided CVF samples that were grouped into labor, 1 to 3, 6 to 8,
      and 12 to 16 days before labor onset. Both MMPs and TIMPs (n = 60) were
      quantified using multiplex solution array and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays,
      respectively. Further analysis of TIMP-1 (n = 180) was undertaken. All MMPs and
      TIMPs except MMP-12 and -13 were detected in the CVF. Matrix metalloproteinase 7,
      TIMP-1, and TIMP-2 were significantly increased in labor. Tissue inhibitors of
      metalloproteinase 1 was significantly increased up to 7 days before spontaneous
      labor onset. The data suggest a role of MMP-7 in the remodeling and rupture of
      fetal membranes and may reflect the homeostatic regulation of extracellular
      matrix remodeling of MMP-7 by TIMP-1 and TIMP-2.

PMID- 22051852
TI  - Effects of residual antibiotics in groundwater on Salmonella typhimurium: changes
      in antibiotic resistance, in vivo and in vitro pathogenicity.
AB  - An outbreak-causing strain of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium was exposed
      to groundwater with residual antibiotics for up to four weeks. Representative
      concentrations (0.05, 1, and 100 MUg L(-1)) of amoxicillin, tetracycline, and a
      mixture of several other antibiotics (1 MUg L(-1) each) were spiked into
      artificially prepared groundwater (AGW). Antibiotic susceptibility analysis and
      the virulence response of stressed Salmonella were determined on a weekly basis
      by using human epithelial cells (HEp2) and soil nematodes (C. elegans). Results
      have shown that Salmonella typhimurium remains viable for long periods of
      exposure to antibiotic-supplemented groundwater; however, they failed to
      cultivate as an indication of a viable but nonculturable state. Prolonged
      antibiotics exposure did not induce any changes in the antibiotic susceptibility
      profile of the S. typhimurium strain used in this study. S. typhimurium exposed
      to 0.05 and 1 MUg L(-1) amoxicillin, and 1 MUg L(-1) tetracycline showed hyper
      virulent profiles in both in vitro and in vivo virulence assays with the HEp2
      cells and C. elegans respectively, most evident following 2nd and 3rd weeks of
      exposure.

PMID- 22051853
TI  - Role of CYP2E1-mediated metabolism in the acute and vestibular toxicities of
      nineteen nitriles in the mouse.
AB  - Allylnitrile, cis-crotononitrile, and 3,3'-iminodipropionitrile are known to
      cause vestibular toxicity in rodents, and evidence is available indicating that
      cis-2-pentenenitrile shares this effect. We evaluated nineteen nitriles for
      vestibular toxicity in wild type (129S1) and CYP2E1-null mice, including all the
      above, several neurotoxic nitriles, and structurally similar nitriles. A new
      acute toxicity test protocol was developed to facilitate evaluation of the
      vestibular toxicity by a specific behavioral test battery at doses up to sub
      lethal levels while using a limited number of animals. A mean number of 8.5+/-0.3
      animals per nitrile, strain and sex was necessary to obtain evidence of
      vestibular toxicity and optionally an estimation of the lethal dose. For several
      but not all nitriles, lethal doses significantly increased in CYP2E1-null mice.
      The protocol revealed the vestibular toxicity of five nitriles, including
      previously identified ototoxic compounds and one nitrile (trans-crotononitrile)
      known to have a different profile of neurotoxic effects in the rat. In all five
      cases, both sexes were affected and no decrease in susceptibility was apparent in
      CYP2E1-null mice respect to 129S1 mice. Fourteen nitriles caused no vestibular
      toxicity, including six nitriles tested in CYP2E1-null mice at doses
      significantly larger than the maximal doses that can be tested in wild type
      animals. We conclude that only a subset of low molecular weight nitriles is toxic
      to the vestibular system, that species-dependent differences exist in this
      vestibular toxicity, and that CYP2E1-mediated metabolism is not involved in this
      effect of nitriles although it has a role in the acute lethality of some of these
      compounds.

PMID- 22051854
TI  - DNA, protein binding, cytotoxicity, cellular uptake and antibacterial activities
      of new palladium(II) complexes of thiosemicarbazone ligands: effects of
      substitution on biological activity.
AB  - The coordination propensities of 4(N,N')-diethylaminosalicylaldehyde-4(N)
      substituted thiosemicarbazones (H(2)L(1-4)) were investigated by reacting with an
      equimolar amount of [PdCl(2)(PPh(3))(2)]. The new complexes were characterized by
      various spectroscopic techniques. The structure determination of the complexes
      [Pd(DeaSal-tsc)(PPh(3))] (1), [Pd(DeaSal-mtsc)(PPh(3))] (2) and [Pd(DeaSal
      etsc)(PPh(3))] (3) by X-ray crystallography showed that ligands are coordinated
      in a dibasic tridentate ONS donor fashion forming stable five and six membered
      chelate rings. The binding ability of complexes (1-4) to calf-thymus DNA (CT DNA)
      has been explored by absorption and emission titration methods. Based on the
      observations, an electrostatic and an intercalative binding mode have been
      proposed. The protein binding studies have been monitored by quenching of
      tryptophan and tyrosine residues in the presence of complexes using lysozyme as a
      model protein. As determined by MTT assays, complex 3 exhibited a higher
      cytotoxic effect towards human lung cancer cell line (A549) and liver cancer
      cells (HepG2). LDH, NO assay and cellular uptake of the complexes have been
      studied. Further, antibacterial activity studies of the complexes have been
      screened against the pathogenic bacteria such as Enterococcus faecalis,
      Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas
      aeruginosa, MIC50 values of the complexes showed that the complexes exhibited
      significant activity against the pathogens and among the complexes, 3 exhibited
      higher activity.

PMID- 22051855
TI  - Anion-templated self-assembly of highly stable Fe(II) pentagonal metallacycles
      with short anion-pi contacts.
AB  - The crystal structures of the self-assembled metallapentacycles
      [{Fe(5)(bptz)(5)(CH(3)CN)(10)} ? 2SbF(6)][SbF(6)](8) (1) and
      [{Fe(5)(bmtz)(5)(CH(3)CN)(10)} ? SbF(6)][SbF(6)](9) (2) with the pi-acidic
      ligands bptz (3,6-bis(2-pyridyl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine) and bmtz (3,6-bis(2
      pyrimidyl)-1,2,4,5-tetrazine), respectively, revealed cationic pentagons
      templated by [SbF(6)](-) ions. The short anion-pi contacts established between
      the anions and the tetrazine rings play an important role in the stability of the
      pentagons.

PMID- 22051856
TI  - Effects of demographic structure on key properties of stochastic density
      independent population dynamics.
AB  - The development of stochastic demography has largely been based on age structured
      populations, although other types of demographic structure, especially permanent
      and dynamic heterogeneity, are likely common in natural populations. The
      combination of stochasticity and demographic structure is a challenge for
      analyses of population dynamics and extinction risk, because the population
      structure will fluctuate around the stable structure and the population size
      shows transient fluctuations. However, by using a diffusion approximation for the
      total reproductive value, density-independent dynamics of structured populations
      can be described with only three population parameters: the expected population
      growth rate, the environmental variance and the demographic variance. These
      parameters depend on population structure via the state-specific vital rates and
      transition rates. Once they are found, the diffusion approximation represents a
      substantial reduction in model complexity. Here, we review and compare the key
      population parameters across a wide range of demographic structure, from the case
      of no structure to the most general case of dynamic heterogeneity, and for both
      discrete and continuous types. We focus on the demographic variance, but also
      show how environmental stochasticity can be included. This study brings together
      results from recent models, each considering a specific type of population
      structure, and places them in a general framework for structured populations.
      Comparison across different types of demographic structure reveals that the
      reproductive value is an essential concept for understanding how population
      structure affects stochastic dynamics and extinction risk.

PMID- 22051857
TI  - A fluorescence-based assay for N-myristoyltransferase activity.
AB  - N-myristoylation is the irreversible attachment of a C(14) fatty acid, myristic
      acid, to the N-terminal glycine of a protein via formation of an amide bond. This
      modification is catalyzed by myristoyl-coenzyme A (CoA):protein N
      myristoyltransferase (NMT), an enzyme ubiquitous in eukaryotes that is up
      regulated in several cancers. Here we report a sensitive fluorescence-based assay
      to study the enzymatic activity of human NMT1 and NMT2 based on detection of CoA
      by 7-diethylamino-3-(4-maleimido-phenyl)-4-methylcoumarin. We also describe
      expression and characterization of NMT1 and NMT2 and assay validation with small
      molecule inhibitors. This assay should be broadly applicable to NMTs from a range
      of organisms.

PMID- 22051858
TI  - Revisiting crowd-out update.
AB  - Crowd-out occurs when the existence of public insurance causes people to shift
      from private to public coverage, thus stretching scarce government resources to
      insure those who could access private plans. This update looks at the research
      published since the 2004 synthesis was released. Key findings include: Some level
      of crowd-out will always occur with public program expansions. There is a wide
      range of estimates of crowd-out with lower estimates for low-income children (0
      to 15%) and higher rates for higher-income children and longer-term enrollees
      (35% to 50%). Recent studies confirm the most common anti-crowd-out measures-
      waiting periods and increased public-plan premiums--discourage both the uninsured
      and the privately insured from enrolling in public coverage. Crowd-out is more
      likely when eligibility is expanded to include higher-incomes and entire
      families. Crowd out can occur based on employers', as well as employees'
      behaviors, but it appear the recent decline in ESI is more a result of employee
      take-up rather than employers dropping health benefits. Finally, there is limited
      research that suggests children with public coverage are better off than those
      with private insurance.

PMID- 22051859
TI  - Point-of-care capillary blood lactate measurements in human immunodeficiency
      virus-uninfected children with in utero exposure to human immunodeficiency virus
      and antiretroviral medications.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence of elevated point-of-care (POC) capillary
      blood lactate concentrations in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-exposed,
      uninfected children (HEU) and to determine if POC lactate varies with in utero
      antiretroviral (ARV) exposure. METHODS: The Surveillance Monitoring for
      Antiretroviral Therapy Toxicities protocol of the Pediatric HIV/AIDS Cohort Study
      enrolled 1934 children between 2007 and 2009, 0 to 12 years of age, born to HIV
      infected mothers. POC lactate was measured annually on capillary blood using the
      Lactate Pro device. Associations of POC lactate with in utero ARV exposure and
      other characteristics were evaluated using logistic regression models, adjusting
      for maternal characteristics and other confounders. RESULTS: Of 1641 children
      with POC measurements (median age, 3.0 years), 3.4% had POC lactate >3 mmol/L.
      Median POC lactate level decreased with age (1.9 mmol/L, 1.7 mmol/L, and 1.6
      mmol/L for children 0-<6 months [99% <=6 weeks of life], 6-<24 months, and >=24
      months of age, respectively; P < 0.001). Prevalence of elevated POC lactate did
      not differ by in utero ARV exposure drug class, but was significantly higher in
      children exposed in utero to emtricitabine or efavirenz, cocaine or opiates, and
      those of white race. CONCLUSIONS: POC lactate testing is a useful rapid
      laboratory screening assay for HEU children with ARV exposure. ARV use during
      pregnancy has resulted in a dramatic decrease in mother-to-child transmission of
      HIV, and the risk of elevated lactate in HEU children is low. However, as new
      ARVs and more complex regimens are used during pregnancy by HIV-infected women,
      continued monitoring for infant toxicities is essential.

PMID- 22051860
TI  - Prevalence and genetic diversity of nontypeable haemophilus influenzae in the
      respiratory tract of infants and primary caregivers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) causes otitis media,
      sinusitis, and likely lower respiratory tract infections in children.
      Colonization, strain diversity, transmission, and antimicrobial susceptibility
      have implications for both children and their caregivers. METHODS: For 13 months,
      we conducted a cross-sectional study of NTHi colonization. Upper respiratory
      tract cultures were performed in 273 infants and children 2 to 26 months of age
      and their primary caregivers. NTHi isolates were characterized by multilocus
      sequence typing (MLST), and antibiotic resistance was examined. RESULTS: Of the
      273 infants, 44 (16.1%) were colonized with NTHi. Prevalence of NTHi varied from
      14% in infants less than 6 months of age to 32% in infants between 19 and 26
      months of age (P = 0.003). NTHi-colonized infants were more likely to attend day
      care (30% vs. 12%), have a recent respiratory infection (68% vs. 38%), have
      recently taken an antibiotic (27% vs. 9%), and have a primary caregiver who
      reported asthma (11% vs. 1%), compared with other infants (P < 0.01). In the 44
      infants colonized with NTHi, we identified 33 different MLSTs. Of the 44 infant
      primary caregiver dyads, 9 (20.5%) were colonized with NTHi, and 7 of these 9
      shared identical NTHi strains. We also found beta-lactamase-negative NTHi with
      minimum inhibitory concentrations >2 MUg/mL for amoxicillin and beta-lactamase
      positive NTHi with minimum inhibitory concentrations >2 MUg/mL for amoxicillin
      clavulanate. CONCLUSIONS: We found substantial diversity by MLST analysis among
      NTHi isolates from this community. Infant-primary caregiver dyads usually carried
      the same strain of NTHi, suggesting that infant-primary caregiver transmission is
      occurring.

PMID- 22051861
TI  - The BIO-PIN paradigm: 'access to' or 'return of' results?

PMID- 22051863
TI  - Impact of practice patterns in shunt use during carotid endarterectomy with
      contralateral carotid occlusion.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study investigated the association between surgeon practice pattern
      in shunt placement and 30-day stroke/death in patients undergoing carotid
      endarterectomy (CEA) with contralateral carotid occlusion (CCO). METHODS: Among
      6379 CEAs performed in the Vascular Study Group of New England (VSGNE) between
      2002 and 2009, we identified 353 patients who underwent CEA with CCO and compared
      the 30-day stroke/death rate with 5279 patients who underwent primary, isolated
      CEA with a patent contralateral carotid artery. Within patients with CCO, we
      examined the 30-day stroke/death rate across the reason for shunt placement and
      two distinct surgeon practice patterns in shunt placement: surgeons who
      selectively used a shunt (<=95% of CEAs) or routinely used a shunt (>95% of
      CEAs). We used observed/expected (O/E) ratios to provide risk-adjusted
      comparisons across groups. RESULTS: Of 353 patients with CCO, 118 (33%) underwent
      CEA without a shunt, 173 (49%) underwent CEA using a shunt placed routinely, and
      62 (18%) had a shunt placed for a neurologic indication. Rates of 30-day
      stroke/death across categories of reason for shunt use were no shunt, 3.4%;
      routine shunt, 4.0%; and shunt for indication, 4.8% (P = .891). The risk of 30
      day stroke/death was higher for surgeons who selectively placed shunts (5.6%) in
      all their CEAs and lower for surgeons who routinely placed shunts (1.5%, P =
      .05). The risk of 30-day stroke/death was >1 in patients undergoing selective
      shunting (O/E ratio, 1.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.1-1.7) and <1 for
      surgeons who placed shunts routinely (O/E ratio, 0.4; 95% CI, 0.2-0.9).
      Stroke/death rates were lowest when individual surgeons' intraoperative decisions
      reflected their usual pattern of practice: 1.5% stroke/death rate when "routine"
      surgeons placed a shunt, 3.4% when "selective" surgeons did not place a shunt,
      and 7.6% stroke/death rate for "selective" surgeons who placed a shunt (P = .05
      for trend). CONCLUSIONS: The risk of 30-day stroke/death is higher in CEA in
      patients with CCO than with a patent contralateral carotid artery. Surgeons who
      place shunts selectively during CEA have higher rates of stroke/death in patients
      with CCO. This suggests that shunt use for CCO during CEA is associated with
      fewer complications, but only if the surgeon uses a shunt as part of his or her
      routine practice in CEA. Surgeons should preoperatively consider their own
      practice pattern in shunt use when faced with a patient who may require shunt
      placement.

PMID- 22051864
TI  - Statin therapy is associated with superior clinical outcomes after endovascular
      treatment of critical limb ischemia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine if statin therapy improves
      clinical outcomes after endovascular intervention in patients with critical limb
      ischemia (CLI). METHODS: A retrospective review of all patients undergoing
      endovascular treatment for CLI was performed. Two groups were created according
      to whether they were receiving statin therapy at the time of intervention.
      Demographics, lesion morphology, overall mortality, primary and secondary
      patency, and limb salvage were compared between these groups. Analysis was
      performed using multivariate regression and Kaplan-Meier analysis. RESULTS:
      Between 2004 and 2009, 646 patients, 319 receiving statin therapy and 327
      without, underwent an endovascular intervention for CLI. The statin group had
      significantly higher rates of diabetes mellitus, coronary artery disease,
      congestive heart failure, previous myocardial infarction, and coronary artery
      bypass grafting (P < .05). The two groups had similar lesion length, location,
      lesion type, TransAtlantic Inter-Society Consensus (TASC) classification, and
      primary procedure. At 24 months, the statin-treated group had higher rates of
      primary patency (43% vs 33%; P = .007), secondary patency (66% vs 51%; P = .001),
      limb salvage (83% vs 62%; P = .001), and overall survival (77% vs 62%; P = .038).
      Statin therapy was also independently associated with improved limb salvage by
      multivariate regression analysis (hazard ratio, 2.55; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS:
      Patients who were receiving statin therapy when they underwent interventions to
      treat CLI had significantly improved overall survival, primary and secondary
      patency, and limb salvage rates. Our findings suggest that statins should be part
      of the periprocedural treatment regimen and support further investigation into
      the beneficial effects of statins in patients undergoing endovascular treatment
      of CLI.

PMID- 22051865
TI  - Intimal sarcoma in an inflammatory aneurysm after endovascular aneurysm repair.
AB  - Long-term outcomes after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for inflammatory
      aneurysms are unknown. We present a young patient with new-onset back pain and
      failure to thrive 6 years after EVAR for an inflammatory abdominal aortic
      aneurysm (AAA). Endograft explanation was performed with a presumed diagnosis of
      infection. Pathology revealed intimal sarcoma in the excluded aneurysm sac with
      liver metastasis. This report presents a detailed review of literature regarding
      potential association of prosthetic implantation and carcinogenesis.

PMID- 22051866
TI  - Leiomyosarcoma of the splenic vein.
AB  - Leiomyosarcomas are smooth muscle-derived tumors generally found intra
      abdominally in the retoperitoneum, mesentery, or omentum. Only approximately 5%
      of these tumors originate from vessel wall smooth muscle. Those derived from the
      splenic vein are exceedingly rare, with only one previously published case in the
      literature. We present a second case of leiomyosarcoma of the splenic vein in a
      58-year-old woman with 2 months of epigastric pain. A distal pancreatectomy was
      performed to include the tumor found centered in the splenic vein at the splenic
      and portal vein confluence and growing into the pancreas in the body on the
      posterior aspect. A saphenous vein patch was used for reconstruction.

PMID- 22051867
TI  - Endovascular treatment combined with emboloscleorotherapy for pelvic
      arteriovenous malformations.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe the clinical features and treatment outcomes after combined
      endovascular and embolosclerotherapy treatment of pelvic arteriovenous
      malformations (AVMs). METHODS: From November 1996 to May 2011, we treated 12
      patients (seven males, five females; mean age, 38.1 +/-14.6 years; age range, 23
      70 years) with pelvic AVMs. Our treatment strategy was coil embolization of a
      dilated draining vein of the AVM to reduce blood flow velocity in the AVM lesion
      and sclerotherapy of the residual arteriovenous fistulae with high-concentration
      ethanol to eradicate potential AVM recurrence. To ensure effective endovascular
      treatment, we used transarterial, transvenous, percutaneous, or combined access
      routes. Treatment outcomes were assessed with periodic computed tomography
      angiograms and clinical examinations. RESULTS: During the follow-up period (mean,
      33.2 months; median, 21.3 months; range, 1-96 months) after embolosclerotherapy,
      we observed complete remission (no residual or recurrent AVM lesion on follow-up
      computed tomography and complete symptomatic relief) in 10 (83.3%) patients and
      partial remission in two (16.7%) patients. One major complication of focal
      bladder necrosis occurred (1/22 sessions, 4.5%, 1/12 patients, 8.3%), but this
      resolved with conservative treatment. As early procedure-related complications,
      transient pulmonary hypertension and/or hemoglobinuria developed in 54.5% (12/22
      sessions) and 22.7% (5/22 sessions) of patients, respectively. CONCLUSIONS:
      Combined embolosclerotherapy of pelvic AVMs with coils and ethanol was
      efficacious at achieving complete remission.

PMID- 22051868
TI  - The feasibility of endovascular aortic repair strategy in treating infected
      aortic aneurysms.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Open surgical treatment for an infected aortic aneurysm has a high
      rate of surgical morbidity and mortality and does not guarantee eradication of
      the infected nidus. The use of endovascular aortic repair (EVAR) might simplify
      the procedure and provide a good alternative for this critical condition, but
      this remains to be proved. This study assessed the efficacy and outcome of EVAR
      with an adjunctive antibiotic treatment strategy. METHODS: We focused on the
      experiences and results of the management of infected aortic aneurysms with
      positive blood cultures. We drew the blood for culture study, immediately
      prescribed broad-spectrum antibiotics, performed EVAR procedures, and followed
      this with sensitive antibiotics and adjunctive procedures. RESULTS: Twelve
      consecutive patients (mean age, 70 years) were included in this EVAR strategy.
      Three patients had thoracic, two thoracoabdominal, and the remaining seven had
      infected abdominal aneurysms. Ten Salmonella, one Staphylococcus, and one
      Streptococcus spp were identified. There was no hospital death. Three patients
      underwent computed tomography (CT)-guided drainage, and one underwent open
      laparotomy debridement. Mean follow-up was 24 months. One late death occurred but
      was unrelated to reinfection. All patients seemed well, with no evidence of EVAR
      graft infection at a mean follow-up of 23.6 months. CONCLUSIONS: This small multi
      institutional study summarizing the experiences of patients with an infected
      aortic aneurysm managed by EVAR and an aggressive antibiotic strategy revealed
      that this EVAR strategy might be a suitable approach to treating this disease.
      These favorable results may be typical for Salmonella infection, which was
      present in most of the patients. Further experience is needed to assess whether
      this therapeutic strategy works equally well in aneurysm infection caused by
      other organisms.

PMID- 22051869
TI  - Long-term incidence of myocardial infarct, stroke, and mortality in patients
      operated on for abdominal aortic aneurysms.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The risks of myocardial infarction (MI) and stroke after abdominal
      aortic aneurysm (AAA) resection are not known. Prophylaxis with aspirin and
      statins is not generally recommended, although patients with AAAs have an
      increased prevalence of cardiovascular atherosclerosis. We report the incidences
      of MI, stroke, and death in an unselected national cohort of patients operated on
      for AAAs, with the general population as the control group. METHODS: In a matched
      cohort study, 11,094 Danish patients who underwent acute or elective open AAA
      repair from January 1986 through June 2009 were compared with four randomly
      chosen age- and sex-matched individuals (controls) from the general population (n
      = 44,364). Data were collected retrospectively from the Danish Vascular Registry
      (Karbase), the National Population Registry, and the National Inpatient Registry.
      The groups were analyzed for the incidences of MI, stroke, and death, with up to
      20 years of follow-up. RESULTS: AAA patients had an annual MI incidence of 2.5%
      (hazard ratio, 2.1; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.9-2.2) compared with the
      general population. The annual incidence of stroke was 2.9% (hazard ratio, 1.8;
      95% CI, 1.6-1.9), and there was a 2.4-fold (95% CI, 2.3-2.4) increase in the
      hazard of all-cause mortality compared with the general population. CONCLUSION:
      AAA patients of both sexes have a high risk of atherosclerotic events (MI,
      stroke) and death, so lifelong prophylaxis must be considered from our
      epidemiologic data. Randomized trials investigating the potential benefit of
      aspirin and statin therapy in AAA patients are needed.

PMID- 22051871
TI  - Characterization of resident surgeon participation during carotid endarterectomy
      and impact on perioperative outcomes.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The impact of resident surgeon participation during vascular
      procedures on postoperative outcomes is incompletely understood. We characterized
      resident physician participation during carotid endarterectomy (CEA) procedures
      within the 2005-2009 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality
      Improvement Participant Use Datafile and evaluated associations with procedural
      characteristics and perioperative adverse events. METHODS: CEAs were identified
      using primary current procedural terminology codes; those performed
      simultaneously with other major procedures or unknown resident participation
      status were excluded. Group-wise comparisons based on resident participation
      status were performed using chi(2) or Fisher's exact test for categorical
      variables and t tests or nonparametric methods for continuous variables.
      Associations with perioperative adverse events (major = stroke, death, myocardial
      infarction, or cardiac arrest; minor = peripheral nerve injury, bleeding
      requiring transfusion, surgical site infection, or wound disruption) were
      assessed using multivariable logistic regression models adjusting for other known
      risk factors. RESULTS: A total of 25,280 CEA procedures were analyzed, of which
      residents participated in 13,705 (54.2%), while residents were absent in 11,575
      (45.8%). Among CEAs with resident physician participation, resident level was
      categorized as junior (postgraduate year [PGY] 1-2) in 21.9%, senior (PGY 3-5) in
      52.7%, and fellow (PGY >=6) in 25.3%. Major adverse event rates with and without
      resident participation were 1.9% versus 2.1%, and minor adverse event rates with
      and without resident participation were 0.9% versus 1.0%, respectively. In
      multivariable models, resident physician participation was not associated with
      perioperative risk for major adverse events (odds ratio [OR], 0.90; 95%
      confidence interval [CI], 0.75-1.08) or minor adverse events (OR, 0.93; 95% CI,
      0.72-1.21). CONCLUSIONS: Resident surgeon participation during CEA is not
      associated with risk of adverse perioperative events.

PMID- 22051872
TI  - Pharmacokinetic analysis after implantation of everolimus-eluting self-expanding
      stents in the peripheral vasculature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A novel self-expanding drug-eluting stent was designed to release
      everolimus 225 MUg/cm(2) to prevent restenosis following peripheral arterial
      intervention. The purpose of this study was to measure the pharmacokinetic
      profile of everolimus following stent implantation. METHODS: One hundred four
      patients with symptomatic peripheral arterial disease underwent implantation of
      everolimus-eluting stents in the femoropopliteal arteries. In a prespecified
      subset of 26 patients, blood samples for assay of everolimus content were
      collected prior to stent implantation, at 1, 4, and 8 hours postprocedure, prior
      to discharge, and at 1 month postprocedure. RESULTS: A total of 39 stents,
      ranging from 28 mm to 100 mm in length, were implanted in 26 patients, resulting
      in a total delivered everolimus dose range of 3.0 to 7.6 mg. Following the
      procedure, the maximum observed everolimus blood concentrations (C(max)) varied
      from 1.83 +/- 0.05 ng/mL after implantation of a single 80-mm stent to 4.66 +/-
      1.78 ng/mL after implantation of two 100-mm stents. The mean time to peak
      concentration (T(max)) varied from 6.8 hours to 35 hours. The pharmacokinetics of
      everolimus were dose-proportional in that dose-normalized C(max) and area under
      the curve values were constant over the studied dose range. CONCLUSIONS: After
      implantation of everolimus-eluting self-expanding stents in the femoropopliteal
      arteries, systemic blood concentrations of everolimus are predictable and
      considerably lower than blood concentrations observed following safe oral
      administration of everolimus.

PMID- 22051873
TI  - Polydeoxyribonucleotide restores blood flow in an experimental model of ischemic
      skin flaps.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ischemia is a major factor contributing to failure of skin flap
      surgery, which is routinely used for coverage of wounds to prevent infection and
      to restore form and function. An emerging concept is that adenosine A(2A)
      receptors can improve tissue oxygenation by stimulating angiogenesis, likely
      through vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). This study assessed the
      ability of polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) to restore blood flow and improve wound
      healing, acting through the A(2A) receptor, in a rat model of ischemic skin
      flaps. METHODS: The H-shaped double-flap model was used in male Sprague-Dawley
      rats. After surgical procedures, the animals were randomized to receive
      intraperitoneal PDRN (8 mg/kg) or vehicle (NaCl 0.9%). Rats were euthanized 3, 5,
      and 10 days after skin injury, after the evaluation of skin perfusion by laser
      Doppler. The wounds underwent histologic analysis and were measured for VEGF
      messenger RNA and protein expression, hypoxia inducible factor-1-alpha (HIF
      1alpha), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) protein expression, and
      nitrite content. RESULTS: Blood flow markedly increased in blood flow in ischemic
      flaps treated with PDRN, with a complete recovery starting from day 5 (ischemic
      flap + vehicle, 1.80 +/- 0.25; ischemic flap + PDRN, 2.46 +/- 0.25; P < .001).
      Administration of PDRN enhanced the expression of VEGF (ischemic flap + vehicle,
      5.3 +/- 0.6; ischemic flap + PDRN, 6.2 +/- 0.5; P < .01) at day 5, and iNOS
      (ischemic flap + vehicle, 3.9 +/- 0.6; ischemic flap + PDRN, 5.3 +/- 1; P < .01),
      but reduced HIF-1alpha expression (ischemic flap + vehicle, 7 +/- 1.1; ischemic
      flap + PDRN, 4.8 +/- 0.5; P < .05) at day 3. Histologically, the PDRN-treated
      group showed complete re-epithelialization and well-formed granulation tissue
      rich in fibroblasts. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that PDRN restores blood
      flow and tissue architecture, probably by modulating HIF-1alpha and VEGF
      expression, and may be an effective therapeutic approach in improving healing of
      ischemic skin flaps.

PMID- 22051874
TI  - Heart failure is associated with reduced patency after endovascular intervention
      for symptomatic peripheral arterial disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a highly prevalent comorbidity among
      patients with symptomatic peripheral arterial disease. The effect of CHF on the
      procedural success of endovascular treatment, however, remains unknown.
      Theoretically, poor inflow secondary to systolic dysfunction and peripheral
      vascular alterations may predispose endovascular interventions to failure.
      METHODS: A retrospective review of a prospectively maintained database was
      performed to identify CHF patients undergoing endovascular peripheral arterial
      intervention from 2004 to 2009. Demographics, comorbidities, procedural details,
      and outcomes were analyzed. Patients underwent duplex ultrasound imaging and
      clinical follow-up at scheduled intervals. Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional
      hazards models were used to evaluate risk factors for loss of primary patency,
      secondary patency, and limb salvage. RESULTS: Of 1220 patients undergoing
      intervention, 271 (22%) with documented congestive heart failure (CHF) underwent
      an intervention for claudication (22.5%) or critical limb ischemia (77.5%).
      Primary patency at 1 year was 51.9% +/- 2.5% among those with CHF vs 64.6% +/-
      1.3% in those without CHF (P < .001); this disparity continued throughout follow
      up (P < .001). Patients with CHF also had reduced secondary patency throughout
      follow-up. Multivariate analysis showed CHF was an independent predictor of
      reduced primary patency (hazard ratio [HR], 1.2; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.0
      1.4; P = .038) and secondary patency (HR, 1.5; 95% CI, 1.2-1.8; P < .001). In the
      setting of CHF, 1-year patency was 56.6% +/- 4.1% if the ejection fraction (EF)
      was >40% (n = 147) vs 43.2% +/- 3.5% if the EF was <40% (n = 124; P < .001).
      Secondary patency was also significantly reduced in patients with EF <40%
      throughout follow-up compared with patients without CHF (n = 949) as well as
      those with CHF and EF >40% (P < .001). CHF with EF <40% was an independent
      predictor of reduced primary patency (HR, 1.4; 95% CI, 1.2-1.8; P < .01) and
      secondary patency (HR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.3-2.3; P < .001). Limb salvage was also
      worse in patients with EF <40% (P = .038). CONCLUSIONS: CHF is associated with
      reduced patency after peripheral endovascular intervention and is an independent
      risk factor for patency loss. Specifically, CHF and reduced EF (<40%) is a strong
      independent risk factor for patency loss.

PMID- 22051875
TI  - Long-term results of direct and indirect endovascular revascularization based on
      the angiosome concept in patients with critical limb ischemia presenting with
      isolated below-the-knee lesions.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We compared clinical outcomes between limbs with and without
      achievement of feeding artery flow by endovascular therapy (EVT) based on the
      angiosome concept in critical limb ischemia (CLI) patients with isolated below
      the-knee (BTK) lesions and assessed factors influencing major amputation (MA).
      METHOD: We analyzed 369 limbs from 329 consecutive patients (224 men; age, 70 +/-
      11 years) with ischemic ulceration or gangrene, or both, presenting with isolated
      BTK lesions (Rutherford class 5, 270 limbs; class 6, 99 limbs) with a
      pretreatment ankle-brachial index of 0.79 +/- 0.26. Patients underwent successful
      EVT, without bypass surgery. Limbs were classified into direct (n = 200) and
      indirect (n = 169) groups by whether feeding artery flow to the site of
      ulceration or gangrene was successfully achieved, based on the angiosome concept.
      Unadjusted and adjusted (by propensity score matching) between-group rates of
      amputation-free survival (AFS) and freedom from major amputation (MA) and major
      adverse limb event (MALE) were compared by Kaplan-Meier analysis and the log-rank
      test. The independent determinants of MA in the direct and indirect groups were
      explored by multivariable analysis. RESULTS: During follow-up (mean, 18 +/- 16
      months), the overall limb salvage rate was 81% (300 of 369), death occurred in
      36% (119 of 329), and the reintervention rate was 31% (114 of 369). After
      propensity score adjustment, the estimated (+/- standard error) rates for AFS
      (49% +/- 8% vs 29% +/- 6%; P = .0002), freedom from MALE (51% +/- 8% vs 28% +/-
      8%, P = .008), and major amputation (82% +/- 5% vs 68% +/- 5%, P = .01) were
      significantly higher in the direct group than in the indirect group for up to 4
      years after the index procedure. After multivariable Cox proportional analysis,
      the independent factors associated with major amputation were hemoglobin A(1c)
      level (hazard ratio [HR], 1.4; 95% confidential interval [CI], 1.1-1.9; P = .006)
      and cilostazol administration (HR, 0.28; 95% CI, 0.11-0.70; P = .006) in the
      direct group, and C-reactive protein level (HR, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.1-1.4; P = .002)
      in the indirect group. CONCLUSION: Achieving direct flow by angioplasty based on
      the angiosome concept in CLI patients with isolated BTK lesions is clinically
      important for AFS and freedom from MA and MALE. Limb salvage factors appear to
      differ between patients with and without direct flow from the feeding artery
      after EVT.

PMID- 22051876
TI  - Quality of life in chronic venous disease patients measured by short Chronic
      Venous Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire (CIVIQ-14) in Serbia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This was a psychometric validation of the short Chronic Venous
      Disease Quality of Life Questionnaire (CIVIQ-14) as quality of life (QOL)
      instrument for chronic venous disease (CVD) patients. METHODS: Patients aged >18
      years who had CVD in CEAP C stages C0s to C6 were included in the study.
      Diagnosis was made by general practitioners according to CVD symptoms and visual
      examination of the lower extremities. QOL was assessed with the self
      administrated CIVIQ-14. The reliability, construct, and convergent validity of
      the CIVIQ-14 was estimated as well as QOL of CVD patients according to CEAP C
      stages. RESULTS: The study comprised 2260 subjects who fully completed the CIVIQ
      14. CIVIQ-14 had a high level of reliability, construct, and convergent validity,
      but the structure of its three dimensions (pain [P], physical [PHY], and
      psychological [PSY]) was suboptimal. After adjustment for age, body mass index,
      and number of CVD symptoms, CIVIQ -14 global, P, PHY, and PSY scores showed
      significant progressive reduction of QOL from CEAP class C0s to C6. These
      differences were present in both sexes. The progressive impairment of the QOL
      involved primarily the pain and the physical items. For all CEAP C classes, the P
      and PHY scores were lower than the PSY scores. Global scores for men and women
      were: 76.7 and 73.9 for C0s; 75.5 and 70.6 for C1; 67.8 and 64.5 for C2; 68.3 and
      61.6 for C3; 60.7 and 54.6 for C4; 49.5 and 50.2 for C5; and 41.3 and 46.7 for
      C6. CONCLUSIONS: CVD in the lower extremities has a substantial effect on both
      physical and psychologic aspects of QOL, the physical aspects of QOL (P and PHY
      items) being more important. CIVIQ-14 is valuable in assessing QOL in CVD
      patients. Further investigations are necessary to confirm the stability of its
      two dimensions.

PMID- 22051877
TI  - Left renocaval venous bypass with autologous great saphenous vein for nutcracker
      syndrome.
AB  - Nutcracker syndrome results from left renal vein compression by the abdominal
      aorta and the superior mesenteric artery. The consecutively increased renal
      venous pressure results in hematuria, proteinuria, flank pain, left-sided
      varicocele, pelvic congestion, and others. We report a 25-year-old man with
      nutcracker syndrome who underwent successful left renocaval venous bypass with
      autologous great saphenous vein. The patient's condition clearly improved, with
      no clinical relapse after treatment. Ultrasound imaging showed patency of the
      venous bypass and decreased venous hypertension. This technique is a feasible
      choice for surgical treatment of nutcracker syndrome, with a low incidence of
      complications and satisfactory results.

PMID- 22051879
TI  - Expression of midkine and vascular endothelial growth factor in gastric cancer
      and the association of high levels with poor prognosis and survival.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to investigate the expression of midkine (MK)
      and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in gastric cancer and its
      relationship with gastric cancer prognosis and survival rate. We recruited 107
      patients with complete clinical data and available tissue samples [gastric cancer
      tissue (n=107); adjacent normal gastric mucosa (n=31)]. MK and VEGF expression in
      these tissues were assayed by immunohistochemistry. The association of MK or VEGF
      expression with various prognostic factors in gastric cancer and the 5-year
      survival of gastric cancer patients were analyzed. MK and VEGF immunoreactivity
      were detected in 69.2% (74 out of 107 cases) and 66.4% (71 out of 107 cases) of
      gastric cancer tissues, but not in normal gastric tissues (P=0.00). MK and VEGF
      expression was correlated with tumor size, depth of invasion, lymph node
      metastasis and pathological stage (P<0.01), but not with age and gender (P>0.05).
      MK expression was positively correlated with VEGF expression (r=0.681, P<0.01).
      In addition, MK or VEGF expression was negatively correlated with the 5-year
      survival rate (P<0.01). The 5-year survival rate was significantly higher in
      patients with MK- or VEGF-immunonegative tumors than in patients with
      immunopositive ones (P<0.01). Co-expression of MK and VEGF was an independent
      predictor of gastric cancer prognosis. Expression of MK and VEGF is increased in
      gastric cancer and increased expression is closely correlated with poor prognosis
      and survival.

PMID- 22051878
TI  - Neuropilins are positive regulators of Hedgehog signal transduction.
AB  - The Hedgehog (Hh) pathway is essential for vertebrate embryogenesis, and
      excessive Hh target gene activation can cause cancer in humans. Here we show that
      Neuropilin 1 (Nrp1) and Nrp2, transmembrane proteins with roles in axon guidance
      and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling, are important positive
      regulators of Hh signal transduction. Nrps are expressed at times and locations
      of active Hh signal transduction during mouse development. Using cell lines
      lacking key Hh pathway components, we show that Nrps mediate Hh transduction
      between activated Smoothened (Smo) protein and the negative regulator Suppressor
      of Fused (SuFu). Nrp1 transcription is induced by Hh signaling, and Nrp1
      overexpression increases maximal Hh target gene activation, indicating the
      existence of a positive feedback circuit. The regulation of Hh signal
      transduction by Nrps is conserved between mammals and bony fish, as we show that
      morpholinos targeting the Nrp zebrafish ortholog nrp1a produce a specific and
      highly penetrant Hh pathway loss-of-function phenotype. These findings enhance
      our knowledge of Hh pathway regulation and provide evidence for a conserved nexus
      between Nrps and this important developmental signaling system.

PMID- 22051880
TI  - Oxygen bridged neutral annulenes: a novel class of materials for organic field
      effect transistors.
AB  - New, neutral, meso-substituted tetraoxa[22]annulene[2,1,2,1] aromatic macrocycles
      are synthesised and disclosed as new p-type semiconductors with reproducible bulk
      like carrier mobility (as high as 0.40 cm(2) V(-1) s(-1)) on highly crystalline
      thin films deposited on octadecyltrichlorosilane modified SiO(2).

PMID- 22051882
TI  - Protective effect of hexane extracts of Uncaria sinensis against photothrombotic
      ischemic injury in mice.
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Uncaria sinensis (US) has been used in
      traditional Korean medicine to treat vascular disease and to relieve various
      neurological symptoms. AIM OF THE STUDY: Scientific evidence related to the
      effectiveness or action mechanism of US on cerebrovascular disease has not been
      examined experimentally. Here, we investigated the cerebrovascular protective
      effect of US extracts on photothrombotic ischemic injury in mice. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: US hexane extracts (HEUS), ethyl acetate extracts (EAEUS) and methanol
      extracts (MEUS) were administered intraperitoneally 30 min before ischemic
      insults. Focal cerebral ischemia was induced in C57BL/6J mice and endothelial
      nitric oxide synthase knockout (eNOS KO) mice by photothrombotic cortical
      occlusion. We evaluated the infarct volume, neurological score and the activation
      of Akt and eNOS in ischemic brain. RESULTS: HEUS more significantly reduced
      infarct volume and edema than did EAEUS and MEUS following photothrombotic
      cortical occlusion. HEUS produced decreased infarct volume and edema size, and
      improved neurological function in a concentration-dependent manner (10, 50, and
      100 mg/kg). However, HEUS did not reduce brain infarction in eNOS KO mice,
      suggesting that the protective effect of HEUS is primarily endothelium-dependent.
      Furthermore, HEUS (10-300 MUg/ml) produced a concentration-dependent relaxation
      in mouse aorta and rat basilar artery, which was not seen in eNOS KO mouse aorta,
      suggesting that HEUS cause vasodilation via an eNOS-dependent mechanism. This
      correlated with increased phosphorylation of Akt and eNOS in the brains of HEUS
      treated mice. CONCLUSION: HEUS prevent cerebral ischemic damage by regulating
      Akt/eNOS signaling. US, herbal medicine, may be the basis of a novel strategy for
      the therapy of stroke.

PMID- 22051883
TI  - Synthesis of a library of oligothiophenes and their utilization as fluorescent
      ligands for spectral assignment of protein aggregates.
AB  - Molecular probes for selective identification of protein aggregates are important
      to advance our understanding of the molecular pathogenesis underlying protein
      aggregation diseases. Here we report the chemical design of a library of anionic
      luminescent conjugated oligothiophenes (LCOs), which can be utilized as ligands
      for detection of protein aggregates. Certain molecular requirements were shown to
      be necessary for detecting (i) early non-thioflavinophilic protein assemblies of
      Abeta1-42 and insulin preceding the formation of amyloid fibrils and (ii) for
      obtaining distinct spectral signatures of the two main pathological hallmarks
      observed in human Alzheimer's diease brain tissue (Abeta plaques and
      neurofibrillary tangles). Our findings suggest that a superior anionic LCO-based
      ligand should have a backbone consisting of five to seven thiophene units and
      carboxyl groups extending the conjugated thiophene backbone. Such LCOs will be
      highly useful for studying the underlying molecular events of protein aggregation
      diseases and could also be utilized for the development of novel diagnostic tools
      for these diseases.

PMID- 22051885
TI  - Correlation of the Taq1 dopamine D2 receptor gene and percent body fat in obese
      and screened control subjects: a preliminary report.
AB  - While there is a considerable body of literature correlating the role of
      dopaminergic genes and obesity, body mass index, body type, overeating,
      carbohydrate binging, energy expenditure and low dopamine D2 receptor (D2R)
      receptor density, there is a paucity of research concerning the dopamine D2
      receptor gene (DRD2) variants and percent body fat. We report here the potential
      association of DRD2 genotypes and the percent fat phenotype. In this study we
      genotyped 122 obese/overweight (O/OW) Caucasian subjects and 30 non-obese
      Caucasian controls, screened to exclude substance abuse. The subjects were
      assessed for weight, body mass index (BMI; kg m(-2)) and percent body fat using
      dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA). The sample was separated into two
      independent groups; those with the Taq1 A1 allele (A1/A1 or A1/A2) and those
      without the A1 allele (A2/A2). The controls had a normal range of body fat (25
      31% for females and 18-25% for males). The O/OW subjects had a percent body fat
      value of over 32% for females and over 25% for males. For the O/OW subjects, the
      mean BMI was 29.3 +/- 6.25 kg m(-2), mean body fat was 42.1 +/- 7.5% and mean
      weight was 82.7 +/- 21.7 kg. The DRD2 Taq1 A1 allele was present in 67% of the
      O/OW subjects compared to 3.3% of super controls (A group), 33.3% of screened
      (for drug abuse and obesity) controls (B group) and unscreened literature
      controls 29.4% (P<= 0.001). Comparing all cases with more than 34% body fat,
      utilizing logistic regression analysis, the DRD2 A1 allele accounts for 45.9% of
      the variance, which is statistically significant (chi(2) = 43.47, degrees of
      freedom (df) = 1, P < 0.0001). These results are consistent with a role for the
      DRD2 gene in obesity, as measured by percent body fat as well as by weight and
      BMI.

PMID- 22051884
TI  - Role of PDE3A in regulation of cell cycle progression in mouse vascular smooth
      muscle cells and oocytes: implications in cardiovascular diseases and
      infertility.
AB  - Phosphodiesterase-3 (PDE3) is a major cAMP-hydrolyzing PDE in vascular smooth
      muscle cells (VSMCs) and oocytes. The exact role and contribution of the two PDE3
      isoforms, PDE3A and PDE3B, in VSMC growth regulation and oocyte maturation was
      examined using PDE3A (3A) and PDE3B (3B) knockout (KO) mouse models. PDE3A
      deficient VSMCs exhibit marked reduction in mitogen-induced cell growth due to
      cell cycle arrest at G0-G1 phase, which resulted from dysregulation of
      cAMP/protein kinase A (PKA)-activated and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)
      signaling pathways, as well as from alterations in key cell cycle regulatory
      proteins. Similarly, PDE3A-deficient oocytes exhibit cell cycle arrest at G2/M
      phase because increased cAMP/PKA signaling in KO oocytes most likely inhibits
      Cdc25B-catalyzed dephosphorylation/activation of Cdc2 (maturation promoting
      factor (MPF)), a key regulator of G2/M transition.

PMID- 22051886
TI  - N-glucosyltransferase UGT76C2 is involved in cytokinin homeostasis and cytokinin
      response in Arabidopsis thaliana.
AB  - Cytokinins are a class of phytohormones that play a crucial role in plant growth
      and development. The gene UGT76C2 encoding cytokinin N-glucosyltransferase of
      Arabidopsis thaliana has been previously identified. To determine the in planta
      role of UGT76C2 in cytokinin metabolism and response, we analyzed the phenotypes
      of its loss-of-function mutant (ugt76c2) and its overexpressors. The accumulation
      level of the cytokinin N-glucosides was significantly decreased in ugt76c2, but
      substantially increased in UGT76C2 overexpressors compared with the wild type.
      When treated with exogenously applied cytokinin, ugt76c2 showed more sensitivity
      and UGT76C2 overexpressors showed less sensitivity to cytokinin in primary root
      elongation, lateral root formation, Chl retention and anthocyanin accumulation.
      Under normal growth conditions ugt76c2 had smaller seeds than the wild type, with
      accompanying lowered levels of active and N-glucosylated cytokinin forms. The
      expression levels of cytokinin-related genes such as AHK2, AHK3, ARR1, IPT5 and
      CKX3 were changed in ugt76c2, suggesting homeostatic control of cytokinin
      activity. Studies of spatiotemporal expression patterns showed that UGT76C2 was
      expressed at a relatively higher level in the seedling and developing seed. In
      their entirety, our data, based mainly on this comparison and opposite phenotypes
      of knockout and overexpressors, strongly suggest that UGT76C2 is involved in
      cytokinin homeostasis and cytokinin response in planta through cytokinin N
      glucosylation.

PMID- 22051887
TI  - Clinicopathologic features and risk factors for extrahepatic recurrences of
      hepatocellular carcinoma after curative resection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to clarify the clinicopathologic features
      of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with extrahepatic metastasis after the
      removal of primary HCC, and the risk factors of extrahepatic recurrence. METHODS:
      Clinicopathologic data were available for 264 HCC patients who underwent an R0
      resection for HCC. Twenty-six patients who developed extrahepatic recurrence
      during the follow-up period (EXT group) were compared with patients who remained
      free from recurrence for at least 5 years after resection (n = 46) (No R group)
      or had only intrahepatic recurrences (n = 193) (INT group). We also estimated the
      risk factors of extrahepatic recurrence and survival in these 26 patients.
      RESULTS: There were significant differences in primary tumor size, patient's age,
      findings in the noncancerous portion, macroscopic type, ductal invasion,
      intrahepatic metastasis, hepatic involvement and curability of primary tumor,
      treatment for recurrent tumor, and prognosis between the EXT group and the other
      groups. Extrahepatic recurrence was significantly associated with six factors by
      univariate analyses: age, indocyanine green (ICG) 15-min retention rate, tumor
      size, hepatic involvement of primary tumor, type of hepatectomy, and TNM stage,
      of which tumor size was an independent risk factor. Resection of recurrent tumor
      was the only independent favorable factor for survival of patients with
      extrahepatic recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: HCC patients with extrahepatic recurrence
      had advanced primary tumors and poor prognosis. HCC patients with primary tumors
      larger than 60 mm were predicted to develop extrahepatic recurrence. Resection of
      recurrent tumor can improve the prognosis of HCC patients with extrahepatic
      recurrence.

PMID- 22051888
TI  - Total ischemia time alters the longitudinal and circumferential shortening of the
      right ventricle in transplanted hearts.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Ischemia time is a risk factor for mortality and right ventricular
      (RV) failure after heart transplantation. The purpose of this study was to
      determine the effect of ischemia time on known transesophageal echocardiography
      (TEE) parameters of RV function and on a novel quantitative measurement of RV
      circumferential shortening. METHODS: Right and left ventricular (LV) function was
      evaluated retrospectively in 20 consecutive patients after heart transplant using
      known TEE parameters as well as a quantitative measurement of circumferential
      contraction. The control group consisted of 20 patients undergoing coronary
      artery bypass grafting (CABG) with no documented RV dysfunction. RESULTS:
      Posttransplant TEE parameters of RV function were depressed compared with post
      cardiopulmonary bypass CABG patients. Significant correlation was observed
      between tricuspid annular planar systolic excursion, basal, mid, and global
      circumferential shortening and total ischemia time. CONCLUSION: Total ischemia
      time of the transplanted heart may play a role in deterioration of longitudinal
      and circumferential shortening of the RV.

PMID- 22051889
TI  - Inflammation: Under the skin.

PMID- 22051890
TI  - Vaccines for the twenty-first century society.
AB  - Vaccines have been one of the major revolutions in the history of mankind and,
      during the twentieth century, they eliminated most of the childhood diseases that
      used to cause millions of deaths. In the twenty-first century, vaccines will also
      play a major part in safeguarding people's health. Supported by the innovations
      derived from new technologies, vaccines will address the new needs of a twenty
      first century society characterized by increased life expectancy, emerging
      infections and poverty in low-income countries.

PMID- 22051891
TI  - Infectious disease: a ray of sunshine for TB treatment.

PMID- 22051892
TI  - Versatile trifunctional chemosensor of rhodamine derivative for Zn2+, Cu2+ and
      His/Cys in aqueous solution and living cells.
AB  - On the basis of rhodamine, a versatile trifunctional chemosensor RP has been
      synthesized. It can selectively and sensitively recognize Cu(2+) and Zn(2+) in
      different solutions. Based on the zinc-containing [RP@Zn(2+)] complex, it shows
      highly selective recognition for His/Cys. Fluorescent imaging of Zn(2+) in living
      cells was also obtained.

PMID- 22051894
TI  - Paying for Quality: Understanding and Assessing Physician Pay-for-Performance
      Initiatives.
AB  - Pay-for-performance (P4P) initiatives have been discussed since the early 1990s,
      but support for the concept has grown recently, fueled by experience with quality
      of care measures, endorsements by key players and research that underlines the
      need for quality improvements and reform to the physician payment system. This
      synthesis examines the evidence on P4P. Key findings include: About one-third of
      U.S. physicians already face quality-based incentives under their managed care
      contracts. These measures most often relate to clinical targets, efficiency,
      patient satisfaction and use of information technology, but apply to a limited
      set of specific diseases and preventive care services. While 80 percent of plans
      pay for meeting benchmarks, 20 percent pay for improvements in performance.
      Overall, incentive payments are small, averaging at most 5 percent of total
      payments. While large-scale, ""real-life"" research consistently shows
      improvement in quality indicators when P4P is in place, it is hard to disentangle
      the impact of P4P from that of other simultaneous quality initiatives. Evidence
      of P4P impact from small controlled studies has not been positive. Doctors are
      generally supportive of P4P but concerned about how well it can be implemented.

PMID- 22051895
TI  - Investigation on the dynamics of electron transport and recombination in TiO2
      nanotube/nanoparticle composite electrodes for dye-sensitized solar cells.
AB  - In this work, we report on fabrication and characterization of dye-sensitized
      solar cells based on TiO(2) nanotube/nanoparticle (NT/NP) composite electrodes.
      TiO(2) nanotubes were prepared by anodization of Ti foil in an organic
      electrolyte. The nanotubes were chemically separated from the foil, ground and
      added to a TiO(2) nanoparticle paste, from which composite NT/NP electrodes were
      fabricated. In the composite TiO(2) films the nanotubes existed in bundles with a
      length of a few micrometres. By optimizing the amount of NT in the paste, dye
      sensitized solar cells with an efficiency of 5.6% were obtained, a 10%
      improvement in comparison to solar cells with pure NP electrodes. By increasing
      the fraction of NT in the electrode the current density increased by 20% (from
      11.1 to 13.3 mA cm(-2)), but the open circuit voltage decreased from 0.78 to 0.73
      V. Electron transport, lifetime and extraction studies were performed to
      investigate this behavior. A higher fraction of NT in the paste led to more and
      deeper traps in the resulting composite electrodes. Nevertheless, faster electron
      transport under short-circuit conditions was found with increased NT content, but
      the electron lifetime was not improved. The electron diffusion length calculated
      for short-circuit conditions was increased 3-fold in composite electrodes with an
      optimized NT fraction. The charge collection efficiency was more than 90% over a
      wide range of light intensities, leading to improved solar cell performance.

PMID- 22051893
TI  - Effects of spatial attention on motion discrimination are greater in the left
      than right visual field.
AB  - In order to investigate differences in the effects of spatial attention between
      the left visual field (LVF) and the right visual field (RVF), we employed a
      full/poor attention paradigm using stimuli presented in the LVF vs. RVF. In
      addition, to investigate differences in the effects of spatial attention between
      the dorsal and ventral processing streams, we obtained motion thresholds (motion
      coherence thresholds and fine direction discrimination thresholds) and
      orientation thresholds, respectively. The results of this study showed negligible
      effects of attention on the orientation task, in either the LVF or RVF. In
      contrast, for both motion tasks, there was a significant effect of attention in
      the LVF, but not in the RVF. These data provide psychophysical evidence for
      greater effects of spatial attention in the LVF/right hemisphere, specifically,
      for motion processing in the dorsal stream.

PMID- 22051896
TI  - Body mass index and injury severity in adolescent males.
AB  - Childhood obesity's relationship to injury severity has not been determined. This
      study examined the relationship between obesity and injury severity, differences
      in injury severity between weight groups, and injury predictors. The sample
      included 611 adolescent males treated for injury at a 10-day camping event in
      Virginia. Findings indicate a significant relationship between body mass index
      percentile and injury severity (r = .08, p = .04) and less injury severity in
      normal-weight adolescents, F(2, 608) = 5.27, p < .01. Predictors of injury
      severity were cause, place injury occurred and injury type, R(2) change = .07,
      F(5, 601) = 6.52, p < .01. Implications are that overweight/obese adolescents may
      have increased risk of serious injuries. Examining predictors may decrease
      incidence of injuries at future events.

PMID- 22051899
TI  - Intermedin and the unfolded protein response.

PMID- 22051897
TI  - Beneficial effects of Acer okamotoanum sap on L-NAME-induced hypertension-like
      symptoms in a rat model.
AB  - The sap of Acer okamotoanum has been termed 'bone-benefit-water' in Korea owing
      to its mineral and sugar content. In particular, the calcium (Ca) and potassium
      (K) concentrations of the sap of Acer okamotoanum are 40- and 20-times higher,
      respectively, than commercial spring water. In the present study, we examined
      whether Acer okamotoanum sap improves or prevents hypertension-like symptoms in a
      rat model. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (8-weeks-old) were provided commercial spring
      water supplemented with 25, 50 or 100% Acer okamotoanum sap, 3% potassium ions
      (K+) or captopril, and treated daily for 2 weeks with NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl
      ester (L-NAME; 100 mg/kg/day) by subcutaneous injection, in order to induce
      hypertensive symptoms. Rats were euthanized 6 h following the final injection. To
      assess the effect of the sap on hypertension-like symptoms, we examined the mean
      blood pressure (BP), protein levels and localization of endothelial nitric oxide
      synthase (eNOS) in the descending aorta of the rats. BP levels were significantly
      lower in hypertensive rats received 25, 50 and 100% sap compared with rats who
      were administered only commercial spring water. Protein levels of eNOS were
      repressed in L-NAME-only-treated rats, but were elevated in the descending aorta
      of rats administered captopril, K+ water and Acer okamotoanum sap (25, 50 and
      100%) up to the level of the sham group provided commercial spring water, and
      then injected with dimethyl sulfoxide for the same period of time. Localized eNOS
      protein was abundantly expressed in the perivascular descending aorta adipose
      tissue of the rats. Taken together, these results demonstrated that the sap of
      Acer okamotoanum ameliorated high BP induced by L-NAME treatment in a rat model.

PMID- 22051898
TI  - Impact of central hypovolemia on photoplethysmographic waveform parameters in
      healthy volunteers. Part 1: time domain analysis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Our study sought to explore changes in photoplethysmographic (PPG)
      waveform param- eters, during lower body negative pressure (LBNP) which simulated
      hypovolemia, in spontaneously breathing volunteers. We hypothesize that during
      progressive LBNP; there will be a preservation of ear PPG parameters and a
      decrease in finger PPG parameters. METHODS: With IRB approval, 11 volunteers
      underwent a LBNP protocol at baseline, 30, 75, and 90 mm Hg (or until the subject
      became symptomatic). Subjects were monitored with finger and ear pulse oximeter
      probes, an ECG, and a finger arterial blood pressure monitor. The square root of
      the mean of the squared differences between adjacent NN intervals (RMSSD) which
      is the time domain analysis of the heart rate variability (HRV) was measured. PPG
      waveforms were analyzed for height, area, width 50, maximum and minimum slope.
      Data are presented as median and inter-quartile range. Friedman ANOVA and
      Wilcoxon tests were used to identify changes in hemo- dynamic and PPG parameters,
      P < 0.017 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: There were no
      significant changes in the blood pressure variables at LBNP(30), but at and
      beyond LBNP(75), the decreases in systolic, mean and pulse pressure were
      significant as was the increase in diastolic pressure. Heart rate increased
      significantly at LBNP(30), reaching a maximum of 75.4% above baseline at the
      symptomatic phase while RMSSD showed significant reduction at LBNP(75). Finger
      PPG height, area, width 50, and maximum slope decreased significantly at LBNP(30)
      and during symptomatic phase they showed a reduction of 59.4, 76.9, 27.4 and
      51.6%, respectively. Ear PPG height, area, width 50 and maximum slope did not
      change significantly until the LBNP(75), reached. During symptomatic phase, the
      respective declines reached 39.3, 61.0, 21.4 and 34.9%. CONCLUSION: PPG waveform
      parameters may prove to be sensitive and specific as early indicators of blood
      loss. These PPG changes were observed before profound decreases in arterial blood
      pressure. The relative sparing of central cutaneous blood flow is consistent with
      the increased parasympathetic innervation of central structures.

PMID- 22051903
TI  - A guide to out of programme training and experience in Australia.

PMID- 22051904
TI  - Efficacy and safety of oral deferasirox treatment in the posttransplant period
      for patients who have undergone allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell
      transplantation (alloHSCT).
AB  - Iron overload is considered to be associated with various complications in
      patients who undergo both allogeneic (allo) and autologous hematopoietic stem
      cell transplantation (HSCT). A total of 23 alloHSCT recipients who started
      deferasirox treatment due to hyperferritinemia (ferritin >=1,000 ng/mL) were
      analyzed retrospectively. The demographic characteristics, data about deferasirox
      treatment, and history of phlebotomy were obtained from the patients' files. The
      reduction in posttreatment ferritin levels was found statistically significant
      compared with pretreatment ferritin levels in both def+phlebotomy and
      def+nonphlebotomy groups (p = 0.025 and 0.017, respectively). The liver enzymes,
      especially ALT and bilirubins, were significantly reduced after the treatment (p
      < 0.05). The deferasirox treatment reduced pretreatment ferritin levels below the
      level of 1,000 ng/mL in a median period of 94 days, and these data were found to
      be statistically significant (p < 0.05). The median treatment duration time with
      deferasirox was 94 days (72-122). The most common adverse effects were nausea and
      vomiting, which occurred in three of the patients (13%). In conclusion, our data
      suggest that oral deferasirox treatment may be used as a safe and effective
      alternative method for reducing iron overload in alloHSCT recipients, whether
      combined with or without phlebotomy.

PMID- 22051905
TI  - Minimum effective drug concentrations of a transdermal patch system containing
      procyclidine and physostigmine for prophylaxis against soman poisoning in rhesus
      monkeys.
AB  - A transdermal patch system containing procyclidine, an N-methyl-d-aspartate
      receptor antagonist possessing anticholinergic action, and physostigmine, a
      reversible cholinesterase inhibitor, was developed, and its prophylactic efficacy
      against soman intoxication was investigated. Male rhesus monkeys were shaved on
      the dorsal area, attached with a matrix-type patch with various sizes (2*2 to 7*7
      cm) for 24 or 72 h, and challenged with 2*LD50 doses (13MUg/kg) of soman. The
      smallest patch size for the protection against lethality induced by soman
      intoxication was 3*3cm, resulting in blood procyclidine concentration of 10.8
      ng/ml, blood physostigmine concentration of 0.54 ng/ml, which are much lower
      concentrations than maximum sign-free doses, and blood cholinesterase inhibition
      of 42%. The drug concentrations and enzyme inhibition rate corresponding to a
      diverging point of survivability were presumably estimated to be around 7 ng/ml
      for procyclidine, 0.35 ng/ml for physostigmine, and 37% of enzyme inhibition.
      Separately, in combination with the patch treatment, the post treatment
      consisting of atropine (0.5 mg/kg) plus 1-[([4
      (aminocarbonyl)pyridinio]methoxy)methyl]-2-[(hydroxyimino)methyl]pyridinium (HI
      6, 50 mg/kg) exerted protection against 5*LD50 challenge of soman, which means
      the posttreatment remarkably augmented the efficacy of the patch. Additionally,
      it was found that brain injuries induced by soman toxicity were effectively
      prevented by the patch treatment according to histopathological examinations.
      These results suggest that the patch system could be an effective alternative for
      diazepam, an anticonvulsant, and the current pyridostigmine pretreatment, and
      especially in combination with atropine plus HI-6, could be a choice for quality
      survival from nerve-agent poisoning.

PMID- 22051915
TI  - Long-term ocular outcome in congenital toxoplasmosis: a prospective cohort of
      treated children.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Congenital toxoplasmosis remains a public health problem throughout
      the world. Long-term longitudinal studies are still needed to argument
      controversial screening and treatment strategies and to enable to accurately
      counsel parents. METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study over 16 years
      in Marseilles, France. Seronegative pregnant women underwent monthly serological
      testing. Children were treated antenatally with rovamycine as soon as maternal
      infection was detected and with pyrimethamine and sulfadoxine in case of positive
      Toxoplasma PCR on amniotic fluid. Postnatal treatment with pyrimethamine and
      sulfadoxine was systematically prescribed for one year and possibly continued at
      the physician discretion. RESULTS: 127 children were included. 24 children
      (18.9%) presented ocular lesions causing visual impairment in eight cases. Eleven
      children (8.7%) presented with ocular lesions at birth, mostly macular. Sixteen
      children (12.6%) developed ocular lesions during follow-up, mostly peripheral.
      The first ocular lesion could occur as late as 12 years after birth. No
      significant risk factor of chorioretinitis was identified including gestational
      age at infection, type of antenatal treatment and shorter postnatal treatment.
      CONCLUSIONS: These results confirm the overall good prognosis of congenital
      toxoplasmosis in Europe but highlight though a low risk of late ocular
      manifestation. Chorioretinitis affected 18.9% of children suffering from
      congenital toxoplasmosis despite antenatal and neonatal screening associated with
      early treatment. Long-standing follow-up is needed because first lesion can occur
      as late as 12 years after birth. Late lesions were less often macular but
      nevertheless caused sometimes visual impairment.

PMID- 22051914
TI  - Molecular pathways of motor neuron injury in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
AB  - Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a genetically diverse disease. At least 15
      ALS-associated gene loci have so far been identified, and the causative gene is
      known in approximately 30% of familial ALS cases. Less is known about the factors
      underlying the sporadic form of the disease. The molecular mechanisms of motor
      neuron degeneration are best understood in the subtype of disease caused by
      mutations in superoxide dismutase 1, with a current consensus that motor neuron
      injury is caused by a complex interplay between multiple pathogenic processes. A
      key recent finding is that mutated TAR DNA-binding protein 43 is a major
      constituent of the ubiquitinated protein inclusions in ALS, providing a possible
      link between the genetic mutation and the cellular pathology. New insights have
      also indicated the importance of dysregulated glial cell-motor neuron crosstalk,
      and have highlighted the vulnerability of the distal axonal compartment early in
      the disease course. In addition, recent studies have suggested that disordered
      RNA processing is likely to represent a major contributing factor to motor neuron
      disease. Ongoing research on the cellular pathways highlighted in this Review is
      predicted to open the door to new therapeutic interventions to slow disease
      progression in ALS.

PMID- 22051916
TI  - Clinical significance of Staphylococcus aureus bacteriuria in a nationwide study
      of adults with S. aureus bacteraemia.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the clinical significance of Staphylococcus aureus
      bacteriuria (SABU) in adults with S. aureus bacteraemia (SAB). METHODS: All
      individuals >=18 years old diagnosed with SAB in Iceland between December 1st
      2003 and November 30th 2008 were retrospectively identified. Data was collected
      from medical records. Concomitant SABU was defined as growth of S. aureus in a
      urine sample taken within 24 h of the index blood culture. RESULTS: SABU was seen
      in 27 of 166 (16.3%) SAB patients having urine cultured before administration of
      antibiotics, but after excluding those with SAB of urinary tract origin SABU was
      seen in 16 of 152 (10.5%). In this latter cohort SABU was independently
      associated with having endocarditis (RR 6.68; 95% CI 1.53-17.3) and admission to
      intensive-care unit (RR 2.84; 95% CI 1.25-4.44), while for having complicated SAB
      the RR was 1.56 (95% CI 0.96-1.80). No correlation was seen with mortality or
      relapse rates. CONCLUSIONS: SABU appears to be secondary to SAB in some cases
      while it is the primary infection causing SAB in others. In patients with SAB of
      non-urinary tract origin SABU should probably be regarded as distant
      haematogenous seeding and a marker of deep tissue dissemination, thus affecting
      general management and treatment duration.

PMID- 22051917
TI  - Reversed sex change by widowed males in polygynous and protogynous fishes: female
      removal experiments in the field.
AB  - Sex change, either protogyny (female to male) or protandry (male to female), is
      well known among fishes, but evidence of bidirectional sex change or reversed sex
      change in natural populations is still very limited. This is the first report on
      female removal experiments for polygnous and protogynous fish species to induce
      reversed sex change in the widowed males in the field. We removed all of the
      females and juveniles from the territories of dominant males in the cleaner
      wrasse Labroides dimidiatus (Labridae) and the rusty angelfish Centropyge
      ferrugata (Pomacanthidae) on the coral reefs of Okinawa. In both species, if new
      females or juveniles did not immigrate into the territories of the widowed males,
      some of them emigrated to form male-male pairs. When a male-male pair formed, the
      smaller, subordinate partner began to perform female sexual behaviours (n = 4 in
      L. dimidiatus; n = 2 in C. ferrugata) and, finally, released eggs (n = 1,
      respectively). Thus, the reversed sex change occurred in the widowed males
      according to the change of their social status. These results suggest that such
      female removal experiments will contribute to the discovery of reversed sex
      change in the field also in other polygnous and protogynous species.

PMID- 22051918
TI  - 4'-Alkoxy oligodeoxynucleotides: a novel class of RNA mimics.
AB  - 4'-Alkoxy-oligothymidylates were prepared as model compounds to study the
      influence of a C4'-alkoxy group on hybridisation. The phosphodiester
      homooligomers (15 units long) containing either a 4'-methoxy or 4'-(2
      methoxyethoxy) group were found to display increased hybridisation with both
      dA(15) and rA(15) complementary counterparts compared to the natural
      oligothymidylate. In addition, we found their hybridisation behaviour to be
      similar to that of the regioisomeric 2'-O-methyl-oligothymidylate. The formed
      complexes (duplexes and triplexes) were studied using UV spectroscopy and
      polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE). Structural background of the
      hybridization behaviour was examined using NMR and MDS. The favourable
      hybridisation properties of the 4'-alkoxyoligothymidylates indicated that 4'
      alkoxy modified nucleotides are promising compounds for the assembly of chimeric
      oligonucleotides with tunable properties.

PMID- 22051920
TI  - Late onset neutropenia associated with clozapine.

PMID- 22051921
TI  - Delusional parasitosis associated with donepezil.

PMID- 22051922
TI  - Imipramine for enuresis associated with risperidone.

PMID- 22051923
TI  - Positive impact of the beta-blocker celiprolol on panic, anxiety, and
      cardiovascular parameters in patients with mitral valve prolapse syndrome.

PMID- 22051924
TI  - Beta blockers for violence prophylaxis: case reports.

PMID- 22051925
TI  - Memantine for posttraumatic stress disorder in an older veteran.

PMID- 22051929
TI  - Electronic conductivity of Ce0.9Gd0.1O(1.95-delta) and Ce0.8Pr0.2O(2-delta): Hebb
      Wagner polarisation in the case of redox active dopants and interference.
AB  - The electronic conductivity of Ce(0.9)Gd(0.1)O(1.95-delta) and Ce(0.8)Pr(0.2)O(2
      delta) under suppressed ionic flow was measured as a function of pO(2) in the
      range from 10(3) atm to 10(-17) atm for temperatures between 600  degrees C and
      900  degrees C by means of Hebb-Wagner polarisation. The steady state I-V curve
      of Ce(0.9)Gd(0.1)O(1.95-delta) could be well described by the standard Hebb
      Wagner equation [M. H. Hebb, J. Chem. Phys., 1952, 20, 185; C. Wagner, Z.
      Elektrochem., 1956, 60, 4], yielding expressions for the n- and p-type
      conductivity as a function of pO(2). On the other hand, significant deviation of
      the steady state I-V curve from the standard Hebb-Wagner equation was observed
      for the case of Ce(0.8)Pr(0.2)O(2-delta). It is shown that the I-V curve can be
      successfully reproduced when the presence of the redox active dopant,
      Pr(3+)/Pr(4+), is taken into account, whereas even better agreement can be
      reached when further taking into account the interference between the ionic and
      electronic flows [C. Chatzichristodoulou, W.-S. Park, H.-S. Kim, P. V. Hendriksen
      and H.-I. Yoo, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2010, 12, 33]. Expressions are deduced
      for the small polaron mobilities in the Ce 4f and Pr 4f bands of
      Ce(0.8)Pr(0.2)O(2-delta).

PMID- 22051930
TI  - Polysomnography in stable COPD under non-invasive ventilation to reduce patient
      ventilator asynchrony and morning breathlessness.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stable severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients
      with chronic hypercapnic respiratory failure treated by nocturnal bi-level
      positive pressure non-invasive ventilation (NIV) may experience severe morning
      deventilation dyspnea. We hypothesised that in these patients, progressive
      hyperinflation, resulting from inappropriate ventilator settings, leads to
      patient-ventilator asynchrony (PVA) with a high rate of unrewarded inspiratory
      efforts and morning discomfort. METHODS: Polysomnography (PSG), diaphragm
      electromyogram and transcutaneous capnography (PtcCO(2)) under NIV during two
      consecutive nights using baseline ventilator settings on the first night, then,
      during the second night, adjustment of ventilator parameters under PSG with
      assessment of impact of settings changes on sleep, patient-ventilator
      synchronisation, morning arterial blood gases and morning dyspnea. RESULTS: Eight
      patients (61 +/- 8 years, FEV(1) 30 +/- 8% predicted, residual volume 210 +/- 30%
      predicted) were included. In all patients, pressure support was decreased during
      setting adjustments, as well as tidal volume, while respiratory rate increased
      without any deleterious effect on nocturnal PtcCO(2) or morning PaCO(2). PVA
      index, initially high (40 +/- 30%) during the baseline night, decreased
      significantly after adjusting ventilator settings (p = 0.0009), as well as
      subjective perception of PVA leaks, and morning dyspnea while quality of sleep
      improved. CONCLUSION: The subgroup of COPD patients treated by home NIV, who
      present marked deventilation dyspnea and unrewarded efforts may benefit from
      adjustment of ventilator settings under PSG or polygraphy.

PMID- 22051931
TI  - Optimism and prostate cancer-specific expectations predict better quality of life
      after robotic prostatectomy.
AB  - We examined the relations among generalized positive expectations (optimism),
      prostate-cancer specific expectations, and prostate cancer-related quality of
      life in a prospective sample of 83 men who underwent robotic assisted
      laparoscopic prostatectomy (RALP) for prostate cancer. Optimism was significantly
      associated with higher prostate cancer-specific expectations, beta = .36, p <
      .001. In addition, optimism and prostate cancer-specific expectations were
      independent prospective predictors of better scores on the following prostate
      cancer-related quality of life scales: Sexual Intimacy and Sexual Confidence;
      Masculine Self-Esteem (specific expectations only), Health Worry, Cancer Control,
      and Informed Decision Making (betas > .21, ps < .05). When considered
      simultaneously, both optimism and specific expectations contributed uniquely to
      better Health Worry and Cancer Control scores, optimism was a unique predictor of
      better Sexual Intimacy and Sexual Confidence scores, and specific expectations
      uniquely predicted higher scores on Informed Decision Making. Although optimism
      and prostate-cancer specific expectations are related, they contribute uniquely
      to several prostate cancer-related quality of life outcomes following RALP and
      may be important targets for quality of life research with this population.

PMID- 22051932
TI  - Phenolic compounds from Allium schoenoprasum, Tragopogon pratensis and Rumex
      acetosa and their antiproliferative effects.
AB  - Experimental studies have shown that phenolic compounds have antiproliferative
      and tumour arresting effects. The aim of this original study was to investigate
      the content of phenolic compounds (PhC) in flowers of Allium schoenoprasum
      (chive), Tragopogon pratensis (meadow salsify) and Rumex acetosa (common sorrel)
      and their effect on proliferation of HaCaT cells. Antiproliferative effects were
      evaluated in vitro using the following concentrations of phenolic compounds in
      cultivation medium: 100, 75, 50 and 25 ug/mL. Phenolic composition was also
      determined by HPLC. The results indicate that even low concentrations of these
      flowers' phenolic compounds inhibited cell proliferation significantly and the
      possible use of the studied herb's flowers as sources of active phenolic
      compounds for human nutrition.

PMID- 22051933
TI  - Berberine and itraconazole are not synergistic in vitro against Aspergillus
      fumigatus isolated from clinical patients.
AB  - The incidence of Aspergillus fumigatus infections has become more frequent as a
      consequence of widespread immunosuppression. At present, the number of available
      antifungal agents in the clinic is limited, and most of them, such as
      itraconazole (ICZ), are toxic and show resistance. Berberine (BER) is a plant
      alkaloid used in the clinic mainly for alimentary infections. We have used BER
      and ICZ to measure in vitro resistance in A. fumigatus isolated from clinical
      patients. The minimum inhibitory concentration ranges of BER and ICZ were 4-256
      and 0.031-0.250 MUg/mL, respectively. In addition, against A. fumigatus IFM 40808
      strain, the MIC50 values of BER and ICZ were 8 and 0.125 MUg/mL. Using this
      strain, we compared the giant colonies with or without BER, and concluded that
      BER could restrain A. fumigatus mycelial growth and conidial pigment production.
      Combinations of the two drugs were also tested by the checkerboard assay to
      identify any functional interactions between them. Thirty-two out of 42 isolates
      had FICI values > 4.0, indicating that two drugs were mutually antagonistic. In
      conclusion, it is not advised that BER and ICZ be used in the clinic at the same
      time. Our results indicated that BER may inhibit A. fumigatus through the
      ergosterol biosynthesis pathway, like ICZ.

PMID- 22051934
TI  - Icariside II enhances Nrf2 nuclear translocation to upregulate phase II
      detoxifying enzyme expression coupled with the ERK, Akt and JNK signaling
      pathways.
AB  - In the present study, the potent inducers of phase II detoxifying and antioxidant
      stress responsive to icariside II was investigated. First, a dose of 0-10 uM
      icariside II showed no significantly cytotoxicity on HepG2 cells by MTT assays
      and icariside II could enhance cellular GSH levels by ELISA assay. Then, the
      potential roles of ERK, Akt and JNK in the regulation of icariside II-induced
      Nrf2-dependent ARE transcriptional activity as well as ARE-mediated endogenous HO
      1 and glutathione GST protein expression in HepG2 cells were estimated. Icariside
      II activated the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 and the up-regulated expression of
      Nrf2-related antioxidant protein OH-1 and GST were evaluated by Western blotting.
      Then the phosphorylation levels of ERK1/2, Akt and JNK1/2 were further examined
      by Western blotting assays. Results showed that icariside II significantly
      increased the phosphorylation levels of ERK1/2, Akt and JNK1/2. Furthermore,
      icariside II-induced ARE transcriptional activity was attenuated by the
      inhibition of ERK, Akt and JNK signaling using biochemical inhibitors. These
      results suggest that the Nrf2/ARE pathway plays an important role in the
      regulation of icariside-mediated antioxidant effects in HepG2 cells.

PMID- 22051935
TI  - Optimization of the conditions for extraction of serine protease from kesinai
      plant (Streblus asper) leaves using response surface methodology.
AB  - Response surface methodology (RSM) using a central composite design (CCD) was
      employed to optimize the conditions for extraction of serine protease from
      kesinai (Streblus asper) leaves. The effect of independent variables, namely
      temperature (42.5,47.5, X1), mixing time (2-6 min, X2), buffer content (0-80 mL,
      X3) and buffer pH (4.5-10.5, X4) on specific activity, storage stability,
      temperature and oxidizing agent stability of serine protease from kesinai leaves
      was investigated. The study demonstrated that use of the optimum temperature,
      mixing time, buffer content and buffer pH conditions protected serine protease
      during extraction, as demonstrated by low activity loss. It was found that the
      interaction effect of mixing time and buffer content improved the serine protease
      stability, and the buffer pH had the most significant effect on the specific
      activity of the enzyme. The most desirable conditions of 2.5  degrees C
      temperature, 4 min mixing time, 40 mL buffer at pH 7.5 was established for serine
      protease extraction from kesinai leaves.

PMID- 22051936
TI  - Choosing a health care provider.
AB  - In a consumer-driven health care model, consumers, armed with information, would
      select providers based on quality and cost, thus increasing competition. This
      synthesis examines the availability of quality information and the evidence of
      how consumers use such information to choose a provider. Key findings include:
      information is publicly available from multiple sources regarding hospitals, but
      not individual doctors. Hospital information is predominantly made available
      online; but this limits awareness and access. Awareness is low overall, but
      highest among well-educated, healthy people. Even when consumers are aware of the
      data available, they rarely use it because they do not find it relevant: they do
      not foresee needing a hospital soon; are happy with their current provider; or
      did not find information pertinent to their specific health condition or
      hospital. While there is some evidence that hospitals that do poorly on public
      quality scorecards lose market share, there is better evidence that the providers
      themselves react to the quality scores by addressing care problems. Studies
      consistently show that consumers value health care quality and want information,
      but instead they rely on input from friends, family and their personal physicians
      about the quality of providers.

PMID- 22051937
TI  - Bimodal actions of selenium essential for antioxidant and toxic pro-oxidant
      activities: the selenium paradox (Review).
AB  - Selenium is an essential biological trace element. Adult daily intake of selenium
      should be approximately 100 ug per day. This compound has a two-sided effect
      depending on its concentration. A selenium-deficient diet is associated with
      various endemic diseases, including cardiomuscular malfunctions, osteoarthritis,
      cancer and viral infections that lead to premature death. These defects are
      prevented when dietary intake of selenium is adequate. The preventive biological
      effect of selenium is considered to be due to the antioxidant function of
      selenoproteins with a selenocysteine in the active site of the catalytic domain.
      Antioxidant selenoproteins maintain the intracellular redox status and, as a
      result, normal physiological processes in the cell. Conversely, an overdose of
      selenium generates oxygen radicals and leads to apoptotic cell death by inducing
      oxidation and cross-linking of protein thiol groups essential for cell survival.
      A lower redox state caused by selenium may be implicated in toxic diseases, such
      as alkali disease and blind staggers. Collectively, selenium seems to have both
      harmful and beneficial attributes. The aim of this review is to summarize the
      various biological functions of selenium and to illustrate its opposite roles as
      a pro-oxidant and an antioxidant.

PMID- 22051938
TI  - GB virus C (GBV-C) evolutionary patterns revealed by analyses of reference
      genomes, E2 and NS5B sequences amplified from viral strains circulating in the
      Lisbon area (Portugal).
AB  - GBV-C is a non-pathogenic virus that is largely dispersed in different human
      populations. The phylogenetic analysis of the 5'-untranslated region (5'UTR) of
      the GBV-C genome has led to the segregation of viral strains into six genotypes,
      but incongruent results are frequently obtained depending on the genome region
      analyzed. In this report, different phylogenetic approaches and multivariate
      statistics were combined to disclose evolutionary patterns that contribute to
      shape GBV-C evolution. The data here presented indicate: (i) that the
      phylogenetic noise was mostly determined by the size of the analyzed sequence,
      rather than by its position on the viral genome; (ii) that most genomic segments
      in the coding sequence seemed to evolve under a similar evolution model, which
      was different from that which best fits the 5'UTR, with overall large
      heterogeneity of rate change across the sequence; (iii) that due to saturation of
      transversions occurring in the 5'UTR at genetic distances <0.10, care should be
      taken in drawing conclusions about the tree topologies involving the deeper
      branches, especially when using distance-based methods; (iv) that a non-uniform
      distribution of InSi and dS occurs over the viral ORF highlighting regions of the
      viral genome with remarkably low levels of silent substitutions, and implying
      that the observed differences may contribute to the detected phylogenetic
      incongruences; and finally (v) that genetic recombination clearly impacts the GBV
      C evolution extensively, this being shown for both reference genomes and NS5B GBV
      C sequences amplified from Portuguese residents.

PMID- 22051939
TI  - Coagulation and inflammation--close allies in health and disease.
AB  - The integrity of our bodies is under constant threat by external forces. Blood
      coagulation and inflammatory pathways are important, highly efficient defence
      systems that support health and well-being in both normal and challenged
      conditions. Being potentially dangerous for the own organism, they are kept under
      strict control by anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Coagulation and
      inflammatory pathways are closely integrated by extensive crosstalk and tend to
      function in concert. They comprise a large number of cellular and molecular
      actors, which interact in extremely complex manners. A basic principle governing
      these interactions is the mutual activation of the pathways. Thus, the activation
      of coagulation leads to concomitant activation of inflammatory pathways, mirrored
      by the initiation of coagulation by inflammatory pathways. Efficient
      anticoagulant systems not only keep coagulation reactions under strict control
      but also exert control on inflammatory reactions. During inflammation, these
      anticoagulant/anti-inflammatory systems are repressed allowing full activation of
      coagulation and inflammation. Dysregulation of the delicate balance between these
      systems contributes to the pathogenesis of many diseases.

PMID- 22051940
TI  - One-year results of the Think Health! study of weight management in primary care
      practices.
AB  - The Think Health! study evaluated a behavioral weight loss program adapted from
      the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) lifestyle intervention to assist primary
      care providers (PCPs) and auxiliary staff acting as lifestyle coaches (LCs) in
      offering weight loss counseling to their patients. In a randomized trial
      conducted at five clinical sites, study participants were randomly assigned in a
      1:1 ratio within each site to either "Basic Plus" (n = 137), which offered PCP
      counseling every 4 months plus monthly LC visits during the first year of
      treatment, or "Basic" (n = 124), which offered only PCP counseling every 4
      months. Participants were primarily (84%) female, 65% African American, 16%
      Hispanic American, and 19% white. In the 72% of participants in each treatment
      group with a 12-month weight measurement, mean (95% CI) 1-year weight changes
      (kg) were -1.61 (-2.68, -0.53) in Basic Plus and -0.62 (-1.45, 0.20) in Basic
      (difference: 0.98 (-0.36, 2.33); P = 0.15). Results were similar in model-based
      estimates using all available weight data for randomized participants, adjusting
      for potential confounders. More Basic Plus (22.5%) than Basic (10.2%)
      participants lost >= 5% of their baseline weight (P = 0.022). In a descriptive,
      nonrandomized analysis that also considered incomplete visit attendance, mean
      weight change was -3.3 kg in Basic Plus participants who attended >= 5 LC visits
      vs. + 0.53 kg in those attending <5 LC visits. We conclude that the Basic Plus
      approach of moderate-intensity counseling by PCPs and their staff can facilitate
      modest weight loss, with clinically significant weight loss in high program
      attenders.

PMID- 22051941
TI  - Controlled-release phentermine/topiramate in severely obese adults: a randomized
      controlled trial (EQUIP).
AB  - A 56-week randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate safety and
      efficacy of a controlled-release combination of phentermine and topiramate
      (PHEN/TPM CR) for weight loss (WL) and metabolic improvements. Men and women with
      class II and III obesity (BMI >= 35 kg/m(2)) were randomized to placebo, PHEN/TPM
      CR 3.75/23 mg, or PHEN/TPM CR 15/92 mg, added to a reduced-energy diet. Primary
      end points were percent WL and proportions of patients achieving 5% WL. Secondary
      end points included waist circumference (WC), systolic and diastolic blood
      pressure (BP), fasting glucose, and lipid measures. In the primary analysis
      (randomized patients with at least one postbaseline weight measurement who took
      at least one dose of assigned drug or placebo), patients in the placebo, 3.75/23,
      and 15/92 groups lost 1.6%, 5.1%, and 10.9% of baseline body weight (BW),
      respectively, at 56 weeks (P < 0.0001). In categorical analysis, 17.3% of placebo
      patients, 44.9% of 3.75/23 patients, and 66.7% of 15/92 patients, lost at least
      5% of baseline BW at 56 weeks (P < 0.0001). The 15/92 group had significantly
      greater changes relative to placebo for WC, systolic and diastolic BP, fasting
      glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and
      high-density lipoprotein (HDL). The most common adverse events were paresthesia,
      dry mouth, constipation, dysgeusia, and insomnia. Dropout rate from the study was
      47.1% for placebo patients, 39.0% for 3.75/23 patients, and 33.6% of 15/92
      patients. PHEN/TPM CR demonstrated dose-dependent effects on weight and metabolic
      variables in the direction expected to be beneficial with no evidence of serious
      adverse events induced by treatment.

PMID- 22051942
TI  - Contributions of Philip Teitelbaum to affective neuroscience.
AB  - As part of a festschrift issue for Philip Teitelbaum, I offer here the thesis
      that Teitelbaum deserves to be viewed as an important forefather to the
      contemporary field of affective neuroscience (which studies motivation, emotion
      and affect in the brain). Teitelbaum's groundbreaking analyses of motivation
      deficits induced by lateral hypothalamic damage, of roles of food palatability in
      revealing residual function, and of recovery of 'lost' functions helped shape
      modern understanding of how motivation circuits operate within the brain. His
      redefinition of the minimum requirement for identifying motivation raised the
      conceptual bar for thinking about the topic among behavioral neuroscientists. His
      meticulous analyses of patterned stages induced by brain manipulations, life
      development and clinical disorders added new dimensions to our appreciation of
      how brain systems work. His steadfast highlighting of integrative functions and
      behavioral complexity helped provide a healthy functionalist counterbalance to
      reductionist trends in science of the late 20th century. In short, Philip
      Teitelbaum can be seen to have made remarkable contributions to several domains
      of psychology and neuroscience, including affective neuroscience.

PMID- 22051943
TI  - The effects of MyD88 deficiency on exploratory activity, anxiety, motor
      coordination, and spatial learning in C57BL/6 and APPswe/PS1dE9 mice.
AB  - Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are a family of pattern-recognition receptors in
      innate immunity and provide a first line defense against pathogens and tissue
      injuries. In addition to important roles in infection, inflammation, and immune
      diseases, recent studies show that TLR signaling is involved in modulation of
      learning, memory, mood, and neurogenesis. Because MyD88 is essential for the
      downstream signaling of all TLRs, except TLR3, we investigated the effects of
      MyD88 deficiency (MyD88-/-) on behavioral functions in mice. Additionally, we
      recently demonstrated that a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (AD) deficient
      for MyD88 had decreases in Abeta deposits and soluble Abeta in the brain as
      compared with MyD88 sufficient AD mouse models. Because accumulation of Abeta in
      the brain is postulated to be a causal event leading to cognitive deficits in AD,
      we investigated the effects of MyD88 deficiency on behavioral functions in the AD
      mouse model at 10 months of age. MyD88 deficient mice showed more anxiety in the
      elevated plus-maze. In the motor coordination tests, MyD88 deficient mice
      remained on a beam and a bar for a longer time, but with slower initial movement
      on the bar. In the Morris water maze test, MyD88 deficiency appeared to improve
      spatial learning irrespective of the transgene. Our findings suggest that the
      MyD88-dependent pathway contributes to behavioral functions in an AD mouse model
      and its control group.

PMID- 22051945
TI  - Two new compounds, beta-ScTe and Y3Au2, and a reassessment of Y2Au.
AB  - Two new compounds, beta-ScTe (scandium telluride) and Y(3)Au(2) (triyttrium
      digold), have been synthesized by high-temperature solid-state techniques and
      their crystal structures, along with that of Y(2)Au (diyttrium gold), have been
      refined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction methods. beta-ScTe is a
      superstructure of ScTe (NiAs-type), featuring double hexagonal close-packed
      layers of Te atoms with the octahedral cavities filled by Sc atoms. Y(3)Au(2)
      displays a U(3)Si(2)-type structure and is built from Au(2)-centered bitrigonal
      prisms and centered cubes of Y atoms. The structure of Y(2)Au is better described
      as an inverse PbCl(2)-type structure rather than a Co(2)Si-type.

PMID- 22051944
TI  - The role of social isolation in ethanol effects on the preweanling rat.
AB  - The present experiments investigated the effects of acute ethanol exposure on
      voluntary intake of 0.1% saccharin or water as well as behavioral and nociceptive
      reactivity in 12-day-old (P12) rats exposed to differing levels of isolation. The
      effects of ethanol emerged only during short-term social isolation (STSI) with
      different patterns observed in males and females and in pups exposed to saccharin
      or water. The 0.5g/kg ethanol dose selectively increased saccharin intake in
      females, decreased rearing activity in males and attenuated isolation-induced
      analgesia (IIA) in all water-exposed pups. Ingestion of saccharin decreased IIA,
      and the 0.5g/kg ethanol dose further reduced IIA. The 1.0g/kg ethanol dose,
      administered either intragastrically or intraparentionally, also decreased IIA in
      P12 females, but not in P9 pups. A significant correlation between voluntary
      saccharin intake and baseline nociceptive reactivity was revealed in saline
      injected animals, saccharin intake was inversely correlated with behavioral
      activation and latency of reaction to noxious heat after 0.5g/kg ethanol in
      females. The 0.5g/kg ethanol dose did not affect plasma corticosterone (CORT)
      measured 5h after maternal separation or 20min after ethanol injection. Female
      pups CORT level was inversely correlated with magnitude of IIA that accompanied
      the first episode of STSI (pretest isolation) 1.5-2h before CORT measurement. The
      present findings suggest that the anxiolytic properties of ethanol are
      responsible for enhancement of saccharin intake during STSI. Furthermore,
      differential reactivity of P12 males and females to STSI plays an important role
      in ethanol effects observed at this age.

PMID- 22051946
TI  - A spin-frustrated cobalt(II) carbonate pyrochlore network.
AB  - The crystal structure of the cobalt(II) carbonate-based compound cobalt(II)
      dicarbonate trisodium chloride, Co(CO(3))(2)Na(3)Cl, grown from a water-ethanol
      mixture, exhibits a three-dimensional network of corner-sharing {Co(4)(MU(3)
      CO(3))(4)} tetrahedral building blocks, in which the Co(II) centres define a
      pyrochlore lattice and reside in a slightly distorted octahedral Co(O-CO(2))(6)
      environment. The space outside the hexagonal framework defined by these
      interlinked groups is occupied by Na(+) and Cl(-) ions. Antiferromagnetic
      coupling between adjacent Co(II) centres, mediated by carbonate bridges, results
      in geometric spin frustration which is typical for pyrochlore networks. The Co
      and Cl atoms reside on the special position 3, one Na atom on position 2 and a
      carbonate C atom on position 3.

PMID- 22051947
TI  - Poly[(MU4-adamantane-1,3-dicarboxylato-kappa5O1:O1':O3,O3':O3')(MU3-adamantane
      1,3-dicarboxylato-kappa5O1,O1':O3,O3':O3')dimagnesium]: a layered coordination
      polymer.
AB  - The title compound, [Mg(2)(C(12)H(14)O(4))(2)](n), is the first example of an s
      block metal adamantanedicarboxylate coordination polymer. The asymmetric unit
      comprises two crystallographically unique Mg(II) centers and two adamantane-1,3
      dicarboxylate ligands. The compound is constructed from a combination of chains
      of corner-sharing magnesium-centered polyhedra, parallel to the a axis, connected
      by organic linkers to form a layered polymer. The two Mg(II) centers are present
      in distorted tetrahedral and octahedral coordination environments derived from
      carboxylate O atoms. Tetrahedrally coordinated Mg(II) centers have been reported
      in organometallic compounds, but this is the first time that such coordination
      has been observed in a magnesium-based coordination polymer. The bond valance
      sums of the two Mg(II) centers are 2.05 and 2.11 valence units, matching well
      with the expected value of 2.

PMID- 22051948
TI  - Two new transition metal inorganic-organic hybrid borates: [tris(2
      aminoethoxy)trihydroxyhexaborato]cobalt(II) and its nickel(II) analogue.
AB  - The two isomorphous title compounds, [1,5,9-tris(2-aminoethoxy)-3,7,11-trihydroxy
      3,7,11-tribora-1,5,9-triborata-2,4,6,8,10,12-hexaoxa-13
      oxoniatricyclo[7.3.1.0(5,13)]tridecane]cobalt(II), [Co(C(6)H(21)B(6)N(3)O(13))]
      or Co{B(6)O(7)(OH)(3)[O(CH(2))(2)NH(2)](3)}, and the Ni(II) analogue,
      [Ni(C(6)H(21)B(6)N(3)O(13))], each consist of an M(II) cation and an inorganic
      organic hybrid {B(6)O(7)(OH)(3)[O(CH(2))(2)NH(2)](3)}(2-) anion. The M(II) cation
      lies on a crystallographic threefold axis (as does one O atom) and is
      octahedrally coordinated by three N atoms from the organic component. Three O
      atoms covalently link the B-O cluster and the organic component. Molecules are
      connected to one another through N-H...O and O-H...O hydrogen bonds, forming a
      three-dimensional supramolecular network.

PMID- 22051949
TI  - Poly[[MU3-2-(carboxylatomethyl)benzoato-kappa3O1:O2:O2]bis(1H-imidazole
      kappaN3)copper(II)].
AB  - In the title polymeric compound, [Cu(C(9)H(6)O(4))(C(3)H(4)N(2))(2)](n), the
      copper(II) cation occupies an N(2)O(3) coordination sphere defined by two 1H
      imidazole (imid) ligands in trans positions and three carboxylate O atoms from
      three different 2-(carboxylatomethyl)benzoate (hpt(2-)) dianions. The geometry is
      that of a square pyramid with one of the O atoms at the apex, bridging
      neighbouring metal centres into an [-ON(2)CuO(2)CuN(2)O-] dinuclear unit. These
      units are in turn connected by hpt anions into a reticular mesh topologically
      characterized by two types of loops, viz. a four-membered Cu(2)O(2) diamond motif
      and a 32-membered Cu(4)O(8)C(20) ring. The imid groups do not take part in the
      formation of the two-dimensional structure, but take part in the N-H...O
      interactions. These arise only within individual planes, interplanar interactions
      being only of the van der Waals type.

PMID- 22051950
TI  - Two mononuclear octahedral complexes with benzimidazole-2-carboxylate:
      supramolecular networks constructed by hydrogen bonds.
AB  - The title compounds, trans-bis(1H-benzimidazole-2-carboxylato
      kappa(2)N(3),O)bis(ethanol-kappaO)cadmium(II),
      [Cd(C(8)H(5)N(2)O(2))(2)(C(2)H(6)O)(2)], (I), and trans-bis(1H-benzimidazole
      kappaN(3))bis(1H-benzimidazole-2-carboxylato-kappa(2)N(3),O)nickel(II),
      [Ni(C(8)H(5)N(2)O(2))(2)(C(7)H(6)N(2))(2)], (II), are hydrogen-bonded
      supramolecular complexes. In (I), the Cd(II) ion is six-coordinated by two O
      atoms from two ethanol molecules, and by two O and two N atoms from two bidentate
      benzimidazole-2-carboxylate (HBIC) ligands, giving a distorted octahedral
      geometry. The combination of O-H...O and N-H...O hydrogen bonds results in two
      dimensional layers parallel to the ab plane. In (II), the six-coordinated Ni(II)
      atom, which lies on an inversion centre, shows a similar distorted octahedral
      geometry to the Cd(II) ion in (I); two benzimidazole molecules occupy the axial
      sites and the equatorial plane contains two chelating HBIC ligands. Pairs of N
      H...O hydrogen bonds between pairs of HBIC anions connect adjacent Ni(II)
      coordination units to form a one-dimensional chain parallel to the a axis.
      Moreover, these one-dimensional chains are further linked via N-H...O hydrogen
      bonds between HBIC anions and benzimidazole molecules to generate a three
      dimensional supramolecular framework. The two compounds show quite different
      supramolecular networks, which may be explained by the fact that different co
      ligands occupy the axial sites in the coordination units.

PMID- 22051951
TI  - (eta5-Cyclopentadienyl)(eta6-phenoxathiin 10,10-dioxide)iron(II)
      hexafluoridophosphate and phenoxathiin 10,10-dioxide.
AB  - In the structure of the title complex salt, [Fe(C(5)H(5))(C(12)H(8)O(3)S)]PF(6),
      the coordinated cyclopentadienyl (Cp) and benzene ring planes are almost
      parallel, with a hinge angle between the planes of 0.8 (2) degrees . The hinge
      angle between the planes of the peripheral (coordinated and uncoordinated)
      benzene rings in the coordinated phenoxathiin 10,10-dioxide molecule is 169.9 (2)
      degrees , and the FeCp moiety is located inside the shallow fold of the
      heterocycle. The hinge angle between the benzene ring planes in the free
      heterocycle, C(12)H(8)O(3)S, is 171.49 (6) degrees .

PMID- 22051952
TI  - A rhodium(III) complex of the linear diborazine H3B.NMe2BH2.NMe2H: an
      intermediate in the dehydrocoupling of H3B.NMe2H.
AB  - The solid-state structure of the rhodium complex (dimethylamine
      dimethylaminoborane-borane-kappa(2)H,H')dihydridobis(triisopropylphosphane
      kappaP)rhodium(III) tetrakis[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]borate,
      [RhH(2)(C(4)H(18)B(2)N(2))(C(9)H(21)P)(2)](C(32)H(12)BF(24)), is reported. The
      complex contains the linear diborazine H(3)B.NMe(2)BH(2).NMe(2)H, a kinetically
      important intermediate in the transition-metal-mediated dehydrocoupling of
      H(3)B.NMe(2)H, ultimately affording the dimeric amino-borane [H(2)BNMe(2)](2).
      The structure of the title complex contains a distorted octahedral Rh(III)
      centre, with mutually trans phosphane ligands and cis hydride ligands. The
      diborazine is bound through two Rh-H-B sigma-bonds and exhibits a gauche
      conformation with respect to the B-N-B-N backbone.

PMID- 22051953
TI  - A square two-dimensional polymer of cobalt citrate cubanes.
AB  - The structure of the title complex, poly[dicaesium(I) hexaaquacobalt(II)
      [octaaquatetra-MU-citrato-hexacobalt(II)] dodecahydrate],
      {Cs(2)[Co(H(2)O)(6)][Co(6)(C(6)H(4)O(7))(4)(H(2)O)(8)].12H(2)O}(n), at 100 (1) K
      is formed by layers of a square two-dimensional polymer composed of Co(II)
      citrate cubanes bridged by magnetically active six-coordinate Co(II) cations. The
      polymer has plane symmetry p4mm in the c-axis projection. The cubanes reside on
      sites of crystallographic symmetry 4, while the bridging Co(II) centres lie on
      twofold axes. The basic polymeric unit has a charge of 4-, balanced by two Cs(+)
      and a [Co(H(2)O)(6)](2+) (symmetry -4) cation, which lie in channels between the
      polymeric layers. Unligated water molecules, of which there are 12 per cubane,
      enter into an extended intralayer and layer-bridging hydrogen-bond pattern, which
      can be described in detail even though not all of the H atoms of the water
      molecules were located.

PMID- 22051954
TI  - The coordination polymer poly[bis[MU2-2-(2,2'-bi-1H-imidazol-1
      yl)acetato]cadmium].
AB  - The title compound, [Cd(C(8)H(7)N(4)O(2))(2)](n), crystallizes in the
      centrosymmetric triclinic space group P1 with an asymmetric unit consisting of a
      bivalent Cd(II) atom and two 2-(2,2'-bi-1H-imidazol-1-yl)acetate (BDAC(-))
      anions. Two inversion-related BDAC(-) ligands are oppositely arranged and bind
      two Cd(II) ions to form a [Cd(2)(BDAC)(2)] rhomboid subunit which is bridged by
      another BDAC(-) ligand to form an infinite ladder along the a direction
      containing parallelogram grids. The three-dimensional supramolecular architecture
      is formed by hydrogen bonds and C-H...pi and pi-pi interactions.

PMID- 22051955
TI  - Poly[4,4'-(propane-1,3-diyl)dipyridinium bis{tetraaquabis(MU2-5-carboxybenzene
      1,2,4-tricarboxylato)bis[MU2-1,3-bis(4-pyridyl)propane]dicobalt(II)}
      pentahydrate].
AB  - The title polymeric compound,
      {(C(13)H(16)N(2))[Co(C(10)H(3)O(8))(C(13)H(14)N(2))(H(2)O)(2)](2).5H(2)O}(n), is
      an ionic structure comprising an anionic two-dimensional mesh characterized by a
      {[Co(Hbtc)(bpp)(H(2)O)(2)](-)}(2) motif [Hbtc is 5-carboxybenzene-1,2,4
      tricarboxylate and bpp is 1,3-bis(4-pyridyl)propane], with interspersed 4,4'
      (propane-1,3-diyl)dipyridinium cations, denoted (H(2)bpp)(2+), and water
      molecules providing the charge balance and structure stabilization. The reticular
      mesh consists of two independent types of [Co(H(2)O)(2)](2+) cationic nodes
      (lying on inversion centres), interconnected in the [101] direction by two
      independent sets of neutral bridging bpp ligands, both types of ligands being
      split by non-equivalent twofold axes. One set is formed by genuinely symmetric
      moieties, while those in the second set are only symmetric by disorder in the
      central propane bridge. These chains contain only one type of Co(II) centre and
      one type of bpp ligand; the metal cations therein are laterally bridged by Hbtc
      anions, thus forming transverse chains of alternating types of Co(II) cations.
      The elemental motif of the resulting grid is a highly distorted parallelogram,
      with metal-metal distances of 13.5242 (14) A in the bpp direction and 9.105 (2) A
      in the Hbtc direction, and a large internal angle of 138.42 (18) degrees . These
      two-dimensional structures have a profusion of hydrogen-bonding interactions with
      each other, either directly (with the aqua molecules as donors and the Hbtc
      anions as acceptors) or mediated by the unbound (H(2)bpp)(2+) cations and water
      molecules of hydration. These interactions generate a very complex hydrogen
      bonding scheme involving all of the available N-H and O-H groups and which links
      these two-dimensional grids into a three-dimensional network.

PMID- 22051956
TI  - (Z)-3-Methyl-N-(7-nitroacridin-3-yl)-2,3-dihydro-1,3-benzothiazol-2-imine from
      laboratory powder diffraction data.
AB  - The title compound, C(21)H(14)N(4)O(2)S, belongs to a family of molecules
      possessing nonlinear optical properties in solution. Its structure has been
      solved from laboratory X-ray powder diffraction data using a new direct-space
      structure solution method, where the atomic coordinates are directly used as
      parameters and the molecular geometry is described by restraints. The molecular
      packing is controlled by two systems of pi-pi interactions and one weak edge-to
      face interaction.

PMID- 22051957
TI  - A new polymorph and two pseudopolymorphs of pyrimethamine.
AB  - Due to its donor-acceptor-donor site, the antimalarial drug pyrimethamine
      [systematic name: 5-(4-chlorophenyl)-6-ethylpyrimidine-2,4-diamine] is a
      potential component of a supramolecular synthon. During a cocrystallization
      screen, one new polymorph of solvent-free pyrimethamine, C(12)H(13)ClN(4), (I),
      and two pseudopolymorphs, pyrimethamine dimethyl sulfoxide monosolvate,
      C(12)H(13)ClN(4).C(2)H(6)OS, (Ia), and pyrimethamine N-methylpyrrolidin-2-one
      monosolvate, C(12)H(13)ClN(4).C(5)H(9)NO, (Ib), were obtained. In (I), (Ia), (Ib)
      and the previously reported polymorph, the pyrimethamine molecules exhibit
      similar conformations and form R(2)(2)(8) dimers stabilized by a pair of N-H...N
      hydrogen bonds. However, the packing arrangements are completely different. In
      (I), the dimers are connected by two additional N-H...N hydrogen bonds to form
      ribbons and further connected into a two-dimensional network parallel to (100),
      while layers containing N-H...Cl hydrogen-bonded pyrimethamine ribbons are
      observed in the packing of the known polymorph. In the two pseudopolymorphs, two
      pyrimethamine molecules are linked to form R(2)(2)(8) dimers and the solvent
      molecules are connected to the dimers by R(2)(3)(8) interactions involving two N
      H...O hydrogen bonds. These arrangements are connected to form zigzag chains by N
      H...Cl interactions in (Ia) and to form ribbons by N-H...N interactions in (Ib).
      Unexpectedly, a reaction between pyrimethamine and N-methylpyrrolidin-2-one
      occurred during another cocrystallization experiment from a solvent mixture of N
      methylpyrrolidin-2-one and dimethyl sulfoxide, yielding solvent-free 5,5'-{[5-(4
      chlorophenyl)-6-ethylpyrimidine-2,4-diyl]bis(azanediyl)}bis(1-methylpyrrolidin-2
      one), C(22)H(27)ClN(6)O(2), (II). In the packing of (II), the pyrimethamine
      derivatives are N-H...O hydrogen bonded to form ribbons. A database study was
      carried out to compare the molecular conformations and hydrogen-bonding
      interactions of pyrimethamine.

PMID- 22051958
TI  - Comparison of racemic epi-inosose and (-)-epi-inosose.
AB  - The conversion of myo-inositol to epi-inositol can be achieved by the hydride
      reduction of an intermediate epi-inosose derived from myo-inositol. (-)-epi
      Inosose, (I), crystallized in the monoclinic space group P2(1), with two
      independent molecules in the asymmetric unit [Hosomi et al. (2000). Acta Cryst.
      C56, e584-e585]. On the other hand, (2RS,3SR,5SR,6SR)-epi-inosose, C(6)H(10)O(6),
      (II), crystallized in the orthorhombic space group Pca2(1). Interestingly, the
      conformation of the molecules in the two structures is nearly the same, the only
      difference being the orientation of the C-3 and C-4 hydroxy H atoms. As a result,
      the molecular organization achieved mainly through strong O-H...O hydrogen
      bonding in the racemic and homochiral lattices is similar. The compound also
      follows Wallach's rule, in that the racemic crystals are denser than the
      optically active form.

PMID- 22051959
TI  - Cocrystals of 6-propyl-2-thiouracil: N-H...O versus N-H...S hydrogen bonds.
AB  - In order to investigate the relative stability of N-H...O and N-H...S hydrogen
      bonds, we cocrystallized the antithyroid drug 6-propyl-2-thiouracil with two
      complementary heterocycles. In the cocrystal pyrimidin-2-amine-6-propyl-2
      thiouracil (1/2), C(4)H(5)N(3).2C(7)H(10)N(2)OS, (I), the 'base pair' is
      connected by one N-H...S and one N-H...N hydrogen bond. Homodimers of 6-propyl-2
      thiouracil linked by two N-H...S hydrogen bonds are observed in the cocrystal N
      (6-acetamidopyridin-2-yl)acetamide-6-propyl-2-thiouracil (1/2),
      C(9)H(11)N(3)O(2).2C(7)H(10)N(2)OS, (II). The crystal structure of 6-propyl-2
      thiouracil itself, C(7)H(10)N(2)OS, (III), is stabilized by pairwise N-H...O and
      N-H...S hydrogen bonds. In all three structures, N-H...S hydrogen bonds occur
      only within R(2)(2)(8) patterns, whereas N-H...O hydrogen bonds tend to connect
      the homo- and heterodimers into extended networks. In agreement with related
      structures, the hydrogen-bonding capability of C=O and C=S groups seems to be
      comparable.

PMID- 22051960
TI  - The dithiolene ligand and tetrathiafulvalene precursor molecules 4,5
      bis(bromomethyl)-1,3-dithiol-2-one and 4,5-bis[(dihydroxyphosphoryl)methyl]-1,3
      dithiol-2-one.
AB  - The crystal structures of 4,5-bis(bromomethyl)-1,3-dithiol-2-one,
      C(5)H(4)Br(2)OS(2), (I), and 4,5-bis[(dihydroxyphosphoryl)methyl]-1,3-dithiol-2
      one, C(5)H(8)O(7)P(2)S(2), (II), occur with similar unit cells in the same
      monoclinic space group. Both molecules reside on a twofold symmetry axis
      coincident with the C=O bond, so that the substituents in the 4- and 5-positions
      project above and below the plane of the 1,3-dithiol-2-one ring. In both
      structures, the molecules align themselves in a head-to-tail fashion along the b
      axis, and these rows of molecules then stack, with alternating directionality,
      along the c axis. For (II), an extensive network of intermolecular hydrogen bonds
      occurs between molecules within the same stack and between adjacent stacks. Each 
      CH(2)P(O)(OH)(2) group participates in four hydrogen bonds, twice as donor and
      twice as acceptor.

PMID- 22051961
TI  - Conformations and resulting hydrogen-bonded networks of hydrogen
      {phosphono[(pyridin-1-ium-3-yl)amino]methyl}phosphonate and related 2-chloro and
      6-chloro derivatives.
AB  - In the crystal structures of the conformational isomers hydrogen
      {phosphono[(pyridin-1-ium-3-yl)amino]methyl}phosphonate monohydrate (pro-E),
      C(6)H(10)N(2)O(6)P(2).H(2)O, (Ia), and hydrogen {phosphono[(pyridin-1-ium-3
      yl)amino]methyl}phosphonate (pro-Z), C(6)H(10)N(2)O(6)P(2), (Ib), the related
      hydrogen {[(2-chloropyridin-1-ium-3-yl)amino](phosphono)methyl}phosphonate (pro
      E), C(6)H(9)ClN(2)O(6)P(2), (II), and the salt bis(6-chloropyridin-3-aminium)
      [hydrogen bis({[2-chloropyridin-1-ium-3-yl(0.5+)]amino}methylenediphosphonate)]
      (pro-Z), 2C(5)H(6)ClN(2)(+).C(12)H(16)Cl(2)N(4)O(12)P(4)(2-), (III), chain-chain
      interactions involving phosphono (-PO(3)H(2)) and phosphonate (-PO(3)H(-)) groups
      are dominant in determining the crystal packing. The crystals of (Ia) and (III)
      comprise similar ribbons, which are held together by N-H...O interactions, by
      water- or cation-mediated contacts, and by pi-pi interactions between the
      aromatic rings of adjacent zwitterions in (Ia), and those of the cations and
      anions in (III). The crystals of (Ib) and (II) have a layered architecture: the
      former exhibits highly corrugated monolayers perpendicular to the [100]
      direction, while in the latter, flat bilayers parallel to the (001) plane are
      formed. In both (Ib) and (II), the interlayer contacts are realised through N
      H...O hydrogen bonds and weak C-H...O interactions involving aromatic C atoms.

PMID- 22051962
TI  - Three new fluorinated N-phenyl-substituted pentacyclic
      ethanoanthracenedicarboximides.
AB  - Diels-Alder reaction between maleimides featuring 3,5-di-, 2,4,6-tri- and
      pentafluorinated N-phenyl substituents and anthracene yields the corresponding
      pentacyclic ethanoanthracenedicarboximide compounds, namely N-(3,5
      difluorophenyl)-9,10-dihydro-9,10-ethanoanthracene-11,12-dicarboximide,
      C(24)H(15)F(2)NO(2), (IIa), N-(2,4,6-trifluorophenyl)-9,10-dihydro-9,10
      ethanoanthracene-11,12-dicarboximide, C(24)H(14)F(3)NO(2), (IIb), N-(2,3,4,5,6
      pentafluorophenyl)-9,10-dihydro-9,10-ethanoanthracene-11,12-dicarboximide,
      C(24)H(12)F(5)NO(2), (IIc). The crystal structures of (IIa)-(IIc) reveal an
      expected molecular geometry with a 'V'-shape of the anthracene-derived tricyclic
      moiety. The crystal packings of (IIa) and (IIb) are dominated by pi-pi and C
      H...O/F interactions, while F...F and C-H...pi contacts are absent. In contrast,
      (IIc) shows F...F and C-H...O/F contacts, but no pi-involved contacts of
      relevance.

PMID- 22051964
TI  - 4-[(Z)-2-(methylsulfanyl)ethenyl]-1-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazole: an order-disorder
      (OD) interpretation of twinning.
AB  - The title compound, C(11)H(11)SN(3), crystallizes as twins with a twin volume
      fraction of 0.4232 (13). An order-disorder (OD) interpretation gives a plausible
      explanation of the crystallization behaviour. The structure is a polytype with a
      maximum degree of order (MDO). The contact plane is interpreted as being composed
      of a fragment of the second MDO polytype. The planes of the triazole and phenyl
      rings are twisted by 36.88 (6) degrees . Molecules are connected via C-H...N
      hydrogen bonds, forming layers parallel to (100). The layers can be arranged in
      geometrically different but energetically virtually equivalent ways, giving rise
      to polytypism.

PMID- 22051963
TI  - Polymorphic form IV of olanzapine.
AB  - 2-Methyl-4-(4-methylpiperazin-1-yl)-10H-thieno[2,3-b][1,5]benzodiazepine,
      C(17)H(20)N(4)S, commonly known as olanzapine, is a psychotropic agent that
      belongs to the thienobenzodiazepine class of drugs. A new polymorph form IV was
      obtained upon attempted cocrystallization with nicotinamide in a 1:1 ratio from
      an ethyl acetate solution. Two butterfly-like molecules form centrosymmetric
      dimers stabilized by weak C-H...pi interactions between the 4-methylpiperazin-1
      yl fragment and the benzene/thiophene aromatic system. Form IV consists of a
      herringbone arrangement of dimers, whereas the previously reported form II has
      parallel dimers. Both crystal structures are sustained by an N-H...N hydrogen
      bond.

PMID- 22051965
TI  - Powder X-ray study of racemic (2RS,3RS)-5-amino-3-[4-(3-methoxyphenyl)piperazin-1
      yl]-1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalen-2-ol.
AB  - The structure of the title benzovesamicol analogue, C(21)H(27)N(3)O(2), an
      important compound for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, has been determined
      by X-ray powder diffraction. The title compound was firstly synthesized and
      characterized by spectroscopic methods (FT-IR, and (13)C and (1)H NMR). The
      compound is a racemic mixture of enantiomers which crystallizes in the monoclinic
      system in a centrosymmetric space group (P2(1)/c). Crystallography, in particular
      powder X-ray diffraction, was pivotal in revealing that the enantio-resolution
      did not succeed. The piperazine ring is in a chair conformation, while the
      cyclohexene ring assumes a half-chair conformation. The crystal packing is
      dominated by intermolecular O-H...N hydrogen bonding which links molecules along
      the c direction.

PMID- 22051966
TI  - Hydrogen-bonded structures of the isomeric compounds of phthalazine with 3-chloro
      2-nitrobenzoic acid, 4-chloro-2-nitrobenzoic acid and 4-chloro-3-nitrobenzoic
      acid.
AB  - The structures of three isomeric compounds, C(7)H(4)ClNO(4).C(8)H(6)N(2), of
      phthalazine with chloro- and nitro-substituted benzoic acid, namely, 3-chloro-2
      nitrobenzoic acid-phthalazine (1/1), (I), 4-chloro-2-nitrobenzoic acid
      phthalazine (1/1), (II), and 4-chloro-3-nitrobenzoic acid-phthalazine (1/1),
      (III), have been determined at 190 K. In the asymmetric unit of each compound,
      there are two crystallographically independent chloronitrobenzoic acid
      phthalazine units, in each of which the two components are held together by a
      short hydrogen bond between an N atom of the base and a carboxyl O atom. In one
      hydrogen-bonded unit of (I) and in two units of (II), a weak C-H...O interaction
      is also observed between the two components. The N...O distances are 2.5715 (15)
      and 2.5397 (17) A for (I), 2.5655 (13) and 2.6081 (13) A for (II), and 2.613 (2)
      and 2.589 (2) A for (III). In both hydrogen-bonded units of (I) and (II), the H
      atoms are each disordered over two positions with (N site):(O site) occupancies
      of 0.35 (3):0.65 (3) and 0.31 (3):0.69 (3) for (I), and 0.32 (3):0.68 (3) and
      0.30 (3):0.70 (3) for (II). The H atoms in the hydrogen-bonded units of (III) are
      located at the O-atom sites.

PMID- 22051967
TI  - [New options for submission of manuscripts to Der Nervenarzt (The Neurologist)].

PMID- 22051968
TI  - [Differential indications for psychotherapy exemplified by depression].
AB  - The general efficacy of psychotherapeutic approaches in the treatment of mental
      disorders has been demonstrated by meta-analyses. Disorder-specific methods are
      increasingly dominating the field. In the field of depression psychological
      interventions have proven to be as equally effective as pharmacotherapy in mild
      and moderate depressives but with longer lasting effects after termination of
      treatment. The combination of both methods is particularly relevant for the
      therapy of severe and chronic depression. The indications should be
      differentiated beyond the severity and course of the disorder, e.g. according to
      previous traumatization, comorbidity, patient difficulty and the empirical
      evidence of the different approaches.

PMID- 22051971
TI  - Improving the definition of developmental delay.

PMID- 22051972
TI  - Electron delocalization and aromaticity in low-lying excited states of archetypal
      organic compounds.
AB  - Aromaticity is a property usually linked to the ground state of stable molecules.
      Although it is well-known that certain excited states are unquestionably
      aromatic, the aromaticity of excited states remains rather unexplored. To move
      one step forward in the comprehension of aromaticity in excited states, in this
      work we analyze the electron delocalization and aromaticity of a series of low
      lying excited states of cyclobutadiene, benzene, and cyclooctatetraene with
      different multiplicities at the CASSCF level by means of electron delocalization
      measures. While our results are in agreement with Baird's rule for the
      aromaticity of the lowest-lying triplet excited state in annulenes having 4npi
      electrons, they do not support Soncini and Fowler's generalization of Baird's
      rule pointing out that the lowest-lying quintet state of benzene and septet state
      of cyclooctatetraene are not aromatic.

PMID- 22051973
TI  - Anti-erythropoietin and anti-thrombopoietin antibodies induced after
      administration of recombinant human erythropoietin.
AB  - Recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) has been successfully used for
      correcting renal anemia. However, recent studies have raised some concerns about
      the safety of rhEPO treatment due to its immunogenic side effect - pure red cell
      aplasia (PRCA). We now report a case of development of anti-EPO neutralizing
      antibodies (Abs) implicated in thrombocytopenia as well as erythrocytopenia. A 35
      year-old man had a history of administering rhEPO (epoetin alfa, epoetin beta and
      darbepoetin alfa) for 2years to treat renal anemia. The hematological parameters
      were collected. Anti-EPO, anti-platelet, and anti-thrombopoietin (TPO) Ab assays
      were performed to test the presence of autoreactive Abs. After performing
      antibody assays due to severe resistance to rhEPO treatment, a high titer of anti
      EPO neutralizing Abs was detected. However, unexpectedly, this patient also
      showed thrombocytopenia rather than PRCA. We investigated the cause of the marked
      thrombocytopenia and found anti-TPO Abs in patient serum. To our best knowledge,
      this is the first report of the development of anti-TPO Abs during rhEPO
      treatment for anemia.

PMID- 22051974
TI  - Anti-tumor activity of immunomodulatory peptide alloferon-1 in mouse tumor
      transplantation model.
AB  - Alloferons are a group of antiviral and anti-tumor peptides primarily isolated
      from insects and stimulating cytotoxic activity of natural killer cells in
      mammals including mice and humans. Alloferon-1 is currently used in the treatment
      of persistent viral infections; however its anti-tumor potential needs further
      preclinical assessment. Here we evaluate alloferon-1 anti-tumor activity in DBA/2
      mice grafted with syngenic P388 murine leukemia cells. Alloferon-1 was applied
      alone or in combination with conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy (a mixture of
      cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin and vincristine). Alloferon-1 monotherapy
      demonstrated moderate tumoristatic and tumoricidal activities comparable with low
      dose chemotherapy. When alloferon-1 and the cytotoxic drugs were combined in a
      regime of pulse immunochemotherapy the combination anti-tumor activity evidently
      exceeded that of the treatments applied individually.

PMID- 22051975
TI  - Comparative evaluation of anti-inflammatory properties of thymoquinone and
      curcumin using an asthmatic murine model.
AB  - This study was designed to compare the inhibitory effects of thymoquinone (TQ)
      and curcumin (CMN) on the biological changes associating asthma. TQ appeared to
      exhibit greater inhibitory effects on the aggregation of inflammatory cells in
      bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and in lung tissues. We also measured the
      effects of the two agents on serum IgE and the changes in the mRNA levels of
      inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)
      and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1). Serum IgE was significantly
      decreased by TQ and CMN with TQ being more potent. Also, TQ showed superior
      inhibitory effects on iNOS and TGF-beta1. Meanwhile, CMN was more potent in
      inhibiting mRNA expression of TNF-alpha. These results suggest that TQ is more
      potent in inhibiting the inflammatory changes associating asthma. On the other
      hand, CMN was a less potent inhibitor of all measured parameters, despite its
      superior inhibitory effect on TNF-alpha mRNA levels.

PMID- 22051976
TI  - Distribution of organochlorine pesticides (OCs) and polychlorinated biphenyls
      (PCBs) in marine sediments directly exposed to wastewater from Cortiou,
      Marseille.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The future 'Calanque National Park' coastlines of the Bouches-du
      Rhone and Var departments in France, constitute one of the ten biodiversity hot
      spots identified in the Mediterranean basin that receives industrial and urban
      wastewaters discharged from Marseille and its suburbs. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Organochlorine pesticides (OCs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were
      measured in sediments collected from 12 sampling sites (C1-C12) of sewage
      discharge to the sea from the wastewater treatment plant of Cortiou-Marseille.
      This study aims to determine the extent of these compounds in the sediments and
      to establish the possible sources of these contaminants. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION:
      Total pesticides in the sediments ranged from 1.2 to 190.6 ng g(-1) dry weight of
      sediment. The highest value was found at station C1, with a decreasing trend in
      total OC concentrations seaward. Among these compounds, the concentrations of the
      sum of dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (SigmaDDT) were the highest, ranging from
      0.7 to 114.3 ng g(-1). PCB concentrations, expressed as equivalent to Arochlor
      1260, varied from 9.1 to 226.9 ng g(-1). Individually, the dominant coplanar PCB
      congeners CB-153, CB-138 and CB-101. Generally, PCB concentrations at stations
      C2, C3, C5 and C7 were higher than those at stations C10, C11 and C12. Through
      some pollution indices, we showed the long-term contamination input of these OCs
      (DDT, endosulfan, HCH and heptachlor cases) rather than a recent release
      resulting from degradation and long-term weathering (dieldrin, aldrin and
      methoxychlor cases). Occurrence of PCBs might be due to their resistance to
      degradation processes or/and chronic inputs. CONCLUSIONS: By comparison with
      available sediment quality guideline (SQG) values, the environmental significance
      and toxicological implications of PCBs and OCs (i) reveal the probable adverse
      effects for the sediments from C1, C5, C6, C9 and (ii) confirm the adverse effect
      for marine biota and more particularly for benthic communities at C2-C4, C7 and
      C8.

PMID- 22051977
TI  - Physician self-referral and physician-owned specialty facilities.
AB  - Physician self-referral ranges from suggesting a follow-up appointment, to
      sending a patient to a facility in which the doctor has an ownership interest or
      financial relationship. Physician referral to facilities in which the physicians
      have an ownership interest is becoming increasingly common and not always
      medically appropriate. This Synthesis reviews the evidence on physician self
      referral arrangements, their effect on costs and utilization, and their effect on
      general hospitals. Key findings include: the rise in self-referral is sparked by
      financial, regulatory and clinical incentives, including patient convenience and
      doctors trying to preserve their income in the changing health care landscape.
      Strong evidence suggests self-referral leads to increased usage of health care
      services; but there is insufficient evidence to determine whether this increased
      usage reflects doctors meeting an unmet need or ordering clinically inappropriate
      care. The more significant a physician's financial interest in a facility, the
      more likely the doctor is to refer patients there. Arrangements through which
      doctors receive fees for patient referrals to third-party centers, such as "pay
      per-click," time-share, and leasing arrangements, do not seem to offer benefits
      beyond increasing physician income. So far, the profit margins of general
      hospitals have not been harmed by the rise in doctor-owned facilities.

PMID- 22051978
TI  - Multi-component, regio-selective aldol addition of beta-ketoesters to aldehydes:
      scope and applications.
AB  - Simple and effective multi-component one-pot aldol addition/protection reactions
      of beta-ketoesters to a series of aldehydes in the presence Me(3)SiCl and i
      Pr(2)EtN have been described. The analysis of the scope of the reaction revealed
      a dramatic dependence of the reactivity on the substrates used. Thus the effect
      of a catalytic amount of DMF and different reaction conditions was widely
      investigated. Further transformations of the aldol adducts were particularly
      useful to give valuable diols and compounds with quaternary stereocenters, while
      X-ray structural analysis gave also important stereochemical information about
      this challenging reaction.

PMID- 22051979
TI  - Paeoniflorin modulates multidrug resistance of a human gastric cancer cell line
      via the inhibition of NF-kappaB activation.
AB  - Research into the evasion of drug resistance and adverse effects is highly
      significant and urgent in the clinic. Therefore, accumulating studies have
      focused on the development of novel target-specific molecules related to drug
      resistance, and the establishment of rational therapeutic approaches. Currently,
      studies have shown that NF-kappaB activation may play an essential role in the
      development of chemotherapy resistance in carcinoma cells. Paeoniflorin, a
      principal bioactive component of the root of Paeonia lactiflora Pall., has been
      reported to exhibit various pharmacological effects. In the present study, we
      reported for the first time that paeoniflorin at non-toxic concentrations may
      effectively modulate multidrug resistance (MDR) of the human gastric cancer cell
      line SGC7901/vincristine (VCR) via the inhibition of NF-kappaB activation and, at
      least partly, by subsequently downregulating its target genes MDR1, BCL-XL and
      BCL-2.

PMID- 22051980
TI  - Fluorescent studies of salicylaldehyde and other related carbonyl compounds for
      the selective and sensitive detection of zinc(II) ions in aqueous solution.
AB  - Salicylaldehyde was found to have a high selectivity for zinc ions with
      simultaneous enhancement of fluorescence in aqueous buffer solution at optimum pH
      8.5. The stoichiometry of the complex was determined to be 1:1 with a K(a) value
      of 3.4 * 10(4) M(-1) at 298 K. The fluorescence of the complex is not affected by
      common anions and Zn(2+) binds preferentially to salicylaldehyde in the presence
      of alkali, alkaline earth and heavy metal cations (Hg(2+), Cd(2+), Cr(3+) and
      Ni(2+)). This property is not observed with related phenolic compounds bearing a
      carbonyl group such as esters, amides, carboxylic acids and ketones.

PMID- 22051981
TI  - Interaction of CdTe quantum dots with 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl free radical:
      a spectroscopic, fluorimetric and kinetic study.
AB  - The interaction of 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH(.) free radical with thiol
      capped CdTe quantum dots (QDs) has been studied by UV-vis spectroscopy, steady
      state and time resolved fluorescence measurements. Addition of DPPH(.) radical to
      CdTe QDs resulted in fluorescence quenching. The interaction occurs through
      static quenching as this was confirmed by fluorescence lifetime measurements.
      Time course absorption studies indicates that DPPH(.) may be reduced by
      interaction with QDs to the substituted hydrazine form (2,2-diphenyl-1
      picrylhydrazine) DPPH-H. The mechanism of fluorescence quenching of CdTe QDs by
      DPPH(.) is proposed.

PMID- 22051982
TI  - A new fluorescent sensor for the determination of iron(III) in semi-aqueous
      solution.
AB  - A simple fluorescent sensor 1 has been developed for the recognition of Fe(III)
      in semi-aqueous solution at pH 7.0. The sensor, containing two Schiff base type
      receptors directly connected to naphthalene fluorophores, shows a concentration
      dependent decrease in emission intensity upon Fe(III) addition. The sensor was
      selective for Fe(III) over other metal ions and can measure Fe(III) ion
      concentration between 0.05 and 0.12 mM. The binding stoichiometry was established
      as 1:1 (host: guest) with a binding constant (Logbeta) of 4.01. Furthermore, the
      addition of Fe(III) to a solution of 1 caused a colour change from light yellow
      to colourless meaning 1 is also capable of detecting Fe(III) by the naked eye.

PMID- 22051984
TI  - Evidence-informed physical activity guidelines for people with spinal cord
      injury.

PMID- 22051983
TI  - Water deficit and salt stress diagnosis through LED induced chlorophyll
      fluorescence analysis in Jatropha curcas L.
AB  - LED induced chlorophyll fluorescence analysis is employed to investigate the
      effect of water deficit and salt stress upon the growth process of Jatropha
      curcas L.. Red(Fr) and far-red(FFr) chlorophyll fluorescence around 685 nm and
      735 nm, respectively, were observed and examined as a function of the stress
      intensity(salt concentration and water deficit). The fluorescence ratio Fr/FFr
      which is a valuable nondestructive and nonintrusive indicator of the chlorophyll
      content of leaves was exploited to monitor the jatropha plants under stress. The
      data indicated that salinity plays a minor role in the chlorophyll concentration
      of leaves for NaCl concentrations in the 25 to 200 mM range. The fluorescence
      ratio also permitted the detection of damage caused by water deficit in the early
      stages of the plants growing process. A significant variation of the Fr/FFr ratio
      was observed in the first 10 days of the experiment, and before signs of visual
      stress became apparent. The results suggest that the Fr/FFr ratio is an early
      warning indicator of water deficit stress.

PMID- 22051985
TI  - Asymptomatic carotid stenosis in patients with intermittent claudication:
      epidemiological study.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this paper was to determine the prevalence of extracraneal
      carotid artery disease in patients with intermittent claudication, to describe
      classic cardiovascular risk factors in those with hemodynamically significant
      stenosis and to try to define subgroups at high risk, improving therefore the
      performance of non invasive testing. METHODS: A prospective descriptive study was
      conducted, with 146 patients reporting an intermittent claudication of the lower
      limbs and without a previous cerebrovascular event or carotid surgery. An
      ultrasonography examination was done. Risk factors were registed (smoking,
      dislipemia, arterial hypertension, diabetes mellitus), also ischemic cardiopathy
      and myocardial revascularization procedures. Univariate and multivariate analysis
      was made to define the variables associated with hemodynamically significant
      stenosis. RESULTS: Prevalence of hemodynamically significant stenosis was 23.2%.
      Smoking, dislipemia, arterial hypertension and diabetes mellitus were not
      significantly associated with carotid stenosis; 24.2% of patients affected of
      ischemic cardiopathy present a severe stenosis, and myocardial revascularization
      was a risk factor for carotid stenosis. CONCLUSION: Patients with claudication
      and ischemic miocardiopathy, especially when myocardial revascularization is
      needed, must be explored with carotid ultrasonography. In this patients, probably
      of hemodynamically significant carotid stenosis that requires treatment is more
      frequent.

PMID- 22051986
TI  - Endovascular abdominal aortic aneurysm repair: methods of radiological risk
      reduction.
AB  - AIM: The management of abdominal aortic aneurysm with endovascular repair (EVAR)
      requires extended exposure to ionizing radiation, before, during and after the
      intervention. The aim of this study was to quantify the radiological risks to
      patients and operating team, and to develop strategies to assess and reduce them.
      METHODS: EVAR was carried out in 97 patients using either a low-power mobile or a
      high-power stationary fluoroscopic unit. Empirically determined relationships
      between the indicated dose area product (DAP) and peak skin dose, obtained by
      direct in vivo dosimetry in a subgroup of patients, were used to predict the peak
      skin dose. Individual worker monitoring was used to assess personnel radiological
      burden. RESULTS: The probability for radiation induced biological effects due to
      the repair itself and the preoperative and life-long surveillance, as carried
      out, was about 2.4 10-3. The peak skin dose of repairs was linearly correlated
      with the DAP and did not exceed 1.2 Gy. The collective effective dose of the
      staff that carried out repairs using the mobile unit was 5.5 and 8 MUSv per
      repair using an angiographic and a surgical table, respectively. The use of the
      high-power fluoroscopic unit resulted in a many fold higher radiation burden to
      both patient and personnel. CONCLUSION: The optimum strategy, including equipment
      related factors, procedure-conduct factors and follow-up procedures, has to be
      studied, justified and optimized in each medical facility.

PMID- 22051987
TI  - Carotid stents: which is the best option?
AB  - Nowadays, carotid artery stenting (CAS) offers a potential alternative to carotid
      endarterectomy (CEA). CAS main advantages over CEA are the less invasive approach
      and the almost equal performance to CEA in terms of stroke prevention and
      complications. One of the most important factors which played significant role to
      CAS evolution is the progress in design of modern materials, especially stents.
      Today, several types of dedicated carotid stents have specific mechanical
      properties, which provide stents with individual characteristics making each of
      them suitable for specific carotid lesions and anatomies. The present review
      analyses the specific design and construction of modern stents, trying to point
      out their particular mechanical properties and characteristics. Additionally, it
      presents all available data published on comparison between different stent
      designs with the intention to identify which carotid stent is the best option for
      particular patient and lesion characteristics.

PMID- 22051988
TI  - Imaging for carotid stenting.
AB  - Carotid artery stenting (CAS) using embolic protection devices (EPD) has emerged
      as a viable alternative to carotid endarterectomy (CEA) in select patients.
      Imaging plays a critical role in the selection of patients for CAS. Duplex
      ultrasonography alone is insufficient to assess patients for CAS suitability.
      Advancements in computed tomography angiography (CTA) and magnetic resonance
      angiography (MRA) techniques are helping to identify lesions vulnerable to
      cerebral embolization during carotid interventions - a more prevalent event
      during CAS in comparison to CEA. Here we review the relevant data on the various
      imaging techniques available to improve patient selection and minimize neurologic
      adverse events during carotid artery stenting.

PMID- 22051989
TI  - Medical treatment in carotid artery intervention.
AB  - Medical treatment has a pivotal role in the treatment of patients with occlusive
      carotid artery disease. Large trials have provided the justification for
      operative treatment besides medical treatment in patients with recent significant
      carotid artery stenosis two decades ago. Since then, medical therapy has evolved
      tremendously. Next to aspirin, antiplatelet regimens acting on a different level
      in the modulation of platelet aggregation have made their entry. Moreover, statin
      therapy has been introduced. These changes among others in secondary stroke
      prevention, along with better understanding in life-style adjustments and
      perioperative medical management, have led to a decrease in stroke recurrence.
      Secondary prevention is therefore now the most important pillar of medical
      therapy. It consists of antiplatelet therapy, statins and blood pressure lowering
      agents in all patients. Small adjustments are recommended for those patients
      referred for invasive treatment. Moreover, long-term medical treatment is
      imperative. In this article, we summarize current evidence in literature
      regarding medical management in patients with previous stroke or TIA.

PMID- 22051990
TI  - New embolic protection devices: a review.
AB  - The use of embolic protection (EPD) during carotid artery stenting (CAS) has
      always made intuitive sense. There is no randomized trial evidence in favour of
      the use of EPDs and this results from the statistical challenge posed when
      attempting to compare variations in technique based on the outcome measure all
      stroke/death/myocardial infarction (MI) for a procedure such as CAS which, in
      experienced units, is associated with such a low baseline hazard. In order to
      detect a statistically meaningful difference between protected and unprotected
      populations, many thousands of patents would have to be recruited and this would
      entail a concerted effort amongst a population of physicians who are largely
      beyond uncertainty or equipoise regarding this particular issue. Accepting this,
      each type of device has been shown to capture macroemboli, implying, irrefutably,
      an added level of protection for the brain during CAS when EPDs are employed.
      Since their inception early in the last decade, the stenting community has been
      aware of the limitations of each type of system and accordingly, necessity has
      driven invention. This review seeks to present data on the newest EPDs, the
      philosophy behind them, their unique advantages, clinical data supporting their
      use and data highlighting the influence of these newer systems on the
      microembolic penalty of CAS, where available.

PMID- 22051991
TI  - A review of the main trials and registries: what we think we do and do not know
      about carotid artery stenting.
AB  - Despite many randomised controlled trials there are none that recommend carotid
      artery stenting (CAS) replaces carotid endarterectomy (CEA) for preventing stroke
      in patients with atherosclerotic carotid artery stenosis. CAS continues to be
      attractive due to its minimally-invasive nature and potential benefit in those
      patients at 'high risk' during open surgery. The belief that CAS will replace CEA
      is likely misplaced; a complimentary role for each mode of treatment is a more
      realistic vision for the future. Assessment of the existing data may provide
      useful information as to the subgroups that have most to benefit from each
      treatment type, therefore allowing a patient-specific approach to the management
      of individual lesions. This knowledge, coupled with further advances in the
      techniques of open and endovascular surgery, will progress the application of CAS
      and better its results.

PMID- 22051992
TI  - How to manage complications in CAS?
AB  - The different types of complications which might occur during CAS are described.
      Recommendations are given how to avoid and how to handle complications.

PMID- 22051993
TI  - Stroke and pulmonary embolism following manual and bandage compression after
      bleeding from a common femoral artery access site.
AB  - Manual compression (MC) is required to seal a common femoral artery (CFA) access
      site after endovascular intervention unless a mechanical closure device is used.
      Herein we report previously unpublished complications following MC of a CFA
      access site: stroke (embolism through a patent foramen ovale) and pulmonary
      embolism. These were a T thrombosis of the internal carotid artery combined with
      multi pulmonary embolisms and a case of pulmonary embolism. No thrombophilic
      conditions or other possible causes of venous emboli could be demonstrated in
      either case by laboratory tests or color-Duplex ultrasound. These were the only
      two cases of pulmonary and cerebral embolism seen at our university tertiary
      referral center, over a five-year period. This short report considers the
      potential risk factors as well as a prevention policy for these complications.

PMID- 22051994
TI  - First clinical use of a novel neurovascular access and neuroprotection system
      demonstrates complete absence of emboli by transcranial Doppler during carotid
      artery stenting.
AB  - This article focuses on the first use of the MICHITM Neuroprotection System in a
      transcervical carotid artery stenting procedure. The patient presented with an
      asymptomatic, 80% stenosis of the right internal carotid artery extending into
      the common carotid artery. The lesion was successfully treated with transcervical
      carotid access and reverse flow embolic protection and the successful placement
      of a carotid stent followed by balloon post-dilatation. Transcranial Doppler
      monitoring was performed throughout the procedure and a total of two micro
      embolic signals were recorded over the 30 minute procedural period. There were no
      neurologic complications reported during the 30-day follow-up period.

PMID- 22051995
TI  - Risk stratification of coronary revascularization patients by using clinical and
      angiographic data.
AB  - AIM: Patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or percutaneous
      coronary intervention (PCI) are still at a substantial risk of death after their
      procedures. A core group of preoperative and preprocedural risk factors and
      conditions contributes the majority of inherent mid- and long-term mortality risk
      in these patients. Therefore, we sought to develop a classification tree model as
      a practical and user-friendly method of predicting mid-term survival after
      coronary revascularization procedures. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data
      from a single, large-volume institution. Specifically, we examined all-cause
      three-year mortality in 3387 consecutive patients with multivessel or single
      proximal left anterior descending coronary artery disease who underwent either
      PCI with stenting or CABG. RESULTS: Recursive partitioning indicated that the
      best single predictor of death within three years was a history of heart failure
      (HF), followed by a proximal left circumflex artery (pLCX) lesion and age greater
      than 65 years for patients with and without a history of HF, respectively. With
      these variables, patients were readily stratified into low-, intermediate-, and
      high-risk groups whose risks of death over three years ranged from 2.3% to 36.2%.
      Among patients with a history of HF, pLCX stenosis was an independent predictor
      of mid-term mortality after adjustment for other known risk factors (hazard
      ratio, 1.46; 95% CI, 1.04-2.03). CONCLUSION: The constructed risk stratification
      scheme stratified patients into groups at low, intermediate, and high risk of
      death within three years. Stenosis of the pLCX seems to be an important
      prognostic factor for patients with a history of HF.

PMID- 22051996
TI  - Hypertension in adult after operation of aortic coarctation.
AB  - AIM: The benefit of coarctation repair on the resolution of systolic hypertension
      in adults has been questioned. METHODS: Between March 1997 and July 2009, 65
      consecutive adult patients (>= 16 years) underwent repair of aortic coarctation.
      There were 40 men (65%) and 25 women (35%) with a mean age of 22.3 +/- 4.8 years
      (range, 16 to 34 years). All patients had critical systolic blood hypertension
      (SBP >= 140 mmHg). SBP ranged from 140 to 205 mmHg, with a mean of 163.5 +/- 17.6
      mmHg. The mean diastolic BP was 95.1 +/- 18.3 mmHg (range, 70 to 120 mmHg). Most
      patients (41/65, 74%) were on a regimen of at least one antihypertensive drug.
      RESULTS: The patients were followed up after coarctation repair for 2 to 144
      months (mean, 68 +/- 39 months). There was no death. No other major complications
      occurred. There have been no repeat interventions during follow-up. Four patients
      were lost to follow-up. Of the 61 patients with preoperative hypertension, 53
      (87%) were normotensive (SBP <140 mmHg) at the most recent follow-up visit. The
      remaining eight patients showed substantial improvement versus the preoperative
      status. The mean SBP after operation was 122.5 +/- 12.4 mmHg. Mean diastolic
      blood pressure was 79.5 +/- 11.6 mmHg. Forty-one (67%) patients were taking no
      medication at the last follow-up. CONCLUSION: Surgical repair of coarctation of
      the aorta in adults can lead to regression of systolic hypertension and a
      decreased requirement for antihypertensive medication.

PMID- 22051997
TI  - Relative importance of patient, procedural and anatomic risk factors for early
      vein graft thrombosis after coronary artery bypass graft surgery.
AB  - AIM: The aim of the present study was to investigate the relative importance of a
      wide array of patient demographic, procedural, anatomic and perioperative
      variables as potential risk factors for early saphenous vein graft (SVG)
      thrombosis after coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery. METHODS: The
      patency of 611 SVGs in 291 patients operated on at four different hospitals
      enrolled in the Reduction in Graft Occlusion Rates (RIGOR) study was assessed six
      months after CABG surgery by multidetector computed tomography coronary
      angiography or clinically-indicated coronary angiography. The odds of graft
      occlusion versus patency were analyzed using multilevel multivariate logistic
      regression with clustering on patient. RESULTS: SVG failure within six months of
      CABG surgery was predominantly an all-or-none phenomenon with 126 (20.1%) SVGs
      totally occluded, 485 (77.3%) widely patent and only 16 (2.5%) containing high
      grade stenoses. Target vessel diameter <= 1.5 mm (adjusted OR 2.37, P=0.003) and
      female gender (adjusted OR 2.46, P=0.01) were strongly associated with early SVG
      occlusion. In a subgroup analysis of 354 SVGs in which intraoperative graft blood
      flow was measured, lower mean flow was also significantly associated with SVG
      occlusion when analyzed as a continuous variable (adjusted OR 0.984, P=0.006)
      though not when analyzed dichotomously, <40 mL/min versus >= 40 mL/min (adjusted
      OR 1.86, P=0.08). CONCLUSION: Small target vessel diameter, female gender and low
      mean graft blood flow are significant risk factors for SVG thrombosis within six
      months of CABG surgery in patients on postoperative aspirin therapy. This
      information may be useful in guiding revascularization strategies in selected
      patients.

PMID- 22051998
TI  - Gender-related differences in patients undergoing mechanical aortic valve
      replacement with the CarboMedics valve.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this paper was to evaluate gender-related differences in patients
      undergoing mechanical aortic valve replacement with the CarboMedics valve.
      METHODS: During a 20 year period, 629 patients (median age 60 years) underwent
      mechanical aortic valve replacement with the CarboMedics valve. Of these, 215
      patients were female (34%). The median follow-up for the entire cohort was 10.2
      +/- 6.2 years. RESULTS: In-hospital mortality for the entire cohort was 9% (male
      7.3% vs. female 11.0%, P=0.005). Cox regression analysis revealed redo-surgery
      (HR=2.35, CI 1.35-4.08), LVEF<30% (HR=2.31, CI 1.36-3.93), age (HR=1.60, CI 1.27
      2.02), as well as female gender (HR=2.07, CI 1.28-3.35) as independent predictors
      of survival. For male gender LVEF<30% (HR=2.47, CI 1.23-4.93) and age (HR=1.75,
      CI 1.25-2.43) were independent predictors of survival. For female gender,
      additional CABG (HR=2.15, CI 1.08-4.28), redo surgery (HR=3.64, CI 1.78-7.46) as
      well as age (HR=1.48, CI 1.06-2.06) were independent predictors of survival.
      CONCLUSION: Gender per se is an independent risk factor of survival after
      mechanical aortic valve replacement. Severely impaired LVEF independently
      predicts survival in males whereas additional CABG and redo surgery do in
      females. Age affects survival in both sexes. These findings may serve as a basis
      for further improving gender related outcome.

PMID- 22051999
TI  - Surgical thromboembolectomy for a massive pulmonary embolism after several venous
      thromboembolic episodes caused by congenital antithrombin III deficiency.

PMID- 22052002
TI  - Mathematical model of biological order state or syndrome in traditional Chinese
      medicine: based on electromagnetic radiation within the human body.
AB  - In this study, based on the resonator model and exciplex model of electromagnetic
      radiation within the human body, mathematical model of biological order state,
      also referred to as syndrome in traditional Chinese medicine, was established and
      expressed as: "Sy = v/ 1n(6I + 1)". This model provides the theoretical
      foundation for experimental research addressing the order state of living system,
      especially the quantitative research syndrome in traditional Chinese medicine.

PMID- 22052001
TI  - Treating cutis verticis gyrata using skin expansion method.
AB  - The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and clinical effect
      of repairing scalp defect after the excision of cutis verticis gyrata using
      expanded scalp skin flaps. For this purpose, 8 patients with cutis verticis
      gyrata were subjected to scalp skin expander implantation under the skin. After
      saline injection and scalp expansion for 2-3 months, the cutis verticis gyrata
      was excised and the expanded scalp flaps were applied to recover the skin defect.
      As a result, the flaps and hair grew well without contractures and significant
      scarring, suggesting that this method is useful for surgical correction of cutis
      verticis gyrata.

PMID- 22052003
TI  - Survivin siRNA inhibits gastric cancer in nude mice.
AB  - The objective of the study was to evaluate the expression of survivin, cell
      proliferation, and apoptosis in survivin-specific siRNA-transfected human gastric
      cancer cell line MGC-803. For this purpose, the target gene fragments were cloned
      into pSilencer3.1-Hl neo vector. Recombinant eukaryotic expression vector,
      pSilencer3.1-SVV was successfully constructed and then the recombinant vector was
      transfected into gastric cancer MGC-803 cells. The mRNA expression of survivin
      was determined by reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).
      Survivin protein expression was detected by Western blot. Cell cycle distribution
      and apoptosis were determined by flow cytometry. Our data regarding RT-PCR and
      Western blot showed that pSilencer3.1-SVV vector could knockdown the expression
      of survivin mRNA and protein. In contrast with the control group, the apoptotic
      index of MGC-803 cells increased remarkably. Survivin-specific siRNA caused cells
      accumulation in the G2/M phase and the number of cells in the G0/G1 phase
      decreased after transfection. It was, therefore, concluded that the siRNA
      targeting survivin gene could inhibit the proliferation of gastric cancer cells
      and induce apoptosis. The use of survivin siRNA may provide a novel approach for
      gene therapy of gastric cancer.

PMID- 22052004
TI  - A genome-wide association study of osteochondritis dissecans in the Thoroughbred.
AB  - Osteochondrosis is a developmental orthopaedic disease that occurs in horses,
      other livestock species, companion animal species, and humans. The principal aim
      of this study was to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with
      osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) in the Thoroughbred using a genome-wide
      association study. A secondary objective was to test the effect of previously
      identified QTL in the current population. Over 300 horses, classified as cases or
      controls according to clinical findings, were genotyped for the Illumina Equine
      SNP50 BeadChip. An animal model was first implemented in order to adjust each
      horse's phenotypic status for average relatedness among horses and other
      potentially confounding factors which were present in the data. The genome-wide
      association test was then conducted on the residuals from the animal model. A
      single SNP on chromosome 3 was found to be associated with OCD at a genome-wide
      level of significance, as determined by permutation. According to the current
      sequence annotation, the SNP is located in an intergenic region of the genome.
      The effects of 24 SNPs, representing QTL previously identified in a sample of
      Hanoverian Warmblood horses, were tested directly in the animal model. When
      fitted alongside the significant SNP on ECA3, two of these SNPs were found to be
      associated with OCD. Confirmation of the putative QTL identified on ECA3 requires
      validation in an independent sample. The results of this study suggest that a
      significant challenge faced by equine researchers is the generation of
      sufficiently large data sets to effectively study complex diseases such as
      osteochondrosis.

PMID- 22052000
TI  - Growing skin: tissue expansion in pediatric forehead reconstruction.
AB  - Tissue expansion is a common surgical procedure to grow extra skin through
      controlled mechanical over-stretch. It creates skin that matches the color,
      texture, and thickness of the surrounding tissue, while minimizing scars and risk
      of rejection. Despite intense research in tissue expansion and skin growth, there
      is a clear knowledge gap between heuristic observation and mechanistic
      understanding of the key phenomena that drive the growth process. Here, we show
      that a continuum mechanics approach, embedded in a custom-designed finite element
      model, informed by medical imaging, provides valuable insight into the
      biomechanics of skin growth. In particular, we model skin growth using the
      concept of an incompatible growth configuration. We characterize its evolution in
      time using a second-order growth tensor parameterized in terms of a scalar-valued
      internal variable, the in-plane area growth. When stretched beyond the
      physiological level, new skin is created, and the in-plane area growth increases.
      For the first time, we simulate tissue expansion on a patient-specific geometric
      model, and predict stress, strain, and area gain at three expanded locations in a
      pediatric skull: in the scalp, in the forehead, and in the cheek. Our results may
      help the surgeon to prevent tissue over-stretch and make informed decisions about
      expander geometry, size, placement, and inflation. We anticipate our study to
      open new avenues in reconstructive surgery and enhance treatment for patients
      with birth defects, burn injuries, or breast tumor removal.

PMID- 22052005
TI  - Inherited liver shunts in dogs elucidate pathways regulating embryonic
      development and clinical disorders of the portal vein.
AB  - Congenital disorders of the hepatic portal vasculature are rare in man but occur
      frequently in certain dog breeds. In dogs, there are two main subtypes:
      intrahepatic portosystemic shunts, which are considered to stem from defective
      closure of the embryonic ductus venosus, and extrahepatic shunts, which connect
      the splanchnic vascular system with the vena cava or vena azygos. Both subtypes
      result in nearly complete bypass of the liver by the portal blood flow. In both
      subtypes the development of the smaller branches of the portal vein tree in the
      liver is impaired and terminal branches delivering portal blood to the liver
      lobules are often lacking. The clinical signs are due to poor liver growth,
      development, and function. Patency of the ductus venosus seems to be a digenic
      trait in Irish wolfhounds, whereas Cairn terriers with extrahepatic portosystemic
      shunts display a more complex inheritance. The genes involved in these disorders
      cannot be identified with the sporadic human cases, but in dogs, the genome-wide
      study of the extrahepatic form is at an advanced stage. The canine disease may
      lead to the identification of novel genes and pathways cooperating in growth and
      development of the hepatic portal vein tree. The same pathways likely regulate
      the development of the vascular system of regenerating livers during liver
      diseases such as hepatitis and cirrhosis. Therefore, the identification of these
      molecular pathways may provide a basis for future proregenerative intervention.

PMID- 22052006
TI  - Establishment of ES cells from inbred strain mice by dual inhibition (2i).
AB  - A number of mouse ES cells from inbred strains have been established to date, but
      efficiency varies across the different strains. The 129 strain mouse is efficient
      to establish, whereas C57BL/6 and BALB/c strains are not. It is possible that
      their genetic backgrounds account for the difference in their ability to
      establish ES cell lines. In this study, we attempted to establish C57BL/6J and
      BALB/c Cr ES cells by dual inhibition (2i) using two inhibitors (PD0325901 and
      CHIR99021) of extracellular signal regulated-kinase (ERK) and glycogen synthase
      kinase-3 (GSK-3), which promote ES cell differentiation. The results revealed
      that the establishment efficiencies of C57BL/6J and BALB/c Cr ES cells were
      remarkably increased by 2i. These ES cells stably expressed pluripotent markers
      and generated high-contribution chimeras with germline transmission. Furthermore,
      we generated germline chimeras from C57BL/6J ES cells through the method of gene
      modification. These findings indicate that 2i is a powerful tool for establishing
      C57BL/6J and BALB/c Cr ES cells with the ability to generate germline chimeras.

PMID- 22052007
TI  - Upregulation of interferon-stimulated genes and interleukin-10 in peripheral
      blood immune cells during early pregnancy in dairy cows.
AB  - In cows, interferon-tau (IFNT) regulates maternal recognition around days 15-19
      after artificial insemination (AI). The present study hypothesized that if key
      target genes of IFNT are clearly upregulated in earlier stages of pregnancy,
      these genes could be use as indices of future pregnancy in cows. Therefore, we
      determined the expression of these genes in peripheral blood mononuclear
      leukocytes (PBMCs) and polymorphonuclear granulocytes (PMNs) during the maternal
      recognition period (MRP). Twenty multiparous Holstein cows were subjected to AI
      on day 0 and categorized into the following groups: pregnancy (Preg, n = 9),
      embryonic death (ED, n = 5) and non-pregnancy (NP, n = 6). Progesterone levels in
      the Preg group were higher than those in the NP group on days 12-21. ISG15 and
      OAS-1 (IFN-stimulated genes: ISGs) mRNA in PBMCs on day 8 was higher in the Preg
      group than in the NP group, and these mRNAs in PMNs was higher in the Preg group
      on day 5 than in the NP and ED groups. Interleukin-10 (IL-10, Th2 cytokine) mRNA
      expression increased on day 8 in the PBMCs of pregnant cows. Tumor necrosis
      factor alpha (TNFalpha, Th1 cytokine) mRNA expression was stable in all groups.
      In an in vitro cell culture experiment, IFNT stimulated mRNA expression of ISGs
      in both PBMCs and PMNs. IFNT stimulated IL-10 mRNA expression in PBMCs, whereas
      IFNT increased TNFalpha mRNA levels in PBMCs in vitro. The results suggest that
      ISGs and IL-10 could be responsive to IFNT before the MRP in peripheral blood
      immune cells and may be useful target genes for reliable indices of pregnancy
      before the MRP.

PMID- 22052008
TI  - Importance of methionine metabolism in morula-to-blastocyst transition in bovine
      preimplantation embryos.
AB  - The roles of methionine metabolism in bovine preimplantation embryo development
      were investigated by using ethionine, an antimetabolite of methionine. In vitro
      produced bovine embryos that had developed to the 5-cell stage or more at 72 h
      after the commencement of in vitro fertilization (IVF) were then cultured until
      day 8 (IVF = day 0) in medium supplemented with 0 (control), 1, 5 and 10 mM
      ethionine. Compared with the blastocyst development in the control (40.0%),
      ethionine at 10 mM almost completely blocked blastocyst development (1.1%,
      P<0.001), and this concentration was used in the following experiments.
      Methionine added at the same concentration (10 mM, a concentration control of
      ethionine) did not cause such an intense developmental inhibition. Development to
      the compacted morula stage on day 6 was not affected by 10 mM ethionine
      treatment. S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) added to the ethionine treatment partly
      restored the blastocyst development. Semiquantitative reverse transcription
      polymerase chain reaction analysis of cell lineage-related transcription factors
      in day 6 compacted morulae showed that the expressions of NANOG and TEAD4 were
      increased by ethionine treatment relative to the control (P<0.01). Furthermore,
      immunofluorescence analysis of 5-methylcytosine revealed that DNA was
      hypomethylated in the ethionine-treated day 6 morulae compared with the control
      (P<0.001). These results demonstrate that the disruption of methionine metabolism
      causes impairment of the morula-to-blastocyst transition during bovine
      preimplantation development in part via SAM deficiency, indicating the
      indispensable roles of methionine during this period. The disruption of
      methionine metabolism may cause hypomethylation of DNA and consequently lead to
      the altered expression of developmentally important genes, which then results in
      the impairment of blastocyst development.

PMID- 22052009
TI  - Anti-Mullerian hormone profiles as a novel biomarker to diagnose granulosa-theca
      cell tumors in cattle.
AB  - This study was carried out to evaluate the blood profile and tissue expression of
      Anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) as a biomarker for granulosa-theca cell tumors
      (GTCTs) in cattle. Five cases with unilateral ovarian GTCTs (GTCT group) were
      investigated in comparison to other groups of Japanese Black cows, which had
      either cystic ovarian disease (COD group, n=5), a functional corpus luteum on
      Days 9 to 11 of the estrous cycle (Day 0=estrus; CL group, n=13) or received
      superovulation treatment (SOT group, n=13). We used transrectal ultrasonography
      and measured plasma AMH, estradiol-17beta (E(2)), progesterone (P(4)) and
      testosterone (T) levels. Moreover, GTCT tissues were collected and examined by
      immunohistochemical staining (IHC) for AMH. In the GTCT group, ultrasound images
      of GTCTs were variable and not definitive. However, the AMH level in the GTCT
      group (n=3, 58.1 +/- 66.3 ng/ml) was significantly higher than in the COD, CL and
      SOT groups (0.1 +/- 0.1 ng/ml for GTCT vs. COD, P<0.05; 0.2 +/- 0.1 and 0.3 +/-
      0.2 ng/ml, respectively for GTCT vs. CL and SOT, P<0.01). The other hormonal
      levels in the GTCT group had no significant differences compared with the COD or
      SOT group. Neoplastic granulosa cells labeled with AMH antibody clearly
      demonstrated a variety of tissue patterns in all cases by IHC. To the best of our
      knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the blood profile and IHC of
      AMH in bovine GTCTs. Our findings indicate that AMH may be a novel biomarker to
      diagnose GTCTs in cattle.

PMID- 22052010
TI  - Purification of N-acetyllactosamine-binding activity from the porcine sperm
      membrane: possible involvement of an ADAM complex in the carbohydrate-binding
      activity of sperm.
AB  - Although the importance of carbohydrate recognition by sperm during egg zona
      pellucida binding has been widely reported, the sperm molecular species that
      recognize the carbohydrates are poorly characterized. Our previous cytochemical
      study indicated that two kinds of carbohydrate-binding proteins are expressed on
      porcine sperm heads-one recognizes N-acetyllactosamine (Galbeta1-4GlcNAc-), and
      the other recognizes the Lewis X structure (Galbeta1-4(Fucalpha1-3)GlcNAc-). For
      this report, we used proteomic techniques to characterize the sperm proteins that
      bind N-acetyllactosamine. Porcine sperm plasma membrane was solubilized with a
      detergent solution and subjected to sequential chromatography with dextran
      sulfate agarose, affinity, and hydroxyapatite, and the binding activities in the
      eluates were monitored by a solid-phase binding assay. The tryptic peptides of
      two proteins most likely associated with the binding activities were subjected to
      tandem mass spectrometry sequencing. A subsequent database search identified one
      of the two proteins as predicted disintegrin and metalloprotease domain
      containing protein 20-like (XP_003128672). The other protein was identified as
      disintegrin and metalloprotease domain-containing protein 5 (AB613817) by
      database searches for homologous amino acid sequences, cDNA cloning, nucleotide
      sequencing and nucleotide database searches. Furthermore, two-dimensional blue
      native/SDS-PAGE demonstrated that they formed a variety of non-covalent
      complexes. Therefore, these ADAM complexes probably are responsible for the N
      acetyllactosamine-binding activity. An affinity-purified fraction containing
      these ADAM complexes showed zona pellucida-binding activity, though the activity
      was relatively weak, and the presence of another zona pellucida-binding protein
      that probably works in concert with these ADAM complexes was suggested.
      Immunofluorescence testing suggested that ADAM20-like was localized on the
      anterior part of the sperm plasma membrane.

PMID- 22052011
TI  - Effect of RNA interference of BID and BAX mRNAs on apoptosis in granulosa cell
      derived KGN cells.
AB  - In mitochondrion-dependent type II apoptosis, BH3-interacting domain death
      agonist (BID) and BCL-2-associated X protein (BAX) promote death ligand and
      receptor-mediated cell death. In porcine ovaries, the levels of BID and BAX
      increase in follicular granulosa cells during atresia. In the present study, to
      confirm the pro-apoptotic activity of BID and BAX in granulosa cells, we examined
      the effect of RNA interference of BID or BAX on apoptosis using a human ovarian
      granulosa tumor cell line, KGN. By reverse transcription polymerase chain
      reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting, expression of BID and BAX was detected in
      KGN cells. Then, we suppressed BID and BAX mRNA expression in KGN cells using
      small interfering RNA (siRNA). When BID or BAX was suppressed, a significant
      decrease in the apoptotic cell rate was noted. In granulosa-derived cells, BID
      and BAX showed pro-apoptotic activity. These results suggest that BID and BAX act
      as signal-transducing factors in mitochondrion-dependent type II apoptosis.

PMID- 22052012
TI  - Differential involvement of amygdala corticosteroid receptors in visceral
      hyperalgesia following acute or repeated stress.
AB  - Symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are exacerbated by stress. Previously,
      we demonstrated that the stress hormone corticosterone applied directly to the
      amygdala induced visceral hypersensitivity through the actions of glucocorticoid
      receptor (GR) and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR). However, the involvement of
      amygdaloid GR and MR in the regulation of visceral sensitivity following
      psychological stress is unknown; therefore, the goal of the present study was to
      determine the relative importance of amygdaloid GR and MR in the regulation of
      visceral sensitivity in a rodent model of behavioral stress. Male F-344 rats were
      stereotaxically implanted with micropellets bilaterally on the dorsal margin of
      the amygdala containing the GR antagonist mifepristone, the MR antagonist
      spironolactone, or cholesterol as a control. Animals were then exposed to 1 h of
      water-avoidance stress (WAS) or sham stress for 1 day (acute) or 7 days
      (repeated). Visceral sensitivity was assessed either 1 h or 24 h after the final
      session of WAS and quantified as the number of contractions of the external
      abdominal oblique, a visceromotor response, in response to colorectal distension
      at pressures of 0-60 mmHg. Acute stress induced transient visceral hyperalgesia,
      which was absent 24 h after WAS and independent of GR and MR. Conversely,
      repeated WAS induced sustained visceral hyperalgesia that was abolished by
      specifically targeting the amygdala with GR and MR antagonists. These results
      demonstrate that the amygdala corticosteroid system plays an essential role in
      mediating the effects of repeated WAS on visceral sensitivity. Furthermore, our
      findings suggest that amygdaloid GR and MR may be involved in IBS symptomatology.

PMID- 22052013
TI  - Partial deletion of argininosuccinate synthase protects from pyrazole plus
      lipopolysaccharide-induced liver injury by decreasing nitrosative stress.
AB  - Argininosuccinate synthase (ASS) is the rate-limiting enzyme in the urea cycle.
      Along with nitric oxide synthase (NOS)-2, ASS endows cells with the L
      citrulline/nitric oxide (NO.) salvage pathway to continually supply L-arginine
      from L-citrulline for sustained NO. generation. Because of the relevant role of
      NOS in liver injury, we hypothesized that downregulation of ASS could decrease
      the availability of intracellular substrate for NO. synthesis by NOS-2 and,
      hence, decrease liver damage. Previous work demonstrated that pyrazole plus LPS
      caused significant liver injury involving NO. generation and formation of 3
      nitrotyrosine protein adducts; thus, wild-type (WT) and Ass+/- mice (Ass+/+ mice
      are lethal) were treated with pyrazole plus LPS, and markers of nitrosative
      stress, as well as liver injury, were analyzed. Partial ablation of Ass protected
      from pyrazole plus LPS-induced liver injury by decreasing nitrosative stress and
      hepatic and circulating TNFalpha. Moreover, apoptosis was prevented, since
      pyrazole plus LPS-treated Ass+/- mice showed decreased phosphorylation of JNK;
      increased MAPK phosphatase-1, which is known to deactivate JNK signaling; and
      lower cleaved caspase-3 than treated WT mice, and this was accompanied by less
      TdT-mediated dUTP nick end labeling-positive staining. Lastly, hepatic neutrophil
      accumulation was almost absent in pyrazole plus LPS-treated Ass+/- compared with
      WT mice. Partial Ass ablation prevents pyrazole plus LPS-mediated liver injury by
      reducing nitrosative stress, TNFalpha, apoptosis, and neutrophil infiltration.

PMID- 22052014
TI  - PKCdelta-dependent activation of ERK1/2 leads to upregulation of the human NHE2
      transcriptional activity in intestinal epithelial cell line C2BBe1.
AB  - The apical Na+/H+ exchanger (NHE) isoform NHE2 is involved in transepithelial Na+
      absorption in the intestine. Our earlier studies have shown that mitogenic agent
      phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) induces the expression of NHE2 through
      activation of transcription factor early growth response-1 (Egr-1) and its
      interactions with the NHE2 promoter. However, the signaling pathways involved in
      transcriptional stimulation of NHE2 in response to PMA in the intestinal
      epithelial cells are not known. Chemical inhibitors and genetic approaches were
      used to investigate the signaling pathways responsible for the stimulation of
      NHE2 expression by PMA via Egr-1 induction. We show that, in response to PMA,
      PKCdelta, a member of novel PKC isozymes, and MEK-ERK1/2 pathway of mitogen
      activated protein kinases stimulate the NHE2 expression in C2BBe1 intestinal
      epithelial cells. PMA rapidly and transiently induced activation of PKCdelta.
      Small inhibitory RNA-mediated knockdown of PKCdelta blocked the stimulatory
      effect of PMA on the NHE2 promoter activity. In addition, blockade of PKCdelta by
      rottlerin, a PKCdelta-specific inhibitor, and ERK1/2 by U0126, a MEK-ERK
      inhibitor, abrogated PMA-induced Egr-1 expression. Immunofluorescence studies
      revealed that inhibition of ERK1/2 activation prevents translocation of PMA
      induced Egr-1 into the nucleus. Consistent with these data, PMA-induced Egr-1
      interaction with the NHE2 promoter region was prevented in nuclear extracts from
      U0126-pretreated cells. In conclusion, our data provide the first evidence that
      the stimulatory effect of PMA on NHE2 expression is mediated through the initial
      activation of PKCdelta, subsequent PKCdelta-dependent activation of MEK-ERK1/2
      signaling pathway, and stimulation of Egr-1 expression. Furthermore, we show that
      transcription factor Egr-1 acts as an intermediate effector molecule that links
      the upstream signaling cues to the long-term stimulation of NHE2 expression by
      PMA in C2BBe1 cells.

PMID- 22052015
TI  - Tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 functions as a tumor suppressor.
AB  - Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is a key player in inflammatory bowel disease and has
      been variably associated with carcinogenesis, but details of the cross talk
      between inflammatory and tumorigenic pathways remain incompletely understood. It
      has been shown that, in C57BL/6 mice, signaling via TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1) is
      protective from injury and inflammation in experimental colitis. Therefore, we
      hypothesized that loss of TNFR1 signaling would confer increased risk of
      developing colitis-associated carcinoma. Using three models of murine
      tumorigenesis based on repeated bouts of inflammation or systemic tumor
      initiator, we sought to determine the roles of TNF and TNFR1 with regard to
      neoplastic transformation in the colon in wild-type (WT), TNFR1 knockout (R1KO),
      and TNF knockout (TNFKO) mice. We found R1KO animals to have more severe disease,
      as defined by weight loss, hematochezia, and histology. TNFKO mice demonstrated
      less weight loss but were consistently smaller, and rates and duration of
      hematochezia were comparable to WT mice. Histological inflammation scores were
      higher and neoplastic lesions occurred more frequently and earlier in R1KO mice.
      Apoptosis is not affected in R1KO mice although epithelial proliferation
      following injury is more ardent even before tumorigenesis is apparent. Lastly,
      there is earlier and more intense expression of activated beta-catenin in these
      mice, implying a connection between TNFR1 and Wnt signaling. Taken together,
      these findings show that in the context of colitis-associated carcinogenesis
      TNFR1 functions as a tumor suppressor, exerting this effect not via apoptosis but
      by modulating activation of beta-catenin and controlling epithelial
      proliferation.

PMID- 22052017
TI  - Pectin Methylesterase genes influence solid wood properties of Eucalyptus
      pilularis.
AB  - This association study of Eucalyptus pilularis populations provides empirical
      evidence for the role of Pectin Methylesterase (PME) in influencing solid wood
      characteristics of Eucalyptus. PME6 was primarily associated with the shrinkage
      and collapse of drying timber, which are phenotypic traits consistent with the
      role of pectin as a hydrophilic polysaccharide. PME7 was primarily associated
      with cellulose and pulp yield traits and had an inverse correlation with lignin
      content. Selection of specific alleles in these genes may be important for
      improving trees as sources of high-quality wood products. A heterozygote
      advantage was postulated for the PME7 loci and, in combination with haplotype
      blocks, may explain the absence of a homozygous class at all single-nucleotide
      polymorphisms investigated in this gene.

PMID- 22052016
TI  - Resveratrol causes cell cycle arrest, decreased collagen synthesis, and apoptosis
      in rat intestinal smooth muscle cells.
AB  - One of the most difficult and treatment-resistant complications of Crohn's
      disease is the development of fibrotic intestinal strictures due to mesenchymal
      cell hyperplasia and collagen deposition. Resveratrol, a phytoalexin found in
      berries, peanuts, grapes, and red wine, has been shown to inhibit fibrosis in
      vasculature, heart, lung, kidney, liver, and esophagus in animal models.
      Resveratrol has also been shown to inhibit oxidation, inflammation, and cell
      proliferation and to decrease collagen synthesis in several cell types or animal
      models. The aim of this study was to determine whether resveratrol has
      antifibrotic effects on intestinal smooth muscle cells. Responses to resveratrol
      by cultured smooth muscle cells isolated from colons of untreated Lewis rats were
      examined; this rat strain is used in a model of Crohn's disease with prominent
      intestinal fibrosis. A relative decrease in cell numbers following treatment with
      50 and 100 MUM resveratrol was evident at 24 h (P <= 0.005). This effect was
      largely due to cell cycle arrest, with an increase in the percent of cells in S
      phase from 8 to 25-35% (P < 0.05). Cell viability was unchanged until 2-3 days of
      treatment when there was a 1.2- to 5.0-fold increase in the percent of apoptotic
      cells, depending on the assay (P < 0.05). Expression of collagen type I protein
      was decreased following treatment with resveratrol for 24 h (to 44 and 25% of
      control levels with 50 and 100 MUM resveratrol, respectively; P < 0.05).
      Expression of procollagen types I and III mRNA was also decreased with
      resveratrol treatment. Resveratrol (50 MUM) diminished the proliferative response
      to TGF-beta1 (P = 0.02) as well as IGF-I-stimulated collagen production (P =
      0.02). Thus resveratrol decreases intestinal smooth muscle cell numbers through
      its effects on cell cycle arrest and apoptosis and also decreases collagen
      synthesis by the cells. These effects could be useful in preventing the smooth
      muscle cell hyperplasia and collagen deposition that characterize stricture
      formation in Crohn's disease.

PMID- 22052018
TI  - Influence of examiner experience on the reproducibility of retinal nerve fiber
      thickness values using Cirrus and Stratus OCTs.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the influence of the examiner's
      experience on the reproducibility of retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL)
      measurements obtained with Cirrus optical coherence tomography (OCT) and Stratus.
      METHODS: Fifty-one normal and glaucomatous eyes of 51 participants were included.
      Two examiners (1 novice, 1 experienced) obtained 2 scans using both OCTs. For
      quantitative measurements, Bland and Altman limits of agreement were evaluated.
      For qualitative classifications, kappa coefficients were calculated. RESULTS:
      Signal strength was higher with Cirrus than with Stratus (P<0.05). Signal
      strength was higher in scans performed by the experienced examiner than in those
      carried out by the inexperienced examiner in Stratus but not in Cirrus. RNFL
      measurement differences between Cirrus and Stratus were influenced by the
      examiner for the inferior (P=0.02), superior (P<0.001), and temporal quadrants
      (P=0.009). The RNFL quantitative agreement of examiners was higher in Cirrus than
      in Stratus. The qualitative agreement (kappa coefficients) of both examiners in
      the RNFL classification were almost perfect with Cirrus (in the average,
      superior, and inferior quadrants), and moderate with Stratus (only in average and
      inferior quadrant). CONCLUSIONS: The signal strength is independent of the
      examiner's experience in Cirrus but not in Stratus. RNFL measurements obtained by
      both examiners were more reproducible with Cirrus than with Stratus. The
      differences in RNFL measurements between both OCTs were related to the examiner's
      experience in all 3 quadrants. Agreement between operators in the RNFL
      classification was higher with Cirrus than Stratus.

PMID- 22052019
TI  - Towards the adaptation of grapevine varieties to climate change: QTLs and
      candidate genes for developmental stages.
AB  - The genetic determinism of developmental stages in grapevine was studied in the
      progeny of a cross between grapevine cultivars Riesling and Gewurztraminer by
      combining ecophysiological modelling, genetic analysis and data mining of the
      grapevine whole genome sequence. The dates of three phenological stages,
      budbreak, flowering and veraison, were recorded during four successive years for
      120 genotypes in the vineyard. The phenotypic data analysed were the duration of
      three periods expressed in thermal time (degree-days): 15 February to budbreak
      (Bud), budbreak to flowering (Flo) and flowering to veraison (Ver). Parental and
      consensus genetic maps were built using 153 microsatellite markers on 188
      individuals. Six independent quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were detected for the
      three phases. They were located on chromosomes 4 and 19 for Bud, chromosomes 7
      and 14 for Flo and chromosomes 16 and 18 for Ver. Interactions were detected
      between loci and also between alleles at the same locus. Using the available
      grapevine whole-genome sequences, candidate genes underlying the QTLs were
      identified. VvFT, on chromosome 7, and a CONSTANS-like gene, on chromosome 14,
      were found to colocalise with the QTLs for flowering time. Genes related to the
      abscisic acid response and to sugar metabolism were detected within the
      confidence intervals of QTLs for veraison time. Their possible roles in the
      developmental process are discussed. These results raise new hypotheses for a
      better understanding of the physiological processes governing grapevine phenology
      and provide a framework for breeding new varieties adapted to the future
      predicted climatic conditions.

PMID- 22052020
TI  - On the mechanisms of ionic conductivity in BaLiF3: a molecular dynamics study.
AB  - The mechanisms of ionic conductivity in BaLiF(3) are investigated using molecular
      simulations. Direct molecular dynamics simulations of (quasi) single crystalline
      super cell models hint at the preferred mobility mechanism which is based on
      fluoride interstitial (and to a smaller extent F(-) vacancy) migration. Analogous
      to previous modeling studies, the energy related to Frenkel defect formation in
      the ideal BaLiF(3) crystal was found as 4-5 eV which is in serious controversy to
      the experimentally observed activation barrier to ionic conductivity of only 1
      eV. However, this controversy could be resolved by incorporating Ba(2+)<-> Li(+)
      exchange defects into the elsewise single crystalline model systems. Indeed, in
      the neighborhood of such cation exchange defects the F(-) Frenkel defect
      formation energy was identified to reduce to 1.3 eV whilst the cation exchange
      defect itself is related to a formation energy of 1.0 eV. Thus, our simulations
      hint at the importance of multiple defect scenarios for the ionic conductivity in
      BaLiF(3).

PMID- 22052021
TI  - Expression of alpha-crystallin in the retina of human sympathetic ophthalmia.
AB  - Sympathetic ophthalmia (SO) is a bilateral, granulomatous, intraocular
      inflammation that occurs following a penetrating injury to one eye, and has the
      potential to cause blindness of both eyes. The aim of this study was to examine
      the expression of alpha-crystallin and to detect apoptotic cells in the retina of
      human eyes with SO. Five globes, including three with SO and two age-matched
      normal appearing retinae, were examined. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue
      sections were submitted to hematoxylin and eosin staining and immuno
      histochemistry with anti-alphaA and alphaB-crystallin antibodies. Apoptotic cells
      were detected using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end
      labeling (TUNEL) method, and double-staining immunohistochemistry was conducted
      together with the TUNEL reaction. In normal-appearing retina, alphaA-crystallin
      immunoreactivity was predominantly detected in the cytoplasm of photoreceptors,
      where alphaB-crystallin was less marked. In SO globes, granulomatous inflammation
      was noted in the choroid, whereas the retina and choriocapillaris were preserved.
      Immunoreactivity for alphaA-crystallin was detected in the retina, as well as in
      the cytoplasm and inner/outer photoreceptor segments. By contrast, alphaB
      crystallin was weakly noted in the SO retina. Double-staining immuno
      histochemistry revealed no TUNEL-positive photoreceptors in the retina displaying
      high immunoreactivity for alphaA-crystallin, but photoreceptor apoptosis was
      noted where expression of alphaA-crystallin was relatively low. The present study
      demonstrated that alphaA-crystallin was up-regulated in the cytoplasm of
      photoreceptors in the SO retina. This may play a protective role in the
      suppression of photoreceptor apoptosis associated with intraocular inflammation.

PMID- 22052022
TI  - Synthesis and biological properties of conjugates between fluoroquinolones and a
      N3''-functionalized pyochelin.
AB  - Pyochelin is a siderophore common to Pseudomonas aeruginosa and several other
      pathogenic bacteria. A pyochelin functionalized at the N3'' position with a
      propyl-amine extension was previously synthesized. In the present work we proved
      that this analog binds FptA, the pyochelin outer membrane receptor, and
      transports iron(III) efficiently into bacteria. This functionalized pyochelin
      seemed to be a good candidate for antibiotic vectorization in the framework of a
      Trojan horse prodrug strategy. In this context, conjugates between pyochelin and
      three fluoroquinolones (norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin and N-desmethyl-ofloxacin)
      were synthesized with a spacer arm that was either stable or hydrolyzable in
      vivo. Some pyochelin-fluoroquinolone conjugates had antibacterial activities in
      growth inhibition experiments on several P. aeruginosa strains. However, these
      activities were weaker than those of the antibiotic alone. These properties
      appeared to be related to both the solubility and bioavailability of conjugates
      and to the stability of the spacer arm used.

PMID- 22052023
TI  - Time-of-day effect on hip flexibility associated with the modified sit-and- reach
      test in males.
AB  - Flexibility is a key component of physical fitness. It has been suggested that
      measures of physical fitness components may vary throughout the day. The aim of
      this study was to analyse the effects of the time of day on flexibility
      performance. 26 men (mean age=25.4 years, SD=2.5) were evaluated by hip flexion
      on kinematic analysis and also by an absolute score in the modified Sit-and-Reach
      test during a repeated measure design. This was done during 3 experimental
      sessions, which took place at 8:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m., in random
      order. All subjects were previously familiarized with the test parameters. There
      was a diurnal variation only in the modified Sit-and-Reach test score between
      8:00 a.m and 6:00 p.m. (P=0.01). There was no significant difference in the hip
      kinematic analysis between hours. These findings suggest that flexibility
      performance in the modified Sit-and-Reach test, in absolute scores, is affected
      by the time of day, with higher performance in the evening.

PMID- 22052024
TI  - AVPR2 gene and weight changes during triathlons.
AB  - The arginine vasopressin receptor 2 (AVPR2) plays an important antidiuretic role
      in regulating water balance to maintain osmotic equilibrium. The aim of this
      study was to determine if there were any associations between single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs), within the AVPR2 gene, and changes in serum sodium
      concentrations and/or body weight (BW) in Ironman triathletes. Caucasian male
      triathletes who completed either the 2000, 2001 or 2006 South African Ironman
      Triathlons were genotyped (n=570) for at least one SNP. Pre- and post-race serum
      [Na+] (pre n=514; post n=423) and BWs (pre n=556; post n=552) were measured.
      Triathletes were divided into 3 groups according to their relative BW loss during
      the triathlon (BW loss of 0-3, 3-5 and >5%). There was a significant linear trend
      (p=0.010, x2=6.7) for the distribution of minor haplotypes GCT, GTC and GCC
      across the 3 BW loss groups. The >5% group had the highest percentage (4.7%) of
      triathletes with minor haplotypes followed by the 3-5% (3.6%) and 3-0% (0%)
      groups. In conclusion, the minor haplotype constructs of AVPR2 SNPs were
      associated with larger BW losses during the Ironman Triathlons. This finding
      supports a possible genetic contribution to BW loss during endurance exercise
      events acting through the argine vasopression system.

PMID- 22052025
TI  - Step length and individual anaerobic threshold assessment in swimming.
AB  - Anaerobic threshold is widely used for diagnosis of swimming aerobic endurance
      but the precise incremental protocols step duration for its assessment is
      controversial. A physiological and biomechanical comparison between intermittent
      incremental protocols with different step lengths and a maximal lactate steady
      state (MLSS) test was conducted. 17 swimmers performed 7*200, 300 and 400 m (30 s
      and 24 h rest between steps and protocols) in front crawl until exhaustion and an
      MLSS test. The blood lactate concentration values ([La-]) at individual anaerobic
      threshold were 2.1+/-0.1, 2.2+/-0.2 and 1.8+/-0.1 mmol.l - 1 in the 200, 300 and
      400 m protocols (with significant differences between 300 and 400 m tests), and
      2.9+/-1.2 mmol.l - 1 at MLSS (higher than the incremental protocols); all these
      values are much lower than the traditional 4 mmol.l - 1 value. The velocities at
      individual anaerobic threshold obtained in incremental protocols were similar
      (and highly related) to the MLSS, being considerably lower than the velocity at 4
      mmol.l - 1. Stroke rate increased and stroke length decreased throughout the
      different incremental protocols. It was concluded that it is valid to use
      intermittent incremental protocols of 200 and 300 m lengths to assess the
      swimming velocity corresponding to individual anaerobic threshold, the
      progressive protocols tend to underestimate the [La-] at anaerobic threshold
      assessed by the MLSS test, and swimmers increase velocity through stroke rate
      increases.

PMID- 22052026
TI  - Cardiorespiratory and neuromuscular responses during water aerobics exercise
      performed with and without equipment.
AB  - The aim of the study was to compare the cardiorespiratory and neuromuscular
      responses to water aerobics exercise performed with and without equipment. 15
      women performed stationary jogging combined with elbow flexion/extension without
      equipment, with water-drag forces equipment and with water-floating equipment, at
      2 submaximal cadences and at maximal cadence. Heart rate, oxygen uptake and
      electromyographic signal from biceps brachii, triceps brachii, biceps femoris and
      rectus femoris were collected during the exercise. The heart rate and oxygen
      uptake showed significantly higher values during the execution of the water
      aerobics exercise with either equipment compared to the execution without
      equipment. In addition, significant difference was found between submaximal
      cadences. For neuromuscular responses, no significant differences were found
      between the submaximal cadences for all muscles analyzed; however, significant
      differences were found between these submaximal cadences and the maximal cadence.
      Similarly, the results showed no significant differences between the execution of
      the exercise with or without equipment, except in the muscle activation of
      triceps brachii and biceps femoris, which was higher when using water-floating
      and water-drag forces equipment, respectively. In conclusion, the water aerobics
      exercise presented higher cardiorespiratory responses with equipment and also
      increased the cadence of execution. Nevertheless, neuromuscular responses were
      higher only at maximal cadence.

PMID- 22052027
TI  - Compression sleeves increase tissue oxygen saturation but not running
      performance.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of calf compression
      sleeves on running performance and on calf tissue oxygen saturation (StO2) at
      rest before exercise and during recovery period. 14 moderately trained athletes
      completed 2 identical sessions of treadmill running with and without calf
      compression sleeves in randomized order. Each session comprised: 15 min at rest,
      30 min at 60% maximal aerobic velocity determined beforehand, 15 min of passive
      recovery, a running time to exhaustion at 100% maximal aerobic velocity, and 30
      min of passive recovery. Calf StO2 was determined by near infra-red spectroscopy
      and running performance by the time to exhaustion. Compression sleeves increased
      significantly StO2 at rest before exercise (+ 6.4+/-1.9%) and during recovery
      from exercise (+ 7.4+/-1.7% and + 10.7+/-1.8% at 20th and 30th min of the last
      recovery period, respectively). No difference was observed between the times to
      exhaustion performed with and without compression sleeves (269.4+/-18.4 s and
      263.3+/-19.8 s, respectively). Within the framework of this study, the
      compression sleeves do not improve running performance in tlim. However the StO2
      results argue for further interest of this garment during effort recovery.

PMID- 22052028
TI  - Physiological responses to treadmill and cycle exercise.
AB  - This study aimed to identify differences in the acute cardio-respiratory,
      metabolic and perceptual responses between exercise performed on the treadmill
      and on the cycle ergometer at several intensities. The sample comprised of 20
      voluntary male participants (age=22.5 +/- 1.8 years; height=177.7 +/- 7.0 cm;
      body mass=72.6 +/- 7.9 kg; fat mass=7.87 +/- 1.3%) that performed 5 submaximal 8
      min exercise bouts, interspersed with a 10 min period of passive recovery.
      Exercise intensity used on the treadmill was 10, 12, 14, 15 and 16 km/h (0%
      gradient), and 80, 120, 160, 180 and 200 W on the cycle ergometer (65-70 rpm).
      There was a significant mode effect and also mode*intensity interaction in oxygen
      uptake and heart rate with higher values in the treadmill protocol (F=32.0
      p=0.000, eta2=0.65 and F=132.0 p=0.000, eta2=0.88, respectively). The respiratory
      exchange ratio and blood lactate concentrations were not different across modes
      (F1, 18=1.9 p=0.183 and F1, 17=0.1 p=0.964, respectively) and rate of perceived
      exertion values were higher in the cycle ergometer (F1, 12=1.2 p=0.288).
      Generally, results showed a larger exercise mode effect on the cardio-respiratory
      variables with higher response patterns on the treadmill, differing according to
      exercise intensity.

PMID- 22052029
TI  - Incidence of injuries in French professional soccer players.
AB  - In this prevalence cohort study, injuries sustained during 15 seasons in a
      professional soccer team were investigated according to the different soccer
      seasons, number of matches per season, month the injury occurred, location,
      severity, playing position and the team's rank at the end of the French
      professional championship. Altogether, 903 injuries in 173 professional soccer
      players were reported. Injury incidence per 1 000 h of exposure during matches
      and training was 4.7+/-5. This incidence did not vary significantly between
      seasons. However, injury incidence increased after the year 2003 and constantly
      exceeded 4.2. In the same way, after 2002 muscle injury incidence always exceeded
      2 per 1 000 h of exposure. Injury incidence peaked during the month of January.
      Hamstring muscle injury represented the most frequent injury. No difference in
      injury incidence was found according to the playing position or to the season
      whether the team participated or not in the European cup. No correlation was
      found with the team's rank at the end of the French championship. This study
      highlighted no significant variation on injury incidence over a 15-season period
      except for the muscle injury rate in high level soccer players.

PMID- 22052030
TI  - Effects of sprint interval training on elite Judoists.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of sprint interval
      training (SIT) compared to control group (CG). 29 Judoists were assigned to SIT
      group (n=11, age 20.00+/-1.10 years) and CG (n=18, age 19.94+/-1.16 years). There
      were no significant changes in body fat and aerobic performance (VO2max, HRmax,
      and HR after Judo match) after 4 and 8 weeks. However, anaerobic peak power and
      mean power in SIT group was significantly increased by 16% and 17% at 4 weeks and
      by 17% and 22% at 8 weeks compared to baseline values (p<0.05). At 8 weeks, blood
      lactate concentration after graded exercise was significantly decreased in SIT
      group compared to CG after 10 and 15 min of recovery (p< 0.05). After Judo match,
      triglyceride and epinephrine were significantly increased in CG compared to SIT
      group (p<0.05) at 4 and 8 weeks. Otherwise, there were no significant changes of
      total cholesterol, albumin, FFA, and norepinephrine in both groups. We suggested
      that SIT program for elite Judoists would be effective to increase anaerobic
      power in a short period during off-season training.

PMID- 22052031
TI  - The antinociceptive efficacy of HWTX-I epidurally administered in rheumatoid
      arthritis rats.
AB  - Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is one of the inflammatory kinds of arthritis in the
      clinical situation, and cytosolic Ca2+ overload has been proposed as one of the
      primary factors for many inflammatory cells activation, which lead to relative
      enzymes and inflammatory factors release. It is therefore accepted that Ca2+
      channel blockers can protect joint injury from inflammation. In the present study
      we investigated the possible molecular mechanism of the antinociceptive efficacy
      of HWTX-I, a spider peptide toxin blocking Ca2+ channels, on the rat rheumatoid
      arthritis model. Our study demonstrates that HWTX-I can relieve pain in the
      inflammatory joints and eliminate arthrocele to some degree. Moreover, HWTX-I can
      also decrease the concentration of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and
      increase the concentration of interleukin 4(IL-4) and interleukin 10(IL-10) in
      rat's serum. HWTX-I can also decrease the mRNA expression level of related
      factors of TNF-alpha, interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta) and interleukin 6(IL-6) in
      inflammatory pathways in rheumatoid arthritis. Therefore, the present results
      show that the epidural administration of HWTX-I is effective in antinociception
      in the rat model of rheumatoid arthritis, which may act through its inhibition on
      certain inflammatory pathways.

PMID- 22052032
TI  - The record power profile to assess performance in elite cyclists.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to assess the Record Power Profile (RPP) of
      cyclists, i. e., the relationship between different record Power Output (PO) and
      the corresponding durations through a whole race season. We hypothesized that PO
      of different effort durations could differ according to the cyclist's category
      and race performance profile. 17 cyclists (9 professionals and 8 elites)
      performed all trainings and competitions during 10 months with a mobile power
      meter device (SRM) mounted on their bike. The results show that the cyclists' RPP
      is a hyperbolic relationship between the different record PO and time durations.
      It significantly reflects the characteristics of different skills: (1) sprinters
      have the highest record PO within zone 5, (2) climbers present the highest record
      PO within zones 2-3 and, (3) climbers and flat specialists have higher zone 1
      record PO than sprinters. These results suggest that the RPP represents "a
      signature" of the cyclists' physical capacity and that it allows the
      determination of different training intensities. The RPP appears as a new concept
      that is interesting for coaches and scientists in order to evaluate performance
      in cycling.

PMID- 22052033
TI  - Time motion and video analysis of classical ballet and contemporary dance
      performance.
AB  - Video analysis has become a useful tool in the preparation for sport performance
      and its use has highlighted the different physiological demands of seemingly
      similar sports and playing positions. The aim of the current study was to examine
      the performance differences between classical ballet and contemporary dance. In
      total 93 dance performances (48 ballet and 45 contemporary) were analysed for
      exercise intensity, changes in direction and specific discrete skills (e. g.,
      jumps, lifts). Results revealed significant differences between the 2 dance forms
      for exercise intensity (p<0.001), changes in direction (p<0.001) and discrete
      skills (p<0.05) with gender differences noted in the latter (p<0.05). Ballet was
      characterised by longer periods at rest (38 s x min(-1)) and high to very high
      exercise intensities (9 s x min(-1)), whilst contemporary dance featured more
      continuous moderate exercise intensities (27 s x min(-1)). These differences have
      implications on the energy systems utilised during performance with ballet
      potentially stressing the anaerobic system more than contemporary dance. The
      observed high rates in the discrete skills in ballet (5 jumps x min(-1); 2 lifts
      x min(-1)) can cause local muscular damage, particularly in relatively weaker
      individuals. In conclusion, classical ballet and contemporary dance performances
      are as significantly different in the underlying physical demands placed on their
      performers as the artistic aspects of the choreography.

PMID- 22052034
TI  - Optimising the acquisition and retention of heat acclimation.
AB  - Heat acclimation (HA) often starts in a moderately hot environment to prevent
      thermal overload and stops immediately prior to athletic activities. The aims of
      this study were (1) to establish whether acclimation to a moderately hot climate
      is sufficient to provide full acclimation for extreme heat and (2) to investigate
      the physiological responses to heat stress during the HA decay period. 15 male
      subjects exercised for 9 consecutive days at 26 degrees  C Wet Bulb Globe
      Temperature (WBGT) and 3 days at 32 degrees  C WBGT on a cycle ergometer for up
      to 2 h per day and repeated the exercise 3, 7 and 18 days later in 26 degrees  C
      WBGT. Rectal temperature (T (re)) and heart rate (HR) were measured during 60 min
      of steady state exercise (~45% of maximum oxygen uptake). During days 1-9, end
      exercise T (re) was reduced from 38.7+/-0.1 to a plateau of 38.2+/-0.1 degrees  C
      (p<0.05), HR was reduced from 156+/-10 to 131+/-11 bpm (p<0.05). No changes in HR
      and T (re) occurred during the 3 days in the very hot environment. However, T
      (re) during rest and exercise were significantly lower by 0.4-0.5 degrees  C
      after HA compared with day 9, suggesting that heat acclimation did not decay but
      resulted in further favourable adaptations.

PMID- 22052035
TI  - High and rising health care costs.
AB  - The U.S. is spending a growing share of the GDP on health care, outpacing other
      industrialized countries. This synthesis examines why costs are higher in the
      U.S. and what is driving their growth. Key findings include: health care
      inefficiency, medical technology and health status (particularly obesity) are the
      primary drivers of rising U.S. health care costs. Health payer systems that
      reward inefficiencies and preempt competition have impeded productivity gains in
      the health care sector. The best evidence indicates medical technology accounts
      for one-half to two-thirds of spending growth. While medical malpractice
      insurance and defensive medicine contribute to health costs, they are not large
      enough factors to significantly contribute to a rise in spending. Research is
      consistent that demographics will not be a significant factor in driving spending
      despite the aging baby boomers.

PMID- 22052036
TI  - Androgen depletion in humans leads to cavernous tissue reorganization and
      upregulation of Sirt1-eNOS axis.
AB  - Aging and physiological androgen decay leads to structural changes in corpus
      cavernosum (CC) that associate with erectile function impairment. There is
      evidence that such changes relate to nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, an
      endothelial compound produced by the action of endothelial NO synthase (eNOS),
      and is regulated by sirtuin-1 (Sirt1), a NAD(+)-dependent protein deacetylase.
      Taking into account the reduced NO synthesis observed in aging and erectile
      dysfunction, we aimed to characterize human CC of androgen-deprived, young, and
      aged individuals postulating that androgen deprivation induces modifications
      similar to those observed in aging. Human penile fragments were collected from
      young individuals submitted to male-to-female sex reassignment procedure, who
      undergone an androgen deprivation chemical regimen, from young organ donors and
      from aged patients submitted to penile deviation surgery. They were processed for
      histomorphometric analysis of smooth muscle (SM) and connective tissues (CT), and
      dual-immunofluorescence of alpha-actin/vWf or Sirt1, and endothelin-1/eNOS.
      Estrogen receptors were analyzed by immunohistochemistry and semiquantification
      of Sirt1, eNOS, and phospho-Akt was assayed by Western blotting. Androgen
      withdrawal, similarly to aging, leads to a noteworthy reduction of SM-to-CT ratio
      in CC. However, in contrast to young and aged, a significant increase in penile
      Sirt1 expression accompanied by an increase in total eNOS expression was observed
      in androgen-depleted individuals. No changes were evidenced in phospho-Akt system
      and estrogen receptors were undetectable. These findings indicate that Sirt1
      regulates the expression of eNOS in human CC employing mechanisms influenced by
      androgen depletion.

PMID- 22052037
TI  - Intramuscular Transplantation of Muscle Precursor Cells over-expressing MMP-9
      improves Transplantation Success.
AB  - Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is characterized by the absence of dystrophin
      in muscles. A therapeutic approach to restore dystrophin expression in DMD
      patient's muscles is the transplantation of muscle precursor cells (MPCs).
      However, this transplantation is limited by the low MPC capacity to migrate
      beyond the injection trajectory. Matrix metalloproteases (MMPs) are key
      regulatory molecules in the remodeling of extracellular matrix (ECM) components.
      MPCs over-expressing MMP-9 were tested by zymography, migration and invasion
      assays in vitro and by transplantation in mouse muscle. In vitro, MPCs over
      expressing MMP-9 have a better invasion capacity than control MPCs. When these
      cells are transplanted in mouse muscles, the transplantation success is increased
      by more than 50% and their dispersion is higher than normal cells. MMP-9 over
      expression could thus be an approach to improve cell transplantation in DMD
      patients by increasing the dispersion capacity of transplanted cells.

PMID- 22052039
TI  - The outcome of initial percutaneous drainage versus surgical drainage for intra
      abdominal abscesses in Crohn's disease.
AB  - PURPOSE: Percutaneous drainage (PD) of Crohn's related abscesses is becoming
      popular with the development of techniques. We retrospectively analyzed the
      outcome of initial PD versus initial surgical drainage for intra-abdominal
      abscesses in Crohn's disease. METHODS: Twenty-three patients of Crohn's disease
      complicated with intra-abdominal or pelvic abscesses treated in our institution
      between July 2001 and April 2010 were retrospectively identified from 188
      patients with proven Crohn's disease. Outcome measures included abscess
      recurrence after different treatments, post-drainage complications, ultimate
      stoma creation, and subsequent surgery for Crohn's disease. RESULTS: Patients
      were divided into initial PD group (n = 10) and initial surgery group (n = 13):
      post-drainage complications were more common in initial surgery group (2/10 vs
      9/13, P = 0.036), abscess recurred in three patients (2/10 vs 1/13, NS), and
      subsequent surgery was needed in 10 patients (6/10 vs 4/13, NS). Ultimate stoma
      creation were significantly more in initial surgery group (1/10 vs 9/13, P =
      0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Initial PD group had lower rate of post-drainage
      complications and ultimate stoma creation compared to the initial surgery group.
      Although subsequent surgery may not be avoided after PD, it can provide safe
      anastomosis for resections. Long-term follow-up should be done to assess the
      outcome of PD.

PMID- 22052040
TI  - Stapled and conventional Milligan-Morgan haemorrhoidectomy: different solutions
      for different targets.
AB  - PURPOSE: Haemorrhoidal disease is one of the most common anorectal disorders. The
      aim of this study is to compare the results, over the last 10 years, of stapled
      haemorrhoidopexy (SH) with those of standard Milligan-Morgan haemorrhoidectomy
      (M&M). Furthermore, we discuss the proper indications for each technique in terms
      of the lowest rate of complications and long-term results. METHODS: Three hundred
      forty-three patients with different degrees of symptomatic haemorrhoids underwent
      SH or M&M from January 2005 to December 2007. Patients were divided into two
      groups, age and sex matched. The administration of painkillers drugs, antibiotics
      and laxatives, complication symptoms and hospital stay in all the patients were
      recorded after surgical treatment. RESULTS: The mean operative time was shorter
      in the stapled group compared to that in the open group (31 min versus 40 min).
      Postoperative pain, hospital stay and return to full activity were shorter in the
      stapled group. There was a significant difference in the wound healing time
      between the two groups. We noticed a higher rate of recurrence in patients
      treated with stapled haemorrhoidectomy for fourth-degree haemorrhoids.
      CONCLUSIONS: According to our experience, the Longo technique is indicated for
      the treatment of haemorrhoids of second- and third degree. In the latter grades
      of prolapse, the Milligan-Morgan haemorrhoidectomy can also be applied with good
      outcomes. We believe that, in case of irreducible prolapse, the M&M is to be
      preferred. However, operative management varies according to surgeon's interest
      and is tailored to meet the individual patient's need.

PMID- 22052041
TI  - Tumor location is a prognostic factor in poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma,
      mucinous adenocarcinoma, and signet-ring cell carcinoma of the colon.
AB  - PURPOSE: Cancers which arise in the proximal and distal colon are suggested to be
      different clinically, pathologically, and genetically. The aim of this study is
      to clarify whether clinical behavior of colonic poorly differentiated
      adenocarcinoma, mucinous adenocarcinoma, and signet-cell carcinoma (Por/Muc/Sig
      cancers), minor and aggressive subpopulation in colonic cancers, differs in
      accordance with the tumor location. METHODS: A total of 3,175 patients with
      curatively resected colonic cancers were studied. Clinical and pathological
      features were compared between Por/Muc/Sig cancers and well or moderately
      differentiated adenocarcinomas (Wel/Mod cancers) and between proximal and distal
      cancers in each histologic type. RESULTS: Por/Muc/Sig cancers (n = 213) were more
      advanced in the TNM stage and showed worse disease-specific survival than Wel/Mod
      cancers (n = 2,692). In Por/Muc/Sig cancers, but not in Wel/Mod cancers, proximal
      cancers showed significantly better disease-specific survival than distal cancers
      (88.9% vs. 76.5%, p = 0.0234), and a multivariate analysis showed that proximal
      tumor location was an independent predictor of fair prognosis (hazard ratio (HR),
      0.458; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.218-0.961; p = 0.0390). In addition,
      female gender also was an independent predictor of fair prognosis in Por/Muc/Sig
      cancers (HR, 0.373; 95% CI, 0.151-0.922) and not in Wel/Mod cancers. CONCLUSIONS:
      Proximal Por/Muc/Sig cancers were suggested to be a distinct subpopulation with a
      favorable oncologic outcome. Tumor location and gender might be helpful in the
      risk stratification after curative surgery for Por/Muc/Sig cancers.

PMID- 22052042
TI  - Compendium of animal rabies prevention and control, 2011.
AB  - Rabies has one of the highest case-fatality ratios of any infectious disease.
      This report provides recommendations for public health officials, veterinarians,
      animal control officials, and other parties engaged in rabies prevention and
      control activities and should serve as the basis for standardizing procedures
      among jurisdictions. The recommendations regarding domestic animal vaccination,
      management of animals exposed to rabies, and management of animals that bite
      humans are the core elements of animal rabies control and human rabies
      prevention. These updated 2011 guidelines include the national case definition
      for animal rabies and clarify the role of the CDC rabies laboratory in providing
      confirmatory testing of suspect animals. The table of rabies vaccines licensed
      and marketed in the United States has been updated, and additional references
      have been included to provide scientific support for information in this report.

PMID- 22052043
TI  - Delivering a pharmacogenetic service: is there a role for genetic counselors?
AB  - Pharmacogenetics, the use of genetic information to direct safer and or more
      effective prescription of medication, is a relatively new clinical concept.
      Currently, there is no consensus regarding which healthcare professionals should
      deliver pharmacogenetic services. This study explored the opinions of genetic
      counselors about their potential role in delivering pharmacogenetic services.
      Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted with 14 genetic
      counselors. Four vignettes describing pharmacogenetic testing scenarios were used
      to elicit views on specific clinical applications. Data were analysed using the
      constant comparative method. Opinions varied, but the majority of interviewees
      suggested that genetic counselors could have a role. However, participants
      suggested that additional training would be needed due to counselors' limited
      knowledge of pharmacogenetics. Employing genetic counselors in a specialist role
      within a multidisciplinary clinic was suggested as a model of service delivery.
      Service models developed for pharmacogenetic testing may need to be adapted
      according to the issues presented by each type of test.

PMID- 22052044
TI  - Challenging endeavour for preservation of freeze-dried mammalian spermatozoa.
AB  - Freeze-drying (lyophilization) has been proposed as an alternative method for
      sperm preservation to overcome the disadvantages of the current cryopreservation
      method such as the high maintenance cost of frozen stocks, the problems
      associated with transportation of frozen materials and the potential risk of
      total loss of the frozen stock. Since freeze-dried spermatozoa after rehydration
      lose their motility, which is an essential requirement to complete physiological
      fertilization, a relatively difficult microinsemination technique must be applied
      to rehydrated spermatozoa. Theoretically, it has been supposed that freeze-dried
      spermatozoa could maintain their functions and abilities to interact with the
      oocyte cytoplasm after prolonged storage at refrigerator temperature. However,
      sufficient yield of transferable blastocysts and production of live offspring
      derived from freeze-dried sperm samples are still subjects to be challenged and
      overcome in large domestic species.

PMID- 22052045
TI  - Environmental lead after Hurricane Katrina: implications for future populations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: As a result of Hurricane Katrina, > 100,000 homes were destroyed or
      damaged and a significant amount of sediment was deposited throughout the city of
      New Orleans, Louisiana. Researchers have identified the potential for increased
      lead hazards from environmental lead contamination of soils. OBJECTIVES: We
      assessed the distribution of residential soil and dust lead 2 years poststorm and
      compared soil lead before and after the storm. METHODS: We conducted a cross
      sectional study in New Orleans in which households were selected by stratified
      random sampling. A standard residential questionnaire was administered, and lead
      testing was performed for both the interior and exterior of homes. Logistic
      regression was used to identify significant predictors of interior and exterior
      lead levels in excess of allowable levels. RESULTS: One hundred nine households
      were enrolled; 61% had at least one lead measurement above federal standards. Of
      homes with bare soil, 47% had elevated lead and 27% had levels exceeding 1,200
      ppm. Housing age was associated with soil lead, and housing age and soil lead
      were associated with interior lead. Race, income, and ownership status were not
      significantly associated with either interior or exterior lead levels. The median
      soil lead level of 560 ppm was significantly higher than the median level of
      samples collected before Hurricane Katrina. CONCLUSIONS: The high prevalence
      (61%) of lead above recommended levels in soil and dust samples in and around
      residences raises concern about potential health risks to the New Orleans
      population, most notably children. Steps should be taken to mitigate the risk of
      exposure to lead-contaminated soil and dust. Further research is needed to
      quantify the possible contribution of reconstruction activities to environmental
      lead levels.

PMID- 22052046
TI  - The renal papilla: an enigma in damage and repair.

PMID- 22052047
TI  - Development of the renal arterioles.
AB  - The kidney is a highly vascularized organ that normally receives a fifth of the
      cardiac output. The unique spatial arrangement of the kidney vasculature with
      each nephron is crucial for the regulation of renal blood flow, GFR, urine
      concentration, and other specialized kidney functions. Thus, the proper and
      timely assembly of kidney vessels with their respective nephrons is a crucial
      morphogenetic event leading to the formation of a functioning kidney necessary
      for independent extrauterine life. Mechanisms that govern the development of the
      kidney vasculature are poorly understood. In this review, we discuss the
      anatomical development, embryological origin, lineage relationships, and key
      regulators of the kidney arterioles and postglomerular circulation. Because renal
      disease is associated with deterioration of the kidney microvasculature and/or
      the reenactment of embryonic pathways, understanding the morphogenetic events and
      processes that maintain the renal vasculature may open new avenues for the
      preservation of renal structure and function and prevent the progression of renal
      disease.

PMID- 22052048
TI  - Prorenin receptor is essential for normal podocyte structure and function.
AB  - The prorenin receptor is an accessory subunit of the vacuolar H(+)-ATPase,
      suggesting that it has fundamental functions beyond activation of the local renin
      angiotensin system. Podocytes express the prorenin receptor, but its function in
      these cells is unknown. Here, podocyte-specific, conditional, prorenin receptor
      knockout mice died of kidney failure and severe proteinuria within 4 weeks of
      birth. The podocytes of these mice exhibited foot process effacement with reduced
      and altered localization of the slit-diaphragm proteins nephrin and podocin.
      Furthermore, the podocytes contained numerous autophagic vacuoles, confirmed by
      enhanced accumulation of microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3-positive
      intracellular vesicles. Ablation of the prorenin receptor selectively suppressed
      expression of the V(0) c-subunit of the vacuolar H(+)-ATPase in podocytes,
      resulting in deacidification of intracellular vesicles. In conclusion, the
      prorenin receptor is important for the maintenance of normal podocyte structure
      and function.

PMID- 22052049
TI  - Innate immunity and dendritic cells in kidney disease and the nobel prize.

PMID- 22052050
TI  - The prorenin receptor: what's in a name.

PMID- 22052051
TI  - Is the malnutrition-inflammation complex the secret behind greater survival of
      African-American dialysis patients?

PMID- 22052052
TI  - AT1 receptors in the collecting duct directly modulate the concentration of
      urine.
AB  - Mice lacking AT(1) angiotensin receptors have an impaired capacity to concentrate
      the urine, but the underlying mechanism is unknown. To determine whether direct
      actions of AT(1) receptors in epithelial cells of the collecting duct regulate
      water reabsorption, we used Cre-Loxp technology to specifically eliminate AT(1A)
      receptors from the collecting duct in mice (CD-KOs). Although levels of AT(1A)
      receptor mRNA in the inner medulla of CD-KO mice were significantly reduced,
      their kidneys appeared structurally normal. Under basal conditions, plasma and
      urine osmolalities and urine volumes were similar between CD-KO mice and
      controls. The increase in urine osmolality in response to water deprivation or
      vasopressin administration, however, was consistently attenuated in CD-KO mice.
      Similarly, levels of aquaporin-2 protein in inner and outer medulla after water
      deprivation were significantly lower in CD-KO mice compared with controls,
      despite its normal localization to the apical membrane. In summary, these results
      demonstrate that AT(1A) receptors in epithelial cells of the collecting duct
      directly modulate aquaporin-2 levels and contribute to the concentration of
      urine.

PMID- 22052053
TI  - Antifibrotic effect of tamoxifen in a model of progressive renal disease.
AB  - Tamoxifen, a selective estrogen receptor modulator, has antifibrotic properties;
      however, whether it can attenuate renal fibrosis is unknown. In this study, we
      tested the effects of tamoxifen in a model of hypertensive nephrosclerosis
      (chronic inhibition of nitric oxide synthesis with L-NAME). After 30 days,
      treated rats had significantly lower levels of albuminuria as well as lower
      histologic scores for glomerulosclerosis and interstitial fibrosis than untreated
      controls. Tamoxifen was renoprotective despite having no effect on the sustained,
      severe hypertension induced by L-NAME. Tamoxifen prevented the accumulation of
      extracellular matrix by decreasing the expression of collagen I, collagen III,
      and fibronectin mRNA and protein. These renoprotective effects associated with
      inhibition of TGF-beta1 and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, and with a
      significant reduction in alpha-smooth muscle actin-positive cells in the renal
      interstitium. Furthermore, tamoxifen abrogated IL-1beta- and angiotensin-II
      induced proliferation of fibroblasts from both kidney explants and from the NRK
      49F cell line. Tamoxifen also inhibited the expression of extracellular matrix
      components and the production and release of TGF-beta1 into the supernatant of
      these cells. In summary, tamoxifen exhibits antifibrotic effects in the L-NAME
      model of hypertensive nephrosclerosis, likely through the inhibition of TGF
      beta1, suggesting that it may have therapeutic use in CKD treatment.

PMID- 22052054
TI  - Notch promotes dynamin-dependent endocytosis of nephrin.
AB  - Notch signaling in podocytes causes proteinuria and glomerulosclerosis in humans
      and rodents, but the underlying mechanism remains unknown. Here, we analyzed
      morphologic, molecular, and cellular events before the onset of proteinuria in
      newborn transgenic mice that express activated Notch in podocytes.
      Immunohistochemistry revealed a loss of the slit diaphragm protein nephrin
      exclusively in podocytes expressing activated Notch. Podocyte-specific deletion
      of Rbpj, which is essential for canonical Notch signaling, prevented this loss of
      nephrin. Overexpression of activated Notch decreased cell surface nephrin and
      increased cytoplasmic nephrin in transfected HEK293T cells; pharmacologic
      inhibition of dynamin, but not depletion of cholesterol, blocked these effects on
      nephrin, suggesting that Notch promotes dynamin-dependent, raft-independent
      endocytosis of nephrin. Supporting an association between Notch signaling and
      nephrin trafficking, electron microscopy revealed shortened podocyte foot
      processes and fewer slit diaphragms among the transgenic mice compared with
      controls. These data suggest that Notch signaling induces endocytosis of nephrin,
      thereby triggering the onset of proteinuria.

PMID- 22052055
TI  - A clinicopathologic study of thrombotic microangiopathy in IgA nephropathy.
AB  - Thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA) occurs in IgA nephropathy, but its clinical
      significance is not well described. We retrospectively examined a series of 128
      patients diagnosed with IgA nephropathy between 2002 and 2008 who had a mean
      follow-up of 44+/-27 months. In our series, 53% presented with lesions of TMA,
      acute or organized, in arteries and/or arterioles. Among patients with TMA, 4%
      were normotensive, 25% had controlled hypertension, and 71% had uncontrolled
      hypertension. Of those with uncontrolled hypertension, 26% had malignant
      hypertension. Histologically, the group with TMA had a significantly greater
      percentage of sclerotic glomeruli and worse tubulointerstitial fibrosis than
      those of the group without TMA. However, a significant minority of patients had
      near-normal histology, with minimal tubular atrophy (20%) and/or <20%
      interstitial fibrosis (24%). TMA rarely occurred in the absence of significant
      proteinuria. During follow-up, a doubling of serum creatinine or ESRD occurred in
      all patients with laboratory evidence of TMA, in 42% of those with morphologic
      evidence but no laboratory evidence of TMA, and in 11% of those without TMA. In
      summary, lesions of TMA are frequent in IgA nephropathy and may occur in
      normotensive patients with near-normal renal histology. Although the
      pathophysiologic mechanisms involved remain undetermined, the current study rules
      out severe hypertension or advanced renal disease as sole causes.

PMID- 22052056
TI  - Immune profile of pediatric renal transplant recipients following alemtuzumab
      induction.
AB  - The incidence of developing circulating anti-human leukocyte antigen antibodies
      and the kinetics of T cell depletion and recovery among pediatric renal
      transplant recipients who receive alemtuzumab induction therapy are unknown. In a
      collaborative endeavor to minimize maintenance immunosuppression in pediatric
      renal transplant recipients, we enrolled 35 participants from four centers and
      treated them with alemtuzumab induction therapy and a steroid-free, calcineurin
      inhibitor-withdrawal maintenance regimen. At 3 months after transplant, there was
      greater depletion of CD4(+) than CD8(+) T cells within the total, naive, memory,
      and effector memory subsets, although depletion of the central memory subset was
      similar for CD4(+) and CD8(+) cells. Although CD8(+) T cells recovered faster
      than CD4(+) subsets overall, they failed to return to pretransplant levels by 24
      months after transplant. There was no evidence for greater recovery of either
      CD4(+) or CD8(+) memory cells than naive cells. Alemtuzumab relatively spared
      CD4(+)CD25(+)FoxP3(+) regulatory T cells, resulting in a rise in their numbers
      relative to total CD4(+) cells and a ratio that remained at least at
      pretransplant levels throughout the study period. Seven participants (20%)
      developed anti-human leukocyte antigen antibodies without adversely affecting
      allograft function or histology on 2-year biopsies. Long-term follow-up is
      underway to assess the potential benefits of this regimen in children.

PMID- 22052057
TI  - Anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies stimulate release of neutrophil
      microparticles.
AB  - The mechanisms by which anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCAs) may
      contribute to the pathogenesis of ANCA-associated vasculitis are not well
      understood. In this study, both polyclonal ANCAs isolated from patients and
      chimeric proteinase 3-ANCA induced the release of neutrophil microparticles from
      primed neutrophils. These microparticles expressed a variety of markers,
      including the ANCA autoantigens proteinase 3 and myeloperoxidase. They bound
      endothelial cells via a CD18-mediated mechanism and induced an increase in
      endothelial intercellular adhesion molecule-1 expression, production of
      endothelial reactive oxygen species, and release of endothelial IL-6 and IL-8.
      Removal of the neutrophil microparticles by filtration or inhibition of reactive
      oxygen species production with antioxidants abolished microparticle-mediated
      endothelial activation. In addition, these microparticles promoted the generation
      of thrombin. In vivo, we detected more neutrophil microparticles in the plasma of
      children with ANCA-associated vasculitis compared with that in healthy controls
      or those with inactive vasculitis. Taken together, these results support a role
      for neutrophil microparticles in the pathogenesis of ANCA-associated vasculitis,
      potentially providing a target for future therapeutics.

PMID- 22052058
TI  - Clusterin attenuates the development of renal fibrosis.
AB  - Upregulation of clusterin occurs in several renal diseases and models of
      nephrotoxicity, but whether this promotes injury or is a protective reaction to
      injury is unknown. Here, in the mouse unilateral ureteral obstruction model,
      obstruction markedly increased the expression of clusterin, plasminogen activator
      inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), type I collagen, and fibronectin. Compared with wild-type
      mice, clusterin-deficient mice exhibited higher levels of PAI-1, type I collagen,
      and fibronectin and accelerated renal fibrosis in response to obstruction. In
      cultured rat tubular epithelium-like cells, adenovirus-mediated overexpression of
      clusterin inhibited the expression of TGF-beta-stimulated PAI-1, type I collagen,
      and fibronectin. Clusterin inhibited TGF-beta-stimulated Smad3 activity via
      inhibition of Smad3 phosphorylation and its nuclear translocation. Moreover,
      intrarenal delivery of adenovirus-expressing clusterin upregulated expression of
      clusterin in tubular epithelium-like cells and attenuated obstruction-induced
      renal fibrosis. In conclusion, clusterin attenuates renal fibrosis in obstructive
      nephropathy. These results suggest that upregulation of clusterin during renal
      injury is a protective response against the development of renal fibrosis.

PMID- 22052059
TI  - Comments on sudden death due to polyarteritis nodosa.

PMID- 22052060
TI  - miR-150 as a potential biomarker associated with prognosis and therapeutic
      outcome in colorectal cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: MicroRNAs (miRNA) have potential as prognostic biomarkers and
      therapeutic targets in cancer. A study was undertaken to investigate the
      association between miRNA expression patterns and the prognosis and therapeutic
      outcome of colorectal cancer (CRC). METHODS: miRNA expression profiling in
      tumour, adenoma and normal colorectal tissues was performed to identify tumour
      related miRNAs in the course of colorectal malignant changes. Quantitative
      reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) assays were used to measure tumour-related
      miRNA and to assess its association with survival and response to adjuvant
      chemotherapy in 239 patients. In addition, to validate the findings, associations
      of the tumour-related miRNA with clinical characteristics of CRC were analysed in
      185 patients by in situ hybridisation (ISH) analysis. RESULTS: Only one miR-150
      was found to show a decrease in expression levels in the three tissue groups
      (normal, adenoma and cancer tissue) in parallel with increasing carcinogenesis of
      the colorectal tissue. In both ISH and qRT-PCR analysis, tumour tissue had
      reduced levels of miR-150 expression compared with paired non-cancerous tissue,
      which indicated that the levels of miR-150 expression were associated with CRC.
      Moreover, patients whose tumours had low miR-150 expression had shorter survival
      and a worse response to adjuvant chemotherapy than patients whose tumours had
      high miRNA expression. CONCLUSIONS: The miR-150 expression status of patients
      with CRC is associated with survival and response to adjuvant chemotherapy. It is
      suggested that miR-150 should be considered as a potential biomarker associated
      with the prognosis and therapeutic outcome in CRC.

PMID- 22052061
TI  - Bifidobacterium infantis 35624 administration induces Foxp3 T regulatory cells in
      human peripheral blood: potential role for myeloid and plasmacytoid dendritic
      cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intestinal homoeostasis is dependent on immunological tolerance to
      the microbiota. OBJECTIVE: To (1) determine if a probiotic could induce Foxp3 T
      cells in humans; (2) to elucidate the molecular mechanisms, which are involved in
      the induction of Foxp3 T cells by human dendritic cells. DESIGN: Cytokine
      secretion and Foxp3 expression were assessed in human volunteers following
      Bifidobacterium infantis feeding. Monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MDDCs),
      myeloid dendritic cells (mDCs) and plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) were
      incubated in vitro with B. infantis and autologous lymphocytes. Transcription
      factor expression, costimulatory molecule expression, cytokine secretion,
      retinoic acid and tryptophan metabolism were analysed. RESULTS: Volunteers fed B.
      infantis displayed a selective increase in secretion of interleukin (IL)-10 and
      enhanced Foxp3 expression in peripheral blood. In vitro, MDDCs, mDCs and pDCs
      expressed indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase and secreted IL-10, but not IL-12p70, in
      response to B. infantis. MDDC and mDC IL-10 secretion was Toll-like receptor
      (TLR)-2/6 dependent, while pDC IL-10 secretion was TLR-9 dependent. In addition,
      MDDCs and mDCs expressed RALDH2, which was TLR-2 and DC-SIGN dependent. B.
      infantis-stimulated MDDCs, mDCs and pDCs induced T cell Foxp3 expression. TLR-2,
      DC-SIGN and retinoic acid were required for MDDC and mDC induction of Foxp3 T
      cells, while pDCs required indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase. CONCLUSIONS: B. infantis
      administration to humans selectively promotes immunoregulatory responses,
      suggesting that this microbe may have therapeutic utility in patients with
      inflammatory disease. Cross-talk between multiple pattern-recognition receptors
      and metabolic pathways determines the innate and subsequent T regulatory cell
      response to B. infantis. These findings link nutrition, microbiota and the
      induction of tolerance within the gastrointestinal mucosa.

PMID- 22052062
TI  - Nottingham trial of faecal occult blood testing for colorectal cancer: a 20-year
      follow-up.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Three large randomised trials have shown that screening for
      colorectal cancer (CRC) using the faecal occult blood test (FOBt) can reduce the
      mortality from this disease. The largest of these trials, conducted in Nottingham
      since 1981, randomised 152,850 individuals between the ages of 45 and 74 years to
      an intervention arm receiving biennial Haemoccult (FOB) test kit or to a control
      arm. In 2006, the National Bowel Cancer Screening Programme was launched in
      England using the FOBt, with the expectation that it will reduce CRC mortality.
      AIMS: To compare the CRC mortality and incidence in the intervention arm with the
      control arm after long-term follow-up. METHODS: The 152,850 randomised
      individuals were followed up through local health records and central flagging
      (Office for National Statistics). RESULTS: At a median follow-up of 19.5 years
      there was a 13% reduction in CRC mortality (95% CI 3% to 22%) in the intervention
      arm despite an uptake at first invitation of approximately 57%. The CRC mortality
      reduction in those accepting the first screening test, adjusted for the rate of
      non-compliers, was 18%. There was no significant difference in mortality from
      causes other than CRC between the intervention and control arms. Despite removing
      615 adenomas >10 mm in size from the intervention arm, there was no significant
      difference in CRC incidence between the two arms. CONCLUSIONS: Although the
      reduction in CRC mortality was sustained, further follow-up of the screened
      population has not shown a significant reduction in the CRC incidence. Moreover,
      despite the removal of many large adenomas there was no reduction in the
      incidence of invasive cancer which was independent of sex and site of the tumour.

PMID- 22052064
TI  - CPEB1, a novel gene silenced in gastric cancer: a Drosophila approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer (GC) is a highly prevalent disease, being the fourth
      most common cancer and the second leading cause of cancer-associated deaths
      worldwide. Although many genes have been implicated in its development, many
      cases remain genetically unexplained. Hence, there is an urgent need to find new
      disease-related genes. METHODS: A transgenic Drosophila model was used to screen
      for novel genes putatively involved in GC. The authors evaluated the expression
      of the most interesting candidates in GC cell lines and primary tumours by semi
      quantitative reverse transcription PCR, dissected the molecular mechanisms
      responsible for the deregulation of the most relevant one, and analysed its
      functional role in vitro and in a chicken embryo model. RESULTS: Six candidate
      genes were identified, of which cytoplasmic polyadenylation element binding
      protein 1 (CPEB1) was downregulated in all GC cell lines and in 11 of 12 primary
      GC tumours. The pivotal CPEB1 promoter CpG site was determined, and it was found
      that methylation at this 79th CpG site was associated with CPEB1 silencing in GC
      cell lines and primary tumours. It was also discovered that methylation of this
      site was significantly more prevalent in diffuse type GC (p=0.007) and in cases
      with lymph node metastases (p=0.042). In vitro, CPEB1 impaired invasion. Its
      antiangiogenic role was also discovered, which was associated with downregulation
      of MMP14 and VEGFA. CONCLUSIONS: The first evidence of CPEB1 involvement in GC is
      presented, along with the molecular mechanism underlying the regulation of its
      expression and its potential role in invasion and angiogenesis.

PMID- 22052065
TI  - Intestinal expression of SHIP in inflammatory bowel diseases.

PMID- 22052066
TI  - Peripheral arterial tone:  assessment of microcirculatory function in pregnancy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Endothelial dysfunction is known to play a key role in the
      pathogenesis of preeclampsia, but the majority of methods for its detection are
      too invasive to be used in pregnancy. In this study we report a novel method -
      peripheral arterial tonometry (PAT) - for examining microcirculatory function in
      pregnancy. METHODS: One hundred and eighty women with at least two risk factors
      for preeclampsia were examined at gestational weeks 16 and 28; 80 women were
      examined at 6-9 months postnatally. Twenty-four women developed preeclampsia or
      pregnancy-induced hypertension (cases), 156 remained normotensive (controls). PAT
      was measured using fingertip pneumatic probes; after baseline recordings the
      study arm was occluded with a blood pressure cuff then released after 5 min,
      causing reactive hyperaemia. PAT recordings pre and post occlusion were used to
      generate the reactive hyperaemia index (RHI). RESULTS: RHI was significantly
      lower at gestational week 28 compared to week 16, both in cases and controls.
      Baseline pulse amplitude was significantly higher at week 28 compared to week 16.
      There was no difference in RHI at either week 16 or 28 between cases and
      controls. Postnatally, there was no difference in RHI between cases and controls,
      but baseline pulse amplitude was lower in affected women. CONCLUSION: PAT and
      other methods which rely on flow-mediated dilatation for detection of endothelial
      dysfunction are less likely to be reliable in later pregnancy, when women are
      more vasodilated. PAT did not predict the development of hypertensive pregnancy
      complications, but demonstrated a relative peripheral vasoconstriction in
      affected women postnatally.

PMID- 22052067
TI  - Vitamin E reduces hepatic fibrosis in mice with Schistosoma japonicum infection.
AB  - To investigate whether vitamin E protects against hepatic fibrosis in mice with
      Schistosoma japonicum infection, 24 pathogen-free Kunming mice were selected and
      randomly divided into four groups: control (uninfected, untreated), model
      (infected, untreated), low-dose intervention (infected, vitamin E-treated, 30
      mg/g bodyweight/day) and high-dose intervention (infected, vitamin E-treated, 60
      mg/g bodyweight/day). Mice were infected with Schistosoma japonicum by
      inoculating abdominal skin with snail hosts. The activities of malondialdehyde
      (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase
      (CAT) were detected in hepatic tissue by colorimetry. The expression levels of
      laminin (LN), hyaluronic acid (HA), procollagen type III (PC-III) and type IV
      collagen (IV-C) were detected in the serum by radioimmunoassay. Finally, areas
      and numbers of granulomas were assessed through histopathology 42 days following
      treatment. The results revealed that mean areas of granulomas were smaller in the
      low- and high-dose intervention groups compared to those in the model group.
      Furthermore, the higher dose of vitamin E resulted in smaller granulomas than the
      low dose. The levels of LN, HA, PC-III and IV-C in the serum were lower following
      vitamin E treatment than in the model group. By contrast, activity of SOD, GPx
      and CAT in hepatic tissue was higher following vitamin E treatment compared to
      the model group. The activity of MDA was lower in hepatic tissue following
      vitamin E treatment compared to the model group, but was higher compared to
      controls. In general, the higher dose of vitamin E affected measurements to a
      greater extent than the lower dose. In conclusion, vitamin E treatment may reduce
      the growth of granulomas, slowing the process of hepatic fibrosis, and this
      effect may be the result of the altered activity of the oxidation-reduction
      enzyme system.

PMID- 22052068
TI  - Structure, stability and spectral signatures of monoprotic carborane acid-water
      clusters (CBW(n), where n = 1-6).
AB  - The gas phase structure, stability, spectra, and proton transfer properties of
      monoprotic carborane acid-water clusters [CB(11)F(m)H(11-m)(OH(2))(1)]-(H(2)O)(n)
      (where m = 0, 5, and 10; n = 1-6) have been calculated using density functional
      theory (DFT) with the Becke's three-parameter hybrid exchange functional and Lee
      Yang-Parr correlation functional (B3LYP) using 6-31+G* basis set. Results reveal
      that Eigen cation defects are found in CBW(n) (where n = 2-6) clusters and these
      clusters are significantly more stable than the non-Eigen geometry. In addition
      to the conventional hydrogen bond (H-bond) the role of dihydrogen bond (DHB) and
      halogen bond (XB) in the stabilization of these clusters can be observed from the
      molecular graphs derived from the atoms in molecules (AIM) analysis. Spectral
      information shows the features of Eigen cation and proton oscillation involved in
      the proton transfer process. The dissociation of proton from the perfluoro
      derivatives with two water molecules is more favorable when compared to the other
      derivatives.

PMID- 22052069
TI  - Abstracts of the 36th Annual IUGA (International Urogynecological Association)
      Meeting. Lisbon, Portugal. June 28-July 2, 2011.

PMID- 22052070
TI  - Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography is more sensitive than grayscale and power
      Doppler ultrasonography compared to MRI in therapy monitoring of rheumatoid
      arthritis patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate wrist and finger joints in patients with rheumatoid
      arthritis (RA) by grayscale, power Doppler (PD) and contrast-enhanced
      musculoskeletal ultrasonography (US) and to compare these findings with MRI,
      clinical (DAS28) and laboratory (ESR; CRP) data. MATERIALS AND METHODS: US was
      performed at baseline (t0) and after three, six and twelve (t12) months before
      and after a change of medical treatment. MRI was carried out at t0 and t12 and
      used as the reference method. Contrast-enhanced US was used to assess one
      clinically most affected joint region. Different semiquantitative synovitis
      scores were calculated by grayscale and PD US. RESULTS: Contrast-enhanced US
      results evaluated by enhancement, slope and semi-quantitative assessment
      significantly correlated to each other, to grayscale US, CRP, as well as to MRI
      with the highest correlation coefficients for the used contrast-enhanced US modes
      (r = 0.56, r = 0.55, r = 0.57; each p < 0.05). Sum scores evaluated by grayscale
      US showed that synovial inflammation in finger joints was detected significantly
      more frequently in the palmar aspect than on the dorsal side (p = 0.001). Using
      power Doppler US, the wrists were significantly more inflamed from dorsal than on
      the palmar side (p = 0.0004). Significant longitudinal correlations between
      grayscale and power Doppler US scores were detected. CONCLUSION: Grayscale, power
      Doppler and contrast-enhanced US are accurate tools for the detection and follow
      up of synovitis in RA wrist and finger joints, with contrast-enhanced US being
      most sensitive compared to MRI. All imaging methods reflected a good response to
      TNFalpha blocking therapy.

PMID- 22052063
TI  - Guidelines for the management of gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine (including
      carcinoid) tumours (NETs).
AB  - These guidelines update previous guidance published in 2005. They have been
      revised by a group who are members of the UK and Ireland Neuroendocrine Tumour
      Society with endorsement from the clinical committees of the British Society of
      Gastroenterology, the Society for Endocrinology, the Association of Surgeons of
      Great Britain and Ireland (and its Surgical Specialty Associations), the British
      Society of Gastrointestinal and Abdominal Radiology and others. The authorship
      represents leaders of the various groups in the UK and Ireland Neuroendocrine
      Tumour Society, but a large amount of work has been carried out by other
      specialists, many of whom attended a guidelines conference in May 2009. We have
      attempted to represent this work in the acknowledgements section. Over the past
      few years, there have been advances in the management of neuroendocrine tumours,
      which have included clearer characterisation, more specific and therapeutically
      relevant diagnosis, and improved treatments. However, there remain few randomised
      trials in the field and the disease is uncommon, hence all evidence must be
      considered weak in comparison with other more common cancers.

PMID- 22052071
TI  - Bis- and tris-naphthoimidazolium derivatives for the fluorescent recognition of
      ATP and GTP in 100% aqueous solution.
AB  - Naphthoimidazolium groups can form unique ionic hydrogen bonds with anions as
      imidazolium moieties, and in addition, they are fluorescent, so no further
      elaborative synthesis is needed to introduce a fluorescent group. In this paper,
      three naphthoimidazolium derivatives were synthesized and studied for the
      recognition of nucleotides. Compound 1 composed of a single naphthoimidazolium
      group and quaternary ammonium group did not show any significant fluorescent
      changes with various anions and nucleotides, such as ATP, GTP, CTP, TTP, UTP, ADP
      and AMP. A tripodal compound 3 bearing three naphthoimidazolium groups and three
      quaternary ammonium groups, respectively, showed large fluorescence enhancements
      with UTP, CTP and TTP and moderate fluorescence enhancements with ATP and
      pyrophosphate and a fluorescence quenching effect with GTP. On the other hand,
      compound 2 bearing two naphthoimidazolium groups and two quaternary ammonium
      groups displayed a selective fluorescence enhancement with ATP and a selective
      fluorescence quenching effect with GTP in 100% aqueous solution.

PMID- 22052072
TI  - The dietary phase 2 protein inducer sulforaphane can normalize the kidney
      epigenome and improve blood pressure in hypertensive rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Our previous studies have shown that broccoli sprouts high in the
      glucosinolate glucoraphanin decreases renal and vascular oxidative stress and
      inflammation as well as blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive stroke-prone
      (SHRSP) rats. The objective of this study was to determine whether the metabolite
      of glucoraphanin, sulforaphane, was responsible for this improved blood pressure
      and whether this is associated with normalization of renal methylated DNA.
      METHODS: Sulforaphane was given by gavage to SHRSP and Sprague Dawley (SD) rats
      over 4 months and blood pressure measured under anesthesia just before
      euthanasia. Renovascular morphology was determined by histology and methylated
      deoxycytosine levels analyzed using high-performance liquid chromatography.
      RESULTS: Mean arterial pressure was 20% higher in vehicle-treated SHRSP when
      compared to SD. Sulforaphane administration to SHRSP improved blood pressure and
      lowered this difference to 11%. Vehicle-treated SHRSP had significantly increased
      wall:lumen ratios in renal arteries, increased numbers of vascular smooth muscle
      cells (VSMCs), increased renal protein nitration, and decreased (11%) renal DNA
      methylation compared to SD. Sulforaphane administration to SHRSP significantly
      lowered arterial wall:lumen ratio by 35%, reduced the number of VSMCs, reduced
      the level of protein nitration, and increased methylated deoxycytosine levels by
      14%. CONCLUSIONS: Sulforaphane administration rectified pathological
      abnormalities in SHRSP kidneys and significantly improved blood pressure. This
      was associated with normalization of global kidney DNA methylation suggesting
      that DNA methylation could be associated with hypertension.

PMID- 22052073
TI  - Impact of cardiovascular risk factors and inflammatory status on urinary 8-OHdG
      in essential hypertension.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The urinary concentrations of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG)
      reflect the oxidation status of hypertensive subjects and it can be used for
      monitoring oxidative stress changes. However, the influence of cardiovascular
      risk factors and inflammation on the urinary levels of this marker in
      hypertension (HT) has never evaluated. The purpose of this study was to analyze
      the impact of cardiovascular risk factors, and established inflammatory markers
      on 8-OHdG in essential HT. METHODS: We studied 149 asymptomatic hypertensive
      patients (61 +/- 14 years). A routine physical examination, laboratory analyses,
      and echo-Doppler study were performed. Urinary 8-OHdG and plasma tumor necrosis
      factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), soluble TNF receptor 1 (sTNF-R1), soluble TNF receptor
      2 (sTNF-R2), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were determined. RESULTS: 8-OHdG/creatinine
      levels were higher in hypertrophic patients (P = 0.022) and correlated with left
      ventricular mass index (P < 0.01). When 8-OHdG/creatinine was compared according
      to obesity and diabetes in our hypertensive subjects, no significant differences
      were found. 8-OHdG/creatinine was increased in hypertensive smokers (P = 0.032)
      and women (P = 0.006). Furthermore, 8-OHdG/creatinine correlated with TNF-alpha,
      sTNF-R1, sTNF-R2 (P < 0.0001), and with IL-6 (P < 0.05). A multivariate linear
      regression analysis showed that gender, smoking, and TNF-alpha were independent
      factors of 8-OHdG/creatinine. CONCLUSIONS: Urinary 8-OHdG was increased in
      hypertensive patients with hypertrophy even under medical treatment. The presence
      of other cardiovascular risk factors on top of HT do not alter the concentrations
      of this oxidative stress marker, only smoking increasing its levels. TNF-alpha is
      an independent factor of 8-OHdG. These data suggest that this urinary marker
      gives specific additional information, further than blood pressure control alone,
      when evaluating hypertensive patients.

PMID- 22052074
TI  - High prevalence of prehypertension and hypertension in a working population in
      Hungary.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hungary has one of the highest mortality rates due to strokes among
      the European Union countries. As elevated blood pressure (BP) is the principal
      risk factor for strokes, we assessed BP levels, as well as awareness and
      treatment status of hypertension and prehypertension in a working population
      sample in Hungary. METHODS: Worksite employees in Budapest and Szeged were
      screened for their BP using an automated BP measuring instrument (BpTRU). BpTRU
      readings of heart rate (HR) were also recorded. Respondents were classified as
      normotensives (NT), prehypertensives (PHTN) and hypertensives (HTN) according to
      their BP levels, as defined by the JNC 7 guidelines. Body height and body weight
      were measured and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Self-reported information
      regarding smoking was collected. RESULTS: In total, 2,012 respondents were
      recruited (1,000 white collar; 1,012 blue-collar workers), with a mean (+/-s.d.)
      age of 34.8 (+/-9.9) years. Of all respondents, 22.6% were identified as HTN and
      39.8% as PHTN. Among HTN, 40% were unaware of their condition and only 18.5% were
      adequately treated. PHTN were similar in age as NT, but showed significantly
      higher HR. CONCLUSIONS: A high proportion of relatively young and apparently
      healthy Hungarian employees were diagnosed with prehypertension and hypertension.
      Only a small proportion of HTN had their BP controlled. BMI and HR were
      significantly higher among individuals with prehypertension compared to NT.
      Whether the high rates of hypertension, prehypertension, and low levels of
      control explain the high stroke mortality and unfavorable cardiovascular disease
      (CVD) profile of Hungary needs further study.

PMID- 22052075
TI  - Association of sleep duration and hypertension among US adults varies by age and
      sex.
AB  - BACKGROUND: While short sleep duration has been related to hypertension, the
      impact of age and sex on this association is less well known. We examined the
      association between hours of sleep and hypertension prevalence among US adults by
      age and sex. METHODS: The study was conducted using data from the 2007-2009
      National Health Interview Surveys (NHISs). The association between self-reported
      hours of sleep and prevalence of hypertension was assessed after stratifying by
      age and sex. RESULTS: Among 71,455 participants, age-standardized hypertension
      prevalence rates (%) were 32.4, 25.5, 22.2, 23.2, 25.5, and 32.5 among adults
      reporting sleep of <6, 6, 7, 8, 9, and >=10 h/day, respectively (P < 0.001).
      There was a "U"-shaped association of hours of sleep and hypertension prevalence
      among all age and sex subgroups. Logistic regression models, using 8 h sleep/day
      as the referent, showed a greater likelihood of hypertension among those who
      slept <7 or >=10 h/day after adjusting for sociodemographic, behavior, and health
      characteristics. Further stratifying by age and sex, while adjusting for all
      other characteristics, revealed that among adults less than 45 years, short (<6 h
      for men and <8 h for women) and long (>=10 h for men) sleep were associated with
      higher likelihood of hypertension. For other age/sex groups, short sleep (<6 h)
      was associated with higher likelihood of hypertension among middle-aged men and
      older women, as was long sleep (>=10 h) among middle-aged women. CONCLUSIONS:
      This national sample study suggests that the association between hours of sleep
      and hypertension varies by age and sex.

PMID- 22052076
TI  - Role of AMP-activated protein kinase in alpha-lipoic acid-induced vasodilatation
      in spontaneously hypertensive rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) has
      recently emerged as an attractive and novel target for the regulation of vascular
      smooth muscle contraction. The present study investigated the vasodilatory
      effects of alpha-lipoic acid (alpha-LA) and the possible mechanism of its action
      on aortic rings from Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats and spontaneously hypertensive rats
      (SHR). METHODS: Aortae were removed from WKY and SHR, and contractile responses
      to acetylcholine and alpha-LA studied in organ chamber. Phosphorylated AMPK
      (pAMPK), phosphorylated Peutz-Jeghers syndrome kinase LKB1 (pLKB1) and
      calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase (CaMKK) protein level were measured
      in SHR, WKY, and aortic smooth muscle (A10) cells. RESULTS: alpha-LA (1-500
      umol/l) produced a concentration-dependent relaxation of precontracted aortic
      rings from 8- and 16-week-old SHR, but not in those from WKY rats. This
      vasodilatory effect of alpha-LA did not change after preincubation with N(G)
      nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (100 umol/l), but significantly suppressed by an
      AMPK inhibitor, compound C (40 umol/l). The expression of pAMPKalpha, pLKB1, and
      CaMKK were also significantly reduced in endothelium-denuded arteries from 16
      week-old SHR compared with those from younger SHR or age-matched WKY rats. After
      incubation with alpha-LA (100 umol/l), the expression of pAMPKalpha and pLKB1 was
      significantly increased in the endothelium-denuded aortas from 16-week-old SHR,
      the expression of CaMKK was more reduced in the endothelium-denuded aortas of 8
      week-old SHR, but this was not observed in WKY rats. alpha-LA also activated
      AMPKalpha phosphorylation in A10 cells. CONCLUSIONS: The effects of alpha-LA on
      vascular relaxation in SHR result from the enhanced phosphorylation of LKB1-AMPK
      in aortic smooth muscle.

PMID- 22052077
TI  - Dosimetric and kinetic investigations of gamma-irradiated sodium tartrate
      dihydrate.
AB  - Effects of gamma radiation on solid sodium tartrate dihydrate (NaTA) were studied
      using electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopy. One main singlet located at g =
      2.0034 and many weak lines located at low and high magnetic field sides were
      found in the irradiated samples. Dosimetric and kinetic features of the radical
      species responsible for the experimental ESR spectra were explored through the
      variations in the signal intensities with respect to applied microwave power,
      temperature and storage time. Activation energies of the involved radical species
      were also determined using data derived from annealing studies.

PMID- 22052078
TI  - Kinetic modeling of rapid enzymatic hydrolysis of crystalline cellulose after
      pretreatment by NMMO.
AB  - Pretreatment of cellulose with an industrial cellulosic solvent, N
      methylmorpholine-N-oxide, showed promising results in increasing the rate of
      subsequent enzymatic hydrolysis. Cotton linter was used as high crystalline
      cellulose. After the pretreatment, the cellulose was almost completely hydrolyzed
      in less than 12 h, using low enzyme loading (15 FPU/g cellulose). The
      pretreatment significantly decreased the total crystallinity of cellulose from
      7.1 to 3.3, and drastically increased the enzyme adsorption capacity of cellulose
      by approximately 42 times. A semi-mechanistic model was used to describe the
      relationship between the cellulose concentration and the enzyme loading. In this
      model, two reactions for heterogeneous reaction of cellulose to glucose and
      cellobiose, and a homogenous reaction for cellobiose conversion to glucose was
      incorporated. The Langmuir model was applied to model the adsorption of cellulase
      onto the treated cellulose. The competitive inhibition was also considered for
      the effects of sugar inhibition on the rate of enzymatic hydrolysis. The kinetic
      parameters of the model were estimated by experimental results and evaluated.

PMID- 22052080
TI  - Emergency department utilization and capacity.
AB  - Americans rely on emergency departments (EDs) to play a critical role in the
      health care safety net. But while the number of ED visits climbed significantly,
      the number of EDs dropped from 5,000 to 4,000 from 1991 to 2006. This synthesis
      examines the evidence on who uses EDs, the causes and consequences of
      overcrowding, and the cost of providing care in the ED. Key findings include:
      privately insured patients account for the largest and fastest growing segment of
      ED users. Low income and poor health are strong predictors on ED use. After
      adjusting for health status and other demographic and market factors, the
      uninsured use the ED at the same rate as the privately insured, while patients
      with Medicaid/SCHIP or Medicare had much higher utilization rates. The use of EDs
      for non-urgent, preventable conditions is growing due to limited access to
      primary care providers, although the identification of these conditions is
      imprecise. Patient boarding, or the inability to move patients from the ED to the
      appropriate inpatient unit, and a shortage of on-call specialists are major
      causes of ED overcrowding. The true cost of providing care in the ED is complex
      and not well understood. Finally, expansion of health insurance coverage is
      likely to increase rather than decrease stress on overcrowded EDs because the
      insured represent the fastest growing subpopulation of ED users.

PMID- 22052079
TI  - Association analysis of 31 common polymorphisms with type 2 diabetes and its
      related traits in Indian sib pairs.
AB  - AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Evaluation of the association of 31 common single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) with fasting glucose, fasting insulin, HOMA-beta cell
      function (HOMA-beta), HOMA-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and type 2 diabetes in
      the Indian population. METHODS: We genotyped 3,089 sib pairs recruited in the
      Indian Migration Study from four cities in India (Lucknow, Nagpur, Hyderabad and
      Bangalore) for 31 SNPs in 24 genes previously associated with type 2 diabetes in
      European populations. We conducted within-sib-pair analysis for type 2 diabetes
      and its related quantitative traits. RESULTS: The risk-allele frequencies of all
      the SNPs were comparable with those reported in western populations. We
      demonstrated significant associations of CXCR4 (rs932206), CDKAL1 (rs7756992) and
      TCF7L2 (rs7903146, rs12255372) with fasting glucose, with beta values of 0.007 (p
      = 0.05), 0.01 (p = 0.01), 0.007 (p = 0.05), 0.01 (p = 0.003) and 0.08 (p = 0.01),
      respectively. Variants in NOTCH2 (rs10923931), TCF-2 (also known as HNF1B)
      (rs757210), ADAM30 (rs2641348) and CDKN2A/B (rs10811661) significantly predicted
      fasting insulin, with beta values of -0.06 (p = 0.04), 0.05 (p = 0.05), -0.08 (p
      = 0.01) and -0.08 (p = 0.02), respectively. For HOMA-IR, we detected associations
      with TCF-2, ADAM30 and CDKN2A/B, with beta values of 0.05 (p = 0.04), -0.07 (p =
      0.03) and -0.08 (p = 0.02), respectively. We also found significant associations
      of ADAM30 (beta = -0.05; p = 0.01) and CDKN2A/B (beta = -0.05; p = 0.03) with
      HOMA-beta. THADA variant (rs7578597) was associated with type 2 diabetes (OR 1.5;
      95% CI 1.04, 2.22; p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: We validated the
      association of seven established loci with intermediate traits related to type 2
      diabetes in an Indian population using a design resistant to population
      stratification.

PMID- 22052081
TI  - Imaging human reward processing with positron emission tomography and functional
      magnetic resonance imaging.
AB  - Functional neuroimaging (fMRI) studies show activation in mesolimbic circuitry in
      tasks involving reward processing, like the Monetary Incentive Delay Task (MIDT).
      In voltammetry studies in animals, mesolimbic dopamine release is associated with
      reward salience. This study examined the relationship between fMRI activation and
      magnitude of dopamine release measured with Positron emission tomography study
      (PET) in the same subjects using MIDT in both modalities to test if fMRI
      activation is related to dopamine release. Eighteen healthy subjects were scanned
      with [11C]raclopride PET at baseline and after MIDT. Binding potential (BP(ND))
      was derived by equilibrium analysis in striatal subregions and percent change
      across conditions (?BP(ND)) was measured. Blood oxygen level dependence (BOLD)
      signal changes with MIDT were measured during fMRI using voxelwise analysis and
      ROI analysis and correlated with ?BP(ND). ?BP(ND) was not significant in the
      ventral striatum (VST) but reached significance in the posterior caudate. The
      fMRI BOLD activation was highest in VST. No significant associations between
      ?BP(ND) and change in fMRI BOLD were observed with VST using ROI analysis.
      Voxelwise analysis showed positive correlation between BOLD activation in
      anticipation of the highest reward and ?BP(ND) in VST and precommissural putamen.
      Our study indicates that endogenous dopamine release in VST is of small magnitude
      and is related to BOLD signal change during performance of the MIDT in only a few
      voxels when rewarding and nonrewarding conditions are interspersed. The lack of
      correlation at the ROI level may be due to the small magnitude of release or to
      the particular dependence of BOLD on glutamatergic signaling.

PMID- 22052082
TI  - Do medical homes reduce disparities in receipt of preventive services between
      children living in immigrant and non-immigrant families?
AB  - The patient-centered medical home model has the potential to reduce healthcare
      disparities among immigrant children. The purpose of this study is to examine the
      relationship between medical home (MH) participation and receipt of preventive
      services among immigrant children age 0-17. The study employed extant data from
      the National Survey of Children's Health, 2007 (NSCH). Logistic regression
      analyses were employed to assess the relationship between receipt of preventive
      services and MH status among immigrant and non-immigrant children. Due to
      primarily the lack of family-centered care, only 40% of immigrant children met
      the medical home criteria versus approximately 62% of non-immigrant children.
      Immigrant children have decreased odds of receiving preventive care despite MH
      status. Improving the family-centered care aspect of the MH is necessary to
      increasing medical home access to immigrant children and the receipt of
      preventive services for immigrant children who meet the MH criteria.

PMID- 22052083
TI  - Development of educational materials to improve rates of early eye care for
      Hispanic children.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to develop targeted materials to encourage Hispanic
      parents to seek eye care for their children. Hispanic children present with high
      rates of eye problems such as astigmatism, strabismus, and amblyopia. Related
      vision impairment can be prevented with timely detection and treatment. After
      failing a vision screening, a child must obtain professional eye care to take
      care of the suspected problem. We involved Hispanic community members and health
      care experts in Alabama to develop educational materials to encourage Hispanic
      parents to seek eye care for their children. There were six stages in the
      development of the educational materials: (a) focus groups with Hispanic parents,
      (b) development of preliminary materials (c) panel with Hispanic health experts
      (d) panel with members of the target population (e) final production of materials
      (f) pilot testing of materials. The parents and health experts suggested the
      information should be provided in the form of radio announcements, brochures, and
      newspaper advertisements. They also noted the content should stress the
      importance of seeking vision care for children even when there were no visible
      problems. Materials developed through this project included messages designed to
      overcome specific barriers identified by Hispanic parents and to educate them on
      the importance of comprehensive eye care for all children, regardless of the
      presence of visible symptoms.

PMID- 22052084
TI  - Longitudinal stent deformation: a retrospective analysis of frequency and
      mechanisms.
AB  - AIMS: Modern drug-eluting stents are constructed with thin struts and are easy to
      deliver and highly conformable. However, although innovative designs have enabled
      maintenance of radial strength, longitudinal strength may be lower with these
      stents and there have been recent reports of longitudinal stent compression of
      ostially deployed stents. We report the experience in our centre on longitudinal
      stent deformation and explore mechanisms of this complication and its frequency
      with various drug-eluting stent platforms. METHODS AND RESULTS: Nine cases of
      longitudinal stent deformation were identified over a four year period
      representing 0.2% of cases and affected 0.097% of stents deployed. There were
      several mechanisms for this complication including compression by post-dilatation
      balloons, guide catheter extensions and proximal embolic protection devices. The
      rate of stent deformation varied from 0% in several stent types to 0.86% in the
      case of the Promus Element stent. There was one case of late stent thrombosis
      attributable to longitudinal stent deformation. CONCLUSIONS: Longitudinal stent
      deformation can occur secondary to a variety of mechanisms and identification is
      important as, left untreated, it may be associated with a risk of stent
      thrombosis. Although seen with several different stents, in our series it was
      more commonly observed with the Promus Element stent.

PMID- 22052085
TI  - The role of CH-pi interaction in the charge transfer properties in tris(8
      hydroxyquinolinato)aluminium(III).
AB  - The charge mobility is a key property in many electro-optical materials, with
      charge transfer (CT) taking place in a solid matrix of molecules. Large
      intermolecular electronic interaction is one of the key factors for a good CT
      rate, which is dependent on both intra- and intermolecular structures. The
      connection of the molecular structure with the intermolecular CT property would
      facilitate the search for a new material with desirable CT property, but
      currently it is still quite limited by the lack of knowledge for intermolecular
      configurations. In the present work, we study factors influencing the
      intermolecular configurations, and subsequently the CT property, in tris(8
      hydroxyquinolinato) aluminium(III) (AlQ(3)) from all currently available crystal
      structures. We found that there exists a pair of CH-pi interactions in a good
      majority of the pi-pi stacked bimolecular configurations. Such CH-pi and pi-pi
      interacting structures are also seen in the crystal structures of many other
      similar molecules. With both experimental and simulated structures, we show that
      the CH-pi interaction stabilizes the bimolecular configurations, and drives the
      structure towards a region with a higher electron transfer coupling and lower
      hole transfer coupling. This effect likely affects the electron transport
      property of AlQ(3), since it is consistent with recent experimental results,
      where AlQ(3) analogs with their CH-pi interaction blocked either require a higher
      operating voltage in light-emitting devices [Sapochak et al., J. Am. Chem. Soc.,
      2001, 123, 6300], or become bipolar in their charge mobilities [Liao et al., J.
      Am. Chem. Soc., 2009, 131, 763]. CH-pi interaction is commonly seen in aromatic
      molecules, which are frequently used as building blocks in molecules for electro
      optical applications. Our work points out a possible way to enhance the desired
      CT property in the design of new materials.

PMID- 22052087
TI  - Transport of nanoparticles through the placental barrier.
AB  - Nanoparticles (NP) are organic or inorganic substances, the size of which ranges
      from 1 to 100 nm, and they possess specific properties which are different from
      those of the bulk materials in the macroscopic scale.  In a recent decade, NP
      were widely applied in biomedicine as potential probes for imaging, drug-delivery
      systems and regenerative medicine.  However, rapid development of
      nanotechnologies and their applications in clinical research have raised concerns
      about the adverse effects of NP on human health and environment.  In the present
      review, special attention is paid to the fetal exposure to NP during the period
      of pregnancy.  The ability to control the beneficial effects of NP and to avoid
      toxicity during treatment requires comprehensive knowledge about the distribution
      of NP in maternal body and possible penetration through the maternal-fetal
      barrier that might impair the embryogenesis.  The initial in vivo and ex vivo
      studies imply that NP are able to cross the placental barrier, but the passage to
      the fetus depends on the size and the surface coating of NP as well as on the
      experimental model.  The toxicity assays indicate that NP might induce adverse
      physiological effects and impede embryogenesis.  The molecular transport
      mechanisms which are responsible for the transport of nanomaterials across the
      placental barrier are still poorly understood, and there is a high need for
      further studies in order to resolve the NP distribution patterns in the organism
      and to control the beneficial effects of NP applications during pregnancy without
      impeding the embryogenesis.

PMID- 22052086
TI  - Promoter methylation and tissue-specific transcription of the alpha7 nicotinic
      receptor gene, CHRNA7.
AB  - The alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor is known to regulate a wide variety
      of developmental and secretory functions in neural and non-neural tissues. The
      mechanisms that regulate its transcription in these varied tissues are not well
      understood. Epigenetic processes may play a role in the tissue-specific
      regulation of mRNA expression from the alpha7 nicotinic receptor subunit gene,
      CHRNA7. Promoter methylation was correlated with CHRNA7 mRNA expression in
      various tissue types and the role of DNA methylation in regulating transcription
      from the gene was tested by using DNA methyltransferase (DNMT1) inhibitors and
      methyl donors. CHRNA7 mRNA expression was silenced in SH-EP1 cells and bisulfite
      sequencing PCR revealed the CHRNA7 proximal promoter was hypermethylated. The
      proximal promoter was hypomethylated in the cell lines HeLa, SH-SY5Y, and SK-N-BE
      which express varying levels of CHRNA7 mRNA. Expression of CHRNA7 mRNA was
      present in SH-EP1 cells after treatment with the methylation inhibitor, 5-aza-2
      deoxycytidine (5-Aza-CdR), and increased in SH-EP1 and HeLa cells using another
      methylation inhibitor, zebularine (ZEB). Transcription from the CHRNA7 promoter
      in HeLa cells was increased when the methyl donor methionine (MET) was absent
      from the media. Using methylation-sensitive restriction enzyme analysis (MSRE),
      there was a strong inverse correlation between CHRNA7 mRNA levels and promoter
      DNA methylation across several human tissue types. The results support a role for
      DNA methylation of the proximal promoter in regulation of CHRNA7 transcription.

PMID- 22052088
TI  - Interleukin-28B genotypes determine response to pegylated-interferon plus
      ribavirin therapy in patients with hepatitis C virus infection.
AB  - We recently reported that the interleukin (IL)-28B major genotype is a predictor
      of early suppression of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) at 12 weeks in response to
      pegylated interferon (PEG-IFN) plus ribavirin (RBV) therapy. The present study
      investigated the relationship between IL-28 genotypes and the virological
      response to PEG-IFN/RBV therapy at 24 and 48 weeks. Genotypes of the IL-28B
      rs8099917 T>G single nucleotide polymorphism were determined in 177 patients with
      HCV infection. Among them, 56 patients with HCV1 infection were treated with PEG
      IFN/RBV. The frequency of the IL-28B major allele (TT) was 73.8% in patients with
      HCV serotype 1 and 86.3% in patients with HCV serotype 2. The rate of HCV-RNA
      positivity was significantly lower at 48 weeks in patients with the IL-28B major
      allele compared to patients with the IL-28B minor allele (TG or GG). The rate of
      HCV-RNA positivity at 24 weeks tended to be lower in patients with the IL-28B
      major allele, but there was no statistical significance (P=0.059). The sustained
      virological response (SVR) rate was 45.9% in patients with the IL-28B major
      allele, but 13.3% in patients with the IL-28B minor allele. The SVR correlated
      with the IL-28B major allele (OR=7.13, P=0.010), early virological response
      (OR=33.3, P=0.008), HCV-RNA <= 6.3 log IU/ml (OR=81.2, P=0.009) and gamma-GTP <=
      47 IU/l (OR=49.4, P=0.027). The IL-28B genotype is a significant pre-treatment
      predictor of the response to PEG-IFN/RBV therapy at 48 weeks in patients with HCV
      infection.

PMID- 22052089
TI  - Using the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality patient safety indicators
      for targeting nursing quality improvement.
AB  - Quantifying the critical impact nurses have on the prevention and early
      recognition of potential complications and adverse events, such as those
      identified by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) patient
      safety indicators (PSI), is becoming increasingly important. In this paper, we
      describe how the AHRQ PSI may be used to identify nursing-specific opportunities
      to improve care based on data from the national AHRQ PSI validation pilot
      project.

PMID- 22052090
TI  - Understanding prenatal health care for American Indian women in a Northern Plains
      tribe.
AB  - Early and regular prenatal care appointments are imperative for the health of
      both the mother and baby to help prevent complications associated with pregnancy
      and birth. American Indian women are especially at risk for health disparities
      related to pregnancy and lack of prenatal health care. Previous research has
      outlined a basic understanding of the reasons for lack of prenatal care for women
      in general; however, little is known about care received by pregnant women at
      Indian Health Service hospitals. Qualitative interviews were carried out with 58
      women to better understand the prenatal health experiences of American Indian
      women from one tribe in the Northern Plains. Several themes related to American
      Indian women's prenatal health care experiences were noted, including
      communication barriers with physicians, institutional barriers such as lack of
      continuity of care, and sociodemographic barriers. Solutions to these barriers,
      such as a nurse midwife program, are discussed.

PMID- 22052091
TI  - Perceptions of health and well-being held by Native Hawaiian migrants.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Migration is often a challenging process. Native
      Hawaiians migrate from Hawaii to Las Vegas at an impressive rate, but no research
      has explored how migration affects their health and well-being. The purpose was
      to describe how Native Hawaiians in Las Vegas perceive their health and well
      being and any changes therein since migrating. DESIGN: Using a qualitative
      descriptive design, 27 participants took part in semistructured interviews.
      FINDINGS: Most participants perceived no changes in health and minor changes in
      well-being. Many maintained their well-being by adapting valued activities to
      their new circumstances. However, 5 participants were deeply burdened by life in
      Las Vegas or longing for Hawaii, and their well-being suffered. They tended to
      identify barriers to well-being rather than ways to foster it. CONCLUSION: Health
      care providers can help Native Hawaiian migrants by encouraging early access to
      the health care system in their new location and facilitating participation in
      helpful, adaptive behaviors.

PMID- 22052092
TI  - Evaluating the influence of cultural competence education on students'
      transcultural self-efficacy perceptions.
AB  - Guided by the cultural competence and confidence (CCC) model, the Transcultural
      Self-Efficacy Tool (TSET) was used to evaluate the influence of cultural
      competence education on the transcultural self-efficacy (TSE) perceptions of
      undergraduate nursing students following an integrated approach to cultural
      competence education. Results continue to support that TSE is influenced by
      formalized education and other learning experiences. As hypothesized, compared
      with novice students, advanced students' scores were higher for all subscales in
      both cross-sectional (n = 147) and longitudinal (n = 36) study designs. Results
      from analysis of variance and covariance demonstrated that none of the
      demographic variables predicted change; semester was the sole predictor, lending
      additional support that (a) the educational interventions throughout the four
      semesters influenced TSE changes and (b) all students regardless of background
      benefit (and require) formalized cultural competence education. Implications for
      nurse educators conclude the article.

PMID- 22052093
TI  - Perceived acceptance of condom use by partners, close friends, and parents of
      Spanish and Mozambican heterosexual adolescents.
AB  - PURPOSE: The main aim of the current study was to compare Spanish and Mozambican
      male and female secondary students, with regard to sexual behaviors and
      perceptions surrounding the acceptance of condom use. METHOD: The participants
      were 773 secondary students-412 from Spain and 361 from Mozambique, aged from 15
      to 17 years old. Data collection was done using questionnaires. Analysis was
      carried out using multivariate methods. RESULTS: Spanish adolescents took more
      precautions than Mozambican adolescents. Furthermore, Spanish adolescents
      perceived that the acceptance of condom use by their referents were higher than
      those reported by the Mozambican adolescents. Among Spanish youths, only the
      perceived acceptance of their current partner predicted condom use in their most
      recent sexual encounter. DISCUSSION: Differences in the decision-making power of
      males and females and the type of partner might explain the differences observed
      in the preventive behavior of the students in both countries.

PMID- 22052094
TI  - Well-being in Dinka refugee women of southern Sudan.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to understand the health and well-being of Sudanese
      refugee women who were resettled with their children to the United States. The
      design was an interpretive ethnography using individual interviews and
      participant observation with extensive field notes. The findings describe
      personal factors as well as community and social conditions that influenced the
      health and well-being of the refugee women and their families. These influences
      are captured in the three themes that emerged from the study: (1) liminality-
      living between two cultures, (2) self-support--standing on our own two legs, and
      (3) hope for the future. These themes describe a process of how refugee women
      achieve well-being in the transition to a new country and culture. The study
      contributes to our theoretical understanding of how to develop culturally
      congruent interventions for resettled refugees.

PMID- 22052095
TI  - Somali immigrant women's health care experiences and beliefs regarding pregnancy
      and birth in the United States.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe Somali immigrant women's health care experiences and beliefs
      regarding pregnancy and birth. DESIGN: Four focus group interviews were conducted
      using a convenience sample of Somali women who were pregnant or had recently
      delivered. Qualitative thematic content analysis was used. FINDINGS: Six major
      themes emerged: pregnancy as a natural experience for women, value and relevance
      of prenatal care, lack of control and familiarity with delivery in the United
      States, balancing the desire to breastfeed with practical concerns and barriers,
      discomfort with mental health issues, and challenges in the healthcare system.
      DISCUSSION: Somali immigrant women perceive, interpret, and react to Western
      health practices from a perspective that includes their cultural, religious, and
      "scientific" beliefs. IMPLICATIONS: Implications include cultural competency
      workshops. Educational materials and prenatal education sessions that support the
      women's needs have been developed for this population and should be a focus of
      future research.

PMID- 22052096
TI  - Perspectives of nursing faculty about nursing in Iraq.
AB  - PURPOSE: Long standing problems are apparent in professional nursing in Iraq.
      This is a critical point in time and feedback and input from nurses will be
      important in advancing the profession. DESIGN: A questionnaire was used to
      explore the attitudes of faculty members about professional nursing, women's
      roles and nursing, and the Iraqi Nurses Association. The questionnaire was
      administered to 31 faculty members at the College of Nursing, University of
      Baghdad. FINDINGS: The respondents reported the poor image of Iraqi nursing and
      the relationship between physicians and nurses as the most immediate problems
      facing the profession. The respondents are not active in their professional
      association and believe that the association is not addressing current problems.
      Profound changes are needed in professional nursing before nurses can play
      significant roles in the Iraqi health care system.

PMID- 22052097
TI  - [Substrate specificity of extended spectrum beta-lactamases CTX-M isolated from
      intensive care pacients in Faculty Hospital in Ostrava and in Regional Hospital
      T. Bata in Zlin].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Evaluation of kinetic parameters isolated extended spectrum beta
      lactamases and evaluation of their substrate specifities. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Fourty strains of Escherichia coli with evidence of producing extended spectrum
      beta-lactamases (ESBLs) and their designated type by polymerase chain reaction
      and sequencing was used in the study. Strains were stored in bacteriological
      collection at the Department of Microbiology Teaching Hospital and Palacky
      University and originated from clinical specimens of ICU, Faculty Hospital
      Ostrava and Regional Hospital of T. Bata patients. Strains were collected from
      hospitalized patients in one year (1. 1. 2009 - 31. 12. 2009). The isolated
      enzymes were used for spectrofotometric measurement of specific activities by
      hydrolysis of antibiotics. Beta-lactamases of the six selected strains were
      purified and used for the measurement of other kinetic parameters. RESULTS:
      Measurement of specific activities in lysates with partially purified enzyme
      (beta-lactamases CTX-M-15 or CTX-M-27) showed that the best hydrolyzed antibiotic
      was cefazolin. Extended spectrum beta-lactamase-type CTX-M-15 had the highest
      affinity for cefoperazon, the highest catalytic efficiency and high hydrolytic
      efficiency against cefazolin. The values of kinetic parameters of purified type
      ESBLs CTX-M-27 was slightly different between strains and showed a high
      efficiency against cefoperazone and cefuroxime, high hydrolytic activity against
      cefazolin and strong catalytic effeciency against cefazolin and cefotaxime.
      CONCLUSION: Comparison of the measured data enabled to evaluate cefazolin as the
      best substrate for used ESBLs. The studied enzymes showed very strong hydrolytic
      activity and catalytic efficiency against cefazolin.

PMID- 22052098
TI  - [Effect of excipients on the preparation and properties of antibiotic solution
      for intravenous application].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of excipients disodium-edetate dihydrate and
      citric acid monohydrate on rate of antibiotic powder dissolution, particle size
      after dissolution and chemical stability of the product after reconstitution with
      water for injection and 5% glucose solution. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The product
      containing excipients (Tazocin) was compared with generic products without
      excipients. Rate of dissolution was evaluated organoleptically and
      spectrophotometrically, particle size was determined microscopically after
      reconstitution and after 4 hours of standing at laboratory temperature and
      chemical stability was assessed by HPLC. RESULTS: Tazocin dissolved significantly
      faster in both solvents compared to products without excipients (3-4 min versus
      10-13 min). The limit for maximal number of particles larger than 25 mm in the
      reconstituted solution was not exceeded in any of the products either after using
      water for injection or after using 5% glucose, both after reconstitution and
      after 4 hours of standing at laboratory temperature. Nevertheless, only for
      Tazocin the number of unwanted larger particles decreased in time in both
      solvents. Disodium-edetate dihydrate and citric acid stabilized the dissolved
      particles of the active substance and prevented its transformation into the
      insoluble form, which results in lower number of unwanted large particles.
      Tazocin was more stable, but the stability was not significantly better than its
      generic products. CONCLUSIONS: Disodium-edetate dihydrate and citric acid
      monohydrate (and possibly the used method of lyophilisation) therefore have a
      positive effect on the preparation and properties of antibiotic solution for
      intravenous application.

PMID- 22052099
TI  - [Virulence factors in Proteus spp. bacteria isolated from urinary tract
      infections: their detection and importance].
AB  - Nosocomial infections associated with biofilm formation have been a serious
      problem in recent years. Up to 32 % of them are urinary tract infections in
      patients with long-dwelling catheters. Catheters represent an ideal surface for
      bacterial adhesion, facilitating easier colonization of the urinary tract.
      Important pathogens causing these infections are bacteria of the genus Proteus
      that colonize catheters not only by biofilm formation but also using other
      virulence factors. Those were developed for survival in the host organism and are
      also used by bacteria to infect the host or fight the defence mechanisms. The
      study focused on the following selected virulence factors: swimming, swarming and
      twitching motility, swarming motility across various types of urinary catheters,
      biofilm formation in various media, formation of biofilm on catheters, haemolysin
      and urease production. A total of 102 strains isolated from urinary catheters and
      50 strains isolated from stools were analyzed. In twitching motility, a
      difference between strains isolated from catheters and stools was statistically
      significant (p = 0.012). In swimming and swarming motility, the difference was
      not significant (p = 0.074 and p = 0.809, respectively). In motility across
      various catheter types, a statistically significant difference was found in
      strains isolated from both catheters and stools (p " 0.01 in both cases). For
      biofilm formation analyses, BHI and BHI with 4 % glucose were used. In BHI,
      biofilm was produced by all strains, with 65% of catheter strains and 88 % of
      strains from stools being strong producers. Similarly, all strains produced
      biofilm in BHI with 4 % glucose, with strong producers in 94 % and 92 % of
      strains isolated from catheters and stools, respectively. In formation of biofilm
      on catheters, there was a statistical difference between strains from catheters
      and stools (p = 0.00008). All strains isolated from both catheters and stools
      produced urease; no difference in urease production was statistically significant
      (p = 0.653). On agar with washed sheep erythrocytes, haemolysin production was
      not detected in any of the isolated strains. The quantitative method using horse
      erythrocytes revealed haemolysis production in three strains isolated from
      catheters.

PMID- 22052100
TI  - [Pneumonia-causing bacterial pathogens in intensive care patients].
AB  - BACKGROUND: This prospective study aimed at determining etiologic agents causing
      nosocomial pneumonia in a precisely defined group of patients and resistance of
      bacterial pathogens to antimicrobial drugs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study
      comprised patients hospitalized at the Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive
      Care Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Palacky University and University Hospital
      Olomouc who developed pneumonia. From those patients, secretion samples were
      collected for microbiological analysis. RESULTS: A total of 77 secretion samples
      from 51 patients were analyzed. Of 90 isolates, 71 were classified as etiologic
      agents, with the most frequently isolated strains being those of Klebsiella
      pneumoniae (32 %), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (22 %), Burkholderia cepacia complex
      (10 %) and Escherichia coli (8 %). The highest proportions of multiresistant
      strains were found in Pseudomonas aeruginosa (56 %), Klebsiella pneumoniae (52
      %), Escherichia coli (25 %) and Burkholderia cepacia complex (100 %). Pairs of
      identical strains were detected in five cases (3x Klebsiella pneumoniae and 2x
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa). In Burkholderia cepacia complex, the same strain was
      identified in four out of five cases. Eighteen patients died during
      hospitalization. CONCLUSION: Most isolates were single strains and hospital
      acquired pneumonia may be characterized as endogenous. Four identical cultures of
      Burkholderia cepacia complex were classified as Burkholderia multivorans by the
      MALDI-TOF system and clonal spread of this strain may be assumed.

PMID- 22052101
TI  - [The proof of antineural antibodies in patients with neuroborreliosis].
AB  - The study has been performed on the proof of anti-neural antibodies in patients
      with early form of neuroborreliosis (NB). The presence of anti-ganglioside and
      anti-myelin associated glykoprotein (MAG) antibodies were tested in serum by the
      commercial western-blotting kits. Forty serum samples from 38 patients were
      examined (17 patients with facial palsy, 12 Bannwarth's syndrome, 4 multiple
      cranial neuritis, 5 other radiculopathies), but only one sample was found
      positive (for anti-GM3 antibodies). It could be concluded, that anti-ganglioside
      and anti-MAG antibodies are only sparsely present in the early NB.

PMID- 22052102
TI  - Influence of initial metabolic rate on the power-duration relationship for all
      out exercise.
AB  - A single 3-min all-out cycling test can be used to estimate the power asymptote
      (critical power, CP) and the curvature constant (W') of the power-duration
      relationship for severe-intensity exercise. It was hypothesized that when
      exercise immediately preceding the 3-min all-out test was performed <CP, the CP
      and W' parameters would be unaffected, whereas preceding exercise >CP would
      systematically reduce the W' without affecting the CP. Seven physically active
      males completed 3-min all-out cycling tests in randomized order immediately
      preceded by: unloaded cycling (control); 6-min moderate; 6-min heavy; 2-min
      severe (S2); or 4-min severe (S4) intensity exercise. The CP was estimated from
      the mean power output over the final 30 s of the test and the W' was estimated as
      the power-time integral above end-test power. There were no significant
      differences in the CP between control (279 +/- 62), moderate (275 +/- 52), heavy
      (286 +/- 66 W), S2 (274 +/- 55), or S4 (273 +/- 65 W). The W' was significantly
      lower (P < 0.05) in S2 (11.5 +/- 2.5) and S4 (8.9 +/- 2.2) than in control (16.3
      +/- 2.3), moderate (17.2 +/- 2.4) and heavy (15.6 +/- 2.3 kJ). These results
      support the notion that the W' is predictably depleted only at a power output >CP
      whereas the CP is independent of the mechanisms which reduce W'.

PMID- 22052103
TI  - Muscular strength and markers of insulin resistance in European adolescents: the
      HELENA Study.
AB  - The aim of the study was to examine the association of muscular strength with
      markers of insulin resistance in European adolescents. The study comprised a
      total of 1,053 adolescents (499 males; 12.5-17.5 years) from ten European cities
      participating in the Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence
      (HELENA) Cross-Sectional Study. Muscular strength was measured by the handgrip
      strength and standing long jump tests. Cardiorespiratory fitness was measured by
      the 20-m shuttle run test. Fasting insulin and glucose were measured and the
      homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) and quantitative insulin sensitivity check
      index (QUICKI) indices were calculated. Weight, height, waist circumference and
      skinfold thickness were measured, and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. In
      males, the handgrip strength and standing long jump tests were negatively
      associated with fasting insulin and HOMA (all P < 0.05) after controlling for
      pubertal status, country and BMI or waist circumference. When skinfold thickness
      was included in the model, the association became non-significant. In females,
      the standing long jump test was negatively associated with fasting insulin and
      HOMA (all P < 0.001) after controlling for pubertal status, country and surrogate
      markers of total or central body fat (BMI, waist circumference or skinfold
      thickness). Findings were retained in males, but not in females after controlling
      for cardiorespiratory fitness. The findings of the present study suggest that
      preventive strategies should focus not only on decreasing fatness and increasing
      cardiorespiratory fitness but also on enhancing muscular strength.

PMID- 22052104
TI  - P.O.P.A. study: prevention of postoperative abdominal adhesions by icodextrin 4%
      solution after laparotomy for adhesive small bowel obstruction. A prospective
      randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adhesive small bowel obstruction (ASBO) is an important cause of
      hospital admission, is associated with significant morbidity and mortality, and
      therefore is a substantial burden for healthcare systems worldwide. Icodextrin 4%
      solution (Adept, Shire Pharmaceuticals, UK) is a high-molecular-weight a-1,4
      glucose polymer approved in Europe for use as intraoperative lavage and
      postoperative instillation to reduce the occurrence of post-surgery intra
      abdominal adhesions. The present clinical study aimed to evaluate the safety and
      effectiveness of icodextrin 4% in decreasing the incidence, extent, and severity
      of adhesions in patients after abdominal surgery for ASBO. METHODS: The study was
      a single-center prospective, randomized investigation. The study is designed and
      conducted in compliance with the principles of Good Clinical Practice
      regulations. Safety and efficacy of icodextrin 4% in the study group are compared
      to no anti-adhesion treatment in a parallel control group with blinded evaluation
      of primary endpoints. Primary endpoints are the evaluation of the therapeutic
      role of icodextrin 4% in reducing ASBO recurrence incidence and the need of
      laparotomies for ASBO recurrence, as well as adhesion formation (with evaluation
      of their incidence, extent, and severity). A sum of 181 patients with ASBO and
      surgical indication to laparotomy were enrolled and randomized in two groups.
      Patients were submitted to adhesiolysis with bowel resection if required with or
      without anastomosis. The first group received traditional treatment (control
      group), whereas the second group was treated with the addition of icodextrin 4%
      solution before the abdominal closure. RESULTS: Ninety-one patients were
      randomized to have icodextrin 4% solution administered intraperitoneally, and 90
      patients were randomized to have the traditional treatment. The two study groups
      were homogeneous regarding their baseline characteristics. The ASBO recurrence
      rate was 2.19% (2/91) in the icodextrin groups vs 11.11% (10/90) in the control
      group after a mean follow-up period of 41.4 months (p < 0.05). No differences
      were found in the need of laparotomies for ASBO recurrence in the studied groups.
      The adhesion severity score seems lower in the group treated with the addition of
      icodextrin (p = n.s.). CONCLUSIONS: The data resulting from this RCT showed that
      the use of icodextrin 4% solution in ASBO is safe and reduces intra-abdominal
      adhesion formation and the risk of re-obstruction.

PMID- 22052105
TI  - Robotic surgery for rectal cancer: initial experience from 30 consecutive
      patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Robotic surgery offers 3D visualization and the advantage of the
      usage of multi-articulated instruments with superior dexterity. Theoretically, it
      can overcome many limitations of laparoscopic rectal surgery in the narrow
      pelvis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 2010 and January 2011, the
      patients who underwent robotic rectal resection for cancer were retrospectively
      evaluated in terms of demographics, operative data, complications, the duration
      of hospital stay, and histopathological data. RESULTS: Thirty consecutive
      patients made up of 13 female and 17 male patients underwent robotic rectal
      resection. Sphincter-saving mesorectal excision was performed in 27 patients. Of
      these, there were 19 total and 8 partial mesorectal excisions. The mean operative
      time was 270 min (175-480 min). The median postoperative hospital stay was 4 days
      (4-20 days). No operation was converted. The complication rate was 13.3%. One
      patient died due to colonic necrosis caused by Drummond artery deficiency (3.3%).
      The median number of harvested lymph nodes was 15 (3-38), and the distal
      resection margin was 4 cm (2-8). Histopathological evaluation revealed that the
      mesorectum resection was complete in all patients. CONCLUSION: Robotic rectal
      surgery (hybrid or totally robotic) is a safe and feasible procedure when
      performed by experienced laparoscopic surgeons.

PMID- 22052106
TI  - RAGE gene deletion inhibits the development and progression of ductal neoplasia
      and prolongs survival in a murine model of pancreatic cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) is implicated
      in pancreatic tumorigenesis. Activating Kras mutations and p16 inactivation are
      genetic abnormalities most commonly detected as pancreatic ductal epithelium
      progresses from intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) to adenocarcinoma (PDAC).
      OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of RAGE (or AGER)
      deletion on the development of PanIN and PDAC in conditional Kras ( G12D ) mice.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pdx1-Cre; LSL-Kras ( G12D/+) mice were crossed with RAGE (
      /-) mice to generate Pdx1-Cre; LSL-Kras ( G12D/+) ; RAGE (-/-) mice. Pdx1-Cre;
      LSL-Kras ( G12D/+); p16 ( Ink4a-/-) mice were crossed with RAGE (-/-) mice to
      generate Pdx1-Cre; LSL-Kras ( G12D/+); p16 ( Ink4a-/-); RAGE (-/-) mice.
      Pancreatic ducts were scored and compared to the relevant RAGE (+/+) controls.
      RESULTS: At 16 weeks of age, Pdx1-Cre; LSL-Kras ( G12D/+); RAGE (-/-) mice had
      significantly fewer high-grade PanIN lesions than Pdx1-Cre; LSL-Kras ( G12D/+);
      RAGE (+/+) controls. At 12 weeks of age, none of the Pdx1-Cre; LSL-Kras (
      G12D/+); p16 ( Ink4a-/-); RAGE (-/-) mice had PDAC compared to a 45.5% incidence
      of PDAC in Pdx1-Cre; LSL-Kras ( G12D/+); p16 ( Ink4a-/-); RAGE (+/+) controls.
      Finally, Pdx1-Cre; LSL-Kras ( G12D/+); p16 ( Ink4a-/-); RAGE (-/-) mice also
      displayed markedly longer median survival. CONCLUSION: Loss of RAGE function
      inhibited the development of PanIN and progression to PDAC and significantly
      prolonged survival in these mouse models. Further work is needed to target the
      ligand-RAGE axis for possible early intervention and prophylaxis in patients at
      risk for developing pancreatic cancer.

PMID- 22052108
TI  - Evaluation of upper and lower gastrointestinal histology in patients with ileal
      pouches.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Inflammatory complications of ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA),
      including pouchitis and Crohn's disease (CD) of the pouch, are common in patients
      with restorative proctocolectomy for ulcerative colitis. It is not clear whether
      these inflammatory conditions can affect upper GI tract. The aim of the study was
      to evaluate correlation between duodenal and pouch histology in patients with
      healthy and diseased pouches. METHODS: All IPAA patients who had
      esophagogastroduodenoscopy with biopsy after colectomy (N = 96) were included.
      H&E slides of gastric, duodenal, neo-terminal ileum, and pouch body biopsies were
      blindly re-reviewed by an expert GI pathologist for acute and chronic
      inflammation. Demographic and clinical variables and pouch outcome were analyzed.
      RESULTS: There was a significant correlation between acute inflammation in the
      duodenum as measured by neutrophil infiltration score and the presence of chronic
      pouchitis (kappa coefficient = 0.21, P < 0.05). Intraepithelial lymphocytosis of
      the duodenum, though uncommon, only occurred in patients with irritable pouch
      syndrome, chronic pouchitis, or CD of the pouch. Crypt distortion of duodenal
      epithelium was only seen in patients with inflammatory or structural diseases of
      the pouch, including acute (18.2%) and chronic (5%) pouchitis, CD of the pouch
      (14.3%), and surgical complications of the pouch (14.4%). CONCLUSION: Histologic
      evaluation of duodenal biopsy may provide additional information in patients with
      ileal pouches, as patients with normal histology of the pouch may have an
      abnormal duodenal histology.

PMID- 22052107
TI  - AIB1 as an independent prognostic marker in hepatocellular carcinoma after
      hepatic resection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Amplified in breast cancer 1 (AIB1) has been shown to promote growth
      and invasion in several types of human cancers and to have a prognostic role in
      some of cancers. However, its prognostic significance in hepatocellular carcinoma
      (HCC) remains unknown. This study aimed to address the issue. METHODS:
      Immunohistochemical staining of AIB1 was performed for HCC and paired
      paratumorous liver (PTL) tissues from 139 patients. Associations between AIB1
      expression with clinicopathological variables and patient survival were
      evaluated. RESULTS: The expression rate of AIB1 was significantly higher in HCC
      (71/139, 51.1%) than in PTL tissues (1/139, 0.72%, P < 0.001). AIB1 expression in
      HCC was significantly associated with serum alpha-fetoprotein levels (P = 0.001)
      and Edmondson-Steiner grade (P = 0.038). Higher AIB1 expression in HCC was
      associated with shorter cumulative overall survival of the patients. Multivariate
      Cox regression analysis revealed that AIB1 was of independent prognostic
      significance for HCC. CONCLUSIONS: AIB1 is independently associated with poor
      prognosis of HCC.

PMID- 22052109
TI  - Lymphangioma of the gallbladder in adults: review of the literature and a case
      report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Lymphangiomas of the gallbladder in adults are extremely rare with
      only 10 cases published worldwide to date. CASE PRESENTATION: We herein report a
      case of a 26-year-old male who presented with abdominal right upper quadrant
      pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. An ultrasound, computer tomography scan,
      and magnetic resonance imaging showed a cystic mass interposed between the
      gallbladder and the liver with characteristics identical to those of
      lymphangiomas in more common locations. The patient underwent an open excision of
      the large spongy mass en bloc with the gallbladder. CONCLUSION: Histological
      findings confirmed the diagnosis of lymphangioma. Also, we provide a review of 10
      cases presented in the literature, with a discussion of the clinical features,
      diagnosis, and surgical approach.

PMID- 22052110
TI  - From coverage to care.
AB  - An important determinant of access is whether people have a usual source of care.
      Health insurance coverage is one factor that makes people more likely to have a
      usual provider, but coverage alone does not guarantee access. This synthesis
      examines the relationship between health insurance and having a regular care
      provider. Results indicate people with health insurance are more likely to have a
      usual source of care; the newly insured, as well as people with unstable coverage
      are less likely to have a regular source of care; and about two-thirds of those
      without a usual source of care say the main reason they have no such source is
      because they rarely get sick. Among those who have a usual source of care, most
      see an office-based doctor as their primary provider. The uninsured and publicly
      insured are more likely to use an institution and to face access barriers.

PMID- 22052111
TI  - Survivin T9809C, an SNP located in 3'-UTR, displays a correlation with the risk
      and clinicopathological development of hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is seldom available
      because of the lack of reliable markers. Survivin is an anti-apoptotic protein
      that is implicated in the regulation of apoptosis and cell cycle, and it is
      undetectable in normal adult tissues but is overexpressed in various types of
      cancers. Survivin is thus commonly considered to be a marker of malignancy. The
      aim of this study was to explore the association between survivin gene
      polymorphisms and the risk and diagnostic progress of HCC. METHODS: A total of
      135 patients with HCC and 496 healthy control subjects were recruited. Five
      single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of survivin genes were determined by real
      time polymerase chain reaction (real-time PCR) and further analyzed
      statistically. RESULTS: We first found that the -241 C/T and -235 G/A genetic
      polymorphisms of survivin did not occur frequently enough or even lacked in
      Taiwanese population. The +9809 C/C polymorphism exhibited a significant (P <
      .05) low risk of 0.525-fold (95% confidence interval [95% CI] = 0.297-0.930) to
      have HCC compared with the wild-type homozygotes and a low ratio of 0.214-fold
      (95% CI = 0.051-0.890) for positive anti-HCV was shown in the individuals with
      survivin +9809 polymorphic CC allele compared with the TT/TC genotypic subgroup.
      CONCLUSIONS: Survivin +9809 polymorphic genotype is associated with the risk of
      HCC, and the HCC patients with survivin +9809 CC homozygotes might have a low
      risk of developing infected HCV-dependent HCC. The results suggest that the
      survivin T9809C SNP might contribute to the prediction of susceptibility and
      pathological development to HCC.

PMID- 22052112
TI  - Myxoid?round cell liposarcoma (MRCLS) revisited: an analysis of 418 primarily
      managed cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Objectives of this study were to evaluate oncologic outcomes and to
      provide guidelines for the management of primary myxoid (MLS) and round cell
      liposarcoma (RCLS). METHODS: A multicenter, retrospective study of 418 cases of
      MRCLS primarily managed by Canadian multidisciplinary sarcoma teams. RESULTS:
      Study included 418 cases (MLS: 311 patients and RCLS: 107; >5% round cell) with a
      median age of 45 years and a median follow-up of 5.2 years. Median tumor size was
      10 cm, and 81% were deep and 90% were in lower limb. The majority of patients
      underwent surgical resection and radiotherapy, with a small percentage (6%)
      receiving chemotherapy. The overall 10-year local control rate was 93% with no
      differences between MLS and RCLS. Radiotherapy was significant in preventing
      local relapse and reducing tumor diameter (median=18%) and improving microscopic
      margin status, but did not impact survival. Radiotherapy and the margin status
      were independent predictors of local recurrence. The 5- and 10-year metastatic
      free survivals were 84 and 77% respectively for MLS and 69 and 46% for RCLS. The
      initial site of metastasis was found in multiple locations (34%) and bone
      involvement was frequent (40%) with predilection for spine (79%). Round cell
      percent (>5%) and tumor diameter (>10 cm) correlated with increased risk for
      metastasis and death. CONCLUSIONS: MLS and RCLS showed different metastatic risk
      but equally good local control. Radiotherapy was effective in preventing local
      recurrence and should be delivered as neoadjuvant. New staging strategies are to
      be defined to account for the unusual metastatic pattern.

PMID- 22052113
TI  - Crossdisciplinary fundamental research--the seed for scientific advance and
      technological innovation.
AB  - As it was earlier in the 1980's, so it is now, fundamental science research is
      under threat as decisions are made on science funding by people who do not do
      fundamental research, seem congenitally incapable of understanding what it is and
      furthermore in the face of countless examples seem blind to how important it has
      been to the technologies that govern our modern life and will be to the future
      technologies that we desperately need to develop to survive. In this article some
      general observations are made on how the fascination for what happens in space
      and stars was the key trigger that gave birth to Science itself and a particular
      case is outlined which indicates that this same fascination is still the catalyst
      of some fundamental breakthroughs today. This article also outlines an archetypal
      example of the way major breakthroughs are often made by the synergy that comes
      from cross-disciplinary research in a way which is totally surprising. In this
      case it started from a curiosity about the quantum mechanical description of
      molecular dynamics and involved pioneering advances in synthetic organic
      chemistry which led to the suprising discovery that some exotic carbon molecules
      were abundant in space and stars. These results initiated an experiment using a
      new technology that represented a major breakthrough in cluster science. The
      upshot was totally unpredictable, the birth of a whole new field of Chemistry as
      well as a paradigm shift in major areas of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology.

PMID- 22052114
TI  - The political economy of health promotion: part 1, national commitments to
      provision of the prerequisites of health.
AB  - Canada is a leader in developing health promotion concepts of providing the
      prerequisites of health through health-promoting public policy. But Canada is
      clearly a laggard in implementing these concepts. In contrast, France is seen as
      a nation in which health promotion concepts have failed to gain much traction yet
      evidence exists that France does far better than Canada in providing these health
      prerequisites. Such findings suggest that it is the political economy--or form of
      the welfare state--of a nation rather than its explicit commitments to health
      promotion concepts--that shape provision of the prerequisites of health. Part 1
      of this article examines how health promotion rhetoric specifically concerned
      with provision of the prerequisites of health differs among nations identified as
      being either liberal, social democratic, conservative or Latin welfare states.
      Governing authorities of nations that are liberal or social democratic welfare
      states are more likely to make explicit rhetorical commitments to provision of
      the prerequisites of health, the conservative and Latin states less so. Part 2 of
      this article provides evidence however, that despite their rhetorical commitments
      to provision of the prerequisites of health, liberal welfare state nations fall
      well behind not only the social democratic nations, but also the conservative
      welfare states in implementing public policies that provide the prerequisites of
      health. The Latin welfare states express little commitment to provision of the
      prerequisites of health and rather limited public policy activity towards meeting
      this aim.

PMID- 22052115
TI  - The political economy of health promotion: part 2, national provision of the
      prerequisites of health.
AB  - Governmental authorities of wealthy developed nations differ in their professed
      commitments and activity related to the provision of the prerequisites of health
      through public policy action. Part 1 of this article showed how nations
      identified as social democratic or liberal welfare states were those where such
      commitments are present. Nations identified as conservative or Latin welfare
      states were less likely to express such commitments. However, the political
      economy literature suggests that despite their expressed commitments to provision
      of the prerequisites of health, liberal welfare states fare rather poorly in
      implementing these commitments. The opposite is seen for conservative welfare
      states. Social democratic welfare states show both commitments and public policy
      consistent with this objective. Part 2 of this article documents the extent to
      which public policy activity that provides the prerequisites of health through
      public policy action differs among varying welfare state regimes. Despite
      extensive rhetoric concerning the prerequisites of health, nations identified as
      liberal welfare states do a rather poor job of meeting these goals and show
      evidence of adverse health outcomes. In contrast, social democratic welfare
      states fare better in providing such prerequisites--consistent with their
      rhetorical statements--with better health outcomes. Interestingly, conservative-
      and to a lesser extent Latin--nations fare well in providing the prerequisites of
      health despite their lack of explicit commitment to such concepts. Findings
      suggest that health promoters have to concern themselves with the broad strokes
      of public policymaking whether or not these policy activities are identified as
      health promotion activities.

PMID- 22052116
TI  - In search of excellence.

PMID- 22052117
TI  - Therapeutic hypothermia: treatment for hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy in the
      NICU.
AB  - Baby M was born limp, blue, and without respiratory effort at 38 weeks gestation
      to a 38-year-old, gravida 5, para 1, woman. Delivery was vaginal after a rapid
      progression of labor leaving no opportunity for a cesarean section. No other
      complications were noted during labor but a large surge at delivery, later
      diagnosed as uterine rupture, initially raised concerns about placental
      abruption. Apgar scores were 1, 2, and 4 at one, five, and ten minutes,
      respectively. She was resuscitated in the delivery room, intubated, and
      transferred in critical condition to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) at
      the birth hospital. Her initial cord pH was 6.7 and was slightly improved at 7.17
      on arterial blood gas after resuscitation. Our NICU team was consulted because of
      her severe neurologic depression. The birth hospital was within walking distance
      of our tertiary care center and our neurologists went to evaluate her for the
      hypothermia protocol. Her neurologic exam was notable for dilated and
      unresponsive pupils, no spontaneous movements, and diminished reflexes and tone,
      consistent with moderate-to-severe encephalopathy. Seizure activity began at one
      hour of age and consisted of lip smacking, which was later confirmed by
      electroencephalogram (EEG). Enrollment criteria were met based on respiratory
      depression at birth requiring intubation and continued need for ventilation,
      concern for placental abruption, cord pH less than 7, and encephalopathy on exam
      and EEG. After stabilizing her airway and achieving central access to treat
      acidosis and seizures, the team prepared her for transfer to our NICU. At this
      point, the primary concern became her neurologic status.

PMID- 22052118
TI  - Neutral head positioning in premature infants for intraventricular hemorrhage
      prevention: an evidence-based review.
AB  - With the advancement of neonatal medicine during the past several decades,
      premature and critically ill infants are living past the neonatal period and
      surviving. The survival of these infants at smaller birth weights and younger
      gestational ages puts them at an increased risk for intraventricular hemorrhages
      (IVHs). Although shifts in cerebral perfusion have been linked to the development
      of these brain bleeds, many seemingly benign care activities have been linked to
      changes in cerebral blood flow patterns, possibly contributing to IVHs. The
      purpose of this article is to evaluate the current evidence to determine if the
      practice of midline positioning for infants born less than 32 weeks gestation for
      possible IVH prevention is supported by the literature. Many of the researchers
      involved in these studies attributed the consequential venule leakage of blood to
      occlusion of the jugular venous drainage system following a turn in the position
      of the head. Additionally, the articles that examined the connection between the
      effects of head tilting on brain hemodynamics attributed changes on the infants'
      potential inability to autoregulate cerebral blood flow adequately. Both of these
      findings were linked to the development of IVHs. Based on physiologic data and
      expert opinion, the authors found support in the literature and recommend
      implementing a plan of care that includes midline head positioning for premature
      infants.

PMID- 22052119
TI  - Congenital central hypoventilation syndrome and the PHOX2B gene mutation.
AB  - Congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS) is a rare syndrome of
      dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system characterized by a decreased response
      to hypercarbia. It is a disorder in which affected individuals fail to breathe
      during sleep despite progressive hypercapnia and hypoxia. Infants simply fall
      asleep and quit breathing. They are found by their parents or caregivers blue and
      lifeless. CCHS is an autosomal dominant disease. It has been linked with tumors
      of neural crest origin, segmental aganglionosis of the colon, and diffuse
      autonomic dysregulation but can occur alone. Discovery of the genetic link
      between the paired-like homeobox 2B (PHOX2B) genetic mutations and CCHS
      represents a breakthrough in the diagnosis of CCHS, association of mutated
      alleles with disease severity, and clues to the pathophysiology responsible for
      the disorder. Early genetic screening and intervention can provide the families
      of these infants with hope for achieving a normal life.

PMID- 22052120
TI  - Neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia: a case study.
AB  - Neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (NAIT) is a life-threatening disorder caused
      by fetomaternal platelet incompatibility analogous to that seen in rhesus (Rh)
      disease. In NAIT , maternal immunoglobulin G (IgG) antiplatelet antibodies cross
      the placenta, resulting in rapid destruction and removal of fetal platelets by
      the reticuloendothelial system. Studies have shown that NAIT has an incidence of
      1 of 1,000 live births, with a mortality rate of 10-15 percent and the risk of
      long-term morbidities up to 20-60 percent if intracranial hemorrhage (ICH)
      occurs. This column will discuss the pathophysiology, differential diagnosis,
      morbidities, and treatment of NAIT and conclude with a relevant case study.

PMID- 22052121
TI  - Caffeine citrate therapy for apnea of prematurity.

PMID- 22052122
TI  - Mastering basic computer competencies one byte at a time.

PMID- 22052125
TI  - Celebrating neonatal nurses who paved the way.
AB  - As part of the 30th Anniversary of Neonatal Network and the 10th Anniversary of
      the Academy of Neonatal Nursing, an honor wall was created for the national
      meeting held in September in Washington, DC. The list below, by no means
      exhaustive, features some of the neonatal nurses who have made significant
      contributions to our field. Nurses attending the conference were also invited to
      honor their own neonatal mentors on a write-in wall of fame. Who is your neonatal
      hero?

PMID- 22052126
TI  - Serum MMP-9 is elevated in children with asthma.
AB  - This study explored the association of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) serum
      concentration and gene polymorphism with childhood asthma. Serum levels of MMP-9
      were determined by sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in 65
      children with asthma (cases) and 68 healthy children (controls), and the -1562C/T
      polymorphism in MMP-9 was detected by polymerase chain reaction and restriction
      fragment-length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis. The results showed that the
      mean serum levels of MMP-9 in the children with asthma (136.53 +/- 29.96 ng/ml)
      were significantly higher than that in the healthy controls (45.08 +/- 12.53
      ng/ml; P<0.05). At MMP-9 base position -1562, the frequencies of the genotypes
      CC, CT and TT in cases were 67.7, 29.2 and 3.1% and in controls were 73.5, 25.0
      and 1.5%. The allele frequencies of C and T in cases vs. controls were 82.3 and
      17.7% vs. 86.0 and 14.0%, respectively. No statistically significant difference
      was detected in genotype or allele frequency between these groups. In addition,
      no significant difference in serum levels of MMP-9 was observed within groups
      among children with different genotypes (P>0.05). Therefore, whereas serum levels
      of MMP-9 are associated with the occurrence of childhood asthma, the MMP-9 
      1562C/T gene polymorphism has no correlation with the pathogenesis of childhood
      asthma.

PMID- 22052127
TI  - Imaging in sarcoma.
AB  - Imaging has contributed to diagnosis and treatment decision making for patients
      with sarcomas, a highly heterogeneous tumor group. Derived from mesenchymal
      tissues, sarcomas occur in all parts of the body and in all patient age groups,
      with a highly variable histologic appearance and behavior. They are commonly
      separated into soft-tissue-derived and bone-derived groups; however, many
      exceptions to these classifications are seen clinically. Tumor size, cellular
      type and differentiation, and presence of necrosis are tumor features that can be
      used clinically to predict the risk of aggressive behavior. At present for soft
      tissue sarcomas, the 5-y survival is approximately 60%, with substantially better
      survival for patients with bone tumors, particularly pediatric patients. Imaging
      with nuclear medicine techniques plays an important role in diagnosis, treatment
      planning, and follow-up. Conventional (99m)Tc-methylene diphosphonate bone scans,
      (201)Tl tumor imaging, and PET techniques have contributed to the care of sarcoma
      patients. Newer PET techniques with biologically specific imaging agents have
      also been evaluated to characterize sarcomas and contribute to risk
      stratification for poor outcome.

PMID- 22052128
TI  - Complementary roles of 18F-DOPA PET/CT and 18F-FDG PET/CT in medullary thyroid
      cancer.
AB  - Serum calcitonin and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) are markers of recurrent or
      persistent disease in medullary thyroid cancer (MTC). However, conventional
      imaging often fails to localize metastatic disease. Our aim was to compare
      fluorine-labeled dihydroxyphenylalanine ((18)F-DOPA) and (18)F-FDG PET/CT with
      multidetector CT (MDCT) and MRI in recurrent or persistent MTC. METHODS: Nineteen
      MTC patients with increased calcitonin or CEA on follow-up (mean +/- SD, 93 +/-
      91 mo; range, 4-300 mo) after primary therapy were prospectively imaged with 4
      techniques: (18)F-DOPA PET/CT, (18)F-FDG PET/CT, MDCT, and MRI. Images were
      analyzed for pathologic lesions, which were surgically removed when possible. The
      correlation between the detection rate for each method and the calcitonin and CEA
      concentrations and histopathologic findings was investigated. RESULTS: On the
      basis of histology and follow-up, one or more imaging methods accurately
      localized metastatic disease in 12 (63%) of 19 patients. The corresponding
      figures for (18)F-DOPA PET/CT, (18)F-FDG PET/CT, MDCT, and MRI were 11 (58%) of
      19, 10 (53%) of 19, 9 (47%) of 19, and 10 (59%) of 17, respectively. Calcitonin
      and CEA correlated with (18)F-DOPA PET/CT (P = 0.0007 and P = 0.0263,
      respectively) and (18)F-FDG PET/CT findings (both P < 0.0001). In patients with
      an unstable calcitonin doubling time (n = 8), (18)F-DOPA and (18)F-FDG PET/CT
      were equally sensitive. In contrast, for patients with an unstable CEA doubling
      time (n = 4), (18)F-FDG PET/CT was more accurate. CONCLUSION: For most MTC
      patients with occult disease, (18)F-DOPA PET/CT accurately detects metastases. In
      patients with an unstable calcitonin level, (18)F-DOPA PET/CT and (18)F-FDG
      PET/CT are complementary. For patients with an unstable CEA doubling time, (18)F
      FDG PET/CT may be more feasible. MRI is sensitive but has the highest rate of
      false-positive results.

PMID- 22052129
TI  - Smartphone app use among medical providers in ACGME training programs.
AB  - The past decade has witnessed the advent of the smartphone, a device armed with
      computing power, mobility and downloadable "apps," that has become commonplace
      within the medical field as both a personal and professional tool. The popularity
      of medically-related apps suggests that physicians use mobile technology to
      assist with clinical decision making, yet usage patterns have never been
      quantified. A digital survey examining smartphone and associated app usage was
      administered via email to all ACGME training programs. Data regarding respondent
      specialty, level of training, use of smartphones, use of smartphone apps, desired
      apps, and commonly used apps were collected and analyzed. Greater than 85% of
      respondents used a smartphone, of which the iPhone was the most popular (56%).
      Over half of the respondents reported using apps in their clinical practice; the
      most commonly used app types were drug guides (79%), medical calculators (18%),
      coding and billing apps (4%) and pregnancy wheels (4%). The most frequently
      requested app types were textbook/reference materials (average response: 55%),
      classification/treatment algorithms (46%) and general medical knowledge (43%).
      The clinical use of smartphones and apps will likely continue to increase, and we
      have demonstrated an absence of high-quality and popular apps despite a strong
      desire among physicians and trainees. This information should be used to guide
      the development of future healthcare delivery systems; expanded app functionality
      is almost certain but reliability and ease of use will likely remain major
      factors in determining the successful integration of apps into clinical practice.

PMID- 22052131
TI  - Neurology section research strategic plan*.

PMID- 22052130
TI  - Muscular and gait abnormalities in persons with early onset multiple sclerosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Muscular and gait abnormalities are common complaints
      among persons with multiple sclerosis, even in the early stages of the disease.
      Our aim was to evaluate peak isometric strength, major lower limb muscle fatigue,
      and spatiotemporal gait parameters in persons with a first neurological event
      suggestive of multiple sclerosis, defined as a clinically isolated syndrome
      (CIS). METHODS: Fifty-two individuals (36 women, 16 men) with CIS, aged 35.2 (SD
      = 7.2) with an Expanded Disability Status Scale score of 1.7 (SD = 1.3),
      participated in the study. Peak isometric torque and fatigue index were measured
      at the knee and ankle bilaterally as well spatiotemporal parameters of gait.
      Twenty-eight age- and gender-matched healthy subjects served as controls.
      RESULTS: The CIS group demonstrated increased muscle fatigue, and greater ankle
      muscle torque asymmetries compared with the control group. The overall fatigue
      index scores intensified on an average of 40% in the CIS group (27% vs 19% in
      controls). Participants in the CIS group walked with a larger step length
      difference, longer step time difference, wider base of support, and prolonged
      double support period compared with the control group. Positive correlations were
      identified between double support period and some muscle parameters. DISCUSSION
      AND CONCLUSION: At this early stage of clinically isolated syndrome, evidence of
      a reduction in lower limb motor performance can already be identified. The
      possibility of early identification and potential for developing an intervention
      program that may alter treatment outcome warrants further exploration.

PMID- 22052132
TI  - Speed-dependent body weight supported sit-to-stand training in chronic stroke: a
      case series.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Body weight support (BWS) and speed-dependent training
      protocols have each been used for poststroke gait training, but neither approach
      has been tested in the context of sit-to-stand (STS) training. This study
      evaluated the feasibility and outcomes of speed-dependent BWS STS training for 2
      persons with chronic stroke. CASE DESCRIPTIONS: Two individuals 68 and 75 years
      old, and 2.3 and 8.7 years post-ischemic stroke, respectively, participated. Both
      exhibited right hemiparesis, required moderate (25%-50%) assistance for STS, and
      ambulated household distances with assistive devices. INTERVENTION: Participants
      performed speed-dependent BWS STS training 3 days/week for 45 to 60 minutes until
      able to perform STS independently. Gait parameters, the Stroke Impact Scale
      Mobility Domain (SIS-mobility), and the 3-Repetition STS test (3RSTS) were
      assessed before and after intervention. OUTCOMES: Each participant completed more
      than 750 STS repetitions over the course of the intervention, achieving
      independence in 8 to 11 sessions. Aside from muscle soreness, no adverse effects
      occurred. Participants also exhibited increased gait velocity (0.17-0.24 m/s and
      0.25-0.42 m/s), SIS-mobility score (78-88 and 63-66), and decreased 3RSTS time
      (18-8 seconds and 40-21 seconds). DISCUSSION: Speed-dependent BWS STS training
      appears to be a feasible and promising method to increase STS independence and
      speed for persons with chronic stroke. In this small case series, a potential
      transfer effect to gait parameters was also observed. Future randomized
      controlled study is warranted to evaluate efficacy and long-term effects.

PMID- 22052135
TI  - Are health insurance premiums higher for small firms?
AB  - Large and small firms pay similar health insurance premiums but this similarity
      is misleading. Small firms are less likely to offer insurance and when they do,
      provide less generous benefits than large firms. Premium data does not include
      the experience of small firms that do not offer coverage, perhaps because they
      faced higher premiums. This synthesis explores the reasons premiums for small
      firms are higher than large firms. Findings include: Instability causes higher
      insurance costs for small firms. Small firms have more employee turnover; they
      drop and add coverage more often; and are more likely to go out of business; this
      leads to higher administrative costs. Premiums for small firms are more variable
      because they are more likely to face medical underwriting. Small firms with high
      average wages are just as likely to offer a health plan as larger firms, but low
      wage small firms are much less likely to provide coverage.

PMID- 22052133
TI  - Patterns of gait variability across the lifespan in persons with and without down
      syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Greater gait variability has been observed in persons
      with Down syndrome (DS). An understanding of baseline patterns of variability,
      how these patterns relate to adaptive control of gait, and whether increasing or
      decreasing variability is better is necessary for physical therapists to
      determine whether and when to intervene. Our aim was to describe patterns of gait
      variability across the lifespan in persons with DS. METHODS: We examined
      differences in patterns of gait variability in new walkers, preadolescents, and
      adults with DS and typical development (TD). We collected kinematic data, while
      participants walked on a treadmill, and analyzed the data using the nonlinear
      measures of Lyapunov Exponent (LyE) and Approximate Entropy (ApEn). RESULTS:
      Beyond the greater gait variability demonstrated across the lifespan in persons
      with DS compared with their peers with TD, we report herein significant
      differences in nonlinear measures of patterns of variability. Preadolescents
      demonstrated higher LyE and ApEn values than new walkers and adults, suggesting
      that they are more adaptive in their use of variability during gait. CONCLUSION:
      From a clinical perspective, our results suggest that it may be of value to focus
      interventions on increasing adaptive use of variability during gait in new
      walkers and adults with DS. Experience with increased variability through
      practice under variable conditions or with perturbations may improve adaptive use
      of variability during gait.

PMID- 22052136
TI  - Distribution of selenium, molybdenum and uranium in sediment cores from the
      Colorado River delta, Baja California, Mexico.
AB  - The distribution of selenium, molybdenum and uranium was studied in ~1.5 m
      sediment cores from the Colorado River delta, at the Colorado (CR) and Hardy (HR)
      riverbeds. Core HR2 showed highest Se, Mo and U concentrations at its bottom
      (2.3, 0.95 and 1.8 MUg g(-1)) within a sandy-silt layer deposited prior to dam
      construction. In CR5 the highest concentrations of these elements (0.9, 1.4 and
      1.7 MUg g(-1) respectively) were located at the top of the core within a surface
      layer enriched in organic carbon. A few samples from HR2 had Se above the
      probable toxic effect level guidelines.

PMID- 22052137
TI  - Phytoextraction of endosulfan a remediation technique.
AB  - Endosulfan is a cyclodiene insecticide used all over the world for the control of
      various insect pests on variety of food and non crop products. Despite judicious
      use endosulfan has been detected in atmosphere, soil, water, sediment, surface
      water rain water and food stuffs, which is of concern. In view of the above the
      use of mustard and maize plants as potential phytoremediation inputs have been
      evaluated. The potential of mustard (brassica campestris Linn.) and maize (Zea
      Maize) to remove a organochlorine pesticide endosulfan was investigated. The
      disappearance rate constants of endosulfan from soil were 0.03684, 0.23490 and
      0.17272 day(-1) for unplanted treatment, planted with mustard and maize,
      respectively, which implied that plant uptake and phytoextraction with maize and
      mustard contributed 47.2% and 34.5%, respectively and other degradation processes
      took up 38.7% and 35.9%, respectively to the removal of the applied endosulfan
      from soil. The accumulated endosulfan decreased by 55%-91% in soil after growing
      the crop plants in soil, suggesting that plant uptake and phytoextraction might
      be the dominant process for endosulfan removal by the plant. This plant might be
      utilized as an efficient, economical and ecological alternative to accelerate the
      removal and degradation of agro-industrial wastewater polluted with endosulfan.

PMID- 22052138
TI  - Preeclampsia/eclampsia: an insight into the dilemma of treatment by the
      anesthesiologist.
AB  - A complicated and controversial subject in obstetrics i.e., toxemia of pregnancy
      is looked upon, both from an anesthesiological and obstetrical point of view. As
      pre-eclampsia and eclampsia involve immediate treatment and obstetric
      considerations, the choice between epidural and general anesthesia becomes
      necessary when cesarean section is contemplated. Apart from the pathophysiology
      of the vessel spasm as it is induced by preeclampsia, the therapeutic managements
      of fluid administration, the drugs of choice to treat hypertension as well as the
      technical aspects of anesthesia are reviewed.

PMID- 22052139
TI  - Comparison of two regimens of RhG-CSF in neutropenic neonatal septicemia: a
      randomized clinical trial.
AB  - Considering the 50% mortality rate of neonatal septicemia associated with
      neutropenia and increasing resistance to antibiotics, simultaneous antibiotic
      therapy strategies are becoming more important. However, few studies have been
      performed to evaluate effectiveness of RhG-CSF in the treatment of neutropenia in
      neonates. This randomized clinical trial was performed on 40 neutropenic neonates
      with septicemia who were hospitalized in Vali-e-Asr and Mirza Koochak Khan
      Hospitals (Tehran, Iran). The neonates were randomly divided into two equal
      groups RhG-CSF was administered as a subcutaneous single dose of 10 MUg/kg/s.c.
      to neonates in group A and as 10 MUg/kg/s.c./day once daily for 3 days to
      neonates in group B. CBC and differential count was checked 6, 24 and 48 hours
      after the last dose. There was no significant difference in mean birth weight,
      gender, age, and risk factors between two groups. Neutropenia was improved 48
      hours after the last dose, whilst there was no significant statistical difference
      between two groups (P>0.05). The final outcome including death, duration of
      hospitalization and duration of antibiotics therapy after RhG-CSF administration
      did not differ between two groups (P>0.05). The results of this study showed that
      administration of a single dose of RhG-CSF (10 MUg/kg) was effective in treating
      neonatal septicemic neutropenia.

PMID- 22052140
TI  - Does allopurinol prevent post endoscopic retrograde cholangio- pancreatography
      pancreatitis? A randomized double blind trial.
AB  - Post endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) pancreatitis is a
      frequent complication either for diagnosis or treatment of pancreatobiliary
      diseases. A number of pharmacological agents have been tried for prevention or
      alleviation of the complication. Allopurinol with free radical scavenger property
      has been considered as an effective prophylactic agent in some clinical trials.
      Administration of allopurinol in these trials was done in a long period before
      doing ERCP. Hence allopurinol converts to oxupurinol in the liver rapidly; it
      seems that clinical judgment about the net effect of allopurinol on prevention of
      post ERCP pancreatitis is doubtful. In this randomized double blind clinical
      trial, effect of allopurinol on prevention or alleviation of clinical and
      laboratory signs of pancreatitis has been evaluated in 74 patients undergoing
      ERCP. Results showed that there is not any difference between allopurinol and
      placebo in occurrence and severity of post ERCP pancreatitis (P=0.97). Also there
      is not any significant difference in amylase rises between 2 groups in 8 and 16
      hours after ERCP (P=0.947, 0.287 respectively). Beneficial effects of allopurinol
      in some of the previous studies may be attributed to its active metabolite
      (oxypurinol). Further studies recommended about the net effect of allopurinol and
      oxypurinol in the complication.

PMID- 22052141
TI  - Povidone-iodine and bleomycin in the management of malignant pleural effusion.
AB  - Malignant pleural effusion is a common complication in certain malignancies.
      Pleurodesis is the best option most of the time. The purpose of this study was to
      compare the choice of belomycin with povidone-iodine, which is not only
      determined by the efficacy of the agent but also by its cost, accessibility,
      safety, ease of administration and the number of administrations to achieve a
      complete response. We performed a randomized clinical trial on 39 patients
      presenting with symptomatic malignant pleural effusion. Patients were selected
      and randomly assigned to undergo chemical pleurodesis with either bleomycin or
      povidone-iodine. Primary characteristics of patients were assessed and graded
      before and after treatment concerning pain, dyspnea, and chest radiographs. A
      complete response was obtained in 79% of belomycin group and 75% of povidone
      iodine group which was not statistically significant. Patients on belomycin
      treatment had a significantly lower score for dyspnea in one month follow up.
      This was significant after controlling for age, pain score and dyspnea score
      after drainage, using general linear model. Due to similar effect and significant
      cost advantage between bleomycin and povidone-iodine, we conclude that povidone-
      iodine is the agent of choice when utilizing pleurodesis for control of
      symptomatic malignant pleural effusions.

PMID- 22052142
TI  - How effective is Swedish massage on blood glucose level in children with diabetes
      mellitus?
AB  - This study was conducted to determine the effect of Swedish massage on blood
      glucose level in children with diabetes mellitus (DM). It was prospective
      randomized controlled trial study that conducted on 36 children, 6-12 years old
      with DM, recruited from a hospital in Qom City, Iran. The children were randomly
      assigned to intervention and control groups. Swedish massage was performed 15
      minutes, 3 times a week, for 3 months in intervention group. The blood glucose
      levels were evaluated immediately after every session of massage in two groups.
      The mean ages of children in the intervention (n=18) and control (n=18) groups
      were 9.05 +/- 1.55 and 9.83 +/-2.03 years respectively. There was statistically
      no significant difference in blood glucose levels before intervention between two
      groups (P=0.586), but the blood glucose levels were lower significantly in
      intervention group in comparison with control group after intervention
      (P<0.0001). Addition of Swedish massage to daily routines; exercise, diet and
      medication regimens, is an effective intervention to reduce blood glucose level
      in diabetic children.

PMID- 22052143
TI  - Results of Milwaukee and Boston braces with or without metal marker around pads
      in patients with idiopathic scoliosis.
AB  - Bracing is the non-operative treatment of choice for adolescent idiopathic
      scoliosis (AIS) and careful application of pads on apical segment of curve is
      very important for correction. Control of pads' appropriate site in brace is not
      easy by clinical evaluation. Therefore, we decided to compare results of braces
      which for better control of pads by radiographs, metal marker inserted around
      pads with those without metal marker. We evaluated 215 consecutive cases (182
      female, 33 male) of AIS with 342 major curves from 1993 to 2003. Mean initial age
      was, 13.2 +/- 1.8 years (9-16) and mean duration of follow-up was, 16.1 +/- 16.4
      months (0-114) that treated by 4 type of brace; 89 with type 1(Milwaukee with
      metal pads), 87 with type 2 (Milwaukee with simple pads), 17 with type 3 (Boston
      with metal pads) and 22 with type 4(Boston with simple pads). Cobb angle recorded
      at 5 stages (initial, best, wean, stop and final follow-up). Mean initial Cobb
      was 36.2 degrees , at stop stage, 35.2 degrees  and reached 38 degrees  at final
      follow-up. Overall, 21.3% improved, 42.2% were the same and 36.5% failed. Failure
      for braces type 1 to 4 were, 40.5%, 34%, 38% and 24% at final follow-up. A total
      of 59 patients (27.4%) underwent spinal fusion that for brace type 1 to 4 , was,
      33, 21, 2 and 3 patients respectively. From 16 cases with initial Cobb of 50
      degrees , at follow-up, 12 were >=50 degrees  or had spinal fusion. Correction of
      lumbar (P=0.008) and main thoracic curves (P=0.002) was better by Boston than
      Milwaukee, however, In general difference between 4 types of braces was not
      significant and metal marker had no significant effect on results. Two important
      predictors of brace failure were, initial curve magnitude and brace type, but
      using metal marker around pads had no effect in results. It seems that bracing
      did not alter the natural history of scoliosis in early Risser stages with large
      magnitude of initial curves. Insertion of metal marker around pads is easy and
      cheap way that facilitate control of pad sites well, so, we recommend to use.

PMID- 22052144
TI  - Association of sterile pyuria and coronary artery aneurysm in Kawasaki syndrome.
AB  - Kawasaki disease (KD) is an inflammatory multiorgan disease of unknown etiology.
      The most dramatic organ involved is the heart. There were a few studies about
      cardiac involvement and sterile pyuria. This study guides to determine if sterile
      pyuria is associated with coronary artery aneurysm (CAA) in KD patients and to
      consider it as a predicting factor for coronary artery involvement. Forty seven
      patients with KD were studied by echocardiography in admission and one month
      later. Urine analysis, complete blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C
      reactive protein were measured in admission. Data were analyzed using SPSS-14
      software. Patients' age was ranged from 13 month to 7 years old (mean age of 3.43
      +/- 1.54 years). Thirty patients (63.8%) were male and 17 patients (36.1%) were
      female. Cardiac involvement was detected in 32 patients (68%) using
      echocardiography, of which CAA was reported in 8 cases (17%). Six of CAA (75%)
      were in association with sterile pyuria, although it was statistically
      insignificant (P>0.05). Although the majority of patients with CAA had sterile
      pyuria, this association is not statistically significant, thus it couldn't be
      considered as a predicting factor for CAA.

PMID- 22052145
TI  - Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy in Iranian patients.
AB  - We determined the frequency of clinical thyroid ophthalmopathy in Iranian
      patients. This cross-sectional study was performed at the Endocrinology Institute
      of Tehran University of Medical Sciences. All patients with documented thyroid
      disorders from September 2003 to July 2005 were recruited. Eye examinations
      included evaluation of soft tissue changes, measurement of proptosis, lid width,
      lagophthalmos, evaluation of eye muscle function, and determination of visual
      acuity. The activity of ophthalmopathy was scored according to the NOSPECS scale.
      Among 851 visited patients, 303 cases had thyroid eye disease (TED). The nature
      of the ophthalmopathy breaks down as follows: 53.4% were hypothyroid (9.3%
      Hashimoto disease), 5.5% euthyroid and 41.1% had Graves' disease. The prevalence
      of TED in males was 60% which was nearly 2 times the prevalence of TED in
      females. There was a significant relationship between presentation of TED and
      active smoking of the patients (P<0.0001) while no significant relationship with
      passive smoking was obtained (P=0.181). The most common clinical sign of TED in
      descending order respectively were proptosis with 63.4%, soft tissue involvement
      (40.9%), extraocular muscle involvement (22.1%), corneal involvement (12.9%) and
      optic nerve dysfunction (6.3%). Myasthenia gravis occurred in only 2 patients. In
      the logistic regression, occurrence of TED was influenced by cardiovascular
      disease (OR=5.346), Graves' disease (OR=47.507), radioiodine therapy (OR=2.590),
      and anti-thyroid medications (OR=0.650). Thyroid ophtalmopathy (orbitopathy) is a
      matter of important health concern among patients with thyroid disorder. Since
      TED occurred with a high prevalence in all thyroid states, a close collaboration
      between endocrinologists and ophthalmologists along with timely referrals of
      patients with any eye complaint is deemed necessary. Also smoking was the most
      important risk factor for developing TED. Therefore, it is advisable to raise
      awareness and to strongly encourage smokers with thyroid disorders to quit
      smoking.

PMID- 22052146
TI  - Low grade endometrial stromal sarcoma of uterine: review of 17 cases.
AB  - Endometrial stromal sarcomas (ESS) are the second most common uterine sarcomas.
      Endometrial stromal sarcomas account for 0.25% of all uterine malignancies.
      Uterine sarcomas most often affect postmenopausal women. The aim of this
      retrospective study was to review the experience in the treatment and clinical
      outcome of low grade malignant endometrial stromal sarcoma. Seventeen patients
      with histologically proven low grade ESS in department of Gynecologic Oncology of
      the Vali-e-Asr Hospital, Tehran-Iran, between 1999 and 2008 were included in the
      analysis. Demographics, pathology, treatment, time to recurrence, salvage therapy
      and survival information was collected. The median age of our patients was 45.35
      +/- 6.8 (range 36-61). The median parity of the patients was 5 (range 0-8). Most
      patients were diagnosed at FIGO stage I. The mean survival for patients with
      stage I and II was 73.5 +/- 35.09 and 57.6 +/- 5.37 months, respectively, with
      mortality rate of 5.9% through a median follow-up time of 68.82 +/- 30 months. Of
      17 patients, seven cases (35.29%) were disease free at 6 years after
      hysterectomy. Radiotherapy was administered to four patients (23.53%). Only one
      patient recurred at 10th month after surgery. Surgeries not preserving ovarian
      function were helpful to decrease the risk of recurrence compared with those
      sparing ovarian function.

PMID- 22052147
TI  - An unusual location of ossified intramuscular lipoma: a case report.
AB  - Lipoma is the most common soft tissue tumor but the presence of osseous component
      within the tumor is quite rare. Some studies show that less than 1% of lipomas
      were ossified. We describe the histological, radiological and diagnostic features
      of an ossified intramuscular lipoma. To the best of the authors' knowledge, a
      symptomatic ossified intramuscular lipoma without any cortical erosion and
      hyperostosis has not been previously reported in the literature.

PMID- 22052148
TI  - Hemobilia due to rupture of hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm.
AB  - Although gastrointestinal bleeding is common, hemobilia due to the rupture of
      hepatic artery pseudoaneurysm is uncommon. We report a case of hemobilia which
      was successfully treated via angiography.

PMID- 22052149
TI  - The value of ultrasound in diagnosing vesicoureteral reflux in young children
      with urinary tract infection.
AB  - Urinary tract infection is a common pediatric problem and vesicoureteral reflux
      is its most common complication. Detection of this reflux has classically been
      achieved by voiding cystouretrography (VCUG). Ultrasonography for evaluation of
      vesicoureteral reflux is shown to be feasible but is not widely accepted. Our aim
      was to assess the value of routine sonography in detecting vesicoureteral reflux
      is young children with urinary tract infection. This study was carried out in 105
      patients suffering from urinary tract infection admitted to Shahid Sadughi
      Hospital in Yazd, Iran. These patients were evaluated by two methods (sonography
      and VCUG). Overall sensitivity and specificity value of sonography in suggesting
      vesicoureteral reflux were 63% and 95% respectively. The most accurate results
      were obtained with high grades reflux (75% and 955). The results reconfirmed that
      sonography is reliable in the exclusion or verification of high grade reflux and
      it has a low sensitivity in low grade vesicoureteral reflux.

PMID- 22052150
TI  - Attitudes toward learning communication skills among medical students of a
      university in Iran.
AB  - Communication skills play a paramount role in clinical practice. In every
      clinical setting, medical doctors need to interview their patients efficiently
      and be persuasive toward their health issues. This study aimed at assessing the
      attitudes of medical students toward learning communication skills at Hormozgan
      University of Medical Sciences in Iran. In this cross-sectional study, the
      questionnaires were distributed to 210 medical students. Twenty eight students
      were excluded since they either did not return the questionnaires or filled them
      out incompletely. So, totally 182 questionnaires were analyzed (response
      rate=%86.6). Data was collected using communication skills attitude scale (CSAS)
      which consists of 26 items, 13 indicative of positive attitude and 13 indicative
      of negative attitude toward learning communication skills. Data were analyzed
      using SPSS16 software. The mean age of the participants was 21.7 (SD=2.7). Male
      and female students accounted for 38.5% and 61.5% of the participants
      respectively. The mean scores for positive attitude was 54.8 (SD=7.3) out of 65,
      and the mean scores for negative attitude was 35.3 (SD=5.9) out of 65. There were
      statistically significant differences between male and female students and
      between basic sciences and pathophysiology students on the one hand and clinical
      course students on the other as regards their attitudes toward learning
      communication skills (P<0.05). Although students had strongly positive attitudes
      toward learning communication skills, curriculum planners should not lose sight
      of negative attitudes and measures need to be taken to minimize or if possible
      eliminate them.

PMID- 22052151
TI  - Tax subsidies for private health insurance - july 2009 update.
AB  - Tax subsides for employer-sponsored health insurance are the largest subsidy for
      private health insurance and support key mechanisms of the U.S. insurance system,
      but they overwhelmingly benefit high-wage employees. When employers purchase or
      provide insurance for their employees, their contributions to the premium are
      excluded from income and payroll taxes. This tax exclusion provided more than
      $100 billion in income and payroll tax subsidies in 2002. High-income workers
      benefit more from these subsidies than those with lower incomes because of their
      higher marginal tax rate. Applying the tax exclusion in their respective tax
      brackets means high-income families (those earning more than $200,000) receive a
      subsidy worth one-third of the premium, while the lowest income families receive
      a subsidy worth just 10 percent. Despite these issues, ESI is a successful
      mechanism in many ways, covering a significant majority of Americans and
      providing a good pooling mechanism.

PMID- 22052152
TI  - MicroRNA-378 is associated with non-small cell lung cancer brain metastasis by
      promoting cell migration, invasion and tumor angiogenesis.
AB  - Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in the world. Brain metastasis
      (BM) can affect about 25% of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients during
      their lifetime. Efforts to characterize patients that will develop BM have been
      disappointing. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a role in regulating a variety of targets
      and, consequently, multiple pathways, which make them a powerful tool for early
      detection of disease, risk assessment and prognosis. In this study, using RT-PCR
      and further northern blot validation, we confirmed that miR-378 was significantly
      differentially expressed in the matched NSCLC from 8 patients with BM and 21
      without BM. Our study showed evidences that miR-378 is associated with non-small
      cell lung cancer brain metastasis by promoting cell migration, invasion and tumor
      angiogenesis. MiR-378 may be a potential biomarker for characterizing non-small
      cell lung cancer brain metastasis and assisting clinicians in stratifying the
      high-risk patients on a clinical trial for either prophylactic cranial
      irradiation or a new intervention that may mitigate BM development, ultimately
      leading to a new standard of care for NSCLC patients.

PMID- 22052153
TI  - Aptamer-incorporated hydrogels for visual detection, controlled drug release, and
      targeted cancer therapy.
AB  - Hydrogels are water-retainable materials, made from cross-linked polymers, that
      can be tailored to applications in bioanalysis and biomedicine. As technology
      advances, an increasing number of molecules have been used as the components of
      hydrogel systems. However, the shortcomings of these systems have prompted
      researchers to find new materials that can be incorporated into them. Among all
      of these emerging materials, aptamers have recently attracted substantial
      attention because of their unique properties, for example biocompatibility,
      selective binding, and molecular recognition, all of which make them promising
      candidates for target-responsive hydrogel engineering. In this work, we will
      review how aptamers have been incorporated into hydrogel systems to enable
      colorimetric detection, controlled drug release, and targeted cancer therapy.

PMID- 22052154
TI  - A novel and rapid method for determination of natamycin in wines based on
      ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry:
      validation according to the 2002/657/EC European decision.
AB  - A novel, simple, and rapid reversed-phase liquid chromatography-tandem mass
      spectrometric methodology was developed for the analysis of natamycin in wine
      samples. Natamycin was protonated to form singly charged ions in an electrospray
      positive ion mode. Data acquisition under MS/MS was achieved by applying multiple
      reaction monitoring (MRM) of three fragment ion transitions (666.3 -> 648.2,
      666.3 -> 503.3, and 666.3 -> 485.2) to provide a high degree of sensitivity and
      specificity. Chromatographic separation was performed on a rapid resolution
      column using a mobile phase consisting of an acetonitrile/water mixture with a
      total run time of 5.0 min. After only filtration as pretreatment, the sample was
      injected into the chromatographic system. The proposed method was validated in
      terms of selectivity, trueness, precision, decision limit (CCalpha), and
      detection capability (CCbeta) according to 2002/657/EC Commission decision. The
      values for trueness, reported as bias (%), agreed with those established by the
      aforementioned document. Repeatability (intraday variability) values were 12.37%
      at a concentration of 1.0 MUg L(-1) and 8.99-4.19% at concentrations between 2.5
      and 10 MUg L(-1). The overall within-laboratory (interday variability)
      reproducibility was 15.47% at a concentration of 1.0 MUg L(-1), which was
      significantly lower than the indicative value reported in the EU decision. The
      results indicated that the proposed approach is a sensitive, fast, reproducible,
      and robust methodology suitable for the analysis of natamycin levels in wine
      samples.

PMID- 22052155
TI  - Elemental imaging at the nanoscale: NanoSIMS and complementary techniques for
      element localisation in plants.
AB  - The ability to locate and quantify elemental distributions in plants is crucial
      to understanding plant metabolisms, the mechanisms of uptake and transport of
      minerals and how plants cope with toxic elements or elemental deficiencies. High
      resolution secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) is emerging as an important
      technique for the analysis of biological material at the subcellular scale. This
      article reviews recent work using the CAMECA NanoSIMS to determine elemental
      distributions in plants. The NanoSIMS is able to map elemental distributions at
      high resolution, down to 50 nm, and can detect very low concentrations
      (milligrams per kilogram) for some elements. It is also capable of mapping almost
      all elements in the periodic table (from hydrogen to uranium) and can distinguish
      between stable isotopes, which allows the design of tracer experiments. In this
      review, particular focus is placed upon studying the same or similar specimens
      with both the NanoSIMS and a wide range of complementary techniques, showing how
      the advantages of each technique can be combined to provide a fuller data set to
      address complex scientific questions. Techniques covered include optical
      microscopy, synchrotron techniques, including X-ray fluorescence and X-ray
      absorption spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, electron probe
      microanalysis, particle-induced X-ray emission and inductively coupled plasma
      mass spectrometry. Some of the challenges associated with sample preparation of
      plant material for SIMS analysis, the artefacts and limitations of the technique
      and future trends are also discussed.

PMID- 22052156
TI  - Independent predictors of breast malignancy in screen-detected
      microcalcifications: biopsy results in 2545 cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mammographic microcalcifications are associated with many benign
      lesions, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and invasive cancer. Careful assessment
      criteria are required to minimise benign biopsies while optimising cancer
      diagnosis. We wished to evaluate the assessment outcomes of microcalcifications
      biopsied in the setting of population-based breast cancer screening. METHODS:
      Between January 1992 and December 2007, cases biopsied in which
      microcalcifications were the only imaging abnormality were included. Patient
      demographics, imaging features and final histology were subjected to statistical
      analysis to determine independent predictors of malignancy. RESULTS: In all, 2545
      lesions, with a mean diameter of 21.8 mm (s.d. 23.8 mm) and observed in patients
      with a mean age of 57.7 years (s.d. 8.4 years), were included. Using the grading
      system adopted by the RANZCR, the grade was 3 in 47.7%; 4 in 28.3% and 5 in
      24.0%. After assessment, 1220 lesions (47.9%) were malignant (809 DCIS only, 411
      DCIS with invasive cancer) and 1325 (52.1%) were non-malignant, including 122
      (4.8%) premalignant lesions (lobular carcinoma in situ, atypical lobular
      hyperplasia and atypical ductal hyperplasia). Only 30.9% of the DCIS was of low
      grade.Mammographic extent of microcalcifications >15 mm, imaging grade, their
      pattern of distribution, presence of a palpable mass and detection after the
      first screening episode showed significant univariate associations with
      malignancy. On multivariate modeling imaging grade, mammographic extent of
      microcalcifications >15 mm, palpable mass and screening episode were retained as
      independent predictors of malignancy. Radiological grade had the largest effect
      with lesions of grade 4 and 5 being 2.2 and 3.3 times more likely to be
      malignant, respectively, than grade 3 lesions. CONCLUSION: The radiological
      grading scheme used throughout Australia and parts of Europe is validated as a
      useful system of stratifying microcalcifications into groups with significantly
      different risks of malignancy. Biopsy assessment of appropriately selected
      microcalcifications is an effective method of detecting invasive breast cancer
      and DCIS, particularly of non-low-grade subtypes.

PMID- 22052157
TI  - A novel frequency analysis method for assessing K(ir)2.1 and Na (v)1.5 currents.
AB  - Voltage clamping is an important tool for measuring individual currents from an
      electrically active cell. However, it is difficult to isolate individual currents
      without pharmacological or voltage inhibition. Herein, we present a technique
      that involves inserting a noise function into a standard voltage step protocol,
      which allows one to characterize the unique frequency response of an ion channel
      at different step potentials. Specifically, we compute the fast Fourier transform
      for a family of current traces at different step potentials for the inward
      rectifying potassium channel, K(ir)2.1, and the channel encoding the cardiac fast
      sodium current, Na(v)1.5. Each individual frequency magnitude, as a function of
      voltage step, is correlated to the peak current produced by each channel. The
      correlation coefficient vs. frequency relationship reveals that these two
      channels are associated with some unique frequencies with high absolute
      correlation. The individual IV relationship can then be recreated using only the
      unique frequencies with magnitudes of high absolute correlation. Thus, this study
      demonstrates that ion channels may exhibit unique frequency responses.

PMID- 22052158
TI  - Further evaluation of quantum chemical methods for the prediction of non-specific
      binding of positron emission tomography tracers.
AB  - The non-specific binding of candidate positron emission tomography (PET)
      radiotracers causes resulting PET images to have poor contrast and is a key
      determinant for the success or failure of imaging drugs. Non-specific binding is
      thought to arise when radiotracers bind to cell membranes and moieties other than
      their intended target. Our previous preliminary work has proposed the use of the
      drug-lipid interaction energy descriptor to predict the level of non-specific
      binding in vivo using a limited set of ten well known PET radiotracers with
      kinetic modelling data taken from the literature. This work validates and extends
      the use of the drug-lipid interaction energy descriptor using a new set of twenty
      two candidate PET radiotracers with non-specific binding data recently collected
      at the same imaging centre with consistent methodology. As with the previous set
      of radiotracers, a significant correlation is found between the quantum chemical
      drug-lipid interaction energy and in vivo non-specific binding experimental
      values. In an effort to speed up the calculation process, several semi-empirical
      quantum chemical methods were assessed for their ability to reproduce the ab
      initio results. However no single semi-empirical method was found to consistently
      reproduce the level of correlation achieved with ab initio quantum chemical
      methods.

PMID- 22052159
TI  - BKCa and KV channels limit conducted vasomotor responses in rat mesenteric
      terminal arterioles.
AB  - Intracellular Ca(2+) signals underlying conducted vasoconstriction to local
      application of a brief depolarizing KCl stimulus was investigated in rat
      mesenteric terminal arterioles (<40 MUm). Using a computer model of an arteriole
      segment comprised of coupled endothelial cells (EC) and vascular smooth muscle
      cells (VSMC) simulations of both membrane potential and intracellular [Ca(2+)]
      were performed. The "characteristic" length constant, lambda, was approximated
      using a modified cable equation in both experiments and simulations. We
      hypothesized that K(+) conductance in the arteriolar wall limit the electrotonic
      spread of a local depolarization along arterioles by current dissipation across
      the VSMC plasma membrane. Thus, we anticipated an increased lambda by inhibition
      of voltage-activated K(+) channels. Application of the BK(Ca) channel blocker
      iberiotoxin (100 nM) onto mesenteric arterioles in vitro and inhibition of BK(Ca)
      channel current in silico increased lambda by 34% and 32%, respectively.
      Similarly, inhibition of K(V) channels in vitro (4-aminopyridine, 1 mM) or in
      silico increased lambda by 41% and 21%, respectively. Immunofluorescence
      microscopy demonstrated expression of BK(Ca), Kv1.5, Kv2.1, but not Kv1.2, in
      VSMCs of rat mesenteric terminal arterioles. Our results demonstrate that
      inhibition of voltage-activated K(+) channels enhance vascular-conducted
      responses to local depolarization in terminal arterioles by increasing the
      membrane resistance of VSMCs. These data contribute to our understanding of how
      differential expression patterns of voltage-activated K(+) channels may influence
      conducted vasoconstriction in small arteriolar networks. This finding is
      potentially relevant to understanding the compromised microcirculatory blood flow
      in systemic vascular diseases such as diabetes mellitus and hypertension.

PMID- 22052160
TI  - Genetics and language: a neurobiological perspective on the missing link (-ing
      hypotheses).
AB  - The paper argues that both evolutionary and genetic approaches to studying the
      biological foundations of speech and language could benefit from fractionating
      the problem at a finer grain, aiming not to map genetics to "language"-or even
      subdomains of language such as "phonology" or "syntax"-but rather to link genetic
      results to component formal operations that underlie processing the comprehension
      and production of linguistic representations. Neuroanatomic and
      neurophysiological research suggests that language processing is broken down in
      space (distributed functional anatomy along concurrent pathways) and time
      (concurrent processing on multiple time scales). These parallel neuronal pathways
      and their local circuits form the infrastructure of speech and language and are
      the actual targets of evolution/genetics. Therefore, investigating the mapping
      from gene to brain circuit to linguistic phenotype at the level of generic
      computational operations (subroutines actually executable in these circuits)
      stands to provide a new perspective on the biological foundations in the healthy
      and challenged brain.

PMID- 22052161
TI  - Effects of an eHealth literacy intervention for older adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Older adults generally have low health and computer literacies,
      making it challenging for them to function well in the eHealth era where
      technology is increasingly being used in health care. Little is known about
      effective interventions and strategies for improving the eHealth literacy of the
      older population. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine the
      effects of a theory-driven eHealth literacy intervention for older adults.
      METHODS: The experimental design was a 2 * 2 mixed factorial design with learning
      method (collaborative; individualistic) as the between-participants variable and
      time of measurement (pre; post) as the within-participants variable. A total of
      146 older adults aged 56-91 (mean 69.99, SD 8.12) participated in this study
      during February to May 2011. The intervention involved 2 weeks of learning about
      using the National Institutes of Health's SeniorHealth.gov website to access
      reliable health information. The intervention took place at public libraries.
      Participants were randomly assigned to either experimental condition
      (collaborative: n = 72; individualistic: n = 74). RESULTS: Overall, participants'
      knowledge, skills, and eHealth literacy efficacy all improved significantly from
      pre to post intervention (P < .001 in all cases; effect sizes were >0.8 with
      statistical power of 1.00 even at the .01 level in all cases). When controlling
      for baseline differences, no significant main effect of the learning method was
      found on computer/Web knowledge, skills, or eHealth literacy efficacy. Thus,
      collaborative learning did not differ from individualistic learning in affecting
      the learning outcomes. No significant interaction effect of learning method and
      time of measurement was found. Group composition based on gender, familiarity
      with peers, or prior computer experience had no significant main or interaction
      effect on the learning outcomes. Regardless of the specific learning method used,
      participants had overwhelmingly positive attitudes toward the intervention and
      reported positive changes in participation in their own health care as a result
      of the intervention. CONCLUSIONS: The findings provide strong evidence that the
      eHealth literacy intervention tested in this study, regardless of the specific
      learning method used, significantly improved knowledge, skills, and eHealth
      literacy efficacy from pre to post intervention, was positively perceived by
      participants, and led to positive changes in their own health care. Collaborative
      learning did not differ from individualistic learning in affecting the learning
      outcomes, suggesting the previously widely reported advantages of collaborative
      over individualistic learning may not be easily applied to the older population
      in informal settings, though several confounding factors might have contributed
      to this finding (ie, the largely inexperienced computer user composition of the
      study sample, potential instructor effect, and ceiling effect). Further research
      is necessary before a more firm conclusion can be drawn. These findings
      contribute to the literatures on adult learning, social interdependence theory,
      and health literacy.

PMID- 22052162
TI  - Elevated p-CREB-2 (ser 245) expression is potentially associated with
      carcinogenesis and development of breast carcinoma.
AB  - CREB-2, also known as ATF-4, belongs to the CREB proteins, a family of
      transcription factors phosphorylated at serine residues by protein kinase A
      (PKA). This family is known to stimulate the transcription of genes containing
      CRE elements. Recently, some studies have demonstrated elevated CREB-2 expression
      in certain tumor types, including breast carcinoma, compared to their
      corresponding non-tumor tissues. However, the expression and clinical
      significance in malignant tumors, including breast carcinoma, of p-CREB-2 (ser
      245), a phosphorylated form of the CREB-2 protein at serine 245 site, which is
      believed to be an active type of this protein, have not been clearly documented.
      In the present study, we investigated the expression of p-CREB-2 (ser 245) in a
      group of tumor and non-tumor breast tissues, including normal breast epithelia,
      hyperplasia, dysplasia, carcinoma in situ and infiltrating carcinoma of the
      breast using tissue microarray and immunohistochemistry (IHC). p-CREB-2 (ser 245)
      immunostaining was detected in the nucleus and cytoplasm of these tissues.
      Compared to normal breast epithelia and breast hyperplasia (total positive rate
      13.3%), there was increased expression of p-CREB-2 (ser 245) in dysplasia,
      carcinoma in situ (total positive rate 35.7%) and infiltrating carcinoma of the
      breast (total positive rate 60.0%) (p<0.05). The highest expression of p-CREB-2
      (ser 245) was found in infiltrating breast carcinoma (total positive rate 60%)
      compared to normal breast epithelia and all types of non-infiltrating lesions
      (total positive rate 27.6%) (p<0.05). In addition, increased expression of p-CREB
      2 (ser 245) was found to be associated with lymph node metastasis in infiltrating
      breast carcinoma (p<0.05). Immunofluorescent staining confirmed stronger staining
      of p-CREB-2 (ser 245) in breast cancer MCF 7 and MDA-MB-231 cells compared with
      normal breast epithelial MCF 10A cells. Western blotting revealed elevated
      expression levels of p-CREB-2 (ser 245) in 17 cases of breast carcinoma compared
      with corresponding normal breast tissues (p<0.05). These results indicate that
      elevated expression of p-CREB-2 (ser 245) may potentially contribute to
      carcinogenesis and cancer development of breast carcinoma.

PMID- 22052163
TI  - Multiple persistent ganglioneuromas likely arising from the spontaneous
      maturation of metastatic neuroblastoma.
AB  - A 10-year-old girl with multiple persistent ganglioneuromas originating from the
      spontaneous maturation of a metastatic neuroblastoma is described. Multiple
      biopsies confirm progressive maturation and urine catecholamines, which were
      initially elevated, have normalized over time. The management and risk of
      malignant transformation of ganglioneuromas is discussed.

PMID- 22052164
TI  - An unusual case of congenital primitive neuroectodermal tumor with ocular
      metastasis.
AB  - Primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) is most common in the second decade of
      life. Congenital PNET is very rare. Ocular metastasis of PNET is likewise
      exceedingly rare; with only 5 previously published cases. We report an unusual
      congenital PNET of the face, which metastasized to subcutis, eyes, and brain. The
      primary tumor responded to chemotherapy
      (vincristine/doxorubicin/cyclophosphamide) with metachronous progression of
      ocular lesions. A therapeutic trial of intraocular bevacizumab showed no efficacy
      on intraocular lesions. Eventually the patient developed cerebral metastasis, and
      second line therapy with topotecan/cyclophosphamide was initiated. The tumor
      progressed and the patient died after acute herniation.

PMID- 22052165
TI  - Extrarenal malignant rhabdoid tumor in childhood application of 18F-FDG PET/CT.
AB  - Extrarenal malignant rhabdoid tumor (MRT) is a rare malignancy in childhood and
      has a poor prognosis. Accurate histopathologic diagnosis and staging of the
      malignancy has major implications for patient management. The application of F
      fluoro-deoxy-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (F-FDG
      PET/CT) in pediatric malignancy has been well described and is having a
      significant clinical impact in many common pediatric cancers, in particular
      lymphoma, brain tumors, bone and soft tissue sarcomas. The use of PET/CT using F
      FDG in rare tumors such as MRT is unclear. Two cases of MRT in childhood are
      described. One patient, a 12-year-old female, was shown to have extensive
      metastatic disease on PET/CT, showed poor response to chemotherapy and
      progression of disease detected on PET/CT. Her management was changed to
      palliative care. The second child, a 20-month-old female, presented with a
      parapharyngeal mass. The initial magnetic resonance imaging showed the mass and
      possible metastatic ipsilateral cervical lymph nodes. The initial staging PET/CT
      confirmed avid metabolic activity in the tumor and regional node involvement but
      no distant metastases. She showed an initial good but incomplete response on
      PET/CT and magnetic resonance imaging to chemotherapy and her treatment program
      was changed. The patient relapsed with recurrent pharyngeal tumor and her
      management was changed to palliative care. MRT accumulate F-FDG avidly. PET/CT
      was helpful in the initial staging, assessing response to treatment, and in
      clinical decisions at various stages of management for both patients.

PMID- 22052166
TI  - MLL duplication in a pediatric patient with B-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma.
AB  - Lymphoblastic lymphoma is the second most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma
      seen in children. Approximately, 90% of lymphoblastic lymphomas arise from T
      cells, with the remaining 10% being B-cell-lineage derived. Although T-cell
      lymphoblastic lymphoma most frequently occurs in the anterior mediastinum
      (thymus), B-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma (B-LBL) predominates in extranodal sites
      such as skin and bone. Here, we describe a pediatric B-LBL patient who presented
      with extensive abdominal involvement and whose lymphoma cells displayed segmental
      duplication of the mixed lineage leukemia (MLL) gene. MLL
      duplication/amplification has been described primarily in acute myeloid leukemia
      and myelodysplastic syndrome with no published reports of discrete MLL
      duplication/amplification events in B-LBL. The MLL gene duplication noted in this
      case may represent a novel mechanism for tumorigenesis in B-LBL.

PMID- 22052167
TI  - Promoter of TFPI-2 is hypermethylated in Chinese pediatric acute myeloid
      leukemia.
AB  - Human tissue factor pathway inhibitor-2 (TFPI-2) has been implicated as a
      metastasis-associated gene in many types of tumors. In this study, we
      investigated whether TFPI-2 was inactivated epigenetically in pediatric acute
      myeloid leukemia (AML). Methylation status was investigated by methylation
      specific polymerase chain reaction and bisulfate genomic sequencing. TFPI-2 was
      aberrantly methylated in 50% (3/6) of AML cell lines. Aberrant methylation of
      TFPI-2 promoter was detected in 71.6% (48/67) of the Chinese pediatric AML
      patients. TFPI-2 transcript was significantly lower in AML group compared with
      controls (3.44 vs. 32.8, P<0.001). Patients with methylated TFPI-2 gene had
      significantly lower TFPI-2 transcript than those patients without methylated TFPI
      2 (P=0.04). Promoter hypermethylation of TFPI-2 is frequent and specific event in
      pediatric AML.

PMID- 22052168
TI  - Esophageal carcinoma in children and adolescents.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Esophageal cancer is rare in children and is limited to isolated case
      reports. We describe 2 cases of esophageal carcinoma (1 case each of squamous
      cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma) and present literature review of esophageal
      carcinoma in childhood. OBSERVATIONS: Both of our patients had common symptoms of
      progressive dysphagia and significant weight loss at presentation. We were unable
      to identify any specific predisposing factors for either adenocarcinoma (caustic
      ingestion, reflux disease, Barrett esophagus) or squamous cell carcinoma (caustic
      ingestion, inherited bone marrow failure syndromes). Both patients responded
      poorly to chemotherapy and died of progressive disease. CONCLUSIONS: On account
      of the rarity of esophageal carcinoma in this age group, there are no management
      guidelines for the pediatric oncologist. There is a strong need for collaborative
      efforts between adult and pediatric oncologists to establish cooperative
      diagnostic and therapeutic protocols for successful management of rare pediatric
      tumors like esophageal carcinoma.

PMID- 22052169
TI  - In vitro determination of apoptotic effect of heparin on lymphoblasts by using
      flow cytometric DNA analysis and measurements of caspase-9 activation and
      cytochrome C level.
AB  - Heparin induces apoptosis on peripheral neutrophils, mononuclear cells of the
      healthy controls, and on lymphoblasts of the patients with acute lymphoblastic
      leukemia, in vitro. We studied the caspase-9 activity and cytochrome C level as
      the indicators of the apoptotic effect of heparin on lymphoblasts by the
      intrinsic pathway of apoptosis. Twenty samples of the patients with acute
      lymphoblastic leukemia were included in the study. Cytochrome C level and caspase
      9 activity were concomitantly determined with the percentage of apoptotic
      lymphoblasts when incubated in 0, 10, and 20 U/mL heparin concentrations at 0, 1,
      and 2 hours. The percentages of apoptosis of lymphoblasts at the first hour were
      higher than those at 0 and 2 hours in 10 and 20 U/mL heparin concentrations,
      separately (P<0.05). The mean percentage of apoptosis of lymphoblasts in 20 U/mL
      heparin levels was significantly higher than those in 0 and 10 U/mL heparin
      levels at 1 and 2 hours (P<0.05). The highest apoptotic effect of heparin on
      lymphoblasts was determined at the first hour in 20 U/mL heparin concentration.
      The mean caspase-9 activitity at the first hour was significantly higher than the
      values at 0 and 2 hours in 10 and 20 U/mL heparin levels, separately (P<0.05).
      The mean caspase-9 activity in 20 U/mL heparin concentration was significantly
      higher than values in 0 and 10 U/mL heparin concentrations at 1 and 2 hours
      (P<0.05). The highest caspase-9 activity was determined in 20 U/mL heparin levels
      at the first hour. The mean cytochrome C level at the first hour was
      significantly higher than those at 0 and 2 hours in 10 and 20 U/mL heparin
      concentrations, separately (P<0.05). The highest cytochrome C level was
      determined in 20 U/mL heparin concentration at the first hour. We claimed that
      heparin induces the apoptosis of lymphoblasts by the activation of the intrinsic
      pathway.

PMID- 22052170
TI  - Life-threatening and fatal infections in children with acute myeloid leukemia: a
      report from the Children's Oncology Group.
AB  - To determine among children with acute myeloid leukemia, whether the proportions
      of life-threatening or fatal infections differed according to the intensity of
      induction or type of intensification treatment. Participants were children
      enrolled to the Children's Cancer Group (CCG) 2891 with de novo acute myeloid
      leukemia. In phase 1 (induction) patients were randomized to 4 cycles of
      chemotherapy either administered as intensive or standard timing. In phase 2
      (intensification), those achieving remission were allocated to allogeneic stem
      cell transplantation (SCT) if a suitable family donor was available while the
      remainder were randomized to autologous SCT or chemotherapy. Each infection was
      classified prospectively as nonlife-threatening, life-threatening, or fatal. The
      proportion of all infections that were considered life-threatening or fatal was
      higher with intensive timing compared with standard timing induction (60.3% vs.
      37.3%, P<0.0001). Infections caused by Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria
      and fungi were significantly more likely to be severe during intensive compared
      with standard timing induction. Most molds were life-threatening or fatal.
      Chemotherapy intensification was not associated with less severe infections
      compared with SCT. Intensive timing was associated with more severe infections
      compared with standard timing induction. Prophylactic strategies are likely more
      important with intensive induction regimens.

PMID- 22052171
TI  - Greater maternal weight gain during pregnancy predicts a large but lean fetal
      phenotype: a prospective cohort study.
AB  - The objective of this study is to describe the fetal phenotype in utero and its
      associations with maternal pre-pregnancy weight and gestational weight gain. This
      prospective longitudinal cohort included 179 Australian women with singleton
      pregnancies. Serial ultrasound measurements were performed at 19, 25, 30 and 36
      (+/-1) weeks gestation and maternal anthropometry were collected concurrently.
      The ultrasound scans included the standard fetal biometry of head circumference,
      biparietal diameter, abdominal circumference, and femur length, and body
      composition at the abdomen and mid-thigh, including fat and lean mass cross
      sectional areas. Maternal gestational weight gain was compared to current
      clinical guidelines. The participants had an average of 3.7 +/- 0.8 scans and
      birth data were available for 165 neonates. Fifty four per cent of the cohort
      gained weight in excess of current recommendations, according to pre-pregnancy
      body mass index (BMI). Maternal gestational weight positively predicted fetal
      abdominal circumference (P 0.029) and lean abdominal mass area (P 0.046) in
      linear mixed model regression analysis, adjusted for known and potential
      confounders. At any pre-pregnancy BMI gaining weight above the current
      recommendations resulted in a larger fetus according to standard biometry,
      because of significantly larger lean muscle mass at the abdomen (P 0.024) and not
      due to an increase in fat mass (P 0.463). We have demonstrated the importance of
      maternal weight gain, independent of pre-pregnancy BMI, to support the growth of
      a large but lean fetus. Prenatal counselling should focus on achieving a healthy
      BMI prior to conception so that gestational weight gain restrictions can be
      minimised.

PMID- 22052172
TI  - [Spanish multi-centre observational study of the first attacks suggestive of
      multiple sclerosis: the PREM cohort].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Recent studies have shown the need to optimise the management of
      patients after a first attack suggestive of multiple sclerosis (MS). Our aim is
      to determine whether the results from follow-ups in these studies are
      reproducible within a Spanish multi-centre context. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The
      PREM study (observational prospective Spanish multi-centre study at 24 months)
      included patients in the first three months following a first event suggestive of
      MS with at least two typical lesions in a magnetic resonance scan. The Expanded
      Disability Status Scale (EDSS) was obtained and the presence of attacks was
      evaluated basally and at 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 months; a magnetic resonance scan
      was performed basally and at 6 and 24 months so as to be able to calculate the
      brain volume and the volumes of the lesions (T1, T2 and T1 after administering
      gadolinium). McDonald and Poser criteria were evaluated during the follow-up. A
      subgroup of patients was followed up for a total period of four years. RESULTS:
      Altogether 110 patients (67% females) with a mean age of 30.2 years were included
      in the study; 22 patients dropped out of the study before it finished. Poser
      criteria were met by 19% and 45% of patients at 6 months and 24 months,
      respectively; 63% and 71% satisfied McDonald criteria. The EDSS decreased
      significantly (-0.94; p < 0.001) and development of atrophy was observed (-1.2%;
      p < 0.001) at 24 months. CONCLUSIONS: Results of the follow-up of patients with
      first attacks suggestive of MS within a Spanish multi-centre context are wholly
      comparable with those from international clinical trials performed in these
      patients.

PMID- 22052173
TI  - [Aspirin versus anticoagulation in young patients with cerebral infarction
      secondary to primary antiphospholipid syndrome].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The primary antiphospholipid syndrome (PAS) is an independent risk
      factor for cerebral infarction. AIM. To evaluate the risk of recurrence, to
      compare different treatments and determine the risk factors associated with
      recurrence and hemorrhagic complications in patients with cerebral infarction and
      PAS. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Prospectively collected data from 92 patients under 45
      years (71% female, mean age 33.8 +/- 8.9 years) with confirmed diagnoses of
      cerebral infarction and PAS, treated with anticoagulants (n = 54) or aspirin (n =
      38) were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical follow-up was obtained by
      neurological examination every 6 to 12 months. Outcome measures were: recurrence
      of CI, symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage, and minor bleeding. RESULTS: During
      a median follow-up of 54 months (range: 12-240 months), there were 8 (9%)
      recurrent cerebral infarctions, with no difference between treatment with aspirin
      (n = 0) or anticoagulants (n = 8). The annual rate of recurrence was 0,014 person
      years of follow-up. The history of previous thrombosis and spontaneous abortions
      were more frequent in patients with recurrence. Aspirin-treated patients more
      frequently came from rural areas. Four anticoagulated patients developed bleeding
      complications, two minor bleeding and two subdural hematomas. 76% of the cases
      evolved with good outcome (modified Rankin scale: 0-2). CONCLUSION: With the
      limitations of a nonrandomized study, our data suggest that the risk of recurrent
      arterial cerebral infarction in young patients with cerebral infarction secondary
      to PAS is low, probably non-uniform and independent of the type of
      antithrombotic.

PMID- 22052174
TI  - [Evolution of the literature on clinical neurology in Spain, France, Italy and
      Germany over the period 2000-2009].
AB  - AIM: This study analyzes the productivity and visibility of Spanish publications
      in the area of clinical neurology in the period 2000-2009 and compared with those
      for Italy, France and Germany. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used the database Web of
      Science. The analysis (annual and in five-year) was restricted to the citable
      documents (original articles, reviews and proceedings papers). Bibliometric
      indicators used were the number of publications, citations received by
      publications and Hirsch's h-index. We also assessed the slope of the annual
      growth rate (b), the number of publications by language and the international
      collaboration. RESULTS: In the period 2000-2009 there were 46,114 publications in
      neurology clinic of which 6,998 were Spanish publications (h = 75), 11,629 in
      Italy (h = 101), French 9,745 (h = 102) and 20,143 in Germany (h = 124). The rate
      of increase in the total number of publications in Spain (b = 15) was lower than
      that observed in Italy (b = 65), Germany (b = 61) or France (b = 34). In the case
      of publications in English, the growth rate was higher for Spain (b = 37) than
      for France (b = 36) but lower than for Germany (b = 54) and Italy (b = 65).
      CONCLUSIONS: Although the total number of publications and the observed increase
      are lower in Spain compared to Italy, France or Germany, the Spanish publications
      in Clinical Neurology shows good trend indicators with regard to publications in
      English and international collaboration. This improvement was associated with
      greater visibility as showed by the five-year analysis of citations received by
      Spanish publications.

PMID- 22052175
TI  - [Hospital processes and costs in neurology. A study of a referral hospital].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The steady growth of spending on healthcare and the limited
      availability of resources make it necessary to include cost analysis among the
      tools used for hospital management. AIMS. To obtain the hospitalisation operating
      statement of a neurology service and to analyse the differences with regard to
      costs per process. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The study involved an analysis of costs
      per process in the neurology service of a referral hospital in the Valencian
      Community (400,000 inhabitants). The data used were those concerning health care
      activity in 2008 according to the information registered by the Economic
      Information System of the Valencian Regional Ministry of Health; ABC and top-down
      methods were applied to calculate the cost per process. The results thus obtained
      were compared with the fees established for hospital production in the Valencian
      Regional Government's Law on Fees. RESULTS: For a production of 1092 hospital
      discharges, with a case-mix index of 0.96 and a mean length of stay of 9.2 days
      with a case mix of 1.91, hospitalisation costs came to 4,411,643.45 euros, with a
      mean cost per process of 2,111.46 euros. Taking into account the fees that were
      applied, the difference between income and expenditure was -12,770.39 euros. The
      diagnosis-related groups with the greatest difference were numbers 14 (
      246,392.49 euros), 533 (-90,292.49 euros) and 15 (-55,139.66 euros). CONCLUSIONS:
      The hospitalisation profit and loss account obtained is negative due to the fact
      that the mean length of stay in the service is longer than expected, above all in
      diagnosis-related groups 14, 533 and 15, which are the most inefficient.

PMID- 22052176
TI  - Neurological tests for functional outcome assessment in rodent models of
      ischaemic stroke.
AB  - A critical aspect in all models is the assessment of the final outcome of the
      modelling procedure. In the case of a focal ischaemic brain injury, apart from
      the determination of the size of the lesion, another valuable tool is the
      evaluation of the final functional deficit. Indeed, ischaemic damage leads to the
      appearance of different degrees of sensoriomotor and cognitive impairments, which
      may yield useful information on location and size of the lesion and on the
      efficacy of neuroprotective treatments after the acute injury. In addition, the
      magnitude of these impairments may also be useful to predict final outcome and to
      evaluate neuro-restorative therapies in a long-term scenario. To this aim, a wide
      range of tests has been developed which allow the quantification of all these
      neurological symptoms. This review intends to compile the most useful behavioural
      tests designed to assess neurological symptoms in studies of focal experimental
      cerebral ischemia in rodents induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion, the
      most commonly used model of ischaemic stroke.

PMID- 22052178
TI  - [Complete ophthalmoplegia secondary to a bilateral paramedian thalamic infarct].

PMID- 22052179
TI  - [Lethal catatonia as a manifestation of malignant bipolar disease].

PMID- 22052180
TI  - [The need for scientific information in neuropaediatrics].

PMID- 22052181
TI  - Tax subsidies for private health insurance.
AB  - The exclusion from income and payroll taxes for employer-paid health insurance
      premiums amounted to more than $240 billion in 2010. As policy-makers search for
      ways to pay for health care reform and contain health care costs, this exclusion
      is coming under scrutiny, despite the fact that employee-sponsored insurance
      (ESI) is an integral part of the health insurance system. This update of a 2003
      synthesis looks at the tax subsidy for private health insurance. Key findings
      include: The current tax subsidy benefits higher-income workers the most. The tax
      exclusion is worth more to those in higher tax brackets, higher-income workers
      are three times more likely to work for firms who offer ESI than lower-income
      workers, and they are more likely to purchase ESI when offered because they can
      afford it. Families earning $10,000 to $20,000 annually spend more than 25
      percent of their income on health insurance but the value of their tax subsidy is
      only $1,500. By contrast, earners over $200,000 spend less than 5 percent on
      health insurance but their benefit is worth $4,500. Workers who cannot afford ESI
      or are ineligible, including the self-employed and many part-time workers, do not
      receive this subsidy when they purchase private, non-group coverage.

PMID- 22052182
TI  - Cost savings and cost-effectiveness of clinical preventive care.
AB  - It is well established that preventive care reduces the prevalence of disease and
      helps people live longer, healthier lives. Analysis of the cost-effectiveness of
      preventive care can guide policy-makers to allocate scarce resources. This
      synthesis reviews the evidence on the cost-effectiveness of clinical preventive
      care. Key findings include: although many preventive services are a good value
      (defined as costing less than $50,000 to $100,000 per Quality Adjusted Life
      Year), only a few, such as childhood immunizations and counseling adults on the
      use of low-dose aspirin are widely regarded as cost-saving. Costs to reduce risk
      factors, screening costs, and the cost of treatment when disease is found can
      offset any savings from preventive care. Prevention can reduce the incidence of
      disease, but savings may be partially offset by health care costs associated with
      increased longevity. Whether these additional competing risk costs outweigh the
      savings from avoiding the targeted disease depends on how healthy people are
      during the added life years. Given that so few preventive services save money and
      that these services are already in wide use, it is unlikely that prevention can
      reduce health care spending. The authors question whether the emphasis on savings
      is appropriate and suggest it is better to focus on high value preventive care,
      taking into account increased longevity and quality of life.

PMID- 22052183
TI  - Metastasis of occult prostatic carcinoma to the sphenoid sinus: report of a rare
      case and a review of the literature.
AB  - We present a case (55-year-old) with a metastasis to the sphenoid sinus from an
      occult prostatic adenocarcinoma as the first evidence of disease. The patient's
      symptoms were progressive left-sided headache of a few months duration and a 2
      week history of blurred vision with diplopia. Clinical examination revealed a
      left cranial nerve III palsy and ptosis. A computed tomography scan showed a 2 cm
      large, well delineated soft tissue lesion involving the left sphenoid sinus and
      extending to the left cavernous sinus with sclerosis of the adjacent sphenoid
      bone. Histological and immunohistochemical examinations revealed a poorly
      differentiated adenocarcinoma that was positive for prostate specific antigen
      (PSA) and broad-spectrum cytokeratins (Cam 5.2). Subsequent urological
      examination confirmed a locally advanced prostatic carcinoma with significantly
      increased serum-PSA (4,561 MUg/l) and bone scintigraphy showed widespread
      metastasis.

PMID- 22052184
TI  - In situ hybridization signal patterns in recurrent laryngeal squamous papillomas
      indicate that HPV integration occurs at an early stage.
AB  - Laryngeal papillomas are benign tumors that frequently recur and can compromise
      airways. We investigated HPV genotype, physical status, and protein expression in
      juveniles versus adults. Thirty-five laryngeal papilloma specimens were obtained
      from ten juveniles (1-16 years) and eleven adults (24-67 years). In cases of
      recurrent papillomatosis (7 juveniles, 7 adults), the first and last papillomas
      were assayed. HPV type was determined by GP5+/6+ PCR and dot blot hybridization.
      In situ hybridization (ISH) was performed on 34 specimens; the data were recorded
      in terms of diffuse (episomal HPV) and punctate (integrated HPV) signal patterns.
      Immunohistochemistry for the HPV L1 capsid protein, a marker of HPV productive
      status, was performed on 32 samples. All samples tested HPV positive: HPV 11 in
      2/10 (20.0%) juveniles and 5/11 (45.5%) adults; HPV 6 in 7/10 (70%) juveniles and
      5/11 (45.5%) adults; and HPV 6/11 double infection was noted in one juvenile and
      one adult. ISH signals (punctate +/- diffuse) were detected among 7/10 (70.0%)
      juveniles and 7/11 (63.6%) adults. L1 staining was detected in 1/9 (11.1%)
      juveniles and 6/10 (60.0%) adults (P = 0.06). These data support the idea that
      integration of low-risk HPV types into the cell genome is an early and common
      event in the etiology of juvenile and adult recurrent laryngeal papillomas.
      Productive HPV infections may be more common in adults; accordingly, constant
      laryngeal re-infection by HPV shed from a productive lesion may contribute to
      adult recurrent lesions, whereas the mechanism of papilloma recurrence in
      juveniles may be more attributable to HPV integration.

PMID- 22052185
TI  - Time to generate ventilator-induced lung injury among mammals with healthy lungs:
      a unifying hypothesis.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI), several
      experimental models were designed including different mammalian species and
      ventilator settings, leading to a large variability in the observed time-course
      and injury severity. We hypothesized that the time-course of VILI may be fully
      explained from a single perspective when considering the insult actually applied,
      i.e. lung stress and strain. METHODS: Studies in which healthy animals were
      aggressively ventilated until preterminal VILI were selected via a Medline
      search. Data on morphometry, ventilator settings, respiratory function and
      duration of ventilation were derived. For each animal group, lung stress
      (transpulmonary pressure) and strain (end-inspiratory lung inflation/lung resting
      volume ratio) were estimated. RESULTS: From the Medline search 20 studies
      including five mammalian species (sheep, pigs, rabbits, rats, mice) were
      selected. Time to achieve preterminal VILI varied widely (18-2,784 min), did not
      correlate with either tidal volume (expressed in relation to body weight) or
      airway pressure applied, but was weakly associated with lung stress (r (2) =
      0.25, p = 0.008). In contrast, the duration of mechanical ventilation was closely
      correlated with both lung strain (r (2) = 0.85, p < 0.0001) and lung strain
      weighted for the actual time of application during each breath (r (2) = 0.83, p <
      0.0001), according to exponential decay functions. When it was normalized for the
      lung strain applied, larger species showed a greater resistance to VILI than
      smaller species (medians, 25th-75th percentiles: 690, 460-2,001 min vs. 16, 4-59
      min, respectively; p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Lung strain may play a critical role
      as a unifying rule describing the development of VILI among mammals with healthy
      lungs.

PMID- 22052186
TI  - Intensive care medicine: finding its way in the "European labyrinth".
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The European Union (EU) has created recent directives to facilitate
      the free movement of medical specialists in its member states. METHODS: Analysis
      of two recent surveys performed in European countries. RESULTS: Intensive Care
      Medicine training and accreditation have changed quickly over time. There is no
      harmonisation among European countries. Young specialists might face several
      difficulties in the future. DISCUSSION: Nations providing a national examination
      for intensive care medicine and a national register for specialists in intensive
      care medicine facilitate the free movement of specialists, regardless of European
      regulations and directives. CONCLUSION: Intensive care medicine is currently not
      a mother speciality. A long process needs to occur before complete harmonization
      of training and accreditation and free movement of specialists in Europe will
      happen.

PMID- 22052187
TI  - Modeling the time-course of ventilator-induced lung injury: what can we learn
      from interspecies discrepancies?

PMID- 22052188
TI  - Text-speak processing and the sustained attention to response task.
AB  - We examined performance in a sustained attention to response task (SART)
      (Experiment 1) and a more traditionally formatted vigilance task (Experiment 2)
      using novel word stimuli (text-speak) and normally spelt words. This enabled us
      to address whether the SART is a better measure of sustained attention or of
      response strategy, and to investigate the cognitive demands of text-speak
      processing. In Experiment 1, 72 participants completed a subset (text-speak) and
      a word SART, as well as a self-reported text experience questionnaire. Those who
      reported more proficiency and experience with text-speak made more errors on the
      subset SART, but this appeared to be due to their increase in response speed.
      This did not occur in the word SART. In Experiment 2, 14 participants completed
      high No-Go, low-Go (more traditional response format) versions of these tasks to
      further investigate the cognitive demands of text-speak processing. Response
      latency increased over periods of watch only for the text-speak task, not for the
      word task. The results of Experiment 1 support the perspective that the SART is
      highly sensitive to response strategy, and the results of both experiments
      together indicate target detection tasks may be a novel way of investigating the
      cognitive demands of text-speak processing.

PMID- 22052189
TI  - A set of miRNAs participates in the cellular senescence program in human diploid
      fibroblasts.
AB  - Here we show that replicative senescence in normal human diploid IMR90
      fibroblasts is accompanied by altered expression of a set of microRNAs (miRNAs)
      (senescence-associated miRNAs), with 14 and 10 miRNAs being either up or
      downregulated (>2-fold), respectively, in senescent with respect to young cells.
      The expression of most of these miRNAs was also deregulated upon senescence
      induced by DNA damage (etoposide) or mild oxidative stress (diethylmaleate). Four
      downregulated miRNAs were part of miRNA family-17, recently associated to human
      cell and tissue aging. Moreover, eight upregulated and six downregulated miRNAs
      mapped in specific chromosomal clusters, suggesting common transcriptional
      regulation. Upon adoptive overexpression, seven upregulated miRNAs induced the
      formation of senescence-associated heterochromatin foci and senescence-associated
      beta-galactosidase staining (P<0.05), which was accompanied, in the case of five
      of them, by reduced cell proliferation. Finally, miR-210, miR-376a(*), miR-486
      5p, miR-494, and miR-542-5p induced double-strand DNA breaks and reactive oxygen
      species accumulation in transfected cells. In conclusion, we have identified a
      set of human miRNAs induced during replicative and chemically induced senescence
      that are able to foster the senescent phenotype by prompting DNA damage.

PMID- 22052190
TI  - POZ/BTB and AT-hook-containing zinc finger protein 1 (PATZ1) inhibits endothelial
      cell senescence through a p53 dependent pathway.
AB  - Vascular cell senescence, induced by the DNA damage response or inflammatory
      stress, contributes to age-associated vascular disease. Using complementary DNA
      microarray technology, we found that the level of POZ/BTB and AT-hook-containing
      zinc finger protein 1 (PATZ1) is downregulated during endothelial cell (EC)
      senescence. PATZ1 may have an important role as a transcriptional repressor in
      chromatin remodeling and transcription regulation; however, the role of PATZ1 in
      EC senescence and vascular aging remains unidentified. Knockdown of PATZ1 in
      young cells accelerated premature EC senescence, which was confirmed by growth
      arrest, increased p53 protein level and senescence-associated beta-galactosidase
      (SA-beta-gal) activity, and repression of EC tube formation. In contrast,
      overexpression of PATZ1 in senescent cells reversed senescent phenotypes.
      Cellular senescence induced by PATZ1 knockdown in young cells was rescued by
      knockdown of p53, but not by knockdown of p16(INK4a). PATZ1 knockdown increased
      ROS levels, and pretreatment with N-acetylcysteine abolished EC senescence
      induced by PATZ1 knockdown. Notably, PATZ1 immunoreactivity was lower in ECs of
      atherosclerotic tissues than those of normal arteries in LDLR(-/-) mice, and
      immunoreactivity also decreased in ECs of old human arteries. These results
      suggest that PATZ1 may have an important role in the regulation of EC senescence
      through an ROS-mediated p53-dependent pathway and contribute to vascular diseases
      associated with aging.

PMID- 22052191
TI  - A quarter century of granzymes.
AB  - Granzymes (Grs) were discovered just over a quarter century ago. They are
      produced by cytotoxic T cells and natural killer cells and are released upon
      interaction with target cells. Intensive biochemical, genetic, and biological
      studies have been performed in order to study their roles in immunity and
      inflammation. This review summarizes research on the family of Grs.

PMID- 22052192
TI  - Glucocorticoid-induced TNF receptor-triggered T cells are key modulators for
      survival/death of neural stem/progenitor cells induced by ischemic stroke.
AB  - Increasing evidences show that immune response affects the reparative mechanisms
      in injured brain. Recently, we have demonstrated that CD4(+)T cells serve as
      negative modulators in neurogenesis after stroke, but the mechanistic detail
      remains unclear. Glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis factor (TNF) receptor
      (GITR), a multifaceted regulator of immunity belonging to the TNF receptor
      superfamily, is expressed on activated CD4(+)T cells. Herein, we show, by using a
      murine model of cortical infarction, that GITR triggering on CD4(+)T cells
      increases poststroke inflammation and decreases the number of neural
      stem/progenitor cells induced by ischemia (iNSPCs). CD4(+)GITR(+)T cells were
      preferentially accumulated at the postischemic cortex, and mice treated with GITR
      stimulating antibody augmented poststroke inflammatory responses with enhanced
      apoptosis of iNSPCs. In contrast, blocking the GITR-GITR ligand (GITRL)
      interaction by GITR-Fc fusion protein abrogated inflammation and suppressed
      apoptosis of iNSPCs. Moreover, GITR-stimulated T cells caused apoptosis of the
      iNSPCs, and administration of GITR-stimulated T cells to poststroke severe
      combined immunodeficient mice significantly reduced iNSPC number compared with
      that of non-stimulated T cells. These observations indicate that among the
      CD4(+)T cells, GITR(+)CD4(+)T cells are major deteriorating modulators of
      poststroke neurogenesis. This suggests that blockade of the GITR-GITRL
      interaction may be a novel immune-based therapy in stroke.

PMID- 22052193
TI  - Cell death by autophagy: facts and apparent artefacts.
AB  - Autophagy (the process of self-digestion by a cell through the action of enzymes
      originating within the lysosome of the same cell) is a catabolic process that is
      generally used by the cell as a mechanism for quality control and survival under
      nutrient stress conditions. As autophagy is often induced under conditions of
      stress that could also lead to cell death, there has been a propagation of the
      idea that autophagy can act as a cell death mechanism. Although there is growing
      evidence of cell death by autophagy, this type of cell death, often called
      autophagic cell death, remains poorly defined and somewhat controversial. Merely
      the presence of autophagic markers in a cell undergoing death does not
      necessarily equate to autophagic cell death. Nevertheless, studies involving
      genetic manipulation of autophagy in physiological settings provide evidence for
      a direct role of autophagy in specific scenarios. This article endeavours to
      summarise these physiological studies where autophagy has a clear role in
      mediating the death process and discusses the potential significance of cell
      death by autophagy.

PMID- 22052194
TI  - Ultrafast electron-phonon coupling in hollow gold nanospheres.
AB  - Electronic energy relaxation in hollow gold nanospheres (HGNs) was studied using
      femtosecond time-resolved transient absorption spectroscopy. A range of HGNs
      having outer diameter-to-shell thickness aspect ratios of 3.5 to 9.5 were
      synthesized by a galvanic replacement method. The HGNs exhibited electron-phonon
      relaxation times that decreased from 1.18 +/- 0.16 to 0.59 +/- 0.08 ps as the
      aspect ratio increased over this range. The corresponding electron-phonon
      coupling constants, G, ranged from (1.67 +/- 0.22) to (3.33 +/- 0.45) * 10(16) W
      m(-3) K(-1). Electron-phonon coupling was also determined for solid gold
      nanospheres (SGNs) with diameters spanning 20 nm to 83 nm; no size dependence was
      observed for these structures. The HGNs with high aspect ratios exhibited larger
      electron-phonon coupling constants than the SGNs, whose average G value was (1.9
      +/- 0.2) * 10(16) W m(-3) K(-1). By comparison, low-aspect ratio HGNs exhibited
      values comparable to SGNs. The electron-phonon coupling of high-aspect ratio HGNs
      was also influenced by the surrounding fluid dielectric; slightly smaller G
      values were obtained when methanol was the solvent as opposed to water. This
      coupling enhancement observed for high-aspect ratio HGNs was attributed to the
      large surface to volume ratio of these structures, which results in non
      negligible contributions from the environment.

PMID- 22052195
TI  - The targeted delivery of IL17 to the mouse tumor neo-vasculature enhances
      angiogenesis but does not reduce tumor growth rate.
AB  - There has been a long controversy as to whether interleukin-17 (IL17) has an
      impact on tumor growth. In order to assess whether IL17 may affect tumor growth,
      it would be convenient to achieve high levels of this pro-inflammatory cytokine
      at the tumor neo-vasculature, since IL17 is known to promote angiogenesis. Here,
      we have generated and tested in vivo a fusion protein, consisting of the F8
      antibody (specific to the alternatively spliced EDA domain of fibronectin, a
      marker of angiogenesis) and of murine IL17 (mIL17). The resulting immunocytokine
      (termed F8-mIL17) was shown to selectively localize at the tumor neo-vasculature
      and to vigorously promote tumor angiogenesis, without however reducing or
      enhancing tumor growth rate both in immunocompetent and in immunodeficient mice.

PMID- 22052196
TI  - Notch1-Snail1-E-cadherin pathway in metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - Notch signaling, a critical pathway for tissue development, also contributes to
      tumorigenesis in many cancers, but its pathological function in liver cancer is
      not well defined. In our study, Notch1 expression and its clinicopathological
      parameters were evaluated in 82 human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients.
      Plasmid-based siNotch1 shRNA was transiently or stably transfected into
      metastatic HCC cells and subsequently evaluated for the effects on orthotopic
      liver tumor metastasis in a mouse model as well as the effects on downstream
      pathways. Aberrant high expression of Notch1 was significantly associated with
      metastatic disease parameters in HCC patients, such as tumor-node-metastasis
      Stages III-IV and tumor venous invasion. Knocking-down Notch1 reduced cell
      motility in vitro and orthotopic tumor metastasis from the liver to the lung in
      vivo in a mouse model. In metastatic HCC cells, abnormal expression of Notch1 was
      associated with increased expression of Snail1 and repressed expression of E
      cadherin; the Notch1-Snail1-E-cadherin association can also be found in HCC
      patient tumors. Inhibition of Notch1 by shRNA abolished Snail1 expression, which
      further resulted in the re-establishment of repressed E-cadherin in metastatic
      HCC cells. Thus, abnormal Notch1 expression was strongly associated with HCC
      metastatic disease, which might be mediated through the Notch1-Snail1-E-cadherin
      pathway. Knock-down of Notch1 reversed HCC tumor metastasis in a mouse model.
      Therefore, these data suggest that effective targeting of Notch signaling might
      also inhibit tumor metastasis.

PMID- 22052197
TI  - Gastroesophageal reflux after vertical banded gastroplasty is alleviated by
      conversion to gastric bypass.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Conversion operations after vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) are
      sometimes performed because of vomiting and/or acid regurgitation. Primary
      operation with gastric bypass (GBP) is known to reduce gastroesophageal reflux
      (GERD). Previous studies have not been designed to differentiate between the
      effects of the altered anatomy and of the ensuing weight loss. No series has
      reported data on acid reflux before and after conversion from VBG to GBP.
      METHODS: We invited eight VBG patients with current symptoms of GERD. All had
      intact staple lines as assessed by barium meal and gastroscopy. Acid reflux was
      quantified using 48-h Bravo capsule measurements. Conversion operations were
      performed creating an isolated 15-20-ml pouch; the previously banded part of
      gastric wall was excised. Gastrojejunostomy was made end to end with a 28-mm
      circular stapler. The study is based on five patients consenting to early
      postoperative endoscopy and pH measurement. RESULTS: All patients were women with
      a mean age of 49.5 years and BMI of 36.3. Time since VBG was 132.1 months. Time
      from conversion to second measurement was 46.6 days and BMI at that time 32.7.
      There was no mortality and no serious morbidity. All patients improved clinically
      and no patient had to go back on proton pump inhibition or antacids. Total time
      with pH < 4.0 was reduced from 18.4% to 3.3% (p < 0.05). DeMeester score was
      reduced from 58.1 to 15.9 (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The effect of converting VBG
      operated patients to GBP results in a near-normalisation of acid reflux
      parameters and a discontinuation of proton pump inhibitor medication.

PMID- 22052198
TI  - Can a protocol for glycaemic control improve type 2 diabetes outcomes after
      gastric bypass?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery (RYGB) is an effective treatment for
      patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM). Tight glycaemic control immediately after
      RYGB for T2DM may improve long-term glycaemic outcomes, but is also associated
      with a higher risk of hypoglycaemia. We designed a treatment algorithm to achieve
      optimal glycaemic control in patients with insulin-treated T2DM after RYGB and
      evaluated its feasibility, safety and efficacy. METHODS: Fifty patients following
      protocol-driven diabetes management were discharged on a fixed amount of
      metformin and glargine, with the insulin dose adjusted according to a
      standardised insulin sliding scale aiming for a fasting capillary glucose (FCG)
      of 5.5-6.9 mmol/L. Glycaemic outcome and remission of diabetes (defined as HbA1c
      < 6% and FCG levels < 5.6 mmol/L for at least 1 year without hypoglycaemic
      medication) were compared between patients who received protocol-driven treatment
      and a similar cohort of 49 patients following standard glycaemic management.
      RESULTS: At 1 year follow-up, the protocol-driven group showed a greater
      improvement in glycaemic control than the non-protocol-driven group (HbA1c -3.0
      +/- 0.2% vs. -1.2 +/- 0.1%, P < 0.001; FCG levels -3.4 +/- 0.2 vs. -2.0 +/- 0.2
      mmol/L, P = 0.02) and a higher remission rate from T2DM (50.0% vs. 6.1%, P <
      0.001). No symptomatic hypoglycaemia was reported in either group. CONCLUSIONS:
      The protocol-driven management proved to be feasible, safe and effective in
      achieving targeted glycaemic control in T2DM after RYGB. The next step will be to
      scrutinise the efficacy of protocol-driven management in a randomised controlled
      clinical trial.

PMID- 22052199
TI  - Prevalence of endocrine disorders in morbidly obese patients and the effects of
      bariatric surgery on endocrine and metabolic parameters.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several endocrine abnormalities, including hypothyroidism and
      Cushing's syndrome (CS), are considered as causative factors of obesity. The aim
      of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of endocrine disorders and obesity
      associated co-morbidities, as well as the impact of substantial weight loss.
      METHODS: Screening was performed in 433 consecutive morbidly obese patients (age
      41 +/- 12 years; BMI 47 +/- 6.9 kg/m(2); women 76%). A 1-mg dexamethasone
      suppression test (1-mg DST) was conducted to exclude CS, and thyrotropin (TSH)
      was measured to exclude hypothyroidism. Insulin sensitivity was estimated from
      oral glucose tolerance tests employing the Clamp-like index. Examinations were
      carried out at baseline, as well as at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS:
      The prevalence of CS was below 0.6%. Before surgery, TSH was elevated compared to
      an age- and sex-matched normal weight control group (2.4 +/- 1.2 vs. 1.5 +/- 0.7
      MUU/ml; p < 0.001). The NCEP criteria of metabolic syndrome (MetS) were fulfilled
      by 39.5% of the patients. Impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes mellitus were
      observed in 23.5% and 22.6%, respectively. Seventy-two percent were insulin
      resistant. During follow-up, weight (BMI 47 +/- 6.9 vs. 36 +/- 6.4 vs. 32 +/- 6.6
      kg/m(2); p < 0.001) and TSH decreased significantly (2.4 +/- 1.2 vs. 1.8 +/- 1.0
      vs. 1.8 +/- 1.0 MUU/ml; p < 0.001). Serum cortisol was higher in the MetS(+)
      group compared to the MetS(-)-group (15.0 +/- 6.3 vs. 13.5 +/- 6.3 MUg/dl; p =
      0.003). CONCLUSIONS: CS appears to be a rare cause of morbid obesity.
      Normalization of slightly elevated thyrotropin after weight loss suggests that
      obesity causes TSH elevation rather than the reverse.

PMID- 22052200
TI  - Typing of renal tumors by morphological and immunocytochemical evaluation of fine
      needle aspirates.
AB  - Image-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) of renal masses can accurately
      evaluate malignancy. Adjunct methods are needed for accurate typing of renal cell
      carcinomas (RCC) and benign neoplasms. Cytopathological diagnoses of 79 routine
      ultrasound-guided FNAB of renal lesions were compared to consequent histological
      diagnosis and size of tumors. Cytology samples were sufficient for
      immunocytochemical subtyping in 43 cases (54.4%). The median tumor size was 2.8
      cm, with 57 cases (76%) smaller than or equal to 4 cm. When a panel of
      immunocytochemical stainings (vimentin, CK7, CD117, P504S) was applied, accurate
      diagnoses were obtained in 11/12 (91.7%) of clear cell RCC (CRCC), 14/17 (82.3%)
      of papillary RCC (PRCC) and 5/7 (71.4%) of chromophobe RCC (ChRCC), respectively.
      Substantial cell pleomorphism with unusual immunostainings led to erroneous
      diagnosis of pheochromocytoma in CRCC with eosinophilic cytoplasm. Only 30% of
      CRCC were correctly diagnosed in the group without immunostaining, seven were
      suspicious for CRCC, and the remainder had unrepresentative material for CRCC.
      Cytopathological diagnoses were less accurate in oncocytomas (n=11), regardless
      of immunocytochemical staining. Cystic nephromas (n=2) and MEST (n=1) were
      overdiagnosed as suspicious and positive for PRCC, respectively, with
      immunocytochemical staining not assisting in correct diagnosis. RCC can be
      accurately typed as CRCC, PRCC or ChRCC in fine needle aspirates in a routine
      clinical setting if the cellular material is sufficient and a panel of antibodies
      is used (vimentin, CK7, P504S, CD117). The classification of oncocytomas and
      cystic nephromas is not reliable since atypical morphology and immunocytochemical
      reactions overlap with RCC.

PMID- 22052201
TI  - Igf2-derived intronic miR-483 promotes mouse hepatocellular carcinoma cell
      proliferation.
AB  - Most intronic micro-RNAs are coexpressed with their host genes, suggesting that
      they may play similar roles. The function of miR-483 remains unknown, although it
      is embedded in an intron of Igf2 gene, which is an activator of hepatocellular
      carcinoma proliferation. In the present study, we provide evidence that Igf2
      derived miR-483 can induce proliferation in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. The
      miR-483 promotion of proliferation was analysed by soft agar colony formation
      assay and proliferation curve assay. The effect of miR-483 on Socs3 expression
      was examined by Western blot and a reporter assay. Our results revealed that Igf2
      derived intronic miR-483 was identified by the application of 94G6, an inhibitor
      of Igf2 at the transcriptional level. All results from the (3-[4,5
      dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) MTT assay, the
      proliferation curve assay and the soft agar colony formation assay showed that
      miR-483 promoted the proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Finally,
      Socs3, a putative target predicted by bioinformatics, was regulated by miR-483 at
      mRNA and protein levels. Direct binding with the 3' UTR was identified by a
      luciferase activity assay. Our findings demonstrate that Igf2-derived intronic
      miR-483, through downregulation of its target Socs3, regulates hepatoma cell
      proliferation and thus may serve as a potential target for hepatocellular
      carcinoma therapy.

PMID- 22052203
TI  - Expanding the individual health insurance market.
AB  - Faced with rapidly escalating premiums, fewer offers of insurance and, in some
      cases, a collapsing individual market, states adopted reforms designed to make
      coverage more affordable and available in the non-group market. This synthesis
      looks at the evidence of the effectiveness of state reforms. Key findings
      include: Comprehensive underwriting reforms, including guaranteed issue,
      guaranteed renewal, and limits on pre-existing conditions, did make insurance
      more available. In states with guaranteed issue and community rating, average
      premiums for the entire pool rose, while premiums fell for higher-risk people.
      There was some impact from adverse selection but not as much as anticipated. Risk
      spreading mechanisms, but many high-risk people still could not afford insurance,
      so the impact from their potential influx was muted. Overall, states with
      comprehensive reform saw a decrease in the proportion of people insured, as
      healthier people left the market. There is some limited evidence that more high
      risk people were covered.

PMID- 22052202
TI  - Identification of PLSCR1 as a protein that interacts with RELT family members.
AB  - Receptor expressed in lymphoid tissues (RELT) proteins are recently described
      surface receptors belonging to the larger TNF receptor family. To improve our
      understanding of RELT-mediated signal transduction, we performed a screen for
      RELT-interacting proteins. Phospholipid Scramblase 1 (PLSCR1) was identified
      through a yeast two-hybrid genetic screen utilizing the intracellular portion of
      the RELT family member, RELL1, as bait. PLSCR1 was observed to physically
      interact with all known RELT family members as determined by co
      immunoprecipitation experiments. The protein kinase, oxidative stress responsive
      1 (OSR1) was previously shown to interact and phosphorylate all three RELT family
      members. In our study, no physical association was observed between OSR1 and
      PLSCR1 alone. However, in the presence of RELT, OSR1 was capable of co
      immunoprecipitating PLSCR1, suggesting the formation of a protein complex between
      RELT, OSR1, and PLSCR1. In addition, OSR1 phosphorylated PLSCR1 in an in vitro
      kinase assay, but only in the presence of RELT, suggesting a functional
      multiprotein complex. RELT and PLSCR1 co-localized in intracellular regions of
      human embryonic kidney-293 cells, with RELT overexpression appearing to alter the
      localization of PLSCR1. These studies demonstrate that RELT family members
      physically interact with PLSCR1, and that these interactions may regulate the
      phosphorylation of PLSCR1 by OSR1.

PMID- 22052205
TI  - Care management of patients with complex health care needs.
AB  - Patients with complex health care needs account for a high percentage of annual
      medical expenditures. Care management is a set of activities intended to improve
      patient care and reduce the need for medical services by helping patients and
      caregivers more effectively manage health conditions. This synthesis reviews the
      evidence on care management and its ability to improve patient care and reduce
      costs. Key findings include: care management can improve quality of care,
      although it takes time; studies that followed patients longer were more likely to
      reveal improvements. Care management's impact on cost reduction is less
      consistent. Programs that support patient transitions from hospital-to-home were
      the most successful because they reduced hospital readmissions. Care management
      within primary care settings may also generate savings. Elements of effective
      programs include: good identification of patients who could benefit from care
      management; specially-trained RN/care managers with low patient loads, working
      with physicians and a multidisciplinary team; and in-person patient contact.
      Finally, the current fee-for-service systems present barriers to widespread use
      of care management.

PMID- 22052204
TI  - Long-term voluntary exercise, representing habitual exercise, lowers visceral fat
      and alters plasma amino acid levels in mice.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the impact of long-term voluntary exercise, representing
      habitual exercise for the prevention of lifestyle-related diseases, on glucose,
      lipid, and amino acid metabolism in mice. METHODS: Twenty-four mice aged 6 weeks
      were divided into three groups. Two groups (16 mice) were housed individually in
      either cages equipped with a running wheel (8 mice, exercising, Ex-mice) or
      without (8 mice, sedentary, Se-mice) for 24 weeks. The remaining group (8 mice)
      was sacrificed at 6 weeks of age. Biomarkers related to glucose, lipid, and amino
      acid metabolism were examined. RESULTS: Ex-mice ran voluntarily, predominantly in
      the dark. The distance per day peaked at 4 weeks and then decreased until 12
      weeks to around the level seen at the beginning of the experimental period, and
      was maintained at 4.9 +/- 0.2 km/day from 12 to 24 weeks. Ex-mice showed a
      similar adrenal weight and vitamin C content to Se-mice but had a significantly
      lower body weight and higher food intake. Ex-mice also showed a higher skeletal
      muscle weight, a lower white adipose tissue and liver weight, associated with
      lower plasma leptin and insulin-like growth factor-1 levels, and a lower hepatic
      triglyceride content. Analysis of plasma amino acids showed that Ex-mice had
      significantly higher phenylalanine, tyrosine, and glutamine levels, resulting in
      a significantly lower Fischer's ratio. CONCLUSIONS: We present an animal model of
      long-term voluntary exercise under low stress. Findings related to the effects of
      long-term voluntary exercise on lipid, and amino acid metabolism in our mouse
      model indicate that such an exercise regimen may affect pathophysiological states
      related to appetite and behavior.

PMID- 22052206
TI  - The pedicle-facet angle and tropism in the sagittal plane in degenerative
      spondylolisthesis: a computed tomography study using multiplanar reformations
      techniques.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: A case-control study. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the facet joint
      orientation in the sagittal plane [pedicle-facet angle (P-F angle)] and facet
      tropism, and clarify the relationship between P-F angle and the amount of
      vertebral slipping in degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS) patients on multislice
      computed tomography using multiplanar reformations techniques. SUMMARY OF
      BACKGROUND DATA: Some studies have indicated a correlation between DS and an
      increased sagittal orientation of the facet joints. However, the facet
      orientation has not been fully elucidated and it had been measured only in the
      transverse plane of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. Although
      the P-F angle had been measured on the plain radiographs, accurate measurement
      was difficult to obtain because of the technical limitations. METHODS: A total of
      156 patients, who came to our hospital for low back pain and/or sciatica were
      divided into 2 groups. The DS group comprised of 78 patients with DS at L4-L5,
      and the control group comprised of 78 patients without spondylolisthesis. The P-F
      angle and tropism were measured in the sagittal plane on multi-slice computed
      tomography using multiplanar reformations techniques. RESULTS: The P-F angles at
      L4-L5 were 117.02+/-6.89 degrees (left), 115.95+/-6.02 degrees (right) in the DS
      group and 106.71+/-3.19 degrees (left), 105.58+/-3.07 degrees (right) in the
      control group, respectively (P1<0.01, P(r)<0.01). The facet tropism at L4-L5 in
      the DS group was significantly increased, compared with that in the control group
      (P=0.004). The mean P-F angle at L4-L5 did not correlate with the amount of
      vertebral slipping (r=0.176, P=0.122). CONCLUSIONS: The P-F angle was the highest
      at L4-L5 both in the DS and the control group, which might explain the fact that
      L4 vertebra is more likely to slip forward. The P-F angle of the slipped vertebra
      alone was more horizontally inclined and facet tropism in the sagittal plane may
      relate well to DS.

PMID- 22052207
TI  - S-allylcysteine induces cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in androgen-independent
      human prostate cancer cells.
AB  - To increase the use of phytochemical supplements as chemoprevention or adjuvant
      drugs in cancer treatment, it is necessary to verify their biological effects and
      correlative mechanisms. Recently, S-allylcysteine (SAC) was identified as a
      potent compound derived from garlic. The aim of this study was to evaluate the
      anticancer effects of SAC on androgen-independent human prostate cancer (PC-3)
      cells and to elucidate the possible mechanisms. PC-3 cells were incubated with
      SAC at three different concentrations. Cell growth was determined by Cell
      Counting Kit-8 and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine assay. Cell cycle and apoptosis were
      determined by flow cytometric assay. The expression of apoptosis-related
      molecules was detected by Western blot analysis. We found that SAC suppressed the
      proliferation of PC-3 cells and led to cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phases, as
      well as inducing cell apoptosis which was accompanied by the decreased expression
      of Bcl-2 and increased expression of Bax and caspase 8. This study demonstrated
      the chemopreventive activity of SAC in vitro, and that SAC may be a promising
      candidate for prostate cancer treatment.

PMID- 22052208
TI  - Evaluating ring-tailed lemurs (Lemur catta) from southwestern Madagascar for a
      genetic population bottleneck.
AB  - In light of historical and recent anthropogenic influences on Malagasy primate
      populations, in this study ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta) samples from two sites
      in southwestern Madagascar, Beza Mahafaly Special Reserve (BMSR) and
      Tsimanampetsotsa National Park (TNP), were evaluated for the genetic signature of
      a population bottleneck. A total of 45 individuals (20 from BMSR and 25 from TNP)
      were genotyped at seven microsatellite loci. Three methods were used to evaluate
      these populations for evidence of a historical bottleneck: M-ratio, mode-shift,
      and heterozygosity excess tests. Three mutation models were used for
      heterozygosity excess tests: the stepwise mutation model (SMM), two-phase model
      (TPM), and infinite allele model (IAM). M-ratio estimations indicated a potential
      bottleneck in both populations under some conditions. Although mode-shift tests
      did not strongly indicate a population bottleneck in the recent historical past
      when samples from all individuals were included, a female-only analysis indicated
      a potential bottleneck in TNP. Heterozygosity excess was indicated under two of
      the three mutation models (IAM and TPM), with TNP showing stronger evidence of
      heterozygosity excess than BMSR. Taken together, these results suggest that a
      bottleneck may have occurred among L. catta in southwestern Madagascar in the
      recent past. Given knowledge of how current major stochastic climatic events and
      human-induced change can negatively impact extant lemur populations, it is
      reasonable that comparable events in the historical past could have caused a
      population bottleneck. This evaluation additionally functions to highlight the
      continuing environmental and anthropogenic challenges faced by lemurs in
      southwestern Madagascar.

PMID- 22052209
TI  - Educational paper: Retinopathy of prematurity.
AB  - Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a proliferative retinal vascular disease
      affecting the premature infant with an incompletely vascularized retina. The
      spectrum of ophthalmological findings in ROP exists from minimal sequelae, which
      do not affect vision, to bilateral retinal detachment and total blindness. With
      the increased survival of very small infants, retinopathy of prematurity has
      become one of the leading causes of childhood blindness. Over the past two
      decades, major advances have been made in understanding the pathogenesis of ROP,
      to a large extent as a result of changes in clinical risk factors (oxygen and non
      oxygen related) and characteristics observed in ROP cases. This article provides
      a literature review on the evolution in clinical characteristics, classification
      and treatment modalities and indications of ROP. Special attention is hereby paid
      to the neonatal factors influencing the development of ROP and to the necessity
      for everyone caring for premature babies to have a well-defined screening and
      treatment protocol for ROP. Such screening protocol needs to be based on a unit
      specific ROP risk profile and, consequently, may vary between different European
      regions. CONCLUSION: Retinopathy of prematurity is an important cause of ocular
      morbidity and blindness in children. With better understanding of the
      pathogenesis, screening and treatment guidelines have changed over time and are
      unit specific.

PMID- 22052210
TI  - Public program crowd-out of private coverage.
AB  - Coverage expansions by Medicaid, SCHIP and other state programs significantly
      increased the number of people covered by public insurance. Crowd-out occurs when
      people drop private coverage for public coverage, when those enrolled in public
      insurance turn down private coverage when eligible, or when employers opt not to
      offer private insurance because of the existence of a public program. This
      synthesis examines the extent of crowd-out and whether it can be reduced. Key
      findings include: Estimates of crowd-out are imprecise and vary depending on the
      type of coverage expansion; the assumptions, methods and data used; and the time
      period covered. Crowd-out is more likely to occur in programs that enroll
      families, and among families with incomes greater than 200 percent FPL. Programs
      have used waiting periods and cost-sharing to limit crowd-out, but these
      techniques can be difficult and costly to implement, and may reduce program
      participation by the uninsured.

PMID- 22052211
TI  - Creating stories to live by: caring and professional identity formation in a
      longitudinal integrated clerkship.
AB  - Building on other models of longitudinal integrated clerkships (LIC), the
      University of Alberta developed its Integrated Community Clerkship with guiding
      principles of continuity of care, preceptor and learning environment.
      Professionalism is an important theme in medical education. Caring is important
      in professional identity formation and an ethic of caring is a moral framework
      for caring. This study explored the development of an ethic of caring in an LIC
      using empathy, compassion and taking responsibility as descriptors of caring.
      Through a hermeneutic phenomenological study, the authors focused on students'
      accounts of being with patients. Following an iterative process of successive
      analyses and explorations of the relevant literature, sensitizing concepts
      related to physician identity, and an ethic of caring were used to make sense of
      these accounts following the principles of constructivist grounded theory
      methodology. Continuity afforded by the LIC results in a safe environment in
      which students can meaningfully engage with patients and take responsibility for
      their care under the supervision of a physician teacher. Together these
      attributes foster an emerging physician identity born at the site of patient
      student interaction and grounded in an ethic of caring. A medical student's
      evolving professional identity in the clerkship includes the emergence of an
      ethic of caring. Student accounts of being with patients demonstrate that the LIC
      at the University of Alberta affords opportunities for students be receptive to
      and responsible for their patients. This ethic of caring is part of an emerging
      physician identity for the study participants.

PMID- 22052212
TI  - Theoretical study of the conformational and optical properties of a fluorescent
      dye. A step toward modeling sensors grafted on polymer structures.
AB  - The conformational and photophysical properties in toluene solution of a
      naphthoic acid derivative, namely 4-naphthoyloxy-1-methoxy-2,2,6,6
      tetramethylpiperidine, which can simulate a pendant active group grafted on
      apolar polymer structures, were studied by means of calculations based on the
      density functional theory (DFT) and its time-dependent extension (TD-DFT) coupled
      to a polarizable continuum model (PCM) of the surrounding medium. The
      conformational landscape was exhaustively explored and the conformers responsible
      for the absorption and emission spectra were identified through well established
      computational procedures based on a tuned combination of functional (PBE0) and
      basis set (N07D) which reproduced satisfactorily the experimental absorption and
      emission wavelengths.

PMID- 22052213
TI  - VSV-MP gene therapy strategy inhibits tumor growth in nude mice model of human
      lung adenocarcinoma.
AB  - Vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) matrix protein (MP) can induce in vitro
      apoptosis of tumor cells in the absence of other viral components. Here, the
      antitumor activity of VSV-MP against lung adenocarcinoma was investigated in
      vivo. A pVAX-plasmid DNA encoding VSV-MP and control empty vectors (pVAX) were
      constructed and wrapped-up with liposome. A549 and Spc-A1 human lung
      adenocarcinoma cells were transfected with liposomal-VSV-MP (Lip-MP) or Lip-pVAX
      and then examined for cell viability or apoptosis using Hoechst/propidium iodide
      staining by flow cytometry, and further demonstrated by caspase/poly ADP-ribose
      polymerase (PARP) cleavage analysis. For the in vivo study, A549 and Spc-A1 lung
      carcinoma models in nude mice were established and randomly assigned into three
      groups to receive eight 2-weekly intravenous administrations of medium alone as
      control, Lip-pVAX or Lip-MP, respectively. Subsequently, Lip-MP significantly
      reduced tumor growth and prolonged the survival of tumor-bearing mice compared
      with Lip-pVAX and control agents (P<0.05), with much higher apoptosis index of
      both in vivo and in vitro tumor cells, respectively (P<0.05). In addition, in
      vivo antitumoral effect was associated with natural killer-(NK) cell congregation
      without evidence of toxicity. These observations suggest that systemically
      delivering Lip-MP has a specific dual antitumor activity in human lung
      adenocarcinoma by inducing apoptosis and possibly stimulating NK-cell responses,
      it may provide a clue for developing new therapeutic approaches against human
      lung adenocarcinoma.

PMID- 22052214
TI  - Evolution of Salmonella nomenclature: a critical note.
AB  - Salmonellae are widely distributed but nomenclaturally controversial pathogens of
      both humans and animals. Despite elaborate studies, much still remain to be
      discovered about these organisms. Although Salmonella nomenclature has proved to
      be rather complex, in 2005, Salmonella enterica finally gained official approval
      as the type species of the genus Salmonella. In addition, one other species has
      been approved and recognised in the genus Salmonella, namely, Salmonella bongori.
      New serovars (serotypes) are continually being discovered each year and reported
      in the journal Research in Microbiology. Salmonella serovars and their antigenic
      formulae are listed in the White-Kauffmann-Le Minor scheme and updated by the
      World Health Organization's Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on
      Salmonella at the Pasteur Institute, Paris, France.

PMID- 22052215
TI  - The role of family factors and school achievement in the progression of
      adolescents to regular smoking.
AB  - This study examines whether parental smoking and single parenting were related to
      adolescents' school achievement and anti-smoking parental practices as well as
      how these factors predicted later smoking. The sample comprised 1163 Finnish
      students in Grades 7 through 9. Results show that at the beginning of the seventh
      grade, parental smoking and single parenting were related to adolescents' lower
      levels of school achievement. Moreover, parental smoking had moderate association
      with lack of house smoking rules. At the beginning of the ninth grade, these
      associations were strengthened and lack of house smoking rules as well as
      loosened perceived parental punishment for smoking was related to both parental
      smoking and single parenting. The likelihood of ninth grade regular smoking was
      greater among adolescents whose parents smoked, who had no smoking rules in their
      homes and had substandard school achievement. These results suggest that smoking
      parents and single parents had similar anti-smoking regulations for their
      children at the baseline but once children became older smoking parents were not
      able to maintain these rules as successfully as non-smoking parents and families
      with two parents. Motivating parents to uphold these anti-smoking regulations
      offers a prospective intervention opportunity.

PMID- 22052216
TI  - A randomized trial to promote health belief and to reduce environmental tobacco
      smoke exposure in pregnant women.
AB  - Exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) is widespread among women in Iran.
      This study aimed to explore the impact of education on health belief and
      environmental tobacco smoke exposure in pregnant women. This randomized trial was
      administrated to 130 pregnant women exposed to ETS. The face-to-face education
      was provided for the intervention group after completing the questionnaire
      compiled on the constructs of the health belief model and self-reports of weekly
      ETS exposure. The theoretical constructs and weekly ETS exposure were compared in
      the study groups at the intake, third, fourth and fifth sections. In the
      intervention group, perceived susceptibility/severity and perceived benefits
      increased and the weekly ETS exposure decreased on the third as opposed to the
      first section (P < 0.05). Perceived susceptibility/severity and benefits
      significantly correlated with weekly ETS exposure in the intervention group (P <
      0.05). The findings of this study point to the fact that education about the
      impacts of ETS exposure of pregnant women is an effective way to increase the
      theoretical constructs according to the health belief model and is associated
      with a reduction of ETS exposure. But this is not sufficient for making smoke
      free homes.

PMID- 22052217
TI  - Evidence of the adoption and implementation of a statewide childhood obesity
      prevention initiative in the New York State WIC Program: the NY Fit WIC process
      evaluation.
AB  - Process evaluations are critical in determining whether outcome evaluations are
      warranted. This study assessed the extent to which a childhood obesity prevention
      initiative, NY Fit WIC, was adopted and implemented by the New York State
      Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC). Process
      data came from qualitative telephone interviews of 101 WIC local agency
      directors, following NY Fit WIC trainings. Activities were summarized and cross
      tabulated by target level (i.e. participant, staff, agency or community) and by
      theoretical construct (i.e. knowledge promotion, skill building, self-efficacy or
      role modeling). Approximately 528 activities were reported across all WIC
      agencies. When activities were grouped into similar categories, 123 unique
      activities were identified. Agencies were more likely to implement physical
      activity-related activities (67%) than nutrition-related activities (33%). The
      majority of activities targeted WIC participants (47%) and staff (22%) and
      focused on skill building/self-efficacy (67%) among participants and on role
      modeling (61%) among staff. The involvement of all agencies shows a high level of
      adoption of the initiative. The diverse number of activities suggests that WIC
      local agencies tailored implementation to match their resources and clients'
      needs as planned. These results suggest that an outcome evaluation is warranted
      to determine whether meaningful behavioral changes occurred among WIC
      participants and staff.

PMID- 22052218
TI  - An assessment of cost, quality and outcomes for five HIV prevention youth peer
      education programs in Zambia.
AB  - Youth peer education (YPE) programs are a popular strategy for HIV prevention in
      sub-Saharan Africa. However, research on the effectiveness of YPE programs is
      scarce and the wide variation in programs makes it difficult to generalize
      research findings. Measuring quality and comparing program effectiveness require
      the use of standardized instruments. In this study, we used standardized
      evidenced-based instruments to compare program inputs, quality, outputs and
      outcomes for five YPE programs in Zambia. Clinic surveys were used to measure the
      following program outcomes: young people's exposure to the YPE programs and
      referrals of young people to clinics for HIV/sexually transmitted infection (STI)
      testing and other reproductive health services. The study revealed wide variation
      in the cost, quality and outcomes of YPE programs. Higher quality programs were
      associated with greater exposure and more referrals of youth to the clinics.
      However, one of the two highest quality programs achieved twice as many exposure
      and referral outcomes at about half the cost per peer educator of the more
      expensive program. Results indicate that the standardized instruments used in
      this study are useful for assessing and comparing program attributes among
      diverse YPE programs.

PMID- 22052219
TI  - Mapping the route to visual awareness.
AB  - The "neural correlate" of perceptual awareness is much sought-after. Here, we
      present an novel approach to the identification of possible neural correlates, in
      which we exploit the temporal connection that inevitably links the selection
      process that determines what we become aware of, and the development of awareness
      itself. Because the speed of selection determines when downstream processes can
      first become involved in generating awareness, the latency of neural processes
      provides a way to isolate the neural correlates of awareness. We recorded event
      related potentials (ERPs) while observers carried out a visual behavioral task
      designed to estimate attentional selection latency. We show that within-task
      trial-by-trial behavioral variability in attentional selection latency correlates
      to trial-by-trial variability in ERP latency. This was true in a posterior
      contralateral region, and in central and frontal areas, thereby implicating these
      as waypoints along which visual information flows on the way to visual awareness.

PMID- 22052220
TI  - Polymorphism of the inosine triphosphate pyrophosphatase gene predicts ribavirin
      induced anemia in chronic hepatitis C patients.
AB  - Ribavirin (RBV)-induced anemia is a serious side effect of pegylated interferon
      (PEG-IFN) plus RBV therapy which is the standard care most effective for
      hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. In the present study, we investigated the
      association of inosine triphosphate pyrophosphatase (ITPA) genotypes with RBV
      induced hemoglobin (Hb) reduction in HCV patients treated with PEG-IFN/RBV
      therapy. The genotypes of the ITPA rs1127354 single nucleotide polymorphism were
      determined in 179 patients with HCV infection. Among them, 52 patients were
      treated with PEG-IFN/RBV. The frequency of the ITPA major allele (CC) was 76.3%
      and that of the minor allele (CA and AA) was 23.7%. A rapid decrease in Hb levels
      during the initial 4 weeks was observed in patients with the ITPA major allele
      (CC), but not in patients with the ITPA minor allele (C/A and AA). Hb levels at 4
      weeks were significantly lower in patients with the ITPA major allele than the
      levels in patients with the minor allele. Out of the 41 patients, 6 (14.6%) with
      ITPA major allele had Hb levels <10 g/dl and 11 patients (26.8%) had a decline in
      Hb of >3 g/dl. None of the patients with the ITPA minor allele had such data.
      There were no significant differences in virological responses of HCV-RNA between
      patients with the ITPA major allele and those with the minor allele. In
      conclusion, the ITPA genotypes may be a useful marker for prediction of RBV
      induced anemia.

PMID- 22052221
TI  - Cost-sharing: effects on spending and outcomes.
AB  - As health reform drives the largest expansion of health insurance since Medicare
      and policy-makers grapple with how to slow the increase in health care spending,
      cost-sharing--the division of health care costs between patients and insurers--is
      considered an important tool. This synthesis reviews the evidence on cost
      sharing. Key findings include: Research consistently shows demand for health care
      is price sensitive, but it is unlikely cost-sharing will significantly slow the
      growth of health care spending. Almost 50 percent of costs are associated with
      the 5 percent of the population facing serious medical conditions. Studies show
      these patients rely on their doctors to guide treatment decisions. Increased cost
      sharing may shift the financial burden from insurers and public payers to
      patients. Patients are not able to discern between appropriate and inappropriate
      care in response to increased cost-sharing. For the average person, increased
      cost-sharing may not adversely affect their health, but for vulnerable
      populations, increased cost-sharing is associated with adverse health outcomes.
      Low-income populations are disproportionately affected by increased cost-sharing.
      People in poor health respond differently to cost-sharing changes than healthy
      people. Finally, cost-sharing is not well-targeted on low-value services making
      it difficult for patients to make appropriate decisions.

PMID- 22052222
TI  - Long-term results of radiofrequency ablation treatment of stage I non-small cell
      lung cancer: a prospective intention-to-treat study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: About one-fifth of patients with resectable non-small cell lung
      cancer (NSCLC) are unsuitable for surgical treatment. Radiofrequency ablation
      offers an alternative minimally invasive option. We report the result of an
      intention-to-treat study with long-term follow-up. METHODS: From 2001 to 2009, we
      performed 80 percutaneous radiofrequency ablations of 59 stage I NSCLC in 57
      inoperable patients. Two patients were treated for two separate lesions. The
      study group consisted of 45 males and 12 females, with mean age of 74 years
      (range, 40-88 years). All patients had pathological evidence of NSCLC, which was
      in stage IA in 44 cases and in stage IB in the other 15 cases. The mean size of
      the lesions was 2.6 cm (range, 1.1-5 cm). Fourteen lesions were retreated up to
      five times. The procedure was always performed under local anesthesia and
      conscious sedation. Most of the procedures were performed under computed
      tomography guidance, with nine under ultrasonography guidance. RESULTS: In all
      cases, the procedure was technically successful. No mortality was recorded, and
      major morbidity consisted of four cases of pneumothorax requiring pleural
      drainage. At a mean follow-up of 47 months, the complete response rate was 59.3%
      (stage Ia 65.9%, stage Ib 40%, p = 0.01), with a mean local recurrence interval
      of 25.9 months. Median overall survival and cancer-specific survival were 33.4
      and 41.4 months, respectively. Cancer-specific actuarial survival was 89% at 1
      year, 59% at 3 years, and 40% at 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: Radiofrequency ablation
      treatment of early-stage NSCLC seems to be a effective minimally invasive therapy
      even in the long-term period, particularly for stage Ia tumors.

PMID- 22052223
TI  - Erlotinib or docetaxel for second-line treatment of non-small cell lung cancer: a
      real-world cost-effectiveness analysis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Erlotinib was recently approved in British Columbia (BC) as a
      second-line treatment for advanced NSCLC. A cost-effectiveness analysis was
      conducted which compares costs and effectiveness in patients who received second
      line erlotinib with those in patients who received docetaxel. METHODS: In a
      population of patients who have been treated with drugs (either erlotinib or
      docetaxel) for advanced NSCLC, overall survival (OS), progression-free survival
      (PFS), and probability of survival 1 year after beginning of second-line
      treatment (1YS) were determined using Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazard
      analysis, as well as chi test. Costs were collected retrospectively from the
      perspective of the BC health care system. RESULTS: Incremental mean OS was 1 day,
      and incremental mean cost was $2891. Neither costs nor effectiveness were
      statistically significantly different between groups. PFS and 1YS were also
      nonsignificantly different. Cox proportional hazard models were used to evaluate
      multivariate confounding. CONCLUSIONS: Erlotinib and docetaxel are statistically
      equivalent in terms of treatment cost and overall survival. As treatment practice
      patterns change, docetaxel may become more frequently prescribed. Therefore, the
      choice of whether to use erlotinib or docetaxel should be based on factors
      relating to patient preference rather than costs or effectiveness.

PMID- 22052224
TI  - Association of cytidine deaminase and xeroderma pigmentosum group D polymorphisms
      with response, toxicity, and survival in cisplatin/gemcitabine-treated advanced
      non-small cell lung cancer patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Selecting patients according to key genetic characteristics may help
      to tailor chemotherapy and optimize the treatment in non-small cell lung cancer
      (NSCLC). Genetic variations in drug metabolism may affect the clinical response,
      toxicity, and prognosis of NSCLC patients treated with cisplatin/gemcitabine
      based therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We evaluated seven single-nucleotide
      polymorphisms of six genes CDA Lys27Gln (A/C); CDA C435T; ERCC1 C118T; XRCC3
      Thr241Met (C/T); XPD Lys751Gln (A/C); P53 Arg72Pro (G/C), and RRM1 C524T in 192
      chemotherapy-naive patients with advanced NSCLC treated with
      cisplatin/gemcitabine-based regimen by TaqMan probe-based assays with 7300 Real
      Time PCR System, using genomic DNA extracted from blood samples. RESULTS: The CDA
      435 T/T genotype was significantly associated with better response (p = 0.03).
      The CDA 435 C/T genotype was associated with a significantly increased risk of
      nonhematological toxicity of grade >=3 (p = 0.02) after adjusting for performance
      status, age, and type of treatment regimen. In the multivariate Cox model, the
      XPD 751 C/C genotype was a significant prognostic factor of longer progression
      free survival (p = 0.006). CONCLUSION: Our data suggest polymorphic variations of
      drug metabolic gene were associated with response and toxicity of
      cisplatin/gemcitabine-based therapy and progression-free survival of patients
      with advanced NSCLC.

PMID- 22052225
TI  - Randomized phase III trial of docetaxel plus carboplatin with or without
      levofloxacin prophylaxis in elderly patients with advanced non-small cell lung
      cancer: the APRONTA trial.
AB  - PURPOSE: To examine the effect of levofloxacin prophylaxis on infection rates
      during chemotherapy with docetaxel plus carboplatin in elderly patients with
      advanced non-small cell lung cancer. METHODS: In a randomized, double-blind,
      phase III study, patients (>=65 years) with untreated,
      histologically/cytologically proven stage IIIB/IV non-small cell lung cancer
      received docetaxel (75 mg/m) plus carboplatin (area under the curve 6) on day 1
      every 3 weeks, plus once-daily levofloxacin (500 mg orally) or placebo on days 5
      to 11. The primary end point was the rate of grade 3/4 infections or grade 1/2
      infections treated with additional antibiotics. Secondary end points included
      overall infection rate, toxicity, overall survival, and progression-free
      survival. RESULTS: In total, 187 patients were randomized to levofloxacin (n =
      95) or placebo (n = 92). The rate of grade 3/4 infections or grade 1/2 infections
      treated with additional antibiotics (intent-to-treat population) was 27.5% (95%
      confidence interval, 19.3-39.0%) for levofloxacin versus 36.7% (95% confidence
      interval, 27.1-48.0%) for placebo. Median time to first infection was 67 days for
      levofloxacin versus 46 days for placebo. Grade 3/4 infections occurred in 8.8% of
      patients in the levofloxacin group versus 26.7% for placebo. There was one grade
      5 infection in each group. Grade >=3 toxicities (levofloxacin versus placebo)
      included leukopenia (63.2 versus 52.2%), neutropenia (62.1 versus 51.1%), dyspnea
      (12.6 versus 8.7%), and pain (10.5 versus 9.8%). There was no significant
      difference in overall survival or progression-free survival between groups.
      CONCLUSIONS: Levofloxacin prophylaxis reduces the rate of infection compared with
      placebo and is well tolerated in elderly patients receiving docetaxel plus
      carboplatin.

PMID- 22052226
TI  - S-1 plus cisplatin with concurrent radiotherapy for locally advanced non-small
      cell lung cancer: a multi-institutional phase II trial (West Japan Thoracic
      Oncology Group 3706).
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the combination chemotherapy using oral antimetabolite S-1
      plus cisplatin (SP) with concurrent thoracic radiotherapy (RT) followed by the
      consolidation SP for locally advanced non-small cell lung cancer. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: Patients with stage III non-small cell lung cancer, 20 to 74 years of
      age, and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status 0 to 1 were
      eligible. The concurrent phase consisted of full dose S-1 (orally at 40 mg/m/dose
      twice daily, on days 1-14) and cisplatin (60 mg/m on day 1) repeated every 4
      weeks for two cycles with RT delivered beginning on day 1 (60 Gy/30 fractions
      over 6 weeks). After SP-RT, patients received an additional two cycles of SP as
      the consolidation phase. RESULTS: Fifty-five patients were registered between
      November 2006 and December 2007. Of the 50 patients for efficacy analysis, the
      median age was 64 years; male/female 40/10; Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group
      performance status 0/1, 21/29; clinical stage IIIA/IIIB 18/32; and
      adenocarcinoma/others 20/30. There were 42 clinical responses including one
      complete response with an objective response rate of 84% (95% confidence interval
      [CI], 71-93%). The 1- and 2-year overall survival rates were 88% (95% CI, 75-94%)
      and 70% (95% CI, 55-81%), respectively. The median progression-free survival was
      20 months. Of the 54 patients for safety analysis, common toxicities in the
      concurrent phase included grade 3/4 neutropenia (26%), thrombocytopenia (9%), and
      grade 3 esophagitis (9%) and febrile neutropenia (9%). In one patient, grade 3
      pneumonitis was observed in the consolidation phase. There were two treatment
      related deaths caused by infection in the concurrent phase. CONCLUSIONS: SP-RT
      showed a promising efficacy against locally advanced NCSLC with acceptable
      toxicity.

PMID- 22052227
TI  - Incidence and risk factors for chest wall toxicity after risk-adapted
      stereotactic radiotherapy for early-stage lung cancer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: High local control rates are reported after stereotactic ablative
      body radiotherapy (SABR) in stage I non-small cell lung cancer. Toxicity is
      uncommon, but few reports on long-term follow-up are available. We studied the
      incidence of chest wall pain (CWP) and rib fractures in patients with long-term
      follow-up. METHODS: Between 2003 and 2009, 500 patients (530 tumors) underwent
      SABR using risk-adapted fractionation schemes, consisting of three fractions of
      20 Gy, five fractions of 12 Gy, or eight fractions of 7.5 Gy. Toxicity data were
      collected in a prospective database and scored using Common Terminology Criteria
      for Adverse Events (CTCAE) version 4.03. Chest wall volumes receiving doses of
      30, 40, 45, and 50 Gy (V30 Gy-V50 Gy) and maximum dose in 2 cm of chest wall (D2
      ml) were determined for patients with CWP or rib fractures (n = 57). RESULTS:
      With a median follow-up of 33 months, the 3-year overall survival and local
      control rates were 53.1% and 90.4%, respectively. CWP developed in 11.4% of
      patients and was severe (grade 3) in 2.0%. Rib fractures were observed in eight
      patients (1.6%), accompanied by CWP in seven of these patients. On multivariate
      analysis, patients with CWP had larger treatment volumes and shorter tumor-chest
      wall distances, whereas patients with rib fractures had larger tumor diameters
      and treatment volumes. Grade 3 CWP and rib fractures were associated with larger
      volumes of chest wall receiving doses of 30 to 50 Gy and rib fractures
      specifically with a higher maximum dose in the chest wall. CONCLUSIONS: Severe
      (grade 3) chest wall toxicity is uncommon after risk-adapted SABR and manifests
      in 2% or fewer of patients.

PMID- 22052228
TI  - Respiratory gating techniques for optimization of lung cancer radiotherapy.
AB  - PURPOSE: The primary objective of the STIC 2003 project was to compare the
      clinical and economic aspects of respiratory-gated conformal radiotherapy (RGRT),
      an innovative technique proposed to limit the impact of respiratory movements
      during irradiation, versus conventional conformal radiotherapy, the reference
      radiation therapy for lung cancer. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A comparative,
      nonrandomized, multicenter, and prospective cost toxicity analysis was performed
      in the context of this project between April 2004 and June 2008 in 20 French
      centers. Only the results of the clinical study are presented here, as the
      results of the economic assessment have been published previously. RESULTS: The
      final results based on 401 evaluable patients confirm the feasibility and good
      reproducibility of the various RGRT systems. The results of this study
      demonstrated a marked reduction of dosimetric parameters predictive of pulmonary,
      cardiac and esophageal toxicity as a result of the various respiratory gating
      techniques. These dosimetric benefits were mainly observed with deep inspiration
      breath-hold (DIBH) techniques (ABC and SDX systems), which markedly increased the
      total lung volume compared with the inspiration-synchronized system based on
      tidal volume (Real-time Position Management). These theoretical dosimetric
      benefits were correlated clinically with a significant reduction of pulmonary
      acute toxicity, and the pulmonary, cardiac, and esophageal late toxicities,
      especially with DIBH techniques. Pulmonary function parameters, although more
      heterogeneous, especially DLCO, showed a tendency to reduction of pulmonary
      toxicity in the RGRT group. CONCLUSIONS: RGRT seems to be essential to reduce
      toxicities, especially the pulmonary, cardiac, and esophageal late toxicities
      with the DIBH methods.

PMID- 22052229
TI  - Clinical implications of high MET gene dosage in non-small cell lung cancer
      patients without previous tyrosine kinase inhibitor treatment.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Recently, two studies revealed that MET amplification was
      associated with secondary epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase
      inhibitor (TKI) resistance in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. But it
      remains uncertain whether MET amplification could be related to primary TKI
      resistance in NSCLC because of limited data. MATERIALS AND METHODS: MET gene
      dosage of the tumor tissues from 208 NSCLC patients was investigated by real time
      quantitative polymerase chain reaction and compared with molecular and clinical
      features, including EGFR mutations, KRAS mutations, EGFR gene copy numbers, and
      patient survivals. Three copies were used as the cutoff. Among them, 25 patients
      were also evaluable for EGFR TKI responsiveness. RESULTS: The proportion of high
      MET gene dosage was 10.58% (22/208) with higher incidence in squamous cell
      carcinoma (11.86%) and smokers (16.18%), although the differences with
      adenocarcinoma and nonsmokers were nonsignificant. Coexisting EGFR mutations were
      identified, and the incidence (8.54%) was similar to wild type (12.0%). High MET
      gene dosage was significantly associated with higher tumor stage (stage I + II
      versus stage III + IV; p = 0.0254) and prior chemotherapy for stage III + IV
      adenocarcinoma patients (35.71% versus 7.41%; p = 0.0145) but not correlated with
      primary TKI resistance. Among the 155 surgically resectable patients (stage I to
      IIIA), high MET gene dosage was significantly associated with shorter median
      survival (21.0 months versus 47.1 months; p = 0.042) by univariate analysis.
      CONCLUSIONS: High MET gene dosage was not related to primary TKI resistance and
      the incidence was increased after chemotherapy, suggesting high MET gene dosage
      may also be related to chemotherapy resistance.

PMID- 22052230
TI  - Hepatocyte growth factor expression in EGFR mutant lung cancer with intrinsic and
      acquired resistance to tyrosine kinase inhibitors in a Japanese cohort.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This study was performed to determine the incidence rates of
      resistance factors, i.e., high-level hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) expression,
      epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) T790M secondary mutation, and MET
      amplification, in tumors with intrinsic and acquired EGFR tyrosine kinase
      inhibitor (TKI) resistance in EGFR mutant lung cancer. METHODS: Ninety-seven
      specimens from 93 EGFR mutant lung cancer patients (23 tumors with acquired
      resistance from 20 patients, 45 tumors with intrinsic resistance from 44 patients
      [nonresponders], 29 sensitive tumors from 29 patients) from 11 institutes in
      Japan were analyzed. HGF expression, EGFR T790M secondary mutation, and MET
      amplification were determined by immunohistochemistry, cycleave real-time
      polymerase chain reaction, and fluorescence in situ hybridization, respectively.
      RESULTS: High-level HGF expression, EGFR T790M secondary mutation, and MET
      amplification were detected in 61, 52, and 9% of tumors with acquired resistance,
      respectively. High-level HGF expression was detected in 29% of tumors with
      intrinsic resistance (nonresponders), whereas EGFR T790M secondary mutation and
      MET amplification were detected in 0 and 4%, respectively. HGF expression was
      significantly higher in tumors with acquired resistance than in sensitive tumors
      (p < 0.001, Student's t test). Fifty percent of tumors with acquired resistance
      showed simultaneous HGF expression with EGFR T790M secondary mutation and MET
      amplification. CONCLUSIONS: High-level HGF expression was detected more
      frequently than EGFR T790M secondary mutation or MET amplification in tumors with
      intrinsic and acquired EGFR-TKI resistance in EGFR mutant lung cancer in Japanese
      patients. These observations provide a rationale for targeting HGF in EGFR-TKI
      resistance in EGFR mutant lung cancer.

PMID- 22052231
TI  - Factors associated with the early resumption of sexual activity following medical
      male circumcision in Nyanza province, Kenya.
AB  - Research has established that voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) reduces
      HIV acquisition in heterosexual men by approximately 60%; however, engaging in
      sexual activity before the wound is healed may attenuate this protective effect.
      This prospective study included VMMC clients who were circumcised in Kenya
      between November, 2008 and March, 2010, aged >= 18 years, and randomly selected
      for an interview and genital examination 28-45 days post-VMMC (N = 1,344). At the
      time of the interview, 91.3% participants were healed. Overall, 30.7% reported
      engaging in early sexual activity, usually 3-4 weeks post-VMMC. In a
      multivariable analysis, being married or cohabitating was the strongest predictor
      of engaging in early sexual activity. Strategies to reduce engaging in sexual
      activity during the recommended 42-day abstinence period following VMMC should be
      explored including re-energizing the effort to include female partners in
      counseling, mass education campaigns, and targeted text messaging programs for
      VMMC clients.

PMID- 22052232
TI  - Production of cellulase enzymes during the solid-state fermentation of empty palm
      fruit bunch fiber.
AB  - Penicillium verruculosum COKE4E is a fungal strain isolated from bituminous coal.
      The microorganism cultivated in a minimal medium supplemented with Avicel,
      carboxymethylcellulose, and oat spelt xylan produced cellulase enzymes as
      exhibiting carboxymethylcellulase (CMCase), Avicelase, xylanase, and
      cellobiosidase activities. In this study, the productivity of the extracellular
      enzymes in the strain was evaluated by using empty palm fruit bunch fiber
      (EPFBF), a lignocellulosic biomass, as a substrate for solid-state bioconversion.
      The highest cellulase activities were observed after 6 days of fermentation at pH
      6.0 and 30  degrees C. The enzymes were secreted as cellulosomes for the
      degradation of EPFBF as a sole carbon source. Focused ion beam analysis showed
      that P. verruculosum COKE4E produced cellulolytic enzymes that were able to
      effectively biodegrade EPFBF during solid-state fermentation. In this process,
      6.5 U of CMCase, 6.8 U of Avicelase, and 8.8 U of xylanase per gram of dry solid
      EPFBF were produced. These results demonstrate that EPFBF may be a potential raw
      material in solid-state fermentation for the production of cellulase enzymes to
      be used for biofuel production.

PMID- 22052233
TI  - Improving arachidonic acid accumulation in Mortierella alpina through B-group
      vitamin addition.
AB  - To improve the arachidonic acid (ARA) accumulation in Mortierella alpina, a mixed
      B-group vitamin addition strategy was developed. The ARA titer reached up to 10.0
      g/L, 1.7-fold of the control. At the same time, the highest specific activities
      of key enzymes involved in ARA biosynthesis, including malic enzyme, glucose-6
      phosphate dehydrogenase and ATP: citrate lyase, were 63.3, 38.6 and 53.7% higher
      than the control, respectively. The possible vitamin triggered improved ARA
      accumulation mechanism was thus elucidated that B-group vitamins could function
      as the cofactors of the key enzymes involved in ARA biosynthesis, or precursors
      for the formation of NADPH and acetyl-CoA which were crucial for ARA synthesis,
      and strengthened the related metabolic flux.

PMID- 22052234
TI  - The prognostic significance of coronary CT angiography.
AB  - Coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) is an increasingly utilized,
      highly accurate noninvasive test for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease.
      Accumulating data have convincingly demonstrated that the presence, extent, and
      location of both obstructive and nonobstructive coronary atherosclerosis
      visualized on coronary CTA conveys powerful prognostic information, incremental
      to that provided by clinical variables and coronary calcium scoring. Proposed
      markers of future plaque instability and coronary risk, such as the degree of
      vessel remodeling and low-attenuation plaque volume, as well as measures of CT
      myocardial perfusion, may further improve the prognostic value of CTA.
      Ultimately, studies are needed to assess whether the prognostic information
      provided by coronary CTA testing results in sustained changes in patient and
      provider behaviors that cost effectively improve patient outcomes.

PMID- 22052235
TI  - Oxygen reduction kinetics on graphite cathodes in sediment microbial fuel cells.
AB  - Sediment microbial fuel cells (SMFCs) have been used as renewable power sources
      for sensors in fresh and ocean waters. Organic compounds at the anode drive
      anodic reactions, while oxygen drives cathodic reactions. An understanding of
      oxygen reduction kinetics and the factors that determine graphite cathode
      performance is needed to predict cathodic current and potential losses, and
      eventually to estimate the power production of SMFCs. Our goals were to (1)
      experimentally quantify the dependence of oxygen reduction kinetics on
      temperature, electrode potential, and dissolved oxygen concentration for the
      graphite cathodes of SMFCs and (2) develop a mechanistic model. To accomplish
      this, we monitored current on polarized cathodes in river and ocean SMFCs. We
      found that (1) after oxygen reduction is initiated, the current density is
      linearly dependent on polarization potential for both SMFC types; (2) current
      density magnitude increases linearly with temperature in river SMFCs but remains
      constant with temperature in ocean SMFCs; (3) the standard heterogeneous rate
      constant controls the current density temperature dependence; (4) river and ocean
      SMFC graphite cathodes have large potential losses, estimated by the model to be
      470 mV and 614 mV, respectively; and (5) the electrochemical potential available
      at the cathode is the primary factor controlling reduction kinetic rates. The
      mechanistic model based on thermodynamic and electrochemical principles
      successfully fit and predicted the data. The data, experimental system, and model
      can be used in future studies to guide SMFC design and deployment, assess SMFC
      current production, test cathode material performance, and predict cathode
      contamination.

PMID- 22052236
TI  - Influence of phospholipid species on membrane fluidity: a meta-analysis for a
      novel phospholipid fluidity index.
AB  - Generalized membrane lipid composition determinants of fluidity have been widely
      investigated, including phospholipid/cholesterol ratio and unsaturation index.
      Individual phospholipids differ in their physical characteristics, including
      their interaction with cholesterol and level of unsaturation, emphasizing the
      importance of examining their individual influence on membrane fluidity. Thus,
      the purpose of this study was to examine the dominant phospholipids of biological
      membranes (phosphatidylcholine, PC; phosphatidylethanolamine, PE; sphingomyelin,
      SM) through a meta-analysis to assess the validity of an inclusive phospholipid
      fluidity index (PFI = PC/(PE + SM)) as a determinant for membrane fluidity
      (expressed as polarization of fluorescent probe 1,6 diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene) in
      comparison to previous phospholipid ratios (PC/PE and PC/SM). The results
      demonstrate that all indices significantly predicted membrane fluidity at 25
      degrees C (based on 10-13 data points). In contrast, only PFI approached
      significance when predicting membrane fluidity at 37 degrees C (P = 0.10 based on
      five points). As a result, PFI appears to be the only phospholipid index close to
      significantly predicting membrane fluidity at mammalian physiological
      temperature. Because this meta-analysis only assessed studies using mammalian
      membranes, future work should experimentally assess the validity of the PFI
      utilizing membranes from mammals and a variety of other species and tissues at
      their respective physiological temperatures.

PMID- 22052237
TI  - Colchicine modulates oxidative stress in serum and neutrophil of patients with
      Behcet disease through regulation of Ca2+ release and antioxidant system.
AB  - Behcet disease (BD) is a chronic, inflammatory, and multisystemic condition with
      an uncertain pathogenesis. One of the major immunologic findings in BD
      pathogenesis is increase in activity of neutrophil. An increase in the cytosolic
      free Ca2+[Ca2+](i) concentration that induces Ca2+ signaling is an important step
      that participates in the neutrophil activation and reactive oxygen species
      production that leads to tissue damage in body cells. We aimed to investigate the
      effects of colchicine on oxidative stress and Ca2+ release in serum and
      neutrophil of BD patients with active and inactive periods. Twelve Behcet
      patients (6 active and 6 inactive) and 6 control subject were included in the
      study. Disease activity was considered by clinical findings. Serum and neutrophil
      samples were obtained from the patients and control subjects. Neutrophils from
      patients with active BD were divided into three subgroups and were incubated with
      colchicine, verapamil + diltiazem, and colchicine + verapamil + diltiazem,
      respectively. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, leucocytes counts, serum C-reactive
      protein, neutrophil, and serum lipid peroxidation and intracellular Ca2+ release
      levels were higher in active and inactive groups than in the control group,
      although their levels were lower in active group than in inactive group. However,
      neutrophil Ca2+ release levels were decreased in colchicine, verapamil +
      diltiazem, and colchicine + verapamil + diltiazem groups group compared to active
      group. Serum glutathione, vitamin A, vitamin E, and beta-carotene concentrations
      were lower in active and inactive groups than in the control group, although
      serum vitamin E and beta-carotene concentrations were higher in the inactive
      group than in the active group. Neutrophil and serum glutathione peroxidase
      activity within the three groups did not change. In conclusion, we observed the
      importance of Ca2+ influx into the neutrophils and oxidative stress in the
      pathogenesis and activation of the patients with BD. Colchicine induced
      protective effects on oxidative stress by modulating Ca2+ influx in BD patients.

PMID- 22052238
TI  - Geographic variation in medicare per capita spending.
AB  - Persistent, widespread variations in Medicare spending across the country are
      largely and well-documented. In 1996, Medicare per capita spending across the
      country ranged from $3,000 to $8,500. This synthesis examines the Medicare
      spending variation, underlying causes, possible solutions, and whether people in
      higher-spending areas receive better care. Key findings include: Only 10 percent
      of the Medicare regions had spending within 10 percent of the average. The
      variation is seen across all Medicare services. Most studies suggest that less
      than half of the spending variation is accounted for by differences in population
      characteristics and price. More than half of the spending variation is
      attributable to differences in use of services. Although research is limited,
      there is no evidence that areas spending more money have better outcomes or
      quality of care. Research suggests it is hard to determine why patterns of care
      and spending vary so much.

PMID- 22052239
TI  - Mutational analysis of p53 and PTEN in soft tissue sarcoma.
AB  - p53 and PTEN are the two most frequently mutated tumor suppressors in human
      cancer. However, literature on the effect of the joint inactivation of tumor
      suppressor genes in soft tissue sarcoma (STS) is lacking. The purpose of this
      study was to investigate whether p53 and PTEN mutations play a role in the
      carcinogenesis of STS, as well as to evaluate their mutual role in STS
      pathogenesis. We screened mutations of p53 and PTEN in 86 human STSs using
      polymerase chain reaction-single strand conformation polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) and
      DNA sequencing, respectively. p53 mutations were detected in 25.6% (22 out of 86)
      of STSs: 6 cases of p53 mutations were detected in 46 cases of specific
      reciprocal translocations in STSs (13.0%), 16 cases were detected in 40 cases of
      nonspecific reciprocal translocations in STSs (40.0%); the majority of the
      mutations were point mutations in exon 6-7. Furthermore, PTEN mutations were
      observed in 2 out of 86 STSs (2.3%). Two out of 86 cases revealed a 130th codon
      G>A missense mutation in exon 8 of PTEN which resulted in an Arg change to Gln in
      the PTEN protein structure; and a 334th codon A>T missense mutation in exon 8 of
      PTEN, which resulted in an Asn change to Lys in the PTEN protein structure. All
      subjects were examined for p53 exon 5-9 mutations and for PTEN exon 5-9
      mutations. However, no tumors contained an alteration of the two genes. The
      findings indicate that p53 mutations may be involved in the oncogenesis of STS
      and also suggest that p53 may function as a potential molecular marker for
      distinguishing between STSs with specific reciprocal translocations and
      nonspecific reciprocal translocations. Although the existence of PTEN mutations
      in STS was detected, the PTEN mutation frequency was quite low. We conclude that
      PTEN may have played a less prognostic role than p53 in the development and
      malignant transformation of STS in the patients examined.

PMID- 22052240
TI  - Ocular gene delivery using lentiviral vectors.
AB  - Substantial advances in our understanding of lentivirus lifecycles and their
      various constituent proteins have permitted the bioengineering of lentiviral
      vectors now considered safe enough for clinical trials for both lethal and non
      lethal diseases. They possess distinct properties that make them particularly
      suitable for gene delivery in ophthalmic diseases, including high expression,
      consistent targeting of various post-mitotic ocular cells in vivo and a paucity
      of associated intraocular inflammation, all contributing to their ability to
      mediate efficient and stable intraocular gene transfer. In this review, the
      intraocular tropisms and therapeutic applications of both primate and non-primate
      lentiviral vectors, and how the unique features of the eye influence these, are
      discussed. The feasibility of therapeutic targeting using these vectors in animal
      models of both anterior and posterior ophthalmic disorders has been established,
      and has, in combination with substantial progress in enhancing lentiviral vector
      bio-safety over the past two decades, paved the way for the first human
      ophthalmic clinical trials using lentivirus-based gene transfer vectors.

PMID- 22052241
TI  - Vector-mediated expression of erythropoietin improves functional outcome after
      cervical spinal cord contusion injury.
AB  - We evaluated the therapeutic effect of erythropoietin (EPO) delivered by direct
      injection of a nonreplicating herpes simplex virus (HSV)-based vector coding for
      EPO (vEPO) in a model of cervical hemicord contusion at C7. At 1 h after spinal
      cord injury (SCI), either vEPO or control vector carrying a reporter gene (vC)
      was injected into the cord above and below the lesion. Animals injected with vEPO
      showed a statistically significant improvement in the ipsilateral forelimb
      function, as measured by open-field evaluation of motor performance, forelimb
      reaching in the cylinder test and misplacement in grid walk. This correlated with
      preservation of gray matter in the area of the lesion. There was also mild but
      significant improvement of hindlimb motor function measured by Basso-Beattie
      Bresnahan score and computerized gait analysis in vEPO compared with control
      vector-injected animals. Microtubule-associated protein tau, phosphorylated and
      nonphosphorylated neurofilament protein and the synaptic proteins synaptophysin
      and PSD-95 were all significantly increased in the spinal cord of vEPO-treated
      animals compared with control vector-injected animals. These data suggest that
      gene transfer of EPO after cervical SCI by minimizing the injury size and
      enhancing tissue sparing preserves large-caliber axons and promotes
      synaptogenesis.

PMID- 22052243
TI  - Lumbar lordosis of extinct hominins.
AB  - The lordotic curvature of the lumbar spine (lumbar lordosis) in humans is a
      critical component in the ability to achieve upright posture and bipedal gait.
      Only general estimates of the lordotic angle (LA) of extinct hominins are
      currently available, most of which are based on the wedging of the vertebral
      bodies. Recently, a new method for calculating the LA in skeletal material has
      become available. This method is based on the relationship between the lordotic
      curvature and the orientation of the inferior articular processes relative to
      vertebral bodies in the lumbar spines of living primates. Using this
      relationship, we developed new regression models in order to calculate the LAs in
      hominins. The new models are based on primate group-means and were used to
      calculate the LAs in the spines of eight extinct hominins. The results were also
      compared with the LAs of modern humans and modern nonhuman apes. The lordotic
      angles of australopithecines (41 degrees  +/- 4), H. erectus (45 degrees ) and
      fossil H. sapiens (54 degrees  +/- 14) are similar to those of modern humans (51
      degrees  +/- 11). This analysis confirms the assumption that human-like lordotic
      curvature was a morphological change that took place during the acquisition of
      erect posture and bipedalism as the habitual form of locomotion. Neandertals have
      smaller lordotic angles (LA = 29 degrees  +/- 4) than modern humans, but higher
      angles than nonhuman apes (22 degrees  +/- 3). This suggests possible subtle
      differences in Neandertal posture and locomotion from that of modern humans.

PMID- 22052242
TI  - Generating CTLs against the subdominant EBV LMP antigens by transient expression
      of an A20 inhibitor with EBV LMP proteins in human DCs.
AB  - Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection leads to Hodgkin's disease (HD) in some
      immunocompetent hosts. The malignant Reed-Sternberg cells of HD only express a
      limited array of subdominant EBV antigens to evade pre-existing immune responses
      to EBV. The EBV-encoded latent membrane proteins (LMP1 and LMP2), which are
      expressed by HD and various EBV-associated malignancies, have been proposed as a
      potential target for cytotoxic T lymphocyte (CTL)-based therapy. However, the
      precursor frequency for LMP-specific CTL is generally low in healthy EBV-infected
      hosts, and immunotherapy based on these antigens is often compromised by the poor
      immunogenicity and the oncogenic potential. In the present study, we report that
      transiently expressing an inhibitor of A20, a key negative regulator of
      inflammatory signaling pathways, together with the LMP antigens (truncated LMP1
      and full-length LMP2) greatly enhances maturation and cytokine production of
      human (h) monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs). As a consequence, LMP1/2
      expressed, A20-silenced hDCs have an enhanced potency to prime LMP-specific T
      cell response. When the in vitro primed T cells are adoptively transferred into
      tumor-xenografted, severe-combined immunodeficient mice, some of the xenografted
      tumors approach complete regression. Thus, the study may provide an available
      resource of LMP-specific T cells for T-cell immunotherapy.

PMID- 22052245
TI  - Medical malpractice - april 2011 update.
AB  - Although the malpractice crisis--the inability of health care providers to obtain
      affordable liability insurance--has abated in many states, medical liability
      costs and pressures remain a concern. In addition, the perceived threat of
      litigation spurs "defensive medicine"--the practice of ordering services
      primarily to reduce the physician's liability exposure rather than because they
      are medically necessary. There is wide consensus that liability pressure
      undermines efforts to curb overuse of health services, although there is
      disagreement about the magnitude of its effect. This Update reviews the evidence
      on the effects of medical malpractice reforms published since the Medical
      Malpractice: Impact of the Crisis and Effects of State Tort Reforms synthesis was
      released in 2006. Key findings include: Except for caps on noneconomic damages,
      there is little evidence that other traditional tort reforms affect medical
      liability costs or defensive medicine. Average awards are reduced by 20 percent
      to 30 percent, and premiums in states with caps on noneconomic damages rise 6
      percent to 13 percent more slowly than premiums in states without caps. There is
      evidence that tort reforms-particularly caps on noneconomic damages-reduce health
      spending, but the size of the reduction is subject to debate. Because of the lack
      of success of many traditional tort reforms, a number of innovated tort reforms
      are receiving increased attention. Although they show promise in theory, they
      have not been widely evaluated so the evidence of their effectiveness is weak.

PMID- 22052244
TI  - Type 2 diabetes and hepatocellular carcinoma: a case-control study in patients
      with chronic hepatitis B.
AB  - Type 2 diabetes has been suggested as an independent risk factor for the
      development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the role of Type 2
      diabetes on the development of HCC in the presence of chronic hepatitis B (CHB)
      remains inconclusive. We conducted this hospital-based case-control study to
      evaluate the roles of Type 2 diabetes in HCC development in patients with CHB.
      From January 2004 to December 2008, a total of 6,275 eligible consecutive
      patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection were recruited. A total
      of 1,105 of them were patients with HBV-related HCC and 5,170 patients were CHB
      but without HCC. We used multivariate logistic regression models to investigate
      the association between Type 2 diabetes and HCC risk. The prevalence of Type 2
      diabetes is higher among HCC patients without cirrhosis than among those with
      cirrhosis (12.1% vs. 6.7%, p=0.003). Type 2 diabetes was associated with a
      significantly high risk of HCC in female patients after adjusting for age, family
      history of HCC, city of residence, hepatitis B e antigen and cirrhosis with an
      odds ratio (95% confidence interval, CI) of 1.9 (1.1-3.4). Restricted analyses
      among female patients without cirrhosis indicated that Type 2 diabetes was
      strongly associated with HCC risk with adjusted odds ratio (95% CI) of 5.6 (2.2
      14.1). In conclusion, Type 2 diabetes is independently associated with the
      increased risk of HCC in female CHB patients. Female CHB patients with Type 2
      diabetes are of a high HCC risk population and should be considered for HCC close
      surveillance program.

PMID- 22052246
TI  - Assessing guidelines for the discontinuation of prehospital peripheral
      intravenous catheters.
AB  - Insertion of prehospital peripheral intravenous (PIV) catheters frequently occurs
      under suboptimal conditions. Timely replacement of prehospital PIV catheters may
      minimize the risk of inhospital catheter-related infections. Inconsistent
      recommendations exist concerning when prehospital PIV catheters should be
      replaced. The following study assessed compliance with hospital order sets for
      the discontinuation of prehospital PIV catheters in trauma patients and their
      associated complications. Results revealed 33.62% compliance with the trauma
      order set and 66.38% compliance with the hospital order set. Less than 1% of
      patients exhibited an associated complication. Guidelines for replacement of
      prehospital PIV catheters should focus less on time since insertion and more on
      patient factors.

PMID- 22052247
TI  - Calcium imaging of neuronal activity in the most rostral parafacial respiratory
      group of the newborn rat.
AB  - The parafacial respiratory group (pFRG) is thought to be involved in respiratory
      rhythm generation in neonates. This subgroup expresses the transcription factor,
      Phox2b, and contains intrinsically CO(2) sensitive neurons. Calcium imaging has
      been widely used for analysis of neuronal activity at the cellular and network
      level. In the present study, we applied calcium imaging to analyze neuronal
      activity of the most-rostral pFRG in an in vitro brainstem-spinal cord
      preparation from neonatal rats. We detected strong pre-inspiratory neuron
      activity in the most rostral pFRG, suggesting that significant numbers of pre
      inspiratory neurons are localized in the ventrolateral medulla near the rostral
      end of the medulla. We show that usage of calcium imaging would be very useful
      for analysis of neuronal activity over different time scales, and discuss the
      advantages and disadvantages of this method.

PMID- 22052248
TI  - Spiritist psychiatric hospitals in Brazil: integration of conventional
      psychiatric treatment and spiritual complementary therapy.
AB  - In Brazil, during the XX century, dozens of Spiritist psychiatric hospitals
      emerged seeking to integrate conventional medical treatment with complementary
      spiritual therapy. This combined inpatient treatment is largely found in Brazil,
      where many psychiatric hospitals stem from the Spiritist movement. The present
      report describes the use of these spiritual practices, their operating structure,
      health professionals involved, modalities of care, and institutional difficulties
      in integrating spiritual practices with conventional treatment in six leading
      Brazilian Spiritist psychiatric hospitals. These hospitals combine conventional
      psychiatric treatment with voluntary-based spiritual approaches such as laying on
      of hands ("fluidotherapy"), lectures regarding spiritual and ethical issues,
      intercessory prayer, spirit release therapy ("disobsession") and "fraternal
      dialogue". The non-indoctrination and optional nature of these spiritual
      complementary therapies seem to increase acceptance among patients and their
      family members. In conclusion, the Spiritist psychiatric hospitals in Brazil
      have, for more than half a century, provided an integrative approach in the
      treatment of psychiatric disorders, associating conventional and spiritual
      treatments, more specifically Spiritist therapy. The lack of standardized
      treatment protocols and scientific studies remain a barrier to assessing the
      impact of this integrative approach on patients' mental health, quality of life,
      adherence, and perceived quality of treatment.

PMID- 22052249
TI  - Macroglossia and generalized edema not due to hypothyroidism.
AB  - We present a 69-year-old male patient with the macroglossia, dysphagia and
      generalized edema. He was seen previously by other physicians and diagnosed as
      hypothyroidism. With thyroid stimulating hormone in normal range, tongue biopsy
      revealed primary systemic amyloidosis. Amyloidosis is the most common cause of
      macroglossia. Primary systemic amyloidosis should be suspected when laboratory
      does not support hypothyroidism especially if the enlarged tongue is firm and
      additional findings are present.

PMID- 22052250
TI  - Probing Lewis acidity of Y(BH4)3 via its reactions with MBH4 (M = Li, Na, K,
      NMe4).
AB  - High-energy milling of Y(BH(4))(3) (containing LiCl as a by-product, which has
      not been removed) with MBH(4) (M = Li, Na, K, (CH(3))(4)N) leads to the first two
      examples of quasi-ternary yttrium borohydrides: KY(BH(4))(4) and
      (CH(3))(4)NY(BH(4))(4), while no chemical reaction is observed for LiBH(4) and
      NaBH(4). KY(BH(4))(4) is isostructural to NaSc(BH(4))(4) (Cmcm, a = 8.5157(4) A,
      b = 12.4979(6) A, c = 9.6368(5) A, V = 1025.62(9) A(3), Z = 4), while
      (CH(3))(4)NY(BH(4))(4) crystallises in primitive orthorhombic cell, similarly to
      KSc(BH(4))(4) (Pnma, a = 15.0290(10) A, b = 8.5164(6) A, c = 12.0811(7) A, V =
      1546.29(17) A(3), Z = 4). The thermal decomposition of hydrogen-rich KY(BH(4))(4)
      (8.6 wt.% H) involves the formation of an unidentified intermediate at 200 
      degrees C and recovery of KBH(4) at higher temperatures; at 410  degrees C, KCl
      and YH(2) are observed. The thermal decomposition of (CH(3))(4)NY(BH(4))(4)
      occurs via two partly overlapping endothermic steps with concomitant emission of
      H(2) and organic compounds. Heating of a NaBH(4)/Y(BH(4))(3) mixture above 165 
      degrees C results in a mixed-cation mixed-anion borohydride, NaY(BH(4))(2)Cl(2),
      but not NaY(BH(4))(4). The reduced reactivity of Y(BH(4))(3) towards borohydride
      Lewis bases when compared to hypothetical scandium borohydride can be explained
      by the lower Lewis acidity of Y(BH(4))(3) than Sc(BH(4))(3).

PMID- 22052251
TI  - How will employers respond to coverage reforms.
AB  - Any change in the health insurance market could prompt a reaction by employers in
      what kind and at what cost they offer coverage. This policy brief examines the
      research on employer decision-making. Key findings include: Firms are most likely
      to offer plans that respond to the preferences of their most valuable, hard-to
      retain workers. Firms are more likely to offer health insurance if they employ
      high-wage workers; if they are unionized; or if they are in the manufacturing or
      public sectors. While theory suggests that employers will shift the cost of
      premiums to employees in the form of lower wages, this is not the case in
      practice. There are serious gaps in research, including: an absence of detailed
      data about individuals; little information about earnings distribution; ages and
      other characteristics within firms of different sizes; and little study of
      employer behavior.

PMID- 22052252
TI  - Ephemeral association between gene CG5762 and hybrid male sterility in Drosophila
      sibling species.
AB  - Interspecies divergence in regulatory pathways may result in hybrid male
      sterility (HMS) when dominance and epistatic interactions between alleles that
      are functional within one genome are disrupted in hybrid genomes. The
      identification of genes contributing to HMS and other hybrid dysfunctions is
      essential for understanding the origin of new species (speciation). Previously,
      we identified a panel of male-specific loci misexpressed in sterile male hybrids
      of Drosophila simulans and D. mauritiana relative to parental species. In the
      current work, we attempt to dissect the genetic associations between HMS and one
      of the genes, CG5762, a Drosophila-unique locus characterized by rapid sequence
      divergence within the genus, presumably driven by positive natural selection.
      CG5762 is underexpressed in sterile backcross males compared with their fertile
      brothers. In CG5762 heterozygotes, the D. mauritiana allele is consistently
      overexpressed on both the D. simulans and D. mauritiana backcross genomic
      background, suggesting a cis-acting regulation factor. There is a significant
      association between heterozygosity and HMS in hybrid males from early but not
      later backcross generations. Microsatellite markers spanning CG5762 fail to
      associate with HMS. These observations lead to a conclusion that CG5762 is not a
      causative factor of HMS. Although genetic linkage between CG5762 and a
      neighboring causative introgression cannot be ruled out, it seems that the
      pattern is most consistent with CG5762 participating in epistatic interactions
      that are disrupted in flies with HMS.

PMID- 22052253
TI  - Enhanced antitumor activity of epirubicin combined with cerulenin in
      osteosarcoma.
AB  - Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary malignant neoplasm in children and
      adolescents. Epirubicin is one of the chemotherapeutic agents currently used for
      the treatment of OS; however, the efficacy of chemotherapy is hampered by the
      acquired drug resistance of OS. Cerulenin, an inhibitor of fatty acid synthase,
      has been defined as a candidate tumor suppressor. In this study, we explored the
      combined effect of cerulenin plus the chemotherapy drug, epirubicin, on human OS
      U2-OS cells in vitro and in vivo. We demonstrated that cerulenin plus epirubicin
      induced synergistic growth inhibition and enhanced apoptosis in U2-OS cells. We
      also demonstrated that cerulenin plus epirubicin synergistically suppressed tumor
      growth in subcutaneously xenografted U2-OS cells in athymic nude mice. Our
      results indicate that cerulenin enhances the anti-OS effects of epirubicin in
      vivo and in vitro.

PMID- 22052254
TI  - Quality of life and health status before and after ileal pouch-anal anastomosis
      for ulcerative colitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ileal pouch-anal anastomosis (IPAA) is considered the surgical
      treatment of choice for patients with ulcerative colitis. Quality of life (QoL)
      and health status are the most important patient-related outcomes. Studies
      investigating QoL are often cross-sectional and focus on health status. This
      longitudinal study evaluated QoL and health status after IPAA for ulcerative
      colitis and compared these with reference data from a healthy population.
      METHODS: Patients with ulcerative colitis who underwent a pouch operation between
      2003 and 2008 completed validated questionnaires for QoL and health status.
      Questionnaires were completed before pouch surgery, and 6, 12, 24 and 36 months
      after operation. The effect of IPAA on QoL and health status was analysed, and
      data were compared with reference values from the healthy Dutch population.
      RESULTS: Data were obtained for 30 of the 32 patients. Six months after IPAA, QoL
      was at least comparable with that of the reference population in four of six
      domains. Twelve months after IPAA, overall QoL had improved, supported by
      findings in three QoL domains. Six months after IPAA, health status was
      comparable to that of the reference population in three of eight dimensions, and
      after 3 years it was at least comparable in five dimensions. CONCLUSION: QoL and
      health status increased after IPAA and reached levels comparable with those of
      the healthy reference population in a majority of domains and dimensions. QoL was
      restored first after IPAA, followed by health status.

PMID- 22052256
TI  - Quercetin production from rutin by a thermostable beta-rutinosidase from
      Pyrococcus furiosus.
AB  - Pyrococcus furiosus beta-glucosidase converted rutin to quercetin and rutinose
      disaccharide with a ratio of 1:1, with no glucose, L-rhamnose, and isoquercitrin,
      indicating that the enzyme is a beta-rutinosidase. The specific activity for
      flavonoid glycosides followed the order of isoquercitrin > quercitrin > rutin.
      The conversion of rutin to quercetin was optimal at pH 5.0 and 95 degrees C in
      the presence of 0.5% dimethyl sulfoxide with a half-life of 101 h, a k(cat) of
      1.6 min(-1), and a K(m) of 0.3 mM. Under the improved conditions, the enzyme
      produced 6.5 mM quercetin from 10 mM rutin after 150 min, with a molar yield of
      65% and a productivity of 2.6 mM/h. This productivity is the highest reported
      thus far among enzymatic transformations.

PMID- 22052255
TI  - Depletion of tissue factor suppresses hepatic metastasis and tumor growth in
      colorectal cancer via the downregulation of MMPs and the induction of autophagy
      and apoptosis.
AB  - Tissue factor (TF) is a significant risk factor for hepatic metastasis in
      patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the mechanism by which TF
      promotes hepatic metastasis in CRC remains elusive. In this study, we first
      confirmed that TF expression was significantly correlated with lymph node
      metastasis, hepatic metastasis and TNM staging in clinical CRC samples, and found
      that TF expression in colon cancer cell lines was correlated with the invasion
      ability. Next, by employing TF-overexpressing LOVO cell line as a model we
      demonstrated that lentivirus mediated knockdown of TF suppressed the migration
      and invasion of LOVO cells in vitro, and hepatic metastasis of colorectal cancer
      in nude mice orthotopic model. Mechanistically, we found that TF knockdown
      decreases colony formation ability and induced autophagy and apoptosis of LOVO
      cells, and this was at least partly mediated by the activation of unfolded
      protein response/PERK signaling. In conclusion, our data provide new insight into
      hepatic metastasis of CRC. Agents targeting TF should be developed as adjuvant
      therapeutics for CRC metastasis.

PMID- 22052257
TI  - Construction of engineered fructosyl peptidyl oxidase for enzyme sensor
      applications under normal atmospheric conditions.
AB  - Current enzymatic methods for the analysis of glycated proteins use flavoenzymes
      that catalyze the oxidative deglycation of fructosyl peptides, designated as
      fructosyl peptidyl oxidases (FPOXs). However, as FPOXs are oxidases, the signals
      derived from electron mediator-type electrochemical monitoring based on them are
      affected by dissolved O(2). Improvement of dye-mediated dehydrogenase activity of
      FPOXs and its application to enzyme electrode construction were therefore
      undertaken. Saturation mutagenesis study on Asn56 of FPOX from Phaeosphaeria
      nodorum, produced mutants with marked decreases in the catalytic ability to
      employ O(2) as the electron acceptor, while showing higher dye-mediated
      dehydrogenase activity employing artificial electron acceptors than the parental
      enzyme. Thus constructed virtually fructosyl peptide dehydrogenase, Asn56Ala, was
      then applied to produce an enzyme electrode for the measurement of fructosyl
      (alpha) N-valyl-histidine (f-(alpha)Val-His), the protease-digested product of
      HbA1c. The enzyme electrode could measure f-(alpha)Val-His in the physiological
      target range in air.

PMID- 22052258
TI  - High-level expression of the Penicillium notatum glucose oxidase gene in Pichia
      pastoris using codon optimization.
AB  - The glucose oxidase (GOD) gene from Penicillium notatum was expressed in Pichia
      pastoris. The 1,815 bp gene, god-w, encodes 604 amino acids. Recombinant GOD-w
      had optimal activity at 35-40 degrees C and pH 6.2 and was stable, from pH 3 to 7
      maintaining >75% maximum activity after incubation at 50 degrees C for 1 h. GOD-w
      worked as well as commercial GODs to improve bread making. To achieve high-level
      expression of recombinant GOD in P. pastoris, 272 nucleotides involving 228
      residues were mutated, consistent with the codon bias of P. pastoris. The
      optimized recombinant GOD-m yielded 615 U ml(-1) (2.5 g protein l(-1)) in a 3 l
      fermentor--410% higher than GOD-w (148 U ml(-1)), and thus is a low-cost
      alternative for the bread baking industry.

PMID- 22052259
TI  - MTHFR polymorphisms, folate intake and carcinogen DNA adducts in the lung.
AB  - The methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) genes and folate in one-carbon
      metabolism are essential for DNA methylation and synthesis. However, their role
      in carcinogen DNA damage in target lung tissue, a dosimeter for cancer risk, is
      not known. Our study aimed to investigate the association between genetic and
      nutritional one-carbon metabolism factors and DNA adducts in target lung. Data on
      135 lung cancer cases from the Massachusetts General Hospital were studied.
      Genotyping was completed for MTHFR C677T (rs1801133) and A1298C (rs1801131).
      Information on dietary intake for one-carbon related micronutrients, folate and
      other B vitamin was derived from a validated food frequency questionnaire. DNA
      adducts in lung were measured by (32) P-postlabeling. After adjusting for
      potential confounders, DNA adduct levels in lung significantly increased by 69.2%
      [95% confidence interval (CI), 5.5% to 171.5%] for the MTHFR 1298AC+CC genotype.
      The high risk group, combining the A1298C (AC+CC) plus C677T (CT+TT) genotypes,
      had significantly enhanced levels of lung adducts by 210.7% (95% CI, 21.4% to
      695.2%) in contrast to the A1298C (AA) plus C677T (CC) genotypes. Elevation of
      DNA adduct was pronounced-111.3% (95% CI, -3.0 to 360.5%) among 1298AC+CC
      patients, who consumed the lowest level of folate intake as compared to 1298AA
      individuals with highest tertile of intake. These results indicate that DNA
      adducts levels are influenced by MTHFR polymorphisms and low folate consumption,
      suggesting an important role of genetic and nutritional factors in protecting DNA
      damage from lung carcinogen in at-risk populations.

PMID- 22052260
TI  - The new face of fillers: why evidence and experience both count.

PMID- 22052261
TI  - Commentary: rheological evaluation of the physical properties of hyaluronic acid
      dermal fillers.

PMID- 22052262
TI  - Doxycycline vs. minocycline for the management of acne.

PMID- 22052264
TI  - The Frontalis Activity Measurement Standard: a novel contralateral method for
      assessing botulinum neurotoxin type-A activity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are conflicting data regarding the specific attributes of
      botulinum neurotoxin type-A (BoNTA) products including onset of action, duration
      and spread because accurate, objective methods for assessing their clinical
      activity are lacking. OBJECTIVE: To refine definitions for BoNTA activity
      utilizing the frontalis muscle and describe the Frontalis Activity Measurement
      Standard (FMS), an objective method for measuring changes in frontalis muscle
      activity as a metric for assessing BoNTA pharmacodynamics. METHODS: As part of a
      study to assess BoNTA activity, 20 subjects with severe frontalis lines at
      maximum elevation were injected with two BoNTA products at five points on
      contralateral sides of the frontalis. Changes in maximum baseline frontalis
      elevation were measured by a blinded investigator using the previously-validated
      Frontalis Rating Scale (FRS) and the FMS. Frontalis activity endpoints were
      redefined to include Initial, Full and Complete Onsets of action and Partial,
      Full and Complete efficacy. RESULTS: Differences in the onset of effect of the
      BoNTA products were detected with both the FRS and FMS; however, the FMS detected
      changes in frontalis activity earlier than the FRS. A significant correlation
      between the FRS and FMS was documented. CONCLUSION: The frontalis muscle activity
      allows for enhanced assessment of BoNTA activity and attributes. The FMS appears
      to be a sensitive and objective tool for measuring pharmacodynamic parameters of
      BoNTA. Refining definitions of BoNTA activity provides a more accurate means for
      describing the clinical effects of BoNTA.

PMID- 22052265
TI  - Rheological evaluation of the physical properties of hyaluronic acid dermal
      fillers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hyaluronic acid (HA) gels are commonly injected into the skin to lift
      rhytides and to improve facial appearance. The different processes used in their
      manufacture and formulation yield products with unique physical characteristics
      that play an important role in predicting their clinical performance. OBJECTIVE:
      The following rheologic evaluation was performed to objectively measure the
      physical characteristics of HA dermal filler products derived from similar
      bacterial sources and containing the same butanediol diglycidyl ether cross
      linker, but formulated using different manufacturing techniques. The objective of
      this study was to evaluate the physical characteristics of two distinct families
      of HA products, thereby providing clinicians with a greater understanding of
      these products' attributes and the ability to optimize their use in the treatment
      of patients seeking facial rejuvenation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The physical
      properties of commercially-available dermal fillers containing HA were evaluated
      using rheologic testing methods under clinically-relevant conditions.
      Additionally, light microscopy was used to assess the particulate nature of each
      product. RESULTS: The gels tested demonstrated a broad range of elasticity,
      firmness and viscosity. Light microscopy confirmed the particulate nature of each
      product and revealed HA particles of varying size and distribution. CONCLUSION:
      This rheologic evaluation demonstrates that differences exist among the HA
      products tested including gel elasticity, viscosity, and the range and
      distribution of gel particle sizes. Understanding the distinct physical
      characteristics of different HA dermal fillers and how these characteristics may
      predict their clinical behavior can assist clinicians in achieving the desired
      results in patients seeking facial rejuvenation.

PMID- 22052266
TI  - Safety and effectiveness of small and large gel-particle hyaluronic acid in the
      correction of perioral wrinkles.
AB  - BACKGROUND: FDA-approved for the correction of moderate-to-severe facial wrinkles
      and folds, small gel-particle hyaluronic acid (SGP-HA, Restylane, Medicis
      Aesthetics, Inc., Scottsdale, AZ) and large gel-particle hyaluronic acid (LGP-HA,
      Perlane, Medicis Aesthetics, Inc., Scottsdale, AZ) were studied to evaluate their
      safety for the correction of oral commissures, marionette lines, upper perioral
      rhytides and nasolabial folds (NLFs). OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of this
      study was to investigate the safety of SGP-HA and LGP-HA in treating facial
      wrinkles and folds around the mouth; the secondary objective was to evaluate the
      effectiveness of these products. METHODS: This open-label, 4-week study at two US
      centers evaluated SGP-HA and LGP-HA in patients who intended to undergo
      intradermal injection for correction of of perioral wrinkles and folds. At
      screening, a 5-grade Wrinkle Severity Rating Scale (WSRS) was used to evaluate
      the baseline appearance of bilateral NLFs, and a 6-grade Wrinkle Severity (WS)
      scale was used to evaluate the appearance of bilateral oral commissures,
      marionette lines and upper perioral rhytides. To qualify, each patient must have
      had moderate-to-severe wrinkles at one pair of marionette lines and upper
      perioral rhytides. Each wrinkle was treated to optimal correction with either SGP
      HA or LGP-HA at the discretion of the treating investigator. All reported local
      and systemic adverse events (AEs) were recorded. At two weeks after treatment or
      touch-up, the treating investigator and the patient assessed appearance using the
      Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale (GAIS). RESULTS: Twenty patients with a mean
      age of 59.6 years (range 49 to 65 years) were treated with an average of 5.58
      plus minus 1.15 mL of HA for the entire perioral area. Treatment areas included
      NLFs, marionette lines, oral commissures and perioral rhytides. Eighteen of 20
      patients received both SGP-HA and LGP-HA. Product was injected into the mid or
      deep dermis using primarily linear threading and multiple punctate pools.
      Patients experienced a total of 66 treatment-emergent AEs (TEAEs); each patient
      experienced at least one TEAE. The reported events in decreasing order of
      occurrence were bruising, tenderness, swelling, redness, headache and discomfort.
      Bruising was more common in the NLFs and marionette lines than in the oral
      commissures and perioral rhytides. Tenderness occurred more often in the perioral
      rhytides than in the other areas. The maximum intensity of all TEAEs was
      considered mild. Most TEAEs resolved within seven days, with an average duration
      of four days. No serious TEAEs occurred during the study. One hundred percent of
      GAIS evaluations by both investigators and patients indicated improvement,
      regardless of filler used or area treated. CONCLUSION: Both SGP-HA and LGP-HA
      were found to be safe and effective for the correction of perioral wrinkles and
      folds, with few differences among treatment areas Both investigator and patient
      GAIS evaluations indicated aesthetic improvement after SGP-HA and LGP-HA
      treatment in the perioral area.

PMID- 22052267
TI  - Efficacy of cream-based novel formulations of hyaluronic acid of different
      molecular weights in anti-wrinkle treatment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Due to its strong water-binding potential, hyaluronic acid (HA) is a
      well-known active ingredient for cosmetic applications. Native HA is proposed to
      help the skin to retain and maintain elasticity, turgor and moisture. OBJECTIVE:
      To observe the efficacy of topical application of 0.1% hyaluronan formulations of
      different molecular weights (MW) (50, 130, 300, 800 and 2000 kDa, respectively)
      in the periocular area as anti-wrinkle treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Seventy
      six female subjects between 30 and 60 years of age with clinical signs of
      periocular wrinkles applied one of the formulations twice-daily to the area of
      interest in a randomized fashion for 60 days. Around the other eye, a vehicle
      control cream was applied. Measurements of skin hydration and skin elasticity
      were performed before treatment, 30 and 60 days thereafter. At similar time
      points negative replicas were taken and evaluated by semi-automated morphometry.
      RESULTS: All HA-based creams utilized in this study demonstrated a significant
      improvement in skin hydration and overall elasticity values (R2) when compared to
      placebo. Measurements of wrinkle depth using mean roughness (Ra) and maximum
      roughness (Rz) values revealed significant improvement in the 130 and the 50 kDa
      HA group after 60 days of treatment compared to placebo-treated area. CONCLUSION:
      Topical application of all 0.1% HA formulations used in this study led to
      significant improvement in skin hydration and elasticity. Application of low
      molecular-weight (LMW) HA was associated with significant reduction of wrinkle
      depth, which may be due to better penetration abilities of LMW HA.

PMID- 22052268
TI  - The evolution of injectable poly-L-lactic acid from the correction of HIV-related
      facial lipoatrophy to aging-related facial contour deficiencies.
AB  - Loss of facial volume due to skeletal resorption and facial fat redistribution is
      considered a primary cause for increased skin folding and sagging associated with
      aging. The objective of this review is to examine how use of injectable poly-L
      lactic acid (PLLA) for correction of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
      associated facial lipoatrophy supports wider use in treating aging-related facial
      changes given its approval for aesthetic use. A literature review of studies
      evaluating injectable PLLA for the treatment of HIV-associated or aging-related
      contour deficiencies was conducted via MEDLINE, supplemented by the author's
      clinical experience. In clinical trials of HIV-related facial lipoatrophy,
      injectable PLLA increased dermal thickness for up to 96 weeks. Another study
      showed significant improvements in aging-related nasolabial fold wrinkles that
      lasted up to 25 months. Understanding differences in the use of injectable PLLA
      between patients with HIV and those with aging-related facial changes will help
      physicians optimize patient treatment.

PMID- 22052269
TI  - Management of impending necrosis associated with soft tissue filler injections.
AB  - BACKGROUND: As the number of soft tissue filler injections increases, the number
      of adverse events associated with injection may rise. Impending necrosis
      represents a serious complication that, if not treated correctly and timely, may
      have grave consequences. OBJECTIVE: We describe a protocol utilizing
      hyaluronidase, nitroglycerin paste, aspirin, antacid and a topical oxygen therapy
      that may be used to treat impending necrosis subsequent to injection with soft
      tissue fillers. CONCLUSION: We have successfully treated nine post-filler
      injection adverse events involving impending necrosis or necrosis following both
      hyaluronic acid and calcium hydroxylapatite injections using our protocol.

PMID- 22052270
TI  - Same-patient prospective comparison of Botox versus Dysport for the treatment of
      primary axillary hyperhidrosis and review of literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Botulinum toxin (BTX) is an effective, FDA-approved treatment for
      primary axillary hyperhidrosis. In this prospective study, two non-bioequivalent
      toxins: Botox (Allergan, Irvine, CA, USA) and Dysport (Ipsen Ltd., Slough,
      Berkshire, UK) were compared for the treatment of primary axillary hyperhidrosis.
      OBJECTIVE: The objective was to compare the injection site pain, efficacy, safety
      and tolerability of Botox versus Dysport in the treatment of primary axillary
      hyperhidrosis using a conversion factor of 1:3, respectively. METHODS: A patient
      with primary axillary hyperhidrosis was treated with 100 units of Botox into the
      right axilla and 300 units of Dysport into the left axilla. Patient was blinded
      as to which axilla received treatment and with which of the two toxins. Pain at
      the injection site of these two toxins was evaluated. The patient was
      subsequently followed for the next 10 months to evaluate the difference in these
      two toxins in regards to side effects, time to the onset of reduction of sweating
      and the duration of action of these two toxins. RESULTS: Significant difference
      was observed in the onset of action of these two toxins, with dramatic reduction
      in sweating being observed after one week of injection with Botox and after two
      weeks of injection with Dysport. At the two-week time point, similar success in
      eliminating sweating was reported in both axilla. The duration of benefits also
      differed between the two toxins, with elimination of sweating in the Dysport
      treated axilla lasting six months and, in the Botox-treated axilla, nine months.
      No other differences were observed between these two toxins. CONCLUSIONS: Both
      Botox and Dysport led to a similar perceived reduction of sweating in the
      treatment of primary axillary hyperhidrosis when a conversion factor of 1:3 was
      used. However, Botox treatment resulted in a quicker onset of action and longer
      duration of benefits.

PMID- 22052271
TI  - Drug-induced urticaria: causes and clinical courses.
AB  - The authors retrospectively reviewed medical records of patients who were
      diagnosed as having drug-induced urticaria at Siriraj Hospital of Mahidol
      University (Bangkok, Thailand) between October 2004 and April 2007. One hundred
      and forty-seven drugs were presumed as causing acute urticaria. Females were
      affected more commonly than males. The most frequent drug groups were
      antibiotics, followed by non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). The most
      common culprit drugs were ceftriaxone, cephalexin, amoxicillin and diclofenac,
      respectively. The median duration of onset and of clinical remission were 18
      hours and 24 hours, respectively. Antibiotics were the most frequent causes of
      drug-induced urticaria, of which cephalosporins were the most common causative
      drugs. Oral NSAIDs significantly had the shortest median onset of urticaria.
      After discontinuing the culprit drugs, the reactions usually disappeared within a
      few days.

PMID- 22052272
TI  - A comparative study of the safety and efficacy of 75% mulberry (Morus alba)
      extract oil versus placebo as a topical treatment for melasma: a randomized,
      single-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Melasma is an aesthetically undesirable skin condition which remains
      difficult to treat. Mulberry is a whitening agent with antioxidant properties.
      OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of 75% mulberry extract oil as a
      treatment for melasma versus placebo. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 50 patients were
      recruited and randomly assigned into two groups, with 25 treated with 75%
      mulberry extract oil and the other 25 treated with placebo. All patients had a
      negative repeat open application test (ROAT) to both mulberry extract and
      placebo. Patients were followed up regularly at four-week intervals for a total
      of eight weeks. The severity of the melasma was assessed using the melasma area
      and severity score (MASI), Mexameter reading, melasma quality of life score
      (MelasQOL) and any adverse events noted. RESULTS: The mean MASI score
      significantly improved from 4.076 (+/- 0.24) at baseline to 2.884 (+/- 0.25) at
      week 8 for the 75% mulberry extract oil group while the placebo group showed an
      improvement of a lesser magnitude. Mexameter readings for the mulberry group
      showed a significant drop from 355.56 (+/- 59.51) at baseline to 312.52 (+/-
      57.03) at week 8 compared to the placebo group, whose Mexameter readings
      deteriorated from 368.24 (+/- 46.62) at baseline to 372.12 (+/- 44.47) at week 8.
      The MelasQOL score also improved tremendously for the 75% mulberry extract oil
      group, falling from 58.84 (SD: +/- 3.18) at baseline to 44.16 (SD: +/- 4.29) at
      week 8, unlike the placebo group that showed a less dramatic improvement from
      57.44 (SD: +/- 4.66) at baseline to 54.28 (SD: +/- 4.79) at week 8. With regards
      to the adverse events, only mild itching was reported in four patients from the
      75% mulberry extract oil group while there were 12 cases of either itching or
      erythema reported from the placebo group.

PMID- 22052273
TI  - Treatment of vitiligo with a melanocyte-keratinocyte cell suspension versus
      dermabrasion only: a pilot study with a 12-month follow up.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dermabrasion is a surgical procedure that has been used for
      repigmentation; however, autologous transplantation of uncultured melanocytes in
      a suspension combined with the use of adjunct treatment provides better results.
      PURPOSE: To evaluate the clinical effectiveness of dermoabrasion (DA) and
      melanocyte-keratinocyte cell suspension transplantation (DA+MKT) vs. dermabrasion
      with no adjunct treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We selected 11 patients (six
      women and five men) with stable vitiligo. From these, two achromic maculae of
      similar size were selected. One macule was treated with DA+MKT and the other with
      DA only. The main parameter of treatment efficacy was the percentage of
      repigmentation in the area treated, three and 12 months after implantation.
      RESULTS: In seven of the 11 patients, slightly better pigmentation occurred with
      DA+MKT. Two of these patients had a repigmentation greater than 50 percent and in
      two other patients, the result was similar for both techniques, although slightly
      better with MKT. Two more patients showed less than 20 percent repigmentation,
      but only in the area treated with DA+MKT. One patient showed pigmentation
      initially after DA+MKT only, and subsequent depigmentation. CONCLUSION: DA+MKT
      produced slightly better repigmentation than DA only when given without adjunct
      treatment in a 12-month follow-up period.

PMID- 22052274
TI  - Nanotechnology and dermatology education in the United States: data from a pilot
      survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nanotechnology is a rapidly growing discipline with important
      implications for consumers, patients, physicians and investigators. In an era
      when nanotechnology is being both incorporated into educational requirements for
      medical fields such as radiology and oncology and vigorously pursued and
      developed by cosmeceutical companies, dermatology is falling behind. A survey was
      conducted to ascertain knowledge, attitudes and perception of nanotechnology in
      dermatology teaching programs. METHODS: To ascertain baseline knowledge,
      attitudes and preceptions regarding nanotechnology among dermatology trainees,
      dermatology investigators and dermatology faculty in US academic medical centers,
      an online survey was sent out to random members of the dermatology community and
      data analyzed (100 participants, 23% response rate). Participants responded to a
      questionnaire on a five-point scale ranging from strongly disagree, disagree,
      uncertain, agree, to strongly agree. Due to the low response rate, strongly
      disagree/disagree and strongly agree/agree values were combined and compared to
      uncertain responses. RESULTS: Approximately equal numbers of faculty vs. chief
      residents responded to the survery (52% vs. 47.75%, respectively). The majority
      of respondents had not previously attended any educational activity on
      nanotechnology (69.57%). The majority of participants agreed that more education
      on nanotechnology for dermatologists is needed (78.26% agreed vs. 21.74%
      uncertain) and that it should be incorporated into the residency training
      curriculum (60.87% agree vs. 13.04% disagree). Participants mostly agreed that
      nanotechnology research can contribute to better fundamental understanding of
      skin disease (78.26%), to advances in the diagnosis of skin disease (73.91%) and
      to therapies (78.26%). Participants mostly agreed that more research is needed
      (82.60%) and that this research should be funded (78.26%). Not surprisingly,
      respondents were uncertain with respect to issues of nanotechnology safety both
      in the pharmaceutical realm (60.87%) and cosmeceutical realm (69.57%).
      Furthermore, the overwhelming majority responded that research is also needed to
      evaluate nanomaterial safety (86.96%). LIMITATIONS: Both the populations size and
      response rate were low, possibly affecting the power and significance of the
      results in this study. CONCLUSION: The survey results indicate a significant gap
      in dermatology training. Participants indicated a need for more training and
      education in the area of nanotechnology, and called for more research to evaluate
      the potential pitfalls associated with nanomaterials as well and to seek new
      advances in diagnostic and therapeutic modalities.

PMID- 22052275
TI  - A novel treatment for ulcerative calcinosis cutis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Calcinosis cutis is a term used to describe a group of disorders
      which result in calcium deposits in the skin. These disorders can be separated
      based on etiology. OBJECTIVE AND METHODS: Sodium thiosulfate has been used to
      systemically treat calciphylaxis with little to no adverse effects. We report two
      cases of ulcerative calcinosis cutis which were refractory to multiple topical
      treatments and did not improve with correction of underlying electrolyte
      abnormalities. RESULTS: Both cases showed an excellent response to topical 25%
      sodium thiosulfate compounded in zinc oxide. LIMITATIONS: We are limited by a
      small sample size (n=2) in this case series. CONCLUSIONS: We recommend topical
      sodium thiosulfate 25% as an alternative treatment for dystrophic calcinosis
      cutis.

PMID- 22052276
TI  - A randomized, blinded, bilateral intraindividual, vehicle-controlled trial of the
      use of photodynamic therapy with 5-aminolevulinic acid and blue light for the
      treatment of actinic keratoses of the upper extremities.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Actinic keratoses (AKs) on the upper extremities are
      difficult to treat. This study compares the efficacy and tolerability of
      photodynamic therapy (PDT) using 20% 5-aminolevulinic acid solution (ALA) and
      blue light versus ALA vehicle and blue light for the treatment of AKs of the
      dorsal hand and forearm. METHODS: Subjects were treated twice at an eight-week
      interval by ALA with blue light on one hand and forearm and with ALA vehicle and
      blue light on the contralateral hand and forearm. ALA incubation time was two
      hours under occlusion. Efficacy and tolerability were compared. RESULTS: The mean
      lesion count reductions (58.4 +/- 22.2% and 24.8 +/- s20.6% four weeks after the
      second treatment for the ALA and vehicle-treated sides, respectively) differed
      significantly (P=0.0004). Eleven of 15 subjects (73%) in the ALA-treated side
      achieved at least 50 percent reduction in lesion count compared to only two
      subjects (13%) in the vehicle-treated side four weeks after the second treatment.
      The difference was significant (P=0.0143). Photodamage grade reduction was also
      significant (P=0.0309) after the second treatment. Subject satisfaction was
      moderate to very satisfied (86.7%) on the ALA-treated side. Transient adverse
      events were significantly greater on the ALA-treated side for erythema
      (P=0.0011), edema (P=0.0199) and stinging and burning (P=0.0016) 48 hours after
      the first treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Two sessions of PDT using ALA with blue light
      is a moderately effective, well-tolerated treatment of actinic keratoses of the
      dorsal hand and forearm.

PMID- 22052277
TI  - Severe cutaneous reaction to photodynamic therapy with blue light.
AB  - Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been considered a safe and efficacious treatment
      for actinic keratoses (AKs) of the scalp and face. The procedure involves
      exposing a patient to a blue light source 1-4 hours after application of
      photosensitizing aminolevulinic acid (ALA) at a dose of 10 J/cm2 for up to 1000
      seconds.(1,2) We suggest that amount of exposure time and area of exposure should
      be stratified according to baseline photodamage.

PMID- 22052278
TI  - Treatment of peristomal pyoderma gangrenosum with topical crushed dapsone.
AB  - A 27-year-old male with a history of Crohn's disease was treated for chronic
      pyoderma gangrenosum at his stoma site. Treatment with topical application of
      crushed dapsone resulted in improvement of his pyoderma gangrenosum. Crushed
      dapsone may be an efficacious treatment with minimal systemic side effects. This
      appears to be the first case of pyoderma gangrenosum treated with crushed
      dapsone.

PMID- 22052279
TI  - Pigmentary changes in a patient treated with imatinib.
AB  - Imatinib mesylate (STI 571; Gleevec; Novartis Pharmaceuticals, Basel,
      Switzerland) is an orally available tyrosine kinase inhibitor that targets a
      constitutively activated BCR-ABL tyrosine kinase with additional inhibitory
      effects on platelet derived growth factor (PDGF) receptors alpha and beta, and
      KIT. It has revolutionized the treatment of adult and pediatric patients with
      Philadelphia chromosome positive chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and is also
      FDA-approved for KIT-positive advanced gastrointestinal tumor (GIST) and
      dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. A wide spectrum of dermatologic toxicities has
      been associated with this agent, among which a maculopapular rash is the most
      common event. In addition, a variety of pigmentary abnormalities of the skin and
      mucosal surfaces have been reported. Hypopigmentation is a well-recognized
      adverse effect. In contrast, paradoxical hyperpigmentation has only rarely been
      documented. In this case report we describe imatinib-induced cutaneous
      hyperpigmentation and graying of hair occurring in the same patient with
      dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans treated with imatinib.

PMID- 22052280
TI  - A case of lichen planus following Tdap vaccination.
AB  - Lichen planus (LP) is an inflammatory dermatosis of unknown etiology that is
      primarily associated with liver disease. Recently, there have been several
      reports of LP developing after administration of the hepatitis B, influenza and
      combined MMR-DTaP-IPV vaccines. Here we report the first case of LP developing on
      the lower extremities of an otherwise healthy adult male after administration of
      the Tdap vaccine. We present this case to draw awareness to this observation in
      light of recently updated Tdap vaccination recommendations.

PMID- 22052281
TI  - Iododerma following radioactive iodine ablation of the thyroid for Graves
      disease.

PMID- 22052282
TI  - A noduloulcerative disease that still lingers after all these centuries.

PMID- 22052283
TI  - Onychomycosis: is there a role for lasers?

PMID- 22052284
TI  - Teledynamic evaluation of oropharyngeal swallowing.
AB  - PURPOSE: The objective of the present investigation was to test the feasibility
      and clinical utility of a real-time Internet-based protocol for remote,
      telefluoroscopic evaluation of oropharyngeal swallowing. METHOD: In this
      prospective cohort study, the authors evaluated 32 patients with a primary
      diagnosis of stroke or head/neck cancer. All patients participated in 2 separate
      fluoroscopic swallowing evaluations--one traditional on site and one
      telefluoroscopic off site--through the use of a telemedicine system. Agreement
      between sites was tested for 3 categories of variables: (a) overall severity of
      swallowing difficulty, (b) presence and extent of laryngeal penetration and
      aspiration as rated by the 8-point Penetration-Aspiration scale, and (c)
      treatment recommendations. RESULTS: Results showed overall good agreement in
      subjective severity ratings (kappa = 0.636) and in Penetration-Aspiration scale
      ratings (mean absolute difference = 1.1 points) between the onsite and offsite
      clinicians. Agreement in treatment recommendations was moderate to high, ranging
      from 69.3% to 100%. CONCLUSIONS: The present study supports the feasibility and
      clinical utility of a telemedicine system for evaluating oropharyngeal
      swallowing. Given the difficulty and expertise needed to complete such
      evaluations, this study offers promising clinical avenues for patients in rural,
      remote, and underserved communities and countries where expert swallowing
      specialists are not available.

PMID- 22052285
TI  - Three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging of velopharyngeal structures.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report the feasibility of using a 3-dimensional (3D) magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) protocol for examining velopharyngeal structures. Using
      collected 3D MRI data, the authors investigated the effect of sex on the
      midsagittal velopharyngeal structures and the levator veli palatini (levator)
      muscle configurations. METHOD: Ten Caucasian healthy adults (5 women and 5 men)
      participated. A whole-head 3D MRI scan was obtained while participants were at
      rest in the supine position. Basic anatomic parameters of the velopharynx
      including midsagittal velopharyngeal structures and levator muscle configurations
      were compared between sexes. RESULTS: Detailed information on the 3D MRI protocol
      and data analysis method was introduced in the study. On the basis of the data,
      only the length of the levator muscle showed a statistically significant sex
      difference: Male participants had significantly longer levator muscles than those
      of female participants. CONCLUSIONS: The present study successfully demonstrated
      the use of 3D MRI in quantifying major velopharyngeal structures and provided
      additional data on the anatomic variations that exist in healthy adult
      individuals.

PMID- 22052287
TI  - Specific alterations of carbohydrate metabolism are associated with
      hepatocarcinogenesis in mitochondrially impaired mice.
AB  - Friedreich's ataxia is an inherited neurodegenerative disease caused by the
      reduced expression of the mitochondrially active protein frataxin. We have
      previously shown that mice with a hepatocyte-specific frataxin knockout (AlbFxn(
      /-)) develop multiple hepatic tumors in later life. In the present study, hepatic
      carbohydrate metabolism in AlbFxn(-/-) mice at an early and late life stage was
      analyzed. In young (5-week-old) AlbFxn(-/-) mice hepatic ATP, glucose-6-phosphate
      and glycogen levels were found to be reduced by ~74, 80 and 88%, respectively,
      when compared with control animals. This pronounced ATP, G6P and glycogen
      depletion in the livers of young mice reverted in older animals: while half of
      the mice die before 30 weeks of age, the other half reaches 17 months of age and
      exhibits glycogen, G6P and ATP levels similar to those in age-matched controls. A
      key event in this respect seems to be the up-regulation of GLUT1, the predominant
      glucose transporter in fetal liver parenchyma, which became evident in AlbFxn(-/
      ) mice being 5-12 weeks of age. The most significant histological findings in
      animals being 17 or 22 months of age were the appearance of multiple clear cell,
      mixed cell and basophilic foci throughout the liver parenchyma as well as the
      development of hepatocellular adenomas and carcinomas. The hepatocarcinogenic
      process in AlbFxn(-/-) mice shows remarkable differences regarding carbohydrate
      metabolism alterations when compared with all other chemically and virally driven
      liver cancer models described up to now.

PMID- 22052288
TI  - "Seizing" the opportunity to understand antifibrinolytic drugs.

PMID- 22052286
TI  - An aggregation sensing reporter identifies leflunomide and teriflunomide as
      polyglutamine aggregate inhibitors.
AB  - Intracellular protein aggregation is a common pathologic feature in
      neurodegenerative diseases such as Huntington' disease, amyotrophic lateral
      sclerosis and Parkinson' disease. Although progress towards understanding protein
      aggregation in vitro has been made, little of this knowledge has translated to
      patient therapy. Moreover, mechanisms controlling aggregate formation and
      catabolism in cellulo remain poorly understood. One limitation is the lack of
      tools to quantitatively monitor protein aggregation and disaggregation. Here, we
      developed a protein-aggregation reporter that uses huntingtin exon 1 containing
      72 glutamines fused to the N-terminal end of firefly luciferase (httQ72-Luc).
      httQ72-Luc fails to aggregate unless seeded by a non-luciferase-containing
      polyglutamine (polyQ) protein such as Q80-cfp. Upon co-aggregation, httQ72-luc
      becomes insoluble and loses its enzymatic activity. Using httQ72-Luc with
      Q80(CFP/YFP) as seeds, we screened the Johns Hopkins Clinical Compound Library
      and identified leflunomide, a dihydroorotate dehydrogenase inhibitor with
      immunosuppressive and anti-psoriatic activities, as a novel drug that prevents
      polyQ aggregation. Leflunomide and its active metabolite teriflunomide inhibited
      protein aggregation independently of their known role in pyrimidine biosynthesis,
      since neither uridine treatment nor other pyrimidine biosynthesis inhibitors
      affected polyQ aggregation. Inducible cell line and cycloheximide-chase
      experiments indicate that these drugs prevent incorporation of expanded polyQ
      into an aggregate. This study demonstrates the usefulness of luciferase-based
      protein aggregate reporters for high-throughput screening applications. As
      current trials are under-way for teriflunomide in the treatment of multiple
      sclerosis, we propose that this drug be considered a possible therapeutic agent
      for polyQ diseases.

PMID- 22052289
TI  - A flexible gel pad as an effective medium for scanning irregular surface anatomy.

PMID- 22052296
TI  - Response to letter from Dr North.

PMID- 22052297
TI  - Response to letter from Ms Jane Shipley.

PMID- 22052298
TI  - Size-controllable APTS stabilized ruthenium(0) nanoparticles catalyst for the
      dehydrogenation of dimethylamine-borane at room temperature.
AB  - Dimethylamine-borane, (CH(3))(2)NHBH(3), has been considered as one of the
      attractive materials for the efficient storage of hydrogen, which is still one of
      the key issues in the "Hydrogen Economy". In a recent communication we have
      reported the synthesis and characterization of 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane
      stabilized ruthenium(0) nanoparticles with the preliminary results for their
      catalytic performance in the dehydrogenation of dimethylamine-borane at room
      temperature. Herein, we report a complete work including (i) effect of initial
      [APTS]/[Ru] molar ratio on both the size and the catalytic activity of
      ruthenium(0) nanoparticles, (ii) collection of extensive kinetic data under non
      MTL conditions depending on the substrate and catalyst concentrations to define
      the rate law of Ru(0)/APTS-catalyzed dehydrogenation of dimethylamine-borane at
      room temperature, (iii) determination of activation parameters (E(a), DeltaH(#)
      and DeltaS(#)) for Ru(0)/APTS-catalyzed dehydrogenation of dimethylamine-borane;
      (iv) demonstration of the catalytic lifetime of Ru(0)/APTS nanoparticles in the
      dehydrogenation of dimethylamine-borane at room temperature, (v) testing the
      bottlability and reusability of Ru(0)/APTS nanocatalyst in the room-temperature
      dehydrogenation of dimethylamine-borane, (vi) quantitative carbon disulfide
      (CS(2)) poisoning experiments to find a corrected TTO and TOF values on a per
      active-ruthenium-atom basis, (vii) a summary of extensive literature review for
      the catalysts tested in the catalytic dehydrogenation of dimethylamine-borane as
      part of the results and discussions.

PMID- 22052300
TI  - Editorial: JDD receives impact factor ranking: 1.954.

PMID- 22052299
TI  - Early intraperitoneal metabolic changes and protease activation as indicators of
      pancreatic fistula after pancreaticoduodenectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ischaemia and local protease activation close to the
      pancreaticojejunal anastomosis (PJA) are potential mechanisms of postoperative
      pancreatic fistula (POPF) formation. To provide information on the
      pathophysiology of POPF, intraperitoneal microdialysis was used to monitor
      metabolic changes and protease activation close to the PJA after
      pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). METHODS: In patients who underwent PD,
      intraperitoneal metabolites (glycerol, lactate, pyruvate and glucose) were
      measured by microdialysis, and lactate and glucose in blood were monitored, every
      4 h for 5 days, starting at 12.00 hours on the day after surgery. Trypsinogen
      activation peptide (TAP) was measured in microdialysates as a marker of protease
      activation. RESULTS: Intraperitoneal glycerol levels and the ratio of lactate to
      pyruvate were higher after PD and glucose levels were lower in seven patients who
      later developed symptomatic POPF than in eight patients with other surgical
      complications (OSC) and 33 with no surgical complications (NSC) (all P < 0.050).
      TAP was detected at a concentration greater than 0.1 ug/l in six of seven
      patients with POPF, two of eight with OSC and two of 33 with NSC. Intraperitoneal
      lactate concentrations were higher than systemic levels in all patients on days 1
      to 5 after surgery (P < 0.001). In patients with POPF, high intraperitoneal
      lactate concentrations were observed without systemic hyperlactataemia.
      CONCLUSION: Early in the postoperative phase, patients who later developed
      clinically significant POPF had higher intraperitoneal glycerol concentrations
      and lactate/pyruvate ratios, and lower glucose concentrations in combination with
      a TAP level exceeding 0.1 ug/l close to the PJA, than patients who did not
      develop POPF.

PMID- 22052301
TI  - Advances in laser hair removal in skin of color.
AB  - Laser hair removal, previously contraindicated in patients with ethnically dark
      (phototypes IV-VI) or sun-tanned skin, is now recognized as a safe and effective
      method of permanent hair reduction in all patients. Longer wavelengths,
      conservative fluences, longer pulse durations and appropriate cooling methods are
      necessary to minimize untoward side effects and maximize efficacy. The longer
      wavelength Nd:YAG laser is considered safest in treating darker skin of color. An
      added benefit of laser epilation is that side effects of conventional hair
      removal such as pseudo-folliculitis barbae and post inflammatory dyspigmentation,
      more commonly seen in skin of color, may also respond favorably to the laser,
      thus increasing the potential for patient satisfaction.

PMID- 22052302
TI  - Treatment of actinic cheilitis by photodynamic therapy with 5-aminolevulinic acid
      and blue light activation.
AB  - Actinic cheilitis (AC), a common disorder of the lower lip, should be treated
      early to prevent progression to invasive squamous cell carcinoma. This study
      evaluated the safety and efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with 5
      aminolevulinic acid (ALA) activated by blue light for the treatment of AC.
      Fifteen patients with clinically evident or biopsy-proven AC received two
      treatments with ALA PDT with blue light activation. Treatments were spaced three
      to five weeks apart. Most patients achieved 65% to 75% clearance three to five
      weeks after the first treatment and all achieved more than 75% clearance one
      month after the second treatment. Three patients achieved complete clearance.
      Pain and burning during irradiation were absent or mild. All patients said they
      would repeat the procedure. ALA PDT with 417 nm blue light is a promising option
      for the treatment of AC of the lower lip.

PMID- 22052303
TI  - Intense pulsed light photorejuvenation: a histological and immunohistochemical
      evaluation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The use of intense pulsed light (IPL) for facial rejuvenation had
      been the topic of many studies. However, few of them discussed quantitative
      changes in extracellular matrix proteins after IPL therapy. OBJECTIVE: To
      objectively quantify the histological changes in extracellular matrix proteins
      after IPL treatment for facial wrinkles. METHODS: Biopsy specimens were obtained
      from the periocular area of six volunteers of Fitzpatrick skin type III-IV and
      Glogau's class I-III wrinkles. They were subjected to three months of IPL
      treatment (six sessions at two-week intervals). Using histological and
      immunostaining analysis coupled with computerized morphometric analysis,
      quantitative evaluation of collagen types I, III and VII, newly synthesized
      collagen, total elastin and tropoelastin was performed for skin biopsies at
      baseline, end of treatment, and three months post-treatment. RESULTS: Clinical
      assessment of volunteers did not show clinically noticeable improvement in facial
      wrinkles after IPL treatment. Furthermore, quantitative evaluation of
      extracellular matrix proteins showed no statistically significant changes
      (P>0.05) in response to IPL treatment CONCLUSION: Although 50 percent of
      volunteers showed mild improvement in skin texture at the end of IPL treatment,
      none of them reported improvement in skin tightening or wrinkles. No
      statistically significant histological changes were observed three months post
      IPL treatment.

PMID- 22052304
TI  - Comparison between sequentional treatment with diode and alexandrite lasers
      versus alexandrite laser alone in the treatment of hirsutism.
AB  - Laser systems that are commonly used for the treatment of hirsutism include the
      ruby laser (694 nm), the diode laser (800 nm), the alexandrite laser (755 nm) and
      the Nd:YAG laser (1084 nm). The diode laser and alexandrite laser are considered
      effective in treatment of hirsutism in dark-skinned patients. The response of
      hairs to these laser systems is variable and not complete. In this study, we
      compared the efficacy of these two laser systems for permanent hair removal. This
      was a randomized, controlled clinical trial that was performed with women of the
      age range 15-45 years old. After obtaining informed consent, the samples were
      randomized into two groups using random allocation software. The first group was
      treated with alexandrite laser alone (four sessions, two months apart). The
      second group was treated sequentially with diode laser for the first two sessions
      and alexandrite laser for the next two sessions. Overall, 111 patients (57
      patients in the alexandrite laser group and 54 patients in the sequential diode
      alexandrite laser group) were evaluated. There was no significant difference
      regarding mean of hair reduction between the two groups during the courses of
      treatment. Except for the first session, there was no significant difference
      regarding percent of patient satisfaction between the two groups (P value >0.05).
      Comparison between the two groups showed no significant difference one month,
      three months and six months after the last treatment (P value >0.05). Regarding
      the results of our study, there is no significant difference between sequential
      treatment with diode and alexandrite lasers versus alexandrite laser alone in the
      treatment of hirsutism. We suggest that in further studies, the efficacy of
      sequential treatment with other laser systems is evaluated against single
      treatment methods.

PMID- 22052305
TI  - A pilot study using reflectance confocal microscopy (RCM) in the assessment of a
      novel formulation for the treatment of melasma.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Melasma is a common pigmentary disorder caused by abnormal melanin
      deposits within the skin. Hydroquinone (HQ) is presently the most popular
      depigmenting agent, however the treatment of melasma remains unsatisfactory,
      resulting in a need to evaluate new depigmenting agents. OBJECTIVE: The objective
      of this study was to assess, using standard methods and a novel technique, in
      vivo Reflectance Confocal Microscopy (RCM), the efficacy and safety of a new non
      HQ bleaching agent Dermamelan(r) (Mesoestetic, Barcelona, Spain) in the treatment
      of melasma. METHODS: Ten women with melasma were enrolled in an open-label trial
      lasting four months. Patients were of Fitzpatrick skin types II-IV. A non-HQ
      depigmenting agent (Dermamelan) was applied once-daily for three months. Melasma
      Area and Severity Indices (MASI) were measured. Standard and UV-light photographs
      were taken and in vivo RCM, which detects pigmentary changes at a cellular level,
      was done. Evaluations were performed before treatment, on the first, second and
      third month of treatment and one month after treatment. Upon cessation of the
      trial, patients completed a questionnaire regarding efficacy and tolerance.
      RESULTS: At baseline, RCM detected hyperpigmented keratinocytes in all patients,
      dendritic cells in 2/10 patients, and melanophages in 2/10 patients. Based on the
      MASI score, Dermamelan treatment improved melasma by 50 percent. This was
      confirmed by standard and UV-light photography. Maximum therapeutic effect was
      usually reached by one month of treatment and was maintained at one month
      following its completion. Interestingly Dermamelan treatment also induced a
      statistically significant decrease of pigmented epidermal keratinocytes as
      detected by RCM. Patients with melanophages on RCM at baseline had a poorer
      outcome, but not those with dendritic cells. Mild irritation was the only adverse
      event observed during treatment. The majority of patients were satisfied with the
      result. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that Dermamelan produces significant
      rapid improvement of melasma at a clinical and cellular level and demonstrates
      the potential of RCM to monitor and possibly predict efficacy of a new
      depigmenting agent in the treatment of melasma.

PMID- 22052306
TI  - A multiplexed 1,440 and 1,320 nm laser for treatment of chronic photodamage.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to quantify the safety
      and effectiveness of a multiplexed 1,440 and 1,320 nm fractionated laser for the
      treatment of chronic photodamage. STUDY DESIGN: A total of twenty subjects with
      chronic photodamage were enrolled in this study. Subjects received a maximum of
      four full-face treatments at an average fluence of 9.5 J/cm2 at 1,320 nm and 2
      J/cm2 at 1,450 nm, delivered sequentially using forced-air cooling, at monthly
      intervals. Digital photographs were taken two months following the final
      treatment and compared to pre-treatment photographs by two blinded physician
      observers. RESULTS: Improvement in photodamage, overall appearance, wrinkles,
      hyper-pigmentation, enlarged pores, and sagging skin was rated by blinded
      physician evaluation of digital photographs as being in the 25-50 percent range.
      Subjective ratings averaged improved for all criteria that were evaluated,
      including wrinkles, enlarged pores, redness, sagging skin and hyper-pigmentation.
      CONCLUSIONS: The multiplexed 1,320 nm and 1,440 nm fractionated laser improves
      cutaneous photodamage as assessed by objective and subjective criteria.

PMID- 22052307
TI  - 3D Mohs surgery: a new concept.
AB  - Although Mohs surgery is considered a skin-sparing technique, when dealing with
      aggressive skin tumor that penetrates the deep tissues, the Mohs surgeon usually
      sacrifices uninvolved skin. We present our technique of 3D Mohs as a new concept
      for skin-sparing surgery. After raising a skin flap above the residual tumor,
      Mohs resection was performed on the deep tissues horizontally and simultaneously
      on the inner plan of the flap vertically. When "clear" borders were achieved, the
      skin flap was sutured back into place. The results show that the defect was
      significantly smaller, and the hair on the Mohs-treated vertical flap continue to
      grow, thus contributing to a more aesthetic outcome. We conclude that careful use
      of the 3D Mohs technique as we describe spares the healthy uninvolved skin and
      offers better aesthetic and functional result.

PMID- 22052308
TI  - The tower technique: a novel technique for the injection of hyaluronic acid
      fillers.
AB  - A number of injection techniques have been described for the placement of
      hyaluronic acid fillers. Such techniques include, but are not limited to, linear
      threading, depot, fanning, and layering. The tower technique for hyaluronic acid
      filler injection is a novel variation of the depot and layering techniques. With
      this technique, the hyaluronic acid is deposited via a perpendicular approach to
      the deep tissue plane with a gradual tapering of product deposition as the needle
      is withdrawn. A series of towers or struts are thus created. These towers serve
      as support structures for the overlying soft tissue, thereby restoring the face
      to a more youthful appearance. The anatomic areas most amenable to this technique
      include the lateral brow, the nasolabial folds, the marionette lines, the prejowl
      sulcus, and the mental region. A detailed description of the tower technique for
      facial volume restoration with hyaluronic acid fillers is provided. Further
      prospective studies are needed to compare the efficacy, safety, and longevity of
      this technique to other commonly used techniques for the injection of hyaluronic
      acid fillers.

PMID- 22052311
TI  - A review of the chemopreventative effects of oral retinoids for internal
      neoplasms.
AB  - With the recent data showing that psoriasis patients are at higher risk for
      systemic malignancies, there is a growing awareness for the need to minimize
      cancer risks in psoriasis patients. Retinoids as a class of medication have been
      widely studied as potential agents for cancer chemoprevention. Since they act by
      inducing cell differentiation and maturation, they may help reverse the
      pathogenesis of malignancies. Through an extensive literature review, this paper
      provides an update on the available data on retinoids and their systemic anti
      cancer properties. Retinoids appear to be beneficial in the prevention of
      cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, acute promyelocytic leukemia, head and neck cancers,
      hepatocellular carcinoma, breast cancer and neuroblastoma. So far the data does
      not support anti-cancer efficacy of retinoids in the prevention of prostate or
      pancreatic cancer and may possibly have harmful effects in the pathogenesis of
      lung cancer in smokers. J Drugs Dermatol. 2011;10(11):1292-1298.

PMID- 22052309
TI  - A randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled efficacy and safety study of
      naftifine 2% cream in the treatment of tinea pedis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Naftifine HCl 2% cream (NAFT-2) is a topical allylamine antifungal
      agent under development in the United States. This randomized, double-blind,
      vehicle-controlled, phase 3 trial evaluated the efficacy and safety of two weeks
      of NAFT-2 treatment in subjects with tinea pedis. Naftifine 1% cream (NAFT-1)
      treatment for four weeks and vehicle were also evaluated as a positive control.
      METHODS: 709 subjects were randomly assigned 2:1:2:1 to one of four treatment
      groups: (i) NAFT-2 (n= 235), (ii) two-week vehicle (n=118), (iii) NAFT-1 (n=237),
      or (iv) four-week vehicle (n=119). Efficacy was evaluated at baseline, week 2,
      week 4, and week 6 and consisted of mycology determination (KOH and dermatophyte
      culture) and scoring of clinical symptom severity (erythema, scaling, and
      pruritus). Efficacy was only analyzed in 425 subjects with positive baseline
      dermatophyte culture. Safety was evaluated by adverse events (AE) and laboratory
      values in 707 subjects. RESULTS: At week 6, NAFT-2 subjects achieved 18 percent
      complete cure rate, 67 percent mycological cure rate, 57 percent treatment
      effectiveness, 22 percent clinical cure rate, and 78 percent clinical success
      rate compared to respective vehicle rates of seven percent (one-sided, P<0.01),
      21 percent (P<0.001), 20 percent (P<0.001), 11 percent (P=0.04) and 49 percent
      (P<0.001). Week 6 efficacy responses in NAFT-1-treated subjects were
      significantly higher than vehicle subjects and almost identical to NAFT-2
      subjects. Mycological cure and clinical response rates in both NAFT-2 and NAFT-1
      increased from week 2 to week 6. Treatment-related AEs occurred in five percent
      of NAFT-2 subjects, seven percent of vehicle subjects, four percent of NAFT-1
      subjects and eight percent of vehicle subjects. The most common AEs for all
      groups were application site pruritus and skin irritation. CONCLUSION: Topical
      NAFT-2 for two weeks is safe and provides significantly superior antifungal
      treatment than vehicle in tinea pedis subjects. NAFT-2 produces equivalent
      efficacy responses to four weeks of NAFT-1 treatment. The fungicidal activity of
      naftifine continues to increase for at least one month after treatment is
      completed. (Clinical Trials Identification Numbe=NCT00750139). J Drugs Dermatol.
      2011;10(11):1282-1288.

PMID- 22052312
TI  - Imiquimod: a review of off-label clinical applications.
AB  - The immunomodulatory characteristics and topical application of imiquimod (IQ), a
      toll-like receptor 7 agonist, have lead to extensive off-label therapeutic
      trials. Off-label use is not uncommon in dermatology. However, clinicians must
      make informed decisions to ensure safe and effective implementation when
      standardized protocols are lacking. We present the highest level of clinical
      evidence for each off-label application of IQ, summarize management steps,
      treatment regimens, and results. We hope consolidation of this information will
      facilitate implementation of informed and evidence-based clinical decisions.
      Forty-six off-label applications were reported. Treatments were generally applied
      in the same manner, tailored to induce an inflammatory response and reduced with
      the development of adverse reactions. The efficacy of imiquimod ranged from
      promising to suboptimal compared to standard treatments and protocols. Clinicians
      who choose to use IQ off-label should have a firm understanding of the extent an
      application has been studied and how to manage adverse events.

PMID- 22052313
TI  - Hair regrowth following a Wnt- and follistatin containing treatment: safety and
      efficacy in a first-in-man phase 1 clinical trial.
AB  - Research has shown the importance of follistatin, Wnt 7a, and wound healing
      growth factors on the stimulation of bulge cells and inter-follicular stem cells
      to induce hair growth. We have studied the effects of a bioengineered, non
      recombinant, human cell-derived formulation, termed Hair Stimulating Complex
      (HSC), containing these factors to assess its hair growth activity in male
      pattern baldness. HSC showed in vitro Wnt activity and contained follistatin,
      KGF, and VEGF. The clinical study was a double-blind, placebo-controlled,
      randomized single site trial and was designed to evaluate safety of the HSC
      product and assess efficacy in stimulating hair growth. All 26 subjects tolerated
      the single, intradermal injection of HSC procedures well, and no signs of an
      adverse reaction were reported. Histopathological evaluation of the treatment
      site biopsies taken at 22 and 52 weeks post-treatment revealed no abnormal
      morphology, hamartomas, or other pathological responses. Trichoscan image
      analysis of HSC-treated sites at 12 and 52 weeks showed significant improvements
      in hair growth over the placebo. At the initial 12-week evaluation period, HSC
      treated sites demonstrated an increase in hair shaft thickness (6.3%+/-2.5% vs. 
      0.63%+/-2.1%; P=0.046), thickness density (12.8%+/-4.5% vs. -0.2%+/-2.9%;
      P=0.028), and terminal hair density (20.6+/-4.9% vs. 4.4+/-4.9%; P=0.029). At one
      year, a statistically significant increase in total hair count (P=0.032)
      continued to be seen. These results demonstrate that a single intradermal
      administration of HSC improved hair growth in subjects with androgenetic alopecia
      and is a clinical substantiation of previous preclinical research with Wnts,
      follistatin, and other growth factors associated with wound healing and
      regeneration.

PMID- 22052315
TI  - Q-switched laser treatment of amiodarone pigmentation.
AB  - A number of drugs can cause cutaneous hyperpigmentation through a variety of
      mechanisms. The pigment is comprised of dermal deposits of the drug and its
      metabolites, often combined with melanin and hemosiderin. Minocycline and
      amiodarone are among the most common medications to cause skin-induced
      pigmentation. Affected individuals generally develop slate-gray pigmentation in
      affected sites. Treatment with various Q-switched lasers has been shown to be
      effective at removing drug-induced pigmentation. The author presents a man with
      amiodarone pigmentation of the face who responded to treatment with the Q
      switched neodymium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser.

PMID- 22052316
TI  - Multiple facial burns with the new Thermage CPT system.
AB  - A 45-year-old man requested treatment with Thermage for skin tightening. He was
      treated with the new Thermage CPT system and received several facial burns due to
      failure of the dielectric membrane. It may be contraindicated to treat male
      patients with this system.

PMID- 22052317
TI  - Mohs micrographic surgery for the treatment of cutaneous lymphadenoma.
AB  - Cutaneous lymphadenoma (CL) is a benign neoplasm commonly presenting on the head
      and neck of young and middle-aged adults. Complete surgical excision of CL is the
      treatment of choice and appears to be curative. As compared to local excision
      without margin control, Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) may allow for more
      definitive tumor extirpation for large cases of CL and allow for greater tissue
      preservation at functionally and aesthetically sensitive sites. We present a case
      of cutaneous lymphadenoma presenting on the right cheek of a middle-aged male who
      was successfully treated with MMS.

PMID- 22052318
TI  - Bullous pemphigoid after herpes zoster vaccine administration: association or
      coincidence?
AB  - The development of autoimmune disorders and an increase in autoimmune phenomena
      have been reported following vaccinations in a number of cases. Blistering skin
      disorders such as pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and bullous pemphigoid (BP) have also
      developed following various vaccinations.1,2 Here we describe a case of BP that
      developed in a 72-year-old male after receiving the zoster vaccine. We believe
      the association between zoster immunization and the acute onset of BP in our
      patient may not be coincidental. We further discuss proposed mechanisms leading
      to autoimmunity post vaccination.

PMID- 22052319
TI  - Chloracne-like drug eruption associated with sorafenib.
AB  - Sorafenib is a chemotherapeutic agent primarily used to treat metastatic renal
      cell carcinoma. It is a multikinase inhibitor that blocks cell proliferation and
      angiogenesis. Numerous cutaneous side effects have been reported in association
      with this medication, including acral erythema, inflammation of actinic
      keratoses, erythema multiforme, vasculitis, and keratoacanthomas. Up to 40
      percent of patients on this medication develop dermatologic manifestations. We
      describe chloracne-like eruptions in two different patients with no exposure to
      aromatic hydrocarbons but who were recently started on sorafenib for treatment of
      metastatic renal carcinoma. The primary reason for discontinuation of sorafenib
      is secondary to its adverse side effect profile. Recognizing these effects early
      and administering appropriate treatment will likely increase medication
      compliance and minimize both dose reductions and discontinuation of the
      medication resulting in optimal treatment outcomes.

PMID- 22052320
TI  - Resident rounds. Part III. Erosive and desquamative syphilis associated with
      mucositis in the setting of acquired immune deficiency syndrome.

PMID- 22052324
TI  - Understanding medical malpractice insurance: a primer.
AB  - As the policy debate over the medical malpractice insurance crisis continues,
      dueling claims about its causes and suggestions for policy solutions have
      highlighted the need for a better understanding of how medical malpractice
      insurance works, why premiums change and what can be done about it. This primer
      on malpractice insurance discusses these issues and also analyzes the causes of
      and potential solutions to address malpractice crises. Key issues include: Rate
      regulation may have an important influence on insurance prices, but whether it
      raises or lowers them is not clear. Rising claims costs driven by an increase in
      average payments not claims frequency have contributed to rising premiums, but do
      not explain the sudden spike in premiums around 1999-2000. Along with claims
      costs, the insurance cycle has contributed to the current crisis.

PMID- 22052325
TI  - Hormone therapy use and mammographic density in postmenopausal Norwegian women.
AB  - While studies have shown that use of postmenopausal hormone therapy with estrogen
      and progestogen (EPT) increases mammographic density, aspects of this association
      remain unclear. We examined whether mammographic density differed by type of
      hormone therapy (HT) used, dose, duration of use, time since last use, and
      whether the effects are modified by age and body mass index (BMI). Using a cross
      sectional design, we recruited 2,424 postmenopausal women aged 50-69 years
      participating in the Norwegian Breast Cancer Screening Program. Mammographic
      density was assessed with a computer-assisted method, and we estimated mean
      absolute and percent mammographic density through multiple linear regression, and
      adjusting for possible confounders. Mammographic density was higher among current
      HT users (percent density: 22.6%; 95% CI: 22.1-23.2%) than among former (17.7%;
      17.2-18.2%) or never users (16.3%; 15.7-16.8%). The highest density was seen in
      current EPT users of high-dose norethisterone acetate (NETA) regimens who had a
      percent density of 26.2% (24.3-28.1%). Results differed when considering the
      combined effect of age and BMI. The effect of EPT on mammographic density was
      modified by age and BMI, with no apparent association among the youngest women
      (aged 50-55) with the highest BMI (BMI >= 26). A higher mammographic density was
      found in EPT users compared to never HT users, particularly in women using high
      dose NETA regimens. Age and BMI modified the association between EPT use and
      mammographic density.

PMID- 22052326
TI  - Identification of copy number alterations associated with the progression of DCIS
      to invasive ductal carcinoma.
AB  - Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a non-obligate precursor to invasive ductal
      carcinoma (IDC). Annotation of the genetic differences between the two lesions
      may assist in the identification of genes that promote the invasive phenotype.
      Synchronous DCIS and IDC cells were microdissected from FFPE tissue and analysed
      by molecular inversion probe (MIP) copy number arrays. Matched IDC and DCIS
      showed highly similar copy number profiles (average of 83% of the genome shared)
      indicating a common clonal origin although there is evidence that the DCIS
      continues to evolve in parallel with the co-existing IDC. Four chromosomal
      regions of loss (3q, 6q, 8p and 11q) and four regions of gain (5q, 16p, 19q and
      20) were recurrently affected in IDC but not in DCIS. CCND1 and MYC showed
      increased amplitude of gain in IDC. One region of loss (17p11.2) was specific to
      DCIS. IDC-specific regions include genes with previous links to breast cancer
      progression and potential therapeutic targets such as AXL, SPHK1 and PLAUR.

PMID- 22052327
TI  - Detection of a large rearrangement in PALB2 in Spanish breast cancer families
      with male breast cancer.
AB  - It has been demonstrated that monoallelic PALB2 (Partner and Localizer of BRCA2)
      gene mutations predispose to familial breast cancer. Some of the families
      reported with germline PALB2 mutations presented male breast cancer as a
      characteristic clinical feature. Therefore, we wanted to investigate the
      contribution of germline PALB2 mutations in a set of 131 Spanish BRCA1/BRCA2
      negative breast/ovarian cancer families with at least one male breast cancer
      case. The analysis included direct sequencing of all coding exons and intron/exon
      boundaries as well as a Multiplex Ligation-dependent Probe Amplification-based
      analysis of genomic rearrangements. For the first time we have identified a
      genomic rearrangement of PALB2 gene involving a large deletion from exon 7 to 11
      in a breast cancer family. We have also identified several PALB2 variants, but no
      other obvious deleterious PALB2 mutation has been found. Thus, our study does not
      support an enrichment of PALB2 germline mutations in the subset of breast cancer
      families with male breast cancer cases. The identification of intronic and exonic
      variants indicates the necessity of assessing the implications of variants that
      do not lead to PALB2 truncation in the pathoghenicity of the PALB2 gene.

PMID- 22052328
TI  - Polychlorinated biphenyl congeners in river sediments: distribution and source
      identification using multivariate factor analysis.
AB  - To assess the level of polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) contamination and identify
      their sources, surface sediments were collected from selected locations along
      Nakdong River, Korea, and analyzed for 209 PCB congeners using high-resolution
      gas chromatography/high-resolution mass spectroscopy. PCB levels ranged from
      0.124 to 79.2 ng/g dry weight (coplanar PCBs 0.295 to 5720 pg/g dry), which were
      similar to those of three other major rivers (Han, Geum, and Youngsan rivers) in
      Korea but slightly lower than those in neighboring countries. Regarding homologue
      composition, tetra-CBs were most abundant in most samples, but some samples with
      much higher PCBs concentrations had relatively lower proportions of tetra-CBs and
      higher proportions of penta- to hepta-CBs. To identify the sources of PCBs in
      sediment samples, principal component analysis/absolute principal component
      scores (PCA/APCS), positive matrix factorization (PMF), and multiple linear
      regression (MLR) were used with the congener composition of aroclors (1242, 1248,
      1254, and 1260) and the flue gas of waste incinerators (data obtained from a
      previous article) as source profiles. Results showed that the three models showed
      similar source apportionments. Most sediment samples with lower PCB
      concentrations had higher proportions of incineration-derived materials, and some
      sediment samples with much higher PCB concentrations had higher proportions of
      aroclor 1260. This occurred because many industrial facilities, such as landfill
      leachate-treatment facilities, were gathered around sampling points with high PCB
      concentrations, and high-chlorinated PCBs are more stable in the elution process
      of landfill leachate than the incineration process. PCB concentrations estimated
      by APCS, PMF, and MLR were similar to the measured values with coefficients of
      determination ranging from 0.77 to 0.99.

PMID- 22052330
TI  - Reversal of fetal ductal constriction after maternal restriction of polyphenol
      rich foods: an open clinical trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To test the hypothesis that maternal restriction of polyphenol-rich
      foods (PRF), which, like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), inhibit
      prostaglandin synthesis in the third trimester, reverse fetal ductal constriction
      (DC). STUDY DESIGN: An open clinical trial of 51 third trimester fetuses with DC
      with no history of NSAID intake was designed. All mothers were submitted to a
      food frequency questionnaire and were oriented to withdrawl PRF, being reassessed
      after 3 weeks. Doppler parameters were assessed before and after discontinuation
      of these substances. A control group of 26 third trimester normal fetuses, with
      no ductus arteriosus (DA) constriction, in which no dietary intervention was
      offered, was reviewed after 3 weeks. Student's t-test and Wilcoxon's test were
      used. RESULT: Mean gestational age was 32+/-3 weeks (28 to 37 weeks). After
      discontinuation of PRF (>=3 weeks), 48/51 fetuses (96%) showed complete reversal
      of DC, with decrease in mean ductal systolic velocity (1.74+/-0.20 m s(-1) to
      1.31+/-0.34 m s(-1), P<0.001), mean diastolic velocity (0.33+/-0.09 m s(-1) to
      0.21+/-0.07 m s(-1), P<0.001) and mean right to left ventricular dimension ratio
      (1.37+/-0.26 to 1.12+/-0.17, P<0.001) and increase in mean ductal pulsatility
      index (PI) (1.98+/-0.36 to 2.46+/-0.23, P<0.001). Median daily maternal
      consumption of PRF was 286 mg per day and decreased after orientation to 0 mg per
      day, P<0.001. In the control group, with GA of 32+/-4 w (29-37 w), there was no
      significant differences in median daily maternal consumption of PRF, mean ductal
      systolic velocitiy, diastolic velocity, PI and right ventricular to left
      ventricular diameter ratio (RV/LV) ratio. CONCLUSION: Reduction of maternal PRF
      intake during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester, is followed by
      complete reversal of DC (wide open DA), which may influence maternal dietary
      habits in late pregnancy.

PMID- 22052329
TI  - Cigarette smoking and lung cancer--relative risk estimates for the major
      histological types from a pooled analysis of case-control studies.
AB  - Lung cancer is mainly caused by smoking, but the quantitative relations between
      smoking and histologic subtypes of lung cancer remain inconclusive. By using one
      of the largest lung cancer datasets ever assembled, we explored the impact of
      smoking on risks of the major cell types of lung cancer. This pooled analysis
      included 13,169 cases and 16,010 controls from Europe and Canada. Studies with
      population controls comprised 66.5% of the subjects. Adenocarcinoma (AdCa) was
      the most prevalent subtype in never smokers and in women. Squamous cell carcinoma
      (SqCC) predominated in male smokers. Age-adjusted odds ratios (ORs) were
      estimated with logistic regression. ORs were elevated for all metrics of exposure
      to cigarette smoke and were higher for SqCC and small cell lung cancer (SCLC)
      than for AdCa. Current male smokers with an average daily dose of >30 cigarettes
      had ORs of 103.5 (95% confidence interval (CI): 74.8-143.2) for SqCC, 111.3 (95%
      CI: 69.8-177.5) for SCLC and 21.9 (95% CI: 16.6-29.0) for AdCa. In women, the
      corresponding ORs were 62.7 (95% CI: 31.5-124.6), 108.6 (95% CI: 50.7-232.8) and
      16.8 (95% CI: 9.2-30.6), respectively. Although ORs started to decline soon after
      quitting, they did not fully return to the baseline risk of never smokers even 35
      years after cessation. The major result that smoking exerted a steeper risk
      gradient on SqCC and SCLC than on AdCa is in line with previous population data
      and biological understanding of lung cancer development.

PMID- 22052331
TI  - Umbilical arterial catheter insertion length: in quest of a universal formula.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The study was aimed at comparing the accuracy in length of insertion
      of umbilical arterial catheter in all new born groups stratified according to
      weight, by using two different methods, that is, Wright et al./Case (Group I): (4
      * Body wt (BW) (kg)) +7; Shukla et al./Control (Group II): (3 * BW (kg)) +9.
      STUDY DESIGN: It was a randomized open label case control study in a Level III
      tertiary level Neonatal Intensive Care Unit over 9 months. RESULT: The babies in
      both the groups were similar in relation to weight, gender, prematurity and
      weight subgroups. Under insertion was seen in 8% (4/50) of babies in group I and
      over insertion was seen in group II where it was 32.6% (16/49). There was a
      reduction of 82% abnormal insertions and repositioning by using the Wright's
      formula as compared with the Shukla's formula in preterm babies. Statistically
      significant reduction in repositioning was seen in all babies <1500 g in Group I
      and under insertion seen in 8% of babies in group I did not attain statistical
      significance (P=0.34). CONCLUSIONS: There is no universal formula, which gives
      the accurate length of placement of an umbilical arterial catheter, but Wright's
      formula comes closer in neonates with different weight sub groups.

PMID- 22052332
TI  - Insulin-induced mTOR activity exhibits anti-hepatitis C virus activity.
AB  - The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is one of the influential molecules for
      the anti-hepatitis C virus (HCV) action of interferon (IFN). IFN-induced mTOR
      activity, independent of phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K) and Akt, is a
      critical factor for anti-HCV activity. mTOR activity is involved in signal
      transducers and activators of transcription (STAT)-1 phosphorylation and nuclear
      localization, and then double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR) is
      expressed in hepatocytes. Insulin (INS) is a major cytokine for metabolism and
      regulates the PI3K-Akt-mTOR signaling pathway in hepatocytes. Changes in mTOR
      activity have been reported in chronic HCV-infected patients with excess
      nutrition and INS resistance. Therefore, this experiment investigated whether INS
      increases anti-HCV activity via mTOR activity. This study used a genome-length
      HCV RNA (strain O of genotype 1b) replicon reporter system (OR6), derived from
      HuH7 cells. OR6 cells were pre-treated with rapamycin or LY294002 or siRNA, and
      the cells were treated with INS (0-300 nmol/l) or IFN (0-50 IU/ml) for 30 min to
      48 h. The cells were lysed and analyses were carried out using the Renilla
      luciferase assay, western blotting or ELISA. INS induced the anti-HCV effects via
      mTOR activity, independently of STAT-1 tyrosine phosphorylation, in a dose- and
      time-dependent manner. INS-induced mTOR activation was found to be PI3K-Akt
      dependent in OR6 cells. The combination of IFN and INS had an additive anti-HCV
      effect. The INS-induced mTOR activity was identified to be an anti-HCV signal
      independent of the STAT pathway in this study. mTOR activity may be associated
      with the HCV life cycle. Future studies should, therefore, attempt to identify
      new agents that activate mTOR to promote anti-HCV activity.

PMID- 22052333
TI  - Growth inhibition of malignant glioblastoma by DING protein.
AB  - Malignant gliomas are a highly aggressive type of brain tumor with extremely poor
      prognosis. These tumors are highly invasive and are often surgically incurable
      and resistant to chemotherapeutics and radiotherapy. Thus, novel therapies that
      target pathways involved in growth and survival of the tumor cells are required
      for the treatment of this class of brain tumors. Previous studies revealed that
      epidermal growth factor receptor and extracellular-signal-regulated kinases
      (ERKs), which are involved in the induction of cell proliferation, are activated
      in the most aggressive type of glioma, i.e. glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). In
      fact, GBMs with increased levels of ERK activity exhibit a more aggressive
      phenotype than the others with moderate ERK activity, pointing to the importance
      of ERK and its kinase activity in the development and progression of these
      tumors. In this study, we have evaluated the effect of p38SJ, a novel member of
      the DING family of proteins, derived from Hypericum perforatum calluses, on the
      growth of malignant glioma cell lines, T98G and U-87MG by focusing on cell cycle
      and signaling pathways controlled by phosphorylation of various regulatory
      proteins including ERK. p38SJ, which exhibits profound phosphatase activity,
      shows the capacity to affect the phosphorylation status of several important
      kinases modulating signaling pathways, and cell growth and proliferation. Our
      results demonstrate that p38SJ reduces glioma cell viability and arrests cell
      cycle progression at G0/G1. The observed growth inhibitory effect of p38SJ is
      likely mediated by the downregulation of several cell cycle gatekeeper proteins,
      including cyclin E, Cdc2, and E2F-1. These results suggest that p38SJ may serve
      as a potential candidate for development of a therapeutic agent for the direct
      treatment of malignant gliomas and/or as a potential radiosensitizer.

PMID- 22052334
TI  - Convection-enhanced delivery catheter placements for high-grade gliomas:
      complications and pitfalls.
AB  - Convection-enhanced delivery (CED) of compounds into brain tumors reportedly
      circumvents the blood brain barrier. CED intends to increase drug delivery to
      malignant cells, reaching high local therapeutic concentration and decreasing or
      eliminating systemic side effects. Clinical experience and published data on
      catheter placement (CP) surgery are scarce. We propose practical and technical
      guidelines for planning CED based on our experience. We retrospectively analyzed
      the medical charts and relevant neuroimages of 25 patients following the
      insertion of 64 CED catheters. The patients were enrolled in at least one of four
      clinical trials using CED for treating recurrent glioblastoma multiforme in our
      institution between 2003-2006. Intra- and postoperative complications related to
      CP surgery and the difficulties and pitfalls of planning were evaluated. There
      were 29 CP surgeries. Forty-four peritumoral brain tissue catheters were inserted
      in 16 CP surgeries following tumor resection in 16 patients, and 20 catheters
      were placed into the tumor in 13 procedures in 10 patients. The lesions were in
      or near eloquent brain tissue areas in 13 of all CP surgeries. Complications
      included increased edema (31%), infection (6.9%), bleeding (6.9%) and seizures
      (13.8%). Significant neurological deterioration occurred in 4 patients (13.8%).
      Difficulties in adhering to CP surgery guidelines included lesion site
      (superficial, mesial temporal lobe, proximity to CSF spaces), proximity to
      eloquent cortical areas, tissue density that interfered with the trajectory, and
      technical limitations of stereotactic instruments. CED procedures for high-grade
      gliomas may be associated with surgical morbidity. Adherence to guidelines might
      be difficult because of lesion site and complicated by brain and tumor tissue
      characteristics. This should be considered while planning clinical trials that
      use convection-based technology.

PMID- 22052335
TI  - Anaphylaxis with Latrodectus antivenin resulting in cardiac arrest.
AB  - Latrodectus mactans antivenin is a safe and effective therapy for severe black
      widow spider envenomations when given to most patients. We report a case of a 37
      year-old male with a history of asthma that was given L. mactans antivenin for
      symptoms related to a black widow envenomation and developed a severe
      anaphylactic reaction resulting in cardiac arrest. When traditional therapies
      failed, the patient was given methylene blue for anaphylactic shock resulting in
      a 30-h period of hemodynamic stability. Despite initial resuscitation, the
      patient ultimately died 40 h after presentation. Under the right circumstances,
      L. mactans antivenin remains a safe and effective therapy for severe black widow
      envenomations. However, anaphylaxis is a risk for those receiving this therapy,
      even when the antivenin is diluted and given as an infusion. We report the first
      death related to diluted L. mactans antivenin given as an infusion.

PMID- 22052336
TI  - Outcomes following surgery without radiotherapy for rectal cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study determined survival and recurrence rates following
      curative resection of rectal cancer without radiotherapy. METHODS: This was a
      retrospective review of the Mayo Clinic database of patients with rectal cancer
      treated with curative intent using surgery alone from 1990 to 2006. Patients who
      received neoadjuvant chemotherapy or radiation therapy and those who had any
      postoperative radiotherapy were excluded. Details were collected from the
      database and patient records using a protocol approved by the institutional
      review board. RESULTS: Some 655 consecutive patients with rectal cancer treated
      with curative intent using surgery alone were identified; 397 had stage I
      disease, 125 stage II and 133 stage III. Four hundred and nine patients underwent
      anterior resection (AR) and 246 abdominoperineal resection (APR). Median follow
      up was 62 months. The 5-year rate of local recurrence was 4.3 per cent, disease
      free survival 90.0 per cent and cancer-specific survival 91.5 per cent. Stage
      specific and all-stage disease-free survival did not differ significantly between
      AR and APR. The 5-year cumulative local recurrence rate was lower following AR
      than APR (3.6 versus 5.5 per cent; P = 0.321). There were only two patients with
      positive margins and type of operation was not significant on multivariable
      analysis. CONCLUSION: Well-performed, standardized APRs have similar local
      recurrence to AR. Radiation therapy may not confer much additional benefit.

PMID- 22052337
TI  - MicroRNAs in hypertension: mechanisms and therapeutic targets.
AB  - Hypertension is a complex, multifactorial disease, and its development is
      determined by a combination of genetic susceptibility and environmental factors.
      Several mechanisms have been implicated in the pathogenesis of hypertension:
      increased activity of the sympathetic nervous system, overactivation of the renin
      angiotensin aldosterone system (RAAS), dysfunction of vascular endothelium,
      impaired platelet function, thrombogenesis, vascular smooth muscle and cardiac
      hypertrophy, and altered angiogenesis. MicroRNAs are short, noncoding nucleotides
      regulating target messenger RNAs at the post-transcriptional level. MicroRNAs are
      involved in virtually all biologic processes, including cellular proliferation,
      apoptosis, and differentiation. Thus, microRNA deregulation often results in
      impaired cellular function and disease development, so microRNAs have potential
      therapeutic relevance. Many aspects of the development of essential hypertension
      at the molecular level are still unknown. The elucidation of these processes
      regulated by microRNAs and the identification of novel microRNA targets in the
      pathogenesis of hypertension is a highly valuable and exciting strategy that may
      eventually led to the development of novel treatment approaches for hypertension.
      This article reviews the potential role of microRNAs in the mechanisms associated
      with the development and consequences of hypertension and discusses advances in
      microRNA-based approaches that may be important in treating hypertension.

PMID- 22052338
TI  - Long-term nicotine replacement therapy: cancer risk in context.
AB  - Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) for up to 12 weeks is well established, safe
      and efficacious for fostering smoking cessation. Some smokers at a high risk of
      relapse may benefit from long-term use, and so long-term NRT safety and efficacy
      have become a paramount question for the FDA and others. Laboratory studies have
      indicated a carcinogenic potential of nicotine. Animal model studies reported in
      this issue of the journal by Maier and colleagues (beginning on page 1743) and
      Murphy and colleagues (beginning on page 1752), however, provide additional
      reassurance that NRT does not promote lung cancer. Very long-term studies of NRT
      effects do not yet exist and would be needed to definitively answer the question
      about NRT efficacy and cancer risk and some decision making will need to be made
      based on limited human data and experimental studies. The overall NRT safety
      question is complex and requires consideration of three contexts and comparator
      groups (long-term NRT/abstinence vs. smoking, long-term intermittent NRT/reduced
      smoking vs. smoking, and long-term NRT/abstinence vs. abstinence without long
      term NRT). Although the data on these issues are insufficient, the first
      comparison seems intuitive and may be compelling enough to allow the FDA to
      approve a long-term indication for NRT. An important public health goal is to
      help smokers and their health care providers understand the implications of
      potential long-term NRT risks in the context of its potential benefits and the
      far greater risks of continued smoking.

PMID- 22052339
TI  - How do we safely get people to stop smoking?
AB  - Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is a valuable, proven, and U.S. Food and Drug
      Administration-approved tool for smoking cessation. However, the discoveries of
      functional nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChR) on lung epithelial and
      cancer cells and of nAChR polymorphisms associated with lung cancer risk, in
      addition to a large number of preclinical studies indicating that nicotine may
      promote or facilitate cancer development and growth, have prompted concern that
      NRT, although important for smoking cessation, may actually augment lung
      carcinogenesis. Therefore, it is of great public health interest that two
      independent studies reported in this issue of the journal (Murphy and colleagues,
      beginning on page 1752, and Maier and colleagues, beginning on page 1743) showed
      that nicotine given in drinking water at a dose to achieve blood concentrations
      in mice similar to those achieved in people receiving NRT did not enhance lung
      carcinogenesis or tumor growth in several mouse models of lung cancer. Effective
      non-nicotine alternatives to NRT, such as varenicline and bupropion, are also
      available and perhaps better than NRT for smoking cessation therapy. In the near
      future, nicotine vaccines will likely be added to the smoking cessation
      armamentarium. However, the normal and pathophysiologic role of nicotine, nAChRs,
      and the signaling pathways they activate in lung epithelial cells and lung cancer
      still requires elucidation.

PMID- 22052340
TI  - Development of low-fat and low-calorie beef sausage using modified starch as fat
      replacement agent.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The effects of modified waxy maize starch (MWMS, 10-32.5 g kg(-1)) as
      a replacement for varying levels of oil or both oil and wheat flour (WF) on the
      chemical and technological characteristics of 60% beef sausages were
      investigated. RESULTS: Addition of MWMS increased water-holding capacity and
      decreased moisture content and both cooking and purge losses. Incorporation of
      MWMS improved organoleptic acceptance compared with control sausages. CONCLUSION:
      Sausage formula 5 (F5), containing 20 g kg(-1) MWMS and 50 g kg(-1) WF, was
      better (P < 0.05) than all other formulae. The total caloric content of the
      sausages decreased significantly with decreasing fat level (P < 0.05); for
      example, the decrease in fat content of 57.4% in F5 led to a significant decrease
      in energy value of 34.9% (P < 0.05).

PMID- 22052341
TI  - Reduction of molybdate to molybdenum blue by Klebsiella sp. strain hkeem.
AB  - A novel molybdate-reducing bacterium, tentatively identified as Klebsiella sp.
      strain hkeem and based on partial 16s rDNA gene sequencing and phylogenetic
      analysis, has been isolated. Strain hkeem produced 3 times more molybdenum blue
      than Serratia sp. strain Dr.Y8; the most potent Mo-reducing bacterium isolated to
      date. Molybdate was optimally reduced to molybdenum blue using 4.5 mM phosphate,
      80 mM molybdate and using 1% (w/v) fructose as a carbon source. Molybdate
      reduction was optimum at 30  degrees C and at pH 7.3. The molybdenum blue
      produced from cellular reduction exhibited absorption spectrum with a maximum
      peak at 865 nm and a shoulder at 700 nm. Inhibitors of electron transport system
      such as antimycin A, rotenone, sodium azide, and potassium cyanide did not
      inhibit the molybdenum-reducing enzyme. Mercury, silver, and copper at 1 ppm
      inhibited molybdenum blue formation in whole cells of strain hkeem.

PMID- 22052342
TI  - Pesticide exposure in farming and forestry and the risk of uveal melanoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: Since pesticides are disputed risk factors for uveal melanoma, we
      studied the association between occupational pesticide exposure and uveal
      melanoma risk in a case-control study from nine European countries. METHODS:
      Incident cases of uveal melanoma and population as well as hospital controls were
      included and frequency-matched by country, 5-year age groups and sex. Self
      reported exposure was quantified with respect to duration of exposure and
      pesticide application method. We calculated the exposure intensity level based on
      application method and use of personal protective equipment. Odds ratios (OR) and
      95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated by unconditional logistic
      regression analyses and adjusted for several potential confounders. RESULTS: 293
      case and 3,198 control subjects were interviewed. We did not identify positive
      associations with activities in farming or forestry, pesticide application or
      pesticide mixing. No consistent positive associations were seen with exposure
      intensity level scores either. The only statistically significantly raised
      association in this study was for exposure to chemical fertilizers in forestry
      (OR = 8.93; 95% CI 1.73-42.13), but this observation was based on only six
      exposed subjects. Results did not change when we restricted analyses to
      morphologically verified cases and excluded proxy interviews as well as cancer
      controls. We did not observe effect modification by sex or eye color.
      CONCLUSIONS: Risk estimates for pesticide exposures and occupational activities
      in agriculture and forestry were not increased and did not indicate a hormonal
      mechanism due to these exposures.

PMID- 22052343
TI  - Drop metastases to the pediatric spine revealed with diffusion-weighted MR
      imaging.
AB  - Identifying drop metastases to the spine from pediatric brain tumors is crucial
      to treatment and prognosis. MRI is currently the gold standard for identifying
      drop metastases, more sensitive than CSF cytology, but imaging is not uncommonly
      inconclusive. Although diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) of the brain is very
      useful in the evaluation of hypercellular tumors, DWI of the spine has not been
      clinically useful in children because of susceptibility artifacts and lack of
      spatial resolution. A new technique, readout-segmented echo planar imaging (EPI),
      has improved these images, allowing for identification of hypercellular drop
      metastases. We report a case that illustrates the utility of spine DWI in the
      detection of metastatic disease in children with primary central nervous system
      (CNS) tumors. This case suggests that DWI of the spine with readout-segmented EPI
      should be included in the evaluation for drop metastases.

PMID- 22052344
TI  - Bcl-2/IgH expression in minimal bone marrow infiltration by follicular lymphoma
      cells.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to investigate the roles of bcl-2 chromosomal
      translocation and Bcl-2 protein expression in follicular lymphoma (FL) minimal
      bone marrow (BM) infiltration. We identified the same bcl-2/IgH fusion gene in
      paraffin-embedded lymph node (LN) samples and BM samples using
      immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunocytochemistry (ICC), cytologic morphology and
      fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH). The presence of the Bcl-2/IgH fusion
      gene in the BM samples and paraffin-embedded LN samples from 56 patients with
      follicular lymphomas was detected using FISH. The Bcl-2 protein levels in BM and
      paraffin-embedded tissues were quantified using ICC and IHC, respectively.
      Approximately 78.6% (44/56) of the paraffin-embedded LN tissue sections that
      underwent FISH analysis had a bcl-2/IgH translocation. The primary lesion was
      also positive for the bcl-2/IgH fusion gene, as were the BM minimal infiltrates.
      The bcl-2/IgH rearrangement occurred in 88.6% (39/44) of the BM specimens. The
      bcl-2/IgH recombination rate in stage III/IV cancers was significantly different
      to that observed in stage I/II cancers (p=0.041). In 59% (23/39) of the cases
      with t(14;18), Bcl-2 was found to be present as assessed by ICC. Positive Bcl-2
      ICC staining and the t(14;18) translocation (as detected using FISH) were
      positively correlated (p=0.028). We then applied the FISH method to slides that
      had previously been morphologically evaluated using Wright-Giemsa staining; any
      slides with at least one abnormal cell were subjected to FISH analysis following
      staining. The assessment of bcl-2/IgH translocation status may contribute to the
      better detection of minimal BM infiltration by FL cells. Utilizing FISH and
      cytologic morphology techniques allows for earlier and more accessible BM
      examination.

PMID- 22052346
TI  - Are prions part of the dark matter of the cell?
AB  - The [PSI+] determinant in Saccharomyces cerevisiae is the prion protein
      corresponding to the eRF3 translation termination factor. Numerous infectious
      proteins have been described in yeast, in comparison of the unique PrP protein in
      higher eukaryotes. The presence of the PrP prion is associated with mammalian
      diseases. Whether fungal prions are beneficial or deleterious are still under
      discussions. The review focuses on [PSI+]-induced phenotypes and the resulting
      physiological consequences to shed light on the cellular changes occurring in a
      [PSI+] cell and its possible role in nature. To date, only two genes directly
      regulated at the translational level by [PSI+] have been identified. Yet, through
      all the published works, obtaining a consensus for the described [PSI+]
      phenotypes appeared a tricky task. They are highly dependent on the prion variant
      and the genetic background of the strain. The [PSI+] prion might generate diverse
      modifications not only at the translational, but also at the transcriptional
      levels, and the phenotypic heterogeneity is the result of these complex
      combinations of the genotypic expression.

PMID- 22052347
TI  - The [RNQ+] prion: a model of both functional and pathological amyloid.
AB  - The formation of fibrillar amyloid is most often associated with protein
      conformational disorders such as prion diseases, Alzheimer disease and Huntington
      disease. Interestingly, however, an increasing number of studies suggest that
      amyloid structures can sometimes play a functional role in normal biology.
      Several proteins form self-propagating amyloids called prions in the budding
      yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. These unique elements operate by creating a
      reversible, epigenetic change in phenotype. While the function of the non-prion
      conformation of the Rnq1 protein is unclear, the prion form, [RNQ+], acts to
      facilitate the de novo formation of other prions to influence cellular
      phenotypes. The [RNQ+] prion itself does not adversely affect the growth of
      yeast, but the overexpression of Rnq1p can form toxic aggregated structures that
      are not necessarily prions. The [RNQ+] prion is also involved in dictating the
      aggregation and toxicity of polyglutamine proteins ectopically expressed in
      yeast. Thus, the [RNQ+] prion provides a tractable model that has the potential
      to reveal significant insight into the factors that dictate how amyloid
      structures are initiated and propagated in both physiological and pathological
      contexts.

PMID- 22052348
TI  - Polyglutamine misfolding in yeast: toxic and protective aggregation.
AB  - Protein misfolding is associated with many human diseases, including
      neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease and
      Huntington disease. Protein misfolding often results in the formation of
      intracellular or extracellular inclusions or aggregates. Even though deciphering
      the role of these aggregates has been the object of intense research activity,
      their role in protein misfolding diseases is unclear. Here, I discuss the
      implications of studies on polyglutamine aggregation and toxicity in yeast and
      other model organisms. These studies provide an excellent experimental and
      conceptual paradigm that contributes to understanding the differences between
      toxic and protective trajectories of protein misfolding. Future studies like the
      ones discussed here have the potential to transform basic concepts of protein
      misfolding in human diseases and may thus help to identify new therapeutic
      strategies for their treatment.

PMID- 22052349
TI  - Yeast prions assembly and propagation: contributions of the prion and non-prion
      moieties and the nature of assemblies.
AB  - Yeast prions are self-perpetuating protein aggregates that are at the origin of
      heritable and transmissible non-Mendelian phenotypic traits. Among these, [PSI+],
      [URE3] and [PIN+] are the most well documented prions and arise from the assembly
      of Sup35p, Ure2p and Rnq1p, respectively, into insoluble fibrillar assemblies.
      Fibril assembly depends on the presence of N- or C-terminal prion domains (PrDs)
      which are not homologous in sequence but share unusual amino-acid compositions,
      such as enrichment in polar residues (glutamines and asparagines) or the presence
      of oligopeptide repeats. Purified PrDs form amyloid fibrils that can convert
      prion-free cells to the prion state upon transformation. Nonetheless, isolated
      PrDs and full-length prion proteins have different aggregation, structural and
      infectious properties. In addition, mutations in the "non-prion" domains (non
      PrDs) of Sup35p, Ure2p and Rnq1p were shown to affect their prion properties in
      vitro and in vivo. Despite these evidences, the implication of the functional non
      PrDs in fibril assembly and prion propagation has been mostly overlooked. In this
      review, we discuss the contribution of non-PrDs to prion assemblies, and the
      structure-function relationship in prion infectivity in the light of recent
      findings on Sup35p and Ure2p assembly into infectious fibrils from our laboratory
      and others.

PMID- 22052351
TI  - Strategies for identifying new prions in yeast.
AB  - The unexpected discovery of two prions, [URE3] and [PSI+], in Saccharomyces
      cerevisiae led to questions about how many other proteins could undergo similar
      prion-based structural conversions. However, [URE3] and [PSI+] were discovered by
      serendipity in genetic screens. Cataloging the full range of prions in yeast or
      in other organisms will therefore require more systematic search methods. Taking
      advantage of some of the unique features of prions, various researchers have
      developed bioinformatic and experimental methods for identifying novel prion
      proteins. These methods have generated long lists of prion candidates. The
      systematic testing of some of these prion candidates has led to notable
      successes; however, even in yeast, where rapid growth rate and ease of genetic
      manipulation aid in testing for prion activity, such candidate testing is
      laborious. Development of better methods to winnow the field of prion candidates
      will greatly aid in the discovery of new prions, both in yeast and in other
      organisms, and help us to better understand the role of prions in biology.

PMID- 22052350
TI  - Modeling Huntington disease in yeast: perspectives and future directions.
AB  - Yeast have been extensively used to model aspects of protein folding diseases,
      yielding novel mechanistic insights and identifying promising candidate
      therapeutic targets. In particular, the neurodegenerative disorder Huntington
      disease (HD), which is caused by the abnormal expansion of a polyglutamine tract
      in the huntingtin (htt) protein, has been widely studied in yeast. This work has
      led to the identification of several promising therapeutic targets and compounds
      that have been validated in mammalian cells, Drosophila and rodent models of HD.
      Here we discuss the development of yeast models of mutant htt toxicity and
      misfolding, as well as the mechanistic insights gleaned from this simple model.
      The role of yeast prions in the toxicity/misfolding of mutant htt is also
      highlighted. Furthermore, we provide an overview of the application of HD yeast
      models in both genetic and chemical screens, and the fruitful results obtained
      from these approaches. Finally, we discuss the future of yeast in
      neurodegenerative research, in the context of HD and other diseases.

PMID- 22052352
TI  - Modulation and elimination of yeast prions by protein chaperones and co
      chaperones.
AB  - The yeast system has provided considerable insight into the biology of amyloid
      and prions. Here we focus on how alterations in abundance or function of protein
      chaperones and co-chaperones affect propagation of yeast prions. In spite of a
      considerable amount of information, a clear understanding of the molecular
      mechanisms underlying these effects remains wanting.

PMID- 22052355
TI  - Detection of anti-Leptospira antibodies in captive nonhuman primates from
      Salvador, Brazil.
AB  - Leptospirosis is a widely distributed zoonosis that affects several species of
      domestic and wild animals. Under captive conditions, Leptospirosis is a potential
      problem because the physical conditions in most zoos and research centers cannot
      prevent the captive animals from being exposed to rodents, raccoons, opossums,
      and other local wildlife that are known carriers. Yet, despite the potential
      risk, animals that are destined for reintroduction into the wild are not
      routinely tested for anti-Leptospira antibodies before their release. The purpose
      of this study was to determine the occurrence of anti-Leptospira antibodies in
      captive New World monkeys that were housed in the Wild Animals Screening Center
      in Salvador, Brazil. Blood samples were collected from 44 monkeys (28 Callithrix
      jacchus, eight Callithrix pennicilata, and eight Cebus sp.). The animals were
      screened for antibodies with the microscopic agglutination test. Twenty-five
      (56.8%) primates were seroreactive, with Icterohaemorrhagiae being the most
      frequent serogroup. None of the monkeys, however, presented clinical signs of
      leptospirosis. Thus, seroreactivity with low titers in asymptomatic animals, as
      observed in this study, suggests exposure to the agent. The unexpected
      predominance of the serogroup Icterohaemorrhagiae further suggests that exposure
      to this serogroup occurred in captivity. Therefore, the dangerous possibility
      cannot be ignored that reintroduced monkeys will carry the leptospiral serovars
      into wild populations. In conclusion, primates exposed to urban serovars before
      their release from captivity represent a potentially significant health risk to
      wild populations.

PMID- 22052353
TI  - The yeast prions [PSI+] and [URE3] are molecular degenerative diseases.
AB  - The yeast prions [URE3] and [PSI] are not found in wild strains, suggesting they
      are not an advantage. Prion-forming ability is not conserved, even within
      Saccharomyces, suggesting it is a disease. Prion domains have non-prion
      functions, explaining some conservation of sequence. However, in spite of the
      sequence being constrained in evolution by these non-prion functions, the prion
      domains vary more rapidly than the remainder of the molecule, and these changes
      produce a transmission barrier, suggesting that these changes were selected to
      block prion infection. Yeast prions [PSI] and [URE3] induce a cellular stress
      response (Hsp104 and Hsp70 induction), suggesting the cells are not happy about
      being infected. Recently, we showed that the array of [PSI] and [URE3] prions
      includes a majority of lethal or very toxic variants, a result not expected if
      either prion were an adaptive cellular response to stress.

PMID- 22052354
TI  - Modeling ALS and FTLD proteinopathies in yeast: an efficient approach for
      studying protein aggregation and toxicity.
AB  - In recent years there have been several reports of human neurodegenerative
      diseases that involve protein misfolding being modeled in the yeast Saccharomyces
      cerevisiae. This review summarizes recent advances in understanding the specific
      mechanisms underlying intracellular neuronal pathology during Amyotrophic Lateral
      Sclerosis (ALS) and Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration (FTLD), including SOD1, TDP
      43 and FUS protein inclusions and the potential of these proteins to be involved
      in pathogenic prion-like mechanisms. More specifically, we focus on findings from
      yeast systems that offer tremendous possibilities for screening for genetic and
      chemical modifiers of disease-related proteotoxicity.

PMID- 22052356
TI  - Number of screens for overdetection as an indicator of absolute risk of
      overdiagnosis in prostate cancer screening.
AB  - As with wide-spread use of prostate cancer (Pca) screening with prostate-specific
      antigen testing, overdetection has increasingly gained attention. The authors
      aimed to estimate absolute risk of overdetection (RO) in Pca screening with
      various interscreening intervals and ages at start of screening. We estimated age
      specific preclinical incidence rates (per 100,000 person-years) for progressive
      cancer (from 128 for age group 55-58 years to 774 for age group 67-71 years) and
      nonprogressive cancer (from 40 for age group 55-58 years to 66 for age group 67
      71 years), the mean sojourn time (7.72 years) and the sensitivity (42.8% at first
      screen and 59.8% at the second screen) by using a multistep epidemiological model
      with data from the Finnish randomized controlled trial. The overall number of
      screens for overdetection (NSO) was 29 (95% confidence interval (CI): 18, 48) for
      screenees aged 55-67 years, equivalent to 3.4 (95% CI: 2.1, 5.7) overdetected
      Pcas per 100 screenees. The NSO decreased from 63 (95% CI: 37, 109) at the first
      screen to 29 (95% CI: 18, 48) at the third screen and from 43 (95% CI: 36, 52)
      for age 55 years to 25 (95% CI: 8, 75) at age 67 years at the first screen. In
      conclusion, around 3.4 cases for every 100 screened men would be overdetected
      during three screen rounds (~ 13 years of follow-up) in the Finnish randomized
      controlled trial. Elucidating the absolute RO under various scenarios makes
      contribution for evaluating the benefit and harm of Pca screening.

PMID- 22052357
TI  - mTOR-regulated senescence and autophagy during reprogramming of somatic cells to
      pluripotency: a roadmap from energy metabolism to stem cell renewal and aging.
AB  - Molecular controllers of the number and function of tissue stem cells may share
      common regulatory pathways for the nuclear reprogramming of somatic cells to
      become induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs). If this hypothesis is true,
      testing the ability of longevity-promoting chemicals to improve reprogramming
      efficiency may provide a proof-of-concept validation tool for pivotal
      housekeeping pathways that limit the numerical and/or functional decline of adult
      stem cells. Reprogramming is a slow, stochastic process due to the complex and
      apparently unrelated cellular processes that are involved. First, forced
      expression of the Yamanaka cocktail of stemness factors, OSKM, is a stressful
      process that activates apoptosis and cellular senescence, which are the two
      primary barriers to cancer development and somatic reprogramming. Second, the a
      priori energetic infrastructure of somatic cells appears to be a crucial
      stochastic feature for optimal successful routing to pluripotency. If longevity
      promoting compounds can ablate the drivers and effectors of cellular senescence
      while concurrently enhancing a bioenergetic shift from somatic oxidative
      mitochondria toward an alternative ATP-generating glycolytic metabotype, they
      could maximize the efficiency of somatic reprogramming to pluripotency. Support
      for this hypothesis is evidenced by recent findings that well-characterized mTOR
      inhibitors and autophagy activators (e.g., PP242, rapamycin and resveratrol)
      notably improve the speed and efficiency of iPSC generation. This article reviews
      the existing research evidence that the most established mTOR inhibitors can
      notably decelerate the cellular senescence that is imposed by DNA damage-like
      responses, which are somewhat equivalent to the responses caused by reprogramming
      factors. These data suggest that fine-tuning mTOR signaling can impact
      mitochondrial dynamics to segregate mitochondria that are destined for clearance
      through autophagy, which results in the loss of mitochondrial function and in the
      accelerated onset of the glycolytic metabolism that is required to fuel
      reprogramming. By critically exploring how mTOR-regulated senescence,
      bioenergetic infrastructure and autophagy can actively drive the reprogramming of
      somatic cells to pluripotency, we define a metabolic roadmap that may be helpful
      for designing pharmacological and behavioral interventions to prevent or retard
      the dysfunction/exhaustion of aging stem cell populations.

PMID- 22052358
TI  - Caveolin-1: a new therapeutic target in tissue fibrosis and scleroderma?

PMID- 22052359
TI  - Outcome of the p53-mediated DNA damage response in neuroblastoma is determined by
      morphological subtype and MYCN expression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: MYCN oncogene amplification occurs in 20-25% of neuroblastoma and is
      associated with a poor prognosis. We previously reported that MYCN amplified
      (MNA) p53 wild-type neuroblastoma cell lines failed to G1 arrest in response to
      irradiation, but this could not be attributed to MYCN alone. HYPOTHESIS: Genes co
      amplified with MYCN and/or the predominant cell type, neuronal (N) or substrate
      adherent (S) phenotypes determine the downstream response to DNA damage in
      neuroblastoma cell lines. METHODS: The MYCN amplicons of five MNA and two non-MNA
      cell line were mapped using 50K Single Nucleotide Polymorphism (SNP) arrays. One
      MNA (NBL-W) and one non-MNA neuroblastoma cell line (SKNSH) were sub-cloned into
      N and S-type cells and the p53 pathway investigated after irradiation induced DNA
      damage. To determine the role of p53 it was knocked down using siRNA. RESULTS: No
      genes with a potential role in cell cycle regulation were consistently co
      amplified in the MNA cell lines studied. High MYCN expressing NBLW-N cells failed
      to G1 arrest following irradiation and showed impaired induction of p21 and MDM2,
      whereas low MYCN expressing NBLW-S cells underwent a G1 arrest with induction of
      p21 and MDM2. Conversely N type cells underwent higher levels of apoptosis than S
      type cells. Following p53 knockdown in SHSY5Y N-type cells there was a decrease
      in apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS: The downstream response to DNA damage in p53 wild-type
      neuroblastoma cell lines is p53 dependent, and determined both by the
      morphological sub-type and MYCN expression.

PMID- 22052360
TI  - Good practice in antibiotic use: what about linezolid in a French university
      hospital?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Linezolid represents an important advance in the treatment of
      methicillinresistant staphylococci. Its effectiveness should be preserved by
      appropriate uses. The aims of this survey were to describe the use of linezolid
      in clinical practice and to assess its overall safety. METHODS: This
      retrospective observational study included patients treated with linezolid in
      2008 in all departments at the CHU Nantes. A data-collection card was completed
      using the patients' medical files. RESULTS: A total of 179 patients from 23
      different departments were included. Fifty-four per cent of indications were
      outside the Marketing Authorization criteria, and were mainly osteoarticular
      infections and septicaemia (22% and 8% of total prescriptions, respectively).
      Inefficacy of first-line antibiotic treatment (23%) and alterations in renal
      function (23%) were the main reasons for using linezolid, which was prescribed as
      a first-line therapy in 28% of patients. Fifty-three per cent of infections were
      documented microbiologically, of which 58% were due to a methicillin-resistant
      Staphylococcus. CONCLUSIONS: Linezolid seems to be a possible therapeutic
      strategy in case of multiresistant bacteria and/or complex clinical situations.
      Because many prescriptions fall outside the Marketing Authorization criteria,
      this study highlights the need to have clinical data available for such
      situations.

PMID- 22052361
TI  - Pseudomeningoceles of the sphenoid sinus masquerading as sinus pathology.
AB  - OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: To describe the clinical presentation, pathophysiology,
      and treatment of spontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks of the sphenoid
      bone, with an emphasis on a previously undescribed form in this location, in
      which CSF is trapped under the mucosa of the sinonasal cavity or in the soft
      tissue of the skull base. STUDY DESIGN: Case series and literature review.
      METHODS: Analysis of cases through medical records and literature review.
      RESULTS: Four examples of unusual spontaneous CSF leaks of the skull base are
      presented. In each case, a CSF collection was contained behind the sinonasal
      mucosa of the sphenoid sinus, resembling a nasal polyp or mucocele on exam or
      imaging. In one case, the fluid collection was also associated with significant
      bone resorption and extravasation into the soft tissue of the infratemporal
      fossa. In each case, small defects of the ventral skull base (sphenoid bone) were
      the source of the CSF leaks. Successful treatment was achieved after transnasal
      endoscopic repair of the skull base defects using a combination of free abdominal
      fat grafts, free fascial grafts, and pedicled nasoseptal flaps. Postoperatively,
      a ventriculoperitoneal shunt was placed if the intracranial pressure was
      elevated. CONCLUSIONS: Spontaneous CSF leaks arising in the sphenoid sinus may
      not always present with overt CSF rhinorrhea but with a submucosal fluid
      collection (pseudomeningocele) that may mimic a mucocele or nasal polyp. These
      bona fide pseudomeningoceles of the skull base may be associated with elevated
      intracranial pressure and can be managed using endoscopic endonasal surgery.

PMID- 22052362
TI  - Metabolism studies of a small-molecule tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)
      inhibitor, UTL-5b (GBL-5b).
AB  - UTL-5b is an anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic small-molecule tumor necrosis
      factor-alpha inhibitor and a structural analogue of the anti-arthritic drug,
      leflunomide. Leflunomide is known to be metabolized to teriflunomide, but the
      metabolites of UTL-5b have not been reported. The objective of this study was to
      investigate whether UTL-5b has a similar metabolic behavior as leflunomide.
      Preliminary studies showed that when exposed to microsomes in vitro with or
      without NADPH, UTL-5b disappeared within 30 min. To further investigate the
      microsomal metabolism, liquid chromatography-ultraviolet (LC-UV) and LC/tandem
      mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) were employed to, respectively, monitor the
      microsomal metabolites and identify the structure of the metabolites using LC
      full scan MS and LC combined with multiple-ion monitoring MS. Fragmentation
      determination was analyzed by two types of scans: product ion scans and precursor
      ion scan. The in vitro microsomal treatment of UTL-5b resulted in two major
      metabolites: 5-methylisoxazole-3-carboxylic acid and 2-chloroaniline. Thus, the
      in vitro metabolic behavior of UTL-5b appears to be different from that of
      leflunomide in that the isoxazole ring is cleaved.

PMID- 22052363
TI  - Simultaneous T1 measurements and proton resonance frequency shift based
      thermometry using variable flip angles.
AB  - A method is presented which allows precise temperature and longitudinal (T(1))
      relaxation time measurements with high spatial and temporal resolution. This is
      achieved by combining dynamic variable flip angle based T(1) relaxation mapping
      with proton resonance frequency shift based thermometry. Herein, dynamic T(1)
      mapping is either used as a complementary measure of temperature or for the
      detection of T(1) contrast agent release. For the first application, the
      temperature evolution during a high-intensity focused ultrasound tissue ablation
      experiment was measured in both, porcine fat and muscle, simultaneously. In this
      application, temperature accuracies of 2.5 K for T(1)-based thermometry in fat
      and 1.2 K for proton resonance frequency shift-based thermometry in muscle were
      observed. The second application relates to MR-guidance of high-intensity focused
      ultrasound-induced local drug delivery by means of thermo-sensitive liposomes
      labeled with a T(1) contrast agent (Gd-HPDO3A). When the measured temperature
      exceeded the phase transition temperature of the liposomes, T(1) was observed to
      decrease with a good temporal and spatial correlation due to the release of Gd
      HPDO3A. The presented results demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed method
      for two important applications in MR-guided noninvasive therapy. It offers a high
      temporal resolution when compared with interleaved Look-Locker based T(1) mapping
      techniques and thus represents an interesting candidate for simultaneous real
      time monitoring of T(1) and temperature changes.

PMID- 22052364
TI  - Structural changes of the sediment bacterial community in Meiliang Bay of Lake
      Taihu, China, during typhoon Morakot, 2009.
AB  - We investigated changes in bacterial communities of the sediment in a large,
      shallow, eutrophic, freshwater Lake Taihu, China, during typhoon Morakot (August
      7 to 13, 2009). Based on cluster analysis of the DGGE banding patterns, bacterial
      communities in different sediment samples were very similar to each other.
      However, samples from the middle period of the typhoon were different from those
      of the early and late periods of the typhoon. Two bacterial groups, Bacteroidetes
      and Nitrospirae, rapidly appeared or increased in the sediment samples of the
      middle period of the typhoon, due to the strong turbulence in the water column
      caused by typhoon resulted in the exchange of surface sediment with a high level
      of organic matter with the water column, and severe disturbance to the anaerobic
      layer of the sediments. Redundancy analysis showed that organic matter
      contributed significantly to the changes in sediment bacterial communities during
      the typhoon. Our study demonstrated that the response of sediment bacterial
      communities to the typhoon event was very rapid but of short duration.

PMID- 22052365
TI  - Cancer drug safety presents challenges: oncologists, researchers, and government
      balance risks with benefits.

PMID- 22052366
TI  - FDA implements new initiatives to ensure drug safety.

PMID- 22052367
TI  - Bevacizumab recommendation highlights difficulties.

PMID- 22052369
TI  - Chondroitin sulphate enhances the antitumor activity of gemcitabine and mitomycin
      C in bladder cancer cells with different mechanisms.
AB  - Non-muscle invasive bladder cancer is the most common type of bladder cancer in
      Western countries. The glycosaminoglycan (GAG) layer at the bladder surface non
      specifically blocks the adherence of bacteria, ions and molecules to the bladder
      epithelium and bladder cancer cells express CD44 that binds GAG. Currently, there
      are few options other than cystectomy for the management of non-muscle invasive
      bladder cancer with intravesical chemotherapy using several drugs such as
      gemcitabine (GEM) and mitomycin-C (MMC) with poor prophylactic activity. In this
      study, we investigated the effects of the GAG chondroitin sulphate (CS) on the
      growth inhibition of human bladder cancer cell lines HT-1376 and effects of the
      combination between GEM or MMC with CS. We have found that CS, MMC and GEM
      induced 50% growth inhibition at 72 h. Therefore, we have evaluated the growth
      inhibition induced by different concentration of CS in combination with MMC or
      GEM, respectively, at 72 h. We have observed, at Calcusyn analysis, a synergism
      when HT-1376 cells were treated with CS in combination with MMC or GEM,
      respectively, if used at an equimolar ratio. We have also found that CS/GEM
      combination induced a strong potentiation of apoptosis with the consequent
      activation of caspases 9 and 3. On the other hand, HT-1376 cells were necrotic if
      exposed to the CS/MMC combination and no signs of caspase activation was
      observed. In conclusion, in the human bladder cancer cell line HT-1376
      pharmacological combination of CS with GEM or MMC resulted in a strong synergism
      on cell growth inhibition.

PMID- 22052370
TI  - Response of induced perturbation on replicating beta-proteobacterial ammonia
      oxidizing populations in soil.
AB  - The short-term response of induced perturbation by 4-ethylphenol on beta
      proteobacterial ammonia oxidizers (beta-AOB) was investigated in two soils with
      initial differences in community structure. The hypotheses were that short-term
      effects of a disturbance of the AOB community is best monitored by specifically
      looking at the active populations and that soils with dissimilar active AOB
      populations would display different degree of resistance or resilience. Two soils
      from a previously characterized long-term field study fertilized with manure or
      sewage sludge was used. Soil microcosms were incubated in the laboratory over 15
      days. The substrate-induced ammonia oxidation was measured, and the composition
      of beta-AOB communities was determined by PCR-DGGE of specific beta-AOB 16S rRNA
      gene fragments. Actively replicating members of the beta-AOB were distinguished
      by the use of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) immunocapture. This approach demonstrated
      that only a minor fraction of the total AOB community was active. Exposure to 4
      ethylphenol resulted in approximately 90% lowered substrate-induced ammonia
      oxidation rates in both soils. This activity inhibition was not accompanied by
      shifts in beta-AOB community structure when total beta-AOB DNA was studied. By
      contrast, changes were seen in the DGGE banding pattern of the BrdU-labeled
      community DNA after 4-ethylphenol addition in the manure-fertilized soil. In the
      sewage sludge fertilized soil, the banding pattern of the BrdU-labeled beta-AOB
      remained unchanged, but bands were weaker after the disturbance. In conclusion,
      it was shown that BrdU immunocapture was applicable to detect shifts in community
      composition among replicating beta-AOB populations in soil. However, this was not
      reflected by the soils' ammonia oxidation capacity to resist to or recover from
      the induced perturbation suggesting that rapid population shifts may not
      influence soil functioning in a short-term perspective.

PMID- 22052372
TI  - Visinin-like protein-1 overexpression is an indicator of lymph node metastasis
      and poor prognosis in colorectal cancer patients.
AB  - Lymph node metastasis is an important factor determining outcome from colorectal
      cancer (CRC). Identification of molecular markers useful to predict lymph node
      metastasis is urgently needed. Our objective was to identify genes useful for
      characterization and prediction of lymph node metastasis in CRC. Gene expression
      profiles of cancer were determined by human U133 Plus 2.0 GeneChip(r) in 24 CRC
      patients, and patients with and without lymph node metastasis were compared. We
      focused on the visinin-like protein-1 (VSNL-1) gene and evaluated VSNL-1 mRNA
      expression levels with reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and
      immunohistochemical methods. Immunohistochemical evaluation of VSNL-1 mRNA
      expression was also performed in 143 other CRC patients to determine
      clinicopathological significance of VSNL-1. Twenty-four novel discriminating
      genes showed expression significantly different between patients with and without
      lymph node metastasis. Mean level of VSNL-1 mRNA expression in tumor tissue with
      lymph node metastasis was significantly higher than that in tissue without lymph
      node metastasis. Immunohistochemical examination demonstrated immunoreactivity
      for VSNL-1 in cytoplasm of the cancer cells with lymph node metastasis. High VSNL
      1 expression was significantly associated with lymphatic invasion in stage II
      disease (p = 0.0061) and number of lymph node metastases in stage III disease (p
      = 0.0461). Patients with high VSNL-1 expression had significantly poorer
      prognosis than those with low expression in stage III disease (p = 0.045). This
      study is the first to demonstrate a prognostic role for VSNL-1 at the mRNA level,
      suggesting the possible usefulness of VSNL-1 as a predictor of lymph node
      metastasis and poor prognosis in CRC.

PMID- 22052373
TI  - Polymorphism of the aryl-hydrocarbon receptor gene in intron 10 of human cancers.
AB  - Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and related halogenated aromatic
      hydrocarbons (e.g., PCDFs), often called "dioxins", are ubiquitously present
      environmental contaminants. Some of them, notably 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p
      dioxin (TCDD), are among the most toxic synthetic compounds known. The biological
      effects of dioxins are mediated via the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR).
      Mutations in the AhR transactivation domain are linked to sensitivity to the
      acute lethality of TCDD. We present here a study of AhR gene polymorphism in
      normal and cancer human tissues affecting pre-mRNA splicing in the AhR gene
      coding transactivation domain region (exon 10, intron 10, exon 11 region),
      previously shown to be associated with AhR dysfunction. We tested 126 pairs of
      normal and cancer tissue samples from liver, lung, stomach, kidney, mucous,
      breast, and pancreas of 49 males and 77 females (45-70 years of age). We used in
      vitro splicing assay, RT-PCR and sequencing methods. Our results showed that in
      an in vitro system it is possible to reconstitute cellular pre-mRNA splicing
      events. Tested cancer tissues did not contain mutations in the AhR
      transactivation domain region when the DNA sequences were compared with those
      from normal tissues. There were also no differences in AhR mRNA splice variants
      between normal and malignant breast tissues and no polymorphisms in the studied
      regions or cDNA.

PMID- 22052374
TI  - Body composition measures of obese adolescents by the deuterium oxide dilution
      method and by bioelectrical impedance.
AB  - The objectives of the present study were to describe and compare the body
      composition variables determined by bioelectrical impedance (BIA) and the
      deuterium dilution method (DDM), to identify possible correlations and agreement
      between the two methods, and to construct a linear regression model including
      anthropometric measures. Obese adolescents were evaluated by anthropometric
      measures, and body composition was assessed by BIA and DDM. Forty obese
      adolescents were included in the study. Comparison of the mean values for the
      following variables: fat body mass (FM; kg), fat-free mass (FFM; kg), and total
      body water (TBW; %) determined by DDM and by BIA revealed significant
      differences. BIA overestimated FFM and TBW and underestimated FM. When compared
      with data provided by DDM, the BIA data presented a significant correlation with
      FFM (r = 0.89; P < 0.001), FM (r = 0.93; P < 0.001) and TBW (r = 0.62; P <
      0.001). The Bland-Altman plot showed no agreement for FFM, FM or TBW between data
      provided by BIA and DDM. The linear regression models proposed in our study with
      respect to FFM, FM, and TBW were well adjusted. FFM obtained by DDM = 0.842 x FFM
      obtained by BIA. FM obtained by DDM = 0.855 x FM obtained by BIA + 0.152 x weight
      (kg). TBW obtained by DDM = 0.813 x TBW obtained by BIA. The body composition
      results of obese adolescents determined by DDM can be predicted by using the
      measures provided by BIA through a regression equation.

PMID- 22052375
TI  - Antiretroviral therapy-associated dyslipidemia in patients from a reference
      center in Brazil.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine the impact of antiretroviral therapy on
      the lipid profile of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients before and after
      the initiation of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). This was a cross
      sectional analysis of patients receiving HAART at a reference center in Belo
      Horizonte, Brazil, on the basis of medical records from 2002 to 2006. Patients
      were included if they had at least one lipid test or a clinical or laboratory
      diagnosis of dyslipidemia/lipodystrophy. Among the 692 patients, 620 met the
      eligibility criteria. The majority were males (66.5%), middle age (average 39
      years), had a low educational level (60.4%), and low income (51.0%). HAART
      duration ranged from 11 days to 4.6 years, with a mean of 28.6 months (SD = +/-
      470.19 days). The prevalence of dyslipidemia/lipodystrophy nearly tripled (11.3%
      pre- and 32.4% post-HAART). Dyslipidemia was associated with older age (P =
      0.007), nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) + protease inhibitor
      (PI) regimens (P = 0.04), NRTI + non-NRTI (NNRTI) regimens (P = 0.026), the use
      of stavudine (d4T) in any regimen (P = 0.002) or in NRTI-based regimens (P =
      0.006), and longer exposure to HAART (P < 0.000). In addition, there was no
      correlation between dyslipidemia and gender (P = 0.084). Only 2.0% of the
      patients received treatment for dyslipidemia during the trial. These results show
      a need for continuous monitoring of patients under antiretroviral therapy,
      particularly those using NRTI-based regimens, especially when combined with d4T
      and PIs. Secondly, interventions should be developed to correct metabolic
      changes.

PMID- 22052376
TI  - The pleiotropic effects of statins in the prevention of atherosclerosis :
      Editorial to: "Simvastatin suppresses apoptosis in vulnerable atherosclerotic
      plaques through regulating the expression of p53, Bcl-2 en Bcl-xL" by Weiwei Qin
      et al.

PMID- 22052378
TI  - Simian varicella virus gene expression during acute and latent infection of
      rhesus macaques.
AB  - Varicella zoster virus (VZV) is a neurotropic alpha-herpesvirus that causes
      chickenpox during primary infection and establishes latency in sensory ganglia.
      Reactivation of VZV results in herpes zoster and other neurological
      complications. Our understanding of the VZV transcriptome during acute and latent
      infection in immune competent individuals remains incomplete. Infection of rhesus
      macaques with the homologous simian varicella virus (SVV) recapitulates the
      hallmarks of VZV infection. We therefore characterized the SVV transcriptome by
      quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase PCR during acute infection in
      bronchial alveolar lavage (BAL) cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and
      during latency in sensory ganglia obtained from the same rhesus macaques. During
      acute infection, all known SVV open reading frames (ORFs) were detected, and the
      most abundantly expressed ORFs are involved in virus replication and assembly
      such as the transcriptional activator ORF 63 and the structural proteins ORF 41
      and ORF 49. In contrast, latent SVV gene expression is highly restricted. ORF 61,
      a viral transactivator and latency-associated transcript, is the most prevalent
      transcript detected in sensory ganglia. We also detected ORFs A, B, 4, 10, 63,
      64, 65, 66, and 68 though significantly less frequently than ORF 61. This
      comprehensive analysis has revealed genes that potentially play a role in the
      establishment and/or maintenance of SVV latency.

PMID- 22052379
TI  - Checkpoints in productive and latent infections with herpes simplex virus 1:
      conceptualization of the issues.
AB  - The fundamental question posed here is why in dorsal root ganglia herpes simplex
      viruses (HSV) can establish a silent infection in which only latency associate
      transcripts (LAT) and miRNAs are expressed and the neuronal cell survives whereas
      in non-neuronal cells HSV replicates and destroys the infected cells. Current
      evidence indicates that in productive infection there are two checkpoints. The
      first is at activation of alpha genes and requires a viral protein (VP16) that
      recruits HCF-1, Oct1, LSD1, and the CLOCK histone acetyl transferase to
      demethylate histones and initiate transcription. The second checkpoint involves
      activation of beta and gamma genes. An alpha protein, ICP0, activates
      transcription by displacing HDAC1 or 2 from the HDAC/CoREST/LSD1/REST repressor
      complex at its DNA binding sites. Current data suggest that in dorsal root
      ganglia VP16 and HCF-1 are not translocated to neuronal nucleus and that the
      HDAC/CoREST/LSD1/REST complex is not suppressed-a first step in silencing of the
      viral genome and establishment of heterochromatin. The viral genome remains in a
      state of equilibrium with respect to viral gene expression. The function of both
      LAT and the micro RNAs is to silence low level expression of viral genes that
      could reactivate the latent genomes.

PMID- 22052380
TI  - Effect of exogenous administration of Candida albicans autoregulatory alcohols in
      a murine model of hematogenously disseminated candidiasis.
AB  - Candida albicans supernatants contain a mixture of autoregulatory alcohols. In
      vitro, when added individually or in combination, these alcohols inhibit the
      yeast to filamentous form conversion. Here we evaluate the in vivo effect of the
      exogenous administration of a Cocktail solution simulating the composition of
      alcohols present in a C. albicans culture supernatant (1 ml; 94 MUmol l(-1)
      isoamyl alcohol, 70 MUmol l(-1) 2-phenylethanol, 3.2 n mol l(-1) E -nerolidol,
      and 18 n mol l(-1) E,E -farnesol) using the well established murine model of
      hematogenously disseminated candidiasis. Mice injected intraperitoneally with the
      Cocktail solution demonstrated increased survival and decreased organ fungal
      burden compared to control mice. Histological observations suggest that the
      Cocktail, to some extent, has an inhibitory effect on cell filamentation within
      the kidney. These findings suggest that the exogenous administration of C.
      albicans autoregulatory alcohols displays a protective effect during disseminated
      candidiasis.

PMID- 22052381
TI  - New and old NMR experiments for the resonance assignment of complex
      oligosaccharides--application to a cyclodextrin derivative.
AB  - The complete assignment of the (1)H and (13)C sugar resonances in mono-3,6
      anhydro-heptakis(2,3-O-methyl)-hexakis(6-O-methyl)-beta-cyclodextrin, an
      asymmetrically functionalized beta-cyclodextrin, was carried out by means of 2D
      NMR experiments. The TOCSY and the homonuclear multiple relay COSY spectra
      provided most of the (1)H assignments. The multiplicity edited HSQC and a set of
      F(1) selective HSQC-TOCSY and multiple relay HSQC-COSY spectra gave access to
      most of the (13)C chemical shifts. The latter were fully and accurately
      determined by means of a pair of complementary, highly folded HSQC-TOCSY spectra.
      The TOCSY-ROESY and ROESY-TOCSY spectra yielded the sequential assignment of the
      sugar units. A high resolution F(1) selective F(1) decoupled version of the TOCSY
      ROESY experiment was recorded.

PMID- 22052382
TI  - Alzheimer's disease clinical trials: changing the paradigm.

PMID- 22052383
TI  - Bipolar depression: an evidence-based approach.
AB  - Bipolar disorder is a complex, multidimensional illness that is often difficult
      to treat. Unfortunately, bipolar patients are much more likely to experience
      depression, which is all too often severe and a potentially lethal phase of the
      illness. In addition, pharmacotherapies with strong evidence for bipolar
      depression are limited. Most treatments are based on unsupported extrapolation
      from the treatment of unipolar depression or are derived largely from the
      clinical practice experience. In this article, we focus on the treatment of
      bipolar depression, with particular focus on evidence from the existing
      literature, to help guide readers in clinical practice.

PMID- 22052384
TI  - First-trimester bleeding characteristics associate with increased risk of preterm
      birth: data from a prospective pregnancy cohort.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prior evidence linking first-trimester bleeding with preterm birth
      (PTB, <37 weeks gestation) risk has been inconsistent and may be biased by
      subject selection and/or incomplete documentation of bleeding episodes for all
      participants. Prior studies have not carefully examined the role of bleeding
      characteristics in PTB risk. In the present study, we estimate the association
      between first-trimester bleeding and PTB in a non-clinical prospective cohort and
      test whether bleeding characteristics better predict risk. METHODS: Women were
      enrolled in Right from the Start (2000-2009), a prospective pregnancy cohort.
      Data about bleeding and bleeding characteristics were examined with logistic
      regression to assess association with PTB. RESULTS: Among 3978 pregnancies 344
      were PTB and 3634 term. Bleeding was reported by 986 (26%) participants. After
      screening candidate confounders, only multiple gestations remained in the model.
      Bleeding associated with PTB [odds ratio (OR)(adjusted) = 1.40, 95% confidence
      interval (CI) 1.09-1.80]. Risk did not vary by race/ethnicity. Compared with non
      bleeders, PTB risk was higher for bleeding with red color (OR(adjusted) = 1.92,
      95% CI, 1.32-2.82), for heavy episodes (OR(adjusted) = 2.40, 95% CI 1.18-4.88)
      and long duration (OR(adjusted) = 1.67, 95% CI 1.17-2.38). CONCLUSIONS: Bleeding
      associated with PTB was not confounded by common risk factors for bleeding or
      PTB. PTB risk was greatest for women with heavy bleeding episodes with long
      duration and red color and would suggest that combining women with different
      bleeding characteristics may affect the accuracy of risk assessment. These data
      suggest a candidate etiologic pathway for PTB and warrant further investigation
      of the biologic mechanisms.

PMID- 22052385
TI  - Surrogate in vitro fertilization outcome in typical and atypical forms of Mayer
      Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The genital malformations in Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser syndrome
      (MRKH) are frequently accompanied by associated malformations whose forms were
      recently classified as typical (isolated uterovaginal aplasia/hypoplasia) and
      atypical (the addition of malformations in the ovary or renal system). The aim of
      this study was to compare the surrogate IVF performance of women with typical and
      atypical forms including their chances of achieving pregnancy. METHODS: The
      follow-up data on a total of 102 cycles of surrogate IVF in 27 MRKH patients
      treated in our department between 2000 and 2010 were analysed. Twenty patients
      with the typical form who underwent 72 IVF cycles were compared with seven
      patients with the atypical form who underwent 30 IVF cycles. The various examined
      parameters of these intended mothers were age, hormonal profile during controlled
      ovarian hyperstimulation and laboratory outcome. RESULTS: The mean number of
      gonadotrophin ampoules needed for stimulation and treatment duration was
      significantly higher in the atypical form (3600 +/- 1297IU for 13 +/- 2.3 days
      versus 2975 +/- 967 IU for 11.6 +/- 1.6 days, P<= 0.01). Serum estradiol and
      progesterone levels measured on the hCG administration day were similar. A
      significantly higher mean number of follicles 12.6 +/- 6 versus 8.9 +/- 5.4, P<=
      0.03, metaphase II (MII) oocytes 8.7 +/- 5.1 versus 6.7 +/- 4.8, P<= 0.05,
      fertilizations 6 +/- 3.6 versus 4.4 +/- 3.3, P<= 0.03 and cleaving embryos 5.7 +/
      3.8 versus 4.1 +/- 3.3, P<= 0.01 were available in patients with the typical
      form compared with those with the atypical form, respectively. There was no
      significant difference in fertilization rate, cleavage rate or the mean number of
      transferred embryos. Embryo quality of the transferred ones and pregnancy rate
      per cycle were also similar between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Women with the
      typical form of MRKH needed fewer gonadotrophins and for a shorter duration for
      ovarian hyperstimulation. The mean number of follicles, oocytes, MII oocytes,
      fertilizations and cleaving embryos was higher among women with the typical form.
      Pregnancy rates were similar since the available number and quality of
      transferred embryos to the surrogate mother were not affected.

PMID- 22052386
TI  - Variation in stability of housekeeping genes in endometrium of healthy and
      polycystic ovarian syndrome women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The use of housekeeping genes (HKG) as internal controls for real
      time qPCR studies of gene expression is based on the assumption of their inherent
      stability. However, it is unclear whether this stability is maintained in disease
      states. In order to test this, the present study investigated the expression of
      specific HKG in the endometrium of healthy and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
      women. METHODS: Endometrial tissue samples were taken from women with PCOS (n= 9)
      and controls (n= 10). The stability of nine candidate reference genes in the
      endometrial tissues were evaluated; four encode mitochondrial proteins [ATP5B,
      succinate dehydrogenase complex subunit A (SDHA), cytochrome c-1, glyceraldehyde
      3-phosphatedehydrogenase], two encode ribosomal protein genes (18s ribosomal RNA,
      ribosomal protein L13A), one for cell structure (SDHA), one for cell signalling
      (beta actin, ACTB) and one involved in DNA repair (topoisomerase I, TOP1). The
      expression stability of these HKGs was calculated using geNORM qbasePLUS
      software, with stability defined by M-values, where higher M-value indicating
      less stability. In addition, changes in their cycle threshold values were
      analysed to determine direction of change between groups, and a Mann-Whitney U
      test was used to determine statistical differences in expression. RESULTS: The
      most stable HKGs observed across both PCOS endometrium were found to be YWHAZ,
      CYC1 and ACTB. Further TOP1 demonstrated higher gene expression in the
      endometrium from PCOS women compared with those from healthy women. CONCLUSIONS:
      Of the nine HKGs examined, only YWHAZ, CYC1 and ACTB were stable in both control
      and PCOS endometrium: these should therefore be used as internal controls for
      quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis. Published
      discrepancies between endometrial gene expression studies may therefore be due in
      part to in the inappropriate HKG selection, and future gene expression studies
      should be based on HKG of known stability in both the disease and healthy states
      to avoid erroneous interpretation of results.

PMID- 22052387
TI  - Lipopolysaccharide induces cytokine production and decreases extravillous
      trophoblast invasion through a mitogen-activated protein kinase-mediated pathway:
      possible mechanisms of first trimester placental dysfunction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Defects in extravillous trophoblast (EVT) function could contribute
      to placental dysfunction resulting in adverse obstetrical outcomes. Adverse
      obstetrical outcomes have been highly correlated with intrauterine infection;
      however, the mechanisms linking infection to placental dysfunction remain
      unclear. We investigated the effects of inflammation on EVT cytokine production
      and invasion early in pregnancy and determined the cell signaling pathways
      mediating this response. METHODS AND RESULTS: In our model of inflammation, EVT
      cells, isolated following first trimester pregnancy terminations (n= 6) were
      stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). LPS induced a dose-dependent increase
      in interleukin (IL)-8 and IL-6 protein production (P < 0.01) and decreased EVT
      invasion (P = 0.01) versus control. The LPS-mediated changes in cytokine
      production (P < 0.001) and invasion (P < 0.001) were reversed by dexamethasone
      (DEX). Exposure to LPS resulted in an increase in mitogen-activated protein
      kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway phosphorylation, including p44/42 MAPK (P <
      0.01), p38 MAPK (P < 0.05), MAPK extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2
      (MEK1/2) (P< 0.01) and stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun N-terminal kinase
      (JNK; P < 0.001), which was reversed by DEX (P < 0.05) for all MAPKs except p38.
      MAPK-specific inhibitors to MEK1/2 (U0126), p38 MAPK (SB 202190) and JNK (SP
      600125) significantly reversed the LPS-mediated increase in IL-6 (P < 0.001) and
      IL-8 (P < 0.001) production. While U0126 reversed the LPS-induced decrease in EVT
      invasion (P < 0.001), SB 202190 (P < 0.001) and SP 600125 (P< 0.001) decreased
      EVT invasion, further indicating that MEK1/2 phosphorylation may be inflammation
      dependent while p38 MAPK and JNK phosphorylation occurs independently of an
      inflammatory stimulus. CONCLUSIONS: LPS increased IL-8 and IL-6 and decreased EVT
      invasion through activation of MAPK signaling. MEK1/2 activation may contribute
      to placental dysfunction, in the setting of inflammation-associated adverse
      obstetrical outcomes.

PMID- 22052388
TI  - Continuous butanol production with reduced byproducts formation from glycerol by
      a hyper producing mutant of Clostridium pasteurianum.
AB  - Butanol, a four-carbon primary alcohol (C(4)H(10)O), is an important industrial
      chemical and has a good potential to be used as a superior biofuel. Bio-based
      production of butanol from renewable feedstock is a promising and sustainable
      alternative to substitute petroleum-based fuels. Here, we report the development
      of a process for butanol production from glycerol, which is abundantly available
      as a byproduct of biodiesel production. First, a hyper butanol producing strain
      of Clostridium pasteurianum was isolated by chemical mutagenesis. The best mutant
      strain, C. pasteurianum MBEL_GLY2, was able to produce 10.8 g l(-1) butanol from
      80 g l(-1) glycerol as compared to 7.6 g l(-1) butanol produced by the parent
      strain. Next, the process parameters were optimized to maximize butanol
      production from glycerol. Under the optimized batch condition, the butanol
      concentration, yield, and productivity of 17.8 g l(-1), 0.30 g g(-1), and 0.43 g
      l(-1) h(-1) could be achieved. Finally, continuous fermentation of C.
      pasteurianum MBEL_GLY2 with cell recycling was carried out using glycerol as a
      major carbon source at several different dilution rates. The continuous
      fermentation was run for 710 h without strain degeneration. The acetone-butanol
      ethanol productivity and the butanol productivity of 8.3 and 7.8 g l(-1) h(-1),
      respectively, could be achieved at the dilution rate of 0.9 h(-1). This study
      reports continuous production of butanol with reduced byproducts formation from
      glycerol using C. pasteurianum, and thus could help design a bioprocess for the
      improved production of butanol.

PMID- 22052389
TI  - Suitability of different beta-galactosidases as reporter enzymes in Bacillus
      subtilis.
AB  - The suitability of three beta-galactosidases as reporter enzymes for promoter
      expression analyses was investigated in Bacillus subtilis with respect to various
      temperature conditions during cultivation and assay procedures. Starting from the
      hypothesis that proteins derived from diverse habitats have different advantages
      as reporters at different growth temperatures, the beta-galactosidases from the
      thermophilic organism Bacillus stearothermophilus, from the mesophilic bacterium
      Escherichia coli and from the psychrophilic organism Pseudoalteromonas
      haloplanktis TAE79 were analysed under control of the constitutive B. subtilis
      lepA promoter. Subsequent expression of the beta-galactosidase genes and
      determination of specific activities was performed at different cultivation and
      assay temperatures using B. subtilis as host. Surprisingly, the obtained results
      demonstrated that the highest activities over a broad cultivation temperature
      range were obtained using the beta-galactosidase from the mesophilic bacterium E.
      coli whereas the enzymes from the thermophilic and psychrophilic bacteria
      revealed a more restricted usability in terms of cultivation temperature.

PMID- 22052390
TI  - Efficient use of shrimp waste: present and future trends.
AB  - The production of shrimp waste from shrimp processing industries has undergone a
      dramatic increase in recent years. Continued production of this biomaterial
      without corresponding development of utilizing technology has resulted in waste
      collection, disposal, and pollution problems. Currently used chemical process
      releases toxic chemicals such as HCl, acetic acid, and NaOH into aquatic
      ecosystem as byproducts which will spoil the aquatic flora and fauna.
      Environmental protection regulations have become stricter. Now, there is a need
      to treat and utilize the waste in most efficient manner. The shrimp waste
      contains several bioactive compounds such as chitin, pigments, amino acids, and
      fatty acids. These bioactive compounds have a wide range of applications
      including medical, therapies, cosmetics, paper, pulp and textile industries,
      biotechnology, and food applications. This current review article present the
      utilization of shrimp waste as well as an alternative technology to replace
      hazardous chemical method that address the future trends in total utilization of
      shrimp waste for recovery of bioactive compounds.

PMID- 22052391
TI  - The involvement of NK cell activation following intranasal administration of CpG
      DNA lipoplex in the prevention of pulmonary metastasis and peritoneal
      dissemination in mice.
AB  - Synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides containing CpG motifs (CpG DNA) can activate
      immunocompetent cells, which may possess antitumor activity. Previously, we found
      that when the cationic liposomes complexes formed with CpG DNA (CpG DNA lipoplex)
      were administered intranasally, they could prevent pulmonary metastasis in mice.
      However, the mechanisms underlying this process are unknown. In the present
      study, we show that natural killer (NK) cells play an important role in
      preventing pulmonary metastasis and peritoneal dissemination in a mouse model of
      metastatic disease. Further, in vitro, the NK cells obtained from mice treated
      with CpG DNA lipoplex showed higher cytotoxicity compared with untreated mice and
      in vivo, depletion of NK cells (achieved through injection of rabbit anti-asialo
      GM1 serum), abolished the inhibitory effect of CpG DNA lipoplex on pulmonary
      metastasis and peritoneal dissemination. In contrast, macrophage elimination did
      not disrupt the effects of the CpG DNA lipoplex. These results suggest that
      intranasal administration of CpG DNA lipoplex could prevent pulmonary metastasis
      and peritoneal dissemination by activating NK cells.

PMID- 22052393
TI  - [Severity scores for predicting clinically relevant outcomes for immunocompetent
      adult patients hospitalized with community-acquired pneumococcal pneumonia].
AB  - Streptococcus pneumoniae is the main cause of community-acquired pneumonia (CAP)
      in adults. OBJECTIVES: To compare accuracy and discriminatory power of three
      validated rules for predicting clinically relevant adverse outcomes in patients
      hospitalized with community-acquired pneumococcal pneumonia. MEASUREMENTS: We
      prospectively compared the pneumonia severity index (PSI), British Thoracic
      Society score (CURB-65) and severe CAP score (SCAP) in a cohort of 151
      consecutive immunocompetent adult patients hospitalized with pneumococcal
      pneumonia. Major adverse outcomes were admission to ICU, need for mechanical
      ventilation, in-hospital complications and 30-day mortality. Mean hospital length
      of stay (LOS) was also evaluated. The predictive indexes were compared based on
      sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve of the receiver operating
      characteristic. RESULTS: The mean age of 151 immunocompetent adult patients
      hospitalized with pneumococcal pneumonia was 64 years (range, 16 to 92); 58% were
      male, 75% had comorbidities, 26% were admitted to the intensive care unit and 9%
      needed mechanical ventilation. The rate of all adverse outcomes and hospital LOS
      increased directly with increasing PSI, CURB-65 and SCAP scores. The three
      severity scores allowed us to predict the risk of in-hospital complications and
      30-day mortality. The PSI score was more sensitive and the SCAP was more specific
      to predict in-hospital complications and the risk of death. However, the SCAP was
      more sensitive and specific in predicting the use of mechanical ventilation.
      CONCLUSION: The severity scores validated in the literature allow us to predict
      the risk of complications and death in adult patients hospitalized with
      pneumococcal pneumonia. Nevertheless, the clinical indexes differ in their
      sensitivity, specificity and discriminatory power to predict different adverse
      events.

PMID- 22052392
TI  - Hepatic arterial infusion of bevacizumab in combination with oxaliplatin reduces
      tumor growth in a rat model of colorectal liver metastases.
AB  - Unresectable colorectal liver metastases are commonly treated with systemic
      chemotherapy (SCT). Clinical studies on the effect of additional systemic
      application of bevacizumab (BE), a monoclonal antibody directed against vascular
      endothelial growth factor, to SCT showed a slight increase of patient survival.
      Herein, we studied in a rat model of colorectal liver metastasis whether a
      locoregional application of oxaliplatin (OX) and BE via hepatic arterial infusion
      (HAI) is more effective to inhibit metastatic growth compared to systemic drug
      application. Ten days after implantation of CC531 colorectal cancer cells into
      the left liver lobe of WAG/Rij rats, animals underwent either HAI or systemic
      intravenous application of BE (5 mg/kg body weight), OX (85 mg/m(2) body surface)
      or a combination of both. Sham-treated animals received saline and served as
      controls. Tumor volume was measured at days 10 and 13 using three dimensional
      ultrasound. At day 13 tumor tissue was analyzed histologically and
      immunohistochemically. Systemic application of OX, BE or their combination did
      not affect tumor volume when compared to controls. In contrast, HAI of BE and
      particularly the combination of BE and OX significantly reduced tumor volume. In
      the tumor tissue this was associated with a decrease of vascularization and cell
      proliferation as well as an increase of cell apoptosis, as indicated by a
      decreased number of PECAM-1- and PCNA-positive cells and an increased number of
      cleaved caspase-3-positive cells. Locoregional administration of BE, particularly
      in combination with OX, enhances the inhibitory effect on hepatic metastatic
      growth compared to systemic application of the drugs.

PMID- 22052394
TI  - [Laboratory diagnosis of Treponema pallidum infection in patients with early
      syphilis and neurosyphilis through a PCR-based test].
AB  - Syphilis is a sexually transmitted disease caused by Treponema pallidum. The
      diagnosis is based mainly in clinical presentation and non-specific assays. PCR
      based diagnosis has been suggested as an attractive alternative method. The aim
      of this study was the validation of a PCR-based test for the diagnosis of early
      syphilis (ES) and neurosyphilis (NS). Clinical samples of mucocutaneous lesions
      and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens from patients previously diagnosed for ES
      and NS respectively using an enlarged gold standard, were tested by PCR. The
      reaction was done using primers targeting the tpN47 gene. Twenty out of 21
      mucocutaneous samples from patients diagnosed with ES were positive by PCR, with
      a clinical sensitivity of 95%. Four out of 8 CSF samples from patients previously
      diagnosed with NS were positive by PCR, with a clinical sensitivity of 50%. The
      clinical specificity for both ES and NS was 100%. The PCR sensitivity and
      specificity for mucocutaneous samples allowed us to implement this assay in our
      laboratory for routine diagnosis. Although the sensitivity of the PCR in CSF was
      low, it may be useful to support clinical diagnosis.

PMID- 22052395
TI  - [Update. Consensus on ventilator associated pneumonia. Second Part: Prophylaxis].
AB  - Ventilator associated pneumonia is a life threatening disease, in spite of
      advances in its treatment, consequently the development of prevention strategies
      is a key factor in improving the morbidity and mortality in intensive care units
      (ICU). The new developments in this field in the last years led to the need to
      update the recommendations done in 2001. Then, a new search and analysis of
      scientific literature was performed. The obtained data support different
      strategies highlighting: semi-recumbent position at 45 degrees of patients;
      incorporation of routinely oral hygiene procedures with chlorhexidine; preference
      of orotracheal intubation; performing subglotic aspiration; use of standard hand
      hygiene techniques; not routine change of ventilator circuits; and defining
      bundles to organize the work at ICU. Some strategies were recommended for being
      of similar efficacy to others but cost-effective as: use of heat and moisture
      humidificators; and changing humidificators every 5 to 7 days. The use of open or
      closed endotracheal suctioning system does not affect the incidence of pneumonia.
      Some recommendations were not incorporated because of lack of evidence supporting
      effectiveness, controversial data or doubtful application to our country as
      selective digestive decontamination.

PMID- 22052397
TI  - [Streptococcus agalactiae increase in resistance to erythromycin and clindamycin
      in vaginal-anal colonization in third quarter of pregnancy in one decade of
      universal screening].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Streptococcus agalactiae (GBS) is the main causative agent of early
      perinatal sepsis. The acquisition of prevention policies has led to frequent use
      of intrapartum antibiotics. Surveillance of antimicrobial resistance is
      indispensable for defining drugs of choice and alternatives for such prophylaxis.
      OBJECTIVES: To determine the evolution of antimicrobial resistance of GBS from
      maternal colonization to drugs used in the prevention of neonatal sepsis, between
      2002 and 2008. METHODS: We studied 100 GBS positive vaginal and anal samples from
      pregnant women. Disc diffussion susceptibility method was performed for
      penicillin, ampicillin, cefazolin, erythromycin and clindamycin according to the
      Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). RESULTS: We analyzed the
      susceptibility of 99 strains. Seventeen were resistant to erythromycin (17.1%)
      and 13 were resistant to clindamycin (13.1%). Thirteen of the 17 strains
      resistant to erythromycin had the MLS phenotype (resistance to erythromycin and
      clindamycin) and 4 had the M phenotype (resistance to erythromycin only). Within
      the MLS phenotype, resistance was constitutive in 9 strains, and induced in 4
      strains (positive D test). Compared with 2002 there was a significant increase in
      resistance to clindamycin (from 3.27% to 13.1% p < 0.002) and erythromycin (1.09%
      to 17% p < 0.001). 100% GSB remained sensitive to penicillin and ampicillin.
      CONCLUSIONS: GBS remains highly susceptible to drugs of choice for prevention of
      perinatal sepsis. There is a significant increase in antimicrobial resistance to
      clindamycin and erythromycin. Therefore, it is necessary to request
      susceptibility testing in GBS from third trimester of pregnancy screening in
      patients allergic to penicillin.

PMID- 22052398
TI  - [Epidemiologic description of a post-pandemic outbreak of influenza A H1N1 2009
      in an isolated community of the region of Aysen, Chilean patagonia].
AB  - On August 10th 2010 the World Health Organization (WHO)announced the end of the
      influenza A H1N1 2009 pandemic. On August 13th, three cases of influenza A H1N1
      2009 from the local school were confirmed at the Hospital de Chile Chico. An
      epidemiological investigation was conducted in conjunction with the regional
      health authority (SEREMI), in order to monitor the outbreak and establish
      appropriate control strategies. During the study period (august 7 to 21), 304
      cases of influenza-like-illness (ILI) were reported, with an incidence of 6171
      cases per 100.000 in epidemiological week no 33. Most of the affected people were
      19 years old or younger (68% of cases). Hospitalized patients (n: 7) had a
      favorable outcome, without severe symptoms or need for transfer to an intensive
      care unit. A female patient with a congenital heart defect who had not been
      vaccinated was the only fatal case. The outstanding features of this post
      pandemic outbreak were its intensity and the demonstration of the importance of
      control measures to prevent further spread of influenza A H1N1 2009 infections,
      in the community setting.

PMID- 22052399
TI  - [Etiology of pneumonia in chilean HIV-infected adult patients].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To establish the etiology of pneumonia and to compare the yield of
      diagnostic techniques for diagnosis of Pneumocystis jiroveci and Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis infections in HIV-1-infected patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS:
      Subjects underwent sputum induction and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL). Gram, Ziehl
      Neelsen, silver stain (SS) and immunofluorescense staining (IF) for P. jiroveci,
      fluorescent stain for mycobacteria, PCR for P. jiroveci and M. tuberculosis,
      aerobic, fungal and mycobacterial cultures, respiratory viruses and CMV cultures
      were performed on the sputum and BAL. IgM for Mycoplasma pneumoniae and
      Chlamydophyla pneumoniae, and Legionella pneumophila urinary antigen were also
      obtained. RESULTS: Sixty patients were included. An etiologic diagnosis was made
      in 97%. Pneumocystis jiroveci was the most frequent etiology (58%) followed by
      Streptococcus pneumoniae (12%), and Mycobacterium avium complex (12%).
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis was found in 5%. CONCLUSIONS: The comparison of
      diagnostic methods for P. jiroveci showed a higher sensitivity of IF and SS in
      BAL than in sputum, however PCR was equally sensitive in both samples. With this
      approach a precise etiologic diagnosis was reached in the great majority of
      patients. The most common etiology was P. jiroveci. IF in BAL remains the gold
      standard for diagnosis of P. jiroveci pneumonia.

PMID- 22052400
TI  - [Evaluation of quantitative cultures of endotracheal aspirates for pediatric
      ventilator-associated pneumonia diagnosis: analytic, prospective study].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is dificult to diagnose
      because of the absence of a gold standard. AIM: To evaluate the use of
      quantitative cultures of endotracheal aspirates for diagnosis of pediatric VAP
      and to obtain acceptable sensitivity and specificity cutoff points. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: Prospective, analytic study which included patients under 15 years, who
      were connected to mechanical ventilation at Hospital Luis Calvo Mackenna's
      intensive care units. They were classified as cases or controls according to NNIS
      criteria. RESULTS: During a period of 21 months we recruited a total of 43
      patients with a mean age of 16 months. We obtained endotracheal aspirated samples
      to perform quantitative cultures. Most frequently isolated pathogens were
      Staphylococcus aureus (34.5%) and non-fermentative Gram-negative bacilli (24.1%).
      We obtained a sensitivity of 88%, specificity of 70%, PPV of 82%, and NPV of 79%
      for samples greater than 10(6) CFU. CONCLUSIONS: Quantitative culture of
      endotracheal aspirates is a reliable method for diagnosing pediatric VAP when the
      value is greater than 10 CFU.

PMID- 22052401
TI  - [Actinomyces urogenitalis].

PMID- 22052402
TI  - [Importance of images and etiological diagnosis in the immunocompromised patient
      with central nervous system envolvement. Part II].
AB  - We present the case of a 12-year-old boy with acute lymphocytic leukemia who
      developed pneumonia and multiple brain infarcts compatible with acute necrotic
      encephalitis. The infectious disease screening tests revealed influenza A H1N1
      virus, Staphylococcus aureus in broncho alveolar lavage, E. coli and
      galactomannan antigen in blood. CNS influenza associated complications are
      reviewed. This case highlights the importance of magnetic resonance imaging as a
      diagnostic tool in the assessment of immunocompromised patients with CNS
      compromise and the value of brain biopsy in the final identification of an
      infectious disease etiology.

PMID- 22052403
TI  - [Cervical mass caused by Salmonella Typhimurium as a clinical presentation of
      AIDS in a HIV-positive patient].
AB  - Infections due to non-typhi salmonellae (NTS) generally cause a mild and self
      limited gastrointestinal disease. However, there have been reports of atypical
      and severe presentations in immunocompromised patients. We report the case of a
      male patient who consulted with a cervical mass. He was found to be HIV-positive
      and Salmonella Typhimurium was isolated in one blood culture and cervical mass
      tissue culture. We discuss the relevance of infections by NTS in immunodeficient
      patients because they present with more severe illness than normal population. We
      emphasize the importance of NTS bacteremia as a marker of underlying
      immunodeficiency. We present some localized infection sites reported in the
      literature and their relation with particular diseases. We discuss the future
      relevance that an early start of antiretroviral therapy (ART) may have in HIV
      patients with NTS acute bacteremia or focal infections. Because infections by NTS
      can be severe and highly lethal they must be considered in the differential
      diagnosis of causative organisms of localized infections and bacteremia in HIV
      patients.

PMID- 22052404
TI  - [Espondilodiskitis caused by Kingella kingae in children: a case report].
AB  - During the last years, spondilodiskitis due to Kingella kingae has been a new
      target of interest, since it is the second agent that causes non tuberculous
      espondilodiskitis in children, after Staphylococcus aureus. Its clinical
      presentation is very inespecific, sometimes with fever, abdominal or lumbar
      disconfort, nocturnal pain, altered walking and sedestation. Images, culture
      methods and PCR (polymerase chain reaction) can be helpful for diagnosis,
      although in an important percent of the cases, etiology cannot be determined.
      Although there are no established guidelines for treatment, before the suspicion,
      empiric antibiotic treatment should be started for good prognosis. We describe a
      case of a 3 year old boy, who had this disease and then a review about
      spondilodiskitis in childhood and microbiological aspects of Kingella kingae.

PMID- 22052405
TI  - [What was the plague of Athens?].
AB  - In the year 430 B.C., at the beginning of the second year of the Peloponessian
      War, a terrible epidemic fell upon Athens and the most populous cities in Attica.
      It would last for just over four years and it would kill 100.000 people, a
      quarter to a third of the population. We know about it through the masterly
      description made by Thucydides in his History of the Peloponnesian War. His
      narrative has withstood twentyfive centuries due to its medical interest and,
      above all, its great dramatic force. The description of symptoms and signs, their
      evolution, and the consequences upon persons and moral and social order has
      captivated physicians, philologists and classical historians ever since. It has
      inspired literary works and hundreds of medical articles, with no agreement
      having been reached upon its cause or consequences, or if it is history or
      tragedy, or even if there is a single answer to these alternatives.

PMID- 22052406
TI  - [Hepatic abscess as first manifestation of pneumococcal invasive disease].
AB  - Pneumococcal invasive disease is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in
      different population groups. Most cases originate from an airway infection. We
      describe a patient with diabetes mellitus who presented a liver abscess as first
      manifestation of pneumococcal invasive disease, without respiratory symptoms. The
      patient was treated with percutaneous drainage and systemic antibiotics with good
      results. Streptococcus pneumoniae should be considered among the possible
      etiologies of hepatic abscess, even in absence of respiratory symptoms.

PMID- 22052407
TI  - Optimal sample sizes for phase II clinical trials and pilot studies.
AB  - Methodology for sample size calculation for phase III clinical trials is well
      established and widely used. In contrast, for earlier phase clinical trials or
      pilot studies, although there is an acceptance that the methods used for phase
      III trials are not appropriate, there is little consensus over methods that
      should be used. This paper explores this problem from a Bayesian decision
      theoretic perspective. The aim is to obtain sample sizes that would be
      appropriate for studies funded by a large funder such as a public sector body or
      major pharmaceutical company. The sample sizes obtained are optimal in that they
      minimise the average number of patients required per successfully identified
      effective therapy or equivalently maximise the number of effective therapies
      successfully identified over a long period. It is indicated that the number of
      patients included in a phase II clinical trial should be approximately 0.03 times
      that planned to be included in the phase III study. This is similar to that
      proposed by other researchers in this area, though rather smaller than actually
      used for many phase II trials.

PMID- 22052408
TI  - Dynamic properties of photosystem II membranes at physiological temperatures
      characterized by elastic incoherent neutron scattering. Increased flexibility
      associated with the inactivation of the oxygen evolving complex.
AB  - Elastic incoherent neutron scattering (EINS), a non-invasive technique which is
      capable of measuring the mean square displacement of atoms in the sample, has
      been widely used in biology for exploring the dynamics of proteins and lipid
      membranes but studies on photosynthetic systems are scarce. In this study we
      investigated the dynamic characteristics of Photosystem II (PSII) membrane
      fragments between 280 and 340 K, i.e., in the physiological temperature range and
      in the range of thermal denaturation of some of the protein complexes. The mean
      square displacement values revealed the presence of a hydration-sensitive
      transition in the sample between 310 and 320 K, suggesting that the oxygen
      evolving complex (OEC) plays an important role in the transition. Indeed, in
      samples in which the OEC had been removed by TRIS- or heat-treatments (323 and
      333 K) no such transition was found. Further support on the main role of OEC in
      these reorganizations is provided by data obtained from differential scanning
      calorimetry experiments, showing marked differences between the untreated and
      TRIS-treated samples. In contrast, circular dichroism spectra exhibited only
      minor changes in the excitonic interactions below 323 K, showing that the
      molecular organization of the pigment-protein complexes remains essentially
      unaffected. Our data, along with earlier incoherent neutron scattering data on
      PSII membranes at cryogenic temperatures (Pieper et al., Biochemistry 46:11398
      11409, 2007), demonstrate that this technique can be applied to characterize the
      dynamic features of PSII membranes, and can be used to investigate photosynthetic
      membranes under physiologically relevant experimental conditions.

PMID- 22052409
TI  - BapC autotransporter protein of Bordetella pertussis is an adhesion factor.
AB  - Bordetella pertussis, the causative agent of whooping cough, attaches to mucosal
      surfaces in upper respiratory tract, where it produces, a variety of surface
      associated and secreted molecules. Among various secreted products, some of the
      proteins belonging to autotransporter family; pertactin (Prn), bordetella
      resistance to killing (BrkA) and a newly identified member, bordetella
      autotransporter protein-C (BapC), are investigated in this study for their
      adherence potential to various respiratory and non-respiratory tract specific
      cell lines. Our results reveal that BapC and Prn mutants adhere significantly
      less (p < 0.0001 and p < 0.05) respectively to human non-respiratory (HeLa-229)
      and murine macrophages (P-388 D-1) cells compared to their wild-type strains.
      Prn, BrkA and BapC share no homology in their passenger domains except existence
      of common motifs arginine-glycine-asparctic (RGD) and glycosaminoglycan binding
      site (SGXG). We have shown that RGD and SGXG motifs are present in the coiled
      region in Prn and BrkA proteins with the exception in BapC where R (463) of RGD
      and S (597) of SGXG motif were observed in beta sheet of the modeled protein
      structures. Therefore, there is possibility that such arrangement of motifs can
      confer greater probability of BapC in better selective adherence to binding sites
      on the HeLa-229 and P-388 D-1 cell lines.

PMID- 22052411
TI  - Rosiglitazone reverses mitomycin C resistance in human gastric cancer cells.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: To explore the mechanisms of rosiglitazone (ROS), a selective
      peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma ligand, in reversing mitomycin C
      (MMC) resistance in a human drug-resistant gastric cancer cell line. METHODS: The
      vincristine-resistant human gastric cancer cell line SGC7901/VCR and its parental
      cell line SGC7901 were treated with ROS, MMC (negative control), cyclosporine
      A+MMC (positive control) or ROS+MMC. A tetrazolium blue (methyl thiazolyl
      tetrazolium) assay was used to evaluate the sensitivity to these treatments. Flow
      cytometry analysis and acridine orange-ethidium bromide (AO-EB) fluorescent
      staining were used to determine the effects of ROS on MMC-induced apoptosis.
      Reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were used to
      measure the expression of multidrug resistant 1 (MDR1), Livin and P-glycoprotein
      (P-gp). RESULTS: ROS administration dose dependently increased the reversal index
      in MMC-treated SCG7901/VCR cells. ROS increased apoptosis in SGC7901/VCR cells
      compared with the blank group and MMC group. ROS+MMC also increased apoptosis in
      SGC7901/VCR cells compared with other groups (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). The mRNA
      expression of MDR1 and Livin and the protein expression of P-gp in SGC7901/VCR
      cells were significantly higher than those in SGC7901 cells (P < 0.01). However,
      ROS or ROS+MMC treatment markedly upregulated the mRNA expression of MDR1 and
      Livin and the protein expression of P-gp in SGC7901/VCR cells (P < 0.01).
      CONCLUSIONS: ROS reverses MMC resistance in human gastric cancer SGC7901/VCR
      cells by reducing expression of MDR1, Livin and P-gp and increasing apoptosis.

PMID- 22052412
TI  - Failure of echinocandin therapy in the treatment of Candida glabrata
      chorioretinitis.
AB  - Echinocandins are commonly used as initial empiric therapy in cases of moderate
      to severe invasive candidiasis. The authors demonstrate that caution should be
      exercised in applying this approach in certain clinical situations. A case of
      Candida glabrata fungemia and associated chorioretinitis that was clinically
      resistant to therapy with micafungin but appeared to resolve with amphotericin B
      is presented. The authors then briefly review current issues regarding the
      diagnosis and treatment of C glabrata chorioretinitis.

PMID- 22052413
TI  - Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for radial-cephalic fistulae with stenosis
      at the arteriovenous junction.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to analyze the predictive factors for
      initial success and long-term patency of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty
      for radial-cephalic (RC) fistulae with stenosis at the arteriovenous junction
      (AVJ). Stenosis at the AVJ of RC fistulae involves both the feeding artery and
      drainage vein and is similar to a bifurcation lesion, which carries a worse
      outcome. The optimal intervention method for this type of lesion is currently
      unknown. METHODS: Ninety-one percutaneous transluminal angioplasty procedures for
      stenosis at the AVJ of RC fistulae were reviewed retrospectively. Parameters
      including age, sex, location of the RC fistula (right or left arm), approach site
      (radial artery or cephalic vein) and involvement of proximal radial artery (PRA)
      dilatation were analyzed for initial procedure success and long-term patency
      rates. RESULTS: The total initial success rate was 94.5%. The existence of total
      occlusion was recognized as the only factor significantly associated with a high
      procedural failure rate (39% versus 0%, P < 0.001). For long-term patency rate,
      the only significant factor was the involvement of PRA dilatation (P = 0.026 by
      Cox-Mantel and 0.03 by generalized Wilcoxon methods). The 6-month, 1-year and 18
      month patency rates were 64%, 45.3% and 20.9%, respectively, for all procedures,
      and 70.7% versus 57.8%, 56.1% versus 35.6% and 36.6% versus 6.7% for procedures
      with and without PRA dilatation, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In treating stenosis
      at the AVJ of RC fistulae, while initial procedural failure occurred mainly in
      occluded lesions, involvement of PRA dilatation was the only significant
      predictive factor associated with long-term patency.

PMID- 22052414
TI  - Role of dentifrices with essential oil formulations in periodontal healing.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Essential oil (EO)-formulated dentifrices have significant
      effectiveness in reducing periodontal inflammation. This study aimed to review
      the role of dentifrices with EO formulations in periodontal healing. METHODS:
      Databases were explored from 1968 until March 2010. The focused question was what
      is the impact of dentifrices with EO formulations on periodontal wound healing?
      Databases were searched using the following terms in various combinations:
      "essential oil," "periodontal healing," "mouthrinse," "mouth-wash" and
      "periodontitis." RESULTS: Twenty studies were included. The numbers of
      participants ranged from 20 to 316 individuals (aged 18-70 years) and were
      rinsing with the EO-formulated dentifrices at least twice daily for 1 week to 48
      weeks. Fourteen clinical studies showed reduced periodontal inflammatory
      conditions in the test group (individuals using EO dentifrices) compared with the
      placebo group. Three studies showed a reduction in periodontal pathogens in the
      test group compared with the placebo group. In 1 study, the microbiological
      findings remained inconclusive between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: EO-formulated
      dentifrices have beneficial effects on the clinical and microbiological
      parameters of periodontal inflammation.

PMID- 22052415
TI  - Vomiting-induced gastric emphysema:  a rare self-limiting condition.
AB  - Radiological evidence of presence of air or gas within the stomach wall is termed
      "gastric pneumatosis" and is considered an ominous sign. However, the etiological
      associations range from benign self-limiting causes to life-threatening
      emergencies. The authors report the case of gastric pneumatosis in a 34-year-old
      man who presented to the emergency department with severe abdominal pain after
      multiple episodes of vomiting. The authors also review the clinical associations
      of this uncommon condition and discuss risk stratification and management
      strategies.

PMID- 22052416
TI  - Acute dyspnea after colonoscopy.

PMID- 22052417
TI  - Symptomatic giant left atrium.

PMID- 22052418
TI  - Elevated circulating sclerostin correlates with advanced disease features and
      abnormal bone remodeling in symptomatic myeloma: reduction post-bortezomib
      monotherapy.
AB  - Sclerostin is a Wingless and Int-1 inhibitor, which is produced by osteocytes and
      inhibits osteoblast-driven bone formation. Sclerostin is implicated in the
      pathogenesis of bone loss in metabolic bone disorders but there is no information
      for its effect on multiple myeloma (MM)-related osteolytic disease. We evaluated
      circulating sclerostin in 157 newly diagnosed patients with symptomatic myeloma,
      in 25 with relapsed myeloma who received bortezomib monotherapy, in 21 patients
      with monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS), and in 21 healthy
      controls. Patients with active myeloma had elevated circulating sclerostin
      compared to MGUS patients and controls (p < 0.01). MM patients who presented with
      fractures at diagnosis (n = 34) had very high levels of circulating sclerostin
      compared with all others (p < 0.01), whereas sclerostin correlated negatively
      with bone specific alkaline phosphatase (a bone formation marker; r = -0.541, p <
      0.0001) and positively with C-telopeptide of collagen type-1 (a bone resorption
      marker; r = 0.524, p < 0.0001). Patients with International Staging System (ISS)
      3 disease had higher circulating sclerostin compared to ISS-1 and ISS-2 MM (p =
      0.001). Furthermore, patients with high sclerostin (upper quartile, n = 40) had a
      median survival of 27 months versus 98 months of all others (p = 0.031). Relapsed
      MM patients had higher levels of circulating sclerostin even compared to newly
      diagnosed patients (p < 0.01). Bortezomib monotherapy resulted in a reduction of
      sclerostin by almost 50% in both responders and non-responders. These results
      suggest that patients with active myeloma have elevated circulating sclerostin,
      which correlated with advanced disease features including severe bone disease.
      Our study indicates sclerostin as a possible target for the development of novel
      therapies to enhance osteoblast function in myeloma.

PMID- 22052419
TI  - National trends in laryngeal cancer surgery and the effect of surgeon and
      hospital volume on short-term outcomes and cost of care.
AB  - OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: The past 2 decades have witnessed an increase in the use
      of chemoradiation in the treatment of laryngeal cancer. We sought to characterize
      contemporary patterns of laryngeal cancer surgical care and the effect of volume
      status on surgical care and short-term outcomes. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective
      cross-sectional study. METHODS: Using the Nationwide Inpatient Sample database,
      temporal trends in laryngeal cancer surgical care were evaluated in 78,478 cases
      performed in 1993 to 2008. Relationships between volume and mortality,
      complications, length of stay, and costs were evaluated in 24,856 cases performed
      in 2003 to 2008 using regression analysis, with adjustment for patient and
      provider characteristics. RESULTS: Laryngeal cancer surgery in 2001 to 2008 was
      associated with increased utilization of high-volume hospitals (odds ratio
      [OR]=2.0, P=.039), a decrease in partial and total laryngectomy procedures
      (OR=0.7, P<.001), an increase in flap reconstruction (OR=1.6, P<.001), prior
      radiation (OR=2.2, P<.001), comorbidity (OR=1.6, P<.001), and wound complications
      (OR=4.0, P<.001), compared to 1993 to 2000. High-volume hospitals were
      significantly associated with partial laryngectomy (OR=1.8, P=.026) and flap
      reconstruction (OR=1.8, P=.027). High-volume surgeons were associated with
      partial laryngectomy (OR=1.7, P=.048), flap reconstruction (OR=1.6, P=.029),
      prior radiation (OR=2.2, P=.013), and comorbidity (OR=0.4, P=.008). After
      controlling for all other variables, a statistically significant negative
      correlation was observed between surgery at a high-volume hospital and length of
      hospitalization, and surgery by a high-volume surgeon was associated with even
      greater reductions in length of hospitalization as well as lower hospital-related
      costs. CONCLUSIONS: These data reflect changing trends in the primary management
      of laryngeal cancer, with meaningful differences in the type of surgical care
      provided by high-volume providers.

PMID- 22052420
TI  - Maternity waiting homes and institutional birth in Nicaragua: policy options and
      strategic implications.
AB  - With the aim of promoting institutional births and reducing the high maternal and
      child mortality rates in rural and poor zones, the government of Nicaragua is
      supporting the creation of maternity waiting homes. This study analyzes that
      strategy and examines the factors associated with the use of maternity waiting
      homes and institutional birth. To that end, we apply a quantitative approach, by
      means of an econometric analysis of the data extracted from surveys conducted in
      2006 on a sample of women and parteras or traditional birth attendants, as well
      as a qualitative approach based on interviews with key informants. Results
      indicate that although the operation of the maternity waiting homes is usually
      satisfactory, there is still room for improvement along the following lines: (i)
      disseminating information about the homes to both women and men, as the latter
      frequently decide the course of women's healthcare, and to parteras, who can play
      an important role in referring women; (ii) strengthening the postpartum care;
      (iii) ensuring financial sustainability by obtaining regular financial support
      from the government to complement contributions from the community; and (iv)
      strengthening the local management and involvement of the regional government.
      These measures might be useful for health policy makers in Nicaragua and in other
      developing countries that are considering this strategy.

PMID- 22052421
TI  - Perioperative outcomes of surgical procedures for symptomatic fundoplication
      failure: a retrospective case-control study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anatomic failure with recurrent gastroesophageal reflux disease
      (GERD) or related symptoms following fundoplication is a well-described
      occurrence. Occasionally, reoperative surgery is required. The morbidity of
      revisional surgery can be quite high, and the clinical outcomes may not be as
      good as is observed following primary antireflux operations. METHODS: Data were
      obtained from a prospectively maintained foregut surgery database and via follow
      up survey. Patients who underwent surgery for symptomatic failed fundoplication
      were included. A control group consisting of the same number of patients who
      underwent a first-time fundoplication for GERD was randomly selected from the
      same database. Anatomic failure of the original fundoplication was confirmed in
      all cases with upper endoscopy and an upper-GI series. Perioperative outcomes
      were compared between study groups. Visick scores were attained via phone follow
      up along with satisfaction scores related to the outcome. RESULTS: From January
      2003 to January 2010, 38 patients underwent revisional operations for failed
      fundoplication at our institution. The majority of patients (74%) had one
      previous failed attempt at fundoplication (range = 1-3). The most common
      mechanism of failure was hiatal hernia with recurrent GERD (79%). Reoperative
      patients were similar to their controls (age, sex, and body mass index).
      Reoperative surgery took longer, patients remained in the hospital longer, and
      these patients experienced more complications. Despite this fact, satisfaction
      with the outcomes of surgery was high in each group. The majority of patients in
      each study group reported Visick scores of grade 1 (no symptoms, resolved) or
      grade 2 (mild occasional symptoms, easily controlled) after surgery. CONCLUSION:
      Compared to primary antireflux surgery, revisional operations are associated with
      longer mean operating times, increased length of hospital stay, and increased
      morbidity. Despite this fact, the majority of patients are satisfied with the
      outcomes of revisional surgery for failed fundoplication, and symptomatic
      outcomes are good.

PMID- 22052422
TI  - Endoscopic thyroidectomy via bilateral axillo-breast approach (BABA): review of
      512 cases in a single institute.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Various techniques for endoscopic thyroidectomy have been introduced
      in the past decade, and the cosmetic superiority of these techniques has been
      universally acknowledged. We developed the endoscopic thyroidectomy via bilateral
      axillo-breast approach (BABA) and have performed more than 500 operations. The
      aims of this study are to analyze the surgical outcomes and to evaluate the
      effectiveness and safety of BABA endoscopic thyroidectomy. PATIENTS AND METHODS:
      Between February 2004 and March 2008, 512 patients with thyroid diseases
      underwent BABA endoscopic thyroidectomy. The criteria analyzed were
      clinicopathologic characteristics, types of operation, operation time, tumor-node
      metastasis (TNM) stage on the basis of the 7th edition of the American Joint
      Committee on Cancer (AJCC), results after radioactive ablation therapy, and
      recurrence of disease in these patients. RESULTS: Of 512 patients, 397 had a
      malignant tumor and 115 had benign thyroid disease. Eight patients were diagnosed
      with Graves' disease, and nine patients underwent completion thyroidectomy. Three
      cases were subjected to open thyroidectomy due to uncontrolled bleeding. Mean
      operation time was 151.2 +/- 38.1 min for total and near-total thyroidectomy, and
      141.7 +/- 50.1 min for subtotal thyroidectomy and lobectomy. Regarding
      postoperative complications, transient hypocalcemia occurred in 31.1% of patients
      and permanent hypoparathyroidism occurred in 4.2% of patients. Transient
      hoarseness occurred in 20.3% of patients, and permanent vocal cord palsy occurred
      in 1.7%. Mean hospital stay after operation was 3.34 +/- 0.8 days (range 3-7
      days), and mean follow-up period was 57.1 +/- 17.6 months (range 38.5-71.7
      months). There were eight cases of recurrent thyroid carcinoma, and no mortality
      has occurred up to the present time. CONCLUSIONS: Endoscopic thyroidectomy via
      bilateral axillo-breast approach is a safe and effective method that gives good
      surgical completeness, a low rate of postoperative complications and recurrence,
      and an excellent cosmetic result. Therefore, this method is a good choice for
      patients with surgical thyroid diseases.

PMID- 22052423
TI  - James F. Lind Sr. MD, CM, FACS, FRCC: a tribute to a surgical gastroenterologist
      and educator.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This manuscript is a tribute to James Forest Lind Sr., who died on
      October 22, 2010. He was a founding past president of the Society of American
      Gastrointestinal Surgeons and devoted his life to surgical gastroenterology and
      academic surgery. METHODS: This manuscript was prepared by reviewing his life
      with input from family, friends, and colleagues. It represents a compilation of a
      50-year career in medicine with enormous contributions to gastrointestinal
      surgery and education. RESULTS: Jim Lind Sr. was born in Fillmore, Saskatchewan,
      Canada on November 22, 1925. He spent his formative years in Keewatin, Ontario,
      Canada. After graduating from high school, he served in the Royal Canadian Air
      Force and then received his MD degree from Queens University. He went on to
      surgical internship at Hamilton General Hospital, followed by a surgical
      residency at Queens University. Following residency, he spent 2 years in England
      as a senior registrar and then completed a fellowship in gastrointestinal
      physiology at the Mayo Clinic. Jim Lind took his first academic appointment when
      he joined the faculty at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg, Manitoba. During
      his distinguished career in academic surgery, Jim Lind served as the chairman of
      surgery at three intuitions: the University of Manitoba, McMaster University, and
      Eastern Virginia Medical School. CONCLUSIONS: James F. Lind Sr.'s legacy as a
      human being will be that he always pursued excellence in everything he did. He
      lived and breathed academic surgery and was passionate about surgical education.
      He will be missed by family, friends, and colleagues.

PMID- 22052424
TI  - New methods for innovation: the development of a toolbox for natural orifice
      translumenal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) procedures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Devices used for flexible intralumenal procedures are inadequate when
      used for intraperitoneal surgical procedures such as cholecystectomy. OBJECTIVE:
      To assess/address limitations of flexible endoscopic devices in intraperitoneal
      surgery. DESIGN: To describe processes used to invent new devices to facilitate
      this new surgical genre. SETTING: Engineering laboratory. PATIENTS: None.
      INTERVENTIONS AND INVENTIONS: Reviews of the limitations of flexible endoscopic
      instruments and instrumentation/invention needs for a "NOTES cholecystectomy"
      were completed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The appropriateness of existing methods of
      device innovation was evaluated against an inventory of new technologies
      necessary to perform NOTES. The deficiencies in traditional innovation methods
      led to the creation of a novel process for invention of new medical devices: the
      "Inventorama." METHODS: Cooperation between clinicians and industry to develop
      device concepts to enable NOTES. RESULTS: The devices included: (1) steerable
      flex trocar, (2) rotary access needle, (3) bipolar hemostasis forceps, (4)
      Maryland dissectors, (5) articulating hook knife, (6) rotating hook knife, (7)
      articulating graspers, (8) scissors, (9) ligating clip applier, and (10) tissue
      apposition system. Six of these ten were built and tested as initial crude
      prototypes in the Inventorama process; two underwent major modifications. Three
      were invented via alternate methods, including by independent clinicians.
      CONCLUSIONS: A new method for efficient medical device invention and development
      was created to address key technology needs for NOTES. The result was a "toolbox"
      of devices designed to address the key surgical activities necessary for advanced
      intralumenal and translumenal flexible endoscopic procedures.

PMID- 22052425
TI  - One-trocar-assisted nephrectomy (OTAN): initial experience and codification of a
      technique.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic nephrectomy in children has gradually become a
      reasonable alternative to open nephrectomy and, besides, a retroperitoneal
      approach seems more logical than transperitoneal approach to perform
      nephroureterectomy for benign disease, as in open surgery. To further reduce the
      access-related complications, we propose a retroperitoneal one trocar-assisted
      nephrectomy (OTAN). We report our experience with minimally invasive OTAN for the
      treatment of benign renal disease. METHODS: A total of 27 OTANs were performed at
      our institution between 2003 and 2009. The median patient age was 7.6 (range, 2
      32 months). Indications for unilateral nephrectomy were multicystic dysplastic
      kidney (MCDK) in 23 cases (85.2%), dysplastic kidney in 3 cases (11.1%), and
      reflux nephropathy in 1 case (3.7%). RESULTS: The median operative time from the
      initial incision to skin closure was 60 min. Perioperative transfusion was not
      required in any cases. No major perioperative complications developed. Conversion
      to open surgery was necessary in four cases (14.8%): in three cases for a small
      working space arising from a peritoneal perforation, and in one case for a
      difficult visualization of the parenchyma (renal fusion not detected by
      preoperative ultrasound evaluation). Most patients were allowed oral intake on
      postoperative day 1. The median hospital stay was 2 (range, 2-3) days; the
      cosmetic results were excellent. Convalescence was uneventful in all patients.
      CONCLUSIONS: Although the indications for a nephrectomy in case of benign disease
      remain limited, when a little child has small, poorly functioning kidneys that
      must be removed, a one trocar-assisted approach for nephrectomy is usefully a
      safe and effective treatment choice. The procedure can be easily performed
      through a small incision with minimal morbidity, comparable operative time, and
      excellent cosmesis without excessive postoperative pain issues, allowing early
      discharge home.

PMID- 22052426
TI  - Video. Transanal specimen retrieval using the transanal endoscopic microsurgery
      (TEM) system in minimally invasive colon resection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: During laparoscopic colectomy, the specimen is retrieved through
      substantial incisions, which increase postoperative pain, wound infections, and
      incisional hernias. In the era of natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery
      (NOTES), incisionless transrectal approaches for colon resections have been
      investigated with promising results [4-6]. Transanal retrieval of the colonic
      specimen in laparoscopic colectomy has been described but not widely adopted,
      although it seems to be an appealing step towards NOTES colectomy. We have used
      the TEM rectoscope (Richard Wolf Medical Instruments Corporation, Vernon Hills,
      IL, USA) as a retrieval conduit, which facilitates transanal extraction of the
      specimen, and protects the rectal edge and anal sphincter during laparoscopic
      left colectomy. TECHNIQUE: After standard laparoscopic dissection and vascular
      control, the colon is divided distally, whereas the proximal colonic end is
      ligated to prevent fecal spillage. The TEM rectoscope is advanced through the
      rectal stump. The proximal colon is grasped and withdrawn through the rectoscope.
      The colon is stapled off proximally, and the specimen is removed transanally. An
      anvil is introduced into the pelvis through the rectoscope and inserted in the
      descending colon through a colotomy, which is subsequently sealed with an endo
      loop. The rectoscope is withdrawn, and the rectal stump edge is stapled off. A
      circular stapler is introduced in the rectum, and end-to-end anastomosis is
      performed. DISCUSSION: The extraction incisions in laparoscopic colectomy
      increase invasiveness and compromise the "purity" of the laparoscopic approach.
      Retrieval of the specimen through natural orifices constitutes a stepping stone
      in the transition to future incisionless NOTES colectomy. These techniques have
      not been widely adopted because of technical difficulties and concerns regarding
      trauma. In our experience, transanal retrieval of the colonic specimen is
      hampered by friction between the specimen and the rectum, which requires
      countertraction to the edges of the open rectal stump. These manipulations are
      time consuming and increase the risk of injury, even when retrieval bags are
      used. The TEM rectoscope allows gentle dilation of the anus, provides stability
      during extraction, and protects the edges of the rectum, therefore decreasing the
      risk of rectal or anal canal injuries. It maintains pneumoperitoneum and eases
      retrieval of the specimen through the large-caliber metal conduit. Alternative
      options in the form of a rigid conduit would be the use of the transanal
      endoscopic operation device (Karl Storz, Tuttlingen, Germany), the plastic
      McCartney tube (Tyco Healthcare, Norwalk, CT, USA) used for transvaginal
      operations, or an anecdotally reported, "homemade" rectoscope from a customized
      polyvinyl chloride tube. Potential limitations of this technique include the
      increased cost of acquiring and using the TEM rectoscope, although this should
      not be significant if this reusable system is already available for transanal
      procedures. The 4 cm diameter of the TEM rectoscope can also be a limiting factor
      in the case of large, bulky, incompressible specimens or large colonic tumors. We
      have also avoided using this technique in patients with preexisting anal
      sphincter dysfunction and fecal incontinence, as well as in the presence of
      severe perianal disease (i.e., fistulae or fissures). Naturally, the open lumen
      in the peritoneal cavity raises concerns regarding bacterial contamination and
      potential tumor cell seeding in cases of cancer. Preliminary evidence on these
      issues comes from TEM and NOTES research without obvious signs of increased risk
      currently. We do not perform preoperative bowel preparation for our colectomies,
      but we do perform rectal enema with Betadine solution at the beginning of the
      procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Use of the TEM system facilitates transanal removal of
      the specimen and protects the anorectum during laparoscopic colectomy.

PMID- 22052427
TI  - Quantifying mental workloads of surgeons performing natural orifice transluminal
      endoscopic surgery (NOTES) procedures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: During natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES),
      surgeons often have difficulties orienting the surgical view and manipulating
      instruments accurately, which increases their level of mental and physical
      fatigue. This study quantified mental workload by measuring the spared mental
      resources of surgeons performing NOTES training tasks. METHODS: Assessment of
      mental workload was conducted in both a benchtop and a hybrid animal model. Using
      the benchtop model, surgeons were required to pass a ring as many times as
      possible in 6 min. Using the hybrid model, surgeons were required to dissect the
      gallbladder. While performing those primary tasks, the surgeon was required to
      identify true visual signals among many false signals displayed on an adjacent
      monitor. They were asked to repeat the trials using laparoscopy. The surgeons'
      performance on the primary and secondary tasks using the NOTES and laparoscopic
      approaches were recorded and compared. RESULTS: The nine surgeons who completed
      the trials in the benchtop model successfully transferred 13 +/- 4 rings between
      targets using laparoscopy compared with a mean of 1.2 +/- 1.0 rings transferred
      using NOTES (P < 0.001). The surgeons detected visual signals at a 74% rate using
      laparoscopy, which was significantly higher than the 54% detection rate with the
      NOTES procedure (P = 0.005). Using the hybrid model, 10 surgeons achieved a 55%
      accuracy rate performing the laparoscopic task. This was found to be
      significantly higher (P = 0.006) than when the task was performed using the NOTES
      platform (39%). CONCLUSION: The results showed that performance of a task using
      the NOTES platform increases surgeons' mental workload. Because difficulty
      performing NOTES is associated with flexible endoscopy, the authors expect that
      new operating systems providing stable platforms will help to decrease the mental
      workload of surgeons and enhance eye-hand coordination in performing NOTES.

PMID- 22052428
TI  - The impact of stigma of mental illness in a Canadian community: a survey of
      patients experiences.
AB  - We examined stigma experiences and its impact among patients (n = 41)
      hospitalized for mental illness. We studied their characteristics contributing to
      the expectation, intensity, and frequency of stigma they could experience.
      Opinions were compared on the Experiences with the Stigma of Mental Illness scale
      measuring stigma experiences and impact. There were differences on perceived
      stigma in: being 19 years or younger at first symptom or treatment, having had
      one previous psychiatric hospitalizations and having attended one or more
      outpatient sessions. Those having attended outpatient sessions, being previously
      hospitalized or younger suffered more impact.

PMID- 22052429
TI  - Transformational leadership moderates the relationship between emotional
      exhaustion and turnover intention among community mental health providers.
AB  - Public sector mental health care providers are at high risk for burnout and
      emotional exhaustion which negatively affect job performance and client
      satisfaction with services. Few studies have examined ways to reduce these
      associations, but transformational leadership may have a positive effect. We
      examine the relationships between transformational leadership, emotional
      exhaustion, and turnover intention in a sample of 388 community mental health
      providers. Emotional exhaustion was positively related to turnover intention, and
      transformational leadership was negatively related to both emotional exhaustion
      and turnover intention. Transformational leadership moderated the relationship
      between emotional exhaustion and turnover intention, indicating that having a
      transformational leader may buffer the effects of providers' emotional exhaustion
      on turnover intention. Investing in transformational leadership development for
      supervisors could reduce emotional exhaustion and turnover among public sector
      mental health providers. 

PMID- 22052430
TI  - The impact of Tourette Syndrome in adults: results from the Tourette Syndrome
      impact survey.
AB  - Chronic tic disorders (CTD) are characterized by motor and/or vocal tics.
      Existing data on the impact of tics in adulthood is limited by small, treatment
      seeking samples or by data aggregated across adults and children. The current
      study explored the functional impact of tics in adults using a nationwide sample
      of 672 participants with a self-reported CTD. The impact of tics on physical,
      social, occupational/academic, and psychological functioning was assessed.
      Results suggested mild to moderate functional impairment and positive
      correlations between impairment and tic severity. Notable portions of the sample
      reported social or public avoidance and experiences of discrimination resulting
      from tics. Compared to previously reported population norms, participants had
      more psychological difficulties, greater disability, and lower quality of life.
      The current study suggests that CTDs can adversely impact functioning in adults
      and highlights the need for clinical interventions and systemic efforts to
      address tic-related impairments.

PMID- 22052431
TI  - Nuclear medicine, scientific publishing and the era of cost containment.

PMID- 22052432
TI  - Report on stage III Pig-a mutation assays using benzo[a]pyrene.
AB  - Genotoxicity assays were conducted on rats treated with benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) as
      part of Stage III of a validation study on the Pig-a gene mutation assay. Assays
      were performed at the U.S. FDA-NCTR and Bayer-Germany. Starting on Day 1, groups
      of five 6- to 7-week-old male Fischer 344 (F344, used at FDA-NCTR) and Han Wistar
      rats (Bayer) were given 28 daily doses of 0, 37.5, 75, or 150 mg/kg BaP; blood
      was sampled on Days -1, 4, 15, 29, and 56. Pig-a mutant frequencies were
      determined on Days -1, 15, 29, and 56 in total red blood cells (RBCs) and
      reticulocytes (RETs) as RBC(CD59-) and RET(CD59-) frequencies; percent
      micronucleated-RETs (%MN-RET) were measured on Days 4 and 29. RBC(CD59-) and
      RET(CD59-) frequencies increased in a dose- and time-dependent manner, producing
      significant increases by Day 29 in both rat models. The responses for RETs were
      stronger than those for RBCs, and the responses in F344 rats were stronger than
      in Han Wistar rats. BaP also produced significant increases in %MN-RET frequency
      at Days 4 and 29, with the responses being greater in F344 than Han Wistar rats.
      The overall findings were consistent with those of the reference laboratory using
      Han Wistar rats. Finally, mutation assays performed on splenocytes from Day 56
      F344 rats indicated that BaP mutant frequencies were three to fivefold higher for
      the Hprt gene than the Pig-a gene. The results indicate that the Pig-a RET and
      RBC assays are reproducible, transferable, and show promise for integrating gene
      mutation into 28-day repeat-dose studies.

PMID- 22052433
TI  - Interlaboratory Pig-a gene mutation assay trial: Studies of 1,3-propane sultone
      with immunomagnetic enrichment of mutant erythrocytes.
AB  - An international collaborative trial was established to systematically
      investigate the merits and limitations of a rat in vivo Pig-a gene mutation
      assay. The product of this gene is essential for anchoring CD59 to the plasma
      membrane, and mutations in this gene are identified by flow cytometric
      quantification of circulating erythrocytes without cell surface CD59 expression.
      Initial interlaboratory data from rats treated with several potent mutagens have
      been informative, but the time required for those flow cytometric analyses (~20
      min per sample) limited the number of cells that could be interrogated for the
      mutant phenotype. Thus, it was desirable to establish a new higher throughput
      scoring approach before expanding the trial to include weak mutagens or
      nongenotoxicants. An immunomagnetic column separation method that dramatically
      increases analysis rates was therefore developed (Dertinger et al. [2011]: Mutat
      Res 721:163-170). To evaluate this new method for use in the international
      collaborative trial, studies were conducted to determine the mutagenic response
      of male Sprague Dawley rats treated for 3 or 28 consecutive days with several
      doses of 1,3-propane sultone (1,3-PS). Pig-a mutant frequencies were measured
      over a period of several weeks and were supplemented with another indicator of
      genetic toxicity, peripheral blood micronucleated reticulocyte (MN-RET) counts.
      1,3-PS was found to increase Pig-a mutation and MN-RET frequencies in both 3- and
      28-day study designs. While the greatest induction of MN-RETs was observed in the
      3-day study, the highest Pig-a responses were found with 28-days of treatment.
      Pig-a measurements were acquired in approximately one-third the time required in
      the original method, while the number of erythrocyte and reticulocyte equivalents
      analyzed per sample were increased by factors of 100 and 10, respectively. The
      data strongly support the value of using the immunomagnetic separation technique
      for enumerating Pig-a mutation frequencies. These results also demonstrate that
      the ongoing international trial will benefit from the inclusion of studies that
      are based on both acute and protracted repeat dosing schedules in conjunction
      with the acquisition of longitudinal data, at least until more data have been
      accumulated.

PMID- 22052434
TI  - Likelihood-based concordance tests for analysis of ascertained twin pair
      multinomial data.
AB  - The classic twin model design has a wide application in human genetics. Under the
      assumption that nongenetic effects are shared to the same degree by monozygotic
      (MZ) and dizygotic (DZ) twin pairs, a test of the equality of casewise
      concordances between MZ and DZ twins provides a clue to the influence of genetic
      and environmental factors on a disease. The casewise concordance is the
      conditional probability that given that one member of a twin pair is affected,
      the other is also affected. When disease prevalence is low or cost-effectiveness
      is considered, collection of twin pairs by ascertainment for performing casewise
      concordance analysis is required. In this article, by defining an overall
      casewise concordance parameter, several likelihood-based tests, such as
      likelihood ratio test LR, score test Score, the usual Wald test Wald and an
      alternative Wald test WaldA are investigated for a test of the equality of
      concordances between ascertained MZ and DZ twin pairs under multinomial models.
      Simulation studies were conducted for data with small sample sizes. The results
      show that the type I error rates and power of LR and Score are stable only when
      the overall casewise concordances are not extremely small or large. The Wald has
      higher power performance in most cases but would slightly inflate type I error
      rates; the WaldA is the most robust and recommended approach.

PMID- 22052435
TI  - Spectroscopic, morphological, and mechanistic investigation of the solvent
      promoted aggregation of porphyrins modified in meso-positions by glucosylated
      steroids.
AB  - Solvent-driven aggregation of a series of porphyrin derivatives was studied by
      UV/Vis and circular dichroism spectroscopy. The porphyrins are characterised by
      the presence in the meso positions of steroidal moieties further conjugated with
      glucosyl groups. The presence of these groups makes the investigated macrocycles
      amphiphilic and soluble in aqueous solvent, namely, dimethyl acetamide/water.
      Aggregation of the macrocycles is triggered by a change in bulk solvent
      composition leading to formation of large architectures that express
      supramolecular chirality, steered by the presence of the stereogenic centres on
      the periphery of the macrocycles. The aggregation behaviour and chiroptical
      features of the aggregates are strongly dependent on the number of moieties
      decorating the periphery of the porphyrin framework. In particular, experimental
      evidence indicates that the structure of the steroid linker dictates the overall
      chirality of the supramolecular architectures. Moreover, the porphyrin
      concentration strongly affects the aggregation mechanism and the CD intensities
      of the spectra. Notably, AFM investigations reveal strong differences in
      aggregate morphology that are dependent on the nature of the appended functional
      groups, and closely in line with the changes in aggregation mechanism. The
      suprastructures formed at lower concentration show a network of long fibrous
      structures spanning over tens of micrometres, whereas the aggregates formed at
      higher concentration have smaller rod-shaped structures that can be recognised as
      the result of coalescence of smaller globular structures. The fully steroid
      substituted derivative forms globular structures over the whole concentration
      range explored. Finally, a rationale for the aggregation phenomena was given by
      semiempirical calculations at the PM6 level.

PMID- 22052436
TI  - Lessons learnt from the recent tsunami in Japan: necessity of epidemiological
      evidence to strengthen community-based preparation and emergency response plans.

PMID- 22052437
TI  - Bioresolution of benzyl glycidyl ether using whole cells of Bacillus
      alcalophilus.
AB  - The incubation of whole Bacillus alcalophilus cells grown on a mineral
      supplemented medium (MSM) containing 1% (w/v) sucrose as carbon source, 1.2%
      (w/v) tryptone as nitrogen source at pH 6.5 and temperature 30  degrees C in 24 h
      kinetically resolved benzyl glycidyl ether (1 mg/ml) to provide (S)-benzyl
      glycidyl ether with 30% ee and (R)-3-benzyloxypropane-1,2-diol with 40% ee.

PMID- 22052438
TI  - Cryptotanshinone down-regulates androgen receptor signaling by modulating lysine
      specific demethylase 1 function.
AB  - Development and progression of prostate cancer are intimately associated with
      androgen receptor (AR) signaling. The emergence of hormone-refractory prostate
      cancer and consequent failure of conventional androgen deprivation therapies make
      it necessary to bypass hormonal resistance by targeting the same signaling
      pathway at new intervention points. In our study, we showed that cryptotanshinone
      inhibited the growth of AR-positive prostate cancer cells, suggesting that
      cryptotanshinone affected AR function. Cryptotanshinone also profoundly inhibited
      the transcriptional activity of AR and suppressed the expression of several AR
      target genes at the mRNA and the protein levels. At the molecular level,
      cryptotanshinone disrupted the interaction between AR and lysine-specific
      demethylase 1 (LSD1), and inhibited the complex of AR and LSD1 to the promoter of
      AR target genes without affecting the protein degradation and translocation of
      AR. Cryptotanshinone increased the mono-methyl and di-methylation of Histone H3
      lysine 9 (H3K9), a repressive histone marker which is demethylated and activated
      by LSD1. These data suggest that cryptotanshinone functions via inhibition of
      LSD1, a protein that promotes AR-dependent transcriptional activity via
      derepression of H3K9. In summary, we describe a novel mechanism whereby
      cryptotanshinone down-regulates AR signaling via functional inhibition of LSD1
      mediated demethylation of H3K9 and represses the transcriptional activity of AR.
      Our data suggest that cryptotanshinone can be developed as a potential
      therapeutic agent for prostate cancer.

PMID- 22052439
TI  - Remote discovery of an asymptomatic bowel perforation by a mid-urethral sling.
AB  - Bowel perforation is a rare complication of mid-urethral sling procedures and is
      usually reported shortly after the surgery. We report a remotely discovered
      asymptomatic bowel injury found at the time of subsequent surgery. The patient
      with a history of several prior pelvic surgeries underwent an uneventful
      retropubic mid-urethral sling placement. Five years later, during an abdominal
      sacrocolpopexy procedure, mesh from the mid-urethral sling was found perforating
      the wall of the cecum and fixating it to the right pelvic sidewall. Cecal wedge
      resection was performed to excise the sling mesh. Asymptomatic bowel perforation
      by mid-urethral sling mesh has not been previously reported. Pelvic and abdominal
      surgeons should be aware of the possibility of finding this injury in patients
      with prior sling surgeries.

PMID- 22052440
TI  - Nocturia * disturbed sleep: a review.
AB  - In this article, we provide a concise review of the literature on nocturia and
      its interference with sleep and, consequently, on quality of life. There are few
      studies addressing the possible influences of nocturia on sleep disruption.
      Nocturia is a potential contributor to sleep disorders because affected
      individuals experience nonrestorative sleep due to frequent interruptions. We
      also attempted to determine whether individuals with nocturia wake to urinate or,
      alternately, urinate because they are awake. This review attempts to outline this
      specific association by examining the possible interactions with other medical
      conditions and the pathophysiology and prevalence. Most studies have observed a
      higher prevalence among women; however, the impact on quality of life is higher
      in men. Nocturia is not necessarily associated with natural aging. The
      exploration of these topics provides information to clarify the implications of
      nocturia on sleep, sleep disruption, and other related consequences. Additional
      evidence is still required to address the question of whether nocturia leads to
      disordered sleep or whether disordered sleep leads to nocturia.

PMID- 22052441
TI  - Validation of Persian version of the Prolapse Quality-of-Life questionnaire (P
      QOL).
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the validity
      and reliability of a Persian translation of the Prolapse Quality-of-Life (P-QOL)
      questionnaire in women with pelvic organ prolapse (POP). METHODS: One hundred and
      twenty-four women with POP symptoms and 125 asymptomatic women were studied. The
      asymptomatic group was used for discriminant validity. RESULTS: Seventy-two
      percent (89/124) of the symptomatic women had stage >= 2 POP while 86% (108/125)
      of the asymptomatic women had a stage <2 POP. All domains of the Persian P-QOL
      have a Cronbach's alpha coefficient greater than 0.7 (0.78-0.97) and were
      significantly different between symptomatic and asymptomatic women indicating a
      good discriminant validity (<0.01). The test-retest reliability confirmed a
      highly significant correlation. All items of P-QOL questionnaire correlated
      significantly with the objective vaginal examination findings (construct
      validity) except for personal relationship and emotions. CONCLUSION: The Persian
      version of the P-QOL is a valid and reliable tool to assess QOL of women with
      POP.

PMID- 22052442
TI  - Organocatalytic enantioselective amination of Morita-Baylis-Hillman carbonates
      with masked ammonia: a facile method for the synthesis of unprotected alpha
      methylene-beta-amino esters.

PMID- 22052443
TI  - Modified type III cordectomy to improve voice outcomes after transoral laser
      microsurgery for early glottic canser.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We proposed a modified type III cordectomy for the treatment of early
      glottic cancer that removed the upper part of the vocalis muscle to improve
      glottic closure and voice outcomes. METHODS: Twenty-two patients with early
      glottic cancer underwent type III cordectomy, including 9 classical (proposed by
      European Laryngological Society) and 13 modified resections. Multidimensional
      voice evaluations were performed. RESULTS: Voice parameters including GRBAS
      (overall grade [G], roughness of the voice [R], breathiness [B], asthenicity [A],
      and strain [S]), jitter, shimmer, noise-to-harmonic ratio, maximum phonation
      time, voice handicap index-functional, physical, and total scores were better in
      modified resection. Eleven patients (85%) had complete glottic closure in
      modified resection and 3 (33%) in classical resection (p = .026). Only 2 patients
      had tumor recurrence, 1 (8%) in the modified resection and 1 (11%) in the
      classical resection group (p = 1.000). CONCLUSIONS: Modified type III cordectomy
      proved to be an oncologically safe method. The voice outcomes were better than
      those in patients who underwent classical type III cordectomy.

PMID- 22052444
TI  - Application of biomarkers to clinical trials in systemic sclerosis.
AB  - Important clinical advances in the treatment of systemic sclerosis have been
      made, yet fibrotic disease remains largely untreatable. Optimal design of
      clinical trials to test new therapeutics for fibrotic disease features has
      suffered from dual difficulties in patient selection and patient evaluation.
      Patient selection for entry into trials for treatment of interstitial lung
      disease and/or skin fibrosis is challenged by the natural history of the disease,
      which stabilizes in some patients while relentlessly progressing in others, and
      our lack of good clinical markers to distinguish between these trajectories.
      Patient evaluation is made difficult, particularly in skin disease, by the
      inherent difficulty in quantifying the extent of disease. Biomarkers hold the
      potential to solve many of these problems as surrogate outcome measures and as
      markers for disease progression. Identified biomarkers may have the potential to
      graduate to surrogate outcome singly or, more likely, in combination. Predictive
      biomarkers are still largely unknown.

PMID- 22052445
TI  - Successes and failures in producing attentional object-based cueing effects.
AB  - Over 30 years of research using Posner's spatial cueing paradigm has shown that
      selective attention operates on representations of spatial locations, leading to
      space-based theories of attention. Manipulations of stimuli and methods have
      shown this paradigm to be sensitive to several types of object-based
      representations-providing evidence for theories incorporating object-based
      attentional selection. This paper critically evaluates the evidence demanding
      object-based explanations that go beyond positing spatial representations alone,
      with an emphasis on identifying and interpreting successes and failures in
      obtaining object-based cueing effects. This overview of current evidence is used
      to generate hypotheses regarding critical factors in the emergence and influence
      of object representations-their generation, strength, and maintenance-in the
      modulation of object-based facilitatory and inhibitory cueing effects.

PMID- 22052446
TI  - Prevalence and distribution of adenomas in black Americans undergoing colorectal
      cancer screening.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The American College of Gastroenterology recommends colorectal cancer
      (CRC) screening for average-risk black Americans ages 45-49. This is based on
      this group's younger age for the development of adenomas and CRC. Our purpose was
      to determine the yield of CRC screening in average-risk black Americans including
      those <age 50. We also aimed to identify whether there was a higher prevalence of
      proximal adenomas in black Americans. STUDY: This was a cross-sectional,
      retrospective study. All colonoscopy examinations from 2007 through 2010 were
      reviewed. Complete examinations with a good/excellent preparation in average-risk
      black patients 45-49 were selected. We excluded patients with signs, symptoms, or
      family history of CRC. Defined two control groups: average-risk black and white
      patients ages 50-59 who completed a colonoscopy during the same period. Patient's
      height, weight, and use of statin medications and aspirin were recorded. Patients
      currently using tobacco at least weekly were identified. RESULTS: There were
      1,230 patients with an adenoma for a prevalence of 40.7%. We included 304 black
      Americans 45-49 years, 669 black Americans 50-59 years, and 257 whites 50-59
      years. There was no association between race/age group and the presence of at
      least one adenoma, proximal adenomas, or advanced adenomas. In regression
      modeling, both male sex and active smoking were associated with all three
      outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Male sex and active smoking are risk factors for prevalent
      adenomas, proximal adenomas, and advanced adenomas. The prevalence of adenomas is
      similar in black Americans 45-49 compared to older black and white patients. We
      did not find that the recognized proximal distribution of CRC in black Americans
      parallels a similar distribution in adenomas in this group.

PMID- 22052447
TI  - Enhanced gastric ghrelin production and secretion in rats with gastric outlet
      obstruction.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Ghrelin has distinct effects on gastrointestinal motility
      through the vagus nerve and gastric excitatory neural plexus. The objectives of
      this study were to investigate the dynamics of ghrelin and expression of
      neuromuscular markers in a newly established surgically manipulated rat model of
      gastric outlet obstruction (GOO), akin to the pyloric stricture associated with
      duodenal ulcer, advanced gastric cancer, and other conditions, in the clinical
      setting. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The rats were divided into two groups, a control
      group (sham operation) and the GOO group (proximal duodenal stricture). The
      animals were sacrificed 2 weeks after the operation. Plasma and gastric ghrelin
      were measured by radioimmunoassay. mRNA expression in the stomach of neural
      choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), c-kit, and membrane-bound stem cell factor
      (SCF) were analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR. In addition, gastric mRNA expression
      of the aforementioned were also evaluated 60 min after intraperitoneal
      administration of a synthetic GHS-R1a antagonist ([D: -Lys3] GHRP-6 6.0 mg/kg).
      RESULTS: Mechanical GOO induced increases of fasting plasma ghrelin levels and
      hyperplasia of the gastric muscle layers, with enhanced expression of the gastric
      neuromuscular markers. Administration of [D: -Lys3] GHRP-6 normalized the
      enhanced expression of c-kit and SCF. CONCLUSION: GOO stimulates ghrelin dynamics
      and then enhances the mechanistic expression of gastric cellular communication
      network molecules between nerves and smooth muscle cells.

PMID- 22052448
TI  - Increased sedation requirements during endoscopy in patients with celiac disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Celiac disease (CD) is associated with increased rates of
      neuropsychiatric disease and irritable bowel syndrome, and patients may exhibit
      visceral hypersensitivity. AIM: The purpose of this study was to determine
      whether patients with CD have increased sedation requirements during endoscopic
      procedures. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, we identified CD
      patients undergoing either a colonoscopy or esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), but
      not a dual procedure. CD patients were matched with control patients according to
      age, gender and endoscopist. For sedation requirements we defined "high" as
      falling outside of the 75th percentile of the entire cohort. RESULTS: In the
      colonoscopy analysis we identified 113 CD patients and 278 controls. In the CD
      group, 29 individuals (26%) required high amounts of both opioids and midazolam,
      as compared to 46 (17%) controls (P = 0.05). Differences were similar when
      considering only opioids (P = 0.06) and midazolam (P = 0.06). In the EGD analysis
      we identified 314 CD patients and 314 controls who met the inclusion criteria.
      Among the CD patients, 70 (22%) required high amounts of both opioids and
      midazolam compared to 51 (16%) controls (P = 0.05). Differences were similar when
      considering only opioids (P = 0.06) and midazolam (P = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS:
      Patients with CD require higher doses of sedation during upper and lower
      endoscopy compared to age and gender-matched controls. Putative explanations,
      such as visceral hypersensitivity, chronic opioid/anxiolytic use, or underlying
      neuropsychiatric illness, should be evaluated prospectively.

PMID- 22052449
TI  - Severe intestinal ischemia as a presenting feature of metastatic ileal carcinoid
      tumor: role of MDCT with coronal reformation in the early diagnosis.
AB  - Intestinal ischemia is a rare but potentially fatal complication of mesenteric
      metastasis of intestinal carcinoid tumor and its mechanism isn't entirely clear.
      We present a case of intestinal ischemia secondary to metastatic ileal carcinoid
      tumor diagnosed by CT that showed a small mesenteric mass with an extensive
      desmoplastic reaction causing an intense involvement of the small bowel.
      Improvements in CT technology with the use of MDCT scanners and advanced
      reformatting capabilities play an important role in the early diagnosis and
      accurate recognition of this entity and its need for immediate treatment.

PMID- 22052450
TI  - CT and MR features of struma ovarii.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to investigate radiologic findings of
      struma ovarii, and to correlate both CT and MR findings. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      MR images of 26 cases were retrospectively reviewed. Post-contrast enhanced T1
      weighted images were available in 17 patients. CT images, including seven non
      contrast and eleven post-contrast studies, were available for review in 13 cases.
      RESULTS: All 26 tumors appeared as well-defined cystic tumors with solid
      components, which were multilobulated surfaces in 19 and smooth surfaces in
      seven. Twenty-four was multicystic, whereas two were unilocular. The solid
      components were recognized as thickened septi or walls in 23 and a mass in three
      tumors. On T2-weighted images, loculi of prominent low intensity were recognized
      in 16 tumors. On T1-weighted images, the punctuate foci of high intensity were
      recognized in 24 tumors in or adjacent to the solid components. Ascites was
      present in only one lesion. In six of seven cases with non-contrast CT images,
      high attenuation areas were recognized. In five of these six tumors, high
      attenuation areas corresponded to the areas of prominent low intensity and the
      solid components on T2-weighted images. In seven cases with CT, curvilinear
      calcifications were recognized in the solid components. CONCLUSION: Struma ovarii
      typically presents as a lobulated multicystic lesion with solid components. The
      tumors frequently include loculi of low intensity on T2-weighted images and
      punctuate foci of high intensity on T1-weighted images. On CT, high attenuation
      areas and calcifications in the solid components are common findings.

PMID- 22052452
TI  - Ronacaleret, a calcium-sensing receptor antagonist, increases trabecular but not
      cortical bone in postmenopausal women.
AB  - Intermittent injections of parathyroid hormone have osteoanabolic effects that
      increase bone mineral density (BMD). Ronacaleret is an orally administered
      calcium-sensing receptor antagonist that stimulates endogenous parathyroid
      hormone release from the parathyroid glands. Our objective was to compare the
      effects of ronacaleret and teriparatide on volumetric BMD (vBMD) measured by
      quantitative computed tomography (QCT). We conducted a randomized, placebo
      controlled, dose-ranging trial at 45 academic centers with 31 sites participating
      in the substudy. Patients included 569 postmenopausal women with low bone mineral
      density; vBMD was assessed at the spine and hip in a subset of 314 women.
      Patients were treated for up to 12 months with open-label teriparatide 20 ug
      subcutaneously once daily or randomly assigned in a double-blind manner to
      ronacaleret 100 mg, 200 mg, 300 mg, or 400 mg once daily, alendronate 70 mg once
      weekly, or matching placebos. Ronacaleret increased spine integral (0.49% to
      3.9%) and trabecular (1.8% to 13.3%) vBMD compared with baseline, although the
      increments were at least twofold lower than that attained with teriparatide
      (14.8% and 24.4%, respectively) but similar or superior to that attained with
      alendronate (5.0% and 4.9%, respectively). There were small non-dose-dependent
      decreases in integral vBMD of the proximal femur with ronacaleret (-0.1 to -0.8%)
      compared with increases in the teriparatide (3.9%) and alendronate (2.7%) arms.
      Parathyroid hormone (PTH) elevations with ronacaleret were prolonged relative to
      that seen historically with teriparatide. Ronacaleret preferentially increased
      vBMD of trabecular bone that is counterbalanced by small decreases in BMD at
      cortical sites. The relative preservation of trabecular bone and loss at cortical
      sites are consistent with the induction of mild hyperparathyroidism with
      ronacaleret therapy.

PMID- 22052453
TI  - Development of an assessment schedule for patients with low back-associated leg
      pain in primary care: a Delphi consensus study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The objectives of this study were to develop consensus on (i) the
      content of a clinical assessment for adults presenting to primary care with low
      back and leg pain, and (ii) the most important items for diagnosing spinal nerve
      root involvement. METHODS: Existing literature and expert knowledge was used to
      compile a list of items pertaining to clinical history questions and examination
      tests employed in the assessment of patients with low back pain with suspected
      spinal nerve involvement. A Delphi consensus method was employed to rate the
      importance of items for clinical assessment and for diagnosis in two web-based
      rounds. A multidisciplinary group of 42, including GPs, physiotherapists,
      osteopaths, rheumatologists, spinal orthopaedic surgeons and chiropractors took
      part. Items were included in the final assessment when over 70% of participants
      rated them as important. RESULTS: Thirty-four items were included in the clinical
      assessment, and 15 items for diagnosis. History items included pain distribution
      in the leg, pain quality and behaviour, altered sensation, functional limitations
      and yellow flags, previous history of similar symptoms and outcome of previous
      treatment/management. Examination items included typical neurological tests
      including neural tension and 'demonstration of movement that produces symptoms'.
      CONCLUSIONS: We have developed a clinical assessment schedule for patients with
      low back pain and leg pain presenting in primary care. History and clinical items
      considered important for their contribution in the diagnosis of nerve root
      involvement were also established.

PMID- 22052454
TI  - Comparison of conventional and highly-sensitive troponin I measurement in ultra
      marathon runners.
AB  - Cardiac troponins are a mainstay in the diagnostic approach of patients with
      suspected acute coronary syndrome. Along with other causes of cardiac injury,
      strenuous aerobic exercise is an important source of troponin leakage from
      myocardium. Due to recent immunoassays development, there is no information on
      variation of highly-sensitive (HS) troponin I (TnI) in ultra-marathon runners. We
      studied 15 healthy trained Caucasian athletes before and immediately after
      completion of a 60 km, ultra-marathon. TnI was measured with both the
      conventional AccuTnI and the novel HS-AccuTnI immunoassays. At the end of the
      ultra-marathon the concentration of HS-AccuTnI significantly increased from the
      baseline value (19.2 +/- 4.2 vs. 5.2 +/- 0.8 ng/l; P = 0.001). The number of
      athletes displaying HS-AccuTnI values exceeding the 99th percentile of the
      reference limit was 2 (13%) pre-exercise, increasing significantly to 12 (80%; P
      < 0.001) post-exercise. Measurable value of AccuTnI were found in 1 (7%) and 12
      (80%; P < 0.001) athletes pre- and post exercise, respectively. All AccuTnI
      values were below the 99th percentile reference limit pre-exercise, whereas this
      cut-off was overcome in 20% of athletes, post-exercise. These results suggest
      that the myocardium release of TnI during strenuous aerobic exercise mirrors that
      of troponin T. Moreover, the improved sensitivity of the HS-AccuTnI over the
      conventional assay makes it more suited for detecting even minor elevations of
      TnI in blood.

PMID- 22052456
TI  - The porosity, acidity, and reactivity of dealuminated zeolite ZSM-5 at the single
      particle level: the influence of the zeolite architecture.
AB  - A combination of atomic force microscopy (AFM), high-resolution scanning electron
      microscopy (HR-SEM), focused-ion-beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB-SEM), X
      ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), confocal fluorescence microscopy (CFM), and
      UV/Vis and synchrotron-based IR microspectroscopy was used to investigate the
      dealumination processes of zeolite ZSM-5 at the individual crystal level. It was
      shown that steaming has a significant impact on the porosity, acidity, and
      reactivity of the zeolite materials. The catalytic performance, tested by the
      styrene oligomerization and methanol-to-olefin reactions, led to the conclusion
      that mild steaming conditions resulted in greatly enhanced acidity and reactivity
      of dealuminated zeolite ZSM-5. Interestingly, only residual surface mesoporosity
      was generated in the mildly steamed ZSM-5 zeolite, leading to rapid crystal
      coloration and coking upon catalytic testing and indicating an enhanced
      deactivation of the zeolites. In contrast, harsh steaming conditions generated 5
      50 nm mesopores, extensively improving the accessibility of the zeolites.
      However, severe dealumination decreased the strength of the Bronsted acid sites,
      causing a depletion of the overall acidity, which resulted in a major drop in
      catalytic activity.

PMID- 22052455
TI  - Neuronal activity regulates glutamate transporter dynamics in developing
      astrocytes.
AB  - Glutamate transporters (GluTs) maintain a low ambient level of glutamate in the
      central nervous system (CNS) and shape the activation of glutamate receptors at
      synapses. Nevertheless, the mechanisms that regulate the trafficking and
      localization of transporters near sites of glutamate release are poorly
      understood. Here, we examined the subcellular distribution and dynamic remodeling
      of the predominant GluT GLT-1 (excitatory amino acid transporter 2, EAAT2) in
      developing hippocampal astrocytes. Immunolabeling revealed that endogenous GLT-1
      is concentrated into discrete clusters along branches of developing astrocytes
      that were apposed preferentially to synapsin-1 positive synapses. Green
      fluorescent protein (GFP)-GLT-1 fusion proteins expressed in astrocytes also
      formed distinct clusters that lined the edges of astrocyte processes, as well as
      the tips of filopodia and spine-like structures. Time-lapse three-dimensional
      confocal imaging in tissue slices revealed that GFP-GLT-1 clusters were
      dynamically remodeled on a timescale of minutes. Some transporter clusters moved
      within developing astrocyte branches as filopodia extended and retracted, while
      others maintained stable positions at the tips of spine-like structures. Blockade
      of neuronal activity with tetrodotoxin reduced both the density and perisynaptic
      localization of GLT-1 clusters. Conversely, enhancement of neuronal activity
      increased the size of GLT-1 clusters and their proximity to synapses. Together,
      these findings indicate that neuronal activity influences both the organization
      of GluTs in developing astrocyte membranes and their position relative to
      synapses.

PMID- 22052457
TI  - Comparison of inhibitory efficacy of short interfering RNAs targeting different
      genes on Measles virus replication.
AB  - RNA interference (RNAi)-based short interfering RNAs (siRNAs) targeting the viral
      genes and the host cellular genes have been used to suppress Measles virus (MV)
      replication in vitro. In order to select suitable target genes and highly
      effective target sites for developing effective RNAi-mediated anti-MV therapy, in
      this study, nine short hairpin RNA (shRNA) expression vectors, which expressed
      siRNAs targeting the host celluar Rab9 GTPase gene, the viral large protein (L)
      gene and nucleoprotein (N) gene, respectively, were constructed and used to
      compare their ability to inhibit MV replication in Vero-E6 cells. The results
      showed that nine siRNAs targeting different genes exhibited different inhibitory
      efficacy on MV replication in vitro (about 23-94%), which could last at least 168
      h post-infection. Of the nine siRNAs, R2, L1 and N2 more effectively decreased MV
      replication by over 90%. Furthermore, inhibitory efficacy on MV replication were
      increased and reached almost 100% when cells were transfected with pR2, pL1 and
      pN2 together. These results emphasis the importance of selecting suitable siRNA
      target sites for developing siRNAs-based drug therapy for MV, and demonstrate the
      potential of combination of siRNAs targeting different genes as a therapeutic
      approach to treat MV infection.

PMID- 22052458
TI  - Update on surgical management of renal cell carcinoma with venous extension.
AB  - Intravenous extension of renal cell carcinoma remains one of the most intense
      debate topics in urologic oncology. In the absence of effective alternative
      treatment, complete surgical removal of the primary tumor with its extension
      along the vena cava is the only hope for a potential cure. For this reason, an
      aggressive approach has been established as the mainstay of treatment. Recent
      advances in the understanding of the biology of intravascular tumor invasion and
      the considerable progress in the fields of diagnosis and treatment of this
      entity, with innovative surgical and systemic strategies, have completely
      redefined the management of these patients. A PubMed-MEDLINE search was conducted
      to identify relevant articles on the preoperative assessment and surgical
      management of renal cell carcinoma with intravenous tumor extension to provide
      updated knowledge on this always challenging topic.

PMID- 22052459
TI  - Local sparse bump hunting reveals molecular heterogeneity of colon tumors.
AB  - The question of molecular heterogeneity and of tumoral phenotype in cancer
      remains unresolved. To understand the underlying molecular basis of this
      phenomenon, we analyzed genome-wide expression data of colon cancer metastasis
      samples, as these tumors are the most advanced and hence would be anticipated to
      be the most likely heterogeneous group of tumors, potentially exhibiting the
      maximum amount of genetic heterogeneity. Casting a statistical net around such a
      complex problem proves difficult because of the high dimensionality and
      multicollinearity of the gene expression space, combined with the fact that genes
      act in concert with one another and that not all genes surveyed might be
      involved. We devise a strategy to identify distinct subgroups of samples and
      determine the genetic/molecular signature that defines them. This involves use of
      the local sparse bump hunting algorithm, which provides a much more optimal and
      biologically faithful transformed space within which to search for bumps. In
      addition, thanks to the variable selection feature of the algorithm, we derived a
      novel sparse gene expression signature, which appears to divide all colon cancer
      patients into two populations: a population whose expression pattern can be
      molecularly encompassed within the bump and an outlier population that cannot be.
      Although all patients within any given stage of the disease, including the
      metastatic group, appear clinically homogeneous, our procedure revealed two
      subgroups in each stage with distinct genetic/molecular profiles. We also discuss
      implications of such a finding in terms of early detection, diagnosis and
      prognosis.

PMID- 22052460
TI  - The white adipose tissue used in lipotransfer procedures is a rich reservoir of
      CD34+ progenitors able to promote cancer progression.
AB  - Previous studies have suggested a "catalytic role" in neoplastic angiogenesis and
      cancer progression for bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPC).
      However, preclinical and clinical studies have shown that the quantitative role
      of marrow-derived EPCs in cancer vascularization is extremely variable. We have
      found that human and murine white adipose tissue (WAT) is a very rich reservoir
      of CD45-CD34(+) EPCs with endothelial differentiation potential, containing a
      mean of 263 times more CD45-CD34(+) cells/mL than bone marrow. Compared with
      marrow-derived CD34(+) cells mobilized in blood by granulocyte colony-stimulating
      factor, purified WAT-CD34(+) cells expressed similar levels of stemness-related
      genes, significantly increased levels of angiogenesis-related genes, and
      increased levels of FAP-alpha, a crucial suppressor of antitumor immunity. In
      vitro, WAT-CD34(+) cells generated mature endothelial cells and capillary tubes
      as efficiently as mature mesenchymal cells. The coinjection of human WAT-CD34(+)
      cells from lipotransfer procedures contributed to tumor vascularization and
      significantly increased tumor growth and metastases in several orthotopic models
      of human breast cancer in immunodeficient mice. Endothelial cells derived from
      human WAT-CD34(+) cells lined the lumen of cancer vessels. These data indicate
      that CD34(+) WAT cells can promote cancer progression and metastases. Our results
      highlight the importance of gaining a better understanding of the role of
      different WAT-derived cells used in lipotransfer for breast reconstruction in
      patients with breast cancer.

PMID- 22052462
TI  - CXCR4 activation defines a new subgroup of Sonic hedgehog-driven medulloblastoma.
AB  - Medulloblastoma prognosis tends to be poor, despite aggressive therapy, but
      defining molecular subgroups may identify patients who could benefit from
      targeted therapies. This study used human gene array and associated clinical data
      to identify a new molecular subgroup of medulloblastoma characterized by
      coactivation of the Sonic hedgehog (SHH) and CXCR4 pathways. SHH-CXCR4 tumors
      were more common in the youngest patients where they were associated with
      desmoplastic histology. In contrast to tumors activating SHH but not CXCR4,
      coactivated tumors exhibited greater expression of Math1 and cyclin D1. Treatment
      with the CXCR4 antagonist AMD3100 inhibited cyclin D1 expression and maximal
      tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistic investigations revealed that SHH activation
      stimulated CXCR4 cell surface localization and effector signaling activity,
      whereas SHH absence caused CXCR4 to assume an intracellular localization. Taken
      together, our findings define a new medulloblastoma subgroup characterized by a
      functional interaction between the SHH and CXCR4 pathways, and they provide a
      rationale to clinically evaluate combined inhibition of SHH and CXCR4 for
      medulloblastoma treatment.

PMID- 22052463
TI  - Sorcin induces a drug-resistant phenotype in human colorectal cancer by
      modulating Ca(2+) homeostasis.
AB  - The Ca(2+)-binding protein sorcin regulates intracellular calcium homeostasis and
      plays a role in the induction of drug resistance in human cancers. Recently, an
      18 kDa mitochondrial isoform of sorcin was reported to participate in
      antiapoptosis in human colorectal cancer (CRC), but information remains lacking
      about the functional role of the more abundant 22 kDa isoform of sorcin expressed
      in CRC. We found the 22 kDa isoform to be widely expressed in human CRC cells,
      whether or not they were drug resistant. Its upregulation in drug-sensitive cells
      induced resistance to 5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan, whereas its
      downregulation sensitized CRC cells to these chemotherapeutic agents. Sorcin
      enhances the accumulation of Ca(2+) in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), preventing
      ER stress, and, in support of this function, we found that the 22 kDa isoform of
      sorcin was upregulated under conditions of ER stress. In contrast, RNAi-mediated
      silencing of sorcin activated caspase-3, caspase-12, and GRP78/BiP, triggering
      apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway. Our findings establish that CRC
      cells overexpress sorcin as an adaptive mechanism to prevent ER stress and escape
      apoptosis triggered by chemotherapeutic agents, prompting its further
      investigation as a novel molecular target to overcome MDR.

PMID- 22052461
TI  - 5-Hydroxymethylcytosine is strongly depleted in human cancers but its levels do
      not correlate with IDH1 mutations.
AB  - The base 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) was recently identified as an oxidation
      product of 5-methylcytosine in mammalian DNA. Here, using sensitive and
      quantitative methods to assess levels of 5-hydroxymethyl-2'-deoxycytidine (5hmdC)
      and 5-methyl-2'-deoxycytidine (5mdC) in genomic DNA, we investigated whether
      levels of 5hmC can distinguish normal tissue from tumor tissue. In squamous cell
      lung cancers, levels of 5hmdC were depleted substantially with up to 5-fold
      reduction compared with normal lung tissue. In brain tumors, 5hmdC showed an even
      more drastic reduction with levels up to more than 30-fold lower than in normal
      brain, but 5hmdC levels were independent of mutations in isocitrate dehydrogenase
      1. Furthermore, immunohistochemical analysis indicated that 5hmC is remarkably
      depleted in many types of human cancer. Importantly, an inverse relationship
      between 5hmC levels and cell proliferation was observed with lack of 5hmC in
      proliferating cells. The data therefore suggest that 5hmdC is strongly depleted
      in human malignant tumors, a finding that adds another layer of complexity to the
      aberrant epigenome found in cancer tissue. In addition, a lack of 5hmC may become
      a useful biomarker for cancer diagnosis.

PMID- 22052464
TI  - Finding a Panacea among combination cancer therapies.
AB  - Because each cancer is a heterogeneous mix of cancer cells at different stages of
      development, we are faced with trying to treat many different diseased cells all
      at once. An authentic approach is to build a genomic and proteomic profile of a
      patient, identify the target oncogenes, and prescribe the combination of targeted
      drugs tailored for that patient. However, there are many practical problems with
      this personalized medicine approach: (i) cancers often generate treatment
      resistant phenotypes, (ii) the treatment could be enormously expensive, and (iii)
      most of the targeted drugs have not been developed yet. We propose a different
      approach: therapies that combine 2-deoxyglucose (2DG) with Bcl-2 antagonist such
      as ABT-263/737 (ABT). Proapoptotic protein Bak is normally sequestered by Mcl-1
      and Bcl-xL. Only when Bak is released from both Mcl-1 and Bcl-xL can it induce
      apoptosis. 2DG can prime highly glycolytic cells by dissociating Bak-Mcl-1
      complex. Some brain cells and most cancer cells are primed by 2DG. ABT can bind
      to Bcl-xL, dissociating Bak-Bcl-xL complex, freeing Bak and inducing apoptosis.
      Because ABT cannot cross blood-brain barrier, the only cells exposed to both
      agents are highly glycolytic cancer cells located outside the brain. Because ABT
      directly triggers apoptosis at the step very near the terminal point of
      apoptosis, 2DG-ABT combination therapies are applicable to many types of cancer
      at all stages of development, with little side effect.

PMID- 22052465
TI  - Autocrine CSF-1 and CSF-1 receptor coexpression promotes renal cell carcinoma
      growth.
AB  - Renal cell carcinoma is increasing in incidence but the molecular mechanisms
      regulating its growth remain elusive. Coexpression of the monocytic growth factor
      colony-stimulating factor (CSF)-1 and its receptor CSF-1R on renal tubular
      epithelial cells (TEC) will promote proliferation and antiapoptosis during
      regeneration of renal tubules. Here, we show that a CSF-1-dependent autocrine
      pathway is also responsible for the growth of renal cell carcinoma (RCC). CSF-1
      and CSF-1R were coexpressed in RCCs and TECs proximally adjacent to RCCs. CSF-1
      engagement of CSF-1R promoted RCC survival and proliferation and reduced
      apoptosis, in support of the likelihood that CSF-1R effector signals mediate RCC
      growth. In vivo CSF-1R blockade using a CSF-1R tyrosine kinase inhibitor
      decreased RCC proliferation and macrophage infiltration in a manner associated
      with a dramatic reduction in tumor mass. Further mechanistic investigations
      linked CSF-1 and epidermal growth factor signaling in RCCs. Taken together, our
      results suggest that budding RCC stimulates the proximal adjacent
      microenvironment in the kidney to release mediators of CSF-1, CSF-1R, and
      epidermal growth factor expression in RCCs. Furthermore, our findings imply that
      targeting CSF-1/CSF-1R signaling may be therapeutically effective in RCCs.

PMID- 22052466
TI  - Plasma levels of complement 4a protein are increased in Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder that has
      been predicted to affect 106.2 million people worldwide by 2050. Currently,
      definitive diagnosis for this disease is given post mortem, and there is a need
      for biomarker identification to enable earlier diagnosis of this disease.
      Biomarkers of AD would ideally represent early disease process and will be
      present in peripheral tissue before cognitive decline develops in this
      population. Proteomic technologies offer a strategy to undertake such work. In
      recent times, research in this field has moved away from classical 2-dimensional
      gel-based proteomics toward more sensitive, non-gel-based proteomic
      methodologies. In the study presented here, isobaric labeling for relative and
      absolute quantification was used to assess plasma protein expression in a small
      group of AD and control samples. Several proteins were identified as being
      differentially expressed between these 2 populations. Complement 4a plasma
      protein was identified as increased in AD by isobaric labeling for relative and
      absolute quantification, and this finding was further validated by Western
      blotting and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. These data suggest that
      inflammatory processes, which have been shown to be involved in AD pathology in
      the brain, are also present in plasma.

PMID- 22052468
TI  - Histologic changes in transplanted expanded polytetrafluoroethylene in an animal
      model.
AB  - OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: Several materials have been used for nasal augmentation
      surgery. Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (e-PTFE) (Gore-Tex; W. L. Gore &
      Associates, Flagstaff, AZ) has proven to be an ideal synthetic material for nasal
      augmentation. Gore-Tex contains numerous pores that stabilize an implant, but
      this advantage has been tempered by unpredictable outcomes. The purpose of this
      study was to evaluate morphologic and histologic changes in nonreinforced Gore
      Tex in a rabbit model. STUDY DESIGN: In vivo study using a rabbit model. METHODS:
      To analyze histologic changes, we used 20 New Zealand white rabbits. Gore-Tex was
      implanted into the nasal dorsum of the rabbits. Then, en bloc specimens
      containing the implant and surrounding soft tissues were sampled 1, 3, 6, and 12
      months after implantation. We evaluated the three-dimensional size of the
      implants over time using light and electron microscopy to investigate histologic
      and morphologic changes. RESULTS: Following gross analysis, none of the implants
      were lost or extruded, and there was no evidence of wound infection. Diminution
      rates of thickness, width, and height in the implants were 22%, 2%, and 5%,
      respectively. Histologically, connective tissue growth was observed in all
      specimens, and the internodal space decreased owing to connective tissue ingrowth
      over time. Neovascularization was observed 3 months after implantation, and
      degenerative changes were also observed after 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Gore-Tex
      should be carefully trimmed for use in augmentation because of its potential to
      decrease in size over time. Additional studies are necessary before these results
      can be applied in clinical practice.

PMID- 22052467
TI  - Chemoprevention of familial adenomatous polyposis by bromo-noscapine (EM011) in
      the Apc(Min/+)  mouse model.
AB  - Germline mutation of the tumor suppressor gene, adenomatous polyposis coli (APC),
      is responsible for familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) with nearly 100% risk for
      colon cancer at an early age. Although FAP is involved in only 1% of all colon
      cancer cases, over 80% of sporadic cancers harbor somatic mutations of APC. We
      show here that bromo-noscapine (EM011), a rationally designed synthetic
      derivative of a natural nontoxic tubulin-binding alkaloid-noscapine, that reduces
      the dynamics of microtubules, causes a reversible G(2) /M arrest in wild type
      murine embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs), but an aberrant exit from a brief mitotic
      block, followed by apoptosis in MEFs after APC deletion with small interfering
      RNA. Furthermore, both beta-catenin levels and activity fell to half the original
      levels with a concomitant reduction of cell proliferation-inducing cyclin D1, c
      Myc, and induction of cytostatic protein p21 before caspase-3 activation.
      Additionally, we show a statistically significant reduction in the number of
      newly emerging intestinal polyps (to 35% compared with untreated mice) as well as
      the mean size of polyps (to 42% compared with untreated mice) in EM011-treated
      Apc(Min/+)  mice as compared to their sham-treated control littermates. The
      remaining polyps in the EM011 treated group of Apc(Min/+)  mice showed evidence
      of elevated apoptosis as revealed by immunohistochemistry. We failed to detect
      any evidence of histopathological and hematological toxicities following EM011
      treatment. Taken together, our data are persuasive that a clinical trial of EM011
      is possible for the prevention/amelioration of polyposis in FAP patients.

PMID- 22052469
TI  - Daily administration of eldecalcitol (ED-71), an active vitamin D analog,
      increases bone mineral density by suppressing RANKL expression in mouse
      trabecular bone.
AB  - Eldecalcitol (ED-71) is a new vitamin D3 derivative recently approved for the
      treatment of osteoporosis in Japan. Previous studies have shown that the daily
      administration of ED-71 increases bone mineral density (BMD) by suppressing bone
      resorption in various animal models. In this study, we examined how ED-71
      suppresses bone resorption in vivo, by analyzing bone histomorphometry and ex
      vivo osteoclastogenesis assays. Daily administration of ED-71 (50 ng/kg body
      weight) to 8-week-old male mice for 2 and 4 weeks increased BMD in the femoral
      metaphysis without causing hypercalcemia. Bone and serum analyses revealed that
      ED-71 inhibited bone resorption and formation, indicating that the increase in
      BMD is the result of the suppression of bone resorption. This suppression was
      associated with a decrease in the number of osteoclasts in trabecular bone. We
      previously identified cell cycle-arrested receptor activator of NF-kappaB (RANK)
      positive bone marrow cells as quiescent osteoclast precursors (QOPs) in vivo.
      Daily administration of ED-71 affected neither the number of RANK-positive cells
      in vivo nor the number of osteoclasts formed from QOPs in ex vivo cultures. In
      contrast, ED-71 suppressed the expression of RANK ligand (RANKL) mRNA in femurs.
      Immunohistochemical experiments also showed that the perimeter of the RANKL
      positive cell surface around the trabecular bone was significantly reduced in ED
      71-treated mice than in the control mice. ED-71 administration also increased BMD
      in 12-week-old ovariectomized mice, through the suppression of RANKL expression
      in the trabecular bone. These results suggest that the daily administration of ED
      71 increases BMD by suppressing RANKL expression in trabecular bone in vivo.

PMID- 22052470
TI  - Erythropoietin: a future therapy for failing hearts?
AB  - Recently, it has been suggested that erythropoietin may be useful in the
      treatment of cardiovascular disease, particularly heart failure. This may be by
      improving microvascular blood supply and ventricular function through prevention
      of apoptosis and angiogenesis. Promising results were seen in animals but the
      few, limited clinical trials have shown modest benefits. Additionally, concerns
      exist regarding potential serious adverse effects of erythropoietin. Our current
      understanding of the non-haematopoietic mechanisms of erythropoietin is presented
      here, with a review of trials to date, and a discussion of the questions that
      remain over the use of this drug in heart failure.

PMID- 22052472
TI  - Increased expression of CD44 in hypertrophied ligamentum flavum and relevance of
      splice variants CD44v5 and CD44v6.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The most common spinal disorder in the elderly is lumbar spinal
      stenosis (LSS), which results in part from ligamentum flavum (LF) hypertrophy.
      Although prior histologic and immunochemical studies have been performed in this
      area, the pathophysiology of loss of elasticity and hypertrophy is not completely
      understood. The purpose of this immunohistological study is to elucidate the role
      of CD44 and its splice variants CD44v5 and CD44v6 in the hypertrophied LF
      obtained from patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS). MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      LF samples of 38 patients with LSS were harvested during spinal decompression.
      Twelve LF samples obtained from patients with disc herniation and no visible
      degeneration on preoperative MRI were obtained as controls. Samples were
      dehydrated and embedded in paraffin. For immunohistochemical determination,
      slices were stained with antibodies against CD44, Cd44v4, and CD44v6 stained with
      DAB. LF hypertrophy and cross-sectional area (CSA) were measured with T1-weighted
      MRI. RESULTS: CD44 and CD44v5 expression were significantly increased in the
      hypertrophy group (p < 0.05). CD44v6 expression was not significantly increased.
      The number of elastic fibers was significantly higher in the hypertrophy group.
      In the hypertrophy group, LF thickness was significantly increased while CSA was
      significantly decreased. There was a statistical correlation between LF
      thickness, CSA, CD44, and CD44v5 expression in the hypertrophy group (p < 0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: LF hypertrophy is accompanied by increased CD44 and CD44v5
      expression. CD44v6 expression is not enhanced in LF hypertrophy.

PMID- 22052473
TI  - Neuroembolization may expose patients to radiation doses previously linked to
      tumor induction.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Epidemiological studies indicate a link between low-dose irradiation
      (<10,000 mGy) to the head and the local occurrence of tumors after decades of
      delay. Comparable radiation doses can be reached during neuro-endovascular
      procedures (NEP), but the incidence of similar exposures has not been completely
      delineated. We compared the levels of radiation to the head measured during NEP
      to those reported for patients developing radiation-induced cancers. METHODS: In
      our prospective study we determined the cumulative maximum entrance skin doses
      (MESD) and the incidence of epilation in 107 consecutive patients submitted to
      NEP between 2003 and 2007. We also extensively searched the literature and
      compared our results with the data we found. RESULTS: The cumulative MESD due to
      NEP was above 3,000 mGy (range 3,101-5,421 mGy) in 18 patients. In 22 we observed
      partial epilation within 10 weeks from the initial NEP. Sixty cases of epilation
      after NEP have been previously reported in the literature. The average of the
      reported MESD was 4,241 mGy (range 2,000-6,640 mGy). CONCLUSION: Physical
      dosimetry and the incidence of partial epilation indicate that about one fifth of
      the patients submitted to NEP received radiation doses comparable to those linked
      to the occurrence of tumors. The potential risks of developing tumors after a
      long delay, when compared to the immediate benefits of endovascular treatment of
      aneurysm and arteriovenous malformations (AVM) of the brain, do not
      counterindicate NEP, but increased awareness of the risk should help physicians
      and patients to make a fully informed decision when other treatments are
      available.

PMID- 22052471
TI  - Atrial fibrillation and heart failure in the elderly.
AB  - Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common clinical problem in elderly patients and
      especially in those with heart failure (HF). It is a major risk factor for
      serious cardiovascular events, such as stroke, HF and premature death. Both the
      prevalence and incidence of AF increase with age and its prevalence in the United
      States are estimated at more than 2.2 million, with nearly 75% of patients aged
      >65 years. Aging-related atrial remodeling with fibrosis, dilation and
      mitochondrial DNA mutations predispose elderly patients to AF. Current management
      options for AF, including rate control and anticoagulation therapy, can be
      successfully applied to the elderly population. New antiarrhythmic and
      anticoagulation medications such as dronedarone and dabigatran, respectively, can
      impact the approach to therapy in the elderly. Non-pharmacological options such
      as catheter-based ablation have also gained prominence and have been incorporated
      into the guidelines for management of AF. However, more trials in the elderly and
      very elderly segments are needed to clarify the safety and long-term efficacy of
      the new treatment options.

PMID- 22052474
TI  - Syringomyelia associated with arachnoid septum at the craniovertebral junction,
      contradicting the currently prevailing theory of syringomyelia formation.
AB  - Despite a number of various hypotheses in the literature, the pathophysiology of
      syringomyelia is still not well understood. In this article, we report two cases
      of cervical syringomyelia not associated with Chiari I malformation. Both cases
      had a septum-like structure in the subarachnoid space on the dorsal side of the
      cord at the craniovertebral junction. Cardiac-gated phase-contrast cine-mode
      magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) demonstrated decreased cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
      flow on the dorsal side of the spinal cord. Surgical excision of this septum,
      restoring the CSF flow, resulted in a prompt reduction of the syrinx size in both
      cases. Findings in these cases contradict the currently prevailing hypothesis of
      syrinx formation that postulate that the piston-like movement of the cerebellar
      tonsils enhance the pulsatile CSF flow in the spinal subarachnoid space, driving
      the CSF into the syrinx through the perivascular space of Virchow and Robin. The
      authors propose that a mechanism based on the decreased pulsatile CSF flow in the
      spinal subarachnoid space will be more suitable as a hypothesis in studying the
      pathophyisiology of syringomyelia. These cases also provide an important lesson
      in managing the patients with syringomyelia not associated with Chiari I
      malformation.

PMID- 22052475
TI  - Highly enantioselective synthesis of tertiary boronic esters and their
      stereospecific conversion to other functional groups and quaternary
      stereocentres.
AB  - Organoboron compounds are useful in asymmetric synthesis. We have developed an
      efficient methodology for the highly enantioselective synthesis of tertiary
      boronic esters from the corresponding secondary benzylic alcohols. Further
      stereospecific transformations of the boronic ester moiety are described
      including the preparation of tertiary alcohols, C-tertiary amines and tertiary
      arylalkanes. Several homologations of tertiary boronic esters have also been
      developed for the construction of quaternary stereocentres.

PMID- 22052476
TI  - Modelling complex biological systems using an agent-based approach.
AB  - Many of the complex systems found in biology are comprised of numerous
      components, where interactions between individual agents result in the emergence
      of structures and function, typically in a highly dynamic manner. Often these
      entities have limited lifetimes but their interactions both with each other and
      their environment can have profound biological consequences. We will demonstrate
      how modelling these entities, and their interactions, can lead to a new approach
      to experimental biology bringing new insights and a deeper understanding of
      biological systems.

PMID- 22052477
TI  - Subsidence of a cementless femoral component influenced by body weight and body
      mass index.
AB  - PURPOSE: This trial was designed to evaluate the impact of physical
      characteristics such as body mass index, body weight and height on distal stem
      migration of a cementless femoral component, as the influence of obesity on the
      outcome of THA is still debated in literature and conflicting results have been
      found. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, migration patterns for 102
      implants were analysed using the Einzel-Bild-Roentgen-Analyse (EBRA-FCA, femoral
      component analysis). In all cases the Vision 2000 stem was implanted and combined
      with the Duraloc acetabular component (DePuy, Warsaw, Indiana). RESULTS: The mean
      follow-up was 93 months. EBRA-FCA evaluations revealed a mean subsidence of 1.38
      mm after two years, 2.06 mm after five and 2.24 mm after seven years. Five stems
      loosened aseptically. Correlation between increased migration over the whole
      period and aseptic loosening was highly significant (p < 0.001). Surgical
      technique had a significant influence on migration and stem stability (p = 0.002)
      but physical patient characteristics such as body weight over 75 kg and height
      over 165 cm also significantly influenced stem subsidence towards progressive
      migration (p = 0.001, p < 0.001). However, a high BMI did not trigger progressive
      stem migration (p = 0.87). Being of the male gender raised the odds for increased
      migration (p = 0.03). CONCLUSION: Physical characteristics such as body weight
      and height showed significant influence on migration patterns of this cementless
      femoral component. The operating surgeon should be aware that body weight above
      75 kg and height over 165 cm may trigger increased stem migration and the surgeon
      should aim to fit these prostheses as tightly as possible. However this study
      demonstrates that a high BMI does not trigger progressive stem migration. Further
      investigations are needed to confirm our findings.

PMID- 22052478
TI  - Could the use of bone morphogenetic proteins in fracture healing do more harm
      than good to our patients?

PMID- 22052479
TI  - Follow-up of thirty-three computed-tomography-guided percutaneous radiofrequency
      thermoablations of osteoid osteoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine the mid- and long-term success and
      complication rates of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in treatment of osteoid
      osteoma (OO). Furthermore we were interested in the value of bone biopsy when
      using a core-drill before the radiofrequency ablation. METHODS: We
      retrospectively analysed data of 33 patients (33 osteoid osteomas, 22 males, 11
      females) who underwent computed-tomography (CT) guided radiofrequency ablation
      between 1998 and 2005. The patients had a mean age of 20 years (range, five to 50
      years). They were monitored for a mean follow-up of 92 months (range, 60-121
      months). RESULTS: Lesions were located as follows: 11 cases in the proximal
      femur, five in the femoral shaft, six in the tibia, one in the calcaneus, two in
      the metatarsals (second and fourth metatarsals), one in the os cuneiforme
      mediale, six in the humeral and one in the ulnar shaft. Within the presented time
      frame 32 of 33 patients were successfully treated and had no more complaints. In
      one of 33 patients relapse occurred after 28 months and RFA was repeated. There
      were no complications associated with the procedure. Biopsy obtained prior to
      thermocoagulation with the help of a core-drill was able to prove diagnosis in
      all patients (100%). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that the presented
      technique of CT guided RFA combined with the use of a core-drill for biopsy prior
      to RFA treatment is a highly effective, efficient, minimally invasive and safe
      method for the treatment of OO, yielding a success rate of 97% combined with a
      100% histological verification of the diagnosis after a minimum follow-up period
      of five years.

PMID- 22052481
TI  - Total synthesis of (-)-brevenal: a streamlined strategy for practical synthesis
      of polycyclic ethers.
AB  - We describe a streamlined strategy for the practical synthesis of trans-fused
      polycyclic ethers and its application to a concise total synthesis of (-)
      brevenal, a new pentacyclic polyether natural product with intriguing biological
      activities. The B-, D-, and E-rings were constructed by TEMPO/PhI(OAc)(2)
      mediated oxidative lactonization of the corresponding 1,6-diols, with minimal
      need for manipulation of oxygen functionalities. The B- and E-ring lactones were
      appropriately functionalized by Suzuki-Miyaura coupling of lactone-derived enol
      phosphates and subsequent stereoselective hydroboration. The A-ring was formed by
      our mixed thioacetalization methodology. The AB- and DE-ring fragments were
      assembled through Suzuki-Miyaura coupling, and the C-ring was forged in the same
      manner as that for the A-ring. More than two grams of the pentacyclic polyether
      core of (-)-brevenal have been synthesized by the synthetic route developed in
      this study.

PMID- 22052482
TI  - Binding techniques to study the allosteric energy cycle.
AB  - Thermodynamic principles of cooperativity and allostery have long been used as a
      starting point to begin understanding the interplay between ligand binding
      events. Understanding the nature of allosteric effects requires an experimental
      technique that can be used to quantify ligand binding energies and simultaneously
      give experimental insights into the conformational dynamics at play upon ligand
      binding. CD spectroscopy provides macroscopic information about the relative
      secondary and tertiary structures present in a protein. Here, we use this
      spectroscopic technique with thermal shift assays wherein ligand binding
      constants can be quantified based on their stabilizing effect against thermally
      induced protein denaturation. Binding constants for two ligands are used to
      determine a pairwise coupling free energy which defines the shared energy that
      favors or opposes binding of the second ligand binding event in an allosteric
      system. In CD-based thermal shift assays, temperature is the driving force for
      protein unfolding and can also influence protein conformational dynamics present
      in the unbound protein or ligand-bound proteins. Dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR)
      and glutamate dehydrogenase (GDH) are proposed as example test systems. NADP and
      methotrexate bind DHFR with positive cooperativity. Mammalian GDH exhibits
      negative cooperativity with respect to binding of NAD and NADPH coenzyme
      molecules, activation by ADP, and inhibition by GTP.

PMID- 22052483
TI  - Kinetic trapping of a key hemoglobin intermediate.
AB  - The complete binding cascade of human hemoglobin consists of a series of
      partially ligated intermediates. The individual intermediate binding constants
      cannot be distinguished in O(2) binding curves, however, each constant can be
      determined from the O(2)-induced change in assembly constant for the
      alpha(2)beta(2) tetramer from its constituent alphabeta dimers. The
      characterization of these O(2) binding constants has shown the Hb cascade to be
      asymmetric in nature, with binding dependent upon the specific distribution of
      O(2) among the four hemesites. A stopped-flow approach to measuring the
      dissociation constant of a key doubly ligated intermediate, that in which one
      dimer is oxygenated and the other is not, is described. The intermediate is
      transiently formed in the absence of O(2) and then allowed to dissociate in the
      presence of O(2). The free dimers thus released are trapped by the plasma protein
      haptoglobin, the rate limiting step being that of tetramer dissociation. The
      kinetic constant observed for the dissociation of this intermediate confirms the
      value for its equilibrium O(2) binding constant, previously determined under
      equilibrium conditions by subzero isoelectric focusing.

PMID- 22052484
TI  - Allosteric coupling between transition metal-binding sites in homooligomeric
      metal sensor proteins.
AB  - Intracellular concentrations of transition metal ions are controlled at the
      transcriptional level by a panel of metalloregulatory proteins that collectively
      allow the cell to respond to changes in bioavailable metal concentration to
      elicit the appropriate cellular response, e.g., upregulation of genes coding for
      metal export or detoxification proteins in the event of metal excess. These
      proteins represent a specialized class of allosteric regulators that are ideal
      for studying ligand-mediated allostery in a comprehensive way due to the size,
      stability, reactivity, and the spectroscopic properties of transition metal ions
      as allosteric ligands. In addition to the commonly studied heterotropic
      regulation of metal binding and DNA binding, many of these proteins exhibit
      homotropic allostery, i.e., communication between two or more identical metal
      (ligand) binding sites on an oligomer. This chapter aims to guide the reader
      through the design and execution of experiments that allow quantification of the
      thermodynamic driving forces (DeltaG (C), DeltaH (C), and DeltaS (C)) that govern
      both homotropic and heterotropic allosteric interactions in metal sensor proteins
      as well as the steps required to remove the influence of complex speciation from
      the measured parameter values.

PMID- 22052485
TI  - Studying the allosteric energy cycle by isothermal titration calorimetry.
AB  - Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) is a powerful biophysical technique which
      allows a complete thermodynamic characterization of protein interactions with
      other molecules. The possibility of dissecting the Gibbs energy of interaction
      into its enthalpic and entropic contributions, as well as the detailed additional
      information experimentally accessible on the intermolecular interactions
      (stoichiometry, cooperativity, heat capacity changes, and coupled equilibria),
      make ITC a suitable technique for studying allosteric interactions in proteins.
      Two experimental methodologies for the characterization of allosteric
      heterotropic ligand interactions by ITC are described in this chapter,
      illustrated with two proteins with markedly different structural and functional
      features: a photosynthetic electron transfer protein and a drug target viral
      protease.

PMID- 22052486
TI  - Detecting "silent" allosteric coupling.
AB  - Using isothermal calorimetry (ITC), we have found one case where a well
      characterized allosteric activator showed no sign of allostery in its DeltaG
      degrees  of binding to successive sites on multiple subunits and another case
      where successive binding showed no DeltaG degrees  binding allostery but did show
      large entropy-compensated flip-flopping enthalpy changes. This behavior, which we
      have termed "isoergonic cooperativity" and others have referred to as "silent
      coupling" is quite simply explained by basic linkage theory when reactions are
      considered beyond the DeltaG degrees  level. Thus, direct calorimetric
      determination of all thermodynamic parameters including DeltaH degrees , DeltaS
      degrees , DeltaG degrees , DeltaC (p) degrees , and d(DeltaC (p) degrees /dt)
      provides a more informative depiction of a ligand binding event and its
      consequences than does the mere measurement of DeltaG degrees  alone. We further
      discuss the benefits and limitations of methods that have previously been used to
      study silent coupling. In particular, ITC is free of the numerous pitfalls
      inherent in the application of van't Hoff and Arrhenius plots to allosteric
      phenomena. Aside from having a 30-fold advantage in precision, ITC is capable of
      measuring changes in enthalpy directly at five more levels of mathematical
      differentiation than are available to van't Hoff type approaches.

PMID- 22052487
TI  - Using mutant cycle analysis to elucidate long-range functional coupling in
      allosteric receptors.
AB  - Functional coupling of residues that are far apart in space is the quintessential
      property of allosteric receptors. Data from functional studies of allosteric
      receptors, such as whole-cell dose-response relations, can be used to determine
      if mutation to a receptor significantly impacts agonist potency. However, the
      classification of perturbations as primarily impacting binding or allosteric
      function is more challenging, often requiring detailed kinetic studies. This
      protocol describes a simple strategy, derived from mutant cycle analysis, for
      elucidating long-range functional coupling in allosteric receptors (ELFCAR).
      Introduction of a gain-of-function reporter mutation, followed by a mutant cycle
      analysis of the readily measured macroscopic EC(50) values can provide insight
      into the role of many physically distant targets. This new method should find
      broad application in determining the functional roles of residues in allosteric
      receptors.

PMID- 22052488
TI  - A review of methods used for identifying structural changes in a large protein
      complex.
AB  - This chapter explores the structural responses of a massive, hetero-oligomeric
      protein complex to a single allosteric activator as probed by a wide range of
      chemical, biochemical, and biophysical approaches. Some of the approaches used
      are amenable only to large protein targets, whereas others push the limits of
      their utility. Some of the techniques focus on individual subunits, or portions
      thereof, while others examine the complex as a whole. Despite the absence of
      crystallographic data for the complex, the diverse techniques identify and
      implicate a small region of its catalytic subunit as the master allosteric
      activation switch for the entire complex.

PMID- 22052489
TI  - Allosteric mechanisms of G protein-Coupled Receptor signaling: a structural
      perspective.
AB  - G protein-Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) use a complex series of intramolecular
      conformational changes to couple agonist binding to the binding and activation of
      cognate heterotrimeric G protein (Galphabetagamma). The mechanisms underlying
      this long-range activation have been identified using a variety of biochemical
      and structural approaches and have primarily used visual signal transduction via
      the GPCR rhodopsin and cognate heterotrimeric G protein transducin (G(t)) as a
      model system. In this chapter, we review the methods that have revealed
      allosteric signaling through rhodopsin and transducin. These methods can be
      applied to a variety of GPCR-mediated signaling pathways.

PMID- 22052491
TI  - Dissecting the linkage between transcription factor self-assembly and site
      specific DNA binding: the role of the analytical ultracentrifuge.
AB  - A long-standing goal of biomedical research has been to determine the
      quantitative mechanisms responsible for gene regulation and transcriptional
      activation. These events occur through numerous protein-protein and protein-DNA
      interactions, many of which are allosterically coupled. For systems where highly
      purified protein is available, analytical ultracentrifugation provides a means to
      study these linked reactions, allosteric or otherwise. Sedimentation velocity is
      an ultracentrifugation technique that provides rigorous insight into protein self
      association, homogeneity, and gross structure. Because self-association is often
      in dynamic equilibrium with other reactions such as DNA binding, an explicit and
      independent analysis of each interaction is critical to revealing mechanism. This
      chapter details a protocol for using sedimentation velocity to dissect the
      linkage between transcription factor self-association and site-specific DNA
      binding.

PMID- 22052490
TI  - Dynamic light scattering to study allosteric regulation.
AB  - The Escherichia coli ClpA protein, like many AAA+ motor proteins, is
      allosterically regulated by nucleotide binding. We have combined analytical
      ultracentrifugation approaches with dynamic light scattering (DLS) to examine the
      self-association properties and the allosteric linkage of assembly to nucleotide
      binding. Here we present a protocol for the rapid and precise determination of
      the diffusion coefficient using DLS measurements in a model-independent fashion.
      When combined with analytical ultracentrifugation experiments, such an approach
      can yield a more complete understanding of the hydrodynamic and thermodynamic
      properties of the system.

PMID- 22052492
TI  - Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy and allostery: the case of GroEL.
AB  - Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) is an experimental technique in which
      the equilibrium fluctuations of the fluorescent signal of molecules diffusing
      through a focused laser beam are measured. An autocorrelation analysis of these
      fluctuations provides information on dynamic processes, such as allosteric
      transitions, that the molecules undergo provided that they are fast relative to
      the diffusion time through the beam. In cases when the dynamics are slow relative
      to the diffusion time through the beam, FCS curves can yield information about
      the number of conformational states and their relative populations. Hence, FCS
      can be used to investigate allosteric systems with either slow or fast dynamics
      but the type of information gained in these two situations is different.Here, the
      utility of the FCS technique is exemplified in the case of the single-ring
      version of the Escherichia coli molecular chaperone GroEL that interconverts with
      relatively slow dynamics between two allosteric states: a T state with low
      affinity for ATP and an R state with high affinity for ATP. Thermodynamic
      analysis suggests that the T-state population should become negligible with
      increasing ATP concentrations, in conflict with the requirement for conformation
      cycling, which is essential for the operation of molecular machines.
      Surprisingly, FCS experiments showed that, even at ATP saturation, ~50% of the
      molecules still populate the T state at any instance of time, indicating constant
      out-of-equilibrium cycling between T and R.

PMID- 22052493
TI  - The morpheein model of allostery: evaluating proteins as potential morpheeins.
AB  - An equilibrium mixture of alternate quaternary structure assemblies can form a
      basis for allostery. The morpheein model of allostery is a concerted dissociative
      model that describes an equilibrium of alternate quaternary structure assemblies
      whose architectures are dictated by alternate conformations in the dissociated
      state. Kinetic and biophysical anomalies that suggest that the morpheein model of
      allostery applies for a given protein of interest are briefly described. Two
      methods are presented for evaluating proteins as potential morpheeins. One is a
      subunit interchange method that uses chromatography, dialysis, and mass
      spectroscopy to monitor changes in multimer composition. The other is a two
      dimensional native gel electrophoresis method to monitor ligand-induced changes
      in an equilibrium of alternate multimeric assemblies.

PMID- 22052494
TI  - Combining NMR and molecular dynamics studies for insights into the allostery of
      small GTPase-protein interactions.
AB  - Combinations of experimentally derived data from nuclear magnetic resonance
      spectroscopy and analyses of molecular dynamics trajectories increasingly allow
      us to obtain a detailed description of the molecular mechanisms by which proteins
      function in signal transduction. This chapter provides an introduction into these
      two methodologies, illustrated by example of a small GTPase-effector interaction.
      It is increasingly becoming clear that new insights are provided by the
      combination of experimental and computational methods. Understanding the
      structural and protein dynamical contributions to allostery will be useful for
      the engineering of new binding interfaces and protein functions, as well as for
      the design/in silico screening of chemical agents that can manipulate the
      function of small GTPase-protein interactions in diseases such as cancer.

PMID- 22052495
TI  - Hydrogen-deuterium exchange study of an allosteric energy cycle.
AB  - Elucidation of mechanisms of energy transduction through macromolecules in
      allosteric systems requires application of a broad range of techniques and
      approaches. High-resolution structures of the end states in an allosteric system
      provide invaluable clues about allosteric mechanism. Thermodynamic and kinetic
      studies reveal the rules that govern the transitions between states in the
      system. Acquisition of detailed molecular level information about allosteric
      mechanism requires interrogation of the structural and dynamic properties of both
      intermediates and end states in the allosteric cycle. Many experimental and
      computational tools have been developed to probe allostery. Among these are
      hydrogen-deuterium exchange detected by either NMR spectroscopy or mass
      spectrometry. This article provides a detailed description of application of
      hydrogen exchange detected by mass spectrometry (HDX-MS) to investigate an
      allosteric system.

PMID- 22052496
TI  - Ensemble properties of network rigidity reveal allosteric mechanisms.
AB  - The distance constraint model (DCM) is a unique computational modeling paradigm
      that integrates mechanical and thermodynamic descriptions of macromolecular
      structure. That is, network rigidity calculations are used to account for
      nonadditivity within entropy components, thus restoring the utility of free
      energy decomposition. The DCM outputs a large number of structural
      characterizations that collectively allow for quantified stability-flexibility
      relationships (QSFR) to be identified. In this review, we describe the
      theoretical underpinnings of the DCM and introduce several common QSFR metrics.
      Application of the DCM across protein families highlights the sensitivity within
      the set of protein structure residue-to-residue couplings. Further, we have
      developed a perturbation method to identify putative allosteric sites, where
      large changes in QSFR upon rigidification (mimicking ligand-binding) detect sites
      likely to invoke allosteric changes.

PMID- 22052497
TI  - An in vivo approach to isolating allosteric pathways using hybrid multimeric
      proteins.
AB  - Hybrid tetramers of Escherichia coli phosphofructokinase (EC 2.7.1.11; EcPFK)
      have been used to dissect the complicated allosteric interactions within the
      native tetramer. The method used previously to generate hybrids in vitro involves
      dissociation of the parent proteins with KSCN followed by re-association as KSCN
      is removed via dialysis. However, this procedure is time consuming and is plagued
      with low hybrid yields. Consequently, we have attempted to produce hybrids more
      quickly and with potentially higher yields in vivo by co-expressing the parental
      EcPFK protein in E. coli. Wild-type EcPFK gene was cloned into pALTER-Ex2 and
      pALTER-1, respectively. Site-directed mutagenesis was performed to make mutant
      EcPFK gene in pALTER-1. Since each vector has a different origin of replication
      and antibiotic selection marker, we were able to co-transform both plasmids to
      competent E. coli cells. Following an affinity purification column, anion
      exchange chromatography was used to separate the five hybrid species (4:0, 3:1,
      2:2, 1:3, 0:4). While all five hybrid species were obtained, the amount 1:3 and
      0:4 hybrids were very small. By changing the expression vector for the mutant
      EcPFK protein from pALTER-1 to pALTER-Ex1 and the charge-tag mutations from
      K2E/K3E to K90E/K91E, the yield of 1:3 hybrid was substantially increased. The in
      vivo method does increase the yield of the hybrids produced while decreasing the
      time required for their isolation.

PMID- 22052499
TI  - Allosteric regulation of human liver pyruvate kinase by peptides that mimic the
      phosphorylated/dephosphorylated N-terminus.
AB  - An advantage of studying allosteric regulation over covalent modification is that
      allostery allows the experimentalist to vary the concentration of effector,
      thereby allowing independent quantification of effector binding and allosteric
      coupling. In turn, this capacity allows the use of effector analogues to
      determine which regions of the effector contribute to effector binding and which
      contribute to allosteric regulation. Like many other proteins, human liver
      pyruvate kinase (hL-PYK) is regulated by phosphorylation. The phosphorylation of
      hL-PYK occurs on Ser12 of the N-terminus. Phosphorylation appears to interrupt an
      interaction (distant from the active site) between the N-terminus and the main
      body of the protein. Since this interaction increases the affinity of hL-PYK for
      the substrate (phosphoenolpyruvate, PEP), phosphorylation-dependent interruption
      of the N-terminus/main-body interaction results in an antagonism of PEP binding.
      Due to the advantages of studying an allosteric system, we detail a protocol to
      express and purify N-terminal peptides of hL-PYK using a SUMO-fusion system. We
      further demonstrate that these peptides act as allosteric regulators that
      modulate the affinity of hL-PYK for PEP.

PMID- 22052498
TI  - Mutations in the GABAA receptor that mimic the allosteric ligand etomidate.
AB  - Etomidate is a hydrophobic molecule, a potent general anesthetic, and the best
      understood drug in this group. Etomidate's target molecules are GABA(A)
      receptors, its site of action has been identified with photolabeling, and a
      quantitative allosteric coagonist model has emerged for etomidate effects on
      GABA(A) receptors. We have shown that when methionine residues that are thought
      to be adjacent to the etomidate site are mutated to tryptophan, that the bulky
      hydrophobic side-chains alter mutant GABA(A) receptor function in ways that mimic
      the effects of etomidate binding to wild-type receptors. Furthermore, these
      mutations reduce receptor modulation by etomidate. Both of these observations
      support the hypothesis that these methionine residues form part of the etomidate
      binding pocket.

PMID- 22052500
TI  - In silico-screening approaches for lead generation: identification of novel
      allosteric modulators of human-erythrocyte pyruvate kinase.
AB  - Identification of allosteric binding site modulators have gained increased
      attention lately for their potential to be developed as selective agents with a
      novel chemotype and targeting perhaps a new and unique binding site with probable
      fewer side effects. Erythrocyte pyruvate kinase (R-PK) is an important glycolytic
      enzyme that can be pharmacologically modulated through its allosteric effectors
      for the treatment of hemolytic anemia, sickle-cell anemia, hypoxia-related
      diseases, and other disorders arising from erythrocyte PK malfunction. An in
      silico screening approach was applied to identify novel allosteric modulators of
      pyruvate kinase. A small-molecules database of the National Cancer Institute
      (NCI), was virtually screened based on structure/ligand-based pharmacophore. The
      virtual screening campaign led to the identification of several compounds with
      similar pharmacophoric features as fructose-1,6-bisphosphate (FBP), the natural
      allosteric activator of the kinase. The compounds were subsequently docked into
      the FBP-binding site using the programs FlexX and GOLD, and their interactions
      with the protein were analyzed with the energy-scoring function of HINT. Seven
      promising candidates were obtained from the NCI and subjected to kinetics
      analysis, which revealed both activators and inhibitors of the R-isozyme of PK (R
      PK).

PMID- 22052501
TI  - Identification of allosteric-activating drug leads for human liver pyruvate
      kinase.
AB  - There is a growing appreciation of the beneficial attributes of allosteric drugs.
      However, the development of this special class of drugs has in large part been
      via serendipitous findings from high-throughput screens of drug libraries.
      Limited success at deliberately identifying allosteric drugs may be due to a
      focus on enzyme inhibitors, a parallel to the historic focus on competitive
      inhibitors. In contrast to inhibition, activation of an enzyme by a small
      molecule can only occur through a limited number of mechanisms, mainly allosteric
      regulation. Activation of human liver pyruvate kinase (hL-PYK) in an effort to
      create a glycolytic/gluconeogenic futile cycle is one potential mechanism to
      counteract hyperglycemia. Using hL-PYK, we demonstrate the potential of drug
      library screens to identify allosteric-activator drug leads.

PMID- 22052502
TI  - A critical evaluation of correlated mutation algorithms and coevolution within
      allosteric mechanisms.
AB  - The notion of using the evolutionary history encoded within multiple sequence
      alignments to predict allosteric mechanisms is appealing. In this approach,
      correlated mutations are expected to reflect coordinated changes that maintain
      intramolecular coupling between residue pairs. Despite much early fanfare, the
      general suitability of correlated mutations to predict allosteric couplings has
      not yet been established. Lack of progress along these lines has been hindered by
      several algorithmic limitations including phylogenetic artifacts within
      alignments masking true covariance and the computational intractability of
      consideration of more than two correlated residues at a time. Recent progress in
      algorithm development, however, has been substantial with a new generation of
      correlated mutation algorithms that have made fundamental progress toward solving
      these difficult problems. Despite these encouraging results, there remains little
      evidence to suggest that the evolutionary constraints acting on allosteric
      couplings are sufficient to be recovered from multiple sequence alignments. In
      this review, we argue that due to the exquisite sensitivity of protein dynamics,
      and hence that of allosteric mechanisms, the latter vary widely within protein
      families. If it turns out to be generally true that even very similar homologs
      display a wide divergence of allosteric mechanisms, then even a perfect
      correlated mutation algorithm could not be reliably used as a general mechanism
      for discovery of allosteric pathways.

PMID- 22052503
TI  - The advantage of global fitting of data involving complex linked reactions.
AB  - In this chapter, we demonstrate the advantage of the simultaneous multicurve
      nonlinear least-squares analysis over that of the conventional single-curve
      analysis. Fitting results are subjected to thorough Monte Carlo analysis for
      rigorous assessment of confidence intervals and parameter correlations. The
      comparison is performed on a practical example of simulated steady-state reaction
      kinetics complemented with isothermal calorimetry (ITC) data resembling
      allosteric behavior of rabbit muscle pyruvate kinase (RMPK). Global analysis
      improves accuracy and confidence limits of model parameters. Cross-correlation
      between parameters is also reduced with accompanying enhancement of the model
      testing power. This becomes especially important for validation of models with
      "difficult" highly cross-correlated parameters. We show how proper experimental
      design and critical evaluation of data can improve the chance of differentiating
      models.

PMID- 22052504
TI  - Predicting binding sites by analyzing allosteric effects.
AB  - This chapter describes a method for analyzing the allosteric influence of
      molecular interactions on protein conformational distributions. The method,
      called Dynamics Perturbation Analysis (DPA), generally yields insights into
      allosteric effects in proteins and is especially useful for predicting ligand
      binding sites. The use of DPA for binding site prediction is motivated by the
      following allosteric regulation hypothesis: interactions in native binding sites
      cause a large change in protein conformational distributions. Here, we review the
      reasoning behind this hypothesis, describe the math behind the method, and
      present a recipe for predicting binding sites using DPA.

PMID- 22052505
TI  - Effects of long-term fertilization on the diversity of bacterial mercuric
      reductase gene in a Chinese upland soil.
AB  - Soil mercury (Hg) pollution has received considerable attention due to its
      neurotoxin effects and its potential risk to food safety. The microbial
      transformation of Hg plays a key role in reducing Hg toxicity by the mercuric
      reductase (MerA) conferred by genes arranged in the mer operon. This study
      investigated the effects of long-term fertilization on the diversity of bacterial
      mercuric reductase gene (merA), which specify the reduction of ionic Hg2+ to the
      volatile elemental form Hg0, in an agricultural soil with relatively high Hg
      content. The soil samples were collected from different treatments, including
      control without fertilizer (CK), fertilizer nitrogen (N), combined fertilizers
      (NPK) of N, phosphorus (P) and potassium (K), and NPK plus organic manure (NPK +
      OM). The merA gene diversity patterns were analyzed based on the merA clone
      libraries and sequencing measurements. Results showed that the merA gene
      diversity was influenced by soil variables depending on the fertilization
      practices. In particular, NH4+ and NO3- contents had strong effect on the merA
      gene diversity pattern both in the N and NPK treatments, whereas the merA gene
      diversity pattern in NPK + OM treatment was distinctly influenced by the contents
      of organic matter, available P and K. These results suggested that long-term
      fertilization had significant influences on merA gene diversity, which could be
      helpful to understand the Hg reduction process and potentially serve microbial
      remediation of Hg contaminated soil.

PMID- 22052507
TI  - Smoking cessation 1 year poststroke and damage to the insular cortex.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Hospitalization as a result of stroke provides an
      opportunity to stop smoking that is often not taken up. The present study
      analyzes sociodemographic, psychological, and lesion-related variables to
      identify associated factors for smoking cessation during the first year after
      stroke. METHODS: We conducted a prospective longitudinal study with a 1-year
      follow-up of a cohort of 110 patients with acute stroke who were smokers at the
      time of diagnosis and were admitted consecutively between January 2005 and July
      2007. RESULTS: On hospital release, 69.1% had given up smoking but at 1 year,
      only 40% had stopped smoking. Of the 110 patients, 27 (24.5%) had an acute stroke
      lesion in the insular cortex, of which 19 (70.3%) were nonsmokers at 1 year.
      Strongly associated factors in giving up smoking were the location of the lesion
      in the insular cortex (OR, 5.42; 95% CI, 1.95-15.01; P=0.001) and having the
      intention of giving up before the stroke, comparing precontemplating patients
      (without intention of giving up in the near future) with contemplating and
      prepared patients (intention of stopping in the near future; OR, 7.29; 95% CI,
      1.89-28.07; P=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: Of patients with stroke who were smokers, only
      4 of 10 patients had stopped smoking 1 year after admission. Our results show
      that the variables best predicting smoking cessation in patients with a stroke
      diagnosis 1 year after hospital discharge are insular damage and the prestroke
      intention to stop.

PMID- 22052506
TI  - Bace1 processing of NRG1 type III produces a myelin-inducing signal but is not
      essential for the stimulation of myelination.
AB  - Myelin sheath thickness is precisely adjusted to axon caliber, and in the
      peripheral nervous system, neuregulin 1 (NRG1) type III is a key regulator of
      this process. It has been proposed that the protease BACE1 activates NRG1
      dependent myelination. Here, we characterize the predicted product of BACE1
      mediated NRG1 type III processing in transgenic mice. Neuronal overexpression of
      a NRG1 type III-variant, designed to mimic prior cleavage in the juxtamembrane
      stalk region, induces hypermyelination in vivo and is sufficient to restore
      myelination of NRG1 type III-deficient neurons. This observation implies that the
      NRG1 cytoplasmic domain is dispensable and that processed NRG1 type III is
      sufficient for all steps of myelination. Surprisingly, transgenic neuronal
      overexpression of full-length NRG1 type III promotes hypermyelination also in
      BACE1 null mutant mice. Moreover, NRG1 processing is impaired but not abolished
      in BACE1 null mutants. Thus, BACE1 is not essential for the activation of NRG1
      type III to promote myelination. Taken together, these findings suggest that
      multiple neuronal proteases collectively regulate NRG1 processing.

PMID- 22052508
TI  - How does number of risk factors affect prognosis in young patients with ischemic
      stroke?
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: We aimed to explore clinical features of young patients
      with ischemic stroke with no traditional vascular risk factors and to assess the
      impact of risk factor counts on outcomes. METHODS: We included 990 patients aged
      15 to 49 years with first-ever ischemic stroke followed for a mean of 9.0 +/- 3.8
      years (survivors). Risk factors were categorized as well-documented and less well
      documented. Outcome measures were unfavorable functional outcome (3-month
      modified Rankin Scale 2-6); recurrent ischemic stroke; myocardial infarction or
      other arterial noncerebrovascular event; and death from any cause. RESULTS:
      Compared with those with at least 1 well-documented risk factor, the 127 (12.8%)
      patients without risk factors were younger (median age, 37 versus 44 years;
      P<0.001), likely to be females (54.3% versus 34.9%; P<0.001), and they had more
      frequently a low-risk source of cardioembolism (21.3% versus 8.1%; P<0.001),
      internal carotid artery dissection (12.6% versus 6.4%; P=0.011), or vertebral
      artery dissection (17.3% versus 7.2%; P<0.001). The groups had similar 3-month
      functional outcomes. Patients without well-documented risk factors had less
      frequently recurrent ischemic strokes (4.7% versus 13.6%; log rank P=0.014),
      noncerebrovascular arterial events (0% versus 6.1%; P=0.008), and lower long-term
      mortality (3.4% versus 14.3%; P=0.003) than did those with at least 1 risk
      factor. Adjusted for demographics and stroke etiology, the number of well
      documented risk factors was associated with higher risk for noncerebrovascular
      events. Increasing count of less well-documented risk factors was, in turn,
      independently associated with higher long-term mortality. CONCLUSIONS: In young
      adults with first-ever ischemic stroke, risk factor counts added independent
      prognostic information regarding noncerebrovascular events and mortality.

PMID- 22052509
TI  - Stroke prevention in the developing world.
AB  - In the early 21st century, developing countries are experiencing an ever
      increasing burden of stroke due its high morbidity and associated disability.
      Given the limited health resources available in developing countries, stroke
      prevention there is of paramount importance. This narrative review summarizes
      currently available evidence for stroke prevention in the developing world and
      outlines their major strategies and priorities.

PMID- 22052510
TI  - Stroke and stroke care in China: huge burden, significant workload, and a
      national priority.
AB  - At the same time as the world recognizes the rapid economic development in China,
      Chinese healthcare system has also had significant improvement. However, this
      nation of 1.4 billion faces tough challenges in treating stroke, the leading
      cause of death in China. The recently completed Chinese National Stroke Registry
      has provided new information on the status of stroke epidemiology, diagnosis,
      management, and prevention strategies in China. In this article, we summarized
      these new findings, described the effort of providing and improving stroke care,
      and illustrated the challenges in risk factor modification and secondary stroke
      prevention. Well-designed epidemiological surveys and clinical trials for stroke
      prevention and management are still urgently needed in China.

PMID- 22052511
TI  - Exaggerated postural blood pressure rise is related to a favorable outcome in
      patients with acute ischemic stroke.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The effects of early upright positioning in the acute
      phase of ischemic stroke on both blood pressure and functional outcome have not
      been previously examined. METHODS: Prospective investigation of mean arterial
      pressure, heart rate, and peripheral oxygen saturation in the supine, sitting,
      and (if achievable) active standing position 1, 2, and 3 days after an acute
      stroke was performed. Also investigated was the presence of a significant
      postural blood pressure rise and fall using orthostatic definitions and the
      relation to functional outcome after 3 months. RESULTS: One hundred sixty-seven
      patients were included (mean age, 68.5+/-15.2 years; median National Institutes
      of Health Stroke Scale, 7). Approximately 60% of the patients were able to stand.
      On average the mean arterial pressure increased when patients moved from the
      supine to sitting (Day 1: Delta 3.9 mm Hg; P<0.001) and from sitting to an active
      standing position (Day 1: Delta 4.6 mm Hg; P<0.001). Changes were most pronounced
      within the first 24 hours after a stroke. Blood pressure decreased significantly
      (fall) on standing in 13% of patients and increased significantly (rise) in 20%
      of the patients. The latter was independently associated with a favorable outcome
      (P=0.003). Moving to the standing position was accompanied by an increase of
      heart rate. No difference in oxygen saturation was observed in the various
      positions over the period of investigation. CONCLUSIONS: We found that a
      significant blood pressure rise during early upright positioning in patients with
      acute stroke was independently associated with a favorable outcome. No
      contraindication to early mobilization was found in this study.

PMID- 22052512
TI  - Neuroprotective effect of acute ethanol administration in a rat with transient
      cerebral ischemia.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Ethanol consumption is inversely associated with the risk
      of ischemic stroke, suggesting a neuroprotective effect. In a rat model of
      transient cerebral ischemia, we identified ethanol as a possible treatment for
      acute ischemic stroke. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to middle
      cerebral artery occlusion for 2 hours. Five sets of experiments were conducted:
      to determine the dose-response effect of ethanol on brain infarction and
      functional outcome; to determine whether combining ethanol and hypothermia
      produces synergistic neuroprotection; to determine the therapeutic windows of
      opportunity for ethanol in stroke; to test whether ethanol promotes intracerebral
      hemorrhage in a hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke or after administration of
      thrombolytics; and to test the affect of ethanol on hypoxia-inducible factor
      1alpha protein expression. RESULTS: Ethanol at 1.5 g/kg reduced infarct volume
      and behavioral dysfunction when administered at 2, 3, or 4 hours after middle
      cerebral artery occlusion. The protective effect of ethanol was not improved when
      paired with hypothermia. Ethanol did not promote cerebral hemorrhage in
      hemorrhagic or ischemic stroke in combination with recombinant tissue-type
      plasminogen activator or urokinase. Ethanol treatment (1.5 g/kg) increased
      protein levels of hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha at 3 hours postreperfusion.
      CONCLUSIONS: Ethanol exerts a strong neuroprotective effect when administered up
      to 4 hours after ischemia, increases expression of hypoxia-inducible factor
      1alpha, and does not promote intracerebral hemorrhage when used with
      thrombolytics. Ethanol is a potential neuroprotectant for acute ischemic stroke.

PMID- 22052513
TI  - Ninety-day outcome rates of a prospective cohort of consecutive patients with
      mild ischemic stroke.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Prior studies have shown that patients with mild ischemic
      stroke have substantial disability rates at hospital discharge. We sought to
      determine disability rates at 90 days among patients not treated with
      thrombolytic therapy and explore the role of early neurological worsening.
      METHODS: We reviewed a prospective cohort of 136 consecutive patients with mild
      deficits (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score <= 5) presenting
      within 24 hours of onset and no baseline disability. Baseline MRIs were performed
      on all subjects. Five-day MRIs were performed on a prespecified subcohort.
      RESULTS: Among 136 patients, 40 (29%; 95% CI, 22%-38%) had poor outcomes
      (modified Rankin Scale score 2-6) at 90 days. Early worsening (4-point National
      Institutes of Health Stroke Scale increase; 25% versus 1%, P<0.001) and acute
      infarct growth (>10% on MRI-diffusion-weighted imaging; 79% versus 53%, P=0.02)
      from baseline to 5 days were more common among those with poor outcome.
      CONCLUSIONS: Patients with mild ischemic stroke have substantial rates (29%) of
      disability at 90 days.

PMID- 22052514
TI  - Resumption of oral anticoagulation after warfarin-associated intracerebral
      hemorrhage: yes.

PMID- 22052515
TI  - Resumption of oral anticoagulation after warfarin-associated intracerebral
      hemorrhage: no.

PMID- 22052516
TI  - A rat model of studying tissue-type plasminogen activator thrombolysis in
      ischemic stroke with diabetes.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Poststroke hyperglycemia and diabetes mellitus are
      associated with lower thrombolytic efficacy and an increased risk of postischemic
      cerebral hemorrhage. We aimed to develop a rodent model of thrombolysis in
      diabetic stroke that mimics the clinical situation.  Method- Male 6-week Type I
      diabetic rats (14 weeks old) were subjected to embolic focal stroke and treated
      with tissue-type plasminogen activator at 1.5 hours. Reperfusion and 24-hour
      neurological outcomes were measured and compared with nondiabetic control rats.
      RESULTS: Diabetic rats exhibited resistance to thrombolytic reperfusion, larger
      infarction volumes, and increased intracerebral hemorrhage. CONCLUSIONS: This
      animal model would be relevant to future studies investigating pathophysiological
      mechanisms and in developing new therapeutic approaches to enhance the efficacy
      of tissue-type plasminogen activator thrombolysis in stroke patients with
      diabetes or poststroke hyperglycemia.

PMID- 22052517
TI  - Stroke and long-term exposure to outdoor air pollution from nitrogen dioxide: a
      cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Years of exposure to tobacco smoke substantially increase
      the risk for stroke. Whether long-term exposure to outdoor air pollution can lead
      to stroke is not yet established. We examined the association between long-term
      exposure to traffic-related air pollution and incident and fatal stroke in a
      prospective cohort study. METHODS: We followed 57,053 participants of the Danish
      Diet, Cancer and Health cohort in the Hospital Discharge Register for the first
      ever hospital admission for stroke (incident stroke) between baseline (1993-1997)
      and 2006 and defined fatal strokes as death within 30 days of admission. We
      associated the estimated mean levels of nitrogen dioxide at residential addresses
      since 1971 to incident and fatal stroke by Cox regression analyses and examined
      the effects by stroke subtypes: ischemic, hemorrhagic, and nonspecified stroke.
      RESULTS: Over a mean follow-up of 9.8 years of 52,215 eligible subjects, there
      were 1984 (3.8%) first-ever (incident) hospital admissions for stroke of whom 142
      (7.2%) died within 30 days. We detected borderline significant associations
      between mean nitrogen dioxide levels at residence since 1971 and incident stroke
      (hazard ratio, 1.05; 95% CI, 0.99-1.11, per interquartile range increase) and
      stroke hospitalization followed by death within 30 days (1.22; 1.00-1.50). The
      associations were strongest for nonspecified and ischemic strokes, whereas no
      association was detected with hemorrhagic stroke. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term exposure
      to traffic-related air pollution may contribute to the development of ischemic
      but not hemorrhagic stroke, especially severe ischemic strokes leading to death
      within 30 days.

PMID- 22052518
TI  - Time course of vascular reactivity using repeated phase-contrast MR angiography
      in patients with carotid artery stenosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Cerebral vascular reactivity assessment is typically
      performed with 2 perfusion measurements before and after a vasodilatory
      challenge. The aim of this study was to assess the time course of the
      vasodilatory effect in the brain-feeding arteries after a challenge with
      acetazolamide in patients with a stenosis of the internal carotid artery (ICA).
      METHODS: Twenty-one patients with a symptomatic ICA stenosis and 18 healthy
      control subjects underwent 2-dimensional phase-contrast MR angiography to
      repeatedly measure the blood flow (mL/min) in both ICAs at baseline and in 5
      minute intervals for 30 minutes after intravenous administration of
      acetazolamide. RESULTS: At baseline, the blood flow was significantly lower in
      the stenosed ICAs of patients (155 +/- 17 mL/min) than in the contralateral ICAs
      (237 +/- 21 mL/min, P<0.05) and the ICAs of healthy control subjects (249 +/- 15
      mL/min, P<0.05) and remained lower throughout the time course. The maximum
      vasodilatory effect in the stenosed ICAs was observed after 15.3 +/- 0.9 minutes,
      which was significantly later than in the contralateral ICAs (within 12.9 +/- 0.7
      minutes, P<0.05) and healthy ICAs (within 12.8 +/- 0.8 minutes, P<0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: The onset of the maximum vasodilatory effect after administration of
      acetazolamide is delayed in patients with a symptomatic ICA stenosis.

PMID- 22052519
TI  - Translational research: from observational studies to health policy: how a cohort
      study can help improve outcomes after stroke.

PMID- 22052520
TI  - Renin-Angiotensin system modulators modestly reduce vascular risk in persons with
      prior stroke.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Although the efficacy of angiotensin-converting enzyme
      inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers in reducing future vascular events
      for patients with coronary heart disease is established, less is known about the
      precise benefit of these agents among patients with stroke. We evaluated whether
      use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers
      reduces future vascular events in persons with prior stroke. METHODS: We searched
      PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, and bibliographies of
      relevant trials and recent review articles to identify randomized controlled
      trials. Relative risk with 95% CI was used as a measure of the association
      between use of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor
      blockers and risks of major vascular event (nonfatal stroke, nonfatal myocardial
      infarction, or death from cardiovascular causes) or stroke (ischemic or
      hemorrhagic) after pooling data across trials. RESULTS: Eight randomized
      controlled trials with 29 667 participants were identified. Use of angiotensin
      converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers in persons with
      prior stroke was associated with lower risks of future major vascular events
      (relative risk, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.87-0.97; P=0.001; number needed to treat=71) and
      recurrent stroke (relative risk, 0.93; 95% CI, 0.86-0.99; P=0.03; number needed
      to treat=143). Heterogeneity was found among studies for end points of major
      vascular events (P=0.02, I(2)=61%) but not recurrent stroke (P=0.38, I(2)=6%). In
      subgroup analyses, there was generally no obvious heterogeneity among different
      study characteristics. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with an angiotensin-converting
      enzyme inhibitor or angiotensin receptor blocker has a clear but rather modest
      effect on reducing vascular risk in persons with prior stroke.

PMID- 22052521
TI  - Stroke epidemiology, patterns of management, and outcomes in Fortaleza, Brazil: a
      hospital-based multicenter prospective study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Little information exists on the epidemiology and
      patterns of treatment of patients admitted to Brazilian hospitals with stroke.
      Our objective was to describe the frequency of risk factors, patterns of
      management, and outcome of patients admitted with stroke in Fortaleza, the fifth
      largest city in Brazil. METHODS: Data were prospectively collected from
      consecutive patients admitted to 19 hospitals in Fortaleza with a diagnosis of
      stroke or transient ischemic attack from June 2009 to October 2010. RESULTS: We
      evaluated 2407 consecutive patients (mean age, 67.7+/-14.4 years; 51.8% females).
      Ischemic stroke was the most frequent subtype (72.9%) followed by
      intraparenchymal hemorrhage (15.2%), subarachnoid hemorrhage (6.0%), transient
      ischemic attack (3%), and undetermined stroke (2.9%). The median time from
      symptoms onset to hospital admission was 12.9 (3.8-32.5) hours. Hypertension was
      the most common risk factor. Only 1.1% of the patients with ischemic stroke
      received thrombolysis. The median time from hospital admission to neuroimaging
      was 3.4 (1.2-26.5) hours. In-hospital mortality was 20.9% and the frequency of
      modified Rankin Scale score<=2 at discharge was less than 30%. Older age,
      prestroke disability, and having a depressed level of consciousness at admission
      were independent predictors of poor outcome; conversely, male gender was a
      predictor of good outcome. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence of stroke risk factors and
      clinical presentation in our cohort were similar to previous series. Treatment
      with thrombolysis and functional independency after a stroke admission were
      infrequent. We also found long delays in hospital admission and in evaluation
      with neuroimaging and high in-hospital mortality.

PMID- 22052522
TI  - The X-chromosome has a different pattern of gene expression in women compared
      with men with ischemic stroke.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Differences in ischemic stroke between men and women have
      been mainly attributed to hormonal effects. However, sex differences in immune
      response to ischemia may exist. We hypothesized that differential expression of X
      chromosome genes in blood immune cells contribute to differences between men and
      women with ischemic stroke. METHODS: RNA levels of 683 X-chromosome genes were
      measured on Affymetrix U133 Plus2.0 microarrays. Blood samples from patients with
      ischemic stroke were obtained at <= 3 hours, 5 hours, and 24 hours (n=61; 183
      samples) after onset and compared with control subjects without symptomatic
      vascular diseases (n=109). Sex difference in X-chromosome gene expression was
      determined using analysis of covariance (false discovery rate <= 0.05, fold
      change >= 1.2). RESULTS: At <= 3, 5, and 24 hours after stroke, there were 37,
      140, and 61 X-chromosome genes, respectively, that changed in women; and 23, 18,
      and 31 X-chromosome genes that changed in men. Female-specific genes were
      associated with post-translational modification, small-molecule biochemistry, and
      cell-cell signaling. Male-specific genes were associated with cellular movement,
      development, cell-trafficking, and cell death. Altered sex specific X-chromosome
      gene expression occurred in 2 genes known to be associated with human stroke,
      including galactosidase A and IDS, mutations of which result in Fabry disease and
      Hunter syndrome, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: There are differences in X-chromosome
      gene expression between men and women with ischemic stroke. Future studies are
      needed to decipher whether these differences are associated with sexually
      dimorphic immune response, repair or other mechanisms after stroke, or whether
      some of them represent risk determinants.

PMID- 22052523
TI  - Effects of public education by television on knowledge of early stroke symptoms
      among a Japanese population aged 40 to 74 years: a controlled study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: An educational campaign by mass media has been associated
      with great increases in the knowledge about early symptoms of stroke. However,
      few studies were conducted with a controlled community intervention study.
      METHODS: To clarify the effects of a 1-year television campaign for the whole
      population on improvement of knowledge about stroke symptoms in 2 cities, a
      campaign area and a control area in Japan were selected. Before and after the
      campaign, 1960 randomly selected residents aged 40 to 74 years answered a
      telephone survey regarding knowledge of early stroke symptoms. We calculated the
      percentage and 95% CIs of participants who correctly chose all 5 early symptoms
      of stroke in each area and in each year. RESULTS: Before the campaign, 53% of
      participants (95% CI, 50%-55%) in the campaign area and 46% (95% CI, 44%-49%) in
      the control area correctly chose 5 early symptoms. After the 1-year television
      campaign, knowledge was significantly improved only in the campaign area
      (campaign area, 63%; 95% CI, 60%-66%; control area, 51%; 95% CI, 48%-54%). After
      sex stratification, only women showed improved knowledge of early symptoms. The
      audience rate for the campaign television programs was found to be higher in
      women than in men. CONCLUSIONS: A 1-year stroke educational television campaign
      effectively improved knowledge about early stroke symptoms among Japanese women
      aged 40 to 74 years. No impact was found among men in this age group. Future
      studies should examine the impact of this approach on stroke knowledge among
      younger individuals and whether there are any behavioral changes that contribute
      to earlier presentation for treatment.

PMID- 22052524
TI  - Atherosclerosis: the XXIst century epidemic: a meeting at the Vatican.

PMID- 22052525
TI  - The dilemma of resuming anticoagulation after intracranial hemorrhage: little
      evidence facing big fears.

PMID- 22052526
TI  - Does adjunctive chemotherapy reduce remission rates compared to cortisone alone
      in unifocal or multifocal histiocytosis of bone?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Langerhans cell histiocytosis (LCH) is a rare disorder that can
      affect almost any organ, including bone. Treatment options include local
      corticosteroid infiltration in isolated bone lesions and oral corticosteroids and
      chemotherapy in multifocal bone lesions. Several studies show local
      corticosteroid injection in unifocal bone lesions heal in more than 75% of
      patients with minimal side effects. Therefore, it is unclear whether chemotherapy
      adds materially to the healing rate. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We therefore compared
      overall survival, remission rate, and recurrence rate in patients with bone LCH
      treated with chemotherapy and corticosteroids or corticosteroids alone. METHODS:
      We retrospectively reviewed the records of 198 patients with LCH since 1950.
      Median age at diagnosis was 5 years, male-to-female ratio was 1.33, and the most
      frequent symptom was local pain (95%). We recorded the disease presentation,
      demographics, treatment, and clinical evolution of each patient. Minimum followup
      was 4 months (median, 24 months; range, 4-360 months). RESULTS: The survival rate
      of the systemic disease group was 76.5% (65 of 85) while the survival rate in the
      unifocal and multifocal bone involvement groups was 100% at a median 5-year
      followup. All patients with unifocal bone involvement and 40 of 43 (93%) with
      multifocal bone involvement had complete remission. One of 30 patients with
      multifocal bone involvement treated with chemotherapy and oral corticosteroids
      did not achieve remission whereas two of six receiving only corticosteroids did
      not achieve remission. CONCLUSIONS: Our observations suggest intralesional
      corticosteroid injection without adjunctive chemotherapy achieves remission in
      unifocal bone LCH but may not do so in multifocal single-system bone involvement.
      Larger series would be required to confirm this observation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE:
      Level IV, therapeutic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete
      description of levels of evidence.

PMID- 22052527
TI  - Enantiopure metal-organic framework thin films: oriented SURMOF growth and
      enantioselective adsorption.

PMID- 22052528
TI  - Relative survival multistate Markov model.
AB  - Prognostic studies often have to deal with two important challenges: (i)
      separating effects of predictions on different 'competing' events and (ii)
      uncertainty about cause of death. Multistate Markov models permit multivariable
      analyses of competing risks of, for example, mortality versus disease recurrence.
      On the other hand, relative survival methods help estimate disease-specific
      mortality risks even in the absence of data on causes of death. In this paper, we
      propose a new Markov relative survival (MRS) model that attempts to combine these
      two methodologies. Our MRS model extends the existing multistate Markov piecewise
      constant intensities model to relative survival modeling. The intensity of
      transitions leading to death in the MRS model is modeled as the sum of an
      estimable excess hazard of mortality from the disease of interest and an 'offset'
      defined as the expected hazard of all-cause 'natural' mortality obtained from
      relevant life-tables. We evaluate the new MRS model through simulations, with a
      design based on registry-based prognostic studies of colon cancer. Simulation
      results show almost unbiased estimates of prognostic factor effects for the MRS
      model. We also applied the new MRS model to reassess the role of prognostic
      factors for mortality in a study of colorectal cancer. The MRS model considerably
      reduces the bias observed with the conventional Markov model that does not permit
      accounting for unknown causes of death, especially if the 'true' effects of a
      prognostic factor on the two types of mortality differ substantially.

PMID- 22052529
TI  - VP-1 quasispecies in human infection with polyomavirus BK.
AB  - Polyomavirus BK is a recognized cause of nephropathy and hemorrhagic cystitis in
      kidney or allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients. This study
      explored a role of genetic variations in capsid protein VP-1 gene as a factor in
      viral pathogenesis. VP-1 was amplified from 7 healthy subjects with viruria, 7
      transplant patients with viruria, and 11 patients with viremia or nephropathy.
      PCR products were cloned and a total of 558 clonal sequences were subjected to
      phylogenetic analysis using standard methods. VP-1 quasispecies were found in
      25/25 and coinfection with different genotypes in 12/25 subjects. Genotype II was
      found as an unexpected minority species in 5/25 individuals. Recombinant strains
      of uncertain biologic significance, which frequently contained genotype II and IV
      sequences were identified in 9/25 subjects. Viremia/nephropathy group was
      characterized by (a) greater sequence complexity in whole VP-1 versus BC loop and
      BC loop compared to the HI loop, (b) greater intra-strain genetic diversity in
      the BC loop compared to whole VP-1 protein and HI loop, (c) more non-synonymous
      substitutions (dN) in the BC loop compared to whole VP-1 and HI loop, (e) fewer
      synonymous substitutions (dS) compared to healthy-viruria group, and (f)
      selection pressure (dN/dS >1.0) exerted on VP-1. In conclusion, this study
      documents frequent occurrence of quasispecies in a host DNA polymerase dependent
      virus, which is theoretically expected to show high replication fidelity.
      Quasispecies occur even in healthy subjects with viruria, but evolutionary
      selection pressure directed at the viral capsid protein (VP-1) is seen only in
      patients with viremia or nephropathy.

PMID- 22052530
TI  - Evaluation and management of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea beyond
      tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy.
AB  - PURPOSE OF REVIEW: There is an increasing percentage of children with persistent
      obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) after removal of the tonsils and adenoids (T&A).
      Although sleep apnea has been an active area of research and treatment in the
      adult population, our awareness of this problem in children is still in its
      initial stages. In addition, therapies to successfully treat this residual OSA
      are still not fully established. It is important to develop evaluation and
      management protocols for these children. RECENT FINDINGS: This review will
      discuss risk factors associated with persistent OSA after T&A and techniques to
      evaluate the pediatric airway in order to identify the site, or sites, of
      obstruction. Various medical and surgical options are presented. SUMMARY:
      Clinicians need to be aware of the potential for persistent sleep disordered
      breathing and OSA in children, despite previous T&A. Evaluation protocols and
      techniques will differ in children, due to limitations in their cooperation
      during the physical examination. Alternative methods, such as airway endoscopy
      and cine MRI, are presented. Medical and surgical options are presented. Outcomes
      data for pediatric populations are rare. Multilevel, single stage surgery has a
      higher risk for oropharyngeal stenosis in children compared with adults and
      conservative, multistage approaches may be more appropriate.

PMID- 22052531
TI  - Discovery of circulating microRNAs associated with human prostate cancer using a
      mouse model of disease.
AB  - Circulating microRNAs (miRNAs) are emerging as useful non-invasive markers of
      disease. The objective of this study was to use a mouse model of prostate cancer
      as a tool to discover serum miRNAs that could be assessed in a clinical setting.
      Global miRNA profiling identified 46 miRNAs at significantly altered levels (p <=
      0.05) in the serum of TRansgenic Adenocarcinoma of Mouse Prostate (TRAMP) mice
      with advanced prostate cancer compared to healthy controls. A subset of these
      miRNAs with known human homologues were validated in an independent cohort of
      mice and then measured in serum from men with metastatic castration-resistant
      prostate cancer (mCRPC; n = 25) or healthy men (n = 25). Four miRNAs altered in
      mice, mmu-miR-141, mmu-miR-298, mmu-miR-346 and mmu-miR-375, were also found to
      be at differential levels in the serum of men with mCRPC. Three of these (hsa-miR
      141, hsa-miR-298 and hsa-miR-375) were upregulated in prostate tumors compared
      with normal prostate tissue, suggesting that they are released into the blood as
      disease progresses. Moreover, the intra-tumoral expression of hsa-miR-141 and hsa
      miR-375 were predictors of biochemical relapse after surgery. This study is the
      first to demonstrate that specific serum miRNAs are common between human prostate
      cancer and a mouse model of the disease, highlighting the potential of such
      models for the discovery of novel biomarkers.

PMID- 22052532
TI  - FRAX underestimates fracture risk in patients with diabetes.
AB  - The study objective was to determine whether diabetes is a risk factor for
      incident hip or major osteoporotic fractures independent of the WHO fracture risk
      assessment tool (FRAX). Men and women with diabetes (n = 3518) and nondiabetics
      (n = 36,085) aged >=50 years at the time of bone mineral density (BMD) testing
      (1990 to 2007) were identified in a large clinical database from Manitoba,
      Canada. FRAX probabilities were calculated, and fracture outcomes to 2008 were
      established via linkage with a population-based data repository. Multivariable
      Cox proportional hazards models were used to determine if diabetes was associated
      with incident hip fractures or major osteoporotic fractures after controlling for
      FRAX risk factors. Mean 10-year probabilities of fracture were similar between
      groups for major fractures (diabetic 11.1 +/- 7.2 versus nondiabetic 10.9 +/-
      7.3, p = 0.116) and hip fractures (diabetic 2.9 +/- 4.4 versus nondiabetic 2.8 +/
      4.4, p = 0.400). Diabetes was a significant predictor of subsequent major
      osteoporotic fracture (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.61, 95% confidence interval [CI]
      1.42-1.83) after controlling for age, sex, medication use, and FRAX risk factors
      including BMD. Similar results were seen after adjusting for FRAX probability
      directly (HR = 1.59, 95% CI 1.40-1.79). Diabetes was also associated with
      significantly higher risk for hip fractures (p < 0.001). Higher mortality from
      diabetes attenuated but did not eliminate the excess fracture risk. FRAX
      underestimated observed major osteoporotic and hip fracture risk in diabetics
      (adjusted for competing mortality) but demonstrated good concordance with
      observed fractures for nondiabetics. We conclude that diabetes confers an
      increased risk of fracture that is independent of FRAX derived with BMD. This
      suggests that diabetes might be considered for inclusion in future iterations of
      FRAX.

PMID- 22052533
TI  - DC-biased AC-electrokinetics: a conductivity gradient driven fluid flow.
AB  - This paper studies the principles of fluid flow manipulation based on DC-biased
      AC-electrokinetics. This method makes use of planar parallel electrodes in a
      microfluidic channel in contact with an electrolyte solution, with a DC biased AC
      electrical signal applied to the electrode pair. Due to the application of DC
      bias, incipient Faradaic electrolytic reactions take place resulting in an
      increase of the ionic content of the bulk solution. The ionic content was found
      to be dissimilar at the cathodic and anodic sides of the channel and a
      conductivity difference of approximately 10% was measured for 2 V(DC). Fluid flow
      is generated by the action of the DC biased AC electric signal acting on the
      transverse conductivity gradient generated across the microchannel. The induced
      flow in the form of vortex was characterized experimentally and the results
      substantiated theoretically. The velocity of the induced flow vortex under the
      employed experimental conditions was ~600 to 700 MUm s(-1) which is faster than
      those obtained in conventional AC-electroosmosis and AC-electrothermal types of
      flows.

PMID- 22052534
TI  - Inhibition of encephalomyocarditis virus replication by shRNA targeting 1D and
      3AB genes in vitro and in vivo.
AB  - Encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) could infect many host species and cause acute
      myocarditis and sudden death in pre-weaned piglets. It was necessary to develop
      new antiviral strategies for the treatment of the virus infection. Here, four
      plasmids expressing shRNA (small hairpin RNA) targeted to 1D or 3AB protein genes
      of EMCV were constructed and their inhibition efficiency on the replication of
      EMCV was evaluated in both BHK21 cells and mice. The results showed that three
      out of those four shRNA constructs could significantly inhibit EMCV replication
      in BHK21 cells on the levels of viral RNA and protein. Moreover, it was found
      that the shRNAs could suppress significantly the load of EMCV in the brain tissue
      of the mice pretreated with the constructs for 6-24 h. The clinical signs and
      pathological lesions of the mice in the groups inoculated with the shRNA
      constructed were milder obviously, compared with those in pSUPER-mN3 and
      challenge control groups. The survival rates of mice inoculated with pSUPER-3AB
      1, pSUPER-3AB-2, and pSUPER-1D-1 for 12 h was 100, 80, and 40%, respectively,
      while, in the control groups it was only 20%. It indicated that the vector-based
      shRNA targeting to 3AB and 1D genes might be a potential anti-EMCV strategy.

PMID- 22052535
TI  - Influence of microstructure and chemical composition of sputter deposited TiO2
      thin films on in vitro bioactivity.
AB  - Functionalisation of biomedical implants via surface modifications for tailored
      tissue response is a growing field of research. Crystalline TiO(2) has been
      proven to be a bone bioactive, non-resorbable material. In contact with body
      fluids a hydroxyapaptite (HA) layer forms on its surface facilitating the bone
      contact. Thus, the path of improving biomedical implants via deposition of
      crystalline TiO(2) on the surface is interesting to follow. In this study we have
      evaluated the influence of microstructure and chemical composition of sputter
      deposited titanium oxide thin films on the in vitro bioactivity. We find that
      both substrate bias, topography and the flow ratio of the gases used during
      sputtering affect the HA layer formed on the films after immersion in simulated
      body fluid at 37 degrees C. A random distribution of anatase and rutile crystals,
      formed at negative substrate bias and low Ar to O(2) gas flow ratios, are shown
      to favor the growth of flat HA crystal structures whereas higher flow ratios and
      positive substrate bias induced growth of more spherical HA structures. These
      findings should provide valuable information when optimizing the bioactivity of
      titanium oxide coatings as well as for tailoring process parameters for sputtered
      based production of bioactive titanium oxide implant surfaces.

PMID- 22052536
TI  - Effect of chitosan multilayers encapsulation on controlled release performance of
      drug-loaded superparamagnetic alginate nanoparticles.
AB  - The near monodispersed ibuprofen-loaded superparamagnetic alginate
      (AL/IBU/Fe(3)O(4)) nanoparticles with particles size less than 200 nm were
      prepared via the facile heterogeneous coprecipitation of the superparamagnetic
      Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticles, sodium alginate (AL) and the model drug ibuprofen (IBU)
      from the aqueous dispersion. Then the chitosan multilayers were self-assembled
      onto the AL/IBU/Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticles to produce novel magnetic-targeted
      controlled release drug delivery system, with chitosan as the polycation (CS) and
      the carboxymethyl chitosan (CMCS) as the polyanion. The drug controlled releasing
      behaviors of the AL/IBU/Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticles and the CS multilayers
      encapsulated ibuprofen-loaded superparamagnetic alginate ((AL/IBU/Fe(3)O(4))@(CS
      CMCS)(3)) nanoparticles were compared in the different pH media. In media with
      the same pH value, the encapsulated vessels exhibited the slower releasing rate.

PMID- 22052537
TI  - An ecoregional context for forest management on National Wildlife Refuges of the
      Upper Midwest, USA.
AB  - To facilitate forest planning and management on National Wildlife Refuges, we
      synthesized multiple data sources to describe land ownership patterns, land
      cover, landscape pattern, and changes in forest composition for four ecoregions
      and their associated refuges of the Upper Midwest. We related observed patterns
      to ecological processes important for forest conservation and restoration, with
      specific attention to refuge patterns of importance for forest landbirds of
      conservation priority. The large amount of public land within the ecoregions (31
      80%) suggests that opportunities exist for coarse and meso-scale approaches to
      conserving and restoring ecological processes affecting the refuges, particularly
      historical fire regimes. Forests dominate both ecoregions and refuges, but refuge
      forest patches are generally larger and more aggregated than in associated
      ecoregions. Broadleaf taxa have increased in dominance in the ecoregions and
      displaced fire-dependent taxa such as pine (Pinus spp.) and other coniferous
      species; these changes in forest composition have likely also affected refuge
      forests. Despite compositional changes, larger forest patches on refuges suggests
      that they may provide better habitat for area-sensitive forest landbirds of
      mature, compositionally diverse forests than surrounding lands if management
      continues to promote increased patch size. We reason that although fine-scale
      research and monitoring for species of conservation priority is important, broad
      scale (ecoregional) assessments provide crucial context for effective forest and
      wildlife management in protected areas.

PMID- 22052538
TI  - Palladium-catalyzed desulfitative C-H arylation of heteroarenes with sodium
      sulfinates.

PMID- 22052539
TI  - Determining the extent of lateral neck dissection necessary to establish regional
      disease control and avoid reoperation after previous total thyroidectomy and
      radioactive iodine for papillary thyroid cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate patients who underwent
      lateral neck dissection for fine-needle aspiration (FNA)-confirmed disease after
      total thyroidectomy and radioactive iodine (RAI) to determine the appropriate
      extent of resection necessary to avoid reoperation. METHODS: This study was
      conducted with a retrospective review of medical charts of 100 consecutive
      patients. RESULTS: Seventy-seven percent of initial lateral neck dissection
      specimens and 64% of reoperative lateral neck dissection specimens had more than
      1 nodal level of involvement. The sensitivity and negative predictive value of
      preoperative ultrasound to determine whether a specific nodal level was involved
      were: level 2: 54% and 66.2%; level 3: 47% and 49.4%; level 4: 60% and 55.4%; and
      level 5: 42% and 88.5%, respectively. CONCLUSION: Patients undergoing lateral
      neck dissection after previous total thyroidectomy and RAI tend to have multiple
      involved nodes within multiple neck levels. Preoperative ultrasound is not
      sensitive enough to account for all of these involved nodes, therefore, a
      compartmental lateral neck dissection is recommended to minimize the risk of
      persistence and reoperation.

PMID- 22052540
TI  - MicroRNA-34b functions as a potential tumor suppressor in endometrial serous
      adenocarcinoma.
AB  - Endometrial serous adenocarcinoma (ESC) is aggressive and carries a poor
      prognosis. p53 is frequently mutated in ESC. microRNAs (miRNAs) are a direct p53
      target and have been implicated in cancer cell behavior. In this study, we
      compared miRNA expression levels in ESC with the levels in endometrial
      endometrioid adenocarcinoma (EEC) and normal endometria. Six miRNAs were
      identified as having aberrant down-regulation specific to ESC with miR-34b being
      most pronounced. miR-34b was found to have promoter hypermethylation, which when
      reversed, restored miR-34b expression in the cell lines treated with 5-aza-2'
      deoxycytidine (DAC). Ectopic expression of miR-34b in turn inhibited cell growth,
      migration and most notably invasion. Our findings suggest a relationship among
      p53 mutation, miR-34b promoter methylation and tumor cell behavior. These effects
      are likely mediated by the downstream target of miR-34b, the proto-oncogene
      mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (MET), a known prognostic factor in
      endometrial carcinomas. The expression of MET was reduced following the
      restoration of miR-34b in cell lines. In summary, our data suggest that miR-34b
      plays a role in the molecular pathogenesis of endometrial cancer.

PMID- 22052541
TI  - Molecular characterization of a new begomovirus that infects Euphorbia
      heterophylla and Solanum lycopersicum in Venezuela.
AB  - We report the complete nucleotide sequence of a begomovirus isolate infecting
      Euphorbia heterophylla and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) in central Venezuela.
      Based on the current taxonomic criteria for the genus Begomovirus, the isolate
      was shown to represent a novel species, tentatively named Euphorbia mosaic
      Venezuela virus (EuMVV). Its DNA-A is most closely related to those of Euphorbia
      infecting begomoviruses from the Caribbean and Central America. The DNA B
      component forms a phylogenetic cluster with Euphorbia and Sida-infecting
      begomoviruses from the squash leaf curl virus (SLCV) cluster. EuMVV is
      transmissible to S. lycopersicum and Capsicum annuum by biolistics of infectious
      cloned DNA-A and DNA-B components and induces characteristic leaf downward
      curling and yellowing in S. lycopersicum and and yellowing and leaf distortion in
      Capsicum annuum.

PMID- 22052542
TI  - Suicides in the Canton of Zurich (Switzerland).
AB  - QUESTIONS: The Swiss Health Observatory recently reported that the Canton of
      Zurich ranked fourth highest among the Swiss cantons in regard to suicide rates.
      The aim of this study was to identify sociodemographic risk factors (such as sex,
      age, marital status, religion and place of residence) in relation to suicide
      rates in the Canton of Zurich, and to explore suicide methods and co-morbidities
      from all suicides in this area between 1995 and 2007. METHOD: Data from Swiss
      statistics on causes of death were analysed using statistical modelling. RESULTS:
      Suicides were found to be more frequent among men than women, and suicide was
      more prevalent in older or single people than in younger or married people,
      respectively. Age groups over 70 had increasingly high suicide rates compared to
      lower age groups. Investigating geographical distribution, highest suicide risks
      were found in the cities and high-income municipalities. The chosen suicide
      methods differed among age and sex groups. Poisoning was more than twice as
      frequent among women, and more common with increasing age in both sexes. Usage of
      firearms was about ten times as frequent among men. For train suicides, the age
      group of 10 to 19 years predominated. In 36% of suicide cases, mental disorders
      were listed as co-morbidities; in 12% malignant tumours were reported.
      CONCLUSIONS: Relatively low rates of mental illness were reported in older
      suicide victims, despite a massively rising suicide rate with increase of age,
      indicating that undiagnosed depression could contribute to the high suicide rates
      in the elderly. Demographic changes in the coming years may result in larger
      numbers of suicides.

PMID- 22052543
TI  - Ruthenium-catalyzed regioselective deuteration of alcohols at the beta-carbon
      position with deuterium oxide.
AB  - A convenient method for regioselective H/D exchange between D(2)O and alcohols at
      the beta-carbon position using the catalytic system [(p
      cymene)RuCl(2)]/ethanolamine/KOH is described. This method is applicable for
      deuteration of both primary and secondary alcohols. The H/D exchange reactions
      proceed through an oxidation/modification/reduction reaction sequence. Alcohols
      are first temporarily oxidized to carbonyl compounds by the hydrogen transfer
      catalyst. The carbonyl compounds then undergo deuteration at the carbon adjacent
      to the carbonyl group by keto-enol tautomerization in the presence of D(2)O and a
      catalytic amount of base. The deuterated carbonyl compounds are then reduced to
      produce deuterated alcohols. In support of the reaction mechanism, a well-defined
      bimetallic ruthenium complex was isolated from the reaction of [{(p
      cymene)RuCl(2)}(2)] with ethanolamine. The activity of this complex is similar to
      that of [{(p-cymene)RuCl(2)}(2)]/ethanolamine.

PMID- 22052544
TI  - Sox9 is upstream of microRNA-140 in cartilage.
AB  - MicroRNA-140 (miR-140) is specifically expressed in developing cartilage tissues.
      We have previously reported that miR-140 plays an important role during palatal
      cartilage development by modulating platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha
      (pdgfra) in zebrafish. However, the regulatory mechanism of miR-140 in cartilage
      is still unknown. Using developing zebrafish, sox9a mutant (sox9a-/-) and sox9b
      mutant (sox9b-/-) zebrafish and SOX9 small interfering RNA in human chondrocytes,
      T/C-28 cells, we found that miR-140 is regulated by the cartilage master
      transcription regulator Sox9 in zebrafish and mammalian cells.

PMID- 22052545
TI  - The effect of Ni(2+) and Cu(2+) on the photocatalytic degradation of dyes by the
      chitosan-TiO(2) complex.
AB  - The present research combines biosorption and photocatalysis in a functional
      TiO(2)-immobilized chitosan adsorbent (CTA). CTA can degrade organic pollutants
      and adsorb metal ions simultaneously. Target pollutants were dyes of cationic
      (rhodamine B, Rh.B) and anionic (methyl orange, MO) nature, with Ni(2+) and
      Cu(2+) selected as heavy metals. The presence of Ni(2+) or Cu(2+) improved the
      degradation ability of CTA for MO, but inhibited the degradation of Rh.B, with
      Cu(2+) exhibiting stronger effects than Ni(2+). There was no significant
      difference in CTA activity when the metal ions were pre-adsorbed or when they
      coexisted in the solution with the organic dyes. Protons in the reaction system
      affected the degradation performance in a similar way for Ni(2+) and Cu(2+)
      leading to a different effect on the degradation for MO and Rh.B. An X-ray
      photoelectron spectroscopy analysis of the binding energies of the metal ions on
      the surface in the presence of the cationic or anionic dyes explained the
      different behaviors. Since anionic and cationic dyes possess chromogenic groups
      of different charges, they adversely affect the production of OH* radicals when
      coexisting with Cu(2+) or Ni(2+).

PMID- 22052546
TI  - Susceptibility of a Vibrio alginolyticus rpoS mutant to environmental stresses
      and its expression of OMPs.
AB  - Vibrio alginolyticus, one of the most important opportunistic pathogens, can be
      detected in human being and marine animals. Like other bacteria, V. alginolyticus
      is able to adapt to a variety of stressful environmental changes. The alternate
      sigma factor RpoS, which is a regulator during stationary phase, plays an
      important role in surviving under these stressful situations in many bacteria.
      Sequence analysis reveals a 990 bp open reading frame which is predicted to
      encode a 330-amino-acid protein with 68% to 96% overall identity to other
      reported sequences. To study the function of rpoS, the rpoS gene of V.
      alginolyticus VIB283 was cloned and an rpoS mutant was constructed by homologous
      recombination. Comparison of the study result of the wild type and the mutant
      showed that the mutant was more sensitive to stress conditions such as high
      osmolarity, oxidative stress, heat shock, and long-term starvation and that the
      LD(50) of the mutant strain to the zebra fish was about 2.8 times as that of the
      control strain. In addition, the SDS-PAGE analysis indicated that the outer
      membrane proteins (OMPs) existed great differences.

PMID- 22052547
TI  - High proton conductivity of water channels in a highly ordered nanowire.
AB  - A proton-conductive material based on a crystalline assembly of trimesic acid and
      melamine (TMA?M, see picture) is reported. Because of the ordered structure of
      the assembly, the water-saturated proton conductivity for the TMA?M assembly is
      5.5 S cm(-1) , which is the highest proton conductivity measured to date. This
      exceptionally high conductivity and low-cost fabrication of the material make
      applications feasible for fuel-cell devices.

PMID- 22052551
TI  - Clinical evaluation of multiplex real-time PCR panels for rapid detection of
      respiratory viral infections.
AB  - Respiratory viral infections are one of the leading causes of morbidity and
      mortality, particularly in children, the elderly and immunocompromised persons.
      Rapid identification of viral etiology is critical in ruling out non-viral
      infections, initiating antiviral treatment and limiting the spread of the
      infection. Multiplex assays of more than one viral gene target in a single tube
      have the advantage of rapid screening of a large number of potential viral
      pathogens in a short time. A multiplex real-time PCR assay was used in this study
      for detection of respiratory RNA and DNA viral infections in 728 specimens
      received from 585 adult and pediatric patients comprised of symptomatic and
      asymptomatic organ transplant recipients and non-recipients for diagnosis of
      respiratory illnesses and for routine clinical monitoring. Multiplex PCR was more
      sensitive than the multiplex immunofluoresence culture assay (R-mix) and also
      detected additional respiratory viruses that were not covered by the R-mix panel.
      The number of respiratory viruses detected in symptomatic patients was
      significantly higher than asymptomatic patients in both adult and pediatric
      patients. Herpesviral infections were the predominant cause of lower respiratory
      tract infection in the organ transplant recipients, whereas respiratory syncytial
      virus was the most common pathogen in non-transplant patients particularly
      children. Multiplex real-time PCR for detection of respiratory viruses has the
      potential for rapid identification of viral pathogens. In this era of emerging
      viral infections, addition of newer viral targets to the multiplex PCR panels
      will be beneficial in determining both patient management and public health
      epidemiology.

PMID- 22052552
TI  - Sorafenib as treatment for relapsed or refractory pediatric acute myelogenous
      leukemia.
AB  - The prognosis for children with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) has improved
      with overall survival rates of up to 65% [Pui et al. J Clin Oncol 2011; 29: 551
      565]. However, the cure rate for AML lags behind that of acute lymphoblastic
      leukemia. Advances in AML leukemogenesis are leading to refined risk
      stratification. FMS like tyrosine kinase 3 (FLT3) mutations are independently
      associated with a poor prognosis. Newer kinase inhibitors, including sorafenib,
      have shown promise in adult studies. We report three pediatric patients with
      relapsed AML who achieved a sustained remission with sorafenib. Further trials
      are necessary to understand the role of sorafenib in pediatric AML.

PMID- 22052553
TI  - Direct measurement of backflux between oxaloacetate and fumarate following
      pyruvate carboxylation.
AB  - Pyruvate carboxylation (PC) is thought to be the major anaplerotic reaction for
      the tricarboxylic acid cycle and is necessary for de novo synthesis of amino acid
      neurotransmitters. In the brain, the main enzyme involved is pyruvate
      carboxylase, which is predominantly located in astrocytes. Carboxylation leads to
      the formation of oxaloacetate, which condenses with acetyl coenzyme A to form
      citrate. However, oxaloacetate may also be converted to malate and fumarate
      before being regenerated. This pathway is termed the oxaloacetate-fumarate-flux
      or backflux. Carbon isotope-based methods for quantification of activity of PC
      lead to underestimation when backflux is not taken into account and critical
      errors have been made in the interpretation of results from metabolic studies.
      This study was conducted to establish the degree of backflux after PC in
      cerebellar and neocortical astrocytes. Astrocyte cultures from cerebellum or
      neocortex were incubated with either [3-(13) C] or [2-(13) C]glucose, and
      extracts were analyzed using mass spectrometry or nuclear magnetic resonance
      spectroscopy. Substantial PC compared with pyruvate dehydrogenase activity was
      observed, and extensive backflux was demonstrated in both types of astrocytes.
      The extent of backflux varied between the metabolites, reaffirming that
      metabolism is highly compartmentalized. By applying our calculations to published
      data, we demonstrate the existence of backflux in vivo in cat, rat, mouse, and
      human brain. Thus, backflux should be taken into account when calculating the
      magnitude of PC to allow for a more precise evaluation of cerebral metabolism.

PMID- 22052554
TI  - Role of CD73 and extracellular adenosine in disease : Presented by Maria P.
      Abbracchio.

PMID- 22052555
TI  - Development of a comprehensive set of P2 receptor pharmacological research
      compounds.
AB  - Pharmacological manipulation of P2X and P2Y receptors has been critical to the
      elucidation of the biological roles of these receptors within a multitude of
      physiological and pathological processes. Initial purinergic signalling research
      made use of compounds based on pyridoxal phosphate, suramin and nucleotide
      analogues; recently developed compounds are often derivatives of these early
      tools. Tocris Bioscience first entered the field of purinergic signalling
      reagents with the commercial release of the pyridoxal phosphate derivative, iso
      PPADS. During the past two decades, Tocris has assembled a collection of over 50
      compounds for P2 receptor modulation, including research tools commercialised
      from both academic and industrial laboratories. Recently, a number of P2X subtype
      selective compounds have been generated by pharmaceutical company medicinal
      chemistry programmes, supplementing our range of P2Y-selective compounds. Here,
      we detail the current, commercially available agonists and antagonists of
      P2X(1,2/3,3,4,7) and P2Y(1,6,11,12) receptors; considered together, they form the
      foundations of a comprehensive P2 receptor pharmacological 'toolkit'.

PMID- 22052556
TI  - Prenatal expression of purinergic receptor P2X3 in human dorsal root ganglion.
AB  - The dorsal root ganglion (DRG) is consisted of neurons that relay multiple types
      of spinal sensory stimuli to the central nervous system. Several neuroactive
      molecules may be involved in sensory modulation especially pain processing at the
      DRG, including the purinergic receptor P2X3 and calcitonin-gene-related peptide
      (CGRP). P2X3 receptor has been considered a promising pharmaceutical target for
      the development of new pain medicine. Currently, litter is known about the
      expression of P2X3 in the human DRG. The present study characterized the
      localization of P2X3 in prenatal human DRG obtained from fetuses at 4-8
      gestational months, by comparing to CGRP expression as well as binding pattern of
      isolectin-B4 (IB4), a marker of small DRG neurons presumably relevant to
      nociception. P2X3 immunoreactivity (IR) appeared in most neuron-like perikarya,
      with their numerical density reduced during the gestational period studied. P2X3
      IR was co-labeled very commonly with IB4 binding and infrequently with CGRP IR
      and was not colocalized with IR for the gliocyte marker glutamine synthetase.
      Together, the data show an early and broad expression of P2X3 in prenatal human
      DRG neurons, pointing to a biological role of purinergic signaling during the
      development of spinal sensory system.

PMID- 22052557
TI  - Purinergic receptors expressed in human skeletal muscle fibres.
AB  - Purinergic receptors are present in most tissues and thought to be involved in
      various signalling pathways, including neural signalling, cell metabolism and
      local regulation of the microcirculation in skeletal muscles. The present study
      aims to determine the distribution and intracellular content of purinergic
      receptors in skeletal muscle fibres in patients with type 2 diabetes and age
      matched controls. Muscle biopsies from vastus lateralis were obtained from six
      type 2 diabetic patients and seven age-matched controls. Purinergic receptors
      were analysed using light and confocal microscopy in immunolabelled transverse
      sections of muscle biopsies. The receptors P2Y(4), P2Y(11) and likely P2X(1) were
      present intracellularly or in the plasma membrane of muscle fibres and were thus
      selected for further detailed morphological analysis. P2X(1) receptors were
      expressed in intracellular vesicles and sarcolemma. P2Y(4) receptors were present
      in sarcolemma. P2Y(11) receptors were abundantly and diffusely expressed
      intracellularly and were more explicitly expressed in type I than in type II
      fibres, whereas P2X(1) and P2Y(4) showed no fibre-type specificity. Both diabetic
      patients and healthy controls showed similar distribution of receptors. The
      current study demonstrates that purinergic receptors are located intracellularly
      in human skeletal muscle fibres. The similar cellular localization of receptors
      in healthy and diabetic subjects suggests that diabetes is not associated with an
      altered distribution of purinergic receptors in skeletal muscle fibres. We
      speculate that the intracellular localization of purinergic receptors may reflect
      a role in regulation of muscle metabolism; further studies are nevertheless
      needed to determine the function of the purinergic system in skeletal muscle
      cells.

PMID- 22052558
TI  - Items for developing revised classification criteria in systemic sclerosis:
      Results of a consensus exercise.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Classification criteria for systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma) are
      being updated. Our objective was to select a set of items potentially useful for
      the classification of SSc using consensus procedures, including the Delphi and
      nominal group techniques (NGT). METHODS: Items were identified through 2
      independent consensus exercises performed by the Scleroderma Clinical Trials
      Consortium and the European League Against Rheumatism Scleroderma Trials and
      Research Group. The first-round items from both exercises were collated and
      redundancies were removed, leaving 168 items. A 3-round Delphi exercise was
      performed using a 1-9 scale (where 1 = completely inappropriate and 9 =
      completely appropriate) and a consensus meeting using NGT was conducted. During
      the last Delphi round, the items were ranked on a 1-10 scale. RESULTS: In round
      1, 106 experts rated the 168 items. Those with a median score of <4 were removed,
      resulting in a list of 102 items. In round 2, the items were again rated for
      appropriateness and subjected to a consensus meeting using NGT by European and
      North American SSc experts (n = 16), resulting in 23 items. In round 3, SSc
      experts (n = 26) then individually scored each of the 23 items in a last Delphi
      round using an appropriateness score (1-9) and ranking their 10 most appropriate
      items for the classification of SSc. Presence of skin thickening, SSc-specific
      autoantibodies, abnormal nailfold capillary pattern, and Raynaud's phenomenon
      ranked highest in the final list that also included items indicating internal
      organ involvement. CONCLUSION: The Delphi exercise and NGT resulted in a set of
      23 items for the classification of SSc that will be assessed for their
      discriminative properties in a prospective study.

PMID- 22052559
TI  - Human papillomavirus in oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas in Korea: use of
      G1 cycle markers as new prognosticators.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Human papillomavirus (HPV)-related oropharyngeal squamous cell
      carcinoma (SCC) exhibits distinct patterns worldwide, but its prevalence has not
      been extensively evaluated in Korea. The E7 oncogene-mediated carcinogenesis and
      its meaning are yet to be uncovered for oropharyngeal SCCs. METHODS: In a Korean
      oropharyngeal SCC cohort, epidemiological indicators, HPV, and G1 cell cycle
      marker expressions were correlated with survival. RESULTS: Among 93 surgically
      treated patients with oropharyngeal SCCs, 49.5% were HPV+, which were
      significantly younger, and predominantly nonsmoking. They demonstrated better
      survival than HPV- (94% vs 60%). Patients who were HPV+ with oropharyngeal SCCs
      expressed higher p16, cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (cdk4), and lower pRb. The p16
      (hazard ratio [HR] 2.39), pRb (HR 2.13), and CCND1 (HR 2.09) correlated with
      survival. Notably, combined markers like p16/cdk4 ratio (HR 2.47) and cdk4+CCND1
      sum (HR 2.65) were more significantly correlated. CONCLUSION: Incidence of HPV
      related oropharyngeal SCC in Korea is similar to U.S.-European data. HPV presence
      correlates with improved survival. Expression ratios of G1 markers may predict
      survival of oropharyngeal SCCs better than each marker alone.

PMID- 22052560
TI  - Crossing the borders between neurology and psychiatry in functional neurological
      disorders.

PMID- 22052561
TI  - A novel, extremely alkaliphilic and cold-active esterase from Antarctic desert
      soil.
AB  - A novel, cold-active and highly alkaliphilic esterase was isolated from an
      Antarctic desert soil metagenomic library by functional screening. The 1,044 bp
      gene sequence contained several conserved regions common to lipases/esterases,
      but lacked clear classification based on sequence analysis alone. Moderate (<40%)
      amino acid sequence similarity to known esterases was apparent (the closest
      neighbour being a hypothetical protein from Chitinophaga pinensis), despite
      phylogenetic distance to many of the lipolytic "families". The enzyme
      functionally demonstrated activity towards shorter chain p-nitrophenyl esters
      with the optimal activity recorded towards p-nitrophenyl propionate (C3). The
      enzyme possessed an apparent T(opt) at 20 degrees C and a pH optimum at pH 11.
      Esterases possessing such extreme alkaliphily are rare and so this enzyme
      represents an intriguing novel locus in protein sequence space. A metagenomic
      approach has been shown, in this case, to yield an enzyme with quite different
      sequential/structural properties to known lipases. It serves as an excellent
      candidate for analysis of the molecular mechanisms responsible for both cold and
      alkaline activity and novel structure-function relationships of esterase
      activity.

PMID- 22052563
TI  - Enhancement of muramyldipeptide (MDP) immunostimulatory activity by controlled
      multimerization on dendrimers.
AB  - Peptidoglycan is a widespread bacterial PAMP molecule and a powerful initiator of
      innate immune responses. It consists of repeating units of MDP, which as a
      monomer is only weakly immunostimulatory. Here, MDP-coupled dendrimers were
      prepared and investigated for stimulation of pig blood mononuclear cells.
      Compared to monomeric MDP, MDP-dendrimers induced a markedly enhanced production
      of IL-12 p40, IL-1beta and IL-6 and completely down-regulated surface expression
      of B7 and MHC class II. These results suggest a possible novel strategy based on
      controlled multimerization of minimal PAMP motifs on dendrimers for preparing
      molecularly defined immunostimulators with predictable bioactivities.

PMID- 22052564
TI  - Core/shell Fe3O4 @SiO2 nanoparticles modified with PAH as a vector for EGFP
      plasmid DNA delivery into HeLa cells.
AB  - Novel stable core/shell Fe(3)O(4)@SiO(2)/PAH nanoparticles are synthesized using
      15 nm Fe(3)O(4) as the template that is modified with PAH. The resulting
      nanoparticles can absorb plasmid DNA to mediate gene transfer in cultured HeLa
      cells. An electrophoretic assay suggests that the Fe(3)O(4)@SiO(2)/PAH
      nanoparticles protect the plasmid DNA from serum and DNase I degradation. A cell
      viability assay shows that the Fe(3)O(4)@SiO(2)/PAH nanoparticles exhibit a low
      cytotoxicity toward endothelial cells. Qualitative analysis of transfection in
      HeLa cells by nanoparticles carrying a plasmid DNA encoding EGFP demonstrates a
      fairly high expression level, even in the presence of serum. Thus,
      Fe(3)O(4)@SiO(2)/PAH nanoparticles are biocompatible and suitable for nonviral
      delivery, and may find applications in cancer therapy.

PMID- 22052565
TI  - Nano/microstructural effect of hydroxyapatite nanocrystals on hepatocyte cell
      aggregation and adhesion.
AB  - Hepatocyte cell aggregation and adhesion to HAp nanocrystals covered with SU-8
      polymer micropatterns by nano/microfabrication techniques is demonstrated. The
      surface roughness and wettability of the HAp nanocrystals are significantly
      different from those of the SU-8 polymer. QCM-D and microscopic observation
      clearly reveal that the cells realize the surface properties to form aggregation
      and preferentially adhere to the HAp nanocrystals at 2 h after seeding,
      indicating the importance of the microstructures as well as the interfacial
      phenomena at a nanometer scale.

PMID- 22052566
TI  - Micelles from amphiphilic block copolyphosphates for drug delivery.
AB  - Amphiphilic block copolyphosphates (PEP-b-PIPPs) are synthesized by two-step ROP
      of cyclic phosphate monomers with different pedant groups. They can spontaneously
      self-assemble into approximately spherical micelles ranging in size between 89
      and 198 nm in water. A typical hydrophobic anti-cancer drug DOX is encapsulated
      into the micelles. The release rate of DOX slows down with increasing hydrophobic
      block length of PIPP. DOX-loaded micelles are investigated for the proliferation
      inhibition of Hela cells and the DOX dose required for 50% cellular growth
      inhibition is found to be 0.8 ug mL(-1). It is demonstrated that PEP-b-PIPP
      micelles can be used as a safe and promising drug delivery system.

PMID- 22052568
TI  - Active-specific immunotherapy of human cancers with the heat shock protein Gp96
      revisited.
AB  - The passive administration of specific antibodies that selectively target tumors
      is a well-known strategy in cancer treatment. Active immunotherapy using peptide
      vaccines, in contrast, is expected to induce specific, cytolytic T cells in the
      patient, which react against tumor antigens and destroy malignant cells. Although
      several concepts exist, the identification and low immunogenicity of tumor
      specific peptides remain a serious problem. Heat shock proteins (HSPs), notably
      glycoprotein (Gp) 96, are of special interest, because they are able to take
      molecular peptide-fingerprints of the protein array characteristic for a
      particular cell. Association of Gp96 with peptides has been shown to be essential
      for crosspresentation and activation of T cells. Consequently, Gp96-peptide
      complexes extracted from cancer cells harbor the tumor-specific peptides and are
      immunogenic, thus offering a tool for active immunization against the tumor.
      Already, several immunotherapy studies of human cancers have been carried out,
      showing no severe adverse effects but unfortunately only limited improvement in
      the clinical outcome. Vitespen, a commercial HSP-peptide complex vaccine based on
      tumor-derived Gp96, seems to induce an improved overall survival for subsets of
      early stage melanoma and kidney cancer patients. The limited access to vaccine
      material derived from the autologous tumor requires the development of
      alternative protocols. Moreover, counteracting immunosuppressive mechanisms
      induced by the malignancy might further improve the efficacy of vaccinations.
      This review critically analyzes the current state of clinical immunotherapy with
      Gp96, with special attention to Vitespen.

PMID- 22052569
TI  - Mechanistic origin of ligand-controlled regioselectivity in Pd-catalyzed C-H
      activation/arylation of thiophenes.
AB  - The use of ligands to control regioselectivity in transition-metal-catalyzed C-H
      activation/functionalization is a highly desirable but challenging task.
      Recently, Itami et al. reported an important finding relating to Pd-catalyzed
      ligand-controlled alpha/beta-selective C-H arylation of thiophenes. Specifically,
      the use of the 2,2'-bipyridyl ligand resulted in alpha-arylation, whereas the use
      of the bulky fluorinated phosphine ligand P[OCH(CF(3))(2)](3) resulted in beta
      arylation. Understanding of this surprising ligand-controlled alpha/beta
      selectivity could provide important insights into the development of more
      efficient catalyst systems for selective C-H arylation, and so we carried out a
      detailed computational study on the problem with use of density functional theory
      methods. Three mechanistic possibilities--S(E)Ar and migration,
      metalation/deprotonation, and Heck-type arylation mechanisms--were examined. The
      results showed that the S(E)Ar and migration mechanism might not be plausible,
      because the key Wheland intermediates could not be obtained. On the other hand,
      our study indicated that the metalation/deprotonation and Heck-type arylation
      mechanisms were both involved in Itami's reactions. In the
      metalation/deprotonation pathway the alpha-selective product (C5-product) was
      preferred, whereas in the Heck-type arylation mechanism the beta-selective
      product (C4-product) was favored. The ligands played crucial roles in tuning the
      relative barriers of the two different pathways. In the 2,2'-bipyridyl-assisted
      system, the metalation/deprotonation pathway was energetically advantageous,
      leading to alpha-selectivity. In the P[OCH(CF(3))(2)](3)-assisted system, on the
      other hand, the Heck-type arylation mechanism was kinetically favored, leading to
      beta-selectivity. An interesting finding was that P[OCH(CF(3))(2)](3) could
      produce a C-H...O hydrogen bond in the catalyst system, which was crucial for
      stabilization of the Heck-type transition state. In comparison, this C-H...O
      hydrogen bond was absent with the other phosphine ligands [i.e., P(OMe)(3),
      PPh(3), PCy(3)] and these phosphine ligands therefore favored the
      metalation/deprotonation pathway leading to alpha-selectivity. Furthermore, in
      this study we have provided theoretical evidence showing that the Heck-type
      arylation reaction could proceed through an anti-beta-hydride elimination
      process.

PMID- 22052571
TI  - Parkinsonism: heterogeneity of a common neurological syndrome.
AB  - Parkinsonism refers to a neurological syndrome embracing bradykinesia, muscle
      rigidity, tremor at rest and impaired postural reflexes, and involving a broad
      differential diagnosis. Having ruled out secondary causes (most importantly
      drugs), distinguishing levodopa-responsive idiopathic parkinson's disease (PD)
      from chiefly treatment-resistant and hence atypical parkinsonism is essential.
      Recent clinico-pathological studies using data-driven approaches have refined the
      traditional classifications of parkinsonism by identifying a spectrum of subtypes
      with different prognoses. For example, progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP),
      characterised by early vertical gaze limitation and falls, probably has a milder
      variant with predominant parkinsonism (PSP-P) which may respond quite well to
      levodopa before converting to the classical disease, relabelled Richardson
      syndrome (PSP-RS). Analysis of PD subcategories has shown that tremor-dominant
      forms are probably less benign than was hitherto thought and that in mild cases
      dystonia should rather be considered. In addition, life expectancy in early onset
      PD may be shortened. Despite the clinical and pathological overlap of the various
      subtypes, appreciating the heterogeneity of parkinsonism also includes
      identifying non-motor features such as early autonomous or cognitive problems
      which are potentially amenable to pharmacological treatment. Not least, non-motor
      symptoms, along with postural instability, render the patient particularly
      vulnerable to side effects, and hence avoiding unnecessary treatment is equally
      important in the management of parkinsonian disorders.

PMID- 22052570
TI  - Phenotypic psychiatric characterization of children with Williams syndrome and
      response of those with ADHD to methylphenidate treatment.
AB  - Williams syndrome (WS) is associated with cognitive deficits, special behavioral
      phenotype, and high rates of psychiatric disorders. The aims of the present study
      were: (1) To compare the rates of psychiatric disorders and repetitive behaviors
      in children with WS to children with idiopathic developmental disability (DDs);
      (2) To longitudinally assess the change in psychiatric disorders during
      adolescence in WS; (3) To assess retrospectively the effectiveness and safety of
      methylphenidate (MPH) treatment in WS children with ADHD. The study consisted of
      a cohort of 38 children and adolescents (age 13.1 +/- 5.2 years) with WS and a
      sample of age-matched DDs (age 15.0 +/- 3.1 years). A current follow-up
      evaluation was conducted after 5.6 +/- 1.6 years for 25 subjects (65.8%) of the
      WS cohort. The rate of most psychiatric disorders was found similar in children
      with WS and DD controls. Specific phobia, especially from noises, obsessive
      compulsive symptoms (e.g., aggressive obsessions and repetitive questions), and
      stereotypic behaviors (e.g., glancing), were more common in WS than DDs. In a
      longitudinal follow-up of the WS children, we found a decrease in the rate of
      anxiety disorders. In addition, a clinically significant improvement was reported
      in 72.2% of WS children with ADHD following MPH treatment. Sadness/unhappiness
      was the most common side effect associated with MPH treatment in WS, occurring in
      2/3 of treated individuals. The present study further elucidates the
      neuropsychiatric phenotype of WS. Our results also suggest that MPH treatment for
      ADHD in WS warrants future prospective controlled trials.

PMID- 22052572
TI  - Enantioselective synthesis of cis-1,2-disubstituted cyclopentanes and
      cyclohexanes by Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling and iridium-catalyzed asymmetric
      hydrogenation.
AB  - A series of 1,2-disubstituted cyclohexene derivatives was prepared through Suzuki
      Miyaura cross-coupling of 2-bromo-1-cyclohexenecarbaldehyde or 2-carbomethoxy-1
      cyclohexen-1-yl triflate with arylboronates. These tetra-substituted cyclic
      alkenes were subjected to Ir-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation. In this way cis
      1-methoxymethyl-2-arylcyclohexanes were obtained in high yield with excellent
      enantio- and diastereoselectivities (up to >99% ee, >99% cis) by using
      phosphinomethyloxazolines as ligands. Asymmetric hydrogenation of analogous
      cyclopentene derivatives, prepared by Suzuki-Miyaura cross-coupling, proved to be
      more difficult and proceeded with lower enantioselectivities of up to 88% ee. The
      synthetic potential of this cross-coupling/asymmetric-hydrogenation strategy was
      demonstrated by an enantioselective route to chiral hexahydrofluorenones.

PMID- 22052573
TI  - Spatial scan statistics with overdispersion.
AB  - The spatial scan statistic has been widely used in spatial disease surveillance
      and spatial cluster detection for more than a decade. However, overdispersion
      often presents in real-world data, causing not only violation of the Poisson
      assumption but also excessive type I errors or false alarms. In order to account
      for overdispersion, we extend the Poisson-based spatial scan test to a quasi
      Poisson-based test. The simulation shows that the proposed method can
      substantially reduce type I error probabilities in the presence of
      overdispersion. In a case study of infant mortality in Jiangxi, China, both tests
      detect a cluster; however, a secondary cluster is identified by only the Poisson
      based test. It is recommended that a cluster detected by the Poisson-based scan
      test should be interpreted with caution when it is not confirmed by the quasi
      Poisson-based test.

PMID- 22052576
TI  - Is serum S100B protein a biomarker for amitriptyline-induced cardiovascular toxic
      effects?
AB  - The aim of this study was to assess the role of serum S100B protein as a
      biomarker for cardiovascular effects in an anesthetized rat model of
      amitriptyline toxicity. Adult male Wistar rats (n = 28) were randomized into four
      groups. While the control group received normal saline, the experimental groups
      received different doses of amitriptyline (0.625 or 0.94 or 1.25 mg/kg/min)
      infusion. Mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), electrocardiogram
      parameters, and serum S100B protein levels were recorded during the experiment.
      Linear Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to examine the association
      between cardiovascular parameters and serum levels of S100B protein. In the
      experimental groups, amitriptyline caused a significant decrease in MAP and HR (P
      < 0.001), a prolongation in QRS duration and QT intervals (P < 0.01), but it did
      not change PR intervals significantly. At the end of the experiment of the second
      group, a significant correlation was found between HR and serum S100B protein
      levels (r = -0.963, P = 0.037). At the end of the experiment of the third and
      fourth groups, a significant correlation between MAP, HR, all ECG parameters, and
      serum S100B protein levels was found. Serum S100B protein levels correlate well
      with amitriptyline-induced cardiovascular toxicity and can be used as a biomarker
      for predicting cardiovascular toxic effects of amitriptyline.

PMID- 22052577
TI  - Genetic transformation of Colletotrichum truncatum associated with anthracnose
      disease of chili by random insertional mutagenesis.
AB  - An Agrobacterium tumefaciens -mediated transformation (ATMT) system was
      successfully developed for Colletotrichum truncatum, the causal agent of chili
      anthracnose. A. tumefaciens carrying a hygromycin phosphotransferase gene (hph)
      and a green fluorescent protein (gfp) gene was used to transform the
      conidiospores of two C. truncatum pathotypes F8-3B and BRIP26974. Optimum
      transformation efficiency was obtained when equal volumes of A. tumefaciens
      strain AGL1 carrying either pJF1 or pPK2 binary vector was used to transform C.
      truncatum conidiospores at 10(6) /ml and co-cultivated at 24  degrees C for three
      days. Southern blot analysis indicated that 87.5% of the transformants contained
      randomly inserted, single copies of the T-DNA. Infection and colonisation of
      chili fruit at the mature red stage with F8-3B-GFP and BRIP26974-GFP confirmed
      the maintenance of virulence within these transformed pathotypes. In situ studies
      of infection and colonisation of the susceptible genotype fruit using fluorescent
      microscopy and transformed isolates of C. truncatum expressing GFP revealed that
      the pathogen was able to colonise healthy fruit tissue intercellularly in an
      endophytic manner without producing secondary biotrophic infection structures.
      The developed transformation system will be used to study the function of
      pathogenicity genes in C. truncatum using both forward and reverse genetics
      approaches.

PMID- 22052578
TI  - Stepwise sequential redox potential modulation possible on a single platform.
AB  - Step by step: The cluster [3,3'-Co(1,2-C(2)B(9)H(11))(2)](-) is an excellent
      platform for making a stepwise tunable redox potential system by
      dehydroiodination. With the addition of up to eight iodine substituents (purple;
      see picture), there is a fall in the E(1/2)(Co(III)/Co(II)) value from -1.80 V to
      -0.68 V (vs. Fc(+)/Fc; Fc = ferrocene). A practical application of this
      tunability has been observed in the growth of polypyrrole.

PMID- 22052579
TI  - Early diagnosis of lung cancer: evaluation of a community-based social marketing
      intervention.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Poor U.K. lung cancer survival rates may, in part, be due to late
      diagnosis. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of a mixed-method community
      based social marketing intervention on lung cancer diagnoses. METHODS: A public
      awareness campaign in conjunction with brief intervention training in general
      practices was piloted in six localities with a high lung cancer incidence. End
      points were self-reported awareness of lung cancer symptoms; intention to seek
      healthcare; chest x-ray referral rates in primary care; secular trends in the
      incidence of lung cancer and stage at diagnosis, compared before and after the
      intervention. RESULTS: 21% (128/600) (95% CI 18% to 25%) of the targeted
      population recalled something about the campaign. Compared with a responder in
      the control area, the odds of a responder in the intervention area saying that
      they would visit their general practitioner and request a chest x-ray for a cough
      was 1.97 times (95% CI 1.18 to 3.31, p=0.01). Primary care chest x-ray referral
      rates increased by 20% in the targeted practices in the year following the
      intervention compared with a 2% fall in the control practices. The difference was
      highly significant, with an incidence rate ratio of 1.22 (95% CI 1.12 to 1.33,
      p=0.001). There was a 27% increase in lung cancer diagnoses in the intervention
      area compared with a fall in the control area. The incidence rate ratio was 1.42
      (95% CI 0.83 to 2.44 p=0.199). CONCLUSION: This is encouraging early evidence
      that an awareness and early recognition initiative may facilitate lung cancer
      diagnosis.

PMID- 22052580
TI  - A novel solution-stamping process for preparation of a highly conductive aluminum
      thin film.
AB  - A novel solution-stamping process for the preparation of a highly conductive
      aluminum thin film on both rigid and flexible substrates is proposed. The
      superior electrical properties of Al thin films fabricated by the solution
      stamping process compared to silver and gold films fabricated from colloidal
      nanoparticles are experimentally demonstrated, and their applications in
      electronic circuits on rigid and flexible substrates and to organic light
      emitting diodes (OLEDs) are investigated.

PMID- 22052581
TI  - Heat treatment of Na2O-CaO-P2O5-SiO2 bioactive glasses: densification processes
      and postsintering bioactivity.
AB  - Because of their excellent bioactivity, bioactive glasses are increasingly
      diffused to produce biomedical devices for bone prostheses, to face the
      dysfunctions that may be caused by traumatic events, diseases, or even natural
      aging. However, several processing routes, such as the production of scaffolds or
      the deposition of coatings, include a thermal treatment to apply or sinter the
      glass. The exposure to high temperature may induce a devetrification phenomenon,
      altering the properties and, in particular, the bioactivity of the glass. The
      present contribution offers an overview of the thermal behavior and properties of
      two glasses belonging to the Na2O-CaO-P2O5-SiO2 system, to be compared to the
      standard 45S5 Bioglass((r)). The basic goal is to understand the effect of both
      the original composition and the thermal treatment on the performance of the
      sintered glasses. The new glasses, the one (BG_Na) with a high content of Na2O,
      the other (BG_Ca) with a high content of CaO, were fully characterized and
      sintering tests were performed to define the most interesting firing cycles. The
      sintered samples, treated at 880 degrees C and 800 degrees C respectively, were
      investigated from a microstructural point of view and their mechanical properties
      were compared to those of the bulk (not sintered) glass counterparts. The effect
      of sintering was especially striking on the BG_Ca material, whose Vickers
      hardness increased from 598.9 +/- 46.7 HV to 1053.4 +/- 35.0 HV. The in vitro
      tests confirmed the ability of the glasses, both in bulk and sintered form, of
      generating a hydroxyapatite surface layer when immersed in a simulated body
      fluid. More accurate biological tests performed on the sintered glasses proved
      the high bioactivity of the CaO-rich composition even after a heat treatment.

PMID- 22052582
TI  - Novel polymerase chain reaction method for detecting cutaneous human
      papillomavirus DNA.
AB  - There is no simple test to identify the human papillomavirus (HPV) genotypes that
      cause cutaneous warts. A new polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method, called SK
      PCR, was developed for this purpose. This PCR amplifies 210-238 base pairs of L1
      DNA of 17 HPV types (HPV-1a, -2a, -3, -4, -7, -10, -27, -28, -29, -40, -57, -60, 
      63, -65, -77, -91, and -94), which are thought to cause various cutaneous warts,
      including common, flat, butcher's, punctate, and pigmented warts. The method is
      novel because the location of these primers is completely different from that of
      any previous PCR method for HPV. The target sequences are specific to alpha-,
      gamma-, and mu-papillomaviruses (PVs), but not to beta-PVs. Furthermore, direct
      sequencing and restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) were used to
      determine the HPV genotypes. Fifty of samples of plantar warts were examined, and
      HPV-27 was identified in 22 warts, HPV-57 in 15 warts, and HPV-2a in 9 warts.
      These PVs, which are alpha species 4, were the most common. HPV-4 and -65 (gamma
      PVs) and HPV-1a and -63 (mu-PVs) were detected in one case each. A single HPV
      type was identified in all of these warts. This method appears to be useful for
      genotyping the HPVs causing skin warts, and for distinguishing between HPV
      induced warts and warty lesions unrelated to HPV infection.

PMID- 22052583
TI  - Multimodality treatment for sinonasal neuroendocrine carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neuroendocrine carcinoma (NEC) of the paranasal sinuses is rare,
      accounting for 5% of sinonasal malignancies. The purpose of this study was to
      assess prognostic factors and survival rates for sinonasal NEC. METHODS: A
      retrospective review of patients with NEC treated from 1990 to 2004 was
      performed. Patient demographics, TNM classification, treatment modality,
      recurrences, and survival were evaluated. RESULTS: NEC was identified in 28
      patients; the most common primary site was the ethmoid sinuses. Most patients
      presented with advanced tumors; few had regional or distant metastasis. Local
      recurrence rate was 21%. Five-year overall survival (OS) and disease-specific
      survival (DSS) rates were 65% and 78%, respectively. Response to chemotherapy
      predicted for improved survival, although no differences in outcomes were noted
      between definitive management strategies. CONCLUSION: NEC of the paranasal
      sinuses is an exceedingly rare malignancy of the paranasal sinuses. Our data
      suggests definitive management with surgery or radiotherapy offers durable
      control. The response to chemotherapy may predict for overall outcomes.

PMID- 22052584
TI  - Women with gout: efficacy and safety of urate-lowering with febuxostat and
      allopurinol.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the characteristics of female versus male gout patients and
      assess urate-lowering efficacy and safety of febuxostat or allopurinol treatment
      in women with gout. METHODS: This was a retrospective analysis of 4,101
      hyperuricemic (serum urate [sUA] level >=8.0 mg/dl) gout subjects enrolled in 3
      phase III comparative trials and randomized to receive placebo, febuxostat (40
      mg, 80 mg, 120 mg, or 240 mg daily), or allopurinol (100 mg, 200 mg, or 300 mg
      daily, based on renal function). Baseline demographics and characteristics were
      summarized and compared between female and male subjects. Urate-lowering
      efficacy, which was defined as the proportion of subjects with sUA levels <6.0
      mg/dl at final visit, was assessed for all subjects and, among women, according
      to baseline renal function. RESULTS: Female gout subjects (n = 226) were older
      with significantly higher rates of obesity and metabolic and cardiovascular
      comorbidities than their male counterparts. The percentage of female subjects
      with sUA levels <6.0 mg/dl at final visit was 0% in the placebo group, 54.3%,
      85.1%, 81.0%, and 100.0% in the febuxostat 40 mg, 80 mg, 120 mg, and 240 mg
      groups, respectively, and 45.9% in the allopurinol group. Similar patterns of
      urate-lowering efficacy rates were observed when stratified by renal function.
      Among all the female subjects, febuxostat 80 mg was significantly more
      efficacious than allopurinol (P < 0.001). Rates of adverse events (AEs) were low.
      The most frequently reported AEs were upper respiratory tract infections,
      musculoskeletal/connective tissue disorders, and diarrhea. CONCLUSION: These data
      suggest that febuxostat 80 mg may be more efficacious than commonly prescribed
      doses of allopurinol in female gout subjects with high rates of comorbidities.

PMID- 22052585
TI  - The 2010 ACR/EULAR classification criteria for rheumatoid arthritis in the
      Heinola inception cohort--diagnoses confirmed by long-term follow-up.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the 2010 American College of
      Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism (ACR/EULAR) classification
      criteria for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in a cohort with early arthritis and true
      diagnosis confirmed by long-term follow-up. The criteria were tested in the
      Heinola community-based inception cohort of 121 true RA patients, while the
      control group consisted of 95 patients with definite spondyloarthritis and
      swollen joint(s), recruited in the same time. The diagnoses were confirmed by
      long-term follow-up. The fulfillment of the four 2010 criteria was determined at
      baseline (arthritis duration less than 6 months). Ninety-five in one hundred
      twenty-one (79%) of all RA patients, 54/68 (79%) of nonerosive (at baseline) RA
      patients, and 4/95 (4%) of controls fulfilled the 2010 criteria of RA, with
      better specificity (96%) than the 1987 ACR criteria (86%) in the same material.
      At baseline erosions were found in 44% of all RA patients and in 15% of the
      controls; rheumatoid factor was positive in 87% of the RA patients, but in 1% of
      the controls. One hundred seven in one hundred twenty-one (88%) of all RA
      patients and 16/95 (17%) of the controls fulfilled the 2010 total score criteria
      or were erosive at onset. The 2010 ACR/EULAR criteria should be documented in all
      patients with arthritis. If the criteria are not fulfilled at baseline in a
      nonerosive patient, the true diagnose may still be RA due to seroconversion or
      diagnostic manifestations during the follow-up. Indications for early disease
      modifying antirheumatic drug treatment may be present in active arthritis also in
      cases not fulfilling the new criteria at baseline.

PMID- 22052586
TI  - Relapsing polychondritis associated with hepatitis C virus infection.
AB  - This article is aimed to review of relapsing polychondritis (RP) and its
      association to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. A case of RP associated with
      HCV infection in a 59-year-old male is reported. The English medical literature
      was reviewed for RP and its association with HCV infection. RP is a rare
      autoimmune and multisystem disorder of unknown etiology in which the
      cartilaginous and related tissues are the primary targets of inflammation. HCV
      infection is a more common systemic illness with known hepatic and extra-hepatic
      manifestations. Although RP is associated with other diseases in about 35% of
      cases, only one case of RP, HCV, and mixed cryoglobulinemia has been reported. We
      report a case of RP associated with HCV infection. Treatment with pegylated
      interferon and ribavirin resulted in sustained virologic response and remission
      of treatment-resistant RP with azathioprine. We report a case of RP and
      associated HCV infection. Although treatment of HCV infection resulted in
      remission of RP, it is unknown if there is a causal relationship between HCV
      infection and RP.

PMID- 22052587
TI  - A case series to describe the clinical characteristics of foot ulceration in
      patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - The aim of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics of foot
      ulceration in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Adults with RA and current
      foot ulceration but without diabetes were recruited. Clinical examination
      included assessment of RA disease activity, foot deformity, peripheral vascular
      disease, neuropathy and plantar pressures. Location, wound characteristics and
      time to healing were recorded for each ulcer. Participants completed the Health
      Assessment Questionnaire and Leeds Foot Impact Scale. Thirty-two cases with 52
      current ulcers were recruited. Thirteen patients (41%) experienced more than one
      current ulcer: 5 (16%) had bilateral ulceration, 15 (47%) had previous ulceration
      at a current ulcer site. The majority (n = 33) of open ulcers were located over
      the dorsal aspect of the interphalangeal joints (n = 12), plantar aspect of the
      metatarsophalangeal joints (MTPJs) (n = 12) and medial aspect of first MTPJs (n =
      9). In ulcerated limbs (n = 37), ankle brachial pressure index (ABPI) was <0.8 in
      2 (5%); protective sensation was reduced in 25 (68%) and peak plantar pressures
      were >6 kg/cm(2) in 6 (16%). Mean ulcer size was 4.84 by 3.29 mm. Most ulcers (n
      = 42, 81%) were superficial; five (9.6%) were infected. Time to healing was
      available for 41 ulcers: mean duration was 28 weeks. Three ulcers remained open.
      In conclusion, foot ulceration in RA is recurrent and multiple ulcers are common.
      Whilst ulcers are small and shallow, time to achieve healing is slow, posing
      infection risk. Reduced protective sensation is common in affected patients. The
      prevalence of arterial disease is low but may be under estimated due to high
      intolerance of ABPI.

PMID- 22052588
TI  - [Shock therapy: Which catecholamine is the best?].

PMID- 22052589
TI  - [Adult non-hodgkin lymphoma: Has high-dose chemotherapy improved the prognosis?].

PMID- 22052590
TI  - Assembling phthalocyanine dimers through a platinum(II) acetylide linker.
AB  - Phthalocyanine (Pc) dimers connected through trans-platinum(II) diacetylide
      linkers have been prepared by reaction of the corresponding
      ethynylphthalocyanines with trans-bis(triethylphosphine)platinum(II) chloride.
      Special emphasis was placed on the analysis of the ground- and excited-state
      features of these compounds in relation to butadiyne-bridged Pc dimers and the
      corresponding monomers. Both Zn(II)-containing Pc dimers exhibit long-lived
      triplet excited states. The insertion of sigma-bonded trans-platinum(II)
      diacetylide spacers decoupled the two Pc groups and led to an appreciable
      acceleration (by a factor of up to 10) of the radiative and nonradiative decay
      rate of the singlet and triplet excited states.

PMID- 22052592
TI  - Enantioselective Ir(I)-catalyzed carbocyclization of 1,6-enynes by the chiral
      counterion strategy.
AB  - Enantioenriched bicyclo[4.1.0]hept-2-enes were synthesized by Ir(I)-catalyzed
      carbocyclization of 1,6-enynes. No chiral ligands were used, CO and PPh(3) were
      the only ligands bound to iridium. Instead, the stereochemical information was
      localized on the counterion of the catalyst, generated in situ by reaction of
      Vaska's complex (trans-[IrCl(CO)(PPh(3))(2)]) with a chiral silver phosphate.
      Enantiomeric excesses up to 93% were obtained when this catalytic mixture was
      used. (31)P NMR and IR spectroscopy suggest that formation of the trans-
      [Ir(CO)(PPh(3))(2)](+) moiety occurs by chlorine abstraction. Moreover, density
      functional theory calculations support a 6-endo-dig cyclization promoted by this
      cationic moiety. The chiral phosphate anion (O-P*) controls the
      enantioselectivity through formation of a loose ion pair with the metal center
      and establishes a C-H...O-P* hydrogen bond with the substrate. This is a rare
      example of asymmetric counterion-directed transition-metal catalysis and
      represents the first application of such a strategy to a C-C bond-forming
      reaction.

PMID- 22052591
TI  - Metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma shows frequent deletion in the
      protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor Type D gene.
AB  - Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) is the second most common form of
      nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC), and its incidence is increasing rapidly.
      Metastatic cSCC accounts for the majority of deaths associated with NMSC, but the
      genetic basis for cSCC progression remains poorly understood. A previous study
      identified small deletions (typically <1 Mb) in the protein tyrosine phosphatase
      receptor Type D (PTPRD) gene that segregated with more aggressive cSCC. To
      investigate the apparent association between deletion within PTPRD and cSCC
      metastasis, a series of 74 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumors from 31
      patients was analyzed using a custom Illumina 384 SNP microarray. Deletions were
      found in 37% of patients with metastatic cSCC and were strongly associated with
      metastatic tumors when compared to those that had not metastasized (p = 0.007).
      Subsequent mutation analysis revealed a higher mutation rate for PTPRD than has
      been reported in any other cancer type, with 37% of tumors harboring a somatic
      mutation. Conversely, bisulfite sequencing showed that methylation was not a
      mechanism of PTPRD disruption in cSCC. This is the first report to observe an
      association between deletion within PTPRD and metastatic disease and highlights
      the potential use of these deletions as a diagnostic biomarker for tumor
      progression. Combined with the high mutation rate observed in our study, PTPRD is
      one of the most commonly altered genes in cSCC and warrants further investigation
      to determine its significance for metastasis in other tumor types.

PMID- 22052593
TI  - Synthesis and in vitro characterization of semitelechelic poly[N-(2
      hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide]-trastuzumab conjugates targeted to breast cancer.
AB  - Trastuzumab (TRZ) is a humanized monoclonal antibody that targets the
      extracellular domain of the human epidermal growth factor receptor type 2 (Her2).
      Semitelechelic (ST) poly[N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide]-TRZ conjugates are
      successfully synthesized and evaluated as a potential drug delivery system that
      actively targets Her2-overexpressing cancer cells. The ST backbone shows
      favorable characteristics when conjugated to TRZ. The conjugate exhibits
      comparable and prolonged anticancer activity when compared to free TRZ in Her2
      overexpressing breast cancer cell lines.

PMID- 22052594
TI  - GRIK4/KA1 protein expression in human brain and correlation with bipolar disorder
      risk variant status.
AB  - The kainate class of ionotropic glutamate receptors is involved in the regulation
      of neuronal transmission and synaptic plasticity. Previously we reported that a
      deletion variant within the gene GRIK4, which encodes the KA1 kainate receptor
      subunit, was associated with a reduced risk of bipolar disorder and increased
      GRIK4 mRNA abundance. Using a high resolution immunohistochemistry technique, we
      characterized KA1 protein localization in human brain and performed a genotype
      protein expression correlation study. KA1 was expressed in specific populations
      of neuronal cells in the cerebellum and all layers of the frontal and
      parahippocampal cortices. In the hippocampus, strong KA1 expression was observed
      in the stratum pyramidale and stratum lucidum of CA3 and CA2, in cell processes
      in CA1, in the neuropil of the CA4 region, in polymorphic cells including mossy
      fiber neurons in the hilus, and dentate gyrus (DG) granule cells. Mean counts of
      KA1 positive DG granule cells, hippocampal CA3 pyramidal cells, and layer 1 of
      the frontal cortex were significantly increased in subjects with the deletion
      allele (P = 0.0005, 0.018, and 0.0058, respectively) compared to subjects
      homozygous for the insertion. Neuronal expression levels in all regions
      quantified were higher in the deletion group. These results support our
      hypothesis that the deletion allele affords protection against bipolar disorder
      through increased KA1 protein abundance in neuronal cells. Biological mechanisms
      which may contribute to this protective effect include KA1 involvement in adult
      hippocampal neurogenesis, HPA axis activation, or plasticity processes affecting
      neuronal circuitry.

PMID- 22052595
TI  - Click chemistry finds its way into covalent porous organic materials.

PMID- 22052596
TI  - A spatially and temporally explicit model for determining the exposure of
      juvenile salmon to agricultural pesticides in freshwater.
AB  - In this paper, we present a novel approach for determining the probable co
      occurrence of juvenile salmon or steelhead with agricultural pesticides and apply
      it to spring Chinook (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) salmon in the Willamette Basin,
      Oregon. We adapted a published exposure analysis framework by explicitly
      considering fish migration among habitat units and assuming that habitat use is
      proportional to habitat quality. Temporal variability in habitat use was
      accounted for via biweekly time steps over the entire period when a single brood
      was expected to spawn until the last juvenile migrated to sea. Spatial
      variability was accounted for at the watershed and reach scale. Exposure to 6
      acetylcholinesterase-inhibiting insecticides at any life stage was expressed in
      terms of the future adults (adult-equivalents; AEQ). Several datasets were
      available to inform our framework with input values on extent of spring Chinook
      fish use, habitat quality preferred by juvenile spring Chinook, choice of
      juvenile life-history pathways, timing of emergence, and timing of migration
      either in-stream or to sea. We used insecticide concentration profiles
      constructed from available monitoring data to demonstrate the effect of
      accounting for variation in space and time on predicted exposure to chemical
      residues. In contrast to the assumption commonly used in screening-level risk
      assessments that the entire population in a watershed is exposed, available data
      applied to our model framework indicate that a small fraction of AEQ juveniles in
      the Willamette Basin would co-occur with detectable concentrations of the 6
      insecticides. Overall, our results indicated that the use of a spatially and
      temporally explicit framework yields a better understanding of the proportion of
      organisms potentially impacted by agricultural pesticides.

PMID- 22052597
TI  - Association between polymorphisms of the cytokine and cytokine receptor genes and
      immune response to hepatitis B vaccination in a Chinese Han population.
AB  - The immune response to hepatitis B vaccination varies among individuals. It has
      been reported that polymorphisms in cytokine and cytokine receptor genes are
      associated with these individual differences. The aim of the current study was to
      investigate the association between polymorphisms of the Th1/Th2 cytokine and
      cytokine receptor genes and the response to hepatitis B vaccination in a Chinese
      Han population. A total of 10 single nucleotide polymorphisms distributed in 6
      genes (TNFRSF1A, IL12A, IL12B, IFNG, IL4, and IL10) were genotyped in 214 high
      responders [hepatitis B surface antibody (anti-HBs) >=1,000 mIU/ml] and 107 low
      responders (anti-HBs: 10-99 mIU/ml). The minor CTCTAA allele of rs17860508 in the
      IL12B gene was associated with a low response to hepatitis B vaccination (P =
      0.039, odds ratio = 1.41, 95% confidence interval = 1.00-1.99). In addition, a
      significant gene-gene interaction was found: the frequency of the combined
      genotypes IL12A rs2243115 TT and IL12B rs17860508 CTCTAA/CTCTAA was significantly
      higher in the low-response group than in the high-response group (P = 0.008, odds
      ratio = 2.19, 95% confidence interval = 1.23-3.93). These findings suggest that
      polymorphisms in the IL12A and IL12B genes might play an important role jointly
      in determining the response to hepatitis B vaccination.

PMID- 22052598
TI  - Purification and characterization of a xylanase from Bacillus subtilis isolated
      from the degumming line.
AB  - Xylanases catalyze the hydrolysis of xylan, a major hemicellulose component of
      cell wall besides cellulose in most plant species. To extract cellulose fibers,
      it will be invaluable to screen for more effective xylanase-producing
      microorganisms. In this paper a new strategy for easy screening of xylanase
      producing strains from the degumming line was presented. Using this strategy, a
      weak-acidic, cellulase-free xylanase from Bacillus subtilis has been isolated,
      purified and characterized. The xylanase showed high specific activity (36,633.4
      U/mg), presented stable characteristics and can be separated and purified simply,
      with molecular weight 23.3 kD, pI 9.63. It reached its optimal activity at pH 5.8
      and 60  degrees C, and retained over 80% of its maximal activity after pre
      incubation at temperature 60  degrees C or pH 4.6 ~ 6.4. Also, a two-step
      purification procedure based on the combination of ultrafiltration and gel
      filtration chromatography was introduced and described, achieving 17-fold
      purification with 68.11% yield.

PMID- 22052600
TI  - Effects of malachite green on the mRNA expression of detoxification-related genes
      in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) and other major Chinese freshwater
      fishes.
AB  - The use of malachite green (MG) in fish farming is prohibited in China due to its
      potentially toxicological and carcinogenic nature, but it is still illegally used
      in some places. The aim of this study was to investigate the time and
      concentration-dependent responses of xenobiotic metabolizing and detoxification
      related genes in diverse fishes exposed to MG both in vivo and in vitro.
      Experimental fish were administered to two exposure groups of malachite green
      (MG) (0.10 and 0.50 mg L-1) for 8 h. The hepatocytes isolated from Nile tilapia
      were incubated with MG (0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg L-1) for 8 and 24 h, respectively.
      In vivo, exposure to 0.10 and 0.50 mg L-1 MG for 8 h caused significant changes
      of the detoxification-related genes on the mRNA expression levels. Low
      concentration (0.10 mg L-1) level of MG induced significant increase on the mRNA
      expression level of GSTR gene in Nile tilapia and other fishes. The mRNA
      expression of grass carp UCP2 was significantly induced when exposed to 0.5 mg L
      1 MG. However, the mRNA expression levels of GSTA, CYP1A, and GPX were inhibited
      significantly by 0.5 mg L-1 MG in Nile tilapia, grass carp, and Taiwan snakehead.
      In vitro, the significant increase of mRNA expression of these genes was detected
      after exposure to 0.5 mg L-1 MG (UCP2), and 1.0 mg L-1 MG (CYP1A1, GSTA, GSTR,
      and UCP2). The induction of hepatic CYP1A1, GSTA, GSTR, and UCP2 in response to
      MG suggested a potential role of fish CYP1A1, GSTA, GSTR, and UCP2 in MG
      metabolism.

PMID- 22052601
TI  - Temporal stability of alexithymia in cancer patients following a psychological
      intervention.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The state-trait nature of alexithymia is not fully resolved. The aim
      of this article was to evaluate the temporal stability of alexithymia in cancer
      patients after psychological intervention. DESIGN: Absolute and relative
      stability of alexithymia was evaluated in 104 cancer patients who received
      multicomponent psychological treatment or usual medical care. RESULTS:
      Alexithymia scores significantly decreased in treated patients and increased in
      the control group, thus showing that the lack of absolute stability (i.e., the
      change of personality scores over time) likely was because of the effect of the
      treatment versus the control condition. The relative stability (i.e., the extent
      to which the inter-individual differences remain the same over time) of
      alexithymia after 6 months was, however, demonstrated with multiple regressions,
      after controlling for anxiety, depression, and cancer-related pain. CONCLUSIONS:
      This study confirms the relative stability of alexithymia and that the lack of
      absolute stability of the construct is influenced by psychological intervention
      in cancer patients.

PMID- 22052599
TI  - Effectiveness of a clinical practice intervention in early rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the outcome of early rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients in
      a country where early clinics were established versus the outcome of patients in
      nonprotocolized clinics. METHODS: We compared 2 multicenter cohorts: an RA cohort
      derived from an early arthritis registry set in 36 reference hospitals in which a
      specific intervention was established (Evaluation of a Model for Arthritis Care
      in Spain [SERAP]), and a historical control cohort of patients with early RA
      attending 34 rheumatology departments (Prognosis in Rheumatoid Arthritis [PROAR]
      cohort). Effectiveness was tested by comparing the change in the Disease Activity
      Score in 28 joints (DAS28), the change in the Health Assessment Questionnaire
      (HAQ), and the change in the Sharp/van der Heijde radiologic score using marginal
      structural models. RESULTS: A total of 161 early RA patients were recruited in
      the PROAR cohort and 447 in the SERAP cohort. Being a SERAP patient was inversely
      correlated with activity, resulting in a decrease of -0.24 (95% confidence
      interval [95% CI] -0.39, -0.08) units in the population average of the DAS28
      after adjustment was made. Moreover, intervention may be seen as a protective
      factor of radiologic damage, with a decrease of -0.05 (95% CI -0.09, -0.01) units
      in the logarithm of the total Sharp/van der Heijde score. On the other hand, a
      decrease in functional impairment was detected, but intervention was not
      statistically associated with HAQ changes. CONCLUSION: Preventing major
      radiographic progression in a 2-year term inside structured and organized special
      programs for the management of disease, such as early arthritis clinics, are
      effective compared to nonprotocolized referrals, treatment, and followup.

PMID- 22052602
TI  - Self-assembly and embedding of nanoparticles by in situ reduced graphene for
      preparation of a 3D graphene/nanoparticle aerogel.
AB  - A 3D graphene architecture can be prepared via an in situ self-assembly of
      graphene prepared by a mild chemical reduction. Fe(3) O(4)  nanoparticles are
      homogeneously dispersed into graphene oxide (GO) aqueous suspension and a 3D
      magnetic graphene/Fe(3) O(4)  aerogel is prepared during the reduction of GO to
      graphene. This provides a general method to prepare 3D graphene/nanoparticle
      composites for a wide range of applications including catalysis and energy
      conversion.

PMID- 22052603
TI  - Effects of berberine on hippocampal neuronal damage and matrix metalloproteinase
      9 activity following transient global cerebral ischemia.
AB  - Berberine, an isoquinoline alkaloid with a long history of use in Chinese
      medicine, has several important pharmacological effects. Several studies have
      revealed that berberine has neuroprotective and neuropsychiatric effects.
      However, there are few reports regarding the protective effect of berberine
      against neuronal damage following transient global cerebral ischemia. In this
      study, mice were subjected to 20 min of global brain ischemia and sacrificed 72
      hr later. Berberine was administered for 7 days prior to ischemia and daily until
      sacrifice. Mice treated with berberine showed reduced matrix metalloproteinase-9
      (MMP-9) activity. Berberine inhibited gelatinase activity directly in in situ
      zymography and reduced neuronal damage following global ischemia. Laminin
      expression and NeuN expression were markedly reduced in CA1 and CA2 areas after
      ischemia, and berberine reduced the laminin degradation and neuronal loss. In the
      TUNEL assay, damaged neurons were also apparent in the CA1 and CA2 areas, and
      berberine reduced TUNEL-positive cells. These data demonstrate that berberine, a
      plant alkaloid, may protect from hippocampal neuronal damage following transient
      global ischemia by reducing MMP-9 activity.

PMID- 22052604
TI  - RP1 and autosomal dominant rod-cone dystrophy: novel mutations, a review of
      published variants, and genotype-phenotype correlation.
AB  - Rod-cone dystrophies (retinitis pigmentosa [RP]) are a clinically and genetically
      heterogeneous group of inherited retinal disorders characterized by photoreceptor
      degeneration. RP1 is a major gene underlying autosomal dominant (ad) RP, though
      prevalence figures vary depending on the origin of the cases from 0-10% of all
      adRP. Some mutations in RP1 also lead to autosomal recessive (ar) RP. Herein, we
      review all previously reported and several novel RP1 mutations in relation to the
      associated phenotype in RP1 patients from a French adRP cohort. Prevalence
      studies from this cohort show that 5.3% of the cases have RP1 mutations. This is
      in accordance with other studies reported from United Kingdom and United States.
      The majority of mutations represent truncating mutations that are located in a
      hot spot region of the gene. Similarly, we identified in total four novel
      deletions and nonsense mutations, of which two may represent recurrent mutations
      in this population. In addition, a novel missense mutation of uncertain
      pathogenicity was identified. Including our findings to date, 47 RP1 mutations
      are known to cause adRP. Variable penetrance of the disease was observed in our
      and other cohorts. Most patients with RP1 mutations show classical signs of RP
      with relatively preserved central vision and visual field.

PMID- 22052605
TI  - Donor site morbidity of free ulnar forearm flap.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the donor site morbidity of
      the free ulnar forearm flap (UFF). METHODS: Consecutive patients undergoing free
      UFF between 1982 and 2009 were retrospectively reviewed. In addition, detailed
      assessment of hand function and donor site cosmesis was performed in the most
      recent 50 patients followed up for at least 12 months. RESULTS: In all, 62 of the
      242 free UFF donor sites (26%) were closed directly and the remainder required
      split thickness skin grafting. Donor site complications included total (n = 1)
      and partial (n = 17) skin graft loss and persistent hypertrophic scarring (n =
      4). There was minimal incidence of cold intolerance, parasthesia, and pain; no
      reduction in joint mobility, grip and pinch strength, and sensory dysfunction,
      with excellent donor site cosmesis. CONCLUSIONS: UFF has several advantages,
      including the possibility of direct closure of the donor defect, and reduced
      morbidity and excellent donor site cosmesis.

PMID- 22052606
TI  - The role of fluoroquinolones in the management of urinary tract infections in
      areas with high rates of fluoroquinolone-resistant uropathogens.
AB  - Fluoroquinolones have been recommended as the drugs of choice for the empirical
      treatment of uncomplicated and complicated urinary tract infections (UTIs) caused
      by trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole-resistant uropathogens. However, because of the
      increased use of both oral and parenteral fluoroquinolones for other kinds of
      infections, increasing rates of resistance to fluoroquinolones among the most
      common uropathogens have challenged this recommendation, particularly in the Asia
      Pacific region. The current interpretative criteria for the in vitro
      susceptibility of uropathogens to some fluoroquinolones, such as levofloxacin and
      ciprofloxacin, are set according to their therapeutic efficacy for bloodstream
      infections, and are not specific to UTIs. Fluoroquinolones exhibit concentration
      dependent antibacterial activity, high renal excretion, and relatively early and
      prolonged urinary bactericidal titers. Whether or not current interpretative
      criteria for the in vitro susceptibility of uropathogens to fluoroquinolones
      predict clinical failure in treating UTIs is still controversial. The Clinical
      and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) has established UTI-specific
      breakpoints for resistance to a few fluoroquinolones. However, the application of
      high-dose fluoroquinolone therapy for the treatment of mild to moderate UTIs
      caused by isolates with higher minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of
      several fluoroquinolones needs to be re-validated based on more relevant clinical
      studies, prudent pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) considerations, and
      thorough study of the mutant prevention concentration of fluoroquinolones in the
      treatment of UTI.

PMID- 22052607
TI  - Serotype 3 is a common serotype causing invasive pneumococcal disease in children
      less than 5 years old, as identified by real-time PCR.
AB  - Serotype 3 is one of the most often detected pneumococcal serotypes in adults and
      it is associated with serious disease. In contrast, the isolation of serotype 3
      by bacterial culture is unusual in children with invasive pneumococcal disease
      (IPD). The purpose of this study was to learn the serotype distribution of IPD,
      including culture-negative episodes, by using molecular methods in normal sterile
      samples. We studied all children<5 years of age with IPD admitted to two
      paediatric hospitals in Catalonia, Spain, from 2007 to 2009. A sequential real
      time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) approach was added to routine methods for
      the detection and serotyping of pneumococcal infection. Among 257 episodes (219
      pneumonia, 27 meningitis, six bacteraemia and five others), 33.5% were identified
      by culture and the rest, 66.5%, were detected exclusively by real-time PCR. The
      most common serotypes detected by culture were serotypes 1 (26.7%) and 19A
      (25.6%), and by real-time PCR, serotypes 1 (19.8%) and 3 (18.1%). Theoretical
      coverage rates by the PCV7, PCV10 and PCV13 vaccines were 10.5, 52.3 and 87.2%,
      respectively, for those episodes identified by culture, compared to 5.3, 31.6 and
      60.2% for those identified only by real-time PCR. Multiplex real-time PCR has
      been shown to be useful for surveillance studies of IPD. Serotype 3 is
      underdiagnosed by culture and is important in paediatric IPD.

PMID- 22052608
TI  - Divergent electrocardiographic responses to whole and particle-free diesel
      exhaust inhalation in spontaneously hypertensive rats.
AB  - Diesel exhaust (DE) is a major contributor to traffic-related fine particulate
      matter (PM)(2.5). Although inroads have been made in understanding the mechanisms
      of PM-related health effects, DE's complex mixture of PM, gases, and volatile
      organics makes it difficult to determine how the constituents contribute to DE's
      effects. We hypothesized that exposure to particle-filtered DE (fDE; gases alone)
      will elicit less cardiac effects than whole DE (wDE; particles plus gases). In
      addition, we hypothesized that spontaneously hypertensive (SH) rats will be more
      sensitive to the electrocardiographic effects of DE exposure than Wistar Kyoto
      rats (WKY; background strain with normal blood pressure). SH and WKY rats,
      implanted with telemeters to monitor electrocardiogram and heart rate (HR), were
      exposed once for 4 h to 150 MUg/m(3) or 500 MUg/m(3) of wDE (gases plus PM) or
      fDE (gases alone) DE, or filtered air. Exposure to fDE, but not wDE, caused
      immediate electrocardiographic alterations in cardiac repolarization (ST
      depression) and atrioventricular conduction block (PR prolongation) as well as
      bradycardia in SH rats. Exposure to wDE, but not fDE, caused postexposure ST
      depression and increased sensitivity to the pulmonary C fiber agonist capsaicin
      in SH rats. The only notable effect of DE exposure in WKY rats was a decrease in
      HR. Taken together, hypertension may predispose to the potential cardiac effects
      of DE and components of DE may have divergent effects with some eliciting
      immediate irritant effects (e.g., gases), whereas others (e.g., PM) trigger
      delayed effects potentially via separate mechanisms.

PMID- 22052609
TI  - Brain perfusion SPECT in patients with PHACES syndrome under propranolol
      treatment.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Children with PHACES syndrome (PS) and visual impairment or stridor
      show a dramatic and immediate response to propranolol. However, this beta
      blocking drug could be responsible for an eventually increased risk of ischemic
      stroke due to the underlying cerebral vascular disease. To more accurately
      understand the effects of propranolol on brain vascularization, we examined PS
      patients treated with this drug for airway or visual complications using brain
      perfusion SPECT (Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography). In the past, this
      examination has been shown to be useful in the management of patients with
      different neurovascular disorders. METHODS: Clinical records and imaging studies
      were reviewed in 7 patients with a diagnosis of PS. All patients underwent
      magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), echocardiography, chest X-ray and
      ophthalmologic, neurological, and cardiologic assessments. They received 2-3
      mg/kg/day propranolol in an attempt to treat stridor or avoid ophthalmologic
      occlusion. We performed SPECT after 3-6 months of treatment. RESULTS: SPECT
      showed a normal uptake in the frontal and temporal regions despite vascular
      abnormalities found with MRA imaging. Significant improvements of symptoms and in
      the volume of the hemangioma were noted in all cases without signs of a reduction
      of brain blood perfusion. CONCLUSIONS: Propranolol treatment was safe in our
      patients who did not show signs of perfusion changes. The high sensitivity for
      detecting functional impairment makes brain perfusion SPECT useful in the
      diagnosis and follow-up of patients with PS considered at risk of neurovascular
      impairment. Accurate knowledge of its pathophysiological basis, together with the
      appropriate technique and careful interpretation of reporting, will enhance the
      clinical use of brain SPECT in those patients.

PMID- 22052610
TI  - Sigma-1 receptor agonist fluvoxamine for delirium in older adults.

PMID- 22052611
TI  - Catenation of self-assembled nanorings.

PMID- 22052612
TI  - Optimization of calyculin A-induced premature chromosome condensation assay for
      chromosome aberration studies.
AB  - Calyculin A-induced premature chromosome condensation (PCC) assay is a simple and
      useful method to assess structural and numerical chromosome aberrations in cells.
      Our hypothesis in this study is that suboptimum calyculin A induction of PCC
      resulting in fuzzy compactness and/or shortened length chromosomes would decrease
      the detection sensitivity of numerical and structural chromosome aberrations such
      as small PCC rings and small excess fragments. In this study, an optimization of
      calyculin A exposure on chromosome morphology and PCC induction frequency was
      investigated using a human peripheral blood lymphocyte (PBL) ex vivo irradiation
      ((60) Co-gamma rays; ~0.6 Gy/min; 0-30 Gy) model. Treatment with calyculin A (50
      nM) for 15 and 30 min resulted in 11.3 +/- 2.7 and 9.9 +/- 1.6-fold increases in
      the frequency of G(2) /M-PCC cells with extended length chromosomes compared with
      the 60-min treated group over a broad dose range (0 to 20 Gy), respectively. The
      G(2) /M-PCC scoring index per PCC in 15- and 30-min treated groups was increased
      by 1.9 +/- 0.2 (P = 0.001) and 1.8 +/- 0.2 (P = 0.001) compared with the 60-min
      treated group over 0-20 Gy, respectively. The G(2) /M-PCC efficiency of 30-min
      treated group was highest in the three conditions (i.e., 15-, 30-, and 60-min
      treatment) of calyculin A exposure. Calyculin A (50 nM) treatment for 30 min
      before the 48-h harvest of mitogen-stimulated human PBL is optimum for the
      formation of suitable chromosome morphology necessary to assess structural
      chromosome aberrations induced by exposure to radiation using the chemical
      induced-PCC assay. Published 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 22052613
TI  - Synthesis of gold square-like plates from ultrathin gold square sheets: the
      evolution of structure phase and shape.

PMID- 22052614
TI  - Childhood onset of left ventricular dysfunction in a female manifesting carrier
      of muscular dystrophy.
AB  - Duchenne muscular dystrophy and Becker muscular dystrophy are X-linked disorders
      that result from a mutation in the dystrophin gene that reduces the production or
      effectiveness of the protein dystrophin. These disorders are clinically
      characterized by progressive muscle degeneration. Manifesting female carriers are
      generally not identified as such until after puberty, when symptoms such as
      muscle weakness may arise. This clinical report describes a female manifesting
      carrier who started to show deterioration of left ventricular systolic function,
      but no marked skeletal muscle weakness, at the age of 10 years. The patient's
      cardiac function improved significantly after dual drug therapy with an ACE
      inhibitor (enalapril) and a beta-blocker (carvedilol). Our case adds to the
      existing evidence that left ventricular myocardial dysfunction may occur during
      childhood in female carriers of dystrophinopathies.

PMID- 22052616
TI  - Age- and time-dependent changes in cancer incidence among immigrants to Sweden:
      colorectal, lung, breast and prostate cancers.
AB  - To examine the role of gender, age at immigration and length of stay on incidence
      trends of common cancers, we studied risk of colorectal, lung, breast and
      prostate cancers in immigrants to Sweden from 1958 to 2008. The nationwide
      Swedish Family-Cancer Database was used to calculate standardized incidence
      ratios for common cancers among immigrants compared to Swedes. Immigrants were
      classified into "high-risk" countries when their risk was increased, into "low
      risk" when their risk was decreased and into "other" when their risk was
      nonsignificant. Among those who immigrated at younger age (<30 years), we found
      an increasing trend for colorectal cancer risk in low-risk men and high-risk
      women. Among those who immigrated at older age (>= 30 years), a decreasing lung
      cancer risk in high-risk men and an increasing breast cancer risk in low-risk
      women were observed. The increasing trend of prostate cancer risk was independent
      of age at immigration. The risk trends for "other" immigrants were between the
      risks of low- and high-risk countries. The gender-specific shifts in cancer risks
      in immigrants toward the risk in natives indicate a major role of sex, age at
      immigration and environmental exposures in colorectal and lung cancers risks. In
      contrast, the unchanged trend of breast cancer among those who immigrated at
      younger ages and an increasing trend for those who migrated at older ages may
      suggest a limited effect for environmental exposures, especially at younger age.
      Our study points out a role of age at immigration on the risk trend of cancer.

PMID- 22052615
TI  - Design, synthesis and characterisation of guanosine-based amphiphiles.
AB  - A small library of sugar-modified guanosine derivatives has been prepared,
      starting from a common intermediate, fully protected on the nucleobase. Insertion
      of myristoyl chains and of diverse hydrophilic groups, such as an oligoethylene
      glycol, an amino acid or a disaccharide chain, connected through in vivo
      reversible ester linkages, or of a charged functional group provided different
      examples of amphiphilic guanosine analogues, named G1-G7 herein. All of the sugar
      modified derivatives were positive in the potassium picrate test, showing an
      ability to form G-tetrads. CD spectra demonstrated that, as dilute solutions in
      CHCl(3), distinctive G-quadruplex systems may be formed, with spatial
      organisations dependent upon the structural modifications. Two compounds, G1 and
      G2, proved to be good low-molecular-weight organogelators in polar organic
      solvents, such as methanol, ethanol and acetonitrile. Ion transportation
      experiments through phospholipid bilayers were carried out to evaluate their
      ability to mediate H(+) transportation, with G5 showing the highest activity
      within the investigated series. Moreover, G3 and G5 exhibited a significant
      cytotoxic profile against human MCF-7 cancer cells in in vitro bioassays.

PMID- 22052617
TI  - Fluorescent micelles based on star amphiphilic copolymer with a porphyrin core
      for bioimaging and drug delivery.
AB  - Star-shaped poly(epsilon-caprolactone)-b-poly(ethylene oxide) amphiphilic
      copolymer with a tetrakis-(4-aminophenyl)-terminated porphyrin core was
      synthesized. Paclitaxel (PTX)-loaded polymeric micelles were prepared by the self
      assembly of the star copolymer and in situ encapsulation of PTX. The fluorescent
      characteristic of the porphyrin moiety allowed the cellular uptake and
      biodistribution of the PTX-loaded micelles to be monitored by fluorescent
      imaging. The PTX-loaded micelles can be readily internalized by cancer cells and
      have a slightly higher cytotoxicity than clinic PTX injection Taxol. In vivo real
      time fluorescent imaging revealed that the micelles could accumulate at tumor
      site via the blood circulation in tumor-bearing mice. In vivo antitumor efficacy
      examinations indicated that the PTX-loaded micelles had significantly superior
      efficacy in impeding tumor growth than Taxol and low toxicity to the living mice.

PMID- 22052618
TI  - Surveillance of adenovirus D in patients with epidemic keratoconjunctivitis from
      Fukui Prefecture, Japan, 1995-2010.
AB  - Human adenoviruses species D (HAdV-D) are known to cause severe epidemic
      keratoconjunctivitis. However, the isolation rate of HAdV-D is not high, because
      HAdV-D is usually slow to propagate. Although new types of HAdV-D have been
      reported, accurate surveillance has not been performed because of difficulties in
      culturing the viruses and lack of a practical identification method. In this
      study, HAdV-Ds were detected and identified from patients with epidemic
      keratoconjunctivitis in the Fukui Prefecture during 1995-2010 by PCR, loop
      mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) of DNA, and conventional virus isolation
      and neutralization tests. All samples were subjected to culture and PCR and LAMP.
      A total of 124 strains of HAdV-D were detected from 157 patients with epidemic
      keratoconjunctivitis. The strains consisted of the following types: D8 (n = 8),
      D19 (n = 4), D37 (n = 40), D53 (n = 5), D54 (n = 66), and D56 (n = 1). Among
      these, D53, D54, and D56 are new types that have been reported recently. The
      results of this study demonstrated that new types of HAdV-D caused epidemic
      keratoconjunctivitis during 1995-2010, and included an outbreak of
      keratoconjunctivitis caused by HAdV-D54. The LAMP method was able to detect and
      identify HAdV-D53 and HAdV-D54 in 1 hr, and may therefore be applicable for use
      at the bedside.

PMID- 22052619
TI  - Tailored temozolomide therapy according to MGMT methylation status for elderly
      patients with acute myeloid leukemia.
AB  - Temozolomide sensitivity is determined by methylation of the O(6)-methylguanine
      DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter. This study assessed whether the
      temozolomide dose can be tailored by MGMT promoter status and whether protracted,
      low-dose temozolomide can "prime" blasts in patients with unmethylated MGMT
      (unMGMT). Elderly patients with high-risk AML were stratified by MGMT
      methylation. Patients with methylated MGMT (mMGMT) received temozolomide 200
      mg/m(2) orally for 7 days every 4 weeks, while patients with unMGMT received
      temozolomide 100 mg/m(2) orally for 14 days followed by 200 mg/m(2) orally for 7
      days every 6weeks. Of 36 patients (median age, 75 years), 31 (86%) had an unMGMT
      promoter. Overall response rate for the entire cohort was 36%. Patients with
      mMGMT and unMGMT had similar response rates (40% vs. 29%). Median duration of
      response and overall survival (OS) among responders were 29 and 35 weeks,
      respectively. Induction deaths (ID) occurred in 25% of patients, mostly caused by
      disease progression. Hematological toxicities were the most common adverse event.
      Toxicities were similar between patients on conventional versus protracted
      schedules. High HCT-CI scores were predictive of lower CR rate, higher ID, and
      shorter OS, while bone marrow blast count <50% at screening predicted for
      improved responses. Temozolomide, dosed according to MGMT methylation status,
      demonstrated modest clinical activity in elderly patients with AML, especially in
      those presenting with fewer comorbidities and low disease burden. The trial was
      registered on www.ClinicalTrials.gov as #NCT00611247.

PMID- 22052620
TI  - Cloning and characterization of a phosphate transporter gene in Dunaliella
      salina.
AB  - The full-length cDNA of a Na(+) -dependent Pi transport gene (DsSPT1) in
      Dunaliella salina was cloned by 3' and 5' Rapid Amplification of cDNA Ends
      (RACE), with an open reading frame (ORF) encoding 716 predicted amino acids,
      which exhibited 60.5% identity to that of Na(+) -dependent Pi transport 1
      (DvSPT1) from Dunaliella viridis. Hydrophobicity and secondary structure
      prediction revealed 11 conserved transmembrane domains similar to those found in
      DvSPT1 from D. viridis and PHO89 from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The result of
      real-time quantitative PCR showed that expression level of DsSPT1 was enhanced at
      first and reached its peak at 90 min after salt stress; however, D. salina cells
      rapidly absorbed extracellular inorganic phosphorus which was determined by
      Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) during the first 5 min
      under salt stress. It suggested that D. salina on the absorption of inorganic
      phosphorus was regulated at DsSPTI posttranslational level.

PMID- 22052621
TI  - Intolerance of uncertainty, depression, and anxiety: the moderating and mediating
      roles of rumination.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study examined rumination as a moderator and mediator between
      intolerance of uncertainty (IU) and depression and anxiety symptoms. DESIGNS: The
      study was a cross sectional study. Survey data were collected from 332
      undergraduate students at a large Midwestern university. RESULTS: The results
      from hierarchical analyses supported the moderator role of rumination. A high
      level of rumination enhanced the association between IU and depression symptoms.
      In addition, both high and low levels of rumination strengthened the relation
      between IU and anxiety symptoms. Results from structural equation modeling
      analyses indicated that rumination fully mediated the relation between IU and
      depression symptoms, but only partially mediated the association between IU and
      anxiety symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: The results supported rumination as a moderator
      and mediator in the association between IU and depression and anxiety symptoms.
      Future research and practical implications are discussed.

PMID- 22052622
TI  - Stage-dependent toxicity of bisphenol a on Rhinella arenarum (anura, bufonidae)
      embryos and larvae.
AB  - The acute and chronic toxicity of bisphenol A (BPA) was evaluated on the common
      South American toad Rhinella arenarum embryos and larvae by means of continuous
      and pulse exposure treatments. Embryos were treated continuously from early
      blastula (S.4) up to complete operculum (S.25), during early larval stages and by
      means of 24 h pulse exposures of BPA in concentrations ranging between 1.25 and
      40 mg L(-1) , in order to evaluate the susceptibility to this compound in
      different developmental stages. For lethal effects, S.25 was the most sensitive
      and gastrula was the most resistant to BPA. The Teratogenic Index for neurula,
      the most sensitive embryonic stage for sublethal effects was 4.7. The main
      morphological alterations during early stages were: delayed or arrested
      development, reduced body size, persistent yolk plug, microcephaly, axial/tail
      flexures, edemas, blisters, waving fin, underdeveloped gills, mouth
      malformations, and cellular dissociation. BPA caused a remarkable narcotic effect
      from gill circulation stage (S.20) onwards in all the organisms exposed after 3 h
      of treatment with 10 mg L(-1) BPA. After recovering, the embryos exhibited scarce
      response to stimuli, erratic or circular swimming, and spasmodic contractions
      from 5 mg L(-1) onwards. Our results highlight the lethal and sublethal effectsof
      BPA on R. arenarum embryos and larvae, in the last case both at structural and
      functional levels.

PMID- 22052623
TI  - Role of FDG-PET as a biological marker for predicting the hypoxic status of
      tongue cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To determine whether 2-[(18)F]fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron
      emission tomography (FDG-PET) could serve as a useful technique predicting tumor
      hypoxia and prognosis in tongue cancer, we assessed the relationship between FDG
      uptake and the levels of hypoxia-related markers. METHODS: Tumor uptake of FDG in
      33 patients with T2 tongue cancer was assessed by measuring maximum standardized
      uptake values (SUVmax). Expression of hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1alpha,
      carbonic anhydrase (CA)-9, glucose transporter (GLUT)-1, and erythropoietin
      receptor (EPOR), was determined by immunohistochemical staining. Correlation
      between SUVmax and the expression of hypoxia-related markers was assessed and
      multivariate analysis was performed to determine what parameters affected
      clinical outcomes. RESULTS: We observed strong correlations between SUVmax and
      expression of HIF-1alpha (p < .05), CA-9 (p < .01), and GLUT-1 (p < .01). SUVmax,
      HIF-1alpha expression, and tumor grade were significant independent predictors of
      disease-free survival (DFS). CONCLUSION: SUVmax may be a good noninvasive
      biomarker for prediction of hypoxic status and prognosis of patients with T2
      tongue cancer.

PMID- 22052624
TI  - Systematic review of the epidemiology of systemic lupus erythematosus in the Asia
      Pacific region: prevalence, incidence, clinical features, and mortality.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a chronic multisystem autoimmune
      disease with a wide spectrum of manifestations, shows considerable variation
      across the globe, although there is little evidence to indicate its relative
      prevalence in Asia. This review describes its prevalence, severity, and outcome
      across countries in the Asia-Pacific region. METHODS: We conducted a systematic
      literature search using 3 groups of terms (SLE, epidemiology, and Asia-Pacific
      countries) of EMBase and PubMed databases and non-English language resources,
      including Chinese Wanfang, Korean KMbase, Korean College of Rheumatology, Japana
      Centra Revuo Medicina, Taiwan National Digital Library of Theses and
      Dissertations, and Taiwanese, Thai, and Vietnamese journals. RESULTS: The review
      showed considerable variation in SLE burden and survival rates across Asia
      Pacific countries. Overall crude incidence rates (per 100,000 per year) ranged
      from 0.9-3.1, while crude prevalence rates ranged from 4.3-45.3 (per 100,000).
      Higher rates of renal involvement, one of the main systems involved at death,
      were observed for Asians (21-65% at diagnosis and 40-82% over time) than for
      whites. While infections and active SLE were leading causes of death, a
      substantial proportion (6-40%) of deaths was due to cardiovascular involvement.
      The correlation between the Human Development Index and 5-year survival was 0.83.
      CONCLUSION: This review highlights the need to closely monitor Asian SLE patients
      in Asian countries for renal and cardiovascular involvement, especially those who
      may not receive proper treatment and are therefore at greater risk of severe
      disease. We hope this will encourage further research specific to this region and
      lead to improved clinical management.

PMID- 22052625
TI  - Identification of autosomal recessive disease loci using out-bred nuclear
      families.
AB  - Autozygosity mapping has been a powerful method for the identification of
      autosomal recessive disease genes. However, the approach is limited by the
      availability of suitable consanguineous pedigrees. While rare autosomal recessive
      diseases are overrepresented in consanguineous families, a significant proportion
      of affected patients nonetheless originate in families where the parents are
      apparently unrelated. However, due to their relative rarity and the heterogeneity
      of disease alleles, it has proved difficult to use these patients to identify
      disease loci. Therefore, we developed "Phaser," a computer application that is
      able to infer the phase of SNP alleles and so haplotype entire chromosomes in
      small nuclear families (http://dna.leeds.ac.uk/Phaser). Once the index case's
      chromosomes have been haplotyped, it is then possible to deduce those of the
      parents and subsequently identify the parental origin of all the siblings' DNA.
      By combining information from a small number of nuclear families, it may then be
      possible to identify linkage to the recessive disease locus, in both in-bred and
      out-bred families. We have illustrated the program's utility by using it to
      correctly identify both the cystic fibrosis locus (using two unrelated compound
      heterozygous CEPH families) and a new gene mutated in early-onset myopathy with
      respiratory distress and dysphagia locus in a single consanguineous pedigree.

PMID- 22052626
TI  - Surface modification of indium-tin-oxide via self-assembly of a donor-acceptor
      complex: a density functional theory study.
AB  - The authors study at the density-functional theory level the modification of the
      electronic structure of the ITO surface upon self-assembly of a monolayer of t
      butyl carbazole-substituted phosphonic acid molecules and subsequent p-doping.
      The results of the calculations point to the existence of two channels for charge
      transfer. These channels can enhance hole injection between ITO and a hole
      transport overlayer through the chemically-modified interface.

PMID- 22052627
TI  - Effects of low-level laser therapy in combination with physiotherapy in the
      management of rotator cuff tendinitis.
AB  - Rotator cuff tendinitis is one of the main causes of shoulder pain. The objective
      of this study was to evaluate the possible additive effects of low-power laser
      treatment in combination with conventional physiotherapy endeavors in these
      patients. A total of 50 patients who were referred to the Physical Medicine and
      Rehabilitation Clinic with shoulder pain and rotator cuff disorders were
      selected. Pain severity measured with visual analogue scale (VAS), abduction, and
      external rotation range of motion in shoulder joint was measured by goniometry,
      and evaluation of daily functional abilities of patients was measured by shoulder
      disability questionnaire. Twenty-five of the above patients were randomly
      assigned into the control group and received only routine physiotherapy. The
      other 25 patients were assigned into the experimental group and received
      conventional therapy plus low-level laser therapy (4 J/cm(2) at each point over a
      maximum of ten painful points of shoulder region for total 5 min duration). The
      above measurements were assessed at the end of the third week of therapy in each
      group and the results were analyzed statistically. In both groups, statistically
      significant improvement was detected in all outcome measures compared to baseline
      (p < 0.05). Comparison between two different groups revealed better results for
      control of pain (reduction in VAS average) and shoulder disability problems in
      the experimental group versus the control (3.1 +/- 2.2 vs. 5 +/- 2.6, p = 0.029
      and 4.4 +/- 3.1 vs. 8.5 +/- 5.1, p = 0.031, respectively ) after intervention.
      Positive objective signs also had better results in the experimental group, but
      the mean range of active abduction (144.92 +/- 31.6 vs. 132.80 +/- 31.3) and
      external rotation (78.0 +/- 19.5 vs. 76.3 +/- 19.1) had no significant difference
      between the two groups (p = 0.20 and 0.77, respectively). As one of physical
      modalities, gallium-arsenide low-power laser combined with conventional
      physiotherapy has superiority over routine physiotherapy from the view of
      decreasing pain and improving the patient's function, but no additional
      advantages were detected in increasing shoulder joint range of motion in
      comparison to other physical agents.

PMID- 22052629
TI  - [Adolescents with cancer - administrative, clinical and scientific implications].

PMID- 22052628
TI  - Normative performance on the executive clock drawing task in a multi-ethnic
      bilingual cohort: a project FRONTIER study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The executive clock drawing task (CLOX) test is a neuropsychological
      measure intended to aid in the assessment and detection of dementia in older
      populations. Few studies have provided normative data for this measure, with even
      less research available regarding the impact of sociodemographic factors on test
      scores. This study presents normative data for the CLOX in a sample of English
      and Spanish-speaking Hispanic and non-Hispanic Whites. METHODS: The total sample
      included 445 cognitively healthy older adults seen as part of an ongoing study of
      rural cognitive aging, project FRONTIER. Unlike previous studies, criteria for
      "normality" (i.e., unimpaired) for CLOX1 and CLOX2 were based not merely on
      global impairment, but also on domain-specific impairment of executive
      functioning on the Executive Interview 25-item Examination and/or Trail Making
      Test B, or visuospatial/constructional impairment on the Line Orientation and
      Figure Copy subtests of the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of
      Neuropsychological Status, respectively. RESULTS: Hierarchical regression
      analyses revealed that CLOX1 scores require adjustment by Age across ethnicities,
      whereas Education and Gender are necessary stratification markers for CLOX1
      performance only in non-Hispanic Whites. None of the demographic variables were
      valid predictors of CLOX2 performance, negating the need for such adjustments.
      CONCLUSION: In addition to being the first study to provide separate normative
      data for CLOX performance in Hispanic and non-Hispanic White samples, the current
      study offers a novel approach to defining "normal" by cognitive domain. We also
      highlight the need to directly examine the impact of sociodemographic factors
      before applying normative corrections based on factors that have negligible
      impact on test scores.

PMID- 22052630
TI  - Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for severe combined immunodeficiency.
AB  - Severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) is a heterogeneous group of congenital
      diseases characterized by their presentation with life threatening infections in
      the first months of life. The clinical presentation and the therapeutic outcome
      is influenced by multiple factors: the genetic defect, infectious complications,
      the presence of maternal T cells the development of Omenn syndrome, as well as
      non-immunological signs and symptoms of the disease. Hematopoietic stem cell
      transplantation (HSCT) to date is the only established curative option and allows
      long-term cure of the disease. Therapeutic objectives of HSCT in SCID clearly
      differ from those in malignant or hematological disease. Disease specific aspects
      and their influence on the therapeutic strategy in SCID will be discussed in this
      review.

PMID- 22052631
TI  - Stem cell transplantation in 6 children with parvovirus B19- induced severe
      aplastic anaemia or myelodysplastic syndrome.
AB  - Parvovirus B19 (PVB19) induced severe aplastic anaemia (SAA) or myelodysplastic
      syndrome (MDS) is rare, and haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in
      this condition has not been reported so far. 6 children with SAA (n=4) or MDS
      (n=2) caused by acute PVB19 infection underwent HSCT under the protection of
      intravenous immunoglobulines. The 4 children with SAA received matched HLA bone
      marrow from a sibling (n=3) or peripheral unrelated blood stem cells (n=1). 1
      patient had delayed erythrocyte engraftment, whereas 3 patients had an uneventful
      transplantation course. HSCT in one of the 2 children with MDS was complicated by
      poor graft function, the other patient engrafted without complications. In
      conclusion, HSCT in children with PVB19 induced SAA or MDS is feasible, even
      though some patients may develop delayed engraftment or prolonged poor graft
      function.

PMID- 22052632
TI  - Epileptic seizures after octreotide administration in a 6.5-year-old female with
      ALL and L-asparaginase associated pancreatitis: a possible drug interaction.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Octreotide is a synthetic somatostatin analogue which has been
      suggested for use in the management of acute pancreatitis, though its safety and
      effectiveness in the pediatric setting has not been extensively studied. CASE
      REPORT: we present a rare case of a 6.5-year-old female with acute lymphoblastic
      leukemia (ALL) and L-asparaginase (L-asp) induced pancreatitis, who developed
      epileptic seizures, possibly associated with octreotide administration. Her
      imaging and laboratory findings ruled out a leukemic involvement or infection of
      CNS. The EEG revealed repetitive sharp waves maximal on the frontal and temporal
      areas of the right hemisphere. The child was treated with diazepam and she
      continued with systemic anticonvulsant treatment with levetiracetam. After 2
      weeks of conservative treatment, pancreatitis resolved and she continued her
      chemotherapy protocol. Levetiracetam treatment lasted 8 months. 7 months after
      the first episode, EEG was reported as normal, and the child completed the
      chemotherapy protocol without any further severe complications. CONCLUSIONS:
      Larger and well designed studies are needed to warrant the safety of octreotide
      in pediatric population.

PMID- 22052633
TI  - Nodal anaplastic large-cell lymphoma ALK-1- with CD30+ cutaneous
      lymphoproliferation treated with mistletoe: spontaneous remission or treatment
      response?
AB  - A 12-year old girl presented with general weakness and weight loss, a localised
      cervical lymph node enlargement and cutaneous lesions compatible with
      lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP). Biopsies from lymph node and skin revealed a
      histological diagnosis of nodal large cell ALK-1- anaplastic lymphoma (ALCL) with
      a synchronous CD30+ cutaneous lymphoproliferation consistent with lymphomatoid
      papulosis (LyP). The girl was treated with mistletoe (MT) as monotherapy. Within
      1 week after initiation of MT-treatment the skin lesions and lymph node
      enlargement improved. Under continuing MT-therapy 30 months after diagnosis the
      patient is still in complete remission. It is not possible to know whether this
      was a rare case of spontaneous remission of the nodal and skin-manifestations of
      this CD30+ T-cell lymphoproliferation or whether the observed effect was a
      specific therapeutic response to MT-treatment.

PMID- 22052634
TI  - Acute psychosis in an adolescent girl during treatment for advanced nodular
      lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin's lymphom.
AB  - A 16,5 year old female adolescent was diagnosed with nodular lymphocyte
      predominant Hodgkin lymphoma (nLPHL), presenting bilateral inguinal and right
      iliac lymphadenopathy accompanied by B-symptoms. The patient was due to treatment
      according to the German Interim Guidelines of HD 2002-Pilot Study with 2x OPPA
      (vincristine, adriamycine, prednisone, procarbacine) and 2x COPP
      (cyclophosphamide, vincristine, prednisone, procarbazine) and radiotherapy. After
      2x OPPA the patient presented a severe episode of a presumably prednisone-induced
      acute psychosis with need for psychiatric treatment and change of therapy
      regimen. She was successfully treated with a chimeric monoclonal anti-CD20
      antibody (rituximab) and subsequent radiotherapy.

PMID- 22052635
TI  - Long-term follow-up of morbidly obese patients with childhood craniopharyngioma
      after laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding (LAGB).

PMID- 22052636
TI  - Palliative sedation in 2 children with terminal cancer - an effective treatment
      of last resort in a home care setting.

PMID- 22052637
TI  - Idiopathic pulmonary hemosiderosis - a severe differential diagnosis of diffuse
      alveolar hemorrhage.

PMID- 22052638
TI  - [Interdisciplinary AWMF guideline for the diagnostics of primary
      immunodeficiency].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Primary immunodeficiencies are potentially life-threatening diseases.
      Over the last years, the clinical phenotype and the molecular basis of an
      increasing number of immunological defects have been characterized. However, in
      daily practice primary immunodeficiencies are still often diagnosed too late.
      Considering that an early diagnosis may reduce morbidity and mortality of
      affected patients, an interdisciplinary guideline for the diagnosis of primary
      immunodeficiencies was developed on behalf of the Arbeitsgemeinschaft
      Padiatrische Immunologie (API) and the Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Immunologie
      (DGfI). METHODS: The guideline is based on expert opinion and on knowledge from
      other guidelines and recommendations from Germany and other countries,
      supplemented by data from studies that support the postulated key messages (level
      of evidence III). With the contribution of 20 representatives, belonging to 14
      different medical societies and associations, a consensus-based guideline with a
      representative group of developers and a structured consensus process was created
      (S2k). Under the moderation of a representative of the Association of the
      Scientific Medical Societies in Germany (AWMF) the nominal group process took
      place in April 2011. RESULTS: The postulated key messages were discussed and
      voted on following a structured consensus procedure. In particular, modified
      warning signs for primary immunodeficiencies were formulated and immunological
      emergency situations were defined.

PMID- 22052639
TI  - OMIP-004: in-depth characterization of human T regulatory cells.

PMID- 22052640
TI  - Flexible metal-organic framework with hydrophobic pores.

PMID- 22052641
TI  - Pediatric disk herniation.
AB  - Pediatric disk herniation is a rare condition that should be considered in the
      differential diagnosis of the child with back pain or radiating leg pain. Because
      pediatric disk herniation is relatively uncommon, there is typically a delay in
      diagnosis compared with time to diagnosis of adult disk herniation. Pediatric
      disk herniations are often recalcitrant to nonsurgical care, but such measures
      should be attempted in patients who present with isolated pain symptoms and have
      a normal neurologic examination. Twenty-eight percent of adolescent disk
      herniations involve apophyseal fractures; this presentation has a higher rate of
      surgical intervention than do herniations without fracture. Surgical management
      of pediatric disk herniation involves laminotomy and fragment excision. Short
      term data demonstrate excellent pain relief, with 1% of children requiring repeat
      surgery for lumbar disk pathology in the first year. Long-term data suggest that
      20% to 30% of patients will require additional surgery later in life.

PMID- 22052642
TI  - Arthroscopic revision rotator cuff repair.
AB  - Rotator cuff repair leads to good and excellent outcomes in most patients.
      However, structural failure of the repair occurs in a substantial number of cases
      and can lead to an unsatisfactory result. Several factors have been implicated,
      including patient-related factors (eg, patient age, tear size) and extrinsic
      factors (eg, surgeon surgical volume, biomechanical failure). Structural failure
      requires a detailed patient evaluation to elucidate the cause of persistent
      symptoms. Function can be maintained despite a recurrent tear; therefore, a
      recurrent tear alone is not an indication for revision repair. The major
      indication for revision rotator cuff repair is the persistence of clinical
      symptoms, despite nonsurgical management, in the absence of substantial risk
      factors for failure. Although the outcome is poorer than after primary repair,
      satisfactory results have been reported following revision repair of recurrent
      rotator cuff tears, particularly with arthroscopic techniques.

PMID- 22052643
TI  - Surgical management of healed slipped capital femoral epiphysis.
AB  - Slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) results in posterior and inferior
      displacement of the epiphysis on the femoral neck. In most centers, the
      recommended initial management of stable SCFE is in situ pinning. Minimal
      reduction with in situ pinning is recommended for unstable SCFE. This approach
      does not restore the normal anatomy of the hip joint, and the resulting proximal
      femoral deformity may cause femoroacetabular impingement. Patients with
      femoroacetabular impingement experience reduced hip range of motion as well as
      hip pain, and they are at risk of early-onset hip osteoarthritis. Techniques for
      managing this deformity include arthroscopic femoral neck osteochondroplasty, a
      limited anterior hip approach or surgical hip dislocation, and flexion
      intertrochanteric osteotomy. These surgical techniques should be considered for
      patients with healed SCFE deformity who present with hip pain at an early age.

PMID- 22052644
TI  - Osteoid osteoma and osteoblastoma.
AB  - Osteoid osteoma and osteoblastoma are commonly seen benign osteogenic bone
      neoplasms. Both tumors are typically seen in the second decade of life, with a
      notable predilection in males. Histologically, these tumors resemble each other,
      with characteristically increased osteoid tissue formation surrounded by vascular
      fibrous stroma and perilesional sclerosis. However, osteoblastomas are larger
      than osteoid osteomas, and they exhibit greater osteoid production and
      vascularity. Clinically, osteoid osteoma most commonly occurs in the long bones
      (eg, femur, tibia). The lesions cause night pain that is relieved with
      nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Osteoblastoma is most frequently
      located in the axial skeleton, and the pain is usually not worse at night and is
      less likely to be relieved with NSAIDs. Osteoblastoma can be locally aggressive;
      osteoid osteoma lacks growth potential. Osteoid osteoma may be managed
      nonsurgically with NSAIDs. When surgery is required, minimally invasive methods
      (eg, CT-guided excision, radiofrequency ablation) are preferred. Osteoblastoma
      has a higher rate of recurrence than does osteoid osteoma, and patients must be
      treated surgically with intralesional curettage or en bloc resection.

PMID- 22052645
TI  - Intramedullary nailing of extra-articular proximal tibia fractures.
AB  - Tibial fractures are the most common long bone fractures. Extra-articular
      proximal tibia fractures account for approximately 5% to 11% of all tibial shaft
      fractures. The benefits of intramedullary nailing of these fractures include load
      sharing, sparing of the extraosseous blood supply, and avoidance of additional
      soft-tissue dissection, thereby minimizing the risk of postoperative
      complications. A significant rate of malalignment has been reported with
      intramedullary nailing of proximal tibia fractures, however. Malalignment
      typically presents as apex anterior and valgus angulation. Several nailing
      methods and reduction techniques have been developed to minimize this
      complication, including the use of a proper starting point and insertion angle,
      blocking screws, unicortical plates, a universal distractor, and alternative
      positioning and approaches. Use of one or more of these techniques has resulted
      in a reported average malreduction rate of 8.2%.

PMID- 22052646
TI  - Subacromial impingement syndrome.
AB  - Subacromial impingement syndrome (SIS) represents a spectrum of pathology ranging
      from subacromial bursitis to rotator cuff tendinopathy and full-thickness rotator
      cuff tears. The relationship between subacromial impingement and rotator cuff
      disease in the etiology of rotator cuff injury is a matter of debate. Both
      extrinsic compression and intrinsic degeneration may play a role. Management
      includes physical therapy, injections, and, for some patients, surgery. There
      remains a need for high-quality studies of the pathology, etiology, and
      management of SIS.

PMID- 22052647
TI  - Arthroscopic releases for arthrofibrosis of the knee.
AB  - Intra-articular inflammation or fibrosis may lead to decreased soft-tissue and
      capsular compliance, which may result in pain or loss of motion within the knee.
      Etiology of intra-articular fibrosis may include isolated anterior interval
      scarring and posterior capsular contracture, as well as fibrosis that involves
      the suprapatellar pouch or arthrofibrosis that involves the entire synovial
      space. Initial nonsurgical management, including compression, elevation, and
      physical therapy, can decrease knee pain and inflammation and maintain range of
      motion. Surgical management is indicated in the patient who fails conservative
      treatment. Surgical options include arthroscopic releases of the anterior
      interval, posterior capsule, and peripatellar and suprapatellar regions. Recent
      advances in arthroscopic technique have led to improved outcomes in patients with
      intra-articular fibrosis of the knee.

PMID- 22052648
TI  - Epidemiology of hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus infections among hemodialysis
      patients in Khartoum, Sudan.
AB  - The epidemiology of hepatitis B virus (HBV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) is
      important for health planners and service providers. A cross-sectional study was
      conducted to investigate the seroprevalence and associated risk factors for
      markers of HBV (HBsAg) and anti-HCV among hemodialysis patients at the Ahmed
      Gasim hemodialysis unit, Sudan. Structured questionnaires were used to obtain
      socio-demographic data and sera were tested for hepatitis B surface antigen
      (HBsAg) and antibody to HCV (anti-HCV). Of the 353 patients enrolled in the
      study, HBsAg and anti-HCV were detected in 16 (4.5%) and 30 (8.5%) patients,
      respectively. None of the patients were co-infected with HBV and HCV.
      Multivariate analysis showed that duration of dialysis was significantly
      associated with anti-HCV seropositivity [OR = 1.1, 95% CI = 1.2-1.3; P = 0.024].
      No other socio-demographic or clinical characteristics (age, sex, level of
      education, history of surgery, and number of units of blood transfused) were
      significantly associated with HBsAg or anti-HCV seropositivity. The results of
      this study suggest that HBsAg and anti-HCV have low prevalence among hemodialysis
      patients in Khartoum. Longer duration of dialysis was a risk factor for anti-HCV.

PMID- 22052650
TI  - Experience with use of Zostavax((r)) in patients with hematologic malignancy and
      hematopoietic cell transplant recipients.

PMID- 22052649
TI  - Combined p53-related genetic variants together with HPV infection increase oral
      cancer risk.
AB  - To explore the role of polymorphisms of p53-related genes in etiology of oral
      cancer, we investigated joint effects of seven putatively functional
      polymorphisms of p53 (codon 72 Arg/Pro), p73 (4/14 GC/AT), murine double minute 2
      gene (MDM2; A2164G and T2580G) and MDM4 (rs11801299 G > A, rs10900598 G > T and
      rs1380576 C > G) on risk of human papillomavirus (HPV)16-associated oral cancer
      in a case-control study with 325 cases and 335 cancer-free controls. We found
      that HPV16 seropositivity alone was associated with an increased risk of oral
      cancer [adjusted odds ratio (OR), 3.1; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.1-4.6].
      After combining genotypes of seven polymorphisms and using the low-risk group (0
      3 combined risk genotypes) and HPV16 seronegativity as the reference group, the
      medium-risk (4 combined risk genotypes) and high-risk groups (5-7 combined risk
      genotypes) and HPV16 seronegativity were associated with only an OR of 1.6 (95%
      CI, 1.1-2.5) and 1.2 (95% CI, 0.7-1.9) for oral cancer risk, respectively,
      whereas the low-risk, medium-risk and high-risk groups and HPV16 seropositivity
      were significantly associated with a higher OR of 2.1 (95% CI, 1.2-3.6), 4.0 (95%
      CI, 1.8-9.1) and 19.1 (95% CI, 5.7-64.2), respectively. Notably, such effect
      modification by these combined risk genotypes was particularly pronounced in
      young subjects (aged < 50 years), never smokers and patients with oropharyngeal
      cancer. Taken together, these findings suggest that the combined risk genotypes
      of p53-related genes may modify risk of HPV16-associated oral cancer, especially
      in young patients, never-smokers and patients with oropharyngeal cancer. Larger
      studies are needed to validate our findings.

PMID- 22052651
TI  - Photocrosslinkable polyesters and poly(ester anhydride)s for biomedical
      applications.
AB  - Crosslinking is a feasible way to prepare biodegradable polymers with potential
      in biomedical applications such as controlled release of active agents and tissue
      engineering. A synthesis route in which functional telechelic aliphatic polyester
      oligomers are used as precursors for the preparation of crosslinked polyesters
      and poly(ester anhydride)s is described. Mechanical properties, degradation
      characteristics and rate, and bioactivity can be modified widely by controlling
      the chemical composition and architecture of the crosslinkable oligomers. In
      tissue engineering, photocrosslinking allows to use crosslinkable oligomers in
      advanced manufacturing techniques like micromolding in capillaries,
      stereolithography and two-photon polymerization.

PMID- 22052652
TI  - The golden age of GPCR structural biology: any impact on drug design?

PMID- 22052653
TI  - Optimization of a parallel artificial membrane permeability assay for the fast
      and simultaneous prediction of human intestinal absorption and plasma protein
      binding of drug candidates: application to dibenz[b,f]azepine-5-carboxamide
      derivatives.
AB  - Parallel artificial membrane permeability assay (PAMPA) has been successfully
      applied by pharmaceutical industries as high-throughput technique capable of
      screening compounds for passive oral absorption. Herein, the possible
      applicability of this assay to predict simultaneously biodistribution parameters
      such as plasma protein binding (PPB) and apparent volume of distribution (VD) was
      investigated for the first time. Apparent permeability (P(app) ) of 18 reference
      drugs was determined by nine PAMPA conditions and compared with the corresponding
      intestinal absorption fraction (Fa), PPB, and VD in humans. In all the models,
      P(app) was not correlated with VD; however, it was correlated with Fa and PPB. In
      these cases, the best correlations (r >= 0.8953) were found when using a membrane
      of 2% of l-alpha-phosphatidylcholine, at pH 6.5/7.4 for donor/acceptor
      compartments. Under these conditions, good correlation with traditional PAMPA (r
      = 0.9633) and Caco-2 models (r = 0.9246) were also achieved. This method
      correctly predicted compounds' permeability and was robust enough to distinguish
      compounds with high Fa (P(app) >= 1.1 * 10(-6) cm/s) and PPB (P(app) >= 1.0 * 10(
      5) cm/s), with no false positives or negatives recorded. In addition,
      ultrafiltration method was used to determine the PPB of 10 tested derivatives of
      dibenz[b,f]azepine-5-carboxamide, which were also assessed through the new PAMPA
      model developed herein, and equal classifications were achieved.

PMID- 22052654
TI  - Antioxidant effect of propolis against exposure to chromium in Cyprinus carpio.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to investigate the ameliorative properties of
      propolis against the toxic effects of chromium (VI) by examining oxidative damage
      markers such as lipid peroxidation and the antioxidant defence system components
      in carp (Cyprinus carpio). The fish were exposed to sublethal concentrations of
      chromium. Propolis was simultaneously administered to chromium-exposed fish.
      Treatment was continued for 28 days, and at the end of this period, blood and
      tissue (liver, kidney, spleen, and gill) samples were collected. Levels of
      malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) as well as superoxide
      dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities
      were determined in blood and tissues for measurement of oxidant-antioxidant
      status. The levels of MDA, as an index of lipid peroxidation, increased in blood
      and tissues. Antioxidant enzyme activities in blood and tissues were modified in
      chromium groups compared to controls. Simultaneous administration of propolis
      ameliorated these parameters. The present results suggest that administration of
      propolis might alleviate chromium-induced oxidative stress.

PMID- 22052655
TI  - A novel familial 11p15.4 microduplication associated with intellectual
      disability, dysmorphic features, and obesity with involvement of the ZNF214 gene.
AB  - We evaluated a patient with mild intellectual disability, obesity, overgrowth,
      and dysmorphic features. Array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) analysis
      showed a single copy number increase of a BAC clone in the 11p15.4 region.
      Oligonucleotide aCGH refined the duplication to approximately 2.29  megabases
      (Mb) in size. Testing the parents revealed that the father, who had learning
      disabilities and overgrowth, also had the 11p15.4 duplication, and the mother had
      a normal microarray. In addition, the patient's brother and grandmother all share
      clinical features with the proband and tested positive for the duplication. The
      duplicated region (Chr11:6,934,067-9,220,605) encompasses 29 genes, including the
      ZNF214 gene, which has been postulated to play a role in Beckwith-Wiedemann
      syndrome [Alders et al., 2000]. This three-generation pedigree outlines features
      of a novel microduplication syndrome.

PMID- 22052656
TI  - Growth, physiological and molecular traits in Salicaceae trees investigated for
      phytoremediation of heavy metals and organics.
AB  - Worldwide, there are many large areas moderately contaminated with heavy metals
      and/or organics that have not been remediated due to the high cost and technical
      drawbacks of currently available technologies. Methods with a good potential for
      coping with these limitations are emerging from phytoremediation techniques,
      using, for example, specific amendments and/or plants selected from various
      candidates proven in several investigations to be reasonably efficient in
      extracting heavy metals from soil or water, or in co-metabolizing organics with
      bacteria flourishing or inoculated in their rhizospheres. Populus and Salix spp.,
      two genera belonging to the Salicaceae family, include genotypes that can be
      considered among the candidates for this phytoremediation approach. This review
      shows the recent improvements in analytical tools based on the identification of
      useful genetic diversity associated with classical growth, physiological and
      biochemical traits, and the importance of plant genotype selection for enhancing
      phytoremediation efficiency. Particularly interesting are studies on the
      application of the phytoremediation of heavy metals and of chlorinated organics,
      in which microorganisms selected for their degradation capabilities were
      bioaugmented in the rhizosphere of Salicaceae planted at a high density for
      biomass and bioenergy production.

PMID- 22052657
TI  - Characterization of a novel biosurfactant produced by Staphylococcus sp. strain
      1E with potential application on hydrocarbon bioremediation.
AB  - A biosurfactant-producing bacterium (Staphylococcus sp. strain 1E) was isolated
      from an Algerian crude oil contaminated soil. Biosurfactant production was tested
      with different carbon sources using the surface tension measurement and the oil
      displacement test. Olive oil produced the highest reduction in surface tension
      (25.9 dynes cm(-1)). Crude oil presented the best substrate for 1E biosurfactant
      emulsification activity. The biosurfactant produced by strain 1E reduced the
      growth medium surface tension below 30 dynes cm(-1). This reduction was also
      obtained in cell-free filtrates. Biosurfactant produced by strain 1E showed
      stability in a wide range of pH (from 2 to 12), temperature (from 4 to 55 
      degrees C) and salinity (from 0 to 300 g l(-1)) variations. The biosurfactant
      produced by strain 1E belonged to lipopeptide group and also constituted an
      antibacterial activity againt the pathogenic bacteria such as Staphylococcus
      aureus, Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Bacillus subtilis.
      Phenanthrene solubility in water was enhanced by biosurfactant addition. Our
      results suggest that the 1E biosurfactant has interesting properties for its
      application in bioremediation of hydrocarbons contaminated sites.

PMID- 22052659
TI  - Guidelines for establishing locus specific databases.
AB  - Information about genetic variation has been collected for some 20 years into
      registries, known as locus specific databases (LSDBs), which nowadays often
      contain information in addition to the actual genetic variation. Several issues
      have to be taken into account when considering establishing and maintaining LSDBs
      and these have been discussed previously in a number of articles describing
      guidelines and recommendations. This information is widely scattered and, for a
      newcomer, it would be difficult to obtain the latest information and guidance.
      Here, a sequence of steps essential for establishing an LSDB is discussed
      together with guidelines for each step. Curators need to collect information from
      various sources, code it in systematic way, and distribute to the research and
      clinical communities. In doing this, ethical issues have to be taken into
      account. To facilitate integration of information to, for example, analyze
      genotype-phenotype correlations, systematic data representation using established
      nomenclatures, data models, and ontologies is essential. LSDB curation and
      maintenance comprises a number of tasks that can be managed by following logical
      steps. These resources are becoming ever more important and new curators are
      essential to ensure that we will have expertly curated databases for all disease
      related genes in the near future.

PMID- 22052658
TI  - Validation of potential classification criteria for systemic sclerosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Classification criteria for systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma) are
      being updated jointly by the American College of Rheumatology and European League
      Against Rheumatism. Potential items for classification were reduced to 23 using
      Delphi and nominal group techniques. We evaluated the face, discriminant, and
      construct validity of the items to be further studied as potential criteria.
      METHODS: Face validity was evaluated using the frequency of items in patients
      sampled from the Canadian Scleroderma Research Group, 1000 Faces of Lupus, and
      the Pittsburgh, Toronto, Madrid, and Berlin connective tissue disease (CTD)
      databases. Patients with SSc (n = 783) were compared to 1,071 patients with
      diseases similar to SSc (mimickers): systemic lupus erythematosus (n = 499),
      myositis (n = 171), Sjogren's syndrome (n = 95), Raynaud's phenomenon (RP; n =
      228), mixed CTD (n = 29), and idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH; n
      = 49). Discriminant validity was evaluated using odds ratios (ORs). For construct
      validity, empirical ranking was compared to expert ranking. RESULTS: Compared to
      mimickers, patients with SSc were more likely to have skin thickening (OR 427);
      telangiectasias (OR 91); anti-RNA polymerase III antibody (OR 75); puffy fingers
      (OR 35); finger flexion contractures (OR 29); tendon/bursal friction rubs (OR
      27); anti-topoisomerase I antibody (OR 25); RP (OR 24); fingertip ulcers/pitting
      scars (OR 19); anticentromere antibody (OR 14); abnormal nailfold capillaries (OR
      10); gastroesophageal reflux disease symptoms (OR 8); antinuclear antibody,
      calcinosis, dysphagia, and esophageal dilation (all OR 6); interstitial lung
      disease/pulmonary fibrosis (OR 5); and anti-PM-Scl antibody (OR 2). Reduced
      carbon monoxide diffusing capacity, PAH, and reduced forced vital capacity had
      ORs of <2. Renal crisis and digital pulp loss/acroosteolysis did not occur in SSc
      mimickers (OR not estimated). Empirical and expert ranking were correlated
      (Spearman's rho = 0.53, P = 0.01). CONCLUSION: The candidate items have good
      face, discriminant, and construct validity. Further item reduction will be
      evaluated in prospective SSc and mimicker cases.

PMID- 22052660
TI  - Allylsilanes in "tin-free" oximation, alkenylation, and allylation of alkyl
      halides.
AB  - Tin-free oximation, vinylation, and allylation of alkyl halides have been
      developed by using allylsilanes as di-tin surrogates. Initiation of the radical
      process with a peroxide provides the silyl radical, which can abstract a halogen
      from the corresponding alkyl halide. The resulting carbon-centered radical then
      adds to various acceptors, including a sulfonyloxime, a vinylsulfone, and an
      allylsulfone, leading to formation of the desired products along with the
      corresponding allylsulfone resulting from the reaction of the PhSO(2) radical
      with the allylsilane precursor. Better results were generally obtained with
      methallylsilane 1b than with 1a. This observation was rationalized by invoking
      the higher nucleophilicity of 1b and the faster beta-fragmentation of the
      corresponding beta-silyl radical intermediate. Calculation of the energy barrier
      for the beta-fragmentation of a series of beta-silyl radicals at the DFT level
      supported this hypothesis. Finally, a second version of these oximation and
      vinylation reactions, based on the utilization of 3
      tris(trimethylsilyl)silylthiopropene, was devised, affording the desired oximes
      and olefins in reasonable yields. This strategy allowed the title reaction to be
      performed under milder conditions (AIBN, benzene, 80  degrees C), as a result of
      the easier beta-fragmentation of the C-S bond as compared with the C-Si bond.

PMID- 22052661
TI  - 2D sandwich-like sheets of iron oxide grown on graphene as high energy anode
      material for supercapacitors.
AB  - 2D sandwich-like sheets of iron oxide grown on graphene as high energy anode
      material for supercapacitors are prepared from the direct growth of FeOOH
      nanorods on the surface of graphene and the subsequent electrochemical
      transformation of FeOOH to Fe(3)O(4). The Fe(3)O(4) @RGO nanocomposites exhibit
      superior capacitance (326 F g(-1)), high energy density (85 Wh kg(-1)), large
      power, and good cycling performance in 1 mol L(-1) LiOH solution.

PMID- 22052663
TI  - Evolution of Anelloviridae strains distribution in serial blood and biopsy
      samples from a renal transplant patient.
AB  - A few studies investigated the natural history of viruses belonging to the family
      Anelloviridae in transplant patient. The case of a 64-year-old kidney transplant
      recipient is described. Molecular analysis of serial blood samples collected
      before and after transplant was performed during a period of 510 days. Two kidney
      biopsies were also analyzed. All blood samples tested positive for Anelloviridae
      DNA, with the identification of sequences belonging to the three taxonomic genera
      identified in humans. Sequences distribution during the follow-up was multimodal.
      A sequence nearly identical to one present in the blood before transplant was
      further characterized in one biopsy sample.

PMID- 22052662
TI  - Electrocardiographic consequences of cardiac iron overload in thalassemia major.
AB  - Iron cardiomyopathy is a leading cause of death in transfusion-dependent
      thalassemia major (TM) patients and MRI (T2*) can recognize preclinical cardiac
      iron overload, but, is unavailable to many centers. We evaluated the ability of
      12-lead electrocardiography to predict cardiac iron loading in TM. 12-lead
      electrocardiogram and cardiac T2* measurements were performed prospectively, with
      a detectable cardiac iron cutoff of T2*less than 20 ms. Patients with and without
      cardiac iron were compared using two-sample statistics and against population
      norms using age and gender-matched Z-scores. 45/78 patients had detectable
      cardiac iron. Patients having cardiac iron were older and more likely female but
      had comparable liver iron burdens and serum ferritin. Increased heart rate (HR)
      and prolonged corrected QT interval (QT(c)) were present, regardless of cardiac
      iron status. Repolarization abnormalities were the strongest predictors of
      cardiac iron, including QT/QT(c) prolongation, left shift of T-wave axis, and
      interpretation of ST/T-wave morphology. Recursive partitioning of the data for
      females using T-axis and HR and for males using QT, HR, and T-axis produced
      algorithms with AUROC's of 88.3 and 87.1, respectively. Bradycardia and
      repolarization abnormalities on 12-lead electrocardiography were the most
      specific markers for cardiac iron in thalassemia major. Changes in these
      variables may be helpful to stratify cardiac risk when cardiac MRI is
      unavailable. However, diagnostic algorithms need to be vetted on larger and more
      diverse patient populations and longitudinal studies are necessary to determine
      reversibility of the observed abnormalities.

PMID- 22052664
TI  - Silymarin prevents the toxicity induced by benzo(a)pyrene in human erythrocytes
      by preserving its membrane integrity: an in vitro study.
AB  - Silymarin, the purified extract from milk thistle Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn,
      consists mainly of four isomeric flavonolignans: silibinin, isosilibinin,
      silidianin, and silichristin. The present study was carried out to evaluate the
      protective potential of silymarin in human erythrocytes against in vitro exposure
      to the carcinogen benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P). Erythrocytes isolated from human blood
      were divided into four groups and treated with Vehicle [Group I], B(a)P (300 MUM)
      [Group II], Silymarin (500 MUM) + B(a)P (300 MUM) [Group III], and Silymarin
      alone (500 MUM)] [Group IV]. Silymarin treatment maintains the integrity of
      erythrocytes by preventing hemolysis, protein thiol oxidation and by decreasing
      the activity of AChE. SEM observations indicate that B(a)P induced significant
      alteration in the morphology of erythrocytes to echinocytes, which may be due to
      the interaction of B(a)P with the membrane's outer phopholipid monolayer. The
      light microscopic and SEM images show that silymarin treatment maintains the
      normal discocytic morphology of erythrocytes. The protective effect of silymarin
      might be attributed to its chemical structure and membranotrophic nature. The
      components silibinin, silydianin, and silychristin have OH in the 3rd, 5th, and
      7th carbon atoms that may account for its increased antioxidant activity and
      removal of ROS formed during B(a)P metabolism.

PMID- 22052665
TI  - Preparative separation of methylswertianin, swerchirin and decussatin from the
      Tibetan medicinal plant Swertia mussotii using high-speed counter-current
      chromatography.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Xanthones, the primary constituents of Swertia mussotii, are known
      to possess a variety of biological activities, including anti-depressant, anti
      leukaemic, anti-tumour, anti-tubercular, choleretic, diuretic, anti-microbial,
      anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, cardiotonic and hypoglycemic
      properties. However, high performance, environmentally friendly methods for
      isolating and purifying xanthones from S. mussotii are not currently available.
      OBJECTIVE: To develop a high performance and environmentally friendly method for
      the preparative separation of xanthones methylswertianin, swerchirin and
      decussatin from S. mussotii using high-speed counter-current chromatography
      (HSCCC). METHODOLOGY: A solvent system composed of n-hexane:ethyl
      acatate:methanol:water (5:5:10:4, v/v/v/v) was developed for the separation
      method. The upper phase was used as the stationary phase, and the lower phase was
      used as the mobile phase at a flow rate of 1.5 mL/min, a rotation speed of 800
      rpm and a temperature of 25  degrees C. RESULTS: Using the described method, 8 mg
      of methylswertianin, 21 mg of swerchirin and 11 mg of decussatin with purities of
      over 98% could be isolated from a 150 mg crude sample. They were identified by 1H
      NMR and 13C-NMR analysis. CONCLUSION: Three xanthones in Swertia mussotii could
      be systematically isolated and purified using HSCCC.

PMID- 22052666
TI  - Chromosomally integrated human herpesvirus 6: questions and answers.
AB  - Chromosomally integrated human herpesvirus 6 (ciHHV-6) is a condition in which
      the complete HHV-6 genome is integrated into the host germ line genome and is
      vertically transmitted in a Mendelian manner. The condition is found in less than
      1% of controls in the USA and UK, but has been found at a somewhat higher
      prevalence in transplant recipients and other patient populations in several
      small studies. HHV-6 levels in whole blood that exceed 5.5 log10 copies/ml are
      strongly suggestive of ciHHV-6. Monitoring DNA load in plasma and serum is
      unreliable, both for identifying and for monitoring subjects with ciHHV-6 due to
      cell lysis and release of cellular DNA. High HHV-6 DNA loads associated with
      ciHHV-6 can lead to erroneous diagnosis of active infection. Transplant
      recipients with ciHHV-6 may be at increased risk for bacterial infection and
      graft rejection. ciHHV-6 can be induced to a state of active viral replication in
      vitro. It is not known whether ciHHV-6 individuals are put at clinical risk by
      the use of drugs that have been associated with HHV-6 reactivation in vivo or in
      vitro. Nonetheless, we urge careful observation when use of such drugs is
      indicated in individuals known to have ciHHV-6. Little is known about whether
      individuals with ciHHV-6 develop immune tolerance for viral proteins. Further
      research is needed to determine the role of ciHHV-6 in disease.

PMID- 22052667
TI  - Producing cell-free culture broth of rhamnolipids as a cost-effective fungicide
      against plant pathogens.
AB  - Biosurfactants of rhamnolipids have been enthusiastically investigated for
      substitutes of synthetic agrochemicals against plant pathogens. However, all such
      studies have been conducted on rhamnolipids with high purity which have
      limitations due to high costs. This paper focused on the applicability of
      rhamnolipid-containing cell-free culture broth. It was found that rhamnolipids in
      cell-free culture broth of Pseudomonas aeruginosa ZJU211 were largely composed of
      di-rhamnolipid and mono-rhamnolipid with the ratio varying with culture time.
      After 96 h of fermentation, the mass ratio of di-rhamnolipid over mono
      rhamnolipid increased to 2.6:1. Crude rhamnolipids in a form of cell-free culture
      broth showed high antifungal activity against colony growth and biomass
      accumulation of seven plant pathogens comprising two Oomycetes, three Ascomycota
      and two Mucor spp. fungi, among which three plant pathogens were firstly reported
      in this paper showing inhibition to rhamnolipids. Particularly, rhamnolipids
      showed potent activity against two Oomycetes that acquire resistance to
      commercial compound of metalaxyal. Furthermore, di-rhamnolipid was elucidated to
      dominate the antifungal activity of crude rhamnolipids by in vitro studies. At
      last, the efficacy and safety of cell-free culture broth was preliminarily
      illustrated on plants in vivo. So cell-free culture broth as a crude rhamnolipid
      product could be served as a potential cost-effective and environmental-friendly
      fungicide in agriculture.

PMID- 22052669
TI  - Reversing the reactivity of carbonyl functions with phosphonium salts:
      enantioselective total synthesis of (+)-centrolobine.

PMID- 22052670
TI  - Acrofrontofacionasal dysostosis 1 in two sisters of Indian origin.

PMID- 22052668
TI  - Identification of a mutation causing deficient BMP1/mTLD proteolytic activity in
      autosomal recessive osteogenesis imperfecta.
AB  - Herein, we have studied a consanguineous Egyptian family with two children
      diagnosed with severe autosomal recessive osteogenesis imperfecta (AR-OI) and a
      large umbilical hernia. Homozygosity mapping in this family showed lack of
      linkage to any of the previously known AR-OI genes, but revealed a 10.27 MB
      homozygous region on chromosome 8p in the two affected sibs, which comprised the
      procollagen I C-terminal propeptide (PICP) endopeptidase gene BMP1. Mutation
      analysis identified both patients with a Phe249Leu homozygous missense change
      within the BMP1 protease domain involving a residue, which is conserved in all
      members of the astacin group of metalloproteases. Type I procollagen analysis in
      supernatants from cultured fibroblasts demonstrated abnormal PICP processing in
      patient-derived cells consistent with the mutation causing decreased BMP1
      function. This was further confirmed by overexpressing wild type and mutant BMP1
      longer isoform (mammalian Tolloid protein [mTLD]) in NIH3T3 fibroblasts and human
      primary fibroblasts. While overproduction of normal mTLD resulted in a large
      proportion of proalpha1(I) in the culture media being C-terminally processed,
      proalpha1(I) cleavage was not enhanced by an excess of the mutant protein,
      proving that the Phe249Leu mutation leads to a BMP1/mTLD protein with deficient
      PICP proteolytic activity. We conclude that BMP1 is an additional gene mutated in
      AR-OI.

PMID- 22052671
TI  - Nanoscale in situ characterization of Li-ion battery electrochemistry via
      scanning ion conductance microscopy.
AB  - Scanning ion conductance microscopy imaging of battery electrodes, using the
      geometry shown in the figure, is a tool for in situ nanoscale mapping of surface
      topography and local ion current. Images of silicon and tin electrodes show that
      the combination of topography and ion current provides insight into the local
      electrochemical phenomena that govern the operation of lithium ion batteries.

PMID- 22052672
TI  - Determinants of discordance in patients' and physicians' rating of rheumatoid
      arthritis disease activity.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the determinants of patients' (PTGL) and physicians' (MDGL)
      global assessment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) activity and factors associated
      with discordance among them. METHODS: A total of 7,028 patients in the
      Quantitative Standard Monitoring of Patients with RA study had PTGL and MDGL
      assessed at the same clinic visit on a 0-10-cm visual analog scale (VAS). Three
      patient groups were defined: concordant rating group (PTGL and MDGL within +/-2
      cm), higher patient rating group (PTGL exceeding MDGL by >2 cm), and lower
      patient rating group (PTGL less than MDGL by >2 cm). Multivariable regression
      analysis was used to identify determinants of PTGL and MDGL and their
      discordance. RESULTS: The mean +/- SD VAS scores for PTGL and MDGL were 4.01 +/-
      2.70 and 2.91 +/- 2.37, respectively. Pain was overwhelmingly the single most
      important determinant of PTGL, followed by fatigue. In contrast, MDGL was most
      influenced by swollen joint count (SJC), followed by erythrocyte sedimentation
      rate (ESR) and tender joint count (TJC). A total of 4,454 (63.4%), 2,106 (30%),
      and 468 (6.6%) patients were in the concordant, higher, and lower patient rating
      groups, respectively. Odds of higher patient rating increased with higher pain,
      fatigue, psychological distress, age, and morning stiffness, and decreased with
      higher SJC, TJC, and ESR. Lower patient rating odds increased with higher SJC,
      TJC, and ESR, and decreased with lower fatigue levels. CONCLUSION: Nearly 36% of
      patients had discordance in RA activity assessment from their physicians.
      Sensitivity to the "disease experience" of patients, particularly pain and
      fatigue, is warranted for effective care of RA.

PMID- 22052673
TI  - A discriminating dissolution method for glimepiride polymorphs.
AB  - Glimepiride, an oral antidiabetic drug, is practically insoluble in water and
      exists in two polymorphic forms, I and II, of which form II has higher solubility
      in water. Because the dissolution rate of drugs can depend on the crystal form,
      there is a need to develop discriminating dissolution methods that are sensitive
      to changes in polymorphic forms. In this work, a dissolution method for the
      assessment of 4 mg glimepiride tablets was developed and validated. The optimal
      dissolution conditions were 1000 mL of phosphate buffer (pH 6.8) containing 0.1%
      (w/v) of sodium dodecyl sulfate as the dissolution medium and a stirring speed of
      50 rpm using a paddle apparatus. The results demonstrated that all the data meet
      the validation acceptance criteria. Subsequently, tablets containing forms I and
      II of glimepiride were prepared and subjected to dissolution testing. A
      significant influence of polymorphism on the dissolution properties of
      glimepiride tablets was observed. These results suggested that the raw material
      used to produce glimepiride tablets must be strictly controlled because they may
      produce undesirable and unpredictable effects.

PMID- 22052674
TI  - Tuning size scale and crystallinity of PCL electrospun fibres via solvent
      permittivity to address hMSC response.
AB  - The effect of solvent permittivity on the fibre morphology of PCL electrospun
      membranes for tissue engineering applications is studied. Morphological results
      indicate that polar solvents with higher permittivity are able to promote the
      formation of sub-micrometric fibres, while apolar solvents yield microfibres with
      an average fibre diameter of 2.86 +/- 0.31 um. Polymer/solvent interactions and
      electrospinning process parameters influence the mechanism of fibre and bead
      formation. It is shown that the dielectric properties of solvents influence the
      fibre size scale and crystallinity and directly contribute to the biological
      response of stem cells. Solvent permittivity is a key factor in controlling the
      morphological and physical properties of electrospun fibre meshes.

PMID- 22052675
TI  - Thrombin generation reveals high procoagulant potential in the plasma of sickle
      cell disease children.
AB  - Changes in several components of the clotting system are well documented in
      sickle cell disease (SCD) patients. However, whether the global hemostatic
      potential of these patients is altered is still unclear. Calibrated automated
      thrombogram((r)) method of thrombin generation (TG) was used to characterize the
      hemostatic potential of 83 SCD children (75 SS, 6 SC, and 2 Sbeta (thal)) at
      steady-state as compared with 50 controls of the same range of age. TG was
      triggered using 1 pM tissue factor and 4 MUM phospholipids with and without
      thrombomodulin. Thirteen SCD children were also evaluated during vaso-occlusive
      crisis. Protein C activity, free protein S and D-dimers levels were measured in
      parallel. SCD patients showed higher rates of thrombin formation, higher thrombin
      peak height (with and without thrombomodulin), and higher endogenous thrombin
      potential (ETP) than controls in the presence of thrombomodulin. Reduction of ETP
      (RETP) in the presence of thrombomodulin was lower in SCD group compared with
      controls and correlated both with protein C and protein S levels. ETP, RETP, peak
      height, and velocity index of TG correlated with D-dimers. Compound heterozygous
      patients showed an intermediate hemostatic phenotype at steady-state. No
      significant difference was observed when comparing TG parameters during vaso
      occlusive crisis to those obtained at steady-state in the same patients. The
      global hemostatic potential is increased and reflects the hypercoagulable state
      of SCD patients even at steady-state. The relevance of this finding with respect
      to the risk of thrombotic complications of the disease needs further
      investigation.

PMID- 22052676
TI  - Multifunctional and reactive enantiopure organometallic helicenes: tuning
      chiroptical properties by structural variations of mono- and
      bis(platinahelicene)s.
AB  - Acetylacetonato-platina[6]- and -platina[7]helicenes have been prepared from 2
      pyridyl-substituted benzophenanthrene ligands by following a two-step
      cycloplatination reaction. The photophysical properties (UV-visible absorption
      and emission behavior) and chiroptical properties (circular dichroism and molar
      rotation) of the resolved enantiomers have been measured. These metallahelicenes
      constitute a novel family of easily accessible helicene derivatives that exhibit
      large and tuneable chiroptical properties that can be rationalized theoretically
      and compared to the parent [6]- and [7]carbohelicenes. Furthermore, they are red
      phosphors at room temperature and their large chiroptical properties can be
      modulated by oxidation of the metal center to Pt(IV). Hetero- and homochiral
      diastereomeric bis(metallahelicene)s that possess a rare Pt(III)-Pt(III) scaffold
      bridged by benzoato ligands have also been prepared. It is shown that the
      heterochiral (P,M)-bis(Pt(III)-[6]helicene) 9a(1) can isomerize into the
      homochiral (P,P)- and (M,M)-bis(Pt(III)-[6]helicene) 9a(2). Spectral assignments
      and an analysis of the optical rotation of these systems were made with the help
      of time-dependent density functional theory. The calculations highlight the
      contributions of the metal centers to the chiroptical properties. For 9a(1) and
      9a(2), sigma-pi conjugation between the helicenes and the Pt-Pt moiety may
      contribute strongly to the optical rotation and electronic circular dichroism.

PMID- 22052677
TI  - Phenotypic assay of a hepatitis B virus strain carrying an rtS246T variant using
      a new strategy.
AB  - Phenotypic assays of hepatitis B virus (HBV) play an important role in research
      related to the problem of drug resistance that emerges during long-term
      nucleot(s)ide therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis B. Most of the
      phenotypic assay systems that are available currently rely on the transfection of
      recombinant replication-competent HBV DNA into hepatoma cell lines. Cloning
      clinical HBV isolates using conventional digestion-and-ligation techniques to
      generate replication-competent recombinants can be very difficult because of the
      sequence heterogeneity and unique structure of the HBV genome. In this study, a
      new strategy for constructing an HBV 1.1* recombinant was developed. The core of
      this strategy is the "fragment substitution reaction" (FSR). FSR allows PCR
      fragments to be cloned without digestion or ligation, providing a new tool for
      cloning fragments or genomes amplified from serum HBV DNA, and therefore making
      the assay of HBV phenotypes more convenient. Using this strategy, a phenotypic
      assay was performed on an HBV strain carrying an rtS246T variant isolated from a
      patient with chronic hepatitis B that was only responsive partially to entecavir
      therapy. The results indicated that this strain is sensitive to entecavir in
      vitro.

PMID- 22052678
TI  - CD304 is preferentially expressed on a subset of B-lineage acute lymphoblastic
      leukemia and represents a novel marker for minimal residual disease detection by
      flow cytometry.
AB  - Minimal residual disease (MRD) has emerged as a major prognostic factor for
      monitoring patients with B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). The
      quantification of MRD by flow cytometry (FC) is based on the identification of a
      leukemia-associated phenotype (LAP). Because phenotypic switch is common during
      treatment, multiple LAPs must be available and used for MRD detection over time.
      We evaluated the potential usefulness of CD304 as a new marker for monitoring
      MRD. CD304 was expressed in 48% of B-ALL (24/50) with discriminative fluorescence
      intensity compared with CD304-negative normal B-cell precursors (n = 15). The
      sensitivity of CD304-based MRD detection reached 10(-4), as with some of
      established LAPs. The stability of CD304 expression evaluated during therapy and
      at relapse confirms the usefulness of this marker for MRD quantification.
      Finally, CD304 was repeatedly expressed in patients with TEL-AML1 gene
      rearrangement, which warrants further investigation on its potential relevance as
      a prognosis marker or therapeutic target.

PMID- 22052679
TI  - Major congenital malformations in women with gestational diabetes mellitus: a
      systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The risk of major congenital malformations (MCM) is increased in
      women with pregestational diabetes mellitus (PGDM). Whether this risk is
      increased in gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is still debated. The aim of
      this study was to perform a systematic review (and meta-analysis) of major
      congenital malformations in women with gestational diabetes versus a reference
      population. METHODS: We conducted a MEDLINE search (1 January 1995 to 31 December
      2009) of original studies reporting data on major congenital malformations in
      women with gestational diabetes and a reference group. Information on
      pregestational diabetes was collected when available. Two investigators
      considered studies for inclusion and extracted data; discrepancies were solved by
      consensus. Meta-analysis tools were used to summarize results. MOOSE and PRISMA
      guidelines were followed. RESULTS: Two case control and 15 cohort studies were
      selected out of 3488 retrieved abstracts. A higher risk of major congenital
      malformations was observed in offspring of women with gestational diabetes with
      the following relative risk (RR)/odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals
      (CI): RR 1.16 (1.07-1.25) in cohort studies and OR 1.4 (1.22-1.62) in case
      control studies. Risk of major congenital malformations was much higher in
      offspring of women with PGDM than in those of the reference group: RR 2.66 (2.04
      3.47) in cohort studies and OR 4.7 (3.01-6.95) in the single case control study
      providing information. CONCLUSION: There is a slightly higher risk of major
      congenital malformations in women with gestational diabetes than in the reference
      group. The contribution of women with overt hyperglycemia and other factors could
      not be ascertained. This risk, however, is much lower than in women with
      pregestational diabetes.

PMID- 22052680
TI  - Chiral hypervalent iodine reagents in asymmetric reactions.

PMID- 22052681
TI  - A novel mutation impairing the tertiary structure and stability of gammaC
      crystallin (CRYGC) leads to cataract formation in humans and zebrafish lens.
AB  - Congenital cataract is one of the leading causes of human blindness. In this
      study, we identified a novel, heterozygous c.385G<T mutation in CRYGC that
      resulted in the substitution of a highly conserved glycine by cysteine at codon
      129 (p.Gly129Cys) in a three-generation Chinese family with autosomal dominant
      congenital nuclear cataract by sequencing candidate genes. Using zebrafish as a
      model, we demonstrated that gammaC-crystallin p.Gly129Cys mutant caused the
      vacuole and the incomplete denucleation of lens, recapitulating the cataract
      phenotype in human beings. Molecular modeling and spectroscopic studies indicated
      that the mutation impaired the tertiary structure of the protein by modifying the
      H-bonding network in the C-terminal domain. The mutation led to a dramatic
      decrease in the thermal stability of gammaC-crystallin, and a significant
      increase in the propensity of aggregation when subject to storage at high
      concentrations, heat, and UV- irradiation stresses. Taken together, these results
      indicate that a novel gammaC-crystallin p.Gly129Cys mutation impaired the
      tertiary structure of the protein and caused cataract formation, which provides a
      new insight into how the mutation may affect the gammaC-crystallin structure,
      stability, and function. Our study also highlighted zebrafish as a valuable model
      tool for studying congenital inherited cataract.

PMID- 22052683
TI  - Antipsychotic drugs and risk of pulmonary embolism.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Antipsychotic drugs (APs) expose users to several adverse effects.
      Some reports describe an increased risk of venous thromboembolism for particular
      drugs in this family. PURPOSE: To examine the association between the risks of
      pulmonary embolism (PE) and AP use and assess any dose-effect relationships.
      METHODS: This is a retrospective analysis of data in 'Premier's Perspective' a
      large US hospital database for 2006. Adults in the AP group had at least one
      prescription of AP. Logistic regression analysis was performed to detect
      association between PE and AP use. The dose-effect relationship was assessed
      according to quantities and administration routes. Analyses were adjusted for
      potential confounders: age, sex, the components of the Charlson co-morbidity
      index, diagnoses of infection, sepsis, inflammatory bowel disease, psychotic
      disorders and hospital inpatient or outpatient status. RESULTS: Among 28,723,771
      adults included in 2006, 450,951 (1.6%) were prescribed AP. Haloperidol was most
      commonly prescribed (157,667 patients or 35.0%), but atypical APs represented
      over 78% of prescriptions. The risk of PE was higher in AP users than in the
      total population (OR = 1.17 [95%CI 1.13-1.21]; p < 0.001) and depended on the
      type of AP used: clozapine was associated with the highest risk. Risk seemed
      correlated to higher doses. LIMITATIONS: Non-hospital prescription data were
      unavailable, potentially underestimating the number of patients exposed. The
      relative timing of AP prescription and PE was not available. Results did not
      include deep vein thrombosis. CONCLUSION: This study suggests an increased risk
      of PE with AP treatment, varying with type of AP and dependent on dose.

PMID- 22052684
TI  - Identification of the A kinase anchor protein 12 (AKAP12) gene as a candidate
      tumor suppressor of hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major health problem, and
      identification of new tumor-related genes is an urgent task. METHODS: To detect
      tumor-related genes effectively, we performed double-combination array analysis,
      which consisted of an expression array and a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)
      array of a single surgical HCC specimen. RESULTS: Expression array analysis
      identified AKAP12 as one of the genes with reduced expression in HCC tissues when
      compared with non-cancerous adjacent hepatic tissues. In addition, AKAP12
      expression levels in tumor tissues from 48 HCC samples were significantly lower
      (P < 0.001) than those in normal tissues, and the downregulation was
      significantly correlated with poor overall survival rate (P = 0.003). However,
      SNP array analysis revealed that locus 6q24-q25 where AKAP12 was located did not
      show chromosomal deletion. In contrast, hypermethylation in the AKAP12 promoter
      regions was observed in 41 of 48 HCC samples. We then confirmed that AKAP12 gene
      re-expression occurs after 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-aza-dC) treatment through
      direct sequence analysis of the AKAP12 promoter region in HCC cell lines.
      CONCLUSIONS: The current data suggest that AKAP12 is downregulated in cancer
      tissues through promoter hypermethylation, and may have a role as a candidate
      tumor suppressor gene for HCC.

PMID- 22052685
TI  - Neurite outgrowth of PC12 cells on diX (parylene) family materials.
AB  - We investigated neuronal cell differentiation, particularly neurite outgrowth, on
      the surface of diX H and diX AM using an in vitro examination of a neuron-like
      rat pheochromocytoma cell line, PC12. diX H and diX AM are in the parylene family
      of diX C (or Parylene-C), which is widely used as a novel coating material to
      insulate neural electrodes, and they have been recently commercialized; diX H and
      diX AM offer different features of biocompatibility. Previously, we found that
      these new parylene materials have high cell adhesiveness to neuronal cells
      whereas the adhesiveness of diX C is extremely low. However, their cell
      differentiation remains unknown although neuronal cell differentiation plays a
      crucial role in their development and regeneration. This study showed that almost
      all PC12 cells adhering to the surface of diX AM and diX H were differentiated,
      but the neurite outgrowth was significantly larger on diX H than that on diX AM
      and a conventional polystyrene culture dish. The result suggests that diX H may
      be advantageous as a biocompatible coating material for a scaffold, which can be
      used on virtually any substrate to get various configurations in neural devices.

PMID- 22052686
TI  - Evaluation of gyrase B as a drug target in Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: New classes of drugs are needed to treat tuberculosis (TB) in order
      to combat the emergence of resistance to existing agents and shorten the duration
      of therapy. Targeting DNA gyrase is a clinically validated therapeutic approach
      using fluoroquinolone antibiotics to target the gyrase subunit A (GyrA) of the
      heterotetramer. Increasing resistance to fluoroquinolones has driven interest in
      targeting the gyrase subunit B (GyrB), which has not been targeted for TB. The
      biological activities of two potent small-molecule inhibitors of GyrB have been
      characterized to validate its targeting as a therapeutic strategy for treating
      TB. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Novobiocin and aminobenzimidazole 1 (AB-1) were tested
      for their activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) H37Rv and other
      mycobacteria. AB-1 and novobiocin were also evaluated for their interaction with
      rifampicin and isoniazid as well as their potential for cytotoxicity. Finally, AB
      1 was tested for in vivo efficacy in a murine model of TB. RESULTS: Novobiocin
      and AB-1 have both been shown to be active against Mtb with MIC values of 4 and 1
      mg/L, respectively. Only AB-1 exhibited time-dependent bactericidal activity
      against drug-susceptible and drug-resistant mycobacteria, including a
      fluoroquinolone-resistant strain. AB-1 had potent activity in the low oxygen
      recovery assay model for non-replicating persistent Mtb. Additionally, AB-1 has
      no interaction with isoniazid and rifampicin, and has no cross-resistance with
      fluoroquinolones. In a murine model of TB, AB-1 significantly reduced lung cfu
      counts in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS: Aminobenzimidazole inhibitors of
      GyrB exhibit many of the characteristics required for their consideration as a
      potential front-line antimycobacterial therapeutic.

PMID- 22052687
TI  - Comment on: Successful therapy of treatment-emergent, non-clonal daptomycin-non
      susceptible Enterococcus faecium infections.

PMID- 22052688
TI  - Treatment of molecular relapse in patients with acute myeloid leukemia using
      clofarabine monotherapy.
AB  - Few studies have examined the treatment of molecular relapse in patients with
      acute myeloid leukemia (AML) using different treatment regimens. We describe for
      the first time in the literature experiences with administration of clofarabine
      monotherapy in the treatment of eight patients with AML with molecular relapse of
      the disease.

PMID- 22052689
TI  - Stabilizing the optimal carrier concentration for high thermoelectric efficiency.
AB  - The band structure of PbTe can be manipulated by alloying with MgTe to control
      the band degeneracy. This is used to stabilize the optimal carrier concentration,
      making it less temperature dependent, demonstrating a new strategy to improve
      overall thermoelectric efficiency over a broad temperature range.

PMID- 22052690
TI  - Antibody persistence and immune memory in adults, 15 years after a three-dose
      schedule of a combined hepatitis A and B vaccine.
AB  - A combined hepatitis A and B vaccine is available since 1996. Two separate open
      label primary studies evaluated the immunogenicity and safety of this hepatitis A
      and B vaccine (720 EI.U of HAV and 20 ug of HBsAg) in 306 healthy subjects aged
      17-43 years who received three doses of the vaccine following a 0, 1, and 6
      months schedule. These subjects were followed up annually for the next 15 years
      to evaluate long-term persistence of anti-HAV and anti-HBs antibodies. The
      subjects whose antibody concentrations fell below the cut-offs between Year 11
      and Year 15 (anti-HAV: <15 mIU/ml; anti-HBs: <10 mIU/ml) were offered an
      additional dose of the appropriate monovalent hepatitis A and/or B vaccine. In
      subjects who received the additional vaccine dose, a blood sample was collected 1
      month after vaccination. At the Year 15 time point, all subjects in Study A and
      Study B were seropositive for anti-HAV antibodies and 89.3% and 92.9% of subjects
      in the respective studies had anti-HBs antibody concentrations >=10 mIU/ml. Four
      subjects (two in each study) received an additional dose of monovalent hepatitis
      B vaccine and mounted anamnestic responses to vaccination. No vaccine-related
      serious adverse events were reported. This study confirms the long-term
      immunogenicity of the three-dose regimen of the combined hepatitis A and B
      vaccine, as eliciting long-term persistence of antibodies and immune memory
      against hepatitis A and B for up to at least 15 years after a primary
      vaccination.

PMID- 22052691
TI  - Not any new functional polymer can be for medicine: what about artificial
      biopolymers?
AB  - Man-made artificial organic polymers are among the more recent sources of
      materials used by humans. In medicine, they contribute to applications in
      surgery, dentistry and pharmacology. Nowadays, innovations in the field of
      therapeutic polymers rely on novel polymers for specific applications such as
      guided tissue regeneration, tissue engineering, drug delivery systems, gene
      transfection, etc. Introducing reactive chemical functions within or along
      polymer backbones is an attractive route to generate functional polymers for
      medicine. However, any candidate to effective application must fulfil a number of
      requirements, grouped under the terms biocompatibility and biofunctionality, to
      be of real interest and have a future for effective application. Whenever the
      application requires a therapeutic aid for a limited period of time to help
      natural healing, bioresorbability is to be taken into account on top of
      biocompatibility and biofunctionality. This contribution presents the case of
      "artificial biopolymers" and discusses the potential of some members of the
      family with respect to temporary therapeutic applications that require functional
      polymers.

PMID- 22052692
TI  - A male newborn with VACTERL association and Fanconi anemia with a FANCB deletion
      detected by array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH).
AB  - We report on a male newborn with multiple congenital abnormalities consistent
      with the diagnosis of VACTERL association (vertebral, anal, cardiac, tracheo
      esophageal fistula, renal, and limb anomalies), who had Fanconi anemia
      (complementation group B) recognized by the detection of a deletion in chromosome
      Xp22.2 using an oligonucleotide array. The diagnosis of Fanconi anemia was
      confirmed by increased chromosomal breakage abnormalities observed in cultured
      cells that were treated with cross-linking agents. This is the first report in
      the literature of Fanconi anemia complementation group B detected by
      oligonucleotide array testing postnatally.

PMID- 22052693
TI  - Strong binding affinity of a zinc-porphyrin-based receptor for halides through
      the cooperative effects of quadruple C-H hydrogen bonds and axial ligation.
AB  - A new type of host compound (1), tetraphenyl zinc-porphyrin (ZnTPP) that contains
      four triazole groups at the ortho-position of each phenyl group, has been
      synthesized and characterized by using (1)H, (13)C NMR, and MALDI-TOF-MS
      analyses. The host-guest complex formation between 1 and halides was investigated
      by using (1)H NMR spectroscopy in [D(6)]DMSO. The triazole, benzyl, and phenylene
      proton signals were shifted upfield by the addition of halides in the form of
      tetrabutylammonium salts, which implies that the triazole protons in 1 are
      allocated very closely to the porphyrin ring and are directed toward the binding
      pocket over the porphyrin ring during the formation of hydrogen bonds. The UV/Vis
      absorption spectra showed that both the Soret and Q band absorptions of 1
      underwent a strong redshift due to the addition of halides. Compound 1 exhibited
      surprisingly strong binding affinities for the halides, where the association
      constants for Cl(-), Br(-), and I(-) binding were estimated to be larger than
      10(8), 1.79*10(7), and 1.84*10(5) M(-1), respectively. The UV/Vis absorption
      changes and the result of competitive titration using 4-tert-butylpyridine
      indicated that the cooperative effects of axial coordination and C-H...X hydrogen
      bond interactions resulted in the strong binding affinity of 1 to halides.

PMID- 22052694
TI  - Characterization of aerosols produced by cell sorters and evaluation of
      containment.
AB  - Despite the recognition of potential aerosol hazards associated with cell sorting
      by the flow cytometry community, there has been no previous study that has
      thoroughly characterized the aerosols that can be produced by cell sorters. In
      this study, an aerodynamic particle sizer was used to determine the concentration
      and aerodynamic diameter (AD) of aerosols produced by a FACS Aria II cell sorter
      under various conditions. Aerosol containment and evacuation were also evaluated
      using this novel methodology. The results showed that high concentrations of
      aerosols in the range of 1-3 MUm can be produced in fail mode and that with
      decreased sheath pressure, aerosol concentration decreased and AD increased.
      Although the engineering controls of the FACS Aria II for containment were
      effective, sort chamber evacuation of aerosols following a simulated nozzle
      obstruction was ineffective. However, simple modifications to the FACS Aria II
      are described that greatly improved sort chamber aerosol evacuation. The results
      of this study will facilitate the risk assessment of cell sorting potentially
      biohazardous samples by providing much needed data regarding aerosol production
      and containment.

PMID- 22052695
TI  - Facile fabrication of metallic nanostructures by tunable cracking and transfer
      printing.
AB  - You crack me up: A topographically patterned PDMS stamp was coated with thin
      metal film and swelled under organic vapor to induce the tunable cracking of the
      brittle film into metallic nanostructures (see SEM images, scale bars 1 MUm).
      UV/Vis spectra, OLED efficiency, and SERS spectra demonstrate the fine
      controllability of the metallic nanostructures, the well-ordered and highly
      regulable surface plasmons, and the facile fabrication process.

PMID- 22052696
TI  - Effect of solid content and composition of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose-lipid
      edible coatings on physico-chemical and nutritional quality of 'Oronules'
      mandarins.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Citrus fruit represent an important source of vitamin C, as well as
      other bioactive compounds. Edible coatings have the potential to extend shelf
      life of citrus by providing a semi-permeable barrier to water and gases, which
      depends on coating composition, solid content (SC), and cultivar. However, little
      is known about the effect of coatings on citrus nutritional quality. This work
      studies the effect of coating composition and SC of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose
      (HPMC)-beeswax (BW)-shellac coatings on the physico-chemical, sensory and
      nutritional quality of 'Oronules' mandarins. Coatings prepared at the same lipid
      content differed in the BW:shellac ratio (1:3 and 3:1) and SC of the formulations
      (40 and 80 g kg-1). RESULTS: The coating with 1:3 BW:shellac ratio and 80 g kg-1
      SC was the most effective controlling weight loss, although it was less effective
      than the commercial wax tested. Increasing SC had a greater effect than the
      BW:shellac ratio in fruit internal atmosphere and sensory quality, with the
      presence of off-flavour when coatings were applied at 80 g kg-1 SC. Nutritional
      quality was not affected by the application of the different treatments.
      CONCLUSION: HPMC-lipid coatings have the potential to extend shelf life of
      'Oronules' mandarins. However, care should be taken controlling formulation SC to
      avoid the build-up of off-flavour.

PMID- 22052697
TI  - Dedifferentiation-reprogrammed mesenchymal stem cells with improved therapeutic
      potential.
AB  - Stem cell transplantation has been shown to improve functional outcome in
      degenerative and ischemic disorders. However, low in vivo survival and
      differentiation potential of the transplanted cells limits their overall
      effectiveness and thus clinical usage. Here we show that, after in vitro
      induction of neuronal differentiation and dedifferentiation, on withdrawal of
      extrinsic factors, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived from bone marrow, which
      have already committed to neuronal lineage, revert to a primitive cell population
      (dedifferentiated MSCs) retaining stem cell characteristics but exhibiting a
      reprogrammed phenotype distinct from their original counterparts. Of therapeutic
      interest, the dedifferentiated MSCs exhibited enhanced cell survival and higher
      efficacy in neuronal differentiation compared to unmanipulated MSCs both in vitro
      and in vivo, with significantly improved cognition function in a neonatal hypoxic
      ischemic brain damage rat model. Increased expression of bcl-2 family proteins
      and microRNA-34a appears to be the important mechanism giving rise to this
      previously undefined stem cell population that may provide a novel treatment
      strategy with improved therapeutic efficacy.

PMID- 22052698
TI  - Health problems most commonly diagnosed among young female patients during visits
      to general practitioners and gynecologists in France before the initiation of the
      human papillomavirus vaccination program.
AB  - PURPOSE: Background rates for common health problems have seldom been estimated
      to facilitate interpretation of signals that may occur after a new public health
      intervention. Background rates of diagnoses from general practitioners (GPs) and
      gynecologists (GYNs) were assessed before the implementation of human
      papillomavirus (HPV) immunization program. METHODS: This cross-sectional study
      used data collected in 2006 in France. All visits of women (aged 11-23 years) to
      a GP or a GYN participating in the longitudinal patient data (LPD) network were
      considered. Diagnoses and symptoms were retrieved and classified according to the
      International Classification of Primary Care. Only diagnoses made in >= 1% of
      visits were reported in primary analyses. Independent analyses were performed for
      visits to GPs and GYNs and for adolescents and young adults. Finally, the rates
      of pre-specified health problems of interest (e.g., because of their potential
      identification as signals after HPV immunization) were computed from processed
      diagnostic data, using time windows consistent with HPV vaccination scheme.
      RESULTS: About 380,813 GP and 36,329 GYN visits were analyzed. Acute upper
      respiratory infections were the most frequently recorded diagnoses by GPs,
      accounting for 11,783 per 100,000 visits per year. Visits related to the
      respiratory system accounted for 10 of the 23 most frequent diagnoses by GPs.
      Genital candidiasis was the most frequent GYN diagnosis, accounting for 4746 per
      100,000 visits per year. Most GYN visits were for pregnancy-related issues or
      menstrual problems. The main diagnoses were similar in adolescents compared with
      young adults in both GP and GYN settings. Pre-specified health problems occurred
      at high rates, as exemplified by acne that was diagnosed in 0.8% of patients
      during time windows consistent with HPV immunization. CONCLUSION: Diagnostic data
      processed from electronic health records identified the rates of common health
      events experienced by young female patients routinely visiting their GP or GYN
      before HPV immunization. Such rates may prove useful in interpreting adverse
      events reported after the launch of new medical interventions.

PMID- 22052699
TI  - Bioprocessing of bacteriophages via rapid drying onto microcrystals.
AB  - We present an alternative bioprocess for bacteriophages involving room
      temperature coprecipitation of an aqueous mixture of phage (Siphoviridae) and a
      crystallizable carrier (glutamine or glycine) in excess of water miscible organic
      solvent (isopropanol or isobutanol). The resultant suspension of phage-coated
      microcrystals can be harvested by filtration and the residual solvent removed
      rapidly by air-drying at a relative humidity of 75%. Albumin or trehalose added
      at 5% w/w of the crystalline carrier provide for better stabilization of the
      phage during co-precipitation. Free-flowing dry powders generated from an aqueous
      solution of phage (~13 log(10) pfu/mL) can be reconstituted in the same aqueous
      volume to a phage titer of almost 10 log(10) pfu/mL; high enough to permit
      subsequent formulation steps following bioprocessing. The phage-coated
      microcrystals remain partially stable at room temperature for at least one month,
      which compares favorably with phage immobilized into polyester microcarriers or
      lyophilized with excipient (1-5% polyethylene glycol 6000 or 0.1-0.5 M sucrose).
      We anticipate that this bioprocessing technique will have application to other
      phage families as required for the development of phage therapies.

PMID- 22052700
TI  - Relaxation-expansion model for self-driven retinal morphogenesis: a hypothesis
      from the perspective of biosystems dynamics at the multi-cellular level.
AB  - The generation of complex organ structures such as the eye requires the intricate
      orchestration of multiple cellular interactions. In this paper, early retinal
      development is discussed with respect to the structure formation of the optic
      cup. Although recent studies have elucidated molecular mechanisms of retinal
      differentiation, little is known about how the unique shape of the optic cup is
      determined. A recent report has demonstrated that optic-cup morphogenesis
      spontaneously occurs in three-dimensional stem-cell culture without external
      forces, indicating a latent intrinsic order to generate the structure. Based on
      this self-organizing phenomenon, we introduce the "relaxation-expansion" model to
      mechanically interpret the tissue dynamics that enable the spontaneous
      invagination of the neural retina. This model involves three consecutive local
      rules (relaxation, apical constriction, and expansion), and its computer
      simulation recapitulates the optic-cup morphogenesis in silico.

PMID- 22052701
TI  - Discrepant test findings in early infant diagnosis of HIV in a national reference
      laboratory in Kenya: challenges and opportunities for programs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In Kenya, the availability of a cheap diagnostic service for HIV
      exposed infants has helped scale-up access to treatment, and provided a means by
      which programs that support Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV can
      be evaluated. As expected for any large testing program, discrepant and
      indeterminate results present a significant challenge. METHODS: Dried Blood Spots
      were collected from health centers countrywide and couriered to four laboratories
      for tests. Results were dispatched either by email, telephone, GSM SMS printer or
      courier. Between 2006 and 2009, tests were conducted with the Manual Roche v. 1.5
      Assay. In 2010 the labs switched fully to the Cobas(r) AmpliPrep/ Cobas(r)
      TaqMan(r) HIV-1 Qual automated Roche Test. RESULTS: Between 2006 and 2010, the
      KEMRI CVR EID Lab conducted 64 591 HIV tests in on children <18 months of age.
      HIV tests (38 834) used the manual assay, while 17 133 tests used the automated
      assay. Overall, 10.7% (6915) of the samples tested positive, while 86.6% (55 967)
      tested negative. A total of 1.6% (1041) tested indeterminate and required a re
      bleed of the infant. Two hundred positive tests by the manual assay were
      retrieved randomly and retested using the automated assay. Among them, 192 (96%)
      remained positive, 5 (2.5%) were negative while 3 (1.5%) failed. A total of 160
      negative samples by the manual assay were retrieved and retested with the
      automated assay. Among them, 154 (96.24%) remained negative, 3 (1.88%) tested
      positive while 3 (1.88%) failed. A total of 215 samples that gave indeterminate
      results by the manual assay were retested using the automated system. Among them,
      62 (28.8%) gave positive results, 144 (66.97%) negative and 6 (2.8%) samples
      still gave discrepant results. Three (1.4%) did not amplify successfully. A few
      infants who were apparently positive appeared to test HIV negative with age.
      CONCLUSIONS: Indeterminate results are a significant challenge for HIV diagnostic
      services, as seen in the Kenyan EID Program. In our experience, they are more
      often negative than they are positive. False positive and false negative results
      can arise from clerical error, contamination and limitations of the technologies
      available. To forestall the consequences of such outcomes, the sensitivity and
      specificity of available assays must be further improved. All HIV positive
      samples should be retested for confirmation, and if confirmed, a new sample must
      be drawn and tested for DNA at the time the infant receives their initial results
      or starts antiretroviral therapy. Viral clearance is a phenomenon that requires
      further studies.

PMID- 22052702
TI  - A simple dose regimen of artesunate and amodiaquine based on arm span- or age
      range for childhood falciparum malaria: a preliminary evaluation.
AB  - A dose regimen of artesunate and amodiaquine based on arm span- or age range
      (DRAAAS), derived from a study of 1674 children, was compared with standard dose
      regimen of the same drugs calculated according to body weight (SDRAA) in 68
      malarious children. Children on DRAAAS received 0.8-1.0 of artesunate/kg and 0.9
      1.2 times amodiaquine/kg compared with those receiving SDRAA. Parasite and fever
      clearance and fall in hematocrit in the first 3 days were similar; both regimens
      were well tolerated. DRAAAS is simple and is efficacious.

PMID- 22052703
TI  - Can cormic index be a marker of pubertal onset and progress?

PMID- 22052704
TI  - Cortical parcellations of the macaque monkey analyzed on surface-based atlases.
AB  - Surface-based atlases provide a valuable way to analyze and visualize the
      functional organization of cerebral cortex. Surface-based registration (SBR) is a
      primary method for aligning individual hemispheres to a surface-based atlas. We
      used landmark-constrained SBR to register many published parcellation schemes to
      the macaque F99 surface-based atlas. This enables objective comparison of both
      similarities and differences across parcellations. Cortical areas in the macaque
      vary in surface area by more than 2 orders of magnitude. Based on a composite
      parcellation derived from 3 major sources, the total number of macaque
      neocortical and transitional cortical areas is estimated to be about 130-140 in
      each hemisphere.

PMID- 22052705
TI  - Adenovirus isolation rates in acute flaccid paralysis patients.
AB  - Adenoviruses usually cause asymptomatic or mild infection, but occasionally they
      produce various severe syndromes including neurological disorders. Association of
      adenovirus infection with acute flaccid paralysis has been investigated. Shedding
      of adenovirus with feces was detected in 1.05% of young children (mostly infants)
      with acute flaccid paralysis syndrome versus 0.42% in healthy contact children (P
      < 0.01). However, 85% of adenoviruses in the pediatric AFP patients belonged to
      HAdV-C species, which does not have a known neuropathogenic potential. Also, 40%
      of adenoviruses were isolated from patients with consequently established
      diagnosis of traumatic neuritis at the discharge, which was not compatible with
      virus ethology of neurological lesions. Higher adenovirus prevalence in young
      neurological patients could be affected by an underlying immune deficiency or by
      congestion in children's hospitals. Indeed, among 70 patients (40 infants, 30
      adults) with primary immune deficiencies, asymptomatic shedding of adenoviruses
      was found in 10-17%; in one adult patient a mixture of HAdV-C2 and HAdV-D15
      persisted for several months. Adenoviruses also could be detected in feces of 12%
      and 57% of healthy young children from two orphanages, respectively. A
      significant fraction of samples in these groups contained adenovirus mixtures.
      Therefore, immune deficiencies and congested groups in children's facilities
      (orphanages and hospitals) could affect significantly the prevalence of
      adenovirus shedding. The role of adenoviruses in AFP requires further study.

PMID- 22052706
TI  - Silk-based nanocomplexes with tumor-homing peptides for tumor-specific gene
      delivery.
AB  - Nanoscale complexes of recombinant silk molecules containing THPs with DNA are
      designed as less cytotoxic and highly target-specific gene carriers. Genetically
      engineered silk proteins containing poly(L-lysine) domains to interact with pDNA
      and the THP to bind to specific tumorigenic cells for target-specific pDNA
      delivery are prepared, followed by in vitro transfection into MDA-MB-435 melanoma
      cells, highly metastatic human breast tumor MDA-MB-231 cells, and non-tumorigenic
      MCF-10A breast epithelial cells. The silk/poly(L-lysine) block copolymer
      containing Lyp1 (ML-Lyp1) shows significant differences from silk/poly(L-lysine)
      block copolymer containing F3 (ML-F3) in cytotoxicity to MCF10A cells. ML-F3 is
      the most promising candidate for target delivery into tumorigenic cells.

PMID- 22052707
TI  - TP53 mutations and polymorphisms in primary myelofibrosis.
AB  - A total of 107 patients with chronic-phase primary myelofibrosis (PMF) were
      screened for TP53 mutations, which were detected in 4 (4%) cases: (i) E204E;
      GAG>GAA (silent exon 6); (ii) G245D; GGC>GAC (exon 7); (iii) R175H; CGC>CAC (exon
      5); and (iv) six base insert (GGCGAG) after bp13767 (exon 6). Three (75%) of the
      four TP53-mutated cases also carried JAK2V617F whereas none were positive for MPL
      or IDH mutations. Two of the four TP53 mutated cases were also screened for TET2,
      ASXL1, DNMT3A, and EZH2 mutations and were negative. There was no significant
      difference in presenting features or survival between TP53 mutated and unmutated
      cases. TP53 exon 4 single nucleotide polymporphism (SNPs) data for codon 72 were
      available on 104 patients and included 56% with homozygous Arg72Arg, 33% with
      heterozygous Pro72Arg, and 11% with homozygous Pro72Pro. There were no
      significant differences among the three codon 72 genotypes in terms of presenting
      characteristics or survival.

PMID- 22052708
TI  - Crystal structures of Ziegler-Natta catalyst supports.
AB  - The crystal structures of three MgCl(2).nEtOH complexes with n=1.5, 2.8, and 3.3
      have been fully determined. Such complexes are the fundamental precursors for
      Ziegler-Natta polymerization catalysts used to produce polyolefins on a
      multimillion-ton scale worldwide. The ab initio structure solution showed that
      the structure of MgCl(2).nEtOH complexes with n=1.5 and 2.8 are based on ribbons
      of metal-centered octahedra, whereas for n=3.3 this chainlike arrangement breaks
      into a threadlike structure of isolated octahedra linked by hydrogen bonds. A
      clear correlation between catalyst performance and the crystal structure of
      precursors has been found, and reveals the fundamental role of the latter in
      determining catalyst properties. The direct knowledge of building blocks in the
      precursor structures will help to develop more accurate models for activated
      catalysts. These models will not require the arbitrary and oversimplified
      assumption of locating the catalyst active sites on selected cut surfaces of the
      alpha-MgCl(2) crystal lattice.

PMID- 22052709
TI  - Efficient flexible phosphorescent polymer light-emitting diodes based on silver
      nanowire-polymer composite electrode.
AB  - Blue, green, and red electrophosphorescent polymer light-emitting diodes have
      been fabricated on silver nanowire-polymer composite electrode. The devices are
      20%-50% more efficient than control devices on ITO/glass and exhibit small
      efficiency roll-off at high luminances. The blue PLEDs were repeatedly bent to
      1.5 mm radius concave or convex with calculated strain in the emissive layer
      approximately 5% (tensile or compressive).

PMID- 22052711
TI  - Unprecedented catalytic hydrogenation of urea derivatives to amines and methanol.

PMID- 22052712
TI  - Combined partial trisomy 11q and partial monosomy 10p in a 19-year-old female
      patient: phenotypic and genotypic findings.
AB  - Constitutional partial trisomy 11q in man mostly occurs in combination with
      partial trisomy 22 due to a balanced parental translocation t(11;22).
      Occasionally a chromosome other than 22 is involved in the parental translocation
      with chromosome 11, resulting in partial monosomy for the other participating
      chromosome. We report of a patient with partial trisomy 11q and partial monosomy
      10p [46,XX,der(10)t(10;11)(p15;q22)] due to a paternal balanced translocation
      [46,XY,t(10;11)(p15;q22)]. Array CGH showed heterozygosity for a deletion of
      ~3.46 Mb at 10p15.3p15.2 and gain of ~32.21 Mb at 11q22.2q25. The patient, a 19
      year-old woman, has a multiple congenital anomaly syndrome with severe
      developmental and growth delay, muscular hypotonia, iris coloboma, abnormal
      external ears, widely spaced nipples, atrial septum defect, clubfoot, and
      arthrogryposis multiplex congenita. Despite multiple health problems and numerous
      hospitalizations due to massive seizures, pulmonary insufficiency and recurrent
      infections the patient reached adulthood. The clinical features in our patient
      are compared to other cases reported in the literature of either partial monosomy
      10p or partial trisomy 11q. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first
      report of the combination of partial trisomy 11q and partial monosomy 10p.
      Comparing the molecular karyotype and the phenotype of our patient to other
      patients, the clinical features of our patient are more likely due to partial
      trisomy 11q than to partial monosomy 10p.

PMID- 22052713
TI  - Two-stage method to remove population- and individual-level outliers from
      longitudinal data in a primary care database.
AB  - PURPOSE: In the UK, primary care databases include repeated measurements of
      health indicators at the individual level. As these databases encompass a large
      population, some individuals have extreme values, but some values may also be
      recorded incorrectly. The challenge for researchers is to distinguish between
      records that are due to incorrect recording and those which represent true but
      extreme values. This study evaluated different methods to identify outliers.
      METHODS: Ten percent of practices were selected at random to evaluate the
      recording of 513,367 height measurements. Population-level outliers were
      identified using boundaries defined using Health Survey for England data.
      Individual-level outliers were identified by fitting a random-effects model with
      subject-specific slopes for height measurements adjusted for age and sex. Any
      height measurements with a patient-level standardised residual more extreme than
      +/-10 were identified as an outlier and excluded. The model was subsequently
      refitted twice after removing outliers at each stage. This method was compared
      with existing methods of removing outliers. RESULTS: Most outliers were
      identified at the population level using the boundaries defined using Health
      Survey for England (1550 of 1643). Once these were removed from the database,
      fitting the random-effects model to the remaining data successfully identified
      only 75 further outliers. This method was more efficient at identifying true
      outliers compared with existing methods. CONCLUSIONS: We propose a new, two-stage
      approach in identifying outliers in longitudinal data and show that it can
      successfully identify outliers at both population and individual level. Copyright
      (c) 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

PMID- 22052714
TI  - Fibre-rich additives--the effect on staling and their function in free-standing
      and pan-baked bread.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The use of dietary fibre in bread products is increasing because of
      consumer demand for healthier products. However, an increase in dietary fibre
      level changes the rheological properties of the dough and also the quality
      properties of the final bread product. In this study, effects on dough and bread
      staling were followed after replacing 3% of wheat flour by fibre-rich additives
      (fine durum, oat bran, rye bran and wheat bran). Free-standing and pan-baked
      loaves were baked to compare the influence of baking method and loaf shape.
      RESULTS: All additives increased dough stability, with oat bran giving the
      greatest stability and longest development time. Parameters measured during
      storage were distribution, migration and loss of water, cutability, crumbliness,
      firmness and springiness. Furthermore, amylopectin retrogradation and amylase
      lipid complex formation were assessed. Oat bran provided similar or better
      results than the control for all staling parameters, while other additives gave
      no general improvements. Cutability reached a plateau when crumb firmness was >=
      4 N. CONCLUSION: Small amounts of fibre-rich additives had a significant
      influence on staling. However, the baking method (free-standing or pan-baked
      bread) had a greater impact on staling than the additives, thus displaying the
      importance of the baking method. Cutability was found to be related to firmness.

PMID- 22052715
TI  - A sensitive method for determination of furanodiene in rat plasma using liquid
      chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry and its application to a pharmacokinetic
      study.
AB  - Furanodiene, a sesquiterpene component extracted from the essential oil of the
      rhizome of Curcuma wenyujin Y.H. Chen et C. Ling (Wen Ezhu), is widely used in
      traditional Chinese medicine. A sensitive analytical method was established and
      validated for furanodiene in rat plasma, which was further applied to assess the
      pharmacokinetics of furanodiene in rats receiving a single dose of furanodiene.
      Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) in multiple reaction
      monitoring mode was used in the method and costundide was used as internal
      standard. A simple protein precipitation based on methanol was employed. The
      simple sample cleanup increased the throughput of the method substantially. The
      method was validated over the range of 1-1000 ng/mL with a correlation
      coefficient >0.99. The lower limit of quantification was 1 ng/mL for furanodiene
      in plasma. Intra- and inter-day accuracies for furanodiene were 88-115 and 102
      107%, and the inter-day precision less than 14.4%. After a single oral dose of 10
      mg/kg of furanodiene, the mean peak plasma concentration of furanodiene was 66.9
      +/- 23.4 ng/mL at 1 h, the area under the plasma concentration-time curve (AUC(0
      10 h)) was 220 +/- 47.8 h ng/mL, and the elimination half-life was 1.53 +/- 0.06
      h. After an intravenous adminstration of furanodiene at a dosage of 5 mg/kg, the
      area under the plasma concentration-time curve was 225 +/- 76.1 h?ng/mL, and the
      elimination half-life was 2.40 +/- 1.18 h. Based on this result, the oral
      bioavailability of furanodiene in rats at 10 mg/kg is 49.0%.

PMID- 22052716
TI  - Musculoskeletal morphology and regionalization within the dorsal and anal fins of
      bluegill sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus).
AB  - Ray-finned fishes actively control the shape and orientation of their fins to
      either generate or resist hydrodynamic forces. Because of the emergent mechanical
      properties of their segmented, bilaminar fin rays (lepidotrichia), and actuation
      by multiple muscles, fish can control the rigidity and curvature of individual
      rays independently, thereby varying the resultant forces across the fin surfaces.
      Expecting that differences in fin-ray morphology should reflect variation in
      their mechanical properties, we measured several musculoskeletal features of
      individual spines and rays of the dorsal and anal fins of bluegill sunfish,
      Lepomis macrochirus, and assessed their mobility and flexibility. We separated
      the fin-rays into four groups based on the fin (dorsal or anal) or fin-ray type
      (spine or ray) and measured the length of the spines/rays and the mass of the
      three median fin-ray muscles: the inclinators, erectors and depressors. Within
      the two ray groups, we measured the portion of the rays that were segmented vs.
      unsegmented and branched vs. unbranched. For the majority of variables tested, we
      found that variations between fin-rays within each group were significantly
      related to position within the fin and these patterns were conserved between the
      dorsal and anal rays. Based on positional variations in fin-ray and muscle
      parameters, we suggest that anterior and posterior regions of each fin perform
      different functions when interacting with the surrounding fluid. Specifically, we
      suggest that the stiffer anterior rays of the soft dorsal and anal fins maintain
      stability and keep the flow across the fins steady. The posterior rays, which are
      more flexible with a greater range of motion, fine-tune their stiffness and
      orientation, directing the resultant flow to generate lateral and some thrust
      forces, thus acting as an accessory caudal fin.

PMID- 22052717
TI  - Oxidation of Zn(Cys)4 zinc finger peptides by O2 and H2O2: products, mechanism
      and kinetics.
AB  - The reactivity of a series of Zn(Cys)(4) zinc finger model peptides towards
      H(2)O(2) and O(2) has been investigated. The oxidation products were identified
      by HPLC and ESI-MS analysis. At pH<7.5, the zinc complexes and the free peptides
      are oxidised to bis-disulfide-containing peptides. Above pH 7.5, the oxidation of
      the zinc complexes by H(2)O(2) also yields sulfinate- and sulfonate-containing
      overoxidised peptides. At pH 7.0, monitoring of the reactions between the zinc
      complexes and H(2)O(2) by HPLC revealed the sequential formation of two
      disulfides. Several techniques for the determination of the rate constant for the
      first oxidation step corresponding to the attack of H(2)O(2) by the Zn(Cys)(4)
      site have been compared. This rate constant can be reliably determined by
      monitoring the oxidation by HPLC, fluorescence, circular dichroism or absorption
      spectroscopy in the presence of excess ethyleneglycol bis(2-aminoethyl
      ether)tetraacetic acid. In contrast, monitoring of the release of zinc with 4-(2
      pyridylazo)resorcinol or of the thiol content with 5,5'-dithiobis(2
      nitrobenzoate) did not yield reliable values of this rate constant for the case
      in which the formation of the second disulfide is slower than the formation of
      the first. The kinetic measurements clearly evidence a protective effect of zinc
      on the oxidation of the cysteines by both H(2)O(2) and O(2), which points to the
      fact that zinc binding diminishes the nucleophilicity of the thiolates. In
      addition, the reaction between the zinc finger and H(2)O(2) is too slow to
      consider zinc fingers as potential sensors for H(2)O(2) in cells.

PMID- 22052718
TI  - Acute changes in the embryonic heart rate: a response to environmental
      challenges?

PMID- 22052719
TI  - Biodegradable polymers derived from amino acids.
AB  - In the past three decades, the use of polymeric materials has increased
      dramatically for biomedical applications. Many alpha-amino acids derived
      biodegradable polymers have also been intensely developed with the main goal to
      obtain bio-mimicking functional biomaterials. Polymers derived from alpha-amino
      acids may offer many advantages, as these polymers: (a) can be modified further
      to introduce new functions such as imaging, molecular targeting and drugs can be
      conjugated chemically to these polymers, (b) can improve on better biological
      properties like cell migration, adhesion and biodegradability, (c) can improve on
      mechanical and thermal properties and (d) their degradation products are expected
      to be non-toxic and readily metabolized/excreted from the body. This manuscript
      focuses on biodegradable polymers derived from natural amino acids, their
      synthesis, biocompatibility and biomedical applications. It is observed that
      polymers derived from alpha-amino acids constitute a promising family of
      biodegradable materials. These provide innovative multifunctional polymers
      possessing amino acid side groups with biological activity and with innumerous
      potential applications.

PMID- 22052720
TI  - Selection for resistance, reversion towards susceptibility and synergism of
      chlorantraniliprole and spinetoram in obliquebanded leafroller, Choristoneura
      rosaceana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Obliquebanded leafroller, Choristoneura rosaceana (Harris), is an
      economic pest of pome fruits throughout North America. Repeated applications of
      broad-spectrum insecticides have resulted in the development of resistance, cross
      resistance and multiple resistance in this pest. Studies were conducted to
      determine the possibility of resistance evolution, stability of resistance and
      the effect of metabolic synergists on toxicity of new reduced-risk insecticides
      chlorantraniliprole and spinetoram in C. rosaceana. RESULTS: Larvae of C.
      rosaceana were selected for resistance to chlorantraniliprole and spinetoram in
      the laboratory. Significant levels of resistance to each insecticide were
      observed after 12 generations of selection. In the absence of selection pressure,
      susceptibility of a subset of larvae from both chlorantraniliprole- and
      spinetoram-selected populations reverted to preselection levels after five and
      six generations respectively, indicating that resistance to both
      chlorantraniliprole and spinetoram was unstable in C. rosaceana. In synergist
      bioassays performed after 12 generations of selection, S,S,S-tributylphosphoro
      trithioate (DEF) and piperonyl butoxide (PBO) synergized the toxicity of
      chlorantraniliprole and spinetoram respectively, suggesting the involvement of
      esterases in chlorantraniliprole resistance and the involvement of mixed-function
      oxidases in spinetoram resistance. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that
      chlorantraniliprole and spinetoram could be incorporated into C. rosaceana
      resistance management programs by using rotational strategies.

PMID- 22052721
TI  - Chemiresistive sensing with chemically modified metal and alloy nanoparticles.
AB  - This review describes the use of chemically modified pure and alloyed metal
      nanoparticles for chemiresistive sensing applications. Chemically modified metal
      nanoparticles consist of a pure or alloyed metallic core with some type of
      chemical coating. Researchers have studied the electronic properties of 1D, 2D,
      and 3D assemblies of chemically modified metal nanoparticles, and even single
      individual nanoparticles. The interaction with the analyte alters the
      conductivity of the sensitive material, providing a signal to measure the analyte
      concentration. This review focuses on chemiresistive sensing of a wide variety of
      gas- and liquid-phase analytes with metal nanoparticles coated with organothiols,
      ions, polymers, surfactants, and biomolecules. Different strategies used to
      incorporate chemically modified nanoparticles into chemiresistive sensing devices
      are reviewed, focusing on the different types of metal and alloy compositions,
      coatings, methods of assembly, and analytes (vapors, gases, liquids, biological
      materials), along with other important factors. 

PMID- 22052722
TI  - Structural magnetic resonance imaging in eating disorders: a systematic review of
      voxel-based morphometry studies.
AB  - This systematic review summarises and critically appraises the literature on
      structural magnetic resonance imaging in people with a current or past eating
      disorder. Studies using voxel-based morphometry image analysis were included. Ten
      studies reported on a total of 236 people with a current or past eating disorder
      and 257 healthy controls. Sample heterogeneity prohibited a meta-analytic
      approach. The findings do not unequivocally indicate grey or white matter volume
      abnormalities in people with an eating disorder. Nevertheless, these preliminary
      data suggest that, compared with healthy controls, people with anorexia nervosa
      have decreased grey matter in a range of brain regions and that those with
      bulimia nervosa have increased grey matter volumes in frontal and ventral
      striatal areas. Research in the recovery phase and longitudinal studies suggest
      that potential brain tissue abnormalities may recover with clinical improvement.
      Overall, as the available data are inconclusive, further efforts in this field
      are warranted.

PMID- 22052723
TI  - Genetic and clinical profiles of spondylocostal dysostosis patients in Taiwan.

PMID- 22052724
TI  - Asymmetric magnetization reversal of stripe-patterned exchange bias layer systems
      for controlled magnetic particle transport.
AB  - Domain wall movement assisted transport of particles: exchange-biased samples
      with designed stripe-domains show strong stray fields and an asymmetric
      magnetization reversal. Using these characteristics superparamagnetic particles
      can be trapped and transported directly on the sample over large-scale areas.
      High particle velocities, small external fields, and automatically reduced
      particle clustering allow broad applicability of this transport method.

PMID- 22052725
TI  - Dynamic substrate enhancement for the identification of specific, second-site
      binding fragments targeting a set of protein tyrosine phosphatases.
AB  - Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) are key regulators in living systems and
      thus are attractive drug targets. The development of potent, selective PTP
      inhibitors has been a difficult challenge mainly due to the high homology of the
      phosphotyrosine substrate pockets. Here, a strategy of dynamic substrate
      enhancement is described targeting the secondary binding sites of PTPs. By
      screening four different PTPs from bacterial (MptpA) and human origin (PTP1B,
      HePtp, Shp2) with this assay, specific fragments were identified. One highly
      specific fragment that binds to the secondary site of Mycobacterium tuberculosis
      protein tyrosine phosphatase A (MptpA) was characterized in order to validate the
      assay concept. Finally by covalently linking the secondary fragment to a
      phosphotyrosine mimetic, a moderately active but highly specific inhibitor of
      MptpA was obtained.

PMID- 22052726
TI  - Development and validation of an LC-MS/MS-ESI method for the determination of
      lorglumide, a CCK-1 antagonist in mouse plasma: application to a pharmacokinetic
      study.
AB  - A highly sensitive, rapid assay method was developed and validated for the
      estimation of lorglumide in mouse plasma using liquid chromatography coupled to
      tandem mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization in positive-ion mode. The
      assay procedure involves extraction of lorglumide and phenacetin (internal
      standard, IS) from mouse plasma with simple protein precipitation.
      Chromatographic separation was achieved using an isocratic mobile (0.2% formic
      acid solution-acetonitrile, 20:80, v/v) at a flow-rate of 0.5 mL/min on an
      Atlantis dC18 column maintained at 40  degrees C with a total run time of 4.0
      min. The MS/MS ion transitions monitored were 459.2 -> 158.4 for lorglumide and
      180.1 -> 110.1 for IS. Method validation was performed as per FDA guidelines and
      the results met the acceptance criteria. The lower limit of quantitation achieved
      was 0.42 ng/mL and the linearity range extended from 0.42 to 500 ng/mL. The intra
      and inter-day precisions were in the ranges of 1.47-10.9 and 3.56-7.53,
      respectively.

PMID- 22052727
TI  - Effects of specific egg yolk antibody (IgY) on the quality and shelf life of
      refrigerated Paralichthys olivaceus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The spoilage of fishery food has been attributed to limited types of
      microorganisms called specific spoilage organisms (SSO). Unlike traditional food
      preserving techniques which usually exploit broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents,
      here, based on the specific antimicrobial activity of egg yolk antibodies (IgY)
      against two SSO in refrigerated fish (Shewanella putrefaciens and Pseudomonas
      fluorescens), a novel strategy for fish preservation was suggested and evaluated.
      RESULTS: During storage of Paralichthys olivaceus fillets at 4 +/- 1  degrees C,
      the bacteria growth (including total microorganisms and the two SSO) in test
      groups was significantly inhibited in comparison to that of controls (P < 0.05).
      This antibacterial activity of the specific IgY was also confirmed by chemical
      analysis (pH, total volatile base nitrogen and 2-thiobarbituric acid value) and
      sensory evaluation, and the shelf life of samples was extended approximately from
      9 days to 12-15 days in the presence of the specific IgY. CONCLUSION: These
      results indicated a significant antimicrobial activity of the anti-SSO IgY for
      refrigerated fish products, which allowed us to suggest its potential as a bio
      preservative for seafood.

PMID- 22052728
TI  - Electrocorticographic control of a prosthetic arm in paralyzed patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Paralyzed patients may benefit from restoration of movement afforded
      by prosthetics controlled by electrocorticography (ECoG). Although ECoG shows
      promising results in human volunteers, it is unclear whether ECoG signals
      recorded from chronically paralyzed patients provide sufficient motor
      information, and if they do, whether they can be applied to control a prosthetic.
      METHODS: We recorded ECoG signals from sensorimotor cortices of 12 patients while
      they executed or attempted to execute 3 to 5 simple hand and elbow movements.
      Sensorimotor function was severely impaired in 3 patients due to peripheral
      nervous system lesion or amputation, moderately impaired due to central nervous
      system lesions sparing the cortex in 4 patients, and normal in 5 patients. Time
      frequency and decoding analyses were performed with the patients' ECoG signals.
      RESULTS: In all patients, the high gamma power (80-150 Hz) of the ECoG signals
      during movements was clearly responsive to movement types and provided the best
      information for classifying different movement types. The classification
      performance was significantly better than chance in all patients, although
      differences between ECoG power modulations during different movement types were
      significantly less in patients with severely impaired motor function. In the
      impaired patients, cortical representations tended to overlap each other.
      Finally, using the classification method in real time, a moderately impaired
      patient and 3 nonparalyzed patients successfully controlled a prosthetic arm.
      INTERPRETATION: ECoG signals appear useful for prosthetic arm control and may
      provide clinically feasible motor restoration for patients with paralysis but no
      injury of the sensorimotor cortex.

PMID- 22052729
TI  - Nonvisualization of fetal gallbladder increases the risk of cystic fibrosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study is to evaluate the prevalence of cystic fibrosis
      (CF) in fetuses referred for genetic testing because of ultrasonographic sign
      (nonvisualized fetal gallbladder--NVFGB). METHOD: We reviewed the results of CFTR
      gene analysis over the period 2002 to 2009 in all consecutive cases referred
      because of NVFGB in Western France. We correlated these data with the presence of
      a more classical ultrasonographic finding (fetal echogenic bowel - FEB). RESULTS:
      Cystic fibrosis was diagnosed in 5 of the 37 fetuses with NVFGB (13.5%, 95%
      confidence interval (CI): [2.5%; 24.5%]) and in only 9 of the 229 other cases
      referred because of FEB (3.9%, 95% CI: [3.2%; 14.7%]). In our series, all CF
      affected fetuses with NVFGB also had FEB. The risk of CF was 11.6-fold higher in
      fetuses with both indications (NVFGB + FEB) than in fetuses with isolated FEB
      (45.5% vs 3.9%, RR = 11.6, 95% CI: [4.7%; 28.8%], p = 0.0001). We also estimated
      that the residual risk of CF was less than 1 in 68 (1.5%) when a single mutation
      was identified in the fetus by our molecular protocol. CONCLUSION:
      Ultrasonographic evidence of NVFGB is an additional risk factor for CF in cases
      with FEB.

PMID- 22052730
TI  - Research decisions in the face of heterogeneity: what can a new study tell us?
AB  - Willan and Eckermann describe a method for dealing with heterogeneity in value of
      information (VOI) calculations for prioritising and designing new research. Their
      article raises three fundamental (inter-related) issues for VOI methods: (1) how
      to make sense of the concept of uncertainty in a cost-effectiveness analysis
      (CEA) model, (2) the interpretation of heterogeneity in CEA, and (3) the
      relationship between data from a new study and the CEA model when there is
      heterogeneity. We discuss these three issues using an illustrative example meta
      analysis of magnesium for myocardial infarction. Careful consideration of the
      relationship between existing (and future) evidence and the CEA model is required
      to provide practical VOI methods that can help research funders prioritise new
      research in the face of heterogeneity.

PMID- 22052732
TI  - High-grade primary leiomyosarcoma in the mandible: diagnosis and treatment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Leiomyosarcoma is a malignant tumor that originates in smooth muscle
      cells and is rarely found in the oral cavity. We present a case of high-grade
      primary leiomyosarcoma in the mandible and discuss the diagnosis process.
      METHODS: The patient was a 64-year-old white man who had a slight increase in
      volume in the left-side mandible with a radiolucent osteolytic image with the
      destruction of the mandibular cortex. Incisional biopsy and preoperative
      examination were performed, including cone beam CT and examination by
      immunohistochemistry that defined the histologic diagnosis of leiomyosarcoma. The
      patient underwent reconstruction with an osteocutaneous flap with microvascular
      anastomosis. RESULTS: Two years after the surgery, there was no sign of
      recurrence of the lesion. CONCLUSION: The use of cone beam CT to define the
      limits of the lesion and the immunohistochemical findings were essential to
      establish the treatment plan.

PMID- 22052733
TI  - Shell mycosis in a group of Hermann's tortoises (Testudo hermanni).

PMID- 22052734
TI  - Acute phase proteins in three healthy antelope species.

PMID- 22052735
TI  - Ionic liquids containing the triply negatively charged tricyanomelaminate anion
      and a B(C6F5)3 adduct anion.
AB  - Room-temperature ionic liquids containing the triply charged tricyanomelaminate
      (tcmel) ion [C(3)N(6)(CN)(3)](3-) were synthesized. The 1-methyl-3
      methylimidazolium (MMIm), 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium (EMIm), and 1-butyl-3
      methylimidazolium (BMIm) salts of the tricyanomelaminate ion have glass
      transition temperatures (-6, -20, and -30  degrees C) similar to those found for
      the analogous monomeric dicyanoamide salts. They are thermally stable up to over
      200  degrees C and dissolve in polar organic solvents. Addition of B(C(6)F(5))(3)
      to M(3) [tcmel] (M=Na, MMIm, EMIm, BMIm) yields salts containing the very
      voluminous adduct ion [C(3)N(6) {CN.B(C(6)F(5))(3)}(3)](3-) (tcmel_3B). The solid
      state structure of [MMIm](3-) [tcmel] shows only long cation...anion contacts but
      in large number, while the solid-state structure of [Na(THF)(3)](3-)
      [tcmel_3B].1.76 THF displays strong interactions of the sodium cation with the
      amido nitrogen atoms of the anion. Hence this adduct anion cannot be regarded as
      a weakly coordinating anion. A similar situation is found for the MMIm salt,
      [MMIm](3) [tcmel_3B].2.66 CH(2)Cl(2), in which weak hydrogen bonds with the
      acidic proton of the MMIm ion are observed. On the basis of computations the
      energetics, structural trends, and charge transfer of adduct anion formation were
      studied.

PMID- 22052736
TI  - Identifying the presence of neonicotinoidresistant peach-potato aphid (Myzus
      persicae) in the peach-growing regions of southern France and northern Spain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The neonicotinoid class of insecticides is a key component of pest
      management strategies used by stone fruit producers in Europe. Neonicotinoids are
      currently one of the most important tools for control of the peach-potato aphid
      (Myzus persicae). Overreliance on neonicotinoids has led to the development of
      resistance through a combination of metabolic and target-site resistance
      mechanisms in individual aphids. A resistance monitoring project was conducted by
      Syngenta in 2010 to determine the resistance status of M. persicae populations
      collected from France and Spain, and to determine the frequency of the target
      site mutation in those populations. RESULTS: Resistance monitoring suggests that
      resistance to neonicotinoids is relatively widespread in populations of M.
      persicae collected from peach orchards in the Languedoc-Roussillon, Provence
      Alpes-Cote d'Azur and Rhone-Alpes regions of France, and resistance can be
      associated with the frequency of the target-site mutation (R81T). The R81T
      mutation in its heterozygous form is also present in Spanish populations and is
      associated with neonicotinoid resistance. CONCLUSION: The widespread nature of
      neonicotinoid resistance in southern France and the potential for resistance
      development in northern Spain highlight the need for a coordinated management
      strategy employing insecticides with different modes of action to reduce the
      selection pressure with neonicotinoids.

PMID- 22052737
TI  - Biotemplated magnetic nanoparticle arrays.
AB  - Immobilized biomineralizing protein Mms6 templates the formation of uniform
      magnetite nanoparticles in situ when selectively patterned onto a surface.
      Magnetic force microscopy shows that the stable magnetite particles maintain
      their magnetic orientation at room temperature, and may be exchange coupled. This
      precision-mixed biomimetic/soft-lithography methodology offers great potential
      for the future of nanodevice fabrication. 

PMID- 22052738
TI  - Enhancement of the inhibitory effect of an IL-15 antagonist peptide by alanine
      scanning.
AB  - IL-15 is a proinflammatory cytokine that acts early in the inflammatory response
      and has been associated with several autoimmune diseases including rheumatoid
      arthritis, where it had been proposed as a therapeutic target. We recently
      reported an IL-15 antagonist peptide corresponding to sequence 36-45 of IL-15
      (KVTAMKCFLL) named P8, which specifically binds to IL-15Ralpha and inhibits IL-15
      biological activity with a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 130 u
      m in CTLL-2 proliferation assay. In order to improve binding of peptide P8 to the
      receptor IL-15Ralpha, we used an Ala scan strategy to study contribution of each
      individual amino acid to the peptide's antagonist effect. Here, we found that Phe
      and Cys are important for peptide binding to IL-15Ralpha. We also investigated
      other single site mutations and replaced the second Lys in the sequence by the
      polar non-charged amino acid threonine. The resulting peptide [K6T]P8 exhibited a
      higher activity than P8 with an IC50 of 24 um. We also found that this peptide
      was more active than peptide P8 in the inhibition of TNFalpha secretion by
      synovial cells from rheumatoid arthritis patients. The peptide [K6T]P8 described
      in this work is a new type of IL-15 antagonist and constitutes a potential
      therapeutic agent for rheumatoid arthritis.

PMID- 22052739
TI  - Two new cases with microdeletion of 17q23.2 suggest presence of a candidate gene
      for sensorineural hearing loss within this region.
AB  - Microdeletion of the 17q23.2 region has very recently been suggested as a new
      emerging syndrome based on the finding of 8 cases with common phenotypes
      including mild-to-moderate developmental delay, heart defects, microcephaly,
      postnatal growth retardation, and hand, foot, and limb abnormalities. In this
      report, we describe two new 17q23.2 deletion patients with mild intellectual
      disability and sensorineural hearing loss. They both had submicroscopic deletions
      smaller than the common deleted region for the 8 previously described 17q23.2
      microdeletion cases. TBX4 was previously suggested as the responsible gene for
      the heart or limb defects observed in 17q23.2 deletion patients, but the present
      cases do not have these features despite deletion of this gene. The finding of
      sensorineural hearing loss in 5 of the 10 cases, including the present cases,
      with a microdeletion at17q23.2, strongly suggests the presence of a candidate
      gene for hearing loss within this region. We screened 41 patients with profound
      sensorineural hearing loss for mutations of TBX2 and detected no mutations.

PMID- 22052740
TI  - Sulfur-impregnated activated carbon fiber cloth as a binder-free cathode for
      rechargeable Li-S batteries.
AB  - A route for the preparation of binder-free sulfur-carbon cathodes is developed
      for lithium sulfur batteries. The method is based on the impregnation of
      elemental sulfur into the micropores of activated carbon fibers. These electrodes
      demonstrate good electrochemical performance at high current density attributed
      to the uniform dispersion of sulfur inside the carbon fiber.

PMID- 22052741
TI  - Generation of a mono-ubiquitinated PCNA mimic by click chemistry.
AB  - Genotoxic stress results in more than 50 000 damaged DNA sites per cell per day.
      During DNA replication, processive high-fidelity DNA polymerases generally stall
      at DNA lesions and have to be displaced by translesion synthesis DNA polymerases,
      which are able to bypass the lesion. This switch is mediated by mono
      ubiquitination of the processivity factor proliferating cell nuclear antigen
      (PCNA). To further investigate the regulation of the DNA polymerase exchange, we
      developed an easy and efficient method to synthesize site-specifically mono
      ubiquitinated PCNA by click chemistry. By incorporating artificial amino acids
      that carry an azide (Aha) or an alkyne (Plk) in their side chains, into ubiquitin
      (Ub) and PCNA, respectively, we were able to link the two proteins site
      specifically by the Cu(I) -catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition. Finally, we show
      that the synthetic PCNA-Ub is able to stimulate DNA synthesis by DNA polymerase
      delta, and that DNA polymerase eta has a higher affinity for PCNA-Ub than to
      PCNA.

PMID- 22052742
TI  - Blood values of adult captive cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) fed either supplemented
      beef or whole rabbit carcasses.
AB  - This study evaluated nutrient intake and relevant blood parameters of 14 captive
      cheetahs, randomly assigned to a meat-only diet (supplemented beef, SB) or a
      whole prey diet (whole rabbit, WR) for 4 weeks each. Despite a higher food
      intake, daily metabolizable energy intake was lower when fed WR (308 kJ BW(-1) )
      compared with SB (347 kJ BW(-1) ) (P = 0.002). The ratio of protein to fat was
      markedly lower for WR (2.3:1) compared with SB (8.8:1), which was reflected in
      higher serum urea levels when fed SB (P = 0.033), and a tendency for elevated
      cholesterol levels when fed WR (P = 0.055). Taurine intake of cheetahs fed WR was
      low (0.06% on DM basis); however, analytical error during taurine analysis cannot
      be ruled out. Feeding WR resulted in a well-balanced mineral intake, in contrast
      to SB. The latter provided a low calcium:phosphorus ratio (1:2.3), thereby
      increasing the risk of metabolic bone disease. The high zinc content of SB (200
      mg/kg DM), compared with WR (94 mg/kg DM), was reflected in higher serum zinc
      concentrations (P = 0.011). Feeding WR resulted in an increase in serum vitamin A
      (P = 0.011). Therefore, the risk of hypervitaminosis A in captive cheetahs when
      fed WR exclusively on a long-term basis should be evaluated. Our findings suggest
      that neither diet is likely to provide appropriate nutrition to captive cheetahs
      when fed exclusively.

PMID- 22052743
TI  - Quantitative determination of tiopronin in human plasma by LC-MS/MS without
      derivatization.
AB  - Tiopronin (TP) is a synthetic thiol compound without chromophore. By optimizing
      the chromatographic conditions and sample preparation processes, an improved LC
      MS/MS analytical method without derivatization has been developed and validated
      to determine TP concentrations in human plasma. After reduction with 1,4
      dithiothreitol, plasma samples were deproteinized with 10% perchloric acid. The
      post-treatment samples were analyzed on a C8 column interfaced with a triple
      quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer in negative electrospray ionization mode.
      Methanol-5 mmol/L ammonium acetate (20:80, v/v) was used as the isocratic mobile
      phase. The assay was linear over the concentration range of 40.0-5000 ng/mL. The
      intra- and inter-day precisions were within 12.9% in terms of relative standard
      deviation and the accuracy within 5.6% in terms of relative error. This simple
      and sensitive LC-MS/MS method with short analytical time (3.5 min each sample)
      was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of TP in healthy Chinese
      male volunteers after an oral dose of 300 mg TP.

PMID- 22052744
TI  - Characterization and prediction by near-infrared reflectance of mineral
      composition of rocket (Eruca vesicaria subsp. sativa and Eruca vesicaria subsp.
      vesicaria).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Minerals are essential for human nutrition and must be obtained from
      our diet. Crucifer vegetables are a good source of these nutrients. Our
      objectives were to determine the genetic variability for mineral content and to
      evaluate the use of near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) for prediction
      of ashes and minerals among and within the rocket species Eruca vesicaria subsp.
      sativa and vesicaria. The minerals studied were iron (Fe), copper (Cu), sodium
      (Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn) and zinc (Zn).
      RESULTS: The maximum mean values obtained for all the accessions (mean +/- SE)
      were 235.5 +/- 1.5 mg ashes kg(-1), 273.3 +/- 4.2 mg Fe kg(-1), 18.1 +/- 0.4 mg
      Cu kg(-1), 2.8 +/- 0.1 g Na kg(-1), 71.6 +/- 1.0 g K kg(-1), 64.6 +/- 1.2 g Ca
      kg(-1), 6.8 +/- 0.1 g mg kg(-1), 101.6 +/- 1.2 mg Mn kg(-1), and 67.1 +/- 0.4 mg
      Zn kg(-1) of dry weight. CONCLUSION: The statistical analysis showed significant
      differences for all the minerals, except Ca, for each accession studied
      individually and for accessions grouped within countries. The results indicate
      that NIRS can be used as a rapid screening method for determining total mineral,
      Fe, Na, K, and Zn in rocket.

PMID- 22052745
TI  - A longer tracheal occlusion period results in increased lung growth in the
      nitrofen rat model.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Prenatal tracheal occlusion (TO) promotes lung growth and is applied
      clinically in fetuses with severe congenital diaphragmatic hernia. Limited data
      are available regarding the effect of duration of TO on lung development. Our
      objective was to evaluate the effects of long (2 and 2.5 days) versus short (1
      day) TO on lung development in rats with nitrofen-induced diaphragmatic hernia.
      METHOD: Nitrofen was administered on embryonic day (ED) 9 and fetal TO performed
      either on ED18.5, 19 or 20 (term = 22 days). Sham-operated and untouched
      littermates served as controls. On ED21, lungs were harvested and only fetuses
      with a left-sided diaphragmatic defect were included in further analyses.
      RESULTS: Lung-body-weight ratio incrementally increased with the duration of TO.
      Increased proliferation following long TO was confirmed by immunohistochemistry
      and qRT-PCR for the proliferation marker Ki-67. Irrespective of duration, TO
      induced more complex airway architecture. Medial wall thickness of pulmonary
      arteries was thinner after long rather than short TO. CONCLUSION: In the nitrofen
      rat model of congenital diaphragmatic hernia, a longer period of TO leads to
      enhanced lung growth and less muscularized pulmonary arteries.

PMID- 22052746
TI  - The contribution of general and cancer-related variables in explaining physical
      activity in a breast cancer population 3 weeks to 6 months post-treatment.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Physical activity determinants are subject to change when confronted
      with the diagnosis of 'cancer' and new cancer-related determinants appear. The
      aim of the present study is to compare the contribution of cancer-related
      determinants with more general ones in explaining physical activity 3 weeks to 6
      months post-treatment. METHODS: A theory-based and validated questionnaire was
      used to identify physical activity levels (total and domain-specific) and
      associated determinants among 464 breast cancer survivors (aged 18 to 65 years) 3
      weeks to 6 months post-treatment. RESULTS: Descriptive analyses showed higher
      scores for general determinants in comparison with cancer-related determinants.
      Nevertheless, regression analyses showed that both general and cancer-related
      determinants explained total and domain-specific physical activity. Self
      efficacy, enjoyment, social support, lack of time and lack of company were
      important general determinants. The perception of returning to normal life,
      cancer-related barriers (fatigue, lack of energy and physical side effects) and
      self-efficacy in overcoming these barriers were important cancer-related
      determinants. Although results differed according to the women's working status
      and the physical activity domain, general self-efficacy explained most physical
      activity types in both groups. CONCLUSION: Comparable with the general
      population, enhancing breast cancer survivors' self-efficacy in being
      sufficiently physically active seems to be important in physical activity
      interventions post-treatment. However, interventions should be tailored to the
      experienced symptoms and working status of the women.

PMID- 22052747
TI  - Activity profile sequences: a concept to account for the progression of compound
      activity in target space and to extract SAR information from analogue series with
      multiple target annotations.

PMID- 22052748
TI  - Use of endoscopy with narrow-band imaging system in evaluating oral leukoplakia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between
      clinical features of oral leukoplakia using endoscopy with broadband white light,
      narrow-band imaging (NBI) illumination, and histopathology, and to discuss the
      clinical relevance of the NBI system. METHODS: Clinicopathologic data of patients
      receiving biopsy or excision after endoscopic examination for leukoplakia from
      April 2009 to December 2010 were reviewed and analyzed statistically. RESULTS: A
      total 154 patients, 130 men and 24 women (average age, 52.60 +/- 10.86 years)
      were enrolled. The correlation between intraepithelium papillary capillary loop
      (IPCL) classification and stepwise increased severity of pathology (Pearson's r =
      .88, R(2) = 0.78) was significantly better than that of broadband white light
      images (p < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Flexible endoscopy can enhance detailed
      inspection of oral cavity mucosa and can be a powerful tool for examining oral
      leukoplakia. The IPCL patterns shown by NBI system can be helpful in detecting
      oral leukoplakia with higher grade dysplasia or invasive carcinoma.

PMID- 22052749
TI  - [Localized prostate cancer. Quo vadis?].

PMID- 22052750
TI  - [Usefulness of prostatic specific antigen (PSA) for diagnosis and staging of
      patients with prostate cancer].
AB  - The incorporation of prostatic specific antigen (PSA) to clinical practice
      revolutionized diagnosis and modified  the epidemiology of prostate cancer(PCa).
      Although it lacks of many of the characteristics of an ideal tumor marker,  it is
      the marker most used for diagnosis and follow up of any type of cancer. It
      represents the best clinical tool we  currently have available for screening and
      staging of PCa. On the contrary, the greatest limitation PSA presents is its 
      lack of tumor specificity. The use of PSA molecular derivatives and isoforms
      tries to solve, at least in part, its  limitations. As a matter of fact, the use
      of % free PSA and PSAD significantly increases the test specificity for  
      diagnosis and, the use of derivatives evaluating PSA temporary kinetics (PSAV and
      PSADT) represent very useful  tools  to estimate liquiprognosis during disease
      treatment and follow up. With the ongoing development of new markers for PCa,  It
      is likely the role  of PSA in diagnosis and staging of the disease will be
      modified.

PMID- 22052751
TI  - Emerging biomarkers for prostate cancer diagnosis, staging, and prognosis.
AB  - The introduction and widespread adoption of PSA has revolutionized the way
      prostate cancer is diagnosed and treated.  However, the use of PSA has also led
      to over-diagnosis and overtreatment of prostate cancer resulting in controversy 
      about its use for screening. PSA also has limited predictive accuracy for
      predicting outcomes after treatment and for  making clinical decisions about
      adjuvant and salvage therapies. Hence, there is an urgent need for novel
      biomarkers to supplement PSA for detection and management of prostate cancer.
      Despite the  progress in developing new biomarkers, several obstacles remain
      before such biomarkers can be clinically used. These  challenges include
      analytical and regulatory barriers, issues with study design and data analysis
      that lead to lack  of reproducibility of promising results, and the lack of large
      scale trials to adequately assess the utility of  promising biomarkers. In this
      article we discuss the challenges in biomarker research and the statistical
      considerations  for biomarker evaluation. There is a plethora of promising blood
      and urine based biomarkers. For the purpose of this  review, we focus on PSA
      derived forms, human kallikrein 2, Early Prostate Cancer Antigen, Transforming
      Growth  Factor-Beta  1 and Interleukin-6, Endoglin, PCA3, AMACR and ETS Gene
      Fusions. These biomarkers have shown promise in early studies and are at various
      stages of development. However, in the future it is very likely that a panel of
      biomarkers will be used to  achieve sufficient degree of certainty in order to
      guide clinical decisions. To be able to be used commercially such a  panel will
      have to answer clinically relevant questions in a simple and cost-effective way.

PMID- 22052752
TI  - Active surveillance: pitfalls to consider.
AB  - With the pendulum swinging in low risk prostate cancer (PCa) to ideas of
      overtreatment and overdiagnosis more urologists are looking at Active
      Surveillance (AS) as a valid option for their low risk PCa patients. AS will
      undoubtedly hold a place as a management option in men with low risk PCa,
      however, it is critical to understand its limitations in its current form as
      highlighted in this article. We conducted a review of multiple computerized
      databases (Ovid, Medline, Pubmed, CINAHL, Cohrane Library database) with the
      keywords active surveillance, prostate neoplasm, and low risk PCa. Manual
      searches were also carried out. Assumptions of AS are discussed and their
      implications on selecting the appropriate AS candidate. As with any active
      treatment option offered to patients with PCa, those who are offered AS must be
      appropriately selected and counseled as to its risks and benefits.

PMID- 22052753
TI  - [Epidemiological fundamentals of clinically localized prostate cancer].
AB  - Prostate cancer is the sixth most common cancer in the world (in the number of
      new cases), the third most common  cancer in men, and the most common cancer in
      men in Europe, North America, and some parts of Africa. Different  geographical
      regions have varying incidence and mortality. The risk of prostate cancer is
      increased by African-American  ethnicity, increasing age, positive family
      history, and other factors such as diet. Nonetheless, the causes of prostate
      cancer are not well understood compared with other common cancers like lung and
      breast cancer. The introduction of  prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening
      made an enormous impact on the incidence of prostate cancer, which increased  in
      the early 1990s and is currently down to pre-PSA screening levels. Screening has
      caused a change in pattern of disease  to an earlier stage but not lower grade.
      Yet we know little about what causes this disease, in the past 10 years interest 
      in and funding for prostate cancer research have increased and several promising
      risk modifiers have been  identified-eg,  genetic predisposition, insulin growth
      factor (IGF) concentrations, and lycopene consumption.

PMID- 22052754
TI  - The precise role of ethnicity and family history on aggressive prostate cancer: a
      review  analysis.
AB  - Review analysis of prostate cancer among men of sub-Saharan West African descent
      in comparison to other ethnicities  and men with a family history of prostate
      cancer.

PMID- 22052755
TI  - Diet and prostate cancer - a holistic approach to management.
AB  - There is now increasing evidence from epidemiologic surveys and from laboratory,
      intervention, and case-control studies that diet and lifestyle plays a crucial
      role in prostate cancer biology and tumorigenesis. This applies to both the
      development and progression of prostate cancer, although in many cases the
      specific initiating factors in the diet are poorly understood. Conversely, many
      nutrients and herbs also show significant promise in helping to treat prostate
      cancer by slowing progression and reducing recurrence, ultimately reducing the
      risk of morbidity and mortality from the disease. Furthermore for all grades of
      prostate cancer, nutritional interventions complement conventional treatment to
      improve response and quality of life. Slowing or even reversing the progression
      of, high-grade prostate intraepithelial neoplasia [HGPIN]). with chemo
      preventative agents could be the best primary defense against prostate cancer,
      preventing it from occurring in the first place. The information given in this
      review about prostate cancer chemoprevention summarizes the key evidence for the
      role of different dietary components and their effect on prostate cancer
      prevention and progression. Most nutritional chemoprevention agents also have the
      added benefit of being beneficial for the cardiovascular system, bone health and
      for the prevention of other cancers.

PMID- 22052756
TI  - [Prostate biopsy: Diagnostic responsibility and recent changes].
AB  - In this bibliographic review we reexamine the different features in relation to
      indication, performance and interpretation of prostatic biopsy (PB). The main
      objective is to place methodological features involving PB in the current
      scientific scenario, establishing the correlation between the most relevant and
      analyzing the historic evolution this procedure has followed, particularly over
      the last two decades. Prostate biopsy has evolved to be a regular element in
      urologists' daily practice and its learning process has been simplified to the
      point it can be approached with adequacy during the first years of residency in
      Urology. This privileged position PB enjoys in daily practice and the performance
      obtained from it would have not been a reality without optimization of
      transrectal ultrasound or local anesthesia techniques, yet reviled in some
      forums, the real responsible of such success. The consensus reached in the
      various scientific associations, the clinical guidelines of which are widely
      consulted worldwide, is the best to support the current state of the art, being
      the starting point for the addition of new improvements to PB.

PMID- 22052757
TI  - How does endorectal MRI, PET-CT and transrectal ultrasound contribute to
      diagnosis and management of localized prostate cancer.
AB  - We analyze the main imaging techniques (transrectal ultrasound, Magnetic
      Resonance Imaging and Position Emission Tomography) that are currently used in
      the diagnosis and management of localised prostate cancer patients. We analyze
      the results that may be obtained with transrectal US and describe the latest
      advances in this technique (Doppler, power doppler and contrast media). With
      Magnetic Resonance Imaging, we describe the underlying principles, results and
      indications as well as some new applications (diffusion, perfusion, spectroscopy
      and the use of lymphotrophic nanoparticles). Finally we will describe the current
      state of positron emission tomography in diagnosis, follow up and recurrence
      detection using the different radiomarkers that are available.

PMID- 22052758
TI  - [Impact of predictive models and decision making in prostate cancer: An integral
      debate].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To review the various methods to predict the risk of having prostate
      cancer, or that localized disease may be cured or progress after a given
      treatment. METHODS: We performed a review of the various mathematic models known
      for the probability analysis of the event, with a critical analysis of weaknesses
      and strengths of each method. In a Medline update we review the most relevant
      papers referred to diagnosis and management of localized prostate cancer in its
      diagnosis and management sides, as well as the probability of developing
      metastatic disease and to die. RESULTS: There are multiple methods and models to
      predict the various events in a patient candidate to diagnosis of prostate
      cancer, as well as to analyze the possibilities of success of a specific
      treatment, in many cases with an important exactness. We emphasize the
      heterogeneity in the methods, data and variables used for the analysis, basically
      about retrospective studies. Many of the most sophisticated methods, Neural
      Network or cart, do not present greater exactness than classic methods like
      logistic regression. CONCLUSIONS: Predictive models are an important element for
      decision making in usual clinical practice, favoring the decision of a diagnosis
      or certain treatment is not taken in a random manner and therefore it is taken
      following scientific criteria. Waiting for more precise methods, we have to know
      no method is perfect, and therefore it is an important tool, which should not by
      pass personal knowledge or the experience of a specific working group.

PMID- 22052759
TI  - Personalized approach to prostate cancer prognosis.
AB  - Personalized medicine in the management of patients with prostate cancer consists
      of the integration of patient attributes such as age, genetic risk and co
      morbidities with specific clinical-pathologic variables including serum prostate
      specific antigen (PSA), imaging and features from the diagnostic prostate needle
      biopsy or prostatectomy specimen including tumor differentiation (i.e. Gleason),
      volume and extent of disease (i.e. tumor length and / or percentage, number of
      positive cores at diagnosis or pathologic stage post surgery including margin
      status). Although the development of various clinical statistical instruments
      such as nomograms have provided a mechanism to interrogate these variables, most
      urologists rely on basic prognostic features of stage, grade and PSA along with
      clinical judgment to define and understand individual risk and predict health
      outcomes. In addition, unlike other tumor types such as breast cancer, there are
      no routine ancillary diagnostic studies performed on the prostate needle biopsy
      or prostatectomy specimen to support and refine the treatment decision process
      for the individual patient. In this review we will provide a summary of the
      current practice of predictive modeling in prostate cancer and explore how
      technical advances in functional histology have played a role in the development
      and incorporation of a systems based platform for providing a patient-specific
      risk profile useful for clinical decision making.

PMID- 22052760
TI  - [The diagnosis of prostate cancer from the clinical guidelines].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To compare methodology and recommendations for the diagnosis of
      prostate cancer between the different clinical  Guidelines currently existent.
      METHODS: We searched for clinical practice Guidelines published in the period
      2007-2009 in the web pages of the  urological  scientific associations, National
      Guideline clearinghouse, CMA infobase, and Trip database, as well as Pub Med. We
      found 4  clinical practice guidelines matching the search criteria. RESULTS: All
      guidelines have been developed by a multidisciplinary team, performing a previous
      systematic review. All of  them except the AUA translate the scientific evidence
      in recommendations, although each of them uses a different classification. Only
      one of them has been evaluated  using the AGREE method. There are differences in
      the recommendation and use of diagnostic tests (PSA, digital rectal examination
      and prostatic  biopsy) due to the fact that as a general rule they are based on
      low level scientific evidence. CONCLUSIONS: Recommendations for the diagnosis of
      prostate cancer in all clinical practice guidelines are based on low  levels of
      evidence, except in the use of antibiotic prophylaxis and anesthesia to perform a
      biopsy.

PMID- 22052761
TI  - Active surveillance for prostate cancer: a review.
AB  - Active surveillance is a solution to the widely acknowledged problem of
      overdiagnosis and overtreatment of  clinically insignificant disease which
      accompanies early detection of prostate cancer using PSA and biopsy.  It is an
      approach to the management of favorable risk prostate cancer which uses the
      opportunity provided  by the long natural history of the disease to incorporate a
      period of initial observation into patient management. In this review article,
      the rationale, criteria for patient selection, method of follow up, trigger for 
      intervention, and results of active surveillance are reviewed.

PMID- 22052762
TI  - Focal therapy for clinically localized prostate cancer.
AB  - The stage migration for newly diagnosed prostate cancer, improvements in prostate
      imaging, and devices capable of inducing subtotal prostate ablation have allowed
      for the formal study and evaluation of focal therapy for low-risk prostate
      cancer. Significant limitations remain: 1) the need for more accurate pre
      treatment determination of cancer location, extent, and size, 2) determining
      appropriate methods of post-treatment surveillance and definitions of clinical
      progression, 3) the uncertainty whether repeat treatment, by focal or whole-gland
      therapy, is effective and safe. Clinical trials are ongoing to provide data on
      the feasibility and reliability of these new therapies, the capability of
      eradicating cancers, rates of secondary treatment, and impact on urinary and
      sexual function.

PMID- 22052763
TI  - Minimally invasive radical prostatectomy: transition from pure laparoscopic to 
      robotic-assisted radical prostatectomy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The robotic-assisted laparoscopic approach to radical prostatectomy
      is increasingly utilized and has become well documented as an effective oncologic
      treatment modality. In this study, we report the initial experience of a single
      surgeon at a single institution with robotic-assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy
      (RALP) drawing a comparison to his prior experience with pure laparoscopic
      prostatectomy (LRP) METHODS: This is a retrospective review of surgical results
      from a single surgeon performing LRP and transitioning to RALP. Baseline
      characteristics and outcomes of two hundred seventy five patients undergoing RALP
      by a single, fellowship-trained, urologic oncologist were analyzed and compared
      to 45 patients undergoing LRP by the same surgeon. Patient, tumor, and operative
      characteristics as well as functional outcomes were evaluated. Validated
      questionnaires, including the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and
      International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), were utilized in the assessment
      of urinary and sexual parameters. RESULTS: Preoperative patient and tumor
      characteristics (age, PSA, Gleason score) were similar in both the LRP and RALP
      groups. Mean operative time (195 vs. 299 minutes), estimated blood loss (223 vs.
      299 mL), need for blood transfusion (1.5% vs. 4.4%) and mean length of stay (1.95
      vs. 2.63 days) were significantly reduced among patients undergoing RALP as
      compared to those undergoing LRP. In terms of functional outcomes, continence at
      12 months was better among patients undergoing RALP as compared to LRP (94% vs.
      82%). In preoperatively potent men undergoing bilateral nerve sparing procedures,
      RALP conferred 82% potency at 24 months as opposed to only 62% following LRP.
      CONCLUSIONS: The combination of adjustment in surgical technique from LRP to RALP
      along with a concurrent institutional commitment to a successful robotic surgery
      program, has yielded superior operative, oncologic, and functional results.

PMID- 22052764
TI  - The learning curve of robotic assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy: what
      is the  evidence?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The robotic technique has been associated with a decreased LC for
      radical prostatectomy. The objective is to review the literature in search of any
      evidence that the RALP is able to shorten the learning curve for radical
      prostatectomy compared to the open and pure laparoscopic techniques. METHODS: A
      Medline search of the English-language literature was performed to identify all
      papers published relating to RALP and LC. RESULTS: There is substantial
      variability in the RALP literature regarding the number of cases a surgeon needs
      to achieve and sustain in time acceptable operative times and reasonable
      outcomes. The information on RALP LC comes from isolated single institution
      reports with questionable methodological analyses. There are no studies comparing
      the LC of RALP with open or pure laparoscopic techniques. CONCLUSIONS: There is
      no reliable information to support the notion that RALP shortens the
      prostatectomy LC. The evidence is limited to case series, with a Level of
      Evidence 4.

PMID- 22052765
TI  - Robotic radical prostatectomy: present and future.
AB  - The last 10 years have witnessed unprecedented evolution regarding de surgical
      removal of the prostate gland. Laparoscopic  radical prostatectomy broke the open
      paradigm and started to generate great excitement and expectations. Shortly
      however,  robot-assisted, laparoscopic - Robotic Surgery - emerged to address a
      fundamental pitfall of prostate laparoscopic surgery:  execution reproducibility.
      Today, robotic assisted laparoscopic prostatectomy is the most used surgical
      approach to remove  the prostate gland. Consistent advantages of this technique
      are: a shorter convalescent state, marked decrease in blood  loss and in
      experienced hands, shorter average surgical times. Importantly it served to
      highlight the importance  of outcomes as ultimate judge of a procedure success.
      The data suggest equivalency in long-term functional and oncological  outcomes,
      while clear advantages in the short run: perioperative outcomes with patient
      rapid return to productive state.  That said, the major challenge for robotic
      surgeons still remains: establish a paradigm that breaks with the tradition  and
      prevents biased reporting due to technology and marketing enthusiasm, but rather
      takes a critical approach based in  prospective, controlled, randomize clinical
      trials. If the latter objective is reached, urologic robotic surgeons will 
      deliver counseling based on clinical evidence delivering major progress for our
      Urology field.

PMID- 22052766
TI  - Brachytherapy for clinically localized prostate cancer: optimal patient
      selection.
AB  - The objective of this review is to present an overview of each modality and
      delineate how to best select patients who are optimal candidates for these
      treatment approaches. Prostate brachytherapy as a curative modality for
      clinically localized prostate cancer has become increasingly utilized over the
      past decade; 25% of all early cancers are now treated this way in the United
      States (1). The popularity of this treatment strategy lies in the highly
      conformal nature of radiation dose, low morbidity, patient convenience, and high
      efficacy rates. Prostate brachytherapy can be delivered by either a permanent
      interstitial radioactive seed implantation (low dose rate [LDR]) or a temporary
      interstitial insertion of iridium-192 (Ir192) afterloading catheters. The
      objective of both of these techniques is to deliver a high dose of radiation to
      the prostate gland while exposing normal surrounding tissues to minimal radiation
      dose. Brachytherapy techniques are ideal to achieve this goal given the close
      proximity of the radiation source to tumor and sharp fall off of the radiation
      dose cloud proximate to the source. Brachytherapy provides a powerful means of
      delivering dose escalation above and beyond that achievable with intensity
      modulated external beam radiotherapy alone. Careful selection of appropriate
      patients for these therapies, however, is critical for optimizing both disease
      related outcomes and treatment-related toxicity.

PMID- 22052767
TI  - External beam radiation therapy for clinically localized prostate cancer: when
      and how  we optimize with concurrent hormonal deprivation.
AB  - Androgen deprivation plays a major role in the treatment of prostate
      cancer.Preclinical studies have shown that androgen deprivation provides both an
      independent cytotoxic effect and radiosensitization on prostate tumors. For men
      with non-metastatic prostate cancer, the addition of androgen deprivation to
      radiotherapy has been shown to improve survival for intermediate and high risk
      disease compared to radiation alone.This review discusses the clinical trial data
      regarding combination of androgen deprivation and radiation and provides
      recommendations for its use in men undergoing radiotherapy for localized prostate
      cancer.

PMID- 22052768
TI  - Pyrethroid insecticide tolerance in bean leaf beetle, Cerotoma trifurcata, in the
      Mississippi Delta.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pyrethroid insecticides have historically been effective for
      controlling bean leaf beetles in soybeans. Perceived field efficacy in the
      Mississippi Delta region has been lower over the past several years. Laboratory
      and field data were collected to determine whether there has been a reduction in
      pyrethroid insecticide susceptibility. RESULTS: Laboratory and field data both
      confirmed that control of bean leaf beetles with pyrethroid insecticides is
      poorer in the Delta regions of Mississippi and Louisiana than in all other
      regions tested. However, it was not possible to show that this reduced
      susceptibility changed over time. Furthermore, insect movement appeared to make
      insecticide susceptibility regional, so that localized insecticide applications
      had little impact on the susceptibility of successive generations. CONCLUSION:
      Lack of field control owing to low efficacy of pyrethroid insecticides against
      bean leaf beetle populations in the Delta region should be expected. Selection
      pressure on a regional basis may further decrease efficacy. Carbamate
      insecticides generally still provide high levels of control.

PMID- 22052769
TI  - Synthesis, crystal and electronic structures, and magnetic properties of
      LiLn9Mo16O35 (Ln = La, Ce, Pr, and Nd) compounds containing the original cluster
      Mo16O36.
AB  - The new compounds LiLn(9)Mo(16)O(35) (Ln=La, Ce, Pr, and Nd) were synthesized
      from stoichiometric mixtures of Li(2)MoO(4), Ln(2)O(3), Pr(6)O(11) or CeO(2),
      MoO(3), and Mo heated at 1600  degrees C for 48 h in a molybdenum crucible sealed
      under a low argon pressure. The crystal structure, determined from a single
      crystal of the Nd member, showed that the main building block is the Mo(16)O(36)
      unit, the Mo(16) core of which is totally new and results from the fusion of two
      bioctahedral Mo(10) clusters. It can also be viewed as a fragment of an infinite
      twin chain of edge-sharing Mo(6) octahedra. The Mo(16)O(36) cluster units share
      some oxygen atoms to form infinite chains running parallel to the b axis, which
      are separated by the rare-earth and lithium cations. (7)Li-NMR experiments,
      carried out at high field on the nonmagnetic LiLa(9)Mo(16)O(35), provided
      insights into the local environment of the lithium ions. Magnetic susceptibility
      measurements confirmed the trivalent oxidation state of the magnetic rare-earth
      cations and indicated the absence of localized moments on the Mo(16) clusters.
      The electronic structure of the LiLn(9)Mo(16)O(35) compounds was analyzed using
      molecular and periodic quantum calculations. The study of the molecular orbital
      diagrams of isolated Mo(16)O(36) models allowed the understanding of this unique
      metallic architecture. Periodic density functional theory calculations
      demonstrated that few interactions occur between the Mo(16) clusters, and
      predicted semiconducting properties for LiLn(9)Mo(16)O(35) as a band gap of 0.57
      eV was computed for the lanthanum phase.

PMID- 22052770
TI  - SERS effects in silver-decorated cylindrical nanopores.
AB  - Optimization of pore diameter, the placement of nanoparticles, and the
      transmission of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates are found to
      be very critical for achieving high SERS activity in porous alumina-membrane
      based substrates. SERS substrates with a pore diameter of 355 nm incorporating
      silver nanoparticles show very high SERS activity with enhancement factors of
      10(10) .

PMID- 22052771
TI  - Mast cell-airway smooth muscle crosstalk: the role of thymic stromal
      lymphopoietin.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The mast cell localization to airway smooth muscle (ASM) bundle in
      asthma is important in the development of disordered airway physiology. Thymic
      stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is expressed by airway structural cells. Whether it
      has a role in the crosstalk between these cells is uncertain. We sought to define
      TSLP expression in bronchial tissue across the spectrum of asthma severity and to
      investigate the TSLP and TSLP receptor (TSLPR) expression and function by primary
      ASM and mast cells alone and in coculture. METHODS: TSLP expression was assessed
      in bronchial tissue from 18 subjects with mild to moderate asthma, 12 with severe
      disease, and nine healthy control subjects. TSLP and TSLPR expression in primary
      mast cells and ASM was assessed by immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and enzyme
      linked immunosorbent assay, and its function was assessed by calcium imaging. The
      role of TSLP in mast cell and ASM proliferation, survival, differentiation,
      synthetic function, and contraction was examined. RESULTS: TSLP expression was
      increased in the ASM bundle in mild-moderate disease. TSLP and TSLPR were
      expressed by mast cells and ASM and were functional. Mast cell activation by TSLP
      increased the production of a broad range of chemokines and cytokines, but did
      not affect mast cell or ASM proliferation, survival, or contraction. CONCLUSIONS:
      TSLP expression by the bronchial epithelium and ASM was upregulated in asthma.
      TSLP promoted mast cell synthetic function, but did not contribute to other
      functional consequences of mast cell-ASM crosstalk.

PMID- 22052772
TI  - Predicting cardiac arrest on the wards: a nested case-control study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Current rapid response team activation criteria were not
      statistically derived using ward vital signs, and the best vital sign predictors
      of cardiac arrest (CA) have not been determined. In addition, it is unknown when
      vital signs begin to accurately detect this event prior to CA. METHODS: We
      conducted a nested case-control study of 88 patients experiencing CA on the wards
      of a university hospital between November 2008 and January 2011, matched 1:4 to
      352 control subjects residing on the same ward at the same time as the case CA.
      Vital signs and Modified Early Warning Scores (MEWS) were compared on admission
      and during the 48 h preceding CA. RESULTS: Case patients were older (64 +/- 16
      years vs 58 +/- 18 years; P = .002) and more likely to have had a prior ICU
      admission than control subjects (41% vs 24%; P = .001), but had similar admission
      MEWS (2.2 +/- 1.3 vs 2.0 +/- 1.3; P = .28). In the 48 h preceding CA, maximum
      MEWS was the best predictor (area under the receiver operating characteristic
      curve [AUC] 0.77; 95% CI, 0.71-0.82), followed by maximum respiratory rate (AUC
      0.72; 95% CI, 0.65-0.78), maximum heart rate (AUC 0.68; 95% CI, 0.61-0.74),
      maximum pulse pressure index (AUC 0.61; 95% CI, 0.54-0.68), and minimum diastolic
      BP (AUC 0.60; 95% CI, 0.53-0.67). By 48 h prior to CA, the MEWS was higher in
      cases (P = .005), with increasing disparity leading up to the event. CONCLUSIONS:
      The MEWS was significantly different between patients experiencing CA and control
      patients by 48 h prior to the event, but includes poor predictors of CA such as
      temperature and omits significant predictors such as diastolic BP and pulse
      pressure index.

PMID- 22052773
TI  - Association of reduced total lung capacity with mortality and use of health
      services.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pulmonary restriction is associated with increased mortality in
      adults, especially those who are elderly. Previous studies, however, have used
      the FVC as a surrogate for the total lung capacity (TLC). We evaluated the
      association between a reduced TLC, mortality, and health-care resources use and
      compared this association with a reduced FVC. METHODS: Seven hundred fifty-two
      patients > 60 years old and undergoing spirometry were recruited. The main
      analyses were performed in patients without bronchial obstruction (n = 405). Data
      on mortality and admission to acute care hospitals were derived. Pulmonary
      restriction was alternatively defined as a TLC or an FVC below the lower limit of
      normal (LLN). The unadjusted relative risk of mortality associated with pulmonary
      restriction and adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were determined. Survival
      analysis was repeated using time to first hospital admission as the dependent
      variable. RESULTS: Overall mortality was significantly higher in the group with
      reduced TLC compared with the group with lower FVC (10.2 per 100 patients vs 4.27
      per 100 patients, respectively), with mortality rate ratios of 6.87 (95% CI, 2.54
      18.24) and 2.73 (95% CI, 1.04-7.66), respectively. After adjustment, the hazard
      ratio (HR) for mortality associated with pulmonary restriction in patients who
      received diagnoses using the FVC was reduced to 2.05 (95% CI, 0.70-6.02). Reduced
      TLC remained strongly associated with mortality (HR, 4.52; 95% CI, 1.32-15.51).
      No association was found between restriction (diagnosed using either parameter)
      and risk for hospitalization. CONCLUSIONS: Reduced TLC is strongly associated
      with mortality in adults who are elderly. Reduction of the FVC is a weaker risk
      factor for mortality.

PMID- 22052774
TI  - Prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma hominis, Mycoplasma genitalium,
      and Ureaplasma urealyticum infections and seminal quality in infertile and
      fertile men in Kuwait.
AB  - This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of Chlamydia  trachomatis,
      mycoplasmas, and ureaplasmas in semen samples of infertile  compared with fertile
      men and to evaluate the seminological variables of semen  from infected and
      noninfected men. A total of 127 infertile and 188 fertile  men seen in a
      maternity hospital clinic were recruited into the study over a  period of 14
      months. Specimens were obtained by masturbation and examined for  the presence of
      Ureaplasma urealyticum, Mycoplasma hominis,  Mycoplasma genitalium, and C
      trachomatis by polymerase chain  reaction. Semen analysis was performed according
      to World Health Organization  guidelines. U urealyticum, M hominis, M genitalium,
      and C trachomatis were demonstrated in the semen samples of 31  (24.4%) vs 49
      (26.1%), 22 (17.1%) vs 61 (32.4%), 6 (4.7%) vs 6 (3.2%), and 5  (3.9%) vs 7
      (3.7%), respectively, of infertile and control men. Mixed  infections were
      detected in 14 (11%) of infertile and 29 (15.4%) of fertile  men. The infertile
      men positive for M hominis had semen samples that  showed statistically
      significant differences in the mean of sperm pH and  leukocyte count between
      infected and uninfected men (P < .03 and  P < .001, respectively). Similarly,
      there was statistically  significant difference in the leukocyte counts of M
      genitalium and  C trachomatis in infected compared with uninfected men. A similar
      trend was noted in infected fertile compared with uninfected men. The 
      difference in prevalence of these urogenital pathogens among infertile  compared
      with fertile men was not statistically significant. However, genital  mycoplasmas
      and chlamydial infections appeared to influence semen quality  negatively.

PMID- 22052775
TI  - Effects of castration and hormone replacement in the urinary bladder of rats:
      structural, ultrastructural, and biochemical analysis.
AB  - We evaluated, by qualitative and quantitative methods, the structural 
      alterations in the bladder wall of rats submitted to surgical castration, as 
      well as the role of hormone replacement in reversing the possible structural 
      alterations. Twenty-four 12-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were used. The 
      animals were divided into 3 groups comprising 8 animals each and treated as 
      follows. Members of group CONTR (control) underwent a sham operation only and 
      were sacrificed after 2 months. Members of group ORCH (orchiectomy) underwent 
      bilateral orchiectomy and were sacrificed after 2 months. Members of group 
      ORCH+TEST (testosterone) underwent orchiectomy, received testosterone 
      replacement after 1 month, and were sacrificed 1 month later. We performed a 
      qualitative and quantitative analysis of collagen by light microscopy,  scanning
      electron microscopy, biochemistry, and a histomorphometric analysis  of smooth
      muscle and elastic fibers in the 3 groups. The results showed a  significant
      decrease in absolute values of elastic fibers in the castrated  group. The
      histomorphometric analysis of epithelial height did not show  differences among
      the groups. There was no statistical difference in  quantitative analysis of
      collagen, either by histomorphometry or by  biochemistry. Also, there was no
      difference in the smooth muscle cells.  However, the qualitative analysis
      revealed differences in collagen (castrated  group) when compared with controls
      and with rats submitted to hormone  replacement. Hormone replacement with
      testosterone was able to revert the  alterations observed. The findings suggest
      that hormone replacement, even when  instituted at a late stage, is effective in
      reversing the bladder wall  alterations produced by secondary hypogonadism.

PMID- 22052776
TI  - The origin of lymphatic capillaries in murine testes.
AB  - It is known that the seminiferous tubules are bathed in a sea of lymph in  mice,
      which are commonly used in reproductive and immunological studies.  Although
      testicular lymphatic vessels arising from the tunica albuginea can be 
      macroscopically observed in mice, the exact distribution of the lymphatic 
      capillaries remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the 
      distribution of lymphatic capillaries in normal testes by immunohistochemical 
      staining with monoclonal antibodies against lymph vessel endothelium  HA-receptor
      1 (LYVE-1) and a platelet endothelial cell adhesion molecule  (CD31). Moreover,
      normal lymphocytes were locally injected into the testes of  recipient mice, and
      their migration was investigated with the use of LYVE-1  and CD31. The results
      showed that lymphatic capillaries were in and just  beneath the tunica albuginea
      but not in the interstitium between the  seminiferous tubules. It was also noted
      that these were abundant in the  thickened tunica albuginea adjacent to the
      epididymis, but they were scarce in  the thin tunica albuginea opposite the
      epididymis. When normal lymphocytes  were locally injected into testes, the
      injected lymphocytes migrated between  the seminiferous tubules and then drained
      into the lymphatic vessels in the  tunica albuginea. These results suggest that
      tissue fluid might drain from  lymphatic capillaries that arise just beneath the
      tunica albuginea.

PMID- 22052777
TI  - Statins and erectile dysfunction: a critical summary of current evidence.
AB  - Recently, it was reported that the administration of statins  (lipid-lowering
      drugs) is associated with reduced levels of testosterone, and  this evidence has
      opened a debate on the consequences these widely used drugs  might have on the
      quality of erection. This is a very important clinical  problem because patients
      with dyslipidemia are at increased risk of developing  erectile dysfunction (ED);
      hence, statins exert a protective effect. At the  same time, the administration
      of these drugs reduce endothelial dysfunction, a  key etiopathogenetic factor in
      the onset of ED. Moreover, statins are  universally considered a key element of
      secondary prevention for vascular  events; therefore, several points are opened.
      In this critical summary, we  attempt to evaluate the effects of statins on ED
      and to understand the  mechanisms through which statins improve the quality of
      erection and the  possible synergism with V phosphodiesterase inhibitors, drugs
      largely used for  the treatment of ED.

PMID- 22052778
TI  - Sperm chromatin structure components are differentially repaired in cancer
      survivors.
AB  - Chemotherapy is often associated with male infertility. Our aim was to  determine
      the effect of chemotherapy on sperm chromatin quality in cancer  survivors.
      Sixteen men with advanced testicular cancer and 15 with Hodgkin  lymphoma
      requiring chemotherapy were compared with 11 community volunteers.  Eleven
      idiopathic infertile men with abnormal sperm chromatin were included as  a
      positive control group. Semen analysis and sperm chromatin quality were 
      determined prechemotherapy and at 6, 18, and 24 months posttreatment. DNA  damage
      was determined by the sperm chromatin structure assay (SCSA). The level  of DNA
      compaction was assayed by determining high DNA stainability (HDS,  SCSA), the
      percentage of free thiols (monobromobimane-labeling assay), and the  level of
      protamination (chromomycin A3-labeling assay). Sperm  concentration and motility
      were dramatically decreased in cancer patients  6-18 months after chemotherapy
      compared with community volunteers but  were not statistically different from
      community volunteers at 24 months  posttreatment. High levels of DNA damage were
      observed prechemotherapy, with a  tendency to remain high during the 24-month
      posttreatment period in testicular  cancer patients; low DNA compaction (HDS,
      SCSA) persisted in testicular cancer  patients 24 months postchemotherapy. Low
      levels of sperm DNA compaction were  observed in cancer patients compared with
      community volunteers and infertile  men. Sperm monobromobimane and chromomycin A3
      labeling in cancer patients were  similar to those from community volunteers by
      18 months after treatment.  Chemotherapy-induced damage to components of the
      sperm chromatin structure was  repaired differentially over time. However,
      significant sperm DNA damage and  low DNA compaction remained up to 24 months
      posttreatment. The assessment of  complementary aspects of sperm chromatin
      quality is necessary to evaluate  sperm samples in cancer survivors.

PMID- 22052779
TI  - Synthesis and preliminary conformational analysis of TOAC spin-labeled analogues
      of the medium-length peptaibiotic tylopeptin B.
AB  - A set of analogues of the 14-residue peptaibol tylopeptin B, containing the
      stable free-radical 4-amino-1-oxyl-2,2,6,6,-tetramethylpiperidine-4-carboxylic
      acid (TOAC) at one or two selected positions, was synthesized by the solid-phase
      methodology. A solution conformational analysis performed by FTIR absorption and
      CD suggests that, in membrane-mimicking solvents, the labeled tylopeptin B
      analogues preserve the helical propensity of the parent peptide, with a
      preference for the alpha-helix or the 3(10) -helix type depending upon the nature
      of the solvent. In aqueous environment, the spin-labeled analogues present a
      higher content of helical conformation as a consequence of the strong helix
      promoter effect of the conformationally constrained TOAC residue. We observed a
      progressive increase of the quenching effect of the nitroxyl radical on the
      fluorescence of the N-terminal tryptophan as TOAC replaces the Aib residue at
      positions 13, 8, and 4, respectively. A membrane permeabilization assay performed
      on two selected analogues, TOAC(8) - and TOAC(13) -tylopeptin B, showed that the
      labeled peptides exhibit membrane-modifying properties comparable with those of
      the natural peptaibiotic. We conclude that our TOAC paramagnetic analogues of
      tylopeptin B are good models for a detailed ESR investigation of the mechanism of
      membrane permeabilization induced by medium-length peptaibiotics.

PMID- 22052780
TI  - Near-room-temperature mid-infrared quantum well photodetector.
AB  - We demonstrate InGaAs mid-infrared quantum well infrared photodetectors (MIR PV
      QWIPs) that enable cost-effective mature GaAs-based detection and imaging
      technologies, with exceptional material uniformity, reproducibility, and yield,
      over a large area, with high spectral selectivity, innate polarization
      sensitivity, radiation hardness, high detectivity, and high speed operation at
      TEC temperatures without bias.

PMID- 22052781
TI  - Effects of parental number and duration of the breeding period on the effective
      population size and genetic diversity of a captive population of the endangered
      Tokyo bitterling Tanakia tanago (Teleostei: Cyprinidae).
AB  - The maintenance of genetic diversity is one of the chief concerns in the captive
      breeding of endangered species. Using microsatellite and mtDNA markers, we
      examined the effects of two key variables (parental number and duration of
      breeding period) on effective population size (N(e) ) and genetic diversity of
      offspring in an experimental breeding program for the endangered Tokyo
      bitterling, Tanakia tanago. Average heterozygosity and number of alleles of
      offspring estimated from microsatellite data increased with parental number in a
      breeding aquarium, and exhibited higher values for a long breeding period
      treatment (9 weeks) compared with a short breeding period (3 weeks). Haplotype
      diversity in mtDNA of offspring decreased with the reduction in parental number,
      and this tendency was greater for the short breeding period treatment. Genetic
      estimates of N(e) obtained with two single-sample estimation methods were
      consistently higher for the long breeding period treatment with the same number
      of parental fish. Average N(e) /N ratios were ranged from 0.5 to 1.4, and were
      high especially in the long breeding period with small and medium parental number
      treatments. Our results suggest that the spawning intervals of females and
      alternative mating behaviors of males influence the effective size and genetic
      diversity of offspring in bitterling. To maintain the genetic diversity of
      captive T. tanago, we recommend that captive breeding programs should be
      conducted for a sufficiently long period with an optimal level of parental
      density, as well as using an adequate number of parents.

PMID- 22052782
TI  - Defined presentation of carbohydrates on a duplex DNA scaffold.
AB  - A new method for the spatially defined alignment of carbohydrates on a duplex DNA
      scaffold is presented. The use of an N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS)-ester
      phosphoramidite along with carbohydrates containing an alkylamine linker allows
      for on-column labeling during solid-phase oligonucleotide synthesis. This
      modification method during solid-phase synthesis only requires the use of minimal
      amounts of complex carbohydrates. The covalently attached carbohydrates are
      presented in the major groove of the B-form duplex DNA as potential substrates
      for murine type II C-type lectin receptors mMGL1 and mMGL2. CD spectroscopy and
      thermal melting revealed only minimal disturbance of the overall helical
      structure. Surface plasmon resonance and cellular uptake studies with bone-marrow
      derived dendritic cells were used to assess the capability of these carbohydrate
      modified duplexes to bind to mMGL receptors.

PMID- 22052783
TI  - Serendipitous diagnosis of mild recessive multiple epiphyseal dysplasia through
      parental-targeted screening test.

PMID- 22052784
TI  - Laccase from an alkalitolerant basidiomycetes Crinipellis sp. RCK-1: production
      optimization by response surface methodology.
AB  - A newly isolated alkalitolerant basidiomycetous fungus, identified as Crinipellis
      sp. RCK-1 was observed to produce laccase. The effect of different
      physicochemical factors on laccase production was studied. The identification of
      the important factors (initial pH of the medium, copper and tryptophan) with
      simple screening experiment involving optimization using single factor at a time
      strategy, was followed by application of complex response surface design for
      further maximizing the laccase production and was helpful in defining the effects
      and interactions of the physiological and nutritional factors. The statistical
      optimization by response surface methodology resulted in a 27.0-fold (619.9 U ml(
      1)) increase in the production of laccase from Crinipellis sp. RCK-1 when
      compared to laccase production in unoptimized medium (23.0 U ml(-1)). The results
      from the response surface curve suggested that there was interaction between
      tryptophan and copper in a way that might resulted in positive effect on laccase
      production from Crinipellis sp. RCK-1. The relatively higher laccase production
      by Crinipellis sp. RCK-1 showed promise of offering great potential in various
      biotechnological applications.

PMID- 22052786
TI  - Cross-cultural differences in information disclosure evaluated through the EORTC
      questionnaires.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Informational needs among cancer patients are similar, but the degree
      of information disclosure in different cultural areas varies. In this paper, we
      present the results of a cross-cultural study on information received. METHODS:
      The EORTC information questionnaire, EORTC QLQ-INFO25, was administered during
      the treatment process. This questionnaire evaluates the information that patients
      report they have received. Cross-cultural differences in information have been
      evaluated using statistical tests such as Kruskall-Wallis and multivariate models
      with covariates to account for differences in clinical and demographic
      characteristics across areas. RESULTS: Four hundred and fifty-one patients from
      three cultural areas, North-Middle Europe, South Europe, and Taiwan, were
      included in the study. Significant differences among the three cultural areas
      appeared in eight QLQ-INFO25 dimensions: information about the disease; medical
      tests; places of care; written information; information on CD/tape/video;
      satisfaction; wish for more information; and information helpfulness. North
      Middle Europe patients received more written information (mean = 67.2 (North) and
      33.8 (South)) and South Europe patients received more information on different
      places of care (mean = 24.7 (North) and 35.0 (South)). Patients from North-Middle
      Europe and South Europe received more information than patients from Taiwan about
      the disease (mean = 57.9, 60.6, and 47.1, respectively) and medical tests (70.9,
      70.4, and 54.5), showed more satisfaction (64.8, 70.2, and 35.0), and considered
      the information more helpful (71.9, 73.9, and 50.4). These results were confirmed
      when adjusting for age, education, and disease stage. CONCLUSION: There are cross
      cultural differences in information received. Some of these differences are based
      on the characteristics of each culture.

PMID- 22052787
TI  - High daily fraction dose external radiotherapy for T1 glottic carcinoma:
      treatment results and prognostic factors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to investigate the prognostic factors
      and treatment results of T1N0M0 glottic laryngeal carcinoma irradiated with 2.3
      Gray (Gy) per fraction. METHODS: A total of 183 patients with glottic carcinoma
      treated between June 1998 and January 2007 were retrospectively evaluated. Of the
      183 patients, 163 patients (89%) had T1a and 20 patients (11%) had T1b disease.
      All patients received 2.3 Gy per fraction to a median total dose of 64.4 Gy.
      RESULTS: The median follow-up was 63 months. The 5-year overall survival (OS),
      local control, and cancer-specific survival rates were 89%, 81%, and 90%,
      respectively. Multivariate analysis showed overall treatment time and age to be
      significant prognostic factors for local control and OS. We observed no grade IV
      or grade V acute toxicity. Trachea-esophageal fistula as late toxicity was
      observed in only 1 patient. CONCLUSIONS: High daily fraction scheme seems to be a
      feasible schedule for early glottic carcinomas.

PMID- 22052788
TI  - A stereodivergent strategy for the preparation of corynantheine and ipecac
      alkaloids, their epimers, and analogues: efficient total synthesis of (-)
      dihydrocorynantheol, (-)-corynantheol, (-)-protoemetinol, (-)-corynantheal, (-)
      protoemetine, and related natural and nonnatural compounds.
AB  - Here we present a general and common catalytic asymmetric strategy for the total
      and formal synthesis of a broad number of optically active natural products from
      the corynantheine and ipecac alkaloid families, for example, indolo[2,3-a]- and
      benzo[a]quinolizidines. Construction of the core alkaloid skeletons with the
      correct absolute and relative stereochemistry relies on an enantioselective and
      diastereodivergent one-pot cascade sequence followed by an additional
      diastereodivergent reaction step. This allows for enantio- and diastereoselective
      synthesis of three out of four possible epimers of the quinolizidine alkaloids
      that begin from common and easily accessible starting materials by using a common
      synthetic route. Focus has been made on excluding protecting groups and limiting
      isolation and purification of synthetic intermediates. This methodology is
      applied in the total synthesis of the natural products (-)-dihydrocorynantheol, (
      )-hirsutinol, (-)-corynantheol, (-)-protometinol, (-)-dihydrocorynantheal, (-)
      corynantheal, (-)-protoemetine, (-)-(15S)-hydroxydihydrocorynantheol, and an
      array of their nonnatural epimers. The potential of this strategy is also
      demonstrated in the synthesis of biologically interesting natural product
      analogues not accessible through synthetic elaboration of alkaloid precursors
      available from nature, for example, thieno[3,2-a]quinolizidine derivatives. We
      also report the formal synthesis of (+)-dihydrocorynantheine, (-)-emetine, (-)
      cephaeline, (-)-tubulosine, and (-)-deoxytubulosine.

PMID- 22052789
TI  - Determination of ethylene glycol dinitrate in dynamites using HPLC: application
      to the plastic explosive Goma-2 ECO.
AB  - In this study, a sequential extraction method using water and methanol to recover
      ethylene glycol dinitrate or nitroglycol (EGDN) contained in Goma-2 ECO dynamite
      was developed. After, an HPLC method was used for the determination of EGDN in
      the two extracted phases. The analytical method was validated by evaluating its
      selectivity, sensitivity, linearity, and linear working concentration range,
      limit of detection and quantitation, precision (as repeatability and intermediate
      precision), accuracy, and robustness, providing appropriate values (i.e. RSD
      values for precision about 6% and accuracy about 100%). Finally, the EGDN content
      of a sample of the Goma-2-ECO dynamite was determined obtaining a concentration
      of 30.29%, which is in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications for this
      dynamite (25.7-31.4%).

PMID- 22052790
TI  - Allenyl-beta-lactams: versatile scaffolds for the synthesis of heterocycles.
AB  - The hybrid allenic beta-lactam moiety represents an excellent building block for
      carbo- and heterocyclization reactions, affording a large number of cyclic
      structures containing different sized skeletons in a single step. This strategy
      has been studied under thermal and radical-induced conditions. More recently, the
      use of transition-metal catalysis has been introduced as an alternative that
      relies on the activation of the allenic component. On the other hand, the
      intramolecular version has attracted much attention as a strategy for the
      synthesis of bi- and tricyclic compounds in a regio- and stereoselective manner.
      This overview focuses on the most recently developed cyclizations on 2
      azetidinone-tethered allenes along with remarkable early works accounting for the
      mechanism, as well as for the regio- and diastereoselectivities of the
      cyclizations.

PMID- 22052791
TI  - Huprine derivatives as sub-nanomolar human acetylcholinesterase inhibitors: from
      rational design to validation by X-ray crystallography.

PMID- 22052792
TI  - The structure and assembly model of the third transmembrane domain of Slc11a1 in
      SDS micelles revealed by NMR study of the Leu-substituted peptide.
AB  - Slc11a1 is an integral membrane protein with 12 putative transmembrane domains
      (TMDs) and functions as a pH-coupled divalent metal cation transporter. The
      conservation of three negatively charged residues in the TMD3 of Slc11 protein
      family implies the important role of this domain in the function of the proteins.
      However, aggregation of the transmembrane peptide in micelles prevents structural
      study of the peptide in these membrane-mimetic environments by NMR spectroscopy.
      Here, we characterized the structure, position, and assembly model of Slc11a1
      TMD3 (Lys128-Ile151) in SDS micelles by the NMR study of its Leu-substituted
      peptide. It was found that the two-site substitutions of Ala for Leu residues at
      positions 136 and 140 of TMD3 disrupt the aggregation without altering the
      secondary structure of the peptide. The Leu-substituted peptide folds as an alpha
      helix spanning from Leu133 to Gly144 and embedded in the micelles. A Leu zipper
      is suggested to account for the self-assembly of the wild-type peptide in SDS
      micelles.

PMID- 22052793
TI  - Inkjet printing of conjugated polymer precursors on paper substrates for
      colorimetric sensing and flexible electrothermochromic display.
AB  - Inkjet-printable aqueous suspensions of conjugated polymer precursors are
      developed for fabrication of patterned color images on paper substrates. Printing
      of a diacetylene (DA)-surfactant composite ink on unmodified paper and
      photopaper, as well as on a banknote, enables generation of latent images that
      are transformed to blue-colored polydiacetylene (PDA) structures by UV
      irradiation. Both irreversible and reversible thermochromism with the PDA printed
      images are demonstrated and applied to flexible and disposable sensors and to
      displays.

PMID- 22052794
TI  - A new haplotype in BMP4 implicated in ossification of the posterior longitudinal
      ligament (OPLL) in a Chinese population.
AB  - Previous genome-wide microarray analysis of candidate genes involved in the
      ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) of the spine resulted
      in the identification of a novel, clinically relevant gene encoding bone
      morphogenetic protein 4 (BMP4) but was defined only by its expression patterns.
      The complete genomic BMP4 coding DNA from 450 patients with OPLL and 550 matched
      controls were sequenced and compared. We identified 18 SNPs, among which the
      minor alleles of SNP8 (C>T; p < 0.001; OR: 1.58), SNP13 (rs17563C>T; p < 0.001;
      OR: 1.76), and SNP14 (rs76335800A>T; p < 0.001; OR: 1.68) were associated with
      OPLL. Logistic regression analysis showed that the additive model of SNP8 (p <
      0.001; OR: 3.48), SNP13 (p < 0.001; OR: 2.22), and SNP14 (p < 0.001; OR: 1.99)
      retained statistical significance. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) analysis
      identified a 3-kbp block of intense LD in BMP4 and 1 specific haplotype, TGGGCTT
      (p < 0.001, OR: 2.54), which was associated with OPLL-associated risk alleles and
      increased severity of OPLL, as shown by the distribution of ossified vertebrae in
      patients with OPLL (p = 0.002). Novel mutations in the BMP4 gene and a specific
      haplotype TGGGCTT appear to contribute to the risk of developing OPLL. Also the
      severity of OPLL seems to be mediated predominantly by genetic variations in this
      specific BMP4 gene region, but might be associated with other certain clinical
      and demographic characteristics in the Chinese population studied.

PMID- 22052795
TI  - Raman spectrum in the pseudogap phase of the underdoped cuprates: effect of phase
      coherence and the signature of the KT-type superconducting transition.
AB  - The temperature evolution of the Raman spectrum of the underdoped cuprates is
      studied in the thermal phase fluctuation scenario with an XY-type lattice model
      for the phase degree of freedom. It is found that the pair breaking Raman peak
      depends sensitively on the phase coherence of the pairing order parameter. As a
      result, the integrated Raman intensity in both the B(1g) and the B(2g)  channels
      exhibits a dramatic drop across the Kosterlitz-Thouless (KT) transition
      temperature (T(KT)), when vortex-like phase fluctuation is proliferated. This
      result, which is consistent with experimental observations, provides further
      support for the thermal phase fluctuation scenario of the pseudogap phase and the
      KT-type nature of the superconducting transition in underdoped cuprates.

PMID- 22052796
TI  - A de novo 3.54 Mb deletion of 17q22-q23.1 associated with hydrocephalus: a case
      report and review of literature.
AB  - We describe a female newborn with a de novo 3.54 megabase (Mb) deletion of 17q22
      q23.1 (chr17:53,072,536-56,612,662, hg18) including genes from MSI2 to BCAS3
      detected by oligonucleotide array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH).
      Prenatal ultrasound examination noted oligohydramnios and ventriculomegaly in the
      fetus. Postnatal examination found hypotonia, macrocephaly, arachnodactyly of
      fingers and toes, dysmorphic features, bilateral hearing loss and heart defect.
      Review of reported cases with genomic findings noted one case with proximal
      deletion involving the NOG gene and a case series with distal recurrent
      microdeletions involving the TBX2 and TBX4 genes. Our case presented a unique
      deletion partially overlapped with the above deletions but not including the NOG,
      TBX2, and TBX4 genes. A genomic map for deletions in this 17q22-q23.1 region was
      constructed to further define the common deletion intervals for potential haplo
      insufficient genes.

PMID- 22052797
TI  - Asymmetric synthesis of cis-4-aminobenzopyran derivatives catalyzed by N,N'
      dioxide-Sc(OTf)3 complexes.

PMID- 22052798
TI  - Initial testing (stage 1) by the pediatric preclinical testing program of
      RO4929097, a gamma-secretase inhibitor targeting notch signaling.
AB  - RO4929097 is a potent and selective inhibitor of gamma-secretase and as a result
      is able to inhibit Notch pathway signaling. The activity of RO4929097 was
      evaluated against the in vivo panels of the Pediatric Preclinical Testing Program
      (PPTP). RO4929097 induced significant differences in event-free survival (EFS)
      distribution compared to control in 6 of 26 (23%) of the evaluable solid tumor
      xenografts and in 0 of 8 (0%) of the evaluable ALL xenografts. The most
      consistent tumor growth delay effects were noted in the osteosarcoma panel.
      RO4929097 at the dose and schedule evaluated demonstrated little antitumor
      activity against childhood cancer xenografts.

PMID- 22052799
TI  - Tuning HP1alpha chromodomain selectivity for di- and trimethyllysine.
AB  - Histone lysine methylation is a critical marker for controlling gene expression.
      The position and extent of methylation (mono-, di-, or tri-) controls the binding
      of effector proteins that determine whether the associated DNA is expressed or
      not. Dysregulation of histone protein methylation has been associated with a
      number of types of cancer, and development of inhibitors for the effector
      proteins is becoming an active area of research. For this reason, understanding
      the mechanism by which effector proteins obtain selectivity for the different
      methylation states of lysine is of great interest. To this end, we have performed
      mutation studies on the Drosophila HP1alpha chromodomain, which binds H3K9Me(2) 
      and H3K9Me(3)  with approximately equal affinities. The selectivity of HP1alpha
      chromodomain for H3K9Me(3)  over H3K9Me(2)  was investigated by mutating E52 to
      remove or weaken the hydrogen bond to K9Me(2)  while maintaining affinity for
      K9Me(3,)  including E52F, E52I, E52V, E52D, an E52Q. The E52Q mutant exhibited
      the greatest degree of selectivity for KMe3, with 3.5-fold weaker binding to the
      dimethylated peptide (K(D) =52 MUM) compared to the trimethylated peptide (K(D)
      =15 MUM). These studies provide insight into the role of electrostatic
      interactions and hydrogen bonding in the differentiation of methylation states
      and have implications regarding the evolutionary pressure for selectivity in this
      protein-protein interaction. Moreover, the information from this study may help
      guide inhibitor development for this class of proteins.

PMID- 22052800
TI  - Branched polyethyleneimine-bonded tentacle-type polymer stationary phase for
      peptides and proteins separations by open-tubular capillary
      electrochromatography.
AB  - A novel tentacle-type polymer stationary phase covalently modified with branched
      polyethyleneimine (PEI) was developed for peptides and proteins separations by
      open-tubular CEC (OT-CEC). The preparation procedure included the silanization of
      capillary inner wall, in situ graft polymerization and PEI functionalization. A
      wrinkly polymer surface of multitudinous steric amine groups was evenly formed on
      the capillary inner wall, and anodic EOF could be gained within a wide pH range
      of 2.5-7.5. The electroosmotic mobility was examined for its dependence on pH as
      well as PEI concentrations. Good repeatability was gained with RSD for the
      migration time of EOF marker within 4.8% and satisfactory chemical stability was
      validated. Due to the existence of amine groups on the surface of tentacle-type
      polymer stationary phase, the silanol effect that occurs between the positively
      charged biomolecules and the silanols of the capillary column was greatly
      suppressed. Compared with a monolayer-coating capillary, seven enkephalin-related
      peptides were well resolved on the PEI-bonded column with high efficiencies.
      Favorable separations of peptides and proteins with high column efficiencies were
      obtained in 144,000-189,000 and 97,000-170,000 plates/m. Branched PEI-bonded
      tentacle-type polymer stationary phase has been proven to afford satisfactory
      retention and resolution of peptides and proteins.

PMID- 22052801
TI  - Platinum(II) phenanthroimidazoles for targeting telomeric G-quadruplexes.
AB  - A rationally designed progression of phenanthroimidazole platinum(II) complexes
      were examined for their ability to target telomere-derived intramolecular G
      quadruplex DNA. Through the use of circular dichroism, fluorescence displacement
      assays, and molecular modeling we show that these complexes template and
      stabilize G-quadruplexes from sequences based on the human telomeric repeat
      (TTAGGG)(n). The greatest stabilization was observed for the p-chlorophenyl
      derivative 6((G4)DC(50) =0.31 MUM). We also show that the G-quadruplex binding
      complexes are able to inhibit telomerase activity through a modified telomerase
      repeat amplification protocol (TRAP-LIG assay). Preliminary cell studies show
      that complex 6 is preferentially cytotoxic toward cancer over normal cell lines,
      indicating its potential use in cancer therapy.

PMID- 22052802
TI  - Gene-environment interactions of novel variants associated with head and neck
      cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A genome-wide association study for upper aerodigestive tract cancers
      identified 19 candidate single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We used these
      SNPs to investigate the potential gene-gene and gene-environment interactions in
      head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) risk. METHODS: The 19 variants were
      genotyped using Taqman assays among 575 cases and 676 controls in our population
      based case-control study. RESULTS: A restricted cubic spline model suggested both
      ADH1B and HEL308 modified the association between smoking pack-years and HNSCC.
      Classification and regression tree analysis demonstrated a higher-order
      interaction between smoking status, ADH1B, FLJ13089, and FLJ35784 in HNSCC risk.
      Compared with ever smokers carrying ADH1B T/C+T/T genotypes, smokers carrying
      ADH1B C/C genotype and FLJ13089 A/G+A/A genotypes had the highest risk of HNSCC
      (odds ratio = 1.84). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the risk associated
      with these variants may be specifically important among specific exposure groups.

PMID- 22052803
TI  - Sialic acid and sialyl-lactose glyco-conjugates: design, synthesis and binding
      assays to lectins and swine influenza H1N1 virus.
AB  - The terminal parts of the influenza hemagglutinin (HA) receptors alpha2,6- and
      alpha2,3-sialyllactoses were conjugated to an artificial carrier, named
      sequential oligopeptide carrier (SOC(4) ), to formulate human and avian receptor
      mimics, respectively. SOC(4) , formed by the tripeptide unit Lys-Aib-Gly, adopts
      a rigid helicoids-type conformation, which enables the conjugation of
      biomolecules to the Lys-N(epsilon) H(2) groups. By doing so, it preserves their
      initial conformations and functionalities of the epitopes. We report that SOC(4) 
      glyco-conjugate bearing two copies of the alpha2,6-sialyllactose is specifically
      recognized by the biotinylated Sambucus nigra (elderberry) bark lectin, which
      binds preferentially to sialic acid in an alpha2,6-linkage. SOC(4) -glyco
      conjugate bearing two copies of the alpha2,3-sialyllactose was not recognized by
      the biotinylated Maackia amurensis lectin, despite its well-known alpha2,3-sialyl
      bond specificity. However, preliminary immune blot assays showed that H1N1 virus
      binds to both the SOC(4) -glyco-conjugates immobilized onto nitrocellulose
      membrane. It is concluded that Ac-SOC(4) [(Ac)(2) ,(3'SL-Aoa)(2) ]-NH(2) 5 and Ac
      SOC(4) [(Ac)(2) ,(6'SL-Aoa)(2) ]-NH(2) 6 mimic the HA receptors. These findings
      could be useful for easy screening of binding and inhibition assays of virus
      receptor interactions.

PMID- 22052807
TI  - Pressure effects on Dirac fermions in alpha-(BEDT-TTF)2I3.
AB  - We investigate the pressure effect on the layered Dirac fermion system, which is
      realized in quasi-two-dimensional organic compound alpha-(BEDT-TTF)2I3. The
      trajectory of the contact points is investigated using the tight-binding model
      with the transfer integrals determined by x-ray diffraction experiments.
      Vanishing of the Dirac fermion spectrum, opening of the gap, and pressure
      dependence of interlayer magnetoresistance are discussed.

PMID- 22052806
TI  - Viscoelastic properties of human cortical bone tissue depend on gender and
      elastic modulus.
AB  - Bone exhibits rate-dependent failure behavior, suggesting that viscoelasticity is
      a factor in the damage and fracture of bone. Microdamage initiates at scales
      below the macroscopic porosity in bone, and, as such, is affected by the
      intrinsic viscoelasticity of the bone tissue. The viscoelasticity of the bone
      tissue can be measured by nanoindentation and recording the creep behavior at
      constant load. The viscoelastic properties have been used to assess differences
      in tissue behavior with respect to fracture healing, aging, and mouse strains. In
      this study, we compared the viscoelastic behavior of human cortical bone between
      genders by using nanoindentation at a fixed load of 10 mN to measure the creep
      time constant. Bones from females had a significantly greater time constant,
      indicating slower creep and relaxation, than bones from males. The creep time
      constants decreased with increasing tissue modulus. The mineralization, collagen
      content, and collagen cross-link density, which were bulk measurements, were
      analyzed to determine if the differences in viscoelastic behavior were explained
      by compositional differences in the bone. However, none of the parameters
      differed between genders, nor were they correlated to the viscoelastic time
      constant. As such, the difference must depend on other matrix proteins that we
      did not assess or differences in the microstructural organization. This is one of
      the only intrinsic bone material properties that has been found to differ between
      males and females, and it may be important for assessing differences in fracture
      risk, since crack propagation is generally sensitive to viscoelastic properties.

PMID- 22052808
TI  - A polymorphism in the growth hormone receptor is associated with height in
      children with Prader-Willi syndrome.
AB  - The exon-3 deletion polymorphism (d3, Database of Genomic Variants ID:
      Variation_64191) in the growth hormone receptor (GHR) gene is associated with
      increased growth response to growth hormone (GH) therapy in GH-deficient
      patients. However, an association of the GHR genotype with height has not yet
      been reported in Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS). The aim of this study was to assess
      the association of GHR alleles with height before starting GH therapy in patients
      with PWS. Seventy-four patients with PWS were genotyped and their medical records
      were retrospectively reviewed (45 males and 29 females, median age 8.7 years).
      One hundred normal controls, with known final height, were also genotyped. The GH
      exon 3 locus was genotyped using a PCR multiplex assay. The distribution of
      alleles in the patients with PWS was not different from controls [(fl/fl n = 53
      (72%), fl/d3 n = 21 (28%)) in PWS vs. (fl/fl n = 72(72%), fl/d3 n = 26(26%), and
      d3/d3 n = 2(2%)]. However, patients with PWS carrying a d3 allele had
      significantly greater height standard deviation scores (SDS) (P = 0.025) and
      higher insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) level (P = 0.041), although the age
      at the start of GH therapy, weight, BMI, and body fat were not different. The d3
      allele was associated with height and IGF-I levels before GH therapy and suggests
      that even before GH therapy, d3 allele may influence height through GH secretion.

PMID- 22052809
TI  - Influence of sugar ring conformation on the transportability of nucleosides by
      human nucleoside transporters.
AB  - The conformational preference of human nucleoside transporters (hNTs) with
      respect to sugar ring was examined using conformationally fixed purine and
      pyrimidine nucleosides built on a bicyclo[3.1.0]hexane template. These fixed
      conformation nucleosides, methanocarba-deoxyadenosine or methanocarba
      deoxycytidine in North (C3'-endo, N-MCdA and N-MCdC) or South (C2'-endo, S-MCdA
      and S-MCdC) conformations, were used to study inhibition of equilibrative (hENT1
      4) and concentrative (hCNT1-3) nucleoside transport by individual recombinant
      hNTs produced in Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells or Xenopus laevis oocytes. Our
      results indicated that nucleosides in the North conformation were potent
      inhibitors of transport mediated by hCNTs whereas South nucleosides were
      inhibitors of hENTs, thus showing differences in the interaction with the hNTs.
      In summary, hCNTs exhibited strong preferences for North nucleosides whereas
      hENTs exhibited slight preferences for South nucleosides, demonstrating for the
      first time different conformational preferences among members of the two families
      of hNTs.

PMID- 22052810
TI  - TP53 codon 72 polymorphisms in favorable histology Wilms tumors.
AB  - In Wilms tumor (WT), mutations in the gene encoding p53, TP53, are correlated
      with anaplasia; however TP53 variants have not been studied in favorable
      histology (FH) WTs. A single nucleotide polymorphism of TP53 encoding either
      arginine or proline at codon 72 is suggested to alter in vitro p53 behavior.
      Therefore, we analyzed tissue from 23 consecutive patients with FHWT to determine
      allelic and genotypic frequencies of Pro72 and Arg72 variants and correlate this
      with clinical outcomes. Interestingly, our cohort showed a statistically
      significant over-representation of the Arg allele and Arg/Arg genotype. However,
      the genotypic and allelic frequencies showed no significant correlation with age,
      stage, or disease recurrence.

PMID- 22052811
TI  - Galloflavin (CAS 568-80-9): a novel inhibitor of lactate dehydrogenase.
AB  - One of the most prominent alterations in cancer cells is their strict dependence
      on the glycolytic pathway for ATP generation. This observation led to the
      evaluation of glycolysis inhibitors as potential anticancer agents. The
      inhibition of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is a promising way to inhibit tumor
      cell glucose metabolism without affecting the energetic balance of normal
      tissues. However, the success of this approach depends chiefly on the
      availability of inhibitors that display good selectivity. We identified a
      compound (galloflavin, CAS 568-80-9) which, in contrast to other inhibitors of
      human LDH, hinders both the A and B isoforms of the enzyme. To determine the
      mechanism of action, we collected LDH-A and -B inhibition data in competition
      reactions with pyruvate or NADH and evaluated the results using software for
      enzyme kinetics analysis. We found that galloflavin inhibits both human LDH
      isoforms by preferentially binding the free enzyme, without competing with the
      substrate or cofactor. The calculated Ki values for pyruvate were 5.46 MUM (LDH
      A) and 15.06 MUM (LDH-B). In cultured tumor cells, galloflavin blocked aerobic
      glycolysis at micromolar concentrations, did not interfere with cell respiration,
      and induced cell death by triggering apoptosis. To our knowledge, the inhibition
      of LDH is, to date, the only biochemical effect described for galloflavin.
      Because galloflavin is not commercially available, we also describe herein a
      procedure for its synthesis and report its first full chemical characterization.

PMID- 22052812
TI  - Cloning and expression of a retinoic acid receptor beta2 subtype from the adult
      newt: evidence for an early role in tail and caudal spinal cord regeneration.
AB  - Retinoic acid receptor beta 2 (RARbeta2) has been proposed as an important
      receptor mediating retinoid-induced axonal growth and regeneration in developing
      mammalian spinal cord and brain. In urodele amphibians, organisms capable of
      extensive central nervous system (CNS) regeneration as adults, this receptor had
      not been isolated, nor had its function been characterized. We have cloned a full
      length RARbeta2 cDNA from adult newt CNS. This receptor, NvRARbeta2, is expressed
      in various adult organs capable of regeneration, including the spinal cord.
      Interestingly, both the NvRARbeta2 mRNA and protein are up-regulated during the
      first 2 weeks after amputation of the tail, primarily in the ependymoglial and
      meningeal tissues near the rostral cut surface of the cord. Treatment with LE135,
      a RARbeta-selective antagonist, caused a significant inhibition of ependymal
      outgrowth and a decrease in tail regenerate length. These data support an early
      role for this receptor in caudal spinal cord and tail regeneration in this
      amphibian.

PMID- 22052813
TI  - Reversible photooxygenation of alkynylanthracenes: chemical generation of singlet
      oxygen under very mild conditions.

PMID- 22052814
TI  - Preparative isolation and purification of senkyunolide-I, senkyunolide-H and
      ferulic acid from Rhizoma Chuanxiong using counter-current chromatography.
AB  - Three active compounds, senkyunolide-I, senkyunolide-H and ferulic acid (FA),
      were successfully isolated and purified from the extracts of Rhizoma Chuanxiong
      by counter-current chromatography (CCC). Based on the principle of the partition
      coefficient values (k) for target compounds and the separation factor (alpha)
      between target compounds, the two-phase solvent system that contains n-hexane
      ethyl acetate-methanol-water at an optimized volume ratio of 3:7:4:6 v/v was
      selected for the CCC separation, and the lower phase was employed as the mobile
      phase in the head-to-tail elution mode. In a single run, 400 mg of the crude
      extract yielded pure senkyunolide-I (6.4 mg), senkyunolide-H (1.7 mg) and FA (4.4
      mg) with the purities of 98, 93 and 99%, respectively. The CCC fractions were
      analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography, and the structures of the
      three active compounds were identified by MS and (1)H NMR.

PMID- 22052815
TI  - Detection of nonopioid beta-endorphin receptor in the rat myocardium.
AB  - Two selective agonists of nonopioid beta-endorphin receptor, synthetic peptides
      TPLVTLFK (octarphin) and SLTCLVKGFY (immunorphin), were labeled with tritium to
      specific activity of 29 and 25 Ci/mmol, respectively. Both labeled peptides were
      found to bind to high-affinity naloxone-insensitive binding sites on the
      membranes isolated from the rat myocardium (Kd = 2.0 +/- 0.2 and 2.5 +/- 0.3 nM,
      respectively). The [(3)H]octarphin specific binding to the myocardial membranes
      was inhibited by unlabeled beta-endorphin (Ki = 1.9 +/- 0.2 nM) and immunorphin
      (Ki = 2.2 +/- 0.3 nM). The [(3)H]immunorphin specific binding with the membranes
      was inhibited by unlabeled beta-endorphin (Ki = 2.3 +/- 0.3 nM) and octarphin (Ki
      = 2.4 +/- 0.3 nM). The binding specificity study revealed that these binding
      sites were insensitive not only to naloxone but also to alpha-endorphin, gamma
      endorphin, [Met(5)]enkephalin and [Leu(5)]enkephalin. Thus, beta-endorphin,
      immunorphin and octarphin bind to the common high-affinity naloxone-insensitive
      receptor of the rat myocardial membranes.

PMID- 22052816
TI  - Chemoradiation for patients with large-volume laryngeal cancers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with T4 laryngeal cancers, including those with large-volume
      (cartilage or tongue-base invasion) lesions, are often excluded from organ
      preservation trials due to expectations of inferior outcome in terms of survival
      and function. We hypothesize that such patients indeed have acceptable survival
      and function when treated with organ-preservation strategies. METHODS:
      Retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data of a cohort of patients
      with T4 laryngeal cancer was carried out. Follow-up ranged from 0.18 to 15.6
      years. All T4 laryngeal cancer patients who were enrolled in the University of
      Chicago concomitant chemoradiotherapy protocols from 1994 to the present were
      reviewed. This study was composed of 80 newly diagnosed T4 laryngeal cancer
      patients. Efficacy of treatment was determined through evaluations of survival
      and function. Survival was evaluated via Kaplan-Meier methods. Swallowing
      function was evaluated by an oropharyngeal motility (OPM) study and swallowing
      scores were assigned. Higher scores reflected increasing swallowing dysfunction.
      RESULTS: Fifty-five of 80 patients (~69%) had documented large-volume tumor. Two-
      and 5-year overall survivals were 60.0% and 48.7%, respectively. Disease-specific
      2- and 5-year survivals for the group were 80.1% and 71.3%, and 79.4 and 74.3%,
      respectively, for the 55 patients with large volume status. Progression-free
      survival rates were 52.6% and 47.6%. Forty-four of 65 patients (~68%) with OPM
      data had a Swallowing Performance Status Scale (SPSS) score of <=5, indicating
      various degrees of swallowing abnormalities not requiring a gastrostomy tube.
      This is a functional-preservation rate of 67.7%. CONCLUSIONS: Chemoradiation for
      patients with T4 laryngeal cancer appears to be an effective and reasonable
      option, particularly in light of the satisfactory survival and function
      preservation rates.

PMID- 22052818
TI  - Anisotropic intrinsic spin Hall effect in quantum wires.
AB  - We use numerical simulations to investigate the spin Hall effect in quantum wires
      in the presence of both Rashba and Dresselhaus spin-orbit coupling. We find that
      the intrinsic spin Hall effect is highly anisotropic with respect to the
      orientation of the wire, and that the nature of this anisotropy depends strongly
      on the electron density and the relative strengths of the Rashba and Dresselhaus
      spin-orbit couplings. In particular, at low densities, when only one subband of
      the quantum wire is occupied, the spin Hall effect is strongest for electron
      momentum along the [N110] axis, which is the opposite of what is expected for the
      purely 2D case. In addition, when more than one subband is occupied, the strength
      and anisotropy of the spin Hall effect can vary greatly over relatively small
      changes in electron density, which makes it difficult to predict which wire
      orientation will maximize the strength of the spin Hall effect. These results
      help to illuminate the role of quantum confinement in spin-orbit-coupled systems,
      and can serve as a guide for future experimental work on the use of quantum wires
      for spin-Hall-based spintronic applications.

PMID- 22052817
TI  - Metal-ion-dependent folding of a uranyl-specific DNAzyme: insight into function
      from fluorescence resonance energy transfer studies.
AB  - Fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) has been used to study the global
      folding of an uranyl (UO(2)(2+))-specific 39E DNAzyme in the presence of Mg(2+),
      Zn(2+), Pb(2+), or UO(2)(2+). At pH 5.5 and physiological ionic strength (100 mM
      Na(+)), two of the three stems in this DNAzyme folded into a compact structure in
      the presence of Mg(2+) or Zn(2+). However, no folding occurred in the presence of
      Pb(2+) or UO(2)(2+); this is analogous to the "lock-and-key" catalysis mode first
      observed in the Pb(2+)-specific 8-17 DNAzyme. However, Mg(2+) and Zn(2+) exert
      different effects on the 8-17 and 39E DNAzymes. Whereas Mg(2+) or Zn(2+)
      dependent folding promoted 8-17 DNAzyme activity, the 39E DNAzyme folding induced
      by Mg(2+) or Zn(2+) inhibited UO(2)(2+)-specific activity. Group IIA series of
      metal ions (Mg(2+), Ca(2+), Sr(2+)) also caused global folding of the 39E
      DNAzyme, for which the apparent binding affinity between these metal ions and the
      DNAzyme decreases as the ionic radius of the metal ions increases. Because the
      ionic radius of Sr(2+) (1.12 A) is comparable to that of Pb(2+) (1.20 A), but
      contrary to Pb(2+), Sr(2+) induces the DNAzyme to fold under identical
      conditions, ionic size alone cannot account for the unique folding behaviors
      induced by Pb(2+) and UO(2)(2+). Under low ionic strength (30 mM Na(+)), all four
      metal ions (Mg(2+), Zn(2+), Pb(2+), and UO(2)(2+)), caused 39E DNAzyme folding,
      suggesting that metal ions can neutralize the negative charge of DNA-backbone
      phosphates in addition to playing specific catalytic roles. Mg(2+) at low (<2 mM)
      concentration promoted UO(2)(2+)-specific activity, whereas Mg(2+) at high (>2
      mM) concentration inhibited the UO(2)(2+)-specific activity. Therefore, the lock
      and-key mode of DNAzymes depends on ionic strength, and the 39E DNAzyme is in the
      lock-and-key mode only at ionic strengths of 100 mM or greater.

PMID- 22052819
TI  - A novel Xp22.11 deletion causing a syndrome of craniosynostosis and
      periventricular nodular heterotopia.
AB  - We report on a follow-up evaluation of a male with a phenotype including
      craniosynostosis, periventricular nodular heterotopia, and neurodevelopmental
      delay. He was initially assigned a clinical diagnosis of Fontaine-Farriaux
      syndrome (FFS) as an infant although now, with improved delineation of this
      entity, it is evident that this diagnosis is not applicable to this individual.
      Array comparative genomic hybridization has demonstrated a 300  kb interstitial
      deletion on Xp22.11 affecting all or part of three annotated genes, ZFX, PDK3,
      and PCYT1B in this subject. The deletion was inherited from the phenotypically
      normal mother who also exhibited markedly skewed X-inactivation. These findings
      implicate hemizygosity for one or all three of these genes as the cause of this
      phenotype.

PMID- 22052820
TI  - Self-assembly of linear and cyclic siloxane-containing mesogens: investigation of
      layered structures in bulk and thin films.
AB  - Silicon-containing materials which possess the ability to form mesophases are
      promising systems for applications in the fields of electro-optical devices,
      nonlinear optics, and information storage media. In this work, the formation of
      supramolecular assemblies of a series of low molecular weight siloxane-containing
      mesogens is presented. Besides a novel synthesis route via Ru(II) -catalyzed
      hydrosilylation of phenyl acetylene derivatives, mesophase characterization by
      modern analysis techniques is performed. As linker groups, leading to bi- and
      tetramesogens, linear disiloxane and cyclic tetrasiloxane are utilized. In the
      resulting class of materials, high thermal stability, induced by the formation of
      layered smectic-type structures, is predominant. The smectic-type phases were
      found to be monotropic. Layer distances in the assemblies, as well as the phase
      transition temperatures, can be controlled by the substitution motif on the
      mesogens (number and length of alkyl chains). In spin-cast thin films, the
      layered domains are visualized by atomic force microscopy; furthermore, domain
      dimensions and electron densities are determined by grazing-incidence small-angle
      X-ray scattering.

PMID- 22052821
TI  - Induction of canonical Wnt signaling by alsterpaullone is sufficient for oral
      tissue fate during regeneration and embryogenesis in Nematostella vectensis.
AB  - Although regeneration is widespread among metazoa, the molecular mechanisms have
      been studied in only a handful of taxa. Of these taxa, fewer still are amenable
      to studies of embryogenesis. Our understanding of the evolution of regeneration,
      and its relation to embryogenesis, therefore remains limited. Using beta-catenin
      as a marker, we investigated the role of canonical Wnt signaling during both
      regeneration and embryogenesis in the cnidarian Nematostella vectensis. The
      canonical Wnt signaling pathway is known to play a conserved role in primary axis
      patterning in triploblasts. Induction of Wnt signaling with alsterpaullone
      results in ectopic oral tissue during both regeneration and embryogenesis by
      specifically upregulating beta-catenin expression, as measured by qRTPCR. Our
      data indicate that canonical Wnt signaling is sufficient for oral patterning
      during Nematostella regeneration and embryogenesis. These data also contribute to
      a growing body of literature indicating a conserved role for patterning
      mechanisms across various developmental modes of metazoans.

PMID- 22052822
TI  - Human serum albumin nanotubes with esterase activity.
AB  - A nanocylindrical wall structure was obtained by layer-by-layer (LbL) assembly of
      poly-L-arginine (PLA) and human serum albumin (HSA) and characterized by scanning
      electron microscopy (SEM), scanning force microscopy (SFM), and cryogenic
      transmission electron microscopy (cryo-TEM). SEM and SFM measurements of a
      lyophilized powder of (PLA/HSA)(3) nanotubes yielded images of round, chimney
      like architectures with approximately 100 nm wall thickness. Cryo-TEM images of
      the hydrated sample revealed that the tube walls are composed of densely packed
      HSA molecules. Moreover, when small-angle X-ray scattering was used to
      characterize the individual PLA and HSA components in aqueous solutions, maximum
      diameters of approximately 28 nm and 8 nm were obtained, respectively. These
      values indicate the minimum thickness of wall layers consisting of PLA and HSA.
      It can also be concluded from SEM as well as from cryo-TEM images that the
      protein cylinders are considerably swollen in the presence of water. Furthermore,
      HSA retains esterase activity if assembled in nanotubes, as indicated by
      measurements of para-nitrophenyl acetate hydrolysis under semi-physiological
      conditions (pH 7.4, 22  degrees C). The enzyme activity parameters (Michaelis
      constant, K(m), and catalytic constant, k(cat)) were comparable to those of free
      HSA.

PMID- 22052823
TI  - The multivalent effect in glycosidase inhibition: probing the influence of
      architectural parameters with cyclodextrin-based iminosugar click clusters.
AB  - In contrast to most lectins, glycosidases may appear to be unpromising targets
      for multivalent binding because they display only a single active site. To
      explore the potential of multivalency on glycosidase inhibition, unprecedented
      cyclodextrin-based iminosugar conjugates have been designed and prepared. The
      synthesis was performed by way of Cu(I) -catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition
      reaction under microwave activation between propargylated multivalent beta
      cyclodextrins and an azide-armed N-alkyl 1-deoxynojirimycin derivative.
      Evaluation with a panel of glycosidases of this new class of glycomimetic
      clusters revealed the strongest affinity enhancement observed to date for a
      multivalent glycosidase inhibitor, with binding enhancement up to four orders of
      magnitude over the corresponding monovalent ligand for alpha-mannosidase. These
      results demonstrate that the multivalency concept extends beyond carbohydrate
      lectin recognition processes to glycomimetic-enzyme inhibition.

PMID- 22052824
TI  - Using baicalin-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles for selectively extracting
      flavonoids from Rosa chinensis.
AB  - An extraction agent featuring a natural product, baicalin, anchored on the
      surface of nanomagnetic particles (BMNPs) is herein reported. A facile solid
      phase extraction (SPE) procedure with high selectivity toward flavonoids using
      BMNPs has been established. BMNPs were proven very effective for enriching
      flavonoids from extracts of medicinal plants such as Rosa chinensis. The SPE
      protocol involving a convenient solid-liquid separation by using an external
      magnet field was easy to carry out. Further, the SPE sorbent (BMNPs) could be
      reused for many times reducing the operation cost. Importantly, flavonoids
      retained on the BMNPs were effectively recovered by eluting with methanol.
      Coupling the proposed SPE with ESI-MS/MS allowed a quick quantification of
      flavonoids in herbal extracts. Simultaneous determination of eight flavonoids
      extracted from R. chinensis was demonstrated in this work.

PMID- 22052825
TI  - Effect of introducing a short amyloidogenic sequence from the Abeta peptide at
      the N-terminus of 18-residue amphipathic helical peptides.
AB  - Fibril formation is the hallmark of pathogenesis in Alzheimer's disease and other
      amyloid disorders caused by conformational alterations leading to the aggregation
      of soluble monomers. Abeta40 self-associates to form amyloid fibrils. Its central
      seven-residue segment KLVFFAE (Abeta16-22), which is thought to be crucial for
      fibril formation of the full-length peptide, forms fibrils even in isolation.
      Context-dependent induction of amyloid formation by such sequences in peptides,
      which otherwise do not have that propensity, is of considerable interest. We have
      examined the effect of introducing the Abeta16-22 sequence at the N-terminus of
      two amphipathic helical 18-residue peptides Ac-WYSEMKRNVQRLERAIEE-am and Ac
      KQLIRFLKRLDRNLWGLA-am, which have high average hydrophobic moment <MUH> values
      but have net charges of 0 and +4, respectively, at neutral pH. Upon incubation in
      aqueous buffer, fibril-like aggregates were discernible by transmission electron
      microscopy for the peptide with only 0 net charge, which also displayed ThT
      binding and beta-structure. Although both the sequences have been derived from
      amphipathic helical segments in globular proteins and possess high average
      hydrophobic moments, the +4 charge peptide lacks the ability to form fibrils,
      while the peptide with 0 charge has the tendency to form fibrillar structures.
      Variation in the net charge and the presence of several glutamic acids in the
      sequence of the peptide with net charge 0 appear to favor the formation of
      fibrils when the Abeta16-22 sequence is attached at the N-terminus.

PMID- 22052826
TI  - Advances in the management of recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of
      the head and neck.
AB  - Most patients with locally advanced squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck
      (SCCHN) undergo definitive therapy, yet locoregional recurrence and metastasis
      are common. Most patients ultimately require systemic treatment. Platinum/5
      fluorouracil (5-FU) has been the standard of care for patients with good
      performance status (median survival, 6-8 months). Cetuximab, a monoclonal
      antibody against epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), significantly improved
      median survival in combination with platinum/5-FU compared with chemotherapy
      alone, establishing it as a new standard for patients with recurrent or
      metastatic disease. Cetuximab is also active in platinum-refractory disease.
      Ongoing trials are exploring other EGFR inhibitors as well as the use of biologic
      agents in combination (eg, cetuximab + bevacizumab). Predictive biomarkers may
      help personalize therapy for SCCHN, and it is unclear whether the favorable
      prognostic effect of p16 or human papillomavirus in locally advanced
      oropharyngeal cancer is relevant for advanced disease.

PMID- 22052827
TI  - Organometallic complexes in supported ionic-liquid phase (SILP) catalysts: a PHIP
      NMR spectroscopy study.
AB  - para-Hydrogen induced polarization (PHIP) NMR spectroscopy emerges as an
      efficient and robust method for on-line monitoring of gas-phase hydrogenation
      reactions. Here we report detailed investigations of supported ionic liquid phase
      (SILP) catalysts in a continuous gas-phase hydrogenation of propene with PHIP NMR
      spectroscopy. A relocation of the rhodium complex in the thin layer of ionic
      liquid in the SILP catalyst at the initial stage of the propene hydrogenation is
      demonstrated. PHIP NMR spectroscopy can provide profound insight into the
      evolution of SILP catalysts during hydrogenation reactions.

PMID- 22052828
TI  - Superconductivity and ferromagnetism in EuFe2(As(1-x)P(x))2.
AB  - Superconductivity and ferromagnetism are two antagonistic cooperative phenomena,
      which makes it difficult for them to coexist. Here we demonstrate experimentally
      that they do coexist in EuFe2(As(1-x)P(x))2 with 0.2 <= x <= 0.4, in which
      superconductivity is associated with Fe 3d electrons and ferromagnetism comes
      from the long-range ordering of Eu 4f moments via Ruderman-Kittel-Kasuya-Yosida
      (RKKY) interactions. The coexistence features large saturated ferromagnetic
      moments, high and comparable superconducting and magnetic transition
      temperatures, and broad coexistence ranges in temperature and field. We ascribe
      this unusual phenomenon to the robustness of superconductivity as well as the
      multi-orbital character of iron pnictides.

PMID- 22052829
TI  - Initial testing (stage 1) of SGI-1776, a PIM1 kinase inhibitor, by the pediatric
      preclinical testing program.
AB  - The PIM kinase inhibitor, SGI-1776, was tested against the PPTP in vitro (1.0 nM
      10 uM) and in vivo panels (148 mg/kg daily * 5 days for 3 weeks). SGI-1776
      exhibited cytotoxic activity in vitro with a median relative IC(50) of 3.1 uM.
      SGI-1776 induced significant differences in EFS distribution in vivo in 9 of 31
      solid tumor xenografts and in 1 of 8 of the evaluable ALL xenografts. SGI-1776
      induced tumor growth inhibition meeting criteria for intermediate EFS T/C
      activity in 1 of 39 evaluable models. In contrast, SGI-1776 induced complete
      responses of subcutaneous MV4;11 (B myeloid leukemia).

PMID- 22052830
TI  - Objective assessment of nasality in Flemish adults with neurofibromatosis type 1.
AB  - When characterizing the speech of a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1),
      hypernasality is often mentioned. As few studies applied technically assisted
      evaluations of nasality in NF1 patients, the aim of the present study was to
      document the nasal resonance of adults with NF1 using nasometry. The nasometric
      data obtained from the NF1 patients were compared with the nasalance scores of a
      healthy control group and with normative data. The final study group consisted of
      24 adult NF1 patients and 16 controls, all living in the East Flemish part of
      Belgium. Nasalance scores were obtained while the participants sustained three
      vowels (/a:/, /i./, and /u./) and one consonant (/m/) and read three standard
      nasalance passages. Despite the inter- and intra-subject variability, we observed
      that NF1 patients as a group exhibited higher mean nasalance scores than
      controls. This finding was especially clear in males. Potential genotype
      phenotype correlations between NF1 mutation type and hypernasality were examined
      but could not be demonstrated. Conversely, comparison of the nasometric data
      obtained from the NF1 patients with magnetic resonance imaging findings showed
      some degree of interesting correlation. We conclude that, notwithstanding the
      small sample size for some analyses, nasality is an area of interest in the NF1
      population. As altered nasality influences speech intelligibility, nasality
      requires attention during follow-up visits, particularly when it concerns a male
      NF1 patient.

PMID- 22052831
TI  - Accurate bond energies of hydrocarbons from complete basis set extrapolated multi
      reference singles and doubles configuration interaction.
AB  - Quantum chemistry has become one of the most reliable tools for characterizing
      the thermochemical underpinnings of reactions, such as bond dissociation energies
      (BDEs). The accurate prediction of these particular properties (BDEs) are
      challenging for ab initio methods based on perturbative corrections or coupled
      cluster expansions of the single-determinant Hartree-Fock wave function: the
      processes of bond breaking and forming are inherently multi-configurational and
      require an accurate description of non-dynamical electron correlation. To this
      end, we present a systematic ab initio approach for computing BDEs that is based
      on three components: 1) multi-reference single and double excitation
      configuration interaction (MRSDCI) for the electronic energies; 2) a two
      parameter scheme for extrapolating MRSDCI energies to the complete basis set
      limit; and 3) DFT-B3LYP calculations of minimum-energy structures and vibrational
      frequencies to account for zero point energy and thermal corrections. We
      validated our methodology against a set of reliable experimental BDE values of
      C?C and C?H bonds of hydrocarbons. The goal of chemical accuracy is achieved, on
      average, without applying any empirical corrections to the MRSDCI electronic
      energies. We then use this composite scheme to make predictions of BDEs in a
      large number of hydrocarbon molecules for which there are no experimental data,
      so as to provide needed thermochemical estimates for fuel molecules.

PMID- 22052833
TI  - A comparison of methods using optical coherence tomography to detect
      demineralized regions in teeth.
AB  - Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is a three- dimensional optical imaging
      technique that can be used to identify areas of early caries formation in dental
      enamel. The OCT signal at 850 nm back-reflected from sound enamel is attenuated
      stronger than the signal back-reflected from demineralized regions. To quantify
      this observation, the OCT signal as a function of depth into the enamel (also
      known as the A-scan intensity), the histogram of the A-scan intensities and three
      summary parameters derived from the A-scan are defined and their diagnostic
      potential compared. A total of 754 OCT A-scans were analyzed. The three summary
      parameters derived from the A-scans, the OCT attenuation coefficient as well as
      the mean and standard deviation of the lognormal fit to the histogram of the A
      scan ensemble show statistically significant differences (p < 0.01) when
      comparing parameters from sound enamel and caries. Furthermore, these parameters
      only show a modest correlation. Based on the area under the curve (AUC) of the
      receiver operating characteristics (ROC) plot, the OCT attenuation coefficient
      shows higher discriminatory capacity (AUC = 0.98) compared to the parameters
      derived from the lognormal fit to the histogram of the A-scan. However, direct
      analysis of the A-scans or the histogram of A-scan intensities using linear
      support vector machine classification shows diagnostic discrimination (AUC =
      0.96) comparable to that achieved using the attenuation coefficient. These
      findings suggest that either direct analysis of the A-scan, its intensity
      histogram or the attenuation coefficient derived from the descending slope of the
      OCT A-scan have high capacity to discriminate between regions of caries and sound
      enamel.

PMID- 22052836
TI  - Molecularly imprinted supermacroporous cryogels for cytochrome c recognition.
AB  - Molecular imprinting is an attractive biomimetic approach that creates specific
      recognition sites for the shape and functional group arrangement to template
      molecules. The purpose of this study is to prepare cytochrome c-imprinted
      poly(hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (PHEMA)-based supermacroporous cryogel which can
      be used for the separation of cytochrome c from protein mixtures. N-Methacryloyl
      (L)-histidinemethylester (MAH) was used as the metal-coordinating monomer. In the
      first step, Cu(2+) was complexed with MAH, and the cytochrome c imprinted PHEMA
      (MIP) cryogel was prepared by free radical cryopolymerization initiated by
      N,N,N',N'-tetramethylene diamine at -12 degrees C. After polymerization is
      completed, the template cytochrome c molecules were removed from the MIP cryogel
      using 0.5 M NaCl solution. The maximum cytochrome c binding amount was 126 mg/g
      polymer. Selective binding studies were performed in the presence of lysozyme and
      bovine serum albumin. The relative selectivity coefficients of MIP cryogel for
      cytochrome c/lysozyme and cytochrome c/bovine serum albumin were 1.7 and 5.2
      times greater than those of the non-imprinted PHEMA cryogel, respectively. The
      selectivity of MIP cryogel for cytochrome c was also confirmed with fast protein
      liquid chromatography. The MIP cryogel could be used many times with no
      remarkable decrease in cytochrome c binding capacity.

PMID- 22052837
TI  - First solid-state structures of real diorganyl phosphinous acids R2POH (R=CF3,
      C2F5).

PMID- 22052838
TI  - The solution structure of the S4-S5 linker of the hERG potassium channel.
AB  - The human ether-a-go-go related gene (hERG) encodes a protein that forms a
      voltage-gated potassium channel and plays an important role in the heart by
      controlling the rapid delayed rectifier K(+) current (I(Kr)). The S4-S5 linker
      was shown to be important for the gating of the hERG channel. Nuclear magnetic
      resonance study showed that a peptide derived from the S4-S5 linker had no well
      ordered structure in aqueous solution and adopted a 3(10) -helix (E544-Y545-G546)
      structure in detergent micelles. The existence of an amphipathic helix was
      confirmed, which may be important for interaction with cell membrane. Close
      contact between side chains of residues R541 and E544 was observed, which may be
      important for its regulation of channel gating.

PMID- 22052839
TI  - Significant association of SRC protein expression with the progression,
      recurrence, and prognosis of oral squamous cell carcinoma in Taiwan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Src protein overexpression correlates with progression and prognosis
      of a variety of human cancers. METHODS: This study used immunohistochemistry to
      examine the expression of Src protein in 93 specimens of oral squamous cell
      carcinoma (OSCC). RESULTS: We found a significant association of high expression
      of Src protein (labeling indices >50%) with larger tumor size (p = .017),
      positive lymph node metastasis (p = .030), more advanced clinical stages (p =
      .007), and recurrence (p < .001) of OSCC. High expression of Src protein was
      identified as an independent unfavorable prognosis factor by multivariate Cox
      regression analysis. The Kaplan-Meier curve showed that patients with OSCC with
      high expression of Src protein had a significantly poorer cumulative survival
      than those with low expression of Src protein (log-rank test, p = .00267).
      CONCLUSION: The expression of Src protein is significantly associated with the
      progression, recurrence, and prognosis of OSCCs in Taiwan.

PMID- 22052840
TI  - Red-emitting dyes with photophysical and photochemical properties controlled by
      pH.
AB  - New unsymmetrical zinc azaphthalocyanines, bearing one substituted aniline as a
      peripheral substituent, were prepared by using a statistical condensation
      approach. Both fluorescence and singlet oxygen quantum yields were extremely low
      in DMF (Phi(F)<0.01, Phi(Delta)<0.02, respectively), but increased after the
      addition of sulfuric acid, reaching values comparable to controls without aniline
      substituents (Phi(F)=0.22-0.29, Phi(Delta)=0.40-0.59, respectively). This
      behavior was attributed to the deactivation of excited states by intramolecular
      charge transfer from a donor site (aniline), which was blocked after protonation
      in acidic media. In the protonated form, all of the compounds efficiently emitted
      light with lambda(em) in the region of 662-675 nm. The investigated compounds
      were anchored to dioleoylphosphatidylcholine (DOPC) unilamellar vesicles and
      showed response to buffer pH. They were highly fluorescent at low pH values and
      almost nonfluorescent in neutral solutions. The pK(a) values were determined in
      DOPC vesicles and ranged between 2.2 and 4.2.

PMID- 22052841
TI  - Inhomogeneous superconductivity in organic conductors: the role of disorder and
      magnetic field.
AB  - Several experimental studies have shown the presence of spatially inhomogeneous
      phase coexistence of superconducting and non-superconducting domains in low
      dimensional organic superconductors. The superconducting properties of these
      systems are found to be strongly dependent on the amount of disorder introduced
      in the sample regardless of its origin. The suppression of the superconducting
      transition temperature T(c) shows a clear discrepancy with the result expected
      from the Abrikosov-Gor'kov law giving the behavior of T(c) with impurities. On
      the basis of the time dependent Ginzburg-Landau theory, we derive a model to
      account for this striking feature of T(c) in organic superconductors for
      different types of disorder by considering the segregated texture of the system.
      We show that the calculated T(c) quantitatively agrees with experiments. We also
      focus on the effect of superconducting fluctuations on the upper critical fields
      H(c2) of layered superconductors showing slab structure where superconducting
      domains are sandwiched by non-superconducting regions. We found that H(c2) may be
      strongly enhanced by such fluctuations.

PMID- 22052842
TI  - Diagnostic delay in pediatric solid tumors: a population based study on
      determinants and impact on outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite socioeconomic and clinical progress, pediatric tumors
      continue to present in advanced stage, and may be due to delays in diagnosis.
      This study aimed to identify factors associated with diagnostic delay (time
      between symptom onset and diagnosis) in pediatric tumors in a population-based
      study, and to assess the impact of delay on subsequent outcome. PROCEDURE:
      Natural logarithm of delay was retrospectively described for 390 newly diagnosed
      tumors reported to the Singapore Childhood Cancer Registry from 1997 to 2007.
      Delay was correlated with socio-demographic, disease and healthcare-system
      factors using multivariate linear regression, and with event-free survival (EFS)
      using Cox regression analysis. RESULTS: Total median delay was 5.3 weeks (range
      0.1-283.1). Shorter delay was independently associated with younger patient age
      (P = 0.006), abdominal and pelvic sites (P < 0.001 and P = 0.036, respectively),
      incidental diagnoses by healthcare staff (P = 0.002), and when pediatric
      emergency units were the first contacted healthcare facilities and the first to
      raise suspicion of malignancy (P = 0.034, and P = 0.018, respectively). These
      factors explained only a small percentage of variance in delay times (21%). Delay
      was not associated with EFS and disease stage, with 24% of tumors presenting in
      stage 4. CONCLUSIONS: Diagnostic delay was independently associated with age and
      site of presentation, and points of first symptom detection, first healthcare
      contact, and first suspicion of malignancy. The broad range of clinical variables
      analyzed could only account in a small way for differences in delay times
      observed. While overall delay times were short, they did not influence disease
      stage at presentation and eventual outcome.

PMID- 22052843
TI  - Mosaic marker chromosome 16 resulting in 16q11.2-q12.1 gain in a child with
      intellectual disability, microcephaly, and cerebellar cortical dysplasia.
AB  - Proximal duplications of the long arm of chromosome 16 are rare and only a few
      patients have been reported. Clinically, the patients do not have a distinctive
      syndromic appearance; however they all show some degree of intellectual
      disability and most have severely delayed speech development. We report on a
      child presenting with mild-to-moderate intellectual disability, microcephaly,
      language dyspraxia, and mild dysmorphisms who was found to have a mosaic gain of
      chromosome 16q (16q11.2-16q12.1). Magnetic resonance imaging done at the age of 4
      years demonstrated cerebellar cortical dysplasia involving the vermis and
      hemispheres. This is the first report of cerebellar anomalies in a patient with
      partial trisomy 16q. The genes ZNF423 and CBLN1 found in the duplicated region
      play a role in the development of the cerebellum and may be responsible for the
      cerebellar cortical dysplasia.

PMID- 22052844
TI  - Changes in fluorescent emission due to non-covalent interactions as a general
      detection procedure for thin-layer chromatography.
AB  - Changes in fluorescence emission due to non-covalent analyte-fluorophore
      interactions in silica gel plates are studied and used as a general detection
      procedure for thin-layer chromatography (TLC). The presence of the analyte
      modifies the microenvironment of the fluorophore and thus changes the balance
      between radiative (k(r)) and non-radiative (k(nr)) emission constants. A model is
      proposed for analyte-fluorophore induced electrostatic interactions, which depend
      on analyte polarizability and are responsible for fluorescence enhancements. As
      consequence of these induced interactions, the analyte creates an apolar
      environment that prevents non-fluorescent decay mechanisms, decreasing k(nr). On
      the other hand, the effect of an increase in refractive index on k(r) is
      investigated, as it contributes to some extent to fluorescence enhancements in
      silica gel medium. Changes in fluorescence emission should be regarded as a
      general property of fluorophores in the presence of analytes, and criteria that
      fluorophores should meet to be used as sensitive TLC probes are discussed here.

PMID- 22052846
TI  - Flow perfusion maintains ex vivo bone viability: a novel model for bone biology
      research.
AB  - Encased in lacunae, osteocytes receive nutrition and biomechanical signals
      through the lacunocanalicular system. We have developed a novel flow-perfusion
      bioreactor designed to support lacunocanalicular fluid flow. We hypothesize that
      ex vivo fluid flow can maintain endochondral bone viability and, ultimately,
      serve as a novel model to study bone biology in vitro. Sprague-Dawley rat femurs
      were harvested, stripped of soft tissue, loaded into a custom-designed bioreactor
      and perfused with osteogenic culture medium. After 14 days of flow-perfusion or
      static culture, the bones were harvested, fixed, decalcified, embedded, sectioned
      and stained with haematoxylin and eosin. Fresh long bone samples were similarly
      processed for comparison. Osteocyte viability and function were also evaluated,
      using thiazolyl blue tetrazolium bromide (MTT), fluorospectrophotometric DNA
      quantification, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) colorimetric assay and fluorochrome
      labelling of mineralizing surfaces. All samples remained free of infection
      throughout the study period. After 14 days of flow perfusion, histological
      analysis showed normal-appearing bony architecture, with 72% of lacunae being
      osteocyte-filled compared with 93% in freshly harvested samples and only 36% in
      static samples. MTT staining and assay confirmed osteocyte viability in the flow
      perfusion samples as well as in fresh samples. DNA quantification demonstrated
      DNA to be preserved in flow-perfused samples when compared with freshly harvested
      samples. ALP activity in flow-perfusion explants was upregulated compared with
      fresh and static samples. Fluorochrome-labelled mineralizing surfaces were seen
      throughout the explanted flow-perfused samples. This is the first demonstration
      that flow perfusion provides adequate chemotransportation to explanted murine
      endochondal bones.

PMID- 22052845
TI  - Preparation, characterization and application of a new stir bar sorptive
      extraction based on poly(vinylphthalimide-co-N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide)
      monolith.
AB  - In this study, a new stir bar sorptive extraction (SBSE) coating based on
      poly(vinylphthalimide-co-N,N'-methylenebisacrylamide) monolith (SBSE-VPMB) was
      prepared. The influences of the contents of monomer in polymerization mixture and
      the percentage of porogen solvent on the extraction performance were investigated
      thoroughly. Several characteristic techniques, such as elemental analysis,
      scanning electron microscopy, mercury intrusion porosimetry and infrared
      spectroscopy, were used to characterize the monolithic material. The analysis of
      oxfendazole (OFZ) and mebendazole (MBZ) in milk and honey samples by the
      combination of SBSE with HPLC with diode array detection was selected as
      paradigms for the practical evaluation of the new coating. Under the optimized
      extraction conditions, the limits of detection (S/N=3) for OFZ and MBZ were 0.23
      0.60 MUg/L in milk and 0.24-1.08 MUg/L in honey, respectively. The method also
      showed good linearity, repeatability, high feasibility and acceptable recoveries
      for real samples. At the same time, the extraction performance and the
      distribution coefficients (K(VPMB/W)) of OFZ and MBZ on SBSE-VPMB were compared
      with other SBSEs based on porous monoliths and commercial SBSE.

PMID- 22052847
TI  - The synthesis of a new class of chiral pincer ligands and their applications in
      enantioselective catalytic fluorinations and the Nozaki-Hiyama-Kishi reaction.
AB  - A new class of chiral tridentate N-donor pincer ligands,
      bis(oxazolinylmethylidene)isoindolines (boxmi), was synthesized in three steps
      starting from readily available phthalimides. Their reaction with ethyl
      (triphenylphosphoranylidene)acetate by means of a key-step Wittig reaction gave
      the ligand backbones, which were condensed with amino alcohols and then cyclized
      to obtain the corresponding ligands. These ligands were subsequently applied in
      the nickel(II)-catalyzed enantioselective fluorination of oxindoles and beta
      ketoesters to obtain the corresponding products with enantioselectivities of up
      to >99% ee and high yields. Application of the chiral pincer ligands in the
      chromium-catalyzed enantioselective Nozaki-Hiyama-Kishi reaction of aldehydes
      gave the corresponding alcohols with an optimal enantioselectivity of 93%.

PMID- 22052848
TI  - Self-healing of chemical gels cross-linked by diarylbibenzofuranone-based trigger
      free dynamic covalent bonds at room temperature.

PMID- 22052849
TI  - Surfactant induced symmetric and thermally stable interfaces in Cu/Co
      multilayers.
AB  - In this work we studied Ag surfactant induced growth of Cu/Co multilayers. The
      Cu/Co multilayers were deposited using Ag surfactant by the ion beam sputtering
      technique. It was found that Ag surfactant balances the asymmetry between the
      surface free energies of Cu and Co. As a result, the Co-on-Cu and Cu-on-Co
      interfaces become sharp and symmetric and thereby improve the thermal stability
      of the multilayer. On the basis of obtained results, a mechanism leading to
      symmetric and stable interfaces in Cu/Co multilayers is discussed.

PMID- 22052850
TI  - Imatinib has adverse effect on growth in children with chronic myeloid leukemia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Long-term adverse effects of Imatinib in children with chronic
      myeloid leukemia (CML) are uncertain. The aim was to study the effect of imatinib
      on growth in children with CML. PROCEDURE: Children <=13 years of age at
      diagnosis were enrolled retrospectively, from 2004 to 2011, from a single center
      in India. Patients who received imatinib for >1 year were included for growth
      assessment. Height standard deviation scores (SDS) were derived from WHO
      AnthroPlus, a global growth monitoring tool. RESULTS: Thirty-four children
      received imatinib. Twenty children fulfilled the criteria for assessment of
      growth. Median age was 10 years (range: 2-13). Of 20 children, 13 were
      prepubertal at commencement of imatinib. The mean duration of imatinib in 20
      children was 61.3 +/- 16.2 months (range: 31-83). No patient was treated with a
      second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor or a stem cell transplant. Highly
      significant reduction in height SDS's was observed (P = 0.002 at 5th year).
      Children who started imatinib therapy after the onset of puberty were immune to
      this adverse effect (P = 0.448 and 0.003 at 5th year of treatment for pubertal
      and prepubertal children, respectively). The 5-year survival probability of 33
      children who received imatinib in chronic phase was 80% with a median survival
      time of 60 months (mean: 70.2; 95% CI: 60-80.5). CONCLUSIONS: Growth retardation
      is a significant adverse effect of imatinib in children with CML. The failure to
      gain appropriate height was most discernible when imatinib was initiated in the
      prepubertal period. Etiology and remedial measures need to be investigated.

PMID- 22052851
TI  - Severe neonatal-onset panniculitis in a female infant with Prader-Willi syndrome.
AB  - The panniculitides are a group of heterogeneous inflammatory diseases involving
      the subcutaneous fat, the pathogenesis of which is poorly understood. Here, we
      report on a female infant with Prader-Willi syndrome who developed a systemic
      inflammatory disorder in the neonatal period demonstrating recurrent panniculitis
      as a prominent feature. This is the second report of an association between
      Prader-Willi syndrome and panniculitis. Such an association might be explained by
      the unmasking of a recessive allele as a consequence of hemizygosity, in the case
      of a 15q11 deletion, or homozygosity, in the case of maternal isodisomy.

PMID- 22052852
TI  - Theoretical study of the Raman optical activity spectra of 3(10)-helical
      polypeptides.
AB  - Raman optical activity (ROA) spectroscopy is a promising analytical method for
      studying the structure and conformation of polypeptides and proteins in solution.
      However, the structural information obtained from such vibrational spectra is
      only indirect and theoretical studies are often necessary to identify how the
      structure determines the observed spectra. One particular target is the
      identification and discrimination of different helical secondary structure
      elements. Herein, a theoretical investigation of the ROA spectra of a series of
      3(10)-helical polypeptides is presented. In particular, the effect of chain
      length, C(alpha)-substitution pattern, the introduction of larger aliphatic side
      chains, and the variation of their conformation on the ROA spectra is studied. To
      extract general principles from these calculations, the positions, intensities,
      and shapes of the ROA bands are analyzed in terms of localized modes, which makes
      it possible to identify possible ROA signatures of 3(10) -helical structures, but
      also provides fundamental insight into the generation of ROA signals in complex
      polypeptides. Finally, the calculated spectra can be compared to the previously
      reported ROA spectrum of a specifically designed 3(10) -helical heptapeptide.
      This allows most of the features in the experimental spectrum to be assigned.

PMID- 22052853
TI  - Self-assembly of renal cells into engineered renal tissues in collagen/Matrigel
      scaffold in vitro.
AB  - To tissue engineer a kidney is a formidable task because of the complex cell
      composition and structures in the kidney. This study reconstructed renal tissues
      using mixed renal cells in collagen/Matrigel(r) scaffolds in vitro. Neonatal rat
      renal cells were seeded in collagen I supplemented with Matrigel in a casting
      mold that could exert static stretch when the renal constructs contracted. During
      in vitro culture, the renal constructs were observed under microscope and
      analyzed by histological and immunofluorescent examinations. Results showed that
      the mixed renal cells reconstituted renal tubular and glomeruli-like structures
      with different appearances at varying developmental stages. Tubular structures
      were formed by CK18-positive cells with similar appearances lining the
      surrounding hollow centres. The glomeruli-like structures were tufts of cell
      aggregates containing Flk-1-positive cells. These results show that neonatal rat
      renal cells self-assembled into engineered renal tissues containing both tubules
      and glomeruli-like structures when cultured in 3D collagen/Matrigel scaffold in
      vitro.

PMID- 22052854
TI  - Role of insulin-like growth factor-II mRNA-binding protein-3 in invadopodia
      formation and the growth of oral squamous cell carcinoma in athymic nude mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The invadopodia are specialized structures that degrade the
      extracellular matrix (ECM) and promote cell invasion and metastasis.
      Understanding the forms and functions of invadopodia should facilitate the proper
      identification of novel targets for antiinvasive therapy. METHODS: To understand
      the role of insulin-like growth factor-II mRNA-binding protein-3 (IMP-3) in
      invadopodia formation and cancer invasion, we performed IMP-3 gene silencing,
      invadopodia formation, ECM degradation assay, zymography, western blot, and mouse
      xenograft. RESULTS: We demonstrate that invadopodia evidenced ECM degradation
      activity in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Downregulation of IMP-3
      inhibited invadopodia formation, ECM degradation, and tumor growth and
      invasiveness. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling may perform a
      critical function in invadopodia formation, ECM degradation, IMP-3, and cortactin
      expression. CONCLUSION: IMP-3 may be intimately correlated with cancer invasion
      through invadopodia in oral cancer. The overexpression of IMP-3 in oral cancer
      was predictive of a high correlation with cancer growth and invasion.

PMID- 22052855
TI  - Exercise training mitigates anthracycline-induced chronic cardiotoxicity in a
      juvenile rat model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Childhood cancer survivors are at greater risk of cardiovascular
      complications once they reach adulthood. Anthracyclines may be a major
      contributor to these delayed-onset complications, yet their use continues because
      of favorable clinical outcomes. Exercise has been shown to protect against
      anthracycline cardiotoxicity, yet it is unclear whether exercise can protect
      against delayed-onset cardiotoxicity when treatment is initiated in childhood.
      The aim of the present study was to determine if exercise training provides
      cardioprotection in a juvenile rat model of delayed-onset anthracycline
      cardiotoxicity. PROCEDURE: At 25 days of age, male Sprague-Dawley rat pups were
      subjected to a treatment regimen with the anthracycline doxorubicin (DOX). Pups
      received DOX at 2 mg/kg on 7 consecutive days (cumulative dose 14 mg/kg) or
      saline as a control. At the time DOX treatment began, pups remained sedentary or
      were allowed to voluntarily exercise. Ten weeks after the initiation of exercise,
      cardiac function was assessed both in vivo and ex vivo. RESULTS: DOX treatment
      stunted normal growth and significantly impaired cardiac function. While
      voluntary exercise did not offset changes in the growth curve, it did provide
      significant cardioprotection against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. CONCLUSIONS:
      Exercise training, initiated at the time treatment begins, can protect against
      delayed-onset anthracycline-induced cardiotoxicity in adult rats that were
      treated with anthracyclines as juveniles.

PMID- 22052856
TI  - Compound heterozygous mutations in PYCR1 further expand the phenotypic spectrum
      of De Barsy syndrome.
AB  - De Barsy syndrome (DBS) is characterized by progeroid features, ophthalmological
      abnormalities, intrauterine growth retardation, and cutis laxa. Recently, PYCR1
      mutations were identified in cutis laxa with progeroid features. Herein, we
      report on a DBS patient born to a nonconsanguineous Chinese family. The
      exceptional observation of congenital glaucoma, aortic root dilatation, and
      idiopathic hypertrophic pyloric stenosis in this patient widened the range of
      symptoms that have been noted in DBS. Mutation analysis of PYCR1 revealed
      compound heterozygous PYCR1 mutations, including a p.P115fsX7 null mutation
      allele and a second allele with two missense mutations in cis: p.G248E and
      p.G297R. The effect of mutation results in a reduction of PYCR1 mRNA expression
      and PYCR1 protein expression in skin fibroblasts from the patient. The findings
      presented here suggest a mutation screening of PYCR1 and cardiovascular survey in
      patients with DBS.

PMID- 22052857
TI  - Flux of selected body fluid constituents and benzylpenicillin in polyacrylamide
      hydrogel (PAAG).
AB  - The polyacrylamide hydrogel (PAAG) Aquamid(r) (Contura International A/S Soeborg,
      Denmark) is one of the new macromolecules that are used as implants and tissue
      fillers in reconstruction and aesthetic surgery. This study showed, by means of
      radioactive isotope methods, that PAAG can exchange both physiological and non
      physiological constituents very efficiently with the surrounding medium. The
      efflux (J, mole/(cm(2)* s), 25  degrees C, pH 7.2) of water (4.4 * 10(-5) ),
      chloride (2.4 * 10(-7) ), urea (1.0 * 10(-9) ), and glucose (1.1 * 10(-9) ) was 3
      40x greater than in human red blood cells. PAAG was also accessible to sucrose,
      inulin, and benzylpenicillin that could not permeate biological cell membranes.
      The conclusion of the study is that the hydrogel structure created no significant
      barrier to the exchange of solvent and solutes with the surrounding medium.

PMID- 22052860
TI  - Treatment of pharyngeal non-Hodgkin lymphoma in a patient with Wiskott-Aldrich
      syndrome.
AB  - Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome (WAS) is characterized by primary immunodeficiency,
      thrombocytopenia and eczema. Patients with WAS have an increased risk to develop
      tumors. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) represents the most common malignancy
      occurring in WAS-affected patients, diffuse-large-B-cell lymphoma is the most
      frequently encountered variant. We describe a case of a patient with WAS and NHL
      in the pharynx, an atypical tumor site presentation. The patient was successfully
      treated with a reduced dose chemotherapy regimen plus anti-CD20 monoclonal
      antibody. He is in complete remission 3 years from the start of treatment.

PMID- 22052861
TI  - Rhizomelic chondrodysplasia punctata type 1 and fulminant neonatal respiratory
      failure, a case report and discussion of pathophysiology.

PMID- 22052862
TI  - The effects of fibrin and fibrin-agarose on the extracellular matrix profile of
      bioengineered oral mucosa.
AB  - Several studies have developed efficient oral mucosa constructs using different
      types of scaffold. However, the changes in the morphology and gene and protein
      expression profile that could occur in these artificial constructs remain
      unknown. This study compared the histology and expression of several
      extracellular matrix molecules in human artificial oral mucosa developed using
      two different types of scaffolds: fibrin and fibrin-agarose. To that end,
      bioengineered oral mucosa stromas were constructed from biopsy samples of human
      oral mucosa and the substitute generated was analyzed at different periods of
      time in culture. Histological analysis was carried out by light and transmission
      electron microscopy and the expression of collagen types I, III, and VI, the
      proteoglycans decorin and biglycan, and the different chains of laminin, were
      assessed by immunoperoxidase technique. This study found that fibrin scaffolds
      accelerated fibroblast growth and remodeling of the scaffold, thus enhancing
      collagen fibrillogenesis. In the fibrin-agarose scaffold, the morphology and
      organization of the fibroblasts did not change during the culture period. All
      extracellular matrix proteins analyzed were expressed in both scaffolds. However,
      in fibrin scaffolds, these proteins were widely distributed and replaced the
      scaffold during the follow-up period. These results show that the substitutes
      generated showed histological and molecular similarities with native human oral
      mucosa stroma. In addition, it was observed that the nature of the biomaterial
      influenced the behaviour of the oral stromal fibroblasts, thereby modulating
      their growth, protein synthesis, and collagen fibrillogenesis.

PMID- 22052863
TI  - Mental retardation or intellectual disability? Time for a change.

PMID- 22052864
TI  - In vivo formation of bone and haematopoietic territories by transplanted human
      bone marrow stromal cells generated in medium with and without osteogenic
      supplements.
AB  - Autologous transplantation of human bone marrow stromal cells (BMSCs) has been
      successfully used for bone reconstruction. However, in order to advance this
      approach into the mainstream of bone tissue engineering, the conditions for BMSC
      cultivation and transplantation must be optimized. In a recent report,
      cultivation with dexamethasone (Dex) significantly increased bone formation by
      human BMSCs in vivo. Based on this important conclusion, we analysed the data
      accumulated by our laboratory, where human BMSCs have been routinely generated
      using media both with and without a combination of two osteogenic supplements:
      Dex at 10(-8)  m and ascorbic acid phosphate (AscP) at 10(-4)  m. Our data
      demonstrate that for 22/24 donors, BMSC strains propagated with and without
      Dex/AscP formed similar amounts of bone in vivo. Thus, human BMSCs do not appear
      to need to be induced to osteogenic differentiation ex vivo prior to
      transplantation. Similarly, for 12/14 donors, BMSC strains cultured with and
      without Dex/AscP formed haematopoietic territories to a comparable extent. While
      Dex/AscP did not increase bone formation, they significantly stimulated BMSC in
      vitro proliferation without affecting the number of BMSC colonies formed by the
      colony-forming units-fibroblasts. We conclude that for the substantial majority
      of donors, Dex/AscP have no effect on the ability of BMSCs to form bone and
      myelosupportive stroma in vivo. However, due to increased BMSC proliferation, the
      total osteogenic population obtained from a single marrow sample is larger after
      cultivation with Dex/AscP than without them. Secondary to increased BMSC
      proliferation, Dex/AscP may stimulate bone formation if BMSCs and/or the
      transplantation system are less than optimal. Published 2011. This article is a
      U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.

PMID- 22052866
TI  - The rise of passive airway smooth muscle mechanics.

PMID- 22052865
TI  - Mild heat stress induces mitochondrial biogenesis in C2C12 myotubes.
AB  - During endurance exercise, most (~75%) of the energy derived from the oxidation
      of metabolic fuels and ATP hydrolysis of muscle contraction is liberated as heat,
      the accumulation of which leads to an increase in body temperature. For example,
      the temperature of exercising muscles can rise to 40 degrees C. Although severe
      heat injury can be deleterious, several beneficial effects of mild heat stress
      (HS), such as the improvement of insulin sensitivity in patients with type 2
      diabetes, have been reported. However, among all cellular events induced by mild
      HS from physical activities, the direct effects and mechanisms of mild HS on
      mitochondrial biogenesis in skeletal muscle are least characterized. AMP
      activated protein kinase (AMPK) and sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) are key energy-sensing
      molecules regulating mitochondrial biogenesis. In C2C12 myotubes, we found that 1
      h mild HS at 40 degrees C upregulated both AMPK activity and SIRT1 expression, as
      well as increased the expression of several mitochondrial biogenesis regulatory
      genes including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator
      1alpha (PGC-1alpha) and transcription factors involved in mitochondrial
      biogenesis. In particular, PGC-1alpha expression was found to be
      transcriptionally regulated by mild HS. Additionally, after repeated mild HS for
      5 days, protein levels of PGC-1alpha and several mitochondrial oxidative
      phosphorylation subunits were also upregulated. Repeated mild HS also
      significantly increased mitochondrial DNA copy number. In conclusion, these data
      show that mild HS is sufficient to induce mitochondrial biogenesis in C2C12
      myotubes. Temperature-induced mitochondrial biogenesis correlates with activation
      of the AMPK-SIRT1-PGC-1alpha pathway. Therefore, it is possible that muscle heat
      production during exercise plays a role in mitochondrial biogenesis.

PMID- 22052867
TI  - Acute pantothenic acid and cysteine supplementation does not affect muscle
      coenzyme A content, fuel selection, or exercise performance in healthy humans.
AB  - Reduced skeletal muscle free coenzyme A (CoASH) availability may decrease the
      contribution of fat oxidation to ATP production during high-intensity, submaximal
      exercise or, alternatively, limit pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) flux and
      thereby carbohydrate oxidation. Here we attempted to increase the muscle CoASH
      pool in humans, via pantothenic acid and cysteine feeding, in order to elucidate
      the role of CoASH availability on muscle fuel metabolism during exercise. On
      three occasions, eight healthy male volunteers (age 22.9 +/- 1.4 yr, body mass
      index 24.2 +/- 1.5 kg/m(2)) cycled at 75% maximal oxygen uptake (Vo(2max)) to
      exhaustion, followed by a 15-min work output performance test. Muscle biopsies
      were obtained at rest, and after 60 min and 91.3 +/- 3.1 min of exercise (time to
      exhaustion on baseline visit) on each occasion. Two weeks following the first
      visit (baseline), 1 wk of oral supplementation with either 3 g/day of a placebo
      control (glucose polymer; CON) or 1.5 g/day each of d-pantothenic acid and l
      cysteine (CP) was carried out prior to the second and third visits in a
      randomized, counterbalanced, double-blind manner, leaving a 3-wk gap in total
      between each visit. Resting muscle CoASH content was not altered by
      supplementation in any visit. Following 60 min of exercise, muscle CoASH content
      was reduced by 13% from rest in all three visits (P < 0.05), and similar changes
      in the respiratory exchange ratio, glycogenolysis (~235 mmol/kg dry muscle), PCr
      degradation (~57 mmol/kg dry muscle), and lactate (~25 mmol/kg dry muscle) and
      acetylcarnitine (~12 mmol(.)kg/dry muscle) accumulation was observed during
      exercise when comparing visits. Furthermore, no difference in work output was
      observed when comparing CON and CP. Acute feeding with pantothenic acid and
      cysteine does not alter muscle CoASH content and consequently does not impact on
      muscle fuel metabolism or performance during exercise in humans.

PMID- 22052868
TI  - Phasic respiratory modulation of pharyngeal collapsibility via neuromuscular
      mechanisms in rats.
AB  - Obstructive sleep apnea patients experience recurrent upper airway (UA) collapse
      due to decreases in the UA dilator muscle activity during sleep. In contrast,
      activation of UA dilators reduces pharyngeal critical pressure (Pcrit, an index
      of pharyngeal collapsibility), suggesting an inverse relationship between
      pharyngeal collapsibility and dilator activity. Since most UA muscles display
      phasic respiratory activity, we hypothesized that pharyngeal collapsibility is
      modulated by respiratory drive via neuromuscular mechanisms. Adult male Sprague
      Dawley rats were anesthetized, vagotomized, and ventilated (normocapnia). In one
      group, integrated genioglossal activity, Pcrit, and maximal airflow (V(max)) were
      measured at three expiration and five inspiration time points within the
      breathing cycle. Pcrit was closely and inversely related to phasic genioglossal
      activity, with the value measured at peak inspiration being the lowest. In other
      groups, the variables were measured during expiration and peak inspiration,
      before and after each of five manipulations. Pcrit was 26% more negative (-15.0
      +/- 1.0 cmH(2)O, -18.9 +/- 1.2 cmH(2)O; n = 23), V(max) was 7% larger (31.0 +/-
      1.0 ml/s, 33.2 +/- 1.1 ml/s), nasal resistance was 12% bigger [0.49 +/- 0.05
      cmH(2)O/(ml/s), 0.59 +/- 0.05 cmH(2)O/(ml/s)], and latency to induced UA closure
      was 14% longer (55 +/- 4 ms, 63 +/- 5 ms) during peak inspiration vs. expiration
      (all P < 0.005). The expiration-inspiration difference in Pcrit was abolished
      with neuromuscular blockade, hypocapnic apnea, or death but was not reduced by
      the superior laryngeal nerve transection or altered by tracheal displacement.
      Collectively, these results suggest that pharyngeal collapsibility is moment-by
      moment modulated by respiratory drive and this phasic modulation requires
      neuromuscular mechanisms, but not the UA negative pressure reflex or tracheal
      displacement by phasic lung inflation.

PMID- 22052869
TI  - Cerebral circulation during mild +Gz hypergravity by short-arm human centrifuge.
AB  - We examined changes in cerebral circulation in 15 healthy men during exposure to
      mild +Gz hypergravity (1.5 Gz, head-to-foot) using a short-arm centrifuge.
      Continuous arterial pressure waveform (tonometry), cerebral blood flow (CBF)
      velocity in the middle cerebral artery (transcranial Doppler ultrasonography),
      and partial pressure of end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETco(2)) were measured in the
      sitting position (1 Gz) and during 21 min of exposure to mild hypergravity (1.5
      Gz). Dynamic cerebral autoregulation was assessed by spectral and transfer
      function analysis between beat-to-beat mean arterial pressure (MAP) and mean CBF
      velocity (MCBFV). Steady-state MAP did not change, but MCBFV was significantly
      reduced with 1.5 Gz (-7%). ETco(2) was also reduced (-12%). Variability of MAP
      increased significantly with 1.5 Gz in low (53%)- and high-frequency ranges
      (88%), but variability of MCBFV did not change in these frequency ranges,
      resulting in significant decreases in transfer function gain between MAP and
      MCBFV (gain in low-frequency range, -17%; gain in high-frequency range, -13%). In
      contrast, all of these indexes in the very low-frequency range were unchanged.
      Transfer from arterial pressure oscillations to CBF fluctuations was thus
      suppressed in low- and high-frequency ranges. These results suggest that steady
      state global CBF was reduced, but dynamic cerebral autoregulation in low- and
      high-frequency ranges was improved with stabilization of CBF fluctuations despite
      increases in arterial pressure oscillations during mild +Gz hypergravity. We
      speculate that this improvement in dynamic cerebral autoregulation within these
      frequency ranges may have been due to compensatory effects against the reduction
      in steady-state global CBF.

PMID- 22052870
TI  - The energetic cost of maintaining lateral balance during human running.
AB  - To quantify the energetic cost of maintaining lateral balance during human
      running, we provided external lateral stabilization (LS) while running with and
      without arm swing and measured changes in energetic cost and step width
      variability (indicator of lateral balance). We hypothesized that external LS
      would reduce energetic cost and step width variability of running (3.0 m/s), both
      with and without arm swing. We further hypothesized that the reduction in
      energetic cost and step width variability would be greater when running without
      arm swing compared with running with arm swing. We controlled for step width by
      having subjects run along a single line (zero target step width), which
      eliminated any interaction effects of step width and arm swing. We implemented a
      repeated-measures ANOVA with two within-subjects fixed factors (external LS and
      arm swing) to evaluate main and interaction effects. When provided with external
      LS (main effect), subjects reduced net metabolic power by 2.0% (P = 0.032) and
      step width variability by 12.3% (P = 0.005). Eliminating arm swing (main effect)
      increased net metabolic power by 7.6% (P < 0.001) but did not change step width
      variability (P = 0.975). We did not detect a significant interaction effect
      between external LS and arm swing. Thus, when comparing conditions of running
      with or without arm swing, external LS resulted in a similar reduction in net
      metabolic power and step width variability. We infer that the 2% reduction in the
      net energetic cost of running with external LS reflects the energetic cost of
      maintaining lateral balance. Furthermore, while eliminating arm swing increased
      the energetic cost of running overall, arm swing does not appear to assist with
      lateral balance. Our data suggest that humans use step width adjustments as the
      primary mechanism to maintain lateral balance during running.

PMID- 22052871
TI  - Inflammation in utero exacerbates ventilation-induced brain injury in preterm
      lambs.
AB  - Cerebral blood flow disturbance is a major contributor to brain injury in the
      preterm infant. The initiation of ventilation may be a critical time for cerebral
      hemodynamic disturbance leading to brain injury in preterm infants, particularly
      if they are exposed to inflammation in utero. We aimed to determine whether
      exposure to inflammation in utero alters cardiopulmonary hemodynamics, resulting
      in cerebral hemodynamic disturbance and related brain injury during the
      initiation of ventilation. Furthermore, we aimed to determine whether
      inflammation in utero alters the cerebral hemodynamic response to challenge
      induced by high mean airway pressures. Pregnant ewes received intra-amniotic
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or saline either 2 or 4-days before preterm delivery (at
      128 +/- 1 days of gestation). Lambs were surgically instrumented for assessment
      of pulmonary and cerebral hemodynamics before delivery and positive pressure
      ventilation. After 30 min, lambs were challenged hemodynamically by incrementing
      and decrementing positive end-expiratory pressure. Blood gases, arterial
      pressures, and blood flows were recorded. The brain was collected for biochemical
      and histological assessment of inflammation, brain damage, vascular
      extravasation, hemorrhage, and oxidative injury. Carotid arterial pressure was
      higher and carotid blood flow was more variable in 2-day LPS lambs than in
      controls during the initial 15 min of ventilation. All lambs responded similarly
      to the hemodynamic challenge. Both 2- and 4-day LPS lambs had increased brain
      interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, and IL-8 mRNA expression; increased number of
      inflammatory cells in the white matter; increased incidence and severity of brain
      damage; and vascular extravasation relative to controls. Microvascular hemorrhage
      was increased in 2-day LPS lambs compared with controls. Cerebral oxidative
      injury was not different between groups. Antenatal inflammation causes adverse
      cerebral hemodynamics and increases the incidence and severity of brain injury in
      ventilated preterm lambs.

PMID- 22052872
TI  - Similar changes of gene expression in human skeletal muscle after resistance
      exercise and multiple fine needle biopsies.
AB  - Repeated biopsy sampling from one muscle is necessary to investigate muscular
      adaptation to different forms of exercise as adaptation is thought to be the
      result of cumulative effects of transient changes in gene expression in response
      to single exercise bouts. In a crossover study, we obtained four fine needle
      biopsies from one vastus lateralis muscle of 11 male subjects (25.9 +/- 3.8 yr,
      179.2 +/- 4.8 cm, 76.5 +/- 7.0 kg), taken before (baseline), 1, 4, and 24 h after
      one bout of squatting exercise performed as conventional squatting or as whole
      body vibration exercise. To investigate if the repeated biopsy sampling has a
      confounding effect on the observed changes in gene expression, four fine needle
      biopsies from one vastus lateralis muscle were also taken from 8 male
      nonexercising control subjects (24.5 +/- 3.7 yr, 180.6 +/- 1.2 cm, 81.2 +/- 1.6
      kg) at the equivalent time points. Using RT-PCR, we observed similar patterns of
      change in the squatting as well as in the control group for the mRNAs of
      interleukin 6 (IL-6), IL-6 receptor, insulin-like growth factor 1, p21,
      phosphofructokinase, and glucose transporter in relation to the baseline biopsy.
      In conclusion, multiple fine needle biopsies obtained from the same muscle region
      can per se influence the expression of marker genes induced by an acute bout of
      resistance exercise.

PMID- 22052873
TI  - Resistance exercise training influences skeletal muscle immune activation: a
      microarray analysis.
AB  - The primary aim of this investigation was to evaluate the effect of training on
      the immune activation in skeletal muscle in response to an acute bout of
      resistance exercise (RE). Seven young healthy men and women underwent a 12-wk
      supervised progressive unilateral arm RE training program. One week after the
      last training session, subjects performed an acute bout of bilateral RE in which
      the trained and the untrained arm exercised at the same relative intensity.
      Muscle biopsies were obtained 4 h postexercise from the biceps brachii of both
      arms and assessed for global transcriptom using Affymetrix U133 plus 2.0
      microarrays. Significantly regulated biological processes and gene groups were
      analyzed using a logistic regression-based method following differential (trained
      vs. untrained) gene expression testing via an intensity-based Bayesian moderated
      t-test. The results from the present study suggest that training blunts the
      transcriptional upregulation of immune activation by minimizing expression of
      genes involved in monocyte recruitment and enhancing gene expression involved in
      macrophage anti-inflammatory polarization. Additionally, our data suggest that
      training blunts the transcriptional upregulation of the stress response and the
      downregulation of glucose metabolism, mitochondrial structure, and oxidative
      phosphorylation, and it enhances the transcriptional upregulation of the
      extracellular matrix and cytoskeleton development and organization and the
      downregulation of gene transcription and muscle contraction. This study provides
      novel insight into the molecular processes involved in the adaptive response of
      skeletal muscle following RE training and the cellular and molecular events
      implicating the protective role of training on muscle stress and damage inflicted
      by acute mechanical loading.

PMID- 22052874
TI  - Impact of repeated daily exposure to intermittent hypoxia and mild sustained
      hypercapnia on apnea severity.
AB  - We examined whether exposure to intermittent hypoxia (IH) during wakefulness
      impacted on the apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) during sleep in individuals with sleep
      apnea. Participants were exposed to twelve 4-min episodes of hypoxia in the
      presence of sustained mild hypercapnia each day for 10 days. A control group was
      exposed to sustained mild hypercapnia for a similar duration. The intermittent
      hypoxia protocol was completed in the evening on day 1 and 10 and was followed by
      a sleep study. During all sleep studies, the change in esophageal pressure
      (DeltaPes) from the beginning to the end of an apnea and the tidal volume
      immediately following apneic events were used to measure respiratory drive.
      Following exposure to IH on day 1 and 10, the AHI increased above baseline
      measures (day 1: 1.95 +/- 0.42 fraction of baseline, P <= 0.01, vs. day 10: 1.53
      +/- 0.24 fraction of baseline, P < 0.06). The indexes were correlated to the
      hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR) measured during the IH protocol but were not
      correlated to the magnitude of ventilatory long-term facilitation (vLTF).
      Likewise, DeltaPes and tidal volume measures were greater on day 1 and 10
      compared with baseline (DeltaPes: -8.37 +/- 0.84 vs. -5.90 +/- 1.30 cmH(2)0, P <=
      0.04; tidal volume: 1,193.36 +/- 101.85 vs. 1,015.14 +/- 119.83 ml, P <= 0.01).
      This was not the case in the control group. Interestingly, the AHI on day 10
      (0.78 +/- 0.13 fraction of baseline, P <= 0.01) was significantly less than
      measures obtained during baseline and day 1 in the mild hypercapnia control
      group. We conclude that enhancement of the HVR initiated by exposure to IH may
      lead to increases in the AHI during sleep and that initiation of vLTF did not
      appear to impact on breathing stability. Lastly, our results suggest that
      repeated daily exposure to mild sustained hypercapnia may lead to a decrease in
      breathing events.

PMID- 22052875
TI  - A systematic method to quantify the presence of cross-talk in stimulus-evoked EMG
      responses: implications for TMS studies.
AB  - Surface electromyography (EMG) responses to noninvasive nerve and brain
      stimulation are routinely used to provide insight into neural function in humans.
      However, this could lead to erroneous conclusions if evoked EMG responses contain
      significant contributions from neighboring muscles (i.e., due to "cross-talk").
      We addressed this issue with a simple nerve stimulation method to provide
      quantitative information regarding the size of EMG cross-talk between muscles of
      the forearm and hand. Peak to peak amplitude of EMG responses to electrical
      stimulation of the radial, median, and ulnar nerves (i.e., M-waves) were plotted
      against stimulation intensity for four wrist muscles and two hand muscles (n =
      12). Since electrical stimulation can selectively activate specific groups of
      muscles, the method can differentiate between evoked EMG arising from target
      muscles and EMG cross-talk arising from nontarget muscles. Intramuscular EMG
      responses to nerve stimulation and root mean square EMG produced during maximal
      voluntary contractions (MVC) of the wrist were recorded for comparison. Cross
      talk was present in evoked surface EMG responses recorded from all nontarget
      wrist (5.05-39.38% Mmax) and hand muscles (1.50-24.25% Mmax) and to a lesser
      degree in intramuscular EMG signals (~3.7% Mmax). The degree of cross-talk was
      comparable for stimulus-evoked responses and voluntary activity recorded during
      MVC. Since cross-talk can make a considerable contribution to EMG responses in
      forearm and hand muscles, care is required to avoid misinterpretation of EMG
      data. The multiple nerve stimulation method described here can be used to
      quantify the potential contribution of EMG cross-talk in transcranial magnetic
      stimulation and reflex studies.

PMID- 22052876
TI  - Maternal diesel inhalation increases airway hyperreactivity in ozone-exposed
      offspring.
AB  - Air pollutant exposure is linked with childhood asthma incidence and
      exacerbations, and maternal exposure to airborne pollutants during pregnancy
      increases airway hyperreactivity (AHR) in offspring. To determine if exposure to
      diesel exhaust (DE) during pregnancy worsened postnatal ozone-induced AHR, timed
      pregnant C57BL/6 mice were exposed to DE (0.5 or 2.0 mg/m(3)) 4 hours daily from
      Gestation Day 9-17, or received twice-weekly oropharyngeal aspirations of the
      collected DE particles (DEPs). Placentas and fetal lungs were harvested on
      Gestation Day 18 for cytokine analysis. In other litters, pups born to dams
      exposed to air or DE, or to dams treated with aspirated diesel particles, were
      exposed to filtered air or 1 ppm ozone beginning the day after birth, for 3 hours
      per day, 3 days per week for 4 weeks. Additional pups were monitored after a 4
      week recovery period. Diesel inhalation or aspiration during pregnancy increased
      levels of placental and fetal lung cytokines. There were no significant effects
      on airway leukocytes, but prenatal diesel augmented ozone-induced elevations of
      bronchoalveolar lavage cytokines at 4 weeks. Mice born to the high-concentration
      diesel-exposed dams had worse ozone-induced AHR, which persisted in the 4-week
      recovery animals. Prenatal diesel exposure combined with postnatal ozone exposure
      also worsened secondary alveolar crest development. We conclude that maternal
      inhalation of DE in pregnancy provokes a fetal inflammatory response that,
      combined with postnatal ozone exposure, impairs alveolar development, and causes
      a more severe and long-lasting AHR to ozone exposure.

PMID- 22052877
TI  - Phosphatidylglycerol suppresses influenza A virus infection.
AB  - Influenza A virus (IAV) is a worldwide public health problem causing 500,000
      deaths each year. Palmitoyl-oleoyl-phosphatidylglycerol (POPG) is a minor
      component of pulmonary surfactant, which has recently been reported to exert
      potent regulatory functions upon the innate immune system. In this article, we
      demonstrate that POPG acts as a strong antiviral agent against IAV. POPG markedly
      attenuated IL-8 production and cell death induced by IAV in cultured human
      bronchial epithelial cells. The lipid also suppressed viral attachment to the
      plasma membrane and subsequent replication in Madin-Darby canine kidney cells.
      Two virus strains, H1N1-PR8-IAV and H3N2-IAV, bind to POPG with high affinity,
      but exhibit only low-affinity interactions with the structurally related lipid,
      palmitoyl-oleoyl-phosphatidylcholine. Intranasal inoculation of H1N1-PR8-IAV in
      mice, in the presence of POPG, markedly suppressed the development of
      inflammatory cell infiltrates, the induction of IFN-gamma recovered in
      bronchoalveolar lavage, and viral titers recovered from the lungs after 5 days of
      infection. These findings identify supplementary POPG as a potentially important
      new approach for treatment of IAV infections.

PMID- 22052878
TI  - Cardiac physiologic and genetic predictors of hyperoxia-induced acute lung injury
      in mice.
AB  - Exposure of mice to hyperoxia produces pulmonary toxicity similar to acute lung
      injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome, but little is known about the
      interactions within the cardiopulmonary system. This study was designed to
      characterize the cardiopulmonary response to hyperoxia, and to identify candidate
      susceptibility genes in mice. Electrocardiogram and ventilatory data were
      recorded continuously from 4 inbred and 29 recombinant inbred strains during 96
      hours of hyperoxia (100% oxygen). Genome-wide linkage analysis was performed in
      27 recombinant inbred strains against response time indices (TIs) calculated from
      each cardiac phenotype. Reductions in minute ventilation, heart rate (HR), low
      frequency (LF) HR variability (HRV), high-frequency HRV, and total power HRV were
      found in all mice during hyperoxia exposure, but the lag time before these
      changes began was strain dependent. Significant (chromosome 9) or suggestive
      (chromosomes 3 and 5) quantitative trait loci were identified for the HRTI and
      LFTI. Functional polymorphisms in several candidate susceptibility genes were
      identified within the quantitative trait loci and were associated with hyperoxia
      susceptibility. This is the first study to report highly significant interstrain
      variation in hyperoxia-induced changes in minute ventilation, HR, and HRV, and to
      identify polymorphisms in candidate susceptibility genes that associate with
      cardiac responses. Results indicate that changes in HR and LF HRV could be
      important predictors of subsequent adverse outcome during hyperoxia exposure,
      specifically the pathogenesis of acute lung injury. Understanding the genetic
      mechanisms of these responses may have significant diagnostic clinical value.

PMID- 22052879
TI  - Deletion of apoptosis signal-regulating kinase-1 prevents ventilator-induced lung
      injury in mice.
AB  - Both hyperoxia and mechanical ventilation can independently cause lung injury. In
      combination, these insults produce accelerated and severe lung injury. We
      recently reported that pre-exposure to hyperoxia for 12 hours, followed by
      ventilation with large tidal volumes, induced significant lung injury and
      epithelial cell apoptosis compared with either stimulus alone. We also reported
      that such injury and apoptosis are inhibited by antioxidant treatment. In this
      study, we hypothesized that apoptosis signal-regulating kinase-1 (ASK-1), a redox
      sensitive, mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase, plays a role in lung
      injury and apoptosis in this model. To determine the role of ASK-1 in lung
      injury, the release of inflammatory mediators and apoptosis, attributable to 12
      hours of hyperoxia, were followed by large tidal volume mechanical ventilation
      with hyperoxia. Wild-type and ASK-1 knockout mice were subjected to hyperoxia
      (Fi(O(2)) = 0.9) for 12 hours before 4 hours of large tidal mechanical
      ventilation (tidal volume = 25 MUl/g) with hyperoxia, and were compared with
      nonventilated control mice. Lung injury, apoptosis, and cytokine release were
      measured. The deletion of ASK-1 significantly inhibited lung injury and
      apoptosis, but did not affect the release of inflammatory mediators, compared
      with the wild-type mice. ASK-1 is an important regulator of lung injury and
      apoptosis in this model. Further study is needed to determine the mechanism of
      lung injury and apoptosis by ASK-1 and its downstream mediators in the lung.

PMID- 22052880
TI  - Which of satellite- or model-based estimates is closer to reality for aerosol
      indirect forcing?

PMID- 22052881
TI  - T cell immunoglobulin and mucin protein-3 (Tim-3)/Galectin-9 interaction
      regulates influenza A virus-specific humoral and CD8 T-cell responses.
AB  - Reactions to pathogens are usually tuned to effect immunity and limit tissue
      damage. Several host counterinflammatory mechanisms inhibit tissue damage but
      these may also act to constrain the effectiveness of immunity to acute
      infections, as we demonstrate in mice acutely infected with influenza A virus
      (IAV). We show that compared with wild type (WT), galectin-9 knockout (G9KO) mice
      mounted a more robust acute phase virus-specific CD8 T-cell response as well as
      higher and more rapid virus-specific serum IgM, IgG, and IgA responses and also
      cleared virus more rapidly than did WT mice. Blocking galectin-9 signals to Tim-3
      expressing cells using a Tim-3 fusion protein resulted in improved immune
      responses in WT mice. When IAV immune mice were challenged with a heterologous
      IAV, the secondary IAV-specific CD8 T-cell responses were four- to fivefold
      higher in G9KO compared with WT mice. Our results indicate that manipulating
      galectin signals may represent a convenient approach to improve immune responses
      to some vaccines.

PMID- 22052882
TI  - Primary IgA nephropathy in north India: is it different?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Immunoglobulin A (IgA) nephropathy is the most common
      glomerulonephritis worldwide, but has a variable geographic distribution. the
      bulk of the disease burden is borne by asian countries. however, its exact
      prevalence or clinicopathologic spectrum in india is not well documented.
      METHODS: This cross sectional study analysed the renal biopsy findings and
      clinical features at presentation in 66 patients of primary IgA nephropathy
      diagnosed over a period of 2 years (2007-2008). The results were compared with
      studies from other centres in the country and elsewhere. RESULTS: IgA nephropathy
      comprised 8.1% of all native kidney biopsies. The mean age of the patients was
      29.9 years with a male:female ratio of 4.4:1. Most patients presented with renal
      failure and a significant percentage (23%) also had nephrotic range proteinuria.
      Renal biopsies were classified by the Haas classification and were further scored
      by the MEST scoring system of the Oxford classification. By Haas classification,
      41 cases (62%) showed advanced sclerotic lesions of class V. Active crescents
      (cellular or fibrocellular) were seen in 42% of cases, and 26% of cases showed
      endocapillary proliferation. Serum creatinine values were highest in the presence
      of proliferative lesions. MEST scoring of the Oxford classification was not
      applicable in approximately 18% of cases because of the presence of advanced
      sclerotic lesions. On immunofluorescence, the majority of the cases showed both
      mesangial and membranous positivity for IgA antisera. Electron microscopy
      revealed para-mesangial location of immune complex deposition in the majority of
      the cases. It also showed glomerular basement membrane abnormalities in two
      cases. CONCLUSION: Comparison of clinical and pathological features revealed that
      this disease presents as an advanced disease in much younger individuals in this
      study compared to other studies. Elucidation of the underlying factors may have
      immense therapeutic implications.

PMID- 22052883
TI  - Effect of rating scales on scores given to junior doctors in multi-source
      feedback.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Multi-source feedback (MSF) has an established role in the workplace
      based assessment of doctors in training. Different models of MSF are currently
      used in different training programmes and settings. One important way in which
      these models differ is the rating scale on which assessors score the trainee. The
      aim of this study was to explore the effect of rating scale on MSF scores.
      METHODS: Foundation Year 2 trainees in hospitals in the West Midlands underwent
      MSF using the validated MSF tool, team assessment of behaviour (TAB) in autumn
      2005. Trainees were scored with TAB using one of four different rating scales,
      ranging from 3- to 9-point scales. Each participating hospital used only one
      rating scale. The proportions of trainees scored as having potential problems
      were related to the different rating scale used. Similarly, the proportions
      scored as 'above expectations' were compared. Assessors also completed a short
      questionnaire regarding the assessment. RESULTS: 245 trainees underwent 2594
      assessments. Longer rating scales were associated with a lower proportion of
      trainees awarded 'problem' scores and higher proportions of trainees scored as
      'above expectations'. Assessors generally reported no difficulties whichever
      rating scale they had used. CONCLUSION: Careful consideration, recognising its
      potential impact on assessment score, should be given to the rating scale used
      when instituting MSF within a system of workplace based assessment.

PMID- 22052884
TI  - Controversies and advances in non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)
      analgesia in chronic pain management.
AB  - Chronic pain can lead to significant disability with social and economic
      implications in the community. Traditional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
      (NSAIDs) have been part of the management of chronic pain. The risk of adverse
      events with traditional NSAIDs has led to the development of alternative
      therapeutic options. Differential blockade of the enzymes involved in pain and
      inflammation can offer therapeutic options without the gastrointestinal side
      effects. However, this may be at the expense of other major cardiovascular side
      effects. Pain pathways that involve peripheral transmission may be altered by
      local application of analgesia to the skin overlying the painful area. Recent
      guidelines for osteoarthritis treatment from the National Institute for Health
      and Clinical Excellence highlight the importance of topical NSAIDs in the
      armamentarium of pain management. NSAID combination drugs with gastric protection
      have provided alternatives to traditional NSAIDs, but the long-term sequelae are
      unknown.

PMID- 22052885
TI  - Comparison of the early fungicidal activity of high-dose fluconazole,
      voriconazole, and flucytosine as second-line drugs given in combination with
      amphotericin B for the treatment of HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis is associated with an
      estimated 600 000 deaths worldwide per year. Current standard initial therapy
      consists of amphotericin B (AmB) plus flucytosine (5-FC), but 5-FC remains
      largely unavailable in Asia and Africa. Alternative, more widely available,
      and/or more effective antifungal combination treatment regimens are urgently
      needed. METHODS: Eighty HIV-seropositive, antiretroviral naive patients
      presenting with cryptococcal meningitis were randomized to 4 treatment arms of 2
      weeks duration: group 1, AmB (0.7-1 mg/kg) and 5-FC (25 mg/kg 4 times daily);
      group 2, AmB (0.7-1 mg/kg) and fluconazole (800 mg daily); group 3, AmB (0.7-1
      mg/kg) and fluconazole (600 mg twice daily); and group 4, AmB (0.7-1 mg/kg) and
      voriconazole (300 mg twice daily). The primary end point was the rate of
      clearance of infection from the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or early fungicidal
      activity (EFA), as determined by results of serial, quantitative CSF cryptococcal
      cultures. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences in the
      rate of clearance of cryptococcal colony-forming units (CFU) in CSF samples among
      the 4 treatment groups; the mean (+/-standard deviation) EFA for treatment groups
      1, 2, 3, and 4 were -0.41 +/- 0.22 log CFU/mL CSF/day, -0.38 +/- 0.18 log CFU/mL
      CSF/day, -0.41 +/- 0.35 log CFU/mL CSF/day, and -0.44 +/- 0.20 log CFU/mL
      CSF/day, respectively. Overall mortality was 12% (9 of 78 patients died) at 2
      weeks and 29% (22 of 75 patients died) at 10 weeks, with no statistically
      significant differences among groups. There were few laboratory abnormalities
      related to the second agents given; in particular, there were no statistically
      significant (>=grade 3) increases in alanine transaminase level or decreases in
      neutrophil count. CONCLUSIONS: There was no statistically significant difference
      in EFA between AmB in combination with fluconazole and AmB plus 5-FC for the
      treatment of HIV-associated cryptococcal meningitis. AmB plus fluconazole (800
      1200 mg/day) represents an immediately implementable alternative to AmB plus 5
      FC. AmB plus voriconazole is an effective alternative combination in patients not
      receiving interacting medications.

PMID- 22052886
TI  - Companion drugs for amphotericin B in cryptococcal meningitis: flucytosine,
      fluconazole, or...Nothing?

PMID- 22052887
TI  - Boosting heterosubtypic neutralization antibodies in recipients of 2009 pandemic
      H1N1 influenza vaccine.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A mass vaccination has been implemented to prevent the spread of 2009
      pandemic influenza virus in China. Highly limited information is available on
      whether this vaccine induces cross-reactive neutralization antibodies against
      other subtypes of influenza viruses. METHODS: We employed pseudovirus-based
      assays to analyze heterosubtypic neutralization responses in serum samples of 23
      recipients of 2009 pandemic influenza vaccine. RESULTS: One dose of pandemic
      vaccine not only stimulated good neutralization antibodies against cognate
      influenza virus 2009 influenza A (H1N1), but also raised broad cross-reactive
      neutralization activities against seasonal H3N2 and highly pathogenic avian
      influenza virus H5N1 and lesser to H2N2. The cross-reactive neutralization
      activities were completely abolished after the removal of immunoglobin G (IgG).
      In contrast, H1N1 vaccination alone in influenza-naive mice elicited only
      vigorous homologous neutralizing activities but not cross-reactive neutralization
      activities. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that the cross-reactive neutralization
      epitopes do exist in this vaccine and could elicit significant cross-reactive
      neutralizing IgG antibodies in the presence of preexisting responses. The
      exposure to H1N1 vaccine is likely to modify the hierarchical order of
      preexisting immune responses to influenza viruses. These findings provide
      insights into the evolution of human immunity to influenza viruses after
      experiencing multiple influenza virus infections and vaccinations.

PMID- 22052888
TI  - Prevalence of and risk factors for hepatitis B viremia after spontaneous
      hepatitis B surface antigen seroclearance in hepatitis B carriers.
AB  - In 118 previous hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) carriers, low-level hepatitis
      B (HBV) viremia persisted at a rate of 15%-20% for >10 years after HBsAg
      seroclearance. The frequency of HBV viremia was significantly (P = .002) lower in
      patients with anti-HBsAg seroconversion (6 of 69 [8.7%]) than in those without
      seroconversion (15 of 49 [30.6%]).

PMID- 22052889
TI  - Consumption of street-vended beverage a potential exposure risk for non-O157
      enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli infection: the importance of testing for
      virulence loci.

PMID- 22052890
TI  - Fatal outcomes in family transmission of Mycoplasma pneumoniae.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mycoplasma pneumoniae continues to be a significant cause of
      community-acquired pneumonia and, on rare occasions, manifests as fulminant
      disease that leads to mortality, even in healthy individuals. METHODS: We
      conducted a retrospective study on members of a family who were quarantined by
      the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2002 for respiratory failure
      and death of a 15-year-old brother (sibling 1) and a 13-year-old sister (sibling
      2). Collected airway, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and serum samples from both
      deceased siblings and serum samples from both parents and the remaining 3 ill
      siblings (sibling 3-5) were tested using a range of diagnostic assays. Autopsy
      lung tissue samples from sibling 2 were also assessed using immunohistochemical
      and immunoelectron microscopic methods. RESULTS: Autopsy evaluation of sibling 1
      revealed cerebral edema consistent with hypoxic ischemic encepatholopathy and
      pulmonary findings of bronchiolitis obliterans with organizing pneumonia (BOOP).
      Postmortem lung examination of sibling 2 revealed lymphoplasmacytic bronchiolitis
      with intraluminal purulent exudate, BOOP, and pulmonary edema. Results of
      diagnostic assays implicated the household transmission of M. pneumoniae among
      all 5 siblings and both parents. Further analysis of lung tissue from sibling 2
      demonstrated the presence of M. pneumoniae organisms and community-acquired
      respiratory distress syndrome toxin. M. pneumoniae was cultured directly from
      sibling 2 autopsy lung tissue. CONCLUSION: Evidence is provided that M.
      pneumoniae was readily transmitted to all members of the household and that the
      resulting infections led to a spectrum of individual responses with variation in
      disease progression, including lymphoplasmacytic bronchiolitis, BOOP, and death.

PMID- 22052891
TI  - Tuberculosis incidence at the Burundi-Rwanda border 15 years after the civil war.

PMID- 22052892
TI  - Decreased prevalence of anemia in highland areas of low malaria transmission
      after a 1-year interruption of transmission.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Malaria control campaigns have reduced malaria transmission to very
      low levels in many areas of Africa. Yet the extent to which malaria interruption
      or elimination might decrease the prevalence of anemia in areas of low malaria
      transmission is unknown. METHODS: Kapsisiywa and Kipsamoite, highland areas of
      Kenya with low, unstable malaria transmission, experienced a 12-month
      interruption in malaria transmission from April 2007 to May 2008, following high
      level coverage (>70% of households) with indoor residual insecticide spraying in
      2007. Hemoglobin levels were tested in 1697 randomly selected asymptomatic
      residents of Kapsisiywa (n = 910) and Kipsamoite (n = 787) at the beginning of a
      12-month period of interrupted transmission (in May 2007) and 14 months later (in
      July 2008). RESULTS: From May 2007 to July 2008, only 1 of 1697 study cohort
      members developed clinical malaria. In this period, the prevalence of anemia
      decreased in Kapsisiywa in all age groups (from 57.5% to 37.9% in children aged
      <5 years [P < .001], from 21.7% to 10.5% in children aged 5-14 years [P < .001],
      and from 22.7% to 16.6% in individuals aged >= 15 years [P = .004]). The
      prevalence of anemia in Kipsamoite also decreased in children aged <5 years (from
      47.2% to 31.3%; P = .001) but was unchanged in children aged 5-14 years and in
      individuals aged >=15 years. Among children <5 years, anemia prevalence was
      reduced by 34% in both Kapsisiywa (95% confidence interval [CI], 21%-45%) and
      Kipsamoite (95% CI, 16%-48%). CONCLUSIONS: Successful malaria elimination or
      interruption may lead to substantial reductions in anemia prevalence even in
      areas of very low transmission.

PMID- 22052893
TI  - Prolonged protection provided by a single dose of atovaquone-proguanil for the
      chemoprophylaxis of Plasmodium falciparum malaria in a human challenge model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial to
      establish the efficacy of atovaquone-proguanil to prevent malaria with the goal
      of simulating weekly dosing in a human Plasmodium falciparum challenge model.
      METHODS: Thirty volunteers randomly received 1 of the following dose regimens:
      (1) 250 milligrams of atovaquone and 100 milligrams of proguanil (250/100
      milligrams) 1 day prior to infectious mosquito challenge (day -1), (2) 250/100
      milligrams on day 4 after challenge, (3) 250/100 milligrams on day -7, (4) 500
      milligrams of atovaquone and 200 milligrams of proguanil (500/200 milligrams) on
      day -7 or, (5) 1000 milligrams of atovaquone and 400 milligrams of proguanil
      (1000/400 milligrams) on day -7. All regimens included matching placebo such that
      all volunteers received identical pill numbers. Six volunteers served as open
      label infectivity controls. Volunteers underwent mosquito sporozoite challenge
      with P. falciparum 3D7 strain. Follow-up consisted of serial microscopy and close
      clinical monitoring for 90 days. RESULTS: Six of 6 infectivity controls developed
      parasitemia as expected. Two of 5 evaluable volunteers receiving 250/100
      milligrams 7 days prior to challenge and 1 of 6 volunteers receiving 1000/400
      milligrams 7 days prior to challenge were microscopically diagnosed with malaria.
      All other volunteers were protected. Atovaquone exposure (area under the curve)
      during liver stage development was low in 2 of 3 volunteers with prophylactic
      failure (423 and 199 ng/mL * days compared with a mean for protected volunteers
      of 1903 ng/mL * days), as was peak concentration (165 and 81 ng/mL compared with
      a mean of 594 ng/mL in volunteers with prophylactic success). Elimination half
      life was short in volunteers with prophylactic failure (2.4, 2.0, and 3.3 days
      compared with a mean of 4.1 days in volunteers with prophylactic success).
      CONCLUSIONS: Single-dose atovaquone-proguanil provides effective malaria
      chemoprophylaxis against P. falciparum challenge at dosing intervals supportive
      of weekly dosing. Postexposure prophylaxis 4 days after challenge was 100%
      effective.

PMID- 22052894
TI  - Risk factors for Staphylococcus aureus postpartum breast abscess.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Staphylococcus aureus (SA) breast abscesses are a complication of the
      postpartum period. Risk factors for postpartum SA breast abscesses are poorly
      defined, and literature is conflicting. Whether risk factors for methicillin
      resistant SA (MRSA) and methicillin-susceptible SA (MSSA) infections differ is
      unknown. We describe novel risk factors associated with postpartum breast
      abscesses and the changing epidemiology of this infection. METHODS: We conducted
      a cohort study with a nested case-control study (n = 216) involving all patients
      with culture-confirmed SA breast abscess among >30 000 deliveries at our academic
      tertiary care center from 2003 through 2010. Data were collected from hospital
      databases and through abstraction from medical records. All SA cases were
      compared with both nested controls and full cohort controls. A subanalysis was
      completed to determine whether risk factors for MSSA and MRSA breast abscess
      differ. Univariate analysis was completed using Student's t test, Wilcoxon rank
      sum test, and analysis of variance, as appropriate. A multivariable stepwise
      logistic regression was used to determine final adjusted results for both the
      case-control and the cohort analyses. RESULTS: Fifty-four cases of culture
      confirmed abscess were identified: 30 MRSA and 24 MSSA. Risk factors for
      postpartum SA breast abscess in multivariable analysis include in-hospital
      identification of a mother having difficulty breastfeeding (odds ratio, 5.00) and
      being a mother employed outside the home (odds ratio, 2.74). Risk factors did not
      differ between patients who developed MRSA and MSSA infections. CONCLUSIONS: MRSA
      is an increasingly important pathogen in postpartum women; risk factors for
      postpartum SA breast abscess have not changed with the advent of community
      associated MRSA.

PMID- 22052895
TI  - In memoriam: James J. Rahal Jr, MD.

PMID- 22052896
TI  - Culture-confirmed multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in children: clinical
      features, treatment, and outcome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Multidrug-resistant (MDR) tuberculosis in children is frequently
      associated with delayed diagnosis and treatment. There is limited evidence
      regarding the management and outcome of children with MDR-tuberculosis. METHODS:
      All children <15 years of age with a diagnosis of culture-confirmed MDR
      tuberculosis were included in this retrospective cohort study from 1 January 2003
      to 31 December 2008, with follow-up documented until 31 May 2011. We identified
      children from Brooklyn Hospital for Chest Diseases and Tygerberg Children's
      Hospital, Western Cape Province, South Africa. Treatment outcomes were defined as
      2-month sputum-culture conversion, treatment episode outcome, and survival.
      RESULTS: A total of 111 children (median age, 50 months) were included. The
      diagnosis was delayed in children who had no identified MDR-tuberculosis index
      case (median delay, 123 vs 58 days; P < .001). Sixty-two percent of patients (53
      of 85) were sputum-smear positive, and 43% of patients (43 of 100) were human
      immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected. Overall, 82% had favorable treatment
      outcomes; total mortality was 12%. Malnutrition was associated with failure to
      culture-convert at 2 months (odds ratio [OR], 4.49 [95% confidence interval {CI},
      1.32-15.2]; P = .02) and death (OR, 15.0 [95% CI, 1.17-192.5]; P = .04) in
      multivariate analysis. HIV coinfection (OR, 24.7 [95% CI, 1.79-341.1]; P = .02)
      and the presence of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (OR, 37.8 [95% CI, 2.78-513.4]; P
      = .006) predicted death. CONCLUSIONS: Despite advanced disease at presentation
      and a high prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus coinfection, children with
      MDR-tuberculosis can be treated successfully, using individualized treatment
      under routine conditions.

PMID- 22052897
TI  - Impact of electronic health record implementation on patient flow metrics in a
      pediatric emergency department.
AB  - Implementing electronic health records (EHR) in healthcare settings incurs
      challenges, none more important than maintaining efficiency and safety during
      rollout. This report quantifies the impact of offloading low-acuity visits to an
      alternative care site from the emergency department (ED) during EHR
      implementation. In addition, the report evaluated the effect of EHR
      implementation on overall patient length of stay (LOS), time to medical provider,
      and provider productivity during implementation of the EHR. Overall LOS and time
      to doctor increased during EHR implementation. On average, admitted patients' LOS
      was 6-20% longer. For discharged patients, LOS was 12-22% longer. Attempts to
      reduce patient volumes by diverting patients to another clinic were not effective
      in minimizing delays in care during this EHR implementation. Delays in ED
      throughput during EHR implementation are real and significant despite additional
      providers in the ED, and in this setting resolved by 3 months post
      implementation.

PMID- 22052898
TI  - A multi-layered framework for disseminating knowledge for computer-based decision
      support.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are several challenges in encoding guideline knowledge in a
      form that is portable to different clinical sites, including the heterogeneity of
      clinical decision support (CDS) tools, of patient data representations, and of
      workflows. METHODS: We have developed a multi-layered knowledge representation
      framework for structuring guideline recommendations for implementation in a
      variety of CDS contexts. In this framework, guideline recommendations are
      increasingly structured through four layers, successively transforming a
      narrative text recommendation into input for a CDS system. We have used this
      framework to implement rules for a CDS service based on three guidelines. We also
      conducted a preliminary evaluation, where we asked CDS experts at four
      institutions to rate the implementability of six recommendations from the three
      guidelines. CONCLUSION: The experience in using the framework and the preliminary
      evaluation indicate that this approach has promise in creating structured
      knowledge, to implement in CDS systems, that is usable across organizations.

PMID- 22052899
TI  - Guided medication dosing for elderly emergency patients using real-time,
      computerized decision support.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the impact of a real-time computerized decision support
      tool in the emergency department that guides medication dosing for the elderly on
      physician ordering behavior and on adverse drug events (ADEs). DESIGN: A
      prospective controlled trial was conducted over 26 weeks. The status of the
      decision support tool alternated OFF (7/17/06-8/29/06), ON (8/29/06-10/10/06),
      OFF (10/10/06-11/28/06), and ON (11/28/06-1/16/07) in consecutive blocks during
      the study period. In patients >=65 who were ordered certain benzodiazepines,
      opiates, non-steroidals, or sedative-hypnotics, the computer application either
      adjusted the dosing or suggested a different medication. Physicians could accept
      or reject recommendations. MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome compared medication
      ordering consistent with recommendations during ON versus OFF periods. Secondary
      outcomes included the admission rate, emergency department length of stay for
      discharged patients, 10-fold dosing orders, use of a second drug to reverse the
      original medication, and rate of ADEs using previously validated explicit chart
      review. RESULTS: 2398 orders were placed for 1407 patients over 1548 visits. The
      majority (49/53; 92.5%) of recommendations for alternate medications were
      declined. More orders were consistent with dosing recommendations during ON
      (403/1283; 31.4%) than OFF (256/1115; 23%) periods (p<=0.0001). 673 (43%) visits
      were reviewed for ADEs. The rate of ADEs was lower during ON (8/237; 3.4%)
      compared with OFF (31/436; 7.1%) periods (p=0.02). The remaining secondary
      outcomes showed no difference. LIMITATIONS: Single institution study,
      retrospective chart review for ADEs. CONCLUSION: Though overall agreement with
      recommendations was low, real-time computerized decision support resulted in
      greater acceptance of medication recommendations. Fewer ADEs were observed when
      computerized decision support was active.

PMID- 22052900
TI  - Cost-effectiveness of a shared computerized decision support system for diabetes
      linked to electronic medical records.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Computerized decision support systems (CDSSs) are believed to enhance
      patient care and reduce healthcare costs; however the current evidence is limited
      and the cost-effectiveness remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the long-term
      cost-effectiveness of a CDSS linked to evidence-based treatment recommendations
      for type 2 diabetes. METHODS: Using the Ontario Diabetes Economic Model, changes
      in factors (eg, HbA1c) from a randomized controlled trial were used to estimate
      cost-effectiveness. The cost of implementation, development, and maintenance of
      the core dataset, and projected diabetes-related complications were included. The
      base case assumed a 1-year treatment effect, 5% discount rate, and 40-year time
      horizon. Univariate, one-way sensitivity analyses were carried out by altering
      different parameter values. The perspective was the Ontario Ministry of Health
      and costs were in 2010 Canadian dollars. RESULTS: The cost of implementing the
      intervention was $483,699. The one-year intervention reduced HbA1c by 0.2 and
      systolic blood pressure by 3.95 mm Hg, but increased body mass index by 0.02
      kg/m2, resulting in a relative risk reduction of 14% in the occurrence of
      amputation. The model estimated that the intervention resulted in an additional
      0.0117 quality-adjusted life year; the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio was
      $160,845 per quality-adjusted life-year. CONCLUSION: The web-based prototype
      decision support system slightly improved short-term risk factors. The model
      predicted moderate improvements in long-term health outcomes. This disease
      management program will need to develop considerable efficiencies in terms of
      costs and processes or improved effectiveness to be considered a cost-effective
      intervention for treating patients with type 2 diabetes.

PMID- 22052901
TI  - Cost-effectiveness analysis of continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices as
      destination therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices (LVADs) have become
      the dominant devices for mechanical circulatory support, but their cost
      effectiveness is undetermined. This study assessed the cost-effectiveness of
      continuous-flow devices for destination therapy versus optimal medical management
      in advanced heart failure and compared the results with previous estimates for
      pulsatile devices. METHODS AND RESULTS: A Markov model was developed to assess
      cost-effectiveness. Survival, hospitalization rates, quality of life, and cost
      data were obtained for advanced heart failure patients treated medically or with
      a continuous-flow LVAD. Rates of clinical outcomes for all patients were obtained
      from clinical trial databases. Medicare prospective payments were used to
      estimate the cost of heart failure admissions. The cost of LVAD implantation was
      obtained prospectively from hospital claims within a clinical trial. Compared
      with medically managed patients, continuous-flow LVAD patients had higher 5-year
      costs ($360 407 versus $62 856), quality-adjusted life years (1.87 versus 0.37),
      and life years (2.42 versus 0.64). The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of
      the continuous-flow device was $198 184 per quality-adjusted life year and $167
      208 per life year. This equates to a 75% reduction in incremental cost
      effectiveness ratio compared with the $802 700 per quality-adjusted life year for
      the pulsatile-flow device. The results were most sensitive to the cost of device
      implantation, long-term survival, cost per rehospitalization, and utility
      associated with patients' functional status. CONCLUSIONS: The cost-effectiveness
      associated with continuous-flow LVADs for destination therapy has improved
      significantly relative to the pulsatile flow devices. This change is explained by
      significant improvements in survival and functional status and reduction in
      implantation costs.

PMID- 22052902
TI  - Interactions with the substrate phenolic group are essential for hydroxylation by
      the oxygenase component of p-hydroxyphenylacetate 3-hydroxylase.
AB  - p-Hydroxyphenylacetate (HPA) 3-hydroxylase is a two-component flavoprotein
      monooxygenase that catalyzes the hydroxylation of p-hydroxyphenylacetate to form
      3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetate. Based on structures of the oxygenase component
      (C(2)), both His-120 and Ser-146 are located ~2.8 A from the hydroxyl group of
      HPA. The variants H120N, H120Q, H120Y, H120D, and H120E can form C4a-hydroperoxy
      FMN (a reactive intermediate necessary for hydroxylation) but cannot hydroxylate
      HPA. The impairment of H120N is not due to substrate binding because the variant
      can still bind HPA. In contrast, the H120K variant catalyzes hydroxylation with
      efficiency comparable with that of the wild-type enzyme; the hydroxylation rate
      constant for H120K is 5.7 +/- 0.6 s(-1), and the product conversion ratio is 75%,
      compared with values of 16 s(-1) and 90% for the wild-type enzyme. H120R can also
      catalyze hydroxylation, suggesting that a positive charge on residue 120 can
      substitute for the hydroxylation function of His-120. Because the hydroxylation
      reaction of wild-type C(2) is pH-independent between pH 6 and 10, the protonation
      status of key components required for hydroxylation likely remains unchanged in
      this pH range. His-120 may be positively charged for selective binding to the
      phenolate form of HPA, i.e. to form the His(delta+).HPA(delta-) complex, which in
      turn promotes oxygen atom transfer via an electrophilic aromatic substitution
      mechanism. Analysis of Ser-146 variants revealed that this residue is necessary
      for but not directly engaged in hydroxylation. Product formation in S146A is pH
      independent and constant at ~70% over a pH range of 6-10, whereas product
      formation for S146C decreased from ~65% at pH 6.0 to 27% at pH 10.0. These data
      indicate that the ionization of Cys-146 in the S146C variant has an adverse
      effect on hydroxylation, possibly by perturbing formation of the
      His(delta+).HPA(delta-) complex needed for hydroxylation.

PMID- 22052903
TI  - Proapoptotic protein Smac mediates apoptosis in cisplatin-resistant ovarian
      cancer cells when treated with the anti-tumor agent AT101.
AB  - Chemoresistance of ovarian cancer has been previously attributed to the
      expression and activation of Bcl-2 family proteins. BH3-mimetic molecules
      possessing potential anticancer activity are able to inhibit antiapoptotic Bcl-2
      family proteins. AT101 (R-(-)-gossypol), a natural BH3-mimetic molecule, has
      shown anti-tumor activity as a single agent and in combination with standard
      anticancer therapies in a variety of tumor models. Here, we report the effect of
      AT101 on apoptosis in cisplatin-resistant ovarian cancer cells and identify the
      major molecular events that determine sensitivity. AT101 induced cell apoptosis
      by activating Bax through a conformational change, translocation, and
      oligomerization. The inhibition of Bax expression only partially prevented
      caspase-3 cleavage. However, the gene silencing of Bax had no effect on
      mitochondrial Smac release. Further experiments demonstrated that Smac reduction
      inhibited caspase-3 activation and attenuated cell apoptosis. More importantly,
      the inhibition of Smac or overexpression of XIAP attenuated Bax activation in
      ovarian cells. Furthermore, our data indicate that the Akt-p53 pathway is
      involved in the regulation of Smac release. Taken together, our data demonstrate
      the role of Smac and the molecular mechanisms of AT101-induced apoptosis of
      chemoresistant ovarian cancer cells. Our findings suggest that AT101 not only
      triggers Bax activation but also induces mitochondrial Smac release. Activated
      Smac can enhance Bax-mediated cellular apoptosis. Therefore, Smac mediates Bax
      activation to determine the threshold for overcoming cisplatin resistance in
      ovarian cancer cells.

PMID- 22052904
TI  - Solution structure and molecular interactions of lamin B receptor Tudor domain.
AB  - Lamin B receptor (LBR) is a polytopic protein of the nuclear envelope thought to
      connect the inner nuclear membrane with the underlying nuclear lamina and
      peripheral heterochromatin. To better understand the function of this protein, we
      have examined in detail its nucleoplasmic region, which is predicted to harbor a
      Tudor domain (LBR-TD). Structural analysis by multidimensional NMR spectroscopy
      establishes that LBR-TD indeed adopts a classical beta-barrel Tudor fold in
      solution, which, however, features an incomplete aromatic cage. Removal of LBR-TD
      renders LBR more mobile at the plane of the nuclear envelope, but the isolated
      module does not bind to nuclear lamins, heterochromatin proteins (MeCP2), and
      nucleosomes, nor does it associate with methylated Arg/Lys residues through its
      aromatic cage. Instead, LBR-TD exhibits tight and stoichiometric binding to the
      "histone-fold" region of unassembled, free histone H3, suggesting an interesting
      role in histone assembly. Consistent with such a role, robust binding to native
      nucleosomes is observed when LBR-TD is extended toward its carboxyl terminus, to
      include an area rich in Ser-Arg residues. The Ser-Arg region, alone or in
      combination with LBR-TD, binds both unassembled and assembled H3/H4 histones,
      suggesting that the TD/RS interface may operate as a "histone chaperone-like
      platform."

PMID- 22052905
TI  - Autophagy induced by deficiency of sphingosine-1-phosphate phosphohydrolase 1 is
      switched to apoptosis by calpain-mediated autophagy-related gene 5 (Atg5)
      cleavage.
AB  - Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) and ceramide have been implicated in both autophagy
      and apoptosis. However, the roles of these sphingolipid metabolites in the links
      between these two processes are not completely understood. Depletion of S1P
      phosphohydrolase-1 (SPP1), which degrades intracellular S1P, induces the unfolded
      protein response and endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced autophagy (Lepine, S.,
      Allegood, J. C., Park, M., Dent, P., Milstien, S., and Spiegel, S. (2011) Cell
      Death Differ. 18, 350-361). Surprisingly, however, treatment with doxorubicin,
      which by itself also induced autophagy, markedly reduced the extent of autophagy
      mediated by depletion of SPP1. Concomitantly, doxorubicin-induced apoptosis was
      greatly enhanced by down-regulation of SPP1. Autophagy and apoptosis seemed to be
      sequentially linked because inhibiting autophagy with 3-methyladenine also
      markedly attenuated apoptosis. Moreover, silencing Atg5 or the three sensors of
      the unfolded protein response, IRE1alpha, ATF6, and PKR-like eIF2alpha kinase
      (PERK), significantly decreased both autophagy and apoptosis. Doxorubicin
      stimulated calpain activity and Atg5 cleavage, which were significantly enhanced
      in SPP1-depleted cells. Inhibition or depletion of calpain not only suppressed
      Atg5 cleavage, it also markedly decreased the robust apoptosis induced by
      doxorubicin in SPP1-deficient cells. Importantly, doxorubicin also increased de
      novo synthesis of the pro-apoptotic sphingolipid metabolite ceramide. Elevation
      of ceramide in turn stimulated calpain; conversely, inhibiting ceramide formation
      suppressed Atg5 cleavage and apoptosis. Hence, doxorubicin switches protective
      autophagy in SPP1-depleted cells to apoptosis by calpain-mediated Atg5 cleavage.

PMID- 22052906
TI  - Divalent cation transport by vesicular nucleotide transporter.
AB  - The vesicular nucleotide transporter (VNUT) is a secretory vesicle protein that
      is responsible for the vesicular storage and subsequent exocytosis of ATP
      (Sawada, K., Echigo, N., Juge, N., Miyaji, T., Otsuka, M., Omote, H., and
      Moriyama, Y. (2008) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 105, 5683-5686). Because VNUT
      actively transports ATP in a membrane potential (Deltapsi)-dependent manner
      irrespective of divalent cations such as Mg(2+) and Ca(2+), VNUT recognizes free
      ATP as a transport substrate. However, whether or not VNUT transports chelating
      complexes with divalent cations remains unknown. Here, we show that
      proteoliposomes containing purified VNUT actively took up Mg(2+) when ATP was
      present, as detected by atomic absorption spectroscopy. The VNUT-containing
      proteoliposomes also took up radioactive Ca(2+) upon imposing Deltapsi (positive
      inside) but not DeltapH. The Deltapsi-driven Ca(2+) uptake required ATP and a
      millimolar concentration of Cl(-), which was inhibited by Evans blue, a specific
      inhibitor of SLC17-type transporters. VNUT in which Arg-119 was specifically
      mutated to alanine, the counterpart of the essential amino acid residue of the
      SLC17 family, lost the ability to take up both ATP and Ca(2+). Ca(2+) uptake was
      also inhibited in the presence of various divalent cations such as Mg(2+).
      Kinetic analysis indicated that Ca(2+) or Mg(2+) did not affect the apparent
      affinity for ATP. RNAi of the VNUT gene in PC12 cells decreased the vesicular
      Mg(2+) concentration to 67.7%. These results indicate that VNUT transports both
      nucleotides and divalent cations probably as chelating complexes and suggest that
      VNUT functions as a divalent cation importer in secretory vesicles under
      physiological conditions.

PMID- 22052907
TI  - Structural basis of free reduced flavin generation by flavin reductase from
      Thermus thermophilus HB8.
AB  - Free reduced flavins are involved in a variety of biological functions. They are
      generated from NAD(P)H by flavin reductase via co-factor flavin bound to the
      enzyme. Although recent findings on the structure and function of flavin
      reductase provide new information about co-factor FAD and substrate NAD, there
      have been no reports on the substrate flavin binding site. Here we report the
      structure of TTHA0420 from Thermus thermophilus HB8, which belongs to flavin
      reductase, and describe the dual binding mode of the substrate and co-factor
      flavins. We also report that TTHA0420 has not only the flavin reductase motif GDH
      but also a specific motif YGG in C terminus as well as Phe-41 and Arg-11, which
      are conserved in its subclass. From the structure, these motifs are important for
      the substrate flavin binding. On the contrary, the C terminus is stacked on the
      NADH binding site, apparently to block NADH binding to the active site. To
      identify the function of the C-terminal region, we designed and expressed a
      mutant TTHA0420 enzyme in which the C-terminal five residues were deleted
      (TTHA0420-DeltaC5). Notably, the activity of TTHA0420-DeltaC5 was about 10 times
      higher than that of the wild-type enzyme at 20-40  degrees C. Our findings
      suggest that the C-terminal region of TTHA0420 may regulate the alternative
      binding of NADH and substrate flavin to the enzyme.

PMID- 22052908
TI  - Origins of specificity and promiscuity in metabolic networks.
AB  - How enzymes have evolved to their present form is linked to the question of how
      pathways emerged and evolved into extant metabolic networks. To investigate this
      mechanism, we have explored the chemical diversity present in a largely unbiased
      data set of catalytic reactions processed by modern enzymes across the tree of
      life. In order to get a quantitative estimate of enzyme chemical diversity, we
      measure enzyme multispecificity or promiscuity using the reaction molecular
      signatures. Our main finding is that reactions that are catalyzed by a highly
      specific enzyme are shared by poorly divergent species, suggesting a later
      emergence of this function during evolution. In contrast, reactions that are
      catalyzed by highly promiscuous enzymes are more likely to appear uniformly
      distributed across species in the tree of life. From a functional point of view,
      promiscuous enzymes are mainly involved in amino acid and lipid metabolisms,
      which might be associated with the earliest form of biochemical reactions. In
      this way, results presented in this paper might assist us with the identification
      of primeval promiscuous catalytic functions contributing to life's minimal
      metabolism.

PMID- 22052909
TI  - Structures and interaction analyses of integrin alphaMbeta2 cytoplasmic tails.
AB  - Integrins are heterodimeric (alpha and beta subunits) signal transducer proteins
      involved in cell adhesions and migrations. The cytosolic tails of integrins are
      essential for transmitting bidirectional signaling and also implicated in
      maintaining the resting states of the receptors. In addition, cytosolic tails of
      integrins often undergo post-translation modifications like phosphorylation.
      However, the consequences of phosphorylation on the structures and interactions
      are not clear. The leukocyte-specific integrin alphaMbeta2 is essential for
      myeloid cell adhesion, phagocytosis, and degranulation. In this work, we
      determined solution structures of the myristoylated cytosolic tail of alphaM and
      a Ser phosphorylated variant in dodecylphosphocholine micelles by NMR
      spectroscopy. Furthermore, the interactions between non-phosphorylated and
      phosphorylated alphaM tails with beta2 tail were investigated by NMR and
      fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). The three-dimensional structures
      of the 24-residue cytosolic tail of alphaM or phosphorylated alphaM are
      characterized by an N-terminal amphipathic helix and a loop at the C terminus.
      The residues at the loop are involved in packing interactions with the
      hydrophobic face of the helix. 15N-1H heteronuclear single quantum coherence
      experiments identified residues of alphaM and beta2 tails that may be involved in
      the formation of a tail-tail heterocomplex. We further examined interactions
      between myristoylated beta2 tail in dodecylphosphocholine micelles with
      dansylated alphaM tail peptides by FRET. These studies revealed enhanced
      interactions between alphaM or phosphorylated alphaM tails with beta2 tail with
      Kd values ~5.2+/-0.6 and ~4.4+/-0.7 MUm, respectively. Docked structures of tail
      tail complexes delineated that the alphaM/beta2 interface at the cytosolic region
      could be sustained by a network of polar interactions, ionic interactions, and/or
      hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22052910
TI  - The vinculin C-terminal hairpin mediates F-actin bundle formation, focal
      adhesion, and cell mechanical properties.
AB  - Vinculin is an essential and highly conserved cell adhesion protein, found at
      both focal adhesions and adherens junctions, where it couples integrins or
      cadherins to the actin cytoskeleton. Vinculin is involved in controlling cell
      shape, motility, and cell survival, and has more recently been shown to play a
      role in force transduction. The tail domain of vinculin (Vt) contains
      determinants necessary for binding and bundling of actin filaments. Actin binding
      to Vt has been proposed to induce formation of a Vt dimer that is necessary for
      cross-linking actin filaments. Results from this study provide additional support
      for actin-induced Vt self-association. Moreover, the actin-induced Vt dimer
      appears distinct from the dimer formed in the absence of actin. To better
      characterize the role of the Vt strap and carboxyl terminus (CT) in actin
      binding, Vt self-association, and actin bundling, we employed smaller amino
      terminal (NT) and CT deletions that do not perturb the structural integrity of
      Vt. Although both NT and CT deletions retain actin binding, removal of the CT
      hairpin (1061-1066) selectively impairs actin bundling in vitro. Moreover,
      expression of vinculin lacking the CT hairpin in vinculin knock-out murine
      embryonic fibroblasts affects the number of focal adhesions formed, cell
      spreading as well as cellular stiffening in response to mechanical force.

PMID- 22052911
TI  - Regulation of autophagy by neuropathological protein TDP-43.
AB  - TDP-43 is a DNA/RNA-binding protein with multicellular functions. As a
      pathosignature protein of a range of neurodegenerative diseases, TDP-43 is also
      the major component of the polyubiquitinated inclusions in the pathological
      cellular samples of these diseases. In normal cells, TDP-43 is processed and
      degraded by both autophagy and the ubiquitin-proteasome systems. We have found,
      by microarray hybridization and RT-PCR analyses, that the level of the mRNA
      encoding the major autophagy component Atg7 is decreased upon depletion of TDP-43
      by RNAi knockdown. This decrease of the Atg7 mRNA level could be rescued by
      overexpression of an siRNA-resistant form of TDP-43, and it appears to be the
      result of destabilization of the Atg7 mRNA, to which TDP-43 could bind through
      its RNA recognition motif 1 domain. Furthermore, depletion of TDP-43 with the
      consequent loss of the Atg7 mRNA/ATG7 protein causes impairment of the autophagy
      and facilitates the accumulation of polyubiquitinated proteins as well as the
      autophagy/ubiquitin-proteasome system substrate p62 in the cells. These data
      demonstrate the function of TDP-43 as a maintenance factor of the autophagy
      system, and they suggest the existence of a feedback regulatory loop between TDP
      43 and autophagy. A scenario in which loss of function of TDP-43 contributes to
      the development of TDP-43 proteinopathies is presented.

PMID- 22052912
TI  - Augmented phosphorylation of cardiac troponin I in hypertensive heart failure.
AB  - An altered cardiac myofilament response to activating Ca(2+) is a hallmark of
      human heart failure. Phosphorylation of cardiac troponin I (cTnI) is critical in
      modulating contractility and Ca(2+) sensitivity of cardiac muscle. cTnI can be
      phosphorylated by protein kinase A (PKA) at Ser(22/23) and protein kinase C (PKC)
      at Ser(22/23), Ser(42/44), and Thr(143). Whereas the functional significance of
      Ser(22/23) phosphorylation is well understood, the role of other cTnI
      phosphorylation sites in the regulation of cardiac contractility remains a topic
      of intense debate, in part, due to the lack of evidence of in vivo
      phosphorylation. In this study, we utilized top-down high resolution mass
      spectrometry (MS) combined with immunoaffinity chromatography to determine
      quantitatively the cTnI phosphorylation changes in spontaneously hypertensive rat
      (SHR) model of hypertensive heart disease and failure. Our data indicate that
      cTnI is hyperphosphorylated in the failing SHR myocardium compared with age
      matched normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats. The top-down electron capture
      dissociation MS unambiguously localized augmented phosphorylation sites to
      Ser(22/23) and Ser(42/44) in SHR. Enhanced Ser(22/23) phosphorylation was
      verified by immunoblotting with phospho-specific antibodies. Immunoblot analysis
      also revealed up-regulation of PKC-alpha and -delta, decreased PKCepsilon, but no
      changes in PKA or PKC-beta levels in the SHR myocardium. This provides direct
      evidence of in vivo phosphorylation of cTnI-Ser(42/44) (PKC-specific) sites in an
      animal model of hypertensive heart failure, supporting the hypothesis that PKC
      phosphorylation of cTnI may be maladaptive and potentially associated with
      cardiac dysfunction.

PMID- 22052913
TI  - Structure of myostatin.follistatin-like 3: N-terminal domains of follistatin-type
      molecules exhibit alternate modes of binding.
AB  - TGF-beta family ligands are involved in a variety of critical physiological
      processes. For instance, the TGF-beta ligand myostatin is a staunch negative
      regulator of muscle growth and a therapeutic target for muscle-wasting disorders.
      Therefore, it is important to understand the molecular mechanisms of TGF-beta
      family regulation. One form of regulation is through inhibition by extracellular
      antagonists such as the follistatin (Fst)-type proteins. Myostatin is tightly
      controlled by Fst-like 3 (Fstl3), which is the only Fst-type molecule that has
      been identified in the serum bound to myostatin. Here, we present the crystal
      structure of myostatin in complex with Fstl3. The structure reveals that the N
      terminal domain (ND) of Fstl3 interacts uniquely with myostatin as compared with
      activin A, because it utilizes different surfaces on the ligand. This results in
      conformational differences in the ND of Fstl3 that alter its position in the type
      I receptor-binding site of the ligand. We also show that single point mutations
      in the ND of Fstl3 are detrimental to ligand binding, whereas corresponding
      mutations in Fst have little effect. Overall, we have shown that the NDs of Fst
      type molecules exhibit distinctive modes of ligand binding, which may affect
      overall affinity of ligand.Fst-type protein complexes.

PMID- 22052914
TI  - Inhibition of miR-15 protects against cardiac ischemic injury.
AB  - RATIONALE: Myocardial infarction (MI) is a leading cause of death worldwide.
      Because endogenous cardiac repair mechanisms are not sufficient for meaningful
      tissue regeneration, MI results in loss of cardiac tissue and detrimental
      remodeling events. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small, noncoding RNAs that regulate
      gene expression in a sequence dependent manner. Our previous data indicate that
      miRNAs are dysregulated in response to ischemic injury of the heart and actively
      contribute to cardiac remodeling after MI. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to
      determine whether miRNAs are dysregulated on ischemic damage in porcine cardiac
      tissues and whether locked nucleic acid (LNA)-modified anti-miR chemistries can
      target cardiac expressed miRNAs to therapeutically inhibit miR-15 on ischemic
      injury. METHODS AND RESULTS: Our data indicate that the miR-15 family, which
      includes 6 closely related miRNAs, is regulated in the infarcted region of the
      heart in response to ischemia-reperfusion injury in mice and pigs. LNA-modified
      chemistries can effectively silence miR-15 family members in vitro and render
      cardiomyocytes resistant to hypoxia-induced cardiomyocyte cell death.
      Correspondingly, systemic delivery of miR-15 anti-miRs dose-dependently represses
      miR-15 in cardiac tissue of both mice and pigs, whereas therapeutic targeting of
      miR-15 in mice reduces infarct size and cardiac remodeling and enhances cardiac
      function in response to MI. CONCLUSIONS: Oligonucleotide-based therapies using
      LNA-modified chemistries for modulating cardiac miRNAs in the setting of heart
      disease are efficacious and validate miR-15 as a potential therapeutic target for
      the manipulation of cardiac remodeling and function in the setting of ischemic
      injury.

PMID- 22052915
TI  - Activating transcription factor 1 directs Mhem atheroprotective macrophages
      through coordinated iron handling and foam cell protection.
AB  - RATIONALE: Intraplaque hemorrhage (IPH) drives atherosclerosis through the dual
      metabolic stresses of cholesterol-enriched erythrocyte membranes and pro-oxidant
      heme/iron. When clearing tissue hemorrhage, macrophages are typically seen
      storing either iron or lipid. We have recently defined hemorrhage-associated
      macrophages (HA-mac) as a plaque macrophage population that responds adaptively
      to IPH. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to define the key transcription factor(s)
      involved in HO-1 induction by heme. METHODS AND RESULTS: To address this
      question, we used microarray analysis and transfection with siRNA and plasmids.
      To maintain physiological relevance, we focused on human blood-derived monocytes.
      We found that heme stimulates monocytes through induction of activating
      transcription factor 1 (ATF-1). ATF-1 coinduces heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and Liver
      X receptor beta (LXR-beta). Heme-induced HO-1 and LXR-beta were suppressed by
      knockdown of ATF-1, and HO-1 and LXR-beta were induced by ATF-1 transfection. ATF
      1 required phosphorylation for full functional activity. Expression of LXR-beta
      in turn led to induction of other genes central to cholesterol efflux, such as
      LXR-alpha and ABCA1. This heme-directed state was distinct from known macrophage
      states (M1, M2, Mox) and, following the same format, we have designated them
      Mhem. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that ATF-1 mediates HO-1 induction by heme
      and drives macrophage adaptation to intraplaque hemorrhage. Our definition of an
      ATF-1-mediated pathway for linked protection from foam cell formation and oxidant
      stress may have therapeutic potential.

PMID- 22052916
TI  - Mitochondrial fusion is essential for organelle function and cardiac homeostasis.
AB  - RATIONALE: Mitochondria constitute 30% of myocardial mass. Mitochondrial fusion
      and fission appear essential for health of most tissues. Mitochondrial fission
      occurs in neonatal cardiomycyte and is implicated in cardiomyocyte death.
      Mitochondrial fusion has not been observed in postmitotic myocytes of adult
      hearts, and its occurrence and function in this context are controversial.
      OBJECTIVE: Determine the consequences on organelle and organ function of
      disrupting cardiomyocyte mitochondrial fusion in vivo. METHODS AND RESULTS: The
      murine mfn1 and mfn2 genes, encoding mitofusins (Mfn) 1 and 2 that mediate
      mitochondrial tethering and outer mitochondrial membrane fusion, were interrupted
      by Cre-mediated excision of essential exons in neonatal (Nkx2.5-Cre) and adult
      (MYH6 modified estrogen receptor-Cre-modified estrogen receptor plus tamoxifen or
      Raloxifene) hearts. Embryonic combined Mfn1/Mfn2 ablation was lethal after e9.5.
      Conditional combined Mfn1/Mfn2 ablation in adult hearts induced mitochondrial
      fragmentation, cardiomyocyte and mitochondrial respiratory dysfunction, and
      rapidly progressive and lethal dilated cardiomyopathy. Before heart failure
      developed, cardiomyocyte shortening and calcium cycling were unaffected by
      absence of Mfn1 and Mfn2. Based on the time course over which fusion-defective
      mitochondrial size decreases, a mitochondrial fusion/fission cycle in adult mouse
      hearts occurs approximately every 16 days. CONCLUSIONS: Mitochondrial fusion in
      adult cardiac myocytes is necessary to maintain normal mitochondrial morphology
      and is essential for normal cardiac respiratory and contractile function.
      Interruption of mitochondrial fusion causes lethal cardiac failure at a time
      corresponding to 3 or 4 cycles of unopposed mitochondrial fission.

PMID- 22052917
TI  - Adventitial delivery of an allogeneic bone marrow-derived adherent stem cell in
      acute myocardial infarction: phase I clinical study.
AB  - RATIONALE: MultiStem is an allogeneic bone marrow-derived adherent adult stem
      cell product that has shown efficacy in preclinical models of acute myocardial
      infarction (AMI). In this phase I clinical trial in patients with first ST
      elevation-myocardial infarction (STEMI), we combine first-in-man delivery of
      MultiStem with a first-in-coronary adventitial delivery system to determine the
      effects of this system on left ventricular function at 4 months after AMI.
      OBJECTIVE: Test the effects of adventitial delivery of Multistem in the peri
      infarct period in patients with first STEMI. METHODS AND RESULTS: This study was
      a phase I, open-label, dose-escalating registry control group study. Nineteen
      patients received MultiStem (20 million, n=6; 50 million, n=7; or 100 million,
      n=6) and 6 subjects were assigned to the registry control group. Two to 5 days
      after AMI, we delivered MultiStem to the adventitia of the infarct-related vessel
      in patients with first-time STEMI. All patients underwent primary percutaneous
      coronary intervention with resulting Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction grade
      3 flow and with ejection fraction (EF) <=45% as determined by echocardiogram or
      left ventriculogram within 12 hours of primary percutaneous coronary
      intervention. The cell product (20 million, 50 million, or 100 million) was well
      tolerated, and no serious adverse events were deemed related to MultiStem. There
      was no increase in creatine kinase-MB or troponin associated with the adventitial
      delivery of MultiStem. In patients with EF determined to be <=45% by a core
      laboratory within 24 hours before the MultiStem injection, we observed a 0.9
      (n=4), 3.9 (n=4), 13.5 (n=5), and 10.9 (n=2) percent absolute increases in EF in
      the registry, 20 million, 50 million, and 100 million dose groups, respectively.
      The increases in EF in the 50 million and 100 million groups were accompanied by
      25.4 and 8.4 mL increases in left ventricular stroke volume. CONCLUSIONS: In this
      study, the delivery of MultiStem to the myocardium in patients with recent STEMI
      was well tolerated and safe. In patients who exhibited significant myocardial
      damage, the delivery of >=50 million MultiStem resulted in improved EF and stroke
      volume 4 months later. These findings support further development of MultiStem in
      patients with AMI and they validate the potential of a system for delivery of
      adult stem cells at any time after primary percutaneous coronary intervention.

PMID- 22052918
TI  - Chair's summary: pulmonary circulation in health and disease.

PMID- 22052919
TI  - Functional and molecular heterogeneity of pulmonary endothelial cells.
AB  - In recent years there has been an increasing appreciation of the functional
      heterogeneity that exists between extraalveolar and alveolar endothelial cells.
      One of the most striking features of pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells is
      that they possess a highly impermeable barrier with respect to pulmonary artery
      or vein endothelial cells. This cellular feature is observed in culture and in
      the intact microcirculation, prompting a reevaluation of the key physiological
      principles that control permeability and the fate of fluid (or exudate) once it
      leaves the circulation. Pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells express calcium
      channels not found in extraalveolar endothelial cells, including the vanilloid
      family transient receptor potential 4 channel and the alpha1G T-type calcium
      channel. Whereas activation of the TRPV4 channel causes alveolar flooding,
      activation of the alpha1G T-type calcium channel promotes P-selectin surface
      translocation, events specific to the microcirculation. Although endothelium is
      an attractive therapeutic target in acute lung injury and other vascular
      disorders, the growing awareness of pulmonary endothelial cell heterogeneity
      increasingly suggests that a panendothelial cell approach is suboptimal. Rather,
      development of novel therapeutics based upon anatomically restricted expression
      of molecular signatures may be developed to better combat vascular disease.

PMID- 22052920
TI  - Real-time imaging assessment of pulmonary vascular responses.
AB  - Real-time imaging of the intact lung allows for the visualization and analysis of
      pulmonary vascular responses at a unique spatial and temporal resolution. For
      visual access to the pulmonary microvasculature under closed chest conditions, a
      series of thoracic window techniques has been developed. These approaches provide
      singular insights into basic physiological phenomena, such as capillary
      recruitment and hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction, and into the site, extent,
      and mechanisms of neutrophil margination in the pulmonary vasculature. Recent
      advancements, such as the murine thoracic window model and the oxygen saturation
      mapping technique, have expanded these applications to studies in genetically
      modified animals and to the analysis of regional gas exchange. Although
      intravital microscopy may visualize vascular responses in their most physiologic
      context, functional imaging in isolated perfused lungs allows for targeting of
      individual cell subsets with functional fluorescence probes and specific
      interventions. This approach has proven essential for studies on the spatial
      arrangement and trafficking of cytoskeletal proteins such as actin, organelles
      such as mitochondria, or vesicles such as Weibel-Palade bodies in lung
      endothelial cells. Functional imaging has generated unprecedented insights into
      the temporal and spatial profile of intra- and subcellular second messenger
      systems, including signaling cascades via Ca(2+), nitric oxide, or reactive
      oxygen species. The rapid advancement of bioimaging capabilities at the technical
      level, the increasing availability of protein-based fluorescent probes, and the
      ongoing refinement of in vivo and ex vivo lung models provide promising prospects
      for the application of real-time bioimaging to the further resolution of
      pulmonary vascular responses in lung health and disease.

PMID- 22052921
TI  - Progenitor cells in the pulmonary circulation.
AB  - The mechanisms involved in the regulation of pulmonary vascular endothelial cells
      to replace aged or injured cells remains poorly understood, although differences
      in proliferative potential between the microvascular and macrovascular
      endothelium are well described. The presence of resident pulmonary vascular
      endothelial progenitor cells in rats and mice has been recently reported. These
      resident endothelial progenitor cells display clonal proliferative potential,
      restricted expression of cell surface molecules to those typical of lung
      endothelium, and in vivo vessel-forming ability upon transplantation into
      recipient animals. The rat pulmonary microvascular endothelium is enriched in
      resident progenitor cells, with the highest proliferative potential compared with
      the pulmonary macrovascular endothelium. Preliminary evidence suggests that
      resident endothelial progenitor cells are present in the human lung vasculature,
      but whether differences in enrichment of the progenitors in various pulmonary
      vascular beds exist remains to be determined.

PMID- 22052922
TI  - Pulmonary vascular innervation and its role in responses to hypoxia: size
      matters!
AB  - The pulmonary vasculature is innervated by specific subsets of sympathetic,
      parasympathetic, and sensory nerve fibers. In contrast to most other organs,
      innervation density is highest at large-caliber vessels and decreases toward the
      periphery, and reactivity to vasoactive compounds also changes along the course.
      In some species, such as the experimentally widely used rodents rat and mouse,
      autonomic efferent (sympathetic and parasympathetic) perivascular axons barely
      reach beyond the lung hilus, whereas in humans this innervation extends to small
      intrapulmonary vessels. Throughout, the most distal arterioles (i.e., intraacinar
      arteries equipped with an incomplete coat of intermediate cells instead of a full
      muscular wall) are devoid of innervation. Altogether, 10 vasoactive substances (3
      small molecular transmitters and 7 neuropeptides) at minimum have been identified
      in various combinations (cotransmission) in pulmonary vascular axons. Analysis of
      this "neurochemical coding" has been provided only for the guinea pig so far, but
      not for humans or for animal species commonly used for pulmonary vascular
      research. Sympathetic pulmonary vascular neurons are reflexively activated via
      arterial chemoreceptors when arterial Po(2) is lowered and adapt the pulmonary
      vasculature to this condition of increased pulmonary blood flow by alpha(1)
      adrenoreceptor-mediated increase in vascular impedance primarily at large
      vessels. In contrast, neither they nor other nerve fibers play a role in the
      local hypoxic vasoconstriction triggered by low alveolar Po(2), which serves to
      match perfusion to ventilation. The major potential role of the pulmonary
      vascular innervation, autonomic and sensory, lies in the pronounced trophic
      activities of its transmitters.

PMID- 22052923
TI  - Lung cell hypoxia: role of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species signaling in
      triggering responses.
AB  - Lung cells experience hypoxia during development, during travel to high altitude,
      and in acute and chronic lung diseases. The functional responses evoked by
      hypoxia are diverse and generally act to protect the cells from hypoxic injury,
      although some lung cell responses are counterproductive because they degrade
      normal function of the organ. The cellular O(2) sensor responsible for many of
      these responses involves the mitochondrial electron transport chain. Under
      hypoxic conditions, increased release of reactive oxygen species from the inner
      mitochondrial membrane to the intermembrane space leads to the activation of
      transcription factors, including hypoxia-inducible factor, activation of hypoxic
      pulmonary vasoconstriction, activation of AMP-dependent protein kinase, and
      internalization of the membrane Na,K-ATPase from the basolateral membrane of
      alveolar epithelial cells. Although the specific targets of reactive oxygen
      species signals are not fully understood, this signaling pathway is critical for
      development and for normal lung responses in the newborn and the mature lung.

PMID- 22052924
TI  - Stress responses affecting homeostasis of the alveolar capillary unit.
AB  - The maintenance of the alveolar structure is required throughout life. To
      accomplish this goal, alveolar cells, including endothelial, epithelial, and
      fibroblastic cells, provide key molecules with broad survival and antiapoptotic
      effects. These complex interactions are disrupted by cigarette smoke, leading to
      emphysema. Smoke imposes an environmental stress to the lung with the activation
      of "sensor-like" molecular signaling. Activation of RTP801, leading to mTOR
      inhibition, is paradigmatic of these responses. The accumulation of cellular
      damage, with the generation of endogenous mediators of inflammation, may proceed
      toward an aging phenotype. These alterations may impose significant challenges to
      cell-based regenerative or pharmacological therapies.

PMID- 22052925
TI  - Involvement of ceramide in cell death responses in the pulmonary circulation.
AB  - Ceramides are signaling sphingolipids involved in cellular homeostasis but also
      in pathological processes such as unwanted apoptosis, growth arrest, oxidative
      stress, or senescence. Several enzymatic pathways are responsible for the
      synthesis of ceramides, which can be activated in response to exogenous stimuli
      such as cytokines, radiation, or oxidative stress. Endothelial cells are
      particularly rich in acid sphingomyelinases, which can be rapidly activated to
      produce ceramides, both intracellular and at the plasma membrane. In addition,
      neutral sphingomyelinases, the de novo pathway and the ceramide recycling
      pathway, may generate excessive ceramides involved in endothelial cell responses.
      When up-regulated, ceramides trigger signaling pathways that culminate in
      endothelial cell death, which in murine lungs has been linked to the development
      of emphysema-like disease. Furthermore, ceramides may be released paracellularly
      where they are believed to exert paracrine activities. Such effects, along with
      ceramides released by inflammatory mediators, may contribute to lung inflammation
      and pulmonary edema, because ceramide-challenged pulmonary endothelial cells
      exhibit decreased barrier function, independent of apoptosis. Reestablishing the
      sphingolipid homeostasis, either by modulating ceramide synthesis or by opposing
      its biological effects through augmentation of the prosurvival sphingosine-1
      phosphate, may alleviate acute or chronic pulmonary conditions characterized by
      vascular endothelial cell death or dysfunction.

PMID- 22052926
TI  - Blocking NF-kappaB: an inflammatory issue.
AB  - The nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB is considered the master regulator of inflammatory
      responses. Studies in mouse models have established this transcription factor as
      an important mediator of many inflammatory disease states, including pulmonary
      diseases such as acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome.
      Endothelial cells provide the first barrier for leukocytes migrating to the
      inflamed sites and hence offer an attractive cellular context for targeting NF
      kappaB for treatment of these diseases. However, recent studies showing that NF
      kappaB also plays an important role in resolution phase of inflammation and in
      tissue repair and homeostasis have challenged the view of therapeutic inhibition
      of NF-kappaB. This article reviews the regulation of NF-kappaB in the context of
      endothelial cell signaling and provides a perspective on why "dampening" rather
      than "abolishing" NF-kappaB activation may be a safe and effective treatment
      strategy for inflammation-associated pulmonary and other inflammatory diseases.

PMID- 22052927
TI  - Dynamics of airway blood vessels and lymphatics: lessons from development and
      inflammation.
AB  - Blood vessels and lymphatic vessels in the respiratory tract play key roles in
      inflammation. By undergoing adaptive remodeling and growth, blood vessels undergo
      changes that enable the extravasation of plasma and leukocytes into inflamed
      tissues, and lymphatic vessels adjust to the increased fluid clearance and cell
      traffic involved in immune responses. Blood vessels and lymphatics in adult
      airways are strikingly different from those of late-stage embryos. Before birth,
      blood vessels in mouse airways make up a primitive plexus similar to that of the
      yolk sac. This plexus undergoes rapid and extensive remodeling at birth. In the
      early neonatal period, parts of the plexus regress. Capillaries then rapidly
      regrow, and with arterioles and venules form the characteristic adult vascular
      pattern. Lymphatic vessels of the airways also undergo rapid changes around
      birth, when lymphatic endothelial cells develop button-like intercellular
      junctions specialized for efficient fluid uptake. Among the mechanisms that
      underlie the onset of rapid vascular remodeling at birth, changes in tissue
      oxygen tension and mechanical forces associated with breathing are likely to be
      involved, along with growth factors that promote the growth and maturation of
      blood vessels and lymphatics. Whatever the mechanisms, the dynamic nature of
      airway blood vessels and lymphatics during perinatal development foretells the
      extraordinary vascular plasticity found in many diseases.

PMID- 22052928
TI  - Vascular endothelial growth factor and vascular homeostasis.
AB  - Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is the angiogenic factor promoting and
      orchestrating most, if not all, processes of neovascularization taking place in
      the embryo and the adult. VEGF is also required to sustain newly formed vessels
      and plays additional multiple roles in the maintenance and function of certain
      mature vascular beds. Correspondingly, perturbations in VEGF signaling may impact
      organ homeostasis in multiple ways. Here we briefly review potential consequences
      of VEGF loss of function in adult organs. Different vascular beds display highly
      variable dependencies on VEGF for survival, and its loss of function may trigger
      the regression of many VEGF-dependent vasculatures. Normal turnover of blood
      vessels, in conjunction with the fact that VEGF is indispensable for compensatory
      angiogenesis to restore adequate perfusion, accounts for progressive vascular
      rarefaction under conditions of chronic VEGF inhibition of even vasculatures that
      are not intrinsically dependent on VEGF. Because blood vessels may have paracrine
      functions other than their traditional role in tissue perfusion, vascular
      regression resulting from VEGF withdrawal may cause substantial collateral tissue
      damage. VEGF may also impact tissue homeostasis via acting directly on
      nonvascular cells expressing cognate receptors. In the particular case of the
      lung, constitutive abundant expression of VEGF together with the fact that its
      receptors are distributed on both endothelial and epithelial cells is compatible
      with multiple homeostatic VEGF functions in the adult lung. Indeed, experimental
      inhibition of VEGF in the mature lung produces lesions resembling common lung
      pathologies, including emphysema and respiratory distress syndrome.

PMID- 22052929
TI  - Studies of vascular endothelial growth factor in asthma and chronic obstructive
      pulmonary disease.
AB  - Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a potent stimulator of vascular
      angiogenesis, permeability, and remodeling that also plays important roles in
      wound healing and tissue cytoprotection. To begin to define the roles of VEGF in
      diseases like asthma and COPD, we characterized the effects of lung-targeted
      transgenic VEGF(165) and defined the innate immune pathways that regulate VEGF
      tissue responses. The former studies demonstrated that VEGF plays an important
      role in Th2 inflammation because, in addition to stimulating angiogenesis and
      edema, VEGF induced eosinophilic inflammation, mucus metaplasia, subepithelial
      fibrosis, myocyte hyperplasia, dendritic cell activation, and airways
      hyperresponsiveness via IL-13-dependent and -independent mechanisms. VEGF was
      also produced at sites of aeroallergen-induced Th2 inflammation, and VEGF
      receptor blockade ameliorated adaptive Th2 inflammation and Th2 cytokine
      elaboration. The latter studies demonstrated that activation of the RIG-like
      helicase (RLH) innate immune pathway using viral pathogen-associated molecular
      patterns such as Poly(I:C) or viruses ameliorated VEGF-induced tissue responses.
      In accord with these findings, Poly(I:C)-induced RLH activation also abrogated
      aeroallergen-induced Th2 inflammation. When viewed in combination, these studies
      suggest that VEGF excess can contribute to the pathogenesis of Th2 inflammatory
      disorders such as asthma and that abrogation of VEGF signaling via RLH activation
      can contribute to the pathogenesis of viral disorders such as virus-induced COPD
      exacerbations. They also suggest that RLH activation may be a useful therapeutic
      strategy in asthma and related disorders.

PMID- 22052930
TI  - Pulmonary microcirculation in interstitial lung disease.
AB  - Vascular abnormalities are a common feature of interstitial lung diseases (ILD).
      The development of pulmonary hypertension has been recognized as a condition that
      determines the overall prognosis, particularly for patients with idiopathic
      pulmonary fibrosis and scleroderma-associated lung disease. The treatment of
      chronic ILD is challenging due to the lack of causal therapies, specifically of
      the fibroproliferative component of the disorders, but also due to the vascular
      abnormalities. Recent studies suggest that the pathobiology underlying the
      remodeling and fibrosis of the parenchyma in ILD and the mechanisms leading to
      structural and functional alteration of the pulmonary vasculature are closely
      intertwined. This review summarizes the current understanding of the pathobiology
      of the microcirculation in ILD, with a specific focus on idiopathic pulmonary
      fibrosis and scleroderma-associated lung disease. An improved understanding of
      the complex biological mechanisms that link alveolar interstitial and vascular
      remodeling in chronic ILD will be required to identify novel drug targets.

PMID- 22052932
TI  - Vascular progenitor cells in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
AB  - Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is commonly associated with vascular
      changes in the pulmonary and systemic circulations. Pulmonary muscular arteries
      characteristically show intimal hyperplasia, which is produced in part by the
      proliferation of poorly differentiated smooth muscle cells. The origin of these
      cells has not been determined. Bone marrow has the capacity to produce and
      mobilize progenitor cells that may be recruited at sites of vascular damage and
      contribute to vascular repair through their differentiation into endothelial
      cells. Nevertheless, under some circumstances bone marrow-derived progenitor
      cells may migrate into the intima and differentiate into smooth muscle cells.
      Local factors and cell-to-cell contact are critical in determining the fate of
      progenitor cells in the vessel wall. Studies assessing the number of circulating
      bone marrow-derived vascular progenitor cells indicate that COPD is characterized
      by a reduction in circulating hemopoietic and vascular progenitors. The
      mechanisms of this reduction have not been elucidated. It has been suggested that
      this process may lead to reduced vascular repair capacity and increase the risk
      of cardiovascular complications, which are associated with significant morbidity
      and mortality in COPD. Further investigation in this field and elucidation of the
      underlying mechanisms will contribute to a better management of this major
      complication of COPD.

PMID- 22052931
TI  - The epidemiology of vascular dysfunction relating to chronic obstructive
      pulmonary disease and emphysema.
AB  - Cor pulmonale has long been described in very severe chronic obstructive
      pulmonary disease (COPD) and emphysema. Cross-sectional results from population
      based studies show that left ventricular filling and a variety of vascular
      measures in the systemic circulation are abnormal in preclinical COPD and
      emphysema and that a predominant vascular change in COPD and emphysema is
      endothelial and microvascular dysfunction. These findings suggest that pulmonary
      vascular changes may occur early in COPD and emphysema and might contribute to
      pathogenesis. However, longitudinal epidemiologic studies with direct measures of
      the pulmonary vasculature are lacking; therefore, inferences are limited at
      present. New imaging-based approaches to the assessment of the pulmonary
      vasculature are applicable to epidemiologic studies and may help in defining the
      relationship of pulmonary vascular damage to progression of COPD and emphysema.
      These measures may also provide imaging-based surrogate markers, and novel
      therapeutics targeted to the pulmonary vasculature might reduce symptoms and
      improve function in these common diseases.

PMID- 22052933
TI  - Cell-based therapies for lung vascular diseases: lessons for the future.
AB  - Pulmonary arterial hypertension or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
      represent diseases caused in large part by lung endothelial injury and
      inflammation. Pulmonary arterial hypertension is a progressive and debilitating
      lung disorder, which is characterized by hallmark pathological features in the
      small peripheral pulmonary arteries, including intimal hyperplasia and fibrosis,
      medial hypertrophy, increased deposition of extracellular matrix, infiltration of
      inflammatory mediators, and in many instances of advanced disease, plexiform
      lesions. ARDS is a clinically important complication of severe acute lung injury
      and a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients.
      Acute lung injury/ARDS is characterized by breakdown of the air-blood barrier,
      with the accumulation of proteinaceous fluid and influx of inflammatory cells
      into the alveolar airspace, all of which are likely mediated by endothelial
      dysfunction and disruption of the pulmonary endothelial barrier. Preclinical
      studies suggest that cellular therapies may offer unique and effective
      alternatives for respiratory diseases that currently have limited (or no)
      treatment options. Encouraging results from studies using progenitor or
      mesenchymal stem cells suggest that these cells may exert their therapeutic
      benefits by promoting vascular repair and regeneration and/or by modulating the
      pathological immune responses. Furthermore, by combining genetic engineering with
      cell therapy, it may be possible to enhance the regenerative function of these
      cells, particularly in the context of adult autologous cell therapy, and
      therefore provide additional benefits that may overcome many of the limitations
      of cell or gene therapy alone.

PMID- 22052934
TI  - AHA/ACCF Secondary Prevention and Risk Reduction Therapy for Patients with
      Coronary and other Atherosclerotic Vascular Disease: 2011 update: a guideline
      from the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology
      Foundation.

PMID- 22052935
TI  - Displaced ovarian granulosa cells mimicking metastatic lobular carcinoma of the
      breast.

PMID- 22052936
TI  - Two cases of opportunistic parasite infections in patients receiving alemtuzumab.
AB  - Two cases are reported of rare digestive opportunistic parasites in patients
      being treated with alemtuzumab for lymphoid haematological malignancies. In both
      patients, classical biological examinations were insufficient to reach the
      diagnosis. Only specific parasitological techniques enabled diagnoses of
      cryptosporidiosis and microsporidiosis, respectively. In both cases, cellular
      immune reconstitution was sufficient to eradicate these opportunistic infections.
      In this context, parasitological diagnosis is often underestimated by medical
      practitioners, so immunologists and oncohaematologists need to be aware of this
      kind of opportunistic pathogen.

PMID- 22052937
TI  - Iron deprivation suppresses hepatocellular carcinoma growth in experimental
      studies.
AB  - PURPOSE: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third most common cause of cancer
      related death, and iron overload is a significant risk factor in the development
      of HCC. In this study, we investigated the potential application of depriving
      iron by a novel iron chelator, thiosemicarbazone-24 (TSC24), in HCC treatment.
      EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Two HCC cell lines and HFE knockout (HFE(-/-)) mice were
      used to determine iron chelation efficiency of TSC24. The anticancer effects of
      TSC24 on HCC were analyzed in vitro and in athymic xenograft mouse models.
      RESULTS: Treatment with TSC24 significantly decreased the cellular iron
      concentration in hepatoma cells and the serum iron concentration in HFE(-/-) mice
      by blocking iron uptake and interfering with normal regulation of iron levels.
      Moreover, the viability of HCC cell lines was reduced by TSC24. Confirming the
      mechanism of the agent, this decrease in viability could be partially rescued by
      addition of exogenous iron. TSC24 also suppressed tumor growth in athymic mice
      bearing human HCC xenografts in a concentration-dependent manner, without
      apparent toxicity in parallel with a decrease in the serum iron level. Further
      studies revealed that TSC24 efficiently triggered cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis
      in Hep3B and HepG2 cell lines. CONCLUSIONS: TSC24 is a potent iron chelator that
      suppresses human HCC tumor growth by disrupting iron homeostasis, reducing
      available iron, and triggering cell-cycle arrest and apoptosis, without apparent
      host toxicity at effective doses. Thus, TSC24 shows great potential for the
      treatment of HCC.

PMID- 22052938
TI  - Epidemiological transition in a rural community of northern India: 18-year
      mortality surveillance using verbal autopsy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Information on causes of death is vital for planning of health
      services. However, vital events registration systems are weak in developing
      countries. Therefore, verbal autopsy (VA) tools were incorporated in a community
      based surveillance system to track causes of death. METHOD AND FINDINGS: Trained
      fieldworker identified all deaths and interviewed a living relative of those who
      had died during 1992-2009, using VA, in eight villages of Haryana (11,864
      populations). These field reports detailing events preceding death were reviewed
      by two trained physicians, who independently assigned an International
      Classification of Disease-10 code to each death. Discrepancies were resolved
      through reconciliation and, if necessary, adjudication. Non-communicable
      conditions were the leading causes of death (47.6%) followed by communicable
      diseases including maternal, perinatal and nutritional conditions (34.0%), and
      injuries (11.4%). Cause of death could not be determined in 6.9% cases. Deaths
      due to cardiovascular diseases showed a significant rise, whereas deaths due to
      diarrhoeal diseases have declined (p<0.01). Majority (90.0%) of the deceased had
      contacted a healthcare provider during illness but only 11.5% were admitted in
      hospital before death. CONCLUSION: Rising trend of cardiovascular diseases
      observed in a rural community of Haryana in India calls for reorientation of
      rural healthcare delivery system for prevention and control of chronic diseases.

PMID- 22052939
TI  - Nonhematopoietically derived DNA is shorter than hematopoietically derived DNA in
      plasma: a transplantation model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Plasma DNA is predominantly hematopoietic in origin. The size
      difference between maternal- and fetal-derived DNA in maternal plasma prompted us
      to investigate whether there was any discrepancy in molecular size between
      hematopoietically and nonhematopoietically derived DNA in plasma. METHODS: Plasma
      DNA samples from 6 hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients and 1 liver
      transplant recipient were analyzed by massively parallel paired-end sequencing.
      The size of each fragment was deduced from the alignment positions of the paired
      reads. In sex-mismatched transplant recipients, the reads from chromosome Y were
      used as markers for the male donor/recipient. For other transplant recipients,
      the reads of the donor- and recipient-specific alleles were identified from the
      single-nucleotide polymorphism genotypes. RESULTS: In male patients receiving
      female hematopoietic stem cells, more chromosome Y-derived DNA molecules
      (nonhematopoietically derived) were <=150 bp than the autosome-derived ones
      (mainly hematopoietically derived) (median difference, 9.9%). In other
      hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients, more recipient-specific DNA
      molecules (nonhematopoietically derived) were <=150 bp than the donor-specific
      ones (hematopoietically derived) (median difference, 14.8%). In the liver
      transplant recipient, more donor-derived DNA molecules (liver derived) were <=150
      bp than the recipient-derived ones (mainly hematopoietically derived)
      (difference, 13.4%). The nonhematopoietically derived DNA exhibited a reduction
      in a 166-bp peak compared with the hematopoietically derived DNA. A 10-bp
      periodicity in size distribution below approximately 143 bp was observed in both
      DNA populations. CONCLUSIONS: Massively parallel sequencing is a powerful tool
      for studying posttransplantation chimerism. Plasma DNA molecules exhibit a
      distinct fragmentation pattern, with the nonhematopoietically derived molecules
      being shorter than the hematopoietically derived ones.

PMID- 22052940
TI  - Crystal structure of the predicted phospholipase LYPLAL1 reveals unexpected
      functional plasticity despite close relationship to acyl protein thioesterases.
AB  - Sequence homology indicates the existence of three human cytosolic acyl protein
      thioesterases, including APT1 that is known to depalmitoylate H- and N-Ras. One
      of them is the lysophospholipase-like 1 (LYPLAL1) protein that on the one hand is
      predicted to be closely related to APT1 but on the other hand might also function
      as a potential triacylglycerol lipase involved in obesity. However, its role
      remained unclear. The 1.7 A crystal structure of LYPLAL1 reveals a fold very
      similar to APT1, as expected, but features a shape of the active site that
      precludes binding of long-chain substrates. Biochemical data demonstrate that
      LYPLAL1 exhibits neither phospholipase nor triacylglycerol lipase activity, but
      rather accepts short-chain substrates. Furthermore, extensive screening efforts
      using chemical array technique revealed a first small molecule inhibitor of
      LYPLAL1.

PMID- 22052941
TI  - Effect of single post-ovulatory administration of levonorgestrel on gene
      expression profile during the receptive period of the human endometrium.
AB  - The hypothesis that levonorgestrel (LNG) used as an emergency contraceptive
      interferes with endometrial receptivity remains unproven. We compared the
      endometrial gene expression profile during the receptive period after
      administering a single dose of LNG 1.5 mg or placebo on day 1 of the luteal
      phase. An endometrial biopsy was done on day LH+7 or LH+8 and samples were taken
      from seven volunteers, each one contributing with one cycle treated with placebo
      and another with LNG. The expression of 20 383 genes was determined using cDNA
      microarrays. Real-time RT-PCR was used 1) to confirm the differences found in DNA
      microarray analysis and 2) to determine the effect of LNG on transcript levels of
      C3, C4BPalpha, COX2, MAOA, S100A4, and SERPINB9, known to be upregulated during
      receptivity, and on cPLA2alpha, JAK1, JNK1, CTSL1, and GSTP1, known to respond to
      mifepristone. Additional endometrial biopsies were done during the pre-receptive
      (LH+3) and receptive (LH+7) period and samples were taken from eight untreated
      volunteers in order to determine the changes associated with acquisition of
      receptivity of 14 genes. Mean levels of PAEP, TGM2, CLU, IGF2, and IL6ST mRNAs
      increased after administering LNG while those of HGD, SAT1, EVA1, LOC90133,
      ANXA1, SLC25A29, CYB5A, CRIP1, and SLC39A14 decreased. Except for the level of
      ANXA1 transcript, all changes remained within the range observed in untreated
      controls, and none of the transcripts responding to mifepristone changed in
      response to LNG. Post-ovulatory administration of LNG caused minimal changes in
      gene expression profiling during the receptive period. Neither the magnitude nor
      the nature or direction of the changes endorses the hypothesis that LNG
      interferes with endometrial receptivity.

PMID- 22052942
TI  - Dialysate sodium concentration and the association with interdialytic weight
      gain, hospitalization, and mortality.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Recommendations to decrease the dialysate sodium (DNa)
      prescription demand analyses of patient outcomes. We analyzed morbidity and
      mortality at various levels of DNa, simultaneously accounting for interdialytic
      weight gain (IDWG) and for the mortality risk associated with lower predialysis
      serum sodium (SNa) levels. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS: We used
      multiply-adjusted linear mixed models to evaluate the magnitude of IDWG and Cox
      proportional hazards models to assess hospitalizations and deaths in 29,593
      patients from the Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study with baseline DNa
      and SNa as predictors, categorized according to lowest to highest levels.
      RESULTS: IDWG increased with higher DNa across all SNa categories, by 0.17% of
      body weight per 2 mEq/L higher DNa; however, higher DNa was not associated with
      higher mortality in a fully adjusted model (also adjusted for SNa; hazard ratio
      [HR]=0.98 per 2 mEq/L higher DNa, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.95-1.02).
      Instead, higher DNa was associated with lower hospitalization risk (HR=0.97 per 2
      mEq/L higher DNa, 95% CI 0.95-1.00, P=0.04). Additional adjustments for IDWG did
      not change these results. In sensitivity analyses restricted to study facilities,
      in which 90%-100% of patients have the same DNa (56%), the adjusted HR for
      mortality was 0.88 per 2 mEq/L higher DNa (95% CI 0.83-0.94). These analyses
      represented a pseudo-randomized experiment in which the association between DNa
      and mortality is unlikely to have been confounded by indication. CONCLUSIONS: In
      the absence of randomized prospective studies, the benefit of reducing IDWG by
      decreasing DNa prescriptions should be carefully weighed against an increased
      risk for adverse outcomes.

PMID- 22052943
TI  - Early skeletal and biochemical alterations in pediatric chronic kidney disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The relationship between parathyroid hormone,
      fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF-23), and indices of bone turnover and
      mineralization in children with early CKD is unknown; thus, this study
      characterizes the features of renal osteodystrophy and their relationship to
      biochemical markers of mineral metabolism. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, &
      MEASUREMENTS: Fifty-two patients 2-21 years of age with predialysis CKD underwent
      tetracycline-labeled bone biopsy. Anthropomorphic measurements and biochemical
      values were obtained at the time of biopsy. RESULTS: Serum phosphorus levels were
      increased in 4% of patients with stage 3 CKD and 43% of those with stage 4/5 CKD.
      Parathyroid hormone concentrations were elevated in 36% of patients with stage 2,
      71% with stage 3, and 93% with stage 4/5 CKD, whereas FGF-23 values were elevated
      in 81% of all patients, regardless of CKD stage. Bone turnover was normal in all
      patients with stage 2, but was increased in 13% with stage 3 and 29% with stage
      4/5 CKD. Defective mineralization was present in 29% of patients with stage 2,
      42% with stage 3, and 79% with stage 4/5 CKD. Defective skeletal mineralization
      was associated with lower serum calcium levels and increased parathyroid hormone
      concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated circulating FGF-23 levels and defects in
      skeletal mineralization early in the course of CKD suggest that factors other
      than the traditional markers of mineral deficiency play a crucial role in the
      development of renal bone disease.

PMID- 22052945
TI  - Exceptionally difficult.

PMID- 22052944
TI  - Model for long QT syndrome type 2 using human iPS cells demonstrates
      arrhythmogenic characteristics in cell culture.
AB  - Long QT syndrome (LQTS) is caused by functional alterations in cardiac ion
      channels and is associated with prolonged cardiac repolarization time and
      increased risk of ventricular arrhythmias. Inherited type 2 LQTS (LQT2) and drug
      induced LQTS both result from altered function of the hERG channel. We
      investigated whether the electrophysiological characteristics of LQT2 can be
      recapitulated in vitro using induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology.
      Spontaneously beating cardiomyocytes were differentiated from two iPSC lines
      derived from an individual with LQT2 carrying the R176W mutation in the KCNH2
      (HERG) gene. The individual had been asymptomatic except for occasional
      palpitations, but his sister and father had died suddenly at an early age.
      Electrophysiological properties of LQT2-specific cardiomyocytes were studied
      using microelectrode array and patch-clamp, and were compared with those of
      cardiomyocytes derived from control cells. The action potential duration of LQT2
      specific cardiomyocytes was significantly longer than that of control
      cardiomyocytes, and the rapid delayed potassium channel (I(Kr)) density of the
      LQT2 cardiomyocytes was significantly reduced. Additionally, LQT2-derived cardiac
      cells were more sensitive than controls to potentially arrhythmogenic drugs,
      including sotalol, and demonstrated arrhythmogenic electrical activity.
      Consistent with clinical observations, the LQT2 cardiomyocytes demonstrated a
      more pronounced inverse correlation between the beating rate and repolarization
      time compared with control cells. Prolonged action potential is present in LQT2
      specific cardiomyocytes derived from a mutation carrier and arrhythmias can be
      triggered by a commonly used drug. Thus, the iPSC-derived, disease-specific
      cardiomyocytes could serve as an important platform to study pathophysiological
      mechanisms and drug sensitivity in LQT2.

PMID- 22052946
TI  - Systematic review of the benefits of physical therapy within a multidisciplinary
      care approach for people with schizophrenia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although schizophrenia is the fifth leading cause of disability
      adjusted life years worldwide in people aged 15 to 44 years, the clinical
      evidence of physical therapy as a complementary treatment remains largely
      unknown. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to systematically review
      randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effectiveness of physical
      therapy for people with schizophrenia. DATA SOURCES: EMBASE, PsycINFO, PubMed,
      ISI Web of Science, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature
      (CINAHL), Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro), and the Cochrane Library were
      searched from their inception until July 1, 2011, for relevant RCTs. In addition,
      manual search strategies were used. STUDY SELECTION: Two reviewers independently
      determined study eligibility on the basis of inclusion criteria. DATA EXTRACTION:
      Reviewers rated study quality and extracted information about study methods,
      design, intervention, and results. DATA SYNTHESIS: Ten RCTs met all selection
      criteria; 6 of these studies addressed the use of aerobic and strength exercises.
      In 2 of these studies, yoga techniques also were investigated. Four studies
      addressed the use of progressive muscle relaxation. There is evidence that
      aerobic and strength exercises and yoga reduce psychiatric symptoms, state
      anxiety, and psychological distress and improve health-related quality of life,
      that aerobic exercise improves short-term memory, and that progressive muscle
      relaxation reduces state anxiety and psychological distress. LIMITATIONS: The
      heterogeneity of the interventions and the small sample sizes of the included
      studies limit overall conclusions and highlight the need for further research.
      CONCLUSIONS: Physical therapy offers added value in the multidisciplinary care of
      people with schizophrenia.

PMID- 22052947
TI  - Lower limb functional index: development and clinimetric properties.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Existing lower-limb, region-specific, patient-reported outcome
      measures have clinimetric limitations, including limitations in psychometric
      characteristics (eg, lack of internal consistency, lack of responsiveness,
      measurement error) and the lack of reported practical and general
      characteristics. A new patient-reported outcome measure, the Lower Limb
      Functional Index (LLFI), was developed to address these limitations. OBJECTIVE:
      The purpose of this study was to overcome recognized deficiencies in existing
      lower-limb, region-specific, patient-reported outcome measures through: (1)
      development of a new lower-extremity outcome scale (ie, the LLFI) and (2)
      evaluation of the clinimetric properties of the LLFI using the Lower Extremity
      Functional Scale (LEFS) as a criterion measure. DESIGN: This was a prospective
      observational study. METHODS: The LLFI was developed in a 3-stage process of: (1)
      item generation, (2) item reduction with an expert panel, and (3) pilot field
      testing (n=18) for reliability, responsiveness, and sample size requirements for
      a larger study. The main study used a convenience sample (n=127) from 10 physical
      therapy clinics. Participants completed the LLFI and LEFS every 2 weeks for 6
      weeks and then every 4 weeks until discharge. Data were used to assess the
      psychometric, practical, and general characteristics of the LLFI and the LEFS.
      The characteristics also were evaluated for overall performance using the
      Measurement of Outcome Measures and Bot clinimetric assessment scales. RESULTS:
      The LLFI and LEFS demonstrated a single-factor structure, comparable reliability
      (intraclass correlation coefficient [2,1]=.97), scale width, and high criterion
      validity (Pearson r=.88, with 95% confidence interval [CI]). Clinimetric
      performance was higher for the LLFI compared with the LEFS on the Measurement of
      Outcome Measures scale (96% and 95%, respectively) and the Bot scale (100% and
      83%, respectively). The LLFI, compared with the LEFS, had improved responsiveness
      (standardized response mean=1.75 and 1.64, respectively), minimal detectable
      change with 90% CI (6.6% and 8.1%, respectively), and internal consistency
      (alpha=.91 and .95, respectively), as well as readability with reduced user error
      and completion and scoring times. LIMITATIONS: Limitations of the study were that
      only participants recruited from outpatient physical therapy clinics were
      included and that no specific conditions or diagnostic subgroups were
      investigated. CONCLUSION: The LLFI demonstrated sound clinimetric properties.
      There was lower response error, efficient completion and scoring, and improved
      responsiveness and overall performance compared with the LEFS. The LLFI is
      suitable for assessment of lower-limb function.

PMID- 22052948
TI  - Delivery of physical therapy in the acute care setting: a population-based study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Population-based studies on physical therapy use in acute care are
      lacking. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to examine population-based,
      hospital discharge data from North Carolina to describe the demographic and
      diagnostic characteristics of individuals who receive physical therapy and, for
      common diagnostic subgroups, to identify factors associated with the receipt of
      and intensity of physical therapy use. DESIGN: This was a cross-sectional,
      descriptive study. METHODS: Hospital discharge data for 2006-2007 from the 128
      acute care hospitals in the state were examined to identify the most common
      diagnoses that receive physical therapy and to describe the characteristics of
      physical therapy users. For 2 of the most common diagnoses, logistic and linear
      regression analyses were conducted to identify factors associated with the
      receipt and intensity of physical therapy. RESULTS: Of the more than 2 million
      people treated in acute care hospitals, 22.5% received physical therapy (mean
      age=66 years; 58% female). Individuals with osteoarthritis (admitted for joint
      replacement) and stroke were 2 of the most common patient types to receive
      physical therapy. Almost all individuals admitted for a joint replacement
      received physical therapy, with little between-hospital variation. Between
      hospital variation in physical therapy use for stroke was greater. Demographic
      and hospital-related factors were associated with physical therapy use and
      physical therapy intensity for both diagnoses, after controlling for illness
      severity and comorbidities. LIMITATIONS: Data from only one state were examined,
      and the studied variables were limited. CONCLUSIONS: The use and intensity of
      physical therapy for stroke and joint replacement in acute care hospitals in
      North Carolina vary by clinical and nonclinical factors. Reasons behind the
      association of hospital characteristics and physical therapy use need further
      investigation.

PMID- 22052949
TI  - In vivo calcium and phosphate iontophoresis for the topical treatment of
      osteoporosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In addition to systemic treatment, osteoporosis may be treated
      topically by incorporating calcium and phosphate into the bone. OBJECTIVE: This
      article describes the use of a recently developed, novel iontophoretic apparatus
      suitable for local ion delivery into bones. In this study, in vivo experiments
      were performed to compare the effects of local electrotherapy and those of
      systemic hormone replacement on bone. DESIGN: In this study, local iontophoresis
      was carried out in ovariectomized and control rats. Bone density, biomechanical,
      and elemental studies were performed. METHODS: Forty 12-week-old Sprague-Dawley
      rats received an ovariectomy (OVX) or were sham-operated (sham). Twenty-one weeks
      later, tibias of subgroups of sham-operated and OVX animals were subjected to
      serial local iontophoresis (IOP) treatments, received systemic subcutaneous
      17beta-estradiol (E2), or were treated with the combination of IOP and E2.
      Changes in bone density were detected by quantitative ultrasound densitometry and
      expressed as amplitude-dependent speed of sound (AD-SoS). Biomechanical studies
      and elemental analysis were performed at the end of the experiments. RESULTS:
      Osteopenia developed 21 weeks after OVX in the proximal tibial regions; the mean
      difference estimate (95% confidence intervals) of AD-SoS values between the sham
      operated and OVX animals was 188.7 (140.4-237.1). Serial iontophoretic treatment
      resulted in an increase in bone density in both sham-operated and OVX animals
      (sham+IOP versus sham: 121.4 [73.01-169.7]; OVX+IOP versus OVX: 241.6 [193.2
      289.9]). Similar changes in AD-SoS were detected after 17beta-estradiol (E2)
      treatment; however, even greater changes occurred after OVX+E2+IOP versus OVX+E2
      (123.4 [75.1-171.8]). Similar improvements also were evident regarding the
      biomechanical features of the tibias. LIMITATIONS: A limitation of this study was
      the relatively small number of rats. CONCLUSIONS: The efficacy of local IOP using
      calcium- and phosphate-donating microparticles is comparable to that of estrogen
      therapy as evidenced by steadily increasing bone density, restoration of the
      calcium and phosphate balance, and improvement in the biomechanical properties of
      the bone.

PMID- 22052950
TI  - Unconventional modified Fontan operation for Ebstein's anomaly.

PMID- 22052951
TI  - Successful catheter-based occlusion of persistent left-sided superior vena cava
      draining into the left atrium.

PMID- 22052952
TI  - A tale of two valves.
AB  - We present two cases involving elevated gradients across mechanical cardiac
      valves. Provided images show decreased disc mobility and eventual operative
      findings. A brief discussion underlines the importance of recognizing pannus as a
      common aetiology for valve dysfunction.

PMID- 22052953
TI  - Characteristics and capabilities of emergency departments in Abuja, Nigeria.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Emergency departments (ED) are the basic unit of international
      emergency medicine, but often differ in fundamental features. This study sought
      to describe and characterise ED in the capital city of Nigeria, Abuja. METHODS:
      All ED open 24 h/day 7 days/week to the general public were surveyed using the
      national ED inventories survey instrument (http://www.emnet-nedi.org). ED staff
      were asked about ED characteristics with reference to calendar year 2008.
      RESULTS: Twenty-four ED participated (83% response). All were located in
      hospitals, which ranged in size from six to 250 beds. The majority (92% CI 73% to
      100%) had a contiguous layout with medical and surgical care provided in one
      area. All ED saw both adults and children, with a median of 1500 annual visits
      (IQR 648-2328). Almost half of respondents (46%; CI 26% to 67%) thought their ED
      operated under capacity, none thought that their ED was over capacity. Only 4% of
      ED surveyed had dedicated CT scanners, 25% had cardiac monitoring and none had
      negative-pressure rooms. There was wide variation in the types of emergencies
      that were identified as being treatable 24 h/day 7 days/week; these appeared to
      correlate with ED consultant availability. CONCLUSIONS: Although ED location and
      layout in Abuja do not differ greatly from that in a typical US city, ED
      utilisation was lower and fewer resources and capabilities were available. The
      lack of technological and human resources raise questions about what critical
      technologies are needed in resource-limited settings, and whether Nigeria should
      consider training emergency medicine physicians to meet its workforce needs.

PMID- 22052954
TI  - Hospital emergency management research in China: trends and challenges.
AB  - Emergency management is a relatively new research field in China. The severe
      acute respiratory syndrome epidemic in 2003 caused research and papers on
      emergency management to increase by leaps and bounds. This review summarises the
      progress of hospital emergency management research in China, highlights trends
      and challenges, and discusses likely solutions for research improvement. Articles
      were identified from a systematic search of Wanfang Med Online and PubMed, from
      reviews of bibliographic reference lists and by consultation with experts in the
      field. The search identified 2548 articles potentially involving hospital
      emergency management. By reviewing the titles and abstracts, we narrowed the list
      to 253. Reading the texts resulted in the inclusion of 85 articles in the review.
      Two additional articles were included from the references cited in articles that
      were reviewed. Research progress was summarised in terms of basic concepts and
      principles, system development, emergency response plan, preparedness and
      response, training and exercise, and management evaluation. Based on this study
      we suggest that hospital emergency management research in China should make
      efforts to (1) establish a universally accepted theory framework and terminology,
      (2) create a structure for further studies, (3) integrate research of different
      disciplines, and (4) avoid or minimise confusion. More attention should be paid
      on the evolvement mechanism of main public health incidents and disasters, and
      the key functional systems related to hospital's emergency response resiliencies.
      Focus should also be placed on practical guidelines and tools.

PMID- 22052955
TI  - Tache noire.

PMID- 22052956
TI  - Lack of an antagonist to reverse the action of dabigatran.

PMID- 22052957
TI  - The blues of minocycline.

PMID- 22052958
TI  - The greens of lead.

PMID- 22052959
TI  - Enhancement characteristics of lymphomatous lymph nodes of the mediastinum.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies of CT enhancement of lymphomatous lymph nodes (LLN)
      of the neck showed that the LLN had lower enhancement values than normal lymph
      nodes. PURPOSE: To elucidate the contrast medium enhancement curves of LLN in the
      mediastinum by comparing the curves of LLN with those of normal lymph nodes, and
      to compare the present enhancement curves of LLN of the mediastinum with the
      curves of LLN of the neck from a previous similar investigation. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: Twenty-four consecutive patients with LLN in the mediastinum (9 with
      Hodgkin's lymphoma [HL]) and 23 control patients with sarcomas and thus
      presumably normal mediastinal nodes underwent dynamic CT examinations. The
      previous, similar investigation of lymph nodes of the neck comprised 28 patients
      with LLN and 20 control patients. RESULTS: The enhancement curves of the
      mediastinal LLN had significantly lower values than those of the mediastinal
      control nodes. The LLN of the mediastinum had lower mean peak contrast values
      than the corresponding nodes of the neck from a previous investigation.
      CONCLUSION: The comparison of enhancement curves of mediastinal LLN with
      mediastinal control nodes showed a marked similarity with and substantiates our
      previous findings in lymph nodes of the neck.

PMID- 22052960
TI  - Phylogenetic relationships of Aristida and relatives (Poaceae, Aristidoideae)
      based on noncoding chloroplast (trnL-F, rpl16) and nuclear (ITS) DNA sequences.
AB  - PREMISE: The cosmopolitan and ecologically important grass subfamily
      Aristidoideae comprises the widely distributed genus Aristida (250-290 species),
      Stipagrostis (50 species, with an African-Asian distribution), and Sartidia (five
      species, Africa and Madagascar). The subfamily includes species with C(3)
      (Sartidia and a single species of Aristida) and C(4) photosynthetic pathways.
      Rigorous phylogenetic reconstructions of species relationships are required to
      explain the biogeographic, physiological, and ecological diversity within this
      subfamily. METHODS: Chloroplast (trnL-F, rpl16) and nuclear (ITS) DNA sequences
      were obtained from 198 accessions, and the combined data set was subjected to
      parsimony, maximum likelihood, and Bayesian inference analyses. Dating analyses
      calibrated using previously published node ages were conducted to determine the
      ages of major radiations. RESULTS: The C(3) Sartidia is sister to a monophyletic
      Stipagrostis, and the (Sartidia, Stipagrostis) clade is sister to Aristida.
      Within Aristida, the only known C(3) species, A. longifolia, is sister to the
      remainder of the genus. Infrageneric sections of Aristida were not supported, and
      there are no synapomorphic morphological characters for the clades retrieved.
      Within Aristida, monophyletic Australian, African, North American, and South
      American clades are retrieved. CONCLUSIONS: The subfamily dates back to the late
      Miocene, with the major lineages present by the Pliocene. With one exception,
      regional clades of Aristida evolved in the Pliocene. The C(3) photosynthetic
      pathway is hypothesized to be the pleisomorphic condition for the subfamily,
      wherein two independent C(4) pathways (each with unique anatomical and genetic
      features) evolved, one within Aristida and one in Stipagrostis.

PMID- 22052961
TI  - Intricate variation patterns in the diploid-polyploid complex of Alyssum montanum
      A. repens (Brassicaceae) in the Apennine Peninsula: evidence for long-term
      persistence and diversification.
AB  - PREMISE OF THE STUDY: The Apennine Peninsula, one of the three peninsulas of the
      European Mediterranean, is an important hotspot of genetic and species diversity,
      but studies devoted to plant evolution are still very scarce in this region. We
      studied the diploid-polyploid complex of Alyssum montanum-A. repens, focusing on
      Apennine and adjacent southwestern Alpine populations from southeastern France,
      with the aim of examining their taxonomic position and evolutionary patterns.
      METHODS: We employed AFLP markers and cpDNA sequences, along with cytotype
      determination using flow cytometry, and a multivariate morphometric approach. KEY
      RESULTS: The Italian and French populations formed two well-delimited groupings
      within the studied complex that were, in contrast to previous taxonomic
      treatments, clearly distinct from A. montanum. Populations from southeastern
      France represent A. orophilum, a previously described but abandoned species.
      Those from central and southern Italy correspond to A. diffusum, exhibiting high,
      geographically structured variation (central Apennines, Gargano, and southern
      Apennines/Calabria). This pattern coincides with hotspot refugial regions, in
      congruence with the "refugia-within-refugia" hypothesis, and is reflected here in
      the recognition of three subspecies within A. diffusum. CONCLUSIONS: We provide
      evidence for the presence of Mediterranean refugia for the studied Alyssum
      montanum-A. repens complex located in central and southern Italy, which, however,
      did not contribute to the postglacial colonization of Central Europe. Past
      extinctions, genetic bottlenecks, and recent expansion were inferred in Central
      Europe, while long-term accumulation of diversity as well as polyploidization
      occurred in the Apennines.

PMID- 22052962
TI  - Microsatellite loci in an endangered fern species, Athyrium viridescentipes
      (Woodsiaceae), and cross-species amplification.
AB  - PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Microsatellite markers were characterized in Athyrium
      viridescentipes, a critically endangered fern species in Japan, to investigate
      its genetic diversity and population structure. METHODS AND RESULTS: Fifteen
      microsatellite markers were developed. The 15 loci were successfully amplified in
      three additional Athyrium species except for one locus in A. vidalii. In A.
      viridescentipes, the number of alleles per locus ranged from one to five, with an
      average of 1.9, and the expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.00 to 0.53, with an
      average of 0.24. CONCLUSIONS: These markers can be used in studies on
      conservation programs for A. viridescentipes as well as in further studies
      involving other Athyrium species.

PMID- 22052963
TI  - A walking intervention for postmenopausal women using mobile phones and
      Interactive Voice Response.
AB  - We conducted a feasibility study of a 12-week walking intervention administered
      through an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system and mobile phones. We also
      examined the added benefit of a human coach. Post-menopausal women (n = 71) were
      given a daily-steps goal, which they monitored using a pedometer. Each day, they
      answered an automated call from the IVR system to their mobile phone and provided
      assessments of walking goals and mood. Every evening, they called the IVR system
      to report their steps, answered a brief questionnaire and received a message with
      a helpful hint. Participants took less time to complete a one-mile walk after the
      intervention, compared to baseline (0.77 min, SE = 0.22, P < 0.001). In addition,
      a significant loss in body weight (0.93 kg, SE = 0.31) and body-mass index (0.28
      kg/m(2), SE = 0.11) were observed. The key psychometric measures of exercise goal
      setting (0.67 units, SE = 0.12) and exercise planning (0.48 units, SE = 0.09)
      also improved from baseline (both P < 0.001). However, results in the coach and
      no-coach conditions were not significantly different. The study suggests that
      mobile phones can be used to deliver an effective, low-cost walking intervention,
      irrespective of the addition of a human coach.

PMID- 22052964
TI  - Feasibility of providing nephrology services to remote communities with
      videoconferencing.
AB  - We examined the feasibility of telemedicine clinics for patients with chronic
      kidney disease (not on dialysis) for a period of 18 months. Telemedicine clinics
      were run at two peripheral hospitals about 100 km from the specialist hospital in
      Ottawa. A total of 115 questionnaires were completed by patients and providers
      during the period March 2009 to July 2009. The participants were overwhelmingly
      positive and wanted telemedicine to continue. Some patients indicated they would
      discontinue follow-up care if they had to travel to Ottawa. The analysis of staff
      hours worked showed almost no increase following the introduction of
      telemedicine. Telemedicine is therefore feasible for follow-up care of remote
      chronic kidney disease patients.

PMID- 22052965
TI  - The value of telephone triage for patients with appendicitis.
AB  - Although it has been assumed that telephone triage can directly benefit patients
      by facilitating early diagnosis and treatment, this potential benefit has not
      been well documented. Using appendicitis cases ascertained from claims data, we
      compared telephone triage recommendations with what the callers originally
      intended to do. Over a two-year period, there were 20,230 calls to a telephone
      triage centre in the US where insurance information was available. Of these,
      12,709 calls (63%) had insurance claims made within seven days of the call. Among
      these calls, 46 had a diagnosis of appendicitis. In 72% of calls concerning
      appendicitis, the telephone triage recommendation was for a more rapid evaluation
      than the caller originally intended (P < 0.0001). In 91% of the appendicitis
      cases, triage nurses directed callers to care within 8 h, but without triage
      advice, only 39% of callers stated they would have sought care within 8 h (P <
      0.0001). Telephone triage significantly reduced the delay in care for
      appendicitis in comparison with what the caller would have done. This suggests
      that telephone triage potentially reduces the morbidity associated with
      appendicitis.

PMID- 22052966
TI  - Home telemental health implementation and outcomes using electronic messaging.
AB  - In 2007, the VA Connecticut Healthcare System began a home electronic messaging
      programme for mental health patients. During the first two years, 76 patients
      with diagnoses of schizophrenia, post traumatic stress disorder, depression and
      substance-use disorders received a home messaging device, which was connected via
      an ordinary telephone line. There were daily questions, which were based on
      disease management protocols, and included alerts, data and educational
      components. Patient data were sent to a nurse practitioner each day for triage
      and follow-up. Patients used the device for at least six months. In the six
      months prior to enrolment, 42 patients were hospitalized for 46 admissions. In
      the following six months, six patients were hospitalized for nine admissions (P <
      0.0001). In the six months prior to enrolment, 47 patients had a total of 80 ER
      visits. In the following six months, 16 patients had a total of 32 ER visits (P <
      0.0001). Questionnaire responses indicated a high level of satisfaction with the
      home messaging programme.

PMID- 22052967
TI  - Telecytology in East Africa: a feasibility study of forty cases using a static
      imaging system.
AB  - We conducted a pilot study to assess the feasibility of telecytology as a
      diagnostic tool in difficult cases originating from a hospital in East Africa.
      Forty cytology cases considered difficult by a referring pathologist were posted
      on a telepathology website. Six pathologists independently assessed the static
      images. Telecytology diagnoses were compared with the consensus diagnoses made on
      glass slides and also with the histogical diagnoses when available. The
      diagnostic agreement of the six pathologists was 71-93% and tended to be higher
      for pathologists with more experience. Reasons for discordance included poor
      image quality, presence of diagnostic cells in thick areas of smears, sampling
      bias and screening errors. The consensus diagnoses agreed with histological
      diagnoses in all 17 cases in which a biopsy was performed. Diagnostic accuracy
      rates (i.e. telecytology diagnosis vs. histological diagnosis) for individual
      pathologists were 65-88%. To ensure diagnostic accuracy both referring and
      consulting pathologists must have adequate training in cytology, image
      acquisition and image-based diagnosis and the diagnostic questions of importance
      must be clearly communicated by the referring pathologist when posting a case.

PMID- 22052968
TI  - Language use in social interactions of school-age children with language
      impairments: an evidence-based systematic review of treatment.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Pragmatic models were first applied to the treatment of children
      with language impairment in the late 1970s. Since that time, the study of
      language use has had considerable impact on language assessment and treatment.
      Despite the need to address pragmatic language skills clinically, there has been
      no systematic examination of the efficacy of treatments developed for this
      purpose. METHOD: In accordance with the evidence-based practice policy agenda,
      the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) convened an ad hoc
      committee on language use in social interactions in school-age children. The
      committee's charge was to develop an evidence-based systematic review of
      treatment for disorders of language use in social interactions. This charge was
      conducted in collaboration with ASHA's National Center for Evidence-Based
      Practice in Communication Disorders. RESULTS: This systematic review provided
      preliminary support for the feasibility of various treatment procedures
      addressing social communication behaviors. Gains were reported in topic
      management skills, narrative production, and repairs of inadequate or ambiguous
      comments. CONCLUSION: Because further investigation of these treatments is
      warranted, the committee is unable to make empirically supported recommendations
      for changes in standard clinical practice based solely on this review. More
      research is needed to examine the feasibility of interventions that focus on
      children's language use.

PMID- 22052969
TI  - Narrative writing in children and adolescents: examining the literate lexicon.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study was designed primarily to examine the use of abstract nouns
      and metacognitive verbs in the narrative writing of school-age children and
      adolescents. METHOD: Three groups of typically developing students ages 11, 14,
      and 17 years (n = 40 per group) were asked to write a story about something
      funny, sad, or scary that had happened to them and a friend. Each student's
      narrative essay was examined for the use of abstract nouns (e.g., accomplishment,
      loneliness, mystery) and metacognitive verbs (e.g., assume, discover, realize)
      and for the production of complex syntax as measured by mean length of T-unit
      (MLTU) and clausal density (CD). RESULTS: Age-related growth in narrative writing
      was documented for both types of words. Additionally, the use of abstract nouns
      and metacognitive verbs was associated with the production of complex syntax,
      reflecting the lexicon-syntax interface. CONCLUSION: The narrative writing task
      employed in this study was effective in eliciting literate words and complex
      syntax in school-age children and adolescents.

PMID- 22052970
TI  - Dynamic assessment of word learning skills: identifying language impairment in
      bilingual children.
AB  - PURPOSE: Bilingual children are often diagnosed with language impairment,
      although they may simply have fewer opportunities to learn English than English
      speaking monolingual children. This study examined whether dynamic assessment
      (DA) of word learning skills is an effective method for identifying bilingual
      children with primary language impairment (PLI). METHOD: Fifteen 4- and 5-year
      old predominantly Spanish-speaking children with typical language development
      (TLD) and 13 with PLI each participated in a 30- to 40-min session of DA of word
      learning skills following a pretest-teach-posttest design. RESULTS: Results
      indicated that TLD children made associations between the phonological and
      semantic representations of the new words faster than children with PLI did,
      showing greater modifiability. Further, a combination of word learning in the
      receptive modality and the Learning Strategies Checklist (Lidz, 1991; Pena, 1993)
      provided the best accuracy in identifying PLI in these children. CONCLUSION:
      Findings suggest that a brief DA is a promising method for accurately
      differentiating children with TLD from children with PLI.

PMID- 22052971
TI  - Preliteracy speech sound production skill and later literacy outcomes: a study
      using the Templin Archive.
AB  - PURPOSE: This archival study examined the relationship between the speech sound
      production skill of kindergarten children and literacy outcomes in Grades 1-3 in
      a data set where most children's vocabulary skills were within normal limits,
      speech therapy was not provided until 2nd grade, and phonological awareness
      instruction was discouraged at the time data were collected. METHOD: Data were
      accessed from the Templin Archive (2004), and the speech sound production skill
      of 272 kindergartners were examined relative to literacy outcomes in 1st and 2nd
      grade (reading) and 3rd grade (spelling). RESULTS: Kindergartners in the 7th
      percentile for speech sound production skill scored more poorly in 1st- and 2nd
      grade reading and 3rd-grade spelling than did kindergartners with average speech
      sound production skill; kindergartners in the 98th percentile achieved superior
      literacy skills compared to the mean. Phonological awareness mediated the effects
      of speech sound production skill on reading and spelling; vocabulary did not
      account for any unique variance. CONCLUSION: Speech sound disorders appear to be
      an overt manifestation of a complex interaction among variables influencing
      literacy skills, including nonlanguage cognition, vocabulary, letter knowledge,
      and phonological awareness. These interrelationships hold across the range of
      speech sound production skill, as children with superior speech sound production
      skill experience superior literacy outcomes.

PMID- 22052972
TI  - Deep human genealogies reveal a selective advantage to be on an expanding wave
      front.
AB  - Since their origin, human populations have colonized the whole planet, but the
      demographic processes governing range expansions are mostly unknown. We analyzed
      the genealogy of more than one million individuals resulting from a range
      expansion in Quebec between 1686 and 1960 and reconstructed the spatial dynamics
      of the expansion. We find that a majority of the present Saguenay Lac-Saint-Jean
      population can be traced back to ancestors having lived directly on or close to
      the wave front. Ancestors located on the front contributed significantly more to
      the current gene pool than those from the range core, likely due to a 20% larger
      effective fertility of women on the wave front. This fitness component is
      heritable on the wave front and not in the core, implying that this life-history
      trait evolves during range expansions.

PMID- 22052973
TI  - Fermi detection of a luminous gamma-ray pulsar in a globular cluster.
AB  - We report on the Fermi Large Area Telescope's detection of gamma-ray (>100 mega
      electron volts) pulsations from pulsar J1823-3021A in the globular cluster NGC
      6624 with high significance (~7 sigma). Its gamma-ray luminosity, L(gamma) = (8.4
      +/- 1.6) * 10(34) ergs per second, is the highest observed for any millisecond
      pulsar (MSP) to date, and it accounts for most of the cluster emission. The
      nondetection of the cluster in the off-pulse phase implies that it contains <32
      gamma-ray MSPs, not ~100 as previously estimated. The gamma-ray luminosity
      indicates that the unusually large rate of change of its period is caused by its
      intrinsic spin-down. This implies that J1823-3021A has the largest magnetic field
      and is the youngest MSP ever detected and that such anomalous objects might be
      forming at rates comparable to those of the more normal MSPs.

PMID- 22052974
TI  - Crystal structure of the eukaryotic 60S ribosomal subunit in complex with
      initiation factor 6.
AB  - Protein synthesis in all organisms is catalyzed by ribosomes. In comparison to
      their prokaryotic counterparts, eukaryotic ribosomes are considerably larger and
      are subject to more complex regulation. The large ribosomal subunit (60S)
      catalyzes peptide bond formation and contains the nascent polypeptide exit
      tunnel. We present the structure of the 60S ribosomal subunit from Tetrahymena
      thermophila in complex with eukaryotic initiation factor 6 (eIF6), cocrystallized
      with the antibiotic cycloheximide (a eukaryotic-specific inhibitor of protein
      synthesis), at a resolution of 3.5 angstroms. The structure illustrates the
      complex functional architecture of the eukaryotic 60S subunit, which comprises an
      intricate network of interactions between eukaryotic-specific ribosomal protein
      features and RNA expansion segments. It reveals the roles of eukaryotic ribosomal
      protein elements in the stabilization of the active site and the extent of
      eukaryotic-specific differences in other functional regions of the subunit.
      Furthermore, it elucidates the molecular basis of the interaction with eIF6 and
      provides a structural framework for further studies of ribosome-associated
      diseases and the role of the 60S subunit in the initiation of protein synthesis.

PMID- 22052975
TI  - Entorhinal cortex layer III input to the hippocampus is crucial for temporal
      association memory.
AB  - Associating temporally discontinuous elements is crucial for the formation of
      episodic and working memories that depend on the hippocampal-entorhinal network.
      However, the neural circuits subserving these associations have remained unknown.
      The layer III inputs of the entorhinal cortex to the hippocampus may contribute
      to this process. To test this hypothesis, we generated a transgenic mouse in
      which these inputs are specifically inhibited. The mutant mice displayed
      significant impairments in spatial working-memory tasks and in the encoding phase
      of trace fear-conditioning. These results indicate a critical role of the
      entorhinal cortex layer III inputs to the hippocampus in temporal association
      memory.

PMID- 22052976
TI  - Experimental evolution of reduced sex ratio adjustment under local mate
      competition.
AB  - Theory predicts that local mate competition (LMC) favors the evolution of female
      biased sex ratios. Empirical support of this prediction is indirect and comes
      from comparative studies or from studies showing that individuals can adjust
      their offspring sex ratio in response to varying LMC intensities. Replicate lines
      from a population of the spider mite Tetranychus urticae were selected under
      three LMC intensities for up to 54 generations. Within each selection regime, the
      final sex ratio matched theoretical predictions. Furthermore, the ability of
      individuals to adjust their offspring sex ratio diminished in females evolving
      under strict LMC, but not in females evolving under relaxed LMC levels. These
      results provide direct experimental evidence for the evolutionary process by
      which LMC modifies sex-allocation strategies and suggest that evolution under
      strict and constant LMC may lead to a loss of phenotypic plasticity.

PMID- 22052977
TI  - Inhibition of pyruvate kinase M2 by reactive oxygen species contributes to
      cellular antioxidant responses.
AB  - Control of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentrations is critical
      for cancer cell survival. We show that, in human lung cancer cells, acute
      increases in intracellular concentrations of ROS caused inhibition of the
      glycolytic enzyme pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) through oxidation of Cys(358). This
      inhibition of PKM2 is required to divert glucose flux into the pentose phosphate
      pathway and thereby generate sufficient reducing potential for detoxification of
      ROS. Lung cancer cells in which endogenous PKM2 was replaced with the Cys(358) to
      Ser(358) oxidation-resistant mutant exhibited increased sensitivity to oxidative
      stress and impaired tumor formation in a xenograft model. Besides promoting
      metabolic changes required for proliferation, the regulatory properties of PKM2
      may confer an additional advantage to cancer cells by allowing them to withstand
      oxidative stress.

PMID- 22052978
TI  - Special article: Creation of a guide for the transfer of care of the malignant
      hyperthermia patient from ambulatory surgery centers to receiving hospital
      facilities.
AB  - CLINICAL PROBLEM: Volatile anesthetics and/or succinylcholine may trigger a
      potentially lethal malignant hyperthermia (MH) event requiring critical care
      crisis management. If the MH triggering anesthetic is given in an ambulatory
      surgical center (ASC), then the patient will need to be transferred to a
      receiving hospital. Before May 2010, there was no clinical guide regarding the
      development of a specific transfer plan for MH patients in an ASC. MECHANISM BY
      WHICH THE STATEMENT WAS GENERATED: A consensual process lasting 18 months among
      13 representatives of the Malignant Hyperthermia Association of the United
      States, the Ambulatory Surgery Foundation, the Society for Ambulatory Anesthesia,
      the Society for Academic Emergency Medicine, and the National Association of
      Emergency Medical Technicians led to the creation of this guide. EVIDENCE FOR THE
      STATEMENT: Most of the guide is based on the clinical experience and scientific
      expertise of the 13 representatives. The list of representatives appears in
      Appendix 1. The recommendation that IV dantrolene should be initiated pending
      transfer is also supported by clinical research demonstrating that the likelihood
      of significant MH complications doubles for every 30-minute delay in dantrolene
      administration (Anesth Analg 2010;110:498-507). STATEMENT: This guide includes a
      list of potential clinical problems and therapeutic interventions to assist each
      ASC in the development of its own unique MH transfer plan. Points to consider
      include receiving health care facility capabilities, indicators of patient
      stability and necessary report data, transport team considerations and
      capabilities, implementation of transfer decisions, and coordination of
      communication among the ASC, the receiving hospital, and the transport team. See
      Appendix 2 for the guide.

PMID- 22052979
TI  - Pharmacological studies of methoxycarbonyl etomidate's carboxylic acid
      metabolite.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Methoxycarbonyl etomidate (MOC-etomidate) is a rapidly metabolized
      and ultrashort-acting etomidate analog that does not produce prolonged
      adrenocortical suppression after bolus administration. Its metabolite (MOC-ECA)
      is a carboxylic acid whose pharmacology is undefined. We hypothesized that MOC
      ECA possesses significantly lower pharmacological activity than MOC-etomidate,
      accounting for the latter's very brief duration of hypnotic action and inability
      to produce prolonged adrenocortical suppression after bolus administration. To
      test this hypothesis, we compared the potencies of MOC-ECA and MOC-etomidate in 3
      biological assays. METHODS: The hypnotic potency of MOC-ECA was assessed in
      tadpoles using a loss-of-righting reflexes assay. The gamma-aminobutyric acid
      type A (GABA(A)) receptor modulatory potencies of MOC-ECA and MOC-etomidate were
      compared by defining the concentrations of each required to directly activate
      alpha(1)(L264T)beta(2)gamma(2L) GABA(A) receptors. The adrenocortical inhibitory
      potencies of MOC-ECA and MOC-etomidate were compared by defining the
      concentrations of each required to inhibit in vitro cortisol production by
      adrenocortical cells. RESULTS: MOC-ECA's 50% effective concentration for loss-of
      righting reflexes in tadpoles was 2.8 +/- 0.64 mM as compared with a previously
      reported value of 8 +/- 2 MUM for MOC-etomidate. The 50% effective concentrations
      for direct activation of GABA(A) receptors were 3.5 +/- 0.63 mM for MOC-ECA
      versus 10 +/- 2.5 MUM for MOC-etomidate. The half-maximal inhibitory
      concentration for inhibiting in vitro cortisol production by adrenocortical cells
      was 30 +/- 7 MUM for MOC-ECA versus 0.10 +/- 0.02 MUM for MOC-etomidate.
      CONCLUSIONS: In all 3 biological assays, MOC-ECA's potency was approximately 300
      fold lower than that of MOC-etomidate.

PMID- 22052980
TI  - Management of a symptomatic patient with a high transvalvular gradient across a
      stentless aortic valve.

PMID- 22052981
TI  - Isoflurane anesthesia preserves liver and lung mitochondrial oxidative capacity
      after gut ischemia-reperfusion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lung and liver dysfunction is involved in gut ischemia-reperfusion
      (IR)-induced multiple organ failure. We compared the effects of ketamine and
      isoflurane on liver and lung mitochondrial oxidative capacity after gut IR.
      METHODS: Adult male Wistar rats were randomized into 4 groups (controls and gut
      IR receiving either intraperitoneal ketamine or inhaled isoflurane). Maximal
      oxygen consumption and the activity of respiratory chain complexes were measured
      on isolated liver and lung mitochondria. RESULTS: Gut IR significantly impaired
      liver and lung mitochondrial oxidative capacity when using ketamine but not
      isoflurane. CONCLUSIONS: Isoflurane preserved liver and lung mitochondrial
      oxidative capacity after gut IR.

PMID- 22052982
TI  - The epidemiology of upper airway injury in patients undergoing major surgical
      procedures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Airway injury is a potentially serious and costly adverse event of
      anesthesia care. The epidemiologic characteristics of airway injury have not been
      well documented. METHODS: The American College of Surgeons National Surgical
      Quality Improvement Program (NSQIP) is a multicenter, prospective, outcome
      oriented database for patients undergoing major surgical procedures. Using the
      NSQIP data for the years 2005 to 2008, we examined the incidence of, and risk
      factors for, airway injury. RESULTS: Of the 563,190 patients studied, 1202 (0.2%)
      sustained airway injury. The most common airway injury was lip
      laceration/hematoma (61.4%), followed by tooth injury (26.1%), tongue laceration
      (5.7%), pharyngeal laceration (4.7%), and laryngeal laceration (2.1%).
      Multivariable logistic modeling revealed an increased risk of airway injury in
      patients with Mallampati class III (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 1.69; 99%
      confidence interval [CI], 1.36-2.11, relative to patients with Mallampati classes
      I and II) or class IV (adjusted OR, 2.6; 99% CI, 1.52-4.02), and in patients aged
      80 years or older (adjusted OR, 1.50; 99% CI, 1.02-2.19, relative to patients
      aged 40 to 49 years). CONCLUSIONS: The risk of airway injury for patients
      undergoing major surgical procedures is approximately 1 in 500. Patients with
      difficult airways as indicated by Mallampati classes III and IV are at
      significantly increased risk of sustaining airway injury during anesthesia for
      major surgical procedures.

PMID- 22052983
TI  - Focal cerebral ischemia after surgery in the "beach chair" position: the role of
      a congenital variation of circle of Willis anatomy.
AB  - A 50-year-old man underwent shoulder surgery in the beach chair position. His
      mean arterial blood pressure at arm level was approximately 65 mm Hg.
      Postoperatively, there was delayed awakening and a right hemiparesis. Radiologic
      evaluation revealed a congenital asymmetry of the circle of Willis that resulted
      in limited collateral flow to the left anterior and middle cerebral artery
      distributions. Similar anatomical variations are relatively common in the general
      population and may render some patients relatively and unpredictably more
      vulnerable to hypotension.

PMID- 22052984
TI  - Functional characterization of gynodioecy in Fragaria vesca ssp. bracteata
      (Rosaceae).
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Gynodioecy is a phylogenetically widespread and important
      sexual system where females coexist with hermaphrodites. Because dioecy can arise
      from gynodioecy, characterization of gynodioecy in close relatives of dioecious
      and sub-dioecious species can provide insight into this transition. Thus, we
      sought to determine whether Fragaria vesca ssp. bracteata, a close relative to F.
      chiloensis and F. virginiana, exhibits the functional and population genetic
      hallmarks of a gynodioecious species. METHODS: We compared reproductive
      allocation of females and hermaphrodites grown in the greenhouse and estimated
      genetic diversity (allelic diversity, heterozygosity) and inbreeding coefficients
      for field-collected adults of both sexes using simple sequence repeat (SSR)
      markers. We estimated mating system and early seed fitness from open-pollinated
      families of both sex morphs. KEY RESULTS: Under greenhouse conditions, females
      and hermaphrodites allocated similarly to all reproductive traits except flower
      number, and, as a consequence, females produced 30 % fewer seeds per plant than
      hermaphrodites. Under natural conditions, hermaphrodites produce seeds by self
      fertilization approx. 75 % of the time, and females produced outcrossed seeds
      with very little biparental inbreeding. Consistent with inbreeding depression,
      seeds from open-pollinated hermaphrodites were less likely to germinate than
      those from females, and family-level estimates of hermaphrodite selfing rates
      were negatively correlated with germination success and speed. Furthermore,
      estimates of inbreeding depression based on genetic markers and population
      genetic theory indicate that inbreeding depression in the field could be high.
      CONCLUSIONS: The joint consideration of allocation and mating system suggests
      that compensation may be sufficient to maintain females given the current
      understanding of sex determination. Fragaria vesca ssp. bracteata exhibited
      similar sex morph-dependent patterns of mating system and genetic diversity, but
      less reproductive trait dimorphism, than its sub-dioecious and dioecious
      congeners.

PMID- 22052985
TI  - Glutathione S-transferase P1 c.313A > G polymorphism could be useful in the
      prediction of doxorubicin response in breast cancer patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Identification of predicting factors for anthracyclines-based
      chemotherapy remains a clinical challenge. Glutathione S-transferase (GSTs)
      enzymes detoxify chemotherapy drugs and their metabolites. Several polymorphisms
      in GST genes result in reduced or no activity of the enzymes. Specifically, GSTM1
      and GSTT1 genes are polymorphically deleted, the polymorphism GSTP1 c.313A>G
      (rs1695) determines the amino acid substitution Ile105Val, where the Val
      containing enzyme has reduced activity. Also, GSTA1*B allele has reduced levels
      of GSTA1 enzyme. Several polymorphisms in GSTs have been associated with
      differences in survival for cancer patients treated with chemotherapy. PATIENTS
      AND METHODS: We genotyped a total of five polymorphisms in GSTM1, GSTT1, GSTP1
      and GSTA1 genes in 159 patients with locally advanced breast cancer, treated with
      single-agent doxorubicin or docetaxel (Taxotere). Gene expression microarrays
      were performed in 67 breast tumor samples. We correlate this data with treatment
      outcome. RESULTS: In multivariate analysis, patients homozygous GG for GSTP1
      c.313A>G SNP had a lower risk of chemoresistance when treated with doxorubicin
      (odds ratio 0.106; confidence interval 0.012-0.898; P=0.040). No association was
      found in the docetaxel arm. Also, we found that GSTP1 expression varied
      significantly among breast cancer molecular subtypes. CONCLUSIONS: GSTP1 may
      constitute another tool contributing to individualized anthracycline-based
      therapy.

PMID- 22052986
TI  - Proanthocyanidins and other flavonoids in relation to pancreatic cancer: a case
      control study in Italy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Four cohort studies have examined the relation between flavonoids and
      pancreatic cancer risk providing inconsistent results. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We
      conducted a case-control study between 1991 and 2008 in Northern Italy. Subjects
      were 326 cases with incident pancreatic cancer and 652 frequency-matched controls
      (admitted to the same hospitals as cases for acute non-neoplastic conditions) who
      answered a reproducible and valid food-frequency questionnaire. We computed odds
      ratios (ORs) using logistic regression models conditioned on gender, age and
      study center, and adjusted for education, history of diabetes, tobacco smoking,
      alcohol drinking and energy intake. RESULTS: Proanthocyanidins with three or more
      mers were inversely related to pancreatic cancer risk. The ORs were similar in
      all classes of polymers with three or more mers and in their combination (OR for
      the highest versus the lowest quintile of intake, 0.41; 95% confidence interval
      0.24-0.69), and did not substantially change after adjustment for fruit and
      vegetable consumption, and for vitamin C and folate intakes. Eating an additional
      portion of fruits rich in proanthocyanidins every day reduced the risk of
      pancreatic cancer by 25%. CONCLUSION: Dietary proanthocyanidins-mostly present in
      apples, pears and pulses-may convey some protection against pancreatic cancer
      risk.

PMID- 22052987
TI  - Large body size and sedentary lifestyle during childhood and early adulthood and
      esophageal squamous cell carcinoma in a high-risk population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Little is known about the association of obesity and physical
      activity at young ages with subsequent risk of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
      (ESCC). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 2003 and 2007, we conducted a case-control
      study in a high-risk population in northeastern Iran. Three hundred ESCC cases
      and 571 matched controls were recruited. Each individual was shown a standard
      pictogram, to report body size at ages 15 and 30. Demographic and health-related
      information, including physical activity at these ages was also collected.
      RESULTS: In the fully adjusted models, very obese body size (last two pictograms)
      at age 15 [odds ratio (OR) 3.2, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.3-7.7] and age 30
      (OR 3.1; 95% CI 1.1-8.5) were associated with ESCC in women, but not in men.
      Sedentary work at age 15 (OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.3-8.3) and 30 (OR 18.2, 95% CI 3.9
      86.2) were also associated with ESCC risk in women only. The increased risk in
      women at age 15 remained high after later reduction in body size, while women who
      became very obese only at age 30 did not show a significantly increased risk.
      CONCLUSION: These results highlight the importance of early lifestyle
      modifications in the context of cancer prevention, particularly in women.

PMID- 22052988
TI  - Incidence, risk factors and clinical implications of venous thromboembolism in
      cancer patients treated within the context of phase I studies: the 'SENDO
      experience'.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To investigate the incidence, risk factors and clinical implications
      of venous thromboembolism (VTE) in advanced cancer patients treated in phase I
      studies. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients enrolled and treated in phase I studies
      conducted by SENDO (Southern Europe New Drugs Organization) Foundation between
      2000 and 2010 in 15 experimental centers were considered for the study. Clinical
      data, including adverse events, were prospectively collected during the studies
      and retrospectively pooled for VTE analysis. RESULTS: Data of 1415 patients were
      considered for analysis. Five hundred and twenty-six (37.2%) patients were males,
      and median age was 57.3 years (range: 13-85). Eighty-five percent of patients had
      metastatic disease, while the remaining had locally advanced irresectable
      disease. For 706 (49.9%) of the patients, the study treatment was with cytotoxic
      agent(s) only, for 314 with target therapy(ies) only, while the remaining
      patients received a target therapy in combination with a cytotoxic drug. Fifty
      six (3.96%) patients who developed a VTE, almost all (89.3%) during the course of
      treatment, the remaining during the follow-up. At univariate analysis, the
      Khorana score, the combination of an antiangiogenic agent with a cytotoxic drug,
      and the time from first cancer diagnosis to study entry (as continuous variable)
      were associated with a statistically significant increase of VTE occurrence. The
      multivariate analysis confirmed only a statistically significant association for
      the Khorana score. The hazard ratio of VTE occurrence was 7.88 [95% confidence
      interval (CI) 2.86-21.70) and 2.74 (95% CI 1.27-5.92) times higher for the
      highest (>=3) and intermediate (1-2) scores as compared with score = 0.
      CONCLUSIONS: VTE is a relatively common complication among patients treated in
      the context of phase I studies. The Khorana score predicts VTE development and
      can be used to identify patients at high of VTE.

PMID- 22052989
TI  - Better value cancer care for the 21st century.

PMID- 22052992
TI  - Direct maximization of protein identifications from tandem mass spectra.
AB  - The goal of many shotgun proteomics experiments is to determine the protein
      complement of a complex biological mixture. For many mixtures, most
      methodological approaches fall significantly short of this goal. Existing
      solutions to this problem typically subdivide the task into two stages: first
      identifying a collection of peptides with a low false discovery rate and then
      inferring from the peptides a corresponding set of proteins. In contrast, we
      formulate the protein identification problem as a single optimization problem,
      which we solve using machine learning methods. This approach is motivated by the
      observation that the peptide and protein level tasks are cooperative, and the
      solution to each can be improved by using information about the solution to the
      other. The resulting algorithm directly controls the relevant error rate, can
      incorporate a wide variety of evidence and, for complex samples, provides 18-34%
      more protein identifications than the current state of the art approaches.

PMID- 22052993
TI  - Recommendations for mass spectrometry data quality metrics for open access data
      (corollary to the Amsterdam Principles).
AB  - Policies supporting the rapid and open sharing of proteomic data are being
      implemented by the leading journals in the field. The proteomics community is
      taking steps to ensure that data are made publicly accessible and are of high
      quality, a challenging task that requires the development and deployment of
      methods for measuring and documenting data quality metrics. On September 18,
      2010, the United States National Cancer Institute convened the "International
      Workshop on Proteomic Data Quality Metrics" in Sydney, Australia, to identify and
      address issues facing the development and use of such methods for open access
      proteomics data. The stakeholders at the workshop enumerated the key principles
      underlying a framework for data quality assessment in mass spectrometry data that
      will meet the needs of the research community, journals, funding agencies, and
      data repositories. Attendees discussed and agreed up on two primary needs for the
      wide use of quality metrics: 1) an evolving list of comprehensive quality metrics
      and 2) standards accompanied by software analytics. Attendees stressed the
      importance of increased education and training programs to promote reliable
      protocols in proteomics. This workshop report explores the historic precedents,
      key discussions, and necessary next steps to enhance the quality of open access
      data. By agreement, this article is published simultaneously in the Journal of
      Proteome Research, Molecular and Cellular Proteomics, Proteomics, and Proteomics
      Clinical Applications as a public service to the research community. The peer
      review process was a coordinated effort conducted by a panel of referees selected
      by the journals.

PMID- 22052994
TI  - Development of a research ethics knowledge and analytical skills assessment tool.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The goal of this project was to develop and validate a new tool to
      evaluate learners' knowledge and skills related to research ethics. METHODS: A
      core set of 50 questions from existing computer-based online teaching modules
      were identified, refined and supplemented to create a set of 74 multiple-choice,
      true/false and short answer questions. The questions were pilot-tested and item
      discrimination was calculated for each question. Poorly performing items were
      eliminated or refined. Two comparable assessment tools were created. These
      assessment tools were administered as a pre-test and post-test to a cohort of 58
      Indian junior health research investigators before and after exposure to a new
      course on research ethics. Half of the investigators were exposed to the course
      online, the other half in person. Item discrimination was calculated for each
      question and Cronbach's alpha for each assessment tool. A final version of the
      assessment tool that incorporated the best questions from the pre-/post-test
      phase was used to assess retention of research ethics knowledge and skills 3
      months after course delivery. RESULTS: The final version of the REKASA includes
      41 items and had a Cronbach's alpha of 0.837. CONCLUSION: The results illustrate,
      in one sample of learners, the successful, systematic development and use of a
      knowledge and skills assessment tool in research ethics capable of not only
      measuring basic knowledge in research ethics and oversight but also assessing
      learners' ability to apply ethics knowledge to the analytical task of reasoning
      through research ethics cases, without reliance on essay or discussion-based
      examination. These promising preliminary findings should be confirmed with
      additional groups of learners.

PMID- 22052995
TI  - Circulation of multiple enterovirus serotypes causing hand, foot and mouth
      disease in India.
AB  - Hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), a common contagious disease that usually
      affects children, can be caused by enteroviruses. Coxsackievirus A16 (CV-A16) and
      enterovirus 71(EV-71) are the major aetiological agents of HFMD. Other EV
      serotypes, CV-A4-7, CV-A9-10, CV-B1-3, CV-B5, E-4 and E-19, have also been found
      associated with both sporadic infections and outbreaks of HFMD. In India,
      outbreaks of HFMD have been documented; however, molecular characterization of
      the aetiological agents has rarely been reported. Cases of HFMD were identified
      during 2009-2010 on the basis of clinical features in southern and eastern parts
      of India. The aim of the present study was to detect and characterize the
      aetiological agents associated with the disease. A total of 89 specimens
      consisting of 41 sera, 24 vesicular fluids, 18 stools and 6 throat swabs were
      collected from 61 clinically diagnosed HFMD cases from southern and eastern parts
      of India. RT-PCR followed by sequencing of PCR amplicons and phylogenetic
      analysis were performed on all specimens for detection of EV RNA and
      identification of EV types. EV RNA was detected in 47.1 % (42/89) of the
      specimens collected from 57.4 % (35/61) of the HFMD cases. Thirty-six of 42 EV
      strains showed amplification of the VP1/2A junction or VP1 regions. Sequence
      analysis of the amplicons identified the presence of CV-A16 (54.8 %), CV-A6 (38.1
      %), EV-71 (2.4 %), CV-A10 (2.4 %) and E-9 (2.4 %) serotypes in the HFMD cases.
      The study documents CV-A16 and CV-A6 as major and CV-A10, EV-71 and E-9 as rare
      viral pathogens of HFMD in India.

PMID- 22052996
TI  - Inhibitory effects of native and recombinant full-length camel lactoferrin and
      its N and C lobes on hepatitis C virus infection of Huh7.5 cells.
AB  - Lactoferrin has been suggested to have antiviral activity against hepatitis C
      virus (HCV). The objective of this study was to compare the effects of
      recombinant camel lactoferrin (rcLf), native camel lactoferrin (ncLf) and their N
      and C fragments on HCV infection in Huh7.5 cells. ncLf was purified from camel
      milk and N and C lobes were generated proteolytically. rcLf and its fragments
      were synthesized using a Bac-to-Bac baculovirus expression system. All proteins
      except the C lobe of rcLf were soluble. The inhibitory effects on HCV entry into
      Huh7.5 cells were evaluated by incubation of HCV with Lf prior to infection or
      pre-treatment of the cells with Lf prior to infection. The inhibitory effect on
      HCV amplification in Huh7.5 cells was determined by Lf treatment of HCV-infected
      cells. Nested RT-PCR was performed to amplify intracellular HCV 5' non-coding RNA
      sequences. rcLf and ncLf and their fragments could prevent HCV entry into Huh7.5
      cells by direct interaction with the virus and inhibited virus amplification in
      Huh7.5 cells. Therefore, the N and C lobes of ncLf are sufficient to elicit anti
      HCV effects in Huh7.5 cells. rcLf and its N lobe displayed similar HCV inhibitory
      effects to their native counterparts and may constitute an efficient and cost
      effective approach for potential clinical applications.

PMID- 22052997
TI  - Circadian metabolic regulation through crosstalk between casein kinase 1delta and
      transcriptional coactivator PGC-1alpha.
AB  - Circadian clock coordinates behavior and physiology in mammals in response to
      light and feeding cycles. Disruption of normal clock function is associated with
      increased risk for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, underscoring the
      emerging concept that temporal regulation of tissue metabolism is a fundamental
      aspect of energy homeostasis. We have previously demonstrated that
      transcriptional coactivator, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma
      coactivator 1alpha (PGC-1alpha), coordinates circadian metabolic rhythms through
      simultaneous regulation of metabolic and clock gene expression. In this study, we
      found that PGC-1alpha physically interacts with, and is phosphorylated by, casein
      kinase 1delta (CK1delta), a core component of the circadian pacemaker. CK1delta
      represses the transcriptional function of PGC-1alpha in cultured hepatocytes,
      resulting in decreased gluconeogenic gene expression and glucose secretion. At
      the molecular level, CK1delta phosphorylation of PGC-1alpha within its
      arginine/serine-rich domain enhances its degradation through the proteasome
      system. Together, these results elucidate a novel mechanism through which
      circadian pacemaker transduces timing signals to the metabolic regulatory network
      that controls hepatic energy metabolism.

PMID- 22052998
TI  - In vitro and in vivo molecular imaging of estrogen receptor alpha and beta homo-
      and heterodimerization: exploration of new modes of receptor regulation.
AB  - Estrogen receptor (ER) biology reflects the actions of estrogens through the two
      receptors, ERalpha and ERbeta, although little is known regarding the preference
      for formation of ER homo- vs. heterodimers, and how this is affected by the level
      of ligand occupancy and preferential ligand affinity for one of the ER subtypes.
      In this report, we use a split optical reporter-protein complementation system to
      demonstrate the physical interaction between ERalpha and ERbeta in response to
      different ER ligands in cells and, for the first time, by in vivo imaging in
      living animals. The genetically encoded reporter vectors constructed with the
      ligand-binding domains of ERalpha and ERbeta, fused to split firefly or Renilla
      luciferase (Fluc or hRluc) fragments, were used for this study. This molecular
      proteomic technique was used to detect ERalpha/ERalpha or ERbeta/ERbeta
      homodimerization, or ERalpha/ERbeta heterodimerization induced by ER subtype
      selective and nonselective ligands, and selective ER modulators (SERM), as well
      as in dimers in which one mutant monomer was unable to bind estradiol. The SERM
      bound ERalpha and ERbeta form the strongest dimers, and subtype-preferential
      homodimerization was seen with ERalpha-selective ligands (methyl piperidino
      pyrazole/propyl pyrazole triol) and the ERbeta-selective ligands
      (diarylpropionitrile/tetrahydrochrysene/genistein). We also demonstrated that a
      single ligand-bound monomer can form homo- or heterodimers with an apo-monomer.
      Xenografts of human embryonic kidney 293T cells imaged in living mice by
      bioluminescence showed real-time ligand induction of ERalpha/ERbeta
      heterodimerization and reversal of dimerization upon ligand withdrawal. The
      results from this study demonstrate the value of the split luciferase-based
      complementation system for studying ER-subtype interactions in cells and for
      evaluating them in living animals by noninvasive imaging. They also probe what
      combinations of ERalpha and ERbeta dimers might be the mediators of the effects
      of different types of ER ligands given at different doses.

PMID- 22052999
TI  - Silencing of GSTP1, a prostate cancer prognostic gene, by the estrogen receptor
      beta and endothelial nitric oxide synthase complex.
AB  - We recently identified in prostate tumors (PCa) a transcriptional prognostic
      signature comprising a significant number of genes differentially regulated in
      patients with worse clinical outcome. Induction of up-regulated genes was due to
      chromatin remodeling by a combinatorial complex between estrogen receptor (ER)
      beta and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). Here we show that this complex
      can also repress transcription of prognostic genes that are down-regulated in
      PCa, such as the glutathione transferase gene GSTP1. Silencing of GSTP1 is a
      common early event in prostate carcinogenesis, frequently caused by promoter
      hypermethylation. We validated loss of glutathione transferase (GST) P1-1
      expression in vivo, in tissue microarrays from a retrospective cohort of
      patients, and correlated it with decreased disease-specific survival.
      Furthermore, we show that in PCa cultured cells ERbeta/eNOS causes GSTP1
      repression by being recruited at estrogen responsive elements in the gene
      promoter with consequential remodeling of local chromatin. Treatment with ERbeta
      antagonist or its natural ligand 5alpha-androstane-3beta,17beta-diol, eNOS
      inhibitors or ERbeta small interference RNA abrogated the binding and reversed
      GSTP1 silencing, demonstrating the direct involvement of the complex. In vitro,
      GSTP1 silencing by ERbeta/eNOS was specific for cells from patients with worse
      clinical outcome where it appeared the sole mechanism regulating GSTP1 expression
      because no promoter hypermethylation was present. However, in vivo chromatin
      immunoprecipitation assays on fresh PCa tissues demonstrated that silencing by
      ERbeta/eNOS can coexist with promoter hypermethylation. Our findings reveal that
      the ERbeta/eNOS complex can exert transcriptional repression and suggest that
      this may represent an epigenetic event favoring inactivation of the GSTP1 locus
      by methylation. Moreover, abrogation of ERbeta/eNOS function by 3beta-adiol
      emphasizes the significance of circulating or locally produced sex steroid
      hormones or their metabolites in PCa biology with relevant clinical/therapeutic
      implications.

PMID- 22053000
TI  - Endoplasmic reticulum stress decreases intracellular thyroid hormone activation
      via an eIF2a-mediated decrease in type 2 deiodinase synthesis.
AB  - Cells respond rapidly to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress by blocking protein
      translation, increasing protein folding capacity, and accelerating degradation of
      unfolded proteins via ubiquitination and ER-associated degradation pathways. The
      ER resident type 2 deiodinase (D2) is normally ubiquitinated and degraded in the
      proteasome, a pathway that is accelerated by enzyme catalysis of T(4) to T(3). To
      test whether D2 is normally processed through ER-associated degradation, ER
      stress was induced in cells that endogenously express D2 by exposure to
      thapsigargin or tunicamycin. In all cell models, D2 activity was rapidly lost, to
      as low as of 30% of control activity, without affecting D2 mRNA levels; loss of
      about 40% of D2 activity and protein was also seen in human embryonic kidney 293
      cells transiently expressing D2. In primary human airway cells with ER stress
      resulting from cystic fibrosis, D2 activity was absent. The rapid ER stress
      induced loss of D2 resulted in decreased intracellular D2-mediated T(3)
      production. ER stress-induced loss of D2 was prevented in the absence of T(4), by
      blocking the proteasome with MG-132 or by treatment with chemical chaperones.
      Notably, ER stress did not alter D2 activity half-life but rather decreased D2
      synthesis as assessed by induction of D2 mRNA and by [(35)S]methionine labeling.
      Remarkably, ER-stress-induced loss in D2 activity is prevented in cells
      transiently expressing an inactive eukaryotic initiation factor 2, indicating
      that this pathway mediates the loss of D2 activity. In conclusion, D2 is
      selectively lost during ER stress due to an eukaryotic initiation factor 2
      mediated decrease in D2 synthesis and sustained proteasomal degradation. This
      explains the lack of D2 activity in primary human airway cells with ER stress
      resulting from cystic fibrosis.

PMID- 22053002
TI  - Poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase-1 (PARP1) controls adipogenic gene expression and
      adipocyte function.
AB  - Poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase-1 (PARP1) is a chromatin-associated enzyme that was
      described to affect chromatin compaction. Previous reports suggested a dynamic
      modulation of the chromatin landscape during adipocyte differentiation. We thus
      hypothesized that PARP1 plays an important transcriptional role in adipogenesis
      and metabolism and therefore used adipocyte development and function as a model
      to elucidate the molecular action of PARP1 in obesity-related diseases. Our
      results show that PARP1-dependent ADP-ribose polymer (PAR) formation increases
      during adipocyte development and, at late time points of adipogenesis, is
      involved in the sustained expression of PPARgamma2 and of PPARgamma2 target
      genes. During adipogenesis, PARP1 was recruited to PPARgamma2 target genes such
      as CD36 or aP2 in a PAR-dependent manner. Our results also reveal a PAR-dependent
      decrease in repressory histone marks (e.g. H3K9me3) and an increase in
      stimulatory marks (e.g. H3K4me3) at the PPARgamma2 promoter, suggesting that
      PARP1 may exert its regulatory function during adipogenesis by altering histone
      marks. Interestingly, activation of PARP1 enzymatic activity was prevented with a
      topoisomerase II inhibitor. These data hint at topoisomerase II-dependent,
      transient, site-specific double-strand DNA breaks as the cause for poly(ADP)
      ribose formation, adipogenic gene expression, and adipocyte function. Together,
      our study identifies PARP1 as a critical regulator of PPARgamma2-dependent gene
      expression with implications in adipocyte function and obesity-related disease
      models.

PMID- 22053003
TI  - Diazocyte development in the marine diazotrophic cyanobacterium Trichodesmium.
AB  - The establishment of non-diazotrophic cultures of the filamentous marine
      cyanobacterium Trichodesmium erythraeum IMS101 enabled the first detailed
      investigation of the process leading to the development of its unique nitrogen
      fixing cell type, the diazocyte. Trichome heterogeneity was apparent already
      within 3-8 h, while the differentiation of mature diazocytes, containing the
      nitrogenase enzyme, required 27 h after the removal of combined nitrogen. The
      distribution of 'pro-diazocytes' within the trichomes correlates with the
      localization of mature diazocytes, which suggests that pattern regulation is an
      early event during diazocyte development. The development was initially
      identified as changes in the subcellular ultrastructure, most notably the
      degradation of glycogen granules and gas vacuoles. These changes were preceded by
      the induced expression of the global nitrogen regulator ntcA at an early stage of
      combined nitrogen deprivation, followed by elevated expression of genes related
      to nitrogen metabolism and their corresponding proteins. The strongest induction
      (10-fold) was related to the transcription of the respiratory gene coxB2,
      apparent already at an early stage, which suggests an important role for
      respiration and the subsequent energy generation in the subcellular changes
      found, and in the creation of the reducing environment required for nitrogen
      fixation in diazocytes.

PMID- 22053001
TI  - Small molecule inhibition of the steroid receptor coactivators, SRC-3 and SRC-1.
AB  - Overexpression of steroid receptor coactivator (SRC)-1 and SRC-3 is associated
      with cancer initiation, metastasis, advanced disease, and resistance to
      chemotherapy. In most of these cases, SRC-1 and SRC-3 have been shown to promote
      tumor cell growth by activating nuclear receptor and multiple growth factor
      signaling cascades that lead to uncontrolled tumor cell growth. Up until now,
      most targeted chemotherapeutic drugs have been designed largely to block a single
      pathway at a time, but cancers frequently acquire resistance by switching to
      alternative growth factor pathways. We reason that the development of
      chemotherapeutic agents against SRC coactivators that sit at the nexus of
      multiple cell growth signaling networks and transcriptional factors should be
      particularly effective therapeutics. To substantiate this hypothesis, we report
      the discovery of 2,2'-bis-(Formyl-1,6,7-trihydroxy-5-isopropyl-3
      methylnaphthalene (gossypol) as a small molecule inhibitor of coactivator SRC-1
      and SRC-3. Our data indicate that gossypol binds directly to SRC-3 in its
      receptor interacting domain. In MCF-7 breast cancer cells, gossypol selectively
      reduces the cellular protein concentrations of SRC-1 and SRC-3 without generally
      altering overall protein expression patterns, SRC-2, or other coactivators, such
      as p300 and coactivator-associated arginine methyltransferase 1. Gossypol reduces
      the concentration of SRC-3 in prostate, lung, and liver cancer cell lines.
      Gossypol inhibits cell viability in the same cancer cell lines where it promotes
      SRC-3 down-regulation. Additionally, gossypol sensitizes lung and breast cancer
      cell lines to the inhibitory effects of other chemotherapeutic agents.
      Importantly, gossypol is selectively cytotoxic to cancer cells, whereas normal
      cell viability is not affected. This data establish the proof-of-principle that,
      as a class, SRC-1 and SRC-3 coactivators are accessible chemotherapeutic targets.
      Given their function as integrators of multiple cell growth signaling systems,
      SRC-1/SRC-3 small molecule inhibitors comprise a new class of drugs that have
      potential as novel chemotherapeutics able to defeat aspects of acquired cancer
      cell resistance mechanisms.

PMID- 22053004
TI  - Serum albumin alters the expression of iron-controlled genes in Pseudomonas
      aeruginosa.
AB  - Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which causes serious infections in immunocompromised
      patients, produces numerous virulence factors, including exotoxin A and the
      siderophore pyoverdine. As production of these virulence factors is influenced by
      the host environment, we examined the effect serum has on global transcription
      within P. aeruginosa strain PAO1 at different phases of growth in an iron
      deficient medium. At early exponential phase, serum significantly enhanced
      expression of 138 genes, most of which are repressed by iron, including pvdS,
      regA and the pyoverdine synthesis genes. However, serum did not interfere with
      the repression of these genes by iron. Serum enhanced regA expression in a fur
      mutant of PAO1 but not in a pvdS mutant. The serum iron-binding protein
      apotransferrin, but not ferritin, enhanced regA and pvdS expression. However, in
      PAO1 grown in a chemically defined medium that contains no iron, serum but not
      apotransferrin enhanced pvdS and regA expression. While complement inactivation
      failed to eliminate this effect, albumin absorption reduced the effect of serum
      on pvdS and regA expression in the iron-deficient medium chelexed tryptic soy
      broth dialysate. Additionally, albumin absorption eliminated the effect of serum
      on pvdS and regA expression in the chemically defined medium. These results
      suggest that serum enhances the expression of P. aeruginosa iron-controlled genes
      by two mechanisms: one through apotransferrin and another one through albumin.

PMID- 22053005
TI  - Construction of Bifidobacterium infantis as a live oral vaccine that expresses
      antigens of the major fimbrial subunit (CfaB) and the B subunit of heat-labile
      enterotoxin (LTB) from enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli.
AB  - We sought to develop Bifidobacterium infantis (BI) as a vehicle for the
      expression of heterologous antigens. Two proteins of enterotoxigenic Escherichia
      coli (ETEC) were expressed in BI: CfaB, a major fimbrial subunit protein, and
      LTB, the B subunit of heat-labile enterotoxin. The expression of CfaB and LTB in
      BI was verified by electrophoretic analysis. Sprague-Dawley rats were then
      subjected to intragastric immunization with BI-CfaB and BI-LTB systems both
      separately and together. ELISA was used to characterize the serum and mucosal
      immune responses against ETEC antigens. The immunized rats were intraperitoneally
      challenged with wild-type ETEC H10407 to study the immune response in vivo. The
      serum titres of IgG and faecal IgA antibodies in the BI-CfaB plus BI-LTB mixed
      vaccination group were significantly greater than those in the other two groups,
      which were immunized with a single vaccine (P<0.05). However, no significant
      difference was seen between the two groups that received a single immunization.
      These results suggest that expressing CfaB and LTB in BI provides a probiotic
      system with immunogenic properties. Furthermore, the expression of LTB in BI
      preserved its mucosal adjuvant effect. So this study confirms that BI can be used
      as a novel oral vaccine expression system for a heterologous antigen and BI-LTB
      can provide mucosal adjuvant properties.

PMID- 22053006
TI  - Antimicrobial peptaibols from Trichoderma pseudokoningii induce programmed cell
      death in plant fungal pathogens.
AB  - Antibiosis is one of the widespread strategies used by Trichoderma spp. against
      plant fungal pathogens, the mechanism of which, however, remains poorly
      understood. Peptaibols are a large family of antimicrobial peptides produced by
      Trichoderma spp. Our previous study showed that trichokonins, a type of peptaibol
      from Trichoderma pseudokoningii SMF2, exhibited antibiotic activities against
      plant fungal pathogens. In this study, we first demonstrated that trichokonin VI
      (TK VI) induced extensive apoptotic programmed cell death in plant fungal
      pathogens. For a deeper insight into the apoptotic mechanism involved in the
      action of TK VI, Fusarium oxysporum was used as a model. Cells of F. oxysporum
      treated with TK VI showed apoptotic hallmarks, such as exposure of
      phosphatidylserine, the appearance of reactive oxygen species and fragmentation
      of nuclear DNA. Moreover, TK VI-treated cells exhibited an accumulation of
      cytoplasmic vacuoles with loss of the mitochondrial transmembrane potential, and
      this process was independent of metacaspases. Therefore, TK VI induces
      metacaspase-independent apoptotic cell death in F. oxysporum. This represents
      what is believed to be the first report to reveal the antibiotic mechanism of
      peptaibols against plant fungal pathogens.

PMID- 22053007
TI  - The putative phosphatase All1758 is necessary for normal growth, cell size and
      synthesis of the minor heterocyst-specific glycolipid in the cyanobacterium
      Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120.
AB  - The filamentous cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. strain PCC 7120 differentiates
      nitrogen-fixing heterocysts arranged in a periodic pattern when deprived of a
      fixed source of nitrogen. In a genetic screen for mutations that prevent
      diazotrophic growth, open reading frame all1758, which encodes a putative
      serine/threonine phosphatase, was identified. Mutation of all1758 resulted in a
      number of seemingly disparate phenotypes that included a delay in the
      morphological differentiation of heterocysts, reduced cell size, and lethality
      under certain conditions. The mutant was incapable of fixing nitrogen under
      either oxic or anoxic conditions, and lacked the minor heterocyst-specific
      glycolipid. Pattern formation, as indicated by the timing and pattern of
      expression from the promoters of hetR and patS fused transcriptionally to the
      gene for green fluorescent protein (GFP), was unaffected by mutation of all1758,
      suggesting that its role in the formation of heterocysts is limited to
      morphological differentiation. Transcription of all1758 was constitutive with
      respect to both cell type and conditions of growth, but required a functional
      copy of all1758. The reduced cell size of the all1758 mutant and the location of
      all1758 between the cell division genes ftsX and ftsY may be indicative of a role
      for all1758 in cell division. Taken together, these results suggest that the
      protein encoded by all1758 may represent a link between cell growth, division and
      regulation of the morphological differentiation of heterocysts.

PMID- 22053008
TI  - Role of a short light, oxygen, voltage (LOV) domain protein in blue light- and
      singlet oxygen-dependent gene regulation in Rhodobacter sphaeroides.
AB  - The facultatively photosynthetic bacterium Rhodobacter sphaeroides harbours an
      unusual light, oxygen, voltage (LOV) domain protein, RsLOV. While showing a
      characteristic photocycle, the protein lacks a C-terminal output domain, similar
      to PpSB2 in Pseudomonas putida. Oxygen tension and light quantity are the two
      factors mainly responsible for controlling the expression of photosynthesis genes
      in R. sphaeroides. Two photoreceptor proteins are known to be involved in this
      regulation: the intensively studied AppA protein and the more recently identified
      cryptochrome-like protein CryB. Here we show by transcriptome and physiological
      studies that RsLOV is also involved in the regulation of photosynthetic gene
      expression. Our data further hint at a connection between RsLOV, carbohydrate
      metabolism and chemotaxis, as well as with the cellular response to
      photooxidative stress. RsLOV affects not only blue light-dependent gene
      expression but also redox-dependent regulation.

PMID- 22053009
TI  - The cargo and the transport system: secreted proteins and protein secretion in
      Trichoderma reesei (Hypocrea jecorina).
AB  - Trichoderma reesei (Hypocrea jecorina) is an efficient cell factory for protein
      production that is exploited by the enzyme industry. Yields of over 100 g
      secreted protein l(-1) from industrial fermentations have been reported. In this
      review we discuss the spectrum of proteins secreted by T. reesei and the studies
      carried out on its protein secretion system. The major enzymes secreted by T.
      reesei under production conditions are those degrading plant polysaccharides, the
      most dominant ones being the major cellulases, as demonstrated by the 2D gel
      analysis of the secretome. According to genome analysis, T. reesei has fewer
      genes encoding enzymes involved in plant biomass degradation compared with other
      fungi with sequenced genomes. We also discuss other T. reesei secreted enzymes
      and proteins that have been studied, such as proteases, laccase, tyrosinase and
      hydrophobins. Investigation of the T. reesei secretion pathway has included
      molecular characterization of the pathway components functioning at different
      stages of the secretion process as well as analysis of the stress responses
      caused by impaired folding or trafficking in the pathway or by expression of
      heterologous proteins. Studies on the transcriptional regulation of the secretory
      pathway have revealed similarities, but also interesting differences, with other
      organisms, such as a different induction mechanism of the unfolded protein
      response and the repression of genes encoding secreted proteins under secretion
      stress conditions.

PMID- 22053011
TI  - Understanding the human brain.

PMID- 22053010
TI  - Inhibition of p38 MAPK-dependent excision repair cross-complementing 1 expression
      decreases the DNA repair capacity to sensitize lung cancer cells to etoposide.
AB  - Etoposide (VP-16), a topoisomerase II inhibitor, is an effective anticancer drug
      currently used for the treatment of a wide range of cancers. Excision repair
      cross-complementary 1 (ERCC1) is a key protein involved in the process of
      nucleotide excision repair. High level of ERCC1 expression in cancers is
      associated with resistance to DNA damage-based chemotherapy. In this study, the
      effects of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal on the ERCC1
      expression induced by etoposide in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell lines
      was investigated. Etoposide increased phosphorylated MAPK kinase 3/6 (MKK3/6)-p38
      MAPK and ERCC1 protein and mRNA levels in A549 and H1975 cells. Moreover,
      SB202190, a p38 inhibitor, or knockdown of p38 expression by specific short
      interfering RNA (siRNA) significantly decreased the etoposide-induced ERCC1
      protein levels and DNA repair capacity in etoposide-exposed NSCLC cells.
      Enhancement of p38 activation by constitutively active MKK6 (MKK6E) increased
      ERCC1 protein levels. Specific inhibition of ERCC1 by siRNA significantly
      enhanced the etoposide-induced cytotoxicity and hypoxanthine guanine
      phosphoribosyltransferase (hprt) gene mutation rate. Moreover, the Hsp90
      inhibitor 17-allylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin (17-AAG) could decrease the
      etoposide-induced p38 MAPK-mediated ERCC1 expression and augment the cytotoxic
      effect and growth inhibition by etopsoside. 17-AAG and etoposide-induced
      synergistic cytotoxic effect and DNA repair capacity decrease could be abrogated
      in lung cancer cells with MKK6E or HA-p38 MAPK expression vector transfection.
      Our results suggest that in human NSCLC cells, ERCC1 is induced by etoposide
      through the p38 MAPK pathway, and this phenomenon is required for NSCLC survival
      and resistant DNA damage.

PMID- 22053016
TI  - Bioterror research. Panel endorses anthrax vaccine study in children.

PMID- 22053017
TI  - Neuroscience. The brain's social network.

PMID- 22053018
TI  - Scientific misconduct. Psychologist accused of fraud on 'astonishing scale'.

PMID- 22053019
TI  - Epidemiology. Large African TB study reveals powerful strategy to curb disease.

PMID- 22053020
TI  - 12th International Congress of Human Genetics. Life on the fertile frontier.

PMID- 22053021
TI  - 12th International Congress of Human Genetics. X-tra diversity for Africans.

PMID- 22053022
TI  - 12th International Congress of Human Genetics. Diabetes genes decline out of
      Africa.

PMID- 22053023
TI  - Geophysics. Vigil at North Korea's Mount Doom.

PMID- 22053024
TI  - Geophysics. A very big bang.

PMID- 22053025
TI  - Profile: Robert Trivers. Sharp insights and a sharp tongue.

PMID- 22053026
TI  - Conservation: limits of land sparing.

PMID- 22053027
TI  - Conservation: model management intensity.

PMID- 22053029
TI  - Comment on "Atmospheric PCO2 perturbations associated with the Central Atlantic
      Magmatic Province".
AB  - Schaller et al. (Research Article, 18 March 2011, p. 1404) proposed that carbon
      dioxide (CO(2)) released by the Central Atlantic Magmatic Province eruptions over
      periods of about 20,000 years led to substantial increases of up to 2000 parts
      per million (ppm) in the concentration of atmospheric carbon dioxide (PCO(2))
      near the Triassic-Jurassic boundary. Use of an atmosphere-ocean model coupled to
      a carbon-cycle model predicts PCO(2) increases of less than 400 ppm from magmatic
      volatiles, with only a small climatic impact.

PMID- 22053032
TI  - Sustainability. Paying for ecosystem services--promise and peril.

PMID- 22053033
TI  - Neuroscience. Another reason to exercise.

PMID- 22053034
TI  - Applied physics. Paradigm shifts in dye-sensitized solar cells.

PMID- 22053035
TI  - Neuroscience. Synaptic switch and social status.

PMID- 22053036
TI  - Applied physics. A photothermoelectric effect in graphene.

PMID- 22053037
TI  - Cell biology. Growth signaling from inside.

PMID- 22053038
TI  - Atmospheric science. Ocean effects of blocking.

PMID- 22053039
TI  - Climate. Running out of climate space.

PMID- 22053040
TI  - Eppendorf winner. The language of dendrites.

PMID- 22053041
TI  - The big and the small: challenges of imaging the brain's circuits.
AB  - The relation between the structure of the nervous system and its function is more
      poorly understood than the relation between structure and function in any other
      organ system. We explore why bridging the structure-function divide is uniquely
      difficult in the brain. These difficulties also explain the thrust behind the
      enormous amount of innovation centered on microscopy in neuroscience. We
      highlight some recent progress and the challenges that remain.

PMID- 22053042
TI  - The cell biology of synaptic plasticity.
AB  - Synaptic plasticity is the experience-dependent change in connectivity between
      neurons that is believed to underlie learning and memory. Here, we discuss the
      cellular and molecular processes that are altered when a neuron responds to
      external stimuli, and how these alterations lead to an increase or decrease in
      synaptic connectivity. Modification of synaptic components and changes in gene
      expression are necessary for many forms of plasticity. We focus on excitatory
      neurons in the mammalian hippocampus, one of the best-studied model systems of
      learning-related plasticity.

PMID- 22053043
TI  - Porphyrin-sensitized solar cells with cobalt (II/III)-based redox electrolyte
      exceed 12 percent efficiency.
AB  - The iodide/triiodide redox shuttle has limited the efficiencies accessible in dye
      sensitized solar cells. Here, we report mesoscopic solar cells that incorporate a
      Co((II/III))tris(bipyridyl)-based redox electrolyte in conjunction with a custom
      synthesized donor-pi-bridge-acceptor zinc porphyrin dye as sensitizer (designated
      YD2-o-C8). The specific molecular design of YD2-o-C8 greatly retards the rate of
      interfacial back electron transfer from the conduction band of the
      nanocrystalline titanium dioxide film to the oxidized cobalt mediator, which
      enables attainment of strikingly high photovoltages approaching 1 volt. Because
      the YD2-o-C8 porphyrin harvests sunlight across the visible spectrum, large
      photocurrents are generated. Cosensitization of YD2-o-C8 with another organic dye
      further enhances the performance of the device, leading to a measured power
      conversion efficiency of 12.3% under simulated air mass 1.5 global sunlight.

PMID- 22053044
TI  - A fluoride-derived electrophilic late-stage fluorination reagent for PET imaging.
AB  - The unnatural isotope fluorine-18 ((18)F) is used as a positron emitter in
      molecular imaging. Currently, many potentially useful (18)F-labeled probe
      molecules are inaccessible for imaging because no fluorination chemistry is
      available to make them. The 110-minute half-life of (18)F requires rapid
      syntheses for which [(18)F]fluoride is the preferred source of fluorine because
      of its practical access and suitable isotope enrichment. However, conventional
      [(18)F]fluoride chemistry has been limited to nucleophilic fluorination
      reactions. We report the development of a palladium-based electrophilic
      fluorination reagent derived from fluoride and its application to the synthesis
      of aromatic (18)F-labeled molecules via late-stage fluorination. Late-stage
      fluorination enables the synthesis of conventionally unavailable positron
      emission tomography (PET) tracers for anticipated applications in pharmaceutical
      development as well as preclinical and clinical PET imaging.

PMID- 22053045
TI  - The pace of shifting climate in marine and terrestrial ecosystems.
AB  - Climate change challenges organisms to adapt or move to track changes in
      environments in space and time. We used two measures of thermal shifts from
      analyses of global temperatures over the past 50 years to describe the pace of
      climate change that species should track: the velocity of climate change
      (geographic shifts of isotherms over time) and the shift in seasonal timing of
      temperatures. Both measures are higher in the ocean than on land at some
      latitudes, despite slower ocean warming. These indices give a complex mosaic of
      predicted range shifts and phenology changes that deviate from simple poleward
      migration and earlier springs or later falls. They also emphasize potential
      conservation concerns, because areas of high marine biodiversity often have
      greater velocities of climate change and seasonal shifts.

PMID- 22053046
TI  - Atmospheric blocking and Atlantic multidecadal ocean variability.
AB  - Atmospheric blocking over the northern North Atlantic, which involves isolation
      of large regions of air from the westerly circulation for 5 days or more,
      influences fundamentally the ocean circulation and upper ocean properties by
      affecting wind patterns. Winters with clusters of more frequent blocking between
      Greenland and western Europe correspond to a warmer, more saline subpolar ocean.
      The correspondence between blocked westerly winds and warm ocean holds in recent
      decadal episodes (especially 1996 to 2010). It also describes much longer time
      scale Atlantic multidecadal ocean variability (AMV), including the extreme pre
      greenhouse-gas northern warming of the 1930s to 1960s. The space-time structure
      of the wind forcing associated with a blocked regime leads to weaker ocean gyres
      and weaker heat exchange, both of which contribute to the warm phase of AMV.

PMID- 22053047
TI  - Long-term change in the nitrogen cycle of tropical forests.
AB  - Deposition of reactive nitrogen (N) from human activities has large effects on
      temperate forests where low natural N availability limits productivity but is not
      known to affect tropical forests where natural N availability is often much
      greater. Leaf N and the ratio of N isotopes (delta(15)N) increased substantially
      in a moist forest in Panama between ~1968 and 2007, as did tree-ring delta(15)N
      in a dry forest in Thailand over the past century. A decade of fertilization of a
      nearby Panamanian forest with N caused similar increases in leaf N and
      delta(15)N. Therefore, our results indicate regional increases in N availability
      due to anthropogenic N deposition. Atmospheric nitrogen dioxide measurements and
      increased emissions of anthropogenic reactive N over tropical land areas suggest
      that these changes are widespread in tropical forests.

PMID- 22053048
TI  - Neural mechanisms for the coordination of duet singing in wrens.
AB  - Plain-tailed wrens (Pheugopedius euophrys) cooperate to produce a duet song in
      which males and females rapidly alternate singing syllables. We examined how
      sensory information from each wren is used to coordinate singing between
      individuals for the production of this cooperative behavior. Previous findings in
      nonduetting songbird species suggest that premotor circuits should encode each
      bird's own contribution to the duet. In contrast, we find that both male and
      female wrens encode the combined cooperative output of the pair of birds.
      Further, behavior and neurophysiology show that both sexes coordinate the timing
      of their singing based on feedback from the partner and suggest that females may
      lead the duet.

PMID- 22053049
TI  - Drosophila microbiome modulates host developmental and metabolic homeostasis via
      insulin signaling.
AB  - The symbiotic microbiota profoundly affect many aspects of host physiology;
      however, the molecular mechanisms underlying host-microbe cross-talk are largely
      unknown. Here, we show that the pyrroloquinoline quinone-dependent alcohol
      dehydrogenase (PQQ-ADH) activity of a commensal bacterium, Acetobacter pomorum,
      modulates insulin/insulin-like growth factor signaling (IIS) in Drosophila to
      regulate host homeostatic programs controlling developmental rate, body size,
      energy metabolism, and intestinal stem cell activity. Germ-free animals
      monoassociated with PQQ-ADH mutant bacteria displayed severe deregulation of
      developmental and metabolic homeostasis. Importantly, these defects were reversed
      by enhancing host IIS or by supplementing the diet with acetic acid, the
      metabolic product of PQQ-ADH.

PMID- 22053050
TI  - mTORC1 senses lysosomal amino acids through an inside-out mechanism that requires
      the vacuolar H(+)-ATPase.
AB  - The mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) protein kinase is a master growth regulator that is
      stimulated by amino acids. Amino acids activate the Rag guanosine triphosphatases
      (GTPases), which promote the translocation of mTORC1 to the lysosomal surface,
      the site of mTORC1 activation. We found that the vacuolar H(+)-adenosine
      triphosphatase ATPase (v-ATPase) is necessary for amino acids to activate mTORC1.
      The v-ATPase engages in extensive amino acid-sensitive interactions with the
      Ragulator, a scaffolding complex that anchors the Rag GTPases to the lysosome. In
      a cell-free system, ATP hydrolysis by the v-ATPase was necessary for amino acids
      to regulate the v-ATPase-Ragulator interaction and promote mTORC1 translocation.
      Results obtained in vitro and in human cells suggest that amino acid signaling
      begins within the lysosomal lumen. These results identify the v-ATPase as a
      component of the mTOR pathway and delineate a lysosome-associated machinery for
      amino acid sensing.

PMID- 22053051
TI  - RNAP II CTD phosphorylated on threonine-4 is required for histone mRNA 3' end
      processing.
AB  - The RNA polymerase II (RNAP II) largest subunit contains a C-terminal domain
      (CTD) with up to 52 Tyr(1)-Ser(2)-Pro(3)-Thr(4)-Ser(5)-Pro(6)-Ser(7) consensus
      repeats. Serines 2, 5, and 7 are known to be phosphorylated, and these
      modifications help to orchestrate the interplay between transcription and
      processing of messenger RNA (mRNA) precursors. Here, we provide evidence that
      phosphorylation of CTD Thr(4) residues is required specifically for histone mRNA
      3' end processing, functioning to facilitate recruitment of 3' processing factors
      to histone genes. Like Ser(2), Thr(4) phosphorylation requires the CTD kinase
      CDK9 and is evolutionarily conserved from yeast to human. Our data thus
      illustrate how a CTD modification can play a highly specific role in facilitating
      efficient gene expression.

PMID- 22053052
TI  - Drosophila CENH3 is sufficient for centromere formation.
AB  - CENH3 is a centromere-specific histone H3 variant essential for kinetochore
      assembly. Despite its central role in centromere function, there has been no
      conclusive evidence supporting CENH3 as sufficient to determine centromere
      identity. To address this question, we artificially targeted Drosophila CENH3
      (CENP-A/CID) as a CID-GFP-LacI fusion protein to stably integrated lac operator
      (lacO) arrays. This ectopic CID focus assembles a functional kinetochore and
      directs incorporation of CID molecules without the LacI-anchor, providing
      evidence for the self-propagation of the epigenetic mark. CID-GFP-LacI-bound
      extrachromosomal lacO plasmids can assemble kinetochore proteins and bind
      microtubules, resulting in their stable transmission for several cell generations
      even after eliminating CID-GFP-LacI. We conclude that CID is both necessary and
      sufficient to serve as an epigenetic centromere mark and nucleate heritable
      centromere function.

PMID- 22053054
TI  - Social network size affects neural circuits in macaques.
AB  - It has been suggested that variation in brain structure correlates with the sizes
      of individuals' social networks. Whether variation in social network size causes
      variation in brain structure, however, is unknown. To address this question, we
      neuroimaged 23 monkeys that had been living in social groups set to different
      sizes. Subject comparison revealed that living in larger groups caused increases
      in gray matter in mid-superior temporal sulcus and rostral prefrontal cortex and
      increased coupling of activity in frontal and temporal cortex. Social network
      size, therefore, contributes to changes both in brain structure and function. The
      changes have potential implications for an animal's success in a social context;
      gray matter differences in similar areas were also correlated with each animal's
      dominance within its social network.

PMID- 22053053
TI  - Exercise and genetic rescue of SCA1 via the transcriptional repressor Capicua.
AB  - Spinocerebellar ataxia type 1 (SCA1) is a fatal neurodegenerative disease caused
      by expansion of a translated CAG repeat in Ataxin-1 (ATXN1). To determine the
      long-term effects of exercise, we implemented a mild exercise regimen in a mouse
      model of SCA1 and found a considerable improvement in survival accompanied by up
      regulation of epidermal growth factor and consequential down-regulation of
      Capicua, which is an ATXN1 interactor. Offspring of Capicua mutant mice bred to
      SCA1 mice showed significant improvement of all disease phenotypes. Although
      polyglutamine-expanded Atxn1 caused some loss of Capicua function, further
      reduction of Capicua levels--either genetically or by exercise--mitigated the
      disease phenotypes by dampening the toxic gain of function. Thus, exercise might
      have long-term beneficial effects in other ataxias and neurodegenerative
      diseases.

PMID- 22053055
TI  - Macrophages regulate expression of alpha1,2-fucosyltransferase genes in human
      endometrial epithelial cells.
AB  - The epithelial cell surface of the endometrium undergoes substantial biochemical
      changes to allow embryo attachment and implantation in early pregnancy. We
      hypothesized that tissue macrophages influence these events to promote uterine
      receptivity. To investigate the role of macrophages in regulating epithelial cell
      expression of genes linked to glycan-mediated embryo adhesion, Ishikawa, RL95-2
      and HEC1A endometrial epithelial cells were cultured alone or with unactivated or
      lipopolysaccharide-activated monocytic U937 cells, separated using transwell
      inserts. Expression of mRNAs encoding two alpha1,2-fucosyltransferases (FUT1,
      FUT2) was increased in all three epithelial cell lines following co-culture with
      U937 cells, and was associated with increased fucosylation of cell surface
      glycoproteins detected using lectins from Ulex europaeus (UEA-1) and Dolichos
      biflorus (DBA). FUT1 induction by U937 cells also occurred in primary endometrial
      epithelial cells collected in luteal but not proliferative phase. Activation of
      the interleukin-6 (IL6)/leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) cytokine signaling
      pathway with phosphorylation of STAT3 and elevated SOCS3 mRNA expression was
      evident in epithelial cells stimulated by U937 co-culture. Several recombinant
      macrophage-secreted cytokines exerted stimulatory or inhibitory effects on FUT1
      and FUT2 mRNA expression, and the macrophage-derived cytokine LIF partially
      replicated the effects of U937 cells on both FUT1 and FUT2 expression and UEA-1
      and DBA lectin reactivity in Ishikawa cells. These results suggest that
      macrophage-derived factors including LIF might facilitate development of an
      implantation-receptive endometrium by regulating surface glycan structures in
      epithelial cells. Abnormal phenotypes or altered abundance of uterine macrophages
      could contribute to the pathophysiology of primary unexplained infertility in
      women.

PMID- 22053056
TI  - Calcium signaling in mouse oocyte maturation: the roles of STIM1, ORAI1 and SOCE.
AB  - Calcium handling is critical for the oocyte function, since the first steps of
      fertilization are dependent on the appropriate Ca(2+) mobilization to originate
      transient spikes of the cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration. It is well known that the
      Ca(2+) influx from the extracellular milieu is required to maintain this
      signaling in mammalian oocytes. However, the regulation of the Ca(2+) channels
      involved in this process is still unknown in oocytes. STIM1, a key regulator of
      store-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOCE), relocates in the mouse oocyte shortly after
      sperm stimulation, suggesting that SOCE is involved in the maintenance of
      cytosolic Ca(2+)-spiking in the fertilized oocyte. Here, we show that there is an
      up-regulation of the expression of STIM1 at the germinal vesicle breakdown stage,
      and this expression remains steady during following maturation stages. We found
      that oocytes express ORAI1, a store-operated Ca(2+) channel, and that ORAI1
      expression level was stable during oocyte maturation. Immature oocytes showed no
      Ca(2+) entry and no increase in STIM1-ORAI1 colocalization in response to the
      store depletion induced by thapsigargin. On the contrary, in mature oocytes,
      STIM1-ORAI1 colocalization is enhanced 3-fold by depletion of Ca(2+) stores,
      enabling the activation of store-operated calcium channels and therefore Ca(2+)
      entry. Finally, the correlation between SOCE activation during the maturation of
      oocytes and STIM1-ORAI1 colocalization strongly suggests that ORAI1 is involved
      in the Ca(2+) entry pathway in the mature oocyte. SOCE up-regulation in the final
      stage of maturation is further evidence of a major role for SOCE in fully mature
      oocytes, and therefore in Ca(2+) signaling at fertilization.

PMID- 22053057
TI  - MicroRNA regulation via DNA methylation during the morula to blastocyst
      transition in mice.
AB  - Epigenetic regulation is responsible for transcriptional silencing of genes and
      parental imprinting. This study addresses the question whether microRNAs (miRNAs)
      could be affected by DNA methylation during morula-blastocyst transition. Mouse
      embryos were treated with/without a DNA methyltransferase inhibitor (5-aza-2'
      deoxycytidine, 5-aza-dC, 10 nM-5 MUM). Changes of miRNAs were analyzed by
      quantitative real-time (Q-PCR)-based megaplex pre-amp microRNA assays.
      Development from morula to blastocyst in mice was inhibited by 5-aza-dC in a dose
      dependent manner (10 nM-5 MUM), with half of the embryos arrested at morula stage
      when treated with levels of 5-aza-dC as low as 50 nM. In total, 48 down-regulated
      microRNAs and 17 up-regulated microRNAs (>=5-fold changes) were identified after
      5-aza-dC treatment, including let-7e, mir-20a, mir-21, mir-34b, mir-128b and mir
      452. Their predicted targets were selected based on software analysis, published
      databases and further confirmed by Q-PCR. At least eight targets, including
      dnmt3a, jagged 1, sp1, edg2, abcg4, numa1, tmsb10 and csf1r were confirmed. In
      conclusion, 5-aza-dC-modified microRNA profiles and identification of the
      microRNA's targets during the morula to blastocyst stage in mice provide
      information that helps us to explore the relationship between fertility, microRNA
      regulation and epigenetic intervention.

PMID- 22053058
TI  - Cancer-preventive rexinoid modulates neutral lipid contents of mammary epithelial
      cells through a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma-dependent
      mechanism.
AB  - Synthetic rexinoids effectively suppress both estrogen receptor-positive and
      estrogen receptor-negative mammary tumors in animal models, which makes them
      prime candidates for a novel class of cancer-preventive agents. When used in
      combination with chemotherapy for non-small-cell lung cancer, the rexinoid
      bexarotene was most effective for patients who developed hypertriglyceridemia as
      a side effect. Although serum triglycerides originate from the liver, the effect
      of bexarotene on lipogenesis in breast epithelial cells is not known. Gene
      expression studies with normal mammary epithelial cells indicated that rexinoids
      modulate lipid metabolism, particularly enzymes involved in triglyceride
      synthesis. High-content analysis revealed dose-dependent accumulation of neutral
      lipids within adipocyte differentiation-related protein-associated cytoplasmic
      lipid droplets after long-term bexarotene treatment. Bexarotene also induced mRNA
      and protein levels for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) gamma,
      whereas selective knockdown of PPARgamma attenuated the induction of both lipid
      droplets and adipocyte differentiation-related protein. Pharmacological
      activation of PPARgamma, but not PPARalpha or retinoic acid receptors,
      effectively induced lipid accumulation. Furthermore, the combination of the
      PPARgamma agonist rosiglitazone with bexarotene synergistically suppressed the
      growth of human mammary epithelial cells and revealed a strong, nonlinear,
      inverse correlation of cell growth with lipid droplet accumulation in the cell
      population. These findings indicate that rexinoids activate a lipogenic program
      in mammary epithelial cells through a retinoid X receptor/PPARgamma-mediated
      mechanism. It is noteworthy that combining low doses of bexarotene with the
      PPARgamma agonist rosiglitazone provides effective growth suppression of mammary
      epithelial cells, potentially dissociating systemic adverse effects associated
      with standard bexarotene treatment from the antiproliferative effects on mammary
      epithelium.

PMID- 22053059
TI  - Shared learning for chronic conditions: a methodology for developing the Royal
      College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) care pathways for children with
      allergies.
AB  - AIMS: The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) Science and
      Research Department was commissioned by the Department of Health to develop
      national care pathways for children with allergies. The pathways focus on
      defining the competences to deliver the highest standard of care for such
      children. By defining competences rather than criteria for onward referral, the
      authors have sought to create flexibility in delivery of care which will be
      responsive to regional variations in knowledge, skills and service. METHOD: All
      pathways were developed by multidisciplinary working groups, based on a
      comprehensive review of evidence. The pathways were reviewed by a broad group of
      stakeholders and approved by the Allergy Care Pathways Project Board and the
      RCPCH Clinical Standards Committee. RESULTS: The results for all pathways are
      presented in two sections: a pathway algorithm and the competences. The entry
      points for each pathway are defined at the point where symptoms first occur and
      the ideal management is described from self-care through complete diagnosis to
      monitoring of progress. From the evidence review the working groups were able to
      make research recommendations. CONCLUSIONS: The authors present eight national
      care pathways for allergic conditions based on evidence review, expert consensus
      and stakeholder input. They provide a guide for training and development of
      services to facilitate improvements in delivery as close to the patient's home as
      possible. The authors recommend that these pathways are implemented locally by a
      multidisciplinary team with a focus on creating networks between primary,
      secondary and tertiary care to improve services for children with allergic
      conditions.

PMID- 22053060
TI  - The 'unified airway': the RCPCH care pathway for children with asthma and/or
      rhinitis.
AB  - AIMS: The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) Science and
      Research Department was commissioned by the Department of Health to develop
      national care pathways for children with allergies: the asthma/rhinitis care
      pathway is the third such pathway. Asthma and rhinitis have been considered
      together. These conditions co-exist commonly, have remarkably similar immuno
      pathology and an integrated management approach benefits symptom control. METHOD:
      The asthma/rhinitis pathway was developed by a multidisciplinary working group
      and was based on a comprehensive review of evidence. The pathway was reviewed by
      a broad group of stakeholders including the public and was approved by the
      Allergy Care Pathways Project Board and the RCPCH Clinical Standards Committee.
      RESULTS: The pathway entry points are defined by symptom type and severity at
      presentation. Acute severe rhinitis and life-threatening asthma are presented as
      distinct entry routes to the pathway, recognising that initial care of these
      conditions requires presentation-specific treatments. However, the pathway
      emphasises that ideal long term care should take account of both conditions in
      order to achieve maximal improvements in disease control and quality of life.
      CONCLUSIONS: The pathway recommends that acute presentations of asthma and/or
      rhinitis should be treated separately. Where both conditions exist, ongoing
      management should address the upper and lower airways. The authors recommend that
      this pathway is implemented locally by a multidisciplinary team (MDT) with a
      focus on creating networks. The MDT within these networks should work with
      patients to develop and agree on care plans that are age and culturally
      appropriate.

PMID- 22053061
TI  - The RCPCH care pathway for children with drug allergies: an evidence and
      consensus based national approach.
AB  - AIMS: The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) was commissioned
      by the Department of Health to develop a drug allergy pathway. It focuses on
      defining the competences to improve the equity of care received by children.
      METHOD: The drug pathway was developed by a multidisciplinary working group and
      was based on a comprehensive review of evidence. The team decided to focus on IgE
      mediated reactions as these have the greatest potential to be life-threatening.
      RESULTS: The results are presented in four parts: evidence review, pathway
      mapping, external review and core knowledge documents. The evidence review found
      a high percentage of putative penicillin allergy is not confirmed by objective
      testing and that resensitisation to beta-lactam drugs was infrequent. It also
      highlighted the importance of a detailed history and accurate diagnosis along
      with clear communication of test results to both family and primary care.
      CONCLUSIONS: This pathway demonstrates the spectrum of drug allergy is varied and
      may differ for young children compared with older children and adults. The
      authors highlight the paucity of evidence to support allergy testing for most
      drugs, in children, other than supervised incremental provocation tests (when
      indicated). Acute presentations require emergency health professionals to address
      underlying allergic issues, including recognition and avoidance of potential drug
      allergy triggers. Non-acute presentations may include multi-system symptoms which
      may have a broad differential diagnosis; this document signposts to the relevant
      partners in the RCPCH care pathway portfolio. Management combines a care package
      including a definitive diagnosis, initiating treatments and ongoing education.

PMID- 22053062
TI  - Emollients, education and quality of life: the RCPCH care pathway for children
      with eczema.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) Science and
      Research Department was commissioned by the Department of Health to develop
      national care pathways for children with allergies. The eczema pathway focuses on
      defining the competences to improve the equity of care received by children with
      eczema. METHOD: The eczema pathway was developed by a multidisciplinary working
      group and was based on a comprehensive review of evidence. The pathway was
      reviewed by a broad group of stakeholders including paediatricians, allergists,
      dermatologists, specialist nurses, dietician, patients' representatives and
      approved by the Allergy Care Pathways Project Board and the RCPCH Clinical
      Standards Committee. It was also reviewed by a wide range of stakeholders.
      RESULTS: The results are presented in three sections: the evidence review,
      mapping and the core knowledge document. The various entry points to the ideal
      pathway of care are defined from self-care through to follow-up. There is
      considerable emphasis on good skin care and when allergy problems should be dealt
      with. The pathway algorithm and associated competences can be downloaded from
      http://www.rcpch.ac.uk/allergy/eczema. CONCLUSIONS: Effective eczema management
      is holistic and encompasses an assessment of severity and impact on quality of
      life, treatment of the inflamed epidermal skin barrier, recognition and treatment
      of infection and assessment and management of environmental and allergy triggers.
      Patient and family education which seeks to maximise understanding and
      concordance with treatment is also important in all children with eczema.

PMID- 22053063
TI  - The RCPCH care pathway for food allergy in children: an evidence and consensus
      based national approach.
AB  - AIMS: The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) Science and
      Research Department was commissioned by the Department of Health to develop
      national care pathways for children with allergies; food allergy is the second
      pathway. The pathways focus on defining the competences required to improve the
      equity of care received by children with allergic conditions. METHOD: The food
      allergy pathway was developed by a multidisciplinary working group and was based
      on a comprehensive review of the evidence. The pathway was reviewed by a broad
      group of stakeholders including the public and approved by the Allergy Care
      Pathways Project Board and the RCPCH Clinical Standards Committee. The National
      Institute of Health and Clinical Excellence simultaneously established a short
      guideline review of community practice for children with food allergy; close
      communication was established between the two groups. RESULTS: The results are
      presented in two sections: a pathway algorithm and the competences. The entry
      points are defined and the ideal pathway of care is described from initial
      recognition and confirmed diagnosis through to follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: The range
      of manifestations of food allergy/intolerance is much more diverse than hitherto
      recognised and diagnosis can be problematic as many patients do not have
      classical IgE mediated disease. The pathway provides a guide for training and
      development of services to facilitate improvements in delivery as close to the
      patient's home as possible. The authors recommend that this pathway is
      implemented locally by a multidisciplinary team with a focus on creating
      networks.

PMID- 22053064
TI  - The RCPCH care pathway for children with latex allergies: an evidence- and
      consensus-based national approach.
AB  - AIMS: The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) Science and
      Research Department was commissioned by the Department of Health to develop
      national care pathways for children with allergies; the latex allergy pathway is
      the seventh pathway. The pathways focus on defining the competences to improve
      the equity of care received by children with allergic conditions. METHOD: The
      RCPCH latex allergy pathway was developed by a multidisciplinary working group
      and was based on a comprehensive review of evidence. The pathway was reviewed by
      a broad group of stakeholders including the public and approved by the Allergy
      Care Pathways Project Board and the RCPCH Clinical Standards Committee. RESULTS:
      The results are presented in four parts, the evidence review, pathway mapping,
      external review and core knowledge documents. The evidence review highlighted the
      paucity of recent evidence for latex allergy in childhood. The review found that
      the diagnostic sensitivity of different latex extracts for skin-prick testing may
      differ. It also noted that health professionals should be aware of latex allergy,
      and care should be taken to avoid contact with latex in young infants, especially
      when there is a family history for latex allergy. The pathway entry points are
      defined by the severity at presentation. CONCLUSIONS: The latex allergy pathway
      provides a guide for training and development of services to facilitate
      improvements in delivery as close to the patients home as possible. The authors
      recommend that this pathway is implemented locally by a multidisciplinary team
      with a focus on creating networks between primary, secondary and tertiary care to
      improve services for children with allergic conditions.

PMID- 22053065
TI  - The RCPCH care pathway for children with urticaria, angio-oedema or mastocytosis:
      an evidence and consensus based national approach.
AB  - AIMS: The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) Science and
      Research Department was commissioned by the Department of Health to develop
      national care pathways for children with allergies; the urticaria, angio-oedema
      or mastocytosis pathway is the fifth pathway. The pathways focus on defining the
      competences required to improve the equity of care received by children with
      allergic conditions. METHOD: The urticaria, angio-oedema or mastocytosis pathway
      was developed by a multidisciplinary working group and was based on a
      comprehensive review of evidence. The pathway was reviewed by a broad group of
      stakeholders including the public and approved by the Allergy Care Pathways
      Project Board and the RCPCH Clinical Standards Committee. RESULTS: Three pathways
      are described: urticaria with or without angio-oedema, angio-oedema without
      weals, and mastocytosis. The results are presented in four parts: evidence
      review, mapping, external review and core knowledge documents. Acute urticaria
      has many causes and is often not allergic in origin. It is frequently of
      relatively short duration and easily managed with antihistamines alone. However,
      at the other extreme, causes of chronic urticaria and angio-oedema are difficult
      to diagnose and treatment can be complex. Thus defining the competence required
      for each extreme is critical to ensure optimal care. The evidence review
      identified that allergy testing and thyroid function testing were helpful in the
      investigation of chronic urticaria, that increasing the dose of antihistamine was
      effective in treating urticaria and that ciclosporin A and prednisolone were
      effective second line treatments. CONCLUSIONS: From the common presentation of
      acute (intermittent) urticaria to the uncommon presentations of chronic
      urticaria, angio-oedema and cutaneous mastocytosis, this pathway is a tool to
      assist health professionals to differentiate and manage these conditions.

PMID- 22053066
TI  - The RCPCH care pathway for children with venom allergies: an evidence and
      consensus based national approach.
AB  - AIMS: The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) Science &
      Research Department was commissioned by the Department of Health to develop
      national care pathways for children with allergies; the venom allergy pathway is
      the seventh pathway. The pathways focus on defining the competences to improve
      the equity of care received by children with allergic conditions. METHOD: The
      RCPCH venom allergy pathway was developed by a multidisciplinary working group
      and was based on a comprehensive review of evidence. The pathway was reviewed by
      a broad group of stakeholders including the public and approved by the Allergy
      Care Pathways Project Board and the RCPCH Clinical Standards Committee. RESULTS:
      The pathway results are presented in four parts: evidence review, mapping,
      external review and core knowledge documents. The entry points are defined and
      the ideal pathway of care is described from self-care through to follow-up. The
      evidence highlighted that venom immunotherapy is safe and effective for bee and
      wasp allergy and that there are real quality of life benefits for patients. The
      review also highlighted the value of measuring serum tryptase after reactions.
      CONCLUSIONS: The venom allergy pathway provides a guide for training and
      development of services to facilitate improvements in delivery as close to the
      patient's home as possible. The authors recommend that this pathway should be
      implemented locally by a multidisciplinary team with a focus on creating networks
      between primary, secondary and tertiary care to improve services for children
      with allergic conditions.

PMID- 22053067
TI  - The RCPCH care pathway for children at risk of anaphylaxis: an evidence and
      consensus based national approach to caring for children with life-threatening
      allergies.
AB  - AIMS: Numerous studies have identified shortcomings in the management of children
      at risk of severe acute allergic reactions (anaphylaxis). The Science and
      Research Department at the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH)
      was commissioned by the Department of Health to develop competence based national
      care pathways for children with allergies. Anaphylaxis is the first completed
      pathway. METHODS: The anaphylaxis pathway was developed by a multidisciplinary
      working group, reviewed by a broad group of stakeholders and approved by the
      Allergy Care Pathways Project Board and the RCPCH Clinical Standards Committee.
      RESULTS: Pathway development is described under five headings: evidence review,
      mapping, external review, core knowledge documents and key recommendations. The
      full pathway can be downloaded from www.rcpch.ac.uk/allergy/anaphylaxis. This
      document describes the entry points and the ideal pathway of care from self-care
      through to follow-up. The five key recommendations focus on: (1) prompt
      administration of adrenaline by intramuscular injection; (2) referral to
      specialists with competence in paediatric allergies; (3) risk analysis; (4)
      provision of a self-management plan; and (5) suggested creation of a national
      anaphylaxis death register. CONCLUSIONS: We present the first national care
      pathway for anaphylaxis, which is based on a critique of published evidence,
      expert consensus and multi-stakeholder input including patient representation via
      the Anaphylaxis Campaign. The Project Board urges health professionals to work
      together across networks to improve care for children at risk of anaphylaxis, in
      particular during the period after an acute reaction. Additionally, the Project
      Board strongly recommends the funding of a national anaphylaxis register.

PMID- 22053068
TI  - Translating the theoretical into practical: a logical framework of functional
      analytic psychotherapy interactions for research, training, and clinical
      purposes.
AB  - Functional analytic psychotherapy (FAP) provides a behavioral analysis of the
      psychotherapy relationship that directly applies basic research findings to
      outpatient psychotherapy settings. Specifically, FAP suggests that a therapist's
      in vivo (i.e., in-session) contingent responding to targeted client behaviors,
      particularly positive reinforcement of a client's effective behavior, should be a
      powerful mechanism of change. However, much of the previous literature on FAP has
      been theoretical, broadly defining FAP techniques rather than explicating them
      with the precision necessary for replication and training. In this article, the
      authors explicate a logical framework for turn-by-turn interactions between the
      client and therapist that may guide research, training, and dissemination of FAP.
      This molecular behavioral description of the events of the proposed logical
      interaction lends itself to microprocess research methodology, and a discussion
      of potential hypotheses to explore follows. Prescriptive, direct guidance for the
      application of FAP for training and dissemination purposes is given.

PMID- 22053069
TI  - Physical activity in youth with well-controlled versus poorly controlled type 2
      diabetes.
AB  - PURPOSE: Type 2 diabetes increases risk of chronic disease. The recommendations
      are for youth to attain at least 60 minutes of daily physical activity (PA).
      Fewer than 20% achieve this goal. This study examines differences between blood
      glucose control and PA in youth with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: A1c levels and PA
      were tested in youth 9 to 17 years old with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes
      during clinic visits. Average daily minutes of moderate to vigorous physical
      activity (MVPA) was calculated. Differences in MVPA were investigated. RESULTS:
      Slightly more than half of youth had well-controlled diabetes. All engaged in
      less PA than recommended. Youth with well-controlled diabetes engaged in slightly
      less MVPA than those whose diabetes was not in control. There were no significant
      differences in minutes of MVPA by gender, race, or diabetes control. CONCLUSIONS:
      It is necessary to identify ways to increase PA among youth with type 2 diabetes.

PMID- 22053070
TI  - Determinants of microvascular network topologies in implanted neovasculatures.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: During neovascularization, the end result is a new functional
      microcirculation composed of a network of mature microvessels with specific
      topologies. Although much is known concerning the mechanisms underlying the
      initiation of angiogenesis, it remains unclear how the final architecture of
      microcirculatory beds is regulated. To begin to address this, we determined the
      impact of angiogenic neovessel prepatterning on the final microvascular network
      topology using a model of implant neovascularization. METHODS AND RESULTS: We
      used 3D direct-write bioprinting or physical constraints in a manner permitting
      postangiogenesis vascular remodeling and adaptation to pattern angiogenic
      microvascular precursors (neovessels formed from isolated microvessel segments)
      in 3D collagen gels before implantation and subsequent network formation.
      Neovasculatures prepatterned into parallel arrays formed functional networks
      after 4 weeks postimplantation but lost the prepatterned architecture. However,
      maintenance of uniaxial physical constraints during postangiogenesis remodeling
      of the implanted neovasculatures produced networks with aligned microvessels, as
      well as an altered proportional distribution of arterioles, capillaries, and
      venules. CONCLUSIONS: Here we show that network topology resulting from implanted
      microvessel precursors is independent from prepatterning of precursors but can be
      influenced by a patterning stimulus involving tissue deformation during
      postangiogenesis remodeling and maturation.

PMID- 22053071
TI  - Deleted in malignant brain tumors 1 is present in the vascular extracellular
      matrix and promotes angiogenesis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Deleted in malignant brain tumors 1 (DMBT1) belongs to the scavenger
      receptor cysteine-rich superfamily of proteins and is implicated in innate
      immunity, cell polarity, and differentiation. Here we studied the role of DMBT1
      in endothelial cells. METHODS AND RESULTS: DMBT1 was secreted into the
      extracellular matrix (ECM) by endothelial cells in vitro and in situ and the
      presence of DMBT1 in the ECM increased endothelial cell adherence. Endothelial
      cell-derived DMBT1 associated with galectin-3 (coprecipitation), and human
      recombinant DMBT1 bound EGF, vascular endothelial growth factor and Delta-like
      (Dll) 4 (specific ELISAs). Compared to cells from wild-type mice, endothelial
      cells from DMBT1(-/-) mice demonstrated reduced migration, proliferation, and
      tube formation. In vivo recovery from hindlimb ischemia was attenuated in DMBT1(
      /-) animals as was vascular endothelial growth factor -induced endothelial
      sprouting from isolated aortic rings; the latter response could be rescued by the
      addition of recombinant DMBT1. The Notch pathway is involved in multiple aspects
      of vascular development, including arterial-venous differentiation and we found
      that endothelial cells from DMBT1(-/-) mice expressed more EphrinB2 than cells
      from wild-type mice. Levels of Dll1, Dll4, Hes1, Hey1, and EphB4, on the other
      hand, were decreased. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, the results of this study
      indicate that DMBT1 functions as an important endothelium-derived ECM protein
      that is able to bind angiogenic factors and promote adhesion, migration,
      proliferation, and angiogenesis as well as vascular repair. Mechanistically,
      DMBT1 interacts with galectin-3 and modulates the Notch signaling pathway as well
      as the differential expression of ephrin-B2 and EphB4.

PMID- 22053072
TI  - Reperfusion injury intensifies the adaptive human T cell alloresponse in a human
      mouse chimeric artery model.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Perioperative nonimmune injuries to an allograft can decrease graft
      survival. We have developed a model for studying this process using human
      materials. METHODS AND RESULTS: Human artery segments were transplanted as
      infrarenal aortic interposition grafts into an immunodeficient mouse host,
      allowed to "heal in" for 30 days, and then retransplanted into a second mouse
      host. To induce a reperfusion injury, the healed-in artery segments were
      incubated for 3 hours under hypoxic conditions ex vivo before retransplantation.
      To induce immunologic rejection, the animals receiving the retransplanted artery
      segment were adoptively transferred with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells
      or purified T cells from a donor allogeneic to the artery 1 week before surgery.
      To compare rejection of injured versus healthy tissues, these manipulations were
      combined. Results were analyzed ex vivo by histology, morphometry,
      immunohistochemistry, and mRNA quantitation or in vivo by ultrasound. Our results
      showed that reperfusion injury, which otherwise heals with minimal sequelae,
      intensifies the degree of allogeneic T cell-mediated injury to human artery
      segments. CONCLUSIONS: We developed a new human-mouse chimeric model
      demonstrating interactions of reperfusion injury and alloimmunity using human
      cells and tissues that may be adapted to study other forms of nonimmune injury
      and other types of adaptive immune responses.

PMID- 22053073
TI  - ApoE suppresses atherosclerosis by reducing lipid accumulation in circulating
      monocytes and the expression of inflammatory molecules on monocytes and vascular
      endothelium.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We investigated atheroprotective properties of apolipoprotein (apo) E
      beyond its ability to lower plasma cholesterol. We hypothesized that apoE reduces
      atherosclerosis by decreasing lipid accumulation in circulating monocytes and the
      inflammatory state of monocytes and the vascular endothelium. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: We developed mice with spontaneous hyperlipidemia with and without
      plasma apoE. Hypomorphic apoE mice deficient in low-density lipoprotein receptor
      (Apoe(h/h)Ldlr(-/-)) were compared to Apoe(-/-)Ldlr(-/-) mice. Despite 4-fold
      more plasma apoE than WT mice, Apoe(h/h)Ldlr(-/-) mice displayed similar plasma
      cholesterol as Apoe(-/-) Ldlr(-/-) mice but developed 4-fold less atherosclerotic
      lesions by 5 months of age. The aortic arch of Apoe(h/h)Ldlr(-/-) mice showed
      decreased endothelial expression of ICAM-1, PECAM-1, and JAM-A. In addition,
      Apoe(h/h)Ldlr(-/-) mice had less circulating leukocytes and proinflammatory
      Ly6C(high) monocytes. These monocytes had decreased neutral lipid content and
      reduced surface expression of ICAM-1, VLA-4, and L-Selectin. Apoe(h/h)Ldlr(-/-)
      mice displayed increased levels of apoA1-rich HDL that were potent in promoting
      cellular cholesterol efflux. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that apoE reduces
      atherosclerosis in the setting of hyperlipidemia by increasing plasma apoA1-HDL
      that likely contribute to reduce intracellular lipid accumulation and thereby the
      activation of circulating leukocytes and the vascular endothelium.

PMID- 22053074
TI  - Rosiglitazone causes endothelial dysfunction in humans.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We explored the impact of rosiglitazone on endothelial function in
      normal volunteers and its interaction with glyceryl trinitrate (GTN)-induced
      abnormalities in endothelial function. We hypothesized that rosiglitazone would
      have a neutral effect on endothelial function in normal volunteers and would
      favorably modify endothelial dysfunction induced by GTN. METHODS: In this double
      blind, randomized, placebo-controlled study, 44 participants were randomized to
      placebo, rosiglitazone (4 mg twice daily), transdermal GTN (0.6 mg/h), or both
      GTN and rosiglitazone. After 7 days of treatment, participants underwent measures
      of forearm blood flow during brachial artery infusion of acetylcholine (Ach).
      Serum glucose concentrations and insulin sensitivity were assessed. RESULTS:
      Unexpectedly, rosiglitazone-treated participants experienced blunted responses to
      endothelium-dependent responses to Ach (P < .05 vs placebo). Sustained GTN
      administration caused similar abnormalities in endothelial function (P < .05 vs
      placebo) and rosiglitazone + GTN (P < .05 vs placebo; P = ns vs rosiglitazone).
      Interestingly, co-infusion of the antioxidant vitamin C improved endothelial
      responses in those randomized to rosiglitazone and GTN alone (P = not significant
      [ns] compared with placebo), but it did not improve endothelial function in those
      treated with rosiglitazone + GTN. Neither rosiglitazone nor GTN treatment
      modified the measures of glucose metabolism. CONCLUSIONS: Unexpectedly, therapy
      with rosiglitazone caused abnormalities in endothelial function in normal
      volunteers. These findings have important implications with respect to drug
      development and surveillance.

PMID- 22053075
TI  - Gender differences in the psychological impact of tsunami.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this observational study was to explore gender-related
      differences in psychiatric morbidity during the initial three months following
      the December 2004 earthquake and tsunami involving the Andaman and Nicobar
      Islands, India. METHODS: There were 12,784 survivors sheltered across 74 relief
      camps with 4,684 displaced survivors in Port Blair and 8,100 non-displaced
      survivors in Car-Nicobar Island. All persons who accessed mental health
      assistance within the camps constituted the study sample. Diagnoses were made by
      qualified psychiatrists using the ICD-10. There were 475 patients: 188 (40%) men
      and 287 (60%) women. RESULTS: There were significant gender differences in terms
      of displacement. There were significantly higher levels of panic disorder,
      unspecified anxiety disorder and somatic complaints in the displaced women while
      the non-displaced population showed more adjustment disorder. CONCLUSIONS:
      Displacement was a significant factor in the manifestations of observed
      pathology. Displaced women had greater psychiatric morbidity. In addition, the
      fact that adjustment disorder (a self-limiting disorder form of psychopathology)
      was more prevalent in the non-displaced group may be a reflection of the findings
      of overall lesser morbidity in non-displaced women. Hence, women may have to be
      rehabilitated in their own habitats after major disasters.

PMID- 22053076
TI  - deepBlockAlign: a tool for aligning RNA-seq profiles of read block patterns.
AB  - MOTIVATION: High-throughput sequencing methods allow whole transcriptomes to be
      sequenced fast and cost-effectively. Short RNA sequencing provides not only
      quantitative expression data but also an opportunity to identify novel coding and
      non-coding RNAs. Many long transcripts undergo post-transcriptional processing
      that generates short RNA sequence fragments. Mapped back to a reference genome,
      they form distinctive patterns that convey information on both the structure of
      the parent transcript and the modalities of its processing. The miR-miR* pattern
      from microRNA precursors is the best-known, but by no means singular, example.
      RESULTS: deepBlockAlign introduces a two-step approach to align RNA-seq read
      patterns with the aim of quickly identifying RNAs that share similar processing
      footprints. Overlapping mapped reads are first merged to blocks and then closely
      spaced blocks are combined to block groups, each representing a locus of
      expression. In order to compare block groups, the constituent blocks are first
      compared using a modified sequence alignment algorithm to determine similarity
      scores for pairs of blocks. In the second stage, block patterns are compared by
      means of a modified Sankoff algorithm that takes both block similarities and
      similarities of pattern of distances within the block groups into account.
      Hierarchical clustering of block groups clearly separates most miRNA and tRNA,
      and also identifies about a dozen tRNAs clustering together with miRNA. Most of
      these putative Dicer-processed tRNAs, including eight cases reported to generate
      products with miRNA-like features in literature, exhibit read blocks
      distinguished by precise start position of reads. AVAILABILITY: The program
      deepBlockAlign is available as source code from http://rth.dk/resources/dba/.
      CONTACT: gorodkin@rth.dk; studla@bioinf.uni-leipzig.de SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
      Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

PMID- 22053077
TI  - AMPA: an automated web server for prediction of protein antimicrobial regions.
AB  - SUMMARY: AMPA is a web application for assessing the antimicrobial domains of
      proteins, with a focus on the design on new antimicrobial drugs. The application
      provides fast discovery of antimicrobial patterns in proteins that can be used to
      develop new peptide-based drugs against pathogens. Results are shown in a user
      friendly graphical interface and can be downloaded as raw data for later
      examination. AVAILABILITY: AMPA is freely available on the web at
      http://tcoffee.crg.cat/apps/ampa. The source code is also available in the web.
      CONTACT: marc.torrent@upf.edu; david.andreu@upf.edu SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
      Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

PMID- 22053078
TI  - Detecting genome-wide epistases based on the clustering of relatively frequent
      items.
AB  - MOTIVATION: In genome-wide association studies (GWAS), up to millions of single
      nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are genotyped for thousands of individuals.
      However, conventional single locus-based approaches are usually unable to detect
      gene-gene interactions underlying complex diseases. Due to the huge search space
      for complicated high order interactions, many existing multi-locus approaches are
      slow and may suffer from low detection power for GWAS. RESULTS: In this article,
      we develop a simple, fast and effective algorithm to detect genome-wide multi
      locus epistatic interactions based on the clustering of relatively frequent
      items. Extensive experiments on simulated data show that our algorithm is fast
      and more powerful in general than some recently proposed methods. On a real
      genome-wide case-control dataset for age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the
      algorithm has identified genotype combinations that are significantly enriched in
      the cases. AVAILABILITY: http://www.cs.ucr.edu/~minzhux/EDCF.zip CONTACT:
      minzhux@cs.ucr.edu; jingli@cwru.edu SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Supplementary data
      are available at Bioinformatics online.

PMID- 22053079
TI  - Tissue-specific alternative polyadenylation at the imprinted gene Mest regulates
      allelic usage at Copg2.
AB  - The gene Mest (also known as Peg1) is regulated by genomic imprinting in the
      mouse and only the paternal allele is active for transcription. MEST is similarly
      imprinted in humans, where it is a candidate for the growth retardation Silver
      Russell syndrome. The MEST protein belongs to an ancient family of hydrolases but
      its function is still unknown. It is highly conserved in vertebrates although
      imprinted expression is only observed in marsupials and eutherians, thus a recent
      evolutionary event. Here we describe the identification of new imprinted RNA
      products at the Mest locus, longer variants of the RNA, called MestXL,
      transcribed >10 kb into the downstream antisense gene Copg2. During development
      MestXL is produced exclusively in the developing central nervous system (CNS) by
      alternative polyadenylation. Copg2 is biallelically expressed in the embryo
      except in MestXL-expressing tissues, where we observed preferential expression
      from the maternal allele. To analyze the function of the MestXL transcripts in
      Copg2 regulation, we studied the effects of a targeted allele at Mest introducing
      a truncation in the mRNA. We show that both the formation of the MestXL isoforms
      and the allelic bias at Copg2 are lost in the CNS of mutants embryos. Our results
      propose a new mechanism to regulate allelic usage in the mammalian genome, via
      tissue-specific alternative polyadenylation and transcriptional interference in
      sense-antisense pairs at imprinted loci.

PMID- 22053080
TI  - Crystal structure of Hfq from Bacillus subtilis in complex with SELEX-derived RNA
      aptamer: insight into RNA-binding properties of bacterial Hfq.
AB  - Bacterial Hfq is a protein that plays an important role in the regulation of
      genes in cooperation with sRNAs. Escherichia coli Hfq (EcHfq) has two or more
      sites that bind RNA(s) including U-rich and/or the poly(A) tail of mRNA. However,
      functional and structural information about Bacillus subtilis Hfq (BsHfq)
      including the RNA sequences that specifically bind to it remain unknown. Here, we
      describe RNA aptamers including fragment (AG)(3)A that are recognized by BsHfq
      and crystal structures of the BsHfq-(AG)(3)A complex at 2.2 A resolution.
      Mutational and structural studies revealed that the RNA fragment binds to the
      distal site, one of the two binding sites on Hfq, and identified amino acid
      residues that are critical for sequence-specific interactions between BsHfq and
      (AG)(3)A. In particular, R32 appears to interact with G bases in (AG)(3)A.
      Poly(A) also binds to the distal site of EcHfq, but the overall RNA structure and
      protein-RNA interaction patterns engaged in the R32 residues of BsHfq-(AG)(3)A
      differ from those of EcHfq-poly(A). These findings provide novel insight into how
      the Hfq homologue recognizes RNA.

PMID- 22053081
TI  - Upregulation of Cyclin B1 by miRNA and its implications in cancer.
AB  - It is largely recognized that microRNAs (miRNAs) function to silence gene
      expression by targeting 3'UTR regions. However, miRNAs have also been implicated
      to positively-regulate gene expression by targeting promoter elements, a
      phenomenon known as RNA activation (RNAa). In the present study, we show that
      expression of mouse Cyclin B1 (Ccnb1) is dependent on key factors involved in
      miRNA biogenesis and function (i.e. Dicer, Drosha, Ago1 and Ago2). In silico
      analysis identifies highly-complementary sites for 21 miRNAs in the Ccnb1
      promoter. Experimental validation identified three miRNAs (miR-744, miR-1186 and
      miR-466d-3p) that induce Ccnb1 expression in mouse cell lines. Conversely,
      knockdown of endogenous miR-744 led to decreased Ccnb1 levels. Chromatin
      immunoprecipitation (ChIP) analysis revealed that Ago1 was selectively associated
      with the Ccnb1 promoter and miR-744 increased enrichment of RNA polymerase II
      (RNAP II) and trimethylation of histone 3 at lysine 4 (H3K4me3) at the Ccnb1
      transcription start site. Functionally, short-term overexpression of miR-744 and
      miR-1186 resulted in enhanced cell proliferation, while prolonged expression
      caused chromosomal instability and in vivo tumor suppression. Such phenotypes
      were recapitulated by overexpression of Ccnb1. Our findings reveal an endogenous
      system by which miRNA functions to activate Ccnb1 expression in mouse cells and
      manipulate in vivo tumor development/growth.

PMID- 22053082
TI  - Highly organized DnaA-oriC complexes recruit the single-stranded DNA for
      replication initiation.
AB  - In Escherichia coli, the replication origin oriC consists of two functional
      regions: the duplex unwinding element (DUE) and its flanking DnaA-assembly region
      (DAR). ATP-DnaA molecules multimerize on DAR, unwinding DUE for DnaB helicase
      loading. However, DUE-unwinding mechanisms and functional structures in DnaA-oriC
      complexes supporting those remain unclear. Here, using various in vitro
      reconstituted systems, we identify functionally distinct DnaA sub-complexes
      formed on DAR and reveal novel mechanisms in DUE unwinding. The DUE-flanking left
      half DAR carrying high-affinity DnaA box R1 and the ATP-DnaA-preferential DnaA
      box R5, tau1-2 and I1-2 sites formed a DnaA sub-complex competent in DUE
      unwinding and ssDUE binding, thereby supporting basal DnaB loading activity. This
      sub-complex is further subdivided into two; the DUE-distal DnaA sub-complex
      formed on the ATP-DnaA-preferential sites binds ssDUE. Notably, the DUE-flanking,
      DnaA box R1-DnaA sub-complex recruits DUE to the DUE-distal DnaA sub-complex in
      concert with a DNA-bending nucleoid protein IHF, thereby promoting DUE unwinding
      and binding of ssDUE. The right-half DAR-DnaA sub-complex stimulated DnaB
      loading, consistent with in vivo analyses. Similar features are seen in DUE
      unwinding of the hyperthermophile, Thermotoga maritima, indicating evolutional
      conservation of those mechanisms.

PMID- 22053084
TI  - SMART 7: recent updates to the protein domain annotation resource.
AB  - SMART (Simple Modular Architecture Research Tool) is an online resource
      (http://smart.embl.de/) for the identification and annotation of protein domains
      and the analysis of protein domain architectures. SMART version 7 contains
      manually curated models for 1009 protein domains, 200 more than in the previous
      version. The current release introduces several novel features and a streamlined
      user interface resulting in a faster and more comfortable workflow. The
      underlying protein databases were greatly expanded, resulting in a 2-fold
      increase in number of annotated domains and features. The database of completely
      sequenced genomes now includes 1133 species, compared to 630 in the previous
      release. Domain architecture analysis results can now be exported and visualized
      through the iTOL phylogenetic tree viewer. 'metaSMART' was introduced as a novel
      subresource dedicated to the exploration and analysis of domain architectures in
      various metagenomics data sets. An advanced full text search engine was
      implemented, covering the complete annotations for SMART and Pfam domains, as
      well as the complete set of protein descriptions, allowing users to quickly find
      relevant information.

PMID- 22053083
TI  - Developmental regulation of N-terminal H2B methylation in Drosophila
      melanogaster.
AB  - Histone post-translational modifications play an important role in regulating
      chromatin structure and gene expression in vivo. Extensive studies investigated
      the post-translational modifications of the core histones H3 and H4 or the linker
      histone H1. Much less is known on the regulation of H2A and H2B modifications.
      Here, we show that a major modification of H2B in Drosophila melanogaster is the
      methylation of the N-terminal proline, which increases during fly development.
      Experiments performed in cultured cells revealed higher levels of H2B methylation
      when cells are dense, regardless of their cell cycle distribution. We identified
      dNTMT (CG1675) as the enzyme responsible for H2B methylation. We also found that
      the level of N-terminal methylation is regulated by dART8, an arginine
      methyltransferase that physically interacts with dNTMT and asymmetrically
      methylates H3R2. Our results demonstrate the existence of a complex containing
      two methyltransferases enzymes, which negatively influence each other's activity.

PMID- 22053085
TI  - Conformational dynamics of the tetracycline-binding aptamer.
AB  - The conformational dynamics induced by ligand binding to the tetracycline-binding
      aptamer is monitored via stopped-flow fluorescence spectroscopy and time
      correlated single photon counting experiments. The fluorescence of the ligand is
      sensitive to changes within the tertiary structure of the aptamer during and
      after the binding process. In addition to the wild-type aptamer, the mutants A9G,
      A13U and A50U are examined, where bases important for regulation are changed to
      inhibit the aptamer's function. Our results suggest a very fast two-step
      mechanism for the binding of the ligand to the aptamer that can be interpreted as
      a binding step followed by a reorganization of the aptamer to accommodate the
      ligand. Binding to the two direct contact points A13 and A50 was found to occur
      in the first binding step. The exchange of the structurally important base A9 for
      guanine induces an enormous deceleration of the overall binding process, which is
      mainly rooted in an enhancement of the back reaction of the first binding step by
      several orders of magnitude. This indicates a significant loss of tertiary
      structure of the aptamer in the absence of the base A9, and underlines the
      importance of pre-organization on the overall binding process of the tetracycline
      binding aptamer.

PMID- 22053086
TI  - Comprehensive survey and geometric classification of base triples in RNA
      structures.
AB  - Base triples are recurrent clusters of three RNA nucleobases interacting edge-to
      edge by hydrogen bonding. We find that the central base in almost all triples
      forms base pairs with the other two bases of the triple, providing a natural way
      to geometrically classify base triples. Given 12 geometric base pair families
      defined by the Leontis-Westhof nomenclature, combinatoric enumeration predicts
      108 potential geometric base triple families. We searched representative atomic
      resolution RNA 3D structures and found instances of 68 of the 108 predicted base
      triple families. Model building suggests that some of the remaining 40 families
      may be unlikely to form for steric reasons. We developed an on-line resource that
      provides exemplars of all base triples observed in the structure database and
      models for unobserved, predicted triples, grouped by triple family, as well as by
      three-base combination (http://rna.bgsu.edu/Triples). The classification helps to
      identify recurrent triple motifs that can substitute for each other while
      conserving RNA 3D structure, with applications in RNA 3D structure prediction and
      analysis of RNA sequence evolution.

PMID- 22053087
TI  - MimoDB 2.0: a mimotope database and beyond.
AB  - Mimotopes are peptides with affinities to given targets. They are readily
      obtained through biopanning against combinatorial peptide libraries constructed
      by phage display and other display technologies such as mRNA display, ribosome
      display, bacterial display and yeast display. Mimotopes have been used to infer
      the protein interaction sites and networks; they are also ideal candidates for
      developing new diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines. However, such valuable
      peptides are not collected in the central data resources such as UniProt and NCBI
      GenPept due to their 'unnatural' short sequences. The MimoDB database is an
      information portal to biopanning results of random libraries. In version 2.0, it
      has 15,633 peptides collected from 849 papers and grouped into 1818 sets. Besides
      the core data on panning experiments and their results, broad background
      information on target, template, library and structure is included. An
      accompanied benchmark has also been compiled for bioinformaticians to develop and
      evaluate their new models, algorithms and programs. In addition, the MimoDB
      database provides tools for simple and advanced searches, structure
      visualization, BLAST and alignment view on the fly. The experimental biologists
      can easily use the database as a virtual control to exclude possible target
      unrelated peptides. The MimoDB database is freely available at
      http://immunet.cn/mimodb.

PMID- 22053088
TI  - An unstructured 5'-coding region of the prfA mRNA is required for efficient
      translation.
AB  - Expression of virulence factors in the human bacterial pathogen Listeria
      monocytogenes is almost exclusively regulated by the transcriptional activator
      PrfA. The translation of prfA is controlled by a thermosensor located in the 5'
      untranslated RNA (UTR), and is high at 37 degrees C and low at temperatures <30
      degrees C. In order to develop a thermoregulated translational expression system,
      the 5'-UTR and different lengths of the prfA-coding sequences were placed in
      front of lacZ. When expressed in Escherichia coli, the beta-galactosidase
      expression was directly correlated to the length of the prfA-coding mRNA lying in
      front of lacZ. A similar effect was detected with gfp as a reporter gene in both
      L. monocytogenes and E. coli, emphasizing the requirement of the prfA-coding RNA
      for maximal expression. In vitro transcription/translation and mutational
      analysis suggests a role for the first 20 codons of the native prfA-mRNA for
      maximal expression. By toe-print and RNA-probing analysis, a flexible hairpin
      loop located immediately downstream of the start-codon was shown to be important
      for ribosomal binding. The present work determines the importance of an
      unstructured part of the 5'-coding region of the prfA-mRNA for efficient
      translation.

PMID- 22053089
TI  - InterEvol database: exploring the structure and evolution of protein complex
      interfaces.
AB  - Capturing how the structures of interacting partners evolved at their binding
      interfaces is a fundamental issue for understanding interactomes evolution. In
      that scope, the InterEvol database was designed for exploring 3D structures of
      homologous interfaces of protein complexes. For every chain forming a complex in
      the protein data bank (PDB), close and remote structural interologs were
      identified providing essential snapshots for studying interfaces evolution. The
      database provides tools to retrieve and visualize these structures. In addition,
      pre-computed multiple sequence alignments of most likely interologs retrieved
      from a wide range of species can be downloaded to enrich the analysis. The
      database can be queried either directly by pdb code or keyword but also from the
      sequence of one or two partners. Interologs multiple sequence alignments can also
      be recomputed online with tailored parameters using the InterEvolAlign facility.
      Last, an InterEvol PyMol plugin was developed to improve interactive exploration
      of structures versus sequence alignments at the interfaces of complexes. Based on
      a series of automatic methods to extract structural and sequence data, the
      database will be monthly updated. Structures coordinates and sequence alignments
      can be queried and downloaded from the InterEvol web interface at
      http://biodev.cea.fr/interevol/.

PMID- 22053090
TI  - The non-autonomous retrotransposon SVA is trans-mobilized by the human LINE-1
      protein machinery.
AB  - SINE-VNTR-Alu (SVA) elements are non-autonomous, hominid-specific non-LTR
      retrotransposons and distinguished by their organization as composite mobile
      elements. They represent the evolutionarily youngest, currently active family of
      human non-LTR retrotransposons, and sporadically generate disease-causing
      insertions. Since preexisting, genomic SVA sequences are characterized by
      structural hallmarks of Long Interspersed Elements 1 (LINE-1, L1)-mediated
      retrotransposition, it has been hypothesized for several years that SVA elements
      are mobilized by the L1 protein machinery in trans. To test this hypothesis, we
      developed an SVA retrotransposition reporter assay in cell culture using three
      different human-specific SVA reporter elements. We demonstrate that SVA elements
      are mobilized in HeLa cells only in the presence of both L1-encoded proteins,
      ORF1p and ORF2p. SVA trans-mobilization rates exceeded pseudogene formation
      frequencies by 12- to 300-fold in HeLa-HA cells, indicating that SVA elements
      represent a preferred substrate for L1 proteins. Acquisition of an AluSp element
      increased the trans-mobilization frequency of the SVA reporter element by ~25
      fold. Deletion of (CCCTCT)(n) repeats and Alu-like region of a canonical SVA
      reporter element caused significant attenuation of the SVA trans-mobilization
      rate. SVA de novo insertions were predominantly full-length, occurred
      preferentially in G+C-rich regions, and displayed all features of L1-mediated
      retrotransposition which are also observed in preexisting genomic SVA insertions.

PMID- 22053091
TI  - Cardiovascular risk management in chronic kidney disease in general practice (the
      AusHEART study).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is common and increasing in prevalence.
      Adverse outcomes of CKD can be prevented through early detection and treatment.
      There is limited data on the awareness of CKD and the quality of care offered to
      patients with CKD in the primary care setting. The objectives of this study were
      to assess the prevalence, general practitioner (GP) awareness and extent of
      current evidence-practice gaps in the management of CKD in Australian primary
      care. METHODS: The Australian Hypertension and Absolute Risk Study (AusHEART) was
      a nationally representative, cluster stratified, cross-sectional survey among 322
      GPs. Each GP was asked to provide data for 15-20 consecutive patients (age >= 55
      years) who presented between April and June, 2008. The main outcome measures were
      CKD prevalence based on proteinuria and decreased estimated glomerular filtration
      rate. Evidence-practice gaps in management of patients with CKD were identified.
      RESULTS: Among a total of 4966 patients with kidney function test data, 1845
      (37%) had abnormal kidney function. Of the 1312 patients with abnormal kidney
      function known to the GP at the time of visit, only 235 were correctly identified
      as having CKD. GPs under-estimated cardiovascular (CV) risks in patients with CKD
      when compared with the prevailing guidelines at the time of survey and the recent
      national guidelines, particularly in later stages of CKD. Among CKD patients not
      prescribed blood pressure-lowering agents or lipid-lowering agents, treatment was
      indicated as per relevant guidelines in 51 and 46%, respectively. For CKD
      patients who were already prescribed blood pressure-lowering and lipid-lowering
      agents, 61 and 50%, respectively, did not meet the treatment targets recommended
      by the relevant guidelines. CONCLUSIONS: CKD is common, significantly under
      recognized and under-treated in primary care. Effort to increase awareness and
      provide opportunities for improved screening and assessment should improve the
      management and outcome of these patients at high risk of CV disease.

PMID- 22053092
TI  - Toll-like receptor 4 and MYD88-dependent signaling mechanisms of the innate
      immune system are essential for the response to lipopolysaccharide by epithelial
      and stromal cells of the bovine endometrium.
AB  - Infection of the bovine endometrium with Gram-negative bacteria commonly causes
      uterine disease. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) on cells of the immune system bind
      Gram-negative bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS), stimulating the secretion of
      the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin 1B (IL1B) and IL6, and the chemokine
      IL8. Because the endometrium is the first barrier to infection of the uterus, the
      signaling cascade triggered by LPS and the subsequent expression of inflammatory
      mediators were investigated in endometrial epithelial and stromal cells, and the
      key pathways identified using short interfering RNA (siRNA) and biochemical
      inhibitors. Treatment of endometrial cells with ultrapure LPS stimulated an
      inflammatory response characterized by increased IL1B, IL6, and IL8 mRNA
      expression, and IL6 protein accumulation in epithelial cells, and by increased
      IL1B and IL8 mRNA expression, and IL6 and IL8 protein accumulation in stromal
      cells. Treatment of endometrial cells with LPS also induced the degradation of
      IKB and the nuclear translocation of NFKB, as well as rapid phosphorylation of
      mitogen-activated protein kinase 3/1 (MAPK3/1) and MAPK14. Knockdown of TLR4 or
      its signaling adaptor molecule, myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MYD88), using
      siRNA reduced the inflammatory response to LPS in epithelial and stromal cells.
      Biochemical inhibition of MAPK3/1, but not JNK or MAPK14, reduced LPS-induced
      IL1B, IL6, and IL8 expression in endometrial cells. In conclusion, epithelial and
      stromal cells have an intrinsic role in innate immune surveillance in the
      endometrium, and in the case of LPS this recognition occurs via TLR4- and MYD88
      dependent cell signaling pathways.

PMID- 22053093
TI  - Leukemia inhibitory factor regulates differentiation of trophoblastlike BeWo
      cells through the activation of JAK/STAT and MAPK3/1 MAP kinase-signaling
      pathways.
AB  - It is well established that syncytium formation involves the fusion of
      mononucleated trophoblasts into a multinucleated structure and the secretion of
      hormonal factors, such as human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG). These morphological
      and biochemical changes are regulated by a plethora of ligands, which upon
      binding to specific receptors trigger the activation of many signaling pathways,
      such as janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK/STAT)
      and the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase extracellular signal-regulated
      kinases 1 and 2 (MAPK3/1). We used the forskolin-induced syncytialization of
      trophoblastlike BeWo cells to characterize at the cellular level the effect
      mediated by leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) on trophoblast differentiation and
      to describe its action at the molecular level. Forskolin induces both hCG
      secretion and BeWo cell syncytial fusion. Although LIF had no effect on the
      undifferentiated state of the cells, the cytokine generated a strong reduction in
      forskolin-induced hCG release. In contrast to its effect on hCG secretion, LIF
      exerts a synergistic effect toward forskolin-induced fusion. LIF reduced hormonal
      production through a STAT1- and STAT3-dependent mechanism, whereas MAPK3/1 was
      not involved in this process. However, both types of signaling molecules were
      required to mediate the action of LIF in forskolin-induced cell fusion. These
      data provide novel insights into the regulation of trophoblast cell
      differentiation by LIF and describe for the first time the molecular mechanism
      underlying the effect of the cytokine.

PMID- 22053094
TI  - The interaction between photoperiod and nutrition and its effects on seasonal
      rhythms of reproduction in the ewe.
AB  - In sheep, the seasonal patterns of reproductive activity are driven primarily by
      the annual photoperiodic cycle, but can also respond to other environmental
      factors, such as nutrition, yet little is known about the mechanisms underlying
      this interaction. This study was designed to define the interaction between
      photoperiodic and nutritional cues on seasonal patterns of ovarian activity, and
      to determine if there is a central interaction between these cues. Groups of Ile
      de-France ewes were maintained in two nutritional states (restricted and well
      fed) under a simulated annual photoperiod of 8-16 h of light per day over two
      breeding seasons. At the end of the first breeding season, half of the animals of
      each group were ovariectomized (OVX) and fitted subcutaneously with estradiol
      implants. Low nutritional status shortened the season of ovarian activity,
      determined from the pattern of progesterone concentrations, by modifying the
      timing of seasonal transitions between periods of ovarian activity and anestrus.
      The same results were observed for the seasonal rhythm of neuroendocrine
      activity, assessed in the OVX ewes, from the pattern of luteinizing hormone
      concentrations. These results were then confirmed for neuroendocrine activity
      induced by a photoperiodic treatment. We conclude that nutrition centrally
      modulates the interpretation of photoperiod to affect seasonal reproductive
      transitions. The mechanisms of this interaction are discussed in the paper.

PMID- 22053095
TI  - TIMP1 contributes to ovarian anomalies in both an MMP-dependent and -independent
      manner in a rat model.
AB  - Ovulatory dysfunction occurs in women with endometriosis, yet the mechanisms are
      unknown. We have shown that endometriotic lesions synthesize and secrete tissue
      inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP) 1 into the peritoneal cavity in humans and
      a rat model of endometriosis, where excess TIMP1 localizes in the ovarian theca
      in endometriosis and modulating peritoneal TIMP1 alters ovarian dynamics. Here,
      we evaluated whether mechanisms whereby excessive peritoneal fluid TIMP1
      negatively impacts ovarian function are matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-dependent
      and/or MMP-independent actions. Rats were treated with a mutated TIMP1 without
      MMP inhibitory function (Ala-TIMP1), wild-type TIMP1 (rTIMP1), or PBS. Rats
      treated with Ala-TIMP1 or rTIMP1 had fewer antral follicles, fewer new corpora
      lutea, and the presence of luteinized unruptured follicle syndrome compared with
      PBS rats. Ala-TIMP1 and rTIMP1 differentially caused downstream changes in gene
      expression and protein localization related to ovulation, as measured by whole
      genome microarray with quantitative real-time PCR validation and
      immunohistochemistry. More vascular endothelial growth factor and FN were
      expressed and localized in ovaries of Ala-TIMP1-treated rats compared to rTIMP1-
      and PBS-treated rats inferring MMP-independent functions. Less caspase 3
      localized in ovaries of rTIMP1 compared with the other two groups, and was thus
      dependent on MMP action. Furthermore, after coimmunoprecipitation, more CD63 was
      bound to TIMP1 in ovaries of rats treated with Ala-TIMP1 than in rTIMP1-treated
      rats, providing evidence for another MMP-independent mechanism of ovulatory
      dysfunction. We predict that MMP-dependent and MMP-independent events are
      involved in improper fortification of the follicular wall through multiple
      mechanisms, such as apoptosis inhibition, extracellular matrix components and
      angiogenesis. Collectively, excessive peritoneal TIMP1 causes changes in ovarian
      dynamics, both dependently and independently of MMP inhibition.

PMID- 22053096
TI  - Ontogeny of aquaporins in human fetal membranes.
AB  - It has been proposed that four members of the aquaporin family (AQPs 1, 3, 8, and
      9) are involved in the control of amniotic fluid (AF) homeostasis, as illustrated
      by their differential expression patterns in normal and pathological human term
      fetal membranes. However, there are no data available to date on their ontogeny
      throughout pregnancy. Our objective was to determine spatiotemporal expression
      profiles of the mRNA and proteins of all 13 members of this transmembrane channel
      family. For this purpose, we used healthy fetal membranes from the first, second,
      and third trimesters of pregnancy. Total mRNA and proteins were extracted from
      total membranes and from separated amnion and chorion. Quantitative PCR, Western
      blot, and immunohistochemistry experiments were carried out to determine the
      presence of AQPs and to quantify their spatiotemporal expression patterns
      throughout pregnancy. The WISH cell line was tested to propose a cellular model
      for the role of AQPs in the amnion compartment. AQP11 expression was established
      in amniotic membranes at term. Aquaporins 1, 3, 8, 9, and 11 mRNA and proteins
      were present in amnion and chorion throughout human gestation. Each AQP has a
      time-specific expression pattern, with AQP1 presenting the highest variation in
      terms of mRNA and protein levels. The WISH cell line also expressed the same five
      AQPs. Taken together, these results indicate that AQPs are expressed and
      potentially involved in the regulation of AF homeostasis throughout pregnancy.
      This also clearly supports the hypothesis that abnormal expression could occur at
      any time during pregnancy, ultimately leading to obstetrical pathologies such as
      polyhydramnios or oligohydramnios.

PMID- 22053097
TI  - Effect of aging on superovulation efficiency, aneuploidy rates, and sister
      chromatid cohesion in mice aged up to 15 months.
AB  - Human eggs are highly aneuploid, with female age being the only known risk
      factor. Here this aging phenomenon was further studied in Swiss CD1 mice aged
      between 1 and 15 mo. The mean number of eggs +/- SEM recovered from mice
      following superovulation peaked at 22.5 +/- 3.8 eggs/oviduct in 3-mo-old females,
      decreasing markedly between 6 and 9 mo old, and was only 2.1 +/- 0.2 eggs/oviduct
      by 15 mo. Measurement of aneuploidy in these eggs revealed a low rate, ~3-4%, in
      mice aged 1 and 3 mo, rising to 12.5% by 9 mo old and to 37.5% at 12 mo. Fifteen
      month-old mice had the highest rate of aneuploidy, peaking at 60%. The in situ
      chromosome counting technique used here allowed us to measure with accuracy the
      distance between the kinetochores in the sister chromatids of the eggs analyzed
      for aneuploidy. We observed that this distance increased in eggs from older
      females, from 0.38 +/- 0.01 MUm at 1 mo old to 0.82 +/- 0.03 MUm by 15 mo.
      Furthermore, in 3- to 12-mo-old females, aneuploid eggs had significantly larger
      interkinetochore distances than euploid eggs from the same age, and measurements
      were similar to eggs from the oldest mice. However, the association between
      aneuploidy and interkinetochore distance was not observed at the oldest, 15-mo
      age, despite such measurements being maximal. We conclude that in aging CD1 mice,
      a reduction in the ovulated egg number precedes a rise in aneuploidy and,
      furthermore, except at very advanced ages, increased interkinetochore distance is
      associated with aneuploidy.

PMID- 22053099
TI  - A checklist for cerebral aneurysm embolization complications.
AB  - Complications during cerebral aneurysm embolization continue to occur even at
      high volume experienced centers. Such situations are unexpected, complex and can
      have devastating consequences. Individual anecdotal experience offers limited
      guidance. This literature review of the two most serious neuroendovascular
      procedural complications-namely, aneurysm perforation and thromboemboli-aims to
      propose a role based checklist. Having a premeditated plan helps team members
      remain calm and function more effectively when a procedural complication occurs,
      with the ultimate goal of minimizing patient harm.

PMID- 22053098
TI  - Cold-shock-domain protein A (CSDA) contributes posttranscriptionally to
      gonadotropin-releasing hormone-regulated expression of Egr1 and indirectly to
      Lhb.
AB  - Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), a hypothalamic neurohormone, regulates
      transcription of Lhb in gonadotrophs indirectly through transient induction and
      accumulation of EGR1, a zinc finger transcription factor. AlphaT3 and LbetaT2
      cell lines model gonadotrophs at two distinct stages of development, prenatal and
      postnatal expression of Lhb. Although GnRH induces EGR1 in both cell lines, the
      levels of the DNA-binding protein are lower and disappear more quickly in alphaT3
      than in LbetaT2 cells. Herein we show that overexpression of Egr1 in alphaT3
      cells rescues activity of a transfected LHB promoter-reporter, suggesting that
      its transcription is dependent on EGR1 crossing a critical concentration
      threshold. We also show that Csda, a gene that encodes an RNA-binding protein and
      is a member of the cold-shock-domain (CSD) family, is expressed at higher levels
      in LbetaT2 compared to alphaT3 cells. Transient expression studies indicate that
      at least one Csd element, residing in the 3' untranslated region of Egr1 mRNA,
      increases activity of a chimeric pGL3 luciferase reporter vector in LbetaT2
      cells. Additional experiments indicate that CSDA physically interacts with Egr1
      mRNA. Furthermore, siRNA-mediated reduction of endogenous Csda mRNA attenuates
      GnRH regulation of a transiently transfected LHB reporter vector. Taken together,
      these studies suggest that CSDA contributes posttranscriptionally to GnRH
      regulated expression of Egr1, thereby enabling the transcription factor to cross
      a critical concentration threshold necessary for maximal accumulation of Lhb mRNA
      in response to the neurohormone.

PMID- 22053100
TI  - A randomised placebo-controlled trial of topical steroid in presumed viral
      conjunctivitis.

PMID- 22053102
TI  - Oral rifampin utilisation for the treatment of chronic multifocal central serous
      retinopathy.
AB  - Chronic central serous retinopathy (CSR) is characterised by frequent
      exacerbations and a poor visual prognosis. Very few therapies exist for chronic
      CSR, and the existing therapies are often ineffective. Thus, novel therapies to
      combat this frustrating disorder are needed. Presented here is a case detailing a
      patient with chronic CSR with persistent subfoveal fluid of 2 years' duration
      that completely resolved with 1 month of oral rifampin therapy. As a cytochrome
      P450, 3A4 inducer, rifampin is thought to favourably alter the metabolism of
      endogenous steroids, thereby leading to an improvement in CSR manifestations.

PMID- 22053101
TI  - Intra-arterial chemotherapy for retinoblastoma in eyes with vitreous and/or
      subretinal seeding: 2-year results.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: To review the effectiveness of intra-arterial chemotherapy for
      advanced intra-ocular retinoblastoma with vitreous and/or subretinal seeds in
      naive (untreated) and previously treated eyes. METHODS: Retrospective study,
      approved by the institutional review board, of 76 eyes of 67 patients with
      retinoblastoma with subretinal and/or vitreous seeding treated with intra
      arterial chemotherapy at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center between May 2006
      and August 2010. RESULTS: Despite advanced intraocular disease with seeding, the
      majority (56/76) of eyes were saved; 20/76 eyes were enucleated. Among treatment
      naive eyes, the 2-year probability of ocular salvage was 83% (95% CI 27% to 97%)
      for eyes with subretinal seeding only, 64% (95% CI 24% to 87%) for eyes with
      vitreous seeding only, and 80% (95% CI 40% to 95%) for eyes with both. Among eyes
      that received previous treatment and had progressed, the 2-year probability of
      ocular salvage was 50% (95% CI 15% to 78%) for eyes with only subretinal seeding,
      76% (95% CI 48% to 91%) for eyes with vitreous seeding only, and 54% (95% CI 20%
      to 79%) for eyes with both. Nine of 29 naive eyes (31%) were cured with intra
      arterial (super-selective ophthalmic artery infusion of chemotherapy)
      chemotherapy alone. CONCLUSION: Unlike radiation or systemic chemotherapy, intra
      arterial chemotherapy can usually prevent the need for enucleation in naive eyes
      with advanced intraocular retinoblastoma with seeding-especially if the seeding
      is subretinal. Treatment appears to be less effective in previously treated eyes
      when subretinal seeding is present (50% at 2 years), but may be more effective in
      eyes that failed to respond to previous systemic chemotherapy and have only
      vitreous seeding.

PMID- 22053103
TI  - Restrictive anorexia nervosa: a silent enemy for the eyes and vision.

PMID- 22053104
TI  - Comparison of stem cell sources in the severity of dry eye after allogeneic
      haematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
AB  - AIMS: To compare the incidence and severity of dry eye (DE) after allogeneic
      haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) according to the stem cell
      source. The authors specifically focused on patients who received bone marrow
      transplantation (BMT), peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT) and
      cord blood transplantation (CBT). METHODS: Ninety-nine HSCT recipients who were
      prospectively followed-up for at least 100 days at Keio University Hospital were
      recruited. Ophthalmological examinations included evaluation of ocular surface
      findings and tear dynamics. The data on systemic graft-versus-host disease were
      collected by chart review. RESULTS: Of the 99 patients (BMT, 67; PBSCT, 18; CBT,
      14), 42 developed DE or showed worsened pre-existing DE after HSCT; 31 (46.3%)
      BMT group; 8 (44.0%) PBSCT group; and 3 (21.4%) CBT group (p=0.78). The median
      onset time of DE tended to be later in the PBSCT group (474 days, range 95-1559)
      than in the BMT (287 days, range 67-1216) or CBT (168 days, range 33-481) group,
      but the difference was not significant (p=0.23). However, the proportion of
      patients with severe DE was significantly higher in the PBSCT group (N=7, 87.5%)
      than in the BMT (N=12, 38.7%) or CBT (N=1, 33.3%) group (p=0.04) and CBT showed
      the lowest among all three stem cell sources. CONCLUSION: The data in this study
      suggested that the severity and onset time of DE were affected by the stem cell
      source. Close attention must be paid to the development of late-onset severe DE
      in PBSCT recipients.

PMID- 22053105
TI  - mTORC1 and mTORC2 differentially regulate homeostasis of neoplastic and non
      neoplastic human mast cells.
AB  - Increased mast cell burden is observed in the inflamed tissues and affected
      organs and tissues of patients with mast cell proliferative disorders. However,
      normal mast cells participate in host defense, so approaches to preferentially
      target clonally expanding mast cells are needed. We found that mammalian target
      of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) and 2 (mTORC2) are up-regulated in neoplastic and
      developing immature mast cells compared with their terminally differentiated
      counterparts. Elevated mTOR mRNA was also observed in bone marrow mononuclear
      cells of patients exhibiting mast-cell hyperplasia. Selective inhibition of
      mTORC1 and mTORC2 through genetic and pharmacologic manipulation revealed that,
      whereas mTORC1 may contribute to mast-cell survival, mTORC2 was only critical for
      homeostasis of neoplastic and dividing immature mast cells. The cytostatic effect
      of mTORC2 down-regulation in proliferating mast cells was determined to be via
      inhibition of cell-cycle progression. Because mTORC2 was observed to play little
      role in the homeostasis of differentiated, nonproliferating, mature mast cells,
      these data provide a rationale for adopting a targeted approaching selectively
      inhibiting mTORC2 to effectively reduce the proliferation of mast cells
      associated with inflammation and disorders of mast cell proliferation while
      leaving normal differentiated mast cells largely unaffected.

PMID- 22053106
TI  - Inhibition of PPARgamma in myeloid-lineage cells induces systemic inflammation,
      immunosuppression, and tumorigenesis.
AB  - Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARgamma) is an anti
      inflammatory molecule. To study its biologic function in myeloid cells, dominant
      negative PPARgamma (dnPPARgamma) was overexpressed in a myeloid-specific
      bitransgenic mouse model. In this bitransgenic system, overexpression of the
      dnPPARgamma-Flag fusion protein in myeloid-lineage cells abnormally elevated
      frequencies and total numbers of IL-7Ralpha(-)Lin(-)c-Kit(+)Sca-1(-), Lin(
      )/Scal(+)/c-Kit(+), common myeloid, and granulocyte-monocyte progenitor
      populations in the BM. dnPPARgamma overexpression led to up-regulation of IL
      1beta, IL-6, and TNFalpha in the blood plasma. As a result, CD11b(+)Ly6G(+) cells
      were systemically increased in association with activation of Stat3, NF-kappaB,
      Erk1/2, and p38 molecules. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) inhibited the
      proliferation and lymphokine production of wild-type CD4+ T cells in vitro. CD4+
      T cells from doxycycline-treated bitransgenic mice displayed reduced
      proliferation and lymphokine release. Both CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell populations were
      decreased in doxycycline-treated bitransgenic mice. Multiple forms of carcinoma
      and sarcoma in the lung, liver, spleen, and lymph nodes were observed in
      doxycycline-treated bitransgenic mice. BM transplantation revealed that a myeloid
      autonomous defect was responsible for MDSC expansion, immunosuppression, and
      tumorigenesis in these mice. These studies suggest that anti-inflammatory
      PPARgamma in myeloid-lineage cells plays a key role in controlling pro
      inflammatory cytokine synthesis, MDSC expansion, immunosuppression, and the
      development of cancer.

PMID- 22053107
TI  - Purinergic signaling inhibits human acute myeloblastic leukemia cell
      proliferation, migration, and engraftment in immunodeficient mice.
AB  - Extracellular ATP and UTP nucleotides increase the proliferation and engraftment
      potential of normal human hematopoietic stem cells via the engagement of
      purinergic receptors (P2Rs). In the present study, we show that ATP and UTP have
      strikingly opposite effects on human acute myeloblastic leukemia (AML) cells.
      Leukemic cells express P2Rs. ATP-stimulated leukemic cells, but not normal CD34+
      cells, undergo down-regulation of genes involved in cell proliferation and
      migration, whereas cell-cycle inhibitors are up-regulated. Functionally, ATP
      induced the inhibition of proliferation and accumulation of AML cells, but not of
      normal cells, in the G0 phase of the cell cycle. Exposure to ATP or UTP inhibited
      AML-cell migration in vitro. In vivo, xenotransplantation experiments
      demonstrated that the homing and engraftment capacity of AML blasts and CD34+CD38
      cells to immunodeficient mice BM was significantly inhibited by pretreatment
      with nucleotides. P2R-expression analysis and pharmacologic profiling suggested
      that the inhibition of proliferation by ATP was mediated by the down-regulation
      of the P2X7R, which is up-regulated on untreated blasts, whereas the inhibition
      of chemotaxis was mainly mediated via P2Y2R and P2Y4R subtypes. We conclude that,
      unlike normal cells, P2R signaling inhibits leukemic cells and therefore its
      pharmacologic modulation may represent a novel therapeutic strategy.

PMID- 22053108
TI  - Inactivation of polycomb repressive complex 2 components in myeloproliferative
      and myelodysplastic/myeloproliferative neoplasms.
AB  - The polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) is a highly conserved histone H3 lysine
      27 methyltransferase that regulates the expression of developmental genes.
      Inactivating mutations of the catalytic component of PRC2, EZH2, are seen in
      myeloid disorders. We reasoned that the other 2 core PRC2 components, SUZ12 and
      EED, may also be mutational targets in these diseases, as well as associated
      factors such as JARID2. SUZ12 mutations were identified in 1 of 2 patients with
      myelodysplastic syndrome/myeloproliferative neoplasms with 17q acquired
      uniparental disomy and in 2 of 2 myelofibrosis cases with focal 17q11 deletions.
      All 3 were missense mutations affecting the highly conserved VEFS domain.
      Analysis of a further 146 myelodysplastic syndrome/myeloproliferative neoplasm
      patients revealed an additional VEFS domain mutant, yielding a total mutation
      frequency of 1.4% (2 of 148). We did not find mutations of JARID2 or EED in
      association with acquired uniparental disomy for chromosome 6p or 11q,
      respectively; however, screening unselected cases identified missense mutations
      in EED (1 of 148; 1%) and JARID2 (3 of 148; 2%). All 3 SUZ12 mutations tested and
      the EED mutation reduced PRC2 histone methyltransferase activity in vitro,
      demonstrating that PRC2 function may be compromised in myeloid disorders by
      mutation of distinct genes.

PMID- 22053110
TI  - Microfabricated optofluidic ring resonator structures.
AB  - We describe the fabrication and preliminary optical characterization of rugged,
      Si-micromachined optofluidic ring resonator (MUOFRR) structures consisting of
      thin-walled SiO(x) cylinders with expanded midsections designed to enhance the
      three-dimensional confinement of whispering gallery modes (WGMs). These MUOFRR
      structures were grown thermally at wafer scale on the interior of Si molds
      defined by deep-reactive-ion etching and pre-treated to reduce surface roughness.
      Devices 85-MUm tall with 2-MUm thick walls and inner diameters ranging from 50 to
      200 MUm supported pure-mode WGMs with Q-factors >10(4) near 985 nm. Advantages
      for eventual vapor detection in gas chromatographic microsystems are highlighted.

PMID- 22053111
TI  - Insight into unusual impurity absorbability of GeO(2) in GeO(2)/Ge stacks.
AB  - Adsorbed species and its diffusion behaviors in GeO(2)/Ge stacks, which are
      future alternative metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) materials, have been
      investigated using various physical analyses. We clarified that GeO(2) rapidly
      absorbs moisture in air just after its exposure. After the absorbed moisture in
      GeO(2) reaches a certain limit, the GeO(2) starts to absorb some organic
      molecules, which is accompanied by a structural change in GeO(2) to form a
      partial carbonate or hydroxide. We also found that the hydrogen distribution in
      GeO(2) shows intrinsic characteristics, indicative of different diffusion
      behaviors at the surface and at the GeO(2)/Ge interface. Because the impurity
      absorbability of GeO(2) has a great influence on the electrical properties in Ge
      MOS devices, these results provide valuable information in realizing high quality
      GeO(2)/Ge stacks for the actual use of Ge-MOS technologies.

PMID- 22053109
TI  - Historical perspectives on tumor necrosis factor and its superfamily: 25 years
      later, a golden journey.
AB  - Although activity that induced tumor regression was observed and termed tumor
      necrosis factor (TNF) as early as the 1960s, the true identity of TNF was not
      clear until 1984, when Aggarwal and coworkers reported, for the first time, the
      isolation of 2 cytotoxic factors: one, derived from macrophages (molecular mass
      17 kDa), was named TNF, and the second, derived from lymphocytes (20 kDa), was
      named lymphotoxin. Because the 2 cytotoxic factors exhibited 50% amino acid
      sequence homology and bound to the same receptor, they came to be called TNF
      alpha and TNF-beta. Identification of the protein sequences led to cloning of
      their cDNA. Based on sequence homology to TNF-alpha, now a total of 19 members of
      the TNF superfamily have been identified, along with 29 interacting receptors,
      and several molecules that interact with the cytoplasmic domain of these
      receptors. The roles of the TNF superfamily in inflammation, apoptosis,
      proliferation, invasion, angiogenesis, metastasis, and morphogenesis have been
      documented. Their roles in immunologic, cardiovascular, neurologic, pulmonary,
      and metabolic diseases are becoming apparent. TNF superfamily members are active
      targets for drug development, as indicated by the recent approval and expanding
      market of TNF blockers used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, Crohns
      disease, and osteoporosis, with a total market of more than US $20 billion. As we
      learn more about this family, more therapeutics will probably emerge. In this
      review, we summarize the initial discovery of TNF-alpha, and the insights gained
      regarding the roles of this molecule and its related family members in normal
      physiology and disease.

PMID- 22053112
TI  - DOES HAVING A DYSFUNCTIONAL PERSONALITY HURT YOUR CAREER? AXIS II PERSONALITY
      DISORDERS AND LABOR MARKET OUTCOMES.
AB  - Despite recent interest in how psychiatric disorders affect work outcomes, little
      is known about the role of personality disorders (PDs), which are poorly
      understood yet prevalent (15%) and impairing. We used nationally representative
      data for 12,457 men and 16,061 women to examine associations of PDs with any
      employment, full-time employment, chronic unemployment, being fired or laid off,
      and having trouble with a boss or co-worker. Antisocial, paranoid, and obsessive
      compulsive PDs demonstrated the broadest patterns of associations with adverse
      outcomes. Findings suggest that PDs may have implications for the productivity of
      co-workers as well as that of the disordered employees themselves.

PMID- 22053113
TI  - Enthalpies of mixing of liquid systems for lead free soldering: Al-Cu-Sn system.
AB  - The present work refers to high-temperature drop calorimetric measurements on
      liquid Al-Cu, Al-Sn, and Al-Cu-Sn alloys. The binary systems have been
      investigated at 973 K, up to 40 at.% Cu in case of Al-Cu, and over the entire
      concentrational range in case of Al-Sn. Measurements in the ternary Al-Cu-Sn
      system were performed along the following cross-sections: x(Al)/x(Cu) = 1:1,
      x(Al)/x(Sn) = 1:1, x(Cu)/x(Sn) = 7:3, x(Cu)/x(Sn) = 1:1, and x(Cu)/x(Sn) = 3:7 at
      1273 K. Experimental data were used to find ternary interaction parameters by
      applying the Redlich-Kister-Muggianu model for substitutional solutions, and a
      full set of parameters describing the concentration dependence of the enthalpy of
      mixing was derived. From these, the isoenthalpy curves were constructed for 1273
      K. The ternary system shows an exothermic enthalpy minimum of approx. -18,000
      J/mol in the Al-Cu binary and a maximum of approx. 4000 J/mol in the Al-Sn binary
      system. The Al-Cu-Sn system is characterized by considerable repulsive ternary
      interactions as shown by the positive ternary interaction parameters.

PMID- 22053114
TI  - Self-seeded, position-controlled InAs nanowire growth on Si: A growth parameter
      study.
AB  - In this work, the nucleation and growth of InAs nanowires on patterned
      SiO(2)/Si(111) substrates is studied. It is found that the nanowire yield is
      strongly dependent on the size of the etched holes in the SiO(2), where openings
      smaller than 180 nm lead to a substantial decrease in nucleation yield, while
      openings larger than ~500nm promote nucleation of crystallites rather than
      nanowires. We propose that this is a result of indium particle formation prior to
      nanowire growth, where the size of the indium particles, under constant growth
      parameters, is strongly influenced by the size of the openings in the SiO(2)
      film. Nanowires overgrowing the etched holes, eventually leading to a merging of
      neighboring nanowires, shed light into the growth mechanism.

PMID- 22053115
TI  - Opting Out and Buying Out: Wives' Earnings and Housework Time.
AB  - It has been proposed that the negative association between wives' earnings and
      their time in housework is due to greater outsourcing of household labor by
      households with high-earning wives, but this hypothesis has not been tested
      directly. In a sample of dual-earner married couples in the Consumption and
      Activities Mail Survey of the Health and Retirement Study (N = 796), use of
      market substitutes for women's housework was found to be only weakly associated
      with wives' time cooking and cleaning. Furthermore, expenditures on market
      substitutes explain less than 15% of the earnings-housework time relationship.
      This suggests that use of market substitutes plays a smaller role in explaining
      variation in wives' time in household labor than has previously been
      hypothesized.

PMID- 22053116
TI  - L-Proline Functionalized Polymers Prepared by RAFT Polymerization and Their
      Assemblies as Supported Organocatalysts.
AB  - We have prepared a range of well-defined copolymers of styrene and L-proline
      functionalized styrene (5-11 kDa) using reversible addition-fragmentation chain
      transfer (RAFT) polymerization techniques and explored their use in supported
      catalysis. Upon deprotection of the L-proline functionalities, the solution self
      assembly of these copolymers was investigated in mixed solvent systems. The
      resulting assemblies were characterized by dynamic light scattering, transmission
      electron microscopy (on graphene oxide substrates, along with cryo-TEM and
      tomography), and scanning electron microscopy. The application of these
      functional assemblies as supported catalysts for the aldol condensation reaction
      was explored using cyclohexanone and 4-nitrobenzaldehyde. The rate and
      selectivity of solution catalysis in our self-assembled system were comparable to
      those of L-proline, and a significant advantage of our system was that the
      polymer support could be utilized at lower catalyst loadings with comparable
      activity and also could be recycled a number of times while maintaining activity
      and selectivity.

PMID- 22053117
TI  - A TAXONOMIC REVISION OF GOUANIA (RHAMNACEAE) IN MADAGASCAR AND THE OTHER ISLANDS
      OF THE WESTERN INDIAN OCEAN (THE COMORO AND MASCARENE ISLANDS, AND THE
      SEYCHELLES).
AB  - A taxonomic revision of the genus Gouania Jacq. (Rhamnaceae) is presented for
      Madagascar and the other western Indian Ocean islands. Seventeen species are
      recognized, of which nine are described and published as new (all endemic to
      Madagascar): G. ambrensis Buerki, Phillipson & Callm., G. callmanderi Buerki, G.
      cupreifolia Buerki, Phillipson & Callm., G. cupuliflora Buerki, Phillipson &
      Callm., G. gautieri Buerki, Phillipson & Callm., G. perrieri Buerki, Phillipson &
      Callm., G. phillipsonii Buerki, G. taolagnarensis Buerki, Phillipson & Callm.,
      and G. zebrifolia Buerki, Phillipson & Callm. Sixteen species occur in
      Madagascar, of which 13 are endemic and three are common to Madagascar and one or
      more of the smaller Indian Ocean islands. The latter include G. laxiflora Tul., a
      species which is also present on mainland Africa. One species, G. mauritiana
      Lam., is endemic to Reunion Island. We recognize two subspecies within G.
      scandens (Gaertn.) R. B. Drumm.: G. scandens subsp. scandens and G. scandens
      subsp. glandulosa (Boivin ex Tul.) Buerki, Phillipson & Callm., the latter
      transferred from G. glandulosa Boivin ex Tul. Past confusion about the identity
      of this species is discussed. Five names are lectotypified: G. aphrodes Tul., G.
      glandulosa [= G. scandens subsp. glandulosa], G. laxiflora, G. lineata Tul., and
      G. tiliifolia Lam. Both lectotype and epitype are designated for G. mauritiana.
      Conservation assessments are provided for all species within their primary areas
      of occurrence.

PMID- 22053118
TI  - Resonant charge transfer in low-energy ion scattering: Information depth in the
      reionization regime.
AB  - Time-Of-Flight Low-energy ion scattering (TOF-LEIS) experiments were performed
      for He(+) ions scattered from Cu(100) and Cu(0.5)Au(0.5)(100). Probabilities for
      resonant neutralization and reionization in close collisions were deduced in a
      wide energy range. To learn about the information depth in LEIS, in a next step
      ion spectra were analyzed for polycrystalline Cu samples. The relative yield of
      backscattered projectiles, which have undergone distinct charge exchange
      processes, was calculated. Results indicate a strong contribution to the ion
      yield that origins from particles reionized in a close collision in deeper layers
      when experiments are performed at energies where reionization is prominent. The
      surface sensitivity of the ion signal at different energies is quantified. Based
      on these results, the total ion spectrum was quantitatively modelled by two
      consistent, but different approaches.

PMID- 22053119
TI  - First total synthesis of (+)-Vedelianin, a potent antiproliferative agent.
AB  - The total synthesis of (+)-vedelianin has been accomplished in 18 steps from
      vanillin. Preparation of a key intermediate in nonracemic form through a Shi
      epoxidation has allowed determination of the absolute stereochemistry of the
      natural product as the (2S, 3R, 4aR, 9aR)-isomer.

PMID- 22053120
TI  - The physical oceanography of upwelling systems and the development of harmful
      algal blooms.
AB  - The upwelling systems of the eastern boundaries of the world's oceans are
      susceptible to harmful algal blooms (HABs) because they are highly productive,
      nutrient-rich environments, prone to high-biomass blooms. This review identifies
      those aspects of the physical environment important in the development of HABs in
      upwelling systems through description and comparison of bloom events in the
      Benguela, California and Iberia systems. HAB development is dictated by the
      influence of wind stress on the surface boundary layer through a combination of
      its influence on surface mixed-layer characteristics and shelf circulation
      patterns. The timing of HABs is controlled by windstress fluctuations and
      buoyancy inputs at the seasonal, event and interannual scales. Within this
      temporal framework, various mesoscale features that interrupt typical upwelling
      circulation patterns, determine the spatial distribution of HABs. The inner shelf
      in particular provides a mosaic of shifting habitats, some of which favour HABs.
      Changes in coastline configuration and orientation, and bottom topography are
      important in determining the distribution of HABs through their influence on
      water stratification and retention. A spectrum of coastline configurations,
      including headlands, capes, peninsulas, Rias, bays and estuaries, representing
      systems of increasing isolation from the open coast and consequent increasing
      retention times, are assessed in terms of their vulnerability to HABs.

PMID- 22053121
TI  - Counteracting 'Not in My Backyard': The Positive Effects of Greater Occupancy
      within Mutual-help Recovery Homes.
AB  - Group homes sometimes face significant neighborhood opposition, and
      municipalities frequently use maximum occupancy laws to close down these homes.
      This study examined how the number of residents in Oxford House recovery homes
      impacted residents' outcomes. Larger homes (i.e., 8 or more residents) may reduce
      the cost per person and offer more opportunities to exchange positive social
      support, thus, it was predicted that larger Oxford Houses would exhibit improved
      outcomes compared to smaller homes. Regression analyses using data from 643
      residents from 154 U.S. Oxford Houses indicated that larger House size predicted
      less criminal and aggressive behavior; additionally, length of abstinence was a
      partial mediator in these relationships. These findings have been used in court
      cases to argue against closing down larger Oxford Houses. 125 words.

PMID- 22053122
TI  - Dropout from interim methadone and subsequent comprehensive methadone
      maintenance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Methadone maintenance in the U.S. is delivered primarily through
      specialized clinics that provide psychosocial services together with medication.
      Interim methadone (IM) is an evidence-based approach to increase access by
      providing methadone without counseling for individuals waiting for admission to
      comprehensive treatment. Little is known about the role of patient
      characteristics in predicting outcomes in the IM service pathway (IM with
      comprehensive methadone treatment following IM).  METHODS: This study examined
      the relationship between patient motivation and dropout among patients in the IM
      service pathway (n=183). Participants were assessed with the Addiction Severity
      Index, the Texas Christian University Motivation Scales, and study-specific
      instruments at baseline, 4 month follow-up or admission to comprehensive
      treatment (whichever occurred first), and 6 months thereafter. Multinomial
      logistic regression was used for the analysis, controlling for demographics,
      route of administration, cocaine use, criminal justice history, and treatment
      history.  RESULTS: Of the total sample, 62% were retained throughout the IM
      service pathway, 20% left IM, and 18% left subsequent comprehensive treatment.
      Motivation did not predict dropout from either IM or comprehensive treatment
      following IM. Unexpectedly, neither did any of the other explanatory variables
      included in the model.  CONCLUSIONS: Most patients remained in the IM service
      pathway. The patient characteristics examined are not associated with
      discontinuation of IM or subsequent comprehensive methadone treatment. 
      SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE: The findings that most patients were retained in the IM
      service pathway, and that no subgroup experienced higher probability of dropout,
      bolster the public health potential of IM as a service strategy.

PMID- 22053123
TI  - Adaptive Confidence Intervals for the Test Error in Classification.
AB  - The estimated test error of a learned classifier is the most commonly reported
      measure of classifier performance. However, constructing a high quality point
      estimator of the test error has proved to be very difficult. Furthermore, common
      interval estimators (e.g. confidence intervals) are based on the point estimator
      of the test error and thus inherit all the difficulties associated with the point
      estimation problem. As a result, these confidence intervals do not reliably
      deliver nominal coverage. In contrast we directly construct the confidence
      interval by use of smooth data-dependent upper and lower bounds on the test
      error. We prove that for linear classifiers, the proposed confidence interval
      automatically adapts to the non-smoothness of the test error, is consistent under
      fixed and local alternatives, and does not require that the Bayes classifier be
      linear. Moreover, the method provides nominal coverage on a suite of test
      problems using a range of classification algorithms and sample sizes.

PMID- 22053124
TI  - Correlations of cave levels, stream terraces and planation surfaces along the
      River Mur-Timing of landscape evolution along the eastern margin of the Alps.
AB  - The transition zone of the Eastern Alps to the Pannonian Basin provides one of
      the best sources of information on landscape evolution of the Eastern Alpine
      mountain range. The region was non-glaciated during the entire Pleistocene. Thus,
      direct influence of glacial carving as a landscape forming process can be
      excluded and relics of landforms are preserved that date back to at least the
      Late Neogene. In this study, we provide a correlation between various planation
      surfaces across the orogen-basin transition. In particular, we use stream
      terraces, planation surfaces and cave levels that cover a vertical spread of some
      700 m. Our correlation is used to show that both sides of the transition zone
      uplifted together starting at least about 5 Ma ago. For our correlation we use
      recently published terrestrial cosmogenic nuclide (TCN) burial ages from cave
      sediments, new optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) ages of a stream terrace
      and U-Th ages from speleothems. Minimum age constraints of cave levels from
      burial ages of cave sediments covering the last ~ 4 Ma are used to place age
      constraints on surface features by parallelizing cave levels with planation
      surfaces. The OSL results for the top section of the type locality of the
      Helfbrunn terrace suggest an Early Wurm development (80.5 +/- 3.7 to 68.7 +/- 4.0
      ka). The terrace origin as a penultimate gravel deposit (in classical Alpine
      terminology Riss) is therefore questioned. U-series speleothem ages from caves
      nearby indicate formation during Marine Isotope Stages (MIS) 5c and 5a which are
      both interstadial warm periods. As OSL ages from the terrace also show a time of
      deposition during MIS 5a ending at the MIS 5/4 transition, this supports the idea
      of temperate climatic conditions at the time of deposition. In general, tectonic
      activity is interpreted to be the main driving force for the formation and
      evolution of these landforms, whilst climate change is suggested to be of minor
      importance. Obvious hiatuses in Miocene to Pleistocene sediments are related to
      ongoing erosion and re-excavation of an uplifting and rejuvenating landscape.

PMID- 22053125
TI  - Kink-like mode of a double gradient instability in a compressible plasma current
      sheet.
AB  - A linear MHD instability of the electric current sheet, characterized by a small
      normal magnetic field component, varying along the sheet, is investigated. The
      tangential magnetic field component is modeled by a hyperbolic function,
      describing Harris-like variations of the field across the sheet. For this
      problem, which is formulated in a 3D domain, the conventional compressible ideal
      MHD equations are applied. By assuming Fourier harmonics along the electric
      current, the linearized 3D equations are reduced to 2D ones. A finite difference
      numerical scheme is applied to examine the time evolution of small initial
      perturbations of the plasma parameters. This work is an extended numerical study
      of the so called "double gradient instability", - a possible candidate for the
      explanation of flapping oscillations in the magnetotail current sheet, which has
      been analyzed previously in the framework of a simplified analytical approach for
      an incompressible plasma. The dispersion curve is obtained for the kink-like mode
      of the instability. It is shown that this curve demonstrates a quantitative
      agreement with the previous analytical result. The development of the instability
      is investigated also for various enhanced values of the normal magnetic field
      component. It is found that the characteristic values of the growth rate of the
      instability shows a linear dependence on the square root of the parameter, which
      scales uniformly the normal component of the magnetic field in the current sheet.

PMID- 22053126
TI  - The contribution of cell-cell signaling and motility to bacterial biofilm
      formation.
AB  - Many bacteria grow attached to a surface as biofilms. Several factors dictate
      biofilm formation, including responses by the colonizing bacteria to their
      environment. Here we review how bacteria use cell-cell signaling (also called
      quorum sensing) and motility during biofilm formation. Specifically, we describe
      quorum sensing and surface motility exhibited by the bacterium Pseudomonas
      aeruginosa, a ubiquitous environmental organism that acts as an opportunistic
      human pathogen in immunocompromised individuals. P. aeruginosa uses acyl
      homoserine lactone signals during quorum sensing to synchronize gene expression
      important to the production of polysaccharides, rhamnolipid, and other virulence
      factors. Surface motility affects the assembly and architecture of biofilms, and
      some aspects of motility are also influenced by quorum sensing. While some genes
      and their function are specific to P. aeruginosa, many aspects of biofilm
      development can be used as a model system to understand how bacteria
      differentially colonize surfaces.

PMID- 22053127
TI  - Structurally Diverse Nitric Oxide-Releasing Poly(propylene Imine) Dendrimers.
AB  - Structurally diverse secondary amine-functionalized poly(propylene imine) (PPI)
      dendrimers capable of tunable nitric oxide (NO) release were synthesized in a
      straightforward, one-step manner using ring-opening or conjugate-addition
      reactions with propylene oxide (PO), styrene oxide (SO), acrylonitrile (ACN),
      poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether acrylate (average Mn = 480) (PEG) or 1,2-epoxy
      9-decene (ED). N-Diazeniumdiolate nitric oxide donors were formed on the
      resulting secondary amine-functionalized G2-G5 PPI dendrimers by reaction with NO
      gas in basic solution. The NO storage and release kinetics for the resulting
      dendritic scaffolds were diverse (0.9-3.8 MUmol NO/mg totals and 0.3 to 4.9 h
      half lives), illustrating the importance of the exterior chemical modification
      (e.g., steric environments, hydrophobicity, etc.) on diazeniumdiolate
      stability/decomposition. Tunable NO release was demonstrated by combining two
      donor systems on the exterior of one macromolecular scaffold. Additionally, a
      mathematical model was developed that allows for the simulation of dual NO
      release kinetics using the NO release data from the two single NO donor systems.
      The approaches described herein extend the range and scope of NO-releasing
      macromolecular scaffolds by unlocking a series of materials for use as dopants in
      biomedical polymers or stand-alone therapeutics depending on the exterior
      modification.

PMID- 22053146
TI  - Rapid and accurate developmental stage recognition of C. elegans from high
      throughput image data.
AB  - We present a hierarchical principle for object recognition and its application to
      automatically classify developmental stages of C. elegans animals from a
      population of mixed stages. The object recognition machine consists of four
      hierarchical layers, each composed of units upon which evaluation functions
      output a label score, followed by a grouping mechanism that resolves ambiguities
      in the score by imposing local consistency constraints. Each layer then outputs
      groups of units, from which the units of the next layer are derived. Using this
      hierarchical principle, the machine builds up successively more sophisticated
      representations of the objects to be classified. The algorithm segments large and
      small objects, decomposes objects into parts, extracts features from these parts,
      and classifies them by SVM. We are using this system to analyze phenotypic data
      from C. elegans high-throughput genetic screens, and our system overcomes a
      previous bottleneck in image analysis by achieving near real-time scoring of
      image data. The system is in current use in a functioning C. elegans laboratory
      and has processed over two hundred thousand images for lab users.

PMID- 22053147
TI  - Active suppression of distractors that match the contents of visual working
      memory.
AB  - The biased competition theory proposes that items matching the contents of visual
      working memory will automatically have an advantage in the competition for
      attention. However, evidence for an automatic effect has been mixed, perhaps
      because the memory-driven attentional bias can be overcome by top-down
      suppression. To test this hypothesis, the Pd component of the event-related
      potential waveform was used as a marker of attentional suppression. While
      observers maintained a color in working memory, task-irrelevant probe arrays were
      presented that contained an item matching the color being held in memory. We
      found that the memory-matching probe elicited a Pd component, indicating that it
      was being actively suppressed. This result suggests that sensory inputs matching
      the information being held in visual working memory are automatically detected
      and generate an "attend-to-me" signal, but this signal can be overridden by an
      active suppression mechanism to prevent the actual capture of attention.

PMID- 22053148
TI  - Seeing the destination but not the path: Effects of socioeconomic disadvantage on
      school-focused possible self content and linked behavioral strategies.
AB  - Low-income children perform better in school when school-focused future
      identities are a salient aspect of their possible self for the coming year and
      these school-focused future identities are linked to behavioral strategies
      (Oyserman et al., 2006). Hierarchical linear modeling of data from a four-state
      low-income neighborhood sample of eighth-graders suggests two central
      consequences of family and neighborhood socioeconomic deprivation on children's
      school-focused possible identities and strategies. First, higher neighborhood
      disadvantage is associated with greater salience of school in children's possible
      self for the coming year. Second, disadvantage clouds the path to school-success;
      controlling for salience of school-focused possible identities, children living
      in lower socioeconomic status families and boys living in more economically
      disadvantaged neighborhoods were less likely to have strategies to attain their
      school-focused possible identities. The influence of family socioeconomic status
      was seen particularly with regard to strategies to attain academic success and
      teacher engagement aspects of school-focused identities.

PMID- 22053149
TI  - Florida Red Tide Toxins (Brevetoxins) and Longitudinal Respiratory Effects in
      Asthmatics.
AB  - Having demonstrated significant and persistent adverse changes in pulmonary
      function for asthmatics after 1 hour exposure to brevetoxins in Florida red tide
      (Karenia brevis bloom) aerosols, we assessed the possible longer term health
      effects in asthmatics from intermittent environmental exposure to brevetoxins
      over 7 years. 125 asthmatic subjects were assessed for their pulmonary function
      and reported symptoms before and after 1 hour of environmental exposure to
      Florida red tide aerosols for upto 11 studies over seven years. As a group, the
      asthmatics came to the studies with normal standardized percent predicted
      pulmonary function values. The 38 asthmatics who participated in only one
      exposure study were more reactive compared to the 36 asthmatics who participated
      in >=4 exposure studies. The 36 asthmatics participating in >=4 exposure studies
      demonstrated no significant change in their standardized percent predicted pre
      exposure pulmonary function over the 7 years of the study. These results indicate
      that stable asthmatics living in areas with intermittent Florida red tides do not
      exhibit chronic respiratory effects from intermittent environmental exposure to
      aerosolized brevetoxins over a 7 year period.

PMID- 22053150
TI  - Regulation of neural stem cell in the human SVZ by trophic and morphogenic
      factors.
AB  - The subventricular zone (SVZ), lining the lateral ventricular system, is the
      largest germinal region in mammals. In there, neural stem cells express markers
      related to astoglial lineage that give rise to new neurons and oligodendrocytes
      in vivo. In the adult human brain, in vitro evidence has also shown that
      astrocytic cells isolated from the SVZ can generate new neurons and
      oligodendrocytes. These proliferative cells are strongly controlled by a number
      of signals and molecules that modulate, activate or repress the cell division,
      renewal, proliferation and fate of neural stem cells. In this review, we
      summarize the cellular composition of the adult human SVZ (hSVZ) and discuss the
      increasing evidence showing that some trophic modulators strongly control the
      function of neural stem cells in the SVZ.

PMID- 22053151
TI  - Glycogen synthase kinase-3: a promising therapeutic target for fragile x
      syndrome.
AB  - Recent advances in understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms contributing
      to fragile X syndrome (FXS) have increased optimism that drug interventions can
      provide significant therapeutic benefits. FXS results from inadequate expression
      of functional fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP). FMRP may have several
      functions, but it is most well-established as an RNA binding protein that
      regulates translation, and it is thought that by this mechanism FMRP is capable
      of affecting numerous cellular processes by selectively regulating protein
      levels. The multiple cellular functions regulated by FMRP suggest that multiple
      interventions may be required for reversing the effects of deficient FMRP.
      Evidence that inhibitors of glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3) may contribute to
      the therapeutic treatment of FXS is reviewed here. Lithium, a GSK3 inhibitor,
      improved function in the Drosophila model of FXS. In mice lacking FMRP expression
      (FX mice), GSK3 is hyperactive in several brain regions. Significant improvements
      in several FX-related phenotypes have been obtained in FX mice following the
      administration of lithium, and in some case other GSK3 inhibitors. These
      responses include normalization of heightened audiogenic seizure susceptibility
      and of hyperactive locomotor behavior, enhancement of passive avoidance learning
      retention and of sociability behaviors, and corrections of macroorchidism,
      neuronal spine density, and neural plasticity measured electrophysiologically as
      long term depression. A pilot clinical trial of lithium in patients with FXS also
      found improvements in several measures of behavior. Taken together, these
      findings indicate that lithium and other inhibitors of GSK3 are promising
      candidate therapeutic agents for treating FXS.

PMID- 22053152
TI  - Preliminary Evidence of Pre-Attentive Distinctions of Frequency-Modulated Tones
      that Convey Affect.
AB  - Recognizing emotion is an evolutionary imperative. An early stage of auditory
      scene analysis involves the perceptual grouping of acoustic features, which can
      be based on both temporal coincidence and spectral features such as perceived
      pitch. Perceived pitch, or fundamental frequency (F(0)), is an especially salient
      cue for differentiating affective intent through speech intonation (prosody). We
      hypothesized that: (1) simple frequency-modulated tone abstractions, based on the
      parameters of actual prosodic stimuli, would be reliably classified as
      representing differing emotional categories; and (2) that such differences would
      yield significant mismatch negativities (MMNs) - an index of pre-attentive
      deviance detection within the auditory environment. We constructed a set of FM
      tones that approximated the F(0) mean and variation of reliably recognized happy
      and neutral prosodic stimuli. These stimuli were presented to 13 subjects using a
      passive listening oddball paradigm. We additionally included stimuli with no
      frequency modulation (FM) and FM tones with identical carrier frequencies but
      differing modulation depths as control conditions. Following electrophysiological
      recording, subjects were asked to identify the sounds they heard as happy, sad,
      angry, or neutral. We observed that FM tones abstracted from happy and no
      expression speech stimuli elicited MMNs. Post hoc behavioral testing revealed
      that subjects reliably identified the FM tones in a consistent manner. Finally,
      we also observed that FM tones and no-FM tones elicited equivalent MMNs. MMNs to
      FM tones that differentiate affect suggests that these abstractions may be
      sufficient to characterize prosodic distinctions, and that these distinctions can
      be represented in pre-attentive auditory sensory memory.

PMID- 22053154
TI  - Beyond Extrastriate Body Area (EBA) and Fusiform Body Area (FBA): Context
      Integration in the Meaning of Actions.

PMID- 22053153
TI  - Pre-chemotherapy differences in visuospatial working memory in breast cancer
      patients compared to controls: an FMRI study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Cognitive deficits are a side-effect of chemotherapy, however pre
      treatment research is limited. This study examines neurofunctional differences
      during working memory between breast cancer (BC) patients and controls, prior to
      chemotherapy. METHODS: Early stage BC females (23), scanned after surgery but
      before chemotherapy, were individually matched to non-cancer controls.
      Participants underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) while
      performing a Visuospatial N-back task and data was analyzed by multiple group
      comparisons. fMRI task performance, neuropsychological tests, hospital records,
      and salivary biomarkers were also collected. RESULTS: There were no significant
      group differences on neuropsychological tests, estrogen, or cortisol. Patients
      made significantly fewer commission errors but had less overall correct responses
      and were slower than controls during the task. Significant group differences were
      observed for the fMRI data, yet results depended on the type of analysis. BC
      patients presented with increased activations during working memory compared to
      controls in areas such as the inferior frontal gyrus, insula, thalamus, and
      midbrain. Individual group regressions revealed a reverse relationship between
      brain activity and commission errors. CONCLUSION: This is the first fMRI
      investigation to reveal neurophysiological differences during visuospatial
      working memory between BC patients pre-chemotherapy and controls. These results
      also increase the knowledge about the effects of BC and related factors on the
      working memory network. SIGNIFICANCE: This highlights the need to better
      understand the pre-chemotherapy BC patient and the effects of associated
      confounding variables.

PMID- 22053155
TI  - Knowledge synthesis with maps of neural connectivity.
AB  - This paper describes software for neuroanatomical knowledge synthesis based on
      neural connectivity data. This software supports a mature methodology developed
      since the early 1990s. Over this time, the Swanson laboratory at USC has
      generated an account of the neural connectivity of the sub-structures of the
      hypothalamus, amygdala, septum, hippocampus, and bed nucleus of the stria
      terminalis. This is based on neuroanatomical data maps drawn into a standard
      brain atlas by experts. In earlier work, we presented an application for
      visualizing and comparing anatomical macro connections using the Swanson third
      edition atlas as a framework for accurate registration. Here we describe major
      improvements to the NeuARt application based on the incorporation of a knowledge
      representation of experimental design. We also present improvements in the
      interface and features of the data mapping components within a unified web
      application. As a step toward developing an accurate sub-regional account of
      neural connectivity, we provide navigational access between the data maps and a
      semantic representation of area-to-area connections that they support. We do so
      based on an approach called "Knowledge Engineering from Experimental Design"
      (KEfED) model that is based on experimental variables. We have extended the
      underlying KEfED representation of tract-tracing experiments by incorporating the
      definition of a neuronanatomical data map as a measurement variable in the study
      design. This paper describes the software design of a web-application that allows
      anatomical data sets to be described within a standard experimental context and
      thus indexed by non-spatial experimental design features.

PMID- 22053156
TI  - The sodium channel as a target for local anesthetic drugs.
AB  - Na channels are the source of excitatory currents for the nervous system and
      muscle. They are the target for a class of drugs called local anesthetics (LA),
      which have been used for local and regional anesthesia and for excitatory
      problems such as epilepsy and cardiac arrhythmia. These drugs are prototypes for
      new analgesic drugs. The drug-binding site has been localized to the inner pore
      of the channel, where drugs interact mainly with a phenylalanine in domain IV S6.
      Drug affinity is both voltage- and use-dependent. Voltage-dependency is the
      result of changes in the conformation of the inner pore during channel activation
      and opening, allowing high energy interaction of drugs with the phenylalanine. LA
      drugs also reduce the gating current of Na channels, which represents the
      movement of charged residues in the voltage sensors. Specifically, drug binding
      to phenylalanine locks the domain III S4 in its outward (activated) position, and
      slows recovery of the domain IV S4. Although strongly affecting gating, LA drugs
      almost certainly also block by steric occlusion of the pore. Molecular definition
      of the binding and blocking interactions may help in new drug development.

PMID- 22053157
TI  - Tube-load model parameter estimation for monitoring arterial hemodynamics.
AB  - A useful model of the arterial system is the uniform, lossless tube with
      parametric load. This tube-load model is able to account for wave propagation and
      reflection (unlike lumped-parameter models such as the Windkessel) while being
      defined by only a few parameters (unlike comprehensive distributed-parameter
      models). As a result, the parameters may be readily estimated by accurate fitting
      of the model to available arterial pressure and flow waveforms so as to permit
      improved monitoring of arterial hemodynamics. In this paper, we review tube-load
      model parameter estimation techniques that have appeared in the literature for
      monitoring wave reflection, large artery compliance, pulse transit time, and
      central aortic pressure. We begin by motivating the use of the tube-load model
      for parameter estimation. We then describe the tube-load model, its assumptions
      and validity, and approaches for estimating its parameters. We next summarize the
      various techniques and their experimental results while highlighting their
      advantages over conventional techniques. We conclude the review by suggesting
      future research directions and describing potential applications.

PMID- 22053158
TI  - Growth patterns of neuropsychological functions in Indian children.
AB  - We investigated age-related differences in neuropsychological performance in 400
      Indian school children (5-15 years of age). Functions of motor speed, attention,
      executive functions, visuospatial functions, comprehension, learning, and memory
      were examined. Growth curve analysis was performed. Different growth models
      fitted different cognitive functions. Neuropsychological task performance
      improved slowly between 5 and 7 years, moderately between 8 and 12 years and
      slowly between 13 and 15 years of age. The overall growth patterns of
      neuropsychological functions in Indian children have been discussed with the
      findings reported on American children. The present work describes non-linear,
      heterogeneous, and protracted age trends of neuropsychological functions in
      Indian children and adolescents.

PMID- 22053159
TI  - Feature integration across the lifespan: stickier stimulus-response bindings in
      children and older adults.
AB  - Humans integrate the features of perceived events and of action plans into
      episodic event files. Here we investigated whether children (9-10 years), younger
      adults (20-31 years), and older adults (64-76 years) differ in the flexibility of
      managing (updating) event files. Relative to young adults, performance in
      children and older adults was more hampered by partial mismatches between present
      and previous stimulus-response relations, suggesting less efficient updating of
      episodic stimulus-response representations in childhood and old age. Results are
      discussed in relation to changes in cortical neurochemistry during maturation and
      senescence.

PMID- 22053160
TI  - Comparing word processing times in naming, lexical decision, and progressive
      demasking: evidence from chronolex.
AB  - We report performance measures for lexical decision (LD), word naming (NMG), and
      progressive demasking (PDM) for a large sample of monosyllabic monomorphemic
      French words (N = 1,482). We compare the tasks and also examine the impact of
      word length, word frequency, initial phoneme, orthographic and phonological
      distance to neighbors, age-of-acquisition, and subjective frequency. Our results
      show that objective word frequency is by far the most important variable to
      predict reaction times in LD. For word naming, it is the first phoneme. PDM was
      more influenced by a semantic variable (word imageability) than LD, but was also
      affected to a much greater extent by perceptual variables (word length, first
      phoneme/letters). This may reduce its usefulness as a psycholinguistic word
      recognition task.

PMID- 22053161
TI  - "Delivering knowledge and advice": Healthcare providers' experiences of their
      interaction with patients' management of rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - Rheumatic diseases are often chronic and involve a lifetime of suffering. The
      focus of rheumatology care is to support patients to manage their lives and
      master their disease. Healthcare providers and patients have different views on
      the consequences of living with rheumatic diseases and patients are reporting
      unmet healthcare needs. There is a need to integrate providers' perspective to
      develop the quality of rheumatology care. The aim was to explore healthcare
      providers' experiences of their interaction with patients in their management of
      RA. Interviews with 18 providers from different clinical settings were analysed
      in accordance with the grounded theory method. A core category; Delivering
      knowledge and advice was found to be the most important task and involved
      providing the patient with information about the disease and appropriate forms of
      treatment. Healthcare providers' attitudes and patients' responses influenced the
      outcome of the delivery of knowledge and advice and three dimensions emerged;
      completed delivery, adjusted delivery and failed delivery. There were differences
      in the providers' experiences in their interaction with patients as well as in
      reflections on their role as the delivering part. There could be difficulties in
      the interaction when patients' expectations and preferences were not taken into
      account when giving advice. These findings highlight the importance of developing
      rheumatology care, as no provider or patient benefits if the delivery of
      knowledge and advice becomes a failed delivery. The healthcare organization must
      acknowledge the difficulties involved in the interaction with patients in their
      management of RA and find methods to develop a more person-centred approach to
      care.

PMID- 22053162
TI  - Torrenting values, feelings, and thoughts-Cyber nursing and virtual self-care in
      a breast augmentation forum.
AB  - Earlier research shows that breast augmentation is positively correlated with
      positive psychological states. The aim of this study was to explore the shared
      values, feelings, and thoughts within the culture of breast enlargement among
      women visiting Internet-based forums when considering and/or undergoing esthetic
      plastic surgery. The study used a netnographic method for gathering and analyzing
      data. The findings show that the women used the Internet forum to provide
      emotional support to other women. Through electronic postings, they cared for and
      nursed each others' anxiety and feelings throughout the whole process. Apart from
      the process, another central issue was that the women's relationships were
      frequently discussed; specifically their relationship to themselves, their
      environment, and with the surgeons. The findings suggest that Internet forums
      represent a channel through which posters can share values, feelings, and
      thoughts from the position of an agent of action as well as from a position as
      the object of action. These dual positions and the medium endow the women with a
      virtual nursing competence that would otherwise be unavailable. By introducing
      the concept of torrenting as a means of sharing important self-care information,
      the authors provide a concept that can be further explored in relation to post
      modern self-care strategies within contemporary nursing theories and practice.

PMID- 22053163
TI  - IMAGING: Focusing light in scattering media.
AB  - Combining ultrasonic modulation and optical phase conjugation allows light to be
      tightly focused in a scattering medium, providing benefits for studies of
      photophysical, photochemical and photobiological processes.

PMID- 22053164
TI  - Idiopathic simultaneous bilateral Achilles tendon rupture.
AB  - Cases of simultaneous bilateral rupture of the Achilles tendon are extremely rare
      and usually associated with other pathology. Our patient was a healthy,
      previously asymptomatic 33-year-old woman with no obvious predisposing factors
      other than a remote history of involvement in gymnastics. The patient opted for
      surgical management which resulted in a favourable outcome.

PMID- 22053165
TI  - Acute renal failure followed by low back ache.

PMID- 22053166
TI  - Contrast induced hyperthyroidism due to iodine excess.
AB  - Iodine induced hyperthyroidism is a thyrotoxic condition caused by exposure to
      excessive iodine. Historically this type of hyperthyroidism has been described in
      areas of iodine deficiency. With advances in medicine, iodine induced
      hyperthyroidism has been observed following the use of drugs containing iodine
      for example, amiodarone, and contrast agents used in radiological imaging. In
      elderly patients it is frequently difficult to diagnose and control contrast
      related hyperthyroidism, as most of these patients do not always present with
      typical signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Treatment can be very challenging
      as drugs commonly used to treat hyperthyroidism have little effect on already
      formed thyroid hormone due to iodine excess.

PMID- 22053167
TI  - Sudden death caused by Staphylococcus aureus carrying Panton-Valentine leukocidin
      gene in a young girl.
AB  - Staphylococcus aureus carrying the Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) gene could
      be the source of both recurrent furunculosis or abscesses and severe infections,
      mainly necrotising pneumonia. We present the case of a young girl from
      consanguineous parents who died suddenly. The postmortem examination revealed
      necrotising pneumonia due to a PVL producing Staphylococcus aureus strain,
      raising the question of the role of the host's immune status in this infection.

PMID- 22053168
TI  - Why not? - Communicating stochastic information by use of unsorted frequency
      pictograms - a randomised controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Statistical health risk information has been proven confusing and
      difficult to understand. While existing research indicates that presenting risk
      information in frequency formats is superior to relative risk and probability
      formats, the optimal design of frequency formats is still unclear. The aim of
      this study was to compare presentation of multi-figure pictographs in consecutive
      and random arrangements regarding accuracy in perception and vulnerability for
      cognitive bias. METHODS: A total of 111 patients with multiple sclerosis were
      randomly assigned to two experimental conditions: patient information using 100
      figure pictographs in 1) unsorted (UP group) or 2) consecutive arrangement (CP
      group).The study experiment was framed as patient information on how risks and
      benefit could be explained. The information comprised two scenarios of a
      treatment decision with varying levels of emotional relevance. Primary outcome
      measure was accuracy of information recall (errors made when recalling previously
      presented frequencies of benefits and side effects). Cognitive bias was measured
      as additional error appearing with higher emotional involvement. The uncertainty
      tolerance scale and a set of items to assess risk attribution were surveyed.
      RESULTS: The study groups did not differ in their accuracy of recalling benefits,
      but recall of side effects was more accurate in the CP-group. Cognitive bias when
      recalling benefits was higher in the UP-group than in the CP-group and equal for
      side effects in both groups. RESULTS were similar in subgroup analyses of
      patients 1) with highly irrational risk attribution 2) with experience regarding
      the hypothetical contents or 3) with experience regarding pictograph presentation
      of frequencies. Overall, benefit was overestimated by more than 100% and variance
      of recall was extremely high. CONCLUSIONS: Consecutive arrangement as commonly
      used seems not clearly superior to unsorted arrangement which is more close to
      reality. General poor performance and the corresponding high variance of recall
      might have clouded existing effects of the arrangement types. More research is
      needed with varying proportions and other samples.

PMID- 22053169
TI  - The Protective Effects of Ischemic Postconditioning against Stroke: From Rapid to
      Delayed and Remote Postconditioning.
AB  - The author reviews the protective effects of ischemic postconditioning, a
      recently emerging strategy with broad implications in the search for new
      treatments in stroke and myocardial ischemic injury. Ischemic postconditioning,
      which refers to a series of brief ischemia and reperfusion cycles applied
      immediately at the site of the ischemic organ after reperfusion, results in
      reduced infarction in both cerebral and myocardial ischemia. Conventional
      postconditioning induced within a few minutes after reperfusion is arbitrarily
      defined as rapid postconditioning. In contrast, postconditioning performed hours
      to days after stroke is defined as delayed postconditioning. In addition,
      postconditioning can be mimicked using anesthetics or other pharmacological
      agents as stimuli to protect against ischemia/reperfusion injury or performed in
      a distant organ, which is known as remote postconditioning. In this article, the
      author discusses the conceptual origin of classical rapid ischemic
      postconditioning and its evolution into a term that represents a broad range of
      stimuli or triggers, including delayed postconditioning, pharmacological
      postconditioning, and remote postconditioning. Thereafter, various in vivo and in
      vitro models of postconditioning and its potential protective mechanisms are
      discussed. Since the concept of postconditioning is so closely associated with
      that of preconditioning and both share some common protective mechanisms, whether
      a combination of preconditioning and postconditioning offers greater protection
      than preconditioning or postconditioning alone is also discussed.

PMID- 22053170
TI  - Time to put the CAR-T before the horse.

PMID- 22053171
TI  - Lymphoma spread? Target CD47-SIRPalpha!

PMID- 22053172
TI  - Released on a WHIM.

PMID- 22053173
TI  - Th1 and Th17 join forces for acute GVHD.

PMID- 22053174
TI  - Ang2, the instigator of inflammation.

PMID- 22053175
TI  - On the measurement of movement difficulty in the standard approach to Fitts' law.
AB  - Fitts' law is an empirical rule of thumb which predicts the time it takes people,
      under time pressure, to reach with some pointer a target of width W located at a
      distance D. It has been traditionally assumed that the predictor of movement time
      must be some mathematical transform of the quotient of D/W, called the index of
      difficulty (ID) of the movement task. We ask about the scale of measurement
      involved in this independent variable. We show that because there is no such
      thing as a zero-difficulty movement, the IDs of the literature run on non-ratio
      scales of measurement. One notable consequence is that, contrary to a widespread
      belief, the value of the y-intercept of Fitts' law is uninterpretable. To improve
      the traditional Fitts paradigm, we suggest grounding difficulty on relative
      target tolerance W/D, which has a physical zero, unlike relative target distance
      D/W. If no one can explain what is meant by a zero-difficulty movement task,
      everyone can understand what is meant by a target layout whose relative tolerance
      W/D is zero, and hence whose relative intolerance 1-W/D is 1 or 100%. We use the
      data of Fitts' famous tapping experiment to illustrate these points. Beyond the
      scale of measurement issue, there is reason to doubt that task difficulty is the
      right object to try to measure in basic research on Fitts' law, target layout
      manipulations having never provided users of the traditional Fitts paradigm with
      satisfactory control over the variations of the speed and accuracy of movements.
      We advocate the trade-off paradigm, a recently proposed alternative, which is
      immune to this criticism.

PMID- 22053176
TI  - Beyond genetic factors in familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy: protein glycation
      and the loss of fibrinogen's chaperone activity.
AB  - Familial amyloidotic polyneuropathy (FAP) is a systemic conformational disease
      characterized by extracellular amyloid fibril formation from plasma transthyretin
      (TTR). This is a crippling, fatal disease for which liver transplantation is the
      only effective therapy. More than 80 TTR point mutations are associated with
      amyloidotic diseases and the most widely accepted disease model relates TTR
      tetramer instability with TTR point mutations. However, this model fails to
      explain two observations. First, native TTR also forms amyloid in systemic senile
      amyloidosis, a geriatric disease. Second, age at disease onset varies by decades
      for patients bearing the same mutation and some mutation carrier individuals are
      asymptomatic throughout their lives. Hence, mutations only accelerate the process
      and non-genetic factors must play a key role in the molecular mechanisms of
      disease. One of these factors is protein glycation, previously associated with
      conformational diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The glycation
      hypothesis in FAP is supported by our previous discovery of methylglyoxal-derived
      glycation of amyloid fibrils in FAP patients. Here we show that plasma proteins
      are differentially glycated by methylglyoxal in FAP patients and that fibrinogen
      is the main glycation target. Moreover, we also found that fibrinogen interacts
      with TTR in plasma. Fibrinogen has chaperone activity which is compromised upon
      glycation by methylglyoxal. Hence, we propose that methylglyoxal glycation
      hampers the chaperone activity of fibrinogen, rendering TTR more prone to
      aggregation, amyloid formation and ultimately, disease.

PMID- 22053177
TI  - Differential requirement for cathepsin D for processing of the full length and C
      terminal fragment of the malaria antigen MSP1.
AB  - Merozoite Surface Protein 1 is expressed on the surface of malaria merozoites and
      is important for invasion of the malaria parasite into erythrocytes. MSP1
      specific CD4 T cell responses and antibody can confer protective immunity in
      experimental models of malaria. In this study we explore the contributions of
      cathepsins D and E, two aspartic proteinases previously implicated in antigen
      processing, to generating MSP1 CD4 T-cell epitopes for presentation. The absence
      of cathepsin D, a late endosome/lysosomal enzyme, is associated with a reduced
      presentation of MSP1 both following in vitro processing of the epitope MSP1 from
      infected erythrocytes by bone marrow-derived dendritic cells, and following in
      vivo processing by splenic CD11c+ dendritic cells. By contrast, processing and
      presentation of the soluble recombinant protein fragment of MSP1 is unaffected by
      the absence of cathepsin D, but is inhibited when both cathepsin D and E are
      absent. The role of different proteinases in generating the CD4 T cell
      repertoire, therefore, depends on the context in which an antigen is introduced
      to the immune system.

PMID- 22053178
TI  - Identification of microRNAs as potential prognostic markers in ependymoma.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: We have examined expression of microRNAs (miRNAs) in ependymomas to
      identify molecular markers of value for clinical management. miRNAs are non
      coding RNAs that can block mRNA translation and affect mRNA stability. Changes in
      the expression of miRNAs have been correlated with many human cancers. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: We have utilized TaqMan Low Density Arrays to evaluate the
      expression of 365 miRNAs in ependymomas and normal brain tissue. We first
      demonstrated the similarity of expression profiles of paired frozen tissue (FT)
      and paraffin-embedded specimens (FFPE). We compared the miRNA expression profiles
      of 34 FFPE ependymoma samples with 8 microdissected normal brain tissue specimens
      enriched for ependymal cells. miRNA expression profiles were then correlated with
      tumor location, histology and other clinicopathological features. RESULTS: We
      have identified miRNAs that are over-expressed in ependymomas, such as miR-135a
      and miR-17-5p, and down-regulated, such as miR-383 and miR-485-5p. We have also
      uncovered associations between expression of specific miRNAs which portend a
      worse prognosis. For example, we have identified a cluster of miRNAs on human
      chromosome 14q32 that is associated with time to relapse. We also found that miR
      203 is an independent marker for relapse compared to the parameters that are
      currently used. Additionally, we have identified three miRNAs (let-7d, miR-596
      and miR-367) that strongly correlate to overall survival. CONCLUSION: We have
      identified miRNAs that are differentially expressed in ependymomas compared with
      normal ependymal tissue. We have also uncovered significant associations of
      miRNAs with clinical behavior. This is the first report of clinically relevant
      miRNAs in ependymomas.

PMID- 22053179
TI  - Activity-dependent changes in cholinergic innervation of the mouse olfactory
      bulb.
AB  - The interplay between olfactory activity and cholinergic modulation remains to be
      fully understood. This report examines the pattern of cholinergic innervation
      throughout the murine main olfactory bulb across different developmental stages
      and in naris-occluded animals. To visualize the pattern of cholinergic
      innervation, we used a transgenic mouse model, which expresses a fusion of the
      microtubule-associated protein, tau, with green fluorescence protein (GFP) under
      the control of the choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) promoter. This tau-GFP fusion
      product allows for a remarkably vivid and clear visualization of cholinergic
      innervation in the main olfactory bulb (MOB). Interestingly, we find an uneven
      distribution of GFP label in the adult glomerular layer (GL), where anterior,
      medial, and lateral glomerular regions of the bulb receive relatively heavier
      cholinergic innervation than other regions. In contrast to previous reports, we
      find a marked change in the pattern of cholinergic innervation to the GL
      following unilateral naris occlusion between the ipsilateral and contralateral
      bulbs in adult animals.

PMID- 22053180
TI  - Dengue type 4 live-attenuated vaccine viruses passaged in vero cells affect
      genetic stability and dengue-induced hemorrhaging in mice.
AB  - Most live-attenuated tetravalent dengue virus vaccines in current clinical trials
      are produced from Vero cells. In a previous study we demonstrated that an
      infectious cDNA clone-derived dengue type 4 (DEN-4) virus retains higher genetic
      stability in MRC-5 cells than in Vero cells. For this study we investigated two
      DEN-4 viruses: the infectious cDNA clone-derived DEN-4 2A and its derived 3' NCR
      30-nucleotide deletion mutant DEN-4 2ADelta30, a vaccine candidate. Mutations in
      the C-prM-E, NS2B-NS3, and NS4B-NS5 regions of the DEN genome were sequenced and
      compared following cell passages in Vero and MRC-5 cells. Our results indicate
      stronger genetic stability in both viruses following MRC-5 cell passages, leading
      to significantly lower RNA polymerase error rates when the DEN-4 virus is used
      for genome replication. Although no significant increases in virus titers were
      observed following cell passages, DEN-4 2A and DEN-4 2ADelta30 virus titers
      following Vero cell passages were 17-fold to 25-fold higher than titers following
      MRC-5 cell passages. Neurovirulence for DEN-4 2A and DEN-4 2ADelta30 viruses
      increased significantly following passages in Vero cells compared to passages in
      MRC-5 cells. In addition, more severe DEN-induced hemorrhaging in mice was noted
      following DEN-4 2A and DEN-4 2ADelta30 passages in Vero cells compared to
      passages in MRC-5 cells. Target mutagenesis performed on the DEN-4 2A infectious
      clone indicated that single point mutation of E-Q(438)H, E-V(463)L, NS2B-Q(78)H,
      and NS2B-A(113)T imperatively increased mouse hemorrhaging severity. The
      relationship between amino acid mutations acquired during Vero cell passage and
      enhanced DEN-induced hemorrhages in mice may be important for understanding DHF
      pathogenesis, as well as for the development of live-attenuated dengue vaccines.
      Taken together, the genetic stability, virus yield, and DEN-induced hemorrhaging
      all require further investigation in the context of live-attenuated DEN vaccine
      development.

PMID- 22053181
TI  - Altered antibiotic transport in OmpC mutants isolated from a series of clinical
      strains of multi-drug resistant E. coli.
AB  - Antibiotic-resistant bacteria, particularly gram negative species, present
      significant health care challenges. The permeation of antibiotics through the
      outer membrane is largely effected by the porin superfamily, changes in which
      contribute to antibiotic resistance. A series of antibiotic resistant E. coli
      isolates were obtained from a patient during serial treatment with various
      antibiotics. The sequence of OmpC changed at three positions during treatment
      giving rise to a total of four OmpC variants (denoted OmpC20, OmpC26, OmpC28 and
      OmpC33, in which OmpC20 was derived from the first clinical isolate). We
      demonstrate that expression of the OmpC K12 porin in the clinical isolates lowers
      the MIC, consistent with modified porin function contributing to drug resistance.
      By a range of assays we have established that the three mutations that occur
      between OmpC20 and OmpC33 modify transport of both small molecules and
      antibiotics across the outer membrane. This results in the modulation of
      resistance to antibiotics, particularly cefotaxime. Small ion unitary conductance
      measurements of the isolated porins do not show significant differences between
      isolates. Thus, resistance does not appear to arise from major changes in pore
      size. Crystal structures of all four OmpC clinical mutants and molecular dynamics
      simulations also show that the pore size is essentially unchanged. Molecular
      dynamics simulations suggest that perturbation of the transverse electrostatic
      field at the constriction zone reduces cefotaxime passage through the pore,
      consistent with laboratory and clinical data. This subtle modification of the
      transverse electric field is a very different source of resistance than occlusion
      of the pore or wholesale destruction of the transverse field and points to a new
      mechanism by which porins may modulate antibiotic passage through the outer
      membrane.

PMID- 22053182
TI  - Temporal information processing in short- and long-term memory of patients with
      schizophrenia.
AB  - Cognitive deficits of patients with schizophrenia have been largely recognized as
      core symptoms of the disorder. One neglected factor that contributes to these
      deficits is the comprehension of time. In the present study, we assessed temporal
      information processing and manipulation from short- and long-term memory in 34
      patients with chronic schizophrenia and 34 matched healthy controls. On the short
      term memory temporal-order reconstruction task, an incidental or intentional
      learning strategy was deployed. Patients showed worse overall performance than
      healthy controls. The intentional learning strategy led to dissociable
      performance improvement in both groups. Whereas healthy controls improved on a
      performance measure (serial organization), patients improved on an error measure
      (inappropriate semantic clustering) when using the intentional instead of the
      incidental learning strategy. On the long-term memory script-generation task,
      routine and non-routine events of everyday activities (e.g., buying groceries)
      had to be generated in either chronological or inverted temporal order. Patients
      were slower than controls at generating events in the chronological routine
      condition only. They also committed more sequencing and boundary errors in the
      inverted conditions. The number of irrelevant events was higher in patients in
      the chronological, non-routine condition. These results suggest that patients
      with schizophrenia imprecisely access temporal information from short- and long
      term memory. In short-term memory, processing of temporal information led to a
      reduction in errors rather than, as was the case in healthy controls, to an
      improvement in temporal-order recall. When accessing temporal information from
      long-term memory, patients were slower and committed more sequencing, boundary,
      and intrusion errors. Together, these results suggest that time information can
      be accessed and processed only imprecisely by patients who provide evidence for
      impaired time comprehension. This could contribute to symptomatic cognitive
      deficits and strategic inefficiency in schizophrenia.

PMID- 22053183
TI  - Calcium signaling in live cells on elastic gels under mechanical vibration at
      subcellular levels.
AB  - A new device was designed to generate a localized mechanical vibration of
      flexible gels where human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were cultured
      to mechanically stimulate these cells at subcellular locations. A Fluorescence
      Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET)-based calcium biosensor (an improved Cameleon)
      was used to monitor the spatiotemporal distribution of intracellular calcium
      concentrations in the cells upon this mechanical stimulation. A clear increase in
      intracellular calcium concentrations over the whole cell body (global) can be
      observed in the majority of cells under mechanical stimulation. The chelation of
      extracellular calcium with EGTA or the blockage of stretch-activated calcium
      channels on the plasma membrane with streptomycin or gadolinium chloride
      significantly inhibited the calcium responses upon mechanical stimulation.
      Thapsigargin, an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) calcium pump inhibitor, or U73122, a
      phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor, resulted in mainly local calcium responses
      occurring at regions close to the stimulation site. The disruption of actin
      filaments with cytochalasin D or inhibition of actomyosin contractility with ML-7
      also inhibited the global calcium responses. Therefore, the global calcium
      response in HUVEC depends on the influx of calcium through membrane stretch
      activated channels, followed by the release of inositol trisphosphate (IP3) via
      PLC activation to trigger the ER calcium release. Our newly developed mechanical
      stimulation device can also provide a powerful tool for the study of molecular
      mechanism by which cells perceive the mechanical cues at subcellular levels.

PMID- 22053184
TI  - Selective over-expression of endothelin-1 in endothelial cells exacerbates inner
      retinal edema and neuronal death in ischemic retina.
AB  - The level of endothelin-1 (ET-1), a potent vasoconstrictor, was associated with
      retinopathy under ischemia. The effects of endothelial endothelin-1 (ET-1) over
      expression in a transgenic mouse model using Tie-1 promoter (TET-1 mice) on
      pathophysiological changes of retinal ischemia were investigated by intraluminal
      insertion of a microfilament up to middle cerebral artery (MCA) to transiently
      block the ophthalmic artery. Two-hour occlusion and twenty-two-hour reperfusion
      were performed in homozygous (Hm) TET-1 mice and their non-transgenic (NTg)
      littermates. Presence of pyknotic nuclei in ganglion cell layer (GCL) was
      investigated in paraffin sections of ipsilateral (ischemic) and contralateral
      (non-ischemic) retinae, followed by measurement of the thickness of inner retinal
      layer. Moreover, immunocytochemistry of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP),
      glutamine synthetase (GS) and aquaporin-4 (AQP4) peptides on retinal sections
      were performed to study glial cell reactivity, glutamate metabolism and water
      accumulation, respectively after retinal ischemia. Similar morphology was
      observed in the contralateral retinae of NTg and Hm TET-1 mice, whereas
      ipsilateral retina of NTg mice showed slight structural and cellular changes
      compared with the corresponding contralateral retina. Ipsilateral retinae of Hm
      TET-1 mice showed more significant changes when compared with ipsilateral retina
      of NTg mice, including more prominent cell death in GCL characterized by the
      presence of pyknotic nuclei, elevated GS immunoreactivity in Muller cell bodies
      and processes, increased AQP-4 immunoreactivity in Muller cell processes, and
      increased inner retinal thickness. Thus, over-expression of endothelial ET-1 in
      TET-1 mice may contribute to increased glutamate-induced neurotoxicity on
      neuronal cells and water accumulation in inner retina leading to edema.

PMID- 22053185
TI  - Contributions of histone H3 nucleosome core surface mutations to chromatin
      structures, silencing and DNA repair.
AB  - Histone H3 mutations in residues that cluster in a discrete region on the
      nucleosome surface around lysine 79 of H3 affect H3-K79 methylation, impair
      transcriptional silencing in subtelomeric chromatin, and reveal distinct
      contributions of histone H3 to various DNA-damage response and repair pathways.
      These residues might act by recruitment of silencing and DNA-damage response
      factors. Alternatively, their location on the nucleosome surface suggests a
      possible involvement in nucleosome positioning, stability and nucleosome
      interactions. Here, we show that the yeast H3 mutants hht2-T80A, hht2-K79E, hht2
      L70S, and hht2-E73D show normal nucleosome positioning and stability in
      minichromosomes. However, loss of silencing in a subtelomeric URA3 gene
      correlates with a shift of the promoter nucleosome, while nucleosome positions
      and stability in the coding region are maintained. Moreover, the H3 mutants show
      normal repair of UV lesions by photolyase and nucleotide excision repair in
      minichromosomes and slightly enhanced repair in the subtelomeric region. Thus,
      these results support a role of those residues in the recruitment of silencing
      proteins and argue against a general role in nucleosome organization.

PMID- 22053186
TI  - Fine-scale genetic structure arises during range expansion of an invasive gecko.
AB  - Processes of range expansion are increasingly important in light of current
      concerns about invasive species and range shifts due to climate change.
      Theoretical studies suggest that genetic structuring may occur during range
      expansion. Ephemeral genetic structure can have important evolutionary
      implications, such as propagating genetic changes along the wave front of
      expansion, yet few studies have shown evidence of such structure. We tested the
      hypothesis that genetic structure arises during range expansion in Hemidactylus
      mabouia, a nocturnal African gecko recently introduced to Florida, USA. Twelve
      highly variable microsatellite loci were used to screen 418 individuals collected
      from 43 locations from four sampling sites across Florida, representing a
      gradient from earlier (~1990s) to very recent colonization. We found earlier
      colonized locations had little detectable genetic structure and higher allelic
      richness than more recently colonized locations. Genetic structuring was
      pronounced among locations at spatial scales of tens to hundreds of meters near
      the leading edge of range expansion. Despite the rapid pace of range expansion in
      this introduced gecko, dispersal is limited among many suitable habitat patches.
      Fine-scale genetic structure is likely the result of founder effects during
      colonization of suitable habitat patches. It may be obscured over time and by
      scale-dependent modes of dispersal. Further studies are needed to determine if
      such genetic structure affects adaptation and trait evolution in range expansions
      and range shifts.

PMID- 22053187
TI  - Hydrocarbon contamination decreases mating success in a marine planktonic
      copepod.
AB  - The mating behavior and the mating success of copepods rely on chemoreception to
      locate and track a sexual partner. However, the potential impact of the water
      soluble fraction of hydrocarbons on these aspects of copepod reproduction has
      never been tested despite the widely acknowledged acute chemosensory abilities of
      copepods. I examined whether three concentrations of the water-soluble fraction
      of diesel oil (0.01%, 0.1% and 1%) impacts (i) the swimming behavior of both
      adult males and females of the widespread calanoid copepod Temora longcornis, and
      (ii) the ability of males to locate, track and mate with females. The three
      concentrations of the water-soluble fraction of diesel oil (WSF) significantly
      and non-significantly affect female and male swimming velocities, respectively.
      In contrast, both the complexity of male and female swimming paths significantly
      decreased with increasing WSF concentrations, hence suggesting a sex-specific
      sensitivity to WSF contaminated seawater. In addition, the three WSF
      concentrations impacted both T. longicornis mating behavior and mating success.
      Specifically, the ability of males to detect female pheromone trails, to
      accurately follow trails and to successfully track a female significantly
      decreased with increasing WSF concentrations. This led to a significant decrease
      in contact and capture rates from control to WSF contaminated seawater. These
      results indicate that hydrocarbon contamination of seawater decreases the ability
      of male copepods to detect and track a female, hence suggest an overall impact on
      population fitness and dynamics.

PMID- 22053188
TI  - TCRep 3D: an automated in silico approach to study the structural properties of
      TCR repertoires.
AB  - TCRep 3D is an automated systematic approach for TCR-peptide-MHC class I
      structure prediction, based on homology and ab initio modeling. It has been
      considerably generalized from former studies to be applicable to large
      repertoires of TCR. First, the location of the complementary determining regions
      of the target sequences are automatically identified by a sequence alignment
      strategy against a database of TCR Valpha and Vbeta chains. A structure-based
      alignment ensures automated identification of CDR3 loops. The CDR are then
      modeled in the environment of the complex, in an ab initio approach based on a
      simulated annealing protocol. During this step, dihedral restraints are applied
      to drive the CDR1 and CDR2 loops towards their canonical conformations, described
      by Al-Lazikani et. al. We developed a new automated algorithm that determines
      additional restraints to iteratively converge towards TCR conformations making
      frequent hydrogen bonds with the pMHC. We demonstrated that our approach
      outperforms popular scoring methods (Anolea, Dope and Modeller) in predicting
      relevant CDR conformations. Finally, this modeling approach has been successfully
      applied to experimentally determined sequences of TCR that recognize the NY-ESO-1
      cancer testis antigen. This analysis revealed a mechanism of selection of TCR
      through the presence of a single conserved amino acid in all CDR3beta sequences.
      The important structural modifications predicted in silico and the associated
      dramatic loss of experimental binding affinity upon mutation of this amino acid
      show the good correspondence between the predicted structures and their
      biological activities. To our knowledge, this is the first systematic approach
      that was developed for large TCR repertoire structural modeling.

PMID- 22053189
TI  - Crystal structure of thrombin in complex with S-variegin: insights of a novel
      mechanism of inhibition and design of tunable thrombin inhibitors.
AB  - The inhibition of thrombin is one of the important treatments of pathological
      blood clot formation. Variegin, isolated from the tropical bont tick, is a novel
      molecule exhibiting a unique 'two-modes' inhibitory property on thrombin active
      site (competitive before cleavage, noncompetitive after cleavage). For the better
      understanding of its function, we have determined the crystal structure of the
      human alpha-thrombin:synthetic-variegin complex at 2.4 A resolution. The
      structure reveals a new mechanism of thrombin inhibition by disrupting the charge
      relay system. Based on the structure, we have designed 17 variegin variants,
      differing in potency, kinetics and mechanism of inhibition. The most active
      variant is about 70 times more potent than the FDA-approved peptidic thrombin
      inhibitor, hirulog-1/bivalirudin. In vivo antithrombotic effects of the variegin
      variants correlate well with their in vitro affinities for thrombin. Our results
      encourage that variegin and the variants show strong potential for the
      development of tunable anticoagulants.

PMID- 22053190
TI  - The phytoalexin resveratrol regulates the initiation of hypersensitive cell death
      in Vitis cell.
AB  - Resveratrol is a major phytoalexin produced by plants in response to various
      stresses and promotes disease resistance. The resistance of North American
      grapevine Vitis rupestris is correlated with a hypersensitive reaction (HR),
      while susceptible European Vitis vinifera cv. 'Pinot Noir' does not exhibit HR,
      but expresses basal defence. We have shown previously that in cell lines derived
      from the two Vitis species, the bacterial effector Harpin induced a rapid and
      sensitive accumulation of stilbene synthase (StSy) transcripts, followed by
      massive cell death in V. rupestris. In the present work, we analysed the function
      of the phytoalexin resveratrol, the product of StSy. We found that cv. 'Pinot
      Noir' accumulated low resveratrol and its glycoside trans-piceid, whereas V.
      rupestris produced massive trans-resveratrol and the toxic oxidative delta
      viniferin, indicating that the preferred metabolitism of resveratrol plays role
      in Vitis resistance. Cellular responses to resveratrol included rapid
      alkalinisation, accumulation of pathogenesis-related protein 5 (PR5) transcripts,
      oxidative burst, actin bundling, and cell death. Microtubule disruption and
      induction of StSy were triggered by Harpin, but not by resveratrol. Whereas most
      responses proceeded with different amplitude for the two cell lines, the
      accumulation of resveratrol, and the competence for resveratrol-induced oxidative
      burst differed in quality. The data lead to a model, where resveratrol, in
      addition to its classical role as antimicrobial phytoalexin, represents an
      important regulator for initiation of HR-related cell death.

PMID- 22053191
TI  - FGF/FGFR signaling coordinates skull development by modulating magnitude of
      morphological integration: evidence from Apert syndrome mouse models.
AB  - The fibroblast growth factor and receptor system (FGF/FGFR) mediates cell
      communication and pattern formation in many tissue types (e.g., osseous, nervous,
      vascular). In those craniosynostosis syndromes caused by FGFR1-3 mutations,
      alteration of signaling in the FGF/FGFR system leads to dysmorphology of the
      skull, brain and limbs, among other organs. Since this molecular pathway is
      widely expressed throughout head development, we explore whether and how two
      specific mutations on Fgfr2 causing Apert syndrome in humans affect the pattern
      and level of integration between the facial skeleton and the neurocranium using
      inbred Apert syndrome mouse models Fgfr2(+/S252W) and Fgfr2(+/P253R) and their
      non-mutant littermates at P0. Skull morphological integration (MI), which can
      reflect developmental interactions among traits by measuring the intensity of
      statistical associations among them, was assessed using data from microCT images
      of the skull of Apert syndrome mouse models and 3D geometric morphometric
      methods. Our results show that mutant Apert syndrome mice share the general
      pattern of MI with their non-mutant littermates, but the magnitude of integration
      between and within the facial skeleton and the neurocranium is increased,
      especially in Fgfr2(+/S252W) mice. This indicates that although Fgfr2 mutations
      do not disrupt skull MI, FGF/FGFR signaling is a covariance-generating process in
      skull development that acts as a global factor modulating the intensity of MI. As
      this pathway evolved early in vertebrate evolution, it may have played a
      significant role in establishing the patterns of skull MI and coordinating proper
      skull development.

PMID- 22053192
TI  - Expression of p53 in the effects of artesunate on induction of apoptosis and
      inhibition of proliferation in rat primary hepatic stellate cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) plays an important role
      in the development of cirrhosis through the increased production of collagen.
      p53, the "guardian of the genome", is a transcription factor that can bind to
      promoter regions of hundreds of genes where it either activates or suppresses
      gene expression. Thereby, p53 serves as a tumor suppressor by inducing cell cycle
      arrest, apoptosis, senescence and DNA repair. Artesunate is a derivative of
      Artemisinin, Scholars had found it had more extensive pharmacological effects
      past 10 years. However, little is known about the expression of p53 in the
      effects of Artesunate on induction of apoptosis and inhibition of proliferation
      in rat HSCs. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Isolated and cultured rat primary
      HSCs in the flask for 10 days to make cells activated. HSCs were divided into two
      groups: experimental groups and control groups, experimental groups included with
      various concentrations of Artesunate (125, 150, 175, 200, 225 umol/L) for 24, 48
      and 72 hours. Analysis of MTT revealed that activated HSCs treated with various
      concentrations of Artesunate (150-225 umol/L) were inhibited on dose and time
      effect relationships; Concentration of hydroxyproline in supernatant was detected
      by digestive method; Analysis of flow cytometry demonstrated that Artesunate
      could arrest cell cycle in G1 and induce apoptosis; The nuclear morphological
      changes in apoptotic cells were evaluated with DNA staining by Hoechst 33258 dye;
      The expression of p53 were up-regulated showed by western blotting and RT-PCR.
      CONCLUSION: Artesunate could inhibit HSCs proliferation in dose-dependent and
      time-dependent manners in vitro through increase the expression of p53.

PMID- 22053193
TI  - Impact of manganese, copper and zinc ions on the transcriptome of the nosocomial
      pathogen Enterococcus faecalis V583.
AB  - Mechanisms that enable Enterococcus to cope with different environmental stresses
      and their contribution to the switch from commensalism to pathogenicity of this
      organism are still poorly understood. Maintenance of intracellular homeostasis of
      metal ions is crucial for survival of these bacteria. In particular Zn(2+),
      Mn(2+) and Cu(2+) are very important metal ions as they are co-factors of many
      enzymes, are involved in oxidative stress defense and have a role in the immune
      system of the host. Their concentrations inside the human body vary hugely, which
      makes it imperative for Enterococcus to fine-tune metal ion homeostasis in order
      to survive inside the host and colonize it. Little is known about metal
      regulation in Enterococcus faecalis. Here we present the first genome-wide
      description of gene expression of E. faecalis V583 growing in the presence of
      high concentrations of zinc, manganese or copper ions. The DNA microarray
      experiments revealed that mostly transporters are involved in the responses of E.
      faecalis to prolonged exposure to high metal concentrations although genes
      involved in cellular processes, in energy and amino acid metabolisms and genes
      related to the cell envelope also seem to play important roles.

PMID- 22053194
TI  - Four and a half LIM protein 1C (FHL1C): a binding partner for voltage-gated
      potassium channel K(v1.5).
AB  - Four-and-a-half LIM domain protein 1 isoform A (FHL1A) is predominantly expressed
      in skeletal and cardiac muscle. Mutations in the FHL1 gene are causative for
      several types of hereditary myopathies including X-linked myopathy with postural
      muscle atrophy (XMPMA). We here studied myoblasts from XMPMA patients. We found
      that functional FHL1A protein is completely absent in patient myoblasts. In
      parallel, expression of FHL1C is either unaffected or increased. Furthermore, a
      decreased proliferation rate of XMPMA myoblasts compared to controls was observed
      but an increased number of XMPMA myoblasts was found in the G(0)/G(1) phase.
      Furthermore, low expression of K(v1.5), a voltage-gated potassium channel known
      to alter myoblast proliferation during the G(1) phase and to control
      repolarization of action potential, was detected. In order to substantiate a
      possible relation between K(v1.5) and FHL1C, a pull-down assay was performed. A
      physical and direct interaction of both proteins was observed in vitro. In
      addition, confocal microscopy revealed substantial colocalization of FHL1C and
      K(v1.5) within atrial cells, supporting a possible interaction between both
      proteins in vivo. Two-electrode voltage clamp experiments demonstrated that
      coexpression of K(v1.5) with FHL1C in Xenopus laevis oocytes markedly reduced
      K(+) currents when compared to oocytes expressing K(v1.5) only. We here present
      the first evidence on a biological relevance of FHL1C.

PMID- 22053195
TI  - A DNA virus of Drosophila.
AB  - Little is known about the viruses infecting most species. Even in groups as well
      studied as Drosophila, only a handful of viruses have been well-characterized. A
      viral metagenomic approach was used to explore viral diversity in 83 wild-caught
      Drosophila innubila, a mushroom feeding member of the quinaria group. A single
      fly that was injected with, and died from, Drosophila C Virus (DCV) was added to
      the sample as a control. Two-thirds of reads in the infected sample had DCV as
      the best BLAST hit, suggesting that the protocol developed is highly sensitive.
      In addition to the DCV hits, several sequences had Oryctes rhinoceros Nudivirus,
      a double-stranded DNA virus, as a best BLAST hit. The virus associated with these
      sequences was termed Drosophila innubila Nudivirus (DiNV). PCR screens of natural
      populations showed that DiNV was both common and widespread taxonomically and
      geographically. Electron microscopy confirms the presence of virions in fly fecal
      material similar in structure to other described Nudiviruses. In 2 species, D.
      innubila and D. falleni, the virus is associated with a severe (~80-90%) loss of
      fecundity and significantly decreased lifespan.

PMID- 22053196
TI  - Effectiveness of pandemic H1N1-2009 vaccination in reducing laboratory confirmed
      influenza infections among military recruits in tropical Singapore.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Limited information is available about pandemic H1N1-2009 influenza
      vaccine effectiveness in tropical communities. We studied the effectiveness of a
      pandemic H1N1 vaccination program in reducing influenza cases in Singapore.
      METHODS: A surveillance study was conducted among military personnel presenting
      with febrile respiratory illness from mid-2009 to mid-2010. Consenting
      individuals underwent nasal washes, which were tested with RT-PCR and subtyped. A
      vaccination program (inactivated monovalent Panvax H1N1-2009 vaccine) was carried
      out among recruits. A Bayesian hierarchical model was used to quantify relative
      risks in the pre- and post-vaccination periods. An autoregressive generalised
      linear model (GLM) was developed to minimise confounding. RESULTS: Of 2858
      participants, 437 (15.3%), 60 (2.1%), and 273 (9.6%) had pandemic H1N1, H3N2, and
      influenza B. The ratio of relative risks for pandemic H1N1 infection before and
      after vaccination for the recruit camp relative to other camps was 0.14
      (0.016,0.49); for H3N2, 0.44 (0.035,1.8); and for influenza B, 18 (0.77,89).
      Using the GLM for the recruit camp, post-vaccination weekly cases decreased by
      54% (37%,67%, p<0.001) from that expected without vaccination; influenza B
      increased by 66 times (9-479 times, p<0.001); with no statistical difference for
      H3N2 (p = 0.54). CONCLUSIONS: Pandemic vaccination reduced H1N1-2009 disease
      burden among military recruits. Routine seasonal influenza vaccination should be
      considered.

PMID- 22053197
TI  - Insights into a multidrug resistant Escherichia coli pathogen of the globally
      disseminated ST131 lineage: genome analysis and virulence mechanisms.
AB  - Escherichia coli strains causing urinary tract infection (UTI) are increasingly
      recognized as belonging to specific clones. E. coli clone O25b:H4-ST131 has
      recently emerged globally as a leading multi-drug resistant pathogen causing
      urinary tract and bloodstream infections in hospitals and the community. While
      most molecular studies to date examine the mechanisms conferring multi-drug
      resistance in E. coli ST131, relatively little is known about their virulence
      potential. Here we examined E. coli ST131 clinical isolates from two
      geographically diverse collections, one representing the major pathogenic
      lineages causing UTI across the United Kingdom and a second representing UTI
      isolates from patients presenting at two large hospitals in Australia. We
      determined a draft genome sequence for one representative isolate, E. coli EC958,
      which produced CTX-M-15 extended-spectrum beta-lactamase, CMY-23 type AmpC
      cephalosporinase and was resistant to ciprofloxacin. Comparative genome analysis
      indicated that EC958 encodes virulence genes commonly associated with
      uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC). The genome sequence of EC958 revealed a transposon
      insertion in the fimB gene encoding the activator of type 1 fimbriae, an
      important UPEC bladder colonization factor. We identified the same fimB
      transposon insertion in 59% of the ST131 UK isolates, as well as 71% of ST131
      isolates from Australia, suggesting this mutation is common among E. coli ST131
      strains. Insertional inactivation of fimB resulted in a phenotype resembling a
      slower off-to-on switching for type 1 fimbriae. Type 1 fimbriae expression could
      still be induced in fimB-null isolates; this correlated strongly with adherence
      to and invasion of human bladder cells and bladder colonisation in a mouse UTI
      model. We conclude that E. coli ST131 is a geographically widespread, antibiotic
      resistant clone that has the capacity to produce numerous virulence factors
      associated with UTI.

PMID- 22053198
TI  - Sequential fragmentation of Pleistocene forests in an East Africa biodiversity
      hotspot: chameleons as a model to track forest history.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Eastern Arc Mountains (EAM) is an example of naturally fragmented
      tropical forests, which contain one of the highest known concentrations of
      endemic plants and vertebrates. Numerous paleo-climatic studies have not provided
      direct evidence for ancient presence of Pleistocene forests, particularly in the
      regions in which savannah presently occurs. Knowledge of the last period when
      forests connected EAM would provide a sound basis for hypothesis testing of
      vicariance and dispersal models of speciation. Dated phylogenies have revealed
      complex patterns throughout EAM, so we investigated divergence times of forest
      fauna on four montane isolates in close proximity to determine whether forest
      break-up was most likely to have been simultaneous or sequential, using
      population genetics of a forest restricted arboreal chameleon, Kinyongia boehmei.
      METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We used mitochondrial and nuclear genetic
      sequence data and mutation rates from a fossil-calibrated phylogeny to estimate
      divergence times between montane isolates using a coalescent approach. We found
      that chameleons on all mountains are most likely to have diverged sequentially
      within the Pleistocene from 0.93-0.59 Ma (95% HPD 0.22-1.84 Ma). In addition,
      post-hoc tests on chameleons on the largest montane isolate suggest a population
      expansion ~182 Ka. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Sequential divergence is most likely
      to have occurred after the last of three wet periods within the arid Plio
      Pleistocene era, but was not correlated with inter-montane distance. We speculate
      that forest connection persisted due to riparian corridors regardless of
      proximity, highlighting their importance in the region's historic dispersal
      events. The population expansion coincides with nearby volcanic activity, which
      may also explain the relative paucity of the Taita's endemic fauna. Our study
      shows that forest chameleons are an apposite group to track forest fragmentation,
      with the inference that forest extended between some EAM during the Pleistocene
      1.1-0.9 Ma.

PMID- 22053199
TI  - Integrating stomach content and stable isotope analyses to quantify the diets of
      pygoscelid penguins.
AB  - Stomach content analysis (SCA) and more recently stable isotope analysis (SIA)
      integrated with isotopic mixing models have become common methods for dietary
      studies and provide insight into the foraging ecology of seabirds. However, both
      methods have drawbacks and biases that may result in difficulties in quantifying
      inter-annual and species-specific differences in diets. We used these two methods
      to simultaneously quantify the chick-rearing diet of Chinstrap (Pygoscelis
      antarctica) and Gentoo (P. papua) penguins and highlight methods of integrating
      SCA data to increase accuracy of diet composition estimates using SIA. SCA
      biomass estimates were highly variable and underestimated the importance of soft
      bodied prey such as fish. Two-source, isotopic mixing model predictions were less
      variable and identified inter-annual and species-specific differences in the
      relative amounts of fish and krill in penguin diets not readily apparent using
      SCA. In contrast, multi-source isotopic mixing models had difficulty estimating
      the dietary contribution of fish species occupying similar trophic levels without
      refinement using SCA-derived otolith data. Overall, our ability to track inter
      annual and species-specific differences in penguin diets using SIA was enhanced
      by integrating SCA data to isotopic mixing modes in three ways: 1) selecting
      appropriate prey sources, 2) weighting combinations of isotopically similar prey
      in two-source mixing models and 3) refining predicted contributions of
      isotopically similar prey in multi-source models.

PMID- 22053200
TI  - Degree of landscape fragmentation influences genetic isolation among populations
      of a gliding mammal.
AB  - Forests and woodlands are under continuing pressure from urban and agricultural
      development. Tree-dependent mammals that rarely venture to the ground are likely
      to be highly sensitive to forest fragmentation. The Australian squirrel glider
      (Petaurus norfolcensis) provides an excellent case study to examine genetic
      (functional) connectivity among populations. It has an extensive range that
      occurs in a wide band along the east coast. However, its forest and woodland
      habitat has become greatly reduced in area and is severely fragmented within the
      southern inland part of the species' range, where it is recognised as threatened.
      Within central and northern coastal regions, habitat is much more intact and we
      thus hypothesise that genetic connectivity will be greater in this region than in
      the south. To test this we employed microsatellite analysis in a molecular
      population biology approach. Most sampling locations in the highly modified south
      showed signatures of genetic isolation. In contrast, a high level of genetic
      connectivity was inferred among most sampled populations in the more intact
      habitat of the coastal region, with samples collected 1400 km apart having
      similar genetic cluster membership. Nonetheless, some coastal populations
      associated with urbanisation and agriculture are genetically isolated, suggesting
      the historic pattern observed in the south is emerging on the coast. Our study
      demonstrates that massive landscape changes following European settlement have
      had substantial impacts on levels of connectivity among squirrel glider
      populations, as predicted on the basis of the species' ecology. This suggests
      that landscape planning and management in the south should be focused on
      restoring habitat connectivity where feasible, while along the coast, existing
      habitat connectivity must be maintained and recent losses restored. Molecular
      population biology approaches provide a ready means for identifying fragmentation
      effects on a species at multiple scales. Such studies are required to examine the
      generality of our findings for other tree-dependent species.

PMID- 22053201
TI  - The response of Thalassiosira pseudonana to long-term exposure to increased CO2
      and decreased pH.
AB  - The effect of ocean acidification conditions has been investigated in cultures of
      the diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana CCMP1335. Expected end-of-the-century pCO(2)
      (aq) concentrations of 760 uatm (equivalent to pH 7.8) were compared with present
      day condition (380 uatm CO(2), pH 8.1). Batch culture pH changed rapidly because
      of CO(2) (aq) assimilation and pH targets of 7.8 and 8.1 could not be sustained.
      Long-term (~100 generation) pH-auxostat, continuous cultures could be maintained
      at target pH when cell density was kept low (<2*10(5) cells mL(-1)). After 3
      months continuous culture, the C:N ratio was slightly decreased under high CO(2)
      conditions and red fluorescence per cell was slightly increased. However, no
      change was detected in photosynthetic efficiency (F(v)/F(m)) or functional cross
      section of PS II (sigma(PSII)). Elevated pCO(2) has been predicted to be
      beneficial to diatoms due to reduced cost of carbon concentration mechanisms.
      There was reduced transcription of one putative delta-carbonic anhydrase (CA-4)
      after 3 months growth at increased CO(2) but 3 other delta-CAs and the small
      subunit of RUBISCO showed no change. There was no evidence of adaptation or clade
      selection of T. pseudonana after ~100 generations at elevated CO(2). On the basis
      of this long-term culture, pH change of this magnitude in the future ocean may
      have little effect on T. pseudonana in the absence of genetic adaption.

PMID- 22053202
TI  - Scaling of brain metabolism and blood flow in relation to capillary and neural
      scaling.
AB  - Brain is one of the most energy demanding organs in mammals, and its total
      metabolic rate scales with brain volume raised to a power of around 5/6. This
      value is significantly higher than the more common exponent 3/4 relating whole
      body resting metabolism with body mass and several other physiological variables
      in animals and plants. This article investigates the reasons for brain allometric
      distinction on a level of its microvessels. Based on collected empirical data it
      is found that regional cerebral blood flow CBF across gray matter scales with
      cortical volume V as CBF ~ V(-1/6), brain capillary diameter increases as
      V(1/12), and density of capillary length decreases as V(-1/6). It is predicted
      that velocity of capillary blood is almost invariant (~V(epsilon)), capillary
      transit time scales as V(1/6), capillary length increases as V(1/6+epsilon), and
      capillary number as V(2/3-epsilon), where epsilon is typically a small correction
      for medium and large brains, due to blood viscosity dependence on capillary
      radius. It is shown that the amount of capillary length and blood flow per
      cortical neuron are essentially conserved across mammals. These results indicate
      that geometry and dynamics of global neuro-vascular coupling have a proportionate
      character. Moreover, cerebral metabolic, hemodynamic, and microvascular variables
      scale with allometric exponents that are simple multiples of 1/6, rather than
      1/4, which suggests that brain metabolism is more similar to the metabolism of
      aerobic than resting body. Relation of these findings to brain functional imaging
      studies involving the link between cerebral metabolism and blood flow is also
      discussed.

PMID- 22053203
TI  - Halofuginone has anti-proliferative effects in acute promyelocytic leukemia by
      modulating the transforming growth factor beta signaling pathway.
AB  - Promyelocytic leukemia-retinoic acid receptor alpha (PML-RARalpha) expression in
      acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) impairs transforming growth factor beta
      (TGFbeta) signaling, leading to cell growth advantage. Halofuginone (HF), a low
      molecular-weight alkaloid that modulates TGFbeta signaling, was used to treat APL
      cell lines and non-obese diabetic/severe combined immunodeficiency (NOD/SCID)
      mice subjected to transplantation with leukemic cells from human chorionic
      gonadotrophin-PML-RARalpha transgenic mice (TG). Cell cycle analysis using
      incorporated bromodeoxyuridine and 7-amino-actinomycin D showed that, in NB4 and
      NB4-R2 APL cell lines, HF inhibited cellular proliferation (P<0.001) and induced
      apoptosis (P = 0.002) after a 24-hour incubation. Addition of TGFbeta revealed
      that NB4 cells were resistant to its growth-suppressive effects and that HF
      induced these effects in the presence or absence of the cytokine. Cell growth
      inhibition was associated with up-regulation of TGFbeta target genes involved in
      cell cycle regulation (TGFB, TGFBRI, SMAD3, p15, and p21) and down-regulation of
      MYC. Additionally, TGFbeta protein levels were decreased in leukemic TG animals
      and HF in vivo could restore TGFbeta values to normal. To test the in vivo anti
      leukemic activity of HF, we transplanted NOD/SCID mice with TG leukemic cells and
      treated them with HF for 21 days. HF induced partial hematological remission in
      the peripheral blood, bone marrow, and spleen. Together, these results suggest
      that HF has anti-proliferative and anti-leukemic effects by reversing the TGFbeta
      blockade in APL. Since loss of the TGFbeta response in leukemic cells may be an
      important second oncogenic hit, modulation of TGFbeta signaling may be of
      therapeutic interest.

PMID- 22053204
TI  - TIMP3 regulates mammary epithelial apoptosis with immune cell recruitment through
      differential TNF dependence.
AB  - Post-lactation mammary involution is a homeostatic process requiring epithelial
      apoptosis and clearance. Given that the deficiency of the extracellular
      metalloproteinase inhibitor TIMP3 impacts epithelial apoptosis and heightens
      inflammatory response, we investigated whether TIMP3 regulates these distinct
      processes during the phases of mammary gland involution in the mouse. Here we
      show that TIMP3 deficiency leads to TNF dysregulation, earlier caspase activation
      and onset of mitochondrial apoptosis. This accelerated first phase of involution
      includes faster loss of initiating signals (STAT3 activation; TGFbeta3)
      concurrent with immediate luminal deconstruction through E-cadherin
      fragmentation. Epithelial apoptosis is followed by accelerated adipogenesis and a
      greater macrophage and T-cell infiltration in Timp3(-/-) involuting glands.
      Crossing in Tnf deficiency abrogates caspase 3 activation, but heightens
      macrophage and T-cell influx into Timp3(-/-) glands. The data indicate that TIMP3
      differentially impacts apoptosis and inflammatory cell influx, based on
      involvement of TNF, during the process of mammary involution. An understanding of
      the molecular factors and wound healing microenvironment of the postpartum
      mammary gland may have implications for understanding pregnancy-associated breast
      cancer risk.

PMID- 22053205
TI  - A statistical framework for the interpretation of mtDNA mixtures: forensic and
      medical applications.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) variation is commonly analyzed in a wide
      range of different biomedical applications. Cases where more than one individual
      contribute to a stain genotyped from some biological material give rise to a
      mixture. Most forensic mixture cases are analyzed using autosomal markers. In
      rape cases, Y-chromosome markers typically add useful information. However, there
      are important cases where autosomal and Y-chromosome markers fail to provide
      useful profiles. In some instances, usually involving small amounts or degraded
      DNA, mtDNA may be the only useful genetic evidence available. Mitochondrial DNA
      mixtures also arise in studies dealing with the role of mtDNA variation in
      tumorigenesis. Such mixtures may be generated by the tumor, but they could also
      originate in vitro due to inadvertent contamination or a sample mix-up.
      METHODS/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We present the statistical methods needed for mixture
      interpretation and emphasize the modifications required for the more well-known
      methods based on conventional markers to generalize to mtDNA mixtures. Two
      scenarios are considered. Firstly, only categorical mtDNA data is assumed
      available, that is, the variants contributing to the mixture. Secondly,
      quantitative data (peak heights or areas) on the allelic variants are also
      accessible. In cases where quantitative information is available in addition to
      allele designation, it is possible to extract more precise information by using
      regression models. More precisely, using quantitative information may lead to a
      unique solution in cases where the qualitative approach points to several
      possibilities. Importantly, these methods also apply to clinical cases where
      contamination is a potential alternative explanation for the data.
      CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: We argue that clinical and forensic scientists should
      give greater consideration to mtDNA for mixture interpretation. The results and
      examples show that the analysis of mtDNA mixtures contributes substantially to
      forensic casework and may also clarify erroneous claims made in clinical genetics
      regarding tumorigenesis.

PMID- 22053206
TI  - Diabetes mellitus and its correlates in an Iranian adult population.
AB  - The rising epidemic of diabetes imposes a substantial economic burden on the
      Middle East. Using baseline data from a population based cohort study, we aimed
      to identify the correlates of diabetes mellitus (DM) in a mainly rural population
      from Iran. Between 2004 and 2007, 50044 adults between 30 and 87 years old from
      Golestan Province located in Northeast Iran were enrolled in the Golestan Cohort
      Study. Demographic and health-related information was collected using
      questionnaires. Individuals' body sizes at ages 15 and 30 were assessed by
      validated pictograms ranging from 1 (very lean) to 7 in men and 9 in women. DM
      diagnosis was based on the self-report of a physician's diagnosis. The accuracy
      of self-reported DM was evaluated in a subcohort of 3811 individuals using
      fasting plasma glucose level and medical records. Poisson regression with robust
      variance estimator was used to estimate prevalence ratios (PR's). The prevalence
      of self-reported DM standardized to the national and world population was 5.7%
      and 6.2%, respectively. Self-reported DM had 61.5% sensitivity and 97.6%
      specificity. Socioeconomic status was inversely associated with DM prevalence.
      Green tea and opium consumption increased the prevalence of DM. Obesity at all
      ages and extreme leanness in childhood increased diabetes prevalence. Being obese
      throughout life doubled DM prevalence in women (PR: 2.1; 95% CI: 1.8, 2.4). These
      findings emphasize the importance of improving DM awareness, improving general
      living conditions, and early lifestyle modifications in diabetes prevention.

PMID- 22053207
TI  - Activating transcription factor 3 deficiency promotes cardiac hypertrophy,
      dysfunction, and fibrosis induced by pressure overload.
AB  - Activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), which is encoded by an adaptive
      response gene induced by various stimuli, plays an important role in the
      cardiovascular system. However, the effect of ATF3 on cardiac hypertrophy induced
      by a pathological stimulus has not been determined. Here, we investigated the
      effects of ATF3 deficiency on cardiac hypertrophy using in vitro and in vivo
      models. Aortic banding (AB) was performed to induce cardiac hypertrophy in mice.
      Cardiac hypertrophy was estimated by echocardiographic and hemodynamic
      measurements and by pathological and molecular analysis. ATF3 deficiency promoted
      cardiac hypertrophy, dysfunction and fibrosis after 4 weeks of AB compared to the
      wild type (WT) mice. Furthermore, enhanced activation of the MEK-ERK1/2 and JNK
      pathways was found in ATF3-knockout (KO) mice compared to WT mice. In vitro
      studies performed in cultured neonatal mouse cardiomyocytes confirmed that ATF3
      deficiency promotes cardiomyocyte hypertrophy induced by angiotensin II, which
      was associated with the amplification of MEK-ERK1/2 and JNK signaling. Our
      results suggested that ATF3 plays a crucial role in the development of cardiac
      hypertrophy via negative regulation of the MEK-ERK1/2 and JNK pathways.

PMID- 22053208
TI  - Protective effect of hepatitis B vaccine combined with two-dose hepatitis B
      immunoglobulin on infants born to HBsAg-positive mothers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite the use of hepatitis B (HB) vaccine and hepatitis B
      immunoglobulin (HBIG), a portion of infants are still non- or low-responders, or
      even immunoprophylaxis failure. We aimed to determine the immune response in the
      infants from the mothers being positive for hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg),
      by which the infants received three doses of HB vaccine in combination with two
      dose 200 IU HBIG injections. METHODS: In this retrospective study, 621 infants
      from HBsAg-positive mothers in Beijing YouAn Hospital between January 2008 and
      December 2009 were included. All the infants were given three doses of 10 ug HB
      vaccine (at 0, 1 and 6 months of age) and two-dose of 200 IU HBIG (at birth and
      in 2 weeks of age). Serum HBsAg and antibody to HBsAg (anti-HBs) in all the
      infants were determined at 7 months of age. RESULTS: Of the 621 infants, 2.9%
      were immunoprophylaxis failure (positive for HBsAg), 1.4% were non-responders
      (anti-HBs undetectable), 95.7% were responders. The 594 responders could be
      categorized into three subsets, 22 were 10 to 99 IU/L for anti-HBs levels, 191
      were 100 to 999 IU/L, and 381 were >=1000 IU/L. The immunoprophylaxis failure
      rate was at 0% and 5.2% for the infants of HBeAg-negative and HBeAg-positive
      mothers(P<0.001). Infants from mothers with detectable HBV DNA had higher
      incidence of immunoprophylaxis failure than those of mothers without detectable
      HBV DNA (P = 0.002). The factors including gender, birth weight, gestation weeks,
      the rates of maternal HBeAg-positive, and detectable HBV DNA did not contribute
      to the no response to HB vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: Through vaccination by three
      doses of HB and two-dose of HBIG, majority of the infants (95.7%) achieved a
      protective level of anti-HBs at 7 months of age. Maternal HBeAg-positive and HBV
      DNA detectable were associated with the immunoprophylaxis failure, but not
      contribute to the non- or low-response to HB vaccination.

PMID- 22053209
TI  - Cluster K mycobacteriophages: insights into the evolutionary origins of
      mycobacteriophage TM4.
AB  - Five newly isolated mycobacteriophages--Angelica, CrimD, Adephagia, Anaya, and
      Pixie--have similar genomic architectures to mycobacteriophage TM4, a previously
      characterized phage that is widely used in mycobacterial genetics. The nucleotide
      sequence similarities warrant grouping these into Cluster K, with subdivision
      into three subclusters: K1, K2, and K3. Although the overall genome architectures
      of these phages are similar, TM4 appears to have lost at least two segments of
      its genome, a central region containing the integration apparatus, and a segment
      at the right end. This suggests that TM4 is a recent derivative of a temperate
      parent, resolving a long-standing conundrum about its biology, in that it was
      reportedly recovered from a lysogenic strain of Mycobacterium avium, but it is
      not capable of forming lysogens in any mycobacterial host. Like TM4, all of the
      Cluster K phages infect both fast- and slow-growing mycobacteria, and all of them
      -with the exception of TM4--form stable lysogens in both Mycobacterium smegmatis
      and Mycobacterium tuberculosis; immunity assays show that all five of these
      phages share the same immune specificity. TM4 infects these lysogens suggesting
      that it was either derived from a heteroimmune temperate parent or that it has
      acquired a virulent phenotype. We have also characterized a widely-used
      conditionally replicating derivative of TM4 and identified mutations conferring
      the temperature-sensitive phenotype. All of the Cluster K phages contain a series
      of well conserved 13 bp repeats associated with the translation initiation sites
      of a subset of the genes; approximately one half of these contain an additional
      sequence feature composed of imperfectly conserved 17 bp inverted repeats
      separated by a variable spacer. The K1 phages integrate into the host tmRNA and
      the Cluster K phages represent potential new tools for the genetics of M.
      tuberculosis and related species.

PMID- 22053210
TI  - The phytoplankton Nannochloropsis oculata enhances the ability of Roseobacter
      clade bacteria to inhibit the growth of fish pathogen Vibrio anguillarum.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Phytoplankton cultures are widely used in aquaculture for a variety
      of applications, especially as feed for fish larvae. Phytoplankton cultures are
      usually grown in outdoor tanks using natural seawater and contain probiotic or
      potentially pathogenic bacteria. Some Roseobacter clade isolates suppress growth
      of the fish pathogen Vibrio anguillarum. However, most published information
      concerns interactions between probiotic and pathogenic bacteria, and little
      information is available regarding the importance of phytoplankton in these
      interactions. The objectives of this study, therefore, were to identify probiotic
      Roseobacter clade members in phytoplankton cultures used for rearing fish larvae
      and to investigate their inhibitory activity towards bacterial fish pathogens in
      the presence of the phytoplankton Nannochloropsis oculata. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL
      FINDINGS: The fish pathogen V. anguillarum, was challenged with 6 Roseobacter
      clade isolates (Sulfitobacter sp. (2 strains), Thalassobius sp., Stappia sp.,
      Rhodobacter sp., and Antarctobacter sp.) from phytoplankton cultures under 3
      different nutritional conditions. In an organic nutrient-rich medium (VNSS), 6
      Roseobacter clade isolates, as well as V. anguillarum, grew well (10(9) CFU/ml),
      even when cocultured. In contrast, in a phytoplankton culture medium (ESM) based
      on artificial seawater, coculture with the 6 isolates decreased the viability of
      V. anguillarum by approximately more than 10-fold. Excreted substances in media
      conditioned by growth of the phytoplankton N. oculata (NCF medium) resulted in
      the complete eradication of V. anguillarum when cocultured with the roseobacters.
      Autoclaved NCF had the same inhibitory effect. Furthermore, Sulfitobacter sp.
      much more efficiently incorporated (14)C- photosynthetic metabolites ((14)C-EPM)
      excreted by N. oculata than did V. anguillarum. CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE:
      Cocultures of a phytoplankton species and Roseobacter clade members exhibited a
      greater antibacterial effect against an important fish pathogen (V. anguillarum)
      than roseobacters alone. Thus, cooperation of N. oculata, and perhaps other
      phytoplankton species, with certain roseobacters might provide a powerful tool
      for eliminating fish pathogens from fish-rearing tanks.

PMID- 22053211
TI  - High prevalence of systemic autoimmune diseases in patients with Meniere's
      disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Autoimmunity appears to be associated with the pathophysiology of
      Meniere's disease (MD), an inner ear disorder characterized by episodes of
      vertigo associated with hearing loss and tinnitus. However, the prevalence of
      autoimmune diseases (AD) in patients with MD has not been studied in individuals
      with uni or bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL). METHODS AND FINDINGS: We
      estimated the prevalence of AD in 690 outpatients with MD with uni or bilateral
      SNHL from otoneurology clinics at six tertiary referral hospitals by using
      clinica criteria and an immune panel (lymphocyte populations, antinuclear
      antibodies, C3, C4 and proinflammatory cytokines TNFalpha, INFgamma). The
      observed prevalence of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus
      (SLE) and ankylosing spondylitis (AS) was higher than expected for the general
      population (1.39 for RA, 0.87 for SLE and 0.70 for AS, respectively). Systemic AD
      were more frequently observed in patients with MD and diagnostic criteria for
      migraine than cases with MD and tension-type headache (p = 0.007). There were
      clinical differences between patients with uni or bilateral SNHL, but no
      differences were found in the immune profile. Multiple linear regression showed
      that changes in lymphocytes subpopulations were associated with hearing loss and
      persistence of vertigo, suggesting a role for the immune response in MD.
      CONCLUSIONS: Despite some limitations, MD displays an elevated prevalence of
      systemic AD such as RA, SLE and AS. This finding, which suggests an autoimmune
      background in a subset of patients with MD, has important implications for the
      treatment of MD.

PMID- 22053212
TI  - Vaccination of lactating dairy cows for the prevention of aflatoxin B1 carry over
      in milk.
AB  - The potential of anaflatoxin B(1) (AnAFB(1)) conjugated to keyhole limpet
      hemocyanin (KLH) as a vaccine (AnAFB(1)-KLH) in controlling the carry over of the
      aflatoxin B(1) (AFB(1)) metabolite aflatoxin M(1) (AFM(1)) in cow milk is
      reported. AFB(1) is the most carcinogenic compound in food and foodstuffs amongst
      aflatoxins (AFs). AnAFB(1) is AFB(1) chemically modified as AFB(1)-1(O
      carboxymethyl) oxime. In comparison to AFB(1), AnAFB(1) has proven to be non
      toxic in vitro to human hepatocarcinoma cells and non mutagenic to Salmonella
      typhimurium strains. AnAFB(1)-KLH was used for immunization of cows proving to
      induce a long lasting titer of anti-AFB(1) IgG antibodies (Abs) which were cross
      reactive with AFB(1), AFG(1), and AFG(2). The elicited anti-AFB(1) Abs were able
      to hinder the secretion of AFM(1) into the milk of cows continuously fed with
      AFB(1). Vaccination of lactating animals with conjugated AnAFB(1) may represent a
      solution to the public hazard constituted by milk and cheese contaminated with
      AFs.

PMID- 22053213
TI  - DeltaNp63alpha-mediated induction of epidermal growth factor receptor promotes
      pancreatic cancer cell growth and chemoresistance.
AB  - Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is highly resistant to current
      chemotherapy regimens, in part due to alterations in the p53 tumor suppressor
      pathway. p53 homolog p63 is a transcription factor essential for the development
      and differentiation of epithelial surfaces. However its function in cancer is
      controversial and its role in PDAC is not known. We discovered that
      DeltaNp63alpha was the predominantly expressed p63 variant in pancreatic cancer
      cell lines. DeltaNp63alpha protein and mRNA levels were high in T3M4, BxPC3 and
      COLO-357 pancreatic cancer cells and low in ASPC-1 and PANC-1 cells.
      Overexpression of DeltaNp63alpha in PANC-1 cells and shRNA-mediated knockdown in
      T3M4 cells indicated that DeltaNp63alpha promoted anchorage-dependent and 
      independent growth, motility and invasion, and enhanced resistance to cisplatin
      induced apoptosis. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling pathways
      contribute to the biological aggressiveness of PDAC, and we found that the
      motogenic effects of DeltaNp63alpha were augmented in presence of EGF. Ectopic
      expression of DeltaNp63alpha resulted in upregulation of EGFR and beta1-integrin
      in PANC-1 cells. Conversely, DeltaNp63alpha knockdown had an opposite effect in
      T3M4 cells. DeltaNp63alpha potentiated EGF-mediated activation of ERK, Akt and
      JNK signaling. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and functional reporter assays
      demonstrated that DeltaNp63alpha activated EGFR transcription. 14-3-3sigma
      transcription was also positively regulated by DeltaNp63alpha and we have
      previously shown that 14-3-3sigma contributes to chemoresistance in pancreatic
      cancer cell lines. Conversely, shRNA-mediated knockdown of 14-3-3sigma led to
      abrogation of the DeltaNp63alpha effects on cell proliferation and invasion.
      Thus, p53 homolog DeltaNp63alpha enhances the oncogenic potential of pancreatic
      cancer cells through trans-activation of EGFR and 14-3-3sigma.

PMID- 22053214
TI  - The FSHD atrophic myotube phenotype is caused by DUX4 expression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is linked to deletions
      in 4q35 within the D4Z4 repeat array in which we identified the double homeobox 4
      (DUX4) gene. We found stable DUX4 mRNAs only derived from the most distal D4Z4
      unit and unexpectedly extended to the flanking pLAM region that provided an
      intron and a polyadenylation signal. DUX4 encodes a transcription factor
      expressed in FSHD but not control primary myoblasts or muscle biopsies. The DUX4
      protein initiates a large transcription deregulation cascade leading to muscle
      atrophy and oxidative stress, which are FSHD key features. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL
      FINDINGS: We now show that transfection of myoblasts with a DUX4 expression
      vector leads to atrophic myotube formation associated with the induction of E3
      ubiquitin ligases (MuRF1 and Atrogin1/MAFbx) typical of muscle atrophy. DUX4
      induces expression of downstream targets deregulated in FSHD such as mu
      crystallin and TP53. We developed specific siRNAs and antisense oligonucleotides
      (AOs) targeting the DUX4 mRNA. Addition of these antisense agents to primary FSHD
      myoblast cultures suppressed DUX4 protein expression and affected expression of
      the above-mentioned markers. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: These results constitute a
      proof of concept for the development of therapeutic approaches for FSHD targeting
      DUX4 expression.

PMID- 22053215
TI  - Phosphoinositide 3-kinasegamma controls the intracellular localization of CpG to
      limit DNA-PKcs-dependent IL-10 production in macrophages.
AB  - Synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides containing unmethylated CpG motifs (CpG)
      stimulate innate immune responses. Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) has been
      implicated in CpG-induced immune activation; however, its precise role has not
      yet been clarified. CpG-induced production of IL-10 was dramatically increased in
      macrophages deficient in PI3Kgamma (p110gamma(-/-)). By contrast, LPS-induced
      production of IL-10 was unchanged in the cells. CpG-induced, but not LPS-induced,
      IL-10 production was almost completely abolished in SCID mice having mutations in
      DNA-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit (DNA-PKcs). Furthermore,
      wortmannin, an inhibitor of DNA-PKcs, completely inhibited CpG-induced IL-10
      production, both in wild type and p110gamma(-/-) cells. Microscopic analyses
      revealed that CpG preferentially localized with DNA-PKcs in p110gamma(-/-) cells
      than in wild type cells. In addition, CpG was preferentially co-localized with
      the acidic lysosomal marker, LysoTracker, in p110gamma(-/-) cells, and with an
      early endosome marker, EEA1, in wild type cells. Over-expression of p110gamma in
      Cos7 cells resulted in decreased acidification of CpG containing endosome. A
      similar effect was reproduced using kinase-dead mutants, but not with a ras
      binding site mutant, of p110gamma. Thus, it is likely that p110gamma, in a manner
      independent of its kinase activity, inhibits the acidification of CpG-containing
      endosomes. It is considered that increased acidification of CpG-containing
      endosomes in p110gamma(-/-) cells enforces endosomal escape of CpG, which results
      in increased association of CpG with DNA-PKcs to up-regulate IL-10 production in
      macrophages.

PMID- 22053216
TI  - Temporal processing of vibratory communication signals at the level of ascending
      interneurons in Nezara viridula (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae).
AB  - During mating, males and females of N. viridula (Heteroptera: Pentatomidae)
      produce sex- and species-specific calling and courtship substrate-borne vibratory
      signals, grouped into songs. Recognition and localization of these signals are
      fundamental for successful mating. The recognition is mainly based on the
      temporal pattern, i.e. the amplitude modulation, while the frequency spectrum of
      the signals usually only plays a minor role. We examined the temporal selectivity
      for vibratory signals in four types of ascending vibratory interneurons in N.
      viridula. Using intracellular recording and labelling technique, we analyzed the
      neurons' responses to 30 pulse duration/interval duration (PD/ID) combinations.
      Two response arrays were created for each neuron type, showing the intensity of
      the responses either as time-averaged spike counts or as peak instantaneous spike
      rates. The mean spike rate response arrays showed preference of the neurons for
      short PDs (below 600 ms) and no selectivity towards interval duration; while the
      peak spike rate response arrays exhibited either short PD/long ID selectivity or
      no selectivity at all. The long PD/short ID combinations elicited the weakest
      responses in all neurons tested. No response arrays showed the receiver
      preference for either constant period or duty cycle. The vibratory song pattern
      selectivity matched the PD of N. viridula male vibratory signals, thus pointing
      to temporal filtering for the conspecific vibratory signals already at level of
      the ascending interneurons. In some neurons the responses elicited by the
      vibratory stimuli were followed by distinct, regular oscillations of the membrane
      potential. The distance between the oscillation peaks matched the temporal
      structure of the male calling song, indicating a possible resonance based
      mechanism for signal recognition.

PMID- 22053217
TI  - Detection of genetically altered copper levels in Drosophila tissues by
      synchrotron x-ray fluorescence microscopy.
AB  - Tissue-specific manipulation of known copper transport genes in Drosophila
      tissues results in phenotypes that are presumably due to an alteration in copper
      levels in the targeted cells. However direct confirmation of this has to date
      been technically challenging. Measures of cellular copper content such as
      expression levels of copper-responsive genes or cuproenzyme activity levels,
      while useful, are indirect. First-generation copper-sensitive fluorophores show
      promise but currently lack the sensitivity required to detect subtle changes in
      copper levels. Moreover such techniques do not provide information regarding
      other relevant biometals such as zinc or iron. Traditional techniques for
      measuring elemental composition such as inductively coupled plasma mass
      spectroscopy are not sensitive enough for use with the small tissue amounts
      available in Drosophila research. Here we present synchrotron x-ray fluorescence
      microscopy analysis of two different Drosophila tissues, the larval wing imaginal
      disc, and sectioned adult fly heads and show that this technique can be used to
      detect changes in tissue copper levels caused by targeted manipulation of known
      copper homeostasis genes.

PMID- 22053218
TI  - Loss of zebrafish lgi1b leads to hydrocephalus and sensitization to
      pentylenetetrazol induced seizure-like behavior.
AB  - Mutations in the LGI1 gene predispose to a hereditary epilepsy syndrome and is
      the first gene associated with this disease which does not encode an ion channel
      protein. In zebrafish, there are two paralogs of the LGI1 gene, lgi1a and lgi1b.
      Knockdown of lgi1a results in a seizure-like hyperactivity phenotype with
      associated developmental abnormalities characterized by cellular loss in the eyes
      and brain. We have now generated knockdown morphants for the lgi1b gene which
      also show developmental abnormalities but do not show a seizure-like behavior.
      Instead, the most striking phenotype involves significant enlargement of the
      ventricles (hydrocephalus). As shown for the lgi1a morphants, however, lgi1b
      morphants are also sensitized to PTZ-induced hyperactivity. The different
      phenotypes between the two lgi1 morphants support a subfunctionalization model
      for the two paralogs.

PMID- 22053219
TI  - Percutaneous treatment in acute coronary syndromes.
AB  - Both ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction and non-ST-segment elevation
      acute coronary syndromes (ACS) are the result of an acute thrombotic lesion
      obstructing blood flow in the coronary vasculature. Percutaneous treatment has
      shown to improve clinical outcome in this clinical setting by resolving coronary
      obstruction with different devices directed to restore coronary blood flow. In
      comparison with balloon alone angioplasty, implantation of bare metal stents
      reduced the rate of restenosis and cardiac events, but high rates of restenosis
      remained, leading to further investigations to develop drug-eluting stents with
      different pharmacological coatings that reduced restenosis rates and clinical
      events. In this review, we discuss the current treatment of ACS, reviewing recent
      randomized clinical trials and advances in medical treatment, including new
      antiplatelet agents and recent guideline recommendations.

PMID- 22053220
TI  - Assessment of right ventricular afterload by pressure waveform analysis in acute
      pulmonary hypertension.
AB  - AIM: To characterize hydraulic right ventricle (RV) afterload by pulmonary
      arterial pressure waveform analysis in an acute pulmonary hypertension (PH)
      model. METHODS: Pulmonary artery (PA) flow and pressure were recorded in six
      anesthetized sheep. Acute isobaric PH was induced by phenylephrine (active) and
      PA mechanical constriction (passive). We estimated the amplitude of the forward
      and reflected pressure waves according to the inflection point. In most cases the
      inflection pressure was smooth, thus the inflection point was defined as the time
      at which the first derivative of pulmonary arterial pressure reached its first
      minimum. We calculated the input and characteristic (Z(C), time-domain Li method)
      impedances, the capacitance index (stroke volume/pulse pressure), the
      augmentation index (AI) (reflected pressure/pulse pressure), the fractional pulse
      pressure (pulse pressure/mean pressure) and the wasted energy generated by the RV
      due to wave reflection during ejection (E(W)). RESULTS: Pulse pressure,
      fractional pulse pressure, AI and Z(C) increased and capacitance index decreased
      during passive PH with respect to control (P < 0.05). In contrast, Z(C) and the
      capacitance index did not change and E(W) and the AI decreased during active PH.
      Pulse pressure correlated with E(W) and Z(C) and the AI was correlated with E(W)
      (r > 0.6, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: PA pressure waveform analysis allows the
      quantification of the dynamic RV afterload. Prospective clinical studies will be
      necessary to validate this time-domain approach to evaluate the dynamic RV
      afterload in chronic PH.

PMID- 22053221
TI  - Angiotensin-converting enzyme and bradykinin gene polymorphisms and cough: A meta
      analysis.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the association between genetic polymorphisms and angiotensin
      converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI)-related cough, and the race- or ethnicity
      related difference in the prevalence of cough attributed to ACEI therapy.
      METHODS: We conducted a search in PubMed, EMBASE, Cinahl, and the Cochrane
      Database without language limitation. A database of 11 studies on ACEI-related
      cough, with detailed information regarding ACE I/D or bradykinin B(2) receptor
      polymorphisms, was created. Eligible studies were synthesized using meta-analysis
      methods, including cumulative meta-analysis. A subgroup analysis was also
      performed using ethnicity. RESULTS: Six studies were included on ACE I/D
      polymorphism (398 Caucasians, 723 East Asians), and three studies were included
      on bradykinin B(2) receptor polymorphism (300 East Asians). The distribution of
      ACE genotypes showed significant differences in the entire population (P = 0.004)
      and in East Asians (P = 0.005) but not in Caucasians (P = 0.23). Allelic
      frequencies of ACE showed significant differences in East Asians [odds ratio (OR)
      = 1.49 (1.11-2.02)]. The meta-analysis with a random effects model showed a
      significant association between ACE allele I/D and ACEI-related cough [random
      effects (RE) OR = 1.49 (1.11-2.02), P = 0.009] in East Asians, but not in
      Caucasians [RE OR = 0.90 (0.60-1.35)]. The allelic frequencies of the bradykinin
      B(2) receptor gene were significantly different [OR = 2.25 (1.42-3.57)]. The
      distributions of the T/C genotypes of the bradykinin B(2) receptor gene were
      significantly different (chi(2) = 8.366, P = 0.015). The meta-analyses revealed
      that there was a significant association between the bradykinin B(2) receptor
      allele and ACEI-related cough in East Asians [RE OR = 2.29 (1.42-3.69), P =
      0.001]. CONCLUSION: ACE I/D and Bradykinin B(2) receptor polymorphisms
      contributed to the risk of ACEI-related cough in East Asians, but a negative
      association between ACE I/D polymorphism and ACEI-related cough was observed in
      Caucasians.

PMID- 22053222
TI  - Epicardial coronary artery intimal smooth muscle hyperplasia in a cocaine user.
AB  - Accelerated epicardial coronary artery atherosclerosis has been well-documented
      in cocaine users. There are only two reported cases of cocaine-associated diffuse
      intimal expansion by proliferated smooth muscle cells causing significant
      coronary luminal compromise. This type of lesion histologically resembled chronic
      transplant arteriopathy. Here, we report a third such case.

PMID- 22053223
TI  - Leukoaraiosis on magnetic resonance imaging is related to long-term poor
      functional outcome after thrombolysis in acute ischemic stroke.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Leukoaraiosis (LA) has been suggested to be related to the poor
      outcome or the occurrence of symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (sICH) after
      acute ischemic stroke. We retrospectively investigated the influences of LA on
      long-term outcome and the occurrence of sICH after thrombolysis in acute ischemic
      stroke (AIS). METHODS: In this study, we recruited 164 patients with AIS and
      magnetic resonance image (MRI)-detected thrombolysis. The presence and extent of
      LA were assessed using the Fazekas grading system. The National Institutes of
      Health Stroke Scale score was used to assess the baseline measure of neurologic
      severity, and the modified Rankin Scale score assessment was used up to 1 year
      after thrombolysis. RESULTS: Of 164 subjects, 56 (34.2%) showed LA on MRI.
      Compared to the 108 patients without LA, the patients with LA were of much older
      age (p<0.01), had a higher prevalence of hypertension (p<0.01), and had a much
      poorer outcome at 90 days (p=0.05) and 1 yr (p=0.01) after thrombolysis. There
      were no significant differences in sICH between patients with and without LA on
      MRI. In univariate analysis for the occurrence of poor outcome at 90 days after
      thrombolysis, the size of ischemic lesion on diffusion weighted images (DWI),
      [odds ratio (OR), 1.03; 95% confidence interval (95% CI), 1.01-1.04; p<0.01],
      recanalization (OR, 0.03; 95% CI, 0.01-0.10; p<0.01), sICH (OR, 12.2; 95% CI,
      1.54-95.8), neurologic severity (OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.09-1.25; p<0.01), blood
      glucose level (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 1.00-1.02; p=0.03), and the presence of LA on
      MRI (OR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.04-3.01; p=0.04) were statistically significant. In
      multivariate analysis, neurologic severity (OR, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.04-1.24; p<0.01),
      recanalization (OR, 0.03; 95% CI, 0.01-0.11; p<0.01), lesion size on DWI (OR,
      1.02; 95% CI, 1.01-1.03; p=0.02), serum glucose level (OR, 1.01; 95% CI; 1.01
      1.02; p=0.03), and the presence of LA on MRI (OR, 3.2; 95% CI, 1.22-8.48; p<0.01)
      showed statistically significant differences. These trends persisted up to 1 yr
      after thrombolysis. CONCLUSION: In this study, we demonstrated that the presence
      of LA on MRI might be related to poor outcome after use of intravenous tissue
      plasminogen activator in AIS.

PMID- 22053224
TI  - Influence of clinical and anatomic features on treatment decisions for anterior
      communicating artery aneurysms.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to analyze the clinical and anatomic
      features involved in determining treatment modalities for anterior communicating
      artery (AcoA) aneurysms. METHODS: The authors retrospectively evaluated 112 AcoA
      aneurysms with pretreatment clinical features including age, Hunt and Hess grade,
      medical or neurological comorbidity, and anatomical features including aneurysm
      size, neck size, dome-to-neck ratio, vessel incorporation, multiple lobulation,
      and morphologic scoring system. Post-treatment clinical results were classified
      according to the Glasgow Outcome Scale, and anatomic results in coiled patients
      were classified according to the modified Raymond scale. Using multivariate
      logistic regression, the probabilities for decision making between surgical
      clipping and coil embolization were calculated. RESULTS: Sixty-seven patients
      (60%) were treated with surgical clipping and 45 patients (40%) with endovascular
      coil embolization. The clinical factor significantly associated with treatment
      decision was age (>=65 vs. <65 years) and anatomical factors including aneurysm
      size (small or large vs. medium), dome-to-neck ratio (<2 vs. >=2), presence of
      vessel incorporation, multiple lobulation, and morphologic score (>=2 vs. <2). In
      multivariate analysis, older patients (age, >65 years) had significantly higher
      odds of being treated with coil embolization relative to clipping (adjusted
      OR=3.78; 95% CI, 1.39-10.3; p=0.0093) and higher morphological score patients
      (>=2) had a higher tendency toward surgical clipping than endovascular coil
      embolization (OR=0.23; 95% CI, 0.16-0.93; p=0.0039). CONCLUSION: The optimal
      decision for treating AcoA aneurysms cannot be determined by any single clinical
      or anatomic characteristics. All clinical and morphological features need to be
      considered, and a collaborative neurovascular team approach to AcoA aneurysms is
      essential.

PMID- 22053225
TI  - Correlation between Serum D-Dimer Level and Volume in Acute Ischemic Stroke.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: D-dimer is a breakdown product of fibrin mesh after factor XIII
      stabilization. Previously, many authors have demonstrated a relationship between
      D-dimer level and stroke progression or type. This study aimed to investigate the
      relationship between D-dimer level and stroke volume. METHODS: Between January
      2008 and December 2009, we analyzed the D-dimer levels of 59 acute ischemic
      stroke patients in our neurosurgical department both upon admission and after
      seven days of initial treatment. Each patient's National Institute of Health
      Stroke Scale score, modified Rankin Scales score, Glasgow outcome score, and
      infarction volume were also evaluated. RESULTS: Mean D-dimer level at admission
      was 626.6 ug/L (range, 77-4,752 ug/L) and the mean level measured after seven
      days of treatment was 238.3 ug/L (range, 50-924 ug/L). Mean D-dimer level at
      admission was 215.3 ug/L in patients with focal infarctions, 385.7 ug/L in
      patients with multiple embolic infarctions, 566.2 ug/L in those with 1-19 cc
      infarctions, 668.8 ug/L in 20-49 cc infarctions, 702.5 ug/L in 50-199 cc
      infarctions, and 844.0 ug/L in >200 cc infarctions (p=0.044). On the 7th day of
      treatment, the D-dimer levels had fallen to 201.0 ug/L, 293.2 ug/L, 272.0 ug/L,
      232.8 ug/L, 336.6 ug/L, and 180.0 ug/L, respectively (p=0.530). CONCLUSION: Our
      study shows that D-dimer level has the positive correlation with infarction
      volume and can be use to predict infarction-volume.

PMID- 22053226
TI  - Surgical results of selective median neurotomy for wrist and finger spasticity.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the surgical outcomes of selective median
      neurotomy (SMN) for spastic wrist and fingers. METHODS: We studied 22 patients
      with wrist and finger spasticity refractory to optimal oral medication and
      physical therapy. The authors evaluated spasticity of the wrist and finger
      muscles by comparing preoperative states with postoperative states using the
      modified Ashworth scale (MAS). We checked patients for changes in pain according
      to the visual analog scale (VAS) and degree of satisfaction based on the VAS.
      RESULTS: The preoperative mean MAS score was 3.27+/-0.46 (mean+/-SD), and mean
      MAS scores at 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery were 1.82+/-0.5, 1.73+/-0.7, and
      1.77+/-0.81 (mean+/-SD), respectively. On the last follow-up visit, the mean MAS
      score measured 1.64+/-0.9 (mean+/-SD). Wrist and finger spasticity was
      significantly decreased at 3, 6, and 12 months after the operation (p<0.01). The
      preoperative mean pain VAS score was 5.85+/-1.07 (mean+/-SD), and the mean pain
      VAS score on the last follow-up visit after surgery was 2.28+/-1.8 (mean+/-SD).
      Compared with the preoperative mean pain VAS score, postoperative mean pain VAS
      score was decreased significantly (p<0.01). On the basis of a VAS ranging from 0
      to 100, the mean degree of patient satisfaction was 64.09+/-15.93 (mean+/-SD,
      range 30-90). CONCLUSION: The authors propose SMN as a possible effective
      procedure in achieving useful, long-lasting tone and in gaining voluntary
      movements in spastic wrists and fingers with low morbidity rates.

PMID- 22053227
TI  - The role of radiosurgery in patients with brain metastasis from small cell lung
      carcinoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the outcome of
      gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS) and/or whole brain radiation therapy (WBRT) for
      the treatment of small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) metastasis to the brain.
      METHODS: From 2000 to 2010, 50 patients underwent GKRS for metastatic brain
      lesions originating from SCLC. Among these patients, 11 received prophylactic
      cranial irradiation (PCI) before the development of metastatic lesions (PCI
      group), and GKRS was performed as an initial treatment for newly diagnosed
      lesions in 12 patients who had not received PCI (primary GKRS group). In
      addition, GKRS was performed as a salvage treatment for progressive lesions after
      WBRT in 27 patients (salvage GKRS group). The medical records and imaging data of
      all patients were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: The overall survival of the
      50 patients was 20.8 months (range 1-53) after the diagnosis of primary tumor and
      12.0 months (range 1-47) after the development of cerebral metastasis. Median
      survival after GKRS was 4.8 months (range 1-15) in the PCI group, 4.6 months
      (range 0-18) in the primary GKRS group, and 7.6 months (range 0-33) in the
      salvage GKRS group. Further treatment for progressive lesions after GKRS was
      necessary in 15 patients, after a mean interval of 3.8 months. Causes of death
      were systemic organ failure in 15 patients, deterioration of neurological state
      in 13 patients, and unknown or combined causes in 16 patients. The local control
      rate of the lesions treated with GKRS was 76.4% (decreased in 13 patients and
      stable in 16 patients at the final imaging follow-up (mean 5.60 months).
      CONCLUSION: GKRS is an effective local treatment for brain metastasis from SCLC
      both as an initial treatment for newly diagnosed lesions after PCI and as a
      salvage treatment for recurrent or progressive lesions. However, the survival
      benefit is not significant because most patients die of systemic multi-organ
      failure with a short life expectancy.

PMID- 22053228
TI  - Chronic subdural hematoma treated by small or large craniotomy with membranectomy
      as the initial treatment.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: There are few studies comparing small and large craniotomies for the
      initial treatment of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) which had non-liquefied
      hematoma, multilayer intrahematomal loculations, or organization/calcification on
      computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging. These procedures were
      compared to determine which would produce superior postoperative results.
      METHODS: Between 2001 and 2009, 317 consecutive patients were surgically treated
      for CSDH at our institution. Of these, 16 patients underwent a small craniotomy
      with partial membranectomy and 42 patients underwent a large craniotomy with
      extended membranectomy as the initial treatment. A retrospective review was
      performed to compare the postoperative outcomes of these two techniques, focusing
      on improvement of neurological status, complications, reoperation rate, and days
      of post-operative hospitalization. RESULTS: The mean ages were 69.4+/-12.1 and
      55.6+/-9.3 years in the small and large craniotomy groups, respectively. The
      recurrence of hematomas requiring reoperation occurred in 50% and 10% of the
      small and large craniotomy patients, respectively (p<0.001). There were no
      significant differences in postoperative neurological status, complications, or
      days of hospital stay between these two groups. CONCLUSION: Among the cases of
      CSDH initially requiring craniotomy, the large craniotomy with extended
      membranectomy technique reduced the reoperation rate, compared to that of the
      small craniotomy with partial membranectomy technique.

PMID- 22053229
TI  - The effect of phosphodiesterase-4-specific inhibitor in the rat model of spinal
      nerve ligation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Peripheral neuropathy is characterized by hyperalgesia, spontaneous
      burning pain, and allodynia. The purpose of this study was to investigate the
      effect of rolipram, a phosphodiesterase-4-specific inhibitor, in a segmental
      spinal nerve ligation model in rats. METHODS: Both the L5 and L6 spinal nerves of
      the left side of the rats were ligated. Phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor (rolipram)
      and saline (vehicle) were administered intraperitoneally. We measured mechanical
      allodynia using von Frey filaments and a nerve conduction study. RESULTS: The
      mechanical allodynia, which began to manifest on the first day, peaked within 2
      days. Multiple intraperitoneal injections of rolipram ameliorated the mechanical
      allodynia. Furthermore, an intraperitoneal administration of rolipram improved
      the development of pain behavior and nerve conduction velocity. CONCLUSION: This
      study suggests that the phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor, rolipram, alleviates
      mechanical allodynia induced by segmental spinal nerve ligation in rats. This
      finding may have clinical implications.

PMID- 22053230
TI  - Influence of history of brain disease or brain trauma on psychopathological
      abnormality in young male in Korea : analysis of multiphasic personal inventory
      test.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to confirm whether brain disease or brain
      trauma actually affect psychopathology in young male group in Korea. METHODS: The
      authors manually reviewed the result of Korean military multiphasic personal
      inventory (KMPI) in the examination of conscription in Korea from January 2008 to
      May 2010. There were total 237 young males in this review. Normal volunteers
      group (n=150) was composed of those who do not have history of brain disease or
      brain trauma. Brain disease group (n=33) was consisted of those with history of
      brain disease. Brain trauma group (n=54) was consisted of those with history of
      brain trauma. The results of KMPI in each group were compared. RESULTS: Abnormal
      results of KMPI were found in both brain disease and trauma groups. In the brain
      disease group, higher tendencies of faking bad response, anxiety, depression,
      somatization, personality disorder, schizophrenic and paranoid psychopathy was
      observed and compared to the normal volunteers group. In the brain trauma group,
      higher tendencies of faking-good, depression, somatization and personality
      disorder was observed and compared to the normal volunteers group. CONCLUSION:
      Young male with history of brain disease or brain trauma may have higher
      tendencies to have abnormal results of multiphasic personal inventory test
      compared to young male without history of brain disease or brain trauma,
      suggesting that damaged brain may cause psychopathology in young male group in
      Korea.

PMID- 22053231
TI  - Glioblastoma mimicking herpes simplex encephalitis.
AB  - We report a case of 70-year-old man with glioblastoma presenting as acute
      encephalitic illness. The patient exhibited sudden onset of cognitive impairment
      and headache for 2 days. Initial brain MRI showed left temporal lobe
      hyperintensity, and cerebrospinal fluid cytology revealed a mild pleocytosis. The
      patient had initially improved after medical treatment with a presumptive
      diagnosis of herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE). After 8 months, the patient
      complained of recurrent seizures. A follow-up brain MRI revealed marked increases
      in size and surrounding perilesional edema in the left temporal lesion on T2
      weighted images and a new contrast-enhancing lesion on gadolinium-enhanced T1
      weighted images. Stereotactic brain biopsy revealed a glioblastoma. The atypical
      encephalitic presentation of glioblastoma should be considered if definitive
      evidence for the diagnosis of HSE cannot be obtained.

PMID- 22053232
TI  - Symptomatic tarlov cyst following spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage.
AB  - Most of Tarlov or perineurial cysts remain asymptomatic throughout the patient's
      life. The pathogenesis is still unclear. Hemorrhage has been suggested as one of
      the possible causes and trauma with resultant hemorrhage into subarachnoid space
      has been suggested as an origin of these cysts. However, Tarlov cysts related to
      spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage has not been reported. The authors report a
      case of Tarlov cyst which was symptomatic following spontaneous subarachnoid
      hemorrhage.

PMID- 22053233
TI  - Cerebral hemorrhage after endovascular treatment of bilateral traumatic carotid
      cavernous fistulae with covered stents.
AB  - Bilateral traumatic carotid-cavernous fistulae (TCCFs) is rarely encountered
      neurovascular disease. For treatment of TCCF, detachable balloons have been
      widely used. Nowadays, transarterial and/or transvenous coil embolization with
      placement of covered stents is adopted as another treatment method. We
      experienced a patient with a bilateral TCCFs who was successfully treated with
      covered stents. However, cerebral hemorrhage occurred in the bed of previous
      infarction one day after treatment. Hyperperfusion syndrome was considered as a
      possible cause of the hemorrhage, so that barbiturate coma therapy was started
      and progression of hemorrhage was stopped. We emphasize that cerebral
      hyperperfusion hemorrhage can occur even after successful endovascular treatment
      of TCCF.

PMID- 22053234
TI  - Idiopathic thoracic epidural lipomatosis with chest pain.
AB  - Spinal epidural lipomatosis (SEL) is an overgrowth of the normally encapsulated
      adipose tissue in the epidural space around the spinal cord in the thoracic and
      lumbar spine causing compression of the neural components. Idiopathic SEL in non
      obese patients is exceptional. Idiopathic SEL can result in thoracic myelopathy
      and lumbar radiculopathy. A thoracic radiculopathy due to idiopathic SEL has not
      been reported yet. We report a case of idiopathic SEL with intractable chest pain
      and paresthesia. We suggest that idiopathic SEL should be considered as a cause
      of chest pain.

PMID- 22053235
TI  - Dystrophic calcification in the epidural and extraforaminal space caused by
      repetitive triamcinolone acetonide injections.
AB  - The authors report a case of epidural and extraforaminal calcification caused by
      repetitive triamcinolone acetonide injections. A 66-year-old woman was admitted
      presenting with lower extremity weakness and radiating pain in her left leg. Ten
      months before admission, the patient was diagnosed as having an L4-5 spinal
      stenosis and underwent anterior lumbar interbody fusion followed by posterior
      fixation. Her symptoms had been sustained and she did not respond to
      transforaminal steroid injections. Repetitive injections (10 times) had been
      performed on the L4-5 level for six months. She had been taking bisphosphonate as
      an antiresorptive agent for ten months after surgery. Calcification in the
      ventral epidural and extraforaminal space was detected. The gritty particles were
      removed during decompressive surgery and these were proven to be a dystrophic
      calcification. The patient recovered from weakness and radiating leg pain.
      Repetitive triamcinolone acetonide injections after discectomy may be the cause
      of dystrophic calcification not only in the degenerated residual disc, but also
      in the posterior longitudinal ligament. Possible mechanisms may include the
      toxicity of preservatives and the insolubility of triamcinolone acetonide. We
      should consider that repetitive triamcinolone injections in the postdisectomy
      state may cause intraspinal ossification and calcification.

PMID- 22053236
TI  - Cervical fibrous dysplasia presenting as a pathologic fracture in an older
      patient.
AB  - Vertebral involvement of fibrous dysplasia (FD) is rare, especially in the
      cervical spine. Moreover, cervical FD presenting as a pathologic fracture in
      older patients is extremely rare. We report a case of symptomatic cervical FD
      associated with pathologic fracture in a 63-year-old man. The patient presented
      with progressive weakness of the left arm and pain in the shoulder and arm.
      Radiologic studies revealed a collapsed and typical 'ground glass' radiolucency
      of C4. Multiple lytic lesions involved the odontoid process of C2 and the body,
      left pedicle, and posterior elements of C4. Combined anterior and posterior
      decompression and reconstruction were performed. Post-operatively, the
      histopathologic examination confirmed FD. On the post-operative follow-up
      examination, the neurologic deficits had completely resolved.

PMID- 22053237
TI  - Intraparenchymal pericatheter cyst as a complication of a ventriculo-peritoneal
      shunt in a premature infant.
AB  - A ventriculo-peritoneal shunt is a standard surgical management for
      hydrocephalus, but complications may impede the management of this disease.
      Obstruction of the catheter is one of the most common complications and manifests
      clinically in various ways. Intraparenchymal cyst development after shunt
      malfunction has been reported by several authors, but the underlying mechanism
      and optimal treatment methods are debatable. The authors report a case of
      intraparenchymal cyst formation around a proximal catheter in a premature infant
      after a ventriculo-peritoneal shunt and discuss its pathogenesis and management.

PMID- 22053238
TI  - Cerebral actinomycosis : unusual clinical and radiological findings of an
      abscess.
AB  - We report a case of cerebral actinomycosis in a 69-year-old immunocompetent
      woman. The patient showed a progressive worsened mental status for one week. MRI
      examination showed an increased size of multiple enhancing nodular lesions
      associated with mild perilesional edema. We performed an open biopsy for the
      right frontal enhancing lesion. The intraoperative finding showed a yellowish
      friable lesion that was not demarcated with normal tissue. Pathologically, an
      actinomycotic lesion with sulfur granules and inflammatory cells was diagnosed.
      We report an unusual case of diffuse involvement of cerebral actinomycosis. The
      presence of the uncapsulated friable lesion that consisted mainly of foamy
      macrophages and lymphocytes could explain the unusual radiological features.

PMID- 22053239
TI  - Pulsed radiofrequency neuromodulation treatment on the lateral femoral cutaneous
      nerve for the treatment of meralgia paresthetica.
AB  - We describe a rare case of pulsed radiofrequency treatment for pain relief
      associated with meralgia paresthetica. A 58-year-old female presented with pain
      in the left anterior lateral thigh. An imaging study revealed no acute lesions
      compared with a previous imaging study, and diagnosis of meralgia paresthetica
      was made. She received temporary pain relief with lateral femoral cutaneous nerve
      blocks twice. We performed pulsed radiofrequency treatment, and the pain declined
      to 25% of the maximal pain intensity. At 4 months after the procedure, the pain
      intensity did not aggravate without medication. Pulsed radiofrequency
      neuromodulation treatment on the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve may offer an
      effective, low risk treatment in patients with meralgia paresthetica who are
      refractory to conservative medical treatment.

PMID- 22053240
TI  - Alternate metal framework designs for the metal ceramic prosthesis to enhance the
      esthetics.
AB  - PURPOSE: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of five
      different metal framework designs on the fracture resistance of the metal-ceramic
      restorations. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For the purpose of this study, the central
      incisor tooth was prepared, and the metal analogue of it and a master die were
      fabricated. The counter die with the 0.5 mm clearance was used for fabricating
      the wax patterns for the metal copings. The metal copings with five different
      metal framework designs were designed from Group 1 to 5. Group 1 with the metal
      collar, Group 2, 3, 4 and 5 with 0 mm, 0.5 mm, 1 mm and 1.5 mm cervical metal
      reduction respectively were fabricated. Total of fifty metal ceramic crown
      samples were fabricated. The fracture resistance was evaluated with the Universal
      Testing Machine (Instron model No 1011, UK). The basic data was subjected to
      statistical analysis by ANOVA and Student's t-test. RESULTS: Results revealed
      that the fracture resistance ranged from 651.2 to 993.6 N/m(2). Group 1 showed
      the maximum and Group 5 showed the least value. CONCLUSION: The maximum load
      required to fracture the test specimens even in the groups without the metal
      collar was found to be exceeding the occlusal forces. Therefore, the metal
      frameworks with 0.5 mm and 1 mm short of the finish line are recommended for
      anterior metal ceramic restoration having adequate fracture resistance.

PMID- 22053241
TI  - Influence of cement thickness on resin-zirconia microtensile bond strength.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of resin cement
      thickness on the microtensile bond strength between zirconium-oxide ceramic and
      resin cement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two freshly extracted molars were
      transversely sectioned at the deep dentin level and bonded to air-abraded
      zirconium oxide ceramic disks. The specimens were divided into 8 groups based on
      the experimental conditions (cement type: Rely X UniCem or Panavia F 2.0, cement
      thickness: 40 or 160 um, storage: thermocycled or not). They were cut into
      microbeams and stored in 37C distilled water for 24 h. Microbeams of non
      thermocycled specimens were submitted to a microtensile test, whereas those of
      thermocycled groups were thermally cycled for 18,000 times immediately before the
      microtensile test. Three-way ANOVA and Sheffe's post hoc tests were used for
      statistical analysis (alpha=95%). RESULTS: All failures occurred at the resin
      zirconia interface. Thermocycled groups showed lower microtensile bond strength
      than non-thermocycled groups (P<.001). Differences in cement thickness did not
      influence the resin-zirconia microtensile bond strength given the same resin
      cement or storage conditions (P>.05). The number of adhesive failures increased
      after thermocycling in all experimental conditions. No cohesive failure was
      observed in any experimental group. CONCLUSION: When resin cements of adhesive
      monomers are applied over air-abraded zirconia restorations, the degree of fit
      does not influence the resin-zirconia microtensile bond strength.

PMID- 22053242
TI  - Curing efficiency of various resin-based materials polymerized through different
      ceramic thicknesses and curing time.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this in vitro study was to examine the curing efficiency of
      various resin-based materials polymerized through ceramic restorations with 3
      different thicknesses. Curing efficiency was evaluated by determining the surface
      microhardness (VHN) of the resin specimens. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four kinds of
      resin materials were used. Z350 (3M ESPE FiltekTM Z350: A2 Shade), Z250 (3M ESPE
      FiltekTM Z250: A2 Shade) and Variolink(r) II (VL: Ivoclar vivadent, base:
      transparent) either with or without a self-curing catalyst (VLC: Ivoclar
      vivadent, catalyst: low viscosity/transparent) were filled into the silicone mold
      (10 mm diameter, 1 mm thick). They were cured through ceramic discs (IPS e.max
      Press MO-0 ingot ivoclar vivadent, 10 mm diameter, 0.5, 1 and 2 mm thicknesses)
      by LED light-curing units for 20 and 40 seconds. Vicker's microhardness numbers
      (VHNs) were measured on the bottom surfaces by a microhardness tester. Data were
      analyzed using a 3- way analysis of variance (ANOVA) at a significance level of
      0.05. RESULTS: The thickness of ceramic disc increased, the VHNs of all four
      resin types were decreased (P<.05). The mean VHN values of the resins light cured
      for 40 seconds were significantly higher than that of LED for 20 seconds in all
      four resin materials (P<.05). VLC showed significantly higher VHN values than VL
      regardless of other conditions (P<.05). Z350 and Z250 showed higher values than
      VL or VLC (P<.01). CONCLUSION: Thinner ceramic disc with increased curing time
      resulted higher VHN values of all resin materials. The use of a catalyst produced
      a greater hardness with all polymerization methods. Restorative resin materials
      (Z350, Z250) showed higher VHN values than resin cement materials (VL, VLC).

PMID- 22053243
TI  - Occlusal scheme in a group of Thais.
AB  - PURPOSE: To study the distribution of various occlusal schemes as well as
      associated static occlusal relationship among Thais. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The
      subjects' occlusal schemes on the left and right sides were classified as canine
      protected occlusion, group function, or unclassified according to the definition
      from Glossary of Prosthodontic Terms (8(th) edition). In addition, the presence
      of occlusal interferences during mandibular excursions were recorded. The
      measurement of the horizontal overlap and vertical overlap was also performed.
      Chi-square, One-way ANAVA and Mann-Whitney U statistical tests were used with
      level of significance set at P=.05. RESULTS: Total of 104 subjects were included
      in this study. The ratio for male to female was 1.8 to 1. Average age of the
      population was 25.01+/-6.87 years old. The mean vertical overlap and horizontal
      overlap were 1.94+/-1.20 and 2.41+/-1.32 mm respectively. The majority of the
      populations (68.3%) possessed group function occlusal scheme. For the remaining,
      17.3% possess canine protected occlusion and 12.5% possess combination of both
      occlusal schemes. We also found that occlusal interference was presented in 20.2%
      of the population. The most common was protrusive interference (57.14%), the
      second was balancing interference (38.1%) and the third was working interference
      (4.1%). CONCLUSION: Among Thais, the most common occlusal scheme was group
      function, however there were no significant occlusal factors related to any
      particular occlusal scheme.

PMID- 22053244
TI  - Flexural properties of a light-cure and a self-cure denture base materials
      compared to conventional alternatives.
AB  - PURPOSE: A new light curing urethane dimethacrylate and a cold curing resin with
      simpler and faster laboratory procedures may have even improved flexural
      properties. This study investigated the 3-point flexural strengths and flexural
      moduli of two alternate base materials. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cold curing
      resin (Weropress) and a light curing urethane dimethacrylate base material
      (Eclipse). Along with Eclipse and Weropress, a high impact resin (Lucitone199)
      and three conventional base materials (QC 20, Meliodent and Paladent 20) were
      tested. A 3-point bending test was used to determine the flexural strengths and
      flexural moduli. The mean displacement, maximum load, flexural modulus and
      flexural strength values and standard deviations for each group were analyzed by
      means of one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) (with mean difference significant
      at the 0.05 level). Post hoc analyses (Scheffe test) were carried out to
      determine the differences between the groups at a confidence level of 95%.
      RESULTS: Flexural strength, displacement and force maximum load values of Eclipse
      were significantly different from other base materials. Displacement values of QC
      20 were significantly different from Lucitone 199 and Weropress. CONCLUSION: The
      flexural properties and simpler processing technique of Eclipse system presents
      an advantageous alternative to conventional base resins and Weropress offers
      another simple laboratory technique.

PMID- 22053245
TI  - Finite element study on the effect of abutment length and material on implant
      bone interface against dynamic loading.
AB  - PURPOSE: Finite element study on the effect of abutment length and material on
      implant bone interface against dynamic loading. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two
      dimensional finite element models of cylinderical implant, abutments and bone
      made by titanium or polyoxymethylene were simulated with the aid of Marc/Mentat
      software. Each model represented bone, implant and titanium or polyoxymethylene
      abutment. Model 1: Implant with 3 mm titanium abutment, Model 2: Implant with 2
      mm polyoxymethylene resilient material abutment, Model 3: Implant with 3 mm
      polyoxymethylene resilient material abutment and Model 4: Implant with 4 mm
      polyoxymethylene resilient material abutment. A vertical load of 11 N was applied
      with a frequency of 2 cycles/sec. The stress distribution pattern and
      displacement at the junction of cortical bone and implant was recorded. RESULTS:
      When Model 2, 3 and 4 are compared with Model 1, they showed narrowing of stress
      distribution pattern in the cortical bone as the height of the polyoxymethylene
      resilient material abutment increases. Model 2, 3 and 4 showed slightly less but
      similar displacement when compared to Model 1. CONCLUSION: Within the limitation
      of this study, we conclude that introduction of different height resilient
      material abutment with different heights i.e. 2 mm, 3 mm and 4 mm
      polyoxymethylene, does not bring about significant change in stress distribution
      pattern and displacement as compared to 3 mm Ti abutment. Clinically, with the
      application of resilient material abutment there is no significant change in
      stress distribution around implant-bone interface.

PMID- 22053246
TI  - The effect of immobilization of heparin and bone morphogenic protein-2 to bovine
      bone substitute on osteoblast-like cell's function.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study was performed to investigate the ability of recombinant human
      bone morphogenic protein-2 immobilized on a heparin-grafted bone substrate to
      enhance the osteoblastic functions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The Bio-Oss(r), not
      coated with any material, was used as a control group. In rhBMP-2-Bio-Oss(r)
      group, rhBMP-2 was coated with Bio-Oss(r) using only deep and dry methods (50
      ng/mL, 24 h). In heparinized rhBMP-2-Bio-Oss(r) group, dopamine was anchored to
      the surface of Bio-Oss(r), and coated with heparin. rhBMP-2 was immobilized onto
      the heparinized- Bio-Oss(r) surface. The release kinetics of the rhBMP-2-Bio
      Oss(r) and heparinized rhBMP-2-Bio-Oss(r) were analyzed using an enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay. The biological activities of the MG63 cells on the three
      groups were investigated via cytotoxicity assay, cell proliferation assay,
      alkaline phosphatase (ALP) measurement, and calcium deposition determination.
      Statistical comparisons were carried out by one-way ANOVA test. Differences were
      considered statistically significant at (*)P<.05 and (**)P<.001. RESULTS: The
      heparinized rhBMP-2-Bio-Oss(r) showed more sustained release compared to the
      rhBMP-2-Bio-Oss(r) over an extended time. In the measurement of the ALP activity,
      the heparinized group showed a significantly higher ALP activity when compared
      with the non-heparinized groups (P<.05). The MG63 cells cultivated in the group
      with rhBMP-2 showed increased calcium deposition, and the MG63 cells from the
      heparinized group increased more than those that were cultivated in the non
      heparinized groups. CONCLUSION: Heparin increased the rhBMP-2 release amount and
      made sustained release possible, and heparinized Bio-Oss(r) with rhBMP-2
      successfully improved the osteoblastic functions.

PMID- 22053247
TI  - Effects of the immobilization of heparin and rhPDGF-BB to titanium surfaces for
      the enhancement of osteoblastic functions and anti-inflammation.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study was to investigate the effects of recombinant human platelet
      derived growth factor (rhPDGF-BB) and heparin to titanium surfaces for
      enhancement of osteoblastic functions and inhibition of inflammation activity.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: The anodized titanium discs, not coated with any material,
      were used as a control group. In heparinized- Ti group, dopamine was anchored to
      the surface of Ti substrates, and coated with heparin. In PDGF-Ti group, rhPDGF
      BB was immobilized onto heparinized Ti surface. The surface morphologies were
      investigated by the scanning electron microscope in each group. The release
      kinetics of rhPDGF-BB were analyzed, and cytotoxicity tests for each group were
      conducted. The biocompatibilities were characterized by measuring cell
      proliferation, alkaline phosphatase activity, and calcium deposition using MG-63
      cells. Statistical comparisons were carried out by one-way ANOVA tests.
      Differences were considered statistically significant at (*)P<.05 and (**)P<.001.
      RESULTS: The combination of rhPDGF-BB and heparin stimulated alkaline phosphatase
      activity and OCN mRNA expression in osteoblastic cells ((*)P<.05 and (**)P<.001).
      MG-63 cells grown on PDGF-Ti had significantly higher amounts of calcium
      deposition than those grown on anodized Ti ((**)P<.001). Heparinized Ti was more
      anti-inflammatory compared to anodized Ti, when exposed to lipopolysaccharide
      using the transcript levels of TNF-alpha and IL-6 of proinflammatory cytokine
      ((*)P<.05 and (**)P<.001). CONCLUSION: The result of this study demonstrated that
      the incorporation of rhPDGF-BB and heparin onto Ti surface enhanced osteoblastic
      functions and inhibited inflammation.

PMID- 22053248
TI  - Randomized clinical trial on the efficacy of Escherichia coli-derived rhBMP-2
      with beta-TCP/HA in extraction socket.
AB  - PURPOSE: This randomized clinical trial was conducted to assess the safety and
      effectiveness of the ErhBMP-2 in alveolar bone regeneration as well as
      preservation of the beta-TCP bone graft material that contains ErhBMP-2.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study involved 72 patients at the 3 study centers.
      The patients, who were divided into 2 groups: the experiment group who had ErhBMP
      2 coated TCP/HA and the control group who had TCP/HA graft material alone
      transplanted immediately after tooth extraction. CT was taken before and 3 months
      after the transplantation and healing status was compared between the two groups.
      The efficacy endpoints that were used to measure the degree of bone induction
      included alveolar bone height and 3 measurements of bone width. The paired t test
      was used to determine the significance of the changes (P<.05). RESULTS: Changes
      in alveolar bone height were -1.087 +/- 1.413 mm in the control group and -.059
      +/- 0.960 mm in the experimental group (P<.01). At 25% extraction socket length
      [ESL], the changes were 0.006 +/- 1.149 mm in the control group and 1.279 +/-
      1.387 mm in the experimental group. At 50% ESL, the changes were 0.542 +/- 1.157
      mm and 1.239 +/- 1.249 mm, respectively (P<.01 for 25% ESL, and P<.05 for 50%
      ESL). During the experiment, no adverse reactions to the graft material were
      observed. CONCLUSION: ErhBMP-2 coated beta-TCP/HA were found to be more effective
      in preserving alveolar bone than conventional beta-TCP/HA alloplastic bone graft
      materials.

PMID- 22053249
TI  - Evaluation of shear bond strengths of gingiva-colored composite resin to
      porcelain, metal and zirconia substrates.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to evaluate and compare the shear bond
      strength of the gingiva-colored composite resin and the tooth-colored composite
      resin to porcelain, metal and zirconia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty cylindrical
      specimens were fabricated and divided into the following 6 groups (Group 1-W:
      tooth-colored composite bonded to porcelain, Group 1-P: gingiva-colored composite
      bonded to porcelain, Group 2-W: tooth-colored composite bonded to base metal,
      Group 2-P: gingiva-colored composite bonded to base metal, Group 3-W:
      toothcolored composite bonded to zirconia, Group 3-P: gingiva-colored composite
      bonded to zirconia). The shear bond strength was measured with a universal
      testing machine after thermocycling and the failure mode was noted. All data were
      analyzed using the two-way analysis of variance test and the Bonferroni post-hoc
      test at a significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: The mean shear bond strength
      values in MPa were 12.39, 13.42, 8.78, 7.98, 4.64 and 3.74 for Group 1-W, 1-P, 2
      W, 2-P, 3-W and 3-P, respectively. The difference between the two kinds of
      composite resin was not significant. The shear bond strength of Group 1 was the
      highest and that of Group 3 was the lowest. The differences among Group 1, 2 and
      3 were all significant (P<.05). CONCLUSION: The shear bond strength of the
      gingiva-colored composite was not less than that of the tooth-colored composite.
      Thus, repairing or fabricating ceramic restorations using the gingiva-colored
      composite resin can be regarded as a practical method. Especially, the prognosis
      would be fine when applied on porcelain surfaces.

PMID- 22053250
TI  - Guide flange prosthesis for early management of reconstructed hemimandibulectomy:
      a case report.
AB  - Surgical resection of the mandible due to presence of benign or malignant tumor
      is the most common cause of the mandibular deviation. Depending upon the location
      and extent of the tumor in the mandible, various surgical treatment modalities
      like marginal, segmental, hemi, subtotal, or total mandibulectomy can be
      performed. The clinicians must wait for extensive period of time for completion
      of healing and acceptance of the osseous graft before considering the definitive
      prosthesis. During this initial healing period prosthodontic intervention is
      required for preventing the mandibular deviation. This case report describes
      early prosthodontic management of a patient who has undergone a reconstructed
      hemi-mandibulectomy with modified mandibular guide flange prosthesis. The
      prosthesis helps patient moving the mandible normally without deviation during
      functions like speech and mastication.

PMID- 22053251
TI  - Injury pattern due to falls from hunting stands.
AB  - Hunting is a historically constructed cultural act and continues to be a passion
      and a popular recreational pastime worldwide. Along with a high population
      density in Europe and a large volume of hunters hunting injuries such as falls
      from hunting stands continue to occur regularly and are a significant cause of
      morbidity among hunters. The purpose of this study was to review typical injury
      patterns after falls from hunting stands in Germany between 2000-2009 using the
      German agricultural statutory accident insurance database and to compare these
      findings to other causes of hunting accidents. The most common injury pattern
      after falls from hunting stands in Germany in the period of 2000-2009 are closed
      fractures. However, data collection is incomplete. Thus a more precise data
      collection would help to be able to better analyze accident mechanisms in order
      to be able to prevent further accidents.

PMID- 22053252
TI  - Delayed gadolinium-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of hip joint cartilage:
      pearls and pitfalls.
AB  - With the increasing advances in hip joint preservation surgery, accurate
      diagnosis and assessment of femoral head and acetabular cartilage status is
      becoming increasingly important. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the hip does
      present technical difficulties. The fairly thin cartilage lining necessitates
      high image resolution and high contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR). With MR
      arthrography (MRA) using intraarticular injected gadolinium, labral tears and
      cartilage clefts may be better identified through the contrast medium filling
      into the clefts. However, the ability of MRA to detect varying grades of
      cartilage damage is fairly limited and early histological and biochemical changes
      in the beginning of osteoarthritis (OA) cannot be accurately delineated.
      Traditional MRI thus lacks the ability to analyze the biological status of
      cartilage degeneration. The technique of delayed gadolinium-enhanced MRI of
      cartilage (dGEMRIC) is sensitive to the charge density of cartilage contributed
      by glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), which are lost early in the process of OA.
      Therefore, the dGEMRIC technique has a potential to detect early cartilage damage
      that is obviously critical for decision-making regarding time and extent of
      intervention for joint-preservation. In the last decade, cartilage imaging with
      dGEMRIC has been established as an accurate and reliable tool for assessment of
      cartilage status in the knee and hip joint.This review outlines the current
      status of dGEMRIC for assessment of hip joint cartilage. Practical modifications
      of the standard technique including three-dimensional (3D) dGEMRIC and dGEMRIC
      after intra-articular gadolinium instead of iv-dGEMRIC will also be addressed.

PMID- 22053253
TI  - Postoperative blood loss reduction in computer-assisted surgery total knee
      replacement by low dose intra-articular tranexamic acid injection together with 2
      hour clamp drain: a prospective triple-blinded randomized controlled trial.
AB  - A high-dose local tranexamic acid has been introduced in total knee arthroplasty
      for bleeding control. We are not sure about the systemic absorption and side
      effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of low dosage of intra
      articular tranexamic acid injection combined with 2-hour clamp drain in minimally
      bleeding computer-assisted surgery total knee replacement (CAS-TKR). A
      prospective randomized controlled trial was conducted in a total of 48 patients
      underwent CAS-TKR. The patients were randomly assigned to receive either of a
      mixed intra-articular solution of tranexamic acid 250 mg with physiologic saline
      (TXA group), or physiologic saline (control group) and then followed by clamp
      drain for 2 hours. Postoperative blood loss was measured by three different
      methods as drainage volume, total hemoglobin loss and calculated total blood
      loss. Transfusion requirement and postoperative complications were recorded. All
      patients were screened for deep vein thrombosis and the functional outcomes were
      evaluated at 6 months after surgery. The mean postoperative drainage volume,
      total hemoglobin loss and calculated total blood loss in TXA group were 308.8 mL,
      2.1 g/dL and 206.3 mL compared to 529.0 mL, 3.0 g/dL and 385.1 mL in the control
      group (P=0.0003, 0.0005 and <0.0001 respectively). Allogenic blood transfusion
      was needed for one patient (4.2%) in TXA group and for eight patients (33.3%) in
      the control group. Postoperative knee scores were not significantly different
      between groups. No deep vein thrombosis, infection or wound complication was
      detected in both groups. In this study, low dose intra-articular tranexamic acid
      injection combined with 2-hour clamping drain was effective for reducing
      postoperative blood loss and transfusion requirement in CAS-TKR without
      significant difference in postoperative complications or functional outcomes.

PMID- 22053254
TI  - Hip arthrodesis in the pediatric population: where do we stand?
AB  - Reconstructive and salvage procedures have continued to evolve in orthopedic
      surgery with changing functional demands of the population as well as advances in
      implants and surgical techniques. What used to be popular or traditional care at
      some point may eventually become a thing of the past, and this is true as far as
      many orthopedic surgical procedures are concerned. Understanding the etiology,
      pathogenesis, and managing and postponing the destructive pathway of
      osteoarthritis (OA) has been the goal of orthopedists since the specialty began
      in the early part of 18(th) century. Options of treating the severe sequelae of
      an arthritic joint have varied in different treatment eras. Management options
      have changed from a spectrum of non-treatment and slow suffering to muscle and
      soft-tissue releases, interposition arthroplasty and eventual extreme options
      like joint fusion or arthrodesis. The concept and advent of joint replacement
      surgery started a new era in the management of OA and was a dream come true in
      many ways. Mobility and stability are achieved together during the arthroplasty
      (joint replacement) that allowes the patient to maintain a good level of
      function. Arthroplasty certainly has its pros and cons as we have discovered in
      the past six decades. Pushing the envelope to younger population has its
      limitation in terms of longevity of the prosthesis, early loosening, need for
      repeated revisions that at some point may not be technically possible and risk of
      infection and disastrous consequences like PE and death associated with the
      gravity of the procedure. As infrequent as it is in today's clinical practice,
      arthrodesis of the hip joint has a role and remains a solid option for a well
      selected case.The purpose of this review is to discuss the current indications in
      the pediatric population and outline surgical techniques for hip arthrodesis
      while pointing out limitations and shortcomings.

PMID- 22053255
TI  - Misdiagnosis of early Lyme disease as the summer flu.
AB  - Lyme disease is often identified by the hallmark erythema migrans rash, but not
      all early cases present with a rash. In other cases the rash may be unseen or
      unrecognized by a physician. In these situations, Lyme disease is difficult to
      diagnose because it masquerades as a non-specific viral-like illness. The
      seasonal peak of Lyme disease ranging from May through September overlaps with
      that of viral illnesses such as enteroviral infections, West Nile virus, and in
      rare years such as 2009, early influenza season. We present a case of a patient
      with Lyme disease who was initially misdiagnosed with influenza A during the
      summer of 2009. Because of the diagnostic importance of recognizing the erythema
      migrans rash, physicians in endemic regions should always ask about new rashes or
      skin lesions and perform a thorough physical examination when patients present
      over the summer with viral-like symptoms. Even when no rash is evident, Lyme
      disease should be considered if these symptoms persist or worsen without a
      specific diagnosis.

PMID- 22053256
TI  - Magnetic resonance imaging of hip joint cartilage and labrum.
AB  - Hip joint instability and impingement are the most common biomechanical risk
      factors that put the hip joint at risk to develop premature osteoarthritis.
      Several surgical procedures like periacetabular osteotomy for hip dysplasia or
      hip arthroscopy or safe surgical hip dislocation for femoroacetabular impingement
      aim at restoring the hip anatomy. However, the success of joint preserving
      surgical procedures is limited by the amount of pre-existing cartilage damage.
      Biochemically sensitive MRI techniques like delayed Gadolinium Enhanced MRI of
      Cartilage (dGEMRIC) might help to monitor the effect of surgical or non-surgical
      procedures in the effort to halt or even reverse joint damage.

PMID- 22053258
TI  - Benign fasciculations and corticosteroid use: possible association? An update.
AB  - Fasciculations are characterized by visible subtle and fast contractions of
      muscle, even wormlike in movement, by the contraction of a fascicle of muscle
      fibers. The authors present the case study of a 28-year-old patient with the
      appearance of migratory and diffuse fasciculations with an onset after partial
      tapering off of oral corticosteroides (60 mg total dose) indicated for treatment
      of Minimal change Glomerulopathy. Clinical Neurological physical exam allied with
      an ENMG, besides other complementary laboratory exams were used for screening the
      above-mentioned patient. Afterwards, current research relating to the topic at
      hand was made in order to update the data available in the Bireme, Scielo and
      PubMed Data Banks using the following key words: Fasciculation's, motor neuron
      disease, and benign fasciculations in the Portuguese, English as well as Spanish
      language. Although fasciculation's are most commonly associated with Motor neuron
      disease as well as with certain metabolic disorders, they may also be present in
      individuals with absolutely no underlying pathological disorders. In our case,
      fasciculation potentials that have been present for six months, with no other
      signs of a neurogenic disorder as well as absence of laboratory findings, the
      patient received a diagnosis of Benign Fasciculation Syndrome (BFS).We believe
      that the use of corticosteroides in high doses with subsequent tapering
      contributed to the fasciculation's, especially due to the changes that this
      causes on the ionic channels. Fasciculation's are symptoms seen in a large range
      of conditions, and also being the main symptom of the so-called Benign
      Fasciculation Syndrome. We have presented an example of this clinical syndrome in
      a patient whose complaint was fasciculation's, with complete clinical remission
      of symptoms following complete tapering off of corticosteroid six months
      previously.

PMID- 22053257
TI  - Behavioral outcome measures used for human neural stem cell transplantation in
      rat stroke models.
AB  - Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability, leading to the development of
      various stroke models to test new treatments, most commonly in the rat. Human
      stroke trials focus on disability, related primarily to neurological deficits. To
      better model the clinical application of these treatments, many behavioral tests
      have been developed using the rat stroke model. We performed a systematic review
      of all the behavioral outcome measures used in published studies of human neural
      stem cell transplantation in rat stroke models. The reviewed tests include motor,
      sensory, cognitive, activity, and combination tests. For each test, we give a
      brief description, trace the origin of the test, and discuss test performance in
      the reviewed studies. We conclude that while many behavioral tests are available
      for this purpose, there does not appear to be consensus on an optimal testing
      strategy.

PMID- 22053259
TI  - Primary stroke prevention and hypertension treatment: which is the first-line
      strategy?
AB  - Hypertension (HT) is considered the main classic vascular risk factor for stroke
      and the importance of lowering blood pressure (BP) is well established. However,
      not all the benefit of antihypertensive treatment is due to BP reduction per se,
      as the effect of reducing the risk of stroke differs among classes of
      antihypertensive agents. Extensive evidences support that angiotensin-converting
      enzyme inhibitors (ACEI), angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARB), dihydropyridine
      calcium channel blockers (CCB) and thiazide diuretics each reduced risk of stroke
      compared with placebo or no treatment. Therefore, when combination therapy is
      required, a combination of these antihypertensive classes represents a logical
      approach. Despite the efficacy of antihypertensive therapy a large proportion of
      the population, still has undiagnosed or inadequately treated HT, and remain at
      high risk of stroke. In primary stroke prevention current guidelines recommend a
      systolic/diastolic BP goal of <140/<90 mmHg in the general population and <130/80
      mmHg in diabetics and in subjects with high cardiovascular risk and renal
      disease. The recent release in the market of the fixed-dose combination (FDC) of
      ACEI or ARB and CCB should provide a better control of BP. However to confirm the
      efficacy of the FDC in primary stroke prevention, clinical intervention trials
      are needed.

PMID- 22053260
TI  - Novel mutation of the notch3 gene in arabic family with CADASIL.
AB  - Mutations in the NOTCH3 gene are responsible for cerebral autosomal dominant
      arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL), an
      adult onset hereditary angiopathy leading to ischemic stroke, vascular dementia
      and psychiatric disorders. All mutation of NOTCH3 described so far are striking
      stereotyped leading to the gain or loss of cystiene residue in a given epidermal
      growth factor (EGF), like repeat. We report an Arabic family affected with
      CADASIL mutation, G1790 C, in Exon 11 of the NOTCH3 gene. This is the first novel
      mutation reported in Arabic CADASIL patients. This finding confirms that
      mutations in NOTCH3 are associated with the pathogenesis of CADASIL across
      different ethnic background.

PMID- 22053261
TI  - Parkinson's disease: an inquiry into the etiology and treatment.
AB  - Parkinson's disease affects over one million people in the United States.
      Although there have been remarkable advances in uncovering the pathogenesis of
      this disabling disorder, the etiology is speculative. Medical treatment and
      operative procedures provide symptomatic relief only. Compression of the cerebral
      peduncle of the midbrain by the posterior cerebral artery in a patient with
      Parkinson's Disease (Parkinson's Disease) was noted on magnetic resonance imaging
      (MRI) scan and at operation in a patient with trigeminal neuralgia. Following the
      vascular decompression of the trigeminal nerve, the midbrain was decompressed by
      mobilizing and repositioning the posterior cerebral artery The patient's
      Parkinson's signs disappeared over a 48-hour period. They returned 18 months
      later with contralateral peduncle compression. A blinded evaluation of MRI scans
      of Parkinson's patients and controls was performed. MRI scans in 20 Parkinson's
      patients and 20 age and sex matched controls were evaluated in blinded fashion
      looking for the presence and degree of arterial compression of the cerebral
      peduncle. The MRI study showed that 73.7 percent of Parkinson's Disease patients
      had visible arterial compression of the cerebral peduncle. This was seen in only
      10 percent of control patients (two patients, one of whom subsequently developed
      Parkinson's Disease); thus 5 percent. Vascular compression of the cerebral
      peduncle by the posterior cerebral artery may be associated with Parkinson's
      Disease in some patients. Microva-scular decompression of that artery away from
      the peduncle may be considered for treatment of Parkinson's Disease in some
      patients.

PMID- 22053262
TI  - Cervical spine intradural-extramedullary hematoma presenting as ipsilateral
      hemiparesis.
AB  - A 75-year-old Taiwanese man suffered from acute onset of right-sided extremity
      weakness while talking to his neighbors. He was transferred to the hospital
      within three-hour time after symptom onset. Initial acute ischemic cerebral
      infarct was diagnosed based on his symptom and cerebral computed tomography.
      Thrombolytic therapy was held after his symptom improved promptly and could not
      excluded other etiology. Thorough history taking unraveled previous Chinese
      medicine clinic visit because of neck sore. However, he received limited
      improvement after several times of massage treatment. Magnetic resnance imaging
      (MRI) of the cervical spine demonstrated hematoma compressing right side
      intradural-extramedullary space at the C2/C3 level. Through his clinical course,
      muscle weakness was the sole neurological finding with sparing of sensory
      defects. Given the close anatomy relationship between sensory and motor lamina
      distribution in the cervical spinal cord, our patient presented a rare
      manifestation. Cases of cervical spine intradural-extramedullary hematoma are not
      often seen and only sporadic in the documented literature. We wish, through the
      report of this article, to inform the first- line physicians with the following
      information. Among the elderly, neck sore is a common symptom. Over- stretching
      or overt local massage is not suggested due to relatively fragile musculature. In
      the clinical diagnosis and localization of lesion, cerebral or cervical spine
      lesion could mimic with each other and manifest hemiparesis as their first
      symptom. Meticulous history taking, neurological/ physical examination and
      pertinent laboratory work-up should be done before initiation of intravenous
      thrombolytic therapy as it could cause catastrophic consequences if not used
      properly.

PMID- 22053263
TI  - Neuroleptic malignant syndrome due to risperidone misdiagnosed as status
      epilepticus.
AB  - Neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) is a rare but potentially fatal disease
      characterized by fever, muscle rigidity, delirium and autonomic instability. Here
      we report a child, with NMS due to the risperidone misdiagnosed as status
      epilepticus. Nine year old boy, who had been under high dose risperidone
      treatment for 8 weeks, admitted to the emergency room because of the contractions
      (evaluated as status epilepticus) persisting for 7 hours. Since there was
      neuroleptic treatment in the past medical history and, unconsciousness, muscular
      rigidity, diaphoresis, hypertermi and, hypotension in physical examination,
      leucocytosis and elevated creatininphosphokinase levels in laboratory tests, the
      patient was evaluated as NMS and discharged without any complications. We
      reported this case to point out that; NMS may be misdiagnosed as status
      epilepticus in children when EEG monitoring is unavailable. When a child admitted
      to the emergency room because of suspicious convulsion neuroleptic drug use must
      surely be asked.

PMID- 22053264
TI  - Three Japanese patients with congenital pituitary hormone deficiency and
      ophthalmological anomalies.
AB  - The clinical phenotype of congenital pituitary hormone deficiency is variable and
      can be associated with a number of structural abnormalities of the central
      nervous system. We report three Japanese patients with congenital pituitary
      hormone deficiency and ophthalmological anomalies. Two of the patients initially
      showed strabismus and unilateral optic nerve hypoplasia. Thereafter, growth
      failure became evident, leading to the diagnosis of pituitary hormone deficiency.
      The other patient had severe congenital hypopituitarism with respiratory distress
      and hypoglycemia from the first day of life. In addition, he had prolonged
      jaundice and impaired liver function with bilateral optic nerve hypoplasia.
      Neuroimaging of the pituitary region in all three patients demonstrated a small
      anterior pituitary lobe and no pituitary stalk. Our findings indicate that
      clinical variability of congenital hypopituitarism must be considered. In a
      patient with ophthalmological symptoms, endocrine evaluation and neuroimaging of
      the CNS including the pituitary region should be considered.

PMID- 22053265
TI  - Cystic fibrosis-related liver disease: a single-center experience.
AB  - Prospective studies concerning liver disease in pediatric cystic fibrosis
      patients are scarce. The present study aimed to describe the prevalence and
      clinical expression of cystic fibrosis - related liver disease, in a cohort of 62
      pediatric patients. Descriptive study, resulting from the prospective evaluation,
      between 1994 and 2009, of 62 pediatric patients (age <18 years) with cystic
      fibrosis. The follow-up protocol included a clinical assessment every 2 months,
      liver function tests every 6 months and annual liver ultrasonography. The
      cumulative prevalence of liver disease was 11.2% (7/62 cases). All patients had
      DeltaF508 mutation and pancreatic insufficiency, none had meconium ileus. The
      liver involvement became clinically evident at a mean age of 8 years (3-15
      years), revealed by hepatomegaly or hepatosplenomegaly (3 cases) and/ or
      abnormalities of liver function tests (3 cases) changes of liver ultrasound (7
      cases) with evidence of portal hypertension (2 cases). Four patients were
      submitted to liver biopsy; biliary fibrosis was documented in one case, focal
      biliary cirrhosis in 2 cases and multilobular cirrhosis in another case. Within a
      median 11.6 years follow-up period (all patients under UDCA therapy after liver
      disease diagnosis), progression of liver disease was observed in 2 patients; one
      patient developed refractory variceal bleeding and progressive hepatic failure,
      requiring liver transplant. The results of the present study agree with those of
      previous pediatric studies, further documenting clinical expression of liver
      disease in CF patients, which is usually detected in the first decade of life and
      emphasize the contribution of ultrasound to early diagnosis of liver involvement.
      Moreover, although advanced liver disease is a relatively rare event, early
      isolated liver transplantation may have to be considered at this age group.

PMID- 22053266
TI  - Omental infarction in an obese 10-year-old boy.
AB  - Primary omental infarction (POI) has a low incidence worldwide, with most cases
      occurring in adults. This condition is rarely considered in the differential
      diagnosis of acute abdominal pain in childhood. Herein, we present a case of
      omental infarction in an obese 10-year-old boy who presented with acute abdominal
      pain in the right lower abdomen. The ultrasound (US) examination did not reveal
      the appendix but showed secondary signs suggesting acute appendicitis. The child
      was thus operated on under the preoperative diagnosis of acute appendicitis but
      the intra-operative finding was omental infarct. Since the omental infarct as
      etiology of acute abdominal pain is uncommon, we highlight some of the possible
      etiologies and emphasize the importance of accurate diagnosis and appropriate
      treatment of omental infarction.

PMID- 22053267
TI  - Current approaches to pediatric heart catheterizations.
AB  - Sedation for pediatric cardiac catheterization is a common requirement in many
      institutions. As the field of cardiac catheterization has evolved, the provision
      of sedation for these procedures has been varied. Increasingly the demand is for
      dedicated personnel focused on monitoring and delivery of sedation while in the
      catheterization suite. This article describes the considerations one must use
      when undertaking these cases.

PMID- 22053268
TI  - Temporary brittle bone disease: relationship between clinical findings and
      judicial outcome.
AB  - There is a wide differential diagnosis for the child with unexplained fractures
      including non-accidental injury, osteogenesis imperfecta and vitamin D deficiency
      rickets. Over the last 20 years we and others have described a self-limiting
      syndrome characterised by fractures in the first year of life. This has been
      given the provisional name temporary brittle bone disease. This work had proved
      controversial mostly because the fractures, including rib fractures and
      metaphyseal fractures, were those previously regarded as typical or even
      diagnostic of non-accidental injury. Some have asserted that the condition does
      not exist. Over the years 1985 to 2000 we investigated 87 such cases with
      fractures with a view to determining the future care of the children. In 85 of
      these the judiciary was involved. We examined the clinical and radiological
      findings in the 33 cases in which there was a judicial finding of abuse, the 24
      cases in which the parents were exonerated and the 28 cases in which no formal
      judicial finding was made. The three groups of patients were similar in terms of
      demographics, age at fracturing and details of the fractures. The clinical
      similarities between the three groups of patients contrast with the very
      different results of the judicial process.

PMID- 22053269
TI  - An incidental finding in a preoperative chest radiograph.

PMID- 22053270
TI  - Death rates from lung cancer surgery have almost halved over 10 years.

PMID- 22053271
TI  - Acute lymphoblastic leukemia in adults.
AB  - Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most frequent neoplastic disease in
      children, being a rare disease in adults. Many of the advances in pediatric ALL
      have been through modifications in the doses and schedules of available agents as
      opposed to the introduction of new compounds. In recent years some improvements
      in the outcome of ALL in adults have occurred. Application of pediatric regimens
      to young and middle-aged adults shows promise to improve outcome. Advances in the
      supportive care of patients undergoing allogeneic stem cell transplantation
      (SCT), the use of alternative sources of hematopoietic stem cells and the use of
      reduced-intensity conditioning regimens will expand the number of patients who
      can benefit from this therapeutic modality. The evaluation of minimal residual
      disease will further stratify risk classification and redefine the role of
      therapeutic modalities such as SCT or biologic agents. New drugs such as thyrosin
      kinase inhibitors or monoclonal antibodies have led to incremental improvements
      in outcome. Advances in the genetic and epigenetic mechanisms of the disease
      provide hope that targeted therapies can more effectively treat the disease with
      less toxicity.

PMID- 22053272
TI  - The role of haploinsufficiency of RPS14 and p53 activation in the molecular
      pathogenesis of the 5q- syndrome.
AB  - In recent years we have gained great insight into the molecular pathogenesis of
      the 5q- syndrome, a distinct subtype of myelodysplasia. The demonstration of
      haploinsufficiency of the ribosomal gene RPS14 (mapping to the commonly deleted
      region) and the finding that this is the cause of the erythroid defect in the
      5qsyndrome represent major advances. A mouse model of the human 5q- syndrome
      generated by large-scale deletion of the Cd74-Nid67 interval (containing RPS14)
      further supports a critical role for RPS14 haploinsufficiency. It is widely
      accepted that ribosomal deficiency results in p53 activation and defective
      erythropoiesis and the crossing of the '5q- mice' with p53 deficient mice
      ameliorated the erythroid progenitor defect. Emerging data suggests that the p53
      activation observed in the mouse model may also apply to the human 5q- syndrome.

PMID- 22053273
TI  - Reduced intensity transplantation for primary immunodeficiency disorders.
AB  - Studies so far indicate that reduced intensity transplantation (RIT) may have an
      important role in treating patients with primary immunodeficiency disease (PID).
      Unlike more standard approaches, such regimens can be used without severe
      toxicity in patients with severe pulmonary or hepatic disease. RIT also offers
      the advantage that long-term sequelae such as infertility or growth retardation
      may be avoided or reduced. RIT appears to be most appropriate for those patients
      with significant co-morbidities (eg T cell deficiencies) and those undergoing
      unrelated donor haematopoietic cell transplantation. More studies are required
      using pharmacokinetic monitoring (eg busulphan, treosulfan and alemtuzumab) and
      varying stem cell sources to optimise graft vs marrow reactions and minimise
      graft vs host disease. In certain PID patients RIT will be the "first step"
      towards establishing donor cell engraftment; second infusions of donor stem
      cells, donor lymphocyte infusions, or a second myeloablative HCT, which appears
      to be well tolerated, may be required in some patients with low level donor
      chimerism or graft rejection.

PMID- 22053274
TI  - HLA-mismatched hematopoietic stem cell tranplantation for pediatric solid tumors.
AB  - Even if the overall survival of children with cancer is significantly improved
      over these decades, the cure rate of high-risk pediatric solid tumors such as
      neuroblastoma, Ewing's sarcoma family tumors or rhabdomiosarcoma remain
      challenging. Autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) allows
      chemotherapy dose intensification beyond marrow tolerance and has become a
      fundamental tool in the multimodal therapeutical approach of these patients.
      Anyway this procedure does not allow to these children an event-free survival
      approaching more than 50% at 5 years. New concepts of allogeneic HSCT and in
      particular HLA-mismatched HSCT for high risk solid tumors do not rely on
      escalation of chemotherapy intensity and tumor load reduction but rather on a
      graft-versus-tumor effect. We here report an experimental study design of HLA
      mismatched HSCT for the treatment of pediatric solid tumors and the inherent
      preliminary results.

PMID- 22053275
TI  - T cell-depleted hla-haploidentical stem cell transplantation in thalassemia young
      patients.

PMID- 22053276
TI  - T cell depleted haploidentical transplantation: positive selection.
AB  - Interest in mismatched transplantation arises from the fact that a suitable one
      haplotype mismatched donor is immediately available for virtually all patients,
      particularly for those who urgently need an allogenic transplant. Work on one
      haplotype-mismatched transplants has been proceeding for over 20 years all over
      the world and novel transplant techniques have been developed. Some centres have
      focused on the conditioning regimens and post transplant immune suppression;
      others have concentrated on manipulating the graft which may be a megadose of
      extensively T celldepleted or unmanipulated progenitor cells. Excellent
      engraftment rates are associated with a very low incidence of acute and chronic
      GVHD and regimen-related mortality even in patients who are over 50 years old.
      Overall, event-free survival and transplant-related mortality compare favourably
      with reports on transplants from sources of stem cells other than the matched
      sibling.

PMID- 22053277
TI  - Nonmyeloablative, HLA-haploidentical bone marrow transplantation with high dose,
      post-transplantation cyclophosphamide.
AB  - Allogeneic stem cell transplantation (SCT) from an HLA-haploidentical relative
      provides a potentially curative treatment option for hematologic malignancies
      patients who lack a suitably HLA-matched donor. The greatest challenge to
      performing HLA-haploidentical SCT has been high rates of graft failure and severe
      graft-versus-host disease (GVHD). Our group has been exploring high dose, post
      transplantation cyclophosphamide (Cy) as prophylaxis of GVHD after
      nonmyeloablative, HLA-haploidentical bone marrow transplantation, or mini
      haploBMT. Among 210 recipients of mini-haploBMT, 87% of patients have experienced
      sustained donor cell engraftment. The cumulative incidences of grades II-IV acute
      GVHD and chronic GVHD are 27% and 13%, respectively. Five-year cumulative
      incidence of non-relapse mortality is 18%, relapse is 55%, and actuarial overall
      survival and event-free survivals are 35% and 27%, respectively. These outcomes
      suggest that mini-haploBMT with post-transplantation Cy is associated with
      acceptably low toxicities and can provide longterm survival, if not cure, for
      many patients with advanced hematologic malignancies.

PMID- 22053278
TI  - Acute lymphoblastic leukemia: age and biology.
AB  - Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most frequent neoplasm in children,
      while being relatively rare in adults. The outcome of children with ALL is far
      superior than that observed in adults, whose survival rates generally do not
      exceed 40%. A retrospective analysis recently carried out on a large series of
      cases enrolled in the AIEOP and GIMEMA protocols for the treatment of pediatric
      and adult ALL has documented specific differences among the various age cohorts
      examined, particularly in terms of incidence of molecular rearrangements, with
      the BCR/ABL rearrangement being detected in more than half of patients in the
      6(th) decade of life. These findings highlight the importance of a precise
      diagnostic screening at all ages, since elderly patients might benefit more from
      targeted approaches, that are associated with less toxic effects. Furthermore,
      extended biologic approaches aimed at identifying novel therapeutic targets
      should be regarded as a main goal to refine our therapeutic
      armamentarium.Finally, the introduction of pediatric-like protocols is
      progressively changing the outcome of young adult patients, although an important
      caveat is represented by the comorbidities and toxic effects associated with more
      aggressive chemotherapy; therefore, patients' fitness should always be carefully
      considered.

PMID- 22053279
TI  - Myeloid/T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children and adults.
AB  - Until recently, few molecular aberrations were recognized in T-cell acute
      lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) and they were restricted to aberrations involving
      the T-cell receptor (TCR). The introduction of powerful technologies has allowed
      to identify novel rearrangements. In this context, we have performed a gene
      expression profiling analysis on a relatively large cohort (n=69) of adult
      patients with a diagnosis of T-ALL. By unsupervised clustering, we identified 5
      subgroups. Of these, one branch included 7 patients (10%) whose gene expression
      profile resembled that of AML. These cases were characterized by the
      overexpression of a large set of myeloid-related genes, as well as of miR-223.
      Finally, these patients appear to have an unfavorable clinical course. This newly
      identified subset of T-ALL cases partly resembles the so-called ETP (early T
      precursor) pediatric subgroup: both age groups have in fact a peculiar gene
      expression profile, an unfavorable outcome and an incidence of about 10%.

PMID- 22053280
TI  - New genetics and diagnosis of childhood B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic
      leukemia.
AB  - Over the last 50 years, while significant advances have been made in the
      successful treatment of childhood leukaemia, similar progress has been made in
      understanding the genetics of the disease. In childhood B-cell precursor acute
      lymphoblastic leukaemia (BCP-ALL), the incidences of individual chromosomal
      abnormalities are well established and cytogenetics provides a reliable tool for
      risk stratification for treatment. In spite of this role, a number of patients
      will relapse. Increasing numbers of additional genetic changes, including
      deletions and mutations, are being discovered. Their associations with
      established cytogenetic subgroups and with each other remain unclear. Whether
      they have a link to outcome is the most important factor in terms of refinement
      of risk factors in relation to clinical trials. For a number of newly identified
      abnormalities, appropriately modified therapy has significantly improved outcome.
      Alternatively, some of these aberrations are providing novel molecular markers
      for targeted therapy.

PMID- 22053281
TI  - Pathobiology of ALK-negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma.
AB  - The authors revise the concept of ALK-negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma
      (ALCL) in the light of the recently updated WHO classification of Tumors of
      Hematopoietic and Lymphoid Tissues both on biological and clinical grounds. The
      main histological findings are illustrated as well as the phenotypic, molecular
      and clinical characteristics. Finally, the biological rationale for possible
      innovative targeted therapies is presented.

PMID- 22053282
TI  - How does the NPM1 mutant induce leukemia?
AB  - NPM1 is the most frequently mutated gene in AML and the role of the NPM1 mutant
      in acute myeloid leukemia along with its leukemogenic potential are still under
      investigation.NPM1 genetic alterations can contribute to leukemogenesis through
      the direct oncogenic effect of the mutant protein and the concomitant loss of one
      functional allele. Npm1 loss determines tumor development in the mouse while in
      human NPM1 maps in a chromosomal region frequently loss in myelodysplastic
      syndrome (MDS). The NPM1 mutant cytoplasmic delocalization in leukemic blasts
      alters multiple cellular pathways through either loss or gain of function effects
      on different protein partners.Here we discuss the most relevant studies on the
      role of the NPM1 molecule in hematological malignancies and both in vitro and in
      vivo studies that are trying to elucidate the way by which the NPM1 mutation
      induces leukemia.

PMID- 22053283
TI  - Aplastic anemia: immunosuppressive therapy in 2010.
AB  - Acquired aplastic anemia (AA) is the typical bone marrow failure syndrome
      characterized by an empty bone marrow; an immune-mediated pathophysiology has
      been demonstrated by experimental works as well as by clinical observations.
      Immunusuppressive therapy (IST) is a key treatment strategy for aplastic anemia;
      since 20 years the standard IST for AA patients has been anti-thymocyte globuline
      (ATG) plus cyclosporine A (CyA), which results in response rates ranging between
      50% and 70%, and even higher overall survival. However, primary and secondary
      failures after IST remain frequent, and to date all attempts aiming to overcome
      this problem have been unfruitful. Here we review the state of the art of IST for
      AA in 2010, focusing on possible strategies to improve current treatments. We
      also discuss very recent data which question the equality of different ATG
      preparations, leading to a possible reconsideration of the current standards of
      care for AA patients.

PMID- 22053284
TI  - Fanconi anemia - learning from children.
AB  - Fanconi Anemia (FA) is a rare autosomic recessive and X-linked disease with
      chromosomal instability after exposure to crosslinking agents as the hallmark.
      Clinical features of FA are somatic malformations, progressive bone marrow
      failure and cancer proneness, however there is wide clinical heterogeneity. The
      symptom most frequently and early associated with morbidity and mortality is
      progressive pancytopenia in the first decade of life although acute myelogenous
      leukemia (AML) or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) can appear before aplastic
      anemia. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of the head-neck, intestinal or genital
      tract has a very high incidence in FA and can appear at young age. This paper
      will focus on treatment of bone marrow failure in FA.

PMID- 22053285
TI  - Severe congenital neutropenia, a genetically heterogeneous disease group with an
      increased risk of AML/MDS.
AB  - OVER THE PAST DECADE, ENORMOUS PROGRESS HAS BEEN MADE IN THE UNDERSTANDING OF
      SEVERE CONGENITAL NEUTROPENIA (SCN), BY IDENTIFICATION OF SEVERAL CAUSAL GENE
      MUTATIONS: in ELANE, GFI1, HAX1, WAS and G3PC3. SCN is a preleukemic condition,
      independent of the genetic subtype. Acquired CSF3R mutations are specific for SCN
      and are strongly associated with malignant progression. In this review, we
      describe the known genetic subtypes of SCN, their molecular basis and clinical
      presentation and summarize the available evidence on CSF3R mutations and monosomy
      7 in malignant conversion.

PMID- 22053286
TI  - Developing an Institutional Informational Base and Bibliographical Clearinghouse.
AB  - Successful management and implementation of the diverse functions of the
      International Network of Person-Centered Medicine (INPCM) require a comprehensive
      and efficient informational base to advance quality of patient care though timely
      and rapid distribution of knowledge via publications, conferences, and education
      programs in concert with catalyzing research through systematic efficient data
      acquisition, storage, retrieval, and analysis. This study describes the structure
      and functions of the proposed INPCM's information system.

PMID- 22053287
TI  - Arf6-dependent intracellular trafficking of Pasteurella multocida toxin and pH
      dependent translocation from late endosomes.
AB  - The potent mitogenic toxin from Pasteurella multocida (PMT) is the major
      virulence factor associated with a number of epizootic and zoonotic diseases
      caused by infection with this respiratory pathogen. PMT is a glutamine-specific
      protein deamidase that acts on its intracellular G-protein targets to increase
      intracellular calcium, cytoskeletal, and mitogenic signaling. PMT enters cells
      through receptor-mediated endocytosis and then translocates into the cytosol
      through a pH-dependent process that is inhibited by NH(4)Cl or bafilomycin A1.
      However, the detailed mechanisms that govern cellular entry, trafficking, and
      translocation of PMT remain unclear. Co-localization studies described herein
      revealed that while PMT shares an initial entry pathway with transferrin (Tfn)
      and cholera toxin (CT), the trafficking pathways of Tfn, CT, and PMT subsequently
      diverge, as Tfn is trafficked to recycling endosomes, CT is trafficked retrograde
      to the ER, and PMT is trafficked to late endosomes. Our studies implicate the
      small regulatory GTPase Arf6 in the endocytic trafficking of PMT. Translocation
      of PMT from the endocytic vesicle occurs through a pH-dependent process that is
      also dependent on both microtubule and actin dynamics, as evidenced by inhibition
      of PMT activity in our SRE-based reporter assay, with nocodazole and cytochalasin
      D, respectively, suggesting that membrane translocation and cytotoxicity of PMT
      is dependent on its transfer to late endosomal compartments. In contrast,
      disruption of Golgi-ER trafficking with brefeldin A increased PMT activity,
      suggesting that inhibiting PMT trafficking to non-productive compartments that do
      not lead to translocation, while promoting formation of an acidic tubulovesicle
      system more conducive to translocation, enhances PMT translocation and activity.

PMID- 22053289
TI  - "Asia Pacific Allergy": A new leap forward.

PMID- 22053288
TI  - Targeting the tumor microenvironment in cancer: why hyaluronidase deserves a
      second look.
AB  - Increased extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition is a characteristic observed in
      many solid tumors. Increased levels of one ECM component-namely, hyaluronan (HA)
      leads to reduced elasticity of tumor tissue and increased interstitial fluid
      pressure. Multiple initial reports showed that the addition of hyaluronidase
      (HYAL) to chemotherapeutic regimens could greatly improve efficacy.
      Unfortunately, the bovine HYAL used in those studies was limited therapeutically
      by immunologic responses to treatment. Newly developed recombinant human HYAL has
      recently been introduced into clinical trials. In this article, we describe the
      role of HA in cancer, methods of targeting HA, and clinical studies performed to
      date, and we propose that targeting HA could now be an effective treatment option
      for patients with many different types of solid tumors.

PMID- 22053291
TI  - Immunoglobulin E in health and disease.
AB  - The discovery of immunoglobulin E (IgE) was a breakthrough in the field of
      Allergy and Immunology. Our understanding of mechanisms of allergic reactions and
      the role of IgE in these disorders has paralleled to the discovery of treatment
      modalities for patients with allergy. Apart from allergic diseases, IgE is
      involved in pathogenesis of other disorders. Much controversy exists about the
      control of total IgE (tIgE) levels and allergen-specific IgE (sIgE) profiles in
      allergic individuals. This review aims at giving a comprehensive overview of IgE
      molecule and discussing the issues related to its importance in clinical setting.

PMID- 22053293
TI  - Impact of chronic urticaria on the quality of life in Australian and Sri Lankan
      populations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) has a significant impact on
      patients' quality of life. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to assess that
      impact and to compare differences by culture, gender, age or duration of
      treatment. METHODS: We used the modified chronic urticaria quality of life
      questionnaire, consisting of 15 questions. Over the course of 6 months, patients
      attending Immunology clinics at Campbelltown Hospital and private rooms in
      Australia and at the faculty of Medicine, University of Kelaniya in Sri Lanka
      were asked to fill out the questionnaires. We have obtained the data from 125
      patients (43 Australian vs. 82 Sri Lankan). There were significantly more female
      patients (P < 0.01). The data was analysed using SAS. RESULTS: Overall, patients
      were affected mostly by itch and wheals and least affected by the side effects of
      treatments. Sri Lankan populations were more affected by wheals and by
      interference on activities, mood and food choices but were less affected by
      tiredness due to sleep disturbances (P < 0.01). Females were more affected by
      sleep disturbance (P < 0.05) while those older than 40 years of age were more
      impacted by tiredness and by the side effects from medications (P < 0.05), though
      the complaints themselves were mild. Those who suffered from CIU for more than 1
      year were more affected by wheal, tiredness and irritability (P <= 0.05).
      CONCLUSION: The questionnaire highlighted some differences between patients
      attending Australian versus Sri Lankan outpatients. Significant differences were
      found in one third of parameters which include mood, sleep, daily activities and
      food choices.

PMID- 22053292
TI  - Clinical characteristics and long-term outcomes related to sputum eosinophilia in
      Korean asthmatics.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bronchial asthma is usually associated with high sputum eosinophil
      levels. However, recent reports have suggested the importance of noneosinophilic
      asthma (NEA) as a distinct phenotype of asthma. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study
      was to evaluate clinical significance of sputum eosinophilia and long-term
      treatment outcomes related to sputum eosinophilia in Korean asthmatics. METHODS:
      A total of 201 steroid-naive asthmatics who had undergone induced sputum analysis
      at baseline were selected from the Cohort for Reality and Evolution of Adult
      Asthma study population. Clinical evaluation, spirometry, a skin-prick test, a
      methacholine bronchial provocation test, and sputum eosinophil analysis were
      performed initially, and patients received the treatment recommended by the
      Global Initiative for Asthma. Lung function was evaluated every 6 months, and 53
      patients completed 24 months of regular follow-up visits. Sputum eosinophilia was
      defined as a sputum eosinophil count of >3%. RESULTS: Of the 201 steroid-naive
      asthmatics, 97 patients had NEA and 104 had eosinophilic asthma (EA). Only 52% of
      steroid-naive asthmatic subjects had elevated baseline sputum eosinophil levels.
      A higher percentage of sputum eosinophils was associated with a lower PC20 (r = 
      0.193; p = 0.009, Spearman correlation), but not with forced expiratory volume in
      one second (FEV1) (r = 0.045; p = 0.525). During the 24-month study period, the
      percentage change of FEV1 was significantly lower in the NEA group than in the EA
      group at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months (p < 0.05). The NEA group, unlike the EA group,
      showed no significant improvement in FEV1 at 6, 12, 18, or 24 months (p > 0.05).
      CONCLUSION: A higher sputum eosinophil percentage was correlated with a higher
      airway hyperresponsiveness. Compared with EA patients, NEA patients had poor
      treatment outcomes in the 2-year follow-up of a Korean asthma cohort population.

PMID- 22053290
TI  - Clinical applications of drug desensitization in the Asia-Pacific region.
AB  - Drug desensitization is the induction, within hours to days, of a temporary state
      of tolerance to a drug which the patient has developed a hypersensitivity
      reaction to. It may be used for IgE and non-IgE mediated allergic reactions, and
      certain non-allergic reactions. The indication for desensitization is where no
      alternative medications are available for the treatment of that condition, and
      where the benefits of desensitization outweigh the risks. Desensitization is a
      therapeutic modality for drug allergy (similar to allergen specific immunotherapy
      for allergic rhinitis and insect venom anaphylaxis). In contrast, the drug
      provocation test is a diagnostic modality used to confirm or refute the diagnosis
      of drug allergy. This review discusses the clinical applications of
      desensitization for the treatment of common infectious, metabolic and
      cardiovascular diseases, and oncological conditions in the Asia-Pacific region.

PMID- 22053294
TI  - Prolonged bedtime bottle feeding and respiratory symptoms in infants.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Infants with chronic respiratory symptoms should be evaluated
      thoroughly because there are various causes which are different from those of
      children and adolescents. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to investigate the
      relationship between chronic respiratory symptoms and bedtime bottle feeding in
      infants after the age of 6 months. METHODS: We conducted a prospective study that
      included 44 infants who presented with respiratory symptoms for more than 8 weeks
      and also had been bottle-fed during bedtime even after 6 months of age. The
      infants were divided into 2 groups; infants who discontinued bedtime bottle
      feeding and those who did not. Respiratory symptom scores were graded with a four
      point scale at 0, 1, 2 and 3 months, and were compared between the 2 groups.
      RESULTS: Twenty eight infants (63.6%) stopped being bottle-fed during bedtime and
      16 infants (36.4%) were still bottle-fed. The respiratory symptom scores were
      significantly decreased in infants who stopped bedtime bottle feeding (p =
      0.0003). CONCLUSION: It is suggested that prolonged bedtime bottle feeding might
      be one of the causes of chronic respiratory symptoms in infants.

PMID- 22053295
TI  - Irritable bowel syndrome - An inflammatory disease involving mast cells.
AB  - Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is traditionally defined as a functional disorder 
      that is the presence of symptoms in the absence of demonstrable pathological
      abnormalities. In recent times, low grade inflammatory infiltrates in both the
      small and large bowel of some patients with IBS - often rich in mast cells, along
      with serological markers of low grade inflammation have focussed attention on IBS
      as an inflammatory disease. The observation that mast cells often lie in close
      association to enteric neurons, and in-vitro and in-vivo animal studies
      demonstrating that mast cell mediators may influence enteric motility provides a
      biologically plausible causal mechanism in IBS. Pilot studies on patients with
      IBS using the mast cell stabiliser sodium cromoglycate ('proof of concept') have
      been encouraging. The essential question remains why mast cells infiltrate the
      bowel of IBS patients. A disturbance of the 'brain-gut axis' is the current
      favoured hypothesis, whereby childhood stress or psychiatric comorbidity act via
      neuro-immune mechanisms to modulate low grade inflammation. An alternative
      hypothesis is that food allergy may be responsible. Serum specific IgE, and skin
      prick tests are not elevated in IBS patients, suggesting type 1 IgE mediated food
      allergy is not the cause. However questionnaire based studies indicate IBS
      patients have higher rates of atopic disease, and increased bronchial reactivity
      to methacholine has been demonstrated. In this review, we highlight the potential
      role of mast cells in IBS, and current and future research directions into this
      intriguing condition.

PMID- 22053296
TI  - Hypersensitivity manifestations to the fruit mango.
AB  - The objectives of this study are 1) To review the published data and document the
      current knowledge on allergic manifestations to the fruit mango 2) To highlight
      the two distinct clinical presentations of hypersensitivity reactions caused by
      mango 3) To discuss the role of cross-reactivity 4) To increase awareness of
      potentially life threatening complications that can be caused by allergy to
      mango. An extensive search of the literature was performed in Medline/PubMed with
      the key terms "mango", "anaphylaxis", "contact dermatitis", "cross-reactivity",
      "food hypersensitivity", "oral allergy syndrome" and "urticaria". The
      bibliographies of all papers thus located were searched for further relevant
      articles. A total of 17 reports describing 22 patients were documented, including
      ten patients with immediate hypersensitivity reaction and twelve patients with
      delayed hypersensitivity reaction to mango. Ten of these patients (four with
      immediate reaction; six with delayed reaction) were from geographical areas
      cultivating mango, whereas twelve patients (six with immediate reaction; six with
      delayed reaction) were from the countries where large scale mango cultivation
      does not occur. The clinical features, pathogenesis and diagnostic modalities of
      both these presentations are highlighted. The fruit mango can cause immediate and
      delayed hypersensitivity reactions, as also "oral allergy syndrome". Although
      rare, it can even result in a life threatening event. Reactions may even occur in
      individuals without prior exposure to mango, owing to cross reactivity. It is
      imperative to recognize such a phenomenon early so as to avoid potentially severe
      clinical reactions in susceptible patients.

PMID- 22053297
TI  - Early intervention in the management of atopic dermatitis.

PMID- 22053298
TI  - A proposal: Atopic Dermatitis Organizer (ADO) guideline for children.
AB  - Atopic dermatitis (AD) is the most common chronic inflammatory skin disorder in
      children, with a worldwide cumulative prevalence in children of 8-20%. The number
      of AD patients is beyond the level that can be dealt with at clinics and it is
      time to make an effort to reduce the number of AD patients in the community.
      Thus, caregivers and all persons involved with AD management, including health
      care providers, educators, technologists and medical policy makers, should
      understand the development and the management of AD. Although a number of
      guidelines such as Practical Allergy (PRACTALL) report have been developed and
      used, community understanding of these is low. This is probably because there are
      still remarkable differences in management practices between specialists and
      between countries and most of the reported guidelines have been prepared for
      physicians. From the viewpoint of providing a basis for a multidisciplinary team
      approach, easily comprehensible guidelines for organizing treatment of AD, i.e.
      an Atopic Dermatitis Organizer (ADO), are required. guidelines should be simple
      and well organized. We suggest an easy approach with a new classification of AD
      symptoms into early and/or progressive lesions in acute and/or chronic symptoms.
      The contents of this ADO guideline basically consist of 3 steps approaches:
      conservative management, topical anti-inflammatory therapy, and systemic anti
      inflammatory therapy.

PMID- 22053299
TI  - Current status of atopic dermatitis in Japan.
AB  - Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common, chronic or chronically relapsing, severely
      pruritic, eczematous skin disease. AD is the second most frequently observed skin
      disease in dermatology clinics in Japan. Prevalence of childhood AD is 12-13% in
      mainland Japan; however, it is only half that (about 6%) in children from
      Ishigaki Island, Okinawa. Topical steroids and tacrolimus are the mainstay of
      treatment. However, the adverse effects and emotional fear of long-term use of
      topical steroids have induced a "topical steroid phobia" in patients throughout
      the world. Undertreatment can exacerbate facial/periocular lesions and lead to
      the development of atopic cataract and retinal detachment due to repeated
      scratching/rubbing/patting. Overcoming topical steroid phobia is a key issue for
      the successful treatment of AD through education, understanding and cooperation
      of patients and their guardians.

PMID- 22053300
TI  - The role of allergic risk and other factors that affect the occurrence of atopic
      dermatitis in the first 6 months of life.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammation of the skin that
      often appears in early childhood. The manifestation is related to the tendency
      towards T helper 2 cytokine immune responses (interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5). Genetic
      factors are suggested to play important roles in AD, and it can be transmitted to
      newborns, increasing their risk of developing allergies. OBJECTIVE: To determine
      the association between cord-blood cytokine levels (IL-5, interferon (IFN)
      gamma), cord-blood total immunoglobulin E (IgE) level, perinatal environmental
      exposure, and the risks of allergy as well as the development of AD in the first
      6 months of life. METHODS: A 6-month cohort study with a nested case-control
      within was conducted on newborns in Jakarta from December 2008 until May 2009.
      After the umbilical cord blood samples were taken and stored, subjects were
      followed up monthly until 6 months old. The occurrence of AD and lifestyle or
      environmental exposures were recorded. The allergic risk was determined using a
      modified pediatric allergy immunology work groups scoring system based on
      allergic history (allergic rhinitis, asthma, AD) in the family. The levels of IL
      5 and IFN-gamma were measured using ELISA and total IgE by CAP system FEIA.
      Multivariate analysis was used to evaluate risk factors. RESULTS: This study was
      conducted on 226 subjects. The incidence of AD was 16.4%; of those, 59% had low
      risk allergy, 38.5% moderate, and 2% high risk. AD mostly occurred at the age of
      1 month (57%). Cord blood samples were examined in 37 subjects with AD and 51
      without AD; of those, 25% showed high levels of total IgE (>1.2 IU/uL), and 51%
      showed normally-distributed high absorbance IL-5 values (>=0.0715, absolute value
      was undetected). The increased level of IL-5 was directly proportional to IgE.
      High absorbance IFN-gamma values (>=0.0795, absolute value = 18.681 pg/uL) were
      observed in 52% of subjects. CONCLUSION: The associations between the risk of
      allergy in the family, cord-blood total IgE, IL-5, IFN levels, and some perinatal
      environmental exposure with AD in the first 6 months of life have not been
      established.

PMID- 22053301
TI  - Clinical features of the extrinsic and intrinsic types of adult-onset atopic
      dermatitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Most study concerning the prevalence and dermatological
      manifestations of the extrinsic and the intrinsic form of atopic dermatitis (AD)
      were performed in children and adult AD related to the early-onset AD extending
      to adult life. Adult-onset AD is a subgroup of AD. Apart from the typical
      eczematous flexural distribution pattern of AD, this group may also have
      nontypical morphology and localization. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was
      to compare the clinical and diagnostic features of Thai patients with extrinsic
      and intrinsic type of adult-onset AD. METHODS: We retrospectively studied case
      records of patients diagnosed as adult-onset AD at the skin allergy clinic,
      Department of Dermatology, Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok,
      Thailand from June, 2006 to May, 2008. The diagnosis of AD was made according to
      the criteria of Hanifin and Rajka and the severity of AD in each patient were
      assessed using the eczema area and severity index and the Rajka and Langeland
      score. RESULTS: Fifty six patients were enrolled. Eighty-seven percent of
      patients were extrinsic AD (eAD). Females predominated in both groups. Patients
      with eAD more commonly had typical lichenified/exudative eczematous lesions,
      especially on the antecubital and popliteal areas, when compared with patients
      with intrinsic AD (iAD). Nummular and follicular lesions were more commonly seen
      in iAD group than the eAD group. The most common area of involvement in the iAD
      was non-flexural area, followed by flexural area and extensor area. The severity
      of both iAD and eAD did not show a significant difference. CONCLUSION: The eAD
      type of adult-onset AD was more common than the iAD type. Patients with eAD
      frequently had flexural lichenification whereas the iAD group tended to have
      nonflexural area involvement. The severity of both iAD and eAD did not show a
      significant difference.

PMID- 22053302
TI  - The clinical effects of hospitalization in a low pollutant room on atopic
      dermatitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Environmental pollutants are thought to be one of major triggers of
      atopic dermatitis (AD). OBJECTIVE: We attempted to evaluate the clinical effects
      of environment with low indoor pollutant levels on AD management. METHODS: Fifty
      one children (mean age 1.7 years) with moderate to severe AD who failed to show
      improvement with conventional management were recruited. Disease severity was
      assessed by SCORAD (Scoring of AD) indices. They were admitted in a low pollutant
      oom for 3-4 days (mean 3.3 days) which was designed to keep low levels of dust,
      house dust mites, micro-organisms, and indoor air pollutants such as total
      volatile organic compounds (TVOCs), particulate matter (PM), and so on. Air
      pollutant levels in the low pollutant room were lower than primary standards
      defined by the Korean Ministry of Environment. we compared disease severity on
      admission and after discharge, and the pollutant levels of each patient's home
      and low pollutant room. RESULTS: The SCORAD was significantly reduced from 42.0
      +/- 11 .5 to 29.8 +/- 8.9 (p < 0.001) by management in a low pollutant room.
      PM(2.5), PM(10), formaldehyde, TVOCs, carbon dioxide, bacterial suspensions, and
      indoor molds were significantly higher in the patient's home than low pollutant
      room. Out of 29 patients who deteriorated after discharge to their home, 8
      patients were admitted again, and their SCORAD was rapidly decreased from 53.1 +/
      16.2 to 39.2 +/- 9.8 (p = 0.036). CONCLUSION: Indoor air pollutants are likely
      to affect AD in susceptible individuals. Environmental control to lower indoor
      air pollutant levels might be necessary for better management of AD in some
      patients.

PMID- 22053303
TI  - Introduction to bioinformatics: sequencing technology.
AB  - Bioinformatics, the study of integrating high throughput biological data and
      statistical model through intensive computation, has been attracting great
      interest in recent times and Sequencing is at the very center of it. The large
      amount of information obtained from sequencing has deepened our understanding and
      fundamental knowledge of organisms. This review will aim to provide a brief
      summary of new sequencing technology, current issues, and projects focused on
      medical applications. The article is organized in three parts. Part I explains
      common terminologies and background of sequencing technology, and Part II
      compares distinct features of currently available platforms. Part III contains
      applications in various medical fields.

PMID- 22053304
TI  - Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada disease in an 8-year-old boy.
AB  - Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada (VKH) disease is an autoimmune disease involving pigmented
      tissue in eyes, auditory system, skin, and central nervous system. The
      pathogenesis is a result of T cell lymphocyte reaction against melanocyte
      component, tyrosinase and tyrosinase-related protein. This disease uniquely
      affected pigmented race in Asia and native America, mostly women aged 20-50. We
      reported an 8-years-old boy complained for visual disturbance since 6 weeks prior
      admission. Two years earlier, the parents noted the patient eyes were looked red
      when photographed (suggesting a dilated pupil) preceded by whitened on the right
      forehead and nose and whitened hair, eyebrow and eyelashes. The examination
      showed a vitiligo and skin atrophy on right frontal and right nasal, poliosis on
      the eyebrows, eyelids and hair. The diameter of right pupil was 8 mm, with a
      paresis on 3rd, 4th, 6th, and 9th nerves. Fundus examination revealed sunset glow
      appearance. The visual acuity on the right eye: 2/60, left eye: 1-0. There's
      positive serology for antitoxoplasma IgG, anti Rubella IgG, anti CMV IgG. The
      patient was diagnosed with a VKH disease and then prescribed with
      methylprednisolone 1 mg/kg/day. The patient also had further follow up with
      dermatovenerologist and ophthalmologist. The eye examination revealed an
      improvement on right eye panuveitis, with a remaining keratic precipitate in the
      endothelium, and minimal flare and cell on the anterior chamber. ENT consultation
      revealed no ear inflammation or hearing disturbance.

PMID- 22053305
TI  - Current trends in upper airways and ocular allergic inflammation.

PMID- 22053306
TI  - Ocular allergy in the Asia Pacific region.
AB  - Allergic conjunctivitis (AC) represents a spectrum of disorders, comprising
      seasonal allergic conjunctivitis (SAC), perennial allergic conjunctivitis (PAC),
      atopic keratoconjunctivitis (AKC), vernal keratoconjunctivitis (VKC) and giant
      papillary conjunctivitis. Of these ocular allergy types, SAC and PAC are the most
      common.The most striking difference within this group of ocular diseases is that
      SAC and PAC remain self-limited without ocular surface damage, while AKC and VKC
      can compromise the cornea, causing ulcers and scarring and can ultimately lead to
      vision loss. Data on AC in the Asia Pacific is scarce however some understanding
      of prevalence of the condition has been obtained from the International Study of
      Asthma and Allergies in Childhood (ISAAC) studies and more recently from the
      Allergies in Asia Pacific study as well as some information from individual
      country surveys. Unfortunately none of this data has been collected using
      validated survey instruments specifically designed for AC. Surveys such as ISAAC
      have been predominantly concerned with respiratory allergic symptoms with
      questions added that incorporate some ocular symptoms. These questionnaires do
      not detect individuals who may have AC in the absence of allergic rhinitis. Using
      hospital ophthalmology outpatient populations for prevalence studies of ocular
      allergy immediately introduces a bias towards the more severe, complex forms of
      the condition as patients with the milder forms of SAR and PAR will rarely
      present to a hospital outpatient clinic. There is a real need for the development
      of validated questionnaires specifically addressing ocular allergy. There are no
      widely accessible studies examining prevalence of the complex forms of ocular
      allergy (AKC, VKC) in Asia Pacific region. This review will provide an overview
      of ocular allergy, its classification, clinical presentation and differential
      diagnosis, and will also discuss what is known about the epidemiology of ocular
      allergy in the Asian Pacific region.

PMID- 22053307
TI  - Rhinitis in children less than 6 years of age: current knowledge and challenges.
AB  - Rhinitis is a disease of the upper airway characterized by runny and/or blocked
      nose and/or sneezing. Though not viewed as a life threatening condition, it is
      also recognized to impose significant burden to the quality of life of sufferers
      and their caretakers and imposes an economic cost to society. Through a PubMed
      online search of the literature from 2006 to September 2011, this paper aims to
      review the published literature on rhinitis in young children below the age of 6
      years. It is apparent from epidemiology studies that rhinitis in this age group
      is a relatively common problem. The condition has a heterogenous etiology with
      classification into allergic and non-allergic rhinitis. Respiratory viral
      infections may play a role in the pathogenesis of long standing rhinitis, but
      definitive studies are still lacking. Treatment guidelines for management are
      lacking for this age group, and is a significant unmet need. Although the
      consensus is that co-morbidities including otitis media with effusion, adenoidal
      hypertrophy and asthma, are important considerations of management of these
      children. Pharmacotherapy is limited for young children especially for those
      below the age of 2 years. This review underscores the lack of understanding of
      rhinitis in early childhood and therefore the need for further research in this
      area.

PMID- 22053308
TI  - Sublingual immunotherapy in allergic rhinitis.
AB  - Current treatment options for allergic rhinitis (AR) include allergen avoidance
      and environmental control, pharmacotherapy, nasal surgery and immunotherapy.
      Among these, immunotherapy is the only therapeutic option that modifies
      fundamental immunologic mechanism by inducing desensitization. Specific allergen
      immunotherapy has been used for 1 century since 1911 and subcutaneous
      immunotherapy (SCIT) has been demonstrated to be effective in asthma and AR.
      However, SCIT has several disadvantages such as inconvenience, invasiveness and
      potentially severe systemic reactions. Thus, sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) has
      recently received much attention around the world as a treatment for AR and is
      now widely used to replace the subcutaneous route. SLIT has recently been
      introduced in Korea and is now available for AR treatment in the Asia-Pacific
      region. This review offers better understanding of SLIT for AR by summarizing
      published articles and our previous works regarding proposed mechanisms,
      indication and efficacy, safety and adverse events, and compliance.

PMID- 22053309
TI  - Allergic Aspergillus sinusitis and its association with allergic bronchopulmonary
      aspergillosis.
AB  - Allergic Aspergillus sinusitis (AAS) is a three decade old clinicopathologic
      entity in which mucoid impaction akin to that of allergic bronchopulmonary
      aspergillosis (ABPA) occurs in the paranasal sinuses. Features such as
      radiographic evidence of pansinusitis, passage of nasal plugs and recurrent nasal
      polyposis in patients with an atopic background is suggestive of AAS.
      Histopathlogic confirmation from the inspissated mucus is a sine qua non for the
      diagnosis. Heterogeneous densities on computed tomography of the paranasal
      sinuses are caused by the 'allergic mucin' in the sinuses. Many patients give a
      history of having undergone multiple surgical procedures for symptomatic relief.
      The current approach to treatment appears to include an initial surgical
      debridement followed by postoperative oral corticosteroids for long durations.
      Although both ABPA and AAS are classified as Aspergillus-related hypersensitivity
      respiratory disorders, their co-occurrence appears to be an infrequently
      recognised phenomenon. This could perhaps be attributed to the fact that these
      two diseases are often treated by two different specialties. A high index of
      suspicion is required to establish the diagnoses of ABPA and AAS. All patients
      with asthma and/or rhinosinusitis along with sensitisation to Aspergillus
      antigens are at an increased risk of developing ABPA and/or AAS. ABPA must be
      excluded in all patients with AAS and vice versa. Early diagnosis and initiation
      of appropriate therapy could plausibly alter the course of the disease processes
      and prevent the possible development of long term sequelae.

PMID- 22053310
TI  - Investigation of the antiallergic activity of olopatadine on rhinitis induced by
      intranasal instillation of antigen in sensitized rats using thermography.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The main symptoms of allergic rhinitis (AR) are sneezing, rhinorrhea
      and nasal obstruction. It was reported that the nasal skin temperature after
      intranasal administration of histamine or grass pollen rose. In patients with AR,
      the levels of nerve growth factor (NGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor
      (VEGF) have increased in nasal fluids and mucosa. OBJECTIVE: The present study
      were to determine the temperature changes of the nose in rat allergic rhinitis
      model, and if olopatadine, an antiallergic agent with histamine H1 receptor
      antagonistic action, proved to be effective, were studied the productions of NGF
      and VEGF in nasal lavage fluids (NALF). In the present study, we used ovalbumin
      (OVA)-sensitized rats as an animal model of nasal allergy and examined the
      effects of olopatadine on the skin temperature of the nose area, and the
      productions of NGF and VEGF in NALF. METHODS: The temperature changes of the nose
      area were carried out with thermo tracer in rat passively sensitized with OVA
      antiserum. The numbers of sneezing episodes were counted and, NGF and VEGF levels
      in NALF were examined using the specific ELISA. RESULTS: In OVA-sensitized rats,
      the number of sneezing episodes increase and the nasal skin temperature rise were
      provoked after OVA challenge. The levels of NGF and VEGF in NALF also were
      increased. Olopatadine reduced the increased frequency of sneezing and the nasal
      skin temperature rise. It also inhibited the increased NGF and VEGF productions
      in NALF. CONCLUSION: The nasal skin temperature after OVA challenge rose even in
      OVA-sensitized rats. These results suggest that the suppression of the increased
      NGF and VEGF levels might partially be involved in the improvement of allergy
      like behavior (sneezing and nasal skin temperature rise) by the treatment of
      olopatadine.

PMID- 22053311
TI  - Association of house dust mite-specific IgE with asthma control, medications and
      household pets.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Evidence is conflicting regarding the effectiveness of creating a low
      allergen environment or reducing allergen exposure to control asthma
      exacerbations. OBJECTIVE: This study determined the association of house dust
      mite (HDM)-specific IgE levels with asthma symptom control, selected medications,
      family history of allergic disease, and exposure to second-hand smoke and
      household pets. METHODS: Serum samples from 102 doctor-diagnosed allergic asthma
      patients and 100 non-atopic controls were subjected to enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay using the HDM species Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dp),
      Dermatophagoides farinae (Df), and Blomia tropicalis (Bt) allergens. Point
      biserial correlation coefficient, Pearson R correlation, and logistic regression
      analyses were used to determine association of HDM-specific IgE levels with the
      abovementioned variables. RESULTS: Of the 102 cases, 38.24%, 47.06%, and 33.33%
      were sensitized to Bt, Df, and Dp, respectively. Sensitized patients showed
      greater probability [Bt (OR = 1.21), Df (OR = 1.14), and Dp (OR = 1.35)] to
      manifest symptoms than those who were not. Obtained p-values [Bt (p = 0.73), Df
      (p = 0.83), and Dp (p = 0.59)], however, proved that HDM-specific IgE levels had
      no significant contribution in predicting or explaining occurrence of asthma
      symptoms. Bt- and Df-specific IgEs showed moderately weak but significant
      relationship with bambuterol HCl and expectorant, respectively. Patients
      currently on said medications registered higher HDM-specific IgE levels than
      those who were not. No significant correlation between IgE levels and family
      history of allergic disease or with exposure to second-hand smoke was seen. Dp
      specific IgE levels of patients exposed to household pets were significantly
      lower compared to those without exposure. CONCLUSION: This study proves that
      sensitization to Bt, Df, and Dp allergens is not significantly associated with
      asthma symptoms and control. Although cases were shown to be sensitized to HDMs,
      their current medications were at least effective in controlling their asthma
      symptoms.

PMID- 22053312
TI  - Genetic predisposition for atopy and allergic rhinitis in the Singapore Chinese
      population.
AB  - The prevalence of allergic diseases is high globally, but especially in developed
      countries, with one in five to one in four individuals affected worldwide. The
      World Health Organization's "Allergic Rhinitis and its Impact on Asthma 2008
      Update" guidelines stated explicitly that over 600 million patients from all
      countries, all ethnic groups and all ages suffer from allergic rhinitis (AR).
      There are clear evidences to support the concept that allergic diseases are
      influenced by genetic predisposition and environmental factors. The genetic basis
      of AR has been evaluated more intensively in the recent 10-20 years. Advances in
      technology and statistical methods, such as genome-wide association studies
      (GWAS) have enabled millions of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to be
      genotyped at rapid pace and for less cost. However these studies have not yet
      answered the entire heritability profile of the disease. Additionally,
      environmental influences on these genetic variants cannot be discounted. Hence
      these allergic diseases must be evaluated as a complex interplay between genetic
      and environmental factors. This review focuses on the genetic basis of AR, with
      special emphasis on studies performed in Singapore. Candidate gene based studies
      and GWAS performed in Singapore cohorts have been discussed to suggest how these
      diseases could be understood better in a Singapore context which is still
      applicable to research in AR globally.

PMID- 22053313
TI  - Overview on the pathomechanisms of allergic rhinitis.
AB  - Allergic rhinitis a chronic inflammatory disease of the upper airways that has a
      major impact on the quality of life of patients and is a socio-economic burden.
      Understanding the underlying immune mechanisms is central to developing better
      and more targeted therapies. The inflammatory response in the nasal mucosa
      includes an immediate IgE-mediated mast cell response as well as a latephase
      response characterized by recruitment of eosinophils, basophils, and T cells
      expressing Th2 cytokines including interleukin (IL)-4, a switch factor for IgE
      synthesis, and IL-5, an eosinophil growth factor and on-going allergic
      inflammation. Recent advances have suggested new pathways like local synthesis of
      IgE, the IgE-IgE receptor mast cell cascade in on-going allergic inflammation and
      the epithelial expression of cytokines that regulate Th2 cytokine responses
      (i.e., thymic stromal lymphopoietin, IL-25, and IL-33). In this review, we
      briefly review the conventional pathways in the pathophysiology of allergic
      rhinitis and then elaborate on the recent advances in the pathophysiology of
      allergic rhinitis. An improved understanding of the immune mechanisms of allergic
      rhinitis can provide a better insight on novel therapeutic targets.

PMID- 22053314
TI  - Human seminal plasma allergy: successful pregnancy after prophylactic anti
      histamine treatment.
AB  - Human seminal plasma allergy is a rare phenomenon. Its clinical manifestations
      are diverse, and range from mild local pruritus to fatal anaphylaxis. Treatment
      varies with severity of the reactions: abstinence, condom usage or immunotherapy
      (subcutaneous or intravaginal) with seminal fluid. Local allergic reactions can
      be managed by prophylactic use of antihistamines or local cromolyn cream. A 33
      year-old female visited the Asthma and Allergy Clinic in Seoul National
      University Bundang Hospital for the recurrent generalized urticarial reactions
      after sexual intercourse. She had been suffering from asthma, allergic
      rhinoconjunctivitis and atopic dermatitis for 10 years. She gave birth to a baby
      6 months ago and no problem before. However, recently she began to recognize
      unexpected generalized urticaria that occurred after the sexual intercourse with
      husband. She wanted to have the second baby but hesitated because of the
      recurrent symptoms after the intercourse. She showed positive response to skin
      prick test with her husband's seminal fluid. The IgE-binding components were 15,
      22, 28, and 35 kDa. Considering her moderate cutaneous reactions, we decided to
      try prophylactic treatments with oral anti-histamine one hour before sexual
      intercourse. She did not experience urticarial reactions with intercourse while
      oral anti-histamine was administered in advance. Finally, treatment outcome was
      successful, and the couple successfully gave birth to their second baby. We
      suppose that prophylactic antihistamine may be also applied in seminal plasma
      allergy patients if systemic reactions are limited to mild to moderate
      generalized urticaria.

PMID- 22053315
TI  - Comparison of range of commercial or primary care led weight reduction programmes
      with minimal intervention control for weight loss in obesity: lighten Up
      randomised controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the effectiveness of a range of weight management programmes
      in terms of weight loss. DESIGN: Eight arm randomised controlled trial. SETTING:
      Primary care trust in Birmingham, England. PARTICIPANTS: 740 obese or overweight
      men and women with a comorbid disorder identified from general practice records.
      INTERVENTIONS: Weight loss programmes of 12 weeks' duration: Weight Watchers;
      Slimming World; Rosemary Conley; group based, dietetics led programme; general
      practice one to one counselling; pharmacy led one to one counselling; choice of
      any of the six programmes. The comparator group was provided with 12 vouchers
      enabling free entrance to a local leisure (fitness) centre. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURES: The primary outcome was weight loss at programme end (12 weeks).
      Secondary outcomes were weight loss at one year, self reported physical activity,
      and percentage weight loss at programme end and one year. RESULTS: Follow-up data
      were available for 658 (88.9%) participants at programme end and 522 (70.5%) at
      one year. All programmes achieved significant weight loss from baseline to
      programme end (range 1.37 kg (general practice) to 4.43 kg (Weight Watchers)),
      and all except general practice and pharmacy provision resulted in significant
      weight loss at one year. At one year, only the Weight Watchers group had
      significantly greater weight loss than did the comparator group (2.5 (95%
      confidence interval 0.8 to 4.2) kg greater loss,). The commercial programmes
      achieved significantly greater weight loss than did the primary care programmes
      at programme end (mean difference 2.3 (1.3 to 3.4) kg). The primary care
      programmes were the most costly to provide. Participants allocated to the choice
      arm did not have better outcomes than those randomly allocated to a programme.
      CONCLUSIONS: Commercially provided weight management services are more effective
      and cheaper than primary care based services led by specially trained staff,
      which are ineffective. Trial registration Current Controlled Trials
      ISRCTN25072883.

PMID- 22053316
TI  - What makes a weight loss programme successful?

PMID- 22053318
TI  - Repeat prescribing in general practice.

PMID- 22053317
TI  - Receptionist input to quality and safety in repeat prescribing in UK general
      practice: ethnographic case study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe, explore, and compare organisational routines for repeat
      prescribing in general practice to identify contributors and barriers to safety
      and quality. DESIGN: Ethnographic case study. SETTING: Four urban UK general
      practices with diverse organisational characteristics using electronic patient
      records that supported semi-automation of repeat prescribing. PARTICIPANTS: 395
      hours of ethnographic observation of staff (25 doctors, 16 nurses, 4 healthcare
      assistants, 6 managers, and 56 reception or administrative staff), and 28
      documents and other artefacts relating to repeat prescribing locally and
      nationally. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Potential threats to patient safety and
      characteristics of good practice. METHODS: Observation of how doctors,
      receptionists, and other administrative staff contributed to, and collaborated
      on, the repeat prescribing routine. Analysis included mapping prescribing
      routines, building a rich description of organisational practices, and drawing
      these together through narrative synthesis. This was informed by a sociological
      model of how organisational routines shape and are shaped by information and
      communications technologies. Results Repeat prescribing was a complex, technology
      supported social practice requiring collaboration between clinical and
      administrative staff, with important implications for patient safety. More than
      half of requests for repeat prescriptions were classed as "exceptions" by
      receptionists (most commonly because the drug, dose, or timing differed from what
      was on the electronic repeat list). They managed these exceptions by making
      situated judgments that enabled them (sometimes but not always) to bridge the gap
      between the idealised assumptions about tasks, roles, and interactions that were
      built into the electronic patient record and formal protocols, and the actual
      repeat prescribing routine as it played out in practice. This work was creative
      and demanded both explicit and tacit knowledge. Clinicians were often unaware of
      this input and it did not feature in policy documents or previous research. Yet
      it was sometimes critical to getting the job done and contributed in subtle ways
      to safeguarding patients. Conclusion Receptionists and administrative staff make
      important "hidden" contributions to quality and safety in repeat prescribing in
      general practice, regarding themselves accountable to patients for these
      contributions. Studying technology-supported work routines that seem mundane,
      standardised, and automated, but which in reality require a high degree of local
      tailoring and judgment from frontline staff, opens up a new agenda for the study
      of patient safety.

PMID- 22053319
TI  - Production of monoclonal antibodies against fullerene C60 and development of a
      fullerene enzyme immunoassay.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to produce monoclonal anti-fullerene C(60)
      antibodies and to develop the enzyme immunoassay for the detection in the first
      use of free fullerene C(60) both in solutions and in multicomponent biological
      probes. The immunization of mice with the conjugate of fullerene C(60) carboxylic
      derivative with thyroglobulin synthesized by carbodiimide activation led to the
      production of eight clones of anti-fullerene antibodies. The specificity of the
      antibody-fullerene binding was confirmed. Indirect competitive enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was developed for the determination of water-soluble
      protein-conjugated fullerene, the fullerene aminocaproic acid, fullerenol and for
      pristine fullerene in solution. To solubilize extremely hydrophobic free
      fullerene C(60) a specially selected water-organic mixture compatible with
      immunoassay was proposed. The detection limit of free fullerene C(60) in solution
      was 2 MUg L(-1). Fullerene C(60) was also detected by ELISA in organ homogenates
      of rats intraperitoneally or intragastrically administered with fullerene. To
      reduce the influence of biomatrices on the assay results a technique was
      developed for the biological sample pretreatment by the extraction of C(60) from
      bioprobe by toluene followed by the evaporation of toluene and dissolution of the
      fullerene-containing extract in the selected water-organic media. The ELISA
      procedure in the first use allowed the detection of fullerene C(60) in different
      tissues.

PMID- 22053320
TI  - The interplay of turn formation and hydrophobic interactions on the early kinetic
      events in protein folding.
AB  - While both turn formation and hydrophobic interactions play dominant roles in the
      initiation of protein folding, their individual contributions to the folding
      kinetics and to the structural stability of the protein still remain poorly
      understood. Here, we applied a photolabile linker to "cage" some important
      structural motifs, including both alpha-helices and beta-sheets, into their non
      native states. These "caged" structural motifs are then relaxed by laser-flash
      photolysis and their refolding events followed by photoacoustic calorimetry (PAC)
      and photothermal beam deflection (PBD). These experiments, combined with our
      previous results, revealed that spontaneous alpha-helix formation can occur
      extremely rapidly (10(8)-10(9) s(-1)) if the process is driven solely by turn
      formation followed by helix propagation. However, if sequestering of the side
      chains of hydrophobic amino acid residues participates in the refolding process,
      which may provide additional driving force beyond that afforded by turn formation
      alone, the refolding rate will be retarded, often by many orders of magnitude.
      This is usually the case in the formation of three-stranded beta-sheets (10(7)
      10(8) s(-1)) and beta-hairpins (10(5)-10(6) s(-1)). Thus, we propose that
      proteins take advantage of the hierarchy of timescales associated with either
      turn formation, hydrophobic interactions, or global collapse of tertiary
      structure to accomplish the folding process in an orderly fashion, as these
      events are sufficiently separated in time and do not interfere with one another.

PMID- 22053321
TI  - Melting point suppression in new lanthanoid(III) ionic liquids by trapping of
      kinetic polymorphs: an in situ synchrotron powder diffraction study.
AB  - The complexes (N(4444))(3)[Ln(dcnm)(6)] (Ln = La-Nd, Sm; N(4444) =
      tetrabutylammonium) display a decrease in the melting point upon fast cooling
      from a melt, which is shown by in situ synchrotron based X-ray powder diffraction
      to be due to the formation of a second, less thermodynamically stable, polymorph.

PMID- 22053322
TI  - Metal-assisted salphen organic frameworks (MaSOFs) with high surface areas and
      narrow pore-size distribution.
AB  - The one-pot three component synthesis of metal containing microporous organic
      polymers with high BET surface areas is presented. The metal salphen units were
      built during the formation of the porous polymers. Selective gas adsorption
      depending on the metal ions is discussed.

PMID- 22053323
TI  - Homochirality beyond grinding: deracemizing chiral crystals by temperature
      gradient under boiling.
AB  - A single-chirality solid phase can be obtained in boiling solutions containing a
      racemic mixture of left- and right-handed enantiomorphous crystals due to
      dissolution-crystallization cycles induced by a temperature gradient. This
      phenomenon provides further insights into asymmetric amplification mechanisms
      under presumably prebiotic conditions.

PMID- 22053324
TI  - The effect of a Hill-Sachs defect on glenohumeral translations, in situ capsular
      forces, and bony contact forces.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hill-Sachs defects have been associated with failed repairs for
      anterior shoulder instability. However, the biomechanical consequences of these
      defects are not well understood because of the complicated interaction between
      the passive soft tissue and bony stabilizers. HYPOTHESIS: The creation of a 25%
      Hill-Sachs defect would not significantly alter the glenohumeral translations but
      would increase the in situ forces in the glenohumeral capsule as well as the
      glenohumeral bony contact forces. STUDY DESIGN: Controlled laboratory study.
      METHODS: A robotic/universal force-moment sensor (UFS) testing system was used to
      apply joint compression (22 N) and an anterior or posterior load (44 N) to
      cadaveric shoulders (n = 9) with the skin and deltoid removed (intact) at 3
      glenohumeral joint positions (abduction/external rotation): 0 degrees /0 degrees
      , 30 degrees /30 degrees , and 60 degrees /60 degrees  (corresponds to 90 degrees
      /90 degrees  of shoulder abduction/external rotation). A 25% bony defect on the
      posterolateral humeral head (defect) was then created in the most common position
      of anterior shoulder dislocation (90 degrees /90 degrees ), and the loading
      protocol was repeated. A nonparametric repeated-measures Friedman test with a
      Wilcoxon signed-rank post hoc test was performed to compare translations, in situ
      forces in the capsule, and bony contact forces between each state (P < .05).
      RESULTS: At 0 degrees /0 degrees , anterior translation significantly increased
      from 15.3 +/- 8.2 mm to 16.6 +/- 9.0 mm (P < .05) in response to an anterior
      load. At 30 degrees /30 degrees , anterior and posterior translations,
      respectively, significantly increased in response to both anterior (intact: 13.6
      +/- 7.1 mm vs defect: 14.2 +/- 7 mm; P < .05) and posterior loads (intact: 15.7
      +/- 5.8 mm vs defect: 17.7 +/- 5.1 mm; P < .05). In situ force in the capsule
      during anterior loading was increased in the defect state at both 60 degrees /60
      degrees  (intact: 38.9 +/- 14.4 N vs defect: 43.2 +/- 15.9 N; P < .05) and 30
      degrees /30 degrees  (intact: 39.6 +/- 13.8 N vs defect: 45.6 +/- 9.3 N; P <
      .05). The medial bony contact forces were also increased in the defect state at
      30 degrees /30 degrees  (intact: 25.0 +/- 13.8 N vs defect: 28.9 +/- 13.2 N; P <
      .05) during anterior loading. CONCLUSION: We believe that the stabilizing
      function of the intact capsule was the primary contributor to the finding of only
      small increases of anterior translation, capsule forces, and bony contact forces
      observed with a 25% Hill-Sachs defect in response to an anterior load. CLINICAL
      RELEVANCE: These findings imply that a 25% Hill-Sachs defect in isolation may not
      be responsible for recurrent instability if the function of the capsule is
      restored to the intact state and that the presence of the Hill-Sachs defect may
      be a marker for significant concomitant injury to the anterior glenoid rim.
      However, the small changes in these parameters may have long-term implications
      for the development of osteoarthritis.

PMID- 22053333
TI  - As an evolutionary biologist. Debashish Bhattacharya.

PMID- 22053325
TI  - Prevalence of musculoskeletal injuries in Swedish elite track and field athletes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Little is known of injury patterns in track and field (athletics).
      Injury prevalence has been proposed as the most appropriate measure of the injury
      rate in sports where athletes are at risk for overuse problems. PURPOSE: To
      ascertain 1-year retrospective and current prevalence of injury in elite track
      and field athletes to help plan injury prevention programs for this sport. STUDY
      DESIGN: Descriptive epidemiology study. METHODS: Two hundred seventy-eight youth
      (16 years old) and adult athletes from an eligible study population of 321
      athletes were included. RESULTS: The 1-year retrospective injury prevalence was
      42.8% (95% confidence interval [CI], 36.9%-49.0%); the point prevalence was 35.4%
      (95% CI, 29.7%-41.4%). The diagnosis group displaying the highest injury
      prevalence was inflammation and pain in the gradual onset category (1-year
      prevalence, 20.9%; 95% CI, 16.2%-26.2%; and point prevalence, 23.2%; 95% CI,
      18.4%-28.7%). A strong tendency for higher 1-year prevalence of 16.5% (95% CI,
      12.2%-21.4%) than point prevalence of 8.5% (95% CI, 5.5%-12.5%) was recorded for
      sudden onset injuries in the diagnosis group sprain, strain, and rupture. The
      body region showing the highest injury prevalence was the knee and lower leg with
      15.0% (95% CI, 11.0%-19.8%) 1-year prevalence and 13.7% (95% CI, 9.8%-18.3%)
      point prevalence, followed by the Achilles tendon, ankle, and foot/toe with 11.7%
      (95% CI, 8.2%-16.1%) 1-year prevalence and 11.4% (95% CI, 7.9%-15.8%) point
      prevalence. CONCLUSION: The injury prevalence is high among Swedish elite track
      and field athletes. Most of the injuries affect the lower extremities and are
      associated with a gradual onset. Although it is associated with a potential
      recall bias, the 1-year retrospective prevalence measure captured more sudden
      onset injuries than the point prevalence measure. Future prospective studies in
      track and field are needed to identify groups of athletes at increased risk.

PMID- 22053334
TI  - Why do people riot?

PMID- 22053335
TI  - Cyanosis.

PMID- 22053336
TI  - Imaging the patient with suspected pulmonary venous thromboembolism.

PMID- 22053338
TI  - The critically ill patient: identification and initial stabilization.

PMID- 22053337
TI  - An international collaborative study to establish the WHO 1st  international
      standards for C1-inhibitor, plasma and  concentrate.

PMID- 22053339
TI  - Layout.

PMID- 22053340
TI  - From lab bench to product catalog.

PMID- 22053341
TI  - Calcium regulates key components  of vascular smooth muscle cell-  derived matrix
      vesicles to enhance  mineralization.

PMID- 22053342
TI  - Second messenger role for Mg(2+) in T-cell activation.

PMID- 22053343
TI  - Association of race and age with survival among patients undergoing dialysis:
      racial differences on many levels.

PMID- 22053344
TI  - Gametes from stem cells.

PMID- 22053345
TI  - How to spot a cheetah.

PMID- 22053346
TI  - Clarifying brain structure, literally.

PMID- 22053347
TI  - Mapping molecules on the move.

PMID- 22053348
TI  - A genetic code for phosphoprotein production.

PMID- 22053349
TI  - HIV in men who have sex with men in the Middle East.

PMID- 22053350
TI  - Therapeutic drug monitoring in psychiatry.

PMID- 22053352
TI  - Outcome competences for practitioners in infection prevention and control.

PMID- 22053351
TI  - AGNP consensus guidelines for therapeutic drug monitoring in psychiatry: update
      2011.
AB  - Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM), i. e., the quantification of serum or plasma
      concentrations of medications for dose optimization, has proven a valuable tool
      for the patient-matched psychopharmacotherapy. Uncertain drug adherence,
      suboptimal tolerability, non-response at therapeutic doses, or pharmacokinetic
      drug-drug interactions are typical situations when measurement of medication
      concentrations is helpful. Patient populations that may predominantly benefit
      from TDM in psychiatry are children, pregnant women, elderly patients,
      individuals with intelligence disabilities, forensic patients, patients with
      known or suspected genetically determined pharmacokinetic abnormalities or
      individuals with pharmacokinetically relevant comorbidities. However, the
      potential benefits of TDM for optimization of pharmacotherapy can only be
      obtained if the method is adequately integrated into the clinical treatment
      process. To promote an appropriate use of TDM, the TDM expert group of the
      Arbeitsgemeinschaft fur Neuropsychopharmakologie und Pharmakopsychiatrie (AGNP)
      issued guidelines for TDM in psychiatry in 2004. Since then, knowledge has
      advanced significantly, and new psychopharmacologic agents have been introduced
      that are also candidates for TDM. Therefore the TDM consensus guidelines were
      updated and extended to 128 neuropsychiatric drugs. 4 levels of recommendation
      for using TDM were defined ranging from "strongly recommended" to "potentially
      useful". Evidence-based "therapeutic reference ranges" and "dose related
      reference ranges" were elaborated after an extensive literature search and a
      structured internal review process. A "laboratory alert level" was introduced, i.
      e., a plasma level at or above which the laboratory should immediately inform the
      treating physician. Supportive information such as cytochrome P450 substrate and
      inhibitor properties of medications, normal ranges of ratios of concentrations of
      drug metabolite to parent drug and recommendations for the interpretative
      services are given. Recommendations when to combine TDM with pharmacogenetic
      tests are also provided. Following the guidelines will help to improve the
      outcomes of psychopharmacotherapy of many patients especially in case of
      pharmacokinetic problems. Thereby, one should never forget that TDM is an
      interdisciplinary task that sometimes requires the respectful discussion of
      apparently discrepant data so that, ultimately, the patient can profit from such
      a joint eff ort.

PMID- 22053354
TI  - 'Strategic approach' can reveal benefits.
AB  - Speaking at last October's Healthcare Estates 2010 conference in Manchester,
      Peter Haggarty, assistant director, Health Facilities Scotland, outlined some of
      the key steps and priorities for large healthcare providers seeking to establish
      and implement an effective asset management strategy, focusing particularly on
      work ongoing in this area in the Scottish public health service. While any
      radical change to a large healthcare organisation's existing asset management
      practices could be "challenging", both for the organisation itself, and for its
      staff, with "sufficient planning, persistence, and support", such changes could,
      he told delegates, often result in "unanticipated benefits". HEJ editor Jonathan
      Baillie reports.

PMID- 22053353
TI  - (R)-Profens are substrate-selective inhibitors of endocannabinoid oxygenation by
      COX-2.
AB  - Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) catalyzes the oxygenation of arachidonic acid and the
      endocannabinoids 2-arachidonoylglycerol and arachidonoylethanolamide. Evaluation
      of a series of COX-2 inhibitors revealed that many weak competitive inhibitors of
      arachidonic acid oxygenation are potent inhibitors of endocannabinoid
      oxygenation. (R) enantiomers of ibuprofen, naproxen and flurbiprofen, which are
      considered to be inactive as COX-2 inhibitors, are potent 'substrate-selective
      inhibitors' of endocannabinoid oxygenation. Crystal structures of the COX-2-(R)
      naproxen and COX-2-(R)-flurbiprofen complexes verified this unexpected binding
      and defined the orientation of the (R) enantiomers relative to (S) enantiomers.
      (R)-Profens selectively inhibited endocannabinoid oxygenation by
      lipopolysaccharide-stimulated dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cells. Substrate
      selective inhibition provides new tools for investigating the role of COX-2 in
      endocannabinoid oxygenation and a possible explanation for the ability of (R)
      profens to maintain endocannabinoid tone in models of neuropathic pain.

PMID- 22053355
TI  - Reducing risk through 'not cutting corners'.
AB  - A comprehensive introduction to water risk and legislation, with a particular
      focus on the challenges in healthcare, was provided by Blane Judd, chief
      executive of the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineering (CIPHE),
      at a recent IHEEM seminar in London. In the spotlight in the presentation, part
      of a seminar entitled "Total water management within healthcare premises" were
      subjects ranging from how to deal with Legionella, and the dangers and potential
      costs of misconnection, to how to minimise scalding, especially among vulnerable
      patients, and the infection risks inherent in hydrotherapy pool use. HEJ editor
      Jonathan Baillie reports.

PMID- 22053356
TI  - Harnessing science to improve safety.
AB  - Examining the effectiveness of various wet surface cleaning methods in combating
      harmful microorganisms in a hospital ward, understanding different healthcare
      cleaning regimes' impact on reducing slips and trips, evaluating the protection
      offered by surgical masks against influenza bioaerosols, and independently
      testing tower crane safety following a number of fatal incidents, are among the
      broad spectrum of recent projects undertaken by the Buxton-headquartered Health
      and Safety Laboratory (HSL). As HEJ editor Jonathan Baillie discovered from the
      organisation's healthcare and patient safety lead, Darren Whitehouse, with around
      350 scientists skilled in everything from microbiology to occupational
      psychology, the range of scientific guidance, expertise, advice, testing,
      training, and investigation, that the HSL can offer to the healthcare sector is
      perhaps unrivalled throughout Europe.

PMID- 22053357
TI  - Third retirement after road well travelled.
AB  - IHEEM London branch chairman John Crawford retired from full-time employment
      recently after 49 years, almost to the day, as an electrical engineer, having
      worked for organisations ranging from a sizeable London regional health authority
      to London Regional Transport. The Merseyside shipwright's son, who explained that
      he had "attempted unsuccessfully" to retire twice previously, talked HEJ editor
      Jonathan Baillie through a varied and interesting career, and gave his views on
      some of the reasons why the UK engineering profession is currently struggling to
      secure new blood.

PMID- 22053358
TI  - Da Vinci facility is state-of-the art.
AB  - Growing demand for a wide range of surgical procedures, coupled with a strong
      belief in the advantages--both to surgeons and patients--of minimally invasive
      robot-assisted surgery, have seen the Royal Wolverhampton Hospitals NHS Trust
      open a new twin operating theatre suite, equipped with the Midlands' first da
      Vinci surgical robot, at Wolverhampton's New Cross Hospital. The two theatres,
      together with accompanying "preparation" and scrub facilities, and a separate
      five-bed recovery bay to serve several of the hospital's eight other existing
      main theatres, were completed to time and on budget recently by modular
      construction specialist, MTX Contracts, under a pound 2 million design and build
      contract, as HEJ editor Jonathan Baillie reports.

PMID- 22053359
TI  - Milestone module is a strong proposition.
AB  - Having only moved into modular building construction early this year, mid-August
      saw pre-medical installation contractor, Canute International Medical Services
      (CIMS), complete its first ever such building for the medical sector--a CT
      scanner unit designed and constructed for the Spire Wellesley Hospital in
      Southend to "match" an existing MRI facility, and to give the impression to
      patients of being an integral part of the main hospital building. HEJ editor
      Jonathan Baillie reports.

PMID- 22053360
TI  - Calls for concerted barcoding drive.
AB  - With the NHS in England spending some pound 6 billion annually on hospital
      supplies, but (says the Department of Health) some English hospitals paying
      nearly three times as much for the same items as their counterparts, Health
      Minister, Simon Burns, has called on suppliers to significantly extend use of
      standardised GS1 barcodes in an attempt to improve "transparency" for procurement
      staff. The Minister argues that individually barcoding many more hospital-bound
      items would give procurement teams a clearer, more accurate picture of what they
      were buying, enable fairer price comparison, and radically improve stock control
      in many NHS hospitals, potentially reducing NHS procurement costs by millions of
      pounds. Other anticipated benefits include fewer medication errors, lower risk of
      wrong-site surgery, and the ability to track and trace everything from surgical
      instruments to patient beds. HEJ editor Jonathan Baillie reports.

PMID- 22053361
TI  - From plough to plate--an NHS first?
AB  - A recent Soil Association survey saw nearly a third of the 1,000 patients
      questioned about the food they had received during a recent hospital stay report
      that it was so bad that, at times, they could not recognise what was on their
      plate (HEJ - September 2011). The resulting report, however, also commended a
      number of healthcare organisations which had put considerable time, effort, and
      commitment, into providing first-class patient meals, often at negligible extra
      cost, and using high quality, locally sourced produce. One NHS Trust pioneering
      such an approach, while simultaneously boosting the fortunes of local farmers and
      other food producers, is Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, which, HEJ
      editor Jonathan Baillie discovered, is now not only being held up as a national
      exemplar of good NHS catering practice, but has also recently had the go-ahead
      for a new pound 2.2 million catering facility.

PMID- 22053362
TI  - Appeal for legislation on greater safety.
AB  - An Essex-headquartered company which claims to manufacture the world's leading
      "brand" of glass vision panel, is calling for legislation to regulate the quality
      and design of such products. With no statutory governance currently in place, it
      is concerned that a rash of badly-designed, poorer quality variants, that it says
      have emerged in recent years, pose a significant self-harm and ligature risk to
      mentally unwell patients in hospitals, and a potential danger to staff when
      components like internal fittings and the glass itself, especially should the
      latter be too thin and thus easy to break, are used as "weapons". HEJ editor
      Jonathan Baillie reports.

PMID- 22053363
TI  - Largest healthcare foundations. U.S. foundations awarding health grants, by total
      award amount, 2009.

PMID- 22053364
TI  - [Focusing on the retreatment for chronic hepatitis B patients treated with
      nucleos(t)ide analogue].

PMID- 22053365
TI  - [Optimal therapy for chronic hepatitis B patients].

PMID- 22053366
TI  - [Retreatment for patients with chronic hepatitis B relapse after initial
      antiviral therapy].

PMID- 22053367
TI  - [Optimal strategy for chronic hepatitis B patients receiving nucleos(t)ide
      analogue antiviral treatment].

PMID- 22053368
TI  - [An introduction of the researches on hepatitis C virus infection from the 46th
      EASL annual conference].

PMID- 22053369
TI  - [Peginterferon alpha combined with ribavirin for the treatment of chronic
      hepatitis C].

PMID- 22053370
TI  - [Down-regulation of hepatitis B virus replication by heparin sulfate-D
      glucosaminyl-3-O-sulfotransferase 3B1].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of HS3ST3B1 on hepatitis B virus (HBV)
      replication. METHODS: HepG2 cells were classified into 7 groups according to the
      plasmids transfected: (1) Blank group, no plasmid transfected; 2. Positive
      control, transfected with pCH9-HBV which permits HBV replication; (3) Negative
      control, transfected with pCH9-HBV + pcDNA3.1 + pTZU6+1; (4) Treatment A,
      transfected with pCH9-HBV + pCDNA3.1-HS3ST3B1 + pTZU6+1; (5) Interference A,
      transfected with pCH9-HBV + pCDNA3.1-HS3ST3B1 + psh1126 (a plasmid to interfere
      HS3ST3B1 expression); (6) Treatment B, transfected with pCH9-HBV + pTZU6+1; (7)
      Interference B, transfected with pCH9-HBV + psh1126. The levels of HBV DNA were
      detected in the above groups by Southern blotting. HBV total RNA of Negative
      control, Treatment A and Interference A were quantified by Real-time PCR to
      determine the influence of HS3ST3B1 over-expression on the HBV RNA transcription.
      The activity of the four HBV promoters [core promoter (cp), x promoter(xp),
      surface antigen promoter1(sp1), surface antigen promoter2 (sp2)] were assayed by
      Dual-Luciferase Reporter Assay System. The data was analyzed using one way ANOVA,
      with P < 0.05 indicating statistically meaningful difference. RESULT: Southern
      blot data revealed the level of HBV DNA in Treatment A and Interference A
      accounted for 10% +/- 2% and 31% +/- 4% of that in control. Compared with
      control, a statistical difference existed between Treatment A and Control, with F
      value equalling to 20.8 and P value equalling to 0.034 respectively. A
      statistical difference also existed between Interfere A and Treatment A, with F
      value equalling to 24.9 and P value equalling to 0.021 respectively. The level of
      HBV DNA in Experiment B was raised by 130% +/- 11% as compared to that in
      Interference B, and the levels of HBV DNA showed a dose-dependent decrease when
      H7 cells were transfected with 0.5, 1.0, 1.5 microg pCDNA3.1-HS3ST3B1
      respectively. Statistical differences existed between control and H7 transfected
      with different dose of pCDNA3.1-HS3ST3B1, with F values equalling to 22.7, 20.3,
      26.5 and P values equalling to 0.029, 0.041 and 0.015 respectively. Real-time PCR
      revealed that the HBV total RNA in Treatment A accounted for 17.0% +/- 2.7% of
      that in control and there was a statistical difference between Treatment A and
      control, with F value equalling to 25.6 and P value equalling to 0.018. In
      addition, HBV DNA in Interference A was restored to 74.0% +/- 3.9% of that in
      control, and there was also a statistical difference between Treatment A and
      Interference A, with F value equalling to 21.3 and P value equalling to 0.032.
      However, the down regulation of HBV total RNA had nothing to do with HBV
      promoters activity. CONCLUSION: HS3ST3B1 can inhibit HBV replication and reduce
      the level of HBV total RNA, but the downregulation of HBV total RNA may not be
      the result of direct interaction of HS3ST3B1 and HBV promoters.

PMID- 22053371
TI  - [Identification the relationship between mutation patterns of rtM204I/V in the
      polymerase gene and genotypes of hepatitis B virus].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between the mutation patterns of
      rtM204V/I (methionine to valine or isoleucine at position rt204 of reverse
      transcriptase domain) in hepatitis B virus (HBV) polymerase gene and HBV
      genotypes. METHODS: A total of 2849 HBV complete genome sequences were retrieved
      from the GenBank/EMBL/DDBJ. HBV genotypes were determined by using MEGA4
      software. The amino acid sequences of the reverse transcriptase (RT) domain were
      aligned. Data were analyzed using SPSS 13.0. RESULTS Among the 2849 HBV complete
      genome sequences, 217 strains with Y (I/V) DD were identified. Of them, 120 had
      YIDD mutation and the genotype/subgenotype distribution was as follows: A (2),
      B(B2 19), C(C1 1, C2 78, C5 1), D(17), E(1), G(1); 97 had YVDD mutation and the
      genotype/subgenotype distribution was as follows: A(17), B(B2 22), C(C1 3, C2
      48), D(3), G(3), H(1). There is a significant difference in the mutation patterns
      of Y (I/V) DD among genotypes of A-D, A-C, and between genotype A and B, P <
      0.01.There is a difference in the mutation pattern of Y (I/V) DD among genotypes
      of B-D, between genotype C and D, P < 0.05. Genotype A has a higher tendency to
      develop YVDD mutation, whereas genotype D has a higher frequency to develop YIDD
      mutation. The rtM204V-rtL180M mutations were more frequently found in subgenotype
      B2 than in subgenotype C2 while the rtM204V-rtL180M-rtV173L mutations were more
      associated with subgenotype C2 (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Different HBV
      genotype/subgenotype may select different mutation pattern in the YMDD domain.
      Subgenotype C2 is more diversity and complexity than other HBV
      genotypes/subgenotypes.

PMID- 22053372
TI  - [Lamivudine-resistant analysis and management for chronic hepatitis B patients
      with initial lamivudine therapy].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the factors influencing the long-term usage of lamivudine
      (LAM) in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients and the management after drug
      resistance. METHODS: 383 cases of naive CHB patients in our outpatient clinic
      were treated with lamivudine (100 mg/d) and followed up for at least over 1 year
      from 2001 to 2010. 129 cases encountered lamivudine-resistance and were then
      divided into two groups: patients in group A were switched to adefovir dipivoxil
      (ADV) alternative treatment and those patients in group B were added with ADV for
      continuous treatment. Efficacy assessment factors included serum HBV markers, HBV
      DNA, ALT, AFP and other biochemical indicators. RESULTS: Among the 383 cases,
      patients with HBV DNA negative conversion (PCR below test line) at 3 months, 6
      months, 1 year, 2 years, 3 years and > 3 years after initial treatment were
      respectively 156 cases (40.7%), 213 cases (55.6%), 228 cases (59.5% ), 217cases
      (56.7%), 214 cases (55.9%) and 213 cases (55.6%). HBeAg/HBeAb seroconversion
      occurred in 62 cases (22.6%). 12 cases were found with primary LAM resistance,
      129 cases with HBV breakthrough and rebound, the cumulative resistance rate was
      36.8% and the cumulative rebound rate was 34.8%. High baseline viral load,
      baseline ALT levels < 2 ULN, Lower virologic response rate at week 24 were
      associated with a higher rebound rate (chi2 is 35.716, 8.728, 43.534,
      respectively, all with P < 0.01).Viral breakthrough and rebound occurred in 112
      patients (86.8%) within 1 year and a half, 123 patients (95.3%) occurred at the
      end of 2 years and no patient with viral breakthrough and rebound after 5 years.
      For the patients with viral rebound in group A and group B, the rates of HBV DNA
      loss were 22.7% (15/66) and 58.7% (37/63) respectively, and the viral response
      rates were 59.1% (39/66) and 87.3% (52/63) respectively, with chi2 values equaled
      17.364 and 12.975 respectively (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: For the chronic hepatitis
      B patients on initial treatment with lamivudine, the viral rebound occurred
      mainly within 2 years. LAM combined with ADV is more effective than ADV alone for
      lamivudine-resistant patients.

PMID- 22053373
TI  - [Liver histological changes in chronic hepatitis B patients with elevated ALT
      less than 2 x ULN].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relevant factors of liver histological changes in
      chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with mildly elevated ALT and to explore the
      clinical values of these factors on anti-viral treatment. METHODS: A total of 152
      CHB patients with mildly elevated ALT (less than 2 x ULN) who underwent liver
      biopsy were included in the study. Correlations between routine laboratory
      markers, liver histological inflammation grade and fibrosis stage were
      statistically assessed by Spearman correlation analysis, one-way ANOVA, area
      under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) and
      Logistic regression statistical analysis. RESULTS: All patients in the study
      showed various hepatic histological damages. Among the 152 patients 50 (32.9%)
      were found with inflammation grade 1 (G1), 42 (27.6%) with G2, 46 (30.3%) with G3
      and 14 (9.2%) with G4. 16 patients (10.5%) were found with fibrosis stage 2 (S2),
      25 (16.5%) with S3 and 41 (27.0%) with S4. Routine laboratory markers Alb, BPC
      and WBC were significantly correlated with hepatic histological inflammation
      grade and fibrosis stage. Marked liver fibrosis and moderate to severe liver
      damage were significantly higher in patients aged more than 40 years as compared
      to those less than 40 years of age (P = 0.002, P = 0.010). The regression
      equation P = 1/[1+e-(9.36250-1625Alb-0.0234BPC)] was established with sensitivity
      and specificity of 83.3% and 65.0%, respectively. CONCLUSION: 67.8% of CHB
      patients with mildly elevated ALT have significant injury to the liver tissue.
      CHB patients aged more than 40 years have a significant increase of marked liver
      fibrosis and moderate to severe liver damage. The regression equation is valuable
      to predict whether CHB patients need antiviral therapy or not.

PMID- 22053374
TI  - [Comparison study of HBV-P mutation detection by MALDI-TOF Ms and direct PCR
      sequencing].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the sensitivities of MALDI-TOF MS and direct PCR sequencing
      on gene mutations detection of hepatitis B virus. METHODS: 100 serum samples from
      chronic hepatitis B patients were collected, which consisted of 90 serum samples
      (study group) from 90 chronic hepatitis B patients received nucleoside analogues
      (NA) therapy for more than 1 year and HBV DNA titer still higher than 500
      copies/ml and 10 serum samples (blank group) from 10 chronic hepatitis B patients
      never treated with antiviral therapy and HBV-DNA titer higher than 1 x 10(5)
      copies/ml. 9 known mutations associated with HBV P gene in these samples were
      detected by MALDI-TOF MS and direct PCR sequencing at the same time, TYPE4.0
      software and Sequence Navigator software were used to analyze the results
      separately. RESULTS: (1) In study group, mutations were detected in 53 samples
      and the total mutation sites were 86 by MALDI-TOF MS with a positive detection
      rate of 58.89%, whereas only 19 samples were found with mutations and totally 28
      mutation sites were detected by direct PCR sequencing, the positive detection
      rate was 21.11%. The positive detection rate by MALDI-TOF MS was higher than that
      by direct PCR sequencing and the difference was statistically significant (P <
      0.05). In blank group, no mutations were detected by any method. (2) In study
      group, when the HBV DNA titers were at 500-1000 copies/ml, 10(3)-10(4) copies/ml
      and 10(4)-10(5) copies/ml, the positive mutation detection rates by MALDI-TOF MS
      were 50%, 52.08% and 77.27% respectively, higher than that by direct PCR
      sequencing, which were only 0%, 8.33% and 45.45%. The difference was still
      statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: MALDI-TOF MS had higher
      detection sensitivity for known mutation sites as compared to direct PCR
      sequencing method.

PMID- 22053375
TI  - [The influence of HBV and its antigens on the expressions of JAK-STAT signal
      transduction pathway molecules and antiviral proteins of IFN alpha].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the possible influence of HBV and its antigens on the
      expressions of JAK-STAT signal transduction pathway molecules and the antiviral
      proteins of IFN alpha. METHODS: The HepG2 cells were transfected with pSM2, pHBS2
      S and pHBc-EGFP plasmids which express HBV whole particles or S-antigen, Pre-S
      antigen and core antigens. The infectious supernatant from HepG2.2.15 cells and
      the pured HBV proteins which contained the S, Pre-S antigens were used to treat
      the HepG2 cells. Northern blot and RT-PCR were applied to analyse the expressions
      of the antiviral proteins MxA, 2' -5' OAS, 9-27 and the JAK-STAT signal
      transduction pathway molecules STAT1 in HepG2 cells responded to the IFN alpha
      treatment. RESULTS: The HepG2 cells transfected with pSM2, pHBS2-S and pHBc-EGFP
      plasmids could express whole HBV particles and HBsAg, Pre-S antigen and HBcAg.
      The quantitation of expressed HBV particles and antigens increased significantly
      during the course of transfection. Northern blot hybridization analysis indicated
      that the HepG2 cells expressed IFN alpha antiviral proteins MxA, 2' -5' OAS and 9
      27. When transfected with pHBV-dimer, pHBS2-S, pHBc-EGFP plasmids, the IFN/A
      antiviral proteins MxA, 2' -5' OAS and 9-27 in transfected cells were reduced
      greatly as compared to the un-transfected HepG2 cells, and the expressed
      antiviral proteins decreased sharply with the development of transfection time.
      Furthermore, the expression of IFN alpha JAK-STAT signal transduction pathway
      molecule STAT1 was also inhibited with the expression of HBV particles and HBV
      antigens in transfected HepG2 cells. CONCLUSIONS: The HBV and its antigens
      influence the expressions of IFN alpha JAK-STAT signal transduction pathway
      molecules and antiviral proteins in the hepatocellular models in vitro. It is
      indicated that HBV might possess the activity to antagonise or counteract the IFN
      alpha antiviral action.

PMID- 22053376
TI  - [Safety evaluation and quality control of MSCs from hepatitis B patient in
      vitro].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To get mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) from hepatitis B patient and to
      valuate the safety and quality after long-term culture in vitro. METHODS: The
      cells obtained directly from bone marrow and cultured in Mesen Pro medium
      supplemented with FGF, and the morphology of MSCs was observed. Surface antigens
      of the MSCs were analyzed by flow-cytometry. The bacteria, virus, endotoxin and
      residual serum of cell suspension were detected. The MSCs and perpheral blood T
      lymphocytes were co-cultured in 48 well plates for 72 h and the T lymphocyte
      proliferation was measured by using MTT reduction method and the effect of MSCs
      on T lymphocyte transformation stimulated by PHA was also observed. The
      oncogenicity of MSCs was verified by the tumorigenesis test in sofo agar. The
      genetic stability of MSCs was examined by karyotype analysis. RESULT: The MSCs
      from hepatitis B patient could be passaged to many generations and had strong
      abilities of proliferation. They expressed stem cell-surface antigens and
      maintained normal karyotype, prevented the pollution of bacteria and viruses,
      inhibited the immune response of allogenic T lymphocytes and no oncogenicity
      found. CONCLUSION: The MSCs have proliferative potentials, can be passaged in
      long-term cultures in Mesen Pro medium without oncogenicity, can maintain normal
      karyotype, can inhibit the immune response of T lymphocytes and can alleviate the
      grafe-versus diseases. The MSCs can be served as a new type of cells in cell and
      gene therapy.

PMID- 22053377
TI  - [Study on type I interferon and phospho-IRF3 in murine liver dendritic cells
      after intervened by HBV].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To detect the secretions of type I interferon and the expressions of
      phospho-IRF3 in murine liver dendritic cells intervened by HBV. METHODS: The
      murine liver dendritic cells were isolated via anti-CD11c microbeads and were
      incubated in the presence of GM-CSF and IL-4 to induce the DC generation and
      proliferation in 24-well cell culture plates. HBV virions were isolated via
      ultracentrifugation and were detected by quantitative Realtime-PCR. The DCs were
      divided into two groups: one group was cultured with HBV virions for 24 hours,
      the other group was cultured without HBV as control group. The cells were
      harvested at Oh, 1h, 2h, 6h and 24h after being stimulated with poly I:C and the
      expressions of p-IRF3 and the concentration of IFN beta in supernatants were
      detected with western blot and ELISA respectively. RESULTS: The IFN beta
      concentrations at 0 h, 6 h and 24 h in the supernatants of the HBV group and the
      control group were (12.38 +/- 3.71) pg/ml, (88.67 +/- 9.01) pg/ml and (69.89 +/-
      5.80) pg/ml vs (10.83 +/- 4.11) pg/ml, (137.68 +/- 12.28) pg/ml and (72.25 +/-
      8.61) pg/ml, respectively. No statistical differences found at 0 h (t = 0.8398, P
      > 0.05) and 24 h (t = 0.6820, P > 0.05) between the two groups except that at 6 h
      (t = 9.653, P < 0.01). The expressions of phospho-IRF3 in HBV group were lower
      than that in control group. CONCLUSIONS: The type I interferon secretion and the
      phospho-IRF3 expression were decreased in murine liver dendritic cells when
      intervened by HBV.

PMID- 22053379
TI  - [The construction of IGF-II P4 promoter-driven tk expression vector].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the selective killing effect of herpes simplex virus
      thymidine kinase/ganciclovir (HSV-tk/GCV) suicide gene system controlled by human
      IGF-II P4 promoter on HCC cells in vitro. METHODS: Recombinant shuttle plasmid
      vectors driven by IGF-II P4 promoter and driven by CMV promoter were constructed
      by techniques of gene recombination. The recombinant shuttle plasmids were then
      transfected into HepG2 and HeLa cells by techniques of lipidosome transfection.
      EGFP expression was detected by fluoroscopy. Tk and EGFP mRNA expression were
      detected by RT-PCR. The selective killing effect after GCV application was
      determined with MTT method. Statistical analysis was performed with ANOVA
      analysis. RESULTS: Identification of pDC316-tkEGFP-P4 by enzyme digestion and
      sequencing analysis showed that the construction of the recombinant shuttle
      plasmid was correct. It was found that green fluorescence protein could only be
      seen in HepG2 cells, not in HeLa cells. The results of RT-PCR showed only two
      bands could be seen in the samples of pDC316-tkEGFP-P4 transfected HepG2 cells.
      The growth of HepG2 cells transfected with pDC316-tkEGFP-CMV and pDC316-tkEGFP-P4
      were inhibited remarkably, the growth inhibition rates were 6.95% +/- 0.67%,
      24.99% +/- 1.53%, 49.68% +/- 1.68%, 71.85% +/- 3.28% and 4.83% +/- 0.35% vs
      17.34% +/- 1.15%, 30.17% +/- 1.30%, 40.39% +/- 0.82% (F = 24.055, P < 0.05),
      respectively. The growth of HeLa cells transfected with pDC316-tkEGFP-CMV were
      also inhibited, the growth inhibition rates were 6.36% +/- 0.83%, 23.95% +/-
      1.72%, 45.13% +/- 1.64% and 69.38% +/- 3.17%, respectively. The growth of HeLa
      cells transfected with pDC316-tkEGFP-P4 was not inhibited. The growth inhibition
      rates were 0.91 +/- 0.04, 1.18 +/- 1.32, 1.19 +/- 0.10 and 1.32 +/- 0.05 (F =
      26.469, P < 0.01) , respectively. CONCLUSION: The shuttle plasmid vector carrying
      the tkEGFP fusion protein gene driven by IGF-II P4 promoter has been constructed
      successfully and its specific expression in HepG2 cells provided the basis for
      targeted gene therapy for HCC.

PMID- 22053378
TI  - [The effects of curcumin derivative on experimental steatohepatitis].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of curcumin derivative on non-alcoholic
      steatohepatitis (NASH). METHODS: 60 SD male rats were randomly divided into 5
      groups. The NASH model was induced by high fat diet combined with carbon
      tetrachloride. These rats were then treated with curcumin and curcumin
      derivative, saline treating group as control. The serum biochemical parameters
      and liver histological examinations were observed. The TNF alpha, NF-kappa B and
      HMG-CoA reductase mRNA transcriptions of liver tissue were detected with RT-PCR.
      The protein expressions of TNF alpha and NF-kappa B were detected by western
      blot. RESULTS: Compared with the saline group, A remarkable reduction was
      observed in serum ALT (U/L), AST (U/L) and TC (mmol/L) in rats treated with
      curcumin derivatives [(69.20 +/- 27.58) vs (102.43 +/- 47.29), (158.00 +/- 39.15)
      vs (229.50 +/- 105.20) and (2.08 +/- 0.30) vs (2.58 +/- 1.02), P < 0.05]. The
      degrees of fibrosis were significantly alleviated; Compared with curcumin group,
      liver index and serum ALT, AST of curcumin derivative group were also
      significantly decreased [(4.88 +/- 0.62) vs (5.16 +/- 0.61); (69.20 +/- 27.58) vs
      (82.5 +/- 33.23); (158.00 +/- 39.15) vs (211.75 +/- 106.30), P < 0.05]; The liver
      steatosis and inflammation grade were also significantly improved .The gene
      transcriptions of TNF alpha, NF-kappa B and HMG-CoA reductase in curcumin
      derivative group were significantly lower than those in curcumin and saline group
      (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: These results indicate that the water-soluble curcumin
      derivative displays superior bioavailability to the parent curcumin, which can
      effectively improve the lipid metabolism and delay the progression of hepatic
      fibrosis in rats with steatohepatitis.

PMID- 22053380
TI  - [Effect of microbial pharmaceutics on the function of NKT cells in rats with non
      alcoholic steatohepatitis].

PMID- 22053381
TI  - [Abnormality of NF- kappa B expression and the clinical implications in patients
      with HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma].

PMID- 22053382
TI  - [The value of MELD in the assessment of short-term prognosis of severe hepatitis
      by artificial liver treatment].

PMID- 22053383
TI  - [Efficacy comparison between bicyclol and polyene phosphatidylcholine treatments
      for alcoholic liver disease].

PMID- 22053384
TI  - [Effects of ischemic precondition on the content of cholesterol in mitochondria
      and cytochrome c expression in hepatocytes following cold preservation in rats].

PMID- 22053385
TI  - [HBV resistance mutants before and after adefovir dipivoxil treatment and the
      relationship with HBV genotypes].

PMID- 22053386
TI  - [Antiviral therapy of HCV infection in patients with uraemia on maintenance of
      hemodialysis and waiting for renal transplantation: a case report].

PMID- 22053387
TI  - [Research advances on hepatitis B virus covalently closed circular DNA].

PMID- 22053388
TI  - Largest group practices. Ranked by number of full-time-equivalent physicians,
      based on MGMA data as of September 2011.

PMID- 22053389
TI  - Hospitals with highest readmission rate. Ranked by 30-day risk-adjusted
      readmission rate, based on the Hospital Compare database.

PMID- 22053390
TI  - [Theory of the onset of initial contraction of tuberculosis].

PMID- 22053391
TI  - Consensus statement on decision making in junctional trauma care.
AB  - Improvised explosive devices (IEDs) cause 60% of all UK fatalities in the current
      campaign in Afghanistan. Shorter evacuation timelines now deliver patients at the
      edge of the physiological envelope of survivability meaning that the available
      time period for haemorrhage control and initial wound surgery is short--often no
      more than 75 minutes. The concepts and practise of 'right turn resuscitation',
      damage control general and orthopaedic surgery, on-table 'ITU' pause/catch-up and
      then further resuscitative surgery are commonplace. In Helmand in 2011, multiple
      team operating is now the norm on these casualties with up to seven surgeons and
      three anaesthetists simultaneously involved in the operative care of one patient.
      This usually involves one consultant orthopaedic surgeon and trainee per lower
      limb, a plastic surgeon on the upper limb or faceleyes and two general surgeons
      obtaining proximal vascular control or in-cavity haemorrhage control. A combined
      meeting in 2010 of the Lower Limb and Torso Trauma Working Groups of the Academic
      Department of Military Surgery and Trauma produced 25 clear, didactic statements
      to provide advice to the consultant team. The fundamental message is that
      bleeding is always a surgical problem. Some adjuncts are available; pressure
      (direct and indirect), compressive bandaging, haemostatic dressings and
      tourniquets. However, only formal surgical control, by whatever means is
      definitive. Early proximal control is mandatory: in all cases, rapidly obtain the
      most distally appropriate proximal control above the zone of injury.

PMID- 22053392
TI  - Inter-war Bucharest: city in a garden.

PMID- 22053393
TI  - Kosovo and the refugee crisis, 1999: the search for patterns amidst the
      prejudice.

PMID- 22053394
TI  - Longing for Paris: the Europeanized dream of Caracas urbanism,    1870-1940.

PMID- 22053395
TI  - [Recent    tendencies in researching Latin American social and ethnic groups of
      the 19th    and 20th centuries].

PMID- 22053396
TI  - Residents' reactions to post-war slum clearance in England.

PMID- 22053397
TI  - Robert Schmidt and the public park policy in the Ruhr district,    1900-1930.

PMID- 22053398
TI  - The development of residential urban renewal policies in England:    planning for
      modernization in the 1960s.

PMID- 22053399
TI  - The domestication of violence: forging a collective memory of the Holocaust in
      Britain, 1945-6.

PMID- 22053400
TI  - The image of the Gypsy in German Christendom.

PMID- 22053401
TI  - The queer Jew: gender, sexuality and Jean-Paul Sartre's anti-Antisemitism.

PMID- 22053402
TI  - The reconstruction of Upper Normandy: a tale of two cities.

PMID- 22053403
TI  - The redevelopment of Rotterdam since 1945.

PMID- 22053404
TI  - [Overlooked victims: Korean survivors of the atomic    bombs].

PMID- 22053405
TI  - Changing food production and quality of diet in India, 1947-98.

PMID- 22053406
TI  - Corn and crisis: Malthus on the high price of provisions.

PMID- 22053407
TI  - Malthusian models and Chinese realities: the Chinese demographic system, 1700
      2000.

PMID- 22053408
TI  - Marital and fertility careers of Russian women born between 1910 and 1934.

PMID- 22053409
TI  - Separating analysis from politics: acid rain in Europe.

PMID- 22053410
TI  - Smallpox in nineteenth-century India.

PMID- 22053411
TI  - The Bangladesh fertility decline: an interpretation.

PMID- 22053412
TI  - The delayed western fertility decline: an examination of English-speaking
      countries.

PMID- 22053413
TI  - The global and regional impact of mortality and fertility transitions, 1950-2000.

PMID- 22053414
TI  - The planning of Reykjavik, Iceland: three ideological waves - a historical
      overview.

PMID- 22053415
TI  - Vice into virtue? Progressive politics and welfare reform in continental Europe.

PMID- 22053416
TI  - Eleanor Rathbone on the Remuneration of Women's Services.

PMID- 22053417
TI  - A return to the imaginary: psychoanalysis and travel in Vernon Lee's travel
      essays.

PMID- 22053418
TI  - A royal bride for two brothers: Marie-Francoise of the Savoy-Nemours and the
      French lobby at the court of Portugal, 1666-1672.

PMID- 22053419
TI  - Childhood in the promised land: working-class movements and pedagogical reform in
      the "colonies de vacances" in France, 1880-1960.

PMID- 22053420
TI  - Churchyard and civic square: the production of public spaces in late medieval and
      early modern Lyon.

PMID- 22053421
TI  - Classless monster: the representation of criminals in Parisian news, 1830-1900.

PMID- 22053422
TI  - Defending the honor of French surgery, 1760-1788.

PMID- 22053423
TI  - From "petite patrie" to national "solidarite": regionalism and inter-class
      alliances in mutual aid societies.

PMID- 22053424
TI  - [Protestant cemeteries in Provence, 17th-19th centuries].

PMID- 22053425
TI  - National preferences and colonial cuisine: seeking the familiar in French
      Vietnam.

PMID- 22053426
TI  - Paris-lesbos: lesbian social space in the modern city, 1870-1940.

PMID- 22053427
TI  - Reform: Stay calm amid the storm.

PMID- 22053428
TI  - Finance: Physician, heal thy costs.

PMID- 22053429
TI  - Reconfiguration: The 500 m pounds question.

PMID- 22053430
TI  - Public health: Doctor Carrot won't see you now.

PMID- 22053431
TI  - Innovation, now.

PMID- 22053432
TI  - Patient involvement: Power of good.

PMID- 22053433
TI  - Finance: Is it time to get personal?

PMID- 22053434
TI  - Strategic care for complex needs: hand in hand.

PMID- 22053436
TI  - [SCIT helps with animal fur allergy: allergens on 4 legs].

PMID- 22053435
TI  - [What can be expected with mammography: surprising new "space occupying lesions"
      in the breast. Mastalgia, hyaluronic acid].

PMID- 22053437
TI  - [Therapy possibilities and therapy chances: "cat sensitive patients should
      receive specialist immunotherapy" (interview by Robert Bublak)].

PMID- 22053438
TI  - [What is good for the heart pump also helps in impotence: good sex: an affair of
      the heart].

PMID- 22053439
TI  - [Low thrombocyte count: when does it become dangerous?].

PMID- 22053440
TI  - [Naturopathy consultation. Dysmenorrhea].

PMID- 22053442
TI  - [MRSA is spreading among diabetic patients: chronic wounds: El Dorado for problem
      pathogens].

PMID- 22053441
TI  - [Vegetative state patient Rom Houben: certainly did not wake up].

PMID- 22053443
TI  - [Surprising thoracic x-ray finding: effusion, plaque or tumor?].

PMID- 22053444
TI  - [Are you obliged to report a bullet wound?].

PMID- 22053445
TI  - [Medical confidentiality].

PMID- 22053446
TI  - [The obligation to report child abuse].

PMID- 22053447
TI  - [Emergency checklist: nose bleeding].

PMID- 22053448
TI  - [Differential diagnosis and therapeutic options in acute sore throat].

PMID- 22053449
TI  - [Conservative therapy of low backpain: what really helps].

PMID- 22053450
TI  - Examples of energy self-sufficient municipal nutrient removal plants.
AB  - In Austria, two municipal WWTPs (the Strass TP and Wolfgangsee-Ischl TP) operated
      with nutrient removal and aerobic sludge digestion are now energy self
      sufficient. This is the result of a longstanding and on-going optimisation
      process at both plants including optimal aeration control and control of the
      aerobic section of the aeration tank to optimise denitrification and prevent
      degradation of particulate organic matter that should be degraded in the
      digester. Both TPs are now equipped with energy-efficient CHP units. However, it
      is maybe more sustainable to use the biogas as biomethane/bio-fuel than in
      conventional CHP at the WWTP. It is shown that energy self-sufficiency should be
      in reach at other municipal WWTPs, too.

PMID- 22053451
TI  - Effect of bacterial growth stage on resistance to chlorine disinfection.
AB  - The mechanisms and factors that affect microbial resistance to chlorine
      disinfection have not been fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated the
      impact of the cell growth stage on chlorine disinfection efficiency.
      Specifically, we evaluated the impact of the growth stage on chlorination
      resistance by comparing the inactivation efficiencies of two indicator bacterial
      strains (Escherichia coli K12 and Escherichia coli O157:H7) obtained from various
      growth phases, using Chick-Watson kinetic parameters. For both E. coli strains
      (K12 and O157:H7), the inactivation rate constants are the lowest at stationary
      phase (0.19 and 0.32) compared to those at initial lag (0.54 and 0.76) and
      exponential growth phase (0.63 and 0.69), respectively. These results suggested
      that the abundance of resistant subpopulations increases at stressed stationary
      conditions and E. coli cells obtained from the stationary growth phase exhibited
      more resistance and lower inactivation efficiency compared to those from the lag
      and exponential phases. This implies that microbes in wastewater treatment
      process with varying solids retention times (SRTs, which indicate growth rates)
      may show different extents of chlorine resistance. Comparison of the coefficient
      of dilution (n) values in both E. coli strains for the various growth phases
      suggest that cells seem to be more sensitive to disinfectant concentration at the
      stationary-lag phase than that at the exponential stage. Comparing the two E.
      coli strains, higher inactivation rates were observed for the pathogenic O157:H7
      than for K12 at different stages of growth. The strain-to-strain variability in
      survivability to chlorine exposure has to be considered when selecting indicator
      microorganisms for water quality monitoring.

PMID- 22053452
TI  - Numerical modelling: a tool for better constructed wetland design?
AB  - There is a need for a simplified computer-based design tool for subsurface flow
      constructed wetlands (CWs) which is based on process-based numerical models.
      Parameters of existing design guidelines and rules have been derived from
      experiments under specific conditions. Therefore designing CWs using these
      parameters is limited to these conditions (i.e., temperature, wastewater
      composition, filter material, etc.). Process-based numerical models describe the
      main processes in CWs in detail. If the design of CWs is based on these models it
      will be possible to design CWs for a variety of different boundary conditions and
      therefore the main limitation of existing design guidelines and rules could be
      overcome. The use of process-based models is currently limited mainly due to
      their complexity in structure and use. To make numerical modelling a useful and
      applicable tool for design, a simplified computer-based design tool that does not
      require special knowledge of numerical modelling is needed. Additionally, simple
      models for pre- and post-treatments are also required. Besides allowing designs
      for various boundary conditions, design tools based on process-based models can
      also predict the dynamic behaviour of the designed system thus showing e.g., the
      higher robustness of CWs against fluctuating inflows and peak loads compared to
      other treatment solutions. Such a tool could increase the quality of CW design
      and the acceptance and use of CW simulation in practice.

PMID- 22053453
TI  - Performance of a constructed wetland for treating farm-yard dirty water.
AB  - Constructed wetlands (CWs) have been used to treat agricultural effluents with
      varying success especially with respect to their operational efficiency in winter
      and ability to retain phosphorus. Dirty water (DW) from dairy farms is a mixture
      of manure contaminated runoff and milk parlour washings with a highly polluting
      biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) < or =3000 mg/L. The initial performance a CW of
      a 1.2 ha horizontal flow CW consisting of five ponds in series designed to treat
      DW from a dairy unit was assessed over four years. Ponds were earth-lined and
      shallow (0.3 m) with a water residence time of 100 days and planted with five
      species of emergent macrophytes. In comparison to CW inflow, annual reductions
      were as follows: BOD 99%, P 95% and N 92.8%. Coliforms were reduced by a 10(-5)
      factor to natural levels. From May to October there was little CW discharge due
      to evaporative losses. Final effluent quality was poorest in February but
      remained within a regulatory effluent standard for BOD of 40 mg/L. If the CW had
      only four ponds (25% less surface area) effluent would have failed the BOD
      standard in three years.

PMID- 22053454
TI  - Towards a complete recycling of phosphorus in wastewater treatment--options in
      Germany.
AB  - Global reserves of mineral phosphorus are finite and the recycling of phosphorus
      from wastewater, a significant sink for phosphorus, can contribute to a more
      sustainable use. In Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands, an increasing
      percentage of municipal sewage sludge is incinerated and the contained phosphorus
      is lost. This paper reviews current technologies and shows that a complete
      phosphorus recovery from wastewater is technically feasible. Depending on the
      composition of the sewage sludge ash (SSA), there are various options for
      phosphorus recovery that are presented. Iron-poor SSAs can be used directly as
      substitute for phosphate rock in the electrothermal phosphorus process. SSAs with
      low heavy metal contents can be used as fertilizer without prior metal
      elimination. Ashes not suitable for direct recycling can be processed by thermal
      processes. Operators of wastewater treatment plants can additionally influence
      the ash composition via the selection of precipitants and the control of
      (indirect) dischargers. This way, they can choose the most suitable phosphorus
      recovery option. For sewage sludge that is co-incinerated in power plants,
      municipal waste incinerators or cement kilns phosphorus recovery is not possible.
      The phosphorus is lost forever.

PMID- 22053455
TI  - Understanding urban residential end uses of water.
AB  - The 'end use' of water is a breakdown of the total household water usage such as
      water used for toilets, showers, washing machines, taps, lawn watering, etc.
      Understanding end uses of water will enable water planners, water authorities and
      household owners determine where water is used/wasted, how much and how often.
      This paper describes the end uses of water from a number of single-family homes
      in Greater Melbourne, Australia. The study involves the analysis of water
      consumption data recorded at 5-s intervals from logged households collected by
      Yarra Valley Water in Melbourne in 2004. The study determines how much water is
      used for outdoor and indoor purposes in a single-family home in Melbourne and
      compares the water usage during winter and summer. Hourly patterns of major end
      uses of water are also developed. The aim of this study is to improve the
      understanding of the end uses of water and to assist where to focus water
      conservation efforts that would be most effective financially and
      environmentally, and be acceptable to everyone.

PMID- 22053456
TI  - An assessment of the checkpoint bioassay concept for full scale wastewater UV
      reactor validation.
AB  - In an effort to help policy makers and manufacturers understand the impact of
      parameter uncertainties on UV reactor performance, a numerical bioassay model was
      developed by integrating a UV reactor model based on computational fluid dynamics
      with a Monte Carlo model developed to account for parameter uncertainty. For the
      model implemented, it was determined that reactor performance uncertainty was
      less than 6%. The integrated model was used to evaluate several checkpoint
      bioassay criteria including one currently used by the California Department of
      Public Health. The model showed that these criteria failed to take into account
      the fact that in an ideal case, a full scale reactor will pass a single
      checkpoint test 50% of the time. In reality, differences in equipment measurement
      errors between the system validation and checkpoint bioassay, and limitations of
      the power law form of the dose monitoring equation in accurately representing
      system validation data will result in poorer than expected performance. It was
      suggested that such checkpoint criteria be modified by crediting the inherent
      over-sizing of full scale reactors.

PMID- 22053457
TI  - Submersible microbial fuel cell for electricity production from sewage sludge.
AB  - A submersible microbial fuel cell (SMFC) was utilized to treat sewage sludge and
      simultaneously generate electricity. Stable power generation (145 +/- 5 mW/m2,
      470 omega) was produced continuously from raw sewage sludge for 5.5 days. The
      maximum power density reached 190 +/- 5 mW/m2. The corresponding total chemical
      oxygen demand (TCOD) removal efficiency was 78.1 +/- 0.2% with initial TCOD of
      49.7 g/L. The power generation of SMFC was depended on the sludge concentration,
      while dilution of the raw sludge resulted in higher power density. The maximum
      power density was saturated at sludge concentration of 17 g-TCOD/L, where 290
      mw/m2 was achieved. When effluents from an anaerobic digester that was fed with
      raw sludge were used as substrate in the SMFC, a maximum power density of 318
      mW/m2, and a final TCOD removal of 71.9 +/- 0.2% were achieved. These results
      have practical implications for development of an effective system to treat
      sewage sludge and simultaneously recover energy.

PMID- 22053458
TI  - Investigation of the efficiency of a tubular continuous-flow photoreactor with
      supported titanium dioxide nanoparticles in the removal of 4-nitrophenol:
      operational parameters, kinetics analysis and mineralization studies.
AB  - In this study, to investigate the application of heterogeneous photocatalysis in
      the removal of organic contaminants from aqueous media a novel tubular continuous
      flow photoreactor with supported TiO2-P25 on glass plates was designed and
      constructed. The photoreactor comprises six quartz tubes and a UV lamp which was
      placed in the center of the quartz tubes. 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) as a most
      refractory pollutant was chosen as a probe pollutant to examine the photoreactor
      efficiency for environmental cleaning applications. Results of experiments show
      that the removal efficiency of 4-NP in this photoreactor is a function of
      photoreactor length, gas and liquid flow rates and 4-NP initial concentration.
      Kinetics analysis indicates that degradation of 4-NP in continuous-mode can be
      modeled with the Langmuir-Hinshelwood (L-H) model (k(L-H) = 1.5 mg L(-1) min(-1),
      K(ads) = 0.11 mg(-1) L). A design equation was obtained with a combination of L-H
      modified equation and tubular reactor design equation. This equation can be used
      for estimation of 4-NP concentration in different photoreactor lengths under
      various operational parameters. Mineralization study was followed through total
      organic carbon (TOC) analysis and measurement of nitrite and nitrate as final
      degradation products.

PMID- 22053459
TI  - Advanced electro-Fenton degradation of biologically-treated coking wastewater
      using anthraquinone cathode and Fe-Y catalyst.
AB  - The electrocatalytic activity of bare and 2-ethyl anthraquinone-modified graphite
      felt (2-EAQ/GF) toward oxygen reduction was investigated using a cyclic
      voltammetry technique in a neutral solution. The prepared cathodes were tested
      for electrogeneration of H2O2 and electro-Fenton oxidation (EFO) treatment of
      neutral coking wastewater (CW) after biological process, using a graphite anode
      and Fezeolite Y catalyst. The results showed that (i) H2O2 yield and current
      efficiency greatly depended on cathodic potential and materials; (ii) hydroxyl
      radicals, generated from Fe-zeolite Y-catalyzed H2O2 decomposition, played a
      great role in EFO treatment, while anodic direct and indirect oxidation was
      insignificant; (iii) chemical oxygen demand, total organic carbon (TOC) and acute
      toxicity of wastewater decreased by 40-50, 30-40 and 50-60%, respectively, and
      biodegradability increased after 1 h of EFO treatment. Due to the free-pH
      adjustment, EFO presents a potential engineering application for advanced
      treatment of CW.

PMID- 22053460
TI  - Temperature effects on the trophic stages of perennial rye grass anaerobic
      digestion.
AB  - Continuous Stirred Tank Reactors (CSTRs), operated in batch mode, were used to
      evaluate the feasibility of psychrophilic (low temperature) digestion of
      perennial rye grass in a long term experiment (150 days) for the first time. The
      reactors were operated in parallel at 3 different temperatures, 10, 15 and 37
      degrees C. Hydrolysis, acidification and methanogenesis were assessed by VS
      degradation, by soluble chemical oxygen demand (SCOD) and volatile fatty acids
      (VFA) production, and by methane production, respectively. Hydrolysis was the
      rate-limiting step at all temperatures and the rates and extent of hydrolysis
      were considerably lower at 15 and 10 degrees C, than at 37 degrees C. The total
      VS degradation was 53%, 34% and 19% at 37, 15 and 10 degrees C, respectively.
      Acidification was not affected by temperature and VFA production and consumption
      was balanced in all cases, except at 10 degrees C. Methane yields were 0.215 m3
      CH4 kg(-1) VS(-1) added, 0.160 m3 CH4 kg(-1) VS(-1) added and 0.125 m3 CH4 kg(-1)
      VS(-1) added at 37, 15 and 10 degrees C, respectively. Methanogenesis was not
      strongly affected at 15 C but it became rate-limiting at 10 degrees C. Overall,
      the solid degradation and methane production performance under psychrophilic
      conditions was encouraging and greater than previously reported. Considering the
      non-acclimated, mesophilic nature of the inoculum, there are grounds to believe
      that low-temperature anaerobic digestion of grass could be feasible if coupled to
      efficient hydrolysis of the biomass.

PMID- 22053461
TI  - RO brine treatment and recovery by biological activated carbon and capacitive
      deionization process.
AB  - The generation of brine solutions from dense membrane (reverse osmosis, RO or
      nanofiltration, NF) water reclamation systems has been increasing worldwide, and
      the lack of cost effective disposal options is becoming a critical water
      resources management issue. In Singapore, NEWater is the product of a multiple
      barrier water reclamation process from secondary treated domestic effluent using
      MF/UF-RO and UV technologies. The RO brine (concentrates) accounts for more than
      20% of the total flow treated. To increase the water recovery and treat the RO
      brine, a CDI based process with BAC as pretreatment was tested. The results show
      that ion concentrations in CDI product were low except SiO2 when compared with RO
      feed water. CDI product was passed through a RO and the RO permeate was of better
      quality including low SiO2 as compared to NEWater quality. It could be beneficial
      to use a dedicated RO operated at optimum conditions with better performance to
      recover the water. BAC was able to achieve 15-27% TOC removal of RO brine. CDI
      had been tested at a water recovery ranging from 71.6 to 92.3%. CDI based RO
      brine treatment could improve overall water recovery of NEWater production over
      90%. It was found that calcium phosphate scaling and organic fouling was the
      major cause of CDI pressure increase. Ozone disinfection and sodium bisulfite
      dosing were able to reduce CDI fouling rate. For sustainable operation of CDI
      organic fouling control and effective organic fouling cleaning should be further
      studied.

PMID- 22053462
TI  - Decision-making criteria and indicators for water and sanitation projects in
      developing countries.
AB  - Water and sanitation projects for solving the needs of small communities in
      developing countries are complex in nature and involve complex decision-making,
      which must consider technical, socioeconomic and environmental dimensions.
      Multicriteria analysis (MCA) is a suitable decision-aid method that scores a
      finite number of options on the basis of a set of evaluation criteria. The main
      challenge in MCA is choosing the appropriate criteria and evaluation indicators
      to use for assessment. The aim of this paper is to present a comprehensive and
      wide list of criteria and evaluation indicators as a guideline in MCA of water
      and basic sanitation projects in small rural communities of developing countries.
      First, the paper details the general criteria to be considered in all the
      projects, which are classified in to 4 main groups: technical (e.g., local
      resources use, appropriate management); social (e.g., local community
      participation, overcoming discrimination of conflict); economic (e.g., low cost,
      employment of local staff) and environmental criteria (e.g., atmospheric
      emissions, water pollution). Then, it describes technical criteria to be
      additionally considered in each specific type of project: water supply (e.g.,
      water needs, independent access), water treatment (e.g., constant resource
      availability, flexibility of use for different types of water) and basic
      sanitation projects (e.g., maximum number of people per system, effluent
      quality).

PMID- 22053463
TI  - Research of the performance of pulse electrohydrodynamics in blockage removal.
AB  - In line with contemporary trends and seeking to develop new methods and
      technologies, a new, original technology was explored and designed based on a non
      conventional process of electrical pulse discharge in a water chamber, referred
      to as 'Pulse Electrohydrodynamic Technology' (PELHYDT). The application of the
      PELHYDT in sewer blockage removal is presented in this paper. Existing machinery
      can remove two blockages of gully pot connections per hour. Three blockages of
      pipe conduits are generally removed during an 8-h working day. Applying PELHYDT
      technology, which allows for high rates of removal of mechanical obstructions, it
      is possible to achieve operating fluid pressures in the order of 10(3)-10(4)
      bars, a velocity of 100 m/s, a deformation acceleration of the model material
      structure of 10(6)-10(7) m/s2, and high-frequency hydraulic shock waves with a
      frequency of 10(3)-10(4) Hz. The applicability of this efficient technology in
      sewer blockage removal was proven under laboratory conditions at operating fluid
      pressures from 50 to 160 bars, which are standard for sewer maintenance. Water
      velocities generally achieved in sewers using existing flushing technologies
      range between 1 and 3 m/s and usually do not exceed 9 m/s. PELHYDT creates waves
      whose velocity is at least 100 m/s, and is therefore about ten times more
      efficient than existing technologies. PELHYDT generates an electrohydrodynamic
      wave very quickly, virtually in the form of an explosion. It was proven under
      laboratory conditions that the application of this technology for blockage
      removal in practice will not result in any sewer damage.

PMID- 22053464
TI  - Diphasic transfer of oxygen in vertical flow filters: a modelling approach.
AB  - Oxygen renewal, as a prominent phenomenon for aerobic bacterial activity, deeply
      impacts vertical flow constructed wetland (VFCW) treatment efficiency. The
      authors introduce a multiphase model able to simulate oxygen transfer in VFCWs.
      It is based on a two-phase flow module, and a transport module. The transport
      module is able to deal with convection/diffusion phenomena, inter-phase (air
      water) mass exchange, and first-order kinetics. The first results displayed for
      the air phase allow us to draw the following ideas on the design of vertical
      filters. The ponding phenomenon is more efficient for oxygen renewal than non
      ponding batch loading: it provides a higher value, sooner, and deeper in the
      filter. In non-colonised filters and for standard batch loading, oxygen
      convection in the air phase is predominant for oxygen renewal. The seepage front
      limits oxygen renewal through the bottom of the filter and leads to an
      insufficient oxygen concentration on the lowest part of the filter.

PMID- 22053465
TI  - A study on ruthenium-based catalysts for pharmaceutical wastewater treatment.
AB  - Ruthenium-based catalysts were prepared by a saturation-dip method. Their
      catalytic activity was evaluated by a catalytic wet oxidation (CWO) process. The
      ruthenium-based catalysts were used to purify organic pharmaceutical wastewater
      with high concentration pyridine and pyridine derivatives that have high chemical
      oxygen demand (COD). In the CWO process, organic pharmaceutical wastewater was
      continuously pumped into fixed-bed reactors filled with Ru-based catalysts, while
      the organic components in wastewater were catalytically degraded by oxygen at
      high temperatures and pressures (temperature, 170-300 degrees C; pressure, 1.0-10
      MPa). The experimental results showed that the prepared catalysts could
      effectively purify pharmaceutical wastewater with high concentration organic
      components, which are difficult to degrade biochemically, and that the removal
      rates of both COD and total nitrogen were over 99%.

PMID- 22053466
TI  - The Cauvery river basin in southern India: major challenges and possible
      solutions in the 21st century.
AB  - India is facing major challenges in its water resources management (WRM) sector.
      Water shortages are attributed to issues such as an explosion in population,
      rapid urbanization and industrialization, environmental degradation and
      inefficient water use, all aggravated by changing climate and its impacts on
      demand, supply and water quality. This paper focuses on the contemporary and
      future situation in the Cauvery river basin in Southern India, shared by
      different states, predominantly Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. As water issues largely
      fall under the authority of the states, inter-state water disputes have a long
      tradition in the Cauvery river basin. Future changes in precipitation during the
      two monsoon seasons will only increase these tensions. Both states depend on the
      arrival of these monsoon rains to water their crops and to replenish the
      groundwater. The paper identifies the major challenges and general possible
      solutions for sustainable WRM within the river basin. It synthesises the relevant
      literature, describes practices that should be addressed in the scope of
      integrated WRM--including water availability increase and demand management--and
      stresses the need for further quantitative analyses.

PMID- 22053467
TI  - Quantification of sewer leakage by a continuous tracer method.
AB  - Water authorities interested in the evaluation of the structural state of a sewer
      must quantify leakage to plan strategic intervention. However, the quantification
      of the exfiltration and the localisation of structural damage are challenging
      tasks that usually require expensive and time-consuming inspections. Herein, we
      report one of the first applications of the QUEST-C method to quantify the
      exfiltration in a continuously operating sewer by dosing two chemical tracers,
      sodium bromide (NaBr) and lithium chloride (LiCl). The method was applied at the
      catchment scale in a 14-year-old sewer in Rome, Italy. Preliminary laboratory
      tests, field measurements, and numerical simulations showed that reliable results
      require the QUEST-C method to be applied to sewers without lateral inflows,
      during periods of quasi-steady flow, and that the travel time of the NaBr tracer
      is minimised. Three sewer reaches were tested and the estimated exfiltration, as
      a fraction of the dry weather flow (DWF), increased from 0.128 in the
      agricultural area to 0.208 in the urban area. Although our estimates are at the
      lower end of the range given in the literature (0.01-0.56 DWF), the exfiltration
      was not negligible, and interventions should focus on the sewers in urban areas.
      This illustrates the capability of the QUEST-C method to guide strategic
      intervention at low cost and without an interruption of sewer operation. However,
      careful interpretation of the results is recommended for sewers with many lateral
      inflows, where leakage may be overestimated.

PMID- 22053468
TI  - Particle counting as a tool to predict filterability in membrane bioreactors
      activated sludge?
AB  - Activated sludge quality is one of the major factors influencing flux decline in
      membrane bioreactors (MBRS). Sludge filterability is a recognized parameter to
      characterize the physical properties of activated sludge. Decrease in
      filterability is linked to a higher number of submicron particles. In our present
      research we studied whether particle counting techniques can be used to indicate
      deflocculation of the sludge suspended fraction to submicron particles, causing
      the aforementioned filterability decrease. A total number of 105 activated sludge
      samples were collected in four full scale municipal MBRS. Samples were tested for
      filterability and particle counting in the range 2-100 microm. In 88% of the
      membrane tank samples the filterability varied between good and poor,
      characterized by the deltaR20, being 0 < deltaR20 < 1. Filterability varied
      following the season of the year, stability of the MBR operation and
      recirculation ratio. The membrane tank filterability can be improved by applying
      low recirculation ratio between MBR tanks. The applied particle counting
      methodology generated reproducible and reliable results in the range 10-100
      microm. Results show that differences in filterability cannot be explained by
      variations in particle size distribution in the range 10-100 microm. However,
      measurable deflocculation might be masked by the large numbers of particles
      present. Therefore, we cannot exclude the suspended particles as a possible
      source of submicron particles that are subsequently responsible for MBR sludge
      filterability deterioration.

PMID- 22053469
TI  - Treatment of linear alkylbenzene sulfonate (LAS) wastewater by internal
      electrolysis--biological contact oxidation process.
AB  - Surfactant wastewater is usually difficult to treat due to its toxicity and poor
      biodegradability. A separate physico-chemical or biochemical treatment method
      achieves a satisfactory effect with difficulty. In this study, treatment of the
      wastewater collected from a daily chemical plant by the combination processes of
      Fe/C internal electrolysis and biological contact oxidation was investigated. For
      the internal electrolysis process, the optimal conditions were: pH = 4-5, Fe/C =
      (10-15):1, air-water ratio = (10-20):1 and hydraulic retention time (HRT)= 2 h.
      For the biological contact oxidation process, the optimal conditions were: HRT =
      12 h, DO = 4.0-5.0 mg/L. Treated by the above combined processes, the effluent
      could meet the I-grade criteria specified in Integrated Wastewater Discharge
      Standard of China (GB 8978-1996). The results provide valuable information for
      full-scale linear alkylbenzene sulfonate wastewater treatment.

PMID- 22053470
TI  - Aerobic granulation in a mechanical stirred SBR: treatment of low organic loads.
AB  - Aerobic granular sludge was produced in a sequencing batch reactor (SBR)
      characterized by a height to diameter ratio of 2.5 and the use of mechanical
      stirring. Compact and regular aerobic granules of up to 1.75 mm of average
      diameter were formed in the reactor with an organic loading rate of 1.75 kg
      COD/(m3 d). Settling properties of the obtained aggregates were: sludge
      volumetric index of 30-40 mL/g VSS and settling velocity higher than 8 m/h. The
      effects of different carbon to nitrogen ratios (TOC/N) in the feeding on the
      organic matter oxidation and nitrification process were studied. The
      concentration of organic matter in the feeding was stepwise reduced (from 190.0
      to 37.5 mg TOC/L) and ammonium increased (from 25 to 50 mg NH4+ -N/L). TOC/N
      ratios of 7.50, 3.00, 1.50 and 0.75 g/g in the feeding were tested. The TOC
      removal percentage was around 80-95% during the whole operational period and the
      N removal percentages obtained in the reactor were up to 40%, however, physical
      properties of the granules were not maintained.

PMID- 22053471
TI  - Variation of algal viability during electrochemical disinfection using Ti/RuO2
      electrodes.
AB  - This paper studied the influence of the operating conditions, e.g., current
      density, electrolyte and exposure time, on the variation of the algal viability
      during electrochemical disinfection processes. An electrochemical tube employing
      Ti/RuO2 as anodes was constructed for inactivation of cyanobacteria (often called
      blue-green algae) Microcystis aeruginosa. Viability of algal cells was determined
      by 2,3,5-triphenyl-tetrazoliumchloride (TTC) dehydrogenase activity assay and
      neutral red (NR) staining assay. Algal suspensions with cell density of 5-7 x
      10(9) L(-1) were exposed to current densities from 1 to 8 mA cm(-2) at room
      temperature (25-30 degrees C) for 30 min. The results showed that the cell
      viability decreased obviously with the increase of current density. After
      exposure to 4 mA cm(-2) for more than 7 min, Microcystis aeruginosa didn't have
      the ability to resume growth. Comparative disinfection tests with different
      electrolytes were conducted, including chlorides, sulfates, nitrates and
      phosphates. Microcystis aeruginosa appeared to be sensitive to electro-generated
      chlorine oxidants. The inactivation effect was also demonstrated to occur in
      chlorine-free electrolytes. However, decrease of the inactivation effect by
      adding ascorbic acid as an oxidant scavenger indicated that the reactive oxygen
      species, especially *OH radicals, played an important role for chlorine-free
      electrolytes.

PMID- 22053472
TI  - Characterization of dissolved organic matter from Australian and Chinese source
      waters by combined fractionation techniques.
AB  - The character of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in source waters from two
      countries (Australia and China) was investigated using an extended fractionation
      technique by combining resin adsorption, ultrafiltration and high performance
      size exclusion chromatography. There are distinctive chemical characteristics
      associated with DOM origins. Australian sourced DOM had higher hydrophobic acid
      (HoA) content and exhibited a more pronounced humic character, indicating a
      higher influence from allochthonous organics (decayed plant bodies from vegetated
      catchments). The higher content of hydrophobic base and neutral components found
      in Chinese DOM, may be attributed to the effects of increasing pollution caused
      by the rapid urbanization in China. The molecular weights (MWs) of aquatic HoA
      are predominantly in the moderate (e.g., 1-10 kDa) or small (e.g., < 1 kDa)
      ranges. This suggests that aquatic HOA should not be assumed as high MW organics
      without experimental validation. It is also found that some of the low MW
      compounds in our samples were hydrophobic, which could explain the observation of
      low MW organic compounds being able to be removed by conventional treatment
      processes.

PMID- 22053473
TI  - Nutrient loads and their impacts on chlorophyll a in the Mae Klong River and
      estuarine ecosystem: an approach for nutrient criteria development.
AB  - Investigations on the water quality of the Mae Klong River and Estuary were
      conducted from April 2005 to February 2006 during periods of early-, mid-, and
      late-loading. Nutrient loads and transfer patterns were studied together with
      clarification of contaminated sites. The results indicated that NH4+, NO2- + NO3
      , Si(OH)4 and PO4(3-) concentrations varied by season and were comparatively high
      in the mid-loading period. Analysis of DIN:P and Si:P molar ratios indicated that
      P04(3-) could possibly be a limiting nutrient. Highly contaminated sites were in
      the middle (Ratchaburi province) and lower (Samut Songkhram province) river zones
      in which anthropogenic wastewater discharges were significantly (p < 0.05)
      loaded. Analysis of the DIN and P transfer patterns showed that self-remediation
      efficiencies were rarely found. The highest DIN and P loads of 23.87 and 4.03
      t/day, respectively, were found in Samut Songkhram province. Nutrients were found
      to contribute to the hypertrophic condition of the lower river and the estuary.
      The baseline level of chlorophyll a in the upper river was approximately 3.3
      microg/L, while levels exceeded 10 microg/L in the estuarine zone. Such
      chlorophyll a levels were highly significant (p < 0.01) related to DIN and P
      (with correlation coefficients of 0.44 and 0.37, respectively). In order to
      maintain river conservation to an acceptable degree, levels of about 20
      micromol/L DIN and 1 micromol/L P were suggested as the upper limits. To achieve
      such levels will require serious consideration with regard to the development of
      nutrient criteria for water resource conservation management and sustainable
      utilization purposes.

PMID- 22053474
TI  - Analysis of shear stress and energy consumption in a tubular airlift membrane
      system.
AB  - Application of a two-phase slug flow in side-stream membrane bioreactors (MBRs)
      has proven to increase the permeate flux and decrease fouling through a better
      control of the cake layer. Past literature has shown that the hydrodynamics near
      the membrane surface have an impact on the degree of fouling by imposing high
      shear stress near the surface of the membrane. Previously, shear stress
      histograms (SSH) have been introduced to summarize results from an experimental
      setup developed to investigate the shear stress imposed on the surface of a
      membrane under different two-phase flow conditions (gas and liquid) by varying
      the flow of each phase. Bimodal SSHs were observed, with peaks corresponding to
      the shear induced by the liquid and gas flow respectively. In this contribution,
      SSHs are modelled using simple empirical relationships. These are used to
      identify the two-phase flow conditions that optimize fouling control.
      Furthermore, the total energy consumption of the system was estimated based on
      the two-phase pressure drop. It was found that low liquid and high gas flow rates
      (ratio of approx. 4) balanced the peaks and minimized the energy consumption.

PMID- 22053475
TI  - Phosphorus removal using nanofiltration membranes.
AB  - A high concentration of phosphorus in wastewater may lead to excessive algae
      growth and deoxygenation of the water. In this work, nanofiltration (NF) of
      phosphorus-rich solutions is studied in order to investigate its potential in
      removing and recycling phosphorus. Wastewater samples from a pulp and paper plant
      were first analyzed. Commercial membranes (DK5, MPF34, NF90, NF270, NF200) were
      characterized and tested in permeability and phosphorus removal experiments. NF90
      membranes offer the highest rejection of phosphorus; a rejection of more than 70%
      phosphorus was achieved for a feed containing 2.5 g/L of phosphorus at a pH <2.
      Additionally, NF90, NF200 and NF270 membranes show higher permeability than DK5
      and MPF34 membranes. The separation performance of NF90 is slightly affected by
      phosphorus concentration and pressure, which may be due to concentration
      polarization and fouling. By adjusting the pH to 2 or adding sulfuric acid, the
      separation performance of NF90 was improved in removing phosphorus. However, the
      presence of acetic acid significantly impairs the rejection of phosphorus.

PMID- 22053476
TI  - Screening of organic contaminants in urban snow.
AB  - Snowmelt is known to cause peak concentrations of pollutants, which may adversely
      affect receiving water quality. High concentrations of metals and suspended
      solids in snow have been reported, whereas studies on organic pollutants are
      rare. This study aims at investigating the occurrence of anthropogenic organic
      compounds in urban snow in Gothenburg (Sweden). The most frequently detected
      organic pollutants in the collected snow samples were polycyclic aromatic
      hydrocarbons (PAHs), high molecular-weight phthalates, 4-nonylphenol and 4-t
      octylphenol. Brominated flame retardants and chlorinated paraffins were only
      sporadically detected. In several snow samples, the concentrations of specific
      PAHs, alkylphenols and phthalates were higher than reported stormwater
      concentrations and European water quality standards. Pollutant source
      identification and sustainable management of snow are important instruments for
      the mitigation of organic contaminants in the urban environment.

PMID- 22053477
TI  - Treatment of slaughterhouse plant wastewater by using a membrane bioreactor.
AB  - The use of a membrane bioreactor (MBR) for removal of organic substances and
      nutrients from slaughterhouse plant wastewater was investigated. The chemical
      oxygen demand (COD), total nitrogen (TN), and total phosphorus (TP)
      concentrations of slaughterhouse wastewater were found to be approximately 571 mg
      O2/L, 102.5 mg/L, and 16.25 mg PO4-P/L, respectively. A submerged type membrane
      was used in the bioreactor. The removal efficiencies for COD, total organic
      carbon (TOC), TP and TN were found to be 97, 96, 65, 44% respectively. The COD
      value of wastewater was decreased to 16 mg/L (COD discharge standard for
      slaughterhouse plant wastewaters is 160 mg/L). TOC was decreased to 9 mg/L (TOC
      discharge standard for slaughterhouse plant wastewaters is 20 mg/L). Ammonium,
      and nitrate nitrogen concentrations of treated effluent were 0.100 mg NH4-N/L,
      and 80.521 mg NO3-N/L, respectively. Slaughterhouse wastewater was successfully
      treated with the MBR process.

PMID- 22053478
TI  - Beneficial effects on water management of simple hydraulic structures in wetland
      systems: the Vallevecchia case study, Italy.
AB  - Conflicting water uses in coastal zones demand integrated approaches to achieve
      sustainable water resources management, protecting water quality while allowing
      those human activities which rely upon aquatic ecosystem services to thrive. This
      case study shows that the creation and simple management of hydraulic structures
      within constructed wetlands can markedly reduce the non-point pollution from
      agriculture and, simultaneously, benefit agricultural activities, particularly
      during hot and dry periods. The Vallevecchia wetland system is based on a
      reclaimed 900 ha-large drainage basin in Northern Italy, where droughts recently
      impacted agriculture causing water scarcity and saltwater intrusion. Rainwater
      and drained water are recirculated inside the system to limit saltwater
      intrusion, provide irrigation water during dry periods and reduce the
      agricultural nutrient loads discharged into the bordering, eutrophic Adriatic
      Sea. Monitoring (2003-2009) of water quality and flows highlights that the
      construction (ended in 2005) of a gated spillway to control the outflow, and of a
      200,000 m3 basin for water storage, dramatically increased the removal of
      nutrients within the system. Strikingly, this improvement was achieved with a
      minimal management effort, e.g., each year the storage basin was filled once: a
      simple management of the hydraulic structures would greatly enhance the system
      efficiency, and store more water to irrigate and limit saltwater intrusion.

PMID- 22053479
TI  - Recent operational experiences of FILMTEC NF270 membrane in Europe.
AB  - Nanofiltration (NF) is an attractive technology for potable and industrial water
      treatment because NF operates between ultrafiltration (UF) and reverse osmosis
      (RO) membranes. NF is designed to remove a high percentage of organic
      contaminants (humic acids, pesticides, color bodies) while passing a medium to
      high percentage of salt. Compared to UF membranes, the NF product water quality
      is significantly better; compared to comparable RO treatment systems NF systems
      require lower operating pressures. Due to these features, NF is increasingly used
      in a broad range of water treatment applications. The general applications
      include softening, as well as color, organics and micro-organism removal. DOW
      FILMTEC NF270-400 is one the most frequently used elements in water treatment and
      this paper presents examples of three recent NF270-400 installations in Europe.
      The first two plants, Eupen and Stembert, are located in Belgium and produce
      potable water from surface water. The third one is a Scandinavian plant which
      purifies groundwater for a brewery and soft drink production. The presented
      operation results prove NF to be a highly competitive technique for low cost
      water treatment.

PMID- 22053480
TI  - Determination of the optimal rate for the microaerobic treatment of several H2S
      concentrations in biogas from sludge digesters.
AB  - The treatment of H2S in the biogas produced during anaerobic digestion has to be
      carried out to ensure the efficient long-lasting use of its energetic potential.
      The microaerobic removal of H2S was studied to determine the treatment capacity
      at low and high H2S concentrations in the biogas (0.33 and 3.38% v/v) and to
      determine the optimal O2 rate that achieved a concentration of H2S of 150 mg/Nm3
      or lower. Research was performed in pilot-plant scale digesters of sewage sludge,
      with 200 L of working volume, in mesophilic conditions with a hydraulic retention
      time of 20 d. O2 was supplied at different rates to the headspace of the digester
      to create the microaerobic conditions. The treatment successfully removed H2S
      from the biogas with efficacies of 97% for the low concentration and 99% for the
      highest, in both cases achieving a concentration below 150 mg/Nm3. An optimal O2
      rate of 6.4 NLO2/Nm3 of biogas when treating the biogas was found with 0.33%
      (v/v) of H2S and 118 NLO2/ Nm3 of biogas for the 3.38% (v/v) concentration. This
      relation may be employed to control the H2S content in the biogas while
      optimising the O2 supply.

PMID- 22053481
TI  - The urban stormwater farm.
AB  - Currently more than 3 billion people live in urban areas. The urban population is
      predicted to increase by a further 3 billion by 2050. Rising oil prices,
      unreliable rainfall and natural disasters have all contributed to a rise in
      global food prices. Food security is becoming an increasingly important issue for
      many nations. There is also a growing awareness of both 'food miles' and 'virtual
      water'. Food miles and virtual water are concepts that describe the amount of
      embodied energy and water that is inherent in the food and other goods we
      consume. Growing urban agglomerations have been widely shown to consume vast
      quantities of energy and water whilst emitting harmful quantities of wastewater
      and stormwater runoff through the creation of massive impervious areas. In this
      paper it is proposed that there is an efficient way of simultaneously addressing
      the problems of food security, carbon emissions and stormwater pollution. Through
      a case study we demonstrate how it is possible to harvest and store stormwater
      from densely populated urban areas and use it to produce food at relatively low
      costs. This reduces food miles (carbon emissions) and virtual water consumption
      and serves to highlight the need for more sustainable land-use planning.

PMID- 22053482
TI  - Decision making in flood risk based storm sewer network design.
AB  - It is widely recognised that flood risk needs to be taken into account when
      designing a storm sewer network. Flood risk is generally a combination of flood
      consequences and flood probabilities. This paper aims to explore the decision
      making in flood risk based storm sewer network design. A multiobjective
      optimization is proposed to find the Pareto front of optimal designs in terms of
      low construction cost and low flood risk. The decision making process then
      follows this multi-objective optimization to select a best design from the Pareto
      front. The traditional way of designing a storm sewer system based on a
      predefined design storm is used as one of the decision making criteria.
      Additionally, three commonly used risk based criteria, i.e., the expected flood
      risk based criterion, the Hurwicz criterion and the stochastic dominance based
      criterion, are investigated and applied in this paper. Different decisions are
      made according to different criteria as a result of different concerns
      represented by the criteria. The proposed procedure is applied to a simple storm
      sewer network design to demonstrate its effectiveness and the different criteria
      are compared.

PMID- 22053483
TI  - Cd, Cu and Zn mobility in contaminated sediments from an infiltration basin
      colonized by wild plants: the case of Phalaris arundinacea and Typha latifolia.
AB  - Infiltration basins are shallow reservoirs in which stormwater is temporarily
      collected in order to reduce water volume in downstream networks. The settling of
      stormwater particles leads to a contaminated sediment layer. Wild plants can
      colonize these basins and can also play a role on the fate of heavy metals either
      directly by their uptake or indirectly by modification of physico-chemical
      characteristics of the sediment and therefore by modification of the mobility of
      heavy metals. The aim of this study, carried out in a vegetated infiltration
      basin, is to assess Cd, Cu and Zn mobility in two zones colonized by different
      species, Phalaris arundinacea and Typha latifolia. The study was carried out
      using three single chemical extractions: CaCl2 for the exchangeable phase,
      acetate buffer for the acido-soluble fraction and diethylenetriamine-pentaacetic
      acid (DTPA) for the fraction associated to the organic matter. Zn and Cd are
      mainly associated to carbonated and organic matter phases of the sediment.
      Moreover, acetate buffer-extractable Zn contents are strongly correlated to
      carbonates content in the sediment. DTPA-extractable Cu contents are strongly
      correlated with organic carbon sediment contents. We have also noted that
      extractable contents were significantly different between both zones whatever the
      metal.

PMID- 22053484
TI  - Measurement of flow velocity profiles in tank structures using the prototype
      device OCM Pro LR.
AB  - Generally, studies investigating the treatment efficiency of tank structures for
      storm water or waste water treatment observe pollutant flows in connection with
      conditions of hydraulic loading. Further investigations evaluate internal
      processes in tank structures using computational fluid dynamic (CFD) modelling or
      lab scale tests. As flow paths inside of tank structures have a considerable
      influence on the treatment efficiency, flow velocity profile (FVP) measurements
      can provide a possibility to calibrate CFD models and contribute to a better
      understanding of pollutant transport processes in these structures. This study
      focuses on tests carried out with the prototype FVP measurement device OCM Pro LR
      by NIVUS in a sedimentation tank with combined sewer overflow (CSO) situated in
      Petange, Luxembourg. The OCM Pro LR measurement system analyses the echo of
      ultrasonic signals of different flow depths to get a detailed FVP. A comparison
      of flow velocity measured by OCM Pro LR with a vane measurement showed good
      conformity. The FVPs measured by OCM Pro LR point out shortcut flows within the
      tank structure during CSO events, which could cause a reduction of the cleaning
      efficiency of the structure. The results prove the applicability of FVP
      measurements in large-scale structures.

PMID- 22053485
TI  - Inflow based investigations on the efficiency of a lamella particle separator for
      the treatment of stormwater runoffs.
AB  - The present design of stormwater tanks is based on the creation of storage volume
      to retain stormwater and the prevention or reduction of stormwater overflows. The
      treatment of stormwater is often improved with mechanical equipment. The general
      layout rules do usually not include the appropriate choice of design inflow
      related to the chosen treatment equipment. In the following investigations it was
      the task to analyze the hydraulic efficiency and the overflow behaviour of a
      lamella particle separator inside a stormwater tank under different design
      approaches regarding the chosen design inflow. Therefore six scenarios with
      different precipitation yield approaches were chosen and applied to a given
      constant sized catchment to calculate the design inflows. For a given minimum
      particle size, the necessary number of lamellas were determined for the scenarios
      and standard stormwater tanks were dimensioned. These stormwater tanks were
      modelled in the hydrologic model SMUSI to investigate the overflow behaviour of
      the different tank sizes. The number of overflow events, their duration and
      maximum flow rates were the results of the modelling. Comparisons to the design
      inflows were carried out. The treated particles sizes at the overflow events were
      determined reversible and compared to the original chosen minimum particle sizes.

PMID- 22053486
TI  - A new approach to energy-efficient treatment of wastewater produced by the fish
      industry in Vietnam.
AB  - Economic growth in Vietnam in the last few years has brought about an increasing
      demand for energy and has had a severe environmental impact. Fish processing is
      one of the fastest-growing industries that discharge organically-polluted
      wastewater. To counter these environmental problems, new technologies for energy
      efficient treatment are needed. By coupling innovative nitrogen removal systems
      with anaerobic treatment processes, it is possible to realise such technologies.
      In the present project, a combined deammonification and anaerobic carbon removal
      system is presented. Special requirements to enable reliable treatment are
      discussed, taking industrial wastewater characteristics into consideration. To
      evaluate energetic efficiency, energy balance calculations based on data from a
      fish-processing factory are made. The determined specific energy consumption and
      production rates show that energy recovery is possible, even when COD and
      nitrogen removal efficiencies of over 90% are achieved. Depending on the pre
      treatment employed, energy recovery rates ranging from 0.6 to 2.5 kWh/mt raw fish
      can be reached.

PMID- 22053487
TI  - Preparation and characterization of CTAB-HACC bentonite and its ability to adsorb
      phenol from aqueous solution.
AB  - A novel type of adsorbent was prepared by modifying bentonite with N-2
      hydroxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride chitosan (HACC) with cetyl
      trimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). The adsorbent was named CTAB-HACC bentonite.
      Its characteristics were investigated using thermogravimetric, Fourier-transform
      infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray diffraction. The adsorption of phenol onto
      CTAB-HACC bentonite was evaluated by changing various parameters, such as contact
      time, adsorbent dosage, initial pH of the solution, and temperature. The maximum
      adsorption was observed at pH 12. Adsorption of phenol on CTAB-HACC bentonite
      favored at lower temperature and established the equilibrium in 30 min. The
      adsorption efficiency reached 82.1%, and the adsorption capacity was 7.12 mg/g
      from the phenol solution with a concentration of 500 mg/L at pH 12.0 and 20
      degrees C.

PMID- 22053488
TI  - Anaerobic biodegradation of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol in expanded granular sludge bed
      and fluidized bed biofilm reactors bioaugmented with Desulfitobacterium spp.
AB  - The biodegradation of 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (246TCP) was studied using expanded
      granular sludge bed (EGSB) reactors and a fluidized bed biofilm reactor (FBBR)
      filled with activated carbon. One of the EGSB reactor and the FBBR were
      bioaugmented with Desulfitobacterium strains. 246TCP loading rate was gradually
      incremented from 10 to 250 mg L(-1) day(-1). The main pathway of dechlorination
      was in ortho-position, generating 4-chlorophenol and 2,4-dichlorophenol. The
      maintenance of both COD degradation efficiency (higher than 80%) and methanogenic
      efficiency (between 0.3 and 0.6 g CH4-COD g(-1) COD consumed) in EGSB reactor
      implies a great stability of the process. Through isotherm studies in FBBR, it
      could be deduced that around 52% of 246TCP was completely dechlorinated, whereas
      the adsorption involved around 16%. By means of FISH studies it was proved that
      the methanogenic Archaea community was maintained in the bioaugmented EGSB
      reactor, whereas in the FBBR this community was gradually developed until
      reaching stability. Desulfitobacterium community was also maintained in the
      reactors, although D. chlororespirans proportion rise in the FBBR at the higher
      246TCP loading rates, implying that this species can withstand the 246TCP
      toxicity better than D. hafniense.

PMID- 22053489
TI  - The challenge of documenting water quality benefits of conservation practices: a
      review of USDA-ARS's conservation effects assessment project watershed studies.
AB  - The Conservation Effects Assessment Project was established to quantify water
      quality benefits of conservation practices supported by the U.S. Department of
      Agriculture (USDA). In 2004, watershed assessment studies were begun in fourteen
      agricultural watersheds with varying cropping systems, landscapes, climate, and
      water quality concerns. This paper reviews USDA Agricultural Research Service
      'Benchmark' watershed studies and the challenge of identifying water quality
      benefits in watersheds. Study goals included modeling and field research to
      assess practices, and evaluation of practice placement in watersheds. Not all
      goals were met within five years but important lessons were learned. While
      practices improved water quality, problems persisted in larger watersheds. This
      dissociation between practice-focused and watershed-scale assessments occurred
      because: (1) Conservation practices were not targeted at critical
      sources/pathways of contaminants; (2) Sediment in streams originated more from
      channel and bank erosion than from soil erosion; (3) Timing lags, historical
      legacies, and shifting climate combined to mask effects of practice
      implementation; and (4) Water quality management strategies addressed single
      contaminants with little regard for trade-offs among contaminants. These lessons
      could help improve conservation strategies and set water quality goals with
      realistic timelines. Continued research on agricultural water quality could
      better integrate modeling and monitoring capabilities, and address ecosystem
      services.

PMID- 22053490
TI  - Acute trust finance: NHS giants sound warning and defy 'suspicion' to ask for
      more.

PMID- 22053491
TI  - 'All' elite trusts face 'dumbing down' threat.

PMID- 22053492
TI  - The wrong kind of integration.

PMID- 22053493
TI  - This marriage is going to take work.

PMID- 22053494
TI  - Leadership: Two's company.

PMID- 22053495
TI  - Electronic discharge: Don't leave empty handed.

PMID- 22053496
TI  - Workforce: Game changer.

PMID- 22053497
TI  - Efficiency: Powerful change for pathology.

PMID- 22053498
TI  - Protecting breastfeeding through implementation of the International Code: what's
      law got to do with it?

PMID- 22053499
TI  - The decision not to initiate breastfeeding--women's reasons, attitudes and
      influencing factors--a review of the literature.
AB  - Breastfeeding is the biological feeding norm for human babies. Encouraging
      breastfeeding is a primary health promotion strategy, with studies demonstrating
      the risks of artificial baby milks. Each year approximately 10% of the women who
      give birth in New South Wales decide not to initiate breastfeeding, and the
      demographic characteristics of this group of women have previously been
      identified. This paper reviews the literature to explore the factors that
      influence women's decisions about breastfeeding, and their reasons for not
      initiating breastfeeding. The review revealed there are relatively few studies
      that explore the experiences of women who decide not to initiate breastfeeding,
      especially in the Australian context.

PMID- 22053500
TI  - Mechanisms behind breastmilk's protection against, and artificial baby milk's
      facilitation of, diarrhoeal illness.
AB  - It is well known that exclusive breastfeeding provides protection against
      diarrhoeal infection, but the mechanisms behind this protection are poorly
      understood. In addition, it is well known that feeding a baby artificial baby
      milk dramatically increases the risk of diarrhoeal illness severe enough to
      require medical treatment, including hospitalisation, but the mechanisms by which
      artificial baby milk facilitates infection are largely unrecognised. This paper
      uses non-technical language to describe some of the known ways in which
      breastmilk provides infants with external immune support. Detailed knowledge of
      the importance of breastfeeding and the risks associated with the use of
      artificial baby milk will assist more mothers to exclusively breastfeed.

PMID- 22053501
TI  - HSJ roundtable: procurement: It's time to use our muscle.

PMID- 22053502
TI  - Outsourcing: Clean out the waste.

PMID- 22053503
TI  - Research: Do as the Romans did.

PMID- 22053504
TI  - Workforce: Pool of talent.

PMID- 22053505
TI  - Case studies: Ready for a big shift.

PMID- 22053506
TI  - Reducing unwarranted variation: Turn left for a better service.

PMID- 22053507
TI  - Reducing variation: cancer: Breast op and home in one day.

PMID- 22053508
TI  - Reducing variation: heart: Modelling helps to prove blood test value.

PMID- 22053509
TI  - Reducing variation: diagnostics: from 20 weeks to just 14 days.

PMID- 22053510
TI  - Reducing variation: lung: Cash saved on unnecessary oxygen.

PMID- 22053511
TI  - Value for money: Fit to negotiate.

PMID- 22053512
TI  - Case studies: The price is right.

PMID- 22053513
TI  - Equipment rationalisation: Don't forget your kit.

PMID- 22053514
TI  - Case studies: We have the technology.

PMID- 22053515
TI  - Barriers to PCP access send patients to EDs.

PMID- 22053516
TI  - More Medicare cuts possible in debt deal.

PMID- 22053517
TI  - Medicine on the move: wireless computing inside & outside your practice.

PMID- 22053518
TI  - 6 tips for improving your negotiating skills: learn how to bargain so that all
      parties to the deal come away satisfied.

PMID- 22053519
TI  - Getting no respect: slights, real and imagined, most often cause patients to
      leave their doctors.

PMID- 22053520
TI  - Excel at collections: strategies for successful time-of-service payments.

PMID- 22053521
TI  - New characters on the block: quick response codes can enhance patient
      communication, education, and marketing.

PMID- 22053522
TI  - One-touch access to a world of resources: mobile health apps streamline
      workflows.

PMID- 22053523
TI  - Exam room check-out aids convenience, privacy: patient, staff satisfaction
      improve when process changes.

PMID- 22053524
TI  - Paying close attention can lead to a rare find: a physician discovers a true
      zebra case in one patient.

PMID- 22053525
TI  - Gender policy developments and policy regimes in 22 OECD countries, 1979-2008.
AB  - This study investigates trends and clustering of gender policy in 22 OECD
      (Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development) countries during 1979
      2008. The starting point was Sainsbury's gender policy regime framework, and the
      study included indicators reflecting the male bread-winner, individual earner
      carer, and separate gender roles regimes. The indicators were followed over seven
      time points for mean, range, and distribution. Cluster analyses were performed
      for the years 1979, 1989, 1999, and 2004. In accordance with previous studies,
      the authors found a Nordic cluster of earner-carer countries, while several
      Southern European countries and the United States were marked by their low
      generosity and high pension requirements. Though aspects of the separate gender
      roles regime have become more widespread, no country could be classified as fully
      belonging to this regime type. The two aspects of the model--compensatory
      measures in the pension system, and benefits for caring activities--were never
      present simultaneously.

PMID- 22053526
TI  - Employment precariousness in Spain: prevalence, social distribution, and
      population-attributable risk percent of poor mental health.
AB  - As a consequence of labor market flexibilization, nonstandard employment has
      expanded and standard employment has declined. In many cases, these
      transformations are best described as an evolution toward precarious employment,
      which is considered a major determinant of health and health inequalities. Using
      the Employment Precariousness Scale (EPRES), this study aims to determine the
      prevalence of precarious employment in the waged and salaried workforce in Spain,
      to describe its distribution across social groups defined by occupational class,
      gender, age, and immigrant status, and to estimate the proportion of cases of
      poor mental health potentially attributable to employment precariousness. Data
      are from the Psychosocial Work Environment Survey conducted in 2004-5 on a
      representative sample of the Spanish workforce. Findings indicate a high
      prevalence of employment precariousness, affecting nearly 6.5 million workers,
      with almost 900,000 of them exposed to high precariousness. These estimates are
      higher than the proportion of fixed-term employment reported in regular
      statistical sources but may today be an underestimation, given the current
      economic crisis. Additionally, a significant proportion of cases of poor mental
      health are potentially attributable to employment precariousness. Both the
      proportion of cases of poor mental health attributable to and the prevalence of
      employment precariousness were highly unequally distributed across the study
      sample, indicating that this may be a significant contributor to social
      inequalities in mental health.

PMID- 22053527
TI  - The impact of public employment on health and health inequalities: evidence from
      China.
AB  - Because the public and private sectors often operate with different goals,
      individuals employed by the two sectors may receive different levels of welfare.
      This can potentially lead to different health status. As such, employment sector
      offers an important perspective for understanding labor market outcomes. Using
      micro-level data from a recent Chinese household survey, this study empirically
      evaluated the impact of employment sector on health and within-sector health
      inequalities. It found that public sector employment generated better health
      outcomes than private sector employment, controlling for individual
      characteristics. The provision of more job security explained an important part
      of the association between public sector employment and better health. The study
      also found less health inequality by social class within the public sector. These
      findings suggest that policymakers should think critically about the
      "conventional wisdom" that private ownership is almost always superior, and
      should adjust their labor market policies accordingly.

PMID- 22053528
TI  - Social health insurance: to each according to his needs; from each according to
      his means--but what might that mean?
AB  - Despite the substantial literature on the financing and benefit incidence of
      social health insurance, the principles underlying such schemes are little
      debated. This article examines one of these key principles: to each according to
      his needs; from each according to his means. The authors discuss both sides of
      this principle at a conceptual level. On the needs side, they examine the issue
      of vertical equity. The approach of "communitarian claims" is proposed, both for
      eliciting the components of need and for determining the relative weights to be
      attached to the vertical dimensions of equity in health service delivery. On the
      means side, the authors also look to communitarian claims to assist in
      determining who should bear what burden in paying for social health insurance.
      They argue that with respect to the concept of "from each according to his
      means," it is useful to incorporate an element of willingness to pay, but meaning
      here the community's willingness to pay.

PMID- 22053529
TI  - Class divisions and health chances in Brazil.
AB  - This article analyzes the association between class divisions and health chances
      in the Brazilian population. It uses data from the health supplement of the 2008
      National Household Survey. Multiple logistic regression models are estimated to
      determine the relation between social class and self-rated health status. This
      empirical investigation of health inequalities combines two modalities for social
      class comparison, thus benefiting from the potential utility of each. On the one
      hand, socioeconomic inequalities in health are analyzed with reference to the
      combination of two main assets, capital and expert knowledge, which generate
      material and health advantages in Brazil. The results demonstrate that social
      class measurements for Brazil capture a source of variation in health chances
      among social groups that is independent of education and family income. On the
      other hand, the use of theoretically univocal categories for exploring
      diversified class contrasts offers some explanatory starting points for health
      inequalities in the Brazilian population.

PMID- 22053530
TI  - Federalism and decentralization: impact on international and Brazilian health
      policies.
AB  - This article discusses the implications of decentralization in the light of
      international and Brazilian federalism, and its effects on public health policy.
      In a comparative analysis among countries, the authors find there is no single
      model; rather, each country has a unique structure of institutions and norms that
      have important implications for the operation of its health system. Brazil shares
      some similarities with other countries that have adopted a decentralized system
      and is assuming features ever closer to U.S. federalism, with a complex web of
      relationships. The degree of inequality among Brazilian municipalities and
      states, along with the budgetary imbalances caused by the minimal levels of
      resource utilization, undermines Brazil's constitutional principles and,
      consequently, its federalism. To ensure the constitutional mandate in Brazil, it
      is essential, as in other countries, to create a stable source of funds and
      increase the volume and efficiency of spending. Also important are investing in
      the training of managers, improving information systems, strengthening the
      principles of autonomy and interdependence, and defining patterns of cooperation
      within the federation.

PMID- 22053531
TI  - Ownership, financing, and management strategies of the ten largest for-profit
      nursing home chains in the United States.
AB  - This study examined the ownership, financing, and management strategies of the 10
      largest for-profit nursing home chains in the United States, including the four
      largest chains purchased by private equity corporations. Descriptive data were
      collected from Internet searches, company reports, and other sources for the
      decade 1998-2008. Since 1998, the largest chains have made many changes in their
      ownership and structure, and some have converted from publicly traded companies
      to private ownership. This study shows the increasing complexity of corporate
      nursing home ownership and the lack of public information about ownership and
      financial status. The chains have used strategies to maximize shareholder and
      investor value that include increasing Medicare revenues, occupancy rates, and
      company diversification, establishing multiple layers of corporate ownership,
      developing real estate investment trusts, and creating limited liability
      companies. These strategies enhance shareholder and investor profits, reduce
      corporate taxes, and reduce liability risk. There is a need for greater
      transparency in ownership and financial reporting and for more government
      oversight of the largest for-profit chains, including those owned by private
      equity companies.

PMID- 22053532
TI  - The rise, decline, and future of the Swedish left.
AB  - Swedish voters' support for the labor movement has decreased from about 50
      percent to less than 40 percent in recent decades, with a resulting loss of the
      majority in parliament. Over the same period, capitalism has undergone profound
      changes--transfer of production across borders, the huge growth and ultra-rapid
      movement of financial capital, and subordination of social welfare to the
      interests of profit. A new phase in the development of capitalism can be
      detected: from welfare capitalism to financial capitalism. Large parts of the
      public sector have been privatized by both conservative and labor governments,
      even while retaining public funding. The social gaps grow, and a new line of
      conflict is emerging in the values and interests that should govern care-taking,
      schools, and living conditions. The labor movement's ideological and scientific
      analyses have taken a backseat to liberal-conservative think tanks. An effective
      response to financial capitalism, transnational production chains, and European
      integration will require trade union and political actions across national
      borders to strengthen the power resources in the hands of the majority of the
      population, so as to counter the increasingly destructive powers of capitalism.

PMID- 22053533
TI  - Italian public health care organizations: specialization, institutional
      deintegration, and public networks relationships.
AB  - The Italian National Health Service (INHS) has undergone profound changes over
      the past three decades. With establishment of the INHS in 1978--a tax-based
      public health care system with universal coverage--one of the underlying
      principles was integration. The recognition of health and health care as
      requiring integrated answers led to the creation of a single public organization,
      the Local Health Unit, responsible for the health status of the population of its
      catchment area. At the beginning of the 1990s, the scenario radically changed.
      The creation of hospital trusts, the development of quasi-market mechanisms and
      management control tools, the adoption of a prospective payment system for
      reimbursing health care providers--all were signs of deintegration and
      institutional unbundling. Two structural changes have deeply sustained this
      deintegration: patients' empowerment and the increased possibilities for
      outsourcing practices. In more recent years, a new reintegration effort has
      occurred, often led by regional governments and based on institutional
      cooperation and network relationships. However, the earlier structural changes
      require innovative approaches and solutions if public health care organizations
      want to retain their leading role.

PMID- 22053534
TI  - Morphological adaptation to climate in modern Homo sapiens crania: the importance
      of basicranial breadth.
AB  - The aim of this study is to investigate whether the variation in breadth of the
      cranial base among modern human populations that inhabit different regions of the
      world is linked with climatic adaptation. This work provides an examination of
      two hypotheses. The first hypothesis is that the correlation between basicranial
      breadth and ambient temperature is stronger than the correlation between
      temperature and other neurocranial variables, such as maximum cranial breadth,
      maximum neurocranial length, and the endocranial volume. The second hypothesis is
      that the correlation between the breadth of the cranial base and the ambient
      temperature is significant even when other neurocranial features used in this
      study (including the size of the neurocranium) are constant. For the sake of this
      research, the necessary neurocranial variables for fourteen human populations
      living in diverse environments were obtained from Howells' data (except for
      endocranial volume which was obtained by means of estimation). The ambient
      temperature (more precisely, the mean yearly temperature) of the environments
      inhabited by these populations was used as a major climatic factor. Data were
      analysed using Pearson correlation coefficients, linear regression and partial
      correlation analyses. The results supported the two hypotheses, thus suggesting
      that ambient temperature may contribute to the observed differences in the
      breadth of the cranial base in the studied modern humans.

PMID- 22053535
TI  - Prevalence of torus palatinus and torus mandibularis in the Split-Dalmatian
      County, Croatia.
AB  - Torus palatinus (TP) and torus mandibularis (TM) are non-pathological outgrowths
      of unclear etiology that develop from the jaw bone. The purpose of the present
      study was to report on the prevalence, shape and location of TP and TM in the
      population of the Central Dalmatian region, Croatia. The study comprised of 1679
      subjects, 985 females and 694 males, age range from 9 to 99 years who were
      examined by clinical examination and analysis of the plaster casts. Torus
      palatinus was found in 42.9% subjects and torus mandibularis in 12.6% of the
      subjects. Spindle-shaped torus palatinus was the most frequent type (45.6%). The
      most frequent type of torus mandibularis was bilateral solitary torus
      mandibularis (35.4%). Furthermore, torus palatinus was found in 40.1% of the
      total number of females and in 46.8% of the total number of males, indicating a
      significantly higher prevalence in the male population (p = 0.006). Torus
      mandibularis was found in 11.3% of the female population and in 14.6% of the male
      population, again indicating significantly higher prevalence in the male
      population (p = 0.046). The results of this study show significantly higher
      prevalence of torus palatinus and torus mandibularis in the male subjects.
      Furthermore, no differences in the prevalence of either TM or TP regarding age
      were found.

PMID- 22053536
TI  - Assessing psychosocial factors in depressed patients--accordance of patient's and
      physician's assessment.
AB  - Aim of this study was to investigate the differences in the assessment of
      psychosocial factors by depressed and non depressed patients, and their
      congruence with physicians' assessment for both groups. The cross-sectional study
      was conducted in three family physicians' practices in Zagreb, Croatia, during
      2007. Sample of depressed patients included 76 patients out of 85, and randomized
      comparison group of 189 out of 235. Questionnaire recommended by the European
      Guidelines on Cardiovascular Disease Prevention in Clinical Practice was used for
      the assessment of psychosocial factors. Depressed patients significantly more
      frequently reported about social isolation (p(alone) = 0.013; p(close confident)
      = 0.005; p(help) = 0.001), family stress (p < 0.001), work stress (p(appropriate
      reward) = 0.029) and lower life satisfaction (p < 0.001) than non depressed.
      Their worse psychosocial functioning was noticed by family physicians who
      assessed social isolation (p(alone) = 0.013; p(close confident) = 0.032), family
      stress (p < 0.001) and life satisfaction (p < 0.001) significantly lower for
      depressed patients than for the random sample. Incongruence between family
      physicians and depressed patients assessment was valued by physicians to be of
      higher economic status (p < 0.001), and more intense family stress (p < 0.001).
      Assessment of psychosocial factors varied within the group of depressed patients
      and the random sample assessed either by themselves or by physicians. Congruence
      between family physicians and non depressed patients in the assessment of
      observed psychosocial factors was better than between physicians and depressed
      patients.

PMID- 22053537
TI  - The effect of dance over depression.
AB  - Dance and movement therapy are consisted of music, easy exercises and sensorial
      stimulus and provide drugless treatment for the depression on low rates. In this
      study, it has been aimed to examine the effect of dance over the depression. A
      total of 120 healthy male and female conservatory students ranged from 20 and 24
      ages volunteered to participate in this study. They were divided randomly into 1
      of 2 groups: dance training group (DTG; N = 60) and control group (CG; N = 60). A
      dance training program was applied to the subjects three days a week (Tuesday,
      Thursday, and Saturday) during 12 weeks. The subjects in the control group did
      not participate in the training and participated only in the pre and post test
      measurements. Beck Depression Scale was used for the pre and post test
      measurements of subjects. 12 weeks of dance training has been found to be
      effective on the depression levels of the subjects participating in the research
      as the training group (p < 0.05). The depression level of males and females
      before training has meaningfully decreased after 12 weeks of dance training (p <
      0.05). When the depression levels of the subjects participated in research as the
      control group were separately evaluated for males and females, no meaningful
      change has been found in the depression levels during 12 weeks (p > 0.05). In
      conclusion, it has been seen that dance affects the depression levels of
      university students positively and decreases their depression levels.

PMID- 22053538
TI  - An example of qualitative research in social work with older people: the history
      of social work in old people's homes in Slovenia.
AB  - Social work with older people deals with improving their capacity and ability to
      face and resolve problems, and with raising awareness and encouraging their
      environment to maintain relational networks. Based on research regarding social
      work with older people this paper presents the historical aspect of older
      people's position within the development of institutional care for older people
      in Slovenia. The paper attempts to show some characteristics of care in
      institutions for older people in a historical perspective, considering the
      introductory description of older people's position in modern society, some
      characteristics of the (total) institution and a definition of the specifics of
      social work with older people. In the past the mission of the social worker in
      old people's homes was exclusively conceived on the basis of their relationship
      with the residents. Today, it is the administrative function that is more in the
      foreground. Regardless of the deviations seen in today's mission of social work
      as compared to the past, individual work with residents has always been and
      remains its characteristic today. Social workers help residents adapt to life in
      the home and the new institutional environment. They ensure that every
      individual's maximum abilities are considered, help solve the residents'
      problems, function as mediators in conflicts between the residents, and between
      the residents and staff. Therefore, social workers are expected to have certain
      abilities and characteristics and in order to be able to carry out quality work
      they need to participate in continuing education.

PMID- 22053539
TI  - Life satisfaction in persons of the third age after retirement.
AB  - The aim of this research was to determine the role of gender, type of residence,
      living arrangement, self-rated health status, loneliness, and sense of humor in
      self-reported life satisfaction in elderly retirees. The study included 300
      elderly retirees from Zagreb, Croatia. Demographic data were collected with a
      structured questionnaire, whereas data on self-reported health status,
      loneliness, and sense of humor were collected with the UCLA Loneliness Scale,
      Life Satisfaction Index, HOPA-86, and SF-36 Health Survey. Participants living in
      a retirement home showed higher life satisfaction than those who lived in their
      own households. Those who had children showed greater life satisfaction No
      differences in life satisfaction were found with respect to gender, marital
      status, or living arrangement. The investigated demographic variables, self-rated
      health status, self-rated loneliness, and a sense of humor explained 52.8% of
      variance in life satisfaction. An active sense of humor was the most significant
      predictor. Living in a retirement home, having children, and having an active
      sense of humor had a positive influence on self-reported life satisfaction,
      whereas poorer self-rated health and loneliness had a negative influence. Taking
      into account the predictors of life satisfaction in preventive activities may
      contribute to successful aging.

PMID- 22053540
TI  - Influence of psychical trauma through transgenerational transfer on the
      development of traumatic reactions in women with diagnosed breast cancer.
AB  - Earlier experience of psychological trauma of a close person can through a
      transgenerational transfer influence traumatic reactions of a person going
      through a trauma at present, resulting in a repetition of earlier traumatic
      experiences and a development of a variety of mental disturbances. Purpose of our
      study was to evaluate the influence of transgenerational transfer on the
      development of Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in women with diagnosed
      breast cancer that had a family member with diagnosed cancer. The sample mainly
      consisted of 120 women treated in a Department of Oncology, Osijek University
      Hospital Center with diagnosis of newly discovered breast cancer, during the
      conduction of radio therapy having values Hamilton depression scale (HAM-D) from
      > or = 8 to < or = 24 or values Hamilton anxiety scale (HAM-A) from > or = 17 to
      < or = 30. Psychotherapeutic interview with a detailed clinical overview and with
      applying diagnostic criteria according to DSM-IV for mental disorders, specially
      structured non-standardized questionnaire for etiologic factors evaluation of the
      beginning of examinees' mental disorder, Los Angeles Symptom Checklist of PTSD
      symptoms (LASC), Hamilton's scale for anxiety evaluation (HAM-A) and Hamilton's
      scale for depression evaluation (HAM-D) were used. Results show that 61 (51%) of
      patients have a family member with diagnosed cancer. The average total value on
      LASC for examinees that had a family member with diagnosed cancer was slightly
      higher (22.92) in comparison to those who had no such family member (20.88). No
      statistically significant connection was found between having a family member
      with diagnosed cancer and the average total value on LASC. Although no connection
      was established between having a family member with diagnosed cancer and the
      average value on LASC in women with diagnosed breast cancer, transgenerational
      transfer of emotions seems to be important in their traumatic reactions, but it
      is still insufficiently researched and it is a challenge for future researches
      leaving many complicated issues open.

PMID- 22053541
TI  - A quality of life in chronic combat related posttraumatic stress disorder--a
      study on Croatian War veterans.
AB  - The main objective of this study was to examine an association of various
      symptoms in chronic combat-related post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the
      quality of life in this population. 248 Croatian male war veterans all diagnosed
      with chronic PTSD were consecutively enrolled in this study as they showed up at
      the routine check-up. They were given self report questionnaires Trauma Symptom
      Inventory (TSI-A) evaluating different PTSD symptoms and WHO Quality of Life-BREF
      assessing four different domains of the quality of life. After independent sample
      t- test was performed, the presence of each symptom defined by Trauma Symptom
      Inventory indicated the impairment of all four quality of life domains in a group
      of subject suffering from it, except of intrusive experience not being associated
      with the lesser quality in social domain. All quality of life domains were
      significantly correlated with various PTSD symptoms; however Pearson correlation
      factors ranged from small to medium value. As expected, PTSD symptoms are
      associated with lesser quality of life in the affected population. The further
      research is needed to show possible causal relationship between PTSD and,
      especially, physical health of these patients.

PMID- 22053542
TI  - Health-related quality of life in the patients on maintenance hemodialysis: the
      analysis of demographic and clinical factors.
AB  - Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among hemodialysis (HD) patients recently
      became a nephrologist's focus of interest. HRQoL is an important predictor of
      outcome in HD patients and need to be regularly assessed. The aim of the present
      study was to compare the HRQoL of chronic HD patients with general population and
      to analyze influencing sociodemographic and clinical factors. We included 255
      prevalent HD patients from four dialysis centers. HRQoL was measured with The
      Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36 Health Survey Questionnaire (SF-36). This
      data were compared with control group (N = 132) from the general Croatian
      population. Comparisons of SF-36 scale scores of HD patients regarding
      demographic and clinical factors (age, gender, education level, dialysis vintage
      and diabetes) were also performed and analyzed with a multivariate regression
      analysis. HRQoL in prevalent HD patients was relatively low (mean Physical
      Component Summary, PCS = 33.7, mean Mental Component Summary, MCS = 43.0) and was
      lower compared to the control group from the general population in all HRQoL
      domains, PCS and MCS scores. Almost 53% of the HD patients had the critical score
      PCS < 43 + MCS < 51 as the predictor of death and hospitalization. Better HRQoL
      was revealed in the patients < 65 years old, males, patients with higher
      educational level and in the patients on maintenance HD less than one year. Age
      was the only statistically significant predictor of PCS and MCS. Developments of
      HD technology, treatment of comorbidities, continuous patients' education, social
      and psychological support and use of other renal replacement modalities,
      especially kidney transplantation, may improve the HRQoL in these patients.

PMID- 22053543
TI  - Increasing smoking prevalence among pupils of several Croatian secondary medical
      schools between 1990 and 2006.
AB  - Smoking among pupils of secondary medical schools is of particular public health
      interest because of their role in the health system in the future. The study was
      part of the survey of smoking among students of Croatian medium medical schools.
      Data of 3 survey periods were available (1990-2002-2006). Specific smoking trends
      among 14-18 year olds were examined using odds ratios and multiple regressions.
      Sex ratios were calculated for each survey period. Daily smoking prevalence in
      1990 was 15.9% in boys and 14.1% among girls. Occasional smoking in 1990 occurred
      among 8.9% of boys and 15.0% of girls. Twelve years after, smoking prevalence
      increased for daily smoking in boys to 32.9% and among girls to 30.4%. Occasional
      smoking decreased to 6.3% in boys, and increased to 17.8% among girls. There were
      no remarkable changes in prevalence from 2002 to 2006. Among adolescents in
      Croatia, there was high risk for smoking among adolescent population. High
      smoking rate among pupils of medical schools predicts not only high mortality due
      to smoking over 20-30 years, but also implicates for bad habit among professional
      health workers, if no policy interventions were taken.

PMID- 22053544
TI  - The personality traits and social characteristics of Croatian heroin addicts and
      cannabis users.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to investigate differences in social
      characteristics (level of education, working and family status, and criminal
      record) between heroin addicts, cannabis users and a control group. Additional
      goal was to explore the possibility of discerning subjects of different addiction
      status (of both gender) based on their scores on Eysenck Personality
      Questionnaire (EPQ). In comparison to the control group, heroin addicts and
      cannabis users had lower level of education, were more frequently unemployed and
      with criminal record, and more often came from dysfunctional families. In
      cannabis users the frequency of these characteristics was generally lower than in
      heroin addicts. Proportion of correct classification of subjects in groups of
      different addiction status based on the EPQ scores was 23.3% for males (higher
      than by chance alone), and 30% for females.

PMID- 22053545
TI  - Influence of depression and somatization on acute and chronic orofacial pain in
      patients with single or multiple TMD diagnoses.
AB  - To examine whether psychological variables such as depression and non-specific
      physical symptoms (somatization) influence pain entity among acute and chronic
      TMD patients with one or more TMD diagnoses (muscle disorders, MD; disc
      displacements, DD; and arthralgia, arthritis, arthrosis, AAA). One hundred and
      fifty-four patients (37 male and 117 female; mean age, 39.0 +/- 14.5 years) with
      Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders (RDC/ TMD) protocol
      were selected. Differences in mean depression and somatization scores between
      acute and chronic TMD patients, as well as TMD patients with one or multiple TMD
      diagnoses were compared by using the parametric T-test for independent samples.
      The majority of patients were acute TMD patients (81.8%), while the remaining 28
      patients (18.2%) were chronic TMD patients. 62% of patients had only one TMD
      diagnosis (MD or DD or AAA), 31% of patients had two diagnoses (MD+DD, MD+AAA,
      DD+AAA) and, finally, 7% of patients had three diagnoses (MD+DD+AAA) according to
      the RDC/TMD protocol. According to the SCL-90 psychometric evaluation, 19.5% of
      patients presented a severe depression score (> 1.105), 27.3% of participants
      presented a severe somatization score with pain items included (> 1.000). The
      results of the t-test for independent samples showed statistically significant
      differences between acute and chronic TMD patients (p < 0.001), as well as
      between patients who were assigned one diagnosis (p = 0.019) and patients who had
      two or more diagnoses (p < 0.001); for mean levels of depression and somatization
      scores. Chronic TMD patients and patients with multiple TMD diagnoses had higher
      rates of depression and somatization in this study. These results could be used
      in a tailored strategy of TMD treatment.

PMID- 22053546
TI  - Platelet serotonin concentration at term pregnancy and after birth: physiologic
      values for Croatian population.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine physiological value of platelet serotonin
      (5-HT) and its variations in the group of women in term pregnancy and after
      birth. Obtained results were compared to the platelet 5-HT level in nonpregnant
      women group. Determination of normal level of 5-HT in pregnancy and after could
      help in its further measurement and evaluation of different psychologic and
      psychiatric disorders related to pregnant and postpartal period, including better
      understanding of mood changes after the birth. A total of 137 healthy Croatian
      women were enrolled in the study--82 of them were pregnant and 55 were not. Their
      blood was sampled and the platelet serotonin concentration was determined. In
      pregnant women the blood was sampled twice: at term pregnancy, and soon after
      birth. The mean value of 5-HT in pregnant women was 1.209 nmol/mg protein, after
      the delivery 1.045 nmol/mg protein, and in non pregnant 1.088 nmol/ mg protein.
      The concentrations were significantly different in those three groups. We did not
      find differences in 5-HT levels in groups divided by age.

PMID- 22053547
TI  - The possibility of respiratory distress syndrome prevention of premature born
      children.
AB  - Pregnant women and premature born children were classified into four groups. In
      each group there were thirty of them. The first group included the pregnant women
      with premature rupture of membranes and amniotic fluid effluxed for 72 hours
      before the delivery. The second group included the pregnant women with amniotic
      fluid effluxing less then 72 hours before the delivery. The third group included
      the pregnant women who were given corticosteroids. The forth group was a control
      group formed by those pregnant women (and their premature born children) whose
      amniotic fluid did not efflux long and those who weren't given corticosteroids
      during pregnancy. In all groups of pregnant women we observed: median age of
      pregnant women, the duration of pregnancy and mode of delivery (vaginal or
      cesarean section). In groups of premature born children we also observed: newborn
      birth weight, Apgar score in the first minute after delivery, Apgar score in the
      fifth minute after delivery, pH of the blood of umbilical cord, L/S ratio of
      amniotic fluid (lecithin-sphingomyelin ratio), RDS (neonatologist valuation in
      any degree of RDS developed et newborn child). Symptoms of RDS include
      tachypnoea, chest wall retraction and cyanosis and a zground glass' appearance of
      the chest on X-ray. Histopatological examinations of placentas compared the
      frequency of inflammatory or noninflammatory changes, also in all groups. No
      significant difference was found among groups of pregnant women for the following
      factors: the age of pregnant women, the duration of pregnancy and mode of
      delivery. No significant difference was found among the groups of children for
      the following factors: newborn birth weight, Apgar score in the fifth minute
      after delivery, blood pH of umbilical cord, L/S ratio of amniotic fluid.
      Significant difference was found among groups for the following factors: Apgar
      score in the first minute after delivery, the frequency of RDS and hystology of
      placentas. The prevention of premature delivery is the most important. All the
      pregnant women with symptoms of the premature delivery must be transported to the
      centers with the well developed unites of intensive neonatal care ("transport in
      utero").

PMID- 22053548
TI  - The application of autogenic training in counseling center for mother and child
      in order to promote breastfeeding.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate whether mothers with newborn children,
      the usage of autogenic training with advice on breastfeeding effect on: the
      decision and the duration of breastfeeding, increase maternal confidence and
      support. It was assumed that the above result in a higher percentage of mothers
      who exclusively breastfed baby during the first six months of child's life. The
      survey was conducted in the Association "For a healthy and happy childhood"
      Counseling center for mother and child, in Bjelovar in 2010. The Counseling
      center was attended by 100 nursing mothers with children aged up to two months.
      They randomly went to the study or control group. Mothers of both groups were
      advised to successful breastfeeding. Study group has practiced autogenic training
      until the child's age of six months. In parallel, by using psychotherapeutic
      interview and specific questionnaires we collected data on the somatic,
      psychological and social situation of the mother, discovered mother's mental
      changes (anxiety, depression) that were treated. The results at the end of the
      study confirm the initial expected benefits from the application of autogenic
      training. Mothers of the study group were significantly more emotionally balanced
      with a higher self-esteem. Autogenous training with the advices for successful
      breastfeeding conducted in this counseling center contributed in significantly
      higher rate of breastfeeding children up to six months of life, improved mental
      and physical health of mother and child and their peculiar relationship.

PMID- 22053549
TI  - Ultrasonographic assessment of kidney dimensions in first six months of life.
AB  - The kidney growth in children is not linear. The aim of this study was to define
      normal dimensions of kidneys in healthy infants during the first six months of
      life. A prospective ultrasonographic screening of 1870 kidneys in 935 healthy
      full-termed infants (476 males, 459 females) was done throughout a 5-year period.
      Measured kidneys were divided into six age groups according to gender and side.
      In the first three months of life males had both kidneys longer than same-age
      females (p < 0.05). In the next three-month-period the difference between sexes
      was not significant (p > 0.05). Left kidneys were longer than right kidneys in
      both sexes in the first six months of life (p < 0.01). Four nomograms with normal
      values of kidney lengths, according to age, sex and side were done in newborns
      and infants in the first 6-months of life.

PMID- 22053550
TI  - Relationships between anthropometric, body composition and bone mineral
      parameters in 7-8-year-old rhythmic gymnasts compared with controls.
AB  - The aim of the study was to investigate the relationships between specific
      anthropometric (9 skinfolds, 13 girths, 8 lengths and 8 breadths), body
      composition (body fat %, fat free mass [FFM], fat mass [FM]) parameters and bone
      mineral parameters (bone mineral density [BMD], bone mineral content [BMC) in
      young rhythmic gymnasts and same age controls. Eighty nine 7-8-year-old girls
      participated in this study and were divided to the rhythmic gymnast's (n = 46)
      and control (n = 43) groups. Body composition was determined by dual energy X-ray
      absorptiometry (FFM, FM, body fat %, BMD and BMC). Body fat % and FM were lower
      and BMD and BMC values at lumbar spine (L2-L4) and femoral neck were higher in
      rhythmic gymnasts compared with controls. All measured skinfold thicknesses were
      thicker in controls. In girths, lengths and widths there were only few
      significant differences between the groups. Stepwise multiple regression analysis
      indicated that skinfold thicknesses (supraspinale and medial calf) influenced L2
      L4 BMD only in controls 38.2% (R2x100). Supraspinale and iliac crest skinfold
      thicknesses characterised L2-L4 BMC 43.9% (R2x100). Calf girths influenced BMD in
      L2-L4 52.3% (R2x100) in controls. BMC in L2-L4 was dependent only on mid-thigh
      girths 35.9% (R2x100). BMD in L2-L4 was dependent on tibiale-laterale height
      30.0% (R2x100). Biiliocristal breadths together with sitting height characterised
      BMC in L2-L4 BMD 62.3% (R2x100). In conclusion, we found that the relationships
      between anthropometry, body composition and bone parameters in young rhythmic
      gymnasts are weak. In control group first of all lower body anthropometric
      parameters significantly correlated with BMD and BMC in spine.

PMID- 22053551
TI  - Types of body posture and their characteristics in boys 10 to 13 years of age.
AB  - The main goal of the study was to determine the types of body posture of boys (n
      = 273), 10 to 13 years of age, by means of the body posture assessment method
      based on the software Posture Image Analyzer. The results should enable better
      understanding of postural issues, as well as timely and more precise selection of
      kinesitherapeutic procedures. Values of 5 front view and 4 sagittal view
      indicators of standing body posture were measured by means of subjects'
      photographs and software Image Posture Analyzer Cluster analysis (K-means method)
      revealed three types of body posture in both the anterior and sagittal plane.
      Their characteristics were determined with discriminant analysis. In sagittal
      indicators three posture types are recognizable: (a) correct sagittal body
      posture (29.3%), (b) mild impaired sagittal body posture (41.8%), (c) marked
      impaired sagittal body posture (28.9%). In anterior indicators also three posture
      types are recognizable: (a) correct anterior body posture (19.4%), (b) mild
      scoliotic body posture in the lumbar region (47.6%), (c) mild scoliotic body
      posture with double curvature (33%).

PMID- 22053552
TI  - Vagus nerve stimulation in the treatment of patients with pharmacoresistant
      epilepsy: our experiences.
AB  - Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) for the treatment of refractory partial epileptic
      seizures with or without secondary generalisation in patients older than 12 years
      was approved in Europe in 1994 and in the United States in 1997. We have studied
      the efficacy of VNS in patients with pharmacoresistant epilepsy hospitalized in
      the Neurology Department of the University Hospital Centre Zagreb. From 1997 to
      2001 we have implanted VNS in 11 patients with pharmacoresistant epilepsy, who
      were magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) negative and from May 2007 to May 2009 in
      11 patients with pharmacoresistant epilepsy, 9 of them were MRI positive, and
      were inoperable due to localisation of the pathomorphologic changes
      (ganglioglioma, hamartoma, various types of cortical dysplasia, porencephalic
      cysts), 2 were MR negative. In the group of MRI negative patients 1 patient had
      complex partial seizures (CPS), 6 patients had CPS with secondary generalisation,
      2 patients had primary generalized epilepsy (PGE) including myoclonic, absence,
      atonic and tonic-clonic seizures, one patient had PGE and CPS, and 3 patients had
      Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS). In the group of MRI positive patients one patient
      had elementary partial seizures (EPS) and CPS, two patients had EPS and CPS with
      secondary generalisation, one patient had CPS, 3 patients had CPS with secondary
      generalisation, and 2 patients had CPS with secondary generalisation as well as
      atonic seizures. After continuous follow-up of 11 MRI negative patients during 5
      years and 2 MRI negative patients during one year there was decrease in mean
      seizure frequency of 51.67%. After continuous follow-up of 9 MRI positive
      patients during 2 years there was decrease in mean-seizure frequency of 61.9%.
      The most frequent side effects were hoarseness, throat pain and cough in the "on
      phase" of the VNS, but they were mild and transitory. We can conclude that VNS
      was effective mode of therapy in our group of patients with pharmacoresistant
      epilepsy.

PMID- 22053553
TI  - Dental health and dental care in children with cerebral palsy.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine a difference between children with
      cerebral palsy (CP) and healthy children, regarding health condition of teeth and
      oral tissuses. Disfunction of masticatory system, in children with CP, causes
      many problems with mastication. Nonfunctional mastication is related with the
      consumption of mushy food and decreased selfcleaning of occlusal and aproximal
      surfaces. All that leads to higher incidence of dental caries. Comparing the
      DMTF/dft (decayed, missing, filled tooth) index, it is evident that there is no
      statistically significant difference in a tooth morbidity between the group of
      healthy children and group of children with CP. The healthy children have
      statistically significant more teeth with fillings with respect to children with
      CP. Extractions are more common in children with CP. There is no statistically
      significant difference between those two groups regarding decayed teeth, one of
      components of DMFT index. Decayed components are more common than the extractions
      and fillings in both groups, which shows the insufficient curative care for all
      children in both groups. It can be concluded that there is a certain need of
      early beginning and a better organization of the preventive pediatric and dental
      care, in order to decrease the appearence of dental decay and increase the level
      of dental health, in this challenged population.

PMID- 22053554
TI  - Cancer and cardiovascular diseases nutrition knowledge and dietary intake of
      medical students.
AB  - The aims of this study were to determine medical students' knowledge regarding
      the association between dietary factors and the risk of cancer and cardiovascular
      diseases and to investigate if this knowledge has an impact on their dietary
      intakes. Three hundred and ninety medical students (males and females) were
      included in a study and grouped according to their daily fibre and fat intakes.
      For diet-disease knowledge, questions from the General Nutrition Knowledge
      Questionnaire for Adults were used and dietary assessment was done with Food
      Frequency Questionnaire. The obtained results showed that the students' diet
      disease knowledge was generally inadequate. Higher level of diet-disease
      knowledge was among those with high dietary fibre intake, with slightly better
      scores for dietary factors and risk for cardiovascular diseases than the risk for
      cancer. Better diet-disease knowledge positively correlated with higher intake of
      fish (p = 0.027, p = 0.001) and vegetables (p = 0.019, p = 0.001) in high fibre
      groups of both gender, and in females additionally with fruit intake (p = 0.038,
      p = 0.007). A higher dietary fibre intake among studied students seems to be a
      factor that ensures lower obesity rates, lower intake of energy and lower
      consumption of coffee, sweets and alcoholic drinks. On the basis of the results
      of this study, it is clear that medical schools should provide in their nutrition
      programs the opportunity for students to learn about their own dietary and
      lifestyle behaviours, in order to more knowledgably and convincingly counsel
      their future patients.

PMID- 22053555
TI  - Prediction of ovarian tumor malignancy.
AB  - Ovarian cancer is the leading cause of mortality among gynecological cancers. The
      aim of the study was to form the decision rules for distinguishing benign from
      malignant ovary lesions. The research was conducted on 201 women with ovary
      tumor. Commonly used specific markers for ovarian cancer (biochemical marker Ca
      125, ultrasound and vascular markers) were used. The significant difference in
      the presence of an ultrasound and vascular markers between benign and malignant
      ovary changes along with the significantly different level of Ca 125 is
      confirmed. To a specific marker certain score number was appointed and the
      scoring system was formed. The incidence of benign/malignant ovary changes was
      observed in the researched group regarding anthropometric parameters (age,
      marital and menopausal status and number of deliveries). There is also
      significant difference in the incidence of benign/malignant ovary tumor regarding
      these parameters. Based on combination of the scoring system and anthropometric
      parameters the decision rules for distinguishing benign from malignant ovary
      tumors were formed. The logistic regression method was used. We proved that this
      method has higher accuracy in prediction of malignancy in women with ovary tumors
      than using morphological, Doppler or anthropometric parameters separately.

PMID- 22053556
TI  - Helicobacter pylori infection and acute myocardial infarction.
AB  - The aim of this investigation was to determine whether H. pylori infection is an
      independent risk factor for acute myocardial infarction (AMI), determine is there
      a link between H. pylori infection and severity of disease. In this prospective,
      single centre study, were enrolled 100 patients with AMI and control group was
      consisted 93 healthy individuals. The results of this study showed no difference
      between H. pylori seropositivity distribution in the investigate and control
      group (29 vs. 26 %) and there was no significant difference on the severity of
      the disease. There was significant association in the patients with three and
      more risk factors, where the patients with lower blood pressure (124.4/77.4 vs.
      145.9/87.7 mmHg) and better controlled diabetes (HbA1c 6.1% vs. 6.9%) had greater
      risk for AMI if they are H. pylori seropositive. The large multicentric trials
      would be needed to define a precise role of H. pylori infection on the
      developement of AMI.

PMID- 22053557
TI  - Low adiponectin serum level--reduced protective effect on the left ventricular
      wall thickness.
AB  - Adiponectin, secreted by fat tissue, is down - regulated in obesity and may be
      involved in obesity-related disorders. It has anti-inflammatory,
      antiatherosclerotic and antidiabetic effect. Obesity is a strong predictor for
      hypertension and cardiovascular diseases. Recent studies showed that adiponectin
      level has important role in metabolic disorders, arterial hypertension and
      ischemic heart disease but its effect on left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) has
      not been fully clarified. The aim of this research is to determine whether the
      protective effect of adiponectin against development of left ventricular
      hypertrophy is decreased in hypertensive overweight patients. The study included
      61 adult, overweight hypertensive patients, with body mass index in range 25-30
      kg/m2. Patients had regular morning glucose serum values and regular creatinine
      level. They were divided into four groups, according to sex and the presence of
      LVH. There were 16 female and 15 male hypertensive patients with LVH and 15
      female and 15 male hypertensive patients without LVH, who were a control group.
      Glucose profile, lipidogram, creatinine clearance and anthropometric measures
      were determined in all patients. Cardiovascular measurements were taken applying
      two-dimensional ultrasound. Adiponectin serum level was measured using enzyme
      immunoassay (ELISA). Results showed that adiponectin serum level was
      significantly lower in hypertensive, overweight females and males with LVH than
      in the control groups without LVH. Adiponectin serum level did not correlate
      significant with intraventricular or with posterior wall thickness of left
      ventricle. Hypoadiponectinemia presents part of neurohumoral, non-haemodynamic
      system who contributes to obesity-related hypertension and left ventricular
      hypertrophy development. Low adiponectin level together with others adipokines,
      cytokines and chemokines secreted by fat tissue could contribute to
      pathophysiologic changes of the myocardium via unknown molecular mechanisms yet.

PMID- 22053558
TI  - Arrhythmogenic right ventricular dysplasia and sudden cardiac death in Croatians'
      young athletes in 25 years.
AB  - The paper deals with the sudden cardiac death during training in male athletes in
      Croatia. The data are a part of a retrospective study dealing with 67 sudden
      death due to physical activity in men in Croatia during 25 years: from January 1,
      1986 to December 31, 2010. Two of them suddenly died during training due to
      malignant ventricular arrhythmia because of the arrhythmogenic right ventricular
      dysplasia. First was a short trails runner aged 24, with no any previous physical
      discomforts, who suddenly collapsed and died during training. The second was a
      soccer player aged 13, with no any previous physical discomfort, who suddenly
      collapsed and died during training. A sudden cardiac death due to physical
      exercise in young athletes in Croatia suffered of arrhythmogenic right
      ventricular dysplasia reached 0.07/ 100.000 yearly (p = 0.00000), in all young
      athletes suffered of heart diseases reached 0.19/100 000 (p = 0.00005), and in
      the total male population aged 15-40 engaged in sports and recreational physical
      exercise: 0.71/100.0000 (p = 0.00001).

PMID- 22053559
TI  - Influence of in-hospital cardiac rehabilitation on psychological status after
      myocardial infarction in patients with D-type personality.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine the number of D-type personality patients
      in the group with a history of myocardial infarction (MI) and the influence of
      comprehensive in-hospital cardiac rehabilitation (iCR) on their psychological
      status (PS). The study included 316 consecutive patients aged 18 to 65 with MI in
      the last six months admitted into the programme of iCR. Surgical revascularized
      patients, clinically unstable patients and patients with sever chronic diseases
      and disorders were excluded. At the beginning and in the end of iCR diagnostic
      exam, hematological/biochemical blood analysis, ergometric testing was conducted.
      At the beginning and four weeks after the finish of the iCR estimation of PS was
      conducted. Distress scale 14 (DS14) questioner was used for that purpose. In the
      period of three weeks, patients were included in the programme of comprehensive
      iCR. Out of 316 patients in the study group 83.2% were male, while 16.8% were
      female. Average age of the patient was 51.3 +/- 7.2. When being admitted to iCR
      42.7% patients had characteristics of D-type personality. Those patients had
      substantially lower level of body mass and body mass index. In the same time
      there were no differences among groups in risk factors, values of clinical,
      laboratory and diagnostic parameters. During iCR study group had more
      complications in comparison to the control group. At the end of iCR substantial
      rise of functional capacity of patients, improvement of lipid profile and
      lowering of glycaemia was recorded. Also at the end of iCR antiarrhythmics and
      psychopharmaceutical medicaments were more often prescribed to the patients in
      the study group. Four weeks after the iCR share of D-type personality patients
      was 41% and 71% of study group patients kept their D-type structure.

PMID- 22053560
TI  - Defense mechanisms in alcohol dependent patients with oral and oropharinegal
      cancer.
AB  - The effects of psychological factors in alcoholics with malignant tumor of the
      oral cavity and oropharynx are scarcely explored. The aim of the research was to
      examine early family relations and investigate differences in the use of defense
      mechanisms in alcohol dependent patients suffering from malignant tumor of the
      oral cavity and oropharynx compared to alcohol dependent persons without
      malignant tumors and healthy controls. The research included 51 alcohol dependent
      patients treated for malignant tumor of the oral cavity and oropharynx at the
      University Hospital Center Rijeka from 2005 to 2009. The control groups
      corresponded to the experimental group in age, sex and education level. The
      research used a general demographic questionnaire, the Mini International
      Neuropsychiatric Interview and the Revised Questionnaire of Life Style and
      Defense Mechanisms. The research groups showed significant differences in
      difficult childhood (p < 0.001) including abuse (p = 0.004). The alcohol
      dependent persons suffering from malignant tumors of the oral cavity and
      oropharynx significantly less frequently used primitive defense mechanisms of
      regression (p = 0.004) and displacement (p = 0.013) compared to alcoholics
      without malignant tumors who significantly more often used neurotic defense
      mechanisms - compensation (p = 0.005) and intellectualization (p < 0.001). The
      earliest emotional experiences and quality of family relations affect the
      development of defense mechanisms. These are the psychological factors in the
      development of oropharyngeal cancer in alcohol addicts.

PMID- 22053561
TI  - Prohypertensive effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are mostly due
      to vasoconstriction.
AB  - Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have prohypertensive effects and
      blunt the effects of many antihypertensives. The mechanism of this interaction is
      still not understood enough. The objective of this investigation was to determine
      the level of prohypertensive effects of two NSAIDs (ibuprofen, piroxicam) and
      paracetamol, co-prescribed with two antihypertensive drugs (lisinopril +
      hydrochlorothiazide, amlodipine), and to improve the understanding of this
      interaction. A prospective clinical trial, conducted in a Croatian family
      practice, included 110 already treated hypertensive patients, aged 56-85 years;
      50 control patients and 60 patients who were also taking NSAIDs for
      osteoarthritis treatment. The antihypertensive regimens remained the same during
      this study, while NSAIDs and paracetamol were crossed-over in three monthly
      periods. Blood pressure, body weight, serum creatinine, potassium, sodium,
      diuresis and 24 h urinary sodium excretion were followed-up. In the
      lisinopril/hydrochlorothiazide subgroup, both ibuprofen and piroxicam elevated
      mean arterial pressure by 8.9-9.5% (p < 0.001). Body weight increased
      significantly in the lisinopril/ hydrochlorothiazide + piroxicam subgroup only,
      while creatinine, urinary output and electrolyte values did not change
      appreciably in any of the subgroups. NSAID's prohypertensive effects seem to be
      mostly due to vasoconstriction and, to a minor degree, to volume expansion, since
      no marked changes in body weight, urinary output, serum creatinine or
      serum/urinary electrolyte profile were observed.

PMID- 22053562
TI  - Drug related deaths in the Split-Dalmatia County 1997-2007.
AB  - Drug overdoses are a major cause of mortality for drug users and, in many
      countries, are the leading cause of death in this group. The aim of the present
      study is to explore the frequency of all drug related deaths in the Split
      Dalmatia County in the period between 1997 and 2007 and to analyze some of the
      characteristics of these deaths to help target preventive policies. The data on
      drug related deaths were collected using records from the Department of Forensic
      Medicine, Clinical Hospital Centre Split, University of Split, School of
      Medicine. There were 190 drug related deaths in the observed period of 11 years.
      Statistically significant difference (p = 0.004, chi2-test for trend) was found
      in the number of deaths in 1997 in comparison with the number of deaths in 2007.
      The majority of 105 (55%) the decedents were 25-34 years old, and 92.1% (175) of
      them were male. There was a 94% higher probability of mortality in the 25-34
      years group (chi2 = 5.55, p = 0.064). Average age of all dead people was 31.01 +/
      7.59 years (median 31.0 years; range 18-49). Almost three quarters of the
      decedents were single and more than three fifths hadn't been employed. The most
      common location of death was at home. Approximately, 80% were autopsied followed
      by full histological and toxicological analyses. Out of all examined cases, the
      majority of drug related deaths (93 or 60.8%) were attributed to heroin. Heroin
      was the sole cause of death in 35 (22.9%) cases. Methadone was cause of death in
      24 (15.7%) cases. 3.4-methylenedioxy-methamphetamine (MDMA) deaths were rare
      (3.3%). Cocaine deaths were also rare (1.3%). Three fifths (55.6%) of the cases
      involved includes multi-substance use. During the investigation there was an
      evident trend towards multi-substance abuse patterns. These data suggest that
      interventions to prevent drug related mortality should address the use of drugs
      such as heroin and alcohol in combination.

PMID- 22053563
TI  - Obesity in type 2 diabetes: prevalence, treatment trends and dilemmas.
AB  - This retrospective observational study investigated the prevalence of obesity in
      persons with type 2 diabetes, trends in obesity resulting from the duration and
      treatment of diabetes, and treatment-related changes in HbA1c and body mass index
      (BMI). Data on 1773 type 2 diabetics (802 men and 971 women) were obtained from
      the CroDiabNET registry. Follow-up included the analysis of patients' age,
      disease duration, diabetes treatment, BMI and HbA1c values. A significantly
      higher rate of overweight and obesity was found in persons with type 2 diabetes
      as compared to the general population. A significant decrease in BMI was observed
      in the groups treated by diet, and in those treated by oral hypoglycaemic agents
      (p < 0.05), regardless of their pharmacotherapeutic group, in contrast to a
      significant increase in BMI observed in the groups treated with insulin (alone or
      in combination with oral hypoglycaemic agents) (p < 0.05). Persons with type 2
      diabetes lost weight only during the first years of the disease, while with
      diabetes duration and insulin treatment they regained weight. A significant
      increase in HbA1c was observed in the groups treated with sulfonylureas (p <
      0.05), whereas all other groups revealed either a significant decrease (p < 0.05)
      or no change in HbA1c. Our findings suggest the necessity of an integrated
      approach to managing type 2 diabetic patients that would simultaneously address
      both diabetes and obesity. Good glycaemic control is imperative and diabetes
      treatment should not be postponed. Because of a possible concomitant weight gain,
      aggressive weight control measures should be applied concurrently in order to
      achieve maximum treatment benefit.

PMID- 22053564
TI  - The role of oxidative stress after retinal laser photocoagulation in
      nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy.
AB  - Diabetic retinopathy (DR) represents the most common chronic complication of
      diabetes, and it is the leading cause of new cases of blindness in patients
      between 20-74 years old in developed countries. Laser photocoagulation (LF)
      represents an efficacious approach to the treatment of DR. Oxidative factors,
      such as free radicals (FR), are continuously generated in aerobic organisms as a
      result of different metabolic processes. It is well known that oxidative stress
      plays a role in the development of DR. The aim of this study was to evaluate the
      thermal effects of the scatter retinal laser photocoagulation technique on the
      production of FR. A total of 90 patients were enrolled in this study. They were
      divided in 3 groups: 30 diabetic patients with DR, 30 diabetic patients without
      DR, and 30 control individuals without diabetes mellitus (DM). Full scatter
      retinal LF was performed in all patients with DR. We measured the concentrations
      of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPOD), catalase, and total
      antioxidative status (TAS). Of the 30 DR patients, 13 showed the appearance or
      worsening of macular edema after LEF, whereas the other 17 patients showed no
      change. Thirty days after LF, improvement in visual acuity was observed, but this
      change was not statistically significant. The mean plasma or erythrocyte lysate
      concentrations of various antioxidants were significantly lower in the diabetic
      patients without DR compared to the individuals without DM and in the diabetic
      patients with DR compared to the individuals without DM; the diabetic patients
      with DR did not show lower concentrations of the antioxidants compared to the
      diabetic patients without DR. The concentrations of SOD, GPOD, catalase, and TAS
      were significantly lower in the diabetic patients with DR after retinal scatter
      LF, which could be the consequence of retinal oxidative stress caused by the LF
      thermal effect.

PMID- 22053565
TI  - Intravitreal Bevacizumab with or without triamcinolone for refractory diabetic
      macular oedema.
AB  - We evaluate the effect of intravitreal injections of Bevacizumab (IVB) alone or
      combined with triamcinolone (IVT) in the first injection for treatment of
      refractory diabetic macular oedema (DME). Sixty eyes of sixty patients with
      refractory DME were included. Half of them received injections of IVB (1.25
      mg/0.05 ml) or combined IVB and IVT (1.25 mg/0.05 ml and 2 mg/0.05 ml
      respectively). The primary outcome measure was change in central macular
      thickness (CMT). Secondary outcome measures were change in best-corrected logMAR
      visual acuity (BCVA) and incidence of potential adverse events. Central macular
      thickness was reduced significantly in both the IVB and IVB/IVT groups. At week
      24, CMT change compared to the baseline was -93.7 microm (95% CI, -172.2 to 
      19.26) in the IVB group and -93.1 microm (95% CI, -154.4 to -29.7) in the IVB/IVT
      group. There was not a significant difference between the IVB and the IVB/IVT
      groups. Improvement of BCVA was initiated at weeks 6 and 12 in the IVB/IVT and
      IVB groups respectively. Anterior chamber reaction was noticed in six (20%) and
      six (20%) eyes respectively in the IVB and IVB/IVT groups the day after
      injection, and it resolved with no sequel. Elevation of intraocular pressure
      (IOP) occurred in two eyes (6%) in the IVB/IVT group. Intravitreal injections of
      Bevacizumab had a beneficial effect on refractory DME in terms of CMT reduction
      and BCVA improvement. Addition of triamcinolone in the injection seemed to induce
      earlier visual improvement; however, it did not show any significant additive
      effect later during follow-up.

PMID- 22053567
TI  - Risk behaviors for getting HIV infection among the Croatian men who have sex with
      men in 2007.
AB  - This survey was conducted with the aim of obtaining the information on the sexual
      risk behavior of Croatian men who have sex with men (MSM) two years after the
      first research. There was total of 820 respondents recruited at seven frequent
      meeting places of Croatian MSM in Zagreb and Rijeka, as well as one gay-oriented
      web-site. The overall response rate was 17.6% which is 1.4 percentage point less
      than it was two years ago. The rate of condom use during last anal intercourse
      was 53.2% and 69% of those who used a lubricant had chosen a correct water-based
      product which is increase of 15% comparing to the last research. Only 27% of
      those who had also had sex with women (MSM/MSW) during last 12 months regularly
      used protection. The results of this research suggest that there are trends in
      declining of some risk behaviors among Croatian MSM but there is a lot of space
      for focused and effective prevention activities on increasing the risk perception
      and reducing risk behaviors.

PMID- 22053566
TI  - Epidemiologic characteristics of human campylobacteriosis in the County Primorsko
      goranska (Croatia), 2003-2007.
AB  - The aim of the study was to investigate campylobacteriosis incidence in the
      County Primorsko-goranska (Croatia) between 2003 and 2007 and to find out
      possible connection with environmental factors (the average monthly temperature
      and total monthly precipitation). The data (number of stool samples examined, age
      and sex distribution of patients, monthly distribution of isolates and
      distribution of isolates according to the species) from the Laboratory for
      Diagnostics of Enteric Infections of the Teaching Institute of Public Health of
      the County Primorsko-goranska (Croatia) were analyzed retrospectively. During the
      observed period 30,164 stool samples were examined for Campylobacter spp.
      Campylobacters were identified in 1,242 (4.12%) samples. The overall annual
      campylobacter incidence rate was 81.3 +/- 21.9/100,000 population. Campylobacter
      jejuni was found in 1,093 (88%) and C. coli in 149 (12%) patients. Our findings
      showed age distribution of patients typical for developed countries. The patients
      were mostly children under 5 years (484.4 +/- 129.1/ 100,000, p < 0.001) and
      between 5 and 9 years of age (226.5 +/- 60.5/100,000, p < 0.05). Male
      consistently experienced higher rates, but the difference between genders was
      significant in the age groups from birth till late twentieth (p < 0.001).
      Campylobacter rates were significantly associated with monthly average
      temperatures (p < 0.05), but not with precipitation. Further investigations into
      the incidence of campylobacteriosis on the national level are necessary. The
      causes of the noticed monthly distribution, sources of infection and connection
      with the routes of transmission in humans need to be elucidated as well.

PMID- 22053568
TI  - Croatia: still a low-level HIV epidemic?--seroprevalence study.
AB  - Central Europe is a region with a low prevalence of infection with human
      immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Until the end of 2007, 663 HIV cases were recorded
      in Croatia, almost exclusively among most at-risk populations. The aim of this
      research was to determine the HIV prevalence among most at-risk populations and
      the level of the HIV epidemic in Croatia. According to the World Health
      Organization classification there are three levels of HIV epidemics: generalized
      (prevalence in general population > 1%), concentrated (prevalence in general
      population < 1% and prevalence in at least one of the most at-risk populations >
      5%) and low-level epidemic (prevalence in general population < 1% and prevalence
      in each most at-risk population < 5%). This was a research with convenience
      samples of most at-risk populations. The respondents were recruited by their
      peers, all non-governmental organizations that provide services for most at-risk
      populations and the researchers. Sera were tested using the fourth generation
      enzyme-linked fluorescent assay (EIA test) and reactive test were confirmed using
      the Western Blot test. In this research, the highest HIV prevalence was found
      within the men who have sex with men group (7/232 = 3%, 95% CI = 1.3-6.3%) and
      commercial sex workers (1/70 = 1.4%, 95% CI = 1-7.8%). In these samples we were
      unable to determine whether Croatia is facing a low-level epidemic due to the
      fact that the prevalences were not statistically significantly lower than 5% (p =
      0.115 and p = 0.1, respectively). For the remaining samples the prevalence was
      statistically significantly lower than 5%, which points to a low-level epidemic.
      The prevalences in these samples were 7/593 = 1.2% (95% CI = 0.5-2.4%) in people
      with more than two sexual partners within the last 12 months, 2/249 = 0.8% (95%
      CI = 0-2.9%) in people with sexually transmitted infections in history, 2/317 =
      0.6% (95% CI = 0-2.2%) in clients of sexual workers, 2/323 = 0.6% (95% CI = 0
      2.2%) in injecting drug users and 0.2% (95% CI = 0-1%) in the sample of migrant
      workers. Based on the results of this survey, Croatia would be classified as
      having a low-level HIV epidemic although the confidence limits in two most-at
      risk groups, men who have sex with men and commercial sex workers, overlap 5%.

PMID- 22053569
TI  - Complications after hip rearthroplastics with revision endoprosthesis.
AB  - The stability of the revision endoprosthesis components is more difficult to
      achieve than in primary endoprosthesis due to large bone defects and/or decreased
      bone mass quality. That is the reason for more frequent complications for
      revision than in primary arthroplasty. The aim of this study was to investigate
      the frequency of complications in 122 patients who were operated with the
      revision endoprosthesis in the Department of Orthopedics in University Hospital
      Split in the period of 1998 to 2007 and accepted to participate in this study.
      There were 3 patients treated on bought hips. The average follow up time was four
      years (0.6-10.6). There were 32 (26.2%) males and 90 (73.8%) females. The average
      age was 70.66 +/- 7.63 years. The average time from operation to physical therapy
      was 3.53 +/- 2.56 days. There were 27 (21.6%) complications. The most common
      complication was infection in 9 (7.2%) cases. From those cases, 4 (3.2%) had
      superficial, and 5 (4%) had deep infection. From other complications, there were
      5 (4%) endoprosthesis reluxations, 2 (1.6%) periprosthetic femur fractures, 5
      (4%) urinary infections, and 6 (4.8%) other complications (lung mycroembolia,
      heart infarction, lumbal plexus lesion from L2, spinal cord infarction with
      paraplegia, pneumonia and severe sacral bed-sore). There were 10 (8%) re
      interventions following the revision arthroplasty. The result was good or
      excellent in 80% of operated patients, satisfied in 17%, and bad in 3%. The
      revision hip procedures are characterized with a high complications incidence
      rate. Our results are comparable with the results from literature.

PMID- 22053570
TI  - Nail position has an influence on anterior knee pain after tibial intramedullary
      nailing.
AB  - Our aim was to determine the possible relationship between anterior knee pain
      (AKP) and nail position marked as a distance from tip of nail to tibial plateau
      (NP) and to the tuberositas tibiae (NT). Nail position has an influence on
      anterior knee pain after tibial intramedullary nailing. We evaluated
      postoperative outcome results of 50 patients in the last 3 years with healed
      fractures initially treated with intramedullary (IM) reamed nails with 2 or 3
      interlocking screws on both parts of the nail and with the use of medial
      paratendinous incision for nail entry portal. Patients marked a point on the
      visual analog scale (VAS) that corresponded to the level of postoperative AKP
      felt. Two groups of patients were formed on the basis of AKP (pain level was
      neglected): groups A and B, with and without pain, respectively. The difference
      between the two groups concerning NP measurements was statistically significant
      (p < 0.05), but not concerning NT measurements at the p < 0.05 level. Patients
      were classified by pain with high accuracy (98%) according to a classification
      tree. Symptoms of AKP did not appear if the tip of the nail position was more
      than 6.0 mm from the NP and more than 2.6 mm from the NT. However, for better
      evaluation of these results it will be necessary to examine a larger number of
      postoperative patients with AKP.

PMID- 22053571
TI  - Surface roughness of one nanofill and one silorane composite after polishing.
AB  - The aim of this study was to compare the roughness of the surface of one nanofill
      (Filtek Supreme XT 3M Espe, St. Paul, USA) and one silorane (Filtek Silorane, 3M
      Espe, St. Paul, USA) composite after polishing. Five specimens of each composite
      were polymerized under a polyester strip for 40 seconds. After curing four probes
      were polished with different Sof-Lex discs and one probe with Pogo for ten
      seconds. For the surface appointment a contact stylus profilometer was used. The
      profilometer made ten tracings for each sample at different locations. There was
      a significant difference in roughness between both composites. The Ra (average
      surface roughness) results for the silorane composite were almost always
      significantly higher than for the nanofill composite (T-test). For both
      composites Sof-Lex fine and superfine discs produced smoother final surfaces than
      Pogo. The nanofill composite used showed the smoothest surfaces after the
      polishing and finishing procedures.

PMID- 22053572
TI  - Distribution of RoekoSeal sealer applied by three obturation techniques.
AB  - The aim of the study was to evaluate the distribution of Roekoseal Automix sealer
      using three different obturation techniques. Forty-five single-rooted extracted
      human teeth were prepared in a crown-down manner using ProFile instruments. After
      instrumentation the specimens were filled using Roekoseal Automix with the cold
      lateral condensation, Thermafil and Obtura II techniques. Each root was sectioned
      horizontally. Color images were obtained using a reflected-light microscope. The
      cross-sections were assessed by microscopy for distribution of the sealer. Root
      canals filled with cold lateral condensation technique had statistically
      significant (p = 0.0001) more sealer in the apical portion in comparison to the
      apical portion of the specimens obturated with Thermafil and Obtura II
      techniques.

PMID- 22053573
TI  - Effect of nordic walking on functional ability and blood pressure in elderly
      women.
AB  - The aim of the study was to analyze the effects produced by the use of
      experimental program (Nordic polewalking) on functional abilities in elderly
      women. Three-month polewalking led to reduction in the pulse rate at rest,
      diastolic and systolic blood pressure at the level of significance of 0.01 (p =
      0.000). Polewalking improved the values of fitness index (FITIND) and maximal
      oxygen consumption (VO2max) at the level of significance of 0.01 (p = 0.000). On
      final measurement, three variables, i.e. pulse rate at rest - HRR (E = 73.42 vs.
      C = 79.68), systolic blood pressure - BPS (E = 118.42 vs. C = 123.65) and
      diastolic blood pressure - BPD (E = 79.04 vs. C = 83.54), showed lower results in
      experimental group compared with control group. On final measurement,
      experimental group showed higher values of the FITIND (E = 81.79 vs. C = 62.66)
      and VO2max (E = 21.83 vs. C = 16.81) variables as compared to control group.
      Accordingly, such a moderate physical activity, which is not too vigorous yet
      intensive enough to induce favorable changes, appears to be recommendable for
      elderly women. The present study included 60 women from the Novi Sad community,
      mean age 58.5 +/- 6.90 years, mean body mass 70.9 +/- 15.32 kg and mean body
      height 164.8 +/- 7.24 cm. Study population was divided into two groups of 30
      subjects: experimental (E) group and control (C) group. The experimental program
      was performed three times a week for three months. The Nordic walking program was
      so designed for the performers to be in the aerobic work zone throughout the
      exercise. Nordic walking with poles was performed over three months. Study
      results revealed functional abilities of the study women to have modified during
      the longitudinal process.

PMID- 22053574
TI  - Differences in conative characteristics and perceived group cohesion of the
      basketball players playing in different positions in the team.
AB  - Identification of differences in individual conative characteristics and in
      perceived group cohesion of the basketball players playing in different positions
      in the team could provide guidelines for a better selection of basketball players
      and better coaching work. The aim of our study was to determine the differences
      in relation to the positions of guards and forwards/centres, and the four major
      positions in the team. The final sample of subjects (74 basketball players) is
      selected from the initial sample of 107 subjects, selected from nine men's senior
      basketball teams that played in A-1 Croatian men's basketball league championship
      in 2006/2007. The results showed no statistically significant difference between
      basketball players who play in different positions in the team, neither in
      relation to two basic positions in the team (guards as opposed to
      forwards/centres), nor in relation to the four positions in the team (point
      guard, shooting guard, small forward, power forward/centre).

PMID- 22053575
TI  - Comparative analysis of qualitative dermatoglyphic traits of Albanian and Turkish
      populations living in the area of Dukagjin Valley in Kosovo.
AB  - Dermatoglyphic prints were collected from 800 inhabitants of Dukagjin valley in
      Kosovo. The sample consisted of two ethnically different sub-populations who
      refer themselves as Albanians (N = 400) and Turks (N = 400). Qualitative analysis
      of prints concerned the frequency of the patterns on fingers (arch, ulnar and
      radial loop, whorl, accidental whorl) and on palms (Thenar and I, II, III, and IV
      interdigital area and the hypothenar, main line index, and the axial "t"
      triradius position). As was expected due to previous study of quantitative
      dermatoglyphic traits, in the same population the Alba-nians and Turks showed to
      be significantly different in most explored qualitative dermatoglyphic variables.
      Found differences indicated that the reproductive isolation between the Albanian
      and Turkish population in Kosovo is substantial, despite the fact that those two
      ethnic sub-populations live in the close vicinity through several centuries.

PMID- 22053576
TI  - Formation of adhesions at surgical meshes in a rat experimental model.
AB  - Abdominal wall hernias are surgical problem that are easily solved with
      laparoscopic surgery. The determining factor for the success of the operation is
      the right choice and use of surgical mesh as the support material. The most
      common complication of surgical mesh placement is the formation of adhesions. Aim
      of this paper is to determine whether there is a statistic difference in
      formation of adhesions between different surgical meshes in lab environment.
      Wistar rats were used as the experimental model. After the anaesthesia a 1x1 cm
      defect of the abdominal wall was made, but the skin was left intact. The mesh was
      placed directly on the internal organs. The experiment considered four different
      mesh types. After set time periods of one, two or four weeks the animals were
      sacrificed and the amount of formed adhesions were evaluated based on the
      modified Diamond scale. Immediately after the first week we found a statistically
      significant difference in the adhesion occurrence rate between compared
      materials. The smallest amount of adhesions was caused by polypropylen +
      polydoksanon mesh, and the most by polypropilen mesh. Polypropylen + polyglactin
      mesh showed significant reduction of adhesion formation between the tested weeks.
      We can conclude that polypropylen + polydoxanon meshes are superior for ventral
      hernia operation, because those defects are in close contact with the internal
      organs and it is very important to have the smallest amount of adhesions.

PMID- 22053577
TI  - Application of tomographic methods in the diagnosis of pathological changes of
      the jaw.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of specific diagnostic
      methods used for diagnosis of oral pathologies. The sample consisted of 198
      patients (98 man and 100 women) with formulated diagnosis, confirmed
      postoperatively by histopathological verification. In 74.7% of subjects only X
      ray diagnostic examination was used. Both X-ray and computed tomography (CT)
      examinations were used in 18.7% of subjects. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
      wasn't performed in any subject. In 6.6% of subjects neither X-ray nor CT was
      performed. The study reported on statistically significant differences in the
      distribution of specific diagnostic methods according to age groups (p = 0.026).
      Also, there was statistically significant differences in the distribution of
      diagnostic methods according to diagnostic groups (p = 0.053). In the group of 37
      subjects, in whom both X-ray and computed tomography were used, the majority had
      carcinomas, followed by fractures and inflammatory cysts.

PMID- 22053578
TI  - Osteolytic skull metastasis with dural involvement from a papillary thyroid
      carcinoma.
AB  - Skull metastatic tumors are relatively rare medical entities and originate most
      often from the lungs, breast or prostate. We report a case of a 76-year-old woman
      who presented with a bulging, well-circumscribed mass on the right side of the
      forehead. Neuroimaging of the cranium detected an osteolytic lesion measuring 7
      cm in the largest diameter while propagating outwards and intracranially. A
      thorough medical history revealed that patient had undergone surgery for invasive
      breast ductal carcinoma and also for a well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma 13
      years ago. Considering patients medical history metastatic breast carcinoma was
      suspected. After a frontal craniotomy the tumour tissue was totally resected.
      Histological examination revealed metastatic papillary carcinoma characterized by
      ground-glass nuclei with intranuclear pseudo inclusion and nuclear grooves. We
      report clinical and neuroradiological features of this uncommon lesion and
      discussed the differential diagnosis of skull osteolytic lesion together with the
      treatment management.

PMID- 22053579
TI  - Microbiological analysis of the mummy of St. Marcian.
AB  - The paper provides the results of the microbiological analysis of samples taken
      from the mummified remains of St. Marcian. Microorganisms found belong to
      bacteria and fungi of the genera Aspergillus, Bacillus, Penicillium, Sarcina, and
      Shewanella which are all apart of the common air, soil, and human microbial flora
      and therefore present no health hazard.

PMID- 22053580
TI  - A boy with Dent-2 disease.
AB  - Dent-2 disease is an X-linked renal tubulopathy associated with mutations in OCRL
      gene. It is characterized by low-molecular weight proteinuria, hypercalciuria,
      nephrolithiasis/nephrocalcinosis and progressive renal failure. Patients may have
      some extra-renal symptoms of Lowe syndrome, such as peripheral cataracts, mental
      impairment, stunted growth or elevation of creatine kinase/lactate dehydrogenase.
      Our patient was suspected to suffer from Dent disease at 8 months of age because
      of proteinuria and hypercalciuria. He had no prominent extra-renal symptoms. OCRL
      mutation in exon 1 (c.217_218 del TT p.L73F, fs X1) was found. He was treated
      with amiloride+hydroclorthiazide and citrate with good results in reducing
      calciuria. His renal ultrasound, ophthalmologic and cardiologic examinations,
      mental development and other laboratory findings are normal till date.

PMID- 22053581
TI  - Chondromyxoid fibroma of the second metacarpal bone--a case report.
AB  - This report describes a chondromyxoid fibroma of the second metacarpal bone in a
      32-year-old female patient. Chondromyxoid fibroma is a rare, benign, slow-growing
      bone tumor of cartilaginous origin. Tumor has a high recurrance rate. Our aim was
      to show successful treatment of a metacarpal chondromyxoid fibroma with wide
      resection and implantation of finger join endoprosthesis.

PMID- 22053582
TI  - Advantages of intramedullar fixation in treatment of congenital tibial
      pseudoarthrosis--a case report.
AB  - This report describes a case of a 29-year old patient with congenital
      pseudoarthrosis of the distal tibia previously treated unsuccessfully by a
      conventional surgical method. Tibial congenital pseudoarthrosis is a rare disease
      characterized by segmental osseous weakness resulting in deformation of the bone
      and spontaneous fractures which progresses to a tibial nonunion. In our case we
      used intramedullary stabilization with bone grafting and six month after
      operation congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia healed.

PMID- 22053583
TI  - Retroperitoneal and metachronous testicular germ cell tumors with different
      histology and teratoma growing syndrome--a case report.
AB  - It is presented a case of a 32-year-old male with the three primary tumors
      diagnosed within a time period of 3 years; retroperitoneal nonseminoma in 2002,
      retroperitoneal mature teratoma in 2004, and metachronous testicular seminoma in
      2005. We discuss the unusual presentation of these three rare events occurring in
      the same patient without known risk factors.

PMID- 22053584
TI  - Recurrent achalasia in a child with Williams-Beuren syndrome.
AB  - Williams-Beuren syndrome is a multysistem genetic disorder caused by the 1.6Mb
      hemizygous deletion involving the elastin gene in the region q11.23 of chromosome
      7. The phenotype of Williams-Beuren syndrome is extremelly variable but the most
      common findings include cardiovascular disease, distinctive facies, mental
      retardation, a specific congitive profile, endocrine abnormalities, growth
      retardation and connective tissue abnormalities. Although gastrointestinal
      difficulties are one of the most constant and prominent finding of the syndrome,
      including gastro-esophageal reflux (GER), poor suckling, vomiting, constipation,
      prolonged colic, rectal prolapse, inguinal, umbilical and hiatal hernia, there
      have been no reports of achalasia in association with Williams-Beuren syndrome in
      the literature. We present the case of a boy with Williams-Beuren syndrome,
      achalasia and recurrent postoperative stenosis of the cardia. After Heller
      myotomy, the boy developed severe restenosis of the cardia with abundant
      adhesions which repeated after every treatment, five times in periods shorter
      than one month. Eventually, he developed GER, errosive gastritis and hiatal
      hernia which led to severe malnutrition and failure to thrive. Although the
      genetic defect causing Williams-Beuren syndrome might not be the direct cause of
      achalasia we suggest that the frequent development of severe restenosis of cardia
      due to tight adhesions could be the consequence of elastin gene
      haploinsufficiency and altered structure and function of elastic fibers in
      esophageal connective tissue. This case highlights the importance of early
      diagnosis of esophageal motor disorders in childhood which should be included in
      the differential diagnosis when a child with Williams-Beuren syndrome presents
      with dysphagia and/or regurgitation.

PMID- 22053585
TI  - Displacement of a mandibular incisor--an infrequent complication of mandibular
      fracture.
AB  - A case of a mandibular fracture with an unusual complication is reported. A 13
      year-old boy was admitted four years after conservative treatment of a symphyseal
      fracture. He complained of recurrent swelling. A radiographic evaluation showed a
      horizontally laid permanent mandibular left lateral incisor (PMLLI) that had
      probably slid into the fracture line and provoked repetitive infection episodes.
      After a surgery, a clinical and radiological analysis showed satisfactory
      healing.

PMID- 22053586
TI  - Plausible mechanisms for brain structural and size changes in human evolution.
AB  - Encephalization has many contexts and implications. On one hand, it is concerned
      with the transformation of eating habits, social relationships and communication,
      cognitive skills and the mind. Along with the increase in brain size on the other
      hand, encephalization is connected with the creation of more complex brain
      structures, namely in the cerebral cortex. It is imperative to inquire into the
      mechanisms which are linked with brain growth and to find out which of these
      mechanisms allow it and determine it. There exist a number of theories for
      understanding human brain evolution which originate from neurological sciences.
      These theories are the concept of radial units, minicolumns, mirror neurons, and
      neurocognitive networks. Over the course of evolution, it is evident that a whole
      range of changes have taken place in regards to heredity. These changes include
      new mutations of genes in the microcephalin complex, gene duplications, gene co
      expression, and genomic imprinting. This complex study of the growth and
      reorganization of the brain and the functioning of hereditary factors and their
      external influences creates an opportunity to consider the implications of
      cultural evolution and cognitive faculties.

PMID- 22053587
TI  - Biochemical screening of fetal aneuploidies and neural tube defects by "double
      test" in Croatia: a 10 years' experience.
AB  - The aim of the study is to investigate the efficiency of the second-trimester
      biochemical screening, with maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MS-AFP) and free
      beta-subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (free beta-hCG), during the ten-year
      period. The study included 11,292 of pregnant women between the 15th and 18th
      gestational week, who underwent screening from November 1996 to December 2006.
      The risk for trisomy 21 and trisomy 18 were calculated by computer software,
      based on a model which generated the final risk for fetal aneuploidies from the
      pregnant woman's a priori age risk and the likelihood ratio of the distribution
      of the biochemical markers, according to the second-trimester gestation. With the
      cut-off value of the final risk > or = 1:250, the detection rate for trisomy 21
      was 75% (21/28). In women less than or equal to 35, the detection was 57.1%
      (8/14) and 92.9% (13/14) in those over 35 years, respectively. The detection rate
      of trisomy 18 was 50% (2/4). The results confirmed that the implementation of
      double-test, as non-invasive screening for fetal aneuploidies, should be accepted
      as a complementary method of antenatal care.

PMID- 22053588
TI  - From the history of Croatian dentistry: 100th anniversary of the birth of
      Professor Sime Kordic (1909-1984).
AB  - The aim of this study was to pay tribute to the memory of extraordinary Croatian
      Professor of children's and preventive dentistry Sime Kordic on the occasion of
      the 100th anniversary of his birth. The biography and work of this scientist and
      teacher were presented, as well as his researches about the history of dentistry
      and medicine in our coastal cities. On the bases of his published papers, we
      analyzed a significant role of Professor Sime Kordic for the development of
      dental medicine and promotion of health culture in Croatia.

PMID- 22053589
TI  - Role of rhinovirus infections in asthma.
AB  - Human rhinoviruses are not only the main pathogens responsible for the common
      cold, but are now recognized to have a major impact on asthma pathogenesis. There
      is evidence that rhinovirus infections play a role in asthma development, asthma
      exacerbations and, potentially, airway remodeling. Children who experience
      repeated rhinovirus-induced wheezing episodes in infancy have a significantly
      increased risk of developing asthma, even when compared to children who
      experience wheezing induced by respiratory syncytial virus. Rhinovirus is also
      the dominant virus type associated with acute exacerbations of asthma. The
      epithelial cell is the principal site of rhinovirus infection in both the upper
      and lower airways and there is strong evidence that virus-induced alterations of
      epithelial cell biology play a critical role in regulating clinical outcomes.
      This includes rhinovirus-induced epithelial generation of a variety of
      chemokines, cytokines and growth factors that likely play a role in viral
      modulation of airway inflammation. It has also become clear, however, that
      epithelial cells play an important role in the innate antiviral response to
      rhinovirus infection, raising the possibility that the relative induction of
      epithelial host innate antiviral responses versus proinflammatory responses may
      be one factor regulating the susceptibility of asthmatic subjects to virus
      induced disease exacerbations. Recent evidence has also highlighted that
      rhinovirus infection induces epithelial production of a number of growth factors
      and other mediators that could contribute to the development and progression of
      airway remodeling processes in asthma. The current article reviews our current
      state of knowledge in these areas.

PMID- 22053590
TI  - Omalizumab in allergic diseases, a recent review.
AB  - Omalizumab is a biological engineered molecule, targeting the Cepsilon3 domain of
      the IgE molecule. It binds with free IgE and prevents free IgE from attaching to
      high-affinity IgE receptor (FcepsilonRI) on effector cells such as mast cells,
      basophils and also on dendritic cells. The result is a blocking of mediator
      release from these cells and the inhibition of antigen presentation by dendritic
      cells. In addition, omalizumab downregulates FcepsilonRI expression on these
      effector cells. Omalizumab prevents early and late phase allergic reactions of
      skin and lungs. Omalizumab has been investigated extensively in moderate-to
      severe asthma in adults and children. It effectively reduces rates of asthma
      exacerbation, emergency visits for asthma and hospital admissions among these
      patients. Currently, omalizumab is primarily indicated for patients, age 6 years
      and over, with moderate to severe asthma (GINA step 4). Omalizumab was
      investigated in patients with seasonal allergic rhinitis (to ragweed, birch and
      grass pollens) and has been found to improve rhinitis symptoms and to reduce
      medication use among these patients. Administered together with allergen
      immunotherapy, omalizumab reduced incidence of side effects and rates of
      anaphylaxis from allergen immunotherapy. Omalizumab has been investigated in the
      treatment of food allergy, atopic dermatitis and urticaria. Despite benefits
      observed from these initial trials, it further deserves investigations to clarify
      optimal conditions for use in these conditions. Side effects from omalizumab were
      few, however, it requires careful considerations in administration of this agent.
      An observational period (up to 2 hours after the first three doses) and the
      availability of auto-injectable epinephrine are recommended. Pharmacoeconomics of
      omalizumab is briefly reviewed. Omalizumab represents a major breakthrough of
      translational medicine in allergy.

PMID- 22053591
TI  - Impairment of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells in C4-deficient mice.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between deficiencies of early
      components in the classical complement pathway and the development of SLE.
      METHODS: Forty inbred C57BL/6J mice and 40 knockout C4 complement gene (C4KO)
      mice, which included 10 mice in each age group (2, 4, 6, and 8 months) were used.
      The enumeration of CD4+CD25+ Tregs frequencies in bone marrow, spleen and
      peripheral blood from both normal and C4KO groups were performed by flow
      cytometry. The expression levels of Foxp3 and TGF-beta in the same tested tissues
      were measured using real time PCR. The antinuclear antibodies (ANA) were semi
      quantitatively measured using ELISA. RESULTS: We report decreased frequencies of
      CD4+CD25+ Tregs and reduced expression levels of Foxp3 and TGF-beta, which
      efficiently program the development and function of Tregs, in lymphoid tissues
      and peripheral blood of C4KO mice. In this study, C4KO mice have higher titers of
      ANA than those of normal mice. Higher frequencies of mice positive for ANA are
      also found in older mice. CONCLUSIONS: The deficiency of the C4 gene induces the
      decreased numbers of Tregs that further increase the production of ANA resulting
      in the development of an autoimmune disorder. The outcomes of our study help us
      to understand the association between the deficiency of C4 in the classical
      complement pathway and development of autoimmune disorder via the role of Tregs.

PMID- 22053592
TI  - Association between CTLA-4 polymorphisms and the susceptibility to systemic lupus
      erythematosus and Graves' disease in Thai population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) is a cell surface molecule
      involved in the regulation of T cells. Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of
      CTLA-4 gene are known to be associated with susceptibility to several autoimmune
      diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Graves' disease (GD).
      OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine whether the common SNPs +49A/G
      on exon1 and CT60A/G in 3'UTR of the CTLA-4 gene are associated with
      susceptibility to SLE and GD in Thai population. METHODS: Polymerase chain
      reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) was used to analyze
      these two SNPs in 151 patients with SLE, 132 patients with GD and 153 healthy
      controls. RESULTS: Our study showed that there were no statistically significant
      differences in the allele and genotype frequencies of +49A/G and CT60A/G SNPs
      between patients with SLE and healthy controls as well as patients with GD vs.
      healthy controls (P > 0.05). However, the GG genotypes of +49A/G and CT60A/G were
      likely to be risk factors (OR >1) for GD but not in SLE. The effect of the +49G
      allele was similar to that of an autosomal recessive gene in the presence of the
      GG genotype, when compared to AA and AG, with an OR of 1.58 (95% CI = 0.95-2.61,
      p = 0.061) in GD. We also observed a dose response effect of the CT60G allele on
      GD susceptibility with an OR of 1.43 for GG homozygous and 1.17 for AG
      heterozygous subjects, when compared to the AA genotype, although these were not
      statistically significant (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: We found no association between
      two functional polymorphisms (+49A/G and CT60A/G) of the CTLA-4 gene and
      susceptibility to SLE and GD. However, the association study utilizing a larger
      sample size should be performed to confirm this.

PMID- 22053593
TI  - Correlation between TCRCalpha -560 C/T polymorphism and the clinical presentation
      of Uygur IgA nephropathy patients in XinJiang.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between T cell receptor alpha chain
      constant gene (TCRCalpha) -560 C/T polymorphism and the clinical presentation of
      Uygur IgA Nephropathy patients in XinJiang. METHODS: TCRCalpha -560 C/T genotypes
      were determined by PCR-RFLP in 300 Chinese Uygur IgAN patients and 600 healthy
      Chinese Uygur control subjects. All subjects were classified, based on their
      genotype, into TT, CT and CC groups and their corresponding clinical presentation
      was analyzed. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed in the frequency of
      CC/CT/TT genotypes in patients and control subjects (chi2 = 0.904, P = 0.636).
      However, the incidence of intermittent microscopic hematuria and proteinuria is
      significantly higher in patients with CT genotype than CC and TT genotypes (chi2
      = 33.978, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: TCRCalpha-560 C/T gene polymerphism may be
      associated with the occurrence of intermittent microscopic hematuria and
      proteinuria in Chinese Uygur IgAN patients.

PMID- 22053594
TI  - Apoptosis, production of MMP9, VEGF, TNF-alpha and intracellular growth of M.
      tuberculosis for different genotypes and different pks5/1 genes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A previous study of IS6110 RFLP and spoligotyping of M. tuberculosis
      isolates from 152 Thai patients with tuberculous meningitis revealed a
      significantly higher percentage (57%) of the Beijing genotype as compared to
      isolates obtained from pulmonary tuberculosis. We postulated that the M.
      tuberculosis Beijing genotype is likely to be more virulent than others.
      OBJECTIVES: Ten M. tuberculosis cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) isolates from five RFLP
      groups, together with different characteristics of pks15/1, M. tuberculosis H37Rv
      and M. bovis BCG, were investigated for their virulence in vitro. METHODS: In
      this study, THP-1 cells were used as host cells to determine the intracellular
      growth and the induction of MMP9, VEGF, TNF-alpha and apoptosis. Determinations
      of the cytokine production and apoptosis were based on available commercial kits
      using ELISA techniques. RESULTS: No significant difference in intracellular
      multiplication was found between the M. tuberculosis CSF isolates. Three
      isolates, consisting of 2 Nonthaburi and 1 heterogeneous isolate, were found to
      stimulate high TNF-alpha and MMP-9 production during the early infection
      period.They were isolated from 3 different patients, 2 of whom died with initial
      stages II and III. This result suggested that there might be an association
      between TNF-alpha and MMP-9 production that could account for the specific
      virulent nature of Nonthaburi strains. VEGF production was determined and
      comparable levels were found in all isolates. No significant apoptosis was
      detected in M. tuberculosis CSF isolates. No significant differences suggesting
      that the 2 Beijing strains are more virulent than the others were observed.
      CONCLUSION: The predominance of the Beijing strains in cases of tuberculous
      meningitis (TBM) in Thai patients is not a result of their hypervirulence.

PMID- 22053595
TI  - A single injection of 19 kda carboxy-terminal fragment of Plasmodium yoelii
      merozoite surface protein 1 (PyMSP1(19)) formulated with Montanide ISA and CpG
      ODN induces protective immune response in mice.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy of a vaccine formulation of the 19 kDa
      conserved carboxyl-terminal fragment of Plasmodium yoelii merozoite surface
      protein-1 (PyMSP1(19)) formulated with CpG ODN 1826 and Montanide ISA51 or ISA720
      when used to immunize mice by a single injection. METHODS: Groups of BALB/c mice
      were immunized parenterally with one, two or four injections with PBS or
      PyMSP1(19) formulated with CpG ODN in ISA51 or ISA720. Sera were collected weekly
      and assessed for total IgG and IgG subclass titers. Protection was tested by
      challenge infection with P. yoelii YM. RESULTS: Interestingly, single injection
      immunization showed the same kinetics of antibody responses as two- or four
      injection immunization. However, the peak antibody response induced by PyMSP1(19)
      in CpG ODN and ISA51 appeared earlier than that induced by PyMSP1(19) in CpG ODN
      and ISA720 (28 days vs 41 days). At day 63 after the first injection, the
      PyMSP1(19)-specific IgG antibody levels by single injection and four-injection
      immunizations were not different. However, the levels of the IgG2a antibody
      subclass were significantly lower by single injection immunization with
      PyMSP1(19) in CpG ODN and ISA720. The antibodies were sustained at high levels
      for at least 20 weeks. After challenge infection, all mice immunized by a single
      injection of PyMSP1(19) in CpG ODN and ISA51 survived with low-grade parasitemia,
      while 50% of mice immunized with PyMSP1(19) in CpG ODN and ISA720 died with high
      levels of parasitemia. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that MSP1(19)
      immunization by a single injection can induce protective immunity, particularly
      when formulated with an appropriate strong adjuvant.

PMID- 22053596
TI  - Clinical manifestations and BTK gene defect in 4 unrelated Taiwanese families
      with Bruton's disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: X-linked agammaglobulinemia (XLA, also called Bruton's
      disease) is is an X-linked recessive disorder characterized by recurrent
      bacterial infections, usually occurring in the first few years of life. Here, we
      report the results of a BTK gene mutation screening study that was performed in
      Taiwanese families with the BTK gene defect to further understand the inheritance
      patterns of XLA patients in Taiwan and to avoid new cases of XLA within families.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, 52 members of 4 unrelated Taiwanese
      families with the BTK gene defect were enrolled. We studied the immunologic
      reports of 6 symptomatic living male patients with confirmed BTK gene defects and
      correlated the findings with their clinical symptoms. The genomic DNA of the
      subjects was subjected to direct sequencing mutation analysis. RESULTS: We
      screened 52 members of 4 unrelated Taiwanese families with the BTK gene defect
      for BTK gene mutation and found that there were 6 symptomatic living patients
      with a confirmed defect, 7 symptomatic deceased patients highly suspected to have
      had the defect and 11 asymptomatic female carriers. CONCLUSIONS: This is the
      first report in a series of the thorough screening for the BTK mutation and its
      carrier status in 4 unrelated Taiwanese families. One pedigree of our study
      comprises 4 generations. A complete BTK gene mutation study for the patient's
      family members is strongly suggested.

PMID- 22053597
TI  - Increased expression of aryl hydrocarbon receptor and interleukin 22 in patients
      with allergic asthma.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine whether the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)
      and interleukin (IL)-22 may be involved in the pathogenesis of the peripheral
      blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in allergic asthmatic patients and whether their
      expression may be related to the severity of the disease. METHODS: Blood samples
      were obtained from each subject with allergic asthma (n =18), controlled asthma
      (n = 17) and healthy controls (n = 12) respectively. The PBMCs were collected for
      AhR mRNA detection by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The
      plasma was collected for IL-22 protein detection by enzyme-linked immunosorbent
      assay (ELISA). RESULTS: The expression of AhR mRNA in PBMCs and IL-22 protein in
      plasma of patients with allergic asthma were higher than those in controlled
      asthma cases and healthy controls. The plasma concentrations of IL-22 had
      negative correlation with the predicted percentage of forced expiratory volume in
      the first second (FEV1%) and the percentage of FEV1 and forced vital capacity
      (FEV1/FVC%) and it was positively correlated with the asthma severity score (ASS)
      of the asthmatics. CONCLUSION: Our results suggested that both AhR and IL-22
      might be involved in the pathogenesis of allergic asthma in human and the level
      of IL-22 might have some relationship with the severity of the disease.

PMID- 22053598
TI  - Association of TGF-beta1, IL-4 and IL-13 gene polymerphisms with asthma in a
      Chinese population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Asthma is a common respiratory disease caused by genetic and
      environmental factors. It has been suggested that TGF-beta1, IL-4 and IL-13 play
      important roles in asthma. OBJECTIVES: We attempted to confirm the roles of TGF
      beta1, IL-4 and IL-13 polymorphisms in asthma in a Chinese population. METHODS:
      Five SNPs (rs1800469, rs2241712, rs2070874, rs20541 and rs1800925) in TGF-beta1,
      IL-4 and IL-13 were genotyped using the MassArray SNP genotyping system. Allelic
      and genotypic associations between these SNPs and asthma were evaluated using
      logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The CT genotype of rs1800469 and T allele
      of rs20541 were significantly associated with asthma. Among atopic subjects, the
      CT genotype of rs1800469 and GA genotype of rs2241712 decreased the risk of
      asthma, while the CC genotype of rs2070874 showed a decreasing trend of asthma
      risk with a borderline significance. No significant association was found between
      rs1800925 and asthma. CONCLUSION: In the present study, we confirmed the
      association of rs1800469 in TGF-beta1 and rs20541 in IL-13 with asthma and found
      a trend toward association between rs2241712 in TGF-beta1 and rs2070874 in IL-4
      with asthma among atopic subjects, suggesting TGF-beta1, IL-4 and IL-13 may be
      associated with the susceptibility and development of asthma in this Chinese
      population.

PMID- 22053599
TI  - Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in rhinitis children without asthma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Exercise-induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) is a condition that leads
      to limited participation in sports. Prevalence of EIB ranges from 5-20% in
      general population to 40 - 90% in asthmatic patients. But the prevalence among
      rhinitis children with EIB remains debatable. We aimed to determine the
      prevalence of EIB in nonasthmatic children with rhinitis. METHODS: A cross
      sectional study was performed on 53 rhinitis patients without known asthma who
      attended the Pediatric Allergy Clinic between March 2009 and February 2010. They
      all underwent physical examination, skin prick test, pulmonary function tests and
      an exercise challenge test (ECT) on a treadmill. A positive ECT was defined as a
      decrease in FEV1 > 10% after exercise. RESULTS: The patients' mean age was 12.3
      +/- 2.6 years. Most of them (60.4%) had moderate to severe persistent rhinitis.
      Eleven out of 53 patients (20.7%) had EIB. The peak time for occurrence of EIB
      was 10 minutes after exercise. Most of the EIB episodes observed were of mild
      degree. Patients who had persistent symptoms and a short duration of rhinitis
      treatment prior to the ECT day had more positive ECT results (72.7% vs. 28.6%, p
      0.013, 0.2 years vs.1.9 years, p 0.012, respectively). The history (Hx) was not a
      reliable means of identifying children who had EIB (ECT+/Hx+ 54.6%, ECT-/Hx+
      54.8%). There was no significant relationship between baseline pulmonary function
      and the decline in FEV1 after exercise. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of EIB in
      rhinitis children without asthma is 20.7%. History, physical examination and
      pulmonary function are insufficient to diagnose EIB.

PMID- 22053600
TI  - Cutaneous adverse reactions to sulfonamide antibiotics.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Sulfonamides are divided into two main groups which are sulfonamide
      antibiotics and sulfonamide non-antibiotics. The wide use of sulfonamide
      antibiotics leads to increasing incidence of sulfonamide cutaneous reactions.
      OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to explore the cutaneous manifestations
      induced by sulfonamide antibiotics in a large number of Thai patients, including
      human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and non-HIV infected individuals. The second
      purpose is to determine the risk factors for development of sulfonamide cutaneous
      reactions. METHODS: We retrospectively studied 191 patients with sulfonamide
      antibiotics cutaneous reactions attending the adverse drug reaction center,
      Siriraj Hospital, Bangkok between 2006 and 2010. RESULTS: Majority of the
      patients was female (59.7%).Maculopapular rash was the most common cutaneous
      manifestation (37.7%) followed by fixed drug eruption (22%), angioedema with or
      without urticaria (12.6%) and urticaria alone (12%). Among those with known HIV
      serology, maculopapular eruption occurred more frequently in the HIV positive
      group while fixed drug eruption occurred more frequently in HIV-negative group.
      CONCLUSION: From our study, there were no significant determination factors to
      develop serious drug reactions. However, the HIV-positive status and lower level
      of CD4 count had a tendency to increase risk of developing serious cutaneous
      reactions.

PMID- 22053602
TI  - Little women: more girls are starting puberty at 8. What are the causes--and
      risks?

PMID- 22053601
TI  - Frequency of the HLA-B*1502 allele contributing to carbamazepine-induced
      hypersensitivity reactions in a cohort of Malaysian epilepsy patients.
AB  - We describe the association of the HLA-B*1502 allele in 27 epilepsy patients (19
      Malays, 8 Chinese) treated with carbamazepine (CBZ) at the UKM Medical Center
      (UKMMC), 6 with CBZ-Steven Johnson Syndrome (CBZ-SJS), 11 with CBZ-induced rash,
      2 with suspected phenytoin-induced rash and 8 negative controls. Our study showed
      that 10 (6 Malay, 4 Chinese) patients were positive for HLA-B*1502. Out of the 10
      patients, six were confirmed to have CBZ-SJS (p = 0.0006), while four patients
      developed a skin rash. However there were 6 Malay patients and 1 Chinese patient
      that developed a skin rash after CBZ administration who were not positive for the
      allele, indicating that there might be more that one allele associated with CBZ
      induced hypersensitivity. Another 2 patients were suspected of having phenytoin
      induced rash, instead of CBZ, and these patients did not have HLA-B*1502. In
      conclusion, this study confirmed the association of HLA-B*1502 with CBZ-SJS among
      Malaysian epilepsy patients, however there might be other genes that could be
      responsible for the CBZ-induced rash.

PMID- 22053603
TI  - Girls, interrupted: children pay a price when childhood ends too soon.

PMID- 22053604
TI  - Impact of hepatitis C virus infection on neutrophil oxidative burst function in
      hemodialysis patients.
AB  - Polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMN) functions have been studied extensively in
      hemodialysis (HD) patients; however, results are contradictory and the mechanisms
      that modulate phagocytosis and oxidative burst are not completely understood.
      Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a frequent complication of HD that may be associated
      with disturbed PMN function; however, the impact of HCV infection on neutrophil
      oxidative burst function in HD patients is unknown. We investigated Neutrophil
      oxidative burst function in 24 HD patients (15 HCV-positive and, 9 HCV-negative
      patients) before and after dialysis. HCV-RNA was detected by RT-nested PCR while,
      quantitative measurement of oxidative burst function was assessed by
      flowcytometry. Neutrophil Oxidised burst function was significantly diminished in
      HD patients as comapred to controls (P = 0.001, oxidised PMN (%); P = 0.02 mean
      flueresnce intensity, MFI), and in pre-dialysis as compared to post-dialysis
      samples (oxidised PMNs (%): 60.5 +/- 3.2 vs. 72.1 +/- 3.9, P = 0.02); (MFI: 352
      +/- 42 vs. 500 +/- 50, P = 0.03). Alteration in Neutrophil oxidative burst
      function in the pre-dialysis samples was significant in HCV-positive patients as
      compared to HCV-negative patients (oxidized PMNs (%): 50 +/- 2.9 vs. 63 +/- 5.1,
      P = 0.02); (MFI: 291 +/- 31 vs. 438 +/- 64, P = 0.006). Marked reduction in E.
      coli induced burst in pre-dialysis samples compared to post-dialysis was found in
      HCV-positive when compared to HCV-negative patients (oxidized PMNs (%): 50 +/-
      2.9 vs. 74.8 +/- 4.7, P = 0.001), (MFI: 291 +/- 31 vs. 493 +/- 63, P = 0.002). In
      conclusion, a possible role of concomitant HCV infection in alteration of
      Neutrophil oxidative burst function is highly suggested.

PMID- 22053605
TI  - The prognostic potential of bone marrow cyclin E and P27, in Egyptian patients
      with acute myeloid leukemia.
AB  - Cyclin E and the cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor P27 are two important
      regulators of the G1-S transition modulating the activity of cyclin-dependent
      kinases. Aberrations in the cell cycle control are often observed in tumors and
      might even be mandatory in tumor development. There are few molecular biologic
      determinants that may be prognostic for patients with acute myeloid leukemia
      (AML). To investigate the importance of cell cycle defects in AML, the cellular
      levels of cyclin E and the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor P27 (Kip 1) were
      evaluated in thirty AML patients (11 males and 19 females) diagnosed by standard
      clinical, morphological and immunophenotypic criteria and staged according to the
      FAB classification. Using immunoblot analysis, cyclin E and P27 were detected in
      blast cells of AML patients who were then treated by the standard AML
      chemotherapeutic protocol and were followed up. With respect to cyclin E, it was
      detected in 9/30(30%) AML cases among them 13.3% (4/30 cases) exhibited very
      strong bands while 16.6% (5/30 cases) showed faint bands. Cyclin E was high among
      M4/M5 cases and low among M3 cases and showed a statistically significant
      positive correlation with percentage of blast cells, aberrant phenotype and
      abnormal karyotype at diagnosis. It also showed a significant negative
      correlation with complete remission (CR) rates. All our AML cases exhibited P27
      at low and high levels as seen in 19/30 (63.4%) and 11/30 (36.6%) cases,
      respectively. P27 showed a statistically significant negative correlation to the
      percentage of blasts at diagnosis and a significant positive correlation with
      achievement of CR. A significant negative correlation between P27 and cyclin E (P
      < 0.004) was observed as well. The present study suggested that levels of cell
      cycle regulators cyclin E and P27 can be used as a useful prognostic molecular
      markers in AML patients.

PMID- 22053606
TI  - Effect of surgically-induced weight loss on inflammatory mediators and peripheral
      blood monocyte CD11b expression in morbid obesity.
AB  - Obesity is characterized by a state of chronic mild inflammation, with raised
      circulating levels of inflammatory markers. Expression and release of
      inflammation-related adipokines, generally, rise as adipose tissue expands. In
      the present study we evaluated the level of serum mediators concerned in
      inflammation and monocyte activation (TNF-alpha, hs-CRP, MCP-1) together with
      percentage of CD11-b expression on monocytes in a group of morbidly obese
      individuals (n = 20) before and (3-6 months) after restrictive surgery, and in 15
      healthy normal weight individuals. Serum MCP-1, TNF-alpha and hs-CRP were assayed
      by enzymatic immunoassay, while the percentage of CD11b expression on monocytes
      was assayed by flow cytometry. The total lipid profile and random blood glucose
      levels were also assessed. Morbidly obese individuals ( before surgical weight
      loss) had significantly increased levels of MCP-1, TNF-alpha, hs-CRP, CD11b
      expression on monocytes as compared to controls (P < 0.01). Levels of MCP-1, TNF
      alpha, hs-CRP were significantly decreased 3 to 6 months after restrictive
      surgery than before the operation (P < 0.01). hs-CRP, MCP-1 and TNF-alpha were
      positively correlated versus each other. TNF-alpha and hs-CRP also showed
      positive correlation with the body mass index. Our data suggested that the
      studied serum and monocyte parameters may link obesity with systemic inflammation
      and metabolic disorders. The interactions of MCP-1, CD11b and other inflammatory
      parameters might provide the basis for development of new therapies for this
      syndrome.

PMID- 22053607
TI  - Predictors of avascular necrosis of the hip in Emiratis patients with systemic
      lupus erythematosus.
AB  - Symptomatic avascular necrosis (AVN) of the hip is a known complication of
      systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Data on the prevalence of bone avascular
      necrosis (AVN) in Arab SLE patients are limited. We conducted a cross-sectional
      and retrospective case-control study on 126 SLE patients from Dubai to determine
      prevalence and predictors of symptomatic hip AVN. 8.7% of our lupus cohort
      demonstrated evidence of symptomatic hip AVN and had longer disease duration,
      higher cumulative steroid dose, and received cyclophosphamide and mycophenolate
      mofetil more often than the SLE patients without AVN (controls). Skin
      manifestations, serositis, lupus nephritis, neuropsychiatric lupus, and sero
      positivity for autoantibodies: anti-DNA, Anti-Sm, and antiphospholipid antibodies
      were higher in patients than controls. Administration of hydroxychloroquine prior
      to onset of AVN was less frequent in cases than controls. In conclusion, disease
      activity, steroids, cytotoxic drugs, and antiphospholipid antibodies are
      important predictors of symptomatic AVN in Emirati patients with SLE,
      Hydroxychloroquine may play a protective role against developing AVN in Emiratis
      with SLE. Controlled longitudinal studies are essential to validate these
      findings.

PMID- 22053608
TI  - Prognostic value of quantitative-PCR versus serology for detection of CMV in pre-
      and post- transplantation patients.
AB  - Two hundred-twenty six pre- and post- kidney transplantation patients were
      screened for CMV. They were categorized into three groups I: Eighty-five dialysis
      patients suffering from chronic renal failure, II: Sixty -two end stage renal
      disease patients prepared for transplantation, and III: Seventy-nine post-kidney
      transplant patients under immunosuppressive and cytotoxic therapy. The last group
      was subdivided according to clinical presentation into asymptomatic, mild, and
      invasive CMV disease subgroups. A control group comprised of fifty-two apparently
      healthy kidney and blood donors were also included. Serum and plasma samples were
      utilized for detection of anti-CMV antibodies by EIA, and determination of CMV
      viral load by quantitative-PCR respectively. QT-PCR results revealed high viral
      load; (4000-10.000 copy/ml) in 16 (100%) kidney recipient with invasive CMV
      disease, While only 4 (25%) of them were positive for IgM anti-CMV. Another ten
      patients with symptoms of CMV syndrome were found CMV-PCR positive with low viral
      load (436-3070 copy/ml) and all were negative for IgM anti-CMV. On the other
      hand, no CMV viral load was detectable among end-stage renal disease patients,
      although 6/62 (9.7%) were positive for IgM anti-CMV. All subjects were positive
      for IgG anti-CMV. It is concluded that QT-PCR rather than serology should be used
      for monitoring of CMV infection in pre- and post-transplantation patient.

PMID- 22053609
TI  - Pre-, intra- and post-operative plasma levels of soluble P-selectin in diabetics
      under thoracic paravertebral block versus general anaesthesia.
AB  - Platelet activation that occur after tissue injury increases the expression of P
      selectin. General anaesthesia and surgery may lead to peri-or post-operative
      hypercoagulability state that may lead to thrombotic complications, especially in
      high risk patients as diabetics. Administration of local anaesthesia was
      suggested to limit this hypercoagulability. The aim of this work was to evaluate
      the pre-, intra-and postoperative plasma levels of soluble P-selectin, as a
      predictor of thrombotic events, in diabetics receiving paravertebral block versus
      general anaesthesia during mastectomy operation for cancer breast. Forty type-2
      diabetic females were included. They were randomly divided into two equal groups:
      group I received general anaesthesia and group II received thoracic paravertebral
      block. All females were subjected to preoperative thorough clinical examination,
      electrocardiography and laboratory investigations including complete blood
      picture, prothormbin activity, glycated hemoglobin A1c, fasting plasma levels of
      glucose, creatinine, lipid profile and alanine aminotransferase activity.
      Creatine kinase (CK), total and CK-MB, activities were also done preoperatively
      and six hours postoperatively. Plasma soluble(s) P-selectin levels were estimated
      preoperatively, 15 minutes after skin incision and one hour postoperatively. The
      results revealed that the preoperative plasma P-selectin levels did not
      significantly differ in the two groups. Its intra-and postoperative levels showed
      significantly higher levels in both groups than those preoperative, but the
      increase in group II is significantly less than those in group I. In conclusion,
      in high risk patients as diabetics undergoing major surgery, the use of
      paravertebral block is preferable as a good and effective alternative to general
      anaesthesia, to reduce the possibility of occurrence of thrombotic complications.

PMID- 22053610
TI  - Angiogenic factor VEGF and its relationship with biological prognostic markers in
      chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
AB  - B-CLL is a heterogeneous disease, distinguishing between good and poor prognosis
      represents a challenge to hematologists. The present study aimed to assess the
      relative merit of VEGF as a prognostic factor in CLL and to correlate it with
      other prognostic factors as CD38 & sP53 in the different stages of the disease.
      The median values of CD38%, sP53 and VEGF were significantly higher in both high
      and intermediate risk subgroups of the modified Rai staging system when compared
      to low risk subgroup. There was a statistically significant positive correlation
      between CD38% and VEGF in all subgroups. However, positive correlation between
      VEGF and sP53 was only observed in the high risk subgroup. The strong correlation
      between CD38 and VEGF in CLL patients, suggests the possibility that angiogenic
      factors might contribute to the more aggressive clinical behavior of CD38+ CLL.
      This could provide a rationale for the use of antiangiogenic agents in CD38+ CLL.

PMID- 22053611
TI  - Risk factors and immune response to hepatitis E viral infection among acute
      hepatitis patients in Assiut, Egypt.
AB  - Hepatitis E virus (HEV) infection is a common cause of acute viral hepatitis
      (AVH) in Egypt. We aimed to identify risk factors of HEV among acute hepatitis
      cases, measure HEV specific immune response to differentiate between symptomatic
      and asymptomatic infections. The study included symptomatic acute hepatitis (AH)
      patients (n = 235) and asymptomatic contacts (n = 200) to HEV cases. They
      completed a lifestyle questionnaire, screened for common hepatotropic viruses.
      Blood and serum samples were collected from patients and contacts after onset of
      disease and follow-up samples collected until convalescence. PBMC were separated
      and tested for specific HEV T-cell response by INF-gamma ELISPOT assay. Serum
      samples were tested for IgM and IgG anti-hepatitis E virus by ELISA. IgM
      antibodies to HAV were detected in 19 patients (8.1%), 37 (15.7%) with HBV, 10
      (4.3%) with HCV. HEV infection was identified in 42 (16%) patients with AVH. Of
      the 200 contacts, 14 (7%) had serological evidence of recent HEV asymptomatic
      infection, showed stronger CMI responses than HEV infected subjects (2540 +/- 28
      and 182 +/- 389 ISCs/106 cells, respectively; P < 0.05). In conclusion, HEV is a
      major cause of AVH in Egypt. Asymptomatic HEV patients are likely to have
      stronger immune responses including CMI responses, than symptomatic cases.

PMID- 22053612
TI  - Serum pentraxin 3 and interleukin-6 are associated with subclinical
      atherosclerosis in recent-onset rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - Subclinical atherosclerosis is increased in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
      (RA), as chronic systemic inflammation leads to accelerate atherosclerosis and
      increase arterial stiffness in theses patients. This study aimed to evaluate the
      association of serum interleukin-6 (sIL-6) and serum pentraxin 3(sPTX3) with
      subclinical atherosclerotic in patients with recent-onset rheumatoid arthritis.
      Sixty patients with recent onset RA (12-24 months) and 20 controls were
      investigated. Carotid ultrasound examination, assays for lipid profile,
      erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), rheumatoid
      factor, sPTX3 and sIL-6 were done. RA patients demonstrated significantly higher
      carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) values and increased carotid plaques than
      the control (P < 0.001 and P = 0.02, respectively). Levels of ESR, CRP, sPTX 3
      and sIL-6 were significantly higher in RA patients than controls. RA related risk
      factors (disease duration, CRP, ESR, and duration of treatment with steroids), as
      well as sPTX 3, sIL-6 and cIMT were significantly higher in RA with
      atherosclerotic carotid plaques compared to those without atherosclerotic carotid
      plaques (all < 0.05). It is concluded that accelerated atherosclerosis in
      patients with recent-onset RA is associated with elevated levels of CRP, sPTX 3
      and sIL-6.

PMID- 22053613
TI  - TNF-alpha and CXCL-10 correlation with insulin resistance in patients with
      chronic hepatitis C virus infection.
AB  - There are increasing reports of association between HCV infection and type-2
      diabetes mellitus. Although the mechanism by which this association remains
      uncertain, development of insulin resistance may explain this association. We
      investigated the association of TNF-alpha and CXCL-10 with insulin resistance in
      HCV infected patients. Forty-four non-diabetic chronic hepatitis C patients and
      twenty healthy individuals were included. Fasting blood was used for glucose and
      insulin measurements. Diagnosis of insulin resistance (IR) was based on a
      mathematical means by the homeostasis model assessment score-insulin resistance
      index (HOMA-IR). Serum insulin, TNF-alpha and CXCL-10 levels were measured by
      enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Quantitative measurement of hepatitis
      C virus was performed by a standardized real time PCR assay. The HCV patients
      demonstrated a significant increase in serum TNF-alpha, CXCL-10, and HOMA-IR
      values as compared to normal controls. HOMA-IR level positively correlated with
      hepatitis C viral load, TNF-alpha and CXCL-10. It is concluded that, TNF-alpha,
      CXCL-10 correlate with IR and may play a role in the development of type-2
      diabetes mellitus in chronic hepatitis C infected patients.

PMID- 22053614
TI  - Henneguya cynoscioni sp. n. (Myxosporea: Bivalvulida), an agent of severe cardiac
      lesions in the spotted seatrout, Cynoscion nebulosus (Teleostei: Sciaenidae).
AB  - A new myxosporean species, Henneguya cynoscioni sp. n., is described from the
      spotted seatrout, Cynoscion nebulosus (Cuvier) (Sciaenidae) as a causative agent
      of cardiac henneguyosis. This new myxosporean species is characterized by the
      morphology of spores and the sequence of SSU rDNA. Examination of 227 spotted
      seatrout from four South Carolina estuaries in 2008-2010 revealed a 33.5% total
      prevalence of H. cynoscioni. Henneguya cynoscioni produces lesions in the bulbus
      arteriosus, its specific site of infection. The severity of lesions and their
      impact on the bulbus arteriosus is proportional to the number of plasmodial
      stages developing in this segment of the heart, being most pronounced in host
      reaction directed against spores liberated from plasmodia.

PMID- 22053615
TI  - Descriptions of two new freshwater neotropical species of Rhinebothrium (Cestoda:
      Rhinebothriidea) from Potamotrygon motoro (Chondrichthyes: Potamotrygonidae).
AB  - Two new species of Rhinebothrium (Cestoda, Rhinebothriidea) from potamotrygonid
      stingrays in the Neotropical region are herein described, which raises the total
      number of Rhinebothrium species known from Neotropical freshwaters to five.
      Rhinebothrium corbatai sp. n., and Rhinebothrium mistyae sp. n. were both
      collected from Potamotrygon motoro (Muller et Henle), captured in four
      tributaries of the Parana River in Santa Fe Province, Argentina. The new species
      can be distinguished from their congeners, and from each other, by a combination
      of various features, including worm size (length and number of proglottids),
      number of loculi per bothridium, microthrix pattern, size of the cirrus sac, and
      the extent of the vas deferens. The discovery of these new species from P. motoro
      supports the pattern of high host specificity in this cestode genus, and
      reinforces the notion that some of the previous records of the enigmatic R.
      paratrygoni may correspond to new species of Rhinebothrium yet to be described.

PMID- 22053616
TI  - Hemipristicola gunterae gen. n., sp. n. (Cestoda: Tetraphyllidea:
      Phyllobothriidae) from the snaggletooth shark, Hemipristis elongata
      (Carcharhiniformes: Hemigaleidae), from Moreton Bay, Australia.
AB  - Helminthological examination of the snaggletooth shark, Hemipristis elongata
      (Klunzinger) (Carcharhiniformes: Hemigaleidae), from Moreton Bay, Queensland,
      Australia, yielded a phyllobothriid genus and species previously unknown to
      science. Hemipristicola gunterae gen. n., sp. n. is described here, and is placed
      in the subfamily Phyllobothriinae Braun, 1900. Of the other phyllobothriid
      genera, the new genus most closely resembles Paraorygmatobothrium in that both
      genera possess bothridia with a single loculus and apical sucker, post-vaginal
      testes and lateral vitellarium. Hemipristicola, however, differs from
      Paraorygmatobothrium in the morphology of the proximal bothridial surface
      microthrix, possessing serrate gladiate spinitriches with marginal serrations
      restricted to the distal half of the blade, and in the possession of a more
      extensive uterus, extending anteriorly from the anterior margin of the ovary to
      well past the level of the cirrus-sac. The new genus also differs from
      Paraorygmatobothrium by possessing testes that are more than one layer deep.
      Hemipristicola gunterae further differs from Paraorygmatobothrium species found
      in hemigaleid sharks in possessing vitelline follicles arranged in two lateral
      bands that are restricted to the lateral margins of the proglottid and not
      possessing a cephalic peduncle. Bayesian inference analysis of partial 28S rDNA
      data shows that H. gunterae forms a sister taxon to species of
      Paraorygmatobothrium. These two genera were resolved with high posterior
      probability support in the analysis. Hemipristicola gunterae is only the second
      phyllobothriid species to be described from Hemipristis elongata from Australian
      waters, and the fourth from the Australian hemigaleids.

PMID- 22053617
TI  - Revision of Khawia spp. (Cestoda: Caryophyllidea), parasites of cyprinid fish,
      including a key to their identification and molecular phylogeny.
AB  - Monozoic cestodes of the genus Khawia Hsu, 1935 (Caryophyllidea: Lytocestidae),
      parasites of cyprinid fish in Europe, Asia, Africa and North America, are revised
      on the basis of taxonomic evaluation of extensive materials, including recently
      collected specimens of most species. This evaluation has made it possible to
      critically assess the validity of all 17 nominal species of the genus and to
      provide redescriptions of the following seven species considered to be valid:
      Khawia sinensis Hsu, 1935 (type species); K. armeniaca (Cholodkovsky, 1915); K.
      baltica Szidat, 1941; K. japonensis (Yamaguti, 1934); K. parva (Zmeev, 1936); K.
      rossittensis (Szidat, 1937); and K. saurogobii Xi, Oros, Wang, Wu, Gao et Nie,
      2009. Several new synonyms are proposed: Khawia barbi Rahemo et Mohammad, 2002
      and K. lutei Al-Kalak et Rahemo, 2003 are synonymized with K. armeniaca; K.
      coregoni Kritscher, 1990 with Caryophyllaeus laticeps (Pallas, 1781) (family
      Caryophyllaeidae); K. cyprini Li, 1964 and K. iowensis Calentine et Ulmer, 1961
      with K. japonensis; K. dubia (Szidat, 1937) (syn. Bothrioscolex dubius Szidat,
      1937) with K. rossittensis; and Tsengia neimongkuensis Li, 1964 and T.
      xiamenensis Liu, Yang et Lin, 1995 with K. sinensis. Khawia prussica (Szidat,
      1937) (syn. Bothrioscolex prussicus Szidat, 1937) is considered to be species
      incertae sedis, but its morphology indicates it may belong to Caryophyllaeus
      Gmelin, 1790 (Caryophyllaeidae). The molecular analysis of all seven valid
      species, based on comparison of sequences of two nuclear ribosomal and two
      mitochondrial genes, has shown that the species form three major groups clustered
      according to their fish hosts. Five species from common and crucian carp and
      goldfish were grouped together, whereas K. armeniaca from barbels (Barbinae) and
      K. baltica from tench (Tinca) formed separate clades. In contrast, geographical
      distribution does not seem to play a crucial role in grouping of individual taxa.
      A phylogenetic tree based on morphological characters was incongruent with that
      inferred from molecular data, which indicates that some morphological traits may
      be homoplastic. A key to identification of all species of Khawia based on
      morphological characteristics is provided.

PMID- 22053618
TI  - Two new species of Rhabdochona (Nematoda: Rhabdochonidae) from freshwater fishes
      in Thailand.
AB  - Two new species ofrhabdochonid nematodes are described from the intestine of
      freshwater fishes in Chiang Mai Province, northern Thailand: Rhabdochona
      (Rhabdochona) pseudomysti sp. n. from the catfish Pseudomystus siamensis (Regan)
      (Bagridae, Siluriformes) in the Fang Brook, a tributary of the Kok River (the
      Mekong River basin), Fang District and Rhabdochona (Globochona) thaiensis sp. n.
      from the cyprinid Mystacoleucus marginatus (Valenciennes) (Cyprinidae,
      Cypriniformes) in the Ping River (the Chao Phraya River basin), Muang District.
      Rhabdochona pseudomysti is mainly characterized by simple, leaf-like oval deirids
      (a unique feature among Rhabdochona spp.), a prostom with 14 anterior teeth, the
      presence of basal prostomal teeth, the length ratio of the muscular and glandular
      portions of oesophagus (1:2.1-2.6), an unusually long left spicule (1.10-1.22
      mm), length ratio of spicules (1:11.5-14.7), arrangement of genital papillae, and
      conspicuously elevated vulval lips. Rhabdochona thaiensis differs from other
      representatives of the subgenus Globochona Moravec, 1972 possessing caudal
      projections on the tail tip in that it has only 2 claw-shaped projections located
      ventrally on the tail tip of both males and females; the species is mainly
      characterized by the presence of distinct pseudolabia, 8 anterior prostomal
      teeth, absence of basal teeth, bifurcated deirids, length ratio of the muscular
      and glandular portions of oesophagus (1:11.3-11.9), conspicuously short (135-141
      microm) left spicule, arrangement of genital papillae, and somewhat elevated
      vulval lips. Fully developed eggs of R. pseudomysti and R. thaiensis remain
      unknown. These are the first nominal species of Rhabdochona reported from
      Thailand.

PMID- 22053619
TI  - A new species of Taeniacanthus (Copepoda: Taeniacanthidae) parasitic on two
      pufferfish species, Marilyna meraukensis and M. darwinii (Teleostei:
      Tetraodontidae), from Australia.
AB  - A new species of Taeniacanthidae (Copepoda, Cyclopoida), Taeniacanthus kiemae sp.
      n., is described based on adult female and male specimens collected from the
      branchial cavity wall of Marilyna meraukensis (de Beaufort) and M. darwinii
      (Castelnau) (Teleostei, Tetraodontidae) caught in Australian waters. The new
      species differs from its congeners by having the following combination of
      characters in the adult female: (1) maxilla armed with a stout terminal process
      and two small elements; (2) multiple rows of spinules on the large pectinate
      process of the antenna; (3) an extremely long and thin maxilliped claw; (4)
      second exopodal segment of leg 1 with eight setae; (5) third exopodal segment of
      leg 3 with three spines and four setae; (6) third exopodal segment of leg 4 with
      three spines and two setae; and (7) each spine on the free exopodal segment of
      leg 5 with a subterminal flagellum. Taeniacanthus kiemae is the second copepod
      species reported from M. meraukensis and M. darwinii and the first taeniacanthid
      species reported from pufferfishes in Australia.

PMID- 22053620
TI  - Natural and anthropogenic factors shape metazoan parasite community structure in
      mummichog (Fundulus heteroclitus) from two estuaries in New Brunswick, Canada.
AB  - Previously published multidisciplinary studies in the Miramichi and Bouctouche
      rivers (New Brunswick, Canada) noted significant changes in fish health
      parameters, including elevated tissue levels of organic contaminants and a wide
      range of physiological disturbances, in mummichog Fundulus heteroclitus (L.) from
      a site on the Miramichi River that received bleached kraft pulpmill and municipal
      effluent. The present study reports differences in the abundance of individual
      parasite species, as well as parasite infracommunity and component community
      composition, in mummichog from both rivers. These differences were evaluated in
      relation to host (size, condition, immune function, tissue organochlorine
      contaminant levels) and environmental (faecal coliform counts, salinity,
      temperature) data derived from the previously published studies. Overall, 18
      parasite species were identified, the most common of which were Ascocotyle sp.
      larv., Ornithodiplostomum sp. larv., Posthodiplostomum sp. larv., and
      Proteocephalus filicollis (Rudolphi, 1802). There were broad differences in
      parasite community structure and composition between rivers and within rivers,
      the most prominent pattern being a pronounced difference between sites in the
      upper and lower estuary of each river that was likely driven by salinity. Mean
      infracommunity richness was also positively related to faecal coliforms
      (considered here as a surrogate measure of eutrophication via municipal sewage),
      and both were highest at the most polluted site. We noted no other significant
      relationships. Thus our data suggest that the parasite communities in these two
      estuaries were primarily structured by large upstream/downstream ecological
      gradients in salinity, and secondarily by eutrophication due to pollution by
      municipal and industrial effluents. Overall, our results highlight the value of
      coordinated multidisciplinary studies for understanding the factors that shape
      parasite abundance and community structure.

PMID- 22053621
TI  - Does oxidative stress affect the activity of the sodium-proton exchanger?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) takes place in
      patients with chronic renal failure (CRF). Oxidative stress causes disorders in
      the activity of the sodium-proton exchanger (NHE). Studies on NHE in CRF produced
      results that are discrepant and difficult to interpret. The aim of this study was
      to demonstrate that oxidative stress had an effect on the activity of NHE.
      METHODS: We enrolled 87 subjects divided into 4 groups: patients with CRF treated
      conservatively; patients with CRF hemodialyzed without glucose--HD-g(-); patients
      with CRF hemodialyzed with glucose--HD-g(+); controls (C). The activity of NHE,
      the rate of proton efflux V(max), Michaelis constant (Km), and the concentration
      of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS, an indicator of oxidative
      stress) in plasma, as well as the concentration of reduced glutathione in blood
      were determined. RESULTS: The concentration of TBARS was significantly higher in
      hemodialyzed patients before and after dialysis and in patients with CRF on
      conservative treatment in comparison with group C. TBARS in plasma correlated
      negatively with VpH(i)6.4 in group C and with V(max) and VpH(i)6.4 after HD in
      group HD-g(-). We found that the concentration of creatinine correlated with
      TBARS (p < 0.0001; r = +0.51) in the conservatively treated group. CONCLUSION: We
      observed a marked oxidative stress and decreased NHE activity when dialysis was
      done without glucose, whereas patients dialyzed with glucose demonstrated a
      relatively low intensity of oxidative stress.

PMID- 22053622
TI  - [The association between gastroesophageal reflux and recurrent lower respiratory
      tract infections and bronchial asthma in children].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: It is well known that gastroesophageal reflux (GER) coincides with
      chronic diseases of the lower respiratory tract. However, the impact of effective
      management of gastroesophageal reflux on the course of coexisting pathologies of
      the lower respiratory tract has not been unequivocally evaluated. This study was
      undertaken to assess the impact of treatment of gastroesophageal reflux on the
      course of recurrent lower respiratory tract infections and bronchial asthma in
      children. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We enrolled 76 children, 38 boys and 38 girls,
      aged 1-204 months (median: 66.5 months). All children had clinical symptoms of
      gastroesophageal reflux. The children were allocated to three groups: Group I:
      recurrent lower respiratory tract infections (33 children); Group II: bronchial
      asthma (23 children); Group III: no chronic respiratory tract disease (20
      children). Groups were similar with respect to age and gender. Upper
      gastrointestinal tract scintigraphy and endoscopy were performed in all children.
      The children were followed for 1-23 months (mean: 7 months). In most cases, GER
      was managed conservatively, except for four children who were operated. RESULTS:
      Complete or partial resolution of GER symptoms was seen in 89% of patients, no
      change was noted in 9%, and progression was seen in the remaining 2% of children.
      Treatment of GER was accompanied by alleviation of respiratory symptoms in 84% of
      children (group I and II). CONCLUSIONS: Effective therapy of gastroesophageal
      reflux decreases the frequency of recurrent lower respiratory tract infections
      and improves asthma control.

PMID- 22053623
TI  - [Monitoring of nosocomial infections in intensive care units].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Intensive care units (ICUs) are distinguished by the use of
      specialist medical procedures based on invasive monitoring and mechanical support
      of dysfunctional organs or systems of the body. Patients at ICUs represent a
      specific group due to the fact that many of them will suffer infections in the
      course of hospitalization which pose a threat to their health or life and exert
      an impact on the therapeutic success. The aim of this study was to perform a
      prospective analysis of hospital infections at the intensive care unit, to
      determine etiologic factors and clinical forms of infection, as well as to define
      infection risk factors specific for the patient or related to the diagnosis,
      treatment, and specific procedures at the unit. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study
      was done in 234 patients hospitalized at the Department of Intensive Medical
      Care, Pomeranian Medical University, Independent Public Clinical Hospital No. 1
      in Szczecin during one year. An infection registration card was created for each
      patient. Samples for microbiological tests were routinely collected once a week
      or in the event of suspected infection. CONCLUSIONS: 1. The prospective clinical,
      microbiological, and epidemiologic analysis performed at the ICU demonstrated
      that: a) infections were diagnosed in approx. 45% of the patients, b) the most
      common clinical forms of infection were: pneumonia (87.5%), sepsis (44.2%), and
      urinary tract infection (36.5%). Two to four clinical forms of infection were
      seen in approx. 64% of the patients, c) the most common etiologic factor of
      infection, irrespectively of the clinical form, were Gram-negative bacteria,
      predominantly Acinetobacter baumannii and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, d) patient
      related infection risk factors of importance included male gender and
      overweight/obesity, e) procedure--related infection risk factors considerably
      contributing to infection included: bronchial toilet, tracheostomy, drainage of
      body cavities, feeding through a gastric tube, gastrostomy, central vessel
      cannulation, parenteral feeding, and chemotherapy. 2. The understanding of the
      prevalence and circumstances of infections at ICUs will help verify standards of
      preventive and therapeutic management at the ICU and may contribute to adequate
      control and efficient treatment of infections.

PMID- 22053624
TI  - Trans fatty acids and their role in inflammation and cardiovascular disease.
AB  - Trans fatty acids (TFAs) are not synthesized in the human body but are found in
      many food products. Several reports have shown that high consumption of TFA is
      unrelated to the risk of metabolic diseases. Increased consumption of TFAs was
      reported to be positively correlated with risk of ischemic heart disease, as well
      as with initiation and progression of atherosclerosis. This work focuses on
      dietary sources and effects of TFA on the atherosclerotic process.

PMID- 22053625
TI  - [Diagnostic value of 99mTc-MIBI myocardial perfusion SPECT in women with
      suspected coronary artery disease].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Coronary artery disease is the leading cause of mortality in the
      general population. Women constitute a special group of patients due to the fact
      that clinical presentation in women is less characteristic and diagnostic tests
      are more difficult to interpret. The representation by men in clinical trials
      grossly exceeds that by women and the number of investigations conducted
      selectively in women remains too small. The aim of this study was to evaluate the
      diagnostic usefulness of myocardial perfusion scintigraphy (SPS) with 99mTc-MIBI
      in women with suspected coronary artery disease, particularly in those with
      nondiagnostic or positive stress electrocardiography (SEKG), to assess the
      prognostic value of SPS during a 4-year follow-up targeting serious cardiac
      events, and to compare the results of SPS with SEKG and coronary angiography.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: We enrolled 230 women with a moderate probability of
      coronary artery disease estimated on the basis of clinical scales and SEKG. A 2
      day stress/ rest SPS was done in all patients. The clinical course was determined
      in 157 patients. It was found that the 1-year risk of a serious cardiac event in
      women with an abnormal SPS was 7.9%, as opposed to 1.7% in women with a normal
      SPS. RESULT: The results confirmed the high prognostic value of SPS in predicting
      serious cardiac events (p = 0.01). There was no statistically significant
      correlation between ambulant SEKG and SPS (p = 0.06). Similarly, the results of
      SEKG did not correlate with serious cardiac events (p = 0.35). The prognostic
      value of SPS found by us was high, and moreover, SPS turned out to be superior
      over SEKG in our study group. CONCLUSION: Myocardial perfusion scintigraphy
      emerged as a good diagnostic tool in women with suspected coronary artery
      disease. Myocardial perfusion scintigraphy is helpful in verifying the need for
      further diagnostic tests in women, especially with positive or nondiagnostic
      SEKG.

PMID- 22053626
TI  - [Cigarette smoking as a promoting factor for nonspecific inflammatory bowel
      disease].
AB  - Nonspecific inflammatory bowel diseases represent serious and chronic pathologies
      of the gastrointestinal tract. Even though the etiology of these diseases has not
      been fully elucidated, it is known that environmental factors like cigarette
      smoking may induce and exacerbate their course. Many substances in cigarette
      smoke have a modulatory effect on the immune system through a change in the
      composition of pro-/anti-inflammatory cytokines witch plays its part in the
      development of inflammation. Moreover, cigarette smoke contains reactive oxygen
      species which may combine with decreased activity of antioxidant enzymes to
      produce an additional proinflammatory effect. It is interesting that cigarette
      smoke has a different effect on the course of Crohn's disease compared with
      ulcerative colitis.

PMID- 22053627
TI  - [Trauma in cycling--case report and review of the literature].
AB  - The authors present a review of trauma in tourist and competitive cycling in
      Poland in comparison with reports in the literature. Groups of injuries are
      discussed with a focus on their frequency and threat to life and health. The
      authors present a case of a road cycler colliding with a car, his first aid,
      evacuation, and treatment at a hospital. This case, as well as accidents of other
      competitive cyclers, are analyzed by the authors to demonstrate ways of reducing
      trauma in cycling. Most importantly, competitive and tourist cyclers should
      always wear cycle helmets as they reduce head trauma, the main life-threatening
      trauma in this sport.

PMID- 22053628
TI  - [The effect of new generation materials used in reconstructive dentistry on the
      oral cavity environment].
AB  - PURPOSE: Loss of teeth impairs the functioning of the stomatognathic system,
      complicates chewing, interferes with speech, and alters the patient's appearance.
      Reconstruction of the defects with implants or fixed dentures often proves
      impossible and removable dentures remain the sole option in such cases.
      Continuous progress in materials science, as well as growing demands and
      expectations from both dentists and patients drive the efforts of manufacturers
      of dental materials towards improved and innovative products. The requirements
      for prosthetic materials are the same as for medications. The main goal is
      biological neutrality or, at least, biological tolerance. Polymers and metal
      alloys are being constantly modified to better suit these demands. T.S.M. Acetal
      Dental in one of the monomer-free polymers that have recently been introduced to
      prosthodontics. This product has not yet been the object of extensive clinical
      and laboratory studies in Poland. Wironit extrahart chromium-cobalt alloy and
      Vertex R.S. Acrylic have been certified by the Polish Ministry of Health for use
      in Poland. Therefore, these products were selected for reference purposes in the
      present study. As the certificate for T.S.M. Acetal Dental is lacking, the
      product was subjected to experiments in animals and to physicochemical tests.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: The following physicochemical properties were examined:
      mechanical strength, fatigue limit, abrasiveness, and contact angle.
      Histopathology of animal material was directed at the reaction of tissues to the
      prosthetic materials. Adhesion of bacteria and fungi to the materials was
      examined. The usefulness of acetal resin in prosthetic practice and the
      biofunctionality of dentures made of the resin were assessed as well. RESULTS:
      Mechanical properties of acetal resin seen in the static bending test were
      clearly inferior to metal alloys. However, the results of dynamic tests were in
      favor of acetal resin compared with metal alloy. Abrasiveness of acetal resin
      exceeded that of the metal alloy. The values of contact angle were distinctly
      lower for resin than for metal which demonstrated values characteristic for
      hydrophobic materials. Histopathology showed a moderate inflammatory reaction
      after six weeks of the animal experiment. The reaction was least intense with
      T.S.M Acetal Dental. However, the inflammatory reaction contained eosinophils,
      just like in the case of Wironit extrahart, suggesting that both materials have
      allergic properties. Both materials produced morphological changes in the parotid
      glands of the animals. The adhesion of bacteria to the materials varied and
      depended on the bacterial strain. Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus hirae
      strains demonstrated the strongest adhesion to the mechanically polished chromium
      cobalt alloy. On the other hand, Escherichia coli adhered strongest to the
      acrylic resin (10 times the value for acetal resin). Pseudomonas aeruginosa
      revealed four-fold weaker adhesion to T.S.M. Acetal Dental than to other
      materials. The adhesion of Candida albicans to acetal resin was three times
      weaker than to acrylic resin.

PMID- 22053629
TI  - [The status of mineralized dental tissues in young competitive swimmers].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to analyze the prevalence of caries and
      dental erosions in young competitive swimmers. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study
      was done in 131 subjectively healthy persons. The study group consisted of 62
      subjects--25 females and 37 males--who performed competitive swimming at the
      Szczecin House of Sports for a period 2-16 years. Each subject spent 16-25 hours
      per week in the swimming pool. The control group consisted of persons who
      attended randomly selected junior high schools in Szczecin and who performed
      recreational swimming or did not swim at all. The study and control groups were
      matched for gender, age, and educational level. RESULTS: Statistical analysis
      disclosed that dental lesions in the form of erosions were more common in
      competitive swimmers than in the control group. Dental erosions were located
      mainly on the labial surfaces of maxillary incisors. The intensity of caries was
      similar in both groups.

PMID- 22053630
TI  - [Early death in vascular surgery: an ongoing prognostic problem].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Prediction of complications in surgery is commonly done. There are
      conflicting reports concerning the usefulness of risk scales (P-POSSUM, APACHE,
      SAPS, ASA, Goldman, etc.) in vascular surgery. We decided to take a fresh look at
      preoperative risk factors of early death in the context of the usefulness of some
      parameters which have not been included in existing risk calculators. MATERIAL
      AND METHODS: The study group consisted of 1270 patients treated at the Department
      of Vascular Surgery, General Surgery, and Angiology, Pomeranian Medical
      University in Szczecin, during one year. METHOD This was a prospective non
      randomized study. All data recorded at admission and data from P-POSSUM, ASA,
      Goldman, and ECOG-Zubroda-WHO scales were analyzed. Statistics were done with
      discriminant, multivariate, and logistic tests. RESULTS: There were 42 early
      deaths in the group. The following independent risk factors were involved in
      early death: ASA > 2 (OR = 18.31), persistent atrial fibrillation (OR = 5.75),
      leukocytosis (OR = 13.31), glomerular filtration rate (GFR) < 30 mL/min/1.73 m2
      (OR = 5.78), systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) (OR = 11.36),
      emergency admission (OR = 38.62), critical limb ischemia (OR = 4.87), acute limb
      ischemia (OR = 8,98), abdominal aortic aneurysm (OR = 4.4), and ruptured aortic
      aneurysm (OR = 10.59). Logistic regression exposed the influence of five factors:
      ASA III, ASA IV, persistent atrial fibrillation, leukocytosis, GFR < 30
      mL/kg/1.73 m2, and ruptured aortic aneurysm. The P-POSSUM calculator was found to
      be an accurate predictor of early death although the predicted death rate was
      insignificantly higher than the observed rate. CONCLUSION: Risk scales of early
      death currently used in vascular surgery need to be "refreshed". Creation of the
      Polish National Vascular Surgery Register seems to be unavoidable.

PMID- 22053631
TI  - Does Hynes-Anderson pyeloplasty improve renal function?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: With the advent of renoscintigraphy, improvement in renal function
      after Hynes-Anderson pyeloplasty became and continues to be an object of
      interest. We performed a retrospective analysis in a group of our patients with
      the hope of resolving some issues. MATERIAL: Medical files with complete
      renoscintigraphic data of 51 patients with symptomatic hydronephrosis who
      underwent Hynes-Anderson pyeloplasty between 1996 and 2002 were analyzed. Two
      study groups were formed: patients operated before the age of 12 months (n = 18,
      mean age 4 months), and patients operated after the age of 12 months (n = 33,
      mean age 8 years). METHODS: Renoscintigraphic imaging was performed using DTPA
      according to EANM guidelines. The following parameters were analyzed:
      differential renal function--DRF (%), glomerular filtration rate--GFR (mL/min),
      and type ofrenoscintigraphy (1--non-obstructive, 2--equivocal, 3--obstructive).
      Renoscintigraphy was done preoperatively, 3 and 12 months after surgery, and at
      the end of the follow-up. The level of significance was taken as p < or = 0.05.
      RESULTS: Preoperative DRF values in both groups (46 +/- 8 and 44 +/- 9) revealed
      no significant differences; GFR values (18 +/- 14 and 36 +/- 17) revealed
      significant differences (p < 0.001) between the groups. 55% of patients in each
      group had obstructive renoscintigraphy (2.3 +/- 0.9 and 2.2 +/- 0.9,
      respectively). Preoperative and consecutive postoperative DRF values did not
      reveal any significant differences. A progressive increase in GFR was noted in
      infants: the change was insignificant after three months from surgery, becoming
      significant after 12 months (p = 0.007), and reaching 45.6 +/- 7.1 (p = 0.02) at
      the end of follow-up. No significant differences were found in older children.
      Significant improvement in drainage noted three months after surgery in both
      groups (1.6 +/- 0.9; p = 0.008 and 1.4 +/- 0.8; p = 0.001) did not reveal any
      further change. CONCLUSIONS: 1. Hynes-Anderson pyeloplasty had no effect on DRF
      values in most patients regardless of age and initial renal function. 2. The
      increase in GFR in children operated before the first year of life seems
      attributable to the growth potential of the kidney, although surgery could have
      created conditions for full emergence of this potential. 3. Obstructive
      renoscintigraphy is not an unequivocal proof for clinically significant urine
      outflow obstruction; this can be demonstrated by clinical symptoms.

PMID- 22053632
TI  - A morphometric study of prenatal development of the human larynx.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Precise knowledge of the anatomy and development of the airways in
      the fetus is needed for advances in neonatal medicine. The aim of this study was
      to assess the morphometry of the larynx during fetal development. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: The study was performed on 47 human fetal larynges (27 male and 20
      female) collected between the age of 13-27 weeks of intrauterine life according
      to Pineau and preserved in 10% buffered formalin. Five measurements of each
      larynx were performed: total height of the larynx, height of the anterior wall,
      height of the posterior wall of the larynx, sagittal diameter of the aperture of
      the larynx, and external sagittal diameter of the cricoid cartilage. Correlations
      between the results and crown-rump (C-R) length of human fetuses in relation to
      gender were analyzed. The percentage ratio of laryngeal length to C-R length in
      subsequent weeks of the fetal period and in relation to gender was determined.
      RESULTS: Dimensions of the larynx were found to correlate with crown-rump length.
      Mean lengths of the larynx were greater in male than in female fetuses at some
      stages of development. CONCLUSION: Ultrasound dimensions of the larynx are
      greater than dimensions found during postmortem examinations.

PMID- 22053633
TI  - [Assessment of the impact of some sociodemographic factors on the quality of life
      of patients with multiple sclerosis].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Multiple sclerosis is the most common cause of disability among
      young people, affecting the emotional and intellectual condition of the patient.
      Assessment of the quality of life enables long-term planning of the strategy of
      support and thus should constitute a permanent part of care for multiple
      sclerosis patients. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of gender,
      age, duration of the disease, and economic status of multiple sclerosis patients
      on the quality of life in separate domains. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A diagnostic
      survey was conducted in 64 patients with multiple sclerosis. We administered a
      questionnaire developed by us with questions referring to sociodemographic data
      of the patients. We also used the standard SF-36 questionnaire with eight scales.
      RESULTS: No significant differences between male and female SM patients were
      noted as regards the quality of life in each scale. Wealthy patients experienced
      a higher quality of life as regards the general health and physical functioning
      in comparison to patients with a middle economic status. There was no effect of
      the place of residence on the quality of life. Elderly patients and patients with
      long-term multiple sclerosis had a poorer quality of life in the physical
      functioning, general health, vitality, and role-emotional domains. CONCLUSIONS:
      1. Gender and place of residence of multiple sclerosis patients has no effect on
      any of the scales of the quality of life. 2. High economic status favors a higher
      quality of life in the physical functioning and general health scales. 3. Age and
      long duration of multiple sclerosis are important factors decreasing the quality
      of life in most scales.

PMID- 22053634
TI  - [Physiotherapy and biological regeneration: for everyone?].
AB  - Patients concerned with the quality of their lives direct their attention to
      biological regeneration centers. Visiting modern wellness and spa centers, they
      look for quick revitalization and improvement of physical fitness that will help
      them regain their strong professional performance.

PMID- 22053635
TI  - [The effectiveness of a comprehensive program of physiotherapy in shoulder pain
      syndromes].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Periarthritis humeroscapularis (PHS) is a disease notable for
      serious therapeutic problems arising from lesions in various tissue structures.
      The shoulder is the most important biokinematic element in the upper extremity.
      For this reason, physiotherapy continues to search for an ideal form of
      rehabilitation. Treatment of PHS is long and difficult. The correct diagnosis
      combined with physiotherapy can reduce the suffering of the patient and shorten
      the duration of the disease. Thus, the restoration of physical activity can be
      expedited. We decided to assess the effectiveness of a comprehensive program of
      physiotherapy in shoulder pain syndromes. The study was done at the
      Rehabilitation Unit of the Stablowice Clinic of the Wroclaw Health Center. We
      enrolled 30 patients aged 30 to 85 years (mean age: 60 +/- 14 years) with pain
      and limited mobility of the shoulder diagnosed as PHS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A
      questionnaire with 12 questions addressing the intensity and extent of shoulder
      pain was prepared. Shoulder joint mobility was determined with a goniometric
      method. In addition, an 11-grade Numerical Rating Scale (NRS), where 0 meant no
      pain and 10 the most severe pain, was adopted. All patients underwent a series of
      10 physiotherapeutic procedures directed at the shoulder joint. Assessment was
      made before and after therapy. RESULTS: A considerable reduction of pain was
      noted after physiotherapy and massage, while exercises significantly improved
      mobility, muscle status, and function of the upper extremity. CONCLUSIONS: The
      present study has shown that the comprehensive program of physiotherapy carried
      out at the Rehabilitation Unit of the Stablowice Clinic of the Wroclaw Health
      Center is effective in treating patients with the shoulder pain syndrome.

PMID- 22053636
TI  - [Introduction to LGBT: definitions, some historical facts, and evolution of
      thinking in the era of HIV/AIDS--hopes and challenges].
AB  - This article deals with the subject matter of LGBT (lesbians, gays, bisexuals,
      transgenders), i.e. individuals who are not heterosexual, presenting definitions,
      some historical facts, and evolution of thinking in 2010. Attention is drawn to
      discrimination and stigmatization of members of the LGBT community. Problems
      related to the prevention of HIV/AIDS among men having sexual contacts with other
      men are discussed. A concise presentation of the functioning of the LGBT
      community in the heterosexual society is included. Emphasis is placed on equality
      of non-heterosexual orientations with reference to important ideas such as homo-
      and binormativity.

PMID- 22053637
TI  - [The Polish healthcare system: perspectives and possibilities for adoption of
      healthcare systems from other countries of the European Union].
AB  - This work was undertaken to describe the basic elements of the Polish healthcare
      system and to examine possibilities for adoption of solutions existing in
      healthcare systems of other countries of the European Union. Healthcare systems
      were analyzed as to their model features and general directions of reform.
      Current problems, as well as attempts and concepts for reform of the Polish
      healthcare system were studied. Disadvantages and advantages of the Polish
      healthcare system are presented. The main disadvantages are: limited funding of
      medical services, monopoly of the National Health Fund (NFZ), lack of competition
      among insurers, unequal status of public versus private healthcare providers,
      indebtedness of public healthcare institutions, and limited access to healthcare.

PMID- 22053638
TI  - [Izydor Nahumowicz (1800-1842) and his work on the salt springs of Druskininkai].
AB  - This article begins with a presentation of attractions of Druskininkai (formerly
      Druskieniki) in the first half of the 19th century. The life and scientific
      achievements of Izydor Nahumowicz (1800-1842), an eminent spa physician, are
      discussed. His treatise "Treatment with mineral waters in Druskininkai" (Grodno
      1841) is presented in detail, as well as procedures preparing for treatment in
      Druskininkai with indications and contraindications for referring patients to
      this spa. Mention is made of the social life and entertainment in Druskininkai.

PMID- 22053639
TI  - The physician value modifier: pay-for-performance is coming to the physician fee
      schedule.

PMID- 22053640
TI  - A medical malpractice understanding to FASB ASU no. 2010-24.
AB  - FASB ASU No.2010-24, Healthcare Entities (Topic 954): Presentation of Insurance
      Claims and Related Insurance Recoveries changes how healthcare entities present
      medical malpractice liabilities on financial statements. Healthcare CFOs may need
      the assistance of their auditors and actuaries to ensure that ASU 2010-24 is
      appropriately implemented. Actuaries need to estimate the recoverable asset,
      using methods such as historical loss experience, increased limits factor, and
      commercial premium.

PMID- 22053641
TI  - Cutting hospital costs without cutting staff.
AB  - A hospital that is seeking ways to cut costs without compromising care should
      resist the temptation to lay off staff and instead make it a priority to improve
      efficiencies. This approach requires a formal program to identify and analyze all
      of the hospital's processes. The focus of the analysis should be to determine
      which activities are being performed efficiently, which are being performed
      inefficiently, and which are unnecessary. This effort will achieve the greatest
      success if it is customer-centric.

PMID- 22053642
TI  - Medicare bundled payment program: meaningful risk and limited reward.
AB  - CMS's Bundled Payments for Care Improvement initiative is accepting applications
      from healthcare provider organizations that would like to participate in the one
      of four alternative payment models under the initiative. Three of these models
      the All MS-DRG Hospital Model, the Global Hospitalization Model, and the Global
      Episode Model-target care delivered in an acute care setting. Hospitals
      contemplating participation in one of the models should weigh the benefits and
      risks of participation; it is likely the significant risk and limited financial
      benefit associated with the program will dissuade most providers from
      participating inthe initiative.

PMID- 22053643
TI  - David Blumenthal, MD: using information to drive value. Interview by Richard L
      Clarke.

PMID- 22053644
TI  - Medicare payment: how low it will go and how to prepare.
AB  - Hospitals should begin preparing now for a decade of reductions in Medicare
      payment with strategies aimed at: Partnering with clinical leadership, Performing
      detailed margin analysis, Engaging with service line managers and physicians,
      Revamping care coordination, Ensuring efficient operating room utilization,
      Improving emergency department operations.

PMID- 22053645
TI  - The financial implications of ACOs for providers.
AB  - To prepare for a future in which more and more patients will receive care in
      ambulatory settings, and acute care service capacity will likely need to be
      considerably downsized, hospitals should pursue five near-term strategies:
      Convert primary care practices to medical homes, Develop the IT capabilities
      required to manage and report on clinical and financial processes and outcomes,
      Integrate the clinical and financial interests with those of their physicians in
      improving value, Reduce cost per episode of care through bundled payment
      initiatives, Nurture key relationships with other providers.

PMID- 22053646
TI  - Dean Swindle: matching capital planning with strategic vision.

PMID- 22053647
TI  - Report data identify risk areas for improper payments.
AB  - Hospitals should take several steps in using data from the Program for Evaluating
      Payment Patterns Report (PEPPER) to enhance compliance efforts and identify risk
      areas for improper payments: Designate one person to monitor PEPPER releases and
      download the quarterly report. Review the reports and list all areas where the
      hospital is most at risk for improper payments. Prioritize at-risk areas with the
      national comparison, followed by jurisdictional and state comparison. Conduct
      small-sample case reviews in at-risk areas and determine next steps, such as
      process improvement or rebilling. Include hospital finance, compliance, legal,
      case management, and coding experts as part of discussion.

PMID- 22053648
TI  - Accountable clinical management: an integrated approach.
AB  - Hospitals should move from the traditional siloed approach to managing the
      clinical side of the enterprise, where finance leaders and clinicians play
      distinctly different roles without coordination, to an integrated approach that
      assembles a multidisciplinary team to focus coordinated attention on identifying
      and pursuing opportunities for clinical process improvement. Senior executives
      should lead this top-down effort to establish goals and set priorities for
      action, using an integrated, high-level reporting dashboard that shows overall
      performance in terms of quality, efficiency, and patient experience. Implementing
      integrated clinical management requires a clear, consistent communications plan
      and messaging for physicians and managers to show why it is increasingly
      necessary for both hospitals and physicians.

PMID- 22053649
TI  - Telling the data story the right way.
AB  - Effective data-driven analyses of service-line performance require: Buy-in and
      agreement at the outset from all parties (hospital and physicians) on the
      validity of the data used to evaluate service-line performance, Actionable data
      and metrics relevant to physicians, with financial goals tangibly linked to
      clinical improvement, Transparent sharing of data with physicians to build their
      trust and support the case for change, A physician champion who can help validate
      findings and guide how data are presented, Willingness of physicians to
      acknowledge that the opportunity for improved margin depends largely on the
      variable costs that they control as individuals.

PMID- 22053650
TI  - Preparing your organization's training program for ICD-10.
AB  - Training for ICD-10 is going to be expensive, though predictions of how expensive
      vary widely. Healthcare finance executives should create a flexible, multiyear
      capital and operating budget to prepare for ICD-10 conversion and the training
      and support that will be required. Healthcare organizations also should assess
      staff knowledge in the critical ICD-10 areas and begin training now to be ready
      for go-live by early 2013.

PMID- 22053651
TI  - Listening: executive skill most wanting?

PMID- 22053652
TI  - Meaningful tips for achieving meaningful use.

PMID- 22053654
TI  - Acute care and skilled nursing industry trends.

PMID- 22053653
TI  - What would you do? Is a merger the answer?

PMID- 22053655
TI  - Second-line chemotherapy for carboplatin/paclitaxel-refractory ovarian cancer:
      are multi-agent chemotherapies of little value truly?
AB  - PURPOSE: We examined whether second-line multi-agent chemotherapies are of any
      value for carboplatin/paclitaxel (TC)-refractory ovarian cancer. METHODS:
      Subjects included 60 patients with ovarian, peritoneal, or tubal carcinoma who
      received second-line platinum-based combination chemotherapy. Thirty-nine were
      treated with irinotecan/cisplatin or nedaplatin and 21 with docetaxel/cisplatin
      shortly after TC failure. Patients were divided between those who were refractory
      to initial platinum-based chemotherapy (n = 29, Group A) and those who were
      platinum-sensitive (n = 31, Group B). Efficacy and safety of the combination
      chemotherapies were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Response to the
      combination chemotherapy was 10.3% in Group A and 41.9% in Group B. Median time
      to disease progression was 4.02 months and 7.21 months, respectively (p = 0.006),
      and median survival time was 7.89 months and 9.23 months, respectively (p =
      0.003). There was no difference in response between the two regimens. Grade 3-4
      hematologic toxicities were more frequent with the docetaxel regimen. CONCLUSION:
      The choice between agents for second-line chemotherapy for TC-refractory ovarian
      cancer should be based on whether the cancer was previously platinum-sensitive.
      With a history of such response, multi-agent chemotherapies are worth considering
      after TC failure. With no previous response, the expected efficacy of second-line
      multi-agent chemotherapy is low, suggesting the use of monochemotherapy.

PMID- 22053656
TI  - Robotic surgery for endometrial cancer: comparison of perioperative outcomes and
      recurrence with laparoscopy, vaginal/laparoscopy and laparotomy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Comparison of perioperative outcomes and recurrence in patients
      undergoing primary surgical treatment for endometrial cancer by robotics,
      laparoscopy, vaginal/laparoscopy, or laparotomy approaches. METHODS: Prospective
      analysis of 67 patients undergoing robotic surgery for endometrial cancer between
      March 2004 and December 2007. Comparison was made with similar patients operated
      between November 1999 and December 2006 by laparoscopy (37 cases), laparotomy (99
      cases) and vaginal/laparoscopy approach (vaginal hysterectomy, bilateral
      adnexectomy/laparoscopic lymphadenectomy) (47 cases) and matched by age, body
      mass index (BMI), histological type and International Federation of Gynecologists
      and Obstetricians (FIGO) staging. RESULTS: Mean operating times for patients
      undergoing robotic, laparoscopy, vaginal/laparoscopy or laparotomy approach were
      181.9, 189.5, 202.7 and 162.7 min, respectively (p = 0.006); mean blood loss was
      141.4, 300.8, 300.0 and 472.6 ml, respectively (p <0.001); mean number of nodes
      was 24.7, 27.1, 28.6, and 30.9, respectively (p = 0.008); mean length of hospital
      stay was 1.9, 3.4, 3.5 and 5.6 days, respectively (p < 0.001). There were no
      significant differences in intra- or postoperative complications among the four
      groups. The conversion rate was 2.9% for robotics and 10.8% for the laparoscopy
      group (0.001). There were no differences relative to recurrence rates among the
      four groups: 9%, 14%, 11% and 15% for robotics, laparoscopy, vaginal/laparoscopy,
      and laparotomy, respectively. CONCLUSION: Robotics, laparoscopy and
      vaginal/laparoscopy techniques are preferable to laparotomy for suitable patients
      with endometrial cancer. Robotics is preferable to laparoscopy due to a shorter
      hospital stay and lower conversion rate and preferable to vaginal/laparoscopy due
      to a reduced hospitalization.

PMID- 22053657
TI  - Young adults awareness of HPV and vaccine acceptance after introduction of the
      HPV vaccine in the Dutch national vaccination program.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of implementation of the HPV vaccine on HPV
      knowledge and HPV vaccine acceptance. METHODS: From June until December 2009 in
      Nijmegen, the Netherlands, 698 male and female students aged 18-25 years were
      recruited and interviewed about HPV, cervical carcinoma and HPV vaccine
      acceptance. RESULTS: Of all participants 46.6% had never heard of HPV. Women and
      students from the medical faculty were significantly more aware of HPV.
      Acceptance of a "catch-up" HPV vaccination in women was 51% and in men 27%.
      Acceptance of the HPV vaccination for 12-year old girls was 79%. CONCLUSION:
      After implementation of the HPV vaccine in the national vaccination program, >
      50% of the students lack knowledge on HPV. Acceptance of a "catch-up" HPV
      vaccination was low. However, the acceptance of HPV vaccination for 12-year-old
      girls was high. Vaccine implementation strategies, focusing on 12-16 year old
      girls, might have caused this difference. Young adults need to be informed that
      the HPV vaccine may still be efficient when they are sexually active, but HPV 16
      and 18 negative.

PMID- 22053658
TI  - Total colectomy in primary ovarian cytoreduction.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To review the indications, procedure, and complications associated
      with total colectomy with ileorectal anastamosis in women undergoing primary
      debulking of ovarian cancer. METHODS: Charts were reviewed to determine all
      patients undergoing total colectomy with ileorectal anastamosis during primary
      debulking of ovarian, peritoneal, or fallopian tube cancer. Charts were also
      reviewed for perioperative morbidity and mortality, as well as rates of fecal
      incontinence. RESULTS: Nine patients underwent the above procedures during
      primary debulking of ovarian cancer. The mean age was 61 years with a mean BMI of
      31 kg/m2. The average postoperative hospital stay was 11 days with an average
      estimated blood loss of 700 ml. There was no perioperative mortality. Although
      all patients had greatly increased frequency of stools, no patients had
      incontinence of stool after eight weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Radical surgery, including
      total colectomy, can be performed in select patients with primary ovarian cancer.
      Acceptable morbidity, mortality, and rectal continence can be obtained.

PMID- 22053659
TI  - Association between Arg399Gln polymorphism of X-ray repair cross-complementing 1
      (XRCC1) gene and sporadic endometrial cancer in the Polish population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Endometrial cancer is one of the most common malignant neoplasms
      which appear in the uterine body. X-ray repair cross-complementing 1 (XRCC1)
      protein can be involved in the repair of DNA lesions, which are known to
      contribute to endometrial cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The genotype analysis of
      XRCC1 Arg399Gln gene polymorphisms for 456 endometrial cancer patients and 300
      controls of cancer-free subjects in the Polish population were performed using
      the PCR-based restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). RESULTS: The
      association between endometrial cancer occurrence and the Gln/Gln genotype of the
      Arg399Gln polymorphism (odds ratio, OR 2.28; 95% confidence interval, CI 2.02
      2.54) was found. The Gln/Gln genotype of XRCC1 increased the risk of type I
      endometrial cancer occurrence (OR = 2.42, 95% CI = 2.12-2.72). No statistically
      significant association was found between gene polymorphisms and endometrial
      cancer risk factors such as BMI, HRT, uterine bleeding, endometrial ultrasound
      transvaginal, diabetes and hypertension. CONCLUSION: The results support the
      hypothesis that the Arg399Gln polymorphism of the XRCC1 gene may be associated
      with the incidence of sporadic endometrial cancer in Polish women.

PMID- 22053660
TI  - PTEN, tau-AP-3, thymidylate synthase immunohistochemistry scoring expression in
      patients with uterine leiomyomas, uterine smooth muscle tumors of uncertain
      malignancy potential and uterine leiomyosarcomas.
AB  - Uterine smooth muscle tumors are frequently classified as benign and malignant.
      However, an assortment of mitotic counts and nuclear atypia can be indecisive
      between uncertain malignant potential, and malignant uterine smooth muscle
      tumors. We applied three immunohistochemical parameters to distinguish between
      cases of benign, malignant, and those with uncertain malignant histology.

PMID- 22053661
TI  - Analysis of prognosis-related factors in patients with invasive cervical
      adenocarcinoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the prognostic related factors in patients with cervical
      adenocarcinoma. METHODS: Clinical and pathological data were retrospectively
      analyzed in 144 patients with cervical adenocarcinoma between 1995 and 2004.
      RESULTS: Five-year survival rates were 80.1%, 59.7%, 6.3 % and 0.0%,
      respectively, in patients with Stage I, II, III and IV cervical adenocarcinoma,
      and the overall 5-year survival rate was 59.0%. Univariate analysis indicated
      poor prognosis in non-exophytic tumor, tumor diameter > 4 cm, advanced clinical
      stage, mucinous adenocarcinoma and clear cell carcinoma, or poorly differentiated
      tumor. The prognosis was related to lymph node metastasis and deep myometrial
      invasion. Multivariate analysis indicated that besides clinical stage, myometrial
      invasion and lymph node metastasis, tumor shape was also an independent
      prognostic related factor. CONCLUSION: The prognosis is associated with tumor
      shape besides pre-confirmed clinical stage, myometrial invasion and lymph node
      metastasis. Ovarian preservation in young women remains to be further explored.

PMID- 22053662
TI  - Surgical management of invasive carcinoma of the vulva. A retrospective analysis
      and review.
AB  - PURPOSE: A retrospective study aiming to assess the survival rate, recurrence
      rate and complications of patients with invasive squamous cell carcinoma of the
      vulva. METHODS: 91 patients with invasive carcinoma of the vulva were included in
      the study. The following clinical factors were assessed: clinical stage, diameter
      of lesion, and degree of tumor differentiation. The Kaplan-Meier estimate for
      statistical analysis of survival was used. RESULTS: Surgery was primary treatment
      for 76 patients. The 5-year survival for FIGO Stage I was 93.3%, Stage II 85%,
      Stage III 51% and for Stage IV it was zero as estimated by the Kaplan-Meier test.
      Of the 52 women who underwent inguinal lymphadenectomy, 11 or 21.1% had positive
      nodes and four patients underwent pelvic node resection. Patients with tumor size
      < or = 2 cm had 16.7% positive inguinal nodes, while patients with tumor size >
      2.1 cm had 29.4% of positive nodes. CONCLUSIONS: The right choice of surgical
      treatment after appropriate staging of the disease offers very good survival
      rates, while a more accurate assessment of the status of inguinal lymph nodes
      could reduce the extent of surgical treatment.

PMID- 22053663
TI  - Right colon laparoscopic resection with three-trocar access and associated
      gynecological procedures in patients with colorectal cancer and ovarian
      metastases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Right laparoscopic colectomy was introduced to colorectal surgery
      later than the left colon procedure. Three-trocar laparoscopy has already been
      used successfully in the treatment of gynecological cancers. In the present
      study, we aimed to analyze the feasibility of performing an associated
      gynecological procedure following abdominal laparoscopic exploration and to
      evaluate the suitability of laparoscopic right colectomy for treating elderly
      patients. METHODS: We conducted a review of prospectively collected data on 100
      consecutive patients who were treated with right laparoscopic colectomy using
      three trocars from January 2005 to April 2010. We recorded the patients' age (<70
      or > 70 years), ASA status, body mass index (BMI), pain on postoperative days 1
      and 2 (POD 1, 2), nodes retrieved, laparotomic conversion, mean operative time,
      time to intestinal recovery, and length of postoperative stay. RESULTS: All
      subjects were treated for cancer. Conversion to the laparotomic procedure was
      performed in 13/100, with no difference in terms of age. Operative time was
      longer for laparotomic conversion (p <0.05), with a longer postoperative stay.
      Elderly patients had higher ASA scores (p < 0.005); age did not influence the
      conversion rate or BMI status. Pain on POD 1 and 2 differed between the
      laparotomic and laparoscopic groups (p <0.0001). Associated procedures were
      performed in five subjects (3 oophorectomy and 2 cholecystectomy). CONCLUSIONS:
      Laparoscopy using the three-trocar technique is a safe procedure for treating
      colon cancer, including in elderly patients, and enables associated gynecological
      laparoscopic procedures to be performed.

PMID- 22053664
TI  - Immunohistochemical analysis of p16 expression in uterine smooth muscle tumors.
AB  - The expression of p16 as a tumor suppressor protein was evaluated in a
      retrospective analysis of paraffin-embedded tissue specimens of leiomyosarcoma
      (LMS), leiomyoma (LM) and normal myometrium. In this study, we investigated by
      immunohistochemistry p16 expression in 15 LMSs, 15 LMs and ten normal myometrium.
      Strong expression of p16 was found in 12 of the 15 LMSs and in three cases weak
      expression; three LMs had focal and weak p16 staining but none of the normal
      myometrium. A statistically significant difference regarding the frequency of p16
      protein expression was observed between LMS and LM (p: 0.0001). We concluded that
      the results of this study confirm the overexpression of p16 in LMS. Therefore,
      the present study suggests that p16 might be a useful immunohistochemical marker
      which could help in distinguishing uterine LMS from LM and its benign variants.

PMID- 22053666
TI  - Trends in the incidence of uterine cancer in Niigata, Japan: a population-based
      study from 1982 to 2007.
AB  - This study investigated trends in the incidence of uterine cancer in Japan. Data
      from the Gynecological Cancer Registry of Niigata comprising all new cases of
      uterine cancer registered for the entire female population aged 15 years and over
      a 25-year period were examined. The age-standardized ratio of carcinoma in situ
      has substantially increased among females < 40 years of age (from 3.8 (in the
      period of 1982-1989) to 40.9 (2000-2007). There was a significant trend in
      increasing incidence of invasive cervical cancer for those < 40 years of age
      (from 4.7 to 13.1), whereas a significant trend of decreasing incidence for the
      50+ year age group. The ratios of corpus cancer were increased approximately two
      folds both among the population aged < 50 years and those aged 50+ years and thus
      becoming equivalent to invasive cervical cancer. This prefecture-wide population
      based study shows the practical trend in uterine cancer in Japanese females. The
      current health service must emphasize education among young adults concerning
      cervical cancer prevention while concentrating on screening. Avoiding risk
      factors, such as obesity, and increasing protective factors may lower risk for
      corpus cancer both in younger and older females.

PMID- 22053665
TI  - The prognostic and predictive value of ERCC-1, p53, bcl-2 and bax in epithelial
      ovarian cancer.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the expression of ERCC-1 in patients with epithelial ovarian
      cancer (EOC) and to correlate it with the expression of p53, bcl-2 and bax.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Tumor samples from 60 patients with EOC were
      immunohistochemically investigated for the expression of ERCC1, p53, bcl-2 and
      bax. RESULTS: ERCC-1 expression was significantly decreased in serous and
      endometrioid compared to clear cell carcinomas. P53 expression was significantly
      increased in serous compared to clear cell carcinomas. Bax expression was
      significantly increased in serous carcinomas as compared to MMTs. High disease
      stage was correlated with low ERCC-1 and high bcl-2 expression. ERCC-1 expression
      was associated with increased disease-free interval. CONCLUSION: ERCC-1 status
      seems to be correlated with disease-free interval, stage and tumor histologic
      subtype in patients with EOC. Nevertheless, our results indicate that single-gene
      expressions may be unreliable and thus caution is needed when used as potential
      prognostic or predictive markers.

PMID- 22053667
TI  - Prognostic significance of increased urinary neopterin concentrations in patients
      with breast carcinoma.
AB  - Increased serum or urinary concentrations of neopterin have been described in
      patients with tumors of different primary locations, but reports on neopterin in
      patients with breast carcinoma are relatively innumerous. We have evaluated
      urinary neopterin in 456 patients with breast carcinoma. Urinary neopterin was
      determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. Neopterin in patients
      was increased only in a minority of patients with breast carcinoma. Increased
      urinary neopterin was associated with inferior overall survival. Prognostic
      significance of increased urinary neopterin was evident in patients with tumors
      expressing hormone receptors or/and human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER)
      2, but not in patients with triple negative tumors. Among other parameters
      determined, C-reactive protein, hemoglobin, peripheral blood neutrophil count and
      platelet count were significant prognostic factors. On multivariate analysis,
      age, expression of hormone receptors, neutrophils, stage and hemoglobin
      concentration were independent prognostic indicators. In conclusion, serum
      neopterin is increased only in a minority of patients with breast carcinoma.
      Increased urinary neopterin was predictive of poor survival in univariate, but
      not multivariate analysis. Age, expression of hormone receptors, neutrophils,
      stage and hemoglobin concentration were independent prognostic indicators.

PMID- 22053668
TI  - Loop electrosurgical excision procedure in Greek patients with vaginal
      intraepithelial neoplasia and history of cervical cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of our study was to evaluate the therapeutic effectiveness of
      loop electrosurgical excision procedure (LEEP) in Greek patients with vaginal
      intraepithelial neoplasia (VAIN) and history of cervical cancer. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Between January 2002 and January 2009, eight women with histologically
      confirmed VAIN and history of cervical cancer were included in our study. For the
      LEEP procedure we used a high frequency Electrosurgery Unit with at least 80 W
      output. RESULTS: Complete response rate, at 12 months of follow-up, was 75%.
      Recurrence rate, at 12 months of follow-up, was 25%. Complete response rate, at
      24 months of follow up, was 62.5%. Recurrence rate, at 24 months of follow up,
      was 37.5%. CONCLUSION: LEEP may constitute a valuable excisional method for the
      treatment of VAIN in cases with a history of cervical cancer. It provides an
      interpretable specimen of the whole lesion within a few minutes. It needs a short
      period of training and has low cost.

PMID- 22053669
TI  - Cervical conization--treatment for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia and
      carcinoma in situ.
AB  - PURPOSE: Cone biopsy is the best treatment for high-grade premalignant cervical
      changes. Cervical intraepithelial changes do not show any clinical picture until
      the process develops into carcinoma. METHOD: This retrospective study included
      395 women who underwent conization at Gynecology and Obstetrics Clinic "Narodni
      front" during 2009. The chi-square test was used for comparing results. RESULTS:
      Pathohistological findings from biospy and conization were identical in 40.50% of
      patients, in 10.13%, the conization finding was more severe than the biopsy
      finding, while in 49.37% less severe than the biopsy finding. Resection margins
      status analysis showed that 12.66% of cones were positive. Comparison between
      cones with positive margins and operative techniques did not show any
      statistically significant difference; 64% of women with positive margins were
      over the age of 35. CONCLUSION: Operative conization techniques are equally
      represented. However in women over the age of 40 scalpel excision methods are
      recommended. In women over the age of 45 there is a statistically significant
      increase in the risk for positive resection margin with CIN3 and glandular
      lesions.

PMID- 22053670
TI  - Hormonal replacement therapy in ovarian cancer survivors: a survey among Greek
      gynecologists.
AB  - PURPOSE OF INVESTIGATION: In this survey we evaluated the prescription attitude
      of Greek gynecologists towards hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for ovarian
      cancer survivors. METHODS: An anonymous questionnaire was sent to 900 members of
      the Hellenic Society of Obstetrics and Gynecology presenting a hypothetical case
      of an ovarian cancer survivor with indications for HRT followed by a series of
      relevant questions. RESULTS: Two hundred and ninety-eight responses were analyzed
      with regards to age, gender and practice setting. HRT would be prescribed by 48%
      of Greek gynecologists; regarding type of regimen, 60% would prescribe tibolone,
      19% estrogen alone and 21% estrogen plus progestagen. In contrast, 52% of Greek
      gynecologists would not prescribe HRT due to the fear of ovarian cancer relapse
      (83%), or the development of breast cancer (6%), or both cancers (9%); among
      them, 21% would alternatively prescribe CNS medications, 9% SERMs, phyto
      estrogens or bisphosphonates, while the remaining 70% would not prescribe
      anything. CONCLUSIONS: One out of two Greek gynecologists would prescribe HRT in
      ovarian cancer survivors. An alternative therapy, mainly CNS medications, would
      be suggested by 21% of the opposers.

PMID- 22053671
TI  - Activity of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin for extragenital mullerian
      adenosarcoma with sarcomatous overgrowth: a case report and a review of the
      literature.
AB  - A 47-year-old woman was diagnosed with extragenital mullerian adenosarcoma with
      sarcomatous overgrowth. One month after her initial surgery, the patient
      developed pelvic recurrence, which was completely excised by surgery. However,
      one month later, the patient developed further recurrences in her pelvis and
      upper abdomen. A clinical complete response was achieved with three cycles of
      liposomal doxorubicin and is currently clinically free of disease. So far,
      including the present case, 23 cases of extragenital mulleian adenosarcoma have
      been reported in the English literature. Because of the rarity of the reported
      cases, there are no treatment guidelines based on a good level of evidence. In
      the current report, through a literature review, we provide information on the
      activity of pegylated liposomal doxorubicin for extragenital mullerian
      adenosarcoma with sarcomatous overgrowth.

PMID- 22053672
TI  - An extremely rare presentation of relapse in endometrioid endometrial
      adenocarcinoma: isolated metastases to the tibia and humerus. Case report and
      review of the literature.
AB  - In endometrial carcinoma patients, metastases to bones are rare and isolated
      metastases to extremities are extremely rare. We describe the case of a 59-year
      old patient who underwent surgery followed by adjuvant radiotherapy due to
      endometrioid endometrial adenocarcinoma (grade 2, FIGO Stage II). After intervals
      of nine and 18 months respectively, she was diagnosed with metastatic tumours
      located in the right tibia and in the left humerus. The metastases were confirmed
      by biopsy. Following irradiation of metastatic lesions, the relief of symptoms
      was observed, and the patient remains under observation. We conclude that
      patients presenting a history of endometrial carcinoma with chronic pain in the
      extremities should be carefully evaluated, because although extremely rare, the
      carcinoma can metastasize to bones. Treatment of bone metastasis from
      endometrioid endometrial carcinoma by irradiation may increase quality of life
      and prolong survival.

PMID- 22053673
TI  - Myofibroblastic inflammatory breast tumor and fibrosarcoma: a case report.
AB  - Myofibroblastic inflammatory tumors can occur in any human tissue. They are
      benign lesions and more common in young patients. We describe the case of a 41
      year-old patient with a nodule measuring 2.5 x 1.5 cm in the superior lateral
      quadrant of the left breast. The pathological examination showed proliferation of
      the spindle cells in dense fascicles interspersed by colagen among frequent
      plasmocytes, lymphocytes and eosinophils, associated with scarce typical mitosis.
      In the same site ten years before the patient had undergone a nodulectomy and the
      diagnosis was a benign filloid tumor. The patient returned with a nodule in the
      surgical scar at follow-up and the incisional biopsy showed a malignant filloid
      tumor with a sarcomatous component. A mastectomy was performed.

PMID- 22053674
TI  - A case of squamous cell carcinoma arising from endometriosis of the ovary.
AB  - Ovarian endometriosis sometimes develops into ovarian cancer, especially clear
      cell adenocarcinoma and endometrioid adenocarcinoma. However, endometriosis
      rarely develops into squamous cell carcinoma. We present a case of squamous cell
      carcinoma arising from endometriosis. A 47-year-old Japanese woman was given a
      diagnosis of ovarian squamous cell carcinoma arising from endometriosis. She was
      treated with combination chemotherapy consisting of paclitaxel and carboplatin
      once every three weeks. Four months after the initial chemotherapy, multiple
      liver tumors appeared, and her treatment was changed to palliative therapy. Based
      on this case, in which ovarian squamous cell carcinoma arose from endometriosis,
      endometriosis should be followed-up strictly.

PMID- 22053675
TI  - A rare ovarian Leydig cell tumor (hilar type) causing virilization in a
      postmenopausal woman.
AB  - All patients with virilization signs, increased levels of androgen hormones and
      rapidly progressive hirsutism should be evaluated for an androgen-producing
      tumor. The ovarian origin of virilization can be suspected by the presence of
      elevated levels of circulating androgens, with normal levels of cortisol
      metabolites and a negative dexamethasone suppression test. A case report of a 50
      year-old postmenopausal patient with rapidly progressive hirsutism is presented.
      After an extensive preoperative investigation a right oophorectomy was performed
      and a Leydig-hilus cell tumor was diagnosed.

PMID- 22053676
TI  - Lobular carcinoma of the breast metastasizing to leiomyoma in a patient under
      letrozole treatment.
AB  - Metastasis of extragenital neoplasms to the uterus is extremely rare. Lobular
      breast cancers metastasize to the uterus more than ductal carcinomas, but they
      metastasize as tiny nodules that can be missed with the standard diagnostic
      workup. Uterine involvement by a metastatic tumor is usually a manifestation of
      end-stage disease; patients are reported to die within weeks to months. Therefore
      surgery is not recommended. Here we report a case of lobular breast cancer
      metastasizing to a leiomyoma in a patient using letrozole. Our patient was
      submitted to surgery because the leiomyoma had grown to the level of the xiphoid
      process. She is alive one year after the operation. In conclusion growth of
      leiomyomas under aromatase inhibitors should be considered as a sign of
      metastases and surgery can be planned in selected cases.

PMID- 22053677
TI  - Metastasis from endometrial carcinoma to bilateral breasts presenting as
      inflammatory breast lesions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Endometrial carcinoma rarely metastasizes to the bilateral breasts
      and presents as an inflammatory breast lesion. In this paper, we report a case of
      bilateral breast metastatic endometrial carcinoma and describe the clinical and
      pathological features. It is the second case of this kind of disease and the
      first case report with full clinical data. CASE REPORT: A 56-year-old Chinese
      woman (G3, P3) with endometrial carcinoma received cytoreductive surgery and
      chemotherapy. Approximately 22 months later, she presented with pain in the right
      axillary region and edema of the right breast. The pathology report confirmed
      multifocal invasive papillary adenocarcinoma of the right mammary gland,
      consistent with endometrial carcinoma metastasis. Although she received many
      lines of chemotherapy, the disease still progressed and metastasized to the
      contralateral breast. Gefitinib (Iressa) improved symptoms temporarily.
      CONCLUSIONS: Bilateral breasts metastasis of endometrial carcinoma is rare and
      difficult to treat. Molecular targeted therapy may be an effective treatment for
      breast metastasis.

PMID- 22053678
TI  - Adenoid cystic carcinoma of the Bartholin's gland: case report and systematic
      review of the literature.
AB  - Adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) of the Bartholin's gland is a rare malignancy of
      the female genital tract. Seventy-nine cases have been reported in the
      literature. A 40-year-old women presented to our clinic with twice locally
      recurrent ACC of Bartholin's gland of the left vulva despite hemivulvectomy.
      Adjuvant radiotherapy was delivered after the third resection. There was no local
      recurrence after three years follow-up, although she developed lung metastases
      that remain under control with oral cyclophosphamide. Our case confirms the
      literature review, which indicates a slow growing tumor with frequent local
      recurrences (30%) and distant metastases (31%). Adjuvant radiotherapy and/or
      chemotherapy should be considered in the management of ACC of Bartholin's gland.

PMID- 22053679
TI  - Synchronous clear cell adenocarcinoma of the cervix and endometrioid carcinoma of
      the endometrium.
AB  - Synchronous primary malignant neoplasms of uterus are uncommon. Patients with
      synchronous cervical and endometrial cancers are even rarer. We describe a case
      of cervical clear cell carcinoma and endometrial adenocarcinoma occurring
      simultaneously in a 54-year-old woman presenting with intermittent vaginal
      bleeding. The concept of synchronous primary malignancies of the genital tract is
      also reviewed in this report.

PMID- 22053680
TI  - Proliferative Brenner tumor of the ovary. clinicopathological study of two cases
      and review of the literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ovarian Brenner tumors are rare epithelial tumors that account for 1%
      2% of all ovarian neoplasms. They can be subdivided into benign, borderline or
      proliferative, and malignant neoplasms. In the vast majority of cases, these
      lesions are benign. Tumors of borderline malignancy are less frequent and only
      about 1% of Brenner tumors are malignant. We present two cases of Brenner tumors
      with borderline malignancy which were treated in our Department together with a
      review of the literature. CASES: A 50-year-old, gravida 1, para 1, patient was
      admitted for abnormal vaginal bleeding. Clinical examination, abdominal
      ultrasound (US), and computed tomography (CT) revealed a cystic multilobulated
      tumor of the right ovary with solid elements measuring 20 x 19 x 15 cm in
      diameter. In the other case a 70-year-old, gravida 2, para 2, patient presented
      with severe urinary difficulties. Palpation revealed a mobile abdominopelvic
      tumor 10 x 15 in diameter. US and CT exhibited a cystic tumor with multiple solid
      elements and calcifications of the left ovary. Both patients underwent
      exploratory laparotomy. Total abdominal hysterectomy with bilateral salpingo
      oophorectomy and total omentectomy were performed in both cases, while pelvic
      lymphadenectomy was decided only in the second case. Histologically, in both
      cases the diagnosis confirmed borderline Brenner tumor. CONCLUSION: Although
      Brenner tumors are rare and the majority of them are benign, the correct
      histological diagnosis at frozen section with identification of the small
      proportion of malignant tumors, allows the extent of the operation to be adapted
      if needed.

PMID- 22053681
TI  - The application of a newly developed linear stapler preloaded with tissue
      reinforcement for distal pancreatectomy in the management of ovarian cancer.
AB  - Advanced ovarian cancer may extend into the spleen, and even the pancreatic tail,
      in which a splenectomy associated with distal pancreatectomy is crucial for
      optimal cytoreduction. A new linear stapler preloaded with tissue reinforcement
      is currently introduced. We herein report the first three cases of successful
      application of this device for distal pancreatectomy performed during
      cytoreductive surgery for ovarian cancer.

PMID- 22053682
TI  - Malignant melanoma ovarian metastasis mimicking acute tuboovarian abscess.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Metastases of malignant melanoma to the reproductive organs are
      occasionally encountered. They always represent a diagnostic challenge and they
      mimic various ovarian entities from primary ovarian malignancy to benign tumors.
      CASE: A 35-year-old woman presented with bilateral ovarian metastases which had
      clinical features of an acute state mimicking a tuboovarian abscess. The
      diagnosis was established postoperatively. CONCLUSION: Sophisticated imaging
      methods may be necessary in cases of ovarian tumors in patients with a previous
      history of melanoma with possible metastatic dissemination. Urgent admittance and
      treatment of these patients with a range of clinical symptoms can be critical and
      may lead to a wrong diagnosis. Attentive monitoring of ovarian morphology in
      women with treated malignant melanoma is mandatory to detect rare but possible
      metastatic sites. Regardless of surgical and adjuvant therapy dissemination of
      malignant melanoma to the ovary has unfortunately a poor prognosis.

PMID- 22053683
TI  - Isolated sigmoid colon metastasis from a primary fallopian tube carcinoma: a case
      report.
AB  - Isolated metastasis of primary fallopian tube carcinoma (PFTC) is extremely rare.
      We describe a case of a 41-year-old asymptomatic woman who was referred three
      years after the initial treatment for PFTC due to elevated sertum CA-125 levels.
      The abdominal and pelvic CT scans revealed a pelvic mass near the top of the
      vaginal vault. On surgery, a sigmoid colon tumour was found and a sigmoidectomy
      was performed. On histopathology the tumour involved the bowel wall from serosa
      to submucosa, without involvement of the underlying mucosa. Immunohistochemical
      staining was positive for cytokeratin 7 and negative for cytokeratin 20, and the
      tumour was determined to be a metastatic mullerian neoplasm, consistent with the
      initial PFTC. Although this is the first reported case of colon metastasis of
      PFTC, the possibility of such an unusual site of metastasis should be kept in
      mind, as PFTC may recur as isolated bowel lesions even in the absence of
      peritoneal disease.

PMID- 22053684
TI  - Primary carcinoma of the neovagina: a case report.
AB  - We present a case of squamous cell carcinoma arising in the neovagina of a woman
      in whom we performed vaginoplasty 20 years before. To the best of our knowledge,
      this is the 23rd case of total carcinoma arising in the neovagina constructed
      because of vaginal agenesis, and the 3nd case of carcinoma arising in the
      neovagina performed without using a graft.

PMID- 22053685
TI  - Uterine sarcoma with abdominal wall metastasis following laparoscopy: case
      report.
AB  - PURPOSE: This work aimed to prevent artificial implantation in laparoscopic
      surgery for gynecological tumors. METHODS: A case of uterine sarcoma with
      abdominal wall metastasis following laparoscopy was analyzed for clinical
      features. RESULTS: A diagnosis of uterine sarcoma was made in Stage IV and the
      previous laparoscopic surgery had caused artificial abdominal wall metastasis.
      CONCLUSIONS: We need to protect the puncture port in laparoscopic surgery of
      gynecological tumors to prevent artificial implantation.

PMID- 22053686
TI  - Gestational choriocarcinoma arising in a tubal ectopic pregnancy: case report.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Gestational choriocarcinoma associated with ectopic pregnancy is an
      extremely rare event. Here we report one of these cases. CASE: A 38-year-old,
      gravida 4, parity 3, patient was admitted to the emergency room with the
      complaint of abdominal pain. Peritoneal irritation signs were present and serum
      hCG level was found to be greater than 15000 mUI/ml. Transvaginal ultrasound
      images were compatible with ruptured tubal ectopic pregnancy. Hemoperitoneum and
      ruptured tuba were found at laparatomy and a right salpingectomy was performed.
      The histopathological evaluation reported the lesion as primary tubal
      choriocarcinoma. The patient was referred to a tertiary care center for treatment
      and follow-up. CONCLUSION: Adequate monitoring of beta-hCG titers and careful
      examinations of pathologic specimens are important to avoid misdiagnosis of
      ectopic gestational trophoblastic disease.

PMID- 22053687
TI  - Rare metastases of carcinoma of uterine cervix.
AB  - This paper describes a case of cancer of the uterine cervix metastasizing in the
      spleen two years after the primary carcinoma was diagnosed and treated. After
      detailed diagnostics, the patient was subjected to surgery. Histopathological
      examination after splenectomy confirmed a very rare case - presence of metastases
      of planocellular carcinoma of the uterine cervix. Over the last ten years,
      references cite isolated cases of metastases of adenocarcinoma of the colon,
      stomach and breast in the spleen as well as lung carcinoma and malignant skin
      melanoma. Until now cases of uterine cervix carcinoma metastasizing to the spleen
      have been published as micrometastases detected in autopsy material.

PMID- 22053688
TI  - Angiokeratoma of the vulva.
AB  - Angiokeratoma of the vulva is relatively uncommon in the general population. We
      present two cases of angiokeratoma of the vulva and review the literature. The
      two patients presented with the complaint of vulvar pruritus. They underwent wide
      local excision of the lesions. Histopathology revealed angiokeratoma of the
      vulva. The women remain well with no evidence of recurrence 48 and 32 months
      after initial surgery. Although it is a rare disease, angiokeratoma of the vulva
      should be included in the differential diagnosis of a vulvar tumor.

PMID- 22053689
TI  - Advances in biomedical sciences. Preface.

PMID- 22053690
TI  - Recent advances in i-Gene tools and analysis: microarrays, next generation
      sequencing and mass spectrometry.
AB  - Recent advances in technology and associated methodology have made the current
      period one of the most exciting in molecular biology and medicine. Underlying
      these is an appreciation that modern research is driven by increasing large
      amounts of data being interpreted by interdisciplinary collaborative teams which
      are often geographically dispersed. The availability of cheap computing power,
      high speed informatics networks and high quality analysis software has been
      essential to this as has the application of modern quality assurance
      methodologies. In this review, we discuss the application of modern 'High
      Throughput' molecular biological technologies such as 'Microarrays' and 'Next
      Generation Sequencing' to scientific and biomedical research as we have observed.
      Furthermore in this review, we also offer some guidance that enables the reader
      as to understand certain features of these as well as new strategies and help
      them to apply these i-Gene tools in their endeavours successfully. Collectively,
      we term this 'i-Gene Analysis'. We also offer predictions as to the developments
      that are anticipated in the near and more distant future.

PMID- 22053691
TI  - Early growth response 1--a transcription factor in the crossfire of signal
      transduction cascades.
AB  - Early growth response-1 (Egr-1) is a Cys2-His2-type zinc-finger transcription
      factor. A broad range of extracellular stimuli is capable of activating Egr-1,
      thus mediating growth, proliferation, differentiation or apoptosis. Egr-1 is,
      therefore, participating in the progression of a variety of diseases such as
      atherosclerosis or cancer. Functional response elements connect Egr-1 to signal
      transduction cascades targeting Egr-1. Five serum response elements (SRE) have
      been identified in the promoter region of Egr-1, the binding region of serum
      response factor (SRF). The Rho/Rho-kinase pathway has been shown to regulate
      actin reorganization via LIM-kinase mediated cofilin phosphorylation. Recent
      studies have revealed that the actin binding striated muscle activator of Rho
      signaling (STARS) promotes translocation of myosin related transcription factors
      (MRTFs) into the nucleus, leading to SRF activation. The ternary complex factor
      (TCF) Elk-1 eventually bridges the gap between SRF-mediated gene transcription
      and the Raf/MEK/ERK pathway. Moreover, the Egr-1 promoter owns two cAMP response
      elements (CREs), whose relevance for gene expression is still unclear. An Egr-1
      binding site (EBS) located on the Egr-1 promoter itself is arguing for a negative
      feedback mechanism. The acquired knowledge on transcriptional regulation of Egr-1
      is not entirely understood. In this review, we highlight upstream and downstream
      signaling in vitro and in vivo associated with Egr-1.

PMID- 22053692
TI  - Molecular interaction between the glucocorticoid receptor and MAPK signaling
      pathway: a novel link in modulating the anti-inflammatory role of
      glucocorticoids.
AB  - Glucocorticoids (GCs) have a broad spectrum of life-sustaining functions and play
      an important role in health and diseases. At pharmacologic doses, GCs are potent
      immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory agents. Inflammation and its related
      diseases present a huge ever increasing burden on the health and disease
      management. A plausible link of inflammation with aging, cardiovascular diseases
      and cancer makes matter even worst and calls for a better understanding to
      resolve the mechanisms associated with the cause and cure of inflammation.
      Understanding the physiological and molecular interlinks is an utmost importance
      in designing novel therapeutic strategies in combating inflammation. Advancement
      in research related to the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling
      pathway and its regulation on inflammation has open up new and promising avenues
      in targeting inflammation as well as understanding the anti-inflammatory property
      of GCs. Molecular interaction between the ligand-activated glucocorticoid
      receptor (GR) and the MAPK signaling at different junctions inhibit the latter
      and thus may account for the anti-inflammatory role of GCs. Therapeutic
      application of GCs in combination with the recently added class of GR modulators
      having greater transrepresssion over transactivation (dissociative property)
      might overcome the clinical side effects associated with GCs.

PMID- 22053693
TI  - HSP70 expression and its role in preeclamptic stress.
AB  - Preeclampsia, a hypertensive pregnancy-specific disorder, has long been analyzed
      for its association with cellular stress. It still remains one of the most
      serious complications of pregnancy. It is a multi-system disorder that affects
      maternal vascular function and fetal growth. The physiopathology of preeclampsia
      is still unclear, but an imbalance between reactive oxygen species (ROS) and
      antioxidants, appears to be an important contributing factor. Oxidative stress
      has been increasingly postulated as a major contributor to endothelial
      dysfunction in preeclampsia (PE). The ROS promotes lipid oxidation and are known
      to induce stress proteins, such as hemeoxygenase 1 (HO-1) and heat-shock protein
      70 (HSP70). Embryonic and placental cells are highly sensitive to oxidative
      stress due to their proliferate nature. Endothelial cell dysfunction is suggested
      to be a part of wider maternal inflammatory reaction responsible for the clinical
      syndrome of preeclampsia. Part of the dysfunction in endothelial cell and
      trophoblast is attributed to oxidative stress developed during pregnancy. The
      disequilibrium in compensatory antioxidant control is proposed as a causative
      mechanism in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia. HSP70 acts as the secondary
      line of defense in systems with compromised antioxidant function. This article
      reviews the differential expression of HSP70 and the effect of mint-tea therapy
      to modulate preeclamptic oxidative damage.

PMID- 22053694
TI  - High-throughput screening assays for cyclooxygenase-2 and 5-lipoxygenase, the
      targets for inflammatory disorders.
AB  - High-throughput screening (HTS) involves testing of compound libraries against
      validated drug targets using quantitative bioassays to identify 'hit' molecules
      that modulate the activity of target, which forms the starting point of a drug
      discovery effort. Eicosanoids formed via cyclooxygenase (COX) and lipoxygenase
      (LOX) pathways are major players in various inflammatory disorders. As the
      conventional non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) that inhibit both the
      constitutive (COX-1) and the inducible (COX-2) isoforms have gastric and renal
      side effects and the recently developed COX-2 selective anti-inflammatory drugs
      (COXIBs) have cardiac side effects, efforts are being made to develop more potent
      and safer antiinflammatory drugs. Current assay methods for these enzymes, such
      as oxygraphic, radioisotopic, spectrophotometric etc. are not compatible for
      screening of large number of compounds as in drug discovery programs. In the
      present study, HTS-compatible assays for COX-1, COX-2 and 5-LOX were developed
      for screening of compound libraries with the view to identify potential anti
      inflammatory drug candidates. A spectrophotometric assay involving co-oxidation
      of tetramethyl-p-phenylene diamine (TMPD) during the reduction of prostaglandin
      G2 (PGG2) to PGH2 was adopted and standardized for screening of compounds against
      COX-1 and COX-2. Similarly, the HTS-compatible FOX (ferrous oxidation-xylenol
      orange) based spectrophotometric assay involving the formation of Fe3+/xylenol
      orange complex showing absorption in the visible range was developed for
      screening of compounds against 5-LOX.

PMID- 22053695
TI  - Transforming growth factor-beta 1 induces angiogenesis in vitro via VEGF
      production in human airway smooth muscle cells.
AB  - Increase in size and number of bronchial blood vessels as well as hyperaemia are
      factors that contribute to airway wall remodelling in patients with chronic
      airway diseases, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases
      (COPD). Expression of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta 1), a
      multifunctional cytokine as well as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a
      key angiogenic molecule, has been shown in the inflammed airways in patients with
      chronic airway diseases. TGF-beta 1 has been implicated in the regulation of
      extracellular matrix, leading to airway remodelling in patients with chronic
      airway diseases. However, the role of TGF-beta 1 in regulating VEGF expression in
      patients with chronic airway diseases, as well as the underlying mechanisms are
      not yet well established. We investigated whether TGF-beta 1 stimulates VEGF
      expression in vitro and hence could influence vascular remodelling. Cultured
      human airway smooth muscle cells (HASMC) were serum deprived for 60 h before
      incubation with 5ng/ml of TGF-beta 1 for different time points. Control cells
      received serum-free culture medium. TGF-beta 1 treatment resulted in time
      dependent HASMC cell proliferation with maximal values for DNA biosynthesis at 24
      h and cell number at 48 h. Northern blot analysis of VEGF mRNA expression showed
      increased levels in cells treated with TGF-beta 1 for 4 to 8 h. TGF-beta 1 also
      induced a time-dependent release of VEGF proteins in the conditioned medium after
      48 h of treatment. Furthermore, the ability of HASMC-released VEGF proteins to
      induce human umbilical vein endothelial cells proliferation was inhibited by VEGF
      receptor antagonist, confirming that TGF-beta 1 induced VEGF was biologically
      active. We conclude that TGF-beta 1 in addition to an extracellular matrix
      regulator also could play a key role in bronchial angiogenesis and vascular
      remodelling via VEGF pathway in asthma.

PMID- 22053696
TI  - Involvement of neuronal NO synthase in collateral artery growth.
AB  - To evaluate the role of neuronal nitric oxides synthase (nNOS) in collateral
      artery growth (arteriogenesis), we analyzed the expression pattern of nNOS at
      distinct time points on RNA and protein levels in a rabbit and a murine model of
      peripheral arteriogenesis. In the rabbit model, Northern blot analyses revealed a
      significant upregulation of nNOS at 6 h (1.6-fold), 12 h (2.2-fold) and 24 h (2.0
      fold) after induction of arteriogenesis via femoral artery ligation, when
      compared to the sham operated side. In mice, an upregulation of nNOS was also
      detected using Northern blot (at 6 h, 12 h) and qRT-PCR (12 h: 2.4-fold). On the
      protein level, nNOS was found to be upregulated 24 h after femoral artery
      ligation. Immunohistochemical staining showed that nNOS was localized in
      endothelial and smooth muscle cells of collateral arteries, as well as in
      skeletal muscle and nerves. In summary, our data provide evidence that nNOS is
      not constitutively expressed, but is induced during arteriogenesis, playing a
      role in supplying reactive oxygen species such as H2O2 and low levels of NO.

PMID- 22053697
TI  - Free radical reactions of a naturally occurring flavone baicalein and possible
      mechanisms towards its membrane protective properties.
AB  - Baicalein (5, 6, 7-trihydroxy-2-phenyl-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one), a naturally
      occurring flavone present in some of the medicinal plants is known for its
      potential therapeutic effects, such as cardioprotective, anticancer and anti
      inflammatory properties. However, detailed role and mechanisms behind its
      protective properties against different generators for oxidative stress have not
      been examined. In the present study, we investigated the possible protective
      ability of baicalein against the membrane damage caused by reactive oxygen
      species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) and the mechanisms involved
      using pulse radiolysis technique. Baicalein offered efficient protection even at
      a concentration of 10 microM towards membrane damage caused by lipid peroxidation
      induced by the gamma-radiation, peroxyl radicals, ascorbate-Fe2+ and
      peroxynitrite in rat liver mitochondria and heart homogenate. To elucidate its
      reaction mechanisms with biologically relevant radicals, transient absorption
      spectroscopy employing pulse radiolysis technique was used. Baicalein showed
      fairly high rate constants (3.7 x 10(9), 1.3 x 10(9) and 8.0 x 10(8) dm3 mol(-1)
      s(-1) for hydroxyl, azidyl and alkylchloroperoxyl radicals, respectively),
      suggesting that baicalein can act as an effective scavenger of these radicals. In
      each case, the phenoxyl radical of baicalein was generated. Thus, it was evident
      that the phenolic moiety of baicalein was responsible for the free radical
      scavenging process. Baicalein also reacts with linoleic acid peroxyl radical
      (LOO*), indicating its ability to act as a chain breaking antioxidant.
      Peroxynitrite-mediated radicals were shown to be reactive towards baicalein and
      the bimolecular rate constants were 2.5 x 10(7) and 3 x 10(8) dm3 mol(-1) s(-1)
      for *NO2 and CO3*(-) radicals, respectively. In conclusion, our results revealed
      the potential of baicalein in protecting mitochondrial membrane against oxidative
      damage induced by the four different agents. We propose that the protective
      effect is mediated via scavenging of primary and secondary radicals generated
      during oxidative stress.

PMID- 22053698
TI  - Modulatory effect of plasma folate and polymorphisms in one-carbon metabolism on
      catecholamine methyltransferase (COMT) H108L associated oxidative DNA damage and
      breast cancer risk.
AB  - The present study was aimed to investigate the modulatory role of plasma folate
      and eight putatively functional polymorphisms of one-carbon metabolism on
      catecholamine methyltransferase (COMT)-mediated oxidative DNA damage and breast
      cancer risk. Plasma folate and 8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-oxodG) were estimated
      by commercially available kits, while polymorphisms were screened by PCR-RFLP and
      PCR-AFLP methods. COMT H108L polymorphism showed independent association with
      breast cancer (OR: 1.73, 95% CI: 1.31-2.30). No significant interaction was
      observed between folate status and COMT genotype. Multifactor dimensionality
      reduction (MDR) analysis gave evidence for the significant epistatic (gene-gene)
      interactions (p<0.0001) of COMT H108L with reduced folate carrier 1 (RFC1) G80A,
      thymidylate synthase (TYMS) 5'-UTR 3R2R, TYMS 3'-UTR ins6/de16. Increased plasma
      8-oxodG were observed in cases compared to controls (mean +/- SE: 5.59 +/- 0.60
      vs. 3.50 +/- 0.40 ng/ml, p<0.004). Plasma folate deficiency alone was not a
      significant predictor of 8-oxodG elevation. The genotype combinations namely,
      RFC1 G80A/methionine synthase reductase (MTRR) A66G, RFC1 G80A/SHMT C1420T/TYMS
      3R2R and serine hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT) C1420T/TYMS 3R2R/methionine
      synthase (MTR) A2756G/COMT H108L were strong predictors of 8-oxodG elevation in
      the order of risk. To conclude, the current study provides substantial evidence
      for a cross talk between one-carbon metabolism and COMT catalysis that might
      influence oxidative DNA damage and breast cancer risk.

PMID- 22053699
TI  - Preferential recognition of methylglyoxal-modified calf thymus DNA by circulating
      antibodies in cancer patients.
AB  - Methylglyoxal (MG) has been implicated in mutagenesis and cancer. Present study
      probes the antigenicity of MG damaged DNA in cancer patients. Purified calf
      thymus DNA was damaged by the synergistic action of MG, lysine (Lys) and CuSO4
      for 24 h at 37 degrees C. DNA modifications produced single-strand breaks,
      hyperchromicity in UV spectrum and increased fluorescence intensity. Binding
      characteristics of auto-antibodies in cancer patients were assessed by direct
      binding and inhibition ELISA. These antibodies exhibited enhanced binding with
      the modified DNA, as compared to the native form. The effect was more pronounced
      when affinity-purified IgG was used in place of the serum. In conclusion, MG
      modified DNA presents unique epitopes which are recognized as non-self by the
      immune system and may, therefore, be one of the factors for the autoantibody
      induction in cancer patients.

PMID- 22053700
TI  - Six-year experience of permanent prostate brachytherapy for clinically localized
      prostate cancer.
AB  - This report presents the outcome of prostate permanent brachytherapy (PPB). One
      hundred and seventy-two patients with clinically localized prostate cancer were
      treated with permanent brachytherapy using iodine-125 seeds (125-I) at Hiroshima
      University Hospital from July 2004 to June 2010. This study evaluated the
      efficacy of PPB in these patients. The median patient age was 69 years (range 53
      to 82 years), the median prostate-specific antigen (PSA) value before biopsy was
      6.75 ng/ml (range 3.5 to 47.9 ng/ml), and the median prostate volume was 23.1 ml
      (range 10.1 to 57 ml). The median follow-up was 37 months (range 1 to 72 months).
      The serum PSA levels decreased continuously after PPB throughout the entire
      follow-up period in 97% of patients without neoadjuvant hormonal therapy. No
      relapse occurred during the follow-up period in patients at low risk. Our 6-year
      experience suggests that PPB is effective for localized prostate cancer. Patients
      with prostate cancer that does not require combined external beam radiation
      therapy (EBRT) have the best chance of responding to treatment.

PMID- 22053701
TI  - Relationship between 3-O-methyldopa and the clinical effects of entacapone in
      advanced Parkinson's disease.
AB  - The aim of this study is to clarify the relationship between serum 3-O-methyldopa
      (3-OMD) and the clinical effects of entacapone. The 3-OMD and maximum serum
      concentration (Cmax) of levodopa were measured in 21 Parkinson's Disease patients
      who took 100 mg levodopa / dopa decarboxylase inhibitor. After the administration
      of entacapone, the 3-OMD concentration and percentage of "on" time during waking
      hours (% of "on" time) were studied for 8 weeks. The 3-OMD concentration was
      reduced by 34%, and the increase in % of "on" time was 28% at the 8th week
      compared with baseline. We defined the COMT-index as [baseline 3-OMD
      concentration] / [levodopa Cmax when 100 mg levodopa was administered alone]. The
      COMT-index was significantly correlated with the increase in % of "on" time at
      the 8th week. In conclusion, the measurement of baseline 3-OMD and levodopa
      pharmacokinetics is useful for predicting the clinical effects of entacapone.

PMID- 22053702
TI  - Detection of large expansions in SCA8 using a fluorescent repeat-primed PCR
      assay.
AB  - Spinocerebellar ataxia type 8 (SCA8) is a neurodegenerative disorder
      characterized by slowly progressive cerebellar ataxia. It is caused by
      bidirectional expression of (CUG)n expansion in the ATXN80S/ATXN8 gene and (CAG)n
      expansion transcripts in ATXN8. The diagnosis of SCA8 must be confirmed by the
      presence of a (CTG)n trinucleotide repeat expansion in the ATXN8OS gene. On the
      other hand, there are many human genetic diseases that are caused by expansion of
      short tandem repeats. Since Werner et al proposed a repeat-primed fluorescent PCR
      to detect large CTG-repeats in myotonic dystrophy, Friedreich ataxia, SCA2, SCA7,
      SCA10 and SCA12 have been reported. In this study, we applied a fluorescent PCR
      method for detection of expanded repeats in the ATXN8OS/ATXN8 gene. Although this
      test cannot give a precise estimate of the size of the expansion, it proved
      useful for confirming the presence of expansions in SCA8.

PMID- 22053703
TI  - A case of idiopathic intracranial hypertension related with vesicoureteral
      reflux.
AB  - Pseudotumor cerebri is idiopathic intracranial hypertension. The etiology of this
      syndrome has not been fully clarified. Excess cerebrospinal fluid production,
      scarcity of cerebrospinal fluid absorption, intracranial venous pressure
      elevation, increased intracranial blood volume are all thought to be responsible.
      The symptoms of the disease may be ordered according to prevalence as follows:
      headache due to increased intracranial pressure, blurred vision and diplopia. A
      thirteen-year-old female patient was brought in with complaints of headache,
      double and blurred vision. Systemic arterial hypertension (140/70 mmHg) was
      determined. Vesicoureteral reflux was detected as the hypertension etiology. In
      this article a rare pseudotumor cerebri case is presented secondary to
      vesicoureteral reflux which caused hypertension.

PMID- 22053704
TI  - Synthesis, characterization, and materials chemistry of Group 4 silylimides.
AB  - This paper focuses on the development of potential single source precursors for M
      N-Si (M = Ti, Zr or Hf) thin films. The titanium, zirconium, and hafnium
      silylimides (Me(2)N)(2)MNSiR(1)R(2)R(3) [R(1) = R(2) = R(3) = Ph, M = Ti(1), Zr
      (2), Hf (3); R(1) = R(2) = R(3) = Et, M = Ti (4), Zr (5), Hf (6); R(1) = R(2) =
      Me, R(3) = (t)Bu, M = Ti (7), Zr (8), Hf (9); R(1) = R(2) = R(3) = NMe(2), M = Ti
      (10), Zr (11), Hf (12)] have been synthesized by the reaction of M(NMe(2))(4) and
      R(3)R(2)R(1)SiNH(2). All compounds are notably sensitive to air and moisture.
      Compounds 1, 2, 4, and 7-10 have been structurally characterized, and all are
      dimeric, with the general formula [M(NMe(2))(2)(MU-NSiR(3))](2), in which the
      MU(2)-NSiR(3) groups bridges two four-coordinate metal centers. The hafnium
      compound 3 possesses the same basic dimeric structure but shows additional
      incorporation of liberated HNMe(2) bonded to one metal. Compounds 11 and 12 are
      also both dimeric but also incorporate additional MU(2)-NMe(2) groups, which
      bridge Si and either Zr or Hf metal centers in the solid state. The Zr and Hf
      metal centers are both five-coordinated in these species. Aerosol-assisted CVD
      (AA-CVD) using 4-7 and 9-12 as precursors generates amorphous films containing M,
      N, Si, C, and O; the films are dominated by MO(2) with smaller contributions from
      MN, MC and MSiON based on XPS binding energies.

PMID- 22053705
TI  - Induction of arginine vasopressin-enhanced green fluorescent protein expression
      in the locus coeruleus following kainic acid-induced seizures in rats.
AB  - Seizure causes autonomic, neuroendocrine and stress responses. We examined the
      effects of kainic acid (KA)-induced seizures on the expression of the arginine
      vasopressin (AVP)-enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) in the locus
      coeruleus (LC), an area known to contain noradrenergic cells, in AVP-eGFP
      transgenic male and female rats, with the rationale to identify stressors which
      induce AVP synthesis in the LC. Subcutaneous (s.c.) administration of KA caused a
      progressive development of seizure behavior within 24 h. AVP-eGFP fluorescence in
      the LC was detected 6, 24, and 48 h and 1 week after administration of KA (12
      mg/kg). From a nearly undetectable level, it reached a maximum at 48 h after s.c.
      administration of KA and returned to the basal levels after 2 weeks. AVP-eGFP
      fluorescence in the LC after s.c. administration of KA was significantly reduced
      by the pretreatment with MK-801 (nonselective N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)
      receptor antagonist). In the KA-administered rats, immunohistochemistry for
      tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) revealed that the eGFP fluorescence was co-localized
      with TH-immuno-reactivity in the LC. These results suggest that the synthesis of
      AVP-eGFP is potentially up-regulated in noradrenergic neurons in the LC after KA
      induced seizures through the activation of NMDA receptors.

PMID- 22053706
TI  - Chemical characterization of Sacha Inchi (Plukenetia volubilis L.) oil.
AB  - A chemical characterization of the major components, namely, triacylglycerols
      (TAGs), polyphenols, and tocopherols in a Sacha inchi oil derived from cold
      pressing of the seed, is hereby reported. To tackle such a task, high-performance
      liquid chromatography in combination with photodiode array (PDA), fluorescence
      (RF), and mass spectrometry (MS) detection was employed. The latter was
      interfaced with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization and with electrospray
      ionization for the analysis of TAGs and polyphenols, respectively, whereas RF
      detection was tested for the determination of tocopherol content. Furthermore,
      fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) were evaluated by gas chromatography-flame
      ionization detector. A 93% amount of total fatty acids was represented by
      unsaturated FAMEs with the greatest percentage represented by linoleic (L) and
      linolenic (Ln) accounting for approximately 50 and 36%, respectively. The main
      TAGs (>10%) were represented by LLnL, LnLnLn, and LnLLn; the latter was present
      in the oil sample at the highest percentage (22.2%). Among tocopherols, gamma
      tocopherol was detected to be the most abundant component (over 50%). The
      polyphenolic composition was also investigated, and a total of 15 compounds were
      positively identified, through the complementary analytical information coming
      from PDA and MS data. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report
      providing a thorough chemical characterization of a Plukenetia volubilis L. oil.

PMID- 22053707
TI  - Laparoscopic assessment of a migrated ventriculoperitoneal shunt into an inguinal
      hernia.
AB  - Placement of a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt may increase intraabdominal
      pressure and lead to an abdominal or genitourinary complication. We report on a 2
      month-old boy with complex congenital neurologic and cardiac anomalies who had a
      VP shunt migrate into the left inguinal hernia. This report demonstrates how a
      laparoscopic approach can be successfully used to reposition the VP shunt,
      identify a contralateral inguinal hernia, and repair both without any additional
      incisions.

PMID- 22053708
TI  - A cell-compatible conductive film from a carbon nanotube network adsorbed on poly
      L-lysine.
AB  - Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) have shown promise for use in organic
      electronic applications including thin film transistors, conducting electrodes,
      and biosensors. Additionally, previous studies found applications for SWNTs in
      bioelectronic devices, including drug delivery carriers and scaffolds for tissue
      engineering. There is a current need to rapidly process SWNTs from solution phase
      to substrates in order to produce device structures that are also biocompatible.
      Studies have shown the use of surfaces covalently functionalized with primary
      amines to selectively adsorb semiconducting SWNTs. Here we report the potential
      of substrates modified with physisorbed polymers as a rapid biomaterials-based
      approach for the formation of SWNT networks. We hypothesized that rapid surface
      modification could be accomplished by adsorption of poly-L-lysine (PLL), which is
      also frequently used in biological applications. We detail a rapid and facile
      method for depositing SWNTs onto various substrate materials using the amine-rich
      PLL. Dispersions of SWNTs of different chiralities suspended in N
      methylpyrrolidinone (NMP) were spin coated onto various PLL-treated substrates.
      SWNT adsorption and alignment were characterized by atomic force microscopy (AFM)
      while electrical properties of the network were characterized by 2-terminal
      resistance measurements. Additionally, we investigated the relative chirality of
      the SWNT networks by micro-Raman spectroscopy. The SWNT surface density was
      strongly dependent upon the adsorbed concentration of PLL on the surface. SWNT
      adsorbed on PLL-treated substrates exhibited enhanced biocompatibility compared
      to SWNT networks fabricated using alternative methods such as drop casting. These
      results suggest that PLL films can promote formation of biocompatible SWNT
      networks for potential biomedical applications.

PMID- 22053709
TI  - Hydrogels as intracellular depots for drug delivery.
AB  - The intracellular activity and drug depot characteristics of micrometer-sized
      hydrogels are described. The hydrogel structure is formed after cellular uptake
      of a solid polymeric nanoparticle that swells in response to mildly acidic
      conditions as it transforms from a hydrophobic to a hydrophilic structure. These
      nanoparticles are rapidly taken up into A549 human non-small cell lung cancer
      cells with 88.3 +/- 0.8% of cells experiencing uptake in 24 h, undergo expansion
      to release encapsulated drug and can effectively deliver chemotherapeutics in
      vitro. The anticancer drug paclitaxel was also shown to have a 3- to 4-fold
      increased affinity for the expanded nanoparticle state, allowing the expansile
      nanoparticles to act as intracellular drug depots and concentrate the drug
      locally.

PMID- 22053710
TI  - Tumor necrosis factor-alpha and receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappaB
      ligand augment human macrophage foam-cell destruction of extracellular matrix
      through protease-mediated processes.
AB  - By secreting proteases such as cathepsins and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs),
      macrophage foam cells may be a major cause of ruptured atherosclerotic plaques.
      The aims of the present study were to investigate in vitro role of human
      macrophage foam cells in degrading type I collagen, a major component of
      extracellular matrix (ECM) in plaques, and to establish whether the pro
      inflammatory molecules, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, and receptor activator
      of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANK-L) increase this degradation. CD14+
      monocytes isolated from peripheral blood were differentiated into macrophage foam
      cells and cultured on a type I collagen matrix in the presence of TNF-alpha and
      RANK-L. Matrix degradation was measured by the cathepsin K-generated C-terminal
      cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX-I) and the MMP-generated
      carboxyterminal telopeptide of type I collagen (ICTP) in supernatants showing
      that macrophage foam cells secrete MMPs and cathepsin K, resulting in release of
      ICTP and CTX-I. Stimulation with TNF-alpha increased CTX-I and ICTP dose
      dependently, with ICTP levels increasing by 59% and CTX-I levels increasing by
      43%. RANK-L enhanced the release of CTX-I and ICTP by 56% and 72%, respectively.
      This is, to our knowledge, the first data describing a simple in vitro system in
      which macrophage foam cells degradation of matrix proteins can be monitored. This
      degradation can be enhanced by cytokines since TNF-alpha and RANK-L significantly
      increased the matrix degradation. This in vitro system in part is a model system
      for the macrophage-mediated proteolytic degradation of the ECM, which is found in
      many diseases with an inflammatory component.

PMID- 22053712
TI  - In vitro evaluation of the schistosomicidal potential of Eremanthus erythropappus
      (DC) McLeisch (Asteraceae) extracts.
AB  - Eremanthus erythropappus (DC) McLeisch, a plant popularly known as Candeia
      (Asteraceae), has high therapeutic potential. In this study, the in vitro
      schistosomicidal potentials of the ethanolic, dichloromethane and hexane extract
      of branches were evaluated. Couples of worms obtained from the infected mice were
      cultured in RPMI supplemented with foetal bovine serum and antibiotics. Four
      pairs of adult worms were exposed to increasing concentrations of each extract
      and examined by light microscope. The extracts at 100 and 200 ug mL(-1) had
      schistosomicidal activity, as demonstrated by the analysis of several aspects
      such as tegument darkening, absence of motility, incapacity of adhesion in
      culture plate and absence of egg in culture medium. At 50 and 75 ug mL(-1), the
      dichloromethane and hexane extracts were highly effective. The results suggest
      that these extracts could be useful in the development of new schistosomicidal
      drugs.

PMID- 22053711
TI  - Assessment of compound hepatotoxicity using human plateable cryopreserved
      hepatocytes in a 1536-well-plate format.
AB  - Hepatotoxicity is a major concern for both drug development and toxicological
      evaluation of environmental chemicals. The assessment of compound-induced
      hepatotoxicity has traditionally relied on in vivo testing; however, it is being
      replaced by human in vitro models due to an emphasis on the reduction of animal
      testing and species-specific differences. Since most cell lines and hybridomas
      lack the full complement of enzymes at physiological levels found in the liver,
      primary hepatocytes are the gold standard to study liver toxicities in vitro due
      to the retention of most of their in vivo activities. Here, we optimized a cell
      viability assay using plateable cryopreserved human hepatocytes in a 1536-well
      plate format. The assay was validated by deriving inhibitory concentration at 50%
      values for 12 known compounds, including tamoxifen, staurosporine, and
      phenylmercuric acetate, with regard to hepatotoxicity and general cytotoxicity
      using multiple hepatocyte donors. The assay performed well, and the cytotoxicity
      of these compounds was confirmed in comparison to HepG2 cells. This is the first
      study to report the reliability of using plateable cryopreserved human
      hepatocytes for cytotoxicity studies in a 1536-well-plate format. These results
      suggest that plateable cryopreserved human hepatocytes can be scaled up for
      screening a large compound library and may be amenable to other hepatocytic
      assays such as metabolic or drug safety studies.

PMID- 22053713
TI  - Application of groEL gene for the species-specific detection of Vibrio
      parahaemolyticus by PCR.
AB  - AIMS: Vibrio parahaemolyticus is a significant cause of human gastrointestinal
      disorders and is transmitted through ingestion of raw or undercooked contaminated
      seafood. We used the groEL gene for the species-specific detection of V.
      parahaemolyticus from artificially inoculated shellfish, fish and seawater.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: The nucleotide sequences of 24 Vibrio and seven non-Vibrio
      spp. were compared, and less conserved regions were selected for the designing of
      primer sets. To detect V. parahaemolyticus specifically, PCR conditions were
      standardized and tested to evaluate the specificity of primers. A 510-bp band was
      appeared only from V. parahaemolyticus by PCR. Notably, the detection was shown
      to be functional at high annealing temperature above 68 degrees C. The groEL
      primers detected 100 pg and 1 ng of DNA purified from V. parahaemolyticus culture
      and artificially infected oyster tissue, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The groEL
      gene is a potential marker for the species-specific detection of V.
      parahaemolyticus and could be used to detect this bacterium in contaminated food
      by PCR. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: PCR using primers designed from
      groEL gene provide an efficient method for the accurate identification of V.
      parahaemolyticus from contaminated samples.

PMID- 22053714
TI  - Correct interpretation of T-ALL oncogene expression relies on normal human
      thymocyte subsets as reference material.

PMID- 22053718
TI  - Instructions to Contributors.

PMID- 22053715
TI  - Resolutions.

PMID- 22053719
TI  - Operative Dentistry Home Page.

PMID- 22053720
TI  - Comparison of intestinal parasitic infection in newly arrived and resident
      workers in Qatar.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The rapid growth of Qatar in the last two decades has been associated
      with an enormous expansion of building programs in its cities and in the
      provision of new service industries. This in turn has attracted a large influx of
      immigrant workers seeking employment in jobs associated with food handling,
      domestic service and the building industry. Many of these immigrants come from
      countries in the tropics and subtropics where intestinal parasitic infections are
      common. METHODS: We analyzed intestinal parasitic infections recorded in 2008
      among immigrant and long-term resident workers in Doha city, Qatar (n = 1538).
      Stool examinations were carried out at the Hamad Medical Corporation and at the
      Medical Commission in Doha using standard procedures. RESULTS: Overall, 21.5% of
      subjects were infected with at least one of the species recorded (8 helminth and
      4 protozoan species; the highest prevalence was for hookworms = 8.3%) and there
      were strong regional effects on prevalence of helminths, with subjects from North
      East Africa and Nepal showing particularly high prevalence. Most helminths
      declined in prevalence in subjects that acquired residency status in Qatar,
      especially among female subjects, but there was a marked exception among male
      Nepalese workers, who continued to harbour helminth infections (notably
      hookworms) after they became residents. Contrary to all other regional groups the
      prevalence of Giardia duodenalis was higher among Nepalese residents compared
      with new arrivals, while Blastocystis hominis infections were more common among
      residents of all regions, and especially among North East Africans. CONCLUSIONS:
      Our analysis has identified male Nepalese workers as a particular risk group
      continuing to harbour hookworm infection and G. duodenalis as residents, and
      subjects from North East Africa are as particularly likely to acquire B. hominis
      infection after settling in the country. These conclusions have important
      implications for the health authorities in Qatar.

PMID- 22053721
TI  - Collection of peptides released from single neurons with particle-embedded
      monolithic capillaries followed by detection with matrix-assisted laser
      desorption/ionization mass spectrometry.
AB  - Characterization of the stimulated release of neuropeptides from brain slices and
      individual cultured neurons requires efficient collection of the releasate from
      relatively large volumes of physiological saline. Here, several collection
      approaches are optimized using particle-embedded monolithic capillaries (PEMCs)
      with poly(stearyl methacrylate-co-ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) monolith acting
      as a "glue". Two distinct extraction particles, with either pyrrolidone (PY) or
      ethylenediamine (EDA) as the functional group on polystyrene backbone, have been
      embedded into capillaries having an inner diameter of 250 MUm. The capillaries
      act as collection devices for sampling neuropeptide release; the collection
      protocols are described, and the extraction efficiency of the probes are
      characterized. Specifically, the binding of angiotensin II from a peptide mixture
      onto the PY and EDA columns was 16 and 28 pmol, respectively, in a volume of 20
      MUL of saline. The peptides released from these columns have been characterized
      via matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry
      with low femtomole detection limits. When the PEMC columns were positioned in
      close proximity to individual neurons and 50 mM KCl was used as the secretagogue,
      peptides released from individual identified cultured neurons isolated from
      Aplysia californica were collected and characterized.

PMID- 22053722
TI  - Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis: insights on subcellular distribution and
      biochemical properties of heparin-binding proteins.
AB  - Leishmaniasis is a vector-borne disease and an important public health issue.
      Glycosaminoglycan ligands in Leishmania parasites are potential targets for new
      strategies to control this disease. We report the subcellular distribution of
      heparin-binding proteins (HBPs) in Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis and specific
      biochemical characteristics of L. (V.) braziliensis HBPs. Promastigotes were
      fractionated, and flagella and membrane samples were applied to HiTrap Heparin
      affinity chromatography columns. Heparin-bound fractions from flagella and
      membrane samples were designated HBP Ff and HBP Mf, respectively. Fraction HBP Ff
      presented a higher concentration of HBPs relative to HBP Mf, and SDS-PAGE
      analyses showed 2 major protein bands in both fractions (65 and 55 kDa). The 65
      kDa band showed gelatinolytic activity and was sensitive to inhibition by 1,10
      phenanthroline. The localization of HBPs on the promastigote surfaces was
      confirmed using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) biosensor analysis by binding the
      parasites to a heparin-coated sensor chip; that was inhibited in a dose-dependent
      manner by pre-incubating the parasites with variable concentrations of heparin,
      thus indicating distinct heparin-binding capacities for the two fractions. In
      conclusion, protein fractions isolated from either the flagella or membranes of
      L. (V.) braziliensis promastigotes have characteristics of metallo-proteinases
      and are able to bind to glycosaminoglycans.

PMID- 22053723
TI  - Overcoming memory T-cell responses for induction of delayed tolerance in nonhuman
      primates.
AB  - The presence of alloreactive memory T cells is a major barrier for induction of
      tolerance in primates. In theory, delaying conditioning for tolerance induction
      until after organ transplantation could further decrease the efficacy of the
      regimen, since preexisting alloreactive memory T cells might be stimulated by the
      transplanted organ. Here, we show that such "delayed tolerance" can be induced in
      nonhuman primates through the mixed chimerism approach, if specific modifications
      to overcome/avoid donor-specific memory T-cell responses are provided. These
      modifications include adequate depletion of CD8+ memory T cells and timing of
      donor bone marrow administration to minimize levels of proinflammatory cytokines.
      Using this modified approach, mixed chimerism was induced successfully in 11 of
      13 recipients of previously placed renal allografts and long-term survival
      without immunosuppression could be achieved in at least 6 of these 11 animals.

PMID- 22053724
TI  - Effect of staining and freezing media on sortability of stallion spermatozoa and
      their post-thaw viability after sex-sorting and cryopreservation.
AB  - Sex-sorted, frozen-thawed stallion spermatozoa remain out of reach of commercial
      horse breeders because of the low efficiency of the sex-sorting process and
      unacceptable fertility rates after insemination. Two experiments were designed to
      test the effects of alternative staining and freezing media to improve the
      viability of sex-sorted frozen-thawed stallion spermatozoa. Experiment 1 compared
      two freezing media, INRA 82((r))  and a modified lactose
      ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), for the cryopreservation of sex-sorted
      stallion spermatozoa. No significant differences between the two freezing media
      could be identified, suggesting that both cryodiluents would be suitable for
      incorporation into a sex-preselection protocol for stallion spermatozoa.
      Experiment 2 compared Kenney's modified Tyrode's (KMT) and Sperm TALP (Sp-TALP)
      as the staining and incubation medium for stallion spermatozoa prior to sex
      sorting. A significant increase in the percentage of acrosome-reacted spermatozoa
      occurred after staining and incubation in the clarified Sp-TALP compared with
      KMT. As no improvements in sorting rates were achieved using Sp-TALP, it was
      concluded that stallion sorting protocols could include KMT as the staining and
      incubation medium while either INRA 82((r))  or lactose-EDTA could be employed as
      a cryodiluents.

PMID- 22053725
TI  - The chemokine receptor CXCR4 and its ligand CXCL12 are activated during
      implantation and placentation in sheep.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The progression of implantation and placentation in ruminants is
      complex and is regulated by interplay between sex steroids and local signaling
      molecules, many of which have immune function. Chemokines and their receptors are
      pivotal factors in implantation and vascularization of the placenta. Based on
      known critical roles for chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) during early pregnancy in
      other species, we hypothesized that CXCR4 and its ligand CXCL12 would increase in
      the endometrium and conceptus in response to implantation in ewes. The objectives
      of the current study were to determine if CXCL12 and CXCR4 were upregulated in:
      endometrium from pregnant compared to non-pregnant ewes and in, conceptuses,
      cotyledons, caruncles and intercaruncular tissue. METHODS: Tissues were collected
      from sheep on Days 12, 13, 14, and 15 of either the estrous cycle or pregnancy
      and from pregnant ewes on Days 35 and 50. Blood samples from jugular and uterine
      vein were also collected on all days. Conceptuses were collected from mature ewes
      on Days 13, 15, 16, 17, 21 and 30 of gestation. Real time PCR was used to
      determine relative mRNA concentrations for CXCL12 and CXCR4 and Western blot
      analysis was employed to confirm protein concentration. RESULTS: Differences
      described are P < 0.05. In the endometrium, CXCR4 mRNA and protein was greater on
      Day 15 of pregnancy compared to the estrous cycle. CXCL12 and CXCR4 mRNA in
      conceptuses was greater on Days 21 and 30 compared to earlier days. CXCL12 mRNA
      was greater in cotyledons on Day 35 compared to Day 50. On Day 35 of gestation,
      CXCR4 was greater compared to Day 50 in caruncle and intercaruncular tissue.
      White blood cells obtained from jugular and uterine vein collection had the
      greatest mRNA concentration of CXCL12 on Day 35 of pregnancy. CONCLUSIONS: A
      comprehensive analysis of CXCL12 and CXCR4 expression in fetal and maternal
      tissues during early pregnancy is reported with noteworthy differences occurring
      during implantation and placentation in sheep. We interpreted these data to mean
      that the CXCL12/CXCR4 pathway is activated during implantation and placentation
      in sheep and is likely playing a role in the communication between trophoblast
      cells and the maternal endometrium.

PMID- 22053726
TI  - Triazole-linked-thiophene conjugate of calix[4]arene: its selective recognition
      of Zn2+ and as biomimetic model in supporting the events of the metal
      detoxification and oxidative stress involving metallothionein.
AB  - Supramolecular calix[4]arene conjugate (L) has been developed as a sensitive and
      selective sensor for Zn(2+) in HEPES buffer among the 12 metal ion by using
      fluorescence, absorption and ESI MS and also by visual fluorescent color. The
      structural, electronic, and emission properties of the calix[4]arene conjugates L
      and its zinc complex, [ZnL], have been demonstrated using ab initio density
      functional theory (DFT) combined with time-dependent density functional theory
      (TDDFT) calculations. The TDDFT calculations reveal the switch on fluorescence
      behavior of L is mainly due to the utilization of the lone pair of electrons on
      imine moiety by the Zn(2+). The resultant fluorescent complex, [ZnL], has been
      used as a secondary sensing chemo-ensemble for the detection of -SH containing
      molecules by removing Zn(2+) from [ZnL] and forming {Cys/DTT.Zn} adducts as
      equivalent to those present in metallothioneins. The displacement followed by the
      release of the coordinated zinc from its Cys/DTT complex by heavy metal ion (viz.
      Cd(2+) and Hg(2+)), as in the metal detoxification process or by ROS (such as
      H(2)O(2)) as in the oxidative stress, has been well demonstrated using the
      conjugate L through the fluorescence intensity retrieval wherein the fluorescence
      intensity is the same as that observed with [ZnL], which in turn mimics the zinc
      sensing element (MTF) in biology.

PMID- 22053727
TI  - Epidemiological survey of orthopedic joint dislocations based on nationwide
      insurance data in Taiwan, 2000-2005.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The epidemiology of acute orthopedic dislocations is poorly
      understood. A nationwide database provides a valuable resource for examining this
      issue in the Taiwanese population. METHODS: A 6-year retrospective cohort study
      of 1,000,000 randomly-sampled beneficiaries from the year 2005 was used as the
      original population. Based on the hospitalized and ambulatory data, the
      concomitant ICD9-CM diagnosis codes and treatment codes were evaluated and
      classified into 8 and 3 major categories, respectively. The cases matching both
      inclusive criteria of dislocation-related diagnosis codes and treatment codes
      were defined as incident cases. RESULTS: During 2000-2005, the estimated annual
      incidence (per 100,000 population) of total orthopedic dislocations in Taiwan was
      42.1 (95%CI: 38.1-46.1). The major cause of these orthopedic dislocations was
      traffic accidents (57.4%), followed by accident falls (27.5%). The annual
      incidence dislocation by location was shoulder, 15.3; elbow, 7.7; wrist, 3.5;
      finger, 4.6; hip, 5.2; knee, 1.4; ankle, 2.0; and foot, 2.4. Approximately 16% of
      shoulder dislocations occurred with other concomitant fractures, compared with
      17%, 53%, 16%, 76% and 52%, respectively, of dislocated elbow, wrist, hip, knee,
      and ankle cases. Including both simple and complex dislocated cases, the mean
      medical cost was US$612 for treatment of a shoulder dislocation, $504 for the
      elbow, $1,232 for the wrist, $1,103 for the hip, $1,888 for the knee, and $1,248
      for the ankle. CONCLUSIONS: In Taiwan, three-quarters of all orthopedic
      dislocations were of the upper limbs. The most common complex fracture
      dislocation was of the knee, followed by the wrist and the ankle. Those usually
      needed a treatment combined with open reduction of fractures and resulted in a
      higher direct medical expenditure.

PMID- 22053728
TI  - Prolonged apnea during electroconvulsive therapy in monozygotic twins: case
      reports.
AB  - In the present work, we report two cases of monozygotic twins who developed
      prolonged apnea during electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) as a complication of
      anesthesia. In both cases, prolonged action of succinylcholine caused by a
      butyrylcholinesterase (BCHE) deficiency was confirmed by means of the dibucaine
      number test. In both cases, genetic analysis using the polymerase chain reaction
      revealed haplotype combined A and K variant mutations of the BCHE gene, both in
      the heterozygous form. These data show the potential risk of BCHE deficiency as a
      complication of anesthesia during ECT, and in particular underline the possible
      genetic contribution within a complex pathogenetic model.

PMID- 22053729
TI  - Honeybee glands as possible infection reservoirs of Nosema ceranae and Nosema
      apis in naturally infected forager bees.
AB  - AIMS: To determine whether Nosema ceranae and Nosema apis are present in
      different gland tissues of honeybee, Apis mellifera L. and to monitor spore
      presence and quantity in these glands in naturally infected hives from July 2009
      to July 2010 in Quebec, Canada. METHODS AND RESULTS: Nosema spp. were quantified
      using duplex quantitative real-time PCR in the thoracic salivary, hypopharyngeal,
      mandibular glands, and venom sac and glands of A. mellifera over a period of 8
      months. Both Nosema species were present in all the glands as single or mixed
      species; however, N. apis was not present as single-species detections in the
      salivary glands (see Table 2). Nosema ceranae was more prevalent throughout the 8
      months. Significant correlative relationships were established for N. ceranae and
      N. apis levels in the honeybee glands and those found within the intestines of
      forager honeybees. Overall, the seasonality of N. ceranae and N. apis in the
      different glands tightly followed the seasonal patterns in the honeybee guts.
      CONCLUSIONS: Nosema ceranae and N. apis are not tissue specific, and honeybee
      glands have potential to become a useful indicator of the extent of disease in
      the colony and may represent a potential infection reservoir. SIGNIFICANCE AND
      IMPACT OF THE STUDY: First report of spore load quantification of Nosema spp. in
      different honeybee glands.

PMID- 22053730
TI  - Effect of rosmarinic acid on experimental diabetic nephropathy.
AB  - Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) plays a pathogenic role in diabetic
      nephropathy (DN). Rosmarinic acid (RA) is a naturally occurring phenolic acid.
      This study was conducted to investigate the efficacy of RA on DN and to elucidate
      the potential mechanism. High glucose (HG)-stimulated cultured human renal
      proximal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) analysed CTGF expression by western
      blotting, and it was investigated whether extracellular signal-regulated kinase
      (ERK) signalling pathway was involved. Using streptozotocin (STZ)-induced rat
      animal models, diabetic rats were randomized to receive intragastric (i.g.) doses
      of RA. Renal tissue, blood and urine samples were collected to determine
      biochemical index and analyse protein expression. In vitro study, RA reduced CTGF
      excretion in HG-induced HK-2 cells through the ERK signalling pathway. In an in
      vivo study, I.g. of RA 7.5 or 15 mg/kg significantly ameliorated renal function
      and increased body-weight. Meanwhile, RA reduced renal CTGF expression by
      immunohistochemical staining and reduced serum levels of CTGF. Besides, there
      were no significant differences in glycaemia levels between the RA groups
      compared with the STZ-treated group. Furthermore, RA ameliorated renal pathology.
      These results suggest that RA exerts an early renal protective role to DN.
      Inhibition of CTGF may be a potential target in DN therapy, which highlights the
      possibility of using RA in the treatment of DN.

PMID- 22053733
TI  - Operative Dentistry Home Page.

PMID- 22053732
TI  - Ultrasound-assisted synthesis of mesoporous zirconia-hydroxyapatite
      nanocomposites and their dual surface affinity for Cr3+/Cr2O7(2-) ions.
AB  - Zirconia-hydroxyapatite nanocomposites were prepared by sol-gel deposition of
      zirconium oxide from a zirconium alkoxide in the presence of apatite colloidal
      suspension under ultrasonication. The material porosity evolves from mainly
      microporous zirconia to mesoporous hydroxyapatite, with decreasing surface area
      and increasing pore volume. XRD studies indicate that the apatite phase is well
      preserved within the composite materials. The homogeneous dispersion of apatite
      colloids within the zirconia network was supported by TEM observations and
      nitrogen sorption measurements. (31)P solid-state NMR studies suggest that
      partial dissolution of apatite may have occurred during the preparation, leading
      to the adsorption of phosphate species on zirconia particles. This is confirmed
      by XRD studies of nanocomposites after thermal treatment that demonstrate the
      preferred formation of tetragonal over monoclinic ZrO(2) in the presence of
      hydroxyapatite. In order to investigate the surface properties of these novel
      materials, the adsorption of Pb(2+), Cr(3+), and Cr(2)O(7)(2-) was evaluated.
      Metal cations were preferentially adsorbed on apatite-rich composites, whereas
      Cr(2)O(7)(2-) shows a good affinity for the zirconia-rich phases. Zirconia
      apatite materials showed the most promising performance in terms of
      recyclability. These nanocomposites that combine microporosity, mesoporosity and
      dual sorption properties for these species appear as interesting materials for
      metal ion remediation and may also find applications as biomaterials.

PMID- 22053731
TI  - Complete genome sequence of Corynebacterium variabile DSM 44702 isolated from the
      surface of smear-ripened cheeses and insights into cheese ripening and flavor
      generation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Corynebacterium variabile is part of the complex microflora on the
      surface of smear-ripened cheeses and contributes to the development of flavor and
      textural properties during cheese ripening. Still little is known about the
      metabolic processes and microbial interactions during the production of smear
      ripened cheeses. Therefore, the gene repertoire contributing to the lifestyle of
      the cheese isolate C. variabile DSM 44702 was deduced from the complete genome
      sequence to get a better understanding of this industrial process. RESULTS: The
      chromosome of C. variabile DSM 44702 is composed of 3, 433, 007 bp and contains
      3, 071 protein-coding regions. A comparative analysis of this gene repertoire
      with that of other corynebacteria detected 1, 534 predicted genes to be specific
      for the cheese isolate. These genes might contribute to distinct metabolic
      capabilities of C. variabile, as several of them are associated with metabolic
      functions in cheese habitats by playing roles in the utilization of alternative
      carbon and sulphur sources, in amino acid metabolism, and fatty acid degradation.
      Relevant C. variabile genes confer the capability to catabolize gluconate,
      lactate, propionate, taurine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid and to utilize external
      caseins. In addition, C. variabile is equipped with several siderophore
      biosynthesis gene clusters for iron acquisition and an exceptional repertoire of
      AraC-regulated iron uptake systems. Moreover, C. variabile can produce acetoin,
      butanediol, and methanethiol, which are important flavor compounds in smear
      ripened cheeses. CONCLUSIONS: The genome sequence of C. variabile provides
      detailed insights into the distinct metabolic features of this bacterium,
      implying a strong adaption to the iron-depleted cheese surface habitat. By
      combining in silico data obtained from the genome annotation with previous
      experimental knowledge, occasional observations on genes that are involved in the
      complex metabolic capacity of C. variabile were integrated into a global view on
      the lifestyle of this species.

PMID- 22053735
TI  - Chemical composition of the essential oil of aerial parts of Haussknechtia
      elymaitica Boiss. from Iran: a good natural source for trans-asaron.
AB  - The chemical composition of the essential oil of Haussknechtia elymaitica Boiss.
      was investigated by capillary GC and GC/MS for the first time. Twelve components
      were identified which accounting for 99.7% of the oil composition. The major
      compounds were trans-asarone (59.9%), trans-methyl isoeugenol (22.4%), alpha
      zingiberene (7.96%), beta-sesquiphellandrene (4.7%) and beta-bisabolene (4.3%).
      The first three compounds considered as the main components of the essential oil
      were isolated and characterised by spectroscopic techniques.

PMID- 22053736
TI  - Reducing medical errors and adverse events.
AB  - Medical errors account for ~98,000 deaths per year in the United States. They
      increase disability and costs and decrease confidence in the health care system.
      We review several important types of medical errors and adverse events. We
      discuss medication errors, healthcare-acquired infections, falls, handoff errors,
      diagnostic errors, and surgical errors. We describe the impact of these errors,
      review causes and contributing factors, and provide an overview of strategies to
      reduce these events. We also discuss teamwork/safety culture, an important aspect
      in reducing medical errors.

PMID- 22053737
TI  - Wireless technology in disease management and medicine.
AB  - Healthcare information, and to some extent patient management, is progressing
      toward a wireless digital future. This change is driven partly by a desire to
      improve the current state of medicine using new technologies, partly by supply
      and-demand economics, and partly by the utility of wireless devices. Wired
      technology can be cumbersome for patient monitoring and can restrict the behavior
      of the monitored patients, introducing bias or artifacts. However, wireless
      technologies, while mitigating some of these issues, have introduced new problems
      such as data dropout and "information overload" for the clinical team. This
      review provides an overview of current wireless technology used for patient
      monitoring and disease management. We identify some of the major related issues
      and describe some existing and possible solutions. In particular, we discuss the
      rapidly evolving fields of telemedicine and mHealth in the context of
      increasingly resource-constrained healthcare systems.

PMID- 22053738
TI  - Geographic variation in health care.
AB  - Measurements of health care spending and outcomes in a geographic area and
      comparisons of one area to another have been used to make observations about
      health delivery systems and guide health care policy. Medicare claims files are a
      ready source of data about health care utilization and have served as the basis
      for a large number of studies in the United States. If ecologic studies are to
      accurately reflect local practices, potential variables must be accounted for. In
      the United States, differences in disease burden and socioeconomic factors are
      important variables affecting health care spending and outcomes. The assertion
      that regional variation in Medicare spending in the last two years of life is
      indicative of widespread waste in the U.S. health care system became a
      controversial part of the health care reform debate in 2009-2010.

PMID- 22053740
TI  - Circulating tumor cells and circulating tumor DNA.
AB  - Solid tumors derived from epithelial tissues (carcinomas) are responsible for 90%
      of all new cancers in Europe, and the main four tumor entities are breast,
      prostate, lung, and colon cancer. Present tumor staging is mainly based on local
      tumor extension, metastatic lymph node involvement, and evidence of overt distant
      metastasis obtained by imaging technologies. However, these staging procedures
      are not sensitive enough to detect early tumor cell dissemination as a key event
      in tumor progression. Many teams have therefore focused on the development of
      sensitive assays that allow the specific detection of single tumor cells or small
      amounts of cell-free tumor DNA in the peripheral blood of cancer patients. These
      methods allow the detection and characterization of early metastatic spread and
      will provide unique insights into the biology of metastatic progression of human
      tumors, including the effects of therapeutic interventions.

PMID- 22053739
TI  - Screening for prostate cancer: early detection or overdetection?
AB  - A sophisticated reading of the randomized trial evidence suggests that, although
      screening for prostate cancer with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) can reduce
      cancer-specific mortality, it does so at considerable cost in terms of the number
      of men who need to be screened, biopsied, and treated to prevent one death. The
      challenge is to design screening programs that maximize benefits (reducing
      prostate cancer mortality) and minimize costs (overtreatment). Recent research
      has suggested that this can be achieved by risk-stratifying screening and biopsy;
      increasing reliance on active surveillance for low-risk cancer; restricting
      radical prostatectomy to high-volume surgeons; and using appropriately high-dose
      radiotherapy. In current U.S. practice, however, many men who are screened are
      unlikely to benefit, most men found to have low-risk cancers are referred for
      unnecessary curative treatment, and much treatment is given at low-volume
      centers.

PMID- 22053741
TI  - Curcumin alleviates eosinophilic meningitis through reduction of eosinophil count
      following albendazole treatment against Angiostrongylus cantonensis in mice.
AB  - Angiostrongylus cantonensis (A. cantonensis) is the most common cause of
      parasitic eosinophilic meningitis worldwide. By using an animal model of BALB/c
      mice infected with A. cantonensis, previous studies indicated that the
      anthelmintic drug, albendazole, could kill A. cantonensis larvae and prevent
      further infection. However, the dead larvae will induce severe immune responses
      targeting at brain tissues. To alleviate the detrimental effects caused by the
      dead larvae, we administered curcumin, a traditional anti-inflammatory agent, as
      a complementary treatment in addition to albendazole therapy, to determine
      whether curcumin could be beneficial for treatment. The results showed that
      although curcumin treatment alone did not reduce worm number, combined treatment
      by albendazole and curcumin helped to reduce eosinophil count in the
      cerebrospinal fluid, better than using albendazole alone. This alleviating effect
      did not affect albendazole treatment alone, since histological analysis showed
      similar worm eradication with or without addition of curcumin. Nevertheless,
      curcumin treatment alone and combined albendazole-curcumin treatment did not
      inhibit MMP-9 expression in the brain tissue. In conclusion, curcumin, when used
      as a complementary treatment to albendazole, could help to alleviate eosinophilic
      meningitis through suppression of eosinophil count in the cerebrospinal fluid.

PMID- 22053742
TI  - Ultrasonic extraction of phenols from olive mill wastewater: comparison with
      conventional methods.
AB  - Recovery of phenols from olive mill wastewater (OMWW) was studied, comparing five
      sample preparation methods: filtration, solid-phase (SPE), liquid-liquid (LLE)
      and ultrasonic (US)-assisted extraction of liquid and solid (freeze-dried) OMWW.
      Results showed that ultrasonication is a good alternative to conventional solvent
      extractions, providing higher recoveries at both levels of individual and total
      phenol yields. Sonication of liquid OMWW in organic solvent was more efficient vs
      its nonassisted counterpart (agitation), but did not provide a representative
      phenol chromatogram due to ethyl acetate use. By contrast, the US-assisted
      extraction of freeze-dried OMWW (3 * 20 min) in 100% methanol (1.5 g/25 mL, w/v)
      offered the highest qualitative-quantitative phenol yields without any US-induced
      alterations. Moreover, freeze-drying is an excellent preservation of initial
      liquid OMWW, holding a great potential for delayed analysis. This study is also
      the first report that Slovenian OMWW may be utilized as a valuable source of
      phenols, especially hydroxytyrosol and tyrosol.

PMID- 22053743
TI  - Selective monobenzoylation of 1,2- and 1,3-diols catalyzed by Me2SnCl2 in water
      (organic solvent free) under mild conditions.
AB  - We have developed an efficient method for selective monobenzoylation of 1,2- and
      1,3-diols in water catalyzed by Me(2)SnCl(2). Treatment of 1,2- and 1,3-diols
      with benzoyl chlorides, DMT-MM, and potassium carbonate in the presence of a
      catalytic amount of Me(2)SnCl(2) and DMAP in water at room temperature gave
      monobenzoates in up to 97% yield.

PMID- 22053744
TI  - Multiplexed sensing of ions with barcoded polyelectrolyte capsules.
AB  - Multiplexed detection of analytes is a challenge for numerous medical and
      biochemical applications. Many fluorescent particulate devices are being
      developed as ratiometric optical sensors to measure the concentration of
      intracellular analytes. The response of these sensors is based on changes of the
      emission intensity of analyte-sensitive probes, entrapped into the carrier
      system, which depends on the concentration of a specific analyte. However, there
      are a series of technical limits that prevent their use for quantitative
      detection of several analytes in parallel (e.g., emission crosstalk between
      different sensor molecules). Here we demonstrate that double-wall barcoded sensor
      capsules can be used for multiplexed analysis of proton, sodium, and potassium
      ions. The sensor detection methodology is based on porous microcapsules which
      carry ion-sensitive probes in their inner cavity for ion detection and a unique
      QD barcode in their outermost wall as tag for identification of individual
      sensors. The engineering of QD barcodes to capsules walls represents a promising
      strategy for optical multianalyte determination.

PMID- 22053745
TI  - Development of a dual-isotope procedure for the tagging and identification of
      manufactured products: application to explosives.
AB  - A novel chemical tagging approach, based on a dual-isotope procedure, is
      presented. The method has been applied to explosives tagging. The method is based
      on the addition to the explosive of two enriched isotopes of the same element,
      which may be already present within it, at a given molar ratio. This dual-isotope
      approach will give a unique fingerprint to the tagged explosive. Further, the
      authentication of the tagged explosive or its residues will be obtained by
      comparison of the ratio of molar fractions experimentally measured by inductively
      coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) with the molar fraction ratio of the
      tagging mixture. The novelty of this tagging method relies on working with
      isotope abundances and molar fraction ratios instead of the classical isotope
      ratios, and this fact constitutes the strong point of the described approach
      since the molar ratio is not affected by physical, chemical, or biochemical
      processes, and it is also not disturbed by environmental contamination with the
      natural abundance element. Furthermore, the use of molar fraction ratios
      overcomes the nonhomogeneous distribution of the tagging element within the
      explosive. As the tagging element can be present at trace or ultratrace levels, a
      very small amount of enriched isotopes needs to be added, denoting a low cost
      solution. Also, the use of enriched stable isotopes of nontoxic elements will
      have negligible health effects or affect the environment.

PMID- 22053746
TI  - Mechanistic insights into the dissociation and decomposition of carbonic acid in
      water via the hydroxide route: an ab initio metadynamics study.
AB  - The dissociation and decomposition of carbonic acid (H2CO3) in water are
      important reactions in the pH regulation in blood, CO2 transport in biological
      systems, and the global carbon cycle. H2CO3 is known to have three conformers
      [cis-cis (CC), cis-trans (CT), and trans-trans (TT)], but their individual
      reaction dynamics in water has not been probed experimentally. In this paper, we
      have investigated the energetics and mechanisms of the conformational changes,
      dissociation (H2CO3 -->/<-- HCO3(-) + H(+)), and decomposition via the hydroxide
      route (HCO3(-) --> CO2+OH(-)) of all three conformers of H2CO3 in water using Car
      Parrinello molecular dynamics (CPMD) in conjunction with metadynamics. It was
      found that, unlike in the gas phase, the interconversion between the various
      conformers occurs via two different pathways, one involving a change in one of
      the two dihedral angles (O=C-O-H) and the other a proton transfer through a
      hydrogen-bond wire. The free energy barriers/changes for the various
      conformational changes via the first pathway were calculated and contrasted with
      the previously calculated values for the gas phase. The CT and TT conformers were
      found to undergo decomposition in water via a two-step process: first, the
      dissociation and then the decomposition of HCO3(-) into CO2 and OH(-). The CC
      conformer does not directly decompose but first undergoes a conformational change
      to CT or TT prior to decomposition. This is in contrast with the concerted
      mechanism proposed for the gas phase, which involves a dehydroxylation of one of
      the OH groups and a simultaneous deprotonation of the other OH group to yield CO2
      and H2O. The dissociation in water was seen to involve the repeated formation and
      breakage of a hydrogen-bond wire with neighboring water molecules, whereas the
      decomposition is initiated by the diffusion of H(+) away from HCO3(-); this
      decomposition mechanism differs from that proposed for the water route
      dehydration (HCO3(-) + H3O(+) --> CO2 + H2O), which involves the participation of
      a nearbyH3O(+) ion.Our calculated pKa values and decomposition free energy
      barriers for the CT and TT conformers are consistent with the overall
      experimental values of 3.45 and 22.28 kcal/mol, respectively, suggesting that the
      dynamics of the various conformers should be taken into account for a better
      understanding of aqueous H2CO3 chemistry.

PMID- 22053747
TI  - Shared familial aggregation of susceptibility to different manifestations of
      venous thromboembolism: a nationwide family study in Sweden.

PMID- 22053748
TI  - The influence of mapped hazards on risk beliefs: a proximity-based modeling
      approach.
AB  - Interview findings suggest perceived proximity to mapped hazards influences risk
      beliefs when people view environmental hazard maps. For dot maps, four attributes
      of mapped hazards influenced beliefs: hazard value, proximity, prevalence, and
      dot patterns. In order to quantify the collective influence of these attributes
      for viewers' perceived or actual map locations, we present a model to estimate
      proximity-based hazard or risk (PBH) and share study results that indicate how
      modeled PBH and map attributes influenced risk beliefs. The randomized survey
      study among 447 university students assessed risk beliefs for 24 dot maps that
      systematically varied by the four attributes. Maps depicted water test results
      for a fictitious hazardous substance in private residential wells and included a
      designated "you live here" location. Of the nine variables that assessed risk
      beliefs, the numerical susceptibility variable was most consistently and strongly
      related to map attributes and PBH. Hazard value, location in or out of a
      clustered dot pattern, and distance had the largest effects on susceptibility.
      Sometimes, hazard value interacted with other attributes, for example, distance
      had stronger effects on susceptibility for larger than smaller hazard values. For
      all combined maps, PBH explained about the same amount of variance in
      susceptibility as did attributes. Modeled PBH may have utility for studying the
      influence of proximity to mapped hazards on risk beliefs, protective behavior,
      and other dependent variables. Further work is needed to examine these influences
      for more realistic maps and representative study samples.

PMID- 22053749
TI  - 2,4-Pentanediolate as an alkoxide/diketonate "hybrid" ligand and the formation of
      aluminum and zirconium derivatives.
AB  - When 2,4-pentanediol (2,4-H(2)pd) is deprotonated, the resulting dianion (2,4-pd)
      serves as a type of "hybrid" ligand, i.e., an alkoxide that possesses structural
      features of a beta-diketonate. 2,4-Pentanediol reacts with Al(O-s-Bu)(3) and Zr(O
      i-Pr)(4) to form chelated multinuclear complexes. The aluminum-containing product
      is first isolated as the insoluble [Al(2,4-pd)(2,4-Hpd)](n); on sublimation, a
      hydrocarbon-soluble mixture of polymetallic species is generated. Mass spectral
      evidence suggests that both Al(4)(2,4-pd)(6) and Al(5)(2,4-pd)(7)(2,4-Hpd) are
      present. The zirconium complex is isolated as an adduct, [Zr(2,4-pd)(2)](2).(2,4
      H(2)pd). The pentanediolates decompose on heating to form Al(2)O(3) and ZrO(2).
      Unlike the mononuclear Al(acac)(3) and Zr(acac)(4) derivatives (acac =
      acetylacetonate), the formation of aggregates with the 2,4-pd ligand suggests
      that the latter has more coordinative flexibility. The geometries of several
      model aluminum complexes with oxygen donor ligands were studied with density
      functional theory methods. The optimized structures were used with the gauge,
      including atomic orbital (GIAO) method to calculate their (27)Al NMR magnetic
      shielding values for comparison with experiment.

PMID- 22053750
TI  - Novel route to size-controlled Fe-MIL-88B-NH2 metal-organic framework
      nanocrystals.
AB  - A new approach for the synthesis of uniform metal-organic framework (MOF)
      nanocrystals with controlled sizes and aspect ratios has been developed using
      simultaneously the non-ionic triblock co-polymer F127 and acetic acid as
      stabilizing and deprotonating agents, respectively. The alkylene oxide segments
      of the triblock co-polymer can coordinate with metal ions and stabilize MOF
      nuclei in the early stage of the formation of MOF nanocrystals. Acetic acid can
      control the deprotonation of carboxylic linkers during the synthesis and, thus,
      enables the control of the rate of nucleation, leading to the tailoring of the
      size and aspect ratio (length/width) of nanocrystals. Fe-MIL-88B-NH(2), as an
      iron-based MOF crystal, was selected as a typical example to illustrate our
      approach. The results reveal that this approach is used for not only the
      synthesis of uniform nanocrystals but also the control of the size and aspect
      ratio of the materials. The size and aspect ratio of nanocrystals increase with
      an increase in the concentration of acetic acid in the synthetic mixture. The non
      ionic triblock co-polymer F127 and acetic acid can be easily removed from the Fe
      MIL-88B-NH(2) nanocrystal products by washing with ethanol, and thus, their amine
      groups are available for practical applications. The approach is expected to
      synthesize various nanosized carboxylate-based MOF members, such as MIL-53, MIL
      89, MIL-100, and MIL-101.

PMID- 22053751
TI  - Anakinra potentiates the protective effects of etanercept in transplantation of
      marginal mass human islets in immunodeficient mice.
AB  - Anti-inflammatory agents are used routinely in clinical islet transplantation in
      an attempt to promote islet engraftment. Infliximab, and more recently
      etanercept, is being used to neutralize tumor necrosis factor alpha, but this
      tenet is based on limited preclinical data. One group has promoted the potential
      of combined etanercept with an IL-1 receptor antagonist, anakinra in a small
      clinical study, but without strong preclinical data to justify this approach. We
      therefore sought to evaluate the impact of combined anakinra and etanercept in a
      marginal islet mass transplant model using human islets in immunodeficient mice.
      The combination of anakinra and etanercept led to remarkable improvement in islet
      engraftment (control 36.4%; anakinra 53.9%; etanercept 45.45%; anakinra and
      etanercept 87.5% euglycemia, p < 0.05 by log-rank) compared to single-drug
      treated mice or controls. This translated into enhanced metabolic function (area
      under curve glucose tolerance), improved graft insulin content and marked
      reduction in beta-cell specific apoptotis (0.67% anakinra + etanercept vs. 23.5%
      control, p < 0.001). These results therefore strongly justify the combined short
      term use of anakinra and etanercept in human islet transplantation.

PMID- 22053752
TI  - Influences of metabolic traits on subclinical endometritis at different intervals
      postpartum in high milking cows.
AB  - Seventy pluriparous high-yielding cows were used to investigate the impact of
      metabolic traits and body condition score (BCS) during early lactation on
      subclinical endometritis diagnosed at weeks 5, 6 and 7 postpartum (pp). Blood
      samples were collected from animals with no peripartum problems from the second
      (W2) to seventh (W7) weeks pp to estimate some blood metabolites including non
      esterified fatty acids (NEFA), beta-hydroxybutyric acid (BHBA), blood glucose,
      total cholesterol (T-chol) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN). Reproductive tract
      examination was carried out at weeks 5, 6 and 7 pp by endometrial cytology
      (percentage of polymorphonuclear cells; PMN%). Based on PMN%, animals having <5%
      were defined as subclinical endometritis group (ENDM group) while animals
      unaffected by endometritis were defined as no subclinical endometritis group
      (NOENDM group). Animals with endometritis during week 5 were identified as ENDM5,
      during week 6 identified as ENDM6 and during week 7 identified as ENDM7 or
      animals with no endometritis during weeks 5 (NOENDM5), 6 (NOENDM6) and 7
      (NOENDM7) pp. Animals diagnosed at week 5; BUN and BCS were lower p < 0.05 in
      ENDM 5 than NOENDM5 group at W2, W4, W6 and W7. Cows diagnosed at week 6; T-chol
      was significantly higher (p = 0.05) in ENDM6 group (279.2 +/- 12.5 mg/dl) than
      NOENDM6 group (246 +/- 9.5 mg/dl) at W7. Moreover, blood glucose was
      significantly low (p < 0.05) in ENDM6 group when compared to NOENDM group at W4
      pp (49.2 +/- 1.8 vs 53.8 +/- 1.3 mg/dl). BCS was significantly lower (p < 0.001)
      in animals suffered from endometritis during week 7 when compared to NOENDM7 cows
      at W3, W4, W5, W6 and W7. In conclusion, lower blood glucose, BUN and BCS could
      be a risk factor for cytologically diagnosed endometritis at weeks 5, 6 and 7 pp.

PMID- 22053753
TI  - Colonoscopic high frequency mini-probe ultrasound is more accurate than
      conventional computed tomography in the local staging of colonic cancer.
AB  - AIM: Colonoscopic high frequency mini-probe ultrasound was compared prospectively
      with CT in the local staging of colonic cancer. METHOD: Consecutive patients
      undergoing surgical resection for colonic cancer were recruited. Preoperative 64
      slice CT staging with multiplanar reconstruction was compared with colonoscopic
      high frequency mini-probe ultrasound using 12 MHz and 20 MHz probes. The three
      methods of staging (CT, 12 MHz ultrasound and 20 MHz ultrasound) were compared
      with the histological stage of the resected specimen. This was done using
      weighted kappa coefficients where weights of 0.7-0.8 were given to penalize
      disagreements of one level in either direction and weights of zero were given to
      penalize disagreements of more than one level in any direction. RESULTS: In
      total, 38 patients with colonic cancer were included. They were located in the
      sigmoid (n = 20), descending (n = 5), ascending (n = 2) and transverse colon (n =
      1) and in the caecum (n = 7) and splenic (n = 2) and hepatic (n = 1) flexure.
      Histopathological assessment revealed seven pT1, four pT2, 25 pT3 and two pT4
      cancers. In relation to the pathology the weighted kappa coefficients were 0.36
      (SE = 0.14), 0.81 (SE = 0.16) and 0.81 (SE = 0.17) for CT, ultrasound 12 MHz and
      ultrasound 20 MHz. Histopathologically 15 (39.5%) patients were lymph node
      positive. The sensitivity, specificity and kappa coefficient for detection of
      nodal disease for CT were 80%, 47.8% and 0.25 (SE = 0.14) compared with 80%,
      82.5% and 0.62 for 12 MHz ultrasound (SD = 0.14) and 23%, 90.5% and 0.15 (SD =
      0.13) for 20 MHz ultrasound. CONCLUSION: Colonoscopic ultrasound is significantly
      more accurate than CT for T staging of colonic cancers. With respect to nodal
      status, 12 MHz ultrasound offers superior accuracy to CT or 20 MHz ultrasound.

PMID- 22053754
TI  - Chewing gum modifies state anxiety and alertness under conditions of social
      stress.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The finding that chewing gum can moderate state anxiety under
      conditions of acute stress has proved difficult to replicate. The present study
      examines the extent to which chewing gum can moderate state anxiety under
      conditions of acute social stress. METHOD: In a between-participants design, 36
      participants completed a task comprising a mock job interview (a variation on the
      Trier Social Stress Task, which included a mental arithmetic component) while
      either chewing gum or without chewing gum. Self-rated measures of mood and
      anxiety were taken at baseline, after a 10-minute presentation preparation stage,
      after the 10-minute presentation, and following a 5-minute recovery stage.
      RESULTS: Post-presentation measures reflected increased state anxiety and
      decreased self-rated calmness and contentedness. Chewing gum attenuated the rise
      in state anxiety while increasing self-rated alertness. Chewing gum did not
      affect contentedness or calmness. CONCLUSIONS: The findings indicate that chewing
      gum can act to reduce anxiety under conditions of acute social stress: a finding
      consistent with Scholey et al. Furthermore, the data add to the growing body of
      literature demonstrating that chewing gum can increase alertness.

PMID- 22053755
TI  - Orally administered L-ornithine elevates brain L-ornithine levels and has an
      anxiolytic-like effect in mice.
AB  - Intracerebroventricular injection of L-ornithine has demonstrated sedative and
      hypnotic effects in neonatal chicks exposed to acute stressful conditions.
      However, whether orally administered L-ornithine can reduce acute mental stress
      remains to be defined. To clarify the nutritional importance of L-ornithine in
      controlling the stress response, in Experiment 1 we first investigated whether
      orally administered L-ornithine can be transported into the brain of mice. Mice
      were orally administered L-ornithine (3 mmol/water 10 ml/kg, per os). L-Ornithine
      levels were significantly elevated in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus at 30
      and 60 minutes post-administration. In Experiment 2, the effect of orally
      administered L-ornithine (0, 0.1875, 0.75 and 3 mmol/water 10 ml/kg, per os) on
      anxiety-like behavior in mice exposed to the elevated plus-maze test was examined
      at 30 minutes post-administration. There was a significant increase in the
      percentage of time spent and entries in the open arms in the group receiving 0.75
      mmol of L-ornithine compared to the control group. Furthermore, locomotion
      activity in a novel environment was not significantly changed between the control
      group and 0.75 mmol of L-ornithine group in Experiment 3. Therefore, it appears
      that orally administrated L-ornithine is bioavailable to the rodent brain and
      reduces anxiety-like behavior as demonstrated by the elevated plus-maze test.

PMID- 22053756
TI  - Neuroprotective effects of anthocyanins on apoptosis induced by mitochondrial
      oxidative stress.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Mitochondrial oxidative stress (MOS) is a major factor in the
      underlying pathology of many neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we investigated
      the neuroprotective effects of a unique class of nutraceutical antioxidants,
      anthocyanins, against MOS-induced death of cultured cerebellar granule neurons
      (CGNs). Callistephin and kuromanin are anthocyanins derived from strawberries and
      black rice, respectively, whose neuroprotective properties have yet to be
      examined in detail. METHODS: Glutathione (GSH)-sensitive MOS and intrinsic
      apoptosis were induced in CGNs by incubation with the Bcl-2 inhibitor, HA14-1.
      The effects of anthocyanin co-incubation on CGN survival were assessed. RESULTS:
      The anthocyanins demonstrated significant protection from MOS-induced apoptosis
      which was equivalent to that provided by the green tea polyphenol,
      epigallocatechin 3-gallate; however, neither anthocyanin was as effective as GSH
      at rescuing CGNs. Inhibition of Bcl-2 caused a significant reduction of
      mitochondrial GSH which was prevented by the anthocyanins. Furthermore, the
      anthocyanins inhibited iron-induced lipid peroxidation in rat brain homogenates
      and prevented cardiolipin oxidation induced by MOS in CGNs. MOS-induced
      mitochondrial fragmentation and proteolytic cleavage of the optic atrophy 1
      (OPA1) fusion GTPase were also attenuated by the anthocyanins. Finally, the
      anthocyanins significantly enhanced GSH peroxidase activity in a cell-free assay.
      DISCUSSION: These data show that anthocyanins suppress MOS-induced apoptosis by
      preserving mitochondrial GSH and inhibiting cardiolipin oxidation and
      mitochondrial fragmentation. These nutraceutical antioxidants warrant further
      study as potential therapeutic agents for neurodegenerative diseases caused by
      MOS.

PMID- 22053757
TI  - Effect of chronic protein ingestion on tyrosine and tryptophan levels and
      catecholamine and serotonin synthesis in rat brain.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Previous studies have shown that brain tyrosine (TYR) levels and
      catecholamine synthesis rate increase in rats as chronic dietary protein content
      increases from 2 to 10% (% weight). A single protein, casein, was examined. The
      present study explores how TYR levels and catecholamine synthesis (and tryptophan
      (TRP) levels and serotonin synthesis) change when different proteins are ingested
      chronically over the same range of dietary protein contents. METHODS: Male rats
      ingested for 8 days diets contain 2 or 10% protein (zein, gluten, casein, soy
      protein, or alpha-lactalbumin). On the last day, they were killed 2.5 hours into
      the dark period, 30 minutes after receiving an injection of m
      hydroxybenzylhydrazine, an inhibitor of aromatic l-amino acid decarboxylase.
      Brain samples were analyzed for amino acids, including 5-hydroxytryptophan (index
      of serotonin synthesis rate) and dihydroxyphenylalanine (index of catecholamine
      synthesis rate), by HPLC-electrochemical detection. RESULTS: TYR levels and
      catecholamine synthesis rate in brain were unaffected by the particular protein
      ingested. However, TRP levels and serotonin synthesis rate varied markedly,
      depending on the protein ingested, with effects being most prominent in the 10%
      protein groups. The effect of dietary protein on brain TRP correlated very highly
      with its effect on serotonin synthesis. DISCUSSION: The results indicate that the
      protein ingested can chronically modify TRP levels and serotonin synthesis in
      brain, but not TYR levels or catecholamine synthesis, with effects most distinct
      at an adequate level of protein intake (10%).

PMID- 22053758
TI  - Epidemiological link between low cholesterol and suicidality: a puzzle never
      finished.
AB  - A substantial body of evidence shows an association between an increased risk of
      suicide and naturally low or therapeutically lowered serum cholesterol. The
      nature of the association, however, remains unclear. The interrelationships of
      cholesterol, cholesterol-lowering medications,  depressive disorders, and the
      risk of suicide are more likely to be multi-directional. On the one hand, low
      cholesterol may have direct effects on mood and suicidal behaviors. On the other
      hand, psychological conditions and the medications for treatment may influence
      eating and exercise habits,  and subsequently cholesterol levels. There is also
      likelihood that cholesterol might be a bystander of the association between
      suicide and other factors. Overall, the association not only represents a public
      health concern, is indeed a scientific challenge. The aim of this contribution is
      to comprehensively update and critically review the epidemiological evidences.
      Efforts have been made to explain the discrepant results from previous studies.
      This paper is concluded with discussions of the direction and methodological
      challenges for future investigations.

PMID- 22053760
TI  - The next evolutionary synthesis: from Lamarck and Darwin to genomic variation and
      systems biology.
AB  - The evolutionary synthesis, the standard 20th century view of how evolutionary
      change occurs, is based on selection, heritable phenotypic variation and a very
      simple view of genes. It is therefore unable to incorporate two key aspects of
      modern molecular knowledge: first is the richness of genomic variation, so much
      more complicated than simple mutation, and second is the opaque relationship
      between the genotype and its resulting phenotype. Two new and important books
      shed some light on how we should view evolutionary change now. "Evolution: a view
      from the 21st century" by J.A. Shapiro (2011, FT Press Science, New Jersey, USA.
      pp. 246) examines the richness of genomic variation and its implications.
      "Transformations of Lamarckism: from Subtle Fluids to Molecular Biology" edited
      by S.B. Gissis & E. Jablonka (2011, MIT Press, Cambridge, USA. pp. 457) includes
      some 40 papers that anyone with an interest in the history of evolutionary
      thought and the relationship between the environment and the genome will want to
      read. This review discusses both books within the context of contemporary
      evolutionary thinking and points out that neither really comes to terms with
      today's key systems-biology question: how does mutation-induced variation in a
      molecular network generate variation in the resulting phenotype?

PMID- 22053759
TI  - Novel agents for anti-platelet therapy.
AB  - Anti-platelet therapy plays an important role in the treatment of patients with
      thrombotic diseases. The most commonly used anti-platelet drugs, namely, aspirin,
      ticlopidine, and clopidogrel, are effective in the prevention and treatment of
      cardio-cerebrovascular diseases. Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonists (e.g.,
      abciximab, eptifibatide and tirofiban) have demonstrated good clinical benefits
      and safety profiles in decreasing ischemic events in acute coronary syndrome.
      However, adverse events related to thrombosis or bleeding have been reported in
      cases of therapy with glycoprotein IIb/IIIa antagonists. Cilostazol is an anti
      platelet agent used in the treatment of patients with peripheral ischemia, such
      as intermittent claudication. Presently, platelet adenosine diphosphate P2Y(12)
      receptor antagonists (e.g., clopidogrel, prasugrel, cangrelor, and ticagrelor)
      are being used in clinical settings for their pronounced protective effects. The
      new protease-activated receptor antagonists, vorapaxar and atopaxar, potentially
      decrease the risk of ischemic events without significantly increasing the rate of
      bleeding. Some other new anti-platelet drugs undergoing clinical trials have also
      been introduced. Indeed, the number of new anti-platelet drugs is increasing.
      Consequently, the efficacy of these anti-platelet agents in actual patients
      warrants scrutiny, especially in terms of the hemorrhagic risks. Hopefully, new
      selective platelet inhibitors with high anti-thrombotic efficiencies and low
      hemorrhagic side effects can be developed.

PMID- 22053761
TI  - New biotechnological perspectives of a NADH oxidase variant from Thermus
      thermophilus HB27 as NAD+-recycling enzyme.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The number of biotransformations that use nicotinamide recycling
      systems is exponentially growing. For this reason one of the current challenges
      in biocatalysis is to develop and optimize more simple and efficient cofactor
      recycling systems. One promising approach to regenerate NAD+ pools is the use of
      NADH-oxidases that reduce oxygen to hydrogen peroxide while oxidizing NADH to
      NAD+. This class of enzymes may be applied to asymmetric reduction of prochiral
      substrates in order to obtain enantiopure compounds. RESULTS: The NADH-oxidase
      (NOX) presented here is a flavoenzyme which needs exogenous FAD or FMN to reach
      its maximum velocity. Interestingly, this enzyme is 6-fold hyperactivated by
      incubation at high temperatures (80 degrees C) under limiting concentrations of
      flavin cofactor, a change that remains stable even at low temperatures (37
      degrees C). The hyperactivated form presented a high specific activity (37.5
      U/mg) at low temperatures despite isolation from a thermophile source.
      Immobilization of NOX onto agarose activated with glyoxyl groups yielded the most
      stable enzyme preparation (6-fold more stable than the hyperactivated soluble
      enzyme). The immobilized derivative was able to be reactivated under
      physiological conditions after inactivation by high solvent concentrations. The
      inactivation/reactivation cycle could be repeated at least three times,
      recovering full NOX activity in all cases after the reactivation step. This
      immobilized catalyst is presented as a recycling partner for a thermophile
      alcohol dehydrogenase in order to perform the kinetic resolution secondary
      alcohols. CONCLUSION: We have designed, developed and characterized a
      heterogeneous and robust biocatalyst which has been used as recycling partner in
      the kinetic resolution of rac-1-phenylethanol. The high stability along with its
      capability to be reactivated makes this biocatalyst highly re-useable for
      cofactor recycling in redox biotransformations.

PMID- 22053763
TI  - Addressing health disparities through patient education: the development of
      culturally-tailored health education materials at Puentes de Salud.
AB  - The availability of culturally appropriate written health information is
      essential for promoting health in diverse populations. Lack of English fluency
      has been shown to negatively impact health outcomes for Latinos in the United
      States. The authors conducted a needs assessment at a clinic serving Latino
      immigrants, focusing on patients' health and previous experiences with written
      health information. Based on these results and a literature review, we developed
      10 Spanish language brochures to better serve the target population. This article
      outlines the process of developing and implementing this intervention, which can
      serve as a model for similar projects targeting diverse populations.

PMID- 22053762
TI  - Electrocardiographic abnormalities associated with the metabolic syndrome and its
      components: the multi-ethnic study of atherosclerosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The association between metabolic syndrome and electrocardiographic
      (ECG) abnormalities is not well established. METHODS: ECG tracings of 6,765 men
      and women aged 45-84 years, free of clinical cardiovascular disease, from the
      Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis were obtained (2000-2002) and classified as
      normal or having major or minor abnormalities. We evaluated the associations of
      metabolic syndrome and its components with ECG abnormalities, adjusting for age,
      ethnicity, and gender and testing for effect modification by ethnicity and
      gender. RESULTS: The associations of metabolic syndrome, hypertension, and high
      triglycerides with ECG abnormalities varied significantly by gender. In males,
      metabolic syndrome and hypertension were significantly associated with major ECG
      abnormality [1.69 (1.33-2.13), and 2.22 (1.72-2.86), respectively] after
      adjusting for ethnicity and gender. Hypertension was also associated
      significantly with minor ECG abnormality in males after adjusting for age and
      ethnicity. In females, metabolic syndrome and hypertension were significantly
      associated with major [1.84 (1.44-2.37), and 1.68 (1.27-2.22), respectively] and
      minor [1.38 (1.19-1.59), and 1.53 (1.32-1.79), respectively] ECG abnormalities
      after adjusting for age and ethnicity. High triglycerides were only significantly
      associated with major ECG abnormality in females after adjusting for age and
      ethnicity. After adjusting for age, ethnicity, and gender, central obesity and
      high fasting blood glucose were significantly associated with major and minor ECG
      abnormalities, whereas low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol was significantly
      associated with major ECG abnormality only. CONCLUSIONS: Metabolic syndrome and
      its components are associated with major and/or minor ECG abnormalities. The
      relationship of metabolic syndrome, hypertension, and high triglycerides with ECG
      abnormalities varied according to gender.

PMID- 22053765
TI  - Factors influencing parental decision making when parents choose to deviate from
      the standard pediatric immunization schedule.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this article is to present the results of a study
      focusing on the basis for parental decisions to refrain from the standard
      pediatric immunization schedule. DESIGN AND METHODS: The study was based upon
      open-ended qualitative items that were subjected to content analysis to identify
      the prominent themes cited by parents. RESULTS: The results of the study
      demonstrate the presence of a variety of continuing misperceptions regarding the
      risks represented by common pediatric immunizations. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The
      study demonstrates the need for intensive efforts designed to apprise families of
      the risks and benefits associated with pediatric immunization.

PMID- 22053764
TI  - Factors associated with the overuse or underuse of health care services among
      medical aid beneficiaries in Korea.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare and contrast demographic characteristics and health care
      service utilization between overusers and underusers of health care services and
      to identify factors associated with the overuse or underuse of health care
      services among the medical aid beneficiaries in Korea. METHODS: Secondary data
      analysis was performed using health care costs and medical aid case management
      progress data. Data on demographic characteristics, health-related quality of
      life (HRQoL), and inappropriate health care service user category (overuse or
      underuse) were provided by the Medical-Aid Case Management Center of Korea, and
      heath care service reimbursement data were provided by the Korea National Health
      Insurance Corporation (NHIC). Data on 22,697 beneficiaries were used for
      analysis, and logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine factors that
      are associated with overuse and underuse of health care services. RESULTS: The
      study results revealed that older individuals, women, unemployed individuals,
      type 1 medical aid beneficiaries, and those with higher education and
      disabilities were more likely to belong to the overuse group, but urban
      residents, compared to metropolitan residents, and those with higher HRQoL were
      more likely to belong to the underuse group (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Understanding
      factors associated with the overuse or underuse of health care services may help
      to provide tailored case management services to improve the HRQoL of the
      beneficiaries and optimize their use of health care services. CLINICAL RELEVANCE:
      Promoting appropriate use of health care services may enhance clients' quality of
      life and preserve resources for other essential services for medical aid
      beneficiaries.

PMID- 22053766
TI  - Community program to prevent diabetes in school children.
AB  - There is an alarming increase in obesity and type- 2 diabetes in children. This
      article describes the process used to develop a diabetes prevention education
      program led by a group of volunteers from a community. Professionals in the field
      of nursing, education, nutrition, physical education, and fitness combined their
      expertise to develop content on diabetes and healthy life styles for third and
      fourth graders. The focus is an overview on diabetes education, nutrition, and
      physical activity using a highly interactive environment for the program.

PMID- 22053767
TI  - Stress and depression among Latina women in rural southeastern North Carolina.
AB  - The purposes of this study were to assess the level of depression and types of
      major stressors, and to identify stressors contributing to depression, among 135
      Latina women in rural southeastern North Carolina. Nearly half of the
      participants (47.6%) had scores of greater than, or equal to, 16 on the Center
      for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, used to identify possible depression,
      suggesting the need for early intervention. "Difficult to be away from family
      members," "immigration status," and "religion" were the most reliable predictors
      of stress, accounting for 34.5% of the total variance in depression.

PMID- 22053770
TI  - Beliefs about who should be tested for HIV among African American individuals
      attending a family practice clinic.

PMID- 22053774
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 22053771
TI  - Identification of novel targets for breast cancer by exploring gene switches on a
      genome scale.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An important feature that emerges from analyzing gene regulatory
      networks is the "switch-like behavior" or "bistability", a dynamic feature of a
      particular gene to preferentially toggle between two steady-states. The state of
      gene switches plays pivotal roles in cell fate decision, but identifying switches
      has been difficult. Therefore a challenge confronting the field is to be able to
      systematically identify gene switches. RESULTS: We propose a top-down mining
      approach to exploring gene switches on a genome-scale level. Theoretical
      analysis, proof-of-concept examples, and experimental studies demonstrate the
      ability of our mining approach to identify bistable genes by sampling across a
      variety of different conditions. Applying the approach to human breast cancer
      data identified genes that show bimodality within the cancer samples, such as
      estrogen receptor (ER) and ERBB2, as well as genes that show bimodality between
      cancer and non-cancer samples, where tumor-associated calcium signal transducer 2
      (TACSTD2) is uncovered. We further suggest a likely transcription factor that
      regulates TACSTD2. CONCLUSIONS: Our mining approach demonstrates that one can
      capitalize on genome-wide expression profiling to capture dynamic properties of a
      complex network. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt in
      applying mining approaches to explore gene switches on a genome-scale, and the
      identification of TACSTD2 demonstrates that single cell-level bistability can be
      predicted from microarray data. Experimental confirmation of the computational
      results suggest TACSTD2 could be a potential biomarker and attractive candidate
      for drug therapy against both ER+ and ER- subtypes of breast cancer, including
      the triple negative subtype.

PMID- 22053775
TI  - The efficacy of a brief intervention in reducing hazardous drinking in working
      age men in Russia: the HIM (Health for Izhevsk men) individually randomised
      parallel group exploratory trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Russia has particularly low life expectancy for an industrialised
      country, with mortality at working ages having fluctuated dramatically over the
      past few decades, particularly among men. Alcohol has been identified as the most
      likely cause of these temporal variations. One approach to reducing the alcohol
      problem in Russia is 'brief interventions' which seek to change views of the
      personal acceptability of excessive drinking and to encourage self-directed
      behaviour change. Very few studies to evaluate the efficacy of brief
      interventions in Russia have been conducted. Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a
      person-centred counselling style which can be adapted to brief interventions in
      which help is offered in thinking through behaviour in the context of values and
      goals, to decide whether change is needed, and if so, how it may best be
      achieved. METHODS: This paper reports on an individually randomised two-armed
      parallel group exploratory trial. The primary hypothesis is that a brief
      adaptation of MI will be effective in reducing self-reported hazardous and
      harmful drinking at 3 months. Participants were drawn from the Izhevsk Family
      Study II, with eligibility determined based on proxy reports of hazardous and
      harmful drinking in the past year. All participants underwent a health check,
      with MI subsequently delivered to those in the intervention arm. Signed consent
      was obtained from those in the intervention arm only at this point. Both groups
      were then invited for 3 and 12 month follow ups. The control group did not
      receive any additional intervention. RESULTS: 441 men were randomised. Of these
      61 did not have a health check leaving 190 in each trial arm. Follow up at 3
      months was high (97% of those having a health check), and very similar in the two
      trial arms (183 in the intervention and 187 in the control). No significant
      differences were detected between the randomised groups in either the primary or
      the secondary outcomes at three months in the intention to treat analyses. The
      unadjusted odds ratio (95% CI) for the effect of MI on hazardous and harmful
      drinking was 0.77 (0.51, 1.16). An adjusted odds ratio of 0.52 (0.28, 0.94) was
      obtained in the pre-specified per protocol analysis. CONCLUSIONS: This trial
      demonstrates that it is possible to engage Russian men who drink hazardously in a
      brief intervention aimed at reducing alcohol related harm. However the results
      with respect to the efficacy are equivocal and further, larger-scale trials are
      warranted. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ISRCTN: ISRCTN82405938.

PMID- 22053776
TI  - Factors influencing benzene formation from the decarboxylation of benzoate in
      liquid model systems.
AB  - Benzene may occur in foods due to the oxidative decarboxylation of benzoate in
      the presence of hydroxyl radicals. This study investigated factors influencing
      benzene formation in liquid model systems. The type of buffer, other sources of
      hydroxyl radical formation in food (photo oxidation of riboflavin and lipid
      oxidation), transition metal ion concentrations, and the inhibitory effect of
      antioxidants were tested in benzoate containing model systems. Regarding the
      hydroxyl radical sources tested, the highest benzene formation was observed in
      light exposed model systems containing ascorbic acid, Cu(2+), and riboflavin in
      Na-citrate buffer (1250 +/- 131 MUg kg(-1)). In practice, it seems that the
      combination ascorbic acid/transition metal ion remains the biggest contributor to
      benzene formation in food. However, the concentration of Cu(2+) influences
      significantly benzene formation in such a system with highest benzene yields
      observed for Cu(2+) 50 MUM (1400 MUg kg(-1)). The presence of antioxidants with
      metal chelation or reduction properties could prevent completely benzene
      formation.

PMID- 22053777
TI  - Dicer-labile PEG conjugates for siRNA delivery.
AB  - Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) conjugates of Dicer-substrate small interfering RNA
      (DsiRNA) have been prepared to investigate a new siRNA release strategy. 3'-sense
      or 5'-antisense thiol-modified, blunt-ended DsiRNAs, inhibiting enhanced green
      fluorescent protein (eGFP) expression, were covalently conjugated to PEG with
      varying molecular weights (2, 10, and 20 kg/mol) through a stable thioether bond
      using a Michael addition reaction. The DsiRNA conjugates with 2 kg/mol PEG (both
      3'-sense or 5'-antisense strand conjugated) and the 10 kg/mol PEG conjugated to
      the 3'-sense strand of DsiRNA were efficiently cleaved by recombinant human Dicer
      to 21-mer siRNA, as determined by gel electrophoresis. Importantly, 2 and 10
      kg/mol PEG conjugated to the 3'-sense strand of DsiRNA showed potent gene
      silencing activity in human neuroblastoma (SH-EP) cells, stably expressing eGFP,
      at both the mRNA and protein levels. Moreover, the 10 kg/mol PEG conjugates of
      the 3'-sense strand of DsiRNA were less immunogenic when compared with the
      unmodified DsiRNA, determined via an immune stimulation assay on human peripheral
      blood mononuclear cells.

PMID- 22053779
TI  - Solvent-dependent reactions for the synthesis of beta-keto-benzo-delta-sultone
      scaffolds via DBU-catalyzed O-sulfonylation/intramolecular Baylis-Hillman/1,3-H
      shift or dehydration tandem sequences.
AB  - We have developed a solvent-dependent method for the synthesis of novel benzo
      delta-sultone scaffolds. A variety of benzylbenzo[e][1,2]oxathiin-4(3H)-one-2,2
      dioxides were obtained in high yields in DMF using a one-pot, DBU-catalyzed
      condensation of 2-hydroxybenzaldehydes with a number of (E)-2
      phenylethenesulfonyl chlorides. On the other hand, the initially prepared 2
      formylphenyl-(E)-2-phenylethenesulfonate derivatives underwent DBU-catalyzed
      reactions to a series of 3-[methoxy(phenyl)methyl]benzo[e][1,2]oxathiine-2,2
      dioxides in moderate to good yields in MeOH. These reactions presumably proceed
      via DBU-catalyzed O-sulfonylation/intramolecular Baylis-Hillman/1,3-H shift or
      dehydration tandem sequences, respectively.

PMID- 22053780
TI  - Event-tree analysis with imprecise probabilities.
AB  - Novel methods are proposed for dealing with event-tree analysis under imprecise
      probabilities, where one could measure chance or uncertainty without sharp
      numerical probabilities and express available evidence as upper and lower
      previsions (or expectations) of gambles (or bounded real functions). Sets of
      upper and lower previsions generate a convex set of probability distributions (or
      measures). Any probability distribution in this convex set should be considered
      in the event-tree analysis. This article focuses on the calculation of upper and
      lower bounds of the prevision (or the probability) of some outcome at the bottom
      of the event-tree. Three cases of given information/judgments on probabilities of
      outcomes are considered: (1) probabilities conditional to the occurrence of the
      event at the upper level; (2) total probabilities of occurrences, that is, not
      conditional to other events; (3) the combination of the previous two cases.
      Corresponding algorithms with imprecise probabilities under the three cases are
      explained and illustrated by simple examples.

PMID- 22053781
TI  - Saccharide-functionalized alkanethiols for fouling-resistant self-assembled
      monolayers: synthesis, monolayer properties, and antifouling behavior.
AB  - We describe the synthesis of a series of mono-, di-, and trisaccharide
      functionalized alkanethiols as well as the formation of fouling-resistant self
      assembled monolayers (SAMs) from these. The SAMs were characterized using
      ellipsometry, wetting measurements, and infrared reflection-absorption
      spectroscopy (IRAS). We show that the structure of the carbohydrate moiety
      affects the packing density and that this also alters the alkane chain
      organization. Upon increasing the size of the sugar moieties (from mono- to di-
      and trisaccharides), the structural qualities of the monolayers deteriorated with
      increasing disorder, and for the trisaccharide, slow reorganization dynamics in
      response to changes in the environmental polarity were observed. The antifouling
      properties of these SAMs were investigated through protein adsorption experiments
      from buffer solutions as well as settlement (attachment) tests using two common
      marine fouling species, zoospores of the green macroalga Ulva linza and cypris
      larvae of the barnacle Balanus amphitrite. The SAMs showed overall good
      resistance to fouling by both the proteins and the tested marine organisms. To
      improve the packing density of the SAMs with bulky headgroups, we employed mixed
      SAMs where the saccharide-thiols are diluted with a filler molecule having a
      small 2-hydroxyethyl headgroup. This method also provides a means by which the
      steric availability of sugar moieties can be varied, which is of interest for
      specific interaction studies with surface-bound sugars. The results of the
      surface dilution study and the low nonspecific adsorption onto the SAMs both
      indicate the feasibility of this approach.

PMID- 22053782
TI  - Single nuclei Raman spectroscopy for drug evaluation.
AB  - Detection of cellular changes at single-cell level has a great potential for
      biomedical and biopharmaceutical applications. Raman spectroscopy is an important
      tool for single-cell molecular imaging analysis. Raman spectroscopy can provide
      time-resolved information of the selected biomolecular distributions inside a
      single cell without the need of chemical labeling. In this study, we monitored
      the cellular responses to antineoplastic drug at a single cell basis with Raman
      spectroscopy. We demonstrated that single nuclei Raman spectroscopy has the
      ability to detect and identify nuclear changes related to cytotoxicity at lower
      concentrations and in shorter time span than conventional cell based assays.
      Thus, this strategy of using Raman spectroscopy of single, isolated nuclei may be
      very valuable for rapid and sensitive detection of cellular changes in response
      to chemotherapeutic agents.

PMID- 22053783
TI  - HCO3(-) formation from CO2 at high pH: ab initio molecular dynamics study.
AB  - Ab initio molecular dynamics simulations have been performed to study the
      dissolution of CO2 in water at high pH. The CO2 + OH(-) --> HCO3(-) forward and
      the HCO3(-) --> CO2 + OH(-) reverse paths have been simulated by employing the
      metadynamics technics. We have found that the free energy barrier along the
      forward direction is predominantly hydration related and significantly entropic
      in origin, whereas the backward barrier is primarily enthalpic. The main motifs
      in the forward mechanism are the structural diffusion of the hydroxyl ion to the
      first hydration sphere of CO2, its desolvation, and the C-O bond formation in
      concert with the CO2 bending within the hydrate cavity. In the reverse reaction,
      the origin of the barrier is the rupture of the strong C-O(H) bond. The present
      findings support the notion that the free energy barrier of the bicarbonate
      formation is strongly solvation related but provide also additional mechanistic
      details at the molecular level.

PMID- 22053784
TI  - Vacuolated lymphocytes and abnormal eosinophils in GM1 gangliosidosis, type 1.

PMID- 22053785
TI  - Digital transplantation pathology: combining whole slide imaging, multiplex
      staining and automated image analysis.
AB  - Conventional histopathology is the gold standard for allograft monitoring, but
      its value proposition is increasingly questioned. "-Omics" analysis of tissues,
      peripheral blood and fluids and targeted serologic studies provide mechanistic
      insights into allograft injury not currently provided by conventional histology.
      Microscopic biopsy analysis, however, provides valuable and unique information:
      (a) spatial-temporal relationships; (b) rare events/cells; (c) complex structural
      context; and (d) integration into a "systems" model. Nevertheless, except for
      immunostaining, no transformative advancements have "modernized" routine
      microscopy in over 100 years. Pathologists now team with hardware and software
      engineers to exploit remarkable developments in digital imaging, nanoparticle
      multiplex staining, and computational image analysis software to bridge the
      traditional histology-global "-omic" analyses gap. Included are side-by-side
      comparisons, objective biopsy finding quantification, multiplexing, automated
      image analysis, and electronic data and resource sharing. Current utilization for
      teaching, quality assurance, conferencing, consultations, research and clinical
      trials is evolving toward implementation for low-volume, high-complexity clinical
      services like transplantation pathology. Cost, complexities of implementation,
      fluid/evolving standards, and unsettled medical/legal and regulatory issues
      remain as challenges. Regardless, challenges will be overcome and these
      technologies will enable transplant pathologists to increase information
      extraction from tissue specimens and contribute to cross-platform biomarker
      discovery for improved outcomes.

PMID- 22053786
TI  - Two-dimensional coalescence dynamics of encapsulated metallofullerenes in carbon
      nanotubes.
AB  - We report on the coalescence of a two-dimensional (2D) chain of La@C(82)
      metallofullerene molecules encapsulated inside a single-wall carbon nanotube
      (SWNT). 2D packing of metallofullerenes is known to adopt a zigzag arrangement
      and cause elliptical distortion to the cross-section of the SWNT host. We show
      that after coalescence of the metallofullerenes into an inner nanotube the carbon
      nanotube host returns to its original circular cross-section. This is due to a
      relaxation of the strain caused by the packing of the encapsulated La@C(82)
      molecules into the nanotube. We identify the formation of some novel but
      transient fullerene-based structures formed during the intermediate stages of
      coalescence of the La@C(82) into an inner nanotube. These results highlight the
      flexible nature of SWNTs and their ability to adapt their cross-sectional profile
      depending upon forces induced by material encapsulated within.

PMID- 22053787
TI  - Long-term results of stapled haemorrhoidopexy in a prospective single centre
      study of 153 patients with 1-6 years' follow-up.
AB  - AIM: The long-term results of stapled haemorrhoidopexy for prolapsed haemorrhoids
      were assessed using uniform methods to acquire data and pre-set definitions of
      failure, recurrence, residual symptoms and impaired continence. METHOD: From
      October 1999 to May 2005, 153 patients underwent a stapled haemorrhoidopexy and
      were enrolled prospectively. They were assessed preoperatively, postoperatively
      and at the end of the study from replies to a questionnaire about symptoms and
      continence. Preoperatively, manual reduction of prolapse was required in 103
      patients, skin tags were found in 115 patients (circumferential in 22) and
      impaired continence in 63. RESULTS: In all, 145 patients completed preoperative
      and long-term protocols and were analysed as paired data, at a mean follow-up of
      32 months. Failure to control the prolapse or recurrence was seen in 19 (13%)
      patients including nine reoperations for prolapse. Symptoms improved from 8.1 to
      2.5 points on a 15-point scale (P = 0.001). Symptoms were not controlled in 25
      (17%) patients. Continence improved from 4.7 to 2.9 points on a 15-point scale (P
      = 0.001). Twenty-five (17%) patients still had a continence disturbance.
      Altogether 51 (35%) patients had a deficient outcome with respect to prolapse,
      symptoms or continence. There were no major adverse events. CONCLUSION:  
      Restoration of the anal anatomy by stapled haemorrhoidopexy resulted in a
      significant improvement in haemorrhoid-associated symptoms and continence but a
      third of patients had poor symptom control including 13% with persisting
      prolapse.

PMID- 22053788
TI  - Artisanal salt production in Aveiro/Portugal - an ecofriendly process.
AB  - Solar salinas are man-made systems exploited for the extraction of salt, by
      solar and wind evaporation of seawater. Salt production achieved by traditional
      methods is associated with landscapes and environmental and patrimonial values
      generated throughout history. Since the mid-twentieth century, this activity has
      been facing a marked decline in Portugal, with most salinas either abandoned or
      subjected to destruction, making it necessary to find a strategy to reverse this
      trend.It is, however, possible to generate revenue from salinas at several
      levels, not merely in terms of good quality salt production, but also by
      obtaining other products that can be commercialized, or by exploring their
      potential for tourism, and as research facilities, among others. Furthermore,
      with an adequate management, biodiversity can be restored to abandoned salinas,
      which constitute important feeding and breeding grounds for resident and
      migratory aquatic birds, many of which are protected by European Community
      Directives.The aims of this manuscript are to present a brief overview on the
      current state of sea salt exploitation in Portugal and to stress the importance
      of recovering these salinas for the conservation of this particular environment,
      for the regional economy, the scientific community and the general public. The
      Aveiro salina complex is presented in detail, to exemplify salina structure and
      functioning, as well as current problems and potential solutions for artisanal
      salinas.

PMID- 22053789
TI  - Characterization of the PilN, PilO and PilP type IVa pilus subcomplex.
AB  - Type IVa pili are bacterial nanomachines required for colonization of surfaces,
      but little is known about the organization of proteins in this system. The
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa pilMNOPQ operon encodes five key members of the
      transenvelope complex facilitating pilus function. While PilQ forms the outer
      membrane secretin pore, the functions of the inner membrane-associated proteins
      PilM/N/O/P are less well defined. Structural characterization of a stable C
      terminal fragment of PilP (PilP(Delta71)) by NMR revealed a modified beta
      sandwich fold, similar to that of Neisseria meningitidis PilP, although
      complementation experiments showed that the two proteins are not interchangeable
      likely due to divergent surface properties. PilP is an inner membrane putative
      lipoprotein, but mutagenesis of the putative lipobox had no effect on the
      localization and function of PilP. A larger fragment, PilP(Delta18-6His), co
      purified with a PilN(Delta44)/PilO(Delta51) heterodimer as a stable complex that
      eluted from a size exclusion chromatography column as a single peak with a
      molecular weight equivalent to two heterotrimers with 1:1:1 stoichiometry.
      Although PilO forms both homodimers and PilN-PilO heterodimers, PilP(Delta18
      6His) did not interact stably with PilO(Delta51) alone. Together these data
      demonstrate that PilN/PilO/PilP interact directly to form a stable heterotrimeric
      complex, explaining the dispensability of PilP's lipid anchor for localization
      and function.

PMID- 22053790
TI  - Is there any relationship between physical activity level and patterns, and
      physical performance in children?
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is often assumed that physical activity (PA) and physical
      performance during childhood and adolescence are beneficial for health during
      adulthood, but a positive relationship between PA and physical performance has
      not been precisely clarified in children. The lack or the weakness of the
      relationships between PA and physical performance could be due to the measure of
      PA. If the use of accelerometry is considered as an objective and common measure
      of PA, the real patterns of children's habitual PA must be reflected. The aim of
      this study was to investigate the relationship between the levels and patterns of
      PA assessed with high frequency accelerometry and physical performance in young
      children. METHODS: Eighty-six boys and 101 girls aged 6-12 years participated in
      this study. Physical activity was measured over a 7-day period, using a 5-s
      epoch. Physical performance was assessed by means of EUROFIT tests
      (anthropometrics, standing broad jump, the 10 * 5 meter shuttle run, the sit-and
      reach, the handgrip, the number of sit-ups in 30 seconds, the 20-meter shuttle
      run). RESULTS: No relationship was found between PA and physical performance. In
      boys only, body fatness was negatively associated with vigorous PA (r = -0.38, p
      < 0.001) and very high PA (r = -0.35, p < 0.01), in contrast to light PA (r =
      0.28, p < 0.01), which was positively related to body fatness. CONCLUSION: In 6-
      to- 12 year- old children, the more active children were not the fittest. Our
      results also underline the need for uniformity in approach to measurement of PA,
      body composition and health-related fitness between studies.

PMID- 22053797
TI  - Chemistry of diglycolamides: promising extractants for actinide partitioning.

PMID- 22053792
TI  - Myc and Miz-1 have coordinate genomic functions including targeting Hox genes in
      human embryonic stem cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A proposed role for Myc in maintaining mouse embryonic stem (ES) cell
      pluripotency is transcriptional repression of key differentiation-promoting
      genes, but detail of the mechanism has remained an important open topic. RESULTS:
      To test the hypothesis that the zinc finger protein Miz-1 plays a central role,
      in the present work we conducted chromatin immunoprecipitation/microarray (ChIP
      chip) analysis of Myc and Miz-1 in human ES cells, finding homeobox (Hox) genes
      as the most significant functional class of Miz-1 direct targets. Miz-1
      differentiation-associated target genes specifically lack acetylated lysine 9 and
      trimethylated lysine 4 of histone H3 (AcH3K9 and H3K4me3) 9 histone marks,
      consistent with a repressed transcriptional state. Almost 30% of Miz-1 targets
      are also bound by Myc and these cobound genes are mostly factors that promote
      differentiation including Hox genes. Knockdown of Myc increased expression of
      differentiation genes directly bound by Myc and Miz-1, while a subset of the same
      genes is downregulated by Miz-1 loss-of-function. Myc and Miz-1 proteins interact
      with each other and associate with several corepressor factors in ES cells,
      suggesting a mechanism of repression of differentiation genes. CONCLUSIONS: Taken
      together our data indicate that Miz-1 and Myc maintain human ES cell pluripotency
      by coordinately suppressing differentiation genes, particularly Hox genes. These
      data also support a new model of how Myc and Miz-1 function on chromatin.

PMID- 22053798
TI  - [Copyright in Ugeskrift for Laeger and Danish Medical Bullletin].

PMID- 22053791
TI  - Genetic variability of transcript abundance in pig peri-mortem skeletal muscle:
      eQTL localized genes involved in stress response, cell death, muscle disorders
      and metabolism.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The genetics of transcript-level variation is an exciting field that
      has recently given rise to many studies. Genetical genomics studies have mainly
      focused on cell lines, blood cells or adipose tissues, from human clinical
      samples or mice inbred lines. Few eQTL studies have focused on animal tissues
      sampled from outbred populations to reflect natural genetic variation of gene
      expression levels in animals. In this work, we analyzed gene expression in a
      whole tissue, pig skeletal muscle sampled from individuals from a half sib F2
      family shortly after slaughtering. RESULTS: QTL detection on transcriptome
      measurements was performed on a family structured population. The analysis
      identified 335 eQTLs affecting the expression of 272 transcripts. The ontologic
      annotation of these eQTLs revealed an over-representation of genes encoding
      proteins involved in processes that are expected to be induced during muscle
      development and metabolism, cell morphology, assembly and organization and also
      in stress response and apoptosis. A gene functional network approach was used to
      evidence existing biological relationships between all the genes whose expression
      levels are influenced by eQTLs. eQTLs localization revealed a significant
      clustered organization of about half the genes located on segments of chromosome
      1, 2, 10, 13, 16, and 18. Finally, the combined expression and genetic approaches
      pointed to putative cis-drivers of gene expression programs in skeletal muscle as
      COQ4 (SSC1), LOC100513192 (SSC18) where both the gene transcription unit and the
      eQTL affecting its expression level were shown to be localized in the same
      genomic region. This suggests cis-causing genetic polymorphims affecting gene
      expression levels, with (e.g. COQ4) or without (e.g. LOC100513192) potential
      pleiotropic effects that affect the expression of other genes (cluster of trans
      eQTLs). CONCLUSION: Genetic analysis of transcription levels revealed dependence
      among molecular phenotypes as being affected by variation at the same loci. We
      observed the genetic variation of molecular phenotypes in a specific situation of
      cellular stress thus contributing to a better description of muscle physiologic
      response. In turn, this suggests that large amounts of genetic variation,
      mediated through transcriptional networks, can drive transient cell response
      phenotypes and contribute to organismal adaptative potential.

PMID- 22053799
TI  - [We shoot ourselves in the foot again].

PMID- 22053800
TI  - [Notable increase in the consumption of antibiotics in general practice].
AB  - The antimicrobial consumption in primary health care has increased notably during
      the latest decade. The increase has predominantly been among broad-spectrum
      antimicrobial agents. Denmark is no longer among the European countries with the
      lowest consumption. The reasons for these changes are not fully explained, but
      increased dosage for each treated patient and more patients treated have played
      an important role. To some extent, the consumption meets with relevant quality
      indicators for antibiotic prescribing, but the use of resistance inducing
      antibiotics needs to be limited according to guidelines.

PMID- 22053801
TI  - [Increasing antimicrobial consumption in hospitals].
AB  - The antimicrobial consumption in hospital care has increased steadily during the
      latest decade. Now, broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents dominate the consumption
      at the expense of beta-lactamase sensitive penicillins. The reasons for these
      changes are not fully understood, but increased activity at the hospitals, higher
      resistance rates and the emergence of resistant nosocomial bacterial infections
      have played an important role. Denmark is no longer among the European countries
      with the lowest consumption. This indicates the need to implement restriction on
      antimicrobial usage in hospital care.

PMID- 22053802
TI  - [The development of antibiotics use in Danish food production].
AB  - In the Danish husbandry antimicrobial growth promoters were phased out 1994-2000
      and the therapeutic use has been increasingly regulated. Hitherto, a minimum in
      therapeutic use was reached in 1997. The antimicrobial use in pigs increased by
      44% during 2002-2009; a 12% decrease in second half of 2010 was likely due to the
      announcement of the "yellow card" regulation. From July 2010, a voluntary two
      years stop of cephalosporins use in pigs was realized, due to increasing
      occurrence of extended spectrum beta lactamase (ESBL) resistance in animal and
      meat isolates; highest levels of ESBL are observed in imported poultry.

PMID- 22053803
TI  - [Still increasing incidence of MRSA and ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae in
      society and in hospital-associated cases].
AB  - This review describes the recent epidemiology for MRSA and ESBL-producing
      Enterobacteriaceae in Denmark. MRSA community-associated cases continue to
      increase whereas hospital associated cases are low and stable. Due to an active
      search and destroy policy secondary transmission is modest. MRSA from pigs is an
      increasing problem. For ESBL producing Escherichia coli a considerable multi
      clonal increase has been seen both in the community and in hospitals. There are
      indications on food being a significant reservoir. For ESBL producing Klebsiella
      pneumoniae an increasing number of hospital outbreaks have been observed.

PMID- 22053804
TI  - [Rational antibiotic treatment can be achieved through audits and teaching].
AB  - A prerequisite for rational antibiotic treatment is the suspicion that the
      disease is caused by bacteria and that treatment will reduce symptoms and
      complications. In primary health care most infections are caused by bacteria. The
      European project HAPPY AUDIT found that an intervention targeting doctors and
      patients in primary care led to a considerable decrease in antibiotic
      prescribing. Teaching of hospital doctors, combined with a restriction in the
      choice of antibiotics, resulted in a decrease in multidrug-resistant strains. A
      concerted effort is needed to curb the growing resistance problem.

PMID- 22053805
TI  - [Increasing antibiotic resistance: the prognostic impact has yet to be
      determined].
AB  - The rising prevalence of multiresistant bacteria has become a major clinical
      concern. Yet, the prognostic impact is not well elucidated. A growing number of
      studies have found associations between acquired resistance, inappropriate
      therapy and mortality. The key underlying factors seem to be delay of appropriate
      antibiotic therapy and possibly use of more toxic therapy. However,
      methodological issues including control group selection and adjustment for
      potential confounders must be taken into consideration when assessing outcome
      studies for patients infected with resistant microorganisms.

PMID- 22053806
TI  - [The international surveillance of antibiotics resistance].
AB  - The growth promoter story in the 1990 s increased the focus on antibiotic misuse
      and related resistance. A Danish EU conference, The Microbial Threat, in 1998
      resulted in The Copenhagen Recommendations, on the basic principles for a policy
      to contain resistance, which was transformed into EU recommendations in 2001.
      Following this a range of programs on monitoring of resistance and consumption,
      research, national campaigns etc. has been accomplished. The US, Canada and
      Australia have also upgraded their efforts in this area, while the WHO lacks
      resources to approach the countries in the rest of the world, in which these
      problems are the worst.

PMID- 22053807
TI  - [Selection and spreading of antibiotic resistance in bacteria].
AB  - Use of an antibiotic may not only select for resistance against the agent itself,
      but may at the same time co-select for resistance against other antibiotics if
      resistance genes are linked on e.g. a plasmid. Resistance plasmids may also carry
      genes mediating resistance against metals and disinfectants. Therefore, abundant
      use of metals, e.g. copper and zinc for growth promotion in animals used for
      food, may also co-select for antibiotic resistance. The same applies to
      disinfectants, e.g. silver and chlorhexidine. Prudent use of antibiotics and
      these other agents is essential to control antibiotic resistance.

PMID- 22053808
TI  - Traditional and proposed tests of slope homogeneity for non-normal and
      heteroscedastic data.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to develop and compare tests of independent groups'
      slopes for non-normal distributions and heteroscedastic variances, including
      slope tests based on least squares, Theil-Sen, and trimmed estimation approaches.
      A slope test based on jackknife standard error estimates is proposed that can
      utilize each of the traditional estimation methods while also addressing
      problematic aspects of methods' standard error estimates. Simulations demonstrate
      that the proposed jackknife-based slope tests can improve standard error
      estimation, Type I error, and power relative to the traditional slope tests.

PMID- 22053809
TI  - Kudzu (Pueraria lobata) vine ethanol extracts improve ovariectomy-induced bone
      loss in female mice.
AB  - Bone-loss-improving action of kudzu vine ethanol extracts (PVEE) was clarified.
      PVEE was composed roughly of 80% fiber, 10% puerarin, 3.6% daidzin, 2.5% 6"-O
      malonyldaidzin, and the other minor isoflavones. Ten-week-old ovariectomized
      (OVX) mice were fed diets containing PVEE (20 mg/kg body weight/day) for 8 weeks.
      The bone resorption markers (urinary deoxypyridinoline and tartrate-resistant
      acid phosphatase activity) was elevated in OVX mice and was significantly
      decreased in OVX mice that consumed PVEE for 8 weeks. Consistent with the
      decrease in the markers, the number of matured osteoclasts in the distal femur
      was diminished in OVX mice fed PVEE diets. PVEE diets also suppressed the
      decrease in femoral bone mineral density (BMD) by OVX. PVEE showed the affinity
      for estrogen receptor alpha and beta nearly 1/10000 weaker than 17beta-estradiol.
      No hypertrophy in the uterus by the PVEE diet was observed. These results suggest
      that PVEE could be a promising resource for a functional food that improves
      osteoporosis.

PMID- 22053810
TI  - Is it recorded in the notes? Documentation of end-of-life care and preferred
      place to die discussions in the final weeks of life.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Over the past ten years there has been an increasing focus on the
      need for improving the experience of end of life care. A number of policy
      initiatives have been introduced to develop approaches to discussing and
      documenting individual preferences for end of life care, in particular preferred
      place to die. METHODS: The aim was to investigate practice in relation to
      discussing and documenting end of life care and preferred place to die in the
      last 4 weeks of life with patients and their families. The study utilised an
      audit of 65 case notes, alongside four group interviews with a mix of health care
      professionals involved in palliative care provision. RESULTS: While there was
      evidence that discussions relating to end of life care and preferred place to die
      had taken place in around half of the audited case notes, there appeared to be a
      lack of a systematic approach to the recording of discussions with patients or
      carers about these kind of issues. Health care staff subsequently highlighted
      that initiating discussions about end of life care and preferences in relation to
      place of death was challenging and that the recording and tracking of such
      preferences was problematic. CONCLUSIONS: Further work is required to establish
      how information may be adequately recorded, revised and transferred across
      services to ensure that patients' preferences in relation to end of life care and
      place of death are, as far as possible, achieved.

PMID- 22053812
TI  - Low-molecular-mass antioxidants in parasites.
AB  - SIGNIFICANCE: Parasitic infections continue to be a major problem for global
      human health. Vaccines are practically not available and chemotherapy is highly
      unsatisfactory. One approach toward a novel antiparasitic drug development is to
      unravel pathways that may be suited as future targets. Parasitic organisms show a
      remarkable diversity with respect to the nature and functions of their main low
      molecular-mass antioxidants and many of them developed pathways that do not have
      a counterpart in their mammalian hosts. RECENT ADVANCES: Work of the last years
      disclosed the individual antioxidants employed by parasites and their distinct
      pathways. Entamoeba, Trichomonas, and Giardia directly use cysteine as main low
      molecular-mass thiol but have divergent cysteine metabolisms. Malarial parasites
      rely exclusively on cysteine uptake and generate glutathione (GSH) as main free
      thiol as do metazoan parasites. Trypanosomes and Leishmania have a unique
      trypanothione-based thiol metabolism but employ individual mechanisms for their
      cysteine supply. In addition, some trypanosomatids synthesize ovothiol A and/or
      ascorbate. Various essential parasite enzymes such as trypanothione synthetase
      and trypanothione reductase in Trypanosomatids and the Schistosoma thioredoxin
      GSH reductase are currently intensively explored as drug target molecules.
      CRITICAL ISSUES: Essentiality is a prerequisite but not a sufficient property of
      an enzyme to become a suited drug target. The availability of an appropriate in
      vivo screening system and many other factors are equally important. FUTURE
      DIRECTIONS: The current organism-wide RNA-interference and proteome analyses are
      supposed to reveal many more interesting candidates for future drug development
      approaches directed against the parasite antioxidant defense systems.

PMID- 22053813
TI  - Hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidation of mixtures of alkanethiols and their
      quantitative detection as alkanesulfonates by electrospray ionization mass
      spectrometry.
AB  - Finding optimal experimental conditions for generating stable negative ion
      electrospray ionization ion trap mass spectra (ESI-IT-MS) of alkanethiol-derived
      species is critical for quantitatively characterizing multicomponent alkanethiol
      based self-assembled monolayers by this technique. Since alkanethiolates slowly
      oxidize in solution, purposeful oxidation of alkanethiols to their fully oxidized
      form (alkanesulfonates) is advantageous: sulfonates are chemically stable and
      have little affinity for covalent binding to metal surfaces. We have used ESI-IT
      MS to characterize the products of H(2)O(2) oxidation of simple n-alkanethiols in
      solution and have observed monomeric alkanesulfonate species as well as
      alkanesulfonic acid/alkanesulfonate adducts, yielding gas-phase dimers and
      trimers. MS intensities of both monomers and adducts exhibit a dependence on the
      ion transfer capillary temperature that is alkyl-chain-length-dependent and that
      appears to be correlated with C-S bond cleavage. The trend in optimal capillary
      temperatures indicates that entropic effects lead to lower thermal decomposition
      temperatures for short-chain species relative to the longer-chain homologues. MS
      calibration data from alkanesulfonate mixtures are characterized by large linear
      dynamic ranges (10(-6)-10(-3) M) and detection limits influenced by their thermal
      decomposition. The high degree of precision in the calibration data should
      facilitate distinguishing among mixed SAMs having similar compositions.

PMID- 22053814
TI  - Semantic encoding enhances the pictorial superiority effect in the oldest-old.
AB  - ABSTRACT   We examined the effect of a semantic orienting task during encoding on
      free recall and recognition of simple line drawings and matching words in middle
      aged (44-59 years), older (60-89 years), and oldest-old (90+ years) adults.
      Participants studied line drawings and matching words presented in blocked order.
      Half of the participants were given a semantic orienting task and the other half
      received standard intentional learning instructions. Results confirmed that the
      pictorial superiority effect was greater in magnitude following semantic encoding
      compared to the control condition. Analyses of clustering in free recall revealed
      that oldest-old adults' encoding and retrieval strategies were generally similar
      to the two younger groups. Self-reported strategy use was less frequent among the
      oldest-old adults. These data strongly suggest that semantic elaboration is an
      effective compensatory mechanism underlying preserved episodic memory performance
      that persists well into the ninth decade of life.

PMID- 22053815
TI  - Synthesis of the reported structure of trans-africanan-1alpha-ol.
AB  - A trisubstituted cyclopentane chiron has been prepared by dynamic kinetic
      reduction of a pulegone-derived beta-keto ester. This chiron served as the
      starting material for the synthesis of the reported structure of the tricyclic
      sesquiterpene trans-africanan-1alpha-ol. The synthetic material was not congruent
      with the natural product.

PMID- 22053816
TI  - Course trajectories of unipolar depressive disorders identified by latent class
      growth analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Current classification of unipolar depression reflects the idea that
      prognosis is essential. However, do DSM categories of major depressive disorder
      (MDD), dysthymic disorder (Dysth) and double depression (DD=MDD+Dysth) indeed
      adequately represent clinically relevant course trajectories of unipolar
      depression? Our aim was to test DSM categories (MDD, Dysth and DD) in comparison
      with empirically derived prognostic categories, using a prospectively followed
      cohort of depressed patients. METHOD: A large sample (n=804) of out-patients with
      unipolar depression were derived from a prospective cohort study, the Netherlands
      Study of Depression and Anxiety (NESDA). Using latent class growth analysis
      (LCGA), empirically derived 2-year course trajectories were constructed. These
      were compared with DSM diagnoses and a wider set of putative predictors for class
      membership. RESULTS: Five course trajectories were identified, ranging from mild
      severity and rapid remission to high severity and chronic course trajectory.
      Contrary to expectations, more than 50% of Dysth and DD were allocated to classes
      with favorable course trajectories, suggesting that current DSM categories do not
      adequately represent course trajectories. The class with the most favorable
      course trajectory differed on several characteristics from other classes (younger
      age, more females, less childhood adversity, less somatic illnesses, lower
      neuroticism, higher extraversion). Older age, earlier age of onset and lower
      extraversion predicted poorest course trajectory. CONCLUSIONS: MDD, Dysth and DD
      did not adequately match empirically derived course trajectories for unipolar
      depression. For the future classification of unipolar depression, it may be wise
      to retain the larger, heterogeneous category of unipolar depression, adopting
      cross-cutting dimensions of severity and duration to further characterize
      patients.

PMID- 22053817
TI  - Structured expert elicitation about Listeria monocytogenes cross-contamination in
      the environment of retail deli operations in the United States.
AB  - Listeria monocytogenes is among the foodborne pathogens with the highest death
      toll in the United States. Ready-to-eat foods contaminated at retail are an
      important source of infection. Environmental sites in retail deli operations can
      be contaminated. However, commonly contaminated sites are unlikely to come into
      direct contact with food and the public health relevance of environmental
      contamination has remained unclear. To identify environmental sites that may pose
      a considerable cross-contamination risk, to elucidate potential transmission
      pathways, and to identify knowledge gaps, we performed a structured expert
      elicitation of 41 experts from state regulatory agencies and the food retail
      industry with practical experience in retail deli operations. Following the
      "Delphi" method, the elicitation was performed in three consecutive steps:
      questionnaire, review and discussion of results, second questionnaire. Hands and
      gloves were identified as important potential contamination sources. However,
      bacterial transfers to and from hands or gloves represented a major data gap.
      Experts agreed about transfer probabilities from cutting boards, scales, deli
      cases, and deli preparation sinks to product, and about transfer probabilities
      from floor drains, walk-in cooler floors, and knife racks to food contact
      surfaces. Comparison of experts' opinions to observational data revealed a
      tendency among experts with certain demographic characteristics and professional
      opinions to overestimate prevalence. Experts' votes clearly clustered into
      separate groups not defined by place of employment, even though industry experts
      may have been somewhat overrepresented in one cluster. Overall, our study
      demonstrates the value and caveats of expert elicitation to identify data gaps
      and prioritize research efforts.

PMID- 22053818
TI  - Donor age-specific injury and immune responses.
AB  - Utilization rates of organs from elderly donors have shown the highest
      proportional increase during the last decade. Clinical reports support the
      concept of transplanting older organs. However, the engraftment of such organs
      has been linked to accelerated immune responses based on ageing changes per se
      and a proinflammatory environment subsequent to compromised injury and repair
      mechanism. We analyzed the clinical consequences of transplanting older donor
      organs and present mechanistic aspects correlating age, injury repair and effects
      on host immunoresponsiveness.

PMID- 22053819
TI  - Nuclear targeting dynamics of gold nanoclusters for enhanced therapy of HER2+
      breast cancer.
AB  - Recent advances in fluorescent metal nanoclusters have spurred tremendous
      interest in nanomedicine due to the ease of fabrication, excellent
      biocompatibility, and, more importantly, excellent wavelength-dependent
      tunability. Herein, we report our findings on fluorescent BSA-protected gold
      nanoclusters (AuNCs), ~2 nm in size conjugated with Herceptin (AuNCs-Her), for
      specific targeting and nuclear localization in ErbB2 over-expressing breast
      cancer cells and tumor tissue as a novel fluorescent agent for simultaneous
      imaging and cancer therapy. More interestingly, we found that AuNCs-Her could
      escape the endolysosomal pathway and enter the nucleus of cancer cells to enhance
      the therapeutic efficacy of Herceptin. We elucidate the diffusion characteristics
      (diffusion time and number of diffusers) and concentration of the fluorescing
      clusters in the nucleus of live cells. Our findings also suggest that the nuclear
      localization effect of AuNCs-Her enhances the anticancer therapeutic efficacy of
      Herceptin as evidenced by the induction of DNA damage. This study not only
      discusses a new nanomaterial platform for nuclear delivery of drugs but also
      provides important insights on nuclear targeting for enhanced therapy.

PMID- 22053820
TI  - Sputum proteomics identifies elevated PIGR levels in smokers and mild-to-moderate
      COPD.
AB  - Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is one of the leading causes of
      morbidity and mortality around the world. However, the exact mechanisms leading
      to COPD and its progression are still poorly understood. In this study, induced
      sputum was analyzed by cysteine-specific two-dimensional difference gel
      electrophoresis (2D-DIGE) coupled with mass spectrometry to identify proteins
      involved in COPD pathogenesis. The comparison of nonsmokers, smokers, and smokers
      with moderate COPD revealed 15 changed proteins with the majority, including
      polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (PIGR), being elevated in smokers and subjects
      with COPD. PIGR, which is involved in specific immune defense and inflammation,
      was further studied in sputum, lung tissue, and plasma by Western blot,
      immunohistochemistry/image analysis, and/or ELISA. Sputum PIGR was characterized
      as glycosylated secretory component (SC). Lung PIGR was significantly elevated in
      the bronchial and alveolar epithelium of smokers and further increased in the
      alveolar area in mild to moderate COPD. Plasma PIGR was elevated in smokers and
      smokers with COPD compared to nonsmokers with significant correlation to
      obstruction. In conclusion, new proteins in smoking-related chronic inflammation
      and COPD could be identified, with SC/PIGR being one of the most prominent not
      only in the lung but also in circulating blood.

PMID- 22053822
TI  - Long-term functional outcome after restorative proctocolectomy in patients with
      ulcerative colitis.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term functional outcome of
      ileal pouch-anal anastomosis for ulcerative colitis and to compare symptoms over
      time. METHODS: In all, 188 patients were operated with an ileal pouch-anal
      anastomosis. Short-term functional outcome has previously been evaluated with a
      symptom questionnaire. The same questionnaire was sent to the 162 patients who
      were alive and had an intact pouch. A symptom index was studied over time and in
      relation to early complications and pouchitis. RESULTS: The response rate of the
      questionnaire was 139/162 at a median of 12.5 (9.5-21) years postoperatively.
      Overall, the symptom index remained unchanged over time but both the frequency of
      night-time defaecation and episodes of night-time incontinence increased.
      Patients' global assessment was unchanged with approximately 80% stating an
      excellent or a good result. Frequency of pouchitis doubled in 10 years. Symptom
      index for patients with episodic pouchitis [median 40 (8-89), P = 0.018] and
      recurrent/chronic pouchitis [71 (8-136), P < 0.001] was higher than in patients
      without pouchitis [29 (0-105)]. Early complications did not affect the symptom
      index. CONCLUSION: The overall functional outcome of ileal pouch-anal surgery for
      ulcerative colitis is stable over time. Patients' satisfaction with outcome
      remains high. Pouchitis is a determinant of functional outcome.

PMID- 22053821
TI  - Trinuclear ruthenium clusters as bivalent electrochemical probes for ligand
      receptor binding interactions.
AB  - Despite their popularity, electrochemical biosensors often suffer from low
      sensitivity. One possible approach to overcome low sensitivity in protein
      biosensors is to utilize multivalent ligand-receptor interactions. Controlling
      the spatial arrangement of ligands on surfaces is another crucial aspect of
      electrochemical biosensor design. We have synthesized and characterized five
      biotinylated trinuclear ruthenium clusters as potential new biosensor platforms:
      [Ru(3)O(OAc)(6)CO(4-BMP)(py)](0) (3), [Ru(3)O(OAc)(6)CO(4-BMP)(2)](0) (4),
      [Ru(3)O(OAc)(6)L(4-BMP)(py)](+) (8), [Ru(3)O(OAc)(6)L(4-BMP)(2)](+) (9), and
      [Ru(3)O(OAc)(6)L(py)(2)](+) (10) (OAc = acetate, 4-BMP = biotin
      aminomethylpyridine, py = pyridine, L = pyC16SH). HABA/avidin assays and
      isothermal titration calorimetry were used to evaluate the avidin binding
      properties of 3 and 4. The binding constants were found to range from (6.5-8.0) *
      10(6) M(-1). Intermolecular protein binding of 4 in solution was determined by
      native gel electrophoresis. QM, MM, and MD calculations show the capability for
      the bivalent cluster, 4, to intramolecularly bind to avidin. Electrochemical
      measurements in solution of 3a and 4a show shifts in E(1/2) of -58 and -53 mV in
      the presence of avidin, respectively. Self-assembled monolayers formed with 8-10
      were investigated as a model biosensor system. Diluent/cluster ratio and
      composition were found to have a significant effect on the ability of avidin to
      adequately bind to the cluster. Complexes 8 and 10 showed negligible changes in
      E(1/2), while complex 9 showed a shift in E(1/2) of -43 mV upon avidin addition.
      These results suggest that multivalent interactions can have a positive impact on
      the sensitivity of electrochemical protein biosensors.

PMID- 22053823
TI  - HMGA1 drives stem cell, inflammatory pathway, and cell cycle progression genes
      during lymphoid tumorigenesis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although the high mobility group A1 (HMGA1) gene is widely
      overexpressed in diverse cancers and portends a poor prognosis in some tumors,
      the molecular mechanisms that mediate its role in transformation have remained
      elusive. HMGA1 functions as a potent oncogene in cultured cells and induces
      aggressive lymphoid tumors in transgenic mice. Because HMGA1 chromatin remodeling
      proteins regulate transcription, HMGA1 is thought to drive malignant
      transformation by modulating expression of specific genes. Genome-wide studies to
      define HMGA1 transcriptional networks during tumorigenesis, however, are lacking.
      To define the HMGA1 transcriptome, we analyzed gene expression profiles in
      lymphoid cells from HMGA1a transgenic mice at different stages in tumorigenesis.
      RESULTS: RNA from lymphoid samples at 2 months (before tumors develop) and 12
      months (after tumors are well-established) was screened for differential
      expression of > 20,000 unique genes by microarray analysis (Affymetrix) using a
      parametric and nonparametric approach. Differential expression was confirmed by
      quantitative RT-PCR in a subset of genes. Differentially expressed genes were
      analyzed for cellular pathways and functions using Ingenuity Pathway Analysis.
      Early in tumorigenesis, HMGA1 induced inflammatory pathways with NFkappaB
      identified as a major node. In established tumors, HMGA1 induced pathways
      involved in cell cycle progression, cell-mediated immune response, and cancer. At
      both stages in tumorigenesis, HMGA1 induced pathways involved in cellular
      development, hematopoiesis, and hematologic development. Gene set enrichment
      analysis showed that stem cell and immature T cell genes are enriched in the
      established tumors. To determine if these results are relevant to human tumors,
      we knocked-down HMGA1 in human T-cell leukemia cells and identified a subset of
      genes dysregulated in both the transgenic and human lymphoid tumors. CONCLUSIONS:
      We found that HMGA1 induces inflammatory pathways early in lymphoid tumorigenesis
      and pathways involved in stem cells, cell cycle progression, and cancer in
      established tumors. HMGA1 also dyregulates genes and pathways involved in stem
      cells, cellular development and hematopoiesis at both early and late stages of
      tumorigenesis. These results provide insight into HMGA1 function during tumor
      development and point to cellular pathways that could serve as therapeutic
      targets in lymphoid and other human cancers with aberrant HMGA1 expression.

PMID- 22053824
TI  - Surface contact stimulates the just-in-time deployment of bacterial adhesins.
AB  - The attachment of bacteria to surfaces provides advantages such as increasing
      nutrient access and resistance to environmental stress. Attachment begins with a
      reversible phase, often mediated by surface structures such as flagella and pili,
      followed by a transition to irreversible attachment, typically mediated by
      polysaccharides. Here we show that the interplay between pili and flagellum
      rotation stimulates the rapid transition between reversible and polysaccharide
      mediated irreversible attachment. We found that reversible attachment of
      Caulobacter crescentus cells is mediated by motile cells bearing pili and that
      their contact with a surface results in the rapid pili-dependent arrest of
      flagellum rotation and concurrent stimulation of polar holdfast adhesive
      polysaccharide. Similar stimulation of polar adhesin production by surface
      contact occurs in Asticcacaulis biprosthecum and Agrobacterium tumefaciens.
      Therefore, single bacterial cells respond to their initial contact with surfaces
      by triggering just-in-time adhesin production. This mechanism restricts stable
      attachment to intimate surface interactions, thereby maximizing surface
      attachment, discouraging non-productive self-adherence, and preventing curing of
      the adhesive.

PMID- 22053825
TI  - Resolution of leucocyte-mediated mucosal diseases. A novel in vivo paradigm for
      drug development.
AB  - Removal of disease-driving inflammatory leucocytes is central to resolution of
      inflammation. The current pharmacological dogma teaches leucocyte elimination
      through apoptosis followed by phagocytosis. However, actual resolving roles of
      apoptotic-phagocytic processes have been difficult to demonstrate in the major
      diseases that are characterized by mucosal tissue inflammation. Many current in
      vivo observations rather demonstrate that leucocyte elimination occurs by
      transepithelial locomotion. Findings in diseased gut and bladder mucosae support
      this notion. Respiratory disease data are particularly compelling. Eosinophils
      and neutrophils abound in sputum and tracheal aspirates during treatment-induced
      recovery from severe asthma. Prolonged sputum neutrophilia, along with clinical
      improvement, follows upon smoking cessation in COPD. Eosinophils, neutrophils,
      lymphocytes, mast cells and dendritic cells also move in large numbers into the
      bronchial lumen at spontaneous inflammation resolution following allergen
      challenge in allergic rhinitis and asthma. A corresponding reduction of
      infiltrated cells in the bronchial mucosal tissue demonstrates efficiency of the
      transepithelial elimination pathway. Underscoring its operational role, drugs
      impeding transepithelial elimination of leucocytes aggravate mucosal/parenchymal
      inflammation. Hence, relying on lumen cell data alone can lead to paradoxical
      conclusions regarding anti-inflammatory drug efficacy. Conversely, drugs
      promoting non-injurious transepithelial elimination of leucocytes could resolve
      mucosal inflammatory diseases.

PMID- 22053826
TI  - Evaluating the catalytic contribution from the oxyanion hole in ketosteroid
      isomerase.
AB  - Prior site-directed mutagenesis studies in bacterial ketosteroid isomerase (KSI)
      reported that substitution of both oxyanion hole hydrogen bond donors gives a
      10(5)- to 10(8)-fold rate reduction, suggesting that the oxyanion hole may
      provide the major contribution to KSI catalysis. But these seemingly conservative
      mutations replaced the oxyanion hole hydrogen bond donors with hydrophobic side
      chains that could lead to suboptimal solvation of the incipient oxyanion in the
      mutants, thereby potentially exaggerating the apparent energetic benefit of the
      hydrogen bonds relative to water-mediated hydrogen bonds in solution. We
      determined the functional and structural consequences of substituting the
      oxyanion hole hydrogen bond donors and several residues surrounding the oxyanion
      hole with smaller residues in an attempt to create a local site that would
      provide interactions more analogous to those in aqueous solution. These more
      drastic mutations created an active-site cavity estimated to be ~650 A(3) and
      sufficient for occupancy by 15-17 water molecules and led to a rate decrease of
      only ~10(3)-fold for KSI from two different species, a much smaller effect than
      that observed from more traditional conservative mutations. The results
      underscore the strong context dependence of hydrogen bond energetics and suggest
      that the oxyanion hole provides an important, but moderate, catalytic
      contribution relative to the interactions in the corresponding solution reaction.

PMID- 22053828
TI  - Insomnia as a risk for depression: a longitudinal epidemiologic study on a
      Japanese rural cohort.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine (1) whether insomnia is a factor related to the presence
      or persistence of depression for 2 years in the Japanese population and (2) which
      component of insomnia is associated with the presence of depression for 2 years
      in a rural cohort. METHOD: This is a community-based longitudinal study. Two
      thousand eight hundred twenty-five people aged 20 years or older were evaluated
      at baseline, and of those participants, 1,577 (56%) were reevaluated after 2
      years. During both surveys, the participants were asked to describe demographic
      variables and to fill out self-rating scales of insomnia (Pittsburgh Sleep
      Quality Index [PSQI]) and depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiologic Studies
      Depression Scale). RESULTS: The results of a multiple logistic regression
      analysis showed that depression (OR = 6.0; 95% CI, 4.4-8.0) and insomnia (OR =
      2.1; 95% CI, 1.5-2.8) at baseline were significantly associated with the presence
      of depression at the follow-up. Most of the PSQI subscales, except for sleep
      duration and habitual sleep efficiency, were significantly associated (P < .01)
      with the presence of depression at the follow-up. In addition, the new appearance
      and repeated existence of depression at the follow-up were related to persistent
      insomnia (adjusted ORs = 7.0 and 3.3 [P < .001], respectively). A result of the
      receiver operating characteristic curve showed that persons with insomnia whose
      PSQI scores exceeded 8 points at the baseline were most likely to still have
      insomnia at the follow-up (cutoff point = 7.5). CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of our
      results in a Japanese population, insomnia with high severity level could be a
      risk factor for the presence/persistence of depression in the long-term
      prognosis.

PMID- 22053827
TI  - Construction and characterisation of a recombinant fowlpox virus that expresses
      the human papilloma virus L1 protein.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Human papilloma virus (HPV)-16 is the most prevalent high-risk
      mucosal genotype. Virus-like-particle (VLP)-based immunogens developed recently
      have proven to be successful as prophylactic HPV vaccines, but are still too
      expensive for developing countries. Although vaccinia viruses expressing the HPV
      16 L1 protein (HPV-L1) have been studied, fowlpox-based recombinants represent
      efficient and safer vectors for immunocompromised hosts due to their ability to
      elicit a complete immune response and their natural host-range restriction to
      avian species. METHODS: A new fowlpox virus recombinant encoding HPV-L1 (FPL1)
      was engineered and evaluated for the correct expression of HPV-L1 in vitro, using
      RT-PCR, immunoprecipitation, Western blotting, electron microscopy,
      immunofluorescence, and real-time PCR assays. RESULTS: The FPL1 recombinant
      correctly expresses HPV-L1 in mammalian cells, which are non-permissive for the
      replication of this vector. CONCLUSION: This FPL1 recombinant represents an
      appropriate immunogen for expression of HPV-L1 in human cells. The final aim is
      to develop a safe, immunogenic, and less expensive prophylactic vaccine against
      HPV.

PMID- 22053829
TI  - Control of ice chromatographic retention mechanism by changing temperature and
      dopant concentration.
AB  - A liquid phase coexists with solid water ice in a typical binary system, such as
      NaCl-water, in the temperature range between the freezing point and the eutectic
      point (t(eu)) of the system. In ice chromatography with salt-doped ice as the
      stationary phase, both solid and liquid phase can contribute to solute retention
      in different fashions; that is, the solid ice surface acts as an adsorbent, while
      a solute can be partitioned into the liquid phase. Thus, both adsorption and
      partition mechanisms can be utilized for ice chromatographic separation. An
      important feature in this approach is that the liquid phase volume can be varied
      by changing the temperature and the concentration of a salt incorporated into the
      ice stationary phase. Thus, we can control the relative contribution from the
      partition mechanism in the entire retention because the liquid phase volume can
      be estimated from the freezing depression curve. Separation selectivity can
      thereby be modified. The applicability of this concept has been confirmed for the
      solutes of different adsorption and partition abilities. The predicted retention
      based on thermodynamics basically agrees well with the corresponding experimental
      retention. However, one important inconsistency has been found. The calculation
      predicts a step-like discontinuity of the solute retention at t(eu) because the
      phase diagram suggests that the liquid phase abruptly appears at t(eu) when the
      temperature increases. In contrast, the corresponding experimental plots are
      continuous over the wider range including the subeutectic temperatures. This
      discrepancy is explained by the existence of the liquid phase below t(eu). A
      difference between predicted and measured retention factors allows the estimation
      of the volume of the subeutectic liquid phase.

PMID- 22053831
TI  - The 2011 Nobel Prize in physiology or medicine.
AB  - The 2011 Noble Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to Bruce A. Beutler,
      Jules A. Hoffmann and Ralph M. Steinman for their groundbreaking research within
      immunology. Bruce A. Beutler and Jules A. Hoffmann were recognized for their
      discoveries on Toll and Toll-like receptor activation of innate immunity in fruit
      fly and mammals, respectively. Ralph M. Steinman received the award for the
      discovery of dendritic cells, a cell type bridging innate and adaptive immunity,
      and how these cells orchestrate immune responses.

PMID- 22053830
TI  - Correlation between DNA ploidy, metaphase high-resolution comparative genomic
      hybridization results and clinical outcome of synovial sarcoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although synovial sarcoma is the 3rd most commonly occurring
      mesenchymal tumor in young adults, usually with a highly aggressive clinical
      course; remarkable differences can be seen regarding the clinical outcome.
      According to comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) data published in the
      literature, the simple and complex karyotypes show a correlation between the
      prognosis and clinical outcome. In addition, the connection between DNA ploidy
      and clinical course is controversial. The aim of this study was using a fine
      tuning interpretation of our DNA ploidy results and to compare these with
      metaphase high-resolution CGH (HR-CGH) results. METHODS: DNA ploidy was
      determined on Feulgen-stained smears in 56 synovial sarcoma cases by image
      cytometry; follow up was available in 46 cases (average: 78 months). In 9 cases
      HR-CGH analysis was also available. RESULTS: 10 cases were found DNA-aneuploid,
      46 were DNA-diploid by image cytometry. With fine-tuning of the diploid cases
      according to the 5c exceeding events (single cell aneuploidy), 33 cases were so
      called "simple-diploid" (without 5c exceeding events) and 13 cases were "complex
      diploid"; containing 5c exceeding events (any number). Aneuploid tumors contained
      large numbers of genetic alterations with the sum gain of at least 2 chromosomes
      (A-, B- or C-group) detected by HR-CGH. In the "simple-diploid" cases no or few
      genetic alterations could be detected, whereas the "complex-diploid" samples
      numerous aberrations (equal or more than 3) could be found. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      results show a correlation between the DNA-ploidy, a fine-tuned DNA-ploidy and
      the HR-CGH results. Furthermore, we found significant correlation between the
      different ploidy groups and the clinical outcome (p < 0.05).

PMID- 22053832
TI  - Use of the Case Western Reserve/Veterans Administration neuroprosthesis for
      exercise, standing and transfers by a paraplegic subject.
AB  - Functional electric stimulation (FES) is a technology that may allow patients
      with spinal cord injury (SCI) to transfer stand and walk. This paper reports upon
      the use of the Case Western Reserve Neuroprosthesis by a T6 ASIA B paraplegic
      subject. The subject was able to stand for two minutes and 50 seconds. He could
      walk 35 feet with a swing to gait. Measurement of energy consumption showed that
      metabolic demand was only 2.1 metabolic equivalent units. The factors that
      limited the use of the device that need to be improved to make the technology
      practical for household or community ambulation are speed (5.8 m/min) of
      ambulation and fatigue of the stimulated muscles.

PMID- 22053833
TI  - Is bilateral age-related macular degeneration less common in Asians than
      Caucasians?
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the frequency and pattern of bilateral involvement of early
      and late age-related macular degeneration (AMD) between Asian Malays and
      Caucasians. METHODS: We used cross-sectional data from the baseline examination
      for subjects aged 50-79 years in the Singapore Malay Eye Study (SiMES) (N =
      2,453) and the Blue Mountains Eye Study (BMES) (N = 3,265). We assessed AMD signs
      using a common protocol modified from the Wisconsin Age-related Maculopathy
      Grading System at the University of Sydney. We compared frequencies or
      proportions of AMD cases with bilateral involvement between the two populations.
      RESULTS: There were 173 cases and 169 cases with any AMD (either early or late
      AMD in at least one eye), and 78 cases (45.1%) and 52 cases (30.8%) with
      bilateral AMD in the BMES and the SiMES, respectively. Age-standardized frequency
      of bilateral involvement was comparable between the BMES (29.5%, 95% confidence
      interval(CI) 18.5-40.5%) and the SiMES (25.6%, 95%CI 17.0-34.0%). Older age was
      associated with higher risk of bilateral AMD (gender-adjusted odds ratio per 1
      year for the BMES and the SiMES: 1.08 [95% CI 1.05-1.11] and 1.06 [95% CI 1.02
      1.10], respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The frequency of bilateral AMD was comparable
      between Asian Malays in the SiMES and the Caucasian population of the BMES. Other
      than older age, we did not find any characteristics associated with the bilateral
      involvement of AMD.

PMID- 22053834
TI  - Chronic kidney disease, early age-related macular degeneration, and peripheral
      retinal drusen.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the association between chronic kidney disease (CKD) and
      early age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and peripheral retinal drusen in
      Korean adults 50 years and older. METHODS: This study included 3008 participants
      aged 50-87 years. Early AMD was assessed from retinal photographs based on
      modified Wisconsin AMD grading system and peripheral retinal drusen were assessed
      with a standardized examination. We defined CKD as estimated glomerular
      filtration rate of 60mL/min/1.73m(2) and below according to the Modification of
      Diet in Renal Disease equation. Logistic regression was used to examine the
      association between early AMD, peripheral retinal drusen, and CKD. RESULTS: There
      were 88 subjects with early AMD and 42 subjects with peripheral retinal drusen.
      After adjusting for age, gender, body mass index, smoking status, hypertension,
      and diabetes mellitus, a significant association was found between CKD and
      peripheral retinal drusen as well as early AMD. Subjects with CKD were more
      likely to have early AMD (OR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.04-2.72) and peripheral retinal
      drusen (OR, 2.01; 95% CI, 1.02-3.99) than those without CKD. CONCLUSIONS: CKD was
      associated with peripheral retinal drusen as well as early AMD in Korean adults
      50 years and older.

PMID- 22053835
TI  - The utility of non-ophthalmologist examination of eyes at risk for serious
      retinopathy of prematurity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Retinopathy of Prematurity (ROP) is the main cause of preventable
      blindness in premature babies. Currently, there is a shortage of trained
      ophthalmologists, which has resulted in an alarming increase in cases of vision
      loss and related complications. This study's aim was to determine the utility of
      examinations conducted by non-ophthalmologist physicians to assess posterior pole
      vessel abnormalities in eyes at risk for ROP. METHOD: Non-ophthalmologist
      physicians (pediatrician and neonatologist) were trained to use an indirect
      ophthalmoscope to view the posterior pole of babies at risk for ROP. Examinations
      were conducted on both eyes of premature infants born before 35 weeks gestational
      age (GA) starting at the third week after birth and weekly thereafter. The
      presence of Plus disease was identified by the non-ophthalmologist and results
      compared to the clinical examination by a pediatric ophthalmologist experienced
      in ROP detection and treatment. Chi-square was used for proportions and the Mann
      Whitney U test for medians. Fagan's nomogram was determined for diagnostic
      usability. The Kappa index was used to rate inter-observer agreement. RESULTS:
      Results of 228 examinations performed on 150 premature infants were analyzed to
      determine the correlation of the non-ophthalmologist findings and the eye
      examination. For any vascular change in posterior pole diagnostic, findings were
      87% and 87% accuracy for pediatrician and neonatologist, 82% and 83% sensitivity,
      90% and 90% specificity respectively. There was no significant difference found
      in the detection of Plus disease for the examinations performed by the
      ophthalmologist compared to those performed by the non-ophthalmologist (P <
      0.05). CONCLUSIONS: After training in the use of an indirect ophthalmoscope, non
      ophthalmologist physicians can reliably detect posterior pole retinal vessel
      changes for ROP diagnosis.

PMID- 22053836
TI  - Screening for retinopathy of prematurity in a large tertiary neonatal intensive
      care unit in Turkey: frequency and risk factors.
AB  - PURPOSE: We aimed to determine applicable guidelines for screening of retinopathy
      of prematurity (ROP), and evaluate the contribution of risk factors for severe
      ROP. METHODS: A prospective cohort study of neonates with a gestational age (GA)
      < 34 weeks or birth weight < 2000g who were admitted to the Neonatal Intensive
      Care Unit (NICU) of a tertiary level hospital was conducted. The study group was
      classified into three groups according to eye examination findings as no ROP,
      mild ROP and severe ROP. RESULTS: Of the 700 neonates screened, the frequencies
      of ROP for any stage and severe ROP were 32.7% and 3.1%, respectively. Laser
      photocoagulation was needed in 9.6% of neonates with ROP. None of the neonates
      with a GA >= 31 weeks required treatment. Any ROP was detected in 199 (53.6%) of
      the babies < 32 weeks (n = 371), 22 (5.9%) of whom were treated with laser
      photocoagulation. Independent risk factors for severe ROP in babies < 32 weeks GA
      were birth weight, duration of mechanical ventilation and patent ductus
      arteriosus (PDA). CONCLUSION: This is the largest prospective cohort study
      including infants younger than 34 weeks GA from Turkey. Our data which belongs to
      the last 1-year period shows lower incidence of severe ROP when compared to
      previous reports from Turkey. According to our data, screening babies smaller
      than 32 weeks GA or 1500g birth weight seems reasonable. In the presence of long
      duration of mechanical ventilation and PDA, screening should be intensified.

PMID- 22053837
TI  - Retinal vessel caliber and myopic retinopathy: the blue mountains eye study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate changes in the retinal vasculature in eyes with myopic
      retinopathy. METHODS: Population-based, cross-sectional study. Emmetropic and
      myopic participants from the Blue Mountains Eye Study baseline survey were
      included in this study. Myopia was defined as a refractive error of less than 
      1.00 diopter. Myopic retinopathy was defined if either staphyloma, lacquer crack,
      Fuchs' spot or chorioretinal atrophy were present in myopic eyes. Retinal
      vascular caliber was measured from fundus photographs using standardized methods.
      The association of retinal vascular caliber with myopic retinopathy was assessed
      using generalized estimating equation models. RESULTS: A total of 2598 eyes of
      1409 subjects were selected from 3654 baseline participants, with 2076 emmetropic
      eyes (normal controls), 486 myopic eyes without myopic retinopathy (myopic
      controls) and 36 myopic eyes with myopic retinopathy (cases). After adjusting for
      age, gender, height, body mass index and blood pressure, eyes with myopic
      retinopathy had significantly narrower mean arteriolar (166.6MUm) and venular
      caliber (213.3MUm), compared to normal (188.1MUm and 226.9MUm, respectively) or
      myopic control eyes (190.4MUm and 227.0MUm, respectively) (all P < 0.001). These
      retinal vessel caliber differences between myopic retinopathy and the two control
      groups remained significant after additional adjustment for refraction (all P <
      0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that myopic retinopathy is associated
      with attenuation of retinal vessels.

PMID- 22053838
TI  - The prevalence and risk factors of ocular trauma: the Singapore Indian eye study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe the prevalence and risk factors of ocular trauma in an urban
      Southeast Asian population. METHODS: A population-based survey of 3,400 (75.6%
      response rate) adults of Indian ethnicity aged 40-80 years residing in Singapore
      was conducted in 2007-2009. An age-stratified (10-year age group) random sampling
      procedure was performed to select participants. Ocular trauma was defined as any
      eye injury requiring medical attention and any history of ocular trauma was
      documented using a standardized and validated questionnaire comprising seven
      questions. Potential risk factors associated with ocular trauma included age,
      gender, socioeconomic status, occupation, housing type, alcohol consumption,
      smoking, diabetes mellitus, hypertension and history of falls. RESULTS: Ocular
      trauma was reported in 5.1% (n = 162; 95% confidence interval [CI] 4.3-6.1%) of
      the study population, of whom 26.5% (n = 43) required hospitalization. A total of
      42.0% (n = 68) of cases resulted from a blunt object, 36.4% (n = 59) from a sharp
      object, and 15.4% (n = 25) from chemical burns. After adjusting for age and sex,
      men had a higher prevalence of ocular trauma (7.1% vs. 3.0%, age-adjusted odds
      ratio [OR] 2.2, 95% CI 1.6-3.1). A history of cigarette smoking was associated
      with higher likelihood of ocular trauma (OR 1.6, 95% CI 1.1-2.4) but not
      consumption of alcohol (OR 1.0, 95% CI 0.6-1.6). CONCLUSIONS: One in twenty
      Indian adults in this urban Southeast Asian population had a history of ocular
      trauma, similar to the prevalence reported in Malays living in Singapore. Men and
      cigarette smokers were more likely to have incurred ocular trauma.

PMID- 22053839
TI  - Serum retinol and xerophthalmia among a prison population in Papua New Guinea.
AB  - PURPOSE: To estimate the prevalence of vitamin A deficiency (VAD) and one of its
      clinical manifestations, xerophthalmia, and examine the predictive value of
      nyctalopia and ocular signs for serum retinol concentrations among a prison
      population in Papua New Guinea. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 148 prisoners
      and 9 guards; all males aged >=18 years. Interview-based questionnaire; ocular
      examination; serum retinol concentration determination. RESULTS: Two guards had
      marginal (retinol <1.05->=0.70 umol/L) VAD. For prisoners: mean retinol was 0.84
      +/- 0.49 umol/L; 43.9% (95% CI 35.9, 52.2) had VAD (retinol <0.70 umol/L); 9.6%
      (95% CI 5.1, 17.0) self-reported nyctalopia prior to, and 36.1% (95% CI 27.7,
      45.5) after incarceration; 10.9% (95% CI 6.7, 17.0) exhibited at least one sign
      of xerophthalmia (2 had fundus changes; all 4 with more than conjunctival xerosis
      alone had severe [<0.35 umol/L] retinol deficiency). Prisoners with ocular signs
      were more likely than those without to have VAD (OR 10.4; 95% CI 2.5, 70.3; P <
      0.001) and severe retinol deficiency (OR 19.1; 95% CI 5.5, 77.2; P < 0.001).
      Positive (PPV) and Negative (NPV) Predictive Values: of nyctalopia for any (PPV
      62.9%; NPV 32.8%) and severe (PPV 25.7%; NPV 85.9%) retinol deficiency; of ocular
      signs for any (PPV 93.3%; NPV 38.2%) and severe (PPV 73.1%; NPV 87.8%) retinol
      deficiency, and VAD (PPV 86.5%, NPV 38.2%). CONCLUSIONS: VAD and xerophthalmia
      were present in this prison population. There may be VAD in the wider community.
      The former needs remedy and the latter deserves investigation. Self-reported
      nyctalopia was not a useful indicator of retinol deficiency. Absence of ocular
      signs was unhelpful for ruling out VAD.

PMID- 22053840
TI  - Iron oxide nanoparticle-induced epidermal growth factor receptor expression in
      human stem cells for tumor therapy.
AB  - Superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles show promise as labels for
      cellular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in the application of stem cell-based
      therapy. However, the unaddressed concerns about the impact of SPIO nanoparticles
      on stem cell attributes make the feasibility of SPIO labeling uncertain. Here, we
      show that the labeling of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) with ferucarbotran
      can induce epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) overexpression. Labeled hMSCs
      with their overexpressed EGFR were attracted by tumorous EGF and more effectively
      migrated toward tumor than unlabeled cells, resulting in more potent intrinsic
      antitumor activity. Moreover, the captured binding of tumorous EGF by
      overexpressed EGFR of labeled hMSCs blocked EGF/EGFR signaling-derived tumor
      growth, tumorous angiogenesis, and tumorous VEGF expression also responsible for
      tumor progression and development. Our results show that the impact of SPIO
      nanoparticles on stem cell attributes is not necessarily harmful but can be
      cleverly used to be beneficial to stem cell-based therapy.

PMID- 22053844
TI  - Metabolomics study on the toxicity of aconite root and its processed products
      using ultraperformance liquid-chromatography/electrospray-ionization synapt high
      definition mass spectrometry coupled with pattern recognition approach and
      ingenuity pathways analysis.
AB  - The mother and lateral root of Aconitum carmichaelii Debx, named "Chuanwu" (CW)
      and "Fuzi", respectively, has been used to relieve joint pain and treat rheumatic
      diseases for over 2000 years. However, it has a very narrow therapeutic range,
      and the toxicological risk of its usage remains very high. The traditional
      Chinese processing approach, Paozhi (detoxifying measure),can decompose poisonous
      Aconitum alkaloids into less or nontoxic derivatives and plays an important role
      in detoxification. The difference in metabolomic characters among the crude and
      processed preparations is still unclear, limited by the lack of sensitive and
      reliable biomarkers. Therefore, this paper was designed to investigate
      comprehensive metabolomic characters of the crude and its processed products by
      UPLC-Q-TOF-HDMS combined with pattern recognition methods and ingenuity pathway
      analysis (IPA). The significant difference in metabolic profiles and changes of
      metabolite biomarkers of interest between the crude and processed preparations
      were well observed. The underlying regulations of Paozhi-perturbed metabolic
      pathways are discussed according to the identified metabolites, and four
      metabolic pathways are identified using IPA. The present study demonstrates that
      metabolomic analysis could greatly facilitate and provide useful information to
      further comprehensively understand the pharmacological activity and potential
      toxicity of processed Aconite roots in the clinic.

PMID- 22053845
TI  - Redox regulation in photosynthetic organisms: focus on glutathionylation.
AB  - SIGNIFICANCE: In photosynthetic organisms, besides the well-established
      disulfide/dithiol exchange reactions specifically controlled by thioredoxins
      (TRXs), protein S-glutathionylation is emerging as an alternative redox
      modification occurring under stress conditions. This modification, consisting of
      the formation of a mixed disulfide between glutathione and a protein cysteine
      residue, can not only protect specific cysteines from irreversible oxidation but
      also modulate protein activities and appears to be specifically controlled by
      small disulfide oxidoreductases of the TRX superfamily named glutaredoxins
      (GRXs). RECENT STUDIES: In recent times, several studies allowed significant
      progress in this area, mostly due to the identification of several plant proteins
      undergoing S-glutathionylation and to the characterization of the molecular
      mechanisms and the proteins involved in the control of this modification.
      CRITICAL ISSUES: This article provides a global overview of protein
      glutathionylation in photosynthetic organisms with particular emphasis on the
      mechanisms of protein glutathionylation and deglutathionylation and a focus on
      the role of GRXs. Then, we describe the methods employed for identification of
      glutathionylated proteins in photosynthetic organisms and review the targets and
      the possible physiological functions of protein glutathionylation. FUTURE
      DIRECTIONS: In order to establish the importance of protein S-glutathionylation
      in photosynthetic organisms, future studies should be aimed at delineating more
      accurately the molecular mechanisms of glutathionylation and deglutathionylation
      reactions, at identifying proteins undergoing S-glutathionylation in vivo under
      diverse conditions, and at investigating the importance of redoxins, GRX, and
      TRX, in the control of this redox modification in vivo.

PMID- 22053846
TI  - End point prick test: could this new test be used to predict the outcome of oral
      food challenge in children with cow's milk allergy?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cow's milk allergy (CMA) is the most frequent food allergy in
      childhood; the trend of CMA is often characterized by a progressive improvement
      to achieve tolerance in the first 4 to 5 years of life.It has been observed that
      specific IgE (sIgE) towards cow's milk proteins decrease when the age
      increases.Although food allergy can be easily diagnosed, it is difficult to
      predict the outcome of the oral food challenge (OFC), that remains the gold
      standard in the diagnosis of food allergy, by allergometric tests. METHODS: We
      considered 44 children with CMA diagnosed through OFC who returned to our Allergy
      and Immunology Pediatric Department between January to December 2010 to evaluate
      the persistence of allergy or the achievement of tolerance.On the basis of the
      history, we performed both allergometric skin tests and OFC in children that were
      still following a milk-free diet, whereas only allergometric skin tests those
      that had already undergone spontaneous introduction of milk protein at home
      without presenting symptoms. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate
      the relationship between the persistence of CMA or the acquisition of tolerance
      and the results of the end point prick test (EPT). RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The
      OFC with cow's milk was performed on 30 children, 4 children were excluded
      because of a history of severe reactions to cow's milk, and 10 because they had
      spontaneously already taken milk food derivates at home without problems. 16/30
      (53%) children showed clinical reactions and the challenge was stopped, 14/30
      (47%) did not have any reaction.Comparing the mean wheal diameter of every EPT's
      dilution between the group of allergic children and the tolerant ones, we
      obtained a significant difference (p < 0.05) for the first 4 dilutions.We have
      also calculated sensitivity (SE), specificity (SP), the positive predictive value
      (PPV) and the negative predictive value (NPV) for each EPT dilution. CONCLUSIONS:
      EPT is a safe and cheap test, easy to be executed and that could provide good
      prediction of the outcome of OFC; so it might be used to avoid OFC-induced
      anaphylaxis in children affected by CMA. It can also help avoiding dietetic
      restrictions in tolerant children who show sensitization towards cow's milk
      proteins.

PMID- 22053847
TI  - Income replacement in retirement: longitudinal evidence from income tax records.
AB  - Applying an employment-income-based procedure for determining retirement, we
      analysed a large longitudinal data file of Canadian personal income tax returns
      for individuals to determine who has retired and to assess how successful they
      are in maintaining their incomes after retirement. The methodological approach
      may be of interest for possible application in other countries that have suitable
      data. Our main conclusions are as follows. First, in the two years immediately
      after retirement, the after-tax income replacement ratios average about two
      thirds when calculated across all ages of retirement. Second, the ratios tend to
      increase with the age of retirement. Third, the ratios increase with years in
      retirement, at least in the first few years. Finally, income replacement ratios
      are highest in the lowest income quartile and generally decline as income
      increases; within each quartile, the replacement ratios are higher for those who
      retired later than for those who retired earlier.

PMID- 22053849
TI  - Drying dip-coated colloidal films.
AB  - We present the results from a small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) study of
      lateral drying in thin films. The films, initially 10 MUm thick, are cast by dip
      coating a mica sheet in an aqueous silica dispersion (particle radius 8 nm,
      volume fraction phi(s) = 0.14). During evaporation, a drying front sweeps across
      the film. An X-ray beam is focused on a selected spot of the film, and SAXS
      patterns are recorded at regular time intervals. As the film evaporates, SAXS
      spectra measure the ordering of particles, their volume fraction, the film
      thickness, and the water content, and a video camera images the solid regions of
      the film, recognized through their scattering of light. We find that the
      colloidal dispersion is first concentrated to phi(s) = 0.3, where the silica
      particles begin to jam under the effect of their repulsive interactions. Then the
      particles aggregate until they form a cohesive wet solid at phi(s) = 0.68 +/-
      0.02. Further evaporation from the wet solid leads to evacuation of water from
      pores of the film but leaves a residual water fraction phi(w) = 0.16. The whole
      drying process is completed within 3 min. An important finding is that, in any
      spot (away from boundaries), the number of particles is conserved throughout this
      drying process, leading to the formation of a homogeneous deposit. This implies
      that no flow of particles occurs in our films during drying, a behavior distinct
      to that encountered in the iconic coffee-stain drying. It is argued that this
      type of evolution is associated with the formation of a transition region that
      propagates ahead of the drying front. In this region the gradient of osmotic
      pressure balances the drag force exerted on the particles by capillary flow
      toward the liquid-solid front.

PMID- 22053850
TI  - Six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of the prostate and enhancer of zeste
      homolog 2 as immunotherapeutic targets for lung cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: T-cell based immunotherapy for lung cancer (LC) could be a promising
      and novel therapeutic approach. Six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of the
      prostate (STEAP) and the polycomb group protein enhancer of zeste homolog 2
      (EZH2) are highly expressed in LC and since the expression of molecules in normal
      tissue is significantly lower as compared to tumor cells, these proteins are
      considered as potential tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) for developing T-cell
      based immunotherapy. METHODS: We assessed the capacity of predicted CD4 T-cell
      epitopes from STEAP and EZH2 to induce anti-tumor immune responses to LC cell
      lines. RESULTS: Out of several predicted epitopes, two synthetic peptides,
      STEAP281-296 and EZH295-109, were effective in inducing CD4 T-cell responses that
      were restricted by HLA-DR1, DR15, or DR53 molecules, indicating that the peptides
      function as promiscuous T-cell epitopes. Moreover, STEAP281-296 and EZH295-109
      reactive T-cells could directly recognize STEAP or EZH2 expressing LC cells in an
      HLA-DR restricted manner. In addition, some STEAP-reactive T-cells responded to
      STEAP+ tumor cell lysates presented by autologous dendric cells. Most
      significantly, both of these peptides were capable of stimulating in vitro T-cell
      responses in patients with LC. CONCLUSIONS: Peptides STEAP281-296 and EZH295-109
      function as strong CD4 T-cell epitopes that can elicit effective anti-tumor T
      cell responses against STEAP or EZH2 expressing LC. These observations may
      facilitate the translation of T-cell based immunotherapy into the clinic for the
      treatment of LC.

PMID- 22053852
TI  - Helicobacter pylori cholesteryl glucosides interfere with host membrane phase and
      affect type IV secretion system function during infection in AGS cells.
AB  - Helicobacter pylori infection is an aetiological cause of gastric disorders
      worldwide. H. pylori has been shown to assimilate and convert host cholesterol
      into cholesteryl glucosides (CGs) by cholesterol-alpha-glucosyltransferase
      encoded by capJ. Here, we show that CapJ-deficient (DeltacapJ) H. pylori resulted
      in greatly reduced type IV secretion system (TFSS)-associated activities,
      including the hummingbird phenotype of AGS cells, IL-8 production, CagA
      translocation/phosphorylation and CagA-mediated signalling events.
      Complementation of the DeltacapJ mutation with wild type cagJ or by adding CGs
      containing lysates or exogenous fluorophore-tagged CGs reversed the mutant
      phenotypes. We also show that the wild-type but not DeltacapJ H. pylori recruited
      raft-associated components to sites of bacterial attachment. Fluorescence
      recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) analysis of AGS cells treated with
      fluorescence-tagged cholesterol/CGs revealed that there was a higher proportion
      of CGs associated with immobile fractions. CGs-associated membranes were also
      more resistant to a cold detergent extraction. Thus, we propose that CGs
      synthesized by H. pylori around host-pathogen contact sites partition in
      detergent-resistant membranes (DRMs), alters lateral-phase segregation in
      membrane and reorganizes membrane architecture. These processes together promote
      the formation of a functional TFSS and H. pylori infection.

PMID- 22053853
TI  - Functional consequences of human airway smooth muscle phenotype plasticity.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Airway smooth muscle (ASM) phenotype plasticity,
      characterized by reversible switching between contractile and proliferative
      phenotypes, is considered to contribute to increased ASM mass and airway hyper
      responsiveness in asthma. Further, increased expression of collagen I has been
      observed within the ASM bundle of asthmatics. Previously, we showed that exposure
      of intact bovine tracheal smooth muscle (BTSM) to collagen I induces a switch
      from a contractile to a hypocontractile, proliferative phenotype. However, the
      functional relevance of this finding for intact human ASM has not been
      established. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: We investigated the effects of exposure of
      human tracheal smooth muscle (HTSM) strips to monomeric collagen I and PDGF on
      contractile responses to methacholine and KCl. Expression of contractile proteins
      sm-alpha-actin and sm-MHC was assessed by Western blot analysis. The
      proliferation of HTSM cells was assessed by cell counting, measuring
      mitochondrial activity (Alamarblue conversion) and [(3) H]-thymidine
      incorporation. Proliferation of intact tissue slices was assessed by [(3) H]
      thymidine incorporation. KEY RESULTS: Culturing HTSM strips in the presence of
      collagen I or PDGF for 4 days reduced maximal contractile responses to
      methacholine or KCl and the expression of contractile proteins. Conversely,
      collagen I and PDGF increased proliferation of HTSM cells and proliferative
      responses in tissue slices. PDGF additively increased the proliferation of HTSM
      cells cultured on collagen I; this additive effect was not observed on
      contractility, contractile protein expression or proliferation of intact tissue.
      CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: These findings indicate that collagen I and PDGF
      induce a functionally hypocontractile, proliferative phenotype of human ASM,
      which may contribute to airway remodelling in asthma.

PMID- 22053854
TI  - Influence of organic acids on rheological and bread-making characteristics of
      fortified wheat flour.
AB  - Flour was fortified with premix containing ferrous fumarate and folic acid.
      Organic acids such as citric acid, malic acid and tartaric acid, which are
      promoters of iron bioavailability, were added at three levels and their influence
      on rheological and bread-making characteristics was studied. Farinograph water
      absorption increased with fortificants, but with addition of organic acids there
      was a decrease. Maximum pressure was 77 mm in control, which increased to 78-88
      mm with the addition of different acids to the fortified flour. Addition of
      organic acids to fortified flour brought about a decrease in peak viscosity, hot
      paste viscosity, cold paste viscosity and setback values. The L, a and b values
      of fortified breads were similar to that of control. Sensory analysis revealed
      marginal differences in the overall quality of breads prepared with fortified
      flour with the addition of organic acids.

PMID- 22053855
TI  - Synthesis of bifunctional Au/Pt/Au Core/shell nanoraspberries for in situ SERS
      monitoring of platinum-catalyzed reactions.
AB  - The synthesis of bifunctional Au/Pt/Au nanoraspberries for use in quantitative in
      situ monitoring of platinum-catalyzed reactions by surface-enhanced Raman
      scattering (SERS) is presented. Highly convolved SERS spectra of reaction
      mixtures can be decomposed into the contributions of distinct molecular species
      by multivariate data analysis.

PMID- 22053856
TI  - Characterization of RNase MRP RNA and novel snoRNAs from Giardia intestinalis and
      Trichomonas vaginalis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Eukaryotic cells possess a complex network of RNA machineries which
      function in RNA-processing and cellular regulation which includes transcription,
      translation, silencing, editing and epigenetic control. Studies of model
      organisms have shown that many ncRNAs of the RNA-infrastructure are highly
      conserved, but little is known from non-model protists. In this study we have
      conducted a genome-scale survey of medium-length ncRNAs from the protozoan
      parasites Giardia intestinalis and Trichomonas vaginalis. RESULTS: We have
      identified the previously 'missing' Giardia RNase MRP RNA, which is a key
      ribozyme involved in pre-rRNA processing. We have also uncovered 18 new H/ACA box
      snoRNAs, expanding our knowledge of the H/ACA family of snoRNAs. CONCLUSIONS:
      Results indicate that Giardia intestinalis and Trichomonas vaginalis, like their
      distant multicellular relatives, contain a rich infrastructure of RNA-based
      processing. From here we can investigate the evolution of RNA processing networks
      in eukaryotes.

PMID- 22053857
TI  - Effects of a dietary supplement on chronic pelvic pain syndrome (Category IIIA),
      leucocytospermia and semen parameters.
AB  - Chronic prostatitis (CP) is one of the most common male urogenital diseases and a
      significant public health problem in industrialised countries. It is associated
      with a low quality of life and significant expense. Given the poor results
      achieved with antibiotics, scientific interest has turned to the use of natural
      substances with a known activity on prostate function. The aim of our study was
      to evaluate the effect of a new dietary supplement containing lycopene,
      epigallocatechin gallate, ellagic acid, selenium and zinc on semen parameters and
      on leucocyte concentration in seminal fluid and expressed prostate secretion
      (EPS) in patients with CP without infection [National Institute of Health (NIH)
      Category IIIA], in comparison with a control group with the same condition who
      did not undergo any treatment during the study period. Our data showed a
      statistically significant reduction in inflammatory parameters (leucocytes in
      seminal fluid and EPS) and a statistically significant improvement in progressive
      sperm motility and sperm morphology in patients treated with the supplement in
      comparison with the untreated group. Improvements were also seen in the pain
      score of the NIH-Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (CPSI), confirming that the
      reduced inflammation also resulted in a reduction in pain.

PMID- 22053858
TI  - Gender, HIV status, and psychiatric disorders: results from the National
      Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: More than 30 years after the onset of the human immunodeficiency virus
      (HIV) epidemic, there is no information on the prevalence of psychiatric
      disorders among HIV-positive individuals in the general population. We sought to
      compare the prevalence of 12-month psychiatric disorders among HIV-positive and
      HIV-negative adults stratified by sex and to examine the differential increase in
      risk of a psychiatric disorder as a function of the interaction of sex and HIV
      status. METHOD: Face-to-face interviews were conducted between 2004 and 2005 with
      participants in the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related
      Conditions Wave 2, a large nationally representative sample of US adults
      (34,653). The diagnostic interview used was the Alcohol Use Disorder and
      Associated Disabilities Interview Schedule-DSM-IV Version. RESULTS: When compared
      with their HIV-negative same-sex counterparts, HIV-positive men were more likely
      to have any mood disorder (odds ratio [OR] = 6.10; 95% confidence interval [CI],
      2.99-12.44), major depressive disorder/dysthymia (OR = 3.77; 95% CI, 1.16-12.27),
      any anxiety disorder (OR = 4.02; 95% CI, 2.12-7.64), and any personality disorder
      (OR = 2.50; 95% CI, 1.34-4.67). In relation to their same-sex HIV-negative
      counterparts, the effect of HIV status on the odds of any mood disorder (OR =
      7.17; 95% CI, 2.52-20.41), any anxiety disorder (OR = 3.45; 95% CI, 1.27-9.38),
      and any personality disorder (OR = 2.66; 95% CI, 1.16-6.10) was significantly
      greater for men than women. CONCLUSIONS: HIV status was significantly more
      strongly associated with psychiatric disorders in men than in women. HIV-positive
      men had a higher prevalence than HIV-negative men of most psychiatric disorders.
      By contrast, HIV-positive women were not significantly more likely than HIV
      negative women to have psychiatric disorders.

PMID- 22053860
TI  - Laser irradiation of the semicircular canal: occlusion of the canal or duct.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of argon laser irradiation of
      the semicircular canals using computed tomography (CT) images and to examine the
      basis for laser treatment for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV). CT
      images of the posterior canal were evaluated postoperatively in a patient with
      intractable BPPV, in whom the unilateral posterior and lateral semicircular
      canals were irradiated with an argon laser. In addition, bootstrap analysis of 20
      patients with normal CT findings of the temporal bone was performed and previous
      experimentally obtained histologic findings were compared. Cross-sections of the
      posterior canals of 20 patients were found to show no difference in size between
      the right and left sides. The laser-irradiated posterior canal became narrower
      than that on the non-irradiated healthy side in our patient. There was a
      discrepancy between the CT images and experimentally obtained histologic findings
      that showed complete occlusion of the canal. CT images of a patient with severe
      vertigo demonstrated that argon laser irradiation to the blue-lined semicircular
      canals did not occlude the canal of the corresponding areas, while the canal of
      the guinea pig histologically showed complete obstruction with new bone after
      irradiation with the same energy (1.5 W, 0.5 s, spot size: around 200 MUm in
      diameter). The patient has been free from vertigo for 16 years. Marked
      constriction of the semicircular duct corresponding to the irradiated area
      appeared to be effective in treating intractable BPPV.

PMID- 22053859
TI  - Nuclear beta-catenin overexpression in metastatic sentinel lymph node is
      associated with synchronous liver metastasis in colorectal cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Beta-catenin, a component of the Wingless/Wnt signaling pathway, can
      activate target genes linking with the adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene in
      colorectal cancer. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether nuclear
      beta-catenin overexpression in metastatic sentinel lymph node(s) [SLN(s)] is
      associated with synchronous liver metastasis. METHODS: Clinicopathological data
      from 355 patients (93 cases with liver metastasis and 262 cases without liver
      metastasis) were reviewed. Beta-catenin expression in metastatic SLN(s) and liver
      metastatic lesions was examined by immunohistochemistry. The association of
      nuclear beta-catenin expression in metastatic SLN(s) and liver metastatic lesions
      was evaluated, and the relationship between nuclear beta-catenin expression and
      clinicopathological characteristics was analyzed. Finally, univariate and
      logistic multivariate regression analyses were adopted to discriminate the risk
      factors of liver metastasis. RESULTS: Nuclear beta-catenin overexpression in
      metastatic SLN(s) was observed in 70 patients with liver metastasis and 31
      patients without liver metastasis (75.3% vs. 11.8%; P < 0.001). Nuclear beta
      catenin expression was noted in all the metastatic lesions. Spearman rank
      correlation analysis demonstrated that nuclear beta-catenin expression in
      metastatic SLN(s) had a positive correlation with that in metastatic lesions (r =
      0.425, P < 0.001). Univariate and multivariate analyses indicated that nuclear
      beta-catenin overexpression in metastatic SLN(s) correlated with liver
      metastasis. CONCLUSIONS: Nuclear beta-catenin overexpression in metastatic SLN(s)
      is strongly associated with liver metastasis and may contribute to predict liver
      metastasis.

PMID- 22053862
TI  - Errata.

PMID- 22053861
TI  - Choroid plexus transport: gene deletion studies.
AB  - This review examines the use of transporter knockout (KO) animals to evaluate
      transporter function at the choroid plexus (the blood-CSF barrier; BCSFB).
      Compared to the blood-brain barrier, there have been few such studies on choroid
      plexus (CP) function. These have primarily focused on Pept2 (an oligopeptide
      transporter), ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters, Oat3 (an organic anion
      transporter), Svct2 (an ascorbic acid transporter), transthyretin, ion
      transporters, and ion and water channels. This review focuses on the knowledge
      gained from such studies, both with respect to specific transporters and in
      general to the role of the CP and its impact on brain parenchyma. It also
      discusses the pros and cons of using KO animals in such studies and the technical
      approaches that can be used.

PMID- 22053865
TI  - The use of complementary and alternative medicine products in preceding two days
      among Finnish parents - a population survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The use of complementary and alternative medicines (CAM) has been
      extensively studied globally among adult and paediatric populations. Parents, as
      a group, had not been studied to assess their knowledge and attitude to CAM and
      general medicine use. This study is necessary since parents' attitude to medicine
      use is known to influence their child's attitude to medicine use later in life.
      We therefore aim to assess the extent and types of CAM use among Finnish parents,
      and to determine the factors that promote the CAM use. Also, we aim to determine
      parents' attitude to general medicine use. METHODS: Children less than 12 years
      old, as of spring 2007, were identified from the database of the Finnish
      Population Register Centre and were selected by random sampling. The parents of
      these children were identified and a questionnaire was sent to them. Only the
      parent who regularly takes care of the child's medicine was requested to fill the
      questionnaire. Cross-tabulations and Chi-square test were used to determine the
      associations between categorical variables. CAMs were defined as natural products
      that are not registered as medicines, such as homeopathic preparations, dietary
      food supplements, and traditional medicinal products. RESULTS: The response rate
      of the survey was 67% (n = 4032). The use of CAM was 31% in the preceding two
      days. The most commonly used CAM products were vitamins and minerals, followed by
      fish oils and fatty acids. Prescription and OTC medicines were used concomitantly
      with CAM by one-third of the parents. CAM was frequently used by parents over 30
      years (33%), female parents (32%), highly educated parents (35%), and parents
      with high monthly net income (3000-3999 euros, 34%). The users of CAM had more
      negative attitudes towards medicines than non-users of CAM. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      findings are in accordance with those of previous studies that women over 30
      years of age with a high education and income typically use CAMs. Finnish parents
      seem to use CAMs as complementary rather than alternative to medicines. Health
      care professionals should take into consideration both the concomitant use as
      well as the negative attitudes among CAM users in encounters with the parents.

PMID- 22053864
TI  - Recommendations for mass spectrometry data quality metrics for open access data
      (corollary to the Amsterdam Principles).
AB  - Policies supporting the rapid and open sharing of proteomic data are being
      implemented by the leading journals in the field. The proteomics community is
      taking steps to ensure that data are made publicly accessible and are of high
      quality, a challenging task that requires the development and deployment of
      methods for measuring and documenting data quality metrics. On September 18,
      2010, the U.S. National Cancer Institute (NCI) convened the "International
      Workshop on Proteomic Data Quality Metrics" in Sydney, Australia, to identify and
      address issues facing the development and use of such methods for open access
      proteomics data. The stakeholders at the workshop enumerated the key principles
      underlying a framework for data quality assessment in mass spectrometry data that
      will meet the needs of the research community, journals, funding agencies, and
      data repositories. Attendees discussed and agreed up on two primary needs for the
      wide use of quality metrics: (1) an evolving list of comprehensive quality
      metrics and (2) standards accompanied by software analytics. Attendees stressed
      the importance of increased education and training programs to promote reliable
      protocols in proteomics. This workshop report explores the historic precedents,
      key discussions, and necessary next steps to enhance the quality of open access
      data.  By agreement, this article is published simultaneously in the Journal of
      Proteome Research, Molecular and Cellular Proteomics, Proteomics, and Proteomics
      Clinical Applications as a public service to the research community. The peer
      review process was a coordinated effort conducted by a panel of referees selected
      by the journals.

PMID- 22053866
TI  - Autoimmune bone marrow environment severely inhibits B cell development by
      inducing extensive cell death and inhibiting proliferation.
AB  - The spontaneous scurfy (sf) mutation in mice results in a complete loss of Tregs,
      leading to a lethal, multi-system autoimmune syndrome. We have carefully examined
      B lymphopoiesis in sf mice. Paradoxically, the B cell numbers at all
      developmental stages including pro-B, pre-B, immature and mature B cells are
      significantly decreased in the BM and spleen of sf mice, compared to that of wild
      type littermate controls. The developing B cells in sf mice exhibit profoundly
      elevated cell death induced by down-regulation of Bcl-XL expression and up
      regulation of Fas expression. In addition, the clonal expansion of pre-B and
      immature B cells in sf mice is significantly reduced compared to wild-type
      controls. Foxp3 expression is not detectable in all stages of developing B cells
      in wild-type mice, indicating that the defects are B-cell extrinsic, which is
      further supported by the recovery of B cell maturation in BM chimeric mice.
      Remarkably, IFN-gamma production is significantly elevated in numerous cell types
      in the BM of sf mice. Taken together, these results indicate that the autoimmune
      inflammatory marrow environment has dramatic inhibitory effects on B cell
      development by inducing apoptosis and suppressing proliferation of developing B
      cells.

PMID- 22053867
TI  - Poly (N-isopropylacrylamide) microgel-based assemblies for organic dye removal
      from water.
AB  - Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)-co-acrylic acid (pNIPAm-co-AAc) microgel assemblies
      (aggregates) were synthesized via polymerization of the cross-linker N,N'
      methylenebisacrylamide (BIS) in the presence of microgels in solution. In this
      case, the microgels were entrapped in the polymerized cross-linker network. The
      aggregates were investigated for their ability to remove the organic, azo dye
      molecule 4-(2-hydroxy-1-napthylazo) benzenesulfonic acid sodium salt (Orange II)
      from water at both room and elevated temperatures. These results were compared
      with unaggregated microgels that were previously reported (Parasuraman, D.;
      Serpe, M. J. ACS. Appl. Mater. Interfaces 2011, 3, 2732.). It was found that the
      removal efficiency increased at elevated temperature, most likely due to the
      thermoresponsive nature of the pNIPAm-based aggregates, which expel water of
      solvation and deswell at higher temperature and reswell when they are cooled back
      to room temperature. Furthermore, increasing the number of cycles the aggregates
      are heated and cooled enhanced the percent removal of the dye from water. We also
      evaluated the effect of increasing cross-linker concentration on the removal
      efficiency, where we found the removal efficiency to increase with increasing
      cross-linker concentration in the aggregates. The maximum removal efficiency
      reached by the microgel aggregates at elevated temperatures was calculated to be
      73.1%. This enhanced uptake is due to the presence of larger internal volume
      between the microgels in the aggregates, which the individual microgels lack.
      Control studies reveal that the structure and hydrophobicity of the aggregates
      lead to the enhanced uptake efficiencies and is not due to the presence of BIS
      alone. We determined that aggregates leak 75.6% of the dye that was originally
      removed from solution. The removal of Orange II by the aggregates at room
      temperature was fit by a Langmuir sorption isotherm.

PMID- 22053869
TI  - Iodine-induced goitre and high prevalence of anaemia among Saharawi refugee
      women.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The main objective was to assess iodine status (thyroid volume (Tvol)
      and urinary iodine concentration (UIC)) and their determinants in Saharawi
      refugee women. DESIGN: A cross-sectional survey was performed during January
      February 2007. Tvol was measured by ultrasound and iodine concentration was
      analysed in spot urine samples and in household drinking water. Anthropometry and
      Hb concentration were measured and background variables were collected using pre
      coded questionnaires. SETTING: The survey was undertaken in four long-term
      refugee camps in the Algerian desert. SUBJECTS: Non-pregnant women (n 394), 15-45
      years old, randomly selected. RESULTS: Median (25th percentile-75th percentile
      (P25-P75)) UIC was 466 (294-725) MUg/l. Seventy-four per cent had UIC above 300
      MUg/l and 46 % above 500 MUg/l. Median (P25-P75) Tvol was 9.4 (7.4-12.0) ml and
      the goitre prevalence was 22 %. UIC was positively associated with iodine in
      drinking water and negatively associated with breast-feeding, and these two
      variables explained 28 % of the variation in UIC. The mean (sd) Hb level was 11.8
      (2.4) g/dl. In total 46 % were anaemic with 14 %, 25 % and 7 %, classified with
      respectively mild, moderate and severe anaemia. CONCLUSIONS: The Saharawi women
      had high UIC, high levels of iodine in drinking water and increased Tvol and
      probably suffered from iodine-induced goitre. The high prevalence of anaemia is
      considered to be a severe public health concern. To what extent the excessive
      iodine intake and the anaemia have affected thyroid function is unknown and
      should be addressed in future studies.

PMID- 22053870
TI  - Stimuli-responsive hydrogel hollow capsules by material efficient and robust
      cross-linking-precipitation synthesis revisited.
AB  - Monodisperse stimuli-responsive hydrogel capsules were synthesized in the 100-nm
      diameter to 10-MUm-diameter range from poly(4-vinylpyridine) (P4VP) and
      poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI) through a simple, efficient two-step cross-linking
      precipitation template method under conditions of a good solvent. In this method,
      the core-shell particles were obtained by the deposition (heterocoagulation
      mechanism) of the cross-linked P4VP, PEI, or their mixtures on the surfaces of
      the template colloidal silica particles in nitromethane (for PEI) or a
      nitromethane-acetone mixture (for P4VP and P4VP-PEI mixtures) in the presence of
      cross-linker 1,4-diiodobutane. The cross-linked polymeric shell swollen in a good
      solvent stabilized the core-shell colloids. This mechanism provided the
      conditions for the synthesis of core-shell colloids in a submicrometer range of
      dimensions with an easily adjusted shell thickness (wall of the capsules) ranging
      from a few to hundreds of nanometers. The chemical composition of the shell was
      tuned by varying the ratio of co-cross-linked shell-forming polymers (P4VP and
      PEI). In the second step, the hollow capsules were obtained by etching the silica
      core in HF solutions. In this step, the colloidal stability of the hollow
      capsules was provided by ionized P4VP and PEI cross-linked shells. The hollow
      capsules demonstrate that the pH- and ionic-strength-triggered swelling and
      shrinking result in size-selective uptake and release properties. Cross-linked
      via quaternized functional groups, P4VP capsules undergo swelling and shrinking
      transitions at a physiologically relevant pH of around 6. The 200-nm-diameter
      hollow capsule with 25-nm-thick walls demonstrated a factor of 2 greater capacity
      to accommodate cargo molecules than the core-shell particles of the same
      dimensions because of an internal compartment and a combination of radial and a
      circumferential swelling modes in the capsules.

PMID- 22053872
TI  - Self-adjusted sustaining oscillation of confined water chain in carbon nanotubes.
AB  - We show by molecular dynamics and first principle calculations that a water chain
      confined in carbon nanotubes can self-adjust into regular oscillation with
      remarkably lower entropy from random thermal motion with higher entropy at room
      temperature. The turning between the two phases is triggered by the water
      orientation fluttering into or from the energy optimum configuration of the
      chain. The findings are expected to be helpful in creation of self-sustaining
      nanoelectromechanical systems driven by ambient energy.

PMID- 22053873
TI  - An examination of instrumental activities of daily living assessment in older
      adults and mild cognitive impairment.
AB  - Basic activities of daily living (ADL) are self-maintenance abilities such as
      dressing or bathing. Instrumental ADL (IADL) are more complex everyday tasks,
      such as preparing a meal or managing finances (Lawton & Brody, 1969). IADL
      questionnaires play an important role in assessing the functional abilities of
      older adults and evaluating the impact of cognitive impairment on routine
      activities. This paper examined the cognitive processes that underlie IADL
      performance and concluded that the accurate and reliable execution of IADL likely
      draws upon the integrity of a wide range of cognitive processes. This review
      examined IADL in mild cognitive impairment (MCI) because of the controversial
      nature of distinguishing a significant decline in functional abilities in those
      with MCI versus dementia or MCI versus cognitively normal aging. The challenges
      of investigating IADL empirically were explored, as well as some of the reasons
      for the inconsistent findings in the literature. A review of questionnaire-based
      assessments of IADL indicated that: MCI can be distinguished statistically from
      healthy older adults and dementia, individuals with multiple domain MCI are more
      impaired on IADL than those with single domain MCI, mild IADL changes can be
      predictive of future cognitive decline, and the ability to manage finances may be
      among the earliest IADL changes in MCI and a strong predictor of conversion to
      dementia. This paper concluded with recommendations for more sensitive and
      reliable IADL questionnaires.

PMID- 22053874
TI  - Two small RNAs, CrcY and CrcZ, act in concert to sequester the Crc global
      regulator in Pseudomonas putida, modulating catabolite repression.
AB  - The Crc protein is a translational repressor that recognizes a specific target at
      some mRNAs, controlling catabolite repression and co-ordinating carbon metabolism
      in pseudomonads. In Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the levels of free Crc protein are
      controlled by CrcZ, a sRNA that sequesters Crc, acting as an antagonist. We show
      that, in Pseudomonas putida, the levels of free Crc are controlled by CrcZ and by
      a novel 368 nt sRNA named CrcY. CrcZ and CrcY, which contain six potential
      targets for Crc, were able to bind Crc specifically in vitro. The levels of CrcZ
      and CrcY were low under conditions generating a strong catabolite repression, and
      increased strongly when catabolite repression was absent. Deletion of either crcZ
      or crcY had no effect on catabolite repression, but the simultaneous absence of
      both sRNAs led to constitutive catabolite repression that compromised growth on
      some carbon sources. Overproduction of CrcZ or CrcY significantly reduced
      repression. We propose that CrcZ and CrcY act in concert, sequestering and
      modulating the levels of free Crc according to metabolic conditions. The
      CbrA/CbrB two-component system activated crcZ transcription, but had little
      effect on crcY. CrcY was detected in P. putida, Pseudomonas fluorescens and
      Pseudomonas syringae, but not in P. aeruginosa.

PMID- 22053875
TI  - HopAS1 recognition significantly contributes to Arabidopsis nonhost resistance to
      Pseudomonas syringae pathogens.
AB  - * Plant immunity is activated by sensing either conserved microbial signatures,
      called pathogen/microbe-associated molecular patterns (P/MAMPs), or specific
      effectors secreted by pathogens. However, it is not known why most microbes are
      nonpathogenic in most plant species. * Nonhost resistance (NHR) consists of
      multiple layers of innate immunity and protects plants from the vast majority of
      potentially pathogenic microbes. Effector-triggered immunity (ETI) has been
      implicated in race-specific disease resistance. However, the role of ETI in NHR
      is unclear. * Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pto) T1 is pathogenic in tomato
      (Solanum lycopersicum) yet nonpathogenic in Arabidopsis. Here, we show that, in
      addition to the type III secretion system (T3SS)-dependent effector (T3SE)
      avrRpt2, a second T3SE of Pto T1, hopAS1, triggers ETI in nonhost Arabidopsis. *
      hopAS1 is broadly present in P. syringae strains, contributes to virulence in
      tomato, and is quantitatively required for Arabidopsis NHR to Pto T1. Strikingly,
      all tested P. syringae strains that are pathogenic in Arabidopsis carry truncated
      hopAS1 variants of forms, demonstrating that HopAS1-triggered immunity plays an
      important role in Arabidopsis NHR to a broad-range of P. syringae strains.

PMID- 22053876
TI  - Evaluating interaction forces between BSA and rabbit anti-BSA in sulphathiazole
      sodium, tylosin and levofloxacin solution by AFM.
AB  - Protein-protein interactions play crucial roles in numerous biological
      processes. However, it is still challenging to evaluate the protein-protein
      interactions, such as antigen and antibody, in the presence of drug molecules in
      physiological liquid. In this study, the interaction between bovine serum albumin
      (BSA) and rabbit anti-BSA was investigated using atomic force microscopy (AFM) in
      the presence of various antimicrobial drugs (sulphathiazole sodium, tylosin and
      levofloxacin) under physiological condition. The results show that increasing the
      concentration of tylosin decreased the single-molecule-specific force between BSA
      and rabbit anti-BSA. As for sulphathiazole sodium, it dramatically decreased the
      specific force at a certain critical concentration, but increased the nonspecific
      force as its concentration increasing. In addition, the presence of levofloxacin
      did not greatly influence either the specific or nonspecific force. Collectively,
      these results suggest that these three drugs may adopt different mechanisms to
      affect the interaction force between BSA and rabbit anti-BSA. These findings may
      enhance our understanding of antigen/antibody binding processes in the presence
      of drug molecules, and hence indicate that AFM could be helpful in the design and
      screening of drugs-modulating protein-protein interaction processes.

PMID- 22053877
TI  - Venom immunotherapy: pitfalls and open questions.

PMID- 22053878
TI  - Low-dose IL-2 as a therapeutic agent for tolerance induction.

PMID- 22053880
TI  - Is A20 a suitable target to enhance dendritic cell antigen presentation?

PMID- 22053881
TI  - The first biological approved to treat systemic lupus erythematosus.

PMID- 22053883
TI  - Otelixizumab in the treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus.
AB  - Anti-CD3 antibodies have been demonstrated in both animal and human studies to be
      able to reverse autoimmune diseases; for example Type 1 diabetes. Not only does
      treatment with anti-CD3 antibodies result in the removal of pathogenic T cells
      but evidence suggests that a state of operational tolerance can be induced
      through the effects on regulatory T cells. The clinical use of anti-CD3
      antibodies has been hampered by their safety profile. However, the introduction
      of humanized, nonmitogenic, aglycosylated anti-CD3 antibodies, such as
      otelixizumab, and promising results reported in newly-diagnosed patients with
      Type 1 diabetes, have renewed the interest for these antibodies in the treatment
      of autoimmune diseases.

PMID- 22053885
TI  - Cytokine blockade in inflammatory bowel diseases.
AB  - Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are chronic disabling diseases with
      significant morbidity. A deregulated immune response towards the intestinal
      microbiota is thought to play an important role in the pathogenesis of IBD, and
      thus biological therapies targeting key molecules such as cytokines have been
      designed. Several anti-TNF-alpha agents are currently being used to treat Crohn's
      disease and ulcerative colitis. Although these molecules dramatically improved
      the treatment of patients, side effects and the development of antidrug
      antibodies limits their application. There is thus an urgent need for alternative
      approaches to decrease inflammation and limit immunogenicity. Small neutralizing
      molecules, active immunization, gene silencing, selective transcription
      inhibitors and delivery of agents through the oral route are some of the
      currently developed strategies to meet these needs. In parallel, neutralizing
      antibodies targeting other pathways of the immune system have been developed and
      tested. Antibodies targeting IL-12/IL-23 pathways, and proinflammatory cytokines
      such as IFN-gamma, IL-17A, IL-2 and IL-6 often showed an initial promising
      result, but for none of these agents efficacy has unequivocally been established.
      Administration of the regulatory cytokines IL-10 and IL-11 also failed to induce
      reproducible clinical effects. This article focuses on the anti-TNF therapies and
      the current challenges with monoclonal antibody therapies, discusses the
      innovative strategies targeting cytokine pathways to decrease inflammation in the
      bowel, and summarizes the recently developed agents neutralizing proinflammatory
      cytokines.

PMID- 22053884
TI  - Chemokines, costimulatory molecules and fusion proteins for the immunotherapy of
      solid tumors.
AB  - In this article, the role of chemokines and costimulatory molecules in the
      immunotherapy of experimental murine solid tumors and immunotherapy used in
      ongoing clinical trials are presented. Chemokine networks regulate physiologic
      cell migration that may be disrupted to inhibit antitumor immune responses or co
      opted to promote tumor growth and metastasis in cancer. Recent studies highlight
      the potential use of chemokines in cancer immunotherapy to improve innate and
      adaptive cell interactions and to recruit immune effector cells into the tumor
      microenvironment. Another critical component of antitumor immune responses is
      antigen priming and activation of effector cells. Reciprocal expression and
      binding of costimulatory molecules and their ligands by antigen-presenting cells
      and naive lymphocytes ensures robust expansion, activity and survival of tumor
      specific effector cells in vivo. Immunotherapy approaches using agonist
      antibodies or fusion proteins of immunomodulatory molecules significantly inhibit
      tumor growth and boost cell-mediated immunity. To localize immune stimulation to
      the tumor site, a series of fusion proteins consisting of a tumor-targeting
      monoclonal antibody directed against tumor necrosis and chemokines or
      costimulatory molecules were generated and tested in tumor-bearing mice. While
      several of these reagents were initially shown to have therapeutic value,
      combination therapies with methods to delete suppressor cells had the greatest
      effect on tumor growth. In conclusion, a key conclusion that has emerged from
      these studies is that successful immunotherapy will require both advanced methods
      of immunostimulation and the removal of immunosuppression in the host.

PMID- 22053886
TI  - Notch and inflammatory T-cell response: new developments and challenges.
AB  - The inflammatory T-cell response is important for protecting the host against
      infections and tumors. However, dysregulated generation of effector T cells
      produces high levels of inflammatory cytokines and cytotoxic molecules and may
      cause inflammatory disorders, such as chronic infections, autoimmune diseases and
      graft-versus-host disease after allogeneic bone marrow transplantation. Thus,
      tight regulation of effector T cells is essential. Accumulating evidence
      indicates that Notch plays critical roles in regulating the differentiation of
      antigen activated T cells into distinct lineages of effector T cells.
      Furthermore, significant progress has been made in the development of new methods
      in order to modulate Notch for disease treatment. In this article, we will
      discuss recent findings that help to gain insight into the impact of Notch in the
      regulation of effector T cells and highlight the beneficial effects of modulating
      Notch in inflammatory diseases.

PMID- 22053887
TI  - The tumor microenvironment: part 1.
AB  - For years the mutated, highly proliferating neoplastic cells were presented as
      the only important agent in tumors; however, during the last 3-4 decades it has
      become clear that the microenvironment of the cancer cells plays a determinative
      role in the malignant evolution of neoplasia. Cancers are in fact heterogeneous
      entities containing, in addition to the neoplastic cell component, cells derived
      of multiple lineages (fibroblasts, endothelial cells lining blood and lymphatic
      vessels, pericytes, adipocytes and immune system cells belonging to both innate
      and adaptive responses), as well as the extracellular matrix, with a large
      variety of soluble molecules of biological importance, constituting a complex
      organ-like structure. The tumor microenvironment consists in a tissue that may
      have a predictive significance for tumor behavior and response to therapy.

PMID- 22053888
TI  - Targeting the tumor microenvironment by immunotherapy: part 2.
AB  - Cancer therapy was traditionally centered on the neoplastic cells. This included
      mainly surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, in some cases hormone therapy and to
      a lesser extent immunotherapy--all traditionally targeted to the highly
      proliferating mutated tumor cells. In view of our present understanding of the
      powerfull influence of the tumor microenvironment (TME) on cancer behavior and
      response--and lack of response--to treatment, this previously ignored constituent
      of cancer now has to be considered as an important, even indispensable target for
      therapy. The TME may be targeted both to its immune and to its nonimmune
      components. The various immune evasion elements of the TME should be targeted as
      well.

PMID- 22053890
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 22053891
TI  - Postcardiac arrest syndrome: from immediate resuscitation to long-term outcome.
AB  - The prognosis for postcardiac arrest patients remains very bleak, not only
      because of anoxic-ischemic neurological damage, but also because of the
      "postcardiac arrest syndrome," a phenomenon often severe enough to cause death
      before any neurological evaluation. This syndrome includes all clinical and
      biological manifestations related to the phenomenon of global ischemia
      reperfusion triggered by cardiac arrest and return of spontaneous circulation.
      The main component of the postcardiac arrest syndrome is an early but severe
      cardiocirculatory dysfunction that may lead to multiple organ failure and
      death.Cardiovascular support relies on conventional medical and mechanical
      treatment of circulatory failure. Hemodynamic stabilization is a major objective
      to limit secondary brain insult. When the cause of cardiac arrest is related to
      myocardial infarction, percutaneous coronary revascularization is associated with
      improved prognosis; early angiographic exploration should then be discussed when
      there is no obvious extracardiac cause. Therapeutic hypothermia is now the
      cornerstone of postanoxic cerebral protection. Its widespread use is clearly
      recommended, with a favorable risk-benefit ratio in selected population.
      Neuroprotection also is based on the prevention of secondary cerebral damages,
      pending the results of ongoing therapeutic evaluations regarding the potential
      efficiency of new therapeutic drugs.

PMID- 22053892
TI  - Unmasking the janus faces of autophagy in obesity-associated insulin resistance
      and cardiac dysfunction.
AB  - Autophagy is an intracellular, lysosomal-dependent process involved in the
      turnover of long-lived proteins, damaged organelles and other subcellular
      structures. The autophagic process is known to play an essential role in the
      maintenance of cellular homeostasis. Results from recent studies also indicate an
      important role for the autophagic process in the pathogenesis of human diseases,
      including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, diabetes mellitus and ageing.
      Because of the pivotal role of autophagy in the regulation of adipogenesis,
      obesity and insulin sensitization, research efforts have focused on elucidating
      the role of autophagy in metabolic syndrome. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)
      is a key regulator of cell growth and is characterized by a complex signalling
      mechanism that affects protein synthesis and autophagy. Results from experimental
      and clinical studies reveal some interesting, but conflicting, findings regarding
      the mTOR signalling pathway and autophagy in adipocytes in metabolic syndrome.
      Although the pivotal role of autophagy in obesity and other metabolic diseases
      has been established, its involvement in obesity-induced cardiac dysfunction
      remains unknown, as do the upstream signalling regulators of autophagy. The
      present minireview discusses the molecular mechanisms of autophagy in the
      regulation of cardiac function in overweight and obesity. Further studies using
      appropriate models are needed to better unravel the complex intracellular
      mechanisms involved in the regulation of autophagy in obesity-induced cardiac
      dysfunction.

PMID- 22053893
TI  - Loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assays for the species-specific
      detection of Eimeria that infect chickens.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Eimeria parasites can cause the disease coccidiosis in poultry and
      even subclinical infection can incur economic loss. Diagnosis of infection
      predominantly relies on traditional techniques including lesion scoring and
      faecal microscopy despite the availability of sensitive molecular assays, largely
      due to cost and the requirement for specialist equipment. Despite longstanding
      proven efficacy these traditional techniques demand time and expertise, can be
      highly subjective and may under-diagnose subclinical disease. Recognition of the
      tight economic margins prevailing in modern poultry production and the impact of
      avian coccidiosis on poverty in many parts of the world has highlighted a
      requirement for a panel of straightforward and sensitive, but cost-effective,
      Eimeria species-specific diagnostic assays. RESULTS: Loop-mediated isothermal
      amplification (LAMP) is an uncomplicated, quick and relatively inexpensive
      diagnostic tool. In this study we have developed a panel of species-specific LAMP
      assays targeting the seven Eimeria species that infect the chicken. Each assay
      has been shown to be genuinely species-specific with the capacity to detect
      between one and ten eimerian genomes, equivalent to less than a single mature
      schizont. Development of a simple protocol for template DNA preparation from
      tissue collected post mortem with no requirement for specialist laboratory
      equipment supports the use of these assays in routine diagnosis of eimerian
      infection. Preliminary field testing supports this hypothesis. CONCLUSIONS:
      Development of a panel of sensitive species-specific LAMP assays introduces a
      valuable new cost-effective tool for use in poultry husbandry.

PMID- 22053896
TI  - F-Doped Co3O4 photocatalysts for sustainable H2 generation from water/ethanol.
AB  - p-Type Co(3)O(4) nanostructured films are synthesized by a plasma-assisted
      process and tested in the photocatalytic production of H(2) from water/ethanol
      solutions under both near-UV and solar irradiation. It is demonstrated that the
      introduction of fluorine into p-type Co(3)O(4) results in a remarkable
      performance improvement with respect to the corresponding undoped oxide,
      highlighting F-doped Co(3)O(4) films as highly promising systems for hydrogen
      generation. Notably, the obtained yields were among the best ever reported for
      similar semiconductor-based photocatalytic processes.

PMID- 22053894
TI  - Oral Candida albicans isolates from HIV-positive individuals have similar in
      vitro biofilm-forming ability and pathogenicity as invasive Candida isolates.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Candida can cause mucocutaneous and/or systemic infections in
      hospitalized and immunosuppressed patients. Most individuals are colonized by
      Candida spp. as part of the oral flora and the intestinal tract. We compared oral
      and systemic isolates for the capacity to form biofilm in an in vitro biofilm
      model and pathogenicity in the Galleria mellonella infection model. The oral
      Candida strains were isolated from the HIV patients and included species of C.
      albicans, C. glabrata, C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis, C. krusei, C. norvegensis,
      and C. dubliniensis. The systemic strains were isolated from patients with
      invasive candidiasis and included species of C. albicans, C. glabrata, C.
      tropicalis, C. parapsilosis, C. lusitaniae, and C. kefyr. For each of the
      acquired strains, biofilm formation was evaluated on standardized samples of
      silicone pads and acrylic resin. We assessed the pathogenicity of the strains by
      infecting G. mellonella animals with Candida strains and observing survival.
      RESULTS: The biofilm formation and pathogenicity in Galleria was similar between
      oral and systemic isolates. The quantity of biofilm formed and the virulence in
      G. mellonella were different for each of the species studied. On silicone pads,
      C. albicans and C. dubliniensis produced more biofilm (1.12 to 6.61 mg) than the
      other species (0.25 to 3.66 mg). However, all Candida species produced a similar
      biofilm on acrylic resin, material used in dental prostheses. C. albicans, C.
      dubliniensis, C. tropicalis, and C. parapsilosis were the most virulent species
      in G. mellonella with 100% of mortality, followed by C. lusitaniae (87%), C.
      novergensis (37%), C. krusei (25%), C. glabrata (20%), and C. kefyr (12%).
      CONCLUSIONS: We found that on silicone pads as well as in the Galleria model,
      biofilm formation and virulence depends on the Candida species. Importantly, for
      C. albicans the pathogenicity of oral Candida isolates was similar to systemic
      Candida isolates, suggesting that Candida isolates have similar biofilm-forming
      ability and virulence regardless of the infection site from which it was
      isolated.

PMID- 22053897
TI  - Early response and remission as predictors of a good outcome of a major
      depressive episode at 12-month follow-up: a prospective, longitudinal,
      observational study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The goal of treating major depressive disorder (MDD) should be not
      only achieving remission in a particular episode but also avoiding relapses and
      attaining long-term recovery. The current study was designed to evaluate whether
      response and remission achieved within the first 6 weeks of antidepressant
      treatment are associated with a 12-month good outcome (achieving remission by 6
      months and remaining in remission until the end of follow-up). METHOD: This
      prospective, longitudinal, multicenter study included adult outpatients who had a
      DSM-IV diagnosis of MDD, baseline scores >= 15 on the 17-item Hamilton Depression
      Rating Scale (HDRS(17)), Clinical Global Impressions-Severity of Illness scores
      >= 4, and a minimum remission period of 12 weeks between the index episode and
      the immediately prior episode (or who were in their first MDD episode). The
      primary efficacy measure was early response (a 50% decrease from baseline in
      HDRS(17) score by week 6). The secondary efficacy measure was early remission
      (HDRS(17) score <= 7 by week 6). RESULTS: Among the total of 930 patients
      included from December 2006 to June 2007, 38.2% showed early response, and 20.5%
      showed early remission. Of the early responders, 76.1% had a 12-month good
      outcome as compared to 81.1% of early remitters. Logistic regression showed that
      factors associated with a good outcome included early response (odds ratio [OR] =
      4.14), being employed, and the absence of physical comorbidities. Early remission
      was also strongly associated with a good outcome (OR = 4.72). CONCLUSIONS: Either
      response or remission achieved by week 6 is the strongest prognostic factor for
      the 12-month good outcome of an episode of MDD.

PMID- 22053898
TI  - IFIH1 gene polymorphisms in type 1 diabetes: genetic association analysis and
      genotype-phenotype correlation in Chinese Han population.
AB  - The evaluation of susceptibility loci is an important addition to the current
      predictive and screening models in type 1 diabetes of Chinese Han population.
      Therefore, the aim of this study is to provide evidence for the association
      between type 1 diabetes and two polymorphisms (rs3747517, rs1990760) from
      interferon induced with helicase C domain 1 (IFIH1). Here, 464 Type 1 diabetes
      patients and 465 control subjects were genotyped for these 2 polymorphisms. The
      results indicated that the allelic frequencies of rs3747517 revealed a strong
      association with type 1 diabetes risk (P < 0.001); yet, no significant
      association was observed on rs1990760(P = 0.76). Furthermore, IFIH1 rs3747517
      polymorphism had no influence on the positive rates of pancreatic auto
      antibodies, and both of the polymorphisms had no interaction with HLA class I
      linked risk or phenotypes. In conclusion, IFIH1 rs3747517, but not rs1990760
      polymorphism, plays an important role in type 1 diabetes risk in Chinese Han
      population.

PMID- 22053899
TI  - Comparison of pretargeted and conventional CC49 radioimmunotherapy using 149Pm,
      166Ho, and 177Lu.
AB  - The therapeutic efficacies of radiolabeled biotin, pretargeted by monoclonal
      antibody (mAb)-streptavidin fusion protein CC49 scFvSA, were compared to those of
      radiolabeled mAb CC49, using the three radiolanthanides in an animal model of
      human colon cancer. The purpose of the present study was to compare antibody
      pretargeting to conventional radioimmunotherapy using (149)Pm, (166)Ho, or
      (177)Lu. Nude mice bearing LS174T colon tumors were injected sequentially with
      CC49 scFvSA, the blood clearing agent biotin-GalNAc(16), and (149)Pm-, (166)Ho-,
      or (177)Lu-DOTA-biotin. Tumor-bearing mice were alternatively administered
      (149)Pm-, (166)Ho-, or (177)Lu-MeO-DOTA-CC49. Therapy with pretargeted (149)Pm
      ,(166)Ho-, and (177)Lu-DOTA-biotin increased the median time of progression to a
      1 g tumor to 50, 41, and 50 days post-treatment, respectively. Therapy with
      (149)Pm-,(166)Ho-, and (177)Lu-MeO-DOTA-CC49 increased the median time to
      progression to 53, 24, and 67 days post-treatment, respectively. In contrast,
      saline controls showed a median time to progression of 13 days postinjection.
      Treatment with pretargeted (149)Pm-, (166)Ho-, and (177)Lu-biotin or (149)Pm-,
      (166)Ho-, and (177)Lu-CC49 increased tumor doubling time to 18-36 days, compared
      to 3 days for saline controls. Among treated mice, 23% survived >84 days post
      therapy, and 11% survived 6 months, but controls survived <29 days. Long-term
      survivors showed tumor growth inhibition or partial regression, extensive
      necrosis in residual masses, and no evidence of nontarget tissue toxicity at
      necropsy. Both pretargeted and conventional RIT demonstrated considerable
      efficacy in an extremely aggressive animal model of cancer. Our results
      identified (177)Lu as an optimal radiolanthanide for future evaluation of these
      agents in toxicity and multiple-dose therapy studies.

PMID- 22053901
TI  - Correlation between caloric and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potential test
      results.
AB  - CONCLUSION: The ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potential (o-VEMP) test results
      correlate significantly with caloric test results for patients with acoustic
      neuroma (AN), but not for patients with Meniere's disease (MD), indicating that
      the o-VEMP test may replace the caloric test for evaluating the vestibular nerve
      from which the AN arises. Conversely, the caloric, o-VEMP, and cervical VEMP (c
      VEMP) tests should be performed to map lesion sites in the vestibular labyrinth.
      OBJECTIVE: This study performed caloric, o-VEMP, and c-VEMP tests on patients
      with central and peripheral vestibular disorders to investigate their
      relationships. METHODS: In all, 66 patients comprising 16 with unilateral AN and
      50 with unilateral definite MD were enrolled. All patients underwent caloric, o
      VEMP, and c-VEMP tests. RESULTS: In the AN group, the caloric test identified
      canal paresis and caloric areflexia in 10 ears, while the o-VEMP and c-VEMP tests
      identified abnormal (absent or delayed) responses in 12 and 11 ears,
      respectively. A significant correlation existed between caloric and o-VEMP test
      results, but not between caloric and c-VEMP test results, or between o-VEMP and c
      VEMP test results. For the MD group, abnormal caloric, o-VEMP, and c-VEMP test
      results were obtained for 24%, 44%, and 38% of hydropic ears, respectively. No
      correlation existed between any two test results.

PMID- 22053900
TI  - Antimicrobial activity against oral pathogens and immunomodulatory effects and
      toxicity of geopropolis produced by the stingless bee Melipona fasciculata Smith.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Native bees of the tribe Meliponini produce a distinct kind of
      propolis called geopropolis. Although many pharmacological activities of propolis
      have already been demonstrated, little is known about geopropolis, particularly
      regarding its antimicrobial activity against oral pathogens. The present study
      aimed at investigating the antimicrobial activity of M. fasciculata geopropolis
      against oral pathogens, its effects on S. mutans biofilms, and the chemical
      contents of the extracts. A gel prepared with a geopropolis extract was also
      analyzed for its activity on S. mutans and its immunotoxicological potential.
      METHODS: Antimicrobial activities of three hydroalcoholic extracts (HAEs) of
      geopropolis, and hexane and chloroform fractions of one extract, were evaluated
      using the agar diffusion method and the broth dilution technique. Ethanol (70%,
      v/v) and chlorhexidine (0.12%, w/w) were used as negative and positive controls,
      respectively. Total phenol and flavonoid concentrations were assayed by
      spectrophotometry. Immunotoxicity was evaluated in mice by topical application in
      the oral cavity followed by quantification of biochemical and immunological
      parameters, and macro-microscopic analysis of animal organs. RESULTS: Two
      extracts, HAE-2 and HAE-3, showed inhibition zones ranging from 9 to 13 mm in
      diameter for S. mutans and C. albicans, but presented no activity against L.
      acidophilus. The MBCs for HAE-2 and HAE-3 against S. mutans were 6.25 mg/mL and
      12.5 mg/mL, respectively. HAE-2 was fractionated, and its chloroform fraction had
      an MBC of 14.57 mg/mL. HAE-2 also exhibited bactericidal effects on S. mutans
      biofilms after 3 h of treatment. Significant differences (p < 0.05) in total
      phenol and flavonoid concentrations were observed among the samples. Signs toxic
      effects were not observed after application of the geopropolis-based gel, but an
      increase in the production of IL-4 and IL-10, anti-inflammatory cytokines, was
      detected. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, geopropolis produced by M. fasciculata can
      exert antimicrobial action against S. mutans and C. albicans, with significant
      inhibitory activity against S. mutans biofilms. The extract with the highest
      flavonoid concentration, HAE-2, presented the highest antimicrobial activity. In
      addition, a geopropolis-based gel is not toxic in an animal model and displays
      anti-inflammatory effect.

PMID- 22053902
TI  - Brush-shaped ZnO heteronanorods synthesized using thermal-assisted pulsed laser
      deposition.
AB  - Brush-shaped ZnO heteronanostructures were synthesized using a newly designed
      thermal-assisted pulsed laser deposition (T-PLD) system that combines the
      advantages of pulsed laser deposition (PLD) and a hot furnace system. Branched
      ZnO nanostructures were successfully grown onto CVD-grown backbone nanowires by T
      PLD. Although ZnO growth at 300  degrees C resulted in core-shell structures,
      brush-shaped hierarchical nanostructures were formed at 500-600  degrees C.
      Materials properties were studied via photoluminescence (PL), scanning electron
      microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) characterizations.
      The enhanced photocurrent of a SnO(2)-ZnO heterostructures device by irradiation
      with 365 nm wavelength ultraviolet (UV) light was also investigated by the
      current-voltage characteristics.

PMID- 22053903
TI  - Material properties of matrix lipids determine the conformation and
      intermolecular reactivity of diacetylenic phosphatidylcholine in the lipid
      bilayer.
AB  - Photopolymerizable phospholipid DC(8,9)PC (1,2-bis-(tricosa-10,12-diynoyl)-sn
      glycero-3-phosphocholine) exhibits unique assembly characteristics in the lipid
      bilayer. Because of the presence of the diacetylene groups, DC(8,9)PC undergoes
      polymerization upon UV (254 nm) exposure and assumes chromogenic properties.
      DC(8,9)PC photopolymerization in gel-phase matrix lipid 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn
      glycero-3-phosphocholine (DPPC) monitored by UV-vis absorption spectroscopy
      occurred within 2 min after UV treatment, whereas no spectral shifts were
      observed when DC(8,9)PC was incorporated into liquid-phase matrix 1-palmitoyl-2
      oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC). Liquid chromatography-tandem mass
      spectrometry analysis showed a decrease in the amount of DC(8,9)PC monomer in
      both DPPC and POPC environments without any change in the matrix lipids in UV
      treated samples. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of DPPC/DC(8,9)PC and
      POPC/DC(8,9)PC bilayers indicate that the DC(8,9)PC molecules adjust to the
      thickness of the matrix lipid bilayer. Furthermore, the motions of DC(8,9)PC in
      the gel-phase bilayer are more restricted than in the fluid bilayer. The
      restricted motional flexibility of DC(8,9)PC (in the gel phase) enables the
      reactive diacetylenes in individual molecules to align and undergo
      polymerization, whereas the unrestricted motions in the fluid bilayer restrict
      polymerization because of the lack of appropriate alignment of the DC(8,9)PC
      fatty acyl chains. Fluorescence microscopy data indicates the homogeneous
      distribution of lipid probe 1,2-dioleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine-N
      lissamine rhodamine B sulfonyl ammonium salt (N-Rh-PE) in POPC/DC(8,9)PC
      monolayers but domain formation in DPPC/DC(8,9)PC monolayers. These results show
      that the DC(8,9)PC molecules cluster and assume the preferred conformation in the
      gel-phase matrix for the UV-triggered polymerization reaction.

PMID- 22053904
TI  - Microvascular injury in very late mixed rejection: a not so easy marker to be
      identified.

PMID- 22053905
TI  - Catalytic, asymmetric, interrupted Feist-Benary reactions of alpha
      tosyloxyacetophenones.
AB  - A new variant of the Interrupted Feist-Benary (IFB) reaction uses alpha
      tosyloxyacetophenones as electrophiles and proceeds in good yields and excellent
      enantioselectivities.

PMID- 22053907
TI  - Gold colloidal nanoparticle electrodeposition on a silicon surface in a uniform
      electric field.
AB  - The electrodeposition of gold colloidal nanoparticles on a silicon wafer in a
      uniform electric field is investigated using scanning electron microscopy and
      homemade electrochemical cells. Dense and uniform distributions of particles are
      obtained with no aggregation. The evolution of surface particle density is
      analyzed in relation to several parameters: applied voltage, electric field,
      exchanged charge. Electrical, chemical, and electrohydrodynamical parameters are
      taken into account in describing the electromigration process.

PMID- 22053906
TI  - Gut microbiota modulate the metabolism of brown adipose tissue in mice.
AB  - A two by two experimental study has been designed to determine the effect of gut
      microbiota on energy metabolism in mouse models. The metabolic phenotype of germ
      free (GF, n = 20) and conventional (n = 20) mice was characterized using a NMR
      spectroscopy-based metabolic profiling approach, with a focus on sexual
      dimorphism (20 males, 20 females) and energy metabolism in urine, plasma, liver,
      and brown adipose tissue (BAT). Physiological data of age-matched GF and
      conventional mice showed that male animals had a higher weight than females in
      both groups. In addition, conventional males had a significantly higher total
      body fat content (TBFC) compared to conventional females, whereas this sexual
      dimorphism disappeared in GF animals (i.e., male GF mice had a TBFC similar to
      those of conventional and GF females). Profiling of BAT hydrophilic extracts
      revealed that sexual dimorphism in normal mice was absent in GF animals, which
      also displayed lower BAT lactate levels and higher levels of (D)-3
      hydroxybutyrate in liver, plasma, and BAT, together with lower circulating levels
      of VLDL. These data indicate that the gut microbiota modulate the lipid
      metabolism in BAT, as the absence of gut microbiota stimulated both hepatic and
      BAT lipolysis while inhibiting lipogenesis. We also demonstrated that (1)H NMR
      metabolic profiles of BAT were excellent predictors of BW and TBFC, indicating
      the potential of BAT to fight against obesity.

PMID- 22053909
TI  - Fuzzy rule based classification and quantification of graphite inclusions from
      microstructure images of cast iron.
AB  - The quantification of three classes of graphite inclusions in cast iron, namely,
      nodular, flake, and irregular, is the most important process in the foundry
      industry. This classification is based on the ISO 945 proposed morphology of
      graphite inclusions. This work presents a novel solution for automatic
      quantitative analysis of graphite inclusions into the three mentioned classes.
      The proposed work comprises three stages, namely, preprocessing of micrographs,
      classification of graphite inclusions, and then quantification of inclusions in
      each class. An effort has been made in this work to propose a minimum set of
      features to represent graphite inclusion morphology. The method employs just two
      geometric shape descriptors: the diameter ratio and the area ratio. A fuzzy rule
      based classifier is built using known feature values that are efficient in the
      classification of the three classes of graphite inclusions. The proposed method
      is automatic, fast, and provides the basis for determining many more
      morphological parameters that can be determined with the least effort. The
      results obtained by the proposed method are compared with the manual method. It
      is observed that the results obtained from the proposed method are useful in the
      optimization of cast iron manufacturing in the foundry industry.

PMID- 22053910
TI  - Photochemical inactivation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
AB  - Adaptability to a broad range of environments together with relatively high
      resistance to antibiotics and to disinfectants makes Pseudomonas aeruginosa a
      concern in hospitals and in public health. We investigated whether UVA-mediated
      photochemical inactivation of P. aeruginosa could be accomplished with high
      efficiency while at the same time preserving the sensitivity of subsequent
      diagnostic tests. We characterized dose responses and bactericidal kinetic rates
      of 5-iodonaphthyl 1-azide (INA) and of amotosalen (AMO) as these substances
      exposed to UVA are known to inactivate germs with minimal impact to blood
      products or to viral antigens. Neither UVA without photochemicals nor INA or AMO
      in the dark inactivated bacteria. We found that AMO was ca 1000-fold more
      effective in inactivating P. aeruginosa cells than INA under similar conditions.
      Photoinactivation with either INA or AMO at conditions that abolished bacterial
      infectivity did not impair polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay (ELISA) testing. For comparison, similar titers of Bacillus
      atrophaeus spores (a surrogate for B. anthracis) remained unaffected at
      conditions that reduced the survival of P. aeruginosa below detection levels. The
      results presented in this study should assist in improved methods to inactivate
      P. aeruginosa in environmental, clinical and forensic samples without impairing
      subsequent nucleic acid- or immune-based analysis.

PMID- 22053911
TI  - Identification of three oligo-/polysaccharide-specific ligases in Yersinia
      enterocolitica.
AB  - In lipopolysaccharide (LPS) biosynthesis of gram-negative bacteria the lipid A
      core oligosaccharide (LA-core) and O-polysaccharide (O-PS) biosynthesis pathways
      proceed separately and converge in periplasmic space where the waaL-encoded
      ligase joins O-PS onto LA-core. Enterobacterial common antigen (ECA) biosynthesis
      follows that of O-PS except that ECA is usually ligated to phosphatidylglycerol
      (PG) and only rarely to LA-core. In Yersinia enterocolitica serotype O:3 LPS is
      composed of LA-inner core (IC) onto which a homopolymeric O-PS, a hexasaccharide
      called outer core (OC), and/or ECA are ligated. We found that an individual O:3
      LPS molecule carries either OC or O-PS substitution but not both. Related to
      this, we identified three genes in Y. enterocolitica O:3 that all expressed O-PS
      ligase activity in the Escherichia coliDeltawaaL mutant. The LPS phenotypes of Y.
      enterocolitica O:3 single, double and triple ligase mutants indicated that two of
      ligases, named as WaaL(os) and WaaL(ps) , had a preferred substrate specificity
      for OC and O-PS, respectively, although with some promiscuity between the
      ligases; the third ligase named as WaaL(xs) was not involved in LPS or ECA
      biosynthesis. In Y. enterocolitica O:8 the WaaL(os) homologue (Ye1727) ligated a
      single pentasaccharide O-unit to LA-IC suggesting that in both Y. enterocolitica
      O:3 and O:8 WaaL(os) is an oligosaccharide (OS)-specific ligase. Finally,
      Yersinia pestis and Y. pseudotuberculosis carry only the waaL(ps) gene, while
      either waaL(os) or waaL(xs) or both are additionally present in other Yersinia
      species. This is the first report on the presence of three different oligo
      /polysaccharide-specific ligases in a single bacterium.

PMID- 22053913
TI  - Glycerol conversion to 1, 3-Propanediol is enhanced by the expression of a
      heterologous alcohol dehydrogenase gene in Lactobacillus reuteri.
AB  - In this work, Lactobacillus reuteri has been metabolically engineered for
      improving 1, 3-propanediol (1, 3-PD) production by the expression of an
      Escherichia coli alcohol dehydrogenase, yqhD, that is known to efficiently
      convert the precursor 3-hydroxypropionaldehyde (3-HPA) to 1, 3-PD. The engineered
      strain exhibited significantly altered formation rates for the product and other
      metabolites during the fermentation. An increase in the 1, 3-PD specific
      productivity of 34% and molar yield by 13% was achieved in the clone, relative to
      the native strain. A concomitant decrease in the levels of toxic intermediate, 3
      HPA, was observed, with the specific productivity levels being 25% lesser than
      that of the native strain. Interestingly, the recombinant strain exhibited
      elevated rates of lactate and ethanol formation as well as reduced rate of
      acetate production, compared to the native strain. The preferential utilization
      of NADPH by YqhD with a possible decrease in the native 1, 3-PD oxidoreductase
      (NADH-dependent) activity, could have resulted in the diversion of surplus NADH
      towards increased lactate and ethanol productivities.

PMID- 22053912
TI  - Aldo-keto reductases protect lung adenocarcinoma cells from the acute toxicity of
      B[a]P-7,8-trans-dihydrodiol.
AB  - Tobacco smoke exposure stimulates the expression of genes that are likely to be
      involved in the metabolism of its combustion products such as polycyclic aromatic
      hydrocarbons (PAH). Four of the smoke induced genes are aldo-keto reductases
      (AKR), enzymes that metabolically activate PAH to PAH o-quinones. Alternatively,
      PAHs are metabolized to (+/-)-anti-diol epoxides, such as (+/-)-anti
      benzo[a]pyrene diol epoxide ((+/-)-anti-BPDE)), by the combined action of
      P4501A1/1B1 and epoxide hydrolase. (+/-)-anti-BPDE forms DNA adducts directly,
      while PAH o-quinones cause DNA damage by oxidative stress through a futile redox
      cycle. To address the role of AKRs in PAH cytotoxicity, we compared the
      cytotoxicity of PAH metabolites and the effects of overexpressing AKR1A1 in lung
      cells. (+/-)-anti-BPDE and B[a]P-7,8-trans-dihydrodiol, an intermediate in (+/-)
      anti-BPDE metabolism, are toxic to A549 cells at concentrations with an IC(50) of
      ~2 MUM. In contrast, the PAH o-quinone B[a]P-7,8-dione was about 10-fold less
      toxic to A549 cells with an IC(50) > 20 MUM. Similar differences in cytoxicity
      were observed with two other PAH o-quinones (benz[a]anthracene-3,4-dione and 7,12
      dimethylbenz[a]anthracene-3,4-dione) compared with their respective diol-epoxide
      counterparts (BA-3,4-diol-1,2-epoxide and DMBA-3,4-diol-1,2-epoxide). In
      addition, both anti-BPDE and B[a]P-7,8-trans-dihydrodiol induced p53 expression
      ~6 h post-treatment at concentrations as low as 1 MUM consistent with extensive
      DNA damage. B[a]P-7,8-dione treatment did not induce p53 but generated reactive
      oxygen species (ROS) in A549 cells and induced the expression of oxidative
      response genes in H358 cells. We also observed that overexpression of AKR1A1 in
      H358 cells, which otherwise have low levels of AKR expression, protected cells 2
      10-fold from the toxic effects of B[a]P-7,8-trans-dihydrodiol. These data suggest
      that overexpression of AKRs may protect lung cancer cells from the acute toxic
      effects of PAH.

PMID- 22053914
TI  - The molecular basis for the presence of two autoimmune diseases occurring
      simultaneously--preliminary observations based on computer analysis.
AB  - Specific Human Leukocyte Antigen Class II (HLA II) molecules associated with
      pemphigus vulgaris (PV), mucous membraine pemphigoid (MMP), and mixed connective
      tissue disease (MCTD) may react with multiple T cell epitopes within desmoglein 3
      (Dsg 3), bullous pemphigoid antigen 2 (BPAG 2), and 70 kDa polypeptide small
      nuclear ribonucleoproteins (snRNP70) in autoantibody production. We report a
      group of patients with simultaneous occurrences of PV with MCTD, and MMP with
      MCTD. In one patient group, we performed serological studies to show presence of
      antibodies to Dsg 3, Dsg 1, and snRNP70 simultaneously. In the second group, we
      performed serological studies to show presence of antibodies to BPAG 1, BPAG 2,
      beta4 integrin, and snRNP70 simultaneously. In both groups, HLA II genes were
      analyzed and the observations were consistent with previously described
      associations with PV, MMP, and MCTD. It is possible that HLA-DQbeta1*0301 allele,
      present in 10 of 17 patients and DRbeta1*04 in some of the others, may have the
      ability to bind to several relevant T cell epitopes in the snRNP70 molecule. We
      have utilized a computer model to demonstrate that HLA II-restricted T cell
      epitopes present within the known autoantigens may be capable of eliciting an
      immune response. While other explanations and mechanisms exist, the authors
      suggest that epitope spreading may be one possible mechanism, amongst others,
      that may result in the simultaneous presence of two separate pathogenic
      autoantibodies.

PMID- 22053917
TI  - Covalency in the 4f shell of tris-cyclopentadienyl ytterbium (YbCp3)--a
      spectroscopic evaluation.
AB  - Evidence is presented of significant covalency in the ytterbium 4f shell of tris
      cyclopentadienyl ytterbium (YbCp(3)) in its electronic ground state, that can be
      represented by the superposition of an ionic configuration Yb(III):4f(13)(Cp(3))
      and a charge-transfer configuration Yb(II):4f(14)(Cp(3))(-1). The relative
      weights of these configurations were determined from (i) the difference in their
      4f photoionization cross sections, (ii) the accumulation of spin-density centered
      on the (13)C atoms of the Cp ring, as measured by a pulsed EPR (HYSCORE)
      experiment, (iii) the reduction in the spin-density in the 4f shell, manifest in
      the (171)Yb hyperfine interaction, and (iv) the principal values of the g-tensor,
      obtained from the EPR spectrum of a frozen glass solution at 5.4 K. Each of these
      methods finds that the spin density attributable to the charge transfer
      configuration is in the range 12-17%. The presence of configuration interaction
      (CI) also accounts for the highly anomalous energies, intensities, and vibronic
      structure in the "f-f" region of the optical spectrum, as well as the strict
      adherence of the magnetic susceptibility to the Curie law in the range 30-300 K.

PMID- 22053918
TI  - The relation of serotonin-related gene and COMT gene polymorphisms with criminal
      behavior in schizophrenic disorder.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: It has been suggested that patients with schizophrenia might be
      involved in criminal behavior, such as homicidal and violent behavior. However,
      the relationship between criminal behavior and genes in patients with
      schizophrenia has not been clearly elucidated. The objective of this study was to
      examine the relation between criminal behavior and serotonin-related gene or
      catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene polymorphisms in patients with
      schizophrenia. METHOD: Serotonin-related and COMT polymorphic markers were
      assessed by using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping. Ninety-nine
      crime-related inpatients with schizophrenia (57 homicidal and 42 nonhomicidal
      violent) and 133 healthy subjects were enrolled between October 2005 and May
      2008. Diagnoses were made according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of
      Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) criteria. The genotype frequencies of
      tryptophan hydroxylase-1 (TPH1) A218C and COMT V158M were compared between
      groups. RESULTS: The TPH1 CC genotype had 2.7-fold higher odds of crime-related
      schizophrenia compared with A-carrier genotype after the analysis was controlled
      for sex and age (OR, 2.69; 95% CI, 1.22 - 5.91; P = .01). In addition, the TPH1
      CC genotype had 3.4-fold higher odds of homicidal schizophrenia compared with A
      carrier genotype after the analysis was controlled for sex and age (OR, 3.38; 95%
      CI, 1.40 - 8.18; P = .007). However, no significant differences were found in the
      frequencies of genotype of COMT polymorphism between criminal schizophrenics and
      healthy subjects, nor were any significant differences found between nonhomicidal
      schizophrenics and healthy subjects. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that the
      TPH1 CC recessive genotype is likely to be a genetic risk factor for criminal
      behavior, especially homicidal behavior in patients with schizophrenia. However,
      COMT gene polymorphisms were not associated with criminal behavior in
      schizophrenic patients.

PMID- 22053916
TI  - Pleiotropic effects of pitavastatin.
AB  - 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins)
      are established first line treatments for hypercholesterolaemia. In addition to
      the direct effects of statins in reducing concentrations of atherogenic low
      density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), several studies have indicated that the
      beneficial effects of statins may be due to some of their cholesterol
      independent, multiple (pleiotropic) effects which may differ between different
      members of the class. Pitavastatin is a novel synthetic lipophilic statin that
      has a number of pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties distinct from
      those of other statins, which may underlie its potential pleiotropic benefits in
      reducing cardiovascular risk factors. This review examines the principal
      pleiotropic effects of pitavastatin on endothelial function, vascular
      inflammation, oxidative stress and thrombosis. The article is based on a
      systematic literature search carried out in December 2010, together with more
      recent relevant publications where appropriate. The available data from clinical
      trials and in vitro and animal studies suggest that pitavastatin is not only
      effective in reducing LDL-C and triglycerides, but also has a range of other
      effects. These include increasing high density lipoprotein cholesterol,
      decreasing markers of platelet activation, improving cardiac, renal and
      endothelial function, and reducing endothelial stress, lipoprotein oxidation and,
      ultimately, improving the signs and symptoms of atherosclerosis. It is concluded
      that the diverse pleiotropic actions of pitavastatin may contribute to reducing
      cardiovascular morbidity and mortality beyond that achieved through LDL-C
      reduction.

PMID- 22053919
TI  - Hypoxia induced amoeboid microglial cell activation in postnatal rat brain is
      mediated by ATP receptor P2X4.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Activation of amoeboid microglial cells (AMC) and its related
      inflammatory response have been linked to the periventricular white matter damage
      after hypoxia in neonatal brain. Hypoxia increases free ATP in the brain and then
      induces various effects through ATP receptors. The present study explored the
      possible mechanism in ATP induced AMC activation in hypoxia. RESULTS: We first
      examined the immunoexpression of P2X4, P2X7 and P2Y12 in the corpus callosum (CC)
      and subependyma associated with the lateral ventricles where both areas are rich
      in AMC. Among the three purinergic receptors, P2X4 was most intensely expressed.
      By double immunofluorescence, P2X4 was specifically localized in AMC (from P0 to
      P7) but the immunofluorescence in AMC was progressively diminished with advancing
      age (P14). It was further shown that P2X4 expression was noticeably enhanced in
      P0 day rats subjected to hypoxia and killed at 4, 24, 72 h and 7 d versus their
      matching controls by double labeling and western blotting analysis. P2X4
      expression was most intense at 7 d whence the inflammatory response was drastic
      after hypoxia. We then studied the association of P2X4 with cytokine release in
      AMC after hypoxic exposure. In primary microglial cells exposed to hypoxia, IL
      1beta and TNF-alpha protein levels were up-regulated. Blockade of P2X4 receptor
      with 2', 3'-0-(2, 4, 6-Trinitrophenyl) adenosine 5'-triphosphate, a selective
      P2X1-7 blocker resulted in partial suppression of IL-1beta (24% vs hypoxic group)
      and TNF-alpha expression (40% vs hypoxic group). However, pyridoxal phosphate-6
      azo (benzene-2, 4-disulfonic acid) tetrasodium salt hydrate, a selective P2X1-3,
      5-7 blocker did not exert any significant effect on the cytokine expression.
      CONCLUSIONS: It is concluded that P2X4 which is constitutively expressed by AMC
      in postnatal rats was enhanced in hypoxia. Hypoxia induced increase in IL-1beta
      and TNF-alpha expression was reversed by 2', 3'-0-(2, 4, 6-Trinitrophenyl)
      adenosine 5'-triphosphate suggesting that P2X4 mediates ATP induced AMC
      activation and its production of proinflammatory cytokines.

PMID- 22053920
TI  - Health care help seeking behaviour among prisoners in Norway.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prisoners are associated with high health care needs compared with
      the general population. This study aims to investigate prisoners' use of health
      service. METHODS: A cross-sectional study of 29 prisons in central and southern
      parts of Norway. A questionnaire was distributed to 1, 454 prisoners (90%
      response rate). Multilevel analyses were employed to analyse help seeking
      behaviour among the prisoners. RESULTS: Help seeking was substantially associated
      with sleep problems and drug problems. There was also a tendency for closed
      prisons as well as high staffing levels of healthcare professionals to be
      associated with elevated health care use. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that
      sleep problems and drug use are most frequently associated with health service
      use. The differences in health care use between prisons suggest that the
      implementation of prison health care standards should be addressed.

PMID- 22053921
TI  - Effects of regular or irregular event schedules on cerebral hemovelocity during a
      sustained attention task.
AB  - Transcranial Doppler sonography was used to measure bilateral cerebral blood flow
      velocity during sustained attention task performance where the background event
      schedule occurred in a synchronous (temporally regular) or asynchronous
      (temporally irregular) manner. Perceptual sensitivity was greater in the
      synchronous case and declined over time in both conditions. Blood flow velocity
      was greater in the more difficult asynchronous condition and declined over time
      in both conditions in the right hemisphere, but the decline in blood flow
      velocity was limited to the asynchronous condition in the left hemisphere. The
      results are interpreted in terms of a resource model of sustained attention.

PMID- 22053922
TI  - Impact of pathological tumor stage for salvage radiotherapy after radical
      prostatectomy in patients with prostate-specific antigen < 1.0 ng/ml.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To evaluate prognostic factors in salvage radiotherapy (RT) for
      patients with pre-RT prostate-specific antigen (PSA) < 1.0 ng/ml. METHODS:
      Between January 2000 and December 2009, 102 patients underwent salvage RT for
      biochemical failure after radical prostatectomy (RP). Re-failure of PSA after
      salvage RT was defined as a serum PSA value of 0.2 ng/ml or more above the
      postradiotherapy nadir followed by another higher value, a continued rise in
      serum PSA despite salvage RT, or initiation of systemic therapy after completion
      of salvage RT. Biochemical relapse-free survival (bRFS) was estimated using the
      Kaplan-Meier method. Multivariate analysis was performed using the Cox
      proportional hazards regression model. RESULTS: The median follow-up period was
      44 months (range, 11-103 months). Forty-three patients experienced PSA re-failure
      after salvage RT. The 4-year bRFS was 50.9% (95% confidence interval [95% CI]:
      39.4-62.5%). In the log-rank test, pT3-4 (p < 0.001) and preoperative PSA (p =
      0.037) were selected as significant factors. In multivariate analysis, only pT3-4
      was a prognostic factor (hazard ratio: 3.512 [95% CI: 1.535-8.037], p = 0.001).
      The 4-year bRFS rates for pT1-2 and pT3-4 were 79.2% (95% CI: 66.0-92.3%) and
      31.7% (95% CI: 17.0-46.4%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In patients who have
      received salvage RT after RP with PSA < 1.0 ng/ml, pT stage and preoperative PSA
      were prognostic factors of bRFS. In particular, pT3-4 had a high risk for
      biochemical recurrence after salvage RT.

PMID- 22053923
TI  - High-risk human papillomavirus associated with incident cervical intraepithelial
      neoplasia developing in mothers in the Finnish Family HPV Study cohort.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cofactors of high-risk (HR) human papillomavirus (HPV) in the
      progression of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) are incompletely
      characterized. In this study these cofactors were investigated in a longitudinal
      setting. METHODS: A cohort of 329 women (mean age 25.5 y) were enrolled in the
      Finnish Family HPV Study, and followed-up for 6 y with serial cervical samples
      for HPV genotyping, virus integration status, and HPV serology. Hospital records
      were reviewed until March 2010 and linked with HPV detection data. All incident
      CIN lesions were subjected to HPV genotyping. HPV covariates were studied in an
      age- and HPV-matched nested case-control (1:4) setting. RESULTS: Twelve of the
      329 women developed an incident CIN: 2 CIN1, 3 CIN2, and 7 CIN3. HPV16 was
      detected most frequently (7/12), followed by HPV58 (2/12), HPV18, HPV31, and
      HPV42. HPV integration was present in 4/12 cases. Long-lasting persistence of
      HPV31 and HPV16 preceded incident CIN2 and CIN3. In multivariate conditional
      logistic regression, the risk for incident CIN increased up to 4-fold with
      increasing number of deliveries (p = 0.024) and decreased with history of genital
      warts (p = 0.036). CONCLUSION: Baseline HR-HPV infections and their persistence
      precede incident CIN by several years. The 2 independent covariates of HR-HPV
      were (1) number of deliveries (increasing the risk), and (2) history of genital
      warts (protective effect).

PMID- 22053924
TI  - Palladium-catalyzed direct olefination of urea derivatives with n-butyl acrylate
      by C-H bond activation under mild reaction conditions.
AB  - Pd(II)-catalyzed aromatic C-H bond activation using urea as a directing group was
      achieved in a p-TsOH/AcOH medium under mild reaction conditions. The direct
      olefination products of various urea derivatives were produced from aryl urea
      derivatives and butyl acrylate in moderate to good yields.

PMID- 22053925
TI  - Equilibrium contact angles of liquid droplets on ideal rough solids.
AB  - This work proposes a theoretical model for predicting the apparent equilibrium
      contact angle of a liquid on an ideal rough surface that is homogeneous and has a
      negligible body force, line tension, or contact angle hysteresis between solid
      and liquid. The model is derived from the conservation equations and the free
      energy minimization theory for the changes of state of liquid droplets. The work
      of adhesion is expressed as the contact angles in the wetting process of the
      liquid droplets. Equilibrium contact angles of liquid droplets for rough surfaces
      are expressed as functions of the area ratios for the solid, liquid, and
      surrounding gas and the roughness ratio and wetting ratio of the liquid on the
      solid for the partially and fully wet states. It is found that the ideal critical
      angle for accentuating the contact angles by the surface roughness is 48 degrees
      . The present model is compared with existing experimental data and the classical
      Wenzel and Cassie-Baxter models and agrees with most of the experimental data for
      various surfaces and liquids better than does the Wenzel model and accounts for
      trends that the Wenzel model cannot explain.

PMID- 22053926
TI  - Low-loss, high-permittivity composites made from graphene nanoribbons.
AB  - A new composite material was prepared by incorporation of graphene nanoribbons
      into a dielectric host matrix. The composite possesses remarkably low loss at
      reasonably high permittivity values. By varying the content of the conductive
      filler, one can tune the loss and permittivity to desirable values over a wide
      range. The obtained data exemplifies how nanoscopic changes in the structure of
      conductive filler can affect macroscopic properties of composite material.

PMID- 22053927
TI  - Reviews on animal diseases recently published in other journals.

PMID- 22053930
TI  - The honeymoon phase and studies of nonsimultaneous chains in kidney-paired
      donation.

PMID- 22053929
TI  - Origin and consequences of brain Toll-like receptor 4 pathway stimulation in an
      experimental model of depression.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is a pressing need to identify novel pathophysiological
      pathways relevant to depression that can help to reveal targets for the
      development of new medications. Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) has a regulatory
      role in the brain's response to stress. Psychological stress may compromise the
      intestinal barrier, and increased gastrointestinal permeability with
      translocation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Gram-negative bacteria may play a
      role in the pathophysiology of major depression. METHODS: Adult male Sprague
      Dawley rats were subjected to chronic mild stress (CMS) or CMS+intestinal
      antibiotic decontamination (CMS+ATB) protocols. Levels of components of the TLR-4
      signaling pathway, of LPS and of different inflammatory, oxidative/nitrosative
      and anti-inflammatory mediators were measured by RT-PCR, western blot and/or
      ELISA in brain prefrontal cortex. Behavioral despair was studied using Porsolt's
      test. RESULTS: CMS increased levels of TLR-4 and its co-receptor MD-2 in brain as
      well as LPS and LPS-binding protein in plasma. In addition, CMS also increased
      interleukin (IL)-1beta, COX-2, PGE2 and lipid peroxidation levels and reduced
      levels of the anti-inflammatory prostaglandin 15d-PGJ2 in brain tissue.
      Intestinal decontamination reduced brain levels of the pro-inflammatory
      parameters and increased 15d-PGJ2, however this did not affect depressive-like
      behavior induced by CMS. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that LPS from bacterial
      translocation is responsible, at least in part, for the TLR-4 activation found in
      brain after CMS, which leads to release of inflammatory mediators in the CNS. The
      use of Gram-negative antibiotics offers a potential therapeutic approach for the
      adjuvant treatment of depression.

PMID- 22053931
TI  - Proteome-wide identification of ubiquitylation sites by conjugation of engineered
      lysine-less ubiquitin.
AB  - Ubiquitin conjugation (ubiquitylation) plays important roles not only in protein
      degradation but also in many other cellular functions. However, the sites of
      proteins that are targeted for such modification have remained poorly
      characterized at the proteomic level. We have now developed a method for the
      efficient identification of ubiquitylation sites in target proteins with the use
      of an engineered form of ubiquitin (K0-Ub), in which all seven lysine residues
      are replaced with arginine. K0-Ub is covalently attached to lysine residues of
      target proteins via an isopeptide bond, but further formation of a polyubiquitin
      chain does not occur on K0-Ub. We identified a total of 1392 ubiquitylation sites
      of 794 proteins from HEK293T cells. Profiling of ubiquitylation sites indicated
      that the sequences surrounding lysine residues targeted for ubiquitin conjugation
      do not share a common motif or structural feature. Furthermore, we identified a
      critical ubiquitylation site of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27(Kip1).
      Mutation of this site thus inhibited ubiquitylation of and stabilized p27(Kip1),
      suggesting that this lysine residue is the target site of p27(Kip1) for ubiquitin
      conjugation in vivo. In conclusion, our method based on K0-Ub is a powerful tool
      for proteome-wide identification of ubiquitylation sites of target proteins.

PMID- 22053932
TI  - Structurally flexible triethanolamine core PAMAM dendrimers are effective
      nanovectors for DNA transfection in vitro and in vivo to the mouse thymus.
AB  - With the aim of developing dendrimer nanovectors with a precisely controlled
      architecture and flexible structure for DNA transfection, we designed PAMAM
      dendrimers bearing a triethanolamine (TEA) core, with branching units pointing
      away from the center to create void spaces, reduce steric congestion, and
      increase water accessibility for the benefit of DNA delivery. These dendrimers
      are shown to form stable nanoparticles with DNA, promote cell uptake mainly via
      macropinocytosis, and act as effective nanovectors for DNA transfection in vitro
      on epithelial and fibroblast cells and, most importantly, in vivo in the mouse
      thymus, an exceedingly challenging organ for immune gene therapy. Collectively,
      these results validate our rational design approach of structurally flexible
      dendrimers with a chemically defined structure as effective nanovectors for gene
      delivery, and demonstrate the potential of these dendrimers in intrathymus gene
      delivery for future applications in immune gene therapy.

PMID- 22053933
TI  - Infrared (810 nm) low-level laser therapy in experimental model of strain-induced
      skeletal muscle injury in rats: effects on functional outcomes.
AB  - Muscle strains are among the most prevalent causes for athletes' absence from
      sport activities. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has recently emerged as a
      potential contender to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in muscle strain
      treatment. In this work we investigated effects of LLLT and diclofenac on
      functional outcomes in the acute stage after muscle strain injury in rats. Muscle
      strain was induced by overloading the tibialis anterior muscle of rats during
      anesthesia. The injured groups received either no treatment, or a single
      treatment with diclofenac 30 min prior to injury, or LLLT (810 nm, 100 mW) with
      doses of 1, 3, 6 or 9 J, at 1 h after injury. Functional outcome measures
      included a walking index and assessment of electrically induced muscle
      performance. All treatments (except 9 J LLLT) significantly improved the walking
      index 12 h postinjury compared with the untreated group. The 3 J group also
      showed a significantly better walking index than the drug group. All treatments
      significantly improved muscle performance at 6 and 12 h. LLLT dose of 3 J was as
      effective as the pharmacological agent in improving functional outcomes in the
      early phase after a muscle strain injury in rats.

PMID- 22053934
TI  - The crystal structure of AphB, a virulence gene activator from Vibrio cholerae,
      reveals residues that influence its response to oxygen and pH.
AB  - Expression of the two critical virulence factors of Vibrio cholerae, toxin
      coregulated pilus and cholera toxin, is initiated at the tcpPH promoter by the
      regulators AphA and AphB. AphA is a winged helix DNA-binding protein that
      enhances the ability of AphB, a LysR-type transcriptional regulator, to activate
      tcpPH expression. We present here the 2.2 A X-ray crystal structure of full
      length AphB. As reported for other LysR-type proteins, AphB is a tetramer with
      two distinct subunit conformations. Unlike other family members, AphB must
      undergo a significant conformational change in order to bind to DNA. We have
      found five independent mutations in the putative ligand-binding pocket region
      that allow AphB to constitutively activate tcpPH expression at the non-permissive
      pH of 8.5 and in the presence of oxygen. These findings indicate that AphB is
      responsive to intracellular pH as well as to anaerobiosis and that residues in
      the ligand-binding pocket of the protein influence its ability to respond to both
      of these signals. We have solved the structure of one of the constitutive
      mutants, and observe conformational changes that would allow DNA binding. Taken
      together, these results describe a pathway of conformational changes allowing
      communication between the ligand and DNA binding regions of AphB.

PMID- 22053937
TI  - Rad Resilient City Initiative launched.

PMID- 22053938
TI  - State-of-the-art therapeutic medical countermeasures for viral threat agents.
AB  - In recent years, there has been an increase in the perceived threat of biological
      agents being used against civilian populations. This has prompted an urgent need
      for the development and procurement of medical countermeasures (MCMs) against
      highly pathogenic viruses that can prevent morbidity and mortality from
      infections caused by these agents. To date, antiviral drug development has been
      largely focused on clinically prevalent chronic infections due to their
      commercial viability. This has left a huge gap in the drug development path for
      acute infections of biodefense importance. In this review, we discuss the
      antiviral research and development initiatives focusing specifically on
      poxviruses, filoviruses, and equine encephalitis viruses (EEV). We discuss the
      benefits and technical challenges in the current development strategies and the
      hurdles in the licensure path for MCMs against these highly pathogenic viruses
      under the FDA Animal Rule, and we provide recommendations for the path forward.

PMID- 22053936
TI  - Application of the Hard and Soft, Acids and Bases (HSAB) theory to toxicant-
      target interactions.
AB  - Many chemical toxicants and/or their active metabolites are electrophiles that
      cause cell injury by forming covalent bonds with nucleophilic targets on
      biological macromolecules. Covalent reactions between nucleophilic and
      electrophilic reagents are, however, discriminatory since there is a significant
      degree of selectivity associated with these interactions. Over the course of the
      past few decades, the theory of Hard and Soft, Acids and Bases (HSAB) has proven
      to be a useful tool in predicting the outcome of such reactions. This concept
      utilizes the inherent electronic characteristic of polarizability to define, for
      example, reacting electrophiles and nucleophiles as either hard or soft. These
      HSAB definitions have been successfully applied to chemical-induced toxicity in
      biological systems. Thus, according to this principle, a toxic electrophile
      reacts preferentially with biological targets of similar hardness or softness.
      The soft/hard classification of a xenobiotic electrophile has obvious utility in
      discerning plausible biological targets and molecular mechanisms of toxicity. The
      purpose of this perspective is to discuss the HSAB theory of electrophiles and
      nucleophiles within a toxicological framework. In principle, covalent bond
      formation can be described by using the properties of their outermost or frontier
      orbitals. Because these orbital energies for most chemicals can be calculated
      using quantum mechanical models, it is possible to quantify the relative softness
      (sigma) or hardness (eta) of electrophiles or nucleophiles and to subsequently
      convert this information into useful indices of reactivity. This atomic level
      information can provide insight into the design of corroborative laboratory
      research and thereby help investigators discern corresponding molecular sites and
      mechanisms of toxicant action. The use of HSAB parameters has also been
      instrumental in the development and identification of potential nucleophilic
      cytoprotectants that can scavenge toxic electrophiles. Clearly, the difficult
      task of delineating molecular sites and mechanisms of toxicant action can be
      facilitated by the application of this quantitative approach.

PMID- 22053940
TI  - A simple objective evaluation and grading for facial paralysis outcomes.
AB  - CONCLUSION: A simple measuring box to determine lip-shift angle and eye-width
      narrowing offered simultaneous and objective data on outcome dysfunction. The
      method is as easy as visual approaches. The method is objective and as easy as
      visual access. It is practical for routine clinical use in any clinic.
      OBJECTIVES: The outcome dysfunction after facial paralysis is commonly evaluated
      by subjective visual access. This paper introduces a new method for simple
      objective evaluation and grading with documentation of lip-shift and eye-width
      changes. METHODS: Thirty adult controls were used to determine standard
      deviations (SDs) for angular shift of the lip at rest and eye-width narrowing at
      maximum lip protrusion. Thirty patients with facial paralysis more than 6 months
      after onset were studied for outcomes in terms of synkinesis, contracture, and
      lip deviation to the healthy side. Abnormalities were read with a simple
      measuring box. RESULTS: Among the controls, mean lip shift at rest and its SD
      were 0 degrees  and 1.2. Mean eye narrowing at maximum lip protrusion effort and
      its SD were -0.6 mm and 1.6. This paper proposes a new grading system that relies
      simply on the sum of evaluating items exceeding 2 SDs, or residual lip deviation
      to the healthy side.

PMID- 22053941
TI  - Genetic variation of gamma-tocopherol methyltransferase gene contributes to
      elevated alpha-tocopherol content in soybean seeds.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Improvement of alpha-tocopherol content is an important breeding aim
      to increase the nutritional value of crops. Several efforts have been conducted
      to improve the alpha-tocopherol content in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.]
      through transgenic technology by overexpressing genes related to alpha-tocopherol
      biosynthesis or through changes to crop management practices. Varieties with high
      alpha-tocopherol content have been identified in soybean germplasms. The
      heritability of this trait has been characterized in a cross between high alpha
      tocopherol variety Keszthelyi Aproszemu Sarga (KAS) and low alpha-tocopherol
      variety Ichihime. In this study, the genetic mechanism of the high alpha
      tocopherol content trait of KAS was elucidated. RESULTS: Through QTL analysis and
      fine mapping in populations from a cross between KAS and a Japanese variety
      Ichihime, we identified gamma-TMT3, which encodes gamma-tocopherol
      methyltransferase, as a candidate gene responsible for high alpha-tocopherol
      concentration in KAS. Several nucleotide polymorphisms including two
      nonsynonymous mutations were found in the coding region of gamma-TMT3 between
      Ichihime and KAS, but none of which was responsible for the difference in alpha
      tocopherol concentration. Therefore, we focused on transcriptional regulation of
      gamma-TMT3 in developing seeds and leaves. An F5 line that was heterozygous for
      the region containing gamma-TMT3 was self-pollinated. From among the progeny,
      plants that were homozygous at the gamma-TMT3 locus were chosen for further
      evaluation. The expression level of gamma-TMT3 was higher both in developing
      seeds and leaves of plants homozygous for the gamma-TMT3 allele from KAS. The
      higher expression level was closely correlated with high alpha-tocopherol content
      in developing seeds. We generated transgenic Arabidopsis plants harboring GUS
      gene under the control of gamma-TMT3 promoter from KAS or Ichihime. The GUS
      activity assay showed that the activity of gamma-TMT3 promoter from KAS was
      higher than that of Ichihime. CONCLUSIONS: The genetic variation in gamma-TMT3,
      which plays a major role in determining alpha-tocopherol concentration, provides
      significant information about the regulation of tocopherol biosynthesis in
      soybean seeds. This knowledge will help breeding programs to develop new soybean
      varieties with high alpha-tocopherol content.

PMID- 22053942
TI  - Association between patient beliefs regarding assigned treatment and clinical
      response: reanalysis of data from the Hypericum Depression Trial Study Group.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To reanalyze data from a 2002 study by the Hypericum Depression Trial
      Study Group to determine whether patients who believed they were receiving active
      therapy rather than placebo obtained greater improvement, independent of
      treatment. METHOD: Three hundred forty adults with major depressive disorder
      (according to the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV) and baseline scores
      of >= 20 on the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS-17) were
      randomized to Hypericum perforatum 900-1,500 mg/d, sertraline 50-100 mg/d, or
      placebo and were asked to guess their assigned treatment after 8 weeks. This
      reanalysis of data was performed from October 1, 2009, to April 15, 2011. The
      intent-to-treat sample included 207 subjects (mean age = 44 years) who had (1) at
      least 1 postbaseline visit; (2) adherence data based on serum levels of
      hyperforin, sertraline, and desmethylsertraline; and (3) guess data. Univariate
      factorial analysis of variance was used to determine whether treatment assignment
      affected clinical improvement according to HDRS-17 score and whether this effect
      was moderated by patient guess of sertraline, Hypericum, or placebo. Analysis of
      covariance was used to determine whether side effects mediated improvement in the
      context of patient guess and assigned treatment. chi2 analyses compared response
      rates (>= 50% decrease in HDRS-17 score) between the guess groups and between the
      treatment groups within each guess group. RESULTS: Assigned treatment had no
      significant effect on clinical improvement (P = .65), but patient guess was
      significantly associated with improvement (P < .001), and treatment and guess
      interacted significantly (P = .005). Among subjects who guessed placebo, clinical
      improvement was small and did not differ significantly across treatments. Among
      subjects who guessed Hypericum, improvement was large and did not differ
      significantly across treatments. Among subjects who guessed sertraline, those who
      received placebo or sertraline had large improvements, but those who received
      Hypericum had significantly less improvement (P < .001). Similar findings were
      obtained for response rates. CONCLUSIONS: Patient beliefs regarding treatment may
      have a stronger association with clinical outcome than the actual medication
      received, and the strength of this association may depend upon the particular
      combination of treatment guessed and treatment received.

PMID- 22053943
TI  - Disordered spheres with extensive overlap in projection: image simulation and
      analysis.
AB  - This article simulates highly overlapped projections of spherical particles that
      are distributed randomly in space. The size and number of the features in the
      projections are examined as well as how these features change with particle size
      and concentration. First, there are discernable features in projection even when
      particles overlap extensively, and the size of these discernable features is the
      expected size of an individual particle. Second, the number of features increases
      with specimen thickness at a rate of t(0.543) when the specimen thickness is
      below a critical value and becomes independent of specimen thickness at higher
      thicknesses. A criterion is established for the critical thickness based on
      particle size and particle volume fraction. When the specimen thickness is known
      and smaller than the critical thickness, a single representative transmission
      electron microscopy (TEM) (or scanning TEM) image exhibiting extensive particle
      overlap can be used to determine the size and number density of the spherical
      particles.

PMID- 22053945
TI  - Electron affinities, well depths, and vibrational spectroscopy of cis- and trans
      HOCO.
AB  - We report vibrationally resolved photoelectron spectra of internally cold HOCO(-)
      and DOCO(-) anions at wavelengths near and well above the detachment threshold.
      These spectra are dominated by a strong Franck-Condon progression of three low
      energy modes of the cis isomer, the first gas-phase measurement of these
      vibrations. Using highly resolved, near-threshold spectra we are able to reassign
      the electron affinities (EAs) of cis- and trans-HOCO to 1.51 +/- 0.01 and 1.37 +/
      0.01 eV, respectively. Using these EAs, well depths with respect to OH + CO are
      determined to be 1.07 +/- 0.02 eV for trans-HOCO and 0.99 +/- 0.02 eV for cis
      HOCO. High-level ab initio calculations show excellent agreement with all
      experimental results. These values will be of direct use in thermochemical
      calculations and will help to aid in the identification of the HOCO radical in
      complex reactions.

PMID- 22053944
TI  - Development of population PK model with enterohepatic circulation for
      mycophenolic acid in patients with childhood-onset systemic lupus erythematosus.
AB  - AIM: This study aimed to develop a population pharmacokinetic (PK) enterohepatic
      recycling model for MPA in patients with childhood-onset systemic lupus
      erythematosus (cSLE). METHODS: MPA concentration-time data were from outpatients
      on stable oral mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and collected under fasting
      conditions, with standardized meals (1 and 4 h post-dose). Sampling times were
      pre-dose, 20, 40 min, 1, 1.5, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 9 h, post dose. The population PK
      analysis simultaneously modelled MPA and 7-O-MPA-beta-glucuronide (MPAG)
      concentrations using nonlinear mixed effect modelling. RESULTS: PK analysis
      included 186 MPA and MPAG concentrations (mg l(-1)) from 19 patients. cSLE
      patients, age range 10-28 years, median 16.5 years were included. Mean +/- SD
      disease duration was 3.8 +/- 3.7 years. The final PK model included a gallbladder
      compartment for enterohepatic recycling and bile release time related to meal
      times, with first order absorption and single series of transit compartments. The
      PK estimates for MPA were CL(1) /F 25.3 l h(-1), V(3) /F 20.9 l, V(4) /F 234 l
      and CL(2) /F 19.8 l h(-1). CONCLUSION: The final model fitted the complex
      processes of absorption and enterohepatic circulation (EHC) in those treated with
      MMF for cSLE and could be applied in Bayesian dose optimization algorithms.

PMID- 22053946
TI  - Immunomodulatory effect of water extract of cinnamon on anti-CD3-induced cytokine
      responses and p38, JNK, ERK1/2, and STAT4 activation.
AB  - CONTEXT: Cinnamon bark is a very popular herb used in traditional medicine to
      treat various disorders such as chronic gastric symptoms, arthritis, and the
      common cold. OBJECTIVE: The immunomodulatory effect of water extract of cinnamon
      bark (CWE) on cytokine secretion and involvement of intracellular signaling
      molecules in activated T cells have been examined. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mice
      were orally administered CWE for 7 days. Serum was obtained 90 min after
      intravenous injection of anti-CD3 antibody (Ab). Splenocytes were cultured with
      anti-CD3 Ab and CWE for cytokine expression, cell cycle, apoptotic/necrotic
      changes, and viability. IkappaBalpha, p38, JNK, ERK1/2, STAT4, and STAT6 were
      analyzed using western blotting. RESULTS: Administration of CWE decreased
      systemic levels of IFN-gamma, but not the levels of IL-4 or IL-2. In vitro, CWE
      inhibited anti-CD3 Ab-stimulated IFN-gamma and IL-4 at the mRNA and secreted
      protein levels. Despite its inhibition of IL-2 transcript, CWE enhanced IL-2
      secretion. CWE treatment caused a reduction in the sub-G1 phase, accompanied by
      an increased ratio of apoptotic cells to necrotic cells. The increased IL-2
      secretion by CWE was not mediated by its direct effect on CD4 T cells. CWE
      inhibited the activation of p38, JNK, ERK1/2, and STAT4, but not IkappaBalpha
      degradation or STAT6. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: These observations provided
      evidence that CWE was able to down-regulate IFN-gamma expression in activated T
      cells without altering IL-2 production, involving inhibition of p38, JNK, ERK1/2,
      and STAT4. Our results contribute to a better understanding of the
      immunomodulatory action of cinnamon bark for the application of inflammatory
      disorders.

PMID- 22053947
TI  - Treatment options for subjective tinnitus: self reports from a sample of general
      practitioners and ENT physicians within Europe and the USA.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tinnitus affects about 10-15% of the general population and risks for
      developing tinnitus are rising through increased exposure to leisure noise
      through listening to personal music players at high volume. The disorder has a
      considerable heterogeneity and so no single mechanism is likely to explain the
      presence of tinnitus in all those affected. As such there is no standardized
      management pathway nor singly effective treatment for the condition. Choice of
      clinical intervention is a multi-factorial decision based on many factors,
      including assessment of patient needs and the healthcare context. The present
      research surveyed clinicians working in six Westernized countries with the aims:
      a) to establish the range of referral pathways, b) to evaluate the typical
      treatment options for categories of subjective tinnitus defined as acute or
      chronic, and c) to seek clinical opinion about levels of satisfaction with
      current standards of practice. METHODS: A structured online questionnaire was
      conducted with 712 physicians who reported seeing at least one tinnitus patients
      in the previous three months. They were 370 general practitioners (GPs) and 365
      ear-nose-throat specialists (ENTs) from the US, Germany, UK, France, Italy and
      Spain. RESULTS: Our international comparison of health systems for tinnitus
      revealed that although the characteristics of tinnitus appeared broadly similar
      across countries, the patient's experience of clinical services differed widely.
      GPs and ENTs were always involved in referral and management to some degree, but
      multi-disciplinary teams engaged either neurology (Germany, Italy and Spain) or
      audiology (UK and US) professionals. For acute subjective tinnitus,
      pharmacological prescriptions were common, while audiological and psychological
      approaches were more typical for chronic subjective tinnitus; with several
      specific treatment options being highly country specific. All therapy options
      were associated with low levels of satisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: Despite a large
      variety of treatment options, the low success rates of tinnitus therapy lead to
      frustration of physicians and patients alike. For subjective tinnitus in
      particular, effective therapeutic options with guidelines about key diagnostic
      criteria are urgently needed.

PMID- 22053948
TI  - Increased incidence of pregnancy complications in women who later develop
      scleroderma: a case control study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Studies have shown that fetal progenitor cells persist in maternal
      blood or bone marrow for more than 30 years after delivery. Increased trafficking
      of fetal cells occurs during pregnancy complications, such as hypertension,
      preeclampsia, miscarriage and intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR). Women with
      these pregnancy complications are significantly more often HLA-class II
      compatible with their spouses. Women who later develop scleroderma also give
      birth to an HLA-class II child more often. From these prior studies we
      hypothesized that preeclampsia and other pregnancy complications could be
      associated with increased levels of fetal cell trafficking, and later be involved
      in the development of scleroderma. METHODS: This study was a retrospective multi
      centre matched case-control study. One-hundred-and-three women with systemic
      sclerosis (SSc) and 103 women with no history of SSc or other autoimmune disease
      were given a questionnaire regarding complications during pregnancy, such as
      hypertension, intra-uterine growth restriction (IUGR) and miscarriage.
      Conditional logistic regression analysis was used to assess associations.
      RESULTS: We found a statistically significantly increased incidence of having had
      a pregnancy history of hypertension or a fetus with IUGR in women who
      subsequently developed SSc compared to healthy controls. We found an odds ratio
      of 2.6 (95% confidence interval (CI): 1.1 to 4.6) for hypertensive complications
      during pregnancy and an odds ratio of 3.9 (95% CI: 1.2 to 12.3) for intra-uterine
      growth restriction for women with SSc compared to healthy controls. CONCLUSIONS:
      This is the first study to show an association between hypertensive complications
      during pregnancy or IUGR and the development of SSc at a later age. We speculate
      that the pregnancy abnormalities may have resulted in increased fetomaternal
      trafficking, which may have played a role in the increased incidence of SSc.
      Further studies are indicated to examine this putative relationship.

PMID- 22053949
TI  - Iron-catalyzed oxidation of tertiary amines: synthesis of beta-1,3-dicarbonyl
      aldehydes by three-component C-C couplings.
AB  - beta-1,3-Dicarbonyl aldehydes were synthesized by iron-catalyzed oxidative
      reactions between 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds and two molecules of tertiary amines
      in the presence of tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBHP). alpha,beta-Unsaturated
      aldehydes generated by tertiary amine oxidation in situ act as key intermediates
      under mild reaction conditions.

PMID- 22053950
TI  - Effects of betaine on lipopolysaccharide-induced memory impairment in mice and
      the involvement of GABA transporter 2.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Betaine (glycine betaine or trimethylglycine) plays important roles
      as an osmolyte and a methyl donor in animals. While betaine is reported to
      suppress expression of proinflammatory molecules and reduce oxidative stress in
      aged rat kidney, the effects of betaine on the central nervous system are not
      well known. In this study, we investigated the effects of betaine on
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced memory impairment and on mRNA expression levels
      of proinflammatory molecules, glial markers, and GABA transporter 2 (GAT2), a
      betaine/GABA transporter. METHODS: Mice were continuously treated with betaine
      for 13 days starting 1 day before they were injected with LPS, or received
      subacute or acute administration of betaine shortly before or after LPS
      injection. Then, their memory function was evaluated using Y-maze and novel
      object recognition tests 7 and 10-12 days after LPS injection (30 MUg/mouse,
      i.c.v.), respectively. In addition, mRNA expression levels in hippocampus were
      measured by real-time RT-PCR at different time points. RESULTS: Repeated
      administration of betaine (0.163 mmol/kg, s.c.) prevented LPS-induced memory
      impairment. GAT2 mRNA levels were significantly increased in hippocampus 24 hr
      after LPS injection, and administration of betaine blocked this increase.
      However, betaine did not affect LPS-induced increases in levels of mRNA related
      to inflammatory responses. Both subacute administration (1 hr before, and 1 and
      24 hr after LPS injection) and acute administration (1 hr after LPS injection) of
      betaine also prevented LPS-induced memory impairment in the Y-maze test.
      CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that betaine has protective effects against LPS
      induced memory impairment and that prevention of LPS-induced changes in GAT2 mRNA
      expression is crucial to this ameliorating effect.

PMID- 22053951
TI  - Comparative proteomic study reveals the involvement of diurnal cycle in cell
      division, enlargement, and starch accumulation in developing endosperm of Oryza
      sativa.
AB  - The development and starch accumulation of cereal endosperms rely on the sugar
      supply of leaves, which is subject to diurnal cycles, and the endosperm itself
      also experiences a light/dark switch. However, revealing how the cereal endosperm
      responds to diurnal input remains a major challenge. We used comparative
      proteomic approaches to probe diurnally affected processes in rice endosperm
      (Oryza sativa) 10 days after flowering under 12-h light/12-h dark. Starch
      granules in rice endosperm showed a growth ring structure under a normal
      light/dark cycle but not under constant light. Sucrose showed a high level in
      light and low level in dark. Two-dimensional (2-D) differential in-gel
      electrophoresis-based proteomic analysis revealed 101 protein spots diurnally
      changed and 91 identities, which were involved in diverse processes with
      preferred distribution in stress response, protein synthesis/destination and
      metabolism. Proteins involved in cell division showed high expression in light
      and those in cell enlargement and cell wall synthesis high in dark, while starch
      synthesis proteins were light-downregulated and dark-upregulated. Redox
      homeostasis-associated proteins showed in-phase peaks under light and dark. These
      data demonstrate diurnal input-regulated diverse cellular and metabolic processes
      in rice endosperm, and coordination among these processes is essential for
      development and starch accumulation with diurnal input.

PMID- 22053952
TI  - Three-dimensional hierarchical flowerlike alpha-Fe2O3 nanostructures: synthesis
      and ethanol-sensing properties.
AB  - The alpha-Fe(2)O(3) hierarchical nanostructures have been successfully
      synthesized via a simple solvothermal method. The as-prepared samples are loose
      and porous with flowerlike structure, and the subunits are irregularly shaped
      nanosheets. The morphology of the alpha-Fe(2)O(3) structures was observed to be
      tunable as a function of reaction time. To demonstrate the potential
      applications, we have fabricated a gas sensor from the as-synthesized
      hierarchical alpha-Fe(2)O(3) and investigated it for ethanol detection. Results
      show that the hierarchical alpha-Fe(2)O(3) sensor exhibits significantly improved
      sensor performances in comparison with the compact alpha-Fe(2)O(3) structures.
      The enhancement of sensing properties is attributed to the unique porous and well
      aligned nanostructure.

PMID- 22053953
TI  - Appendicular perforation at the base of the caecum, a rare operative challenge in
      acute appendicitis, a literature review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute appendicitis is the most common acute surgical condition of the
      abdomen. Diagnosis is made based on full clinical history and examination as well
      as supported by a routine blood investigation and urine test. Prompt diagnosis
      and surgical referral may reduce the risk of perforation and prevent
      complications. The mortality rate of non-perforated appendicitis is less than 1
      percent. Perforated appendicitis is associated with a higher mortality rate - as
      high as five percent and may be particularly more in extreme of age group
      attributed to delay in clinical presentation or diagnosis in the younger group
      and multiple co-morbidities in the elderly group. The aetiology is unknown. It
      may be linked with lack of fibre, familial tendency, or viral infection. It may
      be precipitated by faecaliths. The commonest site of the appendix is retrocaecal.
      CASE REPORT: We report a case of a 46 year old male who was admitted under the
      surgical service in Mid-Western Regional Hospital, Limerick with suspected
      appendicitis which turned out to be a perforated caecum, a rare complication of
      an acute appendicitis. We performed a literature review comparing two main
      approaches - right hemicolectomy and primary closure with omental patch - discuss
      and highlight their differences as well as a guide to its management. CONCLUSION:
      There are limited studies to compare these two surgical options in the
      literature. A larger prospective study is needed to compare both approaches and
      long term outcome.

PMID- 22053955
TI  - Near-infrared exposure changes cellular responses to ionizing radiation.
AB  - Near infrared (NIR) and X-rays are radiations from different sides of the
      wavelength spectrum but both are used during medical treatments, as they have
      severe impacts on cellular processes, including metabolism, gene expression,
      proliferation and survival. However, both radiations differ strictly in their
      consequences for exposed patients: NIR effects are generally supposed to be
      positive, mostly ascribed to a stimulation of metabolism, whereas X-ray leads to
      genetic instability, an increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and DNA damages
      and finally to cellular death by apoptosis in tumor cells. Since genomic
      stability after X-irradiation depends on the mitochondrial metabolism, which is
      well known to be regulated by NIR, we analyzed the impact of NIR on cellular
      responses of fibroblasts, retinal progenitor cells and keratinocytes to X
      radiation. Our data show that previous exposure to naturally occurring doses of
      nonthermal NIR combined with clinically relevant X-ray doses leads to (1)
      increased genomic instability, indicated by elevated ratios of mitotic
      catastrophes, (2) increased ROS, (3) higher amounts of X-irradiated cells
      entering S-phase and (4) impaired DNA double-strand break repair. Taken together,
      our data show tremendous effects of NIR on cellular responses to X-rays, probably
      affecting the results of radiotherapy after NIR exposure during cancer treatment.

PMID- 22053956
TI  - Sliding droplets on superomniphobic zinc oxide nanostructures.
AB  - This study reports on liquid-repellency of zinc oxide nanostructures (ZnO NS).
      The ZnO NS are synthesized by an easy and fast chemical bath deposition
      technique. Three different nanostructured surfaces consisting of nanorods,
      flowers, and particles are prepared, depending on the deposition time and the
      presence of ethanolamine in the reaction mixture. Chemical functionalization of
      the ZnO NS with 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecyltrichlorosilane (PFTS) in liquid (PFTS
      L) and vapor phase (PFTS V) or through octafluorobutane (C(4)F(8)) plasma
      deposition led to the formation of superomniphobic surfaces. A comprehensive
      characterization of the wetting properties (static contact angle and contact
      angle hysteresis) has been performed using liquids composed of deionized water
      and various concentrations of ethanol (surface tension between 35 and 72.6 mN/m).
      Depending on the nanostructures morphology, coating nature and liquid employed,
      high static apparent contact angles theta ~ 150-160 degrees , and low contact
      angle hysteresis Deltatheta ~ 0 degrees  are obtained. The different ZnO NS are
      characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and contact angle
      measurements. The results reported in this work permit preparation of sliding
      omniphobic surfaces using a simple and low cost technique.

PMID- 22053957
TI  - Effects of chronic and acute oestrogen replacement therapy in aged animals after
      experimental stroke.
AB  - The effect of oestrogen replacement therapy (ERT) on stroke incidence and
      severity has been extensively debated. Clinical trials of ERT have demonstrated
      an increased risk of stroke in treated women, although the study participants
      were well past menopause when therapy was initiated. It has been suggested that
      detrimental effects of ERT may be unmasked after prolonged periods of
      hypoestrogenicity. To date, very few studies have examined the effect of ERT in
      aged animals, although the timing of replacement may be critical to the
      neuroprotective effects of ERT. We hypothesised that chronic ERT initiated in
      late middle age would decrease infarct size in the brain after an induced stroke,
      whereas acute ERT would have no beneficial effects in aged females. To test this
      hypothesis, two paradigms of ERT were administered to aged mice of both sexes
      aiming to determine the effects on stroke outcome and to explore the possible
      mechanisms by which ERT interacts with age. Female mice that received chronic ERT
      from 17-20 months of age showed improved stroke outcomes after experimental
      stroke, whereas females that had acute ERT initiated at 20 months of age did not.
      Chronic ERT females exhibited diminished levels of nuclear factor kappa B (NF
      kappaB) translocation compared to acute ERT females after stroke. Acute ERT
      females demonstrated both an increase in nuclear NF-kappaB and enhanced
      expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In addition, a sexual dimorphic effect
      of ERT was seen because males benefited from ERT, regardless of the timing of
      initiation. Aged males had significantly reduced expression of pro-inflammatory
      markers after stroke compared to age-matched females, suggesting a pro
      inflammatory milieu emerges with age in females. These results are consistent
      with the emerging clinical literature suggesting that ERT should be initiated at
      the time of menopause to achieve beneficial effects. The present study
      demonstrates the importance of using appropriate animal models in preclinical
      studies.

PMID- 22053958
TI  - Restored renal transplants from donors with distal ureteral carcinomas.

PMID- 22053960
TI  - Errata.

PMID- 22053959
TI  - Detection of internal tandem duplications in the FLT3 gene by different
      electrophoretic methods.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In acute myeloid leukemia (AML), the internal tandem duplication
      (ITD) in the juxtamembrane domain of the FLT3 (Fms-like tyrosine kinase 3) gene
      is one of the most frequent genetic alterations associated with poor prognosis.
      METHODS: A complex evaluation of the analytical properties of the three most
      frequently used detection methods--PCR followed by agarose (AGE), polyacrylamide
      (PAGE) or capillary electrophoresis (CE)--was performed on 95 DNA samples
      obtained from 73 AML patients. RESULTS: All the three methods verified the
      presence of a mutant allele in 20 samples from 18 patients. AGE and PAGE could
      detect the presence of 1%-2% mutant allele, while the detection limit of CE was
      0.28%. However, acceptable reproducibility (inter-assay CV <25%) of the mutant
      allele rate determination was only achievable above 1.5% mutant/total allele
      rate. The reproducibility of the ITD size determination by CE was much better,
      but the ITD size calculated by PeakScanner or GeneScan analysis was 7% lower as
      compared to values obtained by DNA sequencing. The presence of multiple ITD was
      over-estimated by PAGE and AGE due to the formation of heteroduplexes.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests the use of PCR+CE in the diagnostics and the
      follow-up of AML patients. The data further supports the importance of proper
      analytical evaluation of home-made molecular biological diagnostic tests.

PMID- 22053962
TI  - Community-based interference against integration of Pseudomonas aeruginosa into
      human salivary microbial biofilm.
AB  - As part of the human gastrointestinal tract, the oral cavity represents a complex
      biological system and harbors diverse bacterial species. Unlike the gut
      microbiota, which is often considered a health asset, studies of the oral
      commensal microbiota have been largely limited to their implication in oral
      conditions such as dental caries and periodontal disease. Less emphasis has been
      given to their potential beneficial roles, especially the protective effects
      against oral colonization by foreign or pathogenic bacteria. In this study, we
      used salivary microbiota derived from healthy human subjects to investigate
      protective effects against colonization and integration of Pseudomonas
      aeruginosa, an opportunistic bacterial pathogen, into developing or pre-formed
      salivary biofilms. When co-cultivated in saliva medium, P. aeruginosa persisted
      in the planktonic phase, but failed to integrate into the salivary microbial
      community during biofilm formation. Furthermore, in saliva medium supplemented
      with sucrose, the oral microbiota inhibited the growth of P. aeruginosa by
      producing lactic acid. More interestingly, while pre-formed salivary biofilms
      were able to prevent P. aeruginosa colonization, the same biofilms recovered from
      mild chlorhexidine gluconate treatment displayed a shift in microbial composition
      and showed a drastic reduction in protection. Our study indicates that normal
      oral communities with balanced microbial compositions could be important in
      effectively preventing the integration of foreign or pathogenic bacterial
      species, such as P. aeruginosa.

PMID- 22053963
TI  - Identification and characterization of a fibronectin-binding protein from
      Granulicatella adiacens.
AB  - The interaction of microorganisms with fibronectin plays an important role in
      infective endocarditis. Granulicatella adiacens is a member of the oral
      microbiota, formerly known as nutritionally variant streptococci, and is often
      isolated from endocarditis patients. In the present study we identified a surface
      protein, designated Cha, which binds to fibronectin, by a plaque hybridization
      procedure using the cshA sequence as probe, which encodes a fibronectin-binding
      molecule of Streptococcus gordonii DL1. The cha sequence was highly homologous to
      cshA and encoded a product of 2351 amino acid residues. The protein comprised a
      unique sequence in the N-terminal half region. The C-terminal region contained
      nine complete, and one incomplete, 115-amino acid residue repeat blocks. Among
      eight strains of nutritionally variant streptococci, three G. adiacens strains
      and one Abiotrophia defectiva strain carried the cha gene. Heterologous
      expression studies suggested that Cha adhered to immobilized fibronectin, and
      that this function was located in the unique region. Recombinant Cha protein also
      adhered to immobilize fibronectin and partially inhibited adherence of G.
      adiacens to fibronectin in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that
      Cha is a cell surface protein that mediates adherence of G. adiacens to
      fibronectin.

PMID- 22053965
TI  - OmpA-like protein influences cell shape and adhesive activity of Tannerella
      forsythia.
AB  - Tannerella forsythia, a gram-negative fusiform rod, is implicated in several
      types of oral anaerobic infections. Most gram-negative bacteria have OmpA-like
      proteins that are homologous to the OmpA protein in Escherichia coli. We
      identified an OmpA-like protein in T. forsythia encoded by the tf1331 gene as one
      of the major proteins by mass spectrometric analysis. Two-dimensional, diagonal
      electrophoresis showed that the OmpA-like protein formed a dimeric or trimeric
      structure via intermolecular disulfide bonds. A biotin labeling experiment
      revealed that a portion of the protein was exposed on the cell surface, even
      though T. forsythia possesses an S-layer at the outermost cell surface. Using a
      tf1331-deletion mutant, we showed that the OmpA-like protein affected cell
      morphology. The length of the mutant cell was reduced almost by half. Cell
      swelling was observed in more than 40% of the mutant cells. Moreover, the mutant
      exhibited decreased adhesion to fibronectin, retarded autoaggregation, and
      reduced cell surface hydrophobicity. These results suggest that the OmpA-like
      protein in T. forsythia plays an important role in cellular integrity and
      adhesive function.

PMID- 22053964
TI  - Filifactor alocis interactions with gingival epithelial cells.
AB  - An association between the gram-positive anaerobe Filifactor alocis and
      periodontal disease has recently emerged; however, possible pathogenic mechanisms
      have not been investigated. In this study we examined the responses of primary
      cultures of gingival epithelial cells (GECs) to infection with F. alocis.
      Secretion of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1beta, interleukin-6 and
      tumor necrosis factor-alpha from GECs was stimulated by F. alocis infection. F.
      alocis also induced apoptosis in GECs through pathways that involved caspase-3
      but not caspase-9. Apoptosis was coincident with inhibition of mitogen-activated
      protein kinase kinase (MEK) activation. These results show that F. alocis has
      characteristics in common with established periodontal pathogens and has the
      potential to contribute to periodontal tissue destruction.

PMID- 22053966
TI  - Differential expression and adherence of Porphyromonas gingivalis FimA genotypes.
AB  - Porphyromonas gingivalis is a primary pathogen involved in the initiation and
      progression of adult chronic periodontitis. Its colonization on oral surfaces is
      a necessary first step leading to infection. FimA, a subunit protein of major
      (long) fimbriae, is a well-known virulence factor. Based on its nucleotide
      sequence, FimA is classified into several genotypes. We compared here the
      transcriptional levels of the fimA gene in several P. gingivalis strains using
      real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis, fimbrial display on the P.
      gingivalis surface using transmission electronic microscopy, and the adherence
      competencies of P. gingivalis strains carrying different types of FimAs towards
      saliva and Streptococcus gordonii surfaces using mutagenesis analysis. We
      demonstrated differential expression of each fimA gene in these P. gingivalis
      strains. A correlation of the transcription level of fimA and binding activity of
      P. gingivalis was revealed. We show that P. gingivalis strains with genotype I
      and II of FimA are efficient in interaction with saliva or S. gordonii. This work
      highlights the important role of FimA type I and II in P. gingivalis attachment
      to oral surfaces.

PMID- 22053967
TI  - The 2011 Nobel Prize--honoring the memory of Dr. Ralph Steinman.

PMID- 22053968
TI  - In this issue--engineering the immune system to fight cancer and infections.
AB  - As the immune system essentially evolved to fight off or keep at bay life
      threatening infectious agents rather than cancer, the question remains as to how
      to best redeploy it for the treatment of a broader range of diseases. This is
      reflected by an unprecedented diversification of platform technologies in
      development, facilitated by rapid progress in biotechnology. In this issue, we
      host several contributions outlining major efforts in developing novel immune
      interventions spanning antigen-specific vaccination, non-antigen-targeted immune
      intervention, genetically engineered lymphocytes, and ultraspecific antigen
      targeted ligands. In addition, the journal is hosting in this issue, two reviews
      discussing the complex matter and dynamic balance between immunity and viral
      infections, as the concept of fine modulation of that balance still carries the
      promise of yielding novel therapies.

PMID- 22053969
TI  - Antigen-specific versus antigen-nonspecific immunotherapeutic approaches for
      human melanoma: the need for integration for optimal efficacy?
AB  - Due to its immunogenecity and evidence of immune responses resulting in tumor
      regression, metastatic melanoma has been the target for numerous
      immunotherapeutic approaches. Unfortunately, based on the clinical outcomes, even
      the successful induction of tumor-specific responses does not correlate with
      efficacy. Immunotherapies can be divided into antigen-specific approaches, which
      seek to induce T cells specific to one or several known tumor associated antigens
      (TAA), or with antigen-nonspecific approaches, which generally activate T cells
      to become nonspecifically lytic effectors. Here the authors critically review the
      different immunotherapeutic approaches in melanoma.

PMID- 22053970
TI  - Chimeric antigen receptors in cancer immuno-gene therapy: current status and
      future directions.
AB  - The concept of chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) as molecules able to redirect T
      lymphocytes toward tumor cells is currently being exploited in the field of
      cancer immunotherapy. Despite promising preliminary results, some clinical trials
      evidenced limitations for this technology that must be overcome for more
      extensive application of CARs in tumor immunotherapy. We describe here the
      fundaments of these molecules in terms of structure, function, possible targets
      and pre-clinical and clinical applications. We also discuss strategies that can
      potentially overcome the limitations seen so far, paving the road to a wider
      application of this exciting new technology.

PMID- 22053971
TI  - Expanding the targets available to therapeutic antibodies via novel disease
      specific markers.
AB  - The development of immunotherapies offers significant promise for clinical
      applications in cancer and infectious diseases. Here the authors describe a
      novel, integrated approach to immunotherapy that combines novel technologies to
      discover and target disease-specific peptide/HLA class I complexes. This unique
      class of markers makes the entire proteome accessible to antibody reagents and
      offers unsurpassed specificity for targeting cancerous and infected cells. Arm
      one of the three-armed approach uses an innovative technology for the efficient,
      direct discovery of new peptide/HLA class I markers. Arm two applies a powerful
      and inventive strategy to generate T-cell receptor mimics (TCRms), which are
      antibodies with exquisite binding specificity for peptide/HLA class I markers,
      and uses TCRms to validate the specific expression of markers on cancerous and
      infected cells. The third arm uses TCRms to target and kill diseased cells with
      high sensitivity and specificity. In summary, the combination of two pioneering
      technologies expands the repertoire of disease-specific markers that can be
      targeted by therapeutic antibodies and enables a powerful, integrated approach to
      HLA-based immunotherapy.

PMID- 22053972
TI  - TCR-like biomolecules target peptide/MHC Class I complexes on the surface of
      infected and cancerous cells.
AB  - The human leukocyte antigen (HLA; also called major histocompatibility, or MHC)
      class I system presents peptides that distinguish healthy from diseased cells.
      Therefore, the discovery of peptide/MHC class I markers can provide highly
      specific targets for immunotherapy. Over the course of almost two decades,
      various strategies have been used, with mixed success, to produce antibodies that
      have recognition specificity for unique peptide/MHC class I complexes that mark
      infected and cancerous cells. Using these antibody reagents, novel peptide/MHC
      class I targets have been directly validated on diseased cells and new insight
      has been gained into the mechanisms of antigen presentation. More recently, these
      antibodies have shown promise for clinical applications such as therapeutic
      targeting of cancerous and infected cells and diagnosis and imaging of diseased
      cells. In this review, the authors comprehensively describe the methods used to
      identify disease-specific peptide/MHC class I epitopes and generate antibodies to
      these markers. Finally, they offer several examples that illustrate the promise
      of using these antibodies as anti-cancer agents.

PMID- 22053974
TI  - CCL5: a double-edged sword in host defense against the hepatitis C virus.
AB  - C-C motif ligand 5 (CCL5) facilitates induction of chemotaxis in immune cells and
      activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) at sites of liver inflammation during
      chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Importantly, CCL5 participates in the
      establishment of T-helper 1 responses crucial in controlling liver disease and
      HCV infection outcome and demonstrates distinct gene expression patterns between
      the blood and the liver, stressing the importance of immunoregulatory networks
      differentially functioning between these compartments. This review illustrates
      the significance of CCL5-dependent pathways in HCV-related immunopathogenesis by
      elaborating on biological mechanisms interconnecting peripheral and tissue
      immunology, liver pathology, HSC activation, and interferon-alpha immunotherapy.

PMID- 22053975
TI  - Evaluation of the implanted cochlear implant electrode by CT scanning with three
      dimensional reconstruction.
AB  - CONCLUSIONS: Computed tomography (CT) scan with three-dimensional (3D)
      reconstruction of the inner ear provides a more accurate image of the
      relationship of the electrode within the cochlear canal, with direct
      demonstration of electrode insertion depth in the cochlea in comparison with X
      ray plain film. OBJECTIVE: This study was designed to evaluate the value of
      spiral CT scans with 3D reconstruction in determining the insertion site and
      depth of implanted cochlear implant electrodes. METHODS: A total of 172 cochlear
      implant recipients were involved in this study. The implanted electrodes of all
      patients were examined by X-ray plain film, and 157 cochlear recipients were
      examined by spiral CT scans with axial 1 mm image slices. The data from the CT
      scans were transferred to a workstation for 3D reconstruction (direct volume
      rendering) of the inner ear. The pseudocolor technique was used to display the
      electrode. RESULTS: The insertion depth of the electrode could be evaluated
      indirectly by the X-ray plain film. In contrast, the stereoscopic images from a
      CT scan with 3D reconstruction of the inner ear demonstrated the shape, position,
      and insertion depth of the electrode more accurately.

PMID- 22053976
TI  - Hypothiocyanous acid: benign or deadly?
AB  - Hypothiocyanous acid (HOSCN) is produced in biological systems by the peroxidase
      catalyzed reaction of thiocyanate (SCN(-)) with H(2)O(2). This oxidant plays an
      important role in the human immune system, owing to its potent bacteriostatic
      properties. Significant amounts of HOSCN are also formed by immune cells under
      inflammatory conditions, yet the reactivity of this oxidant with host tissue is
      poorly characterized. Traditionally, HOSCN has been viewed as a mild oxidant,
      which is innocuous to mammalian cells. Indeed, recent studies show that the
      presence of SCN(-) in airways has a protective function, by preventing the
      formation of other, more damaging, inflammatory oxidants. However, there is an
      increasing body of evidence that challenges this dogma, showing that the
      selectivity of HOSCN for specific thiol-containing cellular targets results in
      the initiation of significant cellular damage. This propensity to induce cellular
      dysfunction is gaining considerable interest, particularly in the cardiovascular
      field, as smokers have elevated plasma SCN(-), the precursor for HOSCN. This
      review will outline the beneficial and detrimental aspects of HOSCN formation in
      biological systems.

PMID- 22053973
TI  - The tug-of-war between dendritic cells and human chronic viruses.
AB  - The human immune system is under constant challenge from many viruses, some of
      which the body is successfully able to clear. Other viruses have evolved to
      escape the host immune responses and thus persist, leading to the development of
      chronic diseases. Dendritic cells are professional antigen-presenting cells that
      play a major role in both innate and adaptive immunity against different
      pathogens. This review focuses on the interaction of different chronic viruses
      with dendritic cells and the viruses' ability to exploit this critical cell type
      to their advantage so as to establish persistence within the host.

PMID- 22053977
TI  - ARVCF genetic influences on neurocognitive and neuroanatomical intermediate
      phenotypes in Chinese patients with schizophrenia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: There are notable similarities between velocardiofacial syndrome and
      schizophrenia in terms of neurocognitive deficits and brain structural
      abnormalities. These similarities have supported the role of the armadillo repeat
      gene deleted in velocardiofacial syndrome (ARVCF) as a susceptibility gene in
      schizophrenia. This study investigated the relationships between haplotypes of
      the ARVCF gene and specific intermediate phenotypes in schizophrenia. We
      hypothesized that ARVCF gene haplotypes influence caudate nucleus volume,
      fractional anisotropy, and neurocognitive functioning in schizophrenia. METHOD:
      Between May 2006 and November 2009, 200 Chinese participants (125 patients with
      DSM-IV diagnosis of schizophrenia and 75 controls) were genotyped using blood
      samples, and a subset of 166 participants (99 patients with DSM-IV diagnosis of
      schizophrenia and 67 controls) underwent structural magnetic resonance imaging,
      diffusion tensor imaging, and completed neuropsychological testing. RESULTS: The
      haplotype T-G-A-T-T-G-G-C-T-G-T (ARVCF-Hap1) was significantly associated with
      fractional anisotropy of the caudate nucleus and executive functioning in
      patients. Specifically, patients with more copies of ARVCF-Hap1 have lower white
      matter integrity in caudate nucleus (P = .0008) and greater perseverative errors
      (P = .00003) on the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. A trend of lower caudate volume
      (P = .015) in patients with more copies of ARVCF-Hap1 was also observed.
      CONCLUSIONS: These findings are consistent with known ARVCF gene effects on
      neurodevelopment in terms of cellular arrangement, migration, and intracellular
      signaling involving the striatum and may involve interactions with other brain
      networks such as prefrontal cortex, and they underscore the importance of imaging
      genetic studies to elucidate the genetic influences underlying intermediate
      phenotypes in complex neurobehavioral disorders.

PMID- 22053979
TI  - Precursors of adrenomedullin, endothelin and atrial natriuretic peptide as
      diagnostic markers of neonatal infection.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the serum levels of three precursors of vasoactive peptide as
      diagnostic markers for neonatal infections. METHODS: Overall, 356 neonates (160
      without infection, 114 with mild infections and 82 with severe infections) were
      enrolled in this study. Their serum levels of mid-regional pro-adrenomedullin (MR
      pro-ADM), C-terminal pro-endothelin-1 (CT-pro-ET-1) and mid-regional pro-atrial
      natriuretic peptide (MR-pro-ANP) were measured by immunoassay, and receiver
      operating curve analysis was performed for each biomarker to evaluate their
      diagnostic values for neonatal infection. RESULTS: The serum levels of MR-pro-ADM
      (2.079 +/- 1.195 nM), CT-pro-ET-1 (109.4 +/- 62.9 pM) and MR-pro-ANP (1221.4 +/-
      725.0 pM) in the severe infection group were significantly higher than those in
      the mild infection group (1.025 +/- 0.421 nM, 86.7 +/- 51.8 pM, and 687.6 +/-
      575.7 pM, respectively) and in the non-infection group (0.853 +/- 0.488 nM, 51.3
      +/- 40.6 pM, and 943.3 +/- 847.3 pM, respectively) (p < 0.01-0.001). Their areas
      under the curve were 0.72, 0.76 and 0.61, respectively. Among them, CT-pro-ET-1
      had the highest sensitivity (82.65%), whereas MR-pro-ADM had the highest
      specificity (86.25%). CONCLUSIONS: MR-pro-ADM, CT-pro-ET-1 and MR-pro-ANP may
      serve as useful laboratory markers to indicate bacterial infection in neonates.

PMID- 22053980
TI  - Adolescent amphetamine exposure elicits dose-specific effects on monoaminergic
      neurotransmission and behaviour in adulthood.
AB  - Despite the growing non-medical consumption of amphetamine (Amph) during
      adolescence, its long-term neurobiological and behavioural effects have remained
      largely unexplored. The present research sought to characterize the behavioural
      profile and electrophysiological properties of midbrain monoaminergic neurons in
      adult rodents after Amph exposure during adolescence. Adolescent rats were
      administered vehicle, 0.5, 1.5, or 5.0 mg/kg.d Amph from postnatal day (PND) 30
      50. At adulthood (PND 70), rats were tested in an open-field test (OFT) and
      elevated plus maze (EPM), paralleled by in-vivo extracellular recordings of
      serotonin (5-HT), dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE) neurons from the dorsal
      raphe nucleus, ventral tegmental area, and locus coeruleus, respectively. 5-HT
      firing in adulthood was increased in rats that had received Amph (1.5 mg/kg.d)
      during adolescence. At this regimen, DA firing activity was increased, but not NE
      firing. Conversely, the highest Amph dose regimen (5.0 mg/kg.d) enhanced NE
      firing, but not DA or 5-HT firing rates. In the OFT, Amph (1.5 mg/kg.d)
      significantly increased the total distance travelled, while the other doses were
      ineffective. In the EPM, all three Amph doses increased time spent in the open
      arms and central platform, as well as the number of stretch-attend postures made.
      Repeated adolescent exposure to Amph differentially augments monoaminergic
      neuronal firing in a dose-specific fashion in adulthood, with corresponding
      alterations in locomotion, risk assessment (stretch-attend postures and central
      platform occupancy) and risk-taking behaviours (open-arm exploration). Thus,
      adolescent Amph exposure induces long-lasting neurophysiological alterations that
      may have implications for drug-seeking behaviour in the future.

PMID- 22053981
TI  - Impact of physical fitness and biometric data on the quality of external chest
      compression: a randomised, crossover trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: During circulatory arrest, effective external chest compression (ECC)
      is a key element for patient survival. In 2005, international emergency medical
      organisations changed their recommended compression-ventilation ratio (CVR) from
      15:2 to 30:2 to acknowledge the vital importance of ECC. We hypothesised that
      physical fitness, biometric data and gender can influence the quality of ECC.
      Furthermore, we aimed to determine objective parameters of physical fitness that
      can reliably predict the quality of ECC. METHODS: The physical fitness of 30 male
      and 10 female healthcare professionals was assessed by cycling and rowing
      ergometry (focussing on lower and upper body, respectively). During ergometry,
      continuous breath-by-breath ergospirometric measurements and heart rate (HR) were
      recorded. All participants performed two nine-minute sequences of ECC on a
      manikin using CVRs of 30:2 and 15:2. We measured the compression and
      decompression depths, compression rates and assessed the participants' perception
      of exhaustion and comfort. The median body mass index (BMI; male 25.4 kg/m2 and
      female 20.4 kg/m2) was used as the threshold for subgroup analyses of
      participants with higher and lower BMI. RESULTS: HR during rowing ergometry at 75
      watts (HR75) correlated best with the quality of ECC (r = -0.57, p < 0.05).
      Participants with a higher BMI and better physical fitness performed better and
      showed less fatigue during ECC. These results are valid for the entire cohort, as
      well as for the gender-based subgroups. The compressions of female participants
      were too shallow and more rapid (mean compression depth was 32 mm and rate was
      117/min with a CVR of 30:2). For participants with a lower BMI and higher HR75,
      the compression depth decreased over time, beginning after four minutes for the
      15:2 CVR and after three minutes for the 30:2 CVR. Although found to be more
      exhausting, a CVR of 30:2 was rated as being more comfortable. CONCLUSION: The
      quality of the ECC and fatigue can both be predicted by BMI and physical fitness.
      An evaluation focussing on the upper body may be a more valid predictor of ECC
      quality than cycling based tests. Our data strongly support the recommendation to
      relieve ECC providers after two minutes.

PMID- 22053982
TI  - CD200-CD200R dysfunction exacerbates microglial activation and dopaminergic
      neurodegeneration in a rat model of Parkinson's disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Increasing evidence suggests that microglial activation may
      participate in the aetiology and pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD). CD200
      CD200R signalling has been shown to be critical for restraining microglial
      activation. We have previously shown that expression of CD200R in monocyte
      derived macrophages, induced by various stimuli, is impaired in PD patients,
      implying an intrinsic abnormality of CD200-CD200R signalling in PD brain. Thus,
      further in vivo evidence is needed to elucidate the role of malfunction of CD200
      CD200R signalling in the pathogenesis of PD. METHODS: 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA)
      lesioned rats were used as an animal model of PD. CD200R-blocking antibody (BAb)
      was injected into striatum to block the engagement of CD200 and CD200R. The
      animals were divided into three groups, which were treated with 6-OHDA/Veh (PBS),
      6-OHDA/CAb (isotype control antibody) or 6-OHDA/BAb, respectively. Rotational
      tests and immunohistochemistry were employed to evaluate motor deficits and
      dopaminergic neurodegeneration in animals from each group. HPLC analysis was used
      to measure monoamine levels in striatum. Morphological analysis and
      quantification of CD11b- (or MHC II-) immunoreactive cells were performed to
      investigate microglial activation and possible neuroinflammation in the
      substantia nigra (SN). Finally, ELISA was employed to assay protein levels of
      proinflammatory cytokines. RESULTS: Compared with 6-OHDA/CAb or 6-OHDA/Veh
      groups, rats treated with 6-OHDA/BAb showed a significant increase in counts of
      contralateral rotation and a significant decrease in TH-immunoreactive (TH-ir)
      neurons in SN. A marked decrease in monoamine levels was also detected in 6
      OHDA/BAb-treated rats, in comparison to 6-OHDA/Veh-treated ones. Furthermore,
      remarkably increased activation of microglia as well as up-regulation of
      proinflammatory cytokines was found concomitant with dopaminergic
      neurodegeneration in 6-OHDA/BAb-treated rats. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that
      deficits in the CD200-CD200R system exacerbate microglial activation and
      dopaminergic neurodegeneration in a 6-OHDA-induced rat model of PD. Our results
      suggest that dysfunction of CD200-CD200R signalling may be involved in the
      aetiopathogenesis of PD.

PMID- 22053983
TI  - Top-down synthesis of versatile polyaspartamide linkers for single-step protein
      conjugation to materials.
AB  - Materials used in various biological applications are often modified with
      proteins to regulate biomolecular and cellular adhesion. Conventional strategies
      of protein conjugation accompany monovalent bifunctional protein linkers, which
      present several limitations in molecular synthesis and protein conjugation.
      Herein, we present a new strategy of preparing multivalent polyaspartamide
      linkers in a simple top-down manner, and also demonstrate that the resulting
      polymer linkers allow us to readily conjugate proteins to both organic and
      inorganic materials. The top-down synthesis of polyaspartamide linkers was
      performed by partially opening succinimidyl ring moieties of polysuccinimide
      (PSI) with the controlled number of nucleophiles reactive to photo-cross-linked
      hydrogel or gold-coated inorganic materials: (1) Poly(2-hydroxyethyl-co-2
      methacryloxyethyl aspartamide) (PHMAA) presenting methacrylate was used to
      micropattern fibronectin or collagen on a hydrogel in order to regulate cell
      adhesion and growth area on a micrometer scale. (2) Poly(2-hydroxyethyl-co-2
      mercaptoethyl aspartamide) (PHMCA) presenting thiol functional groups was used to
      link fibronectin to a gold-coated silicon microelectromechanical probe designed
      to measure cell traction force. Overall, these multivalent polyaspartamide
      protein linkers will greatly assist efforts to analyze and regulate the cellular
      adhesion to and phenotypic activities of a wide array of substrates and devices.

PMID- 22053984
TI  - Ordered carbon nanotubes for optical power limiting devices.
AB  - The electrospinning (ES) process was used to fabricate composite nanofibers (NFs)
      of poly(methyl methacrylate), PMMA, with embedded multiwalled carbon nanotubes
      (MWNTs) from a solution of PMMA in N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) with homogenously
      dispersed MWNTs. Using both the sinklike and the elongation flows in the
      electrospinning process, we aligned the carbon nanotubes (CNTs) along the fiber
      axis. The NFs were subsequently deposited in an aligned manner on a glass surface
      using the electrostatic lens created by the edge of a rotating wheel collector.
      Semitransparent optical power limiter (OPL) films (~50% transmittance) were
      fabricated using an optically compatible polymeric resin infiltrated into the
      collected NFs. These comprised oriented NFs with different carbon nanotube
      loadings and film thicknesses. The OPLs exhibited high limiting abilities, with a
      limiting threshold of 1.5 J/cm(2) at about 50% linear transmittance. Some degree
      of polarization was also achieved, but significantly lower than expected because
      of the NF orientation.

PMID- 22053985
TI  - Loss of interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF5) expression in human ductal
      carcinoma correlates with disease stage and contributes to metastasis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: New signaling pathways of the interleukin (IL) family, interferons
      (IFN) and interferon regulatory factors (IRF) have recently been found within
      tumor microenvironments and in metastatic sites. Some of these cytokines
      stimulate while others inhibit breast cancer proliferation and/or invasion. IRFs,
      a family of nine mammalian transcription factors, have multiple biologic
      functions that when dysregulated may contribute to tumorigenesis; most well-known
      are their roles in regulating/initiating host immunity. Some IRF family members
      have been implicated in tumorigenesis yet little is still known of their
      expression in primary human tumors or their role(s) in disease
      development/progression. IRF5 is one of the newer family members to be studied
      and has been shown to be a critical mediator of host immunity and the cellular
      response to DNA damage. Here, we examined the expression of IRF5 in primary
      breast tissue and determined how loss of expression may contribute to breast
      cancer development and/or progression. METHODS: Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded
      archival breast tissue specimens from patients with atypical ductal hyperplasia
      (ADH), ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and invasive ductal carcinoma (IDC) were
      examined for their expression of IRF1 and IRF5. Knockdown or overexpression of
      IRF5 in MCF-10A, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 mammary epithelial cell lines was used to
      examine the role of IRF5 in growth inhibition, invasion and tumorigenesis.
      RESULTS: Analysis of IRF expression in human breast tissues revealed the unique
      down-regulation of IRF5 in patients with different grades of DCIS and IDC as
      compared to IRF1; loss of IRF5 preceded that of IRF1 and correlated with
      increased invasiveness. Overexpression of IRF5 in breast cancer cells inhibited
      in vitro and in vivo cell growth and sensitized them to DNA damage. Complementary
      experiments with IRF5 siRNAs made normal mammary epithelial cells resistant to
      DNA damage. By 3-D culture, IRF5 overexpression reverted MDA-MB-231 to normal
      acini-like structures; cells overexpressing IRF5 had decreased CXCR4 expression
      and were insensitive to SDF-1/CXCL12-induced migration. These findings were
      confirmed by CXCR4 promoter reporter assays. CONCLUSIONS: IRF5 is an important
      tumor suppressor that regulates multiple cellular processes involved in the
      conversion of normal mammary epithelial cells to tumor epithelial cells with
      metastatic potential.

PMID- 22053986
TI  - Noncovalent organocatalysis: a powerful tool for the nucleophilic epoxidation of
      alpha-ylideneoxindoles.
AB  - A novel asymmetric nucleophilic epoxidation for alpha-ylideneoxindole esters has
      been successfully devised, resulting in enantioenriched spiro compounds with two
      new contiguous stereocenters. The employed (S)-alpha,alpha-diphenylprolinol
      functions as a bifunctional catalyst, creating a complex H-bond network in
      conjunction with a substrate and an oxidant.

PMID- 22053987
TI  - Characterization of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis proteome by liquid
      chromatography mass spectrometry-based proteomics techniques: a comprehensive
      resource for tuberculosis research.
AB  - Approximately, one-third of the world's population is infected with Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis, the causative agent of tuberculosis. Secreted and membrane proteins
      that interact with the host play important roles for the pathogenicity of the
      bacteria and are potential drug targets or components of vaccines. In this
      present study, subcellular fractionation in combination with membrane enrichment
      was used to comprehensively analyze the M. tuberculosis proteome. The proteome of
      the M. tuberculosis cell wall, membrane, cytosol, lysate, and culture filtrate
      was defined with a high coverage. Exceptional enrichment for membrane proteins
      was achieved using wheat germ agglutinin (WGA)-affinity two-phase partitioning, a
      technique that has to date not yet been exploited for the enrichment of
      mycobacterial membranes. Overall, 1051 M. tuberculosis protein groups including
      183 transmembrane proteins have been identified by LC-MS/MS analysis using
      stringent database search criteria with a minimum of two peptides and an
      estimated FDR of less than 1%. With many mycobacterial antigens and
      lipoglycoproteins identified, the results from this study suggest that many of
      the newly discovered proteins could represent potential candidates mediating host
      pathogen interactions. In addition, this data set provides experimental
      information about protein localization and thus serves as a valuable resource for
      M. tuberculosis proteome research.

PMID- 22053988
TI  - Sociodemographic and geographic characteristics associated with patient visits to
      osteopathic physicians for primary care.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Health care reform promises to dramatically increase the number of
      Americans covered by health insurance. Osteopathic physicians (DOs) are
      recognized for primary care, including a "hands-on" style with an emphasis on
      patient-centered care. Thus, DOs may be well positioned to deliver primary care
      in this emerging health care environment. METHODS: We used data from the National
      Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (2002-2006) to study sociodemographic and
      geographic characteristics associated with patient visits to DOs for primary
      care. Descriptive analyses were initially performed to derive national population
      estimates (NPEs) for overall patient visits, primary care patient visits, and
      patient visits according to specialty status. Osteopathic and allopathic
      physician (MD) patient visits were compared using cross-tabulations and multiple
      logistic regression to compute odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals
      (CIs) for DO patient visits. The latter analyses were also conducted separately
      for each geographic characteristic to assess the potential for effect
      modification based on these factors. RESULTS: Overall, 134,369 ambulatory medical
      care visits were surveyed, representing 4.6 billion (NPE) +/- 220 million (SE)
      patient visits when patient visit weights were applied. Osteopathic physicians
      provided 336 million +/- 30 million (7%) of these patient visits. Osteopathic
      physicians provided 217 million +/- 21 million (10%) patient visits for primary
      care services; including 180 million +/- 17 million (12%) primary care visits for
      adults (21 years of age or older) and 37 million +/- 5 million (5%) primary care
      visits for minors. Osteopathic physicians were more likely than MDs to provide
      primary care visits in family and general medicine (OR, 6.03; 95% CI, 4.67-7.78),
      but were less likely to provide visits in internal medicine (OR, 0.37; 95% CI,
      0.24-0.58) or pediatrics (OR, 0.21; 95% CI, 0.11-0.40). Overall, patients in the
      pediatric and geriatric ages, Blacks, Hispanics, and persons in the South and
      West were less likely to utilize DOs, although there was some evidence of effect
      modification according to United States Census region. CONCLUSIONS: Health care
      reform provides unprecedented opportunities for DOs to reach historically
      underserved populations and to overcome the "pediatric primary-care paradox."

PMID- 22053989
TI  - Pressure-induced order transition in nanodot-forming diblock copolymers at the
      air/water interface.
AB  - Understanding and controlling the processes in block copolymer (BC) monolayers at
      the air/water interface during surface area compression is a key issue for
      producing ultrathin films of predetermined morphology with well-defined order and
      known dimensions. Langmuir isotherms of nanodot-forming BC monolayers generally
      display a plateau indicative of a 2D phase transition, which has been the subject
      of various interpretations in the literature. Here, based on investigations of
      Langmuir-Blodgett and Langmuir-Schaefer nanodot films of PS-P4VP mixed with 3-n
      pentadecylphenol (PDP), we show by atomic force microscopy (AFM) that it involves
      a change in nanodot packing order (from quasi-hexagonal to quasi-square), argued
      to be a general phenomenon for nanodot BC monolayers. It is accompanied by system
      specific conformational changes (as discussed in previous literature), which, in
      the present case, implicate PDP alkyl chain ordering, as deduced previously from
      in situ infrared data and indirectly supported here by AFM imaging.

PMID- 22053991
TI  - Osseointegration of porous titanium implants with and without electrochemically
      deposited DCPD coating in an ovine model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Uncemented fixation of components in joint arthroplasty is achieved
      primarily through de novo bone formation at the bone-implant interface and
      establishment of a biological and mechanical interlock. In order to enhance bone
      implant integration osteoconductive coatings and the methods of application
      thereof are continuously being developed and applied to highly porous and
      roughened implant substrates. In this study the effects of an electrochemically
      deposited dicalcium phosphate dihydrate (DCPD) coating of a porous substrate on
      implant osseointegration was assessed using a standard uncemented implant
      fixation model in sheep. METHODS: Plasma sprayed titanium implants with and
      without a DCPD coating were inserted into defects drilled into the cancellous and
      cortical sites of the femur and tibia. Cancellous implants were inserted in a
      press-fit scenario whilst cortical implants were inserted in a line-to-line fit.
      Specimens were retrieved at 1, 2, 4, 8 and 12 weeks postoperatively. Interfacial
      shear-strength of the cortical sites was assessed using a push-out test, whilst
      bone ingrowth, ongrowth and remodelling were investigated using histologic and
      histomorphometric endpoints. RESULTS: DCPD coating significantly improved
      cancellous bone ingrowth at 4 weeks but had no significant effect on mechanical
      stability in cortical bone up to 12 weeks postoperatively. Whilst a significant
      reduction in cancellous bone ongrowth was observed from 4 to 12 weeks for the
      DCPD coating, no other statistically significant differences in ongrowth or
      ingrowth in either the cancellous or cortical sites were observed between TiPS
      and DCPD groups. CONCLUSION: The application of a DCPD coating to porous titanium
      substrates may improve the extent of cancellous bone ingrowth in the early
      postoperative phase following uncemented arthroplasty.

PMID- 22053992
TI  - Effects of low-level laser therapy at wavelengths of 660 and 808 nm in
      experimental model of osteoarthritis.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to analyze the influence of low-level laser
      radiation at wavelengths of 660 and 808 nm in an experimental model of
      osteoarthritis (OA). The sample was composed of 36 male adult Wistar rats divided
      into three groups (G1, G2 and G3). For the induction of cartilage injury, three
      injections of 4% papain and 10 MUL of a cysteine solution were performed at right
      knee of the hind leg. Two weeks after the last injection, group G1 was treated
      with InGaAlP (660 nm, 100 mW, 3.57 W cm(-2), 40 s) and G2 was treated with AsGaAl
      (808 nm, 100 mW, 3.57 W cm(-2), 40 s) both with energy of 4 J. There were
      significant differences in the type of squamous epithelium between days 7 and 14
      in G2 (P < 0.05) and on day 14 between G1 and G2 (P < 0.05). Moreover,
      statistically significant differences were found in the formation of new blood
      vessels between G1 and G3 on days 7 and 21 as well as between G2 and G3 on day
      21. The formation of fibrotic tissue was greater in G3 (P < 0.05). In conclusion,
      laser therapy, especially at a wavelength of 808 nm, stimulated angiogenesis and
      reduced the formation of fibrosis in an experimental model of OA.

PMID- 22053993
TI  - One proposal to solve the organ shortage crisis in full understanding of donor
      transmitted malignancies in kidney transplantation.

PMID- 22053994
TI  - The ocular complications of mustard gas poisoning and their association with the
      respiratory system involvement: an experience in 112 Iranian veterans.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate ocular complications and their association with
      respiratory involvement in 112 patients with first exposure of mustard gas for at
      least 19 years ago. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred and
      twelve veterans (224 eyes) with documented exposure to sulphur mustard (SM) for
      the first time. METHODS: All participants were interviewed and clinically
      examined by an ophthalmologist and a specialist in respiratory disease. Data
      filed from the exposure time and regular follow-ups thereafter were reviewed. The
      patients were categorized in three subgroups according to the severity of
      respiratory system involvement as determined by spirometry (normal, mild, and
      moderate-severe). RESULTS: Subjective and objective ocular problems were
      documented in 83.9 and 70.6% of victims, respectively. Normal, mild, and moderate
      severe respiratory system problems were present in 37.5, 22.3 and 40.2% of cases,
      respectively. Abnormal ocular findings were severe conjunctival vascular
      tortuosity (65.2%, mean: 13.71 years after exposure), corneal neovascularization
      (19.6%, mean: 16.54 years after exposure), conjunctival/limbal vessels with
      ampulliform dilatation (17.9%, mean: 9.33 years after exposure), and delayed
      keratitis (9.8%, mean: 19.54 years after exposure). The ocular abnormal findings
      were significantly more frequent in victims with moderate-severe respiratory
      system involvement. CONCLUSION: Structural ocular abnormalities are frequently
      found in patients with long-term history of mustard gas intoxication. These
      abnormalities are more common in severe respiratory system involvement.

PMID- 22053995
TI  - Polymers containing hydroxamate groups: nanoreactors for hydrolysis of phosphoryl
      esters.
AB  - A polyhydroxamicalkanoate (PHA) polymer containing the functional groups
      hydroxamic acid and carboxylic acid with the ability to accelerate
      dephosphorylation reactions is proposed. The methodology used to prepare this
      polymer favored the position of the two functional groups next to each other,
      which allows for the cooperativity between these groups. This cooperative effect
      has an important role when one wants to mimic enzymes. The catalytic effect
      promoted by the polymer was evaluated on the cleavage of the bis(2,4
      dinitrophenyl) phosphate (BDNPP) and diethyl 2,4-dinitrophenyl phosphate (DEDNPP)
      esters. Indeed, PHA was very efficient and promiscuous because it increased the
      rate of both reactions by a factor of up to 10(6)-fold. Isothermal titration
      calorimetry (ITC) experiments showed that the presence of PHA aids the formation
      of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTABr) micelles. Thus, the effect of the
      cationic surfactant CTABr on the dephosphorylation of BDNPP by PHA was also
      investigated, and it was observed that, when CTABr is added to PHA, the reaction
      is ca. 15-fold faster compared to the reaction when only PHA is present.

PMID- 22053996
TI  - Random sperm use and genetic effects on worker caste fate in Atta colombica leaf
      cutting ants.
AB  - Sperm competition can produce fascinating adaptations with far-reaching
      evolutionary consequences. Social taxa make particularly interesting models,
      because the outcome of sexual selection determines the genetic composition of
      groups, with attendant sociobiological consequences. Here, we use molecular tools
      to uncover some of the mechanisms and consequences of sperm competition in the
      leaf-cutting ant Atta colombica, a species with extreme worker size polymorphism.
      Competitive PCR allowed quantification of the relative numbers of sperm stored by
      queens from different males, and offspring genotyping revealed how sperm number
      translated into paternity of eggs and adult workers. We demonstrate that
      fertilization success is directly related to sperm numbers, that stored sperm are
      well-mixed and that egg paternity is constant over time. Moreover, worker size
      was found to have a considerable genetic component, despite expectations that
      genetic effects on caste fate should be minor in species with a low degree of
      polyandry. Our data suggest that sexual conflict over paternity is largely
      resolved by the lifetime commitment between mates generated by long-term sperm
      storage, and show that genetic variation for caste can persist in societies with
      comparatively high relatedness.

PMID- 22053998
TI  - Prof. Dr. J. G. van Bekkum's Farewell.

PMID- 22053999
TI  - Foot-and-mouth disease vaccine production and research in the Netherlands.
AB  - Summary   The paper reviews developments in foot-and-mouth disease research with
      an emphasis on the Netherlands and research developments at the Central
      Veterinary Institute.

PMID- 22054000
TI  - Maedi-visna control in sheep III: Results and evaluation of a voluntary control
      program in the Netherlands over a period of four years.
AB  - Summary   The results of the first four years of the Dutch national voluntary
      maedi-visna control program, which was launched on January 1, 1982, are
      presented. At the end of the observation period, 1711 breeding flocks
      representing 70% of the registered breeding flocks participated. The program is
      based on accreditation of flocks that have passed two successive serological
      tests with an interval of six months between and post-accreditation tests every
      12 months. The flocks have to conform to a set of specific regulations. Sheep
      sold from such flocks receive a certificate stating that their origin was
      accredited. A total of 1212 flocks gained accredition. Of these flocks, 29.5%
      were free from infection from the beginning, 35.6% were created by total
      replacement of the original stock, 19.6% employed repeated testing and culling of
      positives, and 15.3% were created by artificial rearing of colostrum-deprived
      lambs. A total of 22 flocks lost accreditation due to detection of 36
      seropositives. These positives and their progeny were culled, and all flocks
      regained accreditation after passing the two negative flock tests required. In a
      total of seven flocks, an unusual course of events during the pre-accreditation
      stage was observed; this was mainly attributed to late seroconversions and
      uncommon degrees of horizontal transmission.   The results indicate that this
      certification yields a substantial guarantee of freedom from maedi-visna virus
      and they indirectly show that the basic design of the program has been adequate.

PMID- 22054001
TI  - Vaccines against Aujeszky's disease: Comparison of efficacy, DNA fingerprints and
      antibody response to glycoprotein I.
AB  - Summary   The efficacy of two inactivated and three attenuated Aujeszky's disease
      virus (ADV) vaccines was compared in pigs in a standardised test. After
      vaccination, excretion of attenuated vaccine viruses was not detected. All
      vaccines were capable of preventing mortality, but none conferred complete
      protection against challenge with a virulent strain of ADV 3 months after the
      first vaccination. After a single vaccination, no large differences in vaccine
      efficacy were observed. Revaccination markedly enhanced protection; however, with
      one vaccine this was not the case. The two inactivated vaccines induced quite
      different levels of neutralizing antibodies.   Two vaccine viruses had a wild
      type DNA fingerprint and gave rise to an antibody response to glycoprotein I (gI)
      of ADV. The three remaining vaccines carried a deletion in the unique short
      region of the genome. Two of them failed to induce gI-antibody in pigs. Pigs
      given the third 'deleted' vaccine did not respond uniformly to gI. With regard to
      control of Aujeszky's disease, efficacious vaccines with a 'serological' marker
      may be preferred in the future.

PMID- 22054002
TI  - Epizootiology of swine fever.
AB  - Summary   In countries with an intensive pig production system, swine fever (SF),
      where present, may be regarded as one of the economically most important pig
      diseases. Although reservoirs of virus and pathways of transmission are well
      understood, field experience has shown that the disease is extremely difficult to
      eradicate, especially in countries with intensive pig breeding.   The virulence
      of the strains circulating in the field and the measures applied to control the
      disease determine to a large extent the course of an epizootic. Outbreaks of
      highly virulent strains are readily recognised. Epizootics caused by low virulent
      strains are characterised by indistinct signs of disease, slow spread of virus
      through the herd and the comparatively important role of the 'carrier sow
      syndrome'. The latter phenomenon may result in the birth of healthy looking but
      persistently infected and immune-tolerant piglets. This and the occurrence of
      chronic infections are largely responsible for the perpetuation of the virus in
      the pig population.   The 1982-1985 epizootic of SF in the Netherlands showed an
      almost equal prevalence of outbreaks in breeding and fattening herds. In
      proportion to the number of herds in the country, there was in both categories an
      approximately linear relationship between the risk of infection and the size of
      the herds. The proportion of affected breeding herds increased as mass
      vaccination of areas at risk was started earlier in the epizootic.   In close
      knit communities with large breeding units, man should be regarded as the single
      most important factor in the herd-to-herd transmission of the virus, whereas in
      fattening units and in areas with small pig farms, transport and introduction of
      infected pigs into herds accounts for the majority of outbreaks and for the
      spread of the disease. Farms visited by persons handling pigs subsequent to
      contact with an infected herd should, therefore, be included in the
      epizootiological investigations. Virological and serological methods are
      indispensable in order to confirm or to rule out the possibility of infection of
      suspected contacts, especially in outbreaks caused by strains of low virulence.
      Continuous education of farmers regarding the importance of maintaining
      precautionary measures against the introduction of contagious diseases and, in
      the case of an advancing epizootic, special instructions to all people entering
      piggeries, would contribute greatly to reducing the untraceable pathways of SF
      spread.

PMID- 22054004
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 22054006
TI  - Oligomerization oscillations of L-lactic acid in solution.
AB  - We employ high-performance liquid chromatography with diode array, evaporative
      light scattering, and mass spectrometric detection to monitor the oligomerization
      of L-lactic acid in pure acetonitrile and in 70% aqueous ethanol. The production
      of higher oligomers appears to proceed in an oscillatory fashion. A model is
      presented that involves the formation of aggregates (micelles), which catalyze
      the oligomerization.

PMID- 22053997
TI  - Common breast cancer susceptibility alleles are associated with tumour subtypes
      in BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation carriers: results from the Consortium of
      Investigators of Modifiers of BRCA1/2.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Previous studies have demonstrated that common breast cancer
      susceptibility alleles are differentially associated with breast cancer risk for
      BRCA1 and/or BRCA2 mutation carriers. It is currently unknown how these alleles
      are associated with different breast cancer subtypes in BRCA1 and BRCA2 mutation
      carriers defined by estrogen (ER) or progesterone receptor (PR) status of the
      tumour. METHODS: We used genotype data on up to 11,421 BRCA1 and 7,080 BRCA2
      carriers, of whom 4,310 had been affected with breast cancer and had information
      on either ER or PR status of the tumour, to assess the associations of 12 loci
      with breast cancer tumour characteristics. Associations were evaluated using a
      retrospective cohort approach. RESULTS: The results suggested stronger
      associations with ER-positive breast cancer than ER-negative for 11 loci in both
      BRCA1 and BRCA2 carriers. Among BRCA1 carriers, single nucleotide polymorphism
      (SNP) rs2981582 (FGFR2) exhibited the biggest difference based on ER status (per
      allele hazard ratio (HR) for ER-positive = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.17 to 1.56 vs HR =
      0.91, 95% CI: 0.85 to 0.98 for ER-negative, P-heterogeneity = 6.5 * 10-6). In
      contrast, SNP rs2046210 at 6q25.1 near ESR1 was primarily associated with ER
      negative breast cancer risk for both BRCA1 and BRCA2 carriers. In BRCA2 carriers,
      SNPs in FGFR2, TOX3, LSP1, SLC4A7/NEK10, 5p12, 2q35, and 1p11.2 were
      significantly associated with ER-positive but not ER-negative disease. Similar
      results were observed when differentiating breast cancer cases by PR status.
      CONCLUSIONS: The associations of the 12 SNPs with risk for BRCA1 and BRCA2
      carriers differ by ER-positive or ER-negative breast cancer status. The apparent
      differences in SNP associations between BRCA1 and BRCA2 carriers, and non
      carriers, may be explicable by differences in the prevalence of tumour subtypes.
      As more risk modifying variants are identified, incorporating these associations
      into breast cancer subtype-specific risk models may improve clinical management
      for mutation carriers.

PMID- 22054008
TI  - Oral delivery of the appetite suppressing peptide hPYY(3-36) through the vitamin
      B12 uptake pathway.
AB  - hPYY(3-36) injections have shown positive effects on appetite regulations,
      sparking increased interest in hPYY(3-36) research. Of great interest is oral
      delivery of hPYY(3-36) that can achieve clinically relevant weight-loss outcomes
      in what would be a highly patient compliant route. Successful oral delivery of
      other peptides utilizing the vitamin B12 pathway has been shown but below
      clinically relevant levels. Herein, we present clinically relevant in vivo oral
      delivery of B12-hPYY(3-36) conjugates.

PMID- 22054007
TI  - An update on direct genotoxicity as a molecular mechanism of ochratoxin a
      carcinogenicity.
AB  - Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a naturally occurring chlorophenolic fungal toxin that
      contaminates a wide range of food products and poses a cancer threat to humans.
      The mechanism of action (MOA) for OTA renal carcinogenicity is a controversial
      issue. In 2005, direct genotoxicity (covalent DNA adduct formation) was proposed
      as a MOA for OTA-mediated carcinogenicity [ Manderville  ,   R. A. (  2005  )  
      Chem. Res. Toxicol.  18  ,   1091 - 1097  ]. At that time, inconsistent results
      had been published on OTA genotoxicity/mutagenicity, and conclusive evidence for
      OTA-mediated DNA adduction had been lacking. In this update, published data from
      the past 6-7 years are presented that provide new hypotheses for the MOA of OTA
      mediated carcinogenicity. While direct genotoxicity remains a controversial issue
      for OTA, new findings from the Umemura and Nohmi laboratories provide definitive
      results for the mutagenicity of OTA in the target tissue (outer medulla) of male
      rat kidney that rules out oxidative DNA damage. These findings, coupled with our
      own efforts that provide new structural evidence for DNA adduction by OTA, has
      strengthened the argument for involvement of direct genotoxicity in OTA-mediated
      renal carcinogenesis. This MOA should be taken into consideration for OTA human
      risk assessment.

PMID- 22054009
TI  - Engineering cell surfaces via liposome fusion.
AB  - In this study, we have rewired cell surfaces with ketone and oxyamine molecules
      based on liposome fusion for applications in cell-surface engineering. Lipid
      vesicles, functionalized with ketone and oxyamine molecules, display
      complementary chemistry and undergo recognition, docking, and subsequent fusion
      upon covalent oxime bond formation. Liposome fusion was characterized by several
      techniques including matrix-assisted laser-desorption/ionization mass
      spectrometry (MALDI-MS), light scattering, fluorescence resonance energy transfer
      (FRET), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). When cultured with cells,
      ketone- and oxyamine-containing liposomes undergo spontaneous membrane fusion to
      present the respective molecules from cell surfaces. Ketone-functionalized cell
      surfaces serve as sites for chemoselective ligation with oxyamine-conjugated
      molecules. We tailored and fluorescently labeled cell surfaces with an oxyamine
      conjugated rhodamine dye. As an application of this cell-surface engineering
      strategy, ketone- and oxyamine-functionalized cells were patterned on oxyamine-
      and ketone-presenting surfaces, respectively. Cells adhered, spread, and
      proliferated in the patterned regions via interfacial oxime linkage. The number
      of ketone molecules on the cell surface was also quantified by flow cytometry.

PMID- 22054010
TI  - The use of ginger (Zingiber officinale) for the treatment of pain: a systematic
      review of clinical trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND:   Zingiber officinale (Z. officinale), commonly known as ginger, has
      been widely used traditionally for a variety of medicinal purposes, one of which
      is for the treatment of pain. The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate
      the evidence from all human participant clinical trials that have assessed the
      efficacy of ginger for the treatment of any type of pain. METHODS:   Following a
      protocol, multiple databases were sought using comprehensive search strategies
      for Z. officinale and pain together with a trial filter for randomized or
      controlled clinical trials. Trials testing the efficacy of Z. officinale, used as
      a sole oral treatment against a comparison condition in human adults suffering
      from any pain condition, were included. RESULTS:   Seven published articles,
      reporting a total of eight trials (481 participants), were included in the
      review. Six trials (two for osteoarthritis, one for dysmenorrhea, and three for
      experimentally induced acute muscle pain) found that the use of Z. officinale
      reduced subjective pain reports. The methodological quality of the included
      articles was variable. When assessed using the Jadad scale, which allows a score
      of between 0 and 5 to be given, included articles obtained Jadad ratings ranging
      from 2 to 5. CONCLUSION:   Due to a paucity of well-conducted trials, evidence of
      the efficacy of Z. officinale to treat pain remains insufficient. However, the
      available data provide tentative support for the anti-inflammatory role of Z.
      officinale constituents, which may reduce the subjective experience of pain in
      some conditions such as osteoarthritis. Further rigorous trials therefore seem to
      be warranted.

PMID- 22054011
TI  - Hand preference in children with an idiopathic toe walking gait.

PMID- 22054013
TI  - General approach to allenes through copper-catalyzed gamma-selective and
      stereospecific coupling between propargylic phosphates and alkylboranes.
AB  - Copper-catalyzed gamma-selective coupling between propargylic phosphates and
      alkylboron compounds (alkyl-9-BBN, prepared by hydroboration of alkenes with 9
      BBN-H) affords multisubstituted allenes with various functional groups. The
      reaction of enantioenriched propargylic phosphates to give axially chiral allenes
      proceeds with excellent point-to-axial chirality transfer with 1,3-anti
      stereochemistry.

PMID- 22054012
TI  - Aldose reductase deficiency in mice protects from ragweed pollen extract (RWE)
      induced allergic asthma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Childhood hospitalization related to asthma remains at historically
      high levels, and its incidence is on the rise world-wide. Previously, we have
      demonstrated that aldose reductase (AR), a regulatory enzyme of polyol pathway,
      is a major mediator of allergen-induced asthma pathogenesis in mouse models.
      Here, using AR null (AR-/-) mice we have investigated the effect of AR deficiency
      on the pathogenesis of ragweed pollen extract (RWE)-induced allergic asthma in
      mice and also examined the efficacy of enteral administration of highly specific
      AR inhibitor, fidarestat. METHODS: The wild type (WT) and AR-/- mice were
      sensitized and challenged with RWE to induce allergic asthma. AR inhibitor,
      fidarestat was administered orally. Airway hyper-responsiveness was measured in
      unrestrained animals using whole body plethysmography. Mucin levels and Th2
      cytokine in broncho-alveolar lavage (BAL) were determined using mouse anti
      Muc5A/C ELISA kit and multiplex cytokine array, respectively. Eosinophils
      infiltration and goblet cells were assessed by H&E and periodic acid Schiff (PAS)
      staining of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded lung sections. T regulatory cells
      were assessed in spleen derived CD4+CD25+ T cells population. RESULTS: Deficiency
      of AR in mice led to significantly decreased PENH, a marker of airway hyper
      responsiveness, metaplasia of airway epithelial cells and mucus hyper-secretion
      following RWE-challenge. This was accompanied by a dramatic decrease in
      infiltration of eosinophils into sub-epithelium of lung as well as in BAL and
      release of Th2 cytokines in response to RWE-challenge of AR-/- mice. Further,
      enteral administration of fidarestat significantly prevented eosinophils
      infiltration, airway hyper-responsiveness and also markedly increased population
      of T regulatory (CD4+CD25+FoxP3+) cells as compared to RWE-sensitized and
      challenged mice not treated with fidarestat. CONCLUSION: Our results using AR-/-
      mice strongly suggest the role of AR in allergic asthma pathogenesis and
      effectiveness of oral administration of AR inhibitor in RWE-induced asthma in
      mice supports the use of AR inhibitors in the treatment of allergic asthma.

PMID- 22054014
TI  - Inhibition of type I interferon production via suppressing IKK-gamma expression:
      a new strategy for counteracting host antiviral defense by influenza A viruses?
AB  - Blockage of the induction of type I interferons (IFNs) is essential for the
      success of influenza virus proliferation in host cells. Several molecular
      mechanisms by which influenza viruses inhibit IFN induction have been
      characterized. Here we report a potentially new strategy influenza viruses employ
      to inhibit IFN production during viral infection. Through a two-dimensional gel
      electrophoresis based proteomic approach, we found that the expression of IkappaB
      kinase-gamma (IKKgamma) was suppressed by influenza A virus infection in human
      lung epithelial A549 cells. Silencing of cellular IKKgamma by small interfering
      RNA led to enhanced replication of influenza viruses. Concomitantly,
      overexpression of IKKgamma resulted in increased production of IFNalpha/beta,
      whereas influenza virus infection completely eliminated the IKKgamma
      overexpression-induced production of IFNalpha/beta. Our results suggest that
      IKKgamma and influenza virus are mutually inhibitory, and influenza viruses may
      inhibit IFN production through suppressing the expression of IKKgamma during
      viral infection.

PMID- 22054015
TI  - Does the presence of one feature of borderline personality disorder have clinical
      significance? Implications for dimensional ratings of personality disorders.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In the draft proposal for DSM-5, the Work Group for Personality and
      Personality Disorders recommended that dimensional ratings of personality
      disorders replace DSM-IV's categorical approach toward classification. If a
      dimensional rating of personality disorder pathology is to be adopted, then the
      clinical significance of minimal levels of pathology should be established before
      they are formally incorporated into the diagnostic system because of the
      potential unforeseen consequences of such ratings. In the present report from the
      Rhode Island Methods to Improve Diagnostic Assessment and Services (MIDAS)
      project, we examined the low end of the severity dimension and compared
      psychiatric outpatients with 0 or 1 DSM-IV criterion for borderline personality
      disorder on various indices of psychosocial morbidity. METHOD: Three thousand two
      hundred psychiatric outpatients were evaluated with semistructured diagnostic
      interviews for DSM-IV Axis I and Axis II disorders. The present report is based
      on the 1,976 patients meeting 0 or 1 DSM-IV criterion for borderline personality
      disorder. RESULTS: The reliability of determining if a patient was rated with 0
      or 1 criterion for borderline personality disorder was good (kappa = 0.70).
      Compared to patients with 0 borderline personality disorder criteria, patients
      with 1 criterion had significantly more current Axis I disorders (P < .001),
      suicide attempts (P < .01), suicidal ideation at the time of the evaluation (P <
      .001), psychiatric hospitalizations (P < .001), and time missed from work due to
      psychiatric illness (P < .001) and lower ratings on the Global Assessment of
      Functioning (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Low-severity levels of borderline
      personality disorder pathology, defined as the presence of 1 criterion, can be
      determined reliably and have validity.

PMID- 22054016
TI  - Modelling ultrasound-induced mild hyperthermia of hyperplasia in vascular grafts.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) vascular grafts frequently
      develop occlusive neointimal hyperplasia as a result of myofibroblast over
      growth, leading to graft failure. ePTFE exhibits higher ultrasound attenuation
      than native soft tissues. We modelled the selective absorption of ultrasound by
      ePTFE, and explored the feasibility of preventing hyperplasia in ePTFE grafts by
      ultrasound heating. Specifically, we simulated the temperature profiles of
      implanted grafts and nearby soft tissues and blood under ultrasound exposure. The
      goal was to determine whether ultrasound exposure of an ePTFE graft can generate
      temperatures sufficient to prevent cell growth on the graft without damaging
      nearby soft tissues and blood. METHODS: Ultrasound beams from two transducers
      (1.5 and 3.2 MHz) were simulated in two graft/tissue models, with and without an
      intra-graft cellular layer mimicking hyperplasia, using the finite-difference
      time-domain (FDTD) method. The resulting power deposition patterns were used as a
      heat source for the Pennes bioheat equation in a COMSOL((r)) Multiphysics heat
      transfer model. 50 degrees C is known to cause cell death and therefore the
      transducer powers were adjusted to produce a 13 degrees C temperature rise from
      37 degrees C in the ePTFE. RESULTS: Simulations showed that both the frequency of
      the transducers and the presence of hyperplasia significantly affect the power
      deposition patterns and subsequent temperature profiles on the grafts and nearby
      tissues. While neither transducer significantly raised the temperature of the
      blood, the 1.5-MHz transducer was less focused and heated larger volumes of the
      graft and nearby soft tissues than the 3.2-MHz transducer. The presence of
      hyperplasia had little effect on the blood's temperature, but further increased
      the temperature of the graft and nearby soft tissues in response to either
      transducer. Skin cooling and blood flow play a significant role in preventing
      overheating of the native tissues. CONCLUSIONS: Modelling shows that ultrasound
      can selectively heat ePTFE grafts and produce temperatures that cause cell death
      on the graft. The temperature increase in blood is negligible and that in the
      adjacent soft tissues may be minimized by skin cooling and using appropriate
      transducers. Therefore, ultrasound heating may have the potential to reduce
      neointimal hyperplasia and failure of ePTFE vascular grafts.

PMID- 22054017
TI  - Effectiveness of Motivational Interviewing in improving lipid level in patients
      with dyslipidemia assisted by general practitioners: Dislip-EM study protocol.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The non-pharmacological approach to cholesterol control in patients
      with hyperlipidemia is based on the promotion of a healthy diet and physical
      activity. Thus, to help patients change their habits, it is essential to identify
      the most effective approach. Many efforts have been devoted to explain changes in
      or adherence to specific health behaviors. Such efforts have resulted in the
      development of theories that have been applied in prevention campaigns, and that
      include brief advice and counseling services. Within this context, Motivational
      Interviewing has proven to be effective in changing health behaviors in specific
      cases. However, more robust evidence is needed on the effectiveness of
      Motivational Interviewing in treating chronic pathologies -such as dyslipidemia-
      in patients assisted by general practitioners. This article describes a protocol
      to assess the effectiveness of MI as compared with general practice (brief
      advice), with the aim of improving lipid level control in patients with
      dyslipidemia assisted by a general practitioner. METHODS/DESIGN: An open, two-arm
      parallel, multicentre, cluster, controlled, randomized, clinical trial will be
      performed. A total of 48-50 general practitioners from 35 public primary care
      centers in Spain will be randomized and will recruit 436 patients with
      dyslipidemia. They will perform an intervention based either on Motivational
      Interviewing or on the usual brief advice. After an initial assessment, follow
      ups will be performed at 2, 4, 8 and 12 months. Primary outcomes are lipid levels
      (total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides) and
      cardiovascular risk. The study will assess the degree of dietary and physical
      activity improvement, weight loss in overweight patients, and adherence to
      treatment guidelines. DISCUSSION: Motivational interview skills constitute the
      primary strategies GPs use to treat their patients. Having economical, simple,
      effective and applicable techniques is essential for primary care professionals
      to help their patients change their lifestyle and improve their health. This
      study will provide scientific evidence on the effectiveness of Motivational
      interviewing, and will be performed under strict control over the data collected,
      ensuring the maintenance of therapeutic integrity. TRIALS REGISTRATION:
      ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT01282190).

PMID- 22054018
TI  - Diagnosis and management of an immature teratoma during ovarian stimulation: a
      case report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The discovery of a mature teratoma (dermoid cyst) of the ovary
      during ovarian stimulation is not a rare event. Conversely, we could not find any
      reported cases of immature teratoma in such a situation. Clinical and ultrasound
      arguments for this immature form are scarcely or poorly evaluated. CASE
      PRESENTATION: We describe the case of a 31-year-old Caucasian woman with primary
      infertility, who developed an immature teratoma during an in vitro fertilization
      ovarian stimulation cycle. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound signs of an atypical cyst
      during ovarian stimulation allowed us to adopt a careful medical attitude and to
      adapt the required surgical oncological treatment.

PMID- 22054020
TI  - Age-related changes in the expression of NMDA, serotonin, and GAD in the central
      auditory system of the rat.
AB  - CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that age-induced changes of serotonin, N-methyl-d
      aspartate receptor (NMDAR), and glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) expression in rats
      are dependent on the specific location in the central auditory system (CAS).
      OBJECTIVES: Despite the importance of understanding changes in neurotransmitters
      during presbycusis, only a few studies have assessed age-associated changes in
      neurotransmitter at each level of the CAS. We therefore evaluated effects of
      aging on neurotransmission in the CAS of rats. METHODS: The concentrations of
      serotonin, NMDAR, and GAD were assayed immunohistochemically in the cochlear
      nucleus (CN), superior olivary nucleus (SON), inferior colliculus (IC), medial
      geniculate body (MGB), and auditory cortex (AC) of Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 2
      weeks (n = 20) or 24 months (n = 20). RESULTS: The total number of neuronal cell
      bodies of the CAS did not differ significantly at each level between young and
      aged rats (p > 0.05). Serotonin expression was increased with age in the IC and
      MGB, but decreased in the CN, SON, and AC (p < 0.05). NMDAR was significantly
      higher in the CN, MGB, and AC of aged compared with young rats, but was
      significantly decreased over time in the SOC and IC (p < 0.05). GAD67 was
      increased with age in the MGB and AC and decreased in the CN and SON (p < 0.05),
      but was not changed in the IC.

PMID- 22054019
TI  - Azelnidipine prevents cardiac dysfunction in streptozotocin-diabetic rats by
      reducing intracellular calcium accumulation, oxidative stress and apoptosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Numerous evidences suggest that diabetic heart is characterized by
      compromised ventricular contraction and prolonged relaxation attributable to
      multiple causative factors including calcium accumulation, oxidative stress and
      apoptosis. Therapeutic interventions to prevent calcium accumulation and
      oxidative stress could be therefore helpful in improving the cardiac function
      under diabetic condition. METHODS: This study was designed to examine the effect
      of long-acting calcium channel blocker (CCB), Azelnidipine (AZL) on contractile
      dysfunction, intracellular calcium (Ca2+) cycling proteins, stress-activated
      signaling molecules and apoptosis on cardiomyocytes in diabetes. Adult male
      Wistar rats were made diabetic by a single intraperitoneal (IP) injection of
      streptozotocin (STZ). Contractile functions were traced from live diabetic rats
      to isolated individual cardiomyocytes including peak shortening (PS), time-to-PS
      (TPS), time-to-relengthening (TR90), maximal velocity of shortening/relengthening
      (+/- dL/dt) and intracellular Ca2+ fluorescence. RESULTS: Diabetic heart showed
      significantly depressed PS, +/- dL/dt, prolonged TPS, TR90 and intracellular Ca2+
      clearing and showed an elevated resting intracellular Ca2+. AZL itself exhibited
      little effect on myocyte mechanics but it significantly alleviated STZ-induced
      myocyte contractile dysfunction. Diabetes increased the levels of superoxide,
      enhanced expression of the cardiac damage markers like troponin I, p67phox NADPH
      oxidase subunit, restored the levels of the mitochondrial superoxide dismutase
      (Mn-SOD), calcium regulatory proteins RyR2 and SERCA2a, and suppressed the levels
      of the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein. All of these STZ-induced alterations were
      reconciled by AZL treatment. CONCLUSION: Collectively, the data suggest
      beneficial effect of AZL in diabetic cardiomyopathy via altering intracellular
      Ca2+ handling proteins and preventing apoptosis by its antioxidant property.

PMID- 22054021
TI  - Analysis of the molecular interactions and complexation of chloroquine with
      bovine serum albumin.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pharmacokinetic parameters, drug bioavailability, and biological
      activities depend on the mechanisms of interaction with serum albumin. In this
      study, the binding properties as well as mechanisms of interaction of chloroquine
      with bovine serum albumin (BSA) were investigated. METHODS: The binding of
      chloroquine with BSA was carried out using a microcalorimetric approach. The
      mechanism of binding, the number of binding molecules as well as changes of BSA
      upon complexation with chloroquine were investigated. RESULTS: The binding
      isotherms indicated a variable number of binding sites of chloroquine on one
      molecule of BSA. At lower temperatures, larger numbers of binding sites were
      available for chloroquine, these decrease by increasing the temperature. The
      binding constant of chloroquine with BSA varied from 9.4*103 M-1 at 25 degrees C
      to 5.7*103 M-1 at 40 degrees C. Chloroquine showed temperature-dependent binding
      affinity, with stronger affinity at lower temperature. By increasing the
      temperature, from 25 degrees C to 40 degrees C, the binding affinity was
      decreased by approximately 60% of its value. CONCLUSIONS: Chloroquine showed weak
      binding affinity with BSA. The weak binding affinity of chloroquine with BSA is
      important in determining the drug-drug interactions at the binding sites of BSA.
      The presence of stronger binding ligands, e.g., chloramphenicol, tetracyclines or
      diclofenac, can compete with chloroquine for its binding sites, and therefore
      lowers its serum albumin binding. This study will be helpful in understanding the
      binding properties of mechanisms of interaction of chloroquine with BSA.

PMID- 22054022
TI  - Efficient emulsification of viscous oils at high drop volume fraction.
AB  - It is shown experimentally in this study that the increase of drop volume
      fraction can be used as an efficient tool for emulsification of viscous oils in
      turbulent flow. In a systematic series of experiments, the effects of drop volume
      fraction and viscosity of the dispersed phase on the mean, d(32), and maximum,
      d(V95), diameters of the drops, formed during emulsification, are quantified. The
      volume fraction, Phi, of the dispersed oily phase is varied between 1% and 90%,
      and oils with viscosity varying between 3 and 10,000 mPa.s are studied. All
      experiments are performed at sufficiently high surfactant concentration, as to
      avoid possible drop-drop coalescence during emulsification. The analysis of the
      experimental data shows that there is a threshold drop volume fraction, Phi(TR),
      at which a transition from inertial turbulent regime into viscous turbulent
      regime of emulsification occurs, due to the increased overall viscosity of the
      emulsion. At Phi < Phi(TR), d(32) and d(V95) depend weakly on Phi and are well
      described by known theoretical expression for emulsification in inertial
      turbulent regime (Davies, Chem. Eng. Sci. 1985, 40, 839), which accounts for the
      effects of oil viscosity and interfacial tension. At Phi > Phi(TR), both d(32)
      and polydispersity of the formed emulsions decrease very significantly with the
      increase of Phi (for the oils with eta(D) > 10 mPa.s). Thus, very efficient
      emulsification of the viscous oils is realized. Very surprisingly, a third regime
      of emulsification is observed in the range of concentrated emulsions with Phi >
      75%, where the mean drop size and emulsion polydispersity are found
      experimentally to be very similar for all oils and surfactants studied-an
      experimental fact that does not comply with any of the existing models of drop
      breakup during emulsification. Possible mechanistic explanations of this result
      are discussed. The experimental data for semiconcentrated and concentrated
      emulsions with Phi > Phi(TR) are described by a simple scaling expression, which
      accounts for the effects of all main factors studied.

PMID- 22054024
TI  - When good intentions are not enough: obtaining follow-up data in living kidney
      donors.
AB  - The Organ Procurement Transplant Network/United Network for Organ Sharing
      (OPTN/UNOS) has increased the amount of data collected before and after donation
      and increased the duration of donor follow-up to 2 years, yet there is evidence
      that reporting is incomplete. We examined the frequency of missing data in the
      OPTN/UNOS donor follow-up registry and found that reporting rates were low,
      particularly for donors who may have limited access to health care. We argue that
      a national donor follow-up registry is essential to ensure transparency in
      ascertaining long-term health outcomes among all living donors and in providing
      assessments of quality assurance within transplant programs. We have suggested
      approaches to strengthen the donor follow-up registry system. These include
      setting clear and high standards for follow-up reporting, a system of incentives
      and penalties that would motivate transplant centers to comply with these
      standards and would encourage donors to follow-up and lifelong follow-up
      reporting by primary care providers. We argue that the US government must provide
      funding to support a donor follow-up registry that can allow for meaningful and
      valid conclusions, in recognition of donors' public service and to maintain trust
      in the system of living organ donation.

PMID- 22054025
TI  - Cross-reactions vs co-sensitization evaluated by in silico motifs and in vitro
      IgE microarray testing.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Using an in silico allergen clustering method, we have
      recently shown that allergen extracts are highly cross-reactive. Here we used
      serological data from a multi-array IgE test based on recombinant or highly
      purified natural allergens to evaluate whether co-reactions are true cross
      reactions or co-sensitizations by allergens with the same motifs. METHODS: The
      serum database consisted of 3142 samples, each tested against 103 highly purified
      natural or recombinant allergens. Cross-reactivity was predicted by an iterative
      motif-finding algorithm through sequence motifs identified in 2708 known
      allergens. RESULTS: Allergen proteins containing the same motifs cross-reacted as
      predicted. However, proteins with identical motifs revealed a hierarchy in the
      degree of cross-reaction: The more frequent an allergen was positive in the
      allergic population, the less frequently it was cross-reacting and vice versa. Co
      sensitization was analyzed by splitting the dataset into patient groups that were
      most likely sensitized through geographical occurrence of allergens.
      Interestingly, most co-reactions are cross-reactions but not co-sensitizations.
      CONCLUSIONS: The observed hierarchy of cross-reactivity may play an important
      role for the future management of allergic diseases.

PMID- 22054026
TI  - Segmenting and targeting American university students to promote responsible
      alcohol use: a case for applying social marketing principles.
AB  - The current study contributes to the social marketing literature in the American
      university binge-drinking context in three innovative ways. First, it profiles
      drinking segments by "values" and "expectancies" sought from behaviors. Second,
      the study compares segment values and expectancies of two competing behaviors,
      that is, binge drinking and participation in alternative activities. Third, the
      study compares the influence of a variety of factors on both behaviors in each
      segment. Finally, based on these findings and feedback from eight university
      alcohol prevention experts, appropriate strategies to promote responsible alcohol
      use for each segment are proposed.

PMID- 22054027
TI  - Physician switching after drug request refusal.
AB  - Physician switching is a barometer of the quality of the relationship between a
      patient and a physician. Understanding the factors associated with physician
      switching in the context of direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA) of prescription
      drugs has been largely unexamined. A total of 818 of 2,988 participants in a
      national telephone survey (27.4%) who had received DTCA reported asking their
      physician for a prescription drug, and 196 (24.0%) reported that their physician
      refused to prescribe the drug. Of those whose physicians refused, 13.9% (n = 27
      of 194 with data) switched doctors. We found that individuals with regular
      medical-seeking behavior, full prescription drug coverage, with certain chronic
      conditions, and of African American origin were significantly more likely to
      switch physicians in this context.

PMID- 22054028
TI  - Are pharmaceutical marketing decisions calibrated to communications effects?
AB  - Marketing managers continually struggle with how to maximize the effects of an
      integrated marketing communications strategy. The growing number of available
      communication outlets, as well as highly varying competitive landscapes, adds
      further complexity to this challenge. This empirical study examines the
      differential impact within a pharmaceutical market therapeutic category where
      both "push" and "pull" communication strategies operate on consumers and
      gatekeepers alike, in an atmosphere of unrelenting product innovation and broad
      competition. Furthermore, we explore how two contingency variables-(a) the
      competitive landscape, and (b) the product's length of time on the market
      interact with these communication efforts and affect brand and category sales.

PMID- 22054029
TI  - Consumers young and old: segmenting the target markets for direct-to-consumer
      prescription drug advertising.
AB  - Direct-to-consumer pharmaceutical advertising (DTCA) studies have typically
      focused on older adults or a general population of adults. However, college
      students are viable targets for DTCA and are receiving more research attention in
      this area. In this article, we compare college students with two adult age
      segments. Our findings indicate all age groups had relatively high awareness of
      DTCA and similar attitudes and behavioral responses to the ads. However, there
      were significant differences in media use and health characteristics as well as
      the factors predicting DTCA ad trust, attitudes, and behavioral intentions.
      Implications and future research suggestions are discussed.

PMID- 22054030
TI  - Impact of locus of control on health message effectiveness.
AB  - This article examined how individuals' locus of control might moderate the effect
      of health message frames. An experiment was conducted whereby participants read
      either individual- or social-responsibility message frames after their locus of
      control was primed. Results indicated that messages presented in individual
      responsibility frames were more persuasive when people were primed with internal
      locus of control, whereas social-responsibility framed appeals were more
      persuasive when people were primed with external locus of control. These results
      were found for individuals in both high and low cognitive load conditions.
      Theoretical and practical implications of the findings are discussed.

PMID- 22054031
TI  - An exploratory study of adolescent female reactions to direct-to-consumer
      advertising: the case of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine.
AB  - When the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine was approved in 2006, an extensive
      direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising campaign raised awareness and promoted
      vaccination. This study explores adolescents' exposure to and understanding of
      the messages in these advertisements. Sixty-seven African American females
      participated in a focus group about DTC advertising for the HPV vaccine.
      Virtually all adolescents had seen an HPV vaccine DTC advertisement, but most did
      not understand the health information contained in it. If DTC advertising is to
      be an effective source of health information for adolescents in the future, it
      must take into account the unique features of an adolescent audience.

PMID- 22054033
TI  - A clinical study to evaluate denture adhesive use in well-fitting dentures.
AB  - PURPOSE: The objective of this study was the assessment of retention and
      stability and functional benefits of denture adhesive applied to well-fitting and
      well-made dentures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a randomized, crossover study
      to compare two marketed denture adhesives (test cream, Super Poligrip(r) Free,
      and test strip, Super Poligrip(r) Comfort Seal Strips) and an unmarketed cream
      adhesive (GlaxoSmith Kline Consumer Healthcare) with no adhesive as the negative
      control. Thirty-six subjects completed the study. One hour after the application
      of denture adhesive, retention and stability were measured using the Kapur Index
      and maxillary incisal bite force. Two hours after application, functional tests
      were used to assess denture movement and peanut particle migration under the
      denture. Subjects also rated confidence, comfort, satisfaction with dentures, and
      denture wobble in conjunction with the functional tests. RESULTS: Denture
      adhesives significantly (p < 0.05) improved retention and stability of well
      fitting dentures. Subjects experienced significantly (p < 0.05) fewer
      dislodgements while eating an apple after adhesive was applied to dentures.
      Significant (p < 0.05) increases in subjective ratings of confidence and comfort
      as well as decreases in denture wobble were associated with the use of adhesive.
      There was significant (p < 0.05) improvement in satisfaction ratings for cream
      adhesives. A single application of each denture adhesive was well tolerated.
      CONCLUSION: The results of this study provide evidence that use of Super
      Poligrip(r) denture adhesives can enhance aspects of performance of complete well
      fitting dentures as well as provide increased comfort, confidence, and
      satisfaction with dentures.

PMID- 22054034
TI  - Dynamic monitoring of metal oxide nanoparticle toxicity by label free impedance
      sensing.
AB  - The increased use of nanoparticles in industrial and medical products is driving
      the need for accurate, high throughput in vitro testing procedures to screen new
      particles for potential toxicity. While approaches using standard viability
      assays have been widely used, there have been increased reports of the
      interactions of nanoparticles with their soluble labels or optical readouts which
      raise concerns over the potential generation of false positive results. Here, we
      describe the use of an impedance spectroscopy approach to provide real-time
      reagent free detection of toxicity for a panel of metal oxide nanoparticles (ZnO,
      CuO, and TiO(2)). Using this approach, we show how impedance measurements can be
      used to track nanoparticle toxicity over time with comparable IC(50) values to
      those of standard assays (ZnO-55 MUg/mL, CuO-28 MUg/mL) as well as being used to
      identify a critical 6 h period following exposure during which the nanoparticles
      trigger rapid cellular responses. Through targeted analysis during this response
      period and the use of a novel image analysis approach, we show how the ZnO and
      CuO nanoparticles trigger the active export of intracellular glutathione via an
      increase in the activity of the ATP dependent MRP/1 efflux pumps. The loss of
      glutathione leads to increased production of reactive oxygen species which after
      2.5 h triggers the cells to enter apoptosis resulting in a dose dependent
      cytotoxic response. This targeted testing strategy provides comprehensive
      information beyond that achieved with standard toxicity assays and indicates the
      potential for cell-nanoparticle interactions that could occur following in vivo
      exposure.

PMID- 22054036
TI  - DNA aneuploidy as a topographic malignant transformation pattern in a pleomorphic
      adenoma of long-term evolution: a case report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: We present a case of long-term evolution of a submandibular
      pleomorphic adenoma. There is little information about topographic malignant
      transformation patterns of pleomorphic adenomas. CASE PRESENTATION: We
      extensively analyze a giant submandibular mixed tumor of 25-year evolution in a
      57-year-old Caucasian woman. Deoxyribonucleic acid ploidy was evaluated in
      different superficial and deep areas using flow cytometry analysis and correlated
      with pathological and immunohistochemical characteristics. Superficial areas
      exhibited a typical histological pleomorphic adenoma pattern and were
      deoxyribonucleic acid diploid. Deep samples showed deoxyribonucleic acid
      aneuploidy, atypical histological benign features and expression of markers
      involved at an early-stage of malignant transformation, such as tumor protein 53
      and antigen Ki67. CONCLUSION: These findings revealed that deep tumor
      compartments may be involved in the initial stages of malignant transformation.
      Deoxyribonucleic acid ploidy analysis may provide an additional diagnosis tool
      and indicate 'uncertain' areas that require careful study to avoid diagnostic
      errors. Larger studies are needed to confirm our results and to evaluate the
      usefulness of the technique.

PMID- 22054035
TI  - COPD association and repeatability of blood biomarkers in the ECLIPSE cohort.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is a need for biomarkers to better characterise individuals
      with COPD and to aid with the development of therapeutic interventions. A panel
      of putative blood biomarkers was assessed in a subgroup of the Evaluation of COPD
      Longitudinally to Identify Surrogate Endpoints (ECLIPSE) cohort. METHODS: Thirty
      four blood biomarkers were assessed in 201 subjects with COPD, 37 ex-smoker
      controls with normal lung function and 37 healthy non-smokers selected from the
      ECLIPSE cohort. Biomarker repeatability was assessed using baseline and 3-month
      samples. Intergroup comparisons were made using analysis of variance,
      repeatability was assessed through Bland-Altman plots, and correlations between
      biomarkers and clinical characteristics were assessed using Spearman correlation
      coefficients. RESULTS: Fifteen biomarkers were significantly different in
      individuals with COPD when compared to former or non-smoker controls. Some
      biomarkers, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interferon-gamma, were
      measurable in only a minority of subjects whilst others such as C-reactive
      protein showed wide variability over the 3-month replication period. Fibrinogen
      was the most repeatable biomarker and exhibited a weak correlation with 6-minute
      walk distance, exacerbation rate, BODE index and MRC dyspnoea score in COPD
      subjects. 33% (66/201) of the COPD subjects reported at least 1 exacerbation over
      the 3 month study with 18% (36/201) reporting the exacerbation within 30 days of
      the 3-month visit. CRP, fibrinogen interleukin-6 and surfactant protein-D were
      significantly elevated in those COPD subjects with exacerbations within 30 days
      of the 3-month visit compared with those individuals that did not exacerbate or
      whose exacerbations had resolved. CONCLUSIONS: Only a few of the biomarkers
      assessed may be useful in diagnosis or management of COPD where the diagnosis is
      based on airflow obstruction (GOLD). Further analysis of more promising
      biomarkers may reveal utility in subsets of patients. Fibrinogen in particular
      has emerged as a potentially useful biomarker from this cohort and requires
      further investigation. TRIAL REGISTRATION: SCO104960, clinicaltrials.gov
      identifier NCT00292552.

PMID- 22054037
TI  - Thermal decomposition of pentacene oxyradicals.
AB  - The energetics and kinetics of the thermal decomposition of pentacene oxyradicals
      were studied using a combination of ab initio electronic structure theory and
      energy-transfer master equation modeling. The rate coefficients of pentacene
      oxyradical decomposition were computed for the range of 1500-2500 K and 0.01-10
      atm and found to be both temperature and pressure dependent. The computational
      results reveal that oxyradicals with oxygen attached to the inner rings are
      kinetically more stable than those with oxygen attached to the outer rings. The
      latter decompose to produce CO at rates comparable to those of phenoxy radical,
      while CO is unlikely to be produced from oxyradicals with oxygen bonded to the
      inner rings.

PMID- 22054038
TI  - A new class of antimalarial dioxanes obtained through a simple two-step synthetic
      approach: rational design and structure-activity relationship studies.
AB  - A new series of simple endoperoxides, characterized by a 3-methoxy-1,2-dioxane
      scaffold, was designed on the basis of a previously developed pharmacophore.
      Through a simplified and versatile scheme of synthesis, which utilizes cheap and
      commercially available starting materials, it was possible to obtain several
      structurally and stereochemically different compounds that were tested against P.
      falciparum. Most of compounds showed antimalarial activity in the low micromolar
      range and no cellular toxicity, all being significantly more active on
      chloroquine resistant (CQ-R) than on chloroquine sensitive (CQ-S) strains.
      Resulting structure-activity relationships were analyzed by means of experimental
      and computational techniques, validating our design rationale and tailoring it
      for the new scaffold. Our study demonstrated that according to the hypothesized
      mechanism of action, the antimalarial activity can be improved through rational
      structural modifications, paving the way for the development of new simplified
      antimalarial endoperoxides.

PMID- 22054040
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 22054039
TI  - Living kidney donor follow-up: state-of-the-art and future directions, conference
      summary and recommendations.
AB  - In light of continued uncertainty regarding postkidney donation medical,
      psychosocial and socioeconomic outcomes for traditional living donors and
      especially for donors meeting more relaxed acceptance criteria, a meeting was
      held in September 2010 to (1) review limitations of existing data on outcomes of
      living kidney donors; (2) assess and define the need for long-term follow-up of
      living kidney donors; (3) identify the potential system requirements,
      infrastructure and costs of long-term follow-up for living kidney donor outcomes
      in the United States and (4) explore practical options for future development and
      funding of United States living kidney donor data collection, metrics and
      endpoints. Conference participants included prior kidney donors, physicians,
      surgeons, medical ethicists, social scientists, donor coordinators, social
      workers, independent donor advocates and representatives of payer organizations
      and the federal government. The findings and recommendations generated at this
      meeting are presented.

PMID- 22054042
TI  - Patient-controlled intrathecal analgesia for the management of breakthrough
      cancer pain: a retrospective review and commentary.
AB  - OBJECTIVE:   Intrathecal therapy (ITT) via an implanted pump has become an
      accepted practice for the treatment of refractory cancer pain by infusing opioids
      and adjuncts directly to the neuraxis. Until recently, only a programmed basal
      rate of infusion could be delivered, and therefore, breakthrough pain required
      ongoing use of oral or transmucosal opioids. Recently, an implanted pump
      manufacturer has introduced a handheld device to bolus additional medication for
      breakthrough pain. We hypothesize that patient-controlled intrathecal analgesia
      (PCIA) for the treatment of breakthrough cancer pain reduces the need for
      breakthrough opioids and improves the patient perception of pain. METHODS:   A
      retrospective chart review was done on all patients who underwent ITT for cancer
      pain between January 2009 and February 2011. Clinical outcomes of interest were
      reduction in nonintrathecal opioid use and reduction in numerical rating score
      (NRS) for pain. The data was collected prior to ITT and at a 4-6 week postimplant
      visit. RESULTS:   After initiation of ITT with PCIA, 50% of patients had
      discontinued all nonintrathecal opioids at follow-up, and 46% of the patients on
      breakthrough medications no longer required their use. At follow-up, there was a
      significant reduction in total nonintrathecal opioid use, with an average of 796
      mg pre-ITT vs 64 mg post-ITT of daily oral morphine equivalent dosing (P =
      <0.001). There was a significant difference between mean NRS pain score at follow
      up-6.5 vs 3.1 pre-ITT (P<0.001). 65% of patients reported their pain as severe
      (NRS of 7 or greater) prior to ITT; this decreased to 3% at follow-up.
      CONCLUSIONS:   In patients with refractory cancer pain, intrathecal drug therapy
      with PCIA is associated with improved pain reporting, reduced nonintrathecal
      around-the-clock, and breakthrough opioid requirements.

PMID- 22054045
TI  - Epidemiology of invasive Candida infection in a neonatal intensive care unit in
      France.

PMID- 22054046
TI  - Effects of whole-body vibration on postural control in elderly: a systematic
      review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This systematic review was performed to summarize the current
      evidence for whole body vibration (WBV) interventions on postural control in
      elderly. METHODS: English and German language papers in Medline, PEDro, Cinahl
      and the Cochrane databases were searched. Two reviewers extracted data on
      patients' characteristics, type of WBV intervention and outcomes. Two independent
      reviewers rated the methodological quality of these studies. Data were pooled
      using random-effects meta-analysis. RESULTS: Fifteen papers reporting
      quantitative data were included. Results from 15 papers could be pooled for a
      meta-analysis. The studies involved 933 participants. In 7 studies the authors
      investigated the effects of vibration plates generating vertical sinusoidal
      vibrations (VS-WBV) and 7 papers described the use of side-alternating sinusoidal
      vibrations (SS-WBV). One study investigated both VS-WBV and SS-WBV.Weak to
      moderate evidence of an overall effect as a result of VS-WBV and SS-WBV was
      observed for (a) static balance for post-intervention values with a standardized
      mean difference (SMD) -0.06, 95% CI -0.31 to 0.18 and for change values SMD 
      0.26, 95% CI -1.09 to 0.57, and (b) dynamic balance for post-intervention-values
      SMD -0.34, 95% CI -0.60 to -0.08. For functional balance (c) an overall outcome
      for post-intervention values with SMD of 0.34, 95% CI -0.19 to 0.87 was found.
      CONCLUSIONS: The 15 studies reviewed were of moderate methodological quality. In
      summary, SS-WBV seems to have a beneficial effect on dynamic balance in elderly
      individuals. However, the current results should be interpreted with caution
      because of the observed heterogeneity of training parameters and statistical
      methods. Future studies are warranted to evaluate the effects of WBV on postural
      control in an elderly population.

PMID- 22054048
TI  - Polarized naphthalimide CH donors enhance Cl- binding within an aryl-triazole
      receptor.
AB  - The dipolar character of 1,8-naphthalimide together with polarization of the C(4)
      H and C(5)-H donors has been utilized in receptor 1 to effectively bind chloride
      alongside triazole and phenylene units. The Cl(-) binding strength of 1 shows
      that the naphthalimide provides greater anion stabilization than an unactivated
      phenylene, and DFT calculations show that its collinear donor array can be a
      "urea-like" analog for CH...anion interactions.

PMID- 22054047
TI  - Improving collision induced dissociation (CID), high energy collision
      dissociation (HCD), and electron transfer dissociation (ETD) fourier transform
      MS/MS degradome-peptidome identifications using high accuracy mass information.
AB  - MS dissociation methods, including collision induced dissociation (CID), high
      energy collision dissociation (HCD), and electron transfer dissociation (ETD),
      can each contribute distinct peptidome identifications using conventional peptide
      identification methods (Shen et al. J. Proteome Res. 2011), but such samples
      still pose significant informatics challenges. In this work, we explored
      utilization of high accuracy fragment ion mass measurements, in this case
      provided by Fourier transform MS/MS, to improve peptidome peptide data set size
      and consistency relative to conventional descriptive and probabilistic scoring
      methods. For example, we identified 20-40% more peptides than SEQUEST, Mascot,
      and MS_GF scoring methods using high accuracy fragment ion information and the
      same false discovery rate (FDR) from CID, HCD, and ETD spectra. Identified
      species covered >90% of the collective identifications obtained using various
      conventional peptide identification methods, which significantly addresses the
      common issue of different data analysis methods generating different peptide data
      sets. Choice of peptide dissociation and high-precision measurement-based
      identification methods presently available for degradomic-peptidomic analyses
      needs to be based on the coverage and confidence (or specificity) afforded by the
      method, as well as practical issues (e.g., throughput). By using accurate
      fragment information, >1000 peptidome components can be identified from a single
      human blood plasma analysis with low peptide-level FDRs (e.g., 0.6%), providing
      an improved basis for investigating potential disease-related peptidome
      components.

PMID- 22054044
TI  - European adolescents' level of perceived stress is inversely related to their
      diet quality: the Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence study.
AB  - As stress is hypothesised to influence dietary behaviour, the relationship
      between perceived stress and diet quality in European adolescents was
      investigated. Within the Healthy Lifestyle in Europe by Nutrition in Adolescence
      study, adolescents (n 704, aged 12-17 years) from schools in five European cities
      (Ghent, Stockholm, Zaragoza, Athens and Vienna) completed a 2 d 24 h dietary
      recall assessment and an Adolescent Stress Questionnaire. Measurements and
      information were taken on height, weight, pubertal stage, parental education
      level, the level of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and sleep
      duration. The Diet Quality Index for Adolescents (DQI-A) was calculated from the
      dietary data, which comprised three components reflecting dietary diversity,
      quality and equilibrium. Hierarchical linear models were performed to investigate
      the relationship between the adolescents' level of perceived stress and the DQI-A
      and its components, adjusting for relevant covariates (age, BMI z-score, pubertal
      stage and parental education). These models were additionally adjusted for MVPA
      or sleep duration. In both boys and girls, perceived stress was a significant
      independent negative predictor for their overall DQI-A. This inverse relationship
      was observed for all dietary components, except for dietary diversity in boys,
      and it was unaltered when additionally adjusted for MVPA or sleep duration. The
      observed inverse relationship between stress and diet quality within these
      European adolescents supports the hypothesis that stress influences dietary
      behaviour, thus emphasising the need for preventive stress-coping strategies for
      adolescents.

PMID- 22054051
TI  - Longitudinal study of 29 patients with Meniere's disease with follow-up of 10
      years or more (In commemoration of Professor Emeritus Isamu Watanabe).
AB  - CONCLUSIONS: A final incidence of bilateral involvement was 20.7%. Episodic
      spells of vertigo were completely controlled in 23 of 29 patients, while 11 of 29
      patients demonstrated over 70 dB hearing loss. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the clinical
      course of 29 patients with Meniere's disease during follow-up of 10 years or
      more. METHODS: The subjects were 29 patients with a mean follow-up of 18.3 years.
      The hearing level was measured by the pure tone average (PTA) of four frequencies
      at the initial and the final examination, and it was classified into four
      categories according to the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck
      Society (AAO-HNS) criteria. The control of vertigo was evaluated by the modified
      AAO-HNS criteria. RESULTS: At enrolment two patients had bilateral involvement.
      In the period of follow-up, bilateral involvement emerged in four more patients.
      The hearing levels at the final examinations were as follows: 3 patients, <25 dB;
      6 patients, 26-40 dB; 9 patients, 41-70 dB; and 11 patients, >70 dB. The control
      of vertigo according to the modified AAO-HNS guideline was class A in 23
      patients, class B in 2 patients, and class C in 1 patient; the remaining 3
      patients could not be evaluated.

PMID- 22054049
TI  - Mesenchymal stem cells as carriers and amplifiers in CRAd delivery to tumors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been considered to be the
      attractive vehicles for delivering therapeutic agents toward various tumor
      diseases. This study was to explore the distribution pattern, kinetic delivery of
      adenovirus, and therapeutic efficacy of the MSC loading of E1A mutant
      conditionally replicative adenovirus Adv-Stat3(-) which selectively replicated
      and expressed high levels of anti-sense Stat3 complementary DNA in breast cancer
      and melanoma cells. METHODS: We assessed the release ability of conditionally
      replicative adenovirus (CRAd) from MSC using crystal violet staining, TCID(50)
      assay, and quantitative PCR. In vitro killing competence of MSCs carrying Adv
      Stat3(-) toward breast cancer and melanoma was performed using co-culture system
      of transwell plates. We examined tumor tropism of MSC by Prussian blue staining
      and immunofluorescence. In vivo killing competence of MSCs carrying Adv-Stat3(-)
      toward breast tumor was analyzed by comparison of tumor volumes and survival
      periods. RESULTS: Adv-Stat3(-) amplified in MSCs and were released 4 days after
      infection. MSCs carrying Adv-Stat3(-) caused viral amplification, depletion of
      Stat3 and its downstream proteins, and led to significant apoptosis in breast
      cancer and melanoma cell lines. In vivo experiments confirmed the preferential
      localization of MSCs in the tumor periphery 24 hours after tail vein injection,
      and this localization was mainly detected in the tumor parenchyma after 72 hours.
      Intravenous injection of MSCs carrying Adv-Stat3(-) suppressed the Stat3 pathway,
      down-regulated Ki67 expression, and recruited CD11b-positive cells in the local
      tumor, inhibiting tumor growth and increasing the survival of tumor-bearing mice.
      CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that MSCs migrate to the tumor site in a time
      dependent manner and could be an effective platform for the targeted delivery of
      CRAd and the amplification of tumor killing effects.

PMID- 22054050
TI  - Continuation of quetiapine versus switching to placebo or lithium for maintenance
      treatment of bipolar I disorder (Trial 144: a randomized controlled study).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Quetiapine, combined with lithium or divalproex, demonstrates efficacy
      in the maintenance treatment of bipolar I disorder. This study investigated the
      efficacy and safety of quetiapine monotherapy as maintenance treatment in bipolar
      I disorder compared with switching to placebo or lithium. METHOD: Patients aged
      >= 18 years with DSM-IV-diagnosed bipolar I disorder and a current or recent
      manic, depressive, or mixed episode received open-label quetiapine (300-800 mg/d)
      for 4-24 weeks. Patients achieving stabilization were randomized to continue
      quetiapine or to switch to placebo or lithium (0.6-1.2 mEq/L) for up to 104 weeks
      in a double-blind trial. Outcome measures included times to recurrence of any
      mood event (primary outcome measure), manic event, or depressive event. Safety
      assessments included adverse events and laboratory values. The study was
      terminated early after planned interim analysis provided positive results. The
      study was conducted between March 2005 and July 2007. RESULTS: Of 2,438 patients
      starting open-label quetiapine, 1,226 (50.3%) were randomized to double-blind
      treatment, including 1,172 (95.6%) in the intent-to-treat population. Time to
      recurrence of any mood event was significantly longer for quetiapine versus
      placebo (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.29; 95% CI, 0.23-0.38; P < .0001) and for lithium
      versus placebo (HR = 0.46; 95% CI, 0.36-0.59; P < .0001). Quetiapine and lithium
      significantly increased time to recurrence of both manic events (quetiapine: HR =
      0.29; 95% CI, 0.21-0.40; P < .0001; lithium: HR = 0.37; 95% CI, 0.27-0.53; P <
      .0001) and depressive events (quetiapine: HR = 0.30; 95% CI, 0.20-0.44; P <
      .0001; lithium: HR = 0.59; 95% CI, 0.42-0.84; P < .004) compared with placebo.
      Overall rates of adverse events were generally similar between treatment groups,
      and safety findings for quetiapine were consistent with its known profile.
      CONCLUSIONS: In patients stabilized during acute quetiapine treatment,
      continuation of quetiapine significantly increased time to recurrence of any
      mood, manic, or depressive event compared with switching to placebo. Switching to
      lithium was also more effective than placebo for the prevention of manic and
      depressive events. TRIAL REGISTRATION: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier:
      NCT00314184.

PMID- 22054052
TI  - Retraction: The cellular source for APOBEC3G's incorporation into HIV-1.

PMID- 22054053
TI  - Re: Relationship between ventricular dyssynchrony and T-wave alternans in
      patients with coronary artery disease.

PMID- 22054054
TI  - On the crucial importance of the pH for the formation and self-stabilization of
      protein microgels and strands.
AB  - Stable suspensions of protein microgels are formed by heating salt-free beta
      lactoglobulin solutions at concentrations up to about C = 50 g.L(-1) if the pH is
      set within a narrow range between 5.75 and 6.1. The internal protein
      concentration of these spherical particles is about 150 g.L(-1) and the average
      hydrodynamic radius decreases with increasing pH from 200 to 75 nm. The formation
      of the microgels leads to an increase of the pH, which is a necessary condition
      to obtain stable suspensions. The spontaneous increase of the pH during microgel
      formation leads to an increase of their surface charge density and inhibits
      secondary aggregation. This self-stabilization mechanism is not sufficient if the
      initial pH is below 5.75 in which case secondary aggregation leads to
      precipitation. Microgels are no longer formed above a critical initial pH, but
      instead short, curved protein strands are obtained with a hydrodynamic radius of
      about 15-20 nm.

PMID- 22054055
TI  - Pharmacokinetics, metabolism and excretion of 14C-monoethyl phthalate (MEP) and
      14C-diethyl phthalate (DEP) after single oral and IV administration in the
      juvenile dog.
AB  - The pharmacokinetics, metabolism and excretion of monoethyl phthalate (MEP) and
      diethyl phthalate (DEP) were compared after intravenous or oral administration of
      [(14)C]MEP or [(14)C]DEP in juvenile beagle dogs. Four male juvenile beagle dogs
      were treated with a single oral or bolus intravenous dose of either [(14)C]MEP or
      [(14)C]DEP (164 MUg/kg). The absorption, metabolism, excretion and
      pharmacokinetics of [(14)C]MEP and [(14)C]DEP were nearly identical. [(14)C]DEP
      was rapidly and nearly completely metabolized to [(14)C]MEP following either
      intravenous or oral administration. [(14)C]MEP and[(14)C]DEP were rapidly
      absorbed, the elimination half-life was estimated to be 1 hour. Approximately 90%
      96% of the dose was excreted in urine with 2%-3% of the dose in faeces. MEP
      accounted for the majority of the dose in plasma and urine; in addition, three
      minor metabolites (M1, M2 and M3) were detected. The minor metabolites were
      neither phthalic acid nor glucuronide/sulfate conjugates. The nearly identical
      metabolism and pharmacokinetics of MEP and DEP in juvenile dogs justifies the use
      of DEP toxicity data in the risk assessment of MEP exposure.

PMID- 22054056
TI  - Addressing patients' information needs: a first evaluation of a question prompt
      sheet in the pretreatment consultation for patients with esophageal cancer.
AB  - This study aims to develop and pilot a question prompt sheet to assist esophageal
      cancer patients to obtain desired information in the consultation in which
      potentially curative esophagectomy is discussed. Whether a prompt sheet affected
      patients' question asking, the number and scope of topics discussed, the length
      of the consultation, and patients' satisfaction is investigated. Patients (n= 30)
      were randomized either to receive care as usual (control group) or to receive a
      prompt sheet (intervention group). All patients completed a baseline
      questionnaire, their consultations were audio-recorded and content-coded, and
      they received a structured telephone interview 2 days after the consultation to
      assess satisfaction. Patients provided with the prompt sheet marked a median of
      19 questions. They asked significantly more questions as compared with patients
      in the control group (median of 12 vs. 8 questions). Questions mainly addressed
      treatment options and procedures. No differences were found with regard to
      consultation length and patient satisfaction. Our results suggest that providing
      patients with a simple, easy-to-implement tool such as a question prompt is
      appreciated and helps patients to ask more questions during the consultation
      without increasing the length of the consultation.

PMID- 22054057
TI  - A mechanistic study of the 2-thienylmethyl + HO2 radical recombination reaction.
AB  - Radical recombination reactions are important in the combustion of fuel oils.
      Shale oil contains alkylated heteroaromatic species, the simplest example of
      which is the 2-thienylmethyl radical. The ab initio potential energy surface for
      the reaction of the 2-thienylmethyl radical with the HO(2) radical has been
      examined. Seventeen product channels corresponding to either addition/elimination
      or direct hydrogen abstraction have been characterized for the first time. Direct
      hydrogen abstract from HO(2) proceeds via a weakly bound van der Waals complex,
      which leads to 2-methylthiophene, 2-methylene-2,3-dihydrothiophene, or 2
      methylene-2,5-dihydrothiophene depending upon the 2-thienylmethyl radical
      reaction site. The addition pathway for the two radical reactants is barrierless
      with the formation of three adducts, as distinguished by HO(2) reaction at three
      different sites on the 2-thienylmethyl radical. The addition is exothermic by 37
      55 kcal mol(-1) relative to the entrance channel, and these excess energies are
      available to promote further decomposition or rearrangement of the adducts,
      leading to nascent products such as H, OH, H(2)O, and CH(2)O. The reaction
      surfaces are characterized by relatively low barriers (most lower than 10 kcal
      mol(-1)). Upon the basis of a careful analysis of the overall barrier heights and
      reaction exothermicities, the formations of O(2), OH, and H(2)O are likely to be
      important pathways in the radical recombination reactions of 2-thienylmethyl +
      HO(2).

PMID- 22054058
TI  - Synthesis of monomeric derivatives to probe memoquin's bivalent interactions.
AB  - Eight monomeric congeners, related to the multitarget lead candidate memoquin,
      were prepared and evaluated at multiple targets to determine their profile
      against Alzheimer's disease. 2-4 bind to AChE with similar low nanomolar
      affinities and function as effective inhibitors of amyloid aggregation. The most
      potent monovalent ligand 2 also inhibits BACE-1 in vitro and APP metabolism in
      primary chicken telencephalic neurons.

PMID- 22054059
TI  - Gilles de la Tourette's syndrome in a patient with 47(XXX) syndrome: a case
      report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a
      comorbidity between Gilles de la Tourette's syndrome and 47 (XXX) syndrome. The
      clinical picture of Gilles de la Tourette's Syndrome is well described, while 47
      (XXX) syndrome is much more rare and has a broader spectrum of possible
      phenotypic presentations. CASE PRESENTATION: An Italian Caucasian girl was
      referred at the age of 11 to our Rehabilitation Center for anxiety and learning
      difficulties. The girl had already been diagnosed as having 47(XXX) syndrome; she
      had some rather typical features of the chromosomal abnormality, but she also
      showed a high level of anxiety and the presence of motor and vocal tics. When an
      accurate history was taken, a diagnosis of Gilles de la Tourette's Syndrome
      emerged. CONCLUSIONS: The possible interaction between peculiar features of these
      two syndromes in terms of neuropsychological and affective functioning is both
      interesting for the specific case and to hypothesize models of rehabilitation for
      patients with one or both syndromes. Executive functions are specifically reduced
      in both syndromes, therefore it might be hard to discriminate the contribution of
      each one to the general impairment; the same applies to anxiety. Moreover, mental
      retardation (with a significantly lower verbal cognitive functioning) poses
      relevant problems when suggesting cognitive behavioral or psychoeducational
      rehabilitative approaches.

PMID- 22054061
TI  - Current status of organ transplantation in Japan.
AB  - To overcome severe donor shortage, Japanese doctors over the years have developed
      innovative strategies to maximize organs transplanted per brain death donor and
      expanded the donor pool using living donors. They also used living and marginal
      organs and drastically improved living donor lung, liver, pancreas and kidney
      transplantations. Moreover, they initiated ABO blood type incompatible liver
      transplantation advancements and succeeded in overcoming the blood type barrier
      in kidney and liver transplantations. Similar efforts are underway for pancreas
      transplantation. Furthermore, Japanese doctors have developed a nonaggressive
      step to achieve immunosuppression following organ transplantation by carefully
      monitoring donor-specific hyporesponsiveness and infectious immunostatus.
      However, the institution of amendments to allocation systems and the
      intensification of efforts to decrease living donor morbidity and to increase the
      number of brain death donors have remained important issues needing attention.
      Overall, the strategies Japan has adopted to overcome donor shortage can provide
      useful insights on how to increase organ transplantations.

PMID- 22054060
TI  - Exogenous interleukin-6, interleukin-13, and interferon-gamma provoke pulmonary
      abnormality with mild edema in enterovirus 71-infected mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neonatal mice developed neurological disease and pulmonary
      dysfunction after an infection with a mouse-adapted human Enterovirus 71 (EV71)
      strain MP4. However, the hallmark of severe human EV71 infection, pulmonary edema
      (PE), was not evident. METHODS: To test whether EV71-induced PE required a
      proinflammatory cytokine response, exogenous pro-inflammatory cytokines were
      administered to EV71-infected mice during the late stage of infection. RESULTS:
      After intracranial infection of EV71/MP4, 7-day-old mice developed hind-limb
      paralysis, pulmonary dysfunction, and emphysema. A transient increase was
      observed in serum IL-6, IL-10, IL-13, and IFN-gamma, but not noradrenaline. At
      day 3 post infection, treatment with IL-6, IL-13, and IFN-gamma provoked mild PE
      and severe emphysema that were accompanied by pulmonary dysfunction in EV71
      infected, but not herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1)-infected control mice. Adult
      mice did not develop PE after an intracerebral microinjection of EV71 into the
      nucleus tractus solitarii (NTS). While viral antigen accumulated in the ventral
      medulla and the NTS of intracerebrally injected mice, neuronal loss was observed
      in the ventral medulla only. CONCLUSIONS: Exogenous IL-6, IL-13, and IFN-gamma
      treatment could induce mild PE and exacerbate pulmonary abnormality of EV71
      infected mice. However, other factors such as over-activation of the sympathetic
      nervous system may also be required for the development of classic PE symptoms.

PMID- 22054062
TI  - Stigmatization of patients with chronic pain: the extinction of empathy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To address how health professionals may inadvertently contribute to
      the stigmatization of patients with chronic pain. SETTING: Formulation and
      implementation of the Australian National Pain Strategy. DESIGN: Review of
      current concepts of stereotyping and stigma, consideration of their relationship
      to empathy, and how they might impinge upon the clinical encounter. FINDINGS: The
      extinction of empathy, which we refer to as "negative empathy," can overwhelm
      health professionals, allowing the entry of negative community stereotypes of
      chronic pain sufferers and add to their stigmatization. Prevailing dualistic
      frames of reference encourage this process. CONCLUSION: Greater awareness by
      health professionals of their own potential, often inadvertent, contribution to
      the stigmatization of their patients with chronic pain may serve as a basis for
      an expanded model of clinical engagement.

PMID- 22054064
TI  - Comparative effects of six probiotic strains on immune function in vitro.
AB  - There is considerable interest in the strain specificity of immune modulation by
      probiotics. The present study compared the immunomodulatory properties of six
      probiotic strains of different species and two genera in a human peripheral blood
      mononuclear cell (PBMC) model in vitro. Live cells of lactobacilli (Lactobacillus
      casei Shirota, L. rhamnosus GG, L. plantarum NCIMB 8826 and L. reuteri NCIMB
      11951) and bifidobacteria (Bifidobacterium longum SP 07/3 and B. bifidum MF 20/5)
      were individually incubated with PBMC from seven healthy subjects for 24 h.
      Probiotic strains increased the proportion of CD69+ on lymphocytes, T cells, T
      cell subsets and natural killer (NK) cells, and increased the proportion of
      CD25+, mainly on lymphocytes and NK cells. The effects on activation marker
      expression did not appear to be strain specific. NK cell activity was
      significantly increased by all six strains, without any significant difference
      between strains. Probiotic strains increased production of IL-1beta, IL-6, IL-10,
      TNF-alpha, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor and macrophage
      inflammatory protein 1alpha to different extents, but had no effect on the
      production of IL-2, IL-4, IL-5 or TNF-beta. The cytokines that showed strain
      specific modulation included IL-10, interferon-gamma, TNF-alpha, IL-12p70, IL-6
      and monocyte chemotactic protein-1. The Lactobacillus strains tended to promote T
      helper 1 cytokines, whereas bifidobacterial strains tended to produce a more anti
      inflammatory profile. The results suggest that there was limited evidence of
      strain-specific effects of probiotics with respect to T cell and NK cell
      activation or NK cell activity, whereas production of some cytokines was
      differentially influenced by probiotic strains.

PMID- 22054065
TI  - Histone deacetylase inhibition by sodium valproate regulates polarization of
      macrophage subsets.
AB  - Recent studies suggest that change of macrophage phenotype (M1/M2) is associated
      with autoimmune diseases. Sodium valproate (VPA) is a class I histone deacetylase
      (HDAC) inhibitor, which has immunomodulatory function in graft-versus-host
      disease. However, its impact on macrophage polarization has not been defined. We
      evaluated the effects of VPA on both mouse macrophage cell line RAW264.7 and
      primary mouse bone marrow macrophages (BMMs). Exposure to VPA significantly
      repressed the production of interleukin 12 (IL-12), and tumor necrosis factor
      alpha by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced macrophage activation, in contrast,
      promoted IL-10 expression. VPA also affected the costimulatory molecule
      expression on LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 and BMMs (downregulation of CD40 and CD80,
      and upregulation of CD86). Specifically, VPA inhibited macrophage-mediated T
      helper 1 (Th1) effector but enhanced Th2 effector cell activation. Together, our
      preclinical study demonstrates that VPA significantly affects the phenotype and
      function of macrophage, indicating an important role of HDAC activity in immune
      regulation and inflammation. It also provides a rationale to evaluate VPA
      activity for the treatment of macrophage dysfunction-associated diseases.

PMID- 22054066
TI  - Characterization of the human ornithine transcarbamylase 3' untranslated
      regulatory region.
AB  - Mutations in the untranslated regulatory regions of genes may result in abnormal
      gene expression or transcriptional regulation. In this study, we characterize the
      ornithine transcarbamylase (OTC) mRNA isoforms of the X-linked OTC gene involved
      in the urea formation in the liver. Our data revealed that two major transcripts
      (OTC-t1 and OTC-t2) are more highly expressed than any of the other isoforms in
      all the tissues analyzed, though a longer transcript (OTC-t3) was also isolated
      and characterized from the brain sample. The OTC-t2 sequence fully matches the
      OTC mRNA reference sequence (NM_000531.5). All three isoforms use a canonical
      AAUAAA hexamer that is predicted to fold into a hairpin secondary structure which
      might be exposed to the cleavage and polyadenylation specificity factor. In
      addition, we observed that the OTC-t1 and OTC-t2 transcripts display
      heterogeneity at the cleavage sites in a tissue-dependent manner. Taken together,
      our data demonstrate that several mRNA isoforms are transcribed from the OTC
      gene, thereby indicating a wide degree of variability in post-transcriptional
      regulation.

PMID- 22054067
TI  - Impact of glutathione transferase M1, T1, and P1 gene polymorphisms in the
      genetic susceptibility of North Indian population to renal cell carcinoma.
AB  - In this study, we investigated the association of GSTP1, GSTM1, and GSTP1 genetic
      variants with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) among North Indian patients. The
      difference in frequency of the GSTT1 null genotype between cases and control
      subjects was statistically significant (active ver. null, odds ratio [OR]=0.368;
      confidence intervals [CI] 95%=0.243-0.557, p=0.001). The differences in the
      frequency of GSTP1 genotypes were statistically significant (AA ver. AG/GG,
      OR=1.879; CI 95%=0.355-0.797, p=0.002). Higher allelic frequency of the GSTP1 G
      allele was associated with RCC cases (G ver. A allele, OR=1.534; 95% CI=1.159
      2.030, p=0.003). The gene-gene interaction in terms of three-way combination of
      GSTM1 null, GSTT1 null, and GSTP1 (AG/GG) resulted in 4.5-fold increase in RCC
      risk (OR=4.452; 95% CI=2.220-9.294). Similarly, our study revealed that GST
      polymorphism might be a vital determinant of advancement to higher pathological
      stages and histological grades of RCC. Our findings suggest that genetic
      variability in members of the GST gene family may be associated with an increased
      susceptibility to RCC and its progression.

PMID- 22054068
TI  - Endothelial nitric oxide synthase gene polymorphisms (G894T, 4b/a and T-786C) and
      preeclampsia: meta-analysis of 18 case-control studies.
AB  - Studies investigating the association between endothelial nitric oxide synthase
      (eNOS) gene polymorphisms and preeclampsia reported contradictory or
      nonconclusive results. We performed a meta-analysis of 18 genetic association
      studies that examined the relationship between preeclampsia and the G894T, 4a/b
      and T-786C polymorphisms of the eNOS gene. Subgroup analysis by ethnicity and
      potential sources of heterogeneity and bias were explored. The MEDLINE, EMBASE,
      and Google Scholar databases were searched to access the relevant genetic
      association studies up to June 2011. For the allelic analysis of the G894T
      variant, all studies showed no significant association. For the genotypic
      analysis, the combined studies of the G allele showed negative significance (odds
      ratio [OR]=0.56; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.33-0.97), all the studies showed
      positively significance when the T allele was combined (OR=1.17; 95% CI: 1.01
      1.36), and results were also positively significant in non-Asian populations
      (OR=1.20; 95% CI: 1.02-1.43). For the allelic analysis of the 4b/a variant, all
      studies showed no significant association, but results were negatively
      significant in non-Asian populations (OR=0.67; 95% CI: 0.46-0.98). For the
      genotype analysis, combined studies of the b allele showed negative significance
      (OR=0.55; 95% CI: 0.36-0.84). Moreover, non-Asian studies showed negatively
      significant results (OR=0.45; 95% CI: 0.28-0.72). For the analysis of the T-786C
      variant, none of the studies showed significant results. The synthesis of
      available evidence supports the fact that intron 4a allele, homozygosity for the
      894T and intron 4a of eNOS are positively associated with preeclampsia. Large,
      multiethnic confirmatory, and well-designed studies are needed to determine the
      relation between preeclampsia and polymorphisms of the eNOS gene.

PMID- 22054069
TI  - Reducing malaria misdiagnosis: the importance of correctly interpreting Paracheck
      Pf(r) "faint test bands" in a low transmission area of Tanzania.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) have been extensively
      evaluated since their introduction in the early 1990's, sensitivity and
      specificity vary widely limiting successful integration into clinical practice.
      This paper reviews specific issues surrounding RDT use in field settings and
      presents results of research investigating how to interpret "faint test bands" on
      ParaCheck Pf(r) in areas of low transmission in order to reduce malaria
      misdiagnosis. METHODS: A multi-phase cross-sectional study was conducted at a
      remote hospital in the northern Tanzanian highlands. Capillary blood samples were
      taken from consenting participants (n = 319) for blood smear and ParaCheck Pf(r)
      testing. Primary outcome variables were sensitivity, specificity and proportion
      misdiagnosed by ParaCheck Pf(r) and local microscopy. ParaCheck Pf(r) "faint
      bands" were classified as both true positives or true negatives during evaluation
      to determine appropriate clinical interpretation. Multivariate logistic
      regression adjusted for age and gender was conducted to determine odds of
      misdiagnosis for local microscopy and ParaCheck Pf(r). RESULTS: Overall, 23.71%
      of all ParaCheck Pf(r) tests resulted in a "faint band" and 94.20% corresponded
      with true negatives. When ParaCheck Pf(r) "faint bands" were classified as
      positive, specificity was 75.5% (95% CI = 70.3%-80.6%) as compared to 98.9% (95%
      CI = 97.0%-99.8%) when classified as negative. The odds of misdiagnosis by local
      microscopy for those > 5 years as compared to those <= 5 years are 0.370 (95% CI
      = 0.1733-0.7915, p = 0.010). In contrast, even when ParaCheck Pf(r) faint bands
      are considered positive, the odds of misdiagnosis by ParaCheck Pf(r) for those >
      5 years as compared to those <= 5 years are 0.837 (95% CI = 0.459-1.547, p =
      0.5383). CONCLUSIONS: We provide compelling evidence that in areas of low
      transmission, "faint bands" should be considered a negative test when used to
      inform clinical decision-making. Correct interpretation of RDT test bands in a
      clinical setting plays a central role in successful malaria surveillance,
      appropriate patient management and most importantly reducing misdiagnosis.

PMID- 22054070
TI  - Sleep architecture in healthy 5-year-old preschool children: associations between
      sleep schedule and quality variables.
AB  - AIM: Although disturbed sleep quality such as night awakenings and difficulties
      in falling asleep are common symptoms during sleep in preschool children,
      relationships between sleep quality and sleep schedule are mostly unknown. This
      study aimed to evaluate the relationships between sleep schedule and quality
      variables in preschool children. METHODS: Sleep-wake patterns of 48 healthy 5
      year-old children were assessed over 7 consecutive days using actigraphy.
      RESULTS: Children with longer sleep latency had a lower sleep quality, a later
      bedtime, a later sleep onset time, a shorter nocturnal sleep period and a longer
      daytime nap. Children with a longer nocturnal sleep period on weekends compared
      with weekdays had longer sleep latency and a later sleep onset time on weekdays,
      resulting in a lower sleep quality on weekends. An irregular bedtime on weekdays
      was associated with a later sleep onset time and a shorter sleep period on
      weekends. CONCLUSION: Sleep quality and schedule were linked with each other,
      which may explain why sleep problems tend to aggregate and form a wider syndrome
      of disturbed sleep even in young children. Strategies solely targeting the
      improvement of sleep quantity may not promote ideal sleep; simultaneous
      considerations for the sleep rhythm and quality may be required.

PMID- 22054071
TI  - Proteomics of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Australian epidemic strain 1 (AES-1)
      cultured under conditions mimicking the cystic fibrosis lung reveals increased
      iron acquisition via the siderophore pyochelin.
AB  - Pseudomonas aeruginosa is an opportunistic pathogen that is the major cause of
      morbidity and mortality in patients with cystic fibrosis (CF). While most CF
      patients are thought to acquire P. aeruginosa from the environment, person-to
      person transmissible strains have been identified in CF clinics worldwide, and
      the molecular basis for transmissibility remains poorly understood. We undertook
      a complementary proteomics approach to characterize protein profiles from a
      transmissible, acute isolate of the Australian epidemic strain 1 (AES-1R), the
      virulent burns/wound isolate PA14, and the poorly virulent, laboratory-associated
      strain PAO1 when grown in an artificial medium that mimics the CF lung
      environment compared to growth in standard laboratory medium. Proteins elevated
      in abundance in AES-1R included those involved in methionine and S
      adenosylmethionine biosynthesis and in the synthesis of phenazines. Proteomic
      data were validated by measuring culture supernatant levels of the virulence
      factor pyocyanin, which is the final product of the phenazine pathway. AES-1R and
      PAO1 released higher extracellular levels of pyocyanin compared to PA14 when
      grown in conditions that mimic the CF lung. Proteins associated with biosynthesis
      of the iron-scavenging siderophore pyochelin (PchDEFGH and FptA) were also
      present at elevated abundance in AES-1R and at much higher levels than in PAO1,
      whereas they were reduced in PA14. These protein changes resulted phenotypically
      in increased extracellular iron acquisition potential and, specifically, elevated
      pyochelin levels in AES-1R culture supernatants as detected by chrome azurol-S
      assay and fluorometry, respectively. Transcript analysis of pyochelin genes
      (pchDFG and fptA) showed they were highly expressed during the early stage of
      growth in artificial sputum medium (18 h) but returned to basal levels following
      the establishment of microcolony growth (72 h) consistent with that observed in
      the CF lung. This provides further evidence that iron acquisition by pyochelin
      may play a role in the early stages of transmissible CF infection associated with
      AES-1R.

PMID- 22054072
TI  - Rates of upgrade of ICD recipients to CRT in clinical practice and the potential
      impact of the more liberal use of CRT at initial implant.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) recipients may
      develop indications for cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) during follow-up.
      However, the actual upgrade rate during follow-up in clinical practice is not
      known. METHODS: We performed a single center retrospective observational study of
      all new ICD implants over 5 years (2003-2007). The rate of CRT upgrade of
      patients initially implanted with a single-/dual-chamber ICD during follow-up was
      assessed. The impact of using alternative criteria on the need for CRT in ICD
      recipients at initial implant was also evaluated. RESULTS: During the study
      period, there were 549 new ICD implants. The initial implant was a single/dual
      chamber ICD in 73% (n = 399) and a CRT-D in 27% (n = 150). During follow-up (48+/
      20 months) of the 399 ICD recipients, 70 (17.5%) died and 15 (3.8%) were upgraded
      to CRT, including eight cases where left ventricular lead implant had been
      initially unsuccessful. Upgrade rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were 0.03%, 2.4%, and
      5.1%, respectively. Using alternative CRT criteria (left ventricular ejection
      fraction [LVEF]<=30%, QRS >=130 ms, New York Heart Association I-IV) 42.6% (n =
      234) of ICD recipients met criteria for CRT at initial implant. CONCLUSION: In
      this retrospective single center study, rates of CRT upgrade in ICD recipients
      over the medium term were low, which may reflect underuse in otherwise
      appropriate candidates. The more liberal use of CRT at initial implant in
      patients with a reduced LVEF, a broad QRS, but only mild heart failure symptoms
      would require approximately 50% increase in CRT use in ICD recipients at initial
      implant, and may help address some of the suggested underutilization.

PMID- 22054073
TI  - Time trend analysis of mastoidectomy procedures performed in Ontario, 1987-2007.
AB  - CONCLUSIONS: There has been a reduction in the number of modified radical
      mastoidectomy and revision mastoidectomy surgeries per head of population in
      Ontario between 1987 and 2007, we believe that this represents a true reduction
      in prevalence of cholesteatoma. The increase of cases performed at the University
      Hospital Network, Toronto (UHN) may represent a shift to subspecialization in the
      treatment of chronic ear disease. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the trends in mastoid
      operations for chronic middle ear disease in the Canadian province of Ontario
      between 1987 and 2007 and to determine whether an increasing proportion of these
      procedures are being performed in tertiary referral centres. METHODS: The year on
      year population and number of mastoid procedures performed per year in Ontario
      and at the UHN between 1987 and 2007 were obtained from Statistics Canada and the
      Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care, Ontario, respectively. Population-adjusted
      rates of mastoid surgery for Ontario and the UHN. These data were collated and
      graphically represented for trend analysis. RESULTS: The population-adjusted
      number of mastoid procedures for Ontario declined from 7.1 cases per 100,000 in
      1986 to 4.1 cases per 100,000 in 2006. During this time the number of both
      modified radical mastoidectomies and revision mastoid surgeries at UHN increased.

PMID- 22054075
TI  - HSQC-1,1-ADEQUATE and HSQC-1,n-ADEQUATE: enhanced methods for establishing
      adjacent and long-range 13C-13C connectivity networks.
AB  - 1H-13C GHSQC and GHMBC spectra are irrefutably among the most valuable 2D NMR
      experiments for the establishment of unknown chemical structures. However, the
      indeterminate nature of the length of the long-range coupling(s) observed via the
      (n)J(CH)-optimized delay of the GHMBC experiment can complicate the
      interpretation of the data when dealing with novel chemical structures. A priori
      there is no way to differentiate 2J(CH) from (n)J(CH) correlations, where n >= 3.
      Access to high-field spectrometers with cryogenic NMR probes brings 1,1- and 1,n
      ADEQUATE experiments into range for modest samples. Subjecting ADEQUATE spectra
      to covariance processing with high sensitivity experiments such as multiplicity
      edited GHSQC affords a diagonally symmetric 13C-13C correlation spectrum in which
      correlation data are observed with the apparent sensitivity of the GHSQC
      spectrum. HSQC-1,1-ADEQUATE covariance spectra derived by co-processing of GHSQC
      and 1,1-ADEQUATE spectra allow the carbon skeleton of molecules to be
      conveniently traced. HSQC-1,n-ADEQUATE spectra provide enhanced access to
      correlations equivalent to 4J(CH) correlations in a GHMBC spectrum. When these
      data are used to supplement GHMBC data, a powerfully synergistic set of
      heteronuclear correlations are available. The methods discussed are illustrated
      using retrorsine (1) as a model compound.

PMID- 22054074
TI  - TO901317 regulating apolipoprotein M expression mediates via the farnesoid X
      receptor pathway in Caco-2 cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Apolipoprotein M (apoM) may have potential antiatherosclerotic
      properties. It has been reported that apoM expression could be regulated by many
      intracellar and extracellar factors. In the present study we further investigated
      regulation of apoM expression in Caco-2 cells stimulated by a liver X receptor
      (LXR) agonist, TO901317. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Caco-2 cells were cultured in the
      presence of either TO901317, farnesoid X receptor (FXR) antagonist guggulsterone
      or TO901317 together with guggulsterone at different concentrations for 24 hrs.
      The mRNA levels of ATP-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1), apoA1, apoM,
      liver receptor homologue-1 (LRH-1) and short heterodimer partner 1 (SHP1) were
      determined by real-time RT-PCR. RESULTS: When Caco-2 cell cultured with TO901317
      alone, the mRNA levels of ABCA1, apoA1, apoM, LRH-1 and SHP1 were significantly
      increased with dose-dependent manners (p < 0.05), whereas when the cells cultured
      with guggulsterone alone, the mRNA levels of apoM, SHP1 and LRH-1 (p < 0.05) were
      strongly inhibited. Moreover, guggulsterone could abolish the TO901317 enhanced
      mRNA levels of apoA1 apoM, SHP1 and LRH-1. CONCLUSION: The present study
      demonstrated that LXR agonist TO901317 induced apoM expression in Caco-2 cells
      might be mediated via the LXR/FXR pathway.

PMID- 22054076
TI  - Palladium-catalyzed C-C bond formation of arylhydrazines with olefins via carbon
      nitrogen bond cleavage.
AB  - The unactivated carbon-nitrogen bond of various aryl hydrazines was cleaved under
      very mild conditions by Pd(0) with the assistance of Pd(II). The in situ
      generated aryl palladium complex readily takes part in the C-C bond formation
      with olefins. This study offered a new mode of C-Pd bond formation, which will
      spur the development of palladium-catalyzed cross-coupling in the future.

PMID- 22054080
TI  - Multidimensional Raman spectroscopic signatures as a tool for forensic
      identification of body fluid traces: a review.
AB  - The analysis of body fluid traces during forensic investigations is a critical
      step in determining the key details of a crime. Several confirmatory and
      presumptive biochemical  tests are currently utilized. However, these tests are
      all destructive, and no single method can be used to analyze all body fluids.
      This review outlines recent progress in the development of a novel universal
      approach for the nondestructive, confirmatory identification of body fluid traces
      using Raman spectroscopy. The method is based on the use of multidimensional
      spectroscopic signatures of body fluids and accounts for the intrinsic
      heterogeneity of dry traces and donor variation. The results presented here
      demonstrate that Raman spectroscopy has potential for identifying  traces of
      semen, blood, saliva, sweat, and vaginal fluid with high confidence.

PMID- 22054077
TI  - HIV-1 predisposed to acquiring resistance to maraviroc (MVC) and other CCR5
      antagonists in vitro has an inherent, low-level ability to utilize MVC-bound CCR5
      for entry.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Maraviroc (MVC) and other CCR5 antagonists are HIV-1 entry inhibitors
      that bind to- and alter the conformation of CCR5, such that CCR5 is no longer
      recognized by the viral gp120 envelope (Env) glycoproteins. Resistance to CCR5
      antagonists results from HIV-1 Env acquiring the ability to utilize the drug
      bound conformation of CCR5. Selecting for HIV-1 resistance to CCR5-antagonists in
      vitro is relatively difficult. However, the CCR5-using CC1/85 strain appears to
      be uniquely predisposed to acquiring resistance to several CCR5 antagonists in
      vitro including MVC, vicriviroc and AD101. FINDINGS: Here, we show that Env
      derived from the parental CC1/85 strain is inherently capable of a low affinity
      interaction with MVC-bound CCR5. However, this phenotype was only revealed in 293
      Affinofile cells and NP2-CD4/CCR5 cells that express very high levels of CCR5,
      and was masked in TZM-bl, JC53 and U87-CD4/CCR5 cells as well as PBMC, which
      express comparatively lower levels of CCR5 and which are more commonly used to
      detect resistance to CCR5 antagonists. CONCLUSIONS: Env derived from the CC1/85
      strain of HIV-1 is inherently capable of a low-affinity interaction with MVC
      bound CCR5, which helps explain the relative ease in which CC1/85 can acquire
      resistance to CCR5 antagonists in vitro. The detection of similar phenotypes in
      patients may identify those who could be at higher risk of virological failure on
      MVC.

PMID- 22054081
TI  - High-pressure total internal reflection fluorescence apparatus.
AB  - Important interfacial processes in disciplines ranging from medicine to the
      separations sciences occur over a wide range of pressures, temperatures, and time
      scales. In this paper we report a new high-pressure total internal reflection
      fluorescence (HP-TIRF) apparatus that allows rapid  fluorescence measurements of
      sub-monolayers in contact with liquids and supercritical fluids between 293 K and
      353 K and up to 250 bar with picosecond time resolution. We use the HP-TIRF
      system to study the in-plane rotational reorientation dynamics of the fluorescent
      probe BODIPY 494/503  (C(2v) symmetry) covalently attached to silica surfaces
      that have been silanized with n-propyltrimethoxysilane (C(3)-TMOS) or 3,3,3
      trifluoropropyltrimethoxysilane (CF(3)-TMOS) when the interface is subjected to
      pure supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO(2)).  The in-plane BODIPY 494/503
      rotational reorientation dynamics are assessed by using the Debye-Stokes-Einstein
      expression. As the scCO(2) density increases the local microviscosity surrounding
      the tethered BODIPY 494/503 molecule decreases. The terminal group (CH(3)  versus
      CF(3)) within the silane monolayer governs the onset and absolute magnitude of
      the observed viscosity changes. The results are explained in terms of the
      wellknown solubility of fluorine-containing species in scCO(2).

PMID- 22054082
TI  - Fluorescence excitation-emission matrix (EEM) spectroscopy for rapid
      identification and quality evaluation of cell culture media components.
AB  - The application of fluorescence excitation-emission matrix (EEM) spectroscopy to
      the quantitative analysis of complex, aqueous solutions of cell culture media
      components was investigated. These components, yeastolate, phytone, recombinant
      human insulin, eRDF basal medium, and  four different chemically defined (CD)
      media, are used for the formulation of basal and feed media employed in the
      production of recombinant proteins using a Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell based
      process. The comprehensive analysis (either identification or quality assessment)
      of these materials  using chromatographic methods is time consuming and expensive
      and is not suitable for high-throughput quality control. The use of EEM in
      conjunction with multiway chemometric methods provided a rapid, nondestructive
      analytical method suitable for the screening of large numbers of samples.  Here
      we used multiway robust principal component analysis (MROBPCA) in conjunction
      with n-way partial least squares discriminant analysis (NPLS-DA) to develop a
      robust routine for both the identification and quality evaluation of these
      important cell culture materials. These methods are applicable  to a wide range
      of complex mixtures because they do not rely on any predetermined compositional
      or property information, thus making them potentially very useful for sample
      handling, tracking, and quality assessment in biopharmaceutical industries.

PMID- 22054083
TI  - Interaction of bisphenol A with bovine hemoglobin using spectroscopic and
      molecular modeling methods.
AB  - The interaction of bisphenol A with bovine hemoglobin (BHb) under physiological
      conditions was investigated by using fluorescence, ultraviolet-visible (UV-Vis)
      absorption, circular dichroism (CD), and molecular modeling. The experimental
      results showed that BPA can bind with BHb  to form a complex. The binding
      constant Ka and the number of binding sites n were calculated to be 1.49 * 10(5)
      L mol(-1) and 1, respectively. Molecular modeling study revealed that BPA bound
      into BHb central cavity, and the binding mode of BPA-BHb  complex could be
      hydrogen bonding. The UV-Vis absorption and CD spectra indicated that the
      secondary structure of BHb was altered, which may affect physiological functions
      of hemoglobin. This work is helpful for clarifying the molecular toxic mechanism
      of BPA in vivo.

PMID- 22054084
TI  - Sum frequency generation microscopy study of cellulose fibers.
AB  - Sum frequency generation (SFG) microscopy images of cotton cellulose fibers were
      observed at the infrared wavenumber of ~ 2945 cm(-1) and with a spatial
      resolution of 2 MUm. Domains of different cellulose microfibril bunches were
      observed and they showed different second-order nonlinear responses. The
      intensity of the peak of the asymmetric CH(2) stretching mode at 2945 cm(-1)
      depended strongly on the orientation of the electric fields of the incident
      visible and infrared light with respect to the cellulose fiber axis. The second
      order nonlinear susceptibility arising from the chirality in the cellulose
      structure was found to be dominant. The SFG of the cross section of the cellulose
      fiber was relatively weak and showed a different spectrum from that measured from
      the side of the fiber axis.

PMID- 22054085
TI  - A compact diode laser cavity ring-down spectrometer for atmospheric measurements
      of NO3 and N2O5 with automated zeroing and calibration.
AB  - A compact rack-mounted cavity ring-down spectrometer (CRDS) for simultaneous
      measurements of the nocturnal nitrogen oxides NO(3) and N(2)O(5) in ambient air
      is described. The instrument uses a red diode laser to quantify mixing ratios of
      NO(3) (at  its absorption maximum at 662 nm) and of N(2)O(5) following its
      thermal dissociation to NO(3) in a second detection channel. The spectrometer is
      equipped with an automated zeroing and calibration setup to determine effective
      NO(3) absorption cross-sections  and NO(3) and N(2)O(5) inlet transmission
      efficiencies. The instrument response was calibrated using simultaneous
      measurements of NO(2), generated by thermal dissociation of N(2)O(5) and/or by
      titration of NO(3) with excess NO,  using blue diode laser CRDS at 405 nm. When
      measuring ambient air, the (2sigma, 10 s) precision of the red diode CRDS varied
      between 5 and 8 parts-per-trillion by volume (pptv), which sufficed to quantify
      N(2)O(5) concentrations under moderately polluted conditions. Sample  N(2)O(5)
      measurements made on a rooftop on the University of Calgary campus in August 2010
      are presented. A maximum N(2)O(5) mixing ratio of 130 pptv was observed,
      corresponding to a steady-state lifetime of less than 50 min. The NO(3) mixing
      ratios  were below the detection limit, consistent with their predicted values
      based on equilibrium calculations. During the measurement period, the instrument
      response for N(2)O(5) was 70% of the theoretical maximum, rationalized by a
      slight mismatch of the laser diode output with  the NO(3) absorption line and a
      N(2)O(5) inlet transmission efficiency less than unity. Advantages and
      limitations of the instrument's compact design are discussed.

PMID- 22054086
TI  - Near-infrared hollow waveguide gas sensors.
AB  - The development of a hollow core waveguide (HWG) gas sensor in combination with a
      fast and compact near-infrared (NIR) spectrometer is presented. The spectrometer
      operates in the spectral range of 1200-1400 nm and may thus be applied for the
      detection of gas-phase analytes providing  NIR absorptions in that spectral
      window such as, e.g., methane. Since mid-infrared spectroscopy in combination
      with HWGs has already been successfully demonstrated for probing hydrocarbons in
      the gas phase, the present study investigates the achievable sensitivity in the
      NIR spectral regime.  Methane has been selected as an exemplary analyte due to
      the fact that it shows strong absorption features in the mid-infrared (mid-IR)
      fingerprint area, but also overtone bands in the NIR. Since the HWG
      simultaneously serves as a miniaturized absorption gas cell and as an optical
      waveguide  for NIR radiation, a compact yet optical and cost-efficient sensor
      device was established providing an interesting alternative in target sensing for
      mid-IR devices. The achieved limit of detection (LOD) was 5.7% (vol./vol.)
      methane for a 9.5 cm long HWG, 1.6% (vol./vol.) methane for a 39.1  cm long HWG,
      and 1.3% (vol./vol.) methane for a setup using a 77.4 cm long HWG, which provides
      the most practical HWG dimensions among the three investigated setups. Limit of
      quantitation (LOQ) values were calculated at 20.1% (vol./vol.) methane, 8.7%
      (vol./vol.) methane, and 5.6% (vol./vol.)  methane, respectively.

PMID- 22054087
TI  - Sensitivity enhancement in near-field photothermal-lens detection in capillary
      electrophoresis using laser-induced online precipitation.
AB  - This paper reports simultaneous photoinduced precipitation-based online
      preconcentration of target analytes at the inner walls in capillary zone
      electrophoresis (CZE) and surface-enhanced near-field crossed-beam photothermal
      lens detection of the preconcentrated analytes. A simple technique using online
      readjustment of the optical scheme of the thermal-lens detector in the course of
      the separation for gaining optimum sensitivity for both water-soluble and
      precipitated analytes is proposed. It provides a considerable decrease in the
      limits of detection (LOD) with good concordance with the previously developed
      theoretical approach to this combination (D. A. Nedosekin, W. Faubel, M. A.
      Proskurnin, and U. Pyell, Talanta, 78, 682-690 (2009)). As a result, an
      enhancement of more than an order of magnitude in the limit of detection of the
      photoactive 4-aminoazobenzene compared to conventional thermal-lens detection in
      CZE is achieved while retaining very good sensitivity for unabsorbed analyte
      (Mordant Yellow 7). The application of the thermal-lens detector to the
      investigation of laser-induced reactions in flow in capillaries is discussed.

PMID- 22054088
TI  - Identification of inorganic pigments used in porcelain cards based on fusing
      Raman and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) data.
AB  - Raman spectroscopy and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy are often used as
      complementary techniques that are well suited for the analysis of art objects
      because both techniques are fast, sensitive, and noninvasive and measurements can
      take place in situ. In most of these studies,  both techniques are used
      separately, in the sense that the spectra are evaluated independently and single
      conclusions are obtained, considering both results. This paper presents a data
      fusion procedure for Raman and XRF data for the characterization of pigments used
      in porcelain cards. For  the classification of the analyzed points of the
      porcelain cards principal component analysis (PCA) was used. A first attempt was
      made to develop a new procedure for the identification of the pigments using a
      database containing the fused Raman-XRF data of 24 reference pigments. The 
      results show that the classification based on the fused Raman-XRF data is
      significantly better than the classifications based on the Raman data or the XRF
      data separately.

PMID- 22054089
TI  - Characterizing the structure of pharmaceutical granules obtained by wet
      granulation with varying amounts of water via Raman chemical imaging.
AB  - A pharmaceutical formulation containing metformin hydrochloride (MET),
      hydroxypropyl cellulose (HPC), and microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) was wet
      granulated with varying amounts of water and the structure of the obtained
      granules was characterized by Raman chemical mapping. Univariate  Raman mapping
      was found to be satisfactory for producing the images of the two components of
      interest (HPC and MCC). In addition to the images, the average Raman spectra from
      the maps as well as the micro-Raman spectra from the hot pixels were analyzed.
      HPC is found to strongly respond to  the addition of water, with its domain
      dissipating and Raman bands becoming weaker as the water addition increases. MCC
      is also responsive to water, reacting similarly to HPC but to a much smaller
      extent and only for the largest amounts of water. Granules made with increasing
      water content  also have improved tabletting properties and flow.

PMID- 22054090
TI  - An improved algorithm to remove cosmic spikes in Raman spectra for online
      monitoring.
AB  - Raman spectral analysis integrated with multivariate calibration is a fast and
      effective solution to monitor chemical product properties. However, Raman
      instruments utilizing charge-coupled device (CCD) detectors suffer from
      occasional spikes caused by cosmic rays. Cosmic spikes can  disturb or even
      destroy the meaningful chemical information expressed by normal Raman spectra. In
      online monitoring, some cosmic spikes have intensity and bandwidth similar to
      normal Raman peaks of chemical components when a low resolution and cost
      effective Raman instrument is used. Moreover,  the online Raman spectra always
      contain variations of strong Raman peaks and fluorescence. Current spike-removal
      methods seem to have difficulty detecting and recovering cosmic spikes in these
      online Raman spectra. Therefore, an improved algorithm is proposed. In this
      algorithm, a new scheme  composed of intensity identification and local moving
      window correlation analysis is introduced for cosmic spike detection; intensity
      identification based on derivative spectra and local linear fitting approximation
      are used for the recovery of cosmic spikes. The algorithm is proved to be  simple
      and effective and has been applied in an online Raman instrument installed at a
      continuous catalytic reforming unit in a refinery.

PMID- 22054091
TI  - Temperature effects on the optical path length of infrared liquid transmission
      cells.
AB  - Infrared (IR) spectroscopy is widely used for studies of temperature-dependent
      properties of liquids and solutions, such as thermal denaturation of proteins and
      other molecules of biological interest. The variation of the spectroscopic
      signals with temperature can be affected by the  changes in the optical path
      length due to the thermal expansion of the components of the sample cell. In this
      report we investigate the temperature dependence of the optical path length for a
      liquid IR sample cell of a design typical for aqueous solution experiments. The
      path lengths were  measured from the interference fringes, both in dry cells and
      with cells partially filled with water. We found that the optical path length
      variations are significant, on the order of several percent within the
      temperature range used (0-87  degrees C). Several commercially available spacers 
      (Teflon, mylar, and lead) and gaskets (Teflon, lead, silicone rubber, Viton, and
      neoprene) were tested to find materials with either the smallest or most
      reproducible effect. Teflon, due to its phase transition (known as the "knee
      point") near room temperature, leads to abrupt  changes in path length when used
      as either spacer or gasket component. On the other hand, Teflon is preferred for
      its inertness, while several of the other tested materials, most notably lead,
      are not practically usable due to adhesion to the cell windows upon heating and
      contact with the  aqueous sample. The combination that yielded the most
      reproducible results, with minimal complications due to adhesion, was Teflon
      spacer with neoprene gaskets. The implications of the optical path length changes
      for the temperature-dependent IR experiments and their possible corrections are 
      discussed.

PMID- 22054092
TI  - Effect of sample thickness on the extracted near-infrared bulk optical properties
      of Bacillus subtilis in liquid culture.
AB  - In order to determine the bulk optical properties of a Bacillus subtilis culture
      during growth phase we investigated the effect of sample thickness on
      measurements taken with different measurement configurations, namely total
      diffuse reflectance and total diffuse transmittance. The  bulk optical properties
      were extracted by inverting the measurements using the radiative transfer theory.
      While the relationship between reflectance and biomass changes with sample
      thickness and the intensity (absorbance) levels vary significantly for both
      reflectance and transmittance measurements,  the extracted optical properties
      show consistent behavior in terms of both the relationship with biomass and
      magnitude. This observation indicates the potential of bulk optical properties
      for building models that could be more easily transferable compared to those
      built using raw measurements.

PMID- 22054093
TI  - Laser phosphoroscope and applications to room-temperature phosphorescence.
AB  - A simple phosphoroscope with no moving parts is described. In one scan the total
      luminescence, the long-lived phosphorescence, and the short-lived fluorescence
      can be determined. A 50% duty cycle excitation from a diode laser is used to
      excite the sample, and from the digitized waveform  the phosphorescence is
      extracted from the off period, the total emission from the full cycle, and the
      fluorescence from the on period corrected for the phosphorescence contribution.
      The performance of the system is demonstrated using room-temperature
      phosphorescence of organic dyes in boric  acid glasses, a multi-emissive boron
      polymer dye, and a europium chelate.

PMID- 22054095
TI  - Early events in the photochemistry of 1,2,3-thiadiazole studied by ultrafast time
      resolved UV-vis and IR spectroscopies.
AB  - Photochemistry of 4-methyl-5-carboethoxy-1,2,3-thiadiazole (MCT) in solution was
      studied at room temperature using UV-vis and IR transient absorption
      spectroscopies (lambda(ex) = 266 nm). Three deactivation pathways are discussed:
      thiirene formation, thioketene generation, and the internal conversion by
      repopulating MCT in the ground state. Ultrafast techniques show a very fast rise
      (<0.4 ps) of thiirene species in acetonitrile, possibly as a result of a
      rearrangement in the singlet excited state of MCT in concert with molecular
      nitrogen extrusion. The remarkable stability of thiirene in solution on a
      millisecond time scale is limited by the process of dimerization (thiirene
      thiirene, thiirene-thioketene). NMR analysis permitted identification of stable
      photoproducts as 1,3-dithietane, 1,3-dithiole, and thiophene derivatives.

PMID- 22054094
TI  - Differential pattern of glycogen accumulation after protein phosphatase 1
      glycogen-targeting subunit PPP1R6 overexpression, compared to PPP1R3C and
      PPP1R3A, in skeletal muscle cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: PPP1R6 is a protein phosphatase 1 glycogen-targeting subunit (PP1
      GTS) abundant in skeletal muscle with an undefined metabolic control role. Here
      PPP1R6 effects on myotube glycogen metabolism, particle size and subcellular
      distribution are examined and compared with PPP1R3C/PTG and PPP1R3A/G(M).
      RESULTS: PPP1R6 overexpression activates glycogen synthase (GS), reduces its
      phosphorylation at Ser-641/0 and increases the extracted and cytochemically
      stained glycogen content, less than PTG but more than G(M). PPP1R6 does not
      change glycogen phosphorylase activity. All tested PP1-GTS-cells have more
      glycogen particles than controls as found by electron microscopy of myotube
      sections. Glycogen particle size is distributed for all cell-types in a
      continuous range, but PPP1R6 forms smaller particles (mean diameter 14.4 nm) than
      PTG (36.9 nm) and G(M) (28.3 nm) or those in control cells (29.2 nm). Both PPP1R6
      and G(M)-derived glycogen particles are in cytosol associated with cellular
      structures; PTG-derived glycogen is found in membrane- and organelle-devoid
      cytosolic glycogen-rich areas; and glycogen particles are dispersed in the
      cytosol in control cells. A tagged PPP1R6 protein at the C-terminus with EGFP
      shows a diffuse cytosol pattern in glucose-replete and -depleted cells and a
      punctuate pattern surrounding the nucleus in glucose-depleted cells, which
      colocates with RFP tagged with the Golgi targeting domain of beta-1,4
      galactosyltransferase, according to a computational prediction for PPP1R6 Golgi
      location. CONCLUSIONS: PPP1R6 exerts a powerful glycogenic effect in cultured
      muscle cells, more than G(M) and less than PTG. PPP1R6 protein translocates from
      a Golgi to cytosolic location in response to glucose. The molecular size and
      subcellular location of myotube glycogen particles is determined by the PPP1R6,
      PTG and G(M) scaffolding.

PMID- 22054096
TI  - One-stage laparoscopic-assisted resection of gastrojejunocolic fistula after
      gastrojejunostomy for duodenal ulcer: a case report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Gastrojejunocolic fistula is a rare condition after
      gastrojejunostomy. It was thought to be a late complication related to stomal
      ulcers as a result of inadequate gastrectomy or incomplete vagotomy. We report a
      case of gastrojejunocolic fistula after gastrojejunostomy for peptic ulcer
      treated with one-stage laparoscopic resection. CASE PRESENTATION: A 41-year-old
      Japanese man complained of diarrhea for 10 months, as well as severe weight loss
      and weakness. After admission, we immediately started intravenous
      hyperalimentation. On performing colonoscopy and barium swallow,
      gastrojejunocolic fistula was observed close to the gastrojejunostomy site
      leading to the transverse colon. After our patient's nutritional status had
      improved, one-stage surgical intervention was performed laparoscopically. After
      the operation, our patient recovered uneventfully and his body weight increased
      by 5 kg within three months. CONCLUSIONS: Modern management of gastrojejunocolic
      fistula is a one-stage resection because of the possibility of early recovery
      from malnutrition using parenteral nutritional methods. Today, laparoscopic one
      stage en bloc resection may be feasible for patients with gastrojejunocolic
      fistula due to the development of laparoscopic instruments and procedures. We
      describe the first case of gastrojejunocolic fistula treated laparoscopically by
      one-stage resection and review the literature.

PMID- 22054097
TI  - Dual-frequency electrowetting: application to drop evaporation gauging within a
      digital microsystem.
AB  - This paper addresses a method to estimate the size of a sessile drop and to
      measure its evaporation kinetics by making use of both Michelson interferometry
      and coplanar electrowetting. From a high-frequency electrowetting voltage, the
      contact angle of the sessile droplet is monitored to permanently obtain a half
      liquid sphere, thus complying perfectly with the drop evaporation theory based on
      a constant contact angle (Bexon, R.; Picknett, R. J. Colloid Interface Sci. 1977,
      61, 336-350). Low-frequency modulation of the electrowetting actuation is also
      applied to cause droplet shape oscillations and capillary resonance.
      Interferometry allows us to measure a time-dependent capillary spectrum and, in
      particular, the shift in natural frequencies induced by drop evaporation.
      Consequently, diffusive kinetics of drop evaporation can be properly estimated,
      as demonstrated. Because of coplanar electrode configuration, our methodology can
      be integrated in open and covered microsystems, such as digital lab-on-a-chip
      devices.

PMID- 22054098
TI  - Salmonella-mediated tumor-targeting TRAIL gene therapy significantly suppresses
      melanoma growth in mouse model.
AB  - Attenuated Salmonella typhimurium (S. typhimurium) strains can selectively grow
      and express exogenous genes in tumors for targeted therapy. We engineered S.
      typhimurium strain VNP20009 to secrete tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis
      inducing ligand (TRAIL) under the control of a hypoxia-induced nirB promoter and
      examined the efficacy of Salmonella-mediated targeted expression of TRAIL in mice
      bearing melanoma tumor and in TRAIL-resistant RM-1 tumor. We found that VNP
      preferentially accumulated in tumor tissues and the nirB promoter effectively
      drove targeted expression of TRAIL. Compared with recombinant TRAIL protein and
      VNP20009 combination therapy, VNP20009 expressing TRAIL significantly suppressed
      melanoma growth but failed to suppress RM-1 tumor growth. Furthermore, we
      confirmed that VNP20009 expressing TRAIL yielded its antitumor effect by inducing
      melanoma apoptosis. Our findings indicate that Salmonella-mediated tumor-targeted
      therapy with TRAIL could reduce tumor growth and extend host survival.

PMID- 22054099
TI  - Determination of cytochrome P450 enzymes involved in the metabolism of (-)
      terpinen-4-ol by human liver microsomes.
AB  - The in vitro metabolism of (-)-terpinen-4-ol was examined in human liver
      microsomes and recombinant enzymes. The biotransformation of (-)-terpinen-4-ol
      was investigated by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. (-)-Terpinen-4-ol was
      found to be oxidized to (-)-(1S,2R,4R)-1,2-epoxy-p-menthan-4-ol, major metabolic
      product by human liver microsomal P450 enzymes. The formation of metabolites of (
      )-terpinen-4-ol was determined by relative abundance of mass fragments and
      retention times on GC. CYP2A6 in human liver microsomes was a major enzyme
      involved in the oxidation of (-)-terpinen-4-ol by human liver microsomes, based
      on the following lines of evidence. First, of 11 recombinant human P450 enzymes
      tested, CYP2A6 had the highest activity for oxidation of (-)-terpinen-4-ol.
      Second, oxidation of (-)-terpinen-4-ol was inhibited by (+)-menthofuran. Finally,
      there was a good correlation between CYP2A6 maker activity and (-)-terpinen-4-ol
      oxidation activities in liver microsomes of 10 human samples. Kinetic analysis
      showed that the V(max)/K(m) values for (-)-(1S,2R,4R)-1,2-epoxy-p-menthan-4-ol
      catalysed by liver microsomes of human sample HH-18 was 2.49 MUL/min/nmol. Human
      recombinant CYP2A6 catalysed (-)-(1S,2R,4R)-1,2-epoxy-p-menthan-4-ol with V(max)
      values of 13.9 nmol/min/nmol P450 and apparent K(m) values of 91 MUM.

PMID- 22054101
TI  - Potential Co-prevalence of Plasmid-Mediated Quinolone Resistance Determinant qepA
      and 16S rRNA Methylase rmtB among E.coli Clinical Isolates from Alexandria-
      Egypt.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fluoroquinolone-resistant Gram-negative pathogens have been
      increasingly reported from most regions of the world over the last decade. A new
      plasmid-mediated fluoroquinolone efflux pump gene (qepA) is known to be
      associated with the 16S rRNA methylase gene (rmtB) that confers resistance to
      aminoglycosides. AIM: To investigate the potential co-prevalence of qepA and rmtB
      genes in Escherichia coli (E. coli) clinical isolates collected from Egyptian
      medical facilities. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 225 non-duplicate E. coli
      isolates were collected between 2008 and 2009 from two hospitals in Alexandria.
      Isolates were initially tested for their antibiotic susceptibility by disc
      diffusion method. Isolates exhibited quinolone and aminoglycosides co-resistance
      profile were screened for the presence of qepA and rmtB genes. The effect of
      efflux pump inhibitor, phenylarginine-beta-naphthylamide (PAbetaN) on the minimum
      inhibitory concentration (MIC) of ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin and gentamicin
      against these strains was tested and log activity index was calculated. Using
      checkerboard titration method, the combinations of gentamicin with ciprofloxacin
      against the strains harboring qepA and rmtB genes were tested and the fractional
      inhibitory concentrations (FIC) were calculated. RESULTS: Forty-five E. coli
      isolates exhibited quinolone and aminoglycosides co-resistance profile. Of them,
      two E. coli isolates were positive for qepA, and three harbored rmtB genes. No
      association between both genes was detected. The calculated log activity index
      revealed a reduction in MIC of the fluoroquinolones with PAbetaN but not of
      gentamicin. FIC calculated here for gentamicin/ciprofloxacin combinations
      reflected either antagonism or indifference against the strains harboring qepA
      and rmtB genes. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS: qepA as well as rmtB genes
      carrying E. coli strains could become a greater nosocomial infection problem with
      appropriate foci of selective pressure. Therefore, public health support for
      active surveillance for plasmid mediated fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides
      resistance determinants among clinical E. coli isolates should be encouraged. In
      addition, the effect of efflux pumps needs to be considered in the design of
      future antibiotics as their synergistic role may pave the way to novel
      combination therapies that could be used against these strains.

PMID- 22054102
TI  - Comparative study on efficacy of different alcohol hand rubs and routine hand
      wash in a health-care setting, alexandria, egypt.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Antiseptic agents or plain soap and water are mainly used for hand
      hygiene in Egypt. The impact of hand hygiene depends not only on the regularity
      and thoroughness of the procedures used but also on the type of hand-washing
      agent selected. OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy of alcohol-based hand rubs
      versus traditional hand washing with soap and water in reducing hand
      contamination during routine patient care. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study
      included 20 volunteered nurses in 3 intensive care units and the renal dialysis
      unit, in the Alexandria University Students' Hospital. A total of 200 samples
      were collected by direct finger-print of the dominant hand taken from all nurses
      before and after applying hand hygiene procedures. Three hand-rubs available in
      the Egyptian market (Brands A, B; alcohol-based liquid, and C; alcohol-based gel)
      were used and compared to a locally prepared hand-rubbing solution (D) and to
      hand washing with non-antiseptic soap and water (SW). RESULTS: Hand washing with
      non-antiseptic soap and water and all of the four used alcohol-based hand-rubs
      showed significant reduction of bacterial counts on the examined hands. The
      median percentage reductions were 99%, 94%, 77%, and 87% with brands A, B, C and
      D respectively and only 30% reduction with soap and water (x2: 23.023, p <0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: Alcohol-based hand rub is far more efficient
      than traditional hand washing, and more convenient and time saving. Locally
      prepared hand rub is comparable to readymade ones. It is recommended as a hand
      hygiene practice in critical areas, particularly when sink and running water are
      inaccessible.

PMID- 22054103
TI  - TUBEX  Test Versus Widal Test In The Diagnosis Of Typhoid Fever In Kafr El 
      Shekh, Egypt.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The value of the Widal test for the diagnosis of typhoid fever has
      been debated for as many years as it has been available. TUBEX test is a
      serological test which was stated to have the advantages of the Widal test
      without  its controversies. The aim of this study was to evaluate TUBEX test
      versus the Widal test regarding sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of
      typhoid fever in an endemic area like Kafr El -Shekh, Egypt. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Serum samples were collected from typhoid (n=91) and febrile non-typhoid
      patients (n=25) and used to evaluate the performance of both Widal and TUBEX
      tests in diagnosis of typhoid fever using IgM anti-LPS ELISA as a reference test.
      RESULTS: TUBEX test had sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive
      value and negative predictive value of 74.6%, 75%, 74.7%, 89.2% and 58%
      respectively. Widal test had higher results. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION: TUBEX
      test results are not superior to Widal test. TUBEX has a very serious shortcoming
      regarding its color scoring system. We do not recommend the use of TUBEX test for
      diagnosis of typhoid fever in Egypt as Widal test which is the test commonly used
      in diagnosis gave better performance.

PMID- 22054104
TI  - Transmission of Administered Amoxicillin Drug Residues from Laying Chicken to
      their Commercial Eggs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Antimicrobial agents in food producing animals are a very important
      public health issue. They are routinely added to animal feed at sub-therapeutic
      levels for their growth promoting properties. This practice, however, carries
      many disadvantages, such as the stimulation of microbial resistance to
      antibiotics. AIM: This study was carried out to determine administered
      Amoxicillin residues in laying chickens and in their commercial eggs, and the
      effect of cooking and storage condition on Amoxicillin residues in their eggs.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 50 terminal faeces were collected from laying
      hens in addition, a total of 215 commercial egg samples were randomly selected
      from the farm treated with Amoxicillin.  Microbiological agar diffusion method
      was used. RESULTS: the withdrawal time of Amoxicillin was 7 days. Its residues
      were detected in both egg yolks and egg whites for 6 successive days after the
      last drug administration. In addition, Amoxicillin residues remained until the
      7th day from drug administration in eggs stored at room temperature, and at 4
      degrees C. Amoxicillin residue was not affected after boiling eggs for 10
      minutes. CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS: eggs should not be distributed to
      markets until the end of the drug's withdrawal period. It is also recommended to
      observe the withdrawal period of drugs before poultry slaughter or table egg
      distribution to avoid antimicrobial resistance and to inform both owners and
      consumers about the risks of antibiotic residues in egg contents.

PMID- 22054105
TI  - Infants' fussiness on the breast; a window to salvage breastfeeding before breast
      rejection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Infants' fussiness on the breast is a common lactation problem that
      can proceed to complete breastfeeding refusal if not professionally handled. AIM
      OF WORK: To study the factors associated with infants' fussiness while
      breastfeeding and the effect of proper lactation counselling on the breastfeeding
      outcome. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: This is an interventional study conducted in the
      breastfeeding clinic of the Cairo university children's hospital. Forty-six fussy
      infants were recruited. Personal interview together with assessment of the act of
      breastfeeding were done for each mother-infant dyad. The mothers' milk letdown
      was assessed by manual expression. Intervention was done by proper lactation
      counselling, guided by the WHO/UNICEF breastfeeding counselling training course.
      RESULTS: 28 (61%) of the mothers had forceful milk letdown versus 9 (19.5%)
      having average letdown and 9 (19.5%) having inhibited letdown (p<0.01). 13
      infants were using pacifiers, which was stopped in 10 of them (p=0.01), 8 infants
      received formula and 5 mothers were smokers and all couldn't stop smoking. Upon
      counselling, 37 infants continued breastfeeding without fussiness and 9 stopped
      it (p<0.01). The greatest success was accomplished in mothers having forceful
      letdown (p=0.0001) and average letdown (p=0.01), rather than those having
      inhibited letdown (p=0.57).  19 of the 37 mothers having acceptable let down were
      presenting with perceived low milk supply and only 3 remained unconvinced
      (p<0.01). 46.2% of pacifier users, 100% of formula users and 80% of infants of
      smoker mothers quitted breastfeeding. Conclusion & Recommendations: Forceful milk
      letdown is commonly associated with fussiness on the breast with good outcome if
      properly managed. Inhibited letdown, smoking, bottle-feeding and pacifier use are
      associated with breastfeeding rejection. Low milk supply is a commonly
      "perceived" problem that should be properly assessed and handled by lactation
      consultants. Medical professionals should be oriented about the common
      breastfeeding problems, their prophylaxis and management and their role should go
      beyond just "motivating" mothers to breastfeed without practical guidance.

PMID- 22054106
TI  - Review on health effects related to mobile phones (part I: introduction and
      methodology).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to review the recent literature on the
      health effects of exposure to mobile phones. METHODS: The literature published in
      the last 10 years (2000-2010) has been reviewed. Those published in 2011 will be
      included in the updated review (part 2).  Searches were made electronically
      through various search engines and health-related databases, and manually through
      journals, reports, and conference proceedings. The references used in the
      introduction of part 1 were mainly WHO reports, textbooks, and non serial
      publications. RESULTS: Search strategies identified a total of 772 references,
      with 85 finally being included in the results for 2000-2010. Nearly all types of
      studies were included in the review (experimental in vitro, in vivo, human
      provocation studies, epidemiological studies and review articles). The reported
      effects associated with exposure to mobile phones did not show a consistent
      pattern. Studies on exposure in children were very few. CONCLUSIONS: In spite of
      the abundance of publications on the effects of mobile phones, yet, at present,
      there is no consistency in the scientific evidence regarding their adverse health
      effects. Methodological problems are mostly behind these variation. However,
      strong and consistent evidence was revealed by review studies including meta
      analysis which indicated that driving performance was significantly impacted when
      drivers were concurrently talking on a mobile phone, whether hand-held or hands
      free. Continued research is recommended to address specific areas of concern,
      including health effects in children using mobile phones, and the relation
      between long-term low-level exposure to mobile phones and cancer.

PMID- 22054108
TI  - Effects of epidural capsaicin on nociceptive threshold and neurological functions
      in rabbits.
AB  - Capsaicin, as a principle active component of Chili peppers, is popularly
      consumed by many people around the world. Whether capsaicin-induced neuropathy
      alters the function of sensory neurons is still unknown. OBJECTIVE:   The
      objectives of this study were to determine the effects of epidural capsaicin on
      nociceptive threshold and neurological functions in a rabbit model. DESIGN:   An
      intrathecal injection system was set up using a rabbit model. Rabbits were
      treated with capsaicin at doses of 0.04, 0.10, and 0.20 mg/kg once. The changes
      in neurological functions and morphology of the spinal cord and spinal nerve
      roots were determined within 24 hours. Changes in the nociceptive threshold in
      the hind limbs of the rabbits were observed for 30 days. METHODS:   Capsaicin's
      effect on the changing neurological functions was evaluated by the neurological
      functional scores. The structural changes of spinal cord and spinal nerve roots
      were observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining and transmission electron
      microscopy. The nociceptive threshold changes in the rabbits were measured by the
      responding time for pain induced by a thermostimulation. RESULTS:   The results
      showed that capsaicin reversed changes in the neurological function of rabbit
      hindlimbs. In the 0.10 and 0.20 mg/kg groups, structural abnormalities were found
      in the rabbit's spinal nerves. Capsaicin also significantly increased the pain
      threshold in rabbits when compared with the control group (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01).
      The maximum values of pain threshold were found in the 0.10 mg/kg capsaicin group
      after 3 days of capsaicin treatment. CONCLUSION:   With the exception of a
      potential toxicity, capsaicin may be a potential candidate agent for providing
      pain relief of both neuropathic and nociceptive conditions.

PMID- 22054109
TI  - Universalism, universal design and equitable access to the built environment.
AB  - PURPOSE: The concept of universal design (UD) has acquired global significance
      and become orthodoxy of what is presented as the very best of design practice.
      This is despite limited evaluation of the theoretical content of the concept.
      This article seeks to redress this shortfall in knowledge by providing a critique
      of the theoretical and conceptual components that underpin the principles of
      universal design. METHOD: Commentary. RESULTS: The content of UD appears to be
      reductive and functionalist, with an appeal to discourses of technical
      flexibility, or the notion that the problems confronting disabled people by
      poorly designed built environments may be redressed by recourse to technical and
      management solutions. UD is characterized by its advocation of the marketization
      of access as the primary means to ensure the accessibility of products, including
      the built environment. This has the potential to reduce the "right to access" to
      a right to be exercised through a market presence or transaction. There is also
      lack of clarity about what advocates of UD understand universalism to be, as
      illustrated by evidence of some ambivalence towards specialist or particular
      design solutions. CONCLUSIONS: UD provides a useful, yet partial, understanding
      of the interrelationships between disability and design that may limit how far
      inequalities of access to the built environment can be overcome.

PMID- 22054110
TI  - Early recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmias following radiofrequency catheter
      ablation of atrial fibrillation.
AB  - The use of blanking periods, the immediate period postablation during which
      transient tachyarrhythmia episodes are not considered recurrences, has been
      predicated on the assumption that not all early recurrences of atrial
      tachyarrhythmias (ERAT) will lead to later recurrences and, as such, does not
      necessarily represent treatment failure. While ERAT can be expected to occur in
      approximately 38% of patients within the first 3 months of atrial fibrillation
      (AF) ablation, only half of these patients will manifest later recurrences.
      Clinical features related to the patient's history of AF, the index ablation
      procedure, and particularities of the ERAT can help identify patients at higher
      risk of later recurrence in whom aggressive attempts to control rhythm, including
      early cardioversion and reintervention, may be justified.

PMID- 22054111
TI  - Molecular analysis of hepatitis B virus (HBV) in an HIV co-infected patient with
      reactivation of occult HBV infection following discontinuation of lamivudine
      including antiretroviral therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Occult hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (OBI) is characterized by
      HBV DNA persistence even though the pattern of serological markers indicates an
      otherwise resolved HBV infection. Although OBI is usually clinically silent,
      immunocompromised patients may experience reactivation of the liver disease. CASE
      PRESENTATION: We report the case of an individual with human immunodeficiency
      virus (HIV) infection and anti-HBV core antibody positivity, who experienced
      severe HBV reactivation after discontinuation of lamivudine-including
      antiretroviral therapy (ART). HBV sequencing analysis showed a hepatitis B
      surface antigen escape mutant whose presence in an earlier sample excluded
      reinfection. Molecular sequencing showed some differences between two isolates
      collected at a 9-year interval, indicating HBV evolution. Resumption of ART
      containing an emtricitabine/tenofovir combination allowed control of plasma HBV
      DNA, which fell to undetectable levels. CONCLUSION: This case stresses the
      ability of HBV to evolve continuously, even during occult infection, and the
      effectiveness of ART in controlling OBI reactivation in HIV-infected individuals.

PMID- 22054112
TI  - The acute effects of a pulse-containing meal on glycaemic responses and measures
      of satiety and satiation within and at a later meal.
AB  - Pulses are low glycaemic foods; however, their effect on satiation is unknown.
      The objective was to determine the effects of an ad libitum pulse meal on food
      intake (FI), appetite and blood glucose (BG) before and after a test meal (4 h
      later) and on FI at the test meal. Males (n 24, 22.8 kg/m2) received one of four
      treatments or control. The pulse treatments contained pasta and tomato sauce and
      44 % of energy from: (1) chickpeas, (2) lentils, (3) navy beans or (4) yellow
      peas. The control was pasta and tomato sauce (pasta and sauce). FI (satiation)
      was measured at the treatment meal (0-20 min) and at an ad libitum pizza meal 4 h
      later. BG and appetite were measured from 0 to 340 min. At the treatment meal,
      lentils led to lower FI compared to chickpeas and pasta and sauce, whereas navy
      beans led to lower FI compared to chickpeas. Also, lentils led to lower
      cumulative FI compared to pasta and sauce. All pulses led to lower BG peak and
      cumulative area under the curve (AUC; 0-340 min); however, only chickpeas,
      lentils and navy beans reduced pre-pizza meal BG AUC (0-260 min) relative to
      pasta and sauce. Chickpeas led to lower post-pizza meal BG AUC (260-340 min)
      compared to navy beans and yellow peas. Consumption of pulses in a high-glycaemic
      meal contributes to earlier satiation, lower BG following the meal and after a
      later meal, but these effects are specific to pulse type and cannot be explained
      by their glycaemic properties alone.

PMID- 22054115
TI  - Low 5-min Apgar score in moderately preterm infants; association with subsequent
      death and cerebral palsy: a register based Danish national study.

PMID- 22054114
TI  - Interfacial orientation and secondary structure change in tachyplesin I:
      molecular dynamics and sum frequency generation spectroscopy studies.
AB  - Recent advances in the collection and interpretation of surface-sensitive
      vibrational spectroscopic measurements have made it possible to study the
      orientation of peptides and proteins in situ in a biologically relevant
      environment. However, interpretation of sum frequency generation (SFG) and
      attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) vibrational
      spectroscopy is hindered by the fact that orientation cannot be inferred without
      some prior knowledge of the protein structure. In this work, molecular dynamics
      simulations were used to study the interfacial orientation and structural
      deformation of the short beta-sheet peptide tachyplesin I at the
      polystyrene/water interface. By combining these results with ATR-FTIR and SFG
      measurements, reasonable agreement was found with the simulation results,
      suggesting that tachyplesin I lies parallel to the surface, although the
      simulation results imply a broader distribution of peptide twist angles than
      could be characterized using available experimental measurements. The interfacial
      structure was found to be deformable even when disulfide bonds were preserved,
      and these local deviations from a purely extended beta-sheet conformation may be
      of importance to future developments in the interpretation of SFG and ATR-FTIR
      spectra.

PMID- 22054116
TI  - The pharmacology of new antiepileptic drugs: does a novel mechanism of action
      really matter?

PMID- 22054117
TI  - The hippocampus, neurotrophic factors and depression: possible implications for
      the pharmacotherapy of depression.
AB  - Depression is a prevalent, highly debilitating mental disorder affecting up to
      15% of the population at least once in their lifetime, with huge costs for
      society. Neurobiological mechanisms of depression are still not well known,
      although there is consensus about interplay between genetic and environmental
      factors. Antidepressant medications are frequently used in depression, but at
      least 50% of patients are poor responders, even to more recently discovered
      medications. Furthermore, clinical response only occurs following weeks to months
      of treatment and only chronic treatment is effective, suggesting that actions
      beyond the rapidly occurring effect of enhancing monoaminergic systems, such as
      adaptation of these systems, are responsible for the effects of antidepressants.
      Recent studies indicate that an impairment of synaptic plasticity (neurogenesis,
      axon branching, dendritogenesis and synaptogenesis) in specific areas of the CNS,
      particularly the hippocampus, may be a core factor in the pathophysiology of
      depression. The abnormal neural plasticity may be related to alterations in the
      levels of neurotrophic factors, namely brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF),
      which play a central role in plasticity. As BDNF is repressed by stress,
      epigenetic regulation of the BDNF gene may play an important role in depression.
      The hippocampus is smaller in depressed patients, although it is unclear whether
      smaller size is a consequence of depression or a pre-existing, vulnerability
      marker for depression. Environmental stressors triggering activation of the
      hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis cause the brain to be exposed to
      corticosteroids, affecting neurobehavioural functions with a strong
      downregulation of hippocampal neurogenesis, and are a major risk factor for
      depression. Antidepressant treatment increases BDNF levels, stimulates
      neurogenesis and reverses the inhibitory effects of stress, but this effect is
      evident only after 3-4 weeks of administration, the time course for maturation of
      new neurons. The ablation of hippocampal neurogenesis blocks the behavioural
      effects of antidepressants in animal models. The above findings suggest new
      possible targets for the pharmacotherapy of depression such as neurotrophic
      factors, their receptors and related intracellular signalling cascades; agents
      counteracting the effects of stress on hippocampal neurogenesis (including
      antagonists of corticosteroids, inflammatory cytokines and their receptors); and
      agents facilitating the activation of gene expression and increasing the
      transcription of neurotrophins in the brain.

PMID- 22054120
TI  - Evaluation of serum levels of chemokines during interferon-beta treatment in
      multiple sclerosis patients: a 1-year, observational cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The molecules that provide access to activated T cells in the CNS,
      including chemokines, have been considered to be a crucial step in the
      pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). AIMS: In this study, we investigated
      serial serum chemokine levels in patients with relapsing-remitting MS over 1 year
      and the association of these chemokine levels with treatment regimens, lesions on
      MRI and patients' characteristics. METHODS: Serum CXCL9, CXCL10, CCL2, CCL4 and
      CCL5 levels were evaluated using ELISA every 2 months for a year in 28 healthy
      controls and 28 MS patients during their treatment with interferon (IFN)-beta.
      Patients underwent MRI and were evaluated using the Expanded Disability Status
      Scale (EDSS) at the first and final evaluations. RESULTS: CXCL10 serum levels
      were higher in MS patients compared with controls, were positively correlated
      with T2 lesions on MRI and were slightly increased during relapses. Treatment
      with IFNbeta-1a or IFNbeta-1b was associated with increased CXCL10 levels when
      evaluated more than 36 hours after subcutaneous injection. The CXCL9 levels were
      higher after MS relapse. There was significant variability in CCL4 and CCL5
      levels in the serial evaluations, associated with gender and treatment. CCL2
      levels were higher in treated MS patients than healthy controls, particularly
      among those patients with a stable form of the disease. CONCLUSION: Serum is a
      feasible resource for searching for an immunological marker in MS. Peripheral
      chemokine levels correlated in different ways with IFNbeta therapy and with
      disease and patient characteristics. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER:
      ISRCTN45526724.

PMID- 22054121
TI  - Needle-free subcutaneous sumatriptan: in the acute treatment of migraine attacks
      or cluster headache episodes.
AB  - A needle-free device for delivering a 6 mg fixed dose of sumatriptan into
      subcutaneous tissues has been developed and approved for the acute treatment of
      migraine and cluster headache in the US and some EU countries. In a pivotal
      registration study in healthy adult volunteers, a single dose of needle-free
      subcutaneous sumatriptan 6 mg demonstrated bioequivalence to a single dose of
      traditional, needle-based subcutaneous sumatriptan 6 mg when delivered into the
      abdomen or the thigh, but not the arm. In a noncomparative, multicentre, phase IV
      study, the administration of (one or two doses of) needle-free subcutaneous
      sumatriptan 6 mg consistently provided rapid and sustained relief from migraine
      pain and associated symptoms during the treatment of up to four migraine attacks
      over a period of up to 60 days among current triptan users. Moreover, the use of
      needle-free subcutaneous sumatriptan was associated with a significant
      improvement in treatment satisfaction in these patients who were less than 'very
      satisfied' with their usual symptomatic therapy. Needle-free subcutaneous
      sumatriptan was generally well tolerated in the phase IV study. Although the
      overall adverse event profile of the needle-free delivery system was similar to
      that previously reported for the needle-based delivery system, it was associated
      with a numerically higher incidence of administration/injection-site reactions in
      clinical trials that enrolled healthy adult volunteers.

PMID- 22054119
TI  - Pharmacogenetics of response to antipsychotics in patients with schizophrenia.
AB  - This review presents the findings of pharmacogenetic studies exploring the
      influence of gene variants on antipsychotic treatment response, in terms of both
      symptom improvement and adverse effects, in patients with schizophrenia. Despite
      numerous studies in the field, replicating findings across different cohorts that
      include subjects of different ethnic groups has been challenging. It is clear
      that non-genetic factors have an important contribution to antipsychotic
      treatment response. Differing clinical, demographic and environmental
      characteristics of the cohorts studied have added substantial complexity to the
      interpretation of the positive and negative findings of many studies.
      Pharmacogenomic genome-wide investigations are beginning to yield interesting
      data although they have failed to replicate the most robust findings of candidate
      gene studies, and are limited by the sample size, especially given the need for
      studying homogeneous cohorts. Most of the studies conducted on cohorts treated
      with single antipsychotics have investigated clozapine, olanzapine or risperidone
      response. These studies have provided some of the most replicated associations
      with treatment efficacy. Serotonergic system gene variants are significantly
      associated with the efficacy of clozapine and risperidone, but may have less
      influence on the efficacy of olanzapine. Dopamine D3 receptor polymorphisms have
      been more strongly associated with the efficacy of clozapine and olanzapine, and
      D2 genetic variants with the efficacy of risperidone. Serotonin influences the
      control of feeding behaviour and has been hypothesized to have a role in the
      development of antipsychotic-induced weight gain. Numerous studies have linked
      the serotonin receptor 2C (5-HT2C) -759-C/T polymorphism with weight gain. The
      leptin gene variant, -2548-G/A, has also been associated with weight gain in
      several studies. Pharmacogenetic studies support the role of cytochrome P450
      enzymes and dopamine receptor variants in the development of antipsychotic
      induced movement disorders, with a contribution of serotonergic receptors and
      other gene variants implicated in the mechanism of action of antipsychotics.
      Clozapine-induced agranulocytosis has been associated with polymorphisms in the
      major histocompatibility complex gene (HLA).

PMID- 22054122
TI  - AIGO: towards a unified framework for the analysis and the inter-comparison of GO
      functional annotations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In response to the rapid growth of available genome sequences,
      efforts have been made to develop automatic inference methods to functionally
      characterize them. Pipelines that infer functional annotation are now routinely
      used to produce new annotations at a genome scale and for a broad variety of
      species. These pipelines differ widely in their inference algorithms, confidence
      thresholds and data sources for reasoning. This heterogeneity makes a comparison
      of the relative merits of each approach extremely complex. The evaluation of the
      quality of the resultant annotations is also challenging given there is often no
      existing gold-standard against which to evaluate precision and recall. RESULTS:
      In this paper, we present a pragmatic approach to the study of functional
      annotations. An ensemble of 12 metrics, describing various aspects of functional
      annotations, is defined and implemented in a unified framework, which facilitates
      their systematic analysis and inter-comparison. The use of this framework is
      demonstrated on three illustrative examples: analysing the outputs of state-of
      the-art inference pipelines, comparing electronic versus manual annotation
      methods, and monitoring the evolution of publicly available functional
      annotations. The framework is part of the AIGO library
      (http://code.google.com/p/aigo) for the Analysis and the Inter-comparison of the
      products of Gene Ontology (GO) annotation pipelines. The AIGO library also
      provides functionalities to easily load, analyse, manipulate and compare
      functional annotations and also to plot and export the results of the analysis in
      various formats. CONCLUSIONS: This work is a step toward developing a unified
      framework for the systematic study of GO functional annotations. This framework
      has been designed so that new metrics on GO functional annotations can be added
      in a very straightforward way.

PMID- 22054123
TI  - Vibrationally induced dissociation of sulfuric acid (H2SO4).
AB  - One of the important reactive steps in Earth's atmosphere is the decomposition of
      H(2)SO(4) to H(2)O and SO(3). However, because the UV spectrum of H(2)SO(4) was
      not found up to 140 nm, alternative mechanisms, including vibrationally induced
      dissociation, were proposed. Using adiabatic reactive molecular dynamics (ARMD)
      simulations with validated force fields for the product and educt channels, it is
      shown through explicit atomistic simulation that by exciting the nu(9) (OH
      stretching-) mode, photodissociation can occur on the picosecond time scale. With
      the potential energy surfaces used in the present work, nu(9) = 4 is sufficient
      for this process. From a statistically significant number of trajectories
      (several thousands), vibrationally induced dissociation times are found to follow
      Gamma-distributions with most likely reaction times between 40 and 200 ps by
      depositing energies ranging from 40 to 60 kcal/mol, corresponding to 4 and 6
      vibrational quanta in the OH stretching vibration. Because ARMD simulations allow
      multiple and long-time simulations, both nonstatistical, impulsive H-transfer and
      statistical, IVR-regimes of the decomposition reaction can be discussed in detail
      at an atomistic level.

PMID- 22054124
TI  - Boerhaave syndrome as a complication of colonoscopy preparation: a case report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Colonoscopy is one of the most frequently performed elective and
      invasive diagnostic interventions. For every colonoscopy, complete colon
      preparation is mandatory to provide the best possible endoluminal visibility; for
      example, the patient has to drink a great volume of a non-resorbable solution to
      flush out all feces. Despite the known possible nauseating side effects of
      colonoscopy preparation and despite the knowledge that excessive vomiting can
      cause rupture of the distal esophagus (Boerhaave syndrome), which is a rare but
      severe complication with high morbidity and mortality, it is not yet a standard
      procedure to provide a patient with an anti-emetic medication during a colon
      preparation process. This is the first report of Boerhaave syndrome induced by
      colonoscopy preparation, and this case strongly suggests that the prospect of
      being at risk of a severe complication connected with an elective colonoscopy
      justifies a non-invasive, inexpensive yet effective precaution such as an anti
      emetic co-medication during the colonoscopy preparation process. CASE
      PRESENTATION: A 73-year-old Caucasian woman was scheduled to undergo elective
      colonoscopy. For the colonoscopy preparation at home she received commercially
      available bags containing soluble polyethylene glycol powder. No anti-emetic
      medication was prescribed. After drinking the prepared solution she had to vomit
      excessively and experienced a sudden and intense pain in her back. An immediate
      computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a rupture of the distal esophagus
      (Boerhaave syndrome). After initial conservative treatment by endoluminal sponge
      vacuum therapy, she was taken to the operating theatre and the longitudinal
      esophageal rupture was closed by direct suture and gastric fundoplication (Nissen
      procedure). She recovered completely and was discharged three weeks after the
      initial event. CONCLUSIONS: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first
      report of a case of Boerhaave syndrome as a complication of excessive vomiting
      caused by colonoscopy preparation. The case suggests that patients who are
      prepared for a colonoscopy by drinking large volumes of fluid should routinely
      receive an anti-emetic medication during the preparation process, especially when
      they have a tendency to nausea and vomiting.

PMID- 22054125
TI  - Lack of association between apolipoprotein C3 gene polymorphisms and risk of
      coronary heart disease in a Han population in East China.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several polymorphisms in the apolipoprotein C3 (APOC3) gene have been
      found association with hypertriglyceridemia(HTG), but the link with coronary
      heart disease(CHD) risk between ethnicities was still controversial. Among them,
      reseachers paid more attentions to the promoter polymorphisms T-455C and C-482T
      because both of them located in insulin-responsive element (IRE) and insulin was
      thought to exert its action by down-regulating APOC3 gene expression. The aim of
      this study was to investigate the association of the two polymorphisms of APOC3
      with CHD in a Han population in East China. METHODS: TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays
      were carried out to detect the genotypes of APOC3 gene, including the T-455C and
      C-482T, in 286 subjects with CHD and 325 controls without CHD. The levels of
      serum lipid profiles were also detected by biochemical methods. RESULTS: There
      was no difference of genotype frequencies and allele frequencies between the CHD
      population and the controls(P > 0.05). Compared with the most common genotype 
      455TT or -482CC, the variants had neither significantly increased CHD risk, nor
      the lipid variables showed any statistically relevant differences in the research
      population. The adjusted OR of CHD were 5.67 [0.27-18.74] and 0.75 [0.20-2.73] in
      carriers of the APOC3 -455C and -482T variants, respectively(P > 0.05). There was
      also no significant difference in APOC3 haplotype distribution in CHD and
      controls, but there was a strong linkage disequilibrium between T-455C and C-482T
      with D' = 0.9293, 0.8881, respectively(P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Our data did not
      support a relationship between the two polymorphisms of APOC3 gene and risk of
      CHD in the Han population in East China.

PMID- 22054126
TI  - Wetting transitions in two-, three-, and four-phase systems.
AB  - We discuss wetting of rough surfaces with two-phase (solid-liquid), three-phase
      (solid-water-air and solid-oil-water), and four-phase (solid-oil-water-air)
      interfaces mimicking fish scales. We extend the traditional Wenzel and Cassie
      Baxter models to these cases. We further present experimental observations of two
      , three-, and four-phase systems in the case of metal-matrix composite solid
      surfaces immersed in water and in contact with oil. Experimental observations
      show that wetting transitions can occur in underwater oleophobic systems. We also
      discuss wetting transitions as phase transitions using the phase-field approach
      and show that a phenomenological gradient coefficient is responsible for wetting
      transition, energy barriers, and wetting/dewetting asymmetry (hysteresis).

PMID- 22054127
TI  - The first call for the 'SNF-professor' stipends from the Swiss National Science
      Foundation. Editorial.

PMID- 22054128
TI  - Getting ready to translate: cytoplasmic maturation of eukaryotic ribosomes.
AB  - The ribosome is the 'universal ribozyme' that is responsible for the final step
      of decoding genetic information into proteins. While the function of the ribosome
      is being elucidated at the atomic level, in comparison, little is known regarding
      its assembly in vivo and intracellular  transport. In contrast to prokaryotic
      ribosomes, the construction of eukaryotic ribosomes, which begins in the
      nucleolus, requires >200 evolutionary conserved non-ribosomal trans-acting
      factors, which transiently associate with pre-ribosomal subunits at distinct
      assembly stages and  perform specific maturation steps. Notably, pre-ribosomal
      subunits are transported to the cytoplasm in a functionally inactive state where
      they undergo maturation prior to entering translation. In this review, I will
      summarize our current knowledge of the eukaryotic ribosome assembly pathway  with
      emphasis on cytoplasmic maturation events that render pre-ribosomal subunits
      translation competent.

PMID- 22054129
TI  - Expanding the catalytic repertoire of DNAzymes by modified nucleosides.
AB  - Modified nucleoside triphosphates (dNTPs) are a versatile platform for the
      generation of high-density functionalized nucleic acids. The enzymatic
      polymerization of dNTPs allows the introduction of sensible functionalities that
      might not be compatible with the standard automated synthesis  of
      oligonucleotides. Their application to in vitro selections, an elegant chemical
      approach to Darwinian evolution, delivers modified aptamers and catalytic nucleic
      acids with potentially enhanced properties. This review article highlights some
      recent synthetic examples of dNTPs bearing  functionalities that are either found
      in the active site of protein enzymes or have been employed in organocatalysis
      and further underscores their usefulness in the development of some modified
      catalytic nucleic acids with special emphasis on M(2+)-independent RNA-cleaving
      DNAzymes.

PMID- 22054130
TI  - Water-stable fac-{TcO3}+ complexes - a new field of technetium chemistry.
AB  - The development of technetium chemistry has been lagging behind that of its
      heavier congener rhenium, primarily because the inherent radioactivity of all Tc
      isotopes has limited the number of laboratories that can study the chemistry of
      this fascinating element. Although technetium  is an artificial element, it is
      not rare. Significant amounts of the isotope (99)Tc are produced every day as a
      fission byproduct in nuclear power plants. Therefore, a fundamental understanding
      of the chemistry of (99)Tc is essential to avoid its release into the
      environment.  In this article the chemistry of technetium at its highest
      oxidation state (+VII) is reviewed with a special focus on recent developments
      which make water-stable complexes of the general type [TcO(3)(tacn-R)](+) (tacn-R
      = 1,4,7-triazacyclononane or derivatives) accessible.  Complexes containing the
      fac-{TcO(3)}(+) core display a unique reactivity. In analogy to [OsO(4)] and
      [RuO(4)], complexes containing the fac-{TcO(3)}(+) core undergo with alkenes
      metal-mediated, vicinal cis-dihydroxylation  reactions (alkene-glycol
      interconversion) in water via a (3+2)-cycloaddition reaction. Therefore, water
      stable fac-{(99m)TcO(3)}(+) complexes pave the way for a new labeling strategy
      for radiopharmaceutical applications, based on (3+2)-cycloaddition  reactions.
      This new concept for the labeling of biomolecules with small [(99m)TcO(3)(tacn
      R)](+)-type complexes by way of a (3+2)-cycloaddition with alkenes is discussed
      in detail. The herein reported developments in high-valent technetium chemistry
      create a new  field of research with this artificial element. This demonstrates
      the potential of fundamental research to provide new impetus of innovation for
      the development of new methods for radiopharmaceutical applications.

PMID- 22054131
TI  - Towards biologically active self-assemblies: model nucleotide chimeras.
AB  - With this article, we wish to give an overview of our main research activities
      assessing the potential of a suitable polymer modification of DNA fragments to
      self-assemble biologically active nanostructures. Specifically, the grafting of a
      hydrophobic polymer segment on DNA fragments  results in amphiphilic nucleotide
      based macromolecules, which, owing to both chemical and physical incompatibility,
      organize in self-assembled structures either on surfaces or in aqueous solution.
      Through the combination of the existing know-how in polymer chemistry with modern
      analytical  techniques, we are currently focusing on establishing the mechanism
      of self-assembly of the polymer-modified nucleotide sequences in solution and on
      surfaces prior to the assessment of their hybridization capacity once involved in
      the ensemble. With the evaluation of the potential of the functional 
      nanostructures to undergo biological-like adhesion through hybridization one can
      eventually foresee that the optimal functionality of these bio-inspired systems
      could be fine-tuned for biological applications such as drug delivery, gene
      therapy, tissue engineering and the design of either  biomedical devices or
      biosensors.

PMID- 22054132
TI  - Geochemical compositions of marine fossils as proxies for reconstructing ancient
      environmental conditions.
AB  - A brief summary is given here about some of the geochemical methodologies that
      are often used to obtain information from fossils and sediments about the past
      environment. Such methods are frequently applied in our project in which the
      formation of Paleogene phosphate sequences in North  Africa is investigated.
      These layers were deposited in shallow marine seas during a period of extreme
      warm climate with a high CO(2) concentration in the atmosphere. Some of the
      characteristics of this greenhouse interval are similar to the modern
      anthropogenic situation hence it  is intensively investigated from several
      aspects by many scientists. Here the geochemical compositions of fossils
      deposited during this time are discussed, focusing on how the data are obtained
      and how they could be evaluated in terms of palaeo-environmental conditions.

PMID- 22054133
TI  - Field-controlled self-assembly and disassembly of colloidal nanoparticles.
AB  - Self-assembly of nanoparticles is one of the most promising methods for the
      preparation of novel materials and devices with exceptional properties. In order
      to control nanoparticles self-assembly, an understanding of their interactions is
      absolutely necessary. One convenient way to  achieve a control on their
      interaction is through the use of external fields. Here we provide two different
      examples of how interparticle interactions are affected by interactions with
      external fields. In the first case, magnetic fields are used to induce dipolar
      interactions among concentrated  suspension of superparamagnetic nanocolloids,
      which cause them to self-assemble into dense chain-like anisotropic structures,
      used as templates for the growth of porous materials with tunable properties. In
      the second case, it is shown how more commonly employed but less understood flow
      fields  interact with clusters of particles, and lead to their restructuring or
      disassembly depending upon the shear stress applied.

PMID- 22054134
TI  - Towards macromolecular architectures of corannulene.
AB  - In an attempt to introduce corannulene chemistry to macromolecular science, my
      research program is dedicated to synthetic strategies leading to corannulene
      based polymers with interesting architectures and properties. In this brief
      account, I will discuss the synthesis of a variety  of corannulene-based building
      blocks (monomers) and their utility in the preparation of a wide range of
      corannulene-rich macromolecular structures.

PMID- 22054135
TI  - New catalytic asymmetric strategies to access chiral aldehydes.
AB  - The present article describes the recent catalytic asymmetric methods developed
      in our group to access enantioenriched chiral aldehydes. We are generally aiming
      at developing complementary strategies based on either homogeneous organometallic
      catalysts or amino-catalysts and sometimes  on a combination of both. Recent
      successes comprise a perfectly redox-economical iridium-catalyzed asymmetric
      isomerization of primary allylic alcohols under very mild conditions and the
      development of a transition metal-catalyzed anti-Markovnikov asymmetric
      hydroboration of 1,1-disubstituted  olefins. The developments of these two
      processes along with preliminary mechanistic investigations are presented herein.

PMID- 22054136
TI  - New carbon- and sulfur-based ligands in catalysis.
AB  - Homogeneous catalysis is a field of research that has gained central importance
      in both organic and inorganic chemistry and the use of well-defined ligand
      systems in the synthesis of transition metal complexes has had an enormous impact
      on the development of such catalysts. Neutral,  two-electron donor ligands based
      on phosphorous and nitrogen have been tremendously successful as ancillary
      entities for late-transition metal (LTM) catalysts, whereas ligands based on
      anionic nitrogen, oxygen and the cyclopentadienyl motif (Cp(-)) have propelled
      early-transition  metal (ETM) catalysis forward. We believe that expanding the
      ligand families capable of acting as successful entities in metal-mediated
      reactivity and catalysis is crucial for future discoveries in this field.
      Research in our group therefore tries to identify new non-chiral and chiral
      ligands  for late-transition metal chemistry that are based on neutral, two
      electron carbon and sulfur donor atoms. In particular, we have until now focused
      on the development of modular, monodentate N-heterocyclic carbene ligands (NHCs)
      that can serve as a basis for the development of chiral ligand  frameworks for
      the application to asymmetric catalytic transformations. In the second major
      research project developed over the last six years, we have started an
      investigation on the use of chelating sulfoxide-based ligands in asymmetric late
      transition-metal based catalysis.

PMID- 22054139
TI  - Coupling of a microfluidic mixer to a Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer for
      protein-conformation studies.
AB  - The biological properties of a protein critically depend on its conformation,
      which can vary as a result of changes in conditions such as pH or following the
      addition of various substances. Being able to reliably assess the quality of
      protein structures under various conditions is therefore  of crucial importance.
      Infrared (IR) spectroscopy of the Amide I band of proteins is a powerful method
      for the determination of protein conformations and further allows the analysis of
      continuously flowing solutions of the target molecule. Here, a commercial Fourier
      transform infrared spectrometer  was coupled to a microfluidic mixer to allow the
      on-line monitoring of protein conformation under varying conditions. The validity
      of the concept was demonstrated by continuously recording the variations of the
      IR spectrum of poly-L-lysine resulting from repetitive, pH-induced conformational
      changes.

PMID- 22054140
TI  - [Maurice Cosandey, an ambassador of chemistry].

PMID- 22054142
TI  - Psoriasis.
AB  - Psoriasis is a common relapsing and remitting immune-mediated inflammatory
      disease that affects the skin and joints. This review focuses on current
      immunogenetic concepts, key cellular players, and axes of cytokines that are
      thought to contribute to disease pathogenesis. We highlight potential therapeutic
      targets and give an overview of the currently used immune-targeted therapies.

PMID- 22054143
TI  - Tuberculosis pathogenesis and immunity.
AB  - Despite the development of potentially curative chemotherapy, tuberculosis (TB)
      continues to cause increasing worldwide morbidity and is a leading cause of human
      mortality in the developing world. Recent advances in bacterial molecular
      genetics, immunology, and human genetics have yielded insight into the molecular
      determinants of virulence, the immune responses that are essential for
      restricting progressive disease, and the determinants of immunopathology in TB.
      Despite these advances, a large knowledge gap still exists that limits the
      development and testing of new interventions, including novel drugs and
      efficacious vaccines. This review focuses on our current knowledge of TB
      pathogenesis and immunity that has been derived from in vitro and in vivo
      studies. In addition, it highlights topics that need to be better understood to
      provide improved means of controlling TB worldwide.

PMID- 22054144
TI  - Tipping the balance: the pathophysiology of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
AB  - Obesity plays a major role in the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus, and it
      has long been accepted that weight loss plays a significant role in diabetes
      therapy. This weight loss has traditionally been accomplished through lifestyle
      changes including diet and exercise. What has only more recently gained
      acceptance is that bariatric surgery may have a role to play in diabetes therapy
      as well. This article discusses the pathophysiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus
      and obesity and provides a basic understanding of these diseases, which forms the
      basis for understanding the importance of weight loss in their treatment.

PMID- 22054146
TI  - Epidemiology and economic impact of obesity and type 2 diabetes.
AB  - Obesity has become a major public health concern in the United States and the
      rest of the world. This disease carries significant health risks that encompass
      several organ systems. Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a major comorbidity of obesity
      that predisposes patients to significant end-organ damage. The prevalence of
      obesity and diabetes is increasing worldwide, and the economic impact of these
      diseases currently assumes a significant portion of health care expenditure.
      These factors mandate implementation of therapeutic medical and surgical
      strategies that target prevention and treatment of obesity and its related
      medical conditions.

PMID- 22054145
TI  - Physiology of weight loss surgery.
AB  - The clinical outcomes achieved by bariatric surgery have been impressive.
      However, the physiologic mechanisms and complex metabolic effects of bariatric
      surgery are only now beginning to be understood. Ongoing research has contributed
      a large amount of data and shed new light on the science behind obesity and its
      treatment, and this article reviews the current understanding of metabolic and
      bariatric surgery physiology.

PMID- 22054147
TI  - The economic costs of obesity and the impact of bariatric surgery.
AB  - The obesity epidemic has far-reaching implications for the economic and health
      care future in the United States. Treatments that show reduction in health care
      costs over time should be approved and made available to as many patients as
      possible. It is our opinion that bariatric surgery meets this criterion. However,
      bariatric surgery cannot provide the impact necessary for reduction in health
      care and economic costs on a national scale. The obesity epidemic must be
      addressed by policy efforts at the local, state, and national levels. As experts
      on obesity, bariatric surgeons must be prepared to guide and inform these
      efforts.

PMID- 22054148
TI  - The history and evolution of bariatric surgical procedures.
AB  - The search for the ideal weight loss operation began more than 50 years ago.
      Surgical pioneers developed innovative procedures that initially created
      malabsorption, then restricted volume intake, and eventually combined both
      techniques. Variations, alterations, and modifications of these original
      procedures, combined with intense efforts to follow and document outcomes, have
      led to the evolution of modern bariatric surgery. More recent research has
      focused on the hormonal and metabolic effects of these procedures. These
      discoveries at the cellular level will help develop possible mechanisms of weight
      loss and comorbidity reduction beyond the traditional explanation of reduced food
      consumption and malabsorption.

PMID- 22054149
TI  - Surgical treatment for morbid obesity: the laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.
AB  - Over the past 20 years bariatric surgery proved to be a valid treatment for
      reduction and elimination of obesity-related diseases and long-term sustainable
      weight loss. Minimally invasive or laparoscopic techniques such as laparoscopic
      Roux-en-Y (LRNY) have replaced open procedures. Many factors play important roles
      in the small intricacies and variations of the procedure, chief of which is the
      creation and size of the gastrojejunostomy. Regardless of the variations in
      technique, the LRNY remains the gold standard for the surgical treatment of
      clinically severe or morbid obesity, with relatively low morbidity and mortality.

PMID- 22054150
TI  - Complications of laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.
AB  - Despite the well-documented safety of laparoscopic RYGB, several short-term and
      long-term complications, with varying degrees of morbidity and mortality risk,
      are known to occur. Bariatric surgeons, all too familiar with these
      complications, should be knowledgeable in risk-reduction strategies to minimize
      the incidence of complication occurrence and recurrence. Bariatric and
      nonbariatric surgeons who evaluate and treat abdominal pain should be familiar
      with these complications to facilitate early recognition and intervention,
      thereby minimizing the associated morbidity and mortality.

PMID- 22054151
TI  - Evolution of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding.
AB  - This article reviews the use of laparoscopic adjustable gastric banding in the
      United States today. It comments on the history of the procedure as well as
      technical aspects of the operation. Short-term and long-term outcomes of the
      procedure are examined, and the advantages and disadvantages of this procedure in
      comparison with the laparoscopic gastric bypass are discussed.

PMID- 22054152
TI  - Complications of adjustable gastric banding.
AB  - Adjustable gastric banding (AGB) has become increasingly used by bariatric
      surgeons and their patients as the surgical weight loss procedure of choice. The
      popularity of this procedure is in large part a result of the remarkable safety
      profile and low initial complication rate. Complications of AGB were initially
      believed to be minor and infrequent, but longer-term studies have increasingly
      described complications that lead to revisional surgery. In addition, a larger
      fraction of patients fail to lose weight than with other surgical weight loss
      procedures, frequently necessitating conversion to these other options.

PMID- 22054153
TI  - Sleeve gastrectomy.
AB  - Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) was originally performed as the restrictive component of
      the duodenal switch procedure. This partial vertical gastrectomy served to reduce
      gastric capacity and initiate short-term weight loss while the malabsorptive
      component of the operation (biliopancreatic diversion) provided the long-term
      weight loss. Some patients, however, could not undergo the intestinal bypass, and
      early investigations found that substantial weight loss occurred with the SG
      alone. The sleeve then developed into a risk management strategy for very large
      or high-risk patients who would not tolerate a longer or higher-risk procedure.

PMID- 22054154
TI  - Biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch.
AB  - The biliopancreatic diversion with a duodenal switch (BPD-DS) is a less commonly
      performed but very effective bariatric procedure that has been in existence for
      more than 20 years. It is particularly effective for the resolution of diabetes
      and is associated with the highest weight loss among other bariatric operations.
      Typically, the BPD-DS is not associated with postgastrectomy symptoms, such as
      dumping and marginal ulceration. Because of its complexity, it has usually been
      performed by laparotomy in the past; but, more recently, minimally invasive
      techniques are being used with acceptable risk.

PMID- 22054155
TI  - Impact of bariatric surgery on comorbidities.
AB  - Published data show that bariatric surgery not only leads to significant and
      sustained weight loss but also resolves or improves multiple comorbidities
      associated with morbid obesity. Evidence suggests that the earlier the
      intervention the better the resolution of comorbidities. Patients with metabolic
      syndrome and comorbidities associated with morbid obesity should be promptly
      referred for consideration for bariatric surgery earlier in the disease process.

PMID- 22054156
TI  - Bariatric surgery outcomes.
AB  - Obesity is associated with an increased risk of death, and morbid obesity carries
      a significant risk of life-threatening complications such as heart disease,
      diabetes, and high blood pressure. Bariatric surgery is recognized as the only
      effective treatment of morbid obesity. The estimated number of bariatric
      operations performed in the United States in 2008 was more than 13 times the
      number performed in 1992. Despite this increase, only 1% of the eligible morbidly
      obese population are currently treated with bariatric surgery.

PMID- 22054157
TI  - Adolescent bariatric surgery.
AB  - Obesity has become an increasingly serious problem in pediatric and adolescent
      populations in the United States. Although bariatric surgery has been offered to
      morbidly obese adolescents for the past several decades, it remains
      controversial. However, the benefits of weight loss surgery in this population
      have been realized, particularly its long-term physical and emotional effects on
      adolescents. This article reviews the demographics and health implications of
      adolescent obesity, describes the most common adolescent bariatric surgical
      procedures and their outcomes, discusses the ethical issues involved in elective
      surgery in this population, and outlines the key components of an adolescent
      bariatric surgical program.

PMID- 22054158
TI  - Revisional bariatric surgery.
AB  - With the increase in bariatric surgical procedures, an increase in revision
      operations is expected. A thorough preoperative work-up is essential to formulate
      an appropriate revision strategy. Outcomes vary according to the primary
      operation and chosen approach to revision. Recent studies have shown acceptably
      low complication rates and good weight loss with the associated health benefits.
      Although there is no direct evidence in the form of randomized studies indicating
      which patients with inadequate weight loss or weight regain will benefit most
      from revision, or to support one particular revision approach rather than
      another, it is possible to develop general, effective strategies.

PMID- 22054159
TI  - Future directions in bariatric surgery.
AB  - Bariatric surgery is a field in rapid evolution, and the speed of this evolution
      has been accelerating over the last several decades. A thorough understanding of
      past developments is crucial to anticipating the future intelligently. The trends
      that have driven evolution historically often persist, and continue to be
      influential in the future. With this in mind, this article briefly outlines the
      historical and current trends in bariatric surgery, and follows the trajectory of
      these trends into the future to anticipate the technologies and techniques that
      will be most important to the field in the coming years.

PMID- 22054160
TI  - Bariatric and metabolic surgery.

PMID- 22054161
TI  - Bariatric and metabolic surgery.

PMID- 22054162
TI  - Child-to-parent donation--consideration of age and ethnicity.

PMID- 22054163
TI  - Area of Wharton's jelly as an estimate of the thickness of the umbilical cord and
      its relationship with estimated fetal weight.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To build a reference curve for the area of Wharton's jelly (WJ) in
      low-risk pregnancies from 13 to 40 weeks and to assess its relationship with
      estimated fetal weight (EFW). METHODS: 2,189 low-risk pregnancies had the area of
      WJ estimated by ultrasound and the 10th, 50th and 90th percentiles calculated
      using a third-degree polynomial regression procedure. EFW by ultrasound was
      correlated with the measurement of the area of WJ. RESULTS: The area of WJ
      increased according to gestational age (R2 = 0.64), stabilizing from the 32nd
      week onwards. There was a significant linear correlation between area of WJ and
      EFW up to 26 weeks (R = 0.782) and after that 5t remained practically constant (R
      = 0.047). CONCLUSION: The area of WJ increases according to gestational age, with
      a trend to stabilize at around 32 weeks of gestation. It is also linearly
      correlated with EFW only up to 26 weeks of gestation.

PMID- 22054164
TI  - Optimizing suture middle cerebral artery occlusion model in C57BL/6 mice
      circumvents posterior communicating artery dysplasia.
AB  - The suture middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model is used worldwide in
      both academia and industry. However, the variable occurrence of dysplasia in
      posterior communicating arteries (PcomAs) induces high mortality and instability
      in permanent MCAO models, limiting the model's application to transient focal
      ischemia. In particular, high mortality in intraluminal suture MCAO models is
      associated with the dysplasia of PcomAs in C57BL/6 mice. Optimization of silicone
      coating length is critical for reducing mortality and generating stable infarct
      in this model. The aim of our study is to reduce mortality and improve the
      reproducibility of the intraluminal suture MCAO model in C57BL/6 mice, which have
      high variation in PcomA dysplasia. Adult male C57BL/6 mice (n=38) underwent MCAO
      using sutures with various diameters and silicone coating lengths. The occlusion
      of cerebral vessels was examined by synchrotron radiation live angiography. The
      morphology of PcomAs was examined under a microscope after MICROFIL((r))
      infusion. Neurological outcome, infarct volume, and mortality were examined
      within 28 days. Optimizing the silicone coating on an 8-0 suture tip, we were
      able to reduce the model mortality to zero after permanent occlusion in C57BL/6
      and produce stable brain infarct volume independent of the patency of PcomAs.

PMID- 22054165
TI  - Validation and comparison of models to predict non-sentinel lymph node metastasis
      in breast cancer patients.
AB  - Several models for predicting the risk of non-sentinel lymph node (NSLN)
      metastasis in breast cancer patients with positive sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs)
      have been developed. The purpose of this study was to validate and compare these
      models in Chinese patients. A total of 159 breast cancer patients with positive
      SLNs treated at our institution were included. Among them, 81 (50.9%) patients
      had at least one NSLN involvement. The Cambridge, Mou, Mayo, Tenon, MDA, Memorial
      Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center (MSKCC), Ljubljana, SNUH, Turkish, Louisville,
      Stanford, and Saidi models were evaluated and compared using receiver operating
      characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration plots, and false negative (FN) rates.
      The Cambridge and Mou models outperformed the others, both with area under the
      ROC curves (AUCs) of 0.73. The Mayo, Tenon, MDA, MSKCC, Turkish, Ljubljana, SNUH,
      and Louisville models had AUCs of 0.68, 0.66, 0.66, 0.64, 0.63, 0.62, 0.61, and
      0.60, respectively. The Stanford and Saidi models did not present any
      discriminative capabilities, with AUCs of 0.54 and 0.50, respectively. The
      Cambridge, MSKCC, and Mayo models were well calibrated. With adjusted thresholds,
      the Mayo model outperformed the others by classifying the highest proportion of
      patients (20%) into the low-risk group. Our study revealed that the Cambridge and
      Mou models performed well in Chinese patients. The ROC curves, calibration plots,
      and FN rates should be used together for the accurate evaluation of prediction
      models. Selection of these models should be based on the clinicopathological
      features of the targeted population. The models specifically designed for
      patients with micrometastases or macrometastases of SLNs are needed in the
      future.

PMID- 22054166
TI  - Application of the Seattle Heart Failure Model in patients on cardiac
      resynchronization therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Seattle Heart Failure Model (SHFM) is a multimarker risk
      assessment tool able to predict outcome in heart failure (HF) patients. AIM: To
      assess whether the SHFM can be used to risk-stratify HF patients who underwent
      cardiac resynchronization therapy with (CRT-D) or without (CRT) an implantable
      defibrillator. METHODS AND RESULTS: The SHFM was applied to 342 New York Heart
      Association class III-IV patients who received a CRT (23%) or CRT-D (77%) device.
      Discrimination and calibration of SHFM were evaluated through c-statistics and
      Hosmer-Lemeshow (H-L) goodness-of-fit test. Primary endpoint was a composite of
      death from any cause/cardiac transplantation. During a median follow-up of 24
      months (25th-75th percentile [pct]: 12-37 months), 78 of 342 (22.8%) patients
      died; seven patients underwent urgent transplantation. Median SHFM score for
      patients with endpoint was 5.8 years (25th-75th pct: 4.25-8.7 years) versus 8.9
      years (25th-75th pct: 6.6-11.8 years) for those without (P < 0.001).
      Discrimination of SHFM was adequate for the endpoint (c-statistic always ranged
      around 0.7). The SHFM was a good fit of death from any cause/cardiac
      transplantation, without significant differences between observed and SHFM
      predicted survival. CONCLUSION: The SHFM successfully stratifies HF patients on
      CRT/CRT-D and can be reliably applied to help clinicians in predicting survival
      in this clinical setting.

PMID- 22054168
TI  - Comparison of the Bayley II Mental Developmental Index and the Bayley III
      Cognitive Scale: are we measuring the same thing?
AB  - AIM: To better understand differences between Bayley Scales 3rd edition (Bayley
      III) Cognitive Scale and Bayley Scales 2nd edition (Bayley II) Mental
      Developmental Index (MDI) in 18-22-month-old children born term and preterm and
      to create a conversion algorithm using Bayley II MDI to calculate Bayley III
      Cognitive score. METHODS: This study included 51 term and 26 preterm children
      between 18 and 22 months, ages adjusted for prematurity. Children's scores on
      Bayley II MDI and Bayley III Cognitive Scale were compared using t-tests. The
      items from Bayley II MDI were used to calculate a score for the Bayley III
      Cognitive Scale. ANCOVA was used to create a conversion scale. RESULTS: Bayley
      III Cognitive scores were significantly higher than Bayley II MDI scores for term
      and preterm toddlers combined and separately (p < .0001). A conversion formula to
      convert Bayley II MDI to a Bayley III Cognitive score was calculated. CONCLUSION:
      Term and preterm children had similarly elevated scores on the Bayley III
      calculated Cognitive score compared to the previous Bayley II MDI score. The use
      of a conversion algorithm may be helpful in studies that used both Bayley
      editions to get comparable outcome measurements within a clinical or research
      paradigm.

PMID- 22054169
TI  - Mycobacterium genavense as a cause of subacute pneumonia in patients with severe
      cellular immunodeficiency.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mycobacterium genavense is a rare nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM).
      Human infections are mostly disseminated in the setting of the AIDS epidemic or
      the use of aggressive immunosuppressive treatments. M. genavense culture is
      fastidious, requiring supplemented media. Pulmonary involvement rarely occurs as
      a primary localization. CASES PRESENTATION: We report here two patients with
      pneumonia as the predominant manifestation of M. genavense infection: one kidney
      transplanted patient and one HIV-infected patient. Both patients were initially
      treated with anti-tuberculous drugs before the identification of M. genavense on
      sputum or broncho-alveolar lavage fluid culture. A four-drug regimen including
      clarithromycin and rifabutin was started. Gamma interferon has been helpful in
      addition to antimycobacterial treatment for one patient. CONCLUSION: Clinicians
      should be aware that M. genavense could be the etiologic agent of sub-acute
      pneumonia mimicking tuberculosis in patients with cellular immunodeficiency
      status.

PMID- 22054170
TI  - Skeletal isomerization of butene in ferrierite: assessing the energetic and
      structural differences between carbenium and alkoxide based pathways.
AB  - In this study, the results from a systematic analysis of two different mechanisms
      for the skeletal isomerization of cis-butene to isobutene in ferrierite (FER) are
      presented. One involves a conventional mechanism that proceeds via stable
      alkoxide intermediates and the other is one which proceeds via carbenium ions
      only. A 27T QM cluster model has been used in this study, which is described
      using the M06-2X DFT functional. It is found that the alkoxide intermediates
      formed over the course of the conventional pathway are considerably lower in
      energy than the carbenium ion formed over the course of the alternate pathway.
      However, the rate determining step in the latter pathway is predicted to be
      almost 10 kcal/mol lower in energy. The higher barrier for the latter process is
      due to the inherent stability of the alkoxide intermediates formed within FER.
      These results appear to suggest that while these intermediates are formed over
      the course of the reaction, the skeletal isomerization of linear butenes to form
      isobutene in FER may occur via a carbenium based mechanism. This proposal is
      consistent with experimental results that show alkoxide intermediates are
      experimentally observed species.

PMID- 22054171
TI  - Laparoscopic myomectomy of a subserous pedunculated fibroid at 14 weeks of
      pregnancy: a case report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Uterine leiomyomas are seen in 1.6% to 4% of pregnancies. With the
      increasing age of obstetric patients, more cases are being encountered during
      pregnancy. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 31-year-old Caucasian woman
      with acute recurrent abdominal pain due to a subserous fundic myoma, measuring 48
      * 52 * 63 mm, with an implantation base of 22 * 18 mm, which was successfully
      treated by laparoscopy at 14 weeks of pregnancy. At a gestational age of week 40,
      the patient spontaneously delivered a healthy 3216 g girl baby. CONCLUSION: As
      far as we know, this is the first reported case of laparoscopic myomectomy this
      early during a pregnancy. Our experience together with an analysis of cases
      reported in the literature suggests that myomectomy during pregnancy may be
      considered safe, but only in the hands of experienced laparoscopic surgeons.
      There are a few reports in the literature about laparoscopic myomectomy during
      the first half of pregnancy that demonstrate its feasibility in selected cases.
      Some technical tools could improve the procedure with a minimum of risk for the
      ongoing pregnancy.

PMID- 22054172
TI  - Conjugated polymer nanoparticles for light-activated anticancer and antibacterial
      activity with imaging capability.
AB  - A new water-soluble conjugated polymer containing fluorene and boron
      dipyrromethene repeat units in the backbones (PBF) that exhibits red emission was
      synthesized and characterized. Cationic PBF forms uniform nanoparticles with
      negatively charged disodium salt 3,3'-dithiodipropionic acid (SDPA) in aqueous
      solution through electrostatic interactions. The nanoparticles display absorption
      maximum at 550 nm and emission maximum at 590 nm. Upon photoexcitation with white
      light (400-800 nm) with 90 and 45 mW.cm(-2) for bacteria and cancer cells killing
      respectively, PBF nanoparticles can sensitize the oxygen molecule to readily
      produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) for rapidly killing neighboring bacteria
      and cancer cells. Furthermore, PBF nanoparticles concurrently provide optical
      imaging capability. PBF nanoparticles are therefore a promising multifunctional
      material for treating cancers and bacteria infections, while concurrently
      providing optical monitoring capabilities.

PMID- 22054173
TI  - Simulation of total dietary iodine intake in Flemish preschool children.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to calculate the distribution of total iodine
      intake among Flemish preschoolers and to identify the major sources contributing
      to iodine intake. A simulation model using a combination of deterministic and
      probabilistic techniques was utilised. Scenario analyses were performed to assess
      iodine intake via dairy products, industrially added iodised salt in bread and
      discretionarily added iodised household salt. Relevant data from 3-d estimated
      dietary records of 696 preschoolers 2.5-6.5 years old were used. Usual iodine
      intakes were calculated using the Iowa State University method. With a more
      generalised utilisation of iodised salt in bread (44 % of the bakers in 2011
      instead of 12 % in 2002), mean iodine intake increased from 159 to 164 MUg/d
      using the McCance and Widdowson's food composition table and from 104 to 109
      MUg/d using the German food composition table. The percentage of preschoolers
      with an iodine intake below the estimated average requirement (65 MUg/d)
      decreased from 5-12 to 4-9 %, while the percentage of preschoolers with an iodine
      intake above the tolerable upper intake level (300 MUg/d) remained constant (0.3
      4 %). Mean iodine intake via food supplements was 4.2 MUg/d (total population)
      and 16.9 MUg/d (consumers only). Both in 2002 and 2011, sugared dairy products,
      milk and iodised salt (21.4, 13.1, and 8.7 %, respectively in 2011) were the main
      contributors to total iodine intake. In conclusion, dietary iodine intake could
      still be improved in Flemish preschoolers. The use of adequately iodised
      household salt and the more generalised use of iodised salt by bakers should be
      further encouraged.

PMID- 22054174
TI  - Arthrogenicity of type II collagen monoclonal antibodies associated with
      complement activation and antigen affinity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The collagen antibody-induced arthritis (CAIA) model, which employs a
      cocktail of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to type II collagen (CII), has been
      widely used for studying the pathogenesis of autoimmune arthritis. In this model,
      not all mAbs to CII are capable of inducing arthritis because one of the initial
      events is the formation of collagen-antibody immune complexes on the cartilage
      surface or in the synovium, and subsequent activation of the complement by the
      complexes induces arthritis, suggesting that a combination of mAbs showing strong
      ability to bind mouse CII and activate the complement may effectively induce
      arthritis in mice. In the present study, we examined the relationship between the
      induction of arthritis by the combination of IgG2a (CII-6 and C2A-12), IgG2b (CII
      3, C2B-14 and C2B-16) and IgM (CM-5) subclones of monoclonal antibodies (mAb) of
      anti-bovine or chicken CII and the ability of mAbs to activate complement and
      bind mouse CII. METHODS: DBA/1J mice were injected with several combinations of
      mAbs followed by lipopolysaccharide. Furthermore, the ability of mAbs to activate
      the complement and bind mouse CII was examined by ELISA. RESULTS: First, DBA/1J
      mice were injected with the combined 4 mAbs (CII-3, CII-6, C2B-14, and CM-5)
      followed by lipopolysaccharide, resulting in moderate arthritis. Excluding one of
      the mAbs, i.e., using only CII-3, CII-6, and C2B-14, induced greater inflammation
      of the joints. Next, adding C2A-12 but not C2B-16 to these 3 mAbs produced more
      severe arthritis. A combination of five clones, consisting of all 5 mAbs, was
      less effective. Histologically, mice given the newly developed 4-clone cocktail
      had marked proliferation of synovial tissues, massive infiltration by
      inflammatory cells, and severe destruction of cartilage and bone. Furthermore, 4
      of the 6 clones (CII-3, CII-6, C2B-14, and C2A-12) showed not only a strong cross
      reaction with mouse CII but also marked activation of the complement in vitro.
      CONCLUSION: The combination of 4 mAbs showing strong abilities to activate the
      complement and bind mouse CII effectively induced arthritis in DBA/1J mice. This
      in vitro system may be useful for the selection of mAbs associated with the
      development of arthritis.

PMID- 22054175
TI  - The role of neuropsychological performance in the relationship between chronic
      pain and functional physical impairment.
AB  - OBJECTIVE:   In this study, the relationship between pain intensity,
      neuropsychological, and physical function in adult chronic pain patients was
      examined. DESIGN:   Thirty participants with chronic pain completed
      neuropsychological tests tapping mental processing speed, memory, and executive
      function. Pain intensity was measured with three visual analog scales and the
      Pain Rating Index of the McGill Pain Questionnaire. A grip strength test, the 6
      minute walk test, the Unipedal Stance Test and the Lifting Low Test were
      administered in order to obtain a performance-based measure of physical capacity.
      Self-reported physical ability was assessed with the Disability Rating Index and
      the Short Form-36 Physical Functioning, and Role Physical scales. Psychosocial
      function was examined using the Mental Health and Role Emotional subscales of the
      Short Form-36. SETTING:   The study was set in two outpatient physical therapy
      clinics in The Netherlands. RESULTS:   The analysis showed that a lower mental
      processing speed was related to a higher level of pain, as well as to a lower
      performance-based and self-reported physical functioning. In addition, both
      performance-based and self-reported physical function revealed an inverse
      correlation with pain intensity. Psychosocial function turned out to be an
      important mediator of the relationship between pain and self-reported, but not
      performance-based, physical function. Mental processing speed, on the other hand,
      was found to mediate the relationship between pain and performance-based physical
      functioning. CONCLUSION:   The results suggest that in chronic pain patients,
      mental processing speed mediates the relationship between pain and physical
      function.

PMID- 22054176
TI  - Myosin II activity dependent and independent vinculin recruitment to the sites of
      E-cadherin-mediated cell-cell adhesion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Maintaining proper adhesion between neighboring cells depends on the
      ability of cells to mechanically respond to tension at cell-cell junctions
      through the actin cytoskeleton. Thus, identifying the molecules involved in
      responding to cell tension would provide insight into the maintenance,
      regulation, and breakdown of cell-cell junctions during various biological
      processes. Vinculin, an actin-binding protein that associates with the cadherin
      complex, is recruited to cell-cell contacts under increased tension in a myosin
      II-dependent manner. However, the precise role of vinculin at force-bearing cell
      cell junctions and how myosin II activity alters the recruitment of vinculin at
      quiescent cell-cell contacts have not been demonstrated. RESULTS: We generated
      vinculin knockdown cells using shRNA specific to vinculin and MDCK epithelial
      cells. These vinculin-deficient MDCK cells form smaller cell clusters in a
      suspension than wild-type cells. In wound healing assays, GFP-vinculin
      accumulated at cell-cell junctions along the wound edge while vinculin-deficient
      cells displayed a slower wound closure rate compared to vinculin-expressing
      cells. In the presence of blebbistatin (myosin II inhibitor), vinculin
      localization at quiescent cell-cell contacts was unaffected while in the presence
      of jasplakinolide (F-actin stabilizer), vinculin recruitment increased in mature
      MDCK cell monolayers. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that vinculin plays
      an active role at adherens junctions under increased tension at cell-cell
      contacts where vinculin recruitment occurs in a myosin II activity-dependent
      manner, whereas vinculin recruitment to the quiescent cell-cell junctions depends
      on F-actin stabilization.

PMID- 22054177
TI  - Bayesian estimation of mycophenolate mofetil in lung transplantation, using a
      population pharmacokinetic model developed in kidney and lung transplant
      recipients.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The immunosuppressive drug mycophenolate mofetil is
      used to prevent rejection after organ transplantation. In kidney transplant
      recipients, it has been demonstrated that adjustment of the mycophenolate mofetil
      dose on the basis of the area under the concentration-time curve (AUC) of
      mycophenolic acid (MPA), the active moiety of mycophenolate mofetil, improves the
      clinical outcome. Because of the high risks of rejections and infections in lung
      transplant recipients, therapeutic drug monitoring of the MPA AUC might be even
      more useful in these patients. The aims of this study were to characterize the
      pharmacokinetics of MPA in lung and kidney transplant recipients, describe the
      differences between the two populations and develop a Bayesian estimator of the
      MPA AUC in lung transplant recipients. METHODS: In total, 460 MPA concentration
      time profiles from 41 lung transplant recipients and 116 kidney transplant
      recipients were included. Nonlinear mixed-effects modelling was used to develop a
      population pharmacokinetic model. Patients were divided into an index dataset and
      a validation dataset. The pharmacokinetic model derived from the index dataset
      was used to develop a Bayesian estimator, which was validated using the 35 lung
      transplant recipients' profiles from the validation dataset. RESULTS: MPA
      pharmacokinetics were described using a two-compartment model with lag time,
      first-order absorption and first-order elimination. The influence of ciclosporin
      co-treatment and the changes over time post-transplantation were included in the
      model. Lung transplant recipients had, on average, a 53% slower absorption rate
      and 50% faster MPA apparent oral clearance than kidney transplant recipients (p <
      0.001). In lung transplant recipients, the bioavailability was, on average, 31%
      lower in patients with cystic fibrosis than in patients without cystic fibrosis
      (p < 0.001). The Bayesian estimator developed using the population
      pharmacokinetic model--and taking into account ciclosporin co-treatment, cystic
      fibrosis and time post-transplantation, with concentrations measured at 0, 1 and
      4 hours after mycophenolate mofetil dose administration--resulted in a non
      significant bias and mean imprecision of 5.8 mg . h/L. This higher imprecision
      compared with those of similar estimators that have previously been developed in
      kidney transplantation might have been caused by the high MPA pharmacokinetic
      variability seen in the lung transplant recipients and by the fact that a large
      proportion of the patients did not receive ciclosporin, which reduces variability
      in the elimination phase of MPA by blocking its enterohepatic cycling.
      CONCLUSION: Lung transplant recipients have a slower MPA absorption rate and
      faster apparent oral clearance than kidney transplant recipients, while cystic
      fibrosis results in lower MPA bioavailability. A Bayesian estimator using MPA
      concentration-time samples at 0, 1 and 4 hours post-dose had the best predictive
      performance.

PMID- 22054178
TI  - Characterization of Staphylococcus aureus isolates from white-brined Urfa cheese.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of Staphylococcus aureus
      and staphylococcal enterotoxin (SE) genes in Urfa cheese samples and to
      characterize the enterotoxigenic potential of these isolates. From a total of 127
      Urfa cheese samples, 53 isolates (from 41.7%  of the samples) were identified by
      a species-specific PCR assay as S. aureus. Of these isolates, 40 (75.5%) gave
      positive PCR results for the 3' end of the coa gene. The coa-positive S. aureus
      strains were characterized for their population levels and enterotoxigenic 
      properties, including slime factor, beta-lactamase, antibiotic susceptibilities,
      production of the classical SEs (SEA through SEE), in both cheese and liquid
      cultures by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and for the presence of
      specific genes, including classical SE genes (sea  through see), mecA, femA, and
      spa, by PCR. The genetic relatedness among the coa-positive S. aureus isolates
      was investigated by PCR-based restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP)
      analysis and the 23S rRNA gene spacer. The 23S rRNA gene spacer and  coa RFLP
      analysis using AluI and Hin6I revealed 14 different patterns. SEB, SEC, and SEA
      and SEE were detected by ELISA in three cheese samples. Fourteen S. aureus
      strains harbored enterotoxin genes sea through see, and three strains carried
      multiple  toxin genes. The most commonly detected toxin gene was sec (25% of
      tested strains). Of the 40 analyzed S. aureus strains, 3 (7.5%) were mecA
      positive. Based on tandem repeats, four coa and spa types were identified. The
      results of this study indicate that  S. aureus and SEs are present at significant
      levels in Urfa cheese. These toxins can cause staphylococcal food poisoning,
      creating a serious hazard for public health.

PMID- 22054179
TI  - Growth of group II Clostridium botulinum strains at extreme temperatures.
AB  - The minimum and maximum growth temperatures and the maximum growth rates at 10,
      30, 37, and 40 degrees C were determined for 24 group II Clostridium botulinum
      strains. Genetic diversity of the strains was revealed by amplified fragment
      length polymorphism (AFLP) analysis. The minimum  growth temperatures ranged from
      6.2 to 8.6 degrees C, and the maximum growth temperatures ranged from 34.7 to
      39.9 degrees C. The mean maximum growth temperatures and mean maximum growth
      rates of type E strains at 37 degrees C were significantly higher than those of
      type B and type F strains. A significant  correlation between maximum growth
      rates at 37 degrees C and maximum growth temperatures was found for all strains.
      Some type E strains with a high minimum growth temperature also had a higher
      maximum growth rate at 37 degrees C than at 30 degrees C, which suggests that
      some group II C. botulinum  strains are more mesophilic in their growth
      properties than others. We found relatively small differences between AFLP
      clusters, indicating that diverse genetic background among the strains was not
      reflected in the growth properties. The growth characteristics of group II C.
      botulinum  and some type E strains with mesophilic growth properties may have an
      impact on inoculation studies and predictive modeling for assessing the safety of
      foods.

PMID- 22054180
TI  - Effect of pH and water activity on the growth limits of Listeria monocytogenes in
      a cheese matrix at two contamination levels.
AB  - Listeria monocytogenes can proliferate at the beginning of cheesemaking as the
      conditions favor growth. The objective of this study was to establish the growth
      limits of L. monocytogenes in a cheese matrix, in case of potential contamination
      of the milk prior to cheese  manufacture. A semisoft laboratory scale model
      cheese system was made at different initial pH and water activity (a(w)) levels
      with a mix of two strains of L. monocytogenes. A factorial design of five pH
      values (5.6 to 6.5), four a(w) values (0.938 to 0.96), and two  L. monocytogenes
      inoculation levels (1 to 20 CFU/ml and 500 to 1,000 CFU/ml) was carried out. Each
      combination was evaluated in six independent replicates. In order to determine if
      there was a dominant strain, isolated colonies from the cheeses were analyzed by
      pulsed-field gel electrophoresis.  The data relating to growth initiation were
      fitted to a logistic regression model. The a(w) of milk influenced the
      probability of growth initiation of L. monocytogenes at both low and high
      contamination levels. The pH, at the concentrations tested, had a lower effect on
      the  probability of growth initiation. At pH 6.5 and a(w) of 0.99 for low
      contamination levels and pH 6.5 and a(w) of 0.97 for high contamination levels,
      increases in population of up to 4 and 2 log were observed at low and high
      contamination levels, respectively. This shows that  if conditions are favorable
      for growth initiation at the early stages of the cheesemaking process,
      contamination of milk, even with low numbers, could lead to L. monocytogenes
      populations that exceed the European Union's microbiological limit of 100 CFU/g
      of cheese.

PMID- 22054181
TI  - A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of pasteurization on milk
      vitamins, and evidence for raw milk consumption and other health-related
      outcomes.
AB  - Pasteurization of milk ensures safety for human consumption by reducing the
      number of viable pathogenic bacteria. Although the public health benefits of
      pasteurization are well established, pro-raw milk advocate organizations continue
      to promote raw milk as "nature's perfect  food." Advocacy groups' claims include
      statements that pasteurization destroys important vitamins and that raw milk
      consumption can prevent and treat allergies, cancer, and lactose intolerance. A
      systematic review and meta-analysis was completed to summarize available evidence
      for these  selected claims. Forty studies assessing the effects of pasteurization
      on vitamin levels were found. Qualitatively, vitamins B12 and E decreased
      following pasteurization, and vitamin A increased. Random effects meta-analysis
      revealed no significant effect of pasteurization on vitamin B6 concentrations 
      (standardized mean difference [SMD], -2.66; 95% confidence interval [CI], -5.40,
      0.8; P = 0.06) but a decrease in concentrations of vitamins B1 (SMD, -1.77; 95%
      CI, -2.57, -0.96; P < 0.001), B2 (SMD, -0.41; 95% CI, -0.81, -0.01;  P < 0.05), C
      (SMD, -2.13; 95% CI, -3.52, -0.74; P < 0.01), and folate (SMD, -11.99; 95% CI, 
      20.95, -3.03; P < 0.01). The effect of pasteurization on milk's nutritive value
      was minimal because many of these vitamins are naturally  found in relatively low
      levels. However, milk is an important dietary source of vitamin B2, and the
      impact of heat treatment should be further considered. Raw milk consumption may
      have a protective association with allergy development (six studies), although
      this relationship may be potentially  confounded by other farming-related
      factors. Raw milk consumption was not associated with cancer (two studies) or
      lactose intolerance (one study). Overall, these findings should be interpreted
      with caution given the poor quality of reported methodology in many of the
      included studies.

PMID- 22054182
TI  - Control of Salmonella enterica Typhimurium in chicken breast meat by irradiation
      combined with modified atmosphere packaging.
AB  - Salmonella is one of the leading causes of human foodborne illnesses originating
      from meat and poultry products. Cross-contamination of Salmonella from raw to
      cooked products continues to be problematic in the food industry. Therefore, new
      intervention strategies are needed  for meat and poultry products. Vacuum or
      modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) are common packaging techniques used to
      extend the shelf life of meat products. Irradiation has been well established as
      an antibacterial treatment to reduce pathogens on meat and poultry. Combining
      irradiation with  high-CO(2)+CO MAP was investigated in this study for improving
      the control of Salmonella enterica Typhimurium on chicken breast meat. The
      radiation sensitivities (D10-values) of this pathogen in chicken breast meat were
      found to be similar in vacuum and in high-CO(2)+CO  MAP (0.55 +/- 0.03 kGy and
      0.54 +/- 0.03 kGy, respectively). Irradiation at 1.5 kGy reduced the Salmonella
      population by an average of 3 log. Some Salmonella cells survived in both vacuum
      and high-CO(2) + CO MAP through 6 weeks of refrigerated storage following 
      irradiation. This pathogen also grew in both vacuum and MAP when the product was
      held at 25 degrees C. This study demonstrated that irradiation is an effective
      means of reducing Salmonella on meat or poultry, but packaging in either vacuum
      or MAP had little impact during subsequent refrigerated  storage.

PMID- 22054183
TI  - Comparison of reduction in foodborne viral surrogates by high pressure
      homogenization.
AB  - With the increasing global spread of human noroviral infections and the emergence
      of highly virulent noroviral strains, novel inactivation methods are needed to
      control foodborne outbreaks. High pressure homogenization (HPH) is a novel method
      that can be applied for foodborne virus  reduction in fluids being continuously
      processed. Our objective in the present study was to compare the titer reduction
      by HPH between feline calicivirus strain F9 (FCV-F9) and murine norovirus 1 (MNV
      1) as surrogates for human noroviruses, and MS2 (single-stranded F-RNA coliphage)
      and somatic  coliphage phiX174 (single-stranded DNA) as indicators of fecal
      contamination. Duplicate experiments with each virus in phosphate-buffered saline
      were carried out with homogenization pressures of 0, 100, 200, 250, and 300 MPa,
      with exposure temperatures of 24, 46, 63, 70, and 75 degrees C, respectively, 
      for <2 s. FCV-F9 was found highly susceptible to HPH treatment pressures of 300
      MPa, with a reduction of >4.95 log PFU/ml. Lower pressures of 250, 200, and 100
      MPa resulted in reductions of 1.61, 0.60, and 0.18 log PFU/ml of FCV-F9,
      respectively, while MNV-1 was not reduced at these  lower pressures. Coliphage
      phiX174 showed no significant reduction at 300 MPa or lower homogenization
      pressures in comparison with MS2, which did show 3.3-log PFU/ml reduction at 300
      MPa. Future studies using juices for industrial application of HPH to determine
      microbial inactivation with  simultaneous retention of sensory and nutritional
      value of foods are needed.

PMID- 22054184
TI  - Evaluation of murine norovirus persistence in environments relevant to food
      production and processing.
AB  - Human norovirus (NoV) causes outbreaks of acute gastroenteritis associated with
      many ready-to-eat foods, including fresh produce. Effective inactivation
      procedures must consider virus survival under conditions of produce production
      and processing. This study aimed to investigate the  persistence of NoV in a
      variety of environments, using murine NoV (MNV) as a surrogate for NoV. MNV was
      incubated for up to 42 days at room temperature on stainless steel disks, on
      lettuce, on soil, and in potable water and titers determined by plaque assay. A 1
      log reduction of MNV infectivity  was observed after 29 days in water, 4 days on
      lettuce, 12 days on soil, and 15 days on stainless steel disks. MNV survived
      longer in water than in any of the other environments, indicating that drying may
      contribute to NoV inactivation. MNV genomes were not significantly reduced for up
      to  42 days, suggesting that genomic detection is not a reliable indicator of
      viability. Overall, our findings provide valuable information regarding the
      potential for NoV transmission in the food supply.

PMID- 22054185
TI  - Comparison of virulence and antibiotic resistance genes of food poisoning
      outbreak isolates of Staphylococcus aureus with isolates obtained from bovine
      mastitis milk and pig carcasses.
AB  - Staphylococcus aureus is the etiological agent in a variety of infections in
      humans and livestock and produces enterotoxins leading to staphylococcal food
      poisoning (SFP), one of the most prevalent foodborne intoxication diseases
      worldwide. Pork and bovine milk are considered  possible sources of SFP because
      pig skin is often colonized by S. aureus and bovine mastitis caused by S. aureus
      is common, but conclusive data are limited. The objective of the present study
      was to compare S. aureus isolates associated with cases of SFP with isolates 
      obtained from bovine mastitis milk and pig carcasses. DNA microarray analysis and
      spa gene typing were performed with 100 S. aureus isolates: 20 isolates related
      to outbreaks of SFP in humans, 39 isolates obtained from pig carcasses, and 41
      isolates collected from bovine mastitis  milk. No overlap in spa types was
      observed for SFP isolates (t008, t015, t018, t024, t056, t084, t279, t377, t383,
      t648, t733, t912, t1239, t1270, t4802, and t6969) and isolates gathered from milk
      or pork. The porcine isolates were assigned to t034, t208, t337, t524, t899,
      t1939, t2922,  t2971, t4475, and t7006, and the bovine isolates belonged to t267,
      t524, t529, t1403, t2953, t7007, t7008, and t7013. Comparison of microarray
      profiles revealed similar virulence gene patterns for isolates collected from the
      same host (pigs or cattle) but few similarities between SFP isolate  profiles and
      the profiles of isolates obtained from bovine mastitis milk and pig carcasses.
      Although only some bovine and porcine isolates possessed the beta-lactamase gene
      blaZ (milk, 24%; pork, 28%), significantly higher numbers of SFP isolates
      contained blaZ (90%). Investigations  of these isolates provided no evidence that
      pork or bovine mastitis milk represent common sources of SFP.

PMID- 22054186
TI  - Comparison of public health impact of Listeria monocytogenes product-to-product
      and environment-to-product contamination of deli meats at retail.
AB  - This study compared the relative public health impact in deli meats at retail
      contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes by either (i) other products or (ii) the
      retail environment. Modeling was performed using the risk of listeriosis
      associated deaths as a public health outcome  of interest and using two deli meat
      products (i.e., ham and turkey, both formulated without growth inhibitors) as
      model systems. Based on reported data, deli meats coming to retail were assumed
      to be contaminated at a frequency of 0.4%. Three contamination scenarios were
      investigated: (i)  a baseline scenario, in which no additional cross
      contamination occurred at retail, (ii) a scenario in which an additional 2.3% of
      products were cross-contaminated at retail due to transfer of L. monocytogenes
      cells from already contaminated ready-to-eat deli meats, and (iii) a scenario  in
      which an additional 2.3% of products were contaminated as a result of cross
      contamination from a contaminated retail environment. By using a previously
      reported L. monocytogenes risk assessment model that uses product-specific growth
      kinetic parameters, cross-contamination of deli  ham and turkey was estimated to
      increase the relative risk of listeriosis-associated deaths by 5.9- and 6.1-fold,
      respectively, for contamination from other products and by 4.9- and 5.8-fold,
      respectively, for contamination from the retail environment. Sensitivity and
      scenario analyses indicated  that the frequency of cross-contamination at retail
      from any source (other food products or environment) was the most important
      factor affecting the relative risk of listeriosis-associated deaths. Overall, our
      data indicate that retail-level cross-contamination of ready-to-eat deli meats
      with  L. monocytogenes has the potential to considerably increase the risk of
      human listeriosis cases and deaths, and thus precise estimates of cross
      contamination frequency are critical for accurate risk assessments.

PMID- 22054187
TI  - Designing a national restaurant inspection disclosure system for New Zealand.
AB  - The World Health Organization estimates that up to 30% of individuals in
      developed countries become ill from contaminated food or water each year, and up
      to 70% of these illnesses are estimated to be linked to food service facilities.
      The aim of restaurant inspections is to reduce foodborne  outbreaks and enhance
      consumer confidence in food service. Inspection disclosure systems have been
      developed as tools for consumers and incentives for food service operators.
      Disclosure systems are common in developed countries but are inconsistently used,
      possibly because previous research  has not determined the best format for
      disclosing inspection results. This study was conducted to develop a consistent,
      compelling, and trusted inspection disclosure system for New Zealand. Existing
      international and national disclosure systems were evaluated. Two cards, a letter
      grade (A,  B, C, or F) and a gauge (speedometer style), were designed to
      represent a restaurant's inspection result and were provided to 371 premises in
      six districts for 3 months. Operators (n = 269) and consumers (n = 991) were
      interviewed to determine which card design best communicated  inspection results.
      Less than half of the consumers noticed cards before entering the premises; these
      data indicated that the letter attracted more initial attention (78%) than the
      gauge (45%). Fifty-eight percent (38) of the operators with the gauge preferred
      the letter; and 79% (47) of the  operators with letter preferred the letter.
      Eighty-eight percent (133) of the consumers in gauge districts preferred the
      letter, and 72% (161) of those in letter districts preferring the letter. Based
      on these data, the letter method was recommended for a national disclosure system
      for New  Zealand.

PMID- 22054188
TI  - A meta-analysis of the published literature on the effectiveness of antimicrobial
      soaps.
AB  - The goal of this research was to conduct a systematic quantitative analysis of
      the existing data in the literature in order to determine if there is a
      difference between antimicrobial and nonantimicrobial soaps and to identify the
      methodological factors that might affect this difference.  Data on hand washing
      efficacy and experimental conditions (sample size, wash duration, soap quantity,
      challenge organism, inoculum size, and neutralization method) from published
      studies were compiled and transferred to a relational database. A total of 25
      publications, containing 374 observations,  met the study selection criteria. The
      majority of the studies included fewer than 15 observations with each treatment
      and included a direct comparison between nonantimicrobial soap and antimicrobial
      soap. Although differences in efficacy between antimicrobial and nonantimicrobial
      soap were  small (~0.5-log CFU reduction difference), antimicrobial soap produced
      consistently statistically significantly greater reductions. This difference was
      true for any of the antimicrobial compounds investigated where n was >20
      (chlorhexidine gluconate, iodophor, triclosan, or povidone).  Average log
      reductions were statistically significantly greater (~2 log CFU) when either gram
      positive or gram-negative transient organisms were deliberately added to hands
      compared with experiments done with resident hand flora (~0.5 log CFU). Our
      findings support the importance of  using a high initial inoculum on the hands,
      well above the detection limit. The inherent variability in hand washing seen in
      the published literature underscores the importance of using a sufficiently large
      sample size to detect differences when they occur.

PMID- 22054189
TI  - Development of a PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism protocol for rapid
      detection and differentiation of four cockroach vectors (group I "Dirty 22"
      species) responsible for food contamination and spreading of foodborne pathogens:
      public health importance.
AB  - Assessing the adulteration of food products and the presence of filth and
      extraneous materials is one of the measures that the U.S. Food and Drug
      Administration (FDA) utilizes in implementing regulatory actions of public health
      importance. To date, 22 common pest species (also known  as the "Dirty 22"
      species) have been regarded by this agency as the spreaders of foodborne
      diseases. We have further categorized the Dirty 22 species into four groups: I
      has four cockroach species, II has two ant species, III has 12 fly species, and
      IV has four rodent species.  The presence of any Dirty 22 species is also
      considered an indicator of unsanitary conditions in food processing and storage
      facilities. In this study, we describe the development of a two-step nested PCR
      protocol to amplify the small subunit ribosomal gene of group I Dirty 22 species
      that  include four cockroach species: Blattella germanica, Blatta orientalis,
      Periplaneta americana, and Supella longipalpa, along with the development of a
      PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism method for rapid detection and
      differentiation of these violative species.  This method will be utilized when
      the specimen cannot be identified with conventional microscopic taxonomic
      methods, especially when only small body parts are separated and recovered from
      food samples for analysis or when these body parts are in a decomposed state.
      This new PCR-restriction  fragment length polymorphism will provide correct
      identification of group I Dirty 22 species; this information can then be used in
      regulation and prevention of foodborne pathogens.

PMID- 22054190
TI  - Effect of photocatalytic and hydrophobic coatings on brewery surface
      microorganisms.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine whether process hygiene in the beverage
      industry could be improved by applying new coating techniques to process
      surfaces. Photocatalytic titanium dioxide (TiO(2)) and hydrophobic coatings
      applied to stainless steel with or without added  antimicrobial compounds were
      studied in laboratory attachment tests and in a 15-month process study. No clear
      reductions in numbers of attached microbes were obtained with photocatalytic
      coatings, except for coatings to which silver had been added. These TiO(2)+Ag
      coatings reduced  microbial coverage in laboratory studies and in some process
      samples. Hydrophobic coatings reduced the area coverage of microorganisms in 4-h
      laboratory studies but did not affect colony counts in laboratory or process
      studies. The surfaces had changed from hydrophobic into hydrophilic during  the
      process study. The coatings did not mechanically fully withstand process
      conditions; part of the hydrophobic coatings had peeled off, most of the
      precipitated Ag had dissolved, and some of the TiO(2) coatings were damaged. In
      conclusion, functional coatings have potential for  reducing microbial loads on
      beverage industry surfaces, but these coatings need further development.

PMID- 22054191
TI  - High salinity relay as a postharvest processing strategy to reduce vibrio
      vulnificus levels in Chesapeake Bay oysters (Crassostrea virginica).
AB  - In 2009 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced its intention to
      implement postharvest processing (PHP) methods to eliminate Vibrio vulnificus
      from oysters intended for the raw, half-shell market that are harvested from the
      Gulf of Mexico during warmer months. FDA-approved  PHP methods can be expensive
      and may be associated with unfavorable responses from some consumers. A
      relatively unexplored PHP method that uses relaying to high salinity waters could
      be an alternative strategy, considering that high salinities appear to negatively
      affect the survival of V.  vulnificus. During relay, however, oysters may be
      exposed to rapid and large salinity increases that could cause increased
      mortality. In this study, the effectiveness of high salinity relay to reduce V.
      vulnificus to <30 most probable number (MPN) per g and the impact on oyster 
      mortality were assessed in the lower Chesapeake Bay. Two relay experiments were
      performed during the summer and fall of 2010. Oysters collected from three grow
      out sites, a low salinity site (14 to 15 practical salinity units [psu]) and two
      moderate salinity sites (22 to 25 psu), were relayed  directly to a high salinity
      site (>=30 psu) on Virginia's Eastern Shore. Oysters were assayed for V.
      vulnificus and Vibrio parahaemolyticus (another Vibrio species of concern)
      densities at time 0 prior to relay and after 7 and 14 days of relay, using the
      FDA MPN enrichment  method combined with detection by real-time PCR. After 14
      days, both V. vulnificus and V. parahaemolyticus densities were <=0.8 MPN/g, and
      decreases of 2 to 3 log in V. vulnificus densities were observed. Oyster
      mortalities were low (<=4%) even for oysters from the  low salinity harvest site,
      which experienced a salinity increase of approximately 15 psu. Results, although
      preliminary and requiring formal validation and economic analysis, suggest that
      high salinity relay could be an effective PHP method.

PMID- 22054192
TI  - Effect of wash treatments on reducing human norovirus on iceberg lettuce and
      perilla leaf.
AB  - Human noroviruses (NoVs) are major causes of nonbacterial gastroenteritis; they
      are transmitted by food and water, as well as person-to-person. The consumption
      of contaminated raw or uncooked food such as vegetables and fruits has been
      identified as a common source of human NoV outbreaks.  In an effort to understand
      the survival and persistence of human NoVs on fresh produce, the efficacy of
      washing treatments in the removal of human NoVs from vegetables was evaluated.
      This study used artificially contaminated vegetables (iceberg lettuce and perilla
      leaf), and washing was done  with tap water for convenience. Wash treatments
      included immersion in water, rinsing with running water, and a combination of
      immersion and rinsing (treatments I to III, respectively). The effect of a class
      I detergent, a commercial product used for washing fruits and vegetables, was
      also  evaluated (treatment IV). After the wash treatments, the remnants of human
      NoVs on samples were measured via real-time reverse transcriptase PCR. The
      results varied among treatments and by vegetable. For iceberg lettuce, a
      reduction of 0.9 log was noted in the treatment III group. The wash  treatment
      was more effective in the perilla leaf samples: each treatment significantly
      reduced the numbers of human NoVs (0.69- to 1.29-log reduction). These data
      demonstrated that wash treatments reduced numbers of virus from the surfaces of
      the vegetables. Therefore, washing would seem to  be a basic step in reducing
      numbers of virus in food preparation and in viral transmission routes.

PMID- 22054193
TI  - Prevalence of Campylobacter and Salmonella in raw chicken on retail sale in the
      republic of Ireland.
AB  - To assess the current risks to consumers from Campylobacter and Salmonella in raw
      chicken products sold in the Republic of Ireland, a retail survey was undertaken
      to define their prevalence. Samples (n = 510) were analyzed using protocols based
      on ISO 10272-1:2006  and ISO 6579:2002. Processor codes on pack labels showed
      that 67% of samples were produced in the Republic of Ireland and 25% in the
      United Kingdom. Salmonella was present in 5.1% of samples, but the eight serovars
      found caused less than 7% of human salmonellosis reported in the Republic  of
      Ireland. The results suggest that on-farm controls to limit Salmonella infection
      of broilers have been successful and that in Ireland raw chicken is not a
      significant cause of salmonellosis in humans. The overall prevalence of
      Campylobacter spp. was 84.3%. Isolation by the  ISO method found 52.7% of samples
      to be positive, but overgrowth by contaminants was frequently evident. Therefore,
      in addition to enrichment, an homogenized sample was plated directly onto
      modified charcoal cefoperazone deoxycholate agar, and this detected a further
      31.6%. Speciation of isolates  (n = 426) determined that 67% were Campylobacter
      jejuni and 32% were Campylobacter coli. These species are the most common cause
      of campylobacteriosis in man. The results indicate that there is a need for
      poultry producers to introduce interventions to minimize the exposure  of
      consumers in the Republic of Ireland to Campylobacter spp., as has been
      successfully done for Salmonella.

PMID- 22054194
TI  - Escherichia coli O157:H7 populations in ruminants can be reduced by orange peel
      product feeding.
AB  - Foodborne pathogenic bacteria such as Escherichia coli O157:H7 are threats to the
      safety of beef. Citrus peel and dried orange pulp are by-products from citrus
      juice production that have natural antimicrobial effects and are often
      incorporated into least-cost ration formulations  for beef and dairy cattle. This
      study was designed to determine if orange peel and pulp affected E. coli O157:H7
      populations in vivo. Sheep (n = 24) were fed a cracked corn grain-based diet that
      was supplemented with a 50-50 mixture of dried orange pellet and fresh orange 
      peel to achieve a final concentration (dry matter basis, wt/wt) of 0, 5, or 10%
      pelleted orange peel (OP) for 10 days. Sheep were artificially inoculated with
      10(10) CFU of E. coli O157:H7 by oral dosing. Fecal shedding of E. coli O157:H7
      was measured daily for 5 days  after inoculation, after which all animals were
      humanely euthanized. At 96 h postinoculation, E. coli O157:H7 shedding was
      reduced (P < 0.05) in sheep fed 10% OP. Populations of inoculated E. coli O157:H7
      were reduced by OP treatment throughout the gastrointestinal  tract; however,
      this reduction reached significant levels in the rumen (P < 0.05) of sheep fed
      10% OP diets. Cecal and rectal populations of E. coli O157:H7 were reduced (P <
      0.05) by inclusion of both 5 and 10% OP diets. Our results demonstrate that
      orange peel  products can be used as a preharvest intervention strategy as part
      of an integrated pathogen reduction scheme.

PMID- 22054195
TI  - Consumer food safety perceptions and practices in a Turkish community.
AB  - Research has shown that most reported foodborne outbreaks are caused by food
      prepared and consumed at home, thus emphasizing the importance of consumer food
      safety knowledge. In this study, 2,000 randomly selected residents from
      Canakkale, Turkey, participated in face-to-face  interviews to assess their food
      safety perceptions and practices. Questions covered the attention given to
      expiration dates, safety certificates, and food additives during shopping;
      consumption of high-risk foods; safe food handling; storage knowledge; and their
      source of food safety knowledge.  Statistical analyses were done to clarify the
      differences according to three main aspects: gender, age, and educational level.
      Results showed that women and middle-aged respondents were significantly more
      careful during shopping and more interested in food safety issues than men and
      younger  individuals. A significant relationship was found between gender and
      consumption of high-risk foods, with men consuming more of these foods than
      women. Furthermore, high-risk foods were more frequently consumed by young
      participants than by older participants, with more highly educated consumers 
      shopping more consciously. Although most respondents appeared to know proper food
      handling and storage practices, almost all participants lacked some information
      on some issues. In order to remove these deficiencies, a brochure was prepared
      and distributed to people in various parts of the  city. In addition, public
      seminars were organized. However, to ensure that this information results in
      positive attitude and behavioral changes, seminars should be repeated at specific
      intervals, and education procedures and processes should be controlled regularly.

PMID- 22054196
TI  - Comparison of automated BAX PCR and standard culture methods for detection of
      Listeria monocytogenes in blue Crabmeat (Callinectus sapidus) and blue crab
      processing plants.
AB  - This study compared the automated BAX PCR with the standard culture method (SCM)
      to detect Listeria monocytogenes in blue crab processing plants. Raw crabs,
      crabmeat, and environmental sponge samples were collected monthly from seven
      processing plants during the plant operating  season, May through November 2006.
      For detection of L. monocytogenes in raw crabs and crabmeat, enrichment was
      performed in Listeria enrichment broth, whereas for environmental samples, demi
      Fraser broth was used, and then plating on both Oxford agar and L. monocytogenes 
      plating medium was done. Enriched samples were also analyzed by BAX PCR. A total
      of 960 samples were examined; 59 were positive by BAX PCR and 43 by SCM. Overall,
      there was no significant difference (P <= 0.05) between the methods for detecting
      the presence of L. monocytogenes  in samples collected from crab processing
      plants. Twenty-two and 18 raw crab samples were positive for L. monocytogenes by
      SCM and BAX PCR, respectively. Twenty and 32 environmental samples were positive
      for L. monocytogenes by SCM and BAX PCR, respectively, whereas only one  and nine
      finished products were positive. The sensitivities of BAX PCR for detecting L.
      monocytogenes in raw crabs, crabmeat, and environmental samples were 59.1, 100,
      and 60%, respectively. The results of this study indicate that BAX PCR is as
      sensitive as SCM for detecting L. monocytogenes  in crabmeat, but more sensitive
      than SCM for detecting this bacterium in raw crabs and environmental samples.

PMID- 22054197
TI  - Evaluation of modified moore swabs and continuous flow centrifugation for
      concentration of Salmonella and Escherichia coli O157:H7 from large volumes of
      water.
AB  - Modified Moore swabs (MMS; consisting of a polyvinyl chloride cartridge filled
      with gauze) capture microorganisms within the packed gauze as water flows through
      the cartridge, while continuous flow centrifugation (CFC) uses centrifugation to
      sediment the microorganisms while water continuously  flows in the system. This
      study evaluated and compared the efficacy of MMS and CFC for concentration and
      subsequent detection of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella from large
      volumes of water (10 liters). Water samples were spiked at levels of 10(1),
      10(2),  10(3), and 10(4) CFU/100 ml with three-strain cocktails of either E. coli
      O157:H7 or Salmonella serovars, which had been previously transformed with a
      plasmid to express resistance to ampicillin as well as green, red, or cyan
      fluorescent proteins. Plating was  performed before and after concentration on
      tryptic soy agar supplemented with ampicillin in order to quantitate the
      concentration efficiencies of each method. The two lowest spiking levels were
      also enriched in low volumes of tryptic soy broth supplemented with ampicillin
      followed by testing  via lateral flow devices. Significant (P < 0.05)
      concentrations of initial levels of E. coli O157:H7 in the range of 0.7 to 1.0
      and 1.2 to 1.4 log were achieved within approximately 35 min of processing time
      via MMS and CFC, respectively. Similarly, significant (P <  0.05) concentrations
      were also achieved for Salmonella with 0.9 to 1.2 and 1.2 to 1.4 log
      concentration for MMS and CFC, respectively. There were no statistical
      differences (P > 0.05) between the two concentration methods in their ability to
      concentrate either of the two target  bacteria. Significantly (P > 0.05) more
      spiked samples were detected by lateral flow devices following concentration and
      enrichment than for nonconcentrated, enriched samples. It is concluded that both
      MMS and CFC have potential to be used to enhance the sensitivity of downstream 
      bacterial detection methods used to test irrigation water for the presence of
      foodborne pathogens.

PMID- 22054198
TI  - Trace elements and metals in farmed sea bass and gilthead bream from Tenerife
      Island, Spain.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine the levels of metals (Ca, K, Na, Mg) and
      trace metals (Ni, Fe, Cu, Mn, Zn, Pb, Cd) in two fish species (gilthead bream
      [Sparus aurata] and sea bass [Dicentrarchus labrax]) collected from fish farms
      located along the coast of Tenerife  Island. Ca, K, Na, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn
      were measured by flame atomic absorption spectrometry, whereas Pb, Cd, and Ni
      were determined using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Mean Fe,
      Cu, Mn, and Zn contents were 3.09, 0.59, 0.18, and 8.11 mg/kg (wet weight) in S.
      aurata  and 3.20, 0.76, 0.24, and 10.11 mg/kg (wet weight) in D. labrax,
      respectively. In D. labrax, Ca, K, Na, and Mg levels were 1,955, 2,787, 699.7,
      and 279.2 mg/kg (wet weight), respectively; in S. aurata, they were 934.7, 3,515,
      532.8, and 262.8 mg/kg (wet weight), respectively.  The Pb level in S. aurata was
      7.28 +/- 3.64 MUg/kg (wet weight) and, in D. labrax, 4.42 +/- 1.56 MUg/kg (wet
      weight). Mean Cd concentrations were 3.33 +/- 3.93 and 1.36 +/- 1.53 MUg/kg (wet
      weight) for D. labrax and S. aurata, respectively.  All Pb and Cd levels measured
      were well below the accepted European Commission limits, 300 and 50 MUg/kg for
      lead and cadmium, respectively.

PMID- 22054199
TI  - Foodborne illness associated with Cryptosporidium and Giardia from livestock.
AB  - Waterborne outbreaks caused by Cryptosporidium and Giardia are well documented,
      while the public health implications for foodborne illness from these parasites
      have not been adequately considered. Cryptosporidium and Giardia are common in
      domestic livestock,  where young animals can have a high prevalence of infection,
      shedding large numbers of oocysts and cysts. Molecular epidemiological studies
      have advanced our knowledge on the distribution of Cryptosporidium and Giardia
      species and genotypes in specific livestock. This has enabled  better source
      tracking of contaminated foods. Livestock generate large volumes of fecal waste,
      which can contaminate the environment with (oo)cysts. Evidence suggests that
      livestock, particularly cattle, play a significant role in food contamination,
      leading to outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis.  However, foodborne giardiasis seems
      to originate primarily from anthroponotic sources. Foodborne cryptosporidiosis
      and giardiasis are underreported because of the limited knowledge of the zoonotic
      potential and public health implications. Methods more sensitive and cheaper are
      needed to detect  the often-low numbers of (oo)cysts in contaminated food and
      water. As the environmental burden of Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts
      from livestock waste increases with the projected increase in animal agriculture,
      public health is further compromised. Contamination of  food by livestock feces
      containing Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts could occur via routes that
      span the entire food production continuum. Intervention strategies aimed at
      preventing food contamination with Cryptosporidium and Giardia will require an
      integrated  approach based on knowledge of the potential points of entry for
      these parasites into the food chain. This review examines the potential for
      foodborne illness from Cryptosporidium and Giardia from livestock sources and
      discusses possible mechanisms for prevention and control.

PMID- 22054200
TI  - Food safety objective approach for controlling Clostridium botulinum growth and
      toxin production in commercially sterile foods.
AB  - As existing technologies are refined and novel microbial inactivation
      technologies are developed, there is a growing need for a metric that can be used
      to judge equivalent levels of hazard control stringency to ensure food safety of
      commercially sterile foods. A food safety objective  (FSO) is an output-oriented
      metric that designates the maximum level of a hazard (e.g., the pathogenic
      microorganism or toxin) tolerated in a food at the end of the food supply chain
      at the moment of consumption without specifying by which measures the hazard
      level is controlled. Using a risk-based  approach, when the total outcome of
      controlling initial levels (H(0)), reducing levels (SigmaR), and preventing an
      increase in levels (SigmaI) is less than or equal to the target FSO, the product
      is considered safe. A cross-disciplinary international consortium  of specialists
      from industry, academia, and government was organized with the objective of
      developing a document to illustrate the FSO approach for controlling Clostridium
      botulinum toxin in commercially sterile foods. This article outlines the general
      principles of an FSO risk management  framework for controlling C. botulinum
      growth and toxin production in commercially sterile foods. Topics include
      historical approaches to establishing commercial sterility; a perspective on the
      establishment of an appropriate target FSO; a discussion of control of initial
      levels, reduction  of levels, and prevention of an increase in levels of the
      hazard; and deterministic and stochastic examples that illustrate the impact that
      various control measure combinations have on the safety of well-established
      commercially sterile products and the ways in which variability all levels  of
      control can heavily influence estimates in the FSO risk management framework.
      This risk-based framework should encourage development of innovative technologies
      that result in microbial safety levels equivalent to those achieved with
      traditional processing methods.

PMID- 22054201
TI  - Real-time dominant frequency analysis of the pulmonary vein in patients with
      paroxysmal atrial fibrillation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) can be treated with pulmonary
      vein isolation (PVI). A spectral analysis can identify sites of high-frequency
      activity during atrial fibrillation (AF). We investigated the role of the PVs on
      AF perpetuation by dominant frequency (DF) analysis. METHODS: Thirty-one
      consecutive patients with PAF who underwent PVI were included in the prospective
      study. DF was calculated in each of the PVs, 16, five, and five sites in the left
      atrium, the coronary sinus, and the right atrium, respectively. In patients
      presenting sinus rhythm at the baseline, AF was induced by pacing. The PVs were
      then divided into two groups; PVs demonstrated the highest DF (HDF-PV) and
      others. RESULTS: One patient was excluded from the analysis because sustained AF
      could not be induced. AF was terminated in 43.3% (13/30) of patients during
      ablation. Of 92 PVs isolated during AF, 30 and 62 PVs were classified into the
      HDF-PV and others, respectively. PAF was more frequently terminated by the HDF-PV
      isolation compared to the others (33.3% [10/30] vs 4.8% [3/62], P = 0.0004).
      Interestingly, nine of the 30 HDF-PVs showing the highest DF among all 30
      regions, including extra PVs, led to AF termination in 88.9% (eight out of nine)
      of cases. Moreover, the HDF-PVs isolation resulted in a greater AF cycle length
      prolongation than the other PVs isolation (12.1+/-5.0 vs 2.7+/-7.6 ms, P =
      0.007). CONCLUSION: Termination of PAF was more frequently observed during
      ablation of the PVs with the highest DF. The PV showing high DF played an
      important role in the maintenance of PAF.

PMID- 22054202
TI  - Endogenous plasma erythropoietin, cardiovascular mortality and all-cause
      mortality in renal transplant recipients.
AB  - Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the main cause of mortality in renal transplant
      recipients (RTR). Classical factors only partly explain the excess risk. We
      hypothesized that high EPO--a marker for inflammation, angiogenesis and hypoxia-
      is associated with CVD in RTR. A total of 568 RTR (51+/-12 years; 45% female;
      creatinine clearance (CrCl) 57+/-20 mL/min/1.73 m(2)) were included at median 6
      [IQR 3-11] years after transplantation. Subjects on exogenous EPO and ferritin
      depleted subjects were excluded. Median EPO level was 17.3 [IQR 11.9-24.2] IU/L.
      Gender-stratified tertiles of age-corrected EPO were positively associated with
      waist circumference (but not BMI), CVD history, time since transplantation,
      diuretics, azathioprine, CRP, mean corpuscular volume and triglyceride levels,
      and inversely with CrCl, RAAS-inhibition, cyclosporine, hemoglobin, total- and
      HDL-cholesterol. During follow-up for 7 [6-7] years, 121 RTR (21%) died, 64 of
      cardiovascular (CV) causes. Higher EPO (per 10 IU/L) was associated with total
      (HR1.16 [1.04-1.29], p = 0.01) and CV mortality (HR1.22 [1.06-1.40], p = 0.005),
      independent of age, gender, hemoglobin, inflammation, renal function and
      Framingham risk factors. Thus, EPO and mortality are linked in RTR, independent
      of potential confounders. This suggests that yet other mechanisms are involved.
      Dissecting determinants of EPO in RTR may improve understanding of mechanisms
      behind excess CV risk in this population.

PMID- 22054203
TI  - Early surgical laser-assisted management of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis
      of the jaws (BRONJ): a retrospective analysis of 101 treated sites with long-term
      follow-up.
AB  - BACKGROUND DATA: The management of bisphosphonate-related osteonecrosis of the
      jaws (BRONJ) is still controversial. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to
      compare surgical and nonsurgical approaches to the treatment of BRONJ and the
      possible usefulness of Nd:YAG and Er:YAG lasers. METHODS: One hundred and twenty
      eight patients (33 males, 95 females; 52 with diagnosis of multiple myeloma, 53
      with diagnosis of bone metastasis, and 23 with diagnosis of osteoporosis)
      affected by BRONJ were evaluated at the Unit of Oral Pathology and Medicine and
      Laser-Assisted Surgery of the University of Parma, Italy, between January 2004
      and July 2009. Overall number of BRONJ sites was 151, and number of treated sites
      was 101. In order to assess the efficacy of different treatments, sites were
      subclassified as follows: Group 1 (G1): 12 sites treated with medical therapy;
      Group 2 (G2): 27 sites treated with medical therapy associated with low level
      laser therapy (LLLT); Group 3 (G3): 17 sites treated with a combination of
      medical and surgical therapy; Group 4 (G4): 45 sites treated with a combination
      of medical therapy, surgical (including laser-assisted) therapy, and LLLT.
      Outcome of treatment was assessed using the staging system proposed by Ruggiero
      et al. Transition from a higher stage to a lower one for at least 6 months was
      considered as clinical improvement and suggestive of a successful treatment.
      RESULTS: Clinical improvement was achieved in 3 out of 12 (25%) BRONJ sites in
      G1. Sites if G2 with an improvement were 18 out of 27 (66%). Nine out 17 BRONJ
      sites (53%) in G3 had a transition to a lower stage after treatment. For sites in
      G4, a clinical improvement was recorded in 40 out of 45 cases (89%). CONCLUSIONS:
      In our experience, the percentage of success obtained with a combined approach
      based on medical therapy, surgical (including laser-assisted) therapy, and LLLT
      (G4) is significantly higher than the percentage of improvement obtained in G1,
      G2, and G3.

PMID- 22054204
TI  - Vitiligo treatment with monochromatic excimer light and tacrolimus: results of an
      open randomized controlled study.
AB  - BACKGROUND DATA: Narrow band ultraviolet B (UVB) is an effective and safe option
      for the treatment of vitiligo. However, a complete and long-lasting repigmention
      of vitiligo patches is difficult to achieve. Combined treatments with novel
      sources of phototherapy and topical agents represent possible new strategies.
      OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of combined
      tacrolimus and 308-nm excimer light (MEL) vs 308-nm MEL monotherapy in treating
      vitiligo in a controlled study. METHODS: Fifty-three patients affected by
      vitiligo were enrolled in this open prospective study. Patients were divided into
      three groups: Group I included 20 patients treated with MEL 308 nm twice weekly
      and oral vitamin E; Group II included 20 patients treated with MEL 308 nm twice
      weekly combined with 0.1% tacrolimus once a day and oral vitamin E; and Group III
      included 13 patients treated only with oral vitamin E. Efficacy was assessed at
      the end of 12 weeks based on the percentage of repigmentation. RESULTS: Fifty-two
      patients completed 12 weeks of treatment. Group I (MEL + vitamin E) showed a
      moderate repigmentation in 35% of patients, good repigmentation in 30%, excellent
      repigmentation in 25%, and poor repigmentation in 10%; Group II (MEL + tacrolimus
      0.1%+ vitamin E) presented moderate repigmentation in 25% of patients, good
      repigmentation in 40%, excellent repigmentation in 30%, and poor repigmentation
      in 5%; Group III (vitamin E) showed moderate repigmentation in 16% and 84% did
      not show signs of repigmentation. CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that the
      combination treatment of 0.1% tacrolimus ointment plus 308-nm MEL and 308-nm MEL
      monotherapy are effective, safe, and well tolerated for the treatment of vitiligo
      compared to treatment with vitamin E. Furthermore, this study suggests that an
      association with topical immunomodulators could enhance the clinical response in
      vitiligo, especially in more resistant anatomical sites.

PMID- 22054205
TI  - Medication quality and quality of life in the elderly, a cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Modern drugs have made large contributions to better health and
      quality of life. Increasing proportions of negative side effects due to extensive
      pharmacological treatment are however observed especially among elderly patients
      who have multiple health problems. The aim of our study was to see if there is an
      association between medication quality and quality of life. METHODS: 150 patients
      discharged from hospital. Inclusion criteria were: living in ordinary homes, >=
      75 years and >= 5 drugs. Home visits were performed to all, including
      prescription reviews and calculation of medication appropriateness index. The
      patients were divided into three groups depending on index score and followed for
      12 months. The validated and recognized EQ-5D and EQ VAS instruments were used to
      assess quality of life. RESULTS: A lower medication quality was associated with a
      lower quality of life. EQ-5D index was statistically significantly different
      (declining for each group) among the groups (p = 0.001 at study start, p = 0.001
      at 6 months and p = 0.013 at 12 months) as was EQ VAS (p = 0.026 at study start,
      p = 0.003 at 6 months and p = 0.007 at 12 months). CONCLUSIONS: This study has
      shown the validity of the basic principle in prescribing: the more appropriate
      medication the better quality of life. Since drug quality is related to the
      patients' quality of life, there is immense reason to continuously evaluate every
      prescription and treatment. The evaluation and if possible deprescribing should
      be done as a process where both the patient and physician are involved.

PMID- 22054207
TI  - Natalizumab discontinuation: an increasingly tricky proposition.

PMID- 22054208
TI  - Atypia predicting prognosis for intracranial extraventricular neurocytomas.
AB  - OBJECT: The literature, at present, provides limited information about
      extraventricular neurocytomas (EVNs) and is almost exclusively composed of case
      reports or small case series. Treatment for EVNs has largely been guided by
      results from central neurocytoma outcome studies. The authors present an analysis
      of all reported intracranial EVN cases to establish if tumor histopathological
      features can substratify EVN into groups with differing prognosis and help guide
      treatment decisions. METHODS: The authors identified studies reporting histology,
      treatment modality, and outcomes for patients with intracranial EVN. The rates of
      recurrence and survival for patients were compared using Kaplan-Meier analysis.
      Atypical tumors, defined by MIB-1 labeling index exceeding 3% or atypical
      histological features, were compared with typical tumors, and patients 50 years
      of age or older were compared with those younger than 50 years of age. RESULTS:
      Eighty-five patients met the inclusion criteria, and 27% of them had an atypical
      histology. Typical EVNs had a better prognosis than atypical EVNs after primary
      treatment, with a 5-year recurrence rate of 36% compared with 68% (p < 0.001),
      and a 5-year mortality rate of 4% compared with 44%, respectively (p < 0.001).
      Age younger 50 years was associated with a better prognosis than age equal to or
      greater than 50 years, with a 5-year recurrence rate of 33% and 74%, respectively
      (p < 0.001), and a 5-year mortality rate of 4% and 52%, respectively (p < 0.001).
      Multivariate analysis demonstrated that atypical EVNs carried significantly
      increased risk for recurrence (hazard ratio [HR] 4.91, p < 0.001) and death (HR
      22.91, p < 0.01). Gross-total resection was superior to subtotal resection (STR)
      alone in tumor control rates for typical EVNs (95% and 68%, p < 0.05), and there
      was a trend for adjuvant external-beam radiotherapy to benefit STR. There was
      suggestion of similar trends in patients with atypical EVNs. CONCLUSIONS: There
      are at least 2 distinct histological subtypes of EVN, with different prognostic
      significances. Atypia or MIB-1 labeling index greater than 3% is a significant
      predictor of poor prognosis for EVNs. Complete resection or more aggressive
      attempts at providing adjuvant therapy following STR appear to improve the
      prognosis for patients with EVNs. Although the authors' results are informative,
      there are limitations to their analysis. Given the relatively modest total number
      of cases reported, as well as the nature of the disaggregated analysis, the
      authors were not able to use formal meta-analytical methods to limit the impact
      of between center heterogeneity. Additionally, they were not able to control for
      individual differences in data analysis and presentation across the different
      studies included in their analysis.

PMID- 22054209
TI  - Clinical data simplified.

PMID- 22054210
TI  - Impact test comparisons of 20th and 21st century American football helmets.
AB  - OBJECT: Concussion is the signature American football injury of the 21st century.
      Modern varsity helmets, as compared with vintage leather helmets, or
      "leatherheads," are widely believed to universally improve protection by reducing
      head impact doses and head injury risk for the 3 million young football players
      in the US. The object of this study was to compare the head impact doses and
      injury risks with 11 widely used 21st century varsity helmets and 2 early 20th
      century leatherheads and to hypothesize what the results might mean for children
      wearing similar varsity helmets. METHODS: In an injury biomechanics laboratory,
      the authors conducted front, oblique front, lateral, oblique rear, and rear head
      impact tests at 5.0 m/second using helmeted headforms, inducing near- and
      subconcussive head impact doses on par with approximately the 95th percentile of
      on-field collision severity. They also calculated impact dose injury risk
      parameters common to laboratory and on-field traumatic neuromechanics: linear
      acceleration, angular acceleration, angular velocity, Gadd Severity Index,
      diffuse axonal injury, acute subdural hematoma, and brain contusion. RESULTS: In
      many instances the head impact doses and head injury risks while wearing vintage
      leatherheads were comparable to or better than those while wearing several widely
      used 21st century varsity helmets. CONCLUSIONS: The authors do not advocate
      reverting to leather headgear, but they do strongly recommend, especially for
      young players, instituting helmet safety designs and testing standards, which
      encourage the minimization of linear and angular impact doses and injury risks in
      near- and subconcussive head impacts.

PMID- 22054211
TI  - The Barrow Ruptured Aneurysm Trial.

PMID- 22054212
TI  - Cerebral aneurysms with intrasellar extension: a systematic review of clinical,
      anatomical, and treatment characteristics.
AB  - OBJECT: Intrasellar aneurysms are rare lesions that often mimic pituitary tumors,
      potentially resulting in catastrophic outcomes if they are not appropriately
      recognized. The authors aimed to characterize the clinical and anatomical details
      of this poorly defined entity in the modern era of neuroimaging and
      open/endovascular neurosurgery. METHODS: A PubMed literature review was conducted
      to identify all studies reporting noniatrogenic aneurysms with intrasellar
      extension, as confirmed by CT or MR imaging and angiography. Clinical,
      anatomical, and treatment characteristics were analyzed. RESULTS: Thirty-one
      studies reporting 40 cases of intrasellar aneurysms were identified. Six patients
      (15%) presented with aneurysmal rupture. Patients with unruptured aneurysms
      presented with the following signs and symptoms: headache (61%), visual field
      cuts/decreased visual acuity (61%), endocrinopathy (57%), symptomatic
      hyponatremia (21%), and cranial nerve paresis (other than optic nerve) (18%). The
      most common endocrine abnormalities were hyperprolactinemia and hypogonadism.
      Eight aneurysms (20%) were diagnosed in conjunction with a pituitary adenoma.
      Aneurysms could be categorized into 2 primary anatomical groups as follows: 1)
      cavernous/clinoid segment internal carotid artery (ICA) (infradiaphragmatic)
      aneurysms with medial extension into the sella; and 2) suprasellar
      (supradiaphragmatic) aneurysms originating from the ophthalmic segment of the ICA
      or from the anterior communicating artery, with inferomedial extension into the
      sella. The mean diameters of infradiaphragmatic and supradiaphragmatic aneurysms
      were 14.5 and 21.8 mm, respectively. Infradiaphragmatic aneurysms were much more
      likely to present with endocrinopathy, whereas supradiaphragmatic ones presented
      more commonly with visual disturbances. Aneurysms with infradiaphragmatic growth
      were generally treated using either endovascular techniques or surgical trapping
      and bypass, while supradiaphragmatic aneurysms were more often treated by
      surgical clipping. CONCLUSIONS: Aneurysms with intrasellar extension typically
      present due to mass effect on surrounding structures, and they can be classified
      as infradiaphragmatic cavernous or clinoid segment ICA aneurysms, or
      supradiaphragmatic ophthalmic ICA or anterior communicating artery aneurysms.
      Varying approaches exist for treating these complex aneurysms, and intervention
      strategies depend substantially on the anatomical subtype.

PMID- 22054213
TI  - The Barrow Ruptured Aneurysm Trial.
AB  - OBJECT: The purpose of this ongoing study is to compare the safety and efficacy
      of microsurgical clipping and endovascular coil embolization for the treatment of
      acutely ruptured cerebral aneurysms and to determine if one treatment is superior
      to the other by examining clinical and angiographic outcomes. The authors
      examined the null hypothesis that no difference exists between the 2 treatment
      modalities in the setting of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). The current report is
      limited to the clinical results at 1 year after treatment. METHODS: The authors
      screened 725 patients with SAH, resulting in 500 eligible patients who were
      enrolled prospectively in the study after giving their informed consent. Patients
      were assigned in an alternating fashion to surgical aneurysm clipping or
      endovascular coil therapy. Intake evaluations and outcome measurements were
      collected by nurse practitioners independent of the treating surgeons.
      Ultimately, 238 patients were assigned to aneurysm clipping and 233 to coil
      embolization. The 2 treatment groups were well matched. There were no anatomical
      exclusions. Crossing over was allowed, but primary outcome analysis was based on
      the initial treatment modality assignment. Posttreatment care was standardized
      for both groups. Patient outcomes at 1 year were independently assessed using the
      modified Rankin Scale (mRS). A poor outcome was defined as an mRS score > 2 at 1
      year. The primary outcome was based on the assigned group; that is, by intent to
      treat. RESULTS: One year after treatment, 403 patients were available for
      evaluation. Of these, 358 patients had actually undergone treatment. The
      remainder either died before treatment or had no identifiable source of SAH. A
      poor outcome (mRS score > 2) was observed in 33.7% of the patients assigned to
      aneurysm clipping and in 23.2% of the patients assigned to coil embolization (OR
      1.68, 95% CI 1.08-2.61; p = 0.02). Of treated patients assigned to the coil
      group, 124 (62.3%) of the 199 who were eligible for any treatment actually
      received endovascular coil embolization. Patients who crossed over from coil to
      clip treatment fared worse than patients assigned to coil embolization, but no
      worse than patients assigned to clip occlusion. No patient treated by coil
      embolization suffered a recurrent hemorrhage. CONCLUSIONS: One year after
      treatment, a policy of intent to treat favoring coil embolization resulted in
      fewer poor outcomes than clip occlusion. Although most aneurysms assigned to the
      coil treatment group were treated by coil embolization, a substantial number
      crossed over to surgical clipping. Although a policy of intent to treat favoring
      coil embolization resulted in fewer poor outcomes at 1 year, it remains important
      that high-quality surgical clipping be available as an alternative treatment
      modality.

PMID- 22054215
TI  - Reactions of late lanthanide metal atoms and methanol in solid argon: a matrix
      isolation infrared spectroscopic and theoretical study.
AB  - The reactions of laser-ablated late lanthanide atoms and methanol were studied
      using matrix isolation infrared spectroscopy and electronic structure
      calculations at the density functional theory level. Both terbium and lutetium
      atoms react with methanol spontaneously to form the CH(3)OTbH and CH(3)OLuH
      insertion products, which react further with another methanol molecule to give
      the Tb(OCH(3))(2) and Lu(OCH(3))(2) products as found previously for uranium. The
      reactions of Dy through Yb and methanol first produce Ln(CH(3)OH) complexes
      during sample annealing, which isomerize to the CH(3)OLnH insertion products on
      visible irradiation. The Ln-H stretching frequencies of the CH(3)OLnH molecules
      exhibit a unique trend from Tb to Lu, which is also reproduced by theoretical
      calculations at the B3LYP level of theory. Although the CH(3)LnOH molecules are
      predicted to be more stable than the O-H bond insertion products, formation of
      the C-O bond insertion isomers is kinetically prohibited as revealed by
      calculated potential energy surfaces.

PMID- 22054214
TI  - Progesterone-induced changes in the phosphoryl potential during the meiotic
      divisions in amphibian oocytes: role of Na/K-ATPase.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Progesterone triggers resumption of the first meiotic division in the
      Rana pipiens oocyte by binding to the N-terminal external loop of the catalytic
      subunit of Na/K-ATPase, releasing a cascade of lipid second messengers. This is
      followed by internalization of specific membrane proteins, plasma membrane
      depolarization and nuclear membrane breakdown, culminating in arrest at second
      metaphase. RESULTS: Progesterone initiates an increase in phosphoryl potential
      during the first meiotic division, resulting in the accumulation of high energy
      protein phosphate by second metaphase arrest. 31P-NMR, with saturation transfer,
      demonstrates that the phosphocreatine level rises ~2 fold and that the "pseudo"
      first order rate constant for the creatine kinase reaction falls to ~20% of the
      control by the onset of nuclear membrane breakdown. 32PO4 pulse-labeling reveals
      a net increase in phosphorylation of yolk protein phosvitin during this period.
      The increased yolk protein phosphorylation coincides with internalization of
      membrane Na/K-ATPase and membrane depolarizatio CONCLUSIONS: These results
      indicate that progesterone binding to the catalytic subunit of the Na-pump
      diverts ATP from cation regulation at the plasma membrane to storage of high
      energy phosphate in yolk protein. Phosvitin serves as a major energy source
      during fertilization and early cleavage stages and is also a storage site for
      cations (e.g. Na+, K+, Ca2+, Fe2+/3+) essential for embryonic development.

PMID- 22054216
TI  - Multiple psychosomatic symptoms can indicate child physical abuse - results from
      a study of Swedish schoolchildren.
AB  - AIM: To examine whether children with self-reported experiences of either
      physical abuse alone or combined with intimate partner violence report more
      psychosomatic symptoms than other children and to explore whether these possible
      associations are enhanced by school-related factors, chronic condition and
      demographic factors. METHODS: A national cross-sectional study of 2771 pupils in
      grades 4, 6 and 9 from 44 schools in Sweden was carried out in 2006 (91% response
      rate). Data were analysed with univariate tests (chi-square), multiple logistic
      regression analyses and stratified logistic regression analyses, expressed as
      crude odds ratio (OR) and adjusted odds ratio (AOR) with 95% confidence
      intervals. RESULTS: There was a strong association between reported physical
      abuse and multiple (three or more) psychosomatic symptoms among schoolchildren
      (AOR 2.12). Chronic condition was the only determinant that had an obvious
      enhancing effect on the association between physical abuse and psychosomatic
      symptoms in childhood. CONCLUSION: This study shows that multiple psychosomatic
      symptoms are associated with child physical abuse. Health professionals therefore
      need to pay special attention to schoolchildren who complain about the co
      occurrence of psychosomatic symptoms and pattern of symptoms, which could not be
      easily explained by other causes.

PMID- 22054217
TI  - Pyosalpinx as a sequela of labial fusion in a post-menopausal woman: a case
      report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Complete labia fusion is a rare clinical entity in post-menopausal
      women. The most common complications of this presentation are infections of the
      urinary tract and retention of urine in the vagina. We present the case of a post
      menopausal woman with adnexal mass and abdominal pain due to fusion of the labia
      majora. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report in the literature
      of this complication. CASE PRESENTATION: A 78-year-old Caucasian woman was
      admitted to our hospital due to abdominal pain and urination difficulty, along
      with fever and leucocytosis. On examination the labial majora were fused.
      Computed tomography of the abdomen revealed a cystic formation in the anatomical
      area of the right adnexa. Our patient had developed a pyosalpinx as a Sequela of
      labial fusion. At laparoscopy the right pyosalpinx was identified and resected,
      whereas the labia majora were reconstructed via dissection and separation.
      CONCLUSIONS: Labial fusion is a rare clinical entity in post-menopausal women and
      can have serious and unexpected complications. Though this presentation is rare,
      a clinical examination must be performed in detail in order to gain valuable
      information for an accurate diagnosis. Post-operational instruction must be given
      to patients in order to prevent the re-occurrence of the fusion and its
      complications.

PMID- 22054218
TI  - The challenge to sustainable development in China revealed by "death villages".

PMID- 22054219
TI  - EMSA and single-molecule force spectroscopy study of interactions between
      Bacillus subtilis single-stranded DNA-binding protein and single-stranded DNA.
AB  - In this article, interactions between Bacillus subtilis single-stranded DNA
      binding proteins (BsSSB) and single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) were systematically
      studied. The effect of different molar ratios between BsSSB and ssDNA on their
      binding modes was first investigated by electrophoretic mobility shift assays
      (EMSAs). It is found that a high molar ratio of BsSSB to ssDNA can produce BsSSB
      ssDNA complexes formed in the mode of two proteins binding one 65-nt (nucleotide)
      ssDNA whereas a low molar ratio facilitates the formation of BsSSB-ssDNA
      complexes in the mode of one protein binding one 65-nt ssDNA. Furthermore, two
      binding modes are in dynamic equilibrium. The unbinding force of BsSSB-ssDNA
      complexes was measured quantitatively in solutions with different salt
      concentrations by using AFM-based single-molecule force spectroscopy (SMFS). Our
      results show that the unbinding force is about 10 pN higher at high salt
      concentration (0.5 M NaCl) than at low salt concentration (0.1 M NaCl) and the
      lifetime of BsSSB-ssDNA complexes at high salt concentration is twice as long as
      that at low salt concentration. These results indicate that more tightly packed
      BsSSB-ssDNA complexes can form at high salt (0.5 M NaCl) concentration. In
      addition, the results of EMSA show that ssDNA, which is bound to BsSSB, can
      dissociate from BsSSB in the presence of the cDNA strand, indicating the dynamic
      nature of BsSSB-ssDNA interactions.

PMID- 22054220
TI  - Using geographical information systems mapping to identify areas presenting high
      risk for traumatic brain injury.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to show how geographical information systems
      (GIS) can be used to track and compare hospitalization rates for traumatic brain
      injury (TBI) over time and across a large geographical area using population
      based data. RESULTS & DISCUSSION: Data on TBI hospitalizations, and geographic
      and demographic variables, came from the Ontario Trauma Registry Minimum Data Set
      for the fiscal years 1993-1994 and 2001-2002. Various visualization techniques,
      exploratory data analysis and spatial analysis were employed to map and analyze
      these data. Both the raw and standardized rates by age/gender of the geographical
      unit were studied. Data analyses revealed persistent high rates of
      hospitalization for TBI resulting from any injury mechanism between two time
      periods in specific geographic locations. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows how
      geographic information systems can be successfully used to investigate
      hospitalizaton rates for traumatic brain injury using a range of tools and
      techniques; findings can be used for local planning of both injury prevention and
      post discharge services, including rehabilitation.

PMID- 22054221
TI  - Spatially resolved protein hydrogen exchange measured by matrix-assisted laser
      desorption ionization in-source decay.
AB  - Mass spectrometry has become a powerful tool for measuring protein hydrogen
      exchange and thereby reveal the structural dynamics of proteins in solution. Here
      we describe the successful application of a matrix-assisted laser desorption
      ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry approach based on in-source decay (ISD) to
      measure spatially resolved amide backbone hydrogen exchange. By irradiating
      deuterated protein molecules in a crystalline matrix with a high laser fluence,
      they undergo prompt fragmentation. Spatially resolved deuteration levels are
      readily obtained by mass analysis of consecutive fragment ions. MALDI ISD
      analysis of deuterated cytochrome c yielded an extensive series of c-fragment
      ions which originate from cleavage of nearly all N-C(alpha) bonds (Cys17 to
      Glu104) allowing for a detailed analysis of the deuterium content of the backbone
      amides. While hydrogen scrambling can be major concern when using mass
      spectrometric fragmentation to obtain detailed information on protein hydrogen
      exchange, we show that the level of hydrogen scrambling in our MALDI ISD
      measurements is negligible and that the known dynamic behavior of cytochrome c in
      solution is accurately reflected in the deuterium contents of the fragment ions.
      The developed method combines several attractive features from a practical point
      of view as it is simple to perform and it readily provides a detailed mapping of
      the dynamic structure of a protein in solution.

PMID- 22054222
TI  - Child burn injury in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania: results from a community survey.
AB  - The objective of this study was to identify the incidence of burn injuries among
      children in a sub-Saharan urban area and describe contributing factors in the
      home environment. A cross-sectional household survey was conducted in Dar es
      Salaam, Tanzania between 8 and 22 July 2009. Demographic characteristics of
      participants were reported using descriptive statistics. Bivariate analyses using
      Pearson's chi-square tests for categorical variables were used to explore
      possible associations. Burns represented 16.3% of reported injuries. The one
      month incidence was calculated to be 1.73%. The most common contributor to burn
      injury was open flame 36.9%, followed by hot liquids 33.8%. Most burns occurred
      in urban areas with 88% occurring in the home. A significant association with
      burn injury was found in the 0-4 age category. There exists a continued need for
      research examining the mechanisms of safety provision in the home in low resource
      settings, especially concerning burn injury.

PMID- 22054223
TI  - Rationale and design of a prospective study: Cervical Dystonia Patient Registry
      for Observation of OnaBotulinumtoxinA Efficacy (CD PROBE).
AB  - BACKGROUND: A registry of patients with cervical dystonia (Cervical Dystonia
      Patient Registry for Observation of onaBotulinumtoxinA Efficacy [CD PROBE]) was
      initiated to capture data regarding physician practices and patient outcomes with
      onabotulinumtoxinA (BOTOX(r), Allergan, Inc., Irvine, CA, USA). Methods and
      baseline demographics from an interim analysis are provided. METHODS/DESIGN: This
      is a prospective, multicenter, clinical registry in the United States enrolling
      subjects with cervical dystonia (CD) who are toxin naive and/or new to the
      physicians' practices, or who had been in a clinical trial but received their
      last injection >= 16 weeks prior to enrollment. Subjects are followed over 3
      injection cycles of onabotulinumtoxinA, with assessments at time of injection and
      4-6 weeks later. Information on physician's practice, patient demographics, CD
      disease history, duration of treatment intervals and neurotoxin dose, dilution,
      use of electromyography, and muscles injected are collected. Outcomes are
      assessed by physicians and subjects using various questionnaires. DISCUSSION:
      This ongoing registry includes 609 subjects with the following baseline data:
      75.9% female, 93.6% Caucasian, mean age 57.6 +/- 14.3, age at symptom onset 48.3
      +/- 16.2, and time to diagnosis 5.4 +/- 8.6 years, with an additional 1.0 +/- 3.5
      years before treatment. Of those employed at the time of diagnosis, 36.6% stopped
      working as a result of CD. CD PROBE, the largest clinical registry of CD
      treatment, will provide useful data on current treatment practices with
      onabotulinumtoxinA, potentially leading to refinements for optimization of
      outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION: NCT00836017.

PMID- 22054224
TI  - A whole-person model of care for persistent pain: from conceptual framework to
      practical application.
AB  - SETTING:   The study was set in an Australian tertiary public hospital
      multidisciplinary pain center. OBJECTIVES:   The objectives of the study were to
      describe the conceptual shift undertaken by a multidisciplinary team in moving
      from a traditional approach to an emerging paradigm in pain medicine and to
      describe the practical application of a whole-person model of care and report
      outcomes over the period 2003-2010. DESIGN:   The study design was descriptive,
      including a brief review of current evidence base, consideration of models of
      service delivery, and analysis of the impact of applying a new, whole-person
      model of care for persistent pain. INTERVENTION:   Since 2004, a series of
      changes led to significant health system redesign. The process involved
      development of a broader, whole-person understanding of the individual with pain
      and a more integrated approach to service delivery across the spectrum from
      community to tertiary care. RESULTS:   Broad trends in the period 2003-2010
      included a modest reduction in referral rate, marked reduction in waiting times,
      more efficient staff utilization, inversion of the ratio of new assessments to
      review appointments, increased telephone contact with primary care, increased use
      of personalized pain management plans, reduced procedural interventions and
      increased attendance at and clinically significant gains from shorter and more
      flexible group programs. CONCLUSIONS:   Changes to conceptual framework
      inevitably influence the practicalities of service delivery. The application of a
      whole-person model for persistent pain brought improved engagement with the
      individual in pain and more efficient delivery of care at a systems level.

PMID- 22054225
TI  - Genetic parameters of total milk yield and factors describing the shape of
      lactation curve in dairy buffaloes.
AB  - The objective of this study was to apply factor analysis to describe lactation
      curves in dairy buffaloes in order to estimate the phenotypic and genetic
      association between common latent factors and cumulative milk yield. A total of
      31 257 monthly test-day milk yield records from buffaloes belonging to herds
      located in the state of Sao Paulo were used to estimate two common latent
      factors, which were then analysed in a multi-trait animal model for estimating
      genetic parameters. Estimates of (co)variance components for the two common
      latent factors and cumulated 270-d milk yield were obtained by Bayesian inference
      using a multiple trait animal model. Contemporary group, number of milkings per
      day (two levels) and age of buffalo cow at calving (linear and quadratic) as
      covariate were included in the model as fixed effects. The additive genetic,
      permanent environmental and residual effects were included as random effects. The
      first common latent factor (F1) was associated with persistency of lactation and
      the second common latent factor (F2) with the level of production in early
      lactation. Heritability estimates for F1 and F2 were 0.12 and 0.07, respectively.
      Genetic correlation estimates between F1 and F2 with cumulative milk yield were
      positive and moderate (0.63 and 0.52). Multivariate statistics employing factor
      analysis allowed the extraction of two variables (latent factors) that described
      the shape of the lactation curve. It is expected that the response to selection
      to increase lactation persistency is higher than the response obtained from
      selecting animals to increase lactation peak. Selection for higher total milk
      yield would result in a favourable correlated response to increase the level of
      production in early lactation and the lactation persistency.

PMID- 22054226
TI  - Assembly of digitoxin by gold(I)-catalyzed glycosidation of glycosyl o
      alkynylbenzoates.
AB  - Digitoxin, a clinically important cardiac trisaccharide, was assembled
      efficiently from digitoxigenin and 3,4-di-O-tert-butyldiphenylsilyl-d-digitoxosyl
      o-cyclopropylethynylbenzoate in 9 steps and 52% overall yield via alternate
      glycosylation and protecting group manipulation. The present synthesis showcases
      the advantage of the gold(I)-catalyzed glycosylation protocol in the synthesis of
      glycoconjugates containing acid-labile 2-deoxysugar linkages.

PMID- 22054227
TI  - The European Medicines Agency discovers the geriatric patient.

PMID- 22054228
TI  - Optimal management of cancer treatment-induced bone loss: considerations for
      elderly patients.
AB  - Hormone manipulation, commonly used in breast and prostate cancer, can result in
      significant bone loss. In multiple myeloma (MM), corticosteroids play an
      important role in therapy but increase the risk of fracture over that expected
      for any given bone mineral density. These adverse effects on the skeletal system
      are particularly relevant in the elderly population, in whom osteoporosis can
      significantly affect not only quality of life but also survival. The associated
      health and social care costs are becoming increasingly important. Screening with
      dual energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans and lifestyle advice on smoking,
      alcohol and dietary intake are essential parts of the management of patients with
      cancer treatment-induced bone loss. The value of exercise also cannot be
      underestimated. A careful drug review should be carried out to eliminate agents
      that may potentially exacerbate bone toxicity. Therapies to address bone
      toxicities include bisphosphonates, which have been shown to play an increasingly
      important role in preventing declines in bone health. The issues of compliance
      when oral agents are used should not be underestimated. Renal toxicity and
      osteonecrosis of the jaw are relevant toxicities, especially in the elderly.
      Cardiac toxicity has not been proven, but there is evidence to suggest that the
      suppression of bone turnover seen with some, although not all, bisphosphonates is
      not reversed following cessation of treatment. The implications of this finding
      need to be borne in mind when treating elderly patients. The possibility of
      atypical fractures in patients taking bisphosphonates also needs to be given
      consideration, although this remains a rare complication. Recently, the receptor
      activator of nuclear factor-kappaB ligand (RANKL) ligand antibody denosumab has
      been shown to be of value in fracture prevention, and its subcutaneous route of
      administration offers a potential advantage. Oncologists should also remember
      that tamoxifen, which has little effect on bone integrity, remains a useful drug
      for breast cancer patients. A multidisciplinary approach involving the hospital
      specialist, general practitioner, nurse and, most importantly, the patient,
      family and carers should ensure that the maximal benefit is received from the
      anti-cancer treatment, with minimal cost to the patient. As cancer cure rates
      increase, late toxicity is increasingly relevant and challenging. The skeletal
      system warrants more research to maximize the care of all our patients,
      especially the elderly, who may be most at risk.

PMID- 22054229
TI  - Optimal pharmacotherapeutic strategies for elderly patients with advanced non
      small cell lung cancer.
AB  - Increases in both life expectancy and cancer incidence with age result in a
      significant rise in lung cancer rates among elderly patients, with a median age
      at diagnosis of between 63 and 70 years. However, elderly patients are under
      represented in clinical trials and generally receive suboptimal treatment, mainly
      because of fears about increased toxicity of chemotherapy. Indeed, physiological
      modification of renal and haematopoietic functions with age together with co
      morbidity and associated polypharmacy may alter the metabolism of chemotherapy
      drugs, resulting in greater toxicity. Moreover, performance status (PS), the main
      prognostic factor in younger patients, does not correlate well with geriatric
      indexes such as activities of daily living, cognition and physical performance,
      and comprehensive geriatric assessment is important in elderly patients. Until
      2010, based on the small number of clinical trials designed for elderly patients,
      monotherapy was the recommended treatment for those with advanced non-small cell
      lung cancer (NSCLC), whereas for fit younger patients, a platinum-based doublet
      was and continues to be the recommended first-line therapy. However, at the
      plenary session of the 2010 Annual Meeting of the American Society of Clinical
      Oncology, results were presented from a randomized controlled trial conducted by
      the French Intergroup of Thoracic Oncology that demonstrated that in PS 0-2
      patients aged>=70 years with advanced NSCLC, monthly carboplatin with weekly
      paclitaxel resulted in significantly longer survival than single-agent therapy
      (vinorelbine or gemcitabine). It should be noted that even in a priori
      unfavourable prognostic subgroups (patients with a PS score of 2, those aged>80
      years or those with an activities of daily living scale score of <6), doublet
      therapy was associated with a survival advantage over monotherapy. Thus, the new
      paradigm of treatment of elderly patients with advanced NSCLC and a PS score of 0
      2 should now be monthly carboplatin with weekly paclitaxel. While there have been
      no trials of second-line therapy for NSCLC specifically in elderly patients,
      exploratory subgroup analyses indicate that docetaxel, pemetrexed and erlotinib
      may provide outcomes in elderly patients similar to those reported in younger
      patients. However, specific second-line therapy trials in elderly patients are
      required as the elderly patients in trials conducted to date were probably highly
      selected to fit the inclusion criteria. There is no more room for nihilism in the
      treatment of elderly patients with advanced NSCLC. Such patients should be
      evaluated carefully by geriatric indexes and, if they have a PS score of 0-2, may
      be treated with platinum-based (mostly carboplatin) doublet therapy in the same
      manner as their younger counterparts. The optimal second line treatment remains
      to be determined.

PMID- 22054230
TI  - Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor antidepressants and the risk of falls
      in older people: case-control and case-series analysis of a large UK primary care
      database.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Antidepressant medications have long been implicated as a cause of
      falls in older people, but there are few data on the risk of falls associated
      with exposure to serotonin-norepinephrine (noradrenaline) reuptake inhibitors
      (SNRIs). OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine the role of SNRIs in
      older people with a recorded fall in primary care using a case-control approach
      and a self-controlled case-series analysis of data from The Health Improvement
      Network (THIN) UK primary care database. METHODS: Cases were 9862 individuals
      aged >60 years with a first fall recorded between 2003 and 2006. Up to six
      controls per case were matched by age, sex and primary care practice. For the
      case-series analysis, we extended our case set to those with a first fall
      recorded between 2001 and 2008. We estimated odds ratios (ORs) for 'ever',
      'current', 'recent', 'previous' or 'never' prescribed SNRIs (and for the other
      main classes of antidepressants, for comparison) in cases compared with matched
      controls, using conditional logistic regression. We also examined the effect of
      the time interval from first prescription to first fall. In the case-series
      analysis, we compared the rate of occurrence of first falls during episodes of
      exposure to SNRIs with unexposed periods in our case group. RESULTS: There was an
      increased risk of current prescribing of SNRIs (adjusted OR 1.79; 95% CI 1.42,
      2.25) in first fall cases compared with controls. This was similar in magnitude
      to that seen with tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and selective serotonin
      reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). The increase in risk was apparent within the first
      28 days after first prescription. The effects were also apparent in the self
      controlled case-series analysis, although the magnitudes of effect were slightly
      smaller; the incidence risk ratio for the period 1-28 days after initiation of
      treatment compared with unexposed periods was 1.49 (95% CI 1.15, 1.93).
      CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with SNRIs in older people may be associated with an
      increased risk of falling. The falls risk profile of SNRIs appears to be similar
      to that of SSRIs and TCAs.

PMID- 22054231
TI  - Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of meropenem in elderly chinese with lower
      respiratory tract infections: population pharmacokinetics analysis using
      nonlinear mixed-effects modelling and clinical pharmacodynamics study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Meropenem is a broad-spectrum antibacterial that is usually used in
      the treatment of serious lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs). However,
      there is a lack of published studies exploring the correlation between the
      population pharmacokinetics of meropenem, the clinical pharmacodynamics of the
      drug and the response to the drug in Chinese patients with LRTIs, especially in
      the elderly. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to develop a pharmacokinetic
      model of meropenem using patient data and use this to explore the clinical
      pharmacodynamics of meropenem in the treatment of LRTIs in elderly Chinese
      patients. METHODS: We measured serum meropenem concentrations in patients who had
      received meropenem 0.5 or 1.0 g infused over 0.5 hours every 8 or 12 hours,
      respectively. The pharmacokinetic analysis of meropenem was performed using
      nonlinear mixed-effects modelling (NONMEM(r)) software. The minimum inhibitory
      concentration (MIC) of meropenem against Gram-negative bacilli was tested by the
      E-test method. The pharmacodynamic parameters of percentage of time above MIC
      (%T>MIC), the ratio of the drug area under the serum concentration-time curve to
      MIC (AUC/MIC), the ratio of the maximum serum concentration of the drug to MIC
      (Cmax/MIC) and the ratio of the minimum serum concentration of the drug to MIC
      (Cmin/MIC) were analysed for their association with clinical and bacteriological
      outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 284 serum meropenem concentration measurements were
      obtained from 75 patients (aged 63-95 years). A two-compartment model fitted the
      concentration data best. The covariates creatinine clearance (CLCR) and Acute
      Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score had the most
      significant effects on meropenem pharmacokinetics. Forty-five patients were
      enrolled in the pharmacodynamic study, including 25 clinical responders and 21
      patients with bacteriological eradication. All of the 45 patients had Gram
      negative bacilli isolated from tracheal aspirate or sputum. The %T>MIC, AUC/MIC,
      Cmax/MIC and Cmin/MIC values for the 25 clinical responders were significantly
      higher than those for the nonresponders (all p<0.05). However, logistic
      regression analysis showed that only %T>MIC independently influenced clinical
      outcome (p=0.001, odds ratio [OR]=1.065). The cut-off value for predicting
      clinical success using %T>MIC was 76%; the sensitivity and specificity of %T>MIC
      for predicting a successful response were 84% and 85%, respectively. The %T>MIC,
      AUC/MIC, Cmax/MIC and Cmin/MIC values, and the serum level of albumin, for the 21
      patients with bacteriological eradication were significantly higher than those
      for patients with bacteriological treatment failure (all p<0.05). Logistic
      regression analysis showed that %T>MIC (p=0.008, OR=1.047) and serum level of
      albumin (p=0.033, OR=1.434) independently influenced bacteriological eradication.
      CONCLUSIONS: To our knowledge, this is the first study to investigate the
      population pharmacokinetics and clinical pharmacodynamics of meropenem in elderly
      Chinese. CLCR and APACHE II score have significant influences on meropenem
      pharmacokinetics. In LRTI patients, the cut-off value of 76% for %T>MIC can be
      applied to optimize their meropenem dose regimen to achieve clinical success.

PMID- 22054232
TI  - Sedative load among community-dwelling people aged 75 years and older: a
      population-based study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Drugs with sedative properties are among the most widely used drugs
      in community-dwelling older people. Use of sedative drugs has been associated
      with falls and fractures, cognitive and memory impairment and impaired physical
      function among older people. The sedative load model has been developed to
      quantify the cumulative effect of taking multiple drugs with sedative properties.
      OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to investigate factors associated with
      sedative load among community-dwelling older people, using data collected as part
      of the Finnish Geriatric Multidisciplinary Strategy for the Good Care of the
      Elderly (GeMS) study. METHODS: The GeMS study was a randomized, comparative study
      that evaluated a model for geriatric assessment, care and rehabilitation using a
      study sample of 1000 persons aged>=75 years who were living in Kuopio, Finland.
      Of these, 700 people consented to participate and were community-dwelling.
      Demographic, diagnostic and drug use data (both regular and when-required drugs)
      were elicited during nurse interviews. For the current analysis, sedative load
      was computed using a previously published model, in which drugs taken on a
      regular and when-required basis were classified into one of four groups according
      to their sedative potential. Group 1 included primary sedatives (sedative rating
      2) and group 2 included drugs with sedation as a prominent side effect (sedative
      rating 1). Each participant's sedative load was calculated by summing the
      sedative ratings of group 1 and 2 drugs. Logistic regression models were used to
      investigate factors associated with sedative load. RESULTS: Twenty-nine percent
      of participants (n=205) had a sedative load of >=1 (i.e. used one or more drugs
      with sedative properties), and 22% (n=158) had a sedative load of >=2 (i.e. used
      either one primary sedative or two drugs with sedation as a prominent adverse
      effect or preparations with a sedating component) when considering regularly used
      drugs. A sedative load of >=2 that related to regularly used drugs was associated
      with female sex (odds ratio [OR] 1.65; 95% CI 1.02, 2.67), poor self-perceived
      health (OR 2.06; 95% CI 1.25, 3.38), impaired instrumental activities of daily
      living [IADL] (OR 1.89; 95% CI 1.18, 3.01) and often feeling lonely (OR 4.72; 95%
      CI 2.15, 10.40). The same factors remained significantly associated with a
      sedative load of >=2 after drugs used on a when-required basis were included in
      the analyses. CONCLUSIONS: The advantages of the sedative load model were that it
      included drugs with sedative properties prescribed for somatic diseases,
      described cumulative exposure to drugs that exert sedative effects through
      multiple mechanisms in the CNS, and incorporated a sedative rating for each drug.
      In an older population, female sex, impaired IADL, poor self-perceived health,
      and loneliness were associated with higher sedative load. Clinicians should
      remain cognizant of these factors when reviewing drug regimens and targeting
      interventions to optimize sedative use.

PMID- 22054233
TI  - Spotlight on rivastigmine transdermal patch: in dementia of the Alzheimer's type.
AB  - Rivastigmine, a cholinesterase inhibitor, is available as a transdermal patch
      (Exelon(r) patch, Rivastach(r) patch, Prometax(r) patch) for the treatment of
      mild to moderate Alzheimer's disease. Rivastigmine transdermal patch was
      effective, in terms of improving cognitive and global function, and generally
      well tolerated in patients with mild to moderate dementia of the Alzheimer's type
      in a large, well designed trial. Most adverse events associated with rivastigmine
      patch were mild to moderate in severity, with the patch generally better
      tolerated than oral rivastigmine, especially in terms of cholinergic
      gastrointestinal adverse events. The patch also had good skin adhesion and a
      favourable skin tolerability profile in this study, with most application-site
      reactions being mild in severity. Additionally, in a safety and tolerability
      study, rivastigmine patch, regardless of concomitant memantine therapy, was
      generally well tolerated in patients switching from oral donepezil therapy. Thus,
      current evidence suggests that rivastigmine transdermal patch is an effective
      treatment option for patients with Alzheimer's disease, with the potential for
      improving compliance and providing sustained clinical benefit because of its ease
      of use and generally favourable tolerability profile.

PMID- 22054234
TI  - Safety aspects of deep sedation during catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The combination of intravenous propofol and midazolam is frequently
      used to provide unconscious sedation during catheter ablation of atrial
      fibrillation (AF), but only a very few reports are available on the influence of
      prolonged propofol infusion on arterial blood gas, blood pressure, and anesthesia
      associated complications during ablation of AF. The purpose of this study was to
      assess tolerance and safety of unconscious sedation with intravenous propofol and
      midazolam during catheter ablation of AF. METHODS: A total of 316 consecutive
      patients (age 59 +/- 10 years, 68% men) presenting to our center for catheter
      ablation of symptomatic AF were enrolled prospectively. A total number of 424
      procedures were performed under unconscious sedation with propofol and midazolam.
      SaO(2), electrocardiogram, arterial blood pressure, and arterial blood gases were
      monitored throughout the procedure. RESULTS: Mean procedure duration was 235 +/-
      48 minutes. Patients received 1.125 +/- 684 mg propofol, 9.5 +/- 3 midazolam, and
      1.963 +/- 813 mL NaCl infusion. Complications during the procedure were
      identified in eight patients (2.5%, one * coronary air embolization, one *
      myocardial infarction, four * pericardial effusion, two * pericardial tamponade).
      All eight patients were symptomatic (distress, report of pain); none of the
      complications was attributable to unconscious sedation itself. CONCLUSION:
      Unconscious sedation with propofol and midazolam in AF ablation procedures
      lasting 3-5 hours did not result in severe changes of vital parameters or serum
      electrolytes. Anesthesia-associated problems were not observed. Propofol and
      midazolam can be safely used during catheter ablation of AF.

PMID- 22054235
TI  - New insights into the structure of the reaction centre from Blastochloris
      viridis: evolution in the laboratory.
AB  - Newly determined crystal structures of the photosynthetic RC (reaction centre)
      from two substrains of the non-sulfur purple bacterium Blastochloris viridis
      strain DSM 133, together with analysis of their gene sequences, has revealed
      intraspecies evolutionary changes over a period of 14 years. Over 100 point
      mutations were identified between these two substrains in the four genes encoding
      the protein subunits of the RC, of which approximately one-fifth resulted in a
      total of 16 amino acid changes. The most interesting difference was in the M
      subunit where the change from a leucine residue to glycine in the carotenoid
      binding pocket allowed NS5 (1,2-dihydroneurosporene) to adopt a more sterically
      favoured conformation, similar to the carotenoid conformation found in other
      related RCs. The results of the present study, together with a high rate of
      mutations in laboratory bacterial cultures described recently, suggest that
      bacteria evolve faster than has been generally recognized. The possibility that
      amino acid changes occur within protein sequences, without exhibiting any
      immediately observable phenotype, should be taken into account in studies that
      involve long-term continuous growth of pure bacterial cultures. The Blc. viridis
      RC is often studied with sophisticated biophysical techniques and changes such as
      those described here may well affect their outcome. In other words, there is a
      danger that laboratory-to-laboratory variation could well be due to different
      groups not realising that they are actually working with slightly different
      proteins. A way around this problem is suggested.

PMID- 22054236
TI  - Pulse monthly steroids during an elective interruption of natalizumab: a post
      marketing study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE:   Temporary discontinuation of natalizumab is sometimes
      considered as the observed risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy
      (PML) in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). However, interruption of
      natalizumab may result in a re-start of disease activity. METHODS:   In this
      prospective post-marketing study, 23 patients with MS treated with natalizumab
      elected a trial of treatment interruption (90-150 days) because of safety
      concerns on the risk of developing PML. To reduce the risk of disease activity
      return, patients received monthly intravenous (i.v.) steroid pulses before
      natalizumab re-start. RESULTS:   Despite the steroid coverage, seven patients
      (30.4%) had an active scan during the natalizumab interruption period; of these,
      four also had a concomitant clinical exacerbation. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings
      suggest that i.v. steroids are not currently recommendable as drug coverage
      during a scheduled treatment interruption period.

PMID- 22054237
TI  - Sperm-egg interaction.
AB  - A crucial step of fertilization is the sperm-egg interaction that allows the two
      gametes to fuse and create the zygote. In the mouse, CD9 on the egg and IZUMO1 on
      the sperm stand out as critical players, as Cd9(-/-) and Izumo1(-/-) mice are
      healthy but infertile or severely subfertile due to defective sperm-egg
      interaction. Moreover, work on several nonmammalian organisms has identified some
      of the most intriguing candidates implicated in sperm-egg interaction.
      Understanding of gamete membrane interactions is advancing through
      characterization of in vivo and in vitro fertilization phenotypes, including
      insights from less robust phenotypes that highlight potential supporting (albeit
      not absolutely essential) players. An emerging theme is that there are varied
      roles for gamete molecules that participate in sperm-egg interactions. Such roles
      include not only functioning as fusogens, or as adhesion molecules for the
      opposite gamete, but also functioning through interactions in cis with other
      proteins to regulate membrane order and functionality.

PMID- 22054239
TI  - Neurotransmitter corelease: mechanism and physiological role.
AB  - Neurotransmitter identity is a defining feature of all neurons because it
      constrains the type of information they convey, but many neurons release multiple
      transmitters. Although the physiological role for corelease has remained poorly
      understood, the vesicular uptake of one transmitter can regulate filling with the
      other by influencing expression of the H(+) electrochemical driving force. In
      addition, the sorting of vesicular neurotransmitter transporters and other
      synaptic vesicle proteins into different vesicle pools suggests the potential for
      distinct modes of release. Corelease thus serves multiple roles in synaptic
      transmission.

PMID- 22054241
TI  - Deriving health state utilities for the numerical pain rating scale.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The use of patient reported outcome measures within cost
      effectiveness analysis has become commonplace. However, specific measures are
      required that produce values, referred to as 'utilities', that are capable of
      generating quality adjusted life years. One such measure - the EQ-5D - has come
      under criticism due to the inherent limitations of its three-level response
      scales. In evaluations of chronic pain, the numerical pain rating scale (NPRS)
      which has eleven levels is routinely used which has a greater measurement range,
      but which can not be used in cost-effetiveness analyses. This study derived
      utility values for a series of EQ-5D health states that replace the pain
      dimensions with the NPRS, thereby allowing a potentially greater range of pain
      intensities to be captured and included in economic analyses. METHODS: Interviews
      were undertaken with 100 member of the general population. Health state
      valuations were elicited using the time trade-off approach with a ten year time
      horizon. Additionally, respondents were asked where the EQ-5D response scale
      descriptors of moderate and extreme pain lay on the 11-point NPRS scale. RESULTS:
      625 valuations were undertaken across the study sample with the crude mean health
      state utilities showing a negative non-linear relationship with respect to
      increasing pain intensity. Relative to a NPRS of zero (NPRS0), the successive
      pain levels (NPRS1-10) had mean decrements in utility of 0.034, 0.043, 0.061,
      0.121, 0.144, 0.252, 0.404, 0.575, 0.771 and 0.793, respectively. When
      respondents were asked to mark on the NPRS scale the EQ-5D pain descriptors of
      moderate and extreme pain, the median responses were '4' and '8', respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate the potential floor effect of the EQ-5D
      with respect to pain and provide estimates of health reduction associated with
      pain intensity described by the NPRS. These estimates are in excess of the
      decrements produced by an application of the EQ-5D scoring tariff for both the
      United States and the United Kingdom.

PMID- 22054238
TI  - Cell biology and pathology of podocytes.
AB  - As an integral member of the filtration barrier in the kidney glomerulus, the
      podocyte is in a unique geographical position: It is exposed to chemical signals
      from the urinary space (Bowman's capsule), it receives and transmits chemical and
      mechanical signals to/from the glomerular basement membrane upon which it
      elaborates, and it receives chemical and mechanical signals from the vascular
      space with which it also communicates. As with every cell, the ability of the
      podocyte to receive signals from the surrounding environment and to translate
      them to the intracellular milieu is dependent largely on molecules residing on
      the cell membrane. These molecules are the first-line soldiers in the ongoing
      battle to sense the environment, to respond to friendly signals, and to defend
      against injurious foes. In this review, we take a membrane biologist's view of
      the podocyte, examining the many membrane receptors, channels, and other
      signaling molecules that have been implicated in podocyte biology. Although we
      attempt to be comprehensive, our goal is not to capture every membrane-mediated
      pathway but rather to emphasize that this approach may be fruitful in
      understanding the podocyte and its unique properties.

PMID- 22054242
TI  - The effects and underlying mechanisms of S-allyl l-cysteine treatment of the
      retina after ischemia/reperfusion.
AB  - PURPOSE: Retinal ischemia-associated ocular disorders are vision-threatening. The
      aim of the present study was to examine whether S-allyl l-cysteine (SAC) is able
      to protect against retina ischemia/reperfusion injury. METHODS: In vivo, retinal
      ischemia in the rat was induced by raising intraocular pressure (IOP) to 120 mmHg
      for 60 min. In vitro, an ischemic-like insult, namely oxidative stress, was
      established by incubating retinal ganglion cell-5 (RGC-5) with 500 MUM H(2)O(2)
      for 24 h. The mechanisms involved in these processes were evaluated by
      electrophysiology, immunohistochemistry, and molecular biological approaches.
      RESULTS: The retinal changes caused by the high IOP were characterized by a
      decrease in electroretinogram b-wave amplitudes, a loss of choline
      acetyltransferase immunolabeling amacrine cell bodies/neuronal processes, and an
      upregulation of the mRNA levels of hypoxia-inducible factor-1alpha (HIF-1alpha),
      vascular endothelium growth factor (VEGF), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP
      9). The increased protein levels of HIF-1alpha, VEGF, and MMP-9 were also seen in
      RGC-5 cells subjected to defined oxidative stress. Of clinical importance, the
      ischemic/ischemic-like detrimental effects were concentration-dependently (least
      effect at 25 MUM) and/or significantly (50 and/or 100 MUM) blunted when SAC was
      applied 15 min before retinal ischemia or ischemic-like insult, respectively.
      CONCLUSION: SAC would seem to protect against retinal ischemia by acting as an
      antioxidant and inhibiting the upregulation of HIF-1alpha, VEGF, and MMP-9.

PMID- 22054243
TI  - Efficacy of lisdexamfetamine dimesylate in children with attention
      deficit/hyperactivity disorder previously treated with methylphenidate: a post
      hoc analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common
      neurobehavioral psychiatric disorder that afflicts children, with a reported
      prevalence of 2.4% to 19.8% worldwide. Stimulants (methylphenidate [MPH] and
      amphetamine) are considered first-line ADHD pharmacotherapy. MPH is a
      catecholamine reuptake inhibitor, whereas amphetamines have additional
      presynaptic activity. Although MPH and amphetamine can effectively manage ADHD
      symptoms in most pediatric patients, many still fail to respond optimally to
      either. After administration, the prodrug stimulant lisdexamfetamine dimesylate
      (LDX) is converted to l-lysine and therapeutically active d-amphetamine in the
      blood. The objective of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of LDX
      in children with ADHD who remained symptomatic (ie, nonremitters; ADHD Rating
      Scale IV [ADHD-RS-IV] total score > 18) on MPH therapy prior to enrollment in a 4
      week placebo-controlled LDX trial, compared with the overall population. METHODS:
      In this post hoc analysis of data from a multicenter, randomized, double-blind,
      forced-dose titration study, we evaluated the clinical efficacy of LDX in
      children aged 6-12 years with and without prior MPH treatment at screening. ADHD
      symptoms were assessed using the ADHD-RS-IV scale, Conners' Parent Rating Scale
      Revised short form (CPRS-R), and Clinical Global Impressions-Improvement scale,
      at screening, baseline, and endpoint. ADHD-RS-IV total and CPRS-R ADHD Index
      scores were summarized as mean (SD). Clinical response for the subgroup analysis
      was defined as a >= 30% reduction from baseline in ADHD-RS-IV score and a CGI-I
      score of 1 or 2. Dunnett test was used to compare change from baseline in all
      groups. Number needed to treat to achieve one clinical responder or one
      symptomatic remitter was calculated as the reciprocal of the difference in their
      proportions on active treatment and placebo at endpoint. RESULTS: Of 290
      randomized participants enrolled, 28 received MPH therapy at screening, of which
      26 remained symptomatic (ADHD-RS-IV > 18). ADHD-RS-IV total scores, changes from
      baseline, clinical responsiveness, and rates of symptomatic remission in this
      subgroup were comparable to the overall population. The safety and tolerability
      profiles for LDX were comparable to other stimulants currently available.
      CONCLUSION: In this analysis, children with significant clinical ADHD symptoms
      despite MPH treatment improved during treatment with LDX and experienced similar
      improvements in their symptoms as the overall study population. TRIAL
      REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00556296.

PMID- 22054244
TI  - Clinical outcomes in kidney transplant recipients receiving long-term therapy
      with inhibitors of the mammalian target of rapamycin.
AB  - Inhibitors of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), sirolimus and everolimus,
      reduce the incidence of acute rejection following kidney transplantation, but
      their impact on clinical outcomes beyond 2 years after transplantation is
      unknown. We examined risks of mortality and allograft loss in a prospective
      observational study of 993 prevalent kidney transplant recipients who enrolled a
      median of 72 months after transplantation. During a median follow-up of 37
      months, 87 patients died and 102 suffered allograft loss. In the overall
      population, use of mTOR inhibitors at enrollment was not associated with altered
      risk of allograft loss, and their association with increased mortality was of
      borderline significance. However, history of malignancy was the strongest
      predictor of both mortality and therapy with an mTOR inhibitor. Among patients
      without a history of malignancy, use of mTOR inhibitors was associated with
      significantly increased risk of mortality in propensity score-adjusted (hazard
      ratio [HR] 2.6; 95% CI, 1.2, 5.5; p = 0.01), multivariable-adjusted (HR 3.2; 95%
      CI, 1.5, 6.5; p = 0.002) and one-to-one propensity score-matched analyses (HR
      5.6; 95% CI 1.2, 25.7; p = 0.03). Additional studies are needed to examine the
      long-term safety of mTOR inhibitors in kidney transplantation, especially among
      recipients without a history of malignancy.

PMID- 22054245
TI  - Triple-line behavior and wettability controlled by nanocoated substrates:
      influence on sessile drop evaporation.
AB  - In this article, we investigate the influence of the surface properties of
      substrates on the evaporation process. Using various nanocoatings, it is possible
      to modify the surface properties of substrates, such as the roughness and the
      surface energy, while maintaining constant thermal properties. Experiments are
      conducted under atmospheric conditions with five fluids (methanol, ethanol,
      propanol, toluene and water) and four coatings (PFC, PTFE, SiOC, and SiO(x)). The
      various combinations of these fluids and coatings allow for a wide range of drop
      evaporation properties to be studied: the dynamics of the triple line, the
      volatility of fluids, and a large range of wettabilities (from 17 to 135 degrees
      ). The experimental data are in very good quantitative agreement with existing
      models of quasi-steady, diffusion-driven evaporation. The experimental results
      show that the dynamics of the evaporative rate are proportional to the dynamics
      of the wetting radius. Thus, the models succeed in describing the evaporative
      dynamics throughout the evaporation process regardless of the behavior of the
      triple line. Moreover, the use of various liquids reveals the validity of the
      models regardless of their volatility. The results also confirm the recent
      finding of a universal relation for the time evolution of the drop mass,
      independent of the drop size and initial contact angle. Finally, this study
      highlights the separate and coupled roles of the triple line and the wettability
      on the sessile drop evaporation process. Data reveal that the more wet and pinned
      a drop, the shorter the evaporation time.

PMID- 22054247
TI  - A Brave New Year.

PMID- 22054246
TI  - TOFSIMS-P: a web-based platform for analysis of large-scale TOF-SIMS data.
AB  - Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS) has been a useful tool
      to profile secondary ions from the near surface region of specimens with its high
      molecular specificity and submicrometer spatial resolution. However, the TOF-SIMS
      analysis of even a moderately large size of samples has been hampered due to the
      lack of tools for automatically analyzing the huge amount of TOF-SIMS data. Here,
      we present a computational platform to automatically identify and align peaks,
      find discriminatory ions, build a classifier, and construct networks describing
      differential metabolic pathways. To demonstrate the utility of the platform, we
      analyzed 43 data sets generated from seven gastric cancer and eight normal
      tissues using TOF-SIMS. A total of 87 138 ions were detected from the 43 data
      sets by TOF-SIMS. We selected and then aligned 1286 ions. Among them, we found
      the 66 ions discriminating gastric cancer tissues from normal ones. Using these
      66 ions, we then built a partial least square-discriminant analysis (PLS-DA)
      model resulting in a misclassification error rate of 0.024. Finally, network
      analysis of the 66 ions showed disregulation of amino acid metabolism in the
      gastric cancer tissues. The results show that the proposed framework was
      effective in analyzing TOF-SIMS data from a moderately large size of samples,
      resulting in discrimination of gastric cancer tissues from normal tissues and
      identification of biomarker candidates associated with the amino acid metabolism.

PMID- 22054248
TI  - Online Access.

PMID- 22054251
TI  - Operative Dentistry Home Page.

PMID- 22054252
TI  - Instructions to Contributors.

PMID- 22054253
TI  - Serial sections of atrophic acne scars help in the interpretation of microscopic
      findings and the selection of good therapeutic modalities.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acne scar causes problems cosmetically and psychologically. Although
      microscopic examination of acne scars is a necessity for understanding and
      treatment of them, and it is not easy to find a paper reporting the microscopic
      characterization of acne scars. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine
      the microscopic findings of acne scars and to select a good therapeutic modality
      based on the findings. METHODS: Thirty-one atrophic scars obtained from five
      patients for cosmesis and 18 serial sections were made from each atrophic scar.
      The sections were stained with H&E, Masson-trichrome or Verhoeff van Gieson
      stains. Immunohistochemistry was done with antibodies against transforming growth
      factor-beta, metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1), MMP-2, MMP-9 and MMP-13. The stained
      sections were examined under the microscope. RESULTS: The epidermis of the acne
      scar was characterized by keratin plugging in the hair follicle orifice (32%) and
      multi-channelled tracts (29%). The dermis of the acne scar had characteristics
      including a decrease in the dermal thickness and loss of pilosebaceous units. In
      addition, inflammatory cell infiltrates were seen in the dermis (77%), and
      insufficient dense collagen fibre deposition was found in the whole dermis (29%).
      Other findings such as calcium deposition and foreign body reaction were
      discovered. CONCLUSION: We have found the characteristics of acne scar through
      the serial sections of several atrophic scars, and suggest that the treatment
      must reflect several considerations, including the understanding of
      histopathological findings and the use of combination therapy.

PMID- 22054254
TI  - The evolution of cooperative turn-taking in animal conflict.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A fundamental assumption in animal socio-ecology is that animals
      compete over limited resources. This view has been challenged by the finding that
      individuals might cooperatively partition resources by "taking turns". Turn
      taking occurs when two individuals coordinate their agonistic behaviour in a way
      that leads to an alternating pattern in who obtains a resource without engaging
      in costly fights. Cooperative turn-taking has been largely ignored in models of
      animal conflict and socio-ecological models that explain the evolution of social
      behaviours based only on contest and scramble competition. Currently it is
      unclear whether turn-taking should be included in socio-ecological models because
      the evolution of turn-taking is not well understood. In particular, it is unknown
      whether turn-taking can evolve when fighting costs and assessment of fighting
      abilities are not fixed but emerge from evolved within-fight behaviour. We
      address this problem with an evolutionary agent-based model. RESULTS: We found
      that turn-taking evolves for small resource values, alongside a contest strategy
      that leads to stable dominance relationships. Turn-taking leads to egalitarian
      societies with unclear dominance relationships and non-linear dominance
      hierarchies. Evolutionary stability of turn-taking emerged despite strength
      differences among individuals and the possibility to evolve within-fight
      behaviour that allows good assessment of fighting abilities. Evolutionary
      stability emerged from frequency-dependent effects on fitness, which are
      modulated by feedbacks between the evolution of within-fight behaviour and the
      evolution of higher-level conflict strategies. CONCLUSIONS: Our results reveal
      the impact of feedbacks between the evolution of within-fight behaviour and the
      evolution of higher-level conflict strategies, such as turn-taking. Similar
      feedbacks might be important for the evolution of other conflict strategies such
      as winner-loser effects or coalitions. However, we are not aware of any study
      that investigated such feedbacks. Furthermore, our model suggests that turn
      taking could be used by animals to partition low value resources, but to our
      knowledge this has never been tested. The existence of turn-taking might have
      been overlooked because it leads to societies with similar characteristics that
      have been expected to emerge from scramble competition. Analyses of temporal
      interaction patterns could be used to test whether turn-taking occurs in animals.

PMID- 22054255
TI  - RNA binding properties of the US11 protein from four primate simplexviruses.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The protein encoded by the Us11 gene of herpes simplex viruses is a
      dsRNA binding protein which inhibits protein kinase R activity, thereby
      preventing the interferon-induced shut down of protein synthesis following viral
      infection. Us11 protein is not essential for infectivity in vitro and in mice in
      herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1), however this virus has a second, and
      apparently more important, inhibitor of PKR activity, the gamma134.5 protein.
      Recently sequenced simian simplexviruses SA8, HVP2 and B virus do not have an ORF
      corresponding to the gamma134.5 protein, yet they have similar, or greater,
      infectivity as HSV1 and HSV2. METHODS: We have expressed the US11 proteins of the
      simplexviruses HSV1, HSV2, HVP2 and B virus and measured their abilities to bind
      dsRNA, in order to investigate possible differences that could complement the
      absence of the gamma134.5 protein. We employed a filter binding technique that
      allows binding of the Us11 protein under condition of excess dsRNA substrate and
      therefore a measurement of the true Kd value of Us11-dsRNA binding. RESULTS AND
      CONCLUSIONS: The results show a Kd of binding in the range of 0.89 nM to 1.82 nM,
      with no significant difference among the four Us11 proteins.

PMID- 22054256
TI  - Hypervigilance or avoidance of trigger related cues in migraineurs? - a case
      control study using the emotional stroop task.
AB  - BACKGROUND: "Negative affect" is one of the major migraine triggers. The aim of
      the study was to assess attentional biases for negative affective stimuli that
      might be related to migraine triggers in migraine patients with either few or
      frequent migraine and healthy controls. METHODS: Thirty-three subjects with
      frequent migraine (FM) or with less frequent episodic migraine, and 20 healthy
      controls conducted two emotional Stroop tasks in the interictal period. In task
      1, general affective words and in task 2, pictures of affective faces (angry,
      neutral, happy) were used. For each task we calculated two emotional Stroop
      indices. Groups were compared using one-way ANOVAs. RESULTS: The expected
      attentional bias in migraine patients was not found. However, in task 2 the
      controls showed a significant attentional bias to negative faces, whereas the FM
      group showed indices near zero. Thus, the FM group responded faster to negative
      than to positive stimuli. The difference between the groups was statistically
      significant. CONCLUSIONS: The findings in the FM group may reflect a learned
      avoidance mechanism away from affective migraine triggers.

PMID- 22054257
TI  - Portal venous versus systemic venous drainage of pancreas grafts: impact on long
      term results.
AB  - Portal venous (PV) and systemic venous (SV) drainage methods are used in pancreas
      transplantation. The impact of the reconstruction technique on long-term outcome
      remains unclear. We compared the efficacy and side effects of both methods in 192
      recipients who received synchronous pancreas kidney transplants between November
      1995 and November 2007. SV and PV drainage were used in 147 and 45 cases,
      respectively. Pancreas function was determined by hemoglobin A1c levels and
      annual oral glucose tolerance test. Serum creatinine assessed kidney function.
      Serum lipid (low-density lipoprotein, high-density lipoprotein and cholesterol)
      levels and body mass index were measured annually. Patient and graft survival
      were calculated by log-rank analysis. Pancreas survival for SV versus PV patients
      was similar after 5 years (81.8% vs. 75.5%) and 10 years (65.1% vs. 60%; p = NS).
      Similarly, no difference was detected between the groups regarding kidney
      survival after 5 years (92.9% vs. 84.4%) and 10 years (81.6% vs. 75.5%; p = NS).
      Patient survival did not differ at 5 years (94.3% vs. 88.8%) and 10 years (85.1%
      vs. 84.4%; p = NS). Pancreas and kidney function and the lipid profiles were
      similar in both groups. SV and PV drainage of pancreas grafts offer similar long
      term graft survival and function and choice of method should remain the
      preference of the surgeon.

PMID- 22054258
TI  - Intra- and interspecies variation in bioconcentration potential of
      polychlorinated biphenyls: are all lipids equal?
AB  - The variation among bioconcentration factors (BCFs) available in the literature
      is commonly ascribed to experimental parameters and metabolic capacity. Though
      bioconcentration is generally considered to be governed by partitioning processes
      and therefore to depend on the composition of the partition phases, the effect of
      lipid composition on BCFs measured for hydrophobic organic chemicals has largely
      escaped attention. The reason may be that the effect cannot easily be studied
      separately in a conventional BCF test setup and that any subtle effects will
      often be obscured by the variation normally observed when working with living
      organisms. In the present study, this variation was circumvented by substituting
      biota with biological homogenates, which allowed measuring chemical partitioning
      in a fashion that has proved successful for many other environmental matrixes
      (e.g., sediments, soils, carbonaceous materials). The appropriateness of using a
      homogenate as a representation of the organism from which it was derived was
      demonstrated by a good agreement between homogenate-water partition coefficients
      (or necroconcentration factors; NCFs) and actual BCFs for PCBs and aquatic worms.
      Subsequent experiments focused on the intra- and interspecies differences in
      lipid-normalized NCFs. Intraspecies variation was studied for aquatic worms and
      sticklebacks, which were acclimatized at different temperatures (5-24  degrees
      C), whereas interspecies variation was investigated by determining NCFs for eight
      different aquatic species. Although temperature-induced intraspecies differences
      were subtle (<0.16 log units), interspecies differences among lipid-normalized
      NCFs were as high as 0.9 log units, with homogenates of "simple" organisms
      showing a lower sorption capacity than those of the more "complex" species. These
      results suggest that the variation observed in the literature BCFs may partly be
      caused by differences in lipid composition and contest the usefulness of the
      common practice of applying generic BCFs in risk assessment of chemicals.

PMID- 22054259
TI  - Soyabean glyceollins: biological effects and relevance to human health.
AB  - Glyceollins, one family of phytoalexins, are de novo synthesised from daidzein in
      the soyabean upon exposure to some types of fungus. The efficiency of glyceollin
      production appears to be influenced by soyabean variety, fungal species, and the
      degree of physical damage to the soyabean. The compounds have been shown to have
      strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, and to inhibit the
      proliferation and migration of human aortic smooth muscle cells, suggesting their
      potential to prevent atherosclerosis. It has also been reported that glyceollins
      have inhibited the growth of prostate and breast cancer cells in xenograft animal
      models, which is probably due to their anti-oestrogenic activity. In essence,
      glyceollins deserve further animal and clinical studies to confirm their health
      benefits.

PMID- 22054260
TI  - Antioxidant, nitric oxide scavenging and malondialdehyde scavenging activities of
      essential oils from different chemotypes of Zataria multiflora.
AB  - The antioxidant, nitric oxide (NO) scavenging and malondialdehyde (MDA)
      scavenging activities of different Zataria multiflora (ZM) chemotype essential
      oils (EOs) were investigated. The main components are: ZM1 (carvacrol, p-cymene),
      ZM2 (carvacrol, p-cymene), ZM3 (carvacrol, p-cymene), ZM4 (linalool), ZM5
      (carvacrol, p-cymene, thymol), ZM6 (thymol, carvacrol, p-cymene, gamma
      terpienene), ZM7 (thymol, p-cymene, gamma-terpienene) and ZM8 (carvacrol,
      linalool, p-cymene, thymol). The antioxidant capacities were estimated to be 863
      +/- 55, 619 +/- 27, 876 +/- 32, 38 +/- 9, 649 +/- 50, 595 +/- 40, 696 +/- 41 and
      618 +/- 9 ug ascorbic acid equivalents per millilitre for ZM1 to ZM8,
      respectively. The NO scavenging values were estimated to be 54 +/- 1.2, 50 +/-
      1.4, 63 +/- 1, 0.60 +/- 0.1, 53 +/- 0.7, 53 +/- 1.5, 38 +/- 1.1 and 46.5 +/- 3 ug
      ascorbic acid equivalents per millilitre for ZM1 to ZM8, respectively. The MDA
      scavenging values were estimated to be 19 +/- 1, 9 +/- 1, 24 +/- 1, 1.6 +/- 0.6,
      12 +/- 1, 11.7 +/- 1, 10 +/- 1 and 12.5 +/- 1.3 ug ascorbic acid equivalents per
      millilitre for ZM1 to ZM8, respectively. Among these EOs, ZM3 with carvacrol and
      p-cymene had higher antioxidant, NO scavenging and MDA scavenging properties.

PMID- 22054261
TI  - A novel liposome surface modification agent that prolongs blood circulation and
      retains surface ligand reactivity.
AB  - Liposomes are recognized as potentially useful drug carriers but many problems
      preclude practical medical application. Liposomes bind with serum proteins
      (opsonization) and are captured by the reticuloendothelial system cells in the
      liver and spleen, which limits their ability to deliver drugs to other target
      sites. Modification of lipids with flexible, hydrophilic polymers such as
      poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) to yield sterically stabilized liposomes is one
      approach to improve liposome blood circulation and tissue distribution
      properties. In this study, we examined liposomes prepared using lipids modified
      with a new branched oligoglycerol (BGL) moiety for steric stabilization. This
      novel BGL comprised 14 glycerol units (termed BGL014) connected with flexible
      ether linkages, resulting in a branched cascade-like structure that is highly
      expanded in aqueous solution. BGL014 was coupled to 1,2
      distearoylphosphatidylethanolamine to yield BGL014-modified lipids. Incorporation
      of BGL014 into liposomes (BGL014L) resulted in long blood circulation times,
      despite a much thinner fixed aqueous layer thickness compared to PEG
      formulations. BGL014 produced a liposome surface coating that appears to function
      through steric inhibition of non-specific protein binding without strong
      interference of specific protein-binding reactions. Liposome structure and
      functionality was maintained following BGL014-modification, as the incorporation
      ratio of drug remained high. These results suggest that the BGL014 modification
      of liposomes is a promising approach to produce stable and long circulating drug
      carriers capable of selective binding to specific proteins. 

PMID- 22054262
TI  - Determination of the purity of cucurbit[n]uril (n = 7, 8) host samples.
AB  - The formation of highly stable inclusion complexes in aqueous solution between
      the organometallic cobaltocenium cation (Cob(+)) and the hosts cucurbit[7]uril
      (CB7) and cucurbit[8]uril (CB8) was used to develop a simple method, based on UV
      vis titrations, to assay the purity of samples of these two hosts. The
      equilibrium association constant (K) of the Cob(+)@CB7 complex had been
      previously reported by our group as 5.7 * 10(9) M(-1) at 25  degrees C in 50 mM
      sodium acetate medium. In this work, we determine a K value of 1.9 * 10(8) M(-1)
      at 25  degrees C in the same medium for the Cob(+)@CB8 complex. The high
      stability of these complexes and their decreased molar absorptivity coefficients
      (at 261 nm), compared to that for free Cob(+), lead to straightforward titration
      plots when graphing absorbance versus concentration of added CB7 (or CB8) host,
      at constant Cob(+) concentration.

PMID- 22054263
TI  - Accurate guidance of a catheter by ultrasound imaging and identification of a
      catheter tip by pulsed-wave Doppler.
AB  - BACKGROUND: With the advent of numerous minimally invasive medical procedures,
      accurate catheter guidance has become imperative. We introduce and test an
      approach for catheter guidance by ultrasound imaging and pulsed-wave (PW)
      Doppler. METHODS: A steerable catheter is fitted with a small piezoelectric
      crystal at its tip that actively transmits signals driven by a function
      generator. We call this an active-tip (AT) catheter. In a water tank, we immersed
      a "target" crystal and a rectangular matrix of four "reference" crystals. Two
      dimensional (2D) ultrasound imaging was used for initial guidance and
      visualization of the catheter shaft, and then PW Doppler mode was used to
      identify the AT catheter tip and guide it to the simulated target that was also
      visible in the 2D ultrasound image. Ten guiding trials were performed from random
      initial positions of the AT catheter, each starting at approximately 8 cm from
      the target. RESULTS: After the ten navigational trials, the average final
      distance of the catheter tip from the target was 2.4 +/- 1.2 mm, and the range of
      distances from the trials was from a minimum of 1.0 mm to a maximum of 4.5 mm.
      CONCLUSIONS: Although early in the development process, these quantitative in
      vitro results show promise for catheter guidance with ultrasound imaging and tip
      identification by PW Doppler.

PMID- 22054264
TI  - Should we prevent colorectal cancer?

PMID- 22054265
TI  - Stenosis in laparoscopic gastric bypass: management by endoscopic dilation
      without fluoroscopic guidance.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: gastric bypass is the surgical procedure that is carried out most
      frequently in the treatment of morbid obesity. Stenosis of the gastro-jejunal
      anastomosis is a relatively frequent complication that requires endoscopic
      management. However, the optimal dilation technique is yet to be determined. The
      purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of dilation with a
      hydrostatic balloon (CRE) without radioscopic guidance in morbidly obese patients
      treated by laparoscopic bypass. MATERIAL AND METHODS: retrospective review of the
      data elicited from 525 patients treated against morbid obesity with laparoscopic
      gastric bypass from January, 2006 to November, 2010. RESULTS: a total of 22/525
      patients (4.1%) developed stenosis of the anastomosis [20 women (91%), 2 men
      (9%)]. In four patients (18.2%), there was an associated anastomotic ulcer, and
      in one case, there was a history of bleeding of an ulcer treated with sclerosis
      one month earlier. The diagnosis of stenosis was done in most patient during the
      first 90 days after the bypass. All cases were resolved by means of endoscopic
      dilation without adioscopic guidance, 15 cases (68.1%) required a single session,
      6 cases (27.2%) two sessions, and 1 case (4.5%) required four sessions. This last
      case had an associated anastomotic ulcer. The diameter of the balloons ranged
      from 12 to 20 mm, generally using diameters of 12-15 mm in the first session, and
      increasing them in the following sessions according to the previous result. One
      patient treated with a 20 mm balloon presented with a small tear, without showing
      any evidence of leak of contrast medium in the radioscopic guidance, and was thus
      managed conservatively. In the follow-up, no re-stenoses were detected.
      CONCLUSIONS: in our experience, stenosis of the anastomosis in the laparoscopic
      gastric bypass is an infrequent complication. When it happens, dilation with a
      hydrostatic balloon is an effective and safe treatment. Radioscopic guidance
      during dilation is not strictly necessary if norms of progressive dilation are
      followed.

PMID- 22054266
TI  - Omega 3 fatty acids supplementation has an ameliorative effect in experimental
      ulcerative colitis despite increased colonic neutrophil infiltration.
AB  - PURPOSE: omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties
      and can be beneficial in the treatment of inflammatory diseases, such as
      ulcerative colitis. Dextran sodium sulphate (DSS) colitis in rats appears to
      mimic nearly all of the morphological characteristics and lesion distributions of
      ulcerative colitis. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the
      efficacy of omega 3 fatty acids in the treatment of experimental ulcerative
      colitis. METHODS: thirty-six Wistar rats were randomly assigned to group A or
      group B receiving 5% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) in their drinking water for
      eight days. For the next eight days post-DSS, group A animals received tap-water,
      and group B animals were fed a nutritional solution containing high levels of
      omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (ProSure(r), Abbott Laboratories, Zwolle,
      Netherlands) once per day, administrated with a orogastric feeding tube. RESULTS:
      animals fed an omega 3 rich diet exhibited a statistically significant increase
      in hematocrit and hemoglobin levels, compared to animals drinking tap water, and
      a trend towards histopathological and clinical improvement, with the
      administration of omega 3 fatty acids ameliorating epithelial erosion by day 8
      post-DSS, but no statistically significant difference was observed between group
      A and group B animals at 4 or 8 days post-DSS. Also, a statistically significant
      increase in neutrophil infiltration was observed, as depicted by
      myelohyperoxidase activity. CONCLUSION: our findings support a positive role of
      omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids supplementation in an experimental model of
      ulcerative colitis despite the increased colonic neutrophil infiltration. Further
      studies are needed in order to investigate the role of increased neutrophils in
      colonic mucosa.

PMID- 22054267
TI  - Effects of changes in dietary habits on colorectal cancer incidence in twenty
      countries from four continents during the period 1971-2002.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: the incidence of colorectal cancer is one of the highest on a
      global level. Many epidemiological studies have identified risk and protective
      factors, many of which have a behavioral component and, therefore, are
      potentially avoidable or subject to modification. This study investigated the
      incidence rates of colorectal cancer by gender in twenty different countries,
      taking into account the dietary habits of the habitants of each country. MATERIAL
      AND METHODS: adjusted incidence rates, according to gender, were obtained for
      each country from the International Agency for Research on Cancer during the
      period 1971-2002.Annual per capita consumption data of the different dietary
      variables were obtained for the period 1961-2007 from the Food and Agriculture
      Organization of the United Nations. Pearson's correlation coefficients were
      calculated comparing incidence rates according to gender with different dietary
      variable using ten-year delay intervals. RESULTS: there is an important variation
      in trends of colorectal cancer incidence worldwide which were found to be related
      with the dietary habits of each country. DISCUSSION: based on the trends
      observed, each country was classified into one of four different situations based
      on the range of values of their incidence rates and linear trends observed. Due
      to the potential of primary prevention programs for colorectal cancer and to the
      delay between changes in the exposure to risk and protective factors and the
      effects on the incidence of this tumor, the application of legislative and
      educational measures promoting a healthy diet has become an urgent issue to stop
      the increasing tendency of colorectal cancer reported worldwide.

PMID- 22054268
TI  - Asymptomatic hypertransaminasemia in patients in primary care.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVE: asymptomatic hypertransaminasemia (AH) is a common
      finding in clinical practice. We propose to determine the prevalence of AH in our
      environment, its epidemiology and its evolution. MATERIAL AND METHODS: we studied
      a random sample of 1,136 blood tests undertaken in 2006, excluding patients with
      known hepatic disease or symptoms or signs of liver disease, and following the
      evolution of the AHs until 2009. Data was analyzed using bivariate and
      multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS: the percentage of patients found with
      a AH was 15.24% (95% CI 13.52 to 16.96%). The rates of AST and ALT, were 6.93%
      (95% CI 5.71 to 8.15%) and 14.31% (95% CI 12.65 to 15.97%) respectively. The
      percentage of normalization of transaminase values in a second analytical control
      was a 31.81% (95% CI: 26.21 to 37.4%). An association was found between AH and
      BMI (OR: 1.129, 95% CI 1.062 to 1.199) and between the persistence of AH and GGT
      (OR: 1.011, 95% CI 1.003 to 1.018). Fundamental tests such as hepatitis serology
      or ultrasound were performed on only 50% of patients (with 32% of
      steatohepatitis). CONCLUSIONS: the prevalence found in our study of AH was
      relatively high (15.24%), being more frequently encountered in obese subjects.
      Nearly a third of the AHs is normalized in a subsequent blood test. The high GGT
      is associated with persistence of AH. There is great variability in terms of
      additional testing in patients with AH and the application of such tests is not
      protocol.

PMID- 22054269
TI  - Experimental models for hepatic encephalopathy.

PMID- 22054270
TI  - Obturator hernia responsible for intestinal obstruction.

PMID- 22054271
TI  - Atypical endoscopic findings of Crohn's disease.

PMID- 22054272
TI  - Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome: abdominal pain in women of 26 years old.
AB  - Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome is an inflammation of the liver capsule as a
      complication of pelvic inflammatory disease, whose etiologic agent is the most
      common C. trachomatis. The acute phase Fitz-Hugh-Curtis syndrome may present with
      pain in upper right quadrant abdomen, commonly confused with other diseases of
      the hepatobiliary and gastrointestinal tract. Definitive diagnosis is now
      possible for non-invasive techniques such as ultrasound, computed tomography, as
      well as techniques for the isolation of the germ responsible available in most
      centers.

PMID- 22054273
TI  - [Information for patients. Treatment of acute hepatitis C].

PMID- 22054274
TI  - Subcapsular hepatic hematoma after ERCP (endoscopic retrograde
      cholangipancreatography).

PMID- 22054275
TI  - Association of Wilson disease with neurofibromatosis.

PMID- 22054276
TI  - Rectal ulcer induced by suppositories.

PMID- 22054277
TI  - Chagas disease in the differential diagnosis of megacolon.

PMID- 22054278
TI  - Romiplostim in chronic liver disease with severe thrombocytopenia undergoing an
      elective invasive procedure.

PMID- 22054279
TI  - Avascular necrosis of the knees and ulcerative colitis.

PMID- 22054281
TI  - 'Face-lift'

PMID- 22054280
TI  - Judgement of discrete and continuous quantity in adults: number counts!
AB  - Three experiments involving a Stroop-like paradigm were conducted. In Experiment
      1, adults received a number comparison task in which large sets of dots,
      orthogonally varying along a discrete dimension (number of dots) and a continuous
      dimension (cumulative area), were presented. Incongruent trials were processed
      more slowly and with less accuracy than congruent trials, suggesting that
      continuous dimensions such as cumulative area are automatically processed and
      integrated during a discrete quantity judgement task. Experiment 2, in which
      adults were asked to perform area comparison on the same stimuli, revealed the
      reciprocal interference from number on the continuous quantity judgements.
      Experiment 3, in which participants received both the number and area comparison
      tasks, confirmed the results of Experiments 1 and 2. Contrasting with earlier
      statements, the results support the view that number acts as a more salient cue
      than continuous dimensions in adults. Furthermore, the individual predisposition
      to automatically access approximate number representations was found to correlate
      significantly with adults' exact arithmetical skills.

PMID- 22054283
TI  - Assessment of D216H DYT1 polymorphism in a Chinese primary dystonia patient
      cohort.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The D216H single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) (rs1801968) in DYT1
      exon 4 has been suggested to be a genetic modifier in primary dystonia. METHODS:
      To further explore this question, we assessed rs1801968 variations in a cohort of
      210 Chinese patients with primary dystonia devoid of DYT1 mutations. RESULTS: We
      found that focal dystonia, specifically cervical dystonia, was the most common
      form of dystonia, with 8.1% of all the patients having a positive family history
      of dystonia. No association of the D216H SNP with primary dystonia was
      identified. In a subsequent subgroup analysis, the 216H allele was found to occur
      more frequently in patients with writer's cramp, but no correlation was found
      between the allele and other forms of dystonia or age of onset. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      findings do not confirm that the allele contributes to the risk of D216H SNP
      primary dystonia.

PMID- 22054284
TI  - The p101 subunit of PI3Kgamma restores activation by Gbeta mutants deficient in
      stimulating p110gamma.
AB  - G-protein-regulated PI3Kgamma (phosphoinositide 3-kinase gamma) plays a crucial
      role in inflammatory and allergic processes. PI3Kgamma, a dimeric protein formed
      by the non-catalytic p101 and catalytic p110gamma subunits, is stimulated by
      receptor-released Gbetagamma complexes. We have demonstrated previously that
      Gbetagamma stimulates both monomeric p110gamma and dimeric p110gamma/p101 lipid
      kinase activity in vitro. In order to identify the Gbeta residues responsible for
      the Gbetagamma-PI3Kgamma interaction, we examined Gbeta1 mutants for their
      ability to stimulate lipid and protein kinase activities and to recruit PI3Kgamma
      to lipid vesicles. Our findings revealed different interaction profiles of Gbeta
      residues interacting with p110gamma or p110gamma/p101. Moreover, p101 was able to
      rescue the stimulatory activity of Gbeta1 mutants incapable of modulating
      monomeric p110gamma. In addition to the known adaptor function of p101, in the
      present paper we show a novel regulatory role of p101 in the activation of
      PI3Kgamma.

PMID- 22054285
TI  - Do diabetes and depressed mood affect associations between obesity and quality of
      life in postmenopause? Results of the KORA-F3 Augsburg population study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To assess associations of obesity with health-related quality of life
      (HRQL) in postmenopausal women, and whether depressed mood and diabetes moderate
      these associations. METHODS: Survey of 983 postmenopausal women aged 35-74,
      general population, Augsburg region/Germany, 2004/2005. Body weight/height and
      waist/hip circumference were assessed anthropometrically and classified via BMI
      >= 30 as obese, and WHR >= 0.85 as abdominally obese (vs. not). Depressed mood
      was assessed by the Depression and Exhaustion-(DEEX-)scale, diabetes and
      postmenopausal status by self-report/medication, and HRQL by the SF-12. RESULTS:
      General linear models revealed negative associations of obesity and abdominal
      obesity with physical but not mental HRQL. Both forms of excess weight were
      associated with diabetes but not depressed mood. Moderation depended on the HRQL
      domain in question. In non-diabetic women, depressed mood was found to amplify
      obesity-associated impairment in physical HRQL (mean "obese"-"non-obese"
      difference given depressed mood: -6.4, p < .001; among those without depressed
      mood: -2.5, p = .003). Reduced mental HRQL tended to be associated with obesity
      in diabetic women (mean "obese"-"non-obese" difference: -4.5, p = .073),
      independent of depressed mood. No interactions pertained to abdominal obesity.
      CONCLUSIONS: In postmenopausal women, depressed mood may amplify the negative
      impact of obesity on physical HRQL, while diabetes may be a precondition for some
      degree of obesity-related impairments in mental HRQL.

PMID- 22054286
TI  - Bortezomib mitigates adverse prognosis conferred by Bcl-2 overexpression in
      patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma.
AB  - Overexpression of the Bcl-2 family of genes results in increased transcription of
      anti-apoptotic proteins. In vitro data suggest that this may enhance acquired
      chemoresistance and correlate with extramedullary invasion. This has led to
      pursuing the Bcl-2 family of proteins as therapeutic targets in several malignant
      disorders, including multiple myeloma (MM). The impact of novel therapeutic
      agents such as bortezomib on these molecular markers is not known. We
      investigated the association between the expression of anti-apoptotic members of
      the Bcl-2 family and the efficacy of bortezomib in patients with
      relapsed/refractory MM. Gene expression data generated prospectively from large
      clinical trials were utilized. Hypothesis testing using a multisample test for
      equivalence was performed. The association between Bcl-2 expression levels and
      clinical response was negated in bortezomib-treated patients (p = 0.014), while
      not so in dexamethasone-treated patients (p = 0.92). Similar results were noted
      for variant 2 of the Mcl-1 gene (p = 0.003). Results for Bcl-xl did not meet the
      level of significance. Thus, the importance of the Bcl-2 family of proteins as
      prognostic markers in MM should be reassessed in the novel therapeutic agent era.
      Our data suggest that bortezomib may overcome the prognostic effect conferred by
      overexpression of some of the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family of genes in patients
      with relapsed/refractory MM.

PMID- 22054287
TI  - Survey and analysis of the efficacy and prescription pattern of sorafenib in
      patients with acute myeloid leukemia.
AB  - Sorafenib is a multi-kinase inhibitor with activity against several intracellular
      kinases which may play a role in the pathogenesis of acute myeloid leukemia
      (AML). In vitro data and results from early clinical trials suggest that
      sorafenib might be an effective drug for the treatment of AML. However, clinical
      data are still sparse, and there are only a few reported cases of monotherapy.
      The aim of the present research was to collect clinical data on efficacy and
      safety in a systematic way by conducting a survey on clinical experience with
      sorafenib. Thirty institutions were asked to document all patients treated with
      sorafenib diagnosed with AML. Of all 29 evaluable patients, six (21%) responded
      to sorafenib containing treatment by achieving a complete remission (CR, n = 2)
      or complete remission with incomplete platelet recovery (CRi, n = 4). In 23
      patients receiving sorafenib as monotherapy, the CRi rate amounted to 13% and no
      CRs were documented. Of the 18 FLT-ITD positive patients with sorafenib
      monotherapy, two patients achieved a CRi (11%). In five FLT3-ITD negative cases,
      one CRi was documented (20%). Our results suggest the potential ability of the
      drug to induce remissions in refractory or relapsed AML even when given as
      monotherapy.

PMID- 22054288
TI  - Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in a patient with multiple myeloma
      treated with thalidomide.

PMID- 22054291
TI  - Operative Dentistry Home Page.

PMID- 22054289
TI  - Effect of homoharringtonine on bone marrow CD34 + CD117 + cells in patients with
      chronic myelogenous leukemia.
AB  - This study investigated the effect of homoharringtonine (HHT) on bone marrow CD34
      + CD117 + cells in patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML). Fifty-seven
      patients with CML who could not receive either imatinib or interferon-alpha were
      treated with HHT (n = 31) or hydroxycarbamide (HU) (n = 26) to induce and
      maintain remission, and bone marrow CD34 + CD117 + cells were assayed with flow
      cytometry. The proportion of CD34 + CD117 + cells was higher in untreated
      patients (24.7 +/- 6.4%) than in donors (4.4 +/- 1.1%) and decreased remarkably
      in patients who had hematological remission (11.2 +/- 3.1%) and cytogenetic
      response (8.9 +/- 3.1%) as compared with those without (27.8 +/- 7.3% and 18.5 +/
      5.3%, respectively) at 12 months after therapy. The hematological remission rate
      for patients with proportion of CD34 + CD117 + cells >= 20% prior to treatment
      was lower (41.7%) than in patients with CD34 + CD117 + cells < 20% (78.9%; p <
      0.05). However, there was no such difference of CD34 + CD117 + cell percentage in
      the HU group. It can be concluded that high expression of CD117 on CD34 + cells
      is a marker of poor prognosis and is also a target for the anti-CML effect of
      HHT.

PMID- 22054294
TI  - Corporate Sponsorship.

PMID- 22054293
TI  - Instructions to Contributors.

PMID- 22054295
TI  - Iron oxide nanomatrix facilitating metal ionization in matrix-assisted laser
      desorption/ionization mass spectrometry.
AB  - The significance and epidemiological effects of metals to life necessitate the
      development of direct, efficient, and rapid method of analysis. Taking advantage
      of its simple, fast, and high-throughput features, we present a novel approach to
      metal ion detection by matrix-functionalized magnetic nanoparticle (matrix@MNP)
      assisted MALDI-MS. Utilizing 21 biologically and environmentally relevant metal
      ion solutions, the performance of core and matrix@MNP against conventional
      matrixes in MALDI-MS and laser desorption ionization (LDI) MS were systemically
      tested to evaluate the versatility of matrix@MNP as ionization element. The
      matrix@MNPs provided 20- to >100-fold enhancement on detection sensitivity of
      metal ions and unambiguous identification through characteristic isotope patterns
      and accurate mass (<5 ppm), which may be attributed to its multifunctional role
      as metal chelator, preconcentrator, absorber, and reservoir of energy. Together
      with the comparison on the ionization behaviors of various metals having
      different ionization potentials (IP), we formulated a metal ionization mechanism
      model, alluding to the role of exciton pooling in matrix@MNP-assisted MALDI-MS.
      Moreover, the detection of Cu in spiked tap water demonstrated the practicability
      of this new approach as an efficient and direct alternative tool for fast,
      sensitive, and accurate determination of trace metal ions in real samples.

PMID- 22054296
TI  - Anatomical relations of the superficial sensory branches of the radial nerve: a
      cadaveric study with clinical implications.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anatomically, it is difficult to give a systematic description of the
      superficial branch of the radial nerve (SBRN). Our aim was to describe the exact
      relationship of the SBRN to fixed bony points of radial styloid and Lister's
      tubercle, and to the cephalic vein. We also compared our data with other
      international studies. METHODS: The study was a descriptive anatomical study.
      Twenty-five forearms were dissected. Measurements were made from predefined fixed
      reference points. RESULTS: The mean distance to the point of emergence of the
      nerve from the radial styloid was 8.54 cm (SD = 1.32). The nerve branched at a
      mean distance of 5.57 cm (SD = 1.43) from the radial styloid. The mean distance
      to the point where the most medial and most lateral branches of the nerve
      crossing the wrist joint, measured from the Lister's tubercle were 2.51 cm (SD =
      0.53) and 3.90 cm (SD = 0.64). In 17 specimens(68%) cephalic vein crossed the
      SBRN superficially once. Mean distance from the radial styloid to the most distal
      point where the vein crossed the nerve was 5.10 cm. Diffefrence between mean
      distance to the point of emergence and branching point, when compared with other
      international studies were not statistically significant. (P value > 0.05)
      CONCLUSIONS: We recommend avoiding transverse incisions in the snuffbox region
      between 2.51 cm and 3.90 cm from the Listers tubercle. We also recommend avoiding
      cannulation of the cephalic vein in the distal forearm.

PMID- 22054297
TI  - Effects of forage type, body condition and single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the
      bovine cytochrome P450 regulatory region on cow productivity.
AB  - Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the coding sequence of cytochrome p450
      (CYP3A28) have been associated with milk yield and composition, and calving
      traits in cows. In this study, we aimed to determine whether (i) the CYP3A28
      regulatory region was polymorphic and (ii) SNP genotype, forage type, body
      condition and their interactions affect cow productivity. Primers for CYP3A28
      promoter were designed to amplify a 483-bp segment by PCR. Amplicon sequences
      revealed seven SNP (T-318C, T-113A, C-189T, T-78G, A6G, G17A and T21C) in Brahman
      (38 cows), Brahman x Angus reciprocal crosses (47 cows) and crossbreds (98 cows).
      Angus cows (n = 41) appeared to be fixed at those SNP locations. Genotype and
      forage {endophyte-infected tall fescue [KY+; Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) S. J.
      Darbyshire] vs. bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers.]} effects on lifetime
      (8-years) calving rate, and calf weaning weights and heights were determined in
      Herd 1 (126 cows); genotype and BC (low vs. moderate) effects on calving date and
      calving percent were determined in Herd 2 (98 cows). Four SNP (T-318C, T-113A,
      A06G and T21C) appeared to be related to cattle productivity, CC cows at T-318C
      having a lower (p < 0.05) lifetime calving rate than TC or TT cows (65%, 85% and
      81% respectively). Cows that grazed KY+ and were TT at T-318C produced calves
      that tended (p < 0.07) to weigh less than their contemporaries. Moreover, calves
      of TT cows were shorter (p < 0.05) at weaning than calves of CC or TC cows. In
      Herd 2, moderate-BC cows that were TT or AA at T-318C, T-113A, T-78G, A6G and
      T21C had greater (p < 0.05) calving rates (74-80%) than heterozygous cows (46
      60%), and low-BC cows that were AA at G17A calved at least 6 days earlier (p <
      0.05) than heterozygous cows. Our findings suggest that SNP in the CYP3A28
      regulatory region of Brahman-influenced cows are associated with cattle
      productivity.

PMID- 22054298
TI  - Home and away- the evolutionary dynamics of homing endonucleases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Homing endonucleases (HEases) are a large and diverse group of site
      specific DNAases. They reside within self-splicing introns and inteins, and
      promote their horizontal dissemination. In recent years, HEases have been the
      focus of extensive research due to their promising potential use in gene
      targeting procedures for the treatment of genetic diseases and for the genetic
      engineering of crop, animal models and cell lines. RESULTS: Using mathematical
      analysis and computational modeling, we present here a novel account for the
      evolution and population dynamics of HEase genes (HEGs). We describe HEGs as
      paradoxical selfish elements whose long-term persistence in a single population
      relies on low transmission rates and a positive correlation between transmission
      efficiency and toxicity. CONCLUSION: Plausible conditions allow HEGs to sustain
      at high frequency through long evolutionary periods, with the endonuclease
      frequency being either at equilibrium or periodically oscillating. The
      predictions of our model may prove important not only for evolutionary theory but
      also for gene therapy and bio-engineering applications of HEases.

PMID- 22054299
TI  - Does the use of mTOR inhibitors increase long-term mortality in kidney
      recipients?

PMID- 22054300
TI  - Viscoelastic property mapping with contact resonance force microscopy.
AB  - We demonstrate the accurate nanoscale mapping of near-surface loss and storage
      moduli on a polystyrene-polypropylene blend with contact resonance force
      microscopy (CR-FM). These viscoelastic properties are extracted from spatially
      resolved maps of the contact resonance frequency and quality factor of the AFM
      cantilever. We consider two methods of data acquisition: (i) discrete stepping
      between mapping points and (ii) continuous scanning. For point mapping and low
      speed scanning, the values of the relative loss and storage modulus are in good
      agreement with the time-temperature superposition of low-frequency dynamic
      mechanical analysis measurements to the high frequencies probed by CR-FM.

PMID- 22054301
TI  - Kinetic and mechanistic insight into the thermodynamic degradation of
      saxagliptin.
AB  - The dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibitor saxagliptin (Onglyza) can undergo a
      thermodynamically favored cyclization to form the corresponding cyclic amidine.
      The kinetics and mechanism of this conversion were examined to develop a
      commercial synthesis that afforded saxagliptin with only trace levels of this key
      byproduct. Important findings of this work are the identification of a profound
      solvent effect and the determination of an autocatalytic pathway. Both of these
      phenomena result from transition structures involving proton transfer.

PMID- 22054302
TI  - Physicochemical and toxicological properties of commercial carbon blacks modified
      by reaction with ozone.
AB  - Ozonation of two commercial carbon blacks (CBs), Printex 90 (P90) and Flammruss
      101 (F101), was carried out and changes in their morphology, physical properties,
      and cytotoxicity were examined. The hypothesis examined was that different
      methods of manufacture of CBs influence their chemical reactivity and
      toxicological properties. Structural changes were examined by X-ray photoelectron
      spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and electron
      paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR). Introduction of surface oxygen
      functionality upon ozonation led to changes in surface charge, aggregation
      characteristics, and free radical content of the CBs. However, these changes in
      surface functionality did not alter the cytotoxicity and release of inflammation
      markers upon exposure of the CBs to murine macrophages. Interaction of
      macrophages with F101 resulted in higher levels of inflammatory markers than P90,
      and the only structural correlation was with the higher persistent radical
      concentration on the F101.

PMID- 22054303
TI  - Exhaled nitric oxide in diagnosis of bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome in lung
      transplant recipients: possible limitations.

PMID- 22054304
TI  - Factors associated with antenatal mental disorder in West Africa: a cross
      sectional survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Maternal mental illness is likely to have a profound impact in less
      developed parts of the world. A mother experiencing mental illness in a low
      income setting is at risk of providing sub-optimal care for her offspring which
      can have grave consequences in an environment where poverty, overcrowding, poor
      sanitation, malnutrition, tropical diseases and a lack of appropriate medical
      services may be pronounced. Given the profound consequences of antenatal and
      postnatal mental illness on maternal mental health, foetal wellbeing and
      childhood growth and development the factors associated with mental illness in a
      Sub-Saharan setting merit clarification and investigation. METHODS: A prospective
      survey design was conducted in Lagos. Self reporting questionnaire 20 items -
      SRQ20 - assessed the presence of mental illness. The WHO Multi-country Study on
      Women's Health and Domestic Violence Questions assessed women's exposure to
      violence. Numerous variables potentially associated with mental illness including
      maternal socio-economic factors, maternal characteristics, obstetric variables
      and the characteristics of previous children were recorded. Direct logistic
      regression was performed to assess the impact of a number of variables on the
      likelihood of presence of mental disorder in the population. RESULTS: 189 women
      were surveyed. 7% met the criteria for experiencing a common mental disorder
      according to their score on the SRQ-20. Of variables examined only the number of
      female children and the presence of inter personal violence predicted being a
      case of mental illness (OR = 3.400; 95%CI = 1.374 - 8.414 and OR = 5.676; 95%CI =
      1.251 - 25.757 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Rates of mental disorder found in our
      study were lower than those previously observed internationally and in Africa,
      perhaps reflecting stigma about disclosing symptoms. The predictive nature of
      violence on mental disorder is in keeping with international evidence. Our study
      demonstrated that exposure to inter personal violence within the last 12 months
      and increasing numbers of female children predict the presence of mental illness
      in a sample of pregnant Nigerian women. Training and education for primary health
      care and obstetric health workers should highlight these areas.

PMID- 22054305
TI  - Antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of ethanol extract of Vitex glabrata on
      carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage in rats.
AB  - This study was aimed at evaluating the antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects
      of the ethanol extract of Vitex glabrata (EEVG) in a CCl(4)-induced liver damage
      model in rats; and to isolate and characterise the bioactive constituent from
      EEVG. Hepatoprotective activity was evaluated by changes in the levels of the
      serum enzymes viz. AST, ALT, ALP and total bilirubin, and further by
      histopathological examinations of liver tissues. Antioxidant activity was
      measured in terms of superoxide dismutase, GSH, lipid peroxidation (LPO),
      catalase and peroxidase levels in liver homogenate. The pentamethoxy flavonoid
      artemetin was isolated and characterised from EEVG. Artemetin and EEVG pre
      treatment significantly (p < 0.001) inhibited LPO in CCl(4)-intoxicated livers
      and reduced the elevated serum levels of AST, ALT, ALP and bilirubin to normal;
      it also brought back the normal architecture of liver tissues. Antioxidant
      activity of EEVG was found to be comparable with silymarin (p < 0.05). In
      conclusion, EEVG possesses significant hepatoprotective activity, which may be
      mediated by the antioxidant mechanisms of its components, predominantly
      artemetin.

PMID- 22054306
TI  - Inequalities in diet and nutrition.
AB  - The inequality of nutrition and obesity re-focuses concern on who in society is
      consuming the worst diet. Identification of individuals with the worst of dietary
      habits permits for targeting interventions to assuage obesity among the
      population segment where it is most prevalent. We argue that the use of fiscal
      interventions does not appropriately take into account the economic, social and
      health circumstances of the intended beneficiaries of the policy. This paper
      reviews the influence of socio-demographic factors on nutrition and health status
      and considers the impacts of nutrition policy across the population drawing on
      methodologies from both public health and welfare economics. The effects of a fat
      tax on diet are found to be small and while other studies show that fat taxes
      saves lives, we show that average levels of disease risk do not change much:
      those consuming particularly bad diets continue to do so. Our results also
      suggest that the regressivity of the policy increases as the tax becomes focused
      on products with high saturated fat contents. A fiscally neutral policy that
      combines the fat tax with a subsidy on fruit and vegetables is actually more
      regressive because consumption of these foods tends to be concentrated in
      socially undeserving households. We argue that when inequality is of concern,
      population-based measures must reflect this and approaches that target vulnerable
      populations which have a shared propensity to adopt unhealthy behaviours are
      appropriate.

PMID- 22054307
TI  - Atrial pace on PVC algorithm inducing ventricular fibrillation.

PMID- 22054308
TI  - Factors that motivate young pharmacists to work in rural communities in the
      Ukraine.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: A number of identified factors can influence clinicians' location
      of practice decisions; however, little is known about the location decisions of
      pharmacists. In general, males are more likely to work in rural and remote
      regions, and students with a rural background are more likely to work in rural
      communities after graduation. In the Ukraine, pharmaceutical health care is
      important because a patient's first visit is often to the pharmacy, rather than
      to a GP. This study sought to understand what motivates Ukraine pharmacy students
      to practice in rural areas. METHODS: The first part of the study used a
      quantitative design with questionnaires based on Fuglistaller's model for
      measuring the motivation of entrepreneurs, because working in a rural Ukraine
      pharmacy means, in most cases, operating a privately owned pharmacy. The second
      part was qualitative to verify these results. RESULTS: The students' motivation
      to work in rural areas after graduation depended on their sex and place of birth,
      but this was not decisive. More influential were the factors that motivate
      operating a privately owned pharmacy. Within the group that considered working in
      a privately owned pharmacy in a rural community, motivation was more intrinsic
      (eg enjoys helping people), while negative factors were more external (eg
      financial risk). CONCLUSION: Students from the National University of Pharmacy in
      Kharkiv comprise the majority of pharmacists in the Ukraine. They are interested
      in working in a rural area as long as opportunities align with their individual
      expectations. The two main factors found that would supply more young graduates
      to rural areas were: (1) improving rural living conditions; and (2) fostering the
      mental attitude required for operating a private pharmacy. In addition,
      decreasing related bureaucracy, and increasing financial and fiscal grants may
      enhance medical and pharmaceutical health care in rural communities of the
      Ukraine.Key words: graduate pharmacists, living conditions, motivation, privately
      owned pharmacy, Ukraine.

PMID- 22054309
TI  - Effect of route of delivery on heterologous protection against HCV induced by an
      adenovirus vector carrying HCV structural genes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An effective vaccine and new therapeutic methods for hepatitis C
      virus (HCV) are needed, and a potent HCV vaccine must induce robust and sustained
      cellular-mediated immunity (CMI). Research has indicated that adenoviral and
      vaccinia vectors may have the ability to elicit strong B and T cell immune
      responses to target antigens. RESULTS: A recombinant replication-defective
      adenovirus serotype 5 (rAd5) vector, rAd5-CE1E2, and a recombinant Tian Tan
      vaccinia vector, rTTV-CE1E2, were constructed to express the HCV CE1E2 gene (1
      746 amino acid HCV 1b subtype). Mice were prime-immunised with rAd5-CE1E2
      delivered via intramuscular injection (i.m.), intranasal injection (i.n.), or
      intradermal injection (i.d.) and boosted using a different combination of
      injection routes. CMI was evaluated via IFN-gamma ELISPOT and ICS 2 weeks after
      immunisation, or 16 weeks after boost for long-term responses. The humoral
      response was analysed by ELISA. With the exception of priming by i.n. injection,
      a robust CMI response against multiple HCV antigens (core, E1, E2) was elicited
      and remained at a high level for a long period (16 weeks post-vaccination) in
      mice. However, i.n. priming elicited the highest anti-core antibody levels.
      Priming with i.d. rAd5-CE1E2 and boosting with i.d. rTTV-CE1E2 carried out
      simultaneously enhanced CMI and the humoral immune response, compared to the
      homologous rAd5-CE1E2 immune groups. All regimens demonstrated equivalent cross
      protective potency in a heterologous surrogate challenge assay based on a
      recombinant HCV (JFH1, 2a) vaccinia virus. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that a
      rAd5-CE1E2-based HCV vaccine would be capable of eliciting an effective immune
      response and cross-protection. These findings have important implications for the
      development of T cell-based HCV vaccine candidates.

PMID- 22054310
TI  - Does laparoscopic management of deep infiltrating endometriosis improve quality
      of life? A prospective study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE) can affect importantly
      patients' quality of life (QOL). The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact
      of the laparoscopic management of DIE on QOL after six months from treatment.
      METHODS: It is a prospective cohort study. In a tertiary care university
      hospital, between April 2008 and December 2009, 100 patients underwent
      laparoscopic management of DIE and completed preoperatively and 6-months
      postoperatively a QOL questionnaire, the short form 36 (SF-36).Quality of life
      was measured through the SF-36 scores. Intra-operative details of disease site,
      number of lesions, type of intervention, period of hospital stay and peri
      operative complications were noted. RESULTS: Six months postoperatively all the
      women had a significant improvement in every scale of the SF-36 (p < 0,0005).
      Among patients with intestinal DIE, significant differences in postoperative
      scores of SF-36 were not detected between patients submitted to nodule shaving
      and segmental resection (p > 0.05). There was no significant difference in the SF
      36 scores at 6 months from surgery between patients who received postoperative
      medical treatment and patients who did not (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Laparoscopic
      excision of DIE lesions significantly improves general health and psycho
      emotional status at six months from surgery without differences between patients
      submitted to intestinal segmental resection or intestinal nodule shaving.

PMID- 22054312
TI  - Cancer and primary care: the clinical and research agenda.

PMID- 22054313
TI  - From patient advocate to gatekeeper: understanding the effects of the NHS
      reforms.

PMID- 22054314
TI  - Musculoskeletal disorders: time for joint action in primary care.

PMID- 22054315
TI  - Long-term cardiovascular conditions: the role of primary care.

PMID- 22054316
TI  - Are the serious problems in cancer survival partly rooted in gatekeeper
      principles?

PMID- 22054317
TI  - Are the serious problems in cancer survival partly rooted in gatekeeper
      principles?

PMID- 22054318
TI  - Are the serious problems in cancer survival partly rooted in gatekeeper
      principles?

PMID- 22054319
TI  - Extent of cotton-bud use in ears.

PMID- 22054320
TI  - Climate change and health: time to adopt environmental probity?

PMID- 22054321
TI  - Kenneth William Cross: an appreciation.

PMID- 22054323
TI  - Risk of prostate cancer associated with benign prostate disease: a primary care
      case-control study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Benign diseases of the prostate are common in the general male
      population, and prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. Uncertainty as
      to the nature of the association between benign and malignant disease is a source
      of concern for patients and clinicians. AIM: To determine the likelihood of men
      with benign prostate disease developing prostate cancer compared with men without
      disease. DESIGN: Incident matched case-control study. METHOD: All incident cases
      of prostate cancer (n = 984) were identified in a nationally representative
      community-based population, and each was matched by age with two controls with no
      prostate cancer (n = 1968). Participants' records of the previous 5 years were
      searched for diagnoses of benign prostate disease. Analyses investigated an a
      priori hypothesis that clinicians may record disease as benign until proven to be
      malignant, causing misleading significant associations between benign and
      malignant diagnoses. RESULTS: There was a significant association between a
      diagnosis of prostate cancer and a benign diagnosis at any time in the previous 5
      years: odds ratio (OR) 1.57 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.32 to 1.88).
      However, there was no significant association when benign diagnoses within 6
      months and within 12 months of cancer diagnoses were excluded: OR 1.19 (95% CI =
      0.97 to 1.46) and OR 1.00 (95% CI = 0.79 to 1.27) respectively. CONCLUSION:
      Findings from this study suggest that unless prostate cancer is detected within 6
      months, men diagnosed for the first time with benign disease are at no greater
      risk of prostate cancer than those with no recorded prostate disease.

PMID- 22054324
TI  - Inventing the wheel in general practice.

PMID- 22054325
TI  - Education at the edge of chaos.

PMID- 22054327
TI  - The Olympic legacy.

PMID- 22054328
TI  - Primary care and international health links: should GPs get more involved?

PMID- 22054330
TI  - Patients' needs following colorectal cancer diagnosis: where does primary care
      fit in?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer is the third most common cancer in the UK. Patients
      with colorectal cancer spend most of their time in the community, but the role of
      primary care in their management and follow-up is unclear. AIM: To explore
      colorectal cancer patients' experiences of psychosocial problems and their
      management in primary and specialist care. DESIGN AND SETTING: Longitudinal
      qualitative study of participants recruited from three hospitals in the west of
      Scotland and interviewed in their own homes. METHOD: In-depth interviews with 24
      participants with a new diagnosis of colorectal cancer, and then follow-up
      interviews 12 months later. RESULTS: Participants' needs following a diagnosis
      for colorectal cancer included physical, psychological, and social issues. GPs
      played a key role in diagnosis, after which they were less involved. Participants
      valued GPs making unsolicited contact and offering support. Participants
      described being well supported by clinical nurse specialists who are expert in
      the illness, and who provide continuity of care and psychological support. A year
      after diagnosis, when there was less contact with GPs and clinical nurse
      specialists, participants still faced challenges associated with the ongoing
      impact of colorectal cancer. CONCLUSION: While some patients enjoyed
      straightforward recoveries from surgery, others experienced longer-term
      implications from their disease and treatment, particularly bowel-function
      issues, fatigue, anxiety, and sexual problems. The potential for primary care to
      contribute more to the ongoing care of colorectal cancer patients was identified.

PMID- 22054331
TI  - Spirometry in primary care for case finding and management of chronic obstructive
      pulmonary disease primary care diagnostic technology update.

PMID- 22054332
TI  - Tips for GP trainees working in palliative care.

PMID- 22054333
TI  - Urgent suspected cancer referrals from general practice: audit of compliance with
      guidelines and referral outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Late diagnosis contributes to the UK having poorer cancer survival
      than many countries in Europe. Cancer referral guidelines help GPs decide which
      patients to refer urgently for further investigation. AIM: To examine primary
      care referral patterns, compliance with referral guidance, and eventual outcome
      for patients. DESIGN AND SETTING: Prospective audit within general practice in
      Scotland. METHOD: GPs in Scotland reviewed all urgent suspected cancer referrals
      over a 6-month period. They noted the final diagnosis and assessed whether the
      referral was in accordance with agreed referral guidelines. RESULTS: A total of
      18 775 urgent suspected cancer referrals were analysed from 516 GP practices. The
      referral rate ranged from 3.7 to 24.0 per 1000 per annum; 30.8% of referrals were
      for patients aged under 50 years, yet this age group accounts for only 11.1% of
      all diagnosed cancers; 10.3% of all urgent cancer referrals were for suspected
      melanoma, despite this cancer accounting for only 4.1% of new cancers. The
      proportion of patients subsequently diagnosed with cancer was greatest for
      leukaemia (61.7%), prostate (52.6%), and lung cancer referrals (39.7%), and
      lowest for melanoma (11.8%), oesophago-gastric (11.2%), brain (10.6%), and
      laryngeal cancer referrals (7.8%). Compliance with referral guidelines was 90.9%.
      A large proportion of referrals considered to be outside the guidelines still had
      a cancer diagnosed (urological 15.9%, lung 8.8%, colorectal 8.4%, and breast
      6.4%). CONCLUSION: There is wide variation in GP referral rates for suspected
      cancer with a greater than expected proportion of referrals for younger people.
      Many referrals considered to be outside the national guidelines were diagnosed
      with cancer, suggesting factors other than those in referral guidelines alert GPs
      to the possibility of cancer.

PMID- 22054334
TI  - Identifying patients with suspected gastro-oesophageal cancer in primary care:
      derivation and validation of an algorithm.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gastro-oesphageal is one of the most common cancers worldwide.
      Evidence suggested that increased awareness of symptoms and earlier diagnosis
      could help improve treatment options and improve survival. AIM: To derive and
      validate an algorithm to estimate the absolute risk of having gastro-oesophageal
      cancer in patients in primary care with and without symptoms. DESIGN AND SETTING:
      Cohort study of 375 UK QResearch(r) general practices for development, and 189
      for validation. METHOD: Included patients were aged 30-84 years, free at baseline
      of a diagnosis of gastro-oesophageal cancer, and without dysphagia, haematemesis,
      abdominal pain, appetite loss, or weight loss recorded in previous 12 months. The
      primary outcome was incident diagnosis of gastro-oesophageal cancer recorded in
      the next 2 years. Risk factors examined were age, body mass index, alcohol
      status, smoking status, deprivation, family history of gastrointestinal cancer,
      dysphagia, previous diagnosis of cancer apart from gastro-oesophageal cancer,
      haematemesis, abdominal pain, appetite loss, weight loss, tiredness, and anaemia.
      Cox proportional hazards models were used to develop risk equations. Measures of
      calibration and discrimination assessed performance in the validation cohort.
      RESULTS: There were 2527 incident cases of gastro-oesophageal cancer from 4.1
      million person-years in the derivation cohort. Independent predictors were age,
      smoking, dysphagia, haematemesis, abdominal pain, appetite loss, weight loss, and
      anaemia. On validation, the algorithms explained 71% of the variation in females
      and 73% in males. The receiver operating curve statistics were 0.89 (females) and
      0.92 (males). The D statistic was 3.2 (females) and 3.3 (males). The 10% of
      patients with the highest predicted risks included 77% of all gastro-oesophageal
      cancers diagnosed over the next 2 years. CONCLUSION: The algorithm has good
      performance and could potentially be used to help identify those at highest risk
      of gastro-oesophageal cancer, to facilitate early referral and investigation.

PMID- 22054335
TI  - Identifying patients with suspected lung cancer in primary care: derivation and
      validation of an algorithm.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lung cancer has one of the lowest survival outcomes of any cancer
      because more then two-thirds of patients are diagnosed when curative treatment is
      not possible. The challenge is to help earlier diagnosis of lung cancer and hence
      improve prognosis. AIM: To derive and validate an algorithm incorporating
      information on symptoms, to estimate the absolute risk of having lung cancer
      DESIGN AND SETTING: Cohort study of 375 UK QResearch(r) general practices for
      development, and 189 for validation. METHOD: Selected patients were aged 30-84
      years and free of lung cancer at baseline and haemoptysis, loss of appetite, or
      weight loss in previous 12 months. Primary outcome was incident diagnosis of lung
      cancer recorded in the next 2 years. Risk factors examined were: haemoptysis,
      appetite loss, weight loss, cough, dyspnoea, tiredness, hoarseness, smoking, body
      mass index, deprivation score, family history of lung cancer, other cancers,
      asthma, chronic obstructive airways disease, pneumonia, asbestos exposure, and
      anaemia. Cox proportional hazards models with age as the underlying time variable
      were used to develop separate risk equations in males and females. Measures of
      calibration and discrimination assessed performance in the validation cohort.
      RESULTS: There were 3785 incident cases of lung cancer arising from 4 289 282
      person-years in the derivation cohort. Independent predictors were haemoptysis,
      appetite loss, weight loss, cough, body mass index, deprivation score, smoking
      status, chronic obstructive airways disease, anaemia, and prior cancer (females
      only). On validation, the algorithms explained 72% of the variation. The receiver
      operating characteristic (ROC) statistics were 0.92 for both females and males.
      The D statistic was 3.25 for females and 3.29 for males. The 10% of patients with
      the highest predicted risks included 77% of all lung cancers diagnosed over the
      subsequent 2 years. CONCLUSION: The algorithm has good discrimination and
      calibration and could potentially be used to identify those at highest risk of
      lung cancer, to facilitate early referral and investigation.

PMID- 22054336
TI  - Enhancing ventilation in homes of children with asthma: pragmatic randomised
      controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Few robust studies have tested whether enhancing housing also
      improves health. AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of installing ventilation
      systems, and central heating where necessary, in the homes of children with
      moderate or severe asthma. DESIGN AND SETTING: Pragmatic randomised controlled
      trial (RCT) in homes within Wrexham County Borough, Wales, UK. METHOD: A
      pragmatic RCT was carried out, of a tailored package of housing improvements
      providing adequate ventilation and temperature, following inspection by a housing
      officer. One hundred and ninety-two children with asthma aged 5 to 14 years,
      identified from general practice registers, were randomised to receive this
      package, either immediately or a year after recruitment. At baseline, and after 4
      and 12 months, parents reported their child's asthma-specific and generic quality
      of life, and days off school. RESULTS: The package improved parent-reported
      asthma-specific quality of life significantly at both 4 and 12 months. At 12
      months, this showed an adjusted mean difference between groups of 7.1 points (95%
      confidence interval [CI] = 2.8 to 11.4, P= 0.001): a moderate standardised effect
      size of 0.42. The generic quality-of-life scale showed reported physical problems
      were significantly reduced at 4 months, but not quite at 12 months, when the mean
      difference was 4.5 (95% CI = -0.2 to 9.1, P= 0.061). The improvement in
      psychosocial quality of life at 12 months was not significant, with a mean
      difference of 2.2 (95% CI = -1.9 to 6.4, P= 0.292). Parent-reported school
      attendance improved, but not significantly. CONCLUSION: This novel and pragmatic
      trial, with integrated economic evaluation, found that tailored improvement of
      the housing of children with moderate to severe asthma significantly increases
      parent-reported asthma-related quality of life and reduces physical problems.
      Collaborative housing initiatives have potential to improve health.

PMID- 22054337
TI  - Enhancing ventilation in homes of children with asthma: cost-effectiveness study
      alongside randomised controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There has been little rigorous economic analysis of the relationship
      between asthma and improved housing. AIM: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of
      installing ventilation systems, and central heating if necessary, in homes of
      children with 'moderate' or 'severe' asthma. DESIGN AND SETTING: An incremental
      cost-effectiveness analysis alongside a pragmatic randomised controlled trial of
      a tailored package of housing modifications designed to improve ventilation and
      household heating in homes within Wrexham County Borough, Wales, UK. METHOD: A
      total of 177 children aged between 5 and 14 years, identified from general
      practice registers, were studied. Parents reported on the quality of life of
      their children over a 12-month period. General practices reported on health
      service resources used by those children, and their asthma-related prescriptions,
      over the same period. RESULTS: The tailored package shifted 17% of children in
      the intervention group from 'severe' to 'moderate' asthma, compared with a 3%
      shift in the control group. The mean cost of these modifications was L1718 per
      child treated or L12300 per child shifted from 'severe' to 'moderate'. Healthcare
      costs over 12 months following randomisation did not differ significantly between
      intervention and control groups. Bootstrapping gave an incremental cost
      effectiveness ratio (ICER) of L234 per point improvement on the 100-point
      PedsQLTM asthma-specific scale, with 95% confidence interval (CI) = L140 to L590.
      The ICER fell to L165 (95% CI = L84 to L424) for children with 'severe' asthma.
      CONCLUSION: This novel and pragmatic trial, with integrated economic evaluation,
      reported that tailored improvement of the housing of children with moderate to
      severe asthma is likely to be a cost-effective use of public resources. This is a
      rare example of evidence for collaboration between local government and the NHS.

PMID- 22054338
TI  - Risk of pneumonia in patients taking statins: population-based nested case
      control study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Community-acquired pneumonia is one of the most common causes of
      hospitalisation and death in older people. Recent research suggests that statins
      might improve the outcome of infectious diseases because of their anti-oxidative
      and anti-inflammatory properties. AIM: To estimate the association between
      current statin use and the risk of community-acquired pneumonia. DESIGN AND
      SETTING: Nested case-control study of 443 general practices in the UK within the
      QResearch(r) database. METHOD: Individuals with newly recorded pneumonia,
      diagnosed between 1996 and 2006 and aged 45 years and older, were matched with up
      to five controls by age, sex, general practice, and calendaryear Odds ratios for
      pneumonia associated with statin use were adjusted for smoking status,
      deprivation, comorbidities, use of acid-lowering drugs, influenza, and
      pneumococcal vaccines. RESULTS: The analysis found a decreased risk of pneumonia
      in patients prescribed statins in the year prior to diagnosis (adjusted odds
      ratio = 0.78, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.74 to 0.83), particularly in
      patients with prescriptions in the last 28 days (adjusted odds ratio = 0.68, 95%
      CI = 0.63 to 0.73). Atorvastatin and simvastatin had similar associations with
      pneumonia risk. Analysis repeated on lobar and pneumococcal pneumonia cases
      showed comparable results. CONCLUSION: In this large population-based case
      control study, current exposure to statins was associated with a reduced risk of
      pneumonia. The findings were similar to other observational population-based
      studies, but further randomised controlled trials are necessary before
      recommending statins to patients at high risk of pneumonia.

PMID- 22054339
TI  - Spirituality in general practice: a qualitative evidence synthesis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although it is now common to see spirituality as an integral part of
      health care, little is known about how to deal with this topic in daily practice.
      AIM: To investigate the literature about GPs' views on their role in spiritual
      care, and about their perceived barriers and facilitating factors in assessing
      spiritual needs. DESIGN: Qualitative evidence synthesis. METHOD: The primary data
      sources searched were MEDLINE, Web of Science, CINAHL, Embase, and ATLA Religion
      Database. Qualitative studies that described the views of GPs on their role in
      providing spiritual care, or that described the barriers and facilitating factors
      they experience in doing so, were included. Quantitative studies, descriptive
      papers, editorials, and opinion papers were excluded. RESULTS: Most GPs see it as
      their role to identify and assess patients' spiritual needs, despite perceived
      barriers such as lack of time and specific training. However, they struggle with
      spiritual language and experience feelings of discomfort and fear that patients
      will refuse to engage in the discussion. Communicating willingness to engage in
      spiritual care, using a non-judgemental approach, facilitates spiritual
      conversations. CONCLUSION: The results of the studies included here were mostly
      congruent, affirming that many GPs see themselves as supporters of patients'
      spiritual wellbeing, but lack specific knowledge, skills, and attitudes to
      perform a spiritual assessment and to provide spiritual care. Spirituality may be
      of special consequence at the end of life, with an increased search for meaning.
      Actively addressing spiritual issues fits into the biopsychosocial-spiritual
      model of care. Further research is needed to clarify the role of the GP as a
      spiritual care giver.

PMID- 22054340
TI  - An interview with Medecins Sans Frontieres.

PMID- 22054341
TI  - Cancer survivorship: the impact on primary care.

PMID- 22054342
TI  - Lessons from evaluation of the NHS white paper Our Health, Our Care, Our Say.

PMID- 22054343
TI  - Enzyme immunoassay for tenuazonic acid in apple and tomato products.
AB  - The Alternaria mycotoxin tenuazonic acid was derivatized with succinic anhydride
      and conjugated to keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) and to horseradish peroxidase
      (HRP), respectively. The KLH conjugate was used to produce polyclonal antibodies
      in rabbits. A competitive direct enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for tenuazonic acid was
      established, which was moderately sensitive for tenuazonic acid [50% inhibition
      concentration (IC(50)): 320 +/- 130 ng/mL] but strongly reacted with tenuazonic
      acid acetate (IC(50): 23.3 +/- 7.5 ng/mL). Therefore, an optimized EIA protocol
      was established, which employed acetylation of standard and sample extract
      solutions. The mean standard curve detection limit (IC(30)) for tenuazonic acid
      acetate was 5.4 +/- 2.0 ng/mL, enabling detection limits for tenuazonic acid in
      apple and tomato products of 25-50 ng/g (150 ng/g in tomato paste). Recoveries in
      a concentration range of 50-2000 ng/g were 60-130% in apple juice and tomato
      juice and 40-150% in other tomato products. Tenuazonic acid was detected in apple
      juice and tomato products from German retail shops at levels of 50-200 ng/g. In
      conclusion, this novel EIA for tenuazonic acid could be useful within a screening
      program for Alternaria mycotoxins in food.

PMID- 22054344
TI  - Errata.

PMID- 22054346
TI  - A pilot study to explore the effectiveness of "early" rehabilitation after a
      hospital admission for chronic heart failure.
AB  - People with chronic heart failure (CHF) experience acute exacerbations of their
      symptoms. These episodes are costly to patients and the health service. The study
      was a single group, pretest and posttest design. Seventeen patients with left
      ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) started rehabilitation within 4 weeks of
      hospital discharge. The 6 week rehabilitation programme included exercise and
      self-management education. The hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS), the
      incremental and endurance shuttle walking tests (ISWT/ESWT) were assessed at
      baseline and after rehabilitation. The number and duration of any CHF admissions
      in the year before and the year after rehabilitation were also recorded.
      Improvements in the ISWT, ESWT, and depression were, mean (95% confidence
      interval [CI]) 60.6 (36.0-85.2) metres, 356.0 (173.0-539.0) seconds (both
      p<=0.001) and (-)1.0 ((-)1.8-(-)0.2) points (p<0.05), respectively. HADS anxiety
      improvements failed to reach significance. At 1 year, there was a significant
      decrease in CHF-related hospitalisations, mean change (95% CI) (-)0.8 ((-)1.1-(
      )0.4), p<=0.001 and CHF bed days (-)13.0 ((-)24.4-(-)1.6), p<0.05. Early
      rehabilitation significantly improved exercise capacity and depression and
      reduced CHF-associated health care utilisation in patients who had recently been
      hospitalised. The intervention was safe. However, the sample size was small and
      results were not compared to a control group. Therefore, the effects of natural
      recovery are unknown.

PMID- 22054347
TI  - GLP-1, exendin-4 and C-peptide regulate pancreatic islet microcirculation,
      insulin secretion and glucose tolerance in rats.
AB  - GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1) and its mimetic exendin-4 are used against Type 2
      diabetes. C-peptide has also proven promising to enhance insulin action. Since
      insulin secretion in vivo can be rapidly tuned by changes in islet
      microcirculation, we evaluated the influence of GLP-1, exendin-4 and C-peptide on
      pancreatic IBF (islet blood flow), and dynamic changes in insulin secretion and
      glycaemia in the rat. Adult male Wistar rats were divided into four groups given
      intravenous saline, GLP-1, exendin-4 or C-peptide respectively and administered
      either saline or 30% glucose. Furthermore, we investigated the effect of
      intravenous infusion of different doses of exendin-4 into either the femoral vein
      or the portal vein on islet microcirculation. A non-radioactive microsphere
      technique was adopted to measure the regional blood flow. Both GLP-1 and exendin
      4 prevented the glucose-induced PBF (pancreatic blood flow) redistribution into
      the islets. Infusion of exendin-4 into the portal vein did not alter pancreatic
      islet microcirculation, while infusion of exendin-4 into femoral vein
      significantly decreased basal IBF. C-peptide increased basal IBF and the
      proportion of IBF out of total PBF, but did not affect the islet microcirculation
      after glucose administration. GLP-1, exendin-4 and C-peptide stimulated insulin
      secretion and significantly decreased glycaemia. Blocking NO formation did not
      prevent the decreased IBF and post-load glycaemia evoked by exendin-4, but
      further decreased IBF and KBF (kidney blood flow) and increased basal glycaemia.
      Blocking the vagus nerve enhanced pancreatic IBF and further decreased post-load
      glycaemia and KBF and increased basal glycaemia. The vascular modulatory effect
      on pancreatic islet microcirculation described herein, with subsequent effects on
      in vivo insulin secretion and glycaemia, might be one of the mechanisms
      underlying the anti-diabetic actions of GLP-1 and its long acting mimetic exendin
      4, as well as that of C-peptide.

PMID- 22054348
TI  - In vivo quantitative evaluation of the transport kinetics of gold nanocages in a
      lymphatic system by noninvasive photoacoustic tomography.
AB  - Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy has emerged as a preferred method for axillary
      lymph node staging of breast cancer, and imaging the SLN in three-dimensional
      space is a prerequisite for the biopsy. Conventional SLN mapping techniques based
      on the injection of an organic dye or a suspension of radioactive colloids suffer
      from invasive surgical operation for visual detection of the dye or hazardous
      radioactive components and low spatial resolution of Geiger counters in detecting
      the radioactive colloids. This work systematically investigates the use of gold
      nanocages (AuNCs) as a novel class of optical tracers for noninvasive SLN imaging
      by photoacoustic (PA) tomography in a rat model. The transport of AuNCs in a
      lymphatic system and uptake by the SLN were evaluated by PA tomography on the
      axillary region of a rat. Quantification of AuNCs accumulated in the lymph node
      was achieved by correlating the data from PA imaging with the results from
      inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Several parameters were
      systematically evaluated and optimized, including the concentration, size, and
      surface charge of the AuNCs. These results are critical to the further
      development of this AuNC-based PA tomography system for noninvasive SLN imaging,
      providing valuable information for metastatic cancer staging.

PMID- 22054349
TI  - Pure laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with en bloc celiac axis resection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Recent technological developments and improved endoscopic procedures
      have greatly enlarged the applications of laparoscopic pancreatic resection.
      PATIENT AND METHODS: A 77-year-old female with invasive ductal cancer of the
      pancreatic body touching the common hepatic and splenic arteries underwent a pure
      laparoscopic distal pancreatectomy with en bloc celiac axis resection (DP-CAR).
      The celiac axis, the celiac plexus and ganglions, the left gastric artery, the
      Gerota fascia, the left adrenal gland, and the retroperitoneal fat tissues above
      the left renal vein were removed en bloc. RESULTS: The procedure took 245 minutes
      and there was minimal blood loss. The postoperative course was uneventful and the
      patient was discharged on the seventh postoperative day. The surgical margins
      were histologically clear (R0 resection). CONCLUSION: Pure laparoscopic DP-CAR is
      minimally invasive, safe and feasible, and can achieve R0 resection in selected
      patients with pancreatic invasive ductal adenocarcinoma.

PMID- 22054350
TI  - Quantitative matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight mass
      spectrometry analysis of synthetic polymers and peptides.
AB  - Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI) is a very powerful and widely
      used mass spectrometric technique to ionize high molecular weight compounds. The
      most commonly used dried droplet (DD) technique can lead to a concentration
      distribution of the analyte on the target and is therefore often not suitable for
      reproducible analyses. We developed a new solvent-free deposition technique,
      called compressed sample (CS), to prevent the distribution of the analytes caused
      by the crystallization of the compounds. The CS technique presented in this work
      allows the quantitative analysis of synthetic polymers such as derivatized
      maltosides with correlation coefficients of 0.999 and peptides up to 3500 Da with
      correlation coefficients of at least 0.982 without the use of stable-isotope
      labeled standards.

PMID- 22054353
TI  - Instructions to Contributors.

PMID- 22054351
TI  - Commentary.

PMID- 22054354
TI  - Operative Dentistry Home Page.

PMID- 22054355
TI  - Photosensitized oxidation of emerging organic pollutants by tetrakis C60
      aminofullerene-derivatized silica under visible light irradiation.
AB  - We recently reported that C(60) aminofullerenes immobilized on silica support
      (aminoC(60)/silica) efficiently produce singlet oxygen ((1)O(2)) and inactivate
      virus and bacteria under visible light irradiation. (1)  We herein evaluate this
      new photocatalyst for oxidative degradation of 11 emerging organic contaminants,
      including pharmaceuticals such as acetaminophen, carbamazepine, cimetidine,
      propranolol, ranitidine, sulfisoxazole, and trimethoprim, and endocrine
      disruptors such as bisphenol A and pentachlorophenol. Tetrakis aminoC(60)/silica
      degraded pharmaceuticals under visible light irradiation faster than common
      semiconductor photocatalysts such as platinized WO(3) and carbon-doped TiO(2).
      Furthermore, aminoC(60)/silica exhibited high target-specificity without
      significant interference by natural organic matter. AminoC(60)/silica was more
      efficient than unsupported (water-suspended) C(60) aminofullerene. This was
      attributed to kinetically enhanced (1)O(2) production after immobilization, which
      reduces agglomeration of the photocatalyst, and to adsorption of pharmaceuticals
      onto the silica support, which increases exposure to (1)O(2) near photocatalytic
      sites. Removal efficiency increased with pH for contaminants with a phenolic
      moiety, such as bisphenol A and acetaminophen, because the electron-rich
      phenolates that form at alkaline pH are more vulnerable to singlet oxygenation.

PMID- 22054356
TI  - Expedited batch processing and analysis of transposon insertions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: With advances in sequencing technology, greater and greater amounts
      of eukaryotic genome data are becoming available. Often, large portions of these
      genomes consist of transposable elements, frequently accounting for 50% or more
      in vertebrates. Each transposable element family may have thousands or tens of
      thousands of individual copies within a given genome, and therefore it can take
      an exorbitant amount of time and effort to process data in a meaningful fashion.
      FINDINGS: In order to combat this problem, we developed a set of bioinformatics
      techniques and programs to streamline the analysis. This includes a unique Perl
      script which automates the process of taking BLAST, Repeatmasker and similar data
      to extract and manipulate the hit sequences from the genome. This script, called
      Process_hits uses an object-oriented methodology to compile all hit locations
      from a given file for processing, organize this data into useable categories, and
      output it in multiple formats. CONCLUSIONS: The program proved capable of
      handling large amounts of transposon data in an efficient fashion. It is equipped
      with a number of useful sub-functions, each of which is contained within its own
      sub-module to allow for greater expandability and as a foundation for future
      program design.

PMID- 22054357
TI  - Toxoplasma gondii infection in pregnant women in China.
AB  - Toxoplasmosis, caused by the protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii, is one of the
      most common parasitic infections in humans. Primary infection in pregnant women
      can be transmitted to the fetus leading to miscarriage or congenital
      toxoplasmosis. Carefully designed nationwide seroprevalence surveys and case
      control studies of risk factors conducted primarily in Europe and America, have
      shaped our view of the global status of maternal and congenital infection,
      directing approaches to disease prevention. However, despite encompassing 1 in 5
      of the world's population, information is limited on the status of toxoplasmosis
      in China, partly due to the linguistic inaccessibility of the Chinese literature
      to the global scientific community. By selection and analysis of studies and
      data, reported within the last 2 decades in China, this review summarizes and
      renders accessible a large body of Chinese and other literature and aims to
      estimate the seroprevalence in Chinese pregnant women. It also reviews the
      prevalence trends, risk factors, and clinical manifestations. The key findings
      are (1) the majority of studies show that the overall seroprevalence in Chinese
      pregnant women is less than 10%, considerably lower than a recently published
      global analysis; and (2) the few available appropriate studies on maternal acute
      infection suggested an incidence of 0.3% which is broadly comparable to studies
      from other countries.

PMID- 22054358
TI  - SIU scholarship: Dr. Terkaa Atim.

PMID- 22054359
TI  - Editorial comment.

PMID- 22054361
TI  - Factors influencing residents' pursuit of urology fellowships.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the predictors of residents' pursuit of fellowship training
      by surveying current urology residents and recent graduates. Postgraduate
      fellowship training of urologists could be an important source of urologic
      physician-scientists and continued innovation in urologic care. METHODS: A Web
      based survey was electronically mailed to urology residents and recent graduates
      of urologic residency. Variables concerning sex, marital status, debt load,
      research and clinical exposure, publications, and postgraduate careers were
      recorded. RESULTS: Of the 71 respondents, 46 (65%) were married and 45% had
      children/dependents. Of the 69% who applied for fellowship, the "most important"
      factors influencing the pursuit of fellowship were intellectual appeal (82%),
      mentors (79%), the desire for an additional point of view for surgical training
      (58%), and the desire to pursue a career in academics (52%). Forty of those
      completing a fellowship (87%) versus two of those completing residency alone
      (13%) would pursue a career in academics. Residents with a mentor were 20 times
      more likely to pursue a urology fellowship. A shorter residency (5 years),
      encouragement by a program director, and manuscript publication during residency
      were also independent predictors. CONCLUSION: Mentorship, a shorter residency,
      and manuscript publication during residency were independent predictors of
      pursuing fellowship training. Debt load, age, marital status, and a desire to
      pursue a career in academic medicine were not significant factors.

PMID- 22054362
TI  - Editorial comment.

PMID- 22054364
TI  - Genital piercings: diagnostic and therapeutic implications for urologists.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To provide quantitative and qualitative data that will assist evidence
      based decision making for men and women with genital piercings (GP) when they
      present to urologists in ambulatory clinics or office settings. Currently many
      persons with GP seek nonmedical advice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A comprehensive 35
      year (1975-2010) longitudinal electronic literature search (MEDLINE, EMBASE,
      CINAHL, OVID) was conducted for all relevant articles discussing GP. RESULTS:
      Authors of general body art literature tended to project many GP complications
      with potential statements of concern, drawing in overall piercings problems; then
      the information was further replicated. Few studies regarding GP clinical
      implications were located and more GP assumptions were noted. Only 17 cases, over
      17 years, describe specific complications in the peer-reviewed literature, mainly
      from international sources (75%), and mostly with "Prince Albert" piercings
      (65%). Three cross-sectional studies provided further self-reported data.
      CONCLUSION: Persons with GP still remain a hidden variable so no baseline figures
      assess the overall GP picture, but this review did gather more evidence about GP
      wearers and should stimulate further research, rather than collectively
      projecting general body piercing information onto those with GP. With an increase
      in GP, urologists need to know the specific differences, medical implications,
      significant short- and long-term health risks, and patients concerns to treat and
      counsel patients in a culturally sensitive manner. Targeted educational
      strategies should be developed. Considering the amount of body modification,
      including GP, better legislation for public safety is overdue.

PMID- 22054365
TI  - Editorial comment.

PMID- 22054367
TI  - Editorial comment.

PMID- 22054370
TI  - Editorial comment.

PMID- 22054371
TI  - Efficacy and preoperative prognostic factors of autologous fascia rectus sling
      for treatment of female stress urinary incontinence.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of the autologous fascia rectus sling in
      treating female stress urinary incontinence. METHODS: A total of 264 patients
      treated during a 3-year period for SUI using the autologous fascia rectus sling
      were retrospectively reviewed. Efficacy was evaluated by the number of pads used
      daily. Patient satisfaction and correlations between the preoperative parameters
      and outcome were assessed. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 27.8 months. Of
      the 264 patients, 224 (85%) were successfully treated and satisfied with the
      outcome of the operation. Of the 224 patients, 200 (75.8%) were totally dry and
      24 (9.1%) had improved markedly. The complication rate was 29.2%, with
      postoperative urgency the most common problem (49 of 264, 18.5%). None of the
      preoperative parameters were associated with the final outcome. CONCLUSION: The
      free autologous rectus fascia sling is a highly effective technique for the
      treatment of female stress incontinence with mild morbidity.

PMID- 22054372
TI  - Editorial comment.

PMID- 22054374
TI  - Editorial comment.

PMID- 22054375
TI  - Editorial comment.

PMID- 22054376
TI  - Editorial comment.

PMID- 22054378
TI  - Utility of the R.E.N.A.L. nephrometry scoring system in objectifying treatment
      decision-making of the enhancing renal mass.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the treatment patterns of solid renal masses according to
      the quantifiable anatomic features using nephrometry. The treatment of localized
      renal cell carcinoma remains overly subjective. The R.E.N.A.L. (radius,
      exophytic/endophytic properties, nearness of tumor to the collecting system or
      sinus in millimeters, anterior/posterior, location relative to polar lines)
      nephrometry score quantifies the salient characteristics of renal mass anatomy in
      an objective and reproducible manner. METHODS: Nephrometry scores were available
      in 615 patients in our prospective kidney tumor database (2000-2010). The
      nephrometry score sum and its individual component scores were analyzed to
      determine their relationship to treatment approach. RESULTS: The median age, age
      adjusted Charlson co-morbidity index, and estimated glomerular filtration rate
      was 60 years (range 25-89), 2 (range 0-10), and 80.5 mL/min (range 5.1-120.0),
      respectively. Increasing tumor complexity, as measured by a greater overall
      nephrometry score was associated with both radical nephrectomy and open partial
      nephrectomy (P < .0001). Compared with patients who underwent partial
      nephrectomy, the patients treated with radical nephrectomy had a significantly
      greater size (R), central proximity (N), and location (L) component scores (P <
      .001). Furthermore, tumors treated with radical nephrectomy were more often hilar
      (P < .001). Similarly, compared with minimally invasive partial nephrectomy
      (laparoscopic or robotic), open partial nephrectomy was associated with an
      increasing individual component score for size, endophytic, and central proximity
      to the collecting system (P < .001) and nonpolar location (P = .016). CONCLUSION:
      The R.E.N.A.L nephrometry score standardizes the reporting of solid renal masses
      and appears to effectively stratify by treatment type. Although only 1 part of
      the treatment decision-making process, nephrometry aids in objectifying
      previously subjective measures.

PMID- 22054380
TI  - Editorial comment.

PMID- 22054381
TI  - Editorial comment.

PMID- 22054382
TI  - Using a saturation biopsy scheme increases cancer detection during repeat biopsy
      in men with high-grade prostatic intra-epithelial neoplasia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the role of transrectal saturation biopsy for cancer
      detection in men with high-grade prostatic intra-epithelial neoplasia (HGPIN)
      diagnosed by extended biopsy. HGPIN was clearly associated with cancer risk in
      the sextant biopsy era, but this has not been clearly demonstrated in the
      extended biopsy era. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From 1999 to 2009, 314 men had at
      least 1 or more repeat biopsy due to the presence of exclusive HGPIN (without any
      other pathologic finding) in a previous extended biopsy. They were divided into 2
      groups according to the initial follow-up biopsy scheme, 178 men were followed up
      using a second standard extended biopsy scheme and 136 were followed up using the
      saturation biopsy scheme. RESULTS: In the standard repeat biopsy group, 35 of 178
      (19.7%) men had cancer on initial repeat biopsy. In the saturation biopsy group,
      42 of 136 (30.9%) had cancer on initial repeat biopsy (overall, P = .04).
      Multivariate analysis demonstrates that the biopsy scheme on repeat biopsy is an
      independent predictor of prostate cancer detection (OR 1.85, (95% CI; 1.03,
      3.29), exclusive of age, PSA, days from initial biopsy, DRE status and multifocal
      PIN. Furthermore, there appears to be no further increase in Gleason 6 disease
      with usage of saturation biopsy in this unique population. CONCLUSION: Cancer
      detection in men with HGPIN in the contemporary extended biopsy era is
      substantially improved using saturation technique.

PMID- 22054383
TI  - Editorial comment.

PMID- 22054385
TI  - Organ-sparing surgery for penile cancer: complications and outcomes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the complications and outcomes of organ-sparing surgery in
      penile cancer. METHODS: Thirty-two penile cancer patients had undergone organ
      sparing surgery between 2006 and 2010 in Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center.
      Applied surgical techniques included radical circumcision and/or wide local
      excision. Intraoperative frozen section analyses of circumference and deep
      margins were performed to guarantee complete removal of cancerous tissue.
      Complications and oncological and functional outcomes were recorded
      prospectively. Bilateral inguinal lymphadenectomy was routinely performed in
      patients with invasive penile cancer. RESULTS: Of 32 patients, 8 underwent
      radical circumcision, 18 were treated with wide local excision, and 6 received
      wide local excision and circumcision. Postoperatively, only 3 (9.4%) patients had
      minor complications. With a median follow-up of 26.5 months, local control was
      achieved in 29 (90.6%) patients, and 3 patients (9.4%) with positive lymph nodes
      died of disseminated disease. Of 29 patients who completed follow-up surveys of
      functional outcome, only 1 (4.5%) claimed decreased sexual function and all
      reported satisfied urination. CONCLUSION: Organ-sparing surgery, such as radical
      circumcision and wide local excision is an appropriate treatment option for
      selected penile cancer patients. It preserves sexual and urination function
      without significantly increasing the risk of recurrence.

PMID- 22054386
TI  - Salvage therapy with oral metronomic cyclophosphamide and methotrexate for
      castration-refractory metastatic adenocarcinoma of the prostate resistant to
      docetaxel.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the activity and toxicity of metronomic chemotherapy
      with low-dose oral cyclophosphamide (CTX) and methotrexate (MTX) in patients with
      metastatic CRPC that progresses after docetaxel. Patients with castration
      resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) that progresses after docetaxel may benefit from
      receiving further chemotherapy. METHODS: Patients were treated with CTX 50 mg/d
      p.o. plus MTX 2.4 mg p.o. twice per week without rest periods. All patients
      received simultaneous luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone analogue. Prostate
      specific antigen (PSA) response was defined as a 50% reduction on 2 evaluations
      at least 4 weeks apart. Objective response was measured according to the RECIST
      criteria. Pain relief was analyzed with the McGill-Melzack Pain Questionnaire.
      Simon's 2-stage design for phase II study was used. Time to progression and
      progression-free and overall survival were computed. Toxicity was recorded
      according to the CTC-NCCN criteria. RESULTS: A PSA decrease >=50% was recorded in
      15 of 58 evaluable patients (25%), and objective partial response in 3 (18%) and
      stable disease in 4 (24%) of 17 patients with measurable disease. Disease in 10
      patients (59%) progressed. Pain intensity decreased in 16 (30%), increased in 18
      (33%), and remained stable in 18 (33%) patients. Five patients discontinued
      narcotic analgesics for a mean duration of 12 weeks. Transitory grade 3
      leukopenia was observed in 4 cases (7%), grade 3 thrombocytopenia in 2 (3%), and
      grade 2 anemia in 4 (7%). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates the feasibility,
      activity, and tolerability of oral low-dose CTX and MTX given on a metronomic
      schedule in patients with CRPC progressing after docetaxel-based chemotherapy.

PMID- 22054387
TI  - Prognostic impact of C-reactive protein for determining overall survival of
      patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer treated with docetaxel.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To verify the prognostic impact of C-reactive protein (CRP) for
      patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) treated with docetaxel
      in a single institution. METHODS: A group of 80 consecutive patients with CRPC
      were treated with docetaxel in our institution from January 2005 to May 2010. The
      patients received 75 mg/m(2) of docetaxel intravenously every 3 weeks. The
      prognostic value of all covariables, including CRP, was assessed using the Cox
      proportional hazard model. Risk stratification for overall survival was described
      from the results of the multivariable analysis. RESULTS: The median survival
      period for all patients was 14.5 months. The multivariable analysis showed that
      CRP and hemoglobin levels were independent prognostic factors for overall
      survival. Based on the presence of an elevated CRP concentration and/or a low
      hemoglobin level, all patients were stratified into 3 risk groups: those with no
      risk factors (low-risk group), those with 1 risk factor (intermediate-risk
      group), and those with 2 risk factors (high-risk group). The overall survival
      curves were clearly tiered according to the risk groups, with the 1-year overall
      survival rates being 86.3%, 60.5%, and 23.0% for the low-, intermediate-, and
      high-risk groups, respectively (P <.001). CONCLUSION: CRP is an independent
      prognostic factor for overall survival of patients with CRPC treated with
      docetaxel. Risk stratification based on CRP and hemoglobin could be helpful for
      estimating the overall survival.

PMID- 22054388
TI  - Self-reported spousal support modifies the negative impact of pain on disability
      in men with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine changes in the association between pain and patient
      quality of life (QoL), depressive symptoms, and disability in men with chronic
      prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) at varying levels of spouse
      responses to pain. MATERIAL AND METHODS: One-hundred eighty-eight men with
      CP/CPPS completed a questionnaire, including demographic information. The outcome
      variables were mental QoL (SF-12 MCS), physical QoL (SF-12 PCS), depressive
      symptoms (Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale), and disability
      (Pain Disability Index). Patients also reported on the types of responses they
      had from their spouses (Multidimensional Pain Inventory), and pain (Short-Form
      McGill Pain Questionnaire). RESULTS: The association between pain and disability
      was stronger at higher levels of solicitous responses (eg, "Does some of my
      chores") (beta = 0.66, P <.05) than it was at moderate (beta = 0.44, P <.05) and
      lower (beta = 0.23, ns) levels. In contrast, the association between pain and
      disability was stronger at lower levels (beta = 0.64, P <.05) of distracting
      responses (eg, "Tries to get me involved in some activity") than it was at
      moderate (beta = 0.44, P <.05) and higher (beta = 0.25, P <.05) levels.
      CONCLUSIONS: Solicitous responses to pain increased the negative impact of pain
      on disability, whereas distracting responses to pain decreased the negative
      impact of pain on disability in men with CP/CPPS. Solicitous responses may be a
      reaction to patient pain and associated disability, or may help create or
      maintain the patient's pain and disability. In either case, distracting rather
      than solicitous responses to patient pain are to be encouraged in symptom
      management.

PMID- 22054389
TI  - Editorial comment.

PMID- 22054390
TI  - Influence of environmental factors on prevalence, symptoms, and pathologic
      process of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome in northwest China.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To compare the prevalence, symptoms, and pathologic changes related
      to chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) with significant
      prostatitis-like symptoms between 2 altitude areas in northwest China. METHODS:
      From October 2009 to March 2010 community male residents at 3000 m (Delingha) and
      400 m (Xi'An) constituted the population base for the present cross-sectional
      study. All participants completed a detailed questionnaire containing the
      National Institutes of Health Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index, and the subjects
      who met our definition were invited to undergo clinical evaluation. After
      screening, the subjects considered to have CP/CPPS were separated into 2 groups:
      those with type IIIa and those with type IIIb CP/CPPS. RESULTS: The prevalence of
      CP/CPPS with significant prostatitis-like symptoms was significantly different
      between the 2 groups. Moreover, the National Institutes of Health Chronic
      Prostatitis Symptom Index of patients with type IIIa and IIIb in 2 groups
      differed significantly, indicating the aggravation of symptoms of CP/CPPS at a
      high altitude. Additional investigations showed that reactive oxygen species were
      increased, accompanied by a decrease in the total antioxidant capacity in the
      expressed prostatic secretions of patients with type IIIa at a higher altitude.
      In addition, the tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-8, and interleukin-10
      levels in the expressed prostatic secretions of patients with type IIIa in
      Delingha were increased compared with that in the patients with type IIIa in
      Xi'An. Notably, the interleukin-6 level in the expressed prostatic secretions was
      greater in those with type IIIa and IIIb at a higher altitude than in those with
      type IIIa and IIIb at a low altitude. CONCLUSIONS: At a high altitude, the
      symptoms of CP/CPPS were aggravated. Oxidative stress and cytokines might involve
      in the pathologic process and the aggravation of symptoms. In addition, in a high
      altitude area the pathomechanisms of type IIIa and IIIb CP/CPPS differed.

PMID- 22054391
TI  - Editorial comment.

PMID- 22054393
TI  - Editorial comment.

PMID- 22054394
TI  - Maternal risk factors for congenital urinary anomalies: results of a population
      based case-control study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Epidemiologic data addressing maternal risk factors for congenital
      urinary tract anomalies (CUTA) are limited, with conflicting results for
      preexisting diabetes mellitus, gestational diabetes, and tobacco and alcohol use.
      The purpose of this study was to examine the association between maternal risk
      factors and CUTA in a population-based case-control study. METHODS: A case
      control analysis was performed using linked birth-hospital discharge records from
      Washington state for 1987-2007 to evaluate the association between maternal risk
      factors and CUTA. Cases were children with International Classification of
      Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes for urinary anomalies.
      Controls without urinary tract anomalies were selected from Washington State
      birth records and matched by birth year in a ratio of 4:1. Logistic regression
      was performed to evaluate the association between maternal factors and CUTA.
      RESULTS: A total of 4673 cases and 18,692 controls were studied. In the
      multivariate analysis, gestational diabetes (OR 1.42, 95% CI 1.09-1.85),
      preexisting diabetes (OR 3.46, 95% CI 2.17-5.54), and maternal renal disease (OR
      5.31, 95% CI 2.40-11.72) were all associated with an increased risk of kidney
      anomalies. Advanced maternal age (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.06-1.35), gestational
      diabetes (OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.01-1.56), maternal renal disease (OR 4.06, 95% CI
      1.95-8.46), and non-Caucasian race (OR 0.82, 95% CI .74-.91) were all associated
      with the risk of ureter, bladder, and urethra anomalies in multivariate analysis.
      CONCLUSION: Several maternal factors are associated with the risk of CUTA,
      including diabetes mellitus and maternal renal disease. This information can be
      used for prenatal counseling and management of women with these risk factors.

PMID- 22054395
TI  - Editorial comment.

PMID- 22054397
TI  - Re: Seibold et al.: Urethral ultrasound as a screening tool for stricture
      recurrence after oral mucosa graft urethroplasty (Urology 2011;78:696-700).

PMID- 22054398
TI  - Re: Gurocak et al.: Inflammation and oxidative stress in testicular torsion: do
      they deserve intensive treatment to save both guilty and innocent testes?
      (Urology 2011;78:164-169).

PMID- 22054400
TI  - Diversification of CYCLOIDEA-like genes in Dipsacaceae (Dipsacales): implications
      for the evolution of capitulum inflorescences.
AB  - BACKGROUND: CYCLOIDEA (CYC)-like genes have been implicated in the development of
      capitulum inflorescences (i.e. flowering heads) in Asteraceae, where many small
      flowers (florets) are packed tightly into an inflorescence that resembles a
      single flower. Several rounds of duplication of CYC-like genes have occurred in
      Asteraceae, and this is hypothesized to be correlated with the evolution of the
      capitulum, which in turn has been implicated in the evolutionary success of the
      group. We investigated the evolution of CYC-like genes in Dipsacaceae
      (Dipsacales), a plant clade in which capitulum inflorescences originated
      independently of Asteraceae. Two main inflorescence types are present in
      Dipsacaceae: (1) radiate species contain two kinds of floret within the flowering
      head (disk and ray), and (2) discoid species contain only disk florets. To test
      whether a dynamic pattern of gene duplication, similar to that documented in
      Asteraceae, is present in Dipsacaceae, and whether these patterns are correlated
      with different inflorescence types, we inferred a CYC-like gene phylogeny for
      Dipsacaceae based on representative species from the major lineages. RESULTS: We
      recovered within Dipsacaceae the three major forms of CYC-like genes that have
      been found in most core eudicots, and identified several additional duplications
      within each of these clades. We found that the number of CYC-like genes in
      Dipsacaceae is similar to that reported for members of Asteraceae and that the
      same gene lineages (CYC1-like and CYC2B-like genes) have duplicated in a similar
      fashion independently in both groups. The number of CYC-like genes recovered for
      radiate versus discoid species differed, with discoid species having fewer copies
      of CYC1-like and CYC2B-like genes. CONCLUSIONS: CYC-like genes have undergone
      extensive duplication in Dipsacaceae, with radiate species having more copies
      than discoid species, suggesting a potential role for these genes in the
      evolution of disk and ray florets. The similarity in CYC-like gene
      diversification seen in Dipsacaceae and some members of the Asteraceae sets the
      stage to investigate whether the convergent evolution of capitulum inflorescences
      in both groups may have been underlain by convergent evolution in the same gene
      family.

PMID- 22054401
TI  - One-pot Zn/CuI/TFA-catalyzed domino three-component-carbocyclization reaction
      involving biphenyl-2-carbaldehydes/alkynes/piperidine: allenes-mediated
      construction of phenanthrenes.
AB  - A one-pot protocol involving Zn/CuI/TFA-catalyzed domino three-component and
      subsequent carbocyclization reactions is described. The reaction proceeds via
      formation of propargyl amines from biphenyl-2-carbaldehydes/terminal
      alkynes/piperidine followed by the elimination of piperidine and ring closure to
      furnish phenanthrene derivatives in good yields. The strategy involves C(sp)-H
      activation-CH functionalization with imine-alkyne activation-1,5 hydride shift
      beta-elimination of piperidine-allene formation-6pi cycloaddition-isomerization
      domino sequence. Evidence for the involvement of allenes as an intermediate
      during carbocyclization is discussed.

PMID- 22054403
TI  - Non-targeted analyses of animal plasma: betaine and choline represent the
      nutritional and metabolic status.
AB  - Simple liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was applied to non
      targeted metabolic analyses to discover new metabolic markers in animal plasma.
      Principle component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares-discriminate
      analysis (PLS-DA) were used to analyse LC-MS multivariate data. PCA clearly
      generated two separate clusters for artificially induced diabetic mice and
      healthy control mice. PLS-DA of time-course changes in plasma metabolites of
      chicks after feeding generated three clusters (pre- and immediately after
      feeding, 0.5-3 h after feeding and 4 h after feeding). Two separate clusters were
      also generated for plasma metabolites of pregnant Angus heifers with differing
      live-weight change profiles (gaining or losing). The accompanying PLS-DA loading
      plot detailed the metabolites that contribute the most to the cluster separation.
      In each case, the same highly hydrophilic metabolite was strongly correlated to
      the group separation. The metabolite was identified as betaine by LC-MS/MS. This
      result indicates that betaine and its metabolic precursor, choline, may be useful
      biomarkers to evaluate the nutritional and metabolic status of animals.

PMID- 22054404
TI  - Re: tissue-engineered autologous urethras for patients who need reconstruction:
      an observational study.

PMID- 22054405
TI  - Re: a common mutation in the defensin DEFB126 causes impaired sperm function and
      subfertility.

PMID- 22054406
TI  - Words of wisdom. Re: radical nephrectomy and inferior vena cava thrombectomy:
      outcomes in a lower volume practice.

PMID- 22054407
TI  - Re: randomised prostate cancer screening trial: 20 year follow-up.

PMID- 22054408
TI  - Re: radiotherapy and short-term androgen deprivation for localized prostate
      cancer.

PMID- 22054409
TI  - Re: early versus late rehabilitation of erectile function after nerve-sparing
      radical cystoprostatectomy: a prospective randomized study.

PMID- 22054410
TI  - Sperm GIRK2-containing K+ inward rectifying channels participate in sperm
      capacitation and fertilization.
AB  - The GIRK2-containing inward-rectifying K(+) ion channels have been implicated in
      mammalian spermatogenesis. While the Girk2 null mice are fertile, the male weaver
      transgenic mice carrying a gain-of-function mutation in the Girk2 gene are
      infertile. To establish the exact period of spermatogenesis affected by this
      mutation, we performed StaPut isolation and morphological characterization of the
      germ cells present in the weaver testis. Germ cells representing all periods of
      spermatogenesis were identified. However, no spermatozoa were present, suggesting
      that this mutation only affected the haploid phase of spermatogenesis. Real-time
      PCR studies performed on StaPut purified germ cells from wild-type mice indicated
      that the Girk2 transcripts were exclusively expressed in spermatids.
      Immunofluorescence studies of mouse and boar spermatids/spermatozoa localized the
      GIRK2 K(+) containing channels to the acrosomal region of the sperm plasma
      membrane. During porcine in vitro fertilization (IVF), GIRK2-containing channels
      remained associated with the acrosomal shroud following zona-induced acrosome
      reaction. Fertilization was blocked by tertiapin-Q (TQ), a specific inhibitor of
      GIRK channels, and by anti-GIRK2 antibodies. Altogether, studies in two different
      mammalian species point to a conserved mechanism by which the GIRK2 inward
      rectifying K(+) ion channels support sperm function during fertilization.

PMID- 22054411
TI  - Comparison and analysis of fatty acids, sterols, and tocopherols in eight
      vegetable oils.
AB  - The similarities and differences of eight vegetable oils produced in China were
      investigated in terms of their fatty acid, sterol, and tocopherol compositions
      and subsequent data processing by hierarchical clustering analysis and principal
      component analysis. The lipid profiles, acquired by analytical techniques
      tailored to each lipid class, revealed great similarities among the fatty acid
      profiles of corn and sesame oil as well as few differences in their sterol
      profiles. It turns out that not only was there great similarity between the fatty
      acid profiles of corn oil and sesame oil but also there were not too many
      differences for the sterol profiles. Sunflower and tea-seed oil showed similar
      sterol compositions, while the tea-seed oil tocopherol was very similar to palm
      oil. The results demonstrated that the use of only one of these profiles was
      unreliable for indentifying oil origin and authenticity. In contrast, the use of
      the sterol or tocopherol profile together with the fatty acid profile more
      accurately discriminates these oils.

PMID- 22054412
TI  - Post-irradiation changes of the volatile oil constituents of Monodora myristica
      (Gaertn) Dunal.
AB  - Volatile oil rich spices cannot be sterilised by pasteurisation because of the
      presence of thermal-sensitive components. In this article, we report the effect
      of irradiation on the volatile constituents of Monodora myristica. The samples
      were irradiated at ambient conditions at dose levels of 0 and 15 kGy using a
      linear accelerator at a dose rate of approximately 10(7) Gy s(-1). The volatile
      oil was extracted via headspace analysis and the quantification carried out with
      a HP-5MS fused silica column. Twenty-three constituents were identified with
      alpha-phellandrene as the major constituent (53%). Electron-beam irradiation of
      M. myristica did not significantly affect the volatile constituent profile at 15
      kGy. Except alpha-thujene, which was increased from 7.18% to 16.76%, the most
      affected constituents were those that constitute less than 0.10% of the oil.
      Irradiation could be an effective way for decontamination of M. myristica.

PMID- 22054413
TI  - Chronic antibody-mediated rejection is reduced by targeting B-cell immunity
      during an introductory period.
AB  - Transplantation across blood group antigen and human leukocyte antigen (HLA)
      barriers are immunologically high risk. Both splenectomy and rituximab injection
      were developed to overcome those immunological barriers. The idea behind these
      treatments is to control B-cell immunity before and after renal transplantation
      and antibody production. Between January 2001 and December 2004, recipients
      underwent pretransplant double-filtration plasmapheresis (DFPP) and splenectomy
      at the time of transplantation in the ABO-incompatible group (ABO-I-SPX; n= 45).
      From January 2005 to June 2009, a low dose of rituximab was given as an
      alternative to splenectomy (ABO-I-RIT; n = 57). As a control group, we selected
      83 cases of ABO-C living-donor kidney transplantation between January 2001 and
      December 2007 (ABO-C). We compared the graft survival rate and chronic antibody
      mediated rejection (C-AMR) rate between ABO-C and ABO-I kidney transplantation
      with induction treatment. C-AMR rates 2 years after the operation were 8.8, 3.5
      and 28.9%, and de novo donor-specific anti-HLA antibody (DSHA) positive rates
      were 2.2, 1.7 and 18.1% in the ABO-I-SPX, ABO-I-RIT and ABO-C groups,
      respectively. The ABO-C group showed the highest rate of C-AMR and de novo DSHA.
      B-cell depletion protocols, such as splenectomy or rituximab administration,
      reduced C-AMR after kidney transplantation.

PMID- 22054414
TI  - Direct mapping of ionic transport in a Si anode on the nanoscale: time domain
      electrochemical strain spectroscopy study.
AB  - Local Li-ion transport in amorphous silicon is studied on the nanometer scale
      using time domain electrochemical strain microscopy (ESM). A strong variability
      of ionic transport controlled by the anode surface morphology is observed. The
      observed relaxing and nonrelaxing response components are discussed in terms of
      local and global ionic transport mechanisms, thus establishing the signal
      formation mechanisms in ESM. This behavior is further correlated with local
      conductivity measurements. The implications of these studies for Si-anode
      batteries are discussed. The universal presence of concentration-strain coupling
      suggests that ESM and associated time and voltage spectroscopies can be applied
      to a broad range of electrochemical systems ranging from batteries to fuel cells.

PMID- 22054415
TI  - Determinants of rapid weight gain during infancy: baseline results from the
      NOURISH randomised controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rapid weight gain in infancy is an important predictor of obesity in
      later childhood. Our aim was to determine which modifiable variables are
      associated with rapid weight gain in early life. METHODS: Subjects were healthy
      infants enrolled in NOURISH, a randomised, controlled trial evaluating an
      intervention to promote positive early feeding practices. This analysis used the
      birth and baseline data for NOURISH. Birthweight was collected from hospital
      records and infants were also weighed at baseline assessment when they were aged
      4-7 months and before randomisation. Infant feeding practices and demographic
      variables were collected from the mother using a self administered questionnaire.
      Rapid weight gain was defined as an increase in weight-for-age Z-score (using WHO
      standards) above 0.67 SD from birth to baseline assessment, which is interpreted
      clinically as crossing centile lines on a growth chart. Variables associated with
      rapid weight gain were evaluated using a multivariable logistic regression model.
      RESULTS: Complete data were available for 612 infants (88% of the total sample
      recruited) with a mean (SD) age of 4.3 (1.0) months at baseline assessment. After
      adjusting for mother's age, smoking in pregnancy, BMI, and education and infant
      birthweight, age, gender and introduction of solid foods, the only two modifiable
      factors associated with rapid weight gain to attain statistical significance were
      formula feeding [OR = 1.72 (95%CI 1.01-2.94), P = 0.047] and feeding on schedule
      [OR = 2.29 (95%CI 1.14-4.61), P = 0.020]. Male gender and lower birthweight were
      non-modifiable factors associated with rapid weight gain. CONCLUSIONS: This
      analysis supports the contention that there is an association between formula
      feeding, feeding to schedule and weight gain in the first months of life.
      Mechanisms may include the actual content of formula milk (e.g. higher protein
      intake) or differences in feeding styles, such as feeding to schedule, which
      increase the risk of overfeeding. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian Clinical Trials
      Registry ACTRN12608000056392.

PMID- 22054416
TI  - Complete and safe resection of challenging retroperitoneal tumors: anticipation
      of multi-organ and major vascular resection and use of adjunct procedures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Retroperitoneal tumors are often massive and can involve adjacent
      organs and/or vital structures, making them difficult to resect. Completeness of
      resection is within the surgeon's control and critical for long-term survival,
      particularly for malignant disease. Few studies directly address strategies for
      complete and safe resection of challenging retroperitoneal tumors. METHODS: Fifty
      six patients representing 63 cases of primary or recurrent retroperitoneal tumor
      resection between 2004-2009 were identified and a retrospective chart review was
      performed. Rates of complete resection, use of adjunct procedures, and
      perioperative complications were recorded. RESULTS: In 95% of cases, complete
      resection was achieved. Fifty-eight percent of these cases required en bloc multi
      organ resection, and 8% required major vascular resection. Complete resection
      rates were higher for primary versus recurrent disease. Adjunct procedures
      (ureteral stents, femoral nerve monitoring, posterior laminotomy, etc.) were used
      in 54% of cases. Major postoperative complications occurred in 16% of cases, and
      one patient died (2% mortality). CONCLUSIONS: Complete resection of challenging
      retroperitoneal tumors is feasible and can be done safely with important pre- and
      intraoperative considerations in mind.

PMID- 22054418
TI  - Defining the role of TRIP6 in cell physiology and cancer.
AB  - Integrating signals from the ECM (extracellular matrix) via the cell surface into
      the nucleus is an essential feature of multicellular life and often malfunctions
      in cancer. To date many signal transducers known as shuttle proteins have been
      identified that act as both: a cytoskeletal and a signalling protein. Here, we
      highlight the interesting member of the Zyxin family TRIP6 [thyroid receptor
      interactor protein 6; also designated ZRP-1 (zyxin-related protein 1)] and review
      current literature to define its role in cell physiology and cancer. TRIP6 is a
      versatile scaffolding protein at FAs (focal adhesions) involved in cytoskeletal
      organization, coordinated cell migration and tissue invasion. Via its LIM and TDC
      domains TRIP6 interacts with different components of the LPA (lysophosphatidic
      acid), NF-kappaB (nuclear factor kappaB), glucocorticoid and AMPK (AMP-activated
      protein kinase) signalling pathway and thereby modulates their activity. Within
      the nucleus TRIP6 acts as a transcriptional cofactor regulating the
      transcriptional responses of these pathways. Moreover, intranuclear TRIP6
      associates with proteins ensuring telomere protection and hence may contribute to
      genome stability. Accordingly, TRIP6 is engaged in key cellular processes such as
      cell proliferation, differentiation and survival. These diverse functions of
      TRIP6 are found to be dysregulated in various cancers and may have pleiotropic
      roles in tumour initiation, tumour growth and metastasis, which turn TRIP6 into
      an attractive candidate for cancer diagnosis and targeted therapy.

PMID- 22054419
TI  - Jumping the barrier: VE-cadherin, VEGF and other angiogenic modifiers in cancer.
AB  - The endothelial barrier controls the passage of fluids, nutrients and cells
      through the vascular wall. This physiological function is closely related to
      developmental and adult angiogenesis, blood pressure control, as well as immune
      responses. Moreover, cancer progression is frequently characterized by
      disorganized and leaky blood vessels. In this context, vascular permeability
      drives tumour-induced angiogenesis, blood flow disturbances, inflammatory cell
      infiltration and tumour cell extravasation. Although various molecules have been
      implicated, the vascular endothelial adhesion molecule, VE-cadherin (vascular
      endothelial cadherin), has emerged as a critical player involved in maintaining
      endothelial barrier integrity and homoeostasis. Indeed, VE-cadherin coordinates
      the endothelial cell-cell junctions through its adhesive and signalling
      properties. Of note, many angiogenic and inflammatory mediators released into the
      tumour microenvironment influence VE-cadherin behaviour. Therefore restoring VE
      cadherin function could be one very promising target for vascular normalization
      in cancer therapies. In this review, we will mainly focus on recent discoveries
      concerning the molecular mechanisms involved in modulating VE-cadherin plasticity
      in cancer.

PMID- 22054420
TI  - Enhancement of humoral immunity in mice by coupling pUCpGs10 and aluminium to the
      HCV recombinant immunogen.
AB  - AIM: To investigate the enhancement of humoral immunity when CpG ODN (cytidine
      phosphate guanosine oligodeoxynucleotides) and aluminium adjuvants are complexed
      with the HCV (Hepatitis C virus) recombinant immunogen in mice. METHODS: After
      immunizing Balb/c mice with the recombination HCV antigen adjuvanted with
      pUCpGs10 and/or aluminium(antigen+CpG+alum, antigen+CpG, antigen+alum,
      antigen+PBS), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the
      specific serum antibody titers of IgG, to determine the neutralization response
      to various peptide genotypes, and to determine the concentration of IL-6 and IL
      10 in supernatants of in vitro cultured splenic lymphocytes. Enzyme-linked
      immunospot assay (ELISPOT) was used to quantify the non-specific and specific
      splenic antibody-secreting cells (ASCs), and flow cytometry (FCM) determined the
      ratio of different splenic lymphocytes. The serum of rabbits immunized with the
      recombinant pBVGST/HVR1 antigen immunoprecipitated the HCV isolated from 12
      patients' serum. RESULTS: The sera antibody titers were 1:51200, 1:9051, 1:18102,
      1:6400 respectively after the final immunization and demonstrated good
      neutralization responses to the six gene peptide containing 1a, 1b, 2a, 3a, 4a
      and 6a. The aluminum adjuvant increased the population of both specific ASCs (P <
      0.01) and total ASCs(P < 0.05), with a proportional rise in concentrations of
      CD19+CD27+ (P < 0.05), as well as levels of IL-6, IL-10 (P < 0.05) in splenic
      lymphocytes. The results clearly indicated a significantly higher number of
      CD19+CD38+ splenic lymphocytes with the aluminum and pUCpGs10 adjuvant present
      compared to the control group(P < 0.05). Anti-HVR1 antibody in induced mice can
      cross-reactively capture HCV particles (10/12). CONCLUSIONS: 1. The aluminum
      adjuvant induces a potent Th2-biased immune response by increasing both the
      populations of specific and total ASCs and the ratio of CD19+CD27+ cells. 2. The
      pUCpGs10 complexed with the aluminum adjuvant boosts the population of plasma
      cells and increase the efficiency of the immune response. 3. The two adjuvants
      have synergistic effects on humoral immunity. 4. The recombinant HVR1 protein has
      the possibility of generating broadly reactive anti-HVR1 antibody.

PMID- 22054421
TI  - Black tea theaflavins inhibit formation of toxic amyloid-beta and alpha-synuclein
      fibrils.
AB  - Causal therapeutic approaches for amyloid diseases such as Alzheimer's and
      Parkinson's disease targeting toxic amyloid oligomers or fibrils are still
      emerging. Here, we show that theaflavins (TF1, TF2a, TF2b, and TF3), the main
      polyphenolic components found in fermented black tea, are potent inhibitors of
      amyloid-beta (Abeta) and alpha-synuclein (alphaS) fibrillogenesis. Their
      mechanism of action was compared to that of two established inhibitors of amyloid
      formation, (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and congo red (CR). All three
      compounds reduce the fluorescence of the amyloid indicator dye thioflavin T.
      Mapping the binding regions of TF3, EGCG, and CR revealed that all three bind to
      two regions of the Abeta peptide, amino acids 12-23 and 24-36, albeit with
      different specificities. However, their mechanisms of amyloid inhibition differ.
      Like EGCG but unlike congo red, theaflavins stimulate the assembly of Abeta and
      alphaS into nontoxic, spherical aggregates that are incompetent in seeding
      amyloid formation and remodel Abeta fibrils into nontoxic aggregates. When
      compared to EGCG, TF3 was less susceptible to air oxidation and had an increased
      efficacy under oxidizing conditions. These findings suggest that theaflavins
      might be used to remove toxic amyloid deposits.

PMID- 22054422
TI  - Highly sensitive analysis of boron and lithium in aqueous solution using dual
      pulse laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy.
AB  - We have applied a dual-pulse laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (DP-LIBS) to
      sensitively detect concentrations of boron and lithium in aqueous solution.
      Sequential laser pulses from two separate Q-switched Nd:YAG lasers at 532 nm
      wavelength have been employed to generate laser-induced plasma on a water jet.
      For achieving sensitive elemental detection, the optimal timing between two laser
      pulses was investigated. The optimum time delay between two laser pulses for the
      B atomic emission lines was found to be less than 3 MUs and approximately 10 MUs
      for the Li atomic emission line. Under these optimized conditions, the detection
      limit was attained in the range of 0.8 ppm for boron and 0.8 ppb for lithium. In
      particular, the sensitivity for detecting boron by excitation of laminar liquid
      jet was found to be excellent by nearly 2 orders of magnitude compared with 80
      ppm reported in the literature. These sensitivities of laser-induced breakdown
      spectroscopy are very practical for the online elemental analysis of boric acid
      and lithium hydroxide serving as neutron absorber and pH controller in the
      primary coolant water of pressurized water reactors, respectively.

PMID- 22054423
TI  - Flow cytometry-assisted Monte Carlo simulation predicts clonogenic survival of
      cell populations with lognormal distributions of radiopharmaceuticals and
      anticancer drugs.
AB  - PURPOSE: Although the distribution of therapeutic agents within cell populations
      may appear uniform at the macroscopic level, the distribution at the
      multicellular level is nonuniform. As such, the mean agent concentration in
      tissue may not be a suitable quantity for use in predicting biological effects.
      Failure in chemotherapy and targeted radionuclide therapy has been attributed, in
      part, to the ubiquity of lognormal distributions of therapeutic agents. To
      improve capacity to predict biological response, this work develops approaches
      that determine the fate of a cell population on a cell-by-cell basis. METHODS:
      Incorporation of the alpha-particle emitting radiochemical ((210)Po-citrate) and
      two anticancer drugs (daunomycin and doxorubicin) by Chinese hamster V79 cells
      was determined using flow cytometry. Monte Carlo simulation was used to estimate
      cell survival on the bases of mean and individual cell incorporation of each
      cytotoxic agent. The interrelationships between the Monte Carlo simulated cell
      survival and clonogenic cell survival were evaluated. RESULTS: Cell survival
      obtained by Monte Carlo simulation based on individual cell incorporation was in
      good agreement with clonogenic cell survival for all agents. However, the
      agreement was poor when the simulation was carried out using the mean cell
      incorporation of the agents. CONCLUSION: These data indicate that, with the aid
      of flow cytometry, Monte Carlo simulations can be used to predict the toxicity of
      therapeutic agents in a manner that takes into account the effects of lognormal
      and other nonuniform distributions of agents within cell populations.

PMID- 22054425
TI  - Meat: Current developments and future status.

PMID- 22054424
TI  - In vitro and in vivo behaviour of sympatric Leishmania (V.) braziliensis, L. (V.)
      peruviana and their hybrids.
AB  - Leishmania (Viannia) braziliensis is the main cause of highly disfiguring
      mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (MCL) in South America. The related species L. (V.)
      peruviana has only been identified in simple cutaneous lesions (CL). Hybrids
      between L. braziliensis and L. peruviana have been reported although genetic
      exchange in Leishmania is considered to be rare. Here we compared growth in
      vitro, adaptive capacity under thermal and oxidative stress and behaviour in a
      hamster model, of L. braziliensis, L. peruviana, and their putative hybrids. At
      24 degrees C, the optimal temperature for in vitro growth, L. braziliensis had
      the highest growth rate. In in vitro studies hybrid clones presented
      heterogeneous phenotypes, from slower growth rates, similar to L. peruviana, to
      higher growth rates, as observed in L. braziliensis. Hamsters infected with
      hybrid strains, presented the highest parasite densities and aggressive relapses
      at a later stage of infection. Hybrids generally presented higher plasticity and
      phenotypic diversity than the putative parental species, with potential eco
      epidemiological implications, including an impact on the success of disease
      control.

PMID- 22054426
TI  - Postmortem breakdown of ATP and glycogen in ground muscle: A review.
AB  - The postmorte metabolism of ATP and glycogen in ground bovine muscle (in some
      cases also in rabbit muscle) was studied. At pH 7 protons released during
      postmortem glycolysis are bound by the phosphorylation of ADP to ATP and are
      liberated during enzymic hydrolysis of ATP. At lower pH values the protons are
      immediately released during glycolysis. Not more than 10% of the total drop in pH
      postmortem is due to protons liberated by the hydrolysis of ATP present in the
      tissue at death. Half of the buffering capacity of bovine muscle is caused by the
      myofibrillar proteins. The myofibrillar ATPases, rather than the membrane
      ATPases, seem to predominate in hydrolysing ATP postmortem in the intact as well
      as in the ground muscle. The rate of the breakdown of ATP determines the rate of
      postmortem glycolysis. Phosphofructokinase and, to a lesser extent, phosphorylase
      play the major role in the control of glycolytic metabolite levels in ground
      muscle. The mean values of glycogen recovery, obtained by measuring all
      glycolytic metabolites and lactate, indicate a general stoichiometric
      relationship in ground tissue, although several muscles did not fit in the
      scheme. Grinding of the prerigor muscle causes an accelerated hydrolysis of ATP
      and ADP, resulting in a faster increase in the IMP concentration and in an
      accelerated glycolysis. The increase in the turnover of ATP by grinding might be
      due to a faster release of Ca(++) ions from the damage sarcoplasmic reticulum.
      Addition of sodium chloride (2-4%) to the ground pregidor muscle causes an
      increase in the rate of the breakdown of ATP to IMP. NaCl changes the steady
      state of glycolysis without a major change in the rate of glycogen breakdown. The
      stimulation of phosphofructokinase observed is probably due to the faster
      disapearance of ATP in the presence of NaCl. The faster turnover of ATP could be
      due to an enhanced release of Ca(++) ions from the sarcoplasmic reticulum by
      exchange against Na(+) After several hours postmortem an inhibition of glycolysis
      occurs in the salted tissue which is probably due to a denaturation of glycolytic
      enzymes by the combined effect of low pH (<6) and high ionic strength. The high
      water-holding capacity of prerigor salted ground beef does not decrease
      postmortem in spite of the high rate of ATP breakdown. This effect can be
      explained by an inhibition of rigor mortis in the fibre fragments caused by the
      combined effect of ATP, high pH and salt ions. Addition of diphosphate to the
      prerigor ground tissue in the absence or presence of added NaCl results in an
      acceleration of ATP and glycogen breakdown. A hypothesis for the high ATP
      turnover is discussed. The higher rate of glycogen breakdown in the presence of
      diphosphate is caused mainly by an acceleration of the phosphofructokinase step.
      A rate limitation, by diphosphate, in the glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate
      dehydrogenase step and/or the following glycolytic steps was also observed.

PMID- 22054427
TI  - Lipid and myoglobin oxidation in pork stored in oxygen- and carbon dioxide
      enriched atmospheres.
AB  - The formation of malonaldehyde and metmyoglobin in pork muscles stored in oxygen-
      and carbon dioxide-enriched atmospheres at 1 degrees C was followed. The
      formation of metmyoglobin at the surface of the muscles was independent of carbon
      dioxide concentration. However, increased oxygen concentration caused a
      significant decrease in the rate of metmyoglobin formation; the surface
      concentration of metmyoglobin was below 30% even after 15 days' storage in 80%
      oxygen/20% carbon dioxide. Lipid oxidation, as measured by malonaldehyde
      production (TBA Number), occurred at the same rate in air an mixtures containing
      80, 90 and 100% oxygen. In some muscles, the rate was such that rancidity was
      apparent within 6 days at 1 degrees C and, for pork, lipid oxidation, and not
      bacterial spoilage or metmyyoglobin formation, may be the limiting factor in the
      use of oxygen-containing atmospheres for storage.

PMID- 22054428
TI  - Tensile strength and the tenderness of beef sternomandibularis muscle.
AB  - In their relationship to shortening, the tensile strength of cooked meat along
      the fibres and the shearing force measured across them are strikingly similar.
      Both increase to maximum values at 40% shortening before falling by a half with
      an approach to 60% shortening. A high correlation (r = 0.81) exists between the
      two sets of values, whether toughness is increased by cold shortening or reduced
      by ageing. The mechanical strength of meat along its fibres is therefore a simple
      measure of tenderness and a useful basis for relating muscle structure to
      stength.

PMID- 22054429
TI  - Studies on the meat production characteristics of Botswana goats and sheep-Part
      I: Sampling, methods and materials, and measurements on the live animals.
AB  - A carcase evaluation exercise was carried out on various groups of smallstock
      (goats and sheep) which are of importance to the meat industry in Botswana, and
      which formed part of a larger overall project designed to improve meat production
      from indigenous smallstock. The main objective was to provide background data on
      various body and carcase characteristics, from which subsequent selection,
      breeding and improved management could be evaluated and monitored. The data
      collected was concerned with: the external dimensions and weights of the live
      animals; the composition of the slaughtered animals in terms of the weights of
      offal parts and carcase weight; the dimensions of the carcases and the
      composition of the carcases in terms of the weights of their component joints;
      the quantity of muscle and fat on the carcases and the distribution and relative
      proportions of these tissues throughout the carcases. A total of 145 goats and
      112 sheep were used in the investigation. The present paper discusses the
      sampling of the goats and shep, outlines the methods used and presents data on
      external linear measurements and liveweights of the animals.

PMID- 22054430
TI  - Expression of Aeromonas caviae polyhydroxyalkanoate synthase gene in Burkholderia
      sp. USM (JCM15050) enables the biosynthesis of SCL-MCL PHA from palm oil
      products.
AB  - AIMS: Burkholderia sp. USM (JCM15050) isolated from oil-polluted wastewater is
      capable of utilizing palm oil products and glycerol to synthesize poly(3
      hydroxybutyrate) [P(3HB)]. To confer the ability to produce polymer containing 3
      hydroxyhexanoate (3HHx), plasmid (pBBREE32d13) harbouring the
      polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) synthase gene of Aeromonas caviae (phaC(Ac)) was
      transformed into this strain. METHODS AND RESULTS:   The resulting transformant
      incorporated approximately 1 +/- 0.3 mol% of 3HHx in the polymer when crude palm
      kernel oil (CPKO) or palm kernel acid oil was used as the sole carbon source. In
      addition, when the transformed strain was cultivated in the mixtures of CPKO and
      sodium valerate, PHA containing 69 mol% 3HB, 30 mol% 3-hydroxyvalerate and 1 mol%
      3HHx monomers was produced. Batch feeding of carbon sources with 0.5% (v/v) CPKO
      at 0 h and 0.25% (w/v) sodium valerate at 36 h yielded 6 mol% of 3HHx monomer by
      controlled-feeding strategies. CONCLUSIONS: Burkholderia sp. USM (JCM15050) has
      the metabolic pathways to supply both the short-chain length (SCL) and medium
      chain length (MCL) PHA monomers. By transforming the strain with the Aer. caviae
      PHA synthase with broader substrate specificity, SCL-MCL PHA was produced.
      SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY:   This is the first study demonstrating the
      ability of transformant Burkholderia to produce P(3HB-co-3HHx) from a single
      carbon source.

PMID- 22054431
TI  - The use of video image analysis for quantitative measurement of fatness in meat:
      Part 2-Comparison of VIA, visual assessment and total chemical fat estimation in
      a commercial environment.
AB  - The use of video image analysis as a predictor of visual fat and lean has been
      tested in a commercial environment. Results from scanning a 2250 kg consignment
      of beef showed that the system is reliable and the results reproducible. After
      pre-breaking, the whole sample was rapidly measured. Scanning of frozen slices
      produced values only 1% different from those obtained from the pre-broken meat.
      Scanning small samples (less than 25% of the total) was not representative of the
      total consignment because of the material variability. Fat measurements
      determined by VIA were considerably different from those obtained by visual
      assessment. At the same time, the inconsistency of conventional commercial
      sampling techniques was highlighted. The relationship between VIA and total
      chemical fat was also investigated. Once corrections had been made for the non
      visible fat content of the meat, VIA results were comparable with chemical fat
      analysis for any given cut.

PMID- 22054432
TI  - The properties of glycerol-extracted Longissimus dorsi muscle fibres and
      myofibrils taken from beef carcasses during post-mortem conditioning.
AB  - Muscle samples from beef Longissimus dorsi (LD) were conditioned inv vacuo at 10
      degrees C for up to 21 days and then stored in a glycerol-extracted state at -20
      degrees C to determine how their mechanical properties were altered by the
      conditioning process. Muscle fibres were progressively more difficult to dissect
      as conditioning proceeded, but those dissected showed isometric mechanical
      tension in the presence of Ca(2+), relaxation in the absence of Ca(2+) and
      calcium sensitivity which did not vary with conditioning up to 8 days. Myofibrils
      prepared from the same conditioned tissue showed slight changes with conditioning
      time, namely an initial rise in Ca(2+)-activated ATPase followed by a later fall,
      a slow rise in ATPase in the absence of Ca(2+) and an increase in Ca(2+)
      sensitivity. It is concluded that preparation of muscle fibres from conditioned
      tissue selects undamaged fibres, and that conditioning proceeds by the
      progressive increase in number of conditioned fibres within each of which
      conditioning has taken place relatively rapidly.

PMID- 22054433
TI  - Sex, age and breed related changes in bovine testosterone and intramuscular
      collagen.
AB  - Longissimus muscle biopsies were obtained from forty bulls and steers
      representing Charolais, Simmental, Angus and Hereford breeds at 6, 9, 12, 15 and
      18 months of age to evaluate the influence of age, breed and sex on the
      biosynthesis of muscle collagen. Blood samples were collected from each animal at
      each time period. The blood serum was harvested and assayed for concentrations of
      testosterone. Total collagen, soluble collagen and insoluble collagen were
      obtained on each sample. Soluble collagen and testosterone levels were
      significantly influenced by breed, sex and animal age. Total collagen levels were
      significantly affected by sex and age. Total collagen and testosterone levels
      peaked at 12 months of age. Breeds were ranked identically for total collagen and
      testosterone levels at 12 months. These data indicate that bulls are different
      from steers in synthesis of intramuscular collagen at or near 12 months of age.
      The increased synthesis of collagen appears to be influenced by testosterone or
      some other event associated with puberty. The mechanism of this action remains
      unclear.

PMID- 22054434
TI  - Carbon dioxide evolution of refrigerated meat.
AB  - The carbon dioxide (CO(2)) evolution from pork loins stored in air or nitrogen at
      5 degrees C was measured. The loins were cut immediately after slaughter ('pre
      rigor meat.'), or approximately 20 h after slaughter ('post-rigor meat'). CO(2)
      evolution rate was highest during the first day (2.3 * 10(-3)mlcm(-2)h(-1)) and
      then declined to approximately 0.5 * 10(-3)mlcm(-2)h(-1). The rate was fairly
      constant during this later phase, and there were no large differences between
      aerobically and anaerobically stored meat, or between pre-rigor meat and post
      rigor meat. Four hypotheses for the origin of the CO(2) evolution are discussed:
      (1) diffusion from a pre-formed pool in the meat; (2) aerobic energy metabolism
      of the meat cells; (3) other biochemical reactions of the meat cells; and (4)
      microbial activity. None of the hypotheses completely supports the experimental
      results of the investigation. The impact of these findings on the vacuum
      packaging of meat is discussed.

PMID- 22054435
TI  - Tenderisation of meat by pressure-heat involves weakening of the gap filaments in
      the myofibril.
AB  - These results confirm previous Australian experience that pressure-heat (P-H)
      treatment tenderises rigor meat effectively only after considerable periods at
      elevated temperatures; that prior ageing abolishes the effect; and that cold
      shortened meat is effectively tenderised. Yield point is also profoundly affected
      by P-H, although this effect is not related to tenderness. As predicted by the
      new G-filament theory of meat tenderness, P-H greatly weakens the G-filaments.
      These then break on extension by 50% but not if subsequently cooked. However the
      tensile properties of cooked meat support the weakening of G-filaments. A problem
      is that mild P-H treatments which are ineffective at tenderising, produce the
      same histological damage as harsher tenderising treatments. This paper reviews
      the considerable body of results on the P-H treatment of rigor meat that have now
      accumulated. The effects of pressure on the various filaments is discussed. The
      nature of the changes induced in the G-filaments remains obscure.

PMID- 22054436
TI  - 'Ageing' of cold shortened meat depends on the criterion.
AB  - Although cold shortened muscles show little decline in shear force during ageing,
      they do, like unshortened muscles, undergo a drastic reduction in yield point.
      The differing responses to the two criteria arise from the involvement of
      different structural elements. Our previous claim, that yield point is highly
      sensitive to ageing and reflects changes in tenderness, remains valid for
      unshortened muscles, but is clearly inappropriate to cold shortened samples.

PMID- 22054439
TI  - [A new analysis tool of salivary gland tumors: looking for specific
      translocations].

PMID- 22054440
TI  - [Perspectives: FISH on cytological samples].

PMID- 22054441
TI  - [Semiology of cervical glandular cell abnormalities].

PMID- 22054442
TI  - [Adenocarcinoma of uterine cervix. Difficulties in the diagnosis of early forms
      and cyto-colpo-histological correlations].

PMID- 22054443
TI  - [Treatment of adenocarcinoma in situ of the uterine cervix].

PMID- 22054444
TI  - [Standardized pathology report for melanoma. WHO classification evolution].

PMID- 22054445
TI  - [Immunohistochemistry contribution in melanocytic lesions analysis].

PMID- 22054446
TI  - [Molecular diagnostic contribution in melanocytic lesions analysis (FISH/CGH)].

PMID- 22054447
TI  - [Clinical practice evolution in dermatology: consequences for the pathologist].

PMID- 22054449
TI  - [Melanoma and search for therapeutic targets].

PMID- 22054451
TI  - Update on the Gleason grading system.

PMID- 22054452
TI  - [WHO Classification of digestive tumors: the fourth edition].

PMID- 22054453
TI  - [How to develop quality indicators in cytology?].

PMID- 22054454
TI  - [Signal transduction and its targeting: the researcher point of view, example of
      hematologic diseases].

PMID- 22054456
TI  - [Signal transduction and its targeting from the cancer molecular genetic
      platform: applications and perspectives in pulmonary pathology].

PMID- 22054457
TI  - [In practice for the pathologist: practical and technical limitations].

PMID- 22054458
TI  - [Ki67, nucleolus and cancer].

PMID- 22054459
TI  - [How to evaluate Ki67].

PMID- 22054460
TI  - [When to use Ki67].

PMID- 22054461
TI  - [Ki67 and neuroendocrine tumors].

PMID- 22054462
TI  - [Proliferation evaluation by measuring Ki67 in breast neoplasms].

PMID- 22054463
TI  - [C. elegans: the power of simplicity].

PMID- 22054465
TI  - [The avian model in developmental biology and physiopathology].

PMID- 22054466
TI  - [Murine cutaneous melanoma models. Importance of the genetic background].

PMID- 22054468
TI  - [Clinical, pathologic and molecular characteristics of pulmonary high-grade
      neuroendocrine tumors].

PMID- 22054469
TI  - [Pathologic diagnostic for a primary of metastatic neuroendocrine tumor].

PMID- 22054470
TI  - [Diagnosis, staging and follow-up of malignant neuroendocrine tumors: role of
      radiology].

PMID- 22054471
TI  - [Diagnosis, staging and follow-up of neuroendocrine tumors: role of somatostatin
      receptors scintigraphy].

PMID- 22054472
TI  - [Management of metastatic neuroendocrine tumors].

PMID- 22054473
TI  - [Sino nasal polyps: true and false tumors].

PMID- 22054474
TI  - [Securising diagnosis in pathology in 2011. The diagnostic error: between
      rhetoric and reality].

PMID- 22054475
TI  - [WHO classification of salivary gland tumors: instructions].

PMID- 22054476
TI  - [Fine needle aspiration in management of salivary gland tumors. The clinician
      point of view].

PMID- 22054479
TI  - The American Academy of Gold Foil Operators and Dental School Education.

PMID- 22054477
TI  - Effect of the aetiology and severity of liver disease on oral health and dental
      treatment prior to transplantation.
AB  - Elimination of dental infection foci has been recommended before liver
      transplantation (LT) because lifelong immunosuppression may predispose to
      infection spread. Association between pre-LT oral health and the aetiology and
      severity of chronic liver disease (CLD) was investigated retrospectively. A total
      of 212 adult patients (median age 51.1) who had received LT during 2000-2006 in
      Finland were included. Their oral health had been pre-operatively examined.
      Patients were divided into seven different CLD groups. Common indications for LT
      were primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC 25.5%), alcohol cirrhosis (ALCI 17.5%)
      and primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC 14.6%). Patients were also categorized by the
      Model for End stage Liver Disease (MELD) scoring system. Medical, dental and
      panoramic jaw x-ray data were analysed between groups. PBC patients had the
      lowest number of teeth with significant difference to PSC patients (19.7 vs.
      25.6, P < 0.005, anova, t-test). ALCI patients had the highest number of tooth
      extractions with significant difference in comparison to PSC patients (5.6 vs.
      2.5, P < 0.005). Lower MELD score resulted in fewer tooth extractions but after
      adjusting for several confounding factors, age was the most important factor
      associated with extractions (P < 0.005). The aetiology of CLD associated with the
      oral health status and there was a tendency towards worse dental health with
      higher MELD scores.

PMID- 22054480
TI  - Notation:

PMID- 22054483
TI  - CORRECTION.

PMID- 22054485
TI  - Influence of sampling factors on canine sperm motility parameters measured by the
      Sperm Class Analyzer.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of different technical
      settings and semen processing on sperm motility parameters measured by the Sperm
      Class Analyzer (SCA). Semen was collected from 3 dogs, pooled, and diluted in
      phosphate buffered saline and subsequently assessed by the SCA for the different
      sperm motility characteristics. The data were statistically analyzed by ANOVA and
      the repeatability was assessed by coefficient of variation (CV). After a
      principal component analysis, the reliability was determined with intra-class
      correlation coefficient (ICC). In experiment 1, the CV's were below 10% for all
      evaluated parameters. Significant differences (P < 0.05) were found between the
      different sperm concentrations (25, 50, and 75 x 10(6) spermatozoa/ml) in all of
      the motion parameters assessed, yielding the highest ICC (0.81) at 25 x 10(6)
      spermatozoa/ml. No significant differences (P > 0.05) in SCA read-outs were found
      between the number of microscopic fields captured (1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 fields),
      yielding the highest ICC (0.83) when 3 fields were captured. No significant
      differences (P > 0.05) in motility parameters were found between the number of
      cells analyzed in each field (20, 50, and 100 spermatozoa) with the exception of
      beat cross frequency. Reliability of the SCA was good (ICC = 0.71 to 0.90) for
      all motility measurements when 20 (ICC = 0.89) or 50 (ICC = 0.77) cells were
      captured in each field, but only just acceptable (ICC = 0.51 to 0.70) when 100
      cells were counted (ICC = 0.67). The frame settings significantly (P < 0.05)
      influenced most of the measured motility characteristics. Scanning 60 frames at a
      frame rate of 30 Hz improved the reliability of the results (ICC = 0.92). In
      conclusion, we suggest that the measurements with the SCA are ideally performed
      at a sperm concentration of 25 x 10(6) spermatozoa/ml, counting at least 100
      cells in three microscopic fields. We also propose that the SCA should analyze 60
      frames at 30 Hz to yield consistent results of a set of measurements or a
      measuring instrument thus obtaining reliable motility results.

PMID- 22054486
TI  - Myofibrils, sarcoplasmic reticulum and phosphorylase kinase of Pietrain and Large
      White-landrace pigs.
AB  - Comparison of fast and slow twitch myofibril preparations by SDS-gel
      electrophoresis showed no significant differences between Large White and
      Pietrain pigs. No variants of parvalbumins or calsequestrin (calcium binding
      proteins) were found. Pietrain phosphorylase kinase has a greater stimulating
      activity on porcine phosphorylase than does Large White phosphorylase kinase.

PMID- 22054484
TI  - A high recombination rate in eusocial Hymenoptera: evidence from the common wasp
      Vespula vulgaris.
AB  - BACKGROUND: High recombination rates have previously been detected in two groups
      of eusocial insects; honeybees and ants. In this study we estimate recombination
      rate in a eusocial wasp Vespula vulgaris that represents a third phylogenetic
      lineage within eusocial hymenopterans. RESULTS: A genetic linkage map of V.
      vulgaris based on 210 markers shows that the total map length is 2129 cM and the
      recombination rate is 9.7 cM/Mb (or 103 kb/cM). The present estimate in V.
      vulgaris is somewhat smaller than in the honeybee Apis mellifera and intermediate
      between the estimates from two ant species (Acromyrmex echinatior, Pogonomyrmex
      rugosus). Altogether, the estimates from these eusocial species are higher than
      in any other insect reported so far. CONCLUSIONS: [corrected] The four species
      (V. vulgaris, A. mellifera, A. echinatior, P. rugosus) are characterized by
      advanced eusociality with large colonies, clear queen-worker dimorphism and well
      developed task specialization. They also have colonies with a single, normally
      multiply inseminated (polyandrous) queen. Benefits of genotypic diversity within
      colonies (e.g. through improved task specialization or pathogen and parasite
      resistance) may have selected for both polyandry and high recombination rate in
      such advanced eusocial insects.

PMID- 22054487
TI  - Residual blood in lamb muscles.
AB  - The effect of slaughter method on the residual blood content of the M.
      longissimus dorsi, the microbiological status of the meat and its tenderness was
      examined with lambs. There were no differences in any of the characteristics
      examined between the various stunning procedures used, even though there were
      marked differences in the amount of blood collected after slaughter.

PMID- 22054488
TI  - Effect of electrical stunning method and cardiac arrest on bleeding efficiency,
      residual blood and blood splash in lambs.
AB  - Five hundred and fifty-nine Southdown-Romney cross lambs were used in a
      comparison of the efficiency of bleeding animals slaughtered by one of three
      different methods. The main comparison was between spear stuck lambs that had
      been electrically stunned by either head application or a head-back method. In
      addition, some unstunned lambs were slaughtered by the traditional New Zealand
      gash cutting method, no longer used by industry but known to produce well bled
      carcasses. There was no difference in blood obtained during a 120-s bleeding time
      between the unstunned and head stunned lambs. For the head-back stunned lambs
      little, if any, of the blood not collected at bleeding remained in the carcass
      after dressing despite the fact that these animals released only 46% of the
      weight of blood recorded from the head stunned lambs during the bleeding time.
      The head-back stunning method markedly decreased the incidence of carcass blood
      splash in comparison with the splash observed in lambs stunned by the head
      application method.

PMID- 22054489
TI  - Osmotic properties of post-rigor beef muscle.
AB  - The osmotic pressure of beef sternomandibularis and psoas muscles ranged from 480
      to 540 mOs, which is almost twice that of pre-rigor muscle (about 300 mOs). The
      post-rigor osmotic pressure appears to be satisfactorily explained by the low
      molecular weight components. Muscle samples were soaked at 2 degrees C for 24 h
      in various solutions and sample weight changes were recorded. Samples soaked in
      buffered mannitol solutions exhibited weight changes indicative of predictable
      osmotic behaviour. Those samples soaked in buffered salt solutions (KCl, NaCl),
      however, exhibited dramatic increases in weight, irrespective of the solute
      concentration. The reasons for this are not clear. These results indicative that
      the use of salt solutions, such as 0.15 m KCl, for studies on post-rigor muscle
      is suspect and conclusions from such studies may be unfounded.

PMID- 22054490
TI  - The properties of connective tissue membrane and pig skin as raw materials for
      cooked sausage.
AB  - Pig skin and epimysial membrane from young bulls were comminuted in a colloid
      grinder and mixed with water and additives. The resultant mixture was heated in a
      water bath to give an internal temperature of 72 degrees C, and centrifuged while
      still hot. Such variations in the amount of water added, the salt content, the
      phosphate content and the pH value as are possible in cooked sausage heated to
      over 65 degrees C during processing did not cause marked changes in the amount of
      water bound by the connective tissues, the amount of dissolved protein or the gel
      strength of the liquid released from the connective tissues. As the temperature
      rose the amount of bound water dropped, but the amount of dissolved protein and
      the gel strength increased. The liquid released from the connective tissue
      membranes formed a gel at 32 degrees C and re-melted at 49 degrees C. For pig
      skin, the corresponding temperatures were 23 degrees C and 47 degrees C. On the
      basis of this study it appears that connective tissue may be important for the
      water-binding capacity and firmness of cold sausage. The connective tissue
      membranes obtained from young bulls and pig skin are of roughly equal value in
      this respect, although the gel formed from connective tissue membrane is tougher.

PMID- 22054491
TI  - A national survey of the weight loss in pig carcasses between slaughter and 24
      hours post mortem.
AB  - A national survey was carried out in Great Britain in 1978/79 to determine the
      weight loss occurring in pig carcasses between slaughter and 24 hours post
      mortem. A total of 20,600 carcasses were measured over a 12-month period, the
      sample covering forty-eight slaughtering plants and the main market weights of
      pig. At 24 hours post mortem, the overall mean weight loss was estimated to be
      2.27% of the hot weight. The figure differed little between market weights or
      between times of the year, but there were important differences between
      slaughtering plants.

PMID- 22054492
TI  - Proteolytic degradation of connectin, a high molecular weight myofibrillar
      protein, during heating of meat.
AB  - When homogenised muscle (pH 5.5) was heated at 55 degrees C, connectin was
      extensively degraded, whereas actin and myosin heavy chains were apparently
      unaffected. It was concluded that carboxyl proteases (e.g. cathepsin D) were
      largely responsible, because the breakdown of connectin was inhibited by the
      addition of pepstatin. When whole muscle samples were heated at 50-70 degrees C,
      degradation of connectin was inversely related to the ultimate pH of the source
      muscle, again indicating the role of carboxyl proteases. The greater activity of
      carboxyl proteases in tissues from older animals was apparently responsible for
      the more extensive degradation of connectin in muscle from older sheep. Because
      connectin is extensively degraded in cooked meat, it is unlikely to contribute to
      meat toughness.

PMID- 22054493
TI  - The role of non-haem proteins in meat haemoprotein digestion.
AB  - The influence of additional protein on the in vitro digestion of haem compounds
      was investigated. When either (59)Fe-labelled haemoglobin in blood or unlabelled
      purified haemoglobin were digested in vitro, the formation of low molecular
      weight (< 10,000), dialysable, iron degradation products was very limited (<18%
      of the total iron) and consisted mostly of haematin compounds. The presence of
      additional protein, in the form of bovine serum albumen or gelatin, greatly
      increased the formation of low molecular weight (<10,000) degradation products;
      the increase being proportional to the concentration and type of added protein.
      In these systems approximately two-thirds of the low molecular weight iron
      compounds were non-haematin in character. However, the digestion of aqueous
      muscle extracts resulted in the greatest formation of low molecular weight
      (<10,000) iron degradation products (>70% of the total iron), nearly all of which
      were non-haematin compounds. A hypothesis is presented explaining how
      haemoprotein degradation occurs in meat and related systems during normal
      physiological digestion.

PMID- 22054494
TI  - The use of kidneys with small renal tumors for transplantation: who is taking the
      risk?
AB  - The ever-increasing disparity between the number of organs available for
      transplant and the need for organs drives further exploration into the use of
      compromised or marginal donors. There is now an emerging advocacy for the use of
      kidneys with existing tumors, which may be rendered tumor free after surgical
      excision and reconstruction. This practice is based on reliable data that renal
      cancers <3 cm in diameter behave with minimal malignant potential and likelihood
      of transmission to the immunosuppressed recipient. However, in the case of live
      donors this creates a potential ethical conflict between those treating patients
      with renal masses and those with an interest in renal donation. The best
      available treatment for patients with a small renal tumor is a form of nephron
      sparing tumor excision or ablation, as this approach provides for the maximum
      amount of residual kidney function and enhances survival. Thus, patients newly
      diagnosed with small renal tumors should be referred to centers with expertise in
      nephron sparing techniques, not transplant centers. In the case of an individual
      undergoing a live donor evaluation in which a small renal tumor is detected, a
      careful analysis of risk and benefit for the potential donor and the recipient is
      indicated.

PMID- 22054495
TI  - Muscle glycogen: Comparison of iodine binding and enzyme digestion assays and
      application to meat samples.
AB  - A rapid assay for tissue glycogen is described. Bovine liver and muscle glycogen
      were solubilized with perchloric acid (7-10%) and incubated with an iodine (I(2)
      KI) solution containing saturated CaCl(2). The optical density of the amber-brown
      color was determined at 460 nm. Color development was immediate, stable for up to
      2 h, and was linear with respect to glycogen concentrations up to 600 MUg
      glycogen/ml. The iodine assay was applied to fresh, frozen, and aged bovine
      muscle samples and was compared to enzymic (amyloglucosidase) digestion of
      glycogen followed by glucose determination. The correlation between the iodine
      and enzyme methods was linear over the range of 0-1400 g glycogen/g tissue (corr
      = 0.875; P < 0.01; n = 172). The iodine binding assay can be employed with
      confidence as an indicator of tissue [glycogen] and is faster and more reliable
      than the enzyme assay. Comparison of the iodine enzyme assays on aged meat
      samples revealed marked decreases in muscle glycogen during the first 48 h post
      slaughter. The decreases were identical whether determined by iodine binding or
      enzyme assay. Regardless of assay method, post-mortem concentrations of glycogen
      in bovine sternomandibularis muscle were more variable than in longissimus dorsi
      samples.

PMID- 22054496
TI  - Humectants improve myosin extractability and water activity of raw, cured
      intermediate moisture meats.
AB  - Glycerol, propylene glycol and sorbitol were incorporated into salt-based
      intermediate moisture meats manufactured from porcine M. longissimus thoracis and
      bovine M. biceps femoris by dry curing and air drying at 4 degrees C. Moisture
      content and water activity (a(w)) in cured pork were reduced by the addition of
      propylene glycol and sorbitol. Propylene glycol was more effective than sorbitol
      in lowering a(w). The extractability of myosin heavy chain, used as an index of
      alteration of myofibrillar protein, decreased in intermediate moisture porcine
      meats with the addition of salt and was unaffected by sorbitol. However, use of
      glycerol and propylene glycol in cured and air-dried pork increased the
      extractability of myosin heavy chain. Whereas intact myofibrils could not be
      extracted from salt-cured, air-dried beef, myofibrils could be made from air
      dried beef cured in the presence of 10% glycol, 5% propylene glycol and 4%
      sorbitol. Such myofibrils contracted immediately on addition of Mg(2+)-ATP. In
      addition, even after storafe for 5 months, including 30 days at 25 degrees C,
      myosin heavy chain could be extracted from meat cured with this combination of
      humectants. In comparison with salt curing alone, curing meat with the above
      three humectants together, plus salt, results in intermediate moisture meats more
      like fresh meat.

PMID- 22054497
TI  - Effect of diet on animal performance, lipid composition of subcutaneous adipose
      and liver tissue of beef cattle.
AB  - Two trials were carried out with Brahman beef cattle to study animal performance
      and carcass characteristics as well as fatty acid composition of subcutaneous
      adipose and hepatic tissue, as influence by length of grain feeding period or a
      pasturing regimen. In trial 1, steers were allotted to three feedlot finishing
      periods (76, 104 and 146 days) after being backgrounded on pasture. Steers fed 76
      days had greater average daily gains (P < 0.05) than steers fed 146 and 104 days,
      respectively. Carcasses of steers slaughtered after 146 days on feed had higher
      (P < 0.05) marbling scores, quality grades, fat over ribeye, quality yield and
      per cent kidney, pelvic and heart (KPH) fat than steers fed for 104 and 76 days.
      The proprortions of certain fatty acid of subcutaneous fat and liver tissue were
      influenced by the length of grain feeding. There was a marked increased in the
      proportion of oleic acid in both tissues as the steers remained longer in the
      feedlot and a higher percentage of total saturated fatty acids at 76 days than at
      the other two times. Quantitative separation of hepatic lipid classes by the
      Iatroscan revealed that phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine were the
      main components of the phospholipids. Presents as minor components were
      cardiolipin and sphingomyelin. No differences (P > 0..05) in these individual
      subclasses of liver lipids or in triglycerides were observed between the feedlot
      groups. Liver polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were higher (P < 0.001) at 104
      than 76 days. In trial 2, steers fed a concentrate diet gained faster (P < 0.05)
      than the pasture group after 138 days. Marbling scores, yield grade, quality
      grade, fat over ribeye and per cent KPH were higher (P < 0.01) for the
      concentrate group while fat color scores were higher (P < 0.01) for the pasture
      group. Liver fatty acid analysis of summed omega6 PUFAs of triglyceride,
      phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine were higher for the feedlot than
      the pasture group. Linoleic acid was higher (P < 0.05) in the TG and PC liver
      subclass of the feedlot animals while higher (P < 0.05) linolenic acid occurred
      in the pasture group.

PMID- 22054498
TI  - Meat production characteristics of Egyptian Baladi and Angora goats.
AB  - Fifteen Baladi and 20 Angora intact males raised together from birth until 8
      months of age were grown on a commercial concentrate mixture fed at the rate of
      0.6 kg/head/day with chopped wheat straw fed at 0.5 kg/head/day for 14 weeks.
      Body measurements were taken before slaughter and carcass measurements and offal
      weights after it. The right sides of all carcasses were dissected into cuts,
      weighed and deboned. Fat was separated from the 9-10-11 rib joints and estimated.
      The two breeds did not significantly differ in birth weight, weaning weight,
      carcass weight, dressing percentage, most body measurements, all carcass
      measurements and most offal weights. Sigmificant differences were only found in
      body length, height at withers, weights of spleen and kidney fat. However, the
      Baladi had significant heavier loin and shoulder (P < 0.05) and breast and flank
      (P < 0.05) than the Angora which had heavier legs (P < 0.05). The carcasses of
      the two breeds had very similar percentage of edible meat (68.38 versus 68.65),
      lean (57.47 versus 57.38) and fat in the rib joint (10.91 versus 11.27).

PMID- 22054499
TI  - The non-sliding filaments of the sarcomere.
AB  - A model is proposed for the 'gap' or 'third' filaments of muscle, here renamed 'T
      filaments'. These consist of single titin molecules, spanning the half sarcomere
      from M-line to Z-line. Of several possibilities for stoichiometry and
      arrangement, the one most favoured here consists of six T-filaments lying
      longitudinally on the surface of the A-filament, one against each peripheral
      subfilament of myosin. C-protein molecules over-lie the T-filaments in transverse
      and axial rows, with their long axes following a helix. Each C-protein molecule
      helps to bind a pair of T-filaments to one A-strand (but not to bind A-strands
      together), and hinders the immune response of titin in the C-zone. The gap
      filaments arise from the coalescence of T-filaments in the I-band, and their
      extreme extensibility from an unravelling of a beaded structure in the titin
      molecule. A layout is presented for the molecule in zones of configuration and
      function. Possible arrangements of the T-filaments in the M- and N(2)-zones are
      discussed.

PMID- 22054500
TI  - Differentiation of raw meat from phylogenically related species by enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay.
AB  - A method, based on enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), has been developed
      for differentiating raw meat from closely related species of economic importance.
      By visual assessment 0.1% donkey in horse, 0.1% goat in sheep and 1% buffalo in
      beef may be detected. The technique is rapid and simple to perform and could be
      used in abattoirs and coldstores with results being available within 1 h.

PMID- 22054501
TI  - Effects of USDA feeder grade and time-on-feed on carcass characteristics and
      cooked beef palatability.
AB  - Yearling feeder steers (n = 128), selected to vary in frame size and muscle
      thickness, were fed for 100, 130 or 160 days and then slaughtered. USDA grade
      data were collected and cooked rib steaks were evaluated for palatability
      attributes. Frame size was positively related to carcass weight and longissimus
      muscle area and negatively related to all fatness measures and to USDA yield
      grade. Steaks from large-framed steers received the lowest sensory panel ratings
      for juiciness and overall palatability. Muscle thickness of feeder steers was
      positively related to all measures of carcass muscling. Steaks from thinly
      muscled (No. 3) steers received higher ratings for juiciness and overall
      palatability than did steaks from thickly muscled (No. 1) steers. Large-framed or
      thickly muscled (No. 1) steers produced the lowest percentages of carcasses with
      at least Choice quality. Although some statistically significant differences were
      observed when the data were sorted by frame size or muscle thickness, few real
      trends were evident that would be of value to cattle feeders.

PMID- 22054502
TI  - Investigation of the levels of N(tau)-Methylhistidine in a range of beef cuts and
      offals.
AB  - Protein-bound N(tau)-methylhistidine (N-MeHis) has been suggested as an index for
      the estimation of muscle (meat) protein in meat and meat products. This paper
      examines the levels of N-MeHis in a range of six prime beef cuts together with
      beef flank, cheek, mechanically recovered meat (MRM) and offals. The study was
      undertaken by two separate laboratories using a previously reported HPLC
      procedure involving the conversion of N-MeHis to a fluorescent derivative. It is
      shown that, whilst similar N-MeHis levels are present in the prime cuts, there is
      considerable variation in those found in the other cuts and offals. The average N
      MeHis level in six prime cuts observed at both laboratories is 122 MUg/g fat-free
      connective tissue-free (FFCF) meat; however, flank exhibits apparently high N
      MeHis levels, whilst cheek and MRM contain only approximately 70% of the level
      found in the prime cuts. The offals contain between 0 and 65% of the N-MeHis
      level found in prime cuts. The greater variability and the often lower value of
      the N-MeHis content of these legitimate meat materials preclude the establishment
      of a single realistic index for FFCF beef, and present fundamental problems for
      the assessment of the lean meat content of manufactured beef products by N-MeHis
      determination.

PMID- 22054503
TI  - Post-slaughter influences on the formation of metyyoglobin in beef muscles.
AB  - By the use of electrical stimulation and/or hot-boning and/or water baths
      adjusted to temperatures in the range 1-41 degrees C, beef muscles
      (Semimembranosus, Longissimus dorsi and Psoas major) were exposed to different
      pH/temperature/time regimes following slaughter and the formation of metmyoglobin
      (metMb) at their surfaces was monitored during subsequent aerobic storage at 1+/
      1 degrees C. The time course of formation was complex but, in general, consisted
      of an initial, rapid phase, lasting a few days, followed by a slower, or
      equilibrium, phase which ultimately yielded to a second rapid phase. Exposure to
      high temperature and low pH led to increased rates of metMb formation in the
      Longissimus dorsi and Semimembranosus muscles sliced 48 h after death but not in
      Psoas major muscles sliced 23 or 48 h post slaughter. However, ageing the Psoas
      major muscles, in vacuo, at 1 degrees C caused the high temperature treated
      samples to be less colour stable than those held at 1 degrees C. When the air
      stored samples were transferred to an anaerobic environment at 23.5 degrees C
      reduction of the metmyoglobin occurred, the rate of reduction being inversely
      proportional to the concentration of metMb developed during aerobic storage. It
      is suggested that the rate of metmyoglobin formation at the surface of beef
      muscle slices is dependent on at least two factors-the oxygen consumption rate
      (OCR) and the activity of an enzymic reducing system. In most practical
      circumstances the activity of the reducing system is the most important factor
      and this can be affected by the time, temperature and pH history of the muscle.

PMID- 22054504
TI  - Variations in the levels of 3-methyl-l-histidine of the myosins within the bovine
      carcass.
AB  - The 3-methyl-l-histidine levels were determined in the whole muscles from cheek,
      flank, round, neck and loin regions of the bovine carcass and in the
      corresponding myosins prepared from them. Titres were similar between the muscles
      in the latter three locations, but very low in cheek muscle. This finding was
      reflected by a very low titre for the myosin prepared from this source.

PMID- 22054505
TI  - Effect of salt and phosphate on the quality of Buffalo and Goat meats.
AB  - A study was conducted on the effect on certain quality parameters of adding
      sodium chloride (2.5%) and tetrasodium pyrophosphate (1%) to hot minced buffalo
      and goat meats. The effects on buffalo meat were observed in chilled and frozen
      conditions, those on goat meat in hot and chilled conditions. These treatments
      significantly increased pH, water-holding capacity (WHC) and emulsifying capacity
      (EC) and decreased cooking loss in both types of meat. Chilled and frozen
      conditions did not affect buffalo meat quality but salt additions to hot minced
      goat meat were superior to such additions to chilled minced meat in respect of EC
      and the extraction of salt-soluble proteins. Buffalo meat had poorer WHC and EC
      than goat meat and salt additions had a greater effect in improving EC. With goat
      meat, the treatment resulted in an increased WHC with a greater increase in pH.
      Significant correlations were observed among quality parameters.

PMID- 22054506
TI  - New algorithm for OHSS prevention.
AB  - Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) still remains a life-threatening
      complication of in vitro fertilization treatment (IVF), keeping patients and
      especially those, who previously experienced OHSS, from attempting infertility
      treatment and childbearing. The recent implementation of four new modalities: the
      GnRH antagonist protocol, GnRH agonist (GnRHa) triggering of ovulation,
      blastocyst transfer and embryo/oocyte vitrification, renders feasible the
      elimination of OHSS in connection with ovarian hyperstimulation for IVF
      treatment. The proposed current algorithm is based on the number of follicles
      developed after ovarian stimulation, setting a cut-off level at the development
      of 18 or more follicles. Further, fulfilling this criterion, the algorithm is
      based on four decision-making points: the final day of patient work-up, the day
      of triggering final oocyte maturation, day-1 post oocyte pick-up (OPU) and day-5
      post OPU. If the physician decides to administer hCG for final oocyte maturation
      regardless the type of analogue used, he has the option on day-1 to either freeze
      all embryos or to proceed to day-5. On this day, based on the clinical condition
      of the patient, a decision should be made to either transfer a single blastocyst
      or to vitrify all blastocysts available. However, this strategy will not
      guarantee an OHSS free luteal phase especially if a pregnancy occurs. If the
      physician decides to trigger ovulation with GnRHa, feasible only with the
      antagonist protocol, embryos can be cultured until day-5. On this day a transfer
      can be performed with no risk of OHSS and spare blastocysts may be vitrified.
      Alternatively, on day-1 or day-2 post OPU, all embryos could be frozen.
      Hopefully, in a near future, GnRHa triggering and vitrification of oocytes will
      become everyday practice. Only the combined use of a GnRH antagonist protocol
      with GnRHa triggering and subsequent single blastocyst transfer or embryo/oocyte
      freezing will completely abolish the risk of OHSS after ovarian hyperstimulation.

PMID- 22054507
TI  - Osteogenesis imperfecta missense mutations in collagen: structural consequences
      of a glycine to alanine replacement at a highly charged site.
AB  - Glycine is required as every third residue in the collagen triple helix, and a
      missense mutation leading to the replacement of even one Gly in the repeating
      (Gly-Xaa-Yaa)(n) sequence with a larger residue leads to a pathological
      condition. Gly to Ala missense mutations are highly underrepresented in
      osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) and other collagen diseases, suggesting that the
      smallest replacement residue, Ala, might cause the least structural perturbation
      and mildest clinical consequences. The relatively small number of Gly to Ala
      mutation sites that do lead to OI must have some unusual features, such as
      greater structural disruption because of local sequence environment or location
      at a biologically important site. Here, peptides are used to model a severe OI
      case in which a Gly to Ala mutation is found within a highly stabilizing Lys-Gly
      Asp sequence environment. Nuclear magnetic resonance, circular dichroism, and
      differential scanning calorimetry studies indicate this Gly to Ala replacement
      leads to a substantial loss of triple-helix stability and nonequivalence of the
      Ala residues in the three chains such that only one of the three Ala residues is
      capable of forming a good backbone hydrogen bond. Examination of reported OI Gly
      to Ala mutations suggests their preferential location at known collagen binding
      sites, and we propose that structural defects caused by Ala replacements may lead
      to pathology when they interfere with interactions.

PMID- 22054508
TI  - Educational difference in the prevalence of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women:
      a study in northern Iran.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Osteoporosis is the most common metabolic bone disease in the world
      and it is rapidly increasing in Iran. In this study the relationship between
      educational levels and osteoporosis was investigated among Iranian postmenopausal
      women. METHOD AND SUBJECTS: Seven hundred and six women aged 50-75 years old were
      randomly recruited from urban (n = 440) and rural (n = 266) areas in Guilan.
      Osteoporosis was diagnosed by quantitative ultrasound technique and dual X-ray
      absorptiometry. Serum 25(OH) D3, body weight and height were measured in all
      subjects. Other data including age, educational level, menopause age, medications
      and history of illness were also collected. RESULTS: We found that the prevalence
      of osteoporosis was significantly greater among women with low educational level
      than women with high educational status (18.0% vs 3.8% P < 0.0001). However,
      women with low educational level had higher mean serum level of vitamin D than
      women with high educational level. Osteoporosis was significantly more prevalent
      among women living in rural areas than women living in urban areas (19.1% v.s
      13.3%, P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: This study showed that educational level is
      associated with bone health in this population of postmenopausal women with
      significantly higher osteoporosis found in lower social groups. Therefore, we
      suggest that women with low social level should be carefully evaluated for signs
      of osteoporosis during routine physical examinations.

PMID- 22054509
TI  - Mechanisms of optimal defense patterns in Nicotiana attenuata: flowering
      attenuates herbivory-elicited ethylene and jasmonate signaling.
AB  - To defend themselves against herbivore attack, plants produce secondary
      metabolites, which are variously inducible and constitutively deployed,
      presumably to optimize their fitness benefits in light of their fitness costs.
      Three phytohormones, jasmonates (JA) and their active forms, the JA-isoleucine
      (JA-Ile) and ethylene (ET), are known to play central roles in the elicitation of
      induced defenses, but little is known about how this mediation changes over
      ontogeny. The Optimal Defense Theory (ODT) predicts changes in the costs and
      benefits of the different types of defenses and has been usefully extrapolated to
      their modes of deployment. Here we studied whether the herbivore-induced
      accumulation of JA, JA-Ile and ET changed over ontogeny in Nicotiana attenuata, a
      native tobacco in which inducible defenses are particularly well studied.
      Herbivore-elicited ET production changed dramatically during six developmental
      stages, from rosette through flowering, decreasing with the elongation of the
      first corollas during flower development. This decrease was largely recovered
      within a day after flower removal by decapitation. A similar pattern was found
      for the herbivore-induced accumulation of JA and JA-Ile. These results are
      consistent with ODT predictions and suggest that the last steps in floral
      development control the inducibility of at least three plant hormones, optimizing
      defense-growth tradeoffs.

PMID- 22054510
TI  - The effect of calcium carbonate and sodium alginate on the color and bind
      strength of restructured beef steaks.
AB  - This study investigated the effect of calcium carbonate concentration (0.00
      0.26%) and sodium alginate concentration (0.0-1.4%) on the amount of
      discoloration and the raw and cooked bind-strength of restructured beef steaks.
      Alginate slightly increased and calcium carbonate markedly decreased the amount
      of discoloration in the restructured steaks. The protective effect of the calcium
      carbonate did not increase with increasing concentration and did not appear to be
      due to increased pH. The amount of discoloration in restructured steaks prepared
      with alginate was similar to that in conventionally prepared restructured steaks.
      The optimum concentration of calcium carbonate and alginate required for minimum
      discoloration and maximum raw and cooked bind-strength was 0.13% and 0.7%,
      respectively.

PMID- 22054511
TI  - Eating quality of meat from European * Chinese crossbred pigs.
AB  - Meat from half-Chinese crossbred pigs was compared with meat from purebred
      European pigs for chemical composition and eating quality. In a first experiment,
      purebred Pietrain pigs were compared to Pietrain * Chinese (Meishan or Jia Xin )
      pigs for sensory qualities as assessed by a taste panel. In a second experiment,
      purebred Large Whites were compared to Large White * Meishan pigs for chemical
      composition and eating quality as assessed by both taste panel and consumer
      testing. The lipid and collagen content in the meat were higher in the Large
      White * Chinese crossbred pigs than in the purebred Large White pigs. In both
      experiments, meat from half-Chinese cross bred pigs was judged more tender, more
      juicy and more tasty than meat from purebred European pigs by the taste panel as
      well as by consumers. However, the latter judged that the overall acceptability
      of the meat from half-Chinese pigs was not better, probably due to the excessive
      amount of visible fat.

PMID- 22054512
TI  - Effect of added water, sodium erythorbate and storage time on the functional
      properties of prerigor beef preblends in a model system.
AB  - Singular and combined effects of added water, sodium erythorbate and storage time
      on salt soluble protein extractability, bacteriological and chemical
      characteristics of preblended hot-boned beef were evaluated. Waterholding and gel
      forming capacities of preblended hot-boned beef containing either 0, 10 or 20%
      added water were determined. Significant interactions between added water level
      and storage time on microbial counts and between sodium erythorbate level and
      storage time on thiobarbituric acid values and residual nitrite levels were
      noted. The presence of sodium erythorbate resulted in a more (P < 0.05) rapid
      rate of nitrite disappearance, but it did not affect (P > 0.05) microbial counts.
      Salt-soluble protein extractability was not affected (P > 0.05) by added water,
      but more protein could be extracted with increasing storage time. A trend existed
      to suggest that the presence of added water in the meat preblends slightly
      improved the gel formation and waterholding capacities.

PMID- 22054513
TI  - Production and characterization of monoclonal antibodies specific to chicken
      muscle soluble proteins.
AB  - Three stable hybridoma cell lines (AH4, BC9 and CF2) have been produced which
      secrete monoclonal antibodies specific for chicken and turkey muscle proteins.
      Partial characterization by ELISA and SDS-PAGE immunoblotting indicated that the
      antibodies failed to cross-react with similar extracts of pork, beef, lamb, horse
      or rabbit. One of the cell lines (AH4) secreted a monoclonal antibody that was
      also capable of distinguishing between chicken and turkey by indirect ELISA.

PMID- 22054514
TI  - Catalysts of lipid oxidation in meat products.
AB  - In emulsions consisting of refined lard, egg white and corn starch haemoglobin,
      initially a mixture of the oxy and met forms, at levels similar to the
      haemoprotein contents found in fresh meat, was a far more powerful catalyst of
      lipid oxidation, as measured by TBA number, than inorganic iron compounds at
      levels appropriate to those found in meat. This was true over the pH range 4.5 to
      7.5. When added and evenly distributed to exhaustively washed muscle fibres (WF),
      at levels appropriate to those found in meat, haemoglobin was again a powerful
      catalyst, but all forms of inorganic iron appeared to have little prooxidant
      activity. The rate of oxidation of the lipid was very dependent on the
      haemoprotein concentration, being maximal in the range 10(-4) to 10(-5) M. This
      equates to an approximate unsaturated lipid to haem molar ratio of several
      hundred to one, similar to the values reported for model linoleate haem systems.
      In heated systems the haemoprotein again appeared to be a more effective catalyst
      than inorganic iron at levels appropriate to those found in meat. It is concluded
      that the conflicting results as to the roles of haem pigments and inorganic iron
      in lipid oxidation found in the literature are due, at least in part, to the
      difficulty of evenly dispersing the catalysts in the washed fibres, especially if
      heat or freezing leads to subsequent phase separation, and that H(2)O(2), formed
      by autoxidation of the oxypigments, may be necessary for ferric haem pigments to
      be effective catalysts.

PMID- 22054515
TI  - Iron absorption from meat and meat products: Part I-Theoretical foundations for
      estimating available iron.
AB  - A theoretical foundation is developed to estimate available meat iron. Iron
      absorption factors are calculated for various kinds of raw meat. A methodology
      for estimating available iron from finished meat products, depending on the
      content of different meat ingredients, is suggested.

PMID- 22054516
TI  - Iron absorption from meat and meat products: Part 2-Iron absorption from high
      roughage meat products.
AB  - The main reasons for the inhibiting effect of dietary fibre on meat iron
      absorption in the intestine are examined. A model experiment estimates binding of
      iron by the dietary fibre (DF) of wheat bran. A radioactive tracer method was
      applied to volunteers to detect the availability of iron from fibrous meat foods.
      The evidence suggests that incorporating up to 2% of dietary fibre into meat
      products reduces iron absorption factors by no more than 1-2%. Adding ascorbic
      acid in the presence of DF lowers them only by 0.1-0.5%, i.e. it does not damage
      iron absorption processes.

PMID- 22054519
TI  - [Decreasing incidence of stent thrombosis].
AB  - Stent thrombosis (ST) remains a major pitfall of stent implantation in
      contemporary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) leading to high rates of
      death and non-fatal myocardial infarction. Many predictors of ST have been
      reported worldwide but the strongest have to be highlighted regarding the
      catastrophic prognosis of such an event. Because platelet aggregation has a
      pivotal role in ST pathogenesis, the new antiplatelet regimens combining aspirin
      and P2Y12 receptor inhibitors have led to a remarkable decrease in the ST
      incidence, especially in the setting of acute coronary syndrome (ACS). In this
      article, our purpose is to review the evolution of ST incidence since first stent
      use in PCI. We will also overview the main predictors of ST focusing on ACS and
      clopidogrel low response.

PMID- 22054520
TI  - Retaining clients in an outcome monitoring evaluation study: HIV prevention
      efforts in community settings.
AB  - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Division of HIV/AIDS
      Prevention (DHAP) conducted outcome monitoring studies on evidence-based
      interventions (EBIs) provided by CDC-funded community-based organizations (CBOs).
      Critical to the success of outcome monitoring was the ability of CBOs to recruit
      and retain clients in evaluation studies. Two EBIs, Video Opportunities for
      Innovative Condom Education and Safer Sex (VOICES/VOCES) and Healthy
      Relationships, were evaluated using repeated measure studies, which require
      robust follow-up retention rates to increase the validity and usefulness of the
      findings. The retention rates were high for both VOICES/VOCES CBOs (95.8% at 30
      days and 91.1% at 120 days), and Healthy Relationships CBOs (89.5% at 90 days and
      83.5% at 180 days). This paper presents an overview of the retention of clients,
      challenges to follow-up, and strategies developed by CBOs to achieve high
      retention rates. These strategies and rates are discussed within the context of
      the CBOs' target populations and communities.

PMID- 22054521
TI  - Using GIS to enhance programs serving emancipated youth leaving foster care.
AB  - This article describes a GIS prototype designed to assist with the identification
      and evaluation of housing that is affordable, safe, and effective in supporting
      the educational goals and parental status of youth transitioning from foster care
      following emancipation. Spatial analysis was used to identify rental properties
      based on three inclusion criteria (affordability, proximity to public
      transportation, and proximity to grocery stores), three exclusion criteria (areas
      of high crime, prostitution, and sexual predator residence), and three
      suitability criteria (proximity to health care, mental health care, and youth
      serving organizations). The results were applied to four different scenarios to
      test the utility of the model. Of the 145 affordable rental properties, 27 met
      the criteria for safe and effective housing. Of these, 19 were located near bus
      routes with direct service to post-secondary education or vocational training
      programs. Only 6 were considered appropriate to meet the needs of youth who had
      children of their own. These outcomes highlight the complexities faced by youth
      when they attempt to find affordable and suitable housing following emancipation.
      The LEASE prototype demonstrates that spatial analysis can be a useful tool to
      assist with planning services for youth making the transition to independent
      living.

PMID- 22054522
TI  - Analysing the effect of public health campaigns on reducing excess weight: a
      modelling approach for the Spanish Autonomous Region of the Community of
      Valencia.
AB  - Excess weight is fast becoming a serious health concern in the developed and
      developing world. The concern of the public health sector has lead to the
      development of public health campaigns, focusing on two-fold goals: to inform the
      public as to the health risks inherent in being overweight, and the benefits of a
      change in nutritional behaviour. Recent studies indicate that the effects of the
      average public health campaign on the target community is around 5%. In this
      study we aim to quantify the effect of different public health campaigns on
      lifestyle behaviour in the target populations in order to bring about weightloss
      in a significant number of people over the next few years. This study is based on
      recent works that consider excess weight as a consequence of the transmission of
      unhealthy lifestyles from one individual to another. Following this point of
      view, first a mathematical model is presented. Then, policies based on public
      health campaigns addressed to stop people gaining weight (prevention; this type
      of policy acts on individuals in order to maintain their weight and to stop an
      increase in weight) and, policies addressed to overweight individuals to reduce
      their weight (treatment; these campaigns act on overweight and/or obese
      individuals in order to reduce their weight) are simulated in order to evaluate
      their effectiveness. The study concludes that combination of preventive plus
      treatment campaigns are more effective than considering them separately.

PMID- 22054523
TI  - Evaluation of the Neurodegenerative Conditions Coordinated Care Program (NCCCP)
      in Western Australia: barriers to better service provision.
AB  - This paper details a 2009-2010 evaluation of the Neurodegenerative Conditions
      Coordinated Care Program (NCCCP) commissioned by the Disability Services
      Commission (DSC) in Western Australia (WA). The program, run by the Multiple
      Sclerosis Society of WA (Inc.) provides in-home care and supports and respite for
      people who are under the age of sixty-five and diagnosed with a rapidly
      degenerative neurological condition. In 2009, the identified barriers to the
      better provision of services included: shortage of quality out-of-home respite
      providers, and convoluted paperwork requirements to qualify for the program. Some
      service providers were unaware of the program and so were not referring them into
      the NCCCP, a number of service providers were unwilling to refer their clients
      into the program, neurologists were unwilling to give a final diagnosis for a
      client, that would enable them to qualify for the service, there was a general
      lack of knowledge about what services were available in the general community,
      and existing equipment pools were under-resourced. In 2010, the study found that
      most of the issues had been addressed however, out-of-home respite services were
      still very limited especially in rural areas, and the eligibility criteria for
      entry to the program is confined to those 65 years and under. This paper
      discusses the issues that still remain with the program as examples of barriers
      to better provision of services.

PMID- 22054524
TI  - Benefits and costs associated with mutual-help community-based recovery homes:
      The Oxford House model.
AB  - We used data from a randomized controlled study of Oxford House (OH), a self-run,
      self-supporting recovery home, to conduct a cost-benefit analysis of the program.
      Following substance abuse treatment, individuals that were assigned to an OH
      condition (n=68) were compared to individuals assigned to a usual care condition
      (n=61). Economic cost measures were derived from length of stay at an Oxford
      House residence, and derived from self-reported measures of inpatient and
      outpatient treatment utilization. Economic benefit measures were derived from
      self-reported information on monthly income, days participating in illegal
      activities, binary responses of alcohol and drug use, and incarceration. Results
      suggest that OH compared quite favorably to usual care: the net benefit of an OH
      stay was estimated to be roughly $29,000 per person on average. Bootstrapped
      standard errors suggested that the net benefit was statistically significant.
      Costs were incrementally higher under OH, but the benefits in terms of reduced
      illegal activity, incarceration and substance use substantially outweighed the
      costs. The positive net benefit for Oxford House is primarily driven by a large
      difference in illegal activity between OH and usual care participants. Using
      sensitivity analyses, under more conservative assumptions we still arrived at a
      net benefit favorable to OH of $17,830 per person.

PMID- 22054525
TI  - Process evaluation of a diversity training program: the value of a mixed method
      strategy.
AB  - Patients' health and health needs are influenced by categories of difference like
      sex, gender, ethnic origin and socioeconomic status (SES). To enhance awareness
      of this diversity among patients and to provide holistic care for them, health
      professionals should first be aware of the relation between dimensions of
      diversity and patients' health and health demands. This paper presents a
      formative process evaluation of a diversity sensitivity training programme for
      healthcare professionals. The training was implemented in three healthcare
      settings (mental healthcare, nursing home and hospital care). Mixed methods were
      used to monitor the implementation of the training and its effects after three
      years. Findings demonstrate that the training stimulated participants' awareness,
      knowledge and critical attitudes towards diversity. Their motivation and
      willingness to take action regarding diversity was also enhanced. Yet these
      developments were less apparent among nursing home participants who felt less
      satisfied and did not develop a critical perspective on this issue. Qualitative
      data were helpful to explain differences between the settings. By means of the
      combination of quantitative and qualitative data, we can conclude that individual
      learning was not enough to guarantee a sensitive approach to diversity at the
      organizational level.

PMID- 22054526
TI  - Assessing state substance abuse prevention infrastructure through the lens of
      CSAP's Strategic Prevention Framework.
AB  - Although the organizational structures and operating procedures of state
      substance abuse prevention systems vary substantially across states, there is
      scant empirical research regarding approaches for rigorous assessment of system
      attributes and which attributes are most conducive to overall effectiveness. As
      one component of the national cross-site evaluation of the SPF State Incentive
      Grant Program (SPF SIG), an instrument was developed to assess state substance
      abuse prevention system infrastructure in order to measure infrastructure change
      and examine the role of state infrastructure in achieving prevention-related
      outcomes. In this paper we describe the development of this instrument and
      summarize findings from its baseline administration. As expected, states and
      territories were found to vary substantially with respect seven key
      characteristics, or domains, of state prevention infrastructure. Across the six
      domains that were assessed using numeric ratings, states scored highest on data
      systems and lowest on strategic planning. Positive intercorrelations were
      observed among these domains, indicating that states with high capacity on one
      domain generally have relatively high capacity on other domains as well. The
      findings also suggest that state prevention infrastructure development is linked
      to both funding from state government and the presence of a state interagency
      coordinating body with decision-making authority. The methodology and baseline
      findings presented will be used to inform the ongoing national cross-site
      evaluation of the SPF SIG and may provide useful information to guide further
      research on state substance abuse prevention infrastructure.

PMID- 22054527
TI  - Designing and implementing an evaluation of a national work support program.
AB  - Welfare reforms in the 1990s have shifted governments around the world towards
      financial assistance conditional on work. While large-scale rigorous research on
      welfare-to-work programs has demonstrated effectiveness towards employment in
      other countries, no such micro-level evaluation of a policy has ever been
      conducted in Singapore. This article describes the process of developing a large
      experimental evaluation of the Work Support Program, which the Ministry of
      Community Development, Youth and Sports started in 2006. The lessons learned from
      planning and implementing the research can be helpful to future researchers in
      negotiating long-term rigorous evaluations in an environment where collaborators
      lack sufficient research knowledge. Insights include ways to focus on the
      essentials, find alternative experimental designs, collaborate effectively, and
      adapt instruments across cultures.

PMID- 22054528
TI  - Process evaluation of an environmental walking and healthy eating pilot in small
      rural worksites.
AB  - Small Steps are Easier Together (SS) was a pilot environmental intervention in
      small rural worksites in Upstate New York in collaboration with Extension
      educators. Worksite leaders teamed with co-workers to select and implement
      environmental changes to increase walking steps over individual baseline and to
      choose healthy eating options over 10 weeks. Participants were 226 primarily
      white, women employees in 5 sites. A mixed methods process evaluation, conducted
      to identify determinants of intervention effectiveness and to explain differences
      in outcomes across worksites, included surveys, self-reports of walking and
      eating, interviews, focus groups, and an intervention log. The evaluation
      assessed reach, characteristics of recruited participants, dose delivered, dose
      received, and context and compared sites on walking and eating outcomes. Emergent
      elements of participant-reported dose received included: active leadership,
      visible environmental changes, critical mass of participants, public display of
      accomplishments, accountability to co-workers, and group decision making.
      Participants at sites with high reach and dose were significantly more likely
      than sites with low reach and dose to achieve intervention goals. Although this
      small pilot needs replication, these findings describe how these evaluation
      methods can be applied and analyzed in an environmental intervention and provide
      information on trends in the data.

PMID- 22054529
TI  - Relational responsibilities in responsive evaluation.
AB  - This article explores how we can enhance our understanding of the moral
      responsibilities in daily, plural practices of responsive evaluation. It
      introduces an interpretive framework for understanding the moral aspects of
      evaluation practice. The framework supports responsive evaluators to better
      understand and handle their moral responsibilities. A case is introduced to
      illustrate our argument. Responsive evaluation contributes to the design and
      implementation of policy by working with stakeholders and coordinating the
      evaluation process as a relationally responsible practice. Responsive evaluation
      entails a democratic process in which the evaluator fosters and enters a
      partnership with stakeholders. The responsibilities of an evaluator generally
      involve issues such as 'confidentiality', 'accountability' and 'privacy'. The
      responsive evaluator has specific responsibilities, for example to include
      stakeholders and vulnerable groups and to foster an ongoing dialogue. In
      addition, responsive evaluation involves a relational responsibility, which
      becomes present in daily situations in which stakeholders express expectations
      and voice demands. In our everyday work as evaluators, it is difficult to respond
      to all these demands at the same time. In addition, this article demonstrates
      that novice evaluators experience challenges concerning over- and
      underidenfitication with stakeholders. Guidelines and quality criteria on how to
      act are helpful, but need interpretation and application to the unique situation
      at hand.

PMID- 22054530
TI  - Using agency data for evidence-based programming: a university-agency
      collaboration.
AB  - Agencies providing residential treatment are encouraged, or even mandated, to
      collect outcomes data and to implement evidence based practices, yet little
      guidance has been provided on how to do so using agency administrative data that
      are collected on an ongoing basis. We examined data on Child and Adolescent
      Functional Assessment Scale (CAFAS) scores for 1608 admissions to a residential
      treatment center from 2002 through 2008. CAFAS scores were measured every 90
      days, providing multiple CAFAS scores for each individual. Results demonstrated
      that on average residents improved in functioning over time. Sensitive to the
      evolving needs of residents who had been entering the program, the treatment
      center made significant program changes in 2006 to attempt to better serve
      residents through a broad array of specialized programming. Compared to the
      overall results, the analysis suggested that residents who entered the program
      since October 2006 appeared to have made larger improvements in their CAFAS
      scores. Results were derived by employing multilevel models appropriate for
      estimating growth trajectories with repeated measures data. Conversations with
      agency staff suggested that using administrative data, and advanced statistical
      models, were extremely helpful for organizational decision making and evidence
      based programming.

PMID- 22054532
TI  - Understanding the "what should be condition" in needs assessment data.
AB  - In needs assessment (N/A), the calculation of discrepancies is based on the
      assumption the "what should be" condition is a reasonable representation of
      respondent perceptions. That assumption may be erroneous and requires a closer
      inspection. This paper examines the use of importance scores in NA and some of
      the problems that can arise when they are used as a proxy to measure the "what
      should be" condition. A review of the literature and ways of dealing with
      importance scores are presented, followed by a discussion of the problems and
      issues that can arise. Some solution strategies are offered along with
      recommendations for practice and research. The paper provides guidance for others
      interested in improving needs assessment procedures.

PMID- 22054533
TI  - Evaluation of a system designed to link people living with HIV/AIDS with mental
      health services at an AIDS-service organization.
AB  - This study evaluated the Rapid Response System, an initiative designed to link
      people living with HIV/AIDS with mental health services at an AIDS service
      organization. Data were extracted from agency records for 314 clients who had
      contact with the Rapid Response System over a 6-month period. Of the 281 clients
      who scheduled an appointment for an evaluation to initiate mental health
      services, 64% completed the evaluation. In the multivariate analysis, Latinos
      were significantly less likely than whites to complete the mental health
      evaluation. Further, there was a significant decrease in the likelihood of
      completing the mental health evaluation as the number of days between the Rapid
      Response System contact and the date of the evaluation appointment increased.
      Strategies that reduce the period of time between the initial referral and
      initiation of services may facilitate linkage with mental health treatment,
      particularly in the context of larger multi-service organizations.

PMID- 22054531
TI  - A community prevention model to prevent children from inhaling and ingesting
      harmful legal products.
AB  - Children's misuse of harmful legal products (HLPs), including inhaling or
      ingesting everyday household products, prescription drugs, and over-the-counter
      drugs, constitutes a serious health problem for American society. This article
      presents a community prevention model (CPM) focusing on this problem among pre
      and early adolescents. The model, consisting of a community mobilization strategy
      and environmental strategies targeting homes, schools, and retail outlets, is
      designed to increase community readiness and reduce the availability of HLPs,
      which is hypothesized to reduce HLPs use among children. The CPM is being tested
      in Alaskan rural communities as part of an inprogress eight-year National
      Institute on Drug Abuse randomized-controlled trial. This paper presents the CPM
      conceptual framework, describes the model, and highlights community
      participation, challenges, and lessons learned from implementation of the model
      over a 21-month period.

PMID- 22054534
TI  - Survey of enterovirus infections from hand, foot and mouth disease outbreak in
      China, 2009.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In China, a rapid expansion of Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD)
      outbreaks has occurred since 2004 and HFMD has become an important issue for
      China. However, people are still only concerned with human enterovirus 71(HEV-71)
      and coxsackie virus A16 (CV-A16). Much of what is known about the other
      enterovirus infections relies on fractional evidence and old epidemic data, with
      little knowledge concerning their distribution. To alert potential threatens of
      the other enteroviruses, our study genetically characterized specimens from
      different regions of China and yielded novel information concerning the
      circulating and phylogenetic characteristics of enteroviral strains from HFMD
      cases. FINDINGS: A total of 301 clinical throat swabs were randomly obtained from
      patients suffering from HFMD from the southern, northern and central regions of
      China during outbreaks in 2009. 266 of 301 (88.4%) HFMD cases were found positive
      for HEV and seven genotypes, HEV-71, CV-A16, -B5, -A4, -A6, -A10, and -A12, were
      detected. CONCLUSIONS: The HFMD pathogen compositions in the different regions of
      China were significantly different. HFMD epidemics might persist for a long time
      in China due to the multiple pathogen compositions, the enteroviral
      characteristic of recombination and co-infection, the ever-increasing travel and
      migration and the deficiency of effective vaccine. Our study deserves the
      attention on HFMD control and vaccine development.

PMID- 22054535
TI  - In situ formation and collagen-alginate composite encapsulation of pancreatic
      islet spheroids.
AB  - In this study, we suggest in situ islet spheroid formation and encapsulation on a
      single platform without replating as a method for producing mono-disperse
      spheroids and minimizing damage to spheroids during encapsulation. Using this
      approach, the size of spheroid can be controlled by modulating the size of the
      concave well. Here, we used 300 MUm concave wells to reduce spheroid size and
      thereby eliminating the central necrosis caused by large volume. As the
      encapsulation material, we used alginate and collagen-alginate composite (CAC),
      and evaluated their suitability through diverse in vitro tests, including
      measurements of viability, oxygen consumption rate (OCR), hypoxic damage to
      encapsulated spheroids, and insulin secretion. For in situ encapsulation,
      alginate or CAC was spread over a concave microwell array containing spheroids,
      and CaCl(2) solution was diffused through a nano-porous dialysis membrane to
      achieve uniform polymerization, forming convex structures. By this process, the
      formation of uniform-size islet spheroids and their encapsulation without an
      intervening replating step was successfully performed. As a control, intact
      islets were evaluated concurrently. The in vitro test demonstrated excellent
      performance of CAC-encapsulated spheroids, and on the basis of these results, we
      transplanted the islet spheroids-encapsulated with CAC into the intraperitoneal
      cavity of mice with induced diabetes for 4 weeks, and evaluated subsequent
      glucose control. Intact islets were also transplanted as control to investigate
      the effect of encapsulation. Transplanted CAC-encapsulated islet spheroids
      maintained glucose levels below 200 mg/dL for 4 weeks, at which they were still
      active. At the end of the implantation experiment, we carried out intraperitoneal
      glucose tolerance test (IPGTT) in mice to investigate whether the implanted
      islets remained responsive to glucose. The glucose level in mice with CAC
      encapsulated islet spheroids dropped below 200 mg/dL 60 min after glucose
      injection and was stably maintained. In conclusion, the proposed encapsulation
      method enhances the viability and function of islet spheroids, and protects these
      spheroids from immune attack.

PMID- 22054536
TI  - The use of air-flow impedance to control fiber deposition patterns during
      electrospinning.
AB  - Electrospun non-woven structures have the potential to form bioresorbable
      vascular grafts that promote tissue regeneration in situ as they degrade and are
      replaced by autologous tissue. Current bioresorbable grafts lack appropriate
      regeneration potential since they do not have optimal architecture, and their
      fabrication must be altered by the manipulation of process parameters, especially
      enhancing porosity. We describe here an air-impedance process where the solid
      mandrel is replaced with a porous mandrel that has pressurized air exiting the
      pores to impede fiber deposition. The mandrel design, in terms of air-flow rate,
      pore size, and pore distribution, allows for control over fiber deposition and
      scaffold porosity, giving greater cell penetration without a detrimental loss of
      mechanical properties or structural integrity.

PMID- 22054537
TI  - Primary acute omental torsion in an overweight girl.

PMID- 22054538
TI  - The many challenges of open access.

PMID- 22054541
TI  - Antibodies 2.0.

PMID- 22054542
TI  - Cloning efficiency.

PMID- 22054543
TI  - Advancing the state of the art. Interview by Kristie Nybo.

PMID- 22054545
TI  - [Letter to the editor] Ethylene emitted by nylon membrane filters questions their
      usefulness to transfer plant seedlings between media.

PMID- 22054544
TI  - Modern fluorescent proteins: from chromophore formation to novel intracellular
      applications.
AB  - The diverse biochemical and photophysical properties of fluorescent proteins
      (FPs) have enabled the generation of a growing palette of colors, providing
      unique opportunities for their use in a variety of modern biology applications.
      Modulation of these FP characteristics is achieved through diversity in both the
      structure of the chromophore as well as the contacts between the chromophore and
      the surrounding protein barrel. Here we review our current knowledge of blue,
      green, and red chromophore formation in permanently emitting FPs,
      photoactivatable FPs, and fluorescent timers. Progress in understanding the
      interplay between FP structure and function has allowed the engineering of FPs
      with many desirable features, and enabled recent advances in microscopy
      techniques such as super-resolution imaging of single molecules, imaging of
      protein dynamics, photochromic FRET, deep-tissue imaging, and multicolor two
      photon microscopy in live animals.

PMID- 22054546
TI  - Purification of BAC DNA for high-efficiency transgenesis.
AB  - An unresolved bottleneck in bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC) transgenesis is
      low efficiency generation of founder mice because of suboptimal quality of the
      manipulated BAC DNA. Using mini-gel electrophoresis and electro-elution that
      circumvents CsCl(2) centrifugation, column chromatography, and resin
      purifications, we have used RECOCHIP, a commercially available dialysis cassette
      for the purification of BAC DNA that generates transgenic founders with up to 80%
      efficiency.

PMID- 22054547
TI  - Isolation of Sertoli, Leydig, and spermatogenic cells from the mouse testis.
AB  - A thorough understanding of the events during mammalian spermatogenesis requires
      studying specific molecular signatures of individual testicular cell populations
      as well as their interaction in co-cultures. However, most purification
      techniques to isolate specific testicular cell populations are time-consuming,
      require large numbers of animals, and/or are only able to isolate a few cell
      types. Here we describe a cost-effective and timesaving approach that uses a
      single protocol to enrich multiple testicular cell populations (Sertoli, Leydig,
      and several spermatogenic cell populations) from as few as one mouse. Our
      protocol combines rigorous enzymatic digestion of seminiferous tubules with
      counter-current centrifugal elutriation, yielding specific testicular cell
      populations with >80%-95% purity.

PMID- 22054548
TI  - FlyCounter: a simple software for counting large populations of small clumped
      objects in the laboratory.
AB  - While several software programs exist to count bacterial colonies on a Petri
      plate, no suitable solution is available for quick and reliable enumeration of
      small, live insects. We have written a program called FlyCounter that can obtain
      counts from images, even if insects are highly clumped in space. We also describe
      a simple and inexpensive system for anesthetizing and capturing high-quality
      images of the small insects. Taken together, our process is fast, fully
      automatic, and has a low percentage of error (~1%-4% on average). Although we
      have tested our software on fruit flies, it should be simple to extend to other
      organisms of similar size.

PMID- 22054549
TI  - Environmental and epidemiological surveillance of Vibrio cholerae in a cholera
      endemic region in India with freshwater environs.
AB  - AIM: To conduct epidemiological and ecological surveillance of cholera in
      freshwater environments. METHODS AND RESULTS: A freshwater region of India was
      surveyed between April 2007 and December 2008. Vibrio cholerae was isolated from
      59.5% of water and plankton samples (n = 357) and 35.5% of stool samples (n =
      290). Isolation from water was dependent on air (r = 0.44) and water temperatures
      (r = 0.49) (P < 0.01) but was independent of rainfall (r = 0.15), chlorophyll a
      (r = 0.18), salinity (r = 0.2) or pH (r = 0.2) (P > 0.05). Isolation from
      plankton was dependent on temperature of air (r = 0.45), water temperature (r =
      0.44), chlorophyll a concentration (r = 0.42), pH (r = 0.23) and salinity (r =
      0.39) (P < 0.01). Cholera cases correlated with rainfall (r = 0.82, P < 0.01) and
      chlorophyll a concentration (r = 0.42, P < 0.05), but not with air temperature (r
      = 0.3, P = 0.37). Vibrio cholerae O1 possessed ctxB, ctxA, rstR and tcpA (ElTor),
      toxR, toxT, rtxA, rtxC, mshA and hylA. Among non-O1-non-O139, the distribution of
      virulence-associated and regulatory protein genes was heterogeneous with - 0.7,
      2.2, 94.77, 97.76, 99.25, 100 and 100% isolates being positive for tcpA, toxT,
      rtxA, rtxC, hylA, toxR and mshA, respectively. Two-thirds of non-O1-non-O139
      isolates exhibited antibiotic resistance to various antibiotics that did not
      correlate with geographical site or time of origin for the isolates. RAPD and
      AFLP showed V. cholerae to be a diverse bacterium. AFLP demonstrated separate
      lineages for non-O1-non-O139 and O1 isolates. CONCLUSION: Environmental
      parameters played a significant role in the emergence and spread of cholera and
      the abundance of V. cholerae. But based on virulence gene profiling and genetic
      fingerprinting, the possibility of origin of toxigenic isolates from nontoxigenic
      environmental isolates seems unlikely in freshwater environs of India.
      SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: This study explains the ecology,
      epidemiology and seasonality of cholera in freshwater environs.

PMID- 22054550
TI  - Meat tenderness and the gap filaments.
AB  - A theory is developed relating the myofibrillar component of meat tenderness to a
      third set of filaments in the sarcomere: the 'gap filaments'. It is prooposed
      that the gap filaments set the limit to the tensile strength of the raw or heat
      denatured myofibril. The basic process of ageing appears to be an attack by
      'calcium-activated factor' (CAF) on the integrity of these filaments. An attempt
      is made to give an integrated picture of the role of both gap filaments and
      connective tissue in determining the tensile properties of raw, lightly cooked
      and well cooked meat.

PMID- 22054551
TI  - Comparison of carcase yield, carcase composition and quality characteristics of
      buffalo meat and beef.
AB  - The yield of carcase and by-products was found to be only slightly different
      between buffaloes and non-improved (Busha) cattle of comparable age, feeding
      treatment and sex. The percentage of separable fat was slightly higher, and that
      of bone slightly lower, in the buffaloes. In comparing the meat from buffalo and
      Simmental cattle of the same age and finish, a rather higher protein content was
      found in the former, but this reflected a somewhat higher concentration of
      connective tissue in the buffalo meat. The diameter of muscle fibres in buffalo
      tended to be less than that of corresponding muscle in Simmental cattle (except
      in M. Supraspinatus of cows). These findings suggest that buffalo meat is no
      coarser than beef when valid comparisons are made.

PMID- 22054552
TI  - Note on the effect of ageing on the neutral salt and acid soluble collagen from
      the intramuscular connective tissue of various species.
AB  - The neutral salt soluble (NSSC) and acid soluble collagens (ASC) from the
      intramuscular connective tissue of various species were extracted, purified and
      studied by optical rotatory dispersion, viscosity and polyacrylamide gel
      electrophoresis. No significant changes in the quantity of such soluble
      fractions, in the optical rotatory dispersion or in viscosity of the purified
      samples were observed during two weeks storage at 1  degrees C. Electrophoretical
      analysis suggested a decrease in the relative concentration of the alpha chains
      of the ASC. It was concluded that if there are changes in the NSSC or ASC of
      muscle during ageing these are not detected by the techniques employed.

PMID- 22054553
TI  - Lamb and mutton flavour: Contributing factors and chemical aspects.
AB  - A review of the occurrence and chemistry of lamb/mutton flavour is presented. The
      low consumption of both lamb and mutton has been attributed to the flavour of
      these meats. There is general agreement that the flavour of meat from younger
      animals is more desirable than that from older ones. Further, the flavour
      intensity of meat from wethers is less than that of ewes, less than rams. Breed
      appears to have an effect; mutton flavour is more predominant in the fine-wool
      breeds and is apparently directly related to the fineness of the wool. However,
      no significant sire effects within or between breeds have been reported.
      Nutritional factors appear to play a major role in the flavour intensity of sheep
      meat. Certain foodstuffs (legumes and grains) can intensify the flavour, whereas
      withdrawal of sheep from grazing before slaughter can reduce it. There is no
      reliable evidence to implicate slaughtering and processing factors (except
      heating) in flavour development. although the exact chemical compounds
      responsible for lamb/mutton flavour are not yet known, they are undoubtedly lipid
      soluble, with the carbonyl and/or sulphur-containing compounds as the most
      promising candidates. Further, there appears to be no consistent expression of a
      'characteristic' lamb/mutton flavour.

PMID- 22054554
TI  - Molecular weight distribution of soluble polypeptides from the 'Parma county ham'
      before, during and after maturation.
AB  - SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis has been employed to study the molecular
      weight distribution of soluble polypeptides from the 'Parma county ham', a salted
      pork product. Limited proteolysis was observed, but this was mainly confined to
      the sarcoplasmic proteins. The results are discussed in the light of previous
      studies on the same type of products.

PMID- 22054555
TI  - The influence of the collagen fibre network of muscle on the compliance and
      tensile strength of muscle samples subjected to loads at right angles to the
      muscle fibre axis.
AB  - The pattern of subdivision of a muscle into fibre bundles by the perimysium was
      examined as a possible source of within sample variability of meat toughness
      attributable to the connective tissue component. It was shown that the pattern of
      subdivision into fibre bundles relates to the tendom surfaces and influences the
      compliance and toughness of a meat sample. In addition it was shown that greater
      plasticity of raw meat samples results in greater compliance under load. The
      procedure of defining sample orientation relative to the geometry of the
      component parts enables some of the within sample variability to be explained and
      controlled.

PMID- 22054556
TI  - Relative role of catalysts and reductants in the formation of metmyoglobin in
      aerobically stored beef.
AB  - The formation of metmyoglobin (metMb) in sterile minced and intact slices of beef
      has been determined during storage at 1 degrees C. The oxidation of oxymyoglobin
      in minced beef is first order, the rate constants for different muscles, although
      being pH dependent, are similar for all the muscles studied. The rate is about
      four or five times faster than that reported for oxymyoglobin in solution,
      indicating that catalysis occurs. In intact slices the reaction profile is more
      complex as a pseudoequilibrium level of metmyoglobin forms after a few days at 1
      degrees C, the concentration of metMb remaining constant for several days and
      then being followed by further rapid oxidation to 100% metMb. Due to variations
      in an aerobic reducing system present in intact beef the duration of the
      pseudoequilibrium varies markedly from muscle to muscle; this reducing system is
      destroyed by mincing. The rate of metMb formation in intact muscles varies with
      sample shape, thin slices being more colour stable ones. Reasons for this
      dependence on sample shape are discussed.

PMID- 22054557
TI  - Freezing rate, frozen storage and lamb tenderness.

PMID- 22054558
TI  - Identification of PSE in the Longissimus muscle of pigs stunned by captive-bolt.
AB  - Meat quality characteristics in the longissimus muscle of 57 pigs slaughtered at
      approximately 100 kg liveweight were studied. They were slaughtered by captive
      bolt stunning and exsanguination. The incidence of pale, soft and exudative (PSE)
      meat was identified by muscle colour and water holding capacity 24 h post mortem
      (C(24) and WHC(24)). The muscle pH value 45 min post mortem (pH(1)), absorption
      ratio (R-value) of muscle acid extract, and colour and water holding capacity 1 h
      post mortem (C(1) and WHC(1)) were also determined. The interrelationships among
      pH(1), R-value, C(1), WHC(1), C(24) and WHC(24) were studied and the multiple
      regressions of C(1), C(24), WHC(1) and WHC(24) with pH(1) and R-value were
      computed. The results of simple and multiple regression analysis showed that
      neither muscle pH(1) nor R-value could effectively predict colour or WHC at 24 h
      post mortem. Combining pH(1) and R-value provided little improvement in the
      prediction of the ultimate meat colour and WHC.

PMID- 22054559
TI  - Effect of sex grouping during growth on 5alpha-androstenone development in boars
      at three commercial slaughter weights.
AB  - Groups of boars and gilts were grown in either single-sex or mixed groups to
      slaughter weights of 81, 93 or 110 kg liveweight to examine the effects of sex
      grouping on growth performance, animal behaviour and the development of
      androstenone-taint in the males. Results confirmed the well known growth
      advantages of entire males and showed that no husbandry problems of any
      significance were incurred with the boars and gilts raised together, particularly
      in those groups slaughtered before reaching 100 kg liveweight. In pigs taken to
      heavier weights, boars were successfully reared with gilts without incurring
      management problems, although growth performance was slightly poorer for the
      boar/gilt groups compared with mixed castrates and gilts, and some of the boars
      had high concentrations of androstenone in the fat. Thus, for pigs intended for
      slaughter at heavy commercial weight, the evidence suggests that split-sex
      rearing (and therefore feeding) should be practised. No useful correlations of
      androstenone concentration in fat were found with thickness of backfat, age,
      carcass weight or liveweight at slaughter.

PMID- 22054560
TI  - Structural changes developing with rigor that facilitate bacterial invasion of
      muscle tissue.
AB  - Pre-rigor skeletal muscle fibres shrank in hypertonic and swelled in hypotonic
      fixative solutions, but the radial dimensions of post-rigor muscle fibres did not
      change with variations in the effective osmolalities of fixative solutions.
      Muscle fibres apparently undergo radial shrinkage during the development of rigor
      and, in so doing, can pull away from their surrounding endomysia. The resulting
      gaps between post-rigor muscle fibres and endomysia probably contain muscle cell
      cytoplasm. Bacteria penetrate muscle tissue via these gap regions.

PMID- 22054561
TI  - Muscle sample preparation for scanning electron microscopy.
AB  - Scanning electron microscopy has a number of features which make it more suited
      to studying the relationships between muscle structure and the rheological
      properties of meat than either light microscopy or transmission electron
      microscopy. One of these features is the ability to examine large samples at high
      magnifications without the need to section the material. A simple tissue
      preparation procedure is presented which allows this feature of SEM to be fully
      utilized and consistently produces high quality results.

PMID- 22054562
TI  - Pressure-heat treatment of meat: A comparison of beef and buffalo meat.
AB  - A pressure-heat treatment, which disrupts the myofibrillar structure of meat but
      leaves the connective tissues essentially intact, was used to compare the
      connective tissue component of toughness in the Semimembranosus and Longissimus
      dorsi muscles from nine Brahman cross and nine buffalo steers, 24 to 29 months of
      age. For assessment of samples, peak force, initial yield force and peak force
      minus initial yield force values were determined from Warner-Bratzler shear force
      deformation curves. In the control, non-pressure-heat treated samples, the only
      breed difference detected was in peak minus initial yield force value, which was
      significantly lower for the beef Semimembranosus muscles. However, for the
      pressure-heat treated samples of both muscles, peak force and peak minus initial
      yield force values were significantly lower for beef than for buffalo. The
      pressure-heat treatment could thus be used to detect differences in the
      contribution of connective tissue to toughness which would otherwise be obscured
      by the differences in the myofibrillar toughness.

PMID- 22054563
TI  - Electrical stimulation of rats: Part 2-The effect of electrical parameters on
      muscle tension and post-Mortem glycolysis.
AB  - Anaesthetized rats were used as a model to determine the effect of changes in
      electrical stimulation parameters on the pH fall of the M. longissimus dorsi and
      M. triceps surae and tension development by the M. triceps surae. Stimulation 5
      min before decapitation resulted in a reduced post-stimulation fall in pH.
      Tension development resulting from stimulation of the sciatic nerve decreased
      rapidly 5 min after decapitation and ceased 30 min after decapitation, whereas a
      current pathway through the muscle was still effective. Post-stimulation pH fall
      was less in the leg not in the stimulation pathway, indicating a lack of
      crossover effect from one leg to the other; but the difference diminished as
      stimulation voltage increased. For direct stimulation, 20 V produced a maximal
      response in the stimulated leg; at least twice that voltage was required for a
      maximal pH fall in the leg not in the stimulation pathway. The total resistance
      of the rat with a needle electrode at the nape of the neck and crocodile clips
      attached to the unskinned legs was 3400 omega, whereas with skinned hindlegs the
      resistance was 860omega. With this high skin resistance at least 40 V was needed
      for effective stimulation whereas, for low voltage stimulation of much larger
      animals, only twice this voltage is used. High contact resistance and unknown
      current density factors make simple correlations of animal size and voltage
      effects impossible. The optimal stimulation frequency for rats was 20-30 pulses a
      second. If the cranial electrode was positive, about 15% more tension was
      developed than when the cranial electrode was negative. With alternating-polarity
      pulses, there was a high-low tension response, which was more pronounced at low
      voltages but evened out as the muscles became exhausted. Alternating and cranial
      positive pulses produced similar pH falls but cranial-negative pulses were
      inferior.

PMID- 22054564
TI  - Binding of comminuted meat: Effect of high pressure.
AB  - Patties prepared from comminuted meat were pressure-treated at up to 150 MPa at 0
      3 degrees C and the cohesion between meat particles in the cooked patty
      investigated from tensile strength measurements. Pressure treatment increased
      tensile strength, the magnitude of the increase depending upon the intensity and
      duration of pressure treatment, the concentration of salt in the patty and pH
      value. The effect was most pronounced in patties of pH 5 to 6 and with 1% salt in
      the aqueous phase. Under these conditions cooking losses were reduced. When
      compared with the effect of addition of 0.5% tetrasodium pyrophosphate in a patty
      with 1% salt, pressure treatment retained its effect at lower pH values.

PMID- 22054565
TI  - Exploring the relationship between public environmental ethics and river flood
      policies in western Europe.
AB  - Two styles of river flood management can be distinguished: dike reinforcement and
      the more sustainable 'Room for River' option. This paper investigates public
      adherences to these two management styles and whether their adherence correlates
      with their Visions of Nature. The focus is especially on people's image of the
      appropriate human/nature relationship, i.e. Mastery over nature, Stewardship of
      nature, Partnership of nature or Participation in nature. Other variables that
      are part of the analysis are the respondents' sense of place, safety perception
      and background variables. The results of a written survey among riverside
      residents in France, Germany and the Netherlands (N = 1811) show high adherences
      to the Room for River style and a rejection of dike reinforcement. A regression
      analysis shows that adherence to the Room for River style correlates with
      adherence to the image of Stewardship, while adherence to dike reinforcement is
      predicted by Mastery over nature. Thus, according to the public a policy shift
      from dike reinforcement to a more sustainable style is seen as a fundamental one,
      connected to a change in environmental ethics.

PMID- 22054566
TI  - Assessment of arsenic immobilization in synthetically prepared cemented paste
      backfill specimens.
AB  - Mine tailings coming from the exploitation of sulphide and/or gold deposits can
      contain significant amounts of arsenic (As), highly soluble in conditions of
      weathering. Open mine voids backfilling techniques are now widely practiced by
      modern mining companies to manage the tailings. The most common one is called
      cemented paste backfill (CPB), and consists of tailings mixed with low amounts of
      hydraulic binders (3-5%) and a high proportion of water (typically 25%). The CPB
      is transported through a pipe network, to be placed in the mine openings. CPB
      provides storage benefits and underground support during mining operations.
      Moreover, this technique could also enhance contaminant stabilization, by fixing
      the contaminants in the binder matrix. CPB composites artificially spiked with As
      were synthesized in laboratory, using two types of hydraulic binders: a Portland
      cement, and a mix of fly ash and Portland cement. After curing duration of 66
      days, the CPB samples were subjected to several leaching tests in various
      experimental conditions in order to better understand and then predict the As
      geochemical behaviour within CPBs. The assessment of the As release indicates
      that this element is better stabilized in Portland cement-based matrices rather
      than fly ash-based matrices. The As mobility differs in these two matrices,
      mainly because of the different As-bearing minerals formed during hydration
      processes. However, the total As depletion does not exceed 5% at the end of the
      most aggressive leaching test, indicating that As is well immobilized in the two
      types of CPB.

PMID- 22054567
TI  - Food safety assessment of planting patterns of four vegetable-type crops grown in
      soil contaminated by electronic waste activities.
AB  - A field experiment was conducted to assess the effect of crop and planting
      pattern on levels of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and copper (Cu) in crops grown in
      soil contaminated by electronic waste. The crops were maize (Zea mays L. var.
      Shentian-1), tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L. var. Zhongshu-4), cabbage (Brassica
      oleracea L. var. Jingfeng-1), and pakchoi (Brassica chinensis (L.) Makino. var.
      Youdonger-Hangzhou). The planting patterns were crop monoculture, crop co-planted
      with a legume, and crop co-planted with another crop. Metal concentrations in the
      edible parts of the crops varied with types of metals and crops. Pb concentration
      was higher in leafy vegetables (cabbage and pakchoi) than in maize or tomato, Cd
      concentration was higher in tomato and pakchoi than in maize or cabbage, and Cu
      concentration was higher in maize and pakchoi than in tomato or cabbage. Metal
      concentrations in the edible part were also influenced by planting pattern.
      Relative to monoculture, co-planting and especially co-planting with Japanese
      clover tended to decrease Pb accumulation and increase Cd accumulation. According
      to the maximum permissible concentration (MPC) standard of the National Standard
      Agency in China, only maize (under all planting patterns) could be safely
      consumed. Because co-planting tended to increase Cd accumulation even in maize,
      however, the results suggest that maize monoculture is the optimal crop and
      planting pattern for this kind of contaminated soil.

PMID- 22054568
TI  - Kinetics of monomer biodegradation in soil.
AB  - In modern intensive agriculture, plastics are used in several applications (i.e.
      mulch films, drip irrigation tubes, string, clips, pots, etc.). Interest towards
      applying biodegradable plastics to replace the conventional plastics is
      promising. Ten monomers, which can be applied in the synthesis of potentially
      biodegradable polyesters, were tested according to ASTM 5988-96 (standard
      respirometric test to evaluate aerobic biodegradation in soil by measuring the
      carbon dioxide evolution): adipic acid, azelaic acid, 1,4-butanediol, 1,2
      ethanediol, 1,6-hexanediol, lactic acid, glucose, sebacic acid, succinic acid and
      terephthalic acid. Eight replicates were carried out for each monomer for 27-45
      days. The numerical code AQUASIM was applied to process the CO2 experimental data
      in order to estimate values for the parameters describing the different
      mechanisms occurring to the monomers in soil: i) the first order solubilization
      kinetic constant, K(sol) (d-1); ii) the first order biodegradation kinetic
      constant, K(b) (d-1); iii) the lag time in biodegradation, t(lag) (d); and iv)
      the carbon fraction biodegraded but not transformed into CO2, Y (-). The
      following range of values were obtained: [0.006 d-1, 6.9 d-1] for K(sol), [0.1 d
      1, 1.2 d-1] for K(b), and [0.32-0.58] for Y; t(lag) was observed for azelaic
      acid, 1,2-ethanediol, and terephthalic acid, with estimated values between 3.0 e
      4.9 d.

PMID- 22054569
TI  - Use of Escherichia coli BOX-PCR fingerprints to identify sources of fecal
      contamination of water bodies in the State of Sao Paulo, Brazil.
AB  - Repetitive element sequence-based polymerase chain reaction (rep-PCR) is one of
      the commonest methods used to identify sources of fecal contamination of water
      systems. In this work, BOX-A1R-based repetitive extragenic palindromic-PCR (BOX
      PCR) was used to discriminate Escherichia coli strains originating from different
      animals and water sources, and the suitability of the technique for bacterial
      source tracking (BST) was evaluated. A total of 214 strains from humans, 150
      strains from animals, 55 strains from sewage and 77 strains from water bodies
      were analyzed by the BOX-PCR technique. When maximum similarity between the
      fingerprints was used, a correct classification rate of 84% was achieved for
      strains from human and animal sources. Furthermore, 95% of the strains found in
      sewage were classified as being from human sources by at least one of the four
      classification tools used. Classification of the strains found in water bodies in
      the State of Sao Paulo was based on the fingerprints obtained for human and
      animal sources. Most of the sampling sites appeared to be affected by mixed
      sources of fecal contamination. The use of BOX-PCR for BST could be especially
      valuable in developing countries, where simplicity and cost are important
      considerations.

PMID- 22054570
TI  - The relationship between milk production and farm-gate nitrogen surplus for the
      Waikato region, New Zealand.
AB  - As the scope and scale of New Zealand (NZ) dairy farming increases, farmers and
      the industry are being challenged by Government and the New Zealand public to
      address growing environmental concerns. Dairying has come under increasing
      scrutiny from local authorities tasked with sustainable resource management.
      Despite recent efforts of farmers and industry to improve resource use
      efficiency, there is increasing likelihood of further regulatory constraints on
      water use and nutrient management. This study uses available data on farm-gate
      nitrogen (N) surpluses and milk production from the Waikato, New Zealand's
      largest dairying region, together with a farm scale modeling exercise, to provide
      a perspective on the current situation compared to dairy farms in Europe. It also
      aims to provide relevant guidelines for N surpluses and efficiencies under NZ
      conditions. Waikato dairy farms compare favorably with farms in Europe in terms
      of N use efficiency expressed as L milk/kg farm-gate N surplus. Achievable and
      realistic good practice objectives for Waikato dairy farmers could be 15,000 L
      milk/ha (1200 kg milk fat plus protein/ha) with a farm-gate N surplus of 100
      kg/ha giving an eco-efficiency (L milk/kg N surplus) of 150, and long-term
      average nitrate leaching losses of approximately 25-30 kg/ha/yr. This can be
      achieved by increasing the N conversion efficiency through lower replacement
      rates (16 versus 22%), lower stocked (< 3 cows/ha) high genetic merit cows (30 L
      milk/day at peak) milked for longer (277 versus 240 days), feeding effluent
      irrigated, home-grown, low-protein supplements to cows on high-protein, grass
      clover pastures to dilute N concentration in the diet, removing some of the
      urinary N from the paddocks during critical times by standing cows on a loafing
      pad for part of the day, and through lower N fertilizer rates (50-70 kg/ha/yr
      compared to the norm of 170-200 kg/ha/yr) and using a nitrification inhibitor and
      gibberellins to boost pasture growth and the former to reduce N leaching.

PMID- 22054571
TI  - Determining the native/non-native status of newly discovered terrestrial and
      freshwater species in Antarctica - current knowledge, methodology and management
      action.
AB  - Continental Antarctic terrestrial and freshwater environments currently have few
      established non-native species compared to the sub-Antarctic islands and other
      terrestrial ecosystems on Earth. This is due to a unique combination of factors
      including Antarctica's remoteness, harsh climate, physical geography and brief
      history of human activity. However, recent increases in national operator and
      tourism activities increase the risk of non-native propagules reaching
      Antarctica, while climate change may make successful establishment more likely.
      The frequency and probability of human-assisted transfer mechanisms appear to far
      outweigh those of natural propagule introductions by wind, water, birds and
      marine mammals. A dilemma for scientists and environmental managers, which is
      exacerbated by a poor baseline knowledge of Antarctic biodiversity, is how to
      determine the native/non-native status of a newly discovered species which could
      be (a) a previously undiscovered long-term native species, (b) a recent natural
      colonist or (c) a human-mediated introduction. A correct diagnosis is crucial as
      the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty dictates
      dramatically different management responses depending on native/non-native
      status: native species and recent natural colonists should be protected and
      conserved, while non-native introductions should be eradicated or controlled. We
      review current knowledge on how available evidence should be used to
      differentiate between native and non-native species, and discuss and recommend
      issues that should be considered by scientists and managers upon discovery of a
      species apparently new to the Antarctic region.

PMID- 22054572
TI  - Solids and nutrient removal from flushed swine manure using polyacrylamides.
AB  - Most of the organic nutrient elements (nitrogen and phosphorus) and carbon
      compounds in liquid swine are contained in fine suspended particles. Flocculation
      treatment with polyacrylamide (PAM) followed by screening is one the best methods
      to separate the liquid fraction from the solid fraction in swine manure, and thus
      to eliminate nutrient elements associated with solids. In this study, the
      efficiency of a synthetic polyacrylamide to treat swine manure was evaluated.
      After polymer treatment samples were sieved and the filtrated liquid was
      analyzed. TSS, VSS and COD concentrations in the liquid fraction were 2.17, 1.93
      and 16.42 g/L respectively, accounting for 94, 94 and 77% removal percentages for
      TSS, VSS and COD using 30 mg/L of PAM.

PMID- 22054573
TI  - Integrating local ecological knowledge and management practices of an isolated
      semi-arid papyrus swamp (Loboi, Kenya) into a wider conservation framework.
AB  - The current study documented local utilization of Cyperus papyrus L. (papyrus),
      harvesting patterns, threats, and local management practices among the Endorois
      community living around Loboi swamp (Kenya). Papyrus is a highly productive
      freshwater macrophyte that is widely utilized throughout tropical Africa.
      However, increased human population and poverty, has led to over exploitation and
      conversion of papyrus wetlands to agricultural fields. Nonetheless, users of
      papyrus hold important local ecological knowledge (LEK) and practices. We show
      that Endorois practices on papyrus uses are compatible with the management
      priorities of the swamp and a wider conservation framework using data obtained
      from three focus group discussions (FGD), interviews of 34 households and 15 key
      informants. The study revealed that papyrus support local livelihood notably as a
      source of income (papyrus mats are sold), cattle fodder, roofing materials
      (shelter), and cooking fuel. The study further revealed important LEK relating to
      harvesting patterns, recovery after harvesting and traditional management
      practices. Correlation and principal component analyses showed that experienced
      old harvesters (EXPERT) avoided harvesting repeatedly at the same location
      (REVISIT), thereby allowing recovery of papyrus when compared to younger
      harvesters (r = 0.63, p < 0.01). However, over 70% of harvesters predicted a
      decrease in papyrus coverage in the future due to the current diversion of water
      from the swamp, and frequent droughts, despite the instituted traditional
      management strategies (e.g. rotational harvesting) to curb overharvesting. The
      study concluded that the documentation of site-scale papyrus users' profile, LEK,
      and traditional practices are vital for the conservation and management of Loboi
      swamp.

PMID- 22054574
TI  - Odour-impact assessment around a landfill site from weather-type classification,
      complaint inventory and numerical simulation.
AB  - Gases released from landfill sites into the atmosphere have the potential to
      cause olfactory nuisances within the surrounding communities. Landfill sites are
      often located over complex topography for convenience mainly related to waste
      disposal and environmental masking. Dispersion of odours is strongly conditioned
      by local atmospheric dynamics. Assessment of odour impacts needs to take into
      account the variability of local atmospheric dynamics. In this study, we discuss
      a method to assess odour impacts around a landfill site located over complex
      terrain in order to provide information to be used subsequently to identify
      management strategies to reduce olfactory nuisances in the residential
      neighbourhoods. A weather-type classification is defined in order to identify
      meteorological conditions under which olfactory nuisances are to be expected. A
      non-steady state Gaussian model and a full-physics meteorological model are used
      to predict olfactory nuisances, for both the winter and summer scenarios that
      lead to the majority of complaints in neighbourhoods surrounding the landfill
      site. Simulating representative scenarios rather than full years make a high
      resolution simulation of local atmospheric dynamics in space and time possible.
      Results underline the key role of local atmospheric dynamics in driving the
      dispersion of odours. The odour concentration simulated by the full-physics
      meteorological model is combined with the density of the population in order to
      calculate an average population exposure for the two scenarios. Results of this
      study are expected to provide helpful information to develop technical solutions
      for an effective management of landfill operations, which would reduce odour
      impacts within the surrounding communities.

PMID- 22054575
TI  - Performance measurement for incineration plants using multi-activity network data
      envelopment analysis: The case of Taiwan.
AB  - This study proposes the use of multi-activity network data envelopment analysis
      to appraise how incineration plants in Taiwan perform. Sample data from 2006 is
      used to examine the trade-offs between efficiency enhancement and pollution
      abatement. The respective efficiencies of the waste treatment and electricity
      generation are also assessed in a unified framework. The empirical results
      indicate that it is more important to improve the efficiency of waste treatment
      activity than of electricity generation activity in order to enhance the overall
      performance of Taiwan's incinerators. Since ownership, location and length of
      operations do not in general affect their performance, any improvement has to
      come from the careful monitoring of each process of the waste treatment
      operations. Furthermore, given that the policy in Taiwan has moved away from
      incineration to recycling, the problem of an over-supply of incinerators may
      become apparent in the near future. Our results indicate that the availability of
      capacity size may be an important factor when policy-makers consider whether to
      close down some existing incinerators.

PMID- 22054576
TI  - Benefit-cost analysis of spruce budworm (Choristoneura fumiferana Clem.) control:
      incorporating market and non-market values.
AB  - This study employs a benefit-cost analysis framework to estimate market and non
      market benefits and costs of controlling future spruce budworm (Choristoneura
      fumiferana) outbreaks on Crown forest lands in New Brunswick, Canada. We used:
      (i) an advanced timber supply model to project potential timber volume saved,
      timber value benefits, and costs of pest control efforts; and (ii) a recent
      contingent valuation method analysis that evaluated non-market benefits (i.e.,
      changes in recreation opportunities and existence values) of controlling future
      spruce budworm outbreaks in the Province. A total of six alternative scenarios
      were evaluated, including two uncontrolled future budworm outbreak severities
      (moderate vs. severe) and, for each severity, three control program levels
      (protecting 10%, 20%, or 40% of the susceptible Crown land forest area). The
      economic criteria used to evaluate each scenario included benefit-cost ratios and
      net present values. Under severe outbreak conditions, results indicated that the
      highest benefit-cost ratio (4.04) occurred when protecting 10% (284,000 ha) of
      the susceptible area, and the highest net present value ($111 M) occurred when
      protecting 20% (568,000 ha) of the susceptible area. Under moderate outbreak
      conditions, the highest benefit-cost ratio (3.24) and net present value ($58.7 M)
      occurred when protecting 10% (284,000 ha) of the susceptible area. Inclusion of
      non-market values generally increased the benefit-cost ratios and net present
      values of the control programs, and in some cases, led to higher levels of
      control being supported. Results of this study highlight the importance of
      including non-market values into the decision making process of forest pest
      management.

PMID- 22054577
TI  - The potential of epiphytic hydrocarbon-utilizing bacteria on legume leaves for
      attenuation of atmospheric hydrocarbon pollutants.
AB  - The leaves of two legumes, peas and beans, harbored on their surfaces up to 9*107
      cells g-1 of oil-utilizing bacteria. Less numbers, up to 5*105 cells g-1
      inhabited leaves of two nonlegume crops, namely tomato and sunflower. Older
      leaves accommodated more of such bacteria than younger ones. Plants raised in
      oily environments were colonized by much more oil-utilizing bacteria than those
      raised in pristine (oil-free) environments. Similar numbers were counted on the
      same media in which nitrogen salt was deleted, indicating that most phyllospheric
      bacteria were probably diazotrophic. Most dominant were Microbacterium spp.
      followed by Rhodococcus spp., Citrobacter freundii, in addition to several other
      minor species. The pure bacterial isolates could utilize leaf tissue
      hydrocarbons, and consume considerable proportions of crude oil, phenanthrene (an
      aromatic hydrocarbon) and n-octadecane (an alkane) in batch cultures. Bacterial
      consortia on fresh (but not on previously autoclaved) leaves of peas and beans
      could also consume substantial proportions of the surrounding volatile oil
      hydrocarbons in closed microcosms. It was concluded that phytoremediation through
      phyllosphere technology could be useful in remediating atmospheric hydrocarbon
      pollutants.

PMID- 22054578
TI  - Air quality impact assessment of multiple open pit coal mines in northern
      Colombia.
AB  - The coal mining region in northern Colombia is one of the largest open pit mining
      regions of the world. In 2009, there were 8 mining companies in operation with an
      approximate coal production of ~70 Mtons/year. Since 2007, the Colombian air
      quality monitoring network has reported readings that exceed the daily and annual
      air quality standards for total suspended particulate (TSP) matter and particles
      with an equivalent aerodynamic diameter smaller than 10 MUm (PM10) in nearby
      villages. This paper describes work carried out in order to establish an
      appropriate clean air program for this region, based on the Colombian national
      environmental authority requirement for modeling of TSP and PM(10) dispersion. A
      TSP and PM10 emission inventory was initially developed, and topographic and
      meteorological information for the region was collected and analyzed. Using this
      information, the dispersion of TSP was modeled in ISC3 and AERMOD using
      meteorological data collected by 3 local stations during 2008 and 2009. The
      results obtained were compared to actual values measured by the air quality
      monitoring network. High correlation coefficients (>0.73) were obtained,
      indicating that the models accurately described the main factors affecting
      particle dispersion in the region. The model was then used to forecast
      concentrations of particulate matter for 2010. Based on results from the model,
      areas within the modeling region were identified as highly, fairly, moderately
      and marginally polluted according to local regulations. Additionally, the
      contribution particulate matter to the pollution at each village was estimated.
      Using these predicted values, the Colombian environmental authority imposed new
      decontamination measures on the mining companies operating in the region. These
      measures included the relocation of three villages financed by the mine companies
      based on forecasted pollution levels.

PMID- 22054579
TI  - Alternative approaches to dealing with respondent uncertainty in contingent
      valuation: a comparative analysis.
AB  - Several strategies have been proposed to deal with response uncertainty in
      contingent valuation. One approach, often applied to address issues of
      hypothetical bias, recodes and/or reweights responses according to stated levels
      of certainty but so far few analyses compare alternative recoding and reweighting
      strategies. We explore the choice among alternative strategies that exploit a
      numerical certainty scale obtained from a follow-up to the payment question in a
      valuation survey about a whale conservation program. Two novel variations of
      previously followed approaches perform best on our dataset in terms of the
      efficiency of estimates. The first one uses an exponential transformation of the
      numerical certainty scale as a weight in the willingness to pay regression. The
      other one is based on constructing a continuous willingness to pay variable with
      the highly certain "yes" and "no" original responses to the payment question as
      extreme values and with mid-point values that correspond to the original "don't
      know" responses. We find, though, that the effect of using different treatment
      strategies on mean willingness to pay is rarely statistically significant and we
      fail to detect a consistent effect on the efficiency of the estimation regardless
      of the strategy applied.

PMID- 22054580
TI  - Does control of soil erosion inhibit aquatic eutrophication?
AB  - Much of the phosphorus (P) from erosive soils is transported to water bodies
      together with eroded soil. Studies clarifying the impact of soil erosion on
      eutrophication have sought largely to quantify the reserves of P in soil
      particles that can be desorbed in different types of receiving waters. Aquatic
      microbiology has revealed that the cycling of P is coupled to the availability of
      common electron acceptors, Fe oxides and SO4, through anaerobic mineralization in
      sediments. Eroded soil is also rich in Fe oxides, and their effect on the coupled
      cycling of C, Fe, S, and P has been neglected in eutrophication research. Soil
      erosion, and its control, should therefore be studied by considering not only the
      processes occurring in the water phase but also those taking place after the soil
      particles have settled to the bottom. We propose that in SO4-rich systems, Fe
      oxides transported by eroded soil may promote Fe cycling, inhibit microbial SO4
      reduction and maintain the ability of sediment to retain P. We discuss the
      mechanisms through which eroded soil may affect benthic mineralization processes
      and the manner in which soil erosion may contribute to or counteract
      eutrophication.

PMID- 22054581
TI  - Design and operational parameters of a rooftop rainwater harvesting system:
      definition, sensitivity and verification.
AB  - The appropriate design and evaluation of a rainwater harvesting (RWH) system is
      necessary to improve system performance and the stability of the water supply.
      The main design parameters (DPs) of an RWH system are rainfall, catchment area,
      collection efficiency, tank volume and water demand. Its operational parameters
      (OPs) include rainwater use efficiency (RUE), water saving efficiency (WSE) and
      cycle number (CN). The sensitivity analysis of a rooftop RWH system's DPs to its
      OPs reveals that the ratio of tank volume to catchment area (V/A) for an RWH
      system in Seoul, South Korea is recommended between 0.03 and 0.08 in terms of
      rate of change in RUE. The appropriate design value of V/A is varied with D/A.
      The extra tank volume up to V/A of 0.15~0.2 is also available, if necessary to
      secure more water. Accordingly, we should figure out suitable value or range of
      DPs based on the sensitivity analysis to optimize design of an RWH system or
      improve operation efficiency. The operational data employed in this study, which
      was carried out to validate the design and evaluation method of an RWH system,
      were obtained from the system in use at a dormitory complex at Seoul National
      University (SNU) in Korea. The results of these operational data are in good
      agreement with those used in the initial simulation. The proposed method and the
      results of this research will be useful in evaluating and comparing the
      performance of RWH systems. It is found that RUE can be increased by expanding
      the variety of rainwater uses, particularly in the high rainfall season.

PMID- 22054582
TI  - A review on chemical coagulation/flocculation technologies for removal of colour
      from textile wastewaters.
AB  - Textile industry is one of the most chemically intensive industries on the earth
      and the major polluter of potable water. It generates huge quantities of complex
      chemical substances as a part of unused materials including dyes in the form of
      wastewater during various stages of textile processing. The direct discharge of
      this wastewater into environment affects its ecological status by causing various
      undesirable changes. As environmental protection becomes a global concern,
      industries are finding novel solutions for developing technologies that can
      diminish the environmental damage. However, colour removal from textile
      wastewater by means of cheaper and environmental friendly technologies is still a
      major challenge. In this manuscript, several options of decolourisation of
      textile wastewater by chemical means have been reviewed. Based on the present
      review, some novel pre-hydrolysed coagulants such as Polyaluminium chloride
      (PACl), Polyaluminium ferric chloride (PAFCl), Polyferrous sulphate (PFS) and
      Polyferric chloride (PFCl) have been found to be more effective and suggested for
      decolourisation of the textile wastewater. Moreover, use of natural coagulants
      for textile wastewater treatment has also been emphasised and encouraged as the
      viable alternative because of their eco-friendly nature.

PMID- 22054583
TI  - Does the Coase theorem hold in real markets? An application to the negotiations
      between waterworks and farmers in Denmark.
AB  - The Coase theorem depends on a number of assumptions, among others, perfect
      information about each other's payoff function, maximising behaviour and zero
      transaction costs. An important question is whether the Coase theorem holds for
      real market transactions when these assumptions are violated. This is the
      question examined in this paper. We consider the results of Danish waterworks'
      attempts to establish voluntary cultivation agreements with Danish farmers. A
      survey of these negotiations shows that the Coase theorem is not robust in the
      presence of imperfect information, non-maximising behaviour and transaction
      costs. Thus, negotiations between Danish waterworks and farmers may not be a
      suitable mechanism to achieve efficiency in the protection of groundwater quality
      due to violations of the assumptions of the Coase theorem. The use of standard
      schemes or government intervention (e.g. expropriation) may, under some
      conditions, be a more effective and cost efficient approach for the protection of
      vulnerable groundwater resources in Denmark.

PMID- 22054584
TI  - The status and importance of crude protein and macro minerals in native pastures
      growing on Vertisols of the central highlands of Ethiopia.
AB  - The effects of pasture management, season and soil nutrient status on crude
      protein (CP) and macro mineral concentration of native pasture was studied in the
      Vertisol areas of the central Ethiopian highland. Soil and herbage samples from
      18 continuously grazed (CG) and 12 seasonally grazed (SG) pasture sites were
      analyzed for N, P, Ca, Mg, K and Na. Soil and dry season CG pasture samples were
      collected in January and February 2001 (dry season: November-February), while wet
      season CG and SG pasture samples were collected during September 2001 (wet
      season: April-October). The Potassium concentration (2.55%) of mixed herbage
      samples from SG pasture exceeded the K values (1.80%) from CG pasture (P < 0.01).
      Significant (P < 0.01) differences of CP and macro minerals concentrations were
      noted among forage species. The mean CP and K concentrations of herbage from CG
      pasture were higher (P < 0.01) during the wet than during the dry season (5.97
      and 1.80% vs. 3.18 and 0.79%), while the opposite was true for Ca (0.49% vs.
      0.61%) (P < 0.05). Regarding soil macro minerals and the corresponding herbage
      macro mineral concentrations, significant (P < 0.05) but inconsistent
      correlations were found for Ca, P, Mg and Na. The results suggest that pasture
      management, season and to some extend soil nutrient status, can affect herbage CP
      and macro mineral composition. The levels of CP in CG pasture and that of P and
      Na in both CG and SG pastures may fall below the requirements of grazing
      livestock. Resting at critical stages of the growth cycle of the forage species
      encouraged the recovery of desirable species. For this reason resting of pasture
      can contribute significantly to the quality of the native pastures of the
      Vertisols of the central Ethiopian highlands and should be encouraged.

PMID- 22054585
TI  - Sediment amendment with Phoslock(r) in Clatto Reservoir (Dundee, UK):
      Investigating changes in sediment elemental composition and phosphorus
      fractionation.
AB  - Lanthanum-modified bentonite clay (Phoslock((r)) is a lake remediation tool
      designed to strip dissolved phosphorus (P) from the water column and increase the
      sediment P-sorption capacity. This study investigated short term alterations in
      sediment elemental composition and sediment P-fractions based on sediment cores
      taken 2 days before and 28 days following the application of 24 t of Phoslock(r)
      to a 9 ha, man-made reservoir. Following the application, sediment lanthanum (La)
      content increased significantly (p < 0.05; n = 4) in the top 8 cm of the
      sediment, thereby theoretically increasing sediment P-binding capacity on the
      whole reservoir scale by 250 kg. Mass balance calculations were used to estimate
      the theoretical binding of release-sensitive P (P(mobile); sum of 'labile P',
      'reductant-soluble P' and 'organic P' fraction) by La across the top 4 cm and 10
      cm depth of sediment. The amended mass of La in the sediment had the potential to
      bind 42% of P(mobile) present in the top 4 cm or 17% of P(mobile) present in the
      top 10 cm. However, with the exception of a significant increase (p<0.05; n=4) in
      the 'residual P' fraction in the top 2 cm, sediment P-fractions, including
      P(mobile,) did not differ significantly following the Phoslock(r) application.
      Experimental P-adsorption studies indicated P-saturation values for Phoslock(r)
      of 21,670 mg P kg-1 Phoslock(r). Sequential extraction of P from saturated
      Phoslock(r) under laboratory conditions indicated that around 21% of P bound by
      Phoslock(r) was release-sensitive, while around 79% of bound P was unlikely to be
      released under reducing or common pH (5-9) conditions in shallow lakes. Applying
      Phoslock(r) is, therefore, likely to increase the P-sorption capacity of
      sediments under reducing conditions.

PMID- 22054586
TI  - From the LCA of food products to the environmental assessment of protected crops
      districts: a case-study in the south of Italy.
AB  - In the present study, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology was applied to
      evaluate the energy consumption and environmental burdens associated with the
      production of protected crops in an agricultural district in the Mediterranean
      region. In this study, LCA was used as a 'support tool', to address local
      policies for sustainable production and consumption patterns, and to create a
      'knowledge base' for environmental assessment of an extended agricultural
      production area. The proposed approach combines organisation-specific tools, such
      as Environmental Management Systems and Environmental Product Declarations, with
      the environmental management of the district. Questionnaires were distributed to
      producers to determine the life cycle of different protected crops (tomatoes,
      cherry tomatoes, peppers, melons and zucchinis), and obtain information on
      greenhouse usage (e.g. tunnel vs. pavilion). Ecoprofiles of products in the
      district were also estimated, to identify supply chain elements with the highest
      impact in terms of global energy requirements, greenhouse gas emissions,
      eutrophication, water consumption and waste production. These results of this
      study enable selection of the 'best practices' and ecodesign solutions, to reduce
      the environmental impact of these products. Finally, sensitivity analysis of key
      LCA issues was performed, to assess the variability associated with different
      parameters: vegetable production; water usage; fertiliser and pesticide usage;
      shared greenhouse use; substitution of plastics coverings; and waste recycling.

PMID- 22054587
TI  - Process analysis and economics of drinking water production from coastal aquifers
      containing chromophoric dissolved organic matter and bromide using nanofiltration
      and ozonation.
AB  - In regions characterized by water scarcity, such as coastal Southern California,
      groundwater containing chromophoric dissolved organic matter is a viable source
      of water supply. In the coastal aquifer of Orange County in California, seawater
      intrusion driven by coastal groundwater pumping increased the concentration of
      bromide in extracted groundwater from 0.4 mg l-1 in 2000 to over 0.8 mg l-1 in
      2004. Bromide, a precursor to bromate formation is regulated by USEPA and the
      California Department of Health as a potential carcinogen and therefore must be
      reduced to a level below 10 MUg l-1. This paper compares two processes for
      treatment of highly coloured groundwater: nanofiltration and ozone injection
      coupled with biologically activated carbon. The requirement for bromate removal
      decreased the water production in the ozonation process to compensate for
      increased maintenance requirements, and required the adoption of catalytic carbon
      with associated increase in capital and operating costs per unit volume. However,
      due to the absence of oxidant addition in nanofiltration processes, this process
      is not affected by bromide. We performed a process analysis and a comparative
      economic analysis of capital and operating costs for both technologies. Our
      results show that for the case studied in coastal Southern California,
      nanofiltration has higher throughput and lower specific capital and operating
      cost, when compared to ozone injection with biologically activate carbon. Ozone
      injection with biologically activated carbon, compared to nanofiltration, has 14%
      higher capital cost and 12% higher operating costs per unit water produced while
      operating at the initial throughput. Due to reduced ozone concentration required
      to accommodate for bromate reduction, the ozonation process throughput is reduced
      and the actual cost increase (per unit water produced) is 68% higher for capital
      cost and 30% higher for operations.

PMID- 22054588
TI  - Life cycle of meats: an opportunity to abate the greenhouse gas emission from
      meat industry in Japan.
AB  - The food industry is one of the world's largest industrial sectors, hence a large
      contributor of greenhouse gases (GHG) which cause global warming. This study
      evaluates the life cycle of various types of meat to determine if the GHG
      emission from the meat industry in Japan could be reduced if the population makes
      different dietary choices. It was confirmed that the GHG emission of beef was
      greater than that of pork or chicken. The GHG emission from meat in general also
      depends on the per capita caloric intake (if meat supplies the recommended animal
      protein or contributes to it at the present rate). In a healthy and balanced diet
      (9.2 MJ i.e., 2200 kcal in total, where either mixed meat or chicken or pork or
      beef contributes 2.2%), the GHG emission is estimated to be 0.28 or 0.17 or 0.15
      or 0.77 kg CO2 eq/person/day, respectively. A change in consumption patterns
      (from beef to chicken or pork) and the adoption of a healthy and balanced diet
      would help to abate about 2.5-54.0 million tons (CO2 eq) produced by the meat
      industry each year in Japan.

PMID- 22054589
TI  - Approaches to the implementation of the Water Framework Directive: targeting
      mitigation measures at critical source areas of diffuse phosphorus in Irish
      catchments.
AB  - The Water Framework Directive (WFD) has initiated a shift towards a targeted
      approach to implementation through its focus on river basin districts as
      management units and the natural ecological characteristics of waterbodies. Due
      to its role in eutrophication, phosphorus (P) has received considerable
      attention, resulting in a significant body of research, which now forms the
      evidence base for the programme of measures (POMs) adopted in WFD River Basin
      Management Plans (RBMP). Targeting POMs at critical sources areas (CSAs) of P
      could significantly improve environmental efficiency and cost effectiveness of
      proposed mitigation strategies. This paper summarises the progress made towards
      targeting mitigation measures at CSAs in Irish catchments. A review of current
      research highlights that knowledge related to P export at field scale is
      relatively comprehensive however; the availability of site-specific data and
      tools limits widespread identification of CSA at this scale. Increasing
      complexity of hydrological processes at larger scales limits accurate
      identification of CSA at catchment scale. Implementation of a tiered approach,
      using catchment scale tools in conjunction with field-by-field surveys could
      decrease uncertainty and provide a more practical and cost effective method of
      delineating CSA in a range of catchments. Despite scientific and practical
      uncertainties, development of a tiered CSA-based approach to assist in the
      development of supplementary measures would provide a means of developing
      catchment-specific and cost-effective programmes of measures for diffuse P. The
      paper presents a conceptual framework for such an approach, which would have
      particular relevance for the development of supplementary measures in High Status
      Waterbodies (HSW). The cost and resources necessary for implementation are
      justified based on HSWs' value as undisturbed reference condition ecosystems.

PMID- 22054590
TI  - Feasibility of CO2/SO2 uptake enhancement of calcined limestone modified with
      rice husk ash during pressurized carbonation.
AB  - The calcination/carbonation cycle using calcium-based sorbents appears to be a
      viable method for carbon dioxide (CO2) capture from combustion gases. Recent
      attempts to improve the CO2/SO2 uptake of a calcium-based sorbent modified by
      using rice husk ash (RHA) in the hydration process have succeeded in enhancing
      its effectiveness. The optimal mole ratio of RHA to calcined limestone (M(Si/Ca))
      was adjusted to 0.2. The cyclic CO2 capture characteristics and the SO2 uptake
      activity of the modified sorbent were evaluated in a calcination/pressurized
      carbonation reactor system. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) images and X-ray
      diffraction (XRD) spectrum of the sorbent were also taken to supplement the
      study. The results showed that the carbonation conversion was greatly increased
      for the sorbent with M(Si/Ca) ratio of 0.2. For this sorbent formulation the
      optimal operating conditions were 700-750  degrees C and 0.5-0.7 MPa. CO2
      absorption was not proportional to CO2 concentration in the carbonation
      atmosphere, but was directly related to reaction time. The CO2 uptake decreased
      in the presence of SO2. SO2 uptake increased, and the total calcium utilization
      was maintained over multiple cycles. Analysis has shown that the silicate
      component is evenly or well distributed, and this serves as a framework to
      prevent sintering, thus preserving the available microstructure for reaction. The
      sorbent also displayed high activity to SO2 absorption and could be used to
      capture CO2 and SO2 simultaneously.

PMID- 22054591
TI  - Effects of impurities on the removal of heavy metals by natural limestones in
      aqueous systems.
AB  - Effects of impurities on the removal of heavy metals by natural limestones in
      aqueous solutions were studied by evaluating various factors including limestone
      concentration, pH, contact time and temperature. Solutions of Pb(II), Cd(II),
      Cu(II) and Zn(II), prepared from chloride reagents at a concentration of 10 mg/L,
      were studied in a batch method. Four natural limestone samples, collected from
      the Campanian-Maastrichtian limestone beds in Tunisia, were used as adsorbents.
      Sorption experiments indicated that high removal efficiencies could be achieved.
      Limestone samples containing impurities, such as silica, iron/aluminum oxides and
      different kinds of clay minerals, demonstrated enhanced sorption capacity,
      nearing 100% removal in some cases. Kinetic experiments showed that the sorption
      of metal ions occurred rapidly at a low coverage stage, and that solutions were
      nearly at equilibrium after 60 min. Data trends generally fit pseudo-second order
      kinetic, and intra-particle diffusion, models. The following conditions were
      found to promote optimum, or near-optimum, sorption of heavy metals: 1) contact
      time of more than 60 min, 2) pH = 5, 3) >3 g/L limestone concentration and 4) T =
      35  degrees C. The results of this study suggest that the limestones from
      northern Tunisia, that contain higher amounts of silica and iron/aluminum oxides,
      are promising adsorbents for the effective removal of toxic heavy metals from
      wastewaters.

PMID- 22054592
TI  - Ecological network analysis of China's societal metabolism.
AB  - Uncontrolled socioeconomic development has strong negative effects on the
      ecological environment, including pollution and the depletion and waste of
      natural resources. These serious consequences result from the high flows of
      materials and energy through a socioeconomic system produced by exchanges between
      the system and its surroundings, causing the disturbance of metabolic processes.
      In this paper, we developed an ecological network model for a societal system,
      and used China in 2006 as a case study to illustrate application of the model. We
      analyzed China's basic metabolic processes and used ecological network analysis
      to study the network relationships within the system. Basic components comprised
      the internal environment, five sectors (agriculture, exploitation, manufacturing,
      domestic, and recycling), and the external environment. We defined 21 pairs of
      ecological relationships in China's societal metabolic system (excluding self
      mutualism within a component). Using utility and throughflow analysis, we found
      that exploitation, mutualism, and competition relationships accounted for 76.2,
      14.3, and 9.5% of the total relationships, respectively. In our trophic level
      analysis, the components were divided into producers, consumers, and decomposers
      according to their positions in the system. Our analyses revealed ways to
      optimize the system's structure and adjust its functions, thereby promoting
      healthier socioeconomic development, and suggested ways to apply ecological
      network analysis in future socioeconomic research.

PMID- 22054593
TI  - Perioperative variables associated with surgical site infection in breast cancer
      surgery.
AB  - Despite the fact that breast operations are usually categorized as clean
      procedures, higher surgical site infection (SSI) rates are reported. This study
      aimed to determine the perioperative variables related to SSI in breast cancer
      patients. Medical records of breast cancer patients undergoing surgery between
      January 2005 and August 2007 at a university based hospital were reviewed.
      Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative clinical data from 199 patients
      were extracted and analysed. Overall, the SSI rate was 19.1% (38 cases). SSI was
      associated with a high body mass index (P=0.001), history of diabetes mellitus
      (P<0.0001), smoking (P<0.0001), or active skin disorders (P<0.0001). Other SSI
      related variables included a tumour at an advanced clinical stage (P=0.003) and
      neoadjuvant therapy (P=0.003). Breast-conserving operations were less frequently
      associated with SSI than were radical procedures (mastectomy alone and mastectomy
      followed by immediate reconstruction) (P=0.0001).

PMID- 22054594
TI  - Blood culture contamination: having your cake and eating it.

PMID- 22054595
TI  - Are qacG, qacH and qacJ genes transferring from food isolates to carriage
      isolates of staphylococci?

PMID- 22054596
TI  - A bundle of care to reduce colorectal surgical infections: an Australian
      experience. Is it the real revolution?

PMID- 22054597
TI  - Chronic sciatic nerve injury impairs the local cutaneous neurovascular
      interaction in rats.
AB  - Most studies of chronic nerve compression focus on large nerve function in
      painful conditions, and only few studies have assessed potential changes in the
      function of small nerve fibers during chronic nerve compression and recovery from
      compression. Cutaneous pressure-induced vasodilation is a neurovascular
      phenomenon that relies on small neuropeptidergic fibers controlling the cutaneous
      microvasculature. We aimed to characterize potential changes in function of these
      small fibers and/or in cutaneous microvascular function following short-term (1
      month) and long-term (6-month) nerve compression and after release of compression
      (ie, potential recovery of function). A compressive tube was left on one sciatic
      nerve for 1 or 6 months and then removed for 1-month recovery in Wistar rats.
      Cutaneous vasodilator responses were measured by laser Doppler flowmetry in hind
      limb skin innervated by the injured nerve to assess neurovascular function.
      Nociceptive thermal and low mechanical thresholds were evaluated to assess small
      and large nerve fiber functions, respectively. Pressure-induced vasodilation was
      impaired following nerve compression and restored following nerve release; both
      impairment and restoration were strongly related to duration of compression.
      Small and large nerve fiber functions were less closely related to duration of
      compression. Our data therefore suggest that cutaneous pressure-induced
      vasodilation provides a non-invasive and mechanistic test of neurovascular
      function that gives direct information regarding extent and severity of damage
      during chronic nerve compression and recovery, and may ultimately provide a
      clinically useful tool in the evaluation of nerve injury such as carpal tunnel
      syndrome.

PMID- 22054598
TI  - Re-evaluation of the phenotypic changes in L4 dorsal root ganglion neurons after
      L5 spinal nerve ligation.
AB  - The L5 spinal nerve ligation (SNL) is a widely used animal neuropathic pain
      model. There are conflicting reports regarding the extent of injury to the L4
      dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons in this model. If a significant number of
      these neurons were injured, the previously reported phenotypic and
      electrophysiological changes at this level are in need of re-evaluation by
      separating the injured neurons and the frankly spared ones. So, we immunostained
      activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) and examined the change in expression of
      transcripts for neuropeptide Y (NPY), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)
      and several voltage-gated sodium channel alpha-subunits (Nav1.1, Nav1.3, Nav1.6,
      Nav1.7, Nav1.8, and Nav1.9) in the L4 DRG by comparing signal intensities of
      individual neurons using in situ hybridization histochemistry. ATF3
      immunoreactivity was similarly observed in 4-6% of neuronal nuclei of the SNL and
      sham-operated ipsilateral L4 DRGs. Comparison between ATF3+ and ATF3- neurons in
      the SNL L4 DRG revealed that (1) whereas NPY induction occurred in ATF3+ cells,
      BDNF increased mainly in ATF3- neurons; (2) although ATF3+ neurons had higher
      Nav1.3 signals than ATF3- neurons, these signals were much lower than those of
      the L5 DRG neurons; and (3) ATF3+/N52- neurons selectively lost Nav1.8 and Nav1.9
      mRNAs. Comparison of the total neuronal populations among naive, SNL, and sham
      operated rats revealed no significant differences for all examined Nav mRNAs.
      Because neuropathic pain behaviors were developed by rats with SNL but not the
      sham-operation, the small number of injured L4 neurons likely do not contribute
      to the pathomechanisms of neuropathic pain.

PMID- 22054599
TI  - Peripheral and spinal GABAergic regulation of incisional pain in rats.
AB  - Impairment of spinal GABAergic inhibition is demonstrated to contribute to
      pathologic chronic pain states. We investigated spinal and peripheral GABAergic
      regulation of incisional pain in rats. We found that intrathecal but not
      peripheral administration of muscimol (GABA-A receptor agonist) and baclofen
      (GABA-B receptor agonist) reduced mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia after
      plantar incision in rats. Nonevoked pain behavior after incision was unaffected
      by these agonists. Similarly, nociception in unincised rats was not reduced by
      the same dose of agonists. Thus, GABA-A and GABA-B receptors are involved in
      mediating incision-induced hyperalgesia (but not nonevoked pain). Intrathecal and
      systemic application of L-838,417, a subtype-selective benzodiazepine site
      agonist (alpha2, alpha3, alpha5), reduced mechanical and heat hyperalgesia after
      incision, indicating a role of these subunits in mediating incision-induced
      hyperalgesia. Interestingly, the effects of all agonists were more intense and
      prolonged on the day after surgery than on the day of incision. Similarly,
      spinally administered GABA-A and GABA-B antagonists increased pain behavior,
      again with a greater effect 1 day after incision. One possible explanation for
      this finding might be that an incision modulates GABA-mediated inhibition 1 day
      after incision. However, expression of GABA-A receptor subunits alpha2 and alpha3
      and GABA-B receptor subunits within the dorsal horn of the spinal cord were
      unchanged after incision, indicating that receptor expression cannot explain a
      possible modulation of GABAergic inhibition after incision. Thus, other
      mechanisms need to be considered. In conclusion, GABA-A and GABA-B receptors are
      promising targets for postoperative, incisional pain in humans.

PMID- 22054601
TI  - A comparison of the effects of electrical, captive bolt or percussion stunning on
      the incidence of blood splash in lambs.
AB  - Three-hundred-and-three lambs were divided into three equal groups. Half the
      lambs in each group were not weaned before slaughter and the weaned half were
      slaughtered a week later. Lambs in one group were head stunned electrically
      before slaughter; in the second group lambs were stunned with a captive bolt
      pistol and in the third group they were percussion stunned before slaughter.
      Carcasses, gall-bladders, hearts and duodenums were inspected for blood splash
      after slaughter. A few small haemorrhages were detected in 57% of the
      electrically stunned lambs, in 30% of the captive bolt stunned lambs and in only
      16% of the percussion stunned animals. Although no splash of commercial
      significance was found in any carcass, 25% of the electrically stunned lambs had
      detectably splashed carcasses, whilst only 1% of percussion-stunned lambs had
      splashed carcasses with captive bolt stunned lambs being intermediate in carcass
      splash incidence. These results show that stunning method affects the incidence
      of blood splash.

PMID- 22054600
TI  - Does fear of movement mediate the relationship between pain intensity and
      disability in patients following whiplash injury? A prospective longitudinal
      study.
AB  - The aim of this study was to test the capacity of the Fear Avoidance Model to
      explain the relationship between pain and disability in patients with whiplash
      associated disorders. Using the method of Baron and Kenny, we assessed the
      mediating effect of fear of movement on the cross-sectional and longitudinal
      relationships between pain and disability. Two hundred and five subjects with
      neck pain due to a motor vehicle accident provided pain intensity (0 to 10
      numerical rating scale), fear of movement (Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia and
      Pictorial Fear of Activity Scale) and disability (Neck Disability Index) scores
      within 4 weeks of their accident, after 3 months, and after 6 months. The
      analyses were consistent with the Fear Avoidance Model mediating approximately
      20% to 40% of the relationship between pain and disability. Contrary to our
      initial hypothesis, the proportion of the total effect of pain on disability that
      was mediated by fear of movement did not substantially change as increasing time
      elapsed after the accident. The proportion mediated was slightly higher when fear
      of movement was measured by Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia as compared with
      Pictorial Fear of Activity Scale. The findings of this study suggest that the
      Fear Avoidance Model plays a role in explaining a moderate proportion of the
      relationship between pain and disability after whiplash injury.

PMID- 22054602
TI  - Carcass characteristics and meat quality of halothane negative and halothane
      positive pietrain pigs.
AB  - One hundred and seventy-six Pietrain pigs were tested for halothane sensitivity
      by means of a 5-min halothane anaesthesia in two experiments. One hundred and
      twenty were halothane negative (HN) and 56 were halothane positive (HP). In one
      experiment pigs were slaughtered under commercial (stress) conditions; in the
      other experiment pigs were killed under minimal stress conditions. The carcasses
      of HP pigs were meatier and shorter and contained 2.2% more muscle than the
      carcasses of HN pigs. Halothane positive pigs gave a meat of poorer quality, as
      assessed in the fresh state. When the pigs were slaughtered under commercial
      conditions, hams from HP pigs were not inferior in curing ability and had a
      higher total processing yield of Paris ham due to their higher trimming yield.
      When the pigs were killed under minimal stress conditions, there was no
      difference in the total processing yield betwen HN and HP pigs, because the
      technological yield was markedly reduced in HP pigs. However, in both cases, HP
      pigs produced more cooked ham per pig. It is suggested that different
      physiological mechanisms may account for either PSE (pale soft exudative) or DFD
      (dark firm dry) meat. The former is the consequence of an excessively high rate
      of post mortem glycolysis which is clearly manifest in HP pigs when they are
      killed under minimal stress conditions and the latter appears to be unrelated to
      halothane sensitivity as the ultimate pH of HP and HN pigs is similar when the
      animals are slaughtered under stress conditions.

PMID- 22054603
TI  - Effects of breed and nutrition on the productive traits of Zebu, Charolais and
      crossbreed beef cattle in south-east Brazil- Part 1: Body and gross carcase
      composition.
AB  - A study of the effects of breed and nutrition on the productive traits of Nelore,
      Guzera, Charolais and Canchim cattle found in south-east Brazil was undertaken as
      part of an overall research programme to differentiate between carcase classes
      with a view to elaborating carcase classification proposals. The forty animals
      used in this study were divided into two treatment groups representing intensive
      and extensive feeding systems. Recovered data were analysed to determine the
      effects of breed, treatment and possible breed-treatment interaction on the
      proportions of internal and external offals and gross carcase composition. The
      results demonstrated that although some differences in carcase composition could
      be attributed to breed effect, most were caused by the varying nutrional status
      of the animals pre-slaughter. The Charolais-and, to a lesser extent, the Canchim
      animals-were seriously maladjusted to the harsh range conditions and showed lower
      daily liveweight gains and reduced liveweight at slaughter. The significantly
      lower special hindquarters and higher forequarter proportions in the Zebu animals
      were thought to be due to the cervical enlargement of the rhomboid muscle and
      earlier sexual maturity in the Bos indicus animals.

PMID- 22054604
TI  - Fibre types in Longissimus dorsi from wild and highly selected pig breeds.
AB  - Longissimus dorsi muscles from six pig breeds were examined histologically. It
      was found that mean fibre diameter increased with degree of selection in domestic
      pigs and that the percentage of red fibres decreased-i.e. from Mangulica and
      Black Slavonian to Large White and Swedish Landrace. The percentage of white
      fibres showed the reverse tendency whilst that of the intermediate type was not
      markedly changed. In semi-wild pigs, the percentage of red fibres was still
      higher and in forest pigs there were neither white nor intermediate fibres in
      longissimus dorsi. Beneath the sarcolemna of red fibres there was a significantly
      higher number of mitochondria than in the central parts of the fibre. The
      distribution of the 'giant fibres' indicated that this formation may be found in
      the muscles of both stress-susceptible and stress-insusceptible pigs.

PMID- 22054605
TI  - Cellular heterogeneity in the response of beef to electrical stimulation.
AB  - Strips of bovine sternomandibularis muscle were removed at slaughter and kept
      anoxic at body temperature. One strip of each pair was electrically stimulated
      with square wave pulses for 60 min (32 ms duration, 2Hz, <6 or 100V). Differences
      between stimulated and control strips were examined histochemically to determine
      the effect of stimulation on post-mortem glycogenolysis in different fibre types.
      Serial reactions for ATPase and SDH were used to type muscle fibres and the
      absorbance of PAS-stained glycogen was measured with a two-wavelength correction
      for distributional error. Relative to unstimulated control strips, fibres with
      strong ATPase and weak SDH reactions showed most glycogenolysis whilst fibres
      with weak ATPase and strong SDH reactions showed the least. Fibres with strong
      ATPase and strong to moderate SDH reactions showed an intermediate response. Half
      of the fibre populations examined had an initial increase in absorbance of PAS
      stained glycogen in some or all fibres.

PMID- 22054606
TI  - Basis for a method of characterization for quick frozen beef.
AB  - For better commercial development simple methods of quality control are needed to
      distinguish between quick frozen and normally frozen products. Usually the
      specifications for quick frozen meat have been limited to a description of the
      freezing process rather than to the establishment of quality standards which
      could be detected by tests on the product itself. In a previous paper a maximum
      in the weight of drip obtained on thawing was identified at local freezing times
      (-1 degrees C to -7 degrees C) of 17 min. The higher the freezing rate, the
      deeper the position of this maximum. Simultaneously, a computer model was
      developed to define the local freezing time and link it with an average freezing
      rate, through the simulation of heat transfer, during meat processing in plane
      freezers. On these bases a characterisation of quick frozen meat has been
      quantitatively developed in terms of the maximum position.

PMID- 22054607
TI  - Improved methodology for the electrophoretic determination of horse meat in
      heated foodstuffs.
AB  - Using linear gradient polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis to separate constituent
      proteins, horse meat could be clearly distinguished from beef even after heating
      for 20 min at up to 120 degrees C.

PMID- 22054608
TI  - Effects of early post-mortem pH and temperature on beef tenderness.
AB  - The tenderness of loin steaks, prepared from beef sides after chilling, is
      strongly influenced by muscle temperature in the first 3 h after slaughter.
      Maintenance of about 37 degrees C within the Longissimus muscle during this time,
      whether by heavy fat cover or by ambient-temperature manipulation, results in
      appreciable tenderness enhancement. Early post-mortem muscle pH (which varies
      over a wide range) also affects tenderness significantly; provided early and
      exceptionally fast chilling does not induce cold shortening, slow glycolysis
      promotes tenderness. Low-frequency (2 Hz) electrical stimulation, which
      accelerates glycolysis but causes negligible tissue disruption, significantly
      toughens the loin; in its normal mode (50-60 Hz), therefore, stimulation produces
      its desirable tenderising effect mainly-and perhaps solely-by fibre fracture.

PMID- 22054610
TI  - Corporate Sponsorship.

PMID- 22054611
TI  - Bacteriological quality assurance (BQA) of mechanically deboned meat (MDM).
AB  - Adequacy of bacteriological quality assurance during the commercial production of
      mechanically deboned meat (MDM) was assessed. Lax standards of hygiene during
      production were observed, resulting in high numbers of Staphylococcus aureus,
      viz. 10(4) to 10(5) cfu g(-1), and severe contamination with Enterobacteriaceae:
      10(5) to 10(6) cfu g(-1). These data indicate that measures of hygiene observed
      during boning of carcasses and during collection, storage and transport of bones
      or poultry parts should be markedly tightened, while conditions of refrigerated
      storage of raw materials and MDM should be improved. Use of bones of poor sensory
      quality (discoloration, abnormal smell) generally resulted in MDM of inferior
      bacteriological quality. Phage typing, biotyping and assessment of enterotoxin
      production was carried out with 136 St. aureus cultures, isolates from
      mechanically deboned pork produced at one plant. Fifty-five per cent of the
      isolates was not typable, 28% was typable with human phages, 8% with bovine
      phages. The majority of the strains could not be explicitly assigned to any Meyer
      and/or Hajek and Marsalek types. Applying the simplified system of Devriese to
      eighteen strains isolated in our investigation, ten were found to belong to the
      poultry ecovar, one to the bovine ecovar, while seven strains were non-host
      specific. None of the isolates produced enterotoxins A-E. Microbiological
      inspection of end products is recommended as part of an integrated quality
      assurance system. The following reference values for the final product (maximal
      colony counts to be expected under GMP conditions expressed as 95th percentile)
      were calculated: Pig MDM: log(10) mesophilic colony count 6.8 and log(10) cfu
      mesophilic Enterobacteriaceae g(-1) 4.8; Poultry MDM: log(10) mesophilic colony
      count 6.6 and log(10) cfu mesophilic Enterobacteriaceae g(-1) 4.7.

PMID- 22054612
TI  - The effects of curing and cooking on the detection of species origin of meat
      products by competitive and indirect ELISA techniques.
AB  - The purposes of this study were: (1) to develop and compare competitive and
      indirect enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods for detecting species
      specific albumins in meat samples and (2) to examine the effect of curing and
      cooking on the identification of species origin of meats. Commercially obtained
      rabbit anti-pig serum albumin (anti-PSA) and rabbit anti-sheep serum albumin
      (anti-SSA) were affinity purified, and used to develop competitive and indirect
      ELISA procedures for PSA and SSA. The competitive ELISA procedures showed the
      lowest cross-reactivity with related serum albumins. Both ELISA procedures were
      capable of detecting as little as 5% pork or sheep in beef. Curing resulted in
      little or no inhibition in the ability of ELISA procedures to detect pork or
      sheep in beef. Cooking completely eliminated the ability of the competitive PSA
      ELISA to detect pork in beef, and of both SSA ELISA procedures to detect sheep in
      beef. Cooking also greatly reduced, but did not eliminate, the ability of the
      indirect PSA ELISA to detect pork in beef. Curing and cooking essentially
      eliminated the ability of the PSA ELISA procedure to detect pork in beef. Curing
      and cooking resulted in a 70 to 74% decrease in the signal of sheep meat in SSA
      ELISA procedures. These results demonstrated that competitive and indirect ELISA
      procedures are capable of determining the species origin of raw and cured meat.
      Heating raw or cured meats greatly reduced, but did not always eliminate, the
      ability of ELISA procedures to detect species origin of meats.

PMID- 22054613
TI  - Marbling fat in beef.
AB  - The growth and distribution of intramuscular fat was studied in 62 carcases from
      four beef genotypes, Angus, Hereford, Friesian and Charolais x Illawarra.
      Relative to dissected side fat weight, ether extract weight of side muscle was
      deposited in a similar manner in all four genotypes. At high levels of side
      fatness (45 kg) Herefords had significantly less ether extract than the other
      genotypes. Ether extract percentage (of side muscle) was greater in the Angus
      than in the other genotypes at low side fatness levels (20 kg, 30 kg or 20%).
      Relative to dissected fat percentage ether extract percentage of side muscle,
      initially lower in the Friesians and Charolais x Illawarra than in the Angus and
      Herefords at low levels of carcase fatness, was not significantly different from
      them over 27% dissected fat. With increasing carcase fatness marbling fat was
      deposited differentially among the primal cuts, with few major between-breed
      differences. A study of the muscle weight distribution of the primal cuts
      confirmed the cutting technique as a useful method for examining the commercial
      importance of marbling.

PMID- 22054614
TI  - Factors associated with tenderness in young beef.
AB  - One hundred and twenty-two crossbred steers of varying percentages of Bos Indicus
      and Bos Taurus breeding were slaughtered to determine the relationship of carcass
      and meat characteristics to tenderness. Carcasses were graded and longissimus
      dorsi muscle samples were evaluated for fibre type characteristics, sensory and
      shear force determination, sarcomere length, intramuscular fat content, collagen
      content and solubility and fragmentation index. Sarcomere length and collagen
      content and solubility were not significantly related to shear force values or
      sensory tenderness ratings. The fragmentation index was highly correlated to
      sensory tenderness ratings (r = -0.60) and shear force values (r = 0.53)
      indicating that variation in tenderness is associated with myofibrillar protein
      degradation. A four variable regression equation that included fragmentation
      index, lean colour, marbling and per cent red fibres accounted for 56% of the
      variation in sensory tenderness. Fragmentation index directly accounted for 30%
      of the variation in sensory tenderness in the four variable equation.

PMID- 22054615
TI  - The effect of fasting on liveweight and carcass characteristics in lambs.
AB  - In two experiments, involving 250 and 300 lambs, respectively, lambs were fasted
      (with access to water) and slaughtered after 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 days. The effects
      of initial fat score, initial liveweight and sex (wethers and ewes) on the
      patterns of loss in liveweight, hot carcass weight and carcass characters (fat
      depth at the GR and C sites, kidney fat weight and the weights of chemical
      carcass components) were examined. In experiment 2 the effects of weaning and
      transport on fasting losses were also examined. The rate of liveweight loss
      (expressed as a percentage of initial liveweight) was greater in the initial
      stages of the fast and was affected by fat score, with a greater loss in lambs
      with a lower fat score. The pattern of loss in hot carcass weight with fasting
      was curvilinear and in experiment 2 was affected by both fat score and
      liveweight, with leaner, heavier lambs having a greater loss. In experiment 2 the
      decrease in fat depth at the GR site interacted with fat score, with a greater
      loss in lambs with a lower fat score. Transport per se had no effect on hot
      carcass weight or carcass characteristics.

PMID- 22054617
TI  - Factors influencing outcome in patients undergoing portal vein resection for
      adenocarcinoma of the pancreas.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Survival rates after surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy for pancreatic
      ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA) remain low. Selected patients with portal/superior
      mesenteric vein (PV) involvement undergo PV resection at pancreaticoduodenectomy
      (PD). This study analyses outcomes for PD with/without PV resection in patients
      with PDA. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data on
      patients requiring PD for histologically proven adenocarcinoma between 1/1997 and
      9/2009 identified 326 patients with PDA, with 51 requiring PD with PV resection.
      Patients were analyzed in two groups: PD + PV resection vs. PD alone.
      Multivariate analysis was used to identify predictive variables influencing
      survival and the Kaplan-Meier method to estimate patient survival. RESULTS: Mean
      age for patients with PV resection was 66.4 (range 46-80) years, 47% were male.
      Both groups had similar patient demographics, perioperative and tumor
      characteristics. Postoperative morbidity was similar for patients with and
      without PV resection (27.5 vs. 28.4%). 30-day mortality was significantly higher
      in patients with PV resection (13.7%) vs. PD alone (5.1%). Overall survival
      however was similar in both groups (median PD alone 14.8 months vs. 14.5 months
      PD + PV). Multivariate analysis identified age, tumor grading, stay on the ICU
      and lack of chemotherapy as independent risk factors for reduced long-term
      survival. CONCLUSION: In carefully selected patients, PV resection results in
      similar long-term survival compared to PD alone. In selected patients, PV
      infiltration may be considered a sign of anatomical proximity of the tumor,
      rather than only a sign of increased tumor aggressiveness.

PMID- 22054618
TI  - Pseudopseudoseizures: conditions that may mimic psychogenic non-epileptic
      seizures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Video electroencephalography (vEEG) has proven to be a valuable tool
      in the differentiation of pseudoseizures or psychogenic non-epileptic seizures
      (PNES) from epileptic seizures. Clinicians should, however, be aware of a number
      of conditions that may be misdiagnosed as pseudoseizures. OBJECTIVE: To review a
      number of somatic conditions that can present with disturbances of consciousness
      and unusual motor activity without epileptiform findings on vEEG. METHOD: We
      report a case of a young woman who presented with a number of neuropsychiatric
      symptoms, including episodic posturing and rhythmic movements. The absence of
      epileptiform findings on vEEG resulted in a diagnosis of conversion disorder with
      pseudoseizures. She was ultimately diagnosed with N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)
      receptor autoimmune encephalitis (AIE) secondary to an ovarian tumor. AIE and
      other potential mimics of pseudoseizures are discussed. RESULTS: A number of
      somatic conditions can present with symptoms that may be misinterpreted as
      pseudoseizure.

PMID- 22054619
TI  - Primitive reflexes associated with delirium: a prospective trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The presence of primitive reflexes (PRs) may have diagnostic or
      prognostic value in the evaluation of cognitive impairment. OBJECTIVE: We
      hypothesized that the presence of preoperative PRs would predict the development
      of postoperative delirium and that the emergence of PRs postoperatively would be
      positively associated with the emergence of delirium. METHODS: Patients
      participating in a larger study on the prophylaxis of postoperative delirium were
      evaluated for the presence of six PRs (grasp reflex [left and right], palmomental
      reflex [left and right], glabellar tap, and snout reflex), preoperatively and
      postoperatively. The presence of PRs was then correlated with the development of
      delirium. RESULTS: Of the 79 patients studied, 29% (n = 23) developed delirium
      during the postoperative period. The preoperative presence of one PR did not
      predict the development of delirium, but the only patient with >1 PR
      preoperatively went on to develop delirium in the postoperative period.
      Similarly, having one frontal release sign in the postoperative period did not
      correlate with delirium, while the appearance of more than one PR was associated
      with a greater likelihood of delirium. Of the 11 patients who had two or more
      frontal release signs during one postoperative examination, six (55%) developed
      delirium. Of the five patients who showed three or more frontal release signs, 4
      (80%) developed delirium. CONCLUSION: Our study is the first to investigate the
      relationship between the appearance of PRs and the development of delirium. We
      have provided some evidence that PRs are associated with acute CNS dysfunction.

PMID- 22054620
TI  - Proactive psychiatric consultation services reduce length of stay for admissions
      to an inpatient medical team.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Some studies suggest intensive psychiatric consultation services
      facilitate medical care and reduce length of stay (LOS) in general hospitals.
      OBJECTIVE: To compare LOS between a consultation-as-usual model and a proactive
      consultation model involving review of all admissions, rapid consultation, and
      close follow-up. METHODS: LOS was compared in an ABA design between a 33-day
      intervention period and 10 similar control periods, 5 before and 5 after the
      intervention, on an internal medical unit. During the intervention period, a
      staff psychiatrist met with the medical team each weekday, reviewed all
      admissions, provided immediate consultation as needed, and followed all cases
      throughout their hospital stay. RESULTS: Time required for initial case review
      was brief, 2.9 +/- 2.2 minutes per patient (mean +/- S.D.). Over 50% of
      admissions had mental health needs: 20.3% were estimated to require specialist
      consultation to avoid potential delay of discharge. The consultation rate for the
      intervention sample was 22.6%, significantly greater than in the control sample,
      10.7%. Mean LOS was significantly shorter in the intervention sample, 2.90 +/-
      2.12 versus 3.82 +/- 3.30 days, and the fraction of cases with LOS > 4 days was
      significantly lower, 14.5% versus 27.9%. A rough cost benefit analysis was
      favorable with at least a 4.2 ratio of financial benefit to cost. CONCLUSIONS:
      Psychiatric review of all admissions is feasible, indicates a high incidence of
      mental health barriers to discharge, identifies more necessary consultations than
      typically requested, and results in earlier consultation. A proactive
      consultation model can reduce hospital LOS.

PMID- 22054621
TI  - Documentation of decision-making capacity, informed consent, and health care
      proxies: a study of surrogate consent.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients in the general hospital are routinely asked to make
      decisions about their medical care. However, some of them are unable to express a
      choice, understand the information provided, weigh the options, or make a
      decision for themselves; when this occurs, the task of making an appropriate
      medical decision is left to another-a substitute decision-maker (SDM). OBJECTIVE:
      We sought to understand the practice patterns surrounding surrogate consent. We
      hypothesized that SDMs would be used frequently for patients with an altered
      mental status (AMS) but that there would be insufficient documentation of health
      care proxies (HCP) and of clinician assessment of a patient's decision-making
      capacity. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted on inpatients who
      underwent a lumbar puncture. The review assessed whether patients had a HCP in
      the record, if the patient's mental status was evaluated prior to obtaining
      informed consent, if the patient's capacity was addressed in this assessment, and
      whether a SDM was asked to provide the informed consent. RESULTS: Consistent with
      our hypotheses, we found that the majority of patients did not have documentation
      of a HCP in the record. We found that the mental status of all patients was
      assessed prior to the procedure, but that documentation regarding assessment of
      decision-making capacity was lacking. CONCLUSIONS: Our pilot investigation
      suggests that there is need for improvement in our evaluation and documentation
      of altered mental status and a patient's ability to make informed decisions. To
      this end, several quality-improvement suggestions are discussed.

PMID- 22054622
TI  - Psychiatry resident education in palliative care: opportunities, desired
      training, and outcomes of a targeted educational intervention.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess the educational offerings provided to psychiatry residents
      in palliative care as well as their concomitant interest in learning more about
      this subspecialty. To measure the pre- and post-levels of competence, concern,
      and knowledge exhibited by psychiatry residents when completing a formalized
      clinical rotation in hospice and palliative care, with additional comparisons to
      family and internal medicine residents completing the same clinical rotation.
      METHODS: Fifty-two Psychiatry Program Directors and 98 psychiatry residents
      completed an online survey assessing the current course offerings and level of
      interest in palliative care. Thirty psychiatry residents were additionally
      evaluated before and after completion of a clinical rotation in hospice and
      palliative care. RESULTS: Few programs offered any formalized training in
      palliative care, although nearly all psychiatry residents reported interest in
      this area. A clinical rotation in palliative care significantly increased
      psychiatry residents' competence and knowledge while simultaneously decreasing
      their concerns about practice in this area; most were at levels comparable to
      family and internal medicine residents completing the same rotation. Psychiatry
      residents' knowledge of pain assessment, pain management, and generalized non
      pain management were also enhanced during the rotation. CONCLUSIONS: Results
      indicate that training opportunities in palliative care are lacking for
      psychiatry residents in the United States although residents report strong
      interest in this area. This study finds psychiatry residents can benefit as much
      as other disciplines from receiving palliative care training. The need to offer
      such training within psychiatry residencies is highlighted and the welcoming of
      psychiatrists into palliative care is suggested.

PMID- 22054623
TI  - Practice and career outcomes of double-boarded psychiatrists.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The practice patterns and career paths of physicians who are double
      boarded in medicine, family practice, or neurology and psychiatry are not well
      understood. Given increased attention to integrated medical and psychiatric care,
      these individuals may play an important role. OBJECTIVE: To compare the practice
      patterns and career paths of physicians who are double-boarded in medicine,
      family practice, or neurology and psychiatry with physicians who are boarded in
      general psychiatry, and among double-boarded physicians with various training
      sequences and specialty types. METHOD: A survey was distributed to all physicians
      identified by the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) as double-boarded
      in medicine, family practice, or neurology and psychiatry, and an equal number of
      physicians who are boarded in general psychiatry. RESULTS: Compared with
      psychiatrists who are not double-boarded, double-boarded psychiatrists are
      significantly more likely to be older, more likely to be male, to practice in
      consultation-liaison or inpatient settings, and to assume positions of leadership
      in departments of psychiatry or in general health care organizations. Among the
      various groups of double-boarded physicians, 39% continue to practice their
      medical specialty in addition to their psychiatry practice, although this varies
      by medical specialty, sequence or type of program, and motivation for double
      board training. CONCLUSION: Double-boarded physicians appear to be a distinct
      group within psychiatry and may serve as an important bridge to the general
      medical environment because of their leadership roles and medical psychiatric
      practice patterns. Further understanding of their career development and roles is
      warranted.

PMID- 22054624
TI  - Dream anxiety is an emotional trigger for acute myocardial infarction.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship
      between nightmares and acute myocardial infarction (AMI) occurring during sleep,
      and also to evaluate the influence of several related factors. METHOD: The sample
      comprised AMI patients who had been admitted to the coronary care unit. The
      patients were grouped into two categories; the asleep-AMI group consisted of 36
      patients who had the onset of symptoms of AMI during sleep, and the awake-AMI
      group included 183 patients who had AMI while they were awake. The sleep quality
      and dream anxiety for the 1-month interval before AMI were assessed with
      Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and Van Dream Anxiety Scale (VDAS),
      respectively. RESULTS: Asleep-AMI patients reported significantly poorer
      subjective sleep quality, significantly higher global PSQI scores, and displayed
      significantly higher nightmare frequency, difficulty in falling asleep after a
      nightmare, higher autonomic hyperactivity, dream recall frequency, daytime
      anxiety, psychological problems, and higher global dream anxiety scores than
      awake-AMI patients. CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that sleep anxiety and
      related emotions are associated with AMI during sleep.

PMID- 22054625
TI  - Psychobiological changes from relaxation response elicitation: long-term
      practitioners vs. novices.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The relaxation response (RR) is a physiological state that is the
      counterpart to the stress response. We investigate the psychological and
      biological effects, as well as the correlation between these two effects that are
      associated with short-term vs. long-term practice of techniques that elicit the
      RR ("RR practice"). METHODS: The study comprised both a cross sectional and an 8
      week prospective design. The study sample included individuals with a long-term
      RR practice ("long-term practitioners" n = 28) and those with no prior RR
      practice experience ("novices" n = 28). The novices received 8 weeks of RR
      elicitation training ("RR training") for the prospective analysis (short-term
      practice). RESULTS: Long-term practitioners reported lower levels of
      psychological distress than the novices before they received RR training. As a
      result of the 8-week RR training, novices significantly reduced their
      psychological distress to levels comparable to that of long-term practitioners.
      Long-term practitioners had greater immediate (after listening to a RR-eliciting
      CD) decreases in psychological distress level than the 8-week trained novices.
      Furthermore, the reduction in psychological distress levels for long-term
      practitioners correlated with a reduction in biological measures of stress, after
      controlling for baseline values. There was no reduction in biological measures
      and no correlation with psychological measures in the 8-week trained novices.
      CONCLUSIONS: While our data indicate that even a short-term 8-week RR-eliciting
      practice can decrease psychological distress levels, only after years of RR
      practice does psychological distress reduction coincide with biological change.

PMID- 22054626
TI  - "Playing possum:" differential diagnosis, work-up, and treatment of profound
      interpersonal withdrawal.

PMID- 22054627
TI  - A case of utilization behavior and hyperorality following bilateral anterior
      cerebral artery infarct partially responsive to carbamazepine: can both behaviors
      be attributed to lesions in different frontal lobe circuits?

PMID- 22054628
TI  - Paraneoplastic encephalitis presenting as postpartum psychosis.

PMID- 22054629
TI  - Cotard syndrome in semantic dementia.

PMID- 22054630
TI  - Klinefelter's syndrome in a 5-year-old boy with behavioral disturbances and
      seizures.

PMID- 22054631
TI  - "Ephedra-free" diet pill-induced psychosis.

PMID- 22054632
TI  - Severe INR elevation related to duloxetine use: a case report.

PMID- 22054633
TI  - Bath salt abuse: neuropsychiatric effects of cathinone derivatives.

PMID- 22054634
TI  - Moving beyond unexplained medical symptoms in DSM-5: great idea, problematic
      execution.

PMID- 22054635
TI  - Is gait preoccupation a type of body dysmorphic disorder? A case report and a
      diagnostic question for DSM-V.

PMID- 22054636
TI  - Psychosocial risk factors for hospital readmission in COPD patients on early
      discharge services: a cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hospital readmission for acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) occurs
      in up to 30% of patients, leading to excess morbidity and poor survival.
      Physiological risk factors predict readmission, but the impact of modifiable
      psychosocial risk factors remains uncertain. We aimed to evaluate whether
      psychosocial risk factors independently predict readmission for AECOPD in
      patients referred to early discharge services (EDS). METHODS: This prospective
      cohort study included 79 patients with AECOPD cared for by nurse led EDS in the
      UK, and followed up for 12 months. Data on lung function, medical comorbidities,
      previous hospital admissions, medications, and sociodemographics were collected
      at baseline; St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), Hospital Anxiety and
      Depression Scale (HADS), and social support were measured at baseline, 3 and 12
      months. Exploratory multivariate models were fitted to identify psychosocial
      factors associated with readmission adjusted for known confounders. RESULTS: 26
      patients were readmitted within 90 days and 60 patients were readmitted at least
      once during follow-up. Depression at baseline predicted readmission adjusted for
      sociodemographics and forced expiratory volume in 1 second (odds ratio 1.30, 95%
      CI 1.06 to 1.60, p = 0.013). Perceived social support was not significantly
      associated with risk of readmission. Home ownership was associated with the total
      number of readmissions (B = 0.46, 95% CI -0.86 to -0.06, p = 0.024). Compared
      with those not readmitted, readmitted patients had worse SGRQ and HADS scores at
      12 months. CONCLUSION: Depressive symptoms and socioeconomic status, but not
      perceived social support, predict risk of readmission and readmission frequency
      for AECOPD in patients cared for by nurse-led EDS. Future work on reducing demand
      for unscheduled hospital admissions could include the design and evaluation of
      interventions aimed at optimising the psychosocial care of AECOPD patients
      managed at home.

PMID- 22054637
TI  - Cost per quality-adjusted life year gained of laminectomy and extension of
      instrumented fusion for adjacent-segment disease: defining the value of surgical
      intervention.
AB  - OBJECT: Over the past decade, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of
      spinal fusions performed in the US and a corresponding increase in the incidence
      of adjacent-segment disease (ASD). Surgical management of symptomatic ASD
      consists of decompression of neural elements and extension of fusion. It has been
      shown to have favorable long-term outcomes, but the cost-effectiveness remains
      unclear. In this study, the authors set out to assess the cost-effectiveness of
      revision surgery in the treatment of ASD over a 2-year period. METHODS: Fifty
      patients undergoing neural decompression and extension of fusion construct for
      ASD-associated back and leg pain were included in the study. Two-year total back
      related medical resource utilization, missed work, and health state values
      (quality-adjusted life years [QALYs], calculated from the EQ-5D with US
      valuation) were assessed. Two-year resource use was multiplied by unit costs
      based on Medicare national allowable payment amounts (direct cost), and patient
      and caregiver workday losses were multiplied by the self-reported gross-of-tax
      wage rate (indirect cost). Mean total 2-year cost per QALY gained after revision
      surgery was assessed. RESULTS: The mean (+/- SD) interval between prior fusion
      and revision surgery for ASD was 3.07 +/- 2.02 years. A mean cumulative 2-year
      gain of 0.76 QALYs was observed after revision surgery. The mean total 2-year
      cost of extension of fusion constructs was $47,846 +/- $32,712 (surgery cost:
      $24,063 +/- $300; outpatient resource utilization cost: $4175 +/- $3368; indirect
      cost: $19,607 +/- $32,187). Revision decompression and extension of fusion was
      associated with a mean 2-year cost per QALY gained of $62,955. CONCLUSIONS: In
      the authors' practice, revision decompression and extension of fusion provided a
      significant gain in health state utility for patients with symptomatic ASD, with
      a 2-year cost per QALY gained of $62,995. When indicated, revision surgery for
      ASD is a valuable treatment option for patients experiencing back and leg pain
      secondary to ASD. The findings provide a value measure of surgery that can be
      compared with future cost-per-QALY-gained studies of medical management or
      alternative surgical approaches.

PMID- 22054638
TI  - Avoidance of wrong-level thoracic spine surgery: intraoperative localization with
      preoperative percutaneous fiducial screw placement.
AB  - OBJECT: The accurate intraoperative localization of the correct thoracic spine
      level remains a challenging problem in both open and minimally invasive spine
      surgery. The authors describe a technique of using preoperatively placed
      percutaneous fiducial screws to localize the area of interest in the thoracic
      spine, and they assess the safety and efficacy of the technique. METHODS: To
      avoid wrong-level surgery in the thoracic spine, the authors preoperatively
      placed a percutaneous 5-mm fiducial screw at the level of intended surgery using
      CT guidance. Plain radiographs and CT images with reconstructed views can then be
      referenced in the operating room to verify the surgical level, and the fiducial
      screw is easily identified on intraoperative fluoroscopy. The authors compared a
      group of 26 patients who underwent preoperative (often outpatient) fiducial screw
      placement prior to open or minimally invasive thoracic spine surgery to a
      historical group of 26 patients who had intraoperative localization with
      fluoroscopy alone. RESULTS: In the treatment group of 26 patients, no
      complications related to fiducial screw placement occurred, and there was no
      incidence of wrong-level surgery. In comparison, there were no wrong-level
      surgeries in the historical cohort of 26 patients who underwent mini-open or open
      thoracic spine surgery without placement of a fiducial screw. However, the
      authors found that the intraoperative localization fluoroscopy time was greatly
      reduced when a fiducial screw localization technique was employed. CONCLUSIONS:
      The aforementioned technique for intraoperative localization is safe, efficient,
      and accurate for identifying the target level in thoracic spine exposures. The
      fiducial marker screw can be placed using CT guidance on an outpatient basis.
      There is a reduction in the amount of intraoperative fluoroscopy time needed for
      localization in the fiducial screw group.

PMID- 22054639
TI  - Cost per quality-adjusted life year gained of revision neural decompression and
      instrumented fusion for same-level recurrent lumbar stenosis: defining the value
      of surgical intervention.
AB  - OBJECT: Despite advances in technology and understanding in spinal physiology,
      reoperation for symptomatic same-level recurrent stenosis continues to occur.
      Although revision lumbar surgery is effective, attention has turned to the
      question of the utility and value of revision decompression and fusion
      procedures. To date, an analysis of cost and heath state gain associated with
      revision lumbar surgery for recurrent same-level lumbar stenosis has yet to be
      described. The authors set out to assess the 2-year comprehensive cost of
      revision surgery and determine its value in the treatment of same-level recurrent
      stenosis. METHODS: Forty-two patients undergoing revision decompression and
      instrumented fusion for same-level recurrent stenosis-associated leg and back
      pain were included in this study. Two-year total back-related medical resource
      utilization, missed work, and health state values (quality-adjusted life years
      [QALYs], calculated from the EQ-5D with US valuation) were assessed. Two-year
      resource use was multiplied by unit costs based on Medicare national allowable
      payment amounts (direct cost), and patient and caregiver workday losses were
      multiplied by the self-reported gross-of-tax wage rate (indirect cost). Mean
      total 2-year cost per QALY gained after revision surgery was assessed. RESULTS:
      The mean (+/- SD) interval between prior and revision surgery was 4.16 +/- 4.64
      years. Bone morphogenetic protein was used in 7 cases of revision arthrodesis
      (16.7%). A mean cumulative 2-year gain of 0.84 QALY was observed after revision
      surgery. The mean total 2-year cost of revision fusion was $49,431 +/- $7583
      (surgery cost $21,060 +/- $4459; outpatient resource utilization cost $9748 +/-
      $5292; indirect cost $18,623 +/- $9098). Revision decompression and extension of
      fusion was associated with a mean 2-year cost per QALY gained of $58,846.
      CONCLUSIONS: In the authors' practice, revision decompression and fusion provided
      a significant gain in health state utility for patients with symptomatic same
      level recurrent stenosis, with a 2-year cost per QALY gained of $58,846. When
      indicated, revision surgery for same-level recurrent stenosis is a valuable
      treatment option for patients experiencing back and leg pain secondary to this
      disease. The authors' findings provide a value measure of surgery that can be
      compared with the results of future cost-per-QALY-gained studies of medical
      management or alternative surgical approaches.

PMID- 22054640
TI  - Letter to the editor: electromyography and breached screws.

PMID- 22054641
TI  - EEG oscillatory states as neuro-phenomenology of consciousness as revealed from
      patients in vegetative and minimally conscious states.
AB  - The value of resting electroencephalogram (EEG) in revealing neural constitutes
      of consciousness (NCC) was examined. We quantified the dynamic repertoire,
      duration and oscillatory type of EEG microstates in eyes-closed rest in relation
      to the degree of expression of clinical self-consciousness. For NCC a model was
      suggested that contrasted normal, severely disturbed state of consciousness and
      state without consciousness. Patients with disorders of consciousness were used.
      Results suggested that the repertoire, duration and oscillatory type of EEG
      microstates in resting condition quantitatively related to the level of
      consciousness expression in brain-damaged patients and healthy-conscious
      subjects. Specifically, results demonstrated that (a) decreased number of EEG
      microstate types was associated with altered states of consciousness, (b)
      unawareness was associated with the lack of diversity in EEG alpha-rhythmic
      microstates, and (c) the probability for the occurrence and duration of delta-,
      theta- and slow-alpha-rhythmic microstates were associated with unawareness,
      whereas the probability for the occurrence and duration of fast-alpha-rhythmic
      microstates were associated with consciousness. In conclusion, resting EEG has a
      potential value in revealing NCC. This work may have implications for clinical
      care and medical-legal decisions in patients with disorders of consciousness.

PMID- 22054642
TI  - Creating a quality of life assessment measure for residents in long term care.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The objectives of this study were to (1) gain an empirical
      understanding of how stakeholder (residents, family members, staff) groups view
      quality of life (QoL) for residents in long term care; (2) create a visual map of
      the domain of QoL and describe differences in importance of key elements; and (3)
      identify key elements of QoL that could be used to develop a standardized
      assessment instrument for use in person-centered care planning. DESIGN: This is a
      descriptive study, using a mixed-method, qualitative/quantitative approach called
      "concept mapping." SETTING: The study was conducted at a 240-bed skilled nursing
      facility located in a major metropolitan area. It is part of a not-for-profit
      religiously affiliated social service organization. PARTICIPANTS: A convenience
      sample included 3 groups of participants: staff members, family members of
      residents, and residents. Fifty-three people participated in the brain-storming
      sessions, and 45 people completed sorting and rating tasks. Sample sizes varied
      by group and by task. MEASUREMENTS: Statements about the elements of QoL for
      residents in long term care were elicited during 14 brain-storming sessions.
      Sorting and rating activities were completed using a final list of 88 items.
      RESULTS: A visual map was generated, with 5 clusters of elements representing 5
      conceptual areas within QoL. Importance ratings of elements were similar for
      family members and staff members, and a set of elements rated as high in
      importance but requiring attention to implementation was produced. CONCLUSIONS:
      Family members and staff produced similar conceptual models of QoL, and their
      views on the importance of the various elements were consistent. There was a high
      degree of consensus regarding elements considered least important and those
      considered most important. Elements considered most important addressed quality
      of care, autonomy and respect, and aspects of daily life, including food and
      sleep. There was less concern with the physical appearance of the facility, the
      amenities offered, and issues related to independence; however, all items scored
      above the mean of 2.5 on the 5-point rating scale. This project has shown that it
      is possible to use concept mapping methodology to obtain facility-specific
      information about stakeholders' QoL perceptions in the long term care setting,
      and that residents' views can be assessed and incorporated.

PMID- 22054643
TI  - High throughput screening with chlorophyll fluorescence imaging and its use in
      crop improvement.
AB  - Marker assisted plant breeding is a powerful technique for targeted crop
      improvement in horticulture and agriculture. It depends upon the correlation of
      desirable phenotypic characteristics with specific genetic markers. This can be
      determined by statistical models that relate the variation in the value of
      genetic markers to variation in phenotypic traits. It therefore depends upon the
      convergence of three technologies; the creation of genetically characterised (and
      thus marked) populations, high throughput screening procedures, and statistical
      procedures. While a large number of high throughput screening technologies are
      available, real-time screening techniques are usually based on some kind of
      imaging technologies, such as chlorophyll fluorescence imaging, that offers
      physiological data that are eminently suitable as a quantitative trait for
      genetic mapping.

PMID- 22054644
TI  - Toward nitrogen neutral biofuel production.
AB  - Environmental concerns and an increasing global energy demand have spurred
      scientific research and political action to deliver large-scale production of
      liquid biofuels. Current biofuel processes and developing approaches have focused
      on closing the carbon cycle by biological fixation of atmospheric carbon dioxide
      and conversion of biomass to fuels. To date, these processes have relied on
      fertilizer produced by the energy-intensive Haber-Bosch process, and have not
      addressed the global nitrogen cycle and its environmental implications. Recent
      developments to convert protein to fuel and ammonia may begin to address these
      problems. In this scheme, recycling ammonia to either plant or algal feedstocks
      reduces the demand for synthetic fertilizer supplementation. Further development
      of this technology will realize its advantages of high carbon fixation rates,
      inexpensive and simple feedstock processing, in addition to reduced fertilizer
      requirements.

PMID- 22054646
TI  - Effects of electrical stimulation on post-mortem changes in the activities of two
      Ca dependent neutral proteinases and their inhibitor in beef muscle.
AB  - Post-mortem changes in the activities of two calcium-dependent neutral
      proteinases and their inhibitor were studied in electrically stimulated and
      control beef Longissimus dorsi muscles. During meat conditioning in control
      muscles the activity of the high-calcium-requiring proteinase (mmCa ANP) was not
      affected while a decrease in the activities of the low-calcium-requiring
      proteinase (MUmCa ANP) was observed. After electrical stimulation, the mmCa ANP
      activity was only slightly decreased, but the MUmCa ANP and the inhibitor
      activities were drastically affected. An 80% decrease in MUmCa ANP activity was
      observed 4 h post electrical stimulation. The post-mortem changes seem to be
      closely related to the post-mortem pH fall. If the Ca-requiring neutral
      proteinases are involved in the meat ageing mechanism, it eems that the MUmCa ANP
      is more likely to cause most of the post-mortem changes in the myofibrillar
      proteins, taking into account the low level of intracellular calcium. But as its
      activity is drastically reduced during the rigor mortis process, most of the
      effect of MUmCa ANP could occur at the very beginning of the post-mortem changes.

PMID- 22054645
TI  - Specific involvement of atypical PKCzeta/PKMzeta in spinal persistent nociceptive
      processing following peripheral inflammation in rat.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Central sensitization requires the activation of various
      intracellular signalling pathways within spinal dorsal horn neurons, leading to a
      lowering of activation threshold and enhanced responsiveness of these cells. Such
      plasticity contributes to the manifestation of chronic pain states and displays a
      number of features of long-term potentiation (LTP), a ubiquitous neuronal
      mechanism of increased synaptic strength. Here we describe the role of a novel
      pathway involving atypical PKCzeta/PKMzeta in persistent spinal nociceptive
      processing, previously implicated in the maintenance of late-phase LTP. RESULTS:
      Using both behavioral tests and in vivo electrophysiology in rats, we show that
      inhibition of this pathway, via spinal delivery of a myristoylated protein kinase
      C-zeta pseudo-substrate inhibitor, reduces both pain-related behaviors and the
      activity of deep dorsal horn wide dynamic range neurons (WDRs) following formalin
      administration. In addition, Complete Freund's Adjuvant (CFA)-induced mechanical
      and thermal hypersensitivity was also reduced by inhibition of PKCzeta/PKMzeta
      activity. Importantly, this inhibition did not affect acute pain or locomotor
      behavior in normal rats and interestingly, did not inhibited mechanical allodynia
      and hyperalgesia in neuropathic rats. Pain-related behaviors in both inflammatory
      models coincided with increased phosphorylation of PKCzeta/PKMzeta in dorsal horn
      neurons, specifically PKMzeta phosphorylation in formalin rats. Finally,
      inhibition of PKCzeta/PKMzeta activity decreased the expression of Fos in
      response to formalin and CFA in both superficial and deep laminae of the dorsal
      horn. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that PKCzeta, especially PKMzeta
      isoform, is a significant factor involved in spinal persistent nociceptive
      processing, specifically, the manifestation of chronic pain states following
      peripheral inflammation.

PMID- 22054647
TI  - Variation in light scattering and water-holding capacity along the porcine
      Longissimus dorsi muscle.
AB  - The meat quality of M. longissimus muscle was evaluated in 851 pigs by using the
      Fibre Optic Probe (FOP) at three sites in the muscle and in both halves of the
      carcass. A systematic difference between sites was found, with the lowest light
      scattering (indicating the best meat quality) in the mid-part of the muscle and
      higher light scattering in the anterior and posterior parts. A non-systematic
      variation was also observed, with the opposite pattern in some animals, even
      though it was not frequent. A negative influence of the shackling was found,
      yielding higher FOP values in the shackled half. Drip loss measurements in the
      Longissimus muscle, taken from another 100 pig carcasses, were evaluated using
      three methods. Drip loss, too, showed a considerable variation along the
      Longissimus muscle, with minimum losses around the last rib. Repeatability
      estimates, calculated from two non-consecutive pieces of the Longissimus dorsi
      muscle from each carcass, varied from 0.4 when keeping samples vacuum packed for
      2 days, to 0.5 when the samples were either kept in plain plastic bags for 2 days
      or in a meat container with a squared inset for 1 or 2 days.

PMID- 22054648
TI  - Methodology for meat species identification: A review.
AB  - This review covers methods available for the recognition of the species of animal
      whose meat is present in raw materials or meat products. Isolation of species
      specific proteins is cumbersome; however, isoelettric focusing followed by
      recognition of the pattern of protein bands is particularly effective for
      speciation. Immunoassay has been established as a powerful technique for the
      determination of food protein analytes in suitable extracts of unresolved
      mixtures. Simple immunodiffusion using antisera to serum proteins is sufficient
      to provide a check on the identity of suspect raw samples; routine control would
      involve extensive sampling programmes. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
      procedures are also appropriate, but attempts to quantify individual meat species
      in mixtures have not been successful due to the variability of residual blood
      levels. Species identification in heat-processed meat products is hindered by
      progressive denaturation of the protein markers, leading to loss of solubility
      and antigenicity; the effects of heating can be minimised by a judicious choice
      of analyte and its solubilisation by renaturation.

PMID- 22054649
TI  - Nuclear magnetic resonance measurements on pork of various qualities.
AB  - Nuclear magnetic resonance measurements were made on pork samples from pigs of
      various genetic types (Large White, halothane positive and halothane-negative
      Pietrain) slaughtered either under minimal stress or somewhat stressful
      conditions. The (1)H spin-lattice (T(1)) and spin-spin (T(2)) relaxation times of
      water protons were recorded. The observed T(1) was single-exponential but a two
      component T(2) relaxation behaviour (components referred to as T(2a) and T(2b))
      was observed. Highly significant relationships were found between T(1) and all
      the meat characteristics studied. T(2a) was related only to ultimate pH and
      cooking loss, whereas T(2b) was more closely related to the rate of post-mortem
      pH fall and protein denaturation criteria.

PMID- 22054650
TI  - Palatability characteristics of loin steaks from Charolais crossbred bulls and
      steers.
AB  - Loins from 1 2 - blood  or 3 4 - to 7 8 - blood  Charolais bulls (n = 60) and
      steers (n = 64) were obtained at 24 h post mortem from electrically stimulated
      sides and, at 12 days post mortem, steaks were removed and frozen. Shear force
      values were higher (P < 0.001) and sensory panel evaluations of tenderness and
      overall palatability were lower (P < 0.001) for steaks from bulls than from
      steers. No differences (P > 0.05) in connective tissue amount or off-flavour were
      detected for steaks from bulls versus steers. Significant correlations between
      carcass secondary sex characteristics and sensory panel evaluations of tenderness
      were noted, but the coefficients were not of a magnitude to be considered
      predictive of tenderness.

PMID- 22054651
TI  - The effect of high and low voltage electrical stimulation on beef quality.
AB  - Meat bulls were assigned to three treatment groups-high voltage intermittent
      electrical stimulation, low voltage electrical stimulation and no stimulation.
      Both stimulation methods resulted in a significantly more rapid pH fall in the
      longissimus and adductor muscles during the first 8 h post mortem. Carcass
      cooling rates were relatively slow, since temperatures of the longissimus and
      adductor muscles were 15 degrees C, respectively, at 8 h post mortem. Samples of
      stimulated longissimus, cut at 24h post mortem and vacuum stored at 3 degrees C
      for 6 days, had a brighter red colour, higher drip and heating loss, lower shear
      force values and scored better in taste panels, compared with samples from
      control carcasses. No significant differences were observed between high and low
      voltage electrical stimulation in quality traits measured. Although the combined
      result of pH and temperature measurements during the first 8 h post mortem
      suggest an absence of cold shortening conditions in control carcasses, a lower
      sarcomere length was found in samples of the longissimus muscle taken from these
      carcasses at 24 h post mortem.

PMID- 22054652
TI  - Novel small-caliber vascular grafts with trimeric Peptide for acceleration of
      endothelialization.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Both rapid endothelialization and the prevention of intimal
      hyperplasia are essential to improve the patency of small-caliber vascular grafts
      (SCVGs). Using the peptide array based screening system, we identified the
      peptide CAG (cysteine-alanine-glycine), which has a high affinity for endothelial
      cells and a low adhesive property for smooth muscle cells (SMCs). In this
      article, we report an in vivo analysis of novel vascular grafts that were
      constructed with a biodegradable polymer (poly-epsilon-caprolactone [PCL])
      containing CAG peptide. METHODS: The novel SCVG, which measured 0.7 mm in
      diameter and 7 mm in length, was fabricated using the electrospinning technique.
      Carotid arterial replacement was performed on Sprague-Dawley rats using SCVGs
      with (group CAG) or without CAG (group C). Histologic and biochemical assessments
      were performed at 1, 2, and 6 weeks after implantation. RESULTS: The ratio of
      endothelialization was significantly higher in group CAG compared with group C
      (CAG versus C, 64.4+/-20.0% versus 42.1+/-8.9% at 1 week; p=0.017; 98.2+/-2.3%
      versus 72.7+/-12.9% at 2 weeks; p=0.001; and 97.4+/-4.6% versus 76.7+/-5.4% at 6
      weeks; p<0.001). Additionally, Western blot analysis showed that the level of
      endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) at 1 week in group CAG was significantly
      higher than that in group C (CAG versus C, 1.20+/-0.37 versus 0.34+/-0.16;
      p=0.013), and that alpha-smooth muscle actin (ASMA) at 6 weeks in group CAG was
      significantly lower than that in group C (CAG versus C, 0.89+/-0.06 versus 1.25+/
      0.22; p=0.04). CONCLUSIONS: The graft with CAG promoted rapid endothelialization
      and the potential for inhibition of intimal hyperplasia.

PMID- 22054653
TI  - Abdominal aorta aneurysms in children: single-center experience of six patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) are rare in children and are
      associated with significant morbidity and mortality as in adults. We summarize
      our experience in the diagnosis and management of AAAs in 6 children at a single
      institution. METHODS: The clinical data of 6 pediatric patients with AAAs treated
      at our hospital from November 2005 to November 2008 were retrospectively
      analyzed. RESULTS: There were 4 males and 2 females with a mean age at diagnosis
      of 8 years (range, 17 months to 18 years). All patients presented with pulsatile
      abdominal masses. Color Doppler ultrasonography and computed tomography
      angiography were the primary diagnostic tools. One patient has a history of
      tuberous sclerosis, and 1 had Takayasu's arteritis; no risk factors or
      identifiable causes were found in the other patients. All of the AAAs identified
      were infrarenal. Surgical reconstruction with aneurysm resection and prosthetic
      graft placement was performed successfully in all 6 cases. No intraoperative or
      postoperative complications occurred. Mean follow-up has been 48 months (range,
      32 to 69). In 1 patient, recurrence was noted at 3 years postoperatively. The
      patient's family declined further surgery, and the patient died, likely of
      rupture of the aneurysm at 41 months postoperatively. All other patients are
      currently alive and well. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience indicates that good
      outcomes can be obtained in children with AAAs with prompt and accurate diagnosis
      and surgical management with artificial grafts.

PMID- 22054654
TI  - In situ replacement for mycotic aneurysms on the thoracic and abdominal aorta
      using rifampicin-bonded grafting and omental pedicle grafting.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The objective of this report is to discuss the efficacy of in situ
      replacement for treating mycotic aneurysm, particularly using rifampicin-bonded
      grafts and omental pedicle grafts, on the basis of our 7 years of experience.
      METHODS: Between December 2003 and December 2010, we performed surgical
      treatments in 23 patients (for the thoracic aorta in 6 patients, for the
      thoracoabdominal aorta in 8 patients, and for the abdominal aorta in 9 patients;
      7 emergency, 10 urgent, and 6 elective operations) with mycotic aneurysm by using
      rifampicin-bonded grafting and omental pedicle grafting. RESULTS: One patient
      died in hospital because of local recurrent infection. One patient required an
      additional operation on another aortic site, and 3 patients had spinal cord
      injuries (2 transient and 1 permanent). Overall survival at 5 years was 95%, and
      the rate of freedom from aortic events at 5 years was 86%. CONCLUSIONS: In situ
      replacement using rifampicin-bonded grafting and omental pedicle grafting is
      effective for treating mycotic aneurysms of the thoracic and abdominal aorta.

PMID- 22054655
TI  - Long-term outcome for the surgical treatment of infective endocarditis with a
      focus on intravenous drug users.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We reviewed our experience with surgical procedures for infective
      endocarditis (IE) in order to evaluate modern outcomes and objectively examine
      our institutional preferences, including the use of bioprostheses in intravenous
      drug users (IVDUs) regardless of age and prompt surgical intervention in patients
      with either septic cerebral emboli or active infection. METHODS: Review of
      medical records was conducted from February 1999 to November 2010. The Social
      Security Death Index was used to determine death from any cause in the
      postoperative period. Hospital records were used to identify infectious
      complications, recurrent endocarditis, and reoperation. RESULTS: Sixty-four
      patients were identified as IVDUs and 133 patients as non-IVDUs. Survival at 30
      days, 1 year, 5 years, and 10 years for IVDUs and non-IVDUs was 91.2% versus
      93.6%, 77.5% versus 83.0%, 46.7% versus 71.1%, and 41.1% versus 52.0%,
      respectively. Cox regression analysis identified intravenous drug use as an
      independent risk factor for diminished survival (p=0.03), although not for
      reoperation (p=0.95) despite 95.3% of IVDUs receiving bioprostheses versus 73.7%
      of non-IVDUs (p=0.0002, Fisher's exact test). Forty-three patients were
      identified as having preoperative septic cerebral emboli; none had a
      perioperative hemorrhagic event. Active infection approached significance as an
      independent risk factor for the composite end point of recurrent IE and
      perioperative infection (odds ratio 2.8; 95% confidence interval, 0.777 to 10.9;
      p=0.12, Fisher's exact test). CONCLUSIONS: Bioprostheses are reasonable for IVDUs
      undergoing valve replacement for IE regardless of age. Prompt surgical
      intervention in the setting of septic cerebral emboli is justified; in the
      setting of active infection it is less clear.

PMID- 22054656
TI  - High-dose tranexamic acid is an independent predictor of early seizure after
      cardiopulmonary bypass.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Risk factors associated with early seizure after cardiopulmonary
      bypass (CPB) were examined. The role of tranexamic acid in seizure development
      was evaluated. METHODS: Early seizure was defined as a seizure occurring within
      24 hours of CPB, without neurologic deficit or new lesion on brain imaging.
      Independent determinants of early seizure were examined by multivariate logistic
      regression modelling. RESULTS: Between 2004 and 2009, early seizure occurred in
      119 of 8,929 patients (1.3%). A significant increase in the yearly rate of early
      seizure was observed in 2004 (0.73%) vs 2009 (1.97%; p<0.0001). Multivariate
      analysis showed the following variables were independent predictors of early
      seizure: age older than 75 years (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 2.1; p=0.0001), open
      heart procedure (OR, 12.0; p<0.0001), preoperative renal failure (OR, 3.2;
      p<0.0001), peripheral vascular disease (OR, 1.8; p=0.02), and total tranexamic
      acid dose of 100 mg/kg or more (OR, 2.6; p<0.0001). Risk of seizure was related
      to tranexamic acid in a dose-dependent fashion, with higher doses associated with
      increased risk of seizure. The use of CO2 in a subset of patients undergoing open
      heart procedures did not decrease the incidence of early seizure (4.8% vs 2.5%
      for no CO2; p=0.27). Postoperative chest tube drainage and blood product use were
      similar between patients receiving low-dose and high-dose tranexamic acid.
      CONCLUSIONS: High-dose tranexamic acid (>=100 mg/kg) is independently associated
      with an increased risk of early seizure. Future tranexamic acid trials should
      assess the blood-conserving effect of tranexamic acid at a lower dosage and
      specifically monitor for seizure occurrence.

PMID- 22054657
TI  - Subclinical changes in serum creatinine and mortality after coronary artery
      bypass grafting.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Changes in postoperative serum creatinine levels have been used to
      define acute renal injury in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with
      cardiopulmonary bypass. It remains unclear, however, whether subclinical
      increases in serum creatinine that do not meet current Acute Kidney Injury
      Network or RIFLE (risk, injury, failure, loss, and end-stage kidney disease)
      criteria for acute renal injury are predictive of mortality after cardiac
      surgery. METHODS: Multivariate logistic regression was performed in a
      retrospective cohort of 3914 consecutive patients undergoing primary, isolated
      coronary artery bypass grafting with cardiopulmonary bypass to determine whether
      postoperative serum creatinine change independently predicts 30-day all-cause
      mortality in patients with normal renal function and with varying levels of
      preoperative renal insufficiency. To control further for selection bias,
      multivariate logistic regression was performed on a propensity-matched cohort (n
      = 2042) to determine whether subclinical increases in serum creatinine predict
      mortality. RESULTS: Negative change in serum creatinine was associated with
      reduced 30-day all-cause mortality. Even subclinical increases in serum
      creatinine were associated with increased mortality relative to patients with
      negative changes in serum creatinine (odds ratio, 3.93; 95% confidence interval,
      1.68-9.22; P < .01). After propensity matching, subclinical increases in serum
      creatinine were still associated with increased mortality (odds ratio, 4.13; 95%
      confidence interval, 1.37-12.45; P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: Subclinical increases in
      serum creatinine that do not meet acute renal injury criteria are independently
      associated with 30-day all-cause mortality in patients with normal renal function
      or preoperative renal insufficiency undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting.

PMID- 22054659
TI  - Predictors and impact of postoperative atrial fibrillation on patients' outcomes:
      a report from the Randomized On Versus Off Bypass trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The study objective was to determine the predictors of postoperative
      atrial fibrillation (POAF) in patients randomized to conventional coronary artery
      bypass graft (on-pump coronary artery bypass [ONCAB]) versus beating heart
      coronary surgery (off-pump coronary artery bypass [OPCAB]). METHODS: The subgroup
      of 2103 patients (of 2203 enrollees) in the Randomized On Versus Off Bypass trial
      with no POAF was studied (1056 patients in the ONCAB group and 1047 patients in
      the OPCAB group). Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify the
      predictors of POAF and the impact of POAF on outcomes. RESULTS: Use of ONCAB
      versus OPCAB was not associated with increased rates of POAF. Older age (P <
      .0001), white race (P < .001), and hypertension (P < .002) were predictors of
      POAF on multivariate analysis. In general, POAF led to a higher rates of
      reintubation (ONCAB: 6.3% vs 0.8% no POAF, P < .001; OPCAB: 7.4% vs 1.8% no POAF,
      P < .0001) and prolonged ventilatory support (ONCAB: 7.1% vs 2.3% no POAF, P =
      .001; OPCAB: 9.2% vs 3.4% no POAF, P = .0003). The rate of any early adverse
      outcome was higher in patients with POAF (all patients: 10% POAF vs 4.7% no POAF,
      P < .0001; ONCAB: 9% POAF vs 4.3% no POAF, P = .008; OPCAB: 11% POAF vs 5.1% no
      POAF, P = .001). The 1-year all cause mortality was higher with POAF for both
      groups (ONCAB: 5.4% POAF vs 2% no POAF, P = .009; OPCAB: 5.1% POAF vs 2.6% no
      POAF, P = .07). POAF was independently associated with early composite end point
      (odds ratio [OR], 2.23; confidence interval [CI], 1.55-3.22; P < .0001), need for
      new mechanical support (OR, 3.25; CI, 1.39-7.61; P = .007), prolonged ventilatory
      support (OR, 2.93; CI, 1.89-4.55; P < .0001), renal failure (OR, 5.42; CI, 1.94
      15.15; P = .001), and mortality at 12 months (OR, 1.94; CI, 1.14-3.28; P = .01).
      CONCLUSIONS: In the Randomized On Versus Off Bypass trial, the strategy of
      revascularization did not affect the rate of POAF. Age, race, and hypertension
      were predictors of POAF. POAF was independently associated with a higher short
      term morbidity and higher 1-year mortality rates.

PMID- 22054660
TI  - Optimal surgical management of severe ischemic mitral regurgitation: to repair or
      to replace?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ischemic mitral regurgitation, a complication of myocardial
      infarction and coronary artery disease more generally, is associated with a high
      mortality rate and is estimated to affect 2.8 million Americans. With 1-year
      mortality rates as high as 40%, recent practice guidelines of professional
      societies recommend repair or replacement, but there remains a lack of conclusive
      evidence supporting either intervention. The choice between therapeutic options
      is characterized by the trade-off between reduced operative morbidity and
      mortality with repair versus a better long-term correction of mitral
      insufficiency with replacement. The long-term benefits of repair versus
      replacement remain unknown, which has led to significant variation in surgical
      practice. METHODS AND RESULTS: This article describes the design of a prospective
      randomized clinical trial to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of mitral
      valve repair and replacement in patients with severe ischemic mitral
      regurgitation. This trial is being conducted as part of the Cardiothoracic
      Surgical Trials Network. This article addresses challenges in selecting a
      feasible primary end point, characterizing the target population (including the
      degree of mitral regurgitation) and analytical challenges in this high mortality
      disease. CONCLUSIONS: The article concludes by discussing the importance of
      information on functional status, survival, neurocognition, quality of life, and
      cardiac physiology in therapeutic decision making.

PMID- 22054662
TI  - Transcatheter aortic valve implantation versus surgical aortic valve replacement:
      a propensity score analysis in patients at high surgical risk.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has recently been
      advocated to decrease perioperative risk in high-risk patients. In this
      propensity-score analysis we compared outcomes after TAVI to those after surgical
      aortic valve replacement (AVR). METHODS: From June 2009 through June 2010, 82
      consecutive patients underwent TAVI via a transapical (n = 60) or transfemoral (n
      = 22) approach using the Edwards Sapien prosthesis (Edwards Lifesciences, Irvine,
      Calif). Mean patient age was 81.9 +/- 5.2 years, 64.6% were women. Logistic
      EuroSCORE was 23.6% +/- 1.4% and Society of Thoracic Surgeons score was 8.7% +/-
      1.3%. A group of 82 patients after surgical AVR was retrieved from our database,
      yielding a control group that was matched to the cases with respect to baseline
      demographics and typical risk factors. RESULTS: Overall mortality did not differ
      significantly between TAVI and AVR groups at 30 days (7.3% vs 8.6%), 90 days
      (13.6% vs 11.1%), or 180 days (17.8% vs 16.9%; P = .889). Conversion to surgery
      was necessary in 2 (2.4%) TAVI cases. Perioperative stroke occurred in 2 (2.4%)
      cases per group. Pacemakers were implanted for new-onset heart block in 3.7% and
      2.4% in the TAVI and AVR groups, respectively (P = 1.0). TAVI resulted in shorter
      operative times (P < .001), shorter ventilation times (P < .001), and shorter
      length of stay in the intensive care unit (P = .008). Duration of hospital stay,
      however, was not significantly different (P = .11). CONCLUSIONS: In our
      experience, mortality rates are similar after both types of procedure. Patients
      receiving TAVI benefit from faster postoperative recovery. Until more clinical
      data become available, the optimal procedure has to be determined for each
      patient according to individual risk factors.

PMID- 22054664
TI  - Influence of coagulating bath composition on the texture of fibres spun from
      blood plasma.
AB  - The effect of the composition of the coagulating bath on the formation of spun
      fibres from blood plasma protein has been investigated. The texture of these
      fibres is affected by the concentration of the coagulants, especially at low
      levels. The fibre retained an amount of sodium chloride, proportional to the salt
      level in the bath, which could be washed free from the fibre without
      redissolution. As a result a satisfactory level of ash in the textured product
      could be obtained.

PMID- 22054663
TI  - Identification of a disulfide bridge essential for structure and function of the
      voltage-gated Ca(2+) channel alpha(2)delta-1 auxiliary subunit.
AB  - Voltage-gated calcium (Ca(V)) channels are transmembrane proteins that form
      Ca(2+)-selective pores gated by depolarization and are essential regulators of
      the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration. By providing a pathway for rapid Ca(2+)
      influx, Ca(V) channels couple membrane depolarization to a wide array of cellular
      responses including neurotransmission, muscle contraction and gene expression.
      Ca(V) channels fall into two major classes, low voltage-activated (LVA) and high
      voltage-activated (HVA). The ion-conducting pathway of HVA channels is the
      alpha(1) subunit, which typically contains associated beta and alpha(2)delta
      ancillary subunits that regulate the properties of the channel. Although it is
      widely acknowledged that alpha(2)delta-1 is post-translationally cleaved into an
      extracellular alpha(2) polypeptide and a membrane-anchored delta protein that
      remain covalently linked by disulfide bonds, to date the contribution of
      different cysteine (Cys) residues to the formation of disulfide bridges between
      these proteins has not been investigated. In the present report, by predicting
      disulfide connectivity with bioinformatics, molecular modeling and protein
      biochemistry experiments we have identified two Cys residues involved in the
      formation of an intermolecular disulfide bond of critical importance for the
      structure and function of the alpha(2)delta-1 subunit. Site directed-mutagenesis
      of Cys404 (located in the von Willebrand factor-A region of alpha(2)) and Cys1047
      (in the extracellular domain of delta) prevented the association of the alpha(2)
      and delta peptides upon proteolysis, suggesting that the mature protein is linked
      by a single intermolecular disulfide bridge. Furthermore, co-expression of mutant
      forms of alpha(2)delta-1 Cys404Ser and Cys1047Ser with recombinant neuronal N
      type (Ca(V)2.2alpha(1)/beta(3)) channels, showed decreased whole-cell patch-clamp
      currents indicating that the disulfide bond between these residues is required
      for alpha(2)delta-1 function.

PMID- 22054665
TI  - Some factors causing variation in the texture of similar muscles from comparable
      animals.
AB  - This paper reviews recent studies on pre- and postmortem changes in muscle tissue
      that cause variation in quality of similar muscles from animals of equal age,
      similar breeding and rearing, and processed under identical conditions. These
      studies indicate that the nervous state of the animal and struggling at death
      cause an undesirably high rate of glycolysis and breakdown of high-energy
      phosphates immediately before or after death in some animals. This results in a
      low pH at death or shortly after death and a rapid onset of rigor when the
      temperature of the carcass is still high. These conditions cause denaturation of
      sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar proteins and excessive shortening-and consequently
      toughness and loss of water-holding capacity. The extent of these changes varies
      widely between similar muscles from comparable animals which leads to concomitant
      variations in tenderness and juiciness of the meat. Another causal factor in this
      variation is the lack of activation of an intrinsic enzyme system which
      dissociates the Z-lines and improves tenderness.

PMID- 22054666
TI  - Reactivity of glycerol in intermediate moisture meats.
AB  - Non-enzymic browning (NEB) reactions between glycerol and some of the amino acids
      present in meat have been observed at 38 and 65 degrees C; l-lysine is the most
      reactive of the amino acids studied and l-cysteine and l-arginine the least.
      These NEB reactions also occur between glycerol and proteins (gelatin and
      casein). The reactions are not unique to glycerol as other polyhydric alcohols
      also form brown pigments with lysine. On prolonged air storage at 65 degrees C
      glycerol itself undergoes mild oxidation, ultimately yielding a brown solution.

PMID- 22054667
TI  - Evidence for differences in post mortem intramuscular phospholipase activity in
      several muscle types.
AB  - The neutral and polar lipids of chicken adductor longus and pork semitendinosus
      muscles have been analysed at several periods of post mortem ageing. A complete
      fatty acid analysis for pork muscle has also been carried out. The results
      revealed small changes in chicken leg muscle phosphatidyl ethanolamine and free
      fatty acid fractions, suggesting limited phospholipase A activity in this muscle.
      The pork muscle showed no changes. The results are considerably different from
      results obtained for chicken pectoralis major. The differences are discussed in
      the light of the structural and biochemical differences between the sarcotubular
      systems of red and white muscle fibres.

PMID- 22054668
TI  - Preservation of refrigerated meats with controlled atmospheres: Treatment and
      post-treatment effects of carbon dioxide on pork and beef.
AB  - Whole pork loins were divided into roasts and subjected to air control and carbon
      dioxide enriched atmospheres at 1 degrees C for up to 21 days. Quintuplicate
      samples of both control and carbon dioxide treated loins were transferred to air
      storage at 0,4,7, 14 and 21 days and further held for 0, 3(4), 7 and 10 days at 4
      degrees C. Microbiological counts were taken at all time permutations. The
      results indicated a strong inhibiting effect of the carbon dioxide atmosphere on
      microbial growth as well as a marked residual effect during post-treatment
      storage in air. Satisfactory colour and odour were maintained on the loins for
      extended storage times, with visual and olfactory deterioration preceding
      microbial spoilage. Beef round wedges were treated in a similar manner. Although
      bacterial spoilage inhibition was comparable, colour degeneration was rapid and
      severe, making the method unsuitable for treatment of finished beef cuts.

PMID- 22054669
TI  - The effect of pre-rigor stretch and contraction on the post-rigor geometry of
      meat samples in relation to meat toughness.
AB  - The geometry of the muscle fibre and perimysial collagen components of meat
      subjected to pre-rigor stretch and contraction were examined. The changes in the
      configurations of these two components accompanying length changes in the muscle
      were used to explain the reported relationship between raw meat toughness and
      contraction state. The theory put forward proposes that in raw meat samples the
      muscle fibre component plays virtually no role in modifying the toughness of the
      meat sample with contraction state. This theory of the collagen component playing
      the major role is the same as that reported elsewhere. It is capable of
      explaining a reverse relationship between meat toughness and contraction state
      such as is found in cooked meat simply by invoking a firmer consistency for the
      muscle fibres which then act as fill between the collagen network fibres and hold
      them at an angle relative to the line of applied force.

PMID- 22054670
TI  - The prediction of beef carcass composition: A comparison of models.
AB  - Any attempt to summarise existing knowledge on the prediction of carcass
      composition without detailed dissection is bedevilled by the variety of methods
      used by different workers, not least in the analysis and presentation of their
      results. This paper examines one cause of the apparent confusion: the differences
      in interpretation arising from the use of different regression models in allowing
      for the effect of variable live weight or side weight. The part/whole
      relationships implied in examining the effect of a total weight on the weight of
      a part are considered, and by applying four regression models to two sets of
      published data, it is hoped to facilitate reconciliation of the conflicting
      results reported in the literature.

PMID- 22054671
TI  - The histology of blood splash in lamb.
AB  - Ecchymosis (blood splash), can occur in the carcasses of animals that have been
      stunned electrically or shot with a captive bolt. While blood splash presents no
      health hazard, it is likely to detract from the acceptable appearance of the
      meat. Based on light and electron microscopic studies, ecchymosis has been shown
      to be due to the localised discharge of blood from ruptured blood vessels into
      the surrounding muscle tissue. A small proportion of muscle fibres in a splashed
      region were distorted (~ 5 %) with irregular zones of high shortening
      interspersed with zones of lesser shortening. Such 'supercontracture' and its
      associated blood splash was markedly reduced by neuromuscular blocking agents. It
      is proposed that through supercontracture of some fibres, a severe strain is
      placed on adjacent blood vessels, occasionally leading to their rupture and hence
      to haemorrhaging.

PMID- 22054672
TI  - Evaluating physical activity: the AQAP questionnaire and its interpretation
      software.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Updating Baecke physical activity questionnaire in French, validating
      this version named AQAP and developing software for a personalized interpretation
      of the results. METHOD: Validation conducted on 702 consultants in health
      prevention centers aged 18-79 years: reliability of the questionnaire when self
      administered, validity according to the energy expenditure per interview and
      reproducibility after two weeks (n=31). After two months, assessment of the
      questionnaire's impact on knowledge and behaviors in 320 young adults aged 18-29
      years. RESULTS: The results from self- and interviewer-administered questionnaire
      were correlated (Kappa>0.60). Furthermore, the total physical activity index was
      correlated to the energy expenditure (rho=0.39, P<0.0001). The four physical
      activity indexes calculated from self-administrated questionnaires barely varied
      at the two-week interval (P >= 0.23, power >= 77%, accepted difference +/- 10%).
      Two months later, 80% of the participants had read the interpretation software
      report, 55% became conscious of their physical activity level, 43% increased
      their physical activity level and 42% reported being aware of the relationship
      between physical activity and health. CONCLUSION: AQAP characteristics are
      satisfactory and thus this questionnaire can be used on the general population in
      complement of an individual or collective action to promote physical activity and
      in epidemiological studies for analyzing the links between individual behaviors
      and health.

PMID- 22054673
TI  - Effect of curing salt and phosphate on the activity of porcine muscle proteases.
AB  - The effect of curing salt on the activity of porcine muscle proteases was
      evaluated, within the salt concentration range found in the manufacturing process
      of Spanish cured ham. Salt (NaCl) acts as a strong inhibitor of proteolytic
      activity; sodium nitrate and potassium nitrate do not affect cathepsin D
      activity; cathepsin L is inhibited at levels of the salts not found in cured ham,
      and Ca-dependent proteolytic activity is enhanced by nitrate concentrations below
      800 ppm. The appearance of phosphate precipitates in several areas of ham has led
      to the study of phosphate effect on enzymatic activity. Results show that
      phosphate is an inhibitor of proteolytic activity.

PMID- 22054674
TI  - Effect of halothane genotype on muscle metabolism at slaughter and its
      relationship with meat quality: A within-litter comparison.
AB  - The effects of halothane genotype on muscle metabolism at slaughter and its
      relationship with meat quality were studied within 16 litters. Heterozygous boars
      and sows were mated and the offspring were halothane tested and bloodtyped to
      reveal the halothane (Hal) genotype of the 120 animals used (NN, Nn or nn).
      Following slaughter at 100kg live weight, muscle samples from M. longissimus
      dorsi (LD) and M. quadriceps (Qu) were taken immediately after exsanguination and
      analysed for glycogen, glucose-6-phosphate, lactate, creatine phosphate (CP), and
      adenosine triphosphate (ATP), as well as for enzyme activities representing both
      the oxidative and glycolytic pathways. The enzyme activities were similar for all
      genotypes. All muscle metabolites differed significantly between samples from NN
      and nn animals, with higher lactate and glucose-6-phosphate and lower glycogen,
      CP and ATP in the nn muscles. The heterozygote animals were intermediate or close
      to either of the homozygotes. Meat quality characteristics (drip loss, surface
      and internal reflectance and dielectric loss factor) were studied only in the LD
      muscle. Meat quality of the muscle from the heterozygote (Nn) animals was
      inferior to that from NN animals (no difference for internal reflectance) but
      better than that from nn animals. When reflectance and drip loss were combined
      into an index, very few values from the nn-animals were better than the total
      mean. Indexes from the dominant homozygotes were generally better than the mean
      and those of heterozygotes were approximately normally distributed around the
      mean.

PMID- 22054675
TI  - Carcass traits and meat quality of male lambs fed monensin or lasalocid.
AB  - Male lambs, crossbred Merino * Ille de France, were fed a diet supplemented with
      31 mg monensin or 32 mg lasalocid per kg of feed dry matter from an initial body
      weight of 23.6-23.9 kg to the slaughter weight of approximately 40 kg. Carcass
      traits and meat quality were evaluated after slaughter; the values obtained were
      compared with those of the control group fed the same diet without the ionophore
      supplement. There were few significant differences among the individual groups in
      carcass value, sensoric and technological properties of meat and of its
      composition. However, the lasalocid-fed group seemed to be somewhat better in
      muscling and in the composition of meat.

PMID- 22054676
TI  - Amino acid composition of meat, fatty acid composition of fat and content of some
      chemical elements in the tissues of male lambs fed monensin or lasalocid.
AB  - Tissues of slaughtered male lambs fed for 56 days on a feed mixture, supplemented
      with either monensin or lasalocid, were analysed and compared with tissues of
      control lambs fed similarly but without ionophore supplement. The analyses
      carried out were for the amino acid composition of meat, fatty acid composition
      of intramuscular and perirenal fat, and for some chemical elements in meat, liver
      and kidneys. In meat of both supplemented groups of lambs a significant increase
      in tyrosine was observed. In the fat tissues of monensin-fed lambs a higher
      proportion of odd-carbon acid (heptadecanoic acid) was observed; differences in
      some other fatty acids among the groups were also found. Some significant
      differences in the chemical elements analysed were observed, particularly in
      liver, few in kidneys and none in the muscle of ionophore-fed groups. The quality
      of meat, as judged by the analyses for the substances mentioned, was little
      changed by supplementation of monensin or lasalocid in the feed of male lambs.

PMID- 22054677
TI  - Evaluation of lean meat quality in pigs using two electronic probes.
AB  - The Danish Fat-O-Meater grading probe (FOM) and the Fibre Optic Probe (FOP)
      developed at IFR, Bristol, were evaluated for their potential ability to predict
      lean meat quality in a sample of 76 pig carcasses showing a wide range of quality
      in the M. longissimus dorsi. When probings were made after chilling at about 20 h
      post mortem the correlations between probe value (FOP(u) and FOM(u)) and
      reflectance (EEL value), drip loss during storage and subjective assessment score
      for colour-structure were high (FOP(u) and reflectance, r = 0.89; drip loss, r =
      0.78; subjective assessment, r = 0.90. FOM(u) and reflectance, r = 0.88; drip
      loss, r = 0.73; subjective assessment r = 0.81). Nevertheless, probe values could
      not be used to unambiguously group samples into normal, pale, soft, exudative
      (PSE) or dark, firm, dry (DFD) classes. Correlations between probe values at 45
      min post mortem and measures of ultimate meat quality were much lower. Neither
      probe could potentially differentiate between normal and DFD meat at this time
      and differentiation between normal and PSE meat was also poorer.

PMID- 22054678
TI  - Evaluation of salt, polyphosphates and their blends at different levels on
      physicochemical properties of buffalo meat and patties.
AB  - The effects of sodium pyrophosphate (SPP), sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP), sodium
      hexametaphosphate (SHMP), sodium acid pyrophosphate (SAPP) and their blends at
      different levels (0.3, 0.5 and 0.7%), along with 2% sodium chloride on certain
      quality parameters of buffalo meat and patties were evaluated. The SPP, STPP and
      phosphate blends significantly increased pH, water-holding capacity (WHC),
      emulsifying capacity (EC), extractability of salt soluble proteins (SSP), colour
      of ground meat, decreased cooking loss (CL), improved emulsion stability (ES) and
      enhanced yield, texture and moisture retention of cooked patties. Compared to
      these phosphates, SAPP and SHMP had significantly poorer effects on improving the
      quality of meat and patties. The order of effectiveness of phosphates was SPP >
      STPP > SHMP. In general, pH, WHC, SSP, ES, yield and moisture content of patties
      increased progressively with increasing level of phosphate while CL decreased.
      Among blends containing two polyphosphates, those of 90% SPP + 10% SHMP and 75%
      SPP + 25% STPP were relatively more effective. A phosphate blend consisting of
      65% SPP, 17.5% STPP and 17.5% SAPP was equally effective as that of SPP in
      improving the functionality of hot and chilled meat and had the advantage of
      reducing the amount of sodium by 3%.

PMID- 22054679
TI  - Evaluation of the contribution of skatole, indole, androstenone and androstenols
      to boar-taint in back fat of pigs by HPLC and capillary gas chromatography (CGC).
AB  - Fifteen samples of fat with boar taint were selected by means of a trained panel
      test, from 200 carcasses of entire male pigs, and they were analyzed to determine
      skatole, indole, 5alpha-Androst-16-en-3-one (5alpha-An), 5alpha-Androst-16-en
      3alpha-ol (5alphaAn3alpha) and 5alpha-Androst-16-en-3beta-ol (5alphaAn3beta). The
      extraction was carried out with methanol, the extract was placed at -20 degrees C
      during 10 min to eliminate the fat and after evaporation of methanol a Florisil
      clean up was applied to obtain skatole and indole in a separate fraction from
      5alphaAn and androstenols. Skatole and indole were determined by HPLC in normal
      phase with a Spherisorb-NH(2) column and 5alphaAn and androstenols were analyzed
      by capillary gas chromatography (CGC). Selective procedures were used for
      detection: ratio at 220 nm and 280 nm (skatole/indole) and CGC coupled to a mass
      spectrometer working in the SIM (selected ion monitoring) mode at m/z 272
      (o5alphaAn) and m/z 274 (androstenols). The results obtained showed that skatole
      and 5alphaAn concentrations exceeded that typical thresholds values in more than
      50% of samples analyzed, suggesting a similar influence on boar taint.
      5alphaAn3beta showed higher concentrations than 5alphaAn3alpha, but lower than
      5alphaAn, exceeding only 1.00 MUg/g in three samples.

PMID- 22054680
TI  - Technologie de la Viande et des Produits Carnes By J. P. Girard. INRA
      Publications, Versailles, 1988. 280 pp. Price: 275.00 F fr.

PMID- 22054681
TI  - First report and molecular characterization of Trypanosoma vivax in cattle from
      state of Pernambuco, Brazil.
AB  - This paper describes an outbreak of Trypanosoma vivax for the first time in the
      state of Pernambuco, Brazil, affecting dairy cattle in the municipality of Itambe
      in the northern coastal zone of the state. Clinical signs compatible with
      infection by blood protozoa and epidemic miscarriages were observed. The
      diagnosis of T. vivax was confirmed through biometric microscopy and molecular
      analysis with PCR and DNA sequencing. The T. vivax isolate detected in the
      present study proved to be genetically very close to other Brazilian isolates of
      the protozoan despite being geographically distant.

PMID- 22054682
TI  - Electrical stimulation and ultra-rapid chilling of pork.
AB  - Six pigs were stimulated at 5 min post mortem and six remained unstimulated. All
      the pigs were split hot and one side from each pig was rapidly chilled in two
      stages (air at -40 degrees C and 1 m/s for 80 min followed by 0 degrees C and 0.5
      m/s for 130 min) and the other side was conventionally chilled (air at 0 degrees
      C and 1 m/s for 24 h). The weight loss from rapidly chilled sides was
      approximately 1% less than that from conventionally chilled controls. Cooked
      samples of Longissimus dorsi were tougher from unstimulated rapidly chilled sides
      (0.23 J) than from unstimulated conventionally chilled sides (0.18 J), whilst
      samples from both stimulated treatments were significantly more tender (0.15 J).
      These differences in toughness are thought to be due to a combination of cold
      shortening and lack of conditioning. The average pH in the longissimus dorsi of
      both rapidly and conventionally chilled stimulated sides at 50 min post mortem
      was 5.57 and samples from these muscles were slightly paler and more watery than
      the unstimulated controls.

PMID- 22054683
TI  - Predicting cutability of pork carcasses and hams using the Hennessy and Chong Fat
      Depth Indicator.
AB  - Hot and cold Fat Depth Indicator (FDI) readings were taken on seventy-four pork
      sides to examine the relative precision of different measurement locations. Fat
      measurements taken over the M. longissimus opposite the fourteenth thoracic
      vertebra (CD = 47.5; RSD = 1.63) and the last lumbar vertebra (CD = 61.1; RSD =
      1.40) were the measurement locations most closely associated with percentages of
      four trimmed lean cuts. Using certain combinations of carcass weight and/or hot
      and cold FDI readings in multiple regression equations, 71.0% (RSD = 1.35) and
      63.3% (RSD = 1.55), respectively, of the variability in percentage yields of four
      lean cuts could be explained; this was as much as 40 percentage points more than
      that explained by average backfat thickness (first rib, last rib, last lumbar
      vertebra) taken on the split surface in the dorsal midline. When added to an
      unpublished equation, the addition of up to four hot or cold FDI readings made
      dramatic increases in the explained variation in carcass yields of four lean
      cuts. In each of two studies involving green, skinned hams, FDI readings
      explained a low percentage of the variability in percentage of boneless,
      defatted, deseamed lean. However, it was determined that these low relationships
      were primarily due to the site selections at which the hams were probed-not
      because of an inadequacy of the FDI to measure fatness. A third study, involving
      different FDI probe sites, taken on intact sides along the ham to loin-belly
      juncture, determined that the best of these FDI readings could account for a
      maximum of 66.1% of the variability (RSD = 2.75) in yield of bone-in, skinned,
      defatted hams; a four-variable prediction equation developed using two FDI
      readings, untrimmed ham weight and muscling score explained 83.9% of the
      variation (RSD = 2.04).

PMID- 22054684
TI  - Breakdown of connectin during cooking of meat.
AB  - Light-scattering studies on extracts of meat have confirmed the heat-induced
      breakdown of connectin previously observed by SDS gel electrophoresis. Because of
      the high subunit MW (~10(6)) of connectin, the weight-average molecular weight of
      whole muscle undergoes a relatively large decrease when connectin is broken down
      during heating of meat. In cold-shortened muscle, breakdown of connectin by
      proteolysis was as rapid as in control samples, suggesting that connectin exists
      in an exposed environment rather than as a core to thick filaments. The breakdown
      of connectin during heating at 60 or 80 degrees C for 40 min was more extensive
      than during ageing for 3 weeks at 2 degrees C. Hence, the partial proteolysis of
      connectin during storage at 2 degrees C is unlikely to be responsible for
      tenderisation induced by ageing.

PMID- 22054685
TI  - Electrical stunning and stillness of lambs.
AB  - The stillness obtained with head-to-back stunning results from the current
      depolarizing spinal neurones. The same effect can be achieved by sequentially
      applying a head stun, followed by a current through the heart to stop it and a
      current down the spinal cord to abolish movement. The level of speckle bruising
      for this sequential stun is lower than that associated with head-to-back stunning
      and is similar to that of head-to-foreleg stunning. After head-only stunning,
      current passed continuously down the spinal cord through a good contact at
      voltages around 40 V gave adequate stillness, which improved when the voltage was
      raised to 80 V. With a frequency of 14 Hz, 40 V presented no hazard to workers.
      After head-only stunning, a brief application of current down the entire spinal
      cord for 2-4 s at 110 V or greater also effectively suppressed movement. With
      legs as contact points voltages as high as 400 V were necessary. For effective
      animal stillness good electrode contact is necessary and electrodes should be
      placed as close to the spinal cord as possible. With a continuous current flowing
      the oesophagus remained closed until muscle exhaustion occurred; even with a
      brief current down the spinal cord, the oesophagus remained closed for at least
      30 s. Low voltage stimulation in the form of a continuous current cannot replace
      high voltage stimulation, but can supplement it, and therefore could be
      incorporated into the electrical stimulation process. Head-only stunning,
      followed by a cut through the major blood vessels of the neck, is acceptable for
      Halal slaughter and is now in use commercially in New Zealand. Subsequent
      movement is suppressed by a spinal discharge at 400 V using leg contacts.

PMID- 22054686
TI  - Species identification of cooked meats by enzyme-staining of isoelectricfocusing
      gels.
AB  - By extracting cooked meat products with 6 m guanidine hydrochloride and then
      dialysing the extract into 1 % Triton X-100, the activity of adenylate kinase
      (AK) and creatine kinase (CK) may be at least partly recovered, provided the meat
      was not heated above ~120 degrees C (AK) or ~105 degrees C (CK). A wide range of
      animal species may be identified in cooked meats by staining isoelectricfocusing
      gels for these two enzymes. However, if a sample consists of mixed flesh from
      different species, hybrid creatine kinase dimers form during dialysis and the
      additional bands complicate interpretation of gel patterns.

PMID- 22054687
TI  - The shelf life of chilled sheep livers packed in closed tubs.
AB  - Livers incubated at 30 degrees C in closed tubs developed floras dominated by
      Enterobacteriaceae. At chiller temperatures, floras were ultimately dominated by
      psychrotrophic lactobacilli. Tub-packed livers can have an extended shelf life
      similar to that reported for vacuum-packed liver.

PMID- 22054688
TI  - Comparison of bacterial contamination of blood conservation system and stopcock
      system arterial sampling lines used in critically ill patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Commonly placed to monitor blood pressure and to aspirate blood,
      arterial lines frequently cause complications. The blood conservation system
      (BCS) forms a closed infusion line and may be expected to reduce complications
      caused by intraluminal contamination. We compared microbial contamination
      resulting from use of BCS and 3-way stopcock catheterization. METHODS: Patients
      who required arterial catheterization for at least 24 hours in our intensive care
      unit were randomly assigned to receive an arterial pressure monitoring system
      either with the BCS (test group) or with a 3-way stopcock (comparator group). To
      evaluate arterial line contamination, we qualitatively assessed the contamination
      of the catheter tip and intraluminal fluid. RESULTS: We analyzed microbial
      contamination for a total of 216 arterial catheters: 109 in the test group and
      107 in the comparator group. We found no difference in the incidence of catheter
      tip colonization in the 2 groups (test group, 8/109 vs comparator group, 11/107;
      P = .48). There was a statistically significant correlation between catheter tip
      colonization and duration of arterial line utilization. We found statistically
      significantly lower intraluminal fluid contamination in the test group (test
      group, 2/109 vs comparator group, 9/107; P = .03). There was no relationship
      between intraluminal fluid contamination and catheter tip contamination.
      CONCLUSION: There was less microbial contamination of intraluminal fluid when BCS
      was used for arterial catheterization.

PMID- 22054689
TI  - Effectiveness of a multidimensional approach to reduce ventilator-associated
      pneumonia in pediatric intensive care units of 5 developing countries:
      International Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium findings.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is one of the most common
      health care-associated infections in pediatric intensive care units (PICUs).
      Practice bundles have been shown to reduce VAP rates in PICUs in developed
      countries; however, the impact of a multidimensional approach, including a
      bundle, has not been analyzed in PICUs from developing countries. METHODS: This
      was a before-after study to determine rates of VAP during a period of active
      surveillance without the implementation of the multidimensional infection control
      program (phase 1) to be compared with rates of VAP after implementing such a
      program, which included the following: bundle of infection control interventions,
      education, outcome surveillance, process surveillance, feedback on VAP rates, and
      performance feedback on infection control practices (phase 2). This study was
      conducted by infection control professionals applying the National Health Safety
      Network's definitions of health care-associated infections and the International
      Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium's surveillance methodology. RESULTS:
      During the baseline period, we recorded a total of 5,212 mechanical ventilator
      (MV)-days, and during implementation of the intervention bundle, we recorded
      9,894 MV-days. The VAP rate was 11.7 per 1,000 MV-days during the baseline period
      and 8.1 per 1,000 MV-days during the intervention period (relative risk, 0.69;
      95% confidence interval, 0.5-0.96; P = .02), demonstrating a 31% reduction in VAP
      rate. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that implementation of the International
      Nosocomial Infection Control Consortium's multidimensional program was associated
      with a significant reduction in VAP rate in PICUs of developing countries.

PMID- 22054690
TI  - Spray-chilling and carcass decontamination systems using lactic and acetic acid.
AB  - After slaughter, beef carcasses (n = 20) in groups of two were subjected to five
      treatments (one side only) including intermittent spray-chilling using water, 1%
      acetic acid or 1% lactic acid, or a single spray treatment with 1% acetic acid or
      1% lactic acid. Intermittent spray-chilling consisted of two sprays of 30 s
      duration per hour for 12h. Single spray treatment consisted of one 30 s spray
      after entering the chill cooler. The other side of each carcass (control) was air
      chilled (at 2 to 3 degrees C; air velocity 1 to 3 m/s) only. Five subprimal cuts
      were taken from each side at 48 h post mortem, vacuum packaged and stored for 28
      days at 2 degrees C. Intermittent sprays of sides with acetic or lactic acid
      resulted in significant (1.8-4.3 log/cm(2)) reductions in aerobic plate count of
      the strip loin, boneless rib and clod over their controls after these subprimal
      cuts had been vacuum packaged and stored for 28 days at 2 degrees C in high
      oxygen barrier (HOB) film. Lactobacillus spp. were dominant in the microflora of
      the subprimals from the control and treated sides. When sides were treated with a
      single sprays of acid, significant reductions in APC were noted only for some
      cuts of sides treated with lactic acid. After 28 days of storage, there were few
      significant differences in percentage purge, lean color, and off-odor scores
      between subprimals from control and treated sides.

PMID- 22054691
TI  - Differentiation of meat from horse, donkey and their hybrids (mule/hinny) by
      electrophoretic separation of albumin.
AB  - Meat from the species horse, donkey and their hybrids, mule/hinny, can be
      reliably identified by determination of genetic variants of serum albumin by
      starch gel electrophoresis of meat extracts. Staining of the starch gel for
      carboxylesterase activity permits differentiation of most horses from donkeys
      while mules/hinnies cannot be distinguished from horses by their esterase
      activity alone.

PMID- 22054692
TI  - Fracture toughness of frozen meat.
AB  - The fracture toughness and dynamic mechanical moduli of frozen beef M.
      semitendinosus were investigated at various sub-zero temperatures using several
      different test geometries. Traditional fracture mechanics methods were considered
      inapplicable to frozen meat, since considerable plastic flow occurs in addition
      to elastic deformation and fracture. Graphical work area methods still apply,
      based on calculating areas under load-deflection diagrams to measure the energy
      used up to fracture. Total work to fracture was found to vary both with
      temperature and geometry, with a peak occurring between -10 degrees C and -15
      degrees C. It was shown that it is possible to separate out the components of
      fracture and flow using two methods: microtome cutting and compact tension. In
      microtome cutting, the cutting energy was found to depend on the thickness of
      cut, increasing linearly from 50 MUm to 500 MUm. This variation is attributed to
      a dependence of the volume of the plastic zone size at the cutting tip on the
      thickness. By extrapolation to zero thickness, an essential value of fracture
      energy of approximately 100J/m(2) was determined, assuming the absence of large
      scale plastic yielding. It was also possible to determine a value for the
      essential work of fracture using graphical work area methods in compact tension,
      obtaining values between 100 and 200 J/m(2). Dynamic mechanical testing showed
      loss peaks in mechanical damping occurring between -5 degrees C and -10 degrees
      C, with both temperature and magnitude of these peaks varying with frequency.
      Cryo-scanning electronic microscopy showed evidence of the nature of the fracture
      transition within frozen meat, indicating ductile deformation at higher
      temperatures (above -15 degrees C), and brittle fracture at lower temperatures
      (below -15 degrees C).

PMID- 22054693
TI  - Effects of oestradiol-17beta implantation on performance, carcass traits, meat
      sensory traits and endocrine aspects of bulls and steers.
AB  - Twenty-eight Simmental bull calves were randomly allotted to one of three
      treatments at birth. Ten bulls (IB) and nine steers (IS), castrated within 3 days
      of birth, were implanted with oestradiol (E(2)). The remaining calves were non
      implanted, control bulls (CB). Calves were implanted within 3 days of birth and
      at 200-day intervals until slaughter at 14.8 months of age and at a mean carcass
      weight of 381.6 kg. Blood samples were taken every 14 days from 9.8 through 14.8
      months and serum was analyzed for E(2) and testosterone (T) levels. Carcasses
      were chilled in a 3 to 7 degrees C cooler. Carcass data were obtained and aged
      longissimus dorsi steaks were evaluated by a trained sensory panel and a Warner
      Bratzler shear (WBS) device. Scrotal circumferences were smaller (P < 0.0.5) for
      IB than for CB. Control bulls had heavier weaning weights (P < 0.05) than IB and
      higher (P < 0.05) feedlot gains than IS. Implanted steers required more (P <
      0.05) feed/unit of gain than CB and IB. Implanting bulls with E(2) increased (P <
      0.05) serum E(2) levels and tended (P < 0.10) to reduce T levels. Serum E(2) in
      IS and IB were drastically increased (P < 0.05) for 4 to 6 weeks following re
      implantation during the feedlot phase, then sharply declined. Implanted steer
      carcasses had more youthful maturity scores than CB carcasses. The incidence of
      hear ring (dark, coarse, band formation) was greater (P < 0.05) for IB than for
      IS, probably because of the thinner fat cover (P < 0.05) on IB. Ribeye areas were
      smaller (P < 0.05) and yield grades were higher for IS than for CB. Testicle
      weights were not significantly different between IB and CB, although variability
      was greater for IB. Carcass masculinity was least (P < 0.05) for IS, and IB were
      less (P < 0.05) masculine than CB. The only difference in longissimus dorsi
      sensory traits was that steaks from IB were juicier than steaks from CB. Also,
      WBS values were lower (P < 0.05) for IS than for CB.

PMID- 22054694
TI  - Effects of cryogenic chilling on beef carcass grade, shrinkage and palatability
      characteristics.
AB  - Alternate right or left sides of 90 carcasses were randomly selected and chilled
      at -70 degrees C for 5 h, held at +16 degrees C for 4 h and held at 1 degrees C
      for 15 h (rapid chill-RC). The remaining sides were chilled at -7 degrees C for
      24 h (conventional chill-CC). Physical measurements and USDA quality grade data
      were obtained at 24 h post mortem and palatability samples were collected at 3-5
      days post mortem. RC sides had 0.9% less shrinkage (P < 0.05) at 24 h post mortem
      when compared to paired CC sides. Beef sides that were given the RC treatment had
      a darker, softer lean (P < 0.01) and received higher marbling scores (P < 0.01)
      at 24 h post mortem than did CC sides. Loin steaks from RC sides had longer
      sarcomeres, less shear resistance and higher sensory panel tenderness ratings. It
      may be possible to rapidly chill carcasses with less carcass shrinkage and with
      no detrimental effects on USDA quality grade or on beef palatability.

PMID- 22054695
TI  - Observations on muscle press juice from bovine, ovine and porcine muscles.
AB  - Differences in the amounts and protein concentrations of muscle press juices from
      fresh and frozen psoas and l. dorsi muscles of bovine, ovine and porcine origin
      suggest the value of species and anatomical selection for functional applications
      in meat products.

PMID- 22054697
TI  - The impact of organochlorines cycling in the cryosphere on global distributions
      and fate--2. Land ice and temporary snow cover.
AB  - Global fate and transport of gamma-HCH and DDT was studied using a global
      multicompartment chemistry-transport model, MPI-MCTM, with and without inclusion
      of land ice (in Antarctica and Greenland) or snow cover (dynamic). MPI-MCTM is
      based on coupled ocean and atmosphere general circulation models. After a decade
      of simulation 4.2% gamma-HCH and 2.3% DDT are stored in land ice and snow.
      Neglection of land ice and snow in modelling would underestimate the total
      environmental residence time, tau(ov), of gamma-HCH and overestimate tau(ov) for
      DDT, both on the order of 1% and depending on actual compartmental distribution.
      Volatilisation of DDT from boreal, seasonally snow covered land is enhanced
      throughout the year, while volatilisation of gamma-HCH is only enhanced during
      the snow-free season. Including land ice and snow cover in modelling matters in
      particular for the Arctic, where higher burdens are predicted to be stored.

PMID- 22054698
TI  - The new UN CRC General Comment 13: "The right of the child to freedom from all
      forms of violence"--changing how the world conceptualizes child protection.
AB  - The UN Committee on the Rights of the Child established CRC General Comment 13
      (April 2011) to address today's unabating high rates of violence against children
      globally despite CRC advances. GC13 provides clear interpretations and stronger
      detail to supplement the legal language of CRC Article 19, intended to establish
      protection of children from all forms of violence. Through GC13, the Committee
      seeks to strengthen policy and practice implementation for all children,
      including every nation's most vulnerable, by clearly establishing measurable
      indicators: structure, process and outcomes to children-through improved
      technical information, expertise and assistance. Based on knowledge and
      experience gained over the 22 years since the CRC was adopted, GC13 advances best
      practice approaches and technical resources for States Parties and professionals
      on preventing violence against children, and on strengthening protection
      programs, systems, services, research, monitoring, evaluation and reporting. This
      article addresses child rights and protection issues which have been raised
      during this period, as well as during the consultation and resulting dialogues,
      such as the rights of children in early/forced marriage, and the role of the
      State Party as responsible caregiver when parents or families are not capable of
      providing protection.

PMID- 22054699
TI  - Changing radiation dose from diagnostic computed tomography examinations in
      Saskatchewan.
AB  - PURPOSE: Follow-up study to observe if provincial mean effective radiation dose
      for head, chest, and abdomen-pelvis (AP) computed tomographies (CTs) remained
      stable or changed since the initial 2006 survey. METHODS: Data were collected in
      July 2008 from Saskatchewan's 13 diagnostic CT scanners of 3358 CT examinations.
      These data included the number of scan phases and projected dose length product
      (DLP). Technologists compared projected DLP with 2006 reference data before
      scanning. Projected DLP was converted to effective dose (ED) for each head,
      chest, and AP CT. The total dose that the patients received with scans of
      multiple body parts at the same visit also was determined. RESULTS: The mean (+/-
      SD) provincial ED was 3.4 +/- 1.6 mSv for 1023 head scans (2.7 +/- 1.6 mSv in
      2006), 9.6 +/- 4.8 mSv for 588 chest scans (11.3 +/- 8.9 mSv in 2006), and 16.1
      +/- 9.9 mSv for 983 AP scans (15.5 +/- 10.0 mSv in 2006). Single-phase
      multidetector row CT ED decreased by 31% for chest scans (9.5 +/- 3.9 mSv vs 13.7
      +/- 9.7 mSv in 2006) and 17% for AP scans (13.9 +/- 6.0 mSv vs 16.8 +/- 10.6 mSv
      in 2006) and increased by 19% for head scans (3.2 +/- 1.2 mSv vs 2.7 +/- 1.5 mSv
      in 2006). The total patient dose was highest (33.8 +/- 10.1 mSv) for the 20
      patients who received head, neck, chest, and AP scans during a single visit.
      Because of increased utilisation and the increased CT head dose, Saskatchewan per
      capital radiation dose from CT increased by 21% between 2006 and 2008 (1.14 vs
      1.38 mSv/person per year). CONCLUSION: Significant dose and variation reduction
      was seen for single-phase CT chest and AP examinations between 2006 and 2008,
      whereas CT head dose increased over the same interval. These changes, combined
      with increased utilisation, resulted in per capita increase in radiation dose
      from CT between the 2 studies.

PMID- 22054700
TI  - Pictorial essay: pitfalls in magnetic resonance imaging of the shoulder.
AB  - Numerous imaging pitfalls of normal variants due to imaging technique and
      artifacts can be seen on routine magnetic resonance imaging of the shoulder.
      Familiarity with these pitfalls is crucial to avoiding diagnostic errors.
      Understanding of the common causes of shoulder imaging artifacts will enable the
      radiologist to make rational changes in imaging technique to eliminate or reduce
      the effects of artifacts on magnetic resonance images. This pictorial essay
      highlights possible pitfalls that arise from imaging techniques, imaging
      artifacts, and normal variations, and how they may be recognized.

PMID- 22054701
TI  - A 5-year prospective study of predictors for disability pension among patients
      with major depressive disorder.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: There is a scarcity of prospective long-term studies on work
      disability caused by depression. We investigated predictors for disability
      pension among psychiatric patients with MDD. METHOD: The Vantaa Depression Study
      followed up prospectively 269 psychiatric in- and out-patients with DSM-IV MDD
      for 5 years with a life chart, including 230 (91.3%) patients belonging to labour
      force. Information on disability pensions was obtained from interviews, patient
      records and registers. RESULTS: Within 5 years, 20% of the patients belonging to
      labour force at baseline were granted a disability pension. In multivariate
      analyses, the significant baseline predictors for granted disability pension were
      age >=50 years (HR = 3.91, P < 0.001), subjective inability to work (HR = 2.14, P
      = 0.008) and introversion (HR = 1.08, P = 0.049). When follow-up variables were
      included, the predictors were age more than 50 (OR = 6.25, P < 0.001), proportion
      of time spent depressed (OR = 14.6, P < 0.001), number of comorbid somatic
      disorders (OR = 1.47, P = 0.013) and lack of vocational education (OR = 2.38, P =
      0.032). CONCLUSION: Of psychiatric patients with depression, one-fifth were
      granted a disability pension within 5 years. Future disability pension can be
      predicted by baseline older age, personality factors, functional disability, lack
      of vocational education and comorbid somatic disorders. Longitudinally,
      accumulation of time spent depressed appears decisive for pensioning.

PMID- 22054702
TI  - Effects of breed and nutrition on the productive traits of beef cattle in South
      East Brazil: Part 2-Tissue distribution and carcase composition.
AB  - This paper is the second in a series recording the effects of breed and nutrition
      on the productive traits of Nelore, Guzera, Charolais and Canchim cattle in south
      east Brazil. Significant treatment variations were recorded in carcase bone
      weights but differences in meat to bone ratios were not sufficiently marked to
      demonstrate that bone might grow at the expense of muscle when animals are
      maintained on particularly severe nutritional regimes. A simple carcase weight to
      length ratio was shown to be highly correlated with total bone proportion but not
      with yield of saleable meat. Recovery of total saleable meat was only marginally
      and not significantly affected by breed but was significantly affected by
      treatment. The increased levels of fatness in the carcases of the zebu and, in
      particular, all animals finished in feedlot, that affected the yield of saleable
      meat, was also thought to be responsible for the decreased recovery of first
      quality meat in these carcases. In general, tissue differences were more
      noticeable between treatments than between breeds and reflected the varying
      nutritional status of the animals pre-slaughter.

PMID- 22054703
TI  - Electrical stunning of veal calves.
AB  - A total of sixty-two calves with body weights of 200 kg and with preimplanted
      ECoG electrodes on the dura mater, were electrically stunned using various
      currents, voltages and stunning equipment. To stun 90% of the calves effectively,
      a current strength of 0.87 A is estimated to be necessary when using scissor
      model tongs. Effective stunning means immediate (within 1 s) induction of
      unconsciousness by a general electroplectic insult. Atrial fibrillation is a
      frequently occurring phenomenon after electrical stunning when the electrodes are
      placed between the eye and the ear. The relatively short duration of the insult
      in calves compared with pigs, as well as the clonic spasms occurring 10s after
      stunning, are major drawbacks to the practical application of electrical stunning
      of veal calves. The experiments show that these drawbacks can be eliminated by
      modifying the form and position of the electrodes.

PMID- 22054704
TI  - Influence of pH on the Warner-Bratzler shear properties of mutton.
AB  - Initial yield and peak shear force values obtained for stretched muscles cooked
      at 80 degrees C for different times decreased linearly at a similar rate with
      increasing pH, which is consistent with the prime effect of pH being on the
      myofibrillar structure. The tenderising effect of pressure-heat treatment on
      stretched and cold-shortened muscle decreased rapidly with increase in ultimate
      pH until, at values near 7, the effect disappeared. Increased ultimate pH
      effectively eliminated the large increase in shear force values, occurring in
      cold-shortened muscle of normal pH and attributable to heat denaturation of
      myosin, as cooking temperature was increased above 60 degrees C.

PMID- 22054705
TI  - The relationship between conformation and the yield and distribution of lean meat
      in the carcasses of British pigs, cattle and sheep: A review.
AB  - Information available on the value of conformation as a predictor of carcass
      composition in the British livestock population is reviewed, particular reference
      being made to recent Meat and Livestock Commission (MLC) trials using the visual
      conformation assessments employed in national carcass classification schemes. In
      mixed breed populations, the visual conformation assessments are positively
      related to lean to bone ratio and muscle thickness, although the correlations are
      generally low. Their relationship with carcass lean content depends on the
      effectiveness with which variation in fatness is eliminated since fatter
      carcasses tend to be given higher conformation scores. Conformation provides
      little information about the proportion of total lean occurring in the higher
      priced joints. The value of conformation in a mixed breed population depends to
      an important extent on its ability to identify breed differences in carcass
      characteristics. Although of some value in this respect, it is less effective
      than actual breed identification. Within-breed regressions on conformation are
      generally in the same direction as those in the mixed breed populations, although
      the precision of prediction is lower. The results indicate that conformation has
      little practical value as a predictor of carcass composition within breed.

PMID- 22054706
TI  - Muscle: Bone ratios in beef rib sections.
AB  - Thirty-eight steers and thirty heifers (14 to 17 months of age, from F(1)
      Hereford * Brahman cows bred to Angus or Hereford bulls), were either forage-fed
      for 123 days on millet-bermudagrass pasture or grain-fed for 90 days on a high
      concentrate diet and were then commercially slaughtered. Warm carcass weights
      ranged from 167.8 kg to 324.3 kg. At 24 h post mortem, Texas Agricultural
      Experiment Station personnel (1) assigned scores or took measurements on each
      carcass for all factors used in yield grading and quality grading, (2) measured
      the length of hind leg (HL) and carcass length (CL) and (3) assigned a score for
      carcass muscling (MS) and, as appropriate, made an adjusted longissimus muscle
      area (ALA) evaluation. The 9th-10th-11th rib section from one side of each
      carcass was physically separated into longissimus muscle, fat, 'other soft
      tissue' and bone and ether extract determinations of the longissimus muscle and
      'other soft tissue' components were made and used to adjust the yields of each of
      these components to a fat-free basis. Muscle to bone ratios ranged from 2.38 to
      4.37. With both age and carcass weight held constant, diet, breed and sex
      explained only 35.8% of the variation in muscle to bone ratio. The best simple
      correlation with muscle to bone ratio was ALA/CL (r = .59). Other measures
      significantly correlated with muscle to bone ratio included ALA (r = 0.55), MS (r
      = 0.50) and carcass weight (r = 0.49). Multiple regression analyses identified a
      three-variable subset comprised of ALA, carcass weight and CL which was related
      (P < 0.01) to muscle to bone ratio R(2) = 0.41). Data suggest that muscle to bone
      ratios differ widely among beef carcasses of similar genetic-management history
      and that there are carcass measures useful for predicting muscle to bone ratio.

PMID- 22054707
TI  - Enhancement of lean characteristics of veal carcasses by electrical stimulation.
AB  - Forty Holstein vealers (approximately 16 weeks of age) were slaughtered, skinned,
      split longitudinally and one side was electrically stimulated (700 V, 2 A and
      seventeen impulses) for 1 min. Internal temperatures of the rib and round were
      recorded at 1 h and 24 h post mortem. Approximately 24 h post mortem, lean colour
      scores were assigned to the cross-section of the longissimus muscle at the 11th
      12th rib interface, to the outside surface of the biceps femoris muscle and to
      the rectus abdominis and transverse abdominis muscles of the flank; lean texture
      and firmness scores were also assigned to the cut surface of the longissimus
      muscle. 'House grades' were assigned to each side of each carcass by plant
      personnel. Initial (1 h) rib and round temperatures were significantly higher for
      the electrically stimulated sides; however, at 24 h, neither round nor rib
      temperatures differed between control and electrically stimulated sides. Lean
      colour, firmness and texture scores for longissimus muscles were significantly (P
      < 0.0001) improved by electrical stimulation. Electrically stimulated sides also
      had lighter lean colour scores in the rectus and transverse abdominis and biceps
      femoris muscles. Electrical stimulation increased the number of carcasses
      receiving the top 'house grade' and reduced the number of carcasses in the lowest
      'house grade'. These data indicate that electrical stimulation will improve lean
      colour, firmness and texture of veal carcasses when ribbed and evaluated after a
      24 h chill.

PMID- 22054708
TI  - Mechanisms of ultrastructural changes in electrically stimulated beef Longissimus
      muscle.
AB  - Three steers, ranging in grade from USDA low to average Good, were used in the
      evaluation of the effect of electrical stimulation (ES) on structural properties
      of the beef longissimus muscle. The left sides were electrically stimulated with
      1-A current (delivering 145-250 V through the sides) for 2 min by applying eight
      bursts of 15-s duration. The right sides were not stimulated (controls). Samples
      of the longissimus muscle were removed at the sixth lumbar area 48 h post mortem
      and processed for light and transmission electron microscopy. Light and electron
      micrographs of stimulated muscle revealed irregular (contraction) bands,
      superstretching of myofibrils, absent or ill-defined I-, A- or Z-lines, tearing
      of myofibrils, the presence of empty vesicles and fragmentations of myofibrils at
      the Z-lines. Therefore, some of the mechanisms of tenderisation of electrically
      stimulated muscle would appear to result from physical disruption of myofibrils
      and possibly autolytic proteolysis.

PMID- 22054709
TI  - Revascularization of the ischemic hand with arterialization of the venous system.
AB  - Chronic ischemia in the upper extremity is a challenging condition for both
      patients and surgeons. When ischemia reaches a critical level, tissue loss
      ensues, which results in necrosis of fingers at various levels. Amputation of
      necrotic digits, without addressing the etiology of the necrosis, often results
      in wound-healing problems and more proximal amputations. The purpose of this
      report was to describe a surgical technique that improves vascular supply to the
      hand and allows for healing of the amputation sites and relief of pain through
      arterialization of the venous system.

PMID- 22054713
TI  - Instructions to Contributors.

PMID- 22054710
TI  - Synchronous bilateral breast cancer in a patient with kindler syndrome.

PMID- 22054714
TI  - Operative Dentistry Home Page.

PMID- 22054715
TI  - [Evaluation of the impact of prescription analgesic during the anaesthesia
      consultation on the incidence of postoperative pain at home in ambulatory
      orthopaedic surgery].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Postoperative pain at home in ambulatory surgery is a major
      problem. To improve its management, the French society of anaesthesia emphasizes
      the importance of writing prescriptions for analgesic during the preanaesthetic
      consultation. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of this
      prescription on the incidence of postoperative pain at home in ambulatory
      orthopaedic surgery. PATIENT AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective evaluation
      in the ambulatory surgery unit of Rouen University Hospital. We were able to
      identify two periods of 1 year with implementation of a systematic prescription
      of analgesics during the postoperative period (P1) or during the preanaesthetic
      consultation (P2). The evaluation of this measurement was made by a telephone
      survey conducted the day after surgery. The main parameter was the incidence of
      postoperative pain at home defined by the occurrence of a pain greater to 3/10 on
      a numerical scale (FR). Secondary parameters were demographic and anaesthetic
      data, the incidence of moderate pain (FR <= 3), treatment adherence and patient
      satisfaction. RESULTS: We included 638 patients and 531 were analysed: 28% of
      patients had an EN greater than 3 the day following surgery. There is no
      difference between the two periods (30% for P1 versus 27% for P2). The analysis
      of subgroups showed that in the general anaesthesia group, 30% of patients had an
      EN greater than 3 for P1 versus 18% for P2 (P<0.01). Furthermore, 55% of patients
      expressed moderate pain (FR <= 3) for P1 versus 22% for P2 (P<0.01). Moreover,
      89% of patients reported having an adequate analgesic treatment. The overall
      observance was 64%, 53% for P1 versus 75% for P2 (P<0.01). DISCUSSION: The
      systematic prescription of analgesics during the preanaesthetic consultation does
      not decrease the intensity of moderate to severe pain. On the other hand, this
      procedure seems to be positive for the people who underwent a general
      anaesthesia.

PMID- 22054716
TI  - [From iatrogenesis to medical errors: review of the literature and analytical
      approach].
AB  - Iatrogenesis and medical errors have been increasingly studied over the past
      years. Because of the lack of consensus concerning the definitions, it remains
      difficult to draw general conclusions from the published. Moreover, it is still
      likely to be underestimated because of underreporting. This review aims at
      evaluating the overall incidence of iatrogenesis and medical errors in
      anaesthesia and intensive care and at discussing the strategies to prevent these
      incidents, at the individual or systemic level.

PMID- 22054717
TI  - Networks in Caenorhabditis elegans.
AB  - The network paradigm has become a pervasive theme in biology over the last
      decade, as increasingly large functional genomic datasets are being collected to
      interrogate regulatory influences, physical interactions, and genetic
      dependencies between genes, transcripts, and proteins. These 'molecular
      interaction' networks can be analyzed collectively and individually to define
      their global architecture and local patterns of connectivity. These structural
      features ultimately underlie functional properties such as robustness,
      modularity, component circuitry (e.g. feedback loops), dynamics, and responses to
      perturbations. This review focuses on recent progress in elucidating molecular
      interaction networks using different kinds of functional assays in the classical
      genetic model for animal development, the roundworm Caenorhabditis elegans, with
      representative examples to illustrate current directions in different areas of
      network biology.

PMID- 22054718
TI  - Cardiac rehabilitation in skilled nursing facilities: a missed opportunity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: After hospitalization for a cardiac event, older adults are
      frequently discharged to a skilled nursing facility (SNF) for postacute care. The
      American Association of Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation recommends that cardiac
      care be integrated into procedures at SNFs. OBJECTIVE: We undertook this research
      to describe the characteristics of patients in SNFs after a cardiac event and the
      cardiac care delivered at SNFs. METHODS: A dual approach included (1) a
      retrospective medical record review of consecutive patients admitted to 2
      hospital-based SNFs after a cardiac event (n = 80), and (2) surveys from
      healthcare professionals (n = 21) working in these facilities. RESULTS: Thirty
      two percent of patients were not candidates for cardiac rehabilitative
      interventions because they had been rehospitalized, discharged to long-term care
      facilities, or manifested contraindications to exercise. No standard assessment
      of exercise tolerance was evident, and although 70% of patients were discharged
      home, cardiac-specific discharge education was seldom evident. Healthcare
      professionals in SNFs reported that standard procedures for cardiac care services
      were lacking. CONCLUSION: The integration of cardiac care into SNFs is important
      to ensure the safety of therapy and improve the transition of patients from SNFs
      to outpatient cardiac rehabilitation programs.

PMID- 22054719
TI  - Symptoms and functional performance in Korean immigrants with asthma or chronic
      obstructive pulmonary disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: People with chronic obstructive lung diseases often experience a
      variety of symptoms. Few studies, however, have described these symptoms in
      detail. This study sought to examine concurrent symptoms, symptom clusters, and
      the effects of symptoms on functioning in Korean immigrants with asthma or
      chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). METHODS: Outpatients with asthma or
      COPD participated in this cross-sectional, correlational study. Symptoms,
      dyspnea, mood, and functional performance were assessed with questionnaires.
      Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. RESULTS:
      The most frequently reported symptom was shortness of breath. Three factors
      emerged from 16 symptoms. Age, mean severity score of 7 symptoms, working status,
      level of acculturation, and level of education explained significant variance in
      functional performance. CONCLUSION: The symptom cluster, consisting of 7
      symptoms, showed the greatest effect on levels of functioning, which emphasizes
      the importance of assessment for coexisting symptoms in populations with these
      diseases.

PMID- 22054720
TI  - Medication adherence mediates the relationship between marital status and cardiac
      event-free survival in patients with heart failure.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Prognosis is worse in unmarried patients compared with married
      patients with heart failure (HF). The reasons for differences in outcomes are
      unclear, but variations in medication adherence may play a role, because
      medication adherence is essential to achieving better outcomes. The study
      objective was to determine whether medication adherence mediated the relationship
      between marital status and cardiac event-free survival in patients with HF.
      METHODS: Demographic, clinical, and psychosocial data were collected by
      questionnaires and medical record review for 136 patients with HF (aged 61 +/- 11
      years, 70% were male, 60% were in New York Heart Association class III/IV).
      Medication adherence was monitored objectively for 3 months using the Medication
      Event Monitoring System. Cardiac event-free survival data were obtained by
      patient/family interview, hospital database, and death certificate review. A
      series of regression and Cox survival analyses were performed to determine
      whether medication adherence mediated the relationship between marital status and
      event-free survival. RESULTS: Cardiac event-free survival was worse in unmarried
      patients than in married patients. Unmarried patients were more likely to be
      nonadherent and 2 times more likely to experience an event than married patients
      (P = .017). Marital status was not a significant predictor of event-free survival
      after entering medication adherence in the model, demonstrating a mediation
      effect of adherence on the relationship of marital status to survival.
      CONCLUSION: Medication adherence mediated the relationship between marital status
      and event-free survival. It is important to design interventions to increase
      medication adherence that take into account subgroups, such as unmarried
      patients, who are at higher risk for nonadherence.

PMID- 22054721
TI  - Spontaneous healing of posttraumatic focal coronary aneurysm: a case report.
AB  - We report on the spontaneous healing of a posttraumatic focal coronary aneurysm
      in a previously healthy 61-year-old man after his involvement in a motor vehicle
      accident, resulting in blunt chest trauma that injured the anterior wall of his
      left ventricle. Left-sided cardiac catheterization and selective coronary
      angiography 1 month after the accident showed an aneurysm in the proximal part of
      the left anterior descending artery, and normal coronary arteries otherwise.
      Intravascular ultrasound revealed that the lesion was a pseudoaneurysm protruding
      toward the myocardium. Surgical removal of the aneurysm was not considered, and
      the patient was discharged after 2 months of uneventful hospitalization. Follow
      up coronary angiography and intravascular ultrasound at 3 months and 1 year after
      the accident showed a total regression of the aneurysm. The patient has remained
      asymptomatic, with no residual ischemia 3 years after the accident. This case
      indicates that careful conservative treatment is a therapeutic option for
      posttraumatic coronary pseudoaneurysms.

PMID- 22054722
TI  - Lethal hemorrhagic alveolitis after adenovirus pneumonia in a lung transplant
      recipient.
AB  - Viral infections are frequent and severe in lung transplant recipients. They
      frequently occur during the first year after transplantation. We report on a rare
      case of bilateral adenovirus necrotizing pneumonia with a diffuse alveolar
      hemorrhage, 4 years after bilateral lung transplantation. The medical evolution
      was lethal in 72 hours because of respiratory, renal, and cardiac failure.
      Considering this case and the growing evidence on the severity of adenoviral
      infections, we call for controlled studies and therapeutic recommendations.

PMID- 22054723
TI  - Effect of coronary revascularization on serum collagen biomarkers and left
      ventricular remodeling in patients with acute myocardial infarction.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: After an acute myocardial infarction (AMI), early coronary
      revascularization alleviates the synthesis of cardiac collagen and ventricular
      remodeling. However, the impact of late coronary revascularization on the
      synthesis of myocardial collagen or on serum collagen biomarkers is unknown. This
      study aimed to investigate the effects of late coronary revascularization on
      serum collagen biomarkers after AMI. METHODS: Forty-five patients were divided
      into early (n = 20) and late (n = 25) coronary revascularization groups. The
      early coronary revascularization group received either successful percutaneous
      coronary intervention (PCI) or thrombolytic therapy within 6 hours of their
      myocardial infarction (MI), whereas the late PCI group received PCI between 12
      and 14 days after their MI. Serum type I procollagen (PICP) and type III
      procollagen (PIIINP) were measured by radioimmunoassay. RESULTS: In the early
      coronary revascularization group, the amount of serum PICP on days 60 and 180 was
      similar to that of week 1 (P > .05). The PICP on days 90 and 180 in the late
      coronary revascularization group was higher than in the early coronary
      revascularization group at the same time point (P < .05). No significant
      difference was evident in mean serum PIIINP between the two groups on day 60 or
      180 after the MI (P < .05). CONCLUSION: Late coronary revascularization in
      patients with acute ST-elevation MI was associated with an elevation in serum
      PICP. Early coronary revascularization should be performed in patients with ST
      elevation, to alleviate myocardial remodeling.

PMID- 22054724
TI  - Factors associated with delayed care-seeking in hospitalized patients with heart
      failure.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study sought to evaluate the contributions of symptom recognition
      and clinical factors to delays in care-seeking. METHODS: A descriptive
      correlational study design was used to study 75 patients (mean age, 74.7 years;
      SD, 10.86 years; range, 40 to 96 years) admitted to a tertiary-care medical
      center with recurrent symptoms (New York Heart Association classes 2 to 4). The
      sample was 52% male and 85.3% white. The Heart Failure Somatic Perception Scale
      (HFSPS) was used to examine symptoms, and additional data were collected on
      physiologic, social, and demographic factors. RESULTS: The mean HFSPS score was
      37.52 (range, 2 to 74; possible range, 0 to 90). Subjects reported 2 to 16 out of
      18 possible symptoms. Durations of individual symptoms ranged from 5 minutes to 8
      years, with individual patients describing a variety of symptom combinations and
      multiple time frames, depending on the specific symptom. Most subjects (80%)
      reported a mixture of acute and chronic symptoms. A pattern of chronic vs. acute
      symptoms was associated with proactive vs. emergent care-seeking, respectively.
      The HFSPS scores did not correlate with care-seeking behavior. CONCLUSION:
      Symptom recognition is a complex phenomenon, and few factors differentiate
      emergent from proactive care-seeking.

PMID- 22054725
TI  - Response to pulmonary vasodilator treatment in a former smoker with combined
      interstitial lung disease complicated by pulmonary hypertension: case report and
      review of the literature.
AB  - We describe a 76-year-old former smoker with a diagnosis of combined pulmonary
      fibrosis and emphysema associated with pulmonary hypertension and rapidly
      progressive right heart failure, in whom combined treatment with sitaxsentan and
      sildenafil resulted in sustained improvement of his clinical condition and
      exercise performance, without any relevant adverse events. Combined pulmonary
      fibrosis and emphysema comprises a recently identified syndrome, probably related
      to tobacco use, and characterized by the coexistence of upper-lobe emphysema and
      fibrotic changes of the lower lobes, preserved lung volumes, significant
      hypoxemia, and a high prevalence of pulmonary hypertension, resulting in severe
      dyspnea. To date, no prospective series, to the best of our knowledge, has
      reported on the effects of pulmonary vasodilator therapy in such patients.

PMID- 22054726
TI  - The optimal dose of recombinant human osteogenic protein-1 enhances
      differentiation of mouse osteoblast-like cells: an in vitro study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: There is no certain conclusion on the effect of recombinant human
      Osteogenic Protein-1 (OP-1, BMP-7) on the proliferation of the osteoblast-like
      cell line, MC3T3-E1. Furthermore, the optimal dose of rhOP-1 on cell
      differentiation still needs to be elucidated. This investigation aims to
      delineate the biofunctional characteristics of rhOP-1 in inducing
      osteoblastogenesis of MC3T3-E1 through in vitro time-course and dose-response
      studies. DESIGN: MC3T3-E1 cells were cultured for 1, 4, 7 days with the addition
      of different rhOP-1 concentrations (0, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200, 400 ng/ml), and cell
      proliferation and cell differentiation were examined. RESULTS: MC3T3-E1 cell
      proliferation was stimulated by rhOP-1 in a dose-dependent manner (0-400 ng/ml)
      on day 1, whereas on day 4 and 7, it was still stimulated at low concentrations
      (10, 20, 50 ng/ml) but inhibited at high ones (200, 400 ng/ml). The alkaline
      phosphatase (ALP) activity, osteocalcin (OC) production, collagen deposition and
      extracellular matrix mineralization were dramatically elevated by rhOP-1
      treatment, as a function of culture time and rhOP-1 concentration, and all of
      them reached a plateau at the concentration of 200 ng/ml. Real-time quantitative
      RT-PCR results showed Runx2, AKP-2, OC and Nog mRNA expressions increased in a
      dose- and time-dependent manner, and their expressions were significantly higher
      at high rhOP-1 concentrations than that of low ones. No significant differences
      were found between the effects of 200 ng/ml rhOP-1 and 400 ng/ml rhOP-1 on the
      differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells, except the expression of Nog mRNA, whose
      expression level was much higher at 400 ng/ml than that at 200 ng/ml.
      CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that cell proliferation of MC3T3-E1 is
      depended on culture time and rhOP-1 concentration, rhOP-1 could stimulate the
      differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells and the optimal concentration could be 200
      ng/ml.

PMID- 22054727
TI  - Isolation and characterization of probiotic strains for improving oral health.
AB  - Probiotics have been proven effective for preventing caries. In contrast, the
      effect of probiotics on improving oral diseases such as gingivitis, periodontitis
      and halitosis has been less explored. OBJECTIVE: To perform a screening of lactic
      acid bacteria, according to international guidelines for the evaluation of
      probiotics, in order to select candidate probiotic strains for preventing oral
      disorders. STUDY DESIGN: The strains were isolated from healthy children and were
      subjected to a variety of in vitro tests in order to show their functionality.
      The safety of the strains was assessed by determining antibiotic susceptibility
      and production of lactic acid. RESULTS: Forty-six of the 100 new isolates were
      assigned to lactic acid bacteria genera after a biochemical characterization.
      Most of the new isolated strains seem to be resistant to oral conditions, have
      great ability to form aggregates and have high antagonistic activity against oral
      pathogens. None of the strains produced unpleasant volatile compounds. The
      strains showed high ability to adhere to oral tissues and they do not present any
      antibiotic resistance. Moreover, an increased risk of developing caries due to
      their ability to produce lactic acid was discarded in seven pre-selected
      probiotic candidates. CONCLUSIONS: These lactic acid bacteria show promising
      properties to be used as potential probiotics for improving oral health.

PMID- 22054728
TI  - Hurdles toward a cure for CML: the CML stem cell.
AB  - Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is the first cancer in which a genetic alteration
      was proven to be of pathogenic significance and is considered a disease model for
      oncogene addiction, targeted therapy, and cancer stem cells (CSCs). The
      introduction of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) resulted in dramatic
      improvement in response and survival for patients with CML in chronic phase (CP);
      however, CSCs are spared by TKIs. In this article, we review the role of CSCs in
      CML in CP, their persistence following TKI treatment, and current approaches to
      target this population in an attempt to achieve disease cure.

PMID- 22054729
TI  - The biology of chronic myelogenous leukemia progression: who, what, where, and
      why?
AB  - Before the days of transplantation and tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy, all
      cases of chronic myelogenous leukemia would inevitably proceed from chronic phase
      through accelerated and blast crisis, implying that there is a program of
      progression set in motion by unopposed BCR-ABL activity. Since then, much work
      has identified a plethora of genetic changes associated with progression, the
      common themes being changes in self-renewal, differentiation, and deregulation of
      apoptotic pathway. Some of the genes and pathways uncovered offer some progress
      for research on novel therapy for blast crisis.

PMID- 22054730
TI  - Chronic myeloid leukemia: mechanisms of resistance and treatment.
AB  - Imatinib mesylate has revolutionized the treatment landscape for patients with
      newly diagnosed chronic myeloid leukemia. Follow-up has shown excellent response
      rates, progression-free survival, and overall survival after 8 years. However,
      some patients develop resistance to imatinib treatment because of a multitude of
      reasons. Strategies to overcome resistance include dose escalation of imatinib or
      switching to a second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor or to one of the newer
      non-tyrosine kinase inhibitors. This article guides the treating physician with a
      rational approach in the management of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia who
      fail initial treatment with imatinib or lose response while on therapy with
      imatinib.

PMID- 22054731
TI  - BCR-ABL mutations in chronic myeloid leukemia.
AB  - The advent of imatinib has been a major breakthrough in chronic myeloid leukemia
      (CML) treatment. A few patients treated with imatinib are either refractory to
      imatinib or eventually relapse. Resistance is frequently associated with
      mutations in the kinase domain of BCR-ABL. Over 100 point mutations coding for
      single amino acid substitutions in the BCR-ABL kinase domain have been isolated
      from CML patients resistant to imatinib treatment. Most reported mutants are
      rare, whereas 7 mutated residues comprise two-thirds of all mutations detected.
      BCR-ABL mutations affect amino acids involved in imatinib binding or in
      regulatory regions of the BCR-ABL kinase domain, resulting in decreased
      sensitivity to imatinib while retaining aberrant kinase activity. The early
      detection of BCR-ABL mutants during therapy may aid in risk stratification as
      well as molecularly based treatment decisions.

PMID- 22054732
TI  - Selection of therapy: rational decisions based on molecular events.
AB  - This article reviews to what extent molecular data can be used to rationalize
      therapeutic choices in the treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia. Two categories
      of data are discussed: markers that globally measure risk but do not provide a
      molecular rationale for therapy selection; and biomarkers with a causal link to a
      clinical phenotype, such as certain mutations of the BCR-ABL kinase domain. As
      therapy selection is still mainly based on clinical criteria, molecular
      biomarkers are discussed in the context of available clinical prognostication
      tools, focusing on biomarkers that do not reflect disease burden as a surrogate
      of responsiveness to treatment.

PMID- 22054734
TI  - Portal vein thrombosis and budd-Chiari syndrome.
AB  - Venous thrombosis results from the convergence of vessel wall injury and/or
      venous stasis, known as local triggering factors, and the occurrence of acquired
      and/or inherited thrombophilia, also known as systemic prothrombotic risk
      factors. Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) and Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) are caused
      by thrombosis and/or obstruction of the extrahepatic portal veins and the hepatic
      venous outflow tract, respectively. Several divergent prothrombotic disorders may
      underlie these distinct forms of large vessel thrombosis. While cirrhotic PVT is
      relatively common, especially in advanced liver disease, noncirrhotic and
      nontumoral PVT is rare and BCS is of intermediate incidence. In this article, we
      review pathogenic mechanisms and current concepts of patient management.

PMID- 22054733
TI  - Chronic myelogenous leukemia: role of stem cell transplant in the imatinib era.
AB  - In the pre-tyrosine kinase (TKI) era, allogeneic stem cell transplant (allo-SCT)
      was the front-line treatment of choice for young patients with chronic
      myelogenous leukemia (CML). Today, imatinib is well established as front-line
      therapy for CML, with excellent long-term outcomes. This has changed the role of
      allo-SCT and the number of patients undergoing allo-SCT has declined
      dramatically. Allo-SCT is currently recommended for patients in accelerated/blast
      phase disease, those who have failed a second-generation TKI and those with TKI
      resistant mutations such as T315I. The role of allo-SCT in the management of CML
      will require continual reappraisal as medical therapies continue to evolve.

PMID- 22054735
TI  - Systemic mastocytosis.
AB  - An unusual disease, mastocytosis challenges the pathologist with a variety of
      morphologic appearances and heterogeneous clinical presentations ranging from
      skin manifestations (pruritus, urticaria, dermatographism) to systemic signs and
      symptoms indicative of mast cell mediator release, including flushing,
      hypotension, headache, and anaphylaxis among others. In this article, we focus on
      recognizing the cytology, histopathology, clinical features, and prognostic
      implications of systemic mastocytosis, a clonal and neoplastic mast cell
      proliferation infiltrating extracutaneous organ(s) with or without skin
      involvement. Diagnostic pitfalls are reviewed with ancillary studies to help
      unmask the mast cell and exclude morphologic mimics.

PMID- 22054736
TI  - Diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndromes in cytopenic patients.
AB  - Sustained clinical cytopenia is a frequent laboratory finding in ambulatory and
      hospitalized patients. For pathologists and hematopathologists who examine the
      bone marrow (BM), a diagnosis of cytopenia secondary to an infiltrative BM
      process or acute leukemia can be readily established based on morphologic
      evaluation and flow cytometry immunophenotyping. However, it can be more
      challenging to establish a diagnosis of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). In this
      article, the practical approaches for establishing or excluding a diagnosis of
      MDS (especially low-grade MDS) in patients with clinical cytopenia are discussed
      along with the current diagnostic recommendations provided by the World Health
      Organization and the International Working Group for MDS.

PMID- 22054737
TI  - Chronic myelogenous leukemia. Preface.

PMID- 22054738
TI  - Governing through problems: the formulation of policy on amphetamine-type
      stimulants (ATS) in Australia.
AB  - Producing and implementing credible and effective policies on illicit drug use is
      generally seen as an important aspect of health governance in the West. Yet the
      controversy surrounding illicit drug use means this is no easy task. With public
      opinion perceived by policy makers to be set against illicit drug use, and
      understandings of its effects tending towards generalisation and pathologisation,
      the need for timely and rational responses is considered self evident. These
      responses are, however, regularly criticised as driven as much by electoral
      politics and expedience as by research findings or expert opinion. Destined to
      receive close critical scrutiny from all sides, these policies, and the processes
      undertaken to develop them, are obliged to negotiate a complex political domain.
      Despite this scrutiny, and the pressure it brings to bear on the policy-making
      process, little scholarly attention has been paid to the area to date. In this
      article, we examine in detail one important area of illicit drug policy - the use
      of amphetamine-type stimulants (ATS) in Australia. We draw on the international
      critical literature on the ATS problem to situate our analysis. We note that
      ideas of 'panic', including Cohen's notion of moral panic, have been used here to
      good effect, but, aiming to acknowledge the complexities of policy, we turn to
      poststructuralist methods of policy analysis to pursue a different approach.
      Following Bacchi's observation that 'we are governed through problematisations
      rather than policies' (2009, p. xi), we ask how the problem of ATS use has been
      formulated in policy. We examine key state and national policy documents, and two
      central themes found in them - causation and evidence - to identify the specific
      strategies used to authorise the recommendations and measures presented as
      following from the problem of ATS use. In doing so, we clarify important ways in
      which policy may at times work to obscure the limits of its legitimacy.

PMID- 22054739
TI  - The politics of visibility: Drug users and the spaces of drug use.

PMID- 22054740
TI  - The effect of different methods of electrical stunning of lambs on blood pressure
      and muscular activity.
AB  - The effect on blood pressure and muscular activity of a 'head-only' and a 'head
      to-body' method of electrical stunning was measured in groups of lambs. A two- to
      three-fold increase in arterial pressure followed 'head-only' stunning, along
      with moderate increases in venous pressure. By contrast, after 'head-to-body'
      stunning, arterial pressure decreased, but venous pressure increased to above 50
      mm Hg. Electromyographic recordings showed there was a greater increase in the
      intensity of muscular activity following 'head-to-body' stunning compared with
      'head-only' stunning and there was a direct correlation between the degree of
      muscular activity and the increase in venous pressure. It is argued that the
      resultant pressure changes in the microcirculatory bed are likely to be
      associated with the occurrence of haemorrhagic defects following stunning by
      electrical methods.

PMID- 22054741
TI  - Stability at comminution chopping temperatures of model chicken breast muscle
      emulsions.
AB  - Mixtures of vegetable oil and protein solutions extracted from chicken breast
      muscle were heated to 10 degrees C, 20 degrees C and 30 degrees C before or after
      the Omni-mixer step of timed emulsification. Emulsion stability (ES) was
      determined by placing the extracted cream layer between layers of filter paper
      and polyester mesh and measuring the weight loss after 96 h at 0-1 degrees C. All
      natural actomyosin and exhaustively washed chicken breast muscle emulsions lost
      no more than 50% of their original weight after heating and were defined as being
      stable. Even excessive chopping temperatures (30 degrees C) failed to effect
      timed emulsification or ES. This study suggests that any instability of finished
      commercial sausage-type products is not due to changes in the protein caused by
      excessively high chopping temperatures generated during comminution.

PMID- 22054742
TI  - Stability at cooking temperatures of model chicken breast muscle emulsions.
AB  - Emulsion stability (ES) was measured on timed emulsification (TE) samples made
      with natural actomyosin (NAM) and exhaustively washed (EW) muscle, heated to 75
      degrees C, before using the Omni-mixer or after centrifugation. All emulsions
      cooked after centrifugation were found to be stable. The emulsions made with NAM
      showed a large decrease in ES when heated above 40 degrees C prior to using the
      Omni-mixer. However, aqueous protein disappearance did not decrease significantly
      after TE until NAM was heated to between 60 degrees C and 75 degrees C. On the
      other hand, emulsions made with EW muscle heated prior to using the Omni-mixer
      showed a large decrease in both ES and aqueous protein disappearance after TE
      between 60 degrees C and 75 degrees C.

PMID- 22054743
TI  - Z-disc digestion of isolated bovine myofibrils by an endogenous calcium activated
      neutral proteinase.
AB  - Calcium activated neutral proteinase (CANP) activity has been purified from
      bovine M. semimembranosus. The effect of the enzyme on purified fractions of beef
      myofibrils is described. The Z-discs were the main target of the enzyme; small
      holes developed and the Z-discs were fragmented into smaller units of equal size.
      The Z-discs fragments were also split transversely, leaving half to each of the
      neighbouring sarcomeres. Prolonged digestion removed the entire Z-discs and its
      set of thin myofilaments. The functional importance of the proteinase in meat
      tenderization is discussed.

PMID- 22054744
TI  - Thermomechanical properties of beef muscle.
AB  - Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used to follow the three major
      endothermic transitions (T(1), T(2) and T(3)) of beef muscle during heating.
      Borchardt and Daniels reaction kinetics were used to predict the three time and
      temperature treatments required to sequentially eliminate each transition.
      Longissimus dorsi and semimembranosus muscles were removed from beef carcasses
      suspended by Achilles tendon or pelvis. Samples prepared by heating for 5 min at
      57 degrees C (I), 70 degrees C (II) and 81 degrees C (III) were assessed by
      sensory panel for tenderness, juiciness and residual connective tissue. Weight
      loss, Warner-Bratzler (W-B) shear and microstructure using transmission electron
      microscopy (TEM) were also determined. The I treatment showed a significant
      difference in tenderness and residual connective tissue between muscles, but not
      between contraction states. The II treatment produced collagen shrinkage and a
      significant drop in W-B shear and residual connective tissue, coupled with
      increased tenderness in semimembranosus muscle. An increased W-B value, decreased
      juiciness, increased weight loss and a reduction in sarcomere and A-band length
      accompanied the III transition. Muscles from carcasses that had been suspended by
      the pelvis were found to be significantly more tender than the same muscles from
      Achilles hung carcasses. It is concluded that DSC is capable of determining
      amount of protein denaturation and, hence, degree of cooking.

PMID- 22054745
TI  - Cholesterol content of muscle and adipose tissue from crossbred bulls and steers.
AB  - Cholesterol content (mg/100g wet weight) of muscle and adipose tissue from
      crossbred bulls (N = 34) and steers (N = 35) was determined by spectrophotometry.
      Sampling site effects were highly significant, with subcutaneous adipose tissue
      (101.7) and perinephric adipose tissue (89.7) containing the most cholesterol,
      and longissimus muscle (58.3) containing the least. Semitendinosus and triceps
      brachii muscles were similar in cholesterol content (63.9 mg/100g and 63.7
      mg/100g, respectively). Although sex condition differences within sampling sites
      were non-significant, steer carcasses may have more total cholesterol than bull
      carcasses because steers contain a higher percentage of fat than bulls raised
      under similar conditions.

PMID- 22054746
TI  - Sensitivity to ionic strength of Mg?Ca-enhanced ATPase activity as an index of
      myofibrillar ageing in beef.
AB  - Modifications of Mg?Ca-enhanced ATPase activity and its sensitivity to ionic
      strength were studied during the conditioning of beef Longissimus dorsi muscle,
      together with the changes in the mechanical properties of the myofibrillar
      structure assessed instrumentally by a compressive test. As the storage time
      increases, the ATPase activity increases at low ionic strengths whereas it
      decreases at higher ones. Concomitantly, we observe an increment, with storage
      time, in the slope of the straight line graph obtained when plotting this ATPase
      activity against KCl concentrations. This slope enhancement is parallel with the
      decrease in the maximum compressive strength. Furthermore, these two changes have
      been significantly correlated (P < 0.01). We conclude that the slope value which
      quantifies the sensitivity of the ATPase activity to ionic strength could be an
      accurate indicator of the degree of ageing of the myofibrillar structure and has
      been called the Biochemical Index of Myofibrillar Ageing (BIMA).

PMID- 22054747
TI  - The fate of the large proteins of the myofibril during tenderising treatments.
AB  - Changes in the large structural proteins of the myofibril, during treatments
      which affect tenderness, have been followed using SDS-PAG electrophoresis.
      Despite the known decay of gap filaments during ageing, and the identification of
      connectin as their substance, connectin survives prolonged ageing at 15 degrees C
      (although it succumbs at temperatures at which it denatures). Cold shortening or
      stretching of muscle does not affect autolysis, except in the prolonged ageing of
      stretched samples, where myosin 'heads' are apparently detached due to their
      greater accessibility to proteases. The only two changes on the same time scale
      as tenderisation are the disappearance of nebulin and an increase in a protein
      lying between connectin and nebulin on the gels. The evidence for nebulin as the
      N(2)-line protein is questionable, and it is proposed that it may instead be a
      component of the G-filaments, necessary for their stability. In pressure-heat (P
      H) treatment at 50 or 55 degrees C, which reduces yield point rather than shear
      force, connectin survives, while nebulin is partly destroyed. A tenderising P-H
      treatment at 60 degrees C degrades both. Cooking to various degrees apparently
      causes a random splitting of connectin, revealed as a smear down the gels. After
      cooking at 80 degrees C a little of the original band survives, while most of the
      smear represents material with a molecular weight above half a million, and
      should therefore still be capable of contributing to structural strength. Prior
      tenderising treatments have little effect on gels derived from material cooked at
      80 degrees C, although what remains of the sharp connectin band in cooked
      controls disappears in aged or P-H treated samples.

PMID- 22054748
TI  - Utilization of chickpea flour in sausages.
AB  - 'English' type fresh skinless sausages were prepared in which some of the meat
      (mutton, pork or beef) was replaced on a protein to protein basis by chickpea
      flour. The acceptability of mutton sausages containing chickpea flour was not
      affected at levels of substitution up to 40%, whereas pork and beef sausages were
      significantly less acceptable at substitution levels above 30%. In all the
      sausages incorporation of chickpea flour led to increased cooking losses and
      softer textures. Incorporation of chickpea flour caused discoloration of the raw
      sausages which became more prominent during storage at 0 degrees C.

PMID- 22054749
TI  - The biochemical basis of fibre types in bovine muscle.
AB  - Recent studies using isolated muscle fibres have established a link between the
      histochemical fibre types, I, IIA and IIB, which can be defined by myofibrillar
      ATPase activity, and three forms of myosin heavy chain. This work is reviewed, as
      is work on metabolic variability within these fibre types. Results are them
      presented which show that the activity of myofibrillar ATPase in sections,
      although principally determined by the myosin heavy chain, is modified by other
      myofibrillar components, as yet unidentified. Evidence is also presented for
      hybrids of myosin heavy chain in muscle fibres. Finally, metabolic variability
      within the fibre types is examined for bovine muscle. It is concluded that, in
      spite of wide metabolic variability within types, a classification based on
      myofibrillar ATPase activity is still useful.

PMID- 22054750
TI  - Effect of castration on bovine muscle composition.
AB  - Samples of bovine muscles were cross-sectioned and stained for myofibrillar
      ATPase. Three fibre types were distinguished, I, IIA and IIB. In the longissimus
      dorsi (LD) muscles of steers the average occurrence of IIB fibres was 32%, but in
      bulls was only 8%. The difference was highly significant. In contrast, the
      average occurrence of I fibres in steers and bulls was not significantly
      different. IIB fibres were generally rare in splenius (Sp) muscle, and occurred
      in some steers but in no bulls. That IIB fibres were more common in steer muscle
      was confirmed by studies with pairs of identical twins. The increased occurrence
      of IIB fibres in steers was unrelated to carcass weight changes often associated
      with castration. Fibre type occurrence data in steer or bull muscles were highly
      variable. Also, muscles of twins remained macroscopically similar in spite of
      significant maleness differences between two animals of a pair. Together, these
      results indicate that castration exerted a relatively minor, but nonetheless
      significant, effect on the muscles studied. Other factors, such as breed,
      apparently exert greater effects: LD muscles of Sahiwal * Friesian bulls (a
      tropical-temperate cross) were very steer-like in composition. Areas of fibres
      increased with carcass weight. For LD, areas increased with similar slopes in
      steers and bulls, but for Sp, areas in bulls increased with steeper slopes. This
      difference related to the increased development of muscles about the neck in
      bulls. Further, in heavier bulls, areas of IIA fibres were significantly larger
      than areas of I fibres. Evidence is presented which suggests that the paucity of
      IIB fibres in bulls and the disproportionate area increases of IIA fibres in bull
      Sp, relate to the serum concentrations of androgens, which differ markedly in
      steers and bulls. Possible modes of action of androgens are discussed.

PMID- 22054751
TI  - Biologic response modifiers: relevance & repercussions.
AB  - Biologic response modifiers (BRMs) are substances that occur naturally in the
      body. They can also be manufactured in the laboratory and then administered as
      targeted therapy. Undoubtedly BRMs will find expanded role in terminal illness
      like cancer where other therapies have failed. However, great caution must be
      exercised in prescribing these agents in chronic indolent diseases where
      potential for ultimate harm might outweigh short-term benefits.

PMID- 22054752
TI  - Overview of biologic response modifiers in infectious disease.
AB  - The conventional treatment of infectious agents is increasingly encountering
      antimicrobial resistance. This resistance has led to an intense search for novel
      treatment modalities for infectious diseases. Elucidation of the mechanisms
      underlying the inhibitory activity of chemokines has been instrumental in the
      rational design of anti-human immunodeficiency virus chemokine drugs. The immune
      based therapies, in combination with antimicrobial drugs, for viral hepatitis
      have attracted much attention. Recognition of toll-like receptors by synthetic
      immunomodulators is used for certain viral infections. New methodologies have the
      potential to identify novel targets and foster the development of individually
      tailored immunomodulatory drug treatments.

PMID- 22054753
TI  - Role of endogenous biological response modifiers in pathogenesis of infectious
      diseases.
AB  - Biologic response modifiers (BRMs) interact with the host immune system and
      modify the immune response. BRMs can be therapeutically used to restore, augment,
      or dampen the host immune response. Although they have been used for decades,
      their clinical applications have been expanded in the past decade for diagnosis
      and treatment of many diseases including cancers, immunologic disorders, and
      infections. This article discusses endogenous biological response modifiers (ie,
      naturally occurring immunomodulators as a part of the host immune system), which
      play vital roles as regulators of both innate and adaptive immune responses.

PMID- 22054754
TI  - Vaccines and vaccine adjuvants as biological response modifiers.
AB  - Vaccines have been used successfully for many years to prevent death and
      morbidity from infectious diseases. In the last two decades major advances in the
      fields of genetics and immunology have allowed a significant increase in the use
      of immunomodulatory drugs in a broad range of pathologic conditions. This article
      reviews several uses of immunomodulating properties of vaccines, both old and
      new, with a focus on cancer and autoimmune diseases. Special emphasis is placed
      on the historical aspects and current applications of the bacillus Calmette
      Guerin vaccine, the first vaccine to be used in cancer immunotherapy.

PMID- 22054755
TI  - Polyclonal immunoglobulins and hyperimmune globulins in prevention and management
      of infectious diseases.
AB  - Immunoglobulin therapy has a rich history of use in preventing and treating
      infectious diseases; however, clinical data on the efficacy of immunoglobulin is
      lacking for many infectious diseases. Immunoglobulin therapy is routinely used in
      postexposure prophylaxis for bacterial infections, including tetanus, botulism,
      and diphtheria, and viral infections, including hepatitis A and B and varicella.
      Immunoglobulin therapy has also been used in many severe and life-threatening
      infections where treatments are limited, including toxic shock syndrome,
      respiratory syncytial virus infection, and cytomegalovirus infection. The authors
      review the evidence for the use of immunoglobulin therapy in common adult
      infectious diseases.

PMID- 22054756
TI  - Monoclonal antibodies in infectious diseases: clinical pipeline in 2011.
AB  - Of the more than 20 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) generated to combat infectious
      diseases (ID) that are in clinical development in 2011, most are in phase 1 or 2
      and are directed against either viruses or bacterial toxins. Several high-profile
      anti-ID mAbs have recently failed in clinical trials. Despite the advancement in
      recombinant engineering technologies, anti-ID mAbs have yet to deliver on their
      promise as "magic bullets," especially against nosocomial infections. A paradigm
      shift in favor of developing mAb combinations, which act synergistically with
      each other or with small molecule drugs, may be required to move the field
      forward.

PMID- 22054757
TI  - Colony-stimulating factors in the prevention and management of infectious
      diseases.
AB  - Colony-stimulating factors (CSFs) are attractive adjunctive anti-infective
      therapies. Used to enhance innate host defenses against microbial pathogens, the
      myeloid CSFs increase absolute numbers of circulating innate immune effector
      cells by accelerating bone marrow production and maturation, or augment the
      function of those cells through diverse effects on chemotaxis, phagocytosis, and
      microbicidal functions. This article summarizes the evidence supporting the
      accepted clinical uses of the myeloid CSFs in patients with congenital or
      chemotherapy-induced neutropenia, and presents an overview of proposed and
      emerging uses of the CSFs for the prevention and treatment of infectious diseases
      in other immunosuppressed and immunocompetent patient populations.

PMID- 22054758
TI  - Interferons as therapeutic agents for infectious diseases.
AB  - This article explains the rationale for development of interferons as therapeutic
      agents, and describes commercial products available today. It also provides a
      summary of studies that have been performed with interferons for use as exogenous
      biological response modifiers in viral infections. Overall, the best data exist
      for treatment of viral hepatitis B and C, for which interferons are a cornerstone
      of therapy. Although infections with human papillomavirus and common cold viruses
      sometimes respond favorably to interferons, their outcomes are far from ideal.
      Finally, the role of interferons as vaccine adjuvants is still being explored but
      could be promising.

PMID- 22054759
TI  - Mediators of systemic inflammatory response syndrome and the role of recombinant
      activated protein C in sepsis syndrome.
AB  - The systemic inflammatory response syndrome, the host's response to infection
      involves a series of cascading events that mobilize a series of mediators
      involving the immune system, complement, and the coagulation cascade. Although
      the initial focus of mediators is to limit infection, this cascade may run amok
      and cause the development of hypotension, vascular instability, and disseminated
      intravascular coagulation, leading to morbidity and mortality in the host.
      Several therapeutic trials have focused on the modulation of these mediators, but
      use of recombinant human activated protein C in patients with severe sepsis is
      the only one that has shown a benefit in clinical trials.

PMID- 22054760
TI  - The common immunogenic etiology of chronic fatigue syndrome: from infections to
      vaccines via adjuvants to the ASIA syndrome.
AB  - Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is characterized by unexplained fatigue that lasts
      for at least 6 months with a constellation of other symptoms. Most cases start
      suddenly, and are usually accompanied by a flu-like illness. It is a symptom
      based diagnosis of exclusion, the pathogenesis of which is unknown. Studies have
      examined and hypothesized about the possible biomedical and epidemiologic
      characteristics of the disease, including genetic predisposition, infections,
      endocrine abnormalities, and immune dysfunction and psychological and
      psychosocial factors. Recently, the AISA (autoimmune/inflammatory syndrome
      induced by adjuvants) syndrome was recognized, indicating the possible
      contribution of adjuvants and vaccines to the development of autoimmunity.

PMID- 22054761
TI  - Mycobacteria and biological response modifiers: two sides of the relationship.
AB  - With increasing use of biological response modifiers (BRMs) for various systemic
      inflammatory diseases there is a need to be vigilant about complications with the
      use of these therapies. It is important to have appropriate screening for the
      infections in patients requiring BRMs. However, many studies have reported
      benefits of certain BRMs in the treatment of infections such as tuberculosis as
      adjuncts. Continued research and technical advances in immunogenetics helps
      understand complex mechanisms in the usage of the BRMs. This article summarizes
      the different aspects of the relationship between mycobacterial infections and
      the use of various BRMs for inflammatory conditions.

PMID- 22054762
TI  - Biologics and infections: lessons from tumor necrosis factor blocking agents.
AB  - In the decade since tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) antagonists were
      first approved for clinical use, they have proven invaluable for the treatment of
      specific types of chronic inflammation. Currently licensed TNF blockers fall into
      two classes, monoclonal antibody (or antibody fragments) and soluble receptor.
      Although they are equally effective in rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis,
      important differences have emerged with regard to efficacy in granulomatous
      inflammation and risks of granulomatous infections, particularly tuberculosis.
      This article focuses on recent studies that inform prevention and management of
      infections in this susceptible patient population.

PMID- 22054763
TI  - Biological response modifiers (BRMs) are often discussed with a narrow focus on
      the"biological therapies," ie, the pharmacologically administered form of
      cytokines, eg, interferon or antagonists of cytokines, eg, tumor necrosis factor
      blocking agents. Introduction.

PMID- 22054764
TI  - A model for the thermal conductivity of frozen meat.
AB  - Even though extensive work on the experimental determination of the thermal
      conductivities of foodstuffs at different temperatures has been published, only a
      few predictive models for this important property have been developed.
      Calculation of freezing times in foods, such as meat, over the range from -1
      degrees C to -30 degrees C, requires the use of mathematical models in which
      information on the thermal conductivity of partially frozen meat as a function of
      ice content in the tissue is provided. In the present paper a model for the
      thermal conductivity of meat as a function of temperature, which also accounts
      for its anisotropic properties, is proposed. Both directions, parallel and
      perpendicular to meat fibres, are considered and the model applies to unfrozen as
      well as to partially frozen meat. Results show good agreement with published
      experimental data obtained by a steady state method for different temperatures.

PMID- 22054765
TI  - Effect of cooling rate upon processing characteristics of pork meat of different
      glycolysis type during post mortem ageing.
AB  - Rapid chilling was applied to porcine longissimus dorsi muscles at 1 h post
      mortem in order to observe its effect on the quality of canned products prepared
      from those of different pH(1) values. The muscle from one side of each animal was
      removed from the carcase 50 minutes post mortem and divided into two longitudinal
      strips. One was chilled immediately to 13-15 degrees C (1 h post mortem): the
      other after a further hour (2 h post mortem) acted as control. After the centre
      temperature had reached 10 degrees C the muscles were stored in a refrigerator at
      3-5 degrees C. Compared with the control samples (chilled at 2 h p.m.), rapid
      chilling from 1 h p.m. caused an improvement in the water-holding capacity and
      the texture of pork meat, which had higher pH(1) values and was processed at 2, 4
      and 48 h p.m. There was minimum brine retention and texture score if samples-both
      rapidly chilled and control-were processed at 24 h p.m. Although brine retention
      of PSE pork meat could not be increased even by rapid chilling, the texture of
      heat treated PSE pork showed an improvement during storage, which was more
      pronounced after ageing for 48 h, if PSE samples were chilled at 1 h p.m.

PMID- 22054766
TI  - Comparison of isolated sarcoplasmic reticulum from bovine and rabbit muscle.
AB  - Comparison of the ultrastructure of purified bovine sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR)
      vesicles isolated from bovine sternomandibularis muscle before and following cold
      shortening indicates that the decreased Ca(2+)-accumulating ability and increased
      release of Ca(2+) in cold shortened muscle are not associated with any apparent
      structural alterations. Sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS)-gel profiles revealed that
      the major constituent in both bovine and rabbit SR was Ca(2+)-activated ATPase
      with a molecular weight of 100,000-105,000. Both SR preparations also showed a
      proteolipid band at a molecular weight of approximately 10,000. Purified rabbit
      SR contained three protein components with molecular weights of 75,000, 60,000
      and 53,000, whereas bovine SR exhibited a series of five components with
      molecular weights of 80,000, 66,000, 63,000, 50,000 and 45,000. Although the
      functions of these isolated proteins were not determined, it is assumed that at
      least some of them bind Ca(2+) ions in the SR.

PMID- 22054767
TI  - Effects of freezing, thawing and storage on some quality factors for portion-size
      beef cuts.
AB  - Portion-size beef cuts packaged in oxygen impermeable plastic bags were used to
      study the effects of rates of freezing and thawing, and storage time and
      temperature on drip and cooking losses, shear force, destruction of glutathione
      and accumulation of protein-breakdown products in meat. Portions weighing 150 g
      or over and frozen in an air-blast at -30 degrees C gave lower losses of drip and
      lower amounts of nitrogenous constituents in drip than samples weighing less than
      150 g or samples frozen in cardboard boxes in still air at -18 degrees C.
      Freezing and thawing or frozen storage had no significant effect on shear force
      of meat frozen after ageing. During frozen storage, the destruction of
      glutathione and accumulation of protein-breakdown products increased, depending
      directly on storage temperature and time. The results show that a test based on
      these two biochemical changes would be suitable for assessing the quality of
      frozen beef.

PMID- 22054768
TI  - Cooking tenderizing in beef.
AB  - Heating tenderzes meat in three distinct phases. Up to 65 degrees C aging occurs
      through proteolysis at specific sites in the myofibrils. From about 70 degrees C
      the collagen of the connective tissue is denatured and melts. Above about 100
      degrees C the myofibrils begin to break down again presumably from non-specific
      high-temperature hydrolysis. The rate of cooking tenderizing above 70 degrees C
      increases sharply with temperature and at 100 degrees C is equal to the maximum
      aging rate at 60 degrees C. However the collagen becomes more resistant to
      breakdown with animal age since the time to achieve maximum tenderizing of m.
      sternomandibularis at 80 degrees C increases from 4 h for young calves to greater
      than 15 h for old bulls. There is little overlap in the temperature ranges of
      aging and cooking tenderizing above 70 degrees C with a minimum tenderizing
      temperature of ~ 67 degrees C. The merits of tenderizing meat by holding it below
      or above this temperature are discussed.

PMID- 22054769
TI  - A note on the reduction in the iron content of meat in relation to iron
      deficiency.
AB  - The blood haemoglobin concentration, serum iron levels and muscle iron content of
      cattle, pigs, lambs and chickens were determined at the time of slaughter. There
      was a marked reduction in the iron content of pork, beef and chicken when
      compared with the figures quoted by McCance & widdowson (1960). The possible
      relationship between a reduction in the iron content of meat and the aetiology of
      iron deficiency is discussed.

PMID- 22054770
TI  - Studies on the meat production characteristics of Botswana goats and sheep-Part
      II: General body composition, carcase measurements and joint composition.
AB  - The present paper gives data on the general body composition, carcase size,
      weight and joint composition of indigenous Botswana goats and sheep of various
      age and sex groupings. Data on a small group of entire milk tooth male Boer goats
      are also presented. Indigenous male castrate goats developed larger and heavier
      carcases than sheep of a similar background with increasing age, although
      differences were not significant after correction for empty body weight (ebw).
      Castrate male indigenous sheep produced highest carcase and offal yields at the
      two tooth stage. Although mature female goats had significantly heavier ebws than
      the female sheep, the latter had significantly heavier carcases and heavier
      dressing out percentages (DO%) at equivalent ebws. The Boer goats had higher
      ebws, carcase weights and DO% than the indigenous goats of similar age while the
      indigenous castrates had larger and heavier carcases than the entires. The goats
      had proportionally heavier leg and shoulder joints whereas the sheep had heavier
      loins.

PMID- 22054772
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 22054771
TI  - Effect of pressure treatments on the mechanical properties of pre- and post-rigor
      meat.
AB  - Pressure-heat treatment of beef semitendinosus samples post-rigor gave shear and
      tensile results similar to those obtained with pressure treatment pre-rigor. Post
      rigor pressure-heat treatment did not affect the contraction state, unlike pre
      rigor pressure treatment which caused samples to contract by about 40%. Maximum
      tenderizing effect by pressure-heat treatment (150 M Nm(-2) at 60 degrees C for
      30 min) was achieved when samples were heated at 45 degrees C for 45-180 min
      immediately before application of the treatment. As the pre-pressurization
      temperature was increased, the duration of heating became more critical until at
      temperatures >= 60 degrees C the effects of subsequent pressure-heat treatment
      became very small. Pressure-heat treated samples did not show the increase in
      shear force values for cooking temperatures >= 60 degrees C associated with
      myofibrillar hardening. It was concluded that pressure-heat treatment primarily
      affected the myofibrillar structure.

PMID- 22054773
TI  - The influence of fibre-type composition and associated biochemical
      characteristics on the acid buffering capacities of several beef muscles.
AB  - Several beef forequarter muscles were investigated for fibre-type composition,
      total pigments, total nitrogen, non-protein nitrogen, anserine, carnosine and
      inorganic phosphorus contents, ultimate pH (pH(u)) and acid buffering capacities.
      In general, the predominantly 'red' fibre-type muscles had significantly higher
      (P<0.05) pH(u) values and total pigment concentrations than the predominantly
      'white' fibre-type muscles which had significantly higher (P< 0.05) total
      nitrogen, non-protein nitrogen and carnosine contents and also significantly
      higher (P< 0.05) acid buffering capacities. The relationships between the various
      biochemical parameters of all the muscles studied and their acid buffering
      capacities were investigated by correlation matrix. The higher buffering
      capacities of the 'white' fibre-type muscles over the pH range pH(u) to pH 5.0
      were attributed to their higher contents of carnosine and inorganic phosphorus.
      However, over the pH ranges pH(u) to pH 4.5 down to pH(u) to pH 3.0, the higher
      buffering capacities of the 'white' fibre-type muscles were attributed primarily
      to their higher lactic acid concentrations, as indicated by their low pH(u)
      values, and also to their higher non-protein nitrogen contents.

PMID- 22054774
TI  - Variations in water-holding capacity due to changes in the fibre diameter,
      sarcomere length and connective tissue morphology of some beef muscles under
      acidic conditions below the ultimate pH.
AB  - The water-holding capacities (WHC) of six different beef muscles were measured
      over the pH range 5.7 to 4.0. Corresponding changes in the morphology of muscle
      fibres and connective tissue were observed by light microscopy. WHC increased
      over the pH range 5.1 to 4.0 in all muscles, with the M. longissimus dorsi (LD)
      having significantly higher (p < 0.05) swelling ratios than the other muscles at
      pH 4.3 and pH 4.0. In all muscles, swelling increased across and along the muscle
      fibre axis between pH5.1 and pH4.4. However, towards pH4.0, increased muscle
      fibre swelling occurred in predominantly 'white' fibre-type muscles, in
      particular the LD, whereas muscle fibre shrinkage occurred in predominantly 'red'
      fibre-type muscles. Increased swelling of perimysial collagen and endomysial
      reticulin was observed in all muscles between pH4.5 and pH4.0, while the
      appearance of elastin was unaffected by pH. Consequently, interactions between
      muscle fibre swelling and connective tissue swelling determined the extent of
      total muscle swelling in different muscles between pH 4.5 and pH 4.0.

PMID- 22054775
TI  - Effects of ribose, xylose and arabinose on colour formation in processed meat
      products.
AB  - The effects of ribose, xylose and arabinose on colour formation of meat products
      processed by emulsion curing were investigated in an aqueous model system under
      anaerobic conditions. Ribose markedly enhanced the colour forming ability,
      nitrite decomposition and reducing ability, depending upon its initial
      concentration; and xylose and arabinose exhibited some promoting effects on them.
      The colour promoting effects of ribose, xylose and arabinose increased with a
      rise in pH, in agreement with the results for reducing ability. This suggested
      that the reducing ability of ribose, xylose and arabinose plays a key role in
      promoting colour formation of meat products in emulsion curing.

PMID- 22054776
TI  - Deformation of collagenous, elastin and muscle fibres in raw meat in relation to
      anisotropy and length ratio.
AB  - The influence of strain directions on the mechanical properties of raw meat
      samples in a compression test was analysed in relation to the contracted or
      stretched state and discussed in terms of connective network deformation. When
      the lateral deformation of a sample is in the direction of muscle fibres, the
      more the meat has been stretched ante-rigor, the smaller the strain range in
      which muscle fibres can be solicited alone and the lower the critical compression
      ratio at which collagenous fibres come under tension. Post-rigor contraction
      occurring in stretched muscles modifies the relations between muscle fibres and
      collagenous fibres and increases the critical compression ratio. The greatest
      post-rigor contractions have been observed in stretched slices of Semitendinosus
      and Lattissimus dorsi which are high elastin content muscles. This suggests that
      elastin has a major role in post-rigor contraction. In greatly contracted post
      rigor samples, as muscle fibres are wavy, they are not involved at low strains,
      likewise collagenous fibres around muscle fibres cannot be stressed until the
      waviness of muscle fibres has been removed. Therefore, in greatly contracted post
      rigor samples, the mechanical properties observed at low strains might belong
      mainly to elastin fibres. When the lateral deformation is perpendicular to the
      direction of muscle fibres these fibres are not involved and the more the meat
      has been stretched ante-rigor the higher the critical compression ratio.

PMID- 22054778
TI  - Professor mognes jul.

PMID- 22054777
TI  - Alternative methods of pig chilling.
AB  - Comparisons were made of the effect on cooling rate, weight loss, texture,
      bacterial numbers, drip and appearance of pork sides (average dead weight 75 kg)
      in refrigeration systems using high humidity (ice bank) or conventional chilling,
      both with and without a rapid pre-chill or delayed chilling, with and without a
      water spray. All treatments took between 15.7 and 19h post mortem to cool the
      deep leg of sides to 7 degrees C. Weight loss varied between 0.95% for sides in
      the delay and spray treatment to 2.17% for conventional chilling. The texture of
      the M. longissimus dorsi of sides from the rapid pre-chill and conventional
      chilling treatment was significantly tougher than from the other methods,
      including those from the rapid pre-chill and high humidity system. Variation in
      texture between animals within treatments was far greater than between
      treatments, and could not be explained by variations in cooling and glycolytic
      rate. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in bacterial numbers, drip
      and appearance between treatments. The choice of chilling system can be made on
      the basis of weight loss and capital and running costs. The delay and spray
      treatment would save L37 800 on an annual throughout of 3 080 tonnes of pork
      compared with a conventional system.

PMID- 22054779
TI  - Dr edgar C. Bate-smith.

PMID- 22054780
TI  - Evidence and outcomes in CKD.

PMID- 22054782
TI  - Differential effects of strict blood pressure lowering by
      losartan/hydrochlorothiazide combination therapy and high-dose amlodipine
      monotherapy on microalbuminuria: the ALPHABET study.
AB  - We investigated the effects of losartan/hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ) fixed
      combination therapy and high-dose amlodipine monotherapy on BP measurements and
      target organ protection. In this open-label multicenter trial, hypertensive
      patients were randomly allocated to receive losartan 50 mg or amlodipine 5 mg for
      4 weeks, and the treatments were changed to combination of losartan 50 mg/HCTZ
      12.5 mg or amlodipine 10 mg for a further 4 weeks. A total of 91 hypertensive
      patients (age 63.6 years), 47 in the losartan/HCTZ group and 44 in amlodipine
      group, were enrolled. After 8 weeks, the clinic BP, home BP, and 24-hour
      ambulatory BP were successfully controlled to the same level in both treatment
      groups (P < .001). Furthermore, both groups showed the same degree of BP
      reduction in the 24-hour, daytime, and nighttime (P < .001). B-type natriuretic
      peptide (BNP) also significantly decreased to the same level in both groups,
      whereas the reduction of urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (UACR) was greater in
      the losartan/HCTZ group than in the high-dose amlodipine group (-47.6% vs 2.4%, P
      < .001). Losartan/HCTZ combination and high-dose amlodipine have similar effects
      on clinic, home, and ambulatory BP control and BNP reduction, whereas
      losartan/HCTZ has superior effect on UACR reduction when compared with high-dose
      amlodipine.

PMID- 22054783
TI  - Degradation of myofibrils from rabbit, chicken and beef by cathepsin l and
      lysosomal lysates.
AB  - The degradation of rabbit, chicken and beef myofibrils by cathepsin L or
      lysosomal lysates was studied by SDS-polyacrylamide-gel electrophoresis and
      electron microscopy (EM). Similar degradation patterns were observed for each
      myofibrillar preparation incubated with cathepsin L, except that myosin heavy
      chain and tropomyosin of beef were more susceptible than those of rabbit and
      chicken. Otherwise, troponin T, troponin in I and C-protein were rapidly degraded
      with slower degradation of titin, nebulin, myosin heavy chain, alpha-actinin,
      alpha-tropomyosin, actin and myosin light chains, LC1 and LC2. However, the
      component of 30 000 Mr was found to be further degraded to smaller peptides.
      Degradation at pH 5.5 (approximate post-mortem limit value) was faster than at pH
      6.0 but slower than at pH 5.0. A number of new protein bands were identified (130
      000, 120 000, 90 000, 85 000, 80 000, 31 000 and 30 000 Mr). The degradation
      patterns of rabbit myofibrils by rabbit muscle lysosomal lysates were similar to
      that of myofibrils incubated with purified cathepsin L except for the retention
      of the 30 000 Mr component and reduced degradation of actin, due presumably to
      the reduced amount or stability of cathepsin L in the crude enzyme preparations.
      Electron micrographs revealed that myofibrillar degradation by cathepsin L
      occurred preferentially at the Z-lines leading to removal of the Z-line proteins
      and fracturing of the myofibrils at these sites. Catheptic damage was seen to be
      most rapid in chicken myofibrils and least rapid in beef myofibrils consistent
      with the more rapid conditioning process in chicken.

PMID- 22054781
TI  - Association between circulating specific leukocyte types and incident chronic
      kidney disease: the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study.
AB  - Progressive renal fibrosis is a characteristic of all the diseases that cause
      renal failure and is invariably accompanied by a prominent leukocyte infiltration
      in the kidney. The goal of this study was to determine the association between
      the circulating specific leukocyte types and incident chronic kidney disease
      (CKD). In a cohort of 10,056 middle-aged white and African American adults,
      levels of circulating neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes were measured at
      baseline; blood pressure (BP) and serum creatinine were measured and estimated
      glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) was calculated at baseline and 3 and 9 years
      later; and surveillance for first hospitalization or death with CKD was carried
      out over a mean follow-up of 7.4 years (maximum, 11.9 years). Increased
      neutrophil levels and decreased lymphocyte levels were significantly associated
      with greater CKD incidence after adjustment for covariates. African Americans
      tended to have similar but stronger patterns of association between circulating
      leukocytes and CKD incidence than whites, although the differences between race
      groups were not statistically significant. We also found that eGFR and BP were
      higher at each visit in African Americans than whites between ages 45 and 65.
      These findings support a potential role for circulating specific leukocytes in
      the pathogenesis of kidney dysfunction, especially in African Americans,
      indicating the leukocyte-related renal mechanism of essential hypertension (HT).

PMID- 22054784
TI  - Low-temperature osmotic dehydration improves the quality of intermediate moisture
      meats.
AB  - Dehydration of meat at low temperature (4 degrees C) with a new dehydrating sheet
      to obtain intermediate moisture meat produced more desirable results than did
      more rapid dehydration at 25 degrees C, because the native state of meat proteins
      was better retained at the lower temperature. At low temperature with replacement
      of the dehydrating sheet once per day, the water content decreased to 57% after
      150 h. Water activity (a(w)) dropped to 0.965. Myofibrils could be prepared
      readily from meat after 150 h at 4 degrees C, and the myofibrils were induced to
      contract by addition of Mg(2+)-ATP solution and therefore retained biological
      activity. Electron microscopic observation showed that intermediate moisture meat
      prepared at 4 degrees C retained the original muscle structure to a large extent.
      Myosin could be extracted easily from intermediate moisture meat dehydrated at 4
      degrees C after 10 days of storage at 25 degrees C. No marked difference in the
      effect of dehydration on muscle was observed among species (beef, pork, chicken
      and rabbit). Results show that dehydration at low temperature (4 degrees C) with
      use of the new dehydrating sheet enables intermediate moisture meat of good
      quality to be manufactured.

PMID- 22054785
TI  - Solubilisation of bovine rumen and decolorisation of bovine blood by enzymic
      hydrolysis with alcalase.
AB  - Enzymic hydrolysis has potential for upgrading a range of waste materials from
      the meat industry. The effects of the reaction variables pH, time, temperature,
      enzyme concentration and rumen concentration on the solubilisation of rumen by
      Alcalase have been determined. Reaction progress curves showed rapid initial
      rates followed by a gradual decline in rate. The optimum reaction pH was 8.5.
      Optimum reaction temperatures for hydrolysis and solubilisation were about 55
      degrees C and 60 degrees C, respectively, for a 3-h reaction. Solubilisation and
      degree of hydrolysis both increased with increasing enzyme concentration and
      decreased with increasing substrate concentration.

PMID- 22054786
TI  - Studies of extra low voltage electrical stimulation of mature beef carcasses.
AB  - The quality characteristics of biceps femoris (BF) and semimembranosus (SM)
      roasts obtained from mature cow carcasses treated with a commercial extra low
      voltage (30 V) electrical stimulation (LVES) system were determined. LVES was
      applied for either 2 (ESII) or 4 min (ESIII). Evaluations were conducted on meat
      obtained from control sides (no ES) aged for either 48 h (Ia) or 7 days (Ib) and
      from ES sides aged 48 h. ES caused a reduction (P<0.001) in pH values at 2 and 6
      h post mortem. At 24 h, the pH of muscles from all carcasses was about 5.5. ES
      duration did not influence muscle pH. Rib-eye muscle colour for ESII and ESIII
      carcasses was lighter and brighter (P<0.05) than that of control carcasses.
      Generally stimulated BF roasts had greater cooking losses than control Group Ib
      roasts; SM roasts from ES carcasses had lower losses than comparable to Group Ib
      roasts. ES duration had no effect on per cent cooking losses. Trained panelists
      generally detected few significant effects in BF roasts due to ES. Warner
      Bratzler data indicated that ESII and ESIII BF roasts were similar and
      significantly more tender than comparable control Group Ib samples: OTMS data
      indicated that all BF roasts were similar in tenderness. However, SM roasts from
      ES carcasses were judged more soft (Groups II and III) and tender (ESII) than
      comparable control roasts. Instrumental measurements of tenderness for SM roasts
      tended to support the taste panel results. Generally, duration of LVES had no
      effect on the eating quality of either BF or SM roasts. Since LVES effects on the
      palatability of SM roasts were evident but the effects of stimulation of BF
      roasts were few, further studies of this LVES system are needed before its use
      can be recommended. Generally, increasing post-mortem ageing time for mature
      control carcasses did not influence either BF or SM roast quality.

PMID- 22054787
TI  - The effect of DFD classification and internal cooking temperature on certain pork
      muscle characteristics.
AB  - The data incorporated in this experiment were gathered from 14 littermate pairs
      of swine of the same sex differing in weight by <4.5 kg with one animal in each
      pair subjected to standardized stress. Samples of the Longissimus dorsi (LD) and
      the Psoas major (PM) muscles were cooked to internal temperatures of 64, 70 and
      76 degrees C. The samples of the Quadriceps femoris (QF) muscle were cooked to
      internal temperatures of 70 and 76 degrees C. DFD classification of the raw
      muscle was determined by the 48 h pH. Stress produced DFD meat in the PM and QF
      muscles but not in the LD muscle. DFD muscle required shorter time to reach any
      of the cooked internal temperatures studied when compared to normal muscle.
      Slightly-DFD PM muscle more closely resembled the normal muscle in all variables
      except the panel tenderness score. Cooking DFD PM muscle to an internal
      temperature 6 degrees C higher than normal muscle caused a reverse in the
      direction of cooking loss, fiber diameter, tenderness and expressible water when
      compared to normal and DFD muscle cooked to the same internal temperature.
      Cooking DFD PM muscle to an internal temperature 12 degrees C higher than normal
      muscle produced changes associated with increasing the internal temperature of
      normal muscle. Similar trends, as described for the PM muscle, were observed in
      the QF muscle.

PMID- 22054788
TI  - A comparison between tensile and shear adhesive strength of meat-myosin
      junctions.
AB  - A model meat-myosin gel junction was used to compare the adhesive strength of
      binding junctions when subject to tensile or shear forces. This comparison was
      made on junctions cooked to 80 degrees C with three different alignments of
      muscle fibres with respect to the junction plane. Tensile adhesive strength (TAS)
      and shear adhesive strength (SAS) did not differ significantly when fibres in
      both of the bound pieces of meat were perpendicular to the plane of the myosin
      gel function (90 degrees /90 degrees  junction). However, SAS was higher than TAS
      if the muscle fibres in one or both of the meat pieces were parallel to the plane
      of the junction. This suggests that tensile failure of binding junctions is the
      more likely mode of failure. Differences between SAS and TAS in any one junction
      orientation were small compared to the effect of muscle fibre orientation with
      respect to the junction; both TAS and SAS were highest for 90 degrees /90 degrees
      junctions and lowest when muscle fibres in both meat pieces were parallel to the
      junction (0 degrees /0 degrees  junctions).

PMID- 22054789
TI  - Water activity: Theory and applications to food (IFT Basic Symposium Series).
      Edited by Louis B. Rockland and Larry R. Beuchat. 1987. 424 pp., bound,
      illustrated. Price: $59.75 (US and Canada); $71.50 (All other countries). (Prices
      subject to change without notice).

PMID- 22054790
TI  - Effect of breed and nutrition on the productive traits of beef cattle in south
      east Brazil: Part 3-Meat quality.
AB  - Significant differences in a number of economically important appearance and
      palatability traits were recorded between the Bos indicus and Bos taurus breeds.
      Muscles from the Charolais and Canchim animals were consistently and
      significantly lighter in colour than those from the zebu breeds, even after pH
      effects had been taken into account. Differences were shown to be directly
      related to variations in muscle myoglobin levels, but may have been complicated
      by observed textural differences. Muscles from the zebu animals were not
      noticeably coarser grained, having significantly larger fibre diameters and fibre
      bundle sizes. The inferiority of the Bos indicus breeds in terms of muscle
      tenderness was clearly demonstrated. Significantly higher shear force values were
      recorded in all muscles from the Nelore and Guzera breeds, except the Psoas
      major. These differences were also detected by taste panel evaluation. Major
      differences between breeds were demonstrated in the thermo-stability of extracted
      intra-muscular connective tissue elements, being highest in the zebu breeds,
      intermediate in the Canchim and lowest in the Charolais. These solubility
      characteristics were thought to be due to differences in the relative proportions
      of genetically different collagen types in the muscles and an association between
      coarseness of texture and toughness was shown.

PMID- 22054791
TI  - Singular and combined effects of electrical stimulation, post-mortem ageing and
      blade tenderisation on the palatability attributes of beef from young bulls.
AB  - Thirty Santa Gertrudis bulls (approximately 15-18 months old) were slaughtered,
      dressed and split into siides. The right side of each carcass was electrically
      stimulated (ES) with seventeen impulses (1.8s impulse duration; 1.8s interval
      between impulses) of 550 V (AC) and 5 A while the left side served as a non
      stimulated control (not-ES). At 24h post morten, USDA quality and yield grade
      data were obtained from each side. On the second day post mortem, all sides were
      fabricated and strip loins, top sirloin butts and ribeyes were obtained from each
      side for post-mortem ageing and blade tenderisation studies. Steaks were removed
      after a post-mortem ageing period of 4 or 18 days and before (not-BT) or after
      blade tenderisation (BT) for sensory panel evaluations or shear force
      determinations. ES sides had more youthful lean maturity (P < 0.0001), higher
      marbling (P < 0..002), higher USDA quality grades (P < 0.0.0001) and finer
      textured lean (P < 0.002) than did not-stimulated (not-ES) sides. ES
      significantly improved (P < 0.05) palatability traits in two of twenty-four
      comparisons; BT significantly improved palatability traits in twelve of twenty
      four comparisons and 18-day post-mortem ageing significantly improved
      palatability traits in seven of twelve comparisons. No significant reductions (P
      < 0.05) in shear force values were observed for steaks from ES versus not-ES
      sides while significant reductions (P < 0.05) were observed for steaks from BT
      versus non-BT cuts (four of six comparisons) and for steaks from cuts aged for 18
      versus 4 days (ten of twelve comparisons). BT and 18-day post-mortem ageing were
      more effective for increasing palatability or for decreasing shear force
      requirements than was ES; however, ES greatly improved lean colour of meat from
      bulls.

PMID- 22054792
TI  - Effect of oxygen and storage temperature on intermediate moisture meat products.
AB  - During storage of glycerol desorbed intermediate moisture meats at 38 degrees C
      it was found that, for both protein crosslinking and loss of haemoprotein
      character to occur, oxygen must be present. However, collagen degradation, as
      monitored by the formation of water-soluble hydroxyproline containing fragments,
      still occurred in the absence of oxygen although the rate of degradation was
      slower than that observed in aerobically stored samples. The rates of the various
      deteriorative reactions also varied with storage temperature, there being the
      expected decrease in rate with temperature for both the crosslinking and
      haemoprotein breakdown reactions. However, the temperature dependence of the
      collagen breakdown reaction was apparently more complex as there was no
      measurable breakdown, even during several months of storage, at temperatures of
      17 degrees C and below.

PMID- 22054793
TI  - Electrical stunning of sheep.
AB  - In seventy Texel breed sheep with a live weight of about 43 kg electrocorticogram
      (ECoG) electrodes were implanted in the dura mater. The day after the operation
      the sheep were electrically stunned with scissor model tongs on the head. Various
      currents and voltages were used. A current strength of 0.33 A was statistically
      estimated to stun 90% of the sheep effectively, which means an immediate
      induction of a general epileptiform insult. The duration of an insult, using 600
      V, is significantly longer than using 300 V, although the shortest duration was
      23 s and 22 s, respectively. In all instances a paroxysmal ventricular
      tachycardia was observed after stunning. In the interests of animal welfare,
      electrical stunning of sheep should be performed with an amperage of at least 0.5
      A (160 V) and throat cutting should take place within 16 s.

PMID- 22054794
TI  - Heat-induced tenderisation of meat by endogenous carboxyl proteases.
AB  - The role of carboxyl proteases in tenderising meat was investigated by injecting
      the inhibitors, pepstatin and EPNP, into pre-rigor muscle. The increase in shear
      force values induced by these inhibitors provided a minimum estimate of the
      extent to which endogenous carboxyl proteases normally tenderise meat at 60
      degrees C. Gel electrophoresis showed that connectin was hydrolysed to a greater
      extent than other muscle proteins at this temperature and that breakdown of
      connectin was inhibited by pepstatin and EPNP. Thus it is likely that, when
      intact, connectin may contribute to the strength of cooked meat.

PMID- 22054795
TI  - Macroscopic wrinkling of muscle fibres, a source of error in objective assessment
      of meat toughness.
AB  - Post-rigor shortening of muscle resulting in macroscopic fibre wrinkling was
      studied in muscle samples which entered rigor restrained in a stretched condition
      and were subsequently freed. The amount of wrinkling varied with the initial
      degree of stretch pre rigor and with the muscle treatment post rigor, depending
      on such variables as (1) whether or not the muscle was heated and (2) if heated,
      at what stage the restraint was removed. The consequences of fibre wrinkling
      relative to the objective testing of meat toughness are discussed.

PMID- 22054796
TI  - Electrical stimulation of ante-mortem stressed beef.
AB  - Ten heifers were stressed before slaughter and one side of each animal was
      electrically stimulated. Six of the ten animals produced dark-cutting beef on the
      non-stimulated side. Electrical stimulation had no effect on muscle colour,
      ultimate pH, shear force or any of the sensory characteristics of muscle fibre
      tenderness, overall tenderness, connective tissue amount, juiciness, flavour
      desirability or overall palatability. The data from this study indicate that
      rapid pH decline is necessary for electrical stimulation to produce its desired
      effects and that neither the process of stimulation itself nor the contractions
      produced can cause improved quality of electrically stimulated beef if attendant
      changes in muscle pH do not occur.

PMID- 22054797
TI  - Extended-release quetiapine as monotherapy for the treatment of adults with acute
      mania: a randomized, double-blind, 3-week trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bipolar disorder, a highly recurrent and chronic condition, often
      necessitates periods of hospitalization and requires lifelong treatment with
      medication. It is characterized by alternating episodes of mania and depression.
      Given the severity of mania, physicians must be able to control symptoms rapidly.
      OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this pivotal, Phase III trial was to evaluate the
      efficacy and tolerability of once-daily extended-release quetiapine fumarate
      (quetiapine XR) monotherapy in improving manic symptoms in patients with bipolar
      I disorder. METHODS: This was a 3-week, randomized, parallel-group, double-blind,
      placebo-controlled study. Patients aged 18 to 65 years with bipolar I disorder
      (most recent episode manic or mixed; with or without rapid cycling) were
      randomized to receive placebo or quetiapine XR monotherapy once daily (300 mg on
      day 1; 600 mg on day 2; flexible dosing, 400-800 mg, from day 3 through day 22
      [study end point, week 3]). The primary outcome measure was the change from
      baseline to study end in the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) total score.
      Secondary outcome measures included the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale
      (MADRS) total score, YMRS response (>=50% reduction in YMRS) and remission (YMRS
      score <=12 at final visit) rates, and change from baseline to week 3 in Clinical
      Global Impression-Bipolar-Severity of Illness (CGI-BP-S) and CGI-BP-Change (CGI
      BP-C) scores. Safety profile and tolerability evaluations included monitoring of
      adverse events, clinical laboratory values, vital signs, extrapyramidal symptoms
      (including akathisia), and electrocardiogram results. RESULTS: Compared with
      placebo (n = 159), quetiapine XR monotherapy (n = 149; mean daily dose, 604 mg)
      significantly improved manic symptoms starting at day 4 (first assessment; P <
      0.001), with sustained improvement to study end (week 3; P < 0.001). MADRS scores
      showed greater improvement from baseline to study end with quetiapine XR than
      with placebo (P = 0.004). Response and remission rates were significantly greater
      (P < 0.01) with quetiapine XR than with placebo at study end. Quetiapine XR also
      resulted in significant improvements over placebo in CGI-BP-S and CGI-BP-C scores
      (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001, respectively). Adverse events were mild to moderate in
      intensity; the most common ones associated with quetiapine XR were sedation, dry
      mouth, and somnolence. CONCLUSION: This 3-week trial suggests that quetiapine XR
      (400-800 mg) once-daily monotherapy is efficacious (from day 4) and generally
      well tolerated in patients with manic or mixed episodes of bipolar I disorder.

PMID- 22054798
TI  - Is water diffusion isotropic in the cirrhotic liver? a study with diffusion
      weighted imaging at 3.0 Tesla.
AB  - RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Water molecule motion has been shown to be isotropic in
      healthy liver as assessed by diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI). The purpose of
      this study was to investigate whether this assumption is still valid in the
      cirrhotic liver. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve cirrhotic patients and 12 controls
      underwent DWI on a 3.0T-system. We used an echo-planar sequence independently
      applying unidirectional motion-probing gradients along read-(x), phase-(y), and
      slice-(z) directions, respectively. Liver apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC)
      and perfusion fraction (f) were calculated along each gradient direction, based
      on two b-values sets (0-400 and 0-800 seconds/mm(2)). Measurement was repeated at
      two different axial slices of the liver. RESULTS: No significant difference among
      x, y, and z- ADC (and f) of the liver was found within controls and cirrhotic
      patients (P > .01), regardless of the set of b-values or the slice of
      measurement. ADC was lower in cirrhotic patients than in controls (difference of
      0.24-0.39 * 10(-3) mm(2)/seconds at b = 800 seconds/mm(2); P = .000-.0139).
      Perfusion fraction f was lower in cirrhotics than in controls, irrespective of
      the b-values set or the slice of measurement (difference of 0.05-0.15; P < .0001
      .0885). CONCLUSION: The liver shows isotropic water diffusion in cirrhotics,
      despite fibrotic distortion leading to decreased ADC as compared to controls. Our
      results emphasize that the correlation between parenchymal changes in liver
      fibrosis and the ADC estimate remains an elusive goal based on the state-of-the
      art DWI technique.

PMID- 22054799
TI  - Impact of ultra-early coiling on clinical outcome after aneurysmal subarachnoid
      hemorrhage in elderly patients.
AB  - RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The incidence of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage is
      increasing in the elderly as life expectancy increases. The purpose of this study
      was to analyze whether ultra-early coiling of ruptured intracranial aneurysms
      improves clinical outcomes in elderly patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Records of
      patients (aged >= 70 years) with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage treated with
      endovascular coiling were retrieved. Patients were classified into two groups:
      group A (patients coiled within 24 hours of subarachnoid hemorrhage) and group B
      (patients coiled >=24 hours after subarachnoid hemorrhage). For each group,
      patient demographics, World Federation of Neurological Surgeons clinical grade,
      Fisher computed tomographic grade, aneurysm characteristics, and clinical
      outcomes were recorded. Outcomes were measured using the Modified Rankin Scale at
      6 months. RESULTS: Fifty-six patients were coiled within 24 hours of subarachnoid
      hemorrhage (group A) and 40 patients at >=24 hours after subarachnoid hemorrhage
      (group B). Groups A and B had similar clinical and angiographic characteristics.
      Clinical outcomes showed that a total of 87.5% of patient (49 of 56) in group A
      were independent (Modified Rankin Scale score 0-2) compared with 70.0% of
      patients (28 of 40) in group B (P = .034). In multivariate logistic regression
      analysis, ultra-early coiling (odds ratio, 3.860; 95% confidence interval, 1.125
      13.249; P = .032) proved to be an independent predictor of better clinical
      outcome (Modified Rankin Scale score 0-2). CONCLUSIONS: Ultra-early (<24 hours
      after subarachnoid hemorrhage) coiling of ruptured aneurysms was marginally
      associated with improved clinical outcomes compared to coiling at >=24 hours in
      elderly patients. Larger, prospective studies are required to adequately assess
      outcome differences between these two groups.

PMID- 22054800
TI  - Low-grade bone lesions in survivors of childhood medulloblastoma/primitive
      neuroectodermal tumor.
AB  - OBJECTIVES AND RATIONALE: Medulloblastoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumor
      (MB/PNET) is the most common malignant tumor of the central nervous system (CNS)
      in children. MB/PNET survivors are at an increased risk for developing second
      malignancies. Little has been reported on development of low-grade lesions of the
      calvarium in the radiation field in MB/PNET survivors. The purpose of this study
      was to assess the frequency of the low-grade bone lesion development in the
      radiotherapy field in pediatric MB/PNET survivors and describe the imaging
      characteristics of these lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Institutional review
      board approval was obtained for this retrospective review which was compliant
      with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. Forty-one MB/PNET
      patients (29 male) who survived for at least 2 years after initiation of
      radiation therapy were included. The medical records were reviewed. The most
      recent available brain magnetic resonance imaging studies were evaluated.
      RESULTS: Three patients (7.3%) developed low-grade calvarial lesions and
      underwent resection and/or biopsy of the lesions. There were one Langerhans cell
      histiocytosis, one benign spindle cell lesion with myxoid change, and one fibrous
      dysplasia. CONCLUSION: Development of low-grade bone lesions of calvarium is not
      very rare in pediatric PNET/MB survivors. Bones in the radiation therapy field
      need to be carefully examined for assessment of secondary lesions.

PMID- 22054801
TI  - MDCT necrosis quantification in the assessment of hepatocellular carcinoma
      response to yttrium 90 radioembolization therapy: comparison of two-dimensional
      and volumetric techniques.
AB  - RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the
      reproducibility and agreement of tumor necrosis quantification performed by two
      dimensional and volumetric methods in a cohort of patients with hepatocellular
      carcinoma (HCC) treated with yttrium-90 ((90)Y) radioembolization. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Twenty-nine consecutive patients (21 men, 8 women; mean age 66.6 years;
      age range, 44-90 years) with HCC treated with (90)Y radioembolization that
      underwent liver multidetector computed tomography (MDCT) were included. Two
      independent radiologists evaluated the necrosis proportion of the lesions with
      two-dimensional (2D) measurements according to the European Association for the
      Study of the Liver guidelines, and with a volumetric method using a voxel-by
      voxel analysis. Interobserver reproducibility for each method was assessed by
      using within-subject coefficients of variation (WSCV), intraclass correlation
      coefficients (ICC), and Lin's concordance correlation coefficients (LCC).
      Agreement between both methods was assessed by using the Bland-Altman plot and
      the paired t-test. RESULTS: The volumetric method was more reproducible (WSCV =
      27.8%; ICC = 0.914; LCC = 0.909) than the 2D (WSCV = 43.8%; ICC = 0.723; LCC =
      0.841). There was a significant difference in the mean calculated necrosis
      proportions based on 2D and volumetric methods (P = .0129). CONCLUSION: Voxel-by
      voxel quantification of HCC necrosis is a more reproducible method than 2D
      analysis.

PMID- 22054802
TI  - Partnering with Engineers to Identify and Empirically Evaluate Delays in Magnetic
      Resonance Imaging Laying the Foundations for Quality Improvement and System-based
      Practice in Radiology.
AB  - RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility
      of partnering with engineering students and critically examining the merit of the
      problem identification and analyses students generated in identifying sources
      impeding effective turnaround in a large university department of diagnostic
      radiology. Turnaround involves the time and activities beginning when a patient
      enters the magnetic resonance scanner room until the patient leaves, minus the
      time the scanner is conducting the protocol. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective
      observational study was conducted, in which four senior undergraduate industrial
      and operations engineering students interviewed magnetic resonance staff members
      and observed all shifts. On the basis of 150 hours of observation, the
      engineering students identified 11 process steps (eg, changing coils). They
      charted machine use for all shifts, providing a breakdown of turnaround time
      between appropriate process and non-value-added time. To evaluate the processes
      occurring in the scanning room, the students used a work-sampling schedule in
      which a beeper sounded 2.5 times per hour, signaling the technologist to identify
      which of 11 process steps was occurring. This generated 2147 random observations
      over a 3-week period. RESULTS: The breakdown of machine use over 105 individual
      studies showed that non-value-added time accounted for 62% of turnaround time.
      Analysis of 2147 random samples of work showed that scanners were empty and
      waiting for patients 15% of the total time. Analyses showed that poor
      communication delayed the arrival of patients and that no one had responsibility
      for communicating when scanning was done. CONCLUSIONS: Engineering students used
      rigorous study design and sampling methods to conduct interviews and
      observations. This led to data-driven definition of problems and potential
      solutions to guide systems-based improvement.

PMID- 22054803
TI  - Selection of arterial input function for postprocessing of cerebral ct perfusion
      in chronic unilateral high-grade stenosis or occlusion of the carotid or middle
      cerebral artery.
AB  - RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the effect of the arterial input function
      (AIF) on computed tomography perfusion (CTP) in patients with unilateral high
      grade stenosis or occlusion in the carotid artery or middle cerebral artery
      without acute stroke. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CTP datasets were retrospectively
      postprocessed using the same venous output function and different AIF selections:
      the second segment of the anterior cerebral artery (A2 AIF), the second segment
      of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) on the lesion side (affected M2 AIF), and M2
      on the contralateral side (nonaffected M2 AIF). We measured CTP values in the
      region of interest (ROI) in the bilateral MCA territory and evaluated the lesion
      to-contralateral ratios. RESULTS: The mean and standard deviations of cerebral
      blood flow (CBF) on the normal side were similar to previously reported data only
      when using "non-affected M2 AIF." Selecting an "affected M2 AIF" overestimated
      the CBF and shortened the mean transit time (MTT) in normal and lesion areas.
      Selecting an "A2 AIF" may cause overestimation of CBF in the normal side in
      patients with nonaffected-side A1 hypoplasia or occlusion. The sensitivity of the
      CBF ratio or MTT ratio to detect these unilateral cerebrovascular diseases was
      100% using "nonaffected M2 AIF for bilateral MCA ROIs" and 70% (CBF ratio) and
      90% (MTT ratio) using "respective AIF." CONCLUSION: The use of "nonaffected AIF
      for the bilateral MCA ROIs" was found to be the best of these AIF-ROI
      combinations in patients with chronic unilateral carotid or M1 severe stenosis or
      occlusion.

PMID- 22054804
TI  - Breast cancer risk assessment in 64,659 women at a single high-volume mammography
      clinic.
AB  - RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: In 2007, the American Cancer Society (ACS) recommended
      that women at elevated risk of breast cancer be screened with breast magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) as an adjunct to mammography. This study estimates the
      proportion of women presenting for screening mammography who are at elevated
      lifetime risk of breast cancer as determined by the Gail model. This study
      provides preliminary information for a proposed follow-up study, including the
      proportion of women who completed the recommended MRI at the same clinic that had
      conducted the risk assessment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study is an
      observational prospective cohort of 64,659 women presenting for mammographic
      screening at a single high-volume clinic. If a woman reported a first-degree
      maternal relative with breast cancer and had at least 20% lifetime risk on the
      Gail model, the radiologist's report included a recommendation that the primary
      care physician refer the woman for breast MRI screening. Records were examined to
      determine if women completed the recommended MRI at the clinic within one year of
      the initial risk assessment. RESULTS: Of 64,659 women, 1,246 (1.9%) had a
      lifetime risk of breast cancer of 20% or greater, and 436 (0.7 %) had a lifetime
      risk of breast cancer 25% or greater. Of the women at elevated risk, 173 (13.9%)
      completed the recommended breast MRI screening at the clinic within a year.
      CONCLUSION: The effectiveness of matching screening intensity to risk on cancer
      detection, biopsy rate, and cost should be evaluated by studying multiple clinics
      and multiple risk assessment tools.

PMID- 22054805
TI  - Left atrial volume: comparison of 2D and 3D transthoracic echocardiography with
      ECG-gated CT angiography.
AB  - RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Left atrial volume (LAV) measurement by conventional
      two-dimensional (2D) transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) may be limited by the
      geometric model, by suboptimal definition of left atrial endocardium, or by
      chamber foreshortening. Three-dimensional (3D) TTE is posited to eliminate
      chamber foreshortening, and LAV measurement by 3D TTE should be more reflective
      of true LAV. The aim of this study was to compare conventional 2D TTE and newer
      3D TTE for measurements of LAV to multidetector computed tomographic (MDCT)
      measurements using automated chamber reconstruction (ACR). MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Twenty-two subjects consented to undergo 2D TTE and 3D TTE immediately prior to
      or following coronary computed tomographic angiography. LAV was calculated from
      2D TTE using the area-length method (ALM) and from 3D TTE with the ALM as well as
      with a 3D model. Electrocardiographically gated coronary computed tomographic
      angiography was performed in helical mode. LAV was measured using the ALM as well
      as ACR. RESULTS: LAV was significantly smaller by 2D TTE (80 +/- 21 mL) and 3D
      TTE (90 +/- 24 mL with the ALM, 61 +/- 16 mL with the 3D model) compared to MDCT
      ACR (120 +/- 30 mL) (P < .01). Correlation between MDCT ALM and MDCT ACR was
      excellent (mean Delta = -1.4 +/- 14 mL, r = 0.91). Correlation with MDCT ACR was
      no better for 3D TTE (r = 0.80) than for 2D TTE (r = 0.80). CONCLUSIONS: LAV is
      underestimated by both 2D TTE and 3D TTE relative to coronary computed
      tomographic angiography. Excellent agreement between the ALM and ACR with MDCT
      imaging suggests that the geometric model plays a negligible role in the
      underestimation of LAV. Underestimation of LAV by echocardiography is likely
      related to suboptimal definition of left atrial contour.

PMID- 22054806
TI  - Effect of scan time on perfusion and flow extraction product (K-trans)
      measurements in lung cancer using low-dose volume perfusion CT (VPCT).
AB  - RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: To assess the effect of measurement time on blood flow
      (BF), blood volume (BV), and k-trans-values (flow extraction product) in patients
      undergoing volume perfusion computed tomography (VPCT) for lung cancer. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: This prospective study was approved by our local Research Ethics
      Committee and informed consent was obtained in all patients. Between December
      2009 and December 2010, 75 VPCT scans were obtained in 54 consecutive patients
      (15 women, 39 men) with histologically confirmed lung cancer. A 64-second VPCT of
      the tumor (80 kV, 60 mAs) using 128 * 0.6-mm collimation, 6.9-cm z-axis coverage
      and a total of 26 volume measurements, was performed. BF, BV, and K(trans) were
      determined. Data evaluation was performed for different measurement times (64
      seconds, 45 seconds, 39 seconds, and 36 seconds) by removing the last two, four,
      and five scans and repeating the analysis. A one-way repeated-measures analysis
      of variance was used to test for effects of measurement time on BF, BV, and k
      trans and unpaired/paired Student t-tests were applied for comparisons
      within/between groups, respectively. RESULTS: No effect of measurement time on BF
      values was noted (P > .05), whereas a significant decrease of BV values (at 39
      seconds: 71% +/- 2% of 64-second values) and a significant increase of k-trans
      values (at 39 seconds: 146% +/- 8% of 64-second values) were observed with
      progressively shortened measurement time (P < .05, respectively). Additionally,
      with reduced measurement time, the increase in k-trans-values was significantly
      more pronounced in those patient groups with higher BV (at 39 seconds: 171% +/-
      15% versus 120% +/- 3% of 64-second measurements), and those with lower k-trans
      (at 39 seconds: 167% +/- 16% versus 126% +/- 4% of 64-second measurements) (P <
      .05, respectively). CONCLUSION: Whereas estimation of BF in lung cancer was
      independent from VPCT measurement time within the chosen ranges, approximation of
      both BV and k-trans was affected by measurement duration. A fixed measurement
      time of 40 seconds is recommended.

PMID- 22054807
TI  - The influence of blood supply on high intensity focused ultrasound a preliminary
      study on rabbit hepatic VX2 tumors of different ages.
AB  - RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to explore the effects of
      blood supply on high-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) applied to rabbit
      hepatic VX2 tumors of different ages. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighteen rabbits
      with VX2 hepatic tumors were randomly divided into three groups according to the
      time of sacrifice after tumor implantation: 10, 15, or 20 days. Contrast-enhanced
      ultrasound was performed immediately before HIFU ablation. The same settings for
      HIFU dose parameters were used to ablate the central tumor area in each group,
      and the real-time temperature of the targeted site of the tumor was measured.
      After HIFU, the coagulation necrosis volumes of tumor tissue and the
      microvascular density of residual tumor tissue were determined. RESULTS:
      Histopathologic analysis showed that the extent of a tumor's blood supply
      followed the order 10-day group > 15-day group > 20-day group (P < .01). Contrast
      enhanced ultrasound showed the same results. There was no statistically
      significant difference among the three groups in terms of temperature-increase
      parameters during HIFU treatment (P > .05). However, there were statistically
      significant differences between the groups in terms of temperature-decrease
      parameters during HIFU treatment and in terms of necrosis volumes after HIFU
      treatment (P < .05). Necrosis volume was inversely related to absolute enhanced
      intensity (r = -0.823, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: The extent of a tumor's blood
      supply had a significant effect on the temperature-decrease phase but not on the
      temperature-increase phase during HIFU treatment. The longer the temperature
      decrease phase, the more slowly heat dissipated after HIFU, resulting in larger
      coagulation necrosis volumes.

PMID- 22054808
TI  - [Quadricuspid aortic valve--10-year case series and literature review].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Quadricuspid aortic valve is a rare malformation, with an estimated
      incidence of 0.003 to 0.043% of all congenital heart disease. It usually appears
      as an isolated congenital anomaly, but may also be associated with other
      malformations, the most common being coronary artery anomalies. Current
      technology enables noninvasive diagnosis in most cases. This entity's natural
      history is progression to valve regurgitation, which is rare before adulthood.
      OBJECTIVE: Case review of quadricuspid aortic valve patients diagnosed in the
      last 10 years in a tertiary pediatric cardiology center. METHODS: Retrospective
      chart review of patients diagnosed with quadricuspid aortic valve between January
      2000 and December 2009. RESULTS: Over the past 10 years, four cases of
      quadricuspid aortic valve were diagnosed in children aged between 6 months and 8
      years, two male. In three cases, the four leaflets were of similar size, which is
      the most common finding. Two of the valves functioned normally and two had
      minimal regurgitation. All patients had associated cardiac malformations (one
      atrial and two ventricular septal defects, one supravalvular aortic stenosis and
      one quadricuspid pulmonary valve). One patient was also diagnosed with Williams
      syndrome. During a median follow-up of 2 years (0-9), all patients remained
      asymptomatic and none required medical or surgical treatment of the aortic valve.
      CONCLUSION: Diagnosis of quadricuspid aortic valve is rare, especially in
      children, since most patients are asymptomatic and have normally functioning
      valves. In this study, half the patients had minimal aortic regurgitation.
      Contrary to what is described in the literature, all patients had concomitant
      cardiac malformations. We provide the first description of this entity's
      association with Williams syndrome. Clinical follow-up should be maintained in
      these patients in order to promptly detect the onset or worsening of functional
      alterations and to enable appropriate therapeutic intervention.

PMID- 22054809
TI  - [Primary care physicians forum].

PMID- 22054810
TI  - Eltrombopag: an oral thrombopoietin receptor agonist for the treatment of
      idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) is a relatively rare
      acquired autoimmune disease characterized by either decreased platelet production
      or increased platelet destruction leading to reduced platelet counts and
      increased risk of bleeding. Immune modulators have been used in treatment;
      however, a novel class of thrombopoietin mimetics has recently been developed.
      Eltrombopag is approved for patients with chronic ITP who have failed initial
      treatments with traditional immune modulators or splenectomy. OBJECTIVES: The
      goals of this review were to summarize the pharmacology, pharmacokinetic
      properties, efficacy, and tolerability of eltrombopag and review the approved and
      investigational uses of this drug. METHODS: A search of Cochrane Central Register
      of Clinical Trials and clinicaltrials.gov was conducted using the terms
      eltrombopag or SB-497115-GR. In addition, all reviews and preclinical and
      clinical studies published in English between January 1980 and January 2011 were
      identified in PubMed and Cochrane Database of Systemic Reviews using the same
      terms. RESULTS: A total of 153 publications and 13 clinical trials were
      identified; 14 publications were excluded because they were not published in
      English. A Phase III trial randomized 114 patients with ITP 2:1 to eltrombopag 50
      mg or placebo and demonstrated by day 43 a significantly greater proportion of
      patients responding in the eltrombopag group than in the placebo group (59% vs
      16%, odds ratio [OR] = 9.61; 95% CI, 3.31-27.86; P < 0.0001). The mean percentage
      change of platelets from baseline in the eltrombopag group was double that of the
      placebo group at day 8 and was sustained several-fold higher throughout the
      remainder of the treatment period. Another Phase III trial evaluated the efficacy
      and safety of eltrombopag compared with placebo over 6 months. The odds of
      responding (defined as a platelet count of 50-400 * 10(9)/L) were 8 times higher
      in patients receiving eltrombopag than in those in the placebo group (95% CI,
      3.59-18.73; P < 0.0001). Bone marrow fibrosis and hepatotoxicity are the most
      serious adverse effects, and nausea and vomiting are the most common. Eltrombopag
      is also being evaluated in the treatment of thrombocytopenia secondary to
      hepatitis C infection, chemotherapy, acute leukemia, and myelodysplasias.
      CONCLUSION: Eltrombopag is well tolerated and effective in raising platelet
      counts in patients with chronic ITP.

PMID- 22054812
TI  - [Salmonella glenohumeral arthritis].
AB  - We report the first case of glenohumeral Salmonella arthritis in an
      immunocompetent 86-year-old woman. There was no entry point. An empirical
      antibiotherapy was started then adapted according to culture results. Given the
      persistence of symptoms, an arthroscopy was performed at 72 hours for a joint
      lavage and synovectomy. Postoperative course was good. Apyrexia was obtained by
      72 hours and inflammatory syndrome was normalized in 12 days. The patient was
      reviewed regularly until the 3rd month. She has no clinical sequelae. Her
      osteoarthritis remained stable throughout follow-up.

PMID- 22054813
TI  - [Large diameter nerve conduits use in the upper limb: report of four cases and
      literature review].
AB  - Defects of the median, ulnar or radial nerves in the forearm, can be treated by
      conventional nerve grafts, or by interposing a synthetic guide such as nerve
      conduits. Wounds without nerve loss treated with simple suture may be
      supplemented by sleeving to prevent the nerve irritation symptoms using a nerve
      conduit or a vein sleeve. We studied the results of nerve conduits in both cases
      in a single-center retrospective study. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Four patients
      underwent surgery with placement of a nerve conduit in the forearm, between May
      2007 and January 2011. All patients were reviewed by the same examiner. Pain,
      tenderness, motor (Medical Research Council classification, MRC), time to return
      to work and self-evaluation by the patient were measured. The averages of these
      data were calculated and compared with results of other studies in the
      literature, the nerve grafts for defects and the Socket joints for venous ulcers.
      RESULTS: The decrease is on average 30 months (2 years). The defect never exceeds
      40mm and is 22mm on average. According to the classification MRC, sensitivity
      found after inserting nerve conduits in the forearm after a defect is excellent
      (S4) for two of three patients and good (S3) for the third. Motor results were
      very good (M4 and M3 for one patient) andM2 for the other. As for the insertion
      of a nerve conduit as a sleeve, the result is good in terms of sensitivity (S3)
      and excellent in terms of motor (M5) for our case in the study. For our small
      group of patients with neuroma we obtained, results similar to those published in
      the literature with conventional techniques. CONCLUSION: The nerve conduits seem
      to give results similar to conventional techniques, in situations of defects or
      neuromasin the forearm, with a diameter greater than 2mm, but defects of less
      than 30mm.

PMID- 22054815
TI  - A joint encryption/watermarking algorithm for verifying the reliability of
      medical images: application to echographic images.
AB  - In this paper we propose a joint encryption/watermarking algorithm for the
      purpose of protecting medical images. The proposed solution gives access to the
      outcomes of the image integrity and of its origins as its attachment to one
      patient even if the image is stored encrypted. In this study, the given solution
      combines the RC4 stream cipher and two substitutive watermarking modulations: the
      Least Significant Bit Method and the Quantization Index Modulation. If
      watermarking and encryption are conducted jointly at the protection stage,
      watermark extraction and decryption can be applied independently. Experimental
      results achieved on 8 bits encoded echographic images illustrate the overall
      performances of the proposed scheme. At least, a capacity rate of 1 and 0.5 bits
      of message per pixel of image can be embedded in the spatial and the encrypted
      domains respectively, with a peak signal to noise ratio greater than 49 dB.

PMID- 22054814
TI  - Intracellular recording in behaving animals.
AB  - Electrophysiological recordings from behaving animals provide an unparalleled
      view into the functional role of individual neurons. Intracellular approaches can
      be especially revealing as they provide information about a neuron's inputs and
      intrinsic cellular properties, which together determine its spiking output.
      Recent technical developments have made intracellular recording possible during
      an ever-increasing range of behaviors in both head-fixed and freely moving
      animals. These recordings have yielded fundamental insights into the cellular and
      circuit mechanisms underlying neural activity during natural behaviors in such
      areas as sensory perception, motor sequence generation, and spatial navigation,
      forging a direct link between cellular and systems neuroscience.

PMID- 22054816
TI  - ThyroScreen system: high resolution ultrasound thyroid image characterization
      into benign and malignant classes using novel combination of texture and discrete
      wavelet transform.
AB  - Using right equipment and well trained personnel, ultrasound of the neck can
      detect a large number of non-palpable thyroid nodules. However, this technique
      often suffers from subjective interpretations and poor accuracy in the
      differential diagnosis of malignant and benign thyroid lesions. Therefore, we
      developed an automated identification system based on knowledge representation
      techniques for characterizing the intra-nodular vascularization of thyroid
      lesions. Twenty nodules (10 benign and 10 malignant), taken from 3-D high
      resolution ultrasound (HRUS) images were used for this work. Malignancy was
      confirmed using fine needle aspiration biopsy and subsequent histological
      studies. A combination of discrete wavelet transformation (DWT) and texture
      algorithms were used to extract relevant features from the thyroid images. These
      features were fed to different configurations of AdaBoost classifier. The
      performance of these configurations was compared using receiver operating
      characteristic (ROC) curves. Our results show that the combination of texture
      features and DWT features presented an accuracy value higher than that reported
      in the literature. Among the different classifier setups, the perceptron based
      AdaBoost yielded very good result and the area under the ROC curve was 1 and
      classification accuracy, sensitivity and specificity were 100%. Finally, we have
      composed an Integrated Index called thyroid malignancy index (TMI) made up of
      these DWT and texture features, to facilitate distinguishing and diagnosing
      benign or malignant nodules using just one index or number. This index would help
      the clinicians in more quantitative assessment of the thyroid nodules.

PMID- 22054817
TI  - A review of transplant immunology.
AB  - Transplantation has been an accepted treatment for end-stage organ disease for
      more than 30 years. Advances in transplant immunology are the cornerstone to the
      success of the body's ability to accept the allografted organ while continuing to
      perform immune functions such as tumor surveillance and fighting pathogenic
      organisms. This article describes immunosuppressant regimens and attendant
      nursing considerations in the care of transplant patients.

PMID- 22054818
TI  - Pharmacology of immunosuppressive medications in solid organ transplantation.
AB  - The multitude of immunosuppressants available for solid organ transplantation
      allows for many combinations of immunosuppressive therapies that can be tailored
      to a patient's specific lifestyle and immunosuppression needs. Newer agents
      currently being studied offer even more possibilities for the future to further
      reduce the incidence of acute rejection and prolong graft and patient survival.

PMID- 22054819
TI  - Nursing care of the pancreas transplant recipient.
AB  - Pancreas transplantation has been successful for restoring euglycemia in persons
      with type 1 diabetes mellitus. The transplantation may be performed as a single
      procedure, or it may follow or be performed simultaneous with kidney
      transplantation. This article discusses potential consequences of hyperglycemia
      and hypoglycemia and indications, alternatives, and contraindications for
      transplantation. The author also describes postoperative nursing care and
      potential complications including surgical and immunologic. Potential outcomes of
      pancreas transplantation can include survival benefit, physiologic improvement,
      and enhanced quality of life.

PMID- 22054820
TI  - Liver transplantation: issues and nursing care requirements.
AB  - Liver transplantation has evolved into an accepted treatment for many suffering
      from end-stage liver failure. The complex nature of the liver results in every
      organ system being impacted by either the failing or the transplanted liver.
      Organ shortage remains problematic, and work to ensure maximizing the organ donor
      pool as well as the success of each organ transplant continues. The clinical care
      and condition of the patient before transplant can impact the outcome after
      transplant. Nurses can play an integral role in early identification of graft
      dysfunction, rejection, or infection. Because of the intimate and large amount of
      time that the nurse is at the patient's bedside, he or she is often in a position
      to monitor for potential risks to the patient and take corrective action.

PMID- 22054821
TI  - An overview of intestine and multivisceral transplantation.
AB  - Intestine transplantation remains a formidable clinical and immunologic
      challenge. With newer immunosuppressive agents and accumulated experience, the
      survival outcomes for these patients are improving. The relationship of recipient
      preexisting conditions with the risk of postoperative events clearly emphasize
      the necessity of early referral of patients with intestinal failure to expert
      transplant program before the onset of life-threatening complications.30 With
      increased awareness and knowledge regarding referral criteria, transplant
      criteria, optimal time for transplantation, and medication regiments, improved
      patient outcomes after intestine and multivisceral transplant will be achieved.

PMID- 22054822
TI  - Heart transplantation.
AB  - Cardiac transplantation remains a life-prolonging process. Survival after heart
      transplantation has improved despite a sicker incoming patient population. The
      field of heart transplantation is constantly evolving. Advances in organ
      preservation, immune monitoring, and improved immunosuppressive regimens will
      continue to develop over time. The impact of the newest immunosuppressive agents
      and protocols, improved diagnostic testing, and new management strategies is yet
      to be determined. The potential of cell therapy is still under evaluation and the
      field is still in its infancy but rapidly evolving; the key to the future in this
      field may not be the delivery of the cells themselves but understanding how they
      interact with one another at a molecular level and, in particular, with resident
      stem cells in cardiac tissue. In addition to the medical advances, health care
      professionals need to educate the public about the benefits of transplantation as
      well.

PMID- 22054823
TI  - Lung transplant.
AB  - The ICU period is only one time point among many in the complex,
      multidisciplinary postoperative management required for patient survival and
      improved QOL. The care required on step-down units and after discharge to home
      each has unique care aspects that impact successful patient outcomes.

PMID- 22054824
TI  - Helping hands: caring for the upper extremity transplant patient.
AB  - Caring for upper extremity transplant recipients can offer challenges and
      opportunities to nursing staff in combining new patient procedures, new
      technologies, and complex patient care needs including unique physical care,
      monitoring and observation, rehabilitation expectations, and
      psychiatric/psychosocial support. Medical professionals continue to be
      apprehensive about the risks of immunosuppressive therapy and the possibility of
      acute and chronic rejection. The sustained development and research into
      reliable, reduced-dose immunosuppression or immunomodulatory strategies could
      expand the life-enhancing benefits of reconstructive transplantation.

PMID- 22054825
TI  - Transplant infectious disease: implications for critical care nurses.
AB  - Infection is an important issue for critical care nurses as they care for
      patients throughout all phases of the transplant continuum: potential organ
      donors, transplant candidates, and transplant recipients. This article has
      reviewed salient issues relative to infections in each of these patient
      populations, including patients with VADs, and has highlighted key points
      pertaining to bacterial, viral, and fungal infections.

PMID- 22054826
TI  - Transplantation: past, present, and future.

PMID- 22054827
TI  - Recent advances in reconstruction and applications of genome-scale metabolic
      models.
AB  - In the last decade, reconstruction and applications of genome-scale metabolic
      models have greatly influenced the field of systems biology by providing a
      platform on which high-throughput computational analysis of metabolic networks
      can be performed. The last two years have seen an increase in volume of more than
      33% in the number of published genome-scale metabolic models, signifying a high
      demand for these metabolic models in studying specific organisms. The diversity
      in modeling different types of cells, from photosynthetic microorganisms to human
      cell types, also demonstrates their growing influence in biology. Here we review
      the recent advances and current state of genome-scale metabolic models, the
      methods employed towards ensuring high quality models, their biotechnological
      applications, and the progress towards the automated reconstruction of genome
      scale metabolic models.

PMID- 22054828
TI  - Detection of oestrogen residues in meat by radioreceotor assay.
AB  - A radioreceptor assay, suitable for detecting residues in the meat of any
      compound with oestrogenic activity, is described. The assay is based upon the use
      of a purified preparation of oestrogen receptors obtained by affinity
      chromatography from swine uteri. The method was validated by measuring the
      oestrogenic activities in plasma and meat of diethylstilboestrol or oestradiol
      treated calves. The standard curve was performed by using oestradiol. Plasma
      levels of oestrogenic activity, expressed as equivalent of oestradiol, rose above
      control values 2 days after both diethylstilboestrol and oestradiol treatments,
      then declined to basal values by day 6 after the treatments. The levels of
      oestrogenic activity 10 days after treatment, found in the meat of
      diethylstilboestrol treated animals, were significantly higher than those found
      in control animals. No differences were found, however, between meat samples of
      control and oestradiol treated animals.

PMID- 22054829
TI  - The effect of electrical stimulation on the quality of three bovine muscles.
AB  - Meat bulls were randomly assigned to five treatment groups-intermittent
      electrical stimulation at 300 V (ES) at 5 min and 35 min post mortem (intact
      carcasses), 35 min post mortem (split carcasses) and non-stimulated controls (NS)
      (intact and split carcasses). Stimulated carcasses in all groups showed a
      significantly more rapid pH fall during the first 8h post mortem in adductor
      (AD), longissimus dorsi (LD) and triceps brachii (TB) muscles. Cooling rates were
      relatively slow. Samples were removed from the carcass at 24h post mortem. After
      vacuum storage at 3 degrees C for 6 days stimulated muscles showed lower drip (LD
      and TB) and heating loss (TB), lower shear force values (AD, LD and TB) and
      higher taste panel scores (AD, LD and TB) compared with NS controls. No
      significant differences in tenderness were observed between the three ES groups.
      Sarcomere length assessment showed more contraction in NS carcasses, particularly
      in the superficially located LD and TB. These results suggest that cold
      shortening may occur in some muscles under cooling conditions so far considered
      safe in this respect. Since higher drip losses coincided with lower sarcomere
      lengths in these (NS) muscles, it is suggested that, under these conditions, ES
      may mask the increased drip losses which are possibly the result of muscle
      contraction. Furthermore, ES prevents the occurrence of cold shortening and, in
      addition, may exert some 'extra tenderising effect', which is not related to
      splitting of the carcass nor restricted merely to the LD muscle.

PMID- 22054830
TI  - Effect of electrical stimulation on veal quality.
AB  - In three experiments involving a total of eighty-eight veal calves raised in
      groups and with access to straw, plasma hemoglobin (Hb) levels were determined at
      one week ante mortem. In each experiment, animals with similar Hb levels were
      paired. One animal of each pair was stimulated electrically (ES) post mortem
      whereas the other remained non-stimulated (NS). ES resulted in a more rapid pH
      fall in longissimus and semi-membranosus muscle. Carcass lean colour scores were
      improved at 24h, but not at 40 min, post mortem. At 24h post mortem longissimus
      muscle from ES carcasses showed a brighter colour, lower sarcomere length and
      lower protein solubility. No significant differences were observed in total haem
      pigment. After vacuum storage at 3 degrees C for 6 days, samples from ES
      carcasses had a brighter colour, higher drip and heating loss, lower maximum
      shear force values, and better ranking and scoring in taste panel preference
      tests than NS samples. The data indicate that a certain degree of denaturation of
      the sarcoplasmic proteins may be responsible for the observed effects of ES on
      water retention and muscle colour, while the improvement of tenderness in the
      present experiment was due to the prevention, by the treatment, of cold
      shortening. It is suggested that ES may possibly contribute to the introduction
      of alternative veal production methods, and thus improve animal welfare.

PMID- 22054831
TI  - The estimation of sheep carcass composition from fat and muscle thickness
      measurements taken by probes.
AB  - Three trials, involving a total of 290 lambs, were carried out to examine the
      precision of probed fat and muscle measurements for estimating carcass
      composition in classification and grading schemes. The measurement positions and
      probes were not always the same in different trials but common measurements
      provided the basis for comparison between trials. Residual standard deviations
      (sd) for the prediction of carcass lean percentage averaged over trials are
      referred to in this Summary. Residual standard deviation for prediction from
      carcass weight was 3.5. The visual fat assessment currently used in the national
      Sheep Carcase Classification Scheme, operated by MLC, contributed significantly
      to the prediction (residual standard deviation = 3.0) but was less precise than a
      visual assessment of carcass subcutaneous fat content to the nearest percentage
      unit (SF(e)) (residual standard deviation = 2.6). Fat thickness measurements
      taken over the M. longissimus at the 12th rib with the Danish optical probe, a
      simple steel rule or the pig version of the Hennessy Grading Probe (HGP), showed
      similar precision to the classification fat class. An M. longissimus thickness
      measurement taken by the HGP did not add significantly to the precision. Probe
      fat measurements added significantly to the precision achieved with visual fat
      assessments (residual standard deviation with classification fat class = 2.8;
      residual standard deviation with SF(e) = 2.5). There would be advantages,
      therefore, in using both a visual fatness assessment and fat measurements in
      classification.

PMID- 22054832
TI  - Changes in extensibility of raw beef muscle during storage.
AB  - The mechanical properties of raw meat under tension were studied to characterise
      the factors responsible for tenderisation during storage. Extensibility and
      irreversible lengthening in the direction of muscle fibres was determined
      continuously from 2 h to 10 days after stunning by cycling the muscle between two
      applied forces. In post-rigor meat, extensibility increased slightly and the
      muscle lengthened by 40%. Lengthening occurred earlier at higher post-rigor
      temperatures and was more sensitive to changes in temperature than the changes in
      texture of cooked meat. Increasing the maximum applied stress also caused
      lengthening to occur earlier in post-rigor meat. No lengthening was detected pre
      rigor. The relationship between the maximum applied stress and the rate of
      lengthening showed that lengthening would not have occurred with a stress of 0.07
      Ncm(-2) or less. These findings suggest that weakening which occurs during
      conditioning commenced at rigor and that the component responsible for
      tenderising was about 30 times weaker than indicated using previous techniques.
      Histological sections showed regular cracks spaced at about 17 MUm apart. This
      was believed to be indicative of the involvement of extracellular components in
      the texture of conditioned meat.

PMID- 22054833
TI  - Extrusion studies of mixtures containing certain meat offals: Part 2-textural
      properties.
AB  - Thermoplastically extruded products prepared from soy grits alone, and from those
      containing 20% or 35% of bovine or porcine offal, at various temperatures of
      extrusion, were subjected to instrumental texture profile analysis (hardness,
      elasticity, cohesiveness, gumminess, chewiness) and shear force measurements. The
      offal sources were untreated, or alkali-extracted, protein from bovine and
      porcine lung and bovine tripe (rumen and reticulum) and protein in extracted by
      sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) from bovine tripe. For products prepared from soy
      grits alone, hardness, gumminess, chewiness and shear force showed maxima at 170
      degrees C, whereas elasticity and cohesiveness increased progressively in the
      temperature range studied (140-190 degrees C). Products containing SDS-extracted
      tripe protein required more force to shear, and were more hard, gummy and chewy,
      than products containing untreated offal, and values for all parameters were
      greater in the latter than in products containing alkali-extracted offal protein.
      The effect of extrusion temperature on the textural parameters of the products
      was less than that due to the mode of offal preparation used (untreated, alkali-
      or SDS-extracted) or the level of incorporation. Offal source was relatively
      unimportant. Products containing alkali-extracted offal protein had poor internal
      structure and were brittle; those containing SDS-extracted protein were tough.
      The different textural properties of the extracted products might determine their
      relative suitability for use either alone, as analogues or as extenders.

PMID- 22054834
TI  - A morphological and biochemical examination of the hydrothermal denaturation of
      collagen.
AB  - The morphological changes occurring during the hydrothermal denaturation of
      collagen obtained from the tendinous sheath of the longissimus dorsi muscle of
      mature sheep have been examined. To investigate the influence of the physical
      state of the collagen on its subsequent denaturation, collagen has been heated in
      the form of isolated fibrils, small pieces of unrestrained tissue and strips of
      tissue restrained from contracting fully during heating and cooling. The
      morphological changes occurring during denaturation and the thermal stability of
      the collagen to melting have been found to be dependent on the physical state of
      the collagen, the thermal stability of collagen being lowest in isolated fibrils,
      intermediate in unrestrained pieces, and highest in restrained samples. In
      conjunction with the morphological studies, the extent of dissolution of collagen
      by heat alone and the susceptibility of collagen to pronase digestion were
      measured and examined as possible biochemical criteria for assessing the extent
      of thermal denaturation of collagen.

PMID- 22054835
TI  - Chemical and physiological aspects of pig stunning in relation to meat quality-A
      review.
AB  - A survey of research undertaken at the Research Institute for Animal Husbandry
      'Schoonoord' is given in which different stunning methods have been evaluated
      with respect to metabolic, meat quality and economic aspects. These data have
      been supplemented from the literature. The overall conclusion is that electrical
      stunning (300V) with short stunning time and a minimal lapse of time between
      stunning and sticking, offers the best prospects in relation to pork quality.
      Electrical stunning is thus recommended for pigs in industrial scale
      slaughtering.

PMID- 22054836
TI  - The nutritive value of protein isolates and fibres from meat industry by
      products.
AB  - Protein isolates extracted from rumen, lung and plasma by alkaline solubilisation
      were spun into protein fibres and were evaluated for protein quality by rat
      feeding trials and by amino acid analyses. The net protein utilisation (NPU) of
      the fibres ranged from 53.0 to 76.9 for plasma and rumen fibres respectively,
      methionine plus cystine and valine being limiting amino acids. Lysine was not
      found to be a limiting amino acid in any sample and lysine availability was high
      in isolates and fell only slightly on spinning. There was a marked discrepancy
      between chemical score and NPU for rumen isolate and it is postulated that an
      anti-nutritional factor, possibly a trypsin inhibitor, normally present in bovine
      organs, could be active in the isolate by lowering methionine availability to the
      animal and decreasing NPU. Spinning the proteins, however, either destroys the
      inhibitor or decreases its concentration since NPU and chemical score become
      equal.

PMID- 22054837
TI  - Effect of prolonged fasting upon the calcium activated sarcoplasmic factor of
      rabbit skeletal muscle.
AB  - Adult male New Zealand rabbits were subjected to a 28-day fast (food
      deprivation). Various blood biochemical parameters, as well as organ and
      individual skeletal muscle (semitendinosus and longissimus dorsi) weights, were
      determined. Additionally, the effect of fasting upon individual skeletal muscle
      functions was assessed. The calcium activated sarcoplasmic factor (CASF) isolated
      from the fasted rabbits was compared with the same enzyme isolated from ad lib
      fed rabbits. The fasted rabbits yielded greater amounts of CASF of a slightly
      higher specific activity than the same enzyme derived from ad lib fed rabbits.
      However, the enzymes from both treatments exhibited similar activities on intact
      myofibrils, as demonstrated by phase contrast microscopy and SDS-polyacrylamide
      gel electrophoresis.

PMID- 22054838
TI  - Electrical stimulation, muscle tension and glycolysis in bovine
      Sternomandibularis.
AB  - Electrical parameters previously employed to hasten the onset of rigor mortis in
      carcasses were derived empirically. Various parameters have been studied to
      determine their relationship to the two-stage fall of muscle pH resulting from
      stimulation. At any given stimulation period pulse frequency had a considerable
      effect on the magnitude of the pH fall that occurs during stimulation, the
      greatest falls, ~ 0.7 pH units in a 120 sec period, being achieved with 5 to 16.6
      pulses. sec(-1). The same total number of pulses delivered at differing
      frequencies did not produce pH falls of equal magnitude. Variation in pulse shape
      and polarity caused minor changes. Increased energy levels per pulse increases
      the magnitude of the pH fall during stimulation. All stimulation parameters
      tested resulted in the rate of pH fall after stimulation being one and a half
      times to twice that of non-stimulated muscle. The tension-time curves obtained
      with lower frequencies (< 10 pulses . sec(-1)) show incomplete summation of
      pulses with sustained tension. At higher frequencies a complete tetanus develops,
      while tension falls rapidly soon after achieving the peak tension. The
      relationship between the mechanical and biochemical responses and the
      implications for stimulation as a practical processing method are discussed.

PMID- 22054840
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 22054839
TI  - Studies on the meat production characteristics of Botswana goats and sheep -part
      III: Carcase tissue composition and distribution.
AB  - In this paper data concerning the tissue composition and distribution in the
      carcases of Botswana smallstock (goats and sheep) of different age and sex
      groupings are discussed. These data were collected for use in the Botswana
      Smallstock Improvement Programme, which is designed to improve meat production
      from the indigenous goats and sheep of Botswana. This programme, together with
      the data on live measurement, general body composition and carcase joint
      composition, has been described in the previous papers in this series. The data
      presented showed that, generally, indigenous Botswana sheep were fatter and
      earlier maturing than goats at similar ages. The sheep were still found to be
      significantly fatter when the data were statistically analysed and corrected for
      differences in empty body weight. In the case of the milk tooth male goats,
      castration increased the rate of maturity and the level of fat in the carcase.
      Similar data obtained on male Boer goats (which are to be used as a meat improver
      breed) showed that these animals produced both bigger and leaner carcases than
      indigenous goats of similar age. These differences were significant when the two
      groups were compared statistically after corrections for body weight differences.

PMID- 22054841
TI  - Electrical stimulation during exsanguination: Effects on the prevalence of blood
      splash and on sensory quality characteristics in veal.
AB  - Twenty-four veal calves were stunned with a captive bolt. Twelve calves were
      shackled by the left, the other twelve by the right hindleg. Approximately 1 min
      after sticking, six carcasses of each of these subgroups were stimulated
      electrically with equipment relying on a combined high (3000 V, 0.83 pulses s(
      1), 1.5 ms duration) and low 35 V, 14 pulsess(-1)) voltage action. The remaining
      carcasses were left unharmed. At 24 h post-mortem hindquarters were boned to
      commercial primal cuts. Surrounding connective tissue and cut-up surfaces of
      primals as well as certain locations vulnerable for blood splash were further
      dissected. Neither electrical stimulation nor shackling by either of the hindlegs
      significantly affected the prevalence and severity of blood splash. Post-mortem
      factors promoting blood splash and possibly related to electrical stimulation and
      shackling are discussed. At 7 days post-mortem the sensory meat quality was
      assessed. In general, electrical stimulation did not significantly affect
      waterbinding and colour characteristics in longissimus (M. longissimus dorsi) and
      semimembranosus samples. Sarcomere lengths were similar in stimulated and control
      groups in longissimus but not in semimembranosus muscle. In both muscles shear
      force values were lower after electrical stimulation. In general, neither
      longissimus nor semimembranosus samples excised ipsilaterally from the shackled
      leg side exhibited differences in tenderness and sarcomere length. It is
      concluded that shackling by one leg or the other does not interfere with the
      tenderising effect of electrical stimulation.

PMID- 22054842
TI  - NMR relaxation of water protons in normal and malignant hyperthermia-susceptible
      pig muscle.
AB  - (1)H-NMR has been used to study the evolution of water proton transversal
      relaxation times in ageing skeletal muscles of normal and halothane-positive
      Pietrain pigs. Malignant hyperthermia was confirmed by the caffeine contracture
      test. Lactic acid, creatine phosphate, and ATP levels in muscle biopsies were
      measured by biochemical analysis. The NMR dynamic results revealed malignant
      hyperthermia, but knowledge of animal age and muscle type improved significantly
      the detection ability. The NMR results revealed large differences between
      muscles. Halothane sensitivity detection seems to be less affected by animal age,
      than by muscle effect but discrimination was more efficient in the older animal
      group. It is concluded that (1) H-NMR is a suitable method for diagnosing
      halothane sensitivity on a well identified muscle biopsy and that water dynamics
      might be related to acidosis in muscle fibres.

PMID- 22054843
TI  - Early post-mortem degradation of intramuscular collagen.
AB  - Post-mortem changes in physical and thermal stabilities of bovine intramuscular
      connective tissue were studied during the first 24 h postmortem. Collagen thermal
      shrinkage temperature (T(s)) decreased (P < 0.01) and collagen solubility
      increased (P < 0.01) during the first 24 h following slaughter with greatest
      amount of change occurring in the first 8 h post mortem. The dynamic nature of
      intramuscular connective tissue during the very early post-mortem (VEP) period is
      compared to the VEP-tenderness relationships proposed by Marsh and others.

PMID- 22054844
TI  - Effect of exercise and pre-slaughter stress on pork muscle characteristics.
AB  - The effects of exercise, stress and chill temperature on pork muscle
      characteristics were studied in a 3 * 2 * 2 factorial experiment in which
      treatments were assigned to blocks made up of six pigs of the same sex from the
      same litter. Pigs were fed a corn-soybean meal diet with the two littermate pigs
      on each treatment fed together. Treatments were (1) a control group receiving no
      exercise and fed in an 8 m(2) pen; (2) a treatment group fed in an 8 m(2) pen and
      driven 1.6 km/day for 100 days prior to slaughter; and (3) a treatment group fed
      in pens with 40 m(2) floor space with feeders placed 5 m from their waterers.
      When the animals averaged approximately 105 kg in weight, one animal from each
      pair treated alike was subjected to standardized stress. After slaughter, one
      side was chilled at 2-3 degrees C and the other at 13-15 degrees C for 24 h. Both
      sides were then chilled at 2-3 degrees C for an additional 24 h. Exercise did not
      affect average daily gain (ADG), feed efficiency, yield of total wholesale cuts,
      muscle pH, protein solubility, fiber diameter and sarcomere length of the
      Longissimus dorsi (LD) and Quadriceps femoris (QF) muscles or the tenderness of
      the QF muscle. Exercise decreased backfat thickness and the subjective tenderness
      of the LD muscle. The effects of stress on the characteristics evaluated were
      consistent with those that have been previously reported. Chilling temperature
      and interactions involving chilling temperature did not affect any of the
      characteristics studied. No exercise * stress interactions were observed. Protein
      solubility values indicated that pale, soft exudative (PSE) muscle was not a
      factor in any of the treatments. It was concluded that exercise will produce
      leaner carcasses but less tender muscle and that exercise will not counteract the
      effects of pre-slaughter stress.

PMID- 22054845
TI  - The surface active properties of myosin and its proteolytic fragments.
AB  - The surface active properties of myosin and its proteolytic fragments, light
      meromyosin (LMM), heavy meromyosin (HMM), subfragment-1 (S-1) and myosin rod, at
      initial bulk phase concentrations in the range of 10(-4)% to 10(-2)% w/v were
      determined by the drop volume method. Overall, S-1 was the most effective surface
      tension depressor, whereas the tail portions of myosin, i.e. LMM and myosin rod
      were less surface active than the parent myosin molecule. The surface pressures
      attained after 40 min, at an initial bulk phase concentration of 10(-2)% (w/v),
      were 22.00, 21.77, 21.02, 16.77 and 16.77 mNm(-1) for S-1, HMM, myosin, LMM and
      myosin rod, respectively. Furthermore, S-1 effected the most rapid change in
      surface pressure during the initial 5 min period.

PMID- 22054846
TI  - Reaction of nitrite with ascorbic acid and its significant role in nitrite-cured
      food.
AB  - The decrease in concentration of free nitrite in an aqueous reaction solution
      made by mixing nitrite and ascorbic acid was studied. This decrease resulted
      information of a reaction product which transferred NO to ferricytochrome c to
      form ferrocytochrome c nitroso compound. From the solution containing the
      reaction product, nitrite could be regenerated spontaneously and suddenly by
      physical agitation. Oxygen was apparently not necessary for regeneration nitrite
      from the reaction solution. It does not seem that the regeneration of nitrite was
      responsible for a bimolecular dismutation of nitrosoascorbic acid in a reverse
      direction proposed by Fox and Thomson (Biochemistry2, 465; 1963). Heating of the
      reaction solution at less than 100 degrees C resulted in a loss of nitrite from
      the solution, which was greater with increasing concentration of ascorbic acid.
      The reaction product formed between nitrite and ascorbic acid is probably
      responsible not only for nitrosation reactions, but also for the loss of nitrite
      observed during curing of meat.

PMID- 22054848
TI  - Animal by-product processing By H. W. Ockerman & C. L. Hansen. Ellis Horwood
      Series in Food Science and Technology, VCH Verlagsgesellschaft, Weinheim, 1988.
      366 pp. Price: (DM 250) L88.

PMID- 22054847
TI  - Effect of chilling on the hardness of fat on sides of beef.
AB  - The effect of chilling procedure on the resulting hardness (i.e. cutability) of
      subcutaneous adipose tissue (fat) on sides of beef has been objectively
      investigated using a sliding pin consistometer (SPC). Instrument readings
      obtained from a model system of samples of beef dripping (made with subcutaneous
      adipose tissue and kidney fat but without added bone trim) indicated fat hardness
      could be significantly (P < 0.05) influenced by chilling procedure. However, for
      sides from 19 grass-fed animals which were chilled using either a 'hot' or 'cold'
      extreme treatment which would comply with current Australian Regulations (i.e. 20
      degrees C deep butt temperature in 20h) there was no significant difference 20 h
      post mortem between the hardness of the fat at a temperature of 10 degrees C. It
      would appear, therefore, that the hardness of the fat on sides of chilled beef
      cannot be managed through manipulation of the chilling procedure in conventional
      processing.

PMID- 22054851
TI  - Prognostic risk factor evaluation in patients with relapsed or refractory
      multiple myeloma receiving lenalidomide treatment: analysis of renal function by
      eGFR and of additional comorbidities by comorbidity appraisal.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Renal impairment (RI) is a dreaded complication in multiple myeloma
      (MM) and has been associated with decreased progression-free survival (PFS) and
      overall survival (OS). METHODS: Forty-five consecutive patients with MM received
      lenalidomide therapy combined with either dexamethasone or standard chemotherapy,
      with dose modification according to current guidelines. Comorbidity indices
      (hematopoietic cell transplantation-specific comorbidity index [HCT-CI], Kaplan
      Feinstein [KF], and the Freiburg comorbidity index [FCI]) were analyzed and renal
      function was determined by estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) before
      lenalidomide treatment and 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment. RESULTS: The
      median patient age was 66 years. Pretreatment was substantial with >= 2 treatment
      lines in 71% of patients. Lenalidomide induced median PFS and OS of 13 and 25
      months, respectively. The analysis of comorbidity scores identified only the FCI
      as significant, with different PFS for low-risk vs. high-risk patients of 20 vs.
      9 months (p = .0036) and OS of not reached vs. 12.8 months (p < .0001),
      respectively. Although baseline renal function by serum creatinine evaluation
      appeared normal (median 1.0 mg/dL), mild RI was readily detectable by eGFR
      (median 83 mL/min/1.73 m(2)). When patients without RI were compared with those
      with mild, moderate, and severe RI, 1- and 2-year PFS rates were similar (hazard
      ratio [HR] with decreasing eGFR, 1.028; p = .6927). For OS, the HR of 1.192
      indicated decreased survival probabilities with deteriorating eGFR (p = .0411),
      which was perceived by eGFR but not serum creatinine assessment (p = .2253).
      CONCLUSIONS: Lenalidomide was well tolerated in intensively pretreated and
      elderly MM patients, including those with RI. PFS was not significantly different
      in patients with decreasing eGFRs, albeit RI and other comorbidities remained
      significant for OS.

PMID- 22054853
TI  - [Results of a capacitation process of personnel involved in a clinical program of
      hematopoietic progenitors transplantation].

PMID- 22054852
TI  - [Translation and adaptation to Spanish language of the quality of life
      questionnaire for sleep apnea-hipopnea syndrome Quebec Sleep Questionnaire].
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to translate and adapt
      to Spanish the Quebec Sleep Questionnaire (QSQ). METHODS: For QSQ tran-cultural
      adaptation, the back-translation technique was used. A psychologist and a
      pneumonologist made a first translation of the questionnaire. Naturalness
      correctness of items and conceptual equivalence were evaluated by external
      researchers and a group of patients. A back-translation was finally remitted to
      author. RESULTS: Most of the items had minimal difficulty in translation. The
      difficulty was moderate in only 4 of them (items 2, 7, 8, 30). Naturalness
      correctness was maximal in most items and excellent in 4 (8 to 9 points). The
      conceptual equivalence was complete in all the items, except item 2 that showed a
      partial equivalence. CONCLUSIONS: The first translation and adaptation to Spanish
      language of the quality of life questionnaire QSQ has been done. The translation
      has minimal difficulty and the conceptual equivalence is almost complete.

PMID- 22054854
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 22054855
TI  - Further studies on bovine muscle composition.
AB  - The average occurrences of fibre types, I,IIA and IIB in the longissimus dorsi
      (LD) of female cattle were 18%, 59% and 23%, respectively. The IIB occurrence lay
      between that for bulls and steers, reported in Young & Bass (1984). Since IIB
      fibres were absent from the splenius (Sp) of females, its composition was more
      akin to that of bulls than steers. However, the relative area of I and IIA fibres
      in female Sp was more like that of steers than bulls since IIA fibres were not
      disproportionately large in females. Evidence suggests that the occurrence of
      type I (or II) fibres in the LD is rather static and that changes in the
      occurrence of IIA fibres, reciprocal to IIB, are more common, irrespective of
      sexual status-bull, steer or female. The route by which IIA and IIB fibres
      interconvert is discussed. In animals where both the LD and Sp were sampled, the
      fibre composition of one muscle was a poor predictor of the other's composition.
      The correlation between the occurrence of I fibres in Sp and succinate
      dehydrogenese activity in whole muscle was poor, and reasons are advanced to
      explain this unexpected result. When dark-cutting muscles were excluded from
      analysis, the average ultimate pH of LD muscles was lower than that of Sp. This
      result was consistent with the higher type II fibre content of the LD. Ultimate
      pH of Sp muscles was correlated with occurrence of I fibres, but in the LD a
      similar relationship could not be established. A link between occurrence of IIB
      fibres and proneness to the dark-cutting condition is suggested.

PMID- 22054856
TI  - Lipid oxidation and metmyoglobin formation in sausages containing chickpea flour.
AB  - Rapid lipid oxidation and metmyoglobin formation in sausages containing up to 30%
      chickpea flour is due to the presence of lipoxidase in chickpea flour. This
      enzyme oxidises the unsaturated fats present to peroxides (or related compounds)
      which then catalyse myoglobin oxidation. Heat treatment of chickpea flour at 80
      degrees  C for 1 h in water prior to its addition to the batter will prevent both
      accelerated lipid and myoglobin oxidation in these sausages. An antioxidant
      containing alpha-tocopherol and ascorbyl palmitate inhibited the lipid oxidation
      in these products but had no effect on myoglobin oxidation in sausage batter
      containing unheated chickpea flour. The relevance of these results to the
      interdependence of lipid and myoglobin oxidation in meat and meat products is
      discussed.

PMID- 22054857
TI  - Number and distribution of bacteria on some beef carcasses at selected abattoirs
      in some member states of the European communities.
AB  - In seven member countries of the European Communities, three abattoirs were
      visited on three occasions in each of two surveys and at each visit ten beef
      carcasses were sampled, before chilling, at defined sites on the neck, brisket,
      forerib and medially on the round. In Survey I, samples were plated for total
      viable count (TVC) at 30 degrees  (ISO 2293) and Enterobacteriaceae at 37 degrees
      (ISO 5552); in Survey II only TVCs were made. This paper is confined to analyses
      of the TVCs in the two surveys. Data from each country were analysed separately
      as sampling methodology may not have been sufficiently reproducible by different
      workers to allow between-countries comparison. Variations among visits to
      particular abattoirs and abattoir * site interactions made comparisons among
      abattoirs invalid within five of the seven countries. To effectively monitor
      differences between abattoirs within most countries it would be necessary to make
      more than three visits to each abattoir. Despite abattoir * site interactions in
      three countries in Survey I and four countries in Survey II, comparisons between
      sites were generally valid because of the consistent high contamination of the
      brisket. In the remainder of countries the abattoir * site interaction was too
      large to allow valid comparisons between sites. It is recommended that at least
      three or four sites are sampled in future surveys as only one site per carcass
      would underestimate the number of more heavily contaminated carcasses.

PMID- 22054858
TI  - Effects of low-frequency electrical stimulation on beef tenderness.
AB  - The application of 2 Hz, 500 V electrical stimulation to early post-mortem beef
      sides causes rapid muscle glycolysis, yet produces no trace of the extensive
      tissue rupture effected by 60 Hz current. By means of this low frequency
      technique, coupled with a mild or delayed-chill routine, we have examined the
      supposed tenderizing effect of rapid pH decline alone, without concurrent fiber
      fracture or cold-shortening intervention. Loin steaks from sides receiving this
      treatment were significantly tougher than those from paired control sides, an
      observation strongly suggesting that tenderization is hindered by rapid
      glycolysis. In other experiments, 60 Hz 500-V current was found to produce very
      extensive fracturing with breaks appearing (on average) every 6 mm of fiber
      length; this treatment resulted in a very significant tenderizing relative to
      that observed in the unstimulated control sides. It is concluded that, apart from
      its ability to prevent cold-shortening, normal-frequency high-voltage stimulation
      exerts its beneficial tenderizing action by fracturing the fibres; the
      accompanying acceleration of glycolysis actually causes a small, but definite,
      negative effect on eating quality.

PMID- 22054859
TI  - Effects of reaction variables on the hydrolysis of lean beef tissue by alcalase.
AB  - The effects of the reaction variables, pH, time, temperature, enzyme: meat ratio
      and meat concentration, on the hydrolysis and solubilisation of lean meat protein
      by Alcalase have been determined. Experiments were performed with both dilute
      meat suspensions and undiluted ground meat. Reaction progress curves were similar
      to those for the enzymic hydrolysis of other proteins, with rapid initial
      reaction rates followed by a gradual decline in rate. The optimum reaction pH was
      8.5. Optimum temperatures were found to be 55 degrees C for the hydrolysis
      reaction and 60 degrees C for meat solubilisation. Both solubilisation and degree
      of hydrolysis increased with increasing enzyme concentration. At an enzyme: meat
      ratio of 80 mg Alcalase 0.6L per gram of dry meat, a solubilisation of 94% and a
      degree of hydrolysis of 18% were achieved after a 3-h reaction period. As meat
      concentration was increased, degree of hydrolysis decreased slightly and
      solubilisation decreased markedly.

PMID- 22054861
TI  - Eating quality of European beef assessed at five research institutes.
AB  - Loin steaks from 10 animals (five of each of two types) from each of eight
      European countries were assessed for eating quality at five institutes in
      Denmark, Ireland, England, France and the Federal Republic of Germany. All panels
      found wide variation in eating quality and many of the steaks were unacceptably
      tough. Although attempts to relate quality to production factors were often
      confounded, differences in post-slaughter handling, particularly between
      producing countries, dominated eating quality. Breed, sex, age or fatness had
      relatively little influence on eating quality in this trial. A common eight
      category scale of tenderness/toughness was used in addition to each institute's
      usual descriptive scales for tenderness, flavour, juiciness and overall
      acceptability, employing four to eleven categories. Within panels, attribute
      scores were not independent and tenderness and flavour in combination were the
      best predictors of overall acceptability. Between panels, tenderness was highly
      interrelated, flavour and juiciness poorly interrelated. These findings, together
      with estimates of each panel's discrimination and the variation between
      individual assessors, are discussed in relation to standardisation and
      equivalence of sensory methodology.

PMID- 22054860
TI  - Primary intraosseous myoepithelioma arising in the iliac bone and displaying
      trisomies of 11, 15, 17 with del (16q) and del (22q11)--A rare case report with
      review of literature.
AB  - Mixed tumors are uncommonly observed in the musculoskeletal system, where they
      form a common spectrum with a myoepithelioma and a parachordoma. Herein, we
      present a rare case of a mixed tumor/myoepithelioma arising in the iliac bone of
      a young adult male who presented with swelling in his right hip. Radiological
      imaging disclosed a large, intraosseous, lytic, heterogenous mass with a soft
      tissue component. Biopsy and subsequent tumor resection showed an 18cm sized
      tumor involving the iliac bone and soft tissues and comprising polygonal and
      spindly cells, arranged in cords and aggregates, embedded in a myxohyaline stroma
      with osteochondroid differentiation. Tumor cells exhibited mild nuclear
      variation, rare mitotic figures, focal cytoplasmic clearing, and prominent
      squamous differentiation. On immunohistochemistry (IHC), tumor cells were
      diffusely positive for S100-P, EMA, CK5/6, p63, GFAP, calponin, and focally
      positive for CK/MNF116, but negative for Brachyury/T. Diagnosis of a
      myoepithelioma/mixed tumor was offered. Further, cytogenetic analysis revealed
      lack of EWSR1 gene rearrangement and showed clonal trisomies of 11, 15, 17 with
      del (16q) and del (22q11). The present case is a rare documentation of a
      myoepithelioma in the appendicular bones and the second such case identified in
      the iliac bone. IHC and cytogenetic findings supported a myoepithelial cell
      origin, and reinforced its relationship with a parachordoma and its distinction
      from mixed salivary gland tumors, a chordoma, and an extraskeletal myxoid
      chondrosarcoma that form its differential diagnoses.

PMID- 22054862
TI  - Influence of the addition of mechanically recovered meat on the physico-chemical
      properties of meat model blends.
AB  - The physico-chemical properties of meat model blends (basic composition: fresh
      lean pork, pork back fat, 2% NaCl, water with ice), with added mechanically
      recovered pork (MRM), were studied. Fresh MRM was added at levels of 10% and 20%
      substitution of meat protein with or without further substitution by 10% sodium
      caseinate or soya isolate. The addition of MRM to meat blends caused an increase
      in the pH, the water-holding capacity, the viscosity, the dominant wavelength and
      colour purity. No effects on emulsifying capacity were observed but thermal
      cooking losses and lightness of colour were reduced. The addition of blends of
      MRM and soya isolate or sodium caseinate caused lower values of the investigated
      features than those observed when only MRM was used.

PMID- 22054863
TI  - The role of lipids and glycerol in determining the shelf-life of glycerol
      desorbed intermediate moisture meat products.
AB  - During storage of glycerol desorbed intermediate moisture beef at 38 degrees C
      the marked loss of eating quality, demonstrated by increasing loss of nitrogen
      solubility in sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS) plus beta-mercaptoethanol, loss of
      haemoprotein character, decrease in pH and the formation of water-soluble
      hydroxyproline containing fragments, is not markedly affected by the presence of
      oleic acid and/or butylated hydroxytoluene. In addition, gas-liquid
      chromatographic analysis of the lipid fractions suggests that, in these meats,
      the relative composition of the neutral phospholipid fractions does not change to
      any marked extent during storage. However, the TBA and peroxide values, which are
      very high in the freshly prepared meats, do decrease quite markedly during
      storage. Consideration of these results suggests that, in glycerol desorbed
      meats, glycerol oxidation products are the major reactants leading to loss of
      eating quality.

PMID- 22054864
TI  - Muscle fibre deformation: rigor extensibility of raw bovine muscle.
AB  - Muscle which entered rigor restrained in a stretched condition shortened when
      freed, resulting in three types of wrinkling-(1) fibre wrinkling, (2) myofibril
      wrinkling and (3) myofilament wrinkling. The structural consequences of
      stretching muscle whilst it was in rigor were studied by light and electron
      microscopy. Rigor extension of contracted or stretched samples in excess of that
      required to straighten any wrinkles resulted in three types of damage to a high
      proportion of the sarcomeres. (1) Breaks occurred in the I bands, but not the
      clean breaks associated with post-rigor muscle. (2) Breaks occurred in the A
      bands on either side of the M line. (3) Z lines were pulled apart.

PMID- 22054865
TI  - Problems associated with commercial lamb washing in Ireland.
AB  - Three methods for cleaning lamb carcasses were compared in an Irish export
      factory: (1) hot water (85-90 degrees C) sprayed at high pressure (7 kg/cm(2))
      (MRI), (2) a pneumatic gun using water at 40-50 degrees C and 7 kg/cm(2) pressure
      and (3) soiled areas of the carcass were scrubbed with a nylon or bristle brush.
      Bacteriologically, the MRI method was marginally better than brushing but this
      had no effect on the ultimate shelf-life of the carcasses, which, in the
      prevailing conditions, was 8 days. All methods produced visually clean carcasses
      with good bloom. Both spray washing methods were considered impractical under
      commercial conditions, mainly because they were too slow.

PMID- 22054866
TI  - Electroencephalographic studies of stunning and slaughter of sheep and calves:
      Part 1-The onset of permanent insensibility in sheep during slaughter.
AB  - The time of onset of permanent insensibility, subsequent to incision of the major
      blood vessels of the neck, was studied in sixteen adult sheep and five one-week
      old lambs. Insensibility was determined from the study of electroencephalograms
      (EEG) and interpretation was based on the amplitude and pattern of fast wave
      signals of a transhemispheric bipolar derivation. In both adult sheep and lambs,
      conscious at the time of slaughter, insensibility occurred within 2 to 7 s and
      EEG traces became isoelectric between 10 and 43 s. In sheep which were lightly
      anaesthetised at the time of slaughter, EEG traces became isoelectric between 18
      and 70 s after incision of the major blood vessels of the neck. In one sheep
      which was slaughtered by severance of the carotid artery and jugular vein on one
      side of the neck only, the onset of insensibility was delayed for 29 s. In the
      majority of animals, the electrocardiogram (ECG) continued to show a normal
      pattern for more than 10 min after slaughter. There was an initial rise in blood
      pressure in the first 5 to 7 s and it remained elevated for a further 10 to 20 s.
      The results of this work are discussed with reference to definition of death
      appropriate for statutory purposes and the implications for the humane slaughter
      of sheep.

PMID- 22054867
TI  - The effect of temperature and ultimate pH on the increase in meat toughness
      resulting from restraint during cooking.
AB  - Samples of stretched muscle cooked at 50, 60, 70 or 80 degrees C, while
      restrained at either their original pre-cooking length or further tensioned at
      about 130% of their original pre-cooking length, had significantly (P < 0.001)
      greater Warner-Bratzler (WB) peak shear force values for all temperatures than
      similar samples cooked without restraint except for those restrained at their
      original length and cooked at 50 degrees C. Restraint during cooking at 80
      degrees C increased the peak shear force values of stretched sheep muscles with
      ultimate pH values in the range 5.5-7.0. This increase, which has been related to
      connective tissue strength, was not significantly related to ultimate pH. Both
      initial yield and peak force values, for samples cooked either restrained or
      unrestrained, decreased significantly (P < 0.001) and at similar (not
      significantly different) rates with increase in ultimate pH.

PMID- 22054868
TI  - Meat and meat products: Factors affecting quality control Edited by N.R.P.
      Wilson, Applied Science Publishers Ltd, London and New Jersey. ix + 207 pp. 1981.
      Price: L16.00.

PMID- 22054869
TI  - Meat in nutrition and health Edited by K.R. Franklin and P.N. Davis, National
      Livestock and Meat Board, USA. Price not quoted.

PMID- 22054871
TI  - GSPE interferes with tau aggregation in vivo: implication for treating tauopathy.
AB  - Tauopathies are characterized by progressive neurodegeneration caused by
      intracellular accumulation of hyperphosphorylated tau protein aggregates in the
      brain. The present study was designed to test whether a grape seed polyphenolic
      extract (GSPE) previously shown to inhibit tau protein aggregation in vitro could
      benefit tau-mediated neuropathology and behavior deficits in JNPL3 transgenic
      mice expressing a human tau protein containing the P301L mutation. Nine-month-old
      JNPL3 mice were treated with GSPE delivered through their drinking water for 6
      months. We found that GSPE treatment significantly reduced the number of motor
      neurons immunoreactive for hyperphosphorylated and conformationally-modified tau
      in the ventral horns of the spinal cord identified using AT100, PHF-1, AT8, and
      Alz50 tau antibodies. This coincided with a drastically reduced level of
      hyperphosphorylated and sarcosyl-insoluble tau in spinal cord fractions.
      Furthermore, the reduction of tau pathology was accompanied by an improvement in
      the motor function assessed by a wire hang test. Collectively, our results
      suggest that GSPE can interfere with tau-mediated neurodegenerative mechanisms
      and ameliorate neurodegenerative phenotype in an animal model of tauopathy. Our
      studies support further evaluation of GSPE for preventing and/or treating of
      tauopathies in humans.

PMID- 22054872
TI  - Healthy aging attenuates task-related specialization in the human medial temporal
      lobe.
AB  - Recent research on aging has established important links between the neurobiology
      of normal aging and age-related decline in episodic memory, yet the exact nature
      of this relationship is still unknown. Functional neuroimaging of regions such as
      the medial temporal lobe (MTL) have produced conflicting findings. Using
      functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we have recently shown that young
      healthy individuals show a stronger activation of the MTL during encoding of
      objects as compared with encoding of positions. Using the same encoding task, the
      present study addressed the question whether this greater MTL activation during
      encoding of objects varies with age. Fifty-four healthy individuals aged between
      18 and 81 years underwent functional magnetic resonance imaging while they
      encoded and subsequently made new-old judgments on objects and positions. Region
      of interest (ROI) analysis of task related changes in the blood oxygen level
      dependent (BOLD) signal was performed in native space after correction for gender
      effects and individual differences in cerebral blood flow. The hippocampus,
      amygdala, and parahippocampal, perirhinal, entorhinal, and temporopolar cortices
      of right and left hemisphere were defined as ROIs. Aging had an adverse effect on
      memory performance that was similar for memorizing objects or positions. In left
      and right MTL, relatively greater activation for object stimuli was attenuated in
      older individuals. Age-related attenuation in content specificity was most
      prominent in the recognition stage. During recognition, the larger response to
      objects gradually decreased with age in all ROIs apart from left temporopolar and
      entorhinal cortex. An age-related attenuation was also present during encoding,
      but only in right parahippocampus and amygdala. Our results suggest that memory
      related processing in the MTL becomes gradually less sensitive to content during
      normal aging.

PMID- 22054870
TI  - A genome-wide scan for common variants affecting the rate of age-related
      cognitive decline.
AB  - Age-related cognitive decline is likely promoted by accumulated brain injury due
      to chronic conditions of aging, including neurodegenerative and vascular disease.
      Because common neuronal mechanisms may mediate the adaptation to diverse cerebral
      insults, we hypothesized that susceptibility for age-related cognitive decline
      may be due in part to a shared genetic network. We have therefore performed a
      genome-wide association study using a quantitative measure of global cognitive
      decline slope, based on repeated measures of 17 cognitive tests in 749 subjects
      from the Religious Orders Study. Top results were evaluated in 3 independent
      replication cohorts, consisting of 2279 additional subjects with repeated
      cognitive testing. As expected, we find that the Alzheimer's disease (AD)
      susceptibility locus, APOE, is strongly associated with rate of cognitive decline
      (P(DISC) = 5.6 * 10(-9); P(JOINT)= 3.7 * 10(-27)). We additionally discover a
      variant, rs10808746, which shows consistent effects in the replication cohorts
      and modestly improved evidence of association in the joint analysis (P(DISC) =
      6.7 * 10(-5); P(REP) = 9.4 * 10(-3); P(JOINT) = 2.3 * 10(-5)). This variant
      influences the expression of 2 adjacent genes, PDE7A and MTFR1, which are
      potential regulators of inflammation and oxidative injury, respectively. Using
      aggregate measures of genetic risk, we find that known susceptibility loci for
      cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and inflammatory diseases are not
      significantly associated with cognitive decline in our cohort. Our results
      suggest that intermediate phenotypes, when coupled with larger sample sizes, may
      be a useful tool to dissect susceptibility loci for age-related cognitive decline
      and uncover shared molecular pathways with a role in neuronal injury.

PMID- 22054873
TI  - A difference between day and night: protein intake improves after the transition
      from conventional to frequent nocturnal home hemodialysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Malnutrition is an important cause of the excessive morbidity and
      mortality rate of dialysis patients. Frequent nocturnal home hemodialysis (NHHD)
      has many benefits compared with conventional thrice-weekly hemodialysis (CHD),
      due to the virtual absence of dietary restrictions and a much higher overall
      dialysis efficiency. In this observational study, we investigated whether these
      benefits of NHHD translate into an improved nutritional intake, with a special
      emphasis on protein intake. METHODS: We prospectively assessed the effect of the
      transition of CHD to NHHD on nutritional intake (5-day dietary intake journal),
      normalized protein catabolic rate, and anthropometric parameters in 15
      consecutive patients who started NHHD in our center between 2004 and 2009 and
      completed at least 8 months of follow-up. Data were collected before the
      transition from CHD to NHHD and 4 and 8 months after the transition. RESULTS:
      Protein intake, as measured by both dietary intake journal and normalized protein
      catabolic rate, increased significantly after the transition from CHD to NHHD.
      Accordingly, phosphate intake increased significantly; however, serum phosphate
      levels did not increase, despite negligible phosphate binder use during NHHD.
      Body mass index and upper arm muscle circumference did not change significantly.
      CONCLUSION: The transition from CHD to NHHD has a positive effect on nutritional
      intake, in particular, protein intake. NHHD should be considered in malnourished
      patients on CHD.

PMID- 22054874
TI  - Leptin, insulin resistance, and metabolic changes 5 years after renal
      transplantation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate leptin, insulin resistance (IR), and changes in body
      composition and lipid profile within 5 years after renal transplantation. DESIGN:
      Longitudinal study. SETTING: Hospital de Clinicas de Porto Alegre/RS, Brazil.
      SUBJECTS: Thirty-two renal transplant recipients were followed up for 5 years
      after transplantation. METHODS: Data were collected at transplantation time (T1)
      and after 3 months (T2), 1 year (T3), and 5 years (T4). Leptin serum levels, IR
      assessed by homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) index, lipid profile, and
      anthropometric measurements were analyzed. Data were compared with a control
      group at baseline. RESULTS: At T1, pretransplant patients had leptin levels
      (ng/mL) (11.9 [9.2 to 25.2]) higher than the control group (7.7 [5.2 to 9.9]; P <
      .0001). After transplantation, levels decreased at T2 and T3, but increased at T4
      to values similar to those seen at T1 (T4: 9.2 [5.7 to 21]; P = 1). HOMA also
      decreased at T2, but increased at T4 to identical levels (T1: 2.1 [1.63 to 2.23],
      T4: 2.1 [1.6 to 2.85]; P = 1). No significant changes in body fat percentage
      (BF%) were observed; however, the arm muscle circumference increased
      significantly at T4 (P < .0001). At T2, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low
      density lipoprotein cholesterol increased, whereas at T4, lipid profile moved
      toward T1 levels. By linear regression analysis, gender, BF%, and HOMA were
      independent predictors of leptin levels. A trend toward higher body mass index
      was observed in woman who also presented higher leptin and lower HOMA levels.
      CONCLUSION: Leptin levels and HOMA decrease in the immediate posttransplant
      period and remain reduced for at least 1 year. Five years post transplantation,
      leptin, IR, BF%, and lipids have a profile similar to those in the pretransplant
      period. This metabolic profile is possibly associated with the elevated incidence
      of cardiovascular diseases observed in the late posttransplant period.

PMID- 22054875
TI  - Evaluation of mechanical allodynia in an animal immobilization model using the
      von frey method.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mechanical allodynia in
      animals after immobilization and chiropractic manipulation using the Activator
      instrument (Activator Methods International, Phoenix, Ariz) through the Von Frey
      test in an animal model that had its hind limb immobilized as a form to induce
      mechanical allodynia. METHOD: Eighteen adult male Wistar rats were used and
      divided into 3 groups: control group (C) (n = 6) that was not immobilized;
      immobilized group (I) (n = 6) that had its right hind limb immobilized;
      immobilized and adjusted group (IAA) (n = 6) that had its right hind limb
      immobilized and received chiropractic manipulation after. The mechanical
      allodynia was induced through the right hind limb immobilization. At the end of
      the immobilization period, the first Von Frey test was performed, and after that,
      6 chiropractic manipulations on the tibial tubercle were made using the Activator
      instrument. After the manipulation period, Von Frey test was performed again.
      RESULTS: It was observed that after the immobilization period, groups I and IAA
      had an exacerbation of mechanical allodynia when compared with group C (P < .001)
      and that after the manipulation, group IAA had a reversion of these values (P <
      .001), whereas group I kept a low pain threshold when compared with group C (P <
      .001). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that immobilization during 4 weeks was
      sufficient to promote mechanical allodynia. Considering the chiropractic
      manipulation using the Activator instrument, it was observed that group IAA had
      decreased levels of mechanical allodynia, obtaining similar values to group C.

PMID- 22054877
TI  - Preventing lung cancer by treating tobacco dependence.
AB  - Tobacco use is a chronic medical disorder. Providing evidence-based treatment of
      tobacco-dependent patients is a challenge, and a team approach provides an
      efficient treatment model. Tobacco treatment specialists could expand the
      collective tobacco treatment expertise in the medical setting. Effective tobacco
      dependence treatment frequently requires tailoring and intensifying of
      interventions to meet the needs of the individual patient. Stopping smoking
      reduces the risk of lung cancer and many other cancers, cardiovascular disease,
      stroke, peripheral vascular disease. Treating tobacco dependence is one of the
      most cost-effective therapies in medicine and it deserves adequate reimbursement
      for it to be more widely available.

PMID- 22054878
TI  - Screening for lung cancer.
AB  - The National Lung Screening Study has demonstrated that screening with low-dose
      spiral computed tomography results in fewer deaths from lung cancer compared with
      screening with chest radiography (CXR). Previous trials of screening with CXR and
      sputum cytology failed to exhibit fewer deaths compared with no screening
      intervention. Early computed tomography (CT) studies showed promise for CT to be
      a more sensitive test, yet were unable to demonstrate sufficient evidence of
      efficacy. This review examines the problem of early lung cancer detection, the
      issues presented by screening, and results of past and recent studies of lung
      cancer screening.

PMID- 22054876
TI  - Lung cancer: epidemiology, etiology, and prevention.
AB  - Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the United States and around
      the world. A vast majority of lung cancer deaths are attributable to cigarette
      smoking, and curbing the rates of cigarette smoking is imperative. Understanding
      the epidemiology and causal factors of lung cancer can provide additional
      foundation for disease prevention. This article focuses on modifiable risk
      factors, including tobacco smoking, occupational carcinogens, diet, and ionizing
      radiation. It also discusses briefly the molecular and genetic aspects of lung
      carcinogenesis.

PMID- 22054879
TI  - Pathology of lung cancer.
AB  - This article reviews current concepts in pathologic classification of lung cancer
      based on the 2004 World Health Organization classification of lung tumors and the
      2011 International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC)/American
      Thoracic Society (ATS)/European Respiratory Society (ERS) classification of lung
      adenocarcinoma. Preinvasive lesions are discussed. The major changes in lung
      disease diagnosis affected by the IASLC/ATS/ERS classification are presented. For
      adenocarcinomas diagnosed in small biopsies, specific terminology and diagnostic
      criteria are proposed along with recommendations for strategic management of
      tissue and EGFR mutation testing in patients with advanced adenocarcinoma.
      Histologic criteria are also presented for other tumors.

PMID- 22054880
TI  - Preinvasive lesions of the bronchus.
AB  - It has been proposed that invasive carcinoma of the bronchus develops through a
      transition from preinvasive lesions to overt malignancy. Newer diagnostic
      technologies have provided a more sensitive way to diagnose preinvasive lesions
      and a better understanding of the prevalence of such lesions. The natural history
      of preinvasive lesions has not been well defined; however, there is evidence that
      high-grade lesions are at a higher risk of progression to carcinoma. Molecular
      alterations have been described in preinvasive lesions and may help better
      predict which lesions will progress. Several noninvasive techniques are available
      for the treatment of high-grade lesions.

PMID- 22054882
TI  - The revised stage classification system for primary lung cancer.
AB  - The revised stage classification system has improved the ability of clinicians to
      estimate prognosis based on specific staging determinations. Several important
      questions have been addressed, although many remain and will likely fuel the
      discussion for subsequent revisions. Perhaps more than previous revisions, the
      current iteration may cause confusion because of the emphasis on stage-specific
      treatment recommendations. However, prognosis is only 1 of the factors in a
      multidisciplinary treatment plan, and clinicians are encouraged to apply
      randomized trial data whenever possible. This global staging effort is testament
      to the progress that is possible through international collaboration.

PMID- 22054883
TI  - The use and misuse of positron emission tomography in lung cancer evaluation.
AB  - This article discusses the potential benefits and limitations of positron
      emission tomography (PET) for characterizing lung nodules, staging the
      mediastinum, identifying occult distant metastasis, determining prognosis and
      treatment response, guiding plans for radiation therapy, restaging during and
      after treatment, and selecting targets for tissue sampling. The key findings from
      the medical literature are presented regarding the capabilities and fallibilities
      of PET in lung cancer evaluation, including characterization of pulmonary nodules
      and staging in patients with known or suspected non-small-cell lung cancer. The
      discussion is limited to PET imaging with fluorodeoxyglucose.

PMID- 22054884
TI  - The pulmonologist's diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in lung cancer.
AB  - Diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for lung cancer have improved with
      advancing technology and the acquisition of the necessary skills by
      bronchoscopists to fully use these advanced techniques. The diagnostic yield for
      lung cancer has significantly increased with the advent of technologies such as
      endobronchial ultrasound, navigational systems, and improved imaging modalities.
      Similarly, the therapeutic benefit of bronchoscopy in advanced lung cancer has
      begun to be understood for its impact on quality and quantity of life. This
      article highlights the pulmonologists' diagnostic advances and therapeutic
      options, with an emphasis on outcomes.

PMID- 22054885
TI  - Functional evaluation before lung resection.
AB  - Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, and lung
      resection remains the only curative approach. In the Western world, lung cancer
      is one of the main indications for lung resection, despite only 15% to 25% of all
      lung cancers being operable at the time of presentation. In most cases of
      operable lung cancer, a substantial part of functional lung tissue has to be
      resected, leading to a permanent loss of pulmonary function. Resection in
      patients with insufficient pulmonary reserves can result in permanent respiratory
      disability. This article reviews the current standards of preoperative
      assessment.

PMID- 22054886
TI  - Evaluation and treatment of high-risk patients with early-stage lung cancer.
AB  - Standard therapy for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer is lobectomy for
      patients who are able to tolerate such surgery. However, the risk of
      postoperative morbidity is not trivial, with a 30% to 40% incidence of
      postoperative complications and a 1% to 5% incidence of operative mortality. Some
      patients, though technically resectable, refuse surgery or are considered
      medically inoperable because of insufficient respiratory reserve, cardiovascular
      disease, or general frailty. This group is considered either "high risk" or
      "medically inoperable."

PMID- 22054887
TI  - Approach to the ground-glass nodule.
AB  - The detection of ground-glass opacity (GGO) is increasingly common. Sufficient
      data have been accumulated to formulate recommendations for observation,
      intervention, and treatment modalities. However, an understanding of many nuances
      and uncertainties in the available data is needed to avoid making management
      errors. This article discusses the range of possible entities, risk factors and
      characteristics that help make a presumptive clinical diagnosis, how often and
      for how long these should be followed when and how a biopsy should be done, how
      these lesions should be treated, and how multifocal GGOs should be approached.

PMID- 22054888
TI  - Additional pulmonary nodules in the patient with lung cancer: controversies and
      challenges.
AB  - The optimal management of an additional pulmonary nodule in a patient with a
      known primary lung cancer is unclear. Additional pulmonary nodules are often
      identified during pathologic evaluation after resection of a primary tumor rather
      than before surgery. Although correlating these pathologic data with preoperative
      information can be useful, their applicability to management and decision making
      is often limited. This article focuses on the malignant additional pulmonary
      nodule in the same lobe as the known primary tumor, in a different lobe in the
      same lung as the known primary tumor, and in the contralateral lung.

PMID- 22054881
TI  - Molecular biology of lung cancer: clinical implications.
AB  - Lung cancer is a heterogeneous disease clinically, biologically, histologically,
      and molecularly. Understanding the molecular causes of this heterogeneity, which
      might reflect changes occurring in different classes of epithelial cells or
      different molecular changes occurring in the same target lung epithelial cells,
      is the focus of current research. Identifying the genes and pathways involved,
      determining how they relate to the biological behavior of lung cancer, and their
      utility as diagnostic and therapeutic targets are important basic and
      translational research issues. This article reviews current information on the
      key molecular steps in lung cancer pathogenesis, their timing, and clinical
      implications.

PMID- 22054890
TI  - A decade of advances in treatment for advanced non-small cell lung cancer.
AB  - The last decade has heralded a paradigm shift in the evaluation and treatment of
      advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). No longer are patients with NSCLC
      considered a homogeneous population treated in the same way; rather, clinical
      characteristics, histology, and an expanding array of molecular markers are
      increasingly being used to individualize therapy. Both histology and tumor
      epidermal growth factor receptor mutational status currently have firmly
      established roles in determining initial and salvage therapy for advanced NSCLC.
      Several other biomarkers are the focus of ongoing prospective randomized clinical
      trials customizing both traditional chemotherapy and newer molecularly targeted
      agents.

PMID- 22054889
TI  - A decade of advances in treatment of early-stage lung cancer.
AB  - Emerging from the past decade, there has been a diversification of options for
      the treatment of early-stage lung cancer. Video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery is
      now more widely performed, with oncologic outcomes equivalent to those with open
      thoracotomy. Although lobectomy remains the standard approach to surgical
      resection, lesser resections, such as segmentectomy and wedge resection, are
      considerations for some patients. Advances in surgical, radiation, and medical
      therapies continue to evolve. Future research questions will focus on comparing
      long-term outcomes with these modalities, including survival, as well as patient
      centered endpoints, such as quality of life.

PMID- 22054891
TI  - Current management of small cell lung cancer.
AB  - Confined to one side of the chest, limited stage small cell lung cancer is
      treated with a combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy, yet has a long-term
      survival rate of only 15%. Extensive stage disease has initial response rates to
      chemotherapy exceeding 70%. However, the disease almost invariably progresses and
      becomes fatal. Many recent clinical trials have failed to show superiority of
      newer chemotherapeutics or targeted therapies compared with the standard
      chemotherapy backbone of platinum plus etoposide. Numerous promising targeted
      therapies and other agents are still in development.

PMID- 22054895
TI  - The use of electronic grading probes for the objective assessment of PSE and DFD
      in pork carcasses.
AB  - Three electronic grading probes, the Hennessy Grading Probe (GP-II), Fat-O-Meater
      (FOM) and Destron Pork Grader (PG-100) were assessed for their ability to detect
      the PSE/DFD conditions in pork. Carcasses were probed either at the time of
      grading (35, 45 or 60 min post mortem for the GP-II and PG-100, and 60 min post
      mortem for the FOM) or 24 h post mortem for all three probes. Probings were made
      between the 3rd and 4th last ribs, 7 cm lateral to the mid-line on the left side
      of the carcass. The relationship between the mean internal muscle reflectance,
      calculated by averaging all reflectance values less those recorded for the first
      and last 4 mm of muscle thickness, and the overall quality of boneless loins was
      used to assess the three probes. The overall quality of the boneless loins was
      subjectively assessed 24 h post mortem using a 5-point descriptive scale for
      paleness and structure in use in Canada since 1984 to describe the PSE/DFD
      conditions in pork. The relationships between the mean internal muscle
      reflectance and the subjectively determined overall quality score were weakest at
      time of grading and strongest at 24h post mortem. The coefficients of correlation
      were as follows: at 35 min post mortem, GP-II: -0.23 and -0.23 for paleness and
      structure, respectively, PG-100: -0.01 and -0.24; at 45 min post mortem, GP-II: 
      0.30 and -0.29, PG-100: -0.01 and -0.22; at 60 min post mortem, GP-II: -0.42 and 
      0.37, FOM: -0.01 and -0.02, PG-100: -0.29 and -0.30; at 24h post mortem, GP-II: 
      0.68 and -0.58, FOM: -0.53 and -0.50, PG-100: -0.45 and -0.49. Our results
      strongly suggest that early post mortem reflectance measurements made with the GP
      II, FOM or PG-100 were of no value in detecting the PSE/DFD conditions in pork.
      Furthermore, despite relatively strong correlations between the mean internal
      muscle reflectance measured 24 h post mortem and the subjectively determined
      quality score, the extent of overlapping between quality scores in the
      distribution of the mean internal muscle reflectance within each quality score
      precluded the definition of unique reference values for each quality score.
      Consequently, the measurement of the mean internal muscle reflectance could not
      reliably distinguish the various Canadian quality standards used to identify
      PSE/DFD in pork.

PMID- 22054896
TI  - Estimating beef carcass composition using the speed of ultrasound.
AB  - The reciprocal of the speed of 2.25 MHz (nominal) ultrasound (RV) was measured at
      selected sites through the soft tissues of 72 beef carcasses from Friesian.
      Hereford and Hereford * Friesian bulls and steers at or within 1 h of stunning.
      The measurement sites were: through M. adductor horizontal to the caudal edge of
      the symphysis pubis (S2), through M. scalenus just cranial to the first rib (S3)
      and through M. longissimus thoracis between the tenth and eleventh ribs,
      approximately 6 cm from the midline (S4). The thickness of extractable lipid
      (d(f)) at each site was defined as the product betad, where beta was the volume
      fraction of extractable lipid and d was the tissue thickness. The thickness of
      lipid-free tissue (d(ff)) was defined as (d-d(f)) and beta was calculated from
      the ultrasonic measurements using an empirical linear relation between beta and
      RV. When cold, the intact sides were scored independently for fatness and
      conformation by two experienced judges according to the EAAP system and their
      mean scores determined. Sides were split at the level of the last rib and the
      depth of subcutaneous fat measured at 25%, 50% and 75% of the width of M.
      longissimus thoracis from the midline. The three ultrasonic characteristics (RV,
      d(f) and d(ff)) at each site, the mean fat depth and the mean fat and
      conformation scores were examined for correlation with % fat and % lean in the
      sides determined by complete physical dissection. The best predictors of % fat
      were mean d(f) at S3 and S4, mean d(f) at S2, S3 and S4 and mean EAAP fat score
      which were all of comparable precision (rsd, respectively, 2.07, 2.06 and 2.08).
      The best predictors of % muscle were mean d(f) at S3 and S4, mean d(f) at S2, S3
      and S4 and mean RV at S2, S3 and S4 (rsd, respectively, 1.79, 1.79 and 1.90). The
      corresponding residual standard deviations for mean EAAP fat score and mean fat
      depth were 2.18 and 2.20.

PMID- 22054892
TI  - Gene therapy for lung neoplasms.
AB  - Both advanced-stage lung cancer and malignant pleural mesothelioma are associated
      with a poor prognosis. Advances in treatment regimens for both diseases have had
      only a modest effect on their progressive course. Gene therapy for thoracic
      malignancies represents a novel therapeutic approach and has been evaluated in
      several clinical trials. Strategies have included induction of apoptosis, tumor
      suppressor gene replacement, suicide gene expression, cytokine-based therapy,
      various vaccination approaches, and adoptive transfer of modified immune cells.
      This review considers the clinical results, limitations, and future directions of
      gene therapy trials for thoracic malignancies.

PMID- 22054897
TI  - Effects of electrical stimulation and temperature on beef quality and tenderness.
AB  - Beef carcasses were stimulated with either 50 or 500 V and exposed to three
      chilling temperatures during the first 3 to 9 h post mortem. Both high (HV) and
      low voltage (LV) electrical stimulation (ES) treatments improved lean maturity
      scores, lowered the pH values at 2 h through 12 h and reduced the time required
      for the ATP level to reach minimum values. Both HV-ES and LV-ES treatments
      influenced firmness, fragmentation and connective tissue (CT) residue as measured
      by sensory panel and reduced Instron shear value (ISV) of loin steaks. The 30
      degrees C temperature treatment had an adverse effect while the 20 degrees C
      temperature treatment had a beneficial effect on ISV and panel ratings for
      firmness and CT residue. There was an interaction between conditioning treatments
      and ES for ISV and sensory panel traits. The LV-ES-20C treatment resulted in the
      lowest ISV and superior panel ratings; however, the LV-ES-30C treatment had ISV
      and sensory panel ratings that were similar to the NES-2C (control) group.

PMID- 22054898
TI  - Effect of low voltage electrical stimulation on the distribution of cathepsin D
      and the palatability of the Longissimus dorsi from Holstein veal calves fed a
      corn or barley diet.
AB  - Forty male Holstein veal calves (45 kg) were weaned on milk replacer given once
      or twice daily and fed either a corn or a barley diet until slaughter at 215 kg
      liveweight. Carcasses from half of the animals on each diet were assigned to low
      voltage electrical stimulation (LVES), the other half served as controls. LVES
      accelerated the pH drop of the meat (P<0.01) and resulted in a more rapid
      liberation of cathepsin D (P < 0.01) in the soluble fraction of the longissimus
      dorsi homogenate. Despite the faster liberation of cathepsin D, meat samples from
      the LVES group were tougher than those of controls (P < 0.01). Meat colour
      measured by reflectance was not affected by the post-mortem treatments but ageing
      for six days significantly decreased the reflectance measurements (P < 0.01). The
      meat flavor was more pronounced for controls and for barley fed animals (P <
      0.01). SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of the myofibrillar proteins
      demonstrated that meat ageing favored the degradation of troponin-T (TN-T) and
      the appearance of a new banding pattern in the 25-35 kdalton region. Compared
      with controls ES had a tendency to decrease the rate of degradation of TN-T
      although no difference in the banding patterns could be observed after 6 days of
      ageing.

PMID- 22054899
TI  - Influence of an extract of liver on colour and shelf stability of sliced bologna.
AB  - The influence of the substances present in an extract of liver on the
      characteristics of bologna sausage was studied in sliced, vacuum-packaged bologna
      stored under refrigeration for 70 days in darkness or exposed to light (180 +/-
      10ft-c). The extract replaced 0, 50 or 100% of the water added during
      formulation. The characteristics studied were colour intensity and stability,
      residual nitrite content, and oxidative rancidity. Colour fading was nearly non
      existent in the batches stored in darkness but was more pronounced in those
      exposed to light, in which the rate of fading was inversely dependent upon the
      proportion of extract added. Nitrite loss over the storage period followed a
      first-order kinetic equation and was dependent upon both liver extract
      concentration (higher at higher extract levels) and the storage conditions (more
      pronounced in the batches exposed to light). The changes in the residual nitrite
      concentration could be attributed to its colour stabilizing action. While the 2
      thiobarbituric acid (TBA) index tended to be higher at higher concentrations of
      liver extract, the increases were not substantial and were not dependent upon the
      storage period or illumination. Rancidity was not a limiting factor in the
      refrigerated storage of the product.

PMID- 22054900
TI  - A note on the nature of the haematin pigments present in freeze dried and cooked
      beef.
AB  - Analysis of the reflectance spectra of beef samples treated to contain all the
      haemoproteins in one pigment form indicated that little or no change in the
      haematin environment occurs on freeze drying fresh, oxymyoglobin-rich meat or
      cooked meat. Dehydration of metmyoglobin in meat results in the water molecule at
      the sixth coordination site being replaced by a protein-bound ligand. On
      rehydration, this ligand may be replaced by water to reform metmyoglobin, but the
      degree of conversion depends on the rate of rehydration. The spectral similarity
      between cooked and freeze dried, oxidised meat indicates that the haematin
      environments are similar. It is suggested that in these meats the predominant
      pigments are di-imidazole complexes.

PMID- 22054901
TI  - Letter to the editor.

PMID- 22054902
TI  - Effect of pelvic obliquity on the orientation of the acetabular component in
      total hip arthroplasty.
AB  - In infrapelvic obliquity, coronal pelvic malrotation entails a change in the
      spatial location of the bony acetabulum. In the present study, 77 patients
      presented with infrapelvic obliquity with types 1 and 2 hip pathologies in which
      the pelvis is lower and higher, respectively, on the short-leg side. The 2 types
      were classified into 3 subtypes (A, B, and C) according to the severity of the
      pelvic obliquity (0 degrees -3 degrees , 3 degrees -6 degrees , and >6 degrees ).
      Angles of inclination of pelvic obliquity postoperatively, anteversions, and
      inclinations (abduction angle) for acetabular components were measured after
      total hip arthroplasty. Increased inclination (mean, 8.79 degrees ) was observed
      in type 1C, where the angle of inclination to pelvic obliquity postoperatively
      was minimally corrected. This increase may lead to cup instability. Rebalancing
      the pelvis in these cases with preoperative skeletal traction and/or sufficient
      release of hip contractures may be necessary. A correction of the mean
      inclination of the cup by 8.79 degrees  is required.

PMID- 22054903
TI  - Improvements in knee range and symptomatic and functional behavior after knee
      arthroplasty based on preoperative restriction in range.
AB  - Recovery of knee range and Oxford Knee Score post knee arthroplasty based on
      preoperative knee range is described. A total of 191 patients recruited across 5
      hospitals were assessed preoperatively, at 8 weeks postoperatively and 1 year.
      Preoperative knee range was categorized into "low" (<= 109), "moderate" (> 109 to
      <= 120), and "high" (> 120 degrees ) flexion and "normal" (+/- -5) and
      "restricted" (> +5 degrees ) terminal extension. Recovery was analyzed using
      MIXED modeling procedures. The low-flexion group gained flexion across time. The
      moderate-flexion and high-flexion groups lost flexion initially then recovered,
      but 1-year flexion remained lower than preoperative values. The restricted
      terminal extension group gained extension across time. The normal terminal
      extension group lost extension initially then recovered to preoperative values at
      1 year. Recovery in Oxford score was independent of preoperative knee range
      limitation. Improvement in knee range postoperatively, but not self-reported
      behavior, is highly dependent on the initial restriction in range.

PMID- 22054904
TI  - Unipolar vs bipolar hemostasis in total knee arthroplasty: a prospective
      randomized trial.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to investigate whether unipolar or bipolar
      hemostasis is more effective in reducing blood loss associated with primary total
      knee arthroplasty. We randomized 113 consecutive patients undergoing primary
      total knee arthroplasty into unipolar and bipolar hemostasis treatment groups.
      The mean postoperative drain output in the unipolar group was 776.5 mL compared
      with 778.7 mL and was not statistically significant (P = .97). There were no
      statistically significant differences in postoperative day 1 through 3 hemoglobin
      level (P = .2-.6) or hematocrit (P = .17-.46) values. The transfusion requirement
      in the unipolar group was 36% and 40% in the bipolar group (P = .67). Use of
      bipolar sealer compared with standard unipolar electrocauterization showed no
      significant difference in postoperative drain output, postoperative hemoglobin
      level and hematocrit values, or transfusion requirements.

PMID- 22054905
TI  - Diabetes mellitus, hemoglobin A1C, and the incidence of total joint arthroplasty
      infection.
AB  - Patients with diabetes have a higher incidence of infection after total joint
      arthroplasty (TJA) than patients without diabetes. Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels
      are a marker for blood glucose control in diabetic patients. A total of 3468
      patients underwent 4241 primary or revision total hip arthroplasty or total knee
      arthroplasty at one institution. Hemoglobin A1c levels were examined to evaluate
      if there was a correlation between the control of HbA1c and infection after TJA.
      There were a total of 46 infections (28 deep and 18 superficial [9 cellulitis and
      9 operative abscesses]). Twelve (3.43%) occurred in diabetic patients (n = 350;
      8.3%) and 34 (0.87%) in nondiabetic patients (n = 3891; 91.7%) (P < .001). There
      were 9 deep (2.6%) infections in diabetic patients and 19 (0.49%) in nondiabetic
      patients. In noninfected, diabetic patients, HbA1c level ranged from 4.7% to
      15.1% (mean, 6.92%). In infected diabetic patients, HbA1c level ranged from 5.1%
      to 11.7% (mean, 7.2%) (P < .445). The average HbA1c level in patients with
      diabetes was 6.93%. Diabetic patients have a significantly higher risk for
      infection after TJA. Hemoglobin A1c levels are not reliable for predicting the
      risk of infection after TJA.

PMID- 22054906
TI  - The effect of hip position on the length of trochanteric muscles: potential
      implications for early postoperative management of hip arthroplasty.
AB  - We investigated the effect several lower limb positions have on muscles that are
      detached to perform hip arthroplasty through posterior and lateral approaches. We
      used string models and computer navigation to measure the length changes in these
      muscles throughout hip movements in the anatomical planes and while simulating
      several sitting and lying postures. Piriformis and the obturators were shortened
      by sitting and lying postures when the femur was externally rotated and abducted;
      the clinical implication being that such postures have the potential to best
      protect their repair after a posterior approach. The anterior part of gluteus
      medius was lengthened with femoral external rotation. This lengthening was
      prevented, and therefore, theoretically, the gluteus medius repair protected
      after a lateral approach, by neutral or internal femoral rotation.

PMID- 22054907
TI  - Law and cancer at the end of life: the problem of nomoigenic harms and the five
      desiderata of death law.
AB  - Good laws are a necessary, but not a sufficient, condition for the provision of
      good health care. At the end of life, there is a need for laws that foster and
      encourage the best possible outcomes for patients, their families and healthcare
      professionals. This article proposes five desiderata for laws at the end of life.
      It uses the emerging Australian jurisprudence of end-of-life decision making to
      test and examine the desiderata. The article also proposes that poorly drafted
      and confusing laws may have a deleterious effect on patient care. These
      nomoigenic (law-caused) harms can be avoided by adherence to the five desiderata
      of death law.

PMID- 22054908
TI  - Implications of international law for the treatment of cancer: the Single
      Convention on Narcotic Drugs and the TRIPS Agreement.
AB  - The development, manufacture, trade and distribution of medicines all take place
      within a web of international legal obligations that states have accepted under a
      range of multilateral, plurilateral and bilateral agreements. International law
      can operate either to facilitate or hinder access, depending on how it is
      developed and implemented. This article examines two areas of international law
      that are relevant to cancer treatment: the international drug control system,
      which regulates opioid analgesics; and the World Trade Organization's Trade
      Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Agreement. This article outlines recent
      developments in relation to both, including in the activities of the Vienna-based
      agencies that collectively oversee the implementation of the Single Convention on
      Narcotic Drugs, and in the negotiation of the recent United Nations General
      Assembly Political Declaration on Non-communicable Diseases. While underlining
      the importance of law, this article notes that battles over law should not
      distract from the importance of other essential efforts to enhance access to
      medicines within the context of the strengthening of health systems.

PMID- 22054909
TI  - Multiple associated injuries are common with spine fractures during war.
AB  - BACKGROUND CONTEXT: The nature of concomitant injuries associated with spine
      fractures in American military personnel engaged in Operation Enduring Freedom
      (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) has been poorly documented in the
      literature. PURPOSE: To characterize the incidence and epidemiology of associated
      injuries (AIs) in American military personnel with spine fractures sustained
      during OEF and OIF from 2001 to 2009. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective study. PATIENT
      SAMPLE: American military personnel who were injured in a combat zone and whose
      medical data were abstracted in the Joint Theater Trauma Registry (JTTR). OUTCOME
      MEASURES: Not applicable. METHODS: The JTTR was queried using International
      Statistical Classification of Disease, Ninth Revision codes to identify all
      individuals who sustained spine injuries in OEF or OIF from October 2001 to
      December 2009. Medical records of all identified service members were abstracted
      to ensure accuracy and avoid duplication. Demographic information, including sex,
      age, and military rank, were obtained for all patients. Information regarding
      fracture type, spine region, mechanism of injury, and the presence of AIs was
      collected for all patients. RESULTS: Seventy-eight percent of patients with a
      spine fracture sustained at least one AI, with an average of 3.4 AIs per patient.
      Musculoskeletal injuries were most common, followed by chest, abdomen, and
      traumatic brain injuries. Most patients were injured by an explosive mechanism
      (62%). Head and face traumas were more common with cervical fractures, chest with
      thoracic injuries, and abdominopelvic injuries with lumbosacral fractures. Pelvis
      and acetabulum fractures were common after helicopter crashes, tibia/fibula
      injuries after explosions, thoracoabdominal injuries after gunshot wounds, and
      traumatic brain injuries after falls. Most patients (76%) sustained multiple
      spine fractures. CONCLUSION: Spine fractures sustained in OEF and OIF have high
      rates of AIs. Musculoskeletal AIs are the most common, but visceral injuries
      adjacent to the spine fracture frequently occur. Multiple spine injuries are more
      prevalent after military trauma.

PMID- 22054910
TI  - The chaperone-histone partnership: for the greater good of histone traffic and
      chromatin plasticity.
AB  - Histones are highly positively charged proteins that wrap our genome. Their
      surface properties also make them prone to nonspecific interactions and
      aggregation. A class of proteins known as histone chaperones is dedicated to
      safeguard histones by aiding their proper incorporation into nucleosomes. Histone
      chaperones facilitate ordered nucleosome assembly and disassembly reactions
      through the formation of semi-stable histone-chaperone intermediates without
      requiring ATP, but merely providing a complementary protein surface for histones
      to dynamically interact with. Recurrent 'chaperoning' mechanisms involve the
      masking of the histone's positive charge and the direct blocking of crucial
      histone surface sites, including those required for H3-H4 tetramerization or the
      binding of nucleosomal DNA. This shielding prevents histones from engaging in
      premature or unwanted interactions with nucleic acids and other cellular
      components. In this review, we analyze recent structural studies on chaperone
      histone interactions and discuss the implications of this vital partnership for
      nucleosome assembly and disassembly pathways.

PMID- 22054911
TI  - Mechanism of W(CO)6 sonolysis in diphenylmethane.
AB  - The present work analyses the mechanism of W(2)C/C nanocomposite formation during
      sonolysis of W(CO)(6) in diphenylmethane (DPhM) solutions. Carbon supported WC(x)
      nanoparticles attract much interest as an alternative fuel cell electrocatalysts.
      Sonolysis of neat DPhM under the effect of 20 kHz power ultrasound in argon at 80
      degrees C yields a sonopolymer as a solid product and acetylene, hydrogen,
      methane, diacetylene and benzene as gaseous products. Diacetylene is formed due
      to the secondary sonochemical dimerisation of acetylene obtained at the primary
      stage of DPhM sonolysis. FTIR and MU-Raman studies show that the sonopolymer
      consists of a mixture of some polymeric partially oxidized aromatic species, and
      disordered carbon. Sonolysis of W(CO)(6) in diphenylmethane solutions follows the
      first order kinetics. This process yields monodispersed 2-3 nm X-ray amorphous
      WC(x) nanoparticles embedded in amorphous sonopolymer. The annealing of air
      sensitive as-prepared solids in an inert atmosphere at 600  degrees C causes
      formation of stable W(2)C/C nanocomposite with W(2)C average particle size in the
      range of 4-7 nm and hexagonal carbon fine particles with the average size of 30
      40 nm. Kinetic study revealed that tungsten carbide is formed inside the
      cavitation bubble due to the reaction of tungsten nanoparticles originated from
      primary sonolysis of W(CO)(6) with acetylene produced as a result of
      diphenylmethane sonochemical degradation.

PMID- 22054912
TI  - UAE, MAE, SFE-CO2 and classical methods for the extraction of Mitragyna speciosa
      leaves.
AB  - Mitragyna speciosa, a tropical plant indigenous to Southeast Asia, is well known
      for its psychoactive properties. Its leaves are traditionally chewed by Thai and
      Malaysian farmers and manual labourers as it causes a numbing, stimulating
      effect. The present study aims to evaluate alkaloid yield and composition in the
      leaf extracts. For this purpose we have compared several non-conventional
      extraction techniques with classic procedures (room temperature or under
      heating). Dried M. speciosa leaves belonging to three batches of different origin
      (from Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia) were extracted using ultrasound-assisted
      extraction (UAE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE) and supercritical carbon
      dioxide extraction SFE-CO(2), using methanol, ethanol, water and binary mixtures.
      The extracts were compared using an HPLC/ESI-MS analysis of mitragynine and four
      other related alkaloids which were present in the alkaloid fraction. The
      extraction technique influences both the raw product yield and the relative
      alkaloid content of M. speciosa leaves. Of the several methods tested, MAE in a
      closed vessel at 110  degrees C (60 W, methanol/water 1:1) gave the highest
      alkaloid fraction amount, while UAE with an immersion horn at 25  degrees C (21.4
      kHz, 50 W, methanol) showed the best yield for mitragynine. This work may prove
      to be a useful contribution to forensic, toxicological and pharmacognosy studies.
      Although the potential applications of M. speciosa alkaloids clearly need further
      investigation, these results may facilitate the scaling-up of their extraction.

PMID- 22054913
TI  - Patients with atrial fibrillation in a primary care setting: Val-FAAP study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the clinical characteristics of patients with atrial
      fibrillation in the primary care setting. METHODS: This was a 2-phase, cross
      sectional, multicenter study: phase A assessed the proportion of atrial
      fibrillation patients assisted in primary care over 5 days; phase B analyzed
      atrial fibrillation patients' clinical characteristics and management. RESULTS:
      In phase A, 119 526 subjects (age 52.9 [15.2] years; 40.9% male) received primary
      care in participating centers; 6.1% had atrial fibrillation. This proportion
      increased with age, hypertension, and male sex. In phase B, we analyzed 3287
      atrial fibrillation patients (age 71.9 [10.1] years; 52.3% male). Risk factors
      were hypertension (92.6%), hypercholesterolemia (70.6%), related cardiovascular
      disease, heart failure (21.3%), and ischemic heart disease (20.9%). Permanent
      atrial fibrillation was the most frequent type of atrial fibrillation (45.3%).
      Age and cardiac and renal diseases were related to permanent atrial fibrillation
      development. Although more than two-thirds of patients had a CHADS(2) score >=2,
      about one-third of them were not taking anticoagulants; by contrast, 46.8% of
      patients with CHADS(2)=0 were taking oral anticoagulants. CONCLUSIONS: In primary
      care, 6.1% of patients had atrial fibrillation. Patients with atrial fibrillation
      had high comorbidity. Anticoagulant treatment is far from optimal for atrial
      fibrillation patients in primary care.

PMID- 22054914
TI  - Bone marrow gold.

PMID- 22054915
TI  - The effectiveness of a computer-tailored smoking cessation intervention for
      participants in lung cancer screening: a randomised controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lung cancer screening might be a teachable moment for smoking
      cessation intervention. The objective was to investigate whether a tailored self
      help smoking cessation intervention is more effective in inducing smoking
      cessation compared to a standard brochure in male smokers who participate in the
      Dutch-Belgian randomised controlled lung cancer screening trial (NELSON trial).
      METHODS: Two random samples of male smokers who had received either a standard
      brochure (n=642) or a tailoring questionnaire for computer-tailored smoking
      cessation information (n=642) were sent a questionnaire to measure smoking
      behaviour two years after randomisation. RESULTS: Twenty-three percent of the
      male smokers in the tailored information group returned a completed tailoring
      questionnaire and thus received the tailored advice. The prolonged smoking
      abstinence was slightly, but not statistically significant, lower amongst those
      randomised in the tailored information group (12.5%) compared with the brochure
      group (15.6%) (OR=0.77 (95%-CI: 0.56-1.06). The level of education and intention
      to quit smoking significantly predicted smoking cessation at follow-up (p<0.05).
      The majority of the respondents did not recall whether and which smoking
      cessation intervention they had received at randomisation after 2-years of follow
      up. CONCLUSION: The current study showed no advantage of tailored smoking
      cessation information over standard self-help information amongst male smokers
      with a long term smoking history who participate in a lung cancer screening trial
      after two years of follow-up. However, the low percentage participants who
      actually received the tailored advice limited the ability to find an advantage.

PMID- 22054916
TI  - New data, new paradigms for treating patients with prostate cancer: introduction.

PMID- 22054917
TI  - Focusing on testosterone.
AB  - Since Huggins and Hodges first established testosterone as the principal
      androgenic hormone responsible for the growth of prostate cancer in 1941,
      lowering the circulating testosterone to surgical castration levels (<50 ng/dL)
      has been a fundamental strategy for prostate cancer therapy. Until the 1980s,
      surgical castration (bilateral orchiectomy) and medical castration using estrogen
      (diethylstilbestrol) were the primary methods of testosterone suppression.
      However, during the past 30 years, newer agents that lower serum testosterone
      even more effectively have been approved and the indications for use of these
      newer agents re-evaluated.

PMID- 22054918
TI  - Indications and practice with androgen deprivation therapy.
AB  - The Cancer of the Prostate Strategic Urological Research Endeavor (CaPSURE) is an
      ongoing longitudinal observational study of current trends in prostate cancer
      staging and treatment across a spectrum of different treatment facilities in the
      United States. To date, the study has documented 2 principal findings: (a) a
      large variation exists in the treatment choices applied to similar patient
      presentations across the range of facility type, size, and geographic location in
      the United States; and (b) although it does not seem to make much difference in
      mortality outcomes which approach--hormonal therapy, radiotherapy, or surgery--is
      applied to men at low or intermediate risk, a survival benefit exists with
      surgery for men at high risk.

PMID- 22054919
TI  - Targeting the androgen receptor--theory and practice.
AB  - Intensive investigation during the past 2 decades has led to an improved
      knowledge of the biology of the androgen receptor and a better understanding of
      how to assess for disease progression and the apparent existence of castrate
      resistant prostate cancer. The result has been the clinical development of a new
      generation of hormonal therapy agents for achieving the androgen deprivation
      necessary to achieve castrate levels of circulating testosterone. It has also
      resulted in the realization that it is probably time to move away from using
      terms such as "hormone-refractory" and "androgen-independent" prostate cancer,
      given the clear evidence that significant, effective, ongoing suppression of
      testosterone, using better drugs and better assays, will continue to be the
      standard of care.

PMID- 22054920
TI  - Traditional approaches to androgen deprivation therapy.
AB  - For most of the past 25 years, 1 of the favored approaches to treating prostate
      cancer has been the suppression of circulating testosterone with luteinizing
      hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) agonists. LHRH agonists produce a downregulation
      of LHRH receptors and an uncoupling of the LHRH signal transduction mechanism.
      This leads to a marked reduction in the secretion of bioactive hormones
      stimulating testosterone production and eventual induction of a reversible, but
      transient and incomplete, state known as "selective medical hypophysectomy." The
      treatment with LHRH agonists has proved effective in many settings; however, the
      dosage and timing strategies depend critically on the patient's disease risk and
      progression. More recent investigations have suggested that a newer, quicker
      acting, pure gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist might be a preferable
      treatment approach. It remains a fundamental truth, however, that hormonal
      therapy is both overused and more toxic than generally appreciated. Therefore, a
      complete understanding of the indications and applications of this approach is
      essential for the practice of evidence-based medicine.

PMID- 22054921
TI  - New data, new paradigms for treating prostate cancer patients--VI: novel hormonal
      therapy approaches.
AB  - Until the 1980s, testosterone suppression for men with advanced prostate cancer
      was managed surgically, with bilateral orchiectomy, or medically, with
      diethylstilbestrol, a drug that was associated with a problematic side effect
      profile. Beginning in the mid-1980s, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
      approved the first luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonists, which proved
      effective for suppressing circulating testosterone levels and led to a
      significant shift away from surgical castration to medical management during the
      past 25 years. The luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonists resulted in a
      periodic return of noncastrate testosterone levels once the receptor
      desensitization attenuated and the effect of androgen agonism resumed. Therefore,
      the introduction of an androgen receptor antagonist (gonadotropin-releasing
      hormone antagonist) appeared, conceptually at least, to be a preferable
      alternative. The first such agent, degarelix, has proved to provide rapid
      testosterone suppression without the initial testosterone surge associated with
      luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone agonists. Other new agents in early
      development include a selective and irreversible inhibitor of CYP17, abiraterone,
      which has shown success in patients with castration-resistant metastatic prostate
      cancer, and MDV3100, a novel small molecule that acts as an oral nonsteroidal
      antiandrogen agent. In sum, these latest agents might lead to a paradigm shift in
      the treatment of patients with advanced prostate cancer; however, additional
      studies are required to clarify the many questions that remain regarding the
      optimal use and sequence of these agents.

PMID- 22054922
TI  - New data, new paradigms for treating patients with prostate cancer. Conclusion.

PMID- 22054923
TI  - Protein SUMOylation in spine structure and function.
AB  - The active regulation of spine structure and function is of fundamental
      importance for information storage in the brain. Many proteins involved in spine
      development and activity-dependent remodelling are potential or validated
      substrates for modification by the Small Ubiquitin-like Modifier (SUMO). The
      functional consequences of neuronal protein SUMOylation appear diverse and, in
      many cases, have not yet been determined. However, for several proteins
      SUMOylation has been shown to be a key regulator, which has a profound impact on
      spine dynamics and protein trafficking and function. Here we provide an overview
      of neuronal SUMOylation and discuss how greater understanding of this relatively
      recently discovered posttranslational modification will provide insight into the
      complexity of protein interactions that control synaptic activity and
      dysfunction.

PMID- 22054924
TI  - Pain and itch: insights into the neural circuits of aversive somatosensation in
      health and disease.
AB  - Although pain and itch are distinct sensations, most noxious chemicals are not
      very specific to one sensation over the other, and recent discoveries are
      revealing that Trp channels function as transducers for both. A key difference
      between these sensations is that itch is initiated by irritation of the skin,
      whereas pain can be elicited from almost anywhere in the body; thus, itch may be
      encoded by the selective activation of specific subsets of neurons that are tuned
      to detect harmful stimuli at the surface and have specialized central
      connectivity that is specific to itch. Within the spinal cord, cross-modal
      inhibition between pain and itch may help sharpen the distinction between these
      sensations. Moreover, this idea that somatosensory modalities inhibit one another
      may be generalizable to other somatosensory subtypes, such as cold and hot.
      Importantly, just as there are inhibitory circuits in the dorsal horn that
      mediate cross-inhibition between modalities, it appears that there are also
      excitatory connections that can be unmasked upon injury or in disease, leading to
      abnormally elevated pain states such as allodynia. We are now beginning to
      understand some of this dorsal horn circuitry, and these discoveries are proving
      to be relevant for pathological conditions of chronic pain and itch.

PMID- 22054925
TI  - Chemosensory-induced motor behaviors in fish.
AB  - Chemical sensory signals play a crucial role in eliciting motor behaviors. We now
      review the different motor behaviors induced by chemosensory stimuli in fish as
      well as their neural substrate. A great deal of research has focused on
      migratory, reproductive, foraging, and escape behaviors but it is only recently
      that the molecules mediating these chemotactic responses have become well
      characterized. Chemotactic responses are mediated by three sensory systems:
      olfactory, gustatory, and diffuse chemosensory. The olfactory sensory neuron
      responses to chemicals are now better understood. In addition, the olfactory
      projections to the central nervous system were recently shown to display an
      odotopic organization in the forebrain. Moreover, a specific downward projection
      underlying motor responses to olfactory inputs was recently described.

PMID- 22054926
TI  - Post-mortem evolution of rheological properties of the myofibrillar structure.
AB  - The post-mortem evolution of the rheological behaviour of beef muscle has been
      studied with the SATA compressive device. The resistance and elasticity of the
      muscle tissue, measured at low strain, refer to the myofibrillar structure and
      provide an indication of the advance of the rigor maturation process. These
      parameters have been used to quantify the electrical stimulation effect on
      Longissimus dorsi and Semi-membranosus muscles. An empirical model is proposed
      for the post-mortem evolution of the resistance and provides three parameters-the
      initial rate of rigor onset, the time of rigor and the residual stress after
      ageing. On the other hand, parameters obtained at high strain refer mainly to the
      connective tissue. The particularly high stress developed by the pre-rigor
      muscle, however, is presumed to be associated with the myofibrillar component.

PMID- 22054927
TI  - Cholesterol oxides in processed meats.
AB  - Methods for the extraction of cholesterol oxides from meats were studied. A dry
      column technique for the extraction of sterols was found to be more rapid and
      convenient than conventional chloroform-methanol extraction. An overall yield of
      32.0% and 23.6% for radiolabelled cholesterol and cholesterol oxides,
      respectively, was obtained after dry column extraction, saponification and
      chromatography on a silica arrestant column, Florisil(r)-AgNO(3) column and
      silica Sep-Pak(r) column. The overall extraction efficiency of ten meat samples
      was 22.3 +/- 1.7 %. Cholesterol oxides present in measurable amounts included 5
      cholesten-3beta, 19-diol, 5-cholesten-3beta-ol-22-one, the alpha and beta epimers
      of 5-cholesten-3beta, 7-diol and cholestan-3 beta, 5alpha, 6beta-triol in some of
      the meat samples analyzed, but, for the majority of samples, no detectable
      amounts of known cholesterol oxides were found. Most of the meats, however,
      contained unidentified components that are non-polar with respect to cholesterol.

PMID- 22054928
TI  - Effect of zeranol on bull muscle fibre composition.
AB  - Two trials are reported in which bulls were implanted with zeranol and
      slaughtered at 18 months. There was no significant change in carcass weight due
      to zeranol in either trial. Samples of the longissimus dorsi (LD) and splenius
      (Sp) were cross-cryosectioned, stained for myofibrillar ATPase and examined by
      conventional light microscopy. The stain resolved three fibre types: I, slow
      contracting with an oxidative metabolism, IIA, fast-oxidative-glycolytic and IIB,
      fast-glycolytic. In the LD from treated bulls, the occurrence of IIB fibres was
      increased, apparently at the expense of IIA fibres, as the occurrence of I fibres
      was unchanged. These occurrence changes parallelled previously reported effects
      of castration. Changes in Sp were less dramatic. In one trial IIB fibres were
      absent from all Sp muscles, but, in the other, some of the Sp muscles from
      treated animals contained these fibres whereas they were absent from the Sp of
      the control group. If the changes in fibre type occurrence due to zeranol extend
      to skeletal muscles other than LD and Sp, there is likely to be a subtle change
      in the musculature's metabolism. Fibre areas were largely unaffected by zeranol.
      In this respect zeranol did not mimic castration.

PMID- 22054929
TI  - Post-natal changes in some histochemical and enzymatic characteristics of three
      pig muscles.
AB  - Post-natal changes in histoenzymatic and enzymatic characteristics were studied
      in porcine longissimus, psoas major and tibialis cranialis muscles. The
      experiment was carried out on thirty-five female large White pigs: fifteen were
      slaughtered between birth and 120 kg body weight (BW) and twenty at the market
      liveweight of 100 kg. The relative growth of each of the three muscles in
      relation to BW appeared to be monophasic, the allometric growth rates differed
      significantly between muscles: 1.21, 1.08 and 0.97, respectively. Myofibers were
      classified according to their contractile and metabolic properties as betaR,
      alphaR and alphaW fibers. In the three muscles, the percentage of beta fibers
      increased from birth up to 2 months of age and little change occurred thereafter.
      Glycolytic fibers were detectable only from about one month onwards. Their
      percentage then increased rapidly up to 30-50 kg BW to reach 60%, 30% and 12% in
      longissimus, psoas major and tibialis cranialis muscles, respectively.
      Thereafter, these values only changed slightly. This histoenzymatic
      differentiation led to the typical type grouping found in pigs. Throughout the
      period studied, the cross-sectional area of the myofibers increased with some
      differences according to fiber type and muscle. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
      specific activity was similar in the three muscles at birth and then increased
      rapidly up to 4-5kg BW (15-20 days of age), although to a greater extent in the
      future glycolytic muscle (longissimus) This increase then abruptly slowed down.
      The period between 15 and 20 days of age corresponds to a critical stage already
      known in the rearing of pigs, i.e. growth rate, body composition and food intake.
      Changes in isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICDH) specific activity were much slighter
      and differed according to the muscle. There were close correlations between
      percentages of alphaW fibers and enzymatic kinetic measurements from one month
      onwards.

PMID- 22054930
TI  - Effect of different types and locations of the electrode source of an extra low
      voltage electrical stimulation system on beef quality.
AB  - An extra low voltage (45V) electrical stimulation (ES) system was used to
      determine the effects of using different types and locations of the positive
      electrode and negative ground of the ES system on beef carcass quality. Thirty
      three Angus heifers (22 months of age) were assigned at slaughter to one of six
      ES treatments (trt): (1) rectal probe with a ground inserted in the incision made
      below the brisket during exsanguination, (2) rectal probe with ground inserted in
      the neck above the atlas joint, (3) rectal probe with a ground attached to the
      lower mandible, (4) muzzle clamp with a ground inserted in the shackled leg, (5)
      nasal clamp with a ground inserted in the shackled leg and (6) non-stimulated
      controls. Stimulation was generated using a full wave rectified pulsating direct
      current of 16 Hz for a duration of 90s within 3 min of exsanguination. Carcasses
      were chilled at 2 degrees C and evaluated at 24h post mortem. Regardless of type
      or where the electrodes were placed within the carcass, all ES trt produced a
      more rapid drop in pH than the control group. Differences in the effectiveness of
      the various ES trt on improving meat tenderness were observed. For four selected
      muscles of the carcass (longissimus, semimembranosus, biceps femoris and triceps
      brachii) the most consistent and uniform improvement in tenderness was found
      using ES trt 1 or trt 3. The only drawback associated with trt 1 was the
      ineffectiveness in eliminating the formation of heat-ring. The other ES trt were
      successful in alleviating this problem. This study indicates that type and
      locations of electrode source in an extra voltage ES system are important factors
      to consider in developing an efficacious low voltage ES system. This work also
      suggests successful implementation of extra low voltage carcass ES for commercial
      use if specific types of rectal probe electrode systems are used.

PMID- 22054931
TI  - Effect of singeing on the texture and histological appearance of pig skin.
AB  - Singeing of pigs is a necessary process in the manufacture of Wiltshire bacon,
      but it is a very energy-demanding process. As a preliminary to the development of
      less expensive methods, the effect of singeing was examined. Skin samples were
      taken from thirty pig carcasses before and after the singeing process. The
      changes in the skin were followed by texture measurements, analyses of soluble
      collagen content and histological measurements of the depth of the effect on the
      skin microscopically observable. For more detailed histological studies, five
      carcasses were followed through the slaughtering processes and samples were taken
      immediately after death, after scalding and de-hairing, after singeing and after
      removal of the charred skin. The results show that the desired changes in the
      skin are due to the heat denaturation of the collagen. The same effect is seen
      after 10 minutes' exposure to water at 60 degrees C. It is therefore possible to
      change the skin structure at a lower, and less energy-expensive, temperature, but
      then the hair left from the de-hairing process has to be removed in another way.

PMID- 22054932
TI  - Fatty acid composition of water buffalo meat.
AB  - The fatty acid composition of intramuscular lipids of Longissimus dorsi (LD),
      Psoas major (PM), Biceps femoris (BF), Semitendinosus (ST) muscles and liver of
      water buffalo male calves was determined by capillary gas-liquid chromatography.
      The content of total lipids in the LD muscle was found to be maximum, followed by
      PM, BF and ST in decreasing order (1.03, 0.99, 0.66 and 0.55g/100g of fresh
      muscle). Liver contained 2.65 g of total lipids per 100 g of fresh tissue.
      Following the anatomical location, intramuscular lipids contained 44-55% of
      saturated fatty acids, of which the major components were stearic and palmitic
      acids. Mono-unsaturated fatty acids (31-40%) composed mainly oleic acid (90%).
      The PUFA contents in PM, LD, ST and BF were, respectively, 11%, 12%, 13% and 16%.
      The predominant PUFA were linoleic (66%) and arachidonic (25%). The significance
      of difference of PUFA content between muscles is discussed. Liver contained 48%,
      27% and 22% saturated, monosaturated and PUFA, respectively. The PUFA in liver
      were linoleic (36%), C20 (47%) and C22 (9%).

PMID- 22054933
TI  - [Tinea capitis: trends in Spain].
AB  - Considerable information is available on the changing incidence, etiology,
      clinical forms and management of tinea capitis in Spain. While the condition
      became epidemic during the 19th century, when it was predominantly caused by
      anthropophilic dermatophytes, the incidence fell with the advent of treatment
      with griseofulvin, after which zoophilic dermatophytes became the main etiologic
      agents. Although the true incidence of tinea capitis in Spain today is unknown,
      the condition continues to be a public health problem. Ongoing changes are
      evident in the greater diversity of pathogenic species identified and a renewed
      increase in anthropophilic dermatophytes, especially associated with immigration.
      Consequently, unless action is taken to correctly diagnose, treat, and prevent
      this infection, its prevalence may once again reach epidemic proportions in the
      near future.

PMID- 22054934
TI  - Present and future prospects of seaweeds in developing functional foods.
AB  - There has been a combined effort among scientists to explore and utilize varying
      food sources to develop functional foods to cater the ever-increasing demand from
      the consumers, who seek health-promoting roles of dietary compounds. Considering
      the diversity of biochemicals in seaweeds that are capable of exerting
      bioactivities, a growing trend is developing across globe to employ seaweeds in
      functional food development. Proteins, peptides, amino acids, polysaccharides,
      phenolics, lipids, vitamins, and minerals in seaweeds and their functional
      properties provide insights into the success of potential functional food
      products that can be developed utilizing seaweeds. However, several factors need
      to be taken into consideration in designing seaweed-based functional foods to
      obtain the market success. This chapter elaborates on the prospects of seaweeds
      in developing seaweed-based functional food products.

PMID- 22054935
TI  - Nutritional and digestive health benefits of seaweed.
AB  - Seaweed is a famous delicacy in some parts of the Asia and also a well-known
      source of important food hydrocolloids, such as agar, alginates, and carrageenan.
      In addition to the food value of seaweed, several health benefits have also been
      reported to be present in this valuable food source. It is presumed that the
      unique features of the marine environment, where the seaweeds are grown, are
      mainly responsible for most of its properties. Among the functional effects of
      the seaweed, nutritional and health-related benefits have been widely studied.
      Compared to the terrestrial plants and animal-based foods, seaweed is rich in
      some health-promoting molecules and materials such as, dietary fiber, omega-3
      fatty acids, essential amino acids, and vitamins A, B, C, and E. In this chapter,
      the nutritive value of seaweed and the functional effects of its soluble fiber
      are discussed with a special reference to the digestive health promotion of
      human.

PMID- 22054936
TI  - Marine edible algae as disease preventers.
AB  - As modern lifestyles and new feeding habits settle in the world, noncommunicable
      diseases (NCDs) have evolved to be major causes of disability in developing as
      well as developed countries. As a concomitant effect, there is a growing interest
      in natural, healthy food and an increasing awareness of risk factors and
      determinants of disease. This chapter describes some nutritional facts about
      seaweeds, which have been used as food since ancient times in China, Japan,
      Egypt, and India and comments on the potential utilization of marine algae as
      functional foods. This concept and the description of metabolic syndrome are used
      as a basis to comprehension of seaweeds against two dreadful illnesses of our
      times: high blood pressure and cancer.

PMID- 22054937
TI  - Potential role of marine algae on female health, beauty, and longevity.
AB  - Marine environment has been known as a rich source of chemical structures with
      numerous health benefit effects. Among marine organisms, marine algae have been
      identified as an underexploited plant resource although they have long been
      recognized as valuable sources of structurally diverse bioactive compounds.
      Presently, several lines of studies have provided insight into biological
      activities of marine algae in promoting female health, beauty, and longevity.
      Hence, marine algae have a great potential to be used as a part of
      pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, and functional foods. This contribution presents
      an overview of marine algal potential effect in promoting female health, beauty,
      and longevity.

PMID- 22054938
TI  - Sea lettuces: culinary uses and nutritional value.
AB  - In many countries, sea lettuces are commonly consumed as food by human since the
      beginning of times. Sea lettuces contain significant amount of nutrients which
      are essential for human body. Moreover, several studies have provided insight
      into biological activities and health promoting effects of sea lettuces. Despite
      having so much health beneficial effects, sea lettuces are still identified as an
      underexploited plant resources for food purposes. Hence, sea lettuces have a
      great potential for further development as products in foods and pharmaceutical
      areas. Further, potential applications of polysaccharides, protein and amino
      acid, lipid and fatty acid, mineral and vitamin contents may increase the sea
      lettuces value. This contributions presents information on the currently culinary
      use of sea lettuces worldwide and nutritional aspects of sea lettuces.

PMID- 22054939
TI  - Marine algal sources for treating bacterial diseases.
AB  - Microorganisms are the causative agents for various types of diseases in humans,
      animals, and plants. The invention of antibiotics against the bacterial diseases
      in the early twentieth century improved the heath conditions of the humans, but
      it resulted in the development of variable drug/multidrug-resistant strains which
      are now posing great challenge to cure the diseases. The need for searching novel
      bioactive compounds having potential therapeutic value resulted in exploration of
      oceans. Screening diverse fauna and flora in oceans opened new avenues for the
      development of novel therapeutic agents such as sesquiterpenes, phlorotannins,
      bromoditerpenes, halogenated furanones, and algal lectin which show effect on a
      wide range of Gram-negative and positive bacteria. Hence these bioactive
      compounds can be used as broad spectrum antibiotics, antibacterial, and
      antifouling agents.

PMID- 22054940
TI  - Physical, chemical, and biological properties of wonder kelp--Laminaria.
AB  - Laminaria is a kelp that finds its place in the brown algae family. It has been
      an area of study for past many years, and its wonderful biological properties
      have always attracted medical professionals and researchers to explore more and
      more from this wonder kelp. The constituents of Laminaria include iodine,
      potassium, magnesium, calcium and iron. Iodine compounds, TEA-hydroiodide in
      particular, are great lipolytic agents as they stimulate lipase activity.
      Laminarins on the other hand are used as a tumor angiogenic blocker. This genus
      of the kelps is also rich in algin, a high molecular weight polysaccharide that
      forms viscous colloidal solutions or gels in water leading to the use of kelp
      derivatives as bulk laxatives. It has great applications in cosmeceutical
      science, as well as some antibacterial properties have also been assigned to
      Laminaria. A deeper insight into the physical, biological, and chemical
      properties of this wonder kelp would lead to further exploitation of Laminaria
      for medicinal and cosmeceutical purpose.

PMID- 22054941
TI  - Medicinal effects of phlorotannins from marine brown algae.
AB  - Brown seaweeds are popular and abundant food in East Asia and also well known for
      their medicinal effects due to presence of active phenolic constituents.
      Phlorotannins, the major phenolic group of brown algae, have extensively
      investigated for their vast array of bioactivities such as antioxidant, anti
      inflammatory, anticancer, and antidiabetic. They possess promising activity in
      both in vitro and in vivo systems showing promising potential to further develop
      as therapeutic agents. In this chapter, attempts have taken to examine and
      categorize the reports available on active phlorotannins which have shown strong
      bioactivities.

PMID- 22054942
TI  - Biological activities and potential health benefits of fucoxanthin derived from
      marine brown algae.
AB  - The importance of marine algae as sources of functional ingredients has been well
      recognized due to their valuable health beneficial effects. Therefore, isolation
      and investigation of novel bioactive ingredients with biological activities from
      marine algae have attracted great attention. Among functional ingredients
      identified from marine algae, fucoxanthin has received particular interest.
      Fucoxanthin has been attributed with extraordinary potential for protecting the
      organism against a wide range of diseases and has considerable potential and
      promising applications in human health. Fucoxanthin has been reported to exhibit
      various beneficial biological activities such as antioxidant, anticancer, anti
      inflammatory, antiobesity, and neuroprotective activities. In this chapter, the
      currently available scientific literatures regarding the most significant
      activities of fucoxanthin are summarized.

PMID- 22054943
TI  - Phlorotannins and fucoidans from marine macroalgae as matrix metalloproteinase
      inhibitory substances and their possible application as medicinal foods.
AB  - Metalloproteinases especially matrix metalloproteinases are a group of
      endopeptidases that contribute for the extracellular matrix degradation, and
      several tissue remodeling processes. Improper regulation of these endopeptidases
      could lead to several severe pathological problems that include cardiac,
      cartilage, and cancer-related diseases. Until now, many synthetic matrix
      metalloproteinase inhibitory substances (MMPIs) have been reported; however, many
      of them could not make to the final clinical trials. Hence, the emphasis on
      screening of MMPIs from different natural resources has gained much importance
      and marine resources are one among them. As marine organisms have been
      contributing with several biologically active compounds that have profound
      applications in nutraceuticals, cosmeceuticals, and pharmaceuticals; in this
      chapter, an attempt has been made to discuss the various MMPIs from edible
      seaweeds, which could be considered as medicinal foods.

PMID- 22054944
TI  - Protective effect of polysaccharide from Hizikia fusiformis against ethanol
      induced toxicity.
AB  - Polysaccharide extracted from Hizikia fusiformis (Hf-PS-1) exhibited protective
      effects against ethanol-induced peptic injury. In in vivo assay, the ethanol
      group exhibited decrease of total glutathione (GSH) and increase of jun N
      terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation relative to the control group, whereas
      levels were significantly increased and decreased, respectively, in the Hf-PS-1
      group. Hf-PS-1 reduced ethanol-induced gastric injury. In in vitro assay, ethanol
      induced IEC-6 cells' death in a dose-dependent manner. Ethanol decreased the
      phosphorylation of Shc and the binding of Grb2 to Shc, and Hf-PS-1 pretreatment
      increased them. Ethanol also induced the phosphorylation of JNK and extracellular
      signal-regulated kinase (ERK), whereas Hf-PS-1 pretreatment decreased JNK
      activation but not ERK. Co-treatment with JNK inhibitor and ethanol decreased GSH
      levels, indicating that JNK phosphorylation is a critical factor during ethanol
      induced injury. Therefore, Hf-PS-1 may be useful to protect against ethanol
      induced gastrointestinal injury.

PMID- 22054945
TI  - Functional properties of brown algal sulfated polysaccharides, fucoidans.
AB  - Marine algae are potentially prolific sources of highly bioactive components that
      might represent useful leads in the development of new pharmaceutical agents and
      functional foods. This chapter discusses the current literature on biological
      activities of sulfated polysaccharides, fucoidans, from brown seaweeds. The
      profound functional properties of fucoidans could be employed in pharmaceutical,
      nutraceutical functional food, and cosmeceutical applications. Therefore, the
      chapter deals with the functional properties of the sulfated polysaccharides,
      fucoidans, with reference to its industrial applications as a functional
      ingredient.

PMID- 22054946
TI  - Polysaccharides from Capsosiphon fulvescens stimulate the growth of
      gastrointestinal cells.
AB  - Capsosiphon fulvescens is a green alga that is abundant along the southwest coast
      of South Korea. Although it is consumed for its purported health-enhancing
      properties, particularly as a treatment for stomach disorders and hangovers, the
      health effects of dietary C. fulvescens remain unclear. Polysaccharides extracted
      from C. fulvescens (Cf-PS) are investigated for their effects on the
      proliferation of rat small intestinal epithelial IEC-6 cells. Cf-PS stimulated
      IEC-6 cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. Further, Cf-PS treatment
      induced the translocation of beta-catenin, an effector of the Wnt signaling
      pathway, from the cytosol to the nucleus and increased the expression of cyclinD1
      and c-myc. Cf-PS also induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation, which is activated by
      mitogenic and proliferative stimuli such as growth factors, but the
      phosphorylation of JNK and p38 was not enhanced. Therefore, this chapter
      discusses the effect of Cf-PS on the growth of gastrointestinal cells.

PMID- 22054947
TI  - Potential beneficial effects of marine algal sterols on human health.
AB  - The importance of bioactive derivatives as functional ingredients has been well
      recognized due to their valuable health beneficial effects. Therefore, isolation
      and characterization of novel functional ingredients with biological activities
      from marine algae have gained much attention. Sterols are important structural
      component of cell membranes. It has been reported that plant sterols exhibit
      various beneficial biological activities such as hypercholesterolemic,
      antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory,
      antifungal, and antibacterial activities. Marine algae with a great diversity can
      be a very interesting natural resource of sterols. This chapter focuses on
      biological activities of marine algae derived sterols with potential health
      beneficial applications in functional foods and pharmaceuticals.

PMID- 22054948
TI  - Laminaria japonica as a food for the prevention of obesity and diabetes.
AB  - Various seaweeds have traditionally been used as flavoring materials, food
      additives, and foodstuffs in many countries, especially those in Asia. The
      seaweed Laminaria japonica (LJ) is popular as "kombu" in Japanese cuisine.
      Laminaria sp. is one of the most important marine medicinal foodstuffs, as its
      biological functions have been widely investigated in both in vitro and in vivo
      experiments. This chapter introduces recent reports on the ability of Laminaria
      to prevent obesity and diabetes, and some approaches for effectively using the
      bioactivities found in Laminaria. The inhibitory effects of Laminaria sp. on
      triglyceride absorption were investigated in triglyceride-loaded mice and in mice
      with high-fat-diet-induced obesity. Shaved Laminaria, known as "tororokombu,"
      showed more effective activities in these experiments. The active component was
      considered to be alginic acid in the water-soluble fraction. On the other hand,
      the antihyperglycemic effects of a hot water extract of immature Laminaria were
      investigated in carbohydrate-loaded mice and in in vitro experiments using Caco-2
      cells. The potential usefulness of Laminaria sp. as marine medicinal foods may be
      increased through the use of different processing methods and/or growth stages.
      These reports suggest that LJ may be useful for preventing lifestyle-related
      diseases.

PMID- 22054949
TI  - Anticancer compounds from marine macroalgae and their application as medicinal
      foods.
AB  - Cancer is one of the most challenging medical conditions that need a proper
      therapeutic approach for its proper management with fewer side effects. Until
      now, many of the phytochemicals from terrestrial origin have been assessed for
      their anticancer ability and few of them are in clinical trials too. However,
      marine environment also has been a greatest resource that harbors taxonomically
      diverse and a variety of life forms and serves as store house for several
      biologically beneficial metabolites. Hitherto, many metabolites have been
      isolated from marine biomasses that have exhibited excellent biological
      activities, especially as anticancer agents. In particular, marine macroalgae
      which are considered as dietary constituents in Pacific Asian region have become
      chief resources for their unparalleled and unique metabolites like sulfated
      polysaccharides (SPs), phlorotannins, and their ability in reducing the risk of
      cancer and its related diseases. In this chapter, we have discussed the
      anticancer activities of marine algae-derived SPs, phlorotannins, and carotenoids
      and the possibilities of marine algae as potential medicinal foods in the
      management of cancer.

PMID- 22054950
TI  - Marine algae: natural product source for gastrointestinal cancer treatment.
AB  - Among marine organisms, marine algae are rich sources of structurally diverse
      bioactive compounds with various biological activities. In order to survive in a
      highly competitive environment, freshwater or marine algae have to develop
      defense strategies that result in a tremendous diversity of compounds from
      different metabolic pathways. Recently, their importance as a source of novel
      bioactive substances is growing rapidly and many reports have been published
      about isolated compounds from algae with biological activities. Many researchers
      reported anticancer activity of the compounds isolated from marine algae.
      Gastrointestinal tract cancer is one of the most frequent death causes of cancer
      in men and women. Especially stomach cancer and colon cancer are the second and
      third common cancer type in the world after lung cancer. Hence investigation of
      bioactive compounds against gastrointestinal cancer cells has recently become an
      important field for researchers.

PMID- 22054951
TI  - Anticoagulant effect of marine algae.
AB  - Recently, a great deal of interest has been developed in the nutraceutical and
      pharmaceutical industries to isolate natural anticoagulant compounds from marine
      resources. Among marine resources, marine algae are valuable sources of novel
      bioactive compounds with anticoagulant effect. Phlorotannins and sulfated
      polysaccharides such as fucoidans in brown algae, carrageenans in red algae, and
      ulvans in green algae have been recognized as potential anticoagulant agents.
      Therefore, marine algae-derived phlorotannins and SPs have great potential for
      developing as anticoagulant drugs in nutraceutical and pharmaceutical areas. This
      chapter focuses on the potential anticoagulant agents in marine algae and
      presents an overview of their anticoagulant effect.

PMID- 22054952
TI  - Potential application of marine algae as antiviral agents in medicinal foods.
AB  - Viral diseases, caused by pathogenic virus infections, are still the leading
      cause of death in humans worldwide. Although many antiviral agents have been
      developed and are used for treatment of infectious diseases, emergence of drug
      resistance, side effects, and the necessity for extensive clinical use are the
      main reasons for failure of antiviral therapy. Therefore, the development of new
      antiviral agents with diverse kinds of antiviral actions is required. The search
      for new antiviral agents focuses on not only synthetic compounds but also natural
      products such as plants, insects, animal organs, and their components. Recently,
      a great deal of interest has been expressed regarding marine algae as potential
      antiviral agents. This contribution focuses on antiherpes virus therapeutic
      agents derived from marine algae which are considered as novel functional
      ingredients in antiherpes virus therapy.

PMID- 22054953
TI  - Anti-HIV activity of extracts and compounds from marine algae.
AB  - In recent years, elucidation of novel bioactive substances from different marine
      organisms is gaining importance rapidly not only from the research and
      publications but also from controlled clinical studies of natural product-derived
      substances. They offer important leads for the development of antiviral drugs
      against viral infections caused by human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1).
      Regarding this issue, numerous anti-HIV-1 therapeutic agents from marine
      resources have been reported for their potential medicine/medical application as
      novel functional ingredients in anti-HIV therapy. In detail, marine macroalgae
      have attracted much of attention as a reliable source for potential anti-HIV
      compounds. Up to date, several types of compounds such as tannins,
      polysaccharides, lectins, and derivatives have been isolated, identified, and
      reported to possess significant anti-HIV-1 activity.

PMID- 22054954
TI  - Antiallergic benefit of marine algae in medicinal foods.
AB  - The prevalence of allergic diseases such as asthma, atopic dermatitis, and
      allergic rhinitis has increased during the past two decades and contributed a
      great deal to morbidity and an appreciable mortality in the world. Until now, few
      novel efficacious drugs have been discovered to treat, control, or even cure
      these disorders with a low adverse-effect profile. Meanwhile, glucocorticoids are
      still the mainstay for the treatment of allergic disease. Therefore, it is
      essential to isolate novel antiallergic therapeutics from natural resources.
      Recently, marine algae have received much attention as they are a valuable source
      of chemically diverse bioactive compounds with numerous health benefit effects.
      This contribution focuses on antiallergic agents derived from marine algae and
      presents an overview of their potential application in medicinal foods for the
      treatment of allergic disorders.

PMID- 22054955
TI  - Marine macro- and microalgae as potential agents for the prevention of asthma:
      hyperresponsiveness and inflammatory subjects.
AB  - Asthma is a variable disease and various factors are affected to increase the
      asthmatic symptoms and level of asthma control. It is believed that the cause for
      this disease is a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Numerous
      medications are available at present to treat this disease but it has been failed
      to control number of incidences successfully. Hence, recently many researchers
      have paid their interest to identify potential drugs from marine-based resources
      such as marine algae. In vitro and in vivo experiments have been conducted with
      extracts or compounds from algae and found that they showed significant
      activities against asthma. Accordingly, many marine macro- and microalgae have
      been reported to have potential to ameliorate the effect of asthma. However,
      detailed studies are needed in relation to identify the molecular mechanism of
      this disease to apply those marine resources against asthma effectively. In this
      chapter, an attempt has been taken to discuss the potential antiasthmatic
      activity of marine macro- and microalgae.

PMID- 22054956
TI  - Impact of marine micro- and macroalgal consumption on photoprotection.
AB  - The enormousness of species diversity of oceans leads to the isolation and
      development of health- and beauty-enhancing components from various marine
      organisms. The significance of these marine-derived compounds or substances has
      been scientifically well implied for various biological and biomedical
      parameters. One such important parameter is photoprotectivity, which is the major
      concern nowadays because of the depletion in ozone layer and the possible high
      risk of UV irradiation to humans. The marine macro- as well as microalgae and
      their food products, knowingly and unknowingly, have been used since hundreds of
      years. These foods possess tremendous implications in defending the highly
      hazardous UV radiation, thereby facilitating photoprotection to humans. In
      addition, based on the recent studies, many of the UV-protecting algal species is
      directed for the use as medicinally valuable foods and food ingredients. This
      chapter describes certain micro- and macroalgal species along with their
      photoprotective importance.

PMID- 22054957
TI  - Seaweed proteins and amino acids as nutraceuticals.
AB  - Seaweeds demonstrate original and interesting nutritional characteristics.
      Protein concentration ranges from 5% to 47% of dry basic. Its value depends
      particularly on species and the environmental conditions. Seaweed protein is a
      source of all amino acids, especially glycine, alanine, arginine, proline,
      glutamic, and aspartic acids. In algae, essential amino acids (EAAs) represent
      almost a half of total amino acids and their protein profile is close to the
      profile of egg protein. In case of non-EAAs, all three groups (green, brown, and
      red seaweeds) contain the similar amount. Red seaweed seems to be a good source
      of protein because its value reaches 47%. The issue of protein malnutrition
      supports the trend to find a new and cheap alternative source of protein. Algae
      could play an important role in the above-mentioned challenge because of
      relatively high content of nitrogen compounds. Algae may be used in the industry
      as a source of ingredients with high nutritional quality.

PMID- 22054958
TI  - Medicinal effects of peptides from marine microalgae.
AB  - Nowadays, there are numerous commercial applications of microalgae, and they have
      been used to enhance the nutritional value of food and animal feed owing to their
      chemical composition. They are cultivated as a source of highly nutritional and
      valuable source. Recently, microalgae have been reported to use as a potent
      source for food additive, nutraceutical, or pharmaceuticals. According to the
      criteria of nutritional quality and cost, variety of marine organisms has been
      investigated for their suitability to be applied in the production of protein
      hydrolysates in functional foods. Recently, a great deal of interest has been
      expressed regarding marine-derived bioactive peptides because of their numerous
      health benefits. In addition, many studies have been reported that marine
      bioactive peptides can be used as functional foods, nutraceuticals, or
      pharmaceuticals due to their therapeutic potential in the treatment or prevention
      of various diseases. Hence, in this chapter, we discussed the importance of
      marine microalgae in relation to their medicinal value.

PMID- 22054959
TI  - Seaweed as a source of novel nutraceuticals: sulfated polysaccharides and
      peptides.
AB  - Seaweeds and seaweed-derived products are underexploited marine bioresources and
      a source of natural ingredients for functional foods. Nutritional studies on
      seaweeds indicate that brown and red seaweeds possess a good nutritional quality
      and could be used as an alternative source of dietary fiber, protein, and
      minerals. Moreover, bioactive sulfated polysaccharides are the main components of
      soluble fiber in seaweeds and also bioactive peptides can be prepared from
      seaweed protein. This chapter gives an overview of the main biological properties
      of sulfated polysaccharides and peptides from brown and red seaweeds. Recent
      studies have provided evidence that sulfated polysaccharides from seaweeds can
      play a vital role in human health and nutrition. Besides, peptides derived from
      algal protein are most promising as antihypertensive agents. Further research
      work, especially in vivo studies, are needed in order to gain a better knowledge
      of the relation structure-function by which bioactive compounds from seaweeds
      exert their bioactivity.

PMID- 22054960
TI  - Seaweed lipids as nutraceuticals.
AB  - Seaweeds are known as low-energy food. Despite low lipid content, omega-3 and
      omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) introduce a significant part of
      seaweed lipids. PUFAs are the important components of all cell membranes and
      precursors of eicosanoids that are essential bioregulators of many cellular
      processes. PUFAs effectively reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, cancer,
      ostheoporosis, and diabetes. Because of the frequent usage of seaweeds in Asia
      and their increasing utilization as food also in other parts of the world,
      seaweeds could contribute to the improvement of a low level of omega-3 PUFAs,
      especially in the Western diet. The major commercial sources of omega-3 PUFAs are
      fish, but their wide usage as food additives is limited for the typical fishy
      smell, unpleasant taste, and oxidative nonstability. Nevertheless, growing
      requirements of healthy functional foods have led to produce PUFAs as
      nutraceuticals in controlled batch culture of marine microalgae, especially
      Thraustochytrium and Schizochytrium strains.

PMID- 22054961
TI  - Seaweed vitamins as nutraceuticals.
AB  - Seaweeds are a good source of some water- (B(1), B(2), B(12), C) and fat-soluble
      (beta-carotene with vitamin A activity, vitamin E) vitamins. To ensure that the
      adequate intake of all vitamins is received in the diet, people (especially
      people on special diet, strict vegetarians, and vegans) can consume foods
      enriched with vitamins, for example, in the form of functional foods with
      vitamins as nutraceuticals, extracted from natural sources such as seaweeds.
      Seaweed vitamins are important not only due to their biochemical functions and
      antioxidant activity but also due to other health benefits such as decreasing of
      blood pressure (vitamin C), prevention of cardiovascular diseases (beta
      carotene), or reducing the risk of cancer (vitamins E and C, carotenoids).

PMID- 22054962
TI  - Seaweed minerals as nutraceuticals.
AB  - Seaweed is known as an abundant source of minerals. Mineral composition of
      seaweed is very changeable because of many exogenous and endogenous factors and
      differs also within the same species. Principally, seaweed is an excellent source
      of some essential elements. Mainly, iron and iodine are in high concentration.
      Seaweeds could be prospective as functional foods and also producers of mineral
      nutraceuticals.

PMID- 22054963
TI  - Medicinal benefits of sulfated polysaccharides from sea vegetables.
AB  - The cell walls of sea vegetables or marine algae are rich in sulfated
      polysaccharides (SPs) such as fucoidans in brown algae, carrageenans in red
      algae, and ulvans in green algae. These SPs exhibit various biological activities
      such as anticoagulant, antiviral, antioxidative, and anticancer activities with
      potential health benefits. Therefore, SPs derived from sea vegetables have great
      potential in further development as nutraceuticals and medicinal foods. This
      chapter presents an overview of biological activities and potential medicinal
      benefits of SPs derived from sea vegetables.

PMID- 22054964
TI  - The perspectives of the application of biofilm in the prevention of chronic
      infections.
AB  - Biofilms are a natural part of the ecology of the earth. Many biofilms are quite
      harmful and must be treated or controlled. Other biofilms are beneficial and can
      be used to help fix serious problems. Biofilms can grow on many different
      surfaces, including rocks in water, foods, teeth, and various biomedical
      implants. This bacterial colonization may present the need for additional
      operations, amputation, or it may even lead to death. The fundamental principles
      of bacterial cell attachment and biofilm formation are discussed. Biofilms
      represents a new, wide-open field practice and research that is only going to get
      hotter with time. Functional organic plasma polymerized coatings are also
      discussed for their potential as bio-sensitive interfaces, connecting metallic
      electronic devices with their physiological environments.

PMID- 22054965
TI  - Osteoporosis treatment: marine algal compounds.
AB  - Osteoporosis is one of the most common bone diseases that occur due to imbalance
      during bone formation and bone resorption. About half of all women over the age
      of 50 will have a fracture on the hip, wrist, or vertebra. Research and treatment
      of osteoporosis are challenging for researchers and physicians. There are several
      types of treatments for osteoporosis including most famous bisphosphonates,
      estrogen agonists/antagonists, parathyroid hormone, estrogen therapy, hormone
      therapy, and recently developed RANKL inhibition. In the recent days, much
      attention has been paid for marine algal extracts and compounds for osteoporosis
      treatment. In this chapter, we extensively deal with marine algae compounds and
      their rich mineral constituents for osteoporosis treatment.

PMID- 22054966
TI  - Marine algae possess therapeutic potential for Ca-mineralization via osteoblastic
      differentiation.
AB  - One of the important natural product investigations from marine algae is to focus
      on the pharmaceutically important compounds that can be applied in bone health.
      Osteoporosis is one of the bone diseases caused by an imbalance between bone
      formation and resorption. Promotion of osteoblast differentiation is one of the
      best therapeutic ways to combat osteoporosis. Osteoblasts are the cells
      responsible for bone formation by increasing the proliferation of the
      osteoblastic lineage or inducing differentiation of the osteoblasts. In this
      review, we describe the central effects of osteoblast differentiation by various
      bone therapy biomaterials from marine algae.

PMID- 22054967
TI  - Extracts of marine algae show inhibitory activity against osteoclast
      differentiation.
AB  - Osteoclasts are multinucleated cells that play a crucial role in bone resorption.
      The imbalance between bone resorption and bone formation results in osteoporosis.
      Therefore, substances that can suppress osteoclast formation are potential
      candidate materials for drug development or functional foods. There have been
      reports that extracts or purified compounds from marine micro- and macroalgae can
      suppress osteoclast differentiation. Symbioimine, isolated from the cultured
      dinoflagellate Symbiodinium sp., had suppressive effects against osteoclast
      differentiation in osteoclast-like cells. Norzoanthamine, isolated from the
      colonial zoanthid Zoanthas sp., has been shown to have antiosteoporosis activity
      in ovariectomized mice. With regard to marine extracts, the fucoxanthin-rich
      component from brown algae has been shown to have suppressive effects against
      osteoclast differentiation. An extract of Sargassum fusiforme has recently been
      shown to have antiosteoporosis activity. This extract suppressed both osteoclast
      differentiation and accelerated osteoblast formation in separate in vitro
      experiments. It also showed antiosteoporosis activity in ovariectomized mice by
      regulating the balance between bone resorption and bone formation. These marine
      algae and their extracts may be sources of marine medicinal foods for the
      prevention of osteoporosis.

PMID- 22054968
TI  - Sea vegetables. Preface.

PMID- 22054969
TI  - Methods of predicting pale, soft, exudative pork and their application in
      breeding programmes-A review.
AB  - The condition of pale, soft, exudative (PSE) pork has long been considered to be
      mainly a post mortem phenomenon. There is now substantial evidence that such pigs
      are suffering from a kind of myopathy, which predisposes them to an abnormal post
      mortem metabolism. Genetic studies on PSE muscle indicate a moderate heritability
      for various post mortem muscle quality traits. Reliable methods for determining
      the abnormal condition in the live animal would make it possible to select more
      effectively and economically against stress and PSE-susceptibility. Three
      possible methods are: (1) Analysis of blood serum for CPK, aldolase, GOT or other
      enzyme activities with and without preceding exercise; and for blood groups. (2)
      Muscle biopsy analysis for glucose-6-phosphate, lactate or energy-rich
      phosphates. (3) Non-destructive testing of young pigs for sensitivity to the
      Malignant Hyperthermia Syndrome by allowing them to inhale the anaesthetic
      halothane (fluothane) for a 5 min period. The development of muscular rigidity
      and stiffness indicates a susceptibility to stress and a potential for PSE meat.
      The relationships of the various methods to ultimate muscle and carcass quality,
      as well as the problems inherent to each method, are discussed. It is concluded
      that the third test seems to be the most promising for application in the
      breeding of pigs for optimal stress resistance and muscle quality.

PMID- 22054970
TI  - Variability in rates of pH fall and of lactate production in the muscles on
      cooling beef carcasses.
AB  - The rate of pH fall in four major muscles on cooling beef carcasses varied by
      about twofold. Thus the time taken to reach pH 6.0 from initial pH values of
      about 7.1 varied between 8 and 16h, and in one extreme case of an LD muscle was
      as low as 3.5 h. Some of this variability was due to different rates of cooling
      between muscles in the same animal, but even after correction of the rates to a
      constant temperature of 38 degrees C the variability was still about twofold in
      the higher range of pH (7.0-6.7) and slightly lower in the lower range (6.6-5.8).
      Similar variability was shown in excised TB muscles, kept at a constant
      temperature of 38 degrees C. Damage to muscles during excision can lead to much
      higher variability than this (in rabbit LD muscles, to about sixfold). The rate
      of pH fall is determined by the rate of ATP-turnover, and so the variability in
      the former rate is likely to be due to varying intracellular free Ca(2+) levels
      exerting a stimulating effect on the actomyosin ATP-ase. Some of this extra
      Ca(2+) may arise from calcium release from mitochondria as they become anaerobic
      after death.

PMID- 22054971
TI  - Mixed protein fibres from meat industry by-products.
AB  - Mixtures of bovine blood plasma, lung and rumen protein isolates were texturised
      into a fibrous form containing up to 21% protein. Fibres containing rumen protein
      in admixture had a greater resistance to shear. The colour of the fibres was
      dependent upon the proportion of lung in the mixture; reflectance spectra of
      mixed protein fibres resembled those of cooked meat. Electrophoretograms of the
      fibres were characterised by the presence of a dense band in close proximity to
      the origin. Mixing protein species did not produce any electrophoretic component
      other than those originally present. It would be expected that mixtures of these
      proteins would produce protein fibres of satisfactory nutritive value.

PMID- 22054972
TI  - Destruction of Escherichia coli and salmonellae on mutton carcases by treatment
      with hot water.
AB  - Laboratory experiments showed that the surface tissues of beef and mutton samples
      were not permanently discoloured to an objectionable extent by treatment with
      water at 80 degrees  C or 10 sec. This treatment destroyed more than 99% of the
      numbers of E. coli and salmonellae inoculated on the beef samples and more than
      99.9% of the same organisms inoculated on the exterior surfaces of tissue taken
      from sheep carcases. Immersion in water at 80 degrees C for 10 sec of whole sheep
      carcases taken off the end of the slaughter line in a commercial abattoir
      destroyed c. 99% of the contaminating coliform organisms and c. 96% of the total
      number of aerobic bacteria initially present on the surface tissues. The
      application of such a treatment to sheep carcases in abattoirs should
      substantially reduce any salmonella contamination on the meat and may improve
      storage life. Although initially discoloured to a depth of 0.5 mm by the
      treatment, sheep carcases heated at 80 degrees C for 10 sec almost completely
      regained their normal appearance within a few hours during subsequent chilled
      storage at 1-4 degrees C.

PMID- 22054973
TI  - Ultrastructural changes in bovine Longissimus muscle during postmortem ageing.
AB  - The ultrastructural changes in type 1 (red) and type 2 (white) myofibres of the
      longissimus muscle were studied during in situ postmortem ageing in a group of
      young Hereford bulls, 14-16 months old. Type 1 myofibres were defined as those
      having wide, dense and distinct Z-discs and type 2 myofibres were those with
      narrower and less distinct Z-discs. Type 1 myofibres also had numerous
      intermyofibrillar mitochondria and type 2 myofibres had few intermyofibrillar
      mitochondria. Three time periods were studied-1 h, 48 h and 216 h postmortem.
      Type 1 myofibre Z-discs were essentially unaltered at all three postmortem time
      periods studied. Type 2 myofibres showed limited degradation (loss) of Z-disc
      material at 1 h postmortem, but degradation had increased at 48 h. However,
      little additional Z-disc degradation occurred between 48 h and 216h. Both type 1
      and type 2 myofibres underwent myofibrillar fragmentation at the level of the Z
      disc and I-band which was independent of Z-disc degradation. The most tender
      longissimus muscles tended to have more fragmentation at the Z-disc-I-band
      junction than the toughest muscle samples.

PMID- 22054974
TI  - Changes of physical and chemical properties and of histological structure of meat
      subjected to massage under vacuum.
AB  - Differences were found in a number of attributes (pH value, changes in volume and
      linear dimensions, cooking loss, tenderness and water-holding capacity) between
      porcine muscles subjected to vacuum massage and those in non-massaged controls.
      Histologically there were changes in the structure of massaged muscles. The
      content of connective tissue in massaged meat appears to influence water-holding
      capacity and cooking loss to some extent.

PMID- 22054975
TI  - Factors affecting the residual blood content of meat.
AB  - From estimates of the residual blood content of muscles from rats killed while
      stressed or under barbiturate anaesthesia it appears that, at slaughter, the
      stress associated with stunning and exsanguination will normally produce
      peripheral vasoconstriction through the action of released catecholamines. This
      will result in minimal retention of blood in the skeletal muscles while factors
      which reduce vascular tone will lead to higher levels of residual blood in meat.

PMID- 22054976
TI  - The use of muscle protein solubility measurements to assess pig lean meat
      quality.
AB  - The relationships between sarcoplasmic, myofibrillar and total soluble protein
      (sarcoplasmic + myofibrillar) concentrations, and subjective (colour-structure
      score) and objective (drip loss and reflectance) measures of lean meat quality
      were determined using 100 samples of M. Longissimus dorsi that showed a wide
      range of quality. There was good agreement between the subjective and objective
      assessments of quality. Overall, the concentration of soluble sarcoplasmic
      proteins showed the highest correlations with quality assessments. The
      relationships with total soluble protein were poorer and were least good with
      myofibrillar protein concentration. Sarcoplasmic protein concentration was also
      the best potential predictor of meat quality when pale, soft, exudative (PSE)
      muscles were excluded from the sample. However, if dark, firm, dry (DFD) muscles
      were excluded instead, the concentration of total soluble protein was as good as,
      or better than, sarcoplasmic protein as a potential predictor of quality,
      particularly muscle reflectance.

PMID- 22054977
TI  - Effects of salt reduction on the rheological and gelation properties of beef,
      pork and poultry meat batters.
AB  - The gelation and rheological properties of beef, pork and poultry meat batters as
      affected by salt reduction (2.50, 1.25 and 0.00%) were studied by using a Haake
      rotational viscometer and a thermal scanning rigidity monitor. Beef batters
      showed a decrease in shear stress with the decrease in salt levels at both high
      and low shear rates. Pork batter showed a mixed behavior (no definite trend in
      shear stress versus shear rate) and the poultry meat batters showed a Bingham
      pseudoplastic behavior, except for the no-salt treatment. During heating the beef
      batters showed the highest G values followed by the pork and the poultry meat
      batters. The rigidity modulus profiles exhibited two major transition
      temperatures at 47-53 degrees C and at 64-76 degrees C. Beef batter with 2.50%
      salt developed the highest average G value (16.6 kPa) and the poultry batter with
      2.50% salt the lowest (7.3 kPa).

PMID- 22054978
TI  - Comparison of analytical methods.
AB  - A technique for comparing two analytical methods is presented in this paper.
      Frequently a new method, generally simpler, faster or less expensive, is compared
      with a reference method. The deterministic relationships between two methods,
      subject only to random errors, is first discussed. However, the relationship
      between two methods may be stochastic (non-deterministic); this problem is also
      discussed here. The concept of the sensitivity ratio of Mandel furnishes an
      appropriate basis of comparison. The use of the correlation coefficient may be
      completely erroneous for this purpose. Tests are presented for the significance
      of constants in the regression equation. Dangers in the use of stochastic
      relationships are strongly emphasized because of the unstable estimation of
      constants in the regression formula. Some systematizing principles not generally
      known by food scientists are presented here.

PMID- 22054979
TI  - The role of the endomysium in the salt-induced swelling of muscle fibres.
AB  - Variable uptake of water is a persistent problem in meat processing. To try to
      understand the changes that occur during water uptake, and thereby explain this
      variability, we have measured the swelling of salt-treated single muscle fibres
      from rabbit longissimus dorsi. By dissolving out the myofibrillar proteins with
      SDS we have been able to tell whether or not a dissected fibre has an endomysial
      connective sheath. We find that some fibres do lack a sheath and that these
      stripped fibres swell on average approximately five times more than intact fibres
      in 0.25 m  KI. This shows that the endomysium limits the swelling of the fibre in
      salt, as is also shown by the greater swelling of those parts of fibres from
      which the endomysium has been deliberately removed. On prolonged immersion in
      0.25 m  KI the stripped parts of fibres shrink after swelling whereas the smaller
      swelling of unstripped parts is maintained. With careful, slow dissection, the
      proportion of stripped fibres is low at all times post mortem, but if a quicker
      method is used, the proportion of stripped fibres increases with time post
      mortem. As ageing proceeds, an increasing incidence of transverse fractures
      reduces the productivity of the quicker method, so the slow method has to be
      used. Regardless of the method of dissection the swelling of stripped and
      unstripped fibres does not depend on time post mortem. Thus it is the changing
      proportion of stripped fibres that underlies the earlier report (Wilding et al.
      Meat Sci., 1986 18, 55) of a dependence of swelling on time post mortem. The ease
      of stripping of endomysium from muscle fibres may be important in meat
      processing. Thus whether or not fibres produced during comminution and mixing of
      meat are stripped directly affects water uptake. The extraction of myofibrillar
      proteins may also be affected, which would be important for the adhesion of
      cooked reformed meat products.

PMID- 22054980
TI  - Influence of straw feeding and growth-implant on veal meat quality.
AB  - Trials have been carried out to examine the effects of a food additive supply
      (Maturex) and/or of anabolic implant (Revalor) on carcass characteristics and on
      veal meat qualities. Twelve Holstein * Francaise Frisonne Pie Noire calves acted
      as controls, twelve calves were implanted with Revalor, approximately 60 days
      prior to slaughter, twelve others were fed with Maturex, whilst the remaining
      twelve animals were fed with Maturex and implanted with Revalor. All animals were
      slaughtered at 4 months. Revalor implantation had a significant effect on carcass
      weight and conformation. Feeding with Maturex had no significant effect on
      different carcass characteristics. Neither anabolic treatment nor Maturex
      supplementation significantly affected pH value, haematocrit, pigment content,
      FOP, colour characteristics, collagen content and solubility, or dry matter.
      Although Revalor had a negative effect on weight losses during cooking, Maturex
      showed no significant effect. While Maturex showed a positive effect on
      tenderness and no effect on juiciness, Revalor showed a negative effect on
      tenderness and juiciness. For all sensory characteristics, no effect was noted
      when both Maturex and Revalor were used together.

PMID- 22054981
TI  - Obituary.

PMID- 22054982
TI  - Correlation of histopathology with magnetic resonance imaging in Kienbock
      disease.
AB  - PURPOSE: Diagnosis and treatment remain controversial for Kienbock disease. A few
      reports have correlated magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which is essential for
      early diagnosis, and histopathology of Kienbock biopsy specimens, but
      histopathological correlations of whole lunate bones or histological slices
      compared with MRI images are lacking. The purpose of this study was to compare
      presurgical MRI scans with corresponding histological slices of Kienbock-diseased
      lunates. METHODS: We excised whole lunates at the time of surgery from 6 patients
      with Kienbock disease (stage IIIB) undergoing tendon-ball replacement or a Graner
      procedure. We stained paraffin-embedded, coronally sectioned specimens with
      hematoxylin-eosin and compared them with presurgical coronal scans using MRI with
      a 47-mm microscopy surface coil. RESULTS: Toward the center of the lunates, the
      signal intensity in the proton density-weighted images was reduced, whereas the
      dorsal and palmar sides of the lunates exhibited no changes in intensity. In
      correlation, histopathological findings revealed strongly disrupted trabeculae
      toward the center of the lunates and intact trabeculae in the dorsal side of the
      lunates. Likewise, the necrotic and vitalized bone exhibited low and high signal
      intensities, respectively, in the proton density-weighted images; however, in the
      fast-field echo images, there were no correlations with histopathological
      observations. CONCLUSIONS: Proton density-weighted MRIs but not fast-field echo
      images using a 47-mm microscopy coil reflected the extent and localization of the
      necrotic area in Kienbock-diseased lunates, as evidenced by comparison with
      histological analyses of the lunate specimens. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Proton density
      weighted MRIs accurately reflect the vascular status of the lunate and may help
      plan treatment on a case-by-case basis.

PMID- 22054983
TI  - Update on nonautogenous interposition arthroplasty for thumb basilar joint
      arthritis.

PMID- 22054984
TI  - Osseous and ligamentous scaphoid anatomy: Part II. Evaluation of ligament
      morphology using three-dimensional anatomical imaging.
AB  - PURPOSE: There are many controversies in the literature regarding the morphology
      of the scaphoid ligaments. The aim of this study was to provide a more accurate
      description by quantitatively describing the 3-dimensional, geometrical aspects
      of the scaphoid ligaments and their attachments, using cryomicrotome images of
      cadaveric wrists. METHODS: Eight fresh-frozen human cadaver wrists were examined
      with computed tomography (CT) and an imaging cryomicrotome. A series of 2
      dimensional cryoimages created a 3-dimensional anatomical data set of each test
      specimen. Detection of ligaments and their surface areas was performed by
      manually marking the course and attachment points for each ligament, using
      dedicated visualization software. The 3-dimensional bone surfaces were segmented
      from the acquired CT images and incorporated in the 3-dimensional anatomical data
      set of the same anatomical specimen to facilitate the detection procedure. The
      results of the morphological parameters and attachment areas of the scaphoid
      ligaments are described 3-dimensionally. RESULTS: The mean size of the whole
      scaphoid surface was 1503 +/- 17 mm(2), and the mean size of all ligament
      attachments on the scaphoid was 131 +/- 14 mm(2); thus, ligament attachments
      consist of 9% +/- 0.9% of the total scaphoid surface area. Based on the data, a 3
      dimensional representation of the wrist was created to present the scaphoid
      ligament attachment areas and paths. The dorsal intercarpal ligament had the most
      individual variability between specimens in attachments. CONCLUSIONS: The
      quantitative results were almost completely consistent with the findings of
      previous reports. The only inconsistency in ligament morphology regarded the
      scaphocapitate ligament, which in this study was found to be the thickest
      ligament attached to the scaphoid. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The results of this study
      improve our knowledge of scaphoid ligament anatomy, as they corroborate previous
      findings. This is important for carpal surgery and will pave the way to a better
      understanding of the biomechanics involved in destabilization of wrist fractures.

PMID- 22054985
TI  - Influence of age at slaughter, rearing technique and pre-slaughter treatment on
      some quality traits of lamb meat.
AB  - The influences of rearing technique and age on muscle fibre type, and of rearing
      technique, age and pre-slaughter transport on the meat quality characteristics of
      sheep were investigated using thirty lambs of a Bulgarian coarse-fleeced breed
      (Karakatchanska). The animals were reared on pasture or in barns and slaughtered
      at 22 or 30 weeks of age. Muscle fibre type and meat quality were studied in
      three muscles of different metabolic type-Longissimus dorsi (LD), Supraspinatus
      (SS) and Rectus abdominis (RA). Fibre type distribution was influenced by age but
      not by rearing technique. Pigment content of muscles was higher in older animals.
      Water binding capacity (WBC) increased-and cooking loss decreased-with age. There
      was an interaction between muscle and pre-slaughter stress with respect to pH,
      the latter being increased in SS muscle, as was WBC. Cooking loss was decreased
      by transport stress in the three muscles and by pre-slaughter stress. However,
      meat organoleptic characteristics (flavour, tenderness and juiciness, as judged
      by a taste panel) were not influenced by age, rearing technique or pre-slaughter
      treatment.

PMID- 22054986
TI  - Prediction of lamb meat quality traits based on muscle biopsy fibre typing.
AB  - The aim of the experiment described in this paper was to determine the
      relationship between muscle fibre type and meat quality. Two indicator muscles,
      the Stylohyoideus and the Scutulo auricularis superficialis accessorius, were
      biopsied on one-month-old lambs and used as an index to select the animals of the
      redder and of the whiter metabolic types among the lamb population studied.
      Evaluation of the organoleptic qualities of meats from two groups was performed
      on the Longissimus dorsi muscle by a taste panel. The results of the taste panel
      evaluation suggest, on one hand, that the meat from the redder animals is juicier
      and has a more intense flavour than that from the whiter. On the other hand, it
      appears possible to obtain an in vivo prediction of lamb meat quality based on
      muscle biopsy fibre typing.

PMID- 22054987
TI  - Effect of conditioning and carcass posture on eating quality of mutton from old
      Bannur ewes.
AB  - Twenty-six mature ewes of an indigenous mutton breed, slaughtered and dressed
      conventionally, were used for the experiment described in this paper. The effect
      of three different conditioning temperatures and two methods of hanging posture
      on texture and palatability were assessed on leg muscles. Corresponding muscles
      from freshly slaughtered ewes were used as a control. A significant reduction was
      brought about in shear force in SM and BF muscles by different treatment
      combinations as compared with the control. There was, however, little variation
      in cohesiveness between treated and untreated BF and ST muscles. Holding
      carcasses at 14-15 degrees C for 24 h, followed by chilling at 4-5 degrees C for
      24 h with pelvic hanging reduced shear values to the optimal level, as validated
      by sensory tenderness/toughness. The sensory parameters showed a significant
      difference between pelvic and Achilles tendon hanging. In all treatments pelvic
      hanging tenderised meat to a significantly greater extent than did Achilles
      tendon hanging.

PMID- 22054988
TI  - Feeder cattle frame size, muscle thickness and subsequent beef carcass
      characteristics.
AB  - Sixty feeder steers were assigned scores for frame size (small, medium or large)
      and muscle thickness (No. 1, No. 2 or No. 3), fed for 112 days and slaughtered.
      Grade data were collected for all 60 carcasses; 12 sides (four from each muscle
      thickness group) were fabricated into boneless, closely trimmed retail cuts and
      the 12 rounds from each of these sides were also physically separated into
      muscle, fat and bone. Marbling score and USDA quality grade varied inversely (P <
      0.05) with frame size. Carcass quality grades were: 33.3% Choice; 67.7% Good and
      0.0% Standard for small-framed cattle; 30.3% Choice, 42.4% Good and 27.3%
      Standard for medium-framed cattle and 5.5% Choice, 66.7% Good and 27.8% Standard
      for large-framed cattle. Analysis of variance showed significant (P < 0.05)
      differences among all muscle thickness groups in the longissimus muscle area and
      carcass weight but no difference in yield grade between the No. 1 and No. 3
      muscle thickness groups; the larger mean longissimus muscle area of carcasses
      from steers in the No. 1 muscle thickness group was offset by their heavier
      carcass weight and their greater thickness of fat over the longissimus muscle.
      However, when analysis of covariance was used to hold fatness or fatness and
      frame size constant, the difference in yield grade between muscle thickness
      groups No. 1 and No. 3 was significant (P < 0.05). Also, carcasses from cattle
      assigned muscle thickness scores of No. 1, as feeders, had the highest (P < 0.05)
      muscle to bone ratio of the round (4.1 to 1) while carcasses from cattle assigned
      thickness scores of No. 3, as feeders, had the lowest (P < 0.05) muscle to bone
      ratio of the round (3.4 to 1).

PMID- 22054989
TI  - Growth and development of water buffalo and Friesian crossbred cattle, with
      special reference to the 'entire' and 'boneless' cuts.
AB  - Twelve buffaloes, nine Friesian * Baladi and nine Friesian * (Friesian * Baladi)
      bulls were slaughtered over the live weight ranges 161-560 kg for buffaloes and
      176-448 kg for cattle. Right sides of all carcasses were jointed and dissected
      and the increase in the weight of 'entire' and 'boneless' cuts and cut groups
      (i.e. pistol; BLRC) relative to the 'entire' and 'boneless' side weights,
      respectively, were examined using covariance analyses. Increasing distoproximal
      and dorsoventral growth gradients were found in both species. Most noticeably,
      the sticking was early developing in buffaloes and late developing in cattle,
      whereas the shortloin developed approximately at an average rate in buffaloes and
      at a lower rate in cattle. Statistically significant but relatively slight
      differences were recorded between buffaloes and cattle in the adjusted means of
      the 'entire' and 'boneless' hind shank, sirloin (favouring buffaloes) and brisket
      (favouring cattle). Buffaloes were superior to cattle in weight of pistol. At an
      equal side weight of 73 kg buffaloes had significantly higher weight of pistol
      (maximum difference = 1.4 kg). At a 115 kg side weight, the maximum difference in
      'entire' and 'boneless' pistol reached 3.58 and 5.04 kg, respectively.

PMID- 22054990
TI  - Electroencephalographic studies of stunning and slaughter of sheep and calves
      part 2: The onset of permanent insensibility in calves during slaughter.
AB  - The time of onset of permanent insensibility, subsequent to incision of the major
      blood vessels of the neck, was studied in eight one-week-old calves.
      Insensibility was determined from the study of electroencephalograms (EEG). Apart
      from one animal in which insensibility first occurred within 34 s, the first
      indication of insensibility did not occur until between 65 and 85 s. All animals
      subsequently showed evidence of periodic resurgence of possible sensibility for
      up to 123 to 323s after slaughter. Such resurgences were seen to be preceded by a
      respiratory gasp. The EEG did not become isoelectric until between 132 and 336 s.
      Involuntary movements of the animal and the presence of corneal and palpebral
      reflexes persisted for up to 300 s after slaughter. It is suggested that the
      marked increase in the time for insensibility to occur after slaughter in calves,
      compared with sheep and lambs, is due to a greater contribution of blood to the
      brain by the vertebral arteries in calves.

PMID- 22054991
TI  - A comparison of the meat properties of pasture-fed steers, heifers, pregnant
      heifers and spayed heifers.
AB  - Mean ultimate pH values, sarcomere lengths, cooking losses, Warner-Bratzler peak
      shear values and compression values for the M. longissimus dorsi (LD) did not
      differ significantly between heifers, spayed heifers, heifers fitted with a
      HEIGRO(TM) device(*) pregnant heifers (2 to 6 months pregnant) and steers, killed
      at 18 or 22 months of age, with mean carcass weights of 189 and 221 kg,
      respectively. This result, from animals grazed at pasture, agrees with those of
      others who used LD samples from lot-fed animals. It would appear that carcasses
      of non-pregnant heifers, spayed heifers, pregnant heifers, heifers fitted with a
      HIEGRO(TM) device and steers of similar age and subcutaneous fat depth, do not
      need to be differentiated on grounds of tenderness.

PMID- 22054992
TI  - Comparison of some properties of beef from animals homozygous or heterozygous for
      muscular hypertrophy.
AB  - Carcass characteristics and meat properties of fifty-eight steers and heifers
      heterozygous (M +) for muscular hypertrophy were compared with those of fifteen
      homozygous (M M) steers and heifers. The M M animals had a greater carcass weight
      (173 versus 162 kg) and killing-out percentage than M+ animals. Age at slaughter
      (298 days for M M and 304 for M +) and liveweights (280 kg, M M, versus 287 kg)
      did not differ significantly. Carcasses from M M animals were significantly
      shorter, with a greater eye-muscle area and thinner subcutaneous fat cover over
      the loin, than those from M + animals. M. semitendinosus (ST) muscles had similar
      sarcomere lengths, ultimate pH values and weight losses during cooking-80 degrees
      C for 90 min-for M M and M + animals. Adhesion values, both peak force and work
      done, were less for ST samples from M M than M + animals, indicating that the ST
      of M M animals was potentially more tender. This, and other work, suggests that
      the mechanical properties of cooked ST samples of M+ animals are intermediate
      between those of M M and + + animals with the ST of M M animals being the most
      tender. No dark-cutting, high ultimate pH (>6.0) samples were found in the
      fifteen M M animals slaughtered commercially in the present experiment.

PMID- 22054993
TI  - Butchering, processing and preservation of meat-Cattle, hogs, sheep, game, fish
      Frank G. Ashbrook. Van Nostrand Reinhold, New York, 1981. Price: L10.15.

PMID- 22054994
TI  - Effect on intraocular pressure in patients receiving unilateral intravitreal anti
      vascular endothelial growth factor injections.
AB  - PURPOSE: We assessed the frequency and predictive factors related to intraocular
      pressure (IOP) elevation in neovascular age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
      patients undergoing unilateral intravitreal ranibizumab and/or bevacizumab
      injections. DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: Charts of 207
      patients with neovascular AMD who presented to a single physician at a retinal
      referral practice over a 6-month period were retrospectively reviewed. METHODS:
      Data recorded included demographic information, clinical findings, total number
      of bevacizumab and ranibizumab injections received and IOP at each visit.
      Increases above baseline IOP of >5, >10, or >15 mmHg on >=2 consecutive visits
      while under treatment were noted. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The frequency of IOP
      elevation was compared between treated and untreated eyes. In addition, among
      treated eyes, frequency and odds ratio of experiencing IOP elevation >5 mmHg
      above baseline on >=2 consecutive visits was stratified by number of injections.
      For the main regression analysis, the outcome variable was IOP elevation >5 mmHg
      on >=2 consecutive visits and the main independent variable was total number of
      injections. RESULTS: On >=2 consecutive visits, 11.6% of treated versus 5.3% of
      untreated/control eyes experienced IOP elevation of >5 mmHg. The mean number of
      injections was higher in those with (24.4; 95% confidence interval [CI], 20.9
      28.0; range, 9-39) than without IOP elevation of >5 mmHg (20.4; 95% CI, 18.9
      21.8; range, 3-48) on >=2 consecutive visits. There was an increased odds ratio
      (5.75; 95% CI, 1.19-27.8; P = 0.03) of experiencing IOP elevation >5 mmHg on >=2
      consecutive visits in patients receiving >=29 injections compared with <=12
      injections. Of the factors considered, only the total number of injections showed
      a statistically significant association with IOP elevation >5 mmHg above baseline
      on >=2 consecutive visits in treated eyes (P = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: A greater
      number of intravitreal anti-vasular endothelial growth factor injections is
      associated with an increased risk for IOP elevation >5 mmHg on >=2 consecutive
      visits in eyes with neovascular AMD receiving intravitreal ranbizumab and/or
      bevacizumab.

PMID- 22054995
TI  - Correlation between preoperative biometry and posterior chamber phakic Visian
      Implantable Collamer Lens vaulting.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate (1) the effect of preoperative biometric factors on vault
      error and (2) the difference in achieved vault (AV) and expected vault (EV) after
      Visian Implantable Collamer Lens (ICL) implantation. DESIGN: Retrospective,
      comparative, interventional case series. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 129 eyes of 75
      myopic patients treated with ICL. METHODS: On the basis of the hypothesis that
      ICL vaulting is due mainly to an inequality between ICL size and the horizontal
      sulcus-to-sulcus distance (STS) or horizontal white-to-white distance (WTW), we
      assumed that EV would linearly correlate with ICL horizontal compression, as
      demonstrated in an ex vivo experiment. Expected vault was defined as follows:
      EV(WTW[or STS]) = (ICL size - WTW[or STS]) * 1100 MUm. With the use of
      preoperative data as independent variables (including age, anterior chamber depth
      measured from the central corneal endothelium to the anterior lens capsule, STS,
      WTW, ICL size, ICL size - STS, ICL size - WTW, STS - WTW, ICL diopter, and mean K
      reading), a multiple regression analysis was performed to evaluate meaningful
      factors affecting AV. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Preoperative ICL EV and
      postoperative ICL AV. RESULTS: Mean AV was 518.6 (standard deviation [SD] 258.4
      MUm). The EV(WTW) was 626.6 (SD 220.9 MUm), and EV was 242.8 (SD 364.2 MUm).
      Higher ICL compression tended to result in a lower AV than EV, whereas lower ICL
      compression tended to result in a higher AV than EV. The ICL size - STS was more
      highly correlated with AV than the ICL size - WTW (Pearson correlation
      coefficient 0.425 vs. 0.247). Stepwise multivariate regression showed that, in
      order of the strength of the contribution, ICL size - STS, ICL size, age, and K
      reading were significant factors associated with AV (adjusted R(2)=0.369), but
      ICL size - WTW was not. Among the meaningful factors, ICL size - STS, ICL size,
      and K-reading were positively correlated with AV, whereas age was negatively
      correlated. CONCLUSIONS: The ICL vaulting based on only the horizontal
      compression could not be quantitatively predicted. Additional factors, such as
      vertical compression by the iris, dampening effect of the ciliary sulcus
      structure, or innate ICL vault, should be considered to avoid unexpected vaulting
      after ICL implantation.

PMID- 22054996
TI  - Anophthalmos, microphthalmos, and Coloboma in the United kingdom: clinical
      features, results of investigations, and early management.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe the clinical features of children with anophthalmos,
      microphthalmos, and typical coloboma (AMC). DESIGN: Descriptive, observational,
      cross-sectional study of the United Kingdom. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 135
      children with AMC newly diagnosed over an 18-month period beginning in October
      2006. METHODS: Cases were identified using active surveillance through an
      established ophthalmic surveillance system. Eligible cases were followed up 6
      months after first notification. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Phenotypic
      characteristics, both ocular and systemic, clinical investigations, causes, and
      interventions. RESULTS: A total of 210 eyes (of 135 children) were affected by
      AMC, of which 153 had isolated coloboma or coloboma with microphthalmos. The most
      common colobomatous anomaly was a chorioretinal defect present in 109 eyes
      (71.2%). Some 44% of children were bilaterally visually impaired. Systemic
      abnormalities were present in 59.7% of children, with craniofacial anomalies
      being the most common. Children with bilateral disease had a 2.7 times higher
      odds (95% confidence interval, 1.3-5.5, P = 0.006) of having systemic involvement
      than unilaterally affected children. Neurologic imaging was the most frequent
      investigation (58.5%) performed. Less than one third (30.3%) of the children with
      microphthalmos had ocular axial lengths measured. Eight children had confirmed
      genetic mutations. Approximately half (49.2%) of the children required ocular
      intervention. CONCLUSIONS: Colobomatous defects were the most common phenotype
      within this spectrum of anomalies in the United Kingdom. The high frequency of
      posterior segment colobomatous involvement means that a dilated fundal
      examination should be made in all cases. The significant visual and systemic
      morbidity in affected children underlines the importance of a multidisciplinary
      approach to management.

PMID- 22054998
TI  - The kinetics of rigor onset in beef muscle fibres.
AB  - Force and stiffness were investigated as beef muscle fibre preparations entered
      rigor mortis. The results show that single fibres enter rigor rapidly (exhibit a
      small t(10-90)) whilst fibre bundles exhibit a much slower rate of entry into
      rigor (larger t(10-90)). The mean 'rigor time' in both cases is, however,
      similar. The difference in kinetics is probably due to the fact that individual
      fibres within a bundle enter rigor at different times. Effectively anaerobic
      fibre bundles treated with iodoacetate exhibit a t(10-90) almost as short as do
      single fibres when similarly treated, suggesting that much of the inferred
      heterogeneity of response amongst fibres in a bundle arises from differences
      between fibres in the ability of glycolysis to sustain 'relaxing' concentrations
      of ATP. Fibres have been chemically 'skinned' after entering the rigor state.
      Measurements of the relationship between stiffness and tension in the skinned
      fibres indicate that there are two readily distinguishable rigor 'states'
      depending upon whether rigor is entered from the relaxed of from the contracting
      state. By contrast, the rigor state achieved by intact fibres is similar to that
      attained in skinned fibres via the contracted state, suggesting that the
      'natural' rigor state is preceded by a calcium-activated contraction.
      Interconversion of the two rigor states generated in vitro requires an
      intermediary relaxed state.

PMID- 22054997
TI  - Long-term results of deep anterior lamellar versus penetrating keratoplasty.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) with penetrating
      keratoplasty (PK) in eyes with corneal diseases not involving the corneal
      endothelium (keratoconus, scars after infectious keratitis, stromal dystrophies,
      and trauma). DESIGN: Retrospective, comparative case series. PARTICIPANTS: One
      hundred forty-two consecutive DALK (DALK group; big-bubble technique or manual
      lamellar dissection using a slitlamp) and 142 matched PK (PK group). METHODS:
      Three models were used to describe the postoperative outcomes of the endothelial
      cell density. A joint regression model was used to predict long-term graft
      survival. Visual acuity, ultrasound pachymetry, specular microscopy, and optical
      coherence tomography (OCT) findings were recorded. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
      Postoperative endothelial cell loss and long-term predicted graft survival.
      RESULTS: The average 5-year postoperative endothelial cell loss was -22.3% in the
      DALK group and -50.1% in the PK group (P<0.0001). The early- and late-phase
      annual rates of endothelial cell loss were -8.3% and -3.9% per year,
      respectively, in the DALK group and -15.2% and -7.8% per year in the PK group
      (P<0.001; biphasic linear model). The median predicted graft survival was 49.0
      years in the DALK group and 17.3 years in the PK group (P<0.0001). The average
      visual acuity was lower in the manual dissection subgroup compared with the PK
      group (average difference, 1.0 to 1.8 line) and with the big-bubble subgroup
      (average difference, 2.2 to 2.5 lines). The average central corneal thickness at
      12 months was 536 MUm in the PK group, 523 MUm in the big-bubble subgroup, and
      562 MUm in the manual dissection subgroup (P<0.001). The average thickness of the
      residual recipient stroma measured by OCT was 87+/-26 MUm in the manual
      dissection subgroup. No correlation was found between this figure and logarithm
      of the minimal angle of resolution at any postoperative time point (P>0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: Long-term, model-predicted graft survival and endothelial densities
      are higher after DALK than after PK. The big-bubble technique gives better
      results than manual dissection and PK. Compared with PK, manual dissection
      provides higher survival of both the corneal endothelium and graft, but lower
      visual acuity.

PMID- 22054999
TI  - The quantitative analysis of fat and protein in meat by transmission infrared
      analysis.
AB  - Transmission infrared analysis, which has been successfully applied to milk
      analysis, was assessed for the quantitative analysis of fat and protein in meat
      products. Meats of varying fat and protein content were converted into milk-like
      emulsions, which were, in turn, analyzed by standard chemical methods and by a
      Multispec M infrared analyzer. The performance of the instrument for meat
      analysis using a standard milk calibration was also assessed and compared with
      the instrument set with a meat calibration. Both approaches provided a good
      estimate of the fat and protein content for a range of meat products, the meat
      calibration being more accurate than the milk calibration. The infrared method
      allowed for rapid and accurate analysis of meat and has future potential in the
      meat industry for quality control purposes.

PMID- 22055000
TI  - Modification of the heat-setting characteristics of myosin by pressure treatment.
AB  - The effect on the heat-setting characteristics of myosin of pressure treatment up
      to 150 MPa at 0 to 40 degrees C has been assessed by measuring the work done in
      inserting a plunger into samples after heating them at up to 70 degrees C. The
      response depended upon the ionic strength and the pH of the myosin suspension,
      and the intensity and duration of pressure treatment. It was most pronounced at
      pressures of 75 MPa or greater applied for some minutes to myosin in 0.2-0.3m
      NaCl at about pH 6. It is suggested that the alteration in heat-setting
      properties is due to depolymerization, under pressure, of myosin filaments
      accompanied by a conformational change of the monomer so that it reaggregates in
      a different manner upon release of pressure.

PMID- 22055001
TI  - Effect of lipid-protein interactions on extrusion of offal protein isolates.
AB  - Lung protein isolates after defatting with carbon tetrachloride, chloroform,
      dichloromethane, iso-propanol, ethanol and methanol, were extruded with and
      without admixed soya grits. Extrusion of these isolates showed a clear dependence
      of the process on the lipid content. Extruded products with better
      characteristics were obtained by defatting the samples. Progressive removal of
      lipid, as the polarity of the solvent used increased, however, did not promote a
      corresponding progressive improvement in the textural quality of the extrudates.
      Protein-protein interaction was assessed by the primary mechanical parameters,
      hardness, springiness and cohesiveness. It was maximal at intermediate lipid
      contents. These broadly corresponded to the range of lipid contents where maximum
      hydration and affinity towards water occurred. It was concluded that residual
      lipid is necessary in order to maximize protein-protein interactions during
      extrusion. The effects of lipid-protein interactions on the texturization of
      offal protein caused a wide variation in the degree of cross-linking between
      protein molecules during extrusion. The results showed that hydrophobic and
      electrostatic interactions can play an important role in texture formation during
      thermoplastic extrusion.

PMID- 22055002
TI  - Differential effects of electrical stunning on the early post-mortem glycolysis
      in sheep.
AB  - Electrical stunning methods have been examined to determine the effect on post
      mortem glycolysis in various muscles of sheep. Although there was no effect on
      the ultimate pH achieved in any of the muscles, there were marked differences in
      the pH drop which occurred during stunning. When curare was used to block
      neuromuscular transmission much of the effect of stunning on glycolysis was
      removed. In the absence of neuromuscular blockage, head-only stunning produced
      the least drop in initial pH and the head-to-back and head-to-foreleg methods the
      greatest drop, especially in the anterior portions of the LD. Gash cutting
      without prior stunning produced marked drops in pH in most muscles. Prolonged
      (120s) head-to-back stunning gave more substantial drops in pH in the LD, BF, SM
      and ST muscles than did a shorter stun (1.4s). The prolonged stunning did not
      produce a change in rate of pH fall. Electrical stunning cannot be considered as
      a substitute for effective electrical stimulation as a means of hastening
      glycolysis to avoid cold shortening.

PMID- 22055003
TI  - Biophysical methods in food research Edited by H. W.-S. Chan. Blackwell
      Scientific Publications, Oxford, 1984. 204 + vii pp. Price: L19.50.

PMID- 22055004
TI  - The development of silk fibroin scaffolds using an indirect rapid prototyping
      approach: morphological analysis and cell growth monitoring by spectral-domain
      optical coherence tomography.
AB  - To date, naturally derived biomaterials are rarely used in advanced tissue
      engineering (TE) methods despite their superior biocompatibility. This is because
      these native materials, which consist mainly of proteins and polysaccharides, do
      not possess the ability to withstand harsh processing conditions. Unlike
      synthetic polymers, natural materials degrade and decompose rapidly in the
      presence of chemical solvents and high temperature, respectively. Thus, the
      fabrication of tissue scaffolds using natural biomaterials is often carried out
      using conventional techniques, where the efficiency in mass transport of
      nutrients and removal of waste products within the construct is compromised. The
      present study identified silk fibroin (SF) protein as a suitable material for the
      application of rapid prototyping (RP) or additive manufacturing (AM) technology.
      Using the indirect RP method, via the use of a mould, SF tissue scaffolds with
      both macro- and micro-morphological features can be produced and qualitatively
      examined by spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT). The advanced
      imaging technique showed the ability to differentiate the cells and SF material
      by producing high contrasting images, therefore suggesting the method as a
      feasible alternative to the histological analysis of cell growth within tissue
      scaffolds.

PMID- 22055005
TI  - End of life care in adolescents and young adults with cancer: experience of the
      adolescent unit of the Institut Gustave Roussy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cancer is the third leading cause of death in adolescents and young
      adults (AYA). Little is known, however, about how end-of-life unfolds for those
      who die of progressive disease. In order to better evaluate the specific needs of
      these patients, we performed this study providing baseline information about end
      of-life care patterns for AYA in our department. PATIENTS: A standardised form
      was used to collect data concerning all 45 patients treated for a malignancy in
      the Paediatric and Adolescent Oncology Department at the Gustave Roussy
      Institute, and who had died of progressive disease above 13 years of age, over a
      two-year period. RESULTS: The main diagnoses were sarcomas and brain tumours.
      Previous cancer-directed treatment included a median of 3 different chemotherapy
      regimens, high-dose chemotherapy with haematopoietic stem cell support for 13%
      and radiotherapy for 40%. One in every four patients had been enrolled in a
      clinical trial at diagnosis. Median survival was 18 months after the diagnosis
      and 7 months after the first relapse/progression. During the last week of life,
      the median number of physical symptoms was 4, mostly pain and dyspnoea. Frequent
      psychological symptoms were sadness, anxiety, fear and guilt. End-of-life care
      included transfusions, artificial nutrition, corticosteroids, pain control,
      sedation but also palliative chemotherapy. The median time spent in hospital
      during the last month of life was 16 days. Most patients had died in hospital.
      CONCLUSIONS: The terminally ill adolescent displays notable challenges to care
      providers and requires a holistic approach with the help of a multidisciplinary
      team.

PMID- 22055006
TI  - Thoracic paravertebral block for video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery: single
      injection versus multiple injections.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Thoracic paravertebral blocks (PVBs) have been shown to be effective
      for analgesia after video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS) with single- and
      multiple-injection techniques. The efficacy of single-injection PVB was compared
      with multiple-injection PVB on postoperative analgesia in VATS was studied.
      DESIGN: Prospective, randomized study. SETTING: Single university hospital.
      PARTICIPANTS: Fifty patients undergoing VATS. INTERVENTIONS: A nerve stimulator
      guided PVB was performed in the sitting position before surgery using a solution
      of 20 mL 0.5% bupivacaine with 1:200,000 epinephrine by a single injection at T6
      (group S, n = 25) or by 5 injections of 4 mL each at T4 to T8 (group M, n = 25).
      MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: A successful PVB was achieved in all patients. The
      times to perform the blocks were 6.8 +/- 1.9 minutes in the S group and 17.9 +/-
      3.0 minutes in the M group (p < 0.001). The times to block onset were 8.3 +/- 1.8
      minutes in the S group and 7.2 +/- 0.9 minutes in the M group (p = 0.014). The
      numbers of anesthetized dermatomes were 5.8 +/- 0.8 for the S group and 6.6 +/-
      1.1 for the M group (p = 0.009). The postoperative pain scores and morphine
      consumption with patient-controlled analgesia were comparable in the two groups.
      There were no significant differences in times to the first mobilization and
      hospital discharge for two groups. Patient satisfaction with the analgesic
      procedure was greater in the S group (p < 0.05). No complications were attributed
      to the blocks. CONCLUSIONS: The two techniques provided comparable postoperative
      analgesia. However, single-injection PVB may represent an advantage over multiple
      injection PVB in patients undergoing VATS, with greater patient satisfaction
      associated with a shorter procedure and the likelihood of decreased
      complications.

PMID- 22055007
TI  - Removal of a foreign body from the heart under transesophageal echocardiographic
      guidance.

PMID- 22055008
TI  - Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation implantation via median sternotomy for
      fulminant pulmonary edema after cold water submersion with cardiac arrest.

PMID- 22055009
TI  - Anesthesia for interventional cardiology.

PMID- 22055010
TI  - Carisoprodol tolerance and precipitated withdrawal.
AB  - AIMS: Carisoprodol is a muscle relaxant that acts at the GABA(A) receptor.
      Concerns about the abuse liability of carisoprodol are increasing, but evidence
      that carisoprodol produces tolerance and a significant withdrawal syndrome has
      yet to be established. The purpose of the current study was to determine if
      repeated administration of carisoprodol produces tolerance and withdrawal signs
      in a mouse model. METHODS: Carisoprodol (0, 100, 200, 300, or 500 mg/kg bid,
      i.p.) was administered to Swiss-Webster mice for 4 days and loss-of-righting
      reflex was measured 20-30 min following each administration. On the fourth day,
      bemegride (20 mg/kg), flumazenil (20 mg/kg), or vehicle was administered
      following carisoprodol and withdrawal signs were measured. Separate groups of
      mice receiving the same treatment regimen and dose range were tested for
      spontaneous withdrawal at 6, 12 and 24 h after the last dose of carisoprodol.
      RESULTS: The righting reflex was dose-dependently impaired following the first
      administration of carisoprodol. A 75-100% decrease in the magnitude of the
      impairment occurred over the four days of exposure, indicating the development of
      tolerance to the carisoprodol-elicited loss-of-righting reflex. Withdrawal signs
      were not observed within 24h following spontaneous withdrawal; however, bemegride
      and flumazenil each precipitated withdrawal within 15-30 min of administration.
      CONCLUSIONS: Carisoprodol treatment resulted in tolerance and antagonist
      precipitated withdrawal, suggesting it may have an addiction potential similar to
      that of other long-acting benzodiazepine or barbiturate compounds.

PMID- 22055011
TI  - The Physicians' Competence in Substance Abuse Test (P-CSAT): a multidimensional
      educational measurement tool for substance abuse training programs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Efforts to enhance physician substance abuse (SA) management skills
      lack tools to assess skills and training effectiveness. We sought to develop an
      easily administered survey to assess SA fact-based skills and clinical decision
      making. METHODS: We prepared 60 fact-based items dealing with SA knowledge,
      attitudes, and behaviors (KAB) and 53 script concordance test (SCT) items
      assessing SA decision-making. We used expert review and standard psychometric
      criteria to eliminate discordant or non-contributory survey items. We tested 92
      draft items in 117 physicians, including 13 with additional SA training
      (trained), and 17 recognized SA experts. We assessed final survey internal
      consistency with Cronbach's alpha and differences in scores between experts,
      trained physicians, and physicians without SA training (novices) with the Kruskal
      Wallis test. RESULTS: Following refinement, the draft survey was reduced to 30
      KAB and 33 SCT items. Alpha was 0.901 for the final 63-item survey and 0.887 and
      0.797 for the KAB and SCT subscales, respectively. Novices, trained physicians,
      and experts scored means of 196, 213, and 261 respectively out of 315 possible
      points on the final survey. The KAB and SCT subscale results showed similar
      patterns. Score differences for the overall survey and its subscales were highly
      significant (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This survey, which we have named the
      Physicians' Competence in Substance Abuse Test (P-CSAT) and placed in the public
      domain, meets baseline criteria for reliability and validity. Future studies
      should determine the extent to which the P-CSAT provides consistent results in
      other practitioner populations and responds to SA educational efforts.

PMID- 22055012
TI  - The Sexual Discounting Task: HIV risk behavior and the discounting of delayed
      sexual rewards in cocaine dependence.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cocaine dependence is associated with high rates of sexual risk
      behavior and HIV infection. However, little is known about the responsible
      mechanism(s). METHODS: Cocaine-dependent individuals (N=62) completed a novel
      Sexual Discounting Task assessing decisions between immediate unprotected sex and
      delayed sex with a condom across four hypothetical partners: most (and least)
      likely to have a sexually transmitted infection (STI), and most (and least)
      sexually desirable; a real rewards money delay-discounting task, and self
      reported sexual risk behavior using the HIV Risk-Taking Behavior Scale (HRBS).
      RESULTS: Sexual Discounting Task results were largely systematic and showed a
      strong effect of delay in decreasing condom use. Sexual discounting (preference
      for immediate unprotected sex) was significantly greater when making responses
      for partners judged least (compared to most) likely to have an STI, and for
      partners judged most (compared to least) desirable. Differences in sexual
      discounting were significant after controlling for differences in condom use
      (with no delay) between conditions. Greater discounting in 3 of the 4 Sexual
      Discounting Task conditions, but not in the money discounting task, was
      associated with greater self-reported sexual risk behavior as measured by the
      HRBS. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that delay is a critical variable strongly
      affecting HIV sexual risk behavior, and that the Sexual Discounting Task provides
      a clinically sensitive measure of this phenomenon that may address a variety of
      questions about HIV risk in future research. The wealth of behavioral and
      neurobiological data on delay discounting should be brought to bear on HIV
      education and prevention.

PMID- 22055013
TI  - Heart rate turbulence during acute alcohol withdrawal syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Alcohol withdrawal syndrome is associated with an increased incidence
      of cardiac arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death. Heart rate turbulence (HRT)
      parameters were applied during withdrawal to estimate cardiac regulation during
      treatment with clomethiazole. METHODS: Twenty-two patients suffering from alcohol
      withdrawal syndrome were included in the study. Heart rate regulation was
      obtained by means of Holter ECG analyzing time intervals before medication, and 2
      and 6h after medication. Slope and onset of HRT were calculated in addition to
      heart rate variability (HRV) parameters. Furthermore, we calculated the slope and
      the onset of ectopic beat-like events. RESULTS: Heart rate variability parameters
      indicated a minor reduction of vagal modulation during withdrawal syndrome.
      Especially, the fractal scaling exponent BBI alpha1 (4-16) indicated the
      autonomic shift. In contrast to HRV parameters, no significant changes were
      observed in the HRT parameters. Significant correlations were observed between
      severity of withdrawal, as assessed by the AWS scale, and the fractal scaling
      exponent BBI alpha2 (16-64), and the onset and the slope of HRT of ectopic beat
      like activity. CONCLUSION: Increased sympathetic modulation during withdrawal and
      clomethiazole treatment is not associated with changes of heart rate turbulence
      parameters predictive of cardiac death after myocardial infarction.

PMID- 22055014
TI  - Differential role of NR2A and NR2B subunits in N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor
      antagonist-induced aberrant cortical gamma oscillations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDA-R) hypofunction plays an
      important role in cognitive impairment in schizophrenia. NMDA-R antagonists
      elicit psychotic symptoms in humans and schizophrenia-relevant signs in rodents,
      including a strong increase in cortical gamma activity. NMDA-Rs are composed of
      different subunits, and accumulating evidence indicates that neuronal damage due
      to NMDA-R antagonists depends on their action on a specific type of the receptor
      containing the NR2A subunit. In human schizophrenics, NR2A is selectively reduced
      in fast-firing interneurons. These neurons are critical for gamma oscillations,
      indicating that pathological changes in gamma activity may depend on subunit
      specific NMDA-R deficit. The present study tested this hypothesis. METHODS:
      Cortical electroencephalograms were recorded in freely moving rats and the
      changes in gamma power were measured after administration of NMDA-R antagonists
      with different subunit selectivity, including NR2A-preferring (PEAQX, n = 5; NVP
      AAM077, n = 18), NR2B-selective (ifenprodil, n = 6; threo-ifenprodil, n = 4; Ro25
      6985, n = 13), and NR2C/D-selective (n = 8) antagonists, along with vehicle and
      nonselective NMDA-R antagonists (ketamine, n = 10; MK801, n = 12). Changes in
      prepulse inhibition of startle was tested after MK-801 (n = 6), NVP-AAM077, and
      Ro-6891 (n = 5) injection. RESULTS: Strong increase in gamma power was induced by
      nonselective NMDA-R antagonists and by blockade of NMDA-Rs containing the NR2A
      subunit, with co-occurring gating deficits and diminished low-frequency
      modulation of gamma oscillations. In contrast, selective blockade of NR2B, C, or
      D subunit-containing receptors had minor effects. CONCLUSIONS: Major subtype
      specific differences in the role of NMDA-Rs in cortical gamma oscillation may
      have implications for the pathomechanism and treatment of cognitive impairment in
      schizophrenia.

PMID- 22055015
TI  - Multiple biological pathways link cognitive lifestyle to protection from
      dementia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An active cognitive lifestyle is linked to diminished dementia risk,
      but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Potential mechanisms include
      disease modification, neuroprotection, and compensation. Prospective, population
      based brain series provide the rare opportunity to test the plausibility of these
      mechanisms in humans. METHODS: Participants came from the United Kingdom Medical
      Research Council Cognitive Function and Ageing Study, comprising 13,004
      individuals aged over 65 years and followed for 14 years. In study 1, a Cognitive
      Lifestyle Score (CLS) was computed on all Cognitive Function and Ageing Study
      subjects to define low, middle, and high groups. By August 2004, 329 individuals
      with CLS data had come to autopsy and underwent Consortium to Establish a
      Registry of Alzheimer's Disease assessment. Study 2 involved more detailed
      quantitative histology in the hippocampus and Brodmann area 9 in 72 clinically
      matched individuals with high and low CLS. RESULTS: CLS groups did not differ on
      several Alzheimer disease neuropathologic measures; however, high CLS men had
      less cerebrovascular disease after accounting for vascular risk factors, and
      women had greater brain weight. No group differences were evident in hippocampal
      neuronal density. In Brodmann area 9, cognitively active individuals had
      significantly greater neuronal density, as well as correlated increases in
      cortical thickness. CONCLUSIONS: An active cognitive lifestyle was associated
      with protection from cerebrovascular disease in men, but there was no evidence
      for Alzheimer disease modification or hippocampal neuroprotection. Men and women
      both exhibited neurotrophic changes in the prefrontal lobe linked to cognitive
      lifestyle, consistent with a compensatory process. Lifespan complex cognitive
      activity may therefore protect against dementia through multiple biological
      pathways.

PMID- 22055016
TI  - Intact relational memory and normal hippocampal structure in the early stage of
      psychosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous studies indicate that the transition to psychosis is
      associated with dynamic changes of hippocampal integrity. Here we explored
      hippocampal volume and neural activation during a relational memory task in
      patients who were in the early stage of a psychotic illness. METHODS: Forty-one
      early psychosis patients and 34 healthy control subjects completed a transitive
      inference (TI) task used previously in chronic schizophrenia patients.
      Participants learned to select the "winner" of two sets of stimulus pairs drawn
      from an overlapping sequence (A > B > C > D > E) and a nonoverlapping set (a > b,
      c > d, e > f, g > h). During a functional magnetic resonance imaging scan,
      participants were tested on the trained pairs and made inferential judgments on
      novel pairings that could be solved based on training (e.g., B vs. D).
      Hippocampal volumes were manually segmented and compared between groups.
      Functional magnetic resonance imaging analyses included 27 early psychosis
      patients and 30 control subjects who met memory training criteria. RESULTS:
      Groups did not differ on inference performance or hippocampal volume and
      exhibited similar activation of medial temporal regions when judging
      nonoverlapping pairs. However, patients who failed to meet memory training
      criteria had smaller hippocampal volumes. Neural activity during TI was less
      widespread in early psychosis patients, but between-group differences were not
      significant. Hippocampal activity during TI was positively correlated with
      inference performance only in control subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Our results provide
      evidence that relational memory impairment and hippocampal abnormalities, well
      established in chronic schizophrenia, are not fully present in early psychosis
      patients. This provides a rationale for early intervention, targeting the
      possible delay, reduction, or prevention of these deficits.

PMID- 22055017
TI  - Phasic nucleus accumbens dopamine encodes risk-based decision-making behavior.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To optimize behavior, organisms evaluate the risks and benefits of
      available choices. The mesolimbic dopamine (DA) system encodes information about
      response costs and reward delays that bias choices. However, it remains unclear
      whether subjective value associated with risk-taking behavior is encoded by DA
      release. METHODS: Rats (n = 11) were trained on a risk-based decision-making task
      in which visual cues predicted the opportunity to respond for smaller certain
      (safer) or larger uncertain (riskier) rewards. Following training, DA release
      within the nucleus accumbens (NAc) was monitored on a rapid time scale using fast
      scan cyclic voltammetry during the risk-based decision-making task. RESULTS:
      Individual differences in risk-taking behavior were observed as animals displayed
      a preference for either safe or risky rewards. When only one response option was
      available, reward predictive cues evoked increases in DA concentration in the NAc
      core that scaled with each animal's preferred reward contingency. However, when
      both options were presented simultaneously, cue-evoked DA release signaled the
      animals preferred reward contingency, regardless of the future choice.
      Furthermore, DA signaling in the NAc core also tracked unexpected presentations
      or omissions of rewards following prediction error theory. CONCLUSIONS: These
      results suggest that the dopaminergic projections to the NAc core encode the
      subjective value of future rewards that may function to influence future
      decisions to take risks.

PMID- 22055018
TI  - Short telomeres in depression and the general population are associated with a
      hypocortisolemic state.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis plays a central role in
      stress regulation, and leukocyte telomere length (TL) has been suggested to
      represent a cumulative measure of stress. Depression is intimately related with
      stress and frequently exhibits a dysregulated HPA axis. We aimed to study the
      relationships between TL and biological and psychological facets of stress in
      recurrent major depressive disorder and controls. METHODS: Leukocyte TL was
      measured in 91 subjects with recurrent major depressive disorder and 451 control
      subjects. Stress was assessed from both a biological perspective, by assessing
      HPA axis function with a weight-adjusted very-low-dose dexamethasone suppression
      test (DST), and a psychological perspective, with self-report questionnaires.
      RESULTS: TL was shorter among patients compared with control subjects (277 base
      pairs, p = .001). Overall, short TL was associated with a hypocortisolemic state
      (low post-DST cortisol and high percentage of cortisol reduction after the DST)
      among both patients and control subjects but more pronounced among patients. This
      state, which was overrepresented among patients, was characterized by high
      familial loading of affective disorders among patients (p = .001) and high C
      reactive protein levels among control subjects (p = .040). TL was also inversely
      associated with stress measured with the Perceived Stress Questionnaire (r(s) = 
      .258, p = .003). CONCLUSIONS: Short TL is associated with depression and
      hypocortisolism. Because hypocortisolism has been shown to develop from chronic
      stress exposure, our findings corroborate the concept of TL as a cumulative
      measure of stress and provide novel insights into the detrimental role of stress
      in depressive illness and the general population.

PMID- 22055019
TI  - Poles apart: Scott, Amundsen and science.
AB  - One hundred years ago, teams led by Roald Amundsen and Robert Scott may have been
      heading in the same direction but they were poles apart in the way they sought
      their goals. Amundsen led a five-person team of expert Nordic skiers and dog
      sledders with a single goal: getting to the South Pole first. He planned and
      executed the effort brilliantly. Scott, in contrast, led a complex and multi
      faceted Antarctic expedition with 33 explorers and scientists, many of whom were
      focused on ambitious and often taxing scientific research projects that had
      nothing whatsoever to do with reaching the Pole. Although Scott failed to reach
      the South Pole first and died with four men on the return trip, his expedition
      made significant contributions to Antarctic science. Indeed, at least some of
      Scott's failure to reach the Pole first and the subsequent death of his polar
      party on the return trip can be attributed to burden of trying to do too much and
      not focusing on reaching the pole.

PMID- 22055020
TI  - Guidelines for the diagnosis and management of hereditary spherocytosis--2011
      update.
AB  - Guidelines on hereditary spherocytosis (HS) published in 2004 (Bolton-Maggs et
      al, 2004) are here replaced to reflect changes in current opinion on the surgical
      management, (particularly the indications for concomitant splenectomy with
      cholecystectomy in children with mild HS, and concomitant cholecystectomy with
      splenectomy in those with asymptomatic gallstones). Further potential long term
      hazards of splenectomy are now recognised. Advances have been made in our
      understanding of the biochemistry of the red cell membrane which underpins the
      choice of tests. Biochemical assays of membranes proteins and genetic analysis
      may be indicated (rarely) to diagnose atypical cases. The diagnostic value of the
      eosin-5-maleimide (EMA) binding test has been validated in a number of studies
      with understanding of its limitations.

PMID- 22055021
TI  - The desert camel as a meat animal.
AB  - Fifty-two mature, fattened male camels were used for determining live animal and
      carcase measurements, carcase yield and characteristics. The average slaughter
      weight of mature, fattened desert camels was 456 kg, while the mean empty body
      weight was 404.8 kg. The camel carcase dressed out as 55.8% and 63.6% of live and
      empty body weight, respectively. The mean carcase composition was 56% meat,19%
      bone and 13.7% fat. Of the body components of the camel, the head, hide and liver
      represented 3.5, 8.6 and 2.0% of the empty body weight, respectively. The
      correlations between heart girth and liveweight were high and positive. The depth
      of the camel hump was significantly highly correlated with carcase fat and the
      hump fat weight had a positive high correlation (r = 0.97, P < 0.001) with
      carcase fat.

PMID- 22055022
TI  - The strength and stiffness of perimysial connective tissue isolated from cooked
      beef muscle.
AB  - Thick transverse slices of bovine M. semitendinosus were cooked for 1 h at 50
      degrees -90 degrees  and then cooled. Perimysial connective tissue was dissected
      from the cooked meat and subjected to mechanical testing in a small-scale device.
      The initial 'toe' region of the J-shaped load-extension curve was progressively
      lost with increasing temperature, the curve becoming more nearly linear after
      cooking at 90 degrees C. These effects are explained on the basis of the
      progressive straightening out of the crimps from the collagen fibres, the crimps
      becoming finally lost at approximately 70 degrees C. The final stiffness of the
      perimysium at greater extensions was unchanged at higher temperatures. Breaking
      strength increased from raw to cooked at 50 degrees C, thereafter decreasing at
      cooking temperatures up to 90 degrees C. it is proposed that this technique of
      testing isolated perimysium gives a valuable means of directly measuring the
      effects of cooking, or other treatments, on the intrinsic properties of
      perimysial collagenous material. Quantitative knowledge of these will help to
      determine its contribution to the overall mechanical properties, and hence eating
      quality, of cooked meat.

PMID- 22055023
TI  - Electron Microscopy of bovine muscle, I-The native state of post rigor sarcolemma
      and endomysium.
AB  - The bovine sarcolemma with its associated endomysium has been shown to maintain
      its integrity post rigor except for the occurrence of some small perforations in
      the sarcolemma. The close structural association of the three component parts,
      i.e. the plasmalemma, basement membrane and endomysium, persists even during
      physical disruption of muscle, such that when a tear occursall three parts are
      involved.

PMID- 22055024
TI  - Electron microscopy of bovine muscle: II-The effects of heat denaturation on post
      rigor sarcolemma and endomysium.
AB  - After 1 h at 50 degrees C the collagen fibrils of the endomysium appeared beaded,
      brought about by their close association with the heat denatured non-collagenous
      proteins in the extracellular spaces. Heat denaturation of the lipoprotein
      plasmalemma resulted at 60 degrees C plus for 1 h. The breakdown products of the
      plasmalemma, large granules, were often associated with the basement lamina,
      which appeared to survive intact even after 100 degrees C for 1 h. Loss of the
      plasmalemma and partial thermal shrinkage of the endomysial collagen at higher
      temperatures (70 degrees C plus) together with a probable loss of plasticity of
      the myofibrillar masses, resulted in frequent ruptures of the endomysial tube
      remains. These ruptures, which appeared during the exposure of surfaces prior to
      SEM observation, were not seen prior to heat treatment.

PMID- 22055025
TI  - Fatty acid and proximate composition of raw and cooked retail cuts of beef
      trimmed to different external fat levels.
AB  - Beef steaks and roasts from US Choice, US Select and US Standard quality grades
      were used to determine the effect of 0.64 cm external fat trim and zero (no
      external fat) trim on the proximate and fatty acid composition of cooked cuts of
      beef. Total fat percentage of the cooked lean was affected by external fat trim,
      quality grade, cooking and degree of doneness. Fat retention percentages were
      higher in tenderloin and clod samples when cooked with external fat attached than
      when cooked with no external fat. No consistent effect of fat trim level or
      degree of doneness on the percentage of specific fatty acids was observed.

PMID- 22055026
TI  - The storage life of chilled pork packaged under carbon dioxide.
AB  - Pork cuts of longissimus dorsi muscle with overlaying fat and skin were packed
      under vacuum in film of low oxygen transmission rate, or under CO(2) in gas
      impermeable aluminium foil laminate. Cuts were stored at +3 or -1.5 degrees C.
      Vacuum packaged cuts were grossly spoiled by Brochothrix thermosphacta after 2
      weeks' storage at 3 degrees C and after 5 weeks at -1.5 degrees C. Cuts packaged
      under CO(2) were grossly spoiled by B. thermosphacta after 5.5 weeks' storage at
      3 degrees C. Growth of B. thermosphacta was suppressed when CO(2) packaged cuts
      were stored at -1.5 degrees C. At that temperature, slow growth of enterobacteria
      was detected after a lag of about 18 weeks. The enterobacteria caused gross
      spoilage of an increasing proportion of cuts between 18 and 26 weeks. Muscle
      tissue with pale, soft, exudative (PSE) characteristics tended to lose colour
      after long storage periods, apparently because of loss of myogglobin with
      exudate. Until spoilage, the eating qualities of pork appeared little affected by
      prolonged storage.

PMID- 22055028
TI  - The good news about cancer in developing countries.

PMID- 22055029
TI  - Care for children undergoing surgery: we are not there yet.

PMID- 22055030
TI  - Torture in Syria's hospitals.

PMID- 22055031
TI  - The Lancet-University of Oslo Commission on Global Governance for Health, in
      collaboration with the Harvard Global Health Institute.

PMID- 22055033
TI  - Iodine deficiency in UK schoolgirls.

PMID- 22055034
TI  - Iodine deficiency in UK schoolgirls.

PMID- 22055035
TI  - Iodine deficiency in UK schoolgirls.

PMID- 22055037
TI  - 5 versus 10 days of ceftriaxone for bacterial meningitis in children.

PMID- 22055038
TI  - 5 versus 10 days of ceftriaxone for bacterial meningitis in children.

PMID- 22055040
TI  - Mandating influenza vaccination in health-care workers.

PMID- 22055041
TI  - Editorial code of conduct.

PMID- 22055042
TI  - Never too old.

PMID- 22055043
TI  - Lead poisoning in China.

PMID- 22055045
TI  - Environmental and food contamination with plasticisers in China.

PMID- 22055046
TI  - Arabic roots of modern medicine.

PMID- 22055047
TI  - Comparison of some properties of meat from normal steers and steers heterozygous
      for muscular hypertrophy.
AB  - Carcase characteristics and meat properties of 19 normal steers and 14 steers
      heterozygous for muscular hypertrophy (HMH), killed at a liveweight of circa 360
      kg and 500 days of age, were compared. Carcases of the HMH animals had less
      subcutaneous fat and a greater eye muscle area. It was considered that HMH
      animals were no more stress susceptible than control animals as plasma glucose
      concentrations at slaughter and ultimate pH values of the M. semitendinosus (ST)
      did not differ. ST sarcomere length and cooking losses did not differ between
      control and HMH animals. ST Warner-Bratzler (peak) shear force values and
      adhesion values were less in the HMH animals; these lower values would indicate
      that the ST of the HMH animals was more tender. These differences may have
      resulted from the difference in the mean age of the normal (527 days) and the HMH
      groups (489 days) at slaughter. However, other workers have found a reduced
      hydroxyproline content in muscles of homozygous double-muscled animals and the
      lower adhesion values of animals heterozygous for muscular hypertrophy may
      reflect the fact that they also have a lower connective tissue content in their
      muscles compared with normal animals.

PMID- 22055048
TI  - Histological and shear properties of bovine muscle and their alteration during
      postmortem ageing.
AB  - A total of 108 longissimus dorsi (LD) and 37 semitendinosus (ST) bovine muscles
      were utilised to evaluate the cellular changes and interrelationships among
      histological properties during postmortem ageing. The most important cellular
      change during postmortem ageing in the LD was an increase in the degree of muscle
      fibre fragmentation (i.e. reduction in the length of muscle fibre fragments) and
      in the ST a combination of an increase in degree of muscle fibre fragmentation
      and a lengthening of the sarcomeres. Degree of muscle fibre fragmentation was the
      most highly and consistently related histological trait to shear force values and
      interrelationships of LD histological traits indicated that fibres with larger
      fibre diameters had shorter sarcomeres and fragmented to a lesser degree. In
      addition, higher incidences of wavy LD fibres were generally associated with
      shorter sarcomeres post rigor. In general, histological traits within the ST were
      interrelated only after 13 days of ageing and histological traits among muscles
      were generally not significantly interrelated.

PMID- 22055049
TI  - Influence of cooling and freezing of minced pre-rigor muscle on the breakdown of
      ATP and glycogen.
AB  - The high water-holding capacity of pre-rigor beef can be preserved for months by
      rapid freezing of the minced salted or unsalted bovine muscle before onset of the
      breakdown of ATP. If beef frozen in this way is processed without preceding
      thawing, sausages of excellent quality are obtained. The same result can be
      obtained using beef salted and freeze-dried in the pre-rigor state. It is
      important in both procedures to ensure that the depletion of ATP during freezing
      is kept to a minimum. The optimum conditions for cooling and freezing were
      therefore studied. If NaCl is not added, the rate of ATP breakdown decreases with
      falling temperature to about +6 degrees C but then increases with further
      cooling, reaching a maximum rate at about -1 degrees C, at which temperature the
      meat remains for a relatively long period during freezing. If the beef is salted,
      the rate of ATP hydrolysis decreases with falling temperature until the meat is
      frozen. Above + 3 degrees C the concentration of ATP is lower in salted than
      unsalted meat in the first hours post mortem, but below this temperature the
      position is reversed. The influence of temperature on lactate formation, i.e. on
      the rate of glycolysis in the presence and absence of salt, follows similar
      patterns. Therefore, it is better to salt the beef before freezing rather than
      during the preparation of the sausage emulsion. These influences of temperature
      on the ATP depletion in unsalted and salted beef can be explained in terms of the
      release of Ca(2+) ions from the sarcoplasmic reticulum.

PMID- 22055050
TI  - Effects of level of feeding, pre-slaughter stress and method of slaughter on
      postmortem glycolysis of sheep muscles.
AB  - Increased psychological stress, engendered in the remaining animals as each
      animal was taken and killed, sequentially, from a pen of four animals, decreased
      M. longissimus dorsi (LD) glycogen concentrations at 30 min (initial) and4.5 h
      postmortem and initial (12 min postmortem) M. semitendinosus (ST) pH values.
      Increasing stress, with order of slaughter, was associated with increased initial
      temperatures in both muscles. Stunned animals had lower initial temperatures in
      LD and ST than unstunned animals. pH values at 4.5 and 6sd5 h postmortem in the
      LD and at 6.5 h in the ST were greater in muscles from stunned sheep than in
      those from unstunned sheep. LD glycogen concentrations at 4.5 h postmortem were
      greater in animals receiving less feed; an effect only in part due to the faster
      cooling rate of their lighter, less fat carcases. Initial ST glycogen
      concentrations were approximately half those of initial LD glycogen
      concentrations.

PMID- 22055051
TI  - Relationships between time of stunning and time of throat cutting and their
      effect on blood pressure and blood splash in lambs.
AB  - A study based on 84 electrically stunned lambs showed that those gash stuck
      (transverse incision of the extended neck which almost simultaneously severs the
      trachea, oesophagus, common carotid arteries and jugular veins and the spinal
      cord at the occipito-atlantal junction; Blackmore & Newhook, 1976) immediately
      after removal of the electrical applicator had a lower incidence of blood splash
      than lambs gash stuck 5-8 sec r stunning. Lambs whose throats were cut
      immediately before the application of the electrical current had the lowest
      incidence of blood splash. None of the splash observed was of commercial
      significance. Systolic blood pressure recordings were made on a further 12 lambs
      of a similar age, 10 of which were electrically stunned and two shot with a
      captive bolt pistol. Blood pressure changes observed were related to the blood
      splash results obtained in the first trial. Electrical stunning raised blood
      pressures to an average of 3.5 times normal in lambs allowed to recover from
      stunning. A further seven young unweaned lambs which were electrically or
      percussion stunned showed a similar pattern of blood pressure change to that
      reported for older lambs following stunning, except that lower maximum pressures
      were reached. The authors interpret the results of the present trials as
      indicating that the application of electrical current to the heads of lambs
      results in damage to small vessels prior to the elevation of blood pressure. This
      damage may become apparent in the dressed carcass and organs as small
      haemorrhages. The subsequent rise in blood pressure following stunning then
      exacerbates the leakage of blood into tissues and it becomes more apparent in the
      form of discrete haemorrhages or blood splash.

PMID- 22055052
TI  - The ecology of bacterial spoilage of fresh meat at chill temperatures.
AB  - At chill temperatures the spoilage flora of meat is composed of psychrotrophs
      originating largely from the hides of slaughtered animals. Under humid
      conditions, aerobic floras are usually dominated by pseudomonads while anaerobic
      floras are dominated by lactobacilli. In both cases growth occurs on low
      molecular weight soluble components of meat which are attacked in the order
      glucose, glucose-6-phosphate (Enterobacteriaceae only) and amino acids. Under
      aerobic conditions spoilage becomes detectable when the bacteria begin to degrade
      amino acids which remain abundant at the meat surface when growth ceases,
      probably because of limited availability of oxygen. Under anaerobic conditions
      growth ceases because the diffusion of fermentable substrates to the surface is
      not rapid enough to support further growth. Aerobically, there is no interaction
      between different bacterial species until the maximum cell density is approached;
      anaerobically, however, lactobacilli produce an antimicrobial agent which
      inhibits growth of competing species. The composition of spoilage floras can be
      affected by changes in water activity and the storage atmosphere.

PMID- 22055053
TI  - Effect of restraint on the thermal transitions of tendon.
AB  - Sheep tendon samples that had been given a heat treatment in 0.9% sodium chloride
      solution at temperatures above their normal shrinkage temperature (ST) were
      examined by differential scanning calorimetry. If the tendon was not restrained
      from shrinkage during the heat treatment, no endothermic transition in the region
      of 60 degrees C was subsequently detected by calorimetry. If it was restrained an
      endothermic transition was then detected, the magnitude of which was inversely
      related to the shrinkage allowed to occur during heat treatment. Values for
      transition heat (DeltaH) and transition temperature (T(1,2)) of tendon samples
      restrained at their original taut length and heat treated 10 degrees -15 degrees
      C above the ST were similar to those found for unheated control samples. However,
      increase in the temperature of the heat treatment to 20 degrees -30 degrees C
      above the ST resulted in a decrease in both DeltaH and T(1,2) and the transition
      became broader.

PMID- 22055054
TI  - Lysosomal proteinases in muscle tissue and leukocytes of meat animals.
AB  - Carboxypeptidases A and B, cathepsins B, D and E, dipeptidyl aminopeptidase 1 and
      collagenase were extracted from bovine and porcine leukocyte lysosomes and
      diaphragm muscle lysosomes with 4% n-butyl alcohol in dry ice and various
      chemical properties were studied. The enzymes were classified by their specific
      activities with different substrates, pH optima, energies of activation and the
      influence of inhibitors and stimulators. Cathepsins D and E were the most active
      proteases studied and all enzymes were more active in leukocytes than in
      sediments from muscle tissue. The properties of these enzymes, compared with
      enzymes from other sources, and their possible involvement in meat tenderness are
      discussed.

PMID- 22055055
TI  - Effects of early-postmortem glycolytic rate on beef tenderness.
AB  - Electrical stimulation (ES) was applied at 500 V to one side from each of 60 beef
      carcasses at 30 to 40 min postmortem. Wide ranges of early-postmortem glycolytic
      and cooling rates were produced in the musculature by use of three different
      forms of ES (in addition to non-ES treatment of the contralateral sides) and
      application of chilling routines of four different degrees of severity. Panel and
      Warner-Bratzler shear evaluations of loin steaks from all 120 sides showed that
      tenderness was highest when glycolysis had proceeded at an intermediate rate
      (corresponding to the attainment of a 3-h pH of about 6.1) and was appreciably
      lower on both sides of this mid-value. The toughening effect of rapid glycolysis
      (relative to that of a moderately increased glycolytic rate) persisted through 14
      days of aging at 2 degrees C. These observations appear to be incompatible with
      the view that lysosomal enzymes contribute significantly to ES-induced
      tenderization. They also indicate that the effect of ES on tenderness is highly
      dependent on the subsequent cooling rate, very slow chilling sometimes
      accelerating the already high rate of pH fall to such an extent that the tissue
      is significantly toughened. Finally, they suggest that the goal of maximizing the
      early-postmortem rate of pH decline in bovine muscle is misguided and, if
      attained, will cause sub-optimal tenderness.

PMID- 22055056
TI  - The effects of conditioning on meat collagen: Part 1-Evidence for gross in situ
      proteolysis.
AB  - The relative effectiveness of various reagents was investigated to determine the
      best method for extracting damaged collagen or collagen fragments from
      conditioned meat. SDS- and urea-washing were showd to yield clean connective
      tissue preparations and to extract the largest quantities of soluble collagen
      from perimysial preparations. Neutral 6m urea was used thereafter to extract
      soluble material from perimysial and endomysial preparations made from
      unconditioned and conditioned beef muscles. Eight bovine muscles of varying
      quality were examined. Conditioned muscles yielded significantly greater
      quantities of solubilized perimysial material than unconditioned muscles (P =
      0.096) although the total collagen solubilized was very low (3.2-5.6% of total
      perimysial collagen). The amount of collagen or collagen fragments extracted from
      the eight perimysial preparations from conditioned muscles was significantly
      higher (P = 0.015) than from unconditioned muscles. Considerable variability in
      the percentage solubility of collagen from conditioned muscle perimysium was
      seen. This appeared to be site-specific. It was not possible to demonstrate
      similar changes in endomysial preparations due to the difficulty in quantitating
      the relatively low amounts of collagen in these fractions.

PMID- 22055057
TI  - Effect of ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol on storage stability of beef steaks.
AB  - Fresh beef loin steaks were dipped in solutions of (1) 70% ethyl alcohol (EtOH).
      (2) 70% EtOH containing 3% l-ascorbic acid (AsA), (3) 70% EtOH containing 0.08%
      dl-alpha-tocopherol (Toc) and (4) 70% EtOH containing 3% AsA plus 0.08% Toc for
      20 s, then drained for 10 s. Control samples received no dip treatment. After 3,
      6, 9 and 13 days of storage at 4 degrees C, the samples were evaluated for MetMb
      formation, TBA number and viable bacterial count. The beef steaks given AsA
      treatment maintained an acceptable meat colour for 13 days of storage. The TBA
      numbers of samples dipped in EtOH containing AsA stored for 13 days were
      significantly lower than those of controls, and in samples dipped in solutions
      without AsA. At 9 and 13 days of storage, the AsA plus Toc-treated samples gave
      lower TBA numbers than the samples given AsA treatment only. Viable bacterial
      counts were not affected by AsA, Toc or AsA plus Toc treatment. Beef loin steaks
      dipped in EtOH solution maintained a viable bacterial count of 10(6) after 13
      days of storage.

PMID- 22055058
TI  - Tenderness of pork muscles as influenced by chilling rate and altered carcass
      suspension.
AB  - Tenderness improvements in porcine muscles (M. longissimus dorsi, LD; M.
      semimembranosus, SM; M. biceps femoris, BF) were evaluated in a total of 72
      carcasses by using combinations of three different chilling rates (fast, delayed
      fast, slow) and two different suspension methods (Achilles tendon, pelvic bone).
      Tenderness was improved by fast chilling in LD, SM and BF by the pelvic
      suspension as compared to conventional suspension in the Achilles tendon (P <
      0.05). The lengthening of the sarcomeres in SM and BF as produced by pelvic
      suspension exceeded those found in LD, without having proportional additional
      effect on the tenderness. While the pelvic-induced tenderization did not change
      significantly by delayed fast chilling, additional tenderization in BF and SM was
      obtained by combining pelvic suspension with slow chilling. In conventionally
      suspended sides, tenderness was unaffected by delayed fast chilling-with slow
      chilling, however, improvements were observed in LD and SM to a similar extent as
      obtained by the pelvic suspension. In the LD muscle, the tenderizing effect
      produced by treatments was largest in muscles having pH values 45 min post
      stunning above 6.1 (P < 0.05).

PMID- 22055059
TI  - Effect of feed energy intake on collagen characteristics and muscle quality of
      mature cows.
AB  - Samples from mature cows fed a high-energy and maintenance-energy diet for 84
      days prior to slaughter were used to compare collagen solubility and palatability
      traits. Cows fed a high-energy diet prior to slaughter had increased percentage
      heat-labile collagen, less sensory panel detectable connective tissue and lower
      shear force values than cows fed a maintenance-energy diet. Mature cows fed a
      high-energy diet were fatter and had more marbling than cows fed a maintenance
      energy diet. The increased collagen solubility from feeding a high-energy diet to
      mature cows resulted in palatability and shear force ratings similar to those
      expected from young animals.

PMID- 22055060
TI  - Relation between muscular development and muscle collagen content in pigs.
AB  - The relationship between muscle collagen content and muscular development was
      investigated in the pig using eight Large Whites, eight halothane-negative (HN)
      and eight halothane-positive (HP) Pietrain pigs. Three muscles varying in the
      degree of hypertrophy in Pietrain pigs as compared to Large White pigs were
      studied. Pietrain pigs had higher loin and ham percentages, as well as higher
      muscle to bone ratio in the ham than Large White pigs. A trend to lower collagen
      contents in Pietrain pigs as compared to Large White pigs was observed in biceps
      femoris and longissimus dorsi muscles, although the differences were not
      significant. On the whole, there does not seem to be any clear relationship
      between muscle collagen content and muscular development in the porcine species.

PMID- 22055061
TI  - Effect of hot-boned pork on the keeping quality of fresh pork sausage.
AB  - The first experiment evaluated the effect of solid carbon dioxide (dry ice)
      addition to hot-boned meat, in different proportions, upon the keeping quality of
      fresh pork sausage patties. Dry ice had some negative effects at levels of 20% to
      40%, such as hardening and colour fading of samples, although it increased water
      holding capacity of the sausage. In the second experiment three proportions of
      hot-boned meat and chilled meat were evaluated as a means to extend the retail
      storage time of fresh pork sausage links. Hot-boned pork was treated by three
      methods: freezing the meat before grinding, salting and freezing, and salting
      plus dry ice addition. The results favoured the use of 50% hot-boned meat and 50%
      chilled meat, for which the lowest hardness and oxidation values were obtained.
      Microbial counts and hue values showed no significant variation among the three
      treatments. Salting and freezing hot-boned meat before grinding was the method
      which produced the best overall quality.

PMID- 22055063
TI  - Influences of anatomical location and muscle quality on porcine lipid
      composition.
AB  - Carcasses of sixty Lacombe and Lacombe cross swine fed the same high concentrate
      ration were selected to equally represent three muscle quality groups (pale soft
      exudative (PSE), normal and dark firm dry (DFD)). These carcasses were utilised
      to supply back and belly fat samples for the evaluation of the influences of
      muscle quality and anatomical location on fatty acid composition. Back fat
      samples had lower percentages of palmitic (C16:0) and stearic (C18:0) acids, long
      (>= C18), and short (<= C16) chain saturated fatty acids and total saturated
      fatty acids and higher percentages of oleic (C18:1) and linoleic (C18:2) acids,
      polyunsaturated fatty acids and total unsaturated fatty acids than belly fat
      samples. They also had a higher unsaturated fatty acid to saturated fatty acid
      ratio than belly fat samples. Carcasses with DFD hams and loins had lower
      percentages of palmitoleic (C16:1) and linoleic (C18:2) acids and polyunsaturated
      fatty acids in their back fat than those with PSE hams and loins. They also had
      higher (P < 0.05) percentages of myristic (C14: 0) and stearic (C18:0) acids and
      long chain saturated fatty acids (>= C18) and lower percentages (P < 0.05) of
      palmitic (C16:0) and palmitoleic (C16:1) acids in their back fat than carcasses
      with normal hams and loins. Moreover, they had lower (P < 0.05) percentages of
      palmitoleic (C16:1) and linoleic (C18:2) acids and poly-unsaturated fatty acids
      in their belly fat than carcasses with normal and PSE hams and loins. The fact
      that the lipid composition of carcasses differed significantly among muscle
      quality groups is of considerable importance, since it implies that factors
      (stress) producing differences in muscle quality may also significantly influence
      the fatty acid composition-and thereby the physical properties of carcass lipids.

PMID- 22055064
TI  - Physiological basis of CO(2) inhibition of a meat spoilage bacterium, Pseudomonas
      fluorescens.
AB  - CO(2) has been shown to have a number of effects on biological systems, but it is
      uncertain which of these are important in its inhibition of Gram-negative
      spoilage bacteria. The effects of CO(2) on intracellular pH, in vitro enzyme
      actities and substrate transport were examined to see if any changes in these
      functions could be correlated with the observed patterns of growth inhibition,
      which varied with the composition of the growth medium. CO(2) inhibition of
      growth could not be explained by postulating inhibition of intracellular enzymes,
      but inhibition of substrate uptake appears to correlate with-and offer a
      satisfactory explanation for-growth inhibition. However, the data do not allow
      the inhibition of substrate transport to be ascribed to a particular mode of
      action of CO(2).

PMID- 22055065
TI  - Electroencephalographic studies of stunning and slaughter of sheep and calves-
      Part 3: The duration of insensibility induced by electrical stunning in sheep and
      calves.
AB  - The duration of insensibility produced by electrical and percussive stunning was
      studied in sheep and calves. Insensibility was determined from the study of
      electroencephalograms (EEG) and concurrent observations were made of the reflexes
      and reactions of the animals. The effect of stunning on the circulation was
      assessed from electrocardiograms (ECG) and femoral blood pressures (BP).
      Electrical stunning of sheep by electrodes to the head only produced a period of
      reversible insensibility of 18-42s. This technique also caused an immediate and
      prolonged increase in BP. Electrical stunning of both sheep and calves by a 'head
      to back' method, which causes concurrent cardiac dysfunction, produced immediate
      and permanent insensibility associated with cessation of circulation and an
      immediate drop in BP. The use of a non-penetrative method of percussion stunning
      caused immediate insensibility and an increase in BP which persisted after
      exsanguination had commenced. Calves stunned with a penetrating captive bolt
      showed immediate and permanent insensibility and the EEG became isoelectric
      within 15 s.

PMID- 22055066
TI  - The determination of haem pigments in meat.
AB  - The determination of haem pigment concentration in meat is described. The
      absorbancies of the extract are measured at 572, 565, 545 and 525 nm and the
      total concentrations, as well as the relative concentrations, of oxidized,
      oxygenated or reduced pigment forms are calculated. The procedure is simple and
      gives information in a single step which otherwise would be available only by
      using two separate methods.

PMID- 22055067
TI  - A plug sampling technique for measuring the pH of carcass muscles.
AB  - A modified surgical biopsy instrument has been developed for taking muscle
      samples from the M. longissimus dorsi of sheep carcasses. This instrument enables
      samples of approximately 2 g to be taken without mutilating the carcass. Samples
      from a range of carcasses were incubated in liquid paraffin for 24 h at
      approximately 20 degrees C and pH values measured after homogenisation in
      iodoacetate solution. The values obtained were an accurate measure of ultimate pH
      of the muscle at the site from which the plug samples were taken. This technique
      has a number of advantages over measurement by direct probe methods.

PMID- 22055068
TI  - Quality, palatability and weight loss of pork as affected by electrical
      stimulation.
AB  - Forty-five swine (n = 15, stress-susceptible pigs, fasted for 18 h; n = 15,
      normal pigs, fasted for 48, 60 or 72h; n = 15, normal pigs, fasted for 18 h) were
      slaughtered. One side of each pig was electrically stimulated (ES)-550 V, 2-6 A,
      seventeen impulses, 1.8 s on and 1.8 s off per impulse-and the opposite side was
      not stimulated (NS). Ham and loin temperatures were monitored at 12 and 24 hours
      post mortem. Carcass quality-marbling, loin eye colour, loin eye firmness,
      subcutaneous fat firmness and belly firmness-was evaluated at 24 hours post
      mortem. Sides were fabricated into four lean cuts at 48 hours; cuts were placed
      on open metal racks in a 2 degrees C cooler and weight loss was measured after
      24, 48 and 72 hours storage. At 120 hours post mortem, loin chops were cut,
      frozen (-24 degrees C for 45 days) and subsequently used to determine thaw loss,
      cooking loss, Warner-Bratzler shear (WBS) force and palatability. Ham
      temperatures (12 h) were significantly (P < 0.05) lower for the ES sides from the
      stress-susceptible, short-fast (SSF) group but not for normal, long-fast (NLF) or
      normal, short-fast (NSF) groups. ES produced lighter coloured, softer loin eyes
      in the SSF group but darker coloured, firmer loin eyes and firmer subcutaneous
      fat in the NLF group. No significant differences (P > 0.05) were detected for
      thaw loss, cooking loss, palatability ratings or WBS values between ES and NS in
      the SSF group but chops from ES sides of NLF animals had significantly (P < 0.05)
      higher ratings for muscle fibre tenderness, overall tenderness and overall
      palatability. Weight losses of the lean cuts from the ES sides were higher (P <
      0.05) than those from NS sides in only three of sixty comparisons of cuts from
      the three groups of swine. These data suggest that ES had very minimal effects on
      quality, palatability or weight loss of pork.

PMID- 22055069
TI  - Some aspects of the effectiveness of stunning in sheep by the captive bolt.
AB  - The effects of penetration depth and the velocity of the bolt on the onset of
      unconsciousness was investigated in twenty-four sheep of about 45 kg liveweight.
      The sheeps' state of consciousness was judged from the electrocorticograms
      recorded via electrodes surgically pre-implanted frontally on the right side of
      the head. Sixteen sheep were trephined. A commercial captive bolt pistol and an
      experimental manual bolt, both with variable penetration depths, were used to
      represent high and low velocity stunning. Stunning by destroying only the cortex
      or by only penetrating the skull when the experimental bolt or captive bolt
      pistol, respectively, were used, did not produce unconsciousness. Unconsciousness
      was obtained after destroying the cortex and deeper parts of the brain with the
      experimental bolt (low velocity) or after destroying the cortex (and deeper parts
      of the brain by shockwaves) when using a captive bolt pistol (high velocity). To
      produce unconsciousness the captive bolt should have sufficient energy and length
      after penetration of the skull to crush the cortex and deeper parts of the brain,
      either directly or by shockwaves.

PMID- 22055070
TI  - Aliphatic secondary amines in meat and fish products and their analysis by high
      pressure liquid chromatography.
AB  - A simple and reliable high pressure liquid chromatographic method for aliphatic
      secondary amines in foods has been developed. The method, which involves rapid
      extraction, derivatisation with dinitroflurobenzene and one-step liquid
      chromatographic analysis, allows dimethylamine to be determined without
      interference by the completing agent, whereas only a slight increase in the
      response of dimethylamine is caused by large amounts of trimethylamine. The
      presence of free secondary amines in a number of Italian meat and fish products
      and their formation as a consequence of some preservation techniques have been
      investigated. The results are discussed.

PMID- 22055071
TI  - Performance, carcass and palatability characteristics of Longhorn and other types
      of cattle.
AB  - Performance, carcass and palatability characteristics of Longhorn steers were
      compared with those of cattle currently popular in the United States-Hereford,
      Angus, Brahman, Holstein, two-breed crossbred (British beef breed crosses) and
      three-breed crossbred (1 4 dairy , 1 4 British beef  and 1 2 European beef )
      steers. Steers were fed roughage, then a growing diet (42 days), then a high
      energy (89% concentrate) diet (153 to 179 days by breed group) and slaughtered,
      individually, at USDA Choice finish or, failing that, after 186 days on the
      finishing diet. Data suggest that Longhorns, compared with types of cattle
      currently used: (1) are less desirable in physical appearance; (2) gain weight
      less rapidly, reaching the desired finish and slaughter weight as older animals;
      (3) convert feed to liveweight less efficiently; (4) deposit less subcutaneous
      fat, more internal fat, but essentially the same amount of intramuscular fat; (5)
      are as muscular (longissimus muscle area, estimated percentage of carcass muscle,
      muscle to bone ratio, muscle to fat ratio); (6) are as desirable in USDA quality
      grade and yield grade and (7) produce beef that is a palatable.

PMID- 22055072
TI  - Morphometric study of the layers of the canine small intestine at five sampling
      sites.
AB  - The histology of the canine intestine has not been accurately defined. To
      establish the precise thickness of its different layers, whole wall samples of
      the small intestine were removed from 41 cadavers at five standardised sampling
      sites (duodenum, proximal jejunum, distal jejunum, proximal ileum and distal
      ileum). The total thickness was estimated by morphometry, as was the thickness of
      the mucosa, muscularis mucosae, submucosa and muscularis externa. In addition,
      the size of the lymphoid aggregates in the submucosa and the thickness of the
      circular and longitudinal layers within both the muscularis mucosae and the
      muscularis externa were estimated. The total intestinal thickness depended very
      much upon the thickness of the mucosa and submucosa. The mucosa decreased
      progressively from proximal to distal parts of the small intestine (47%
      reduction). The thickness of the submucosa, however, changed little from the
      duodenum to the distal jejunum, but increased significantly in the ileum; this
      change was positively correlated with the amount of lymphoid tissue. Sex
      influenced the thickness of the intestinal wall, with males displaying higher
      thickness values along the small intestine. Conversely, no correlation between
      bodyweight and intestinal thickness was found for any of the five sampling sites.
      This study gives absolute and relative values for the thickness of the layers of
      the dog intestine which might help in the diagnosis of small intestinal pathology
      from postmortem samples and/or endoscopic biopsies.

PMID- 22055074
TI  - Assessment of a single-piece hydrophilic acrylic IOL for piggyback sulcus
      fixation in pseudophakic cadaver eyes.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate a single-piece hydrophilic acrylic intraocular lens (IOL)
      designed for sulcus fixation in a piggyback configuration in postmortem
      pseudophakic human eyes. SETTING: John A. Moran Eye Center, University of Utah,
      Salt Lake City, Utah, USA. DESIGN: Experimental study. METHODS: Pseudophakic
      human cadaver eyes were imaged by high-frequency ultrasound (Artemis) to assess
      the overall position of the primary IOL and the sulcus diameter. The piggyback
      IOL (Sulcoflex) was then injected into the ciliary sulcus of these eyes. After
      fixation in formalin, they were reevaluated by high-frequency ultrasound for
      assessment of IOL fixation, fit, centration, tilt, and clearance from the primary
      IOL and intraocular structures and analyzed after sectioning. RESULTS: Data could
      be obtained from 11 eyes, all in which the primary IOL was located in the
      capsular bag. Different foldable IOLs and different degrees of Soemmerring ring
      formation were represented. The piggyback IOL could be injected and positioned in
      the ciliary sulcus and had overall appropriate centration and minimum or no tilt.
      Clearance between the 2 IOLs ranged from 232 to 779 MUm, mostly depending on the
      thickness of the primary IOL. Direct assessment of the sulcus-fixated haptics
      showed no disturbances to the ciliary processes. CONCLUSIONS: The new IOL has
      large optic and overall diameters, smooth and undulating haptics, and a convex
      concave optic profile. Results show that these characteristics minimize the
      possibility of interaction with the primary IOL and uveal tissues, decreasing the
      likelihood of optical aberrations and pigmentary dispersion.

PMID- 22055073
TI  - Association of biometric factors with anterior chamber angle widening and
      intraocular pressure reduction after uneventful phacoemulsification for cataract.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate anterior chamber biometric factors associated with the
      degree of angle widening and intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction after
      phacoemulsification. SETTING: University of California, San Francisco,
      California, USA. DESIGN: Case series. METHODS: Anterior chamber parameters
      obtained by anterior segment coherence tomography were compared preoperatively
      and 3 months postoperatively. Measurements included the angle opening distance
      500 MUm anterior to the scleral spur (AOD500), trabecular-iris space area 500 MUm
      from the scleral spur (TISA500), iris curvature (I-Curv), anterior chamber angle
      (ACA), trabecular-iris space area, anterior chamber volume, anterior chamber
      width, and lens vault (LV). RESULTS: The study enrolled 73 eyes. The mean patient
      age was 77.45 years +/- 7.84 (SD); 65.75% of patients were women. From
      preoperatively to 3 months postoperatively, the mean AOD500 increased
      significantly (0.254 +/- 0.105 to 0.433 +/- 0.108 mm) and the mean IOP decreased
      significantly (14.97 +/- 3.35 to 12.62 +/- 3.37 mm Hg) (P<.001). The reduction in
      IOP was correlated with the increase in AOD500 (r = 0.240, P=.041) and
      preoperative LV (r = 0.235, P=.045). After adjusting for related factors, AOD500
      widening was positively correlated with LV (beta = 0.458, P=.044) and I-Curv
      (beta = 0.235, P=.043) and negatively correlated with preoperative TISA500 (beta
      = -0.269, P=.025) and ACA (beta = -0.919, P=.027). CONCLUSIONS: Surgically
      induced AOD widening was significantly correlated with anterior chamber biometric
      factors. Preoperative LV appears to be a significant factor in angle widening and
      IOP reduction after phacoemulsification.

PMID- 22055075
TI  - Changes in intraocular lens surface roughness during cataract surgery assessed by
      atomic force microscopy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To analyze the changes in optic surface roughness before and after
      injection of various intraocular lens (IOL) models using atomic force microscopy
      (AFM). SETTINGS: Departments of Ophthalmology, Medical University of Graz,
      General Hospital Linz and University Hospital Basel; Upper Austria University,
      School of Applied Health and Social Sciences, Linz, Austria. DESIGN: Experimental
      study. METHODS: The morphology and surface roughness of 3 hydrophobic acrylic
      IOLs from different manufacturers were analyzed by AFM in liquid using the
      tapping mode. First, AFM was performed on IOLs taken from the original package
      without further manipulation. In a second step, under sterile conditions, an
      experienced cataract surgeon loaded the IOLs into the appropriate injection
      system and pushed them through a system resembling an IOL implantation in
      cataract surgery; this was followed by AFM evaluation. Finally, 3 samples of a
      preloaded hydrophilic acrylic IOL taken from the original cartridge were compared
      with 3 samples that were pushed through the implantation system. RESULTS:
      Comparison of the arithmetic mean, standard deviation, root mean square, and
      surface skewness of the IOLs before and after injection showed a significant
      increase in surface roughness (P<.05). CONCLUSIONS: Standard application
      procedures of IOLs may alter the IOL surface. Increases in the surface roughness
      of IOLs may influence postoperative posterior capsule opacification. Further
      studies are necessary to evaluate the interfacial properties of IOLs.

PMID- 22055076
TI  - Intrastromal corneal ring segments for advanced keratoconus and cases with high
      keratometric asymmetry.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report the safety and efficacy of intrastromal corneal ring segment
      (ICRS) implantation to manage keratoconus. SETTING: Singleton Hospital Abertawe
      Bro Morgannwg University NHS Trust, Swansea, United Kingdom DESIGN: Case series.
      METHODS: Intacs SK ICRS were implanted manually for moderate to severe
      keratoconus and contact lens intolerance or ineffectiveness. Postoperative
      examinations were at 2 and 4 weeks; 3, 6, 9, and 12 months; and every 6 months
      thereafter. Outcome measures included uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected (CDVA)
      distance visual acuities, refraction, corneal topography, and slitlamp
      examination. RESULTS: This study enrolled 31 eyes (29 patients; mean age 30
      years). The mean UDVA was significantly better 12 months postoperatively (0.88
      logMAR) than preoperatively (1.40 logMAR) (P=.001), as was the mean CDVA (0.29
      logMAR versus 0.44 logMAR) (P=.04). The mean spherical equivalent was -6.57
      diopters (D) preoperatively and -2.84 D at 12 months (P=.01). The mean
      keratometry (K) reading decreased from 52.07 D (range 45.9 to 63.1 D) to 46.15 D
      (range 39.2 to 52.9 D) for K1 (P<.0001) and from 57.9 D (range 52.5 to 69.7 D) to
      51.2 D (range 46.8 to 58.3 D) for K2 (P<.0001). There were no intraoperative
      complications; however, 6 patients had segment extrusion. CONCLUSION:
      Implantation of ICRS was useful in managing keratoconus, producing up to 12.00 D
      of corneal flattening, which improved CDVA and allowed contact lens tolerance in
      all cases.

PMID- 22055081
TI  - The colour and colour stability of beef Longissimus dorsi and Semimembranosus
      muscles after effective electrical stimulation.
AB  - The influence of effective low voltage electrical stimulation (ES) of beef on the
      colour and colour stability of longissimus dorsi (LD) and semimembranosus (SM)
      muscles, during storage and retail display was studied by tristimulus colorimetry
      and reflectance spectrophotometry. ES had no significant effect on the colour of
      the LD muscles, but some significant effects on SM muscles of ultimate pH 5.5
      5.7. Three hours after slicing into steaks at 5 days post mortem, stimulated SM
      muscles had a paler/lighter colour than non-stimulated controls. During a retail
      display of 3 days, all steaks exhibited a loss of colour quality manifested in
      loss of redness and decreases in both hue and chroma (saturation). These changes
      were most marked in the stimulated SM muscles, and analysis indicated that they
      were due almost exclusively to the formation of metmyoglobin (metMb). Ageing the
      meat, as primals cuts, for 33 days at 0 degrees C led to no significant
      differences in the perceived colour three hours after slicing. The colour changes
      observed during the 3-day retail display of steaks occurred more rapidly in both
      (ES and non-ES) 33 day-aged samples than in the 5 day-aged ones. The result of
      this was that the colour stability of non-stimulated steaks prepared at 33 days
      was similar to that of ES steaks prepared fresh (5 day post mortem). In SM
      muscles of pH 5.8-6.0 the apparent differences in colour of the ES and non-ES
      samples were not significant. However, meat of pH > 5.8, although darker than
      meat of lesser pH, had less tendency to form metmyoglobin during retail display.
      The present work also confirmed that seemingly small differences in display
      conditions, especially temperature, have a marked effect on metmyoglobin
      formation.

PMID- 22055077
TI  - Rotational stability of a toric intraocular lens: influence of axial length and
      alignment in the capsular bag.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the rotational stability of a toric intraocular lens (IOL)
      using purpose-designed software and to determine the influence of axial length
      (AL) and in-the-bag IOL alignment on IOL rotation. SETTING: Iladevi Cataract &
      IOL Research Centre, Ahmedabad, India. DESIGN: Prospective observational case
      series. METHODS: This study enrolled eyes that had AcrySof toric IOL
      implantation. The AL was measured using optical coherence biometry or immersion A
      scan biometry. Corneal astigmatism was determined by manual keratometry and
      topography. The IOL alignment was vertical, horizontal, or oblique. Rotational
      stability was measured using the purpose-designed software, and the mean absolute
      difference was determined. The effect of AL and IOL alignment on rotational
      stability was determined 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: The study evaluated
      168 eyes (168 patients). The mean AL was 23.86 mm +/- 1.63 (SD), (range 19.50 to
      29.03 mm). The median IOL rotation was 0.3 degree from baseline to 1 week, 1.0
      degree from 1 week to 1 month, 0.2 degree from 1 to 3 months, and 0.1 degree from
      3 to 6 months. The maximum rotation occurred between 1 week and 1 month. There
      was a strong correlation between AL and IOL rotation at 6 months (r = 0.93,
      P<.001). The mean absolute difference at 6 months was not significantly different
      between the 3 axis placement categories when correlated with the rotation
      (P=.102, analysis of variance). CONCLUSIONS: Toric IOL rotation was greater in
      eyes with a longer AL. Alignment of the IOL in the capsular bag had no influence
      on rotation.

PMID- 22055082
TI  - Sarcomere shortening of prerigor muscles and its influence on drip loss.
AB  - Detailed studies of muscle shortening post mortem at incubation temperatures
      between -2 degrees C and +38 degrees C revealed that the sarcomeres in
      unrestrained, excised red bovine muscle (M. sternomandibularis) shortened less
      than 10 % in the prerigor state between 6 degrees C and 18 degrees C. Below 6
      degrees C, sarcomeres contracted up to 70%. Between 20 degrees C and 38 degrees C
      sarcomere shortening of 40% was observed. In the red porcine M. cleidooccipitalis
      the minimum of shortening was measured at about 10 degrees C, a higher degree of
      shortening-up to 50%-being obtained above and below this temperature. The drip
      loss of both muscle types increased linearly with increasing prerigor shortening.
      This latter relationship is discussed with regard to changes within the muscle
      post mortem. The influence of three events on water movement from the
      interfilamental space into the interfibrillar fluid and from there into the
      extracellular space is critically evaluated. These events are: (1) the prerigor
      contraction of sarcomeres depending on the temperature of storage, (2) the
      changes due to the falling pH post mortem and (3) the onset of rigor mortis, with
      its irreversible association of actin and myosin.

PMID- 22055083
TI  - A comparison of distribution and composition of intramuscular fat in Duroc Jersey
      and Hampshire pigs at 100 kg liveweight.
AB  - The intramuscular fat content, its fatty acid composition and that from the
      triglyceride fraction, were determined in several muscles from the right sides of
      four Duroc Jersey and four Hampshire castrated male pigs slaughtered at 100 kg
      liveweight. The Hampshires had heavier muscles than the Duroc Jersey pigs, but
      did not show significant differences in the percentages of intramuscular fat. The
      concentrations of linoleic acid were, in general, higher in the Hampshire than in
      the Duroc Jersey pigs and in many muscles the differences were highly significant
      (p < 0.05) The concentrations of linoleic acid (18:2) in the triglyceride
      fraction did not differ among muscles within breeds but were higher in Hampshire
      than in Duroc Jersey pigs.

PMID- 22055084
TI  - Conformational changes in the muscle proteins of cured beef during heating.
AB  - Structural changes caused by heating in the proteins of cured beef longissimus
      dorsi muscle were examined by fluorescence and differential scanning calorimetry.
      Denaturation occurred in four temperature ranges-40-55 degrees C, 55-61 degrees
      C, 62-70 degrees C and above 70 degrees C, in contrast to the three endothermic
      transitions reported for non-cured meats.

PMID- 22055085
TI  - Compositional and enzymatic characteristics of the Longissimus Dorsi muscle from
      large white, halothane-positive and halothane-negative pietrain, and hampshire
      pigs.
AB  - One-hundred-and-twenty-nine pigs from four genetic types-Large Whites, halothane
      negative (HN) and halothane-positive (HP) Pietrains and Hampshires-were used to
      study some compositional and enzymatic muscle traits. Water, nitrogen,
      hydroxyproline and lipid contents, as well as lactate dehydrogenase and citrate
      synthase activities, were measured on all pigs, whereas glycogen phosphorylases
      (a and a + b), glycogen synthetase I + D and myosin isozyme pattern were
      determined on only fifty-six pigs. Hampshires were markedly different from the
      other genetic types with respect to the characteristics studied. Their
      Longissimus dorsi muscle contained less nitrogen (P < 0.0) and more lipid (P <
      0.01) and presented higher hydroxyproline to nitrogen (P < 0.001) and water to
      nitrogen (P < 0.001) ratios, as well as noticeably higher citrate synthase (P <
      0.01) and glycogen synthetase.

PMID- 22055086
TI  - Electrical stimulation of post-mortem glycolysis in the Semitendinosus muscle of
      sheep.
AB  - Changes in pH and phosphorylase a content in control and electrically stimulated
      Semitendinosus muscles of sheep were studied. The results provided evidence of
      acceleration of glycolysis during slaughter and sampling. In muscle electrically
      stimulated soon after slaughter there was a transient increase in phosphorylase a
      during stimulation. The magnitude of this increase and of the fall in pH during
      stimulation both depended on the pH of the muscle at the time of stimulation and
      reduced to zero when this pH was about 6.3. There was little or no phosphorylase
      a in samples of muscle taken about 35 min post mortem or, at any time, in muscle
      electrically stimulated about 35 min post mortem. Possible reasons for the
      transient nature of the increase in phosphorylase a content during stimulation
      are discussed.

PMID- 22055087
TI  - Effect of chemical dips on unchilled fresh beef inoculated with E. coli, S.
      aureus, S. faecalis and Cl. perfringens and Stored at 30 degrees C and 20 degrees
      C.
AB  - The antimicrobial effect of three chemical dips (A: potassium sorbate, 20g;
      sodium acetate, 5g; sodium chloride, 5g; water, 100 ml. B: potassium sorbate,
      20g; sodium acetate, 5g; sodium chloride, 5g; propylene glycol, 20 ml; glycerol,
      10 ml; water, 70 ml and 0.5N NaOH to pH 10. C: potassium sorbate, 10 g; sodium
      acetate, 10 g; sodium citrate, 10g; sodium chloride, 5g; water, 100 ml and 0.5N
      NaOH to pH 10) on unchilled f resh beef samples inoculated with E. coli, S.
      aureus, S. faecalis and Cl. perfringens and stored at 30 degrees C and 20 
      degrees C was investigated. Treatments had produced a significant (P < 0.01)
      inhibitory effect on all the organisms inoculated, with a reduction of about 3 to
      5 log units compared with the control. pH changes were comparable with the
      control at 5 degrees C. No significant differences were found between the
      treatments and shelf life could be extended up to 44 h at 30 degrees C and 68 h
      at 20 degrees C whilst, in the control, visual spoilage and high bacterial counts
      were observed by 20h at 30 degrees C and by 20 to 32h at 20 degrees C. Treatment
      C, containing potassium sorbate at a low level (10%), was considered better than
      treatments A and B since potassium sorbate at higher levels had produced slight
      off-odours without a greater inhibitory effect.

PMID- 22055088
TI  - The detection and partial characterization of horse muscle soluble proteins by
      imnmnoelectrophoresis in agarose gels.
AB  - Immunoele ctrophoresis in agarose gels has been used to detect and partially
      characterize specific protein precipitin hands of horse muscle soluble proteins
      (HSP), free of cross reactions with the muscle soluble proteins of cow (CSP) and
      pig (PSP). Of seven precpptin bands obtained by reacting HSP against an anti-HSP
      antiserum produced by a rabbit, only one was observed to appear by reacting PSP
      against the same anti-HSP antiserum. This band, and two more, were detected when
      CSP were analyzed against an anti-HSP antiserum. The other four bands were
      specific f or the horse muscle soluble proteins. This technique may have the
      potential to detect the presence of horse meat in unheated ground meat products.

PMID- 22055089
TI  - The physical basis of meat texture: Observations on the fracture behaviour of
      cooked bovine M. Semitendinosus.
AB  - The fracture behaviour of cooked strips of beef M. semitendinosus was studied by
      qualitative observation of the manner in which fracture occurred and by
      quantitative measurements of ultimate tensile strength, work of fracture and
      notch sensitivity. Qualitative observations showed that fracture started in the
      perimysial connective tissue in all test configurations used, resulting initially
      in the separation of intact muscle fibre bundles. The ultimate tensile strength
      along and across the fibres was ~-300kNm(-2) and ~-25kNm(-2), respectively. The
      qualitative aspects of fracture were explained on the basis of a uniaxial fibrous
      composite of strong muscle fibre bundles in a weak connective tissue 'matrix',
      with poor interfacial strength. Work of fracture through the perimysium was in
      the range 0.4 to 1.8kJm(-2). The difficulty in propagating fracture across the
      muscle fibre bundles was explained in terms of the material's complete
      insensitivity to notches running across the fibres. The results imply that the
      muscle fibre bundle is an important level of structural organisation as far as
      fracture is concerned and that the strength of the perimysium, or
      perimysium/muscle fibre bundle interface, is likely to have a major influence on
      the toughness of'the cooked meat.

PMID- 22055090
TI  - Influence of aerobic and anoxic microenvironments on polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA)
      production from food waste and acidogenic effluents using aerobic consortia.
AB  - The functional role of aerobic and anoxic microenvironments on
      polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA) production using food waste (UFW) and effluents from
      acidogenic biohydrogen production process (FFW) were studied employing aerobic
      mixed culture as biocatalyst. Anoxic microenvironment documented higher PHA
      production, while aerobic microenvironment showed higher substrate degradation.
      FFW showed higher PHA accumulation (39.6%) than UFW (35.6%) due to ready
      availability of precursors (fatty acids). Higher fraction of poly-3-hydroxy
      butyrate (PHB) was observed compared to poly-3-hydroxy valerate (PHV) in the
      accumulated PHA in the form of co-polymer [P3(HB-co-HV)]. Dehydrogenase,
      phosphatase and protease enzymatic activities were monitored during process
      operation. Integration with fermentative biohydrogen production yielded
      additional substrate degradation under both aerobic (78%) and anoxic (72%)
      microenvironments apart from PHA production. Microbial community analysis
      documented the presence of aerobic and facultative organisms capable of producing
      PHA. Integration strategy showed feasibility of producing hydrogen along with PHA
      by consuming fatty acids generated during acidogenic process in association with
      increased treatment efficiency.

PMID- 22055091
TI  - Torrefaction of sawdust in a fluidized bed reactor.
AB  - In the present work, stable fluidization of sawdust was achieved in a bench
      fluidized bed with an inclined orifice distributor without inert bed materials. A
      solids circulation pattern was established in the bed without the presence of
      slugging and channeling. The effects of treatment severity and weight loss on the
      solid product properties were identified. The decomposition of hemicelluloses was
      found to be responsible for the significant changes of chemical, physical and
      mechanical properties of the torrefied sawdust, including energy content,
      particle size distribution and moisture absorption capacity. The hydrophobicity
      of the torrefied sawdust was improved over the raw sawdust with a reduction of
      around 40 wt.% in saturated water uptake rate, and enhanced with increasing the
      treatment severity due to the decomposition of hemicelluloses which are rich in
      hydroxyl groups. The results in this study provided the basis for torrefaction in
      fluidized bed reactors.

PMID- 22055092
TI  - Simultaneous production of 3-hydroxypropionic acid and 1,3-propanediol from
      glycerol by a recombinant strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae.
AB  - In this study, an aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) was over-expressed in Klebsiella
      pneumoniae for simultaneous production of 3-hydroxypropionic acid (3-HP) and 1,3
      propanediol (1,3-PDO). Various genes encoding ALDH were cloned and expressed in
      K. pneumoniae, and expression of Escherichia colialdH resulted in the highest 3
      HP titer in anaerobic cultures in shake flasks. Anaerobic fed-batch culture of
      this recombinant strain was further performed in a 5-L reactor. The 3-HP
      concentration and yield reached 24.4 g/L and 0.18 mol/mol glycerol, respectively,
      and at the same time 1,3-PDO achieved 49.3 g/L with a yield of 0.43 mol/mol in 24
      h. The overall yield of 3-HP plus 1,3-PDO was 0.61 mol/mol. Over-expression of
      the E. coli AldH also reduced the yields of by-products except for lactate. This
      study demonstrated the possibility of simultaneous production of 3-HP and 1,3-PDO
      by K. pneumoniae under anaerobic conditions without supply of vitamin B12.

PMID- 22055093
TI  - Biosorption and desorption of Nickel on oil cake: batch and column studies.
AB  - Biosorption potential of mustard oil cake (MOC) for Ni(II) from aqueous medium
      was studied. Spectroscopic studies showed possible involvement of acidic
      (hydroxyl, carbonyl and carboxyl) groups in biosorption. Optimum biosorption was
      observed at pH 8. Contact time, reaction temperature, biosorbent dose and
      adsorbate concentration showed significant influence. Linear and non-linear
      isotherms comparison suggests applicability of Temkin model at 303 and 313 K and
      Freundlich model at 323K. Kinetics studies revealed applicability of Pseudo
      second-order model. The process was endothermic and spontaneous. Freundlich
      constant (n) and activation energy (Ea) values confirm physical nature of the
      process. The breakthrough and exhaustive capacities for 5 mg/L initial Ni(II)
      concentration were 0.25 and 4.5 mg/g, while for 10 mg/L initial Ni(II)
      concentration were 4.5 and 9.5 mg/g, respectively. Batch desorption studies
      showed maximum Ni(II) recovery in acidic medium. Regeneration studies by batch
      and column process confirmed reutilization of biomass without appreciable loss in
      biosorption.

PMID- 22055094
TI  - Iterative linear integral isoconversional method: theory and application.
AB  - In this work, the theory of the iterative linear integral isoconversional method
      was illustrated in detail. This method allows the dependence of the activation
      energy (Ealpha) on the conversion degree to be accurately determined in a short
      time. Moreover, the method can yield the term [Aalphaf(alpha)] (Aalpha: the
      frequency factor at conversion alpha, f(alpha): the reaction model). The obtained
      Ealpha and [Aalphaf(alpha)] values can be used to reconstruct the kinetic
      conversion data at experimental and extrapolated conditions. The suggested method
      was applied to the experimental data of combustion of biomass fast pyrolysis
      char, and the corresponding kinetic parameters were obtained.

PMID- 22055095
TI  - Closing the carbon balance for fermentation by Clostridium thermocellum (ATCC
      27405).
AB  - Our lab and most others have not been able to close a carbon balance for
      fermentation by the thermophilic, cellulolytic anaerobe, Clostridium
      thermocellum. We undertook a detailed accounting of product formation in C.
      thermocellum ATCC 27405. Elemental analysis revealed that for both cellulose
      (Avicel) and cellobiose, >=92% of the substrate carbon utilized could be
      accounted for in the pellet, supernatant and off-gas when including sampling.
      However, 11.1% of the original substrate carbon was found in the liquid phase and
      not in the form of commonly-measured fermentation products--ethanol, acetate,
      lactate, and formate. Further detailed analysis revealed all the products to be
      <720 da and have not usually been associated with C. thermocellum fermentation,
      including malate, pyruvate, uracil, soluble glucans, and extracellular free amino
      acids. By accounting for these products, 92.9% and 93.2% of the final product
      carbon was identified during growth on cellobiose and Avicel, respectively.

PMID- 22055096
TI  - Performance of a submerged membrane bioreactor for the aerobic treatment of
      abattoir wastewater.
AB  - The performance of a submerged membrane bioreactor (SMBR) has been investigated
      for abattoir wastewater (AW) treatment. The chemical oxygen demand (COD) of
      permeate has not exceeded 25 mg L(-1) providing an average COD removal of 98%.
      Microbiological analysis showed that the SMBR has allowed a complete removal of
      fecal coliforms, Listeria and Salmonella. A significant reduction in the excess
      biomass production was also observed. In fact, the yield of biomass production
      (Yobs) ranged between 0 and 0.106 g suspended solids/g COD removed. The study of
      the dynamic of bacterial communities using the single strand conformation
      polymorphism (SSCP) method showed a significant change in the population
      structure and revealed a correlation between the sludge production yield and the
      bacterial communities.

PMID- 22055097
TI  - Learning from pairwise constraints by Similarity Neural Networks.
AB  - In this paper we present Similarity Neural Networks (SNNs), a neural network
      model able to learn a similarity measure for pairs of patterns, exploiting a
      binary supervision on their similarity/dissimilarity relationships. Pairwise
      relationships, also referred to as pairwise constraints, generally contain less
      information than class labels, but, in some contexts, are easier to obtain from
      human supervisors. The SNN architecture guarantees the basic properties of a
      similarity measure (symmetry and non negativity) and it can deal with non
      transitivity of the similarity criterion. Unlike the majority of the metric
      learning algorithms proposed so far, it can model non-linear relationships among
      data still providing a natural out-of-sample extension to novel pairs of
      patterns. The theoretical properties of SNNs and their application to Semi
      Supervised Clustering are investigated. In particular, we introduce a novel
      technique that allows the clustering algorithm to compute the optimal
      representatives of a data partition by means of backpropagation on the input
      layer, biased by a L(2) norm regularizer. An extensive set of experimental
      results are provided to compare SNNs with the most popular similarity learning
      algorithms. Both on benchmarks and real world data, SNNs and SNN-based clustering
      show improved performances, assessing the advantage of the proposed neural
      network approach to similarity measure learning.

PMID- 22055098
TI  - Long-term effects of inhaled treprostinil in patients with pulmonary arterial
      hypertension: the Treprostinil Sodium Inhalation Used in the Management of
      Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (TRIUMPH) study open-label extension.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Inhaled treprostinil improved functional capacity as add-on therapy
      in the short-term management of patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension
      (PAH). This study investigated the long-term effects of inhaled treprostinil in
      patients concurrently receiving oral background therapy. METHODS: A total of 206
      patients (81% women) completing the 12-week double-blind phase of the
      Treprostinil Sodium Inhalation Used in the Management of Pulmonary Arterial
      Hypertension (TRIUMPH) study transitioned into an open-label extension. Patients
      were assessed every 3 months for changes in 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), Borg
      dyspnea score, New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class, quality of
      life (QOL) scores, and signs and symptoms of PAH. RESULTS: Patients were
      primarily NYHA class III (86%), with a mean baseline 6MWD of 349 +/- 81 meters. A
      median change in 6MWD of 28, 31, 32, and 18 meters in patients continuing therapy
      was observed at 6, 12, 18, and 24 months, respectively. This effect was more
      prominent in those patients originally allocated to active therapy in the double
      blind phase. Survival rates for patients remaining on therapy were 97%, 94%, and
      91% at 12, 18, and 24 months, respectively. In addition, 82%, 74%, and 69% of
      patients maintained treatment benefit as evidenced by lack of clinical worsening
      at 12, 18, and 24 months. The most common adverse events were known effects of
      prostanoid therapy (headache [34%], nausea [21%], and vomiting [10%]) or were due
      to the route of administration (cough [53%], pharyngolaryngeal pain [13%], and
      chest pain [13%]). CONCLUSIONS: Long-term therapy with inhaled treprostinil
      demonstrated persistent benefit for PAH patients who remained on therapy for up
      to 24 months.

PMID- 22055099
TI  - Interleukin-16 deficiency suppresses the development of chronic rejection in
      murine cardiac transplantation model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: IL-16 promotes the recruitment of various cells expressing CD4, a
      receptor for IL-16. The precise role of IL-16 in transplant rejection remains
      unknown; therefore, the present study investigated the contribution of IL-16 to
      the development of chronic rejection in heart transplants. METHODS: C-H
      2(bm12)KhEg (H-2(bm12)) donor hearts were transplanted into (1) IL-16-deficient
      (IL-16(-/-)) C57BL/6J or (b) wild type (WT) control recipients (MHC class II
      mismatch). Grafts were harvested at 52 days, parenchymal rejection was assessed
      by the ISHLT grading system, and CAV was examined morphometrically. Graft
      infiltrating cells were detected 10 and 52 days after transplantation. Intragraft
      cytokine and chemokine profiles were assessed. To confirm the role of IL-16 in
      CAV development, C-H-2(bm12)KhEg (H-2(bm12)) donor hearts were transplanted into
      C57BL/6J WT recipients treated with (1) anti-IL-16-neutralization monoclonal
      antibody or (b) control immunoglobulin G. Grafts were harvested at 52 days, and
      CAV was quantified morphometrically. Graft-infiltrating cells were examined
      histologically. RESULTS: Parenchymal rejection and CAV was significantly
      attenuated in donor hearts transplanted into IL-16(-/-) recipient mice compared
      with WT controls. Donor hearts transplanted into IL-16(-/-) recipients had a
      significant reduction in coronary artery luminal occlusion, intima-to-media
      ratio, and percentage of diseased vessels. CAV was associated with decreased
      donor organ inflammation, as well as donor organ cytokine (IL-1beta and IL-6) and
      chemokine (MCP-1 and KC) protein expression. Intimal proliferation and
      inflammatory cell infiltration were significantly reduced in hearts transplanted
      into recipients treated with an IL-16-neutralization antibody. CONCLUSIONS: IL-16
      deficiency reduced graft inflammatory cell recruitment, and allograft
      inflammatory cytokine and chemokine production. Therefore, IL-16 neutralization
      may provide a potential target for novel therapeutic treatment for cardiac
      allograft rejection.

PMID- 22055100
TI  - An in vitro nutritive evaluation of olive tree (Olea europaea) pruning residues
      as affected by cutting regimen.
AB  - Nutritive values of the branches from Olea europaea trees cut at 25, 50, 75 or
      100 cm distance from the tip were evaluated by determination of the in vitro
      digestible organic matter (IVDOM), metabolizable energy (ME), net energy
      lactation (NEL), and presence nutritional and anti-nutritional components. The
      values of nutritive components, nitrogen forms, IVDOM, ME and NEL declined and
      concentrations of crude fiber and cell wall constituents increased with the
      increase in cutting length. Total phenols, hydrolysable tannins and condensed
      tannins amounted to 70, 17 and 0.6 g/kg DM, respectively. The addition of
      polyethylene glycol (PEG, 6000) to the plant samples incubated with rumen fluid
      at a ratio of (2:1 PEG:substrate) increased the values of IVDOM, ME and NEL by 40
      g/kg DM, 0.59 MJ/kg DM and 0.42 MJ/kg DM, respectively. IVDOM, ME and NEL were
      negatively correlated with crude fiber and cell wall constituents but positively
      correlated with nitrogen forms and non-fiber carbohydrates. Olive pruning
      branches in diameter<3 mm could be used as sources of feeds for small ruminants.

PMID- 22055101
TI  - NIRS-aided monitoring and prediction of biogas yields from maize silage at a full
      scale biogas plant applying lumped kinetics.
AB  - The aim of this study was to apply near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), available
      biogas plant data and lumped degradation kinetics to predict biogas production
      (BPr) of maize silage. A full-scale agricultural biogas plant was equipped with
      NIRS-metrology at the feeding station. Continuously NIR-spectra were collected
      for 520 d. Substrate samples were analyzed by means of feedstuff analysis. Biogas
      potential of the samples was calculated from the laboratory analysis results and
      for a sample-subset practically assessed by "Hohenheim biogas tests". NIRS
      regression-models for all mentioned parameters were calibrated. Continuously
      gathered spectra, NIRS-models, actual plant-feeding data and degradation kinetics
      were used to calculate time-series of theoretically expectable BPr. Results were
      validated against measured gas quantity. Determination coefficients between
      calculated and measured BPr were up to 58.2%. This outcome was mainly due to the
      positive correlation between BPr and input amount since the substrate was very
      homogeneous. The use of NIRS seems more promising for plants with stronger
      substrate heterogeneity.

PMID- 22055102
TI  - Ethanol production by continuous fermentation of D-(+)-cellobiose, D-(+)-xylose
      and sugarcane bagasse hydrolysate using the thermoanaerobe Caloramator
      boliviensis.
AB  - The recently isolated anaerobic bacterium Caloramator boliviensis with an optimum
      growth temperature of 60  degrees C can efficiently convert hexoses and pentoses
      into ethanol. When fermentations of pure sugars and a pentose-rich sugarcane
      bagasse hydrolysate were carried out in a packed bed reactor with immobilized
      cells of C. boliviensis, more than 98% of substrates were converted. Ethanol
      yields of 0.40-0.46 g/g of sugar were obtained when sugarcane bagasse hydrolysate
      was fermented. These features reveal interesting properties of C. boliviensis in
      producing ethanol from a renewable feedstock.

PMID- 22055103
TI  - Equilibrium and kinetics studies of heavy metal ions biosorption on green algae
      waste biomass.
AB  - The biosorption of Pb(II), Cd(II), and Co(II), respectively, from aqueous
      solution on green algae waste biomass was investigated. The green algae waste
      biomass was obtained from marine green algae after extraction of oil, and was
      used as low-cost biosorbent. Batch shaking experiments were performed to examine
      the effects of initial solution pH, contact time and temperature. The equilibrium
      biosorption data were analyzed using two isotherm models (Langmuir and
      Freundlich) and two kinetics models (pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order).
      The results indicate that Langmuir model provide best correlation of experimental
      data, and the pseudo-second order kinetic equation could best describe the
      biosorption kinetics of considered heavy metals.

PMID- 22055104
TI  - Treatment of poultry slaughterhouse wastewater in hybrid upflow anaerobic sludge
      blanket reactor packed with pleated poly vinyl chloride rings.
AB  - In this study, the performance of 5.4 L hybrid upflow anaerobic sludge blanket
      (HUASB) reactor for treating poultry slaughterhouse wastewater under mesophilic
      conditions (29-35  degrees C), was investigated. After starting-up, the reactor
      was loaded up to an OLR of 19 kg COD/m3 d and achieved varied TCOD and SCOD
      removal efficiencies of 70-86% and 80-92%, respectively. The biogas was varied
      between 1.1 and 5.2 m3/m3 d with the maximum methane content of 72%. The maximum
      methane yield was 0.32 m3/kg CODremoved at an OLR of 9.27 kg COD/m3 d. Black
      matured granules of size between 2.5 and 5 mm were observed at the end of 225 d
      operation. RTD study showed the flow behavior was in mixed regime at the end of
      performance study. Step wise polynomial regression analysis was fitted well.
      Methanobacterium and Methanosaeta bacteria were dominant at the end of start-up
      whereas Methanosarcina, Cocci and rods were predominant at the end of performance
      studies.

PMID- 22055105
TI  - Estimating biofilm reaction kinetics using hybrid mechanistic-neural network rate
      function model.
AB  - This work describes an alternative method for estimation of reaction rate of a
      biofilm process without using a model equation. A first principles model of the
      biofilm process is integrated with artificial neural networks to derive a hybrid
      mechanistic-neural network rate function model (HMNNRFM), and this combined model
      structure is used to estimate the complex kinetics of the biofilm process as a
      consequence of the validation of its steady state solution. The performance of
      the proposed methodology is studied with the aid of the experimental data of an
      anaerobic fixed bed biofilm reactor. The statistical significance of the method
      is also analyzed by means of the coefficient of determination (R2) and model
      efficiency (ME). The results demonstrate the effectiveness of HMNNRFM for
      estimating the complex kinetics of the biofilm process involved in the treatment
      of industry wastewater.

PMID- 22055106
TI  - Pyrolytic characteristics of biomass acid hydrolysis residue rich in lignin.
AB  - Pyrolytic characteristics of acid hydrolysis residue (AHR) of corncob and
      pinewood (CAHR, WAHR) were investigated using a thermo-gravimetric analyzer (TGA)
      and a self-designed pyrolysis apparatus. Gasification reactivity of CAHR char was
      then examined using TGA and X-ray diffractometer. Result of TGA showed that
      thermal degradation curves of AHR descended smoothly along with temperature
      increasing from 150  degrees C to 850  degrees C, while a "sharp mass loss stage"
      for original biomass feedstock (OBF) was observed. Char yield from AHR (42.64
      30.35 wt.%) was found to be much greater than that from OBF (26.4-19.15 wt.%). In
      addition, gasification reactivity of CAHR char was lower than that of corncob
      char, and there was big difference in micro-crystallite structure. It was also
      found that CAHR char reactivity decreased with pyrolysis temperature, but
      increased with pyrolysis heating rate and gasification temperature at 850-950 
      degrees C. Furthermore, CAHR char reactivity performed better under steam
      atmosphere than under CO2 atmosphere.

PMID- 22055107
TI  - Characterization and further stabilization of a new anti-prelog specific alcohol
      dehydrogenase from Thermus thermophilus HB27 for asymmetric reduction of carbonyl
      compounds.
AB  - The use of dehydrogenases in asymmetric chemistry has exponentially grown in the
      last decades facilitated by the genome mining. Here, a new short-chain alcohol
      dehydrogenase from Thermus thermophilus HB27 has been expressed, purified,
      characterized and stabilized by immobilization on solid supports. The enzyme
      catalyzes both oxidative and reductive reactions at neutral pH with a broad range
      of substrates. Its highest activity was found towards the reduction of 2,2',2"
      trifluoroacetophenone (85 U/mg at 65  degrees C and pH 7). Moreover, the enzyme
      was stabilized more than 200-fold by multipoint covalent immobilization on
      agarose matrixes via glyoxyl chemistry. Such heterogeneous catalyst coupled to an
      immobilized cofactor recycling partner performed the quantitative asymmetric
      reduction of 2,2',2"-trifluoroacetophenone and rac-2-phenylpropanal to (S)-(+)
      alpha-(trifluoromethyl)benzyl alcohol and (R)-2-phenyl-1-propanol with
      enantiomeric excesses of 96% and 71%, respectively. To our knowledge this is the
      first alcohol dehydrogenase from a thermophilic source with anti-Prelog
      selectivity for aryl ketones and that preferentially produces R-profens.

PMID- 22055108
TI  - Depression in pregnancy is associated with preexisting but not pregnancy-induced
      hypertension.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim was to examine whether depression is associated with
      preexisting hypertension or pregnancy-induced hypertension in a large sample of
      women attending a university-based obstetrics clinic. METHODS: In this
      prospective study, participants were 2398 women receiving ongoing prenatal care
      at a university-based obstetrics clinic from January 2004 through January 2009.
      Prevalence of depression was measured using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual
      of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition criteria based on the Patient Health
      Questionnaire-9 as well as the self-reported use of antidepressant medication.
      Evidence of preexisting hypertension, pregnancy-induced hypertension and
      preeclampsia/eclampsia was determined by obstetrician International
      Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision codes. Logistic regression was used to
      quantify the association between hypertension in pregnancy and antenatal
      depression. RESULTS: After adjusting for sociodemographic variables, chronic
      medical conditions, smoking and prior pregnancy complications, women with
      preexisting hypertension had an increased risk of any depression (minor, major,
      use of antidepressants) [odds ratio (OR)=1.55, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.08
      2.23) and major depression and/or use of antidepressants (OR=1.65, 95% CI 1.10
      2.48) compared to women without hypertension. No differences were seen in risk of
      depression in women with pregnancy-induced hypertension or preeclampsia/eclampsia
      compared to those without hypertension. CONCLUSION: Women with preexisting
      hypertension, but not pregnancy-induced hypertension, are more likely to meet
      criteria for an antenatal depressive disorder and/or to be treated with
      antidepressants and could be targeted by obstetricians for screening for
      depression and enhanced treatment.

PMID- 22055109
TI  - The changes of potassium currents in RCS rat Muller cell during retinal
      degeneration.
AB  - Muller cells are the principal glial cells expressing membrane-bound potassium
      channel and predominantly mediating the homeostatic regulation of extracellular
      K+ produced by neuronal activity in retina. It's well known that Muller cells can
      be activated in many pathological conditions, but little is known about the
      change of potassium currents of Muller cells during the progression of retinitis
      pigmentosa. Herein, the Royal College of Surgeons rats (RCS rat) were employed to
      investigate some phenotypic and functional changes of Muller cells during retinal
      degeneration such as the expression of Kir4.1, membrane properties and K+ channel
      currents by using immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR, western blot and whole-cell patch
      clamping respectively. Compared with Muller cells in control retina, increased
      glutamine synthetase (GS) mRNA levels were seen at P30 and P60, and then
      decreased gradually in RCS rat retina. Morphologically, Muller cells showed
      significant hypertrophy and proliferation after p60. The increased expression of
      intermediate filament, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and vimentin began
      at P30 and reached a peak at p60. Kir4.1 channels presented a peak expression at
      P30. Concomitantly, K(+) currents of Muller cells increased at P30 and decreased
      at P90 significantly. We concluded that retinal Muller cells of RCS rats
      underwent an activation initiated by the onset of retinal degeneration before p60
      and then an obvious reactive gliosis, which led the basic membrane properties to
      suffer marked changes, and caused the Kir4.1 channels of Muller cells to occur a
      clear functional shift, even lose their normal electrophysiological properties.
      This process aggravates the impairment caused by the initial photoreceptor
      degeneration.

PMID- 22055110
TI  - Lymphatic drainage in prostate carcinoma assessed by lymphoscintigraphy and
      SPECT/CT: its importance for the sentinel node procedure.
AB  - PURPOSE: The goal was to evaluate the sentinel node procedure in relation to
      different pathways of lymphatic drainage and the areas of pelvic lymphadenectomy
      in patients with prostate cancer assessed by lymphoscintigraphy and SPECT/CT
      study. METHODS: Eighteen patients with prostate cancer of intermediate prognosis
      were injected with 240 MBq of (99m)Tc-nanocolloid in the peripheral zone of each
      quadrant of the prostate, guided by transrectal ultrasonography. Tracer
      administration was also controlled with a portable gamma camera to assure that
      there was no diffusion outside the prostate. The injection was followed by planar
      imaging at 15 min. and 2 h, performing a SPECT/CT study at 2 h. with 2 mm slices.
      On the same day, a laparoscopic sentinel node lymphadenectomy assisted by a gamma
      probe and a portable gamma camera was performed. RESULTS: A total of 55 sentinel
      lymph nodes (SLNs) were visualized. In 17/18 of patients (94%) SLNs were observed
      outside the obturator region. Twenty SLNs (36%) were observed along the external
      iliac artery, 14 in the obturator fossa (25.4%), 6 in internal iliac area (11%)
      and 4 in common iliac region (7.2%). Three SLNs were visualized in presacral
      (5.4%), paraaortic (5.4%), and pararectal areas (5.4%) and two in paravesical
      region (3.6%). SLN metastases were found in 6 patients (33%), and in one of them,
      a SLN located along the common iliac artery, was the only one with metastases.
      CONCLUSION: Lymphatic drainage from the prostate has high individual variability,
      and direct drainage outside the pelvic area is observed frequently. With the SLN
      procedure, SLNs outside the routine area of lymphadenectomy can also be sampled
      to stage the patient more accurately.

PMID- 22055111
TI  - Haploidentical haematopoietic stem cell transplantation using CD3 or CD3/CD19
      depletion and conditioning with fludarabine, cyclophosphamide and antithymocyte
      globulin for acquired severe aplastic anaemia.

PMID- 22055112
TI  - Phase III trial of cetuximab, bevacizumab, and 5-fluorouracil/leucovorin vs.
      FOLFOX-bevacizumab in colorectal cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cetuximab (C), alone or with irinotecan, demonstrates activity in
      irinotecan-refractory colorectal cancer (CRC). Activity of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU),
      leucovorin (L), and bevacizumab (B), and preliminary data of cetuximab +
      bevacizumab, and toxicity profiles suggests that FOLF-CB (5-FU, L, C+B) may have
      activity with a favorable toxicity profile as first-line therapy. METHODS:
      Eligible patients were randomized at registration to either arm A (mFOLFOX6-B)
      (modified, 5-FU. L (folinic acid), oxaliplatin (O) + bevacizumab), administered
      days 1 and 15 of each 28-day cycle as bevacizumab 5 mg/kg, oxaliplatin 85
      mg/m(2), leucovorin 400 mg/m(2), and 5-FU 400 mg/m(2) then 1200 mg/m(2)/day for
      48 hours, or arm B (FOLF-CB), which included bevacizumab, leucovorin, and 5-FU as
      in arm A and cetuximab 400 mg/m(2) day 1 cycle 1; all other weekly cetuximab
      doses were 250 mg/m(2). RESULTS: Two hundred forty-seven patients (arm A/arm B
      124/123) were enrolled, and 239 were treated (118/121). Twelve-month progression
      free survival (PFS) was 45%/32%, objective response rates (ORR) (complete
      response [CR] + partial response [PR]) were 52%/41%, disease control rates
      (CR+PR+stable disease [SD]) were 87%/83%, and median overall survival (OS) was
      21/19.5 months, respectively. Grade 3-4 neutropenia was higher in arm A (28%/7%),
      as was grade 3 fatigue (12%/3%), and grade 3 neuropathy (11%/< 1%), whereas
      acneiform rash was confined to arm B. Retrospective analysis of KRAS mutational
      status did not demonstrate KRAS as a meaningful determinant of activity, except
      in arm B patients with KRAS-mutated tumors, which resulted in inferior PFS.
      Patient satisfaction favored the control (mFOLFOX6-B). CONCLUSION: FOLF-CB was
      not superior to mFOLFOX6-B in terms of 12-month PFS and ORR, and was not more
      acceptable to patients. This trial supports the conclusion of other recently
      reported trials that concurrent cetuximab+bevacizumab should not be routinely
      used in metastatic CRC.

PMID- 22055113
TI  - Nonprotein Nitrogen (NPN) and Free amino acid contents of dry, fermented and
      nonfermented sausages.
AB  - Fermented and nonfermented sausages were analyzed for concentration changes in
      total and nonprotein nitrogen (NPN) and in free amino acid profiles during
      processing. Sausages fermented by Pediococcus pentaceous at 38 degrees C and
      heated to 60 degrees C had increases (p < 0.05) in total N and NPN contents and
      increases in concentration (>=5 mg per 100 g dry sample) for 14 of 20 free amino
      acids. Nonfermented sausages had no increase (p > 0.05) of NPN content and
      increases in only 6 of 20 free amino acids after heating to 60 degrees C. When
      the effects of three starter cultures were compared, NPN concentrations after
      fermentation and heating and after drying were highest to lowest in the following
      order: P. pentaceous >P. acidilactici with M. varians >P. acidilactici.
      Variations of free amino acid patterns in the fermented, dried sausages were
      found which indicated differences in metabolic activity between the cultures.
      These variations did not (p > 0.05) affect sensory scores for the dried sausages.
      Overall, these results for rapidly fermented and mildly heated dry sausages were
      similar to results previously reported for 'European-style' dry sausages
      processed with prolonged low temperature fermentations.

PMID- 22055114
TI  - Influence of technological parameters on the structure of the batter and the
      texture of frankfurter type sausages.
AB  - The aim of the study was, on the one hand, to determine the relationships between
      various technological factors, the structure of the batters and the texture
      characteristics of frankfurter type sausages, and, on the other, to define the
      possibilities of realizing a reference scale for texture. The addition of sodium
      chloride in the 0-2% range induces a large increase (60%) in the cooking yield, a
      decrease in the specific gravity and an increase in the viscosity of the batter
      determined indirectly through the evolution of the product temperature during
      chopping. These variations together, give a 30% decrease in the mechanical
      firmness and a 100% and 90% increase in the juiciness and elasticity of the final
      products, respectively. However, beyond 2%, sodium chloride does not induce any
      significant effect on these characteristics. The addition of caseinate in a 1-3%
      range induces a degassing of the batter and a 10-37% decrease in the water losses
      during cooking. The higher the caseinate content in the 0-6% range, the larger
      the rise in the batter temperature during chopping. Sausages are also considered
      harder (+22%) and less juicy and elastic (-50%) when caseinate content increases.
      Addition of 0.1-0.5% polyphosphates and chopping under vacuum (0.2 atm) induce
      variations in the cooking yield, +3% and -1%, respectively, but have no influence
      on the texture of the final products. Modifications of all these technological
      parameters induced variations by a factor of 2 in the different mechanical
      parameters and in parallel differences of 1-2 points on a 6 point scale for
      sensory characteristics.

PMID- 22055115
TI  - Effect of a beta-agonist on meat quality and myofibrillar protein fragmentation
      in bulls.
AB  - Three experiments were conducted to study the effect of cimaterol on meat quality
      and myofibrillar protein fragmentation of the Longissimus dorsi muscle. In two
      experiments (Experiments 1 and 2), conducted with 16 double-muscled Belgian white
      blue bulls and 15 Charolais bulls, respectively, half of the animals received 60
      MUg cimaterol daily per kg liveweight in the diet, during 135 and 93 days,
      respectively. In a third experiment, 46 normal Belgian white-blue bulls received
      no or 4 ppm cimaterol in the diet for 246, 127 or 71 days on average. A
      withdrawal period of 6 days was always applied for cimaterol-treated animals.
      Ultimate pH, colour and waterholding capacity were not significantly affected.
      The effect of cimaterol on moisture content was variable, while protein content
      was increased and fat was reduced. Warner-Bratzler shear force values were
      increased by cimaterol P < 0.05 in Experiments 2 and 3 and P = 0.07 in Experiment
      1). The lower tenderness cannot be explained by differences in sarcomere length
      or hydroxyproline content. Myofibrillar protein fragmentation was lower when
      cimaterol was fed, suggesting that cimaterol may reduce myofibrillar protein
      degradation via a lower activity of the proteolytic enzymes. Length of cimaterol
      administration only exerted minor effects on meat quality.

PMID- 22055116
TI  - The effects of conditioning on meat collagen: Part 3-Evidence for proteolytic
      damage to endomysial collagen after conditioning.
AB  - The effects of conditioning on the endomysial fraction of bovine meat were
      investigated. Solubility studies on endomysial connective tissue and analysis of
      insoluble endomysial fractions remaining after conditioning were carried out.
      Yields of soluble endomysial fractions represented, on average, 94.5% of total
      extracted endomysial material for unconditioned muscles compared with 97.5% for
      conditioned muscles. Soluble endomysial fractions contained, on average, 0.13%
      collagen from unconditioned muscles and 0.22% collagen from conditioned muscles.
      The main peptide components observed on analysis of insoluble endomysial
      fractions after CN Br digestion were derived from types I and III collagen.
      Changes observed on the peptide maps, evident as the appearance of a number of
      new bands from conditioned samples, appeared to be muscle specific. The amount of
      type III collagen relative to type I decreased on conditioning, indicating that
      endomysial type III collagen was preferentially destroyed during conditioning.
      Two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis maps revealed new peptide
      material in the molecular weight range 40 000 to 50 000 on conditioning. These
      data provide direct evidence of the effect of proteolytic processing on
      endomysial collagen during conditioning.

PMID- 22055117
TI  - Utility of immunohistochemical identification of muscle proteins in
      microstructural studies of comminuted meat products.
AB  - A series of experiments was conducted in an attempt to immunohistochemically
      identify specific muscle proteins in raw bovine muscle, meat batters and finely
      comminuted meat products. Three different antibodies were investigated-monoclonal
      anti-actin (IgG), polyclonal anti-desmin (IgG) and polyclonal anti-myoglobin
      (IgM). In addition, the fluorescent compound nitrobenzooxadiazole (NBD)
      phallacidin was tested. The utility of the antibody anti-desmin proved to be
      poor. Anti-myoglobin and NBD-phallacidin were useful in muscle tissues that had
      been technologically treated to a limited extent. Anti-actin reacted with actin
      present in raw muscle tissue, in muscle samples comminuted with and without
      additives and in muscle samples that had been comminuted with additives and
      subsequently heated to 80 degrees C and 115 degrees C. However, its reactivity
      was markedly more distinct in raw than in processed samples. The utility of
      current immunohistochemical techniques to study the microstructure of processed
      meats seems to be limited due to the rapid denaturation of the specific muscle
      proteins.

PMID- 22055118
TI  - Effects of added connective tissues on the sensory and mechanical properties of
      restructured beef steaks.
AB  - To quantify objectionable levels of connective tissues, restructured beef
      products were made with 2.5 and 5% added tendon; 5 and 10% added epimysium,
      gristle, or peri/endomysium; and a control. Initial tenderness (IT), residual
      connective tissue (CT), and overall texture (OT) were evaluated by a sensory
      panel. Panelists adversely scored IT, CT, and OT for 2.5 and 5% tendon and CT and
      OT for 10% epimysium and gristle. CT and OT scores correlated with hydroxyproline
      content and Lee-Kramer peak shear force for uncooked steaks with added tendon,
      gristle and epimysium but not peri/endomysium. Acceptable products can be made
      when raw materials are free of tendons and contain only limited amounts of
      epimysium.

PMID- 22055119
TI  - A comparison of DNA-hybridization, immunodiffusion, countercurrent
      immunoelectrophoresis and isoelectric focusing for detecting the admixture of
      pork to beef.
AB  - Using DNA-hybridization at least 0.5% raw pork admixtured to beef could be
      detected using total genomic pig DNA as well as a cloned pig-specific DNA
      fragment as a DNA probe. Although signal intensity increased with increasing
      amounts of pig-DNA, a precise quantitation of pork in samples was not possible.
      Compared to this the sensitivity for detecting raw pork in beef found by
      Countercurrent Immunoelectrophoresis was 0.4%; by Immunodiffusion, 1.1%, and by
      Isoelectric Focusing, 5.0%.

PMID- 22055120
TI  - Effect of tray liners on the drip loss of lamb chops during retail display.
AB  - The amount of drip lost by lamb chops during display was affected by the type of
      tray liner used. In one study involving chilled and frozen/thawed meat, the use
      of an absorbent paper liner increased the drip loss and influenced whether or not
      the quantity of drip was affected by freezing/thawing. In another study, thawed
      chops held for 24 h on plastic coated trays without liner or on a plastic coated
      liner had less than 2% drip loss, whereas adjacent chops from the same loin
      processed and held in the same way but displayed on liners of absorbent paper or
      paper pouches of diatomaceous earth lost 4.3% and 5.6% drip, respectively. This
      effect of the material in contact with the meat should be considered when
      reporting drip loss data and when comparing results with those of other
      researchers.

PMID- 22055121
TI  - Sulfur transformations in pilot-scale constructed wetland treating high sulfate
      containing contaminated groundwater: a stable isotope assessment.
AB  - Current understanding of the dynamics of sulfur compounds inside constructed
      wetlands is still insufficient to allow a full description of processes involved
      in sulfur cycling. Experiments in a pilot-scale horizontal subsurface flow
      constructed wetland treating high sulfate-containing contaminated groundwater
      were carried out. Application of stable isotope approach combined with hydro
      chemical investigations was performed to evaluate the sulfur transformations. In
      general, under inflow concentration of about 283 mg/L sulfate sulfur, sulfate
      removal was found to be about 21% with a specific removal rate of 1.75 g/m(2).d.
      The presence of sulfide and elemental sulfur in pore water about 17.3 mg/L and
      8.5 mg/L, respectively, indicated simultaneously bacterial sulfate reduction and
      re-oxidation. 70% of the removed sulfate was calculated to be immobilized inside
      the wetland bed. The significant enrichment of (34)S and (18)O in dissolved
      sulfate (delta(34)S up to 160/00, compared to average of 5.90/00 in the inflow,
      and delta(18)O up to 130/00, compared to average of 6.90/00 in the inflow) was
      observed clearly correlated to the decrease of sulfate loads along the flow path
      through experimental wetland bed. This enrichment also demonstrated the
      occurrence of bacterial sulfate reduction as well as demonstrated by the presence
      of sulfide in the pore water. Moreover, the integral approach shows that
      bacterial sulfate reduction is not the sole process controlling the isotopic
      composition of dissolved sulfate in the pore water. The calculated apparent
      enrichment factor (E = -220/00) for sulfur isotopes from the delta(34)S vs.
      sulfate mass loss was significantly smaller than required to produce the observed
      difference in delta(34)S between sulfate and sulfide. It indicated some potential
      processes superimposing bacterial sulfate reduction, such as direct re-oxidation
      of sulfide to sulfate by oxygen released from plant roots and/or bacterial
      disproportionation of elemental sulfur. Furthermore, 41% of residual sulfate was
      calculated to be from sulfide re-oxidation, which demonstrated that the
      application of stable isotope approach combined with the common hydro-chemical
      investigations is not only necessary for a general qualitative evaluation of
      sulfur transformations in constructed wetlands, but also leads to a quantitative
      description of intermediate processes.

PMID- 22055122
TI  - Rejection of micropollutants by clean and fouled forward osmosis membrane.
AB  - As forward osmosis (FO) gains attention as an efficient technology to improve
      wastewater reclamation processes, it is fundamental to determine the influence of
      fouling in the rejection of emerging contaminants (micropollutants). This study
      focuses on the rejection of 13 selected micropollutants, spiked in a secondary
      wastewater effluent, by a FO membrane, using Red Sea water as draw solution (DS),
      differentiating the effects on the rejection caused by a clean and fouled
      membrane. The resulting effluent was then desalinated at low pressure with a
      reverse osmosis (RO) membrane, to produce a high quality permeate and determine
      the rejection with a coupled forward osmosis - low pressure reverse osmosis (FO
      LPRO) system. When considering only FO with a clean membrane, the rejection of
      the hydrophilic neutral compounds was between 48.6% and 84.7%, for the
      hydrophobic neutrals the rejection ranged from 40.0% to 87.5%, and for the ionic
      compounds the rejections were between 92.9% and 96.5%. With a fouled membrane,
      the rejections were between 44.6% and 95.2%, 48.7%-91.5% and 96.9%-98.6%,
      respectively. These results suggest that, except for the hydrophilic neutral
      compounds, the rejection of the micropollutants is increased by the presence of a
      fouling layer, possibly due to the higher hydrophilicity of the FO fouled
      membrane compared to the clean one, the increased adsorption capacity of
      hydrophilic compounds and reduced mass transport capacity, membrane swelling, and
      the higher negative charge of the membrane surface, related to the foulants
      composition, mainly NOM acids (carboxylic radicals) and polysaccharides or
      polysaccharide-like substances. However, when coupled with RO, the rejections in
      both cases increased above 96%. The coupled FO-LPRO system was an effective
      double barrier against the selected micropollutants.

PMID- 22055123
TI  - Scanning calorimetric studies of some protein-protein interactions involving
      myoglobin.
AB  - To aid in understanding the formation of cooked meat haemoprotein, the thermal
      denaturation behaviour of metmyoglobin in 0.05(M) phosphate solutions (pH 6.0) of
      bovine serum albumin and ovalbumin was analysed by differential scanning
      calorimetry. Although, in general, there is minimal interaction between proteins
      prior to and during thermal denaturation, it was found that in the presence of an
      excess of protein of relatively low thermal stability (bovine serum albumin)
      myoglobin denatures and precipitates with this protein. It is suggested that this
      destabilisation of myoglobin is due to specific interaction between the denatured
      protein and the haematin of a conformationally altered, but undenatured,
      myoglobin.

PMID- 22055124
TI  - Meat cooking techniques-Part 1: A preliminary study of the effect of the rate of
      heating in water.
AB  - In an industrial scale experiment forty hams were deboned, trimmed and defatted.
      The hams were divided into two random groups of twenty, brined and drained and
      placed into ham moulds. The two groups were heat treated using a high and low
      rate (0.60 degrees C/min and 0.12 degrees C/min, respectively) of heating in
      cooking vats. Both groups were, however, heated to identical internal product
      temperatures defined as the continuous temperature gradient from thermal centre
      to product periphery (product thermal gradient). After processing and chilling
      the individual samples were weighed and evaluated by a sensory panel for
      juiciness and colour. The results show that heating at lower rates in a water
      bath can increase yield and improve quality, thus indicating that a kinetic
      effect of heat independent of final product temperature exists. The results thus
      justify further investigation into the existence and molecular mechanism of this
      kinetic effect.

PMID- 22055125
TI  - Sources and properties of some organisms isolated in two abattoirs.
AB  - A wide range of organisms was isolated and identified from a number of sites in
      two abattoirs. Heavily contaminated sites were the water supply to the lairage in
      one abattoir and animal hair, blood, rumen contents and soil and faecal material
      from hooves in both abattoirs. Few catalase negative organisms were isolated but
      other Gram positive organisms included Bacillus spp., coryneforms, M.
      thermosphactum and coagulase negative cocci. Gram negative organisms were widely
      distributed in the abattoirs, Pseudomonas spp. being present at most sites, while
      members of the family Enterobacteriaceae were isolated from all sites except
      carcass wash water and air samples in the lairages and a boning room. In pure
      culture 17 of 54 isolates spoiled meat in air at 4 degrees C and 47 at 15 degrees
      C but under simulated vacuum-package conditions only 7 of 28 at 4 degrees C and
      14 of 28 at 15 degrees C gave some indication of spoilage abilities. None of the
      10 isolates tested showed marked resistance to chlorine at 20 ppm.

PMID- 22055126
TI  - Collagen fibrils of the perimysium and endomysium of sheep semitendinosus muscle.
AB  - Formalin fixed perimysial and endomysial connective tissue was examined
      morphometrically in terms of collagen fibril composition. The fibril diameter
      data showed that the endomysial tube collagen fibrils were smaller than the
      fibrils of the perimysial connective tissue.

PMID- 22055127
TI  - Effects of pressure treatment on the ultrastructure of striated muscle.
AB  - Pre- and post-rigor sheep semimembranosus muscles were subjected to a hydrostatic
      pressure of 100 meganewtons/m(2) at 25 degrees C. The ultrastructure of the
      muscle fibres was compared with that of non pressure-treated samples. A
      conspicuous feature of pressure-treated post-rigor samples was the absence of the
      M-band in the central region of the A-band. Therefore it appeared that some, if
      not all, of the proteins in the M-line were very susceptible to disaggregation
      under high pressure. Another feature of the post-rigor pressure-treated sample
      was the loss of integrity and aggregation of I-band filaments which presumably
      involved an F-G transformation of actin. Pressure treatment of pre-rigor muscle
      resulted in extensive structural disruption with contraction band formation. It
      is suggested that a weakening of thin filaments and M-line bridges, when combined
      with a pressure-induced contraction, facilitates disruption of pre-rigor pressure
      treated muscle.

PMID- 22055128
TI  - Fatty acid composition of backfat in large white pigs selected for low backfat
      thickness.
AB  - Samples of midback fat were taken from 157 Large White boars and analysed for
      fatty acid composition and melting point of lipid. Seventy-seven boars were from
      a line showing fast efficient growth and low backfat depth (selection line) and
      80 from a random-mated control line. All were performance-tested from 27 to 87 kg
      liveweight on ad libitum feeding. Selection line pigs required 6 % less feed per
      kilogramme liveweight gain and had thinner backfat at each point of measurement
      (16-27 %) than the controls but there was no line difference in daily liveweight
      gain. Selection line pigs had 'eye muscles' which were slightly paler and had a
      greater drip loss than the controls. The fatty acid composition and melting point
      of the lipid extracted from backfat was similar between the lines except that the
      concentration of linoleic acid (C18:2) in both inner and outer layers was some
      14% higher in the selection line. There were significant negative correlations
      between the concentration of C18:2 and the various backfat measurements. Positive
      correlations were found between some backfat measurements and the concentration
      of stearic acid (C18:0), particularly in the selection line. Variation in melting
      point in both layers was more strongly related to variation in the concentration
      of C18:0 than to that of any other fatty acid.

PMID- 22055129
TI  - Influence of animal age on the tenderness of beef: Muscle differences.
AB  - Animal age effects on the mechanical properties of cooked samples from muscles
      able to cold shorten (Mm. longissimus dorsi, LDA, and semimembranosus, SMA from
      Achilles tendon hung sides) and muscles partially restrained from shortening (LD
      muscles from pelvic hung sides, LDP) from groups of animals aged 9, 16, 27 and 42
      months were studied. Age effects on stretched muscles (SM muscles from pelvic
      hung sides, SMP) were determined using groups aged 2 and 120 months in addition
      to those of 9, 16, 27 and 42 months. Taste panel, Warner-Bratzler shear and
      Instron compression results for stretched SMP muscles indicated that tenderness
      decreased systematically as animal age increased. In contrast, Warner-Bratzler
      peak force values of LDA muscles decreased by half; linearly, as animal age
      increased from 9 to 423 months, a reflection of less postmortem shortening in
      samples from the heavier carcasses of older animals. It is suggested that results
      of age/tenderness studies depend on the age range, differences in carcass weight,
      the muscle(s) chosen and the cooling rate of muscles and hence on chilling
      conditions, cooking conditions and the method(s) used to assess the mechanical
      properties of the cooked muscle(s).

PMID- 22055130
TI  - Isoelectric variants of actin in raw and cooked meat.
AB  - Isoelectric focusing of myofibrillar proteins from raw meat gave one major and
      several minor actin bands. Extending the time, or raising the temperature, of a
      heat treatment progressively increased the proportion of variants of isoelectric
      point lower than the primary component. Because of the concomitant release of
      ammonia on heating, it was concluded that these variants arose from the
      hydrolysis pf amide groups of asparagine and/or glutamine. Determination of the
      relative proportion of deamidated actin components may provide a measure of the
      severity of heat treatment given to a sample of cooked meat.

PMID- 22055131
TI  - Changes in the microbiological and shelf-life characteristics of beef tongues and
      livers following transcontinental and transoceanic shipment.
AB  - The effects of transcontinental (interstate) transport and transoceanic shipment
      were determined on microbiological and shelf-life characteristics of beef tongues
      and livers. These variety meats were evaluated for both microbiological and shelf
      life characteristics following slaughter in Guymon, Oklahoma, USA. The samples
      were then frozen and sent by refrigerated truck (4.5 degrees C) to storage
      facilities in Jacksonville, Florida, USA. Further microbiological and shelf-life
      evaluations took place prior to overseas shipment at the University of Florida
      and following overseas shipment at The Institute CIVO-Technology, TNO, Zeist, The
      Netherlands. Aerobic plate counts (APCs) at 35 degrees C for beef tongues showed
      a significant (P < 0.0.5) decrease following overseas shipment. Similar results
      were noted for beef livers. For both organs, the surface thawing in Florida,
      required for sampling, did not appear to affect the final bacterial counts. The
      20 degrees C APCs for beef tongues revealed a significant (P < 0.0.5) decrease
      following interstate transport but not transoceanic shipment. The 20 degrees C
      APCs for beef livers did not differ significantly during the entire
      transportation period. The colour differences noted during transport of the
      product were probably the result of freezing and not of the actual shipping and
      storage conditions.

PMID- 22055132
TI  - Yield point in raw beef muscle. The effects of ageing, rigor temperature and
      stretch.
AB  - The yield point of raw sternomandibularis muscle of the ox decreased markedly
      with ageing. This parameter is the most sensitive and selective indicator of
      ageing since, unlike shear measurements on cooked meat, it is not complicated by
      heat denaturation or the contribution of the collagen net. Rigor at 2 degrees C
      with consequent cold shortening has little effect on yield point, but rigor at 37
      degrees C diminishes yield values relative to the 15 degrees C controls. Muscles
      stretched by 40-60% during rigor show higher yield points. Yield was also studied
      in other muscles. Unaged strips of bull sternomandibularis, or steer psoas and
      rectus abdominis tended to break rather than yield, but after ageing usually
      yielded at the same low loads as aged ox sternomandibularis. The histological
      changes due to yielding varied widely, but stretched, rather than broken, I-bands
      were the dominant feature. Our interpretation of the electron micrographs is that
      in rigor muscle, actin filaments fracture while gap filaments stretch, but in
      aged muscle both sets of filaments fail simultaneously at low loads.

PMID- 22055133
TI  - A simple, sensitive enzymatic method for quantitation of soya proteins in soya
      meat blends.
AB  - A method was developed for the detection and quantitation of soya proteins in
      soya-meat blends. The procedure involves acid hydrolysis of soya, meat or soya
      meat blends and determination of free galactose plus arabinose using galactose
      dehydrogenase. Acetone powders of the various systems were also examined. Average
      galactose levels in soya flours, soya concentrates and soya isolates were 674,600
      and 66 MUM galactose equivalents per gram of product, respectively. Beef and pork
      contained less than 1 MUM per gram of raw product. The galactose plus arabinose
      values for soya-meat blends were linearly dependent on the amount of soya added.
      The method is sensitive and capable of detecting less than 0.2% soya flours or
      concentrates and less than 2% soya isolates in meat products.

PMID- 22055134
TI  - Anatomical and joint dissection studies of tissue weight distribution in buffalo
      bulls and cows: Part 1-Distribution of muscle and bone.
AB  - Carcasses from six buffalo bulls (slaughtered between 430 and 560 kg liveweight)
      and six buffalo cows (slaughtered between 405 and 583 kg liveweight) were
      dissected, the left sides by the anatomical approach, the right sides being
      jointed and the joints being dissected into fat, muscle, bone and other tissues.
      Weights of the anatomically dissected muscles and bones, and weights of muscle
      and bone dissected from each cut, were regressed on weight of the respective
      tissue in the side. The influence of the animals' sex on tissue distribution was
      investigated using a one-way analysis of covariance. Results were consistent with
      those reported on cattle in that (i) sex had no influence on the amount of total
      muscle occurring in the distal parts of limbs or surrounding the spinal column
      and connecting the fore limb to the thorax and neck, (ii) females had more of
      their total muscle in the flank or abdominal wall and less in the loin than
      males, and (iii) females tended to have less of their total side bone in the
      appendicular skeleton and more in the axial skeleton than males. However, the
      influence of the animal's sex on the amount of total muscle in the proximal parts
      of its limbs was significant in buffaloes but not in cattle; the reverse was true
      for the muscle group of the thorax and neck. The overall sex differences in bone
      weight distribution for buffaloes were as small as previously reported for
      cattle, sheep and pigs. Features of better muscle-weight distribution in buffalo
      males as compared with females and in Egyptian buffaloes as compared with
      Australian buffaloes and British cattle breed types are discussed.

PMID- 22055135
TI  - Anatomical and joint dissection studies of tissue weight distribution in buffalo
      bulls and cows: Part 2-Fat partition and distribution.
AB  - Six buffalo bulls and six buffalo cows were slaughtered between, respectively,
      430-560 kg and 405-585 kg liveweight. Sex differences in fat partition and
      distribution were examined using one-way analyses of covariance on data converted
      to logarithms. Buffalo bulls and cows showed no significant differences in the
      partition of total body fat between the carcass and the offal or between the
      different components of the total carcass fat (subcutaneous, SCF; intermuscular,
      IMF; kidney and channel, KCF) and those of the total offal fat (caul; mesenteric;
      heart). In addition, no significant differences between bulls and cows were
      detected with respect to the partition of the entire side fat between its
      component depots (SCF; IMF; KCF) and the partition of the dissected side fat
      (DSF) between its elements (SCF; IMF). Bulls did not differ significantly from
      cows in the distribution of IMF between cuts. However, bulls had more of their
      total SCF in the buttock cuts (P < 0.05) and pistol (P < 0.001) and BLRC (P <
      0.01) expensive cut groups, while cows had more weight of total SCF contained in
      the flank (P < 0.05) and the 7th-10th rib (P < 0.01). The weight of total DSF was
      greater (P < 0.05) in the buttocks of bulls and (P < 0.01) in the flanks of cows.

PMID- 22055136
TI  - Effect of breeding bull on the fatty acid composition of the carcass lipid in
      steers of a beef breed cattle.
AB  - Samples of neutral lipid were taken from the carcasses of forty-eight Japanese
      Black steers, the progeny from three breeding bulls, on similar planes of
      nutrition and of the same age, and were analysed for fatty acid composition. The
      breeding bull seems to significantly affect the fatty acid composition of the
      lipid from the thoracic subcutaneous fatty tissue and the inter- and intra
      muscular fatty tissues of the Longissimus dorsi muscle. No significant
      correlation between breeding bull and fatty acid composition of perinephric fatty
      tissue was found. There was an increase in total concentration of unsaturated
      fatty acids from internal to external sample locations.

PMID- 22055138
TI  - Protein food supplements: Recent advances Edited by M. A. Maltz, Noyes Data
      Corporation, Park Ridge, NJ, USA. 1981. Price not quoted.

PMID- 22055137
TI  - Protein hydrolysates from meat industry by-products.
AB  - Hydrolysates were prepared from bovine lung, bovine rumen and from partially
      defatted tissue by treatment at 50 degrees C with either pepsin at pH 3.0, papain
      at pH 5.5, neutrase at pH 7.0 or alcalase at pH 8.5. For all substrates papain
      was the most effective hydrolysing agent of those studied whilst neutrase was the
      least effective. Yields of soluble hydrolysate were high with 45-85 % of the
      protein being solubilised. In addition, the tissue is, to some extent, defatted
      during hydrolysis. All enzymes, with the exception of alcalase, readily
      solubilised the collagen of heated by-products although undenatured (unheated)
      collagen was, to some extent, resistant to enzymic digestion. Amino acid analysis
      of the soluble hydrolysates indicated that there was no major loss of any amino
      acid following prolonged enzymic hydrolysis. In addition, no increase in tyramine
      concentration occurred during hydrolysis.

PMID- 22055140
TI  - Emergency department visits due to vertebral fractures in the Netherlands, 1986
      2008: steep increase in the oldest old, strong association with falls.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vertebral fractures are a common consequence of osteoporosis in older
      persons. With the ageing of the population, numbers are expected to rise.
      OBJECTIVE: To determine trends in health care demand due to vertebral fracture
      related emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations in the older Dutch
      population. DESIGN AND SETTING: Secular trend analysis of vertebral fracture
      related ED visits between 1986 and 2008, using the Dutch Injury Surveillance
      System. All ED visits with a primary diagnosis of a vertebral fracture in persons
      aged >=65 years were extracted from this database. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Numbers,
      age-specific and age-adjusted incidence rates (per 100,000 population) of ED
      visits and hospitalization rates due to vertebral fractures in the older Dutch
      population were calculated for each year of the study. RESULTS: The total number
      of ED visits due to a vertebral fracture increased from 913 in 1986 to 2502 in
      2008 (174% increase). The majority of fractures were caused by a low-energetic
      fall incident (83%). The overall age-adjusted incidence rate increased from 51.6
      per 100,000 population in 1986 to 103.6 in 2008. Incidence rates increased with
      age and were higher in females than in males. The hospitalization rate remained
      stable at about 50-55%, in both females and males. CONCLUSION: Vertebral fracture
      related ED visits and hospitalizations are increasing rapidly in the older Dutch
      population, especially in the oldest-old. Most vertebral fractures were
      associated with falls. These findings indicate that a pro-active approach in the
      diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis and in the prevention of falls in both
      men and women is warranted.

PMID- 22055139
TI  - Effects of penehyclidine hydrochloride on pulmonary contusion from blunt chest
      trauma in rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is widely recognised as a
      pattern recognition receptor (PRR) in the triggering of innate immunity. Lung
      inflammation and systemic innate immune responses are dependent on TLR4
      activation undergoing pulmonary contusion. Therefore, the author investigated the
      effects of penehyclidine hydrochloride (PHC) on the expression of TLR4 and
      inflammatory responses of blunt chest trauma-induced pulmonary contusion.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly assigned into
      three groups: normal control (NC) group, pulmonary contusion (PC) group and
      penehyclidine hydrochloride treatment (PHC) group. Pulmonary contusion was
      induced in anesthetised rats at fixed chest impact energy of 2.45J. Lung injury
      was assessed by the histopathology changes, arterial blood gas and
      myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity of lung. The serum tumour necrosis factor-alpha
      (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels were measured using enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assays (ELISA). The expression of TLR4 was determined by
      immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Blunt chest trauma produced leucocytosis in the
      interstitial capillaries, hypoxemia, and increased MPO activity. The expressions
      of TNF-alpha, IL-6 and TLR4 in the lung were significantly enhanced during
      pulmonary contusion. PHC treatments effectively attenuated pulmonary inflammation
      responses, as shown by improved pulmonary oxygenation, histopathology damage,
      decreased the MPO activity, the expressions of TNF-alpha, IL-6, and TLR4 after
      lung injury. CONCLUSION: It might be concluded that PHC exhibit anti-inflammatory
      and protective effects in traumatic lung injury via the inhibition of the TLR4
      pathway.

PMID- 22055141
TI  - Radiation exposure in whole-body computed tomography of multiple trauma patients:
      bearing devices and patient positioning.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Whole-body computed tomography (WBCT) plays an important role in the
      management of severely injured patients. We evaluated the radiation exposure of
      WBCT scans using different positioning boards and arm positions. METHODS: In this
      retrospective study, the radiation exposure of WBCT using a 16-slice multislice
      computed tomography scanner was evaluated. Individual effective doses (E, mSV)
      was calculated. Patients were assigned to two groups according to placement on a
      plastic transfer mat (PTM, group 1) or on the Trauma TransferTM-Board (TTB, group
      2). Data were collected for each group with arm placement on the abdomen (a) or
      in raising position (b), respectively. The maximum ventro-dorsal diameter [VDD]
      at the trunk was measured. RESULTS: 100 patients with potentially life
      threatening injuries were analysed. Patient demographics and VDD did not differ
      in the two groups. Radiation exposure in term of E did not reveal any significant
      differences between the two positioning boards using same arm position [group 1a
      (n=26) vs. 2a (n=24) (mSV): 16.7+/-4.7 vs. 17.1+/-4.4, group 1b (n=26) vs. 2b
      (n=24) (mSV): 13.1+/-3.9 vs. 14.3+/-1.5]. The arm raising positioning showed a
      significant reduction in E in comparison to the placement on abdomen position
      [group 1b vs. 1a (mSV): 13.1+/-3.9 vs. 16.7+/-4.7, p<0.05, group 2b vs. 2a (mSV):
      14.3+/-1.5 vs. 17.1+/-4.4, p<0.05]. CONCLUSIONS: Patient arm positioning for WBCT
      has an important influence on radiation exposure. Effective dose was 16-22% lower
      when arms were raised. An individual placement algorithm may lead to a relevant
      reduction of radiation exposure of severely injured patients.

PMID- 22055142
TI  - Relationships between bacon grade schedules and carcass characteristics.
AB  - A computer model was used to compare alternative bacon grade schedules in terms
      of the carcass composition, joint proportions and simple meat quality
      characteristics (muscle pH and light reflectance) of pigs in different grades.
      The data used were for 350 side-dissected carcasses from years 6 to 8 of the Meat
      and Livestock Commission's Commercial Pig Evaluation. Analyses were carried out
      separately for restricted-fed and ad libitum-fed pigs. Overall means and standard
      deviations for carcass weight and lean percentage were 64.4 +/- 3.19 and 51.5 +/-
      3.98 (restricted) and 65.1 +/- 3.57 and 49.9 +/- 4.09 (ad libitum). Alternative
      schedules were compared against a base schedule, typical of commercial practice
      in Great Britain and involving the following requirements for the principal
      grade: a maximum P(2) measurement (taken laterally over the M. longissimus) of 15
      mm, maximum mid-line fat measurements (shoulder/loin) of 42 22  mm and a minimum
      side length of 770 mm. Removal of the shoulder/loin and length requirements
      increased the proportion of pigs in the principal grade by seven percentage units
      with little effect on the mean carcass characteristics of pigs in the grade. An
      extreme tightening of the maximum shoulder/loin measurements to 35 15  mm removed
      half the pigs from the principal grade and increased the mean carcass lean
      content and the lean content of individual joints for pigs in the grade by one to
      two percentage units. Introduction of a minimum muscle thickness measurement of
      55 mm had a similar effect. In both cases the effect was partially mediated
      through a general reduction in fatness and could be achieved by tightening the
      maximum P(2) fat thickness. None of the changes in grade schedules examined
      materially altered the mean meat quality characteristics of pigs in the principal
      grade. The analysis illustrates the complexities involved in using grade
      thresholds based on a number of correlated measurements. The use of a multiple
      regression approach, in which carcass lean content and commercial value are
      estimated from measurements known to contribute significantly to the regression,
      would simplify the situation considerably.

PMID- 22055143
TI  - Scanning calorimetric studies on offal protein isolates.
AB  - Differential scanning calorimetry was performed on protein isolated from bovine
      lung and rumen. Isolates defatted with solvents of increasing polarities
      (petroleum ether, carbontetrachloride, chloroform, dichloromethane, isopropanol,
      ethanol and methanol) presented very similar phase transitions. The thermograms
      of the original, non-defatted rumen isolates exhibited phase transitions which
      recovered completely after incubation at 303-313 K. This reversible effect was
      not noticed after petroleum ether extraction. Mixture and incubation at 313 K of
      the defatted proteins and the extracted fat fraction failed in reproducing the
      reversibility observed.

PMID- 22055144
TI  - Phospholipase A(2) activity, calmodulin, Ca(2+) and meat quality in young and
      adult halothane-sensitive and halothane-insensitive British Landrace pigs.
AB  - PSE (pale, soft and exudative) meat is the result of a developmental disorder and
      is not produced in meat from young (3-11 weeks) halothane-sensitive British
      Landrace pigs. Formation of the PSE condition is closely associated with the
      muscle mitochondrial phospholipase A(2) activity, which increases significantly
      from 12 weeks of age. The increase in phospholipase A(2) activity shows good
      correlation (r = 0.87) with the increase in post-mortem sarcoplasmic Ca(2+). In
      halothane-insensitive British Landrace both the phospholipase A(2) activity and
      sarcoplasmic Ca(2+) level remain constant throughout growth. Significant
      increases in the levels of endogenous mitochondrial calmodulin, fatty acids and
      phospholipase A(2) activity, and Ca(2+) (mitochondrial and sarcoplasmic) are
      observed in the M. longissimus dorsi of adult halothane-sensitive pigs when
      compared with either young halothane-sensitive or young and adult halothane
      insensitive pigs. The enhanced mitochondrial phospholipase A(2) activity is
      calmodulin-dependent and the increase in activity is postulated to be due to
      increased endogenous calmodulin.

PMID- 22055145
TI  - The effects of sex condition, genotype and diet on bovine muscle fiber
      characteristics.
AB  - The effects of sex condition, breed type and dietary energy level on muscle fiber
      characteristics were examined at various ages and related to carcass
      characteristics and meat palatability. Cattle fed a low-energy diet had a
      significantly higher percentage of red muscle fibers, larger white muscle fiber
      areas and a greater percentage area of red muscle fibers than cattle fed a high
      energy diet. A significant sex * breed within slaughter group interaction
      existed, which was complicated due to differences within breeds and sexes at
      different points of physiological maturity. Separate correlation coefficients for
      bulls and steers are shown that suggest strong directional interactions between
      carcass characteristics and meat quality, and muscle fiber characteristics.

PMID- 22055146
TI  - Contribution of bone marrow to the vitamin content of mechanically separated
      meat.
AB  - Vitamin A and C content of red marrow from vertebrae of Good and Choice grade
      steers was determined so that the nutritional contribution of marrow to
      mechanically separated meat (MSM) could be more fully defined. Vitamin A and C
      values for marrow were higher than those reported for muscle but the slightly
      higher levels in MSM than in hand boned meat are nutritionally insignificant.

PMID- 22055147
TI  - Sequencing of agents for metastatic renal cell carcinoma: can we customize
      therapy?
AB  - CONTEXT: The expanding armamentarium of agents for the therapy of advanced clear
      cell renal cell carcinoma (RCC) warrants further investigation of optimal patient
      selection. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the second and subsequent line of targeted
      therapies for advanced RCC while integrating clinical and molecular markers and
      imaging. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Data were acquired from research published in peer
      reviewed literature or presented at major conferences. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS:
      Following first-line vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors, second
      line therapy with everolimus, a mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor, and
      axitinib, a VEGF receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, have demonstrated benefits
      in progression-free survival (PFS). Sorafenib, pazopanib, and axitinib have
      demonstrated extension of PFS following cytokines. Optimal patient selection
      based on biomarkers is undergoing investigation. Clinical trials evaluating novel
      agents and combinations should be preferred. CONCLUSIONS: Currently, the sequence
      of therapy is based on patient and physician decision, which may be influenced by
      comorbidities and toxicity profiles.

PMID- 22055148
TI  - An immunological method to assess protein degradation in post-mortem muscle.
AB  - A method for determining proteolysis of any specific protein in muscle is
      demonstrated. The protocol involves the preparation of a specific antibody which
      is used in immunoblotting total protein extracts from post-mortem muscle. In the
      present study an antibody to bovine myosin heavy chain was prepared that reacts
      with intact myosin heavy chain as well as proteolytic fragments that are
      generated by proteases. We show that little, if any, myosin heavy chain fragments
      are generated during prolonged aging of muscle at 4 degrees C. In contrast,
      storage of muscle at 37 degrees C results in the rapid breakdwon of myosin heavy
      chain to immunologically detectable peptides. Using a monoclonal antibody to
      titin, we demonstrate that this protein is degraded at 4 degrees C during the
      aging period, and that, between 2 and 3 weeks following slaughter, no undergraded
      titin is detectable. This method is suitable for the analysis of any protein that
      can be separated by SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE).

PMID- 22055149
TI  - The effect of oestrus behaviour on muscle glycogen concentration and dark-cutting
      in beef heifers.
AB  - Preliminary observations at an abattoir showed an association between oestrus
      behaviour and dark-cutting in beef. Two follow-up experiments examined the
      relationship between oestrus behaviour and muscle glycogen content, carcass
      bruising and meat ultimate pH. In the first experiment heifers in oestrus were
      compared with controls in mid-cycle. Oestrus was associated with a loss of
      glycogen in M. longissimus dorsi. Also plasma creatine kinase activity increased,
      reflecting bruising or strenuous muscle activity. In the second experiment
      heifers were slaughtered during oestrus. On the basis of pre-slaughter behaviour
      they were assigned to active or inactive groups, which subsequently yielded 39%
      and zero dark-cutting carcasses, respectively. Loss of muscle glycogen was
      accounted for by the number of times an animal mounted (r = -0.85). Likewise,
      variation in meat ultimate pH was associated with mounting activity (P < 0.001).
      Carcass bruising was higher in the active group (P < 0.0.001) and the main cause
      of bruising was being mounted (r = 0.74). It was concluded that single penning of
      oestrus heifers to eliminate mounting activity would reduce the incidence of dark
      cutting.

PMID- 22055150
TI  - Pig carcass classification in the 65-190 kilogram range using the Danish fat-o
      meat'er.
AB  - A study was carried out in which 200 pig carcasses were selected in such a way as
      to cover the most complete range of dead weights and lean contents available on
      the market in Italy. Left sides were probed for fat thickness and muscle depth at
      2 3 ,  3 4  and 4 5  LR (last rib) at 7, 9 and 11 cm off the dorsal midline. Fat
      thickness was also measured at 3 4  and 4 5  LV (last lumbar vertebrate) at 8 and
      10 cm off the dorsal midline and, on the dorsal midline, on the middle of the
      gluteus medius muscle, at the last rib and at the shoulder. Right sides were cut
      according to the standard 'Parma jointing method' within 1 h post mortem while
      left sides were cut with a partially modified 'Parma jointing method' after
      overnight chilling. Each joint of the first 120 left sides was weighed and
      separated into subcutaneous and intermuscular fat, bone and meat to establish
      meat content. The results were used to fix a partial dissection formula which was
      employed for 74 of the remaining sides while 6 were totally dissected to verify
      the formula.

PMID- 22055151
TI  - The effect of the initial gas volume to meat weight ratio on the storage life of
      chilled beef packaged under carbon dioxide.
AB  - Normal pH (5.5-5.7) and high pH (>6.0) beef cuts of 400 g were vacuum packaged in
      polyvinylidine chloride (PVDC) laminate, in aluminium foil laminate or in foil
      laminate with a CO(2) scavenger (Ba(OH)(2)); or were packaged under CO(2) in foil
      laminate with CO(2) added at 200, 400, 700, 1000 or 2000 ml per kg of meat. The
      process used to prepare meat before packaging resulted in an initial flora
      containing a high fraction of eneterobacteria but with undetectable numbers of
      lactobacilli. During storage at +1 degrees C, all vacuum packaged meat developed
      floras containing substantial fractions of enterobacteria. The enterobacteria
      fractions were larger on high pH than on normal pH meat, and on normal pH meat in
      PVDC or in foil laminate plus CO(2) scavenger packs than on normal pH meat in
      foil laminate without the CO(2) scavenger. All vacuum packaged meat was spoiled
      by putrid flavours, high pH meat at 7 weeks and normal pH meat at 12 weeks.
      Increasing amounts of added CO(2) progressively retarded the development of
      putrid spoilage, as growth of the spoilage floras was slowed while the relative
      numbers of lactobacilli in the floras were enhanced. With the two largest amounts
      of added CO(2), spoilage was delayed until 15 weeks and 21 weeks for high pH meat
      and normal pH meat, respectively, and enterobacteria were detected in the
      spoilage floras only at later sampling times. With lesser amounts of added CO(2),
      enterobacteria persisted or re-emerged at earlier times, in the floras.

PMID- 22055152
TI  - The solubility of carbon dioxide in meat.
AB  - The solubility of CO(2) in muscle tissue of pH 5.5 at 0 degrees C was
      approximately 960 ml at STP/kg of tissue. The solubility increased with
      increasing tissue pH by 360 ml/kg for each pH unit. The solubility decreased with
      increasing temperature by 19 ml/kg for each  degrees C rise. Solubilities in
      beef, pork and lamb muscle tissue were comparable. The solubility of CO(2) in fat
      tissues initially increased as the temperature was raised above 0 degrees C, but
      then declined at higher temperatures, with the temperature of peak solubility and
      the solubility curves being markedly different for fat tissue from the three
      species.

PMID- 22055153
TI  - Stabilization of meat lipids with nitrite-free curing mixtures.
AB  - Several nitrite-free meat-curing mixtures have been formulated. The mixtures
      included salt, sugar, ascorbates, an antioxidant and/or a chelator, an
      antimicrobial agent and dinitrosyl ferrochemochrome (DNFH). They imparted to meat
      a similar oxidative stability as that of sodium nitrite. Butylated hydroxyanisole
      and t-butylhydroquinone were the best anti-oxidants and polyphosphates,
      ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid and diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid were the
      superior chelators. The antimicrobial agents used were potassium sorbate, propryl
      paraben, fumarate esters and sodium hypophosphite. In the above mixtures, the
      added effect of (DNFH) on oxidative stability of the cooked meats was similar to
      the added effect of 150 ppm sodium nitrite.

PMID- 22055155
TI  - Long-term monitoring and modeling of the mass transfer of polychlorinated
      biphenyls in sediment following pilot-scale in-situ amendment with activated
      carbon.
AB  - The results of five years of post-treatment monitoring following in-situ
      activated carbon (AC) placement for stabilization of polychlorinated biphenyls
      (PCBs) at an inter-tidal mudflat adjacent to Hunters Point Shipyard, San
      Francisco Bay, CA, USA are reported in this paper. After five years, AC levels of
      the sediment cores were comparable to those at earlier sampling times. Passive
      sampler uptake validated the benefit of the AC amendment with a strong local
      sorbent dose-response relationship. The PCB uptakes in passive samplers decreased
      up to 73% with a 3.7 dry wt.% AC dose after five years, confirming the temporal
      enhancement of the amendment benefit from a 19% reduction with a 4.4% dose
      observed within one month. The long-term effectiveness of AC, the local AC dose
      response, the impact of fouling by NOM, the spatial heterogeneity of AC
      incorporation, and the effects of advective sediment pore-water movement are
      discussed with the aid of a PCB mass transfer model. Modeling and experimental
      results indicated that the homogeneous incorporation of AC in the sediment will
      significantly accelerate the benefit of the treatment.

PMID- 22055156
TI  - Impact of mineral micropores on transport and fate of organic contaminants: a
      review.
AB  - Nanometer-scale pores are abundant in porous geological media (soils, sediments,
      and aquifer materials), and may account for over >90% of total mineral surface
      areas. Sorption of organic contaminants in mineral micropores (<2 nm) plays a key
      role in controlling their fate and transport when the porous geological media
      have very low organic carbon contents (<0.1%). Significant adsorption of
      hydrophobic organic contaminants could only occur in the hydrophobic micropore
      spaces because of the strong competition from water. The rate of desorption from
      micropores is very slow due to hindered diffusion, resulting in distinct two
      stage desorption behavior for microporous solids. Size exclusion effect prevents
      micropore-sorbed contaminants from being accessed by microorganisms and their
      extracellular enzymes, thus reducing their bioavailability and biodegradation
      rates. Results from recent studies indicate that sorption in micropores can also
      inhibit abiotic degradation of reactive contaminants by protecting them in
      confined spaces with little reactive water, slowing down hydrolysis and other
      water-mediated transformations. As a result of the inhibitory effect on abiotic
      and biotic transformations, and the slow desorption due to hindered diffusion,
      sorption in hydrophobic micropores of porous geological media can cause
      preservation of anthropogenic organic contaminants in the subsurface and may
      increase their persistence to the time scale of geological ages under appropriate
      conditions. From a practical perspective, understanding the role of mineral
      micropores is important in assessing the long-term ecotoxicological risk of
      organic contaminants in the subsurface and designing remediation strategies.

PMID- 22055157
TI  - Combining experimental techniques with non-linear numerical models to assess the
      sorption of pesticides on soils.
AB  - The risk assessment of groundwater pollution by pesticides may be based on
      pesticide sorption and biodegradation kinetic parameters estimated with inverse
      modeling of datasets from either batch or continuous flow soil column
      experiments. In the present work, a chemical non-equilibrium and non-linear 2
      site sorption model is incorporated into solute transport models to invert the
      datasets of batch and soil column experiments, and estimate the kinetic sorption
      parameters for two pesticides: N-phosphonomethyl glycine (glyphosate) and 2,4
      dichlorophenoxy-acetic acid (2,4-D). When coupling the 2-site sorption model with
      the 2-region transport model, except of the kinetic sorption parameters, the soil
      column datasets enable us to estimate the mass-transfer coefficients associated
      with solute diffusion between mobile and immobile regions. In order to improve
      the reliability of models and kinetic parameter values, a stepwise strategy that
      combines batch and continuous flow tests with adequate true-to-the mechanism
      analytical of numerical models, and decouples the kinetics of purely reactive
      steps of sorption from physical mass-transfer processes is required.

PMID- 22055158
TI  - Stable carbon and hydrogen isotope fractionation of dissolved organic groundwater
      pollutants by equilibrium sorption.
AB  - Linear free energy relationships (LFERs) were established which relate
      equilibrium vapor-liquid isotope effects to stable carbon and hydrogen isotope
      enrichment factors for equilibrium sorption to geosorbents. The LFERs were
      established for normal, cyclic or branched alkanes, monoaromatic hydrocarbons,
      and chloroethenes. These LFERs predict that isotopic light compounds sorb more
      strongly than their heavy counterparts. Defining fractionation as in classical
      literature by "heavy divided by light", carbon enrichment factors for equilibrium
      sorption were derived which ranged from -0.13+/-0.040/00 (benzene) to -0.52+/
      0.190/00 (trichloroethene at 5-15  degrees C). Hydrogen enrichment factors for
      sorption of 14 different compounds were between -2.4 and -9.20/00. For
      perdeuterated hydrocarbons the predicted enrichment factors ranged from -19+/
      5.40/00 (benzene) to -64+/-300/00 (cyclohexane). Equilibrium sorption experiments
      with a soil and activated carbon as sorbents were performed in the laboratory for
      perdeuterocyclohexane and perdeuterotoluene. The measured D/H enrichments agreed
      with the LFER prediction for both compounds and both sorbents within the
      uncertainty estimate of the prediction. The results of this work suggest that
      equilibrium sorption does create only very small isotope shifts for (13)C in
      groundwater pollutants in aquifers. It is also suggested that deuterium shifts
      are expected to be higher, especially for strongly sorbing pollutants.

PMID- 22055159
TI  - An interdisciplinary approach to the prevention and treatment of groin wound
      complications after lower extremity revascularization.
AB  - BACKGROUND: If not effectively treated, groin wound infections following lower
      extremity revascularization (LER) may result in graft or limb loss. METHODS: A
      retrospective review was performed of all patients who underwent muscle flap
      transposition by a single surgeon after LER between 2006 and 2010. RESULTS:
      Twenty-nine muscle transposition flaps were performed in 24 patients (21
      sartorius, 6 rectus femoris, and 2 gracilis). Nineteen were for treatment of
      groin wound infections, two for treatment of lymphocele, one for coverage of
      exposed graft in the setting of pyoderma gangrenosum, and seven for infection
      prophylaxis. Two graft losses followed flap placement. The limb loss rate was 4%.
      When performed for therapeutic purposes, graft salvage rates were 100% for
      autogenous and 92% for synthetic grafts. CONCLUSIONS: Muscle transposition flaps
      are an effective means of graft salvage in the setting of groin wound
      complications following LER and should be considered for infection prophylaxis in
      high-risk patients.

PMID- 22055162
TI  - Radiation preservation of meat and meat products: A review.
AB  - The World Health Organisation (WHO) in 1980 clarified the position regarding the
      medical acceptability of irradiated foods when it said'...no health hazard
      results from consuming any food irradiated up to a dose of one megarad (1 Mrad)'.
      This resulted in renewed interest in irradiation as a cost-effective alternative
      to traditional preservation methods such as canning and freezing. Thus,
      radurisation (the application of ionising radiation at a dose level which
      substantially reduces the microbial population) increases the shelf life of
      poultry, comminuted meat and meat dishes significantly. Low dose irradiation, or
      radicidation, eliminates parasites such as Trichinae and cysticerci in pork and,
      very importantly, salmonella organisms in poultry and red meat. Therefore,
      irradiation has an important role to play in public health protection. High dose
      irradiation, or radappertisation ('cold sterilisation'), uses doses in excess of
      1 Mrad and is analogous to retorting as understood in the canning industry.
      However, it can adversely affect quality in producing 'free radicals' in high
      protein foods such as meat. To prevent this, special precautions are necessary,
      e.g. irradiation is conducted at very low temperatures and the product is usually
      vacuum packed. A further potential use of irradiation is its ability to reduce
      the quantity of nitrite necessary in cured meats. This may become of practical
      significance if legislation further reduces the amount of nitrite permitted in
      these products.

PMID- 22055160
TI  - Abdominal aortic aneurysm is associated with a variant in low-density lipoprotein
      receptor-related protein 1.
AB  - Abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a common cause of morbidity and mortality and
      has a significant heritability. We carried out a genome-wide association
      discovery study of 1866 patients with AAA and 5435 controls and replication of
      promising signals (lead SNP with a p value < 1 * 10(-5)) in 2871 additional cases
      and 32,687 controls and performed further follow-up in 1491 AAA and 11,060
      controls. In the discovery study, nine loci demonstrated association with AAA (p
      < 1 * 10(-5)). In the replication sample, the lead SNP at one of these loci,
      rs1466535, located within intron 1 of low-density-lipoprotein receptor-related
      protein 1 (LRP1) demonstrated significant association (p = 0.0042). We confirmed
      the association of rs1466535 and AAA in our follow-up study (p = 0.035). In a
      combined analysis (6228 AAA and 49182 controls), rs1466535 had a consistent
      effect size and direction in all sample sets (combined p = 4.52 * 10(-10), odds
      ratio 1.15 [1.10-1.21]). No associations were seen for either rs1466535 or the
      12q13.3 locus in independent association studies of coronary artery disease,
      blood pressure, diabetes, or hyperlipidaemia, suggesting that this locus is
      specific to AAA. Gene-expression studies demonstrated a trend toward increased
      LRP1 expression for the rs1466535 CC genotype in arterial tissues; there was a
      significant (p = 0.029) 1.19-fold (1.04-1.36) increase in LRP1 expression in CC
      homozygotes compared to TT homozygotes in aortic adventitia. Functional studies
      demonstrated that rs1466535 might alter a SREBP-1 binding site and influence
      enhancer activity at the locus. In conclusion, this study has identified a
      biologically plausible genetic variant associated specifically with AAA, and we
      suggest that this variant has a possible functional role in LRP1 expression.

PMID- 22055161
TI  - Redundant amodal properties facilitate operant learning in 3-month-old infants.
AB  - The current study examined the role redundant amodal properties play in an
      operant learning task in 3-month-old human infants. Prior studies have suggested
      that the presence of redundant amodal information facilitates detection and
      discrimination of amodal properties and potentially functions to influence
      general learning processes such as associative conditioning. The current study
      examined how human infants use redundant amodal information (visual and haptic)
      about the shape of an object to influence learning of an operant response.
      Infants learned to kick to move a mobile of cylinders while either holding a
      cylinder, a rectangular cube, or no object. Kick rate served as the dependent
      measure. The results showed that infants given matching redundant amodal
      properties (e.g., viewed cylinders while holding a cylinder) showed facilitated
      operant learning whereas infants given mismatching redundant amodal properties
      showed inhibited operant learning. These results support and extend the
      Intersensory Redundancy Hypothesis by demonstrating that amodal redundancy
      influences complex learning processes such as operant conditioning.

PMID- 22055163
TI  - Hydrolysis of the sarcoplasmic, myofibrillar and connective tissue proteins of
      lean beef by alcalase and its relationship to whole meat hydrolysis.
AB  - The enzymic hydrolysis and solubilisation of the three meat protein fractions
      have been investigated in order to elucidate some aspects of the hydrolysis of
      whole beef protein. Much of the water-soluble sarcoplasmic protein fraction was
      insolubilised on heating for 25 min at 60 degrees C. While most of this insoluble
      protein was easily resolubilised enzymically, some of it remained insoluble after
      5 hours' hydrolysis. Solubilisation of connective tissue by Alcalase after a 3 h
      reaction increased markedly from 23% at 55 degrees C to 99% at 60 degrees C. This
      explains the high optimum temperature for solubilisation of whole beef by
      Alcalase. A significant portion of myofibrillar tissue remained insoluble after 3
      hours' reaction. indicating that the majority of the insoluble solids remaining
      after whole meat hydrolysis at 60 degrees C derived from myofibrillar tissue.
      There was good agreement between an experimental reaction progress curve for
      whole beef hydrolysis and one estimated from progress curves for hydrolysis of
      the three meat protein fractions.

PMID- 22055164
TI  - Hygienic aspects of porcine gullets.
AB  - In an attempt to elaborate good manufacturing practices, including the
      collection, processing and storage of porcine gullets, their bacterial condition
      immediately after collection (100 samples), as well as that of deep frozen
      gullets just before incorporation into meat products (40 samples), was assessed.
      Fresh gullets were found to be contaminated to a high degree: poured plate colony
      count at 30 degrees C (PPCC) approximately 10(6) to 10(7) and Enterobacteriaceae
      approximately 10(3) to 10(4) cfu g(-1). Deep frozen gullets showed even higher
      counts: PPCC approximately 10(7) to 10(8) and Enterobacteriaceae approximately
      10(4) to 10(5) cfu g(-1). Hygiene during collection was visually assessed in six
      abattoirs and found to be satisfactory in two, moderate in three and poor in one.
      The effects of processing, by cleaning or removal of the mucus membrane, on
      bacterial condition, pH, colour and odour were assessed before and during storage
      at 4 degrees C and 20 degrees C. Both cleaning and removal of the mucus membrane
      resulted in up to approximately a tenfold reduction of colony counts. After 7
      days' storage at 4 degrees C these were significantly lower than those of
      unprocessed gullets (P < 0.01). Processed gullets stored at 4 degrees C were no
      longer fit for consumption after 4 days' storage. It being impossible to achieve
      a marked improvement in the bacteriological condition of gullets, the
      incorporation of these products into sausages should be discouraged and their use
      in petfoods only allowed under reasonable conditions of hygiene and chilling.

PMID- 22055165
TI  - Practical observations on the methodology for determining 3-methyl-l-histidine
      using fluorescamine derivatives.
AB  - The method for the detection and possible quantification of the unusual amino
      acid 3-methyl-l-histidine has been refined and elucidated. This is an essential
      prerequisite for the determination of its value as a robust unequivocal index of
      lean meat protein.

PMID- 22055166
TI  - Protein quality control in the ER: balancing the ubiquitin checkbook.
AB  - Protein maturation in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is subject to stringent
      quality control. Terminally misfolded polypeptides are usually ejected into the
      cytoplasm and targeted for destruction by the proteasome. Ubiquitin conjugation
      is essential for both extraction and proteolysis. We discuss the role of the
      ubiquitin conjugation machinery in this pathway and focus on the role of
      ubiquitin ligase complexes as gatekeepers for membrane passage. We then examine
      the type of ubiquitin modification applied to the misfolded ER protein and the
      role of de-ubiquitylating enzymes in the extraction of proteins from the ER.

PMID- 22055167
TI  - [Intestinal pseudo-obstruction in Steinert myotonic dystrophy: a clinical
      radiological description of 2 cases].

PMID- 22055168
TI  - HEMS simulator training for safety and clinical proficiency. Letter.

PMID- 22055170
TI  - Helicopter scene response for a STEMI patient transported directly to the cardiac
      catheterization laboratory.
AB  - At 2:10 pm, a 40-year-old Caucasian woman with no known medical history called
      911 complaining of substernal, crushing chest pain that had started 2 to 3 hours
      before she called emergency medical services (EMS). EMS arrived at 2:24 pm and
      obtained a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) diagnostic of ST-segment elevation
      myocardial infarction (STEMI) at 2:36 pm. University Air Care was requested by
      local EMS at 2:42 pm to respond directly to the cardiac scene in rural Ohio for
      rapid transport to a facility capable of performing percutaneous coronary
      intervention (PCI). The closest PCI-capable facility was approximately 35 minutes
      away by ground or 13 minutes by air. The closest non-PCI hospital was
      approximately 20 minutes away by ground (Fig. 1).

PMID- 22055172
TI  - Mother's little helper: the problem of narcotic diversion.

PMID- 22055174
TI  - Air medical evacuations from a developing world conflict zone.
AB  - Somalia has been without effective government for close to two decades, with more
      than 1 million people internally displaced. The political unrest persists, with
      United Nations-backed African Union peacekeeping forces supporting the
      Transitional National government of Sharif Ahmed, struggling to maintain control
      of central Mogadishu from Islamist extremist groups, such as the reportedly Al
      Qaeda-backed Al-Shabab. The African Union force of 5,000 troops is predominantly
      of Ugandan and Burundian origin, making up the African Mission in Somalia
      (AMISOM) effort. However, its mandate is limited to operations only in Mogadishu,
      and it is unauthorized to actively pursue insurgents. As with other ongoing high
      profile conflicts, African Union troops face an enemy that blends into the
      civilian populace, fighting with a lethal mixture of improvised explosive devices
      and suicide bombers.

PMID- 22055175
TI  - Influence of helicopter flight on temperature of helicopter EMS crewmembers.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Thermoregulation of critically ill patients during helicopter
      emergency medical service (HEMS) transport can be influenced by the flight,
      increasing the risk of hypothermia. However, the literature is unclear as to
      whether temperature decrease among those patients is affected by the flight
      itself or by the patients' clinical status and therapies. We evaluated the effect
      of helicopter flight on the body temperature of the healthy members of the HEMS
      crew of the Friuli Venezia Giulia region, Italy. METHODS: From August 12 to
      September 3, 2009, and from February 12 to April 1, 2010, tympanic temperature
      was measured, on a voluntary basis, before and after the flight among the
      crewmembers. The effect of flight and personal characteristics on temperature
      after the flight was analyzed through multivariate regression. RESULTS: Ninety
      five records were analyzed. On average, the temperature increased by 0.2 +/- 0.5
      degrees C. In 29.5% of the cases, however, it decreased. The only factors that
      were significantly associated with the temperature after the flight were
      temperature at liftoff and mountain rescue flights. CONCLUSION: Among healthy
      subjects, the helicopter vibrations may induce an increase in body temperature.
      Small sample size and lack of information on a number of potential confounders
      prevented the identification of the possible determinants of a temperature
      decrease among some subjects.

PMID- 22055176
TI  - Australian dust storm: impact on a statewide air medical retrieval service.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The Australian dust storm during the week of September 22, 2009,
      resulted in the grounding of a large portion of the air medical retrieval fleet
      in Queensland. We sought to determine whether during this event an increase
      occurred in cases requiring retrieval as a result of the dust storm, and whether
      the grounding of the retrieval fleet resulted in any adverse outcomes as a result
      of its inability to respond. METHODS: A retrospective review of respiratory and
      injury cases referred to the Queensland Emergency Medical System Coordination
      Centre from September 8 to October 5, 2009 was conducted. All cases with any
      respiratory or injury complaints were included. The number of cases, priority for
      retrieval, and the ability to retrieve these cases within the allocated time were
      examined and compared with those for a similar time frame in the previous year.
      RESULTS: A 62.5% increase in respiratory cases was seen, and 13.3% increase in
      injury cases during the week of the dust storm event, when compared with the
      previous year. Neither of these results reached statistical significance, but
      they demonstrate a practically important difference. For the month surrounding
      the dust storm event, a 48.5% (P = .04) increase in respiratory cases occurred,
      but no increase in injury cases when compared with the previous year. Only one
      urgent case was unable to be air medically retrieved during the study period as a
      result of grounding of the aircraft because of the dust storm event, but
      contingency arrangements were made for alternative transport. No adverse events
      were recorded during the study period. CONCLUSION: An increased demand on
      retrieval services was demonstrated during the period of the dust storm event.
      Despite grounding of the air medical fleet, all cases except one were able to be
      retrieved within clinically appropriate time frames or by alternative transport
      methods. Contingency plans need to be developed to cope with the possibility of
      similar events in the future, to prevent adverse events from occurring.

PMID- 22055177
TI  - Severity of cardiovascular disease patients transported by air ambulance.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Although helicopters have been used in an air ambulance system for
      the past decade in Japan, the appropriate selection of patients for this
      transport mode has not been investigated. The present study investigates which
      patients could potentially benefit the most from helicopter emergency medical
      service (HEMS). METHODS: We investigated the extent of circulatory and
      respiratory support required in the intensive care unit (ICU) and ultimate
      outcomes of 2340 patients with cardiovascular disease admitted to 1 institution
      between October 2001 and December 2009. Two hundred and seventy were transported
      by HEMS (HEMS group), and 2070 were transported by other means (non-HEMS group).
      RESULTS: Temporary cardiac pacing, ventilator management, intra-aortic balloon
      pumping, percutaneous cardiopulmonary support, electrical defibrillation, and
      therapeutic hypothermia were more frequently required by patients in the HEMS
      group vs. the non-HEMS group (10.4%, 28.1%, 17.0%, 5.2%, 10.0% and 3.4% vs. 8%,
      17.9%, 10.9%, 2.3%, 4.5% and 0.4%, respectively). The mortality rate was higher
      in the HEMS group than in the non-HEMS group in the ICU (9.6% vs. 5.3%).
      CONCLUSION: Disease was more clinically severe and the outcome was poorer among
      patients with cardiovascular diseases transported by HEMS than by other means.

PMID- 22055178
TI  - 2011 critical care transport workplace and salary survey.
AB  - Critical care transport (CCT) leaders from 260 organizations were invited to
      participate in an online, hosted survey of industry compensation and workplace
      practices. Approximately 150 questions were presented to participants, soliciting
      a broad base of information on CCT organizations, personnel, compensation, and
      workplace practices, notably alertness and fatigue management. CCT organizational
      salaries are represented by common job class and reported by summary with
      minimum, middle, and maximum hourly rates in a national aggregate and by
      Association of Air Medical Services region.

PMID- 22055179
TI  - ZFP57: KAPturing DNA methylation at imprinted loci.
AB  - In this issue of Molecular Cell, Quenneville et al. (2011) characterize the role
      of ZFP57 in the maintenance of DNA methylation at imprinting control regions
      (ICRs), revealing an allele-specific binding pattern, binding motif, and
      interactions with other epigenetic regulators.

PMID- 22055180
TI  - Unraveling a connection between DNA demethylation repair and cancer.
AB  - In this issue of Molecular Cell, Dango and Mosammaparast discover that the human
      oxidative demethylase ALKBH3 functions in complex with a DNA helicase to
      eliminate N3-methylcytosine lesions from ssDNA and that specific cancer cell
      lines are dependent on this activity for proliferation (Dango et al., 2011).

PMID- 22055181
TI  - Another "loophole" in miRNA processing.
AB  - In this issue of Molecular Cell, Suzuki et al. (2011) present the intriguing
      finding that an RNAse known to play an important role in immunity regulates miRNA
      processing in cancer and inflammation by cleaving the terminal loops of many
      miRNAs.

PMID- 22055182
TI  - Regulation of primary response genes.
AB  - Primary response genes (PRGs) are a set of genes that are induced in response to
      both cell-extrinsic and cell-intrinsic signals and do not require de novo protein
      synthesis for their expression. These "first responders" in the waves of
      transcription of signal-responsive genes play pivotal roles in a wide range of
      biological responses, including neuronal survival and plasticity, cardiac stress
      response, innate and adaptive immune responses, glucose metabolism, and
      oncogeneic transformation. Here we bring together recent advances and our current
      understanding of the signal-induced transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of
      PRGs.

PMID- 22055183
TI  - In embryonic stem cells, ZFP57/KAP1 recognize a methylated hexanucleotide to
      affect chromatin and DNA methylation of imprinting control regions.
AB  - The maintenance of H3K9 and DNA methylation at imprinting control regions (ICRs)
      during early embryogenesis is key to the regulation of imprinted genes. Here, we
      reveal that ZFP57, its cofactor KAP1, and associated effectors bind selectively
      to the H3K9me3-bearing, DNA-methylated allele of ICRs in ES cells. KAP1 deletion
      induces a loss of heterochromatin marks at ICRs, whereas deleting ZFP57 or DNMTs
      leads to ICR DNA demethylation. Accordingly, we find that ZFP57 and KAP1
      associated with DNMTs and hemimethylated DNA-binding NP95. Finally, we identify
      the methylated TGCCGC hexanucleotide as the motif that is recognized by ZFP57 in
      all ICRs and in several tens of additional loci, several of which are at least
      ZFP57-dependently methylated in ES cells. These results significantly advance our
      understanding of imprinting and suggest a general mechanism for the protection of
      specific loci against the wave of DNA demethylation that affects the mammalian
      genome during early embryogenesis.

PMID- 22055184
TI  - DNA unwinding by ASCC3 helicase is coupled to ALKBH3-dependent DNA alkylation
      repair and cancer cell proliferation.
AB  - Demethylation by the AlkB dioxygenases represents an important mechanism for
      repair of N-alkylated nucleotides. However, little is known about their functions
      in mammalian cells. We report the purification of the ALKBH3 complex and
      demonstrate its association with the activating signal cointegrator complex
      (ASCC). ALKBH3 is overexpressed in various cancers, and both ALKBH3 and ASCC are
      important for alkylation damage resistance in these tumor cell lines. ASCC3, the
      largest subunit of ASCC, encodes a 3'-5' DNA helicase, whose activity is crucial
      for the generation of single-stranded DNA upon which ALKBH3 preferentially
      functions for dealkylation. In cell lines that are dependent on ALKBH3 and ASCC3
      for alkylation damage resistance, loss of ALKBH3 or ASCC3 leads to increased 3
      methylcytosine and reduced cell proliferation, which correlates with pH2A.X and
      53BP1 foci formation. Our data provide a molecular mechanism by which ALKBH3
      collaborates with ASCC to maintain genomic integrity in a cell-type specific
      manner.

PMID- 22055185
TI  - The structural basis for substrate recognition by mammalian polynucleotide kinase
      3' phosphatase.
AB  - Mammalian polynucleotide kinase 3' phosphatase (PNK) plays a key role in the
      repair of DNA damage, functioning as part of both the nonhomologous end-joining
      (NHEJ) and base excision repair (BER) pathways. Through its two catalytic
      activities, PNK ensures that DNA termini are compatible with extension and
      ligation by either removing 3'-phosphates from, or by phosphorylating 5'-hydroxyl
      groups on, the ribose sugar of the DNA backbone. We have now determined crystal
      structures of murine PNK with DNA molecules bound to both of its active sites.
      The structure of ssDNA engaged with the 3'-phosphatase domain suggests a
      mechanism of substrate interaction that assists DNA end seeking. The structure of
      dsDNA bound to the 5'-kinase domain reveals a mechanism of DNA bending that
      facilitates recognition of DNA ends in the context of single-strand and double
      strand breaks and suggests a close functional cooperation in substrate
      recognition between the kinase and phosphatase active sites.

PMID- 22055186
TI  - Sub1 and RPA associate with RNA polymerase II at different stages of
      transcription.
AB  - Single-stranded DNA-binding proteins play many roles in nucleic acid metabolism,
      but their importance during transcription remains unclear. Quantitative proteomic
      analysis of RNA polymerase II (RNApII) preinitiation complexes (PICs) identified
      Sub1 and the replication protein A complex (RPA), both of which bind single
      stranded DNA (ssDNA). Sub1, homolog of mammalian coactivator PC4, exhibits strong
      genetic interactions with factors necessary for promoter melting. Sub1 localizes
      near the transcription bubble in vitro and binds to promoters in vivo dependent
      upon PIC assembly. In contrast, RPA localizes to transcribed regions of active
      genes, strongly correlated with transcribing RNApII but independently of
      replication. RFA1 interacts genetically with transcription elongation factor
      genes. Interestingly, RPA levels increase at active promoters in cells carrying a
      Sub1 deletion or ssDNA-binding mutant, suggesting competition for a common
      binding site. We propose that Sub1 and RPA interact with the nontemplate strand
      of RNApII complexes during initiation and elongation, respectively.

PMID- 22055187
TI  - SAGA and ATAC histone acetyl transferase complexes regulate distinct sets of
      genes and ATAC defines a class of p300-independent enhancers.
AB  - Histone acetyltransferase (HAT) complexes are coactivators that are important for
      transcriptional activation by modifying chromatin. Metazoan SAGA and ATAC are
      distinct multisubunits complexes that share the same catalytic HAT subunit (GCN5
      or PCAF). Here, we show that these human HAT complexes are targeted to different
      genomic loci representing functionally distinct regulatory elements both at
      broadly expressed and tissue-specific genes. While SAGA can principally be found
      at promoters, ATAC is recruited to promoters and enhancers, yet only its enhancer
      binding is cell-type specific. Furthermore, we show that ATAC functions at a set
      of enhancers that are not bound by p300, revealing a class of enhancers not yet
      identified. These findings demonstrate important functional differences between
      SAGA and ATAC coactivator complexes at the level of the genome and define a role
      for the ATAC complex in the regulation of a set of enhancers.

PMID- 22055188
TI  - MCPIP1 ribonuclease antagonizes dicer and terminates microRNA biogenesis through
      precursor microRNA degradation.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are versatile regulators of gene expression and undergo
      complex maturation processes. However, the mechanism(s) stabilizing or reducing
      these small RNAs remains poorly understood. Here we identify mammalian immune
      regulator MCPIP1 (Zc3h12a) ribonuclease as a broad suppressor of miRNA activity
      and biogenesis, which counteracts Dicer, a central ribonuclease in miRNA
      processing. MCPIP1 suppresses miRNA biosynthesis via cleavage of the terminal
      loops of precursor miRNAs (pre-miRNAs). MCPIP1 also carries a vertebrate-specific
      oligomerization domain important for pre-miRNA recognition, indicating its recent
      evolution. Furthermore, we observed potential antagonism between MCPIP1 and Dicer
      function in human cancer and found a regulatory role of MCPIP1 in the signaling
      axis comprising miR-155 and its target c-Maf. These results collectively suggest
      that the balance between processing and destroying ribonucleases modulates miRNA
      biogenesis and potentially affects pathological miRNA dysregulation. The presence
      of this abortive processing machinery and diversity of MCPIP1-related genes may
      imply a dynamic evolutional transition of the RNA silencing system.

PMID- 22055189
TI  - Protein phosphatase 2A controls the order and dynamics of cell-cycle transitions.
AB  - Bistability of the Cdk1-Wee1-Cdc25 mitotic control network underlies the switch
      like transitions between interphase and mitosis. Here, we show by mathematical
      modeling and experiments in Xenopus egg extracts that protein phosphatase 2A
      (PP2A), which can dephosphorylate Cdk1 substrates, is essential for this
      bistability. PP2A inhibition in early interphase abolishes the switch-like
      response of the system to Cdk1 activity, promoting mitotic onset even with very
      low levels of Cyclin, Cdk1, and Cdc25, while simultaneously inhibiting DNA
      replication. Furthermore, even if replication has already initiated, it cannot
      continue in mitosis. Exclusivity of S and M phases does not depend on bistability
      only, since partial PP2A inhibition prevents replication without inducing mitotic
      onset. In these conditions, interphase-level mitotic kinases inhibit Cyclin E
      Cdk2 chromatin loading, blocking initiation complex formation. Therefore, by
      counteracting both Cdk1 activation and activity of mitotic kinases, PP2A ensures
      robust separation of S phase and mitosis and dynamic transitions between the two
      states.

PMID- 22055190
TI  - Atg8 transfer from Atg7 to Atg3: a distinctive E1-E2 architecture and mechanism
      in the autophagy pathway.
AB  - Atg7 is a noncanonical, homodimeric E1 enzyme that interacts with the
      noncanonical E2 enzyme, Atg3, to mediate conjugation of the ubiquitin-like
      protein (UBL) Atg8 during autophagy. Here we report that the unique N-terminal
      domain of Atg7 (Atg7(NTD)) recruits a unique "flexible region" from Atg3
      (Atg3(FR)). The structure of an Atg7(NTD)-Atg3(FR) complex reveals hydrophobic
      residues from Atg3 engaging a conserved groove in Atg7, important for Atg8
      conjugation. We also report the structure of the homodimeric Atg7 C-terminal
      domain, which is homologous to canonical E1s and bacterial antecedents. The
      structures, SAXS, and crosslinking data allow modeling of a full-length, dimeric
      (Atg7~Atg8-Atg3)(2) complex. The model and biochemical data provide a rationale
      for Atg7 dimerization: Atg8 is transferred in trans from the catalytic cysteine
      of one Atg7 protomer to Atg3 bound to the N-terminal domain of the opposite Atg7
      protomer within the homodimer. The studies reveal a distinctive E1~UBL-E2
      architecture for enzymes mediating autophagy.

PMID- 22055191
TI  - Structural basis of Atg8 activation by a homodimeric E1, Atg7.
AB  - E1 enzymes activate ubiquitin-like proteins and transfer them to cognate E2
      enzymes. Atg7, a noncanonical E1, activates two ubiquitin-like proteins, Atg8 and
      Atg12, and plays a crucial role in autophagy. Here, we report crystal structures
      of full-length Atg7 and its C-terminal domain bound to Atg8 and MgATP, as well as
      a solution structure of Atg8 bound to the extreme C-terminal domain (ECTD) of
      Atg7. The unique N-terminal domain (NTD) of Atg7 is responsible for Atg3 (E2)
      binding, whereas its C-terminal domain is comprised of a homodimeric adenylation
      domain (AD) and ECTD. The structural and biochemical data demonstrate that Atg8
      is initially recognized by the C-terminal tail of ECTD and is then transferred to
      an AD, where the Atg8 C terminus is attacked by the catalytic cysteine to form a
      thioester bond. Atg8 is then transferred via a trans mechanism to the Atg3 bound
      to the NTD of the opposite protomer within a dimer.

PMID- 22055193
TI  - ROS-mediated p53 induction of Lpin1 regulates fatty acid oxidation in response to
      nutritional stress.
AB  - The p53 protein is activated by stress signals and exhibits both protective and
      death-promoting functions that are considered important for its tumor suppressor
      function. Emerging evidence points toward an additional role for p53 in
      metabolism. Here, we identify Lpin1 as a p53-responsive gene that is induced in
      response to DNA damage and glucose deprivation. Lpin1 is essential for adipocyte
      development and fat metabolism, and mutation in this gene is responsible for the
      lypodystrophy phenotype in fld mice. We show that p53 and Lpin1 regulate fatty
      acid oxidation in mouse C2C12 myoblasts. p53 phosphorylation on Ser18 in response
      to low glucose is ROS and ATM dependent. Lpin1 expression in response to
      nutritional stress is controlled through the ROS-ATM-p53 pathway and is conserved
      in human cells. Lpin1 provides a critical link between p53 and metabolism that
      may be an important component in mediating the tumor suppressor function of p53.

PMID- 22055192
TI  - Oxygen-dependent cleavage of the p75 neurotrophin receptor triggers stabilization
      of HIF-1alpha.
AB  - Homeostatic control of oxygen availability allows cells to survive oxygen
      deprivation. Although the transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha
      (HIF-1alpha) is the main regulator of the hypoxic response, the upstream
      mechanisms required for its stabilization remain elusive. Here, we show that p75
      neurotrophin receptor (p75(NTR)) undergoes hypoxia-induced gamma-secretase
      dependent cleavage to provide a positive feed-forward mechanism required for
      oxygen-dependent HIF-1alpha stabilization. The intracellular domain of p75(NTR)
      directly interacts with the evolutionarily conserved zinc finger domains of the
      E3 RING ubiquitin ligase Siah2 (seven in absentia homolog 2), which regulates HIF
      1alpha degradation. p75(NTR) stabilizes Siah2 by decreasing its auto
      ubiquitination. Genetic loss of p75(NTR) dramatically decreases Siah2 abundance,
      HIF-1alpha stabilization, and induction of HIF-1alpha target genes in hypoxia.
      p75(NTR-/-) mice show reduced HIF-1alpha stabilization, vascular endothelial
      growth factor (VEGF) expression, and neoangiogenesis after retinal hypoxia. Thus,
      hypoxia-induced intramembrane proteolysis of p75(NTR) constitutes an apical
      oxygen-dependent mechanism to control the magnitude of the hypoxic response.

PMID- 22055195
TI  - Assessment of relative content of myoglobin, oxymyoglobin and metmyoglobin at the
      surface of beef.
AB  - A method of calculating the relative content of myoglobin, metmyoglobin and
      oxymyoglobin at the surface of beef is described. It is based on measurements of
      reflex attenuance of incident light at the isobestic points 572, 525, 473 and 730
      nm. The latter value corresponds to the achromatic attenuance of light at the
      meat surface and can be used as an objective measure of its lightness. It was
      shown that the colour image of the meat surface, and the relative amounts of
      these three myoglobin derivatives, are influenced by the opacity of the surface
      layer. A variability in the light diffusing properties of the meat surface may be
      considered to be the primary factor in creating differences of colour perception
      of meat derived from animals of the same species and of the same approximate age.

PMID- 22055194
TI  - Autoantigen La promotes efficient RNAi, antiviral response, and transposon
      silencing by facilitating multiple-turnover RISC catalysis.
AB  - The effector of RNA interference (RNAi) is the RNA-induced silencing complex
      (RISC). C3PO promotes the activation of RISC by degrading the Argonaute2 (Ago2)
      nicked passenger strand of duplex siRNA. Active RISC is a multiple-turnover
      enzyme that uses the guide strand of siRNA to direct the Ago2-mediated sequence
      specific cleavage of complementary mRNA. How this effector step of RNAi is
      regulated is currently unknown. Here, we used the human Ago2 minimal RISC system
      to purify Sjogren's syndrome antigen B (SSB)/autoantigen La as an activator of
      the RISC-mediated mRNA cleavage activity. Our reconstitution studies showed that
      La could promote multiple-turnover RISC catalysis by facilitating the release of
      cleaved mRNA from RISC. Moreover, we demonstrated that La was required for
      efficient RNAi, antiviral defense, and transposon silencing in vivo. Taken
      together, the findings of C3PO and La reveal a general concept that regulatory
      factors are required to remove Ago2-cleaved products to assemble or restore
      active RISC.

PMID- 22055196
TI  - Changes in solubility and enzymic activity of muscle glycogen phosphorylase in
      PSE-muscles.
AB  - Comparison of the crude extracts of soluble proteins of PSE (pale, soft and
      exudative) and normal porcine muscles shows that the solubility and activity of
      muscle glycogen phosphorylase are diminished in PSE muscles. In the insoluble
      fractions of the muscle extract, however, an increased amount of a protein with
      the molecular weight of the phosphorylase subunit (92.500-95.000) can be found by
      means of SDS-electrophoresis. The PSE conditions with high temperatures of 36-40
      degrees C in the first hour post mortem and a low pH of 5.3-5.8 at the same time
      post mortem are simulated with normal porcine muscles at twenty-four hours post
      mortem which causes the same change in solubility and activity of muscle glycogen
      phosphorylase as in PSE muscles. This proves, for the first time, that low pH and
      high temperature in whole muscles cause a denaturation of phosphorylase, as
      indicated by both reduced activity and decreased solubility. Previous studies
      have looked only at one of these aspects. This supports the hypothesis of Bendall
      & Wismer-Pedersen (1962) that in PSE muscles a partial denaturation of
      sarcoplasmic protein occurs.

PMID- 22055197
TI  - Measurement and prediction of tenderness in six beef muscles.
AB  - The relationship between subjective and objective evaluations of tenderness and
      that between the tenderness of different muscles in the same carcass have been
      examined in six beef muscles whose tenderness had been varied as a result of
      different post mortem treatments. Panel score (TP) was predicted by 'maximum
      force' (VF) and 'total work' (VW) on the Volodkevich bite tenderometer in both M.
      longissimus dorsi and M. semimembranosus (P < 0.001) and the regression
      coefficients were stable. In M. gluteus medius prediction was less significant (P
      < 0.01 for VF and P < 0.05 for VW) while in M. psoas major only VW was
      significant (P < 0.05). In M. biceps femoris and M. semitendinosus no significant
      prediction was found. These differences between muscles are attributed partly to
      varying changes in tenderness effected by post mortem treatments and partly to
      varying connective tissue content. The concept of one muscle acting as an index
      of toughness in a group of similar carcasses is thought to be untenable.

PMID- 22055198
TI  - M-line protein: Presence of two non-equivalent high molecular weight components.
AB  - M-line enriched protein preparations were prepared from glycerated rabbit muscle
      myofibrils by means of three alternate procedures and analysed with SDS
      polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. A doublet corresponding to polypeptides with
      molecular weights of 193,000 and 182,000 was obtained in a ratio of2:3,
      respectively. The two bands are evident in SDS-gels of purified myofibrils,
      indicating that the proteins represent intrinsic M-line structural peptides.
      Transmission electron micrographs of the extracted myofibrils confirmed the
      effectiveness of the extraction procedures for removing M-line proteins. The
      possible significance of the M-line proteins to meat science is discussed.

PMID- 22055199
TI  - Prediction of water activity, a(w), in cook-soak equilibrated intermediate
      moisture meats.
AB  - The relationship between the moisture content and water activity, a(w), of
      several meat samples adjusted to intermediate moisture water activities by cook
      soak equilibration in glycerol solutions containing 9.5% sodium chloride was
      determined. Within experimental error the relationship was found to be unique for
      all the lean meats studied. It was also found that a modification of the Grover
      method (Grover, 1947) in which a(w) is determined from the well established
      relationship between a(w) and sucrose equivalent, E(s), was an excellent
      predictor of the final a(w) of the ssystem. E(s) was calculated from E(s) =
      E(1)X(1) + E(1)X(2) + ... etc. where E(1) are specific constants for each
      humectant and X(1) and X(2) are given as weight of humectant in the system/weight
      of water in the system. E values of 9.0 and 2.2 for sodium chloride and glycerol
      were applicable for initial salt concentrations of 0 to 20 (w/w)_and glycerol
      concentrations of 0 to 90% (w/w) The method was equally applicable to propylene
      glycol (E value 3.2)/salt systems and sorbitol (E value 1.0)/salt systems.

PMID- 22055200
TI  - Variation in the carcass characteristics of commercial British cattle.
AB  - Classification records for 1,150,000 beef carcasses, a one-third sampleof those
      classified by the Meat and Livestock Commission between 1973 and 1976, were used
      to examine the variation in weight, fatness and conformation of commercial
      British cattle. The overall ratio of male cattle (steers and young bulls) to
      heifers was 2.35 and young bulls comprised 4% of male cattle. There were only
      minor changes in the carcass characteristics over the three-year period
      considered. Mean carcass weights for steers (S), heifers (H) and young bulls (YB)
      were 264, 219 and 236 kg, respectively. Carcass subcutaneous fat percentages
      (SF(e)) were estimated from the distribution of carcasses between fat
      classifications. SF(e) for the three sexes were 8.21 (S), 8.81 (H) and 6.24 (YB).
      Regressions of SF(e) on carcass weight (kg) were 0.031 (S), 0.041 (H) and 0.026
      (YB). There were important differences in the characteristics of carcasses from
      abbattoirs in different regions of the country. Carcass weights for steers ranged
      from 248 kg (northern England) to 280 kg (northern Scotland). Cattle slaughtered
      in northern Scotland were also fattest: SF(e) were 9.51 (S) and 10.2 (H). Using
      classification records, together with results from MLC dissection studies,
      national waste fat production in 1976 was estimated to be 48,000 t.

PMID- 22055201
TI  - Improved protein recovery from some meat industry by-products.
AB  - The proportion of protein recoverable from bovine heart, kidney, liver, lung,
      rumen and spleen by alkaline extraction, followed by reacidification, was found
      to be related to the temperature of extraction, the recovery of both lung and
      rumen protein at 60 degrees C being approximately twice that at 0 degrees C.
      Extraction for more than 2 h gave increases in protein recovery. The increased
      protein solubility was partly due to increased solubilisation of collagen and to
      a reduction in the quantity of protein precipitated by acidification. Alkaline
      extraction of lung and rumen at 60 degrees C resulted in the formation of the
      dipeptide lysinoalanine (0.39 and 0.49 g/16gN, respectively), with tracev amounts
      at 20 degrees C and 40 degrees C. The electrophoretic patterns of raw meat
      industry by-products are discussed in the light of previous findings.

PMID- 22055202
TI  - Blocking TREM-1 signaling prolongs survival of mice with Pseudomonas aeruginosa
      induced sepsis.
AB  - TREM-1 is a recently discovered receptor expressed on neutrophils and
      macrophages. Blocking of TREM-1 signaling improves the survival of mice with
      bacterial sepsis. However, the precise mechanism by which TREM-1 modulates the
      inflammatory responses is poorly defined. In this study, we investigated the role
      of TREM-1 in Pseudomonas aeruginosa-induced peritonitis. Our results showed that
      TREM-1 was not expressed on lymphocytes but emerged on the cell surface of
      neutrophils and peritoneal macrophages. Blockade of TREM-1 signaling
      significantly prolonged survival of mice with P. aeruginosa-induced peritonitis.
      However, blocking TREM-1 signaling had no effect on macrophage phagocytosis in
      vitro. Interestingly, the expression of the costimulatory molecules CD40 and CD86
      on macrophages was significantly decreased after blocking TREM-1 signaling.
      Furthermore, interfering with TREM-1 engagement led to significant reduction of
      pro-inflammatory mediators such as IL-1, TNF-alpha, MCP-1 and IFN-gamma.
      Therefore, our results showed that TREM-1 could be a potential therapeutic target
      for bacterial sepsis.

PMID- 22055203
TI  - Evaluation of new chalcone derivatives as polyphenol oxidase inhibitors.
AB  - A newly series of 4-(phenylurenyl)chalcone (4a-j) and 4'
      (phenylurenyl/thiourenyl)chalcone (9a-l) derivatives were synthesized and their
      inhibitory effects on the diphenolase activity of banana tyrosinase were
      evaluated. Tyrosinase has been purified from banana on an affinity gel comprised
      of Sepharose 4B-l-tyrosine-p-aminobenzoic acid. The result showed that 4a-j
      inhibited the PPO enzyme activity. Conversely, 9a-h and 9i-l showed activator
      effect on tyrosinase enzyme activity.

PMID- 22055204
TI  - Synthesis and antileishmanial evaluation of 1-aryl-4-(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2
      yl)-1H-pyrazole derivatives.
AB  - A series of 1-aryl-4-(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-1H-pyrazoles (4a-g) and 5
      amino-1-aryl-4-(4,5-dihydro-1H-imidazol-2-yl)-1H-pyrazoles (5a-g) were
      synthesized and evaluated in vitro against three Leishmania species: L.
      amazonensis, L. braziliensis and L. infantum (L. chagasi syn.). The cytotoxicity
      was assessed. Among the derivatives examined, six compounds emerged as the most
      active on promastigotes forms of L. amazonensis with IC(50) values ranging from
      15 to 60 MUM. The reference drug pentamidine presented IC(50)=10 MUM. However,
      these new compounds were less cytotoxic than pentamidine. Based on these results,
      the more promising derivative 5d was tested further in vivo. This compound showed
      inhibition of the progression of cutaneous lesions in CBA mice infected with L.
      amazonensis relative to an untreated control.

PMID- 22055205
TI  - Diphenyl diselenide in vitro and in vivo activity against the oomycete Pythium
      insidiosum.
AB  - This study evaluated the in vitro activity of diphenyl diselenide against 19
      Pythium insidiosum isolates and the in vivo therapeutic response of rabbits with
      experimentally induced pythiosis. In vitro: susceptibility tests were performed
      using the broth macrodilution method in accordance with the CLSI document M38-A2.
      The criteria for interpretation were as follows: MIC-1 and MIC-2 (inhibition of
      90% and 100% of mycelium growth, respectively) and the minimum fungicide
      concentration (MIC-3). In vivo: twenty rabbits were divided into four groups with
      five animals each and treated for 40 consecutive days: groups 1 and 2
      (experimentally induced pythiosis) were treated with diphenyl diselenide
      (10mg/kg/day) and canola oil (1 mL/kg/day), respectively; groups 3 and 4
      (controls) were treated with canola oil (1 mL/kg/day) and diphenyl diselenide
      (10mg/kg/day), respectively. Toxicity was evaluated using biochemical and
      haematological parameters. In vitro susceptibility tests showed that 89.4% of
      isolates had a MIC-1 <= 0.5 MUg/mL, 84.2% of isolates had a MIC-2 <= 1.0 MUg/mL
      and 94.7% of isolates had a MIC-3 <= 2.0 MUg/mL. The in vivo assay suggested that
      this compound has a fungistatic activity, and the biochemical and haematological
      parameters indicated that there was no renal, hepatic or haematological toxicity.
      The comparison of the unsaturated iron binding capacity levels between animals
      with and without pythiosis suggested the involvement of iron metabolism in the
      pathogenesis of pythiosis. This study demonstrated the absence of detectable
      toxicity caused by diphenyl diselenide and the in vitro fungicidal and in vivo
      fungistatic activities of this drug, which makes it an option for future
      therapeutic approaches in the treatment of pythiosis.

PMID- 22055206
TI  - The role of toll-like receptors in the pathogenesis of Streptococcus suis.
AB  - Streptococcus suis is an important agent of swine and human meningitis. Sequence
      type (ST) 7 emerged in China and was responsible for the human epidemic caused by
      S. suis in 2005. The virulence of S. suis ST7 is greater than the wild type
      pathogenic S. suis, ST1; however, the mechanisms for this increased pathogenicity
      are unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the role of different toll
      like receptors (TLRs) involved in regulating the host response to the S. suis
      infection and to speculate on differing mechanisms used by ST7 strains to induce
      disease. Here we compared two ST7 strains isolated in the 2005 Sichuan outbreak
      to two ST1 strains. Our data show TLR2, 6 and 9 are involved in the recognition
      of heat-killed S. suis independent of the ST type. We found the TLR-dependent
      cytokine production differed between the two types of strains using whole cell
      lysate proteins. TLR6 played a greater role in cytokine production induced by the
      whole cell lysate proteins from the ST7 strain than in that induced by the ST1
      strain lysates. The data suggest that mechanisms of inflammation induced by S.
      suis strains differ where this will be useful in designing efficient strategies
      in combating streptococcal toxic shock-like syndrome caused by the S. suis ST7
      strains.

PMID- 22055207
TI  - School racial composition and race/ethnic differences in early adulthood health.
AB  - We investigate whether school racial composition is associated with racial and
      ethnic differences in early adult health. We then examine whether perceived
      discrimination, social connectedness, and parent support attenuates this
      relationship. Using U.S. data from Waves I and IV of the National Longitudinal
      Survey of Adolescent Health, we found that black adolescents attending
      predominantly white schools reported poorer adult health while Asians reported
      better health. Further research is warranted to understand whether there are
      qualitative differences in the treatment of racial and ethnic minorities within
      certain school contexts and how that differential treatment is related to adult
      health outcomes.

PMID- 22055208
TI  - Impact of a multidisciplinary intervention on antibiotic use for nursing home
      acquired pneumonia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Academic detailing in nursing homes (NHs) has been shown to improve
      drug use patterns and adherence to guidelines. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this
      study was to evaluate the impact of a multidisciplinary intervention that
      included academic detailing on adherence to national nursing home-acquired
      pneumonia (NHAP) guidelines related to use of antibiotics. METHODS: This quasi
      experimental study evaluated the effects of a 2-year multifaceted and
      multidisciplinary intervention targeting implementation of national evidence
      based guidelines for NHAP. Interventions took place in 8 NHs in Colorado; 8 NHs
      in Kansas and Missouri served as controls. Interventions included (1) educational
      sessions for nurses to improve recognition and timely treatment of NHAP symptoms
      and (2) academic detailing to clinicians by pharmacists regarding diagnostic and
      prescribing practices. Differences in antibiotic use between groups were compared
      after 2 intervention years relative to baseline. RESULTS: A total of 549 episodes
      of NHAP were evaluated in the intervention group and 574 in the control group.
      Compared with baseline, 1 facility in the intervention group significantly
      improved in guideline adherence for optimal antibiotic use (P = 0.007), whereas
      no facilities in the control group improved. The mean adherence score for optimal
      antibiotic use in intervention NHs increased from 60% to 66%, whereas the control
      NHs increased from 32% to 39% (P = 0.3). Mean adherence to guidelines
      recommending antibiotic use within 4 hours of NHAP diagnosis increased from 57%
      to 75% in intervention NHs but decreased from 38% to 31% in control NHs (P =
      0.0003 for difference). There was no difference between intervention and control
      NHs for guideline adherence regarding optimal duration of antibiotic use.
      CONCLUSIONS: The ability of this multifaceted study to repeatedly remind nursing
      staff of the importance of timely antibiotic administration contrasts with its
      limited academic detailing interaction with clinicians. This difference within
      the intervention may explain the differential impact of the intervention on
      antibiotic guideline adherence.

PMID- 22055209
TI  - Development and testing of a tool for assessing and resolving medication-related
      problems in older adults in an ambulatory care setting: the individualized
      medication assessment and planning (iMAP) tool.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Medication is one of the most important interventions for improving
      the health of older adults, yet it has great potential for causing harm. Clinical
      pharmacists are well positioned to engage in medication assessment and planning.
      The Individualized Medication Assessment and Planning (iMAP) tool was developed
      to aid clinical pharmacists in documenting medication-related problems (MRPs) and
      associated recommendations. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of our study was to assess the
      reliability and usability of the iMAP tool in classifying MRPs and associated
      recommendations in older adults in the ambulatory care setting. METHODS: Three
      cases, representative of older adults seen in an outpatient setting, were
      developed. Pilot testing was conducted and a "gold standard" key developed. Eight
      eligible pharmacists consented to participate in the study. They were instructed
      to read each case, make an assessment of MRPs, formulate a plan, and document the
      information using the iMAP tool. Inter-rater reliability was assessed for each
      case, comparing the pharmacists' identified MRPs and recommendations to the gold
      standard. Consistency of categorization across reviewers was assessed using the
      kappa statistic or percent agreement. RESULTS: The mean kappa across the 8
      pharmacists in classifying MRPs compared with the gold standard was 0.74 (range,
      0.54-1.00) for case 1 and 0.68 (range, 0.36-1.00) for case 2, indicating
      substantial agreement. For case 3, percent agreement was 63% (range, 40%-100%).
      The mean kappa across the 8 pharmacists when classifying recommendations compared
      with the gold standard was 0.87 (range, 0.58-1.00) for case 1 and 0.88 (range,
      0.75-1.00) for case 2, indicating almost perfect agreement. For case 3, percent
      agreement was 68% (range, 40%-100%). Clinical pharmacists found the iMAP tool
      easy to use. CONCLUSIONS: The iMAP tool provides a reliable and standardized
      approach for clinical pharmacists to use in the ambulatory care setting to
      classify MRPs and associated recommendations. Future studies will explore the
      predictive validity of the tool on clinical outcomes such as health care
      utilization.

PMID- 22055210
TI  - Comparison of the efficacy and tolerability profile of liraglutide, a once-daily
      human GLP-1 analog, in patients with type 2 diabetes >=65 and <65 years of age: a
      pooled analysis from phase III studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Managing elderly patients with type 2 diabetes poses particular
      challenges, so it is important to evaluate the efficacy and tolerability profile
      of antidiabetic therapies specifically in this patient population. OBJECTIVE: The
      aim of our study was to compare the efficacy and tolerability profile of
      liraglutide, a GLP-1 analog, in elderly (>=65 years) and younger (<65 years)
      patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: A pooled analysis of 6 randomized,
      placebo-controlled, multinational trials included data from 3967 patients aged18
      to 80 years with type 2 diabetes and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA(1c)) of 7% to
      11%. Of these, 552 patients >=65 years received liraglutide 1.8 mg, liraglutide
      1.2 mg, or placebo; 2231 patients <65 years received liraglutide 1.8 mg,
      liraglutide 1.2 mg, or placebo for 26 weeks. End points were: change in HbA(1c),
      fasting plasma glucose, body weight, and blood pressure: as marked to identify
      elements tracked for change from baseline; hypoglycemic episodes; and adverse
      events. RESULTS: Reduction in HbA(1c) from baseline was significantly greater
      with liraglutide 1.8 mg versus placebo (least squares mean difference: >=65
      years, 0.91% [95% CI, 0.69-1.12]; <65 years, 1.17% [95% CI, 1.06-1.28]; both, P <
      0.0001) and with liraglutide 1.2 mg versus placebo (>=65 years, 0.87% [95% CI,
      0.64-1.11]; <65 years, 1.10% [95% CI, 0.98-1.22]; both, P < 0.0001). For fasting
      plasma glucose, comparable results were observed between liraglutide 1.8 mg or
      1.2 mg and placebo for both age groups (P < 0.0001). No statistically significant
      difference in body weight change was seen with liraglutide between the age
      groups. The proportion of patients reporting minor hypoglycemia was low and
      appeared comparable between the >=65-year-old (4.3%-15.2%) and <65-year-old (8%
      13.2%) groups. Likewise, adverse events appeared comparable in nature and
      frequency. CONCLUSION: Liraglutide provides effective glycemic control and is
      well tolerated in patients >=65 and <65 years of age with type 2 diabetes. These
      data suggest that liraglutide may be a suitable treatment option for older
      patients who may have additional age-related complications.

PMID- 22055211
TI  - Flow cytometry enables identification of sporophytic eliciting stress treatments
      in gametic cells.
AB  - Flow cytometry was used to quantify the effect of individual and combined stress
      treatments on elicitation of androgenesis by analyzing the relative nuclear DNA
      content of in vitro cultured microspores of Pisum sativum L. Differences in
      relative nuclear DNA content of microspores within anthers after stress
      treatments were clearly evident from the flow cytometry profiles, and permitted
      us to predict whether a combination of stresses were elicitors or enhancers of
      androgenesis. This is the first report to assess the effect of various stress
      treatments in a plant species based on relative nuclear DNA content and to use
      this information to categorize them as 'elicitors' or 'enhancers'. Flow cytometry
      represents a simple, quick and reliable way to analyze and discriminate the
      effect of various stress treatments on elicitation of androgenesis. These results
      form a solid basis for further efforts designed to enhance responses and to
      extend double haploid technology to other legumes.

PMID- 22055212
TI  - Changes in growth irradiance are reflected on H+ATPase activity of plasma
      membrane enriched vesicles from maize (Zea mays L.) roots.
AB  - Leaves change their photosynthetic activity in response to growth light
      conditions, but little is known about what may happen at the root level. The
      effect of irradiance level (high or low) on transport activities of root plasma
      membrane enriched vesicles was studied in maize (Zea mays L.) plants. High
      irradiance appears to have a differential promoting effect on proton transport
      activity and ATPase activity, the most pronounced one on ATP-dependent H(+)
      accumulation. Furthermore, our results put in evidence a correlation between
      increase in enzyme activity and increase in MHA2 gene transcription level.
      Finally, high irradiance results in increased uptake rates of nitrate and in a
      higher reduction rate of the anion. We suggest that high light-induced changes in
      plasma membrane H(+)ATPase activity and transcription might have an adaptive role
      in sustaining the higher request for the nitrate resulting from increased
      photosynthate availability.

PMID- 22055213
TI  - [The social cost of depression in the city of Sabadell (Barcelona, Spain) (2007
      2008)].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the social cost and burden of depression in the city of
      Sabadell (Barcelona, Spain) in 2007 and 2008. METHOD: The social cost of
      depression was calculated using the prevalence approach, based on information
      obtained in the development of the European Project Against Depression (EAAD).
      The results referred to the cost of public resources used, and the sources came
      from the appropriate official registers. RESULTS: The direct public cost of
      depression in the city of Sabadell was ? 9,155,620 in 2007 and ? 9,304,706 in
      2008. The relative weight of primary care visits and the use of drugs accounted
      for more than 85% of direct costs. In the section of indirect costs, the cost of
      permanent work disability could not be obtained. Indirect costs amounted to ?
      9,720,225 in 2007 and ? 9,763,541 in 2008. In both years, the highest weight
      corresponded to temporary work disability reaching ? 8,561,962 and ? 7,333,181,
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Depression has a substantial economic impact on the
      health system because it is associated with high direct public costs. However,
      the lack of knowledge of the cost associated with permanent work disability is a
      major limitation, as this cost category represents the highest percentage for
      this disorder.

PMID- 22055214
TI  - [Family and community medicine and the university. SESPAS report 2010].
AB  - Family and community medicine is an academic subject, a medical specialty and a
      health profession with distinct dimensions: healthcare, teaching, research and
      management. In this discipline, the object of knowledge is the person, understood
      as a whole. Family medicine, as an academic subject, and primary care, as a
      health education setting, should be incorporated into the core graduate and
      postgraduate curricula. The absence of these elements leads to training bias and
      has major repercussions on quality, coordination and patient safety. The
      development of the Health Professions Act and the construction of the European
      Higher Education Area (EHEA) have created a favorable climate for the presence of
      this discipline in the university. Since the 1960s, family medicine has been
      consolidated as an academic subject with its own departments in almost all
      European universities, and a significant number of family physicians are
      teachers. A balance has been achieved between the hospital-based system (based on
      theory, disease, and the biological model) and the patient-centred model (based
      on problem solving, community-oriented and the bio-psycho-social model). The
      introduction of family and community medicine as a specific subject, and as a
      transverse subject and as an option in practicals, represents the adaptation of
      the educational system to social needs. This adaptation also represents a
      convergence with other European countries and the various legal requirements
      protecting this convergence. However, this new situation requires a new structure
      (departments) and faculty (professors and associate and assistant professors).

PMID- 22055215
TI  - The effect of sex condition and growth implants on bovine muscle fiber
      characteristics.
AB  - Steers, bulls and bulls implanted with Synovex-S or Ralgro were slaughtered at 12
      and 16 months of age. With increasing animal age, the percentage of intermediate
      fibers decreased while the percentage of white fibers increased. The area of all
      fibers increased with increasing age. Bulls had a higher percentage of red
      fibers, larger red and intermediate fibers and a higher percentage area of red
      and intermediate fibers compared with steers. Implanted bulls were generally
      intermediate to intact bulls and steers in muscle fiber type characteristics.
      Carcass fat measurements and tenderness ratings were positively correlated to the
      percentage of white muscle fibers and negatively correlated to the percentage of
      intermediate fibers. Carcass characteristics and sensory properties of meat are
      discussed in relation to muscle fiber characteristics.

PMID- 22055216
TI  - Post-mortem spectrophotometry of pork and beef using quartz optical fibres.
AB  - A high intensity xenon illuminator, a diffraction grating monochromator and a
      photomultiplier were linked to pork or beef samples with a bifurcated light guide
      composed of quartz optical fibers in a random pattern. When muscle fibres and
      optical fibres were parallel and coaxial, absorbance was greater than when they
      were perpendicular. As judged by the coefficient of variation at different
      wavelengths, the effect of fat in the measuring field was not uniform at all
      wavelengths. For the study of optical changes in pork, from slaughter to 24 h,
      the fibre-optic probe was maintained in a stationary position. The changes
      detected were: (1) a slight transient increase in absorbance at all wavelengths
      in the first few hours post mortem, (2) an eventual decline in absorbance at all
      wavelengths to reach minimum values at 24 h and (3) a spectrally limited decrease
      in absorbance, peaking somewhere in the 390 to 450 nm range, which started
      immediately post mortem.

PMID- 22055217
TI  - National estimates of the body composition of British cattle, sheep and pigs with
      special reference to trends in fatness. A review.

PMID- 22055218
TI  - National estimates of the body composition of British cattle, sheep and pigs with
      special reference to trends in fatness. A review.
AB  - National carcass classification records for cattle, sheep and pigs were used as a
      basis for estimating the body composition of British livestock slaughter
      populations. The tissue percentages of carcasses in each classification fatness
      range were estimated from regression equations constructed using data from breed
      comparison trials and other sources. The lipid and protein contents of the
      tissues were then estimated using regression equations from body composition
      studies. The mean carcass composition, and lean and fat production from current
      populations (1984) were compared with those of ten years ago. There has been an
      important increase of 20 kg (8%) in carcass weight for beef but no change in
      carcass composition. The average beef carcass in 1984 was estimated to contain
      23% lipid (inclusive of lipid in perinephric and retroperitoneal fat). The weight
      of sheep carcasses has fallen by 0.6 kg (3 1 2% ) since 1977 without any
      appreciable change in carcass composition. The average sheep carcass in 1984 was
      estimated to contain 24% lipid. The lipid content of the average pig carcass was
      estimated to have fallen significantly from 27% in 1975 to 22% in 1984, with a
      small increase in carcass weight.

PMID- 22055219
TI  - The bacteriological quality, fat and collagen content of minced beef at retail
      level.
AB  - Samples of minced (ground) beef were purchased on three occasions from seven
      supermarkets and eleven butcher's shops in one geographical area during winter.
      Total viable counts (at 37 degrees C and 20 degrees C), numbers of
      Enterobacteriaceae (at 37 degrees C) and Escherichia coli biotype I were similar
      between shop type. No Salmonella spp. were detected. In general, bacterial counts
      were lower than in a similar survey four years previously. The fat and collagen
      content of the samples was also determined. In a previous survey, 37% of samples
      contained more than 25% fat, while, in this survey, only 17% of the samples
      exceeded that level. Collagen levels in the mince at retail ranged from 1.4% to
      4.4% (1.5% to 5.1% on a wet fat-free basis).

PMID- 22055220
TI  - Heat-induced changes in the proportion of types I and III collagen in bovine
      Longissimus dorsi.
AB  - Intramuscular collagen (IMC) was isolated from the Longissimus dorsi of six
      Simmental bulls, 17 months of age, to evaluate the effect of heating on the
      proportion of types I and III collagen. Cyanogen bromide (CNBr) peptides were
      prepared from unheated IMC and the soluble and insoluble fractions of IMC heated
      to 70 degrees C for 70 min or 90 degrees C for 140 min. Percentage of type III
      collagen was determined by densitometric scans of the CNBr peptides, alphal(I)CB8
      and alphal(III)CB8, as resolved by SDS-PAGE. Percentage of collagen solubilized
      was greater (P < 0.05) at 90 degrees C than at 70 degrees C. The 70 degrees C and
      90 degrees C insoluble IMCs were similar (P > 0.05) for percentage of type III,
      but both had a greater (P < 0.05) percentage of type III than unheated IMC,
      indicating that type I is more heat labile than type III. Heat-soluble IMC
      contained both alpha and beta components and the CNBr peptides of 70 degrees C
      soluble IMC were mostly type I. These results indicated that heating
      intramuscular collagen from bulls mainly solubilized type I collagen. Improved
      tenderness associated with increased heat solubility of collagen may be more
      closely related to heat-induced solubilization of type I than of type III
      collagen.

PMID- 22055222
TI  - Factors influencing frozen display life of lamb chops and steaks: Effect of
      packaging and temperature.
AB  - Frozen lamb loin and rib chops and leg steaks were wrapped in film of high oxygen
      permeability or vacuum packaged in film of low oxygen permeability and stored in
      the dark at -10, -20 or -35 degrees C for periods from 0-20 weeks. After storage,
      the wrapped cuts were displayed in an open-top cabinet operating at -20 degrees C
      under continuous fluorescent lighting (Philips Deluxe 32 degrees ). Cuts were
      evaluated by a trained colour panel to determine acceptable display life, and
      chop lean colour was evaluated using a Hunter colorimeter. Cuts wrapped in oxygen
      permeable film had better colour retention during storage and display. Storage of
      the frozen chops reduced the display life, with the largest effect occurring
      during the first 4-5 weeks' storage. Cuts stored at -10 degrees C had no display
      life after 10 weeks' storage, whereas cuts stored at -20 and -35 degrees C had
      some acceptable display life even after the longest storage period tested. Rib
      chops in general had better colour stability than loin chops.

PMID- 22055223
TI  - Effect of dietary Vitamin E on the stability of raw and cooked pork.
AB  - Experiments were designed to investigate the effects of dietary alpha-tocopherol
      supplementation for 2 weeks prior to slaughter on plasma and muscle alpha
      tocopherol levels and on the oxidative stability of raw and cooked pig muscle
      during refrigerated storage at 4 degrees C. Plasma and muscle alpha-tocopherol
      levels of the pigs on the alpha-tocopherol supplemented diet (200 mg alpha
      tocopherol acetate/kg feed) were ~2.5-fold higher than those of the pigs on the
      control diet (30 mg alpha-tocopherol acetate/kg feed). Dietary supplementation
      with alpha-tocopherol significantly (p < 0.01) improved the oxidative stability
      of both raw and cooked muscle after storage at 4 degrees C for up to 8 days.
      alpha-Tocopherol stabilized the membrane-bound lipids against
      metmyoglobin/H(2)O(2)-initiated oxidation and also significantly (p < 0.05)
      improved the oxidative stability of rendered fat.

PMID- 22055224
TI  - Preparation and storage stability of dried salted mutton.
AB  - Minced (8 or 18 mm plate) mutton with salt (25%) and sorbate (0.4%) was pressed
      into cakes about 11 cm in diameter and 3 cm high. The cakes were partially dried
      in an air oven at 40 degrees C for 48 h to a water activity of about 0.75. The
      cakes were packed, either in vacuo or in air, and stored at 30 or 2 degrees C for
      up to 60 days. Objective assessment of quality showed that these dried salted
      meats can be kept for up to 60 days at 30 degrees C with little loss of textural
      or nutritional quality although some fading, due to haemoprotein breakdown,
      occurs. Packaging in vacuum, however, minimises this loss of colour and would be
      recommended for centralised manufacture prior to distribution in developing,
      tropical countries.

PMID- 22055221
TI  - Gene therapy for haemophilia: prospects and challenges to prevent or reverse
      inhibitor formation.
AB  - Monogenic hereditary diseases, such as haemophilia A and B, are ideal targets for
      gene therapeutic approaches. While these diseases can be treated with protein
      therapeutics, such as factor VIII (FVIII) or IX (FIX), the notion that permanent
      transfer of the genes encoding these factors can cure haemophilia is very
      attractive. An underlying problem with a gene therapy approach, however, is the
      patient's immune response to the therapeutic protein (as well as to the
      transmission vector), leading to the formation of inhibitory antibodies. Even
      more daunting is reversing an existing immune response in patients with pre
      existing inhibitors. In this review, we will describe the laboratory and clinical
      progress, and the challenges met thus far, in achieving the goal of gene therapy
      efficacy, with a focus on the goal of tolerance induction.

PMID- 22055225
TI  - Species identification of cooked meats by DNA hybridization assay.
AB  - Dot-blots hybridization technique has been applied to the detection of species
      specific DNA fragments in the cooked meats of chicken, pig, goat, sheep, and
      beef. The samples were obtained from the meats which were heated for 30 min at
      80, 100 or 120 degrees C. The probes, biotin-labeled chromosomal DNA fragments,
      were hybridized to the sample DNA on nylon membranes. The species of the meats
      cooked at 100 or 120 degrees C were identified at 100 ng/dot of the sample DNA.
      The probes for chicken and pig did not show cross-reactivity, but those for the
      ruminants reacted with other ruminant DNA. Using this method, chicken, pig and
      beef were detected from 50 mg of the commercial canned products.

PMID- 22055226
TI  - An assessment of the role of pH differences in determining the relative
      tenderness of meat from bulls and steers.
AB  - Samples of M. longissimus dorsi from 16-20 month Friesian bulls or steers
      (80/group) were assessed for a range of meat quality characteristics after being
      held at ambient temperature for 24h (to avoid cold-shortening) and then at 0-2
      degrees C for 6 days. Mean ultimate pH was significantly higher for samples from
      the bulls (6.35 versus 5.89), and as a consequence, reflectance values were
      lower, sarcomere lengths were shorter, and expressed juice and cooking losses
      were lower. Mean Warner-Bratzler shear values did not differ between the groups,
      apparently because the bull values were mainly above the peak of the pH/shear
      force curve, while the steer values were mainly below it. There was no evidence
      that the relationship between shear force and pH differed for samples from the
      bulls and steers. Results suggested that the increased shear force with increased
      pH up to 6.2 was at least partly due to a decreased sarcomere length. It is
      suggested that some of the differences in tenderness between beef from bulls and
      steers, that have been reported elsewhere, may have been largely due to
      differences in ultimate pH values.

PMID- 22055227
TI  - The effects of conditioning on meat collagen: Part 4-The use of pre-rigor lactic
      acid injection to accelerate conditioning in bovine meat.
AB  - Injection of fresh bovine muscle with 0.1 m lactic acid (to a level of 10% of
      original muscle weight) resulted in a pH decline to a minimum pH of 5.33 at 15
      degrees C only 3 h after injection. Untreated muscle reached the same pH after 26
      h when held at the same temperature. Fresh, unconditioned meat colour was
      unaffected by pre-rigor 0.1 m lactic acid injection as assessed by visual
      inspection. The percentage of perimysial collagen extracted as the soluble form
      was significantly higher (P < 0.05) from three muscles of varying quality when
      pre-injected with 0.1 m lactic acid and conditioned from 1 to 14 days, than from
      conditioned untreated muscles. SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of CNBr
      peptides from insoluble perimysium obtained from three muscles of varying quality
      revealed no obvious differences due to pre-rigor lactic acid injection before
      conditioning. However, analysis of the high molecular weight perimysial collagen
      CNBr peptides from lactic acid treated muscles by two-dimensional SDS
      polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis revealed an increased incidence of degradation
      in this region compared with untreated controls. These data strongly suggest that
      pre-rigor injection of beef muscle with lactic acid may accelerate conditioning.
      The implications of this finding are discussed.

PMID- 22055228
TI  - Metmyoglobin reductase activity in bovine muscles.
AB  - Cow muscles (Longissimus dorsi, Tensor fasciae latae, Psoas major, Diaphragma
      medialis), with different colour stabilities, were used to measure 'Metmyoglobin
      reductase activity' in different conditions. The effects of pH and temperature on
      in vitro metmyoglobin reduction were analysed. The highest metmyoglobin reductase
      activity was localized in microsomes and in more or less intact mitochondria by
      means of differential centrifugations. The most unstable muscles, from the colour
      point of view, presented the highest reducing activities and no differences were
      noted between activities measured in aerobic or anaerobic conditions.

PMID- 22055229
TI  - Effect of water and salt content on protein solubility and water retention of
      meat preblends.
AB  - Different preblend water contents at a constant ionic strength were investigated
      to determine if increasing water availability would increase protein solubility
      and water retention in meat preblends. Four salt levels (0, 2, 4 and 8%) and four
      water levels (0, 20, 40 and 80% formulation water) were used with ground bovine
      semimembranosus muscle that had been frozen once. Ground muscle was mixed with
      either NaCl alone (0% formulation water) or NaCl and brine (20, 40 and 80%
      formulation water) for the 2, 4 and 8% NaCl treatments. Distilled water was used
      for the 0% NaCl treatment. The mixtures were stored at 5 degrees C for 12 h.
      Following storage, the water/brine content was standardized, and protein
      solubility and water retention were measured. Elevating the water content of
      preblends, in which the salt concentration had been standardized, increased the
      water retained during centrifugation (P < 0.05). Although not statistically
      significant, a similar trend was observed for protein solubility. Four percent
      NaCl produced the greatest protein dissolution and water retention.

PMID- 22055230
TI  - Effect of post-mortem time and temperature on bovine intramuscular collagen.
AB  - A section of longissimus muscle was excised from six steers within 1 h post
      mortem. Half of the muscle section from each animal was held at 37 degrees C (HT)
      and the other half was maintained at 1 degrees C (C). Samples were collected from
      each muscle section in each treatment at 12 and 24 h to study the effect of
      conditioning temperature and incubation time on collagen properties by comparing
      the per cent soluble collagen and the relative distribution of collagen
      components. More of each collagen component (alpha(1), alpha(2), beta(11) and
      beta(12)) was present on SDS gels of samples incubated for 24 h versus 12 h.
      Although the collagen solubility did not increase to a great extent in the HT
      conditioned samples when compared with C samples, the HT treatment increased the
      effect of post-mortem ageing (i.e. more collagen molecules were solubilised and
      entered the gel during electrophoresis). Each collagen component, expressed as a
      percentage of total collagen, remained relatively constant when comparing
      different temperatures or post-mortem times. This indicates that the increase in
      collagen components being absorbed on the gels of 24 h post-mortem samples is
      mainly caused by an increase in the release of total collagen from the connective
      tissue matrix and not by the specific release of any one component. It was also
      found that some breakage of collagen crosslinks occurred during high temperature
      conditioning. No change in type III collagen of intramuscular connective tissue
      was found in this study.

PMID- 22055231
TI  - Pressure-induced pH and length changes in muscle.
AB  - The response to increase in pressure of pre- and post-rigor muscle strips
      supporting a load has been investigated by measuring length changes with
      application of pressure up to 150 MPa in a windowed pressure vessel. The response
      of the pre-rigor strips depended on temperature; at 30 degrees C the strips
      contracted, then, after some minutes, lengthened, presumably because of a
      breakdown of myofibrillar integrity. At 0 degrees C the cold-shortened muscle
      lengthened but if pressure was released the strips shortened again. Loaded post
      rigor muscle strips lengthened with application of pressure. It is suggested that
      the conditions that prevail in pre-rigor muscle are not as favourable for
      disaggregation of the myofilaments as those in post-rigor muscle. Measuresurement
      of pH changes in pre-rigor pressure-treated muscle showed these were accelerated
      at 30 degrees C, but completely inhibited by treatment at 0 degrees C for 3 or
      24h.

PMID- 22055232
TI  - Improvement of meat quality in pigs by beta-adrenergic blockade.
AB  - The value of giving pigs the beta-adrenergic blocking drug carazolol preslaughter
      to improve meat quality was tested in a stress-resistant breed (Large White) and
      a stress-susceptible breed (Pietrain). Pigs averaging about 70kg liveweight were
      injected intramuscularly (1 mg per 100 kg liveweight) 0.5h before being
      transported to the slaughterhouse. The journey lasted 4 h and covered about 150
      km and the pigs were slaughtered after 1 h in lairage. Treatment with carazolol
      reduced the incidence of PSE meat and considerably improved meat quality in the
      stress-susceptible Pietrain breed but had little effect in the stress-resistant
      Large Whites which produced good meat quality in both control and treated groups.

PMID- 22055233
TI  - Myofibrils of cooked meat are a continuum of gap filaments.
AB  - When cooked meat is subjected to high degrees of stretch it becomes apparent in
      high magnification electron micrographs that A-filaments have ceased to exist.
      The A-band is filled with a coagulum of actomyosin. Fragmentation of this
      coagulum during stretch reveals an array of fine filaments (identified as gap
      filaments). This result is obtained irrespective of rigor temperature, state of
      contraction or degree of cooking. If the meat is first aged, the gap filaments
      surviving in the I-band are too weak to open up the A-band. The results show that
      myofibrils in cooked meat are entirely dependent on heat-stable gap filaments for
      structural continuity and tensile strength. Theories of meat tenderness must be
      revised accordingly.

PMID- 22055234
TI  - Effect of electrical stunning methods on petechial haemorrhages and on the blood
      pressure of lambs.
AB  - Electrical stunning of lambs to render them unconscious and insensible to pain
      can result in blood splash (spots of blood in muscles) or speckle (petechial
      haemorrhages in fat or connective tissue overlying the muscle). Stunning through
      electrodes applied to the head causes mainly blood splash with some speckle,
      while currents applied head-to-back or head-to-foreleg can produce speckle
      without blood splash. To identify the causes of speckle, animal movement and
      blood pressure changes that occur during stunning were measured. Three different
      stunning methods were employed: head-only, head-to-back and head-to-foreleg. Head
      only stunning, which does not stop the heart and produces a moderate amount of
      speckling, was accompanied by elevated arterial blood pressures up to 300 mm Hg,
      and venous pressures up to 100 mm Hg. The carcass became rigid on stunning but
      reflex kicking occurred when the hind legs were shackled. Head-to-back stunning,
      which stops the heart, produced a momentary arterial and venous blood pressure
      rise during the stun, as a result of thoracic pressure changes, followed by a
      decline in pressure to 40-50 mm Hg. The muscles became markedly rigid due to
      direct stimulation of the loin and spontaneous kicking was absent following
      current switch off, although spontaneous coughing persisted. Stillness associated
      with head-to-back stunning was accompanied by the highest incidence and severity
      of speckling, whereas head-to-foreleg stunning, which also stops the heart,
      resulted in less muscle contraction and was accompanied by the least incidence
      and severity of speckling. Kicking was also eliminated if sufficiently high
      currents were used. Stopping the heart with KCl before a head-to-back stun
      lowered arterial blood pressure to 20-30 mm Hg and markedly reduced speckle.
      Abolition of nervously mediated muscle movement with curare before stunning
      resulted in no observable speckle in head-only stunned lambs but, in the head-to
      back stunned lambs, there was a low incidence of speckle in the loin as a result
      of the muscle being directly stimulated to contract. The results from this study
      are consistent with the view that speckle is a result of vigorous movements
      between muscles during stunning, causing a shearing and rupture of blood vessels
      in the fat and connective tissues, thus allowing the muscles to squeeze out
      blood. The incidence of speckle does not appear to be related to blood pressure
      during stunning.

PMID- 22055235
TI  - Biochemical factors influencing metmyoglobin formation on beef from muscles of
      differing colour stability.
AB  - Biochemical parameters, such as oxygen consumption rate by muscle post mortem
      (OCR), depth of oxygen penetration into meat, rates of myoglobin oxygenation and
      deoxygenation and myoglobin content and succinic dehydrogenase activity, were
      determined for muscles of differing colour stability. Metmyoglobin reduction, in
      anoxia following oxidation with ferricyanide (MRA) and aerobically following
      oxidation with low pO(2) (ARA), were also determined. M. psoas major (poor colour
      stability) has higher enzymic activity than M. longissimus dorsi (good colour
      stability). This difference, together with the low myoglobin content in M. psoas
      major, results in relatively high OCR with consequent low oxygen penetration and
      rapid conversion of oxymyoglobin to myoglobin in M. psoas major, disposing it to
      rapid formation of metmyoglobin. Metmyoglobin reduction occurs both under
      anaerobic and aerobic conditions but no significant correlation is found between
      actual metmyoglobin reduction and rate of discoloration of different muscles. The
      most significant factor affecting colour stability of beef muscles appears to be
      their enzymic activity which determines the rate of myoglobin oxidation.

PMID- 22055236
TI  - Identification of the species origin of fresh meat using an enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay procedure.
AB  - A modification of indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) has been
      successfully applied to the detection of horse meat and beef. This technically
      simple assay requiring species specific antibody, conjugated enzyme anti-IgG and
      a polystyrene protein-binding solid phase, can be adapted for the identification
      of meat species in circumstances where laboratory facilities are minimal.

PMID- 22055237
TI  - The welfare of pigs Edited by W. Sybesma. Martinus Nijhoff, The Hague. 334 pp.
      1980. Price not quoted.

PMID- 22055238
TI  - Developments in food proteins-1 Edited by B. J. F. Hudson, Applied Science
      Publishers Ltd, London. 335 pp. 1982. Price: L35.00.

PMID- 22055239
TI  - 3-Alkyl- and 3-amido-isothiazoloquinolin-4-ones as ligands for the benzodiazepine
      site of GABA(A) receptors.
AB  - Based on a pharmacophore model of the benzodiazepine binding site of the GABA(A)
      receptors, developed with synthetic flavones and potent 3-carbonylquinolin-4
      ones, 3-alkyl- and 3-amido-6-methylisothiazoloquinolin-4-ones were designed,
      prepared and assayed. The suggestion that the interaction between the hydrogen
      bond donor site H1 with the 3-carbonyl oxygen in 3-carbonylquinolin-4-ones can be
      replaced by an interaction between H1 and N-2 in the isothiazoloquinolin-4-ones,
      was confirmed. As with the 3-carbonylquinolin-4-ones, the length of the chain in
      position 3 is critical for an efficient interaction with the lipophilic pockets
      of the pharmacophore model. The most potent 3-alkyl derivative, 3-pentyl-6
      methylisothiazoloquinolin-4-one, has an affinity (K(i) value) for the
      benzodiazepine binding site of the GABA(A) receptors of 13 nM. However, by
      replacing the 3-pentyl with a 3-butyramido group an even more potent compound was
      obtained, with a K(i) value of 2.8 nM, indicating that the amide function
      facilitates additional interactions with the binding site.

PMID- 22055240
TI  - The effects of castration, preslaughter stress and zeranol implants on beef: Part
      1-The texture of loin steaks from bovine males.
AB  - A total of 144 male crossbred calves were allocated to four castration or implant
      treatments (unimplanted bulls; unimplanted steers; bulls implanted with zeranol
      at 100 days of age and reimplanted at intervals of 69, 93, and 56 days
      thereafter; bulls implanted with zeranol at 168 days of age and reimplanted at
      intervals of 93 and 56 days thereafter) and two preslaughter shipping treatments
      (minimum preslaughter stress with cattle shipped and slaughtered within 4 h of
      leaving the feedlot pen; normal preslaughter stress with cattle mixed, trucked
      160 km, and slaughtered up to 24 h after leaving the feedlot pen). These cattle
      were slaughtered and striploins of these steaks were removed after 6 days of post
      mortem aging. Evaluations of these steaks were then conducted using both an
      experienced laboratory taste panel and a highly trained professional texture
      profile panel. Results indicated that: (1) the differences that existed in
      palatability between steaks from unimplanted bulls and steers were primarily due
      to differences in textural properties directly related to tenderness; (2)
      increases in preslaughter stress levels were detrimental to the eating quality of
      both intact males and castrates; (3) zeranol implants had little effect on the
      textural properties of bull steaks when minimum levels of preslaughter stress
      were applied; (4) zeranol implants in combination with normal levels of
      preslaughter stress resulted in steaks which readily broke down to a wide range
      of particle types many of which were inappropriate and detracted from a well
      balanced beef texture, thereby more than offsetting the beneficial effects
      observed on textural properties directly related to tenderness, thus, reducing
      the texture amplitude; and (5) the influence of the combination of zeranol
      implants and normal preslaughter stress on textural properties may be manifested
      through the production of 'dark cutting' beef.

PMID- 22055241
TI  - The effects of castration, preslaughter stress and zeranol implants on beef: Part
      2-Cooking properties and flavor of loin steaks from bovine males.
AB  - A total of 144 male crossbred calves were allocated to four castration or implant
      treatments (unimplanted bulls; unimplanted steers; bulls implanted with zeranol
      at 100 days of age and reimplanted at intervals of 69, 93 and 56 days thereafter;
      bulls implanted with zeranol at 168 days of age and reimplanted at intervals of
      93 and 56 days thereafter) and two preslaughter shipping treatments (minimum
      preslaughter stress, with cattle shipped and slaughtered within 4 h of leaving
      the feedlot pen; normal preslaughter stress, with cattle mixed, trucked 160 km,
      and slaughtered up to 24 h after leaving the feedlot pen). These cattle were
      slaughtered and striploin steaks were removed after 6 days of post-mortem aging.
      Evaluations of these steaks were then conducted using both an experienced
      laboratory taste panel and a highly trained professional flavor profile panel.
      Results indicated that: (1) steaks from bulls had higher cooking losses than
      their counterparts from steers, when minimum preslaughter stress was applied; and
      required longer cooking times under both preslaughter handling treatments; (2)
      steaks from unimplanted bulls had greater cooking losses and required longer
      cooking times than their counterparts from implanted bulls under normal
      preslaughter stress, but not under minimum preslaughter stress; (3) higher
      proportions of bull steaks than steer steaks contained inappropriate flavor
      character notes, under both minimum and normal levels of preslaughter stress; (4)
      both castration and preslaughter handling affected the intensity and order of
      appearance of specific flavor character notes; (5) the level of preslaughter
      stress significantly influenced the detection of specific flavor character notes
      in steaks from both bulls and steers; (6) steaks from steers under minimum
      preslaughter stress were rated significantly higher in flavor amplitude than
      their counterparts from bulls when under normal preslaughter stress, and steaks
      from steers under minimum preslaughter stress received higher flavor desirability
      scores than steaks from bulls under both minimum and normal preslaughter stress;
      (7) zeranol implants influenced the appearance and the order of appearance of
      specific flavor character notes under both minimum and normal levels of
      preslaughter stress; (8) both zeranol implants and the length of time animals
      were implanted appeared to increase the intensity of certain inappropriate
      character notes, and to decrease the intensity of certain appropriate character
      notes; (9) steaks from implanted bulls received lower flavor amplitude ratings
      than their counterparts from unimplanted bulls under normal preslaughter stress,
      but not under minimum preslaughter stress; (10) the level of preslaughter stress
      influenced both the appearance and order of appearance of specific flavor
      character notes in both implanted and unimplanted bull steaks; (11) the
      intensities of certain flavor character notes were influenced by differences in
      the level of preslaughter stress in both implanted and unimplanted bull steaks,
      and higher levels usually resulted in inappropriate character notes being more
      intense; (12) steaks from bulls in both implant groups received lower flavor
      amplitude ratings when normal preslaughter stress was applied, clearly indicating
      the deleterious effect of the combination of zeranol implants and normal
      preslaughter stress on bull beef flavor; and (13) the deleterious effect of the
      combination of zeranol implants and normal preslaughter stress on bull beef
      flavor could not be explaind on the basis of greater production of 'dark cutting'
      beef.

PMID- 22055242
TI  - Utilization of black gram flour in beef sausages.
AB  - British fresh beef skinless sausages were prepared in which 30% of the meat, on a
      protein to protein basis, was replaced by black gram flour. The raw substituted
      sausages had higher TBA values, were paler in colour and less acceptable than the
      controls but the general acceptability of the cooked sausages was not affected by
      the presence of the flour. During storage the substituted sausages discoloured
      more rapidly than the controls and, in addition, microbial growth became evident
      sooner. However, moist heat treatment of the flour prior to incorporation in the
      batter eliminated all these defects so that both the raw and cooked products were
      as acceptable as the controls. In all sausages, incorporation of black gram flour
      led to increased cooking losses and softer textures.

PMID- 22055243
TI  - Chemical fat composition of muscles of the indigenous Nigerian pigs as influenced
      by age and sex.
AB  - Seven selected muscles of 96 indigenous Nigeria (32 female, 32 castrated male and
      32 intact male) pigs aged between birth and 504 days were analysed for chemical
      fat. Highly significant age effects were observed for the seven muscles.
      Statistically significant sex differences were observed for all the muscles
      except semitendinosus. Generally, fat values for muscles of intact male pigs were
      lower than for the other two sexes. While non-significant sex-age interactions
      were observed for biceps femoris, semitendinosus, semimembranosous and
      longissimus dorsi muscles, highly significant effects were observed for psoas
      major, triceps brachii and infraspinatus. Growth coefficients b derived from log
      log regressions of intramuscular fat weight on body weight ranged from an average
      of 1.088 (R(2) = 0.956) for M. infraspinatus to 1.348 (R(2) = 0.934) for M.
      biceps femoris and from 0.604 (R(2) = 0.945) to 0.756 (R(2) = 0.941) when related
      to carcass fat. Average growth coefficients for fore limb muscles were less than
      for hind limb and spinal column muscles. Fat growth in other depots is reported
      for comparison with growth of intramuscular fat.

PMID- 22055244
TI  - Sandwich ELISA for detection of horse meat in raw meat mixtures using antisera to
      muscle soluble proteins.
AB  - A double-antibody sandwich ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) has been
      successfully developed for the detection of defined amounts of horse meat (1-50%)
      in unheated meat mixtures. The assay uses horse-specific antibodies obtained by
      immunoadsorption of the crude horse antisera onto immobilised sarcoplasmic
      extracts from chicken, beef and pig to remove cross-reacting antibodies. The
      purified antibodies bound to a solid support sequester horse muscle soluble
      proteins from meat mixtures. Further immunorecognition was made with the same
      antibodies conjugated to the enzyme horseradish peroxidase. Subsequent enzymic
      conversion of substrate gave clear optical density differences when assaying
      mixtures of minced beef and pig containing variable amounts of horse meat.

PMID- 22055245
TI  - Effect of ingredients on quantitative recovery of Salmonella in raw meat balls.
AB  - Raw meat balls is a special Turkish meal, prepared from minced meat, bulgar,
      onion, garlic and different spices. In this experiment raw meat balls were
      prepared by using minced meat which was inoculated with Salmonella typhimurium at
      two different levels. Salmonella inoculated minced meat was also used in the
      experiment as a control. Samples were analysed at intervals. The lowest recovery
      of Salmonella was observed in raw meat balls which has been inoculated at the
      higher level.

PMID- 22055247
TI  - Preterm birth and Assisted Reproductive Technology/ART: maternal emotional
      wellbeing and quality of mother-newborn interaction during the first three months
      of life.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and premature birth are
      stressful and difficult experiences for women. No research to date has examined
      the impact of ART on mother-child relationship in instances of preterm delivery.
      This study explored the psychological status of preterm infants' ART-mothers and
      the quality of mother-infant dyadic interaction, up to child age of three months
      (Corrected Age = CA). METHOD: Forty-one ART-dyads and 53 Spontaneous Pregnancy
      (SP) dyads were enrolled. Mother and child were assessed at 5 to 7 days after
      birth (T1), at child discharge from hospital (T2), at one month after discharge
      (T3); and at 3 months CA (T4). The following measures were administered to the
      mothers: the Gordon Personal Profile Inventory, the Beck Anxiety Inventory, the
      Beck Depression Inventory, and the Parenting Stress Index S-F. Mother-child
      interaction was coded by using the Nursing Child Assessment Feeding Scale.
      RESULTS: At childbirth, the control group mothers showed a higher level of
      anxiety than the ART-mothers did, but at T2, T3, T4, both groups' parenting
      stress levels were below threshold. Conversely, ART mothers more frequently
      provided suitable stimulation for their child's socio-emotional and cognitive
      development than the control group did. No significant between-group differences
      were observed in the mothers' capacity to respond to their children's distress,
      nor in sensitivity to child cues. Both infant groups showed equal ability to send
      clear signals and to respond to parent-provided care. CONCLUSIONS: ART and SP
      mothers with premature infants showed no differences in degree of emotional
      burden experienced during the neonatal period. Yet, dyadic interaction was
      qualitatively better in ART dyads than in SP dyads.

PMID- 22055248
TI  - Ertapenem in the treatment of bacteremia caused by extended-spectrum beta
      lactamase-producing Escherichia coli: a propensity score analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the impact of ertapenem and other carbapenems on
      mortality in patients with monomicrobial extended-spectrum beta-lactamase
      producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-EC) bacteremia. METHODS: This non-concurrent
      prospective study included adult patients with ESBL-EC bacteremia during a 2.5
      year period at a 2200-bed teaching hospital. We used a multivariate logistic
      regression model and Cox's proportional hazards model including propensity score
      analysis to assess variables associated with 30-day mortality. RESULTS: Of 71
      patients who met the study criteria, nine died within 3 days. Among the 62
      remaining patients who received definitive antimicrobial therapy, 13 died within
      30 days. Male gender, ICU stay, solid tumor, and primary bacteremia were
      independent predictors of 30-day mortality, whereas definitive antimicrobial
      therapy using either ertapenem or imipenem/meropenem was protective (p<0.001 and
      p=0.002, respectively). Adjustment by propensity score found that ertapenem
      appeared to exhibit more favorable outcomes, but the difference fell short of
      statistical significance (hazard ratio 0.02, p=0.06). Inappropriate initial
      therapy was not a significant predictor of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: ICU stay, but
      not initial choice of empirical antimicrobial therapy, was a major predictor of
      mortality. Using a carbapenem as definitive therapy was a protective factor for
      30-day mortality. The choice of ertapenem is reasonable for less severely-ill
      patients who are at risk of ESBL-EC bacteremia and unlikely to have infection due
      to Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

PMID- 22055249
TI  - Unusual enhancing foci.

PMID- 22055250
TI  - Abdominal pain and heart failure: a grim diagnosis.

PMID- 22055251
TI  - Gait asymmetries in children with cerebral palsy: do they deteriorate with
      running?
AB  - In children with cerebral palsy (CP) analysis of gait asymmetry can provide
      insight into the control of walking and may help in guiding the clinician's
      treatment decisions. Running is more difficult that walking for the
      musculoskeletal system, however, in the literature it has been shown that gait
      deviations associated with CP maybe better tolerated during running. This leads
      us to the hypothesis that running might increase gait symmetry in patients with
      CP. Therefore the purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of running
      on asymmetries in spatio-temporal, kinematic and kinetic gait parameters for
      children with CP. Twenty-four children with diplegia and 25 with hemiplegia were
      examined using 3D gait analysis during running and walking. MANOVA on two
      factors: diagnosis (hemiplegic, diplegic) and movement (walking, running) was
      conducted on a total of 22 gait parameters. The MANOVA revealed a significant
      difference in symmetry between walking and running (p<0.001) and between patients
      groups (p=0.004). The detailed analysis of gait parameters demonstrated a
      significant decrease of symmetry in 13 of the 22 gait parameters investigated,
      only symmetry of step time was significantly increased. Therefore the hypothesis
      that gait symmetry improved with running in children with CP can be rejected.
      Based on the results of this study, asymmetries masked during walking might
      appear during running. Therefore, analysis of asymmetry of walking and running
      gives a more comprehensive assessment of the gait pathology for clinical decision
      making.

PMID- 22055253
TI  - Effect of frozen storage of minced meats on the quality of sausages prepared from
      them.
AB  - Mutton, pork and beef sausages were prepared from minced meats which had been
      frozen and stored up to 52 weeks at -18 degrees C. There was a significant
      decrease in texture (W-B shear force) of all the sausages with increased age of
      the meat. However, concomitantly there were no significant differences in the
      colour, juiciness or shrinkage (cooking loss) of the sausages. All sausages were
      organoleptically acceptable even when made from meats stored for 52 weeks at -18
      degrees C.

PMID- 22055252
TI  - The non-invasive and automated detection of bovine respiratory disease onset in
      receiver calves using infrared thermography.
AB  - Bovine respiratory disease complex (BRD) causes considerable economic loss and
      biosecurity cost to the beef industry globally and also results in significant
      degradation to the welfare of affected animals. The successful treatment of this
      disease depends on the early, timely and cost effective identification of
      affected animals. The objective of the present study was to investigate the use
      of an automated, RFID driven, noninvasive infrared thermography technology to
      determine BRD in cattle. Sixty-five calves averaging 220 kg were exposed to
      standard industry practices of transport and auction. The animals were monitored
      for BRD using conventional biometric signs for clinical scores, core
      temperatures, haematology, serum cortisol and infrared thermal values over 3
      weeks. The data collected demonstrated that true positive animals for BRD based
      on a gold standard including core temperature, clinical score, white blood cell
      number and neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio displayed higher peak infrared thermal
      values of 35.7+/-0.35  degrees C compared to true negative animals 34.9+/-0.22 
      degrees C (P<0.01). The study also demonstrated that such biometric data can be
      non-invasively and automatically collected based on a system developed around the
      animal's water station. It is concluded that the deployment of such systems in
      the cattle industry would aid animal managers and practitioners in the
      identification and management of BRD in cattle populations.

PMID- 22055254
TI  - Characterisation and development of 'the shield' in male pigs.
AB  - A project was undertaken to characterise boar shield, study its development and
      determine whether it presents carcass quality problems in young boars used for
      meat production. In two old boars (>2.5 years) 'backfat' from the scapular region
      consisted mainly of a dense white tissue with a high collagen content (>20% of
      fresh weight) and a low lipid content (<10%) compared with normal backfat.
      Histologically and chemically it resembled the dermis of skin. In a development
      study in boars and castrates from the Large White and Pietrain breeds, collagen
      concentration in scapular backfat increased between 91 and 118 kg liveweight in
      all pigs but the increase was greater in boars than castrates and especially
      marked in Pietrain boars in which the mean collagen concentration was 18% at 118
      kg. This was probably because of the older age of Pietrains since there was a
      high correlation between age and collagen concentration (r = 0.93). The results
      suggest that, at 'heavy hog' weights, boar shield could present a carcass quality
      problem in slow-growing breeds such as the Pietrain.

PMID- 22055255
TI  - Effect of post-mortem temperature on beef tenderness.
AB  - Beef adductor muscles were incubated for 4 h post mortem at 10 degrees C and for
      4 h and 6 h post mortem at 30 degrees C, 37 degrees C and 42 degrees C. Half of
      the muscles were cooked just after incubation and the other half was first stored
      for two days at 4 degrees C and then cooked. Meat kept for 4 h or 6 h at 42
      degrees C and for 6 h at 37 degrees C and cooked at once had a significantly
      (p<0.05) lower shear force than meat kept for 4 h at 37 degrees C, 4 h at 30
      degrees C, 6 h at 30 degrees C or 4 h at 10 degrees C. The respective significant
      differences were also found when the meat was cooked two days after incubation.
      Organoleptic evaluation showed that meat incubated for 6 h at 37 degrees C or for
      4 h at 42 degrees C was not significantly more tender than other samples.
      However, meat kept for 6 h at 42 degrees C was more tender (p<0.5) than the other
      samples. After two days of storage, meat incubated for 6 h at 37 degrees C and
      for 6 h at 42 degrees  was more tender (p<0.05) than meat kept for 6 h at 30
      degrees C. It was concluded that high temperature conditioning at 37 degrees C or
      higher for 6 h (4 h at 42 degrees C) just after slaughter makes meat more tender
      than conventional cooling systems.

PMID- 22055256
TI  - The effects of various post-mortem treatments on certain physical and sensory
      properties of three different bovine muscles.
AB  - Sixty crossbred steers with chronological ages approximating 15 months, carcass
      weights approximating 270 kg and subcutaneous fat thickness measurements
      approximating 1.2 cm, were maintained for approximately 210 days on a constantly
      increasing concentrate ration (13 to 75%, according to NAS nutrient requirements
      for beef cattle; NAS, 1976). These animals were utilized to evaluate the effects
      of delayed chilling, hot-boning and electrical stimulation on certain physical,
      histological, biochemical and sensory properties of three different muscles
      (Semimembranosus, SM; Longissimus dorsi, LD; and Triceps brachii, TB). Results
      indicated that neither delayed chilling nor electrical stimulation produced
      consistent meaningful alterations in any of the physical, cooking or palatability
      attributes evaluated. However, early post-mortem excision of muscle (hot-boning)
      consistently produced toughening in all of the muscles evaluated. This was
      observed to a much greater degree in the TB than in either the SM or LD. Based
      upon sarcomere length determinations, such toughening could be attributed to cold
      shortening only in the TB. Electrical stimulation of excised muscle was
      ineffective in preventing or offsetting this toughening. The delayed chilling
      treatment imposed (2 h at 12.5 degrees C) was ineffective in enhancing potential
      effects of electrical stimulation on tenderness.

PMID- 22055257
TI  - Ultrastructural and biochemical changes in electrically stimulated dark cutting
      beef.
AB  - In dark cutting beef, with a high ultimate pH, ultrastructural and biochemical
      changes were followed during the very early post-mortem period in non-stimulated
      and electrically stimulated muscles. The consumption of ATP was extremely rapid
      in the electrically stimulated dark cutting muscle. In these samples pronounced
      changes in the ultrastructure were seen in the form of heavy contractions and
      complete disorganization of the tissue. The changes could have been caused by a
      combined effect of super-contractions and proteolytic activity. The changes seen
      in electrically stimulated samples were not reflected in improvements of the
      instrumentally evaluated tenderness.

PMID- 22055258
TI  - High-sensitivity C-reactive protein: a novel cardiovascular risk predictor in
      type 2 diabetics with normal lipid profile.
AB  - BACKGROUND: India is the diabetic capital of the world. Coronary heart disease is
      a major cause of morbidity and mortality among diabetics. Type 2 diabetes
      mellitus and atherosclerosis are complex diseases sharing common antecedents like
      inflammation. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), an acute phase
      reactant protein, is a proinflammatory atherogenic circulating marker which can
      prove to be an independent cardiac risk predictor. AIM: The aim of the present
      study was to evaluate the role of hs-CRP as an independent cardiovascular risk
      marker among Indians with type 2 diabetes with normal lipid profile. SETTINGS AND
      DESIGN: This was a case control study including 60 type 2 diabetics with normal
      lipid profile and 60 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Twelve-hour fasting blood samples were collected from all the
      participants. Serum was assayed for hs-CRP and lipid profile. STATISTICAL
      ANALYSIS: Results were analyzed by unpaired t test. RESULTS: We found elevated hs
      CRP levels (4.8 +/- 0.2, P < .0001) among cases compared to controls (0.9 +/-
      0.1). According to hs-CRP levels, seven cases were in the low-risk (< 1 mg/l), 32
      in the moderate-risk (1-3 mg/l), and 21 in the high-risk (3-10 mg/l) group with
      mean values of hs-CRP of 0.7 +/- 0.2, 1.75 +/- 0.7, and 5.8 +/- 1.4,
      respectively. Relative risk was 4.75 with odds ratio of 10.23 (95% confidence
      interval 8.8-11.23). CONCLUSION: The study suggests that hs-CRP is an independent
      cardiac risk predictor even with normal lipid profile and can help measure
      additional risk. The American Heart Association stated that patients in the
      intermediate- and high-risk group may benefit from therapeutic lifestyle change
      and that cardiovascular event may be prevented.

PMID- 22055261
TI  - CNS effects following the treatment of malignancy.
AB  - Corporeal and central nervous system (CNS) axis chemotherapy and radiotherapy
      have long been used for the effective treatment and prophylaxis of CNS, body
      malignancies, and leukaemias. However, they are not without their problems.
      Following the proliferation of magnetic resonance neuroimaging in recent years it
      has become clear that the spectrum of toxicity that these therapies produce
      ranges from subclinical white matter changes to overt brain necrosis. The effects
      are both direct and indirect and via different pathological mechanisms. Chronic
      and progressive changes can be detected many years after the initial
      intervention. In addition to leucoencephalopathic changes, grey matter changes
      are now well described. Changes may be difficult to distinguish from tumour
      recurrence, though may be reversible and remediable, and are thus very important
      to differentiate. In this review toxic effects are classified and their imaging
      appearances discussed, with reference to specific syndromes.

PMID- 22055260
TI  - Effects of a synthetic retinoid on skin structure, matrix metalloproteinases, and
      procollagen in healthy and high-risk subjects with diabetes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In diabetes, foot ulceration may result from increased skin
      fragility. Retinoids can reverse some diabetes-induced deficits of skin structure
      and function, but their clinical utility is limited by skin irritation. The
      effects of diabetes and MDI 301, a nonirritating synthetic retinoid, and retinoic
      acid have been evaluated on matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), procollagen
      expression, and skin structure in skin biopsies from nondiabetic volunteers and
      diabetic subjects at risk of foot ulceration using organ culture techniques.
      METHODS: Zymography and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were utilized for
      analysis of MMP-1, -2, and -9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP
      1) and immunohistochemistry for type I procollagen protein abundance. Collagen
      structure parameters were assessed in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue
      sections. RESULTS: The % of active MMP-1 and -9 was higher and TIMP-1 abundance
      was lower in subjects with diabetes. Type 1 procollagen abundance was reduced and
      skin structural deficits were increased in diabetes. Three MUM MDI 301 reduced
      active MMP-1 and -9 abundance by 29% (P < .05) and 40% (P < .05), respectively,
      and increased TIMP-1 by 45% (P = .07). MDI 301 increased type 1 procollagen
      abundance by 40% (P < .01) and completely corrected structural deficit scores.
      Two MUM retinoic acid reduced MMP-1 but did not significantly affect skin
      structure. CONCLUSIONS: These data indicate that diabetic patients at risk of
      foot ulceration have deficits of skin structure and function. MDI 301 offers
      potential for repairing this skin damage complicating diabetes.

PMID- 22055263
TI  - Tensile strength of heat-coagulated myosin fibres.
AB  - Myosin fibres, formed by heat-coagulation under conditions of pH and ionic
      strength similar to those prevailing in post-rigor meat, exhibited tensile
      strengths which decreased with fibre diameter. Tensile strengths of the smaller
      diameter fibres (10-100 MUm) ranged from 30 to 3 kg/cm(2). These values resemble
      breaking strengths reported for cooked meat (e.g. Davey & Gilbert, 1977) but are
      an order of magnitude higher than strengths reported for heat-set myosin gels
      (Nakayama & Sato, 1971) and myosin-bonded meat pieces (Macfarlane et al., 1977).

PMID- 22055262
TI  - Clinicopathological analysis of head and neck chondrosarcoma: three case reports
      and literature review.
AB  - Chondrosarcoma (CHS) is a malignant neoplasm characterized by the formation of
      cartilaginous matrix by neoplastic cells, with a high propensity for local
      recurrences. Head and neck CHS is rare, accounting for less than 12% of all cases
      of CHS, usually affecting the maxilla. The majority of affected patients are in
      the fourth decade of life, with a slight predilection for male patients. A
      painless swelling is commonly the most frequent complaint. Surgery with wide en
      bloc resection is the preferred treatment for CHS; radiotherapy and chemotherapy
      are usually palliative options. Owing to its rarity, there are few clinical
      series evaluating the biological behaviour of head and neck CHS. The aim of this
      study is to analyse the clinicopathological characteristics of head and neck CHS
      by reporting 3 new cases of this neoplasia affecting the jaw bones and reviewing
      the clinical series previously published in the English literature.

PMID- 22055264
TI  - Microbial aspects of protein recovery from meat industry by-products.
AB  - A significant reduction in the number of micro-organisms associated with the
      bovine meat by-products, lung, rumen and blood plasma, was noted after their
      alkali-extractable proteins had been spun into a fibrous form. Most of the effect
      was found when the protein was coagulated in a 10% acetic acid/10% sodium
      chloride bath. Whereas the approximate shelf-life of raw rumen and lung was three
      and four days, respectively (at 0 degrees C), proteins isolated from these
      tissues were relatively stable and could be stored for up to three weeks. Spun
      protein fibres were even more resistant to microbial spoilage and were stable for
      at least three years. Tests for specific food poisoning organisms on the spun
      protein fibres revealed an absence of coliforms, Staphylococcus aureus and
      Salmonella/Shigella spp.

PMID- 22055259
TI  - The duration of diabetes affects the response to intensive glucose control in
      type 2 subjects: the VA Diabetes Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The goal of the VA Diabetes Trial (VADT) was to determine the effect
      of intensive glucose control on macrovascular events in subjects with difficult
      to-control diabetes. No significant benefit was found. This report examines
      predictors of the effect of intensive therapy on the primary outcome in this
      population. METHODS: This trial included 1791 subjects. Baseline cardiovascular
      risk factors were collected by interview and the VA record. The analyses were
      done by intention to treat. FINDINGS: Univariate analysis at baseline of
      predictors of a primary cardiovascular (CV) event included a prior CV event, age,
      insulin use at baseline, and duration of diagnosed diabetes (all P < .0001).
      Multivariable modeling revealed a U-shaped relationship between duration of
      diabetes and treatment. Modeled estimates for the hazard ratios (HRs) for
      treatment show that subjects with a short duration (3 years or less) of diagnosed
      diabetes have a nonsignificant increase in risk (HR > 1.0) after which the HR is
      below 1.0. From 7 to 15 years' duration at entry, subjects have HRs favoring
      intensive treatment. Thereafter the HR approaches 1.0 and over-21-years' duration
      approaches 2.0. Duration over 21 years resulted in a HR of 1.977 (CI 1.77-3.320,
      P < .01). Baseline c-peptide levels progressively declined up to 15 years and
      were stable subsequently. INTERPRETATION: In difficult-to-control older subjects
      with type 2 DM, duration of diabetes altered the response to intensive glucose
      control. Intensive therapy may reduce CV events in subjects with a duration of 15
      years or less and may increase risks in those with longer duration.

PMID- 22055265
TI  - Influence of processing on the degradation of pesticides in meat products.
AB  - The influence of processing on the degradation of C-14 labelled DDT, gamma
      hexachlorocyclohexane (gamma-HCH) and monolinuron (MLN) was investigated. In
      culture media micrococci and yeasts metabolised DDT, mainly to DDD, within two
      weeks, whereas gamma-HCH and MLN were negligibly degraded. Only small amounts of
      the pesticides were metabolised by lactobacilli. Meat of rabbits fed with C-14
      labelled pesticides was used to prepare various meat products. In dry sausages
      with nitrite-curing salt (NCS) up to 60% residual DDT and 70% gamma-HCH were
      recovered. In the presence of a starter culture and nitrate the rate of
      degradation was lower, 76% DDT (after 38 days) and 77% of gamma-HCH (after 30
      days) of the initial concentrations were found in the final products. In M. Long.
      dorsi 61% DDT and 80% gamma-HCH were still present after curing. In cured, cooked
      meats 87% DDT but only 35% gamma-HCH of the initial amounts were left. In the
      case of MLN about 50% of the radioactivity was removed by curing, hot-smoking or
      cooking; only 2% of the radioactive material was extracteble. The enzymic
      degradation of DDT, gamma-HCH and MLN, respectively, by muscle mitochondria
      (released after freezing) amounted to about 10% on average. In liver sausage
      mixtures with sodium chloride, DDT and gamma-HCH were metabolised to a greater
      extent than in mixtures containing NCS or NCS and sodium ascorbate (NaASC). A
      modified ascorbic acid oxidation system did not enhance the degradation of the
      pesticides investigated to a significant extent in a cervelat type sausage.

PMID- 22055266
TI  - A comparison of the Danish MFA, Ulster and optical probes for use in pig carcass
      classification and grading.
AB  - The Danish MFA probe and the Ulster probe (UP) automatic recording instruments
      developed recently for predicting carcass composition in pig classification and
      grading schemes, were tested in comparison with the optical probe (OP) used at
      present for this purpose in Great Britain. A series of four fat and two muscle
      measurements, including the principal ones used in the schemes operated in
      Denmark, Ulster and Great Britain, was taken on 158 hot carcasses covering the
      pork, bacon and heavy weight ranges. The standard deviation of carcass weight (W)
      and percentage lean in carcass were, respectively, 18.9 kg and 4.09 (computed
      over all data) and 4.51 kg and 3.51 (pooled within weight ranges). There was
      little difference between instruments in the precision with which they predicted
      percentage lean, either within weight groups or overall. Residual standard
      deviations computed over all data for the multiple regression of W and the best
      individual measurement (fat depth over the M. longissimus at the 3rd/4th last
      rib) were 2.24 (MFA), 2.44 (UP) and 2.23 (OP). Addition of other measurements to
      the regression provided only a major improvement in precision. Residual standard
      deviations for W and all six measurements were 2.15 (MFA), 2.35 (UP) and 2.05
      (OP). The relative merits of the three instruments for use in British abattoirs
      are discussed.

PMID- 22055267
TI  - Measurement of autolysis in beef muscle homogenates.
AB  - Homogenates of beef longissimus dorsi muscle have been used to study the effect
      of pH, temperature and Ca(2+) ions on post-mortem autolysis. Measurements of
      myofibrillar proteins were made after SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and
      it was found that the intensity of the troponin T band could be used as an
      indicator of autolysis. At pH values below 6.0, the addition of EDTA increased
      the rate of loss of troponin T: above pH 6.0, the rate of loss of troponin T was
      accelerated by Ca(2+) ions. It was concluded that there were at least two
      proteolytic enzyme systems involved-cathepsin B at low pH and a calcium-activated
      factor at high pH.

PMID- 22055268
TI  - Relationship between toughness and troponin T in conditioned beef.
AB  - During conditioning of beef, the decrease in toughness paralleled the loss of
      troponin T with time. The rates of increase with temperature gave an energy of
      activation of 72 kJ/mol for troponin T breakdown and 63 kJ/mol for the reduction
      in toughness. The extents of reduction of the two components were significantly
      related; loss of troponin T accounted for about 60% of the variation in
      toughness. We concluded that measurement of the loss of troponin T rovides a good
      indicator of the rate and extent of toughness changes during conditioning.

PMID- 22055269
TI  - Relations between muscle pH and important biochemical parameters during the
      postmortem changes in mammalian muscles.
AB  - The relations between muscle pH and the levels of lactate, PC, ATP and free ADP
      during the development of rigor mortis have been studied in normal beef, sheep,
      pig and rabbit muscles and, in some cases, in the muscles from stimulated
      carcasses. There are exponential relations between the PC levels and both the
      lactate levels and the pH, but these relations have very different slope
      constants in different muscles, depending on whether the particular muscle was
      quiescent or active during slaughtering. The slope constants can vary by a factor
      of three, being very large in quiescent muscles and small in active muscles or in
      muscles from stimulated carcasses. There is a linear relation between the
      relative pH or the relative lactate level, on the one hand, and the relative ATP
      level on the other, which applies generally to all the muscles studied,
      independent of the extent of glycolysis. In quiescent muscles, the free ADP level
      increases to about one-tenth of the initial ATP level during the later stages of
      glycolysis, but only to about one-hundredth of this level in active or stimulated
      muscles. In quiescent muscles the ATP level begins to decline only at very low
      levels of PC whereas, in active muscles, the PC level at which this decline
      begins is some three times greater. Some of the aspects of the differing
      relations between parameters in different muscles may be explained in terms of
      differing initial amounts of phosphorylase a.

PMID- 22055270
TI  - Letter to the editor.

PMID- 22055271
TI  - The effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG supplemented enteral feeding on the
      microbiotic flora of preterm infants-double blinded randomized control trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Intestinal flora of preterms, dominantly presents with
      decreased amounts of physiological microbiota. This double blinded randomized
      control trial compared the stool of bottle fed preterms, randomized to receive
      lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) 6x109or placebo with formula feeding. STUDY
      DESIGN: 46 enterally fed preterms were randomized to receive probiotics or
      placebo within 0-3days after birth. All personnel were blinded to treatment
      assignment. Faecal sampling was preformed at day 7, 21, 42. Presence of LGG
      colonization, somatic growth and length of hospital stay were recorded. RESULTS:
      60 patients were initially identified and enrolled but after exclusion criteria
      were applied, 21 babies were analyzed in the probiotic group and 26 in the
      placebo group. The number of lactobacillus were significantly higher (p=0.014) on
      day 7, and 21 (p=0.024) in the study group, and so was the number of
      enterobacteriaceae on all study days (p=0.004, p=0.000, p=0.000), and
      Enterococcus sp on day 21 (p=0.000). The amount of samples positive for
      staphylococci was significantly higher in the study group, on days 7 and 42
      (p=0.001 and 0.011). We did not show a significant difference in weight gain upon
      discharge between the groups p=0.567, 95% CI (-168; 305) or mean of hospital stay
      p=0.421 95% CI (-13.43;5.71). CONCLUSIONS: A preterm infant formula with an
      addition of probiotics leads to a rapid growth of LGG in the gut of bottle fed
      infants, but does not decrease the amount of pathogenic organisms, nor increase
      weight gain during enteral feeding, or decrease length of hospital stay.

PMID- 22055272
TI  - Kinematics and early migration in single-radius mobile- and fixed-bearing total
      knee prostheses.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The mobile-bearing variant of a single-radius design is assumed to
      provide more freedom of motion compared to the fixed-bearing variant because the
      insert does not restrict the natural movements of the femoral component. This
      would reduce the contact stresses and wear which in turn may have a positive
      effect on the fixation of the prosthesis to the bone and thereby decreases the
      risk for loosening. The aim of this study was to evaluate early migration of the
      tibial component and kinematics of a mobile-bearing and fixed-bearing total knee
      prosthesis of the same single-radius design. METHODS: Twenty Triathlon single
      radius posterior-stabilized knee prostheses were implanted (9 mobile-bearing and
      11 fixed-bearing). Fluoroscopy and roentgen stereophotogrammetric analysis (RSA)
      were performed 6 and 12 months post-operatively. FINDINGS: The 1 year post
      operative RSA results showed considerable early migrations in 3 out of 9 mobile
      bearing patients and 1 out of 11 fixed-bearing patients. The range of knee
      flexion was the same for the mobile-bearing and fixed-bearing group. The mobile
      insert was following the femoral component during motion. INTERPRETATION: Despite
      the mobile insert following the femoral component during motion, and therefore
      performing as intended, no kinematic advantages of the mobile-bearing total knee
      prosthesis were seen. The fixed-bearing knee performed as good as the mobile
      bearing knee and maybe even slightly better based on less irregular kinematics
      and less early migrations.

PMID- 22055273
TI  - Pressure-heat treatment of meat: Changes in myofibrillar proteins and
      ultrastructure.
AB  - The effects on muscle of a combined pressure-heat (P-H) treatment that overcomes
      myofibrillar toughness have been investigated using SDS gel electrophoresis and
      electron microscopy. Densitometer scans of polyacrylamide gels of muscle extracts
      revealed that P-H treatment caused greater degradation of connectin than did heat
      treatment alone. Breakdown of connection by P-H treatment was reduced in muscle
      that had been injected with the protease inhibitor pepstatin. However, pepstatin
      treatment did not reduce the effectiveness of P-H treatment for tenderizing meat,
      as would be expected if connectin was responsible for myofibrillar toughness. P-H
      treatment resulted in an increase in the intensity of a peak with M(r) ~ 150 000,
      but this peak was also produced by non-tenderizing pressure treatments. The
      ultrastructural studies revealed that P-H treatment disrupted the thick and the
      thin filaments, leaving voids at the M-line region. It is suggested that P-H
      treatment achieves most of its effect by an irreversible disaggregation of the
      myosin of thick filaments.

PMID- 22055274
TI  - Physiological levels of androstenedione and testosterone in some edible tissues
      from calves, bulls and heifers.
AB  - The physiological levels of androstenedione and testosterone in muscle, kidney
      and fat of calves, bulls and heifers were determined by RIA. The androstenedione
      showed the highest levels in fat and the lowest in muscle tissues. Testosterone
      showed the same distribution only in male animals, whereas in females the highest
      levels were in kidney. In fat tissue androstenedione was constantly higher than
      testosterone in all examined animals. In muscle tissue androstenedione levels
      were higher than those of testosterone in all female animals and in male calves,
      whereas testosterone was higher in bulls. Testosterone was the main androgen in
      kidney tissue in both young and adult animals, irrespective of sex.

PMID- 22055275
TI  - Chronological age and breed-type effects on carcass characteristics and
      palatability of bull beef.
AB  - Bulls (n = 115) of four slaughter ages (9, 12, 15 or 18 months) and of 15
      genotypes were studied. In this analysis, each bullock was assigned to one of
      four breed groups-British and British crosses, Brahman and Brahman crosses.
      Jersey and Jersey crosses or Holstein and Holstein crosses. Slaughter age had an
      (P < 0.01) effect on marbling score, longissimus muscle area, fat thickness and
      yield grade while breed group had an (P < 0.01) effect on marbling score and
      quality grade. In general, British and British cross bullocks produced carcasses
      with the thickest subcutaneous fat, the highest marbling score and the highest
      USDA quality grade while Jersey and Jersey cross bullocks yielded carcasses with
      the lowest weight, smallest longissimus muscle area and the lowest USDA quality
      grade of the four breed-type groups. Increases in chronological age (from 9 to 18
      months) were generally associated with a decrease in USDA maturity score, and
      increases in marbling score, USDA quality grade, longissimus muscle area,
      subcutaneous fat thickness and USDA yield grade. Shear force values decreased as
      bulls matured from 9 to 18 months of age. The meat from Brahman-type bulls had
      higher shear force values (P < 0.01) than that from bulls of the other breed
      groups. Steaks from British-type carcasses received the highest numerical ratings
      for sustained juiciness and flavor while steaks from the Brahman-type carcasses
      were assigned the lowest numerical ratings for juiciness. Breed-type had a
      greater effect on tenderness of bull beef than did chronological age.

PMID- 22055276
TI  - Effect of ascorbate and ascorbyl palmitate on lipid oxidation in semi-dry
      saugages manufactured from pork materials differing in stability towards
      oxidation.
AB  - Semi-dry fermented sausages were manufactured from three batches of pork slightly
      differing in their polyenoic fatty acid levels and alpha-tocopherol contents. The
      sausage doughs were treated as follows: (1) control, (2) ascorbate, (3) ascorbyl
      palmitate and (4) a combination of ascorbate and ascorbyl palmitate. After brine
      fermentation, products ripened at 15 degrees C were evaluated for rancidity by
      peroxide values and TBA numbers. During ripening important differences in
      stability towards oxidation were generally not observed. Both peroxide and TBA
      values gradually increased linearly with time. For the TBA values, gradients for
      the products derived from the three diet groups differed considerably. Only two
      of six batches containing increased levels of alpha-tocopherol and product
      antioxidants exhibited slightly improved stability towards oxidation, as judged
      by peroxide and TBA values. Sensory evaluations, performed only on the product
      series containing ascorbate, failed to reveal any positive effect in favour of
      the increased alpha-tocopherol content. Thus, for semi-dry sausages manufactured
      from pork materials with a slightly increased sensitivity towards oxidation,
      results indicated with there was little advantage to increasing the levels of
      alpha-tocopherol in the meat by dietary means or to changing the current
      commercial practice of adding ascorbate to the sausage doughs.

PMID- 22055277
TI  - Water distribution in porcine M. longissimus dorsi in relation to sensory
      properties.
AB  - The water distribution in M. longissimus dorsi (LD) from purebred Hampshire and
      Swedish Yorkshire pigs was recorded by proton-pulse-NMR. Three domains of water
      were seen with this type of method, designated as free, extracellular and
      intracellular water, respectively. The relative proton population for the free
      water increased from 1.8% in raw, to 3.3% in fried, samples from Hampshire and to
      4.2% for the Yorkshire samples. The relaxation time of the extracellular water
      increased for Hampshire samples from 100 ms, when raw, to 108 ms and 114 ms for
      samples fried to centre temperatures of 68 degrees C and 80 degrees C,
      respectively. For Yorkshire samples it decreased from 122 to 108 and 109 ms,
      respectively. The relative proton population of the extracellular water decreased
      after frying (raw: 24.5%, 68 degrees C: 18.6% and 80 degrees C: 13.9%) for
      Hampshire samples, whereas the corresponding populations of protons for those of
      Yorkshire were 16.5%, 19.2% and 16.6%. The intracellular water had relaxation
      times of about 40 ms (raw), 30 ms (68 degrees C) and 28 ms (80 degrees C) for
      both breeds. The relative proton populations were: for Hampshire, 74.1% (raw),
      77.7% (68 degrees C), 83.4% (80 degrees C) and, for Yorkshire, 81.6% (raw), 75.5%
      (68 degrees C) and 77.2% (80 degrees C). On average, the samples of Hampshire
      were more juicy and tender than those of Yorkshire. The sensory properties were
      related to the water distribution, but obvious influences of breed and end-point
      temperature at frying were noted for the relationships. In general, the juiciness
      and tenderness of fried LD samples could fairly well be predicted by the water
      distribution in raw meat. However, due to the influence of breed and temperature,
      different variables are best for the prediction. Also, when the sensory
      properties were related to the water distribution in fried samples, the
      influences of breed and end-point temperatures were noted.

PMID- 22055279
TI  - Inhalation of hydrogen gas attenuates cisplatin-induced ototoxicity via reducing
      oxidative stress.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Cisplatin, an anticancer drug used extensively to treat a broad range
      of tumors, has strong ototoxic side effects induced by reactive oxygen species
      (ROS). Recently, it has been reported that hydrogen gas (H(2)) is a new
      antioxidant by selectively reducing hydroxyl radical, the most cytotoxic ROS. The
      present study was designed to investigate whether H(2) treatment is beneficial to
      cisplatin-induced ototoxicity via reducing oxidative stress. METHODS: The animals
      were intraperitoneally given a 30 min infusion of 16 mg/kg cisplatin or the same
      volume of saline. H(2) treatment was given twice with 2% H(2) inhalation for 60
      min starting at 1h and 6h after cisplatin or saline injection, respectively. The
      hearing status of all animals was evaluated by auditory brainstem responses
      (ABR). The hair cell damage was observed by phalloidin staining. In addition, the
      levels of oxidative products in serum and cochlear tissue were measured. RESULTS:
      We found that H(2) treatment significantly attenuated cisplatin-induced hearing
      loss evaluated by click-evoked and tone burst ABR threshold. Furthermore,
      histological analysis revealed that 2% H(2) treatment significantly alleviated
      cisplatin-induced hair cell damage in the organ of corti. In addition, cisplatin
      significantly increased the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and 8-iso
      prostaglandin F2alpha (8-iso-PGF2alpha) in serum and cochlear tissue, which was
      attenuated by H(2) treatment. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that H(2) is
      beneficial to cisplatin-induced ototoxicity via reducing oxidative stress.
      Therefore, H(2) has potential for improving the quality of life of patients
      during chemotherapy by efficiently mitigating the cisplatin ototoxicity.

PMID- 22055280
TI  - Attention training toward and away from threat in social phobia: effects on
      subjective, behavioral, and physiological measures of anxiety.
AB  - Social phobics exhibit an attentional bias for threat in probe detection and
      probe discrimination paradigms. Attention training programs, in which probes
      always replace nonthreatening cues, reduce attentional bias for threat and self
      reported social anxiety. However, researchers have seldom included behavioral
      measures of anxiety reduction, and have never taken physiological measures of
      anxiety reduction. In the present study, we trained individuals with generalized
      social phobia (n = 57) to attend to threat cues (attend to threat), to attend to
      positive cues (attend to positive), or to alternately attend to both (control
      condition). We assessed not only self-reported social anxiety, but also
      behavioral and physiological measures of social anxiety. Participants trained to
      attend to nonthreatening cues demonstrated significantly greater reductions in
      self-reported, behavioral, and physiological measures of anxiety than did
      participants from the attend to threat and control conditions.

PMID- 22055281
TI  - Internet-delivered or mailed self-help treatment for insomnia?: a randomized
      waiting-list controlled trial.
AB  - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is effective in reducing insomnia complaints,
      but the effects of self-help CBT have been inconsistent. The aim of this study
      was to determine the effectiveness of self-help for insomnia delivered in either
      electronic or paper-and-pencil format compared to a waiting-list. Participants
      kept a diary and filled out questionnaires before they were randomized into
      electronic (n = 216), paper-and-pencil (n = 205), or waiting-list (n = 202)
      groups. The intervention consisted of 6 weeks of unsupported self-help CBT, and
      post-tests were 4, 18, and 48 weeks after intervention. At 4-week follow-up,
      electronic and paper-and-pencil conditions were superior (p < .01) compared to
      the waiting-list condition on most daily sleep measures (Deltad = 0.29-0.64),
      global insomnia symptoms (Deltad = 0.90-1.00), depression (Deltad = 0.36-0.41),
      and anxiety symptoms (Deltad = 0.33-0.40). The electronic and paper-and-pencil
      groups demonstrated equal effectiveness 4 weeks after treatment (Deltad = 0.00
      0.22; p > .05). Effects were sustained at 48-week follow-up. This large-scale
      unsupported self-help study shows moderate to large effects on sleep measures
      that were still present after 48 weeks. Unsupported self-help CBT for insomnia
      therefore appears to be a promising first option in a stepped care approach.

PMID- 22055282
TI  - Dual mechanism of action of ingenol mebutate gel for topical treatment of actinic
      keratoses: rapid lesion necrosis followed by lesion-specific immune response.
AB  - Current topical agents for field therapy of actinic keratoses have single
      mechanisms of action and must be applied for weeks. Ingenol mebutate gel, a novel
      drug for field therapy of actinic keratoses, appears to have a dual mechanism of
      action: (1) rapid lesion necrosis and (2) specific neutrophil-mediated, antibody
      dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Because of the rapid destruction of actinic
      keratosis lesions after application of ingenol mebutate gel, treatment is
      necessary for only 2 or 3 days. The subsequent immune-mediated response targets
      any residual dysplastic epidermal cells. This dual mechanism of action should
      provide efficacy equivalent to that of current topical agents with a
      substantially shorter treatment period.

PMID- 22055283
TI  - Recommendations and current practices for the reconstitution and storage of
      botulinum toxin type A.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Current guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and
      Prevention (CDC) regarding the reconstitution and storage of botulinum toxin type
      A (BT-A) differ from those of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and
      current clinical practice. CDC guidelines require single-patient use of BT-A
      vials. Strict adherence to these guidelines creates waste and a significant
      financial impediment, and does not confer increased protection from infection,
      assuming standard safe injection practices are followed. OBJECTIVE: This study
      examines current clinical practices and provides expert consensus recommendations
      regarding the reconstitution and storage of BT-A. A review of the literature on
      the sterility and efficacy of BT-A stored beyond the recommended time period of 4
      hours is also presented. METHODS: An Internet-based survey was used to analyze
      the current practices of physician members of the American Society for
      Dermatologic Surgery who administer botulinum type A toxins. RESULTS: After
      reconstitution, the majority of physicians (68.6%) routinely store BT-A for a
      period of greater than 1 week and safely use each toxin vial for more than one
      patient. Not a single case of infection was observed. LIMITATIONS: This was a
      single survey with a 32.2% response rate. CONCLUSION: A single vial of BT-A can
      be safely administered to multiple patients, assuming standard safe injection
      techniques are followed. After reconstitution, Our data suggest that BT-A can be
      stored beyond the recommended time period of 4 hours.

PMID- 22055284
TI  - The effect of pre-slaughter showering and post-slaughter rapid chilling on meat
      quality in intact pork sides.
AB  - Thirty pairs of Landrace or Large White pigs were used to determine the effects
      of pre- and post-slaughter cooling treatments on pork quality and yield. One
      animal from each pair was showered in cold water and after slaughter one side
      from each carcass was rapidly chilled and the other side was conventionally
      chilled. Two experiments were carried out in winter: they examined different
      times of exposure to cooling treatments; a further experiment was carried out in
      summer time. Showering caused a reduction in the temperature of the deep loin at
      40 min post mortem (P < 0.01). Rapid chilling caused a further reduction in
      carcass temperature and the rate of pH fall was lower (P < 0.05) in the rapidly
      chilled sides. There was a strong indication that showering in the winter time
      lowered drip loss in slices of Longissimus dorsi muscle (P = 0.077) whereas
      showering in the summer time was not effective. Shower water temperature may have
      been important in this regard. Showering did not lower drip loss in intact pork
      legs. Rapid chilling was not effective in lowering drip loss in either slices of
      Longissimus dorsi or intact pork legs. Rapid chilling at -20 degrees C for 3 h
      without an air blast lowered evaporative chill losses in sides of pork by 27-29%
      (P < 0.1) compared to normal chilling. Reduced treatments gave reduced effects.
      Neither treatment had any significant effect on cooking loss or toughness in
      broiled slices of pork Longissimus dorsi muscle.

PMID- 22055285
TI  - Effect of salt on myoglobin derivatives in the sarcoplasmic extract from pre- and
      post-rigor beef in the presence or absence of mitochondria and microsomes.
AB  - The effect of salt and pH on the colour stability (oxymyoglobin) in the
      sarcoplasmic extract (SPE) prepared from pre- and post-rigor beef muscle was
      studied in the presence or absence of mitochondria and microsomes during 96 h at
      4 degrees C. The sarcoplasmic extract from the post-rigor meat (pH 5.4) or from
      the pre-rigor meat adjusted to pH 5.4 contained more oxymyoglobin (MbO(2)) than
      the pre- or post-rigor SPE maintained at pH 7.4. The presence or absence of
      mitochondria and microsomes in the SPE at pH 5.4 had little effect on the
      percentage of MbO(2). At pH 7.4, however, the percentage of MbO(2) decreased in
      the SPE in the presence of mitochondria, whereas the percentage of MetMb was
      lower in the presence of microsomes. The relative proportion of MbO(2) decreased
      and that of metmyoglobin (MetMb) increased with increasing salt concentration at
      low pH (more so in the absence of subcellular organelles) and with storage period
      in the SPE from both pre- and post-rigor meat. However, at pH 7.4, high levels of
      salt (2-4%) helped to maintain a high percentage of MbO(2) in SPE in the absence
      of subcellular organelles, especially the mitochondria. The first-order
      interactions of pH value * subcellular organelles (P < 0.01) and pH value * salt
      concentration (P < 0.01) accounted for about 55% of the total variation in the
      percentage of MbO(2) in the SPE. It is suggested that depressing microbial growth
      may be the operative mechanism by which added salt stabilizes the colour in pre
      rigor minced meat rather than by enzymic effects of subcellular organelles.

PMID- 22055286
TI  - Comparison of EEG and ECoG for detecting cerebrocortical activity during
      slaughter of calves.
AB  - Parallel electrocorticograms (ECoG) and electroencephalograms (EEG) were recorded
      during stun-recovery and stun-slaughter of eight calves 4-6 weeks old. Epochs of
      8.2 s duration, derived from the ECoG and EEG signals pre-stun, during recovery
      and during exsanguination, were compared for differences in power content and
      frequency distribution using Fast Fourier Transform analysis. ECoG signals
      recorded during the quiescent phase post-stun had a markedly lower power content
      compared with pre-stun, whereas the EEG signal showed no such reduction in power
      content. During exsanguination, the mean rate of decline in the ECoG power
      content was 0.025 log units/s, three times faster than the mean rate of decline
      of the EEG at 0.008 log units/s. The duration of the electroplectic fit post-stun
      was detected equally well by the two techniques. The differences between EEG and
      ECoG traces in this study are thought to arise from differences in the signal
      noise ratio of the two techniques and by artefacts in the EEG signal, caused by
      microscopic movement between EEG electrodes and the surrounding tissue. The
      slower rate of decline in the power content of the EEG during slaughter means
      that the time to onset of isoelectric cortical electrical activity will be longer
      if determined by EEG measurements than by ECoG recording.

PMID- 22055287
TI  - Comparison of Duroc and British landrace pigs for meat a and eating quality.
AB  - Duroc and halothane negative British Landrace boars and gilts were performance
      tested from 30 to 80kg on ad-libitum or restricted feeding regimes, with like
      sexed non-littermate groups of pigs penned together. Meat and eating quality was
      determined using objective laboratory measurements and by taste panel and
      consumer panel assessment on 160 pigs with 20 full-sib families for each breed,
      and two boars and two gilts per family. Duroc M. longissimus(?) was darker in
      colour, had a more intense, redder colour and contained more fat and less
      moisture than Landrace muscle. Duroc subcutaneous fat was less firm, had a higher
      water content and concentrations of linoleic acid and lower concentrations of
      stearic acid than Landrace fat. The taste and consumer panels scored Duroc meat
      as being more juicy, but less tender, having poorer flavour and being less
      acceptable than Landrace meat. The higher juiciness scores of Duroc meat were
      probably attributable to the higher intramuscular fat content compared to
      Landrace meat. Duroc boars had lower values for flavour liking and acceptability
      compared to other breed-sex combinations which may be due to the particular fatty
      acid composition of the subcutaneous fat in Duroc boars.

PMID- 22055288
TI  - An estimate of the incidence of dark cutting beef in the United Kingdom.
AB  - Eight slaughterplants with throughputs ranging from 20 to 300 animals per day
      were examined to estimate the incidence of dark cutting beef in the United
      Kingdom. Four thousand, eight hundred and sixteen animals were surveyed and
      information concerning animal category, source, season and preslaughter handling
      conditions recorded. Muscle samples were removed to estimate glycogen
      concentration and after incubation, ultimate pH. The overall incidence of dark
      cutting (pHu >= 6.0) was 4.1%. Increased incidence was associated with short (<=
      20 miles) and long (>= 150 miles) transport distances. Slaughter on the day of
      arrival rather than overnight lairage also increased the incidence. Plants were
      classified into small (killing <= 50 animals per day) or large (killing >= 100
      per day). Eighty per cent of the animals slaughtered passed through the large
      plants, and a higher incidence was also associated with these plants. Bulls had
      the highest incidence and heifers the lowest. A seasonal effect was recorded with
      the highest incidence found between July and October. The results, however,
      indicate that factors in addition to those examined are also important.

PMID- 22055289
TI  - Computerized diffractometer for measurements of sarcomere lengths in meat: An
      evaluation of data reduction methods.
AB  - A computerized laser diffractometer was evaluated on the basis of two different
      theoretical models for light diffraction in muscle tissue. It was shown that the
      method of computing sarcomere lengths from the positions of the left and right
      first order diffraction lines is model dependent. Sarcomere lengths obtained by
      the diffractometer were compared to microscopically determined sarcomere lengths
      on freeze-sectioned M. sternomandibularis from a material consisting of muscle
      strips held at different degrees of stretch. Treating left and right diffraction
      lines as independent observations led to the determination of sarcomere lengths
      with negligible deterministic error. The possibility of utilizing the fine
      structure and intensity of the diffraction patterns to improve the sarcomere
      length determination and provide more relevant information is discussed.

PMID- 22055291
TI  - Spikes in retinal bipolar cells phase-lock to visual stimuli with millisecond
      precision.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The conversion of an analog stimulus into the digital form of spikes
      is a fundamental step in encoding sensory information. Here, we investigate this
      transformation in the visual system of fish by in vivo calcium imaging and
      electrophysiology of retinal bipolar cells, which have been assumed to be purely
      graded neurons. RESULTS: Synapses of all major classes of retinal bipolar cell
      encode visual information by using a combination of spikes and graded signals.
      Spikes are triggered within the synaptic terminal and, although sparse, phase
      lock to a stimulus with a jitter as low as 2-3 ms. Spikes in bipolar cells encode
      a visual stimulus less reliably than spikes in ganglion cells but with similar
      temporal precision. The spike-generating mechanism does not alter the temporal
      filtering of a stimulus compared with the generator potential. The amplitude of
      the graded component of the presynaptic calcium signal can vary in time, and
      small fluctuations in resting membrane potential alter spike frequency and even
      switch spiking on and off. CONCLUSIONS: In the retina of fish, the millisecond
      precision of spike coding begins in the synaptic terminal of bipolar cells. This
      neural compartment regulates the frequency of digital signals transmitted to the
      inner retina as well as the strength of graded signals.

PMID- 22055292
TI  - The exoribonuclease Nibbler controls 3' end processing of microRNAs in
      Drosophila.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous noncoding small RNAs with important roles in
      many biological pathways; their generation and activity are under precise
      regulation [1-3]. Emerging evidence suggests that miRNA pathways are precisely
      modulated with controls at the level of transcription [4-8], processing [9-11],
      and stability [12, 13], with miRNA deregulation linked with diseases [14] and
      neurodegenerative disorders [15]. In the Drosophila miRNA biogenesis pathway,
      long primary miRNA transcripts undergo sequential cleavage [16-18] to release the
      embedded miRNAs. Mature miRNAs are then loaded into Argonaute1 (Ago1) within the
      RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC) [19, 20]. Intriguingly, we found that
      Drosophila miR-34 displays multiple isoforms that differ at the 3' end,
      suggesting a novel biogenesis mechanism involving 3' end processing. To define
      the cellular factors responsible, we performed an RNA interference (RNAi) screen
      and identified a putative 3'->5' exoribonuclease CG9247/nibbler essential for the
      generation of the smaller isoforms of miR-34. Nibbler (Nbr) interacts with Ago1
      and processes miR-34 within RISC. Deep sequencing analysis revealed a larger set
      of multi-isoform miRNAs that are controlled by nibbler. These findings suggest
      that Nbr-mediated 3' end processing represents a critical step in miRNA
      maturation that impacts miRNA diversity.

PMID- 22055293
TI  - The 3'-to-5' exoribonuclease Nibbler shapes the 3' ends of microRNAs bound to
      Drosophila Argonaute1.
AB  - BACKGROUND: MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are ~22 nucleotide (nt) small RNAs that control
      development, physiology, and pathology in animals and plants. Production of
      miRNAs involves the sequential processing of primary hairpin-containing RNA
      polymerase II transcripts by the RNase III enzymes Drosha in the nucleus and
      Dicer in the cytoplasm. miRNA duplexes then assemble into Argonaute proteins to
      form the RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC). In mature RISC, a single-stranded
      miRNA directs the Argonaute protein to bind partially complementary sequences,
      typically in the 3' untranslated regions of messenger RNAs, repressing their
      expression. RESULTS: Here, we show that after loading into Argonaute1 (Ago1),
      more than a quarter of all Drosophila miRNAs undergo 3' end trimming by the 3'-to
      5' exoribonuclease Nibbler (CG9247). Depletion of Nibbler by RNA interference
      (RNAi) reveals that miRNAs are frequently produced by Dicer-1 as intermediates
      that are longer than ~22 nt. Trimming of miRNA 3' ends occurs after removal of
      the miRNA* strand from pre-RISC and may be the final step in RISC assembly,
      ultimately enhancing target messenger RNA repression. In vivo, depletion of
      Nibbler by RNAi causes developmental defects. CONCLUSIONS: We provide a molecular
      explanation for the previously reported heterogeneity of miRNA 3' ends and
      propose a model in which Nibbler converts miRNAs into isoforms that are
      compatible with the preferred length of Ago1-bound small RNAs.

PMID- 22055294
TI  - UVA phototransduction drives early melanin synthesis in human melanocytes.
AB  - Exposure of human skin to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR), a powerful
      carcinogen [1] comprising ~95% ultraviolet A (UVA) and ~5% ultraviolet B (UVB) at
      the Earth's surface, promotes melanin synthesis in epidermal melanocytes [2, 3],
      which protects skin from DNA damage [4, 5]. UVB causes DNA lesions [6] that lead
      to transcriptional activation of melanin-producing enzymes, resulting in delayed
      skin pigmentation within days [7]. In contrast, UVA causes primarily oxidative
      damage [8] and leads to immediate pigment darkening (IPD) within minutes, via an
      unknown mechanism [9, 10]. No receptor protein directly mediating
      phototransduction in skin has been identified. Here we demonstrate that exposure
      of primary human epidermal melanocytes (HEMs) to UVA causes calcium mobilization
      and early melanin synthesis. Calcium responses were abolished by treatment with G
      protein or phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitors or by depletion of intracellular
      calcium stores. We show that the visual photopigment rhodopsin [11] is expressed
      in HEMs and contributes to UVR phototransduction. Upon UVR exposure, significant
      melanin production was measured within one hour; cellular melanin continued to
      increase in a retinal- and calcium-dependent manner up to 5-fold after 24 hr. Our
      findings identify a novel UVA-sensitive signaling pathway in melanocytes that
      leads to calcium mobilization and melanin synthesis and may underlie the
      mechanism of IPD in human skin.

PMID- 22055295
TI  - Hippocampal-prefrontal connectivity predicts midfrontal oscillations and long
      term memory performance.
AB  - The hippocampus and prefrontal cortex interact to support working memory (WM) and
      long-term memory [1-3]. Neurophysiologically, WM is thought to be subserved by
      reverberatory activity of distributed networks within the prefrontal cortex (PFC)
      [2, 4-8], which become synchronized with reverberatory activity in the
      hippocampus [1, 4]. This electrophysiological synchronization is difficult to
      study in humans because noninvasive electroencephalography (EEG) cannot measure
      hippocampus activity. Here, using a novel integration of EEG and diffusion
      weighted imaging, it is shown that individuals with relatively stronger
      anatomical connectivity linking the hippocampus to the right ventrolateral PFC
      (ventral Brodmann area 46) exhibited slower frequency neuronal oscillations
      during a WM task. Furthermore, subjects with stronger hippocampus-PFC
      connectivity were better able to encode the complex pictures used in the WM task
      into long-term memory. These findings are consistent with models suggesting that
      electrophysiological oscillations provide a mechanism of long-range interactions
      [9] and link hippocampus-PFC structural connectivity to PFC rhythmic electrical
      dynamics and memory performance. More generally, these results highlight the
      importance of incorporating individual differences when linking structure and
      function to cognition.

PMID- 22055296
TI  - Treatment of pseudobulbar affect with citalopram in a patient with progressive
      multifocal leukoencephalopthy.
AB  - Pseudobulbar affect (PBA) manifests in a variety of neurologic illnesses
      suggesting a heterogeneous pathophysiology with common underpinnings. We report
      successful treatment of PBA with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
      in a 54-year-old woman following progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy
      (PML). In light of recent focus on dextromethorphan/quinidine (DM/Q) for the
      treatment of PBA, the clinician is reminded of the effectiveness of SSRIs.

PMID- 22055297
TI  - Collagen content of meat carcasses of known history.
AB  - Thirteen beef carcasses and twenty-seven pig carcasses were analysed for collagen
      content. The beef carcasses were drawn from four breeds and four levels of
      fatness. They were dissected into ten joints: from the forequarter; shin,
      brisket, Jacob's ladder, clod, sticking, fore-rib, chuck: from the hindquarter;
      leg, thin flank and other joints. Samples of each joint were analysed for fat,
      moisture and collagen. Samples of the total forequarter and hindquarter meat were
      also analysed. The pig carcasses were drawn from three weight groups and three
      levels of fatness. Samples from each carcass were analysed for fat, moisture and
      collagen. Six selected pigs were dissected into five joints: hand, collar, back,
      streak and ham. Samples of each joint were analysed as described above. Results
      from beef carcasses showed that collagen in the forequarter (3.2% wet fat-free)
      was significantly higher than in the hindquarter (2.7% wet fat-free). Within the
      forequarter collagen in the shin (4.8% wet fat-free) was significantly higher
      than in the other six joints. Within the hindquarter percentage collagen was
      significantly highest in the leg (4.2% wet fat-free). There were no significant
      breed differences. Results from pig carcasses showed an overall mean value for
      collagen of 2.3% wet fat-free. Percentage collagen was significantly highest in
      the hand (2.9% wet fat-free).

PMID- 22055298
TI  - Low voltage electrical stimulation and post-mortem energy metabolism in beef.
AB  - In the present study, the influence of low voltage electrical stimulation on
      glycolysis, concentrations of creatine phosphate and adenine nucleotides, as well
      as the relationship between metabolic activity and tenderness, was examined in
      bovine M. longissimus dorsi. During stimulation, about 50% of the creatine
      phosphate was consumed and the immediate pH drop was, on average, 0.21 units. The
      increased energy consumption resulted in a decrease in the halftime of ATP from
      10 h in non-stimulated muscles to 5 h in electrically stimulated muscles. The
      total high energy phosphate turnover was found to be 2400 MUmol/h/g during
      stimulation and 18 MUmol/h/g immediately following stimulation compared with 9
      MUmol/h/g for the non-stimulated counterpart. No obvious abnormalities were found
      in the course of changes during energy metabolism following stimulation, besides
      the increased metabolic rate. Significant relationships were found between the
      degradation of several of the energy metabolites during stimulation and
      improvements in tenderness. It is concluded that, within the variation found in
      this study, the better the effect of electrical stimulation in increasing the
      metabolic rate, the better the resulting meat tenderness. Results also showed
      that the higher the shear force in the non-stimulated part, the better was the
      effect of electrical stimulation in improving the meat tenderness.

PMID- 22055299
TI  - Post-mortem glycolysis in rabbit Longissimus dorsi muscles following electrical
      stimulation.
AB  - The effects of both high voltage and low voltage electrical stimulation were
      studied in rabbit Longissimus dorsi muscles. The rate of fall of pH as well as
      the activities of phosphorylase a, phosphorylase kinase, and phosphorylase
      phosphatase were measured. The effects on the yield, ATPase activities, and
      calcium permeability of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) were also measured.
      Although only high voltage stimulation increased the post-stimulation rate of pH
      fall, both types of electrical stimulation increased the phosphorylase a
      activity, apparently by increasing the activity of phosphorylase kinase and
      destroying a large part of the phosphorylase phosphatase activity. Electrical
      stimulation reduced the yield of SR and increased its basal ATPase activity. It
      also increased the ability of the SR to retain accumulated calcium. We conclude
      that the different rates of pH fall observed following the two types of
      stimulation are due to the differential effects of these treatments on one of the
      ATPase activities, probably the myofibrillar ATPase.

PMID- 22055300
TI  - The effects of electrical stimulation and ageing on beef tenderness.
AB  - Seventeen beef carcasses from cattle with a range of breeds, ages and body
      conditions were used in this trial. The four treatments applied to each carcass
      were control (C), electrical stimulation (ES), ageing for 28 days (A) and
      electrical stimulation plus ageing for 28 days (ES + A). Post-mortem muscle pH
      was measured at 0, 0.5, 4 and 24h post-stimulation. Significantly lower muscle pH
      values (P < 0.01) were achieved by the stimulated carcass side sompared to the
      unstimulated side at 0.5 (pH 6.47 vs. 6.91) and 4 h (pH 5.96 vs. 6.44) post
      stimulation. Warner-Bratzler shear and taste panel methods were used to assess
      the tenderness of Longissimus dorsi muscle samples from each of the four
      treatments. The ES, A and ES + A treatments were significantly more tender (P <
      0.01) than the control treatment. The ES and the A treatments resulted in a
      similar improvement in tenderness compared to the control. The ES + A treatment
      was significantly more tender (P < 0.01) than the ES treatment alone, but there
      was no significant difference in tenderness between the A and the ES + A
      treatments.

PMID- 22055301
TI  - The reduction of boar taint in male pigs by neonatal testosterone administration.
AB  - Ten neonatal male pigs were treated with 100 mg of testosterone propionate, and
      the effects of the treatment on endocrine function, carcass fatness, meat and fat
      composition were studied. No important changes were found in carcass fatness or
      in chemical composition of the M. longissimus dorsi. Fatty acid composition of
      the backfat was modified in the treated pigs, with a decrease in palmitoleic (P <
      0.001) and oleic (P < 0.05) acids and an increase in stearic acid (P < 0.05);
      consequently, the fat had a higher melting point (P < 0.05). Neonatal treatment
      with testosterone propionate led to a decrease in testicle weight (P < 0.05),
      testosterone concentration (P < 0.05) and luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion in
      the hypophysis (P < 0.001). Histological evidence of modification of the
      intertubular area in the testicle was found (P < 0.001). Decrease of endocrine
      secretion in the testes led to a reduction in the levels of detectable boar taint
      in treated animals, as assessed by sensory evaluation.

PMID- 22055302
TI  - Immersion chilling of hot cut, vacuum packed pork primals.
AB  - Hot-cutting and immersion chilling of pork was compared with a conventional air
      chilling process. The right sides of eight pig carcasses were cut into primals
      whilst hot, vacuum packed and chilled in sodium chloride brine at 0 degrees C,
      whilst the left sides were chilled conventionally in air at 0 degrees C and 1
      m/s, before being similarly cut and vacuum packed. The primals from both
      treatments were then stored in air at 0 degrees C for either 24h or 15 days post
      mortem. The immersion process achieved an average saving in weight loss of 1.9%
      after both storage periods, and took between 2.5 and 3.5 h less than the
      conventional process to reduce meat temperatures to 7 degrees C. It did, however,
      produce significantly tougher meat after 24 h, although not after 15 days.
      Sensory evaluation of odour and appearance suggested a reduced shelf-life and a
      darker meat coloration for immersion chilled pork.

PMID- 22055303
TI  - The influence of mechanically deboned meat and pH on the water-holding capacity
      and texture of emulsion type meat products.
AB  - The influence of the amount of mechanically deboned pork meat (MDM) on the
      quality of model 'Frankfurters' was studied, and the relationship between the pH
      of the blends versus the texture and water-holding capacity (WHC) of the finished
      products was investigated. In the experiments 2.9%, 5.8% and 11.6% pork loin were
      exchanged with MDM. It was found that addition of MDM increased the pH and the
      WHC, and that moderate addition of MDM resulted in greater yield stress and
      elasticity modulus, while higher concentrations of MDM resulted in very soft
      texture. The pH of the meat blends was very important for the functional
      properties of the pasteurized products. It made no difference whether pH was
      determined by the meat raw materials alone or adjusted through addition of NaOH
      or MDM.

PMID- 22055304
TI  - Establishing microbiological surveillance programmes at slaughterlines-A new
      concept of meat hygiene.
AB  - This paper examines the practical aspects of a concept for microbiological
      control of dressing operations on cattle slaughterlines. First, the spreading of
      Salmonella was examined. A total of 99 (3.66%) of the swab samples were positive.
      Cutting off the hooves and pre-skinning showed the highest recovery of
      Salmonella. A second survey included the detection of all the important groups of
      the surface microflora. The microbiological profiles of the carcasses were
      determined at the end of the slaughterline and after different stages of
      chilling. A consistently higher contamination was found statistically for the
      lateral surface of the carcasses and, within this area, the most contaminated
      sites were on the front quarter. The biometrical analysis revealed a significant
      interaction between contamination and site, and an indicator function of the
      total viable count (TVC) and the Enterobacteriaceae. The TVC (x  = 4.95/s = 0.34
      cfu/cm(2)) indicated a fairly good standard of slaughter hygiene. Correct
      chilling did not change the contamination rates very much. This increased
      contamination is a result of improper handling of the carcasses. The trends of
      both surveys demonstrate that, for cattle slaughter, the establishing of critical
      control points is a possible way for a plant to control the slaughterline.

PMID- 22055305
TI  - Prevention of dark-cutting (DFD) beef in penned bulls at the abattoir.
AB  - There is a large body of evidence indicating that activities associated with
      regrouping of bulls before slaughter, which leads to physical exhaustion mainly
      from mounting, are primary factors inducing dark-cutting (DFD) in beef. The aim
      of this study was to test several methods to control activity when regrouping
      cannot be avoided. Fifty bulls previously individually tied for at least 16
      months were drafted into groups of five animals and released in a pen at the
      abattoir. After 18 to 22 h they were slaughtered. According to environmental
      conditions in the pen, the bulls were divided into four groups: Control group (n
      = 10, no experimentation); Electricity group (n = 10, an electric fence was
      constructed above the pen so that a mounting bull would receive an electric
      shock); Darkness group (n = 10, the whole stall was in darkness); and Combination
      group (n = 20, both treatments, of the electricity and darkness groups were
      applied). During the first hour of penning the behaviour of the bulls was
      videorecorded. After slaughter meat quality characteristics were measured. Dark
      cutting was found in Control (70%), Electricity (30%) and Darkness (70%) groups,
      but not in the Combination group (0%). No treatment altered the repertoire of
      agonistic activity, but under the combined treatments the number of agonistic
      interactions was significantly lower than in any other group.

PMID- 22055306
TI  - The determination of hydroxyproline in meat using gas chromatography-mass
      spectrometry.
AB  - A method is described for the determination of 4-hydroxyproline in meat using gas
      chromatography-mass spectrometry. The amino acid is converted into its N(O)
      trifluoroacetyl n-propyl ester, gas chromatography being carried out with the
      mass spectrometer in the selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode giving high
      sensitivity and selectivity for the hydroxyproline derivative.

PMID- 22055307
TI  - Response of bovine muscles to direct high voltage electrical stimuli.
AB  - Left sides of beef carcasses were stimulated (ES) using multiple-contact
      electrodes for both the positive and negative electrodes. These electrodes were
      attached to the carcass side in the neck and shoulder (arm) region (positive
      electrodes) and the hindquarter (round) region (negative electrodes). Stimulation
      was generated using 600 V, 60 Hz, 2.8 A alternating current for a duration of 2
      min (impulses: 2 s on and 2 s off). Right sides served as controls. Carcass sides
      were chilled at 2 degrees C. Stimulated sides showed a more rapid pH fall during
      the first 5 h post-stimulation in the longissimus dorsi, semimembranosus,
      semitendinosus, biceps femoris and triceps brachii (long head) muscles. Lower
      shear values for muscles in direct contact with the ES electrodes were observed
      compared to controls, except in the case of the semitendinosus muscle, where no
      difference was found. Data from the present study suggest that muscles, which
      quite often do not respond to ES and do not exhibit an improvement in tenderness,
      perhaps because they may not be located in the current pathway, can show
      improvements in tenderness if the current is distributed in the direction of
      these muscles. However, a muscle's response to the electrical stimuli, with the
      accompanying rapid decline in pH, does not necessarily ensure a significant
      improvement in tenderness.

PMID- 22055308
TI  - Jugular blood flow in calves after head-only electrical stunning and throat
      cutting.
AB  - Jugular flow was measured after head-only electrical stunning and gash cutting in
      12 calves less than a week old. Jugular flow was assumed to provide a crude
      measure of cerebral perfusion during exsanguination. In 10 animals the average
      amount of jugular blood collected within 1-2 min of throat-cutting was the
      equivalent of a total cerebral blood flow of 3.6 ml/min/100 g +/- 1.4 SD or 4.8%
      of normal. In two animals the jugular flow was increased to 39% and 22% of normal
      cerebral flow. All animals had strong retrograde flow from the head ends of the
      cut carotid arteries. The dynamics of cerebral blood perfusion are discussed with
      reference to systemic arterial blood pressure and spontaneous cortical electrical
      activity, and some potentially fruitful areas of research on the humaneness of
      halal slaughter of cattle are proposed.

PMID- 22055309
TI  - Photosensitized degradation of caffeine: role of fulvic acids and nitrate.
AB  - The photolysis of caffeine was studied in solutions of fulvic acid isolated from
      Suwannee River, GA (SRFA) and Old Woman Creek Natural Estuarine Research Reserve,
      OH (OWCFA) with different chemical amendments (nitrate and iron). Caffeine
      degrades slowly by direct photolysis (>170 h in artificial sunlight), but we
      observed enhanced photodegradation in waters containing the fulvic acids. At
      higher initial concentrations (10 MUM) the indirect photolysis of caffeine occurs
      predominantly through reaction with the hydroxyl radical (OHi) generated by
      irradiated fulvic acids. Both rate constant estimates based upon measured OHi
      steady-state concentrations and quenching studies using isopropanol corroborate
      the importance of this pathway. Further, OHi generated by irradiated nitrate at
      concentrations present in wastewater effluent plays an important role as a
      photosensitizer even in the presence of fulvic acids, while the photo-Fenton
      pathway does not at neutral or higher pH. At lower initial concentrations (0.1
      MUM) caffeine photolysis reactions proceed even more quickly in fulvic acid
      solutions and are influenced by both short- and long-lived reactive species.
      Studies conducted under suboxic conditions suggest that an oxygen dependent long
      lived radical e.g., peroxyl radicals plays an important role in the degradation
      of caffeine at lower initial concentration.

PMID- 22055310
TI  - Sorption comparison between phenanthrene and its degradation intermediates, 9,10
      phenanthrenequinone and 9-phenanthrol in soils/sediments.
AB  - The degradation intermediates of phenanthrene (PHE) may have increased health
      risks to organisms than PHE. Therefore, environmental fate and risk assessment
      studies should take into considerations of PHE degradation products. This study
      compared the sorption properties of PHE and its degradation intermediates, 9,10
      phenanthrenequinone (PQN) and 9-phenanthrol (PTR) in soils, sediments and soil
      components. A relationship between organic carbon content (f(OC)) and single
      point sorption coefficient (logK(d)) was observed for all three chemicals in 10
      soils/sediments. The large intercept in the logf(OC)-logK(d) regression for PTR
      indicated that inorganic fractions control PTR sorption in soils/sediments. No
      relationship between specific surface area and K(d) was observed. This result
      indicated that determination of surface area based on gas sorption could not
      identify surface properties for PHE, PQN, and PTR sorption and thus provide limit
      information on sorption mechanisms. The high sorption and strong nonlinearity
      (low n values) of PTR in comparison to PHE suggested that the mobility of PTR
      could be lower than PHE. Increased mobility of PQN compared with PHE may be
      expected in soils/sediments because of PQN lower sorption. The varied sorption
      properties of the three chemicals suggested that their environmental risks should
      be assessed differently.

PMID- 22055311
TI  - Occurrence and accumulation patterns of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and
      synthetic musk compounds in adipose tissues of Korean females.
AB  - Very few studies have reported on the occurrence and accumulation profiles of
      polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and synthetic musk compounds (SMCs) in
      human adipose tissue. In this study, concentrations of PAHs and SMCs in adipose
      tissues collected from Korean women in 2007 and 2008 were determined. Total
      concentrations of PAHs and SMCs in adipose tissues ranged from 15 to 361 (mean:
      119) ngg(-1) lipid weight and from 38 to 253 (mean: 106) ngg(-1) lipid weight,
      respectively. Concentrations of SMCs in Korean adipose tissues were lower than
      those reported for European countries and the United States. Naphthalene was the
      most predominant PAH and HHCB was the dominant SMC found in adipose tissues. The
      concentrations of PAHs and SMCs were not correlated with each other, suggesting
      that the sources of human exposure to these two classes of compounds are
      different. No correlation was found between donor's age and residue levels of
      PAHs and SMCs. The results of this study provide baseline information on exposure
      of PAHs and SMCs to the general population in Korea.

PMID- 22055312
TI  - A comparison of exposure methods for SPME-based bioavailability estimates.
AB  - The ability of polydimethlysiloxane coated solid phase microextraction (SPME)
      fibers to predict bioavailability has been documented for a number of species and
      compounds. There are also a variety of established methods for establishing SPME
      based bioavailability estimates; however, factors such as time until equilibrium
      and exposure regimen could affect fiber concentrations and have not yet been
      thoroughly tested. Exposure time may influence SPME fiber concentrations at
      equilibrium. Co-exposure of the fibers with different animals or the invertebrate
      species used could yield different estimates than those acquired using a shaker
      table system to achieve equilibrium between the sediment and SPME fibers. The
      current study examined the effects of time and exposure method (shaker table
      versus co-exposure with test species) on SPME fiber concentrations for two
      hydrophobic compounds: permethrin and p,p'-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene
      (DDE). An additional experiment with permethrin determined whether animal
      densities or fiber number influenced fiber concentrations. There were significant
      differences between the time required for SPME fibers to reach equilibrium when
      co-exposed with different species or separately, but fiber concentrations at
      equilibrium among treatments for both compounds were similar. Furthermore, among
      the 12 variations in species and fiber densities, there were no significant
      differences among treatments indicating that neither the route of exposure,
      animal density, nor fiber volume influenced SPME fiber estimates. This
      demonstrated that SPME fiber concentrations at equilibrium were not affected by
      exposure conditions, increasing their versatility in environmental assessments.

PMID- 22055313
TI  - Enrofloxacin oxidative degradation facilitated by metal oxide nanoparticles.
AB  - The activity of copper oxide, titanium carbide and silicon nitride nanoparticles
      for the oxidative degradation of environmentally relevant concentrations (MUg L(
      1) range) of enrofloxacin - an important veterinary antibiotic drug - in aqueous
      solutions was investigated. With hydrogen peroxide as an oxidative agent, both
      copper oxide and titanium carbide decrease the concentration of enrofloxacin by
      more than 90% over 12 h. Addition of sodium halide salts strongly increases the
      reaction rate of copper oxide nanoparticles. The mechanism for the formation of
      Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) was investigated by Electron Spin Resonance (ESR).

PMID- 22055314
TI  - Assessment of a process to degrade metal working fluids using Pseudomonas
      stutzeri CECT 930 and indigenous microbial consortia.
AB  - The development of a novel biological process to treat metal working fluids
      (MWFs)-containing effluents at bioreactor scale was pursued in this work. The
      bacteria Pseudomonas stutzeri CECT 930 was investigated for the first time as an
      alternative agent for MWF degradation. An adequate medium design and mixing and
      aeration system, as well as an appropriate microorganism proved to be crucial for
      reaching high levels of degradation by P. stutzeri and by an indigenous
      consortium (about 70% and 50% of reduction in total petroleum hydrocarbon content
      in less than 2 wk, respectively). Additionally, as there is no information in
      literature trying to kinetically characterize an MWF-polluted effluent
      degradation process, all the experimental data were fitted to logistic and
      Luedeking and Piret models, that allowed to elucidate the growth-associated
      character of the biodegradation process.

PMID- 22055315
TI  - Mechanochemical degradation of gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane by a planetary ball
      mill in the presence of CaO.
AB  - Although the use of the insecticide gamma-hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) is now
      prohibited in many countries because of its hazardousness, stockpiles of gamma
      HCH still exist. In this study, we subjected gamma-HCH to mechanochemical (MC)
      treatment with a planetary ball mill in the presence of CaO to investigate the
      feasibility of using this method for the treatment of gamma-HCH stockpiles. We
      confirmed the degradation of gamma-HCH and investigated the degradation
      mechanism. The major intermediates were identified to be 1,3,4,5,6
      pentachlorocyclohexene (gamma-PCCH) and chlorobenzenes (CBzs). Analysis of the
      steric structure of gamma-HCH and identification of the degradation intermediates
      suggested that successive dehydrochlorination led to the formation of
      trichlorobenzenes. Products of further degradation (dichlorobenzenes,
      monochlorobenzene, and benzene) were also detected. Surprisingly, methane and
      ethane were also detected, which suggests cleavage of the C-C bonds of the
      cyclohexane ring and hydrogenation. All of the chlorine atoms in the gamma-HCH
      could be transformed into inorganic chloride compounds by the MC treatment with
      CaO. Our results indicate that gamma-HCH can be completely dechlorinated by MC
      treatment.

PMID- 22055316
TI  - The microbiology of hot and conventionally deboned vacuum packed beef.
AB  - The mean numbers of aerobic bacteria were not significantly different from hot or
      cold, vacuum packed deboned beef, initially or on storage at 0 and 5 degrees C.
      This was observed for both the psychrotrophic (4 degrees C) and mesophilic (25
      degrees C) portions of the flora. It was possible to distinguish between the mean
      numbers of aerobes stored at 0 and 5 degrees C. There were significantly higher
      numbers of facultative anaerobes and, in particular, lactobacilli, on hot boned
      cuts and for the latter organisms the psychrotrophs were predominant. For B.
      thermosphacta, there was no difference between cuts from hot or cold deboned
      beef. An accurate estimate of the psychrotrophic flora could be obtained from the
      mesophilic counts.

PMID- 22055317
TI  - Effects of N-nitrosopyrrolidine, nitrite and pyrrolidine on tumour development in
      mice as related to ingestion of cured meat.
AB  - The incidence of tumours in mice fed a standard chow diet and given either N
      nitrosopyrrolidine (NPyr), nitrite (NO(2)) or nitrite plus pyrrolidine (NO(2) +
      Pyr) in the drinking water for 12 months at 100mg, 1 g and 1 g plus 100mg/litre,
      respectively, was compared with that for a control group (C) receiving no
      additives. Differences between groups in weight gain and feed consumption were
      not significant. Group 3 (NO(2)) drank less water (P < 0.05) than those in groups
      1 (C) and 2 (NPyr). Water intake of mice in group 4 (NO(2) + Pyr) did not differ
      from that of any of the other three groups. Survival rates were: 94% (C), 80%
      (NPyr), 92% (NO(2)) and 83% (NO(2) + Pyr); but the differences were not
      statistically significant. Gross examination upon autopsy revealed that the
      incidence of all tumours in group 2 (NPyr) was 10- to 20-fold higher than that in
      any other group. Histological examination confirmed that NPyr induced more (P <
      0.05) malignant tumours in liver and lungs with any other treatment; otherwise
      there were no significant differences. Results indicated that NO(2) + Pyr
      (nitrite plus a secondary amine) did not increase the frequency of carcinogenic
      tumours in mice.

PMID- 22055318
TI  - Ca(2+)-activated protease in stored muscle.
AB  - To establish the role of Ca(2+)-activated protease (CAF) in meat tenderness, the
      properties of CAF extracted from stored muscle, and the effects of CAF on the
      ultrastructure of myofibrils under the conditions obtaining in stored muscle were
      studied. The yield and activity of crude CAF extracted from stored muscle were
      higher than that from muscle immediately post mortem, but no difference of the
      enzymic properties (time course of activity, pH dependence and Ca(2+) dependence)
      was observed between the two preparations. An electron microscopic study of the
      effects of CAF on myofibril structure indicated that CAF was active under the
      conditions actually obtaining in stored muscle. From the results obtained in this
      paper, it was confirmed that the CAF had an important role in meat tenderness.

PMID- 22055319
TI  - The analysis of protein in fresh meats using pulsed NMR.
AB  - The protein content of fresh meats was estimated using a pulsed nuclear magnetic
      resonance (NMR) spectrometer in conjunction with an alkali copper relaxation
      reagent. The standard deviations on all meat samples, which differed widely in
      fat content, were less than 0.5% in protein. A single calibration line, with a
      correlation coefficient of 0.999, was obtained using three lean meats. This
      calibration sufficed to determine the protein content of three meats with a high
      fat content, the results of which were in close agreement with the corresponding
      Kjeldahl values.

PMID- 22055320
TI  - Pathways of high and low voltage electrical stimulation in sheep carcasses.
AB  - Using the neuromuscular blocking agent, curare, the involvement of the nervous
      system in the transmission of high (850 V peak) and low voltage (45 V peak)
      electrical stimulation in sheep carcasses was studied. Post-mortem metabolism in
      the Longissimus dorsi, Semitendinosus and Semimembranosus muscles was followed by
      measuring changes in pH, adenosine triphosphate, creatine phosphate, inorganic
      phosphate and hexose monophosphate. Stimulation was considered to be effective if
      it accelerated glycolysis. Low voltage stimulation of glycolysis was completely
      inhibited by curare, indicating that a functional nervous system is required for
      effective stimulation by low voltages. In contrast, high voltage stimulation of
      glycolysis was not affected by curare, indicating that high voltages exert their
      effect by depolarising the cell membrane directly.

PMID- 22055321
TI  - Rate of freezing effect on the colour of frozen beef liver.
AB  - One problem that arises when freezing liver in plate freezers in the whitish
      colour acquired by the liver surface when subjected to high freezing rates. The
      purpose of this paper aims to establish optimum operating conditions for freezing
      beef liver pieces in a minimum time while maintaining an acceptable colour on the
      surface. Samples were subjected to different freezing rates and minimum surface
      freezing time was established in order to obtain an acceptable colour. This was
      quantified in terms of lightness using a surface colorimeter. Histological
      analysis of the samples showed that the size of the ice crystals formed on the
      contact surface with the coolant is the factor that determines the changes in
      colour as a result of diffused light reflection phenomena. On the basis of
      mathematical heat transfer models with simultaneous change of phase, the minimum
      characteristic surface freezing time was related to the process operating
      variables (initial temperature of the liver, coolant temperature, interfacial
      heat transfer resistance, thickness of the piece), and the optimum freezing
      conditions were determined, reducing total processing times to a minimum.

PMID- 22055323
TI  - Thornton's meat hygiene by J. F. Gracey. Bailliere Tindall, 7th edn. 436 pp., 106
      Figures, 23 Tables, 4 colour plates. 1981. Price: L18.00.

PMID- 22055322
TI  - Predicting cutability of packer-trimmed pork loins.
AB  - This study explored the possibility of determining retail yields of packer
      trimmed pork loins by the use of either a swine backfat probe or the Hennessy and
      Chong Fat Depth Indicator. The standard deviation for retail yield in this study
      was 3.82. Regression equations developed to predict percentages of retail yield
      from pork loins produced residual standard deviations that ranged from 4.20 to
      2.94. Low to intermediate relationships were found between fatness measurements
      and percentages of fat-free lean from packer-trimmed pork loins. Prediction
      equations utilising the Fat Depth Indicator predicted retail yield percentages
      with greater precision than did a swine backfat probe (2.94 versus 3.33,
      respectively).

PMID- 22055324
TI  - The problem of dark-cutting beef Edited by D. E. Hood and D. V. Tarrant. Martinus
      Nijhoff, Publishers BV, The Hague, The Netherlands. xi + 504 pp. 1981. Price:
      US$43.

PMID- 22055325
TI  - Meat, poultry and seafood technology, recent developments, food technology review
      no. 56 by E. Karmas. Noyes Data Corporation, Park Ridge, New Jersey. xv + 427 pp.
      1982. Price not quoted.

PMID- 22055327
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 22055328
TI  - Ultrasound for low temperature dyeing of wool with acid dye.
AB  - The possibility of reducing the temperature of conventional wool dyeing with an
      acid levelling dye using ultrasound was studied in order to reach exhaustion
      values comparable to those obtained with the standard procedure at 98  degrees C,
      obtaining dyed samples of good quality. The aim was to develop a laboratory
      method that could be transferred at industrial level, reducing both the energy
      consumption and fiber damage caused by the prolonged exposure to high temperature
      without the use of polluting auxiliary agents. Dyeings of wool fabrics were
      carried out in the temperature range between 60  degrees C and 80  degrees C
      using either mechanical or ultrasound agitation of the bath and coupling the two
      methods to compare the results. For each dyeing, the exhaustion curves of the dye
      bath were determined and the better results of dyeing kinetics were obtained with
      ultrasound coupled with mechanical stirring. Hence the corresponding half dyeing
      times, absorption rate constants according to Cegarra-Puente modified equation
      and ultrasonic efficiency were calculated in comparison with mechanical stirring
      alone. In the presence of ultrasound the absorption rate constants increased by
      at least 50%, at each temperature, confirming the synergic effect of sonication
      on the dyeing kinetics. Moreover the apparent activation energies were also
      evaluated and the positive effect of ultrasound was ascribed to the pre
      exponential factor of the Arrhenius equation. It was also shown that the effect
      of ultrasound at 60  degrees C was just on the dye bath, practically unaffecting
      the wool fiber surface, as confirmed by the results of SEM analysis. Finally,
      fastness tests to rubbing and domestic laundering yielded good values for samples
      dyed in ultrasound assisted process even at the lower temperature. These results
      suggest the possibility, thanks to the use of ultrasound, to obtain a well
      equalized dyeing on wool working yet at 60 degrees C, a temperature process
      strongly lower than 98 degrees C, currently used in industry, which damages the
      mechanical properties of the fibers.

PMID- 22055329
TI  - Mental health, substance use and intimate partner problems among pregnant and
      postpartum suicide victims in the National Violent Death Reporting System.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Suicide during pregnancy and postpartum is a tragic event for the
      victim and profoundly impacts the baby, the family and the community. Prior
      efforts to study risks for pregnancy-associated suicide have been hampered by the
      lack of data sources which capture pregnancy and delivery status of victims.
      Introduction of the United States National Violent Death Reporting System (NVDRS)
      offers new insights into violent deaths by linking multiple data sources and
      allowing better examination of psychosocial risk factors. METHODS: The analysis
      used data from 17 states reporting to the NVDRS from 2003 to 2007 to evaluate
      suicide patterns among pregnant, postpartum, and nonpregnant or postpartum women.
      Demographic factors, mental health status, substance use, precipitating
      circumstances, intimate partner problems and suicide methods were compared among
      groups. RESULTS: The 2083 female suicide victims of reproductive age demonstrated
      high prevalence of existing mental health diagnosis and current depressed mood,
      with depressed mood significantly higher among postpartum women. Substance use
      and presence of other precipitating factors were high and similar among groups.
      Intimate partner problems were higher among pregnant and postpartum victims.
      Postpartum women were more likely to die via asphyxia as cause of death compared
      to poisoning or firearms. CONCLUSIONS: These findings describe important mental
      health, substance use and intimate partner problems seen with pregnancy
      associated suicide. The study highlights mental health risk factors which could
      potentially be targeted for intervention in this vulnerable population.

PMID- 22055330
TI  - Hidden depression in otolaryngology patients with medically unexplained symptoms.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of depression among otolaryngology
      patients with medically unexplained symptoms (MUS) and the outcome of treatment
      with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). METHOD: Ninety patients
      with MUS from a population of 983 consecutive otolaryngology outpatients were
      enrolled. The Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) was used to screen for
      depression. In addition to standard treatment, all depressed and nondepressed
      patients received SSRIs for 8 weeks. The Clinical Global Impression-Improvement
      (CGI-I) scale was used to evaluate clinical changes in patients with MUS.
      RESULTS: There were 49 patients with depression among those with MUS, according
      to the SDS criteria. The patients with depression showed a better outcome than
      those without depression, demonstrating more significantly improved CGI-I scores.
      CONCLUSION: More than half of the individuals with otolaryngological MUS had
      depression, and their MUS were successfully treated with SSRIs.

PMID- 22055331
TI  - Three-year mortality of delirium among elderly inpatients in consultation-liaison
      service.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to assess 3-year mortality in delirious
      patients receiving consultation-liaison service in a general hospital setting.
      METHODS: We consecutively enrolled inpatients 65 years of age and older that were
      referred for psychiatric consultation (N=614) from 2002 to 2006. One hundred and
      seventy-two patients were diagnosed with delirium. The exact date of death was
      based on the registration data from the Department of Health, Executive Yuan, in
      Taiwan and was used to calculate the mortality rate and time to death (days)
      after psychiatric consultation. Furthermore, the 1-year, 2-year and 3-year
      mortality rates of delirious patients were compared to mortality rates of
      nondelirious patients. Factors (e.g., age, length of hospital stay, gender,
      physical illness, use of antipsychotics) were analyzed by using the Cox
      proportional hazard model to identify possible associations with mortality.
      RESULTS: Delirious patients had a higher mortality rate each year than
      nondelirious patients. After analysis, 1-year mortality was significantly higher
      in the delirious group than in the nondelirious group (P=.043), but 2-year and 3
      year mortality rates were not significantly different when comparing the
      delirious and nondelirious groups (P=.149; P=.439). In the Cox proportional
      hazard regression analysis, 1-year mortality in delirious patients was
      significantly associated with older age and length of hospital stay (P<.001), but
      not with gender, physical comorbidity or use of antipsychotics. CONCLUSION: These
      results suggest that elderly delirious inpatients in psychiatric consultation
      service had significantly higher mortality than nondelirious inpatients,
      especially in the first year after consultation. Clinical physicians should pay
      close attention to delirious patients, especially those with mortality-related
      risk factors, in order to reduce mortality in these patients.

PMID- 22055332
TI  - The diagnostic challenge of frontotemporal dementia in psychiatric patients: a
      case report.
AB  - Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is often misdiagnosed early in the clinical course
      and may be confused with primary psychiatric disorders. This is especially true
      when patients have a psychiatric history. In this report, we describe a case that
      illustrates the diagnostic challenge of FTD in a patient with a history of
      obsessive-compulsive disorder.

PMID- 22055333
TI  - Cytokine changes in the pathophysiology of poststroke depression.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Poststroke depression (PSD) is a frequent psychiatric sequela after
      stroke, and its influence is detrimental. However, the etiology of PSD is still
      not clear. Although many studies have indicated that immune dysregulation plays
      an important role in the pathophysiology of depression, it is still unknown if
      PSD involves the same mechanism. Thus, the current study objectives were to
      evaluate whether there were cytokine changes when patients with ischemic stroke
      suffered from PSD. METHOD: We included ischemic stroke patients without
      depression when the stroke occurred and followed them for 1 year. The Hamilton
      Depression Rating Scale score and cytokines were assessed at baseline and at the
      1st, 3rd, 6th, 9th and 12th months after stroke. RESULTS: One hundred four
      patients with ischemic stroke participated and completed the study, and 12
      suffered from PSD during the 1-year study period. There were significant
      increases in the cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), tumor
      necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and interferon-gamma, and the ratios of IL-6/IL
      10 and TNF-alpha/IL-10 were also elevated. Interleukin-1beta was too low to show
      any difference. CONCLUSION: Our study suggested that immune imbalance plays a
      possible role in the pathophysiology of PSD and that IL-6 and TNF-alpha are key
      cytokines.

PMID- 22055334
TI  - Propranolol in yawning prophylaxis: a case report.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Yawning is a frequent behavior with circadian effects. Sometimes, its
      frequency is very high and it is disturbing. However, there is no evidence-based
      treatment for yawning. METHOD: This is a case report of a man with severe yawning
      from about 2 years ago. RESULTS: Yawning reduced after taking propranolol.
      CONCLUSION: Current evidence suggests that propranolol may decrease yawning
      through its thermoregulation effect. It is worthwhile conducting controlled
      clinical trials to study whether propranolol is an effective treatment for
      yawning.

PMID- 22055336
TI  - Normative fetal brain growth by quantitative in vivo magnetic resonance imaging.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to characterize total and regional
      volumetric brain growth in healthy fetuses during the second and third trimesters
      of pregnancy, using an automated method. STUDY DESIGN: We developed and validated
      an automated method to quantify global and regional in vivo brain volumes using
      fetal magnetic resonance imaging. We then computed the percentage of growth for
      each brain structure in a cohort of 64 healthy fetuses (25.4-36.6 weeks'
      gestational age). RESULTS: The cerebellum demonstrated the greatest maturation
      rate, with a 4-fold increase (384%) in volume between 25.4 and 36.6 weeks, and a
      relative growth rate of 12.87% per week. Both total brain and cerebral volumes
      increased by 230% and brain stem volume by 134% over the same gestational age
      period. Conversely, lateral ventricular volume decreased by 4.18% per week.
      CONCLUSION: The availability and ongoing validation of normative fetal brain
      growth trajectories will provide important tools for early detection of impaired
      fetal brain growth upon which to manage high-risk pregnancies.

PMID- 22055337
TI  - Is comprehensive surgical staging needed for thorough evaluation of early-stage
      ovarian carcinoma?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Patients with ovarian cancer may have occult metastasis at the time of
      surgery. Our purpose was to determine the prevalence and sites of occult
      metastasis in epithelial ovarian cancer grossly confined to the ovary and examine
      the significance of routine omentectomy and peritoneal biopsies as part of a
      comprehensive staging procedure. STUDY DESIGN: Data were retrospectively
      abstracted from patients presenting to University of Texas Southwestern Medical
      Center Hospitals from 1993 through 2009 with ovarian cancer without gross spread
      beyond the ovary who underwent comprehensive surgical staging. RESULTS: A total
      of 86 patients with ovarian cancer grossly confined to the ovary who underwent
      complete surgical staging were identified. Of patients, 29% were upstaged
      following comprehensive surgical staging; 6% had metastatic disease in uterus
      and/or fallopian tubes, 6% in lymph nodes, and 17% in peritoneal, omental, or
      adhesion biopsies. CONCLUSION: Patients with epithelial ovarian cancer should
      continue to undergo comprehensive surgical staging, since it identifies occult
      metastasis in a significant number of patients.

PMID- 22055338
TI  - Can placental growth factor in maternal circulation identify fetuses with
      placental intrauterine growth restriction?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We investigated whether decreased concentrations of placental growth
      factor (PlGF) in maternal circulation differentiated placental intrauterine
      growth restriction (IUGR) from constitutionally small fetuses. Excluding
      congenital syndromes, infection, and aneuploidy, we assumed IUGR with an abnormal
      placental pathology to be of placental origin. STUDY DESIGN: The study design
      included a single site, case-control study of 16 cases (9 placental IUGR, 7
      constitutionally small) and 79 normal controls with singleton pregnancies. Plasma
      PlGF was measured by Triage PlGF immunoassay according to the product insert. A
      positive PlGF test was defined as a concentration less than the fifth percentile
      for gestational age for normal pregnancy. RESULTS: A positive PlGF test was found
      in 9 of 9 placental IUGR cases, 1 of 7 constitutionally small fetuses, and 4 of
      79 controls (P < .0001). PlGF identified placental IUGR from constitutionally
      small fetuses with 100% sensitivity and 86% specificity (P = .0009). CONCLUSION:
      These preliminary data suggest PlGF may identify placental IUGR antenatally.

PMID- 22055339
TI  - Naproxen or estradiol for bleeding and spotting with the levonorgestrel
      intrauterine system: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether oral naproxen or
      transdermal estradiol decreases bleeding and spotting in women who are initiating
      the levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine system. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a
      randomized controlled trial of naproxen, estradiol, or placebo that was
      administered over the first 12 weeks of levonorgestrel-releasing intrauterine
      system use. Participants completed a written bleeding diary. We imputed missing
      values and performed an intention-to-treat analysis. RESULTS: There were 129
      women who were assigned randomly to naproxen (n = 42 women), estradiol (n = 44
      women), or placebo (n = 43 women). The naproxen group was more likely to be in
      the lowest quartile of bleeding and spotting days compared with placebo (42.9% vs
      16.3%; P = .03). In the multivariable analysis, the naproxen group had a 10%
      reduction in bleeding and spotting days (adjusted relative risk, 0.90; 95%
      confidence interval, 0.84-0.97) compared with placebo. More frequent bleeding and
      spotting was observed in the estradiol group (adjusted relative risk, 1.25; 95%
      confidence interval, 1.17-1.34). CONCLUSION: The administration of naproxen
      resulted in a reduction in bleeding and spotting days compared with placebo.

PMID- 22055340
TI  - Exhausting attentional tracking resources with a single fast-moving object.
AB  - Driving on a busy road, eluding a group of predators, or playing a team sport
      involves keeping track of multiple moving objects. In typical laboratory tasks,
      the number of visual targets that humans can track is about four. Three types of
      theories have been advanced to explain this limit. The fixed-limit theory posits
      a set number of attentional pointers available to follow objects. Spatial
      interference theory proposes that when targets are near each other, their
      attentional spotlights mutually interfere. Resource theory asserts that a limited
      resource is divided among targets, and performance reflects the amount available
      per target. Utilising widely separated objects to avoid spatial interference, the
      present experiments validated the predictions of resource theory. The fastest
      target speed at which two targets could be tracked was much slower than the
      fastest speed at which one target could be tracked. This speed limit for tracking
      two targets was approximately that predicted if at high speeds, only a single
      target could be tracked. This result cannot be accommodated by the fixed-limit or
      interference theories. Evidently a fast target, if it moves fast enough, can
      exhaust attentional resources.

PMID- 22055341
TI  - Soluble CXCL16 and long-term outcome in acute ischemic stroke.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: CXCL16 is a chemokine involved in atherosclerosis by promoting
      inflammation, lipid accumulation and matrix degradation. The level of circulating
      CXCL16 has been proposed as a predictor of long-term mortality in acute coronary
      syndromes. We studied plasma CXCL16 in acute ischemic stroke and examined
      associations with long-term mortality following the acute event. METHODS: CXCL16
      samples were obtained from 244 patients with acute ischemic stroke (age: 69+/-13
      years) daily from presentation to day 5 and at half a year after the stroke.
      Patients with overt ischemic heart disease and atrial fibrillation were excluded.
      The patients were followed for 47 months, with all-cause and cardiovascular (CV)
      mortality as end-points. RESULTS: At follow-up, 72 patients had died with 43 due
      to CV causes. Plasma CXCL16 was stably elevated in the first days after the acute
      event followed by a marked decrease after 6 months. In patients who subsequently
      suffered an adverse outcome, CXCL16 levels at 4 days after the initial event were
      elevated and were moderately associated with mortality. The increase in CXCL16
      from day 1 to 4 was a predictor for all-cause and, in particular, CV mortality
      even after adjustment in the multivariate analysis for established risk factors
      such as age, the presence of heart/renal failure, troponin, C-reactive protein
      and stroke severity. CONCLUSIONS: An increase in plasma CXCL16 during the first
      days after the initial event is associated with an adverse outcome in patients
      with acute ischemic stroke, supporting the potential pathogenic role of CXCL16 in
      atherosclerosis and vascular remodelling as well as their major clinical
      consequences.

PMID- 22055342
TI  - Properties and characteristics of P(VDF/TrFE) transducers manufactured by a
      solution casting method for use in the MHz-range ultrasound in air.
AB  - Highly effective piezoelectric polymer transducers operating in air at high
      frequencies have been successfully made by casting a solution of ferroelectric
      poly(vinylidene fluoride-co-trifluoroethylene) P(VDF/TrFE) directly on a backing
      metal plate, and their performance has been evaluated. By utilizing this method,
      it has been possible to develop the three kinds of transducers that operate
      respectively at 4, 6 and 10MHz in air. For precise evaluation of the performance
      of the P(VDF/TrFE) transducers, the absorption loss in air was measured up to
      10MHz. It was confirmed that the empirical formula obtained from the measured
      absorption values in air at high frequencies was in alignment with its
      theoretical value. In addition, a high lateral resolution acoustic image of a ROM
      Chip (amplitude-image) at 6MHz in air was successfully displayed using an air
      coupled concave type P(VDF/TrFE) transducer by bonding an epoxy adhesive.

PMID- 22055343
TI  - Binary regulation of Hippo pathway by Merlin/NF2, Kibra, Lgl, and Melted
      specifies and maintains postmitotic neuronal fate.
AB  - Patterning the Drosophila retina for color vision relies on postmitotic
      specification of photoreceptor subtypes. R8 photoreceptors express one of two
      light-sensing Rhodopsins, Rh5 or Rh6. This fate decision involves a bistable
      feedback loop between Melted, a PH-domain protein, and Warts, a kinase in the
      Hippo growth pathway. Here, we show that a subset of the Hippo pathway-Merlin,
      Kibra, and Lethal(2)giant larvae (Lgl), but not Expanded or Fat-is required for
      Warts expression and activity in R8 to specify Rh6 fate. Melted represses warts
      transcription to disrupt Hippo pathway activity and specify Rh5 fate. Therefore,
      R8 Hippo signaling exhibits ON-or-OFF regulation, promoting mutually exclusive
      fates. Furthermore, Merlin and Lgl are continuously required to maintain R8
      neuronal subtypes. These results reveal roles for Merlin, Kibra, and Lgl in
      neuronal specification and maintenance and show that the Hippo pathway is
      reimplemented for sensory neuron fate by combining canonical and noncanonical
      regulatory steps.

PMID- 22055345
TI  - Compounds determining pH in dry sausage.
AB  - The relative importance of various compounds determining pH in dry sausage was
      investigated using 'multiple linear regression' analysis. Analytical data were
      obtained for the concentrations of water, lactate, ammonia, acetate, alpha-amino
      nitrogen and salt related to sausage crude protein, using 55 different brands of
      dry sausage. The pH (Y) was significantly related to water, ammonia and lactate
      concentrations as follows: Y = 4.317 - 1.152X(1) + 0.751X(2) where X(1) =
      log(H(2)O) and X(2) = [log (ammonia)/(lactate) . 100] with (H(2)O) expressed as
      g/100g crude protein and (lactate) and (ammonia) as mmoles/100 g crude protein.
      The results suggest that the increase in pH often observed in the later stages of
      ripening is related to a decrease in electrolyte dissociation and/or an increase
      in the concentration of buffering proteins as well as to the formation of
      ammonia.

PMID- 22055346
TI  - Effect of body fat distribution on the fatty acid composition of the depot fat of
      cattle.
AB  - The influence of liveweight, total carcass fat and the amount of fat at five
      specific anatomical locations on the fatty acid composition of the depot fat of
      adult ruminants was examined. The total carcassfat and the amount offat at
      specific locations seem to affect the fatty acid composition significantly. No
      important significant correlation between liveweight and fatty acid composition
      was found. There was an increase in odd, even and branched chain fatty acids, and
      a decrease in linoleic acid, with increase in animal age.

PMID- 22055344
TI  - Autophagy proteins regulate the secretory component of osteoclastic bone
      resorption.
AB  - Osteoclasts resorb bone via the ruffled border, whose complex folds are generated
      by secretory lysosome fusion with bone-apposed plasma membrane. Lysosomal fusion
      with the plasmalemma results in acidification of the resorptive microenvironment
      and release of CatK to digest the organic matrix of bone. The means by which
      secretory lysosomes are directed to fuse with the ruffled border are enigmatic.
      We show that proteins essential for autophagy, including Atg5, Atg7, Atg4B, and
      LC3, are important for generating the osteoclast ruffled border, the secretory
      function of osteoclasts, and bone resorption in vitro and in vivo. Further, Rab7,
      which is required for osteoclast function, localizes to the ruffled border in an
      Atg5-dependent manner. Thus, autophagy proteins participate in polarized
      secretion of lysosomal contents into the extracellular space by directing
      lysosomes to fuse with the plasma membrane. These findings are in keeping with a
      putative link between autophagy genes and human skeletal homeostasis.

PMID- 22055347
TI  - Dendritic growth of ice crystals during the freezing of beef.
AB  - The morphology adopted by ice in frozen tissues is accepted as one of the factors
      responsible for freezing damage. For this reason ice nucleation and growing
      mechanisms have been extensively studied. However, under the conditions used in
      the industry, where important temperature gradients exist, the classical analysis
      of nucleation and growth, depending on the supercooling, is complicated by the
      dendritic growth of crystals as well as by the possibility of the location of the
      ice crystal inside or outside the cells. In the present paper experiments which
      verify the existence of dendritic ice growth during the freezing of beef are
      described. The dendritic growth rate of ice in beef is measured as a function of
      the supercooling and an analysis of the expected mechanism, according to freezing
      conditions, is also provided.

PMID- 22055348
TI  - Variation in the carcass characteristics of commercial british sheep with
      particular reference to overfatness.
AB  - Classification records for 136,000 sheep carcasses, a1 in 20 sample of those
      classified by the Meat and Livestock Commission in 1977, were used to examine the
      variation in weight, fatness and conformation of commercial British sheep.
      Overall mean carcass weight was 17.4 kg. Mean subcutaneous fat percentage in
      carcass (SF(e)) was estimated from the distribution of carcasses between fat
      classifications. Overall SF(e) was 11.3% and the regression of SF(e) on carcass
      weight was 0.44 %/kg. There were important differences in the characteristics of
      carcasses from abattoirs in different regions of the country: carcass weights
      ranged from 15.5 kg (Wales) to 23.4 kg (north of Scotland). Lambs slaughtered in
      the north of Scotland were also fattest (mean SF(e) = 13.9). The classification
      records were used together with results from MLC dissection studies to estimate
      excess fat production nationally. On the assumption that the consumer eats five
      parts lean to one part fat, excess carcass fat production from lambs and hoggets
      in 1977 was estimated to be 25,000 t.

PMID- 22055349
TI  - Vacuum-packaging of bovine edible offal.
AB  - Edible offals are relatively perishable and may be frozen before leaving the
      abattoir, commanding a lower price on the wholesale market than fresh offals.
      Investigations are described in which a range of offals was vacuum-packaged in an
      effort to extend the shelf-life of the fresh material. Several visits to two
      abattoirs revealed that their offals after chilling were generally of rather poor
      microbiological quality, partly due to handling practices and, in one abattoir,
      to inadequate chilling. Reductions in the initial microbial load on hearts and
      tongues were achieved by immersion in water at 90 degrees C, or with 100 ppm free
      chlorine or 1 % (v/v) lactic acid. However, these treatments offered no advantage
      over good production methods in extending the safe storage period in the vacuum
      package. When offals produced under normal conditions were vacuum-packaged a
      storage period of 2-3 weeks at 1 degrees C +/- 1 degrees  was achieved which
      allowed a subsequent shelf-life of 3-4 days in air at 4 degrees C. Offals
      produced with low initial numbers of contaminants gave the possibility of 1-2
      weeks longer in the vacuum-package. A detailed investigation of the organisms
      growing on vacuum-packaged liver showed that a lactic flora developed during
      storage, but this did not inhibit potential spoilage organisms such as
      Pseudomonas or Alteromonas.

PMID- 22055350
TI  - Carbon-13 pulsed fourier transform nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic
      determination of 4-hydroxy-l-proline in meat-comparison with the colorimetric
      method.
AB  - The 4-hydroxy-l-proline content of a variety of meats and meat products was
      determined both by carbon-13 pulsed Fourier transform nuclear magnetic resonance
      (FTNMR) spectroscopy and by a traditional colorimetric method. These two
      fundamentally different methods gave results which were in good agreement; both
      methods require chemically free 4-hydroxy-l-proline from hydrolysis which is the
      time-consuming experimental step. The relative merits are discussed with
      reference to specifity, operator time and sample throughput. Observation of 4
      hydroxy-l-proline without time-consuming hydrolysis by (13)C-FTNMR spectroscopy
      was found to be possible with collagen and with carbohydrate-free meat samples.
      Direct observation without such hydrolysis could be useful as a rapid survey
      method if carbohydrate interferences can be eliminated.

PMID- 22055351
TI  - Colour determination of beef juices as an indicator of beef cooking temperatures.
AB  - Dominant wavelengths and other colour parameters of beef juices were investigated
      as predictors of maximum internal temperatures attained during beef cooking since
      beef imported by the USA from South American countries has to be cooked to a
      temperature compatible with the inactivation of the foot-and-mouth disease virus.
      Although the correlation between these parameters was highly significant, the
      prediction error was high and similar in magnitude to that obtained with other
      methods. However, according to the results obtained, a method was devised to
      evaluate if beef has been cooked to at least 79.4 degrees C. Basically, the
      method consists in the visual comparison of the juice with a liquid standard of
      certain spectral characteristics. This method is simple and reliable for use at
      the port of entry or at the manufacturing plant. In doubtful cases the
      instrumental method described could be used to ascertain whether a certain
      temperature had been attained.

PMID- 22055352
TI  - Simultaneous determination of valproic acid and 2-propyl-4-pentenoic acid for the
      prediction of clinical adverse effects in Chinese patients with epilepsy.
AB  - Valproic acid (VPA) is a well-established anticonvulsant drug that has been
      increasingly used in the treatment of many forms of generalized epilepsy.
      Although there are many reports of adverse effects of VPA, studies focusing on
      the concentration-response relationships of VPA and its metabolites in patients
      with epilepsy are extremely limited. In this study, a rapid and specific high
      performance liquid chromatography-ultraviolet (HPLC-UV) method to simultaneously
      detect the concentrations of VPA and its major hepatotoxic metabolite 2-propyl-4
      pentenoic acid (4-ene VPA) in human plasma has been established, using 2,4'
      dibromoacetophenone and octanoic acid as the derivatization reagent and internal
      standard, respectively. This method was used to analyze plasma samples (n=64) of
      Chinese patients with epilepsy. The results revealed that 4-ene VPA
      concentrations in Chinese patients were much higher than those in patients in
      other countries such as United States and Iran. Significant correlations between
      aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and 4-ene VPA
      concentration suggest that the simultaneous determination of VPA and 4-ene VPA is
      an effective tool for the prediction of clinical hepatotoxicity in epileptic
      patients. Furthermore, the present study describes a less costly and complex
      technique for the clinical monitoring of VPA plasma levels and the risk of
      hepatotoxicity which may be of particular interest in developing countries like
      China.

PMID- 22055353
TI  - Independent predictors and a prognostic model for surgical outcome in refractory
      frontal lobe epilepsy.
AB  - PURPOSE: Refractory frontal lobe epilepsy (FLE) remains one of the most
      challenging surgically remediable epilepsy syndromes. Nevertheless, definition of
      independent predictors and predictive models of postsurgical seizure outcome
      remains poorly explored in FLE. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed data from 70
      consecutive patients with refractory FLE submitted to surgical treatment at our
      center from July 1994 to December 2006. Univariate results were submitted to
      logistic regression models and Cox proportional hazards regression to identify
      isolated risk factors for poor surgical results and to construct predictive
      models for surgical outcome in FLE. RESULTS: From 70 patients submitted to
      surgery, 45 patients (64%) had favorable outcome and 37 (47%) became seizure
      free. Isolated risk factors for poor surgical outcome are expressed in hazard
      ratio (H.R.) and were time of epilepsy (H.R.=4.2; 95% C.I.=1.5-11.7; p=0.006),
      ictal EEG recruiting rhythm (H.R.=2.9; 95% C.I.=1.1-7.7; p=0.033); normal MRI
      (H.R.=4.8; 95% C.I.=1.4-16.6; p=0.012), and MRI with lesion involving eloquent
      cortex (H.R.=3.8; 95% C.I.=1.2-12.0; p=0.021). Based on these variables and using
      a logistic regression model we constructed a model that correctly predicted long
      term surgical outcome in up to 80% of patients. CONCLUSION: Among independent
      risk factors for postsurgical seizure outcome, epilepsy duration is a potentially
      modifiable factor that could impact surgical outcome in FLE. Early diagnosis,
      presence of an MRI lesion not involving eloquent cortex, and ictal EEG without
      recruited rhythm independently predicted favorable outcome in this series.

PMID- 22055354
TI  - From depressive symptoms to depression in people with epilepsy: contribution of
      physical exercise to improve this picture.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Epilepsy is a chronic condition that may be associated with several
      other diseases. Psychiatric comorbidities are highly prevalent and depression is
      the most common type of psychiatric comorbidity in people with epilepsy. The
      beneficial effects of exercise for people with epilepsy have been increasingly
      reported, including reduction of seizure susceptibility, improvement of quality
      of life and reduction of depression. In this regard, we propose in this article
      the potential role of physical exercise to minimize depression in people with
      epilepsy. METHODS AND RESULTS: We summarized the most relevant data on the
      complex relationship between neurotransmitters and epilepsy, depression, physical
      exercise and subsequently proposed how a regular program of exercise can regulate
      depression associated with epilepsy. CONCLUSIONS: The significance of such a
      relationship has a marked impact on the development and implementation of
      appropriate coadjutant treatments to improve functional outcomes and quality of
      life in people with epilepsy.

PMID- 22055355
TI  - Systems biology impact on antiepileptic drug discovery.
AB  - Systems biology (SB), a recent trend in bioscience research to consider the
      complex interactions in biological systems from a holistic perspective, sees the
      disease as a disturbed network of interactions, rather than alteration of single
      molecular component(s). SB-relying network pharmacology replaces the prevailing
      focus on specific drug-receptor interaction and the corollary of rational drug
      design of "magic bullets", by the search for multi-target drugs that would act on
      biological networks as "magic shotguns". Epilepsy being a multi-factorial,
      polygenic and dynamic pathology, SB approach appears particularly fit and
      promising for antiepileptic drug (AED) discovery. In fact, long before the advent
      of SB, AED discovery already involved some SB-like elements. A reported SB
      project aimed to find out new drug targets in epilepsy relies on a relational
      database that integrates clinical information, recordings from deep electrodes
      and 3D-brain imagery with histology and molecular biology data on modified
      expression of specific genes in the brain regions displaying spontaneous
      epileptic activity. Since hitting a single target does not treat complex
      diseases, a proper pharmacological promiscuity might impart on an AED the merit
      of being multi-potent. However, multi-target drug discovery entails the
      complicated task of optimizing multiple activities of compounds, while having to
      balance drug-like properties and to control unwanted effects. Specific design
      tools for this new approach in drug discovery barely emerge, but computational
      methods making reliable in silico predictions of poly-pharmacology did appear,
      and their progress might be quite rapid. The current move away from reductionism
      into network pharmacology allows expecting that a proper integration of the
      intrinsic complexity of epileptic pathology in AED discovery might result in
      literally anti-epileptic drugs.

PMID- 22055356
TI  - Antioxidative activity of alpha-tocopherol in cooked and uncooked ground pork.
AB  - The effect of alpha-tocopherol (0, 100, 200 ppm) on lipid oxidation either in
      cooked or uncooked ground pork was studied during aerobic storage at 4 degrees C
      and -20 degrees C. Lipid oxidation was measured using the 2-thiobarbituric acid
      (TBA) method and rancidity development was scored by a trained sensory panel.
      Alpha-tocopherol slowed the rate of oxidation in cooked ground pork stored at
      either 4 degrees C or -20 degrees C and uncooked samples refrigerated for
      extended periods of time (12 days). In cooked product stored at 4 degrees C where
      oxidation development was intense and off-flavors were strong, panelists did not
      detect flavor differences due to treatments. But in cooked product stored at -20
      degrees C sensory results were consistent with TBA analysis. Pre-rigor grinding,
      known to induce a high pH and inhibit lipid oxidation in uncooked fresh pork, had
      no protective effect on lipid oxidation as measured by TBA values in cooked
      ground pork, regardless of storage condition. TBA numbers increased during
      storage of cooked product at 4 degrees C with an increase in internal cooking
      temperature between 50 degrees C and 80 degrees C. Internal cooking temperatures
      of 70 degrees C or higher induced a rapid rate of oxidation when stored at 4
      degrees C.

PMID- 22055357
TI  - A preliminary study of the effect of urea in the preservation of meat.
AB  - An investigation was undertaken on the effect of urea in the preservation of
      meat. It was observed that there was always a lag period in the early stages of
      microbial spoilage of meats at different temperatures, due to the non
      availability of required nutrients, and subsequent rapid growth of microorganisms
      was attributed to the utilisation of amino acids released due to autolytic
      changes. Dry urea salt was employed in the present study to denature or retard
      the activity of enzymes of the meat in order to extend the shelflife of meat by
      preventing spoilage. Parameters such as ERV, pH and TPC were studied during meat
      spoilage. It appears from the present studies that autolytic changes were
      responsible for the ultimate spoilage of meat. When urea was applied in the meat,
      the microbial lag phase and the shelflife of meat were extended. It seems that
      urea checked the autolytic changes in meat and thereby microbial growth was
      delayed due to the non-availability of nutrients from the autolytic changes.

PMID- 22055358
TI  - The effect of electrical stunning and slaughter on the electroencephalogram of
      sheep and calves.
AB  - To study the application of electroencephalography (EEG) for the assessment of
      insensibility during stunning and slaughter, recordings were made on sheep that
      were slaughtered by throat cutting, electrically stunned head-only and allowed to
      recover, electrically stunned head-only followed by throat cutting or
      electrically stunned head-to-back. The same experiments were repeated on calves
      (1-6 weeks old) except some calves were stunned and allowed to recover before
      final stunning and throat cutting. After the throat cut, sheep became insensible
      (i.e. EEG < 10 MUV) at 8-22 s but the calf EEG did not fall below 10 MUV until 79
      s after the cut. With head-only stunning/recovery, high-amplitude EEG waves
      (electroplectic fit) continued for 47 s (sheep) and 33 s (calves) post stun. A
      quiescent period followed, which then developed into a period of moderate
      amplitude EEG signals, so that, at 50 s post stun, the EEG usually exceeded 50
      MUV and often had bursts of 150 MUV activity. After head-only stunning/throat
      cutting, the electroplectic fit was shortened (39 s in sheep, 23 s in calves) and
      the EEG took at least 50 s to fall below 10 MUV. With sheep stunned head-to-back,
      which stops the heart, and thus should cause immediate, permanent insensibility,
      the EEG took longer to fall below 10 MUV (52 s) than after throat cutting. These
      results suggest that electrical stunning of sheep and calves causes a prolonged
      increase in the post-stun EEG amplitude. Therefore, during slaughter, stunned
      animals have larger amplitude EEG signals than unstunned animals, and EEG
      criteria developed for judging the sensibility of unstunned animals cannot be
      used for those that are electrically stunned.

PMID- 22055359
TI  - Effect of breed-type on the relationships between intramuscular and total body
      fat in steers.
AB  - The partitioning of total dissectible body fat and the amounts of intramuscular
      fat in Psoas major, Semitendinosus and Biceps brachii muscles were determined in
      two groups of A. Angus and AA * Nelore steers with similar averages of total
      dissectible fat (27.7 kg). In addition, the fatty acid composition of total fat
      and the triglyceride fraction from dissectible and intramuscular fats were
      determined. The AA * Nelore steers have higher levels of subcutaneous fat and
      lower levels of intermuscular fat than the A. Angus but contain lower levels of
      intramuscular fat in the three muscles. The allometric regressions varied
      according to the muscle and breed type. The fatty acid composition of
      subcutaneous and kidney fats were similar but differences in the percentages of
      14:0, 18:0, 18:2 and 20:4 fatty acids in intramuscular fats between the two
      genetic groups were detected.

PMID- 22055360
TI  - Elastin in bovine Semitendinosus and Longissimus dorsi muscles.
AB  - The structural organization of elastin present in bovine semitendinosus and
      longissimus dorsi muscles was examined using light and scanning electron
      microscopy. Qualitatively, both muscles were found to have the same organization
      of the two structural forms of elastin present. Coarse elastin fibres (5-10 MUm
      diameter) were found in the epimysium and perimysium, aligned with the long axis
      of the muscle fibres. In addition, finer elastin fibres (1-2 MUm diameter) were
      found in the epimysial and perimysial sheets of collagen. These finer elastin
      fibres approximated the course of the collagen fibres, i.e. at an angle to the
      muscle fibre long axis. Quantitatively, the semitendinosus muscle epimysium and
      perimysium contained very heavy deposits of the coarse elastin fibres and nearly
      every sheet of perimysium, even the thinest, contained the fine elastin fibres.
      By comparison, less of the coarse elastin was present in the longissimus dorsi
      epimysium and it was quite rare in the perimysium. The finer elastin fibres were,
      however, reasonably common. The significance of this structural arrangement is
      discussed in relation to muscle function and to meat toughness assessment.

PMID- 22055363
TI  - The use of ultrasound to predict fatness in lambs.
AB  - Ultrasonic measurement of fat depth, over the eye muscle of lambs was found to be
      highly correlated with measurement on the carcass in two experiments with
      coefficients of 0.93 and 0.95. Linear regression analysis showed that over a
      limited range of fatness the slope (regression coefficient) approached unity and
      the residual standard deviation of the regression was approximately +/- 1 mm.
      However, the slope of the line was greater than unity over a wider range of
      fatness and the accuracy decreased. The instrument used was more useful for
      predicting fat depth than carcass fat percentage, explaining less of the
      variation in the latter variable than the former. It is apparent that further
      investigation of the instrument over a wide range of lambs is needed to clarify
      the implications for selection schemes or, alternatively, technology adopted
      which overcomes the underestimation found in fat animals.

PMID- 22055364
TI  - Chemical composition and quality of camel meat.
AB  - L. dorsi, Semitendinosus and Triceps brachii muscles from the camel had similar
      moisture, protein and fat content, but significantly (P < 0.05) different ash
      content. These muscles had also similar sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar protein
      concentrations. L. dorsi muscle had the highest content of collagen but a higher
      solubility of hydroxyproline than Semitendinosus and Triceps brachii muscles. It
      also had a brighter red colour. Water-holding capacity was not significantly
      different between the three muscles studied. Shear force and connective tissue
      strength were lowest in L. dorsi, intermediate in Semitendinosus and highest in
      Triceps brachii.

PMID- 22055365
TI  - The amount and composition of the proteins in drip from stored pig meat.
AB  - In order to elucidate the mechanism of drip formation, measurements have been
      made of the amount of drip, and its protein concentration, from 80 pigs chilled
      conventionally. The correlation between amount of drip and protein concentration
      was poor but significant (r = -0.41, P < 0.001). The individual protein
      components of 20 drip samples were analysed by sodium dodecyl sulphate
      polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Relative protein composition
      varied with amount of drip. As the amount of drip increased above about 12% the
      absolute amounts of some proteins decreased; these proteins were creatine kinase
      and/or phosphoglycerate kinase (under the system used, these two proteins
      comigrate and therefore cannot be distinguished), myokinase, and an unidentified
      protein of molecular weight 137000. Drip contained similar proteins to a
      sarcoplasmic extract and in similar amounts. These results show that drip is
      mainly sarcoplasmic in origin and we suggest that the systematic changes in
      individual proteins as the amount of drip increases may be explained by
      denaturation of some or all of these proteins and possibly by dilution with fluid
      from within the myofibril.

PMID- 22055366
TI  - The effects of differences in inherent muscle quality and frozen storage on the
      flavor and texture profiles of pork loin roasts.
AB  - Complete flavor and texture profiles on pork loins from 118 carcasses revealed
      the following findings: (1) freezing, storing and thawing pork loins produced a
      slight tenderizing effect by making them less cohesive and easier to chew;
      permitted greater moisture release during chewing, thereby, slightly increasing
      the juiciness; resulted in a breakdown to more appropriate residual particles
      which resulted in a more appropriate, well balanced and blended texture; but
      resulted in a less appropriate and well balanced flavor; (2) pork with normal
      muscle quality had a firmer, more elastic, and cohesive texture which was
      stringier, more fibrous, and harder to compress, resulting in a slower breakdown
      to particles which tended to be fibrous, grainy and mealy; (3) the PSE condition
      appeared to result in a drier texture with less moisture and fat being released
      during mastication and a greater amount of moisture being absorbed from the
      mouth; (4) the DFD condition appeared to result in a juicier texture with greater
      amounts of fat and moisture being released into the mouth during mastication and
      a softer texture which was less cohesive, fibrous, and stringy and easier to
      chew, but as the DFD condition became extreme the texture became excessively
      soft, crumbly and mushy resulting in a relatively large proportion of small mealy
      and/or mushy particles which detracted from the texture amplitude; (5) the PSE
      condition resulted in a predominance of sour notes which detracted from the
      flavor amplitude, and possibly resulted from more extensive accumulation of
      lactic acid during postmortem glycolysis; and (6) the DFD condition resulted in a
      predominance of porky, sweet, and fatty character notes which enhanced the flavor
      amplitude but as the DFD condition became extreme, more character notes
      contributing to off-flavors were detected, a portion of which were apparently due
      to sex taint. Present findings clearly document the influence of differences in
      inherent muscle quality on palatability properties of pork loins and aid in
      resolving the controversy that presently exists within the literature regarding
      the effects of freezing, frozen storage, and thawing on pork palatability.
      However, further research will be required to document the impact of such
      influences on consumer acceptance.

PMID- 22055367
TI  - Characteristics of pork products from Swine Fed a high monounsaturated fat diet:
      Part 1-Whole muscle products.
AB  - Twelve percent of high-oleic sunflower oil (HOSO) was incorporated into a swine
      diet to replace substantial amounts of saturated fatty acids (S) in pork by
      monounsaturated fatty acids (M). Pork loin chops (longissimus dorsi), cooked to
      74 degrees C, and eye of round roasts (semitendinosus), cooked to 77 degrees C,
      from animals on the HOSO diet were 49% and 66%, respectively, higher in the M S 
      ratio as compared to their counterparts from animals on the control diet. Cooking
      had little effect on relative differences in the M S  ratio between HOSO and
      control samples. Cooking loss and sensory properties were not adversely affected
      by the changes in fatty acid composition. However, cooked chops and roasts from
      the HOSO group had lower thiobarbituric acid values during storage at 4 degrees
      C.

PMID- 22055368
TI  - Characteristics of pork products from swine fed a high monounsaturated fat diet:
      Part 2-Uncured processed products.
AB  - The effects of incorporation of 12% high-oleic sunflower (HOSO; >85% in oleic
      acid) into a swine diet on properties of uncured, processed pork products were
      determined. Restructured pork chops (with an initial total-fat level of <5%) and
      ground pork patties (with targeted initial total-fat levels of 15% and 30%)
      processed from animals fed the HOSO diet, when compared to the corresponding
      products from animals fed the control diet without HOSO, were 28% and 38%,
      respectively, lower (0.72 and 0.62 fold, respectively) in the proportion of total
      saturated fatty acids; 25% higher (1.25 fold) in the proportion of total
      monounsaturated fatty acids for both products; and 73% and 105%, respectively,
      higher in the ratio of monounsaturated to saturated fatty acids (M S ). The M S 
      ratio differences were not significantly changed by cooking. Cooking loss for
      either restructured chops or ground pork patties was similar between the product
      from animals on the control diet and that from animals on the HOSO diet. When
      restructured chops were evaluated for sensory properties, HOSO and control
      samples were similar in all sensory attributes evaluated for broiled chops while
      HOSO samples were juicier for precooked-reheated chops. Thiobarbituric acid (TBA)
      values were not significantly different between HOSO and control samples for
      stored, restructured chops; for pork patties, differences between the diet
      treatment groups were dependent on whether patties were stored raw or cooked.

PMID- 22055371
TI  - Understanding the child's world of work.

PMID- 22055372
TI  - Care of infants and children with bronchiolitis: a systematic review.
AB  - Bronchiolitis is the most frequent cause of hospitalization in the infant
      population. Management varies widely, and the efficacy of many routinely
      implemented therapies is not supported by evidence. The purpose of the systematic
      review was to identify the best evidence available regarding the care of infants
      and children with bronchiolitis. A two-phase literature search was performed, and
      20 publications were appraised. An abundance of evidence regarding management of
      bronchiolitis was revealed resulting in numerous recommendations. Use of a
      clinical pathway is proposed as a possible solution for moving this evidence into
      practice.

PMID- 22055373
TI  - Examining factors that increase and decrease stress in adolescent community
      college students.
AB  - In contrast to adolescents attending traditional universities, adolescents
      attending community colleges represent a large but relatively unstudied
      population with respect to stress and mental health issues. The purpose of this
      study was to determine what factors increase and decrease stress in a sample of
      adolescent community college students (N = 166). Findings from a self
      administered questionnaire indicated that students had moderate levels of stress
      and resilience. Contrary to predictions, males demonstrated statistically
      significant higher levels of stress than females, but as expected, resilience had
      a significant negative effect on stress (p < .05). Practice and research
      implications are discussed for nurses in pediatric settings.

PMID- 22055374
TI  - Testing guidelines for child health care nurses to prevent nonsynostotic
      plagiocephaly: a Swedish pilot study.
AB  - The aim of the study is to test effectiveness of guidelines for nurses that can
      be incorporated into the child health care program to prevent nonsynostotic
      plagiocephaly (NSP) in infants while still following sudden infant death syndrome
      preventive recommendations. When guidelines were followed as intended in a
      Swedish pilot study, only 8.5% of infants had some degree of NSP at 6 months,
      compared to 25.6% of infants in the comparison group. Results indicate that the
      early and regular implementation of these guidelines by nurses may be an
      effective way to prevent NSP.

PMID- 22055375
TI  - Making education count: the nurse's role in asthma education using a medical home
      model of care.
AB  - Asthma care for patients who have limited health literacy is very costly. The
      resources to help patients who have lower health literacy levels are very few are
      not well identified. Significant gains in asthma control, self-efficacy in
      managing asthma, and improvement in overall costs of care for this patient
      population can be achieved when health literacy challenges are addressed. This
      research suggests that one-on-one education with an asthma educator that
      specifically addresses health literacy levels and care designed around the
      National Asthma Guidelines can produce significant reductions in the cost for
      asthma care through decreased emergency department visits and hospitalizations,
      and improved self-management of asthma exacerbations.

PMID- 22055376
TI  - Item selection in self-report measures for children and adolescents with
      disabilities: lessons from cognitive interviews.
AB  - The aim of the study was to evaluate children's and adolescents' understanding of
      items from self-report measures. Cognitive interviews were conducted as part of a
      larger study on pain and fatigue in children with disabilities. A list of guiding
      questions was used to encourage participants to talk about words or concepts in
      the scale that they found difficult. The sample included 32 children and
      adolescents with physical disabilities. Participants had difficulty with words
      such as intense, severe, and anxiety. They had more difficulty with abstract
      ideas, such as average, than they did with more concrete ideas, such as naming a
      recreational or social activity. Because poor outcome measurement hinders symptom
      evaluation, findings support the need to put greater emphasis on the child
      perspective when developing and using self-report measures. Suggestions for
      increasing accuracy of these measures are offered for clinicians and researchers.

PMID- 22055377
TI  - Using the Braden Q Scale to Predict Pressure Ulcer Risk in pediatric patients.
AB  - The Braden Q Scale for Predicting Pediatric Pressure Ulcer Risk (Braden Q Scale)
      is a widely used, valid, and reliable pediatric-specific pressure ulcer risk
      assessment tool. Since its original publication, requests for clarification on
      how best to use the tool across the wide spectrum of pediatric patients commonly
      cared for in health care systems have been received. Common clarifications focus
      on using the Braden Q Scale as originally designed; specifically, not using
      untested derivations of the tool, and not using the Braden Q Scale to predict
      medical device-related pressure damage. The purpose of this article is to provide
      practical information on how best to use the Braden Q Scale and how to score a
      pediatric patient's risk for pressure ulcers. Accurate assessment of patient risk
      for pressure ulcers is the first step in guiding appropriate nursing
      interventions that prevent pressure ulcers. Patient assessment, scoring, and
      common clinical scenarios are presented.

PMID- 22055378
TI  - Unique children in unique places: innovative pediatric community clinical.
AB  - Pediatric nursing is a specialization that requires a particular set of skills
      and abilities. Most nurses seldom get the chance to interact with families who
      have children living with exceptionalities unless they choose to work in tertiary
      settings dealing exclusively with children. This article explores how one school
      of nursing in Canada offers its students two unique learning opportunities where
      they get the chance to work with children who have special needs in an
      interdisciplinary community-based setting. Shared statements from parents and
      students highlight the benefits to all those involved.

PMID- 22055379
TI  - Developing a robust professional practice model using a shared governance
      approach.
AB  - This article describes the development and implementation of a framework for
      nursing practice in a freestanding children's hospital and the subsequent
      improvement process used to transition that framework into a robust professional
      practice model (PPM). The development of a PPM encompassing all aspects of
      nursing in all clinical settings is an important milestone on a successful Magnet
      journey. Strategies for linking the PPM to core processes and structures of
      nursing are shared. Plans for further study to demonstrate the relationship of a
      PPM to patient outcomes are discussed.

PMID- 22055380
TI  - Children and disaster planning: national commission findings.

PMID- 22055381
TI  - Preparing pediatric nurses for the 21st century: perceptions of nurse managers,
      nursing faculty, and staff nurses.

PMID- 22055382
TI  - Sleep-wake patterns of school-age children and adolescents before diagnosis and
      during induction chemotherapy for acute lymphocytic leukemia.
AB  - Sleep disturbances are commonly reported by children receiving chemotherapy for
      leukemia. Sleep patterns before diagnosis and during induction chemotherapy were
      evaluated in 38 children (7 to 18 years old). Child Sleep Assessment (CSA) was
      used to evaluate sleep patterns prior to diagnosis. Sleep diaries and actigraphy
      were used during chemotherapy. Adolescents went to bed later and awakened later
      than school-age children before diagnosis and during chemotherapy. During
      chemotherapy, children averaged 60 minutes of nighttime wake time. The early
      recognition of sleep problems associated with disease, treatment, and age is
      important for school-age children and adolescents with leukemia.

PMID- 22055383
TI  - Testing the theory of reasoned action in explaining sexual behavior among African
      American young teen girls.
AB  - This study tested the Theory of Reasoned Action to examine the prediction of
      early sexual behavior among African American young teen girls. Baseline data from
      a longitudinal randomized clinical trial were used. Between 2001 and 2005, 198
      middle-school girls aged 11 to 14 years were recruited. As girls aged, they held
      more permissive attitudes toward engaging in early sexual behavior and had a
      higher intention to engage in early sexual behavior. Intention was a significant
      predictor to explain sexual behavior among the girls. There is a need to develop
      strategies that promote intention related to delay and prevention of early sexual
      behavior.

PMID- 22055384
TI  - Caregiver knowledge and self-confidence of stress dosing of hydrocortisone in
      children with congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
AB  - Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) is a rare disorder characterized by cortisol
      deficiency, with/without aldosterone deficiency, and androgen excess. The
      purposes of this descriptive, exploratory study were to assess caregiver
      knowledge of CAH, adrenal crisis, and stress dosing of hydrocortisone during
      times of acute illness and to assess caregivers' self-efficacy in managing
      adrenal crisis and stress dosing of children with CAH. A survey was distributed
      that collected information about child and family demographics and about
      caregiver knowledge of the disorder and stress dosing instruction history and
      evaluated their self-efficacy. Caregivers of children with CAH (N = 60) have a
      solid knowledge base of the disorder and maintain a reasonably high degree of
      self-efficacy of stress dosing. Although most that were surveyed currently had a
      filled prescription for injectible hydrocortisone, less than 40% received the
      prescription at the time of their child's diagnosis. Only 70% surveyed had
      received a written guideline sheet outlining proper stress dosing procedure, and
      only half of them received an injection technique demonstration. Caregivers who
      received written instruction and demonstration of injection technique scored
      significantly higher in self-efficacy for managing adrenal crisis and the
      injection procedure.

PMID- 22055385
TI  - A biopsychosocial pilot study of overweight youth and care providers' perceptions
      of quality of life.
AB  - This pilot study examined the relationship between youth and care provider self
      reports of depressive symptoms assessed through the Patient Health Questionnaire
      and reports of youth physical and psychosocial functioning assessed by PedsQL4.0
      in a rural outpatient overweight pediatric population (N = 66 child and care
      provider pairs). The relationship between youth body mass index (BMI), youth and
      care provider depression, youth quality of life (QOL), care provider perception
      of youth QOL, and youth and care provider congruence of QOL perceptions was
      examined. Paired t tests were completed to assess the differences between QOL
      scores for youth and care providers for subgroups based on age, age and gender,
      and age and race. The mean age of youth participants was 11.9 years; youth BMI
      ranged from 26.76 to 54.10 (M = 37.20). Our results showed that there are
      significant differences in youth and care providers' perceptions of QOL when
      specific demographic categories are assessed by age, gender, and race.

PMID- 22055386
TI  - Provision of smoke-free homes and vehicles for kindergarten children: associated
      factors.
AB  - Many children continue to be exposed to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) each
      day. To describe the factors associated with providing a smoke-free home (PSFH)
      and vehicle (PSFV) for kindergarten children, a cross-sectional descriptive study
      was conducted in Manitoba, Canada, with 551 mothers and primary caregivers
      responding. A social-ecologic model of health behavior guided the study. In the
      bivariate analysis, being better educated, living with a partner, and having a
      higher income were associated with PSFH. In the multivariable logistic regression
      analysis, the variables most predictive for PSFH were living with a partner and
      the mother's self-efficacy, and for PSFV, the most predictive variables were the
      mother's self-efficacy and ETS knowledge. Smoking behaviors are complex and must
      be considered broadly within all levels of influence if nurses are to assist
      parents in protecting their children.

PMID- 22055388
TI  - Comment on: Postprandial hypertriglyceridemia predicts improvement in insulin
      resistance in obese patients after bariatric surgery.

PMID- 22055387
TI  - Optogenetic tools for analyzing the neural circuits of behavior.
AB  - In order to understand how the brain generates behaviors, it is important to be
      able to determine how neural circuits work together to perform computations.
      Because neural circuits are made of a great diversity of cell types, it is
      critical to be able to analyze how these different kinds of cell work together.
      In recent years, a toolbox of fully genetically encoded molecules has emerged
      that, when expressed in specific neurons, enables the electrical activity of the
      targeted neurons to be controlled in a temporally precise fashion by pulses of
      light. We describe this optogenetic toolbox, how it can be used to analyze neural
      circuits in the brain and how optogenetics is impacting the study of cognition.

PMID- 22055389
TI  - Duration of surgery independently influences risk of venous thromboembolism after
      laparoscopic bariatric surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Obesity is a recognized risk factor for venous thromboembolism (VTE).
      The aims of the present study were to determine the risk factors for symptomatic
      VTE in morbidly obese patients undergoing laparoscopic bariatric surgery.
      METHODS: This was a retrospective study that included consecutive patients who
      had undergone bariatric surgery from January 2007 to May 2010. Thromboprophylaxis
      included routine application of low-molecular-weight heparin, pneumatic calf
      compression, and early ambulation. Extensive measures, such as temporary
      insertion of a caval filter (n = 5) and anticoagulation (n = 11), were used in
      selected higher risk patients. The patients were followed up for a minimum of 3
      months after surgery to determine the incidence of clinical VTE. The results are
      presented as the mean and range. RESULTS: A total of 500 consecutive patients
      aged 44.7 years (range 19-77) with a body mass index of 49.2 kg/m(2) (range 32.1
      84.3) underwent laparoscopic bariatric surgery (442 gastric bypass, 20 sleeve
      gastrectomy, and 38 gastric banding). No conversions to open surgery occurred,
      and the operative time, morbidity rate, and mortality rate was 93.7 minutes
      (range 20-325), 2.8%, and .2%, respectively. No clinical deep vein thrombosis was
      encountered, although 3 patients (.6%) developed pulmonary embolism. Cox
      regression multivariate analysis identified the operative time as the only
      independent predictor of postoperative VTE (relative risk .0002 per min, P =
      .009). Multivariate analysis identified the body mass index as an independent
      predictor of the operating time. CONCLUSION: Increasing obesity was associated
      with a longer operative time, which consequently increased the risk of VTE.

PMID- 22055390
TI  - Influence of pouch and stoma size on weight loss after gastric bypass.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Enlargement of the gastric pouch and/or gastrojejunostomy after Roux
      en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is postulated to be the antecedent to suboptimal
      weight loss or weight regain. The present study evaluated the gastric pouch and
      stoma dimensions in RYGB patients and correlated them with the weight loss
      outcomes. METHODS: Patients who underwent upper endoscopy for investigation of
      gastrointestinal symptoms or weight regain after RYGB were identified. The stoma
      was considered enlarged if >2 cm in diameter and the pouch was considered
      enlarged if >6 cm long or >5 cm wide. Successful weight loss was defined as
      excess weight loss >50% or a body mass index decrease to <= 30 kg/m(2). RESULTS:
      A total of 380 patients had nondiagnostic upper endoscopy findings at a mean post
      RYGB interval of 5.9 +/- 4.0 years. Among these were 175 patients (group A; 87%
      women) who had successful weight loss and 205 patients (group B; 86% women) who
      were referred for investigation of weight regain. The pouch and stoma size were
      normal in most of the patients in group A (63.4%) compared with 28.8% of the
      patients in group B (P <.001). The most common abnormality was an enlarged stoma.
      The pouch length, pouch volume, and stoma diameter correlated inversely with
      excess weight loss. Multivariate analysis identified that the stoma diameter was
      independently associated with weight regain after RYGB. CONCLUSION: The current
      definition of a "normal" size pouch/stoma is associated with optimal weight loss
      after RYGB, although this might need to be reviewed. Patients who regain weight
      are likely to have abnormal anatomy, in particular, stoma enlargement. The
      surgical RYGB technique and methods of evaluating the gastric anatomy in RYGB
      patients need to be standardized, intraoperatively and postoperatively.

PMID- 22055391
TI  - A snapshot of chemoresistance to PARP inhibitors.
AB  - The exploitation of synthetic lethality in BRCA-deficient tumor carriers using
      potent inhibitors of the enzyme poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP)-1 has led to
      an enthusiastic response among basic scientists, oncologists and pharmaceutical
      companies. However, accumulating evidence demonstrates that resistance to these
      drugs develops in tumors in both preclinical and clinical settings. Here, I focus
      on literature dealing with resistance to these drugs and discuss the molecular
      mechanisms involved, such as restoration of BRCA function, upregulation of
      nonhomologous end-joining-dependent DNA repair, induction of P-glycoprotein
      expression and epigenetic deregulation. Clinical implications of resistance to
      PARP1 inhibitors are also discussed.

PMID- 22055392
TI  - Apoptosis in the anucleate platelet.
AB  - For many years, programmed cell death, known as apoptosis, was attributed
      exclusively to nucleated cells. Currently, however, apoptosis is also well
      documented in anucleate platelets. This review describes extrinsic and intrinsic
      pathways of apoptosis in nucleated cells and in platelets, platelet apoptosis
      induced by multiple chemical stimuli and shear stresses, markers of platelet
      apoptosis, mitochodrial control of platelet apoptosis, and apoptosis mediated by
      platelet surface receptors PAR-1, GPIIbIIIa and GPIbalpha. In addition, this
      review presents data on platelet apoptosis provoked by aging of platelets in
      vitro during platelet storage, platelet apoptosis in pathological settings in
      humans and animal models, and inhibition of platelet apoptosis by cyclosporin A,
      intravenous immunoglobulin and GPIIbIIIa antagonist drugs.

PMID- 22055394
TI  - Mycobacterium mucogenicum and other non-tuberculous mycobacteria in potable water
      of a trauma hospital: a potential source for human infection.
AB  - This study examined the frequency of occurrence of non-tuberculous mycobacteria
      (NTM) in potable water samples from a main trauma hospital in Mexico City. Sixty
      nine potable water samples were collected, 23 from each source: cistern, kitchen
      tap and bathroom showers. Of the 69 samples, 36 harboured NTM species. Twenty
      nine of the 36 isolates were Mycobacterium mucogenicum, two Mycobacterium
      rhodesiae, one Mycobacterium peregrinum, one Mycobacterium fortuitum and three
      were Mycobacterium spp. Hospital potable water harbouring NTM represents a
      potential source for nosocomial infections, therefore we suggest that hospital
      potable water microbiological guidelines should include testing for NTM species.

PMID- 22055395
TI  - Acute post-traumatic stress in survivors of critical illness who were
      mechanically ventilated: a mixed methods study.
AB  - This study investigated the severity of post-traumatic stress (PTS) symptoms, the
      relationships between PTS symptoms and clinical and demographic characteristics
      and the subjective experiences of patients who were critically ill and
      mechanically ventilated in intensive care. Study participants (n=97) completed
      the Impact of Event Scale (IES) to assess avoidance and intrusive symptoms of PTS
      within one week of hospital discharge. A subset (n=5) with IES scores suggestive
      of symptoms of PTS participated in semistructured interviews analysed with
      content analysis. Participants had a mean age of 57.73 years, 40% were female and
      median duration of ventilation was 90.98 hours. The mean IES score was 20.34.
      Scores >25 were reported by 37% and were associated with younger age (p<0.05) in
      bivariate analysis; multiple linear regression showed no independent associations
      with IES scores. The interviews revealed distorted perception and gaps in memory
      of ICU, fear of recurrence of illness, avoidance of usual activities and sleeping
      problems as common. In conclusion, high levels of symptoms of PTS were present in
      one-third of ICU survivors. There were no independent relationships between PTS
      and patient characteristics studied. Experiences of interviewees with high
      distress scores were consistent with those reported in other studies of ICU
      survivors.

PMID- 22055396
TI  - Exploring the influence of enforcing infection control directives on the risk of
      developing healthcare associated infections in the intensive care unit: a
      retrospective study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although strict adherence to infection control strategies is
      recognised as the simplest and most cost effective method to prevent the spread
      of healthcare associated infections (HAIs), measurement of the direct impact that
      such adherence may have on the risk of developing such infections has always been
      a challenge. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to compare the risk of HAIs
      before and during the SARS outbreak. Such comparison is intended to provide a
      surrogate measure of the influence that strict enforcement of infection control
      strategies during the SARS outbreak may have had on the risk of HAIs. METHODS: A
      retrospective chart review was conducted on the medical records of 400 intensive
      care patients who were admitted to the ICU three months before and during the
      2003 SARS outbreak. RESULTS: The rate of HAIs was higher in the pre-SARS period
      than the SARS period. Specifically, 61.7% of all reported infections were
      diagnosed in the pre-SARS period. The rate of HAIs in the pre-SARS period was
      14.5% as opposed to 9% during the SARS period. Adjusted logistic regression
      analysis suggested that the odds of HAIs were 2.2 times higher in the pre-SARS
      period as compared to the SARS period (OR=2.2; 95%CI=1.08-4.49). CONCLUSION: Our
      findings suggest that strict enforcement of infection control strategies may have
      a positive impact on the efforts to minimise the risk of HAIs. These findings
      carry a clinical significance that shall not be ignored with regard to our
      overall efforts to minimise the risk of developing HAIs in the ICU.

PMID- 22055397
TI  - Serious complications in connection with cardiac surgery--next of kin's views on
      information and support.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Next of kin (NoK) to patients undergoing cardiac surgery expect
      successful outcomes but sometimes serious complications occur and this affects
      their NoK. To describe NoK's experiences of information and support when serious
      complications occur during the first 30 days after cardiac surgery. METHODS: A
      qualitative, critical incident technique was used. Forty-two NoK were asked to
      describe their experiences of information and support. RESULTS: Three main areas
      emerged from the analysis. The first main area, Confidence during the waiting
      period, described how NoK could not participate in the forthcoming operation and
      how the NoK were informed. The second main area, Involvement during the hospital
      stay, described how the NoK feel trust in the healthcare professionals and
      dissatisfaction with the care in relation to the operation. The third main area,
      Sense of abandonment, described problems with the rehabilitation. CONCLUSIONS:
      These findings show the importance of pre- and post operative contacts between
      healthcare professionals, patients and NoK. When the NoK and the patients are
      well informed it constitutes a basis for fruitful conversations between them and
      the healthcare professionals, and everyone can be better prepared if
      complications occur.

PMID- 22055398
TI  - Anaplastic thymic carcinoma: a clinicopathologic and immunohistochemical study of
      6 cases.
AB  - Primary thymic anaplastic ("undifferentiated") carcinoma is an unusual thymic
      neoplasm that, to date, has not been properly characterized. We present 6 such
      cases in an attempt to better define this entity. The patients were 5 women and 1
      man with an age range from 42 to 72 years (mean, 62 years). None of the patients
      had any history or radiologic evidence of tumor elsewhere. All patients presented
      with symptoms related to their anterior mediastinal masses: shortness of breath,
      chest pain, and cough. Histologically, the lesions were characterized by
      infiltrative tumors with marked cytologic atypia, bizarre tumor giant cells, and
      atypical mitoses. None of the neoplasms showed areas of other well-defined types
      of thymic carcinoma. Immunohistochemically, all tumors showed positive staining
      for pancytokeratin, 40% expressed Pax8, and none reacted with thyroid
      transcription factor 1 or beta-human chorionic gonadotropin. Follow-up available
      for 4 patients showed that 3 patients had died 14, 22, and 63 months after
      diagnosis, whereas 1 patient is alive 4 months after diagnosis. Two patients were
      lost to follow-up. Anaplastic thymic carcinoma is a distinct morphological type
      of thymic carcinoma with an aggressive clinical course, which needs to be
      included in the differential diagnosis of tumors displaying giant cells in the
      anterior mediastinum.

PMID- 22055399
TI  - Total Survivin and acetylated Survivin correlate with distinct molecular subtypes
      of breast cancer.
AB  - Global gene expression profiling studies led to the recent classification of
      breast cancer into 4 distinct molecular subtypes including luminal, human
      epidermal growth factor receptor 2 enriched, basal like, and unclassified. Here,
      we used immunohistochemistry to evaluate expression of the antiapoptotic protein
      Survivin and its recently described acetylated form, Survivin acetyl129, in
      normal breast tissue and in 226 primary breast tumors of different molecular
      subtypes. Correlation of Survivin expression with molecular markers and its
      impact on patient outcomes were analyzed. Eighty-four percent of basal-like
      tumors expressed high levels of total Survivin, whereas 52% of luminal tumors
      expressed high levels of acetylated Survivin (P < .001). Overall survival (91%)
      for tumors expressing low levels of total Survivin was better than that for
      tumors expressing high levels of total Survivin (72%, P = .02), whereas the
      reverse was true for tumors expressing acetylated Survivin. In hierarchical
      cluster analysis, total Survivin clustered with basal marker expression, whereas
      acetylated Survivin clustered with luminal marker expression. In multivariate
      analysis, high total Survivin expression was an independent predictor of worse
      overall survival in patients with breast cancer (relative risk, 11; P < .01).
      These data indicate that high levels of total Survivin predict poor outcome in
      patients with grade 3 invasive ductal carcinoma and correlate directly with a
      basal-like phenotype. In contrast, high expression of the acetylated form of the
      protein associates with a favorable outcome and preferentially correlates with
      luminal-type tumors. Survivin likely has different functions in distinct breast
      cancer subtypes, and diagnostic strategies that incorporate immunohistochemical
      markers that detect both Survivin forms may help better strategize patient risk
      and direct therapy.

PMID- 22055400
TI  - Pancreatic acinar-like adenocarcinoma of the proximal stomach invading the
      esophagus.
AB  - The aim of this study was to systematically investigate clinicopathologic
      features of the recently described pancreatic acinar-like adenocarcinoma of the
      proximal stomach invading the esophagus (n = 43). Patient median age was 66 years
      (range, 51-90 years). The male-to-female ratio was 7.6. Grossly, pancreatic
      acinar-like adenocarcinoma tumors were nonencapsulated with the median size of
      5.5 cm (range, 2-10.5). Bormann's types 1 to 4 tumors were in 7%, 9%, 67%, and
      16% cases, respectively. Frank necrosis, hemorrhage, and cysts were rare or
      absent. Lymphovascular (81%), perineural (74%), and lymph node (81%) invasions
      were more common in the pancreatic acinar-like adenocarcinoma than in the non
      pancreatic acinar-like adenocarcinoma (n = 94) groups. Microscopically,
      pancreatic acinar-like adenocarcinoma tumors showed acinar (78%), micropapillary
      (12%), microcystic, solid, trabecular, and mixed neuroendocrine or signet ring
      (33%) patterns of growth. No adenosquamous differentiation was noted in the
      pancreatic acinar-like adenocarcinoma group. Nuclei were round to oval with
      thickened nuclear membrane, stippled chromatin, and single prominent nucleoli.
      Mitotic figures were variable. The cytoplasm was moderate, eosinophilic, finely
      granular, and diffusely immunoreactive to the alpha1-chymotrypsin antibody in all
      cases to various degrees. Tumor stroma was nondesmoplastic, delicate, and
      fibrovascular. Pancreatic acinar-like adenocarcinoma tumors staged pI, pII, pIII,
      and pIV were in 2%, 21%, 70%, and 7% of cases, respectively. The median number of
      follow-up months after surgery was 29. The 2-year survival rate was 67%, lower
      than that (73%) in the non-pancreatic acinar-like adenocarcinoma group. A worse
      overall survival trend was found for patients in the pancreatic acinar-like
      adenocarcinoma than in non-pancreatic acinar-like adenocarcinoma groups, but the
      difference was not statistically significant. Age older than 75 years and overall
      pathology stage were independent risk factors.

PMID- 22055401
TI  - Inhibin-alpha and synaptophysin immunoreactivity in synovial sarcoma with
      granular cell features.
AB  - We recognized immunoreactivity for the alpha subset of inhibin and synaptophysin
      in synovial sarcomas with granular cell features. Histologic findings of 90 cases
      of synovial sarcoma were reviewed. Two (2.2%) of the 90 cases had granular cell
      features, showing sheet or nested proliferation of characteristic epithelioid
      cells with abundant eosinophilic and granular cytoplasm, in addition to the
      typical spindle cell component. The 2 cases were both female (aged 86 and 76
      years). The tumors were located in the foot and the retroperitoneum and measured
      3.5 and 14 cm in maximum diameter. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain
      reaction analysis revealed SS18-SSX1 transcripts in both cases. SS18 gene
      rearrangement was detected in granular cells as well as spindle cells by
      chromogenic in situ hybridization. Immunohistochemistry found the granular cells
      to be positive for inhibin-alpha in both cases and for synaptophysin in 1 case,
      whereas spindle cells were not. Thirty-six cases (20 monophasic fibrous, 11
      biphasic, and 5 poorly differentiated synovial sarcomas) were additionally
      examined for comparison; they showed no immunoreactivity for inhibin-alpha or
      synaptophysin. This is the first report of immunoreactivity for inhibin-alpha and
      synaptophysin in synovial sarcoma. These immunohistochemical findings might be
      characteristic of synovial sarcomas with granular cell features.

PMID- 22055402
TI  - Post-mortem electrical stimulation and high temperature ageing of hot-deboned
      beef.
AB  - The effects of electrical stimulation (80-100 V, 15 pps) of hot-deboned, bovine
      Longissimus dorsi muscles, followed by ageing at 30 degrees  or 40 degrees Cfor
      5, 7 or 10 h, on the solubility of sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar proteins,
      soluble non-protein nitrogen, and on the water-holding capacity, colour,
      tenderness and microbiological status of the meat, was assessed. Comparisons were
      made with the same traits measured on non-stimulated controls (average muscle
      temperature, 5 degrees C), which were cold-deboned post rigor, and with hot
      deboned, electrically stimulated muscles, subsequently held at 2 degrees C. For
      each treatment and its corresponding control, six muscles each were studied. Such
      electrical stimulation produced a typical acceleration of pH fall post mortem and
      enhanced ageing changes at both 30 degrees C and 40 degrees C. It significantly
      increased tenderness over non-stimulated, cold-deboned controls. The higher
      temperature of ageing, however, was significantly associated with adverse colour
      development, loss of water-holding capacity and increased microbial growth.
      Electrical stimulation alone would not obviate the need for immediate
      refrigeration in hot-deboning operations with ambient temperatures of ~ 40
      degrees C.

PMID- 22055403
TI  - Prediction of the weight of lean and fat yield in bacon weight carcasses. A
      comparison of predictors used in commercial pig carcass classification.
AB  - Alternative methods of pig carcass description were compared as predictors of the
      weight (kg) of commercial lean yield and fat yield in 209 bacon weight carcasses.
      The predictors used included hot carcass weight and carcass sex in association
      with: the backfat measurements used in the Danish grading scheme (minimum loin,
      3rd-4th lumbar and 3rd-4th last rib fat thickness); the proposed Australian
      system (P(2) fat thickness); fat classes published by the South Australian
      Livestock Marketing Study Group (1980); mid-line carcass measurements (backfat at
      minimum loin, mid back, maximum shoulder as well as carcass length) and visual
      carcass grade. There was no difference in precision between the carcass
      classification systems as predictors of lean yield. (R(2) = 69.0 % and residual
      standard deviation = 1.5.) Precision varied between the predictors of fat yield.
      The predictors were ranked as follows with R(2)(%) and residual standard
      deviation in parentheses. Danish (80.0, 0.50); Australian (70.5, 0.60); fat class
      (67.8, 0.64); mid-line (64.9, 0.67) and grade (58.1, 0.72).

PMID- 22055404
TI  - A comparison of the optical intrascope, the Hennessy & Chong Fat Depth Indicator
      and the Danish MFA probe to predict pig carcass backfat thickness.
AB  - Two automatic backfat measurement devices (the New Zealand Hennessy & Chong Fat
      Depth Indicator (FDI) and the Danish Meat Fat Automatic (MFA) probe) were
      compared with the Optical Intrascope (OI) as alternative devices to predict P(2)
      backfat thickness (65 mm from the dorsal mid-line at the level of the posterior
      edge of the head of the last rib) in pig carcass classification schemes.
      Prediction equations of P(2) backfat thickness (mm) taken on the cold carcass
      (cold P(2)) were developed for two operators who made independent hot carcass
      P(2) measurements (hot P(2)) with the O1, FDI and MFA on each of 114 carcasses.
      The OI and FDI were found to be of equivalent precision in predicting cold P(2)
      with the same operator (residual standard deviation, RSD = 1.29 and 1.30,
      respectively). The MFA was significantly (P < 0.05) less precise (RSD = 1.81).
      Between operator measurements of hot P(2) with the FDI (RSD = 1.17) had
      significantly (P < 0.05) less variation compared with the OI and MFA (RSD =
      1.27).

PMID- 22055405
TI  - Energy substrate provision in vivo and the changes in muscle pH post mortem.
AB  - The effects of alpha- and of beta-adrenergic stimulation (both with and without
      concurrent blockade of lipolysis) on energy substrate provision in vivo, and the
      subsequent changes in muscle metabolism post mortem, were studied in sheep.
      Treatment with the alpha-agonist phenylephrine had no effect upon plasma
      glycerol, free fatty acids, glucose or lactate levels or on muscle metabolism
      post mortem. Concurrent treatment with an inhibitor of lipolysis, methyl pyrazole
      carboxylic acid (MPCA), caused a reduction in plasma free fatty acids and
      glycerol and some decrease in muscle glycogen levels at slaughter. Administration
      of the beta-agonist, isoproterenol, stimulated an increase in plasma levels of
      all the energy substrates measured and caused a marked increase in liver glycogen
      and a decrease in muscle glycogen at slaughter, but no dark cutting. However,
      when energy from fat depots was blocked by MPCA during beta-stimulation, muscle
      glycogen was almost exhausted at slaughter and dark cutting was found in all the
      carcasses. From these experiments it is concluded that dark cutting meat does not
      result solely from increased adrenergic stimulation, but is dependent upon the
      availability of energy substrates from muscle, liver and fat energy stores.

PMID- 22055406
TI  - Caffeine stimulated lipolysis protects pigs against catecholamine-induced dark
      cutting.
AB  - High ultimate pH dark cutting meat was obtained in Pietrain pigs following
      overnight intravenous infusion of the beta-adrenergic agonist, isoproterenol.
      This effect was enhanced by simultaneous administration of the antilipolytic
      agent nicotinic acid and completely reversed by pretreatment of the animals with
      caffeine (which stimulates lipolysis). These results suggest that the
      availability of energy substrates from adipose tissue (free fatty acids and
      glycerol) is an important factor in the production of dark cutting meat.
      Stimulation of lipolysis in animals prior to pre-slaughter stresses (such as
      transport and lairing) could possibly reduce the incidence of dark cutting meat.

PMID- 22055407
TI  - Effect of high pressure on the regulation of phosphorylase activity in pre-rigor
      rabbit muscle.
AB  - The effects of high pressure (150 MPa) on the regulation of phosphorylase
      activity in pre-rigor rabbit muscles have been studied at 35 degrees  and 0
      degrees C. At 35 degrees C muscle contracts, phosphorylase is activated and the
      muscle pH falls to 5.8 in 2 min. Coinciding with these changes, phosphorylase
      phosphatase activity falls rapidly, while phosphorylase kinase, although active
      for longer, loses its activity as the pH falls. Both of these enzymes are
      completely inactivated after 5 min under pressure, while phosphorylase still
      retains 80% of its activity under these conditions. The effects of pressure on
      the activities of these enzymes in white and red muscles of rabbits were
      compared, with a greater effect being observed in white muscles. At 0 degrees C,
      muscles subjected to high pressure did not contract, but at this temperature the
      three enzyme activities (phosphorylase, phosphorylase kinase and phosphorylase
      phosphatase) were all lost at a greater rate than at 35 degrees C, although the
      pH of the muscle did not fall below 6.5. The effects of high pressure treatment
      on isolated phosphorylase a and b and phosphorylase kinase were also studied at
      both 0 degrees  and 35 degrees C and the results obtained closely paralleled
      those observed in whole muscle.

PMID- 22055408
TI  - Conformationally restricted analogs of the direct thrombin inhibitor FM 19.
AB  - The serine protease thrombin plays several key roles in the clotting cascade
      within the hemostatic system, such as in fibrin formation and platelet
      activation. Thus, development of an inhibitor that binds to the enzyme's active
      site (a direct thrombin inhibitor) offers an approach for the treatment of
      thrombus-associated diseases. Previous structure-activity relationship studies
      originally based on the bradykinin breakdown product Arg-Pro-Pro-Gly-Phe (RPPGF)
      led to the development of lead compound FM 19 (d-Arg-Oic-Pro-d-Ala-Phe(p-Me)
      NH(2)). The recently determined X-ray structure of FM 19 in the active site of
      thrombin has revealed sites of modification to potentially improve inhibition. In
      this study, we report the synthesis and biological characterization of nine
      peptides that replace only the d-Arg residue of the FM 19 sequence, investigating
      ways to add conformational restriction, modification of the basic moiety at the
      end of the side chain, and removal of the charge from the N-terminus. Two of
      these peptides, 6 and 7 (IC(50) values of 0.51 and 0.45 MUM, respectively), show
      similar potency to the best compounds in the FM 19 series reported thus far.

PMID- 22055409
TI  - Physico-chemical and organoleptic properties of patties from hot, chilled and
      frozen goat meat.
AB  - The effects of processing hot versus chilled goat meat, as such and after
      freezing in chunk or mince forms, were studied in relation to physico-chemical
      and organoleptic properties of patties. The differences in the pH of the meat
      samples were non-significant (P < 0.05) at 3-4 h post mortem (PM) at room
      temperature (30 degrees C) and after 24 h at 4 degrees C. The yield of the
      broiled patties, prepared from hot meat at 3-4 h PM, was significantly lower
      (P<0.05) as compared to those from chilled meat. However, this trend was
      reversed, if processing of hot meat into patties was done within 1-2 h PM.
      Freezing of chilled meat in chunk or mince forms gave significantly higher (P <
      0.05) cooking yields than freezing of hot meat in similar forms. The organoleptic
      scores of the raw-cooked patties were similar for all treatments. Freezing of
      precooked patties at -10 degrees C for 10 days, thawing and reheating did not
      reduce most of the sensory scores significantly (P<0.05). Moisture, protein and
      fat contents of the broiled patties were not significantly (P<0.05) affected by
      the treatments. Standard plate count of hot versus chilled meat, for all levels
      of processing and storage, were within acceptable limits.

PMID- 22055410
TI  - The comparison of electroencephalograms recorded before and after electrical
      stunning of cattle.
AB  - Electroencephalograms (EEGs) were recorded before and after 'head-only'
      electrical stunning of adult cattle. Epochs of 8.5 s duration derived from the
      pre-and the post-stun EEG signals were compared for differences in scale and
      frequency. The frequency structures of two selected epochs from the one animal
      were evaluated using the periodogram ordinates derived by calculating the Fast
      Fourier Transform. The comparison of the two pre-stun epochs indicated that,
      within the one animal, the pre-stun EEG signal had a consistent frequency
      pattern. Similarly, a comparison of two post-stun epochs indicated that the post
      stun EEG signal also had a consistent frequency pattern. The comparison of pre-
      and post-stun epochs indicated a consistent increases in amplitude after
      stunning. Additionally, after stunning, there was an increase in the power of
      frequencies in the range 4-8 Hz and a decrease in the power of certain
      frequencies in the range 15-25 Hz. Although there was considerable animal-to
      animal variation it was demonstrated that electric stunning produced definable
      changes in the EEG signal.

PMID- 22055411
TI  - Influence of packaging method and length of chilled storage on microflora,
      tenderness and colour stability of venison loins.
AB  - Sections of venison loins (LD) weighing approximately 300 g from 12 red deer
      (Cervus elaphus) were packaged using four packaging methods: (a) vacuum
      packaging, (b) CO(2) flushed using a nylon containment film (CO(2)-Nylon), (c)
      CO(2) flushed using an ultra-high barrier containment film (CO(2)-UHB), and (d)
      CO(2) flushed using an aluminium foil laminate containment film (CO(2)-Foil) and
      stored for 1, 6, 12 and 18 weeks at 0 degrees C. Meat pH values were lower in all
      CO(2) flushed meat packages (P<0.05) than in vacuum packaged meat. Lactic acid
      bacteria and total anaerobic counts increased over storage time in all packages
      regardless of treatment up to values of log(10) 7.8 and 7.6 g(-1), respectively.
      Tenderness tended to increase as meat was stored for up to 18 weeks. Colour
      scores taken during simulated retail display indicated that colour deteriorated
      more rapidly when meat was stored for 12 and 18 weeks than for 1 and 6 weeks.
      Vacuum packaging and gas flushing (CO(2)-Foil) resulted in higher initial colour
      scores than venison packaged in the CO(2)-Nylon or CO(2)-UHB materials. Venison
      stored for 18 weeks also exhibited a higher proportion of packages containing off
      odours, lower flavour desirability and flavour intensity scores as well as higher
      off flavour scores than meat stored for shorter times. The implications of these
      effects are discussed. Although there were few significant differences in
      microbial growth and sensory characteristics due to packaging method or
      containment film, vacuum packaging appeared to be the most economic and produced
      meat of better colour stability.

PMID- 22055412
TI  - Effect of light and packaging conditions on the colour stability of sliced ham.
AB  - The colour fading of sliced ham displayed in chill cabinets has been found to be
      caused by the combined action of light and oxygen, and can be prevented by a
      combination of packaging in a plastic material with low oxygen transmission rate
      (OTR<4 cm(3)/m(2)/24h/atm), a high initial vacuum level (>99%), and cold storage
      in the dark until residual oxygen in the packaging has been consumed (4 days for
      >99% initial vacuum). UV-light permeability of the packaging material had no
      effect on colour stability. The colour was measured by tristimulus colorimetric
      measurements on the surface of ham packaged in packaging material with different
      OTR (60 and <4 cm(3)/m(2)/24h/atm) and UV-light permeability (transparent above
      360 and above 250 nm), and the change in colour was monitored by the Hunter a
      value, the tristimulus colorimetry parameter found (by analysis of variance) to
      give the best correlation with the subjectively evaluated ham colour. For each of
      the four types of packaging material, three different initial vacuum levels (85,
      95 and >99%) were used.

PMID- 22055413
TI  - The actin content of different muscles from beef and pork.
AB  - In the literature 3-methylhistidine (3-MeHis) is mentioned as a parameter for the
      determination of meat content. Because of the variable molar ratio of 3-MeHis in
      the myofibrillar protein myosin, this indicator cannot be used without some
      restriction. However, the content of 3-MeHis in the myofibrillar protein actin is
      constant. Moreover, actin is relatively heat-stable in comparison with other
      muscle proteins. These facts made actin an interesting parameter for
      determination of the meat (protein) content of heated and raw meat products. Fast
      protein liquid chromatography (FPLC) was used to separate from a meat extract an
      actin-containing fraction without myosin. The actin content of the meat was
      calculated from its content in the fraction. The latter was determined by means
      of a 3-MeHis method. Several muscles of the beef and pig carcass were examined
      for their actin contents. Generally, the actin values were comparable with the
      data reported in the literature. The influence of heat treatment was also studied
      on one type of beef muscle. The determined actin content was not affected up to a
      temperature of 85 degrees C.

PMID- 22055414
TI  - Actin-bound 3-methylhistidine as an index of myofibrillar protein in food.
AB  - An improved method for determining the actin-bound 3-methylhistidine titre of
      muscle is described. Using this procedure, the titres of actin-bound 3
      methylhistidine in bovine muscles Longissimus dorsi (loin), Masseter and Malaris
      (cheek) and Semimembranosus (round), could be accurately determined and were
      found to be similar to one another. Actin-bound 3-methylhistidine is thus
      suggested as an even more consistent index of meat protein than is total protein
      bound 3-methylhistidine, since the 3-methylhistidine titre is low in the myosins
      of ruminant Masseter and Malaris muscles.

PMID- 22055415
TI  - Effect of packaging and display variables on retail display of frozen lamb chops.
AB  - Display conditions of packaging and lighting and the length of frozen storage of
      the carcass before cutting were examined for their effect on the colour of frozen
      chops during display. Lighting effected a greying and loss of saturation of the
      colour, while packaging film affected brightness and hue angle. Length of storage
      affected hue and saturation. Display time affected brightness and hue in a linear
      manner.

PMID- 22055416
TI  - Chemical effects of smoke processing on frankfurter quality and palatability
      characteristics.
AB  - Frankfurters were made by standard commercial practices except for the smoke
      treatment which involved four different methods: solid smoke-aerosol, liquid
      smoke-aerosol, liquid smoke-external dip and liquid smoke-internal mix. For
      control purposes, frankfurters were prepared without any smoke treatment. All
      frankfurters were packaged and stored at 5 degrees C with samples removed for
      analyses weekly for three weeks. All smoke-processing treatments resulted in
      products assessed as overall acceptable with the experienced sensory panel unable
      to detect differences among the various methods of manufacture except for the
      franks made by mixing liquid smoke in the emulsion. However, the flavour scores
      of those products subjected to external smoke-processing treatments were higher
      and more acceptable than the other two treatments. Frankfurters manufactured
      using aerosol smoke treatments were rated by sensory panellists as the most
      tender. However, shear force measurements indicated that those franks processed
      with external liquid smoke treatments were somewhat less tender. Liquid smoke
      processing techniques favoured the development of a more desirable cured colour.
      The most stable colour was attributed to the liquid smoke-processing system in
      which the smoke materials were mixed in the emulsion. All palatability properties
      (sensory and colour) were highly correlated with the smokiness of the product.
      Generally, storage time had little effect on frankfurter palatability
      characteristics.

PMID- 22055417
TI  - Instability of SDS-denatured proteins prepared from musle myofibrils.
AB  - Evidence is presented showing that myofibrils solubilised by sodium dodecyl
      sulphate undergo proteolysis upon being allowed to warm to room temperature
      overnight or on storage for several days at 0-4 degrees C. Results indicate that
      the extra protein bands occurring under such conditions are due to the presence
      of an indigenous muscle protease(s). Modifications in the handling of samples are
      suggested in order to avoid these artifacts. The possible significance of the
      protease(s) to meat tenderness is briefly discussed.

PMID- 22055418
TI  - The influence of age, sex and breed of cattle on their muscle characteristics.
AB  - In order to gain more knowledge of the systematic changes occurring in meat
      tenderness and colour of different breeds and sexes of growing cattle, a number
      of characteristics were studied in five different muscles of Afrikaner and
      Friesland bulls and steers between birth and 24 months of age. Muscle collagen
      content of bulls was higher at birth than at all other ages and solubility of
      collagen decreased markedly between birth and 16 months of age. Shear force
      increased between 8 and 16 months, partially coinciding with the decrease in
      collagen solubility. Collagen content of muscles was higher in bulls than in
      steers and solubility decreased markedly between 12 and 16 months, only in the
      case of bulls. Afrikaner muscles were more tender than those of Frieslands and
      had a higher content and solubility of collagen. Pigment content was higher in
      Afrikaner than in Friesland muscles and increased steadily with age in all
      animals. The results show that the biological differences found to influence
      muscle characteristics were particularly those of age and breed of animal.

PMID- 22055419
TI  - Adrenal ascorbic acid depletion as an index of preslaughter stress in pigs.
AB  - The weight of the adrenal glands and the amount of ascorbic acid they contained
      were measured in Large White pigs subjected to various preslaughter treatments.
      Compared with transport for four hours preslaughter, one hour's transport
      resulted in adrenal glands which weighed less and which contained less ascorbic
      acid. Pigs mixed with strange pigs in lairage had heavier adrenals containing
      more ascorbic acid than those of unmixed pigs. Increasing lairage time up to
      twenty-four hours raised both the concentration and total amounts of ascorbic
      acid in the adrenal glands. The results suggest that the depletion of ascorbic
      acid from the adrenal glands can be used as a measure of the stress experienced
      by animals during the preslaughter period and the extent to which resting in
      lairage allows them to recover.

PMID- 22055420
TI  - Effects of calcium and pH on spun fibres produced from plasma-alginate mixtures.
AB  - When a solution of blood plasma and sodium alginate (protein: polysaccharide
      ratio 3:1) was extruded into coagulating baths of calcium chloride there was a
      rapid increase in shear strength of the fibre bundles with a rise in salt
      concentration up to 3% calcium chloride. Above this concentration no further
      increase in shear strength was observed. The ratio of plasma protein to alginate
      was between 0.84 and 1.1 in all tows produced from unbuffered calcium chloride
      baths. Extruding the dope into 5% calcium chloride baths of pH values between 2
      and 8 indicated that fibre strength was independent of pH in the range 4 to 8.
      Below pH 4 the tows rapidly decreased in shear strength to a minimum at pH 3.5.
      Decreasing the pH further led to an increase in fibre strength as acid
      denaturated protein coprecipitated with the polysaccharide. The ratio of plasma
      to alginate in the tows was around 1.0 for pH values above 3.5, rapidly
      increasing to 2.8 at pH 2.0.

PMID- 22055421
TI  - Evaluation of plasma and plasma-alginate fibres for use in sausages.
AB  - Fresh beef sausages were made in which 0,20 or 40% of the meat protein was
      replaced by protein from bovine blood plasma in order to determine the effect
      this had on stability, shrinkage, texture, juiciness, flavour, colour and general
      acceptability. Both the plasma proteins as isolated, and after spinning into
      fibres, were examined. Sausages in which 20 or 40% of the meat protein had been
      replaced by plasma-alginate fibres were preferred less than those made at the
      same levels of replacement using plasma protein as isolated, taste panel members
      disliking their flavour and colour. On the other hand, sausages incorporating
      plasma-alginate fibres were drier than those containing corresponding replacement
      levels of plasma protein as isolated, and their texture was preferred.

PMID- 22055422
TI  - Mercury, chromium, lead and organochlorine pesticide residues in some food
      products of animal origin: A review.
AB  - The authors present the results of several years' work in the field of food
      pollution. The research, which has been carried out on food products of animal
      origin marketed in the north of Italy, has established that the degree of
      contamination by heavy metals (mercury, chromium and lead) and organochlorine
      pesticides is generally lower than the tolerances suggested by the World Health
      Organisation.

PMID- 22055423
TI  - A consumer test of bull and steer beef of equal fatness.
AB  - It has been suggested that differing fatness may be a major contribution to
      detected eating differences between bull and steer beef. This paper compares a
      subset of households who cooked and ate bull and steer beef of equal fatness.
      Respondents still detected that steer was preferable to bull.

PMID- 22055424
TI  - Association between life events and change in depressive symptoms in Hong Kong
      Chinese elderly.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Life event was regarded as an important risk factor for depression.
      Only a few prospective studies had examined the impact of life events
      individually and in combination. This study examined the relationship between
      life events and change in depressive symptoms. METHODS: Depressive symptoms were
      assessed longitudinally using Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) in 2630 community
      dwelling Chinese elderly aged 65 or above. A cutoff score of 8 or higher
      indicated clinically relevant depressive symptoms. Subjects identified as
      demented were excluded. Eight life events experienced in the past year were
      assessed at 2year follow up. Logistic regression analyses were performed with
      adjustments for baseline GDS score and potential confounders such as
      sociodemographic, developmental and social factors, alcohol consumption, medical
      history and physical health status. RESULTS: In men, experience of two events
      (OR=2.493) and three or more events (OR=3.199) was independently associated with
      increased risk of having depression. In women, the risk increased only in
      experiencing three or more events (OR=5.558). Moreover, life event affected
      depressive symptoms differently for men and women. Loss of pet and serious
      financial trouble were associated with an increase in depressive symptoms among
      men, but serious illness or accident of partner, and loss of a hobby were
      significant among women. Experience in either good or bad important events
      increased risk of depression in both sexes. LIMITATIONS: The main limitation was
      all subjects were ambulatory volunteers. CONCLUSIONS: The occurrence of single
      life event had contributed to the onset of depression and multiple events had a
      cumulative effect.

PMID- 22055425
TI  - Twelve-month prevalence and correlates of subthreshold and threshold anxiety in
      community-dwelling older adults with cardiovascular diseases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Studies that examined the prevalence of anxiety in older adults with
      cardiovascular diseases (CVD) were mainly conducted in clinical settings limiting
      the generalizability of the results to community-based samples. Moreover, among
      older adults with CVD, little is known about the prevalence of subthreshold
      anxiety and about which characteristics differentiate those with subthreshold
      anxiety from those having an anxiety disorder. This study aimed at determining
      the 12-month prevalence rates of subthreshold and threshold anxiety in community
      dwelling older adults with CVD as well as to examine whether older people with
      CVD reporting an anxiety disorder differ from their counterparts with
      subthreshold anxiety. METHOD: From a representative sample of community-dwelling
      older adults aged 65years and older (N=2811), 613 cases of CVD were identified
      based on government medical records. Subthreshold and threshold anxiety were
      assessed using in-home interviews based on the DSM-IV criteria. RESULTS: The 12
      month prevalence rates of anxiety disorders and subthreshold anxiety were,
      respectively, 5.1 and 14.8%. Compared to older adults with CVD reporting no
      anxiety, individuals reporting subthreshold or threshold anxiety are more likely
      to be women, to have high blood pressure, and to suffer from a depression.
      LIMITATIONS: No information was gathered regarding alcohol and tobacco use.
      CONCLUSIONS: The present study provides evidence for the fact that subthreshold
      anxiety has a high prevalence among community-dwelling older people with CVD and
      that clinicians working with this population should screen for anxiety, even at a
      subthreshold level, since it may be associated with high blood pressure and
      depression.

PMID- 22055426
TI  - In vivo determination of the Achilles tendon moment arm in three-dimensions.
AB  - Two-dimensional methods have been applied to determine the Achilles tendon moment
      arm in previous studies, although the talocrural joint rotates in three
      dimension. The purpose of this study was to develop a method for determining the
      Achilles tendon moment arm in three-dimensions (3DMA). A series of sagittal ankle
      images were obtained at ankle positions of -20 degrees , -10 degrees 
      (dorsiflexed position), 0 degrees  (neutral position), +10 degrees , +20 degrees
      , and +30 degrees  (plantarflexed position). The talocrural joint axis was
      determined as the finite helical axis of the ankle joint over 20 degrees  of
      displacement, and the 3DMA was determined as the shortest distance from the
      talocrural joint axis to the line of action of the Achilles tendon force. The
      corresponding 2DMA was determined with the center of rotation method using the
      images captured on the sagittal plane passing through the mid-point of the medio
      lateral width of the tibia. The 3DMA ranged from 35 to 41 mm across various ankle
      positions and was, on average, 11 mm smaller than 2DMA. The difference between
      the two measures was attributable primarily to the deviations of the talocrural
      joint axis from the anatomical medio-lateral direction. The deviations on the
      coronal plane (21.4+/-20.7 degrees ) and on the transverse planes (14.8+/-22.6
      degrees ) accounted for the errors of 1.3 mm and 3.0 mm, respectively. In
      addition, selecting either a medially or laterally misaligned sagittal-plane
      image for determining the 2DMA gave rise to error by 3.5 mm. The remaining
      difference was accounted for by the random measurement error.

PMID- 22055427
TI  - 3D real-time micromechanical compressive behaviour of bone-cement interface:
      experimental and finite element studies.
AB  - The integrity of bone-cement interface is essential for the long-term stability
      of cemented total joint arthroplasty. Although several studies have been carried
      out on bone-cement interface at continuum level, micromechanics of the interface
      has been studied only recently for tensile and shear loading cases. Fundamental
      studies of bone-cement interface at microstructural level are critical to the
      understanding of the failure processes of the interface, where multiple factors
      may contribute to failure. Here we present a micromechanical study of bone-cement
      interface under compression, which utilised in situ mechanical testing, time
      lapsed microcomputed tomography (CT) and finite element (FE) modelling. Bovine
      trabecular bone was used to interdigitate with bone cement to obtain bone-cement
      interface samples, which were tested in step-wise compression using a custom-made
      loading stage within the MUCT chamber. A finite element model was built from the
      CT images of one of the tested samples and loaded similarly as in the experiment.
      The simulated stress-displacement response fell within the range of the
      experimental responses, and the predicted local strain distribution correlated
      well with the failure pattern in the subject-specific experimental model. Damage
      evolution with load in the samples was monitored both experimentally and
      numerically. The results from the FE simulations further revealed the development
      of damage in the regions of interest during compression, which may be useful
      towards a micromechanics understanding of the failure processes at bone-cement
      interface.

PMID- 22055428
TI  - The relationships between cyclic fatigue loading, changes in initial mechanical
      properties, and the in vivo temporal mechanical response of the rat patellar
      tendon.
AB  - Damage accumulation underlies tendinopathy. Animal models of overuse injuries do
      not typically control loads applied to the tendon. Our in vivo model in the rat
      patellar tendon allows direct control of the loading applied to the tendon.
      Despite this advantage, natural variation among tendons results in different
      amounts of damage induced by the same loading protocol. Our objectives were to
      (1) assess changes in the initial mechanical parameters (hysteresis, stiffness of
      the loading and unloading load-displacement curves, and elongation) after fatigue
      loading to identify parameters that are indicative of the induced damage, and (2)
      evaluate the relationships between these identified initial damage indices with
      the stiffness 7 day after loading. Left patellar tendons of adult, female retired
      breeder, Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 68) were fatigue loaded per our previously
      published in vivo fatigue loading protocol. To induce a range of damage, fatigue
      loading consisted of either 5, 100, 500 or 7200 cycles that ranged from 1 N to 40
      N. Diagnostic tests were applied before and immediately after fatigue loading,
      and after 45 min of recovery to deduce recoverable and non-recoverable changes in
      initial damage indices. Relationships between these initial damage indices and
      the 7-day stiffness (at sacrifice) were determined. Day-0 hysteresis, loading and
      unloading stiffness exhibited cycle-dependent changes. Initial hysteresis loss
      correlated with the 7-day stiffness. k-means cluster analysis demonstrated a
      relationship between 7-day stiffness and day-0 hysteresis and unloading
      stiffness. This analysis also separated samples that exhibited low from high
      damage in response to both high or low number of cycles; a key delineation for
      interpretation of the biological response in future studies. Identifying initial
      parameters that reflect the induced damage is critical since the ability of the
      tendon to repair depends on the damage induced and the number of applied loading
      cycles.

PMID- 22055429
TI  - The role of skin texture and facial shape in representations of age and identity.
AB  - Faces have both shape and skin texture, but the relative importance of the two in
      face representations is unclear. Our goals were first, to determine the
      contribution of shape versus texture to aftereffects for facial age and identity
      and second, to assess whether adaptation transferred between shape and texture,
      suggesting integration in a single representation. In our first experiment we
      examined age aftereffects. We obtained young and old images of two celebrities
      and created hybrid images, one combining the structure of the old face with the
      skin texture of the young face, the other combining the young structure with the
      old skin texture. This allowed us to create adaptation contrasts where the two
      adapting faces had the same facial structure but different skin texture, and vice
      versa. In the second experiment, we performed a similar study but this time
      examining identity aftereffects between two people of a similar age. We found
      that both skin texture and facial shape generated significant age aftereffects,
      but the contribution was greater from texture than from shape. Both texture and
      shape also generated significant identity aftereffects, but the contribution was
      greater from shape than from texture. In the last experiment, we used the normal
      and hybrid images to determine if adaptation to one property (i.e., texture)
      could create aftereffects in the perception of age in the other property (i.e.,
      shape). While there was significant within-component adaptation for texture and
      shape, there was no evidence of cross-component adaptation. We conclude that
      shape and texture contribute differently to different face representations, with
      texture dominating for age. The lack of cross-component adaptation transfer
      suggests independent encoding of shape and texture, at least for age
      representations.

PMID- 22055430
TI  - [Are there any contraindications to the transradial approach?].
AB  - The transradial approach is the most frequent access used in France for
      coronarography and percutaneous coronary intervention. This access permits a
      reduction of local complications in comparison with femoral access. There are
      very few real contraindications of transradial approach. The use of Allen's test
      before coronarography remains controversial in the transradial catheterization
      community. It remains a standard practice in some institutions, however many
      centers have stopped using Allen's test considering that there is no evidence
      supporting its use.

PMID- 22055431
TI  - [Variant angina: what to think in 2011?].
AB  - Spastic angina is considered rare but its prevalence is probably underestimated
      especially in case of atherosclerotic coronary lesions. Its diagnosis remains
      important due to its poor prognosis and therapeutic characteristics. We report
      three clinical cases illustrating two different clinical presentations and the
      problem of diagnosis of spastic angina. We performed a review of the literature
      essentially concerning commonly used diagnosis means and especially provocative
      testing for coronary spasm. This test needs to be adapted to the evolution of
      techniques and uses of coronary angiography in 2011, particularly the wide spread
      use of radial approach. Therefore new recommendations are needed, specifying the
      terms of provocative testing and establishing clear diagnosis criteria including
      clinical, electrocardiographic and angiographic data. Such guidelines would
      probably help to better diagnose and treat these patients in our practice.

PMID- 22055432
TI  - The role of MAPK in CD4(+) T cells toll-like receptor 9-mediated signaling
      following HHV-6 infection.
AB  - Human herpesvirus-6 (HHV-6) is an important immunosuppressive and
      immunomodulatory virus that primarily infects immune cells (mainly CD4(+) T
      cells) and strongly suppresses the proliferation of infected cells. Toll-like
      receptors are pattern-recognition receptors essential for the development of an
      appropriate innate immune defense against infection. To understand the role of
      CD4(+) T cells in the innate response to HHV-6 infection and the involvement of
      TLRs, we used an in vitro infection model and observed that the infection of
      CD4(+) T cells resulted in the activation of JNK/SAPK via up-regulation of toll
      like receptor 9 (TLR9). Associated with JNK activation, annexin V-PI staining
      indicated that HHV-6A was a strong inducer of apoptosis. Apoptotic response
      associated cytokines, IL-6 and TNF-alpha also induced by HHV-6A infection.

PMID- 22055433
TI  - Pain relief report commended for highlighting self-management, integrative
      approaches.

PMID- 22055434
TI  - Role of nitrite in flavour development in uncooked cured meat products: Sensory
      assessment.
AB  - Fermented dry sausages were produced according to the current industrial
      practices with the only exception that sodium nitrite was not systematically
      included in the formulation. Finished products were evaluated by a trained taste
      panel. Flavour of the samples made from mixes with added nitrite was found
      significantly different from that of the nitrite-free samples. Basically,
      nitrosated samples were allotted a stronger and a more typical flavour.

PMID- 22055435
TI  - Thawing of lamb loin chops in air and CO(2). Effect on colour and drip.
AB  - Colour retention and drip loss was assessed during retail display for chilled
      lamb chops displayed fresh or stored in CO(2) for 7 weeks before display, and for
      chops frozen for various times and thawed in air or CO(2). A sensory panel found
      fresh lamb chops to have an acceptable display life of 1 day, while chops which
      had been frozen for 1 day and then thawed lasted 2 days. Holding chops for 7
      weeks in a CO(2) atmosphere at - 1.5 degrees C improved display life to 3 days,
      but frozen chops held for 7 weeks before thawing had deteriorated in colour, and
      only one group was acceptable on the initial day of display. Initially there were
      no differences in Hunter L values (brightness) due to treatment, but chilled
      chops or those frozen for 1 day showed a greater increase in L values by the
      second day than those frozen for 7 weeks, after which there was no change in
      brightness. Hunter a values (redness) were higher in chilled chops and those
      thawed after 1 day's frozen storage than those frozen for 7 weeks before thawing.
      Hunter b values (yellowness) were greater at all times in chilled chops held for
      7 weeks and varied amongst the other treatments. The measured per cent drip from
      chops frozen for only 1 day was greater on thawing than drip from chops frozen
      for 7 weeks before thawing. Drip during display, assessed by a sensory panel,
      increased more in those chops stored either chilled or frozen for 7 weeks before
      display.

PMID- 22055436
TI  - The thickness and quality of backfat in various pig breeds and their relationship
      to intramuscular fat and the setting of joints from the carcasses.
AB  - The characteristics of backfat were measured in carcasses from 233 pigs
      representing eleven breeds. Animals were fed ad libitum and killed at an average
      live weight of 62 kg. In breeds in which the backfat was thicker it was also
      firmer and contained less water. In leaner breeds there was reduced cohesiveness
      of fat and muscle components of the loin joint so that the fat separated more
      easily from the underlying lean. This contributed to joints which were
      subjectively assessed as less firm and well set. Fatter breeds tended to have
      Longissimus muscles which contained more intramuscular fat. However, the
      relationship between muscle fat and carcass fat was poor suggesting that, if it
      was thought desirable to select for increased intramuscular fat in the interests
      of meat palatability, then this could be achieved without making carcasses
      undesirably fat. Differences in fat characteristics between breeds were
      apparently largely attributable to differences in fatness rather than inherent
      breed factors.

PMID- 22055437
TI  - The ultra-rapid chilling of lamb carcasses.
AB  - Experiments were carried out on the effects of chilling lamb carcasses very
      rapidly in a pre-rigor condition. The chilling regime which was finally used was
      to cool the carcasses at an ambient temperature of -20 degrees C and an air speed
      of 1.5 m/s for 3.5 h. Examination of striploins from carcasses subjected to this
      chilling regime showed that, after 7 day's storage, the meat was as tender as
      that from carcasses which had been conventionally chilled at 4 degrees C for 24 h
      There were significant reductions in weight loss as a result of ultra rapid
      chilling, compared to conventionally chilled carcasses. The reductions obtained
      after 24 h varied between 0.8 and 0.9%, depending on whether the carcasses were
      washed or unwashed.

PMID- 22055438
TI  - Studies on emulsion-type buffalo meat sausages incorporating skeletal and offal
      meat with different levels of pork fat.
AB  - Ready-to-eat emulsion-type buffalo meat sausages were developed by using a
      combination of 80% meat components with 20% pork back fat. The meat components
      were constituted of 70 parts buffalo skeletal meat and 30 parts offal meat (rumen
      meat and heart meat in equal proportions). The emulsion stability, cooking losses
      of emulsions and sausages, composition of cooked sausages, eating quality of
      sausages and the microscopic characteristics of the raw emulsion and cooked
      sausages were studied. The light microscope micrograph of the raw emulsion showed
      uniformly well distributed fat globules embedded in a dense protein gel. The
      cooked emulsion also showed uniformly sized fat globules well distributed in a
      fine, compact, coagulated protein gel, which retained their original spherical
      shape. Good quality emulsion-type sausages could be produced having a high
      emulsion stability (0.87 +/- 0.07 ml fat release/100 g emulsion); a low emulsion
      cooking loss (9.60 +/- 0.60%) and a low sausage cooking loss (8.83 +/- 0.48%).
      The overall acceptability of sausages was also high.

PMID- 22055439
TI  - Characterization of changes in psychometric colour attributes of comminuted
      porcine lean meat during processing.
AB  - Changes in colour during the processing of a comminuted porcine lean meat system
      were characterized using the psychometric colour attributes lightness L (*)) hue
      (h (*))and chroma (C (*)). The effects of processing temperature, nitrite and air
      pressure during comminution were examined. The pattern of changes as a function
      of processing time for L (*) and C (*), but not for h (*), showed clear
      dependence on processing temperature (15, 30, 40, 50 and 60 degrees C). For C (*)
      this dependence was much more complex than foor L (*). Nitrite dramatically
      affected the pattern of change in h (*) and C (*), but much less so changes in L
      (*). Varying the air pressure during comminution did not induce shifts in
      patterns of changes of the three colour attributes. However, it did have a marked
      effect on the absolute values and the extent of changes in L (*) and, to a much
      lesser extent, in h (*) and C (*). The findings of this study furnish the basis
      for a possible usage of the psychometric colour attributes as parameters for a
      quantitative kinetic analysis and modelling of the effect of processing factors
      during the production of comminuted meats.

PMID- 22055440
TI  - Modified packaging as protection against photodegradation of the colour of
      pasteurized, sliced ham.
AB  - Carbon dioxide flushing and packaging under slight overpressure has been found to
      eliminate discoloration of vacuum-packed ham, normally encountered as a result of
      photooxidation of nitric oxide pigments during the first 24 h of display in
      illuminated cabinets. On exposure to light, even when the product is packed in
      high-vacuum, residual oxygen invariably present in the product gives rise to
      significant photochemical pigment degradation and general poor oxidative
      stability, and has warranted up to 4 days of dark storage prior to display.
      Replacement of the atmosphere with carbon dioxide, even when repeated, followed
      by the establishment of vacuum, does not yield a similar protection.

PMID- 22055442
TI  - Post-mortem energy metabolism in bovine muscles studied by non-invasive
      phosphorus-31 nuclear magnetic resonance.
AB  - Phosphorus-31 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance ((31)P-NMR) has been utilized to follow
      non-invasively the post-mortem metabolism of the major phosphorylated metabolites
      in muscles from beef slaughter carcasses. In addition to adenosine-5'
      triphosphate (ATP), creatine phosphate (CP) and inorganic phosphate (P(i))
      considerable amounts of glucose- and fructose-6-phosphate (G6P and F6P,
      respectively) as well as glycerol-3-phosphate (Glyc3P) were detected. ATP was
      mainly present as a Mg(2+)-ATP complex. Adenosine-5'-diphosphate (ADP) appeared
      to be mainly bound to muscle proteins. A good quantitative agreement was found
      for the levels of ATP, CP and sugar phosphates (SP) when estimated by NMR or
      enzymatic assays. Since the chemical shifts of the P(i) and sugar phosphate
      resonances are a function of the pH, the intracellular pH could be directly
      deduced from the NMR spectra. Values obtained in this manner were, within the
      errors of both methods, the same as those determined in iodoacetate/KCl
      homogenates. The pH gradients within the tissue never exceeded 0.3 pH units. In a
      final set of experiments we used (31)P-NMR 10 study the effects of electrical
      stimulation on the intracellular pH and post-mortem metabolism. It was concluded
      that (31)P-NMR, due to its non-invasive nature plus the fact that some of the NMR
      parameters are sensitive to the intracellular environment, provides a useful
      complement to existing methods for the study of post-mortem metabolism.

PMID- 22055443
TI  - Cold-shortening toughness in excised pork M. Longissimus dorsi.
AB  - Excised pork M. Longissimus dorsi from six Large White Cross pigs were subjected
      to a range of chilling rates using temperatures between 20 degrees C and -20
      degrees C. Onset of rigor at 20 degrees C varied from 3 to 7.5 h between animals
      and rigor was complete in 6.5 to 15 h. Cold-shortening was induced when samples
      were chilled in air or liquid at 3 degrees C or below but not at 5 degrees C or
      ambient. The highest cooling rate, using liquid at -1 degrees C, reduced the meat
      samples to 10 degrees C in about 1 h and induced 34% shortening. After ageing for
      5 days at 3 degrees C in 26 h. Considering all chilling rates, toughness
      increased as the time to reach 10 degrees C decreased to 3 h or less. Extensive
      cold-toughening would be unlikely to occur in current UK commerce and any
      toughening which did occur would be confined to Longissimus dorsi M. in about 20%
      of carcasses. The projected increased introduction of very rapid cooling,
      particularly in conjunction with lean pig production and hot deboning of pork,
      could toughen all cuts in about 60% of carcasses.

PMID- 22055444
TI  - Skeletal muscle characteristics in different breeds of pigs in relation to
      sensory properties of meat.
AB  - Fibre type composition, activities of enzymes used as indicators for oxidative
      (citrate synthase and 3-OH-acyl-coA dehydrogenase) and glycolytic (lactate
      dehydrogenase and triose phosphate dehydrogenase) capacity as well as glycogen
      and triglyceride levels were analysed on muscle biopsies (M. longissimus dorsi
      and M. gluteus medius) obtained preslaughter from pure breed Hampshire (n = 5),
      Swedish Landrace (n = 5) and Swedish Yorkshire (n = 5) pigs. The biopsied muscles
      were evaluated after slaughter for the sensory properties of the meat. Fibre type
      composition was similar in all breeds, whereas the metabolic profile differed.
      The Hampshire pigs had a significantly higher oxidative capacity, lower
      glycolytic capacity, and greater storage of both glycogen and triglycerides
      compared with the Yorkshire pigs. Values for the Swedish Landrace pigs were
      inbetween the other breeds. Tenderness of meat was significantly lower in the
      Yorkshire pigs compared with the other breeds. These results suggest that of the
      sensory properties of meat, tenderness seems to be especially related to the
      metabolic profile of the muscles in the living pig.

PMID- 22055445
TI  - Pork of low technological quality with a normal rate of muscle pH fall in the
      immediate post-mortem period: The case of the Hampshire breed.
AB  - The aim of the experiment was to determine the technological properties of meat
      from Hampshire pigs, as compared to good quality meat from Large White pigs and
      to exudative meat from halothane-positive (HP) Pietrain pigs. All Hampshire and
      Large White pigs were halothanenegative (HN). In 129 females and castrated males
      (47 Large White, 20 HN Pietrain, 27 HP Pietrain, 35 Hampshire), several quality
      characteristics were measured on raw meat and one ham was processed into cooked
      'Paris ham'. Although the pH was normal I h post mortem in Hampshire pigs (which,
      in this respect, did not differ from Large White pigs) pork from Hampshire pigs,
      especially females, showed a very low ultimate pH and the highest cooking loss in
      processing. However, meat was much less exudative when fresh and generally darker
      (reflectance measured at 630 nm or subjective colour score) in Hampshire than in
      HP Pietrain pigs. A low ultimate pH occurred in muscle from Hampshire pigs owing
      to a very high 'glycolytic potential' (essentially glycogen content). It is
      proposed to use the term 'Hampshire type' to denote meat whose qualitative
      inadequacies basically result from an abnormally lowered ultimate pH, and to keep
      the term 'PSE' to refer to meat whose exudative state comes from an abnormally
      rapid pH fall in the immediate postmortem period.

PMID- 22055446
TI  - The impact of organochlorines cycling in the cryosphere on their global
      distribution and fate--1. Sea ice.
AB  - Global fate and transport of gamma-HCH and DDT was studied using a global
      multicompartment chemistry-transport model, MPI-MCTM, with and without a dynamic
      sea ice compartment. The MPI-MCTM is based on coupled ocean and atmosphere
      general circulation models. Sea ice hosts 7-9% of the burden of the surface
      ocean. Without cycling in sea ice the geographic distributions are shifted from
      land to sea. This shift of burdens exceeds the sea ice burden by a factor of ~8
      for gamma-HCH and by a factor of ~15 for DDT. As regional scale seasonal sea ice
      melting may double surface ocean contamination, a neglect of cycling in sea ice
      (in an otherwise unchanged model climate) would underestimate ocean exposure in
      high latitudes. Furthermore, it would lead to overestimates of the residence
      times in ocean by 40% and 33% and of the total environmental residence times,
      tau(overall), of gamma-HCH and DDT by 1.6% and 0.6%, respectively.

PMID- 22055447
TI  - Comparison of chemical composition of meat determined at eight laboratories.
AB  - Sixteen minced samples of lean beef M. semimembranosus and M. gracilis were
      analysed for nitrogen, fat, moisture, collagen, ash and pH using recommended
      procedures in eight European Communitie' (EC) meat research laboratories.
      Differences between replicate determinations within laboratories were often
      larger than suggested in reference methods although they were smaller than the
      differences between laboratories. Moisture and pH were determined most
      consistently, collagen least consistently.

PMID- 22055448
TI  - The cooking of single myofibres, small myofibre bundles and muscle strips from
      beef M. psoas and M. sternomandibularis muscles at varying heating rates and
      temperatures.
AB  - When single myofibres are heated in an aqueous medium up to temperatures of 90
      degrees C at pH 5.5, they do n ot shorten but instead decrease in diameter. This
      decrease begins slowly at 40 degrees  and reaches a maximal rate and extent at 60
      degrees , when the myofibre volume has decreased to 50% of the initial volume and
      about 60% of the cell water has been expelled. The myofibres behave similarly
      when the pH of the medium is raised to 6.8, but the loss of cell water is
      considerably less (about 42%). When small myofibre bundles are heated from 10
      degrees  to 60 degrees  they behave similarly to single myofibres by decreasing,
      in diameter only, from 40 degrees  to about 63 degrees . At the latter
      temperature their volume has decreased to 60% of the initial value and about 48%
      of the bundle water has been expelled. Above 64 degrees  the bundles shorten, the
      shortening reaching about 30% of the initial length at 90 degrees . This
      shortening, combined with the diameter decrease, leads to a volume decrease to
      43% of the initial value and to a loss of about 68% of the cell water.

PMID- 22055449
TI  - Effects of low voltage electrical stimulation on mature cow carcasses: Part 1
      Selected quality attributes of beef.
AB  - The quality characteristics of semitendinosus (ST) and longissimus dorsi (LD)
      roasts obtained from mature carcasses subjected to extra low voltage (50-100 V)
      electrical stimulation (ES) were determined. ES was applied for 2 min with
      voltage increases to either 50 V (ES1) or 100 V (ESII). Evaluationss were
      conducted on meat obtained from control sides (no ES) aged for either 48h or 7
      days and from ES carcasses aged for 48h. ES caused a reduction (P < 0.1) in pH
      values 1 and 4h post mortem. At 24h, the pH of each of the muscles from ES and
      control carcasses was similar. There were no differences in raw rib-eye muscle
      colour, firmness or texture due to ES. Cooking losses of ST and LD did not appear
      to be affected by either ES or increased ageing of control roasts. For both ST
      and LD roasts, trained panellists generally detected no significant effects of ES
      or ageing time (for no ES roasts) on palatability. Consumer panel judgements of
      ST roasts were similar to those of the trained judges. Water-holding capacity,
      tenderness (OTMS) and softness (penetrometer) data for ST and LD roasts generally
      support findings from sensory evaluation. Cooking and eating quality
      characteristics of ST and LD roasts from mature cow carcasses subjected to ES
      were similar to those of the controls.

PMID- 22055450
TI  - Structural and palatability relationships in frozen ground beef patties as a
      function of freezing treatments and product formulation.
AB  - Four freezing rates for ground beef patties were evaluated for product quality
      effects and microstructural changes. These rates were further evaluated for
      different pattie formulations involving post-rigor and pre-rigor meat. Both light
      microscopy (LM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were utilised for
      microstructural comparisons. Fast freezing rates had a positive effect on pattie
      quality, resulting in increased juiciness, tenderness and overall acceptability.
      Photomicrographs showed increased ice cavity size with decreased freezing rates,
      which probably contributed to increased cooking shrink and tenderness changes
      observed. Pre-rigor patties compared very favourably with conventional post-rigor
      beef patties and showed no obvious structural differences.

PMID- 22055451
TI  - An assessment of extracellular space measurements in post-mortem muscle.
AB  - Extracellular space measurements of early post-mortem muscle were made by
      incubating muscle strips in inulin [(14)C] carboxylic acid. The extracellular
      space measurements provide a means to assess the functionality of the muscle
      membrane. This may lead to an understanding of variations in the water-holding
      capacity of meat and the effects of stress on the muscle membranes of stress
      susceptible animals. Secondly, a level of intrafibre water affinity between
      carcasses may be determined which may relate to the interfilamental spacings
      between myofibrils in the fibre and thus meat quality.

PMID- 22055452
TI  - Factors affecting paddy soil arsenic concentration in Bangladesh: prediction and
      uncertainty of geostatistical risk mapping.
AB  - Knowledge of the spatial correlation of soil arsenic (As) concentrations with
      environmental variables is needed to assess the nature and extent of the risk of
      As contamination from irrigation water in Bangladesh. We analyzed 263 paired
      groundwater and paddy soil samples covering highland (HL) and medium highland-1
      (MHL-1) land types for geostatistical mapping of soil As and delineation of As
      contaminated areas in Tala Upazilla, Satkhira district. We also collected 74 non
      rice soil samples to assess the baseline concentration of soil As for this area.
      The mean soil As concentrations (mg/kg) for different land types under rice and
      non-rice crops were: rice-MHL-1 (21.2)>rice-HL (14.1)>non-rice-MHL-1 (11.9)>non
      rice-HL (7.2). Multiple regression analyses showed that irrigation water As, Fe,
      land elevation and years of tubewell operation are the important factors
      affecting the concentrations of As in HL paddy soils. Only years of tubewell
      operation affected As concentration in the MHL-1 paddy soils. Quantitatively
      similar increases in soil As above the estimated baseline-As concentration were
      observed for rice soils on HL and MHL-1 after 6-8 years of groundwater
      irrigation, implying strong retention of As added in irrigation water in both
      land types. Application of single geostatistical methods with secondary variables
      such as regression kriging (RK) and ordinary co-kriging (OCK) gave little
      improvement in prediction of soil As over ordinary kriging (OK). Comparing single
      prediction methods, kriging within strata (KWS), the combination of RK for HL and
      OCK for MHL-1, gave more accurate soil As predictions and showed the lowest
      misclassification of declaring a location "contaminated" with respect to 14.8 mg
      As/kg, the highest value obtained for the baseline soil As concentration.
      Prediction of soil As buildup over time indicated that 75% or the soils cropped
      to rice would contain at least 30 mg/L As by the year 2020.

PMID- 22055453
TI  - Short-term effects of particulate matter on total mortality during Saharan dust
      outbreaks: a case-crossover analysis in Madrid (Spain).
AB  - BACKGROUND: The role of Saharan dust outbreaks on the relationship between
      particulate matter and daily mortality has recently been addressed in studies
      conducted in Southern Europe, although they have not given consistent results.
      METHODS: We investigated the effects of coarse (PM(10-2.5)) and fine particulate
      matter (PM(2.5)) in Madrid on total mortality during Saharan dust and non-dust
      days using a case-crossover design. RESULTS: During Saharan dust days, an
      increase of 10mg/m(3) of PM(10-2.5) raised total mortality by 2.8% compared with
      0.6% during non-dust days (P-value for interaction=0.0165). CONCLUSION: We found
      evidence of stronger adverse health effects of PM(10-2.5) during Saharan dust
      outbreaks effects for impacted European populations, but not for PM(2.5). Further
      research is needed to understand mechanisms by which Saharan dust increases risk
      of mortality.

PMID- 22055454
TI  - Repeated administration of exendin-4 reduces focal cerebral ischemia-induced
      infarction in rats.
AB  - Exendin-4 is a GLP-1 agonist that is clinically used for the treatment of
      diabetes mellitus and may also have neuroprotective effect. We explored the
      effect of repeated administration of exendin-4 (0.5 MUg/kg, intraperitoneal twice
      a day for 7 days) on infarct volume, neurological deficit (neurological score,
      grip test, foot fault and rota rod tests), oxidative stress parameters
      (malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione, and superoxide dismutase) and expression
      of endothelin (ET) ET(A) and ET(B) receptors following cerebral ischemia produced
      in rats by permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Since ET(A)
      receptors in the central nervous system (CNS) are involved in cerebral ischemia,
      we determined the effect of a specific ET(A) receptor antagonist, BQ123 (1mg/kg,
      intravenously administered thrice: 30 min, 2h and 4h after MCAO for a total dose
      of 3 mg/kg) on cerebral ischemia in control and exendin-4 treated rats. Results
      indicate that exendin-4 treated rats had significant protection following MCAO
      induced cerebral ischemia. The infarct volume was 27% less compared to vehicle
      treated rats. The neurological deficit following MCAO was lower and oxidative
      stress parameters were improved in exendin-4 treated rats compared to control.
      BQ123 significantly improved infarct volume, oxidative stress parameters and
      neurological deficit in ischemic rats treated with vehicle or exendin-4. BQ123
      induced protection from cerebral ischemia was similar in vehicle or exendin-4
      treated rats. Expression of ET(A) receptors was significantly increased following
      cerebral ischemia which was not affected by exendin-4 treatment or by BQ123
      administration. No change in expression of ET(B) receptors was observed following
      cerebral ischemia or any treatment. It is concluded that exendin-4 protects the
      CNS from damage due to cerebral ischemia by reducing oxidative stress and is
      independent of ET receptor involvement.

PMID- 22055455
TI  - Selective loss of AMPA receptor subunits at inhibitory neuron synapses in the
      cerebellum of the ataxic stargazer mouse.
AB  - AMPA receptor subunits (GluA1-4) are trafficked to membrane synaptic sites by
      transmembrane AMPA receptor regulatory proteins (TARPs). In the stargazer mutant
      mouse, expression of TARP-gamma2 (stargazin) is severely reduced, resulting in
      cerebellar ataxia. Stargazer granule cells (GCs) have a complete loss of
      functional AMPARs, as gamma2 is their main TARP; hence mossy fiber (MF)-GC
      synapses are silent. The aim of the current study was to investigate how the
      stargazin deficit affects expression levels of AMPAR subunits at output synapses
      from GC parallel fibers (PF) onto inhibitory neurons in the molecular layer.
      Cerebella from male litter-pairs of stargazer and control mice were analyzed by
      post-embedding immunogold-microscopy. Levels of GluA2/3 and GluA4 were evaluated
      by measuring relative density of immunogold at PF-Purkinje cell (PF-PC) and PF
      interneuron (PF-In) synapses respectively. In total, 100 synapses were analyzed
      in each pair of stargazer and control littermates. GluA2/3 and GluA4 expression
      was significantly reduced throughout the stargazer cerebellar cortex. GluA2/3
      levels were reduced by 52% (p<0.001) at PF-PC synapses, and GluA4 levels by 31%
      (p<0.001) at PF-In synapses in stargazers. In neither case, however, was there a
      total loss of synaptic AMPAR subunits as occurs at MF-GC synapses. As the
      inhibitory neurons of the molecular layer express other TARPs in addition to
      stargazin, TARP compensation may limit the loss of GluA subunits at these
      synapses and explain why they are not silent like the MF-GC synapses. These data
      suggest that the ataxic phenotype in stargazers is primarily due to absence of
      AMPARs at cerebellar MF-GC synapses.

PMID- 22055456
TI  - Effects of significance of auditory location changes on event related brain
      potentials and pitch discrimination performance.
AB  - We examined effects of significance of task irrelevant changes in the location of
      tones on the mismatch negativity (MMN) and P3a event related brain potentials.
      The participants were to discriminate between two frequency modulated tones
      differing from each other in the direction of frequency glide. Each tone was
      delivered through one of five loudspeakers in front of the participant. On most
      trials, a tone was presented from the same location as the preceding tone, but
      occasionally the location changed. In the Varying Location Condition, these
      changes, although irrelevant with regard to pitch discrimination, were still
      significant for performance as the following tones were presented from the new
      location where attention had to be therefore shifted. In the Fixed Location
      Condition, the location changes were less significant as the tones following a
      location change were presented from the original location. In both conditions,
      the location changes were associated with decreased hit rates and increased
      reaction times in the pitch discrimination task. However, the hit rate decrease
      was larger in the Fixed Location Condition suggesting that in this condition the
      location changes were just distractors. MMN and P3a responses were elicited by
      location changes in both conditions. In the Fixed Location Condition, a P3a was
      also elicited by the first tone following a location change at the original
      location while the MMN was not. Thus, the P3a appeared to be related to shifting
      of attention in space and was not tightly coupled with MMN elicitation.

PMID- 22055457
TI  - Vancomycin-resistant enterococci rectal colonization in an intensive care unit: a
      report from Turkey.

PMID- 22055458
TI  - Nosocomial infections in a pediatric residential care facility.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nosocomial infections have rarely been characterized in pediatric
      residential care facilities. The purpose of this study is to assess the frequency
      of and risk factors for infectious diseases in pediatric residential care
      facilities over a 1-year period and to contrast them with other pediatric
      extended care facilities. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed at
      a pediatric residential care facility dedicated exclusively to children with
      severe physical and mental disabilities. Incidence rates of infection were
      collected on a census of 109 residents from January 1 through December 31, 2009.
      Infectious diseases were classified using ICD-9-CM codes. PubMed, Web of Science,
      and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) databases
      were searched to identify similar studies. RESULTS: In 2009, the overall
      incidence rate of infection was 6.21 per 1,000 resident-days of care, with the
      most frequent being streptococcal or staphylococcal skin infections (1.11 per
      1,000 resident-days) and the least frequent being conjunctivitis (0.16 per 1,000
      resident-days). Extensive literature reviews yielded 2 published studies that
      evaluated infections in pediatric extended care facilities; these studies
      exhibited distinct prevalences of infectious diseases when compared with the
      current study. CONCLUSION: Studies examining nosocomial infections should not
      consider pediatric extended care facilities as 1 single entity given the
      heterogeneity among these facilities.

PMID- 22055459
TI  - Exosomes derived from human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells promote tumor
      growth in vivo.
AB  - Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can promote tumor growth in a mouse xenograft
      model, but the exact mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we investigated
      the effects of bone marrow MSC-derived exosomes (MSC-exosomes) on tumor growth in
      vitro and in vivo. Our results showed that MSC-exosomes promoted tumor growth in
      vivo. MSC-exosomes enhanced vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression
      in tumor cells by activating extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2)
      pathway. Inhibition of ERK1/2 activation reserved the increase of VEGF level by
      MSC-exosomes. Our findings demonstrate a new mechanism through which MSC-exosome
      mediated cell-cell interactions may contribute to tumor progression.

PMID- 22055460
TI  - TSC1/TSC2 inactivation inhibits AKT through mTORC1-dependent up-regulation of
      STAT3-PTEN cascade.
AB  - Aberrant activation of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1), caused
      by loss or inactivation of TSC1/TSC2 protein complex, leads to negative feedback
      inhibition of Akt. The exact mechanisms of this process are still not fully
      understood. Here we present evidence for the involvement of STAT3, a known mTORC1
      regulated transcription factor, in this process. We demonstrate that STAT3
      promotes the transcription of PTEN by directly binding on the PTEN promoter.
      Elevated PTEN then inhibits the proliferation of Tsc1(-/-) or Tsc2(-/-) cells
      through down-regulation of Akt signaling. Activation of PTEN in this pathway may
      thus serve as a protective mechanism against hyper-activated mTORC1 mediated
      tumorigenesis and contribute to the benign nature of tumors caused by loss of
      either TSC1 or TSC2.

PMID- 22055461
TI  - Histone H2A.Z prepares the prostate specific antigen (PSA) gene for androgen
      receptor-mediated transcription and is upregulated in a model of prostate cancer
      progression.
AB  - The histone variant H2A.Z is present at many eukaryotic gene regulatory regions
      and can affect rates of transcription. Here we show that total H2A.Z and an
      acetylated form of H2A.Z is mainly present at the prostate specific antigen (PSA)
      enhancer and promoter in prostate cancer cell lines where the gene is expressed,
      but the levels decrease during rapid cycles of transcription. Treatment of
      prostate cancer cells with androgen results in increased H2A.Z levels due to
      upregulation of the H2A.Z-1, but not the H2A.Z-2 gene. This upregulation is
      likely the result of increased MYC transcription factor binding that occurs in
      response to androgen at the H2A.Z-1 promoter. Furthermore, we show that in a
      LNCaP xenograft model of prostate cancer progression, there is a significant
      increase of H2A.Z protein in castration resistant LNCaP tumors resulting from
      increased expression of the H2A.Z-1 gene. While a similar trend was observed in
      samples from prostate cancer patients, the results were not statistically
      significant. Nevertheless, there may be a subset of prostate cancers where
      elevated expression of H2A.Z-1 is indicative of prostate cancer progression to
      androgen independence.

PMID- 22055462
TI  - Meat emulsion functionality related to fat-protein ratio and selected dairy and
      cereal products.
AB  - The influence of fat-protein ratio, moisture content, buttermilk powder, modified
      wheat flour, corn starch and modified waxy maize flour in processed meat
      emulsions upon their sensory attributes, textural profile parameters, and
      selected functional properties were investigated. These properties were optimized
      using regression models, canonical analysis, response surface methodology, and a
      multidimensional optimization algorithm.

PMID- 22055463
TI  - Activities of metabolic and contractile enzymes in 18 bovine muscles.
AB  - Contractile and metabolic characteristics of 18 bovine muscles were studied using
      10 animals of various ages (2-10 years), sexes (females, males and castrated
      males) and types (dairy, meat or crossbred). Contractile type was assessed by
      measuring myofibrillar Ca?-Mg-activated ATPase activity. Metabolic type was
      appraised by determining phosphorylase, glycogen synthetase, hexokinase, haem
      iron as well as glycolytic and mitochondrial oxidative activities. 'Glycolytic
      potential' and buffer capacity (as change in lactate concentration as a function
      of change in pH) were measured. The results showed that myofibrillar ATPase
      activity was positively related to glycolytic activities and negatively related
      to oxidative activities. Ultimate pH was negatively correlated with myofibrillar
      ATPase activity and had little if any relationship to the glycolytic potential.
      Metabolic and contractile activities were essentially unaffected by sex, age or
      breed type.

PMID- 22055464
TI  - Packaging conditions for extended storage of chilled dark, firm, dry beef.
AB  - Normal-pH (5.5-5.7) and high-pH (> 6.0) beef cuts of 500g were vacuum packaged in
      polyvinylidene chloride (PVDC), metalized polyester or aluminium foil laminates,
      or in foil laminate packs inflated with 1 litre of CO(2). During storage at + 1
      degrees C. vacuum packaged cuts developed spoilage floras of lactobacilli and
      enterobacteria; cuts stored under CO(2) developed floras of lactobacilli alone.
      Floras on all high-pH vacuum packaged cuts approached maximum numbers after 6
      weeks' storage. At this time, cuts in PVDC laminate showed early symptoms of
      spoilage, but such symptoms did not develop in other vacuum packaged high-pH cuts
      until 9 or more weeks. Similarly, normal-pH cuts in PVDC film showed spoilage
      symptoms at 12 weeks, but such symptoms did not develop in other vacuum packaged
      normal-pH cuts until 15 weeks. Both normal- and high-pH cuts packaged under CO(2)
      were unspoiled at 15 weeks.

PMID- 22055465
TI  - Salt-induced swelling of meat: The effect of storage time, pH, ion-type and
      concentration.
AB  - The effect of hypertonic salt solutions on meat fibres has been studied as a
      function of post-mortem storage. Rabbit longissimus dorsi fibres (after about 20
      h post-mortem storage at 4 degrees C), were found to swell in hypertonic salt
      solutions, such as 0.25m KI or 0.6m KCl, to two to three times their original
      diameter. This swelling occurred in the fibre transverse plane only. X-ray
      diffraction shows swelling occurs by a combination of an increase in the
      myofilament lattice spacing and a loss of myofilament order. Fibre swelling is
      highly co-operative. At pHs below the isoelectric point of the myofibrillar
      proteins, hypertonic salt solutions induce fibre shrinkage. The post-mortem time
      course of response shows a peak at 18-35 h bounded by periods of minimal or zero
      response. We propose that the collagenous endomysial sheath acts as a restraint
      to myofibril swelling and that the characteristics of post-mortem swelling are a
      balance of the myofibrillar propensity to swell and the constraint of the
      endomysium.

PMID- 22055466
TI  - More than just lysins: peptidoglycan hydrolases tailor the cell wall.
AB  - Enzymes that degrade the peptidoglycan (PG) cell wall layer called PG hydrolases
      or autolysins are often thought of as destructive forces. Phages employ them to
      lyse their host for the release of virion particles and some bacteria secrete
      them to eliminate (lyse) their competition. However, bacteria also harness the
      activity of PG hydrolases for important aspects of growth, division, and
      development. Of course, using PG hydrolases in this capacity requires that they
      be tightly regulated. While this has been appreciated for some time, we are only
      just beginning to understand the mechanisms governing the activities of these
      'tailoring' enzymes. This review will focus on recent advances in this area with
      an emphasis on the regulation of PG hydrolases involved in cell division.

PMID- 22055467
TI  - Characterization of the settling process for wastewater from a combined sewer
      system.
AB  - Among the methods used for determining the parameters necessary for design of
      wastewater settling tanks, settling column tests are used most commonly, because
      of their simplicity and low costs. These tests partly mimic the actual settling
      processes and allow the evaluation of total suspended solids (TSS) removal by
      settling. Wastewater samples collected from the Liguori Channel (LC) catchment in
      Cosenza (Italy) were subject to settling column tests, which yielded iso-removal
      curves for both dry and wet-weather flow conditions. Such curves were
      approximated well by the newly proposed power law function containing two
      empirical parameters, a and b, the first of which is the particle settling
      velocity and the second one is a flocculation factor accounting for deviations
      from discrete particle settling. This power law function was tested for both the
      LC catchment and literature data and yielded a very good fit, with correlation
      coefficient values (R(2)) ranging from 0.93 to 0.99. Finally, variations in the
      settling tank TSS removal efficiencies with parameters a and b were also analyzed
      and provided insight for settling tank design.

PMID- 22055468
TI  - Scanning electron micrographs of Oryzophagus oryzae (Coleoptera, Curculionidae),
      plastron structure and swimming behavior.
AB  - The morphological structures that permit Oryzophagus oryzae aquatic activities
      and swimming behavior were studied and compared with various weevils and other
      relevant species. The use of scanning electron microscopy facilitated the
      recognition of three different hydrofuge scales and sensilla. Based on the
      microscopic observations of behavior, morphological evidence, and comparisons
      with other curculionid species, it was supported that the gas exchange in O.
      oryzae adults relies on a subelytral air store maintained by hydrofuge scales and
      a ribbed margin on the adult elytra. The plastron structure is identical to
      Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus supporting the application of similar control measures
      for both species.

PMID- 22055470
TI  - Examination of cathepsins B, D, H and L activities in dry-cured hams.
AB  - Cathepsins B, D, H and L as well as the glycosidases beta-glucuronidase and N
      acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase were assayed for activity in fresh pork muscles
      stored for up to 20 days at 4 degrees C and in 3- and 8-month dry-cured hams.
      Cathepsin B, H and L activities fell by 40-79% after 20 days while cathepsin D
      activity remained unchanged. All the enzymes were still active after 8 months of
      dry curing; with the recoveries found to be in the range 14-73%. Contaminant
      microorganisms did not appear to contribute to the observed proteinase
      activities. Cathepsins B, H and L activities from the 8-month ham have been
      confirmed as cysteine proteinases by the use of specific inhibitors. It was
      further confirmed that the cathepsin B and L activities in fresh pork and dry
      cured ham were similar by isoelectrofocusing. We suggest that the presence of the
      curing salts may be important in stabilising the muscle enzymes during the curing
      process.

PMID- 22055471
TI  - Fibre optic probe measurements in landrace pigs of different halothane
      phenotypes.
AB  - Fibre Optic Probe (FOP) measurements were made in the longissimus dorsi muscle of
      70 halothane-positive (HP) and 70 halothane negative (HN) pigs of a synthetic
      Landrace strain at 45 min (FOP(1)), 3 h (FOP(3)) and 17h (FOP(17)) post mortem.
      Measurements of pH, rigor and temperature were also made in the slaughterline.
      Carcasses were sampled (longissimus dorsi, 2-4 lumbar vertebrae) at 18h post
      mortem and meat quality objectively assessed. The incidence of slight PSE (visual
      score) was 49% in HP and 10% in HN pigs, while the incidence of serious PSE was
      20% and 4%, respectively. Yet, the percentage drip loss during 48 h storage in
      HN/PSE pigs was higher than in HP/PSE pigs (10.2 vs 7.5%), which was associated
      with a lower ultimate pH (5.25 vs 5.44). Therefore, it is suggested that the
      remaining PSE problem in HN Landrace pigs, although less in frequency, might be
      more serious. In the whole population, of all FOP measurements taken correlations
      with colour (Hunter L(*)-value) and percentage drip loss were highest for the
      FOP(17) measurements (r = 0.82 and 0.69, respectively). FOP(1) was better related
      than pH(1) to colour, while the relationships with drip loss were of a similar
      magnitude. Differences in FOP values between HP and HN pigs were larger for
      FOP(1) (148 vs 108) than for FOP(3) (148 vs 125) or FOP(17) (153 vs 130). The
      relationship between FOP1 and ultimate meat colour (L(*)-value) appeared to be
      higher in HP (0.60) than in HN (0.48) pigs, while for the relationship between
      FOP(1) and percentage drip loss the reverse was true (0.48 and 0.60,
      respectively). The effect of halothane phenotype on the relationships found, may
      partially explain the different results of reflectance measurements reported in
      the literature as to their predictive value for ultimate meat quality. The
      results suggest that the measurement of reflectance in the slaughterline offers
      opportunities for identifying (potential) PSE carcasses. The large genetic
      influence of halothane phenotype on this parameter, may eventually justify its
      use as a base for payment for meat quality to the producer.

PMID- 22055472
TI  - Extending the retail storage time of pork sausage using modified atmospheres and
      freezing.
AB  - Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of different gas mixtures
      on the keeping quality of fresh pork sausages. The modified atmospheres consisted
      of combinations of oxygen, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen. In the first experiment,
      15 gas combinations of these two gases plus oxygen were evaluated. The samples
      were stored at 5 degrees C for up to 16 days. The variables used to evaluate the
      quality of the sausages included acceptability, hardness, cohesiveness, hue, pH,
      total plate counts, coliforms and water holding capacity. The results showed a
      negative effect of oxygen upon most of the variables. Based on these results, the
      second experiment was designed to evaluate the effect of frozen storage upon the
      quality of the samples against non-frozen storage (5 degrees C). Six gas
      combinations of carbon dioxide and nitrogen were used. The results favoured
      frozen storage and high carbon dioxide levels (60% to 80%).

PMID- 22055473
TI  - Influence of fishmeal, rape-seed, and rape-seed meal in feed on the fatty acid
      composition and storage stability of porcine body fat.
AB  - One hundred and ten pigs were fed test diets containing 1.1%, 3.3% or 5.5%
      fishmeal, 10% rape-seed or 15% rape-seed meal. The control diet contained soya
      bean meal. From each carcass M. longissimus dorsi, including subcutaneous fat,
      was taken and analysed for fatty acid composition and intramuscular fat content.
      Accelerated oxidation test was carried out on fresh samples. Sensory analyses as
      well as peroxide and aldehyde analyses were carried out after 0, 4, 6 and 9
      months of freezer storage. The sensory properties of fresh meat and fat were not
      affected by any of the feed components tested. After 6 months of freezer storage
      slightly increased levels of off-flavours were noted with 3% fishmeal or more in
      the diet. Also, the peroxide value after storage increased at the same fishmeal
      level. With rape-seed or rape-seed meal in the diet the scores for off-flavours
      increased only slightly. A much lower storage stability was noted in fat from
      pigs fed a combination of rape-seed and fishmeal. Extra vitamin E in diets did
      not increase the storage stability of pork fat. Special attention was paid to the
      incorporation of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), especially marine
      PUFA, into body fat. It was found that the incorporation of C22:6 was a very good
      indicator of the amount of fishmeal in the diet.

PMID- 22055474
TI  - Fatty acid composition of subcutaneous fat of sheep grazed on eight different
      pastures.
AB  - The levels of eight long chain fatty acids (14:0, 16:0, 16:1 17:0, 17:1, 18:0,
      18:1, 18:2) were measured in the subcutaneous fat of S.A. Mutton Merino wethers
      (5 months old, 20-25 kg live mass, 8 per treatment) and, including 18:3, in eight
      pastures grazed for 84 days (maize stubble, Z. mays; Triticale; L. multiflorum;
      L. perenne; D. glomerata; D. eriantha; C. dactylon; M. sativa). Respectively,
      percentage fatty acid contents of subcutaneous fat and pastures were 14:0 5.04 +/
      0.86 and 0.67 +/- 0.37, 16:0 22.85 +/- 0.81 and 17.83 +/- 3.00, 16:1 2.07 +/-
      0.22 and 2.42 +/- 1.17, 17:0, 1.68 +/- 0.04 and 0.42 +/- 0.16, 17:1 0.75 +/- 0.06
      and 0.17 +/- 0.19, 18:0 25.94 +/- 2.02 and 4.95 +/- 1.68, 18:1 32.27 +/- 0.93 and
      8.12 +/- 11.70, 18:2 1.59 +/- 0.36 and 15.89 +/- 5.16, 18:3 measured in pastures
      only 34.51 +/- 15.91. The palmitoleic acid (16:1) content of pastures increased
      (P < 0.05) as the ether extractable lipid content of the pastures increased.
      Pasture treatments influenced the levels of 14:0, 17:1 and 18:2 highly
      significantly (P < 0.01) and of 18:0 significantly (P < 0.05). Increasing levels
      of fatness of ribcut samples were associated with a decrease in 14:0 and an
      increase in 17:1 (P < 0.01) and an increase in 18:2 (P < 0.05).

PMID- 22055475
TI  - Effect of castration and cryptorchidism on fatty acid content of ovine adipose
      tissue.
AB  - Fatty acid analyses of perinephric and subcutaneous adipose tissue were made on
      50 of Mehraban and Bakhriari breeds lambs to determine the effect of castration
      and cryptorchidism on ovine lipid composition. The level of stearic acid was
      significantly higher (p < 0.05) in cryptorchids than in wethers. Rams were also
      higher (p < 0.05) in the percentage of linoleic acid of the internal adipose
      tissue than wethers. The percentage of palmitic acid of subcutaneous tissue was
      higher (p < 0.05) in cryptorchid than rams. There was a tendency toward less
      saturated (palmitic and stearic) acids, but more unsaturated (oleic and linoleic)
      acids in rams than in wethers. The perinephric fat was more saturated than
      subcutaneous fat.

PMID- 22055476
TI  - Influence of animal diet and muscle location on cholesterol content of beef and
      pork muscles.
AB  - Muscles at three different anatomical locations from carcasses of 12 pigs and 12
      steers that were fed diets with varying levels of oleic acid-pigs in the form of
      canola oil at levels of 0, 10 and 20% and steers in the form of canola rapeseed
      at levels of 0 and 20%-were analyzed for cholesterol concentrations. The
      cholesterol level of beef or pork muscles was not significantly affected by the
      animal diet modification. For each animal species, muscles at different
      anatomical locations were similar in cholesterol content. Beef and pork muscles
      were not significantly different in cholesterol content.

PMID- 22055477
TI  - Augmentation of cellular immunity and protection against influenza virus
      infection by bovine late colostrum in mice.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We investigated whether oral administration of skimmed and
      concentrated bovine late colostrum (SCBLC) activates the immune system and
      protects against influenza virus (Flu) infection. METHODS: Murine Peyer's patch
      (PP) cells (2.5 105) were cultured in 0.1 ml RPMI-1640 supplemented with SCBLC at
      a concentration of 0, 0.1 or 1.0 mg/ml. To determine the levels of IL-12 and IFN
      , supernatants were collected on day 3. Mice were orally administered sterile
      saline solution (control group), or 400 g/g body weight (SCBLC 400 group) or
      2,000 g/g body weight (SCBLC 2,000 group) of SCBLC for three weeks. These mice
      were measured for natural killer (NK) cells activity on PP cells, splenocytes and
      lung cells. Also, these mice in the control and SCBLC 2,000 groups were infected
      with Flu and were measured for the accumulated symptom rate. RESULTS: In PP cells
      cultured with SCBLC, the levels of IL-12 and IFN- were significantly increased in
      vitro. Oral administration of SCBLC to mice significantly increased NK cell
      activity of PP cells, splenocytes and lung cells. The accumulated symptom rate of
      the SCBLC 2,000 group was significantly lower than that of the control group in a
      mouse model of Flu infection. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that oral
      administration of SCBLC activates not only systemic cellular immunity but also
      local cellular immunity, such as in the respiratory tract, and that activation of
      cellular immunity is one of the mechanisms of amelioration of Flu infection.

PMID- 22055478
TI  - Enteral nutrition supplemented with L-glutamine in patients with systemic
      inflammatory response syndrome due to pulmonary infection.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of enteral nutrition (EN) supplemented with l
      glutamine on glycolytic parameters, inflammation, immune function, and oxidative
      stress in moderately ill intensive care patients with sepsis. METHODS: Thirty
      patients received EN. Fifteen patients received EN supplemented with glutamine
      (30 g; GLN group) for 2 d followed by EN supplemented with calcium caseinate (30
      g, CAS group), also over 2 d. The other 15 patients received EN with calcium
      caseinate (30 g; CAS group) for 2 d followed by EN with glutamine (30 g; GLN
      group), also over 2 days. One washout day with only EN was provided between every
      2-d period of EN plus supplementation to all patients. Blood samples were taken
      before and after supplementation. RESULTS: There were no changes in glycolytic
      parameters in either group. Leukocytes decreased in the two groups (from 13 650
      to 11 500 in the CAS group, P = 0.019; from 12.850 to 11.000 in the GLN group, P
      = 0.046). Lymphocytes increased in the GLN group (from 954 to 1916, P < 0.0001)
      and were more numerous after glutamine supplementation (from 1916 to 1085, P <
      0.0001, GLN versus CAS). No significant changes were observed in interleukin
      levels, but urea levels were higher in the GLN compared with the CAS group (50.0
      47.0, P = 0.030). Glutathione plasma concentrations did not differ significantly
      between the groups. No significant changes were observed in the plasma glutamine
      and glutamate concentrations. CONCLUSIONS: The EN supplemented with glutamine
      increased the lymphocyte count and helped to decrease lipid peroxidation but
      presented no effect on the antioxidant glutathione capacity and on cytokine
      concentrations or glycolytic parameters.

PMID- 22055479
TI  - Usefulness of the Malnutrition Screening Tool in patients with pulmonary
      tuberculosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the relation between the Malnutrition Screening Tool (MST)
      and the mortality of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). METHODS: Fifty
      two patients with pulmonary TB were analyzed. Nutritional assessment was carried
      out using the MST. The MST incorporates three components: presence of weight loss
      (score 0 or 2), amount of weight lost (score 1-4), and poor food intake or poor
      appetite (score 0 or 1). A score >=2 means that the patient is at risk for
      malnutrition. The Cox proportional hazard model was applied to assess the ability
      of the MST to predict prognosis. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis
      was used to assess the MST score as a prognostic indicator in patients with
      pulmonary TB. To obtain optimal cutoff values for the MST score for the
      prognostic assessment in patients with TB, the maximum Youden index was used.
      RESULTS: For predicting the risk of mortality, the optimal cutoff value for the
      MST score was 2.5. Univariate and multivariate analyses identified age and a MST
      score >=3 as significant independent prognostic factors for survival. The
      patients with a MST score <3 had a median survival of 453 d and those with a MST
      score >=3 had a median survival of 242 d; the difference was statistically
      significant (P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: The MST appears to be a reliable tool for
      the nutritional risk assessment of patients with pulmonary TB. This risk
      assessment tool can play a valuable role in quickly identifying patients at an
      increased risk of death and providing adequate nutritional support.

PMID- 22055480
TI  - Daily vitamin supplementation and hypovitaminosis after obesity surgery.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to determine whether constant daily
      vitamin supplementation would be sufficient to prevent possible vitamin
      deficiencies in obese patients undergoing bariatric surgery. METHODS: The study
      was conducted on 58 men and women (mean age 41 +/- 10 y) who underwent Roux-en-Y
      gastric bypass RYGB and were assessed preoperatively and at 3, 6, and 12 mo after
      surgery. During the postoperative period, the patients received a multivitamin
      mineral supplement on a daily basis. RESULTS: Serum beta-carotene and vitamin C
      were lower starting from the third postoperative month and continued to be low
      after 12 mo, and vitamin A was decreased by the sixth month and increased by 12
      mo. Vitamin B12 levels were stable up to 6 mo but were decreased by 12 mo. Folic
      acid levels increased from the third month and remained higher throughout follow
      up. One year after surgery there were 19% and 21% increases in the number of
      patients with vitamin A and vitamin C deficiency, respectively, and a 4%
      decreased of patients with folic acid deficiency. CONCLUSION: Weight loss and
      improvement in patients' general condition followed surgery, but serum levels of
      some vitamins were decreased despite the use of a vitamin-mineral supplement.
      These patients need continuous follow-up and individualized prescription of
      supplementation after the surgical procedure to prevent and treat vitamin
      deficiencies.

PMID- 22055481
TI  - High transfection efficiency of porcine peripheral blood T cells via
      nucleofection.
AB  - Transgenic technology is an effective approach to assess the roles of specific
      genes in the activation and differentiation of T cells and modify T cell
      qualities. However, porcine T cell transfection is poorly documented. Here, we
      developed a non-virus-based method for the transfection of resting and ConA
      stimulated porcine peripheral blood T cells using "Nucleofection" gene transfer
      technology; both plasmid DNA- and mRNA-mediated nucleofection systems were
      developed. The results demonstrated for the first time that plasmid DNA encoding
      green fluorescent protein (GFP) and in vitro transcribed GFP mRNA could be
      delivered efficiently into resting and activated porcine T cells. For both
      methods, the onset of gene expression was rapid and occurred within 2h post
      nucleofection. Optimised plasmid DNA-mediated nucleofection induced approximately
      40% transgene expression with 51% cell viability in resting T cells and
      approximately 20% transgene expression with 53% cell viability in activated T
      cells at 24h post-gene delivery. However, optimised mRNA-based nucleofection
      resulted in higher transfection efficiencies and cell viability, with more than
      50% transgene expression and 62% viability for resting T cells and approximately
      40% transgene expression and 59% viability for activated T cells. Finally, we
      measured the impact of the developed nucleofection systems on T cell function by
      detecting the mRNA levels of the activation markers CD25, CD69 and the cytokine
      IFN-gamma; cell proliferation of the nucleofected resting peripheral blood
      mononuclear cells (PBMC) after ConA stimulation was also examined. The
      nucleofected resting PBMCs proliferated normally and up-regulated CD25, CD69 and
      IFN-gamma mRNA expression levels in a manner comparable to non-nucleofected
      cells. These results indicate that the developed nucleofection systems have no
      adverse effects on T cell function and can be utilised in swine immunological
      research.

PMID- 22055482
TI  - Freezing rate effects on the drip loss of frozen beef.
AB  - One of the quality parameters of frozen meat is the amount of exudate which
      arises during thawing. The amount of drip obtained by centrifugation under
      standard conditions, and the protein composition of the exudate, has been
      correlated for different thermal histories. The results obtained show that the
      amount of exudate varies in relation to the time that the sample needs to pass
      from -1 degrees C to -7 degrees C (characteristic freezing time). On the other
      hand, pH and concentration of proteins do not show significant differences
      between frozen and unfrozen samples. Similarly, neither one nor the other varies
      with the rate of freezing. The proteins were also analysed by electrophoresis in
      polyacrylamide gel. In this case, no differences were observed either between
      frozen samples and unfrozen ones or between samples which had been frozen at
      different rates. Hypotheses on the origin of cellular damage and alternatives
      which lead to the establishment of a standard of quality for quick frozen meat
      are presented in relation to the results obtained.

PMID- 22055483
TI  - Rapid determination of the 3-methylhistidine content of meat using 1-fluoro-2,4
      dinitrobenzene.
AB  - The protein-bound 3-methylhistidine content of meat species has been shown to be
      of value in predicting the meat content of food products. The present paper deals
      with the development of a rapid method for the detection and estimation of the
      dinitrophenyl (DNP) derivatives of the methylamino acids and dipeptides, and in
      particular 3-methylhistidine. The DNP derivatives of methylated and non
      methylated basic amino acids and dipeptides were shown to have differing
      solubilities in diethyl ether and aqueous solution. These differences allowed
      preliminary purification of hydrolysed meat extracts, thereby allowing rapid
      determination of 3-methylhistidine using a short ion-exchange resin column.

PMID- 22055484
TI  - The practical application of 3-methylhistidine in determining the lean meat
      content of food products.
AB  - Protein-bound 3-methylhistidine, which is present at similar concentrations in
      various meat species but absent from non-meat proteins, was used to estimate the
      lean meat content of a range of retailed meat products. The results of the
      application of this novel method were compared and contrasted with those using
      standard methods of product analysis. The presence of textured soya protein in
      products was determined using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Formulae for
      the calculation of the fat-free lean meat content on the bases of (i) the 3
      methylhistidine index for muscle protein and (ii) the connective tissue content,
      are given. The lean meat contents of products calculated on these bases were
      found to be of the same order as, but generally lower than, those obtained using
      standard methods. This was considered to be due to the presence of non-meat
      proteins, of added connective tissue and/or certain types of offal. These would
      not be included in the lean meat content, as calculated by the 3-methylhistidine
      index, but could be legitimately included in the meat content calculated using
      standard methods according to current practice. A new interpretation of 'meat' in
      terms of 3-methylhistidine content is given.

PMID- 22055485
TI  - The effect of pressurisation of pre-rigor muscle on post-rigor meat
      characteristics.
AB  - Pressurisation of pre-rigor muscles produced very firm meat in muscles which had
      contracted to as little as 48% of their on-carcass length. Immediate post
      treatment pH was 5.81, significantly lower than the controls; however, there was
      no significant difference at 24 h. Water holding capacity of the treated samples
      was significantly lower and weep significantly higher than the controls. However,
      cooking losses for the treated samples were lower, resulting in an over-all loss
      which was not different between control and treated samples. Warner-Bratzler
      shear tests and taste panel evaluations indicate a highly significant improvement
      in tenderness. Scanning electron micrographs show an extensive disruption of the
      sarcolemma.

PMID- 22055486
TI  - Biochemical studies on fast glycolysing bovine muscle.
AB  - Of the psoas major muscles from 1395 carcasses of young bulls 64% showed pH(1)
      values (30 min post mortem) below 6.0. In 100 muscle samples (selected so that a
      normal distribution of the pH(1) values was obtained), water-holding capacity
      (WHC), brightness of colour and the concentration of all glycolytic metabolites
      were determined. There were correlations between pH(1) and the other
      characteristics of meat quality, lower pH(1) values were associated with lower
      WHC, paler colour, lower glycogen levels and higher levels of lactate (30 min
      post mortem). All these correlations were highly significant. The accelerated
      breakdown of glycogen-and a simultaneous accumulation of hexose monophosphates
      indicate an activation of the phosphorylase system in fast glycolysing bovine
      muscle. In fast glycolysing muscle, creatine phosphate was almost absent by 1 h
      post mortem and the ATP level was very low, indicating a high rate of breakdown
      of high-energy phosphates. The quality deviation of fast glycolysing beef is much
      less severe than that of PSE pork and therefore might not present a serious
      economic problem.

PMID- 22055487
TI  - The tenderising effect of electrical stimulation of beef carcasses.
AB  - Electrical stimulation (ES) of beef carcasses soon after death has an accelerated
      tenderising effect on the musculature, under conditions of slow cooling (8 h at
      16 degrees C and then storage in still air at 1 degrees C). The effect is large
      in the LD muscles, reducing the shear force on day 1 of storage from 11 to 6 kg;
      on day 14, the difference is still 3.3 kg. These differences would be detected by
      taste panels. The St muscles show a similar, but less pronounced, effect which
      would probably not be detected by taste panels. The accelerated tenderisation due
      to ES can be accounted for by the higher temperatures obtaining in stimulated
      muscles at the onset of rigor. Rapid cooling soon after death reduces the effect
      almost to zero. Hence, the extra tenderisation cannot be due to muscle damage
      during ES. Histological examination shows that stimulated muscles have longer
      sarcomeres than the controls; they do not exhibit damage. However, with slow
      cooling, irregular bands of denatured sarcoplasmic protein are deposited within
      the fibres of stimulated muscles, similar to those found in PSE pig muscles.
      There is also some shortening of sarcomeres in the region of the bands. The
      protein is deposited on the myofibrillar surfaces. In spite of the PSE-like
      appearance, there is no significant increase in drip from the stimulated muscles
      at 48 h after death.

PMID- 22055488
TI  - Studies in electrical stimulation: Post-mortem decline in nervous response in
      lambs.
AB  - A study has been made of the effects of electrical stimulation, either indirectly
      through the nerves or directly through the muscles, on glycolysis in lamb hind
      leg muscles. Responses were affected by delay before application and the
      stimulating voltage. At 5 min post mortem the same fall in pH during stimulation
      (DeltapH) and subsequent increased rate of pH fall (dp H/dt) occurred in muscles
      stimulated both directly and indirectly with 12 V. With 200V, DeltapH was 50%
      greater in muscles stimulated directly and 30% less if stimulated indirectly. At
      30 min post mortem there was very little effect of stimulation at either voltage
      on glycolysis when muscles were indirectly stimulated, indicating that the nerves
      had lost their capacity to trigger muscles to contract. In contrast, if the legs
      were stimulated directly, maximum DeltapH and dpH/dt values were achieved with
      200 V pulses. The significance of these findings to the application of electrical
      stimulation to commercial meat processing is discussed.

PMID- 22055489
TI  - Removal of sodium dodecyl sulphate from complex with recovered offal proteins.

PMID- 22055490
TI  - Use of intramedullary nonvascularized fibular graft with external fixation for
      revisional Charcot ankle fusion: a case report.
AB  - We describe a case of Charcot ankle arthropathy in a 43-year-old male patient who
      underwent revision surgery for tibiotalocalcaneal arthrodesis with a retrograde
      intramedullary nonvascularized fibular graft. After 3 months of postoperative
      stabilization with a ring external fixator, successful radiographic union was
      identified. The findings obtained at 33 months postoperatively showed maintenance
      of solid fusion and restoration of hindfoot alignment without any complications.

PMID- 22055491
TI  - Radiofrequency thermoneurolysis for the treatment of Morton's neuroma.
AB  - Pedal neuroma is a common disorder. The authors undertook a review of 32 feet in
      29 patients with a symptomatic neuroma treated between January 2007 and January
      2010 to evaluate the effectiveness of radiofrequency thermoneurolysis therapy in
      alleviating symptoms. Overall relief of symptoms was rated as complete by 24
      (83%) patients, with 5 patients experiencing minimal to no relief. Two patients
      were lost to follow-up after 1 month, 2 patients opted for no further
      intervention, and 1 patient went to open resection of the neuroma. Average follow
      up was 13 months and total recovery time was 2 days. Complications included 1
      foot with cellulitis treated by a course of oral antibiotics. The results of this
      retrospective study indicate radiofrequency thermoneurolysis therapy is a safe,
      effective, and minimally invasive alternative treatment for symptomatic neuromas
      of the foot.

PMID- 22055492
TI  - Double row anchor fixation: a novel technique for a diabetic calanceal
      insufficiency avulsion fracture.
AB  - Avulsion fractures of the calcaneal tuberosity represent only 1.3% to 2.7% of
      calcaneal fractures. These fractures are common pathologically in nature and
      attributed to decreased bone mineral density. Calcaneal insufficiency avulsion
      (CIA) fracture in patients with diabetes mellitus is most likely due to Charcot
      neuroarthropathy (CN) as described by the Brodsky classification (Brodsky 3B).
      Traditional open reduction and internal fixation is difficult in all calcaneal
      avulsion fractures because of poor bone quality. The authors report the first
      known description of the use of fracture fragment excision and double row anchor
      fixation.A 39-year-old woman with type I diabetes mellitus and a history of CN
      presented with an avulsion fracture of the calcaneal tuberosity. Excision of the
      fracture fragment and a gastrocnemius recession and reattachment of the Achilles
      tendon with double row anchor fixation to the calcaneus were performed. At 1
      year, the patient's American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society rearfoot score
      improved from 27/100 to 88/100. CIA fractures are an infrequently described
      injury. Because diabetes mellitus is frequently associated with this disease, it
      most likely represents a CN event. Traditionally, CIA fractures have been
      operatively treated with open reduction internal fixation. Previous authors have
      described difficulty with fixation because of poor quality. In the current
      report, the authors describe a novel operative approach to CIA fractures through
      the use of double row anchor fixation and excision of the fracture fragments. The
      authors feel that this previously undescribed treatment is superior to
      traditional methods and may serve as a new treatment option for all patients who
      have sustained this unusual pathology regardless of the underlying cause. The
      current authors provide a novel operative technique that provides inherent
      advantages to the traditional repair of CIA fractures. We believe CIA fractures
      represent a CN-type event and care should be taken when evaluating and treating
      these patients to prevent further sequelae.

PMID- 22055493
TI  - A case of "fresh rupture" after open repair of a ruptured Achilles tendon.
AB  - We present the case of Achilles tendon rupture in a 54-year-old man while
      rehabilitating after end-to-end open repair of an acute Achilles tendon rupture.
      Re-rupture after surgical repair of Achilles tendon is well known. The present
      case, however, is atypical, because the second rupture occurred significantly
      proximal to the first rupture. To our knowledge, this is the first time this has
      been described in English language studies. We have termed this incident a fresh
      rupture. A gastrocnemius turndown flap was used to repair the fresh rupture,
      which led to a satisfactory recovery. This case report serves to inform surgeons
      of the existence of this type of Achilles tendon rupture, while considering the
      possible etiologies and suggesting a technique that has been shown to be
      successful in the present case.

PMID- 22055494
TI  - Quantum dots find their stride in single molecule tracking.
AB  - Thirteen years after the demonstration of quantum dots as biological imaging
      agents, and nine years after the initial commercial introduction of bioconjugated
      quantum dots, the brightness and photostability of the quantum dots has enabled a
      range of investigations using single molecule tracking. These materials are being
      routinely utilized by a number of groups to track the dynamics of single
      molecules in reconstituted biophysical systems and on living cells, and are
      especially powerful for investigations of single molecules over long timescales
      with short exposure times and high pointing accuracy. New approaches are emerging
      where the quantum dots are used as 'hard-sphere' probes for intracellular
      compartments. Innovations in quantum dot surface modification are poised to
      substantially expand the utility of these materials.

PMID- 22055495
TI  - Label-free optical imaging of nonfluorescent molecules by stimulated radiation.
AB  - Imaging contrasts other than fluorescence are highly desirable for label-free
      detection and interrogation of nonfluorescent molecular species inside live
      cells, tissues, and organisms. The recently developed stimulated Raman scattering
      (SRS) and stimulated emission microscopy techniques provide sensitive and
      specific contrast mechanisms for nonfluorescent species, by employing the light
      amplification aspect of stimulated radiation. Compared to their spontaneous
      counterparts, stimulated radiation can enhance the imaging performance
      significantly, making the previously 'dark' molecules observable. Here we review
      and summarize the underlying principles of this emerging class of molecular
      imaging techniques.

PMID- 22055496
TI  - Imaging of RNA in live cells.
AB  - Fluorescence microscopy and molecular tagging technologies have ushered in a new
      era in our understanding of protein localization and function in cells. This
      review summarizes recent efforts to extend some of these methods (and to create
      new ones) to imaging of RNA in live cells. Both fluorescent proteins and
      hybridization probes allow noncovalent labeling of specific RNA molecules with
      fluorescent dyes that allow detection and tracking in real time.

PMID- 22055497
TI  - Diversity-oriented optical imaging probe development.
AB  - The development of optical probes is receiving considerable attention due to
      their rising adaptation in diagnostics and medical imaging. Diversity-oriented
      approaches make use of combinatorial chemistry and high-throughput screenings to
      enrich the spectral and structural variety of these probes and effectively
      identify those with specific properties (e.g. molecular affinity, cellular
      selectivity, high photostability, and sensitivity). Herein we review recent
      examples in which diversity-driven strategies have assisted the discovery of new
      molecular imaging probes.

PMID- 22055498
TI  - In and out: adipose tissue lipid turnover in obesity and dyslipidemia.
AB  - Adipose tissue is the main site of storage and mobilization of lipid. In a recent
      study published in Nature, Arner et al. (2011) report that high storage and low
      removal of adipose triglycerides promotes obesity, whereas low storage and low
      removal favor the development of dyslipidemia in humans.

PMID- 22055499
TI  - A PGC-1 tale: healthier intestinal stem cells, longer life.
AB  - PGC-1 regulates energy homeostasis and mitochondrial activity. In this issue,
      Rera et al. (2011) show that dPGC-1 overexpression in Drosophila intestinal stem
      cells and their immediate progeny extends organismal life span and protects
      against age-related loss of intestinal homeostasis and integrity, thereby
      establishing a link between mitochondria, tissue stem cells, and aging.

PMID- 22055500
TI  - Setting the tone: reactive oxygen species and the control of appetitive
      melanocortin neurons.
AB  - The brain melanocortin system is a primary gateway through which energy balance
      is controlled. Diano and colleagues report a novel cellular mechanism mediated
      via reactive oxygen species (ROS) that regulates the activity of these
      melanocortin neurons in response to energy status, thereby modulating appetitive
      behavior (Diano et al., 2011).

PMID- 22055501
TI  - Insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, and atherosclerosis.
AB  - Progress in preventing atherosclerotic coronary artery disease (CAD) has been
      stalled by the epidemic of type 2 diabetes. Further advances in this area demand
      a thorough understanding of how two major features of type 2 diabetes, insulin
      resistance and hyperglycemia, impact atherosclerosis. Insulin resistance is
      associated with systemic CAD risk factors, but increasing evidence suggests that
      defective insulin signaling in atherosclerotic lesional cells also plays an
      important role. The role of hyperglycemia in CAD associated with type 2 diabetes
      is less clear. Understanding the mechanisms whereby type 2 diabetes exacerbates
      CAD offers hope for new therapeutic strategies to prevent and treat
      atherosclerotic vascular disease.

PMID- 22055502
TI  - Dissociation of the glucose and lipid regulatory functions of FoxO1 by targeted
      knockin of acetylation-defective alleles in mice.
AB  - FoxO1 integrates multiple metabolic pathways. Nutrient levels modulate FoxO1
      acetylation, but the functional consequences of this posttranslational
      modification are unclear. To answer this question, we generated mice bearing
      alleles that encode constitutively acetylated and acetylation-defective FoxO1
      proteins. Homozygosity for an allele mimicking constitutive acetylation
      (Foxo1(KQ/KQ)) results in embryonic lethality due to cardiac and angiogenesis
      defects. In contrast, mice homozygous for a constitutively deacetylated Foxo1
      allele (Foxo1(KR/KR)) display a unique metabolic phenotype of impaired insulin
      action on hepatic glucose metabolism but decreased plasma lipid levels and low
      respiratory quotient that are consistent with a state of preferential lipid
      usage. Moreover, Foxo1(KR/KR) mice show a dissociation between weight gain and
      insulin resistance in predisposing conditions (high fat diet, diabetes, and
      insulin receptor mutations), possibly due to decreased cytokine production in
      adipose tissue. Thus, acetylation inactivates FoxO1 during nutrient excess
      whereas deacetylation selectively potentiates FoxO1 activity, protecting against
      excessive catabolism during nutrient deprivation.

PMID- 22055503
TI  - PPARalpha-Sirt1 complex mediates cardiac hypertrophy and failure through
      suppression of the ERR transcriptional pathway.
AB  - High energy production in mitochondria is essential for maintaining cardiac
      contraction in the heart. Genes regulating mitochondrial function are commonly
      downregulated during heart failure. Here we show that both PPARalpha and Sirt1
      are upregulated by pressure overload in the heart. Haploinsufficiency of either
      PPARalpha or Sirt1 attenuated pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy and
      failure, whereas simultaneous upregulation of PPARalpha and Sirt1 exacerbated the
      cardiac dysfunction. PPARalpha and Sirt1 coordinately suppressed genes involved
      in mitochondrial function that are regulated by estrogen-related receptors
      (ERRs). PPARalpha bound and recruited Sirt1 to the ERR response element (ERRE),
      thereby suppressing ERR target genes in an RXR-independent manner. Downregulation
      of ERR target genes was also observed during fasting, and this appeared to be an
      adaptive response of the heart. These results suggest that suppression of the ERR
      transcriptional pathway by PPARalpha/Sirt1, a physiological fasting response, is
      involved in the progression of heart failure by promoting mitochondrial
      dysfunction.

PMID- 22055504
TI  - Calorie restriction-like effects of 30 days of resveratrol supplementation on
      energy metabolism and metabolic profile in obese humans.
AB  - Resveratrol is a natural compound that affects energy metabolism and
      mitochondrial function and serves as a calorie restriction mimetic, at least in
      animal models of obesity. Here, we treated 11 healthy, obese men with placebo and
      150 mg/day resveratrol (resVida) in a randomized double-blind crossover study for
      30 days. Resveratrol significantly reduced sleeping and resting metabolic rate.
      In muscle, resveratrol activated AMPK, increased SIRT1 and PGC-1alpha protein
      levels, increased citrate synthase activity without change in mitochondrial
      content, and improved muscle mitochondrial respiration on a fatty acid-derived
      substrate. Furthermore, resveratrol elevated intramyocellular lipid levels and
      decreased intrahepatic lipid content, circulating glucose, triglycerides, alanine
      aminotransferase, and inflammation markers. Systolic blood pressure dropped and
      HOMA index improved after resveratrol. In the postprandial state, adipose tissue
      lipolysis and plasma fatty acid and glycerol decreased. In conclusion, we
      demonstrate that 30 days of resveratrol supplementation induces metabolic changes
      in obese humans, mimicking the effects of calorie restriction.

PMID- 22055505
TI  - Modulation of longevity and tissue homeostasis by the Drosophila PGC-1 homolog.
AB  - In mammals, the PGC-1 transcriptional coactivators are key regulators of energy
      metabolism, including mitochondrial biogenesis and respiration, which have been
      implicated in numerous pathogenic conditions, including neurodegeneration and
      cardiomyopathy. Here, we show that overexpression of the Drosophila PGC-1 homolog
      (dPGC-1/spargel) is sufficient to increase mitochondrial activity. Moreover,
      tissue-specific overexpression of dPGC-1 in stem and progenitor cells within the
      digestive tract extends life span. Long-lived flies overexpressing dPGC-1 display
      a delay in the onset of aging-related changes in the intestine, leading to
      improved tissue homeostasis in old flies. Together, these results demonstrate
      that dPGC-1 can slow aging both at the level of cellular changes in an individual
      tissue and also at the organismal level by extending life span. Our findings
      point to the possibility that alterations in PGC-1 activity in high-turnover
      tissues, such as the intestine, may be an important determinant of longevity in
      mammals.

PMID- 22055506
TI  - Activation of the HIF prolyl hydroxylase by the iron chaperones PCBP1 and PCBP2.
AB  - Mammalian cells express dozens of iron-containing proteins, yet little is known
      about the mechanism of metal ligand incorporation. Human poly (rC) binding
      protein 1 (PCBP1) is an iron chaperone that binds iron and delivers it to
      ferritin, a cytosolic iron storage protein. We have identified the iron-dependent
      prolyl hydroxylases (PHDs) and asparaginyl hydroxylase (FIH1) that modify hypoxia
      inducible factor alpha (HIFalpha) as targets of PCBP1. Depletion of PCBP1 or
      PCBP2 in cells led to loss of PHD activity, manifested by reduced prolyl
      hydroxylation of HIF1alpha, impaired degradation of HIF1alpha through the
      VHL/proteasome pathway, and accumulation of active HIF1 transcription factor. PHD
      activity was restored in vitro by addition of excess Fe(II), or purified Fe
      PCBP1, and PCBP1 bound to PHD2 and FIH1 in vivo. These data indicated that PCBP1
      was required for iron incorporation into PHD and suggest a broad role for PCBP1
      and 2 in delivering iron to cytosolic nonheme iron enzymes.

PMID- 22055507
TI  - Classification of trace patterns of 226- and 1000-Hz tympanometry in healthy
      neonates.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Accurate evaluation of middle ear function is a challenge especially
      in babies referred from newborn hearing screening programs. The aim was to assess
      the feasibility of tympanometry using 226- and 1000-Hz probe tones in neonates.
      METHODS: Hearing was evaluated by transient evoked otoacoustic emission (TEOAE)
      in 96 ears of healthy neonates in well-baby nursery. Babies with risk factors for
      hearing loss as identified in Joint Committee on Infant Hearing (JCIH, 1994) were
      excluded. Tympanograms recorded with 226 and 1000Hz probe tones were analyzed and
      classified. RESULTS: Tympanograms were classified according to Method A
      (Jerger/Liden) and visual classification systems, Method B (adapted from Marchant
      et al.) and Method C (adapted from Kei et al.), without difficulty. In 72 ears
      with normal TEOAE, 226Hz tympanograms were classified as normal in 72 ears in
      Methods A and B, and 16 ears in Method C. 1000Hz tympanograms were normal in 68
      ears in Method A, 72 ears in Method B and 68 ears in Method C. In 24 ears with
      abnormal TEOAE, 226Hz tympanograms were interpreted as normal in most ears (23
      ears in Method A, 24 ears in Method B), whereas 1000Hz tympanograms were abnormal
      in 13 ears in Method A and 6 ears in Method B, possibly reflecting middle ear
      dysfunction. CONCLUSION: In healthy neonates without risk factors for hearing
      loss, 1000Hz tympanograms can be recorded and interpreted. A single-peaked
      tympanograms was most common in ears with normal TEOAE. In ears with abnormal
      TEOAE, tympanograms were classified as abnormal more frequently using 1000Hz than
      226Hz. Implementation of tympanometry using 1000Hz probe tone in newborn hearing
      screening programs may provide valuable information regarding middle ear
      dysfunction that may cause transient conductive hearing loss.

PMID- 22055508
TI  - Immunohistochemical and biomolecular identification of melatonin 1a and 1b
      receptors in rat vestibular nuclei.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to examine the localizations and expressions
      of melatonin 1a (MT1a) and 1b (MT1b) receptors in rat vestibular nuclei by
      immunohistochemical staining and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty male Sprague-Dawley rats were used in this study.
      Antibodies for the MT1a and MT1b receptors were used in 10 rats, respectively. A
      further 10 animals were sacrificed for RT-PCR. Tissues containing medial
      vestibular nuclei were selectively isolated from brain stem slices for RT-PCR.
      RESULTS: MT1a and MT1b receptor immunopositive neurons were found to be
      distributed throughout the four major vestibular nuclei. Both receptors were
      primarily detected in neuronal somata and their proximal dendrites. The presences
      of the mRNAs of the MT1a and MT1b receptors were confirmed by RT-PCR in medial
      vestibular nuclei and trigeminal ganglia. CONCLUSIONS: The present study
      demonstrates, for the first time, that MT1a and MT1b receptors are localized and
      expressed in rat vestibular nuclei. This study provides additional insight into
      the role of melatonin receptors during vestibular signal processing.

PMID- 22055509
TI  - Radiological analysis of the ethmoid roof in the Malaysian population.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To ascertain the prevalence of the lateral lamella of the cribriform
      plate height according to Keros classification in the Malaysian population, and
      to find if there is any difference between the major ethnic groups in Malaysia
      (Malay, Chinese, Indian). METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 150 CT scan studies
      of the paranasal sinuses. RESULTS: The mean height of the lateral lamella of the
      cribriform plate (LLCP) in 300 sides was 2.64mm. Keros type I was seen in 240
      sides (80%), while, Keros type II was seen in 60 sides (20%). There was no
      significant difference in the distribution of Keros classification among the
      major ethnic groups of Malaysia (Malay, Chinese, Indian). Keros type I was seen
      in 103 sides in males and 137 sides in females. Significant difference was
      observed in type II between the male and female (47 sides in males and 13 sides
      in female; p-value <0.001). When comparing the difference in the height of the
      LLCP in the same individual, asymmetry was observed in 139 patients. The LLCP
      height was higher on the left side in 71 patients and higher on the right in 68.
      CONCLUSION: The understanding of the anatomy of the ethmoid roof with its
      possible variation is crucial to give the surgeon the optimal information about
      the possible risk that one can face during the surgery.

PMID- 22055510
TI  - Colour and colour stability of hot processed frozen minced beef. Results from
      chemical model experiments tested under storage conditions.
AB  - Minced beef based on hot processed meat was found to show an improved red colour
      and, more significantly, to show a better colour stability with respect to brown
      discoloration, when compared to minced beef resulting from a traditional (cold)
      process. The colour was followed by tristimulus colorimetry during freezer
      storage (product temperature -18 degrees C) in a display cabinet illuminated by
      fluorescent tubes. The development of brown discoloration seems to indicate other
      oxidative changes and to relate to rancidity as judged from a determination of
      thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in the mince surface. Fluorescent light
      and added salt, both known from chemical models to increase the autoxidation rate
      of red oxymyoglobin to brown metmyoglobin, greatly reduced the colour stability,
      especially for cold deboned meat. pH of the hot deboned meat was significantly
      higher (pH > 6.0) than that of the cold deboned meat (pH ranged from 5.5 to 5.8).
      The observations are discussed in relation to kinetic salt effect on the acid
      catalyzed autoxidation of oxymyoglobin and its role in the initiation of
      oxidative rancidity.

PMID- 22055511
TI  - Proteinase (Cathepsin B, D, L and Calpains) levels and conditioning rates in
      normal, electrically stimulated and high-ultimate-pH chicken muscle.
AB  - Control, electrically stimulated (ES) and glycogen-depleted (GD) chicken muscles
      were conditioned at 15 degrees C with continuous mechanical testing for
      extensibility. The ES and GD muscles went into rigor 3.6 and 2.8 h earlier,
      respectively, than control muscle. At 24h post-rigor the extensibility of control
      muscle (11.2%) was markedly less than ES (19.2%) and GD (27.3%) muscles
      indicating that these latter two treatments should provide more tender meat.
      Measurement of sarcomere lengths showed no significant differences between
      control and GD muscle and thus, the greater extensibility in the high pH
      condition may be restricted to a wider separation of myofibriller fragments at
      the intermittent fracture zones when under load. Examination of muscle proteinase
      (cathepsins B, D and L, calpains I and II) and glycosidase (beta-d-glucuronidase,
      N-acetyl-beta-d-glucosaminidase) levels at 0 and 48h post-slaughter revealed
      changes in some key enzymes between the different treatments. Calpain I activity
      declined markedly during 48h storage of ES muscle (83%) compared to control (58%)
      and GD (63%) muscles. Cathepsin B and L activities did not decline during storage
      of ES muscle but there was a slight fall in control and GD muscles. Dosing of
      chicken shortly before slaughter with inhibitors of cysteine proteinases had a
      negligible effect on conditioning rate, apparently due to lack of inhibition of
      these proteinases during this short time period in the intact muscle.

PMID- 22055512
TI  - Analysis of proteolysis and protein insolubility during the manufacture of some
      varieties of dry sausage.
AB  - Proteolysis and protein insolubility were studied during the curing of dry
      sausages such as chorizo, saucisson and salami. Sausages prepared using a meat
      cutter showed more proteolysis and less protein insolubility in comparison to
      those prepared using a mincer. Insolubilisation caused a loss in both
      sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar solubility distinctive for each type of sausage.

PMID- 22055513
TI  - Progress towards using the speed of ultrasound for beef leanness classification.
AB  - Following the observation of a high correlation between the reciprocal of the
      speed of ultrasound and lean proportion in beef carcasses, commercial equipment
      (VOSI) was developed and its performance alongside a smaller assembly (Mini G) is
      reported. The speed of ultrasound was measured through six sites on beef
      carcasses within 1 h of stunning: three sites with VOSI and three sites with Mini
      G. Sides were also scored for fatness and conformation using the EAAP system, and
      subcutaneous fat depth was measured at 25,50 and 75% of the width of M.
      longissimus thoracis from the midline at the last rib. All sides were dissected
      into subcutaneous fat, intermuscular fat, muscle and bone. The reciprocal speed
      averaged over the three VOSI sites (RV346) was the best single predictor of the
      proportion of lean in the side. Multiple regression analyses, in predicting per
      cent lean, showed that addition of conformation score improved the precision of
      fat score and fat depth for a group of 26 sides. It did not provide a significant
      improvement over RV346. However, in another group of 50 sides showing more
      variation in side mass and conformation, conformation score did significantly
      improve RV346. The best prediction of per cent lean, involving RV346 and tissue
      thicknesses, gave a residual standard deviation of 1.35%, and conformation score
      did not significantly improve this regression.

PMID- 22055514
TI  - The effects of withholding feed and water on carcass shrinkage and meat quality
      in beef cattle.
AB  - Eighty beef crossbred steers with an average weight of 493 kg (4.66 kg SD) were
      allocated at random to one of five treatments to assess the effects of
      withholding feed and water on carcass shrinkage and meat quality. The five
      treatments were: slaughter from the feedlot (T1); and 12, 24, 36 and 48 h periods
      without feed and water prior to slaughter (T2-5).Weights were taken of the live
      animal and the carcass to monitor shrinkage along with relevant meat quality
      measurements. There were no treatment differences (P > 0.05) in initial farm
      weight, but plant weight shrinkage increased from 31gkg(-1) for T1 to 106 g kg(
      1) for T5. Warm carcass weight decreased (P < 0.05) from 278.8 kg for T1, to
      270.7 kg for T3 and 261.9 kg for T5. Liver, alimentary tract components, hide and
      head decreased as a proportion of farm weight as time without feed and water
      increased. Muscle pH at 6 days post mortem was increased (P < 0.05) in T3-5
      compared to T1, with the result that muscle colour became darker, and steaks had
      less drip loss. Shear values increased (P < 0.05) from 6.3 kg in T1 to 7.7 kg in
      T4 and T5 indicating an increase in muscle toughness as time without feed and
      water increased. It was concluded that steers lose live weight rapidly within the
      first 24 h without feed and water, and that these relatively short periods of
      time (24 h) can have detrimental effects on carcass shrinkage and muscle quality.

PMID- 22055515
TI  - The influence of varying degrees of adhesion as determined by mechanical tests on
      the sensory and consumer acceptance of a meat product.
AB  - The adhesion between meat pieces in meat products, varied by the addition of
      different concentrations of a crude myosin solution, was measured by a trained
      sensory panel and by two instrumental tests: tensile adhesive strength (TAS) and
      punch and die. A consumer trial was used to find which level of adhesion was
      preferred. Results from the sensory panel showed that the adhesion could be
      detected as highly significant (P < 0.001) differences in three tactile
      measurements and in the two eating qualities, ease of fragmentation and
      rubberines. TAS measurements gave larger differences between treatments than
      punch and die, and had very high correlations with ease of fragmentation and
      crumblines on cutting. The small consumer study revealed no overall preference
      for any one product. Hence, although differences in adhesion between meat pieces
      in a meat product are detectable subjectively and can be measured objectively by
      TAS tests, preference for any particular strength varies between individuals.

PMID- 22055516
TI  - Psychophysical investigations into the tenderness of meat.
AB  - Tenderness of five veal meat cuts was determined by two groups of subjects: a
      panel of skilled butchers and a consumers' panel. The butchers estimated
      tenderness with and without assistance of visual information. For the consumers a
      procedure to measure the oral sensation by a forced choice method of successive
      comparison was developed. It was shown that: imprecision of the opinions of the
      consumers was greater than that of the butchers; use of additional visual
      information did not affect the butchers' precision; and the butchers' views of
      tenderness had a poor relationship to the consumers' oral perception of this
      quality.

PMID- 22055517
TI  - Characteristics of pork products from swine fed a high monounsaturated fat diet:
      Part 3-A high-fat cured product.
AB  - Fresh pork bellies from animals fed a control sorghum-soybean diet and a similar
      diet containing 12% high-oleic sunflower oil (HOSO) were cured and processed in a
      smokehouse to an internal temperature of 55.6 degrees C. Cooking losses were not
      significantly different (p < 0.05) between bacon strips from animals on the
      control diet and those from animals on the HOSO diet. The ratio of
      monounsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids for the cooked rasher from
      the HOSO group was 1.84 times that for the cooked rasher from the control group
      (2.48 versus 1.35). The cooked rasher had a slightly lower (p < 0.05) percentage
      of total monosaturates that uncooked bacon strips within each diet group. When
      considering stearic acid as a fatty acid that does not raise the plasma
      cholesterol level in the human, along with all unsaturated fatty acids, only
      16.83% and 12.26% of total fatty acids in the cooked rasher and the drip,
      respectively, from the HOSO group were fatty acids (C14:0 and C16:0) which may
      raise the plasma cholesterol level. The residual nitrite level in the raw and
      cooked bacon was higher (P < 0.05) for samples from the HOSO group than for those
      from the control group, probably due to binding of nitrite to the double bonds in
      unsaturated fatty acids that were higher for samples from the HOSO group. The
      extent of the accumulation of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances during
      frozen storage was not affected (P > 0.05) by the inclusion of 12% HOSO in the
      animal diet, regardless of the packaging method.

PMID- 22055518
TI  - Surfactant addition and alternating current electrophoretic oscillation during
      size fractionation of nanoparticles in channels with two or three different
      height segments.
AB  - An array of parallel planar nanochannels containing two or three segments with
      varying inner heights was fabricated and used for size fractionation of inorganic
      and biological nanoparticles. A liquid suspension of the particles was simply
      drawn through the nanochannels via capillary action. Using fluorescently labeled
      30 nm polyacrylonitrile beads, different trapping behaviors were compared using
      nanochannels with 200-45 nm and 208-54-30 nm height segments. Addition of sodium
      dodecyl sulfate (SDS) surfactant to the liquid suspension and application of an
      AC electric field were shown to aid in the prevention of channel clogging. After
      initial particle trapping at the segment interfaces, significant particle
      redistribution occurred when applying a sinusoidal 8V peak-to-peak oscillating
      voltage with a frequency of 150 Hz and DC offset of 4V. Using the 208-54-30 nm
      channels, 30 nm hepatitis B virus (HBV) capsids were divided into three
      fractions. When the AC electric field was applied to this trapped sample, all of
      the virus particles passed through the interfaces and accumulated at the channel
      ends.

PMID- 22055519
TI  - Comparison of the quantitative performance of constant pressure versus constant
      flow rate gradient elution separations using concentration-sensitive detectors.
AB  - This contribution discusses the difference in chromatographic performance when
      switching from the customary employed constant flow rate gradient elution mode to
      the recently re-introduced constant pressure gradient elution mode. In this mode,
      the inlet pressure is maintained at a set value even when the mobile phase
      viscosity becomes lower than the maximum mobile phase viscosity encountered
      during the gradient program. This leads to a higher average flow rate compared to
      the constant flow rate mode and results in a shorter analysis time. When both
      modes carry out the same mobile phase gradient program in volumetric units,
      normally identical selectivities are obtained. However, small deviations in
      selectivity are found due to the differences in pressure and viscous heating
      effects. These selectivity differences are of the same type as those observed
      when switching from HPLC to UHPLC and are inevitable when speeding up the
      analysis by applying a higher pressure. It was also found that, when using
      concentration-sensitive detectors, the constant pressure elution mode leads to
      identical peak areas as the constant flow rate mode. Also the linearity is
      maintained. In addition, the repeatability of the peak area and retention time
      remains the same when switching between both elution modes.

PMID- 22055520
TI  - Study of the interdependency of the data sampling ratio with retention time
      alignment and principal component analysis for gas chromatography.
AB  - An in-depth study is presented to better understand how data reduction via
      averaging impacts retention alignment and the subsequent chemometric analysis of
      data obtained using gas chromatography (GC). We specifically study the use of
      signal averaging to reduce GC data, retention time alignment to correct run-to
      run retention shifting, and principal component analysis (PCA) to classify
      chromatographic separations of diesel samples by sample class. Diesel samples
      were selected because they provide sufficient complexity to study the impact of
      data reduction on the data analysis strategies. The data reduction process
      reduces the data sampling ratio, S(R), which is defined as the number of data
      points across a given chromatographic peak width (i.e., the four standard
      deviation peak width). Ultimately, sufficient data reduction causes the
      chromatographic resolution to decrease, however with minimal loss of chemical
      information via the PCA. Using PCA, the degree of class separation (DCS) is used
      as a quantitative metric. Three "Paths" of analysis (denoted A-C) are compared to
      each other in the context of a "benchmark" method to study the impact of the data
      sampling ratio on preserving chemical information, which is defined by the DCS
      quantitative metric. The benchmark method is simply aligning data and applying
      PCA, without data reduction. Path A applies data alignment to collected data,
      then data reduction, and finally PCA. Path B applies data reduction to collected
      data, and then data alignment, and finally PCA. The optimized path, namely Path
      C, is created from Paths A and B, whereby collected data are initially reduced to
      fewer data points (smaller S(R)), then aligned, and then further reduced to even
      fewer points and finally analyzed with PCA to provide the DCS metric. Overall,
      following Path C, one can successfully and efficiently classify chromatographic
      data by reducing to a S(R) of ~15 before alignment, and then reducing down to
      S(R) of ~2 before performing PCA. Indeed, following Path C, results from an
      average of 15 different column length-with-temperature ramp rate combinations
      spanning a broad range of separation conditions resulted in only a ~15% loss in
      classification capability (via PCA) when the loss in chromatographic resolution
      was ~36%.

PMID- 22055521
TI  - On-line coupling of a clean-up device with supported liquid membrane to capillary
      electrophoresis for direct injection and analysis of serum and plasma samples.
AB  - A simple sample clean-up device with planar supported liquid membrane (SLM) was
      developed and coupled on-line to capillary electrophoresis (CE) for direct
      injection of human body fluids. Donor and acceptor compartments of the device
      were filled with diluted body fluid and deionized water, respectively, and the
      two solutions were separated by a thin SLM. Analytes of interest were selectively
      transported from the donor solution through the SLM into the acceptor solution by
      diffusion whereas interfering matrix components were efficiently retained on the
      SLM. Equilibrium between the concentrations of analytes at the SLM was obtained
      typically in 5 min. Then a CE separation capillary was inserted into the acceptor
      compartment to firmly touch the SLM and the pretreated sample was
      hydrodynamically injected into the capillary. The analytical procedure was
      demonstrated by rapid pretreatment, on-line injection, and CE determination of
      selected amino acids in human serum and plasma samples. 1-Ethyl-2-nitrobenezene
      and bis(2-ethylhexyl) phosphate (15%, v/v) was used as the selective SLM for
      clean-up of the body fluids and 0.5M acetic acid was used as a background
      electrolyte solution for CE analysis of the pretreated amino acids.
      Concentrations of amino acids on acceptor side of the SLM reached 40-58% of their
      original concentrations in donor solution after 5 min equilibration time and then
      remained constant proving that equilibrium was achieved at the SLM. Injection of
      the pretreated samples was highly repeatable with RSD values of peak areas 2.4
      8.4% and 3.4-10.5% for standard solutions and real samples, respectively. Limits
      of detection between 0.75 and 2.5 MUM were achieved, corresponding to 3.75-12.5
      MUM in 1:4 diluted real samples, which ensure sensitive determination of most
      amino acids in the body fluids. The developed method is fast, simple, efficient,
      cheap and selective and may be applied to determination of a wide range of
      analytes in various samples with complex matrices.

PMID- 22055522
TI  - Development of a nano-liquid chromatography on chip tandem mass spectrometry
      method for high-sensitivity hepcidin quantitation.
AB  - Microfluidic LC systems present undeniable advantages over classical LC in terms
      of sensitivity. Hepcidin, a peptide marker of clinical disorders linked to iron
      metabolism, was used as model to demonstrate peptide quantification
      potentialities of LC-chip coupled to a nanoelectrospray source ion trap mass
      spectrometer in an aqueous sample. First, stable isotope labelled hepcidin was
      chosen as internal standard and gradient as well as sample compositions were
      optimised using design of experiments as development tool. The method was then
      prevalidated using accuracy profiles in order to select the most appropriate
      response function and to confirm the ability of the technique to quantify low
      hepcidin concentration. A reliable and very sensitive quantitation method was
      finally obtained using this integrated microfluidic technology. Indeed, good
      results with respect to accuracy, trueness and precision were achieved, as well
      as a very low limit of quantitation (0.07 ng/ml). Method suitability of nano-LC
      on chip tandem mass spectrometry for hepcidin quantitation was also demonstrated
      in complex media such as human plasma.

PMID- 22055523
TI  - Development and evaluation of needle trap device geometry and packing methods for
      automated and manual analysis.
AB  - For air/headspace analysis, needle trap devices (NTDs) are applicable for
      sampling a wide range of volatiles such as benzene, alkanes, and semi-volatile
      particulate bound compounds such as pyrene. This paper describes a new NTD that
      is simpler to produce and improves performance relative to previous NTD designs.
      A NTD utilizing a side-hole needle used a modified tip, which removed the need to
      use epoxy glue to hold sorbent particles inside the NTD. This design also
      improved the seal between the NTD and narrow neck liner of the GC injector;
      therefore, improving the desorption efficiency. A new packing method has been
      developed and evaluated using solvent to pack the device, and is compared to NTDs
      prepared using the previous vacuum aspiration method. The slurry packing method
      reduced preparation time and improved reproducibility between NTDs. To evaluate
      the NTDs, automated headspace extraction was completed using benzene, toluene,
      ethylbenzene, p-xylene (BTEX), anthracene, and pyrene (PAH). NTD geometries
      evaluated include: blunt tip with side-hole needle, tapered tip with side-hole
      needle, slider tip with side-hole, dome tapered tip with side-hole and blunt with
      no side-hole needle (expanded desorptive flow). Results demonstrate that the
      tapered and slider tip NTDs performed with improved desorption efficiency.

PMID- 22055524
TI  - Fluorosurfactant-prepared triangular gold nanoparticles as postcolumn
      chemiluminescence reagents for high-performance liquid chromatography assay of
      low molecular weight aminothiols in biological fluids.
AB  - Our recent study demonstrates the synthesized triangular gold nanoparticles
      (AuNPs) by trisodium citrate reduction of HAuCl(4) in the presence of nonionic
      fluorosurfactant (FSN) could display stronger catalytic activity towards luminol
      chemiluminescence (CL) than spherical AuNPs. Ultratrace aminothiols may cause a
      great decrease in CL intensity of the triangular AuNPs-luminol CL system. In this
      article, we utilize the as-prepared triangular AuNPs as novel postcolumn CL
      reagents to explore a simple high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-CL
      method for the determination of low molecular weight aminothiols (i.e., cysteine,
      homocysteine, glutathione, cysteinylglycine and glutamylcysteine). The as
      prepared triangular AuNPs were easier to synthesize, stable at a wider pH range
      and high ionic strength, and highly selective and sensitive towards reduced
      aminothiols. The detection limits at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3 for cysteine,
      homocysteine, glutathione, cysteinylglycine and glutamylcysteine were 0.016,
      0.08, 0.1, 0.04 and 0.1pmol, respectively. Recoveries from spiked urine and
      plasma samples were 95.7-104.3%. The applicability of the proposed method has
      been validated by determining these low molecular weight aminothiols in human
      urine and plasma samples with satisfactory results, and thus it will have great
      potential application in clinical diagnosis.

PMID- 22055525
TI  - Closed loop control of the multi-column solvent gradient purification process.
AB  - A PID controller able to support the operator in the operation of the Multi
      column Countercurrent Solvent Gradient Purification (MCSGP) process which is a
      continuous, countercurrent chromatographic process has been developed. As
      measurement, only the online UV signals at each column outlet are used. This
      guarantees a simple and cheap control implementation and a fast control action.
      Accordingly, the controller does not guarantee any purity or yield value, but
      simply that the withdrawn window of the product is centered in a specific region
      of the UV chromatogram where the purity specifications are expected to be
      satisfied. This can be determined by the operator based on the batch chromatogram
      selected for designing the MCSGP operating conditions. Thus the controller
      provides a reliable and efficient tool for the operator to run properly a MCSGP
      unit in combination with suitable offline analytics for the quantification of
      purity and yield. The applications are discussed involving the purification of a
      model protein and a peptide. It is shown that the developed controller is
      effective in driving the unit to steady state during start up and in keeping a
      stable steady state while rejecting external disturbances.

PMID- 22055526
TI  - Application of different modes of thin-layer chromatography and mass spectrometry
      for the separation and detection of large and small biomolecules.
AB  - Biomolecules are widespread throughout the world. A biomolecule is any organic
      molecule produced by a living organism, including large polymeric molecules such
      as proteins, polysaccharides and nucleic acids. Many sample preparation
      techniques are used in biomolecule analysis; the method selected depends on the
      complexity of the sample, the nature of the matrix and the analytes, and the
      analytical technique available. This review covers the current state of knowledge
      on thin-layer chromatography and mass spectrometry for qualitative analysis of
      biomolecules. In the first part of the paper the reader will gain useful
      information to avoid some problems about performing various modes of thin-layer
      chromatography combined with mass spectrometry experiments and in the second part
      he will find useful information for application of these techniques for
      separation, detection, and qualitative investigation of structures and
      quantitative determination of biomolecules such as proteins, peptides,
      oligonucleotides, amino acids, DNA, RNA, and lipids.

PMID- 22055527
TI  - The circular economy and its risks.

PMID- 22055529
TI  - Antimicrobial susceptibility of Escherichia coli from community-acquired urinary
      tract infections in Europe: the ECO.SENS study revisited.
AB  - This study determined the antimicrobial susceptibility of Escherichia coli
      causing community-acquired, acute, uncomplicated, non-recurrent urinary tract
      infection in unselected women aged 18-65 years and compared the results with
      those obtained 8 years earlier in the first ECO.SENS study (1999-2000). During
      2007-2008, urine samples were taken from 1697 women in Austria, Greece, Portugal,
      Sweden and the UK. The countries were chosen to represent areas of Europe
      indicated to have more (Greece and Portugal) or less (UK, Austria and Sweden)
      problems with resistance. Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of 903 E. coli
      isolates (150-200 isolates per country) to 14 antimicrobials was performed by
      disk diffusion using European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing
      (EUCAST) breakpoints. In E. coli, resistance to mecillinam, cefadroxil
      (representing oral cephalosporins), nitrofurantoin, fosfomycin trometamol,
      gentamicin and the third-generation cephalosporins cefotaxime and ceftazidime was
      <2%, with the following exceptions: gentamicin in Portugal (2.8%); fosfomycin in
      Greece (2.9%); and cephalosporins in Austria (2.7-4.1%). Resistance levels were
      higher for amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (2.0-8.9%) and ciprofloxacin (0.5-7.6%)
      and much higher to ampicillin (21.2-34.0%), sulfamethoxazole (21.2-31.3%),
      trimethoprim (14.9-19.1%) and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (14.4-18.2%).
      Resistance to quinolones and trimethoprim increased between the ECO.SENS I (1999
      2000) and ECO.SENS II (2007-2008): nalidixic acid 4.3% to 10.2%; ciprofloxacin
      1.1% to 3.9%; and trimethoprim 13.3% to 16.7%. In the previous study, no isolates
      with extended-spectrum beta-lactamase were found; however, in the present study
      11 isolates were identified as having either CTX-M or AmpC.

PMID- 22055530
TI  - Molecular epidemiology and mechanisms of rifampicin resistance in Acinetobacter
      baumannii isolates from Italy.
AB  - Use of rifampicin (RIF) in combination with colistin (COL) has been proposed for
      the treatment of multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii infections owing to
      in vitro synergism. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the molecular
      epidemiology and mechanisms of RIF resistance in 57 clinical isolates of A.
      baumannii in two tertiary care hospitals in Naples (Italy) from 2006 to 2010.
      Amongst the collection, 36 isolates showed high RIF minimum inhibitory
      concentrations (MICs) (256 mg/L to >=512 mg/L), 16 showed intermediate MICs (8-16
      mg/L) and 5 had low MICs (4 mg/L). Of the 36 isolates with elevated RIF MICs, 35
      were assigned to sequence type ST2 and 1 to ST78. Amongst the 57 isolates, 35
      carried at least one mutation in rpoB, including H535L in 9 isolates and double
      mutations D525N and P544L in 7 isolates, whilst 22 showed no rpoB mutations.
      Treatment with the efflux pump inhibitor phenyl-arginine-beta-naphthylamide
      (PAbetaN) of resistant isolates with no mutations in rpoB and different RIF MICs
      reduced the MIC by >10-fold and restored the synergism between RIF and COL in
      time-kill studies, whilst it had no effect on strains carrying rpoB mutations. In
      conclusion, the emergence of elevated RIF MICs in A. baumannii isolates from our
      geographical area was mostly caused by mutations in rpoB; low to intermediate RIF
      MICs were also caused by altered membrane permeability to the drug. The
      phenomenon was contributed by the selection of two prevalent clones both assigned
      to ST2 genotype. These data may have implications for the correct identification
      of cases with A. baumannii infection that would not benefit from addition of RIF
      to COL.

PMID- 22055531
TI  - Role of caspofungin in restoring the impaired phagocyte-dependent innate immunity
      towards Candida albicans in chronic haemodialysis patients.
AB  - Phagocyte-dependent cellular immunity in chronic kidney disease patients
      undergoing haemodialysis treatment is frequently impaired owing to the uraemic
      state, resulting in an intrinsic susceptibility to developing invasive fungal
      infections with high mortality rates. Since synergism between phagocytic cells
      and antifungal drugs may be crucial for successful therapy, the aim of this study
      was to evaluate the effects exerted by caspofungin (CAS) on the functional
      activities of polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) in haemodialysed patients (HDs)
      towards Candida albicans compared with those of PMNs from healthy subjects (HSs).
      PMNs were separated from venous blood samples of 66 HDs and 30 HSs (as controls),
      and measurement of phagocytic and intracellular fungicidal activities of HD-PMNs
      and HS-PMNs was performed in the presence of CAS at the minimum inhibitory
      concentration (MIC) and at sub-MICs. CAS-free controls were also included. In the
      drug-free test condition, no significant difference between the phagocytic
      activity of HD-PMNs and HS-PMNs was detected. In contrast, a progressive decline
      in the intracellular killing activity of HD-PMNs against proliferating yeasts was
      observed. CAS at MIC and sub-MIC levels was able to improve significantly the
      intracellular fungicidal activity of HD-PMNs against C. albicans, restoring their
      functionality. These findings provide evidence that CAS exerts a synergistic
      effect on HD-PMNs against C. albicans, being able to strength the depressed
      intracellular killing activity. These results corroborate the use of CAS as an
      effective therapeutic option for the treatment of invasive fungal infections in
      HDs, in whom even a marginal influence of antifungal drugs on host response may
      have a relevant effect.

PMID- 22055532
TI  - Molecular diversity in mechanisms of carbapenem resistance in paediatric
      Enterobacteriaceae.
AB  - Development of carbapenem resistance in Enterobacteriaceae has impacted Clinical
      and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) guidelines, infection control
      approaches and treatment strategies. The clinical, phenotypic and genotypic
      characteristics of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) infections at
      paediatric referral centres are not well described. CRE were identified through
      the clinical microbiology laboratory at Seattle Children's Hospital (Seattle,
      WA). Clinical data were retrieved from medical records. Resistance testing,
      polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for resistance determinants, and Escherichia coli
      transformation were carried out for each isolate. Multilocus sequence typing
      (MLST) and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) were used to characterise
      strain relatedness. PCR amplification and sequencing as well as sodium dodecyl
      sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) were used to investigate
      porin alterations. Six CRE isolates were identified between 2002 and 2010.
      Significant molecular diversity was documented in their mechanisms of resistance,
      including plasmid-mediated serine carbapenemase (KPC) and metallo-beta-lactamase
      (IMP), chromosomally encoded beta-lactamase (SME) and porin alterations with
      extended-spectrum beta-lactamases. Patients had underlying health conditions and
      were from geographically diverse regions. In one case, PFGE of serial isolates
      documented the development of resistance in a previously susceptible strain.
      Molecular investigation of this strain identified insertion of the genetic mobile
      element insertion sequence ISEcp1 in the ompK36 gene, conferring a functional
      porin alteration as demonstrated by SDS-PAGE. This is the first description of
      porin disruption by ISEcp1 in a CTX-M-15-positive isolate. This is the largest
      report of paediatric CRE to date. This diverse description of demographic,
      phenotypic and molecular characteristics highlights the challenge of CRE
      infections in high-risk paediatric patients and that attention to emerging
      resistance mechanisms (including membrane alteration) at paediatric referral
      centres is essential.

PMID- 22055533
TI  - A factorial analysis of water-binding properties and firmness of heated,
      comminuted pork liver and pork loin products as influenced by addition of sodium
      chloride and pH regulators.
AB  - Canned, pasteurized, comminuted pork liver and pork loin were used for a
      factorial study to evaluate the effects of the addition of sodium chloride (0 and
      1.8%), acid and alkaline mono- and diphosphates (0 and 0.3% P(2)O(5)), acetic
      acid (0 and 0.25%), sodium acetate (0 and 0.63%) and glucono-delta-lactone (0 and
      0.5%) on their water-binding properties and firmness. The water-binding
      properties were evaluated by measuring cooking losses (for both types of product)
      and by moisture release by centrifugation (for the liver products only). The
      liver products had much better water-binding abilities and were softer than the
      loin products. The interaction of salt and pH regulators also differed greatly
      from the interaction for the comminuted loins, resulting in a barely perceptible
      effect of the pH regulating compounds on the water-binding abilities of the salt
      containing comminuted liver. The firmness of the salt-containing liver products
      was greatly reduced by the addition of acidulants. The loin products were
      normally affected by the compounds tested, with the exception of Na(4)P(2)O(7).
      The added amount of this diphosphate caused a considerable rise in the product
      pH, which resulted in a large reduction in cooking loss, thus leaving no
      possibility of an extra reduction by the combination of salt and Na(4)P(2)O(7).

PMID- 22055534
TI  - Generalization of a method for the characterization of quick frozen beef.
AB  - The lack of standardized tests for determining if a product can be defined as
      'quick frozen' is a source of difficulty in the commercialization of foods. An
      even greater difficulty is the fact that there is no one definition of a quick
      frozen food. With the aim of partially filling this gap, a previous paper
      developed a simple physical method of characterizing quick frozen beef. The study
      was carried out with meat cuts cooled by means of heat transfer perpendicular, in
      a sense, to the meat fibres with 'quick frozen' being defined by a minimum
      average freezing rate. In the present paper the characterization method is
      generalized for either heat transfer perpendicular with, or parallel to, beef
      fibres, 'quick frozen' being defined either by a maximum freezing time or a
      minimum freezing rate.

PMID- 22055535
TI  - Effects of temperature and storage duration on the microflora, physicochemical
      and sensory changes of vacuum- or nitrogen-packed pork.
AB  - A comparative study of vacuum packaging alone or vacuum followed by nitrogen back
      flushing of fresh pork stored at -4, 0, 3 and 7 degrees C for 49 days showed that
      pork stored at -4 degrees C generally exhibited small changes in microbial
      numbers, pH, exudate, appearance and off-odour. Samples stored above 0 degrees C
      could not be kept beyond 14-28 days without obvious changes, regardless of
      package atmospheres. Storage life was inversely related to temperature. The
      initial psychrotrophs consisted primarily of Pseudomonas spp. but these organisms
      diminished as Lactobacillus spp. multiplied in both atmospheres. Few significant
      differences in numbers of fecal coliforms were found between treatments, although
      the numbers tended to increase in samples stored at 7 degrees C. Nitrogen
      packaging did not reduce exudate losses as compared with vacuum packaging.

PMID- 22055536
TI  - Cutability comparisons of Charolais crossbred bulls and steers.
AB  - Seventy-two sides (eighteen sides from each sex-breed group) from carcasses of
      half-blood or three-quarters-to-seven-eighths-blood Charolais bulls or steers of
      known history and age, handled alike from weaning to slaughter, were used. All
      cattle were fed in a commercial feedlot (average days-on-feed was 186) and
      slaughtered in a commercial packing plant. Comparisons were made for percentages
      of (1) untrimmed wholesale cuts, (2) partially boneless subprimals (trimmed of
      fat in excess of 1.9 cm), (3) partially boneless retail-ready cuts (trimmed of
      fat in excess of 0.95 cm) and (4) boneless retail-ready cuts (trimmed of fat in
      excess of 0.95 cm). Bulls had higher percentages than steers of chuck and round
      at all stages of trim. Steers had higher percentages of untrimmed, wholesale loin
      and partially boneless shortloin (1.9 cm fat) than bulls but steer percentages of
      shortloin cuts trimmed to 0.95 cm of fat did not differ from those of bulls.
      Bulls averaged 48.05%, while steers averaged 45.45%, major boneless, closely
      trimmed retail-ready cuts. After the lean trim was adjusted to 25% chemical fat,
      bulls had 27.70% lean trim and 5.65% fat trim while steers had 24.30% lean trim
      and 12.15% fat trim. No difference in the percentage of retail-ready cuts was
      attributable to breed; however, the three-quarters-to-seven-eighths-blood
      Charolais group had a lower percentage of standardized fat trim and a slightly
      higher percentage of bone than the half-blood group.

PMID- 22055537
TI  - The 'cultural inflation of morbidity' during the English mortality decline: a new
      look.
AB  - This article contributes to the debate about using insurance records to
      reconstruct historical experiences of sickness during the Western mortality
      transition. Critics regard these sources as problematic as they measure morbidity
      indirectly through absences from work; these might be determined not by timeless
      biological criteria but by more contingent factors, notably shifting norms
      surrounding the sick role and responses to economic incentives (for which we
      adopt the generic term 'cultural inflation of morbidity'). We review historical
      demographers' contributions to this literature and discuss the concepts of moral
      hazard and the principal/agent problem as developed by health economists. This
      leads us to frame three empirical tests for 'cultural inflation' which allow us
      to assess the validity of insurance records for deriving morbidity trends: was
      there an increasing frequency of claims for complaints of diminishing severity;
      were unduly prolonged claims noticeable, particularly by older people for whom
      sickness benefit may have compensated for income insecurity; and did the insurer
      satisfactorily manage the agency problem to ensure reliable physician
      gatekeeping? We analyse records of the Hampshire Friendly Society, an
      exceptionally well-documented fund operational in Southern England, 1825-1989.
      Findings are based on a dataset of individual sickness histories of a sample of
      5552 men and on qualitative documentary analysis of administrative records. On
      each count our results fail to demonstrate a cultural inflation of morbidity,
      except perhaps for those aged over 65. However, occasional discussion in the
      administrative records of economic incentives encouraging unnecessary
      prolongation of claims means we cannot rule it out entirely.

PMID- 22055538
TI  - Is blood thicker than water? Peer effects in stent utilization among Floridian
      cardiologists.
AB  - Variations in physician practice are pervasive and costly, and may be harmful.
      The objective of much policy in the West is to increase the interconnectedness of
      physicians, furthering the transfer of information and thus reducing variation.
      This study tests whether physicians are influenced by the practice of peers, or
      if propensity, mere context or sorting of like-minded physicians better explain
      similarities and differences in practice. We study US cardiologists who place
      coronary stents into patients with blocked arteries around the heart. Organized
      in locally competing physician groups and also as solo practitioners, they see
      patients in offices, but insert the stents at a shared production facility - the
      cath lab. We examine their use of the popular drug-eluting coronary stents
      between their launch and rapid adoption in early 2003, and through the period of
      late 2006 in which private and public reports of serious late side-effects
      eventually led to reductions in use. Our analyses use administrative claims data
      on nearly 1000 cardiologists and their patients in Florida, USA, merged with
      Florida physician licensure data. Collectively these physicians used these stents
      nearly a quarter of a million times in the 4 year period reviewed. Pooled and
      panel linear regressions for device utilization by a physicians are estimated
      using measures of peer utilization, physician characteristics and controls for
      unobservable physician characteristics, common shocks and selection effects. We
      find strong evidence for intra-group but against inter-group practice spillovers.
      Even when sharing the same lab, competing cardiologists did not appear to
      correlate practices. Our results are consistent with a view that policies aimed
      at increasing the interconnectedness of physicians must first consider the
      organizational barriers and competitive forces that can stymie knowledge transfer
      even among physicians working closely together.

PMID- 22055539
TI  - Cardiopulmonary complications after primary shoulder arthroplasty: a cohort
      study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the frequency and predictors of 90-day cardiopulmonary
      complications following primary shoulder arthroplasty. METHODS: We used
      prospectively collected data from the Mayo Clinic Total Joint registry from 1976
      to 2008. We used univariate and multivariable-adjusted Cox regression analyses to
      examine the association of age, gender, body mass index, comorbidity assessed by
      Deyo-Charlson index, American Society of Anesthesiologist class, implant fixation
      (cemented versus not), and underlying diagnosis with the risk of 90-day
      cardiopulmonary complications after primary shoulder arthroplasty. Odds ratio
      (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) and P values are presented. RESULTS: A
      total of 3480 patients underwent 4019 primary shoulder arthroplasties. Ninety-day
      cardiac and thromboembolic complication rates following primary shoulder
      arthroplasty were 2.6% (92/3480) and 1.2% (42/3480). After multivariable
      adjustment, age >70 years (OR, 2.7; 95% CI: 1.2-5.9; P value = 0.01; relative to
      age <60), Deyo-Charlson comorbidity index of 1 or more (OR, 3.27; 95% CI:1.9-5.6;
      P < 0.0001; relative to index of 0), and prior cardiac events (OR, 7.87; 95% CI:
      4.89-12.68; P < 0.0001; relative to no prior event) were associated with higher
      odds of 90-day cardiac complications. Due to a few thromboembolic events, only
      univariate analyses were performed. Univariately, female gender, age >70 years,
      body mass index 25 to 29.9 kg/m(2), Deyo Charlson index of 1 or more, underlying
      diagnosis of trauma, prior thromboembolic event, and surgery type were each
      associated with significantly higher risk of 90-day thromboembolic event (P <=
      0.03 for all). CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac and thromboembolic complications are uncommon
      after primary shoulder arthroplasty. Patients can be informed of their risk of
      cardiac complications following shoulder arthroplasty based on the presence of
      risk factors.

PMID- 22055540
TI  - Ultrasound-defined remission and active disease in rheumatoid arthritis:
      association with clinical and serologic parameters.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the association of clinical and/or serological parameters
      with ultrasound-defined disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS:
      Retrospective analysis of 149 consecutive RA patients routinely assessed by
      sonography of the wrists, metacarpo-phalangeal, and proximal interphalangeal
      joints. Semiquantitative scoring of synovial hypertrophy/effusion and power
      Doppler (PD) signals was performed. Sonographic remission was defined by the
      absence of PD signals. Number of tender and swollen joints, global assessment of
      disease activity by the physician (VAS-phys) and patient (VAS-pt), C-reactive
      protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate, duration of morning stiffness
      (MS), simplified disease activity index, disease activity score for 28 joints,
      clinical disease activity index, and health assessment questionnaires were
      recorded. RESULTS: PD signals as a sign of active disease were observed in 117
      (78.5%) RA patients. CRP, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and MS were higher in
      patients with PD signals than in patients in remission. CRP >5.0 mg/L (normal
      values 0-5.0 mg/L), MS >15 minutes, or the combination of both revealed odds
      ratios of 5.0, 3.0, or 18.9, respectively, to indicate sonography-defined active
      disease. The other parameters showed no association with the presence or absence
      of PD-signals. CONCLUSIONS: Sonography-defined disease activity is associated
      with CRP and MS, whereas current composite scores and its clinical components did
      not match this definition.

PMID- 22055541
TI  - Examining how antiphospholipid antibodies activate intracellular signaling
      pathways: a systematic review.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Diverse experimental evidence exists implicating the activation of
      various different cell surface receptors and intracellular pathways by
      antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL). This evidence has been generated using a
      number of different cell types with varying numbers of aPL from different sources
      and disease subtypes. This experimental variability complicates the comparison of
      results from different studies. We therefore undertook a systematic review of the
      literature to provide a critical analysis of the strength of the evidence that
      specific receptors and signaling pathways are important in the pathogenesis of
      antiphospholipid syndrome. METHODS: We searched PubMed and EMBASE for studies in
      which the effects of aPL on cell surface receptors or intracellular signaling
      pathways were measured in vitro or in vivo. Each publication was systematically
      examined to note the following points: antibody type and source, outcome
      measures, use of receptor/signaling pathway inhibitors, and cell type and origin.
      RESULTS: We identified 10 original studies on toll-like receptors (TLR), 14 on
      protein kinases, and 13 on nuclear factor kappa B (NFkappaB). There was
      considerable heterogeneity between studies. Nevertheless, convincing evidence
      from multiple approaches implicates TLR4, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase
      (MAPK), and NFkappaB in mediating pathogenic effects of antiphospholipid
      antibodies. CONCLUSIONS: TLR4, p38 MAPK and NFkappaB are involved in mediating
      pathogenic effects of aPL on different cell types and may be potential
      therapeutic targets in antiphospholipid syndrome.

PMID- 22055542
TI  - Hand tendon involvement in rheumatoid arthritis: an ultrasound study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the prevalence and the distribution of tendon involvement in
      the hands and wrists of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) describing in
      detail the ultrasound (US) morphostructural and vascular tendon abnormalities.
      METHODS: Ninety consecutive RA patients were included in the study. The following
      tendons were scanned bilaterally: flexor pollicis longus tendon, flexor digitorum
      superficialis, and profundus tendons of the II to the V fingers (at both finger
      and carpal tunnel levels), flexor carpi radialis tendon, and extensor tendons of
      the 6 compartments on the dorsal aspect of the wrist. The presence of US findings
      indicative of tenosynovitis and tendon damage was investigated. RESULTS:
      Tenosynovitis was found in at least 1 anatomic site of 44 (48.8%) of 90 patients.
      Tendon damage was found in at least 1 anatomic site of 39 (43.3%) of 90 patients.
      The focal tendon echotexture derangement was found in 294 of 5400 (5.4%) tendons,
      the partial and complete tears in 14 (0.3%), and in 3 (0.06%) tendons,
      respectively. The most frequently involved tendons were the flexor tendons of the
      II, III, and IV fingers and the extensor carpi ulnaris tendon. CONCLUSIONS: The
      present study provides evidence in favor of the ability of US to reveal a
      relatively high frequency of tendon involvement at the hand and wrist level in RA
      patients. These data can both facilitate US examinations in daily clinical
      practice and direct further investigations in the US assessment of tendon
      involvement in RA.

PMID- 22055543
TI  - Development of a chemical strategy to produce rare aldohexoses from ketohexoses
      using 2-aminopyridine.
AB  - Rare sugars are monosaccharides that are found in relatively low abundance in
      nature. Herein, we describe a strategy for producing rare aldohexoses from
      ketohexoses using the classical Lobry de Bruyn-Alberda van Ekenstein
      transformation. Upon Schiff-base formation of keto sugars, a fluorescence
      labeling reagent, 2-aminopyridine (2-AP), was used. While acting as a base
      catalyst, 2-AP efficiently promoted the ketose-to-aldose transformation, and
      acting as a Schiff-base reagent, it effectively froze the ketose-aldose
      equilibrium. We could also separate a mixture of Sor, Gul, and Ido in their
      Schiff-base forms using a normal-phase HPLC separation system. Although Gul and
      Ido represent the most unstable aldohexoses, our method provides a practical way
      to rapidly obtain these rare aldohexoses as needed.

PMID- 22055544
TI  - [Effectiveness assessment in public health: the strength of "weak evaluation
      designs"].

PMID- 22055545
TI  - [Effectiveness assessment in public health: conceptual and methodological
      foundations].
AB  - In the last few years, interest has markedly increased in evaluating health
      programs, especially their social utility and economic efficiency. However,
      consensus on key issues in evaluation, such as terminology, goals and methods is
      still a long way off. In this context, we review the main definitions and
      classifications of evaluation applied to public health programs and policies. We
      describe the main evaluation designs and their components, focusing on outcome
      evaluation. Threats to the internal validity of the results of weak evaluation
      designs are also discussed. The characteristics of public health interventions
      that limit evaluation with traditional designs are also analyzed. These
      limitations include the complexity of interventions, usually with multiple
      components, and the difficulty of forming an equivalent control group with no
      intervention, especially through random assignment. Finally, a two-step approach
      to evaluation through weak designs, which takes into account adequacy and
      plausibility, is described. Adequacy consists of the observation of a change in
      the selected indicators after the intervention, and would be sufficient to take
      decisions under certain conditions; at other times, plausibility would need to be
      analyzed, defined as attribution of the results to the program or intervention.

PMID- 22055546
TI  - [Evaluative designs in public health: methodological considerations].
AB  - Evaluation of public health interventions poses numerous methodological
      challenges. Randomization of individuals is not always feasible and interventions
      are usually composed of multiple factors. To face these challenges, certain
      elements, such as the selection of the most appropriate design and the use of a
      statistical analysis that includes potential confounders, are essential. The
      objective of this article was to describe the most frequently used designs in the
      evaluation of public health interventions (policies, programs or campaigns). The
      characteristics, strengths and weaknesses of each of these evaluative designs are
      described. Additionally, a brief explanation of the most commonly used
      statistical analysis in each of these designs is provided.

PMID- 22055547
TI  - [Evaluation of health policies and plans].
AB  - Evaluation of plans and policies is a key element in their administration and
      must be performed under real conditions. Such evaluation is complex, as plans and
      policies include a diverse set of components that operate simultaneously.
      Moreover, external factors frequently influence those same issues that programs
      attempt to change. Unless plans and policies are evaluated under real conditions,
      a policy that effectively reduces the effects of a problem may be deemed
      ineffective (if the problem increases due to the influence of factors the program
      does not attempt to affect), or a policy that is unable to influence the problem
      it attempts to solve may be judged useful (if the magnitude of the problem is
      being reduced through the influence of factors other than the policy). The
      present article discusses evaluation of health policies, plans or complex
      programs, with emphasis on effectiveness assessment, using data from real
      examples. Among other issues, the need to identify the distinct components of
      policies and plans is reviewed. This article also describes how to evaluate the
      outcome or results of a program with indicators from other sources. Aspects
      related to the timing of evaluation and assessment indicators are analyzed. We
      discuss situations in which the launch of a new policy or intervention is
      followed by an increase in the reported magnitude of the problem it attempts to
      solve. These situations are illustrated by cases in which this increase is
      attributable to improved detection and by others in which the increase is related
      to factors external to the intervention. The frequent confusion of the effects of
      the intervention with other events is covered, with data from some examples.
      Finally, evaluation of plans that include a wide range of objectives is also
      addressed.

PMID- 22055548
TI  - [Economic evaluation of public health interventions].
AB  - The scarcity of resources available to meet the growing demand for healthcare
      services has increased interest in economic evaluation as a tool to inform
      resource allocation. The aim of economic evaluation is to compare various
      alternatives for action, in terms of their costs and effects on health, by using
      several techniques: cost minimization analysis, cost-effectiveness analysis, cost
      utility analysis, and cost-benefit analysis. Irrespective of the methodology
      used, any assessment must include scope of the problem, selection of alternatives
      for comparison, explication of the perspective of analysis and the time horizon,
      measurement and evaluation of costs and health effects, presentation of results,
      and sensitivity analysis. In Spain, evaluation of currently ongoing preventive
      interventions, and adherence to the existing economic evaluation guidelines by
      researchers would be desirable.

PMID- 22055549
TI  - [Process evaluation in relation to effectiveness assessment: experiences with
      school-based programs].
AB  - Evaluation of public health interventions usually focus on the quality of design
      and research methods, and less on the quality of the intervention or process
      evaluation. In process evaluation of school-based interventions, key issues are
      how completely the intervention is carried out and adherence to the protocol. In
      addition, exploration of intermediate variables, such as those that influence
      (and often predict) preventable behavior, is highly useful. This article
      describes the basic concepts in this topic, using examples of the effectiveness
      of some preventive interventions carried out in schools. The interventions
      discussed were mainly quasi-experimental studies, based on data from programs
      promoted by public health teams in the city of Barcelona. Data from process
      evaluation of preventive programs in secondary schools that underwent formal
      assessment of their effectiveness is provided. The examples are drawn from
      preventive programs of HIV infection or unprotected sexual intercourse (PRESSEC
      program) and drug consumption prevention (the PASE, PASE.bcn and x kpts
      programs). These examples show why the intervention process influences the impact
      of the programs and their results. Thorough planning of process evaluation is
      essential to obtain valid indicators that will identify, in the effectiveness
      evaluation of the intervention, the most efficacious strategies to obtain
      positive outcomes.

PMID- 22055550
TI  - [Health technology assessment in public health interventions: is prevention
      better than cure?].
AB  - Medical activities are increasingly performed with preventive purposes, as part
      of community programs for secondary prevention but also as part of many clinical
      activities. However, there are few evaluations of preventive and health promotion
      activities and, in general, these evaluations only assess aspects of
      efficacy/effectiveness with little consideration of cost and cost-effectiveness
      and even less of the ethical, legal, social or organizational consequences. Given
      the growing interest in evaluation of these interventions from different
      perspectives, health technology assessment (HTA) has emerged as a
      multidisciplinary analysis strategy with distinct methodological approaches that
      may be useful to health administrations and policy-makers for decision making at
      different levels (micro, meso and macro). This manuscript discusses the
      characteristics and differential aspects related to assessment of preventive and
      health promotion activities. This type of evaluation poses constraints,
      limitations and challenges that should be considered during the process of HTA.
      In the case of public health there are additional challenges, because the
      evidence must satisfy a diverse audience, including public health professionals,
      clinicians, politicians, managers, economists and consumers. The challenge is
      even greater when evaluating complex, integrated community interventions in which
      local and contextual aspects are of tremendous importance. In addition,
      assessment of ethical issues is of the utmost importance since these issues
      comprise the origin of health services and the target populations are usually
      healthy.

PMID- 22055551
TI  - [Assessing the effectiveness of vaccination programs].
AB  - Vaccines have contributed enormously to reducing the incidence of many
      communicable diseases. The protective efficacy of a vaccine refers to the health
      effects of the vaccine applied in optimal, ideal conditions, whereas the
      effectiveness of a vaccination program refers to the health effects of
      vaccination in the vaccinated individuals in clinical practice or within public
      health programs, which may differ widely from optimal conditions. Vaccine
      efficacy is estimated by randomized clinical trials. In contrast, effectiveness
      can be measured by various types of epidemiological studies: randomized community
      trials, in which the target vaccine is randomly assigned to a group and disease
      incidence in this group is compared with that of an unvaccinated group; cohort
      studies, which are observational epidemiological studies in which the vaccination
      status is known in healthy vaccinated (vaccinated cohort) and unvaccinated
      (unvaccinated cohort) people and the occurrence of the disease in the two groups
      is studied; and observational case-control studies, in which two groups are
      selected; one with the disease under investigation (cases) and the other without
      (controls), and vaccination histories are investigated in the two groups. Vaccine
      effectiveness may also be estimated by comparing attack rates in epidemic
      outbreaks or secondary attack rates in the home, or by screening.

PMID- 22055552
TI  - How does topical lidocaine relieve pain?

PMID- 22055553
TI  - Estimate at your peril: imputation methods for patient withdrawal can bias
      efficacy outcomes in chronic pain trials using responder analyses.

PMID- 22055554
TI  - Long-distance walking effects on trans-tibial amputees compensatory gait patterns
      and implications on prosthetic designs and training.
AB  - Trans-tibial amputees are advised to walk as much as able people to achieve
      healthy and independent life. However, they usually have difficulties in doing
      so. Previous researches only included data from a few steps when studying the
      gait of amputees. Walking over a long distance was rarely examined. The objective
      of this study was to investigate the changes in spatial-temporal, kinetic and
      kinematic gait parameters of trans-tibial amputees after long-distance walking.
      Six male unilateral trans-tibial amputees performed two sessions of 30-min
      walking on a level treadmill at their self-selected comfortable speed. Gait
      analysis was undertaken over-ground: (1) before walking, (2) after the 1st
      walking session and (3) after the 2nd walking session. After the long-distance
      walking, changes in spatial-temporal gait parameters were small and
      insignificant. However, the sound side ankle rocker progression and push-off were
      significantly reduced. This was due to the fatigue of the sound side plantar
      flexors and was compensated by the greater effort in the prosthetic side. The
      prosthetic side knee joint showed significantly increased flexion and moment
      during loading response to facilitate the anterior rotation of the prosthetic
      shank. The prosthetic side hip extensors also provided more power at terminal
      stance to facilitate propulsion. Endurance training of the sound side plantar
      flexors, and improvements in the prosthetic design to assist anterior rotation of
      the prosthetic shank should improve long-distance walking in trans-tibial
      amputees.

PMID- 22055555
TI  - Ionoluminescence studies of natural kyanite mineral from different parts of
      Indian origin.
AB  - Ionoluminescence (IL) studies of two natural kyanite (Al(2)SiO(5)) minerals
      collected from different regions of India was carried out using 120 MeV Ag(9+)
      ions in the fluence range of 1.50-10.5 * 10(11)ions/cm(2). Identical emission
      peaks were observed in both the samples at ~416, 463, 530-540 nm along with other
      emission peaks at ~689 nm, 706 nm (sharp) and 770 nm (broad). The sharp emission
      peaks at 689 nm correspond to R lines of Cr(3+) impurities and are related to
      transition of (2)E(g)->(4)A(2g). The sharp and broad emission peaks in the range
      of 706-770 nm are attributed to Fe(3+) impurities and are related to the
      transition of (4)T(1g)->(6)A(1g). The peak in the range of 530-540 nm is
      attributed to Mn(2+) impurities and is related to the transition of (4)T(1)
      >(6)A(1). IL peak intensity decreases with the Ag(9+) ion fluence which might be
      due to the thermal quenching/amorphization, caused by the ion beam irradiation.
      The amorphization in the sample was explained with the help of thermal spike
      model (TSM). These results demonstrated that IL is a very sensitive technique for
      impurity characterization and differentiating the origin of minerals.

PMID- 22055556
TI  - A comparative DFT study of the structure and vibration spectra of the
      intermediate of the OCS heterogeneous reaction.
AB  - Density functional theory (DFT) calculations using the different functional of
      PBE1PBE, PBEPBE, LSDA, B3LYP, MPW1PW91, B3P86 and B3PW91 have been carried out to
      study the adsorption of HCO(3)(-) species on the Al(2)O(3) catalyst. The
      geometrical structures and vibration spectra were obtained using DFT and compared
      with the corresponding experimental values. Theoretical calculations show that
      the calculated IR spectra for PBE1PBE and MPW1PW91 method are in good agreement
      with the experimental spectroscopic results.

PMID- 22055557
TI  - A thymidine-terminated molecular beacon for selective Hg2+ or sequence-specific
      DNA assay.
AB  - A new molecular beacon (MB) in which fluorescein (FAM) attached to its 3' end
      acts as a fluorophore and a bridged thymidine-Hg-thymidine (T-Hg-T) complex acts
      as a quencher is designed. The fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET)
      between the fluorophore and the quencher results in annihilation of the FAM
      fluorescence. Experimental conditions that govern the fluorescence quenching,
      such as number of thymidine bases, pH value, and salt concentration, have been
      optimized. The MB was found to be highly selective for Hg(2+) among a number of
      metal ions investigated. In the presence of single-stranded (ss-) target
      oligonucleotides (ODNs) with bases complementary to those in the loop of MB, the
      FAM fluorescence can be largely restored due to DNA duplex formation. The present
      method for DNA assay is also sequence-specific and can determine target ODN
      concentration at a nanomolar level. The substitution of the quencher group in a
      conventional MB molecule with simple thymidine bases affords an inexpensive ODN
      that retains the unique property of the MB molecule.

PMID- 22055558
TI  - Bovine muscle shortening and protein degradation after electrical stimulation,
      excision and chilling.
AB  - Electrical stimulation-dependent improvement in beef tenderness resulted from
      mechanisms other than avoidance of cold shortening in excised muscle chilled at a
      normal rate (10 degrees C at 10h post-stimulation). At normal chilling rate,
      electrical stimulation enhanced degradation of the myofibrillar proteins, alpha
      actinin and troponin-T, and increased the amount of a 30 000 dalton protein, as
      assessed by gel electrophoresis, whereas sarcomere lengths were not different
      from unstimulated muscle. Under slightly accelerated chilling conditions (10
      degrees C at 5 h post stimulation), electrical stimulation prevented cold
      shortening but the meat was more tender than, and had the same sarcomere length
      as, unstimulated muscle chilled to 10 degrees C in 10 h. Electrical stimulation
      did not improve the tenderness of beef chilled at a rapid rate (10 degrees C at 2
      h post stimulation), nor did it prevent cold shortening when muscles were chilled
      rapidly.

PMID- 22055559
TI  - The influence of exhaustion and electrical stimulation on the meat quality of
      young bulls: Part 1-Post-mortem pH and temperature.
AB  - After designing a method of handling cattle so that they reproducibly developed
      DFD meat, pH and temperature in cattle developing DFD and normal meat,
      respectively were studied. The influence of low voltage stimulation on both
      groups was also investigated. Depending on final pH and other characteristics of
      the meat, the carcasses could be assigned to subgroups representing pronounced
      DFD, slight DFD and normal meat, with and without electrical stimulation. In
      normal and in pronounced DFD carcasses electrical stimulation speeded up the pH
      drop but did not affect the final state of the meat. In stressed animals the pH
      values are variable for the first few hours post mortem. This effect is enhanced
      by electrical stimulation which, in carcasses with slight DFD (from stressed but
      not exhausted animals), may produce extremely fast pH drop and PSE-like meat.
      There is no evidence that electrical stimulation would influence the incidence of
      DFD in cattle slaughtered under commercial conditions. In normal animals
      electrical stimulation raised the carcass temperature during the first few hours
      post mortem by approximately 2 degrees C. Carcasses from stressed animals had a
      higher temperature, independent of stimulation.

PMID- 22055560
TI  - The influence of exhaustion and electrical stimulation on the meat quality of
      young bulls: Part 2-Physical and sensory properties.
AB  - The physical and sensory properties of meat from sixteen exhausted and sixteen
      gently treated young bulls were investigated. The influence of electrical
      stimulation was also studied. The meat was divided into three groups-meat with
      ultimate pH <= 5.80 (normal meat), 5.81-6.19 (medium meat) and >=6.20 (DFD meat),
      respectively. DFD meat showed typical DFD properties and had a higher initial
      tenderness but a smaller increase in tenderness than normal meat during storage.
      The medium meat was tough and behaved in some ways as DFD meat and in others like
      normal meat. Lower correlation between shear force measurement and sensory
      evaluated tenderness was obtained for DFD than for normal meat. The cooking loss
      of DFD meat was about 10% lower than that of normal and medium meat. No
      significant correlation could be found between storage loss, cooking loss, frying
      loss and juiciness. The electrically stimulated meat was-especially for normal
      meat-more tender and juicy than unstimulated meat. No obvious influence due to
      electrical stimulation was noticed on colour, cooking loss, frying loss or
      storage loss. Electrical stimulation of stressed, but not exhausted, animals may
      produce meat with PSE properties.

PMID- 22055562
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 22055561
TI  - The influence of temperature on shortening and rigor onset in beef muscle.
AB  - At sufficient ATP concentration and temperatures below about 15 degrees C, pre
      rigor beef muscles (neck muscles) contract; this phenomenon is known as cold
      shortening. There is also a contracture at higher temperatures occurring just
      before rigor onset which is called rigor shortening. While rigor shortening
      starts in neck muscles at pH around 6.3-6.0 and at about 2 MUMol ATP/g muscle,
      cold shortening can begin at pH around 7.0 and the full ATP concentration (4
      MUMol ATP/g) in the muscle. Shortening can take place as long as there is no
      irreversible formation of the actomyosin complex in the muscle, i.e. before rigor
      onset occurs, which can be measured by intermittent loading of the muscle. The
      degree of extensibility which follows starts to decrease at the moment of rigor
      onset. This irreversible loss of extensibility at temperatures between the
      freezing point (-1 degrees C) and physiological temperatures (38 degrees C)
      starts at various pH values and ATP concentrations in the muscle. At 38 degrees C
      the rigor onset occurs at pH 6.25 and about 2 MUMol ATP/g muscle, dropping at 15
      degrees C to pH 5.75 and 1 MUMol ATP/g muscle. At 0 degrees C, as at all
      temperatures below 10 degrees C, the loss of extensibility at medium loads (about
      250 g/cm(2)) begins shortly after cold shortening. This loss of extensibility is
      reversible by increasing the load or raising the temperature. The irreversible
      loss, or rigor onset, however, occurs at 0 degrees C with pH of 6.1-6.2 and 1.8
      2.0 MUMol ATP/g muscle. Thus, the onset of rigor is influenced by more than one
      factor. Temperature, pH and ATP concentration each play a role. Maximum loss of
      extensibility or completion of rigor is reached between 10 degrees C and 38
      degrees C at pH 5.5-5.6 and less than 0.5 MUMol ATP/g muscle. At 0 degrees C the
      completion of rigor takes place at pH 6.0, but still at 0.5 MUMol ATP/g muscle.
      The latter fact shows that the completion of rigor is solely dependent on the ATP
      concentration in the muscle; nevertheless, the pH of rigor completion is higher
      in the extreme cold shortening range. This is apparently due to a different
      pH/ATP relationship in muscles at low temperatures. The results are discussed in
      terms of changes in the concentration of Ca(2+) ions and ATP. The results are of
      particular interest for the handling of hot-boned meat; that is, for both the
      cooling of pre-rigor muscle and the use of hot-boned meat for processing.

PMID- 22055563
TI  - Effects of altered carcass suspension during rigor mortis on tenderness of pork
      loin.
AB  - A total of 32 porcine carcasses from Danish Landrace and Yorkshire breeds,
      slaughtered at approximately 90 kg live weight, were utilised in two experiments
      (replicates) to evaluate the effect of altered carcass suspension on Warner
      Bratzler (WB) shear force, sarcomere length, myofibrillar fragmentation and
      cooking loss in the longissimus dorsi (LD). Carcasses used in the experiments all
      showed pH(1) values above 6.0 and ultimate pH below 5.8. From each replicate, the
      two sides of 16 carcasses were suspended by one of two methods: conventional
      suspension from the Achilles tendon or pelvic suspension from the obturator
      foramen. WB values were measured at three locations taken from the posterior
      section of the LD muscle. Pelvic suspension decreased WB values (p < 0.001) and
      increased sarcomere lengths (p < 0.001) whereas cooking loss was unaffected by
      method of suspension. The significant interactions between suspension and
      replicate (p < 0.01) and between suspension and sample location (p < 0.001)
      revealed that the tenderising effect of pelvic suspension increased with
      increasing WB level in the conventional suspended carcass sides. Myofibril
      fragmentation showed inconsistent response to suspension method.

PMID- 22055564
TI  - A comparison of alternative methods for predicting the carcass composition of
      crossbred lambs of different breeds and crosses.
AB  - Carcass data for a total of 2808 lambs from three breed trials were used to
      evaluate a series of linear measurements, visual scores and the proportions of
      tissues in joints as predictors of carcass composition. The trials involved
      crossbred lambs out of different dam types by sires of the main British meat
      breeds and by Ile de France, Oldenburg and Texel sires. Each trial was carried
      out over a number of years and involved approximately equal numbers of female and
      castrated male lambs. Potential predictors were examined in terms of the
      precision of prediction and in terms of the robustness of prediction equations to
      differences in sire breed and sex. The overall standard deviation (s.d.) of
      carcass lean percentage averaged over trials was 4.3. Combinations of simple
      measurements, including visual fat scores, percentage perinephric and
      retroperitoneal fat in carcass and M. longissimus dimensions achieved a residual
      s.d. of 2.5 for carcass lean percentage. The application of an overall prediction
      equation to individual sire breed means resulted in considerable bias (predicted
      actual lean percentage): the mean square deviation was 0.75. In comparison, the
      sex differences were relatively unimportant. The precision of sample joints was
      examined in relation to their cost of dissection. The best end neck and shoulder
      joints offered a high level in relation to cost: typical residual s.d. were 1.5
      for carcass lean percentage. Joints and combination of joints with high
      predictive precision tended to have equations that were robust to differences
      between sire breeds.

PMID- 22055565
TI  - Hot cutting of goat carcasses following early post-mortem high temperature
      ageing.
AB  - Hot cutting of goat sides into bone-in joints, such as leg, shoulder and loin, 3
      h after the sides were left hanging at an ambient temperature of 34 degrees C
      with (treatment II) or without (treatment I) subsequent chilling prior to
      freezing did not adversely affect colour of meat, tenderness, cooking loss or
      water-holding capacity compared with normal chilling. The latter process
      (treatment III) significantly (P < 0.05) increased evaporative weight loss from
      the sides. Differences in colour, shear force, evaporative weight loss, cooking
      loss, drip loss from the leg joint and water-holding capacity between treatment
      I, where sides were hung at room temperature for 3h, and treatment II, where
      sides were given an additional chilling period of 21h after hanging, were not
      significant. These findings indicate that, in countries with ambient temperatures
      above 30 degrees C, goat sides or carcasses can be cut hot after a 3h hanging
      period at ambient temperature and subsequently frozen without deterioration in
      the quality or processing properties of the meat.

PMID- 22055566
TI  - Determination of pH in meat.
AB  - The pH of 80 beef and 120 pork muscles was determined electrometrically using
      different electrode systems and different presentations of samples; that is,
      directly from the muscle, from a meat-water mixture and from a meat homogenate.
      The results showed statistically significant differences (p < 0.001). Differences
      between electrodes appear to be greater than the differences due to the different
      presentations of the meat samples. Certain methods gave systematically lower or
      higher pH values than others. On the other hand, these differences were not very
      large and the repeatability of each method was low. On the basis of the results,
      however, no pH measurement method could be considered better than the others.
      Further harmonization of the methods used for pH measurement of meat is still
      needed.

PMID- 22055567
TI  - Carbon-13 and proton NMR studies of post-mortem metabolism in bovine muscles.
AB  - Proton and carbon-13 NMR was used to investigate post-mortem metabolism in bovine
      muscles at 26 degrees C during the first 10h after slaughter. WALTZ-16 decoupling
      was used to eliminate the proton couplings in the (13)C spectra and the 'jump and
      return' pulse sequence was used to suppress the water resonance in the (1)H-NMR
      experiments. With carbon-13 NMR the glycogen breakdown and the lactate
      development could be followed. This was compared with the lactate, creatine and
      phosphocreatine development as measured by proton NMR. The intracellular pH was
      estimated from the chemical shift of the abundant dipeptide, carnosine, as
      measured in the (1)H- and (13)C-NMR spectra. These were compared with similar
      measurements obtained earlier using phosphorus-31 NMR. The three independently
      determined pH profiles were in excellent agreement with one another, as well as
      with results obtained with the standard iodoacetate extraction method. In the
      course of these studies we observed that the post-mortem metabolism in cow and
      heifer was slow and that it took four more hours to complete compared to bull or
      young bull. After 10 h the pH was 5.9 in bull and 6.1 in cow. Phosphocreatine had
      completely disappeared after 3.5 h in bull samples while the lactate continued to
      increase even after 10h. The curves obtained by carbon-13 and proton NMR for the
      increase in lactate during the first 10 h post mortem were very similar.
      Moreover, plots for the increase in the lactate level versus the intracellular pH
      decrease showed a linear relationship, indicating that anaerobic glycolytic
      activity is the main determining cause for the intracellular pH decrease. Various
      other parameters, such as the ratio of unsatirated to saturated fatty acid side
      chains and the presence of amino acids and taurine, could be measured from the in
      vivo carbon-13 NMR spectra. However, no gross changes occured in any of these
      parameters during the first 10 h post mortem.

PMID- 22055568
TI  - Zebrafish Mms2 promotes K63-linked polyubiquitination and is involved in p53
      mediated DNA-damage response.
AB  - The ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme Ubc13 together with a Ubc/E2 variant (Uev) form
      a stable complex and mediate K63-linked polyubiquitination, which is implicated
      in DNA damage tolerance in yeast and mammalian cells. The zebrafish Danio rerio
      is a lower vertebrate model organism widely used in the studies of vertebrate
      development and environmental stress responses. Here we report the identification
      and functional characterization of two zebrafish UEV genes, Drmms2 and Druev1.
      Their deduced amino acid sequences indicate that the two UEV genes evolved
      separately prior to the appearance of vertebrates. Both zebrafish Uevs form a
      stable complex with DrUbc13 as well as Ubc13s from yeast and human, and are able
      to promote Ubc13-mediated K63 polyubiquitination in vitro, suggesting that their
      biochemical activities are conserved. Despite the fact that both zebrafish UEV
      genes can functionally replace the yeast MMS2 DNA-damage tolerance function, they
      exhibited differences in DNA-damage response in zebrafish embryos: ablation of
      DrMms2, but not DrUev1, enhances both spontaneous and DNA-damage induced
      expression of p53 effectors p21 and mdm2. In addition, DrUbc13 specifically binds
      Drp53 in an in vitro assay. These observations collectively indicate that
      zebrafish Mms2 and Ubc13 form a stable complex, which is required for p53
      mediated DNA-damage response.

PMID- 22055569
TI  - Enhanced resistance of yeast mutants deficient in low-affinity iron and zinc
      transporters to stannous-induced toxicity.
AB  - Tin or stannous (Sn(2+)) compounds are used as catalysts, stabilizers in plastic
      industries, wood preservatives, agricultural biocides and nuclear medicine. In
      order to verify the Sn(2+) up-take and toxicity in yeast cells we utilized a
      multi-elemental analysis known as particle-induced X-ray emission (PIXE) along
      with cell survival assays and quantitative real-time PCR. The detection of Sn(2+)
      by PIXE was possible only in yeast cells in stationary phase of growth (STAT
      cells) that survive at 25mM Sn(2+) concentration. Yeast cells in exponential
      phase of growth (LOG cells) tolerate only micro-molar Sn(2+) concentrations that
      result in intracellular concentration below of the method detection limit. Our
      PIXE analysis showed that STAT XV185-14c yeast cells demonstrate a significant
      loss of intracellular elements such as Mg, Zn, S, Fe and an increase in P levels
      after 1h exposure to SnCl(2). The survival assay showed enhanced tolerance of LOG
      yeast cells lacking the low-affinity iron and zinc transporters to stannous
      treatment, suggesting the possible involvement in Sn(2+) uptake. Moreover, our
      qRT-PCR data showed that Sn(2+) treatment could generate reactive oxygen species
      as it induces activation of many stress-response genes, including SOD1, YAP1, and
      APN1.

PMID- 22055571
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 22055572
TI  - Connective tissue differences in the strength of cooked meat across the muscle
      fibre direction due to test specimen size.
AB  - Systematic variations in the tensile strenght of cooked beef M. semitendinosus
      across the muscle fibre direction due to the cross-sectional size of specimens
      are demonstrated in specimens from (a) longitudinal and (b) transverse slices.
      The strength perpendicular to the fibre direction of longitudinal slices of
      thickness 0.25-5.75 mm varied by a factor of 2, thicker slices being stronger.
      This factor of 2 is in approximate agreement with the difference in strength of
      transverse versus longitudinal slices across the fibre direction. These
      variations of strength due to specimen geometry are explained on the basis of the
      increasing likelihood of including a ribbon of the perimysial connective tissue
      network which is continuous along the whole length of the test piece in larger
      samples. The breaking strength of small cross-sectional area specimens is likely
      to be dominated by the strength of the endomysial-perimysial junction. Larger
      cross-sectioned specimens, by including continuous strands of the perimysial
      network, have higher strengths resulting from the necessity to break these
      strands. These findings highlight the need to specify specimen dimensions in
      tensile test results. They also show that by manipulating specimen geometry, the
      relative magnitude of the two mechanisms of connective tissue fracture
      (endomysial-perimysial separation and perimysial strand fracture) may be
      assessed.

PMID- 22055570
TI  - Plasticity in mast cell responses during bacterial infections.
AB  - Mast cells (MCs) have been implicated in orchestrating the host's early innate
      immune and adaptive immune responses in several models of acute bacterial
      infections. Most of this activity results in early clearance of the bacteria and
      timely resolution of infection. However, during chronic infections because of the
      prolonged nature of MC-bacterial interactions, the role of the MC in determining
      the fate of infection is markedly more complex. Depending on the nature of the
      pathogen, severity of infection, and its association with a preexisting
      inflammatory disease, MCs may promote rather than contain chronic infections and
      exacerbate their pathological sequellae.

PMID- 22055573
TI  - Effect of post-mortem conditioning of ewe carcasses on instrumental texture
      profile of cooked thigh muscles.
AB  - The semimembranosus (SM) and semitendinosus (ST) muscles were removed from 18
      four to five year old Bannur breed ewes which were slaughtered and carcasses (six
      each) suspended by the (a) Achilles tendon at 26 +/- 2 degrees C for 1 h before
      cutting (b) Achilles tendon at 2-3 degrees C for 42 h and (c) Pelvis at 26 +/- 2
      degrees C for 7 h followed by chilling at 2-3 degrees C for 17 h. The muscles
      were cooked by boiling in a water bath for 30 min or by heating in a pressure
      cooker for 20 min and the tenderness measured with a Warner-Bratzler
      tenderometer. Hardness, cohensiveness, elasticity and chewiness were also
      measured with a General Foods Texturometer. With conventional hanging at 2-3
      degrees C the SM muscle was the toughest and the ST muscle the most tender. By
      holding carcasses at 26 +/-  degrees C for 1 h before cooking there was an
      increased tenderness. The most tender meat was found from carcasses which were
      suspended by the pelvis at 26 +/-  degrees C before chilling. The increase or
      decrease in shear values were respectively associated with contraction or
      stretching of muscles effected by carcass conditioning treatments. In contrast,
      thermal shrinkage due to cooking had opposite effects so that greater thermal
      shrinkage resulted in lower shear values. The shear values from the Warner
      Bratzler tenderometer did not correlate well with the parameters measured by the
      General Foods Texturometer.

PMID- 22055574
TI  - The rate of metmyoglobin formation in beef, pork, and turkey meat as influenced
      by pH, sodium chloride, and sodium tripolyphosphate.
AB  - This study investigated the effects of pH (5.5 to 7.0), sodium chloride
      concentration (0.0-3.0%), and sodium tripolyphosphate concentration (0.0 and
      0.5%) on the rate of metmyoglobin formation in ground beef, pork and turkey meat
      during refrigerated storage. Increasing the sodium chloride concentration
      produced a progressive increase in the rate of metmyoglobin formation in ground
      beef. Increasing the pH between pH 5.5 and 6.5 had no effect on the rate of
      metmyoglobin formation with ground beef and turkey meat, but produced a marked
      decrease between pH 6.5 and 7.0. In contrast pH had no consistent effect on the
      rate of metmyoglobin formation of ground pork and the rate of formation remained
      low at all pH levels. When ground beef contained 0.5% sodium tripolyphosphate,
      the effect of pH was reversed and the rate of metmyoglobin formation was lowest
      at pH 5.5, increased as the pH increased to 6.5 and then plateaued.

PMID- 22055575
TI  - Colour stability of bovine Longissimus and Psoas major muscle as affected by
      electrical stimulation and hot boning.
AB  - From eight electrically stimulated and eight non-stimulated cows the righthand
      side longissimus and psoas major muscles were hot boned within 1 1 2 h post
      mortem, vacuum packaged and chilled and storred at 1+/-1 degrees C. Immediately
      after slaughter, the lefthand carcass-sides were blast-chilled for 1 1 2 h  and
      subsequently chilled at 1+/-1 degrees C until the following day. After cold
      boning, the longissimus and psoas major muscle were packaged, chilled and stored
      as the hot boned muscles. After 12 days of storage, steaks, cut from the primals,
      were displayed at 1+/-1 degrees C under continuous illumination (300-400 lx).
      Colour measurements after 0, 2 and 4 days of display revealed a significant
      (p<0.10) effect of time of boning on non-stimulated psoas major muscle (lower
      values for a (*), b (*) values, chroma and %R630-%R580). Significant effects of
      electrical stimulation were not observed. Changes in hue tended to be more
      pronounced when the meat had been stimulated. Changes in chroma were largest
      (p<0.10) is non-stimulated, hot boned psoas muscle. Analysis of variances showed
      that in the longissimus muscle significant effects (p<0.10) of time boning and
      electrical stimulation were present. The effect of time of boning was often
      influenced by the use of electrical stimulation. Changes in hue and chroma
      indicated that hot boned samples had a higher colour stability than cold boned
      controls, especially when the carcasses had not been stimulated electrically. The
      observed differences in colour stability were rather small in all treatment
      groups and are not expected to present any practical merchandising problem.

PMID- 22055576
TI  - Lung proteins: effect of defatting with several solvents and extrusion cooking on
      some functional properties.
AB  - Dried lung defatted with several solvents was texturized by extrusion cooking.
      The emulsifying capacity, water absorption capacity, and protein solubility, at
      different pH and MgCl(2) concentrations, of this material were determined prior
      to the after extrusion, as well as the texture profile analysis of the rehydrated
      extrudates. Solubility profile and emulsifying capacity of the lung proteins
      varied in relation to the solvent used in their defatting while the water
      absorption capacity was not affected. The extrusion of these materials promoted a
      higher solubilization of the protein fraction. The texture parameters of the
      extrudates studied and the solvent used to defat this material are related,
      indicating that the lipid-protein complex, left after solvent extraction, may
      play an important role in the texturization processof lung proteins.

PMID- 22055577
TI  - Microbiological characteristics of pork chops and ground pork from swine fed a
      high monosaturated fat diet.
AB  - Twelve percent high-oleic acid sunflower oil (HOSO) was included in a swine diet
      to increase the ratio of monounsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids in
      pork chops and ground pork patties. Aerobic plate counts (APCs) of pork chops
      prepared from animals on control and HOSO diets did not differ (P >0.05) and no
      specific pattern of differences in the microflora of pork chops or ground pork
      patties could be attributed to diet. However, after 4 days of refrigerated
      storage, APCs of ground pork patties from animals fed the HOSO diet were lower
      (P<0.05) than those of comparable patties prepared from animals fed the control
      diet.

PMID- 22055578
TI  - Some microbiological assays of ground beef blended with hydrogenated soybean oil.
AB  - Ground beef patties were formulated from beef lean, beef fat and hydrogenated
      soybean oil. Using the Pearson Square Method, the patties were formed to contain
      three total fat levels (16,20 and 24%). At each level, vegetable fat was
      substituted for 0,25 or 50% of total fat to end up with nine different blends.
      Aerobic psychrotrophs and mesophiles of the blends were investigated at 0-, 3-
      and 6-day intervals. A split-split plot design with two replications was used to
      differentiate significant and non-significant attributes of the main effect and
      the corresponding interactions. Results obtained show that total fat level,
      percentage vegetable fat or replication did not have a significant effect on
      bacterial numbers of ground beef extended with hydrogenated soybean oil of 70
      iodine value. However, the days of storage significantly (P <0.001) affected both
      the Standard Plate Count (SPC) and Psychotrophic Plate Count (PPC). The log
      number of bacteria in both SPC and PPC continued to increase with length of
      storage. In all the cases studied PPC was found to be higher than SPC, which
      indicates that the predominant microflora in raw beef products is psychrotrophic
      in nature.

PMID- 22055579
TI  - Increase in retail display of frozen lamb chops with increased loin storage time
      before cutting into chops.
AB  - There is a steady deterioration of the colour of lamb chops during frozen
      storage. Storing meat in carcass form or as primals before cutting and packaging
      minimizes the exposure of the meat surfaces to deteriorating environmental
      effects. This experiment examines the effects of storage conditions (form, time
      and temperature) on the display life of frozen chops. Loins were removed from
      recently frozen carcasses and stored for 0, 10, 20 or 30 weeks at temperatures of
      -5 degrees C, -10 degrees C and -20 degrees C. Chops were cut from the stored
      loins, packaged in oxygen permeable film, stored in the dark at -20 degrees C for
      0,4,8 or 12 weeks and then displayed at -20 degrees C under continuous lighting.
      The retail display life of the chops was assessed by an experienced colour panel.
      The most rapid colour deterioration occurred in chops cut from unstored frozen
      loins and held for 12 weeks prior to display (display life of less than 1 day).
      Chops cut from loins stored for 30 weeks at -20 degrees C, and then held for 12
      weeks prior to display had a display life of 23 days. Both increased loin storage
      temperature and an increased duration of chop storage before display decreased
      the retial display life. This study indicates that frozen storage of cut chops
      for as little as 4 weeks reduces the display life by almost 80% so that whole
      carcasses or loins rather than cut chops should be shipped to distant markets.
      unstored frozen loins and held for 12 weeks prior to display (display life of
      less.

PMID- 22055580
TI  - Recommended terminology for the muscle commonly designated 'longissimus dorsi'.
AB  - Musculus longissimus of the erector spinae is frequently used by meat scientists
      because of its relative mass, its commercial importance and its variability in
      quality. Its designation has fluctuated considerably due to confusion over
      interpretation of accepted anatomical guidelines, some of which have been altered
      to improve precision. We recommend that meat and muscle scientists refer to the
      part of the whole muscle they generally use as the Longissimus thoracis et
      lumborum (LTL) or to either of its two parts, Longissimus thoracis (LT) or
      longissimus lumborum (LL), depending on which is referenced. The word dorsi
      should be omitted, the word musculus (or its abbreviation M.) preceding all
      muscles in Latin should not be used in English, and the longissimus atlantis,
      capitis and cervicis should not be included except when they are actually used.

PMID- 22055584
TI  - Perfecting the plate: adding cardioprotective compounds to the diet.

PMID- 22055585
TI  - Management of patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma: national trends in patient
      selection, operative management, and use of adjuvant therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Surgical resection remains the only potentially curative option for
      patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAC). Advances in surgical technique and
      perioperative care have reduced perioperative mortality; however, temporal trends
      in perioperative morbidity and the use of adjuvant therapy on a population basis
      remain ill-defined. STUDY DESIGN: Using Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End
      Results-Medicare data, 2,461 patients with resected PAC were identified from 1991
      to 2005. We examined trends in preoperative comorbidity indices, adjuvant
      treatment, type of pancreatic resection, and changes in morbidity and mortality
      during 4 time intervals (ie, 1991-1996, 1997-2000, 2001-2003, and 2003-2005).
      RESULTS: The majority of patients underwent pancreaticoduodenectomy (n = 1,945;
      79%). There was a temporal increase in mean patient age (p < 0.05) and the number
      of patients with multiple preoperative comorbidities (Elixhauser comorbidities
      >=3: 1991-1996, 10% vs 2003-2005, 26%; p < 0.001). Perioperative morbidity (53%)
      did not, however, change over time (p = 0.97) and 30-day mortality decreased by
      half (1991-1996: 6% vs 2003-2005: 3%; p = 0.04). Overall, 51% (n = 1,243) of
      patients received adjuvant therapy, with the majority receiving chemoradiation (n
      = 817; 33%). Among patients who received adjuvant therapy, factors associated
      with receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy alone relative to chemoradiation included
      older patient age (odds ratio = 1.75; p < 0.001) and >=3 medical comorbidities
      (odds ratio = 1.57; p = 0.007). Receipt of adjuvant chemotherapy alone also
      increased over time (2003-2005 vs 1991-1996, odds ratio = 2.21; p < 0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative 30-day mortality associated with resection for PAC
      decreased by one-half from 1991 to 2005. Although patients undergoing resection
      for PAC were older and had more preoperative comorbidities, the incidence of
      perioperative complications remained stable. The relative use of adjuvant
      chemotherapy alone vs chemoradiation therapy for PAC has increased in the United
      States during the 15 years examined.

PMID- 22055586
TI  - Phototoxicity and photocarcinogenesis associated with voriconazole.
AB  - The antifungal voriconazole was given its marketing authorization in 2002.
      Several kinds of adverse effects have been reported, including acute and chronic
      cutaneous adverse effects, mainly due to a phototoxicity mechanism. More
      recently, some authors have reported that voriconazole was involved in the
      occurrence of multiple and often-aggressive cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas if
      the treatment was maintained for a long time. According to safety data in studies
      assessing voriconazole effectiveness, 8% of outpatients may experience phototoxic
      events. An overview of the different types of phototoxicity and of the concerned
      population was given by the 61 published case reports of photo-induced
      voriconazole-related skin adverse events (including 18 cases of squamous cell
      carcinomas). The most likely mechanisms may be phototoxicity directly related to
      either voriconazole or to its N-oxide main metabolite, and an interaction with
      retinoid metabolism; moreover, immunodeficiency may enhance the risk of skin
      cancer. Several issues remain to be investigated, and studies are needed
      concerning the phototoxicity and photocarcinogenesis of voriconazole and the
      prognosis of chronic non-malignant skin lesions. Voriconazole prescription must
      be associated with strict photoprotection; in case of a phototoxic adverse event,
      another azole may be recommended.

PMID- 22055587
TI  - Radiofrequency ablation combined with percutaneous ethanol injection in patients
      with hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a major burden on
      health-care systems worldwide. Although radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is
      currently considered the best technique for coagulative necrosis, the superiority
      of concomitant use of RFA and percutaneous ethanol injection (PEI) needs to be
      determined. The study was designed to compare efficacy, safety and rate of
      survival of patients with HCC assigned to receive combined PEI-RFA versus RFA
      alone and versus PEI alone. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This 3-year study enrolled 90
      cirrhotic patients with HCC (Child's class A or B, but not class C). They were
      randomly assigned for either PEI-RFA (group I), RFA alone (group II) or PEI alone
      (group III). The primary end point was ablation of the tumour. The secondary end
      point was rate of survival and recurrence. RESULTS: After the first session,
      complete ablation was significantly higher in the combination group (87.9%)
      compared with the RFA group (54.54%). After the second session, complete ablation
      was achieved in 97.0% of the combination group and in 84.8% of the RFA group.
      Regarding the PEI group, 75% had complete ablation, whereas 25% had partial
      ablation after multiple sessions. The survival rate, 1.5 years later, was
      significantly higher in group I (86.7%) compared with group III (63.3%). The
      overall incidence of serious adverse events was nil. CONCLUSION: Combined
      treatment is superior to RFA alone and to PEI alone, in safety and efficacy in
      patients with HCC.

PMID- 22055588
TI  - Predictors of hepatocyte proliferative activity in chronic hepatitis B and C vs.
      steatohepatitis as assessed by the monoclonal antibody MIB1-Ki-67.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Chronic hepatitis is characterised by increased
      regenerative cell proliferation, a process that makes cells more susceptible to
      gene mutations and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Evaluation of
      the proliferative index could be a useful tool for identifying patients at risk
      for HCC. The current study was planned to evaluate hepatocyte proliferation in
      predominant causes of chronic liver disease in an attempt to investigate
      predictors of proliferation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study included 84
      patients with chronic liver diseases, and they were classified into three groups:
      chronic hepatitis C (50 patients), non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) (20
      patients) and chronic hepatitis B (14 patients). All cases were investigated by
      liver function tests, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) hepatitis C virus (HCV) and
      hepatitis B virus (HBV), routine abdominal ultrasound and liver biopsy with
      detection of the proliferative index using the monoclonal antibody MIBI-Ki-67.
      RESULTS: The proliferative index was significantly higher in the chronic
      hepatitis C group than in the chronic hepatitis B group (P value=0.007). There
      were significant correlations of the Ki-67 index in both zone 1 and zones 2 and 3
      with alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and
      histological activity index (HAI) score. Using the multiple regression analysis
      on the variables affecting proliferation, it was found that predictors of zone 1
      proliferation were the following variables: ALT, age, AST and aetiological
      factor, in that order. CONCLUSION: HCV aetiology had significantly higher
      proliferation index, whereas NASH had the least. Increased HAI score is
      associated with higher proliferative index in either zone 1 or zones 2 and 3.
      Predictors of proliferation index in zone 1 were ALT, age, AST and aetiological
      factor.

PMID- 22055589
TI  - A clinical study of Wilson's disease: The experience of a single Egyptian
      Paediatric Hepatology Unit.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Most paediatric patients with Wilson's disease (WD)
      present with hepatic manifestations, but some may have neurologic or psychiatric
      features. Our aim was to define the clinical, biochemical features and the
      outcome of therapy of a group of Egyptian children diagnosed with WD. PATIENTS
      AND METHODS: The study was carried out at the Paediatric Hepatology Unit at Cairo
      University Children's Hospital, Egypt; 54 patients were diagnosed with WD from
      1996 to 2009. The diagnosis was based on low serum ceruloplasmin levels,
      increased urinary copper concentrations before or after D-penicillamine challenge
      and/or the presence of Kayser-Fleischer (K-F) rings. RESULTS: The clinical
      presentation was as follows: hepatic presentation in 33 patients (61%), hepato
      neurologic 3 (5.5%), neurologic 5 (9.3%) and presymptomatic 13 (24%). Twelve
      couples had more than one affected sib. Increased urinary copper concentrations
      before or after D-penicillamine challenge was found in all patients, low serum
      ceruloplasmin in 97% and K-F rings in 31.5%. All patients were treated with
      penicillamine and zinc sulphate except one presymptomatic case who was treated
      with zinc sulphate only. Three patients underwent liver transplantation and eight
      patients died after a median duration of treatment of 6 months (1-36). The
      hepatic symptoms improved with treatment but the neurological symptoms remained
      stationary. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical and biochemical assays remain the standard for
      diagnosis of WD. Penicillamine and zinc therapy can effectively treat WD with
      hepatic symptoms. Liver transplantation remains life saving for those with
      fulminant and end stage WD. Screening for presymptomatic sibs is of utmost
      importance.

PMID- 22055590
TI  - Serum cystatin C in advanced liver cirrhosis and different stages of the
      hepatorenal syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: The hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is classified into two
      types (HRS-2 and HRS-1) based on mild or high serum creatinine elevations.
      Although it has been identified as an early marker of renal dysfunction, data are
      lacking about cystatin C across the wide range of renal changes in end-stage
      liver disease. This study investigates serum cystatin C and creatinine in
      patients with advanced liver cirrhosis and classic HRS throughout its whole
      spectrum. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Serum cystatin C immunonephelometric measurements
      were obtained from 65 Child-Pugh C patients: 32 with normal creatinine, 17 with
      HRS-2 and 16 with HRS-1. The glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was estimated
      according to modification of diet in renal disease (MDRD) and the Hoek formulae
      (creatinine- and cystatin C-based, respectively) with staging of renal
      dysfunction severity into an increasing order from 1 to 5. RESULTS: Early HRS was
      identified by the raised cystatin C in 56.3% of patients having normal
      creatinine. Cystatin C correlated significantly with creatinine in HRS-2 (r=0.74;
      p<0.001) and showed a significantly lower multiplication ratio (folds of rise)
      compared to creatinine in HRS-1 patients (p<0.01). There was no satisfactory
      agreement between MDRD and Hoek GFR staging (k=0.29). CONCLUSIONS: The 'early'
      HRS identified by a rise in cystatin C in cases with advanced cirrhosis was found
      to be common and can be added to the already classified two types, as type-3 HRS.
      Compared to creatinine, cystatin C provides no better information in HRS-2, and
      underestimates the renal deterioration in HRS-1. Further studies are required to
      determine the course of the early HRS.

PMID- 22055591
TI  - Influence of steatosis on progression of fibrosis and virological response in
      chronic hepatitis C cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Hepatic steatosis seems to be frequently found
      histopathologically in chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients. The aim
      of this study is to determine the influence of steatosis on HCV disease severity
      (fibrosis) and to evaluate its impact on sustained virological response (SVR) to
      antiviral therapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From April 2008 to April 2010, 148
      consecutive adults (87 females (59%) and 61 males (41%); mean age: 55.2 years)
      with HCV admitted for liver biopsy were included in this retrospective study. At
      least one element of metabolic syndrome was identified in all cases: Obesity
      (n=44), hyperlipidaemia (n=40), hypertension (n=29) and diabetes (n=21). Liver
      fibrosis was classified according to the Metavir score and hepatic steatosis
      described as following: S0: absent; S1: minimal (<30%); S2: moderate (30-60%);
      and S3: severe (>60%). Patients were divided into two groups: S0S1 group (absent
      or minimal steatosis) and S2S3 group (moderate to severe steatosis). Of the 148
      patients, 53 were treated with pegylated interferon and ribavirin combination
      therapy. RESULTS: Steatosis was found in 40 patients (27%): S1 in 72.5%, S2 in
      17.5% and S3 in 10% of cases. The distribution of patients according to the
      degree of fibrosis was as follows: in the S0S1 group, F1=12.4%, F2=36.5%,
      F3=21.1% and F4=21.1% and in the S2S3 group, F1=9%, F2=45.5%, F3=18.2% and
      F4=27.3%. There was no difference between the two groups regarding the degree of
      fibrosis (p>=0.80). The rate of SVR was 64%: 63% in the S0S1 group and 75% in the
      S2S3 group. The difference was not statistically significant (p=1). CONCLUSION:
      Steatosis was found in 25% of cases. Liver steatosis in chronic hepatitis C is
      not a negative prognostic factor of response to combined antiviral therapy. These
      results must be confirmed by a large series of patients.

PMID- 22055592
TI  - Evaluation of serum LINE-1 hypomethylation as a prognostic marker for
      hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Global hypomethylation is one of the most consistent
      epigenetic changes in cancer. Development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) must
      be understood as a multistep process with accumulation of genetic and epigenetic
      alterations. In the last decades, in addition to genetic alterations, epigenetic
      changes have been recognized as an important and alternative mechanism in
      tumourigenesis. We investigated the clinical implications of global
      hypomethylation in the sera of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: PCR was used to assess the methylation status of long
      interspersed nuclear element type 1 (LINE-1) repetitive sequences in genomic DNA
      derived from sera of 50 patients with HCC, 20 patients with cirrhosis, 20
      patients with chronic hepatitis C and 10 healthy subjects. RESULTS: Serum genome
      hypomethylation was significantly increased in patients with HCC (p<0.001). The
      levels of serum LINE-1 hypomethylation at initial presentation correlated
      significantly with tumour size, tumour number and alpha-foetoprotein level.
      Moreover high serum LINE-1 hypomethylation correlates significantly with poor
      survival. CONCLUSION: Serum LINE-1 hypomethylation may serve as a prognostic
      marker for patients with HCC.

PMID- 22055593
TI  - Improved antifibrotic effect of a combination of verapamil and silymarin in rat
      induced liver fibrosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Liver fibrosis progresses to cirrhosis in several
      settings, for example, severe acute alcoholic hepatitis, and hepatitis C virus
      (HCV) reinfection after liver transplantation. Cirrhosis produces hepatocellular
      dysfunction, which is also a risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma. We studied
      verapamil as a prophylactic, therapeutic antifibrotic drug alone and in
      combination with silymarin in experimental rat's liver-induced fibrosis. MATERIAL
      AND METHODS: Liver fibrosis was induced by intra-peritoneal injection of rats
      with pig serum 0.5ml twice weekly for 6 weeks, which resulted in score three
      fibrosis. Prophylactic verapamil alone and silymarin alone and a combination of
      both were administered at the same time of induction of liver fibrosis and
      continued for the duration of induction. Therapeutic verapamil was started on the
      last day of fibrosis induction and continued for 4 weeks. The extent of liver
      fibrosis was evaluated using Ishak's fibrosis score. Serum alanine
      aminotransferase (ALT) was measured for follow-up. RESULTS: Compared to fibrotic
      model rats, prophylactic verapamil, silymarin and combined verapamil plus
      silymarin significantly resulted in lower serum ALT levels. Prophylactic use of
      verapamil and silymarin each alone revealed score 2 fibrosis with positive alpha
      SMA immunostaining; while prophylactic treatment with combined verapamil plus
      silymarin revealed no fibrosis supported by negative alpha-SMA immunostaining.
      Verapamil treated fibrotic rat's liver revealed significant regression in liver
      fibrosis scores with positive alpha-SMA immunostaining. CONCLUSIONS: Verapamil
      alone has a more significant prophylactic than therapeutic antifibrotic effect
      against induced liver fibrosis; it was more significant than silymarin. The
      combination of verapamil and silymarin, showed the best protection through their
      synergistic antifibrotic effect.

PMID- 22055594
TI  - Correlation between creatinine clearance and Helicobacter pylori infection
      eradication with sequential and triple therapeutic regimens: A randomised
      clinical trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Uraemic patients show susceptibility to
      gastrointestinal mucosal lesions and colonisation by Helicobacter pylori (HP).
      Antibiotic resistance constitutes a problem in treatment and bismuth preparations
      are toxic in uraemic patients. This study aimed to assess the correlation between
      creatinine clearance (CrCl) and eradication of HP infection with new sequential
      and standard triple therapeutic regimens. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 120 HP
      positive patients with renal function impairment and 60 control patients with HP
      infection were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into four groups on
      the basis of CrCl and were randomly assigned to one of the two different
      regimens: A 14-day standard triple therapy with 20mg omeprazole bid, 1000mg
      amoxicillin bid and 500mg clarithromycin bid and a new sequential regimen with
      20mg omeprazole bid and 1000mg amoxicillin bid both for 14 days, 500mg
      ciprofloxacin bid for the first 7 days and 200mg furazolidone bid for the last 7
      days. Doses of amoxicillin, clarithromycin and ciprofloxacin were reduced to 50%
      in the cases of CrCl <30mgdl(-1). RESULTS: One hundred and sixty two out of 180
      HP-positive patients (54.3% male, 51.6+/-12.1 years) completed treatment in the
      four groups and were studied. According to renal function they were classified
      into group A (n=39), haemodialysis (HD) patients; group B (n=37), CrCl <30mgdl(
      1) without HD; group C (n=36), CrCl between 30 and 60mgdl(-1); and group D
      (n=50), control subjects with CrCl >90mgdl(-1). HP was successfully eradicated in
      77.7% of patients with standard triple therapy and in 81.4% of patients with the
      sequential therapy. There was no significant difference among the study groups in
      the rate of HP-infection eradication with both regimens. CONCLUSION: HP
      eradication rates did not differ with both sequential and standard therapeutic
      regimens in uraemic and non-uraemic patients. We, therefore, prefer the standard
      triple therapy due to its simplicity and reported.

PMID- 22055595
TI  - Rupture of a big ovarian cyst and pneumoperitoneum post-colonoscopy and
      endoscopic mucosal resection.

PMID- 22055596
TI  - Acanthosis nigricans: A presentation of gastric adenocarcinoma.

PMID- 22055597
TI  - Upper gastrointestinal bleeding in elderly patients in a Tunisian hospital: A
      retrospective study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: The older age group presents a major problem in the
      management of acute gastrointestinal bleeding with a relatively high mortality.
      The study aims to describe the background characteristics, causes and outcome of
      acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding in the elderly in Tunisia. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed data of 401 patients aged>=60 years
      presenting with upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Information collected included
      history, physical examination findings, laboratory data, endoscopic findings and
      length of hospital stay. Patients were divided into two groups: group A (65-79
      years) and group B (>79 years). RESULTS: Group A included 315 patients and group
      B 86 patients. There was a male preponderance in both groups. Co-morbidity
      (p<0.01) and use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or anti
      platelet drugs (p<0.01) were more common in group B. Oesophagitis was the cause
      of bleeding in 38.37% in group B, as compared with 19% in group A. The main cause
      of bleeding in group A was peptic ulcer. Rebleeding (6/86) and emergency surgery
      (1/86) were rare in group B and not different from those in group A. However, the
      bleeding-related mortality in the very elderly group was higher (13.9% vs. 4.76%;
      p=0.02). In multivariate analysis, only shock on admission was independently
      related to mortality (p=0.02). CONCLUSION: Oesophagitis is the major cause of
      upper gastrointestinal haemorrhage in the very elderly patients. While rebleeding
      and emergency surgery rates are relatively low, the bleeding-related mortality
      was higher in the very elderly group.

PMID- 22055598
TI  - Mantle cell lymphoma of the colon with massive splenomegaly: A case report.
AB  - We describe colonoscopic features in a 77-year-old female with relapse of mantle
      cell lymphoma, who presented with a history of rectal bleeding of 2 months'
      duration. Her initial colonoscopy 3 years prior to the current presentation had
      revealed no gross lesions of mantle cell lymphoma; however, there was evidence of
      microscopic disease at that time as well. The patient had now developed classical
      lesions following relapse of the disease. The present case report gives the
      natural history of this rare tumour. The comparative colonoscopic features with a
      brief review of mantle cell lymphoma are presented.

PMID- 22055599
TI  - Calcified liver hydatid cyst compressing the gall bladder.
AB  - A 48-year-old male patient was admitted to suffering from hydatid disease located
      in the gall bladder. Although Morocco remains an endemic area for echinococcosis,
      this presentation of the disease was rare. The pericyst was tightly attached to
      the liver. Complete pericystectomy with cholecystectomy was done. Histopathology
      confirmed the presence of a calcified hydatid cyst of the gall bladder.
      Perioperative adjuvant medical therapy with albendazole was administered. After a
      2-year follow-up, no recurrence occurred.

PMID- 22055600
TI  - A new case of solitary true pancreatic cyst.
AB  - A true cyst of the pancreas is extremely rare, and few cases have been reported
      in adult patients. The authors report a new case of this rare pathological
      entity. A 35-year-old male patient was admitted to our unit with a cystic mass,
      about 6cm in diameter, located in the pancreatic head, in proximity to the
      duodenum, vena cava, biliary tree and right kidney. Clinical features and imagery
      were suggestive for a benign neoplasm, as did surgical findings.
      Cystoduodenostomy was done. Histological finding revealed a cyst lined by
      cuboidal epithelium without morphologic alterations. Analysis of the cyst fluid
      showed a high level of CA 19-9 (10,000Uml(-1)). After 1-year follow-up, the
      patient was found to be doing well without any abdominal symptoms. Ultrasound
      images revealed no cyst recurrence.

PMID- 22055601
TI  - Fatal hypoglycaemia from IGF II hyperproduction as a complication of a mesenteric
      gastrointestinal stromal tumour.

PMID- 22055603
TI  - Prospective study of soft tissue contour changes following chin bone graft
      harvesting.
AB  - This study sought to evaluate changes in the soft tissue contour after chin bone
      graft harvesting. Thirty selected patients underwent chin bone graft harvesting
      and evaluations were made using lateral cephalograms preoperatively and
      postoperatively at 30 and 180 days. Fixed points and lines were established on
      cephalometric tracings and used to measure the selected vertical and sagittal
      parameters. Results showed statistically significant alterations to the vertical
      position values of the vermilion (V-VPV) which increased from 9.70 to 11.01 and
      the exposure of lower incisors (V-ELI) which increased from 1.85 to 3.5, showing
      an increase in their distance from the plane of reference and a lowering of their
      position, the clinical equivalent of a labial ptosis condition. None of the
      sagittal parameters analysed showed any statistically significant variation in
      the final evaluation. The study concluded that the alterations to patients' soft
      tissue contours resulted mainly from failure to ensure precise reattachment of
      the mentalis muscles and identified the need for further investigation of that
      aspect.

PMID- 22055604
TI  - Enzyme levels in raw meat after low dose ionizing radiation and extended
      refrigerated storage.
AB  - Bovine semimembranosus muscle samples obtained aseptically 24 h after slaughter
      were irradiated at 1, 5 and 10 kGy between 0 and 4 degrees C and stored at 2
      degrees C to determine effects of low level ionizing radiation on tissue-free
      enzyme levels. Samples were analyzed after 1, 7, 14 and 28 days of storage.
      Nonspecific proteolysis was measured using (14)C-hemoglobin as the substrate. For
      determination of possible effect by irradiation on lysosomal enzymes, acid
      phosphatase and beta-glucuronidase were measured. Assays for acid phosphatase and
      hemoglobin proteolysis indicated negative relationship between increasing dose
      and enzymatic activity. At 10 kGy mean reductions in enzymatic activity were 8%
      and 42%, respectively, beta-Glucuronidase was not affected at this or at the
      lower levels of radiation. Correlation between dosage and storage time with
      enzymatic activity was not significant.

PMID- 22055605
TI  - Seasonal effects on the patterns of deposition of water, fat and protein in
      rabbit meat.
AB  - The effect of season on the patterns of deposition of water, fat and protein and
      on the changes in the chemical composition of total meat, meat from hind leg and
      M. longissimus lumboris, was studied in rabbits from 1 to 20 weeks of age.
      Allometric coefficents changed in a continuous way although changes were more
      marked in the first weeks of postnatal life. Relative rates of deposition
      increased for fat and decreased for water and protein throughout the experimental
      period, irrespective of the season or part considered. There were significant
      seasonal effects on most of the chemical components that affected the initial
      values of allometric coefficients, and thier later rates of change, but not the
      pattern of variation. As a consequence, modification of the chemical composition
      of meat was also significantly influenced by season, but differences were
      numerically very small. At birth, meat from rabbits born in summer had a lower
      content of fat and higher of water and protein than that from rabbits born in
      other seasons. Rates of deposition in postnatal life determined that the chemical
      composition tended to be similar to that of rabbits grown in other seasons. A
      tendency towards a higher degree of fatness in older animals was also observed in
      this season.

PMID- 22055606
TI  - Effect of subcutaneous fat and high temperature conditioning on bovine meat
      tenderness.
AB  - Effects of subcutaneous fat cover and high temperature conditioning on tenderness
      of meat were studied using 16 steer carcasses. Longissimus subcutaneous fat cover
      was completely removed from eight carcasses and the right and left sides were
      stored at either 0 degrees C or 26 degrees C. After 6 h at 26 degrees C, the
      sides were transferred to the 0 degrees C room; and after 24 h, all sides were
      transferred to a 1 degrees C room for the duration of the experiment. Cold
      temperature and removal of fat cover reduced (P < 0.05) the longissimus muscle
      temperature at 6, 9 and 12 h post-mortem. The pH of the longissimus muscle was
      lower (P < 0.05) as the result of high temperature conditioning and fat cover 6,
      9 and 12 h post-mortem. Consequently, conditions existed which would have been
      expected to promote cold shortening, yet high temperature conditioning and fat
      cover had no consistent effects on myofibrillar fragmentation index, sarcomere
      length or shear values.

PMID- 22055607
TI  - Evaluation of live and carcass techniques for predicting beef carcass
      composition.
AB  - Fifty beef animals varying in size, age and composition were used to determine
      the most accurate methods for determining beef composition. Separable and
      chemical composition of the 9-10-11th rib section and measurements of
      subcutaneous fat thickness were the most useful for explaining observed
      variability in carcass composition. For predicting percentage fat in fed steers,
      composition of the 9-10-11th rib section was the most accurate [coefficient of
      determination (R(2) 0.85)]. The 9-10-11th rib section was the most accurate and
      precise technique identified in this study to estimate beef carcass composition
      across and within all age classes. Specific gravity accounted for 68% of the
      variation in percentage of carcass fat across all age classes combined; however,
      specific gravity did not account for a significant portion of the variation
      within each age class. Deuterium oxide dilution was able to account for 77% of
      the variation in chemical fat percentage across all age classes combined;
      however, deuterium oxide dilution was not as effective in accounting for the
      observed variation in fat percentage within each age class. Ultrasound was found
      to be an accurate live measure of chemical fat percentage within all age classes
      combined.

PMID- 22055608
TI  - The effects of hot-boned fat type, preblending treatment and storage time on
      various physical, processing and sensory characteristics of nonspecific luncheon
      loaves.
AB  - Hot-boned and postrigor fat obtained from pork carcasses (with/without
      preblending treatment) was used in the production of nonspecific luncheon loaves.
      Processing and sensory characteristics of the luncheon loaves were evaluated.
      Loaves made from hot-boned fat were observed to produce higher values for
      percentage cook yield (P<0.05). Whereas, loaves made from cold-boned fat
      exhibited higher values for fat and moisture released (g and/or ml). Fat and
      moisture release increased significantly with time in storage for the cold-boned
      fat. Hunter-color values were not affected by fat type or preblending treatment.
      Length of storage affected the Hunter-color a(*) (redness) and b(*) (yellowness)
      values which decreased with time. Sensory evaluation indicated that all
      treatments were highly acceptable.

PMID- 22055609
TI  - Microbiological and sensory characteristics of pork loin chops: Role of
      intramuscular fat.
AB  - Pork loin chops of High, Intermediate and Low intramuscular fat were trimmed free
      of subcutaneous fat and then packaged and stored in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film
      for 0-6 days or in high oxygen barrier (HOB) film for 0-28 days at 4 degrees C +/
      1 degrees C. In general, marbling group had no (P > 0.05) effect on the aerobic
      plate count (APC) and did not result in major differences in the distribution of
      types in the microflora of pork loin chops. During storage, Pseudomonas spp.
      became dominant in the microflora of PVC-wrapped chops while Lactobacillus spp.
      became dominant in the microflora of chops stored in HOB film. Of the sensory
      characteristics examined, mean surface discoloration and mean overall appearance
      scores of chops of Low intramuscular fat stored in HOB film were usually lower (P
      < 0.05) than those of chops of Intermediate and High intramuscular fat. In
      contrast, marbling group usually had no significant effect on mean surface
      discoloration and mean overall appearance scores of chops packaged in PVC film.

PMID- 22055610
TI  - Gender-related differences in clinical characteristics and outcomes in patients
      with diabetic ketoacidosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is 1 of the most common and serious
      complications of diabetes, and is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality.
      There is a paucity of data regarding gender-related differences in clinical
      characteristics and outcomes of patients hospitalized for DKA. OBJECTIVE: The
      purpose of this study was to assess whether gender plays a role in clinical
      characteristics and outcome of DKA. METHODS: We performed a retrospective cohort
      study of patients hospitalized with DKA between January 1, 2003 and January 1,
      2010. The outcomes of male and female patients were compared. The primary outcome
      was in-hospital all-cause mortality. The secondary outcomes were 30-day all-cause
      mortality and rate of complications: sepsis, respiratory failure, multiple organ
      failure, stroke, and myocardial infarction. RESULTS: Eighty-nine men and 131
      women with DKA were included in the study. Male patients had higher rates of
      chronic renal failure compared with women (16.9% vs 3.1%; P = 0.001), whereas
      more women than men received oral hypoglycemic therapy (19.8% vs 9.0%; P =
      0.046); women also had higher glycosated hemoglobin levels before admission
      (11.9% [1.7%] vs 9.9% [2.2%]; P = 0.025). The in-hospital mortality rate was not
      significantly different for both genders (4.5% in the male group vs 3.8% in the
      female group; P = 1.0). We did not find significant differences between the 2
      groups in the 30-day mortality rate (4.5% vs 6.1%; P = 0.7) or the rate of
      complications (5.6% vs 6.9%; P = 0.9). Advanced age, mechanical ventilation, and
      bedridden state were independent predictors of 30-day mortality. CONCLUSIONS: In
      our study we did not find statistically significant differences in the in
      hospital mortality, 30-day all-cause mortality, or rate of complications between
      men and women hospitalized with DKA. However, women with poorly controlled type 2
      diabetes mellitus receiving oral hypoglycemic therapy required particular
      attention and might benefit from earlier introduction and intensification of
      insulin therapy to avoid DKA.

PMID- 22055611
TI  - Sustainable equine parasite control: perspectives and research needs.
AB  - Clinically important equine parasites are ubiquitous in managed horse
      populations. The traditional approach to parasite control is frequent
      administration of anthelmintics to all horses on a farm. However, increasing
      levels of anthelmintic resistance is forcing horse owners and veterinarians to
      shift this control paradigm. Treatment regimens involving routine deworming of
      all horses throughout the year are now being replaced by more sustainable
      approaches, which take in to account the importance of maintaining adequate
      parasite refugia. The selective therapy principle has been recommended for more
      than 15 years, but there is limited experience with this approach. The relative
      magnitude of the faecal egg count for an individual horse is a consistent trait,
      and this provides a reliable basis for selective therapy. But no studies have
      evaluated the consequences of selective therapy in the long-term, and such
      studies are strongly needed to validate this approach. Importantly, it remains
      unclear how selective therapy may affect the prevalence and intensity of other
      parasites of significant pathogenic potential (e.g. Strongylus vulgaris), which
      have become uncommon due to years of intensive chemotherapy. Consequently, a
      selective approach requires vigilant surveillance of the parasite fauna and
      intensity. This places a demands for reliable diagnostic tools. Also noteworthy
      is the fact that the majority of equine nematode parasites are more pathogenic
      during their larval stages, when they cannot be detected by traditional egg
      counting techniques. Consequently, parasite-specific diagnostic tools capable of
      assessing prepatent parasite burdens, and able to differentiate between strongyle
      species of different pathogenic potentials, would be of great value to the equine
      clinician. Tools for detecting infections with the tapeworm Anoplocephala
      perfoliata are laborious, difficult to interpret, and at present there is no
      established method to evaluate treatment efficacy. Thus, better diagnostic tools
      are needed for tapeworms as well. Biological control, especially the predacious
      fungi have demonstrated good potential as an adjunct for strongyle control and
      such a product could easily have a market in equine establishments. In summary,
      there is general agreement that the traditional treat-all at frequent interval
      approach should be abandoned, and that optimal parasite control can be maintained
      with far fewer anthelmintic treatments. But better diagnostic techniques and more
      evidence documenting the long-term consequences of selective therapy programs are
      needed to develop and validate systems for sustainable equine parasite control.

PMID- 22055612
TI  - Development of cathepsin-L cysteine proteinase based Dot-enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay for the diagnosis of Fasciola gigantica infection in
      buffaloes.
AB  - Native cathepsin-L cysteine proteinase (28 kDa) was purified from the excretory
      secretory products of Fasciola gigantica and was used for sero-diagnosis of F.
      gigantica infection in buffaloes by Dot-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (Dot
      ELISA). The test detected F. gigantica field infection in these animals with a
      sensitivity of ~ 90%. No specific IgG antibody binding was displayed by sera
      obtained from 76 buffaloes considered to be Fasciola and other parasite-free by
      microscopic examination of faeces and necropsy examination of liver, rumen and
      intestine. Additionally, sera from 156 Fasciola-free buffaloes, yet infected with
      Gigantocotyle explanatum, Paramphistomum epiclitum, Gastrothylax spp.,
      Strongyloides papillosus and hydatid cyst were all negative, indicating that F.
      gigantica cathepsin-L cysteine proteinase does not cross-react with these
      helminth parasites in natural infection of the host. The data indicated that
      cathepsin-L cysteine proteinase based Dot-ELISA reached ~ 90% sensitivity and
      100% specificity with relation to above parasites in the detection of bubaline
      fasciolosis. The present Dot-ELISA diagnostic assay is relevant to the field
      diagnosis of F. gigantica infection in buffaloes.

PMID- 22055613
TI  - [Methylobacterium podarium isolated in the course of intraocular inflammation].

PMID- 22055614
TI  - Auditory word recognition of nouns and verbs in children with Specific Language
      Impairment (SLI).
AB  - Nouns are fundamentally different from verbs semantically and syntactically,
      since verbs can specify one, two, or three nominal arguments. In this study, 25
      children with Specific Language Impairment (age 5;3-8;2 years) and 50 typically
      developing children (3;3-8;2 years) participated in an eye-tracking experiment of
      spoken language comprehension to compare the dynamics of spoken word recognition
      for nouns and verbs in Spanish. Listeners' eye movements were recorded as they
      searched an array of pictures in response to hearing a noun or verb. Results
      showed significant an animacy effect before the word was finished as images that
      contain more animate entities attracted their looks which suggest an
      underdevelopment suppression mechanisms inhibition. Moreover, after word finished
      all the groups showed differences between nouns and verbs. They were faster in
      recognizing nouns than verbs and one-argument were recognized faster than two-
      and three-verb arguments whereas. Children with SLI were slower that their
      controls and especially in the recognition of three-argument verbs. We suggest
      that this was due to an incomplete argument structure representation that affects
      processing times. LEARNING OUTCOMES: (1) As a result of this activity, the
      participant will be able to describe the differences between adults and children
      with and without SLI in spoken word recognition of nouns and verbs. (2) As a
      result of this activity, the participant will be able to describe the animacy
      effect.

PMID- 22055615
TI  - Lipid-protein interactions as agents of quality deterioration in intermediate
      moisture meats: An appraisal.
AB  - The literature on lipid-protein interactions which lead to loss of solubility,
      complex formation, chain scission and loss of specific amino acids in
      intermediate moisture foods is reviewed. This knowledge is used to explain
      reported observations on the quality and nutritive value of proteins in
      intermediate moisture meats as well as the conflicting reports on the
      significance of oxidative rancidity and non-enzymic browning in intermediate
      moisture food systems.

PMID- 22055616
TI  - Effect of oxygen- and carbon dioxide-enriched atmospheres on shelf-life extension
      of refrigerated ground pork.
AB  - The oxidation of the lipids and myoglobin of ground pork meat stored in oxygen-
      and carbon dioxide-enriched atmospheres at 1  degrees C has been studied.
      Elevated oxygen levels (80-100%) depressed myoglobin oxidation, increasing the
      time to 50% metmyoglobin formation from four to about thirteen days. Twenty per
      cent carbon dioxide greatly reduced the rate of lipid oxidation, extending the
      time to reach a TBA number of 5 from five to about twelve days. Tocopherol and
      ascorbic acids were efficient inhibitors of lipid oxidation but citric acid was
      not.

PMID- 22055617
TI  - Thermal inactivation of trypsin inhibitors of soybean preparations added to meat.
AB  - The activity of trypsin inhibitors was investigated in minced meat in which 30%
      of meat protein was replaced by soybean preparations (flakes, concentrate,
      isolate, textured flour). Trypsin inhibitors were determined in 20% suspensions
      of these soybean preparations. The activity of trypsin inhibitors in soybean
      preparations added to meat, or suspended in water, appeared to be higher than
      that of dry products. The heat treatment (70, 80, 90 and 100 degrees C for 15
      min) reduced the inhibitor activity in all soybean preparations, both in model
      meat systems (MMS) and in suspensions. Trypsin inhibitor activity was higher in
      MMS than in water suspensions of soybean preparations, suggesting that meat
      components protect trypsin inhibitor proteins against heat treatment. Trypsin
      inhibitor activity in heated meat model systems was too low to produce
      unfavourable nutritional effects.

PMID- 22055618
TI  - Relationship of mitochondria and sarcoplasmic reticulum to cold shortening.
AB  - Sarcoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria preparations from beef and rabbit muscle
      were shown to bind and release appreciable quantities of Ca(++). Differences
      between rabbit and beef muscle in Ca(++) binding and release by SR and
      mitochondrial preparations were not sufficient to account for the massive
      shortening in chilled beef as compared to little or no shortening in chilled
      rabbit muscle. Results substantiate the theory of Buege & Marsh (1975) that cold
      shortening is related to differences in mitochondrial concentration in red and
      white muscle rather than to differences in the Ca(++)-accumulating ability of SR.
      In order to explain the reversibility of cold shortening upon rewarming pre-rigor
      red muscle, a role for both SR and mitochondria is postulated and discussed.

PMID- 22055619
TI  - Rigor related changes in mechanical properties (tensile and adhesive) and
      extracellular space in beef muscle.
AB  - The tensile and adhesive properties of selected beef muscle strips undergoing
      rigor mortis are presented at various times post mortem. The changes in these
      mechanical properties of the muscle correlated well with pH and its rate of fall.
      Additionally, and perhaps most importantly, the shape of the curves generated
      over the post-mortem ageing times correlate well with changes in extracellular
      space. The results are discussed and the conclusion drawn that intrafibre water
      must be considered as a potentially important third factor, in addition to
      myofibrillar contraction and connective tissue orientation, in the evaluation of
      meat tenderness.

PMID- 22055620
TI  - Electrical stimulation of beef sides.
AB  - Sides of beef were stimulated with one of three different systems of stimulation
      a high voltage system (1100 V), a low voltage system (110 V) and an extra low
      voltage system (45 V). Warner-Bratzler shear measurements indicated that for
      muscles removed at 1 or 2 h post slaughter and then subjected to conditions which
      induce cold shortening, the high voltage system was superior to the other two.
      Warner-Bratzler shear values and taste panel tenderness scores indicated that,
      for all stimulation treatments, muscles removed from stimulated sides at 22 h
      post slaughter were more tender than those removed from control sides at the same
      time. Muscles from sides which had received the high voltage treatment, but not
      those from sides which had received the other stimulation treatments, were judged
      by the taste panel to be less juicy than muscles from the control sides. Lower
      shear values for individual muscles from stimulated sides were usually
      accompanied by longer sarcomeres and it is suggested that the major effect of
      electrical stimulation is the prevention of cold shortening.

PMID- 22055621
TI  - Organochlorine pesticide residues in meat of various species.
AB  - The quantity of organochlorine pesticides present in pork, rabbit, chicken,
      turkey and horse meat was determined. Levels of residual pesticide were rather
      higher in the latter three species than in the former two. They were not closely
      related to fat content.

PMID- 22055622
TI  - Attentional modulation of perceptual comparison for feature binding.
AB  - We investigated the neural correlates of attentional modulation in the perceptual
      comparison process for detecting feature-binding changes in an event-related
      functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) experiment. Participants performed a
      variant of a cued change detection task. They viewed a memory array, a spatial
      retro-cue, and later a probe array. Their task was to judge whether the cued item
      had changed between the two arrays. Change type was manipulated to be a color
      location binding or a color feature change. The retro-cue onset time in the
      retention interval was manipulated to be early or late. As a consequence of
      strong inter-item competition, we found strong prefrontal activation for late
      cues when contrasting the binding-change with the color-change condition. In
      contrast, we observed a comparable behavioral and neural effect between the two
      types of change detection when retro-cue was presented early. More importantly,
      we demonstrated a significant inter-regional correlation between the prefrontal
      and parietal regions in both binding- and color-change conditions for late cues.
      In addition, extensive prefrontal-parietal-visual functional connectivity was
      showed for detecting binding changes in the late-cueing condition. These results
      support the critical role in prefrontal-parietal-visual functional coupling for
      resolving strong inter-item competition during the comparison process in the
      binding-change condition. We provide direct evidence that attention modulates
      neural activity associated with perceptual comparison, biasing competition in
      favour of the task-relevant information in order to detect binding changes.

PMID- 22055623
TI  - Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) 4 G/5 G polymorphism and endometrial
      cancer. Influence of PAI-1 polymorphism on tissue PAI-1 antigen and mRNA
      expression and tumor severity.
AB  - Plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) 4G/5G polymorphism may have
      significance for PAI-1 expression. High levels of PAI-1 in endometrial cancer
      patients are associated with a poor prognosis. The objective of this study was to
      evaluate the PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphism in women with and without endometrial
      cancer and to analyze the influence of this polymorphism on PAI-1 expression in
      endometrial tissue. In 423 women (212 patients with endometrial cancer and 211
      controls) PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphism was determined by PCR amplification using
      allele-specific primers. Quantitative real-time RT-PCR assay was used to quantify
      PAI-1 mRNA and PAI-1 protein levels were quantified by ELISA in tissue extracts
      from 33 patients with endometrial cancer and from 70 endometrial tissues from
      control women. The frequency of PAI-1 4G/4G genotype (P=0.010) and the PAI-1 4G
      allele (P=0.009) was significantly higher in patients than in controls. The
      frequency of PAI-1 4G allele was significantly higher in patients with stage IB
      than in those with stage IA (P=0.03). Control women with the 4G/4G genotype had
      higher endometrial PAI-1 protein (P=0.018) and mRNA (P=0.004) levels than those
      with the 5G/5G genotype. A significant increase in PAI-1 protein and mRNA was
      observed in endometrial cancer tissue in comparison with the endometrial tissue
      from control women (P<0.01). In conclusion, frequencies of the PAI-1 4G allele
      and 4G/4G genotype were found significantly more often in women with endometrial
      cancer than in controls. PAI-1 levels in endometrial tissue seem to be associated
      with PAI-1 4G/5G polymorphism. These findings suggest that the PAI-1 4G/4G
      genotype may be associated with the risk of endometrial cancer in a Caucasian
      population. Further studies with a larger number of patients are needed to
      clarify the influence of this PAI-1 polymorphism in endometrial cancer.

PMID- 22055624
TI  - Silver nanoparticles to self-assembled films: green synthesis and
      characterization.
AB  - In the present paper silver nanoparticle was synthesized by chemical reduction of
      silver nitrate by oxalic acid in aqueous solution. The nanoparticle film (self
      assembled; mirror like illumination) on the wall of the clean glass surface was
      also observed after some days. The synthesized silver particles show an intense
      surface resonance plasmon band in the visible region at 425 nm. Transmission
      electron microscopy, selected areas electron diffraction, and UV-visible
      spectroscopy have been employed to characterize Ag-nanoparticles. The
      nanoparticle films were also observed using conventional visual and scanning
      electron microscope (spherical particles and size ranging from 23 to 245 nm). The
      transmission electron micrograph revealed that the average size of silver
      nanoparticle were <=10 nm and 21-60 nm, respectively.

PMID- 22055625
TI  - Cell adhesion on chiral surface: the role of protein adsorption.
AB  - Chirality is one of the basic, unique, and most appealing features of biological
      molecules; however, many intriguing chiral phenomena in biological world remains
      insufficiently revealed yet. In this research, we fabricated chiral surfaces by
      assembling natural chiral amino acids-cysteine of opposite configurations (D- and
      L-) onto gold surfaces, respectively, and investigated the adhesion of the L929
      fibroblast on them. No significant differences were observed in the density of
      adherent cells under serum-free culture condition; while in serum-containing
      condition, significantly more cells adhered on the L-Cys assembled surfaces. This
      phenomenon suggested that serum protein might play an important role in mediating
      the selective adhesion of cells on chiral surfaces. Hence, we adopted both
      radiolabeling and surface plasmon resonance (SPR) techniques to monitor protein
      adsorption onto the above surfaces. The results evidently showed more proteins
      adsorbed onto surfaces assembled with L-Cys. We propose that the difference in
      protein adsorption on chiral surfaces as demonstrated in this paper might not
      only shed light on the ensuing investigation of bio-related chirality phenomena,
      but also provide a novel strategy for the rational design and fabrication of
      novel biomaterials and bio-related devices based on chiral effects.

PMID- 22055626
TI  - On the mechanism of water holding in meat: The swelling and shrinking of
      myofibrils.
AB  - Water holding in meat has, in the past, been rather poorly understood and has not
      been explained at all in structural terms. A unifying hypothesis for this
      phenomenon is that gains or losses of water in meat are due simply to swelling or
      shrinking of the myofibrils caused by expansion or shrinking of the filament
      lattice. Myofibrils have been observed by phase contrast microscopy, and are seen
      to swell quickly to about twice their original volume in salt solutions
      resembling those used in meat processing. Such swelling is highly co-operative.
      Pyrophosphate reduces very substantially the sodium chloride concentration
      required for maximum swelling. In the absence of pyrophosphate, swelling is
      accompanied by extraction of the middle of the A-band; in its presence the A-band
      is completely extracted, beginning from its ends. We suppose that Cl(-) ions bind
      to the filaments and increase the electrostatic repulsive force between them. A
      crucial factor in swelling is likely to be the removal at a critical salt
      concentration of one or more transverse structural constraints in the myofibril
      (probably crossbridges, the M-line or the Z-line) allowing the filament lattice
      to expand. We also point out that water losses in rigor, in the PSE condition and
      on cooking may well result directly from shrinkage of the filament lattice.

PMID- 22055627
TI  - Tensile properties of cooked beef in relation to rigor temperature and
      tenderness.
AB  - A study of the tensile properties of cooked strips from beef sternomandibularis
      which had gone into rigor at various temperatures showed no clear relationships
      with earlier observed variations in shear force with rigor temperature. A
      consistent feature of the load extension curves was a sudden increase in
      extensibility at a 'change point' of about 1 kg/cm(2). Some curves, particularly
      those for strips cooked under restraint, showed a third intermediate
      extensibility. Evidence points to modification of a myofibrillar component as the
      reason for the sudden changes.

PMID- 22055628
TI  - Tissue growth patterns in the carcasses of water buffalo and Friesian crossbred
      cattle-part 1: Individual muscles and anatomical muscle groups.
AB  - The left sides of the carcasses of twelve Egyptian buffalo, nine half Friesian (?
      Friesian x ? Egyptian Baladi) and nine three-quarter Friesian (? x ? half
      Friesian) bulls, serially slaughtered between 161 and 560 kg for buffaloes and
      between 176 and 448 kg for cattle, were used to describe the growth and
      distribution of individual muscles and muscle groups. Genotype-group differences
      in the relative rate of growth were not significant in 85 of 89 muscles and in 8
      of 9 muscle groups. The pooled within-group growth coefficients of individual
      muscles revealed different increasing growth gradients, i.e. disto-proximal in
      both limbs, mediolateral in the proximal pelvic limb, from elbow flexors to
      shoulder flexors in the proximal thoracic limb, caudo-cranial in the trunk and
      from hypaxial to epaxial muscles around the spinal column. The relative growth
      was lowest in the distal part of the limbs and highest in the anterior part of
      the carcass (SMG 7 and 8), with the loin and abdominal muscle groups growing at a
      rate similar to that of the total muscle. The neck and thorax muscle group grew
      at a higher rate in Friesian crosses than in buffaloes. Genotype-group
      differences in the weight of each muscle relative to total side muscle (TSM) were
      significant in 50 of 89 muscles. Of the 50 muscles (constituting around 59% of
      TSM), 24 (approximately 44% of TSM) were from the expensive muscle groups. As
      compared with the most different Friesian cross (base = 100) at equal TSM,
      buffaloes had higher weight of muscle in the hindlimb (107.5% proximally; 106.3%
      distally) and forelimb (120.0% proximally: 104.6% distally) and significantly
      less weight of the muscle groups forming the abdominal wall (79.8%) and
      connecting the forelimb to the thorax (89.1%) and to the neck (90.7%). The weight
      of the combined expensive groups was significantly greater in buffaloes than in
      cattle (maximum difference = 1.8 kg) with a tendency for buffaloes to have
      relatively less of the tender muscles surrounding the spinal column.

PMID- 22055629
TI  - Effect of electrical stimulation and cooking temperature on the within-sample
      variation of cooking loss and shear force of lamb.
AB  - Electrical stimulation decreased the shear force and increased the cooking loss
      in seven paired lamb Longissimus dorsi (LD) muscles. This treatment did not have
      any effect on the within-sample variation. Cooking in 55 degrees , 65 degrees 
      and 75 degrees C water baths for 90 min caused a linear increase in the cooking
      loss and shear force. There was no stimulation-cooking temperature interaction
      observed. Cooking temperature also had no effect on the within-sample variation.
      A possible explanation as to why electrical stimulation did not affect the within
      sample variation is given.

PMID- 22055630
TI  - Fiber types in the longissimus muscle from water buffalo and selected domestic
      beef breeds.
AB  - The distribution and area of longissimus muscle fiber types from two intact male
      water buffaloes, one Angus bull and one Charolais bull were evaluated. Only
      fibers of aerobic-oxidative capacity were present in the muscles of the water
      buffalo examined. The absence of alphaW fibers may imply some significant and
      distinct differences in muscle metabolic and functional characteristics. All
      three fibers types were present in the muscles from the Angus and Charolais
      bulls. These findings may implicate distinct and unique differences in meat
      characteristics from water buffalo, such as in organoleptic and/or processing
      traits.

PMID- 22055631
TI  - The role of epimysial, perimysial and endomysial collagen in determining texture
      in six bovine muscles.
AB  - Epimysium, perimysium and endomysium were purified in high yield by a new
      extraction method from six bovine muscles of increasing toughness. In each case,
      the mean perimysial collagen fibre diameter, the total collagen content, the
      relative proportions of the major collagen types (I and III) and the collagen
      cross-link content were measured. Correlations were found between both collagen
      fibre diameter and collagen content of perimysial and endomysial connective
      tissue and meat toughness. No meaningful link could be made between textural
      quality of the meat and the relative content of types I and III collagen.
      Significant differences were seen, however, in both the total heat-stable cross
      link content and the proportion of heat-stable collagen cross-links relative to
      heat-labile cross-links present in epimysium, perimysium and endomysiuim and the
      relative toughness of each muscle. The results are discussed with respect to the
      role of collagen in determining meat texture and toughness.

PMID- 22055632
TI  - Tenderness of major muscles from three breed-types of cattle at different times
      on-feed.
AB  - Seventy-five steers (9 to 12 months of age) of Angus (n = 25), Brahman (n = 25)
      and Brahman * Angus (n = 25) breed-types of known history were fed a high-energy
      diet and five steers from each breed-type were slaughtered after 0, 56, 112, 168
      and 224 days on test. At seven days post mortem, the left side of each carcass
      was fabricated and eight major primals or subprimals were obtained. Steaks were
      removed from the shoulder clod, strip loin, tenderloin, top sirloin, knuckle, top
      round, bottom round and eye of round for Warner-Bratzler shear (WBS)
      determinations and from the strip loin and bottom round for sensory panel
      evaluations. Steaks from Angus and Brahman * Angus steers were generally more
      tender than steaks from Brahman steers. Tenderness of steaks from steers of the
      three breed-types responded to time-on-feed differently: (a) steaks from Brahman
      steers improved (P < 0.05) in tenderness with increasing time-on-feed for all
      muscles except the M. psoas major (tenderloin); (b) with the exception of the M.
      longissimus muscle (strip loin), the tenderness of steaks from Angus steers did
      not change (P > 0.05) as time-on-feed increased and (c) for the Brahman * Angus
      steers, five of the ten muscles studied improved (P < 0.05) in tenderness with
      increasing time-on-feed. 'Acceptable' tenderness (WBS values of less than 4.5 kg)
      for most of the muscles was achieved at feeding periods from 112 to 224 days for
      Brahman, from 0 to 56 days for Angus and from 56 to 168 days for Brahman * Angus.

PMID- 22055633
TI  - Characterization of cutability and palatability attributes among different
      slaughter groups of beef cattle.
AB  - Fifteen slaughter cattle from five groups (Charolais crossbred bulls, Brahman
      crossbred steers, Holstein steers, mixed-Exotic crossbred heifers and Hereford
      Angus crossbred steers) were randomly selected from a commercial feedlot. Time-on
      feed was 108, 114, 102, 108 and 145 days for the aforementioned groups,
      respectively. Carcasses from Charolais crossbred bulls had the highest percentage
      yield of chuck and round, but the lowest percentage yield of loin; hereford-Angus
      crossbred steers had the lowest percentage yield of round and Holstein steers had
      the lowest percentage yield of rib. Carcasses from Charolais crossbred bulls had
      the highest percentage yield of major retail-ready subprimals and lean trim,
      Hereford-Angus crossbred steers had the highest percentage yield of fat trim and
      Holstein steers had the highest percentage yield of bone from the major wholesale
      cuts. Mean percentage yields of closely trimmed, boneless retail cuts were
      highest for carcasses from the bulls and lowest for carcasses from the Hereford
      Angus steers. Although Holstein steer carcasses had less fat trim than Brahman
      crossbred steers mixed-Exotic heifers, this advantage was largely offset by their
      higher percentage of bone. Loin steaks from carcasses of Charolais crossbred
      bulls, Holstein, mixed-Exotic heifers were comparable (P > 0.05)with those of
      Hereford-Angus steers for shear force and sensory panel tenderness ratings.
      However, loin steaks from carcasses of Brahman-crossbred steers had significantly
      higher (P < 0.05) shear force values (least tender) and lower (P < 0.05)
      tenderness and overall palatability ratings. No diffeerences (P > 0.05) were
      found for flavor desirability of loin steaks among any of the groups. For bottom
      round steaks, Hereford-Angus steers received the highest palatability ratings
      while those from Holstein steers received the lowest palatability ratings.

PMID- 22055634
TI  - Electron microscopic studies of artificial supramolecular structures from
      collagen solutions.
AB  - Changes in the molecular structure of collagen fibrils isolated from solutions of
      native tropocollagen (TC) and of soluble collagen, obtained by enzymic (ESC) and
      alkaline-salt (ASC) methods, were studied by electron microscopy. It was found
      that, under certain conditions, it is possible to derive native-like fibrils
      (NF), segments with long spacings (SLS) and fibrils with long spacings (FLS)_from
      collagen solutions, these being very similar to structures precipitated from TC.
      Despite the fact that more structures with clear cross-striations can be isolated
      from ESC than from ASC, neither enzymic nor alkali-salt treatments cause
      substantial changes in the molecular structure of solubilized collagen, this
      determining its orderly aggregation. The data obtained permit the recommendation
      of new artificial materials for food and medical uses.

PMID- 22055635
TI  - Believing is the first step to achieving.

PMID- 22055636
TI  - Practice change in long-term care facilities in Ontario: views of managers and
      staff.
AB  - Little is known about how the use of data and feedback influences change in long
      term care, and that was the focus of this study. Semistructured interviews were
      conducted with 126 frontline staff and managers from 19 randomly selected Ontario
      long-term care facilities. Content analysis revealed that staff members use data
      for problem identification and solution finding, justifying change, and
      monitoring change. Frontline providers primarily provided resident-based examples
      of data and feedback processes, whereas managers mainly described organization
      based examples. Few participants discussed how information from mandated
      databases and related feedback processes could be used to inform change.
      Knowledge gained from this study will help organizations better understand the
      perspectives of different team members about data and feedback, thereby informing
      interventions that will enhance resident outcomes and quality service delivery in
      long-term care.

PMID- 22055637
TI  - Home health and hospice face-to-face encounter visits.

PMID- 22055638
TI  - Polypharmacy: when is enough, enough?

PMID- 22055639
TI  - Depression and sleep disturbance in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary
      disease.
AB  - The goal of this study was to examine the unique contributions of sleep
      disturbance to depression in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
      (COPD) after controlling for other contributing variables, including patient
      characteristics, self-efficacy, and physical activity. One hundred thirty-one
      outpatients diagnosed with COPD from 3 hospitals in South Korea participated in
      the study. Data were collected from March to June 2010 and analyzed with
      descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, and hierarchical multiple regression
      using the SPSS WIN program. The level of depression reported in this study was
      13.84. Sleep disturbance, not living with a spouse, and self-efficacy were all
      predictors of depression and accounted for 45% of the variance. These findings
      show the need to screen routinely for sleep disturbance in patients with COPD and
      support potential benefits of interventions to enhance self-efficacy and quality
      of sleep in reducing depression in COPD patients.

PMID- 22055641
TI  - Advanced practice nurses' perspectives on the use of health optimization
      strategies for managing chronic disease among older adults in different care
      settings: pushing the boundaries of self-management programs.
AB  - This study examines the intention of advanced practice nurses (APNs) to utilize
      health optimization programs (HOPs) for addressing clients' chronic disease in
      various work settings (i.e., nursing homes or other care settings). A paper-based
      survey was administered to 270 APNs at a continuing education conference to
      determine their intentions to refer patients to HOPs for chronic disease
      management. APNs working in nursing homes were 0.23 times as likely to utilize
      HOPs for management of their patients' chronic disease compared with their
      counterparts working in other care settings (odds ratio = 0.23, confidence
      interval = 0.06-0.80, P = .021). APNs who had previously used a HOP for
      management of their patients' chronic disease were 5.2 times as likely to do so
      again relative to those who had not previously used a HOP for management of their
      patients' chronic disease (odds ratio = 5.17, confidence interval = 1.78-14.99, P
      = .002). Educational and organizational interventions are recommended to
      disseminate further HOPs for chronic disease in nursing home settings as part of
      an overall health optimization strategy.

PMID- 22055640
TI  - Profile of nursing home residents with dementia who require assistance with mouth
      care.
AB  - The majority of nursing home residents require assistance with activities of
      daily living, including oral care. Poor oral health is common in the nursing home
      because residents are not given appropriate assistance to support this aspect of
      their care. The purpose of this study was to describe the demographic,
      functional, and behavioral profile of nursing home residents with dementia who
      require verbal or physical assistance with mouth care. Residents who required
      verbal support to complete mouth care exhibited higher levels of physical
      function, higher levels of cognitive functioning in the domains of language and
      executive function, lower levels of passivity, and higher scores for the
      personality trait of openness than residents who required physical assistance.
      Best practices for implementing verbal and physical assistance during mouth care
      to persons with dementia are presented on the basis of these profiles.

PMID- 22055642
TI  - Developing a self-reported tool on fall risk based on toileting responses on in
      hospital falls.
AB  - The aim of this cohort study was to determine the predictive value of a 2-item
      self-reported questionnaire regarding in-hospital toileting behavior for
      predicting falls in older inpatients and to compare its performance with an
      existing state-based falls assessment scale. Between May 28, 2009 and January 30,
      2010, we assessed aged care inpatients for risk of falls using the standard
      STRATIFY fall screening tool and the 2-item self-reported questionnaire developed
      for this study. The participants were then followed up, with the primary outcome
      being the occurrence of falls. Results indicated that participants who were
      unable to answer the 2-item questionnaire appropriately or sensibly were 14.1
      times (confidence interval [CI]: 4.4-45, p <. 001) to 17.0 times (CI: 6.7-43, p <
      .001) more likely to fall than those who gave an appropriate negative or positive
      answer. Participants who were assessed to be at high risk of falls on the
      STRATIFY scale were 9.5 times (odds ratio: 9.5, CI: 1.3-72, p = .03) more likely
      to fall than those who were low risk. In conclusion, a simple bedside
      questionnaire regarding patients' toileting behavior with a careful appraisal of
      answers for appropriate and inappropriate answers may be used as a quick
      screening tool of fall risk.

PMID- 22055643
TI  - Aseptic loosening of the patellar component at the cement-implant interface.
AB  - We present four cases of aseptic loosening at the implant-cement interface
      following patellar resurfacing. All patients initially had good results, but then
      presented with onset of a new anterior knee pain. The radiographs including
      flexed lateral and skyline view of the knee were normal in all the cases. After
      carefully ruling out infection, aseptic loosening at the cement-implant interface
      was diagnosed on further investigation. Aseptic loosening of the patellar button
      at the implant-cement interface can be difficult to diagnose with standard knee
      radiographs. During flexed lateral radiograph of the knee and the skyline view
      radiograph of the patellofemoral joint, the patella is compressed on the femur
      and thereby reducing the loose patellar button. This phenomenon has not been
      previously described. Patients presenting with new onset of knee pain after an
      initial good results following patellar resurfacing require further investigation
      to exclude loosening at the cement-implant interface as plain radiographs can be
      misleading.

PMID- 22055644
TI  - Microbiological and sensory characteristics of beef loin steaks: Role of
      intramuscular fat.
AB  - Beef loin steaks of different grades (Prime, Choice and Good) were packaged and
      stored in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film for 0-6 days and in high-oxygen barrier
      (HOB) film for 0-28 days. Grade had no significant effect (P > 0.05) on the
      aerobic plate count and did not result in major differences in the distribution
      of types in the microflora of steaks. Of the sensory characteristics examined,
      mean surface discoloration and mean overall appearance scores of Prime and Choice
      steaks packaged and stored in HOB film often were higher (P < 0.05) than those of
      Good steaks. Differences in metmyoglobin formation among steaks from the three
      grades were attributed to differences in the inherent characteristics of the
      muscles; muscle fibers from Prime and Choice samples were probably more red (as
      evidenced by greater marbling ability), while muscle fibers of Good samples were
      probably more white (as evidenced by lesser marbling ability). Red muscles have
      greater cytochrome activity, which will help reduce metmyoglobin to myoglobin in
      the absence of oxygen.

PMID- 22055645
TI  - Comparison of the microbial populations of retail beef and pork.
AB  - Retail samples of beef mince, beef rump, pork mince and pork rump were enumerated
      for total plate count, coliforms, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus,
      Salmonella and Trichinella spiralis. Total plate counts were similar for all
      samples; however, the populations of coliforms and Staphylococcus aureus were
      higher in minced meats than in rumps (P < 0.05). Minced pork was found to carry
      higher loads of Staphylococcus aureus than any other meat (P < 0.05). Salmonella
      and Trichinella spiralis were not detected in any sample.

PMID- 22055646
TI  - The effect of bone in meat samples upon analytical results for fat, protein and
      water by foss Super-Scan type 10600.
AB  - Investigations have been made into possible spectral interferences at fat,
      protein and water wavelengths of the Super-Scan (infra-red meat analyser) due to
      absorbance by phosphorus (a natural constituent of bone) at the carbohydrate
      wavelength. Instrument calibration for boneless meat resulted in the need for
      correction factors to results for bone-in meat of * 0.96, * 1.05 and * 0.97 for %
      fat, % protein and % water, respectively, to bring them in line with those by
      standard chemical methods. Comparisons between Super-Scan results for boneless
      meat to which tricalcium phosphate (the major constituent of bone) has been added
      showed an interference proportional to the amount of phosphate present and varied
      in size depending on sample fatness. Calibration with bone-in meat controlled
      interference adequately for % fat and % water, but still required an empirical
      correction factor of * 0.97 for protein.

PMID- 22055647
TI  - The use of filter paper to estimate drip loss of porcine musculature.
AB  - Two simple, accurate, rapid and economical methods for determining variations in
      drip loss of lean, prepackaged, post-rigor porcine musculature during storage
      have been developed. Laboratory grade filter paper having a 45 mm diameter was
      placed on the cut surface of the muscle (after 10-15 minutes' exposure) and
      scored for wetness (0 to 5) within 3 s or weighed for fluid accumulation. The
      tests on 40 randomly selected longissimus muscles that appeared to represent
      'normal' quality characteristics proved to be nearly perfectly and positively
      correlated to % 48 h drip loss. Statistically, the relationship was non
      curvilinear and, when regression equations were used to predict drip losses on a
      separate group of 27 muscles having considerable variation in quality, the
      correlations between the predicted and actual values were nearly perfect (r =
      0.97 for score and 0.95 for weight). These two methods have not been compared to
      other, more sophisticated, ones currently used, but the results of this
      investigation suggest that the two methods may be useful to the meat industry,
      especially for practical applications.

PMID- 22055648
TI  - Tenderization of beef with bacterial collagenase.
AB  - The feasibility of using a purified collagenase produced by Clostridium
      histolyticum as a meat tenderizer was studied. Experiments were conducted with
      enzymes in model systems to compare collagenase with the currently used plant
      proteinases, papain, bromelain and ficin. Collagenase was shown to have a greater
      activity in hydrolyzing insoluble collagen than salt-soluble-protein (SSP) and
      highest activity between 40 degrees  and 60 degrees C, with little to no activity
      above 60 degrees C. Collagenase was added to raw steaks and steaks were placed in
      bags and cooked in a water bath to 6.5 degrees C. Tenderness was evaluated by
      analyzing components of Warner-Bratzler shear-deformation curves. The results
      suggested that addition of NaCl or a combination of CaCl(2), NaCl and collagenase
      would cause equivalent tenderization. The lack of a significant tenderization due
      to collagenase could be related to a lack of sensitivity in the shear evaluation
      or an effect on the enzyme activity due to the meat environment.

PMID- 22055649
TI  - Some observations on protein changes in washed myofibrils of bovine muscle.
AB  - It was found that the protein and water contents of washed myofibrils obtained
      from bovine longissimus dorsi muscles vary with the rate of pH change during the
      first hour post mortem. Neither myosin nor actin is responsible for the
      variation, which is due to changes in the other myofibrillar components. The
      amount of remaining myofibrillar proteins (RMP), obtained after the sum of myosin
      and actin is deducted from the total myofibrillar protein (TMP), shows a minimum
      at a rate of pH change corresponding to a 1-h pH value of 6.7. Apart from this pH
      dependent decrease, a further substantial reduction of the RMP fraction was
      observed, particularly in myofibrils extracted from electrically stimulated
      muscles. It is considered that the observed changes result from partial
      proteolysis taking place in muscle during the early hours post mortem. A possible
      involvement of connectin as a primary substrate for the action of calcium
      activated neutral protease is discussed. On the basis of the observed correlation
      between Warner-Bratzler peak shear force and TMP, a significant influence of pre
      rigor muscle status on meat tenderness is suggested.

PMID- 22055650
TI  - Observations on the 3-methylhistidine content of bovine, ovine and porcine
      muscles.
AB  - The titres of 3-methylhistidine in bovine and ovine masseter/malaris muscles are
      similar to one another but low in relation to other skeletal muscles, whereas
      titres in porcine masseter/malaris resemble the latter. The process of
      mastication in bovines by masseter/malaris muscles appears to involve prolonged,
      slow action since the fibres are exclusively of type I. These 'red' fibres have
      very low titres of 3-methylhistidine in their myosin but normal values in their
      actin.

PMID- 22055651
TI  - Anatomical variation and morphology in the position of the palatine foramina in
      adult human skulls from Greece.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the anatomical variability of the palatine structures
      in Greek population. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 71 Greek adult dry human skulls were
      examined to detect the position of the greater palatine (GPF) and lesser palatine
      foramina (LPF) related to adjacent anatomical landmarks. RESULTS: The
      perpendicular distance of the GPF to the midline sagittal suture was 1.53 cm and
      0.3 cm from the inner border of the alveolar ridge. The mean distance from the
      posterior palatal border was consistent 0.46 cm on the right and 0.47 cm on the
      left side of the skulls. In the greater majority of the skulls (76.2%), the GPF
      were between proximal-distal surfaces of the 3rd maxillary molar. A single LPF
      was observed in 53.45% of the skulls, two LPF were observed in 31% of the skulls
      bilaterally and five LPF were rare (2.1%). The commonest position of LPF was at
      the junction of the palatine bone and the inner lamella of the pterygoid plate
      (71.9%). CONCLUSION: Our results can help clinicians localize the palatine
      foramina in patients with and without maxillary molars and to predict the depth
      of a needle to anaesthetise the maxillary nerve with greater success when
      performing surgical procedures in the hard and soft palate.

PMID- 22055652
TI  - MicroRNAs in viral gene regulation.

PMID- 22055653
TI  - Clinical and neurobiological correlates of soluble amyloid precursor proteins in
      the cerebrospinal fluid.
AB  - BACKGROUND: According to a widely accepted hypothesis, the amyloid precursor
      protein (APP) is processed by two competing pathways: the amyloidogenic beta
      secretase-mediated pathway or the nonamyloidogenic alpha-secretase-mediated
      pathway. APP is cleaved preferentially through the nonamyloidogenic pathway in
      normal brain, whereas the balance shifts to the amyloidogenic pathway in
      Alzheimer's disease (AD). The levels of the alpha-secretase-cleaved soluble APP
      (sAPPalpha) and beta-secretase-cleaved soluble APP (sAPPbeta) in cerebrospinal
      fluid (CSF) are likely to reflect these competing mechanisms. METHODS: We
      investigated the levels and the relationship between sAPPalpha and sAPPbeta in
      the CSF of 64 patients with mild AD, 76 patients with mild cognitive impairment,
      and 12 cognitively healthy control subjects, as well as the effect of
      apolipoprotein E genotype and sex on soluble APP levels. RESULTS: There was a
      significant positive correlation between sAPPalpha and sAPPbeta levels in all
      three groups. sAPPalpha and sAPPbeta concentrations were higher in patients with
      mild cognitive impairment compared with patients with AD. In the AD group,
      females exhibited higher sAPPalpha and sAPPbeta levels than males. No influence
      of the apolipoprotein E genotype on soluble APP concentrations was detected.
      DISCUSSION: The positive correlation between sAPPalpha and sAPPbeta challenges
      the hypothesis that AD is caused by an imbalance of the alpha- and beta-secretase
      APP proteolysis through competing mechanisms. Moreover, the differences in CSF
      levels of sAPPalpha and sAPPbeta between male and female patients with AD may
      reflect a "sexual dimorphism" in the activity of the two APP processing pathways
      in AD.

PMID- 22055655
TI  - Antimicrobial prophylaxis in women with recurrent urinary tract infections.
AB  - Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) in women are common, result in
      considerable morbidity and expense, and can be a management problem for
      clinicians. Behavioural changes can be useful antimicrobial-sparing measures in
      the prevention of recurrent UTIs, but antimicrobial prophylaxis may be necessary
      in those who continue to have recurrences. Continuous prophylaxis, post-coital
      prophylaxis and intermittent self-treatment with antimicrobials have all been
      demonstrated to be effective in the prevention of recurrent uncomplicated UTIs.
      The decision as to which approach to use depends upon the frequency and pattern
      of recurrences and willingness of the patient to commit to a specific regimen.
      The risk of adverse events, including antimicrobial resistance, patient's
      lifestyle and compliance and plans for a pregnancy also need to be considered.
      The choice of antimicrobial should be based upon the susceptibility pattern of
      the organisms causing the patient's previous UTIs and history of drug allergies.

PMID- 22055654
TI  - Cognitive impairment in nondemented oldest-old: prevalence and relationship to
      cardiovascular risk factors.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence and types of cognitive impairment in a
      sample of nondemented participants aged >=90 (the oldest-old) and to examine the
      relationships between cognitive impairment and cardiovascular risk factors.
      PARTICIPANTS: The participants were 420 nondemented individuals from The 90+
      Study, a study of aging and dementia in the oldest-old. These participants were
      categorized into four nonoverlapping groups: normal cognition, amnestic mild
      cognitive impairment (aMCI), nonamnestic MCI (naMCI), and other cognitive
      impairment (OCI). History of cardiovascular risk factors was assessed through
      self-report. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of cognitive impairment in
      nondemented participants was 34.0% (95% CI: 29.5-38.5). The prevalence of OCI was
      highest (17.4%; 95% CI: 13.9-21.4), followed by aMCI (8.3%; 95% CI: 5.9-11.4) and
      naMCI (8.3%; 95% CI: 5.9-11.4). Normal cognition was present in 66.0% (95% CI:
      61.2-70.5) of participants. History of hypertension and stroke were the only risk
      factors that varied between the groups, occurring more frequently in participants
      with naMCI (chi(2) = 3.82; P < .05) and OCI (chi(2) = 5.51; P < .05).
      CONCLUSIONS: This study found a high prevalence of cognitive impairment in a
      sample of nondemented oldest-old. We did not find a strong relationship between
      cardiovascular risk factors and the cognitive impairment groups, other than
      between hypertension and naMCI and stroke and OCI. Future studies comparing the
      incidence of dementia in these groups will ultimately determine their predictive
      utility in the oldest-old.

PMID- 22055656
TI  - Extreme selenium and tellurium contamination in soils--an eighty year-old
      industrial legacy surrounding a Ni refinery in the Swansea Valley.
AB  - Elevated levels of selenium (maximum 200 mg/kg) and tellurium (maximum 11 mg/kg)
      are reported in topsoils (<5 cm) from around a long-established nickel refinery
      at Clydach in the Lower Swansea Valley, UK. Se and Te are correlated with each
      other and when these data are plotted as contour diagrams they show a concentric
      pattern centred on the refinery site. The origin of the Se and Te contamination
      is investigated. A review of the changes in the refinery practices at the site is
      presented and used to link the soil contamination to industrial pollution which
      took place over 80 years ago. The most recent air quality data available cannot
      rule out some Se contamination up to 2003.

PMID- 22055657
TI  - Modelling phosphorus dynamics in multi-branch river systems: a study of the Black
      River, Lake Simcoe, Ontario, Canada.
AB  - High rates of nutrient loading from agricultural and urban development have
      resulted in surface water eutrophication and groundwater contamination in regions
      of Ontario. In Lake Simcoe (Ontario, Canada), anthropogenic nutrient
      contributions have contributed to increased algal growth, low hypolimnetic oxygen
      concentrations, and impaired fish reproduction. An ambitious programme has been
      initiated to reduce phosphorus loads to the lake, aiming to achieve at least a
      40% reduction in phosphorus loads by 2045. Achievement of this target
      necessitates effective remediation strategies, which will rely upon an improved
      understanding of controls on nutrient export from tributaries of Lake Simcoe as
      well as improved understanding of the importance of phosphorus cycling within the
      lake. In this paper, we describe a new model structure for the integrated dynamic
      and process-based model INCA-P, which allows fully-distributed applications,
      suited to branched river networks. We demonstrate application of this model to
      the Black River, a tributary of Lake Simcoe, and use INCA-P to simulate the
      fluxes of P entering the lake system, apportion phosphorus among different
      sources in the catchment, and explore future scenarios of land-use change and
      nutrient management to identify high priority sites for implementation of
      watershed best management practises.

PMID- 22055658
TI  - Chemical composition and quality attributes of goat meat and lamb.
AB  - Chemically, goat meat had significantly (P < 0.05) less intramuscular fat and
      significantly (P < 0.001) more moisture than lamb. The sarcoplasmic protein
      concentration of the goat meat was significantly (P < 0.001) greater than that of
      lamb while the myofibrillar protein concentration was similar in the two species.
      Goat meat was darker red in colour than lamb. It had significantly (P < 0.001)
      superior water-holding capacity and less cooking losses than lamb. Meat flavour
      was significantly (P < 0.05) less strong in goat meat than in lamb.

PMID- 22055659
TI  - Influence of breeding systems on pH and histochemical properties of muscle fibres
      in porcine M. semimembranosus.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to investigate pH values, fibre type frequency and
      histological features of Semimembranosus muscle of 15 pigs subjected to three
      breeding systems. The A group was raised in a large paddock; the B group animals
      were raised in a collective pen until they reached a live weight of 120 kg and
      then in the same paddock as the A group; the C group was raised in a collective
      pen. Breeding systems had no significant effect on pH values and fibre type
      frequency. Histopathological changes in muscle fibres and connective tissue were
      observed in 12 of the animals studied regardless of the group. However, analysis
      of the incidence of alterations showed a higher frequency of lesions in the B
      group, followed by the C group. Except for one case of DFD meat, muscle
      alterations were not associated with an adverse pH. In addition, regenerating
      fibres, with strong reactivity for neonatal serum, were observed both in
      apparently healthy and in pathological muscle samples.

PMID- 22055660
TI  - Muscle composition of steers treated with the beta-agonist, cimaterol.
AB  - The effect of the beta-adrenergic agonist, cimaterol, on the nature and amount of
      collagen in three individual muscles (Longissimus dorsi, Vastus lateralis and
      Semitendinosus) from young steers was investigated. beta-Agonist-treated animals
      showed similar rates of liveweight gain to those of control animals but the
      weight and protein content of the Longissimus dorsi and Vastus lateralis muscles
      were significantly increased (muscle weights 1216 versus 1494 g, P < 0.05; 514
      versus 642 g, P < 0.01, respectively, for control and cimaterol animals). The
      Semitendinosus muscle, however, showed no significant increase in weight or
      protein content (P > 0.05). The total collagen content and the proportion of heat
      soluble collagen varied considerably between muscles, but no significant muscle *
      treatment interactions were detected (P > 0.05). Cimaterol treatment reduced
      total muscle collagen content (controls 15.2, cimaterol 12.5mg/g fresh tissue, P
      < 0.05) and also reduced the percentage of heat-soluble collagen (controls 18.9%,
      cimaterol 13.0%, P < 0.05).

PMID- 22055661
TI  - Effect of vacuum-packaged frozen storage, after cooking, on the phospholipids of
      Hereford and Bison.
AB  - Changes in the neutral lipid (NL), phospholipid (PL) and their fatty acid (FA)
      profiles in lean samples of cooked and cooked, vacuum-packaged, frozen (28 days)
      Hereford and Bison L. dorsi muscle were analyzed. Samples from Herefords
      contained more saturated fatty acids (SFA) in the neutral lipid fraction than
      Bison. Storage decreased the C(18:2), C(18:3), C(20:1) and C(20:4) content of the
      NL. Bison samples contained more total PL and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) than
      Hereford. Storage decreased the content of the least polar of the PL which were
      eluted in the solvent front (fraction 1), phosphatidylinositol (PI),
      phosphatidylserine (PS), PE and sphingomyelin (SPH). In the combined PL fraction,
      there were no differences in the FA profile of Bison and Hereford. Storage
      resulted in a decrease in the content of C(18:2), C(20:4), unsaturated fatty acid
      (UFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) in the combined PL fraction. In the
      PE fraction, Bison samples contained more C(20:4) and PUFA than Hereford. Storage
      had no effect on the FA profile of PE. The LPC fraction of Bison samples
      contained more saturated SFA, UFA and PUFA than Hereford, and with storage these
      FA decreased. Cooked frozen storage also decreased SFA, UFA and PUFA in PC/LPE.

PMID- 22055662
TI  - Quantitative determination of myoglobin and haemoglobin in beef by high
      performance liquid chromatography.
AB  - Three different HPLC columns were tested for their suitability for the analysis
      of myoglobin and haemoglobin in beef. Complete separation of the two proteins was
      obtained with an anion exchange column and a column based on hydrophobic
      interaction. With the latter column a recovery close to 100% was obtained for
      both proteins when they were added to meat extracts. For both proteins, the
      standard error of the mean for repeated analyses of ground beef was less than 2%
      of the detected amount. The method is considered as suited for quantitative
      routine analysis of myoglobin and haemoglobin in beef and beef products.

PMID- 22055663
TI  - Variation in haem pigment concentration and colour in meat from British pigs.
AB  - Variation in chemically determined total haem pigment concentration and
      instrumentally determined colour was examined in 223 samples of M. longissimus
      dorsi (LD) representative of the majority of slaughter pigs currently produced in
      the UK. Whether pigs were sired by White (Large White or Landrace) or Meat-line
      boars did not affect any measured characteristic but source breeding company
      influenced total haem pigment concentration (P < 0.01). Haem pigment
      concentration was higher in muscles from gilts, compared with castrates, boars
      being intermediate. Gilts also had darker muscles, based on EEL Reflectance
      values (P < 0.05), and lower hue values (P < 0.05). When compared with animals
      fed ad-libitum, restricted-fed pigs had higher concentrations of muscle haem
      pigment (P < 0.001) and this resulted in meat that was slightly darker (P <
      0.05), despite having lower ultimate pH (pHu) (P < 0.05), and had a lower hue
      value (P < 0.001). Measurements of reflectance, total soluble protein and pHu
      indicated that differences in the incidence of potentially pale, soft, exudative
      or dark, firm, dry muscle were unlikely to be important contributors to variation
      in the colour of the meat in this study.

PMID- 22055664
TI  - Calpains and calpastatin distribution in bovine, porcine and ovine skeletal
      muscles.
AB  - The concentration of calpain II and calpastatin was determined in various beef,
      lamb and pork muscles showing very different metabolic and contractile types as
      assessed by measurement of lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), citrate synthetase (CS)
      and ATPase activities. The calpain II: calpastatin ratio, which is a good index
      of the efficiency of this proteolytic system, was also determined. A species
      comparison revealed that while calpastatin level was lowest in pork, the ratio of
      calpain II to calpastatin was highest in this species. For both determinations,
      lamb was intermediate followed by beef. Conversely, the amount of calpain II was
      very similar in the three species. In beef and pork, calpain II content decreased
      as muscle ATPase and LDH activities rose; and conversely increased with CS
      activity; whereas in lamb, the amount of this enzyme was highest in red muscles
      regardless of their speed of contraction. Except for masseter muscle, a
      comparable distribution was observed for calpastatin in beef and pork muscles. In
      lamb, the calplastatin concentration was highest in slow-twitch red muscles,
      intermediate in fast-twitch red muscles and lowest in fast-twitch white muscles.
      Variability of the calpain II: calpastatin ratio with muscle ATPase, LDH and CS
      activities appeared to be both muscle and species dependent. As results for
      masseter muscle are rather unexpected, especially in beef and lamb, this muscle
      was considered separately. The present findings are discussed with regard to the
      conditioning rate of meat from different species and, within one species, from
      different muscles. It was concluded that the conditioning rate may be correlated
      positively to calpain II: calpastatin ratio and negatively to calpastatin
      content. In contrast, no relationship seems to exist between meat ageing rate and
      calpain concentrations.

PMID- 22055665
TI  - Beef tenderness and sarcomere length.
AB  - A wide range of muscle glycolytic rates was produced in 60 beef carcasses by
      applying different forms and periods of electrical stimulation immediately after
      decapitation; a further seven carcasses were not stimulated. The sides were
      subjected to normal chilling, and at 48 h one short loin per carcass was taken
      for tenderness evaluation and determination of sarcomere length (SL). In the 19
      relatively slow-glycolysing loins-those of 3-h pH (pH(3)) above 6.3-tenderness
      extended over almost five panel units on a 1-8 scale, and included both the
      tenderest two and the toughest 10 muscles of the entire study. In the 48 loins of
      pH(3) below 6.3, on the other hand, tenderness ranged over only 2.5 units, and on
      average was a full panel unit higher than that of the high-pH(3) muscles. The
      most striking difference between the two groups, however, was in the relationship
      between toughness and shortening; the correlation of panel tenderness on SL was
      remarkably high in the slow glycolysers (r = 0.84), but negligible in those of
      faster pH decline (r = 0.16). Thus although shortening occurred to about the same
      extent and over the same range in both groups, it influenced tenderness and
      tenderness variability only when glycolysis was quite slow. A loin pH(3) of below
      6.3, however, is unusual in non-stimulated carcasses, so slow glycolysis and the
      very wide tenderness diversity accompanying it must be expected in commercial
      operations that do not use electrical stimulation.

PMID- 22055666
TI  - Effect of salt on oxidative changes in pre- and post-rigor ground beef.
AB  - Pre- and post-rigor beef was ground and salt was added to give 0.0, 0.5, 2.0 and
      4.0% NaCl (w/w). Samples were removed after 0, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h at 4 degrees C
      and analyzed for pH, TBA numbers and percentages of reduced myoglobin (Mb),
      metmyoglobin (MMb) and oxymyoglobin (MbO(2)). After holding for 96 h the samples
      were cooked in a boiling water bath to an internal temperature of 80 degrees C
      and held at 4 degrees C for 48 h before TBA analysis. Pre-rigor grinding and
      salting reduced the post-mortem pH decline and the extent of meat discoloration
      as shown by the differences in the amount of MMb. The extent of lipid oxidation
      as measured by TBA numbers was not significantly different for the pre- and post
      rigor ground salted meat samples, although salt accelerated oxidation during
      storage. Results demonstrated that pre-rigor grinding and salting of beef
      produces a more stable bright red color, which appears to be associated with a
      lower percentage of MMb and a higher ultimate pH in the pre-rigor salted meat.

PMID- 22055667
TI  - Microbiological and sensory characteristics of pork loin chops: Role of
      subcutaneous fat.
AB  - Pork loin chops with the subcutaneous fat attached, without subcutaneous fat and
      the subcutaneous fat that was removed from chops were packaged and stored at 4
      degrees C+/-1 degrees C in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film for 0-6 days or in high
      oxygen barrier (HOB) film for 0-28 days. Aerobic plate counts (APCs) of lean and
      fat of intact chops packaged and stored in either PVC or HOB film did not differ
      (P>0.05) in most comparisons. The APCs of subcutaneous fat portions that were
      packaged and stored separately in HOB film often were higher than those of
      comparable fat samples of intact chops. There was no consistent pattern of
      differences in the microflora of lean and fat samples. Differences in mean scores
      for surface discoloration, off odor and overall appearance of intact chops and
      chops without subcutaneous fat usually were either not significant (P>0.05) or
      inconsistent. Lean color scores of chops with or without subcutaneous fat did not
      differ except that chops with the subcutaneous fat removed were rated higher than
      intact chops during the early periods of storage. Fat color of subcutaneous fat
      packaged and stored separately in HOB film was often rated higher (slightly
      whiter) than that of comparable fat of intact chops.

PMID- 22055668
TI  - The effects of conditioning on meat collagen: Part 2-Direct biochemical evidence
      for proteolytic damage in insoluble perimysial collagen after conditioning.
AB  - The effect of proteolytic attack on unwashed and 6 M urea washed bovine
      perimysial collagen was examined using model systems. Pepsin and cathepsin
      solubilized collagen continuously over 24h (r = 0.95 andr = 0.88 for time course
      of pepsin and cathepsin solubilized collagen). Insoluble perimysium treated with
      pepsin over 24 h resulted in little damage to the insoluble collagenous residue
      remaining, as evidenced by one-dimensional SDS-polyacrylamide gel
      electrophoresis. Insoluble perimysium treated with cathepsin resulted in changes
      to the major peptide bands which were evident after 24 h treatment, visible as
      broadening and 'fuzziness' of bands, decreased staining intensity, loss of high
      molecular weight material and a significant reduction in quantity of all peptides
      when compared with untreated perimysium. The effects of proteolytic action on
      bovine perimysial collagen in vitro and in conditioned meat were investigated by
      means of two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, which provided a
      more sensitive technique for elucidating changes than the one-dimensional method.
      The peptide maps obtained from conditioned insoluble perimysium and from
      insoluble perimysium treated with cathepsin for 24 h were altered relative to the
      unconditioned insoluble perimysium, with the loss of some peptides and generation
      of others. The in vitro case was extreme, but was comparable with samples of
      perimysium from conditioned muscles. The results provide direct biochemical
      evidence for the presence of proteolytic damage in the insoluble perimysial
      collagen matrix of meat after conditioning.

PMID- 22055669
TI  - Fatty acid profiles of the total lipids and lipid oxidation in pork muscles as
      affected by canola oil in the animal diet and muscle location.
AB  - Twelve pigs at about 35 days of age were fed a control diet or test diets
      containing either 10% or 20% canola oil (CO) for 100 days. Four different muscles
      were excised from each carcass at 24 h post-mortem for analyses. Inclusion of 10%
      and 20% CO in the animal diet increased (P < 0.05) the relative amount (weight
      per cent) of unsaturated fatty acids in the total lipids (lipids extracted by 2:1
      chloroform-methanol) by 6.7 and 15.8 percentage points, respectively, from 57.8%
      for the control and also increased (P < 0.05) that of polyunsaturated fatty acids
      by 5.5 and 9.7 percentage points, respectively, from 19.4% for the control. The
      20% CO treatment increased (P < 0.05) the relative amount of monounsaturated
      fatty acids (primarily C18:1) by 6.1 percentage points from 38.4% for the
      control, while the 10% CO treatment had no significant effect. The 10% or 20% CO
      treatment had no significant effect on microsomal enzymic lipid peroxidation
      activity, heme pigment content, nonheme iron content and total lipid
      concentration. Overall lipid oxidation in ground muscle samples stored at 4
      degrees C tended to be higher for the 10% and 20% CO treatment groups than for
      the control. The tendency of increased lipid oxidation by the CO treatments
      apparently resulted from the increased percentages of polyunsaturated fatty
      acids, rather than from changes in catalytic constituents.

PMID- 22055670
TI  - Effects of sugars on post-mortem glycolysis in bovine muscle mince.
AB  - Sternomandibularis muscles from steers were minced, within 75 min of slaughter,
      with sugars or amylases. The minces were held anoxically at 25 degrees C for at
      least 7 h. At times samples were removed and chemically analysed. Glucose (1.5%)
      retarded the post-mortem pH fall, with kinetics similar to those of NaCl (2.0%).
      Typically, 1.5% glucose maintained the pH at 6.1, whereas control mince attained
      5.5. Lesser amounts of glucose had a reduced effect. Other sugars were inactive.
      The metabolic effects of 1.5% added-glucose were compared with those of an iso
      osmotic control, 1.5% added-fructose. For the glucose mince there was no change
      in glucose concentration over 7 h suggesting that the endogenous hexokinase was
      inactive. Further, more glycogen remained in the glucose mince that in the
      control, indicating that glucose inhibited glycolysis. This was confirmed by
      electron microscopy and was reflected in pH and lactate levels. Hexose
      monophosphates were strongly affected by glucose. In the control, their
      concentrations each fell in the first 2 h then increased steadily, as expected.
      In the presence of glucose, their concentrations were initially lower and
      decreased steadily with time. Concentrations of adenosine phosphates were little
      affected by glucose, but downstream products of purine metabolism showed marked
      differences, probably due to enhanced nucleotidase activity above pH 6. Glucose
      plus yeast hexokinase produced a mince with a rigor pH close to normal. The data
      indicated that phosphorylase activity was inhibited by glucose, and suggested
      that glucose was not phosphorylated because of muscle hexokinase inhibitors such
      as glucose-1,6-diphosphate.

PMID- 22055671
TI  - A note on the relationships between measures of water holding capacity in the M.
      longissimus dorsi and total drip loss from butchered pig carcasses during
      storage.
AB  - Twenty pig carcasses were selected to represent a range of meat quality. The
      water holding capacity (WHC) of the M. longissimus dorsi (LD) was estimated using
      several methods and the usefulness of these measures examined to predict the
      overall loss in weight from the butchered carcasses when jointed and displayed in
      a manner corresponding to a retail situation. There was a linear relationship
      between the logarithms of percentage loss in weight of the butchered carcass and
      days of display time. The total weight loss from the butchered carcasses after 5
      days ranged from 2.2 to 6.4% and the best relationship with this weight loss was
      for WHC assessed by loss of exudate from slices of LD suspended in netting bags
      for 72 h at 1 degrees C (r = 0.88, P < 0.001). Measures of WHC based on high or
      low speed centrifugation, or a filter paper press method, gave slightly poorer
      correlations. However, all WHC methods except low speed centrifugations gave
      correlations which were better than those with pH measured at 45 min post mortem,
      or reflectance or Fibre Optic Probe Values at 24 h post mortem.

PMID- 22055672
TI  - Editor's Note. Bringing Gender Home: Implementing Gender-Responsive HIV/AIDS
      Programming for U.S. Women And Girls.

PMID- 22055673
TI  - Recommendations from "Bringing Gender Home: Implementing Gender-Responsive
      HIV/AIDS Programming for U.S. Women and Girls".

PMID- 22055674
TI  - Gender, race + geography = jeopardy: marginalized women, human rights and HIV in
      the United States.
AB  - Across the United States, laws, policies, and practices put women living with HIV
      in jeopardy. In particular, the dignity, health, and well-being of women living
      with and at risk for HIV as well as the health and well-being of their families
      and communities is hampered by punitive laws and policies. Laws and policies that
      do not meet, or worse, criminalize women's sexual and reproductive rights result
      in the economic, social and political deprivation of marginalized women and girls
      and especially those living with and at risk of HIV. These laws and policies
      exacerbate an already outsized HIV epidemic in underserved communities, and
      communities of color in the United States. This article draws from and builds on
      a human rights workshop that took place as part of the forum "Bringing Gender
      Home: Implementing Gender Responsive HIV/AIDS Programming for US Women and
      Girls," sponsored by the Office of Women's Health. It focuses on the damaging
      impact of laws, policies, and practices that criminalize women's sexuality. These
      laws significantly impact the well-being of women living with and at risk for
      HIV, and have an impact on the capacity of poor women of color in the United
      States to fully exercise their rights. When laws that purport to protect public
      health have the result of limiting women's reproductive choices, or have a
      disproportionate impact on marginalized groups such as sex workers, fundamental
      breaches of women's rights occur.

PMID- 22055675
TI  - Sexual and reproductive health and rights: integration as a holistic and rights
      based response to HIV/AIDS.
AB  - For decades, donors, governments, and civil society have recognized the
      importance of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) in efforts to
      alleviate poverty and advance gender equality and women's rights. More recently,
      in the battle against HIV/AIDS--and given the unique challenges the pandemic
      presents for health and development--the global community has acknowledged the
      benefits of synergizing sexual and reproductive health and HIV/AIDS
      interventions. However, the United States has been slow to incorporate lessons
      learned from the international experience when it comes to integrating HIV/AIDS,
      SRHR, and gender equality in the fight against HIV/AIDS. This article highlights
      the importance of SRHR and lessons learned from SRHR-HIV integration to inform
      U.S. domestic and global AIDS strategies and interventions.

PMID- 22055676
TI  - Violence prevention among HIV-positive women with histories of violence: healing
      women in their communities.
AB  - Experiences of past and current gender-based violence are common among HIV
      positive women in the United States, who are predominantly from ethnic minority
      groups. However, culturally congruent, feasible interventions for HIV-positive
      women who have experienced past and/or current violence are not widely available.
      The Office on Women's Health Gender Forum has made several recommendations for
      responding to the National HIV/AIDS Strategy Implementation Plan, including
      recommendations to incorporate gender-based violence prevention into a
      comprehensive, gender-responsive national strategy. This paper draws on an
      example of a community-based project for HIV-positive women, the Healing Our
      Women Project, to illustrate how violence prevention can be achieved within peer
      led and community-based programming. Strong community partnerships,
      responsiveness to community needs and local cultural norms, a trained workforce,
      and culturally competent care are programmatic cornerstones of gender-responsive
      services. HIV-positive women with histories of gender-based violence and risk
      factors for current and future violence deserve the highest quality gender
      responsive services to ensure that they can address their health needs within
      contexts of safety and respect.

PMID- 22055677
TI  - Keeping our hearts from touching the ground: HIV/AIDS in American Indian and
      Alaska Native women.
AB  - HIV/AIDS is a critical and growing challenge to American Indian and Alaska Native
      (AIAN) women's health. Conceptually guided by the Indigenist Stress-Coping Model,
      this paper explores the historical and contemporary factors implicated in the HIV
      epidemic among AIAN women and the co-occurring epidemics of sexual violence and
      substance abuse. The authors also outline multiple indicators of resiliency in
      AIAN communities and stress the need for HIV prevention interventions for AIAN
      women to capitalize on cultural and community strengths.

PMID- 22055678
TI  - Priority issues concerning HIV infection among women.
AB  - During the last decade, the enormous impact the global HIV epidemic was having on
      women's health was fully recognized. However, this recognition has not wholly
      extended to the domestic setting; in much of the United States, the dominant
      focus remains on HIV infection among men who have sex with men. The relatively
      low prevalence of HIV infection among U.S. women (a huge population group) versus
      men who have sex with men and injection drug users (much smaller groups)
      contributes to the perception that HIV is not a major domestic women's health
      consideration.

PMID- 22055679
TI  - HIV/AIDS programming in the United States: considerations affecting transgender
      women and girls.
AB  - To be truly gender responsive, HIV/AIDS programming for women and girls also
      needs to be fully gender inclusive. Gender identity is not necessarily determined
      by one's sex assigned at birth and not everyone is only or always simply "male"
      or "female." Transgender women (transwomen) and girls are those individuals whose
      gender identity and/or expression do not align with the "male" sex they were
      assigned at birth. This definition is inclusive of a diverse population whose
      identities, language, communities, and behaviors may vary widely. However, based
      on recent increases in public health literature that aims to elucidate the social
      context that puts transwomen and girls at risk for adverse health outcomes, we
      offer some formative considerations for the implementation of gender-responsive
      and gender-inclusive HIV/AIDS programming in the United States.

PMID- 22055680
TI  - Preventing HIV in U.S. women and girls: a call for social action.
AB  - Successes in HIV prevention efforts in the U.S. have resulted in drastic
      reductions in the number of new infections in the U.S. among white gay men and
      injection drug users, a stabilization in overall annual rates of new HIV
      infections, and near eradication of mother-to child transmission of HIV. Despite
      this remarkable progress, the proportion of AIDS cases in women has slowly,
      quietly, and steadily increased from 7% in 1985 to 25% in 2008. The fact the
      prevention efforts have not reduced HIV spread among women suggests that
      targeting the individual behaviors of women to prevent HIV acquisition is not a
      sufficiently effective public health strategy. Interventions that more broadly
      address the needs of women and their families, and address the contextual factors
      in which HIV risk occurs are more likely to lead to measurable and sustainable
      progress. Over the past 30 years, we have seen the U.S. HIV epidemic in women
      become similar to patterns of HIV risk among women in the developing world. In
      2009, 85% of women who acquired HIV became infected through sex with a man and
      the majority (83%) of them were non-white women. Efforts to understand these
      immense disparities and create gender-responsive strategies must be a priority
      within our National HIV/AIDS Strategy.

PMID- 22055681
TI  - Functional nanoscale organization of signaling molecules downstream of the T cell
      antigen receptor.
AB  - Receptor-regulated cellular signaling often is mediated by formation of
      transient, heterogeneous protein complexes of undefined structure. We used single
      and two-color photoactivated localization microscopy to study complexes
      downstream of the T cell antigen receptor (TCR) in single-molecule detail at the
      plasma membrane of intact T cells. The kinase ZAP-70 distributed completely with
      the TCRzeta chain and both partially mixed with the adaptor LAT in activated
      cells, thus showing localized activation of LAT by TCR-coupled ZAP-70. In resting
      and activated cells, LAT primarily resided in nanoscale clusters as small as
      dimers whose formation depended on protein-protein and protein-lipid
      interactions. Surprisingly, the adaptor SLP-76 localized to the periphery of LAT
      clusters. This nanoscale structure depended on polymerized actin and its
      disruption affected TCR-dependent cell function. These results extend our
      understanding of the mechanism of T cell activation and the formation and
      organization of TCR-mediated signaling complexes, findings also relevant to other
      receptor systems.

PMID- 22055682
TI  - 18F-FDG uptake on PET in primary mediastinal non-thymic neoplasm: a
      clinicopathological study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The usefulness of 2-[(18)F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose ((18)F-FDG)
      positron emission tomography (PET) has been investigated in thymic epithelial
      tumors. However, little is known about PET imaging of (18)F-FDG in primary non
      thymic mediastinal neoplasms. The aim of this study is to explore the
      clinicopathological significance of (18)F-FDG PET in primary mediastinal (non
      thymic) neoplasms. METHODS: Twenty-one patients with mediastinal neoplasms who
      underwent (18)F-FDG PET before treatment were included in this study. Tumor
      sections were stained by immunohistochemistry for glucose transporter 1 (Glut1);
      glucose transporter 3 (Glut3); hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1alpha);
      hexokinase I; vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF); microvessels (CD34);
      epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR); Akt/mTOR signaling pathway (p-Akt and p
      mTOR); cell cycle control (p53). RESULTS: Seventeen of 21 patients were imaged on
      PET system using (18)F-FDG, but 4 patients with a histology of cyst showed
      nothing abnormal in PET scans. The histology of the resected tumors was as
      follows: 6 schwannoma, 3 teratoma, 4 cyst, 3 sarcoma, 1 undifferentiated
      carcinoma, 1 seminoma, 1 mediastinal goiter, 1 ganglioneuroma, and 1 Hodgkin
      lymphoma. (18)F-FDG uptake was significantly correlated with Glut1, HIF-1alpha,
      EGFR, p-Akt and p-S6K. These biomarkers were highly expressed in schwannoma,
      teratoma and high grade malignancies, whereas all patients with cyst and
      ganglioneuroma had no positive expression of these biomarkers. High uptake of
      (18)F-FDG was significant associated with Glut1, VEGF, EGFR, p-Akt, p-S6K and
      tumor maximal size. CONCLUSION: The amount of (18)F-FDG uptake in primary
      mediastinal non-thymic neoplasms is determined by the presence of glucose
      metabolism (Glut1), hypoxia (HIF-1alpha) and upstream components of HIF-1alpha
      (EGFR, p-Akt and p-S6K).

PMID- 22055683
TI  - Three-dimensional volume rendering digital subtraction angiography in comparison
      with two-dimensional digital subtraction angiography and rotational angiography
      for detecting aneurysms and their morphological properties in patients with
      subarachnoid hemorrhage.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), which can cause mortality and severe
      morbidity, is a serious condition whose underlying cause must be determined. We
      aimed to compare 2D digital subtraction angiography (2DDSA), rotational
      angiography (RA) and 3D volume rendering digital subtraction angiography
      (3DVRDSA) for detecting aneurysms and their morphological properties in patients
      with subarachnoid hemorrhage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: After an initial diagnosis
      of SAH with computed tomography, 122 patients (52 males and 70 females with a
      mean age of 47.77 +/- 12.81 ranging between 20 and 83 years) underwent 2DDSA
      imaging, RA and 3DVRDSA imaging for detection of aneurysms. The location of the
      aneurysm, the best working angles, the dome/neck ratios, the largest diameter of
      the aneurysm, the shape of the aneurysm, the presence of spasms or
      pseudostenoses, and the relationship to the neighboring arteries were recorded.
      RESULTS: 2DDSA missed 15.6% of the aneurysms that had a mean size of 2.79 +/-
      0.74 mm. RA was superior to 2DDSA for detecting aneurysm neck, and 3DVRDSA was
      superior to RA for detecting aneurysm neck. 3DVRDSA conclusively depicted the
      shape of the aneurysms in all patients. 3DVRDSA imaging was superior to 2DDSA and
      RA in the detection of the aneurysm relationship to neighboring arteries. The
      sensitivity and specificity of 3DVRDSA imaging for the detection of vasospasms
      were 100 and 84%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: 3DVRDSA imaging is superior to 2DDSA
      and RA for detecting intracranial aneurysms and their morphological properties,
      especially those of small, ruptured aneurysms. However, 2DDSA should not be
      neglected in cases of vasospasm.

PMID- 22055684
TI  - Perfusion measurement of the whole upper abdomen of patients with and without
      liver diseases: initial experience with 320-detector row CT.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To report initial experience of upper abdominal perfusion measurement
      with 320-detector row CT (CTP) for assessment of liver diseases and therapeutic
      effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-eight patients who were suspected of
      having a liver disease underwent CTP. There were two patients with liver
      metastases, two with hemangiomas, and four with cirrhosis (disease group). CTP
      was repeated for four patients with cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
      after therapy. Hepatic arterial and portal perfusion (HAP and HPP) and arterial
      perfusion fraction (APF), and arterial perfusion (AP) of pancreas, spleen,
      stomach, and intra-portal HCC were calculated. For disease-free patients (normal
      group), the values were compared among liver segments and among pancreatic and
      gastric parts. The values were compared between groups and before and after
      therapy. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in the normal group
      except between APFs for liver segments 3 and 5, and fundus and antrum. Mean HAP
      and APF for the disease group were significantly higher than for the normal
      group. APF increased after partial splenic embolization or creation of a
      transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt. HPP increased and AP of intra
      portal HCC decreased after successful radiotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: 320-Detector row
      CT makes it possible to conduct perfusion measurements of the whole upper
      abdomen. Our preliminary results suggested that estimated perfusion values have
      the potential to be used for evaluation of hepatic diseases and therapeutic
      effects.

PMID- 22055685
TI  - Congenital renal anomalies in patients with classic bladder exstrophy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the proportion and type of renal anomalies that occur in
      children born with classic bladder exstrophy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All patients
      in a database of 1044 patients with the bladder exstrophy-epispadias-cloacal
      exstrophy complex were reviewed. Those with classic bladder exstrophy had their
      complete medical records reviewed and children with radiographic evidence of
      congenital renal anomalies were identified and characterized. RESULTS: A total of
      674 patients were identified with classic bladder exstrophy, of whom 462 had
      renal ultrasounds at the authors' institution. In this population, 13/462 (2.8%)
      had concomitant renal anomalies. The most common malformation was a duplicated
      collecting system in 6 patients. Hypoplastic or absent kidneys were present in 3
      patients, pelvic kidney in 2, ureteropelvic junction obstruction in 1, and
      multicystic dysplastic kidney in 1 patient. CONCLUSION: Isolated renal anomalies
      occur at a rate of 2.8% in children born with classic bladder exstrophy. Although
      uncommon in this rare birth defect, anatomic understanding of the entire
      genitourinary system is critical for operative planning and long-term follow-up
      of patients with bladder exstrophy.

PMID- 22055686
TI  - A more "conventional" way to perform percutaneous endopyeloplasty: a feasibility
      study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Percutaneous endopyeloplasty is a horizontal suturing of the
      endopyelotomy incision via a unique percutaneous tract. We present a feasibility
      study of our technique of percutaneous endopyeloplasty using a conventional
      suture with a laparoscopic needle holder via the nephroscope. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: A longitudinal endopyelotomy incision is performed through a 24-Fr
      working sheath placed via an upper calyx. Then an initial suture is placed,
      approximating the endopyelotomy incision distal and proximal apex, using a
      conventional absorbable 13-mm needle suture with a lengthened 3.5-mm pediatric
      laparoscopic needle holder, via the nephroscope. If possible, an additional 2
      sutures are eventually placed, 1 on either side of the initial midline suture.
      RESULTS: Percutaneous endopyeloplasty, using a conventional suture with a
      pediatric laparoscopic needle holder via a nephroscope, is technically possible,
      reproducible, and effective, and was performed in 10 consecutive patients. The
      tissue approximation provides a fast, full thickness ureteral healing.
      Endopyelotomy horizontal suturing leads to a wider caliber reconstruction of the
      ureteropelvic junction. CONCLUSION: Percutaneous endopyeloplasty is a promising
      technique. Our procedure for endopyeloplasty is technically feasible and
      effective, with little need for highly specialized equipment. However, further
      technical experience and longer follow-up in a larger group of patients are
      necessary for more development of this technique.

PMID- 22055687
TI  - SIU Scholar: Dr. Ahmed Muhammed.

PMID- 22055688
TI  - Simultaneous laparoendoscopic single-site radical nephrectomy for native kidney
      and open nonischemic partial nephrectomy to treat concomitant renal cell
      carcinomas in native and transplant kidneys and to preserve allograft function.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To report a technique of minimally invasive radical nephrectomy for a
      native renal cell carcinoma (RCC) and nonischemic open partial nephrectomy for a
      transplant kidney RCC with only a laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) incision.
      Concomitant RCCs in a native and transplant kidneys are very rare. Conventional
      surgical approach requires a long incision. METHODS: A 50-year-old man 14 years
      after renal transplant was found incidentally to have concomitant RCCs in his
      native right kidney and transplant kidney. A right lower abdomen Gibson incision,
      along his transplant wound, was used initially for LESS right radical nephrectomy
      and lymphadenectomy, and that same wound was used for a nonischemic open partial
      nephrectomy in the transplant kidney. RESULTS: The LESS right radical nephrectomy
      took 3.25 hours with estimated blood loss (EBL) of 80 mL and the partial
      nephrectomy for the transplant kidney took 3 hours with EBL of 220 mL. No
      transfusion was required. Pathologic examination revealed both tumors to be RCC,
      clear cell type, and 6.5 cm in the right native kidney and 2.8 cm in the
      transplant kidney. The final wound measured 9 cm. Postoperative recovery was
      uneventful with inpatient narcotic requirement of 37 mg morphine sulfate
      equivalent, and oral intake of food resumed in 2.5 days. His allograft function
      was well preserved with a serum creatinine unchanged (1.4 mg/dL) at discharge.
      CONCLUSION: In a patient with concomitant tumors in a native kidney and a
      transplant kidney, this unique approach provides exceptional benefits of
      minimally invasive tumor excision for both tumors, and good preservation of renal
      function.

PMID- 22055689
TI  - Risk factors for progressive deterioration of semen quality in patients with
      varicocele.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the risk factors for progressive deterioration of semen
      quality (PDSQ) in adult patients with varicocele. METHODS: A total of 32 men with
      left varicocele and impaired semen quality (group 1) and 30 age-matched patients
      with left varicocele and normal semen quality (group 2) were recruited for the
      present study. All the subjects received conservative treatment, and the
      parameters for evaluation every 12 months included semen quality, peak retrograde
      flow (PRF) and spontaneous venous reflux by color Doppler ultrasonography, body
      mass index, serum concentration of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing
      hormone, prolactin, testosterone, testicular volume and discrepancy, grade of
      varicocele, and scrotal temperature. RESULTS: The mean follow-up time was 63.2
      months (range 60-66). The patients in group 1 had a significantly greater PRF,
      lower testicular volume, greater testicular volume discrepancy, lower
      testosterone level, higher scrotal temperature, and greater follicle-stimulating
      hormone level than those in group 2 at first. The semen quality deteriorated in
      28 subjects (87.5%) in group 1, but in only 6 patients (20%) in group 2 during
      follow-up. Furthermore, the 6 subjects with PDSQ in group 2 had greater PRF and
      scrotal temperature than those without. CONCLUSION: The rate of PDSQ was
      significantly greater in the varicocele patients with an initially abnormal semen
      quality than in those with initially normal semen quality (87.5% vs 20%).
      Furthermore, the varicocele patients with initially normal semen quality who had
      greater PRF and scrotal temperature might have a greater risk of PDSQ.

PMID- 22055690
TI  - Interactions between cholinergic and prostaglandin signaling elements in the
      urothelium: role for muscarinic type 2 receptors.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To characterize the interactions between the cholinergic and
      prostaglandin signaling systems within the urothelium-lamina propria of the
      guinea pig and elucidate the role of muscarinic receptors in these interactions.
      METHODS: The urothelium-lamina propria was isolated from guinea pig bladders, cut
      into strips (5*10 mm), and maintained in vitro. The tissue was either stretched
      or left unstretched but exposed to 2'(3')-O-(4-benzoylbenzoyl)adenosine-5'
      triphosphate tri(triethylammonium) salt, arecaidine, and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2).
      Acetylcholine and PGE2 release was measured using a GeneBLAzer M3 CHO-K1-bla cell
      reporter assay and an enzyme immunoassay, respectively. The role of the
      muscarinic type 2 and 3 (M2 and M3, respectively) receptors and nitric oxide in
      mediating PGE2 release was determined in the presence of the muscarinic
      antagonists 11-[(2-[(diethylamino)methyl]-1-piperidinyl)acetyl]-5,11-dihydro-6H
      pyrido[2,3b][1,4] benzodiazepin-6-one and darafenicin and a nitric oxide donor
      (NONOate). RESULTS: Acetylcholine release was detected in response to stretch and
      in the unstretched preparations exposed to PGE2 or the adenosine triphosphate
      analog 2'(3')-O-(4-benzoylbenzoyl)adenosine-5'-triphosphate tri(triethylammonium)
      salt. The cholinergic agonist arecaidine induced a concentration-dependent
      production of PGE2 (half-maximal concentration 75 nM). The arecaidine stimulation
      of PGE2 production was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by the antagonist
      AFDX-116 (M2>M3; half-maximal inhibition 110 nM) but not darifenacin (M3>>M2).
      Finally, in the presence of the nitric oxide donor, NONOate, arecaidine
      stimulated PGE2 production was inhibited. CONCLUSION: These observations
      demonstrate that complex signal interactions occur within the urothelium
      involving acetylcholine, adenosine triphosphate, nitric oxide, and PGE2. In
      addition, the data have demonstrated a role for muscarinic M2 receptors and
      nitric oxide in the cholinergic regulation of PGE2 production in the bladder
      wall.

PMID- 22055691
TI  - Prostate sampling by 12-core biopsy: comparison of the biopsy results with tumor
      location in prostatectomy specimens.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze the diagnostic performance of individual prostate biopsy
      cores. The 12-core transrectal prostate biopsy scheme has emerged as a standard
      of care. However, quality of sampling may vary in different areas of the prostate
      included in this procedure. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Two-hundred fifty men underwent
      radical prostatectomy at our institution. All participants had a systematic 12
      core transrectal prostate biopsy containing lateral and medial cores from each
      side of the apical, medial and basal thirds of the prostate. Biopsy results were
      matched with histologic maps of the prostatectomy specimens. Sensitivity,
      negative predictive value (NPV), and overall accuracy were calculated for each
      biopsy core location and compared between different groups of cores. In addition,
      patients in the upper quartile of prostate weight were compared with the rest of
      the cohort. RESULTS: Sensitivity, NPV, and overall accuracy were significantly
      lower for apical cores. Average NPV and overall accuracy of basal and mid-lateral
      biopsies were inferior to those of medial biopsies on the same levels. However,
      sensitivity of these lateral cores was similar to that of the medial cores.
      Sensitivities of apical and mid cores were significantly lower in patients with
      larger prostates. CONCLUSION: Decreased accuracy in lateral mid- and basal cores
      results from higher frequencies of cancer in corresponding prostate areas, and
      therefore additional samples should be taken at these locations. In addition,
      diagnostic accuracy of apical cores may be improved through better targeting of
      the prostatic apex. This may be particularly important in patients with larger
      prostates.

PMID- 22055692
TI  - Racial differences in the prevalence of overactive bladder in the United States
      from the epidemiology of LUTS (EpiLUTS) study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To estimate the prevalence of overactive bladder (OAB) in men and
      women in the United States (US) to determine whether there were racial
      differences. METHODS: This was a secondary analysis of data from the EpiLUTS
      (Epidemiology of Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms) survey, an Internet-based cross
      sectional, population-representative epidemiologic survey conducted in the US,
      UK, and Sweden. These analyses were limited to the data of men and women aged 40
      and older from the US. The presence of OAB was defined as experiencing urinary
      urgency or urinary urgency incontinence. Case definitions of OAB symptoms were
      categorized as occurring at least "sometimes." Prevalence rates of OAB were
      estimated by race. Logistic regression analyses were conducted for each gender to
      examine the role of race on OAB status, controlling for risk factors and comorbid
      conditions. RESULTS: The response rate in the US was 59.6%. A total of 9237 men
      and 10,407 women self-identified their race and were included in the analytic
      sample. The prevalence of OAB at least "sometimes" ranged from 26% in Asian men
      to 33% in African American men. Similarly, the prevalence of OAB at least
      "sometimes" was lowest in Asian women (27%) and highest in African American women
      (46%). Race was predictive of OAB in men but not for women. CONCLUSIONS: The
      prevalence of OAB ranged from 26-33% across races for men and from 27-46% across
      races for women. African American and Hispanic race is predictive of OAB for men
      but not for women.

PMID- 22055693
TI  - Utility of urothelial mRNA markers in blood for staging and monitoring bladder
      cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To test the efficiency of 6 mRNA bladder markers in staging urothelial
      cell carcinoma (UCC) and monitoring UCC dissemination from blood samples.
      METHODS: From 2002 to 2009, 347 blood samples were collected from 150 patients
      with UCC and 29 healthy controls. Sequential blood sampling was performed in
      patients undergoing cystectomy at surgery and 6, 12, 18, and 24 months
      postoperatively. The median follow-up was 33 months. The presence of KRT20,
      FXYD3, C10orf116, UPK2, AGR2, and KRT19 markers in blood was evaluated in all
      patients and controls by measuring the gene expression using preamplified cDNA
      and reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Gene expression
      data were correlated with the tumor risk, follow-up, and outcomes data. RESULTS:
      Expression of C10orf116 and KRT19 genes differed between patients and controls
      (P<.001). KRT20, C10orf116, and AGR2 differentiated between low- and high-risk
      nonmuscle-invasive bladder cancer (P=.001, P=.011, and P=.001, respectively).
      FXYD3 differentiated between patients with high-risk nonmuscle-invasive bladder
      cancer and those with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (P=.009). In contrast, the 6
      markers showed no differences in gene expression between metastatic and patients
      without metastases who had not undergone cystectomy (P=NS). None of the markers
      were significantly increased in the metastatic patients at 6, 12, 18, or 24
      months after surgery. CONCLUSION: The gene expression of bladder-specific mRNA
      markers in blood was different among the various tumor risk groups of patients
      with UCC. However, this gene expression analysis is not suitable for predicting
      metastases or monitoring UCC hematogenous dissemination in patients who have
      undergone cystectomy.

PMID- 22055694
TI  - Silent ureteral stones: impact on kidney function--can treatment of silent
      ureteral stones preserve kidney function?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To report our experience with silent ureteral stones and expose their
      true influence on renal function. METHODS: We analyzed 506 patients who had
      undergone ureterolithotripsy from January 2005 to May 2010. Silent ureteral
      stones were calculi found in the absence of any specific or subjective ureteral
      stone-related symptoms. Of the 506 patients, 27 (5.3%) met these criteria (global
      cohort). All patients were assessed postoperatively with dimercaptosuccinic acid
      scintigraphy (DMSA). A difference in relative kidney function of >10% was
      considered abnormal. Pre- and postoperative comparative DMSA analyses were
      electively obtained for 9 patients (kidney function cohort). A t test was used to
      assess the numeric variables, and the chi-square test or Fisher's exact test was
      used for categorical variables. Two-tailed P<.05 was considered statistically
      significant. RESULTS: Stones were diagnosed by radiologic abdominal evaluation
      for nonurologic diseases in 40% and after previous nephrolithiasis treatment in
      33%. The primary therapy was ureterolithotripsy in 88%. The mean follow-up time
      was 23 months. The overall ureteral stone-free rate after 1 and 2 procedures was
      96% and 100%, respectively. In the global cohort, the mean pre- and postoperative
      serum creatinine levels were similar (P=.39), and the mean postoperative function
      on DMSA was 31%. In the kidney function cohort, no difference was found between
      the pre- and postoperative DMSA findings (22%+/-12.1% vs 20%+/-11.8%; P=.83) and
      serum creatinine (0.8+/-0.13 mg/dL vs 1.0+/-0.21 mg/dL; P=.45). CONCLUSION:
      Silent ureteral stones are associated with decreased kidney function present at
      the diagnosis. Hydronephrosis tends to diminish after stone removal, and kidney
      function remains unaltered.

PMID- 22055695
TI  - Clinical outcomes of intracavernosal injection in postprostatectomy patients: a
      single-center experience.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical outcomes of intracavernosal injection (ICI)
      use in an undifferentiated group of men with erectile dysfunction at various
      stages after radical prostatectomy. METHODS: Retrospective charts, mailed
      questionnaires, and a telephone survey of patients after radical prostatectomy
      prescribed ICI by a single urologist from January 2006 to January 2008. The
      patient demographics and prostate cancer profiles, current ICI use patterns,
      adverse outcome, and clinical efficacy were collected. RESULTS: A total of 117
      patients completed the questionnaire. The mean age was 65+/-6.2 years, and the
      patients had undergone radical prostatectomy 4.1+/-2.7 years earlier. Most
      patients had hypertension (38%) and dyslipidemia (26%); 51% of the patients
      actively used ICI, with a median of 3 attempts monthly. Sixty-eight percent of
      all patients were sexually active (98% of ICI users vs 36% of ICI nonusers,
      P<.001). In the sexually active patients, ICI was associated with significantly
      greater International Index of Erectile Function scores (20.8+/-4.1 vs 16.0+/
      6.9, P=.008). ICI was most frequently discontinued because of patient-perceived
      ineffectiveness (48%), pain (21%), and prolonged erections (11%). Twenty-eight
      percent of patients had erections lasting longer than they had wished at some
      point in their treatment, with 10% incidence of priapism. CONCLUSION: ICI use
      among patients after prostatectomy can be highly effective but has a significant
      attrition rate (49%). The identification of reasons for discontinued use can aid
      healthcare providers to support patients in the early period after adoption of
      ICI and to direct their counseling more effectively.

PMID- 22055696
TI  - Impact of radiological technologists on the outcome of shock wave lithotripsy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the correlation of radiological technologists (RTs) and
      the outcome of shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) in terms of fluoroscopy time,
      fragmentation rate, and stone-free rate. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A retrospective
      review of a prospectively collected database of 601 SWL treatments between June
      2009 and March 2010 was performed. Patients with radiolucent stones were
      excluded. SWL was done by 6 RTs with different levels of experience. Follow up
      was available for 534 treatments. Multivariate analysis was performed. RESULTS:
      RTs (A-F) performed 144, 109, 118, 58, 57, and 48 SWL sessions, respectively.
      There was no statistical difference among RTs in terms of mean stone size or
      stone location. Compared with other RTs, RT A had a significantly lower mean
      fluoroscopy time of 129 seconds (95% CI 120.8-137.3) (P <.001), higher stone-free
      rate (75.7%; P = .035), and stone fragmentation rate after a single SWL session
      (82.6%; P = .004). After correcting for stone size and location, fluoroscopy time
      (P <.001), fragmentation rate (P = .002), and stone-free rate (P = .04)
      maintained their significance. When comparing the top 3 RTs performing >100 SWL
      sessions, RTs B and C had significantly higher fluoroscopy time compared with RT
      A (OR [95% CI] 1.84 [1.38-2.45]; P <.001 and 2.67 [2.00-3.57]; P <.001),
      respectively. After correcting for stone size and location, RT B had
      significantly lower fragmentation rate when compared with RT A (OR [95% CI] 0.21
      [0.05-0.86], P = .03]. However, there were no significant differences among the
      top 3 RTs in terms of stone-free rates. CONCLUSION: RTs significantly differ in
      fluoroscopy usage in addition to stone fragmentation and stone-free rates.

PMID- 22055698
TI  - Efficiency of protein extraction and recovery from meat industry by-products.
AB  - Data concerning the efficiency of protein extraction from meat waste tissues are
      presented. The tissues investigated were the lungs, stomach and small and large
      intestines of the ox, sheep and pig. Practically all of the protein, with the
      exception of connective tissue proteins, was solubilised under optimum extraction
      conditions both with alkali and anionic detergent. The disadvantages of
      isoelectric precipitation of alkaline extracted proteins have been investigated
      in detail using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis incorporating sodium dodecyl
      sulphate (SDS). The compositions of the protein isolates from the various tissues
      studied differed from those of the soluble extracts and supernatants or wheys.
      However, a component of MW 75,000 daltons was characteristic of the wheys from
      each tissue. The compositions of both isolates and wheys are discussed in the
      light of structural and cytoplasmic proteins present in smooth muscle tissues.
      The usefulness of anionic polysaccharides as a means of whey protein recovery is
      discussed, together with similar benefits achieved using SDS.

PMID- 22055697
TI  - Neuroaxonal dystrophy in Australian Merino lambs.
AB  - Neuroaxonal dystrophy (NAD) is a morphological abnormality in man and animals
      that is characterized by the occurrence of numerous axonal swellings (spheroids)
      in the nervous system. NAD has been described in Suffolk lambs in the USA, Merino
      lambs in Australia and several breeds of sheep in New Zealand. This paper
      describes the clinicopathological changes of only the second occurrence of NAD
      reported in Merino lambs. There were some features (myelin loss, gliosis and
      visual impairment) in these Australian cases that have not been reported
      previously in ovine NAD. Application of immunohistochemical markers of axonal
      transport suggested that disruption of this transport mechanism contributed to
      spheroid development.

PMID- 22055699
TI  - The influence of temperature on some parameters for dry sausage during ripening.
AB  - There are several processing parameters which are important for the production of
      good quality dry sausage. One of these is ripening temperature. In this study
      ripening temperatures of 15, 20, 25 and 30 degrees C for zervelat sausage in 60
      mm calibre casings, and using starter culture, were compared by measurement of
      pH, firmness, water activity, water content and weight loss during a 28-day
      period. The results of the study showed that temperature of ripening directly
      influences the rate of development of firmness and pH fall in the dry sausage.
      The velocity of ripening increased with ripening temperature so that a 5 Celsius
      degree increase in temperature approximately doubled the rate. The firmness
      increased as the pH dropped below 5.4. Water activity decreased continuously, the
      rate increasing as the ripening temperature was increased. Water content behaved
      similarly. At the lowest ripening temperature (15 degrees C) the pH did not drop
      below 5.2. Higher ripening temperatures resulted in a slightly higher ultimate
      firmness of the dry sausage.

PMID- 22055700
TI  - Use of a conditioned stimulus to study whether the initiation of electrical pre
      slaughter stunning is painful.
AB  - In an attempt to determine whether electrical pre-slaughter stunning is painful,
      sheep were conditioned to expect stunning by exposure to a light for 5 sec before
      the current was applied. Sheep in five groups received 90 V, 50 Hz, for 3, 6, 9,
      12 and 15 sec, respectively. The heart rate, packed cell volume (PCV) and plasma
      glucose levels were used to assess the physiological response of the sheep to
      electrical stunning. After daily exposure to this regime for eleven days, the
      light stimulus was applied, but was not followed by stunning. The heart rate was
      not affected by the light. Both PCV and plasma glucose levels showed marked
      increases when stunning followed exposure to the light. Neither value rose on the
      twelfth day, when exposure to the light was not followed by stunning. It is
      concluded that the initiation of electrical stunning was not a painful experience
      to the sheep in this experiment. No attempt was made to assess the depth or
      duration of insensibility following stunning.

PMID- 22055701
TI  - Review of the flavour-contributing volatiles and water-soluble non-volatiles in
      pork meat and derived products.
AB  - In relation to the problem of meat flavour, volatile and minor non-volatile
      components of raw, cooked and pre-cured cooked pork meat (carbonyls, sulphur
      compounds, volatile fatty acids, alcohols and other volatiles, nucleotides and
      their decomposition products, free fatty acids) are considered. Quantitative
      changes in some of the components, as effected by technological treatments such
      as heating, curing and curing and heating, are compared. The possibility of
      evaluating the quality of heated cured pork products by the hydrogen
      sulphide/mercaptan ratio is indicated.

PMID- 22055702
TI  - Early-postmortem cooling rate and beef tenderness.
AB  - Four distinct early-postmortem cooling rates (as measured within the longissimus
      muscle) were obtained by exposing one side of each of five fat and five lean
      steers to moving air at -2 degrees  and the other to 9 degrees  static air. Loin
      steaks of the fastest cooling group were found to be the least tender and to have
      the shortest sarcomeres; the three remaining groups differed significantly from
      each other in tenderness but not in sarcomere length. For all twenty sides,
      regardless of treatment group, tenderness was highly dependent on, and almost
      linearly related to, the muscle temperature attained at 2 hours post mortem (27
      40 degrees ), the relationship deteriorating rapidly as longer time intervals and
      lower temperature ranges were considered. The results indicate that (1) except in
      very rapidly chilled lean carcasses, cold shortening is not a significant
      determinant of tenderness; (2) the enhanced tenderness of slowly chilled beef is
      not due primarily to the relatively prolonged avoidance of shortening-inducive
      temperatures but to the accompanying retardation of cooling during the first 2-4
      hours post mortem, when muscle temperatures are still far above those associated
      with cold shortening and (3) the generally recognised superior tenderness of well
      finished beef is largely (and perhaps entirely) a consequence of slower cooling
      during this very early-postmortem period.

PMID- 22055704
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 22055703
TI  - Developments in meat science-1 Edited by R. A. Lawrie, Applied Science Publishers
      Ltd, London. xii + 245 pp. 1980, Price: L17.00.

PMID- 22055705
TI  - Effects of normal, light/normal or double stunning on the incidence and severity
      of blood splash in lambs.
AB  - One-hundred-and-twenty lambs were divided into three equal groups which were
      subjected to head electrical anaesthesia before bleeding. The normal group was
      stunned and bleeding was initiated within 5 to 8 s. The light/normal group was
      partially stunned and then treated as the normal group after a delay of 10s. The
      double stunned group was electrically anaesthetised, allowed to recover and then
      restunned and bleeding was initiated within 5 to 8 s. The light/normal and double
      stunning procedures increased the incidence and severity of carcass blood splash
      compared with normal stunning but the increase was less than that sometimes seen
      in normal mobs of head-stunned sheep and which occurs for unknown reasons.

PMID- 22055706
TI  - Tissue growth patterns in the carcasses of water buffalo and friesian crossbred
      cattle: Part 2-individual bones and anatomical bone groups.
AB  - Twelve Egyptian buffalo, nine ? Friesian * ? Egyptian native Baladi (half
      Friesian) and nine ? Friesian * ? half Friesian (three-quarter Friesian) bulls
      were serially slaughtered between 161 and 560 kg for buffaloes and between 176
      and 448 kg for cattle. Anatomical dissection data from the left sides of the
      carcasses were used to examine the growth of individual bones and bone groups. No
      significant genetic differences with respect to the growth patterns of bones
      relative to total side bone were reported, indicating that bones followed similar
      patterns in buffaloes and cattle. Differential growth of bones occurred following
      an increase of impetus from cervical vertebrae to os sacrum and with growth
      coefficients for bones of the forelimb correspondingly higher than for the
      hindlimb and the entire axial and appendicular skeletons following, respectively,
      late- and early-maturing patterns. Some significant, though minor, differences
      between buffaloes and cattle were found when weights of individual bones were
      adjusted to constant side bone weight. As compared with Friesian crosses,
      buffaloes had more weight of the ribs and less weight of the vertebral column in
      the axial skeleton, and more weight of radius-and-ulna and less weight of scapula
      in the forelimb at equal total bone. There were no significant differences
      between buffaloes and Friesian crossbreds in the proportion of total bone
      occurring in the entire hindlimbs and forelimbs and in the distribution of total
      bone between axial and appendicular skeletons.

PMID- 22055707
TI  - Moisture mobility in meat emulsion during thermal processing: Analysis of slab
      moisture profile.
AB  - A determination of the moisture distribution in meat emulsion slab at several
      process times as a function of its composition and temperature, and smokehouse
      relative humidity, with a technique and model for determining the corresponding
      moisture mobility are presented. The moisture diffusivity was increasing with the
      decrease in the fat-protein ratio and increase in the product temperature and
      moisture concentration and follows an Arrhenius type relationship. The moisture
      profiles in the meat emulsion during processing were very steep at the product
      surface.

PMID- 22055708
TI  - Electrical stimulation of rats: A model for evaluating low voltage stimulation
      parameters.
AB  - Anaesthetised rats, used either before or after exsanguination, provided a useful
      preparation with which to measure muscle tension from the M. triceps surae and
      follow pH changes from the M. longissimus dorsi due to stimulation. With square
      wave pulses (5 ms duration) the minimum voltage required to elicit a tension
      response from the M. triceps surae was 0.1 V when applied via the tibial branch
      of the sciatic nerve and nearly 3 V when applied directly across the muscles.
      Maximum responses were achieved by 2 V applied to the nerve or 5-8 V across the
      muscle. The fusion frequency was higher than the ox, occurring at about 30 pulses
      per second. There was no response (with voltages less than 8 V) from the same
      preparation when the rats were curarised. Tension responses of curarised rats,
      approaching those of normal direct stimulation, were achieved around 20-40 V.
      Stimulation of the whole rat carcass at 20 V resulted in a pH fall in the M.
      longissimus dorsi and M. triceps surae. most of which occurred in the first 30 s.
      The rate of fall of pH following stimulation of M. longissimus dorsi was
      approximately 0.6 pH units per hour, being considerably greater than the 0.4 pH
      units per hour for unstimulated rats. As the ultimate pH of rats was high (pH 6.1
      6.3), short stimulation times had to be used to avoid asymptotic portions of the
      curve. Although responses of rat muscles are different from those of bovine or
      ovine muscles, they show many of the principles which can be used to evaluate
      stimulation characteristics.

PMID- 22055709
TI  - The tensile properties of frozen and thawed lean beef.
AB  - The tensile properties of frozen beef are relevant to many size reduction
      operations in frozen meat processing. The tensile properties of lean beef aligned
      both along, and perpendicular to, the fibre direction have been studied over the
      temperature range +10 degrees C to -30 degrees C and over a range of strain
      rates. Strain rate had an effect on tensile strength and other tensile parameters
      for frozen beef with either fibre orientation. Two distinct types of behaviour
      were observed. At the higher temperatures (e.g. -5 degrees C and -10 degrees C
      for beef oriented perpendicular to the fibre direction) there was a rise in
      tensile strength with increase in strain rate. This viscoelastic fracture
      behaviour can be attributed to the viscoelastic character of meat proteins and
      also to the plasticity of ice. At the lower temperatures (e.g. -15 degrees C to 
      30 degrees C for beef oriented perpendicular to the fibre direction) there was a
      decrease in tensile strength with increase in strain rate. This fracture
      behaviour can be attributed to the brittleness of ice. Temperature had a marked
      effect on all tensile parameters. The maximum tensile strength at most strain
      rates occurred in the temperature range -10 degrees C to -20 degrees C, and the
      strength was lower at -30 degrees C than at -20 degrees C.

PMID- 22055710
TI  - The ultra rapid chilling of pork.
AB  - Pork carcasses and sides were ultra rapidly chilled in air at -30 degrees C and 1
      m/s for 4 h and compared with controls chilled in air at 0 degrees C and 0.5 m/s
      for 24 h. All the required heat was removed during the 4-h process, there was a
      1% saving in evaporative weight loss, the pork could be cut and packed
      immediately and there were no important differences in appearance and
      bacteriological quality. The loin from sides, but not carcasses, froze during
      chilling and showed a fourfold increase in drip loss. Loins from both sides and
      carcasses were tougher than the controls.

PMID- 22055711
TI  - Benzophenone-containing fatty acids and their related photosensitive fluorescent
      new probes: design, physico-chemical properties and preliminary functional
      investigations.
AB  - Hydrophobic photoaffinity labeling is a powerful strategy to identify hydrophobic
      segments within molecules, in particular membrane proteins. Here we report the
      design and synthesis of a novel family of fluorescent and photosensitive lipid
      tools, which have a common amino acid scaffold functionalized by three groups:
      (i) a first fatty acid chain grafted with a photoactivatable benzophenone moiety
      (Fatty Acid BenzoPhenone, FABP), (ii) a second fatty acid chain to ensure
      anchoring into a half-bilayer or hydrophobic environment, and (iii) a fluorescent
      carboxytetramethylrhodamine headgroup (CTMR) to detect the photolabeled compound.
      We present data of the synthesis and characterization of three lipid tools whose
      benzophenone ring is situated at various distances from the central scaffold. We
      could therefore establish structure/properties relationships dependent upon the
      depth of insertion of benzophenone into the membrane. Our lipid tools were
      extensively characterized both physico- and bio-chemically, and we assessed their
      functionality in vitro using bacterioRhodopsin (bR). We thus provide the
      scientific community with novel and reliable tools for the identification and
      study of hydrophobic regions in proteins.

PMID- 22055712
TI  - Thio- and aminocaffeine analogues as inhibitors of human monoamine oxidase.
AB  - In a recent study it was shown that 8-benzyloxycaffeine analogues act as potent
      reversible inhibitors of human monoamine oxidase (MAO) A and B. Although the
      benzyloxy side chain appears to be particularly favorable for enhancing the MAO
      inhibition potency of caffeine, a variety of other C8 oxy substituents of
      caffeine also lead to potent MAO inhibition. In an attempt to discover additional
      C8 substituents of caffeine that lead to potent MAO inhibition and to explore the
      importance of the ether oxygen for the MAO inhibition properties of C8 oxy
      substituted caffeines, a series of 8-sulfanyl- and 8-aminocaffeine analogues were
      synthesized and their human MAO-A and -B inhibition potencies were compared to
      those of the 8-oxycaffeines. The results document that the sulfanylcaffeine
      analogues are reversible competitive MAO-B inhibitors with potencies comparable
      to those of the oxycaffeines. The most potent inhibitor, 8-{[(4
      bromophenyl)methyl]sulfanyl}caffeine, exhibited an IC(50) value of 0.167 MUM
      towards MAO-B. While the sulfanylcaffeine analogues also exhibit affinities for
      MAO-A, they display in general a high degree of MAO-B selectivity. The
      aminocaffeine analogues, in contrast, proved to be weak MAO inhibitors with a
      number of analogues exhibiting no binding to the MAO-A and -B isozymes. The
      results of this study are discussed with reference to possible binding
      orientations of selected caffeine analogues within the active site cavities of
      MAO-A and -B. MAO-B selective sulfanylcaffeine derived inhibitors may act as lead
      compounds for the design of antiparkinsonian therapies.

PMID- 22055713
TI  - Synthesis and antimalarial evaluation of novel isocryptolepine derivatives.
AB  - A series of mono- and di-substituted analogues of isocryptolepine have been
      synthesized and evaluated for in vitro antimalarial activity against chloroquine
      sensitive (3D7) and resistant (W2mef) Plasmodium falciparum and for cytotoxicity
      (3T3 cells). Di-halogenated compounds were the most potent derivatives and 8
      bromo-2-chloroisocryptolepine displayed the highest selectivity index (106; the
      ratio of cytotoxicity (IC(50)=9005 nM) to antimalarial activity (IC(50)=85 nM)).
      Our evaluation of novel isocryptolepine compounds has demonstrated that di
      halogenated derivatives are promising antimalarial lead compounds.

PMID- 22055714
TI  - Electron-donating para-methoxy converts a benzamide-isoquinoline derivative into
      a highly Sigma-2 receptor selective ligand.
AB  - The sigma-2 (sigma2) receptor has been suggested to be a promising target for
      pharmacological interventions to curb tumor progression. Development of sigma2
      specific ligands, however, has been hindered by lack of understanding of
      molecular determinants that underlie selective ligand-sigma2 interactions. Here
      we have explored effects of electron donating and withdrawing groups on ligand
      selectivity for the sigma2 versus sigma1 receptor using new benzamide
      isoquinoline derivatives. The electron-donating methoxy group increased but the
      electron-withdrawing nitro group decreased sigma2 affinity. In particular, an
      extra methoxy added to the para-position (5e) of the benzamide phenyl ring of 5f
      dramatically improved (631 fold) the sigma2 selectivity relative to the sigma1
      receptor. This para-position provided a sensitive site for effective manipulation
      of the sigma receptor subtype selectivity using either the methoxy or nitro
      substituent. Our study provides a useful guide for further improving the sigma2
      over-sigma1 selectivity of new ligands.

PMID- 22055715
TI  - Relevance of the C-5 position to schweinfurthin induced cytotoxicity.
AB  - The schweinfurthins are an intriguing group of anti-proliferative agents that
      display low nanomolar activities against several cell types, including the human
      derived glioblastoma cell line SF-295, but have little impact on other cell lines
      even at micromolar concentrations. This activity has inspired the synthesis of
      seven of the natural schweinfurthins, all with the correct absolute
      stereochemistry, and a variety of analogues designed to probe different facets of
      the pharmacophore. Reported herein is the synthesis of several new schweinfurthin
      analogues varied at the C-5 position along with data on their biological activity
      in the NCI 60 cell-line assay.

PMID- 22055716
TI  - Further structure-activity relationship studies on 8-substituted-3-[2
      (diarylmethoxyethylidenyl)]-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane derivatives at monoamine
      transporters.
AB  - The synthesis and structure-activity relationships of 8-substituted-3-[2
      (diarylmethoxyethylidenyl)]-8-azabicyclo[3.2.1]octane derivatives were
      investigated at the dopamine transporter (DAT), the serotonin transporter (SERT)
      and norepinephrine transporter (NET). The rigid ethylidenyl-8
      azabicyclic[3.2.1]octane skeleton imparted modestly stereoselective binding and
      uptake inhibition at the DAT. Additional structure-activity studies provided a
      transporter affinity profile that was reminiscent of the structure-activity of
      GBR 12909. From these studies, the 8-cyclopropylmethyl group has been identified
      as a unique moiety that imparts high SERT/DAT selectivity. In this study the 8
      cyclopropylmethyl derivative 22e (DAT K(i) of 4.0 nM) was among the most potent
      compounds of the series at the DAT and was the most DAT selective ligand of the
      series (SERT/DAT: 1060). Similarly, the 8-chlorobenzyl derivative 22g (DAT K(i)
      of 3.9 nM) was found to be highly selective for the DAT over the NET (NET/DAT:
      1358).

PMID- 22055717
TI  - Synthesis and evaluation of inhibitors of bacterial drug efflux pumps of the
      major facilitator superfamily.
AB  - Inhibitors of drug efflux pumps have great potential as pharmacological agents
      that restore the drug susceptibility of multidrug resistant bacterial pathogens.
      Most attention has been focused on the discovery of small molecules that inhibit
      the resistance nodulation division (RND) family drug efflux pumps in Gram
      negative bacteria. The prototypical inhibitor of RND-family efflux pumps in Gram
      negative bacteria is MC-207,110 (Phe-Arg-beta-naphthylamide), a C-capped
      dipeptide. Here, we report that C-capped dipeptides inhibit two chloramphenicol
      specific efflux pumps in Streptomyces coelicolor, a Gram-positive bacterium that
      is a relative of the human pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Diversity
      oriented synthesis of a library of structurally related C-capped dipeptides via
      an Ugi four component reaction and screening of the resulting compounds resulted
      in the discovery of a compound that is threefold more potent as a suppressor of
      chloramphenicol resistance in S. coelicolor than MC-207,110. Since
      chloramphenicol resistance in S. coelicolor is mediated by major facilitator
      superfamily drug efflux pumps, our findings provide the first evidence that C
      capped dipeptides can inhibit drug efflux pumps outside of the RND superfamily.

PMID- 22055718
TI  - Structure-activity relationships of chalcone analogs as potential inhibitors of
      ADP- and collagen-induced platelet aggregation.
AB  - In an effort to develop potent antiplatelet agents, 12 O-prenylated (2-13) and 10
      O-allylated (14-23) chalcones were synthesized and screened for in vitro
      inhibitory effects on aggregation of washed rabbit platelets induced by ADP (20
      MUM) and collagen (10 MUg/mL). In addition, the platelet aggregation activity of
      previously synthesized Mannich bases of heterocyclic chalcones (MBHC) (24-62) was
      evaluated. The preliminary structure-activity relationships suggested that the
      antiplatelet activity was governed to a great extent by the presence of a pyridyl
      ring-B and a hydroxy group at position C-3' in ring-A of the MBHC templates.

PMID- 22055719
TI  - FUS mutations in sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: clinical and genetic
      analysis.
AB  - Fused in sarcoma (FUS) or translocation in liposarcoma (TLS), a DNA/RNA-binding
      protein, causes a dominant autosomal inherited form of amyotrophic lateral
      sclerosis (ALS), ALS 6. Its main role in neurodegeneration is highlighted by the
      presence of cytoplasmic accumulation of its mutant protein form in ALS patients.
      To further define the frequency and spectrum of FUS gene mutations, we have
      performed a molecular screening of a cohort of 327 Italian patients from Southern
      Italy with sporadic ALS (SALS). We identified 4 patients carrying 3 different
      missense mutations and several polymorphisms. Two different substitutions
      occurring in the same amino acidic position have been observed in 2 patients:
      R521G and R521C respectively; P525L mutation has been found in 2 additional
      cases. Most of the patients with FUS mutations showed early symptom onset and had
      short disease survival. We also detected 4 different polymorphic variants (3'
      untranslated region [UTR] variant, c.*41G>A; c.523+3ins[GAGGTG]; c.335
      15del[TTTT]; and rs13331793) in 9 patients from within our cohort. This study
      underlines the importance of population-based mutation screening of newly
      identified genes.

PMID- 22055720
TI  - Letter regarding Flecher et al. "Cancer on a pacemaker lead" - is it MICE
      (Mesothelial Incidental Cardiac Excrescence)?

PMID- 22055722
TI  - Effect of frozen storage and protective packaging on lipid oxidation in pork
      backfat with slightly increased levels of polyenoic fatty acids.
AB  - Backfats with slightly increased levels of polyenoic fatty acids (up to about
      15.0%) were obtained by fattening pigs with diets containing increasing amounts
      of corn cob mix (an ensiled corn and cob mixture). The diet with the highest CCM
      content was also supplemented with 100ppm dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate. Cuts of
      backfat were stored up to 9 months at -20 degrees C in the dark, packed under
      vacuum (Suprovac bags) and in polyethylene pouches. During and after storage no
      evidence of rancidity was observed for any of the samples. With regard to lipid
      oxidation, no significant advantage of sealing under vacuum, compared with
      packaging in polyethylene pouches, was observed. Lipids in the backfats produced
      on the diet supplemented with dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate appeared slightly more
      stable towards oxidation than the fats obtained with the regular diet. However,
      as a shelf life of over 9 months at -20 degrees C for packaged backfat is
      considered quite acceptable, supplementation of the rations with dl-alpha
      tocopheryl acetate for this commodity does not appear recommendable.

PMID- 22055723
TI  - Controlling growth of Streptococcus faecium in a ham model with heat and
      ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid, tertiary butylhydroquinone or nisin.
AB  - The study described in this paper was designed to test the effect of heat and
      EDTA, TBHQ or nisin on the stability of a ham model with regard to Streptococcus
      faecium. Comminuted ham tissue containing brine and test ingredients was
      inoculated with two strains of Str. faecium and heated for 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120
      min at 68.9 degrees C. Growth was followed during incubation at 7 degrees C and
      37 degrees C. In combination with heating at 68.9 degrees C for 30 min, a stable
      (180 days 7 degrees C) model was obtained by adding (ppm): 400, EDTA; 1000, TBHQ
      or 20, nisin. EDTA and nisin seem promising compounds for enhancing the stability
      of pasteurized ham with regard to Str. faecium.

PMID- 22055724
TI  - Meat from Sudan desert sheep and goats: Part 1-Carcass yield, offals and
      distribution of carcass tissues.
AB  - Twenty yearling, male Sudan desert sheep and a similar number of desert goats
      were used in the study. Within each species the animals were equally divided into
      two groups. Each group was randomly assigned to control or fattened treatment.
      The control group was slaughtered at the beginning of the experiment and the
      fattened group slaughtered after 60 days in feedlot. Feedlot performance,
      slaughter and carcass data were collected. Sheep made faster gains and utilized
      food more efficiently than goats. The difference between sheep and goats (d) in
      overall body gain per head was 4.9 +/- 0.67 kg. Sheep had heavier carcasses (d =
      0.70 +/- 0.19 kg) and side fat (d = 0.19 +/- 0.06 kg) than goats at an equally
      adjusted empty body or side weight, respectively. Goats tended to have 0.02 +/-
      0.04 kg more muscle and 0.06 +/- 0.05 kg more bone than sheep in carcass side.
      The subcutaneous fat was poorly developed in both species. The intermuscular fat
      was more developed, and cavity fat (kidney + thoracic and pelvic cavity fat) less
      developed, in sheep than in goats. It is possible that the unfavourable fat
      distribution in goats may affect cookability and eating quality of their meat.

PMID- 22055725
TI  - Meat from Sudan desert sheep and goats: Part 2-Composition of the muscular and
      fatty tissues.
AB  - Muscle fibre diameter and proximate chemical compositions were investigated in
      forty Sudan desert sheep and goats on two treatments-control and fattened. The
      fatty acid composition of fat depots from the fattened animals was also
      determined. Sheep had thinner fibres, more intramuscular fat and less muscle
      protein than goats. Sheep responded to the nutritional treatment by depositing
      more fat and goats responded by laying down more muscle protein. The fatty acids
      composition of subcutaneous, kidney and intermuscular fat depots was reasonably
      similar in both species but goats tended to have more oleic acid in their fat
      depots than sheep. The results suggest that goat meat is not inferior to mutton
      from a nutritional viewpoint. Consumption of goat meat should be encouraged in
      the Sudan, especially within the low-income groups, to meet their needs for
      protein.

PMID- 22055726
TI  - Testosterone and the incidence of boar taint: Effects of testosterone or
      testosterone propionate on the incidence of boar taint in implanted barrows.
AB  - Boars, barrows and barrows implanted with testosterone or testosterone propionate
      via polydimethylsiloxane (Silastic) capsules were placed on test in individual
      pens at 10 weeks of age. Each animal was slaughtered at 110 kg and evaluated for
      growth rate, efficiency of feed utilization, carcass merit and the incidence of
      objectionable odors (boar taint). Five capsules of testosterone or testosterone
      propionate were used in barrows since they substantially elevated concentrations
      of serum testosterone, decreased serum LH and stimulated weights of the accessory
      sex glands. Large variations within and between litters of pigs were found for
      performance and carcass traits; thus, the influences of castration and
      testosterone replacement therapy on these traits were inconclusive. In contrast,
      the effects of castration and hormone treatment on the incidence of boar taint
      were more definitive. The incidence of boar taint was relatively high in boars,
      according to a consumer taste panel. This characteristic odor was appreciably
      lower in barrows and was not reinstated with either testosterone or testosterone
      propionate implants. These results suggest that testosterone is not itself
      responsible for boar taint and that 5alpha-androstenone, the pheromone most
      closely associated with boar taint, is not produced by peripheral metabolism of
      testosterone. Additional studies are warranted to provide insight into the
      regulation of testicular steroid secretion in the boar and the contribution of
      these steroids to boar taint and protein anabolism.

PMID- 22055727
TI  - Profile of fiber types in muscles from wild pigs native to the United States.
AB  - Histochemical and histological parameters of the longissimus (LD) and
      semitendinosus (dark and light portions) muscles from wild pigs native to
      Florida, USA, were investigated. All three fiber types were present in both
      muscles at varying proportions with typical (red fibers grouped in clumps and
      surrounded by white fibers) fiber arrangements for domestic porcine muscles
      (Cassens, 1971), contrary to the findings by Rahelic & Puac (1981), who examined
      the LD muscle of wild pigs native to Yugoslavia. These authors foud only betaR
      fibers present in the LD muscle. In five of the six pigs in the present study,
      extremely and abnormally large fibers (giant fibers), possessing betaR fiber
      characteristics, were observed. These giant fibers were found in both the LD and
      the semitendinosus (dark and light portions) and were not restricted to the
      periphery of the fasiculi. The presence of these giant fibers suggests some type
      of muscle myopathy syndrome in these pigs.

PMID- 22055728
TI  - The role of IL-15 in challenging Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the functions of in vitro primed Natural Killer (NK)
      cells in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV-1) infection and the role of IL-2, IL
      12 and IL-15 in enhancing the NK survival and activity in terms of viral
      suppression and of purging of HIV provirus. METHODS: Peripheral Blood Mononuclear
      Cells (PBMCs) and CD4+ T lymphocytes cells obtained from eight healthy donors
      were infected in vitro with HIV-1 and p24 was measured with and without IL-2, IL
      12 and IL-15. We studied the effect of NK pulsed in vitro with IL-2, IL-12 and IL
      15 on HIV replication by measurement of p-24 and DNA-provirus load when added
      into the culture of PBMCs and CD4+ T lymphocytes cells infected in vitro. We
      evaluated the effect of NK cells pulsed with IL-2, IL-12 and IL-15 on HIV
      replication and DNA-load into the culture of CD4+ T lymphocytes cells and PBMCs
      by trans-well chamber. RESULTS: We found high levels of p24 in the supernatants
      of PBMCs and CD4+ T lymphocytes cells cultured with IL-2, IL-12, and IL-15. We
      observed a significant reduction of p24 in the culture both of infected PBMCs and
      CD4+ T lymphocytes cells in which was added NK pulsed with IL-15. We did not
      obtain the some results with NK pulsed with IL-2 and IL-12. We observed a power
      effect of NK pulsed with IL-15 on HIV-DNA. The trans-well chamber experiments
      showed that the effect of NK is both direct and both mediated by realizing of
      soluble factors. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights some important effects of IL
      15 on NK in HIV patients anyway our results are preliminary and descriptive and
      others studies will be needed to provide rationale for immune therapies.

PMID- 22055729
TI  - Predictors of successful salpingo-oophorectomy at the time of vaginal
      hysterectomy.
AB  - STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine prognostic factors related to successful salpingo
      oophorectomy in menopausal women at the time of vaginal hysterectomy. DESIGN:
      Retrospective cohort study (Canadian Task Force Classification II-2). SETTING:
      Tertiary care center. PATIENTS: A total of 309 postmenopausal >=60 years old with
      pelvic floor disorders. INTERVENTIONS: Vaginal hysterectomy with attempted
      prophylactic salpingo-oophorectomy. MEASUREMENTS: Factors associated with ability
      to achieve vaginal salpingo-oophorectomy. MAIN RESULTS: 203 (65.7%) achieved
      successful removal of 1 or both ovaries, and 106 (34.3%) were not amenable to
      removal. Younger age and shorter cervical length were predictors of salpingo
      oophorectomy. Cervical elongation of >=7 cm, exteriorized cervical/uterine
      prolapse, and anterior vaginal wall prolapse beyond the hymen were associated
      with lower likelihood of achieving salpingo-oophorectomy. CONCLUSIONS: Patient
      age and cervical length are independent factors that influence the success of
      accomplishing salpingo-oophorectomy at the time of vaginal hysterectomy.

PMID- 22055730
TI  - Microbiological and sensory characteristics of beef loin steaks: Role of
      subcutaneous fat.
AB  - Beef loin steaks with the subcutaneous fat attached, without subcutaneous fat and
      the subcutaneous fat that was removed from steaks were packaged and stored at 4
      degrees C +/- 1 degrees C in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film for 0-6 days and in
      high-oxygen barrier (HOB) film for 0-28 days. Aerobic plate counts (APCs) of
      subcutaneous fat of intact steaks and of subcutaneous fat that was packaged and
      stored separately in PVC and HOB films were greater (P < 0.05) than those of
      comparable lean samples. The APCs of lean of steaks without subcutaneous fat that
      were packaged and stored in HOB film were lower (P < 0.05) than those of the lean
      of intact steaks. APCs of the lean of these two types of steaks packaged and
      stored in PVC film did not differ (P > 0.05). Mean surface discoloration and mean
      overall appearance scores of intact steaks packaged and stored in HOB film were
      greater than those of steaks packaged and stored without subcutaneous fat;
      differences were significant (P < 0.05) after 21 and 14 days, respectively. This
      difference in surface discoloration was attributed to metmyoglobin formation due
      to possibly higher levels of oxygen remaining in the packages of steaks without
      subcutaneous fat than in packages containing steaks with the fat attached.

PMID- 22055731
TI  - Development of backfat and individual fat layers in the pig and its relationship
      with carcass lean.
AB  - The development of backfat (total and individual layers) was monitored in 140
      Yorkshire pigs (71 castrates and 69 gilts) during a growing period extending from
      14.5 kg to 137.0 kg live weight using a serial slaughter procedure. The
      allometric coefficient (b) for fat thickness was calculated at several locations
      extending from the shoulder to the M. gluteus medius at the mid-line and lateral
      to the mid-line. The relationships between backfat (total and individual layers)
      and the yield of trimmed boneless meat were also obtained from 80 carcasses.
      Total backfat was the thickest at the shoulder, decreased gradually to the last
      rib, increased at the maximum loin, decreased to the middle of the M. gluteus
      medius and then increased posterior to the M. gluteus medius. The development of
      total backfat relative to weight at slaughter was generally slowest at the
      shoulder (b = 0.555-0.767), most rapid in the region extending from the 5/6 last
      rib to the last rib b = 0.729-0.810) and intermediate at the loin and in the
      region of the M. gluteus medius (b = 0.609-0.834). The development of the middle
      fat layer (b = 0.609-1.107) was more rapid than that of the outer layer (b =
      0.500-0.817), the inner layer being intermediate (b = 0.515-0.966). Consistent
      with the rate of development observed for the individual fat layers, at light
      weights, the outer layer was usually more predominant, particularly at positions
      above the M. longissimus, whereas, at heavier weights, the middle layer became
      predominant. It was observed that backfat (total or individual layers)
      measurements, which were the most precise predictors of yield of trimmed boneless
      meat, that is, measurements from the 5/6 last rib to the last rib (RSE = 4.6
      3.1), also had the most rapid rate of development. Furthermore, the middle layer
      of backfat which exhibited the fastest rate of development of all three
      individual layers (b = 0.609-1.107), also contributed the most to the observed
      precision (RSE = 4.6-3.1).

PMID- 22055732
TI  - Effects of electrical stimulation, followed by moderate cooling, on meat quality
      characteristics of veal Longissimus dorsi.
AB  - Three groups of male Friesian veal calves (in total, 92) were slaughtered in
      separate series. Within each group, a subgroup (selected on the basis of blood
      characteristics determined 1 week ante mortem) was electrically stimulated
      immediately after bleeding (64 s-Mitab(r) Low voltage unit). Carcasses were
      transferred ca. 25 min post mortem (pm) to a cooler at 6 degrees C and ca 2 h pm
      to a cooler at 3 degrees C. Electrical stimulation (ES) increased brightness and,
      to a lesser extent, yellowness, of the freshly cut surface (6th rib Longissimus
      dorsi, 24 h pm) but resulted also in a diminished water-holding capacity (WHC) of
      the veal meat. The effect of ES on tenderness (Warner-Bratzler shear force, 48 h
      pm) is positive for two of the three groups but negative for the third. This
      indicates that ES probably results in two opposite effects on tenderness
      'toughening', as a result of the sarcomere shortening which occurred in all three
      groups, and 'tenderizing', as a result of microscopical fibre disruption. Our
      data indicate that disadvantages of ES may outweigh advantages when followed by
      moderate cooling.

PMID- 22055733
TI  - Effects of low-voltage electrical stimulation during exsanguination on meat
      quality and display colour stability.
AB  - Five steers from each of four slaughter groups were randomly assigned to a low
      voltage electrical stimulation (LVES) treatment during exsanguination (within 5
      min after stunning) and five served as controls (C). LVES consisted of 50V of 60
      Hz alternating current (1 s on and 1 s off for 2 min). At 28 h, LVES longissimus
      (LM) was lighter in colour, softer, coarser in texture and tended to have lower
      marbling estimates than C. LVES LM steaks were lighter red at 0 and 1 days, but
      more discoloured at 5 days, of display than C steaks. Both the deep (DSM) and
      superficial (SSM) portions of LVES semimembranosus (SM) steaks were lighter red
      at 0 and 1 days of display than C steaks. Water-holding capacity for LVES LM and
      DSM steaks was lower than for C steaks. A trained sensory panel found LVES LM
      steaks to be less juicy and less tender than C steaks. Also, LVES LM steaks had
      greater cooking losses than C steaks in two of the four slaughter groups. We
      conclude that LVES during exsanguination, coupled with relatively slow initial
      chilling, may be detrimental to muscle quality.

PMID- 22055734
TI  - Effects of electrical stimulation and ageing of beef on the gelation properties
      and protein extractability of isolated myofibrils.
AB  - The gelation properties of bovine myofibrils, as evaluated by dynamic rheological
      measurements, were shown to be very sensitive to the variables investigated:
      stimulation and/or ageing of the meat used, presence of 5 mM pyrophosphate and 5
      mM MgCl(2) (PP) and concentration of NaCl (0.3 or 0.M). Statistical evaluation of
      final gel storage moduli (determined at 70 degrees C) revealed ageing to have a
      consistent detrimental effect. Fresh, stimulated processing of meat), gave gels
      of about 40% lower elasticity (storage modulus) than did non-stimulated
      myofibrils; when PP was included in the gel-forming mixture no effect from
      electrical stimulation was seen. In spite of the negative effects observed for
      gel elasticity, the myofibrils in question displayed enhanced protein
      extractability prior to heating. Electrophoretic results suggest myosin
      degradation to be partly responsible.

PMID- 22055735
TI  - A comparison of methods to estimate water-holding capacity in post-rigor porcine
      muscle.
AB  - Water-holding capacity (WHC) of muscle is important because it affects both
      qualitative and quantitative aspects of meat and meat products. For assessment of
      WHC under field and laboratory conditions, there are several methods available,
      but they have not been compared in a single experiment to determine accuracy and
      repeatibility. The Longissimus dorsi from each of 28 porcine loins representing
      three distinct levels of WHC (DFD, PSE, normal) was separated into eighteen parts
      that were randomly assigned to individual methods. The following methods were
      compared: Grau-Hamm and Braunschweiger-Gerat filter paper press techniques using
      five approaches of evaluation for each method; transmission per cent; swelling
      due to added water; centrifugation; 48-h fresh and cooked shrink: imbibition of
      surface fluids, kapillar volumeter, permittivity; and score or weight of surface
      fluids accumulating on filter paper. Results indicated that most methods
      separated the three muscle types. However, the cooking loss tests failed to
      differentiate between PSE and normal samples, and the transmission, imbibition
      and pressed fluid methods did not always distinguish between DFD and normal. The
      tests that appeared to be most reliable included drip loss originating from size
      standardized samples, swelling of homogenized samples by added water and
      absorption of surface fluids on filter paper.

PMID- 22055736
TI  - Letter to the editor.

PMID- 22055737
TI  - Making connections between the brain and behavior. Invited commentary on
      "Disrupted cortical connectivity theory as an explanatory model for autism
      spectrum disorders" by R.K. Kana, L.E. Libero, and M.S. Moore.

PMID- 22055738
TI  - Is the medium the message? Comment on "Emotional voices in context: a
      neurobiological model of multimodal affective information processing" by Bruck et
      al.

PMID- 22055739
TI  - Oxytocin modulates the link between adult attachment and cooperation through
      reduced betrayal aversion.
AB  - An experiment examined whether and how the relationship between individual
      differences in social attachment and cooperation is modulated by brain oxytocin,
      a neuropeptide implicated both in parent-child bonding, and in social approach.
      Healthy males completed a validated attachment style measure, received intranasal
      oxytocin or placebo, and privately chose between cooperation and non-cooperation
      in an incentivized social dilemma with an anonymous stranger. Attachment anxiety-
      the tendency to fear rejection by others--had few effects and was not modulated
      by oxytocin. However, oxytocin interacted with attachment avoidance--the tendency
      to fear dependency and closeness in interpersonal relations. Especially among
      participants high rather than low in attachment avoidance, oxytocin reduced
      betrayal aversion, and increased trust and cooperation compared to placebo.
      Effects of attachment avoidance and oxytocin on cooperation were mediated by
      betrayal aversion, and not by affiliation tendencies.

PMID- 22055740
TI  - Techniques for measuring water-binding capacity in muscle foods-A review of
      methodology.
AB  - Many methods are available for measuring the WHC (water-holding capacity) of
      muscle and muscle products. However, not all WHC methods are suitable for a given
      application and use of an inappropriate method may lead to erroneous conclusions.
      This paper will first briefly describe the mechanism which immobilizes water in
      muscle foods, then review the methods currently used for measuring WHC of muscle
      foods and indicate suitable applications for each method.

PMID- 22055741
TI  - Characterization of green hams from Iberian pigs by fast analysis of subcutaneous
      fat.
AB  - Melting point, slip point, iodine value (fast analyses) and percentage contents
      of fatty acids were determined in subcutaneous fat of hams from Iberian pigs in
      order to study the possibilities of characterizing the type of pig feeding and
      the relationships between the results of fast analysis and fatty acid contents.
      Both types of analyses showed important differences between samples from pigs fed
      on acorn and samples from pigs fed on mixed feeds. When a combination of feeding
      materials (acorn and mixed feeds) was used, the analyses gave intermediate
      results, closer to those obtained with mixed feeds only. On the other hand,
      generally high simple and multiple correlation coefficients (greater than 0.85)
      were obtained between fast analyses and fatty acid contents, which allows
      accurate predictions using regression and canonical correlation analyses.

PMID- 22055742
TI  - Butterfat in rations for pigs fed skimmed whey: Growth rate, feed conversion,
      economics, carcass evaluation and fat quality.
AB  - An experiment was carried out, using 81 castrated male pigs, to estimate the
      effect of adding butterfat (70% fat, 30% buttermilk), as an energy supplement, to
      the rations of pigs fed skimmed whey ad libitum. The rations were fed daily in a
      restricted amount and butterfat added to rations at two levels: T-2 and T-3, 140
      and 280 g/day/animal, respectively. In treatment T-1, no butterfat was added. The
      pigs were weighed every 21 days until they reached average liveweights of 100
      (group 1) or 120 kg (group 2), when they were killed for carcass studies. There
      were significant differences in liveweight gains and feed conversion for the pigs
      supplemented with butterfat. A negative result, from an economical point of view,
      was obtained due to the relatively high price of the butterfat. A higher yield of
      carcass weight on field liveweight was obtained in treatments T-2 and T-3,
      reflecting the higher degree of fatness. The relative carcass length, muscle
      depth and percentage of defatted ham were higher in T-1. Conversely, the relative
      depth of fat was more marked in the groups and treatments that consumed butterfat
      with their rations. Both groups of T-1 yielded the highest percentage of muscle
      and the lowest of fat in their carcasses, the differences from T-2 and T-3 being
      significant. T-2 and T-3 did not differ significantly from one another. There
      were significant differences in the fatty acid composition due to sampling
      location. The differences due to treatment were statistically significant in
      respect of the concentrations of 14:0, 16:1, 17:0, 17:1, 18:0 and 18:1 fatty
      acids. The unusually low concentration of 18:2 in the dissected fat tissues
      produces high quality porcine fats, for use in manifactured and prepared foods.

PMID- 22055743
TI  - Microbial profiles of minced meat.
AB  - Minced meat was examined for microbiological quality and for shelf-life at higher
      temperatures. Total plate counts, coliforms, Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococci
      and psychrotrophs were estimated. Types of bacteria associated with meat spoilage
      were isolated and identified. It was observed that minced meat obtained from
      local retail shops showed significantly higher microbial counts and shorter shelf
      life than that processed under hygienic conditions. The predominant bacteria
      associated with fresh meat were S. aureus, Micrococcus and Escherichia. The
      results revealed that microbial spoilage of meat at higher temperatures was
      mainly due to the growth of mesophilic microorganisms such as Escherichia and S.
      aureus.

PMID- 22055744
TI  - Fatty acid profiles and lipid oxidation in beef steer muscles from different
      anatomical locations.
AB  - Beef muscles at four different anatomical locations (longissimus dorsi, LD; psoas
      major, PM; semimembranosus, SM; semitendinosus, ST) were excised 24 h post-mortem
      from each of 12 steer carcasses and analyzed for total lipids, fatty acid
      proofiles and lipid oxidation catalysts. Also, the accumulation of thiobarbituric
      acid (TBA)-reactive substances in ground muscles stored at 4 degrees C was
      determined. Total lipids and fatty acid composition of total lipid extracts were
      similar among the muscles from different locations. The microsomal enzymic lipid
      peroxidation activity was higher for the ST than for other muscles whereas total
      heme pigment was lower for the ST than for others. The nonheme iron was higher
      for the PM and SM than for the LD and ST. The accumulation of TBA-reactive
      substances in stored, raw ground muscle was highest for the PM and lowest for the
      LD. TBA values of ground muscle samples were positively correlated with heme
      pigment content and microsomal enzymic lipid peroxidation activity while not
      correlated with nonheme iron content. It also was positively correlated with the
      percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids.

PMID- 22055745
TI  - Composition of muscle fibre types and connective tissue in bovine M.
      semitendinosus and its relation to tenderness.
AB  - The distribution of muscle fibre types and connective tissue in bovine M.
      semitendinosus is described. A parallel increase in the volume fraction of type I
      muscle fibres (from 10% to 30%) and a decrease in the IIB volume fraction (from
      58% to 34%) was recorded from superficial to deep layers. A positive correlation
      was observed between the frequency and the cross-sectional area of both type I
      and IIB fibres. The elastic fibres formed irregularly shaped bundles that made up
      about 50% of the volume of the perimysium. Thin elastic fibres extended into the
      endomysium. The relative proportion of elastic fibres in the perimysial
      connective tissue increased towards the deeper layers of the muscle. A taste
      panel evaluation of the sensory properties was performed and the data were
      correlated to the histological observations. A gradual decrease in scores of four
      tenderness-related traits was recorded from the superficial to the deep layer of
      the muscle. The superficial layer was rated as most tender, whereas the
      consecutive layers were rated less tender. The possible relationship between the
      composition of muscle and the meat quality is discussed.

PMID- 22055746
TI  - A volume microstrip RF coil for MRI microscopy.
AB  - Quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies of small samples such as a
      single cell or cell clusters require application of radiofrequency (RF) coils
      that provide homogenous B(1) field distribution and high signal-to-noise ratio
      (SNR). We present a novel design of an MRI RF volume microcoil based on a
      microstrip structure. The coil consists of two parallel microstrip elements
      conducting RF currents in the opposite directions, thus creating homogenous RF
      field within the space between the microstrips. The construction of the microcoil
      is simple, efficient and cost-effective. Theoretical calculations and finite
      element method simulations were used to optimize the coil geometry to achieve
      optimal B(1) and SNR distributions within the sample and predict parameters of
      the coil. The theoretical calculations were confirmed with MR images of a 1-mm
      diameter capillary and a plant obtained with the double microstrip RF microcoil
      at 11.7 T. The in-plane resolution of MR images was 24 MUm * 24 MUm.

PMID- 22055747
TI  - Nuclear norm-regularized SENSE reconstruction.
AB  - SENSitivity Encoding (SENSE) is a mathematically optimal parallel magnetic
      resonance (MRI) imaging technique when the coil sensitivities are known. In
      recent times, compressed sensing (CS)-based techniques are incorporated within
      the SENSE reconstruction framework to recover the underlying MR image. CS-based
      techniques exploit the fact that the MR images are sparse in a transform domain
      (e.g., wavelets). Mathematically, this leads to an l(1)-norm-regularized SENSE
      reconstruction. In this work, we show that instead of reconstructing the image by
      exploiting its transform domain sparsity, we can exploit its rank deficiency to
      reconstruct it. This leads to a nuclear norm-regularized SENSE problem. The
      reconstruction accuracy from our proposed method is the same as the l(1)-norm
      regularized SENSE, but the advantage of our method is that it is about an order
      of magnitude faster.

PMID- 22055748
TI  - Diffusion-weighted imaging in the prostate: an apparent diffusion coefficient
      comparison of half-Fourier acquisition single-shot turbo spin-echo and echo
      planar imaging.
AB  - Prostate cancer detection using diffusion-weighted imaging is highly affected by
      the accuracy of the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values in an image. Echo
      planar imaging (EPI) is a fast sequence commonly used for diffusion imaging but
      has inherent magnetic susceptibility and chemical shift artefacts associated. A
      diffusion sequence that is less affected by these artefacts is therefore
      advantageous. The half-Fourier acquisition single-shot turbo spin-echo (HASTE)
      sequence was chosen. The diffusion sequences were compared in image quality,
      repeatability of the ADC value and the effect on the ADC value with varied b
      values. Eight volunteers underwent three scans of each sequence, on a 1.5-T
      Siemens system, using b values of 0, 150, 300, 450, 600, 750, 900 and 1000
      s/mm(2). ADC maps were created to address the reproducibility of the ADC value
      when using two b values compared to eight b values. The ADC value using all b
      values with the HASTE sequence gave the best performance in all tested
      categories. Both sequences gave significantly different ADC mean values for two b
      values compared to when using eight b values (P<.05) suggesting larger error is
      present when using two b values. HASTE was shown to be an improvement over EPI in
      terms of repeatability, signal variation within a region of interest and standard
      deviation over the volunteer set. The improved accuracy of the ADC value in the
      HASTE sequence makes it potentially a more sensitive tumor detection technique.

PMID- 22055749
TI  - Gas challenge-blood oxygen level-dependent (GC-BOLD) MRI in the rat Novikoff
      hepatoma model.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between gas
      challenge-blood oxygen level-dependent (GC-BOLD) response angiogenesis and tumor
      size in rat Novikoff hepatoma model. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty adult male
      Sprague-Dawley rats (weighting 301-325 g) were used for our Animal Care and Use
      Committee-approved experiments. N1-S1 Novikoff hepatomas were grown in 14 rats
      with sizes ranging from 0.42 to 2.81 cm. All experiments were performed at 3.0 T
      using a custom-built rodent receiver coil. A multiple gradient-echo sequence was
      used for R2* measurements, first during room air (78% N(2)/20% O(2)) breathing
      and then after 10 min of carbogen (95% O(2)/5% CO(2)) breathing. After image
      acquisition, rats were euthanized, and the tumors were harvested for histological
      evaluation. RESULTS: The R2* change between air and carbogen breathing for small
      hepatomas was positive; R2* changes changed to negative values for larger
      hepatomas. We found a significant positive correlation between tumor R2* change
      and tumor microvessel density (MVD) (r=0.798, P=.001) and a significant inverse
      correlation between tumor R2* change and tumor size (r=-0.840, P<.0001).
      CONCLUSIONS: GC-BOLD magnetic resonance imaging measurements are well correlated
      to MVD levels and tumor size in the N1-S1 Novikoff hepatoma model; GC-BOLD
      measurements may serve as noninvasive biomarkers for evaluating angiogenesis and
      disease progression and/or therapy response.

PMID- 22055750
TI  - Effect of off-frequency sampling in magnetic resonance elastography.
AB  - In magnetic resonance elastography (MRE), shear waves at a certain frequency are
      encoded through bipolar gradients that switch polarity at a controlled encoding
      frequency and are offset in time to capture wave propagation using a controlled
      sampling frequency. In brain MRE, there is a possibility that the mechanical
      actuation frequency is different from the vibration frequency, leading to a
      mismatch with encoding and sampling frequencies. This mismatch can occur in brain
      MRE from causes both extrinsic and intrinsic to the brain, such as scanner bed
      vibrations or active damping in the head. The purpose of this work was to
      investigate how frequency mismatch can affect MRE shear stiffness measurements.
      Experiments were performed on a dual-medium agarose gel phantom, and the results
      were compared with numerical simulations to quantify these effects. It is known
      that off-frequency encoding alone results in a scaling of wave amplitude, and it
      is shown here that off-frequency sampling can result in two main effects: (1)
      errors in the overall shear stiffness estimate of the material on the global
      scale and (2) local variations appearing as stiffer and softer structures in the
      material. For small differences in frequency, it was found that measured global
      stiffness of the brain could theoretically vary by up to 12.5% relative to actual
      stiffness with local variations of up to 3.7% of the mean stiffness. It was
      demonstrated that performing MRE experiments at a frequency other than that of
      tissue vibration can lead to artifacts in the MRE stiffness images, and this
      mismatch could explain some of the large-scale scatter of stiffness data or lack
      of repeatability reported in the brain MRE literature.

PMID- 22055751
TI  - An anisotropic images segmentation and bias correction method.
AB  - Intensity inhomogeneities cause considerable difficulty in the quantitative
      analysis of magnetic resonance (MR) images. Thus, bias field correction is a
      necessary step before quantitative analysis of MR data can be undertaken. This
      paper presents an anisotropic approach to bias correction and segmentation for
      images with intensity inhomogeneities and noise. Intensity-based methods are
      usually applied to estimate the bias field; however, most of them only concern
      the intensity information. When the images have noise or slender topological
      objects, these methods cannot obtain accurate results or bias fields. We use
      structure information to construct an anisotropic Gibbs field and combine the
      anisotropic Gibbs field with the Bayesian framework to segment images while
      estimating the bias fields. Our method is able to capture bias of quite general
      profiles. Moreover, it is robust to noise and slender topological objects. The
      proposed method has been used for images of various modalities with promising
      results.

PMID- 22055752
TI  - Zebrafish embryos sequester and retain petrochemical combustion products:
      developmental and transcriptome consequences.
AB  - Zebrafish embryos are a model for studying effects of environmental stressors on
      development. Incomplete combustion of the environmentally relevant volatile
      petrochemical, 1,3-butadiene (BD) yields butadiene soot (BDS) nanoparticles, to
      which polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are adsorbed. In mammalian cells
      these PAHs are concentrated in lipid droplets and trigger up-regulation of
      biotransformation, oxidative stress and inflammatory genes. The present study was
      designed to determine whether: (a) PAH-rich BDS elicits alterations in zebrafish
      embryo development; (b) BDS-exposed zebrafish embryos sequester PAHs in select
      tissues; and (c) developmental abnormalities are correlated with altered gene
      expression patterns. 1-day old zebrafish embryos were exposed for 48 h to BDS (0,
      6, 30 or 60 MUg/ml) sprinkled on the water surface. PAH localization was tracked
      by fluorescence. Developmental responses (pericardial edema, yolk sac swelling,
      axial malformations) were monitored by microscopy. Gene expression changes were
      assessed by gene microarray and qRT-PCR. Our results show that PAHs localized
      with endogenous lipids in the yolk sac and in hatching gland cells. PAHs were
      retained at least 8 days after exposures ended. Dose-dependent pericardial and
      yolk sac edema and axial malformations were prominent and accompanied by up
      regulation of biotransformation and oxidative stress gene cascades. Thus,
      zebrafish embryos should be useful for predicting the potential for developmental
      toxicity following exposure to PAH-rich petrochemical soots, e.g., those arising
      from attempts at oil spill remediation by combustion.

PMID- 22055754
TI  - Weight loss in frankfurters during thermal processing.
AB  - A simplified two-term model was developed to predict the weight loss of
      frankfurters during thermal processing at various process conditions and with
      various product compositions. The model was validated with the experimental data.
      The moisture loss rate was found to be proportional to product temperature and
      inversely proportional to the fat-protein ratio of the product.

PMID- 22055753
TI  - Multilocus sequence analysis provides basis for fast and reliable identification
      of Vibrio harveyi-related species and reveals previous misidentification of
      important marine pathogens.
AB  - Vibrio harveyi and related bacteria are important pathogens responsible for
      severe economic losses in the aquaculture industry worldwide. Phenotypic tests
      and 16S rRNA gene analysis fail to discriminate species within the V. harveyi
      group because these are phenotypically and genetically nearly identical. This
      study used multilocus sequence analysis to identify 36 V. harveyi-like isolates
      obtained from a wide range of sources in Australia and to re-evaluate the
      identity of important pathogens. Phylogenies inferred from the 16S rRNA gene and
      five concatenated protein-coding genes (rpoA-pyrH-topA-ftsZ-mreB) revealed four
      well-supported clusters identified as V. harveyi, V. campbellii, V. rotiferianus
      and V. owensii. Results revealed that important V. campbellii and V. owensii
      prawn pathogens were previously misidentified as V. harveyi and also that the
      recently described V. communis sp. nov. is likely a junior synonym of V. owensii.
      Although the MLSA topologies corroborated the 16S rRNA gene phylogeny, the latter
      was less informative than each of the protein-coding genes taken singularly or
      the concatenated dataset. A two-locus phylogeny based on topA-mreB concatenated
      sequences was consistent with the five-locus MLSA phylogeny. Global Bayesian
      phylogenies inferred from topA-mreB suggested that this gene combination provides
      a practical yet still accurate approach for routine identification of V. harveyi
      related species.

PMID- 22055755
TI  - Effects of body weight, breed and sex on killing-out percentage and non-carcass
      component weights in lambs.
AB  - The effects of carcass weight (15, 17, 19 and 21 kg), breed (Clun Forest,
      Colbred, Suffolk and Hampshire) and sex (castrated male and female) on killing
      out percentage and non-carcass component weights were investigated in 343 lambs.
      Apart from omental fat and diaphragm, the contribution of the components to live
      weight fell as live weight increased (relative growth coefficients on live weight
      were generally < 1.0) and killing-out percentage increased from 47.5% at 33 kg to
      50.8% at 44 kg live weight. In any particular carcass weight group, Cluns, the
      fattest breed, had the highest killing-out percentage and the lowest offal
      weights of all the breeds and females, the fatter sex, had slightly lower offal
      weights than castrated males. In both cases the probable explanation was that the
      fatter types were more developed and not that there were specific effects on
      organ or offal weights. Some carcass measurements were related to killing-out
      percentage and suggested a positive association between conformation and killing
      out percentage. However, the measurements encompassed fat, as well as muscle and
      bone, and it was concluded that the primary effect on killing-out percentage was
      one of fatness rather than conformation.

PMID- 22055756
TI  - A repeat national survey (ten years on) of muscle pH values in commercial bacon
      carcasses.
AB  - Measurements of M. longissimus pH values at 45 min post mortem (pH(1)) were taken
      in a total of 5383 commercial bacon weight carcasses at fourteen bacon factories
      and meat plants in 1980/81. Comparable pH(2) values at 24 h post mortem were
      taken in a further 5150 carcasses. The overall mean pH(1) was 6.38 +/- 0.29 (SD)
      with 12.8% of values less than 6.0. The overall mean pH(2) was 5.91 +/- 0.18 with
      0.6% of values greater than 6.5. Relationships between pH values and carcass
      weight, fat thickness and length were very low (maximum r = 0.05). Comparison of
      the results with a similar survey conducted in 1972/73 indicated that the
      proportion of carcasses with pH(1) values less than 6.0 has doubled (1972/73
      result was 5.7%). The proportion of carcasses with high pH(2) values changed
      little.

PMID- 22055757
TI  - Thermal tolerance of Lactobacillus viridescens in ham.
AB  - Lactobacillus viridescens is a ubiquitous organism in meat plants causing a green
      discoloration of cured meat products, resulting in serious financial losses.
      Using a method similar to that of Niven et al. (1954) the thermal tolerances of
      strains isolated from core greening and surface greening were established. It was
      found that the thermal tolerance of the surface greening strain could be doubled
      by successive heat shocks. Time-temperature studies of the processing of ham
      showed that the normal process could not be relied upon to destroy all the
      organisms present. So, if L. viridescens can adapt itself in industry, as in the
      laboratory, to be able to withstand the thermal processing, it is possible for
      the organism to survive heat processing and cause outbreaks of green
      discolorations in cured meats. Studies showed that the D(65) values for the
      organism are higher in ham broth and slices than in laboratory media. Thus, ham
      appears to act as a heat protective agent for L. viridescens.

PMID- 22055758
TI  - Weight loss from beef sides during storage post mortem and its effects on carcass
      composition.
AB  - The effects of storage on carcass weight, carcass composition and the water
      content of tissues have been investigated. Ten Friesian-cross steer carcasses
      were used, one side being dissected 1 day after slaughter and the other after
      storage at + 1 degrees C and 84 % relative humidity for 20 days. The rate of
      weight loss from the sides (range in hot weight, 103.0 to 201.5 kg) was linear
      between days 1 and 20, with a mean loss of 4.2 kg (0.17 %/day). During the period
      of storage, there was a reduction in weight of all tissues except intermuscular
      fat (IMF) and fatter sides (range 14.72-32.23 % dissectible fat) had a
      proportionately smaller loss. In percentage composition terms, there was a
      significant reduction in subcutaneous fat (SCF)of 0.36 percentage units, P <
      0.01, and in lean, of 0.59 percentage units, P < 0.05; there was a significant
      gain in IMF of 0.63 percentage units, P < 0.01, but it was considered that
      changes were not large enough to seriously affect the interpretations of
      dissection data in most experiments. During storage, all tissues except IMF lost
      water, particularly SCF, which lost 28 % of the original amount. In the day 1
      sides, 35 % of the total loss from hot weight to recovered tissue weight (after
      dissection) occurred during jointing and dissection and 65 % during storage. In
      the day 20 sides, the values were 12 %, and 88 %, respectively.

PMID- 22055759
TI  - Effect of frozen storage on the structure and enzymatic activities of
      myofibrillar proteins of rabbit skeletal muscle.
AB  - The effect of frozen storage on the biochemical properties of myofibrils, and of
      their major constituents, actin and myosin, was investigated. Extractability of
      myofibrillar proteins increased slightly for 3 weeks during frozen storage of
      muscle, decreasing thereafter. The change in myofibrillar ATPase activity during
      frozen storage was consistent with that of a reconstituted acto-heavy meromyosin
      (HMM) complex prepared from frozen stored muscle at the same weight ratio of
      actin to myosin as in situ. However, myosin ATPase activity showed a different
      pattern of change when compared with myofibrillar ATPase activity. The maximum
      velocity of acto-HMM ATPase activity and the apparent dissociation constant of
      the acto-HMM complex decreased for 1 week during frozen storage, increasing
      thereafter, indicating that the affinity of actin for myosin was greatest in
      muscle which had been frozen for 1 week.

PMID- 22055760
TI  - Time of onset of insensibility in four- to six-week-old calves during slaughter.
AB  - The time of onset of permanent insensibility subsequent to incision of the major
      blood vessels of the neck was studied in one 31-day-old calf and two 42-day-old
      calves. Insensibility was determined from the study of electroencephalograms
      (EEG). Insensibility first occurred at 28, 30 and 168s, respectively. Following
      respiratory gasps, all three animals subsequently showed resurgences of
      cerebrocortical activity for periods of between 130 and 187s, and EEGs did not
      become isoelectric again for 116 to 300s after slaughter. These results are
      similar to those previously recorded in 1-week-old calves and are in disagreement
      with the findings of Nangeroni & Kenneth (1963) which indicated that 8-week-old
      calves became permanently insensible within 6.9s of slaughter.

PMID- 22055761
TI  - Food proteins Edited by P. F. Fox and J. J. Condon. Applied Science Publishers
      Ltd, London. 1982. 361 pp. Price: L38.00.

PMID- 22055762
TI  - Letter to the editor.

PMID- 22055763
TI  - An economic analysis of dose dense weekly paclitaxel plus carboplatin versus
      every-3-week paclitaxel plus carboplatin in the treatment of advanced ovarian
      cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Compared with every-3-week paclitaxel (q3T) plus carboplatin, dose
      dense weekly paclitaxel (ddT) plus carboplatin improved the survival of ovarian
      cancer patients. We performed a cost analysis comparing these two regimens.
      METHODS: Using a Markov decision model, an acceptable incremental cost
      effectiveness ratio (ICER) per progression-free life-year saved (PFLYS) was
      estimated. Cost of drugs, growth colony-stimulating factors, and transfusions
      were derived from Medicare reimbursement data. Survival and rates of
      complications were estimated based on the clinical trial. RESULTS: Using a body
      weight and surface area of an average woman age 63, the estimated cost per cycle
      of ddT was $107 vs. $80 for q3T. The costs per cycle of combination chemotherapy
      including treatment administration were $873 for ddT and $535 for q3T. With a
      median progression-free survival (PFS) of 28 months with ddT vs. 17.2 months with
      q3T, the ICER was $5809 per PFLYS for ddT compared with q3T arm. Using a maximum
      ICER of $100,000 per LYS as cost-effective threshold, the ddT regimen was cost
      effective. The ICER was most sensitive to the hazard rate for difference in PFS
      between the two regimens. A 4-month difference in PFS resulted in a $1200 change
      of ICER per PFLYS. The ICER was also sensitive to overall survival difference,
      rate of hematological toxicity, and rate of discontinuation. CONCLUSIONS: In this
      economic model, dose-dense weekly paclitaxel is a cost-effective treatment option
      for advanced ovarian cancer.

PMID- 22055764
TI  - Effect of chemotherapy delays and dose reductions on progression free and overall
      survival in the treatment of epithelial ovarian cancer.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Hematologic, gastrointestinal, and neurologic complications are
      common side effects of the platinum and taxane-based chemotherapy used in the
      primary treatment of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). These side effects and the
      impact of the resultant chemotherapy dose modification on disease free interval
      have not been extensively studied. The goal of this study was to determine the
      effect of chemotherapy delays and dose reductions on progression free survival
      (PFS) and overall survival (OS). METHODS: A review of patients with primary
      epithelial ovarian, peritoneal, and fallopian tube carcinoma treated between
      1/2000 and 12/2007 was performed. Inclusion criteria were advanced stage disease
      and first line chemotherapy with a platinum and taxane regimen. Cox proportional
      hazard models were used to determine the effect of chemotherapy reductions and
      delays on PFS and OS. RESULTS: One hundred and fifty seven patients met the
      inclusion criteria. Patients were divided into four groups: no delays or
      reductions (48%), delay only (27%), reduction only (8%), and both delay and
      reduction (18%). The mean number of delays/reductions per patient was 1.1
      (range=0-5) and therapy was delayed a mean of 8 days. The most common reasons for
      delays/reductions were neutropenia (n=51), thrombocytopenia (n=45), and
      neuropathy (n=18). There were no differences detected in PFS or OS between
      groups. CONCLUSIONS: There were no differences detected in survival between
      patients who required dose adjustments and treatment delays and those who did
      not. The lack of association between survival and chemotherapy alterations
      suggests that in specific circumstances patients with advanced ovarian cancer
      should have individualized treatment plans.

PMID- 22055765
TI  - Endobronchial metastases of anal canal carcinoma.
AB  - Endobronchial metastases (EBM) secondary to extrapulmonary primary tumours are
      rare. The most common solid malignant tumours associated with EBM are breast,
      renal and colorectal carcinomas. This case report describes the first documented
      case of EBM from anal canal carcinoma. This neoplasm constitutes less than 1% of
      colorectal tumours. The clinical presentation of this entity is variable, being
      asymptomatic in more than 50% of cases. Generally, EBM are diagnosed in advanced
      stages and the survival after the diagnosis is poor. It is therefore an
      exceptional clinical manifestation in which bronchoscopy has an important role in
      the diagnosis and the treatment.

PMID- 22055766
TI  - Isokinetic strength and power deficits in the hand following stroke.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the torque production in the
      paretic and non-paretic hands during isokinetic tasks following stroke. METHODS:
      We compared torque and power production at the MCP joint of chronic stroke
      survivors during isometric and isokinetic tasks. We also recorded surface
      electromyography (EMG) activity in the forearm muscles. RESULTS: Isokinetic
      torque production at all velocities was less than that produced during isometric
      trials. Both torque and power produced by the paretic hand was substantially
      impaired. Deficits were substantially greater in extension than flexion trials.
      EMG data suggests that excessive co-contraction of agonist and antagonist muscles
      does not greatly affect isokinetic torque production at the MCP joint.
      CONCLUSIONS: The fact that movement velocity produces larger deficits in torque
      and power production may explain why patients who have limited strength
      impairments still experience functional deficits. SIGNIFICANCE: This study
      demonstrates that strength testing of stroke survivors under isometric conditions
      may underestimate the overall level of impairment.

PMID- 22055767
TI  - Determination of gamma-gamma' lattice misfit in a single-crystal nickel-based
      superalloy using convergent beam electron diffraction aided by finite element
      calculations.
AB  - In single-crystal nickel-based superalloys, the lattice mismatch associated with
      interface coherency between gamma matrix and gamma' precipitates has a strong
      influence on mechanical properties. The unconstrained lattice misfit in a single
      crystal of the MC2 nickel-based superalloy is determined using convergent beam
      electron diffraction measurements and finite element calculations. The apparent
      lattice parameters of both constrained phases are obtained in thin foils, using a
      new multi-pattern approach, which allows for unambiguous determination of all the
      lattice parameters considering the real symmetry of the strained crystals. Finite
      element calculations are used to establish relations between the constrained and
      unconstrained lattice parameters, with the stress relaxation resulting from the
      thin foil geometry taken into account.

PMID- 22055768
TI  - Factors affecting the rate of metmyoglobin accumulation in pre-packaged beef.
AB  - Factors affecting the rate of discoloration of pre-packaged beef have been
      compared quantitatively in a number of experimental animals. Inter-muscular
      variability is the most important single factor and ranges from the stable M.
      longissimus dorsi to the unstable M. psoas major, the degree of discoloration of
      the latter muscle being almost eight times greater after 96 h storage at 0
      degrees C. Among other intrinsic factors studied, age post mortem has a slight
      accelerating effect while pH, within the narrow range exhibited by experimental
      animals, has no effect. Inter-animal variability also has an effect, but only a
      slight one. Of the extrinsic factors studied, temperature is most important from
      a practical standpoint, the degree of discoloration after 96 h storage at 10
      degrees C ranging from two to five times that at 0 degrees C, depending on the
      muscle. Light produces only a minor accelerating effect but UV produces serious
      discoloration in all muscles within hours, even at 0 degrees C. Slight
      differences exist between packaging films but these are not commercially
      significant.

PMID- 22055769
TI  - Relationship between heat transfer parameters and the characteristic damage
      variables for the freezing of beef.
AB  - One of the most suitable parameters for relating the freezing rate to the volume
      of drip produced during the thawing of meat is the characteristic time, defined
      as the time necessary to reduce the temperature of the sample from -1.1 degrees C
      (initial freezing point in beef) to -7 degrees C (80% of the water frozen).
      However, as the freezing of beef in factories takes place with important
      temperature gradients, distributions of these characteristic times must be
      expected along the pieces of frozen meat. In order to relate these characteristic
      time distributions to heat transfer parameters under industrial freezing
      conditions, a mathematical model which simulates the freezing of beef is
      developed in this paper. The model establishes the heat transfer equations with
      simultaneous change of phase, taking into account the dependence of the thermal
      properties with the ice content and considering the anisotropy of the thermal
      conductivity according to the direction of the fibres. Boundary conditions
      include the possibility of thermal resistances in the refrigerated interphase.
      The model developed was compared with laboratory experiments performed under
      factory freezing conditions and showed a satisfactory agreement between theory
      and experiment.

PMID- 22055770
TI  - An investigation of ultimate pH in the muscles of commercial beef carcasses.
AB  - Ultimate pH values were recorded in the carcasses of steers and heifers at a beef
      slaughtering plant over a period of 3 years. The incidence of carcasses with a
      pH(u) >= 6.0 in the LD-a value usually associated with 'dark-cutting' in beef-was
      3.2%. A pronounced seasonal effect was observed with the incidence rising from
      1.2% for the period February to August to 5.2% for the period September to
      January, inclusive. An examination of thirteen muscles showed that increases in
      pH(u) above normal values occurred most frequently in the LD and four large
      muscles of the hindquarter and were much less frequently observed in the eight
      other hind- and forequarter muscles examined. In the carcasses of young bulls,
      also slaughtered under commercial conditions, high pH(u) values were
      predominantly associated with the same muscles as in steers and heifers. However,
      when experimental cattle were given adrenaline to induced high pH(u) values, this
      treatment resulted in a general increase in pH(u) in all the muscles examined.
      The different pattern of pH(u) elevation in the adrenaline-treated and commercial
      carcasses suggests different physiological mechanisms in the two cases.

PMID- 22055771
TI  - Ultrastructural changes in pre- and post-rigor beef muscle caused by conventional
      and microwave cookery.
AB  - Examination of cooked pre-rigor muscle by TEM (transmission electron microscopy)
      and SEM (scanning electron microscopy) revealed that all cookery methods resulted
      in the development of supercontraction bands alternating with areas showing
      tissue fragmentation and tearing. Microwave cookery produced smaller and less
      dense supercontraction nodes in pre-rigor muscle with less tearing and
      fragmentation but more fibre separation. Although cold-shortened pre-rigor muscle
      cooked by all methods also exhibited supercontraction bands with some tearing and
      fragmentation in adjacent sarcomeres, the samples cooked by microwaves showed a
      more uniform repeating pattern of small stretched areas alternating with dense
      contracted areas. Cooking of muscle in full rigor resulted in myofibrillar
      protein coagulation and shrinkage but supercontraction nodes were absent. Cold
      shortened bicarbonate treated muscle was relatively intact after cooking,
      exhibiting fusion of the myofibrils and an absence of intermyofibrillar spaces.
      Results are discussed in relation to possible effects upon tenderness.

PMID- 22055772
TI  - The effects of alkaline hydrogen peroxide treatment on the nutritional value of
      tripe.
AB  - Samples of tripe obtained after commercial processing with alkaline hydrogen
      peroxide were compared with raw tripe for nutritional quality. A large number
      (108) of commercial tripe samples were found to vary markedly in their protein
      content from 8.4 to 19.3%. The moisture content was negatively correlated with
      the pH of the tripe samples. However, the amino acid analyses and rat bioassays
      indicated that the nutritional value of the protein was not significantly
      decreased by the processing. Oxidation of sulphur amino acids and formation of
      lysino-alanine were not evident. Thiamine was completely destroyed by the
      processing.

PMID- 22055773
TI  - Rapid freezing, frozen storage and the tenderness of lamb.
AB  - Cold-shortening in pre-rigor lamb can be prevented by freezing carcasses very
      rapidly in less than four hours. Thaw-shortening can also be prevented by storing
      the carcasses for a period (> 10 days) in the frozen state (- 12 degrees C). By
      this simple combination of rapid freezing and frozen storage, the hazard of
      toughness development from cold- and thaw-shortenings is avoided.

PMID- 22055774
TI  - Impulse noise exposure in rats causes cognitive deficits and changes in
      hippocampal neurotransmitter signaling and tau phosphorylation.
AB  - Noise exposure has been characterized as a stressor, and its non-auditory effects
      on the central nervous system have been established both epidemiologically and
      experimentally. Little is known about the impact of impulse noise on the brain,
      however. In this study, we examined the effects of impulse noise stress on
      spatial learning and memory and on associated changes in the hippocampus. Rats
      were exposed to 20 sound impulses with a peak sound pressure of 165 dB and
      duration of 100 ms. Impulse noise stress led to a temporary decrease in cognitive
      function as evidenced by poor spatial memory in the Morris water maze (MWM).
      Effects of noise on the glutamate (Glu)-N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor (NMDAR)
      signaling system and hippocampal tau phosphorylation were investigated by high
      performance liquid chromatography, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry.
      The concentrations of Glu and aspirate (Asp) in the hippocampus were increased at
      30 min after exposure and remained elevated for the entire observation period (24
      h), while the content of glycine (Gly) was stable for several hours following
      noise but also increased by 24 h after noise stress. Impulse noise stress also
      caused a significant increase in NMDAR 2B subunit (NR2B) expression and a two
      phase increase in tau phosphorylation in hippocampus. Immunohistochemistry
      confirmed tau hyperphosphorylation in hippocampus that was most prominent in the
      dentate gyrus (DG) and CA1 region. These findings demonstrate that impulse noise
      stress impairs early spatial memory, possibly by disrupting Glu-NMDAR signaling
      and triggering aberrant tau hyperphosphorylation in hippocampus.

PMID- 22055775
TI  - [Exploration and approach to artificial airway dysphagia].
AB  - Airway isolation by endotracheal intubation or tracheostomy impedes or even
      interrupts speech and swallowing. Pharyngeal and laryngeal impairment frequently
      occurs after extubation or de-cannulation, common consequences being dysphonia,
      dysphagia and the aspiration of oral secretions, food, or fluids. Aspiration
      often leads to pneumonia and eventually death. Although the literature reports a
      high frequency of dysphagia following intubation and tracheostomy, the data vary
      considerably, and the true incidence of oropharyngeal dysphagia following
      artificial airway isolation remains to be established. We conducted a systematic
      review of the available evidence, in order to assess oropharyngeal dysphagia
      physiology, diagnosis and treatment.

PMID- 22055777
TI  - Shortening and tenderness of pre-rigor heated beef: Part 1 - Effect of heating
      rate on muscles of youthful and mature carcasses.
AB  - Pre-rigor cooked beef is tender if the cooking produces severe shortening. This
      study was conducted to compare the effects of different heating rates on
      shortening and tenderness. Myofibrillar and cooking shortening and related
      changes were measured with physiograph recordings on pre-rigor M. triceps brachii
      strips suspended in paraffin oil during heating. Warner-Bratzler shear values
      were determined on M. triceps brachii samples heated at approximately the same
      rates at which the muscle strips were heated. Rapid heating (2 degrees C/2min)
      produced more (p < 0.01) severe myofibrillar shortening that was complete at
      higher (p < 0.01) muscle temperatures than slow heating (2 degrees C/12 min).
      Regardless of animal age, rapid heating resulted in a cooked product that was
      more (p < 0.01) tender than that produced by slow heating in the pre-rigor state
      and slow heating resulted in a more (p < 0.01) tender product than that achieved
      by rapid heating in the post-rigor state. Data on muscle shortening and from
      differential scanning calorimetry suggest that the tenderness produced from pre
      rigor rapid heating results from a heat-induced active contraction.

PMID- 22055776
TI  - [Prognostic value of procalcitonin, C-reactive protein and leukocytes in septic
      shock].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study evaluates the potential prognostic value of serial
      measurements of different biomarkers (procalcitonin [PCT], C-reactive protein and
      leukocytes [CRP]) in septic shock patients. DESIGN: Prospective observational
      study. SETTING: Intensive care unit of a third-level University Hospital.
      PATIENTS: The study comprised a total of 88 septic shock patients defined using
      the 2001 Consensus Conference SCCM/ESICM/ACCP/ATS/SIS criteria. The PCT, CRP and
      leukocytes were recorded on admission to the ICU and again 72 hours after
      admission. INTERVENTIONS: None. RESULTS: Those patients with increasing
      procalcitonin levels showed higher hospital mortality than those with a
      decreasing levels (58.8% vs. 15.4%, P<0.01). No such effect was observed in
      relation to C-reactive protein or leukocytes. The best area under the curve for
      prognosis was for procalcitonin clearance (0.79). A procalcitonin clearance of
      70% or higher offered a sensitivity and specificity of 94.7% and 53%,
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Serial procalcitonin measurements are more predictive
      of the prognosis of septic shock patients than single measurements of this
      parameter. The prognostic reliability of the latter is also better than in the
      case of C-reactive protein and leukocytes. The application of serial
      procalcitonin measurements may allow the identification of those septic patients
      at increased mortality risk, and help improve their treatment.

PMID- 22055778
TI  - Shortening and tenderness of pre-rigor heated beef: Part 2 - Effect of heating
      rate on muscles of electrically stimulated carcasses.
AB  - This study was conducted to compare the effects of rapid and slow heating rates
      on muscles from electrically stimulated beef carcasses. Myofibrillar and cooking
      shortening and related changes were measured with physiograph recordings on pre
      rigor M. triceps brachii strips suspended in paraffin oil during heating. Warner
      Bratzler shear values were determined on pre-rigor and post-rigor M. triceps
      brachii samples heated at approximately the same rates at which muscle strips
      were heated (2 degrees C/2 min and 2 degrees C/12 min), on pre-rigor M. triceps
      brachii samples heated at 2 degrees C/6 min, 2 degrees C/9 min and 2 degrees C/12
      min and on pre-rigor and post-rigor M. triceps brachii and M. longissimus muscle
      heated similarly at 2 degrees C/12 min. Rapid heating (2 degrees C/2 min) of pre
      rigor muscle produced more severe myofibrillar shortening that was complete at
      higher muscle temperature than slow heating (2 degrees C/12 min). Slow heating,
      in contrast to rapid heating, resulted in a cooked product of lower shear value
      in both the pre-rigor and post-rigor states. The slower the heating rate of the
      pre-rigor M. triceps brachii, the more tender was the product. Heating at a rate
      of 2 degrees C/12 min produced acceptable tenderness in both the pre-rigor M.
      longissimus and M. triceps brachii muscles but even greater tenderness when both
      muscles were heated in the post-rigor state. The tenderizing action of severe
      muscle shortening could not be induced in electrically stimulated muscle.

PMID- 22055779
TI  - Relationships between chemical composition and physically separated tissues of
      the pig carcass.
AB  - Data from the physical and chemical dissection analysis of 50 Large White and 50
      Hampshire * Large White carcasses, comprising equal numbers of gilts and
      castrates, slaughtered at 90 kg liveweight, are presented. The right-hand side of
      each carcass was dissected into lean, fat and bone and the combined tissues were
      then minced and chemically analysed for moisture, protein, ether extract and ash.
      Statistical relationships between the two methods of carcass analysis, except
      those between bone and ash, were not influenced by sex or breed type. Overall
      regression equations, i.e. ignoring sex and breed type, for the prediction of
      percentage lean from moisture, protein and ether extract percentages of the
      carcasses, had residual standard deviations of 1.26, 1.78 and 1.11, respectively,
      and corresponding values for the prediction of percentage carcass fat were 1.05,
      1.68 and 0.74. Residual standard deviations for predicting percentages of
      moisture and protein in the carcass from percentage lean content were 1.07 and
      0.46 and that for the prediction of percentage ether extract from fat percentage
      of the carcass was 1.20. Corresponding relationships between bone and ash
      percentages of the carcass were less satisfactory for predictive purposes.

PMID- 22055780
TI  - Modification of in-pack conditions to extend the storage life of vacuum packaged
      lamb.
AB  - High pH (>5.9) lamb loins from a research abattoir were subjected to differing
      packaging treatments to determine whether package modification could reliably
      extend the storage life of chilled lamb cuts beyond that attained by cuts vacuum
      packaged in film of low gas permeability, as in current commercial practice.
      Treatments applied were carbon dioxide flushing or addition of a citrate buffer
      (pH 4.8), a 5% lactic acid solution or a Lactobacillus inoculum (plastic packs
      only) and packaging in a plastic film of moderately low oxygen permeability (140
      cc/m(2)/24 h at 25 degrees C and 90% relative humidity) or in a foil laminate of
      immeasurably low oxygen permeability. After 12 weeks' storage at -0.5 degrees C,
      the cuts packaged in the plastic film were spoiled by off-odours produced by
      enterobacteria, except for inoculated cuts, which, instead, had developed
      unacceptable dairy flavours. In contrast, cuts packaged in foil laminate
      developed floras of lactobacilli that had not caused spoilage after 12 weeks, and
      meat colour was much improved by the exclusion of oxygen. Loin cuts from a
      commercial packaging operation were packaged in a shrinkable plastic film of low
      oxygen permeability (30 to 40 cc/m(2)/24 h at 25 degrees C and 90% relative
      humidity), in foil laminate, or in foil laminate after the addition of 5% lactic
      acid solution. For the first 6 weeks, cuts were stored in a commercial chiller
      nominally operating at 0 degrees C; subsequently, they were held in a laboratory
      chiller at -0.5 degrees C. Some cuts packaged in the shrinkable plastic were
      spoiled after 9 weeks' storage and all were spoiled at 12 weeks, because of off
      flavours produced by enterobacteria. All cuts packaged in the foil laminate were
      very acceptable at 9 weeks but most were spoiled by off-flavours at 12 weeks.
      Most cuts treated with lactic acid and packaged in foil laminate were unspoiled
      after 12 weeks. The packaging requirements indicated to be necessary for reliable
      extension of the storage life of vacuum packaged lamb are discussed.

PMID- 22055782
TI  - The additional costs of segregated transport to slaughter to decrease Salmonella
      prevalence in pork--a simulation study.
AB  - A stochastic simulation model was used to assess the additional costs related to
      segregated transport to slaughter. This control measure was assumed to be
      implemented within a producers' association to decrease Salmonella prevalence in
      pork. Calculations were based on the additional shipments caused by the separate
      transport of low- and high-prevalence herds and on the additional transport
      distance caused by changed routing. The results showed that there is not
      necessarily a considerable increase in the number of shipments due to herd status
      separation for transport. The percentage of shipments changed due to segregated
      transport varied between 43% and 69% depending on the threshold prevalence. The
      additional costs per slaughtered pig varied between 0.07?/pig and 0.58?/pig under
      the given assumptions. Costs were governed by the percentage of changed shipments
      and the additional distance of a changed shipment. Due to the fact that the
      percentage of changed shipments is related to the distribution of herd prevalence
      within the producers' association, there is no cost-effective threshold in
      general. Different producers' associations incur different costs caused by
      segregated transport to slaughter at the same threshold prevalence. The current
      study supports producers' associations in evaluating the additional costs of
      segregated transport for their members.

PMID- 22055783
TI  - The NATF CORNER.

PMID- 22055784
TI  - Post-mortem metabolism in fresh porcine, ovine and frozen bovine muscle.
AB  - Post-mortem metabolism was followed by phosphorus-31-NMR in muscle samples
      obtained from freshly slaughtered pigs and lambs. Resonances for creatine
      phosphate (CP), ATP, inorganic phosphate (Pi) and sugar phosphates (SP) could be
      discerned and the intracellular pH could be determined from the spectra. The
      rates of post-mortem metabolism varied in the following fashion: porcine muscle >
      ovine muscle > bovine muscle. However, the course of post-mortem metabolism was,
      in all cases, the same. CP disappeared first and then ATP. Simultaneously, Pi
      increased, while SP remained relatively constant. The intracellular pH decreased
      to pH 5.5 in all tissues. In a separate set of experiments the post-mortem
      metabolism during thawing was studied in bovine muscles that had been frozen
      immediately after slaughter. Again, the same course of post-mortem metabolism was
      observed, but the thaw shortening was accompanied by an extremely rapid post
      mortem metabolism, which was more than ten times as fast as that measured for
      fresh bovine muscles. The intracellular pH decreased from 7.2 to 5.5 in 45 min.
      This rapid metabolism started only after the sample ha reached 0 degrees C.
      Resonances for metabolites were broadened in frozen muscles due to the limited
      motions that are allowed within the ice lattice.

PMID- 22055785
TI  - Changes in the chemical composition of rabbit meat during growth.
AB  - Relative growth rates of water, fat and protein by means of the allometric
      equation and changes in chemical composition of total meat, meat from hind leg
      and M. longissimus lumbaris from 1 to 20 weeks of age were studied in 320 rabbits
      of two strains (New Zealand White and California) and both sexes. All the
      chemical components showed changes in their allometric coefficients which
      determined variations in their relative percentages (P < 0.001) during the
      experimental period. Protein was characterized by a positive allometry although
      its rate of deposition decreased from 3-4 weeks of age. Water exhibited an
      important decrease in rate of deposition, passing from positive to negative
      allometry while, almost simultaneously, the rate of deposition of fat increased,
      passing from negative to positive allometry; nevertheless, the moment of change
      of these two components differed among the parts chemically analysed. All these
      changes were concentrated in a short interval of ages (3-7 weeks of age) that
      coincided with the one found for anatomic components of the carcass in a previous
      work (Deltoro & Lopez, 1985). Significant differences (P < 0.001) for mean values
      were obtained among parts chemically analysed and, to a lesser degree, between
      lines and sexes. Meat from hind leg and M. longissimus lumbaris had a higher
      content of protein and a lower content of fat than the rest of the carcass meat.
      Relating the results to fat-free matter decreased differences but remained
      significant in most cases and indications of having attained chemical maturity at
      the end of the experimental period were obtained.

PMID- 22055786
TI  - Effect of delay time before chilling on toughness in pork with high or low
      initial pH.
AB  - Paired M. longissimus dorsi muscles from 56 carcasses of Danish Landrace and
      Yorkshire breeds, slaughtered at approximately 90 kg live weight, were utilized
      to study the potential of cold induced toughness in pork. Based upon the pH value
      45 min post stunning, the carcasses were divided in two groups: a low (5.7 <= pH
      < 6.1) and a high one (6.1 <= pH <= 6.5). The effects on Warner-Bratzler shear
      force, sarcomere length and myofibril fragmentation of inserting a delay time of
      0, 2 and 4 h before carcasses entered the chilling tunnel (operating at -28
      degrees C to -22 degrees C) were investigated on early excised muscles as well as
      on muscles removed 30 h post stunning. The left LD muscle from each carcass
      served as a control while all right sides were used for treatments. pH and
      temperature measurements obtained from LD muscles left on carcasses during
      chilling showed that LD muscles belonging to the high pH group involve a risk of
      cold shortening even when a 2 h delay was used before passing in to the chilling
      tunnel. Comparing pH groups, however, sarcomere lengths did not differ in control
      sides whereas the Warner-Bratzler shear force values were significantly higher in
      LD muscles taken from the high pH group. Early excision of the LD muscle resulted
      in shorter sarcomere lengths and increased WB shear force only for carcasses
      belonging to the high pH group, which, however, could be avoided by introducing a
      4 h delay time before rapid chilling. The effect of delay time on tenderness from
      muscles excised from the carcass 30 h post stunning was much less but a 4 h delay
      did significantly (P < 0.05) improve tenderness in carcasses with high initial
      pH. Coefficient of correlation between Warner-Bratzler shear force and sarcomere
      length was -0.12 and nonsignificant in the low pH group, whereas it was -0.57 and
      highly significant in the high pH group.

PMID- 22055787
TI  - Clinical biochemistry and pathology of mature beef cattle following ante-mortem
      intravenous administration of a commercial papain preparation.
AB  - Ten healthy beef cattle in a commercial abbatoir were treated intravenously
      before slaughter with a commercial papain-based tenderising injection (Pro Ten).
      Animals were observed for behavioural and clinical abnormalities following
      treatment. Serum enzyme activities were measured pre-treatment and post-treatment
      immediately pre-slaughter < 6 min later to detect liver and muscle damage.
      Carcases were examined grossly post mortem. Histological examination of liver,
      kidney and muscle followed. Nine contemporary, age-matched controls were
      similarly examined. It was concluded that ProTen treatment did not cause any
      detectable hepatocellular or renal damage and there was no significant difference
      in the parameters examined between treated and untreated cattle. A decision to
      ban the use of ProTen in cattle could not therefore be based on the premise that
      it interfered with the animal's welfare in the period following injection under
      the conditions pertaining in this experiment.

PMID- 22055788
TI  - Accelerated production of dry cured hams.
AB  - Ten uncured legs from the right side of the sampled pork carcasses (Study A) were
      vacuum tumbled with the cure adjuncts for 30 min (T) and 10 counterparts from the
      left side were tumbled 30 min, rested 30 min and tumbled an additional 30 min
      (TRT). Evaluations were conducted at 40 and 70 days after cure application for
      color, taste attributes, percentage moisture, percentage salt and NO(3)(-) and
      NO(2)(-) content. Study B was the same except that 18 legs were boned, tumbled
      and cured for 40, 56 and 70 days. The TRT samples (Study A) at 40 days sustained
      less color fading (P < 0.05) during cookery, but no differences (P > 0.05)
      existed among the uncooked hams. Increased cure time enhanced moisture loss and
      salt content (Study A) and color retention during cookery (Study B). The TRT
      samples had increased moisture loss and salt content (Study A).

PMID- 22055789
TI  - Effects of 2-Hz and 60-Hz electrical stimulation on the microstructure of beef.
AB  - A comparative electron-microscope study was made of the structural changes
      brought about in bovine longissimus dorsi muscle by 2-Hz and 60-Hz electrical
      stimulation. Apart from the frequency difference, the two treatments were
      identical: 500V AC, 600 pulses (2Hz * 300s and 60 Hz * 10 s), and a time of
      application of about 40 min post mortem. The low-frequency current produced no
      detectable tissue disruption or irregularity in sarcomere length, whereas the 60
      Hz treatment caused widespread supercontraction and the formation of contraction
      nodes; many sarcomeres in the internodal zones were stretched or fractured. The
      observations confirm and extend those of our earlier light-microscope study, and
      support the view that fiber disruption contributes significantly to the
      tenderizing effect of high-voltage electrical stimulation.

PMID- 22055790
TI  - Determination of the extent of heat treatment in canned hams by use of the
      phosphatase test.
AB  - In determining the core temperature in canned hams by Lind's phosphatase test,
      residual activity depends, in general, on the integral heat treatment of the
      core. The concept of heat treatment equivalent is a clearer description of the
      phenomenon. The heat treatment equivalents were determined at constant
      temperatures to give a residual activity as proposed by Lind (69 degrees C for 12
      lb cans):  T versus log t(69) gives a linear relationship with a z value of 5.85
      degrees  C allowing the classical F(0) and z concept to be used.

PMID- 22055791
TI  - Foodborne microorganisms and their toxins: Developing methodology (IFT Basic
      Symposium Series.) Edited by Mark D. Pierson and Norman J. Stern. Marcel Dekker
      Inc., New York. 1986. Price: US$75.

PMID- 22055793
TI  - Self-medication or social learning? A comparison of models to predict early
      adolescent drinking.
AB  - The current study examined the effects of social anxiety, depressive symptoms,
      and alcohol expectancies of social behavior change on alcohol involvement to
      determine whether the self-medication and/or social learning models predicted
      drinking behavior in a sample of over 400 eighth grade students. Middle school
      students completed confidential surveys that assessed current alcohol use and
      expectancies as well as negative affectivity including social anxiety and
      depressive symptoms. Consistent with the self-medication hypothesis, depressive
      symptoms predicted more frequent and heavier alcohol use as well as solitary
      drinking. The social learning model was supported by a negative association
      between social anxiety and quantity/frequency of drinking and less drinking at
      parties, and a positive association between alcohol expectancies and all drinking
      outcomes. Additionally, social anxiety moderated the association between
      expectancies and alcohol use. These findings suggest that self-medication and
      social learning processes may both play a role in predicting early adolescent
      alcohol use and the contexts in which youths drink.

PMID- 22055794
TI  - Fissures segmentation using surface features: content-based retrieval for
      mammographic mass using ensemble classifier.
AB  - RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Accurate classification is critical in mammography
      computer-aided diagnosis using content-based image retrieval approaches (CBIR
      CAD). The objectives of this study were to: 1) develop an accurate ensemble
      classifier based on domain knowledge and a robust feature selection method for
      CBIR CAD; 2) propose three new features; and 3) assess the performance of the
      proposed method and new features by using a relatively large imaging data set.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data set used in this study consisted of 2114 regions
      of interest (ROI) extracted from a publicly available image database. The
      proposed ensemble classifier method we called E-DGA-KNN included four steps. In
      the first step, 804 ROIs depict masses were divided into five classes according
      to their boundary types. Then, each class of ROI with an equal number of negative
      ROIs were put together to create a sub-database. Second, a dual-stage genetic
      algorithm, which was called DGA, was applied on those five sub-databases for
      feature selection and weights determination respectively. In the third step, five
      base K-nearest neighbor (KNN) classifiers were created by using the results of
      the second step on 2114 ROIs, and five detection scores for a given queried ROI
      were obtained. Finally, these classifiers are combined to yield a final
      classification. The performances of the proposed methods were evaluated by using
      receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. A comparison with eight
      different methods on the data set was provided which include the stepwise linear
      discriminative analysis algorithm (SLDA) and particle swarm optimization (PSO)
      algorithm with KNN classifier. RESULTS: When four hybrid feature selection
      methods were applied with single KNN classifier (ie, DGA-KNN, SLDA-WGA-KNN, SLDA
      PSO-KNN, GA-PSO-KNN) and the proposed E-DGA-KNN method to the data set, the
      computed areas under the ROC curve (Az) were 0.8782 +/- 0.0080, 0.8675 +/-
      0.0081, 0.8623 +/- 0.0083, 0.8725 +/- 0.0079, and 0.8927 +/- 0.0073,
      respectively. If all features and single KNN classifier were used, the Az value
      was 0.8478 +/- 0.0088. Az values were 0.8592 +/- 0.0083 and 0.8632 +/- 0.0081
      when SLDA or GA algorithm used alone. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, an ensemble
      classifier based on domain knowledge and a dual-stage feature selection method
      was proposed. Evaluation results indicated that the proposed method achieved
      largest value of ROC compared to other algorithms. The proposed method shows
      better performance and has the potential to improve the performance of CBIR CAD
      in interpreting and analyzing mammograms.

PMID- 22055795
TI  - A meta-analysis of 64-section coronary CT angiography findings for predicting 30
      day major adverse cardiac events in patients presenting with symptoms suggestive
      of acute coronary syndrome.
AB  - RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: To determine the accuracy of 64-section coronary
      computed tomography angiography (CCTA) in predicting 30 day major adverse cardiac
      events (MACE) for patients presenting with symptoms concerning for acute coronary
      syndrome (ACS). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Electronic databases between January 1,
      2005, and May, 1, 2011, and reference lists from relevant published research
      articles were searched. We included studies on adult patients who presented with
      active symptoms suggestive of ACS, had immediate 64-section CCTA performed and
      were assessed for MACE at a minimum of 30 days past their initial presentation.
      Studies had to report or provide sufficient detail to determine sensitivity,
      specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value in relation
      to MACE using a 50% diameter stenosis as cutoff criterion for coronary artery
      disease. RESULTS: Nine studies were included for a total of 1559 patients studied
      (42.3% women, mean age 51.9 +/- 10.6). Patients ranged from low to intermediate
      risk for ACS. All had initial inconclusive electrocardiograms and negative
      cardiac biomarker results. A total of 14.8% of patients had a positive CCTA
      result. The pooled sensitivity was 93.3% (95% CI 88.3%-96.6%), specificity was
      89.9% (95% CI 88.3%-91.3%), positive predictive value was 48.1% (95% CI 42.5%
      53.8%), and negative predictive value was 99.3% (95% CI 98.7%-99.6%). CONCLUSION:
      Sixty-four section CCTA had a 99.3% negative predictive value in excluding MACE
      for 30 days after initial symptom presentation in 85.2% of our study population.
      Although the value of 64-section CCTA is best for identifying patients who can
      safely be discharged home, it is less useful for patients who have positive
      results.

PMID- 22055796
TI  - Different algorithms for quantitative analysis of myocardial infarction with DE
      MRI: comparison with autopsy specimen measurements.
AB  - RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: To compare two semiautomated methods for measurement of
      infarcted myocardium area on delayed contrast enhanced magnetic resonance
      imaging, with histopathology findings as standard of reference. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Percentage area of myocardial infarction was measured in 10 Yorkshire
      landrace pigs manually and using two semiautomated methods. The first (standard
      deviation method) used two operator-selected regions of interest (ROIs) and nine
      different cutoff values (one to nine times the standard deviation of signal
      intensity in normal myocardium) to identify infarction. The second (threshold
      method) used threshold values based on percentages of maximum signal intensity to
      identify infarction. Results were compared with histopathology findings. RESULTS:
      Difference between percentage area of infarction obtained with standard deviation
      method and autopsy specimens was in the range: -13.5% to +13.2%. With threshold
      method (thresholds from 30% to 90% of signal intensity), difference was -15% to
      +23%. Manual contouring underestimated infarcted area by 2% comparing to autopsy
      results. The best agreement between histopathology and semi-automated software
      was achieved for 4 standard deviations with standard deviation method: difference
      -0.45%, and for a percentage threshold of 70% (difference +0.67%) with threshold
      method. However, with standard deviation method, there was statistically
      significant difference between ROIs based on their location in viable myocardium:
      mean difference 1.7 +/- 4%, P < .0001. CONCLUSION: Semiautomated measurement of
      myocardial infarcted area on delayed enhanced magnetic resonance images performs
      well compared to autopsy. The threshold method, based on percentages of maximum
      signal intensity is preferable over standard deviation method, which is more
      susceptible to variability from location of ROIs within viable myocardium.

PMID- 22055797
TI  - Semiparametric estimation of the relationship between ROC operating points and
      the test-result scale: application to the proper binormal model.
AB  - RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: Semiparametric methods provide smooth and continuous
      receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve fits to ordinal test results and
      require only that the data follow some unknown monotonic transformation of the
      model's assumed distributions. The quantitative relationship between cutoff
      settings or individual test-result values on the data scale and points on the
      estimated ROC curve is lost in this procedure, however. To recover that
      relationship in a principled way, we propose a new algorithm for "proper" ROC
      curves and illustrate it by use of the proper binormal model. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Several authors have proposed the use of multinomial distributions to
      fit semiparametric ROC curves by maximum-likelihood estimation. The resulting
      approach requires nuisance parameters that specify interval probabilities
      associated with the data, which are used subsequently as a basis for estimating
      values of the curve parameters of primary interest. In the method described here,
      we employ those "nuisance" parameters to recover the relationship between any
      ordinal test-result scale and true-positive fraction, false-positive fraction,
      and likelihood ratio. Computer simulations based on the proper binormal model
      were used to evaluate our approach in estimating those relationships and to
      assess the coverage of its confidence intervals for realistically sized datasets.
      RESULTS: In our simulations, the method reliably estimated simple relationships
      between test-result values and the several ROC quantities. CONCLUSION: The
      proposed approach provides an effective and reliable semiparametric method with
      which to estimate the relationship between cutoff settings or individual test
      result values and corresponding points on the ROC curve.

PMID- 22055798
TI  - Positron emission tomography of human hepatocellular carcinoma xenografts in mice
      using copper (II)-64 chloride as a tracer with copper (II)-64 chloride.
AB  - RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess copper metabolism
      of human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with positron emission tomographic (PET)
      imaging using copper (II)-64 chloride ((64)CuCl(2)) as a tracer. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: PET imaging of athymic mice (n = 5) bearing extrahepatic HCC xenografts
      was performed 24 hours after the intravenous injection of (64)CuCl(2), followed
      by ex vivo tissue radioactivity assay. Expression of human copper transporter 1
      (hCTR1) in HCC cells and tissues was examined by real-time reverse transcription
      polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry analysis, respectively.
      RESULTS: The extrahepatic HCC xenografts in mice with increased uptake of (64)Cu
      radionuclide were visualized on the micro-PET images obtained 24 hours after the
      intravenous injection of (64)CuCl(2). PET quantitative analysis revealed
      increased (64)Cu radioactivity in tumor tissues (2.7 +/- 0.6 %ID/g) compared to
      that in the soft tissue of the left shoulder opposite to the tumor site (0.6 +/-
      0.2 %ID/g) and the brain (0.7 +/- 0.1 %ID/g) but lower than that of the liver
      (16.6 +/- 1.3 %ID/g). Expression of hCTR1 in the HCC cells and xenograft tumor
      tissues was demonstrated by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain
      reaction and immunohistochemistry analysis, respectively. The expression level of
      hCTR1 in the Hep3B HCC xenograft tissues was lower than that detected in the
      normal hepatic tissues and the tissue samples of well-differentiated primary HCC.
      Variable expression of hCTR1 was detected in the tissue samples of moderately
      differentiated primary HCC. CONCLUSIONS: Extrahepatic human HCC xenografts in
      mice could be localized with (64)CuCl(2) PET imaging, which might be useful for
      the localization and quantitative assessment of copper metabolism in extrahepatic
      metastases of HCC in humans.

PMID- 22055799
TI  - Non-invasive quantification of triglyceride content in steatotic rat livers by
      (1)H-MRS: when water meets (too much) fat.
AB  - RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: The aims of this study were to explore the relationship
      between triglyceride (TG) and water in steatotic rat livers and to accordingly
      test the validity of the currently used steatosis calculation methods from
      magnetic resonance spectra. The approximations commonly used to derive steatosis
      degrees from magnetic resonance spectra include the generic types TG/water and
      TG/(TG + water). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Hepatic fat and water content was
      quantitated by histology, magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), gas
      chromatography, and dry/wet weight ratio analysis in increasingly (0%-95%)
      steatotic rats. Correlation analysis was performed to assess the statistical
      relationships among the steatosis quantification techniques. Subsequently, data
      were fitted with linear and nonlinear functions to determine the relationship
      between hepatic water fraction versus hepatic TG content and TG/water ratio
      versus macrovesicular steatosis degree to test the validity of commonly used
      steatosis calculation methods. RESULTS: Histologic analysis of macrovesicular
      steatosis correlated very strongly with TG content determined by gas
      chromatography and MRS. A strong positive correlation was also found between gas
      chromatography-derived and MRS-derived TG content. Biochemical analysis revealed
      a linear converse relationship between hepatic fat and water content. This
      relationship was nonlinear when determined by MRS. The MRS-based TG/(TG + water)
      type approximations reflected the linear water-fat relationship better than the
      TG/water-type approximations, particularly when the calculations were performed
      with a maximum number of TG resonances. CONCLUSIONS: Hepatic fat approximations
      of the type TG/water overestimate hepatic steatosis degree because hepatic fat
      accumulation concurs with hepatic water exudation. Consequently, MRS-based
      approximations should be of the type TG/(TG + water) and contain a maximum number
      of TG resonances in the denominator.

PMID- 22055800
TI  - A report on the current status of grand rounds in radiology residency programs in
      the United States.
AB  - RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: A national needs assessment of radiology program
      directors was performed to characterize grand rounds (GR) programs, assess the
      perceived educational value of GR programs, and determine the impact of the
      recent economic downturn on GR. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A 28-question survey was
      developed querying the organizational logistics of GR programs, types of
      speakers, content of talks, honoraria, types of speakers invited, response to the
      economic downturn, types of speaker interaction with residents, and perceived
      educational value of GR. Questions were in multiple-choice, yes-or-no, and five
      point Likert-type formats. The survey was distributed to the program directors of
      all radiology residencies within the United States. RESULTS: Fifty-seven of 163
      programs responded, resulting in a response rate of 36%. Thirty-eight programs
      (67%) were university residencies and 10 (18%) were university affiliated. Eighty
      two percent of university and 60% of university-affiliated residencies had their
      own GR programs, while only 14% of community and no military residencies held GR.
      GR were held weekly in 18% of programs, biweekly in 8%, monthly in 42%, bimonthly
      in 16%, and less frequently than every 2 months in 16%. All 38 programs hosting
      GR reported a broad spectrum of presentations, including talks on medical
      education (66%), clinical and evidence-based medicine (55%), professionalism
      (45%), ethics (45%), quality assurance (34%), global health (26%), and resident
      presentations (26%). All programs invited speakers from outside the institution,
      but there was variability with regard to the frequency of visits and whether
      invited speakers were from out of town. As a result of recent economic events,
      one radiology residency (3%) completely canceled its GR program. Others decreased
      the number of speakers from outside their cities (40%) or decreased the number of
      speakers from within their own cities (16%). Honoraria were paid to speakers by
      95% of responding programs. Most program directors (79%) who had their own GR
      programs either strongly agreed or agreed that GR are an essential component of
      any academic radiology department, and this opinion was shared by a majority of
      all respondents (68%). Almost all respondents (97%) either strongly agreed or
      agreed that general radiologic education of imaging subspecialists is valuable in
      an academic radiology department. A majority (65%) either strongly agreed or
      agreed that attendance at GR should be expected of all attending radiologists.
      CONCLUSIONS: GR programs among radiology residencies tend to have similar formats
      involving invited speakers, although the frequency, types of talks, and honoraria
      may vary slightly. Most programs value GR, and all programs integrate GR within
      resident education to some degree. The recent economic downturn has led to a
      decrease in the number of invited visiting speakers but not to a decrease in the
      amounts of honoraria.

PMID- 22055801
TI  - New AIRP.

PMID- 22055802
TI  - The effect of anti-tubercular drug, ethionamide on the secondary structure of
      serum albumins: a biophysical study.
AB  - Serum albumin (SA) is the principal extra cellular protein with higher
      concentration in the blood plasma and acts as a carrier for many drugs to
      different molecular targets. The present work is designed to investigate the
      mechanism of interaction between the protein and an anti-tubercular drug,
      ethionamide (ETH) at the physiological pH by different molecular spectroscopic
      techniques viz., fluorescence, UV absorption, CD and FTIR. The interaction of SA
      with ETH was studied by following the quenching of intrinsic fluorescence of
      protein by ETH at different temperatures. The Stern-Volmer quenching constant,
      binding constant and the binding site numbers were calculated from fluorescence
      results. The results indicated the presence of static quenching mechanism in both
      HSA-ETH and BSA-ETH systems. The distances of separation between the acceptor and
      donor were calculated based on the theory of fluorescence resonance energy
      transfer and were found to be 2.35 nm and 2.18 nm for HSA-ETH and BSA-ETH
      systems, respectively. The conformational changes in protein were confirmed from
      UV absorption, CD and FTIR spectral data. Displacement experiments with different
      site probes revealed that the site I was the main binding site for ETH in
      protein. Effect of some metal ions was also investigated.

PMID- 22055803
TI  - Seizure in a diabetic patient. Hypoglycemia or a side effect of continuous
      glucose monitoring?

PMID- 22055804
TI  - Effects of high pressure treatment of rabbit Longissimus dorsi muscles on the
      microsomal membranes.
AB  - High pressure treatment (150 MPa for 10 min at 35 degrees C) of rabbit
      longissimus dorsi muscles reduced the yield of a heavy microsomal preparation
      (8000-28 000 g) by approximately 90%. This was shown to be due to the loss of the
      sarcoplasmic reticulum, the major component of microsomal preparations, from
      untreated muscles. While microsomal preparations from pressure-treated muscles
      were shown to have lost all of their (Ca(2+), Mg(2+))-ATPase activity they
      retained all their Mg(2+)-ATPase (basal) activity. Sucrose density gradient
      centrifugation of these preparations yielded two fractions. By reason of its low
      density, high cholesterol content, high Mg(2+)-ATPase activity, SDS-gel protein
      profile and solubility in lysolecithin, the lightest fraction appeared to be
      derived from the transvers tubules. The heavier fraction, present in greater
      quantity but with a lower Mg(2+)-ATPase activity than the light fraction, was
      probably derived from the sarcolemma.

PMID- 22055805
TI  - Measurement of effective diffusivities of ionic and non-ionic solutes through
      beef and pork muscles using a diffusion cell.
AB  - A diffusion cell in conjunction with a new mathematical model was used to measure
      the apparent diffusion coefficients of sodium chloride, potassium nitrate and
      glucose through beef semitendinosus and pork longissimus dorsi muscles. The
      apparent diffusion coefficient was obtained within less than 180 min with a
      coefficient of variation less than 10% in most cases. The influence of
      temperature can be adequately explained by the Arrhenius-type law with activation
      energy between 19 and 26 kJ/mol depending on the diffusant. However, these values
      were not significantly different. Finally, we showed that the apparent diffusion
      coefficient of sodium chloride is not affected by the direction of the muscle
      fibre to the axes of diffusion while glucose diffusion parallel to the muscle
      fibre can be three times greater than diffusion at a right angle to the muscle
      fibre.

PMID- 22055806
TI  - Influence of porcine stress on blood composition and early post-mortem meat
      quality in pigs of different halothane genotypes.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to investigate porcine stress, blood serum values
      and early post-mortem (pm) meat quality in pigs of unknown and known halothane
      genotype. Collection, transportation and slaughtering of the pigs were studied
      from the farm up to the carcass chilling (45 min pm). Reactors (nn) had the
      highest creative kinase (CK) activity. CK activity increased most prominently
      during transport in reactors, and at the abattoir in non-reactors (Nn or NN). The
      content of serum glucose was highest in non-reactors and lowest in non-carriers
      (NN, P<0.01). Serum glycerol level was highest in reactors and lowest in carriers
      (Nn, P < 0.05). Differences in serum lactate and pH values were not significant.
      Carriers had the highest and non-reactors the lowest carcass temperature, 0 min
      pm (P = 0.001). Temperature of non-reactors increased most rapidly (9.4%) and
      that of carriers increased most slowly (0.9%) during scalding. Reactors had the
      most rapid (3.1%) and carriers the slowest (0.3%) fall in carcass temperature
      between scalding and chilling. No significant differences were found between
      halothane genotypes in the rate of glycogen breakdown and lactate formation, 45
      min pm. PSE (pH(1) <= 5.8) frequencies of reactors, non-reactors, non-carriers
      and carriers were 100.0, 14.3, 13.0 and 12.5, respectively.

PMID- 22055807
TI  - Use of haemoglobin in foods-A review.
AB  - Blood from domestic meat animals contains biologically valuable protein
      equivalent to 6-7% of the lean meat content in the carcass. The major part of the
      protein is haemoglobin in the erythrocytes which even in minute concentrations
      imparts a dark brownish colour to foods. Large scale use of haemoglobin in foods
      consequently requires that the protein is made colourless unless attempts are
      made to hide the colour by technological manipulation in processing. The haem
      pigment can be removed from the globin by extraction with acidified organic
      solvents, usually acetone, or absorption on certain agents like
      carboxymethylcellulose. Alternatively, the globin may be digested by proteolytic
      enzymes and the liberated amino acids separated from the haem by ultrafiltration
      or centrifugation. Another approach is oxidative destruction of the haem after
      inactivation of the catalase activity of the erythrocytes. Hydrogen peroxide is
      preferred as oxidative agent but care must be taken to limit its impairment of
      protein quality. Because of its high lysine content globin should be suitable for
      fortification of cereals. Together with the blood plasma globin it may be used to
      replace meat in cured meat products. Use of blood proteins in foods may, however,
      sometimes be opposed for psychological reasons.

PMID- 22055808
TI  - Mineral composition of lamb carcasses from the United States and New Zealand.
AB  - The mineral composition-iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), calcium (Ca),
      magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), potassium (K), fluoride (F), and phosphorus (P) (New
      Zealand lamb only)-of lean tissue from lamb retail cuts was studied. Twenty-four
      US lamb carcasses of different ages (5 to 11 months), geographical regions
      (Texas, Colorado and Montana) and USDA quality grades (Prime and Choice) and 27
      New Zealand lamb carcasses from three weight groups (11 to 12.5 kg, 13 to 14.5
      kg, and 16.5 to 18 kg), age rangining from 7 to 8 months, were selected for use
      in this study. Mineral concentrations were influenced more by retail cut and age
      than by quality grade or weigth group. Foreshank and shoulder cuts from both the
      US and New Zealand group consistently had the highest (P < 0.05) Zn content among
      the cuts. The K content of the muscle in US lambs increased as age increased,
      while the level of Ca and Zn in New Zealand lambs decreased as carcass weight
      increased. Except for Ca, the mineral concentrations of the lean tissue from US
      lambs were higher than the New Zealand lambs, although the differences were not
      always significant. US lambs had approximately 20%, 30% and 37% more Fe, Zn and
      Mg, respectively, but 27% less Ca than lean tissue from the New Zealand lambs.

PMID- 22055809
TI  - Effects of pork muscle quality on bacterial growth and retail case life.
AB  - The effects of muscle quality (PSE, normal, DFD) upon the bacteriology and retail
      case life of pork chops were determined. Pork loin chops were processed from
      boneless backs after 90 days of frozen storage at -30 degrees C. Variation in
      bacterial numbers was due to a highly significant (p < 0.001) storage time by
      muscle quality interaction. During simulated retail display, total psychrotrophs,
      Pseudomonas spp., Brochothrix thermosphacta and Enterobacteriaceae were lowest on
      PSE pork and highest on DFD pork in comparison to normal pork. Differences in
      bacterial densities were due to a longer lag phase in PSE pork and a shorter lag
      phase in DFD pork than in normal pork. Of the three muscle quality groups, DFD
      was most susceptible to the development of spoilage odours, while PSE pork was
      most sensitive to deterioration in appearance.

PMID- 22055810
TI  - An improved procedure for identifying fiber types in ovine muscles.
AB  - An improved histochemical procedure has been developed for the identification of
      three muscle fiber types (betaR, alphaR, alphaW) in two ovine muscles. This
      procedure can be used in lieu of the traditional reciprocal procedures of using
      an oxidative enzyme and ATPase to identify fiber types. The advantage of this
      simultaneous staining procedure is that it eliminates duplication of effort and
      time plus it distinguishes the alphaR (intermediate) fibers more clearly than the
      traditional methods. For best results, muscle samples must be evaluated within 2h
      of slaughtering the animal and care must be taken to monitor the pH at regular
      intervals. More research is needed to determine specific conditions, i.e. sample
      time, pH, enzyme activity, etc., before this method can be recommended as the
      most appropriate procedure for determining fiber type in muscles of other
      species.

PMID- 22055811
TI  - Differences in quality characteristics of normal, PSE and DFD pork.
AB  - Differences in water-holding capacity, colour and tenderness/toughness were
      studied in 21 pork loins belonging to three quality categories, i.e. dark firm
      dry (DFD), normal and pale soft exudative (PSE). The division into the three
      groups was based upon the ultimate pH-values of the loins (< pH 5.5, pH 5.5-6.0,
      pH > 6.4). The PSE loins were characterized by a poor waterholding capacity,
      higher cooking loss and paler colour in contrast to the DFD category. The normal
      loins took an intermediate position. Neither sarcomere length, determined on
      fresh muscle tissue, nor Armour tenderometer values showed significant
      differences between the various quality categories. This was in contrast to the
      Warner-Bratzler (W-B) shear force values, determined on cooked loins, which had
      the lowest values in the DFD category. A strong relationship between the W-B
      values and the cooking losses was found. It was concluded that neither sarcomere
      length nor Armour tenderometer measurements were able to predict the shear force
      values of cooked pork loins.

PMID- 22055812
TI  - Carbohydrate-conjugate heterobimetallic complexes: synthesis, DNA binding
      studies, artificial nuclease activity and in vitro cytotoxicity.
AB  - New carbohydrate-conjugated heterobimetallic complexes
      [C(32)H(62)N(10)O(8)NiSn(2)Cl(4)]Cl(2)(1) and
      [C(32)H(62)N(10)O(8)CuSn(2)Cl(4)]Cl(2) (2) were synthesized and characterized by
      spectroscopic (IR, (1)H, (13)C, and (119)Sn NMR, EPR, UV-vis, ESI-MS) and
      analytical methods. The interaction studies of 2 with CT DNA were studied by
      using various biophysical techniques, which showed high binding affinity of 2
      toward CT DNA. The extent of interaction was further confirmed by the interaction
      of 2 with the nucleotides viz.; 5'-AMP, 5'-CMP, 5'-GMP, and 5'-TMP, by absorption
      titration. (1)H, (31)P, (119)Sn NMR spectroscopy further validated the
      interaction mode of 2 with 5'-GMP. The electrophoresis pattern observed for 2
      with supercoiled pBR322 DNA, exhibited significantly good nuclease activity
      following oxidative pathway. The preferential selectivity of 2 toward the major
      groove was observed on interaction of 2 with pBR322 DNA, in the presence of
      standard groove binders viz.; DAPI and methyl green. Additionally, in vitro
      antitumor activity of 2 was evaluated on a panel of human cancer cell lines,
      exhibiting remarkable cytotoxicity activity against Colo205 (colon) and MCF7
      (breast) cell lines with GI(50) values <10 MUg/mL.

PMID- 22055813
TI  - Green microwave-assisted synthesis of cellulose/calcium silicate nanocomposites
      in ionic liquids and recycled ionic liquids.
AB  - Fabrication of biomass materials by a microwave-assisted method in ionic liquids
      allows the high value-added applications of biomass by combining three major
      green chemistry principles: using environmentally preferable solvents, using an
      environmentally friendly method, and making use of renewable biomass materials.
      Herein, we report a rapid and green microwave-assisted method for the synthesis
      of the cellulose/calcium silicate nanocomposites in ionic liquids and recycled
      ionic liquids. These calcium silicate nanoparticles or nanosheets as prepared
      were homogeneously dispersed in the cellulose matrix. The experimental results
      confirm that the ionic liquids can be used repeatedly. Of course, the slight
      differences were also observed using ionic liquids and recycled ionic liquids.
      Compared with other conventional methods, the rapid, green, and environmentally
      friendly microwave-assisted method in ionic liquids opens a new window to the
      high value-added applications of biomass.

PMID- 22055814
TI  - Preparation and characterization of new and improved soluble-starches, -amylose,
      and -amylopectin by reaction with benzaldehyde/zinc chloride.
AB  - Seven different starches from potato, rice, maize, waxymaize, amylomaize-VII,
      shoti, and tapioca, and potato amylose and potato amylopectin have been reacted
      with benzaldehyde, catalyzed by ZnCl(2), to give new water-soluble starches and
      water soluble-amylose and soluble-amylopectin. In contrast to the native
      starches, aqueous solutions of the modified starches could not be precipitated
      with 2-, 3-, or 4-volumes of ethanol. beta-Amylase gave no reaction with the
      modified starches, in contrast to the native starches, indicating that the
      modification occurred exclusively at the nonreducing-ends, giving 4,6-benzylidene
      D-glucopyranose at the nonreducing-ends. Reactions of alpha-amylase with native
      and modified potato and rice starches gave a decrease in the triiodide blue color
      and an increase in the reducing-value that were similar for the native- and
      modified-starches, indicating the modified starches had not been significantly
      altered by the modification. The benzaldehyde-modified starches and benzaldehyde
      modified potato amylose and potato amylopectin components, therefore, have a
      starch structure very much like their native counterparts, in contrast to the
      Lintner, Small, and the alcohol/acid-hydrolyzed soluble-starches that have
      undergone acid hydrolysis. The benzaldehyde-modified starches and starch
      components have significantly higher water solubility than their native
      counterparts even though the structures of the modified starches had only been
      slightly altered from the structures of their native counterparts. They all gave
      crystal-clear solutions that did not retrograde.

PMID- 22055815
TI  - Green synthesis of xylan hemicellulose esters.
AB  - The esterification of xylan type hemicelluloses, isolated from birchwood, was
      carried out firstly in homogeneous conditions using N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF)
      and lithium chloride (LiCl) in the presence of 4-dimethylaminipyridine (DMAP).
      The degree of substitution (DS) of xylan acetates ranged between 0.9 and 2.0 as a
      function of experimental conditions. Due to the problems of toxicity and
      recycling of DMF, an alternative method of esterification is reported in the
      second part of this work, performing in the absence of organic solvent and using
      DMAP or methanesulfonic acid (MSA) as catalysts. Acetylation reaction catalyzed
      by MSA was developed through an experimental design in order to achieve the
      highest DS under the mildest conditions. The significant factors and their
      interactions were identified. The optimization of reaction parameters allowed to
      obtain a high DS (1.6) and maximal yield (85%). Moreover, the reactivity of
      propionic and hexanoic anhydrides was evaluated and hydrophobic xylan esters with
      low degrees of substitution were obtained.

PMID- 22055816
TI  - Chemical structure of the complex pyruvylated and sulfated agaran from the red
      seaweed Palisada flagellifera (Ceramiales, Rhodophyta).
AB  - A homogeneous agaran fraction from Palisada flagellifera (Laurencia complex,
      Rhodomelaceae, Ceramiales) was obtained by aqueous room-temperature extraction,
      followed by ion-exchange chromatography. This galactan presents a highly complex
      structure with at least 18 different types of derivatives. The A units were found
      mostly pyruvylated, 2-sulfated (~34%), and 6-methylated (~34%), with the latter
      partially 2- and 2,4-sulfated. Minor amounts of beta-D-galactopyranosyl units 2-,
      6- and 2,6-sulfated, 6-glycosylated, and non-substituted are also present. The B
      units are L-sugars composed predominantly of their cyclized derivatives, 3,6
      anhydrogalactose and 3,6-anhydro-2-O-methylgalactose (~56%). The former are
      linked to beta-D-galactosyl (6-methyl) (6-glycosylated) units, as well as to 4,6
      O-(1-carboxyethylidene)-beta-D-galactose 2-sulfate in the proportion of 3:1.8,
      respectively. A significant amount (~18%) of the alpha-L-galactopyranosyl units
      are linked to pyruvylated beta-D-galactose 2-sulfate residues. An important part
      of the B-units (20%) is represented by alpha-L-galactose 6-sulfate substituted on
      C-3 by xylosyl, galactosyl and/or 2,3-di-O-methylgalactose units or sulfate
      groups that preclude their cyclization to 3,6-anhydrogalactosyl derivative. The
      precursor units are present in relatively low percentages. Kinetic studies
      suggest that in P. flagellifera agaran the cyclizable units are linked to 6-O
      methyl-beta-D-galactosyl and/or beta-D-galactosyl units (6-glycosylated). The
      structural complexity of this polysaccharide is increased by the presence of 2-
      and 3,6-sulfated alpha-L-galactoses, with the latter additionally 2-O-methylated.
      Therefore, the major subfraction obtained from the cold extract contains
      structurally complex sulfated, methylated, and pyruvylated agaran.

PMID- 22055817
TI  - Investigation of a sulfate transfer during autohydrolysis of a fucoidan from the
      brown alga Fucus evanescens by tandem ESIMS.
AB  - A fucoidan from the brown alga Fucus evanescens was effectively depolymerized by
      autohydrolysis. Negative-ion electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESIMS)
      revealed that the mixture contained sulfated mono- and oligosaccharides with
      polymerization degree (DP) up to 6, having from 1 to 4 sulfate groups per
      molecule. The prevalence of oligosaccharides with even DP was observed. It could
      be explained by the tendency of the 3-linked alpha-L-fucopyranose residues to
      hydrolyze faster than 4-linked ones. The intermolecular sulfate transfer during
      autohydrolysis was detected by ESIMS, when equimolar quantities of D-Rib and D
      Glc were added as acceptors. The products were singly-sulfated and hexose was
      about four times more effective as an acceptor, than pentose. It was impossible
      to record MS/MS spectra of the sulfate transfer products, since intensities of
      their ions were too low.

PMID- 22055818
TI  - O-Acetyl location on cepacian, the principal exopolysaccharide of Burkholderia
      cepacia complex bacteria.
AB  - Cepacian is an exopolysaccharide produced by the majority of the isolates
      belonging to the Burkholderia cepacia complex bacteria, a group of 17 species,
      some of which infect cystic fibrosis patients, sometime with fatal outcome. The
      repeating unit of cepacian consists of a backbone having a trisaccharidic
      repeating unit with three side chains, as reported in the formula below. The
      exopolysaccharide is also acetylated, carrying from one to three acetyl esters
      per repeating unit, depending on the strain examined. The consequences of O
      acetyl substitution in a polysaccharide are important both for its biological
      functions and for industrial applications, including the preparation of
      conjugated vaccines, since O-acetyl groups are important immunogenic
      determinants. The location of acetyl groups was achieved by NMR spectroscopy and
      ESI mass spectrometry and revealed that these substituents are scattered in non
      stoichiometric ratio on many sugar residues in different positions, a feature
      which adds to the already unique carbohydrate structure of the polysaccharide.

PMID- 22055819
TI  - Chemical synthesis of polyprenyl sialyl phosphate, a probable biosynthetic
      intermediate of bacterial polysialic acid.
AB  - Using reaction of moraprenyl phosphate with the known N-acetylsialyl chloride and
      the novel N,N-diacetylsialyl (Neu5Ac(2)) chloride alpha- and beta-anomers of
      polyprenyl sialyl phosphate were synthesized for the first time. The alpha
      selectivity dramatically increased when Neu5Ac(2) chloride was used as the
      glycosyl donor.

PMID- 22055820
TI  - Catalytic dehydration of xylose to furfural: vanadyl pyrophosphate as source of
      active soluble species.
AB  - The acid-catalysed, aqueous phase dehydration of xylose (a monosaccharide
      obtainable from hemicelluloses, e.g., xylan) to furfural was investigated using
      vanadium phosphates (VPO) as catalysts: the precursors, VOPO(4).2H(2)O,
      VOHPO(4).0.5H(2)O and VO(H(2)PO(4))(2), and the materials prepared by calcination
      of these precursors, that is, gamma-VOPO(4), (VO)(2)P(2)O(7) and VO(PO(3))(2),
      respectively. The VPO precursors were completely soluble in the reaction medium.
      In contrast, the orthorhombic vanadyl pyrophosphate (VO)(2)P(2)O(7), prepared by
      calcination of VOHPO(4).0.5H(2)O at 550 degrees C/2 h, could be recycled by
      simply separating the solid acid from the reaction mixture by centrifugation, and
      no drop in catalytic activity and furfural yields was observed in consecutive 4 h
      batch runs (ca. 53% furfural yield, at 170 degrees C). However, detailed
      catalytic/characterisation studies revealed that the vanadyl pyrophosphate acts
      as a source of active water-soluble species in this reaction. For a concentration
      of (VO)(2)P(2)O(7) as low as 5 mM, the catalytic reaction of xylose (ca. 0.67 M
      xylose in water, and toluene as solvent for the in situ extraction of furfural)
      gave ca. 56% furfural yield, at 170 degrees C/6 h reaction.

PMID- 22055821
TI  - Structural and physicochemical characterisation of rye starch.
AB  - The gelatinisation, pasting and retrogradation properties of three rye starches
      isolated using a proteinase-based procedure were investigated and compared to
      those of wheat starch isolated in a comparable way. On an average, the rye starch
      granules were larger than those of wheat starch. The former had very comparable
      gelatinisation temperatures and enthalpies, but slightly lower gelatinisation
      temperatures than wheat starch. Under standardised conditions, they retrograded
      to a lesser extent than wheat starch. The lower gelatinisation temperatures and
      tendencies of the rye starches to retrograde originated probably from their
      higher levels of short amylopectin (AP) chains [degree of polymerisation (DP) 6
      12] and their lower levels of longer chains (DP 13-24) than observed for wheat
      starch. The rapid visco analysis differences in peak and end viscosities between
      the rye starches as well as between rye and wheat starches were at least partly
      attributable to differences in the levels of AP short chains and in average
      amylose molecular weight. The AP average chain lengths and exterior chain lengths
      were slightly lower for rye starches, while the interior chain lengths were
      slightly higher than those for wheat starch.

PMID- 22055822
TI  - Effect of temperature and pH on the post-mortem degradation of myofibrillar
      proteins.
AB  - Incubation of bovine muscle at 37 degrees C promoted a more drastic proteolytic
      change in myofibrillar proteins, as determined from sodium dodecyl sulphate
      polyacrylamide gels of isolated myofibrils, than incubation at 4 degrees C.
      Degradation of myosin and troponin-T were the most noticeable changes at 37
      degrees C. Loss of alpha-actinin was observed in the 4 degrees C incubated
      muscle. Ground bovine muscle incubated at pH 5.4 and 7 revealed that alterations
      in myosin and troponin-T were the most noticeable changes at ph 5.4 while
      troponin-T and alpha-actinin were altered at pH7. More troponin-T degradation
      occurred at pH 5.4 and 37 degrees C than at pH7 and 4 degrees C (similar to the
      degradation of myosin), indicating that troponin-T degradation in post-mortem
      muscle may be an indicator of overall myofibrillar proteolysis and not
      responsible for post-mortem tenderisation per se. Myosin degradation in the
      ground samples incubated at pH 5.4 and in whole samples incubated at 37 degrees C
      was compared with the digestion of myofibrillar myosin by papain. Both
      pyrophosphate and Guba-Straub extracts of the 37 degrees C and pH 5.4 treated
      samples confirmed that myosin degradation did occur to a much greater extent at
      this temperature and pH than at 4 degrees C and pH7, and, in addition, at pH 5.4
      frequent cleavage occurred near the papain sensitive site of myosin.

PMID- 22055823
TI  - Influence of delayed bleeding on sensory characteristics of beef.
AB  - Sensory characteristics of bovine longissimus dorsi and biceps femoris muscles
      from 30 heifers exsanguinated 0, 3 or 6 min after stunning and 36 steers
      exsanguinated 0, 3 or 30 min after stunning were evaluated to determine if
      delayed bleeding influenced palatability. More blood was retained in carcasses of
      animals where exsanguination was delayed after stunning than in control animals,
      but no consistent differences existed for total pigment or per cent hemoglobin in
      muscle. Tenderness, juiciness, flavor, shear values and cooking loss were not
      affected by treatment.

PMID- 22055824
TI  - Studies on the Criollo goat of Northern Mexico: Part 1 - The effects of body
      weight on body components and carcass development.
AB  - Male Criollo castrate goats were reared on natural rangeland and also given some
      concentrate supplementation. They were slaughtered in groups of ten at 8, 12, 16
      and 24 kg live weight. At slaughter the weights of body components were recorded
      and also carcass measurements and joint weights on the chilled left half of each
      carcass, which was then completely dissected into lean, fat and bone tissues.
      With increasing slaughter weight the proportion of internal body components minus
      gut contents, increased relative to the external components. In some of the goats
      from the higher slaughter weight groups the gut contents formed up to 26% of the
      total live weight. The dressing percentage based on empty body weight did not
      show an appreciable increase with increasing slaughter weight. The lean
      proportion in the carcass rose from 56% of the carcass weight in the 8 kg group
      to about 68% in the 24 kg group. The proportion of fat in the carcasses did not
      show any increase with increasing slaughter weight. The results indicate that, in
      terms of yield of lean meat and also edible offal, it is better not to slaughter
      castrate male Criollo goats before 24 kg live weight.

PMID- 22055825
TI  - Calcium transport by bovine skeletal-muscle mitochondria and its relationship to
      post-mortem muscle.
AB  - A study was made of factors thought to affect calcium retention by highly
      purified skeletal-muscle mitochondria. Substrate-supported (oxygen-dependent) and
      ATP-supported Ca(2+) uptake were both examined. The effects of high
      concentrations of inorganic phosphate, inhibition of adenine nucleotide
      translocation and other influences on ATPase activity were also investigated.
      Results indicate that calcium is not released during anoxia if ATP is available
      to the mitochondrial ATPase. The data are discussed in relation to mitochondrial
      calcium transport in general, and its significance in post-mortem muscle.

PMID- 22055826
TI  - Meat microbiology (1982) Edited by M. H. Brown. Applied Science Publishers Ltd,
      London and New York. 529 pp. Price: L46.00.

PMID- 22055827
TI  - Carcass evaluation in livestock breeding, production and marketing by A.J.
      Kempster, A. Cuthbertson and G. Harrington. Granada Publishing Ltd, London,
      Toronto, New York. 1982. Price: L20.00.

PMID- 22055828
TI  - Microbiology of foods. The ecological essentials of assurance and assessment of
      safety and quality (3rd edn) By D.A.A. Mossel. The University of Utrecht, The
      Netherlands. 1982. Price: 52 Dutch Florins.

PMID- 22055829
TI  - [Dieulafoy's lesion of the gallbladder as a cause of hemobilia with
      hemoperitoneum].
AB  - Dieulafoy's lesion is an uncommon vascular anomaly causing massive
      gastrointestinal hemorrhage, characterized by bleeding from an arteriole that
      protrudes through a tiny mucosal defect. Although Dieulafoy's lesion was
      initially described in the stomach and upper gastrointestinal tract, cases have
      also been reported in the colon, rectum and anal canal. We report the first case
      of Dieulafoy's lesion in the gallbladder, which presented as massive peritoneal
      bleeding. We describe the clinical and pathological characteristics of this
      unusual entity, as well as the approach to its diagnosis and treatment.

PMID- 22055830
TI  - Quantification of a novel natural antioxidant (UP302) in rat plasma using ultra
      high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.
AB  - UP302 is a novel natural antioxidant isolated from Dianella ensifolia
      (Liliaceae). In the investigation, a specific and sensitive ultra-high
      performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for quantitative
      determination of UP302 in rat plasma was developed and validated. UP302 and the
      internal standard daidzein were extracted from 100 MUL aliquots of rat plasma
      using methanol. Detection of UP302 and IS was done by tandem mass spectrometry,
      operating in negative ion and selected reaction monitoring acquisition mode. The
      precursor-product ion transitions monitored for UP302 and daidzein were m/z 301.1
      >135.2 and 252.9->132.0, respectively. The linearity of the method was observed
      within the concentration range of 5-2000 ng/mL. Intra- and inter-day assay
      variations were less than 15%, and the accuracy values were between 99.2% and
      107.3%. The method was successfully applied to stability investigation of UP302
      incubated in rat plasma at 37 degrees C and measurement of UP302 in plasma after
      intravenous administration of UP302 to rats at a single dose of 5 mg/kg.
      Incubation stability revealed that within first one hour, UP302 was rapidly
      declined approximately 35% and remained stable after 4 h. Pharmacokinetic values
      of half-life, volume of distribution, systemic clearance and mean residence time
      were 0.87 +/- 0.58 h, 6.90 +/- 3.35 L/kg, 5.89 +/- 1.21 L/h kg and 0.34 +/- 0.13
      h, respectively.

PMID- 22055831
TI  - Anion exchange SPE and liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry in GHB
      analysis.
AB  - In this study, the extraction of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) from urine using
      solid-phase extraction (SPE) is described. SPE was performed on anion exchange
      columns after samples of urine had been diluted with de-ionized water. After
      application of the diluted samples containing GHB-d(6) as an internal standard,
      the sorbent was washed with deionized water and methanol and dried. The GHB was
      eluted from the SPE column with a solvent consisting of methanol containing 6%
      glacial acetic acid. The eluent was collected, evaporated to dryness, and
      dissolved in mobile phase (100 MUL) for analysis by liquid chromatography-tandem
      mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) in negative multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode.
      Liquid chromatography was performed in gradient mode employing a biphenyl column
      and a mobile phase consisting of acetontitrile (containing 0.1% formic acid) and
      0.1% aqueous formic acid. The total run time for each analysis was less than 5
      min. The limits of detection/quantification for this method were determined to be
      50 and 100 ng/mL, respectively. The method was found to be linear from 500 ng/mL
      to 10,000 ng/mL (r(2)>0.995). The recovery of GHB was found to be greater than
      75%. In this report, results of authentic urine samples analyzed for GHB by this
      method are presented. GHB concentrations in these samples were found to be range
      from less than 500 ng/mL to 5110 ng/mL.

PMID- 22055832
TI  - Analytical characterization and rapid determination of 2
      (diphenylmethyl)pyrrolidine in blood and application to an internet product.
AB  - The increased availability of new psychoactive substances ("legal highs") from
      retail shops or internet sources has caught the imagination of consumers, law
      enforcement and scientific communities. The present study describes the
      identification of 2-(diphenylmethyl)pyrrolidine (DPMP, desoxy-D2PM) as the key
      constituent found in an internet product called "A3A New Generation". Analytical
      characterization of this new generation "legal high" product was based on gas
      chromatography (EI/CI) ion trap mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography
      (HPLC) using electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry and diode array
      detection. A quantitative method was also developed and validated for the
      detection of DPMP in human whole blood using HPLC single wavelength ultraviolet
      detection (210 nm). Evaluation of standard method validation parameters was found
      to be satisfactory. The circulation of DPMP on the market is another example of
      psychoactive substances described decades ago in the patent literature which are
      beginning to be rediscovered by recreational drug communities. The ability to
      unambiguously identify and detect this psychoactive compound should therefore be
      of interest to those who are exposed to the recreational drugs field.

PMID- 22055833
TI  - Engaging people with diabetes in the post-summit world.

PMID- 22055834
TI  - Using a combined motivational and volitional intervention to promote exercise and
      healthy dietary behaviour among undergraduates.
AB  - AIMS: This study tested the impact of combining a motivational intervention based
      on protection motivation theory (PMT, Rogers, 1983 [18]) plus a volitional
      intervention based on action planning and coping planning, as a way to promote
      the prevention of type 2 diabetes among UK undergraduates. METHODS: Eighty-four
      participants were randomly assigned to either a control group or one of three
      experimental conditions: motivational intervention (PMT), volitional intervention
      (APCP), or combined motivational and volitional intervention (PMT&APCP). PMT
      variables, dietary and exercise behaviours were measured at three time-points
      over a four-week period. RESULTS: The motivational intervention significantly
      changed PMT variables. The combined motivational and volitional intervention
      significantly decreased fat intake and increased the frequency of exercise
      relative to all other groups, and significantly increased the amount of fruit and
      vegetables consumed relative to control and volitional intervention groups.
      CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that motivational intervention is effective at
      changing cognitions but changing behaviour requires an intervention based on both
      motivation and volition.

PMID- 22055835
TI  - The safety, efficacy and predictors for HbA1c reduction of sitagliptin in the
      treatment of Japanese type 2 diabetes.
AB  - We evaluated the efficacy and safety of sitagliptin after 3 months' treatment in
      Japanese type 2 diabetic patients and examined changes in clinical factors.
      Baseline HbA1c, PPG, BMI, and duration of diabetes may be predictors of HbA1c
      reduction when using sitagliptin in Japanese type 2 diabetic patients.

PMID- 22055836
TI  - Morphology, ultrastructure and life cycle of Vitrella brassicaformis n. sp., n.
      gen., a novel chromerid from the Great Barrier Reef.
AB  - Chromerida are photoautotrophic alveolates so far only isolated from corals in
      Australia. It has been shown that these secondary plastid-containing algae are
      closely related to apicomplexan parasites and share various morphological and
      molecular characters with both Apicomplexa and Dinophyta. So far, the only known
      representative of the phylum was Chromera velia. Here we provide a formal
      description of another chromerid, Vitrella brassicaformis gen. et sp. nov.,
      complemented with a detailed study on its ultrastructure, allowing insight into
      its life cycle. The novel alga differs significantly from the related chromerid
      C. velia in life cycle, morphology as well as the plastid genome. Analysis of
      photosynthetic pigments on the other hand demonstrate that both chromerids lack
      chlorophyll c, the hallmark of phototrophic chromalveolates. Based on the
      relatively high divergence between C. velia and V. brassicaformis, we propose
      their classification into distinct families Chromeraceae and Vitrellaceae.
      Moreover, we predict a hidden and unexplored diversity of the chromerid algae.

PMID- 22055837
TI  - Exploring semantic and phonological picture-word priming in adults who stutter
      using event-related potentials.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to investigate how semantic and phonological information
      is processed in adults who stutter (AWS) preparing to name pictures, following-up
      a report that event-related potentials (ERPs) in AWS evidenced atypical semantic
      picture-word priming (Maxfield et al., 2010). METHODS: Fourteen AWS and 14
      typically-fluent adults (TFA) participated. Pictures, named at a delay, were
      followed by probe words. Design elements not used in Maxfield et al. (2010) let
      us evaluate both phonological and semantic picture-word priming. RESULTS: TFA
      evidenced typical priming effects in probe-elicited ERPs. AWS evidenced
      diminished semantic priming, and reverse phonological N400 priming. CONCLUSIONS:
      Results point to atypical processing of semantic and phonological information in
      AWS. Discussion considers whether AWS ERP effects reflect unstable activation of
      target label semantic and phonological representations, strategic inhibition of
      target label phonological neighbors, and/or phonological label-probe competition.
      SIGNIFICANCE: Results raise questions about how mechanisms that regulate
      activation spreading operate in AWS.

PMID- 22055838
TI  - Functional anatomy of subcortical circuits issuing from or integrating at the
      human brainstem.
AB  - The functional organization of the main human brainstem centers and circuits are
      described as revealed in post-mortem material with high-resolution structural
      magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and diffusion
      tensor tractography (DTT) acquired at ultra-high magnetic field 7 T. The
      description is complemented with a conventional in vivo fiber tracking study of
      the descending motor pathways. This type of neuroanatomic depiction of nuclei and
      nerve tracts at very high spatial resolution opens new possibilities to analyze
      the fine structure and circuits of the human brainstem, at least in post-mortem
      material.

PMID- 22055839
TI  - Adiposity measures predict olfactory processing speed in older adult carriers of
      the apolipoprotein E epsilon4 allele.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The current study investigated the relationship between adiposity and
      P3 latency. METHODS: Fifty-one adults in two age groups (18-25 and 65+)
      participated. Odor stimuli were delivered via olfactometer as participants
      focused on a computer screen. Each stimulus was followed by presentation on the
      screen of four odor identification choices. Participants attempted identification
      by button press. Olfactory event-related potentials (OERPs) were recorded. BMI
      and waist circumference were measured as indicators of adiposity. RESULTS: In
      bivariate analyses with all participants included, positive correlations for P3
      latency with both BMI and waist circumference were observed, indicating that as
      adiposity increased latencies also increased. When each age group was separately
      examined, correlations between adiposity measures and latency remained
      statistically significant for older adults. Furthermore, ApoE epsilon4 allele
      status was examined. Latencies remained positively correlated with adiposity in
      older adult epsilon4 carriers; but not in non-carriers. CONCLUSIONS: This study
      indicates that adiposity predicts olfactory processing speed in older adults,
      specifically in epsilon4 carriers. SIGNIFICANCE: The results suggest that
      olfactory processing speed may be a useful measure for detecting and following
      the effects of adiposity on brain integrity and cognitive function in those at
      genetic risk for AD.

PMID- 22055840
TI  - A-waves in Guillain-Barre syndrome: correlation with electrophysiological
      subtypes and antiganglioside antibodies.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship of A-waves with conventional
      electrophysiological subtypes of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS), as well as with
      anti-ganglioside antibodies. METHODS: The subjects consisted of 30GBS patients
      who were classified into acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy
      (AIDP), acute motor axonal neuropathy, and unclassified based on the results of
      nerve conduction studies. "Abundant A-waves" were defined for the upper-limb
      nerves (median and ulnar nerves) using receiver-operator characteristic curves.
      The presence or absence of IgG anti-ganglioside antibodies was also noted.
      RESULTS: Abundant A-waves at weeks 3-6 from onset were observed in 64% of the 14
      AIDP patients and 0% of 16 non-AIDP patients, and in 60% of 15 antibody-negative
      patients and 0% of 15 antibody-positive patients. In the earlier period, this
      relationship was less clear. The correlation between the conventional
      electrophysiological subtypes and antibodies was present, but was much weaker.
      CONCLUSIONS: Abundant A-waves in GBS after the acute phase were strongly
      associated with demyelination that was not mediated by antiganglioside
      antibodies, possibly through the mechanism of proximal re-excitation induced by
      electrical inhomogeneities due to segmental demyelination. SIGNIFICANCE: Abundant
      A-waves are promising as a novel reliable marker of demyelination.

PMID- 22055841
TI  - Cerebral effects of binge drinking: respective influences of global alcohol
      intake and consumption pattern.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Binge drinking is a major health concern, but its cerebral correlates
      are still largely unexplored. We aimed at exploring (1) the cognitive step at
      which these deficits appear and (2) the respective influence of global alcohol
      intake and specific binge-drinking consumption pattern on this deficit. METHODS:
      On the basis of a screening phase (593 students), 80 participants were selected
      and distributed in four groups (control non-drinkers, daily drinkers, low and
      high binge drinkers). Event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded while
      performing a simple visual oddball task. RESULTS: Binge drinking was associated
      with massive ERP impairments, starting at the perceptive level (P100/N100 and
      N170/P2) and spreading through the attentional (N2b/P3a) and decisional (P3b)
      ones. Moreover, these deficits were linked with global alcohol intake and also
      with the specific binge-drinking consumption pattern. CONCLUSIONS: Binge drinkers
      presented early and global ERP deficits, affecting basic and high-level cognitive
      stages. Moreover, we showed that binge drinking is deleterious for the brain
      because of alcohol consumption per se, and also because of its specific
      consumption pattern. SIGNIFICANCE: The present results show that binge-drinking
      habits lead to striking brain consequences, particularly because of the repeated
      alternation between intense intoxications and withdrawal episodes.

PMID- 22055842
TI  - The oscillating central network of Essential tremor.
AB  - Essential tremor (ET) is a centrally driven tremor. It is meanwhile well
      established that it does not emerge from one single oscillator but an oscillatory
      network comprising most parts of the physiological central motor network. Several
      lines of evidence hint at the olivocerebellar system and the thalamus as key
      structures within this network whereas the cortical motor regions are only
      intermittently entrained in the tremor rhythm in thalamocortical loops. Dynamic
      changes in network composition and the interaction in symmetric loops seem to be
      specific to the generation of tremor. The same network in voluntary motor control
      is more fixed and subcortico-cortical interactions are preferentially via
      thalamocortical relays. Thus it is not primarily the network topography but the
      dynamics and interaction within the network that determines whether involuntary
      tremor or voluntary movements emerge. And this may be the basis for the selective
      effect of deep brain stimulation on tremor.

PMID- 22055843
TI  - The re-emergence of evoked potentials in multiple sclerosis; from diagnosis to
      prognostication.

PMID- 22055844
TI  - Comparison of calibration results for an extrapolation chamber obtained with
      different 90Sr+90Y secondary standard sources.
AB  - Two secondary standard systems of beta radiation were used to calibrate a PTW
      extrapolation chamber Model 23391. Three (90)Sr+(90)Y sources of different
      activities were used in this calibration procedure. Medium-term stability of the
      response of the chamber was also studied. The calibration was performed with and
      without field-flattening filters. The relative standard deviation of the obtained
      calibration factors was 8.3% for the aluminum collecting electrode and 4.1% for
      the graphite collecting electrode.

PMID- 22055845
TI  - Automated preparation of the dopamine D2/3 receptor agonist ligand [11C]-(+)-PHNO
      for human PET imaging studies.
AB  - Carbon-11 labelled (+)-4-Propyl-3,4,4a,5,6,10b-hexahydro-2H-naphtho[1,2
      b][1,4]oxazin-9-ol ([(11)C]-(+)-PHNO) is used as a high-affinity state, dopamine
      D(2/3) receptor ligand in clinical PET studies. To facilitate its use, robust,
      rapid, efficient and GMP compliant methods are required for the manufacturing and
      QC testing processes. Additionally, to allow for full quantification of the
      resulting signal in the CNS, a reliable method is required to establish the
      parent plasma concentration over the course of the scan. This paper provides high
      quality methods to support clinical application of [(11)C]-(+)-PHNO.

PMID- 22055846
TI  - Phase II trial of adjuvant pelvic radiation "sandwiched" between ifosfamide or
      ifosfamide plus cisplatin in women with uterine carcinosarcoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Uterine carcinosarcoma (CS) is a rare uterine tumor with an extremely
      poor prognosis. In the adjuvant setting, efficacy has been shown with
      radiotherapy (RT), systemic chemotherapy, or both. This is the first report
      describing the efficacy and toxicity of adjuvant ifosfamide or ifosfamide plus
      cisplatin "sandwiched" with RT in patients with surgically staged and completely
      resected uterine carcinosarcoma. METHODS: Women with surgically staged CS with no
      gross residual disease were initially administered ifosfamide (1.2 g/m(2)/day*5
      days) with cisplatin (20 mg/m(2)/day*5 days) every 3 weeks for 3 cycles followed
      by pelvic external beam RT and brachytherapy followed by 3 additional cycles of
      ifosfamide (1.0 g/m2/day) with cisplatin (20 mg/m(2)/day*5 days) every 3 weeks.
      Similar to the GOG trial in recurrent CS (Sutton et al., 2000), the addition of
      cisplatin added toxicity without additional efficacy, so mid-study, the cisplatin
      was eliminated from the regimen. Toxicities were recorded and disease-free
      survival (DFS) was calculated with Kaplan-Meier statistical methods. RESULTS: In
      total, 12 patients received ifosfamide and cisplatin and 15 patients received
      ifosfamide alone, both 'sandwiched' with RT. The median follow up was 35.9 months
      (range 6-88). The 2 year DFS was similar in both the ifosfamide/cisplatin and
      ifosfamide groups (log-rank p=0.16), so they were combined for analysis. 19
      patients (70%) completed the protocol. As expected, stage 1 patients had a better
      2-year DFS (18.75 +/- 1.12 months; log-rank p=0.008 when compared to stages 2, 3,
      4). Also, in stages 2, 3 and 4 patients, the DFS was 15.81 +/- 1.73 months. Grade
      3/4 neutropenia, anemia and thrombocytopenia occurred in 18%, 4% and 4% of
      cycles, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Ifosfamide "sandwiched" with RT appears to be
      an efficacious regimen for surgically staged CS patients with no residual
      disease, even in patients with advanced stage. The addition of cisplatin to the
      regimen added toxicity without improving efficacy. Even with ifosfamide alone,
      the efficacy of this 'sandwich' regimen comes with a moderate but tolerable
      toxicity profile.

PMID- 22055847
TI  - Assessment of peripheral tissue perfusion disorder in streptozotocin-induced
      diabetic rats using dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess peripheral tissue perfusion disorder in streptozotocin (STZ)
      induced diabetic rats by using dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance
      imaging (DCE-MRI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A rat diabetes model was produced by
      intravenous injection of STZ. Diabetic rats were sustainably treated with either
      saline or insulin using an Alzet osmotic pump. Hind paw tissue perfusion was
      measured by signal intensity (SI) enhancement after gadolinium
      diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid injection in DCE-MRI study and quantified
      using the initial area under the SI-time curve (IAUC). Peripheral tissue uptake
      of [(14)C]iodoantipyrine (IAP) was also determined as a marker of tissue blood
      flow for comparison with the IAUC value indicating tissue perfusion. RESULTS: STZ
      caused hyperglycemia at 1 and 2 weeks after injection. Treatment with insulin
      significantly alleviated hyperglycemia. At 2 weeks after STZ injection,
      peripheral tissue perfusion was clearly reduced in the diabetic rats and its
      reduction was significantly improved in the insulin-treated diabetic rats. Tissue
      perfusion evaluated by DCE-MRI was similar to the tissue blood flow measured by
      [(14)C]IAP uptake. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrated that DCE-MRI can assess
      peripheral tissue perfusion disorder in diabetes. DCE-MRI could be suitable for
      noninvasive evaluation of peripheral tissue perfusion in both preclinical and
      clinical studies. It may also be useful for developing novel drugs to protect
      against diabetic vascular complications.

PMID- 22055848
TI  - Assessment of stiffness changes in the ex vivo porcine aortic wall using magnetic
      resonance elastography.
AB  - Magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) is a noninvasive phase-contrast technique
      for estimating the mechanical properties of tissues by imaging propagating
      mechanical waves within the tissue. In this study, we hypothesize that changes in
      arterial wall stiffness, experimentally induced by formalin fixation, can be
      measured using MRE in ex vivo porcine aortas. In agreement with our hypothesis,
      the significant stiffness increase after sample fixation was clearly demonstrated
      by MRE and confirmed by mechanical testing. The results indicate that MRE can be
      used to examine the stiffness changes of the aorta. This study has provided
      evidence of the effectiveness of using MRE to directly assess the stiffness
      change in aortic wall. The results offer motivation to pursue MRE as a
      noninvasive method for the evaluation of arterial wall mechanical properties.

PMID- 22055849
TI  - Evaluation of MRI issues at 3-Tesla for a hospital identification (ID) wristband.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: A recent report suggested that a serious burn injury was
      due to the presence of the identification (ID) wristband. As such, in lieu of
      removing or padding hospital ID wristbands in all patients prior to magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI), testing may be performed to characterize risks for ID
      wristbands. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the
      magnetic field interactions, heating and artifacts at 3 T for a hospital ID
      wristband. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Standardized test methods were used to evaluate
      magnetic field interactions, MRI-related heating, and artifacts at 3 T for a
      hospital ID wristband. RESULTS: There were no magnetic field interactions. MRI
      related heating evaluated at a relatively high, MR system-reported, whole body
      averaged specific absorption rate (2.9 W/kg) did not increase above the
      background level. The artifacts related to the ink used for printing were "small"
      for one toner and "large" for the other in relation to the dimensions of the
      printing. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the tests performed, this particular hospital ID
      wristband is considered MR safe and will not pose a hazard to a patient
      undergoing an MRI examination. Importantly, it is not necessary to remove this
      item for a patient referred for MRI.

PMID- 22055850
TI  - Correlation of MRI findings to histology of acetaminophen toxicity in the mouse.
AB  - Acetaminophen (APAP) toxicity is responsible for approximately half of all cases
      of acute liver failure in the United States. The mouse model of APAP toxicity is
      widely used to examine mechanisms of APAP toxicity. Noninvasive approaches would
      allow for serial measurements in a single animal to study the effects of
      experimental interventions on the development and resolution of hepatocellular
      necrosis. The following study examined the time course of hepatic necrosis using
      small animal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) following the administration of 200
      mg/kg ip APAP given to B6C3F1 male mice. Mice treated with saline served as
      controls (CON). Other mice received treatment with the clinical antidote N
      acetylcysteine (APAP+NAC). Mouse liver pathology was characterized using T1- and
      T2-weighted sequences at 2, 4, 8 and 24 h following APAP administration. Standard
      assays for APAP toxicity [serum alanine aminotransaminase (ALT) levels and
      hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining of liver sections] were examined relative to
      MRI findings. Overall, T2 sequences had a greater sensitivity for necrosis and
      hemorrhage than T1 (FLASH) images. Liver injury severity scoring of MR images
      demonstrated increased scores in the APAP mice at 4, 8 and 24 h compared to the
      CON mice. APAP+NAC mice had MRI scores similar to the CON mice. Semiquantitative
      analysis of hepatic hemorrhage strongly correlated with serum ALT. Small animal
      MRI can be used to monitor the evolution of APAP toxicity over time and to
      evaluate the response to therapy.

PMID- 22055851
TI  - A dual-tuned quadrature volume coil with mixed lambda/2 and lambda/4 microstrip
      resonators for multinuclear MRSI at 7 T.
AB  - In this work, an eight-element by eight-element dual-tuned quadrature volume coil
      with a mix of capacitor terminated half-wavelength (lambda/2) and quarter
      wavelength (lambda/4) microstrip resonators is proposed for multinuclear magnetic
      resonance imaging/spectroscopy studies at 7 T. In the proton channel, lambda/2
      microstrip resonators with capacitive terminations on both ends are employed for
      operation at higher frequency of 298.1 MHz; in the heteronucleus channel,
      capacitor-terminated lambda/4 resonators, suitable for low frequency operations,
      are used to meet the low frequency requirement. This mixed structure design is
      particularly advantageous for high field heteronuclei magnetic resonance
      applications with large difference in Larmor frequency of the nuclei in question.
      The proposed design method makes it much easier to perform frequency tuning for
      heteronucleus channel using a variable capacitor with a practical capacitance
      range. As an example, a dual-tuned volume coil for (1)H/(13)C mouse spectroscopic
      imaging was proposed to demonstrate the feasibility of this method. The finite
      difference time-domain method is first used to model this dual-tuned volume coil
      and calculate the B(1) field distributions at two frequencies. Transmission
      parameters (S(21)) measured between the proton channel and the carbon channel are
      -50 dB at 75 MHz and -35 dB at 298 MHz, showing the excellent isolation between
      the two channels at 7 T. The proton image and (13)C FIDCSI image of a corn oil
      phantom on the axial plane at 7 T demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed
      method. A preliminary proton image of a mouse on the sagittal plane is also
      acquired using the proposed dual-tuned volume coil at 7 T, illustrating a fairly
      uniform B(1) field and sufficient image coverage for imaging in mice.

PMID- 22055852
TI  - A 3D balanced-SSFP Dixon technique with group-encoded k-space segmentation for
      breath-held non-contrast-enhanced MR angiography.
AB  - A three-dimensional balanced steady-state free precession (b-SSFP)-Dixon
      technique with a novel group-encoded k-space segmentation scheme called GUINNESS
      (Group-encoded Ungated Inversion Nulling for Non-contrast Enhancement in the
      Steady State) was developed. GUINNESS was evaluated for breath-held non-contrast
      enhanced MR angiography of the renal arteries on 18 subjects (6 healthy
      volunteers, 12 patients) at 3.0 T. The method provided high signal-to-noise and
      contrast renal angiograms with homogeneous fat and background suppression in
      short breath-holds on the order of 20 s with high spatial resolution and
      coverage. GUINNESS has potential as a short breath-hold alternative to
      conventional respiratory-gated methods, which are often suboptimal in pediatric
      subjects and patients with significant diaphragmatic drift/sleep apnea.

PMID- 22055853
TI  - MR susceptibility artifact due to occupational cause: an unusual case.

PMID- 22055854
TI  - Age-related diffusion patterns in human lumbar intervertebral discs: a pilot
      study in asymptomatic subjects.
AB  - Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) may provide an accurate noninvasive method of
      detecting degenerative matrix alterations in human lumbar intervertebral discs
      (IVDs). This study aimed to investigate age-related degenerative changes in human
      lumbar IVDs using DTI. Thirty asymptomatic volunteers ranging in age from 25 to
      67 years underwent single-shot diffusion weighted echo-planar imaging on a 3 T
      scanner. DTI-derived metrics including fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean
      diffusivity (MD) were analyzed by a histogram analysis method. A Mann-Whitney
      test was used to compare subject groups (young and elderly) with respect to the
      diffusion measures, and piecewise linear regression was used to characterize the
      change in each metric as a function of age. We found significant age-related
      changes in the elderly adult group, with decrease of MD (11%, P<.001) and
      increase of FA (20%, P<.001). Our results demonstrate that the degenerative
      related changes taking place in the IVDs through aging can be quantitatively
      accessed by DTI-derived metrics, while the morphologic changes are difficult to
      be identified in conventional T(2)-weighted images. Our initial findings suggest
      that it would be worthwhile to validate the relationship between DTI metrics and
      the actual degenerative status of IVDs using extracted disc samples and to extend
      it to studies on patients with degenerative discs in order to further explore the
      clinical usefulness and relevance of DTI.

PMID- 22055855
TI  - Functional magnetic resonance imaging of awake monkeys: some approaches for
      improving imaging quality.
AB  - Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) at high magnetic field strength can
      suffer from serious degradation of image quality because of motion and
      physiological noise, as well as spatial distortions and signal losses due to
      susceptibility effects. Overcoming such limitations is essential for sensitive
      detection and reliable interpretation of fMRI data. These issues are particularly
      problematic in studies of awake animals. As part of our initial efforts to study
      functional brain activations in awake, behaving monkeys using fMRI at 4.7 T, we
      have developed acquisition and analysis procedures to improve image quality with
      encouraging results. We evaluated the influence of two main variables on image
      quality. First, we show how important the level of behavioral training is for
      obtaining good data stability and high temporal signal-to-noise ratios. In
      initial sessions, our typical scan session lasted 1.5 h, partitioned into short
      (<10 min) runs. During reward periods and breaks between runs, the monkey
      exhibited movements resulting in considerable image misregistrations. After a few
      months of extensive behavioral training, we were able to increase the length of
      individual runs and the total length of each session. The monkey learned to wait
      until the end of a block for fluid reward, resulting in longer periods of
      continuous acquisition. Each additional 60 training sessions extended the
      duration of each session by 60 min, culminating, after about 140 training
      sessions, in sessions that last about 4 h. As a result, the average translational
      movement decreased from over 500 MUm to less than 80 MUm, a displacement close to
      that observed in anesthetized monkeys scanned in a 7-T horizontal scanner.
      Another major source of distortion at high fields arises from susceptibility
      variations. To reduce such artifacts, we used segmented gradient-echo echo-planar
      imaging (EPI) sequences. Increasing the number of segments significantly
      decreased susceptibility artifacts and image distortion. Comparisons of images
      from functional runs using four segments with those using a single-shot EPI
      sequence revealed a roughly twofold improvement in functional signal-to-noise
      ratio and 50% decrease in distortion. These methods enabled reliable detection of
      neural activation and permitted blood-oxygenation-level-dependent-based mapping
      of early visual areas in monkeys using a volume coil. In summary, both extensive
      behavioral training of monkeys and application of segmented gradient-echo EPI
      sequence improved signal-to-noise ratio and image quality. Understanding the
      effects these factors have is important for the application of high field imaging
      methods to the detection of submillimeter functional structures in the awake
      monkey brain.

PMID- 22055856
TI  - Robustness of fat quantification using chemical shift imaging.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of parameter changes that
      can potentially lead to unreliable measurements in fat quantification. Chemical
      shift imaging was performed using spoiled gradient echo sequences with systematic
      variations in the following: two-dimensional/three-dimensional sequence, number
      of echoes, delta echo time, fractional echo factor, slice thickness, repetition
      time, flip angle, bandwidth, matrix size, flow compensation and field strength.
      Results indicated no significant (or significant but small) changes in fat
      fraction with parameter. The significant changes can be attributed to the known
      effects of T1 bias and two forms of noise bias.

PMID- 22055857
TI  - Preface. Spatially resolved nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR).

PMID- 22055858
TI  - A practical multinuclear transceiver volume coil for in vivo MRI/MRS at 7 T.
AB  - A practical multinuclear transceiver RF volume coil with improved efficiency for
      in vivo small animal (1)H/(13)C/(23)Na MR applications at the ultrahigh magnetic
      field of 7 T is reported. In the proposed design, the coil's resonance
      frequencies for (1)H and (13)C are realized by using a traditional double-tuned
      approach, while the resonant frequency for (23)Na, which is only some 4 MHz away
      from the (13)C frequency, is tuned based upon (13)C channel by easy-operating
      capacitive "frequency switches". In contrast to the traditional triple-tuned
      volume coil, the volume coil with the proposed design possesses less number of
      resonances, which helps improve the coil efficiency and alleviate the design and
      operation difficulties. This coil design strategy is advantageous and well
      suitable for multinuclear MR imaging and spectroscopy studies, particularly in
      the case where Larmor frequencies of nuclei in question are not separate enough.
      The prototype multinuclear coil was demonstrated in the desired unshielded design
      for easy construction and experiment implementation at 7 T. The design method may
      provide a practical and robust solution to designing multinuclear RF volume coils
      for in vivo MR imaging and spectroscopy at ultrahigh fields. Finite difference
      time domain method simulations for evaluating the design and 7-T MR experiment
      results acquired using the prototype coil are presented.

PMID- 22055859
TI  - Effects of manganese injected into rat nostrils: implications for in vivo
      functional study of olfaction using MEMRI.
AB  - Manganese-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MEMRI) is a powerful tool for
      visualizing neuronal pathways and mapping brain activity modulation. A potential
      drawback of MEMRI lies in the toxic effects of manganese (Mn), which also depend
      on its administration route. The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of
      Mn doses injected into the nostrils of rats on both olfactory perception and MRI
      contrast enhancement. For this purpose, doses in the range 0-8 MUmol MnCl(2) were
      tested. Behavioral items were quantified with and without odor stimulation during
      the first 2 h following Mn injection. The MRI study was performed after 16 h of
      intermittent olfactory stimulations. Behavioral results showed that, during the
      early period following Mn administration, spontaneous motor activity was not
      affected, while odor-related behaviors were dose-dependently reduced. MRI results
      showed that, in the primary olfactory cortex, contrast was rapidly enhanced for
      Mn doses up to 0.3 MUmol and very slowly above. This dose of 0.3 MUmol Mn can
      thus be taken as the optimal dose for injection into rat nostrils to ensure a
      reproducible contrast in MRI studies while sparing olfactory perception.

PMID- 22055860
TI  - Comparative action of cathepsins D, B, H, L and of a new lysosomal cysteine
      proteinase on rabbit myofibrils.
AB  - Specific action of cathespins D, B, H, L, and of a new high Mr (molecular weight
      relative to hydrogen) cysteine proteinase, on rabbit muscle myofibrils was
      studied at pH 5.7 by following changes affecting their ATPase activities, their
      calcium sensitivity, their effect on the ultrastructure, as well as the
      electrophoretic pattern of the contractile proteins in the presence of SDS. With
      regard to the Mg?Ca-enhanced ATPase activity, all these proteinases had a very
      similar effect. A decrease in this activity was thus noted concomitantly with a
      shift of the straight-line graph obtained when plotting the present acto-myosin
      ATPase activity versus KCl concentrations. Cathepsins D, B, L and the high Mr
      cysteine proteinase induced a decrease in both the calcium ATPase activity of
      myosin and the calcium sensitivity of myofibrils. On the contrary, the Mg-EGTA
      dependent ATpase activity was increased. Except for cathepsin H, extensive
      hydrolysis of proteins occurred in myofibrils treated with each of the lysosomal
      proteinases tested. However, different specificities could be distinguished. On
      the one hand, cathepsins D and B affected mainly myofibrillar protein running
      above and below actin, respectively, on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis;
      on the other hand, the high Mr cysteine proteinase exhibited broader specificity
      since most of the proteins were hydrolyzed irrespective of their Mr. Myofibrils
      incubated with cathepsins B and the high Mr cysteine proteinase showed
      ultrastructural modifications at the level of Z-line, M-bands and A-bands.
      Myofibrils treated with cathepsin D and cathepsin H appeared almost unaltered. On
      the basis of these characteristics, cathepsin H hardly affected myofibrils. These
      results provide evidence for the involvement of the lysosomal proteinases in the
      meat ageing process and are discussed in regard to the changes occurring at the
      myofibrillar level during conversion of muscle into meat.

PMID- 22055861
TI  - Fat content and fatty acid pattern in muscle and adipose tissue from differently
      reared calves.
AB  - Two groups of Simmental calves were fed a milk replacer diet or were early weaned
      and slaughtered at the age of 4 months. Two muscles and two adipose tissue
      samples were removed, the lipids were extracted by chloroform-methanol and the
      fatty acid composition was analyzed by gas chromatography after
      transesterification with Na-methylate. Total lipid contents in both muscles were
      relatively small (<2%) Due to high phospholipid content, veal muscle lipids
      contain a high proportion of polyene fatty acids which accounted for more than
      30%. Adipose tissue consists predominantly of oleic acid (from 34% to 37%) and
      palmitic acid (from 27% to 29%). In extractable perinephric fat, milk replacer
      diet caused significantly higher myristic acid (C(14)) values and, accordingly,
      lower oleic (C(18:1)) values.

PMID- 22055862
TI  - Comparison of ultrasonic measurement of backfat depth on live pigs and carcases
      with a digital recording instrument.
AB  - A hand-held, digital recording ultrasonic backfat tester (Sonalyser) was used on
      200 live pigs and their carcases to predict carcase P2 backfat depth measured
      with the Introscope optical probe. Readings were taken on live pigs at a position
      which approximated to the P2 site on the carcase. This site was tattooed.
      Sonalyser and Introscope readings were taken on the carcase at the P2 site and at
      the tattooed site. Regression equations of Introscope readings as a function of
      Sonalyser live pig and carcase measurements were developed. Calculation of
      partial F values showed the Sonalyser was more precise in measuring backfat on
      the live pig than the carcase. With R(2) = 0.77 and residual standard deviation
      (rsd) = 1.35 mm was judged to be acceptable for predicting carcase Introscope
      backfat from live pig measurement. Due to the lower precision, and other
      practical limitations to its use in abattoirs, the Sonalyser was not suitable for
      measuring backfat on the carcase. The limiting factors may have contributed to
      the lower R(2) (0.69) and higher rsd (1.55 mm) of the regression between
      Sonalyser and Introscope carcase fat depth.

PMID- 22055863
TI  - Comparative lipid composition of porcine muscles at different anatomical
      locations.
AB  - The influence of anatomical location on the intramuscular lipids was studied in
      Large White pigs. The amount of total, neutral and polar lipids and the
      composition of fatty acids of the above three fractions were determined for
      Longissimus dorsi (LD) at two points and Transversus abdominis (TA) and Biceps
      femoris (BF) taken from the two half carcasses of an animal. The symmetrical
      samples from the same animal had identical intramuscular lipid characteristics.
      The three muscles did not show significant differences in their total (2.8 to
      2.4g/100g) and neutral (2.1 to 1.4g/100g) lipid contents. The amount of polar
      lipids was characteristic of every muscle (0.65 g, 0.84 g and 0.97 g per 100 g,
      respectively, in LD, BF and TA). The fatty acid composition of neutral lipids was
      influenced by the type of muscle. Polar lipid had similar fatty acid composition
      in the three muscles. The intramuscular lipids contained appreciable amounts of
      essential fatty acids of the family n-6; interestingly, a part of which (25% of
      EFA) was the long chain fatty acid (C20 and C22) located in the polar lipids.

PMID- 22055864
TI  - The use of video image analysis for quantitative measurement of visible fat and
      lean in meat: Part 3- lipid content variation in commercial processing beef and
      its prediction by image analysis.
AB  - Video image analysis (VIA) is now routinely used by a number of large meat
      processing companies to measure 'on-line' the fat and lean contents of boneless
      meat. Earlier limited work had indicated a good correlation between visible fat
      and chemical lipid. Establishing this relationship would allow manufacturers
      using VIA to accurately predict the lipid content in boneless meat. Accordingly,
      data have been collected (from 168 carcasses sampled over a 7-month period) on
      the lipid, moisture and lipid-free dry matter contents of three subcutaneous
      (SCF) and two intermuscular (IMF) fat depots from selected cuts of processing
      beef forequarter. The intramuscular fat contents of five lean sites were also
      measured. With very minor exceptions, there were no significant differences in
      lipid, moisture or dry matter contents within sites or between sites of the same
      depot type. However, highly significant differences (P > 0.01) between depot
      types were detected during the sampling period. There was poor correlation of
      lipid content between different depot sites. Equations derived from the data were
      applied to a commercial operation and compared to chemical analysis. In all
      cases, VIA predicted values showed very good agreement with analytical results (r
      = 0.94). Similar equations are now being developed for processing lamb and pork.

PMID- 22055865
TI  - The use of video image analysis for quantitative measurement of visible fat and
      lean in meat: Part 4- application of image analysis measurement techniques to
      minced meats.
AB  - The quantitative measurement of fat in minced meat by video techniques has, to
      date, been impractical due to the nature of the raw material and camera
      limitations in particle resolution. The latter have been enhanced by improving
      the optical system and by illuminating the meat with a limited wavelength
      ultraviolet light source. Problems with fat smear and drip stain, causing over-
      and under-estimation of fat, respectively, have been overcome by better control
      of mincing conditions. Tempering of the meat to between -2 degrees C and -5
      degrees C before mincing gave the best results. The level of fat detection was
      unchanged for up to 20 min after mincing, but, by 2 h, the initial value had
      fallen by 50%. Magnifying the field of view, thus reducing the sample size
      measured by 50%, did not adversely affect results with 4mm-10mm diameter mince.
      The system could not accurately resolve mince below 4 mm. Estimation of total
      lipid from video data using prediction equations was in good agreement with
      chemical analysis (r=0.99 for 10mm mince, r=0.95 for 4 mm mince). Video image
      analysis (VIA) can now be effectively extended to areas of meat processing using
      particulate meats.

PMID- 22055866
TI  - Biochemical factors influencing metmyoglobin formation in beef muscles.
AB  - To explain the different rates of metmyoglobin accumulation in bovine muscles,
      biochemical factors such as oxygen consumption rate, cytochrome a(+a(3)) content,
      myoglobin autoxidation and enzymic ferrimyoglobin reduction were studied. The
      measurements involved five cows and five bulls. Only six cows were used for
      Metmyoglobin Reducing Activity (MRA) measurements. Three muscles with different
      colour stability (Tensor fasciae latae, Psoas major and Diaphragma medialis) were
      chosen. Meat colour stability, as well as the oxido-reduction potential of
      myoglobin, were highly related to muscle type. The animal effect was low or non
      significant. Muscles with the poorest colour stability, such as Psoas major and
      Diaphragma medialis had the highest oxidative activities (oxygen consumption
      rate) and the highest myoglobin autoxidation rates. Enzymic ferrimyoglobin
      reduction, estimated either by spectrophotometric measurements from muscle
      homogenates in aerobic conditions ('Metmyoglobin Reductase Activity') or by
      reflectance measurements in anaerobic conditions (MRA), does not explain the
      differences observed in muscle colour stability.

PMID- 22055867
TI  - Structure of beef Longissimus dorsi muscle frozen at various temperatures: Part 1
      histological changes in muscle frozen at -10, -22, -33, -78, -115 and -196
      degrees C.
AB  - To elucidate the relationship between the lowering of freezing temperature and
      the distribution of ice crystals in frozen muscle, samples of beef Longissimus
      dorsi muscle were frozen at -10, -22, -33, -78, -115 and -196 degrees C.
      Histological preparations of these samples indicated that ice crystals were
      formed in muscles frozen at -10 degrees C intercellularly, at -22 degrees C inter
      and intracellularly, at -33 degrees C intercellularly and at -78, -115 and -196
      degrees C only intracellularly. In muscles frozen at -78 degrees C, ice crystals
      in fibres were large; in those frozen at -115 degrees C they were relatively
      smaller; and in those frozen at -196 degrees C they were evenly distributed
      throughout the muscles. The greatest damage was caused at -22 degrees C due to
      the simultaneous formation of the ice intra- and intercellularly. The results
      indicated that the pattern of distribution of ice crystals at the latter
      temperature deviates from that predicted from a linear progression of change with
      temperature of freezing.

PMID- 22055868
TI  - Structure of beef Longissimus dorsi muscle frozen at various temperatures: Part 2
      ultrastructure of muscles frozen at -10, -22, -33, -78 and -115 degrees C.
AB  - The changes in electron micrographs of muscles frozen at -10, -22, -33, -78 and 
      115 degrees C were analyzed. The ultrastructure of muscle successively changed
      with decreasing freezing temperature whereas light microscopy indicated anomalous
      behaviour at -22 degrees C. It appeared that, in muscles frozen at -10 degrees C,
      there was no freezing of water intracellularly; in those frozen at -22 degrees C,
      water was frozen intracellularly (but only in the I-band region); whereas, in
      muscles frozen at -33 degrees C, water was frozen inside the fibres, both in the
      I- and the A-bands. In muscles frozen at -78 and -115 degrees C, water is frozen
      intracellularly. These findings can be explained on the basis that, in the I-band
      region, the major protein is actin, which has a relatively high proportion of non
      polar residues and holds water weakly, whereas the predominant protein in the A
      band is myosin, which contains many polar residues and has a high water-holding
      capacity.

PMID- 22055869
TI  - Effect of electrical stimulation, high temperature conditions and ageing on
      muscle myofibrillar proteins.
AB  - Electrical stimulation, when accompanied by high temperature incubation, was
      found to lower the extractability of myofibrillar proteins and increase their
      degradation, particularly that of the myosin component. Troponin T and myosin
      light chain 2 were similarly affected. Troponin T and troponins I and C were
      degraded earlier during ageing in electrically stimulated muscles incubated at
      high temperature than in conventionally chilled muscles.

PMID- 22055870
TI  - Lipid and haemoprotein oxidation in meat emulsions.
AB  - Emulsions of refined additive-free lard, egg albumin and water were designed to
      study the effect of haemoproteins, iron salts and sodium chloride on lipid
      oxidation. It was found that ferric haematin pigments (metmyoglobin,
      methaemoglobin and heat denatured myoglobin and haemoglobin) were all catalysts
      of lipid oxidation whereas the oxy and carboxy derivatives were not effective.
      Emulsions prepared using meat of high and low metmyoglobin contents supported
      these findings. At the levels present in meat products, both ferrous and ferric
      salts were only very weak catalysts of the lipid oxidation compared with the
      ferric haematin complexes. Sodium chloride (1.5%) also possessed little or no pro
      oxidant activity in these systems. Emulsions prepared from fresh meat and fats
      from various sources and of different histories indicated that although, in model
      systems, peroxidising lipids can catalyse the oxidation of myoglobin, in meat and
      meat-based emulsions the effect is of minimal importance.

PMID- 22055871
TI  - Digestibility of collagenous fermented sausage in man.
AB  - The digestibility of the protein of a fermented collagenous sausage was studied
      in three patients with ileostomies with small bowel resections. The patients were
      given four ordinary meals each day with a total protein content of about 64g,
      half of which was derived from collagen. Pigskins from 6-month old scalded pigs
      were used as the collagen source. A fermented sausage, based on meat, was used as
      a reference and the patients with ileostomies served as their own controls. Urine
      was collected from two patients. The true nitrogen digestibilities were found to
      be 71-79 % for the collagenous diets and 69-85 % for the reference diets.
      Hydroxyproline digestibilities (apparent and true) for the collagenous diet
      periods were similar: 70-82 %. This indicated that collagen was digested to the
      same extent as other proteins. Amino acid patterns of ileal excreta distinctly
      differed for each of the two periods, further confirming that all the protein was
      not absorbed. Elevated excretion of hydroxyproline in the urine after ingestion
      of the collagenous sausage was found, mainly as peptide bound hydroxyproline, but
      accounted for about only 2% of the ingested hydroxyproline. It was concluded that
      collagenous fermented sausage is as digestible as a reference sausage based on
      meat even without prior heat treatment.

PMID- 22055875
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 22055874
TI  - Genetic and epigenetic variations in inducible nitric oxide synthase promoter,
      particulate pollution, and exhaled nitric oxide levels in children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS; encoded by nitric oxide
      synthase isoform 2 [NOS2]) is the major enzyme for nitric oxide synthesis in
      airways. As such, measurement of fractional concentration of exhaled nitric oxide
      (Feno) provides an in vivo assessment of iNOS activity. Short-term exposure to
      air pollution, haplotypes, and DNA methylation in the NOS2 promoter has been
      associated independently with iNOS expression, Feno levels, or both. OBJECTIVE:
      We aimed to examine the effects of ambient air pollutants, NOS2 promoter
      haplotypes, and NOS2 promoter methylation on Feno levels in children. METHODS: We
      selected 940 participants in the Children's Health Study who provided buccal
      samples and had undergone Feno measurement on the same day. DNA methylation was
      measured with a bisulfite-PCR Pyrosequencing assay. Seven single nucleotide
      polymorphisms captured the haplotype diversity in the NOS2 promoter. Average
      particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter of 2.5 MUm or less (PM(2.5)) and
      10 MUm (PM(10)) or less and ozone and nitrogen dioxide levels 7 days before Feno
      measurement were estimated based on air pollution data obtained at central
      monitoring sites. RESULTS: We found interrelated effects of PM(2.5), NOS2
      promoter haplotypes, and iNOS methylation on Feno levels. Increased 7-day average
      PM(2.5) exposure was associated with lower iNOS methylation (P = .01). NOS2
      promoter haplotypes were globally associated with NOS2 promoter methylation (P =
      6.2 * 10(-8)). There was interaction among 1 common promoter haplotype, iNOS
      methylation level, and PM(2.5) exposure on Feno levels (P(interaction) = .00007).
      CONCLUSION: Promoter variants in NOS2 and short-term PM(2.5) exposure affect iNOS
      methylation. This is one of the first studies showing contributions of genetic
      and epigenetic variations in air pollution-mediated phenotype expression.

PMID- 22055876
TI  - Sixty years of age-thirty years of meat research.

PMID- 22055877
TI  - Weight loss prediction during meat chilling.
AB  - A lumped parameter model for computing weight losses during meat chilling is
      proposed. The model is independent of the shape of the piece of meat and allows
      the fraction of fat and bone to be taken into account. With this information a
      distinction between the heat transfer and the mass transfer areas can be
      established. Also provided is a correction factor which permits the existence of
      temperature gradients inside the meat to be taken into consideration. With the
      aid of the model the effect of the different operating variables on weight losses
      is analysed. The values predicted by the model show good agreement with
      experimental data obtained by other authors for the chilling of steers, cows and
      lambs under a wide range of operating conditions.

PMID- 22055878
TI  - The similarities between the activities of the calcium activated sarcoplasmic
      factor and the kinase activating factor from rabbit skeletal muscle.
AB  - The similarity, that has been suggested by other investigators, between the
      kinase activating factor (KAF) and the calcium activated sarcoplasmic factor
      (CASF) of rabbit skeletal muscle is extended through a comparison of enzyme
      activities. Proteolytic activity on casein, the ability to activate skeletal
      muscle glycogen phosphorylase b kinase, inhibition by bovine heart KAF inhibitor
      and effects on myofibrillar integrity were examined using these two skeletal
      muscle proteases and a typical bacterial protease isolated from Pseudomonas
      perolens (ATCC 10757). The study demonstrated that the skeletal muscle proteases
      have more in common with each other than either protease has with the bacterial
      protease. The ability to influence the integrity of the myofibril was
      demonstrated by phase-contrast microscopy and SDS polyacrylamide gel
      electrophoresis. The KAF and CASF demonstrated similar effects that again
      differed from the bacterial protease effects.

PMID- 22055879
TI  - Anoxic storage of fresh beef. 1: Nitrogen and carbon dioxide storage atmospheres.
AB  - Anoxic gas-packaging of fresh beef was developed using a catalytic oxygen
      scavenging system. Retail cuts of fresh beef do not discolour during storage
      periods of up to 3 weeks at 0 degrees C in this system. The colour shelf-life of
      different muscles, subsequent to anoxic gas-packaging, are related to their
      intrinsic colour stabilities. Colour shelf-life decreases with length of storage
      period in the anoxic gas atmosphere. No differences in subsequent colour shelf
      life are found between meat stored in anoxic gas atmospheres of nitrogen or of
      carbon dioxide for up to 3 weeks at 0 degrees C.

PMID- 22055880
TI  - Post-mortem changes in cytoskeletal proteins of muscle.
AB  - Progressive changes have been identified in the solubility of muscle-cell
      proteins during post-mortem muscle ageing, particularly the cytoskeletal
      proteins, desmin and connectin. Ox sternomandibularis muscle was sampled
      immediately post mortem and up to six days later. It was homogenised and
      separated into three salt-soluble fractions: phosphate soluble, concentrated KI
      soluble and guanidine-HCl soluble. Proteins in each fraction were analysed on
      sodium dodecylsulphate polyacrylamide gels. Changes reported previously by other
      authors were confirmed. In addition desmin, which was restricted to the guanidine
      fraction, disappeared, apparently due to proteolysis during storage. Connectin
      was also partly lost from the guanidine fraction, possibly through increased
      solubility in the KI fraction. In this respect an unidentified polypeptide of 110
      000 D appeared during storage. Desmin extracted from ox muscle was partially
      purified and identified by amino acid analysis. It apparently occurs in vivo as a
      network of linked collars around the Z-discs and its loss during post-mortem
      storage probably accounts for the ease with which stored muscle disintegrates
      into individual myofibrils on homogenisation. The disintegration of the
      cytoskeletal network can account for the post-mortem changes in the physical
      properties of muscle for the increased tenderness after cooking of stored meat.
      However, factors other than those related to changes in cytoskeletal proteins are
      responsible for the toughness of cooked, cold-shortened muscle since cold
      shortening prior to storage did not affect the distribution of proteins among the
      three salt fractions, nor the patterns obtained in gel analyses.

PMID- 22055881
TI  - Acceptability and storage stability of pork products with increased levels of
      polyunsaturated fatty acids.
AB  - Several batches of back bacon, belly bacon, Dutch-style cervelat sausage, pork
      loin roll, shoulder with fat, Bologna, Guelders ring sausage, Saxon liver sausage
      and luncheon meat were produced with increasing PUFA-levels using raw materials
      containing up to 30% linoleic acid in their fats. Only the preparation of the
      high linoleic fermented Dutch-style cervelat sausages gave problems. Fatty acid
      composition did not change during preparation, nor during a two months' storage
      of back bacon at 15 degrees C. Sensory evaluations of the products by an expert
      panel revealed only a few differences, mostly related to consistency. Penetration
      measurements on luncheon meat showed an increase of softness as the PUFA-level
      was increased Products were stored for up to 61 days at 4 or 15 degrees C. During
      storage, peroxide numbers and p-anisidine values were determined and sensory
      evaluations performed by an expert-panel. The unheated, and some of the
      pasteurised, highly unsaturated products appeared to be very susceptible to lipid
      oxidation.

PMID- 22055882
TI  - Identification and ecology of salt-requiring vibrio associated with cured meats.
AB  - Of 454 isolates of salt-requiring Vibrio, 17 were identified as V. costicola
      (Group 1) and 35 as V. costicola sub-sp. liquefaciens (Group 2). Although similar
      in many respects, the remaining 402 strains were associated with the spoilage of
      cured meats and differ from V. costicola in being non-motile, unable to grow in
      the presence of 20% (w/v) NaCl, negative in Mollers arginine test, and sensitive
      to penicillin. V. costicola was only isolated from cured meats and curing brines,
      whereas the unidentified Vibrio was also found in low salt (non-curing)
      environments of the factory, the slaughter and butchery areas (pork, bone dust,
      blood) and in faeces from the lairage.

PMID- 22055883
TI  - Two modes of immune suppression by Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells under inflammatory
      or non-inflammatory conditions.
AB  - Foxp3-expressing regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a crucial role in maintaining
      immune tolerance and homeostasis. One of the key issues for understanding Treg
      immunobiology is to determine how they suppress excessive or aberrant immune
      responses. Although a number of molecules have been reported to contribute to
      Treg suppressive function, the importance and precise role of each molecule is
      not clear. In this review, we propose and discuss that two modes of suppression
      can be distinguished. In the physiological and steady state, activation of naive
      T cells can be suppressed by natural Tregs via deprivation of activation signals
      including CD28 signal and IL-2 from antigen-reactive T cells, keeping the latter
      in a naive state in lymphoid tissues. These deprivation mechanisms are
      transiently abrogated in inflammatory conditions, allowing T cells to respond to
      antigen. In contrast, in highly inflammatory environments, for example, in
      microbial infection, activated Tregs acquire the capacity to kill or inactivate
      effector T cells and antigen-presenting cells, for example, via granzyme/perforin
      formation and IL-10 secretion, thereby actively damping excessive immune
      responses. Understanding these processes will help effectively controlling
      physiological and pathological immune responses via Tregs.

PMID- 22055884
TI  - A review of the relationships of pH with physical aspects of pork quality.
AB  - The pH(1)-index, defined as the percent of carcasses with pH < 6.0 at 45 min post
      mortem (p-m), gives some indication of the likely incidence of pale, soft,
      exudative (PSE) pork at 24 h or more p-m. However, there is considerable
      variation between nations in the subjective definition of PSE. Thus, pH data show
      that subjectively-defined PSE pork from one country might be regarded as normal
      pork in another country, and vice versa. The paleness of pork is inversely
      proportional to pH. The data from conventional monochromatic reflectance
      photometers are almost linearly related to pH whereas the data from the Goefo
      meter and fibre-optic (FO) probes follow curvilinear relationships which may be
      logarithmic. In the visible spectrum, correlations of FO reflectance with pH and
      muscle structure are strongest towards 700 nm. The relationship of pH with
      exudate (bag-drip) is biphasic with fluid losses increasing from pH 7 to about
      6.1, then staying constant at lower pHs. This biphasic pattern is also seen in
      some, but not all, methods in which exudate is measured by applied pressure or in
      which myofibrillar water-holding capacity is measured by centrifugation.
      Electrical impedance and its primary determinants (resistance and capacitance in
      parallel) are directly proportional to pH but follow curvilinear relationships.
      There is at least some theoretical understanding of the relationship of pH with
      exudate, but much remains to be learnt about the causal relationships of pH with
      paleness or softness. Many of the older published studies in the field are marred
      by a failure to separate genetic causes of low-pH (porcine stress syndrome) from
      environmental causes (preslaughter handling, slaughter and refrigeration).

PMID- 22055885
TI  - Comparisons of patties using mixtures of ground meat from beef, pork and
      chevaline.
AB  - Sensory panels were used to evaluate five different ground meat products. The
      control product was ground beef and this was compared with products consisting of
      70% beef and 30% pork; 50% beef, 30% pork, and 20% chevaline; 40% beef, 30% pork,
      and 30% chevaline; and 30% beef, 30% pork, and 40% chevaline. Analysis of sensory
      panel data revealed no significant difference (P < 0.05) in juiciness, flavor
      intensity, or flavor desirability. Raw and cooked samples of each of the five
      products were analyzed for proximate composition and were found to be comparable
      in nutritive value. There were small but non-significant differences in amino
      acid composition.

PMID- 22055886
TI  - Physical and sensory attributes of hot-processed and conventionally chilled hams
      and bellies from electrically stimulated and non-stimulated pork carcasses.
AB  - Forty-eight fresh hams and bellies were obtained from 24 market weight hogs (x  =
      94.5 kg) of which twelve were electrically stimulated (ES) by pulsing current
      immediately after exsanguination. The left side of each non-stimulated (NS)
      carcas was fabricated after conditioning for 3h post mortem at 17 degrees C (NS
      hot-processed). The left sides of ES carcasses were fabricated 1 h pm. The right
      sides were fabricated following a 24 h cooler chill at 2 degrees C
      (conventionally chilled: CP). Hams from ESCP carcasses had higher (P < 0.05)
      smokehouse yields than hams from NS carcasses. Hams that were hot-processed had
      higher smokehouse yields than the NSCP hams. Time of fabrication (1, 3 or 24h
      post mortem) did not affect smokehouse yields. Conventionally chilled bellies
      obtained from ES carcasses showed higher (P < 0.05) residual nitrite levels than
      those front electrically stimulated hot-processed (ESHP) carcasses. No
      differences were found for residual nitrite levels in the non-electrically
      stimulated sides. Panelists were unable to detect any sensory differences from
      the bacon strips. Sensory scores of ham slices were more juicy for non-stimulated
      hot-processed carcasses (NSHP) than those from ESHP carcasses. Panelists found
      the ham slices from NSCP carcasses to be more tender (P < 0.05) than those from
      electrically stimulated cold-processed (ESCP) carcasses. Results from this study
      clearly indicated that hot-processing of pork can provide hams and bellies that
      are acceptable for the production of cured hams and bacon of comparable quality
      and yield to those currently being produced under conventional processing
      methods.

PMID- 22055887
TI  - The influence of processing and refrigeration on the bacterial numbers on beef
      and sheep offals.
AB  - An investigation was carried out in a commercial abattoir on the influence of
      processing and refrigeration on a variety of beef and sheep offals. The
      influences of the different processes and the operations, to the bacterial load
      before refrigeration of the product, were determined. In general all the
      operations in the plant had an effect on the final bacterial load. The effect of
      inadequate refrigeration was noteworthy in all cases and this factor alone made
      the most significant contribution to the products having a poor shelf-life.

PMID- 22055888
TI  - Radiopharmaceuticals: when and how to use them to treat metastatic bone pain.
AB  - Bone pain due to skeletal metastases constitutes the most common type of cancer
      related pain. The management of bone pain remains challenging and is not
      standardized. In patients with multifocal osteoblastic metastases, systemic
      radiopharmaceuticals should be the preferred adjunctive therapy for pain
      palliation. The lack of general knowledge about radiopharmaceuticals, their
      clinical utility and safety profiles, constitutes the major cause for their
      underutilization. Our goal is to review the indications, selection criteria,
      efficacy, and toxicities of two approved radiopharmaceuticals for bone pain
      palliation: strontium-89 and samarium-153. Finally, a brief review of the data on
      combination therapy with bisphosphonates or chemotherapy is included.

PMID- 22055889
TI  - Radiopharmaceuticals for painful bone metastases: perspective from radiation
      oncology.

PMID- 22055890
TI  - Coordination of care in breast cancer survivors: an overview.
AB  - The number of breast cancer survivors in the United States is increasing. With
      longer survival, there has been an increase in the complexity and duration of
      posttreatment care. Multidisciplinary care teams are needed to participate across
      the broad spectrum of issues that breast cancer survivors face. In this setting,
      the need for well-established patterns of communication between care providers is
      increasingly apparent. We have created a multidisciplinary approach to the
      management of breast cancer survivors to improve communication and education
      between providers and patients. This approach could be extended to the care and
      management of survivors of other types of cancer.

PMID- 22055891
TI  - Documenting the symptom experience of cancer patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cancer patients experience symptoms associated with their disease,
      treatment, and comorbidities. Symptom experience is complicated, reflecting
      symptom prevalence, frequency, and severity. Symptom burden is associated with
      treatment tolerance as well as patients' quality of life (QOL). OBJECTIVES: The
      purpose of this study was to document the symptom experience and QOL of patients
      with commonly diagnosed cancers. The relationship between symptoms and QOL was
      also explored. METHODS: A convenience sample of patients with the five most
      common cancers at a comprehensive cancer center completed surveys assessing
      symptom experience (Memorial Symptom Assessment Survey) and QOL (Functional
      Assessment of Cancer Therapy). Patients completed surveys at baseline and at 3,
      6, 9, and 12 months thereafter. This article describes the study's baseline
      findings. RESULTS: Surveys were completed by 558 cancer patients with breast,
      colorectal, gynecologic, lung, or prostate cancer. Patients reported an average
      of 9.1 symptoms, with symptom experience varying by cancer type. The mean overall
      QOL for the total sample was 85.1, with results differing by cancer type.
      Prostate cancer patients reported the lowest symptom burden and the highest QOL.
      LIMITATIONS: The sample was limited in terms of racial diversity. Because of the
      method of recruitment, baseline data were collected 6-8 months after diagnosis,
      meaning that participants were at various stages of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The
      symptom experience of cancer patients varies widely depending on cancer type.
      Nevertheless, most patients report symptoms, regardless of whether or not they
      are currently receiving treatment. Patients' QOL is inversely related to their
      symptom burden.

PMID- 22055892
TI  - Efficacy and safety of fentanyl pectin nasal spray compared with immediate
      release morphine sulfate tablets in the treatment of breakthrough cancer pain: a
      multicenter, randomized, controlled, double-blind, double-dummy multiple
      crossover study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Immediate-release morphine sulfate (IRMS) remains the standard
      treatment for breakthrough cancer pain (BTCP), but its onset of effect does not
      match the rapid onset and short duration of most BTCP episodes. OBJECTIVE: This
      study will evaluate the efficacy/tolerability of fentanyl pectin nasal spray
      (FPNS) compared with IRMS for BTCP. METHODS: Patients (n = 110) experiencing one
      to four BTCP episodes/day while taking >= 60 mg/day oral morphine (or equivalent)
      for background cancer pain entered a double-blind, double-dummy (DB/DD), multiple
      crossover study. Patients completing a titration phase (n = 84) continued to a
      DB/DD phase: 10 episodes of BTCP were randomly treated with FPNS and oral capsule
      placebo (five episodes) or IRMS and nasal spray placebo (5 episodes). The primary
      end point was pain intensity (P < .05 FPNS vs. IRMS) difference from baseline at
      15 minutes (PID(15)). Secondary end points were onset of pain intensity (PI)
      decrease (>= 1-point) and time to clinically meaningful pain relief (CMPR, >= 2
      point PI decrease). Safety and tolerability were evaluated by adverse events
      (AEs) and nasal assessments. By-patient and by-episode analyses were completed.
      RESULTS: Compared with IRMS, FPNS significantly improved mean PID(15) scores.
      57.5% of FPNS-treated episodes significantly demonstrated onset of PI improvement
      by 5 minutes and 95.7% by 30 minutes. CMPR (>= 2-point PI decrease) was seen in
      52.4% of episodes by 10 minutes. Only 4.7% of patients withdrew from titration
      (2.4% in DB/DD phase) because of AEs; no significant nasal effects were reported.
      CONCLUSION: FPNS was efficacious and well tolerated in the treatment of BTCP and
      provided faster onset of analgesia and attainment of CMPR than IRMS.

PMID- 22055893
TI  - Diet and risk of inflammatory bowel disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A better understanding of the environmental factors leading to
      inflammatory bowel disease should help to prevent occurrence of the disease and
      its relapses. AIM: To review current knowledge on dietary risk factors for
      inflammatory bowel disease. METHODS: The PubMed, Medline and Cochrane Library
      were searched for studies on diet and risk of inflammatory bowel disease.
      RESULTS: Established non-diet risk factors include family predisposition,
      smoking, appendectomy, and antibiotics. Retrospective case-control studies are
      encumbered with methodological problems. Prospective studies on European cohorts,
      mainly including middle-aged adults, suggest that a diet high in protein from
      meat and fish is associated with a higher risk of inflammatory bowel disease.
      Intake of the n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid linoleic acid may confer risk of
      ulcerative colitis, whereas n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids may be protective. No
      effect was found of intake of dietary fibres, sugar, macronutrients, total
      energy, vitamin C, D, E, Carotene, or Retinol (vitamin A) on risk of ulcerative
      colitis. No prospective data was found on risk related to intake of fruits,
      vegetables or food microparticles (titanium dioxide and aluminium silicate).
      CONCLUSIONS: A diet high in protein, particular animal protein, may be associated
      with increased risk of inflammatory bowel disease and relapses. N-6
      polyunsaturated fatty acids may predispose to ulcerative colitis whilst n-3
      polyunsaturated fatty acid may protect. These results should be confirmed in
      other countries and in younger subjects before dietary counselling is recommended
      in high risk subjects.

PMID- 22055894
TI  - Inhibition of TNF-induced IL-6 by the TWEAK-Fn14 interaction in rheumatoid
      arthritis fibroblast like synoviocytes.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: TNF-like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK), a member of the TNF
      superfamily, has been shown to increase cytokine production by rheumatoid
      arthritis (RA) fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS). In this study, we determined
      the effect of interaction between TWEAK and its receptor fibroblast growth factor
      inducible-14 (Fn14) on cytokine expression in RAFLS. METHODS: RAFLS were obtained
      from surgical synovial specimens and used at passage 5-10. Cytokine protein and
      mRNA expression were measured with ELISA and real time-PCR, respectively.
      Apoptotic cells were detected by TUNEL assay. RelB activation was detected by
      Western blot analysis. RESULTS: TWEAK inhibited IL-6 production from total
      synovial cells from RA. TWEAK weakly induced FLS IL-6 and IL-8, but in contrast
      TWEAK dose-dependently inhibited IL-6 and IL-8 production by TNFalpha-activated
      FLS. TWEAK did not induce apoptosis in FLS but inhibited proliferation of
      TNFalpha-activated FLS. TWEAK induced RelB activation and suppressed IL-6 mRNA
      expression in TNFalpha-activated FLS and both of these phenomenon were abolished
      by inhibition of new protein synthesis with cycloheximide. CONCLUSIONS: TWEAK has
      a previously unsuspected inhibitory effect on cytokine production by TNFalpha
      activated RAFLS. This observation suggests that the effects of TWEAK on cytokine
      expression varies with the pro-inflammatory context, and that in TNFalpha
      activated states such as RA TWEAK may have a net inhibitory effect.

PMID- 22055895
TI  - Narcolepsy and effectiveness of gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB): a systematic review
      and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Gamma-hydroxybutyrate (GHB) is currently authorized by the European
      Medicines Agency (EMA) to treat narcolepsy with cataplexy in adults, and by the
      Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat cataplexy in patients with
      narcolepsy, with an expanded indication for the treatment of excessive daytime
      sleepiness. This study meta-analyses and reviews the effectiveness of GHB on the
      clinical features of narcolepsy and its neurophysiological correlates. METHODS: A
      systematic review of the literature using Medline, Embase, Web of Science,
      Cochrane reviews, clinical-trials.gov, Scopus, Scirus, and a subsequent meta
      analysis were performed. Considered outcomes were: cataplexy attacks, subjective
      daytime sleepiness, sleep attacks, clinical global impression change (CGI-c),
      quality of life (QoL), hypnagogic hallucinations, sleep paralysis, mean sleep
      latencies on the multiple sleep latency test (MSLT) and maintenance of
      wakefulness test (MWT), nocturnal polysomnographic data. RESULTS: Nine randomized
      controlled trials reporting data on the effectiveness of GHB on narcolepsy were
      identified, for a total of 1,154 patients (771 patients in the GHB-treated group
      and 383 in the placebo group). The meta-analysis showed that GHB reduced
      cataplexy attacks both on a daily (weighted mean difference (WMD) -1.10; 95%
      confidence interval (CI) -1.29/-0.90, p < 0.00001) and a weekly basis (WMD -7.04;
      95% CI -12.45/-1.63, p = 0.01), subjective nocturnal awakenings (WMD -1.33; 95%
      CI -1.78/-0.88, p < 0.00001), daytime sleep attacks on a weekly basis (WMD -9.30;
      95% CI -15.92/-2.68, p = 0.006), subjective daytime sleepiness (WMD -2.81; 95% CI
      -4.13/-1.49, p < 0.0001) and sleep stage shifts (WMD -9.69; 95% CI -17.14/-2.24,
      p = 0.01). GHB increased sleep stages 3 + 4 (WMD 4.11; 95% CI 0.07/8.16, p =
      0.05) and improved the CGI-c score (odds ratio (OR) 3.45; 95% CI 2.47/4.80, p <
      0.00001). No significant changes were observed in night sleep latency, total
      sleep time, rapid-eye movement (REM) sleep and sleep stages 1 and 2. CONCLUSIONS:
      This meta-analysis demonstrates the effectiveness of GHB in treating major,
      clinically relevant narcolepsy symptoms and sleep architecture abnormalities.

PMID- 22055896
TI  - Types of abuse.
AB  - The four most common types of abuse are physical, sexual, emotional, and
      economic. Abuse is often further categorized into child abuse, intimate partner
      violence, and elder abuse. This article describes the important role that nurses
      and health care providers play in detecting, assessing, and reporting abuse.
      Armed with increased knowledge about signs and symptoms of abuse, nurses can
      guide patients to the appropriate resources.

PMID- 22055897
TI  - Abuse across the lifespan: prevalence, risk, and protective factors.
AB  - The results of abuse may include repeated abuse, chronic pain, and physical and
      emotional illnesses. For some, the result is death, but others thrive. Males and
      females are abused at similar rates, but males are more likely to experience
      physical assault and females are more likely to experience sexual assault. Males
      and females experience psychological abuse at the same rates and there is
      evidence that the effects of psychological abuse are as detrimental to long-term
      functioning as the effects of physical abuse. This article discusses partner
      violence in adults and adolescents, child maltreatment, and peer abuse in
      children and adolescents.

PMID- 22055898
TI  - Child abuse.
AB  - Child abuse can have a long-lasting and devastating effect on the growth and
      development of infants, children, and adolescents. Studies of abused and
      neglected children indicate that they have a higher rate of delayed intellectual
      development, poor school performance, aggressive behaviors, and social and
      relationship deficits compared with nonmaltreated children. Early recognition and
      appropriate treatment is one of the most important factors in preventing further
      child abuse and maltreatment. Every practitioner should be educated on the signs
      and symptoms of child abuse. The referral to child protective services is a
      necessity for the future well-being of the child.

PMID- 22055899
TI  - "I know it shouldn't but it still hurts" bullying and adults: implications and
      interventions for practice.
AB  - Bullying problems among children and adolescents are well documented but there is
      scant literature that examines this phenomenon among adults. This article
      contends that nurses must begin to assess adult patients for this type of
      violence. Direct questions about being bullied at work or in cyberspace should be
      added to assessments. Questioning will help bullying victims recognize that what
      they are going through is not acceptable and not their fault. It will also help
      identify patients who may need interventions beyond the treatment of the
      physically traumatic effects of bullying.

PMID- 22055900
TI  - Blind, deaf, and dumb: why elder abuse goes unidentified.
AB  - Elder abuse is a growing public health concern that affects elders regardless of
      residence, socioeconomic status, or geographic locale. Elder abuse includes acts
      of physical, psychological, verbal, and financial abuses as well as abandonment
      and neglect. Elder abuse has the potential to occur in multiple settings, whether
      in the home, rehabilitation centers, long-term care facilities, nursing homes,
      and/or senior day care centers. Children, family members, friends, and formal
      caregivers are prospective perpetrators of elder abuse. Public policy changes are
      necessary to standardize and delineate guidelines and procedures for the
      detection and prevention of elder abuse in the future.

PMID- 22055901
TI  - The relationship between abuse and depression.
AB  - Very strong links exist between abuse and depression in clinical practice. Abuse
      and depression often coexist in the victims and perpetrators of abuse. In nursing
      practice, responding to patients, particularly women, presenting with depression
      or depressive symptoms requires an understanding of the underlying and perhaps
      hidden issues of abuse and violence. Women who have experienced trauma often are
      diagnosed with depression, when in fact they have symptoms more consistent with
      posttraumatic stress disorder. Furthermore, depression often improves over time,
      when women manage to escape the abuse and violence in the relationship.

PMID- 22055902
TI  - Family issues associated with military deployment, family violence, and military
      sexual trauma.
AB  - Today's military has a greater percentage of families and children in comparison
      with previous generations. There are many, and unique, demands on military
      families made by the ongoing conflicts, and military life can be stressful. The
      presence of an increasing number of stressors is associated with an increased
      likelihood of domestic violence in military families and sexual trauma in service
      members. In this article, literature and research are presented to provide an
      overview of military deployment and families, and the effect of deployment on
      families; this is followed by a review of research on family violence and
      military sexual trauma.

PMID- 22055903
TI  - Workplace violence in nursing today.
AB  - Workplace violence is not a new phenomenon and is often sensationalized by the
      media when an incident occurs. Verbal abuse is a form of workplace violence that
      leaves no scars. However, for nurses, the emotional damage to the individual can
      affect productivity, increase medication errors, incur absenteeism, and decrease
      morale and overall satisfaction within the nursing profession. This results in
      staffing turnover and creates a hostile work environment that affects the culture
      within the organization.

PMID- 22055904
TI  - The impact of interpersonal violence on health care.
AB  - Interpersonal violence is prevalent in our society. Unfortunately, given the
      current stressors on individuals, families, and communities, the incidences of
      child abuse, interpersonal violence, and elder abuse are increasing. The economic
      impact on health care costs is significant. There are many contributing factors
      to abuse and they are all public health issues that must be addressed for these
      abuses to cease. This article describes the indicators of interpersonal violence,
      and outlines strategies for assessment and prevention.

PMID- 22055905
TI  - Community services for victims of interpersonal violence.
AB  - Interpersonal violence can be categorized into youth violence, childhood
      maltreatment, intimate partner violence, elder abuse, or sexual violence. Just as
      there are several different victims of interpersonal violence, there are various
      different community services and prevention programs for each particular type of
      interpersonal violence. This article reviews the literature on community services
      and prevention available for all victims of interpersonal violence, and examines
      the literature on whether these programs are effective.

PMID- 22055906
TI  - Domestic and institutional elder abuse legislation.
AB  - Statutes pertinent to elder abuse vary widely. This article provides examples of
      organizational structure, dependency and age of the victim, definitions of abuse,
      classification of penalties, and investigation processes. Health care providers
      must learn their state's elder abuse laws and review any operating manuals
      produced from the statutes or regulations. All health care workers must know and
      implement the law to protect the welfare of older persons.

PMID- 22055907
TI  - Meeting the 2015 Millennium Development Goals with new interventions for abused
      women.
AB  - In a developing country such as Pakistan, where illiteracy, poverty, gender
      differences, and health issues are prevalent, violence against women is a
      commonly observed phenomenon. The rising incidences of abuse among women indicate
      a need to introduce evidence-based community-derived interventions for meeting
      Millennium Developmental Goals by 2015. This article discusses the application of
      counseling, economic skills building, and microcredit programs as practical and
      effective interventions to improve the health outcomes of abused women and,
      therefore, improving maternal and child health in the Pakistani society.

PMID- 22055908
TI  - Victims of abuse. Preface.

PMID- 22055909
TI  - Human chorionic gonadotrophin regression rate as a predictive factor of postmolar
      gestational trophoblastic neoplasm in high-risk hydatidiform mole: a case-control
      study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was early prediction of postmolar gestational
      trophoblastic neoplasm (GTN) after evacuation of high-risk mole, by comparison of
      human chorionic gonadotrophin (hCG) regression rates. STUDY DESIGN: Fifty
      patients with a high-risk mole initially and spontaneously regressing after molar
      evacuation were selected from January 1, 1996 to May 31, 2010 (spontaneous
      regression group). Fifty patients with a high-risk mole initially and progressing
      to postmolar GTN after molar evacuation were selected (postmolar GTN group). hCG
      regression rates represented as hCG/initial hCG were compared between the two
      groups. The sensitivity and specificity of these rates for prediction of
      postmolar GTN were assessed using receiver operating characteristic curves.
      Multivariate analyses of associations between risk factors and postmolar GTN
      progression were performed. RESULTS: The mean regression rate of hCG between the
      two groups was compared. hCG regression rates represented as hCG/initial hCG (%)
      were 0.36% in the spontaneous regression group and 1.45% in the postmolar GTN
      group in the second week (p=0.003). Prediction of postmolar GTN by hCG regression
      rate revealed a sensitivity of 48.0% and specificity of 89.5% with a cut-off
      value of 0.716% and area under the curve (AUC) of 0.759 in the 2nd week
      (p<0.001). In patients with an hCG regression rate over 0.716% in the 2nd week,
      the hazard ratio for progression to postmolar GTN was 3.00 by multivariate
      analysis (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: Differences in hCG regression rates between
      spontaneous regression and postmolar GTN groups became evident from the second
      week following molar evacuation. The occurrence of postmolar GTN could be
      predicted as early as the second week by comparing regression rates. hCG
      regression rate is easily obtainable and a predictive factor for postmolar GTN.

PMID- 22055910
TI  - Fat necrosis of the abdominal pannus following caesarean section in patients with
      morbid obesity.

PMID- 22055911
TI  - [Drug interactions in primary care and patient safety].

PMID- 22055912
TI  - [The importance of including the opinion of adolescents in activities against the
      use of alcohol, tobacco and drugs].

PMID- 22055913
TI  - [Tool for prioritizing the strategies for improving the safety of prescribing in
      family medicine].

PMID- 22055914
TI  - [Echo from Dr. Capote and the impact factor].

PMID- 22055915
TI  - [Clinical safety in primary care: medical errors (II)].
AB  - The first article of this series on Clinical Safety was dedicated to the
      epidemiology and systemic preventive policies. In the present review we focus on
      medical errors with special emphasis on diagnostic type errors. These errors
      sometimes arise from the elusive characteristics of the disease itself, the way
      in which the patients present their symptoms, and the characteristics of the
      professionals themselves. If we consider a general practitioner as a diagnostic
      machine, --paradigm of "physician as a robot"-- it would be easier for us to
      accept some cognitive limitations and introduce institutional strategies that
      would humanise the treatment occasionally received. More specifically we will
      examine three strategies for improving clinical reasoning: recognising dangerous
      situations, metacognition, and an internal supervisor.

PMID- 22055916
TI  - [Validation of the abbreviated Zarit scales for measuring burden syndrome in the
      primary caregiver of an elderly patient].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine which abbreviated Zarit Scale (ZS) better evaluates the
      burden of the caregiver of an elderly patient in Medellin, Colombia. DESIGN:
      Validation study. SETTING: Primary Care setting in the city of Medellin.
      PARTICIPANTS: Primary caregiver of dependent elderly patients over 65 years old.
      PRINCIPAL MEASUREMENTS: Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and
      negative predictive value for the different abbreviated Zarit scales, plus
      performing a reliability analysis using the Cronbach Alpha coefficient. RESULTS:
      The abbreviated scales obtained a sensitivity of between 36.84 and 81.58%,
      specificity between 95.99 and 100%, positive predictive values between 71.05 and
      100%, and negative predictive values of between 91.64 and 97.42%. CONCLUSIONS:
      The scale that better determined caregiver burden in Primary Care was the Bedard
      Screening scale, with a sensitivity of 81.58%, a specificity of 96.35% and
      positive and negative predictive values of 75.61% and 97.42%, respectively.

PMID- 22055917
TI  - Cervicitis associated with lateral cervical displacement.
AB  - Lateral cervical displacement has been recognized as a sign of endometriosis;
      however, other causes of the finding have not been explored. In our experience,
      patients without endometriosis are presenting with lateral cervical displacement,
      mainly towards the left of midline. The common finding in these cases is the
      presence of cervicitis leading us to hypothesize the role of cervicitis in
      causing lateral displacement of the cervix. Future research into this area will
      provide us with a stronger understanding of the role that lateral cervical
      displacement plays in the development of pelvic pathology and the development of
      cervical cancer.

PMID- 22055918
TI  - Transgenic rice accumulating modified cedar pollen allergen Cry j 2 derivatives.
AB  - In order to create a safe tolerogenic antigen with reduced IgE reactivity, we
      developed transgenic rice that accumulates in the seed endosperm a sufficient
      amount of Cry j 2, the cedar pollen allergen, in a restructured form of tail-to
      head, providing a feasible mucosal allergy vaccine against cedar pollinosis.

PMID- 22055919
TI  - Comprehensive characterization of two different Nicotiana tabacum cell lines
      leads to doubled GFP and HA protein production by media optimization.
AB  - For over two decades, plant cell cultures have been a promising research platform
      to express recombinant and therapeutic proteins such as hormones, growth factors,
      full-size antibodies and antigens. Chosen as a good host for manufacturing
      recombinant proteins, the Nicotiana tabacum L. cv. Bright Yellow 2 (BY-2) cell
      line has been studied in shake flasks by offline analysis of only a few growth
      parameters. The objective of this study is to comprehensively characterize the
      growth of a transgenic BY-2 cell line and to investigate the expression profile
      of the model protein GFP. Based on the correlations between nutrient consumption,
      cell growth and product formation, the intention is to improve the standard MS
      medium. Hereby, multiple growth parameters were analyzed offline and online by
      using a respiration activity monitoring system (RAMOS). A reproducibly observed
      shift of the oxygen transfer rate (OTR) could be identified to indicate ammonium
      depletion in the medium. Concurrent with this ammonium depletion, the total
      protein concentration began to decrease. After the MS-medium was improved, the
      GFP concentration nearly doubled. When this improved ammonium enriched medium was
      applied to another transgenic tobacco cell line similar improvements to the
      amount of the glycoprotein influenza hemagglutinin (HA) produced by Nicotiana
      tabacum NT-1 cells could be achieved. Ultimately, this combined offline and
      online analysis can be successfully used for further cell line characterization
      and media optimization to improve growth and boost target product formation.

PMID- 22055920
TI  - Hypergravity effects on myoblast proliferation and differentiation.
AB  - This study aimed at the investigation of behavior of myoblasts in conditions of
      altered gravity. C2C12 cells underwent stimulations by different hypergravity
      intensities (2 h at 5 g, 10 g, and 20 g) in the Large Diameter Centrifuge of the
      European Space Agency (ESA), highlighting positive effects on both proliferation
      and differentiation.

PMID- 22055921
TI  - The effect of swimming lambs and subsequent resting periods on the ultimate pH of
      meat.
AB  - The effect of washing lambs in a swim-through bath and subsequent resting periods
      in the stockyards on the ultimate pH of the M. longissimus dorsi (LD) was studied
      in 662 animals at a meat export works. There was a linear relationship between
      the number of times the animals were washed and mean ultimate pH of the LD but
      there was no statistical association between the duration of the resting period
      after washing and the ultimate pH. The mean ultimate pH of meat from Perendale
      lambs from one farm was significantly greater than that recorded from Romney
      lambs from another farm. It is suggested that such differences may be related to
      variations in behavioural response and catecholamine secretion in these groups of
      animals.

PMID- 22055922
TI  - Electrical stunning of lambs: The effect of stunning parameters and drugs
      affecting blood flow and behaviour on petechial haemorrhage incidence.
AB  - Head-to-back electrical stunning of lambs results in speckle bruising, a kind of
      petechial haemorrhage in muscle fascia, especially when the lamb is tightly
      restrained. Other factors still appear to modify speckle and some of these are
      investigated here. There was a significant increase in leg speckle with long
      stunning duration or high stunning current, but there was little or no increase
      for the loin. When phenylephrine, a vasoconstrictor, was administered before
      stunning, there was a reduced speckle compared with the administration of
      isoproterenol, a vasodilator. The greatest speckle resulted from high currents
      and isoproterenol administration. These results are consistent with the view that
      increased blood at speckle sites, i.e. a blush, during the spasm that takes place
      during stunning, increases speckle. In lambs tranquillized with valium or excited
      with adrenaline there was no significant difference in speckle for the legs.
      There was a significant increase of speckle in the loins of valiumtreated lambs.
      Although increased peripheral blood flow may increase speckle, the effects of
      stress such as release of adrenaline may reduce this effect.

PMID- 22055923
TI  - Tissue composition of mechanically deboned pork (MDP).
AB  - The tissue composition of the mechanically deboned pork produced by a
      discontinuous pressure system was investigated. By means of quantitative
      microscopy volume ratios (in terms of volume in volume fractions) of striated
      muscle, collagenous and elastic connective tissue, bone and cartilage in
      homogenized samples from eight different producers were determined. Crude
      protein, fat, calcium and the hard bone residue were determined chemically. In
      addition, we measured the size of the hard bone particles. The muscle/connective
      tissue ratio varied from 0.3 to 6.9. The hard bone residue, determined by means
      of the KOH-method, varied from 0.05 to 0.62%. 0.6% of the bone particles were
      larger than 3 mm. In addition to chemical analysis we regard quantitative
      microscopy for the determination of the tissue composition of mechanically
      deboned pork as imperative for quality control.

PMID- 22055924
TI  - A note on the influence of rearing environment on meat quality in pigs.
AB  - Pigs of stress-resistant and stress-susceptible breeds were reared either under
      intensive conditions in bare concrete pens or extensively under environmentally
      enriched conditions in an outside paddock. They were slaughtered at either 60 or
      90 kg live weight. Rearing environment had no effect on the ability of the pigs
      to respond to the stress of preslaughter handling based on measurements of
      adrenal ascorbic acid and plasma cortisol. Neither did it influence initial or
      ultimate pH or the water holding capacity of the meat. Pigs reared outside had
      thinner backfat and slightly darker meat. The latter was not attributable to
      differences in haem pigment concentration. Overall, differences due to rearing
      environment were slight and not commercially important.

PMID- 22055925
TI  - Variation among beef breeds in carcass retail value at constant carcass saleable
      meat content and percentage of higher priced cuts.
AB  - Data from the single slaughter point trials of the Meat and Livestock
      Commission's (MLC) beef breed evaluation programme were used to examine the
      importance of retail value (RV) calculation in breed evaluation trials. The
      analysis involved a total of 2010 carcasses comprising four production system
      groups. Sire breeds included Aberdeen-Angus, British Friesian, Charolais, Devon,
      Hereford, Galloway, Limousin, Lincoln Red, Luing, Simmental, South Devon, Sussex
      and Welsh Black. RV was computed as the sum of the values of trimmed deboned
      primal joints expressed as pence per kilogram of carcass weight. 1981 prices from
      MLC's Retail Prices Survey for England and Wales were used. A model was fitted to
      the RV data for each of the production system groups with effects for sire breed,
      year and sire breed * year interaction, and with regression on saleable meat
      percentage in carcass (SM). The largest difference recorded between sire breeds
      was 2.1 pence/kg (0.85% of overall mean RV). The pooled within-system residual
      standard deviation after fitting the model was 1.4 pence/kg. When regression on
      the percentage of total saleable meat in the higher priced cuts (SMD) was added
      to the model, the corresponding range and residual standard deviation were
      reduced to 1.0 and 0.8 pence/kg, respectively. In the circumstances, the
      calculation of RV would, therefore, make only a minor refinement to the results.

PMID- 22055926
TI  - Comparison of different agar diffusion methods for the detection of residues in
      the kidneys of pigs treated with antimicrobial drugs.
AB  - Residue analyses of the kidneys of twenty-six pigs treated with various
      antimicrobial drugs 20 h before slaughter and of eleven untreated pigs were
      performed. The effects of storage temperature of the kidneys, and of sampling
      location, on the residue analysis were also studied. No method alone was
      sufficient for the detection of residues. Oxytetracycline residues could be
      detected at pH 6, dihydrostreptomycin residues at pH 8, and sulphonamide residues
      if trimethoprim was present in the medium. Chloramphenicol, penicillin G
      procaine, tylosin and lincomycin residues were not detectable with the methods
      used. The concentration of ampicillin decreased during the storage of samples at
      +4 degrees C. Most methods also yielded zones of inhibition for the frozen
      kidneys from untreated pigs. It seems necessary to use agar media of two
      different pH values: the addition of trimethoprim to the medium is also needed.
      The use of fresh pig kidneys, and samples containing both kidney medulla and
      kidney cortex, is recommended in residue analysis.

PMID- 22055927
TI  - Studies on the Criollo goat of Northern Mexico: Part 2-Physical and chemical
      characteristics of the musculature.
AB  - Groups of castrate male Criollo goats were slaughtered at 12, 16, 20 and 24 kg
      liveweights after being reared on natural rangeland with concentrate
      supplementation. After slaughter the carcasses were chilled for 24 h at 2 degrees
      C, and the total lean was dissected from the left halves of the carcasses. The
      total lean was subjected to a proximate analysis. M. biceps femoris and M.
      longissimus dorsi muscles were dissected out of the right halves of the
      carcasses. Various physical and chemical quality parameters, such as Warner
      Bratzler shear values and tristimulus colour values, were measured on these
      muscles in addition to hydroxy proline analysis, for the estimation of collagen
      content. The moisture content of the total lean decreased steadily with
      increasing slaughter weight to a level of approximately 76% in the heaviest
      group. Ash and protein content tended to fall, with intramuscular fat increasing
      to approximately 16% of the wet tissue weight. The ultimate pH of the two muscles
      was high in all the slaughter groups, being usually higher than 6.0. Generally,
      shear values did not change between the slaughter groups in the two muscles. The
      data indicate that slaughtering castrate male Criollo goats at 24 kg instead of 8
      kg does not exert deleterious effects on the parameters of physical and chemical
      quality investigated.

PMID- 22055928
TI  - Letter to the editor.

PMID- 22055929
TI  - High resolution magic angle spinning NMR to investigate ligand-receptor binding
      events for mass-limited samples in liquids.
AB  - This work shows that high resolution magic angle spinning (HR-MAS) can be used to
      elucidate ligand-receptor binding phenomena for mass-limited samples in liquid
      solution. With respect to conventional 5mm liquid-state NMR probe heads, HR-MAS
      allows for a considerable reduction (about one order of magnitude) in sample
      volume requirement, which represents a considerable advantage when working with
      biological samples present in low amount. More specifically, using a 20-MUL
      active volume HR-MAS probe head, NMR experiments typically used to describe
      binding events (e.g. Saturation Transfer Difference, WaterLOGSY, Diffusion
      Ordered Spectroscopy) were successfully recorded. In fact, contrary to other NMR
      experiments (e.g. TOCSY), which require special care when performed on liquid
      samples by HR-MAS, no interferences due to fast sample spinning were observed
      here. Collectively, the results indicate that HR-MAS allows for a significant
      mass sensitivity enhancement (a 3-fold increase in signal-to-noise ratio per unit
      of measuring time and mass was obtained here), hereby improving correspondingly
      the detection limit of the previously mentioned NMR experiments. More
      importantly, because MAS removes magnetic susceptibility broadenings in the
      sample, a good spectral resolution can be easily achieved in HR-MAS even for
      slightly heterogeneous samples, such as those arising from incomplete
      purification.

PMID- 22055930
TI  - Isolation and structural characterization of two tadalafil analogs found in
      dietary supplements.
AB  - During routine screenings of two "libido enhancer" dietary supplements using LC
      MS(n), two compounds were detected that displayed structural similarities to
      tadalafil. These compounds were isolated from the supplements using high
      performance liquid chromatography with fraction collection, and were
      characterized further using accurate mass determination and NMR. "Compound 1" had
      an m/z of 434 for the [M+H]+ ion, with a corresponding chemical formula of
      C24H24N3O5. "Compound 2" had an m/z of 432 for the [M+H]+ ion, with a
      corresponding chemical formula of C25H26N3O4. Although mass spectrometry
      indicated that these modifications occurred in place of the -CH3 found on the
      pyrazinopyridoindole-1,4-dione of tadalafil, NMR was required to elucidate the
      correct configurations of these substitutions. The data obtained using NMR
      indicated that the structure of the -C3H7O moiety found in Compound 1 was 2
      hydroxypropyl, and the -C4H9 in Compound 2 was n-butyl. These new analogs were
      given the names 2-hydroxypropylnortadalafil and n-butylnortadalafil,
      respectively.

PMID- 22055931
TI  - Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging predicts recovery of left ventricular function
      in acute onset cardiomyopathy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In acute onset cardiomyopathy, acute myocarditis is an important
      cause, as it is associated with a greater likelihood of recovery of cardiac
      function and its presence may direct specific therapies. Myocarditis can be
      detected by cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR); however its diagnostic
      utility and relation to prognosis in acute onset cardiomyopathy are unknown.
      METHODS: We performed CMR on 61 patients with acute onset cardiomyopathy and a
      left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) <55%. CMR included assessment of
      myocardial function, relative myocardial oedema, myocardial inflammation (using
      global relative enhancement [GRE] of the myocardium 4 minutes post Gad-DTPA
      contrast) and necrosis or fibrosis (with late gadolinium enhancement [LGE]).
      Patients were followed up at six months to evaluate LVEF, morbidity and
      mortality. RESULTS: There was a greater improvement in LVEF at follow up in those
      with myocardial inflammation identified by elevated GRE compared to those without
      (mean increase 19.2+/-2.5% vs. 6.7+/-1.7%, p<0.001). However, the presence of
      myocardial oedema or LGE alone was not associated with a greater recovery of LVEF
      (p=NS for both). Myocardial inflammation in patients with a baseline LVEF<35% was
      also associated with a greater recovery of LVEF (mean increase 21.5+/-2.9% vs.
      9.1+/-3.0%, p<0.01). CONCLUSION: Myocardial inflammation identified by an
      elevated GRE predicts recovery of LV function in patients with acute onset
      cardiomyopathy.

PMID- 22055932
TI  - Vasopressin and oxytocin in plasma of veal calves, sheep and pigs after high
      voltage electrical stunning.
AB  - The levels of vasopressin and oxytocin in the plasma of veal calves, sheep and
      pigs were determined during and after a general epileptiform insult induced by
      high voltage stunning. Immediately after stunning, a sharp increase in the
      vasopressin and oxytocin levels was observed in the plasma, followed by a gradual
      decrease during the next hour. The duration of the general epileptiform insult
      was correlated (r = 0.79) with the highest measured levels of vasopressin after
      electrical stunning in the pigs (p <= 0.05). It is suggested that secretion of
      these neurohypophyseal hormones may affect the memory of aversive experiences
      during a general epileptiform insult.

PMID- 22055933
TI  - Carcass characteristics and composition of Brahman, angus and Brahman x Angus
      steers fed for different times-on-feed.
AB  - Twenty-five steers of each of three breedtypes (Angus, Brahman and F(1) Brahman x
      Angus) were sorted by frame size and muscle thickness, assigned to groups (five
      steers of each breedtype) to be fed for 0, 56, 112, 168 or 224 days, slaughtered
      and compared for various carcass traits. Steers of each breedtype had similar
      dressing percentages. Carcasses from all three breedtypes merited similar USDA
      quality and yield grades; breedtypes differences in quality grade were slight.
      Differences were found in the fat deposition patterns exhibited by the three
      breedtypes. Brahman steers tended to deposit more of their total fat as
      subcutaneous fat early in the feeding period. Angus steers had more (P < 0.05)
      seam fat as a percentage of carcass weight at all five feeding periods and more
      (P < 0.05) kidney, pelvic and heart fat at two of the five feeding periods than
      Brahman steers. Brahman steers had a higher percentage of their separable lean in
      the muscles of the round than did steers of the other breedtypes.

PMID- 22055934
TI  - USDA yield grades and various carcass traits as predictors of carcass
      composition.
AB  - Twenty-five carcasses from each of three breedtypes (Brahman, Angus and Brahman *
      Angus) were physically separated into fat, lean and bone. Several muscles from
      the round and the femur were used to derive equations to predict carcass
      composition and muscle-to-bone ratio. The femur (as a percentage of the carcass)
      was shown to predict percentage carcass bone with 90% accuracy. All of the
      muscles studied were highly related to total carcass lean but the percentage of
      carcass as M. biceps femoris was the best single muscle indicator of carcass lean
      of the muscles studied. More variation in carcass lean could be accounted for by
      a multiple regression equation, involving all four muscles studied, than by any
      single muscle. M. biceps femoris-to-femur ratio was found to predict carcass
      muscle-to-bone ratio with a high degree of accuracy. The USDA yield grades were
      found to be reliable indicators of carcass composition. A two-variable equation
      involving adjusted fat thickness and biceps femoris accounted for 88.6% of the
      variation (RSD = 1/.64) in percentage of carcass as separable lean.

PMID- 22055935
TI  - Comparison of M. longissimus dorsi pigment concentration from implanted and
      control Angus and Limousin bulls and steers.
AB  - M. longissimus dorsi total pigment concentration, visual color score and 24-h pH
      values were evaluated in a 2(3) factorial design that included bulls versus
      steers, Zeranol implants versus control and Angus versus Limousin comparisons.
      Bulls had greater total pigment concentration than steers (3.25 versus 2.90 mg/g;
      P < 0.01) and darker colored lean (P < 0.01). Twenty-four hour pH values did not
      differ between bulls and steers. Zeranol implanting and breed had no effect on
      total pigment concentration or visual color score; however, Limousin had higher
      (P < 0.05) 24-h pH values than Angus. The initial slaughter group (N = 10;
      average age = 256 days) had 34% less total pigment than the final slaughter group
      (N = 48; average age = 458 days). The correlation between visual color score and
      total pigment concentration was -0.65. These results indicate that the darker
      colored lean from bulls is due in part to an increase in pigment concentration.

PMID- 22055936
TI  - The antioxidant activities of nitrite and nitrosylmyoglobin in cooked meats.
AB  - Low concentrations of nitrite (20 mg/kg) caused significant (p < 0.001)
      inhibition of lipid oxidation, measured by the TBA test, in a cooked muscle
      system and 50 mg/kg nitrite resulted in a highly significant (p < 0.001)
      reduction in TBA values. Similar antioxidant effects of nitrite were observed in
      heated water-extracted pork muscle systems catalysed by 5 mg/g metmyoglobin (Mb)
      or 5 mg/kg Fe(2+), Cu(2+) or Co(2+). The cured meat pigment, nitrosylmyoglobin
      per se exhibited significant (p < 0.05) antioxidant effects in pork muscle
      systems catalysed by Mb or metal ions. Progressive depletion of nitrite occurred
      during refrigerated storage of heated and unheated nitrite-treated pork muscle,
      muscle aqueous extract and in systems containing Mb, Cu(2+) ot Co(2+). Nitrite
      depletion occurred much more rapidly in Fe(2+)-containing systems and nitrite
      concentration had decreased to 5% of the original concentration immediately after
      heating. In addition, nitrite caused a significant (p < 0.05) reduction in the
      concentration of non-haem iron in heated aqueous-extracts of beef muscle,
      whereas, in nitrite-free extracts, a highly significant (p < 0.001) increase in
      the concentration of non-haem iron, probably due to heat denaturation of the haem
      structure with release of iron, was observed. Based on the results of this study,
      three co-operative mechanisms for the antioxidative activities in meat are
      proposed: (a) by the formation of MbNO which has antioxidant properties per se,
      (b) on heating, MbNO forms a stable complex, nitrosylhaemochrome, which blocks
      the catalytic activity of haem iron and also prevents release of haem iron as non
      haem iron, which is a highly effective catalyst and (c) nitrite appears to
      'chelate' non-haem iron-and possibly copper and cobalt-forming a stable complex,
      thus inhibiting catalytic activity.

PMID- 22055937
TI  - Bone substitution materials on the basis of BONITmatrix(r) up-regulate mRNA
      expression of IGF1 and Col1a1.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of BONITmatrix((r)) and OSSA
      NOVA on the expression of growth factors and osteogenic differentiation. For this
      purpose, the mRNA expression of VEGF, IGF1, IGF2, collagen-1, collagen-2 and MMP8
      was analysed in surgically created defects on the crania of adult male rats.
      Cranial samples were collected after implantation of BONITmatrix((r)) or OSSA
      NOVA scaffolds for 4 weeks and determinations of gene expression were performed
      by quantitative RT-PCR. Real-time RT-PCR analyses showed a significantly higher
      expression of IGF1 in both groups treated with BONITmatrix((r)) and OSSA NOVA
      compared to untreated controls, whereas type I collagen mRNA expression only
      increased in BONITmatrix((r)) treated rats compared to controls. No changes in
      transcript expression of IGF2, VEGF, collagen-2 and MMP8 were detectable between
      the analysed groups. In conclusion, BONITmatrix((r)) and OSSA NOVA stimulate the
      expression of growth factor IGF1, but only the granular dosage form is able to
      stimulate osteoblast differentiation.

PMID- 22055938
TI  - Coupling of osteogenesis and angiogenesis in bone substitute healing - a brief
      overview.
AB  - Similar to osteogenesis and bone repair, the healing and osteogenesis of bone
      substitutes depend on the osteogenesis-angiogenesis interplay which is controlled
      by different factors, including VEGF or by hypoxia. A brief review of the process
      of bone substitute angiogenesis is presented and illustrated by our histological
      and immunohistochemical findings taken from human biopsies after augmentation
      with a nanocrystalline synthetic bone substitute.

PMID- 22055939
TI  - Expression analysis of ADAM17 during mouse eye development.
AB  - ADAM17 (a disintegrin and metallopeptidase domain 17) is crucial for eye
      morphogenesis. In this study we analysed the expression pattern of ADAM17 during
      mouse eye development. ADAM17 expression in adult retina was examined using the
      reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and verification of the
      RT-PCR products by DNA sequencing. Immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluate
      the ADAM17 expression pattern in mouse eyes at developmental stages of embryonic
      day (E) 12, E14, E16, E18, postnatal day (P) 0, P1, P4, P7, P14, P 30 and P175
      (adult). We detected ADAM17 mRNA in adult retina tissue. ADAM17 protein was
      expressed in non-pigmented ciliary epithelial cells and in retinal vessels from
      P7 onwards during eye development. In corneal epithelial cells and endothelium,
      ADAM17 protein was present from P14 onwards. Although, mice in which the
      functional ADAM17 gene is significantly reduced develop multiple eye
      malformations, the expression of ADAM17 is not ubiquitous over the entire eye.
      Its expression pattern during development suggests that not only TNF-alpha but
      additional membrane-anchored substrates of ADAM17 play an important role in eye
      formation.

PMID- 22055940
TI  - Changes in several constituents during the ripening of 'Chorizo' - A spanish dry
      sausage.
AB  - 'Chorizo', a dry fermented sausage marketed in Spain, is traditionally prepared
      without curing agents or sugars. In order to establish the fermentation process
      batches A (with added sugars) and B (traditional process) were prepared. pH,
      carbohydrate disappearance, cured meat pigment formation, free fatty acids (FFA),
      non-protein nitrogen (NPN) and NH(4)(+) were determined through 100 days of
      ripening. In batch A, cured meat pigment formation, pH decrease and NPN evolution
      were greater than in batch B, whereas FFA and NH(4)(+) were similar. Garlic and
      Spanish paprika added to the mixture introduced significant amounts of
      fermentable carbohydrates (0.68%) and approximately 16 ppm NO(3)(-).

PMID- 22055941
TI  - Effect of modified gas atmosphere packaging after dip treatment on myoglobin and
      lipid oxidation of beef steaks.
AB  - Fresh beef loin steaks were packaged in atmosphere of: (A) 20% CO(2) + 80% O(2)
      after dip treatment (dipped in 70% ethanol solution containing 3% l-ascorbic acid
      and 0.08% dl-alpha-tocopherol), (B) air after dip treatment, (C) 20% CO(2) + 80%
      O(2) without dip treatment and (D) air without dip treatment (control). After
      3,6,9 and 13 days' storage at 4 degrees C, the samples were evaluated for MetMb
      formation, TBA number and pH. The beef steaks stored in 20% CO(2) + 80% O(2) with
      or without dip treatment for 13 days maintained an acceptable meat colour. The
      TBA numbers of samples stored for 13 days in air and 20% CO(2) + 80% O(2) after
      dip treatment were significantly lower than those of samples without dip
      treatment. Beef steaks stored for 13 days in 20% CO(2) + 80% O(2) after dip
      treatment exhibited no change in pH. Data suggested that dip treatment with
      ascorbic acid and tocopherol solutions before modified gas atmosphere packaging
      was very suitable for the storage of retail cuts of beef loin steak.

PMID- 22055942
TI  - Effect of post-mortem storage on Ca(++)-dependent proteases, their inhibitor and
      myofibril fragmentation.
AB  - Post-mortem changes in two calcium-dependent proteases, their inhibitor,
      myofibril fragmentation index (MFI) and collagen (amount and solubility) were
      studied. Whereas the activity of high Ca(++)-requiring calcium-dependent protease
      (CDP-II) remained nearly constant throughout post-mortem storage, there was a
      progressive decrease in the activities of low Ca(++)-requiring calcium-dependent
      protease (CDP-I) and their specific inhibitor, with the inhibitor being the most
      susceptible to post-mortem storage. Results indicated that the greatest changes
      in MFI occur within the first 24 h of post-mortem storage. There were no
      detectable changes in either total or soluble collagen content with post-mortem
      storage. Hence, it was concluded that improvement in tenderness resulting from
      post-mortem storage must be derived from changes in the myofibrils and since CDP
      I activities paralleled the myofibrillar changes, it seems reasonable to suggest
      that CDP-I, not CDP-II, plays an important role in the fragmentation of
      myofibrils and consequently in improvement of meat tenderness resulting from post
      mortem storage.

PMID- 22055943
TI  - Investigation of the levels of N(tau)-methylhistidine in a range of pork and
      chicken meats.
AB  - Protein bound N(tau)-methylhistidine (N-MeHis) has been suggested as an index for
      the estimation of muscle (meat) protein in meat and meat products. This paper
      examines the level of N-MeHis in a range of five pork and two chicken prime cuts
      together with five other pork and one chicken manufacturing cuts of meat. It is
      shown that whilst similar levels are present in the prime cuts there is a
      considerable variation in those found in the other cuts. The average N-MeHis
      level, expressed as MUg/g fat-free connective tissue-free (FFCF) meat, was 116
      for pork, 116 for chicken breast and 129 for chicken leg. From the other pork
      cuts investigated, only two gave levels similar to that for prime pork whilst the
      rest were all considerably lower. Chicken MRM gave an N-MeHis level 75% of that
      for (combined) leg and breast meat. Since all these meat cuts are regarded as
      legitimate meat materials in the UK, there would appear to be serious drawbacks
      to the use of N-MeHis as a quantitative index of lean meat.

PMID- 22055944
TI  - Effect of electrical stimulation and temperature on biochemical changes in beef
      muscle.
AB  - The effect of low voltage electrical stimulation and storage temperatures of 2,
      15 and 25 degrees C on biochemical changes in M. sternocephalicus from beef
      carcasses was studied. It was shown that electrical stimulation accelerated the
      glycolytic processes resulting in an immediate increase in muscle lactate and
      about 30% reduction in ATP. Combination of stimulation and 15 or 25 degrees C
      temperature further increased the changes with ATP, reaching 2 MUM/g muscle in
      about 2 h post mortem. At 2 degrees C, the biochemical changes were slow. By
      ensuring that the muscle temperatures in low voltage stimulated carcasses do not
      fall below 15 degrees C for 2 to 3 h, this should provide favorable conditions
      for depletion of ATP and glycogen and the prevention of cold shortening at
      chilling.

PMID- 22055945
TI  - Effect of acid decontamination of beef subprimal cuts on the microbiological and
      sensory characteristics of steaks.
AB  - Beef strip loins were decontaminated by spraying with solutions of various food
      grade acids (1.0% lactic acid, 1.0% acetic acid and an acid mixture containing
      1.0% lactic acid, 2.0% acetic acid, 0.25% citric acid and 0.1% ascorbic acid)
      followed by vacuum packaging and storing at 4 +/- 1 degrees C. Initially and at
      days 3 and 6 of display in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) film, aerobic plate counts
      (APCs) of steaks fabricated from the acid treated loins that were stored for 0,
      14, 28, 42, 56, 70 and 84 days were not significantly different (P > 0.05) from
      the APCs of steaks fabricated from control loins.

PMID- 22055946
TI  - Variations in the tensile adhesive strength of meat-myosin junctions due to test
      configurations.
AB  - A model system of two thick slices of beef M. semitendinosus stuck together with
      a crude myosin preparation and cooked to 80 degrees C for 1 h has been used to
      show the effects of testing configuration on the tensile adhesive strength (TAS)
      of the meat-myosin junction. TAS decreased with increasing cross-sectional area
      in a square cross-sectional geometry, but increasing just one dimension of a
      rectangular cross-section resulted in smaller, often insignificant, decreases in
      TAS. A hypothesis based on differences in stress distributions over the area of
      the adhesive joint was proposed to explain this. TAS was found to increase with
      increasing deformation rate, in accordance with the usual behaviour of
      viscoelastic materials. TAS was found to be approximately three times higher when
      muscle fibres in both the meat pieces forming the joint were at right angles to
      the junction than when one or both meat pieces contained fibres running parallel
      to the adhesive junction; this latter orientation, being the weaker, is therefore
      proposed to be the orientation that determines the initial fracture of a meat
      product, hence its textural properties.

PMID- 22055947
TI  - Anabolic agents in beef production: Effects on muscle traits and meat quality.
AB  - The effects of combined oestradiol and trenbolone acetate implants have been
      investigated. Meat tenderness, juiciness and flavour were assessed by trained
      taste panelists and 16 variables related to muscle biochemistry and composition
      and ageing kinetics parameters were analysed on Longissimus dorsi and Triceps
      brachii caput longum muscles from 24 months old treated and control Charolais
      steers. Increases in carcass weight and mean daily weight gain, generally
      observed following such treatment, were confirmed. Furthermore, meat quality
      traits and ageing rate were significantly correlated with muscle typing
      parameters. Factorial discriminant analysis of data revealed that muscle typing
      (isomyosin 3 content) and composition (dry matter and lipid content) as well as
      NRM relaxation time of meat water (T2b) and ageing rate were the most affected by
      treatment. In addition, the hormone effect appeared to be muscle dependent.

PMID- 22055948
TI  - Effect of citric acid, citrate and slight a(w) decreases on the bacteriological
      stability of Hague liver sausage.
AB  - Combinations of citric acid and citrate, with several carbohydrates and KCl, were
      tested in a canned Hague liver sausage model for their antimicrobial properties.
      pH values for the test products ranged from 5.38 to 6.48; a(w) values varied from
      0.960 to 0.977. Before pasteurization, the sausage doughs were contaminated with
      mixtures of bacterial spores. Since the bacteriological stability sometimes
      appeared to be considerably improved, heated packages were challenged by
      incubation at 20 degrees  and 30 degrees C; some of them for up to 2 years.
      Incubated packages from the standard formulation spoiled at 30 degrees C within 3
      days. Starting from this point, products with a variable, but increased,
      bacteriological stability were obtained. For the best stabilized batches, first
      symptoms of spoilage were observed after periods of incubation at 30 degrees C,
      ranging from 49 to 150 days. Combinations of pH and a(w) values which can be
      relied upon to yield stable products consistently, cannot be derived from the
      accumulated data. Citric acid appeared a far more effective stabilizer than its
      salt. If we regard the undissociated citric acid concentration for these products
      (a(w) 0.960-0.972) as a significant parameter, values above approximately 13
      MUmkg(-1), yielded products with remarkable bacteriological stability.

PMID- 22055949
TI  - The effects of spray-chilling carcasses on the shrinkage and quality of beef.
AB  - After slaughter, alternate beef carcass sides (left, right) were allocated to an
      intermittent spray-chilling cooling treatment using water (4 cycles per hour; 60
      s/cycle) and conventional air chilling (1-2 degrees C; air velocity 0.5 m/s), or
      conventional air chilling only. Experiments 1, 2, and 3 (n = 19, 26 and 16
      carcasses) involved spray-chilling for 4, 8, 12 h in shrouded sides, whereas
      experiment 4 (n = 16 carcasses) involved 8 h of spray-chilling in unshrouded
      sides. At 24 h post-slaughter all sides were ribbed (12 13 th ribs ), and
      assessed for meat and fat colour. Half the treatment and control sides in each
      experiment were aged for 6 days, while the boneless ribs and inside rounds were
      removed from the remaining sides, vacuum packaged and held for 6 days. After 6
      days of storage, retail packs of rib steaks and round roasts were prepared and
      assessed for colour and drip losses over a 4-day period. Spray-chilling
      significantly reduced carcass shrinkage at 24 h post slaughter in experiments 1-4
      by 0.48, 0.69, 0.89 and 1.48%, respectively. After 6 days of cooler storage,
      spray-chilling significantly reduced carcass shrinkage in experiments 3 and 4
      only (0.47 and 0.94%). Weight and drip losses for vacuum packaged ribs and inside
      rounds were not influenced by spray-chilling over 6 days of storage. Spray
      chilling had no influence on rate of pH decline, but reduced loin and round
      muscle temperatures by 1-2 degrees C. Loin eye muscle colour and shear force were
      not affected by treatment, but in experiments 2, 3 and 4, fat colour was
      significantly lighter in spray-chilled compared to conventionally chilled sides.
      Colour changes and drip losses in retail packs over 4 days for rib steaks and
      round roasts were not related to spray-chilling. It was concluded that spray
      chilling could provide a moderate reduction in carcass shrinkage during cooling
      without having a detrimental influence on muscle quality.

PMID- 22055950
TI  - Microbiological evaluation of navy bean flour and its blend with retail ground
      beef.
AB  - Sterile water suspensions of navy bean flour (NF) were used as a model medium on
      which the growth of eight microorganisms important for food hygiene and
      technology was evaluated. Almost all microorganisms grew better on model mediums
      with 10 and 15% of NF than on the nutrient broth (control). Retail ground beef
      with and without 5, 10 and 15% addition of NF was wrapped with plastic film and
      stored at 4 degrees C. Aerobic plate count, psychrophiles, coliforms and yeasts
      and molds were assessed after 0, 3 and 6 days. Navy bean flour added to ground
      beef had a significant effect only on aerobic plate count. Growth of
      psychrophiles, coliforms, yeasts and molds was not affected by addition of NF.
      Microflora of retail ground beef-NF blends mainly consisted of Lactobacillus
      spp., while other genera of bacteria were found in smaller numbers. The pH of
      blends increased in proportion to the level of NF added and was significantly
      higher in comparison with retail ground beef alone, but decreased during storage
      due to the large amount of lactic acid bacteria.

PMID- 22055951
TI  - Influence of PSE pork on the quality and economics of cooked, cured ham and
      fermented dry sausage manufacture.
AB  - PSE pork (pH(1) <= 5.8) and non-PSE pork (5.8 < pH(1) <= 6.4) were used for
      cooked, cured ham production and, with beef, in a 48 52  mixture for fermented
      dry sausage manufacture. Technological yields of PSE and non-PSE hams were,
      respectively, 94.0 and 105.9% which corresponded to 5.0 FMK/kg loss for the PSE
      ham compared to the non-PSE ham. In addition, cooked PSE ham had a poorer
      organoleptic quality compared to non-PSE ham. However, PSE meat could be mixed
      with normal meat for the production of fermented dry sausage without quality
      defects.

PMID- 22055952
TI  - The effect of stocking density during 4 hour transport to slaughter on behaviour,
      blood constituents and carcass bruising in Friesian steers.
AB  - The aim of this work was to assess the response of Friesian steers to road
      transportation at low, medium and high (ca 200, 300 and 600 kg/m(2)) stocking
      densities in terms of physiology, behaviour and carcass bruising. Stocking
      density was determined by adjusting the number of animals per pen (3 runs) or by
      adjusting pen size (3 runs). Plasma cortisol and glucose increased (P < 0.001)
      with stocking density, as did plasma CK activity (P < 0.001) and carcass bruising
      (P < 0.01) both of which indicate muscle damage. At constant stocking density
      stress increased with pen location towards the tail of the truck, as reflected by
      a significant increase in plasma cortisol. Stocking density influenced standing
      orientation within the truck. At low stocking density animal movement was
      unrestricted and the preferred orientation was standing parallel to the direction
      of travel; there was a strong bias against diagonal orientations. Losses of
      balance were associated with specific driving events, notably braking and
      cornering. Minor losses of balance were observed at all stocking densities, but
      major losses of balance including animals going down underfoot were associated
      with high density. When an animal went down at high stocking density it did so
      involuntarily and was sometimes trapped down, destabilizing other members of the
      group in a domino effect. Exploratory, sexual and aggressive behaviours were
      inhibited at high stocking density, with the exception of mounting and pushing,
      which increased in frequency with stocking density. It was concluded that the
      high stocking density adversely affected animal welfare and lowered carcass
      quality when compared with the medium and low stocking densities.

PMID- 22055953
TI  - Differentiation between fresh beef and thawed frozen beef.
AB  - In order to prevent meat retailers offering thawed, imported frozen beef as fresh
      domestic beef, the method of Gottesmann and Hamm for differentiating between
      fresh and frozen/thawed meat is recommended. The principle of this method is
      based on the fact that freezing and thawing of meat results in a release of the
      enzyme beta-hydroxyacyl CoA-dehydrogenase (HADH) from the mitochondrion into the
      sarcoplasm; an elevated HADH activity in the muscle press-juice indicates
      freezing and thawing of tissue. The HADH colour test of Gottesmann and Hamm was
      modified by replacing the electron-transmitter meldolablue by resazurin which
      results in a much higher colour stability after reaction with fresh meat
      extracts.

PMID- 22055954
TI  - Electrical stimulation and meat texture-A response to preliminary reports on the
      toughening effect of electrical stimulation.

PMID- 22055955
TI  - Electrical stimulation and meat texture: A reply to comments by E. Dransfield and
      D. J. Etherington.

PMID- 22055956
TI  - Obituary.

PMID- 22055957
TI  - Fat partition and distribution in the carcasses of cattle, sheep and pigs: A
      review.
AB  - Results from recent Meat and Livestock Commission studies on fat partition and
      distribution are reviewed, together with those from other published work.
      Attention is drawn to the commercial importance of these characteristics and to
      the fact that little is known about their variability, in particular the extent
      to which fat partition is influenced by environmental factors. Information
      available from breed trials indicates that there is substantial genetic variation
      for all three species in the partitioning of fat between depots, although there
      is less variation in the way in which a given weight of subcutaneous fat or
      intermuscular fat is distributed through the carcass.

PMID- 22055958
TI  - Influence of temperature on the rate of post-mortem metabolism and water-holding
      capacity of bovine neck muscles.
AB  - Strips of forty bovine neck muscles were placed at temperatures in the range -1
      degrees  to +30 degrees C within 45 min of slaughter and stored for up to 24 h.
      Strips were taken at various times during storage and assayed for pH, 'R' value
      (degree of transformation of ATP to IMP) and ATP concentration. The water-holding
      capacity (WHC) of the intact muscle was compared with the WHC of a salted muscle
      homogenate prepared at each sampling time. The rate of pH fall post mortem was
      relatively low around +5 degrees C and increased at lower or higher temperatures.
      ATP concentration showed a delay phase dependent on storage temperature and a
      subsequent rate of depletion which was also temperature dependent. The patterns
      of change in WHC of the muscle samples and the salted homogenates differed, the
      former showing a rapid fall to a fairly steady level shortly after initiation of
      storage, the latter showing no appreciable change until the onset of rigor. It is
      suggested that salting meat at any time prior to the onset of rigor will confer
      improved WHC and that the temperature of storage post mortem should be chosen to
      induce low rates of ATP turnover so as to prolong the feasible delay between
      slaughter and salting.

PMID- 22055959
TI  - Hot deboning beef with and without electrical stimulation.
AB  - Two hot deboning procedures for producing vacuum packed primal beef joints were
      compared with conventional side chilling followed by cold deboning. Cold
      shortening toughness was avoided in the hot procedures either by a delay before
      chilling or by electrical stimulation of the carcass. Overall evaporative losses
      were 0.6% with hot deboning and 1.9% with cold deboning. Hot deboning reduced
      drip loss but the effect was smaller after electrical stimulation. The colour of
      large muscles which cool unevenly on the side was more uniform after hot
      deboning, but again the improvement was smaller after electrical stimulation.
      There was no difference in bacterial contamination or growth on hot and cold
      deboned meat, and instrumental and sensory assessments confirmed that eating
      quality was similar for all three treatments.

PMID- 22055960
TI  - Blood splash in lambs-a preliminary study using the one-stage prothrombin time
      test.
AB  - Lambs from a flock in which a high incidence of blood splash had been detected
      were examined using the one-stage prothrombin test. For comparison lambs from a
      commercial slaughter line were also examined. All the affected lambs and 35.4%
      from the slaughter line had extended prothrombin times, and a relationship
      between extended prothrombin times and the occurrence of blood splash was
      established. Investigation of the pastures grazed by the affected flock showed
      the presence of coumarin producing plants and grasses. Some coumarin drugs
      prolong one-stage prothrombin times, and more importantly, induce capillary
      fragility, thus predisposing animals to blood splash.

PMID- 22055961
TI  - Quantifying changes in tenderness during storage of beef.
AB  - An exponential decay equation was used to quantify changes in beef toughness
      during storage at constant temperatures between 0 degrees  and 20 degrees C.
      Temperature had the greatest effect on tenderising rate-thirty-two times that due
      to animals and ten times that due to muscles which were M. longissimus dorsi, M.
      psoas major and M. semitendinosus. A common rate constant, derived at each
      temperature, showed that an increment in rate produced by a 5 degrees C rise in
      storage temperature was then detectable and that the enthalpy of activation
      (DeltaH(*)) was 76 kJ/mole. Toughness constants differed most between muscles.

PMID- 22055962
TI  - Tenderising in M. longissimus dorsi of beef, veal, rabbit, lamb and pork.
AB  - The decrease in toughness of M. longissimus dorsi with storage time at 1 degrees
      C was effectively described by an exponential decay equation. The average rate
      constant for beef, veal and rabbit was 0.17 whilst that for lamb was 0.21 and
      that for pork, 0.40 days(-1). However, the rate constants were not significantly
      different due to variations both within muscles and between animals. On average,
      50% of the tenderising occurred in 2 days for pork and in 4.2 days for beef, veal
      and rabbit, and 80% in 4.9 and 9.5 days, respectively. At the completion of
      tenderising, beef and rabbit were the toughest and pork the most tender, whilst
      the greatest tenderising occurred in beef and lamb.

PMID- 22055963
TI  - Isolation and partial characterisation of bovine rumen myosin.
AB  - Myosin was isolated from rumen muscle and purified by DEAE Sephadex A-50
      chromatography. The purified myosin gave only two bands on SDS gel
      electrophoresis, one corresponding to the heavy chain of 210 000 D and the other
      corresponding to a light chain of 17 000 D. The pH optimum of the rumen myosin
      ATPase activity was found to be at 7.6; and at pH 9.1, there was no detectable
      activity. The ATPase activity of the rumen myosin was found to be lower than that
      of the skeletal myosin. Since it is known that the light chains are located on
      the globular head of the myosin molecule, where the ATPase activity is found, the
      lower rumen myosin ATPase activity may be due to the absence of certain light
      chains that are commonly found in the skeletal myosin. The rumen myosin also had
      a lower basic amino acid content and a lower ratio of basic to acidic amino acids
      than the corresponding skeletal muscle counterpart.

PMID- 22055964
TI  - Fat deposition in a double-muscled steer.
AB  - A homozygous double-muscled steer was full fed a high-energy ration for
      approximately 18 months to assess its potential for fat deposition. After
      slaughter, the carcass possessed modest quantities of intramuscular fat. The fat
      thickness at the 12th rib was 2.4 cm and the carcass contained about 3.5% kidney,
      heart and pelvic fat. The adipose tissue appeared physiologically normal, as its
      composition of total lipids and individual fatty acids was comparable to that
      published for non-DM market cattle. In addition, adipose cellularity was
      comparable to non-DM cattle of similar fatness and weight, indicating that at
      least some double-muscled cattle have a potential for adipose development
      comparable to non-double-muscled animals.

PMID- 22055965
TI  - Factorial validity and invariance of the Life Satisfaction Index in older people
      across groups and time: addressing the heterogeneity of age, functional ability,
      and depression.
AB  - In the last decades, extensive research efforts have been directed at exploring
      life satisfaction in old age, and the Life Satisfaction Index A (LSIA) scale,
      developed by Neugarten et al. in the 1960s, is one of the most commonly used
      instruments. However, studies have focused on predicting and comparing changes in
      people's life satisfaction without testing if the LSIA instrument is equally
      valid for different subgroups of people. The present study investigated the
      underlying dimensions of the LSIA in a Swedish population (n=1402) of people 60
      96 years of age. The study also examined factorial invariance across age, gender,
      functional ability and depression during a six-year period. The results showed
      that while a five-factor solution of the LSIA did not exhibit an acceptable fit
      to the data, a three-factor solution did show a close fit. The two three-factor
      models that demonstrated the best fit showed invariance across gender and across
      time, but noninvariance across groups with different levels of reduced functional
      ability, depressive symptoms and age. These findings suggest that the
      psychometric properties of life satisfaction instruments like the LSIA need to be
      taken into consideration before drawing conclusions about life satisfaction when
      comparing older people of different ages and with different depression and
      function levels.

PMID- 22055966
TI  - A supportive home visit program for older adults implemented by non
      professionals: feasibility and effects on physical performance and quality of
      life at one year--a pilot study.
AB  - Knowledge of supportive home rehabilitative procedures is needed to improve the
      independent home training and psychosocial wellbeing of older people. The primary
      focus of this study was to assess the feasibility of a home visit program
      involving the use of non-professional home rehabilitation assistants (HRAs)
      support among elderly. The secondary objective was to investigate the effects to
      physical performance and health-related quality of life (HRQL) of older people. A
      controlled intervention study was implemented at two war veterans' rehabilitation
      centers in Finland. The study included 22 long-term unemployed people aged 26-58
      years, who were educated in HRA tasks and 417 community-dwelling persons aged 65
      99 years, who participated in 10-28 days of inpatient rehabilitation. The
      intervention group (IG) received 10-14-month physiotherapist-supervised HRA home
      visit program. The control group (CG) received no home visit intervention.
      Additional information was collected to assess the feasibility of the
      intervention. Structured interviews were carried out. Physical performance was
      evaluated through several validated tests, pain with the Visual Analog Scale
      (VAS), and HRQL with the Leipad questionnaire. The HRAs adopted their supporting
      role through the social activation of the rehabilitees and continued to study to
      become practical nurses. At 10-14 months, HRQL among women (p=0.029) and chair
      rising among men (p=0.028) improved in the IG but declined in the CG. The
      supportive home visit program was feasible and improved the HRQL in women and
      chair rising in men. This model could motivate long-term unemployed people to
      educate themselves.

PMID- 22055967
TI  - Integrating novel therapies into the treatment of sarcoma: a multidisciplinary
      approach--introduction.

PMID- 22055968
TI  - Appraising the current role of chemotherapy for the treatment of sarcoma.
AB  - Sarcomas are a heterogeneous group of relatively rare mesenchymal neoplasms. They
      can be grouped into two general categories: soft tissue sarcoma (STS) and primary
      bone sarcoma, which are treated differently. Because sarcomas are relatively rare
      and complex with a wide variety of different histopathologic subtypes, evaluation
      by multidisciplinary teams who have expertise in the field is recommended.
      Treatment guidelines for the use of chemotherapy in patients with STS and bone
      sarcoma have been published by the National Comprehensive Cancer Network. The
      role of adjuvant chemotherapy in resected STS remains controversial. Although
      chemotherapy improves disease-free survival, the long-term overall survival
      benefit remains unproven. Chemotherapy is typically used as palliative treatment
      for most subtypes of metastatic STS. In contrast, chemotherapy has a proven role
      in the treatment of primary bone tumors and Ewing sarcoma, but it has not
      demonstrated efficacy in the treatment of chondrosarcoma. The standard
      chemotherapy regimens used in sarcoma are associated with significant toxicity,
      including long-term complications. Less intense and less toxic regimens are the
      focus of ongoing clinical research. Newer cytotoxic agents with an improved
      safety profile, such as trabectedin and palifosfamide, are currently in
      development. Future research needs to focus on identification of subpopulations
      of patients that are most likely to benefit from chemotherapy.

PMID- 22055969
TI  - Clinicopathologic considerations: how can we fine tune our approach to sarcoma?
AB  - Bone and soft tissue sarcomas are an uncommon and sundry group of solid tumors
      traditionally categorized together according to their presumed mesenchymal
      differentiation. They are histologically, behaviorally, and genetically diverse,
      and their pathogenesis is poorly understood. Moreover, treatment options are
      limited, with surgical resection continuing to provide the only possibility of
      cure in many cases. However, there has been tremendous progress in the last
      decade in understanding the behavior and molecular pathogenesis of sarcoma, which
      may ultimately lead to more effective therapy and prognostication for these rare
      malignancies. In this article, we address the histologic and molecular
      classification of sarcomas, with emphasis on the increasing role of molecular
      diagnostics in both classification and prognostication. In addition, we review
      recent advances in the understanding of critical cell signaling pathways involved
      in this group of malignancies, and how this knowledge relates to the potential
      role of newer targeted therapies in sarcoma treatment. The role and rationale for
      grading and staging of sarcomas is discussed, as well as more recent advances in
      the development of prognostic nomograms, based on clinical and histopathologic
      findings. Finally, we conclude with a discussion of the importance of
      multidisciplinary care, with integration of histologic, molecular, radiographic,
      and clinical data in the management of sarcoma.

PMID- 22055970
TI  - Targeted agents for sarcoma: is individualized therapy possible in such a diverse
      tumor type?
AB  - A wide variety of cytogenetic abnormalities and molecular pathways have been
      implicated in the pathogenesis of sarcoma, and significant progress has been made
      in the past decade toward identifying potential therapeutic targets. However,
      apart from gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) and dermatofibrosarcoma
      protuberans (DFSP), little progress has been made toward translating that
      knowledge into effective therapeutic strategies. The identification of activating
      KIT mutations in the majority of GISTs was a defining moment that led to the
      first effective targeted therapy for sarcoma, and the subsequent use of imatinib
      mesylate has revolutionized the treatment of GISTs. Beyond imatinib, the most
      promising agents to date--and the agents most extensively studied--are the
      multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Several other classes of agents have
      also shown some activity in soft tissue sarcomas, including mammalian target of
      rapamycin inhibitors, inhibitors of growth factor receptors, histone deacetylase
      inhibitors, agents that modulate the p53 pathway, inhibitors of molecular
      chaperone proteins (eg, heat shock protein 90 [Hsp90]), and other signal
      transduction inhibitors. Despite a large number of completed and ongoing phase II
      studies, few agents have moved to phase III testing, and much work remains to be
      done to fully validate the identified targets and determine the optimal treatment
      strategy. Ongoing studies are exploring a wide range of combination strategies.
      This review will highlight some of the emerging targeted therapies that appear to
      hold promise and may eventually contribute to improved systemic therapy for
      sarcoma.

PMID- 22055971
TI  - Prospects for designating Alzheimer's disease research a national priority.
AB  - This editorial evaluates the prospects of the National Alzheimer's Project Act
      (NAPA) succeeding to shape public policies that would substantially increase
      national expenditures for research on Alzheimer's disease. The essay identifies,
      in the context of 30-year history, some of the difficult challenges the NAPA
      Advisory Council must address and offers specific recommendations for an action
      plan by the Secretary, Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

PMID- 22055972
TI  - Videoconference diagnosis and management of Choctaw Indian dementia patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study reports a 5-year experience using videoconference (VC)
      technology in diagnosing and treating adult members of the Choctaw Nation with
      symptoms or complaints of cognitive impairment. METHODS: Patients were given the
      option of a VC session or a face-to-face evaluation in the clinic. Before their
      VC session, patients underwent neuropsychological testing, Clinical Dementia
      Rating, Geriatric Depression Scale and Neuropsychiatric Inventory, brain computed
      tomography, and routine blood tests. Physical observations made by VC included
      eyesight, hearing, facial expression, gait and station, coordination, tremor,
      rapid alternating movements, psychomotor activity, and motor tests of executive
      function. Cogwheeling and rigidity were tested by our on-site nurse, who also
      obtained vital signs as indicated. RESULTS: Between January 2005 and March 2010,
      there were 47 clinics, 171 visits, and 85 unique patients. There were 52 new
      evaluations and 119 follow-up visits. The number of visits ranged from one to
      eight and the length of follow-up from 1 month to 4.5 years. The no-show rate for
      all VC sessions in 2009 was 3%, and only two subjects in 5 years refused further
      VC visits. CONCLUSION: Once cultural barriers are dealt with, VC-based diagnosis
      and treatment of adults with cognitive disorders who live in remote areas is
      feasible and well accepted by patients and families.

PMID- 22055973
TI  - Predictors of suicide in patients with dementia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Assessing predictors of suicide and means of completion in patients
      with dementia may aid the development of interventions to reduce risk of suicide
      among the growing population of individuals with dementia. METHODS: This
      national, retrospective, cohort study used data from the Department of Veterans
      Affairs (fiscal years 2001-2005). The sample included patients >=60 years old
      diagnosed with dementia (N = 294,952), of which 241 committed suicide. Potential
      predictors of suicide were identified using logistic regression. Suicide methods
      are also reported. RESULTS: Increased risk of suicide was associated with white
      race (OR: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.2, 4.8), depression (OR: 2.0, 95% CI: 1.5, 2.9), a
      history of inpatient psychiatric hospitalizations (OR: 2.3, 95% CI: 1.5, 3.5),
      and prescription fills of antidepressants (OR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.6, 2.8) or
      anxiolytics (OR: 2.0, 95% CI: 1.5, 2.7). Nursing home admission was associated
      with lower suicide risk (OR: 0.3, 95% CI: 0.1, 0.8). Severity of medical
      comorbidity did not affect risk of suicide. Sensitivity analysis indicated that
      the majority of suicides occurred in those who were newly diagnosed with
      dementia. Firearms were the most common method of suicide (73%) used.
      CONCLUSIONS: Given the higher rate of suicide in those receiving treatment for
      psychiatric symptoms and the high proportion that died using firearms, closer
      monitoring and assessment of gun access may be an important part of initial
      treatment planning for older male patients with dementia, particularly those with
      symptoms of depression or anxiety.

PMID- 22055974
TI  - Presenilin enhancer-2 gene: identification of a novel promoter mutation in a
      patient with early-onset familial Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - gamma-Secretase proteins complex cleaves the amyloid precursor protein (APP) to
      generate amyloid-beta (Abeta) peptides. Considerable evidence suggests that
      alterations in genes encoding these proteins exert their influence on the
      pathogenesis of familial Alzheimer's disease (FAD). Presenilin enhancer-2 gene
      (PEN-2) is a necessary component of the gamma-Secretase complex. Recently, it has
      been shown that PEN-2 mutations could be involved in Alzheimer's disease (AD). We
      performed a mutational screening of all PEN-2 coding and promoter regions in a
      FAD cohort derived from Southern Italy. Four hundred and fifty-two subjects (FAD:
      97; CONTROLS: 355) were recruited for this study. We identified for the first
      time in a key region necessary for the promoter activity a novel 3 bp deletion in
      a subject with early-FAD. Our genetic data demonstrate that the mutant allele may
      influence the transcriptional activity of the PEN-2 gene. Although the effective
      role of the PEN-2 promoter deletion in AD is not entirely clear, these findings
      might lead to more studies on its functional and genetic role.

PMID- 22055975
TI  - Long-term progression of Alzheimer's disease in patients under antidementia
      drugs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), even in the presence of
      symptomatic relief from medical intervention, face a persistent worsening of
      cognitive decline and performance in activities of daily living. Data regarding
      the long-term disease progression outside of therapeutic trials are lacking. We
      examined the effects of standard of care for AD patients on the prognosis of the
      disease in a real-life study over a 4-year period. METHODS: A total of 686
      patients with mild-moderate AD were enrolled in 16 memory clinics (REseau sur la
      maladie d' Alzheimer FRancais [REAL.FR] cohort) and followed up twice annually
      with tools used in therapeutic trials (Mini-Mental Status Examination, Alzheimer
      Disease Assessment Scale-cognitive subscale [ADAS-cog]: cognitive function,
      Clinical Dementia Rating: dementia severity, Activity of Daily Living [ADL]:
      incapacities, NeuroPsychiatric Inventory: neuropsychiatric symptom). RESULTS:
      More than 90% of the patients used AD-specific medication over 4 years. Patients
      lost on average 2.4 points per year on the Mini-Mental Status Examination and
      gained 4.5 points on the ADAS-cog. ADL and NeuroPsychiatric Inventory scores
      became significantly worse over time. Incidence of incapacities for ADL and
      worsening of neuropsychiatric symptoms were 52.5 (95% confidence interval [CI]:
      47.7-57.4) and 51.1 (95% CI: 46.2-56.1), respectively. Rates of mortality and
      institutionalization were 7.4 (95% CI: 6.2-8.5) and 13.4 (95% CI: 11.7-15.1). In
      all, 17% of patients in mild stage at baseline (Clinical Dementia Rating = 0.5)
      did not experience a major event (functional disabilities, neuropsychiatric
      symptoms, or death) over a 4-year period. CONCLUSIONS: As compared with previous
      surveys, the current study shows slower rates of decline in AD patients. The
      present data also underline the high level of variability of disease progression
      among AD patients. Outcome measures commonly used in clinical trials will need to
      take into account the recent changes in the prognosis of the disease.

PMID- 22055976
TI  - The measurement of everyday cognition: development and validation of a short form
      of the Everyday Cognition scales.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study describes the development and validation of a shortened
      version of the Everyday Cognition (ECog) scales [Tomaszewski Farias et al.
      Neuropsychology 2008;22:531-44], an informant-rated questionnaire designed to
      detect cognitive and functional decline. METHODS: External, convergent, and
      divergent validities and internal consistency were examined. Data were derived
      from informant ratings of 907 participants who were either cognitively normal,
      had mild cognitive impairment (MCI), or had dementia. RESULTS: Twelve items were
      included in the shortened version (ECog-12). The ECog-12 strongly correlated with
      established functional measures and neuropsychological scores, only weakly with
      age and education, and demonstrated high internal consistency. The ECog-12 showed
      excellent discrimination between the dementia and normal groups (area under the
      receiver operator characteristic curve = 0.95, CI = 0.94-0.97), and showed
      promise in discriminating normal older adults from those with any cognitive
      impairment (i.e., MCI or dementia). Discrimination between the MCI and normal
      groups was poor. CONCLUSIONS: The ECog-12 shows promise as a clinical tool for
      assisting clinicians in identifying individuals with dementia.

PMID- 22055977
TI  - Functional deficits among patients with mild cognitive impairment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diagnostic criteria for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) include no
      significant functional decline, but recent studies have suggested that subtle
      deficits often exist. It is not known whether these differ by MCI type. We
      investigated the level and type of functional impairment among patients with MCI.
      METHODS: We studied 498 patients, evaluated at the Alzheimer's Disease Research
      Centers of California between 2006 and 2009, who had multidisciplinary
      evaluations by experts, including neurologic examination and neuropsychological
      testing. Patients were diagnosed with MCI and subtype was determined using
      cognitive domain scores. In a cross-sectional descriptive study, we examined
      whether functional impairment differed by MCI subtype, using the Blessed Roth
      Dementia Rating Scale (range: 0-17, higher scores indicating more impairment).
      RESULTS: Among the participants, the mean age was 75.4 years, 50.7% were women,
      and 81.7% were white. Patients with amnestic- (n = 392, 78.7%) and nonamnestic
      type (n = 106, 21.3%) MCI had similar total Blessed Roth Dementia Rating Scale
      (1.6 and 1.5, respectively; P = .84) and Mini-Mental State Examination (26.5 and
      26.7, respectively; P = .60) scores. Patients with amnestic MCI were more likely
      to have difficulty in remembering lists and recalling recent events (P < .05 for
      both) and less likely to have difficulty in eating and with continence (P = .01
      for both), as compared with those with nonamnestic MCI. CONCLUSIONS: Despite the
      MCI diagnostic criteria suggesting no functional impairment, our results indicate
      that patients with MCI experience mild functional deficits that vary according to
      the type of MCI.

PMID- 22055978
TI  - Countrywide strategic plans on Alzheimer's disease: developing the framework for
      the international battle against Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - As the world's population ages, countries must prepare for the significant impact
      Alzheimer's disease will have on their health systems, their economies, and their
      citizens. In anticipation of major global demographic changes, many countries in
      the G-20 since 2000 have begun to develop and enact plans to address Alzheimer's
      disease as a national priority. However, even with nearly half of these
      participating countries having plans in place, there has been little research
      done to quantify the value of enacting a countrywide plan on this disease. In
      this review, we summarize recent national plans (from the year 2000 and beyond)
      and any results stemming from their respective recommendations and activities.

PMID- 22055979
TI  - Studies of 6Li-NMR properties in different salt solutions in low magnetic fields.
AB  - In this article we report the longitudinal relaxation times (T(1)) of various
      (6)Li salts ((6)LiI, (6)LiCl and (6)LiNO(3)) in D(2)O and H(2)O, measured in low
      magnetic fields (B(0)=3.5mT). This investigation serves the purpose of clarifying
      the relaxation behavior of different (6)Li solutions and different
      concentrations. The measurement were undertaken to establish a framework for
      future applications of hyperpolarized (6)Li in medical imaging, biological
      studies and investigations of lithium ion batteries. Time will pass during the
      transport of hyperpolarized lithium ions to the sample, which leads to a
      polarization loss. In order to store polarization as long as possible, it is
      necessary to examine which (6)Li salt solution has the longest relaxation time
      T(1). Longitudinal relaxation times of (6)Li salts in D(2)O and H(2)O were
      investigated as a function of concentration and the most extended T(1) was found
      for (6)LiI in D(2)O and H(2)O. In agreement with the theory the relaxation time
      T(1) of all (6)Li salts increase with decreasing concentration. In the case of
      (6)LiI in H(2)O an inverse behavior was observed. We assume that the prolonged
      T(1) times occur due to formation of (6)LiOH upon the solution of (6)LiI in
      H(2)O, which settles as a precipitate. By diluting the solution, the precipitate
      continuously dissolves and approaches T(1) of (6)LiOH (T(1)~28s), leading to a
      shorter T(1) relaxation time.

PMID- 22055980
TI  - Time displacement rotational echo double resonance: heteronuclear dipolar
      recoupling with suppression of homonuclear interaction under fast magic-angle
      spinning.
AB  - We have developed a novel variant of REDOR which is applicable to multiple-spin
      systems without proton decoupling. The pulse sequence is constructed based on a
      systematic time displacement of the pi pulses of the conventional REDOR sequence.
      This so-called time displacement REDOR (td-REDOR) is insensitive to the effect of
      homonuclear dipole-dipole interaction when the higher order effects are
      negligible. The validity of td-REDOR has been verified experimentally by the P
      31{C-13} measurements on glyphosate at a spinning frequency of 25 kHz. The
      experimental dephasing curve is in favorable agreement with the simulation data
      without considering the homonuclear dipole-dipole interactions.

PMID- 22055981
TI  - Midwives at youth clinics attitude to HPV vaccination and their role in cervical
      cancer prevention.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore youth clinic midwives role in cervical cancer prevention
      and their attitude to HPV vaccination. STUDY DESIGN: Individual interviews with
      13 midwives working at youth clinics in Sweden. The interviews were recorded,
      transcribed, and analysed by qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: Three themes
      were identified in the qualitative content analysis: "Cervical cancer prevention
      not a prioritised area", "Ambivalence to the HPV vaccine", and "Gender and
      socioeconomic controversies". Few midwives talked spontaneously about cervical
      cancer prevention. The responsibility for providing information about HPV
      vaccination was considered as primarily that of school health nurses and parents.
      Midwives were positive about the HPV vaccination, but recognised certain risks,
      such as its potential negative impact on cervical cancer screening and increased
      sexual risk taking. The midwives expressed concerns with medical risks, such as
      side effects and unknown long-term effects of the HPV vaccine. The midwives in
      the study had ethical concerns that boys were not included in the program and not
      all families had the financial resources to vaccinate their children. Thus, weak
      socioeconomic groups might be excluded. CONCLUSION: The midwives considered
      cervical cancer prevention as important, but did not integrate information on the
      HPV vaccine into their routine work, mainly because young people visiting youth
      clinics had had their sexual debut and they were concerned about the medical
      risks and that the vaccine was too expensive.

PMID- 22055982
TI  - Perceived family perceptions of breastfeeding and Chinese new mothers'
      breastfeeding behaviors.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To provide an understanding of Chinese new mothers' breastfeeding
      behaviors and especially to explore the relationship between the mothers
      perceived family perception about breastfeeding and the new mothers'
      breastfeeding behaviors. STUDY DESIGN: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was
      conducted in Beijing and Yinchuan, the capital of Ning Xia Province, China. 214
      new mothers with a baby at the age of 4 months were recruited to the study. The
      family perception of breastfeeding scale and the new mothers' breastfeeding
      behavior record were used. RESULTS: The response rate was n=200, 94%. Most of the
      new mothers perceived positive family perceptions about breastfeeding with an
      average score of 23.13 using the family perception of breastfeeding scale. Nearly
      half of the respondents reported that they exclusively breastfed their infants
      (n=94, 47%). The main reason for breastfeeding difficulty was inadequate
      lactation (n=56, 69%). The new mothers who breastfed their infants mentioned
      significantly stronger family perceptions/support compared to those who used
      mixed feeding or artificial feeding (p<0.001). There were no significant
      differences (p>0.05) in the types of mothers' feeding behaviors across the
      different age group, occupation, ethnicity, educational level, mode of delivery,
      the time of the baby's first suck, bottle feeding before the baby's first suck
      and the time of having colostrums. CONCLUSION: It is suggested to develop some
      strategies, such as family-centered antenatal and postnatal education programmes,
      to increase the rate of exclusive breastfeeding by influencing new mothers'
      families about breastfeeding. Further research is needed to explore socio
      demographic variables associated with new-mothers' breastfeeding behaviors.

PMID- 22055983
TI  - Oxytocin augmentation during labor: how to implement medical guidelines into
      clinical practice.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe an extensive process to implement guidelines for oxytocin
      use during labor and to report its effects on compliance to clinical practice
      guidelines after 1 year. STUDY DESIGN: A multifaceted strategy was developed to
      involve all obstetric staff and identify possible local barriers to change in
      advance. The process lasted for more than 1 year. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: To
      describe the implementation of oxytocin use according to the new guidelines, and
      to compare management in clinical practice with guideline recommendations from
      audits performed before and after the project. RESULTS: Identification of
      possible barriers to change, academic detailing, audits with feedback, and local
      opinion leaders were important factors for a successful process. Documentation of
      the indication for oxytocin use increased from 54% before, to 86% after the
      completion of the project (P<0.01). The percentage of incidents in which oxytocin
      augmentation was started before the diagnosis of labor dystocia was reduced from
      40% to 11% (P<0.01). Improvement was found in the documentation of
      cardiotocography (from 5% to 58%, P<0.01) and contraction frequency at the start
      of the infusion (from 23% to 63%, P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our multifaceted strategy
      involved all obstetric staff, lasted for more than a year, and improved
      management of oxytocin use according to clinical guidelines. Established rules
      for documentation were used as a check list to monitor oxytocin use. However,
      audits with feedback need to continue for medical safety, and have been planned
      to take place every 6 months.

PMID- 22055984
TI  - Swedish midwives' views on severe fear of childbirth.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the views of Swedish midwives on severe fear of childbirth
      (SFOC). STUDY DESIGN: In this cross sectional study, a random sample of 1000
      midwives, selected from the database of the Swedish Association of Midwives,
      received a questionnaire. The response rate was 84% (n=834), with 726
      questionnaires included in the final analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The views
      of midwives on SFOC in different contexts of work: antenatal care clinic (ACC),
      labour ward (LW) either ACC/LW or Neither-Nor ACC/LW. RESULTS: The majority of
      respondents thought that the frequency of SFOC has increased during the last 10
      years (67%), and that pregnant women today are more likely to discuss their fears
      (70%). Midwives at ACCs thought that special education in SFOC is needed
      (p<0.001) and that they have more responsibility to identify women with SFOC
      (p<0.001) than midwives at LWs. The majority of respondents, both at ACCs (60%)
      and LWs (65%), intuitively sensed when they were meeting a woman with SFOC.
      Opinions among midwives who alternate between working in ACCs and LWs reflected
      the views of the midwives working either in an ACC or an LW. CONCLUSIONS: The
      views of midwives on SFOC are partly in concordance and partly contradictory in
      relation to the different workplaces as well as research data. Knowledge of the
      views of midwives on SFOC is a necessary pre-requisite to improve care for
      pregnant women.

PMID- 22055985
TI  - How to determine symptom severity in premenstrual syndrome: a combination of
      daily symptom ratings and interviews.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate how premenstrual symptoms are experienced and affect
      daily life, and to see if there is an agreement in reported symptom severity
      based on interviews compared to ratings on a symptom rating scale. STUDY DESIGN:
      Twenty-two women with different degree of premenstrual symptoms were interviewed
      about their symptoms. Based on the luteal-phase interviews, they were categorized
      in four different severity groups: severe (n=5), moderate (n=3), mild (n=8), and
      no symptoms/cyclicity (n=6). The interviews were then compared with rated symptom
      scores, number of expressed symptoms per day, number of days with symptoms, and
      daily life impairment. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Agreement between rated symptom
      scores and reported symptoms in the interviews. RESULTS: Comparing seven days in
      luteal phase scorings with interview data the group with no symptoms/cyclicity
      showed high agreement between severities reported in the interviews and daily
      rated scores. Among women who reported severe symptoms, an agreement was seen in
      three out of five. In the mild/moderate group, the agreement was less conclusive.
      The day of interview there was a high agreement between data from the reported
      symptom ratings and symptoms reported in the interview. CONCLUSION: Rated symptom
      scores the day of interview reflects well symptoms reported in the interviews.
      Mean symptom scores for seven luteal phase days showed an agreement between
      symptom ratings and symptoms expressed in interviews among women with severe
      symptoms and no symptoms/cyclicity. In the group with mild/moderate symptoms,
      data was less conclusive.

PMID- 22055986
TI  - Cognizance of sexually transmitted infections among low-income men in western
      Kenya.
AB  - Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) pose a worldwide health problem. To
      improve the efforts of prevention of STIs it is important to gain insight into
      the awareness of STIs among people in the society. OBJECTIVE: To describe the
      cognizance of STIs among low-income men in western Kenya. METHOD: Data was
      collected from eight focus groups consisted of 64 men between 15 and 54 years of
      age. The interviews were audio taped and content analysis was used for the
      analysis. FINDINGS: Three categories were derived: Consciousness of STIs, Risk of
      and prevention of STIs, and Marital relationship and STIs. The results indicate
      that men had some limited consciousness of STIs but that there were
      misunderstandings. The treatments the men mentioned were hospital treatment help,
      from traditional herbalists and self-administration. Condoms were regarded as an
      effective prevention method, but there were obstacles to using them as well as to
      talking about STIs within marriage. CONCLUSION: The study stresses the need to
      promote cognizance of STIs, including gender aspects, and to reduce the gap
      between knowing and practising.

PMID- 22055987
TI  - Organizational factors associated with screening for military sexual trauma.
AB  - PURPOSE: This exploratory study investigated organizational factors associated
      with receipt of military sexual trauma (MST) screening during an early timeframe
      of the Veterans Health Administration's (VHA) implementation of the universal MST
      screening policy. METHODS: The sample consisted of all VHA patients eligible for
      MST screening in fiscal year 2005 at 119 VHA facilities. Analyses were conducted
      separately by gender and by user status (i.e., new patients to the VHA health
      care system in FY 2005 and continuing users who had previously used the VHA
      health care system in the past year). Multivariate generalized estimating
      equations were used to assess the effects of facility-level characteristics and
      adjusted for person-level covariates. RESULTS: Facility-level mandatory universal
      MST screening policies were associated with increased odds of receiving MST
      screening among new female patients and both continuing and new male patients:
      Odds ratio (OR), 2.87 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.39-5.89) for new female
      patients; OR, 8.15 (95% CI, 2.93-22.69) for continuing male patients; and OR,
      4.48 (95% CI, 1.79-11.20) for new male patients. Facility-level audit and
      feedback practices was associated with increased odds of receiving MST screening
      among new patients: OR, 1.91 (95% CI, 1.26-2.91) for females and OR, 1.86 (95%
      CI, 1.22-2.84) for males. Although the facility-level effect for women's health
      clinic (WHC) did not emerge as significant, patient-level effects indicated that
      among these facilities, women who used a WHC had greater odds of being screened
      for MST compared with women who had not used a WHC: OR, 1.79 (95% CI, 1.18-2.71)
      for continuing patients and OR, 2.20 (95% CI, 1.59-3.04) for new patients.
      CONCLUSION: This study showed that facility policies that promote universal MST
      screening, as well as audit and feedback practices at the facility, significantly
      improved the odds of patients receiving MST screening. Women veterans'
      utilization of a WHC was associated with higher odds of receiving MST screening.
      This study provides empirical support for the use of policies and audit and
      feedback practices which the VHA has used since the implementation of the MST
      screening directive to encourage compliance with VHA's MST screening policy and
      is likely associated with the present-day success in MST screening across all VHA
      facilities.

PMID- 22055988
TI  - It's the amount of thought that counts: when ambivalence contributes to
      mammography screening delay.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study examines whether ambivalence toward mammography screening, as
      moderated by total amount of thought given to the reasons for and against getting
      mammograms at recommended intervals, predicts greater delay in obtaining
      subsequent screening mammograms. METHODS: A sample of 3,430 insured women with
      recent (within the last 8-9 months) screening mammograms completed telephone
      interviews as part of a 5-year intervention study to achieve sustained adherence
      to annual-interval mammography. Delay was assessed by the number of days between
      mammograms. RESULTS: Controlling for demographic factors and perceived screening
      barriers, days between mammograms increased as ambivalence and thought increased.
      Thought moderated ambivalence: Among women who were most ambivalent, women
      obtained mammograms 1 month earlier for each unit increase in thought.
      CONCLUSION: Future studies should test innovative ways to resolve ambivalence and
      increase thought about consequences of getting mammograms as a strategy to
      promote mammography screening adherence.

PMID- 22055989
TI  - The relation between event apprehension and utterance formulation in children:
      Evidence from linguistic omissions.
AB  - The relation between event apprehension and utterance formulation was examined in
      children and adults. English-speaking adults and 4-year-olds viewed motion events
      while their eye movements were monitored. Half of the participants in each age
      group described each event (Linguistic task), whereas the other half studied the
      events for an upcoming memory test (Nonlinguistic task). All participants then
      completed a memory test in which they identified changes to manners of motion and
      path endpoints in target events. In the Nonlinguistic task, eye movements and
      memory responses revealed striking similarities across age groups. Adults and
      preschoolers attended to manner and path endpoints with similar timing, and in
      the memory test both successfully detected manner and path changes at similar
      rates. Substantial differences in production emerged between age groups in the
      Linguistic task: whereas adults usually mentioned both manners and paths in their
      event descriptions, preschoolers tended to omit one event component or the other.
      However, eyegaze patterns remained equivalent across the two age groups, with
      both children and adults allocating more attention to event components that they
      planned to talk about. Children in the Linguistic task were at chance in the
      memory test, whereas adults actually showed a memory benefit as compared to the
      Nonlinguistic task. We conclude that developmental differences in the description
      of motion events are not due to pure attentional differences between adults and
      children, but leave open the possibility that they stem from limitations that are
      solely linguistic in nature or that arise at the interface of attention and
      language production.

PMID- 22055990
TI  - AHA/ACCF secondary prevention and risk reduction therapy for patients with
      coronary and other atherosclerotic vascular disease: 2011 update: a guideline
      from the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology Foundation
      endorsed by the World Heart Federation and the Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses
      Association.

PMID- 22055991
TI  - TP53 gene expression in HPV-positive oral tongue SCC and its correlation with
      nodal metastasis.
AB  - In this study, we investigated the prevalence of human papilloma virus (HPV)
      infection and TP53 expression in patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of
      the tongue and, subsequently, its significance in cervical lymph node metastases
      and tumor differentiation. Sections of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissue
      blocks from 94 histologically confirmed tongue SCC cases were investigated in
      this study. Immunohistochemistry was used to study TP53 expression, and
      polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed for the detection of high risk HPV
      types (16 and 18). The frequency of HPV-16 and HPV-18 infection was 10.6% and
      16%, respectively. Overexpression of TP53 was observed in 70.2% of patients.
      Young patients (aged below 45 years) comprised 20% of all patients. There was no
      significant association between TP53, HPV-16, or HPV 18 presence and higher
      stages of the tumor, tumor differentiation, or presence of nodal metastasis.
      Although an association between head and neck SCC and HPV infection is being
      recognized and reported, our data implicate that HPV infection or TP53 expression
      does not play a significant role in oral tongue SCC pathogenesis,
      differentiation, or metastasis, as seen in our patients.

PMID- 22055992
TI  - Beef quality assessed at European research centres.
AB  - Loin steaks and cubes of M. semimembranosus from eight (12 month old) Galloway
      steers and eight (16-18 month old) Charolais cross steers raised in England and
      from which the meat was conditioned for 2 or 10 days, were assessed in research
      centres in Belgium, Denmark, England, France, the Federal Republic of Germany,
      Ireland, Italy and the Netherlands. Laboratory panels assessed meat by grilling
      the steaks and cooking the cubes in casseroles according to local custom using
      scales developed locally and by scales used frequently at other research centres.
      The meat was mostly of good quality but with sufficient variation to obtain
      meaningful comparisons. Tenderness and juiciness were assessed most, and flavour
      least, consistently. Over the 32 meats, acceptability of steaks and casseroles
      was in general compounded from tenderness, juiciness and flavour. However, when
      the meat was tough, it dominated the overall judgement; but when tender, flavour
      played an important role. Irish and English panels tended to weight more on
      flavour and Italian panels on tenderness and juiciness. Juciness and tenderness
      were well correlated among all panels except in Italy and Germany. With flavour,
      however, Belgian, Irish, German and Dutch panels ranked the meats similarly and
      formed a group distinct from the others which did not. The panels showed a
      similar grouping for judgements of acceptability. French and Belgian panels
      judged the steaks from the older Charolais cross steers to have more flavour and
      be more juicy than average and tended to prefer them. Casseroles from younger
      steers were invariably preferred although the French and Belgian panels judged
      aged meat from older animals equally acceptable. These regional biases were
      thought to be derived mainly from differences in cooking, but variations in
      experience and perception of assessors also contributed.

PMID- 22055993
TI  - The incidence of dark cutting beef in Sweden.
AB  - The incidence of DFD (Dark, Firm, Dry) in Swedish cattle was studied at four
      abattoirs and the influence of some parameters of special interest for the
      development of DFD were evaluated. The pH was measured in a total of 2686
      carcasses of different categories. Carcasses with a pH(24) >= 6.2 were classified
      as being DFD. Only for electrically stimulated carcasses could the pH(24) be
      considered to be the ultimate pH value. DFD incidences of 3.4% and 13.2% were
      recorded as overall means for electrically stimulated and non-stimulated
      carcasses, respectively. The highest incidence was found in young bull carcasses
      having almost twice as high an incidence of DFD compared with the other
      categories. Considering seasonal variations, the highest incidence of DFD was
      found in the period May to August but significant differences in pH were found
      only for short lairage times. Overnight lairaging increased the incidence of DFD.
      However, the influence of the lairage time is closely related to the lairage
      conditions and needs further study.

PMID- 22055994
TI  - Responses of different types of ox muscle to electrical stimulation.
AB  - The effects of electrical stimulation on fall in pH upon stimulation (DeltapH),
      rate of pH fall (dpH/dt at 35 degrees C, cold shortening and muscle
      ultrastructure were investigated for the Cutaneus trunci (predominantly fast
      twitch glycolytic fibres), the Masseter and Diaphragm (predominantly slow-twitch
      oxidative fibres) and the Sternomandibularis and Longissimus dorsi (bot fast- and
      slow-twitch fibres) of the ox. The Masseter and Diaphragm showed a small DeltapH
      and no increase in dpH/dt upon stimulation. Stimulation produced supercontracture
      but no tearing of the fibres throughout all of the Masseter. Stimulation of the
      Cutaneus trunci resulted in a significantly increased DeltapH and dpH/dt, loss of
      glycogen, mitochondrial swelling but no gross sarcomere changes. The Longissimus
      dorsi and Sternomandibularis had a moderate DeltapH and an increase in dpH/dt
      intermediate between that of the Masseter and the Cutaneus trunci. The
      Longissimus dorsi showed supercontracture, but the Sternomandibularis did not.
      Cold shortening responses at 2 degrees C and 0 degrees C were virtually
      unaffected by stimulation, being greatest in the Masseter and Diaphragm and least
      in the Cutaneus trunci. All muscles showed significantly greater shortenings at 0
      degrees C than 2 degrees C. Stimulation of the Cutaneus trunci did not affect the
      tenderness of the cooked meat, but the toughness increased dramatically in cold
      shortened Cutaneus muscle, regardless of stimulation. The Cutaneus trunci least
      requires stimulation as it does not cold shorten appreciably and therefore early
      rigor would confer no advantage. The Masseter and Diaphragm have a fast dpH/dt
      and therefore would enter rigor early. Mixed muscles apparently have the
      combined, least desirable characteristics of the muscle fibre types-i.e. their
      rate of rigor development is slow and they cold shorten. Electrical stimulation
      confers a significant advantage by mitigating these mixed-muscle characteristics
      in carcass muscles.

PMID- 22055995
TI  - The time required for recovery from mixing stress in young bulls and the
      prevention of dark cutting beef.
AB  - Two trials were conducted in which a total of twenty-eight Friesian bulls (12
      months old) were slaughtered 0, 1, 2, 4, 7, 9 or 10 days after they had been
      mixed with unfamiliar animals overnight. The resulting behavioural interactions
      and associated physical activity led to large rises in plasma creatine
      phosphokinase (CPK) activity and free fatty acid (FFA) concentration and a
      decrease in plasma lactate. In the second trial the relative number of
      interactions engaged in by each animal was estimated. Bulls which exhibited the
      most interactions had the highest levels of plasma CPK and FFA after mixing.
      Liver and muscle glycogen were depleted by mixing. Animals killed on days 0 and 1
      after mixing had low concentrations of liver glycogen compared with animals
      allowed longer to recover. Concentrations of glycogen in the M. longissimus dorsi
      (LD) had recovered by day 4 and in the M. psoas by day 2. Muscle glycogen
      concentrations were reflected in the ultimate pH (pHu) of the meat. All animals
      killed immediately after mixing produced carcasses with pHu>6. in the LD. By the
      second day of recovery muscle glycogen stores had been repleted sufficiently so
      that all animals had muscles with pHu<6. However, the LD from these animals was
      still very slightly darker than those killed after 7 or more days of recovery
      although this was probably not commercially significant. It was concluded that,
      if young bulls from separate rearing groups are mixed before slaughter, either on
      the farm or during lairage, then they require resting with food for at least 48 h
      before being killed to ensure that no carcasses are produced with high pHu in the
      musculature.

PMID- 22055996
TI  - Comparative study of buffalo meat and beef.
AB  - The aim of the experiment described in this paper was to compare buffalo and
      cattle breeds for meat production. Bulls and steers of both species were
      compared. Buffaloes and cattle were of comparable conformation on a weight to
      length ratio basis when slaughtered at the same liveweight. Apart from sex and
      weight effects, species did affect the conformation and growth of live animals,
      the largest differences between species being evident in the younger animals. As
      regards slaughter characteristics, although differences in carcass yield were
      slight between species, systematic differences appeared, with a higher head and
      skin weight for buffaloes. A higher proportion of fat was noted in the 11th rib
      joint of buffaloes than of cattle at the lighter weights but the difference
      between species lessened with slaughter weight. As far as meat quality is
      concerned, two major effects of species on muscle pH (24 h post slaughter) and
      the shear strength of raw muscle were noted. Buffaloes, which had a lower muscle
      pH than cattle, displayed a significantly smaller amount of collagen in the
      muscles studied, but the species did not differ significantly in the degree of
      intramuscular collagen crosslinking.

PMID- 22055997
TI  - Developments in food proteins-2 Edited by B. J. Hudson, Applied Science
      Publishers, London and New York, 1983. Price: L36.00.

PMID- 22055998
TI  - Feature extraction for ECG heartbeats using higher order statistics of WPD
      coefficients.
AB  - This paper describes feature extraction methods using higher order statistics
      (HOS) of wavelet packet decomposition (WPD) coefficients for the purpose of
      automatic heartbeat recognition. The method consists of three stages. First, the
      wavelet package coefficients (WPC) are calculated for each different type of ECG
      beat. Then, higher order statistics of WPC are derived. Finally, the obtained
      feature set is used as input to a classifier, which is based on k-NN algorithm.
      The MIT-BIH arrhythmia database is used to obtain the ECG records used in this
      study. All heartbeats in the arrhythmia database are grouped into five main
      heartbeat classes. The classification accuracy of the proposed system is measured
      by average sensitivity of 90%, average selectivity of 92% and average specificity
      of 98%. The results show that HOS of WPC as features are highly discriminative
      for the classification of different arrhythmic ECG beats.

PMID- 22055999
TI  - Morphological-metabolic evaluation of the urachal mucinous adenocarcinoma by
      positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT).
AB  - The urachal mucinous adenocarcinoma is a rare malignant neoplasm located between
      the bladder and the umbilicus. It is usually found in an advanced stage at the
      moment of diagnosis. We have analyzed a clinical case in which the PET-CT study
      provided valuable morphological and metabolic information for diagnosis and
      staging.

PMID- 22056001
TI  - A diffuse branching pattern of biliary FDG activity: infective or neoplastic?

PMID- 22056002
TI  - Incidental finding of hiatal hernia on (99m)Tc-sestamibi whole-body scan in
      thyroid cancer evaluation.

PMID- 22056004
TI  - Amyloid PET imaging with 11C-PIB in two patients with cognitive impairment.

PMID- 22056005
TI  - An upper limb variant of RLS? Report of 2 cases.

PMID- 22056007
TI  - Anabolic agents and meat quality: A review.
AB  - This review considers the results of more than sixty studies on the possible
      effects of anabolic agents on the meat quality parameters of the three main red
      meat species and poultry. The information is grouped into three main sections:
      carcass composition, muscle quality and eating quality. Each section is further
      divided by animal species, with consideration given to differences due to sex or
      age. Anabolic agents appear to have some effect on the carcass composition of
      animals; depending upon the type used, they can cause an increase in the ratio of
      muscle to fat in female and castrate animals, or a decrease in this ratio in
      entire males. Such differences are usually reflected in related changes in the
      chemical composition of the meat. Few consistent effects, however, have been
      reported in the eating quality of the cooked meat in terms of texture, flavour,
      juiciness or cooking loss, indicating that the basic eating quality attributes
      important to the consumer are largely unaffected by hormone treatment.

PMID- 22056006
TI  - A model to predict mortality following Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteremia.
AB  - Infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa are associated with significant
      mortality. Existing mathematical models identifying mortality risk factors lack
      validation. We developed and validated a model to predict mortality in patients
      with P. aeruginosa bacteremia. Risk factors for 30-day mortality were examined
      through multivariate logistic regression in 114 patients. Independent predictors
      of mortality included isolation of a multidrug-resistant strain, APACHE II >= 23,
      and age >= 65 years. Clonality was assessed for multidrug-resistant isolates.
      Predicted probability of 30-day mortality was validated in 49 patients, after
      conditioning the model by the identified risk factors. The patients were split
      into 'high-risk' and 'low-risk' groups based on model-predicted mortality; the
      observed/expected ratios were 1.21 and 1.92, respectively. Our model was
      reasonable in predicting 30-day mortality in patients with P. aeruginosa
      bacteremia. Our results may be useful for developing strategies to reduce
      mortality attributed to P. aeruginosa.

PMID- 22056008
TI  - Post-mortem degradation of gap filaments at different post-mortem pHs and
      temperatures.
AB  - Super-stretched muscle fiber bundles (<10 min post mortem) were incubated at one
      of four combinations of temperature and pH (pH 5.5, 37 degrees C; pH 5.5, 0-4
      degrees C; pH 7.4, 37 degrees C; pH 7.4, 0-4 degrees C) for 1 h prior to fixation
      and embedding for transmission electron microscopy. These tissues were compared
      with controls fixed immediately after stretching. Disruption of gap filament
      ultrastructure was greatest in those muscle bundles incubated at pH 5.5 and 37
      degrees C. It was determined that pH had a greater influence upon gap filaments
      than did temperature and that pH 5.5 caused more gap filament disruption than pH
      7.4. Other structural alterations of the stretched muscle included more glycogen
      granule disruption at pH 7.4 and pulling of groups of thick filaments toward the
      Z-lines within a sarcomere. A pulling of alternate thick filaments toward
      opposite Z-lines was not observed. It was concluded that gap filament disruption
      may occur very rapidly in post-mortem muscle.

PMID- 22056009
TI  - Collagen-bound collagenolytic enzyme in rabbit skeletal muscle.
AB  - In order to elucidate the changes in connective tissue which occur during meat
      conditioning, a study was made of the collagenolytic enzyme in muscle.
      Collagenolytic enzyme was detected in the collagen fraction of rabbit skeletal
      muscle. Electrophoretic and electron microscopic studies of the effects of the
      collagenolytic enzyme on the collagen indicated that this enzyme could digest the
      beta-subunit of the soluble collagen and cause fragmentation, swelling and
      splitting of the collagen fibrils.

PMID- 22056010
TI  - Natural gas operations: considerations on process transients, design, and
      control.
AB  - This manuscript highlights tangible benefits deriving from the dynamic simulation
      and control of operational transients of natural gas processing plants. Relevant
      improvements in safety, controllability, operability, and flexibility are
      obtained not only within the traditional applications, i.e. plant start-up and
      shutdown, but also in certain fields apparently time-independent such as the
      feasibility studies of gas processing plant layout and the process design of
      processes. Specifically, this paper enhances the myopic steady-state approach and
      its main shortcomings with respect to the more detailed studies that take into
      consideration the non-steady state behaviors. A portion of a gas processing
      facility is considered as case study. Process transients, design, and control
      solutions apparently more appealing from a steady-state approach are compared to
      the corresponding dynamic simulation solutions.

PMID- 22056011
TI  - Similar rates of chromosomal aberrant secondary oocytes in two indigenous cattle
      (Bos taurus) breeds as determined by dual-color FISH.
AB  - In vitro-matured metaphase II (MII) oocytes with corresponding first polar bodies
      (I pb) from two indigenous cattle (Bos taurus) breeds have been investigated to
      provide specific data upon the incidence of aneuploidy. A total of 165 and 140 in
      vitro-matured MII oocytes of the Podolian (PO) and Maremmana (MA) breeds,
      respectively, were analyzed by fluorescence in situ hybridization using Xcen and
      five chromosome-specific painting probes. Oocytes with unreduced chromosome
      number were 13.3% and 6.4% in the two breeds, respectively, averaging 10.2%. In
      the PO, out of 100 MII oocytes + I pb analyzed, two oocytes were nullisomic for
      chromosome 5 (2.0%) and one disomic for the same chromosome (1.0%). In the MA,
      out of 100 MII oocytes + I pb, one oocyte was found nullisomic for chromosome 5
      (1.0%) and one was disomic for the X chromosome (1.0%). Out of 200 MII oocytes +
      I pb, the mean rate of aneuploidy (nullisomy + disomy) for the two chromosomes
      scored was 2.5%, of which 1.5% was due to nullisomy and 1.0% due to disomy. By
      averaging these data with those previously reported on dairy cattle, the overall
      incidence of aneuploidy in cattle, as a species, was 2.25%, of which 1.25% was
      due to nullisomy and 1.0% due to disomy. The results so far achieved indicate
      similar rates of aneuploidy among the four cattle breeds investigated.
      Interspecific comparison between cattle (Xcen-5 probes) and pig (Sus scrofa
      domestica) (1-10 probes) also reveal similar rates. Further studies are needed
      that use more probes to investigate the interchromosomal effect. Establishing a
      baseline level of aneuploidy for each species/breed could also be useful for
      improving the in vitro production of embryos destined to the embryo transfer
      industry as well as for monitoring future trends of the reproductive health of
      domestic animals in relation to management errors and/or environmental hazards.

PMID- 22056012
TI  - Effects of polymorphonuclear neutrophile infiltration into the endometrial
      environment on embryonic development in superovulated cows.
AB  - Recent studies on bovine uterine disorders have demonstrated that endometrial
      infiltration with polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) in the postpartum period or
      at the time of breeding negatively affects reproductive performance. The
      objective of the present study was therefore to analyze the effect of endometrial
      PMN infiltration on superovulation outcome. Cows were synchronized and
      superovulated receiving a total of three artificial inseminations within 24 h.
      Endometrial cytologic samples were collected by cytobrush technique at first
      artificial inseminations (AI) (d -1) and before embryo flush (d 7). Embryos were
      recovered by uterus flushing at Day 7 and evaluated for total cell number and
      apoptotic cell index. A total of 425 embryos were flushed out of 48 superovulated
      cows. The PMN dynamics from first AI to flushing had a significant effect on
      flushing outcome. Significant differences in terms of number of palpable corpora
      lutea (14.1 vs 7.2) and transferable embryos (8.8 vs 1.9) were found between cows
      with PMN proportions increasing from zero (0%) at AI to positive proportions (>
      0%) at flushing (group PMNZP) and cows with higher endometrial PMN proportions
      decreasing to lower but still positive proportions from AI to flushing (group
      PMNHL). Moreover, cows classified to PMN class zero at first AI flushed a
      significant higher number of total embryos (10.3 vs 6.9) and transferable embryos
      (6.8 vs 3.7) compared to cows of PMN class positive at first AI (P > 0.05) in our
      study. Considering a significant interaction effect between PMN class at first AI
      and flush (P < 0.05), PMN class at first AI (d -1) correlated significantly with
      number of total flushed and transferable embryos only in combination with a
      positive PMN class at flush (d 7). Likewise, PMN class at flush (d 7) beard a
      significant effect on total number of flushed embryos only when classified to PMN
      class zero at first AI. Collectively, the present work is the first study that
      demonstrated a significant relationship between endometrial PMN infiltration at
      first AI as well as PMN dynamic from first AI to time of flush and superovulation
      outcome.

PMID- 22056013
TI  - Expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) transcript and protein in
      the testis of several vertebrates, including endangered species.
AB  - Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is known to influence the testis
      function. To establish the role of VEGF in the testis of a variety of species, we
      analyzed the expression of VEGF transcript using human gene-specific primers by
      semiquantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)
      analysis in the testes of 18 vertebrates, including a few endangered species. An
      amplicon of 566 bp representing VEGF(165) was identified in testis of all species
      in this study. Sequence analysis of these amplicons revealed 84 to 96% homology
      to available human VEGF sequence and to the VEGF sequences of other species in
      GenBank. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed expression of VEGF protein,
      primarily in Sertoli and Leydig cells and occasionally in the germ cells of the
      testis sections. It can be concluded from this study that expression of VEGF
      transcript is conserved in the testis of several vertebrates and may have a role
      in the process of spermatogenesis.

PMID- 22056014
TI  - Nucleolar organizer regions (NORs) distribution and behavior in spermatozoa and
      meiotic cells of the horse (Equus caballus).
AB  - Nucleolar organizing regions (NORs) containing rDNA gene clusters have been
      assigned to the equine autosomes ECA1, ECA28, and ECA31. Active NORs (Ag-NORs)
      are associated with argyrophilic proteins, which allow them to be readily
      identified using silver staining techniques. Fluorescence in situ hybridization
      (FISH) for rDNA can also be used to visualize all NOR clusters in the nucleus,
      regardless of whether they are active or inactive. The present study analyzed the
      distribution and behavior of equine Ag-NOR and NOR clusters in horse spermatozoa
      and during male meiosis by FISH and silver staining. The NOR foci were observed
      to be variable in number, size, and shape, but were usually located centrally and
      appeared as one or two nucleolus-like structures in the spermatozoa head. Three
      distinctive FISH signals identified the NOR-bearing chromosome pairs during the
      synaptic cell stage of meiosis I. At diakinesis/metaphase I, as well as different
      stages of meiosis II, FISH signals clearly depicted the NOR-bearing sister
      chromatids. The synaptonemal complexes of primary spermatocytes consistently
      showed three rDNA foci following FISH, but variably demonstrated two or three Ag
      NOR bodies following silver staining. We propose rDNA loss and gain during
      unequal crossing-over events could be both a direct and indirect cause of
      variation in equine NOR foci. Additionally, our cytogenetic analysis did not
      confirm the presence of a fourth pair of NORs-bearing chromosomes in the horse,
      which is contrary to previously mitotic published data.

PMID- 22056015
TI  - Differential expression of cyclic-AMP responsive element modulator (CREM) mRNA
      isoforms during testicular development of boars.
AB  - The cyclic-AMP responsive element modulator (CREM) transcription factor, a key
      regulator of spermatogenesis, can activate or repress gene expression by
      differential expression of alternatively spliced mRNA isoforms. The objective of
      this study was to report the sequences of the predominant CREM mRNA isoforms with
      leader exons B, theta1, theta2, in addition to the relative expression of these
      transcripts, in immature and adult boar testes. Activator CREM isoforms taugamma
      (containing the B exon), theta1taugamma and theta2taugamma, were expressed in the
      adult boar testes, but not in immature testes. The CREM theta2taugamma isoform
      had the highest expression levels in the adult boar testes compared to the
      taugamma and theta1taugamma isoforms (theta2taugamma = 4.94 +/- 1.49 in contrast
      to taugamma = 1.66 +/- 0.79 and theta1taugamma = 2.32 +/- 0.72; mean +/- SD; P <
      0.01). Interestingly, the predominant CREM mRNA isoforms in adult boar testes
      contained the C and gamma exons; these exons are not present in human and rodent
      CREM mRNA, demonstrating species-specific expression. In contrast to the adult
      CREM isoforms, only CREM mRNA isoforms with the B exon (tau1 and alpha) were
      amplified in the 21 d (immature) boar testes. Further understanding of CREM mRNA
      isoform expression and regulation during boar spermatogenesis could contribute to
      our knowledge of spermatogenic efficiency in this species.

PMID- 22056016
TI  - Embryo quality and transcervical technique are not the limiting factors in donkey
      embryo transfer outcome.
AB  - Embryo transfer (ET) in the donkey resulted in a very low recipient pregnancy
      rates. The aim of these studies was to investigate if nonsurgical transfer
      techniques or donkey embryo quality affect donkey recipient pregnancy failure. In
      Study 1, the impact of transfer technique was investigated by evaluating if
      cervical catheterization is associated with prostaglandin release and suppression
      of luteal function and if donkey recipients would become pregnant after
      nonsurgical transfer of horse embryos. Four jennies, from 5 to 8 d after
      ovulation, were submitted to a sham transcervical ET and to evaluation of PGFM
      and progesterone plasma concentrations. Five 8 d horse embryos were nonsurgically
      transferred into synchronized donkey recipients (HD). Cervical stimulation caused
      a transient PGF(2alpha) release in two of four jennies in the absence of a
      significant decrease in progesterone plasma concentration. All transferred horse
      embryos resulted in pregnancies in the jenny recipients. In Study 2, donkey
      embryo viability was investigated by 1.2 meters, 6-diamidino-2-phenylindole
      (DAPI) staining of 10 embryos and by the transfer of 6 and 12 donkey embryos in
      synchronized mare (DH) and donkey (DD) recipients, respectively, of known
      fertility. The estimated proportion of dead cells in DAPI stained embryos was
      0.9% (range 0-3.9%) and below what is considered normal (20%) for horse embryos.
      Three of six and six of 12 of the DH and DD ETs, respectively resulted in
      pregnancies at 14 and 25 d (50%), a higher pregnancy rate than previously
      reported after DD ET. The overall results of this study suggest that the
      transcervical technique for ET and donkey embryo viability are not the reasons
      for the low pregnancy rates that have previously been described in donkey
      recipients, and that nonsurgical ET in donkeys can result in acceptable results.

PMID- 22056017
TI  - Comparison of assessment of pigeon sperm viability by contrast-phase microscope
      (eosin-nigrosin staining) and flow cytometry (SYBR-14/propidium iodide (PI)
      staining) [evaluation of pigeon sperm viability].
AB  - The aim of these experiments was to compare the conventional, microscopic method
      of evaluating pigeon sperm viability to sperm assessed by flow cytometry. Semen
      was collected twice a week from two groups of pigeons. In every group were 20
      males (Group I: meat-type breed; Group II: fancy pigeon breed). Semen was
      collected using the lumbosacral and cloacal region massage method. Ejaculates
      collected from each group were pooled and diluted to 10 * 10(6) sperm/ml in BPSE
      solution. Samples were divided into three equal parts and estimated after
      collection as well as after in vitro storage for 3, 6 and 24 h. The first part
      was using for semen motility evaluation. The proportion of motile spermatozoa
      (MOT) and progressive movement (PMOT) of fresh and stored semen were evaluated
      using the CASA-system. The second part was examined subjectively by microscope
      (eosin-nigrosin (EN), eosin-nigrosin staining), the third one was assessed using
      dual fluorescence SYBR-14/propidium iodide (PI) and flow cytometry (FC). There
      were not any significant differences in sperm viability and motility between the
      groups at 0, 3, 6, and 24 h post collection. The percentage of viable spermatozoa
      in fresh semen determined by EN and FC was not different in Groups I and II (I -
      88.71 +/- 5.42 and 84.01 +/- 3.19, respectively; II-90.87 +/- 6.01 and 87.38 +/-
      5.57, respectively). Significantly lower percentages of viable spermatozoa were
      detected by FC compared to the EN method in both groups after 6 h (P <= 0.05) as
      well as 24 h (P <= 0.01) of storage. Moreover, the dual fluorescent SYBR-14/PI
      staining allowed for the identification a third population of double stained,
      moribund spermatozoa. High positive correlations in percentage of live
      spermatozoa were noted between EN and FC methods in both groups of birds.
      Evaluation of sperm viability by FC is a rapid, accurate, sensitive, and
      objective method for the assessment of pigeon sperm viability in fresh as well as
      stored semen.

PMID- 22056018
TI  - Reference values for the genitalia of male dromedary before and after puberty
      using caliper and ultrasonography in subtropics.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to characterize the dynamic changes of the
      testes and the pelvic genitalia in vivo in male dromedary. Eighty-one clinically
      healthy male dromedaries aged 1.5 to 12 years were assigned for the present
      study. Testicular length, breadth, and depth as well as epididymal head and tail
      were measured using caliper and ultrasonography. The pelvic genitalia, including
      bulbourethral gland, prostate, and pelvic urethra were examined using
      ultrasonography. The results revealed that the three dimensions of the testes and
      epididymal tail and head showed significant increase with age (P < 0.01).
      Concerning the epididymal measurements, differences between the pre- and peri
      pubertal groups were not significant. Left testes tended to be larger than the
      right (not statistically significant) although only the breadth of the left
      testes in the prepubertal group was significantly larger (P < 0.05). The volume
      of both testes correlated positively with the age (r(2) = 0.91 for left and 1.00
      for the right, P < 0.01). There were no significant correlations between the
      values measured using caliper and those by ultrasonography between groups, but
      the correlation was highly significant (P < 0.01) for the total number of the
      examined animals. There were significant and steady increases of the size of
      bulbourethral gland in all examined groups (P < 0.01). Pars disseminata of the
      prostate gland and pelvic urethra were significantly higher in sexually mature
      compared with prepubertal groups (P < 0.01). It was concluded that
      ultrasonography is a useful tool in studying the developmental changes of the
      testes and accessory glands of the male dromedary. The obtained data could
      provide a reference values for predicting camel puberty and future fertility.

PMID- 22056019
TI  - Influence of testicular hormones on the somatostatin-GH system during the growth
      promoted transition to puberty in sheep.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the growth promoted
      transition to puberty in lambs involved changes in the effects of testicular
      hormones on somatostatin in hypothalamic neurons and GH secretion. The study was
      performed in infants (9-week-old) testis-intact (TEI) and orchidectomized (ORCHX)
      at the sixth week of age, and pubertal lambs (16-week-old) TEI and ORCHX at the
      12th week of age (n = 20). In TEI lambs, the changes included a pubertal increase
      in immunoreactive somatostatin in the periventricular nucleus and median eminence
      with simultaneous neuropeptide depletion in the median eminence, and a decrease
      in the percentage of the hypophyseal area (PA) occupied by GH-immunoreactive
      cells (P < 0.05). The mean concentration of GH in the peripheral blood plasma was
      greater (P < 0.001) in early infancy (5 wk), because of the greater (P < 0.0001)
      pulse amplitude, and then uniformly low until puberty. The postnatal increase in
      the body weight (BW) was prominent (P < 0.01) in middle-late infancy (9-12 wk)
      because of the large daily live-weight gain. After orchidectomy somatostatin was
      abundant. This effect on nerve terminals in the median eminence was greater (P <
      0.01) in infancy and lesser (P < 0.05) in puberty. Conversely, the PA occupied by
      GH cells was lower in the ORCHX pubertal lambs compared to TEI lambs (P < 0.05).
      The GH concentration and pulse characteristics were less (P < 0.05) in the
      infantile and pubertal ORCHX lambs compared to the TEI lambs. However, this
      effect was weak (P < 0.05) until middle infancy because of no influence on the GH
      basal concentration, and strong (P < 0.001) after late infancy. The BW did not
      differ (P > 0.05) between TEI and ORCHX lambs. Findings suggest activation of GH
      negative autofeedback loop in middle infancy. Testicular factors may play an
      inhibitory role in regulating somatostatin accumulation and a stimulatory role in
      GH secretion until puberty. The start of puberty is related to an attenuation in
      the stimulatory role of gonadal factors in regulating somatostatin depletion in
      nerve terminals associated with an intensification of the stimulatory role of
      gonadal factors in regulating GH secretion. From a somatic perspective of growth
      rate, these mechanisms do not seem to be important. Thus, testicular factors
      modulate mechanisms within the somatostatin-GH system to integrate somatotropic
      and gonadotropic functions at the time of growth-promoted sexual maturation in
      sheep.

PMID- 22056020
TI  - EGFR expression and the flexibility of FLEX.

PMID- 22056021
TI  - EGFR expression as a predictor of survival for first-line chemotherapy plus
      cetuximab in patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer: analysis of data
      from the phase 3 FLEX study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Findings from the phase 3 First-Line ErbituX in lung cancer (FLEX)
      study showed that the addition of cetuximab to first-line chemotherapy
      significantly improved overall survival compared with chemotherapy alone (hazard
      ratio [HR] 0.871, 95% CI 0.762-0.996; p=0.044) in patients with advanced non
      small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). To define patients benefiting most from
      cetuximab, we studied the association of tumour EGFR expression level with
      clinical outcome in FLEX study patients. METHODS: We used prospectively collected
      tumour EGFR expression data to generate an immunohistochemistry score for FLEX
      study patients on a continuous scale of 0-300. We used response data to select an
      outcome-based discriminatory threshold immunohistochemistry score for EGFR
      expression of 200. Treatment outcome was analysed in patients with low
      (immunohistochemistry score <200) and high (>=200) tumour EGFR expression. The
      primary endpoint in the FLEX study was overall survival. We analysed patients
      from the FLEX intention-to-treat (ITT) population. The FLEX study is registered
      with ClinicalTrials.gov, number NCT00148798. FINDINGS: Tumour EGFR
      immunohistochemistry data were available for 1121 of 1125 (99.6%) patients from
      the FLEX study ITT population. High EGFR expression was scored for 345 (31%)
      evaluable patients and low for 776 (69%) patients. For patients in the high EGFR
      expression group, overall survival was longer in the chemotherapy plus cetuximab
      group than in the chemotherapy alone group (median 12.0 months [95% CI 10.2-15.2]
      vs 9.6 months [7.6-10.6]; HR 0.73, 0.58-0.93; p=0.011), with no meaningful
      increase in side-effects. We recorded no corresponding survival benefit for
      patients in the low EGFR expression group (median 9.8 months [8.9-12.2] vs 10.3
      months [9.2-11.5]; HR 0.99, 0.84-1.16; p=0.88). A treatment interaction test
      assessing the difference in the HRs for overall survival between the EGFR
      expression groups suggested a predictive value for EGFR expression (p=0.044).
      INTERPRETATION: High EGFR expression is a tumour biomarker that can predict
      survival benefit from the addition of cetuximab to first-line chemotherapy in
      patients with advanced NSCLC. Assessment of EGFR expression could offer a
      personalised treatment approach in this setting. FUNDING: Merck KGaA.

PMID- 22056022
TI  - Investigation of cytochrome P450 1A2 and 3A inhibitory properties of Danshen
      tincture.
AB  - Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge) as a famous Traditional Chinese medicine is
      widely used in the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in
      the world. Danshen tincture (DT), extracted from Danshen root with a mixture of
      water and alcohol, is a commonly used preparation method for human consumption.
      The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of DT on the cytochrome P450
      (CYP) 1A2 and 3A activities by human and rat liver microsomes. Effects of DT were
      assessed with use of Danshen ethanolic extract (DEE) and selective substrates,
      markers of CYP activities. DEE (0.5-10 MUg/ml) competitively inhibited human and
      rat liver microsomal CYP1A2 activity with inhibition constant (K(i)) values at
      3.40 and 5.16 MUg/ml, respectively. At the same time, DEE (2.5-20 MUg/ml) not
      only noncompetitively inhibited human liver microsomal CYP3A4/5 activity with a
      K(i) of 11.9 MUg/ml, but also competitively inhibited rat liver microsomal
      CYP3A1/2 activity with a K(i) of 52.1 MUg/ml. The data indicate that DEE
      inhibited the metabolism of CYP1A2 and 3A substrates in human and rat liver in
      vitro with different mode of inhibition. This study may be helpful for clinical
      application of Danshen tincture.

PMID- 22056023
TI  - Mass spectrometric measurements of the apolipoproteins of bovine (Bos taurus)
      HDL.
AB  - As is the case in most mammals, high density lipoproteins (HDL) also comprise the
      major group of lipid carriers that circulate in bovine (Bos taurus) blood. As a
      continuation of our proteogenomic studies of mammalian apolipoproteins, we have
      obtained molecular masses for several of the apolipoproteins associated with
      bovine HDL. The major apolipoprotein on the HDL surface is apoA-I, but other
      apolipoproteins were also detected. Using electrospray-ionization mass
      spectrometry (ESI-MS), we report on values for apolipoproteins, A-I, proA-I and A
      II, as well as post-translationally modified apoA-I. Analyses of tryptic
      fragments did reveal the presence of apoA-IV and apoC-III. However, in contrast
      to our previous studies of other mammalian HDL, we did not detect apoC-I.
      Interestingly, examination of the current assembly for the bovine genome does not
      show any evidence for an apoC-I gene.

PMID- 22056024
TI  - Chemokine mediated neuron-glia communication and aberrant signalling in
      neuropathic pain states.
AB  - Treatment of neuropathic pain is problematic; response to current pharmacological
      interventions is often poor and associated with undesirable side-effects, thus
      the identification of new targets for treating this condition is needed. Here we
      collect evidence demonstrating the potential of chemokines as mediators of neuron
      glia communication and contributors to pain signalling. The expression of
      chemokines such as CX3CL1, CCL2 and CCL21 and their receptors CX3CR1, CCR2 and
      CXCR3 is altered in the spinal cord under neuropathic pain conditions and
      chemokine receptor antagonists attenuate neuropathic pain behaviour. By
      understanding the mechanisms of chemokine-mediated communication we may expose
      glial targets as a novel approach for the treatment of neuropathic pain.

PMID- 22056025
TI  - Noxious mechanosensation - molecules and circuits.
AB  - Drugs that block mechanically-evoked pain would be useful for many common pain
      conditions, but appropriate drug development targets have yet to be defined.
      There is increasing evidence that both peripheral sensory neuron wiring patterns
      as well as the expression of transducing molecules are important for modality
      specific pain sensations. Progress in identifying the cell types, candidate
      transducing molecules and wiring patterns involved in mechanosensation has been
      dramatic over the past few years. Here we focus on potential mechano-transducing
      channels, and the relevant cell types and wiring patterns that provide clues for
      new analgesic drug development strategies.

PMID- 22056026
TI  - Targeting epigenetic mechanisms for pain relief.
AB  - Epigenetic changes are chemical modifications to chromatin that modulate gene
      activity without altering the DNA sequence. While research on epigenetics has
      grown exponentially over the past few years, very few studies have investigated
      epigenetic mechanisms in relation to pain states. However, epigenetic mechanisms
      are crucial to memory formation that requires similar synaptic plasticity to pain
      processing, indicating that they may play a key role in the control of pain
      states. This article reviews the early evidence suggesting that epigenetic
      mechanisms are engaged after injury and in chronic pain states, and that drugs
      used clinically to target the epigenetic machinery for the treatment of cancer
      might be useful for the management of chronic pain.

PMID- 22056027
TI  - Determination of ash content in meat products.
AB  - Various procedures for determining 'ash' content of meat products have been
      compared. The ISO method gave significantly higher results than the other methods
      tested. The standard method (IAS 2-043) gave lower recoveries and, in one of the
      experiments, lower results for ash content, than the other methods tested. The
      AOAC and Lees' methods gave high recoveries, but their results for ash content
      were significantly lower than those of the ISO method. All four methods showed
      good precision and repeatability. The differences between them although small
      were statistically significant. The ISO method is recommended on account of its
      speed, accuracy and reliability.

PMID- 22056028
TI  - The separation of meat from bone-A review of the mechanics and the problems.
AB  - With continually increasing demands on the world's food supply, new techniques,
      improvements to old methods, the recovery and utilisation of waste and the
      introduction of novel foods are all becoming increasingly important. The
      separation of residual meat from bone by manual methods is inefficient, time
      consuming and expensive; mechanical separation is not new, but it is only in
      recent years that manufacturers have become aware of its potential. There are two
      main approaches to meat recovery, removal of bone from meat and retrieval of meat
      from bones. Although the implications of the former are significant, the
      available methods are largely modifications of manual procedures and limited in
      application; recovery of meat from bones is, however, in extensive commercial
      use. This review discusses the methods and mechanics of the latter and the
      associated problems of handling, storage and recovery, together with the uses of
      the product, legal requirements and restrictions in the use of mechanically
      recovered meat (MRM).

PMID- 22056029
TI  - Effect of post-mortem storage temperatures on isometric tension, pH, ATP,
      glycogen and glucose-6-phosphate for selected bovine muscles.
AB  - Relationships between isometric tension development and pH, ATP, glucose-6
      phosphate and glycogen levels as a function of post-mortem storage temperature
      were examined for three bovine muscles. Tension responses in the range of 5-37
      degrees C were similar for B. femoris, Vastus lateralis and outer M.
      semitendinosis. At 0 degrees C, the three muscles developed considerably higher
      tension than at 5 degrees C. Cold shortening developed only in the outer M.
      semitendinosis strips at 0 degrees C. At low temperatures the drop in pH lagged
      compared to the decline in ATP and glycogen and maximum tension was attained
      several hours after ultimate pH and minimum levels of ATP and glycogen were
      reached. Glucose-6-phosphate was found to accumulate rapidly at 0 degrees C in
      both outer M. semitendinosis and B. femoris, being more pronounced in the latter
      muscle. The responses of glucose-6-phosphate levels suggest that the relative
      activities of glycolytic enzymes in muscle stored at 0 degrees C are altered
      compared to those in muscle stored at higher temperatures.

PMID- 22056030
TI  - The effect of carbon monoxide on bacterial growth.
AB  - Growth rate studies were conducted with Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Pseudomonas
      fluorescens, Escherichia coli and Achromabacter under atmospheres containing up
      to thirty per cent (v/v) carbon monoxide. It was found that atmospheres
      containing carbon monoxide have a selective action on the type of organism that
      grows in a mixed culture. Studies with pure cultures demonstrated that carbon
      monoxide has no effect on the growth of P. aeruginosa, inhibits the growth rate
      of E. coli by amounts proportional to the concentration of carbon monoxide,
      increases the lag phase period of growth in Achromobacter and inhibits the growth
      rate and increases the lag phase period in P. fluorescens.

PMID- 22056031
TI  - The microbiology of DFD fresh meats: A review.
AB  - Muscle which is deficient in glycogen because of exercise or stress prior to
      slaughter produces dark, firm, dry (DFD) meat. Such meat is characterized by a
      high ultimate pH (>6.0) and deficiencies in glucose and glycolytic intermediates.
      These factors can result in bacterial spoilage becoming evident at an early stage
      of growth of the meat flora. Spoilage becomes apparent when bacteria attack amino
      acids. This does not occur under aerobic conditions until bacteria exhaust the
      glucose at the meat surface. However, since glucose is absent in DFD meat, amino
      acids are utilised without delay and spoilage becomes evident at lower cell
      densities than in normal meat. The absence of glucose also allows the anaerobic
      flora to produce spoilage odours at an early stage. Additionally, the high pH of
      DFD meat allows growth of potent spoilage organisms which are inhibited at the
      usual ultimate pH of meat. Early aerobic spoilage can be prevented by the
      addition of glucose, but prevention of early anaerobic spoilage requires the
      addition of a citrate buffer which reduces the surface pH, as well as providing a
      carbohydrate substrate which is utilised in preference to amino acids.
      Comparisons can be made between spoilage of DFD red meat and spoilage of white
      meats from poultry and fish, which normally have a high ultimate pH.

PMID- 22056032
TI  - Effect of muscle lysosomal enzymes and calcium activated neutral proteinase on
      myofibrillar ATPase activity: Relationship with ageing changes.
AB  - Myofibrillar ATPase activities have been used to study the in vitro effect of Ca
      ANP (Calcium Activated Neutral Proteinase) and lysosomal proteolytic enzymes on
      the myofibrils at their respective optimal conditions activity. It appeared that
      the effect of Post-mortem ageing of meat on the Mg?Ca and Mg-EGTA modified ATPase
      activities can be reproduced by incubating myofibrils with these hydrolytic
      systems. However, the effect of ageing on the Ca(++)-enhanced ATPase activity of
      myofibrils was not explained. It was concluded that Ca-ANP and at least one
      lysosomal thiol protease could be involved in the ageing process.

PMID- 22056033
TI  - Abnormal granulation of blood granulocytes in mucopolysaccharidosis VI-a case
      report.
AB  - Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) is a group of lysosomal storage disorders in which
      there is deficiency of specific enzymes. Depending upon the enzyme which is
      deficient and the nature of the material that accumulates at various tissues, the
      MPS is divided into 8 types (MPS I to MPS VIII). In MPS VI, deficiency of aryl B
      sulfatase leads to the accumulation of dermatan sulfate. Mucopolysaccharidosis
      VI, also called as Maroteaux-Lamy syndrome, in its severe form presents with bony
      lesions, corneal clouding, hepatosplenomegaly, cardiovascular abnormalities, and
      central nervous system deterioration. This form of MPS features the most striking
      abnormal granulation in the circulating white blood cells. Mucopolysaccharidosis
      VI has an estimated global incidence of 1 in 340,000. The number of cases showing
      abnormal granules in the cytoplasm of leucocytes is still rarer. We report a case
      of MPS VI with abnormal granules in the circulating blood leukocytes.

PMID- 22056034
TI  - Lipomatosis coli, a mimicker of familial polyposis.
AB  - Multiple intestinal lipomas (lipomatous polyposis) are quite rare, and they can
      be quite challenging to diagnose because this condition may be clinically
      confused with familial adenomatous polyposis with a suggestive family history.
      Herein, we present a case of lipomatous polyposis that was presented with
      abdominal pain and, in colonoscopy, had more than 100 polyps. The patient was
      admitted for surgery with diagnosis of familial polyposis. Resected colon
      specimen had multiple polyps ranging from 0.1 to 1.5 cm. Microscopically, the
      polyps were composed of mature adipose tissue with normal overlying mucosa. There
      were also increased fat cells in the submucosa of the colon adjacent to the
      polyps. Lipomatous polyposis rarely occurs and can be confused with familial
      polyposis. Polypectomy is a simple and cost-effective procedure to help in
      diagnosis and prevent a major surgery.

PMID- 22056035
TI  - Sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma of the pancreas.
AB  - Sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma (SEF) is a distinctive variant of
      fibrosarcoma characterized by epithelioid tumor cells arranged in nests, cords,
      or sheets embedded within a sclerotic collagenous matrix. It is a relatively
      newly described malignant fibroblastic tumor, with only fewer than 100 cases
      reported in English literature. Most cases are located in the lower extremities
      and limb girdles. Here, we present a case of SEF of the pancreas in a 67-year-old
      white man and provide a review of literature to date, with emphasis on the
      differential diagnosis. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of SEF
      involving the pancreas.

PMID- 22056036
TI  - alpha-Fetoprotein-producing ovarian tumor in a postmenopausal woman with germ
      cell differentiation.
AB  - alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP)-producing ovarian tumors (APOTs) are rarely encountered
      in postmenopausal women, irrespective of whether they are of the germ cell or non
      germ cell type. The APOTs that do occur in postmenopausal women are characterized
      by variable histologies such as hepatoid carcinoma, yolk sac tumor, and
      epithelial malignancies, most of which are combined. We herein present a case
      with APOT, which arose in a 58-year-old, gravida 2, para 2, postmenopausal woman.
      Preoperatively, the tumor, which was in the right ovary, was found to produce AFP
      (102768.0 ng/mL). The tumor was evenly composed of glands mimicking secretory
      endometrial gland or fetal gut accompanied by abundant stroma.
      Immunohistochemically, these glands were positive for SALL4, glypican-3, and
      hepatocyte nuclear factor 1beta. We considered the present case as an AFP
      producing adenocarcinoma with adenofibroma showing germ cell differentiation, but
      it seemed controversial that this tumor should be designated as a yolk sac tumor
      of the glandular type. The expression profiles of SALL4, OCT4, glypican-3, and
      hepatocyte nuclear factor 1beta were thought to provide interesting implications
      to characterize the present case.

PMID- 22056037
TI  - Application of the British National Health Service Breast Cancer Screening
      Programme classification in 226 breast core needle biopsies: correlation with
      resected specimens.
AB  - A retrospective study correlating the diagnosis made on core needle breast biopsy
      (CNB) with the diagnosis made on the final surgical specimen was done using the
      British National Health Service Breast Cancer Screening Programme (NHSBSP)
      classification for CNB on 226 patients during a period of 15 months. Statistical
      analysis was used to evaluate sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative
      predictive values of the NHSBSP diagnostic categories. Cohen kappa was used to
      evaluate the agreement between the diagnosis on CNB and the final pathologic
      diagnosis in "clinically positive cases." Finally, a comparative analysis between
      the CNB method and fine needle aspiration biopsy was made. The distribution of
      our cases for each diagnostic category reflects the literature guidelines, with
      minor differences in the B2 and B4 groups. Statistical data about the patients'
      follow-up revealed a small number of false-negative cases in the B1 and B2
      categories and no false-positive cases in the B4 and B5 groups. Uncertain
      malignant lesions (B3 category) were divided into 3 major areas (papillary
      lesions, fibroepithelial proliferations with cellular stroma, and intraepithelial
      atypical lesions such as ductal intraepithelial neoplasia grade 1/lobular
      intraepithelial neoplasia grade 1). Of the 29 patients in the B3 category, 26
      underwent surgery. Cohen kappa analysis showed a strong statistical correlation
      (kappa = 0.77; Z = 4.3; significance >1.96; alpha = .05) between CNB diagnosis
      and surgical pathology final results in the subgroup of high-risk patients
      (diagnosis, >=ductal intraepithelial neoplasia grade 1 on CNB). Global diagnostic
      power of CNB in all 226 cases revealed high sensitivity (88.3%) and slightly
      lower specificity (72.8%). In 42 "doubtful" cases, synchronous fine needle
      aspiration biopsy and CNB were performed, showing a complementary role in the
      diagnostic phase of breast lesions. Core needle breast biopsy represents the
      criterion standard method in the diagnostic phase of many breast tumors; the
      NHSBSP classification is a useful reporting system that provides a good
      standardization of the pathologic diagnosis and provides a clear guideline for
      the correct management of the patient.

PMID- 22056038
TI  - Oncocytoma of the adrenal gland medulla.
AB  - We report an unprecedented case of an oncocytoma of the adrenal gland medulla in
      a 61-year-old woman. The patient presented with right flank pain and hematuria.
      Computed tomographic studies revealed a right adrenal gland mass that measured 2
      cm, which was subsequently excised laparoscopically. Grossly, the tumor in the
      medulla measured 1.9 * 1.2 cm, weighed 5 g, and had a solid tan-brown cut
      surface. Histologically, it consisted of large tumor cells containing
      eosinophilic granular cytoplasm arranged in trabecular and nodular patterns.
      Electron microscopy revealed closely packed mitochondria in the cytoplasm of
      almost all tumor cells. The tumor cells were immunohistochemically positive for
      vimentin. The patient resumed usual activities 2 weeks after surgery, and at 6
      month follow-up, she is doing well.

PMID- 22056039
TI  - Florid reactive lymphoid hyperplasia (lymphoma-like lesion) of the uterine
      cervix.
AB  - Lymphoma-like lesion (LLL) of the female genital tract is an older term in the
      literature that describes a florid reactive lymphoid proliferation that can be
      misinterpreted as lymphoma. Multiple causes of LLL have been suggested but most
      cases remain unexplained. We describe the clinicopathologic features of 6
      patients with LLL involving the uterine cervix. Five patients presented with
      abnormal Papanicolaou test (Pap smear), and 3 patients had a biopsy procedure
      performed prior to detection of LLL in a loop electrosurgical excision procedure
      (LEEP). In each specimen, surface epithelial erosion was associated with a
      superficial, polymorphous lymphoid infiltrate with numerous scattered large
      cells, without cellular necrosis or sclerosis. Squamous dysplasia was present in
      4 patients. Immunohistochemical studies revealed a mixed population of B- and T
      lymphoid cells. T-cells were more numerous but B-cells and formed aggregates or
      sheets in areas. The large cells were predominantly B-cells positive for CD20 and
      negative for CD3 in all cases. CD30 was positive 3 cases, and Epstein-Barr virus
      encoded RNA was positive in 3 cases. Assessment for clonality in 1 patient using
      polymerase chain reaction (PCR) methods revealed monoclonal immunoglobulin heavy
      chain (IgH) gene rearrangements. At last clinical follow-up there was no evidence
      of progressive or systemic disease. We conclude that LLL of the cervix has a
      number of etiologies and that a prior surgical procedure, present in 3 patients
      in this study, is another possible etiology. As has been reported by others,
      monoclonal IgH gene rearrangements can be detected in this entity which has a
      benign clinical course.

PMID- 22056040
TI  - Aggressive meningiomas involving the parotid gland.
AB  - Parotid masses remain challenging secondary to the great diversity of primary
      tumors that may arise in the salivary glands and propensity for regional and even
      distant metastases to occur in this region. Meningioma must also be considered in
      the differential diagnosis of parotid masses, whether from direct extension,
      metastases, or as an extracranial primary. We herein report 4 cases of aggressive
      meningioma involving the parotid gland and the pathologic considerations in
      evaluating these tumors.

PMID- 22056042
TI  - Cardiac arrest due to long QT syndrome associated with excessive consumption of
      energy drinks.

PMID- 22056041
TI  - Ribosome profiling of mouse embryonic stem cells reveals the complexity and
      dynamics of mammalian proteomes.
AB  - The ability to sequence genomes has far outstripped approaches for deciphering
      the information they encode. Here we present a suite of techniques, based on
      ribosome profiling (the deep sequencing of ribosome-protected mRNA fragments), to
      provide genome-wide maps of protein synthesis as well as a pulse-chase strategy
      for determining rates of translation elongation. We exploit the propensity of
      harringtonine to cause ribosomes to accumulate at sites of translation initiation
      together with a machine learning algorithm to define protein products
      systematically. Analysis of translation in mouse embryonic stem cells reveals
      thousands of strong pause sites and unannotated translation products. These
      include amino-terminal extensions and truncations and upstream open reading
      frames with regulatory potential, initiated at both AUG and non-AUG codons, whose
      translation changes after differentiation. We also define a class of short,
      polycistronic ribosome-associated coding RNAs (sprcRNAs) that encode small
      proteins. Our studies reveal an unanticipated complexity to mammalian proteomes.

PMID- 22056043
TI  - Applying the "Viskin test": QT interval in response to standing in elite
      athletes.

PMID- 22056044
TI  - A new diastolic heart sound secondary to free pulmonary regurgitation.

PMID- 22056045
TI  - Photooxidation of oxymyoglobin. Wavelength dependence of quantum yields in
      relation to light discoloration of meat.
AB  - The reaction quantum yield for photooxidation of oxymyoglobin to metmyoglobin in
      dilute aqueous solution and in beef extract has been determined for seven
      wavelengths of irradiation in the UV-visible region and, for aqueous solution,
      ranges from 1.6 x 10(-2) (254 nm) to 7 x 10(-6) (546 nm) mol einstein(-1). When
      taken together with the molar absorptivity at the wavelength of irradiation, the
      photooxidation quantum yield constitutes an objective measure of the
      effectiveness with which monochromatic light promotes the formation of
      metmyoglobin in meat. This is discussed in relation to light-induced
      discoloration of frozen meat.

PMID- 22056046
TI  - Bovine Longissimus dorsi muscle glycogen and color response as affected by
      dietary regimen and post-mortem electrical stimulation in young bulls.
AB  - Eighty bulls were assigned to one of two groups and fed a dietary regimen to
      defer or accelerate growth until slaughter. Bulls fed at an accelerated rate of
      growth (or high energy regimen) had higher post-mortem pH, and lower muscle
      glycogen stores, with darker lean color, and improved shear and palatability
      traits compared to deferred fed animals. Bulls fed at an accelerated rate of
      growth also had a higher degree of marbling and USDA quality grade. Electrical
      stimulation did not affect (P > 0.05) ultimate pH, but reduced (P < 0.05)
      glycogen values at 0 and 2 h post mortem. Electrical stimulation also improved
      muscle color, lowered cooking losses and improved the palatability of cooked
      longissimus dorsi steaks.

PMID- 22056047
TI  - Species identification of autoclaved meat samples using antisera to thermostable
      muscle antigens in an enzyme immunoassay.
AB  - An enzyme immunoassay (EIA) suitable for use in identification of cooked and
      autoclaved meat samples using antisera to thermostable muscle antigens (TMA) is
      described. Goat antisera to TMA of various species were tested against homologous
      and heterologous partially purified thermostable muscle antigens (PTMA) in an
      indirect EIA. Goat anti-eland and anti-cattle TMA sera were the poorest in
      differentiating other species PTMAs. Identification of various species PTMAs
      could be achieved using a battery of goat anti-TMA sera, where homologous goat
      anti-TMA serum fails to differentiate some of the PTMAs tested.

PMID- 22056048
TI  - Microbiological quality of sausages containing chickpea flour (Cicer arietinum).
AB  - English-type fresh skinless pork sausages in which 30% of the protein was
      replaced by unheated chickpea flour or by chickpea flour heated at 80 degrees C
      for 1 h were evaluated microbiologically. During storage at 0 degrees C, but not
      22 degrees C, incorporation of unheated chickpea flour lowered the
      microbiological quality of the sausages, but incorporation of chickpea flour
      previously heated at 80 degrees C for 1 h led to no less of microbiological
      quality.

PMID- 22056049
TI  - Autofluorescence of adipose tissue measured with fibre optics.
AB  - The optical absorbance and fluorescence of porcine subcutaneous adipose tissue
      were measured directly with fibre optics. Either mercury or xenon light sources
      were used to illuminate tissue samples through one branch of a bifurcated light
      guide. Fluorescence was detected through the other branch of the light guide.
      Grating, prism and continuous interference filter monochromators were installed
      at appropriate locations in the light path and measurements were made with a
      computer-operated photomultiplier whose dynamic range was optimized at each
      wavelength measured. There was a small absorbance peak at 420 nm. With excitation
      at 365 nm, the peak of the fluorescence emission spectrum was at 510 nm with a
      secondary plateau from 430 to 450 nm. Proline powder and purified biochemical
      Type III collagen were also autofluorescent with a peak emission at 510 nm.
      Adipose cells associated with bovine heart valves were examined by fluorescence
      microscopy to obtain preparations containing adipose cells plus all three
      histological types of connective tissue fibres on the same section. Reticular
      fibres (around adipose cells) together with collagen and elastin fibres (in the
      heart valves) were all autofluorescent. It is suggested that the major source of
      adipose tissue fluorescence is from the reticular fibres that surround adipose
      cells, with minor contributions from other sources such as collagenous septa,
      vascular elastin and, possibly, cytoplasmic components.

PMID- 22056050
TI  - Effects of muscle pH on pressure-induced changes in the sarcoplasmic reticulum.
AB  - The effect of muscle pH on high pressure treatment of rabbit longissimus dorsi
      muscles has been studied by the use of pre-slaughter injections of epinephrine in
      order to vary the glycogen content and thus the extent of post-slaughter
      glycolysis in the muscles. Following pressure treatment the pH of the muscles
      varied between 5.9 and 7.1 while the control muscles varied between 6.6 and 7.1.
      The effects of the high pressure treatment on the ATPase activities, protein
      yield and protein composition of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) were measured.
      The basal ATPase activity was not affected over this pH range while the extra
      ATPase activity, protein yield and protein composition of the SR were affected.
      The effects increased with decreasing pH.

PMID- 22056051
TI  - An assessment of the effects of an alternative method of carcass suspension and
      conditioning on the tenderness of beef.
AB  - The effects of leg-twisting treatment-making a slit in the flank, at the level of
      the cranio-ventral tip of the Rectus abdominis and tucking one hoof of the leg
      into this slit-plus 10 days ageing at 5-7 degrees C, on shear value, sarcomere
      length, fibre diameter and fragmentation score of Semimembranosus (SM) and
      Adductor (ADD) muscles were assessed in fifteen mature good grade White Fulani.
      The treatment and 10 days ageing significantly (P <= 0.05) lengthened the
      sarcomeres, reduced the fibre diameter, increased the fragmentation score and
      reduced the shear value of the oven-broiled SM and ADD samples.

PMID- 22056052
TI  - The influence of diet and time on feed on carcass traits and quality.
AB  - Seventy-two Simmental-sired steer calves (approximately 8 months old) were
      randomly assigned to one of two pre-finishing dietary treatments (low energy or
      high energy). Energy intake was monitored to produce average daily gains of
      approximately 0.41 (low energy) or 0.68 (high energy) kg during a 6-month growth
      interval. At 14 months of age the steers were assigned to four finishing (time on
      feed) groups-0, 56, 112 or 168 days. Steers assigned to the 0-day group received
      their respective pre-finishing diets from 14 to 20 months of age. The other
      groups received a finishing diet for the final 56, 112 or 168 days of the
      experiment. All steers were slaughtered at 20 months. Steers backgrounded on high
      energy diets produced heavier (P < 0.01), fatter (P < 0.01) carcasses with higher
      (P < 0.01) marbling scores and quality grades and LD steaks with greater (P <
      0.05) ease of fragmentation, less (P < 0.05) detectable connective tissue and
      higher (P < 0.05) tenderness ratings as compared to steers on low energy diets.
      After 112 days on feed, quality grades were similar for high energy and low
      energy steers; however, tenderness ratings still favored the high energy
      treatment. Increased time on feed was associated with higher quality grades, but
      only within the low energy treatment group. Additionally, tenderness of LD steaks
      improved with increased time on feed; howver, the greatest improvement was
      observed from 0 to 56 days.

PMID- 22056053
TI  - Micro-organisms in food-2. Sampling for microbiological analysis: principles and
      specific applications ICMSF, Blackwell Scientific Publications, Oxford, 1986. 310
      pp. Price: L19.50 (cloth).

PMID- 22056054
TI  - Usefulness of various biochemical and histochemical characteristics as indices of
      muscle type in lamb carcasses.
AB  - Contractile and metabolic characteristics of five different muscles from an
      homogeneous group of seven lambs were studied. Muscle typing was assessed by
      measuring myofibrillar ATPase and lactate deshydrogenase activities, myosin (FM1,
      FM2, FM3, SM1, SM2) and LDH (M(4), M(3)H, M(2)H(2), MH(3), H(4)) isoforms levels
      as well as fibre types composition (SO, SOG, FOG, FG). On this basis, muscles
      were classified as slow-twitch oxidative (diaphragm and supraspinatus),
      intermediate (triceps brachii), fast-twitch oxidative-glycolytic (longissimus
      dorsi) and fast-twitch glycolytic (tensor fascia latae). Discriminant factor
      analysis of data revealed that variables enabling a better discrimination of
      muscles (FG, SM1, FM2, FM1, H(4)) exhibited the lowest efficiency to discrimate
      animals. Furthermore, in contrast to LDH isoforms and fibre type composition
      subsets of variables, myosin isoforms analysis allowed a quite total
      identification of muscle classes since, 97.5% of the muscles were well ranged in
      their respective classes. Although animals were zootechnically similar, animal
      variability was important and animal effect was essentially detected through
      changes in the following set of variables: M(3)H, MH(3), SO and ATPase.

PMID- 22056055
TI  - Effect of dietary high-oleic sunflower oil on pork carcass traits and fatty acid
      profiles of raw tissues.
AB  - Ten gilts were randomly assigned to either a control sorghum-soybean diet or a
      similar diet containing 12% high-oleic sunflower oil (HOSO). No significant
      differences between the two groups were found in feedlot performance, carcass
      muscling and marbling score, but animals fed the HOSO diet had softer carcass fat
      and oilier carcasses than those fed the control diet. The ratio of
      monounsaturated fatty acids to saturated fatty acids (M/S) for subcutaneous fat
      increased from 1.58 in the control group to 3.76 in the HOSO group (138%
      increase); the M/S ratio for muscles (longissimus dorsi, semimembranosus and
      semitendinosus) increased from 0.96-1.19 to 1.84-1.88 (73% increase on an
      average). The percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids in both adipose or muscle
      tissue was generally similar between the two diet treatments.

PMID- 22056056
TI  - Dimensional changes of isolated endomysia on heating.
AB  - The role of endomysial shrinkage in determining cooking loss was investigated
      directly by observations on the dimensional changes of isolated endomysial
      sheaths on heating up to 80 degrees C. Maximum shrinkage of 70% in diameter and
      40% in length was observed, corresponding to a volume decrease of over 90%. The
      temperature at which half the maximal shrinkage occurs is in the range 52-61
      degrees C. Minor differences in shrinkage behaviour were observed depending on
      the methods used to support the endomysia. The dimensional changes of the
      isolated endomysial sheaths are greater than those reported for whole meat. It is
      concluded that endomysial shrinkage has the potential to completely account for
      fluid expulsion from meat on cooking.

PMID- 22056057
TI  - Action of NaCl and polyphosphates in meat processing: Responses of myofibrils to
      concentrated salt solutions.
AB  - When meat is treated with salt, some parts of the meat are exposed to very high
      salt concentrations which then fall during equilibration. To gain a better
      understanding of the consequences of this treatment, we have observed the
      swelling and extraction of isolated myofibrils treated with series of salt
      solutions designed to mimic conditions found in salt-treated meat. Myofibrils
      swelled most in 1m (5.8%) NaCl and hardly at all in 5m (29%) NaCl. Similar
      results were obtained when the concentration of NaCl was raised in steps to 5m.
      The pronounced extraction of the A-band that occurs in 1m NaCl was decreased if
      higher NaCl concentrations were used instead. Lowering the concentration from
      higher values to 1m caused some swelling and extraction of the A-band, but not as
      much as when 1m was used directly. Inclusion of pyrophosphate in the solutions
      had marked effects. There was little swelling in 1m NaCl and none in 5m. Lowering
      the NaCl concentration to 1m from higher concentrations gave more swelling than
      observed when 1m was used directly. Extraction of the A-band was greatest in 1m,
      and was strongly inhibited in 5m. Myofibrils treated with 5m NaCl lost the
      ability to respond to the presence of pyrophosphate in 1m NaCl. The behaviour of
      myofibrils in high concentrations of NaCl alone is similar to that of pieces of
      meat. However, the persistent swelling of meat when the NaCl concentration is
      slowly raised to 5m is not found with myofibrils, suggesting that significant
      water compartments exist outside the myofibrils in such meat.

PMID- 22056058
TI  - The effect of vacuum packaging and gaseous atmosphere on microbial growth in
      tripe.
AB  - Changes in bacterial flora of tripe samples, stored at 4 degrees C in air, vacuum
      packaged or in a CO(2)-enriched atmosphere were studied. Aerobic plate counts
      showed a rapid increase in samples stored in air reaching a level of 1.6 *
      10(9)/g from an initial level of 9.0 * 10(3)/g. The aerobic bacterial population
      inhibited in both vacuum packed and CO(2)-enriched atmosphere storage. The shelf
      lives of samples stored in air, under vacuum packaging or in gas mixtures, were
      4, 8 and 9 days, respectively. Enterobacteriaceae and anaerobic counts tended to
      be higher under vacuum storage than in a CO(2)-enriched atmosphere. The numbers
      of lactic acid-producing bacteria were generally found to be lower under vacuum
      storage than in gas mixtures.

PMID- 22056059
TI  - Letter to the editor.

PMID- 22056061
TI  - The use of video image analysis for quantitative measurement of visible fat and
      lean in meat: Part 1-boneless fresh and cured meats.
AB  - The most accurate method of measuring fat content in meat is undoubtedly chemical
      analysis, but this can be both costly and time-comsuming. A system using a video
      camera and an image analyser has been used for rapid, non-destructive measurement
      of visible fat and lean in fresh boneless meats and meat products. Modifications
      to optics and illumination have improved the contrast, enhancing the separation
      between fat and lean areas in beef, lamb, pork and processed meats such as ham
      and bacon, resulting in improved fat and lean estimations compared with the
      system as originally supplied. Video image analysis (VIA) has been compared with
      fat area measurement by planimetry, weight of fat by dissection and with chemical
      analysis of fat in retail size cuts of meat such as chops and steaks. Comparison
      of VIA data with dissection and planimetry showed good correlation. There was
      also good agreement with chemical fat analysis.

PMID- 22056060
TI  - A pilot study of emergency medical technicians' field assessment of intoxicated
      patients' need for ED care.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Alcohol-intoxicated individuals account for a significant proportion
      of emergency department care and may be eligible for care at alternative sobering
      facilities. This pilot study sought to examine intermediate-level emergency
      medical technician (EMT) ability to identify intoxicated individuals who may be
      eligible for diversion to an alternative sobering facility. METHODS: Intermediate
      level EMTs in an urban fire department completed patient assessment surveys for
      individual intoxicated patients between May and August 2010. Corresponding
      patient medical records were retrospectively reviewed for diagnosis, disposition,
      and blood alcohol content. Statistical analysis was conducted to determine
      correlates of survey response, diagnosis, and disposition; and survey sensitivity
      and specificity were calculated. RESULTS: One hundred ninety-seven patient
      transports and medical records were analyzed. Emergency medical technicians
      indicated 139 patients (71%) needed hospital-based care, and 155 patients (79%)
      had a primary ethanol diagnosis. Fourteen patients (7%) were admitted to the
      hospital, and EMTs identified 93% of admitted patients as requiring hospital
      based care. Overall sensitivity and specificity of the survey were 93% (95%
      confidence interval, 66.1-99.8) and 40% (95% confidence interval, 33.3-47.9),
      respectively. CONCLUSION: Intermediate-level EMTs may be able to play an
      important role in facilitating triage of intoxicated patients to alternate
      sobering facilities.

PMID- 22056062
TI  - Extrusion studies of mixtures containing certain meat offals: Part 1-Objective
      properties.
AB  - A study was made of thermoplastically extruded products prepared from soy grits
      incorporating varying percentages of offal. Beyond 35% incorporation no
      satisfactory extrudate could be prepared. A comparison was therefore made of the
      expansion ratio, density and hydratability of extrudates prepared from mixes
      containing 20% and 35% of bovine or porcine offal with those containing soy grit
      alone. The offal sources consisted of untreated or alkali-extracted bovine and
      porcine lung and bovine tripe (rumen and reticulum) and bovine tripe extracted by
      sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS). Under the determined optimum operating conditions,
      extrudates from all offal/soy mixtures had lower expansion ratios and
      rehydratability than those from soy grits alone. Nevertheless, mixtures
      containing 20% or 35% alkali-extracted offal protein expanded more (greatest
      expansion at 170 degrees C), had lower density and greater hydratability than
      those containing these proportions of untreated offal or SDS-extracted offal
      protein. (The latter expanded most between 175-180 degrees C.) Whereas the
      incorporation of SDS-extracted bovine or porcine lung protein failed to yield
      textured extrudates, the incorporation of SDS-extracted bovine tripe protein at
      the 20% level did so. Effects due to source were otherwise small.

PMID- 22056063
TI  - Relationship between Ca(2+) release, sarcoplasmic Ca(2+), glycolysis and meat
      quality in halothane-sensitive and halothane-insensitive pigs.
AB  - Post-mortem assessment of porcine stress susceptibility and meat quality by
      measurements of mitochondrial calcium (content and rate of release), water
      holding capacity, pH at 1h post mortem and colour on M. longissimus dorsi confirm
      the usefulness of the halothane test for detecting stress susceptibility. Good
      correlations were observed between halothane sensitivity and meat quality. Post
      mortem samples of M. longissimus dorsi of halothane-sensitive pigs showed
      significantly higher levels of sarcoplasmic calcium than similar muscle from
      halothane-insensitive pigs. This strongly suggests that elevated sarcoplasmic
      calcium levels are linked to the formation of PSE meat.

PMID- 22056064
TI  - Pork carcass grading: A comparison of the New Zealand Hennessy Grading Probe and
      the Danish Fat-O-Meater.
AB  - The left sides from 224 pork carcasses were probed for fat thickness and muscle
      depth at four locations (last rib, and between the third and fourth, fourth and
      fifth, and fifth and sixth ribs posterior to the last rib) and at three positions
      (5, 7 and 9 cm off the dorsal mid-line) using the Hennessy Grading Probe (GP) and
      the Fat-O-Meater (FOM). In addition, fat thickness was recorded at the loin (8 cm
      off the dorsal mid-line) using both instruments, and the caliper of the FOM was
      used to measure fat thickness at three positions over the medial face of the M.
      gluteus medius on the dorsal mid-line of the carcass. All pork sides were cut
      into five North American primals which were subsequently separated into fat, bone
      and lean to define percentage lean yield. The range in warm carcass weight and
      percentage lean yield varied from 58.5 to 94.5 kg and from 29.60 to 48.91%,
      respectively. The two probes differed little in precision for the prediction of
      percentage lean yield. Measurements taken with the GP and FOM between the third
      and fourth, and fourth and fifth last ribs gave the lowest residual errors.
      Position of measurements (5, 7 or 9 cm) had little effect on the relationship
      between lean yield and fat thickness or fat thickness and muscle depth. Addition
      of a second measurement fat thickness or muscle depth, provided only minor
      improvement in precision for the prediction of percentage lean yield over that of
      a single fat thickness measurement. The results suggest that, for grading systems
      using percentage lean yield as a basis, both the GP and FOM would provide similar
      precision, and that the choice of an instrument would then depend more on its
      durability and performance under commercial conditions.

PMID- 22056065
TI  - Use of histidine dipeptides to estimate the proportion of pig meat in processed
      meats.
AB  - High performance liquid chromatography on a Partisil-10 SCX column was examined
      as an alternative to conventional ion exchange chromatography as a means of
      quantitating the histidine dipeptides, anserine, carnosine and balenine in
      processed pig meats. Because the ratio of these dipeptides in skeletal muscle of
      the pig is different from that in other species commonly used for meat, it is
      possible to estimate the proportion of pig meat in processed meats. Several
      Australian pork products were found to contain a low proportion of lean pig meat.

PMID- 22056066
TI  - Letter to the editor.

PMID- 22056067
TI  - Reducing xerostomia after chemo-IMRT for head-and-neck cancer: beyond sparing the
      parotid glands.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess whether, in addition to sparing the parotid glands (PGs),
      xerostomia after chemotherapy plus intensity-modulated radiotherapy (chemo-IMRT)
      for head-and-neck cancer is affected by reducing the dose to the other salivary
      glands. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In a prospective study, 78 patients with Stage III
      IV oropharynx/nasopharynx cancer underwent chemo-IMRT, with the aim of sparing
      the parts of the bilateral PGs, oral cavity (OC) containing the minor salivary
      glands, and contralateral submandibular gland (SMG) outside the target (when
      contralateral level I was not a target). Before therapy and periodically for 24
      months, validated patient-reported xerostomia questionnaire (XQ) scores and
      observer-graded xerostomia scores were recorded. Also, the stimulated and
      unstimulated saliva was measured selectively from each of the PGs and SMGs. The
      mean OC doses served as surrogates of minor salivary gland dysfunction.
      Regression models assessed the XQ and observer-graded xerostomia predictors.
      RESULTS: Statistically significant predictors of the XQ score on univariate
      analysis included the OC, PG, and SMG mean doses and the baseline XQ score, time
      since RT, and both stimulated and unstimulated PG saliva flow rates. Similar
      factors were statistically significant predictors of observer-graded xerostomia.
      The OC, PG, and SMG mean doses were moderately intercorrelated (r = 0.47-0.55).
      On multivariate analyses, after adjusting for the PG and SMG doses, the OC mean
      dose (p < .0001), interval from RT (p < .0001), and stimulated PG saliva (p <
      .0025) were significant predictors of the XQ scores and the OC mean dose and time
      for observer-graded xerostomia. Although scatter plots showed no thresholds, an
      OC mean dose of <40 Gy and contralateral SMG mean dose of <50 Gy were each
      associated with low patient-reported and observer-rated xerostomia at almost all
      post-therapy points. CONCLUSION: The PG, SMG, and OC mean doses were significant
      predictors of both patient-reported and observer-rated xerostomia after chemo
      IMRT, with OC doses remaining significant after adjusting for the PG and SMG
      doses. These results support efforts to spare all the salivary glands by IMRT,
      beyond the PGs alone.

PMID- 22056068
TI  - Carbon ion irradiation inhibits glioma cell migration through downregulation of
      integrin expression.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of carbon ion irradiation on glioma cell
      migration. METHODS AND MATERIALS: U87 and Ln229 glioma cells were irradiated with
      photons and carbon ions. Migration was analyzed 24 h after irradiation.
      Fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis was performed in order to quantify
      surface expression of integrins. RESULTS: Single photon doses of 2 Gy and 10 Gy
      enhanced alpha(nu)beta(3) and alpha(nu)beta(5) integrin expression and caused
      tumor cell hypermigration on both vitronectin (Vn) and fibronectin (Fn). Compared
      to integrin expression in unirradiated cells, carbon ion irradiation caused
      decreased integrin expression and inhibited cell migration on both Vn and Fn.
      CONCLUSION: Photon radiotherapy (RT) enhances the risk of tumor cell migration
      and subsequently promotes locoregional spread via photon induction of integrin
      expression. In contrast to photon RT, carbon ion RT causes decreased integrin
      expression and suppresses glioma cell migration on both Vn and Fn, thus promising
      improved local control.

PMID- 22056069
TI  - Percentage of cancer volume in biopsy cores is prognostic for prostate cancer
      death and overall survival in patients treated with dose-escalated external beam
      radiotherapy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the prognostic utility of the percentage of cancer volume
      (PCV) in needle biopsy specimens for prostate cancer patients treated with dose
      escalated external beam radiotherapy. METHODS AND MATERIALS: The outcomes were
      analyzed for 599 men treated for localized prostate cancer with external beam
      radiotherapy to a minimal planning target volume dose of 75 Gy (range, 75-79.2).
      We assessed the effect of PCV and the pretreatment and treatment-related factors
      on the freedom from biochemical failure, freedom from metastasis, cause-specific
      survival, and overall survival. RESULTS: The median number of biopsy cores was 7
      (interquartile range, 6-12), median PCV was 10% (interquartile range, 2.5-25%),
      and median follow-up was 62 months. The PCV correlated with the National
      Comprehensive Cancer Network risk group and individual risk features, including T
      stage, prostate-specific antigen level, Gleason score, and percentage of positive
      biopsy cores. On log-rank analysis, the PCV stratified by quartile was prognostic
      for all endpoints, including overall survival. In addition, the PCV was a
      stronger prognostic factor than the percentage of positive biopsy cores when the
      two metrics were analyzed together. On multivariate analysis, the PCV predicted a
      worse outcome for all endpoints, including freedom from biochemical failure,
      (hazard ratio, 1.9; p = .0035), freedom from metastasis (hazard ratio, 1.7, p =
      .09), cause-specific survival (hazard ratio, 3.9, p = .014), and overall survival
      (hazard ratio, 1.8, p = .02). CONCLUSIONS: For patients treated with dose
      escalated external beam radiotherapy, the volume of cancer in the biopsy specimen
      adds prognostic value for clinically relevant endpoints, particularly in
      intermediate- and high-risk patients. Although the PCV determination is more
      arduous than the percentage of positive biopsy cores, it provides superior risk
      stratification.

PMID- 22056070
TI  - Changes in the nature of phenolic deposits after re-warming as a result of
      melatonin pre-sowing treatment of Vigna radiata seeds.
AB  - Changes in phenolics (PhC - phenolic compounds) measured as UV-absorbing
      compounds (UVAC) and their localization as well as growth, lipid peroxidation
      (TBARS level) and proline (Pro) level in three-day-old roots of seedlings (T(o)
      stage) obtained from hydroprimed (H) and hydroprimed with melatonin (H-MEL) seeds
      after 2 days of chilling (5 degrees C) and 2 days of re-warming were examined. H
      and H-MEL resulted in inhibition of root growth under optimal conditions, but
      after re-warming, a positive effect of MEL was noted. The results also showed a
      positive MEL impact on TBARS level already after chilling and especially after re
      warming. Exposure of Vigna radiata seedlings to chilling caused a significant
      increase in Pro level, especially in H-MEL roots, but after re-warming it
      drastically decreased. Under chilling stress, accumulation of UVAC also
      decreased. However, after re-warming it returned to the level observed in the
      roots grown constantly at 25 degrees C. Even if after re-warming of V. radiata
      seedlings only slight accumulation of total PhC was observed, phenolic deposits
      accumulating in the vacuoles of H-MEL roots were completely different from those
      in the vacuoles of the control and H roots. H-MEL application to the seeds
      resulted in a significant increase in small granular composite materials, while
      in the control and H roots, large oval deposits prevailed. Taken together, it is
      probable that all of these differences were connected with positive effects of
      MEL on chilled V. radiata seedlings after re-warming.

PMID- 22056071
TI  - Transgenic tobacco plants expressing ectopically wheat H+-pyrophosphatase (H+
      PPase) gene TaVP1 show enhanced accumulation and tolerance to cadmium.
AB  - Cadmium (Cd) is considered an extremely significant pollutant due to its high
      toxicity to many organisms. Plants have evolved several mechanisms to cope with
      Cd, the most important of which is vacuolar sequestration. Cadmium can be
      directly transported into vacuoles by cations/H(+) exchangers, such as CAXs,
      which are energized by the pH gradient established by proton pumps. A cDNA
      (TaVP1) encoding wheat vacuolar H(+)-pyrophosphatase (V-H-PPase) was ectopically
      expressed in transgenic tobacco to evaluate whether this proton pump expression
      would enhance Cd tolerance and accumulation in planta. When TaVP1-expressing
      plants were exposed to various concentrations of Cd, they were found to be more
      tolerant to Cd compared to wild type plants. Cadmium accumulation in the plant
      biomass in transgenic plants was higher than that in wild type plants. To the
      best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the potential for enhancing
      proton pump expression as a strategy to improve Cd tolerance and accumulation in
      plants.

PMID- 22056072
TI  - Double-antibody ELISA for detection of trace amounts of pig meat in raw meat
      mixtures.
AB  - A modification of double-antibody sandwich ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent
      assay) has been applied successfully to the problem of the detection of very low
      amounts of pig meat (1-3%) in beef and manufactured beef products made with rusk
      and other additives. The assay uses a monospec fic antiserum bound to the solid
      plastic support to sequester the porcine serum albumin (PSA) from amongst the
      many proteins co-extracted from the complex sample extracts. Further immuno
      recognition was made with a second antibody, also specific for PSA, which was
      detected by a conjugated enzyme anti-IgG that interacted only with the second
      anti-PSA antibodies. Subsequent enzymic conversion of substrate gave clear visual
      differences between beef and beef containing 0.5% of pig meat and beef products
      with 1% of the lean replaced by lean pork compared with reference samples.

PMID- 22056073
TI  - The relationship between water-holding capacity and cooked meat tenderness in
      some beef muscles as influenced by acidic conditions below the ultimate pH.
AB  - Previous studies have indicated the beneficial influence of higher than normal
      ultimate pH (pH(u)) on the tenderness of cooked meat. Such benefits have been
      indirectly linked to the influence of increased pH on the water-holding capacity
      (WHC) of meat above the iso-electric point (IEP) of the myofibrillar proteins. In
      the present study, relationships between WHC and the tenderness of some beef
      muscles were investigated under pH conditions within and below the IEP of the
      myofibrillar proteins, such that the maximum range of meat swelling was achieved.
      It was found that increased WHC, as measured by swelling ratio in both raw and
      cooked meat, markedly influenced cooked meat tenderness, irrespective of the
      connective tissue content of the muscles. The results fitted a series of
      exponential decay equations relating swelling ratio to cooked meat toughness.
      Additionally, strong linear decreases in toughness were apparent over the pH
      range 4.6 to 4.1 for the three muscle types studied.

PMID- 22056074
TI  - Nutritional evaluation of sausages containing chick pea flour (Cicer arietinum).
AB  - Nutritional evaluation of protein quality was carried out on English-type fresh
      skinless pork sausages in which 30% of the protein had been replaced by chick pea
      flour. Net protein utilisation, biological value and protein efficiency ratio
      were unaffected by 30 % meat protein replacement. Comparison of the amino acid
      composition with the biological values suggested some reduction in amino acid
      availability due to cooking.

PMID- 22056075
TI  - Physical, chemical, histological and palatability characteristics of muscles from
      three breed-types of cattle at different times-on-feed.
AB  - Forty-five steers (9-12 months of age) of Angus (n =15), Brahman (n = 15) and
      Brahman * Angus (n = 15) breed-types were fed a high-energy diet and then
      slaughtered after 0, 112 or 224 days of feeding. At 7 days post mortem, the M.
      longissimus and M. biceps femoris were removed from the left side of each carcass
      and steaks were obtained for determination of sensory panel ratings, Warner
      Bratzler shear force, sarcomere length, collagen content and collagen solubility.
      Tenderness ratings of steaks from the M. longissimus and M. biceps femoris from
      Angus were generally higher than ratings for steaks from Brahman or Brahman *
      Angus steers. Steaks from Brahman * Angus received higher tenderness ratings than
      steaks from Brahman steers in only a few comparisons. The three breed-types of
      cattle responded to time-on-feed differently; Brahman cattle needed to have been
      fed longer than Angus cattle to produce equally tender beef. With increased time
      on-feed, M. longissimus tenderness increased for all breed-types, but M. biceps
      femoris tenderness was not related to time-on-feed. Few significant differences
      were observed among breed-types and among time-on-feed periods for collagen
      content or collagen solubility. Tenderness differences were closely correlated
      with the contractile state of the muscle which, in turn, was associated with
      weight, subcutaneous fat thickness and temperature decline of the carcass.

PMID- 22056076
TI  - Accelerated dry curing of hams.
AB  - Uncured pork legs from the right side of 18 carcasses were treated with a Ross
      Tenderizer and the left side were controls. All 36 samples were dry-cured for 40,
      56 or 70 days and evaluated for appearance traits, cure penetration
      characteristics, microbial load, Kramer Shear force and taste attributes. The
      tenderization treatment had no effect (P > 0.05) on visual color or cure
      penetration rate, weight loss before curing, percentage moisture, nitrate level,
      nitrite level, total plate count, anaerobic counts, psychrotrophic counts,
      objective and subjective tenderness measurements or juiciness. However, the
      higher values of salt suggested a possible acceleration of the dry cure
      penetration process among the tenderized samples. Cure time had no effect (P >
      0.05) on percentage moisture, percentage salt, nitrate content, nitrite content,
      shear force and juiciness. Results suggest a limited effect of the mechanical
      tenderization process on certain traits related to dry curing and that total
      process time should be at least 70 days if color stability during cooking is
      desired.

PMID- 22056077
TI  - Pegylated liposomal doxorubicin as first-line monotherapy in elderly women with
      locally advanced or metastatic breast cancer: novel treatment predictive factors
      identified.
AB  - We investigated the efficacy and safety of single-agent pegylated liposomal
      doxorubicin (PLD) as first-line treatment for elderly women with advanced breast
      cancer and evaluated predictive markers for response and toxicity. Twenty-five
      women >= 65 years received 40 mg/m(2) PLD every 28 days. Time to treatment
      failure (TTF), response rate, time to progression (TTP) and overall survival (OS)
      was calculated. The ABCB1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP), tumor MRN
      complex, and TOPOIIalpha were analyzed. A mean of 7.4 cycles PLD were
      administered and TTF was 5.5 months and OS 20.6 months. ABCB1 SNPs were found to
      correlate to both efficacy and toxicity, while tumor expression of the MRN
      complex and TOPOIIalpha correlated to TTP. PLD is a safe and effective treatment
      for elderly breast cancer patients. Also potential predictive markers were
      identified.

PMID- 22056078
TI  - Reactive oxygen species and p38 MAPK regulate Bax translocation and calcium
      redistribution in salubrinal-induced apoptosis of EBV-transformed B cells.
AB  - Salubrinal is a specific eIF2alpha phosphatase inhibitor that inhibits ER stress
      mediated apoptosis. However, maintaining hyper-phosphorylated eIF2alpha state
      with high doses of salubrinal treatment promotes apoptosis in some cancer cells.
      In this report, we found that salubrinal induced apoptosis of EBV-transformed B
      cells. Notably, salubrinal induced ROS generation and p38 MPAK activation, which
      then induced expression of FasL. Moreover, salubrinal subsequently led to
      activation of caspases, calcium redistribution, Bax translocation, cytochrome c
      release, and apoptosis. These findings suggest that salubrinal may be a novel
      therapeutic approach for EBV-associated malignant diseases.

PMID- 22056079
TI  - [Prevalence of proteinuria and its association with HIV/AIDS in Congolese
      children living in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo].
AB  - CONTEXT: In Sub-Saharian Africa, the extent of the HIV-related kidney diseases is
      less known. Even so, that region is supposed to be the epicentre of such
      complications. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of proteinuria in
      Congolese children living in Kinshasa and to study its association with the HIV
      infection. METHODS: By a cross-sectional and multicentric study (in six hospitals
      of Kinshasa), 194 children were consecutively recruited from August 2008 to
      February 2009. Among these, 101 naives HIV-infected children and 93 HIV
      uninfected children like a control group. Proteinuria was assessed using urine
      dipstick completed by the 24-hour proteinuria assessment (Esbach method).
      Determinants of proteinuria were assessed by logistic regression. RESULTS: The
      median age of all children recruited was 84 months (9-221 months). Concerning the
      HIV-infected children, the median age was 76 months (9-221 months) with a
      male/female ratio of 1/1. The prevalence of proteinuria in this group was in
      order to 23.8%. HIV infected children have seven times more probability to
      present proteinuria than non infected children (OR 6.9; IC 95%: 2.3-20.8;
      P<0.001). Important immunosuppression was the main determinant of proteinuria (OR
      10.4; IC 95%: 3.34-32.48; P<0.001). CONCLUSION: Proteinuria is common in
      Congolese children. The HIV infection rises significantly the probability to
      present proteinuria in children of this study, more so among those with important
      immunosuppression. This raises the question about the ideal time to initiate
      HAART in order to reduce the prevalence of kidney injury and to provide the best
      outcome.

PMID- 22056080
TI  - [Cell therapy in autoimmune diseases].

PMID- 22056081
TI  - Adsorption of surfactin produced from Bacillus subtilis using nonwoven PET
      (polyethylene terephthalate) fibrous membranes functionalized with chitosan.
AB  - This article deals with an alternative method for bio-separation of surfactin
      produced by Bacillus subtilis using sorption method on nonwoven PET (polyethylene
      terephthalate) fibrous membranes functionalized with chitosan. In the first part
      of the study, surface functionalization of the PET nonwoven fibrous membranes is
      carried out with aqueous 65% deacetylated chitosan solution with or without a
      prior surface activation using air-atmospheric plasma treatment. Very small
      modification of the PET fibrous nonwoven air-permeability confirms the
      functionalization of PET fibre surface with little reduction of membrane
      porosity. The functionalized membranes are then characterized by physico-chemical
      methods: X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS), Wettability and zeta potential.
      Chitosan increases drastically the zeta potential of PET at all pH values though
      a prior plasma treatment of the PET membrane reduces slightly the increase in
      zeta potential values. Sorption of surfactin quantified by HPLC shows that the
      extent of surfactin sorption on PET nonwovens depends on the surface
      functionalization method. Surface functionalization with chitosan results in
      immediate sorption of the entire quantity of surfactin. A prior surface
      activation by air atmospheric plasma treatment of the PET membranes before
      chitosan application retards the sorption of entire surfactin which takes place
      after 1.5h, only. Increased zeta potential and increased hydrophobic behavior in
      the presence of chitosan without plasma activation would explain the interesting
      surfactin sorption results.

PMID- 22056082
TI  - Adsorption induced enzyme denaturation: the role of protein surface in adsorption
      induced protein denaturation on allyl glycidyl ether (AGE)-ethylene glycol
      dimethacrylate (EGDM) copolymers.
AB  - The effects of protein size on adsorption and adsorption-induced denaturation of
      proteins on copolymers of allyl glycidyl ether (AGE)-ethylene glycol
      dimethacrylate (EGDM) have been studied. Different responses were observed for
      the amount of protein adsorbed and denatured on the polymer surface for different
      proteins (trypsin, alchol dehydrogenase from baker's yeast (YADH), glucose
      dehydrogenase (GDH) from Gluconobacter cerinus, and alkaline phosphates from calf
      intestinal mucosa (CIAP). Protein adsorption on the copolymer with 25% crosslink
      density (AGE-25) was dependent not only on the size of the protein but also on
      the presence of glycoside residues on the protein surface. Adsorption and
      denaturation of proteins follows the order YADH>trypsin>GDH>>CIAP although the
      molecular weights of the proteins follow the order YADH>CIAP>GDH>trypsin. The
      lack of correlation between amount of adsorbed protein and its molecular weight
      was due to the presence of glycoside residues on CIAP and GDH which protect the
      enzyme surface from denaturation. Enzyme stabilities in aqueous solutions of 1
      cyclohexyl-2-pyrrolidinone (CHP) correlate well with the trend in denaturation by
      the copolymer, strongly suggesting that hydrophobic interactions play a major
      role in protein binding and the mechanism of protein denaturation is similar to
      that for water-miscible organic solvents.

PMID- 22056083
TI  - Cellular fusion and whitening effect of a chitosan derivative coated liposome.
AB  - In this study, a derivative of chitosan, N-(2-hydroxyl) propyl-3-trimethyl
      ammonium chitosan chloride (HTCC), was coated onto the liposomes made of
      cholesterol and 1,2-palmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphatidylcholine (DPPC). These
      coated liposomes were loaded with kojic acid for skin whitening. The appearance
      of liposome was examined using transmission electron microscope (TEM), and the
      coating of HTCC to the liposome was confirmed by infrared spectroscopy. By
      labeling with Dil, the fusion of liposome with the cell membrane of L929
      fibroblast and B16-F10 melanoma was improved by the coating of HTCC. Based on the
      results of Franz cell experiment, the penetration of kojic acid (KA) through skin
      was improved by using HTCC-coating liposomes. Furthermore, the cell proliferation
      of L929 was not affected by HTCC-coating liposomes, while that of B16-F10 was
      reduced slightly with the increase of the concentration of HTCC-loading liposome.
      The degree of skin whitening was determined based on the melanin content in B-16
      F10 cells. The results showed that the level of melanin synthesis was lower when
      KA was delivered using HTCC-coating liposome instead of traditional liposome.

PMID- 22056084
TI  - Sol-gel network silica/modified montmorillonite clay hybrid nanocomposites for
      hydrophobic surface coatings.
AB  - Sol-gel silica/nanoclay composites were prepared through sol-gel polymerization
      technique using tetraethylorthosilicate precursor and montmorillonite (MMT) clay
      in aqueous media. In this study, both montmorillonite-K(+) and organically
      modified MMT (OMMT) clays were used. The prepared composites were coated on glass
      substrate by making 1 wt% solution in ethyltrichlorosilane. The incorporation of
      nanoclay does not alter the intensity of characteristic Si-O-Si peak of silica
      network. Thermogravimetric studies show that increasing clay content increased
      the degradation temperature of the composites. Differential scanning calorimetry
      (DSC) results of organically modified MMT nanoclay incorporated composite show a
      shift in the melting behavior up to 38 degrees C. From DSC thermograms, we
      observed that the DeltaH value decreased with increasing clay loading. X-ray
      diffraction patterns prove the presence of nanoclay in the composite and increase
      in the concentration of organically modified nanoclay from 3 to 5 wt% increases
      the intensity of the peak at 2theta=8 degrees  corresponds to OMMT. Morphology of
      the control silica gel composite was greatly influenced by the incorporation of
      OMMT. The presence of nanoclay changed the surface of control silica gel
      composite into cleaved surface with brittle in nature. Contact angle measurements
      were done for the coatings to study their surface behavior. These hybrid coatings
      on glass substrate may have applications for hydrophobic coatings on leather
      substrate.

PMID- 22056085
TI  - In vitro evaluation of the effects of electrospun PCL nanofiber mats containing
      the microalgae Spirulina (Arthrospira) extract on primary astrocytes.
AB  - The blue-green microalgae, Spirulina, a harmless food and pharmaceutical
      additive, has several bioactive compounds that have therapeutic functions.
      Polycaprolactone (PCL) is a biocompatible and biodegradable polymer that has
      widely been used for tissue engineering. The electrospun PCL nanofiber containing
      Spirulina (PCL-Spirulina) was fabricated and tested as a potential extracellular
      matrix material for a culture of primary astrocytes, which play important roles
      in CNS injured systems. Spirulina extract was observed to increase growth and
      metabolic activity of rat primary astrocytes without any harm once added to the
      culture media. However, PCL-Spirulina nanofiber was proven to alleviate astrocyte
      activity. Through this research and to the best of our knowledge, we first
      suggest a novel composite nanomaterial, an electrospun PCL-Spirulina nanofiber
      that could be used to treat CNS injured systems.

PMID- 22056086
TI  - Modulation of the heterogeneous senescence of human mesenchymal stem cells on
      chemically-modified surfaces.
AB  - Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) are multipotent and have been recognized as
      a source for tissue engineering or cell therapy. It is, therefore, imperative to
      develop methods to acquire enough hMSCs that maintain self-renewal and
      differentiation potential. However, aged hMSCs are prone to have a gradual
      decline in differentiation and proliferation potential with continual cell cycle
      divisions during in vitro culture. The physiochemical properties of hMSCs are
      highly dependent on their micro-environment, i.e. the 'stem cell niche'. In this
      study, the heterogeneous aging of hMSC was examined on chemically defined self
      assembly monolayer surfaces. Surface energy was shown to regulate aged hMSC
      morphology, survival, and proteoglycan expression. High surface energy supplied a
      preferable environment for hMSC survival and expression of proteoglycans. These
      results will prove valuable to the design of scaffolds for tissue engineering or
      for the modulation of implantation environments.

PMID- 22056087
TI  - Submucosal tunneling endoscopic resection: a new technique for treating upper GI
      submucosal tumors originating from the muscularis propria layer (with videos).

PMID- 22056088
TI  - Individual and contextual bases of thriving in adolescence: a view of the issues.
AB  - We introduce this special issue on the individual and contextual bases of
      adolescent thriving by describing the relational developmental systems theory
      based, positive youth development (PYD) perspective that frames much of
      contemporary research about health and positive development across the adolescent
      period and that, more specifically, frames the 4-H Study of PYD, the data set
      from which the empirical work in this special issue is drawn. All articles point
      to the combined role of characteristics of the person and ecological assets in
      the family, school, or community settings of youth to promote the development of
      PYD. We discuss how these articles provide evidence about the empirical
      usefulness of the PYD perspective and discuss how research testing the PYD model
      has new and important implications for both adolescent development research and
      for the application of developmental science.

PMID- 22056089
TI  - Plasma selenium concentrations in pregnant women in two countries with
      contrasting soil selenium levels.
AB  - PROJECT: Selenium has an important role in antioxidant defense and cell mediated
      immunity. Plasma selenium is a useful biomarker for comparing selenium status
      across populations, and influenced by selenium levels of soils and plants.
      PROCEDURE: This cross-sectional study compared plasma selenium (by electrothermal
      atomic absorption spectrophotometry) of women at 24 weeks gestation in Malawi
      (n=152) and the Philippines (n=301), countries with low and high soil selenium
      levels, respectively. Data on anthropometry, smoking, intakes of energy,
      nutrients and food groups (via 24-h recalls), hemoglobin, serum zinc, and C
      reactive protein (CRP) were also collected. RESULTS: Mean (95% CI) plasma
      selenium was lower for Malawian than Filipino women (0.79, 0.77, 0.82 MUmol/L vs.
      1.44, 1.41, 1.47 MUmol/L; p<0.001); 83% had concentrations below 1.0 MUmol/L
      compared to 3% in the Filipinos. Cereals provided 78% and 67% of the energy in
      Malawi and the Philippines, respectively compared to 4% and 8.5%, respectively
      for cellular animal protein. Plasma selenium was correlated modestly with BMI (r=
      0.138; p=0.096) and elevated CRP (>5.0 mg/L) (r=-0.143; p=0.084) in Malawi, and
      significantly with intake of cellular animal protein (g/d) (r=0.23; p=0.020) and
      serum zinc (r=0.13; p=0.044) in the Philippines. No comparable relationships were
      observed in either group for smoking, hemoglobin, or cereal intakes. CONCLUSION:
      Differences in plasma selenium paralleled reported trends in selenium
      concentrations in soils and staple cereals in Malawi and the Philippines. The
      biological significance of the lower plasma selenium for the Malawian women, and
      the extent to which they pose a risk for fetal and neonatal development, is
      uncertain.

PMID- 22056090
TI  - Analysis of Warner-Bratzler shear pattern with regard to myofibrillar and
      connective tissue components of tenderness.
AB  - Force-deformation curves from the Warner-Bratzler (WB) shear device were used to
      evaluate specific changes in the myofibrillar (WB M-force) and connective tissue
      component (WB C-force) of tenderness in samples from beef semitendinos. Cores
      were heated in a water bath to end point temperatures of 60 degrees C and 80
      degrees C by using combinations of slow and fast heating rates. Increasing the
      end point temperature from 60 degrees C to 80 degrees C was found to increase the
      WB M-force and to decrease the WB C-force, whereas the WB peak force was least
      affected. Comparisons between different heating rate combinations to samples
      heated to 80 degrees C showed that the WB M-force was affected by a heating rate
      both below and above 60 degrees C, while the WB C-force was most influenced by a
      heating rate above 60 degrees C. Slower heating rates and higher endpoint
      temperatures resulted in greater cooking losses and increased solubility of
      collagen. The WB M-force and WB C-force were found to be more significant
      estimators of sensory evaluations of tenderness and collagen solubility in this
      experiment than the usually measured WB peak force.

PMID- 22056091
TI  - Comparison of methods for measuring sarcomere length in beef semitendinosus
      muscle.
AB  - The objective of the study was to compare the precision of the laser method for
      measuring sarcomere length with the precision of two oil-immersion microscope
      methods. Eighteen semitendinosus muscles were assigned to one of three post
      mortem treatments to provide a wide range in sarcomere length. Two 5.0cm sections
      were removed from the centre of each muscle. Each section was subdivided into six
      equal-size pieces and randomly allotted to each of three participating
      institutions. Analysis of variance revealed that sarcomere length measurement was
      not significantly affected by the method of measurement or by the technician. For
      99% precision, the laser method required 34 measurements, whereas the two
      microscope methods required 45 and 66 measurements, respectively.

PMID- 22056092
TI  - Anoxic storage of fresh beef. 2: Colour stability and weight loss.
AB  - Storage variables, such as age of meat, temperature and humidity of storage, and
      commercial preparation of meat, were evaluated for their effects on the colour
      stability and weight loss of fresh beef packaged in anoxic gas atmospheres. Apart
      from age of meat post mortem, increasing storage temperature has the most marked
      effect on reducing colour stability and increasing weight loss. Temperature
      effects on colour stability and weight loss for individual muscles have
      interesting similarities; the extent of the temperature effect on both these
      qualities of meat is M. psoas major >M. gluteus medius >M. semimembranosus. The
      significance of such similarities in terms of differing physical and biochemical
      characteristics of muscles is discussed.

PMID- 22056093
TI  - Sensory assessment of fatness and conformation of beef steers.
AB  - Human judgement, based on looking, handling and experience, still plays an
      important part in choosing beef animals for various purposes. This paper
      describes an attempt at a scientific investigation of the method. Two groups of
      steers-(a) sixteen Aberdeen Angus and (b) thirty Herefords-were assessed by
      different panels of judges for fatness and conformation, regionally and overall.
      Repeat assessments were made on the group (a) animals. The carcasses were
      assessed by the same panels, then dissected into component tissues. On the basis
      of discrimination and consistency tests and correlation with dissection data a
      best panel was chosen for the group (a) animals. It was found that judges were
      very effective in ranking animals within the total sample but, contrary to
      intuitive ideas, the average score was better related to quantities of dissected
      tissues than the score of any individual, which makes the method more expensive
      than might be thought.

PMID- 22056094
TI  - Effect of pressure treatment on the sarcoplasmic reticulum of red and white
      muscles.
AB  - The effects of high pressure (150 MPa) on the sarcoplasmic reticulum of red and
      white muscles have been studied. When whole muscle is pressurised either pre
      rigor or post-rigor the major effect on the SR is the loss of extra ATPase
      activity and the loss of several proteins including the 100,000 dalton ATPase and
      calsequestrin. When isolated SR is pressurised the extra ATPase activity is lost
      but there is no protein degradation. Measurements of muscle pH and the influence
      of pH on pressurisation effects indicate active proteolysis in white muscle when
      it is pressurised. In all these studies the basal ATPase activity was relatively
      unaffected. The effect of pressure treatment on the yield of SR protein varied
      with different muscles, being greatest in the muscles which had the highest
      concentration of extra ATPase and calcium uptake activities. These muscles also
      reached the lowest pH during pressurisation, thus favouring proteolysis.

PMID- 22056095
TI  - Pressure treatment of meat: Effects on thermal transitions and shear values.
AB  - The effects of pressure treatment (150 MN m(-2) for 3 h at 0 degrees C) on the
      pH, thermal transitions, ultrastructure and Warner-Bratzler shear values of post
      rigor beef semimembranosus and longissimus dorsi muscles have been investigated.
      Pressure treatment resulted in a slight but significant increase in pH.
      Differential scanning calorimetry revealed large changes in the thermograms of
      muscle samples as a result of pressure treatment, in particular a transition
      attributed to F-actin was absent in the pressure-treated sample. Examination of
      the ultrastructure also revealed extensive change as a result of pressure
      treatment, particularly in the I-band and M-line region. Pressure treatment
      either did not change shear values or increased them, according to whether the
      muscle was in the stretched or contracted state, respectively. The results are
      thought to support a theory for contraction state toughness proposed by Voyle
      (1969) in which increasing toughness is caused by an increasing incidence of
      sarcomeres in which thick filaments have been compressed onto the Z-line, thus
      removing the I-band as a zone of weakness.

PMID- 22056096
TI  - Can muscle lysosomal enzymes affect muscle collagen post-mortem?
AB  - Incubation of collagen fibres with muscle lysosomal enzymes at 37 degrees C, pH
      5.5, affects significantly the thermal stability of muscle collagen. The
      thermolabile fraction increases and the strength of the fibres measured through
      thermal contraction decreases by/nearly 50% after treatment. It is concluded that
      the muscle lysosomal fraction contains an enzyme system which can reduce the
      strength of muscle collagen at pH 5.5. The reason why this potential is not
      exhibited post-mortem could be due to a limited release of the enzymes or the
      presence of enzyme inhibitors.

PMID- 22056097
TI  - Lytic lesion.

PMID- 22056098
TI  - Controversies in family planning: management of lethal fetal anomalies in the
      third trimester.

PMID- 22056099
TI  - Controversies in family planning: first trimester uterine evacuation for the
      anticoagulated patient.

PMID- 22056100
TI  - Comparison of medical abortion follow-up with serum human chorionic gonadotropin
      testing and in-office assessment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The study was conducted to compare lost to follow-up (LTFU) rates in
      women having a medical abortion who chose follow-up by in-office ultrasound
      assessment or serum beta human chorionic gonadotropin (beta-hCG) testing.
      METHODS: This retrospective chart review included 865 women who underwent medical
      abortion in a free-standing outpatient clinic from September 1, 2007, through
      September 30, 2010. Patients had a 1-week follow-up evaluation after receiving
      the medications consisting of in-office ultrasound assessment or serial serum
      beta-hCG testing. Ultrasound assessment was offered throughout the study period,
      and serum beta-hCG testing was offered as of September 1, 2008. Demographic and
      medical data were reviewed to evaluate LTFU rates based on patient's chosen
      method of follow-up. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to
      evaluate factors that were independently associated with lack of follow-up.
      RESULTS: LTFU rates increased from 18% to 27% in the first and third years of the
      study period, respectively (p=.009). LTFU rates with ultrasound and beta-hCG
      testing were 22.9% and 33.7%, respectively (p=.024). In multivariable analysis,
      follow-up method was not associated with increased LTFU. Increased parity, any
      previous induced abortion, increased distance from home to clinic site and
      unemployment were independently associated with increased LTFU. CONCLUSIONS:
      Although LTFU rates are higher with serum beta-hCG testing than in-office
      ultrasound follow-up in our patient population, the women who choose this method
      are inherently more likely not to follow-up because of other characteristics that
      predict a high likelihood of being LTFU. Offering serum beta-hCG testing does not
      decrease the LTFU rate in women having a medical abortion.

PMID- 22056101
TI  - Surface properties of muscle protein extracts.
AB  - The interfacial properties of proteins extracted from muscle using salt solutions
      of different concentration and for different extraction times were determined by
      the drop volume method. At a bulk phase concentration of 10(-2) wt%, it appears
      that the sarcoplasmic-rich fraction of muscle is more surface active than the
      salt-soluble fraction. The average equilibrium surface pressure at the air-liquid
      interface was 21.5 mN m(-1) for an aqueous extract and 20.1 mN m(-1) for a 1m KCl
      extract. The equilibrium surface pressure decreased from 21.7 mN m(-1) to 19.50mN
      m(-1) as the extraction time with Weber-Edsall solution increased from 15 min to
      48 h.

PMID- 22056102
TI  - Odor thresholds of the C(19)-Delta(16)-steroids responsible for boar odor in
      pork.
AB  - Odor thresholds for each of the five C(19)-Delta(16)-steroids believed to
      contribute to boar odor in pork were determined using duo-trio test methodology.
      Threshold values for 5,16-androstadien-3beta-ol (I) and 4,16-androstadien-3-one
      (II) were approximately 10 MUg/g, whereas those for 5alpha-androst-16-en-3-one
      (III), 5alpha-androst-16-en-3alpha-ol (IV) and 5alpha-androst-16-en-3beta-ol (V)
      were about 1 MUg/g. Statistical comparisons of the mean threshold values for each
      of these compounds showed no difference (P < 0.05) among the mean thresholds of
      III, IV and V or between compounds I and II. The mean thresholds of compounds I
      and II were different (P < 0.05) from those of compounds III, IV and V. Triangle
      test methodology was employed to measure the ability of trained panelists to
      differentiate the odors of each of these five compounds either singly or in all
      combinations. Results showed that panelists were able to differentiate (P < 0.05)
      between the odors of the C(19)-Delta(16)-steroids possessing ketone groups (II
      and III) and those containing alcohol groups (I, IV and V). Panelists were not
      able, however, to differentiate (P < 0.05) between the odors of the three
      alcoholic steroids (I, IV and V), nor were they able to differentiate between the
      odors of the two ketonic steroids (II and III).

PMID- 22056103
TI  - Comparison of various types of starch when used in meat sausages.
AB  - Technological and sensory properties of meat sausages formulated with 4.0% of
      either potato flour, modified (acetylated distarch phosphate) potato starch,
      wheat, corn or tapioca starch were compared. Sausages were analyzed after cooking
      at temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees C followed by storage at 5 degrees C
      and -25 degrees C. Characteristics evaluated were weight loss during cooking and
      storage, instrumentally and sensory assessed firmness, taste and smell of
      sausages. The results revealed differences in the suitability of starches for use
      in meat sausages. Part of the differences could be ascribed to differences in
      gelatination properties of the starches. With the criteria used for evaluating
      quality, potato flour was rated as the best suited starch followed by wheat
      starch while tapioca was rated as the least suited. Corn starch required cooking
      temperatures above 75 degrees C and showed relatively low freeze/thaw stability.
      The modified potato starch stored well both above and below the freezing point.

PMID- 22056104
TI  - Ante-mortem detection of PSE and DFD by infrared thermography of pigs before
      stunning.
AB  - Using water-holding capacity and colour measurements (L and b values) as
      objective quality parameters, we have observed an increasing incidence of meat
      quality defects with the increasing skin surface temperature of pigs by infrared
      thermography prior to stunning. Below 32.2 degrees C, 50% of the 32 pigs measured
      had normal meat while the other half showed meat quality defects. Above 32.2
      degrees C, however, 71% of the 49 pigs showed meat quality problems classified as
      moderate PSE (6%), PSE (30%), moderate DFD (22%) and DFD (37%). At this
      temperature level, meat quality of the remaining pigs was normal and decreased to
      29%. Although infrared thermography of live animals cannot predict whether the
      meat will be PSE or DFD, it seems to be a practical and rapid method to detect
      pigs who will yield a significant proportion of meat quality defects. An early
      post-mortem identification of meat quality could supply the missing information.

PMID- 22056105
TI  - The effect of ageing treatment on the microbiology and storage characteristics of
      beef in modified atmosphere packs containing 25% CO(2) plus 75% O(2).
AB  - The influence of different ageing treatments (1 week hung in air; 1 and 3 weeks
      in vacuum packs) on the microbiological, colour, odour and rancidity
      characteristics of beef loin steaks during storage at 1 degrees  and 6 degrees C
      in modified atmosphere packs (MA) containing 25% CO(2) + 75% O(2) was determined.
      Steaks from the 3-week ageing treatment discoloured more rapidly and developed
      off-odours sooner than those from the 1-week ageing treatments at both storage
      temperatures. Evidence of rancidity, using the thiobarbituric acid assay, was
      only observed in the 3-week aged steaks stored at 6 degrees C. The poorer storage
      stability of the 3-week aged steaks was explained by higher initial levels of
      bacteria resulting from growth during ageing. Leuconostocs were the dominant
      bacteria on most MA samples following storage and appeared the main cause of
      spoilage, although B. thermosphacta and Pseudomonas spp may have contributed to
      off-odours on samples aged hung and stored at 6 degrees C.

PMID- 22056106
TI  - The cumulative effect of nutritional, shearing and preslaughter washing stresses
      on the quality of lamb meat.
AB  - Carcass and meat characteristics were measured in lambs exposed to combinations
      of nutritional, shearing and preslaughter washing treatments. Both shearing and a
      low plane of nutrition reduced carcass weight (P < 0.001) and increased carcass
      leanness (P < 0.01). Tenderness and colour of M. longissimus dorsi were not
      significantly influenced by treatments even though there were substantial
      responses in meat pH. In lambs subjected to all three stressors pH was 0.40 units
      above control levels, significantly more than the sum of individual effects (P <
      0.05), demonstrating a cumulative effect of stressors on meat pH.

PMID- 22056107
TI  - Microbiological characteristics of precooked, vacuum-packaged uncured beef and
      pork.
AB  - Microbiological examination of 29 packages of precooked, vacuum-packaged beef and
      pork products purchased at local and regional supermarkets along with 110
      packages of precooked, vacuum-packaged, sliced roast beef obtained from a major
      meat processor did not disclose the presence of Escherichia coli, coagulase
      positive Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium perfringens or Salmonella. The
      effects of storage temperature and length of storage on the microflora of 110
      packages of sliced roast beef were determined at specific intervals of storage up
      to 84 days at 1 degrees  and 5 degrees C, and up to 28 days at 10 degrees C. The
      microflora of samples stored at 1 degrees  and 5 degrees C was dominated by
      Lactobacillus spp. when examined on day 28 and throughout the remainder of the 84
      day test period. The microflora of samples held at 10 degrees C was dominated by
      Lactobacillus spp. until late in storage when Hafnia alvei became a major portion
      of the bacterial population. Precooked, sliced roast beef had a longer shelf life
      in laboratory controlled evaluations when stored at 1 degrees C as opposed to 5
      degrees  or 10 degrees C.

PMID- 22056108
TI  - A mass in the left flank.

PMID- 22056109
TI  - Diagnostic performance of initial salivary alpha-amylase activity for acute
      myocardial infarction in patients with acute chest pain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To rule out acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in chest pain patients
      constitutes a diagnostic challenge to emergency department (ED) physicians. STUDY
      OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the diagnostic value of measuring salivary alpha-amylase
      (sAA) activity for detecting AMI in patients presenting to the ED with acute
      chest pain. METHODS: sAA activity was measured in a prospective cohort of 473
      consecutive adult patients within 4 h of onset of chest pain. Comparisons were
      made between patients with a final diagnosis of AMI and those with non-AMI.
      Univariate analysis and multiple logistic regression model were used to identify
      independent clinical predictors of AMI. RESULTS: Initial sAA activity in the AMI
      group (n = 85; 266 +/- 127.6 U/mL) was significantly higher than in the non-AMI
      group (n = 388; 130 +/- 92.8 U/mL, p < 0.001). sAA activity levels were also
      significantly higher in patients with ST elevation AMI (n = 53) compared to in
      those with non-ST elevation AMI (n = 32) (300 +/- 141.1 vs. 210 +/- 74.1 U/mL, p
      < 0.001). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of sAA
      activity for predicting AMI in patients with acute chest pain was 0.826 (95%
      confidence interval [CI] 0.782-0.869), with diagnostic odds ratio 10.87 (95% CI
      6.16-19.18). With a best cutoff value of 197.7 U/mL, the sAA activity revealed
      moderate sensitivity and specificity as an independent predictor of AMI (78.8%
      and 74.5%). CONCLUSIONS: High initial sAA activity is an independent predictor of
      AMI in patients presenting to the ED with chest pain.

PMID- 22056110
TI  - Provider perceptions concerning use of chest x-ray studies in adult blunt trauma
      assessments.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although they infrequently lead to management changing diagnoses,
      chest x-rays (CXRs) are the most commonly ordered imaging study in blunt trauma
      evaluation. OBJECTIVES: To determine: 1) the reasons physicians order chest X-ray
      studies (CXRs) in blunt trauma assessments; 2) what injuries they expect CXRs to
      reveal; and 3) whether physicians can accurately predict low likelihood of injury
      on CXR. METHODS: At a Level I Trauma Center, we asked resident and attending
      physicians treating adult blunt trauma patients: 1) the primary reason(s) for
      getting CXRs; 2) what, if any, significant intrathoracic injuries (SITI) they
      expected CXRs to reveal; and 3) the likelihood of these injuries. An expert panel
      defined SITI as two or more rib fractures, sternal fracture, pulmonary contusion,
      pneumothorax, hemothorax, or aortic injury on official CXR readings. RESULTS:
      There were 484 patient encounters analyzed--65% of participating physicians were
      residents and 35% were attendings; 16 (3.3%) patients had SITI. The most common
      reasons for ordering CXRs were: "enough concern for significant injury" (62.9%)
      and belief that CXR is a "standard part of trauma work-up" (24.8%). Residents
      were more likely than attendings to cite "standard trauma work-up" (mean
      difference = 13.5%, p = 0.003). When physicians estimated a < 10% likelihood of
      SITI on CXR, 2.1% (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.0-4.1%) of patients had SITI;
      when they predicted a 10-25% likelihood, 5.7% (95% CI 1.2-15.7%) had SITI; and
      when they predicted a > 25% likelihood, 9.1% (95% CI 3.0-20.0%) had SITI.
      CONCLUSIONS: Physicians order CXRs in blunt trauma patients because they expect
      to find injuries and believe that CXRs are part of a "standard" work-up.
      Providers commonly do not expect CXRs to reveal SITI. When providers estimated
      low likelihood of SITI, the rate of SITI was very low.

PMID- 22056111
TI  - The medial-transverse approach for internal jugular vein cannulation: an example
      of lateral thinking.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cannulation of the internal jugular vein (IJV) is traditionally
      performed using the central-longitudinal approach. Pneumothorax, carotid artery
      puncture, and failure to cannulate are uncommon, but by no means rare,
      complications. Ultrasound (US) guidance for IJV cannulation has reduced but not
      eliminated such complications. TECHNIQUE: We herein introduce a new approach,
      coined the "medial-transverse approach" due to the perpendicular angle at which
      the introducer needle is advanced toward the IJV from the median to lateral
      direction. DISCUSSION: The direction of the introducer needle is not toward the
      lung, thus virtually eliminating the possibility of pneumothorax. The image of
      the entire needle is seen when the US probe is typically orientated for a short
      axis view of the IJV and carotid artery, thus improving the chance of
      uncomplicated IJV puncture. We have used this technique with apparent success in
      thousands of cases over the past 20 years in two different institutions.
      CONCLUSION: A modified IJV cannulation technique that seems to have unique
      advantages over traditional approaches has been described. This technique is
      compatible with the blind and US-guided approaches.

PMID- 22056112
TI  - There is no doubt that the early identification of PKU and prompt and continuous
      intervention prevents mental retardation in most patients.

PMID- 22056113
TI  - Legislative solutions to unhealthy eating and obesity in Australia.
AB  - This paper discusses legislative interventions that have potential to address
      factors in the food environment that contribute to unhealthy eating patterns and
      increasing obesity rates in the Australian population, and political barriers to
      the implementation of these interventions. The paper devotes particular attention
      to legislative interventions to require disclosure of nutrition information about
      food and beverage products, which would help to inform consumer choices, and are,
      therefore, difficult to object to on personal responsibility or 'nanny state'
      grounds. It is suggested that these interventions seem to be gaining political
      acceptance in Australia, and may provide a starting point for incremental
      progress.

PMID- 22056114
TI  - Stem cells for GI motility disorders.
AB  - Currently available therapies for gastrointestinal motility conditions are often
      inadequate. Recent scientific advances, however, have facilitated the
      identification of neural stem cells as novel tools for cellular replenishment.
      Such cells can be generated from a number of tissue sources including the gut
      itself. Neural stem cells can readily be harvested from postnatal human gut
      including by conventional endoscopy, and in experimental transplantation studies
      appear capable of generating a neo-Enteric Nervous System. Current initiatives
      are addressing pre-clinical proof of concept studies in vivo utilising animal
      models of disease. Although definitive cell replenishment therapies for gut
      motility disorders appear to be an exciting and realistic prospect, even in the
      short-term, a number of challenges remain to be addressed before definitive
      clinical application.

PMID- 22056115
TI  - Conditioning of meat from different species. Relationship between tenderising and
      the levels of cathepsin B, cathepsin L, calpain I, calpain II and beta
      glucuronidase.
AB  - The conditioning times for beef, calf, lamb, pig and chicken M. pectoralis
      profundus were determined from extensibility measurements at 15 degrees C.
      Extracts from the same muscle from these animals and also rabbit were assayed for
      free and total cathepsin activities using a new method to determine the extent of
      inhibition by cystatins. A new method was also developed for the rapid estimation
      of each calpain. The results show that pig muscle contained most cathepsin
      activity. Cathepsin L appeared to be inhibited to a greater degree than cathepsin
      B in the pig, rabbit and chicken muscle extracts. These extracts also contained
      proportionately more cathepsin L than the other species. Chicken muscle contained
      only a low level of the more sensitive neutral proteinase, calpain I. It was
      concluded that the rapid conditioning time for chicken muscle could not be
      explained in terms of either the free or total levels of cathepsins B and L, nor
      of the individual calpain activities.

PMID- 22056116
TI  - Separation of vertebral epiphyses in bovine carcases.
AB  - Separation of vertebral epiphyses in the thoracolumbar region is a cause of
      rejection of beef carcases for Intervention storage. Incidence is highest in
      younger cattle and the problem is associated with certain types of hide puller
      and dressing technique. Three dressing methods are evaluated and tensile strenght
      of bone specimens is measured.

PMID- 22056117
TI  - Thermal transition of collagen in ovine connective tissues.
AB  - The thermal transition temperature (T(m)) of collagen in a range of muscle and
      non-muscle connective tissues from lambs, hoggets and mature sheep was measured
      by differential scanning calorimetry. The muscles selected were: semimembranosus
      (SM), semitendinosus (ST), biceps femoris (BF), Longissimus dorsi (LD) and psoas
      major (PM). Although the T(m) of intramuscular SM collagen from an aged ewe
      underwent no significant change with time post mortem, that of a 5-months-old
      lamb had dropped by 0.9 degrees C after 2 days at 19 degrees C. The epimysium of
      each muscle exhibited a higher T(m) than the corresponding intramuscular
      connective tissue. The LD and BF tendons each had a lower T(m) than corresponding
      intramuscular connective tissue but this was not true for the PM. Furthermore,
      the PM tendon generated an isometric tension more than five times that of the LD,
      BF or psoas minor tendons. This indicates that the PM tendon is richer in
      heatstable crosslinks than any of the other tendons investigated. In all tissues,
      except the liver capsule, there was an increase in T(m) with animal age. However,
      the rate of change T(m) varied from one tissue to another. For example, the SM
      intramuscular collagen matured at an earlier age than that of other muscles, the
      PM being slowest to mature. In keeping with the changes in T(m) values, the
      Warner-Bratzler peak force of ST muscles increased markedly in older sheep, but
      there was no significant difference in peak force of SM muscles between lambs,
      hoggets and mature sheep.

PMID- 22056118
TI  - Effect of feeding regimen, breed and sex condition on carcass composition and
      feed efficiency.
AB  - Eighty bulls and eighty steers representing four breed types (7/8 Angus. 7/8
      Simmental, 7/8 Simmental * 7/8 Angus and 7/8 Simmental * 7/8 Hereford) were
      randomly assigned to two diets by sex class and breed type. Exotic breeds
      produced heavier, leaner, more muscular carcasses, with lower USDA quality grades
      and darker colored, coarser textured lean. Angus 9-10-11th rib composition showed
      that Angus tended to have less lean, more bone and the most fat when compared to
      the Simmental and Simmental crosses. Feeding the deferred diet resulted in
      carcasses with (P < 0.05) less fat, lower USDA quality grade, smaller ribeyes,
      more sensory panel detectable connective tissue, higher cooking losses and higher
      Instron shear values. Sex class caused differences (P < 0.05) in feed efficiency,
      carcass traits and sensory properties.

PMID- 22056119
TI  - Use of the Hennessy Grading Probe (GP) for predicting the meat, fat and bone
      yields of beef carcasses.
AB  - Left sides of 36 bulls, 22 cows, 57 steers and 38 heifer carcasses were weighed
      hot (HCWL) and were probed with the Hennessy Grading Probe (HGP) at five sites to
      give four subcutaneous fat depths, two M. longissimus dorsi depths and one total
      tissue depth measurement. A fat depth (GR) over the 10th rib was also measured by
      ruler probe. The left sides were later separated by knife into saleable eat (90%
      visual lean), fat trim and bone. Probe readings of subcutaneous fat thickness at
      the fatter rump sites (BF, 5-7 cm lateral to the perianal region over the M.
      biceps femoris; SC8, 8 cm lateral to the prominence of the sacral crest) were
      smaller than ruler measurements at the same sites. Probe eye muscle depth
      measurements were smaller than measurements taken at the same site by ruler. The
      BF measurement taken by probe, combined with HCWL, gave the best prediction of
      percentage fat trim (RSD = 2.0% for steers and 2.2% for heifers) and edible meat
      yield (RSD = 2.0% for steers and 2.6% for heifers) in the left sides of all the
      measurements studied, either singly or in combination. A major problem was to
      find a measurement site where subcutaneous fat was not removed from some
      carcasses during hide removal.

PMID- 22056120
TI  - The relationships between initial pH, reflectance and exudation in pig muscle.
AB  - Using data collected from several hundred pigs, the relationships of drip loss
      during storage, and reflectance, to pH(45) in the M. longissimus dorsi (LD) were
      both found to be biphasic. Muscles with a lower pH(45) lost more drip and were
      paler. Below pH 6.1, however, decreasing pH(45) had only a small effect on the
      weight of drip lost but a large influence on reflectance. In contrast, above pH
      6.1, increasing pH(45) had a large influence on drip loss but only a small effect
      on reflectance. There was also a biphasic relationship between drip loss and
      reflectance with the discontinuity at 9.9% drip. Differences in pH(u) explained
      less than 15% of the variation in exudation and reflectance.

PMID- 22056121
TI  - Occurrence of giant fibers in muscles from wild pigs native to the United States.
AB  - The semimembranosus (SM) and triceps brachii (TB) muscles from wild pigs native
      to Florida. USA, were evaluated for histological characteristics. All three fiber
      types were present in both muscles in varying proportions, reflecting differences
      between tonic and phasic functioning muscles. Typical fiber arrangements were
      observed with red fibers grouped in clumps and surrounded by white fibers. The
      triceps brachii muscle contained a greater percentage of betaR and alphaR fibers
      and possessed more giant fibers than the SM muscle which contained more alphaW
      fibers. The giant fibers observed resembled betaR or alphaR fibers. The presence
      of hypertrophied fibers in the muscles from these wild pigs suggests that the
      'giant fiber syndrome' is an intrinsic susceptibility for muscle fiber
      enlargement in these animals and not necessarily associated with breeding for
      muscularity since the carcasses from these pigs contained very small muscles and
      very little fat.

PMID- 22056123
TI  - Hospitalized patients with dementia: the dilemma of managing agitation.

PMID- 22056124
TI  - The interstitial location of selenium and arsenic in rocks associated with coal
      mining using ultrasound extractions and principal component analysis (PCA).
AB  - The release of selenium and arsenic from coal mine wastes into main waterways is
      an environmental cause for concern in the mining industry due to a myriad of
      subsequent ecotoxicological problems associated with the two metalloids. In a
      2002 USEPA study undertaken in a mountaintop removal/valley fill (MTR/VF) mining
      area in southern West Virginia, measured Se concentrations were higher than the
      stipulated 5 ng/mL in 66 out of the 213 water samples collected. We studied the
      chemical composition of forty seven randomly selected pulverized core rock
      samples collected from depths of 25 ft to 881 ft from MTR/VF sites to determine
      the amounts of bioaccessible (ultrasound leachable) As and Se concentrations and
      their tentative locations within the rock matrix. The application of principal
      component analysis (PCA) to the chemical data, suggested that ultrasound
      leachable selenium concentrations were associated with 14 A d-spacing
      phyllosilicate clays (chlorite, montmorillonite and vermiculite all 2:1 layered
      clays) whilst ultrasound leachable arsenic concentrations were closely related to
      the concentration of illite, another 2:1 phyllosilicate clay. Negative
      correlations between leachable arsenic and selenium with kaolinite a 1:1 layered
      clay, were also observed. We used the observed negative correlations to rule out
      the presence of selenium or arsenic in 1:1 kaolinite. Hence mining waste from
      MTR/VF sites containing substantial amounts of illite and 14 A d-spacing clays
      may require to be placed in priority landfills or valley fills.

PMID- 22056125
TI  - Evaluation of some objective methods for measuring pork quality.
AB  - Several objective methods for estimating pork quality were evaluated, by
      correlating instrument values against visual scores by an experienced panel. The
      measurements examined were reflectance, fibre optic probe, pH, drip and
      Kapillarvolumeter values. Measurements were made on intact carcasses or after
      cutting across at the shoulder, mid-loin and ham. In chilled pork cuts, the fibre
      optic probe (FOP(u) value) and reflectometer agreed most closely with panel
      scores (r = 0.71 and 0.78, respectively). The probe has the added advantage of
      providing a useful indication of meat quality in the uncut carcass. Drip loss was
      about equally correlated with FOP(u), reflectance and Kapillarvolumeter values (r
      = 0.7 in all cases). In hot carcasses, the fibre optic probe (FOP(l) value) was
      superior to the pH(l) value for predicting panel score (r = 0.76 and -0.53
      respectively) and reflectance (r = 0.80 and -0.60), whereas pH(l) was better than
      FOP(l) for predicting drip loss (r = -0.65 and 0.55).

PMID- 22056126
TI  - Post-mortem changes of connectin in chicken skeletal muscle.
AB  - To investigate the influence of connectin (titin) on meat tenderization during
      conditioning, changes in the content and the electrophoretic pattern of the
      connectin in chicken myofibrils isolated by gel permeation chromatography were
      studied. Significant difference of the content and the electrophoretic pattern of
      the connectin isolated was not observed between the preparations from fresh and
      stored muscle. Therefore, the connectin is unlikely to be responsible for the
      meat tenderization caused by conditioning.

PMID- 22056127
TI  - Glycogen depletion patterns in myofibres of cattle during stress.
AB  - The response of the three major types of fibre in beef M. longissimus dorsi
      during stress and recovery was examined with respect to cellular glycogen
      content. Two different forms of stress were induced in Friesian bulls, by mixing
      with strangers for a 5h period or by subcutaneous injections of adrenaline.
      Muscle biopsy samples were taken during stress and recovery for biochemical and
      histochemical analysis of glycogen content. Muscle glycogen concentration fell to
      45% of the resting value during mixing stress and to 37% of the resting value
      after adrenaline treatment. Slow-twitch and fast-twitch fibre types responded
      differently to stress, and the differences were reversed in the two forms of
      stress studied. Mixing stress caused a greater loss of glycogen from the two fast
      fibre types than from the slow type while adrenaline caused a much greater loss
      of glycogen from the slow fibres than from the two fast fibre types. The results
      demonstrate that glycogen is selectively depleted in muscle fibres in response to
      stress and that the pattern of depletion is different in adrenaline versus mixing
      stress.

PMID- 22056128
TI  - Observations on the physiological effects of pithing cattle at slaughter.
AB  - Pithing cattle after captive bolt stunning, by thrusting a rod into the cranial
      cavity, causes violent muscular activity. The present observations have shown
      that this does not result in a rapid fall in the muscle pH similar to that
      occurring after electrical stimulation. The claim that pithing for a greater
      length than usual down the spinal cord causes marked enlargement of the spleen
      has not been substantiated.

PMID- 22056129
TI  - Metmyoglobin and inorganic metals as pro-oxidants in raw and cooked muscle
      systems.
AB  - The pro-oxidant activities of metmyoglobin (Mb) and metal ions on the induction
      of lipid oxidation in raw and heated water-washed muscle systems from fish,
      turkey, chicken, pork, beef and lamb and during storage of these systems at 4
      degrees C, were investigated. Lipid oxidation was invariably faster in heated
      than in raw systems. In raw Mb-catalyzed systems, oxidation was slow over a 5-day
      period, except in fish, where significant (P < 0.05) increases in TBA values
      occurred; in contrast, significant (P < 0.05) increases in TBA values occurred in
      cooked fish, turkey, chicken and pork after 3 days of storage. Cooked beef and
      lamb, however, showed significant lipid oxidation only after 5 days of storage.
      Fe(2+) was found to be highly catalytic in cooked muscle. Cu(2+) and Co(2+) were
      less effective catalysts than Fe(2+); the overall pro-oxidant activity was in the
      order Fe(2+) > Cu(2+) > Co(2+) > Mb, and the susceptibility to lipid oxidation of
      the muscle systems was in the order: fish > turkey > chicken > pork > beef >
      lamb, probably reflecting the degree of unsaturation of the constituent
      triglyceride fractions.

PMID- 22056130
TI  - Trends in modern meat technology Edited by B. Krol, P. S. Van Roon and J. H.
      Houben, Pudoc, Centrex for Ag. Publ. & Documentation, Wageningen, The
      Netherlands, 125 pp., 1985. Price: Dfl. 50.00.

PMID- 22056131
TI  - Nodal/Activin signaling: a novel target for pancreatic cancer stem cell therapy.
AB  - Targeting of cancer stem cells (CSCs) has the potential to address the
      recalcitrance of pancreatic cancer to chemotherapy. In this issue of Cell Stem
      Cell, Lonardo et al. (2011) demonstrate that Nodal/Activin signaling is crucial
      for the maintenance and tumor-initiating capacity of pancreatic CSCs.

PMID- 22056132
TI  - Postnatal neurogenesis in the human forebrain: from two migratory streams to
      dribbles.
AB  - Subventricular zone neurogenesis occurs throughout life from rodents to primates,
      but the existence of a rostral migratory stream of immature neurons in postnatal
      human brains is controversial. A recent report in Nature (Sanai et al., 2011)
      identifies two neuronal migratory streams in infant human brains targeting the
      olfactory bulb and prefrontal cortex.

PMID- 22056133
TI  - Rewind to recover: dedifferentiation after cardiac injury.
AB  - In adult mammals, cardiomyocytes are known to reactivate an embryonic gene
      expression program after injury. In this issue of Cell Stem Cell, Kubin et al.
      (2011) show that oncostatin M regulates this dedifferentiation which, while
      beneficial for recovery from acute injury, if persistent results in heart failure
      in both rodents and humans.

PMID- 22056134
TI  - Guiding DNA methylation.
AB  - How DNA methyltransferases, with their limited target specificity, establish cell
      type-specific epigenetic patterns is poorly understood. Schubeler and colleagues
      (Lienert et al., 2011) now show that methylation-determining regions (MDRs)
      within promoter regions are sufficient to recapitulate endogenous patterns and
      dynamics of DNA methylation.

PMID- 22056135
TI  - You can count on this: barcoded hematopoietic stem cells.
AB  - Understanding how individual hematopoietic stem cells contribute to blood
      formation requires analysis at the single-cell level. Recently in Nature
      Biotechnology, Lu et al. (2011) tagged HSCs with unique molecular barcodes and
      used high-throughput sequencing to track their progeny after transplantation.

PMID- 22056136
TI  - Regulating autologous adult stem cells: the FDA steps up.
AB  - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has sought an injunction to prevent a US
      based company from offering an autologous adult stem cell treatment for
      musculoskeletal and spinal injuries. Given the alarming number of clinics
      promoting stem-cell-based interventions, the outcome of this case could have wide
      ranging implications.

PMID- 22056137
TI  - The impact of market volatility on the cell therapy industry.
AB  - Stock market volatility in the cell therapy industry has greatly hindered the
      investment necessary to fund translational therapies. Here, we review the
      volatility of leading companies and suggest that a distinct industry is maturing
      to a point at which the volatility should subside, providing a more attractive
      environment for future growth.

PMID- 22056138
TI  - Maintaining tissue homeostasis: dynamic control of somatic stem cell activity.
AB  - Long-term maintenance of tissue homeostasis relies on the accurate regulation of
      somatic stem cell activity. Somatic stem cells have to respond to tissue damage
      and proliferate according to tissue requirements while avoiding
      overproliferation. The regulatory mechanisms involved in these responses are now
      being unraveled in the intestinal epithelium of Drosophila, providing new insight
      into strategies and mechanisms of stem cell regulation in barrier epithelia.
      Here, we review these studies and highlight recent findings in vertebrate
      epithelia that indicate significant conservation of regenerative strategies
      between vertebrate and fly epithelia.

PMID- 22056139
TI  - Oncostatin M is a major mediator of cardiomyocyte dedifferentiation and
      remodeling.
AB  - Cardiomyocyte remodeling, which includes partial dedifferentiation of
      cardiomyocytes, is a process that occurs during both acute and chronic disease
      processes. Here, we demonstrate that oncostatin M (OSM) is a major mediator of
      cardiomyocyte dedifferentiation and remodeling during acute myocardial infarction
      (MI) and in chronic dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Patients suffering from DCM
      show a strong and lasting increase of OSM expression and signaling. OSM treatment
      induces dedifferentiation of cardiomyocytes and upregulation of stem cell markers
      and improves cardiac function after MI. Conversely, inhibition of OSM signaling
      suppresses cardiomyocyte remodeling after MI and in a mouse model of DCM,
      resulting in deterioration of heart function after MI but improvement of cardiac
      performance in DCM. We postulate that dedifferentiation of cardiomyocytes
      initially protects stressed hearts but fails to support cardiac structure and
      function upon continued activation. Manipulation of OSM signaling provides a
      means to control the differentiation state of cardiomyocytes and cellular
      plasticity.

PMID- 22056140
TI  - Nodal/Activin signaling drives self-renewal and tumorigenicity of pancreatic
      cancer stem cells and provides a target for combined drug therapy.
AB  - Nodal and Activin belong to the TGF-beta superfamily and are important regulators
      of embryonic stem cell fate. Here we investigated whether Nodal and Activin
      regulate self-renewal of pancreatic cancer stem cells. Nodal and Activin were
      hardly detectable in more differentiated pancreatic cancer cells, while cancer
      stem cells and stroma-derived pancreatic stellate cells markedly overexpressed
      Nodal and Activin, but not TGF-beta. Knockdown or pharmacological inhibition of
      the Nodal/Activin receptor Alk4/7 in cancer stem cells virtually abrogated their
      self-renewal capacity and in vivo tumorigenicity, and reversed the resistance of
      orthotopically engrafted cancer stem cells to gemcitabine. However, engrafted
      primary human pancreatic cancer tissue with a substantial stroma showed no
      response due to limited drug delivery. The addition of a stroma-targeting
      hedgehog pathway inhibitor enhanced delivery of the Nodal/Activin inhibitor and
      translated into long-term, progression-free survival. Therefore, inhibition of
      the Alk4/7 pathway, if combined with hedgehog pathway inhibition and gemcitabine,
      provides a therapeutic strategy for targeting cancer stem cells.

PMID- 22056141
TI  - Sustained activation of mTOR pathway in embryonic neural stem cells leads to
      development of tuberous sclerosis complex-associated lesions.
AB  - Tuberous Sclerosis Complex (TSC) is a multisystem genetic disorder characterized
      by hamartomatous neurological lesions that exhibit abnormal cell proliferation
      and differentiation. Hyperactivation of mTOR pathway by mutations in either the
      Tsc1 or Tsc2 gene underlies TSC pathogenesis, but involvement of specific neural
      cell populations in the formation of TSC-associated neurological lesions remains
      unclear. We deleted Tsc1 in Emx1-expressing embryonic telencephalic neural stem
      cells (NSCs) and found that mutant mice faithfully recapitulated TSC
      neuropathological lesions, such as cortical lamination defects and subependymal
      nodules (SENs). These alterations were caused by enhanced generation of SVZ
      neural progeny, followed by their premature differentiation and impaired
      maturation during both embryonic and postnatal development. Notably, mTORC1
      dependent Akt inhibition and STAT3 activation were involved in the reduced self
      renewal and earlier neuronal and astroglial differentiation of mutant NSCs. Thus,
      finely tuned mTOR activation in embryonic NSCs may be critical to prevent
      development of TSC-associated brain lesions.

PMID- 22056142
TI  - Rac mediates mouse spermatogonial stem cell homing to germline niches by
      regulating transmigration through the blood-testis barrier.
AB  - The homing ability of spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) allows them to migrate
      into niches after being transplantated into infertile testes. Transplanted SSCs
      attach to Sertoli cells and transmigrate through the blood-testis barrier (BTB),
      formed by inter-Sertoli tight junctions, toward niches on the basement membrane.
      The most critical step is the passage through the BTB, which limits the homing
      efficiency to <10%. Here we demonstrated the involvement of Rac1 in SSC
      transmigration. Rac1-deficient SSCs did not colonize the adult testes, but they
      reinitiated spermatogenesis when transplanted into pup testes without a BTB.
      Moreover, a dominant-negative Rac1 construct not only reduced the expression of
      several claudin proteins, which comprise the BTB, but also increased SSC
      proliferation both in vitro and in vivo. Short hairpin RNA (shRNA) -mediated
      suppression of claudin3, which was downregulated by Rac inhibition, reduced the
      SSC homing efficiency. Thus, Rac1 is a critical regulator of SSC homing and
      proliferation.

PMID- 22056143
TI  - Methylation of cancer-stem-cell-associated Wnt target genes predicts poor
      prognosis in colorectal cancer patients.
AB  - Gene signatures derived from cancer stem cells (CSCs) predict tumor recurrence
      for many forms of cancer. Here, we derived a gene signature for colorectal CSCs
      defined by high Wnt signaling activity, which in agreement with previous
      observations predicts poor prognosis. Surprisingly, however, we found that
      elevated expression of Wnt targets was actually associated with good prognosis,
      while patient tumors with low expression of Wnt target genes segregated with
      immature stem cell signatures. We discovered that several Wnt target genes,
      including ASCL2 and LGR5, become silenced by CpG island methylation during
      progression of tumorigenesis, and that their re-expression was associated with
      reduced tumor growth. Taken together, our data show that promoter methylation of
      Wnt target genes is a strong predictor for recurrence of colorectal cancer, and
      suggest that CSC gene signatures, rather than reflecting CSC numbers, may reflect
      differentiation status of the malignant tissue.

PMID- 22056144
TI  - Diversity and toxigenicity among members of the Bacillus cereus group.
AB  - Members of the Bacillus cereus group were isolated from rice products by
      centrifugation-plating and conventional spread-plating methods. Random amplified
      polymorphic DNA-polymerase chain reaction (RAPD-PCR) results showed broad
      diversity among the strains and revealed some associations among isolates from
      raw and cooked rice samples, at the genotypic level. A comparatively greater
      diversity among strains was observed in isolates from raw rice than those from
      cooked rice and, generally, the RAPD profiles of isolates from raw and cooked
      rice were different, with only a few of them common to both types of rice. The
      toxigenic potential of the isolates was also determined by molecular and
      immunoassay analyses. The results revealed that most isolates from the B. cereus
      group were potentially or actually toxigenic, and some isolates could produce
      both diarrhoeal and emetic toxins. Generally, isolates belonging to the B. cereus
      group with the same RAPD pattern were shown to have a similar profile of
      enterotoxigenicity.

PMID- 22056145
TI  - Biodiversity of Saccharomyces cerevisiae populations in Malbec vineyards from the
      "Zona Alta del Rio Mendoza" region in Argentina.
AB  - The "Zona Alta del Rio Mendoza" (ZARM) is the major Malbec grape viticulture
      region of Argentina. The aim of the present study was to explore Saccharomyces
      cerevisiae biodiversity in ZARM vineyards. Interdelta PCR and RFLP mtDNA
      molecular markers were applied to differentiate S. cerevisiae strains. The
      presence of commercial strains on ZARM vineyards was also assessed. Our results
      reveal a highly diverse, but genetically closely related, S. cerevisiae
      population (containing more than 190 molecular patterns among 590 S. cerevisiae
      isolates). According to the S. cerevisiae strain diversity found in vineyards,
      they were classified as vineyards with high and low polymorphic S. cerevisiae
      populations. Six vineyards showed a high polymorphic population, with more than
      20 different S. cerevisiae molecular patterns. S. cerevisiae populations in these
      vineyards were diverse and irregularly distributed, with different strains in
      each vineyard site. Low polymorphic S. cerevisiae population vineyards displayed
      very low yeast diversity, with only 9 to 10 different S. cerevisiae strains and
      presence of two commercial strains widely distributed. Population diversity
      estimators were calculated to determine the population structure of S. cerevisiae
      in the ZARM vineyards. The obtained values support the hypothesis that the eight
      sampled subpopulations come indeed from a larger population.

PMID- 22056146
TI  - Development, implementation and initial evaluation of narrative virtual patients
      for use in vocational mental health nurse training.
AB  - Simulation techniques such as virtual patients (VPs) are valuable tools for
      teaching and learning a range of clinical proficiencies. Compared with other
      forms of simulation, however, the reported use of VPs within nursing is limited.
      Descriptions of simple, low cost methods for the development of VP devices could
      help facilitate their wider implementation and use in nursing education and
      training. In order to encourage broader use of VP technologies within nursing,
      this paper aims to expand current knowledge of VP creation by reference to the
      development of two virtual mental health patients produced for a multilingual e
      learning course for European mental health nurses. Focusing on narrative VPs, the
      paper provides a brief overview of various types and potential uses of VP
      techniques, along with central elements of good practice in VP development. The
      five phase development framework used in the creation of the two VPs is
      presented. Processes detailed include the design and construction of case
      scenarios and multimedia components, in addition to initial usability and
      validity testing. VPs like those described here are a relatively inexpensive way
      of integrating virtual simulation technology into nursing education, particularly
      within online, blended and/or cross-cultural learning environments.

PMID- 22056147
TI  - Small molecules induce efficient differentiation into insulin-producing cells
      from human induced pluripotent stem cells.
AB  - Human induced pluripotent stem (hiPS) cells have potential uses for drug
      discovery and cell therapy, including generation of pancreatic beta-cells for
      diabetes research and treatment. In this study, we developed a simple protocol
      for generating insulin-producing cells from hiPS cells. Treatment with activin A
      and a GSK3beta inhibitor enhanced efficient endodermal differentiation, and then
      combined treatment with retinoic acid, a bone morphogenic protein inhibitor, and
      a transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) inhibitor induced efficient
      differentiation of pancreatic progenitor cells from definitive endoderm.
      Expression of the pancreatic progenitor markers PDX1 and NGN3 was significantly
      increased at this step and most cells were positive for anti-PDX1 antibody.
      Moreover, several compounds, including forskolin, dexamethasone, and a TGF-beta
      inhibitor, were found to induce the differentiation of insulin-producing cells
      from pancreatic progenitor cells. By combined treatment with these compounds,
      more than 10% of the cells became insulin positive. The differentiated cells
      secreted human c-peptide in response to various insulin secretagogues. In
      addition, all five hiPS cell lines that we examined showed efficient
      differentiation into insulin-producing cells with this protocol.

PMID- 22056148
TI  - Results of a pilot program to improve phosphorus outcomes in hemodialysis
      patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: End-stage renal disease causes dysregulation of bone and mineral
      metabolism, including increased serum phosphorus levels. Kidney Foundation Kidney
      Disease Outcome Quality Initiative 2003 guidelines recommend maintaining
      phosphorus levels between 3.5 and 5.5 mg/dL in dialysis patients. We examined the
      effects of a focused phosphorus management pilot program designed to improve the
      percentage of hemodialysis patients achieving phosphorus levels <5.5 mg/dL.
      DESIGN, SETTING, SUBJECTS, AND INTERVENTION: We conducted a prospective,
      multicenter, single-arm study at 8 geographically diverse at-risk facilities (n =
      702 hemodialysis patients) in a large U.S. dialysis organization. The focused
      phosphorus management program provided in-service training to staff members, and
      provided patients with diet and phosphorus management through in-center, 1:1
      education and support, direct-to-patient adherence communications, benefit
      management assistance, and adherence support specific to lanthanum carbonate over
      a 6-month period. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Facility-level markers of bone and
      mineral metabolism (phosphorus, parathyroid hormone, corrected calcium) and
      nutritional status (serum albumin, normalized protein catabolic rate) were
      assessed before and after program implementation. RESULTS: There was a
      significant increase in the percentage of patients per facility achieving
      phosphorus levels <5.5 mg/dL (mean +/- SD at baseline = 61.6% +/- 5.2%; month 6 =
      71.3% +/- 9.0%; P < .01) and parathyroid hormone (150 to 300 pg/mL; mean +/- SD
      at baseline = 39.1% +/- 2.4%; month 6 = 44.5% +/- 7.0%; P = .04). During the
      course of the evaluation, mean calcium, albumin, and normalized protein catabolic
      rate levels did not change significantly. CONCLUSIONS: These results show proof
      of-concept that a focused phosphorus management program targeting both staff
      members and patients can significantly improve patient outcomes without
      compromising nutritional status.

PMID- 22056149
TI  - Comparison of markers of appetite and inflammation between hemodialysis patients
      with and without failed renal transplants.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The survival of patients returning to hemodialysis (HD) following
      kidney transplant failure is unfavorable. However, the factors responsible for
      this poor outcome are largely unknown; chronic inflammation due to failed
      allograft and malnutrition may contribute to morbidity and mortality. We aim to
      compare the markers of appetite and malnutrition, and their relation with
      inflammation in HD patients with and without previous kidney transplantation.
      METHODS: Fifty-six patients with failed renal allografts at least 3 months on
      dialysis (31 men, 25 women; mean age, 46 +/- 9 years) and 77 HD patients who
      never underwent a transplant (43 men, 34 women; mean age, 50 +/- 15 years) were
      included in the study. The appetite and diet assessment tool (ADAT) was used to
      determine the self reported appetite of patients. Serum concentrations of
      ghrelin, leptin, insulin like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6),
      tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein
      (hs-CRP) were measured. Associations among these variables were analyzed.
      RESULTS: There were no significant differences considering age, gender or
      duration of renal replacement therapy between the 2 groups. The scores from
      Appetite and Diet Assessment Tool were significantly higher in the failed
      transplant group. Serum ghrelin levels were significantly higher and serum
      albumin levels were significantly lower in the failed-transplant group. Serum
      leptin levels were similar between 2 groups. In addition, hs-CRP, IL-6, and TNF
      alpha levels, which were used as inflammatory parameters, were significantly
      higher in the failed-transplant group. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated serum ghrelin levels
      and inflammation may cause diminished appetite and malnutrition in patients with
      failed renal allografts, and higher levels of this hormone seem to be associated
      with inflammation caused by retained failed allografts.

PMID- 22056150
TI  - Adductor pollicis muscle thickness: a promising anthropometric parameter for
      patients with chronic renal failure.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Protein-calorie malnutrition is a prevalent disorder in chronic
      renal failure (CRF) and a major risk factor for increased mortality in
      hemodialysis (HD) patients. Although many methods have been used to assess
      malnutrition in CRF, the role of adductor pollicis muscle thickness (APMt) is not
      established yet. AIMS: This study aimed to analyze the APMt in HD patients and to
      investigate the correlation between APMt and conventional anthropometric,
      laboratory, and bioelectrical impedance markers, as well as its association with
      mortality/morbidity in a period of 12 months of follow-up. SUBJECTS AND METHODS:
      The study included 143 HD patients from a single facility. After dialysis, the
      dry weight, height, mid-arm circumference, triceps skinfold thickness, and APMt
      were measured. Subsequently, the body mass index, percentage of standard body
      weight, the mid-arm muscle circumference, and the mid-arm muscle area were
      calculated. Blood counts were performed for hemoglobin, creatinine, and albumin.
      Patients were also submitted to a single-frequency tetrapolar bioimpedance test
      for measuring resistance, reactance, phase angle, and percentage of body cell
      mass. The correlation between APMt and anthropometric, laboratory, and
      bioelectrical impedance parameters was calculated using Pearson's linear
      correlation. Multiple linear regression analysis was used to select independent
      risk factors to death and hospitalizations in 6 and 12 months of follow-up, among
      parameters selected by univariate analysis. RESULTS: Patients were aged 52.2 +/-
      16.6 years (20 to 83 years) on average, 58% were men, and mean dialysis vintage
      was 5.27 +/- 5.12 years. APMt was 11.85 +/- 1.63 mm (men, 12.34 +/- 1.53; women,
      11.19 +/- 1.51; P < .0001). APMt was positively correlated with body mass index
      (r = 0.37; P < .0001), mid-arm circumference (r = 0.437; P < .0001), mid-arm
      muscle circumference (r = 0.494; P < .0001), mid-arm muscle area (r = 0.449; P <
      .0001), percentage of standard body weight (r = 0.355; P = .000), creatinine (r =
      0.230; P = .006), albumin (r = 0.207; P = .013), percentage of body cell mass (r
      = 0.293; P = .000), and phase angle (r = 0.402; P < .0001), and negatively
      correlated with resistance (r = -0.403; P < .0001). The APMt <=10.6 mm was
      associated with a 3.3 times greater risk of hospitalization within 6 months of
      follow-up (OR = 3.3, 95% CI: 1.13 to 9.66; P = .029) compared with patients with
      an APMt >10.6 mm. The APMt was not associated with risk of death at 6 and 12
      months or hospitalization within 12 months of follow-up. CONCLUSION: This is the
      first study testing APMt as an anthropometric marker in HD patients. The
      parameter is easy to measure and does not seem to be significantly affected by
      variations in hydration status. The parameter was significantly correlated with
      markers reflecting the condition of the muscle compartment, but not with
      parameters estimating the fat mass. The determination of an APMt cutoff point for
      malnutrition in patients with CRF and its correlation with morbidity and
      mortality will require further investigation in clinical studies.

PMID- 22056151
TI  - Is nutritional status associated with self-reported sleep quality in the HEMO
      study cohort?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To explore the relationship between sleep quality and common measures
      of nutritional status in the Hemodialysis (HEMO) Study cohort. To investigate
      sleep quality scores based on longitudinal changes in measures of nutritional
      status, adjusting for case mix, lifestyle, and comorbidity factors. DESIGN:
      Secondary analysis of the HEMO Study data. SETTING: A 7-year, prospective,
      multicenter, randomized clinical trial in maintenance hemodialysis patients.
      PATIENTS: Eighteen hundred forty-six patients aged between 18 and 80 years were
      randomized; 1,803 (97.7%) completed the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Long Form
      (KDQOL-LF) at baseline. Mean age was 58 years, 44% were male, 64% were Black, 37%
      had diabetes, and 32% had hypertension; mean duration of dialysis was 3.8 years.
      MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The univariate and multivariate relationships of measures
      of nutritional status (i.e., serum albumin, serum creatinine, postdialysis
      weight, body mass index, dietary protein and energy intake, and assessment of
      appetite) and sleep quality assessed using the sleep subscale from the KDQOL-LF.
      RESULTS: In univariate analysis, sleep quality score decreased significantly in a
      linear fashion as appetite rating decreased from very good to very poor on both
      dialysis days (63.6 +/- 21.8 to 43.6 +/- 22.9, P < .0001) and nondialysis days
      (63.2 +/- 21.6 to 40.7 +/- 25.7, P < .0001), with higher scores reflecting better
      sleep quality. In multivariable analysis, serum creatinine was the only
      laboratory variable that was significantly associated with sleep quality score
      (beta = 0.49, P = .0004). Poorer appetite on both dialysis days (beta = -1.5, P <
      .0001) and nondialysis days (beta = -1.7, P < .0001) was associated with poor
      sleep quality. CONCLUSIONS: Self-reported sleep quality was associated with
      appetite and serum creatinine. A simple questionnaire to assess sleep disorders
      in dialysis patients should be administered routinely to detect those patients at
      risk of sleep complaints. However, further studies are needed to determine
      whether improving sleep quality, directly or indirectly, would improve morbidity
      and mortality.

PMID- 22056153
TI  - Stephen Lawrie: PsySTAR trek, the next generation.

PMID- 22056154
TI  - High-risk prostate cancer: treat the prostate.

PMID- 22056152
TI  - Combined androgen deprivation therapy and radiation therapy for locally advanced
      prostate cancer: a randomised, phase 3 trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Whether the addition of radiation therapy (RT) improves overall
      survival in men with locally advanced prostate cancer managed with androgen
      deprivation therapy (ADT) is unclear. Our aim was to compare outcomes in such
      patients with locally advanced prostate cancer. METHODS: Patients with: locally
      advanced (T3 or T4) prostate cancer (n=1057); or organ-confined disease (T2) with
      either a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) concentration more than 40 ng/mL (n=119)
      or PSA concentration more than 20 ng/mL and a Gleason score of 8 or higher
      (n=25), were randomly assigned (done centrally with stratification and dynamic
      minimisation, not masked) to receive lifelong ADT and RT (65-69 Gy to the
      prostate and seminal vesicles, 45 Gy to the pelvic nodes). The primary endpoint
      was overall survival. The results presented here are of an interim analysis
      planned for when two-thirds of the events for the final analysis were recorded.
      All efficacy analyses were done by intention to treat and were based on data from
      all patients. This trial is registered at controlledtrials.com as ISRCTN24991896
      and Clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00002633. RESULTS: Between 1995 and 2005, 1205
      patients were randomly assigned (602 in the ADT only group and 603 in the ADT and
      RT group); median follow-up was 6.0 years (IQR 4.4-8.0). At the time of analysis,
      a total of 320 patients had died, 175 in the ADT only group and 145 in the ADT
      and RT group. The addition of RT to ADT improved overall survival at 7 years
      (74%, 95% CI 70-78 vs 66%, 60-70; hazard ratio [HR] 0.77, 95% CI 0.61-0.98,
      p=0.033). Both toxicity and health-related quality-of-life results showed a small
      effect of RT on late gastrointestinal toxicity (rectal bleeding grade >3, three
      patients (0.5%) in the ADT only group, two (0.3%) in the ADT and RT group;
      diarrhoea grade >3, four patients (0.7%) vs eight (1.3%); urinary toxicity grade
      >3, 14 patients (2.3%) in both groups). INTERPRETATION: The benefits of combined
      modality treatment--ADT and RT--should be discussed with all patients with
      locally advanced prostate cancer. FUNDING: Canadian Cancer Society Research
      Institute, US National Cancer Institute, and UK Medical Research Council.

PMID- 22056155
TI  - Autoimmune diseases have been the focus of intense research efforts.

PMID- 22056156
TI  - Traumatic brain injury: prognostic implications of cortical electrical
      disturbances.

PMID- 22056157
TI  - Spreading depolarisations and outcome after traumatic brain injury: a prospective
      observational study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pathological waves of spreading mass neuronal depolarisation arise
      repeatedly in injured, but potentially salvageable, grey matter in 50-60% of
      patients after traumatic brain injury (TBI). We aimed to ascertain whether
      spreading depolarisations are independently associated with unfavourable
      neurological outcome. METHODS: We did a prospective, observational, multicentre
      study at seven neurological centres. We enrolled 109 adults who needed
      neurosurgery for acute TBI. Spreading depolarisations were monitored by
      electrocorticography during intensive care and were classified as cortical
      spreading depression (CSD) if they took place in spontaneously active cortex or
      as isoelectric spreading depolarisation (ISD) if they took place in isoelectric
      cortex. Investigators who treated patients and assessed outcome were masked to
      electrocorticographic results. Scores on the extended Glasgow outcome scale at 6
      months were fitted to a multivariate model by ordinal regression. Prognostic
      score (based on variables at admission, as validated by the IMPACT studies) and
      spreading depolarisation category (none, CSD only, or at least one ISD) were
      assessed as outcome predictors. FINDINGS: Six individuals were excluded because
      of poor-quality electrocorticography. A total of 1328 spreading depolarisations
      arose in 58 (56%) patients. In 38 participants, all spreading depolarisations
      were classified as CSD; 20 patients had at least one ISD. By multivariate
      analysis, both prognostic score (p=0.0009) and spreading depolarisation category
      (p=0.0008) were significant predictors of neurological outcome. CSD and ISD were
      associated with an increased risk of unfavourable outcome (common odds ratios
      1.56 [95% CI 0.72-3.37] and 7.58 [2.64-21.8], respectively). Addition of
      depolarisation category to the regression model increased the proportion of
      variance in outcome that could be attributed to predictors from 9% to 22%,
      compared with the prognostic score alone. INTERPRETATION: Spreading
      depolarisations were associated with unfavourable outcome, after controlling for
      conventional prognostic variables. The possibility that spreading depolarisations
      have adverse effects on the traumatically injured brain, and therefore might be a
      target in the treatment of TBI, deserves further research. FUNDING: US Army CDMRP
      PH/TBI research programme.

PMID- 22056158
TI  - A microbiological survey of fresh meat in the supermarket trade. Part 1:
      Carcasses and contact surfaces.
AB  - Sanitary conditions were monitored at eleven supermarkets (from two major chains,
      Sup groups A & B) in the South African butcher industry. The variables measured
      were the temperature of carcasses and environments, the muscle pH of carcasses
      and the microbiological status of carcasses and human or personal and equipment
      contact surfaces (chillers-three surfaces, delivery trucks-five surfaces, cutting
      rooms-16 surfaces). All supermarkets, except one, received beef carcasses,
      distributed by one of two wholesale organizations from the same abattoir. No
      consistency was found in the contamination level of different parts of carcasses
      at different supermarkets, although there was a tendency for fore quarters to be
      more contaminated than hind quarters. Chiller surfaces, delivery truck surfaces
      and equipment had significantly different microbial counts at the different
      supermarkets. Sup group B received carcasses with higher mean surface
      temperatures and microbial counts than those of the carcasses received by Sup
      group A, but the mean microbial count of equipment was lower than that
      encountered at Sup group A. The result was less contaminated meat at the
      supermarkets in Sup group B, illustrating how a combination of the microbial
      quality of carcasses received by such supermarkets, and the sanitary programme in
      operation at such supermarkets affects the contamination level of retail
      premises. It could furthermore be shown that personnel surfaces (hands and
      clothes) and equipment like saws and mincers are consistent contributors to
      contamination at the retail level of the meat industry.

PMID- 22056159
TI  - A microbiological survey of fresh meat in the supermarket trade. Part 2: beef
      retail cuts.
AB  - An assessment was made of the microbiological quality of the final product
      (different retail cuts), produced by two different retail supermarket groups (A &
      B). The influence of sanitary conditions on the microbiological quality of the
      final product was evaluated, and the possible influences on shelf life were
      determined. Supermarket group A (Sup group A) received carcasses with
      significantly lower surface counts of micro-organisms than supermarket group B
      (Sup group B), while the latter had a more efficient overall sanitation programme
      than supermarket group A. Five cuts were monitored for the presence of total
      aerobic counts, psychrotrophic counts, lactobacilli, Enterobacteriaceae and
      numbers of Pseudomonadaceae present. A shelf life study was also executed by
      repeating these enumerations on the same meat samples after refrigerated storage
      at 5 degrees C for 2 and 4 days, respectively. It is generally accepted that a
      good refrigeration or chilling regime will preserve the inherent meat quality,
      but in this study it was found that neither served as a guarantee of quality. The
      more stringent hygiene at retail level of Sup group B yielded consistently lower
      mean counts of the different bacterial groups for all the meat cuts monitored
      and, thus meat with an extended shelf life. The total count (at 30 degrees C) on
      meat cuts was the highest, followed by the psychrotrophs, the Pseudomonadaceae
      the Enterobacteriaeae and the lactobacilli. Minced meat generally had the highest
      mean aerobic total microbial counts. This count on minced meat might be a
      suitable indicator for monitoring the overall sanitary condition of a retail
      premises. The results re-emphasized the multi-factorial complexity of fresh meat
      quality and shelf life. The microbial quality of the raw material (carcasses),
      the maintenance of the cold chain, sanitary condition of premises, equipment and
      personnel surfaces and general management practices are factors that collectively
      determine the microbiological quality of the product.

PMID- 22056160
TI  - The effect of electrical stimulation, time of boning and high temperature
      conditioning on sensory quality traits of porcine Longissimus dorsi muscle.
AB  - The effects of electrical stimulation (300 V, 1 A, 50 Hz, AC, 30 s) and high
      temperature conditioning (4h/15 degrees C) on sensory quality traits of hot- and
      cold-boned, vacuum-packaged longissimus dorsi muscle of halothanenegative pigs
      were assessed at 12 days post mortem. Electrical stimulation accelerated the pH
      fall significantly, but had negligible effects on all quality traits measured,
      i.e. shear force, drip formation, fresh meat colour, cooking loss and degree of
      sarcoplasmic protein denaturation (p > 0.05). As compared with cold boning, hot
      boning significantly lowered drip losses (p < 0.05). Shear forces, which
      increased as a result of hot boning (p < 0.05), were reduced again through a 4
      h/15 degrees C conditioning period before chilling at 1 +/-1 degrees C. In
      addition, high temperature conditioning resulted in significantly lower drip
      losses (p < 0.05). It is suggested that prevention of cold-induced reduction of
      proteolytic enzyme activity is primarily responsible for both these findings.

PMID- 22056161
TI  - Antagonistic effect of some starter cultures on enterobacteriaceae (E. coli).
AB  - The ability of Lactobacillus jensenii and Streptococcus 17SB to inbhibit
      Escherichia coli was demonstrated. The practical application of the inhibition
      was examined. Possible roles for several factors in the mechanism of inhibition
      by Lactobacillus jensenii and Streptococcus 17SB are briefly discussed. The
      effects of pH reached and acids produced by starters on the growth of Escherichia
      coli are described.

PMID- 22056162
TI  - Effects of early post-mortem ageing on intramuscular collagen stability, yield
      and composition.
AB  - Post-mortem changes in the composition and physical stability of bovine
      intramuscular collagen were evaluated during a 24 h ageing period. The yield of
      intramuscular connective tissue (IMCT) isolated from the infraspinatus muscle
      samples and the carbohydrate content of that material did not change
      significantly (P > 0.05) during the ageing period. The collagen content and total
      protein content of the isolated IMCT increased (P < 0.05) through 8 h post
      mortem. Moisture content of the isolated material decreased numerically but not
      significantly (P > 0.05). Collagen thermal shrinkage temperature (T(s)) decreased
      (P < 0.01) and collagen solubility increased (P < 0.05) during the ageing period
      with most of the changes occurring in the first 8 h.

PMID- 22056163
TI  - Effect of sodium chloride concentration on pH, water-holding capacity and
      extractable protein of prerigor and postrigor ground beef.
AB  - Fifteen beef cattle of similar age and management history were randomly allotted
      by slaughter days into three groups. Paired sternomandibularis were removed
      immediately following bleeding and trimmed of visible fat and connective tissue.
      They were randomly labelled as prerigor and postrigor and assigned to a 0, 0.5,
      1.0, 2.0 or 4.0% NcCl treatment. Water-holding capacity (WHC), pH, the ratio of
      absorbance at 250 nm over the absorbance at 260 nm (R-values), and 1.0m NaCl
      extractable protein (EP) were monitored over treatment times. The 0 h samples
      were defined as when the NaCl was incorporated with the muscle. R-values verified
      that 0 h samples were in the prerigor or postrigor state. Ultimate pH remained
      higher (P < 0.05) in prerigor homogenates with increasing NaCl concentration. EP
      and WHC were higher (P < 0.05) in prerigor than in postrigor homogenates with 2
      and 4% NaCl at all time periods. Prerigor homogenates containing 0.5 and 1.0%
      NaCl had higher (P < 0.05) WHC at 12, 24, 24, 48 and 96h than similarly treated
      postrigor homogenates and as high or higher WHC than any postrigor treatment.
      Results of this study indicate an advantage to using low NaCl concentrations in
      prerigor salted beef.

PMID- 22056164
TI  - Colour stability of minced beef. Ultraviolet barrier in packaging material
      reduces light-induced discoloration of frozen products during display.
AB  - The colour stability of minced beef, as measured by tristimulus colorimetry
      during freezer storage in a display cabinet illuminated with fluorescent tubes
      (product temperature -18 degrees C), was found to be significantly improved by an
      ultraviolet-light barrier in the packaging material. In general, a positive
      effect on colour stability of beef with barriers excluding light below 350 nm is
      to be expected at storage temperatures up to approximately 5 degrees C. This
      prediction is based on calculations using the energy of activation for the
      thermal autoxidation of oxymyoglobin and the quantum yield at different
      wavelengths for the competitive photochemical autoxidation process.

PMID- 22056165
TI  - Multi-stage versus single-stage inflation and deflation cycle for alternating low
      pressure air mattresses to prevent pressure ulcers in hospitalised patients: a
      randomised-controlled clinical trial.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The duration and the amount of pressure and shear must be reduced
      in order to minimize the risk of pressure ulcer development. Alternating low
      pressure air mattresses with multi-stage inflation and deflation cycle of the air
      cells have been developed to relieve pressure by sequentially inflating and
      deflating the air cells. Evidence about the effectiveness of this type of
      mattress in clinical practice is lacking. AIM: This study aimed to compare the
      effectiveness of an alternating low pressure air mattress that has a standard
      single-stage inflation and deflation cycle of the air cells with an alternating
      low pressure air mattress with multi-stage inflation and deflation cycle of the
      air cells. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A randomised controlled trial was performed in
      a convenience sample of 25 wards in five hospitals in Belgium. In total, 610
      patients were included and randomly assigned to the experimental group (n=298) or
      the control group (n=312). In the experimental group, patients were allocated to
      an alternating low pressure air mattress with multi-stage inflation and deflation
      cycle of the air cells. In the control group, patients were allocated to an
      alternating low pressure air mattress with a standard single-stage inflation and
      deflation cycle of the air cells. The outcome was defined as cumulative pressure
      ulcer incidence (Grade II-IV). An intention-to-treat analysis was performed.
      RESULTS: There was no significant difference in cumulative pressure ulcer
      incidence (Grade II-IV) between both groups (Exp.=5.7%, Contr.=5.8%, p=0.97).
      When patients developed a pressure ulcer, the median time was 5.0 days in the
      experimental group (IQR=3.0-8.5) and 8.0 days in the control group (IQR=3.0-8.5)
      (Mann-Whitney U-test=113, p=0.182). The probability to remain pressure ulcer free
      during the observation period in this trial did not differ significantly between
      the experimental group and the control group (log-rank chi(2)=0.013, df=1,
      p=0.911). CONCLUSION: An alternating low pressure air mattress with multi-stage
      inflation and deflation of the air cells does not result in a significantly lower
      pressure ulcer incidence compared to an alternating low pressure air mattress
      with a standard single-stage inflation and deflation cycle of the air cells. Both
      alternating mattress types are equally effective to prevent pressure ulcer
      development.

PMID- 22056166
TI  - Post-mortem processing of export beef in Costa Rica.
AB  - Eighteen intact male beef animals of 2 1 2  to 3 years of age, weighing 400-425
      kg and fed entirely on rangelands grass, were slaughtered in a Costa Rican export
      plant. Six animals each were assigned to: low-voltage stimulation (75V), high
      voltage stimulation (350V) and control. Hot-boning coupled with various chilling
      rates was also investigated. Mean muscle pH values for all treatment groups were
      above 6.4 at 1 1 2 h  after slaughter, which may be related to the fact the
      animals were intact males which had been exposed to stressful conditions prior to
      slaughter. Palatability traits measured were tenderness, juiciness, flavor and
      overall desirability. With the exception of tenderness, there were no significant
      differences among electrical stimulation or chill treatments, and there were no
      interactions. The low-voltage electrical-stimulation treatment produced less
      tender meat (P<0.05) than the high-voltage treatment, but there was no
      significant difference compared to the control. In an attempt to explain the
      finding that electrical stimulation had little or no effect on tenderness, the
      data were inspected in regard to ultimate pH. The panel score for samples with an
      ultimate pH less than 6 was 3.27, and for samples with a pH higher than 6 it was
      5.70. A possible explanation is to suggest that the high-pH group underwent
      appreciable neutral proteolytic enzyme activity compared to the low-pH group.

PMID- 22056167
TI  - Effect of temperature of comminution on the stability and eating quality of
      'English' sausages.
AB  - Sausages were prepared after equilibrating the ingredients to temperatures in the
      range 2 degrees  to 37 degrees C. Following comminution for 6.5 min the
      temperatures of the batters ranged from 15 to 33 degrees C and their pHs from
      6.25 to 6.48. During storage at -20 degrees C sausages prepared from the high
      temperature batters lost more weight than those made from batters prepared at the
      lower temperatures (0.3% compared to 1.2%). Increasing temperature of comminution
      led to increased cooking losses, softening in texture and darkening in colour.
      However, even at the highest temperatures complete emulsion breakdown did not
      occur as cooling losses were still only about 20%. Subjective assessment
      indicated that at least up to comminution temperatures of 25 degrees C the
      sausages were acceptable. At temperatures above 30 degrees C off-flavours
      developed. It is suggested that comminuted meat products can be manufactured in
      situations where refrigeration is not available, provided a preservation system
      can be devised to inhibit microbial and chemical spoilage.

PMID- 22056168
TI  - Immediate effects of ionizing radiation on the structure of unfrozen bovine
      muscle tissue.
AB  - To measure the immediate changes in the ultrastrcucture of meat induced by
      ionizing radiation, bovine longissimus dorsi muscle was irradiated with (137) Cs
      72 h after slaughter. The temperature of the samples during irradiation was
      maintained between 0 and 4 degrees C to avoid cellular changes caused by
      freeze/thaw. Muscle was irradiated at 5, 10, 30 and 50 kGy. At low levels (up to
      10 kGy) of radiation, changes in muscle structure were minimal. At levels above
      30 kGy major increases in myofibril fragmentation and decreases in the tensile
      strength of raw and cooked muscles were noted. SDS gel electrophoresis indicated
      a decrease in myosin. No changes in the ultrastructure were observed using
      transmission electron microscopy.

PMID- 22056169
TI  - A comparison of the agar gel immuno-diffusion (AGID) and counter
      immunoelectrophoresis (CIE) tests for species identification of imported red meat
      and offal.
AB  - From 1 January-31 August, 1984, 585 samples of fresh, uncooked, frozen meat (12)
      and offal (573) were subjected to the AGID and CIE comparative serological tests
      for species identification using commercially produced bovine, ovine, porcine and
      equine anti-species antisera. Species were identified in 286 585  (48.9%) and 581
      585  (99.3%) samples by the AGID and CIE tests, respectively. Single species per
      sample were identified in 246 585  (42.1%) and 481 585  (82.2%) by the AGID and
      CIE tests. More than one species per sample were identified in 40/585 (6.8%) and
      100/585 (17.0%) samples for the same two tests, respectively. The CIE test was
      more sensitive and rapid in detecting species.

PMID- 22056170
TI  - The effect of cooking temperature on the functional properties of beef proteins:
      The role of ionic strength, pH, and pyrophosphate.
AB  - This study examined the effect of ionic strength (0.12 to 0.52), pH (5.50 and
      6.00), pyrophosphate (PP) concentration (0 and 0.31%) and cooking temperature (52
      to 87 degrees C) on the cook yield (CY) and tensile strength (TS) of beef
      homogenates. Increasing the ionic strength, pH and pyrophosphate concentration
      increased the temperature at which cooking loss first occurred and decreased the
      temperature required for maximum TS. For most treatments, ionic strengths between
      0.32 and 0.42 prevented cooking loss at all temperatures; the lower ionic
      strengths were required at the higher pH and PP concentration. Maximum TS
      occurred at 66 degrees C for treatments that had no cooking loss between 60
      degrees  and 75 degrees C. For treatments that had cooking loss in this
      temperature range, TS increased linearly with increasing temperature; however,
      the TS values of these treatments were much lower than those in the former
      category. CY and TS were optimized by heating to 66 degrees C. PP had a positive
      effect on both functional properties at ionic strengths >0.25 but a negative
      effect at ionic strengths <0.25.

PMID- 22056171
TI  - Influence of breed and muscle metabolic type on muscle glycolytic potential and
      meat pH in pigs.
AB  - Glycolytic potential and activities of myofibrillar ATPase, lactate
      dehydrogenase, citrate synthase, glycogen synthetases and glycogen phosphorylases
      were measured in five muscles from five Large White, eight Pietrain, seven
      Belgian Landrace and eight Penshire pigs (Penshire is a composite line including
      50% Hampshire, 35% Duroc and 15% Large White blood). Additionally, ultimate pH
      was measured on the loin and four ham muscles. Muscles could be classified as
      follows on the basis of enzyme activities: Longissimus dorsi and Semimembranosus
      as 'fast white', Rectus abdominis as 'intermediate'. Trapezius and Masseter as
      'slow red'. Small breed differences were observed in enzyme activities except for
      citrate synthase activity and degree of activation of glycogen phosphorylase in
      the 'fast white' muscles. Large Whites, Pietrains and Belgian Landraces did not
      differ in glycolytic potential whatever the muscle involved. Compared with these
      three breeds, Penshires had much higher glycolytic potential values in the 'fast
      white' muscles (+51 to 75%) and in the 'intermediate' muscle (+29 to 56%).
      However, in the 'slow red' muscles, there was almost no difference in this trait
      between the four breeds. The Penshire pigs showed lower ultimate pH than the pigs
      from the other breeds in three of the four ham muscles studied. It is concluded
      that muscle metabolic type must be considered when assessing breed variation in
      glycolytic potential, and that the high muscle glycolytic potential
      characterizing the Hampshire could be inherited as a dominant trait in Hampshire
      crosses.

PMID- 22056172
TI  - Feedlot performance and carcass evaluation of heifers fed finishing diets as
      weanling calves or as yearlings.
AB  - Twenty commercial Herefored, Angus and Hereford * Angus, weanling and yearling
      heifers from the same herd were compared for feedlot performance and certain
      carcass characteristics. Yearlings tended to gain weight more rapidly than did
      weanlings. Since the cattle were group-fed, no analyses of feed efficiency could
      be performed. Yearlings appeared, however, to require less feed per unit of gain.
      The cattle were slaughtered when live weight approached 443 kg. Weanlings were
      fatter; had more kidney, pelvic and heart fat; merited higher (less desirable)
      USDA yield grades; had more desirable USDA quality grades and higher dressing
      percentage (P<0.05) than did yearlings. Ribeye area was not different between
      treatments. Yearlings yielded a higher percentage of closely trimmed retail lean
      cuts than did weanlings (P < 0.05). Sensory panel scores were higher (more
      desirable) for weanlings than for yearlings for both ribeye and inside round
      steaks (P < 0.05), while no differences were identified for flavor, juiciness or
      overall palatability of steaks. Warner-Bratzler shear force data generally
      supported taste panel evaluations for tenderness. These data suggest that carcass
      composition is impacted by the way cattle are managed and refute the idea that
      cattle have the same body composition at a given weight regardless of age at
      slaughter or nutrient density of the diet during finishing.

PMID- 22056173
TI  - Letter to the editor.

PMID- 22056174
TI  - [Multiple ossifying trichilemmal cysts of the scalp: a familial case].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The trichilemmal cyst, also called pilar cyst, is a dermal
      epithelial cyst originating from the pilar follicle. It usually occurs in the
      scalp. Hereditary and ossifying cases are rare. CASE REPORT: We report the case
      of a 61-year-old woman presenting with familial multiple trichilemmal cysts,
      located in the scalp. The histological examination after surgical exeresis
      confirmed the diagnosis. The trichilemmal cysts featured intra-cystic
      ossification. The wide dimension of the lesions dimension imposed an extensive
      surgical scalp exeresis. Reconstruction was performed with a flap after skin
      expansion. DISCUSSION: The trichilemmal cyst is a benign tumor of skin appendages
      with a slow outcome. Multiple locations may require an extensive surgical scalp
      exeresis and lead to a problematic reconstruction. Hereditary cases require
      familial follow-up to prevent such problems.

PMID- 22056175
TI  - [Multiple facial squamous cell carcinomas in a child, revealing a xeroderma
      pigmentosum].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Squamous cell carcinoma of the skin is very rare in children. One of
      its most common risk factors is xeroderma pigmentosum (XP), an autosomal
      recessive disease characterized by defective cellular DNA repair, and
      hypersensitivity to ultraviolet radiation. CASE REPORT: We report a case of XP in
      a 7-year-old black African boy, revealed by squamous cell carcinomas of the
      inferior lip and upper left eyelid. DISCUSSION: In sub-Saharan regions, the early
      diagnosis of XP is difficult because of its uncommon occurrence on black skin and
      black skin specificities. The strong sun radiation in the tropics and a late
      diagnosis make XP treatment challenging. Thus, prevention in patients' families
      is mandatory.

PMID- 22056176
TI  - Salicylamide and salicylglycine oxidovanadium complexes with insulin-mimetic
      properties.
AB  - Reaction of N-(2-hydroxybenzyl)-N-(2-picolyl) glycine (H(2)papy) with VOSO(4) in
      water gives the oxidovanadium(V) oxido-bridged dimer [{(papy)(VO)}(2) MU-O)] (1).
      Similarly, reaction of N-(2-hydroxybenzyl) glycine (H(2)glysal) with VOSO(4)
      gives [(glysal)VO(H(2)O)] (2) and reaction of salicylamide (Hsalam) with VOSO(4)
      in methanol gives [(salam)(2)VO] (3). The crystal structure of the oxido-bridged
      complex 1 is reported. The insulin-mimetic activity of all three complexes was
      evaluated with respect to their ability to phosphorylate protein kinase B (PKB).
      The speciations of complexes 1 and 2 were studied over the pH range 2-10. Complex
      1 shows greater stability over the whole pH range but only 2 and 3 exhibit an
      insulin-mimetic effect.

PMID- 22056177
TI  - Effects of tethered ligands and of metal oxidation state on the interactions of
      cobalt complexes with the 26S proteasome.
AB  - In this paper we report on the synthesis and characterization of three cobalt
      complexes described as [Co(II)(L(1))(2)] (1), [Co(II)(L(2))] (2), and
      [Co(III)(L(1))(2)]ClO(4)(3). These complexes contain the deprotonated forms of
      the [NN'O] tridentate ligand HL(1) and its newly synthesized [N(2)N'(2)O(2)]
      hexadentate counterpart H(2)L(2), namely, 2,4-diiodo-6-((pyridine-2
      ylmethylamino)methyl)phenol and 6,6'-((ethane-1,2-diylbis((pyridin-2-ylmethyl)
      azanediyl))bis(methylene))bis(2,4-diiodophenol). Characterizations for 1-3
      include electrospray ionization (ESI) spectrometry, infrared, and UV-visible
      spectroscopies, and elemental analyses. A detailed (1)H-NMR study was conducted
      for 3 and X-ray structural data was obtained for 2. The viability of this series
      as potential agents for proteasome inhibition and cell apoptotic induction
      involving PC-3 cancer cells is presented comparing the behavior of the untethered
      [NN'O](2) six-coordinate 1 and 3 and the tethered counterpart 2 with a 1:1 metal
      to-ligand ratio. It is observed that the tethering in 2 decreases inhibition
      activity. When 1 and 3 are compared, the most inert, but redox-active,
      cobalt(III) species shows the highest chymotrypsin-like activity inhibition on
      purified proteasome and PC-3 cancer cells. A hypothesis based on the role of
      oxidation states for proteasome inhibition is offered.

PMID- 22056178
TI  - Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry. Special section: special issue: containing
      contributions from the Second Latin American Meeting on Biological Inorganic
      Chemistry-LABIC 2010. Preface.

PMID- 22056179
TI  - [The place of myomectomy in woman of reproductive age].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To define the involvement of myomas and myomectomy in all stages from
      conception to post-partum in women of reproductive age. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A
      literature review was conducted using the Medline and Cochrane databases to March
      2011 by matching the keywords "fertility, infertility, miscarriage, pregnancy,
      delivery" with "myomas, fibroids, myomectomy". RESULTS: An association between
      myomas and fertility has been observed but the responsibility fibroids in
      infertility remains unclear. Myomas are associated with an increased rate of
      obstetric complications. Adhesions are the main complication of myomectomy.
      Endoscopic procedures and the use of anti-adhesive barriers prevent adhesion
      formation. Pregnancy rate in cases of myomectomy by laparotomy and laparoscopy is
      similar. Myomectomy during pregnancy is exceptionally indicated. CONCLUSION: The
      discovery of a uterine myoma needs to consider the responsibility of myomas in
      infertility, but also its impact on a future pregnancy. The therapeutic
      management is based on myomectomy but expected benefits must be weighed with
      potential risks.

PMID- 22056180
TI  - [Prevention of the complications related to the use of prosthetic meshes in
      prolapse surgery: guidelines for clinical practice - literature review].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To provide guidelines for clinical practice from the French College of
      Gynaecologists and Obstetricians (CNGOF), based on the best evidence available,
      concerning the adverse events related to surgical procedures involving the use of
      prosthetic meshes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: French and English-language articles
      from Medline, PubMed, and the Cochrane Database were searched, using key words
      (mesh ; pelvic organ prolapse ; cystocele ; rectocele ; uterine prolapse ;
      complications ; adverse event ; sacral colpopexy ; extrusion ; infection...).
      RESULTS: As with any surgery, it is recommended to provide a perioperative
      smoking cessation (expert opinion) and comply with the prevention of nosocomial
      infections (regulatory requirement). There is no evidence to recommend routine
      local or systemic estrogen therapy before or after prolapse surgery using mesh,
      regardless of the surgical approach (grade C). Antibiotic prophylaxis is
      recommended, regardless of the approach (expert opinion). It is recommended to
      seek a pre-operative urinary tract infection and treat it (expert opinion). The
      first cases should be made under the guidance of an experienced surgeon in the
      relevant technique (grade C). It is recommended not to place a non-absorbable
      synthetic mesh into the rectovaginal septum when a rectal injury occurs (expert
      opinion). The placement of a non-absorbable synthetic mesh into the vesicovaginal
      septum may be considered after the suture of a bladder injury if the suture is
      considered to be satisfactory (expert opinion). If a synthetic mesh is placed by
      vaginal route, it is recommended to use a macroporous polypropylene monofilament
      mesh (grade B). It is recommended not to use polyester mesh for vaginal surgery
      (grade B). It is allowed to perform a hysterectomy associated with the placement
      of a non-absorbable synthetic mesh placed by vaginal route but this is not
      routinely recommended (expert opinion). It is recommended to minimize the extent
      of the colpectomy (expert opinion). Laparoscopic approach is recommended for
      sacral colpopexy (grade C). It is recommended not to place and suture meshes by
      vaginal route when a sacral colpopexy is performed (grade B). It is recommended
      not to use silicone-coated polyester, porcine dermis, fascia lata, and
      polytetrafluoroethylene meshes (grade B). It is recommended to use polyester
      (without silicone coating) or polypropylene meshes (grade C). Suture of the
      meshes to the promontory can be performed using thread/needle or tacker (grade
      C). A peritonization is recommended to cover the meshes (grade C). If
      hysterectomy is required, it is recommended to perform a subtotal hysterectomy
      (grade C). CONCLUSION: Implementation of this guideline should decrease the
      prevalence of complications related to surgical procedures involving the use of
      prosthetic meshes.

PMID- 22056181
TI  - [Place of fetal heart rate monitoring and its computerized analysis during the
      surveillance of prolonged pregnancy].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the place and the respective value of both visual and
      computerized analysis of cardiotocography (CTG) during the surveillance of
      prolonged pregnancy, to show their potential impacts on the obstetric care
      according to their results and their possible integration in the surveillance
      programs of prolonged pregnancies while awaiting better cervical conditions or
      spontaneous labour. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Bibliographic research by consulting
      database of both Pubmed and Cochrane Library. RESULTS: In the case of prolonged
      pregnancy, CTG is the first line examination for the detection of antepartum
      asphyxia. In the case of prolonged pregnancy, the predictive criteria of acidosis
      remain unchanged. The use of computerized CTG analysis instead of visual analysis
      is a possible alternative as it enables to reduce the length and the repetition
      of the CTGs. It has however not proved its superiority over visual analysis in
      improving the overall perinatal prognosis of prolonged pregnancies. CONCLUSION:
      In the case of fetal surveillance in prolonged pregnancies without risks
      associated, evidence is lacking to attest that the use of visual and computerized
      CTG analysis improves perinatal prognosis. CTG plays all the same a dominating
      role in surveillance programs and remains used in the first intention. The
      contraction stress test and the fetal vibroacoustic stimulation test have not
      demonstrated their usefulness in this indication.

PMID- 22056182
TI  - [Epidemiology of prolonged pregnancy: incidence and maternal morbidity].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To estimate the frequency of prolonged pregnancy and study its
      associated maternal morbidity. METHODS: Abstracts and articles were searched
      using Pubmed and Cochrane Library. RESULTS: Nearly 15% of pregnant women in
      France are concerned by prolonged pregnancy (>=41(+0) weeks), whereas post-term
      pregnancy (>=42(+0) SA) only concern 1% of them. The post-term pregnancy
      frequency is heterogeneous between Europe and United States. It varies between
      0.5% and 10% (EL2). In Europe, Scandinavian countries present discrepancies with
      high proportions of post-term pregnancies between 5 and 7%. These observations
      identified time variations and variations between countries. They can be
      explained by two factors: pregnancy datation by ultrasound and the evolution of
      labor induction practices. Moreover, post-term pregnancy constitute a risk factor
      of maternal complications as: cesarean section, postpartum haemorrhages,
      infections and perineum lacerations (EL2). On the contrary, limited conclusions
      about associations between prolonged pregnancies and labor inductions are due to
      insufficient data and the lack of high quality studies. Nowadays, we still ignore
      if labor inductions in the particular context of prolonged pregnancies are
      associated or not to an increase of maternal morbidities. CONCLUSION: Prolonged
      pregnancy is associated with an excess of maternal morbidity.

PMID- 22056183
TI  - [Definitions of expected date of delivery and post-term delivery].
AB  - The duration of pregnancy is between 280 and 290 days from the first day of the
      last menstrual period and varies according to the literature, the authors, the
      calculation methods and the characteristics of women. Assuming that the date of
      beginning of pregnancy is known, the expected date of delivery varies depending
      on the length of gestation. Thus, in literature and in obstetric practice, there
      is no consensus on the definition of expected date of delivery. From a medical
      point of view, it seems important to fix the date from which the monitoring
      should start and from which an induction of labour should be considered. Thus,
      arbitrarily, we can consider that the term period corresponds to a time interval
      located between 37(+0) SA and 41(+6) SA and the post-term period begins from
      42(+0) SA. Because maternal and fetal risks increase at the end of the pregnancy,
      one can speak, arbitrarily, of prolonged pregnancy from 41(+0) SA (expert
      opinion).

PMID- 22056184
TI  - [Prevention of the complications related to the use of prosthetic meshes in
      prolapse surgery: guidelines for clinical practice - text of the guidelines].

PMID- 22056185
TI  - [Prolonged pregnancy: when should surveillance be started and what should be the
      frequency?].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine when surveillance should be started in prolonged
      pregnancy and what would be the more appropriate frequency for it. STUDY DESIGN:
      Systematic searches of Medline and the Cochrane Library were performed. RESULTS:
      Fetal mortality diminishes from 37 weeks of gestation to a nadir of one death for
      1000 births at 40(+0) weeks. It increases thereafter up to three deaths for 1000
      births at 43(+0) weeks. Perinatal mortality rates show same pattern and is
      estimated to be of two and four to six deaths for 1000 births at 41(+0) and
      43(+0) weeks, respectively. However, current available data does not allow for
      the determination of a gestational age cut-off associated with major increase of
      perinatal mortality and on which surveillance of prolonged pregnancy should be
      genuinely started. French epidemiological data from 2003 indicate that although
      52.5% of pregnant women have reached 40(+0) weeks only 20,7% and 1% have reaches
      41(+0) and 42(+0) weeks, respectively. Intrauterine fetal growth associated with
      prolonged pregnancy increases perinatal mortality. In most randomized trials
      having compared labour induction with expectant management, fetal surveillance
      was started at 41(+0) weeks. CONCLUSION: Due to the increased risk of perinatal
      mortality, it seems appropriate that fetal surveillance is started at 41(+0)
      weeks (expert opinion). This implies a rational organization of care to support
      surveillance of 20% of pregnant women. The frequency of this monitoring
      consisting of at least twice-weekly cadiotocography and ultrasound estimation of
      amniotic fluid (expert opinion).

PMID- 22056186
TI  - [Fetal and neonatal complications related to prolonged pregnancy].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate fetal and neonatal outcomes related to prolonged
      pregnancy. METHODS: This study is based on Pubmed search, Cochrane library and
      HAS recommendations. RESULTS: The risk of fetal complications including
      macrosomia (6 %), oligohydramnios (10 %-15 %), abnormal fetal heart rate pattern
      and meconium-stained fluid is increased in prolonged pregnancy (>= 41(+0) weeks).
      The rate of stillbirth was estimated between 1.6 0/00 and 3.0 0/00 live births
      according to countries in post-term pregnancies (>= 42(+0) weeks). The risk of
      umbilical cord pH less than 7.10, Apgar score at five minutes inferior to 7, ICU
      admissions and perinatal asphyxia is increased in post-term infants (>= 42(+0)
      weeks) compared with term infants. The risk of neurologic complications including
      neonatal convulsion, hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy, cerebral palsy,
      developmental deviations and epilepsy in childhood is increased in post-term
      infants. The risk of meconium aspiration syndrome, neonatal sepsis, and birth
      trauma including shoulder dystocia and bone fracture is increased in post-term
      infants. The rate of perinatal mortality increases in post-term infants. The
      perinatal mortality in post-term infants could be explained by perinatal asphyxia
      and meconium aspiration syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of perinatal
      complications and mortality are increased in prolonged pregnancy.

PMID- 22056187
TI  - [Update of myoma management - introduction].

PMID- 22056188
TI  - [Different methods for the induction of labour in postterm pregnancy].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Define methods of induction of labour for the population of pregnant
      women at the end of 41 SA and beyond, including membranes sweeping, mechanical
      and pharmacological procedures as oxytocin, prostaglandin E1 (misoprostol) and E2
      (dinoprostone) and other methods as well for the scarred uterus. METHODS:
      Bibliographic research done by consulting databases PubMed, and Cochrane.
      RESULTS: Membrane sweeping reduces by 41% the need of induction of labour at 41
      SA and 72% for postterm (42 SA). Membrane sweeping is a technique with some
      discomfort for the patient but has advantages. This procedure should not be
      imposed on patients in a systematic visit because it presents inconveniences
      (contractions, bleeding, pain). Oxytocin remains the gold standard used for
      labour induction and requires well-codified rationale protocols in maternity for
      increasing doses. Most of the trials show that this product is appropriate when
      the cervix is considered as favorable (Bishop >= 6). In the presence of intact
      membranes, induction by oxytocin must be associated with amniotomy for a
      significant reduction in "induction-delivery" period. The Foley catheter is a
      mechanically reliable, reproducible method for inducing labour with less uterine
      hyperstimulation without increasing the rate of caesarean sections. It is an
      interesting process but maternal and neonatal infectious morbidity appears to be
      possibly increased. The non-vaginal PGE2 (cervical) are no longer recommended.
      The PGE2 vaginal gel or pessary are comparable methods to induce labour. They can
      be used to successfully induce labour regardless of cervical Bishop score. In
      case of unfavorable cervical conditions, PGE2 can reduce the use of oxytocin and
      decrease the required doses. Misoprostol is a molecule that may be proposed for
      induction of labour provided to know the doses, risks and side effects and to
      adapt materno-fetal monitoring. The optimal route of administration remains yet
      to be assessed because of a higher risk of hyperstimulation or tachysystole.
      Initial doses should be 25 MUg. However, misoprostol did not have the
      authorization in this indication and merit some caution when using it.
      Prostaglandin E1 is associated with a high risk of uterine rupture and should not
      be used after caesarean section. Acupuncture, homeopathy NO donors, breast
      stimulation or sexual intercourse are methods ineffective in all conditions or
      assessment is insufficient to conclude with evidence based medicine. CONCLUSION:
      In postterm, different procedures could be performed for induction of labour.
      Furthermore membrane sweeping, oxytocin is the drug of choice for induction on
      favourable cervix and one of the most commonly used drugs. Vaginal prostaglandins
      E2 are effective whatever the cervical conditions. Misoprostol is a very
      interesting pharmacological molecule without authorization in this indication but
      has real advantages on efficacy, cost, storage and administration. Other studies
      with high power have to remain on track and to focus on the optimal and route
      doses because of increased risk of tachysystole or hyperstimulation with effects
      on the FHR. Minimal doses at 25MUg seem to be safe. The Foley catheter is a
      reliable method without any pharmacological effect and opening interesting
      perspectives but with caution about the possible increased infectious risks.

PMID- 22056189
TI  - [Except fertility, place of myomectomy in perimenopause and after menopause].
AB  - More and more perimenopausal and menopausal women seek an alternative to
      hysterectomy because they desire future pregnancy or wish to retain their uteri
      even if they have completed childbearing. Myomectomy may be an option. We can't
      know the evolution of leiomyomas. Hysteroscopic myomectomy is the treatment of
      submucous fibromas. Recurrence and subsequent surgery occurs in 16 to 21 % of
      cases. Intramural and subserousal myomas can be treated by myomectomy. Myomectomy
      should be performed laparoscopically because of shorter hospital stay, faster
      recovery and reduced postoperative pain. Second surgery is needed in 4-16 % of
      patients. If hysterectomy is performed, it should be by vaginal or laparoscopic
      route. There is no difference in perioperative morbidity between hysterectomy and
      myomectomy. Intra- and postoperative complications are similar between myomectomy
      and hysterectomy. Hysterectomy may be prefered if there is risk factor of
      malignancy or if the fibroma is discovered or has a rapid growth after menopause.

PMID- 22056190
TI  - [Management of post-term neonates].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To estimate the modalities of management of post-term neonates.
      METHODS: This study is based on PubMed search, Cochrane library and HAS
      recommendations. RESULTS: Medical team should be able to provide neonatal
      resuscitation in delivery room in case of meconium-stained fluid or perinatal
      asphyxia according to the international guidelines ILCOR 2010. The glycaemia of
      the post-term newborn with macrosomia should be evaluated. The initial clinical
      examination should search complications such as shoulder dystocia or clavicular
      fracture. Full blood count should be performed in symptomatic newborn post-term.
      Developmental assessment should be performed in post-term newborn in case of
      associated pathology. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of perinatal complications is
      increased in newborn post-term in delivery room and during hospitalization.
      Medical team should be able to manage these complications.

PMID- 22056191
TI  - [Update of myoma management - method and organization].

PMID- 22056192
TI  - [How to date pregnancy?].
AB  - Accurate gestational assessment is essential for adequate growth assessment,
      appropriate aneuploidy screening and correct management of term. Based on expert
      opinion and beside ART pregnancies, it is recommended to use crown-rump length
      (CRL) to determine date of conception whenever there is an appropriate
      measurement taken at 11-14 weeks. This allows accurate dating at approximately 5
      days in 95% of cases.

PMID- 22056193
TI  - [Myomectomy for infertile women: the role of surgery].
AB  - At present, it is estimated that fibroids may be associated with infertility in 5
      to 10% and are possibly the sole cause of infertility in 1 to 3%. Their effects
      on fertility remain debated. The aim of this review of published studies between
      January 1990 and November 2010 was to clarify the relation between myoma and
      fertility, and to assess the role of myomectomy in infertile patients. In
      assisted reproduction technology and spontaneous conception, hysteroscopic sub
      mucous myoma resection increased pregnancy rates. Intramural fibroids appear to
      decrease fertility, but the myomectomy does not improve assisted reproduction
      technology and spontaneous fertility. More high-quality studies are needed to
      conclude toward the value of myomectomy for intramural fibroids. Subserosal
      fibroids do not affect fertility outcomes, and removal does not confer benefit.

PMID- 22056194
TI  - [Guidelines for clinical practice concerning the prevention of the complications
      related to the use of prosthetic meshes in prolapse surgery: methods].

PMID- 22056195
TI  - [To evaluate the role of fetal movement counting and amnioscopy in the management
      of prolonged pregnancies].
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the role of fetal movement counting and amnioscopy in the
      management of prolonged pregnancies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PubMed and the
      Cochrane library were searched using terms: fetal movement counting, decreased
      fetal movement, post-term pregnancy, late pregnancy, prolonged pregnancy,
      postdate pregnancy, amnioscopy, meconium amniotic fluid, surveillance of the
      fetus. RESULTS: Decreased fetal mouvements (DFM) in prolonged pregnancies is a
      frequent cause of unplanned visits. For many authors, the best criterion is the
      self-perception of reduced maternal or any change of fetal movement. Current data
      is insufficient to show a link between DFM and increased fetal morbidity and
      mortality. It is reasonable to recommend to the patient to consult in case of DFM
      and make an assessment of fetal vitality (experts' opinion). Current data are
      insufficient to show a potential benefit of the establishment of an information
      given to patients on DFM in prolonged pregnancy (experts' opinion). No fetal
      movement counting was assessed in the prolonged pregnancy. High negative
      predictive value of amnioscopy explains it is reassuring only if the amniotic
      fluid is clear. Amnioscopy showed no neonatal benefit in the survey of prolonged
      pregnancies (NP4). CONCLUSION: In the prolonged pregnancies, no fetal movement
      counting can reduce the perinatal morbidity and mortality rate. The interest of
      amnioscopy in the survey of prolonged pregnancies has never been showed. It is
      not recommended to use it.

PMID- 22056196
TI  - [Antidotes: use guidelines and minimun stock in an emergency department].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To develop a guide for antidotes and other medications used to
      counteract poisoning, and define the stock in an emergency department, as a
      safety priority for the part-time pharmacist assigned to the unit. METHOD: A
      search of specialist databases and web portals of the Spanish Society of
      Toxicology and the British National Poisons Information Service, as well as
      toxicology databases, TOXICONET, information from other hospitals, tertiary
      sources, Micromedex and Medline. RESULTS: The Guide contains 42 active
      ingredients and is accessible to the Pharmacy and Emergency departments in
      electronic format. A minimum emergency stock was agreed based on the daily
      treatment of a 100 kg patient. This information, including updated expiry dates,
      is available at the emergency department antidote stock facilities and in
      electronic format. On a monthly basis, the pharmacist reviews the need to replace
      any drugs, due to their expiry date or lack of use. DISCUSSION: The lack of
      evidence from high quality antidote studies, the variability due to the
      difficulties of updating sources and some geographical differences in their use
      means that decision-making can be difficult. It would be useful to have minimum
      quantity recommendations from societies of toxicology, regulatory agencies and
      organisations such as the Joint Commission on the Accreditation of Healthcare
      Organisations. It would also be useful to have a suprahospital risk assessment to
      optimise management and ensure the availability of antidotes which are expensive,
      have a limited shelf life, or of which demand is difficult to forecast.

PMID- 22056197
TI  - Kinetics of the cervical spine in pediatric and adult volunteers during low speed
      frontal impacts.
AB  - Previous research has quantified differences in head and spinal kinematics
      between children and adults restrained in an automotive-like configuration
      subjected to low speed dynamic loading. The forces and moments that the cervical
      spine imposes on the head contribute directly to these age-based kinematic
      variations. To provide further explanation of the kinematic results, this study
      compared the upper neck kinetics - including the relative contribution of shear
      and tension as well as flexion moment - between children (n=20, 6-14 yr) and
      adults (n=10, 18-30 yr) during low-speed (<4 g, 2.5 m/s) frontal sled tests. The
      subjects were restrained by a lap and shoulder belt and photo-reflective targets
      were attached to skeletal landmarks on the head, spine, shoulders, sternum, and
      legs. A 3D infrared tracking system quantified the position of the targets. Shear
      force (F(x)), axial force (F(z)), bending moment (M(y)), and head angular
      acceleration (theta(head)) were computed using inverse dynamics. The method was
      validated against ATD measured loads. Peak F(z) and theta(head) significantly
      decreased with increasing age while M(y) significantly increased with increasing
      age. F(x) significantly increased with age when age was considered as a
      univariate variable; however when variations in head-to-neck girth ratio and
      change in velocity were accounted for, this difference as a function of age was
      not significant. These results provide insight into the relationship between age
      based differences in head kinematics and the kinetics of the cervical spine. Such
      information is valuable for pediatric cervical spine models and when scaling
      adult-based upper cervical spine tolerance and injury metrics to children.

PMID- 22056198
TI  - Influence of kinematic analysis methods on detecting ankle and subtalar joint
      instability.
AB  - Patients with subtalar joint instability may be misdiagnosed with ankle
      instability, which may lead to chronic instability at the subtalar joint.
      Therefore, it is important to understand the difference in kinematics after
      ligament sectioning and differentiate the changes in kinematics between ankle and
      subtalar instability. Three methods may be used to determine the joint
      kinematics; the Euler angles, the Joint Coordinate System (JCS) and the helical
      axis (HA). The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of using
      either method to detect subtalar and ankle joints instability. 3D kinematics at
      the ankle and subtalar joint were analyzed on 8 cadaveric specimens while the
      foot was intact and after sequentially sectioning the anterior talofibular
      ligament (ATFL), the calcaneofibular ligament (CFL), the cervical ligament and
      the interosseous talocalcaneal ligament (ITCL). Comparison in kinematics
      calculated from sensor and anatomical landmarks was conducted as well as the
      influence of Euler angles and JCS rotation sequence (between ISB recommendation
      and previous research) on the subtalar joint. All data showed a significant
      increase in inversion when the ITCL was sectioned. There were differences in the
      data calculated using sensors coordinate systems vs. anatomic coordinate systems.
      Anatomic coordinate systems were recommended for these calculations. The Euler
      angle and JCS gave similar results. Differences in Euler angles and JCS sequence
      lead to the same conclusion in detecting instability at the ankle and subtalar
      joint. As expected, the HA detected instability in plantarflexion at the ankle
      joint and in inversion at the subtalar joint.

PMID- 22056199
TI  - Education halves the risk of dementia due to apolipoprotein epsilon4 allele: a
      collaborative study from the Swedish brain power initiative.
AB  - A number of studies have explored the relationships of apolipoprotein E (APOE)
      genotype and education with dementia over the last decade. However, observations
      concerning the possible modifying effect of education on the APOE-dementia
      association are limited. The objective of this study was to test the hypothesis
      that education may decrease the risk of APOE epsilon4 on dementia. Pooled data
      from 3 major population-based studies in Northern Europe were used in this study,
      with a total of 3436 participants aged 65 and older derived from the Kungsholmen
      project and the Gothenburg Birth Cohort studies in Sweden, and the Cardiovascular
      Risk Factors, Aging and Dementia (CAIDE) project in Finland. The main outcome
      measure was dementia, which was diagnosed in 219 persons according to standard
      criteria. APOE epsilon4 was associated with increased risk of dementia
      independent of the effect of education (odds ratio [OR], 2.5; 95% confidence
      interval [CI], 1.9-3.4 for 1 epsilon4 carrier and OR, 3.7; 95% CI, 1.8-7.2 for 2
      epsilon4 carriers). High education (8 years and more) was related to a lower
      dementia risk (OR, 0.5; 95% CI, 0.3-0.6). An interaction between education and
      APOE epsilon4 was observed. Compared with those with less education and no
      epsilon4, the odds of dementia among persons with low education who carried any
      epsilon4 allele was 2.7 (95% CI, 1.9-3.9), and 1.2 (0.7-1.8) if they had higher
      education. This study suggests that genetic (APOE epsilon4) and environmental
      (education) factors are not only independently but also interactively related to
      dementia risk and that high education may buffer the negative effect of APOE
      epsilon4 on dementia occurrence.

PMID- 22056200
TI  - Salubrinal attenuates beta-amyloid-induced neuronal death and microglial
      activation by inhibition of the NF-kappaB pathway.
AB  - Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by the deposition of beta-amyloid
      (Abeta) peptides in the brain, inducing neuronal cell death and microglial
      activation. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has been proposed to be a mediator
      of Abeta neurotoxicity. In this study, we test whether salubrinal, an ER stress
      inhibitor, can protect against Abeta-mediated neurotoxicity. We show in rat
      primary cortical neurons and mouse microglial BV-2 cells that short-term
      treatment with salubrinal attenuates Abeta-induced neuronal death and microglial
      activation. Remarkably, our results show that salubrinal's neuroprotective
      effects are not due to inhibition of ER stress. Rather, we demonstrate that
      salubrinal exerts its effects through the inhibition of IkappaB kinase (IKK)
      activation, IkappaB degradation, and the subsequent nuclear factor-kappa B (NF
      kappaB) activation. These results elucidate inhibition of the NF-kappaB pathway
      as a new mechanism responsible for the protective effects of salubrinal against
      Abeta neurotoxicity. This study also suggests that modulation of Abeta-induced NF
      kappaB activation could be a potential therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer's
      disease.

PMID- 22056202
TI  - Advocating for safety in the workplace.

PMID- 22056203
TI  - Interactions among benzodiazepine and buprenorphine/naloxone.

PMID- 22056201
TI  - Altered age-related trajectories of amygdala-prefrontal circuitry in adolescents
      at clinical high risk for psychosis: a preliminary study.
AB  - Emotion processing deficits are prominent in schizophrenia and exist prior to the
      onset of overt psychosis. However, developmental trajectories of neural circuitry
      subserving emotion regulation and the role that they may play in illness onset
      have not yet been examined in patients at risk for psychosis. The present study
      employed a cross-sectional analysis to examine age-related functional activation
      in amygdala and prefrontal cortex, as well as functional connectivity between
      these regions, in adolescents at clinical high risk (CHR) for psychosis relative
      to typically developing adolescents. Participants (n=34) performed an emotion
      processing fMRI task, including emotion labeling, emotion matching, and non
      emotional control conditions. Regression analyses were used to predict activation
      in the amygdala and ventrolateral prefrontal cortex (vlPFC) based on age, group,
      sex, and the interaction of age by group. CHR adolescents exhibited altered age
      related variation in amygdala and vlPFC activation, relative to controls.
      Controls displayed decreased amygdala and increased vlPFC activation with age,
      while patients exhibited the opposite pattern (increased amygdala and decreased
      vlPFC activation), suggesting a failure of prefrontal cortex to regulate amygdala
      reactivity. Moreover, a psychophysiological interaction analysis revealed
      decreased amygdala-prefrontal functional connectivity among CHR adolescents,
      consistent with disrupted brain connectivity as a vulnerability factor in
      schizophrenia. These results suggest that the at-risk syndrome is marked by
      abnormal development and functional connectivity of neural systems subserving
      emotion regulation. Longitudinal data are needed to confirm aberrant
      developmental trajectories intra-individually and to examine whether these
      abnormalities are predictive of conversion to psychosis, and of later deficits in
      socioemotional functioning.

PMID- 22056205
TI  - A 68-year-old man with bright red emesis.

PMID- 22056207
TI  - T cell receptor signalling in gammadelta cell development: strength isn't
      everything.
AB  - gammadelta cells have been conserved across ~450 million years of evolution, from
      which they share the distinction, alongside alphabeta T cells and B cells, of
      forming antigen receptors by somatic gene recombination. However, much about
      these cells remains unclear. Indeed, although gammadelta cells display 'innate
      like' characteristics exemplified by rapid tissue-localised responses to stress
      associated stimuli, their huge capacity for T cell receptor (TCR)gammadelta
      diversity also suggests 'adaptive-like' potential. Clarity requires a better
      understanding of TCRgammadelta itself, not only through identification of TCR
      ligands, but also by correlating thymic TCRgammadelta signalling with commitment
      to gammadelta effector fates. Here, we propose that thymic TCRgammadelta-ligand
      engagement versus ligand-independent signalling differentially imprints innate
      like versus adaptive-like characteristics on developing gammadelta cells, which
      fundamentally dictate their peripheral effector properties.

PMID- 22056208
TI  - Rabbit model of primary hyperparathyroidism induced by high-phosphate diet.
AB  - The objective of this study is to establish a new rabbit model of primary
      hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) induced by high-phosphate diet. One hundred twenty
      rabbits were divided into two groups of 60 each. The treatment group was fed a
      high-phosphate diet (Ca:P = 1:7) and the control group was given a normal animal
      diet (Ca:P = 1:0.7) for 1 to 6 mo. Serologic examinations, including parathyroid
      hormone (PTH), calcium and phosphorus levels, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine,
      and uric acid, and the histologic examination, including parathyroid, kidney, and
      bones, were performed at the end of each month for 6 mo. Compared with the
      control, serum PTH levels in the treatment groups were elevated at all six time
      points, whereas serum calcium levels were reduced, and serum phosphorus levels
      remain unchanged over the course of the first 3 mo. Serum calcium levels were
      increased, whereas serum phosphorus levels were reduced at 4, 5, and 6 mo.
      Parathyroid histopathological examination showed no change during the first
      month, whereas 60% of the animals exhibited mild hyperplasia starting at 2 mo,
      and 90% of the animals in the treatment group exhibited mild-to-moderate
      hyperplasia with gland enlargement starting from 3 mo through the end of the
      study. Histopathological examination of the kidneys showed no change at 1 mo, but
      focal parenchymal inflammation with calcium deposition was observed in the
      treatment groups at 2 to 6 mo. Fibrous tissue of the bone extended toward the
      cortex, and fibrosis was evident at the third month. The fibrous cells were found
      to be concentrated mainly on the inner and outer membranes of the bone cortex,
      and the amount of fibrous tissue increased as the disease progressed. We conclude
      that a new rabbit animal model of PHPT can be successfully created by the
      administration of a high-phosphate diet. This animal model can be used in various
      future studies related to PHPT.

PMID- 22056209
TI  - Effects of calcium salts of long-chain fatty acids and rumen-protected methionine
      on plasma concentrations of ghrelin, glucagon-like peptide-1 (7 to 36) amide and
      pancreatic hormones in lactating cows.
AB  - Our objective was to determine the effects of calcium salts of long-chain fatty
      acids (CLFAs) and rumen-protected methionine (RPM) on plasma concentrations of
      ghrelin, glucagon-like peptide-1 (7 to 36) amide, and pancreatic hormones in
      lactating cows. Four Holstein cows in midlactation were used in a 4 by 4 Latin
      square experiment in each 2-wk period. Cows were fed corn silage-based diets with
      supplements of CLFAs (1.5% added on dry matter basis), RPM (20 g/d), CLFAs plus
      RPM, and without supplement. Jugular blood samples were taken from 1 h before to
      2 h after morning feeding at 10-min intervals on day 12 of each period. CLFAs
      decreased dry matter intake, but RPM did not affect dry matter intake. Both
      supplements of CLFAs and RPM did not affect metabolizable energy intake and milk
      yield and composition. Plasma concentrations of NEFAs, triglyceride (TG), and
      total cholesterol (T-Cho) were increased with CLFAs alone, but increases of
      plasma concentrations of TG and T-Cho were moderated by CLFAs plus RPM. Calcium
      salts of long-chain fatty acids increased plasma ghrelin concentration, and the
      ghrelin concentration with CLFAs plus RPM was the highest among the treatments.
      Plasma concentrations of glucagon-like peptide-1, glucagon, and insulin were
      decreased with CLFAs, whereas adding RPM moderated the decrease of plasma
      glucagon concentration by CLFAs. These results indicate that the addition of
      methionine to cows given CLFAs increases plasma concentrations of ghrelin and
      glucagon associated with the decrease in plasma concentrations of TG and T-Cho.

PMID- 22056210
TI  - The experience of agency in sequence production with altered auditory feedback.
AB  - When speaking or producing music, people rely in part on auditory feedback - the
      sounds associated with the performed action. Three experiments investigated the
      degree to which alterations of auditory feedback (AAF) during music performances
      influence the experience of agency (i.e., the sense that your actions led to
      auditory events) and the possible link between agency and the disruptive effect
      of AAF on production. Participants performed short novel melodies from memory on
      a keyboard. Auditory feedback during performances was manipulated with respect to
      its pitch contents and/or its synchrony with actions. Participants rated their
      experience of agency after each trial. In all experiments, AAF reduced judgments
      of agency across conditions. Performance was most disrupted (measured by error
      rates and slowing) when AAF led to an ambiguous experience of agency, suggesting
      that there may be some causal relationship between agency and disruption.
      However, analyses revealed that these two effects were probably independent. A
      control experiment verified that performers can make veridical judgments of
      agency.

PMID- 22056211
TI  - [Clustered cases of intrafamily invasive Streptococcus pyogenes infection (or
      group A streptococcus)].
AB  - Streptococcus pyogenes or group A streptococcus (GAS) is responsible for serious
      invasive infections with a risk of secondary infection in patients with more
      contact than in the general population. Regardless of clustering, few
      intrafamilial invasive infections have been reported despite a recent increase in
      the incidence of invasive GAS disease. We report the cases of two brothers, one a
      boy of 8.5 years with toxic shock syndrome with no bacteria identified and the
      second, 1 week later, his 14.5-year-old brother in hospital for sepsis due to
      GAS. The occurrence of a confirmed case of invasive GAS and a probable case
      within such a short period met the definition of clustered cases. Both brothers
      showed no risk factors for invasive disease and no gateway including skin was
      found. Antibiotic therapy was initiated in the family as recommended by the
      French Higher Council of Public Hygiene.

PMID- 22056212
TI  - Outcome assessment of patients with metastatic renal cell carcinoma under
      systemic therapy using artificial neural networks.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The outcome of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC)
      under systemic therapy shows remarkable variability, and there is a need to
      identify prognostic parameters that allow individual prognostic stratification
      and selection of optimal therapy. Artificial neural networks (ANN) are software
      systems that can be trained to recognize complex data patterns. In this study, we
      used ANNs to identify poor prognosis of patients with RCC based on common
      clinical parameters available at the beginning of systemic therapy. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: Data from patients with RCC who started systemic therapy were collected
      prospectively in a single center database; 175 data sets with follow-up data
      (median, 36 months) were available for analysis. Age, sex, body mass index,
      performance status, histopathologic parameters, time interval between primary
      tumor and detection of metastases, type of systemic therapy, number of
      metastases, and metastatic sites were used as input data for the ANN. The target
      variable was overall survival after 36 months. Logistic regression models were
      constructed by using the same variables. RESULTS: Death after 36 months occurred
      in 26% of the patients in the tyrosine kinase inhibitors group and in 37% of the
      patients in the immunotherapy group (P = .22). ANN achieved 95% overall accuracy
      and significantly outperformed logistic regression models (78% accuracy).
      Pathologic T classification, invasion of vessels, and tumor grade had the highest
      impact on the network's decision. CONCLUSION: ANN is a promising approach for
      individual risk stratification of patients with advanced RCC under systemic
      therapy, based on clinical parameters, and can help to optimize the therapeutic
      strategy.

PMID- 22056213
TI  - Metastatic clear cell adenocarcinoma of the urethra in a male patient: report of
      a case.

PMID- 22056214
TI  - Weight change modulates epicardial fat burden: a 4-year serial study with non
      contrast computed tomography.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Epicardial fat volume (EFV) is linked to cardiovascular event risk.
      We aimed to investigate the relationships between EFV and weight change. METHODS:
      From the EISNER (Early Identification of Subclinical Atherosclerosis using Non
      invasive Imaging Research) Registry with baseline and follow-up coronary calcium
      scans (1248 subjects), we selected a cohort of 374 asymptomatic subjects matched
      using age decade, gender and coronary calcium score (CCS) as a measure of
      subclinical cardiovascular risk, who underwent 2 scans at an interval of 4.1+/
      0.4 years. Using semi-automated validated software, pericardial contours were
      generated on all slices by spline interpolation from 5 to 10 control points. EFV
      was computed as fat volume within the pericardial contours. Weight gain/loss was
      defined as >5% change. RESULTS: At baseline, EFV was moderately correlated to
      weight, body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (r=0.51, 0.41 and 0.50,
      p<0.0001). EFV change was weakly correlated to change in weight (r=0.37,
      p<0.0001), BMI (r=0.39, p<0.0001) and waist circumference (r=0.21, p=0.002). On
      multivariable linear regression analysis, weight change [beta=1.2, 95% confidence
      interval (CI) 0.9-1.5, p<0.001], BMI change (beta=1.2, 95% CI 0.9-1.5, p<0.001),
      gender (beta=-6.4, 95% CI -10.9 to -1.8, p=0.006) and hypertension (beta=4.7, 95%
      CI 0.5-9.0, p=0.03) predicted EFV change. EFV decreased in 54 subjects with
      weight loss and increased in 71 subjects with weight gain (-2.3+/-21.1% vs.
      23.3+/-24.4%, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: EFV is related to body weight, BMI and waist
      circumference. Reduction in weight may stabilize or reduce EFV, while weight gain
      may promote EFV increase.

PMID- 22056215
TI  - Qualitative characteristics of HDL in young patients of an acute myocardial
      infarction.
AB  - AIM: Recently, the concept that high density lipoprotein (HDL) quality is an
      important parameter for atheroprotection is gaining ground, though little data
      exists so far to support it. In an attempt to identify measurable qualitative
      parameters of HDL associated with increased risk for premature myocardial
      infarction (MI), we studied the structural characteristics of HDL from patients
      who survived an MI at a young age (<=35 years). METHODS AND RESULTS: We studied
      20 MI patients and 20 healthy control subjects. HDL of patients had reduced
      apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I), apolipoprotein M, and paraoxonase 1 levels and
      significantly elevated apolipoprotein C-III (apoCIII) levels (all p<0.05).
      Specifically, the HDL apoA-I/apoC-III ratio was 0.24+/-0.01 in patients versus
      4.88+/-0.90 in controls (p<0.001). These structural alterations correlated with
      increased oxidation potential of HDL of the MI group compared to controls (2.5
      fold, p=0.026). Electron microscopy showed no significant difference in average
      HDL particle diameter between the two groups though a significant difference
      existed in HDL diameter distribution, suggesting the presence of different HDL
      subpopulations in MI and control subjects. Indeed, non-denaturing two-dimensional
      electrophoresis revealed that MI patients had reduced pre-beta1(alpha), pre
      beta1(b) and alpha(2), and elevated alpha(1), alpha(3), and pre-alpha(4) HDL.
      CONCLUSIONS: Reduction in the HDL apoA-I/apoC-III ratio, changes in the HDL
      subpopulation distribution and an increase in HDL oxidation potential correlated
      with the development of MI in young patients. The possibility that such changes
      may serve as markers for the early identification of young individuals at high
      risk for an acute coronary event should be further explored.

PMID- 22056216
TI  - CRP and CD14 polymorphisms correlate with coronary plaque volume in patients with
      coronary artery disease--IVUS substudy of the ENCORE trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several proinflammatory single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have
      been linked to the progression of atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease
      (CAD). Plaque size and its destabilization by inflammatory processes are major
      determinants of ischemia and acute coronary syndromes. Intravascular ultrasound
      (IVUS) allows for quantification of plaque size in vivo. We therefore
      investigated the relation of plaque size with mutations of proinflammatory genes
      in patients with CAD. METHODS: In 196 patients with stable CAD enrolled in the
      ENCORE trials coronary plaque and vessel volume was assessed by IVUS. 173
      patients were successfully genotyped for polymorphisms of proinflammatory genes
      CD14 C(-260)T and CRP C(+1444)T using the single-nucleotide polymorphism
      polymerase chain reaction (SNP PCR) approach. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics
      were comparable for all genotype groups. Higher ratios of plaque volume/vessel
      volume were observed in patients with the CRP 1444TT (n=11) and CD14 260TT (n=33)
      genotypes (p=0.016 and p=0.026, respectively). CONCLUSION: In patients with
      stable coronary artery disease the CRP 1444TT and CD14 260TT variants are
      associated with larger coronary plaque volume independently of concomitant
      cardiovascular risk factors.

PMID- 22056217
TI  - The theory of planned behavior: precursors of marijuana use in early adolescence?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Precursors of marijuana use in early adolescence are largely unknown
      because studies generally focus on marijuana use among older adolescents or
      adults. METHODS: In this study, we examined precursors of marijuana use in a
      sample of 1023 Dutch early adolescents (aged 11-14 at Time 1) who were never
      marijuana user at baseline, by applying a 3-wave longitudinal design. The theory
      of planned behavior (TPB) was used as a theoretical framework and posits that
      marijuana-specific cognitions (i.e., positive and negative expectancies,
      evaluative attitude, social approval, and self-efficacy) are antecedents of
      marijuana use and that this relationship is mediated by the intention to start
      using marijuana. RESULTS: In accordance with these premises, our results
      indicated that evaluative attitude, social approval, and self-efficacy at Time 1
      are related to marijuana use at Time 3 (20 months follow-up) via the intention to
      start using marijuana at Time 2 (8 months follow-up). More specifically, the
      structural equation models showed that more positive marijuana attitudes, more
      approval from the social environment, and lower self-efficacy were related to
      marijuana use initiation through a stronger intention to start using marijuana.
      CONCLUSION: This outcome is important for prevention efforts in that our results
      underline the importance of weakening adolescents' positive attitudes toward
      marijuana, decrease social approval of marijuana use, and stimulating the
      development of early adolescents' refusal skills with respect to marijuana use.

PMID- 22056218
TI  - Protection by physical activity against deleterious effect of smoking on carotid
      intima-media thickness in young Japanese.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The hazardous effects of smoking and the favorable influence of
      physical activity on the progression of atherosclerosis have been well studied,
      but little is known about the interactions of these 2 factors. METHODS: A total
      of 1090 subjects who were screened for brain disease (at annual medical checkups)
      between April 2007 and March 2008 were studied to clarify the effects of smoking
      on maximum carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) in patients with different grades
      of physical activity. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to
      investigate relationships between maximum IMT and independent variables, such as
      smoking status, age, gender, coexisting disease, physical activity, alcohol
      drinking, family history, subjective symptoms, body mass index, systolic blood
      pressure, diastolic blood pressure, blood sugar, total cholesterol, high-density
      lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglycerides. RESULTS: Univariate analysis revealed
      only the low physical activity group to have a significant relationship between
      smoking and maximum IMT. When the subjects were divided into 3 age groups (<=49,
      50-59, and <=60 years of age, respectively), the same association was noted for
      high and moderate physical activity groups <=49 years of age. Multivariate
      analysis further revealed smoking status to be a significant predictor of maximum
      IMT in the young low and moderate activity groups. CONCLUSIONS: In physically
      inactive young people, smoking might have detrimental effects on maximum IMT,
      while high physical activity may be protective.

PMID- 22056219
TI  - Lesion size and behavioral deficits after endothelin-1-induced ischemia are not
      dependent on time of day.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The occurrence of stroke exhibits a strong circadian pattern with a
      peak in the morning hours after waking. The factors that influence this pattern
      of stroke prevalence may confer varying degrees of neuroprotection and therefore
      influence stroke severity. This question is difficult to address in clinical
      cases because of the variability in the location and duration of the ischemic
      event. METHODS: The purpose of this study was to determine if time of day
      affected the severity of stroke targeting the motor cortex in rats. Strokes were
      produced using topical application of the vasoconstrictor endothelin-1 to motor
      cortex of unanesthetized animals at 2 time points: early day and early night.
      Behavioral deficits were measured using reaching, cylinder, and horizontal ladder
      tasks, and the volume of the lesion was quantified. RESULTS: Behavior on reaching
      and horizontal ladder tasks were both severely impaired by endothelin-1 treatment
      compared to vehicle-treated animals, but deficits did not differ according to
      time of treatment. Similarly, while endothelin-1 produced larger lesions of the
      motor cortex than did vehicle treatment, the size of the lesion did not differ
      according to time of treatment. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that while
      many factors under circadian control can influence the prevalence of stroke, the
      magnitude of lesion and behavioral deficit resulting from an ischemic event may
      not be influenced by time of day.

PMID- 22056220
TI  - The practice of carotid revascularization in a large metropolitan population.
AB  - Carotid endartectomy (CEA) and carotid artery stenting (CAS) reduce the risk of
      stroke when performed with acceptable perioperative morbidity and mortality.
      Studies from the 1980s in the greater Cincinnati/northern Kentucky population
      showed that perioperative risk after CEA exceeded the recommended boundaries of
      3.0% for asymptomatic stenosis and 6.0% for symptomatic stenosis. We investigated
      the indications and outcomes for CEA and CAS in the same population during 2005.
      We identified all residents of the greater Cincinnati/northern Kentucky region
      who underwent CEA or CAS at any local hospital during 2005. Identified cases of
      transient ischemic attack or stroke occurring before or after CEA or CAS were
      abstracted by study nurses and reviewed by a study physician. The main outcome of
      interest was 30-day risk of stroke or death after CEA or CAS. Events were
      analyzed using Kaplan-Meier statistics. Among approximately 1.3 million greater
      Cincinnati/northern Kentucky residents, 525 CEAs were performed, 343 (65%) for
      asymptomatic stenosis and 182 (35%) for symptomatic stenosis. There were 43 CAS
      procedures, 23 (53%) for asymptomatic stenosis and 20 (47%) for symptomatic
      stenosis. The 30-day perioperative risk of stroke or death after CEA was 3.3%
      (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.8%-5.9%) for asymptomatic stenosis and 6.3% (95%
      CI, 3.5%-11.1%) for symptomatic stenosis. The 30-day perioperative risk of stroke
      or death after CAS was 4.6% (95% CI, 0.7%-28.1%) for asymptomatic stenosis and
      21.1% (95% CI, 8.5%-46.8%) for symptomatic stenosis. Point estimates for
      perioperative risk after CEA were improved from previous studies but remained
      above the recommended benchmarks. The number of CAS procedures was low, but the
      perioperative risk was significant.

PMID- 22056221
TI  - Influence of experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage on nicotine-induced contraction
      of the rat basilar artery in relation to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors,
      calcium, and potassium channels.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cigarette smoking is associated with symptomatic vasospasm after
      subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). METHODS: Rat basilar arteries of a normal group
      and SAH groups (1 hour, 2 days, and 1 week) were removed from the brain and cut
      into spiral preparations. RESULTS: A central nervous system (CNS) nicotinic
      acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) and autonomic ganglionic nAChR antagonist
      (mecamylamine) and skeletal muscle nAChR antagonist (gallamine) concentration
      dependently attenuated the nicotine-induced contraction. An autonomic ganglionic
      nAChR antagonist (hexamethonium) did not affect nicotine-induced contractions in
      normal rats or rats with SAH. The various nAChR antagonists showed no significant
      differences in their effects between normal and SAH (1 hour, 2 days, and 1 week)
      rats. An L-type Ca(2+) channel antagonist (nifedipine) attenuated the nicotine
      induced contraction in a concentration dependent manner. Inhibition by nifedipine
      was significantly enhanced in the 1-hour and 2-day SAH groups compared with
      normal and 1-week SAH groups. Levcromakalim showed a greater attenuation of
      nicotine-induced contraction in SAH (1 hour, 2 days, and 1 week) than in normal
      rats. CONCLUSIONS: Nicotine-induced contraction of the rat basilar artery
      involved the CNS nAChR subfamily, skeletal muscle nAChR subfamily, and L-type
      Ca(2+) channel pathways. SAH did not affect any of the subfamilies of nAChR, but
      the Ca(2+) channel was reduced and the adenosine triphosphate-sensitive K(+)
      channel was enhanced by SAH.

PMID- 22056222
TI  - The impact of early life permethrin exposure on development of neurodegeneration
      in adulthood.
AB  - Early life environmental exposure to pesticides could play a critical role in the
      onset of age-related diseases. The present study aims to evaluate in brain,
      plasma and leukocytes of 300 day-old rats, the effect of a low dose of the
      insecticide permethrin administered during early life (1/50 LD(50), from 6th to
      21st day of life). The outcomes show that Nurr1, mRNA and protein expression, as
      well as calcium and NO levels are decreased in striatum. Moreover, the pesticide
      induces an imbalance in glutamate, calcium and NO in hippocampus. Low calcium
      concentrations in leukocytes and in plasma were observed, while increased NO and
      decreased SOD plasma levels were measured. The results suggest that permethrin
      intake at a dose close to the NOAEL (25 mg/kg) during the perinatal period can
      interact with Nurr1 by reducing its expression on striatum nucleus. Consequently,
      the maintenance of dopaminergic neurons as well as Nurr1 inhibitory effect on the
      production of proinflammatory mediators fails. The changes in biological markers
      found in our animal model could represent the basis to study neurodegenerative
      diseases whose development depends on individual gene signature and life style.

PMID- 22056223
TI  - Assessment of health literacy and numeracy among Spanish-Speaking parents of
      young children: validation of the Spanish Parental Health Literacy Activities
      Test (PHLAT Spanish).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the health literacy and numeracy skills of Spanish-speaking
      parents of young children and to validate a new Spanish language health literacy
      assessment for parents, the Spanish Parental Health Literacy Activities Test
      (PHLAT Spanish). METHODS: Cross-sectional study of Spanish-speaking caregivers of
      young children (<30 months) enrolled at primary care clinics in 4 academic
      medical centers. Caregivers were administered the 10-item PHLAT in addition to
      validated tests of health literacy (S-TOFHLA) and numeracy (WRAT-3 Arithmetic).
      Psychometric analysis was used to examine item characteristics of the PHLAT-10
      Spanish, to assess its correlation with sociodemographics and performance on
      literacy/numeracy assessments, and to generate a shorter 8-item scale (PHLAT-8).
      RESULTS: Of 176 caregivers, 77% had adequate health literacy (S-TOFHLA), whereas
      only 0.6% had 9th grade or greater numeracy skills. Mean PHLAT-10 score was 41.6%
      (SD 21.1). Fewer than one-half (45.5%) were able to read a liquid antibiotic
      prescription label and demonstrate how much medication to administer within an
      oral syringe. Less than one-third (31.8%) were able to interpret a food label to
      determine whether it met WIC (Special supplemental nutrition program for Women,
      Infants, and Children) guidelines. Greater PHLAT-10 score was associated with
      greater years of education (r = 0.49), S-TOFHLA (r = 0.53), and WRAT-3 (r = 0.55)
      scores (P < .001). Internal reliability was good (Kuder-Richardson coefficient of
      reliability; KR-20 = 0.61). An 8-item scale was highly correlated with the full
      10-item scale (r = 0.97, P < .001), with comparable internal reliability (KR-20 =
      0.64). CONCLUSIONS: Many Spanish-speaking parents have difficulty performing
      health-related literacy and numeracy tasks. The Spanish PHLAT demonstrates good
      psychometric characteristics and may be useful for identifying parents who would
      benefit from receiving low-literacy child health information.

PMID- 22056224
TI  - Validity of faculty and resident global assessment of medical students' clinical
      knowledge during their pediatrics clerkship.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Medical knowledge is one of six core competencies in medicine. Medical
      student assessments should be valid and reliable. We assessed the relationship
      between faculty and resident global assessment of pediatric medical student
      knowledge and performance on a standardized test in medical knowledge. METHODS:
      Retrospective cross-sectional study of medical students on a pediatric clerkship
      in academic year 2008-2009 at one academic health center. Faculty and residents
      rated students' clinical knowledge on a 5-point Likert scale. The inter-rater
      reliability of clinical knowledge ratings was assessed by calculating the intra
      class correlation coefficient (ICC) for residents' ratings, faculty ratings, and
      both rating types combined. Convergent validity between clinical knowledge
      ratings and scores on the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) clinical
      subject examination in pediatrics was assessed with Pearson product moment
      correlation correction and the coefficient of the determination. RESULTS: There
      was moderate agreement for global clinical knowledge ratings by faculty and
      moderate agreement for ratings by residents. The agreement was also moderate when
      faculty and resident ratings were combined. Global ratings of clinical knowledge
      had high convergent validity with pediatric examination scores when students were
      rated by both residents and faculty. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide evidence
      for convergent validity of global assessment of medical students' clinical
      knowledge with NBME subject examination scores in pediatrics.

PMID- 22056225
TI  - Upregulation of fibronectin and the alpha5beta1 and alphavbeta3 integrins on
      blood vessels within the cerebral ischemic penumbra.
AB  - Following focal cerebral ischemia, blood vessels in the ischemic border, or
      penumbra, launch an angiogenic response. In light of the critical role for
      fibronectin in angiogenesis, and the observation that fibronectin and its
      integrin receptors are strongly upregulated on angiogenic vessels in the hypoxic
      CNS, the aim of this study was to establish whether angiogenic vessels in the
      ischemic CNS also show this response. Focal cerebral ischemia was established in
      C57/Bl6 mice by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCA:O), and brain tissue
      analyzed 7 days following re-perfusion, a time at which angiogenesis is ongoing.
      Within the ischemic core, immunofluorescent (IF) studies demonstrated vascular
      expression of MECA-32, a marker of leaky cerebral vessels, and vascular
      breakdown, defined by loss of staining for the endothelial marker, CD31, and the
      vascular adhesion molecules, laminin, dystroglycan and alpha6 integrin. Within
      the ischemic penumbra, dual-IF with CD31 and Ki67 revealed the presence of
      proliferating endothelial cells, indicating ongoing angiogenesis. Significantly,
      vessels in the ischemic penumbra showed strong upregulation of fibronectin and
      the fibronectin receptors, alpha5beta1 and alphavbeta3 integrins. Taken together
      with our recent finding that the alpha5beta1 integrin plays an important role in
      promoting cerebral angiogenesis in response to hypoxia, these results suggest
      that stimulation of the fibronectin-alpha5beta1 integrin signaling pathway may
      provide a novel approach to amplifying the intrinsic angiogenic response to
      cerebral ischemia.

PMID- 22056226
TI  - Negative predictive value of positron emission tomography and computed tomography
      for stage T1-2N0 non-small-cell lung cancer: a meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nodal staging of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is crucial in
      evaluation of prognosis and determination of therapeutic strategy. This study
      aimed to determine the negative predictive value (NPV) of combined positron
      emission tomography and computed tomography (PET-CT) in patients with stage I (T1
      2N0) NSCLC and to investigate the possible risk factors for occult nodal disease.
      METHODS: Studies investigating the performance of PET in conjunction with CT in
      the nodal staging of stage I NSCLC were identified in the MEDLINE database. The
      initiative of standards for reporting of diagnostic accuracy (STARD) was used to
      ensure study quality. Pathologic assessments through mediastinoscopy or
      thoracotomy were required as the reference standard for evaluation of PET-CT
      accuracy. Stata-based meta-analysis was applied to calculate the individual and
      pooled NPVs. RESULTS: Ten studies with a total of 1122 patients with stage I (T1
      2N0) NSCLC were eligible for analysis. The NPVs of combined PET and CT for
      mediastinal metastases were 0.94 in T1 disease and 0.89 in T2 disease. Including
      both T1 disease and T2 disease, the NPVs were 0.93 for mediastinal metastases and
      0.87 for overall nodal metastases. Adenocarcinoma histology type (risk ratio
      [RR], 2.72) and high fluorine-18 (18F) fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) uptake in the
      primary lesion were associated with greater risk of occult nodal metastases.
      CONCLUSIONS: Although overall occult nodal metastases in clinical stage T1-2N0
      NSCLC is not infrequent, combined PET and CT provide a favorable NPV for
      mediastinal metastases in T1N0 NSCLC, suggesting a low yield from routine
      invasive staging procedures for this subgroup of patients.

PMID- 22056227
TI  - [Boost for patient safety with the centre agreement program].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify and define a minimum and standard set of safety objectives
      in the Centre Agreement Program (CAP) of the Community of Madrid, the
      introduction of which has led to improved follow-up and an improvement in quality
      of care and patient safety in Primary Care. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The key element
      is the Centre Agreement Program developed with the EFQM model as a reference.
      Methodologically, this project has followed the steps set out in the PDCA cycle.,
      Standardised safety objectives were included in the CAP during the planning
      phase. Indicators have been monitored by the e-SOAP application. RESULTS: We have
      identified 12 safety goals and 21 indicators. All the criteria of the model
      included some safety objectives. We highlight the following results: in the
      criteria relating to processes, the program cover of patients who were on several
      medications was 59.22%, a bio-alcohol solution was used in 93% of health
      facilities, 89% of Health Centres had performed a control and maintenance of
      vital emergency equipment. As regards communication, 1096 medication errors were
      notified throughout the Community of Madrid. There were 239 adverse reactions to
      medication and 1945 safety incidents were reported. In criterion 6, 66.22% of INR
      determinations were within range. There were 19.46 defined daily doses (DDD) for
      women of 45-65 years, and 16.9 DDD of neuroleptics in the elderly population. The
      indicator related to minimising drugs considered inappropriate in the elderly
      (Beers) was 11.9%. An average of 1.19 safety measures were adopted per Centre.
      For Criterion 7, 14.44% of professionals had been trained in quality and patient
      safety. By implementing e-SOAP, Health Centres can know their results in order to
      implement improvements. In addition, improvements have been set up in the 2010
      CAP. CONCLUSIONS: With the development of the CAP using the EFQM model as a
      benchmark, safety indicators have been implemented and monitored systematically
      in the Health Centres of the Community of Madrid. Best practices that ensure
      patient safety have been extended and we have begun to evaluate the impact of the
      health care provided in Primary Care with the measurement of indicators that the
      scientific evidence reveals affect patient safety.

PMID- 22056228
TI  - [A genetically confirmed CMT1A mimicking relapsing CIDP].

PMID- 22056229
TI  - Stenting of an apparently symptomatic carotid stenosis.

PMID- 22056230
TI  - Pro-inflammatory cytokines are elevated in adolescent females with emotional
      disorders not treated with SSRIs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) show elevated levels of
      IL-6 and TNF-alpha. Studies of adolescents with MDD or anxiety disorders (AD) are
      few and present conflicting results. METHODS: We studied plasma cytokines in a
      clinical sample of adolescent females with MDD and/or clinical AD (n=60, mean age
      16.8 years), compared to healthy controls (n=44; mean age 16.5 years). RESULTS:
      The clinical sample showed significantly higher values of IL-2 (Z=-4.09,
      p>0.0001), IL1-beta (Z=-2.40, p<0.05) and IL-10 (Z=-2.38, p<0.05) as compared to
      controls. The subgroup of the clinical sample not treated with SSRIs had a
      significant difference of IL-6 (Z=-2.26, p<0.05) in addition to the difference of
      IL-2 and IL1-beta, but showed no difference of IL-10 as compared to the controls.
      SSRI treatment was related to IL-6, explaining 26% of the variance in the
      clinical sample after controlling for BMI and symptom severity. In the clinical
      sample, levels of IL-6 and IFN-gamma were positively correlated with self
      assessed symptoms of anxiety and/or depression (corr.coeff 0.35 resp 0.40 at
      p<0.05). LIMITATIONS: The cross-sectional design does not allow for conclusions
      on causality. The sample sizes were relatively small and a large drop-out in the
      clinical sample may have influenced the representativity. DISCUSSION: The study
      suggests that pro-inflammatory cytokines are part of the pathophysiology of
      emotional disorders in adolescent females and that SSRIs have anti-inflammatory
      properties. The findings prompt further studies on the specific mechanisms
      involved and may contribute to the development of more effective treatment and
      prevention.

PMID- 22056231
TI  - A high-throughput screen to identify novel calcineurin inhibitors.
AB  - Calcineurin is a eukaryotic protein phosphatase important for many signalling and
      developmental processes in cells. Inhibitors of this enzyme are used clinically
      and there is interest in identifying novel inhibitors for therapeutic
      applications. This report describes a high-throughput assay that can be used to
      screen natural or chemical libraries of compounds to identify new calcineurin
      inhibitors. The microtitre plate assay is based on a yeast reporter strain and
      was validated with known inhibitors and tested in a pilot screen of bacterial
      extracts.

PMID- 22056232
TI  - Production and characterization of a novel monoclonal antibody against Vibrio
      parahaemolyticus F0F1 ATP synthase's delta subunit and its application for rapid
      identification of the pathogen.
AB  - We raised monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against Vibrio parahaemolyticus cell
      extracts. One of the MAbs, designated MAb-VP34, reacted in enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) with 140 V. parahaemolyticus strains, regardless of
      serotype or origin. MAb-VP34 did not detectably react with 96 strains belonging
      to 27 other Vibrio species (except for Vibrio natriegens) or with 29 non-Vibrio
      species. These results show that MAb-VP34 is highly specific for V.
      parahaemolyticus. Western blotting and mass spectrometry analyses revealed that
      MAb-VP34 recognized V. parahaemolyticus F(0)F(1) ATP synthase's delta subunit.
      Using MAb-VP34, a rapid and simple immunodot blotting assay (VP-Dot) was
      developed to determine whether bacterial colonies growing on selective agar,
      represented V. parahaemolyticus. To evaluate VP-Dot, 20 V. parahaemolyticus
      strains and 19 non-related strains were tested. The results indicated that VP-Dot
      is a reliable tool for identification of V. parahaemolyticus colonies. The simple
      VP-Dot procedure took 40min, indicating that the MAb-VP34 based immunological
      method will greatly reduce labor, time, and costs required to verify V.
      parahaemolyticus colonies as compared with the conventional biochemical test.

PMID- 22056233
TI  - Nonlinear electrophoresis for purification of soil DNA for metagenomics.
AB  - Purification of microbial DNA from soil is challenging due to the co-extraction
      of humic acids and associated phenolic compounds that inhibit subsequent cloning,
      amplification or sequencing. Removal of these contaminants is critical for the
      success of metagenomic library construction and high-throughput sequencing of
      extracted DNA. Using three different composite soil samples, we compared a novel
      DNA purification technique using nonlinear electrophoresis on the synchronous
      coefficient of drag alteration (SCODA) instrument with alternate purification
      methods such as direct current (DC) agarose gel electrophoresis followed by gel
      filtration or anion exchange chromatography, Wizard DNA Clean-Up System, and the
      PowerSoil DNA Isolation kit. Both nonlinear and DC electrophoresis were effective
      at retrieving high-molecular weight DNA with high purity, suitable for
      construction of large-insert libraries. The PowerSoil DNA Isolation kit and the
      nonlinear electrophoresis had high recovery of high purity DNA suitable for
      sequencing purposes. All methods demonstrated high consistency in the bacterial
      community profiles generated from the DNA extracts. Nonlinear electrophoresis
      using the SCODA instrument was the ideal methodology for the preparation of soil
      DNA samples suitable for both high-throughput sequencing and large-insert cloning
      applications.

PMID- 22056234
TI  - Genetics of maximally attained lung function: a role for leptin?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To estimate the heritabilities of maximally attained lung function in
      young adult twins, and to examine whether circulating leptin, leptin (LEP) and
      leptin receptor (LEPR) gene polymorphisms are associated with maximally attained
      lung function. METHODS: Measures on forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV(1)) and
      forced vital capacity (FVC) were available of 578 twins recruited from the East
      Flanders Prospective Twin Survey (165 monozygotic (MZ) and 73 dizygotic (DZ)
      complete pairs and 102 single twins). Twin model fitting and (genetic)
      association analyses were performed. RESULTS: Intra-pair correlations of FEV(1)
      and FVC did not differ significantly between MZ monochorionic and MZ dichorionic
      pairs. Heritability estimates of FEV(1) and FVC were 69% and 63%, respectively.
      The A allele of the LEP 19G>A SNP was significantly associated with a lower
      FEV(1) (p(Additive) = 0.01) and FVC (p(Dominant) = 0.047), while the LEPR K109R
      and Q223R SNPs showed no associations. Accounting for body mass index, serum
      leptin was negatively associated with FVC (p = 0.02) in men, but not in women.
      CONCLUSIONS: More than 60% of variation in maximally attained FEV(1) and FVC is
      explained by genetic factors. Moreover, these results suggest that leptin may be
      important in the determination of maximally attainable lung function.

PMID- 22056235
TI  - The influence of body weight on social network ties among adolescents.
AB  - Evidence of negative stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination towards obese
      individuals has been widely documented. However, the effect of a larger body size
      on social network ties or friendship formations is less well understood. In this
      paper, we explore the extent to which higher body weight results in social
      marginalization of adolescents. Using data from a nationally representative
      sample of adolescents, we estimate endogeneity-corrected models including school
      level fixed effects that account for bi-directionality and unobserved confounders
      to ascertain the effect of body weight on social network ties. We find that obese
      adolescents have fewer friends and are less socially integrated than their non
      obese counterparts. We also find that such penalties in friendship networks are
      present among whites but not African-Americans or Hispanics, with the largest
      effect among white females. These results are robust to common environmental
      influences at the school-level and to controls for preferences, risk attitudes,
      low self-esteem and objective measures of physical attractiveness.

PMID- 22056236
TI  - Age-related changes in gene expression of the growth hormone secretagogue and
      growth hormone-releasing hormone receptors in Holstein-Friesian cattle.
AB  - Growth hormone secretion from the anterior pituitary gland is controlled by
      interactions between three hormone receptors, between GHRH and GHRH receptor
      (GHRH-R), between ghrelin and growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R1a), and
      between somatostatin and somatostatin receptors in the hypothalamus and anterior
      pituitary gland. Ghrelin-GHS-R1a is involved in many important functions,
      including GH secretion and appetite. We investigated age-related changes in the
      expressions of GHS-R1a, GHS-R1b (the truncated-type receptor), and GHRH-R mRNAs
      by real-time reverse transcription-PCR using 16 tissues, leukocytes, oocytes, and
      cumulus cells in Holstein-Friesian cattle. The tissue samples were divided into
      three age classes: 1) 19 to 26 d of age (preweaning calves), 2) 2 mo to 6.5 mo of
      age (postweaning calves), and 3) 3.2 to 8.1 yr of age (cows). The GHS-R1a mRNA
      was highly (P < 0.05) expressed in the arcuate nucleus, pituitary gland, and
      liver compared with that of the other tissues in all age classes. Expression of
      GHS-R 1a mRNA in the arcuate nucleus of postweaning calves was > 10-fold greater
      (P < 0.01) than those of preweaning calves and cows, and its expression level was
      the greatest (P < 0.01) in all tissues examined in age group 2. GHS-R1a and GHRH
      R mRNA expressions in the pituitary gland of preweaning calves tended to be
      greater (P < 0.20 and P < 0.17, respectively) than those of postweaning calves
      and cows. GHS-R1b mRNA expression was detected in all tissues examined, and
      abundance was greater (P < 0.05) in the pancreas, pituitary gland, spleen,
      arcuate nucleus, adipose tissue, and leukocyte compared with that of the other
      tissues examined in age group 3. Interestingly, a relatively large animal-to
      animal variation was observed in pancreas GHS-R 1b mRNA expression. The GHRH-R
      mRNA was markedly increased (P < 0.01) in the pituitary gland in all age groups
      compared with that of the other tissues. GHRH-R mRNA abundance in the arcuate
      nucleus, pituitary gland, liver, spleen, adipose tissue, and heart of preweaning
      calves tended to be greater than those of postweaning calves and cows. The GHRH-R
      mRNA was not detected in the mammary gland and adipose tissue of nonlactating
      cows.

PMID- 22056237
TI  - Development and validation of a hydrophilic interaction chromatography-tandem
      mass spectrometry method with on-line polar extraction for the analysis of
      urinary nucleosides. Potential application in clinical diagnosis.
AB  - The present paper describes the development, validation and application of a
      quantitative method for the determination of endogenous nucleosides and
      nucleobases in urine based on the on-line coupling of a solid-phase extraction
      step with hydrophilic interaction chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The
      method combines the use of a highly polar restricted-access material (RAM), based
      on an N-vinylacetamide copolymer, for efficient analyte extraction and matrix
      removal, with separation by zwitterionic hydrophilic interaction chromatography
      (ZIC-HILIC), that revealed a satisfactory retention of the polar analytes
      studied. Detection using a triple quadrupole analyser allowed reliable
      identification and high-sensitivity quantitation of the target compounds. The on
      line configuration developed, RAM-ZIC-HILIC-MS/MS, provides a convenient approach
      to automate the application to urine analysis, with minimum sample manipulation.
      The whole method was validated according to European Legislation for
      bioanalytical methods. The validation steps included the verification of matrix
      effects, calibration curve, precision, accuracy, selectivity, stability and carry
      over in real samples. The results of the validation process revealed that the
      proposed method is suitable for the reliable determination of nucleosides and
      nucleobases in human urine, showing limits of detection from 0.1 to 1.3 ng mL(
      1). The application to clinical samples was also checked; the results obtained in
      analyses of urine samples from healthy volunteers and cancer patients using
      Principal Component Analysis, Hierarchical Cluster Analysis and Soft Independent
      Modeling of Class Analogy are also shown.

PMID- 22056238
TI  - Theoretical and practical aspects in the separation of large biomolecules.

PMID- 22056239
TI  - Trace level analysis of corky off-flavor compounds: development of a new
      analytical method based on solid phase extraction and analysis by
      multidimensional gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection.
AB  - This work describes the development of a trace level (<1 ngL(-1)) analysis of
      haloanisoles in complex wine matrix. The suggested method involves sample
      preparation based on solid phase extraction, a clean-up to remove acidic
      compounds, concentration of the haloanisole fraction and large volume on-column
      injection into a multidimensional GC-MS system. Mass spectrometric detection in
      the selected ion mode allowed reliable quantification of 2,4,6-trichloroanisole
      (TCA) or 2,4,6-tribromoanisole (TBA), via their highly deuterated ([(2)H5])
      isotopologues as internal standards (stable isotope dilution analysis; SIDA),
      which had prior been synthesized in house. The development of this new method had
      become necessary, as a one-dimensional HS-SPME-GC-ECD method, routinely applied
      for analysis of TCA in cork soaks, had to be extended for TeCA and TBA
      determination, but failed due to co-elutions within wine matrices. The newly
      developed SPE//MDGC-MS method provided detection limits well below olfactory
      thresholds of the analytes with 0.05 ngL(-1) (LOD), 0.19 ngL(-1) (LOQ) for TCA,
      0.06 ngL(-1) (LOD), 0.21 ngL(-1) (LOQ) for TeCA, and 0.09 ngL(-1) (LOD), 0.34
      ngL(-1) (LOQ) for TBA.

PMID- 22056240
TI  - Determination of pharmaceutically related compounds by suppressed ion
      chromatography: I. Effects of organic solvent on suppressor performance.
AB  - This overall study aims to investigate gradient elution ion-exchange
      chromatography of pharmaceutically relevant compounds using universal
      nebulisation detectors, such as evaporative light scattering detection (ELSD).
      Addition of organic solvents to the eluent is necessary to minimise hydrophobic
      adsorption on the polymeric stationary phase and improve solubility of analytes.
      It is also necessary to de-salt the eluent prior to detection, and in this work,
      ion chromatography suppressors were used for this step. Such suppressors have
      been designed for aqueous eluents, so the purpose of the present study was to
      investigate the effects of methanol and acetonitrile on suppressor performance.
      Chemical and electrolytic suppressors were evaluated for baseline drift, noise
      and efficiency of suppression using aqueous/organic eluents containing up to 40%
      (v/v) methanol or acetonitrile. Chemical suppression of aqueous/organic eluents
      showed minimal noise levels, uniform low baseline and low gradient drift.
      Electrolytic suppression gave good performance, but with higher baseline
      conductivity levels and baseline drift than chemical suppression. The elevated
      baseline was found not to be caused by incomplete suppression of the eluent, but
      was attributed to chemical reactions involving the organic solvents and
      facilitated by high electric currents and heat generation. It was demonstrated
      that suppressed ion-exchange separation using a complex KOH elution profile could
      be coupled with ELSD, with the suppressor effectively de-salting the eluent,
      producing a stable baseline. Finally, complementary separation selectivity was
      demonstrated using a set of pharmaceutically related organic acids separated by
      reversed-phase and ion-exchange methods.

PMID- 22056241
TI  - Rapid quantification of pharmaceuticals and pesticides in passive samplers using
      ultra high performance liquid chromatography coupled to high resolution mass
      spectrometry.
AB  - The presence of both pharmaceuticals and pesticides in the aquatic environment
      has become a well-known environmental issue during the last decade. An increasing
      demand however still exists for sensitive and reliable monitoring tools for these
      rather polar contaminants in the marine environment. In recent years, the great
      potential of passive samplers or equilibrium based sampling techniques for
      evaluation of the fate of these contaminants has been shown in literature.
      Therefore, we developed a new analytical method for the quantification of a high
      number of pharmaceuticals and pesticides in passive sampling devices. The
      analytical procedure consisted of extraction using 1:1 methanol/acetonitrile
      followed by detection with ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled
      to high resolution and high mass accuracy Orbitrap mass spectrometry. Validation
      of the analytical method resulted in limits of quantification and recoveries
      ranging between 0.2 and 20 ng per sampler sheet and between 87.9 and 105.2%,
      respectively. Determination of the sampler-water partition coefficients of all
      compounds demonstrated that several pharmaceuticals and most pesticides exert a
      high affinity for the polydimethylsiloxane passive samplers. Finally, the
      developed analytical methods were used to measure the time-weighted average (TWA)
      concentrations of the targeted pollutants in passive samplers, deployed at eight
      stations in the Belgian coastal zone. Propranolol, carbamazepine and seven
      pesticides were found to be very abundant in the passive samplers. These obtained
      long-term and large-scale TWA concentrations will contribute in assessing the
      environmental and human health risk of these emerging pollutants.

PMID- 22056242
TI  - Frontal affinity chromatography with MS detection of the ligand binding domain of
      PPARgamma receptor: ligand affinity screening and stereoselective ligand
      macromolecule interaction.
AB  - In this study we report the development of new chromatographic tools for binding
      studies based on the gamma isoform ligand binding domain (LBD) of peroxisome
      proliferator-activated receptor (PPARgamma) belonging to the nuclear receptor
      superfamily of ligand-activated transcription factors. PPARgamma subtype plays
      important roles in the functions of adipocytes, muscles, and macrophages with a
      direct impact on type 2 diabetes, dyslipidemia, atherosclerosis, and
      cardiovascular disease. In order to set up a suitable immobilization chemistry,
      the LBD of PPARgamma receptor was first covalently immobilized onto the surface
      of aminopropyl silica particles to create a PPARgamma-Silica column for zonal
      elution experiments and then onto the surface of open tubular (OT) capillaries to
      create PPARgamma-OT capillaries following different immobilization conditions.
      The capillaries were used in frontal affinity chromatography coupled to mass
      spectrometry (FAC-MS) experiments to determine the relative binding affinities of
      a series of chiral fibrates. The relative affinity orders obtained for these
      derivatives were consistent with the EC(50) values reported in literature. The
      optimized PPARgamma-OT capillary was validated by determining the K(d) values of
      two selected compounds. Known the role of stereoselectivity in the binding of
      chiral fibrates, for the first time a detailed study was carried out by analysing
      two enantioselective couples on the LBD-PPARgamma capillary by FAC and a
      characteristic two-stairs frontal profile was derived as the result of the two
      saturation events. All the obtained data indicate that the immobilized form of
      PPARgamma-LBD retained the ability to specifically bind ligands.

PMID- 22056243
TI  - Curing APL through PML/RARA degradation by As2O3.
AB  - Acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) is a hematological malignancy driven by the
      PML/RARA oncogene. The prognosis for patients with APL was revolutionized by two
      treatments: retinoic acid (RA) and As(2)O(3) (arsenic trioxide). These were both
      shown a posteriori to target PML/RARA, explaining their exquisite specificity for
      APL. Arsenic, as a single agent, cures up to 70% of patients, whereas APL
      patients treated with the combination of RA and As(2)O(3) reach a stunning 90%
      cure rate. Recent physiopathological models highlight the key role of RA- and
      As(2)O(3)-triggered PML/RARA degradation, and the molecular mechanisms underlying
      As(2)O(3)-induced PML/RARA degradation have been recently clarified. As discussed
      below, arsenic binding, oxidation, sumoylation on PML nuclear bodies, and RNF4
      mediated ubiquitination all contribute to the As(2)O(3)-triggered catabolism of
      PML/RARA.

PMID- 22056244
TI  - A free-floating left atrial mass.

PMID- 22056245
TI  - Tilting the AXIS towards therapeutic limits in renal cancer.

PMID- 22056246
TI  - Medical complications associated with earthquakes.
AB  - Major earthquakes are some of the most devastating natural disasters. The
      epidemiology of earthquake-related injuries and mortality is unique for these
      disasters. Because earthquakes frequently affect populous urban areas with poor
      structural standards, they often result in high death rates and mass casualties
      with many traumatic injuries. These injuries are highly mechanical and often
      multisystem, requiring intensive curative medical and surgical care at a time
      when the local and regional medical response capacities have been at least partly
      disrupted. Many patients surviving blunt and penetrating trauma and crush
      injuries have subsequent complications that lead to additional morbidity and
      mortality. Here, we review and summarise earthquake-induced injuries and medical
      complications affecting major organ systems.

PMID- 22056247
TI  - Comparative effectiveness of axitinib versus sorafenib in advanced renal cell
      carcinoma (AXIS): a randomised phase 3 trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma has been
      revolutionised by targeted therapy with drugs that block angiogenesis. So far, no
      phase 3 randomised trials comparing the effectiveness of one targeted agent
      against another have been reported. We did a randomised phase 3 study comparing
      axitinib, a potent and selective second-generation inhibitor of vascular
      endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors, with sorafenib, an approved VEGF
      receptor inhibitor, as second-line therapy in patients with metastatic renal cell
      cancer. METHODS: We included patients coming from 175 sites (hospitals and
      outpatient clinics) in 22 countries aged 18 years or older with confirmed renal
      clear-cell carcinoma who progressed despite first-line therapy containing
      sunitinib, bevacizumab plus interferon-alfa, temsirolimus, or cytokines. Patients
      were stratified according to Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance
      status and type of previous treatment and then randomly assigned (1:1) to either
      axitinib (5 mg twice daily) or sorafenib (400 mg twice daily). Axitinib dose
      increases to 7 mg and then to 10 mg, twice daily, were allowed for those patients
      without hypertension or adverse reactions above grade 2. Participants were not
      masked to study treatment. The primary endpoint was progression-free survival
      (PFS) and was assessed by a masked, independent radiology review and analysed by
      intention to treat. This trial was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov, number
      NCT00678392. FINDINGS: A total of 723 patients were enrolled and randomly
      assigned to receive axitinib (n=361) or sorafenib (n=362). The median PFS was 6.7
      months with axitinib compared to 4.7 months with sorafenib (hazard ratio 0.665;
      95% CI 0.544-0.812; one-sided p<0.0001). Treatment was discontinued because of
      toxic effects in 14 (4%) of 359 patients treated with axitinib and 29 (8%) of 355
      patients treated with sorafenib. The most common adverse events were diarrhoea,
      hypertension, and fatigue in the axitinib arm, and diarrhoea, palmar-plantar
      erythrodysaesthesia, and alopecia in the sorafenib arm. INTERPRETATION: Axitinib
      resulted in significantly longer PFS compared with sorafenib. Axitinib is a
      treatment option for second-line therapy of advanced renal cell carcinoma.
      FUNDING: Pfizer Inc.

PMID- 22056248
TI  - Neonatal hypoxia-ischemia induces sex-related changes in rat brain mitochondria.
AB  - The effects of neonatal hypoxia-ischemia (HI) on energy metabolism in male and
      female rats were investigated, testing the hypothesis that HI-induced brain
      mitochondrial dysfunction could present in a dimorphic pattern. Impairment in
      electron transport chain complex activities at 2 and 18 h after HI was observed
      in cortex and hippocampus in rats of both sexes, with females presenting an
      overall activity higher than that of males. Females also showed loss of
      mitochondrial mass and membrane potential 18 h after HI, while males were only
      slightly affected. These findings suggest a dimorphism in mitochondrial
      dysfunction and provide information that may lead to new neuroprotection
      strategies.

PMID- 22056249
TI  - Long-term follow-up of type II endoleak embolization reveals the need for close
      surveillance.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Aneurysm growth after endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) in patients
      with type II endoleak is associated with adverse outcomes. This study evaluated
      the long-term success of embolization of type II endoleaks in preventing aneurysm
      sac growth. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed outcomes of patients who
      underwent infrarenal EVAR who were treated for a type II endoleak between 2000
      and 2008. Computed tomography scans were evaluated for aneurysm sac growth or
      shrinkage from the time of treatment of the endoleak. The embolization material
      used, graft type, target vessel embolized, and comorbidities were evaluated for
      their association with sac growth or shrinkage. RESULTS: Ninety-five patients
      underwent 140 embolization procedures. The mean time from EVAR to embolization
      was 26.1 +/- 22.2 months, and the average increase in size of the aneurysm sac
      from EVAR to treatment was 0.7 * 0.5 cm. Patients underwent an average of 1.6 +/-
      0.8 embolization procedures after EVAR. Thirteen patients underwent initial
      simultaneous embolization of two targets. Embolization was with glue (61%), coils
      (29%), glue and coils (7%), and Gelfoam (3%; Pfizer Inc, New York, NY). No
      abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) ruptured. Eight patients (8.4%) underwent graft
      explant and open repair; 19 (20%) required two or more embolization procedures.
      There was no difference in the target vessel treated or the treatment used in
      halting sac expansion (>5 mm). Coil embolization alone resulted in more second
      procedures. The 5-year cumulative survival was 65% (95% confidence interval [CI],
      52%-77%), freedom from explant was 89% (95% CI, 81%-97%), freedom from second
      embolization was 76% (95% CI, 66%-86%), and freedom from sac expansion >5 mm was
      44% (95% CI 30%-50%). Univariable analysis identified continued tobacco use
      (hazard ratio [HR], 2.30; 95% CI, 1.02-5.13; P = .04) was associated with
      continued sac expansion, and hyperlipidemia (HR, 9.64; 95% CI, 2.22-41.86) was
      associated with patients requiring a second embolization procedure. CONCLUSIONS:
      Embolization of type II endoleaks is successful early in preventing aneurysm sac
      growth and rupture after EVAR. However, a significant number of patients require
      more than one procedure, and at 5 years, many patients who underwent embolization
      of a type II endoleak continued to experience sac growth. Patients with
      hyperlipidemia who undergo coil embolization are more likely to require a second
      embolization procedure, and patients who smoke have a higher likelihood of AAA
      sac expansion after embolization. Continued long-term surveillance is necessary
      in this cohort of patients.

PMID- 22056251
TI  - Diabetes is not a predictor of outcome for carotid revascularization with
      stenting as it may be for carotid endarterectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diabetes is prevalent in most patients undergoing carotid
      revascularization and is suggested as a marker of poor outcome after carotid
      endarterectomy (CEA). Data on outcome of diabetic patients undergoing carotid
      artery stenting (CAS) are limited. The aim of this study was to investigate early
      and 6-year outcomes of diabetic patients undergoing carotid revascularization
      with CAS and CEA. METHODS: The database of patients undergoing carotid
      revascularization for primary carotid stenosis was queried from 2001 to 2009.
      Diabetic patients were defined as those with established diagnosis and/or
      receiving oral hypoglycemic or insulin therapy. Multivariate and Kaplan- Meier
      analyses, stratified by type of treatment, were performed on perioperative (30
      days) and late outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 2196 procedures, 1116 by CEA and
      1080 by CAS (29% female, mean age 71.3 years), were reviewed. Diabetes was
      prevalent in 630 (28.7%). Diabetic patients were younger (P < .0001) and
      frequently had hypertension (P = .018) or coronary disease (P = .019).
      Perioperative stroke/death rate was 2.7% (17/630) in diabetic patients vs 2.3%
      (36/1566) in nondiabetic, (P = .64); the rate was 3.4% in diabetic CEA group and
      2.1% in diabetic CAS group (P = .46). At multivariate analyses, diabetes was a
      predictor of perioperative stroke/death in the CEA group (odds ratio [OR], 2.83;
      95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05-7.61; P = .04) but not in the CAS group (P =
      .72). Six-year survival was 76.0% in diabetics and 80.8% in nondiabetics (P =
      .15). Six-year late stroke estimates were 3.2% in diabetic and 4.6% in
      nondiabetic patients (P = .90). The 6-year risk of restenosis was similar (4.6% %
      vs 4.2%) in diabetic and nondiabetic patients (P = .56). Survival, late stroke,
      and restenosis rates between diabetics and nondiabetics were similar in CAS and
      CEA groups. CONCLUSIONS: Diabetic patients are not at greater risk of
      perioperative morbidity and mortality or late stroke after CAS, however, the
      perioperative risk can be higher after CEA. This may help in selecting the
      appropriate technique for carotid revascularization in patients best suited for
      the type of procedure.

PMID- 22056252
TI  - Preparation of parathion imprinted polymer beads and its applications in
      electrochemical sensing.
AB  - Parathion imprinted polymer beads were prepared by free radical polymerization
      using parathion as template, methacrylic acid as functional monomer, divinyl
      benzene as cross-linking reagent and 2,2'-azobis(isobutyronitrile) as initiator.
      The obtained molecularly imprinted beads were characterized with transmission
      electron micrograph. The rebinding properties of these imprinted beads towards
      parathion were studied by saturation binding experiments using
      ultraviolet/visible spectroscopy. Effects of the template, functional monomer,
      cross-linking reagent and initiator on selective adsorption of parathion were
      investigated. The high selectivity of the imprinted beads was successfully
      demonstrated by their selective adsorption of free parathion from an ethanol
      water (v/v=1:5) solution. In addition, the parathion imprinted beads were
      dispersed into dihexadecyl hydrogen phosphate solution at the concentration of
      1.0 mg mL(-1). By coating this solution onto a glassy carbon electrode surface, a
      molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensor for parathion was obtained. The
      electrochemical sensor exhibited good selectivity and fast response to parathion.
      Under optimized experimental conditions, the peak currents were found linearly
      proportional to the parathion concentration in the range of 1.0*10(-7) mol L(-1)
      to 1.0*10(-5) mol L(-1) with a detection limit of 5.4*10(-8) mol L(-1) (S/N=3).
      The developed sensor was successfully employed for the determination of parathion
      in pear juice samples.

PMID- 22056253
TI  - Spectroscopic and microscopic characterization of biosensor surfaces with
      protein/amino-organosilane/silicon structure.
AB  - Composition and structure of biorecognition protein layers created on silicon
      substrates modified with amino-organosilanes determine the sensitivity and
      specificity of silicon based biosensing devices. In the present work, diverse
      spectroscopic and microscopic methods were applied to characterize model
      biosensor surfaces, formed on Si(3)N(4) or SiO(2) by modification with (3
      aminopropyl)triethoxysilane, coating with rabbit gamma-globulins (IgGs) through
      physical adsorption, blocking with bovine serum albumin (BSA) and specific
      binding of an anti-rabbit IgG antibody. In addition, silanized substrates with
      directly adsorbed BSA or anti-rabbit IgG antibody were examined as reference
      surfaces. The protein/amino-organosilane/silicon structure of all surfaces was
      confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Homogeneity of protein coverage
      was verified with near-field scanning optical microscope, working in reflection
      and fluorescence mode. Surface coverage with proteins was determined with angle
      resolved XPS using a previously established bilayer approach. Inner structure of
      protein layers was examined with atomic force microscopy. Vertical arrangement of
      carbon functional groups was revealed by high resolution ARXPS. Combined
      spectroscopic and microscopic data reveal the complex character of interactions
      with the immobilized IgG molecules during blocking with BSA and immunoreaction
      with anti-IgG antibody. Within experimental error, neither surface coverage nor
      lateral structural scales of protein layer (provided by Fourier and auto
      correlation analysis of topographic and phase images) increase during blocking
      procedure. On the other hand, coverage and all structural measures rise
      considerably after immunoreaction. In addition, it was found that polar
      functional groups orient towards substrate for all protein layers, independently
      of coverage, prior to and after both blocking and specific binding.

PMID- 22056254
TI  - Evaluation of copper-64-labeled somatostatin agonists and antagonist in SSTr2
      transfected cell lines that are positive and negative for p53: implications for
      cancer therapy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Radiolabeled somatostatin analogs have become important agents for
      molecular imaging and targeted radiotherapy of somatostatin receptor-positive
      tumors. Here we determine the effect of the tumor suppressor protein, p53, on
      trafficking (64)Cu to tumor cell nuclei from DOTA vs. CB-TE2A-conjugated agonist
      Y3-TATE and the antagonist (64)Cu-CB-TE2A-sst2-ANT in cell lines that are
      positive or negative for p53. METHODS: Receptor binding, internalization, cyclic
      adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and nuclear localization studies were performed
      with the somatostatin receptor subtype 2 (SSTr2) agonists, (64)Cu-CB-TE2A-Y3-TATE
      and (64)Cu-DOTA-Y3-TATE vs. antagonist, (64)Cu-CB-TE2A-sst2-ANT, in SSTr2
      transfected p53 +/+ and -/- HCT116 colorectal carcinoma cells. RESULTS: The
      antagonist, (64)Cu-CB-TE2A-sst2-ANT, bound 8-9-fold more SSTr2 binding sites than
      did the (64)Cu-labeled agonists. (64)Cu-CB-TE2A-Y3-TATE was more efficiently
      internalized than (64)Cu-DOTA-Y3-TATE, while (64)Cu-CB-TE2A-sst2-ANT showed lower
      yet significant levels of internalization. CB-TE2A-Y3-TATE acted as a full
      agonist, inhibiting cAMP production, whereas CB-TE2A-sst2-ANT showed no
      inhibition of cAMP production. The (64)Cu from agonists (64)Cu-DOTA-Y3-TATE and
      (64)Cu-CB-TE2A-Y3-TATE showed greater nuclear localization at 24 h in p53 +/+ vs.
      -/- cells; however, there was no difference in the levels of (64)Cu from the
      antagonist based on p53 status. Surprisingly, the DOTA and CB-TE2A-conjugated
      agonists showed similar nuclear localization in the p53 +/+ and -/- cells,
      suggesting no difference in (64)Cu release from these chelators in the HCT116
      cell lines. CONCLUSION: Based on these in vitro data, the agonist (64)Cu-CB-TE2A
      Y3-TATE demonstrates the most promise as an agent for targeted radiotherapy in
      p53 positive, SSTr2-positive tumors.

PMID- 22056255
TI  - [Lupus vulgaris caused by Mycobacterium bovis].

PMID- 22056256
TI  - [Dermatology residency training: past, present, and future].

PMID- 22056257
TI  - Omalizumab for the treatment of atopic dermatitis.
AB  - Atopy is almost always associated with an elevated immunoglobulin (Ig) E
      production. Omalizumab is a monoclonal anti-IgE antibody that is currently
      indicated for the treatment of cases of asthma that satisfy certain criteria. A
      number of studies have been published on the usefulness of omalizumab in the
      treatment of atopic dermatitis, and the results have been variable. We present
      our experience in the treatment of 9 patients with severe atopic dermatitis
      refractory to at least 2 systemic drugs. All patients reported a decrease in
      pruritus and an improvement in quality of life. Good control of the skin disease
      was achieved with omalizumab in monotherapy in 2 patients, and there was a slight
      improvement in the eczematous lesions in 4 patients. Those patients who also had
      asthma achieved good control of their respiratory symptoms and did not require
      additional therapy. Omalizumab is a well-tolerated and safe drug that can be
      useful for the treatment of severe atopic dermatitis refractory to other systemic
      therapies. This monoclonal anti-IgE antibody is a major therapeutic advance as it
      opens the door to the management of atopic dermatitis using systemic
      immunomodulating therapies.

PMID- 22056258
TI  - [Nail involvement in leprosy].
AB  - Leprosy, a disease caused by Mycobacterium leprae, primarily affects the skin and
      nerves, but the nails are also involved in as many as 3 out of 4 patients .The
      factors that trigger nail changes in leprosy are numerous and include repeated
      trauma, neuropathy, vascular impairment, infections, lepra reactions, and the
      drugs used to manage the disease. The changes most often reported include
      subungual hematomas, onycholysis, onychauxis, onychogryphosis, pterygium unguis,
      and onychoheterotopia, most of which can be attributed to nerve damage and
      trauma. Furthermore, the acro-osteolysis that occurs in the advanced stages of
      the disease may present with brachyonychia, racquet nails, or even anonychia.
      Infections of the nail bed leading to paronychia and onychomycosis should also be
      taken into account in leprosy. Other typical changes include longitudinal striae,
      pitting, macrolunula, Terry nails, leukonychia, hapalonychia, and Beau lines. In
      this review, we describe the principal nail changes associated with leprosy.
      These changes, which are highly varied and diverse in origin, are in fact a
      reflection of the significant morbidity caused by M. leprae infection.

PMID- 22056259
TI  - [Vitiligo and morphea: autoimmune cutaneous side effects of interferon
      treatment].

PMID- 22056260
TI  - [Abortive or minimal-growth hemangiomas. A review of 14 cases].

PMID- 22056261
TI  - Cell growth inhibition and apoptotic effect of the rexinoid 6-OH-11-O
      hydroxyphenantrene on human osteosarcoma and mesenchymal stem cells.
AB  - Natural derivatives of vitamin A, including all-trans-retinoic acid (ATRA),
      commonly known as retinoids, currently produce favorable results in the treatment
      of many types of tumors. The rexinoid 6-OH-11-O-hydroxyphenantrene (IIF) is a
      synthetic derivative of ATRA. Previous in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated
      that IIF is able to induce growth inhibition of various cancer cells and is a
      potent apoptosis-inducing agent with clinical potential. Osteosarcoma (OS) is the
      most common type of bone cancer, characterized by a rising aggressiveness. Recent
      evidences suggest that mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) may favour tumor growth and
      progression. Thus, it is important to investigate whether a compound with
      potential anti-tumoral properties such as IIF affects not only tumor cells but
      also MSC. The current study is an attempt to understand the mode of the potential
      cytotoxicity of IIF on OS cells and MSC. The response to IIF treatment of
      osteosarcoma SaOS-2, MG63, and U2OS cells and of bone marrow-derived MSC was the
      subject of investigation. The results showed that IIF significantly inhibited
      cell growth in OS cell lines and MSC in both a time- and dose-dependent manner,
      as evaluated by methylene blue assay. This was also associated with altered cell
      morphology and an increase in cell death with the involvement of apoptosis as
      demonstrated by NucleoCounter, Hoechst 33342 staining and FACS analysis. No cell
      death and apoptosis was found in U2OS cells. Analysis of cells treated with 20
      and 40MUM IIF for 24h by western blot suggests the activation of initiator
      caspase 9, indicating the involvement of caspases in inducing apoptosis.
      Furthermore, IIF upregulated the expression of the pro-apoptotic protein Bax and
      downregulated the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl2. For the first time, our results
      collectively provide an evidence for cell growth inhibition and activation of
      apoptosis in human OS cells and MSC by IIF. These results confirm that IIF may be
      an effective compound for anticancer treatment, including that of OS.

PMID- 22056262
TI  - Solubilizing agents in nasal formulations and their effect on ciliary beat
      frequency.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to determine the concentration-dependent effect of
      selected solubilizers, used in common nasal drug formulations, on ciliary beat
      frequency (CBF) in human nasal epithelial cell cultures. CBF was measured by a
      high-speed digital imaging method. Excised ciliated human nasal epithelial cells
      were incubated for 60min with the solubilizers and determination of the half
      maximal inhibitory concentration (IC(50)), followed by a reversibility test. LDH
      test was performed on human nasal epithelial cells with the solubilizing agents.
      These were applied to nasal epithelial cells in IC(50) values. The following rank
      order in IC(50) values was obtained for the solubilizers: glycerol>propylene
      glycol>polyethylene glycol 300>N,N-dimethylacetamide>polyethylene glycol
      400>ethanol>ethylendiamindihydrochloride>polyvinylpyrrolidon
      25>polyvinylpyrrolidon 90. The highest reversibility of approximately 75% was
      shown by propylene glycol and polyethylene glycol 300 at a concentration of 30%
      (v/v). Results from the LDH test showed that N,N-dimethylacetamide displayed the
      highest cytotoxicity with 5.2% at a concentration of 14.5% (v/v). According to
      these results, several solubilizers can alter the CBF frequency and thus, have an
      impact on the nasal mucosa. Therefore, CBF studies with solubilizers used at a
      concentration relevant for nasal formulations are essential in the design of
      efficient and most notably safe nasal medicinal products.

PMID- 22056263
TI  - Percolation-dominated superhydrophobicity and conductivity for nanocomposite
      coatings from the mixtures of a commercial aqueous silica sol and functionalized
      carbon nanotubes.
AB  - Superhydrophobic conductive nanocomposite coatings are prepared for the first
      time from the simple mixture of a commercial aqueous silica sol and
      functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) by air-spraying at ambient
      conditions followed by fluorosilane treatment. The relationship between MWNT
      content and the structure and properties of the nanocomposite coatings is
      investigated systematically. An ultra-low threshold (<5 vol.%) for
      superhydrophobicity is observed, which suggests that MWNTs are superior to any
      other spherical fillers for the construction of superhydrophobic nanocomposite
      coatings. When the content of nanotubes is below the threshold, the surface
      roughness mainly caused by the silica nanoparticles is not enough for creating
      superhydrophobic surfaces. Only above the threshold, the multiscale hierarchical
      structure is enough for both high water contact angles (>165 degrees ) and
      extremely low sliding angles (<2 degrees ). The conductivity is also percolation
      dominated, while the threshold for conductivity is much higher than that for
      superhydrophobicity, which can be ascribed to the encapsulated structure and the
      agglomeration of nanotubes in the composite coatings during air-spraying.
      Moreover, the aqueous silica sols hold merits of great film-forming capability at
      relatively low calcination temperatures, and being free of organic solvents.

PMID- 22056264
TI  - Use of a three-way stopcock in grafting of autologous fat: technical note.

PMID- 22056265
TI  - Favourable survival of in-hospital compared to out-of-hospital refractory cardiac
      arrest patients treated with extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: an Italian
      tertiary care centre experience.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support has been suggested
      to improve the survival rate in patients with refractory in- and out-of-hospital
      cardiac arrest (IHCA and OHCA). The aim of our study is to report our experience
      with ECMO in these patients. DESIGN: Retrospective, single-centre, observational
      study. PATIENTS: From January 2006 to February 2011 we studied 42 patients (31
      males) with refractory cardiac arrest. MEASUREMENT AND MAIN RESULTS: ECMO
      implantation was successful in 38 (90%) of the 42 patients. ECMO support was
      positioned: three times (8%) in the operating room, six (16%) in the cardiac
      surgery intensive care unit, 21 (55%) in the emergency room, five (13%) in the
      catheterisation laboratory and three (8%) in the general ward. A total of 14 IHCA
      (58%) and three OHCA (16%) patients were weaned from ECMO (p<0.05). Eleven IHCA
      (46%) and one OHCA (5%, p<0.05) patients were discharged from intensive care unit
      (ICU). Among IHCA patients, 10 were alive at 6 months, nine of whom (38%) with
      good neurological outcome. Among OHCA patients weaned from ECMO, one was alive at
      6 months with good neurological outcome (5%, p<0.05 vs. IHCA). CONCLUSIONS: ECMO
      support should be considered as a resuscitation alternative in selected patients.
      More specifically, patients with witnessed IHCA benefit more from ECMO treatment
      compared to those who experience an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.

PMID- 22056266
TI  - Heart fatty acid binding protein and myoglobin do not improve early rule out of
      acute myocardial infarction when highly sensitive troponin assays are used.

PMID- 22056267
TI  - Metabolic dysfunction in the post-resuscitation heart.

PMID- 22056268
TI  - Basic life support - becoming more complex.

PMID- 22056270
TI  - The bovine CXCR1 gene is highly polymorphic.
AB  - Several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in the bovine CXCR1 gene have been
      implicated in resistance to mastitis and milk somatic cell counts in several
      sample populations of Holstein dairy cows. As such, a more thorough understanding
      of SNP present in and near the bovine CXCR1 gene is needed. This study identified
      36 SNP in the coding region and surrounding sequences of CXCR1 in 88 Holstein
      dairy cows. Four SNP induced amino acid changes and 1 SNP an early stop codon.
      Two amino acid changes occur in the third intracellular loop and C-terminus in
      locations tied to intracellular signaling. The 36 SNP could be subdivided into 4
      separate linkage groups. Using representative or 'tag' SNP from each linkage
      group, haplotypes or the combination of SNP found on a single allele were
      generated to increase the specificity of an animal's genetic background. Four
      haplotypes were identified that represented 99% of the sample population. The
      haplotypes generated using tag SNP agreed with haplotypes generated from SNP
      causing amino acid changes. In conclusion, the CXCR1 gene is highly polymorphic
      and has potential implications towards genetic selection and understanding host
      factors that increase the risk of infection.

PMID- 22056271
TI  - Flow cytometric immune profiling of specific-pathogen-free chickens before and
      after infectious challenges.
AB  - Broilers and layer chickens have been intensively selected for production
      parameters. This selection has affected immune capacity. Consequently, the fine
      tuning of immune responses is becoming important for maximum productivity. Flow
      cytometry is a recurrent technology used for the immunophenotyping of birds.
      Studies, however, have focused on the mechanism of specific diseases or have used
      animals whose immunological condition could be biased-by vaccination or
      environmental stressors, for example. The aim of this study was to evaluate the
      immune status of specific-pathogen-free birds across different age ranges to
      characterize the natural changes that occur over time. Additionally, specific
      pathogen-free chickens were challenged with four infectious agents, allowing
      identification of the subpopulations of peripheral blood immune cells that are
      consistently altered under various conditions. Several lymphocyte subsets vary
      naturally with aging, so the interpretation of results using animals of different
      age ranges must proceed with care. Parameters such as CD8(+)CD28(-),
      CD8alphaalpha(+), CD4(+)CD8(+), and CD8(+)TCRVbeta1(+) have been shown to be
      valuable in understanding immune changes during disease. The use of these data
      allows a determination of the consistency of cytometric parameters under various
      conditions, which should ease the interpretation of immunophenotyping and the
      future application of cytometric analysis in the poultry industry.

PMID- 22056272
TI  - A lepidopteran aminoacylase (L-ACY-1) in Heliothis virescens (Lepidoptera:
      Noctuidae) gut lumen hydrolyzes fatty acid-amino acid conjugates, elicitors of
      plant defense.
AB  - Fatty acid-amino acid conjugates (FACs) have been identified in Lepidopteran
      larvae as elicitors of plant defenses. Plant responses include the production of
      primary defense compounds and induction of secondary defense strategies including
      attraction of parasitoid wasps. These elicitors are present despite fitness
      costs, suggesting that they are important for the larvae's survival. In order to
      exploit FAC-mediated plant defense responses in agricultural settings, an
      understanding of FAC purpose and metabolism is crucial. To clarify their role,
      enzymes involved in this metabolism are being investigated. In this work a
      previously undiscovered FAC hydrolase was purified from Heliothis virescens frass
      by liquid chromatography and PAGE techniques and was identified as an
      aminoacylase-like protein (L-ACY-1) using MALDI-ToF/ToF and Edman sequencing. The
      full length gene was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli and a polyclonal
      antibody against L-ACY-1 was made. L-ACY-1 was confirmed to be responsible for
      FAC hydrolysis activity through inhibition of N-linolenoyl-l-glutamine hydrolysis
      by titration with the polyclonal anti-L-ACY-1 antibody. L-ACY-1 activity is
      dependent on a divalent cation. This is the first time an aminoacylase has been
      described from an insect. L-ACY-1 appears to play a vastly different role in
      insects than ACYs do in mammals and may be involved in maintaining glutamine
      supplies for gut tissue metabolism. Identification of L-ACY-1, a FAC hydrolase,
      clarifies a previously uncharacterized portion of FAC metabolism.

PMID- 22056273
TI  - Similarity metrics for surgical process models.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this work is to introduce a set of similarity metrics
      for comparing surgical process models (SPMs). SPMs are progression models of
      surgical interventions that support quantitative analyses of surgical activities,
      supporting systems engineering or process optimization. METHODS AND MATERIALS:
      Five different similarity metrics are presented and proven. These metrics deal
      with several dimensions of process compliance in surgery, including granularity,
      content, time, order, and frequency of surgical activities. The metrics were
      experimentally validated using 20 clinical data sets each for cataract
      interventions, craniotomy interventions, and supratentorial tumor resections. The
      clinical data sets were controllably modified in simulations, which were iterated
      ten times, resulting in a total of 600 simulated data sets. The simulated data
      sets were subsequently compared to the original data sets to empirically assess
      the predictive validity of the metrics. RESULTS: We show that the results of the
      metrics for the surgical process models correlate significantly (p<0.001) with
      the induced modifications and that all metrics meet predictive validity. The
      clinical use of the metrics was exemplarily, as demonstrated by assessment of the
      learning curves of observers during surgical process model acquisition.
      CONCLUSION: Measuring similarity between surgical processes is a complex task.
      However, metrics for computing the similarity between surgical process models are
      needed in many uses in the field of medical engineering. These metrics are
      essential whenever two SPMs need to be compared, such as during the evaluation of
      technical systems, the education of observers, or the determination of surgical
      strategies. These metrics are key figures that provide a solid base for medical
      decisions, such as during validation of sensor systems for use in operating rooms
      in the future.

PMID- 22056274
TI  - Entomopathogenic nematodes, root weevil larvae, and dynamic interactions among
      soil texture, plant growth, herbivory, and predation.
AB  - Greenhouse experiments were conducted to assess the influence of soil texture on
      the persistence, efficacy and plant protection ability of entomopathogenic
      nematodes (EPNs) applied to control larvae of the Diaprepes root weevil (DRW),
      Diaprepes abbreviatus, infesting potted citrus seedlings. Seedlings were grown in
      pots containing either coarse sand, fine sand, or sandy loam. Three DRW larvae
      were added to each of 80 pots of each soil type. 24 h later, 20 pots of each soil
      type that had received weevil larvae were inoculated with EPN infective juveniles
      (IJs) of one of the following species: Steinernema diaprepesi, Steinernema
      riobrave and Heterorhabditis indica. Pots of each soil without EPNs were
      established as controls with DRW and controls without DRWs. Subsequently, pots
      with larvae received three additional larvae monthly, and the experiment
      continued for 9 months. Plant root and top weights at the end of the experiment
      were affected by both soil (P<=0.0001) and nematodes (P<=0.0001), and nematode
      species protected plants differently in different soils (interaction P<=0.0001).
      Soil porosity was inversely related to plant damage by DRW, whether or not EPNs
      were present; and porosity was directly related to the level of plant protection
      by EPNs. Mortality of caged sentinel weevil larvae placed in pots near the end of
      the experiment was highest in pots treated with S. diaprepesi. In a second,
      similar experiment that included an additional undescribed steinernematid of the
      Steinernema glaseri-group, soil type affected root damage by DRW and root
      protection by EPNs in the same manner as in the first experiment. Final numbers
      of S. diaprepesi and Steinernema sp. as measured by real-time PCR were much
      greater than those of S. riobrave or H. indica in all soils. Across all
      treatments, the number of weevil larvae in soil at the end the experiment was
      inversely related to soil porosity. In all soils, fewer weevil larvae survived in
      soil treated with S. diaprepesi or Steinernema sp. than in controls with DRW or
      treatments with S. riobrave or H. indica. The results of these experiments
      support the hypothesis that EPNs provide greater protection of seedlings against
      DRW larvae in coarse textured soil than in finer textured soil. However, less
      vigorous growth of the control without DRW seedlings in the two finer textured
      soils suggests that unidentified factors that stressed seedlings in those soils
      also impaired the ability of seedlings to tolerate weevil herbivory.

PMID- 22056275
TI  - Novel TiO2/C nanocomposites: synthesis, characterization, and application as a
      photocatalyst for the degradation of organic pollutants.
AB  - Novel TiO(2)/carbon nanocomposites were prepared through the pyrolysis of
      TiO(2)/poly(furfuryl alcohol) hybrid materials, which were obtained by the sol
      gel method, starting from titanium tetraisopropoxide (TTIP) and furfuryl alcohol
      (FA) precursors. Six different TiO(2)/C samples were prepared based on different
      TiO(2) nanoparticle sizes and TiO(2)/FA ratios. All of the samples were
      characterized using X-ray diffraction, infrared, and Raman spectroscopy. The
      results indicated effective FA polymerization onto the TiO(2) (anatase)
      nanoparticles, polymer conversion to disordered carbon following the pyrolysis,
      and a simultaneous TiO(2) anatase-rutile phase transition. The resulting
      TiO(2)/carbon composites were used as photocatalysts in the advanced oxidative
      process (AOP) for the degradation of reactive organic dyes in aqueous solution.
      The results indicate excellent photocatalytic performance (degradation of 99% of
      the dye after 60 min) with several advantages over traditional TiO(2)-based
      photocatalysts.

PMID- 22056276
TI  - Pathophysiological alterations in oxygen delivery to the tissues.
AB  - This paper reviews co-factors that impact on oxygen delivery and uptake, in the
      attempt to unravel the mechanisms underlying the correlation between the decrease
      in oxygen delivery and oxygen consumption. In sequence, the following factors are
      analyzed that, besides a decrease in haemoglobin concentration, impair tissue
      metabolism: (1) lung diffusion and perfusion limitation in oxygen transport, (2)
      decrease in cardiac output, (3) impairment of peripheral microvascular perfusion
      and (4) reduced ability of cells to extract oxygen. The contribution of the
      various factors is modeled aiming to present a decisional flow chart for the
      functional evaluation of the efficiency of the oxygen transport system.

PMID- 22056277
TI  - Substituted thiazoles V. synthesis and antitumor activity of novel thiazolo[2,3
      b]quinazoline and pyrido[4,3-d]thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidine analogues.
AB  - A novel series of thiazolo[2,3-b]quinazoline (14-23, 26 and 27), and pyrido[4,3
      d]thiazolo[3,2-a]pyrimidine (34-43, 45 and 46) analogues were designed and
      synthesized. The obtained compounds were evaluated for their in-vitro antitumor
      activity at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) 60 cell lines panel assay.
      Compounds 22, 38, 40 and 41 showed remarkable broad-spectrum antitumor activity.
      Compounds 22 and 38 are almost nine fold more active than 5-FU, with GI(50), TGI,
      and LC(50) values of 2.5, >100, >100; and 2.4, 9.1, 36.2 MUM, respectively; while
      40 and 41 are almost seven fold more active than 5-FU, with GI(50), TGI, and
      LC(50) values of 2.9, 12.4, 46.6 and 3.0, 16.3, 54.0 MUM, respectively.

PMID- 22056278
TI  - Ten-year experience with fungal peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis patients:
      antifungal susceptibility patterns in a North-American center.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical and microbiological features associated with
      fungal peritonitis in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients at Hopital Maisonneuve
      Rosemont, from August 1996 to July 2006. METHODS: Cases were retrieved from the
      microbiology laboratory culture registry. Antifungal susceptibility was
      determined by the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute M27A3 method.
      RESULTS: Among 288 PD patients (total follow-up of 7258 patient-months), nine
      were found with fungal peritonitis. Candida spp were identified in all of them,
      with a majority of non-albicans Candida species. Resistance to fluconazole,
      itraconazole, or voriconazole was as frequent as potential resistance to
      amphotericin B. No isolate was resistant to caspofungin and one was resistant to
      micafungin. Prior bacterial peritonitis was frequent (67%). All patients had
      their PD catheter removed and all of them survived. CONCLUSIONS: In our
      institution, fungal peritonitis in PD patients is rare. All cases were caused by
      Candida species. Variable susceptibility patterns were observed, which may
      influence the initial empirical antifungal therapy and underscore the importance
      of individual speciation and susceptibility testing of invasive Candida isolates.

PMID- 22056279
TI  - The maturity of modeling. A comment on "Modeling the Cultural Evolution of
      Language" by Luc Steels.

PMID- 22056280
TI  - 'Emotion'. 'The essence of Human communication - the processing of emotional
      information'. Comment on: Bruck C, Kreifelts B, Wildgruber D. Emotional voices in
      context: a neurobiological model of multimodal affective information processing.

PMID- 22056281
TI  - Association of epilepsy and type 1 diabetes mellitus in children and adolescents:
      is there an increased risk for diabetic ketoacidosis?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To estimate the prevalence of epilepsy and possible risk factors in
      children and adolescents with diabetes mellitus. STUDY DESIGN: We conducted an
      observational cohort study based on the Diabetes Patienten Verlaufsdokumentation
      database including data from 45 851 patients (52% male) with type 1 diabetes
      mellitus, age 13.9 +/- 4.3 years (mean +/- SD) and duration of diabetes mellitus
      5.4 +/- 4.2 years. The database was searched for the concomitant diagnosis of
      epilepsy or epileptic convulsions and for antiepileptic medication. RESULTS: A
      total of 705 patients with epilepsy were identified, giving a prevalence of 15.5
      of 1000. A total of 375 patients were treated with antiepileptic medication, and
      330 patients were without anticonvulsive therapy. Patients with epilepsy were
      younger at onset of diabetes mellitus and shorter than patients without epilepsy,
      and their weight and body mass index were comparable. No difference could be
      demonstrated for metabolic control, type of insulin treatment, insulin dose, and
      prevalence of B-cell specific autoantibodies. The frequency of severe
      hypoglycemia was lower in patients treated with antiepileptic medication. The
      risk for diabetic ketoacidosis was almost double in patients with epilepsy
      compared with patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus alone (P < .01). CONCLUSION:
      Children and adolescents with diabetes mellitus show an increased prevalence of
      epileptic seizures. For unknown reasons, there is an association between epilepsy
      and diabetic ketoacidosis in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

PMID- 22056283
TI  - Neonatal magnetic resonance imaging and outcome at age 30 months in extremely
      preterm infants.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine associations between brain white matter abnormalities,
      including diffuse excessive high signal intensities, detected on neonatal
      magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with neurodevelopmental outcome at age 30
      months. STUDY DESIGN: This was a prospective, population-based study of infants
      born at <27 weeks gestation (n=117) undergoing conventional MRI at term
      equivalent age (n=107). At age 30 months corrected, 91 of the preterm infants
      (78%) and 85 term-born controls were assessed with the Bayley Scales of Infant
      and Toddler Development, Third Edition (BSID-III). RESULTS: Cerebral palsy (CP)
      was present in 7% of the preterm group. On the BSID-III, mean composite scores
      were 96+/-9.5 for the cognitive scale, 97+/-14 for language scales, and 103+/-15
      for motor scales, all within the normal range for age. Compared with the term
      born controls, however, the preterm infants did not perform as well on all 3
      scales, also when MRI was normal. Significant associations were seen between
      moderate to severe white matter abnormalities and CP (P<.001). The presence of
      diffuse excessive high signal intensities was not associated with performance on
      the BSID-III or with CP. CONCLUSION: This 3-year cohort of extremely preterm
      infants had low rates of major brain injury and impaired outcome. Neonatal MRI
      provides useful information, but this information needs to be treated with
      caution when predicting outcome.

PMID- 22056282
TI  - Association of cord blood magnesium concentration and neonatal resuscitation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the relationship between umbilical cord blood magnesium
      concentration and level of delivery room resuscitation received by neonates.
      STUDY DESIGN: This was a secondary analysis of a controlled fetal neuroprotection
      trial that enrolled women at imminent risk for delivery between 24 and 31 weeks'
      gestation and randomly allocated them to receive either intravenous magnesium
      sulfate or placebo. The cohort included 1507 infants with data available on total
      cord blood Mg concentration and delivery room resuscitation. Multivariate
      logistic regression was used to estimate the association between cord blood Mg
      concentration and highest level of delivery room resuscitation, using the
      following hierarchy: none, oxygen only, bag-mask ventilation with oxygen,
      intubation, and chest compressions. RESULTS: There was no relationship between
      cord blood Mg and delivery room resuscitation (OR, 0.92 for each 1.0-mEq/L
      increase in Mg; 95% CI, 0.83-1.03). Maternal general anesthesia was associated
      with increased neonatal resuscitation (OR, 2.51; 95% CI, 1.72-3.68). Each 1-week
      increase in gestational age at birth was associated with decreased neonatal
      resuscitation (OR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.60-0.66). CONCLUSION: Cord blood Mg
      concentration does not correlate with the level of delivery room resuscitation of
      infants exposed to magnesium sulfate for fetal neuroprotection.

PMID- 22056284
TI  - Major contribution of Adelta-fibres to increased reflex transmission in the
      feline spinal cord during acute muscle inflammation.
AB  - The contribution of activated nociceptive muscle afferents to pathologically
      increased muscle tone remains obscure. The aim of the present study was to
      investigate whether an acute myositis of the gastrocnemius-soleus (GS) influences
      spinal reflex activity and to test whether Adelta-fibre or C-fibre were mainly
      responsible for any effects. In high spinal cats monosynaptic reflexes (MRs) of
      flexors and extensors and transmission in reflex pathways from group III and IV
      muscle afferents (activated by intra-arterial KCl injection) were investigated.
      After infiltration of GS with carrageenan there was a distinct increase in the
      MRs of flexors and extensors, coupled with facilitation of the flexors, induced
      by chemically activated group III and IV afferents. The inhibition evoked in
      extensors by these afferents was also mainly enhanced but less consistently. The
      reflex effects of carrageenan started within 1h and reached their maximum after
      about 1.5h. After blocking the input of all myelinated A-fibres, including Adelta
      fibres, from the inflamed muscle by TTX, only a small facilitatory effect on MRs
      remained and the facilitation of excitatory transmission in the excitatory
      pathway to the flexor PBSt was abolished. The results show that the action of
      carrageenan-induced inflammation on spinal reflex function derives mainly from
      Adelta-fibres.

PMID- 22056285
TI  - Gradient nanofibrous chitosan/poly E-caprolactone scaffolds as extracellular
      microenvironments for vascular tissue engineering.
AB  - One of the major challenges of tissue-engineered small-diameter blood vessels is
      restenosis caused by thrombopoiesis. The goal of this study was to develop a 3D
      gradient heparinized nanofibrous scaffold, aiding endothelial cells lined on the
      lumen of blood vessel to prevent thrombosis. The vertical graded chitosan/poly E
      caprolactone (CS/PCL) nanofibrous vessel scaffolds were fabricated with chitosan
      and PCL by sequential quantity grading co-electrospinning. To mimic the natural
      blood vessel microenvironment, we used heparinization and immobilization of
      vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the gradient CS/PCL. The quantity of
      heparinized chitosan nanofibers increased gradually from the tunica adventitia to
      the lumen surfaces in the gradient CS/PCL wall of tissue engineered vessel. More
      heparin reacted to chitosan nanofiber in gradient CS/PCL than in uniform CS/PCL
      nanofibrous scaffolds. Antithrombogenic properties of the scaffolds were enhanced
      by the heparinization of these scaffolds, as shown by activated partial
      thromboplastin time and platelet adhesion assay. Compared to the uniform CS/PCL
      scaffold, the release of VEGF from the gradient CS/PCL was more stable and
      sustained, and the burst release of VEGF was reduced approximately 42.5% within
      the initial 12 h. The adhesion and proliferation of human umbilical vein
      endothelial cells (HUVEC) were enhanced on the gradient CS/PCL scaffold.
      Furthermore, HUVEC grew and formed an entire monolayer on the top side of the
      gradient CS/PCL scaffold. Therefore, use of vertical gradient heparinized CS/PCL
      nanofibrous scaffolds could provide an approach to create small-diameter blood
      vessel grafts with innate properties of mammalian vessels of anticoagulation and
      rapid induction of re-endothelialization.

PMID- 22056286
TI  - Allogeneic human tissue-engineered blood vessel.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Arterial bypass graft implantation remains the primary therapy for
      patients with advanced cardiovascular disease; however, there is no available
      synthetic small-diameter vascular graft. METHODS: Tissue-engineered vessels were
      grown from human smooth muscle cells that were seeded on a biodegradable scaffold
      using a biomimetic perfusion system. The human tissue-engineered vessels (hTEV)
      were decellularized by a two-step process using a combination of detergents and
      hypertonic solutions. The mechanical characteristics were assessed by suture
      retention strength and burst pressure. The decellularized hTEV were implanted as
      aortic interpositional grafts in nude rats to evaluate in vivo performance as an
      arterial graft over a 6-week period. RESULTS: The human tissue-engineered
      structure formed a vessel composed of smooth muscle cells and the extracellular
      matrix proteins, including collagen. After decellularization, the collagen matrix
      remained intact while the cellular components were removed. The mechanical
      strength of the hTEV after decellularization was similar to human vein in vitro,
      with a burst pressure of 1,567 +/- 384 mm Hg (n = 3) versus 1,680 +/- 307 mm Hg
      for human saphenous vein. The hTEVs had a high patency rate (four of five grafts)
      without evidence of rupture or aneurysm over a 6-week period as an aortic
      interpositional graft in a nude rat model. Histologic analysis showed a thin
      neointima with a confluent endothelium and a subendothelial layer of smooth
      muscle cells on the explanted tissue-engineered vessels. Transmission electron
      microscopy on the explanted tissue demonstrated elastin formation in the
      neointima and intact residual collagen fibers from the tissue-engineered vessel.
      CONCLUSIONS: The hTEV had a high patency rate and remained mechanically stable as
      an aortic interpositional graft in a nude rat. The vessel supported the growth of
      a neointima with endothelial cells and smooth muscle cells. The host remodeling
      suggested the engineered matrix had a positive effect to create a regenerated
      vascular graft.

PMID- 22056287
TI  - Remote and local ischemic preconditioning equivalently protects rat skeletal
      muscle mitochondrial function during experimental aortic cross-clamping.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study investigated whether remote (rIPC) and local ischemic
      preconditioning (IPC) similarly limit skeletal muscle dysfunction induced by
      aortic cross-clamping. METHODS: Rats were divided in three groups: the sham
      operated control group (C) underwent surgery without clamping. The ischemia
      reperfusion group (IR) had 3 hours of ischemia induced by aortic clamping and
      collateral vessels ligation, followed by 2 hours of reperfusion. The IPC group
      had, before prolonged ischemia, three bouts of 10 minutes of ischemia and 10
      minutes of reperfusion on the right hind limb. Thus, right hind limbs had local
      IPC and left hind limbs had rIPC. Complexes I, II, III, and IV activities of the
      mitochondrial respiratory chain of the gastrocnemius muscle were measured using
      glutamate-malate (V(max)), succinate (V(succ)), and N,N,N',N'-tetramethyl-p
      phenylenediamine dihydrochloride (TMPD)-ascorbate (V(TMPD)). Expressions of genes
      involved in apoptosis (Bax, Bcl-2) and antioxidant defense (superoxide dismutase
      1 [SOD 1], SOD2, glutathione peroxidase [GPx]) were determined by quantitative
      real-time polymerase chain reaction. Glutathione was also measured. RESULTS:
      Right and left hind limb mitochondrial functions were similar in controls and
      after IR. IR reduced V(max) (-21.2%, 6.6 +/- 1 vs 5.2 +/- 1 MUmol O(2)/min/g dry
      weight, P = .001), V(succ) (-22.2%, P = .032), and V(TMPD) (-22.4%, P = .033),
      and increased Bax (63.4%, P = .020) and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio (+84.6%, P = .029). SODs
      and GPx messenger RNA were not modified, but glutathione tended to be decreased
      after IR. Local IPC and rIPC counteracted similarly these deleterious effects,
      restoring mitochondrial maximal oxidative capacities and normalizing Bax, the
      Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and glutathione. CONCLUSIONS: Remote ischemic preconditioning
      protection against IR injury is equivalent to that achieved by local IPC. It
      might deserve a broader use in clinical practice. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Acute and
      chronic ischemia induce mitochondrial dysfunction in human skeletal muscles, and
      improving muscle mitochondrial function improves subjects' status. Compared with
      local ischemic preconditioning (IPC), remote IPC (rIPC) appears easier to perform
      and is safer for the vessel and territory involved in ischemic injury. This study
      demonstrates that the muscle protection afforded by rIPC is equivalent to that
      achieved by IPC. Acknowledging that IPC procedures should be specifically adapted
      to patient characteristics to be successful, our results support a broader use of
      rIPC in the setting of vascular surgery.

PMID- 22056288
TI  - Cicatricial iatrogenic lower eyelid malposition in skin cancer surgery: results
      of a combined approach.
AB  - PURPOSE: Malposition of the lower lid, including rounding of the lateral canthal
      angle, lower eyelid retraction with inferior scleral show, and ectropion, is a
      relatively frequent complication in the surgical treatment of skin cancer of the
      cheek and zygomatic areas. The tarsal strip technique, in association with a
      vertical vector cheek lift, is a reliable method for correcting lower lid
      malposition. MATERIALS AND PATIENTS: From January 2008 to January 2010, we
      treated 19 patients with lower eyelid malposition after skin cancer surgery of
      the cheek and zygomatic areas. To correct lower eyelid malposition, we used the
      tarsal strip technique and a vertical vector cheek lift in all patients. RESULTS:
      Eleven patients had scleral show and eight patients had ectropion. Sixteen
      patients obtained satisfactory correction of the eyelid malposition in a single
      surgical procedure, while three patients required a second surgical step to
      correct the remaining scleral show. Good esthetic and functional results were
      achieved in all cases. CONCLUSIONS: The surgical treatment of skin cancer of the
      cheek and zygomatic areas has the potential for postoperative sequelae. The
      tarsal strip technique, in association with a vertical vector cheek lift, is a
      relatively simple technique for correcting scleral show and ectropion.

PMID- 22056289
TI  - Reassembling (social) contexts: New directions for a sociology of drugs.

PMID- 22056290
TI  - Drug effects, performativity and the law.

PMID- 22056291
TI  - Relapse and therapeutic interventions in a 1-year observational cohort study of
      nonadherent outpatients with schizophrenia.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the incidence rate of relapse, the clinical profiles, and
      the therapeutic interventions employed for patients with schizophrenia deemed as
      likely nonadherers to oral antipsychotic drugs. METHODS: A cohort of 597
      outpatients whose therapy was modified because of a psychiatrist-perceived risk
      of nonadherence was followed for 12 months in an observational study. Baseline
      correlates of subsequent relapse were analyzed with Cox regression. RESULTS: At
      baseline, patients' mean (SD) age and time since diagnosis were 40.1 (11.1) and
      15.2 (10.0) years, respectively; 63.7% were males. The Clinical Global Impression
      scale-Severity (CGI-S) score was >= 4 in 87.3% of the patients. Antipsychotic
      drugs were modified in 506 patients (84.8%); nonpharmacologic therapies were
      modified in 190 patients (31.8%). In both cases, the primary reason for the
      modifications was insufficient efficacy of current therapeutic regimen. The
      proportion of patients in oral antipsychotic monopharmacy decreased from 83.8% to
      57.6%; 15.4% started long-acting (depot) formulations. Over the 12-month
      observation period, 90 patients (15.1%) relapsed. The hazard rate of relapse was
      higher in patients with substance use disorder or familial psychiatric
      antecedents and lower in patients who underwent modifications of
      nonpharmacological therapies or with negative attitude toward antipsychotic
      medication at baseline. CONCLUSIONS: Effective interventions to prevent relapse
      in patients with long-standing schizophrenia involving therapeutic challenges
      related to nonadherence are feasible. Rationale for the baseline correlates, and
      cues for clinical prevention of relapse in these patients are provided.

PMID- 22056292
TI  - Prevalence of metabolic syndrome in bipolar disorder: an exploratory study from
      North India.
AB  - PURPOSE: To study the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in patients with bipolar
      disorder. MATERIAL AND METHOD: By using purposive random sampling 200 patients
      with bipolar disorder receiving treatment were evaluated for presence of
      metabolic syndrome using International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and modified
      National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP ATP-III)
      criteria. RESULTS: Eighty patients fulfilled IDF criteria and 82 patients met
      NCEP ATP-III criteria for metabolic syndrome. There was significant concordance
      between these two criteria sets for metabolic syndrome (Kappa value 0.979,
      p<0.015). Among the individual parameters studied--increased waist circumference
      (70.1%) was the most common abnormality, followed by increased blood pressure
      (44.5%) and increased triglycerides levels (42%). Compared to patients without
      metabolic syndrome, patients with metabolic syndrome had significantly higher
      body mass index and higher percentage of them (74.4% vs 51.7%) were more than 35
      years of age. Logistic regression analysis revealed that these two variables
      significantly predicted metabolic syndrome. CONCLUSION: Findings of the present
      study suggest that abdominal obesity is the most common abnormality and metabolic
      syndrome is best predicted in patients with bipolar disorder by higher age and
      higher body mass index.

PMID- 22056293
TI  - Substrate kringle-mediated catalysis by the streptokinase-plasmin activator
      complex: critical contribution of kringle-4 revealed by the mutagenesis
      approaches.
AB  - Streptokinase (SK) is a protein co-factor with a potent capability for human
      plasminogen (HPG) activation. Our previous studies [1] have indicated a major
      role of long-range protein-protein contacts between the three domains (alpha,
      beta, and gamma) of SK and the multi-domain HPG substrate (K1-K5CD). To further
      explore this phenomenon, we prepared truncated derivatives of HPG with
      progressive removal of kringle domains, like K5CD, K4K5CD, K3-K5CD (K3K4K5CD), K2
      K5CD (K2K3K4K5CD) and K1-K5CD (K1K2K3K4K5CD). While urokinase (uPA) cleaved the
      scissile peptide in the isolated catalytic domain (MUPG) with nearly the same
      rate as with full-length HPG, SK-plasmin showed only 1-2% activity, revealing
      mutually distinct mechanisms of HPG catalysis between the eukaryotic and
      prokaryotic activators. Remarkably, with SK.HPN (plasmin), the 'addition' of both
      kringles 4 and 5 onto the catalytic domain showed catalytic rates comparable to
      full length HPG, thus identifying the dependency of the "long-range" enzyme
      substrate interactions onto these two CD-proximal domains. Further, chimeric
      variants of K5CD were generated by swapping the kringle domains of HPG with those
      of uPA and TPA (tissue plasminogen activator), separately. Surprisingly, although
      native-like catalytic turnover rates were retained when either K1, K2 or K4 of
      HPG was substituted at the K5 position in K5CD, these were invariably lost once
      substituted with the evolutionarily more distant TPA- and uPA-derived kringles.
      The present results unveil a novel mechanism of SK.HPN action in which augmented
      catalysis occurs through enzyme-substrate interactions centered on regions in
      substrate HPG (kringles 4 and 5) that are spatially distant from the scissile
      peptide bond.

PMID- 22056295
TI  - Experimental and histological investigations of the bone using two different
      oscillating osteotomy techniques compared with conventional rotary osteotomy.
AB  - Over the past decade, coinciding with the appearance of a number of new
      ultrasonic surgical devices, there has been a marked increase in interest in the
      use of ultrasound in oral surgery and implantology as alternative osteotomy
      method. The aim of this study was the comparison of the effect of osteotomies
      performed using ultrasonic surgery (Piezosurgery((r))), sonic surgery
      SONICflex((r)) and the conventional bur method on the heat generation within the
      bone underneath the osteotomy and light-microscopy observations of the bone at
      different cutting positions in porcine mandibular segments. It was found that the
      average heat generated by SONICflex((r)) sonic device was close to that by
      conventional rotary bur (1.54-2.29 degrees C), whereas Piezosurgery((r)) showed a
      high generated heat up to 18.17 degrees C. Histological investigations of the
      bone matrix adjacent to the defect radius showed intact osteocytes with all three
      instruments and similar wide damage diameter at the bottom region. SONICflex((r))
      showed smooth cutting surfaces with minimal damage in the upper defect zone.
      Finally, presented results showed that sonic surgery performed with
      SONICflex((r)) is an alternative osteotomy method and can be used as an
      alternative to the conventional bur method.

PMID- 22056294
TI  - Wheel running attenuates microglia proliferation and increases expression of a
      proneurogenic phenotype in the hippocampus of aged mice.
AB  - Aging is associated with low-grade neuroinflammation including primed microglia
      that may contribute to deficits in neural plasticity and cognitive function. The
      current study evaluated whether exercise modulates division and/or activation
      state of microglia in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus, as activated
      microglia can express a classic inflammatory or an alternative neuroprotective
      phenotype. We also assessed hippocampal neurogenesis to determine whether changes
      in microglia were associated with new neuron survival. Adult (3.5 months) and
      aged (18 months) male BALB/c mice were individually housed with or without
      running wheels for 8 weeks. Mice received bromodeoxyuridine injections during the
      first or last 10 days of the experiment to label dividing cells.
      Immunofluorescence was conducted to measure microglia division, co-expression of
      the neuroprotective indicator insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1), and new neuron
      survival. The proportion of new microglia was increased in aged mice, and
      decreased from wheel running. Running increased the proportion of microglia
      expressing IGF-1 suggesting exercise shifts microglia phenotype towards
      neuroprotection. Additionally, running enhanced survival of new neurons in both
      age groups. Findings suggest that wheel running may attenuate microglia division
      and promote a proneurogenic phenotype in aged mice.

PMID- 22056296
TI  - Meniscal allograft transplantation without bone plugs: a 3-year minimum follow-up
      study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Meniscal allograft transplantation is a viable option for subtotally
      meniscectomized and totally meniscectomized symptomatic patients and potentially
      results in pain relief and increased function. HYPOTHESIS: The use of a single
      tibial tunnel arthroscopic technique without bone plugs will reduce symptoms
      (pain) and improve knee function at a minimum 3-year follow-up. STUDY DESIGN:
      Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS: Thirty-two meniscal transplantations
      (16 medial, 16 lateral; 23 men, 9 women) were prospectively evaluated at a
      minimum of 36 months (mean, 40.4 +/- 6.90 months; range, 36-66 months) after
      surgery. The average age at the time of surgery was 35.6 +/- 10.3 years (range,
      15-55 years). The transplantation was performed using an arthroscopic bone plug
      free technique with a single tibial tunnel plus "all-inside" meniscal sutures.
      The anterior meniscal horn was sutured to the capsule. Follow-up included a
      visual analog scale (VAS) score for knee pain and subjective and objective
      International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC), Lysholm, Tegner, and SF-36
      scores. All patients underwent radiographic and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
      evaluation of the involved knee before the surgery and at the final follow-up.
      The MRI outcomes were evaluated with the modified Yulish score. RESULTS:
      Regarding clinical evaluation, there was a significant improvement in scores at
      follow-up compared with preoperatively: the VAS score decreased from 70.6 +/-
      21.7 to 25.2 +/- 22.7 (P < .0001), the SF-36 physical component score increased
      from 37.31 +/- 7.2 to 49.69 +/- 8.3 (P < .0001), the SF-36 mental component score
      increased from 49.69 +/- 10.8 to 53.53 +/- 7.5 (P = .0032), the Tegner activity
      score increased from 3 (range, 3-5) to 5 (range, 3-6) (P < .0121), the Lysholm
      score increased from 59.78 +/- 18.25 to 84.84 +/- 14.4 (P < .0001), the
      subjective IKDC score increased from 47.44 +/- 20.60 to 77.20 +/- 15.57 (P <
      .0001), and the objective IKDC score changed from 1 A, 21 B, 6 C, and 4 D to 22
      A, 9 B, and 1 C (P < .0001). No significant difference was found in this study
      between patients who received medial allografts and patients who received lateral
      allografts. There was no significant difference between outcomes of patients with
      isolated and combined procedures. The MRI findings showed 69% extruded allografts
      (8 medial and 14 lateral). In detail, we found 50% of the medial allografts and
      87% of the lateral allografts extruded. No significant difference in clinical
      outcomes and modified Yulish score was found between patients with extruded
      allografts and with in situ allografts. The MRI results also showed a significant
      decrease of the modified Yulish score from baseline to 3-year minimum follow-up
      (P < .0001 for femur and P < .0001 for tibia). Only one patient underwent
      arthroscopic selective meniscectomy because of a medial posterior horn retear of
      the graft. One patient developed lack of flexion and underwent an arthroscopic
      arthrolysis. These 2 patients did not draw benefit from allografting and
      therefore were considered failures. In all remaining cases (94%), meniscal
      allograft transplantation was able to reduce symptoms (pain measured by VAS) and
      improve knee function (as measured by IKDC and Lysholm scores). CONCLUSION: This
      study found that a single tibial tunnel arthroscopic technique without bone plugs
      for meniscal allograft transplantation significantly reduced pain and improved
      knee function in 94% of patients at a minimum 3-year follow-up.

PMID- 22056297
TI  - Female-biased infection and transmission of the gastrointestinal nematode
      Trichuris arvicolae infecting the common vole, Microtus arvalis.
AB  - Previous studies addressing the importance of host gender in parasite
      transmission have shed light on males as the more important hosts, with the
      higher transmission potential of males being explained by the fact that they
      often harbour higher parasite loads than females. However, in some systems
      females are more heavily infected than males and may be responsible for driving
      infection under such circumstances. Using a wild population of common voles
      (Microtus arvalis), we showed that females were more frequently infected by the
      intestinal nematode Trichuris arvicolae than males (i.e. prevalence based on the
      presence of eggs in the faeces) and that females were shedding greater numbers of
      parasite eggs per gram of faeces (EPG) than males. By applying an anthelmintic
      treatment to either male or female voles, we demonstrated that treating females
      significantly reduced parasite burdens (i.e. prevalence and EPG) of both male and
      female hosts, while treating males only reduced parasite burden in males. These
      findings indicate that in this female-biased infection system females play a more
      important role than males in driving the dynamics of parasite transmission.

PMID- 22056298
TI  - Unenhanced computed tomography to identify intrahepatic and extrahepatic limy
      bile.

PMID- 22056299
TI  - Travel-associated health risks for patients with inflammatory bowel disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: There are few data on risk of travel for patients with
      inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). We assessed rates of illness while traveling
      among patients with IBD. METHODS: We performed a retrospective, case-controlled
      study of illnesses among 222 patients with IBD and 224 healthy individuals
      (controls) during 1099 total trips. Data were retrieved by structured
      questionnaires, personal interviews, and chart review. RESULTS: Participants had
      142 episodes of illness during the trips; 92% were enteric disease. An episode of
      illness occurred during 79/523 (15.1%) trips made by patients with IBD compared
      with 63/576 (10.9%) trips made by controls (odds ratio [OR], 1.44; 95% confidence
      interval [CI], 1.01-2.0; P = .04). However, this difference was mostly
      attributable to the increased incidence of illness among IBD patients traveling
      in industrialized countries. In contrast, the rate of illness among travelers to
      developing countries was similar among patients with IBD and controls (34/200,
      17% vs 52/243, 21% of trips, respectively; P = .24). Moreover, numerically more
      controls that traveled to the tropics developed illness than travelers with IBD
      (43/135 vs 23/97, respectively; P = .18). In multivariate analysis, factors that
      increased risk for travel illness included frequent flares of IBD (OR, 1.9; 95%
      CI, 1.1-3.4; P = .02) and prior IBD-related hospitalizations (OR, 3.5; 95% CI,
      1.3-9.3; P = .01); remission within 3 months before traveling reduced the risk
      for illness (OR, 0.3; 95% CI, 0.16-0.5; P < .001). Use of immunomodulatory drugs
      was not independently associated with risk of illness during travel. CONCLUSIONS:
      Patients with IBD have a higher rate of illness compared with controls during
      trips to industrialized countries, but not to developing or tropical regions.
      These findings indicate that most travel-associated illnesses stem from sporadic
      IBD flares rather than increased susceptibility to enteric infections.

PMID- 22056300
TI  - Autoimmune hepatitis after liver transplantation.
AB  - Liver transplantation is an effective treatment for patients with end-stage acute
      and chronic autoimmune hepatitis. However, despite the good outcomes reported,
      disease recurrence is relatively common in the allograft. In addition,
      autoimmunity and autoimmune liver disease can arise de novo after transplantation
      for non-autoimmune liver disorders. Little is known about the mechanisms by which
      autoimmune diseases develop after liver transplantation, but genetic factors,
      molecular mimicry, impaired regulatory T-cell responses, and exposures to new
      alloantigens might be involved. Regardless of the pathogenic mechanisms, it is
      important to remain aware of the existence of recurrent and de novo autoimmune
      hepatitis after liver transplantation; these disorders are similar to classic
      autoimmune hepatitis and are therefore not treated with standard antirejection
      strategies.

PMID- 22056301
TI  - Latest generation, wide-angle, high-definition colonoscopes increase adenoma
      detection rate.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Improvements to endoscopy imaging technologies might improve
      detection rates of colorectal cancer and patient outcomes. We compared the
      accuracy of the latest generation of endoscopes with older generation models in
      detection of colorectal adenomas. METHODS: We compared data from 2 prospective
      screening colonoscopy studies (the Berlin Colonoscopy Project 6); each study
      lasted approximately 6 months and included the same 6 colonoscopists, who worked
      in private practice. Participants in group 1 (n = 1256) were all examined by
      using the latest generation of wide-angle, high-definition colonoscopes that were
      manufactured by the same company. Individuals in group 2 (n = 1400) were examined
      by endoscopists who used routine equipment (a mixture of endoscopes from
      different companies; none of those used to examine group 1). The adenoma
      detection rate was calculated on the basis of the number of all adenomas/number
      of all patients. RESULTS: There were no differences in patient parameters or
      withdrawal time between groups (8.0 vs 8.2 minutes). The adenoma detection rate
      was significantly higher in group 1 (0.33) than in group 2 (0.27; P = .01); a
      greater number of patients with least 1 adenoma were identified in group 1
      (22.1%) than in group 2 (18.2%; P = .01). A higher percentage of high-grade
      dysplastic adenomas were detected in group 1 (1.19%) than in group 2 (0.57%), but
      this difference was not statistically significant (P = .06). CONCLUSIONS: The
      latest generation of wide-angle, high-definition colonoscopes improves rates of
      adenoma detection by 22%, compared with mixed, older technology endoscopes used
      in routine private practice. These findings might affect definitions of quality
      control parameters for colonoscopy screening for colorectal cancer.

PMID- 22056302
TI  - Colonoscopy with clipping is useful in the diagnosis and treatment of
      diverticular bleeding.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Diverticular bleeding is the most common cause of acute severe
      lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) in Western countries. Diagnostic and
      therapeutic approaches, including endoscopy, radiology, or surgery, have not been
      standardized. We investigated colonoscopy as a first-line modality to diagnose
      and manage patients with LGIB. METHODS: We performed a retrospective study of
      data collected from 2 tertiary Veterans hospitals of 64 patients (61 men, 76 +/-
      11 years) with acute severe diverticular bleeding, based on colonoscopy
      examination. We assessed primary hemostasis using endoscopic clipping for
      diverticular bleeding and described the bleeding stigmata. We measured early (<30
      days) and late rebleeding, blood transfusion requirements, hospital stay and
      complications. RESULTS: Patients received 3.1 +/- 3.0 and 0.9 +/- 2.2 U of blood
      before and after colonoscopy, respectively. Twenty-four of the 64 patients (38%)
      had diverticular stigmata of recent hemorrhage; and 21 of these patients (88%)
      were treated successfully using endoscopic clips, without complication or early
      rebleeding. Hospital stays averaged 6.4 +/- 5.6 days. Endoscopic clipping
      provided primary hemostasis in 9/12 patients (75%) with active diverticular
      bleeding. During 35 +/- 18 months of follow-up, late recurrent diverticular
      bleeding occurred in 22% of the patients (14/64) after a mean time period of 22
      months; 5 of the patients (21%) with stigmata of recent hemorrhage who received
      clip treatment had rebleeding at 43 months. Rebleeding was self-limited in 8
      patients (57%), was clipped in 4 (29%), or was embolized in 2 (14%). CONCLUSIONS:
      Colonoscopy can be a safe first-line diagnostic and therapeutic approach for
      patients with severe LGIB. Endoscopic clipping provides hemostasis of active
      diverticular bleeding. Recurrent bleeding occurs in about 21% of patients who
      were treated with clips, at approximately 4 years; most bleeding is self-limited
      or can be retreated by endoscopic clipping.

PMID- 22056303
TI  - Safety of prior endoscopic mucosal resection in patients receiving radiofrequency
      ablation of Barrett's esophagus.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is safe and effective treatment
      for flat dysplasia associated with Barrett's esophagus (BE). However, there are
      limited data on the safety of RFA in patients who had prior endoscopic mucosal
      resection (EMR), which might increase the risk of complications. We compared
      complications and histologic outcomes between patients who had EMR before RFA and
      those who received only RFA. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of
      data collected from patients treated for BE, associated with dysplasia or
      intramucosal cancer, at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota, from 1998-2009.
      Patients were divided into groups that had RFA after EMR (group 1, n = 44) or
      only RFA (group 2, n = 46). We compared the incidence of complications
      (strictures, bleeding, and esophageal perforation) and histologic features
      (complete resolution of dysplasia and complete resolution of intestinal
      metaplasia [CR-IM]) between groups. Logistic regression analysis was performed to
      assess predictors of stricture formation. RESULTS: Stricture rates were 14% in
      group 1 and 9% in group 2 (odds ratio, 1.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.26
      9.74). The rates of CR-IM were 43% in group 1 and 74% in group 2 (odds ratio,
      0.33; 95% CI, 0.14-0.78). The rates of complete resolution of dysplasia were 76%
      in group 1 and 71% in group 2 (odds ratio, 1.28; 95% CI, 0.39-4.17). The adjusted
      odds ratio for CR-IM in group 1 (adjusting for age, segment length, and grade of
      dysplasia) was 0.50 (95% CI, 0.15-1.66). CONCLUSIONS: Stricture rates among
      patients who receive only RFA are comparable to those of patients who had prior
      EMR. EMR appears safe to perform prior to RFA.

PMID- 22056304
TI  - Hemosuccus pancreaticus diagnosed with concurrent endoscopic retrograde
      pancreatography and selective angiography.

PMID- 22056305
TI  - TAp63gamma enhances nucleotide excision repair through transcriptional regulation
      of DNA repair genes.
AB  - p63 and p73, two p53 family members, play crucial roles in development and tumor
      suppression. p63 and p73 have multiple isoforms, which have similar or distinct
      biological functions. Transactivation (TA) isoforms of p63 and p73 have high
      similarity with p53 and often have biological functions similar to p53. p53 plays
      an important role in nucleotide excision repair (NER) through transcriptional
      regulation of target genes involved in NER, including DDB2, XPC and GADD45. To
      investigate whether TAp63 and TAp73 play a similar role in NER, Saos2 cells with
      inducible expression of specific isoforms of TAp63 and TAp73, including
      TAp63alpha/beta/gamma and TAp73alpha/beta/gamma isoforms, were employed.
      Overexpression of TAp63gamma significantly enhances NER of ultraviolet (UV)
      induced DNA damage, including cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers (CPDs) and 6-4
      photoproducts, and enhances cell survival after UV irradiation in Soas2 cells.
      The enhancement of NER of UV-induced DNA damage by TAp63gamma was also confirmed
      in H1299 cells with overexpression of TAp63gamma. Consistently, knockdown of
      endogenous TAp63 decreases NER of UV-induced DNA damage in H1299 cells.
      TAp63alpha/beta and TAp73alpha/beta/gamma isoforms do not have a clear effect on
      NER in Saos2 or H1299 cells. TAp63gamma overexpression clearly induces the
      expression of DDB2, XPC and GADD45 at both RNA and protein levels. Furthermore,
      luciferase reporter assays show that TAp63gamma transcriptionally activates DDB2,
      XPC and GADD45 genes through the regulation of the p53 binding elements in these
      genes. These results demonstrate that TAp63gamma enhances NER to remove UV
      induced DNA damage and maintain genomic stability through transcriptional
      induction of a set of NER proteins, which provides an additional important
      mechanism that contributes to the function of TAp63 in tumor suppression.

PMID- 22056306
TI  - DNA polymerase eta is targeted by Mdm2 for polyubiquitination and proteasomal
      degradation in response to ultraviolet irradiation.
AB  - DNA polymerase eta (PolH), the product of the xeroderma pigmentosum variant (XPV)
      gene and a Y-family DNA polymerase, plays a pivotal role in translesion DNA
      synthesis. Loss of PolH leads to early onset of malignant skin cancer in XPV
      patients and increases UV-induced carcinogenesis. Thus, the pathways by which
      PolH expression and activity are controlled may be explored as a strategy to
      prevent UV-induced cancer. In this study, we found that Mdm2, a RING finger E3
      ligase, promotes PolH degradation. Specifically, we showed that knockdown of Mdm2
      increases PolH expression in both p53-proficient and -deficient cells. In
      addition, we showed that UV-induced PolH degradation is attenuated by Mdm2
      knockdown. In contrast, ectopically expression of Mdm2 decreases PolH expression,
      which can be abrogated by the proteasome inhibitor MG132. Moreover, we showed
      that Mdm2 physically associates with PolH and promotes PolH polyubiquitination in
      vivo and in vitro. Finally, we showed that knockdown of Mdm2 increases the
      formation of PolH replication foci and decreases the sensitivity of cells to UV
      induced lesions in a PolH-dependent manner. Taken together, we uncovered that
      Mdm2 serves as an E3 ligase for PolH polyubiquitination and proteasomal
      degradation in cells under the basal condition and in response to UV irradiation.

PMID- 22056307
TI  - Erectile dysfunction and diabetes: a review of the current evidence-based
      medicine and a synthesis of the main available therapies.
AB  - AIM: This review aimed to provide an update of the epidemiology, pathophysiology
      and management of erectile dysfunction (ED) in diabetes patients. METHODS: Data
      on the management of ED in diabetes patients in the literature were analyzed
      using Medline, and by matching the following keywords: diabetes; erectile
      dysfunction; endothelial dysfunction; cardiovascular disease; phosphodiesterase
      inhibitors; intracavernous injection; and penile prosthesis. RESULTS: ED has a
      higher incidence in diabetic patients. The pathophysiology is multifactorial,
      involving endothelial dysfunction, specific complications of diabetes and
      psychological factors. Recent studies have shown that ED is able to predict
      future cardiovascular events not only in non-diabetics, but also in patients with
      diabetes. ED could also be a potential marker to screen for silent coronary
      artery disease. The management of ED has been revolutionized by the discovery of
      phosphodiesterase type-5 (PDE5) inhibitors, the first-line therapeutic options
      for diabetic men with ED that are efficient and safe. As a second line,
      intracavernous injections remain a gold-standard treatment, although a vacuum
      device can be used as well. In cases of failure, penile prosthesis may be
      considered. Hypogonadism, commonly found in diabetics, may require identification
      and treatment. Optimalized glycaemic control, management of associated co
      morbidities and lifestyle modifications are essential in all patients. As ED and
      diabetes negatively impact male self-esteem, and generate depression and anxiety,
      the psychological treatment of patients is also likely to be beneficial.
      CONCLUSION: The aetiology of diabetic ED is multifactorial. Endothelial
      dysfunction is the link between diabetes-induced ED and coronary artery disease.
      A global approach is needed for the successful management of diabetic ED.

PMID- 22056308
TI  - Commentary to 'Ureteral obstruction following injection of dextranomer/hyaluronic
      acid copolymer: an infrequent but relevant complication'.

PMID- 22056309
TI  - Pediatric chronic orchalgia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Chronic orchalgia, defined as testicular pain lasting > 3 months
      and interfering with normal activities, is neglected in the pediatric literature.
      We describe our experience with the evaluation and treatment of pediatric chronic
      orchalgia patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Charts were screened to identify
      patients meeting the criteria for chronic orchalgia. Charts were further reviewed
      to record the history and physical exam, diagnostic tests, treatment and
      outcomes. RESULTS: 65/982 patients met the criteria for chronic orchalgia. Mean
      age was 13 and mean duration of pain was 8.6 months. Physical exam findings were
      normal in 46 patients (70%). 59 patients were managed conservatively with
      resolution (10/59, 17%) or a single visit (36/59, 61%) in 78%. 13/59 (22%)
      patients showed either minor improvement or no change in symptoms. 5 non
      responding patients were managed by the anesthesia pain service; 4 received
      epidurals with or without additional oral pain medications with 3 experiencing
      significant pain improvement. CONCLUSION: Conservative management of chronic
      orchalgia allowed symptoms to subside in the majority of cases. We recommend
      patients be treated with conservative measures for 1-2 months. If this fails,
      early involvement of the anesthesia pain service can offer treatment modalities
      such as epidural analgesia. Surgical management in the face of a normal physical
      exam does not seem to have a role.

PMID- 22056310
TI  - Intermediate to long-term follow-up indicates low risk of recurrence after double
      HIT endoscopic treatment for primary vesico-ureteral reflux.

PMID- 22056311
TI  - [Acute neurological complications after pediatric cardiac surgery: still a long
      way to go].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: There has been an increasing concern over the neurological
      complications associated with congenital heart disease and cardiac surgery.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: We performed a retrospective, case-control, observational
      review of the postoperative period in the intensive care unit of patients
      undergoing cardiac surgery over the past 10 years. We selected 2 control patients
      for each case, matched for surgical complexity. RESULTS: A total of 900 patients
      were reviewed. We found 38 neurological complications (4.2%), of which 21 (55.3%)
      were in the peripheral nervous system and 17 (44.7%) in the central nervous
      system. The complications involving the central nervous system (1.9% of total)
      consisted of 8 seizures, 4 cerebrovascular accidents, 4 hypoxic-ischemic
      encephalopathy events, and 1 reversible neurological deficit. At the time of
      discharge, 35.3% were symptomatic and 17.6% had died. Patients with neurological
      complications had a longer bypass time (P=.009), longer aortic cross time
      (P=.012), longer hospitalization in intensive care (P=.001), longer duration of
      mechanical ventilation (P=.004) and an increased number of days under inotropic
      support (P=.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our incidence of neurological complications after
      cardiac surgery is similar to that previously described. Clinical seizures are
      the most common complication. Central nervous system complications are associated
      with a higher morbidity and hospitalization time. Units caring for patients with
      congenital heart disease must implement neurological monitoring during and after
      cardiac surgery to prevent and to detect these complications earlier.

PMID- 22056312
TI  - [Does early parenteral protein intake improve extrauterine growth in low birth
      weight preterms?].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Extrauterine growth restriction affects most premature newborns.
      Early and higher parenteral protein intake seems to improve postnatal growth and
      associated comorbidities. We evaluate the impact of a new parenteral nutrition
      protocol based on early amino acid administration on postnatal growth in
      premature infants with a birth weight < 1,500 grams. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A case
      control study in 58 premature newborns with a birth weight < 1,500 grams. In the
      case group we included 29 preterm neonates who received at least 1.5 g/kg/day
      parenteral amino acid during the first 24 hours after birth, reaching a maximum
      dose of 3.5 g/kg/day on the 3(rd)-4(th) day after birth. The control group was
      formed by 29 preterm neonates for whom protein support began on the 2(nd-)3(rd)
      day after birth with a dose of 1g/kg/day with lower daily increases than the case
      group. Growth rates and complications were followed until 28 days of life or
      discharge from NICU. RESULTS: There were no differences between groups in
      baseline characteristics. Premature newborns who received higher and earlier
      doses of proteins had a greater weight gain than the control group, and this
      difference was statistically significant (423 +/- 138 g vs. 315 +/- 142 g;
      P=.005). In addition, they had a higher daily weight gain rate (19.4 +/- 3.3 vs.
      16.5 +/- 4.8; P=.010) and they regained birth weight earlier (11.5 +/- 3.3 days
      vs. 14.5 +/- 4.5 days; P=.045). A higher incidence of complications was not
      observed. CONCLUSIONS: Early and higher amino acid administration improves growth
      rate in premature neonates with no apparent increase in risks for the patient.

PMID- 22056313
TI  - Selection for higher gene copy number after different types of plant gene
      duplications.
AB  - The evolutionary origins of the multitude of duplicate genes in the plant genomes
      are still incompletely understood. To gain an appreciation of the potential
      selective forces acting on these duplicates, we phylogenetically inferred the set
      of metabolic gene families from 10 flowering plant (angiosperm) genomes. We then
      compared the metabolic fluxes for these families, predicted using the Arabidopsis
      thaliana and Sorghum bicolor metabolic networks, with the families' duplication
      propensities. For duplications produced by both small scale (small-scale
      duplications) and genome duplication (whole-genome duplications), there is a
      significant association between the flux and the tendency to duplicate. Following
      this global analysis, we made a more fine-scale study of the selective
      constraints observed on plant sodium and phosphate transporters. We find that the
      different duplication mechanisms give rise to differing selective constraints.
      However, the exact nature of this pattern varies between the gene families, and
      we argue that the duplication mechanism alone does not define a duplicated gene's
      subsequent evolutionary trajectory. Collectively, our results argue for the
      interplay of history, function, and selection in shaping the duplicate gene
      evolution in plants.

PMID- 22056314
TI  - Current knowledge and open issues regarding bevacizumab in gynaecological
      neoplasms.
AB  - In the last fifty years the combining of different drugs has progressively
      improved response and survival rates in gynaecological malignancies. Results are,
      however, far from being satisfactory. Treatments used in cases of advanced or
      recurrent disease offer limited results in terms of long-term responses and the
      urgent need for new drugs has prompted researchers to investigate and propose new
      therapeutic modalities. One of the most important avenues that are being explored
      is represented by monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) directed against Vascular
      Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF). Several antibodies against this target are now
      available and Bevacizumab appears to be one of the most promising agents. VEGF
      has been confirmed as an important therapeutic target in several clinical trials
      and in multiple disease settings, including gynaecological cancers, for its
      biological and clinical significance in tumour angiogenesis. The binding and
      blocking of VEGF growth factor is the basis of tumour growth inhibition, since
      angiogenesis is essential in the process of tumour growth and progression.
      Several clinical trials have utilized this agent successfully, either alone or in
      combination with other drugs. Despite initial concerns, adverse reactions have
      not been significant with side effects being more tolerable than those associated
      to conventional chemotherapy. Furthermore, the limited toxicity profile of this,
      as well as other target therapies, allows it to be combined with cytotoxic drugs
      without the requirement for a significant dose reduction of the latter. This
      review outlines the rationale for studying this anti-angiogenetic compound,
      summarizing the existing and emerging clinical evidence related to the use of
      Bevacizumab in the treatment of gynaecological malignancies, focusing on its
      potential benefits and adverse effects.

PMID- 22056315
TI  - [Welcome to the 64 th congress of the French National Society of Internal
      Medicine].

PMID- 22056316
TI  - Does the Goldilocks Principle apply to calcium release restitution in heart
      cells?

PMID- 22056317
TI  - Focal adhesion kinase governs cardiac concentric hypertrophic growth by
      activating the AKT and mTOR pathways.
AB  - The heart responds to sustained overload by hypertrophic growth in which the
      myocytes distinctly thicken or elongate on increases in systolic or diastolic
      stress. Though potentially adaptive, hypertrophy itself may predispose to cardiac
      dysfunction in pathological settings. The mechanisms underlying the diverse
      morphology and outcomes of hypertrophy are uncertain. Here we used a focal
      adhesion kinase (FAK) cardiac-specific transgenic mice model (FAK-Tg) to explore
      the function of this non-receptor tyrosine kinase on the regulation of myocyte
      growth. FAK-Tg mice displayed a phenocopy of concentric cardiac hypertrophy,
      reflecting the relative thickening of the individual myocytes. Moreover, FAK-Tg
      mice showed structural, functional and molecular features of a compensated
      hypertrophic growth, and preserved responses to chronic pressure overload.
      Mechanistically, FAK overexpression resulted in enhanced myocardial FAK activity,
      which was proven by treatment with a selective FAK inhibitor to be required for
      the cardiac hypertrophy in this model. Our results indicate that upregulation of
      FAK does not affect the activity of Src/ERK1/2 pathway, but stimulated signaling
      by a cascade that encompasses PI3K, AKT, mTOR, S6K and rpS6. Moreover, inhibition
      of the mTOR complex by rapamycin extinguished the cardiac hypertrophy of the
      transgenic FAK mice. These findings uncover a unique role for FAK in regulating
      the signaling mechanisms that governs the selective myocyte growth in width,
      likely controlling the activity of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, and suggest that FAK
      activation could be important for the adaptive response to increases in cardiac
      afterload. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled "Local Signaling in
      Myocytes".

PMID- 22056318
TI  - Epac enhances excitation-transcription coupling in cardiac myocytes.
AB  - Epac is a guanine nucleotide exchange protein that is directly activated by cAMP,
      but whose cardiac cellular functions remain unclear. It is important to
      understand cardiac Epac signaling, because it is activated in parallel to
      classical cAMP-dependent signaling via protein kinase A. In addition to
      activating contraction, Ca(2+) is a key cardiac transcription regulator
      (excitation-transcription coupling). It is unknown how myocyte Ca(2+) signals are
      decoded in cardiac myocytes to control nuclear transcription. We examine Epac
      actions on cytosolic ([Ca(2+)](i)) and intranuclear ([Ca(2+)](n)) Ca(2+)
      homeostasis, focusing on whether Epac alters [Ca(2+)](n) and activates a
      prohypertrophic program in cardiomyocytes. Adult rat cardiomyocytes, loaded with
      fluo-3 were viewed by confocal microscopy during electrical field stimulation at
      1Hz. Acute Epac activation by 8-pCPT increased Ca(2+) sparks and diastolic
      [Ca(2+)](i), but decreased systolic [Ca(2+)](i). The effects on diastolic
      [Ca(2+)](i) and Ca(2+) spark frequency were dependent on phospholipase C (PLC),
      inositol 1,4,5 triphosphate receptor (IP(3)R) and CaMKII activation.
      Interestingly, Epac preferentially increased [Ca(2+)](n) during both diastole and
      systole, correlating with the perinuclear expression pattern of Epac. Moreover,
      Epac activation induced histone deacetylase 5 (HDAC5) nuclear export, with
      consequent activation of the prohypertrophic transcription factor MEF2. These
      data provide the first evidence that the cAMP-binding protein Epac modulates
      cardiac nuclear Ca(2+) signaling by increasing [Ca(2+)](n) through PLC, IP(3)R
      and CaMKII activation, and initiates a prohypertrophic program via HDAC5 nuclear
      export and subsequent activation of the transcription factor MEF2.

PMID- 22056319
TI  - Early prodromal symptoms can predict future psychosis in familial high-risk
      youth.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Efforts to predict psychosis in individuals at high risk for
      schizophrenia have focused on the identification of sub-threshold clinical
      criteria and neurobiological markers, including neuropsychological assessment,
      structural and functional brain imaging, and psychophysiological testing. We
      sought to evaluate the relative utility of "psychosis-proneness" measures for
      prospective prediction of psychotic disorders in a group of young relatives at
      familial risk for schizophrenia. METHODS: We examined the receiver operating
      characteristics of sub-threshold symptoms in predicting conversion to psychosis
      in a group of 97 young first- and second- degree relatives of persons with
      schizophrenia over a 2-year period. Towards this end, we utilized the Structured
      Interview of prodromal symptoms to derive measures of two of the four Scale of
      Prodromal Symptoms subscales (positive and disorganized) and the Chapman Magical
      Ideation and Perceptual Aberration scales. These four measures were, together,
      taken to reflect a putative index of psychosis-proneness. RESULTS: Eleven of the
      97 subjects developed a psychotic disorder over 2 years of follow-up. Seventeen
      of the 97 subjects tested positive on this index of psychosis-proneness at
      baseline and of these 10 converted to psychosis. The sensitivity and specificity
      of the test were 91 percent and 92 percent respectively. The positive predictive
      value of the test was 59 percent and its negative predictive value was 99
      percent. Addition of measures of cognitive or social function to the index
      decreased its predictive ability, reducing its specificity and/or sensitivity.
      CONCLUSIONS: A relatively simple set of clinical measures can be utilized to
      prospectively identify familial high risk individuals who convert to psychosis
      with high specificity and sensitivity. Implications for the proposed addition of
      an "attenuated psychosis syndrome" in DSM-5 are discussed.

PMID- 22056320
TI  - An interactive model of anxiety sensitivity relevant to suicide attempt history
      and future suicidal ideation.
AB  - Recent reports of increasing suicide rates among military personnel indicate a
      need for increased work in understanding processes relevant to suicide risk in
      the military. Anxiety, along with anxiety-related risk factors have been
      implicated in suicidality as well as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). One
      such risk factor, anxiety sensitivity (AS), refers to fear of anxiety-related
      symptoms. Subfactors of AS, notably the physical and cognitive concerns factors,
      appear to be relevant to the construct of acquired capability for suicidal
      behavior, a risk factor for death by suicide postulated by the Interpersonal
      Psychological Theory of Suicide (Joiner, 2005; Van Orden et al., 2010). Study 1
      examined the interaction of AS-cognitive concerns and AS-physical concerns in an
      outpatient sample with PTSD symptomatology (N = 128). Analyses were consistent
      with our a priori model and indicated that the interaction of AS-cognitive
      concerns by AS-physical concerns predicted previous suicide attempt.
      Specifically, those with high AS-cognitive concerns and low AS-physical concerns
      were at increased risk for suicide attempt. Study 2 prospectively examined the
      associations between AS and suicidal ideation in a sample of military cadets
      undergoing basic training (N = 1081). A similar interaction emerged such that
      high AS-cognitive and low AS-physical scores at Time 1 significantly predicted
      suicidal ideation several months later, even after controlling for Time 1
      suicidal ideation and psychopathology. These findings suggest that suicide
      potential may be related to interactions between cognitive risk factors for
      anxiety among individuals with PTSD symptomatology as well as individuals
      experiencing stressful life events.

PMID- 22056321
TI  - Genomic and biological analysis of Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 7 reveals
      a possible new genus within the family Closteroviridae.
AB  - Deep sequencing analysis of an asymptomatic grapevine revealed a virome
      containing five RNA viruses and a viroid. Of these, Grapevine leafroll-associated
      virus 7 (GLRaV-7), an unassigned closterovirus, was by far the most prominently
      represented sequence in the analysis. Graft-inoculation of the infection to
      another grape variety confirmed the lack of the leafroll disease symptoms, even
      though GLRaV-7 could be detected in the inoculated indicator plants. A 16,496
      nucleotide-long genomic sequence of this virus was determined from the deep
      sequencing data. Its genome architecture and the sequences encoding its nine
      predicted proteins were compared with those of other closteroviruses. The
      comparison revealed that two other viruses, Little cherry virus-1 and Cordyline
      virus-1 formed a well supported phylogenetic cluster with GLRaV-7.

PMID- 22056322
TI  - The ultrastructure of the ejaculatory duct in the springtail Orchesella villosa
      (Geoffroy) (Hexapoda, Collembola) and the formation of the spermatophore.
AB  - The initial part of the ejaculatory duct of Orchesella villosa contains a "valve"
      and a "sorter" avoiding respectively the reflow and allowing the separation of
      the secretion for the spermatophore stalk from the sperm fluid. For most of its
      length, the ejaculatory duct lumen is divided into two parts: in the dorsal part
      the sperm fluid flows while in the ventral district the secretion for the stalk
      occurs. Laterally, on both sides of the duct, longitudinal muscle fibers are
      present. The epithelium of the dorsal region consists of two types of long
      secretory cells; the most peculiar of them are those provided with extracellular
      cisterns flowing directly into the duct lumen as it occurs in 1st type of
      epidermal cells. These cells could be involved in the control of the viscosity of
      the sperm fluid. The second type of cells produce a secretion probably involved
      in the formation of the outer coat of the apical sperm droplet. The ventral
      epithelium consists of short cells contributing to the enrichment of the
      secretion for the spermatophore stalk and perhaps also to the viscosity of the
      secretion flowing in the lumen. In the distal part of the ejaculatory duct, the
      ventral district is provided with a thick layer of muscle fibers and with 3+3
      cuticular laminae dividing the lumen into a series of slits through which the
      secretion of the stalk is squeezed out into filaments. This organization allows
      the twisting and hardening of these filaments. A drop of sperm fluid is laid on
      top of the long and rigid spermatophore stalk.

PMID- 22056323
TI  - Bilateral first rib stress fractures in a female swimmer: a case report.

PMID- 22056324
TI  - Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty for cuff tear arthropathy: the clinical
      effect of deltoid lengthening and center of rotation medialization.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) for cuff tear arthropathy
      improves shoulder function and reduces pain. Implant position and soft tissue
      balancing are important factors to optimize outcome. Tensioning the deltoid and
      increasing the deltoid moment arm by medializing the center of rotation are
      biomechanically advantageous. The purpose of this study was to correlate RSA
      functional outcomes with deltoid lengthening and center of rotation
      medialization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective cohort study enrolled 49
      consecutive patients who underwent RSA for cuff tear arthropathy. Preoperative
      and serial postoperative physical examinations, radiographs, and American
      Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons and Simple Shoulder Test scores were evaluated.
      Deltoid lengthening and medialization of the center of rotation were measured
      radiographically and correlated with functional outcome scores, range of motion,
      and complications. RESULTS: At final follow-up (average, 16 +/- 10 months), 37 of
      49 patients (76%) were available for analysis. Deltoid lengthening (average, 21
      +/- 10 mm) correlated significantly (P = .002) with superior active forward
      elevation (average, 144 degrees  +/- 19 degrees ). Medialization of the center of
      rotation (average, 18 +/- 8 mm) did not correlate with active forward elevation
      or subjective outcomes. Deltoid lengthening that achieved an acromion-greater
      tuberosity distance exceeding 38 mm had a 90% positive predictive value of
      obtaining 135 degrees  of active forward elevation. Two patients (4%) required
      revision surgery, and 68% of patients developed scapular notching (average grade,
      1.3 +/- 1.2) at final follow-up. CONCLUSION: Deltoid lengthening improves active
      forward elevation after RSA for cuff tear arthropathy.

PMID- 22056325
TI  - Rotator cuff injury as a complication of portal placement for superior labrum
      anterior-posterior repair.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An accessory trans-rotator cuff portal is commonly used in shoulder
      arthroscopy, primarily in the repair of SLAP (superior labrum anterior-posterior)
      lesions. Improper placement of the trans-rotator cuff portal can result in damage
      to the rotator cuff near its attachment site. METHODS: Six patients were studied,
      having been referred to our clinic after previous shoulder arthroscopy with SLAP
      repair. Review of operative notes showed that the rotator cuff had been described
      as normal in 5 patients and having a mild partial-thickness tear of the
      supraspinatus in 1 patient at the time of the first surgery. All patients
      underwent repeat shoulder arthroscopy within 10 to 22 months. RESULTS: All 6
      patients were found to have full-thickness rotator cuff tears at the time of the
      second surgery. The rotator cuff injuries appeared to be associated with portal
      placement from the previous SLAP repair. All patients underwent rotator cuff
      repair, and 3 had concomitant revision SLAP repair. All patients had clinical
      improvement, with a mean preoperative American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons score
      of 45.3 and mean postoperative score of 90.5. Mean follow-up was 58.3 months.
      CONCLUSIONS: Proper placement of a trans-rotator cuff portal should be performed
      cautiously, traversing the rotator cuff medial to the muscle-tendon junction.
      This report highlights the potential for injury to the rotator cuff tendons with
      improper placement of this portal. In patients with persistent pain after
      previous SLAP repair with a trans-rotator cuff portal technique, rotator cuff
      injury may be the source of symptoms. Revision surgery with rotator cuff repair
      can provide improvement.

PMID- 22056326
TI  - Detection of diarrhoeal pathogens in human faeces using an automated, robotic
      platform.
AB  - Infectious diarrhoeal diseases represent a major socio-economic burden to humans,
      and are linked to a range of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria and protists.
      The accurate detection of such pathogens is central to control. However,
      detection often relies on methods that have limited diagnostic sensitivity and
      specificity. Here, we assessed an automated, robotic platform for the
      simultaneous detection of eight major pathogens associated with infectious
      diarrhoea. Genomic DNA samples (n = 167) from faeces from humans with diarrhoea
      and diagnosed as cryptosporidiosis, and 100 uninfected control subjects, were
      tested for adenovirus 40/41, norovirus, Clostridium difficile, Campylobacter,
      Salmonella, Shigella, Cryptosporidium and Giardia by multiplexed-tandem PCR, and
      also characterized by single-strand conformation polymorphism analysis (SSCP) and
      selective sequencing. All 167 samples tested positive for Cryptosporidium, five
      for adenovirus 40/41, four for Campylobacter, three for C. difficile and seven
      for Shigella spp., with no false positive results for any assay. The automated
      PCR exhibited a high sensitivity, with <10 individual pathogens being readily
      detected. The robotic detection platform assessed here represents a sensitive,
      high-throughput tool for key pathogens linked to infectious diarrhoea in humans.
      This platform requires little molecular biological expertise and is well suited
      to various diagnostic facilities and settings.

PMID- 22056327
TI  - Public health on-call in Scotland: how much experience is sufficient?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To quantify the out-of-hours experience obtained by public health
      trainees in Scotland and to assess whether this is sufficient to meet the Faculty
      of Public Health guidelines. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective survey. METHODS: All
      public health trainees in Scotland were invited to participate in a prospective
      survey of out-of-hours experience. Data were collected from March 2009 to March
      2010. The variation in the experience between trainees was compared according to
      the size, urban/rural mix, and deprivation of the population for which they were
      responsible. The variation in the experiences gained were then compared to the
      requirements of the Faculty of Public Health. RESULTS: 18 trainees participated
      from 6 areas, collecting data on 391 shifts and a total of 276 calls. For every
      50 shifts the median number of notifications of probable meningococcus was 3.7
      and the median number of chemical incidents and Escherichia coli O157
      notifications was 0.0. This variation is difficult to interpret because some
      trainees collected data for only a short period. The variation between trainees
      was not significantly related to population size, deprivation or rurality.
      Pooling the data from all trainees, there was a mean of 2.9 probable
      meningococcus notifications, 2.4 E coli O157 calls, and 0.3 chemical incident
      calls per 50 shifts. CONCLUSIONS: There is a large and unpredictable degree of
      variation in the on-call experience of Scottish trainees. The minimum recommended
      number of on-call shifts may not be adequate to ensure a high proportion of
      trainees are prepared for unsupervised on-call.

PMID- 22056328
TI  - Normal epidermal growth factor receptor signaling is dispensable for bone
      anabolic effects of parathyroid hormone.
AB  - Although the bone anabolic properties of intermittent parathyroid hormone (PTH)
      have long been employed in the treatment of osteoporosis, the molecular
      mechanisms behind this action remain largely unknown. Previous studies showed
      that PTH increases the expression and the activity of epidermal growth factor
      receptor (EGFR) in osteoblasts, and activation of ERK1/2 by PTH in osteoblasts
      was demonstrated to induce the proteolytical release of EGFR ligands and EGFR
      transactivation. However, conclusive evidence for an important role of the EGFR
      system in mediating the anabolic actions of intermittent PTH on bone in vivo is
      lacking. Here, we evaluated the effects of intermittent PTH on bone in Waved-5
      (Wa5) mice which carry an antimorphic Egfr allele whose product acts as a
      dominant negative receptor. Heterozygous Wa5 females and control littermates
      received a subcutaneous injection of PTH (80 MUg/kg) or buffer on 5 days per week
      for 4 weeks. Wa5 mice had slightly lower total bone mineral density (BMD), but
      normal cancellous bone volume and turnover in the distal femoral metaphysis. The
      presence of the antimorphic Egfr allele neither influenced the PTH-induced
      increase in serum osteocalcin nor the increases in distal femoral BMD, cortical
      thickness, cancellous bone volume, and cancellous bone formation rate. Similarly,
      the PTH-induced rise in lumbar vertebral BMD was unchanged in Wa5 relative to
      wild-type mice. Wa5-derived osteoblasts showed considerably lower basal
      extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) activation as compared to
      control osteoblasts. Whereas activation of ERK1/2 by the EGFR ligand amphiregulin
      was largely blocked in Wa5 osteoblasts, treatment with PTH induced ERK1/2
      activation comparable to that observed in control osteoblasts, relative to
      baseline levels. Our data indicate that impairment of EGFR signaling does not
      affect the anabolic action of intermittent PTH on cancellous and cortical bone.

PMID- 22056329
TI  - Structure of the glycosyltransferase EryCIII in complex with its activating P450
      homologue EryCII.
AB  - In the biosynthesis of the clinically important antibiotic erythromycin D, the
      glycosyltransferase (GT) EryCIII, in concert with its partner EryCII, attaches a
      nucleotide-activated sugar to the macrolide scaffold with high specificity. To
      understand the role of EryCII, we have determined the crystal structure of the
      EryCIII.EryCII complex at 3.1 A resolution. The structure reveals a
      heterotetramer with a distinctive, elongated quaternary organization. The EryCIII
      subunits form an extensive self-complementary dimer interface at the center of
      the complex, and the EryCII subunits lie on the periphery. EryCII binds in the
      vicinity of the putative macrolide binding site of EryCIII but does not make
      direct interactions with this site. Our biophysical and enzymatic data support a
      model in which EryCII stabilizes EryCIII and also functions as an allosteric
      activator of the GT.

PMID- 22056330
TI  - Electrical storm due to managed ventricular pacing.

PMID- 22056331
TI  - Obstructive sleep apnea: the suffocated atrium?

PMID- 22056332
TI  - Connexin43 and the regulation of intercalated disc function.

PMID- 22056333
TI  - Chemical composition and nutritional value of the most widely appreciated
      cultivated mushrooms: an inter-species comparative study.
AB  - Herein, it was reported and compared the chemical composition and nutritional
      value of the most consumed species as fresh cultivated mushrooms: Agaricus
      bisporus (white and brown mushrooms), Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom),
      Pleurotus eryngii (King oyster mushroom), Lentinula edodes (Shiitake) and
      Flammulina velutipes (Golden needle mushroom). Shiitake revealed the highest
      levels of macronutrients, unless proteins, as also the highest sugars,
      tocopherols and PUFA levels, and the lowest SFA content. White and brown
      mushrooms showed similar macronutrients composition, as also similar values of
      total sugars, MUFA, PUFA and total tocopherols. Oyster and king oyster mushrooms
      gave the highest MUFA contents with similar contents in PUFA, MUFA and SFA in
      both samples. They also revealed similar moisture, ash, carbohydrates and energy
      values. This study contributes to the elaboration of nutritional databases of the
      most consumed fungi species worldwide, allowing comparison between them. Moreover
      it was reported that cultivated and the wild samples of the same species have
      different chemical composition, including sugars, fatty acids and tocopherols
      profiles.

PMID- 22056334
TI  - Pollutant concentrations in placenta.
AB  - Unborn children are exposed to environmental pollutants via the placenta, and
      there is a causal relationship between maternal intake of pollutants and fetal
      exposure. Placental examination is an effective way for acquiring data for
      estimating fetal exposure. We analyzed the concentrations of 104 congeners of
      persistent organic pollutants, seven organotin compounds, five heavy metals, and
      methylmercury in 130 randomly selected placentas. Additionally, we examined
      similarities between pollutant concentrations by analyzing correlations between
      their placental concentrations. Our results yield new information for conducting
      contaminant risk assessments for the prenatal period. Out of the 117 individual
      persistent organic pollutants or metals assayed, 46 could be detected in more
      than half of the placentas. Moreover, dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p'-DDE)
      was found in all placentas. The data indicates that fetal exposure to dioxins and
      furans (PCDD/Fs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), p,p'-DDE, and methylmercury
      depends on the mother's parity, and age. We also conclude that sources of the
      above four pollutants are similar but differ from the sources of polybrominated
      diphenyl ethers.

PMID- 22056335
TI  - Evaluation of chemopreventive and cytotoxic effect of lemon seed extracts on
      human breast cancer (MCF-7) cells.
AB  - Extracts from lemon seed were investigated for the radical scavenging activity
      and apoptotic effects in human breast adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) cells and non
      malignant breast (MCF-12F) cells for the first time. Defatted seed powder was
      successively extracted with ethyl acetate (EtOAc), acetone, methanol (MeOH), and
      MeOH:water (80:20). The chemical constituents were identified and quantified by
      LC-MS and HPLC analysis, respectively. The highest radical scavenging activity of
      62.2% and 91.3% was exhibited by MeOH:water (80:20) at 833MUg/mL in 1,1-diphenyl
      2-picryl hydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-di-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline)-6-sulfonic
      acid (ABTS(+)), respectively. In addition, the MeOH:water (80:20) extract showed
      the highest (29.1%, P<0.01) inhibition of MCF-7 cells in MTT assay. Treatment of
      the MeOH:water (80:20) extract induced DNA fragmentation and poly(ADP-ribose)
      polymerase (PARP) cleavage. Increased levels of Bax and cytosolic cytochrome C
      and decreased levels of Bcl2 were also observed in MeOH:water (80:20) treated MCF
      7 cells. In conclusion, the MeOH:water (80:20) extract from lemon seed has potent
      antioxidant activity and induces apoptosis in MCF-7 cells, leading to the
      inhibition of proliferation. These results suggest that aglycones and glucosides
      of the limonoids and flavonoid present in MeOH:water (80:20) extract may
      potentially serve as a chemopreventive agent for breast cancer.

PMID- 22056336
TI  - Differences in the activities of resveratrol and ascorbic acid in protection of
      ethanol-induced oxidative DNA damage in human peripheral lymphocytes.
AB  - Previous studies have shown that ethanol induces oxidative DNA damage in human
      peripheral lymphocytes. In the present study, protective effect of resveratrol
      and ascorbic acid on ethanol-induced oxidative DNA damage in human peripheral
      lymphocytes in vitro were comparatively investigated. Pretreatments with
      resveratrol at 5, 25, and 50MUM, which were in the concentration range of in
      vitro research, significantly inhibited ethanol-induced oxidative DNA damage in
      24h, whereas ascorbic acid showed such DNA protective activity only in 1h.
      Further study showed that both compounds could directly scavenge hydroxyl radical
      produced during ethanol metabolism. Resveratrol significantly inhibited ethanol
      metabolism by regulating alcohol dehydrogenase 1B (ADH1B) and acetaldehyde
      dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2) mRNA expressions. Moreover, resveratrol also activated
      the base excision repair (BER) system in mRNA and protein levels in DNA auto
      repair process. However, ascorbic acid showed no effect on ethanol metabolic
      pathway and BER system. Thus, the present study provided the first evidence that
      even though both resveratrol and ascorbic acid are anti-oxidants, they possessed
      differential mechanisms of action in protection against ethanol-induced oxidative
      DNA damage in human peripheral lymphocytes.

PMID- 22056337
TI  - Ascorbic acid ameliorates oxidative damage induced by maternal low-level lead
      exposure in the hippocampus of rat pups during gestation and lactation.
AB  - This study was to investigate the effects of ascorbic acid on the hippocampus of
      suckling rats in the presence of lead (Pb)-induced oxidative stress. Pregnant
      Sprague-Dawley rats received treatment with drinking water, divided into three
      groups, as follows: (1) distilled water; (2) 0.2% Pb; (3) 0.2% Pb+ascorbic acid
      (100mg/kg/day). Rat pups were euthanized at the age of 21days and their brain
      tissue was examined using light microscopy. Protein levels of Cu/Zn superoxide
      dismutase (Cu/Zn SOD), manganese superoxide dismutase (Mn SOD), and catalase
      (CAT) in the hippocampus were determined by Western blotting. We found a
      significant decrease in levels of Cu/Zn SOD and Mn SOD among Pb-exposed pups.
      Ascorbic acid supplementation appeared to negate the decrease in protein levels
      for Cu/Zn SOD and Mn SOD. In the case of CAT, there was no effect from Pb
      administration alone and Pb plus ascorbic acid appeared to increase the levels.
      In histopathology, ascorbic acid decreased the number of damaged cells in cornu
      ammonis areas CA1, CA3, and the dentate gyrus (DG) in hippocampus. Our results
      showed that administration of ascorbic acid during pregnancy and lactation could
      ameliorate some of the oxidative damage induced by Pb exposure in the developing
      rat hippocampus.

PMID- 22056339
TI  - In vitro evidence of involvement of the epithelial y+ transporter in beta
      defensin production on the ocular surface.
AB  - To analyse the hypothesis as to whether there is a functional relationship
      between human cationic amino acid transporters (hCATs, y(+) transporter, the main
      transporter of L-arginine and L-lysine) and human beta-defensin (important
      components of immune function) production on the ocular surface, arginase and
      nitrate monoxide synthase (NOS), enzymes that compete for L-arginine, were
      inhibited by norNOHA (N(omega)-hydroxy-nor-L-arginine) and/or L-NAME (NG-nitro-L
      arginine methyl ester) in cultured human corneal epithelial cells. In addition,
      the transport activity of hCAT proteins was inhibited or activated through alpha
      tocopherol or PMA (phorbol myristate acetate), respectively. Concentrations of
      the human inducible beta-defensins (hBD) 2 and 3 were determined by ELISA
      experiments. The basic expression of hBD3 in non-stimulated HCE cells
      significantly exceeded that of hBD2. Both beta-defensins also differed as to how
      readily their excretion could be stimulated. HBD2 excretion rate was 3.5 time
      more by L-NAME, whereas norNOHA had no effect. In contrast, hBD3 excretion was
      increased by norNOHA by a factor of 1.5 but L-NAME alone had no effect. The
      excretion of both beta-defensins was increased 3- and 6-fold by combined
      administration of L-NAME, norNOHA and interleukin (IL)-1beta. Administration of
      alpha-tocopherol increased hBD2 excretion twofold. No effect was observed for
      hBD3. With PMA, on the other hand, a reduction in secretion for both beta
      defensins was observed. These in vitro findings provide evidence of a functional
      association between CAT proteins and beta-defensins 2 and 3 opening up a new
      field of research with pharmacological perspectives for treatment of inflammatory
      diseases such as keratitis or dry eye disease.

PMID- 22056338
TI  - Dynamics and sensitivity analysis of high-frequency conduction block.
AB  - The local delivery of extracellular high-frequency stimulation (HFS) has been
      shown to be a fast acting and quickly reversible method of blocking neural
      conduction and is currently being pursued for several clinical indications.
      However, the mechanism for this type of nerve block remains unclear. In this
      study, we investigate two hypotheses: (1) depolarizing currents promote
      conduction block via inactivation of sodium channels and (2) the gating dynamics
      of the fast sodium channel are the primary determinate of minimal blocking
      frequency. Hypothesis 1 was investigated using a combined modeling and
      experimental study to investigate the effect of depolarizing and hyperpolarizing
      currents on high-frequency block. The results of the modeling study show that
      both depolarizing and hyperpolarizing currents play an important role in
      conduction block and that the conductance to each of three ionic currents
      increases relative to resting values during HFS. However, depolarizing currents
      were found to promote the blocking effect, and hyperpolarizing currents were
      found to diminish the blocking effect. Inward sodium currents were larger than
      the sum of the outward currents, resulting in a net depolarization of the nodal
      membrane. Our experimental results support these findings and closely match
      results from the equivalent modeling scenario: intra-peritoneal administration of
      the persistent sodium channel blocker ranolazine resulted in an increase in the
      amplitude of HFS required to produce conduction block in rats, confirming that
      depolarizing currents promote the conduction block phenomenon. Hypothesis 2 was
      investigated using a spectral analysis of the channel gating variables in a
      single-fiber axon model. The results of this study suggested a relationship
      between the dynamical properties of specific ion channel gating elements and the
      contributions of corresponding conductances to block onset. Specifically, we show
      that the dynamics of the fast sodium inactivation gate are too slow to track the
      high-frequency changes in membrane potential during HFS, and that the behavior of
      the fast sodium current was dominated by the low-frequency depolarization of the
      membrane. As a result, in the blocked state, only 5.4% of nodal sodium channels
      were found to be in the activatable state in the node closest to the blocking
      electrode, resulting in conduction block. Moreover, we find that the corner
      frequency for the persistent sodium channel activation gate corresponds to the
      frequency below which high-frequency stimuli of arbitrary amplitude are incapable
      of inducing conduction block.

PMID- 22056340
TI  - Multiple biomarkers for oxidative stress in patients with brain disorders.

PMID- 22056341
TI  - Evaluation of possible antioxidant and anticonvulsant effects of the ethyl
      acetate fraction from Platonia insignis Mart. (Bacuri) on epilepsy models.
AB  - The aim of present study was to examine the effects of the ethyl acetate fraction
      (EAF) from Platonia insignis on lipid peroxidation level, nitrite formation, and
      superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in rat striatum prior to pilocarpine
      induced seizures as well as to explore its anticonvulsant activity in adult rats
      prior to pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)- and picrotoxin (PIC)-induced seizures. Wistar
      rats were treated with vehicle, atropine (25mg/kg), EAF (0.1, 1, and 10mg/kg),
      pilocarpine (400mg/kg, P400 group), PTZ (60 mg/kg, PTZ group), PIC (8 mg/kg, PIC
      group), atropine+P400, EAF+P400, EAF+PTZ, or EAF+PIC. Significant decreases in
      number of crossings and rearings were observed in the P400 group. The EAF 10+P400
      group also had significant increases in these parameters. In addition, in rats
      treated with P400, there were significant increases in lipid peroxidation and
      nitrite levels; however, there were no alterations in SOD and catalase
      activities. In the EAF 10+P400 group, lipid peroxidation and nitrite levels
      significantly decreased and SOD and catalase activities significantly increased
      after pilocarpine-induced seizures. Additionally, effects of the EAF were
      evaluated in PTZ and PIC models. EAF did not increase the latency to development
      of convulsions induced with PTZ and PIC at the doses tested. Our findings
      strongly support the hypothesis that EAF does not have anticonvulsant activity in
      the different models of epilepsy studied. Our results indicate that in the in
      vivo model of pilocarpine-induced seizures, EAF has antioxidant activity, but not
      anticonvulsant properties at the doses tested.

PMID- 22056342
TI  - The NMDA receptor complex as a therapeutic target in epilepsy: a review.
AB  - A substantial amount of research has shown that N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors
      (NMDARs) may play a key role in the pathophysiology of several neurological
      diseases, including epilepsy. Animal models of epilepsy and clinical studies
      demonstrate that NMDAR activity and expression can be altered in association with
      epilepsy and particularly in some specific seizure types. NMDAR antagonists have
      been shown to have antiepileptic effects in both clinical and preclinical
      studies. There is some evidence that conventional antiepileptic drugs may also
      affect NMDAR function. In this review, we describe the evidence for the
      involvement of NMDARs in the pathophysiology of epilepsy and provide an overview
      of NMDAR antagonists that have been investigated in clinical trials and animal
      models of epilepsy.

PMID- 22056343
TI  - Self-assembly of graphene onto electrospun polyamide 66 nanofibers as transparent
      conductive thin films.
AB  - A simple method was developed to assemble graphite oxide (GO) densely onto
      electrospun (ES) polyamide 66 (PA66) nanofibrous membranes, used as a guide for
      the deposition of graphene nanosheet (GNS) conductive networks for preparing
      transparent conductive thin film (TCF). The main advantage of this technique by
      comparison with previous methods is that graphene does not form a uniform
      coating, but a percolated conductive network, when guided by PA66 nanofiber
      templates. A low surface coverage of the transparent substrate by GNS resulted in
      high transmittance. Polyvinylpyrrolidone-stabilized GO (PVP-GO) was prepared as a
      modifier for improving the adsorption to the nanofibers. The resulting PVP-GO
      material could adsorb well on PA66 nanofibers due to stronger hydrogen bonds.
      Hence, a lower sufficient concentration of PVP-GO (0.050 wt%) solution was
      required than that for GO solution (0.100 wt%) to fabricate a complete conductive
      path through a possible enriched adsorption process. For TCF applications, a
      reduction step is essential because as-deposited GO is non-conductive. In this
      work, we reduced GO to GNS by a combination of chemical reduction and thermal
      annealing. The TCF optical transmittance also could be improved after thermal
      annealing at 350  degrees C above the PA66 melting point. Light scattering by
      PA66 nanofibers was found as the main cause of reduced transmittance. A fused
      film, obtained after electrospinning PA66 solution for 120 s, and immersing in
      0.050 wt% PVP-GO solution, exhibits a surface resistance of 8.6 * 103
      Omega/square, while maintaining 88% light transmittance.

PMID- 22056344
TI  - High-resolution analysis of Zn(2+) coordination in the alkaline phosphatase
      superfamily by EXAFS and x-ray crystallography.
AB  - Comparisons among evolutionarily related enzymes offer opportunities to reveal
      how structural differences produce different catalytic activities. Two
      structurally related enzymes, Escherichia coli alkaline phosphatase (AP) and
      Xanthomonas axonopodis nucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase (NPP), have
      nearly identical binuclear Zn(2+) catalytic centers but show tremendous
      differential specificity for hydrolysis of phosphate monoesters or phosphate
      diesters. To determine if there are differences in Zn(2+) coordination in the two
      enzymes that might contribute to catalytic specificity, we analyzed both x-ray
      absorption spectroscopic and x-ray crystallographic data. We report a 1.29-A
      crystal structure of AP with bound phosphate, allowing evaluation of interactions
      at the AP metal site with high resolution. To make systematic comparisons between
      AP and NPP, we measured zinc extended x-ray absorption fine structure for AP and
      NPP in the free-enzyme forms, with AMP and inorganic phosphate ground-state
      analogs and with vanadate transition-state analogs. These studies yielded average
      zinc-ligand distances in AP and NPP free-enzyme forms and ground-state analog
      forms that were identical within error, suggesting little difference in metal ion
      coordination among these forms. Upon binding of vanadate to both enzymes, small
      increases in average metal-ligand distances were observed, consistent with an
      increased coordination number. Slightly longer increases were observed in NPP
      relative to AP, which could arise from subtle rearrangements of the active site
      or differences in the geometry of the bound vanadyl species. Overall, the results
      suggest that the binuclear Zn(2+) catalytic site remains very similar between AP
      and NPP during the course of a reaction cycle.

PMID- 22056345
TI  - Structural and mechanistic characterization of leukocyte-type core 2 beta1,6-N
      acetylglucosaminyltransferase: a metal-ion-independent GT-A glycosyltransferase.
AB  - Leukocyte-type core 2 beta1,6-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferase (C2GnT-L) is an
      inverting, metal-ion-independent glycosyltransferase that catalyzes the formation
      of mucin-type core 2 O-glycans. C2GnT-L belongs to the GT-A fold, yet it lacks
      the metal ion binding DXD motif characteristic of other nucleoside disphosphate
      GT-A fold glycosyltransferases. To shed light on the basis for its metal ion
      independence, we have solved the X-ray crystal structure (2.3 A resolution) of a
      mutant form of C2GnT-L (C217S) in complex with the nucleotide sugar product UDP
      and, using site-directed mutagenesis, examined the roles of R378 and K401 in both
      substrate binding and catalysis. The structure shows that C2GnT-L exists in an
      "open" conformation and a "closed" conformation and that, in the latter, R378 and
      K401 interact with the beta-phosphate moiety of the bound UDP. The two
      conformations are likely to be important in catalysis, but the conformational
      changes that lead to their interconversion do not resemble the nucleotide-sugar
      mediated loop ordering observed in other GT-A glycosyltransferases. R378 and K401
      were found to be important in substrate binding and/or catalysis, an observation
      consistent with the suggestion that they serve the same role played by metal ion
      in all of the other GT-A glycosyltransferases studied to date. Notably, R378 and
      K401 appear to function in a manner similar to that of the arginine and lysine
      residues contained in the RX(4-5)K motif found in the retaining GT-B
      glycosyltransferases.

PMID- 22056346
TI  - I-131-MIBG therapies.
AB  - Metaiodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) is a tracer that selectively targets
      neuroendocrine cells. On this basis, radiolabeled iodinated-MIBG (I-131-MIBG) has
      been introduced as a molecular nuclear therapy in the management of
      neuroendocrine tumors, including neuroblastoma, pheochromocytoma, paraganglioma,
      neuroendocrine carcinomas, and other rare neuroendocrine tumors. Extensive work
      has been addressed to develop I-131-MIBG therapy: doses, therapeutic schemes, and
      efficiency. In this paper, we present an overview on I-131-MIBG therapy, with
      main focus on different aspects how to perform this treatment.

PMID- 22056347
TI  - Preparative isolation of alkaloids from Dactylicapnos scandens using pH-zone
      refining counter-current chromatography by changing the length of the separation
      column.
AB  - pH-Zone-refining counter-current chromatography was successfully applied for the
      preparative separation of alkaloids from Dactylicapnos scandens. The two-phase
      solvent system was composed of petroleum ether-ethyl acetate-methanol-water
      (3:7:1:9, v/v), where 20 mM of triethylamine (TEA) was added to the upper phase
      as a retainer and 5 mM of hydrochloric acid (HCl) to the aqueous phase as an
      eluter. In this experiment, the apparatus with an adjustable length of the
      separation column was used for the separation of alkaloids from D. scandens and
      the resolution of the compounds can be remarkably improved by increasing the
      length of the separation column. As a result, 70 mg protopin, 30 mg (+) corydine,
      120 mg (+) isocorydine and 40 mg (+) glaucine were obtained from 1.0 g of the
      crude extracts and each with 99.2%, 96.5%, 99.3%, 99.5% purity as determined by
      HPLC. The chemical structures of these compounds were confirmed by positive ESI
      MS and (1)H NMR.

PMID- 22056348
TI  - Clinical outcome of autologous chondrocyte implantation for failed microfracture
      treatment of full-thickness cartilage defects of the knee joint.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although various factors have been identified that influence outcome
      after autologous chondrocyte implantation (ACI), the relevance of prior treatment
      of the cartilage defect and its effect concerning the outcome of second-line ACI
      have not been evaluated to a full extent. HYPOTHESIS: Autologous chondrocyte
      implantation used as a second-line treatment after failed arthroscopic
      microfracturing is associated with a higher failure rate and inferior clinical
      results compared with ACI as a first-line treatment. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study;
      Level of evidence, 3. METHODS: A total of 28 patients with isolated cartilage
      defects at the knee joint were treated with ACI after microfracture as a first
      line treatment had failed (failure defined as the necessity of reintervention).
      These patients were assigned to group A and compared with a matched-pair cohort
      of patients of identical age, defect size, and defect location (group B) in which
      ACI was used as a first-line treatment. Failure rates in both groups were
      assessed. Postoperative knee status was evaluated with the International Knee
      Documentation Committee (IKDC) score and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome
      Score (KOOS), and sporting activity was assessed by use of the Activity Rating
      Scale. Mean follow-up times were 48.0 months (range, 15.1-75.1 months) in group A
      and 41.4 months (range, 15.4-83.6 months) in group B. Differences between groups
      A and B were analyzed by Student t test. RESULTS: Group A had significantly
      greater failure rates (7 of 28 patients) in comparison with group B (1 of 28
      patients; P = .0241). Mean (SD) postoperative IKDC scores revealed 58.4 (22.4)
      points in group A with a trend toward higher score results (69.0 [19.1] points)
      for patients in group B (P = .0583). Significantly different results were
      obtained for KOOS pain and activity of daily living subscales, whereas the
      remaining KOOS subscales did not show significant differences. Despite the
      significantly higher failure rate observed in group A, those patients did not
      participate in fewer activities or perform physical activity less frequently or
      at a lower intensity. CONCLUSION: Autologous chondrocyte implantation after
      failed microfracturing appears to be associated with a significantly higher
      failure rate and inferior clinical outcome when compared with ACI as a first-line
      treatment.

PMID- 22056349
TI  - The last mile: taking the final steps in preventing pediatric pharmaceutical
      poisonings.

PMID- 22056350
TI  - Respiratory function monitor guidance of mask ventilation in the delivery room: a
      feasibility study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether using a respiratory function monitor (RFM)
      during mask resuscitation of preterm infants reduces face mask leak and improves
      tidal volume (V(T)). STUDY DESIGN: Infants receiving mask resuscitation were
      randomized to have the display of an RFM (airway pressure, flow, and V(T) waves)
      either visible or masked. RESULT: Twenty-six infants had the RFM visible, and 23
      had the RFM masked. The median mask leak was 37% (IQR, 21%-54%) in the visible
      RFM group and 54% (IQR, 37%-82%) in the masked RFM group (P = .01). Mask
      repositioning was done in 19 infants (73%) of the visible group and in 6 infants
      (26%) of the masked group (P = .001). The median expired V(T) was similar in the
      2 groups. Oxygen was provided to 61% of the visible RFM group and 87% of the RFM
      masked group (P = .044). Continuous positive airway pressure use was greater in
      the visible RFM group (73% vs 43%; P = .035). Intubation in the delivery room was
      done in 21% of the visible group and in 57% of the masked group (P = .035).
      CONCLUSION: Using an RFM was associated with significantly less mask leak, more
      mask adjustments, and a lower rate of excessive V(T).

PMID- 22056351
TI  - Oral ibuprofen for the treatment of patent ductus arteriosus: further
      clarification.

PMID- 22056352
TI  - Predictors of blood pressure and its control in pediatric patients receiving
      dialysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and characterize the degree of blood pressure (BP) control
      in children on chronic dialysis and to identify significant predictors of
      hypertension and BP control in these patients. STUDY DESIGN: Linear and logistic
      regression models were used to examine trends in BP and BP control in a cross
      sectional sample of patients on chronic dialysis aged 1-21 years enrolled in the
      North American Pediatric Renal Trials and Collaborative Studies registry from
      1992-2008. RESULTS: At 6 months after dialysis initiation, 67.9% of patients had
      uncontrolled or untreated hypertension, and 57.8% were prescribed
      antihypertensive medications. More recent year of dialysis initiation was
      associated with a higher use of antihypertensive medication and lower systolic BP
      and diastolic BP z scores (P < .001) measured over time from 6 months to 3 years
      post dialysis initiation. Other factors associated with higher BP included black
      race, glomerular disease, younger age, hemodialysis (systolic BP only), and
      antihypertensive use. There were significant differences in BP control by
      dialysis modality and disease etiology, with patients on hemodialysis or those
      with glomerular diseases having the highest percentage of uncontrolled
      hypertension. CONCLUSIONS: Despite widespread antihypertensive use, many
      pediatric patients on dialysis are at risk for untreated or uncontrolled
      hypertension. Additional efforts are needed to improve management of hypertension
      in these children.

PMID- 22056353
TI  - Baroreflex sensitivity is associated with sleep-related breathing problems in
      adolescents.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine the relationship between sleep-related breathing problems
      (SRBPs) and baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) among adolescents and assesses whether
      body mass influences this relationship. STUDY DESIGN: SRBPs were assessed in 106
      adolescents aged 11-14 years using the Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire. Body mass
      index (BMI) was calculated, and 5 minutes of continuous beat-to-beat blood
      pressure (Finapres) and R-R interval were recorded (standard electrocardiogram)
      after 15 minutes of supine rest. Spectral indices were computed using fast
      Fourier transform, and transfer function analysis was used to compute BRS.
      RESULTS: Regression analyses indicate an interaction between BMI and SRBPs (b=
      .151, P=.015) on BRS. Graphing the interaction showed that those with higher SRBP
      scores had lower BRS but that this effect was stronger for those with higher BMI.
      CONCLUSIONS: Adolescents with elevated SRBP scores had lower BRS. In addition,
      higher BMI amplified the risk of higher SRBP scores on BRS.

PMID- 22056354
TI  - Intestinal inflammatory cytokine response in relation to tumorigenesis in the
      Apc(Min/+) mouse.
AB  - The etiology of colon cancer is a complex phenomenon that involves both genetic
      and environmental factors. However, only about 20% have a familial basis with the
      largest fraction being attributed to environmental causes that can lead to
      chronic inflammation. While the link between inflammation and colon cancer is
      well established, the temporal sequence of the inflammatory response in relation
      to tumorigenesis has not been characterized. We examined the timing and magnitude
      of the intestinal inflammatory cytokine response in relation to tumorigenesis in
      the Apc(Min/+) mouse. Apc(Min/+) mice and wildtype mice were sacrificed at one of
      4 time-points: 8, 12, 16, and 20 weeks of age. Intestinal tissue was analyzed for
      polyp burden (sections 1, 4 and 5) and mRNA expression and protein concentration
      of MCP-1, IL-1beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha (sections 2 and 3). The results show that
      polyp burden was increased at 12, 16 and 20 weeks compared to 8 weeks (P<0.05).
      Gene expression (mRNA) of MCP-1, IL-1beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha was increased in
      sections 2 and 3 starting at week 12 (P<0.05), with further increases in MCP-1,
      IL-1beta and IL-6 at 16 weeks (P<0.05). Protein concentration for these cytokines
      followed a similar pattern in section 3. Similarly, circulating MCP-1 was
      increased at 12 weeks (P<0.05) and then again at 20 weeks (P<0.05). In general,
      overall polyp number and abundance of large polyps were significantly correlated
      with the inflammatory cytokine response providing further support for a
      relationship between polyp progression and these markers. These data confirm the
      association between intestinal cytokines and tumorigenesis in the Apc(Min/+)
      mouse and provide new information on the timing and magnitude of this response in
      relation to polyp development. These findings may lead to the development of
      inflammatory mediators as important biomarkers for colon cancer progression.
      Further, these data may be relevant in the design of future investigations of
      therapeutic interventions to effectively target inflammatory processes in rodent
      models.

PMID- 22056356
TI  - Three-component intraperitoneal mesh fixation for laparoscopic repair of anterior
      parasternal costodiaphragmatic hernias.

PMID- 22056355
TI  - Decision making about surgery for early-stage breast cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Practice variation in breast cancer surgery has raised concerns about
      the quality of treatment decisions. We sought to evaluate the quality of
      decisions about surgery for early-stage breast cancer by measuring patient
      knowledge, concordance between goals and treatments, and involvement in
      decisions. STUDY DESIGN: A mailed survey of stage I/II breast cancer survivors
      was conducted at 4 sites. The Decision Quality Instrument measured knowledge,
      goals, and involvement in decisions. A multivariable logistic regression model of
      treatment was developed. The model-predicted probability of mastectomy was
      compared with treatment received for each patient. Concordance was defined as
      having mastectomy and predicted probability >0.5 or partial mastectomy and
      predicted probability <0.5. Frequency of discussion about partial mastectomy was
      compared with discussion about mastectomy using chi-square tests. RESULTS: Four
      hundred and forty patients participated (59% response rate). Mean overall
      knowledge was 52.7%; 45.9% knew that local recurrence risk is higher after breast
      conservation and 55.7% knew that survival is equivalent for the 2 options. Most
      participants (89.0%) had treatment concordant with their goals. Participants
      preferring mastectomy had lower concordance (80.5%) than those preferring partial
      mastectomy (92.6%; p = 0.001). Participants reported more frequent discussion of
      partial mastectomy and its advantages than of mastectomy, and 48.6% reported
      being asked their preference. CONCLUSIONS: Breast cancer survivors had major
      knowledge deficits, and those preferring mastectomy were less likely to have
      treatment concordant with goals. Patients perceived that discussions focused on
      partial mastectomy, and many were not asked their preference. Improvements in the
      quality of decisions about breast cancer surgery are needed.

PMID- 22056357
TI  - Two tall poppies and the discovery of Helicobacter pylori.

PMID- 22056358
TI  - Ccdc85c encoding a protein at apical junctions of radial glia is disrupted in
      hemorrhagic hydrocephalus (hhy) mice.
AB  - Cortical heterotopia, a malformation of the developing cortex, are a major cause
      of epilepsy and mental retardation in humans. Hemorrhagic hydrocephalus (hhy)
      mutation on mouse chromosome 12 results in subcortical heterotopia and
      nonobstructive hydrocephalus with frequent brain hemorrhage. Here, we show that
      coiled-coil domain-containing 85C (Ccdc85c), consisting of 6 exons that encode a
      420 amino acid protein, is disrupted by replacement of a 3.2-kb sequence,
      including exon 2 in Ccdc85c by a 1.5-kb retrotransposon-like repeat sequence in
      the hhy mutant. Immunoreactivity to Ccdc85C was detected predominantly at the
      apical junctions of radial glia in the wall of lateral ventricles of the
      developing brain. In the hhy brain at embryonic (E) day 18 (E18), radial glial
      demise followed by agenesis of the ependymal layer lining the neonatal cortex and
      accumulation of neuronal specific nuclear protein (NeuN)-positive postmigratory
      neurons in the subcortical area occurred. Accumulation of E15-born, but not of
      E13-born, 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine labeled neurons expressing special AT-rich
      sequence binding protein 2 was detected in both heterotopia and the superficial
      layers of the hhy neocortex at postnatal day 7. Ccdc85c deficiency permitted
      radial scattering of paired box gene 6-positive neural progenitors in the
      ventricular zone, likely resulting in reduced self-renewal of the progenitors in
      the developing hhy cortex. These findings indicate an important role of Ccdc85C
      in cortical development and provide a mouse model to study pathogenesis of
      subcortical heterotopia and hydrocephalus.

PMID- 22056359
TI  - Mitochondrial genome instability and ROS enhance intestinal tumorigenesis in
      APC(Min/+) mice.
AB  - Alterations in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation have long been documented
      in tumors. Other types of mitochondrial dysfunction, including altered reactive
      oxygen species (ROS) production and apoptosis, also can contribute to
      tumorigenesis and cancer phenotypes. Furthermore, mutation and altered amounts of
      mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) have been observed in cancer cells. However, how mtDNA
      instability per se contributes to cancer remains largely undetermined.
      Mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM) is required for expression and
      maintenance of mtDNA. Tfam heterozygous knock-out (Tfam(+/-)) mice show mild
      mtDNA depletion, but have no overt phenotypes. We show that Tfam(+/-) mouse cells
      and tissues not only possess less mtDNA but also increased oxidative mtDNA
      damage. Crossing Tfam(+/-) mice to the adenomatous polyposis coli multiple
      intestinal neoplasia (APC(Min/+)) mouse cancer model revealed that mtDNA
      instability increases tumor number and growth in the small intestine. This was
      not a result of enhancement of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling, but rather appears to
      involve a propensity for increased mitochondrial ROS production. Direct
      involvement of mitochondrial ROS in intestinal tumorigenesis was shown by
      crossing APC(Min/+) mice to those that have catalase targeted to mitochondria,
      which resulted in a significant reduction in tumorigenesis in the colon. Thus,
      mitochondrial genome instability and ROS enhance intestinal tumorigenesis and
      Tfam(+/-) mice are a relevant model to address the role of mtDNA instability in
      disease states in which mitochondrial dysfunction is implicated, such as cancer,
      neurodegeneration, and aging.

PMID- 22056361
TI  - Oxygen modulates the response of first-trimester trophoblasts to hyperglycemia.
AB  - Pregestational diabetes retards early embryonic growth. Placental and fetal
      growth are closely associated, suggesting that placental growth is also impaired.
      During the first trimester of gestation, oxygen tension rises steeply, leading to
      excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which is exacerbated in
      diabetes and may affect placental development. We hypothesized that oxygen
      modifies hyperglycemic effects on ROS formation, resulting in decreased first
      trimester trophoblast growth. This was tested using a first trimester trophoblast
      derived cell line (ACH-3P). Normoglycemia did not alter ACH-3P proliferation at
      2.5%, 8%, and 21% oxygen. Hyperglycemic conditions for up to 3 days reduced cell
      number by 65% and resulted in cell cycle (G(1)- and S-phase) changes but only at
      21% oxygen. Proliferation reduction could be partially restored by an inhibitor
      of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) ERK1/2 but not of Akt/PkB.
      Intracellular ROS elevation under hyperglycemia was oxygen independent, whereas
      mitochondrial superoxide levels were enhanced under hyperglycemia only at 21%
      oxygen. Intervention to modulate cytosolic and mitochondrial ROS, using ROS
      formation inducers and inhibitors, did not alter cell growth under hyperglycemia
      at 21% oxygen. The combination of hyperglycemia and high oxygen levels (21%)
      reduces proliferation of human first-trimester trophoblasts in a ROS-independent
      manner involving MAPK. This may account for reduced placental growth and,
      therefore, also for embryonic growth during the first-trimester pregestational
      diabetic pregnancies when the oxygen tension increases.

PMID- 22056360
TI  - Epigallocatechin-3-gallate ameliorates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis
      by altering balance among CD4+ T-cell subsets.
AB  - The green tea component epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) may be beneficial in
      autoimmune diseases; however, the underlying mechanisms are not well understood.
      In this study, we determined the effect of EGCG on the development of
      experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, an animal model for human multiple
      sclerosis, and the underlying mechanisms. Female C57BL/6 mice were fed EGCG (0%,
      0.15%, 0.3%, and 0.6% in diet) for 30 days and then immunized with specific
      antigen myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein 35-55. EGCG dose dependently
      attenuated clinical symptoms and pathological features (leukocyte infiltration
      and demyelination) in the central nervous system and inhibited antigen-specific T
      cell proliferation and delayed-type hypersensitivity skin response. We further
      showed that EGCG reduced production of interferon-gamma, IL-17, IL-6, IL-1beta,
      and tumor necrosis factor-alpha; decreased types 1 and 17 helper T cells (Th1 and
      Th17, respectively); and increased regulatory T-cell populations in lymph nodes,
      the spleen, and the central nervous system. Moreover, EGCG inhibited expression
      of transcription factors T-box expressed in T cells and retinoid-related orphan
      receptor-gammat, the specific transcription factor for Th1 and Th17
      differentiation, respectively; the plasma levels of intercellular adhesion
      molecule 1; and CCR6 expression in CD4(+) T cells. These results indicate that
      EGCG may attenuate experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis autoimmune response
      by inhibiting immune cell infiltration and modulating the balance among pro- and
      anti-autoimmune CD4(+) T-cell subsets. Thus, we identified a novel mechanism that
      underlies EGCG's beneficial effect in autoimmune disease.

PMID- 22056362
TI  - Localization in the vagal ganglia of calcitonin gene-related peptide- and
      calretinin-immunoreactive neurons that innervate the cervical and the
      subdiaphragmatic esophagus of the rat.
AB  - We have determined the localization of calcitonin gene-related peptide
      immunoreactive (CGRP-ir) and calretinin-ir neurons in the vagal ganglia that
      innervate the cervical or subdiaphragmatic esophagus. Many CGRP-ir neurons were
      found exclusively in the jugular ganglion located in the cranial cavity.
      Calretinin-ir neurons were distributed throughout the vagal ganglia. Injection of
      Fluorogold into the cervical esophagus resulted in many Fluorogold-labeled
      neurons in the jugular and nodose ganglia. Injection of Fluorogold into the
      subdiaphragmatic esophagus resulted in many Fluorogold-labeled neurons, with most
      in the nodose ganglion. In the case of Fluorogold injection into the cervical
      esophagus, double-labeling combining immunohistochemistry and retrograde tracing
      showed that about 40% of the Fluorogold-labeled neurons in the jugular ganglion
      express CGRP-like immunoreactivity, and about 20% of the Fluorogold-labeled
      neurons in both the jugular and nodose ganglia express calretinin-like
      immunoreactivity. In the case of injection into the subdiaphragmatic esophagus,
      only a few Fluorogold-labeled neurons express CGRP-like immunoreactivity or
      calretinin-like immunoreactivity in the vagal ganglia. These results indicate
      that the cervical esophagus receives projections from many CGRP-ir neurons in the
      jugular ganglion and from calretinin-ir neurons in the jugular and nodose
      ganglia, while the subdiaphragmatic esophagus receives projections from only a
      few CGRP-ir and calretinin-ir neurons in the vagal ganglia.

PMID- 22056364
TI  - An analysis, systematic review, and meta-analysis of the perioperative mortality
      after neoadjuvant therapy and pneumonectomy for non-small cell lung cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Pneumonectomy after neoadjuvant therapy remains controversial.
      METHODS: A systematic PubMed search was performed for original articles from 1990
      through 2010 describing pneumonectomy after neoadjuvant therapy. Specific data on
      30-day and 90-day perioperative mortalities were abstracted from these articles.
      Meta-analysis compared 30-day mortality between right and left pneumonectomy with
      a fixed-effects model. Comparison between 30-day and 90-day mortalities was also
      performed. RESULTS: The search strategy yielded 27 studies. Overall, 30-day and
      90-day perioperative mortalities were 7% and 12%, respectively. Among 15 studies
      providing side-specific 30-day mortality, cumulative mortalities were 11% and 5%
      for right and left pneumonectomies, respectively. In the meta-analysis that
      included 10 studies, 30-day mortality for right pneumonectomy remained greater
      than for left pneumonectomy (odds ratio, 1.97; 95% confidence interval, 1.11
      3.49; P = .02). Among 6 studies providing side-specific 90-day mortality,
      cumulative mortalities were 20% and 9% for right and left pneumonectomies,
      respectively. In the meta-analysis that included 4 studies, 90-day mortality for
      right pneumonectomy was greater than for left pneumonectomy (odds ratio, 2.01;
      95% confidence interval, 1.09-3.72; P = .03). Among 11 studies providing both 30
      day and 90-day mortalities, mortality difference was 5% (95% confidence interval,
      4%-7%, P < .0001). Pulmonary complications were the most common cause of 30-day
      and 90-day deaths. CONCLUSIONS: Right pneumonectomy is associated with
      significantly higher 30-day and 90-day mortalities after neoadjuvant therapy than
      left pneumonectomy. Also, 90-day mortality for all pneumonectomies appears to be
      greater than expected, suggesting that the 30-day mortality figure may
      inadequately assess the perioperative mortality.

PMID- 22056365
TI  - Progressive induction of left ventricular pressure overload in a large animal
      model elicits myocardial remodeling and a unique matrix signature.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Patients with severe left ventricular pressure overload secondary to
      aortic stenosis can present with signs and symptoms of heart failure despite
      normal left ventricular ejection fraction. This process occurs, at least in part,
      as a result of left ventricular pressure overload-induced extracellular matrix
      remodeling that promulgates increased left ventricular stiffness and impaired
      diastolic function. However, the determinants that drive extracellular matrix
      remodeling in this form of left ventricular pressure overload remain to be fully
      defined. METHODS: Left ventricular pressure overload was induced in mature pigs
      (n = 15) by progressive ascending aortic cuff inflation (once per week for 4
      weeks), whereby left ventricular mass, left ventricular ejection fraction, and
      regional myocardial stiffness (rK(m)) were compared with referent controls (n =
      12). Determinants of extracellular matrix remodeling were assessed by measuring
      levels of mRNA expression for fibrillar collagens, matrix metalloproteinases, and
      tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase 1 and 4. RESULTS: With left
      ventricular pressure overload, left ventricular mass and rK(m) increased by 2-
      and 3-fold, respectively, compared with control, with no change in left
      ventricular ejection fraction. Left ventricular myocardial collagen increased
      approximately 2-fold, which was accompanied by reduced solubility (ie, increased
      cross-linking) with left ventricular pressure overload, but mRNA expression for
      fibrillar collagen and matrix metalloproteinases remained relatively unchanged.
      In contrast, a robust increase in mRNA expression for tissue inhibitors of matrix
      metalloproteinase-1 and 4 occurred with left ventricular pressure overload.
      CONCLUSIONS: In a progressive model of left ventricular pressure overload, which
      recapitulates the phenotype of aortic stenosis, increased extracellular matrix
      accumulation and subsequently increased myocardial stiffness were not due to
      increased fibrillar collagen expression but rather to determinants of post
      translational control that included increased collagen stability (thereby
      resistant to matrix metalloproteinase degradation) and increased endogenous
      matrix metalloproteinase inhibition. Targeting these extracellular matrix post
      translational events with left ventricular pressure overload may hold both
      diagnostic and therapeutic relevance.

PMID- 22056367
TI  - Long-term importance of right ventricular outflow tract patch function in
      patients with pulmonary regurgitation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Chronic pulmonary regurgitation (PR) has deleterious effects on right
      ventricular (RV) function in repaired tetralogy of Fallot (ToF). However, there
      are little data regarding right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) contractile
      dysfunction in response to chronic PR and on both RV and LV volumes and function.
      METHODS: We retrospectively identified consecutive patients with PR who were
      referred for magnetic resonance imaging quantification of "free PR" detected on
      echocardiography between 2003 and 2008. Patients had ToF and a transannular patch
      procedure (n = 30, 25.1 +/- 1.2 years) or PR resulting from valvar pulmonary
      stenosis treated with surgical or percutaneous valvotomy (n = 30, 26.6 +/- 1.8
      years). RESULTS: The ToF and the PS groups were well matched for age at scan, age
      at repair surgery in ToF or initial valvotomy in PS, duration of exposure to PR,
      body surface area, heart rate, PR fraction, net forward pulmonary artery flow,
      and main and branch pulmonary artery dimensions. Severe PR fractions were
      identified in both groups (ToF: 40% +/- 1% vs PS: 37% +/- 2%, P = .2). Indexed RV
      and LV end-diastolic volumes were similar for both ToF and PS groups (RV end
      diastolic volume index: 137 +/- 6 mL/m(2) vs 128 +/- 5 mL/m(2), P = .2, and LV
      end-diastolic volume index: 72 +/- 2 mL/m(2) vs 67 +/- 2 mL/m(2), P = .1,
      respectively). RV mass was also similar between groups (95 +/- 5 g vs 81 +/- 6 g,
      respectively, P = .08). However, indexed RV and LV end-systolic volumes were
      consistently higher in ToF when compared with PS (RV end-systolic volume index:
      70 +/- 5 mL/m(2) vs 54 +/- 3 mL/m(2), P < .01, and LV end-systolic volume index:
      29 +/- 1 mL/m(2) vs 22 +/- 1 mL/m(2), P < .01, respectively). These changes were
      reflected in lower biventricular systolic function in patients with ToF when
      compared with PS (RV ejection fraction: 52% +/- 1.5% vs 59% +/- 1%, P < .001, and
      LV ejection fraction: 61% +/- 1% vs 67 +/- 1%, P < .001, respectively). Although
      RV transannular plane systolic excursion was not significantly different between
      the groups (P = .86), the RV outflow tract was considered contractile in only 50%
      of patients with ToF compared with 93% of patients with PS (P = .0004). RV
      volumes and function were similar when only patients with contractile RV outflow
      tracts were compared. CONCLUSIONS: RV outflow tract patch dysfunction in repaired
      ToF is responsible for higher end-systolic volumes and thus lower global measures
      of ventricular systolic function. These findings were not evident in cases of PS
      treated with valvotomy with comparable amount of PR. These observations highlight
      the importance of the initial repair surgery in ToF for late outcomes.

PMID- 22056368
TI  - Aortocarotid bypass at the time of central aortic repair for type A acute aortic
      dissections.

PMID- 22056369
TI  - Randomized comparison of awake nonresectional versus nonawake resectional lung
      volume reduction surgery.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The study objective was to assess in a randomized controlled study
      (NCT00566839) the comparative results of awake nonresectional or nonawake
      resectional lung volume reduction surgery. METHOD: Sixty-three patients were
      randomly assigned by computer to receive unilateral video-assisted thoracic
      surgery lung volume reduction surgery by a nonresectional technique performed
      through epidural anesthesia in 32 awake patients (awake group) or the standard
      resectional technique performed through general anesthesia in 31 patients
      (control group). Primary outcomes were hospital stay and changes in forced
      expiratory volume in 1 second. During follow-up, the need of contralateral
      treatment because of loss of postoperative benefit was considered a failure event
      as death. RESULTS: Intergroup comparisons (awake vs control) showed no difference
      in gender, age, and body mass index. Hospital stay was shorter in the awake group
      (6 vs 7.5 days, P = .04) with 21 versus 10 patients discharged within 6 days (P =
      .01). At 6 months, forced expiratory volume in 1 second improved significantly in
      both study groups (0.28 vs 0.29 L) with no intergroup difference (P = .79). In
      both groups, forced expiratory volume in 1 second improvements lasted more than
      24 months. At 36 months, freedom from contralateral treatment was 55% versus 50%
      (P = .5) and survival was 81% versus 87% (P = .5). CONCLUSIONS: In this
      randomized study, awake nonresectional lung volume reduction surgery resulted in
      significantly shorter hospital stay than the nonawake procedure. There were no
      differences between study groups in physiologic improvements, freedom from
      contralateral treatment, and survival. We speculate that compared with the
      nonawake procedure, awake lung volume reduction surgery can offer similar
      clinical benefit but a faster postoperative recovery.

PMID- 22056370
TI  - 4-nonylphenol triggers apoptosis and affects 17-beta-estradiol receptors in
      calvarial osteoblasts.
AB  - The present research examines the effects of 4-nonylphenol (4-NP) on mouse
      primary calvarial osteoblasts (COBs). Incubation of the cells with 4-NP at 10(
      5)M and 10(-6)M striking decreased osteoblasts viability and phosphatidylserine
      (PS) exposure, measured by Annexin V, was greatly enhanced. In addition, an up
      regulation of Bax/Bcl2 ratio with a drop in DeltaPsim and an increase of cleaved
      caspase 9 and 3 was found, suggesting that the alkylphenol induced osteoblast
      death via the mitochondrial-dependent apoptotic pathway. Interestingly, treatment
      with 4-NP was also able to increase cleaved caspase 8 in parallel with the
      truncated active Bid (t-Bid) suggesting that 4-NP-mediated apoptosis depends on
      cross talk between the extrinsic and intrinsic pathways. It is of relevance, that
      the apoptotic effects of 4-NP overcame 17-beta-Estradiol (17-beta E(2)) induced
      survival on osteoblasts. Also, the alkylphenol interfered with 17-beta E(2)
      regulated estrogen receptors expression.

PMID- 22056371
TI  - Exogenous intravascular nitric oxide enhances ventricular function after
      hemodilution with plasma expander.
AB  - AIMS: This study evaluated the hypothesis that exogenous nitric oxide (NO)
      supplementation during acute hemodilution with plasma expander (PE) provides
      beneficial effects on cardiac function. MAIN METHODS: Acute hemodilution in
      golden Syrian hamsters was induced by a 40% of blood volume exchange with dextran
      70 kDa. Intravascular NO supplementation after hemodilution was accomplished with
      a NO donor, diethylenetriamine NONOate (DETA NONOate). The test group was treated
      with DETA NONOate, while the control group received only vehicle. Left
      ventricular cardiac function was studied using pressure-volume measurements
      obtained with a miniaturized conductance catheter. KEY FINDINGS: Cardiac output
      increased to 122+/-5% and 107+/-1% of the baseline in the group treated with NO
      donor and the vehicle group, respectively. Stroke work per stroke volume (SW/SV)
      after hemodilution reduced to 90% of the baseline and the NO donor significantly
      reduced SW/SV compared to the vehicle. The minimum rate of pressure change
      (dP/dt(min)) was significantly lower in animals treated with the NO donor
      compared to vehicle treated animals. Systemic vascular resistance (SVR) decreased
      to 62+/-5% of the baseline in the NO donor group whereas the vehicle group SVR
      decreased to 83+/-5% of the baseline. Using intravital microscopy analysis of
      microvessel in the dorsal skinfold window chamber, we established that the NO
      donor group induced significant vasodilation compared to the vehicle group.
      SIGNIFICANCE: NO supplementation in an acute hemodilution with PE has beneficial
      effects on cardiac performance. However, the NO supplementation effects with a NO
      donor are dose-independent and short-lasting.

PMID- 22056372
TI  - Insulin attenuates the acquisition and expression of ethanol-induced locomotor
      sensitization in DBA/2J mice.
AB  - AIM: Ethanol-induced locomotor sensitization is a behavioral manifestation of
      physiological responses to repeated ethanol exposures. While ethanol exerts
      direct effects on multiple neurotransmitter systems in the brain, ethanol-induced
      changes in metabolic state, including acute hyperglycemia and inhibition of
      insulin signaling, also have plausible roles in the expression of ethanol-related
      behaviors through direct and indirect effects on brain function. The current
      experiments examined whether insulin administration or the resultant hypoglycemia
      might attenuate the development of sensitization to the locomotor stimulant
      effect of ethanol. MAIN METHODS: Male and female DBA/2J mice received daily
      injections of 5 or 10 IU/kg insulin before or after a stimulating dose of ethanol
      and subsequent testing in an automated activity monitor. Blood glucose levels
      were determined upon the completion of the experiments. KEY FINDINGS: Insulin
      injected prior to ethanol blunted the acute stimulant response as well as the
      acquisition and expression of locomotor sensitization, while insulin given after
      ethanol did not affect the development of the sensitized response. In a separate
      experiment, mice given glucose concurrently with insulin developed ethanol
      induced locomotor sensitization normally. SIGNIFICANCE: These experiments suggest
      that insulin attenuates the development of ethanol-induced locomotor
      sensitization, and that blood glucose levels can largely account for this effect.
      Further studies of the role of ethanol-induced metabolic states should provide
      novel information on the expression of ethanol-related behaviors.

PMID- 22056373
TI  - DA-1229, a novel and potent DPP4 inhibitor, improves insulin resistance and
      delays the onset of diabetes.
AB  - AIM: To characterize the pharmacodynamic profile of DA-1229, a novel dipeptidyl
      peptidase (DPP) 4 inhibitor. MAIN METHODS: Enzyme inhibition assays against DPP4,
      DPP8 and DPP9. Antidiabetic effects of DA-1229 in HF-DIO mice and young db/db
      mice. KEY FINDINGS: DA-1229 was shown to potently inhibit the DPP4 enzyme in
      human and murine soluble forms and the human membrane-bound form with IC(50)
      values of 0.98, 3.59 and 1.26 nM, respectively. As a reversible and competitive
      inhibitor, DA-1229 was more selective to human DPP4 (6000-fold) than to human
      DPP8 and DPP9. DA-1229 (0.1-3mg/kg) dose-dependently inhibited plasma DPP4
      activity, leading to increased levels of plasma GLP-1 and insulin, and thereby
      lowering blood glucose levels in mice. In high fat diet-fed (HF) mice, a single
      oral dose of 100mg/kg of DA-1229 reduced plasma DPP4 activity by over 80% during
      a 24h period. Long-term treatment with DA-1229 for 8 weeks revealed significant
      improvements in glucose intolerance and insulin resistance, accompanied by
      significant body weight reduction. However, it remains unclear whether there is a
      direct causal relationship between DPP4 inhibition and body weight reduction. In
      young db/db mice, the DA-1229 treatment significantly reduced blood glucose
      excursions for the first 2 weeks, resulting in significantly lower levels of
      HbA1c at the end of the study. Furthermore, the pancreatic insulin content of the
      treatment group was significantly higher than that of the db/db control.
      SIGNIFICANCE: DA-1229 as a novel and selective DPP4 inhibitor improves the
      insulin sensitivity in HF mice and delays the onset of diabetes in young db/db
      mice.

PMID- 22056374
TI  - Lack of modulatory effect of simvastatin on indoxyl sulfate-induced activation of
      cultured endothelial cells.
AB  - AIMS: Endothelial dysfunction is a common manifestation of chronic kidney disease
      (CKD). The protein-bound uremic toxins have emerged as important factors
      associated with cardiovascular disease and the outcome of CKD. The effect of
      indoxyl sulfate (IS) on endothelial cells remains unclear. MAIN METHODS: Human
      umbilical endothelial cells (HUVEC) were incubated using IS at two
      concentrations: 100 MUM and 1000 MUM over two periods of time: 16 and 48 h. HUVEC
      were also pre-treated with simvastatin to examine its effect. RT-PCR was used to
      assess changes in the gene expression of intracellular cell adhesion molecule-1
      (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), Monocyte chemotactic
      protein-1 (MCP-1), E-selectin, and angiotensin receptor type 1 (AT1R). Protein
      abundance of the investigated molecules was assessed by immunoblotting. KEY
      FINDINGS: Treatment with 100 MUM IS for 16 h induced a 2-fold increase in the
      expression of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and MCP-1. At a concentration of 1000 MUM, there
      was a 2-3-fold increase. An extended treatment period at low concentrations was
      associated with a 2-3 fold increase and the increase of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 was
      more prominent under high concentration. Results of immunoblotting confirmed an
      increase in the abundance of ICAM-1, VCAM-1 and MCP-1. No significant change was
      noted in E-selectin and AT1R according to concentration or treatment duration.
      Pre-treatment with simvastatin did not alter IS-induced changes. SIGNIFICANCE: IS
      increased the expression of adhesion molecules of endothelial cells exhibiting a
      concentration and duration dependent pattern. Simvastatin did not demonstrate any
      effect on IS-associated endothelial activation.

PMID- 22056375
TI  - Activation of Notch1 signaling by marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells through
      cell-cell contact inhibits proliferation of hepatic stellate cells.
AB  - AIMS: Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have been reported in
      many studies to reduce liver fibrosis. Apart from the paracrine mechanism by
      which the antifibrotic effects of BMSCs inhibit activated hepatic stellate cells
      (HSCs), the effects of direct interplay and juxtacrine signaling between the two
      cell types are poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to explore the
      underlying mechanisms by which BMSCs modulate the function of activated HSCs.
      MAIN METHODS: We show here that BMSCs directly cocultured with HSCs significantly
      suppressed the proliferation and alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) expression
      of HSCs. Moreover, the Notch1 and Hes1 mRNA levels and the Hes1 protein level in
      cocultured HSCs were evidently higher than in other models. Blocking the Notch
      signaling pathway with Notch1 siRNA caused the increased expression of phospho
      Akt and greater cell growth of cocultured HSCs. This effect was attenuated by the
      PI3K inhibitor LY294002. KEY FINDINGS: In conclusion, our results demonstrated
      that BMSCs remarkably inhibited the proliferation of HSCs through a cell-cell
      contact mode that was partially mediated by Notch pathway activation. In
      addition, the PI3K/Akt pathway is involved in HSC growth inhibition by the Notch
      pathway. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings demonstrated that BMSCs directly modulate
      HSCs in vitro via Notch signaling cascades. Our results may provide new insights
      into the treatment of hepatic fibrosis with BMSCs.

PMID- 22056376
TI  - Vancomycin serum concentration during febrile neutropenia in patients with acute
      myeloid leukemia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adult leukemia patients with febrile neutropenia have a higher volume
      of distribution requiring increased drug doses. We performed a survey of
      vancomycin use in that population to assess the accuracy of our dosing
      guidelines. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the charts and laboratory
      results of vancomycin prescription and monitoring in adult acute myeloid leukemia
      patients with febrile neutropenia in a teaching hospital. RESULTS: Fifty-four
      patients received 67 vancomycin courses between January 2005 and April 2007. A
      loading dose was used in 97% of cases dosed at a mean 15.5+/-3.3mg/kg. It was
      followed by a continuous infusion of an average 35.4+/-6.9mg/kg per day
      maintenance dose. Serum monitoring yielded serum levels above the 20mg/L target
      in only 12% of cases. Despite higher dose, the target concentration was only
      reached in 32% of cases, after a mean 1.5 dose adjustment. The mean final
      maintenance dose was 42.1+/-9.4mg/kg per day. Vancomycin was well tolerated and
      induced only two temporary increases in serum creatinine. The treatment was
      microbiologically justified in only two cases. The mean length of therapy was
      7.7+/-4.4 days and 41 over 65 (63%) non-documented infections were treated for
      more than five days despite local guidelines recommending a maximum 5-day course
      without bacterial documentation. Overall, only seven (10%) vancomycin courses
      complied with all defined criteria. CONCLUSIONS: Vancomycin use was not optimal.
      We updated our guidelines after the study to dramatically reduce vancomycin
      indications in leukemia patients. When it is indicated, following the loading
      dose, we more closely monitor vancomycin serum levels to allow for an earlier
      dose adjustment when necessary.

PMID- 22056377
TI  - Prevalence and characterization of extended spectrum beta-lactamases in
      Klebsiella-Enterobacter-Serratia group bacteria, in Algeria.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The authors had for aim to assess the local epidemiology, antibiotic
      resistance, and molecular typing of expanded spectrum betalactamase producing
      Klebsiella, Enterobacter, and Serratia (ESBL KES). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two
      hundred and seven strains of the KES group were isolated in the microbiology
      laboratory of the Annaba Ibn Rochd hospital in 2009. The antibiotic resistance
      (diffusion method and MIC) was tested and ESBL detection was performed as
      recommended by the Clinical Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI). The
      characterization of genes for resistance to beta-lactams (CTX-M-1, TEM, and SHV)
      and AmpC cephalosporinase (DHA-1) was performed by polymerase chain reaction. The
      epidemiological relationship among identified strains was analyzed by Pulsed
      Field Gel Electrophoresis (PFGE). Genetic transfers were performed by conjugation
      using sodium azide resistant Escherichia coli K(12)J(5) as recipient strain.
      RESULTS: The overall incidence of ESBL KES was 31.4% (65/207) distributed as
      follows: 17.4% of Klebsiella spp., 7.2% Enterobacter spp., and 6.8% Serratia
      marcescens. The beta-lactamase CTX-M 1 types were predominant (88%), followed by
      TEM (36.5%), and SHV (31.1%). Twenty-three strains expressed at least two bla
      genes. DHA-1 type cephalosporinase was found in 4 E. cloacae associated with CTX
      M-1. Several epidemic clones were determined. Conjugation experiments showed that
      bla(CTX-M), bla(TEM), and bla(SHV) were carried by conjugative plasmids of high
      molecular weight (>=125kb). CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed a high frequency of
      ESBL KES with a predominance of CTX-M-1. This high rate of ESBLs could be due to
      a clonal spread and the emergence of new epidemic clones.

PMID- 22056378
TI  - [Update on the management of fungal infections].

PMID- 22056379
TI  - T cell-driven initiation and propagation of autoimmune diabetes.
AB  - The destruction of beta cells in type 1 diabetes in humans and in autoimmune
      diabetes in the NOD mouse model is a consequence of chronic islet inflammation in
      the pancreas. The T cell-driven autoimmune response is initiated by environmental
      triggers which are influenced by the state of intestinal homeostasis and the
      microbiota. The disease process can be separated into two phases: firstly,
      initiation of mild, controlled, long-term infiltration and secondly, propagation
      of invasive inflammation which quickly progresses to beta cell deletion and
      autoimmune diabetes. In this review, we will discuss the cellular and molecular
      triggers that might be required for these two phases in the context of other
      issues including the unique anatomical location of pancreas, the location of T
      cell priming, the requirements for islet entry, and the events that ultimately
      drive beta cell destruction and the onset of diabetes.

PMID- 22056380
TI  - Single input optimal control for globally coupled neuron networks.
AB  - We consider the problem of desynchronizing a network of synchronized, globally
      (all-to-all) coupled neurons using an input to a single neuron. This is done by
      applying the discrete time dynamic programming method to reduced phase models for
      neural populations. This technique numerically minimizes a certain cost function
      over the whole state space, and is applied to a Kuramoto model and a reduced
      phase model for Hodgkin-Huxley neurons with electrotonic coupling. We evaluate
      the effectiveness of control inputs obtained by averaging over results obtained
      for different coupling strengths. We also investigate the applicability of this
      method to Hodgkin-Huxley models driven by multiplicative stimuli.

PMID- 22056381
TI  - IL-12 triggers a programmatic change in dysfunctional myeloid-derived cells
      within mouse tumors.
AB  - Solid tumors are complex masses with a local microenvironment, or stroma, that
      supports tumor growth and progression. Among the diverse tumor-supporting stromal
      cells is a heterogeneous population of myeloid-derived cells. These cells are
      alternatively activated and contribute to the immunosuppressive environment of
      the tumor; overcoming their immunosuppressive effects may improve the efficacy of
      cancer immunotherapies. We recently found that engineering tumor-specific CD8(+)
      T cells to secrete the inflammatory cytokine IL-12 improved their therapeutic
      efficacy in the B16 mouse model of established melanoma. Here, we report the
      mechanism underlying this finding. Surprisingly, direct binding of IL-12 to
      receptors on lymphocytes or NK cells was not required. Instead, IL-12 sensitized
      bone marrow-derived tumor stromal cells, including CD11b(+)F4/80(hi) macrophages,
      CD11b(+)MHCII(hi)CD11c(hi) dendritic cells, and CD11b(+)Gr-1(hi) myeloid-derived
      suppressor cells, causing them to enhance the effects of adoptively transferred
      CD8(+) T cells. This reprogramming of myeloid-derived cells occurred partly
      through IFN-gamma. Surprisingly, direct presentation of antigen to the
      transferred CD8(+) T cells by tumor was not necessary; however, MHCI expression
      on host cells was essential for IL-12-mediated antitumor enhancements. These
      results are consistent with a model in which IL-12 enhances the ability of CD8(+)
      T cells to collapse large vascularized tumors by triggering programmatic changes
      in otherwise suppressive antigen-presenting cells within tumors and support the
      use of IL-12 as part of immunotherapy for the treatment of solid tumors.

PMID- 22056382
TI  - Crosstalk between the canonical NF-kappaB and Notch signaling pathways inhibits
      Ppargamma expression and promotes pancreatic cancer progression in mice.
AB  - The majority of human pancreatic cancers have activating mutations in the KRAS
      proto-oncogene. These mutations result in increased activity of the NF-kappaB
      pathway and the subsequent constitutive production of proinflammatory cytokines.
      Here, we show that inhibitor of kappaB kinase 2 (Ikk2), a component of the
      canonical NF-kappaB signaling pathway, synergizes with basal Notch signaling to
      upregulate transcription of primary Notch target genes, resulting in suppression
      of antiinflammatory protein expression and promotion of pancreatic carcinogenesis
      in mice. We found that in the Kras(G12D)Pdx1-cre mouse model of pancreatic
      cancer, genetic deletion of Ikk2 in initiated pre-malignant epithelial cells
      substantially delayed pancreatic oncogenesis and resulted in downregulation of
      the classical Notch target genes Hes1 and Hey1. Tnf-alpha stimulated canonical NF
      kappaB signaling and, in collaboration with basal Notch signals, induced optimal
      expression of Notch targets. Mechanistically, Tnf-alpha stimulation resulted in
      phosphorylation of histone H3 at the Hes1 promoter, and this signal was lost with
      Ikk2 deletion. Hes1 suppresses expression of Pparg, which encodes the
      antiinflammatory nuclear receptor Ppargamma. Thus, crosstalk between Tnf
      alpha/Ikk2 and Notch sustains the intrinsic inflammatory profile of transformed
      cells. These findings reveal what we believe to be a novel interaction between
      oncogenic inflammation and a major cell fate pathway and show how these pathways
      can cooperate to promote cancer progression.

PMID- 22056383
TI  - Connexins protect mouse pancreatic beta cells against apoptosis.
AB  - Type 1 diabetes develops when most insulin-producing beta cells of the pancreas
      are killed by an autoimmune attack. The in vivo conditions modulating the
      sensitivity and resistance of beta cells to this attack remain largely obscure.
      Here, we show that connexin 36 (Cx36), a trans-membrane protein that forms gap
      junctions between beta cells in the pancreatic islets, protects mouse beta cells
      against both cytotoxic drugs and cytokines that prevail in the islet environment
      at the onset of type 1 diabetes. We documented that this protection was at least
      partially dependent on intercellular communication, which Cx36 and other types of
      connexin channels establish within pancreatic islets. We further found that
      proinflammatory cytokines decreased expression of Cx36 and that experimental
      reduction or augmentation of Cx36 levels increased or decreased beta cell
      apoptosis, respectively. Thus, we conclude that Cx36 is central to beta cell
      protection from toxic insults.

PMID- 22056384
TI  - Inflammation-induced subventricular zone dysfunction leads to olfactory deficits
      in a targeted mouse model of multiple sclerosis.
AB  - Neural stem cells (NSCs) persist in defined brain niches, including the
      subventricular zone (SVZ), throughout adulthood and generate new neurons destined
      to support specific neurological functions. Whether brain diseases such as
      multiple sclerosis (MS) are associated with changes in adult NSCs and whether
      this might contribute to the development and/or persistence of neurological
      deficits remains poorly investigated. We examined SVZ function in mice in which
      we targeted an MS-like pathology to the forebrain. In these mice, which we refer
      to herein as targeted EAE (tEAE) mice, there was a reduction in the number of
      neuroblasts compared with control mice. Altered expression of the transcription
      factors Olig2 and Dlx2 in the tEAE SVZ niche was associated with amplification of
      pro-oligodendrogenic transit-amplifying cells and decreased neuroblast
      generation, which resulted in persistent reduction in olfactory bulb
      neurogenesis. Altered SVZ neurogenesis led to impaired long-term olfactory
      memory, mimicking the olfactory dysfunction observed in MS patients. Importantly,
      we also found that neurogenesis was reduced in the SVZ of MS patients compared
      with controls. Thus, our findings suggest that neuroinflammation induces
      functional alteration of adult NSCs that may contribute to olfactory dysfunction
      in MS patients.

PMID- 22056385
TI  - Activation of K(ATP) channels suppresses glucose production in humans.
AB  - Increased endogenous glucose production (EGP) is a hallmark of type 2 diabetes
      mellitus. While there is evidence for central regulation of EGP by activation of
      hypothalamic ATP-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channels in rodents, whether these
      central pathways contribute to regulation of EGP in humans remains to be
      determined. Here we present evidence for central nervous system regulation of EGP
      in humans that is consistent with complementary rodent studies. Oral
      administration of the K(ATP) channel activator diazoxide under fixed hormonal
      conditions substantially decreased EGP in nondiabetic humans and Sprague Dawley
      rats. In rats, comparable doses of oral diazoxide attained appreciable
      concentrations in the cerebrospinal fluid, and the effects of oral diazoxide were
      abolished by i.c.v. administration of the K(ATP) channel blocker glibenclamide.
      These results suggest that activation of hypothalamic K(ATP) channels may be an
      important regulator of EGP in humans and that this pathway could be a target for
      treatment of hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes mellitus.

PMID- 22056386
TI  - PTHrP drives breast tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis in mice and is
      a potential therapy target.
AB  - Parathyroid hormone-related protein (PTHrP) is a secreted factor expressed in
      almost all normal fetal and adult tissues. It is involved in a wide range of
      developmental and physiological processes, including serum calcium regulation.
      PTHrP is also associated with the progression of skeletal metastases, and its
      dysregulated expression in advanced cancers causes malignancy-associated
      hypercalcemia. Although PTHrP is frequently expressed by breast tumors and other
      solid cancers, its effects on tumor progression are unclear. Here, we demonstrate
      in mice pleiotropic involvement of PTHrP in key steps of breast cancer - it
      influences the initiation and progression of primary tumors and metastases. Pthrp
      ablation in the mammary epithelium of the PyMT-MMTV breast cancer mouse model
      caused a delay in primary tumor initiation, inhibited tumor progression, and
      reduced metastasis to distal sites. Mechanistically, it reduced expression of
      molecular markers of cell proliferation (Ki67) and angiogenesis (factor VIII),
      antiapoptotic factor Bcl-2, cell-cycle progression regulator cyclin D1, and
      survival factor AKT1. PTHrP also influenced expression of the adhesion factor
      CXCR4, and coexpression of PTHrP and CXCR4 was crucial for metastatic spread.
      Importantly, PTHrP-specific neutralizing antibodies slowed the progression and
      metastasis of human breast cancer xenografts. Our data identify what we believe
      to be new functions for PTHrP in several key steps of breast cancer and suggest
      that PTHrP may constitute a novel target for therapeutic intervention.

PMID- 22056387
TI  - Diode-less bilayer oxide (WO(x)-NbO(x)) device for cross-point resistive memory
      applications.
AB  - The combination of a threshold switching device and a resistive switching (RS)
      device was proposed to suppress the undesired sneak current for the integration
      of bipolar RS cells in a cross-point array type memory. A simulation for this
      hybrid-type device shows that the matching of key parameters between switch
      element and memory element is an important issue. Based on the threshold
      switching oxides, a conceptual structure with a simple metal-oxide 1-oxide 2
      metal stack was provided to accommodate the evolution trend. We show that
      electroformed W-NbO(x)-Pt  devices can simultaneously exhibit both threshold
      switching and memory switching. A qualitative model was suggested to elucidate
      the unique properties in a W-NbO(x)-Pt  stack, where threshold switching is
      associated with a localized metal-insulator transition in the NbO(x)  bulk, and
      the bipolar RS derives from a redox at the tip of the localized filament at the
      WO(x)-NbO(x)  interface. Such a simple metal-oxide-metal structure, with
      functionally separated bulk and interface effects, provides a fabrication
      advantage for future high-density cross-point memory devices.

PMID- 22056388
TI  - Molecular cloning and characterization of a novel human papillomavirus, HPV 126,
      isolated from a flat wart-like lesion with intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies and
      a peculiar distribution of Ki-67 and p53.
AB  - Infection with certain human papillomavirus types induces warts with specific
      macroscopic and microscopic features. We observed multiple flat wart-like lesions
      on the chest, neck and extremities of an adult T-cell leukemia patient.
      Histologically, atypical intracytoplasmic inclusion bodies currently known to be
      pathognomonic for genus gamma or mu papillomaviruses were disclosed in some cells
      of the epidermis showing histological features compatible with flat warts. In the
      present study, a novel human papillomavirus was identified and its whole genome,
      7326 bp in length, was cloned and characterized. Phylogenetic analysis showed the
      virus designated as HPV126 to be a novel type of genus gamma papillomavirus.
      Strikingly, Ki-67 and p53 expression was found to be increased in all layers of
      the epidermis except for horny layer, contrasting to expression restricted to the
      basal and lower spinous layers in ordinary flat warts.

PMID- 22056389
TI  - In vitro evolution of H5N1 avian influenza virus toward human-type receptor
      specificity.
AB  - Acquisition of alpha2-6 sialoside receptor specificity by alpha2-3 specific
      highly-pathogenic avian influenza viruses (H5N1) is thought to be a prerequisite
      for efficient transmission in humans. By in vitro selection for binding alpha2-6
      sialosides, we identified four variant viruses with amino acid substitutions in
      the hemagglutinin (S227N, D187G, E190G, and Q196R) that revealed modestly
      increased alpha2-6 and minimally decreased alpha2-3 binding by glycan array
      analysis. However, a mutant virus combining Q196R with mutations from previous
      pandemic viruses (Q226L and G228S) revealed predominantly alpha2-6 binding.
      Unlike the wild type H5N1, this mutant virus was transmitted by direct contact in
      the ferret model although not by airborne respiratory droplets. However, a
      reassortant virus with the mutant hemagglutinin, a human N2 neuraminidase and
      internal genes from an H5N1 virus was partially transmitted via respiratory
      droplets. The complex changes required for airborne transmissibility in ferrets
      suggest that extensive evolution is needed for H5N1 transmissibility in humans.

PMID- 22056390
TI  - Primary human cervical carcinoma cells require human papillomavirus E6 and E7
      expression for ongoing proliferation.
AB  - Repression of human papillomavirus (HPV) E6 and E7 oncogenes in established
      cervical carcinoma cell lines causes senescence due to reactivation of cellular
      tumor suppressor pathways. Here, we determined whether ongoing expression of
      HPV16 or HPV18 oncogenes is required for the proliferation of primary human
      cervical carcinoma cells in serum-free conditions at low passage number after
      isolation from patients. We used an SV40 viral vector expressing the bovine
      papillomavirus E2 protein to repress E6 and E7 in these cells. To enable
      efficient SV40 infection and E2 gene delivery, we first incubated the primary
      cervical cancer cells with the ganglioside GM1, a cell-surface receptor for SV40
      that is limiting in these cells. Repression of HPV in primary cervical carcinoma
      cells caused them to undergo senescence, but the E2 protein had little effect on
      HPV-negative primary cells. These data suggest that E6 and E7 dependence is an
      inherent property of human cervical cancer cells.

PMID- 22056391
TI  - Multiple versus single and other estimates of baseline proteinuria status as
      predictors of adverse outcomes in the general population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The association of proteinuria and adverse clinical outcomes is well
      established. The optimal method of classifying proteinuria status for study
      participants in whom it is measured multiple times is unknown, especially when
      the frequency of measurement varies between participants. STUDY DESIGN:
      Population-based longitudinal study. SETTING & PARTICIPANTS: All adults with at
      least one outpatient serum creatinine measurement in the province of Alberta,
      Canada. FACTOR: Proteinuria (dipstick, albumin-creatinine ratio [ACR]). OUTCOMES:
      All-cause mortality, end-stage renal disease, or doubling of serum creatinine
      level. MEASURES: All outpatient urine dipstick and ACR measurements in the 6
      month period before and after the first (index) estimated glomerular filtration
      rate were used to establish baseline proteinuria. Dipstick measures were analyzed
      as ceiling (median value up to the next integer), floor (median value down to the
      next integer), high (single highest dipstick value), low (single lowest dipstick
      value), and first (first available dipstick value only). Measurements of ACR were
      evaluated similarly and a median (median of all ACR measurements) value was
      added. RESULTS: Of 920,985 participants, 17% (n = 160,548) had multiple dipstick
      urinalysis measurements and 22% (n = 22,814) had multiple ACR measurements. With
      single measurements, absolute rates of mortality and renal outcomes were lower in
      every proteinuria category compared with multiple measurements. In contrast, the
      relative increase in rate ratio was greater with increasing proteinuria in
      patients with single measurements compared with those with multiple measurements.
      In all classification systems evaluated, more severe proteinuria was associated
      with significantly higher rates of both outcomes (all P for trend <0.001).
      LIMITATIONS: Lack of a gold standard for choosing between methods. CONCLUSIONS:
      Rates of adverse outcomes related to multiple baseline proteinuria/albuminuria
      measurements were similar, independent of the measure of baseline proteinuria
      that was used to combine results. In contrast, discarding follow-up measurements
      and relying on only the first measurement led to lower estimates of absolute and
      relative risk for each proteinuria category.

PMID- 22056392
TI  - Dialysis patients and critical illness.
AB  - Dialysis patients account for 1%-9% of all intensive care unit (ICU) admissions.
      As a result of the increasing prevalence of patients treated with long-term
      dialysis and the changing demographics of this population, the number of dialysis
      patients requiring hospitalization and ICU support is expected to increase.
      Critically ill dialysis patients have more comorbid conditions and higher
      severity of illness than the general population, resulting in higher ICU and in
      hospital mortality rates, but lower than for critically ill patients with acute
      kidney injury, suggesting that illness severity may contribute more to adverse
      outcomes than dialysis status. This review focuses on the epidemiology,
      prognosis, and short- and long-term outcomes of long-term dialysis patients
      admitted to the ICU, with data suggesting that dialysis patients have reasonable
      outcomes after ICU admission compared with the general population. It is
      important to recognize that illness severity and comorbid conditions rather than
      dialysis status account for much of the observed differences in short-term
      mortality rates. There are limited data to guide decision making regarding which
      dialysis patients may benefit from ICU admission, with common prognostic scoring
      systems routinely overestimating mortality in dialysis patients.

PMID- 22056393
TI  - Neuroontology, neurobiological naturalism, and consciousness: a challenge to
      scientific reduction and a solution.
AB  - One of the great challenges to a science of consciousness is the inability to
      reduce critical features of consciousness to neural processes. In this paper I
      identify four neuroontologically irreducible features (NOIF) - referral of neural
      states, mental unity, qualia, and mental causation - defined as aspects of
      consciousness in which subjective experience is not wholly reducible to
      objectively observed or objectively understood neurons (ontological
      subjectivity). I next analyze the emergent and unique system properties of the
      neural hierarchy and argue that while the NOIF are indeed ontologically
      subjective, each of the NOIF individually can be explained by the unique
      architecture and functional properties of the neural hierarchy that lead to both
      emergent properties and their irreducibility in a manner that does not violate
      any known physical laws nor require any new physics or the application of physics
      to emergence or reduction beyond that normally applied to biology in general. I
      conclude that consciousness is a neurobiologically unique and local phenomenon
      that is specific to particular neural systems, a view that is consistent with
      both ontological subjectivity and biological naturalism. I call this position
      weakly emergent nonreductive physicalism or neurobiological naturalism.

PMID- 22056394
TI  - Modeling evolution of speech. Comment on "Modeling the cultural evolution of
      language" by Luc Steels.

PMID- 22056395
TI  - Embodied compositionality. Comment on "Modeling the cultural evolution of
      language" by Luc Steels.

PMID- 22056396
TI  - Is anti-TNF therapy safer than previously thought?

PMID- 22056397
TI  - Factors associated with treatment response to etanercept in juvenile idiopathic
      arthritis.
AB  - CONTEXT: Since the introduction of biologic therapies, the pharmacological
      treatment approach for juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) has changed
      substantially, with achievement of inactive disease as a realistic goal.
      OBJECTIVE: To determine the response to therapy after initiation of etanercept
      therapy among patients with JIA and to examine the association between baseline
      factors and response to etanercept treatment. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS: The
      Arthritis and Biologicals in Children Register, an ongoing prospective
      observational study since 1999, includes all Dutch JIA patients who used biologic
      agents. All biologically naive patients who started etanercept before October
      2009 were included, with follow-up data to January 2011. Among the 262 patients,
      185 (71%) were female, 46 (18%) had systemic-onset, and the median age at
      initiation of etanercept treatment was 12.4 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
      Excellent response (inactive disease or discontinuation earlier due to disease
      remission), intermediate response (more than 50% improvement from baseline, but
      no inactive disease), and poor response (less than 50% improvement from baseline
      or discontinuation earlier due to ineffectiveness or intolerance) evaluated 15
      months after initiation of etanercept. RESULTS: At 15 months after treatment
      initiation, 85 patients (32%) were considered excellent responders; 92 (36%),
      intermediate responders; and 85 (32%), poor responders. Compared with an
      intermediate or poor response, an excellent response was associated with lower
      baseline disability score (range, 0-3 points, with 0 being the best score;
      adjusted odds ratio [OR] per point increase, 0.49; 95% CI, 0.33-0.74); fewer
      disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARD) (including methotrexate) used
      before initiating etanercept (adjusted OR per DMARD used, 0.64; 95% CI, 0.43
      0.95), and younger age at onset (adjusted OR per year increase, 0.92; 95% CI,
      0.84-0.99). Compared with an intermediate or excellent response, a poor response
      was associated with systemic JIA (adjusted OR systemic vs nonsystemic categories,
      2.92; 95% CI, 1.26-6.80), and female sex (adjusted OR female vs male, 2.16; 95%
      CI, 1.12-4.18). Within the first 15 months of etanercept treatment, 119 patients
      experienced 1 or more infectious, noninfectious, or serious adverse events,
      including 37 among those with an excellent response, 36 with an intermediate
      response, and 46 with a poor response. Within the first 15 months of treatment,
      61 patients discontinued etanercept treatment, including 4 with an excellent
      response, 0 with an intermediate response, and 57 with a poor response. In a
      secondary analysis of 262 patients with a median follow-up of 35.6 months after
      initiation of etanercept, a range of 37% to 49% of patients reached inactive
      disease. The mean adherence to etanercept was 49.2 months (95% CI, 46.4-52.0) for
      patients with an excellent response after 15 months, 47.5 months (95% CI, 44.9
      50.1) for patients with an intermediate response, and 17.4 months (95% CI, 13.6
      21.2) for patients with a poor response. CONCLUSIONS: Among patients with JIA who
      initiated treatment with etanercept, one-third achieved an excellent response,
      one-third an intermediate response, and one-third a poor response to therapy.
      Achievement of an excellent response was associated with low baseline disability
      scores, DMARDs used before initiating etanercept, and younger age at onset of
      JIA. Achievement of a poor treatment response was associated with systemic JIA
      and female sex.

PMID- 22056398
TI  - Initiation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha antagonists and the risk of
      hospitalization for infection in patients with autoimmune diseases.
AB  - CONTEXT: Although tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha antagonists are increasingly
      used in place of nonbiologic comparator medications, their safety profile remains
      incomplete. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether initiation of TNF-alpha antagonists
      compared with nonbiologic comparators is associated with an increased risk of
      serious infections requiring hospitalization. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS:
      Within a US multi-institutional collaboration, we assembled retrospective cohorts
      (1998-2007) of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), inflammatory bowel
      disease (IBD), and psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, or ankylosing spondylitis
      (psoriasis and spondyloarthropathies) combining data from Kaiser Permanente
      Northern California, New Jersey and Pennsylvania Pharmaceutical Assistance
      programs, Tennessee Medicaid, and national Medicaid/Medicare. TNF-alpha
      antagonists and nonbiologic regimens were compared in disease-specific propensity
      score (PS)-matched cohorts using Cox regression models with nonbiologics as the
      reference. Baseline glucocorticoid use was evaluated as a separate covariate.
      MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Infections requiring hospitalization (serious infections)
      during the first 12 months after initiation of TNF-alpha antagonists or
      nonbiologic regimens. RESULTS: Study cohorts included 10,484 RA, 2323 IBD, and
      3215 psoriasis and spondyloarthropathies matched pairs using TNF-alpha
      antagonists and comparator medications. Overall, we identified 1172 serious
      infections, most of which (53%) were pneumonia and skin and soft tissue
      infections. Among patients with RA, serious infection hospitalization rates were
      8.16 (TNF-alpha antagonists) and 7.78 (comparator regimens) per 100 person-years
      (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.05 [95% CI, 0.91-1.21]). Among patients with IBD,
      rates were 10.91 (TNF-alpha antagonists) and 9.60 (comparator) per 100 person
      years (aHR, 1.10 [95% CI, 0.83-1.46]). Among patients with psoriasis and
      spondyloarthropathies, rates were 5.41 (TNF-alpha antagonists) and 5.37
      (comparator) per 100 person-years (aHR, 1.05 [95% CI, 0.76-1.45]). Among patients
      with RA, infliximab was associated with a significant increase in serious
      infections compared with etanercept (aHR, 1.26 [95% CI, 1.07-1.47]) and
      adalimumab (aHR, 1.23 [95% CI, 1.02-1.48]). Baseline glucocorticoid use was
      associated with a dose-dependent increase in infections. CONCLUSION: Among
      patients with autoimmune diseases, compared with treatment with nonbiologic
      regimens, initiation of TNF-alpha antagonists was not associated with an
      increased risk of hospitalizations for serious infections.

PMID- 22056399
TI  - A novel type of prophenoloxidase from the kuruma prawn Marsupenaeus japonicus
      contributes to the melanization of plasma in crustaceans.
AB  - Melanization is one of the major immune responses in arthropods.
      Prophenoloxidases (proPOs) catalyze the oxidation of mono- or o-diphenols, a
      reaction that is the key initial step of melanin formation. Well-characterized
      proPOs from crustaceans are synthesized in haemocytes and are released into
      plasma in response to microbial attack. However, PO activity does exist in the
      plasma of haemolymph without pathogenic infections. Here, we demonstrate that a
      novel type of proPO contributes to such PO activity in the plasma fraction of
      haemolymph of crustaceans. The novel enzyme, which was purified from the plasma
      of the kuruma prawn (Marsupenaeus japonicus), possessed strong and specific
      monophenol and o-diphenol oxidation activity compared with that of known
      haemocyte-type proPO. Amino acid sequence analyses indicated that this enzyme was
      distinct from the known proPO. The cDNA sequence and deduced amino acid sequence
      of this enzyme has a putative binuclear copper center, and showed approximately
      30% and 20% identity with the primary structures of reported proPO and
      haemocyanin sequences of the kuruma prawn, respectively. Reverse transcription
      PCR analysis showed that this enzyme was synthesized in the hepatopancreas rather
      than in haemocytes. Although the primary structure and enzymatic properties of
      this novel enzyme suggested that it is a phenoloxidase, its biogenesis, tissue
      distribution, and oligomeric state resemble those of haemocyanin, which belongs
      to the same protein family (type III copper protein). This novel proPO enzyme may
      share a role with the already characterized version, itself a major component of
      the innate immune system in crustaceans.

PMID- 22056400
TI  - Effects of exenatide in poorly controlled type 2 diabetes.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this retrospective analysis was to assess the clinical
      effectiveness of exenatide in patients with type 2 diabetes in routine clinical
      practice. METHODS: Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and inadequate glycemic
      control were commenced on exenatide in an out-patient setting. Effects on Hba1c,
      weight and BMI at 3- and 6-month intervals were recorded by a retrospective
      review of medical records. RESULTS: We examined a cross-section of 61 patients.
      The mean weight at treatment initiation was 114 kg and baseline Hba1c was 9.8%
      (84 mmol/mol). Mean reduction in Hba1c at 3 months was 0.8% (10 mmol/mol, P <
      0.01) and mean reduction at 6 months was 0.5% (6 mmol/mol, P < 0.05). Mean weight
      loss at 3 months was 4.2 kg (P < 0.0001) and at 6 months was 6.6 kg (P < 0.0001).
      Seventeen patients were prescribed exenatide in addition to insulin, against
      current guidelines. This cohort of patients showed a greater mean reduction in
      weight (7.4 vs 6.2 kg) as compared to the group on exenatide without insulin, but
      mean Hba1c increased at 6 months by 0.35% (4 mmol/mol). CONCLUSION: Adjunctive
      exenatide treatment in patients with suboptimally controlled type 2 diabetes on
      oral hypoglycaemic medications, achieved reductions in Hba1c and weight, in line
      with published studies. However, in patients already on insulin, favourable
      results can be achieved by the addition of exenatide by careful patient selection
      and follow-up.

PMID- 22056401
TI  - Can we combine symptom scales for collaborative research projects?
AB  - Collaborative research projects have the potential to answer important research
      questions, which may otherwise require huge resources, funding, and time to
      complete. There are several scales for measuring psychotic symptoms in
      schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, with the Scale for Assessment of
      Positive Symptoms (SAPS), Scale for Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS),
      Positive and Negative Symptom Scale (PANSS), and the Brief Psychiatric Rating
      Scale (BPRS) being among the most commonly used. High quality research efforts
      have used these three scales in different projects, and in order to merge study
      efforts, some means of combining data from these scales may be necessary. We
      reviewed correlations in published studies for these three scales, finding them
      to be highly correlated, however on comparison of the three scales there were
      considerable clinical differences between them. The paper discusses potential
      methods for combining the scales in collaborative research, including use of the
      recently developed standardised remission criteria for schizophrenia.

PMID- 22056402
TI  - Angiogenesis inhibition by the maleimide-based small molecule GNX-686.
AB  - We investigated the anti-angiogenic properties of GNX-686, a newly identified
      maleimide-based small molecule. In vitro studies on HUVEC showed that GNX-686
      inhibited cell growth with an ED(50) of 20-25 MUM, while human HeLa tumor cells
      and non-transformed embryonic mouse fibroblasts were less sensitive for the drug.
      More importantly, at 4 MUM, a concentration that was non-toxic to any cell in
      culture, GNX-686 showed a significant inhibitory effect on tube formation by
      HUVEC, indicating a profound anti-angiogenic activity. Angiogenesis inhibition
      was subsequenly tested in the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) of the chicken
      embryo. A significant angiostatic activity was observed in the CAM model, and
      results were compared with the effect of bevacizumab, a well known and clinically
      used VEGF inhibitor. Under our experimental conditions, GNX-686 was found to be
      as effective as bevacizumab, significantly changing the morphology of the
      vascular network, as illustrated and quantified by the relative number of
      branching points and the relative mean mesh size of the vascular network. In
      another in vivo model of neovascularization, the mouse retinopathy of prematurity
      (ROP), the vascular network of GNX-686-treated mice was significantly altered,
      reducing the density of the retinal microvasculature, as compared to the control
      retinas. Immunohistochemical processing of the GNX-686 treated (4MUM) eyes showed
      over 50% reduction of the number of cell nuclei associated with neovasculature,
      as compared to the control-treated eye. Taken together these results demonstrate
      that GNX-686 is a promising anti-angiogenic compound that could be developed for
      the treatment of diseases characterized by aberrant angiogenesis such as ocular
      pathologies and cancer.

PMID- 22056403
TI  - Comprehensive handbook for developing a bladder cancer cystectomy database.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In an effort to standardize data collection for research regarding
      bladder cancer, the Bladder Cancer Working Group sought to provide a handbook
      that can be used as a guide for prospective or retrospective data collection.
      METHODS: Expert opinions for various data groups were compiled through a team of
      researchers at the BCAN. Peer review of each data group was performed from within
      the group. RESULTS: Essential and comprehensive data elements are provided for 9
      groups of data elements, including demographics, comorbidities, staging,
      laboratory data, operative details, pathology, complications, outcomes, and
      quality of life measurements. CONCLUSIONS: Establishment of a comprehensive
      bladder cancer database is important in initiating multicenter collaborations.
      While not every data point is critical, this review may be useful in serving as a
      reference in initiating projects and providing a framework for collaborations.

PMID- 22056404
TI  - Gender-specific differences in cancer-specific survival after radical cystectomy
      for patients with urothelial carcinoma of the urinary bladder in pathologic tumor
      stage T4a.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bladder cancer (UCB) staged pT4a show heterogeneous outcome after
      radical cystectomy (RC). No risk model has been established to date. Despite
      gender-specific differences, no comparative studies exist for this tumor stage.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Cancer-specific survival (CSS) of 245 UCB patients without
      neoadjuvant chemotherapy staged pT4a, pN0-2, M0 after RC were analyzed in a
      retrospective multi-center study. Seventeen patients were excluded from further
      analysis due to carcinoma in situ (CIS) of the prostatic urethra and/or positive
      surgical margins. Average follow-up period was 30 months (IQR: 14-45). The
      influence of different clinical and histopathologic variables on CSS was
      determined through uni- and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Two risk groups
      were generated using factors with independent effect in multivariate models.
      Internal validity of the prediction model was evaluated by bootstrapping.
      RESULTS: Eighty-four percent of the patients (n = 192) were male; 72% (n = 165)
      showed lymphovascular invasion (LVI). The 5-year CSS rate was 31%, and
      significantly different between male and female (35% vs. 15%, P = 0.003).
      Multivariate Cox regression modeling, female gender (HR = 1.83, P = 0.008), LVI
      (HR = 1.92, P = 0.005), and absence of adjuvant chemotherapy (HR = 0.61, P =
      0.020) significantly worsened CSS. Two risk groups were generated using these 3
      criteria, which differed significantly between each other in CSS (5-year-CSS: 46%
      vs. 12%, P < 0.001). The c-index value of the risk model was 0.61 (95% CI: 0.53
      0.68, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Prognosis in UCB staged pT4a is heterogeneous.
      Female gender and LVI are adverse factors. Adjuvant chemotherapy seems to improve
      outcome. The present analysis establishes the first risk model for this demanding
      tumor stage.

PMID- 22056405
TI  - Mitochondrial DNA deletions and differential mitochondrial DNA content in Rhesus
      monkeys: implications for aging.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to determine the relationship between mitochondrial
      DNA (mtDNA) deletions, mtDNA content and aging in rhesus monkeys. Using 2 sets of
      specific primers, we amplified an 8 kb mtDNA fragment covering a common 5.7 kb
      deletion and the entire 16.5 kb mitochondrial genome in the brain and buffy-coats
      of young and aged monkeys. We studied a total of 66 DNA samples: 39 were prepared
      from a buffy-coat and 27 were prepared from occipital cortex tissues. The mtDNA
      data were assessed using a permutation test to identify differences in mtDNA, in
      the different monkey groups. Using real-time RT-PCR strategy, we also assessed
      both mtDNA and nuclear DNA levels for young, aged and male and female monkeys. We
      found a 5.7 kb mtDNA deletion in 81.8% (54 of 66) of the total tested samples. In
      the young group of buffy-coat DNA, we found 5.7 kb deletions in 7 of 17 (41%),
      and in the aged group, we found 5.7 kb deletions in 12 of 22 (54%), suggesting
      that the prevalence of mtDNA deletions is related to age. We found decreased mRNA
      levels of mtDNA in aged monkeys relative to young monkeys. The increases in mtDNA
      deletions and mtDNA levels in aged rhesus monkeys suggest that damaged DNA
      accumulates as rhesus monkeys age and these altered mtDNA changes may have
      physiological relevance to compensate decreased mitochondrial function.

PMID- 22056406
TI  - Clinical and physiological features of postinfectious chronic cough associated
      with H1N1 infection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Post infectious chronic cough is a disabling illness. In 2009 an
      influenza pandemic occurred due to a novel strain of H1N1 influenza. Prolonged
      symptoms such as chronic cough remaining after the infection has cleared have not
      been examined. This study sought to investigate the prevalence, characteristics
      and mechanism of chronic cough following laboratory-confirmed H1N1 2009
      influenza. METHODS: Out of 836 eligible patients who had been tested by PCR assay
      for H1N1, 136 responders participated. Nineteen underwent detailed clinical
      investigation of cough, and airway function using symptom questionnaires,
      hypertonic saline challenge, and cough monitoring. RESULTS: Post H1N1 chronic
      cough was reported by 43%, and chronic cough after non-H1N1 infection was present
      in 36% of participants. In the participants who progressed to testing objectively
      measured cough frequency was 3 times greater; there was a 9-fold increase in
      cough reflex sensitivity and greater quality of life impairment in the
      participants with postinfectious chronic cough following H1N1 infection than for
      the participants with no cough following H1N1 infection and for the healthy
      controls. CONCLUSIONS: This study reports the first evaluation of chronic cough
      following H1N1 infection. Patients that develop chronic cough after H1N1
      infection display increased cough reflex sensitivity up to 220 days after
      confirmed infection. There is an absence of associated risk factors and less
      impairment in quality of life compared to those patients normally seen in a
      specialist cough clinic. The associated mechanism was found to be cough reflex
      hypersensitivity. TRIAL REGISTRATION: This clinical trial has been registered
      with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Register, ACTRN12610000540011.

PMID- 22056407
TI  - Passive loss of hydrogen sulfide in biological experiments.
AB  - Hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) is a volatile gas of considerable interest as a
      physiologically relevant signaling molecule, but this volatility has typically
      been overlooked in the context of biological experiments. We examined volatility
      of 10 and 100 MUM H(2)S (Na(2)S.9H(2)O) in real time with polarographic
      electrodes in three commonly employed experimental apparatuses: 24-well tissue
      culture plates (WP), muscle myograph baths (MB), and the Langendorff perfused
      heart apparatus (LPH). H(2)S loss from all apparatuses was rapid and exponential,
      with half-times (t(1/2)) of 5 min (WP), less than 4 min (MB), and less than 0.5
      min (LPH). The t(1/2) for H(2)S loss from MB bubbled with 100% oxygen was
      slightly longer than that for MB bubbled with 100% nitrogen; both were
      significantly shorter than stirred but unbubbled MB (>9 min). Therefore, even
      without tissue, H(2)S rapidly disappears from buffer under a variety of
      experimental conditions, and this is due to volatilization, not oxidation. The
      inability to maintain H(2)S concentration, even briefly, questions the accuracy
      of dose-response studies and the relevance of long-term (>10 min) exposure to a
      single treatment of H(2)S. These results also help to explain the discrepancy
      between low H(2)S concentrations in blood and tissues versus high concentrations
      of exogenous H(2)S required to produce physiological responses.

PMID- 22056408
TI  - Kinetic characterization of inhibition of human thrombin with DNA aptamers by
      turbidimetric assay.
AB  - A sensitive turbidimetric method for detecting fibrin association was used to
      study the kinetics of fibrinogen hydrolysis with thrombin. The data were
      complemented by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) measurements of the
      peptide products, fibrinopeptides released during hydrolysis. Atomic force
      microscopy (AFM) data showed that the fibril diameter is the main geometric
      parameter influencing the turbidity. The turbidimetric assay was validated using
      thrombin with the standard activity. To study thrombin inhibitors, a kinetic
      model that allows estimating the inhibition constants and the type of inhibition
      was proposed. The kinetic model was used to study the inhibitory activity of the
      two DNA aptamers 15-TBA (thrombin-binding aptamer) and 31-TBA, which bind to
      thrombin exosites. For the first time, 31-TBA was shown to possess the
      competitive inhibition type, whereas the shortened aptamer 15-TBA has the
      noncompetitive inhibition type.

PMID- 22056409
TI  - Enantioselective recognition of mandelic acid based on gamma-globulin modified
      glassy carbon electrode.
AB  - A new chiral biosensor has been fabricated by immobilizing gamma-globulin on gold
      nanoparticles modified glassy carbon electrodes, which could recognize and detect
      mandelic acid (MA) enantiomers. Differential pulse voltammetry, quartz crystal
      microbalance, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, and atomic force microscopy were
      used to characterize the enantioselectivity. The results exhibited that gamma
      globulin modified electrode could enantioselectively recognize MA enantiomers,
      and larger response signals were obtained from R-MA. The factors influencing the
      performance of the resulting biosensor were investigated. The enantiomeric
      composition of R- and S-MA enantiomer mixtures could be determined by measuring
      the current responses of the sample. The developed electrodes have the advantages
      of simple preparation, good stability, and rapid detection.

PMID- 22056410
TI  - Surface-enhanced Raman scattering detection of wild-type and mutant p53 proteins
      at very low concentration in human serum.
AB  - The development of ultrasensitive and rapid approaches to detect tumor markers at
      very low concentrations even in a physiological environment represents a
      challenge in nano-medicine. The p53 protein is at the center of the cellular
      network that protects organisms against the insurgence of tumors, most of which
      are related to alteration of p53 expression. Therefore p53 is regarded as a
      valuable prognostic marker whose detection at high sensitivity may considerably
      contribute to early diagnosis of cancers. In this work we have applied an
      analytical method based on surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy with high
      sensitivity and rapidity to improve traditional bioaffinity techniques. The Raman
      reporter bifunctional linker 4-aminothiophenol (4-ATP) first assembled onto 50 nm
      gold nanoparticles (Nps) has then been azotated to bind low concentration wild
      type and two mutated forms of p53 proteins. The Raman signal enhancement of the
      resulting p53-(4-ATP-Np) systems has been used to identify the p53 molecules
      captured on a recognition substrate constituted by the azurin (Az) protein
      monolayer. Az has shown a strong association for both wild-type and mutated p53
      proteins, allowing us to selectively detect these proteins at concentrations as
      low as 500 fM, in a human serum environment.

PMID- 22056411
TI  - Genetic consequences of anagenetic speciation in Acer okamotoanum (Sapindaceae)
      on Ullung Island, Korea.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Anagenesis (also known as phyletic speciation) is an
      important process of speciation in endemic species of oceanic islands. We
      investigated genetic variation in Acer okamotoanum, an anagenetically derived
      species endemic to Ullung Island, South Korea, to infer genetic consequences of
      anagenesis in comparison with other groups that have undergone cladogenesis (and
      adaptive radiation). METHODS: We examined genetic variation based on eight
      polymorphic microsatellite markers from 145 individuals of A. okamotoanum and 134
      individuals of its putative progenitor A. mono. We employed standard population
      genetic analyses, clustering analyses, Bayesian clustering analyses in STRUCTURE
      and bottleneck analyses. KEY RESULTS: Based on both the Neighbor-Joining tree and
      Bayesian clustering analyses, clear genetic distinctions were found between the
      two species. Genetic diversity in terms of allelic richness and heterozygosity
      shows slightly lower levels in A. okamotoanum in comparison with A. mono.
      Bayesian clustering analyses showed a relatively high F-value in the cluster of
      A. okamotoanum, suggesting a strong episode of genetic drift during colonization
      and speciation. There was no clear evidence of a bottleneck based on allelic
      frequency distribution and excess of observed heterozygotes, but the M-ratio
      indicated a historical bottleneck in several populations of A. okamotoanum. No
      geographical genetic structure within the island was found, and the genetic
      variation among populations of A. okamotoanum was quite low. CONCLUSIONS: We
      hypothesized that genetic consequences of oceanic-endemic plants derived via
      anagenesis would be quite different from those derived via cladogenesis.
      Populations of A. okamotoanum form a cluster and are clearly differentiated from
      A. mono, which suggests a single origin for the anagenetically derived island
      endemic. No pattern of geographical differentiation of populations occurs in A.
      okamotoanum, which supports the concept of initial founder populations diverging
      through time by accumulation of mutations in a relatively uniform environment
      without further specific differentiation.

PMID- 22056412
TI  - Xenograft models for preclinical drug testing: implications for adrenocortical
      cancer.
AB  - Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a very rare but aggressive tumor, whose
      biological and cellular features and processes underlying the development,
      progression and metastatic evolution are still obscure. Despite many attempts to
      use general cytostatic and cytotoxic drugs, the only available drug therapy for
      advanced ACC is still represented by mitotane (MTT). However, the mechanism of
      action of this adrenolytic derivative of the pesticide DDT has still been poorly
      characterized. In this context, the development of more specific drugs for ACC
      treatment is based on the knowledge of the molecular pathways involved in the
      tumor growth. Xenograft models for the screening of such drugs at preclinical
      levels is mandatory. In the first part of this review, we will summarize the
      "pro" and "con" of the different xenograft models available for anticancer drug
      testing in different types of tumors in general and in the last part, we will
      focus on the preclinical evidence obtained so far with the use of such models
      applied to drug screening for anticancer effects in ACC.

PMID- 22056413
TI  - Maturation of the growth axis in marsupials occurs gradually during post-natal
      life and over an equivalent developmental stage relative to eutherian species.
AB  - The separation of a nutrition-responsive insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system
      and a growth hormone (GH) responsive IGF system to control pre- and post-natal
      growth of developing mammals may originate from the constraints imposed by intra
      uterine development. In eutherian species that deliver relatively precocial
      young, maturation of the GH regulatory system is coincident with the time of
      birth. We measured the hepatic expression of the four key growth axis genes GH
      receptor, IGF-1 and -2, and IGFBBP-3, and plasma protein concentrations of IGF-1
      from late fetal life through to adult stages of a marsupial, the tammar wallaby.
      The data clearly show that maturation of GH-regulated growth in marsupials occurs
      gradually over the course of post-natal life at an equivalent developmental stage
      to that of precocial eutherian mammals. This suggests that the timing of GH
      regulated growth in marsupials is not related to parturition but instead to the
      relative developmental stage.

PMID- 22056414
TI  - BMP action in the pituitary: its possible role in modulating somatostatin
      sensitivity in pituitary tumor cells.
AB  - The existence of a functional bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) system in the
      pituitary has been recognized. Recent studies have provided evidence that BMPs
      elicit differential actions in the regulation of prolactin (PRL) and
      adrenocorticotropin (ACTH) release in lactotropinoma and corticotropinoma cells,
      respectively. BMPs play a key role in the modulation of somatostatin receptor
      (SSTR) sensitivity of lactosomatotrope cells in an autocrine/paracrine manner. In
      addition, SSTR action enhances BMP responsiveness in corticotrope cells. The
      functional link between BMP receptor signaling and SSTR actions may be crucial
      for individual tolerance to somatostatin analogs for controlling PRL and ACTH
      production. Adjustment of the endogenous SSTR sensitivity may be an effective
      strategy to inhibit the growth activity and hormonal productivity of intractable
      pituitary tumors.

PMID- 22056415
TI  - Do Hv1 proton channels regulate the ionic and redox homeostasis of phagosomes?
AB  - Recent work on animal models has revealed the important role played by the
      voltage-gated proton channel Hv1 during bacterial killing by innate immune cells.
      Studies from mice lacking Hv1 channels showed that Hv1 proton channels are
      required for high-level production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by the NADPH
      oxidase of phagocytes (NOX2) in two ways. First, Hv1 channels maintain a
      physiological membrane potential during the respiratory burst of neutrophils by
      providing a compensating charge for the electrons transferred by NOX2 from NADPH
      to superoxide. Second, Hv1 channels maintain a physiological cytosolic pH by
      extruding the acid generated by the NOX2-dependent consumption of NADPH. The two
      mechanisms directly sustain the activity of the NOX2 enzyme and indirectly
      sustain other neutrophil functions by enhancing the driving force for the entry
      of calcium into cells, thereby boosting cellular calcium signals. The increased
      depolarization of Hv1-deficient neutrophils aborted calcium responses to
      chemoattractants and revealed adhesion and migration defects that were associated
      with an impaired depolymerization of the cortical actin cytoskeleton. Current
      research aims to transpose these findings to phagosomes, the phagocytic vacuoles
      where bacterial killing takes place. However, the mechanisms that control the
      phagosomal pH appear to vary greatly between phagocytes: phagosomes rapidly
      acidify in macrophages but remain neutral for several minutes in neutrophils
      following ingestion of solid particles, whereas in dendritic cells phagosomes
      alkalinize, a mechanism thought to promote antigen cross-presentation. In this
      review, we discuss how the knowledge gained on the role of Hv1 channels at the
      plasma membrane of neutrophils can be used to study the regulation of the
      phagosomal pH, ROS, membrane potential, and calcium fluxes in different
      phagocytic cells.

PMID- 22056416
TI  - Gene expression profiling in adrenocortical neoplasia.
AB  - Transcriptome studies of adrenocortical tumors have shown clear differences
      between adenomas and carcinomas and identified two subgroups of carcinomas with
      different prognoses. This review focuses on how transcriptomes have enriched our
      knowledge about genes previously identified by classical candidate gene
      approaches, uncovered novel genes relevant to adrenocortical tumor biology,
      helped to identify and understand specific pathway alterations, and advanced the
      overall translational relevance of this field of research.

PMID- 22056417
TI  - Association study of candidate gene polymorphisms and obesity in a young Mexican
      American population from South Texas.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Obesity is increasingly a health problem and a risk factor
      for diabetes in young Mexican-American populations. Genetic association studies
      in older, mostly non-Hispanic populations have reported that polymorphisms in the
      candidate genes HSD11B1, CRP, ADIPOQ, PPARG, ANKK1, ABCC8 and SERPINF1 are
      associated with obesity or diabetes. We analyzed the polymorphisms rs846910,
      rs1205, rs1501299, rs1801282, rs1800497, rs757110 and rs1136287 in these
      candidate genes, for association with obesity and metabolic traits in a young
      Mexican-American population from south Texas. METHODS: Genotyping of the seven
      common SNPs were performed by allelic discrimination assays in 448 unrelated
      Mexican Americans (median age = 16 years) from south Texas. chi(2) tests and
      regression analyses using additive models were used for genetic association
      analyses adjusting for covariates; p values were corrected for multiple testing
      by permutation analyses. RESULTS: rs1800497 (ANKK1) shows association with waist
      circumference (p = 0.009) and retains the association (p = 0.03) after
      permutation testing. Analysis of metabolic quantitative traits shows that
      rs846910 (HSD11B1) was associated with HOMA-IR (p = 0.04) and triglycerides (p =
      0.03), and rs1205 (CRP) with HOMA-IR (p = 0.03) and fasting glucose levels (p =
      0.007). However, the quantitative traits associations are not maintained after
      permutation analysis. None of the other SNPs in this study showed associations
      with obesity or metabolic traits in this young Mexican-American population.
      CONCLUSIONS: We report a potential association between rs1800497 (linked to
      changes in brain dopamine receptor levels) and central obesity in a young Mexican
      American population.

PMID- 22056418
TI  - The neural optimal control hierarchy for motor control.
AB  - Our empirical, neuroscientific understanding of biological motor systems has been
      rapidly growing in recent years. However, this understanding has not been
      systematically mapped to a quantitative characterization of motor control based
      in control theory. Here, we attempt to bridge this gap by describing the neural
      optimal control hierarchy (NOCH), which can serve as a foundation for
      biologically plausible models of neural motor control. The NOCH has been
      constructed by taking recent control theoretic models of motor control, analyzing
      the required processes, generating neurally plausible equivalent calculations and
      mapping them on to the neural structures that have been empirically identified to
      form the anatomical basis of motor control. We demonstrate the utility of the
      NOCH by constructing a simple model based on the identified principles and
      testing it in two ways. First, we perturb specific anatomical elements of the
      model and compare the resulting motor behavior with clinical data in which the
      corresponding area of the brain has been damaged. We show that damaging the
      assigned functions of the basal ganglia and cerebellum can cause the movement
      deficiencies seen in patients with Huntington's disease and cerebellar lesions.
      Second, we demonstrate that single spiking neuron data from our model's motor
      cortical areas explain major features of single-cell responses recorded from the
      same primate areas. We suggest that together these results show how NOCH-based
      models can be used to unify a broad range of data relevant to biological motor
      control in a quantitative, control theoretic framework.

PMID- 22056419
TI  - DL-3-n-butylphthalide extends survival by attenuating glial activation in a mouse
      model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
AB  - Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a lethal neurodegenerative disease
      characterized by progressive muscular atrophy, paralysis and bulbar symptoms.
      Transgenic mice over-expressing human mutant Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1)
      mimicked the pathological phenotype of ALS. dl-3-n-butylphthalide (dl-NBP) has
      been demonstrated to play a neuroprotective role in cerebral ischemia, vascular
      dementia, and Alzheimer's disease. In the current study, we examined the effect
      of dl-NBP in Tg (SOD1-G93A) transgenic mice, a well-studied model of ALS.
      Following the symptomatic onset of disease, oral administration of dl-NBP
      significantly improved motor performance, extended the survival interval,
      attenuated motor neuron loss, and delayed motor unit reduction compared to
      vehicle controls. These observations were further corroborated by the significant
      reduction in immunoreactivity of CD11b and glial fibrillary acidic protein
      (GFAP), markers for microglia and astrocytes, respectively. Additionally,
      downregulation of nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) p65 and tumor necrosis factor
      alpha (TNF-alpha) protein levels and a slight upregulation of NF-E2-related
      factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) were found in the spinal cord of Tg
      (SOD1-G93A) mice treated by dl-NBP. These results suggest that dl-NBP might be a
      promising compound in the treatment of ALS. This article is part of a Special
      Issue entitled 'Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder'.

PMID- 22056420
TI  - Acceptor and surface states of ZnO nanocrystals: a unified model.
AB  - Semiconductor nanocrystals have the potential for a range of applications in
      optoelectronics and nonlinear optics. As the surface-to-volume ratio increases,
      surface emission processes become more important. Using infrared (IR) and
      photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy, we have developed a unified model for the
      acceptor and intragap surface states of ZnO nanocrystals. A PL peak was observed
      at 2.97 eV, in agreement with an acceptor level previously observed in the IR
      (Teklemichael et al 2011 Appl. Phys. Lett. 98 232112). The temperature dependence
      of the IR absorption peaks, which correspond to a hole binding energy of 0.46 eV,
      showed an ionization activation energy of only 0.08 eV. This activation energy is
      attributed to thermal excitation of the hole to surface states 0.38 eV above the
      valence band maximum. Therefore, while the acceptor is deep with respect to the
      bulk valence band, it is shallow with respect to surface states. A strong red PL
      emission centered at 1.84 eV, with an excitation onset of 3.0 eV, is attributed
      to surface recombination.

PMID- 22056421
TI  - [Assessment of a residency training program in endocrinology and nutrition by
      physicians: results of a survey].
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The current training program for resident physicians in
      endocrinology and nutrition (EN) organizes their medical learning. Program
      evaluation by physicians was assessed using a survey. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The
      survey asked about demographic variables, EN training methods, working time and
      center, and opinion on training program contents. RESULTS: Fifty-one members of
      Sociedad Castellano-Manchega de Endocrinologia, Nutricion y Diabetes, and
      Sociedad Andaluza de Endocrinologia y Nutricion completed the survey. Forty
      percent of them disagreed with the compulsory nature of internal medicine,
      cardiology, nephrology and, especially, neurology rotations (60%); a majority
      (>50%) were against several recommended rotations included in the program. The
      fourth year of residence was considered by 37.8% of respondents as the optimum
      time for outpatient and inpatient control and monitoring without direct
      supervision. The recommended monthly number of on-call duties was 3.8+/-1.2. We
      detected a positive opinion about extension of residence duration to 4.4+/-0.5
      years. Doctoral thesis development during the residence period was not considered
      convenient by 66.7% of physicians. Finally, 97.8% of resident physicians would
      recommend residency in EN to other colleagues. CONCLUSIONS: Endocrinologists
      surveyed disagreed with different training program aspects such as the rotation
      system, skill acquisition timing, and on-call duties. Therefore, an adaptation of
      the current training program in EN would be required.

PMID- 22056422
TI  - The relationship between the exposure time of insulin glargine and risk of breast
      and prostate cancer: an observational study of the time-dependent effects of
      antidiabetic treatments in patients with diabetes.
AB  - AIMS: To elucidate methodological questions in assessing the relationship between
      insulin treatment and cancer, since the risk of tumour growth generally increases
      with longer exposure time and higher dose of a growth promoting substance.
      METHODS: Continuous hazard functions for risk of breast and prostate cancer were
      estimated in relation to exposure of insulin glargine among diabetic patients
      included in the record system, Diab-Base, as well as in the general population in
      Sweden. RESULTS: In 7942 female diabetic patients, mean follow-up 7.0 years, 2014
      patients initiated insulin glargine with a mean follow-up of 3.5 years. Among
      11,613 men, mean follow-up 6.9 years, 2760 had a mean follow-up with glargine of
      3.4 years. Risk of prostate cancer decreased significantly with longer exposure
      to insulin glargine (p=0.032), although average risk versus non-glargine was non
      significantly higher (HR 1.37, 95% CI 0.78-2.39). The breast cancer risk did not
      change with longer exposure to insulin glargine (p=0.35) and the mean risk was
      similar for glargine and non-glargine (p=0.12). With higher dose of insulin
      glargine, there was an increase in risk of prostate (p=0.037) and breast cancer
      (p=0.019). In diabetics, the mean risk of prostate cancer was decreased (HR 0.68,
      95% CI 0.59-0.79) but similar for breast cancer (HR 0.95, 95% CI 0.78-1.14)
      compared to the general population and did not change with longer diabetes
      duration (p=0.68 and p=0.53 respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Analysing continuous
      hazard functions for cancer risk in relation to exposure time to an antidiabetic
      agent is an important complementary tool in diabetes and cancer research.

PMID- 22056423
TI  - Influence of thickeners on the fragmentation of fish meat sausage by mastication.
AB  - The influence of food thickeners (potato starch, guar gum, and xanthan gum and
      deionized water) on the breakdown of solid food was numerically analyzed, and an
      investigation was made into the cumulative size distribution of food fragments,
      textural properties, sensory evaluation and maximum transit velocity of a bolus
      in the pharynx.The results suggest that evaluating the breakability into small
      pieces was easily influenced by the addition ratio of the dispersion medium.
      However, in respect of the destruction process for the solid body, each sample
      was more strongly affected by the type of the dispersion medium than by the
      addition ratio of this medium.The destruction process was strongly influenced by
      the history of the breakdown caused by mastication when a liquid dispersion
      medium was added to the solid. However, when a high-viscosity sol was added to
      the solid, the destruction process was random and not affected by any history.

PMID- 22056424
TI  - Purification and characterization of a novel (S)-enantioselective transaminase
      from Pseudomonas fluorescens KNK08-18 for the synthesis of optically active
      amines.
AB  - Pseudomonas fluorescens KNK08-18, showing (S)-selective transaminase activity,
      was isolated from soil by an enrichment culture method using (S)-7-methoxy-2
      aminotetraline as the main nitrogen source. A transaminase was purified from the
      strain to homogeneity in seven steps. The relative mass of the enzyme was
      estimated to be 53 kDa on SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and 120 kDa by
      gel filtration, suggesting a homodimeric structure. The optimal pH and
      temperature for enzyme activity were about 8.0-8.5 and 40  degrees C. The
      purified enzyme produced (S)-7-methoxy-2-aminotetraline, (S)-SMA, from 7-methoxy
      2-tetralone (SMT) with high enantioselectivity. Although (S)-1-phenylethylamine
      was the best amino donor, beta-alanine and 4-aminobutyric acid, which are good
      substrates for typical omega-amino acid transaminase (EC 2.6.1.18) and GABA
      transaminase (2.6.1.19), were not reacted. It aminated a broad range of carbonyl
      compounds containing aromatic, non-aromatic, and acidic and non-acidic
      substrates.

PMID- 22056425
TI  - Gene cloning and characterization of alpha-amino acid ester acyl transferase in
      Empedobacter brevis ATCC14234 and Sphingobacterium siyangensis AJ2458.
AB  - The gene encoding alpha-amino acid ester acyl transferase (AET), the enzyme that
      catalyzes the peptide-forming reaction from amino acid methyl esters and amino
      acids, was cloned from Empedobacter brevis ATCC14234 and Sphingobacterium
      siyangensis AJ2458 and expressed in Escherichia coli. This is the first report on
      the aet gene. It encodes a polypeptide composed of 616 (ATCC14234) and 619
      (AJ2458) amino acids residues. The V(max) values of these recombinant enzymes
      during the catalysis of L-alanyl-L-glutamine formation from L-alanine methylester
      and L-glutamine were 1,010 U/mg (ATCC14234) and 1,154 U/mg (AJ2458). An amino
      acid sequence similarity search revealed 35% (ATCC14234) and 36% (AJ2458)
      identity with an alpha-amino acid ester hydrolase from Acetobacter pasteurianus,
      which contains an active-site serine in the consensus serine enzyme motif,
      GxSYxG. In the deduced amino acid sequences of AET from both bacteria, the GxSYxG
      motif was conserved, suggesting that AET is a serine enzyme.

PMID- 22056426
TI  - Mechanism of regulation of PPARG expression of mesenchymal stem cells by
      osteogenesis-mimicking extracellular matrices.
AB  - The mechanism of regulation of PPARG expression during the osteogenesis of human
      mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) was investigated on an extracellular matrix (ECM)
      model that mimicked the stepwise osteogenesis ECM. Three matrices that mimicked
      the ECM of MSCs (stem cell matrices), the early stage ECM (early stage matrices),
      and the late stage ECM (late stage matrices) of osteogenesis were prepared and
      compared. The matrices showed different effects on the Wnt/beta-catenin signal.
      The beta-catenin signal was activated by endogenous Wnt through interaction with
      chondroitin sulfate chains to suppress PPARG expression on the stem cell matrices
      and early stage matrices but not on late stage matrices.

PMID- 22056427
TI  - Visualization of gluten and starch distributions in dough by fluorescence
      fingerprint imaging.
AB  - A novel method combining imaging techniques and fluorescence fingerprint (FF)
      data measurement was developed to visualize the distributions of gluten and
      starch in dough without any preprocessing. Fluorescence images of thin sections
      of gluten, starch, and dough were acquired under 63 different combinations of
      excitation and emission wavelengths, resulting in a set of data consisting of the
      FF data for each pixel. Cosine similarity values between the FF of each pixel in
      the dough and those of gluten and starch were calculated. Each pixel was colored
      according to the cosine similarity value to obtain a pseudo-color image showing
      the distributions of gluten and starch. The dough sample was then fluorescently
      stained for gluten and starch. The stained image showed patterns similar to the
      pseudo-color FF image, validating the effectiveness of the FF imaging method. The
      method proved to be a powerful visualization tool, applicable in fields other
      than food technology.

PMID- 22056428
TI  - Artemisia afra Jacq. ameliorates oxidative stress in the pancreas of
      streptozotocin-induced diabetic Wistar rats.
AB  - Diabetes is characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from defects in pancreatic
      insulin secretion and/or impaired target cell responsiveness to insulin, and
      Artemisia afra Jacq. is widely used in South Africa to treat the disease, but the
      mechanism of action is yet to be elucidated. This study explored the effect of
      oral administration of aqueous leaf extract of A. afra on the pancreas of
      streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. We found that the extract significantly
      reduced blood glucose levels, accompanied by an increase in the serum insulin
      concentration. Moreover, the antioxidant enzymic activities of glutathione
      peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and superoxide dismutase also improved
      significantly after treatment with the extract. Increased pancreatic lipid
      peroxidation in the diabetic rats was also normalized by the extract. This study
      indicates that A. afra possesses hypoglycemic and antioxidant activities. Our
      findings suggest that the herb might exert its anti-diabetic activity by
      regenerating pancreatic beta cells, thereby stimulating the release of insulin.

PMID- 22056429
TI  - In vitro protein import of a putative amino acid transporter from Arabidopsis
      thaliana into chloroplasts and its suborganellar localization.
AB  - We identified a gene product of At5g19500 (At5g19500p) from Arabidopsis thaliana
      that is homologous to EcTyrP, a tyrosine-specific transporter from Escherichia
      coli. Computational analyses of the amino acid sequence of At5g19500p predicted
      11 transmembrane domains (TMDs) and a potential plastid targeting signal at its
      amino terminus. As a first step toward understanding the possible role of
      At5g19500p in plant cells, we attempted to determine the localization of
      At5g19500p by an in vitro chloroplastic import assay using At5g19500p translated
      in a cell-free wheat germ system (Madin et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 97,
      559-564 (2000)), followed by subfractionation of the chloroplasts. At5g19500p was
      successfully imported into chloroplasts, and the newly transported mature form of
      At5g19500p was recovered from the inner envelope membrane.

PMID- 22056430
TI  - Effects of polyethylene glycol on bovine intestine alkaline phosphatase activity
      and stability.
AB  - In this study, we evaluated the effects of polyethylene glycol (PEG) on bovine
      intestine alkaline phosphatase (BIALP) activity and stability. In the hydrolysis
      of p-nitrophenylphosphate (pNPP) at pH 9.8 at 20  degrees C, the k(cat)/K(m)
      values of BIALP plus 5-15% w/v free PEG with molecular masses of 1, 2, 6, and 20
      kDa (PEG1000, PEG2000, PEG6000, and PEG20000 respectively) were 120-140%, 180
      300%, 130-170%, and 110-140% respectively of that of BIALP without free PEG (1.8
      uM(-1) s(-1)), indicating that activation by PEG2000 was the highest. Unmodified
      BIALP plus 5% PEG2000 and BIALP pegylated with 2,4-bis(O-methoxypolyethylene
      glycol)-6-chloro-s-triazine exhibited 1.3-fold higher activity on average than
      that of BIALP without free PEG under various conditions, including pH 7.0-10.0
      and 20-65  degrees C. The temperatures reducing initial activity by 50% in 30-min
      incubation of unmodified BIALP plus 5% PEG2000 and pegylated BIALP were 51 and 47
      degrees C respectively, similar to that of BIALP without free PEG (49  degrees
      C). These results indicate that the addition of PEG2000 and pegylation increase
      BIALP activity without affecting its stability, suggesting that they can be used
      in enzyme immunoassay with BIALP to increase sensitivity and rapidity.

PMID- 22056431
TI  - Biochemical characterization of a thermophilic cellobiose 2-epimerase from a
      thermohalophilic bacterium, Rhodothermus marinus JCM9785.
AB  - Cellobiose 2-epimerase (CE) reversibly converts glucose residue to mannose
      residue at the reducing end of beta-1,4-linked oligosaccharides. It efficiently
      produces epilactose carrying prebiotic properties from lactose, but the
      utilization of known CEs is limited due to thermolability. We focused on
      thermoholophilic Rhodothermus marinus JCM9785 as a CE producer, since a CE-like
      gene was found in the genome of R. marinus DSM4252. CE activity was detected in
      the cell extract of R. marinus JCM9785. The deduced amino acid sequence of the CE
      gene from R. marinus JCM9785 (RmCE) was 94.2% identical to that from R. marinus
      DSM4252. The N-terminal amino acid sequence and tryptic peptide masses of the
      native enzyme matched those of RmCE. The recombinant RmCE was most active at 80 
      degrees C at pH 6.3, and stable in a range of pH 3.2-10.8 and below 80  degrees
      C. In contrast to other CEs, RmCE demonstrated higher preference for lactose over
      cellobiose.

PMID- 22056432
TI  - Characterization and functional modification of StaC and RebC, which are involved
      in the pyrrole oxidation of indolocarbazole biosynthesis.
AB  - The diversity of indolocarbazole natural products results from the differences in
      oxidation states of the pyrroline ring moiety. In the biosynthetic pathways for
      staurosporine and rebeccamycin, two homologous enzymes having 64% identity, StaC
      and RebC, are responsible for the selective production of K252c, which has one
      oxo group at the pyrroline ring, and arcyriaflavin A, which has two. Although
      StaC has a FAD-binding motif, most StaC molecules do not contain FAD, and the
      protein cannot be reconstituted with FAD in vitro. In this study, we mutated Ala
      118 in StaC by replacing a glutamine that is conserved in FAD monooxygenases,
      resulting in increased FAD content as well as catalytic activity. In addition,
      mutations around the substrate-binding sites of StaC and RebC can change the
      product selectivity. Specifically, StaC-N244R-V246T and RebC-F216V-R239N mutants
      produced substantial amounts of arcyriaflavin A and K252c, respectively.

PMID- 22056433
TI  - Isolation of a novel carotenoid, OH-chlorobactene glucoside hexadecanoate, and
      related rare carotenoids from Rhodococcus sp. CIP and their antioxidative
      activities.
AB  - In the course of screening for antioxidative carotenoids from bacteria, we
      isolated and identified a novel carotenoid, OH-chlorobactene glucoside
      hexadecanoate (4), and rare carotenoids, OH-chlorobactene glucoside (1), OH-gamma
      carotene glucoside (2) and OH-4-keto-gamma-carotene glucoside hexadecanoate (3)
      from Rhodococcus sp. CIP. The singlet oxygen ((1)O(2)) quenching model of these
      carotenoids showed potent antioxidative activities IC(50) 14.6 uM for OH
      chlorobactene glucoside hexadecanoate (4), 6.5 uM for OH-chlorobactene glucoside
      (1), 9.9 uM for OH-gamma-carotene glucoside (2) and 7.3 uM for OH-4-keto-gamma
      carotene glucoside hexadecanoate (3).

PMID- 22056434
TI  - Identification of Acvr2a as a Th17 cell-specific gene induced during Th17
      differentiation.
AB  - IL-17-producing T lymphocytes have been found to comprise a distinct lineage of T
      helper cells (Th17 cells) that are major causes of autoimmune diseases such as
      EAE, RA, and IBD. In this study, we found that activin receptor type-2A (Acvr2a)
      is a gene induced during the differentiation of this effector cell lineage as
      compared with naive T cells. The transcript of Acvr2a was not induced in Th1 and
      Th2 cells, and both TGF-beta and IL-6 were required for the induction of Acvr2a.
      When the differentiation of Th17 cells was inhibited by all tarans retinoic acid
      (ATRA) which induces regulatory T cell (Treg) differentiation under Th17
      differentiation conditions, expression of Acvr2a was also inhibited. Hence we
      propose that Acvr2a is a Th17 specific gene making Th17 cells distinct from other
      helper T cells, Th1, Th2, and Treg.

PMID- 22056435
TI  - Characterization of shade avoidance responses in Lotus japonicus.
AB  - Sessile plants must continuously adjust their growth and development to optimize
      photosynthetic activity under ever-fluctuating light conditions. Among such light
      responses in plants, one of the best-characterized events is the so-called shade
      avoidance, for which a low ratio of the red (R):far-red (FR) light intensities is
      the most prominent stimulus. Such shade avoidance responses enable plants to
      overtop their neighbors, thereby enhancing fitness and competitiveness in their
      natural habitat. Considerable progress has been achieved during the last decade
      in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the shade avoidance
      responses in the model rosette plant, Arabidopsis thaliana. We characterize here
      the fundamental aspects of the shade avoidance responses in the model legume,
      Lotus japonicus, based on the fact that its phyllotaxis (or morphological
      architecture) is quite different from that of A. thaliana. It was found that L.
      japonicus displays the characteristic shade avoidance syndrome (SAS) under
      defined laboratory conditions (a low R:FR ratio, low light intensity, and low
      blue light intensity) that mimic the natural canopy. In particular, the outgrowth
      of axillary buds (i.e., both aerial and cotyledonary shoot branching) was
      severely inhibited in L. japonicus grown in the shade. These results are
      discussed with special emphasis on the unique aspects of SAS observed with this
      legume.

PMID- 22056436
TI  - Nerve and behavioral responses of mice to various umami substances.
AB  - Food contains various taste substances. Among them, umami substances play an
      important role with regard to the perception of the taste of food, but, few
      studies have examined the taste characteristics of representative umami
      substances other than monosodium L-glutamate (MSG). By conducting mouse
      behavioral studies (the 48-h 2-bottle preference test and the conditioned taste
      aversion test) and assessing gustatory nerve responses, we investigated the taste
      characteristics of unique umami substances, including sodium succinate, L
      theanine, betaine, and the enantiomer of MSG, D-MSG. Furthermore, we examined the
      synergy of umami with inosine 5'-monophoshate (IMP). In the case of the mice,
      sodium succinate had an umami taste and showed strong synergy with IMP. L
      theanine showed synergy with IMP but did not have an umami taste without IMP. In
      contrast, betaine did not have an umami taste or synergy with IMP. D-MSG might
      have weak synergy with IMP.

PMID- 22056437
TI  - Optimized method for determining free L-cysteine in rat plasma by high
      performance liquid chromatography with the 4-aminosulfonyl-7-fluoro-2,1,3
      benzoxadiazole conversion reagent.
AB  - The analytical method was optimized for L-cysteine (Cys) in rat plasma with co
      existing L-cystine (Cyss). We observed that more than 100% Cyss in rat plasma was
      converted to Cys under typical conditions for the conversion with 7-fluoro-2,1,3
      benzoxadiazole-4-sulfonate (SBD-F). Another conversion reagent, 4-aminosulfonyl-7
      fluoro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazole (ABD-F), was then employed, with which the reaction
      could be carried out at a low temperature without the use of a reducing reagent.
      Under the optimized conditions of 4  degrees C and pH 8.3, the conversion ratio
      of Cyss to Cys in rat plasma was as low as 5-7%. We determined the Cys
      concentration in plasma of the portal vein of rats that had been orally
      administered with Cys and Cyss by applying this method. The result indicated that
      Cys administration and also Cyss administration effectively increased the plasma
      Cys level. The method developed in this study is well suited for determining the
      thiol compounds in biological samples.

PMID- 22056438
TI  - Polyphenolic compounds in clove and pimento and their antioxidative activities.
AB  - Two new polyphenolic glucosides, 6'-O-acetylisobiflorin (1) and (2S)-3-(4-hydroxy
      3-methoxyphenyl)-propane-1,2-diol 1-O-(6'-O-galloyl)-beta-D-glucoside (2), were
      respectively isolated from the flower buds of Syzygium aromaticum and berries of
      Pimenta dioica. Each structure was elucidated on the basis of spectral analyses
      (NMR, MS and [alpha](D)) and chemical conversion. A total of twenty-seven known
      compounds from the plants were also characterized. The antioxidative activity of
      their extracts and the twenty-nine isolates including gallo- and ellagitannins
      was estimated by oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assay, and eugenol
      (3), which was the most abundant ingredient in each plant extract, showed the
      most potent antioxidative activity [ORAC value of 39,270 umol TE (trolox
      equivalent)/g].

PMID- 22056439
TI  - Cloning and overexpression of an NADH-dependent alcohol dehydrogenase gene from
      Candida maris involved in (R)-selective reduction of 5-acetylfuro[2,3-c]pyridine.
AB  - 5-((R)-1-Hydroxyethyl)-furo[2,3-c]pyridine ((R)-FPH) is a useful chiral building
      block in the synthesis of pharmaceuticals. An NADH-dependent alcohol
      dehydrogenase (AFPDH) isolated from Candida maris catalyzed the reduction of 5
      acetylfuro[2,3-c]pyridine (AFP) to (R)-FPH with 100% enantiomeric excess. The
      gene encoding AFPDH was cloned and sequenced. The AFPDH gene comprises 762 bp and
      encodes a polypeptide of 27,230 Da. The deduced amino acid sequence showed a high
      degree of similarity to those of other members of the short-chain alcohol
      dehydrogenase superfamily. The AFPDH gene was overexpressed in Escherichia coli
      under the control of the lac promoter. One L of the cultured broth of an E. coli
      transformant coexpressing AFPDH and the glucose dehydrogenase (GDH) gene reduced
      250 g of AFP to (R)-FPH in an organic solvent two-phase system. Under coupling
      with NADH regeneration using 2-propanol, 1 L of the cultured broth of an E. coli
      transformant expressing the AFPDH gene reduced 150 g of AFP to (R)-FPH. The
      optical purity of the (R)-FPH formed was 100% enantiomeric excess under both
      reaction conditions.

PMID- 22056440
TI  - Antioxidative activity and chemical constituents of edible terrestrial alga
      Nostoc commune Vauch.
AB  - The extract of terrestrial alga Nostoc commune Vauch. has high antioxidative
      activity. Our study on N. commune Vauch. resulted in the isolation of two beta
      ionone derivatives, nostocionone and 3-oxo-beta-ionone, together with four indole
      alkaloids, scytonemin, reduced scytonemin, N-(p-coumaroyl)tryptamine, and N
      acetyltryptamine. The structures of the isolated compounds were determined on the
      basis of 1D and 2D NMR and MS analyses. Among these isolates, nostocionone and
      reduced scytonemin demonstrated strong antioxidative activities which were
      assessed by using a beta-carotene oxidation assay.

PMID- 22056441
TI  - Ameliorating effects of short-chain inulin-like fructans on the healing stage of
      trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid-induced colitis in rats.
AB  - We evaluated the ameliorating effects of short-chain inulin-like fructans (SIF)
      with different degrees of polymerization (DP) on the healing stage of
      trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitis in rats. The rats were
      assigned to 3 groups 10 d after the colitis induction, and fed for 24 d on a
      control diet or diet including 60 g of DP4 or DP8/kg. The fecal myeloperoxidase
      (MPO) activity and IgA concentration were monitored every 7 d. The colonic MPO
      activities and cecal concentrations of organic acids, lactobacilli,
      bifidobacteria, mucin and IgA were measured at the end of the study. DP4, but not
      DP8, significantly reduced the colonic inflammation accompanied by higher cecal
      concentrations of short-chain fatty acids, propionate in particular, and lactic
      acid-producing bacteria. DP4 therefore accelerated the healing process of TNBS
      induced colitis, even when the treatment was initiated after inducing colitis.

PMID- 22056442
TI  - Biomimetic cyclization of epoxide precursors of indole mono-, sesqui- and
      diterpene alkaloids by Lewis acids.
AB  - Cyclization of the synthesized epoxide precursors of indole mono-, sesqui- and
      diterpene alkaloids was performed to elucidate the mechanism for biomimetic
      cationic cyclization to polycyclic structures. 3-(6,7-Epoxygeranyl)indole (11), 3
      (10,11-epoxyfarnesyl)indole (2) and 3-(14,15-epoxygeranylgeranyl)indole (3) were
      respectively synthesized from geraniol, farnesol and geranylgeraniol in 6 or 7
      steps. Four Lewis acids (MeAlCl(2), BF(3).OEt(2), TiCl(4) and SnCl(4)) were
      applied for biomimetic cyclization of the synthesized epoxide precursors. The
      cyclization products (one product from 11, four products from 2, and three
      products from 3) were isolated after separation by chromatography. Their
      structures were determined by using NMR (COSY, HSQC, HMBC, NOESY, etc.) and HRMS
      analyses. The results show that biomimetic cyclization gave new polycyclic
      compounds similar to natural indole terpene alkaloids. We conclude that the
      stability of cation intermediates should determine the preference for product
      formation by biomimetic cyclization when using a Lewis acid.

PMID- 22056443
TI  - Kjellmaniella crassifolia Miyabe (Gagome) extract modulates intestinal and
      systemic immune responses.
AB  - Kjellmaniella crassifolia Miyabe (gagome) is a brown alga. Oral gagome
      administration (oral gagome) resulted in significant upregulation of IL-10 and
      IFNgamma production by Peyer's patch cells. To assess the adjuvant activity of
      oral gagome, treated mice were subcutaneously injected with ovalbumin (OVA). The
      production of cytokines from antigen (Ag)-specific T cells in draining lymph
      nodes (dLN) and their proliferative response were significantly increased as
      compared with the control group. These enhancements were associated with
      increased CD44(hi)CD62L(-) activated/memory T cells in dLN as well as
      upregulation of Ag-specific IgA level in luminal contents. No upregulation of
      cytokine production by dLN T cells was observed in dectin-1-deficient mice,
      suggesting that the effect of gagome on cytokine production is largely dependent
      on the dectin-1 pathway despite its composite constituents. Our findings indicate
      that gagome is an effective immunomodulator and a potent adjuvant for both the
      intestinal and the systemic immune response.

PMID- 22056444
TI  - A systematic strategy for proteomic analysis of chloroplast protein complexes in
      wheat.
AB  - A systematic strategy was developed for the proteomic analysis of wheat
      chloroplast protein complexes. First, comprehensive centrifugation methods were
      utilized for the exhaustive isolation of thylakoid, envelope, and stromal
      fractions. Second, 1% n-dodecyl-beta-D-maltoside was selected from a series of
      detergents as the optimal detergent to dissolve protein complexes effectively
      from membranes. Then, blue native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (BN-PAGE)
      and sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) were
      improved to separate and analyze the protein complexes. By this systematic
      strategy, envelopes, thylakoids, and stromata were enriched effectively from
      chloroplasts in the same process, and more than 18 complexes were obtained
      simultaneously by BN-PAGE. Finally, thylakoid protein complexes were further
      analyzed by BN/SDS-PAGE, and nine complex bands and 40 protein spots were
      observed on BN-PAGE and SDS-PAGE respectively. Our results indicate that this new
      strategy can be used efficiently to analyze the proteome of chloroplast protein
      complexes and can be applied conveniently to the analysis of other subcellular
      protein complexes.

PMID- 22056445
TI  - Effective cytochrome P450 (CYP) inhibitor isolated from thyme (Thymus saturoides)
      purchased from a Japanese market.
AB  - A highly polymethylated flavone that effectively inhibited cytochrome P450s
      (CYPs) 1A2 and 3A4 (IC(50) = 2.41 and 1.71 uM) in vitro was isolated from thyme
      leaves (Thymus saturoides) purchased from a Japanese market. Its structure was
      spectroscopically identified as 4',5-dihydroxy-3',6,7,8-tetramethoxy flavone (8
      methoxycirsilineol, 1). This is the first report describing a strong inhibitor of
      CYP1A2 and 3A4 isolated from Thymus saturoides.

PMID- 22056446
TI  - TPS1 terminator increases mRNA and protein yield in a Saccharomyces cerevisiae
      expression system.
AB  - Both terminators and promoters regulate gene expression. In Saccharomyces
      cerevisiae, the TPS1 terminator (TPS1t), coupled to a gene encoding a fluorescent
      protein, produced more transgenic mRNA and protein than did similar constructs
      containing other terminators, such as CYC1t, TDH3t, and PGK1t. This suggests that
      TPS1t can be used as a general terminator in the development of metabolically
      engineered yeast in high-yield systems.

PMID- 22056447
TI  - Comparative profiling analysis of central metabolites in Euglena gracilis under
      various cultivation conditions.
AB  - Comparative metabolic profiling analysis was performed to investigate light- and
      aeration-dependent regulation of central metabolism in Euglena gracilis. The
      metabolic profiles of E. gracilis were significantly altered in response to
      changes in aeration conditions. While many glycolytic intermediates and amino
      acids accumulated in aerobically grown E. gracilis, a significant reduction in
      these metabolites was observed for cells under anaerobic conditions, which
      resulted in elevated production of wax ester.

PMID- 22056448
TI  - 1,2-Di-O-alpha-linolenoyl-3-O-beta-galactosyl-sn-glycerol as a superoxide
      generation inhibitor from Perilla frutescens var. crispa.
AB  - Using a superoxide (O(2)(-)) generation assay system with differentiated HL-60
      cells, 1,2-di-O-alpha-linolenoyl-3-O-beta-galactosyl-sn-glycerol (DLGG) was
      identified as an O(2)(-) generation inhibitor from Perilla frutescens var. crispa
      (a local variety, kida-chirimen shiso). DLGG suppressed the O(2)(-) level in a
      dose-dependent manner with an IC(50) value of 21 uM, comparable to those of
      rosmarinic acid (RoA, IC(50) = 29 uM) and caffeic acid (CA, IC(50) = 30 uM).
      While RoA and CA also dose-dependently inhibited O(2)(-) generation in a xanthine
      xanthine oxidase system, DLGG had no effect in the same system. Thus DLGG
      appeared to decrease the O(2)(-) level in the HL-60 assay system by mechanisms
      different from those of RoA and CA, which appeared to act as O(2)(-) scavengers.

PMID- 22056449
TI  - Thraustochytrid Aurantiochytrium sp. 18W-13a accummulates high amounts of
      squalene.
AB  - Here we report on the 18W-13a strain of Aurantiochytrium sp., which accumulates
      very high amounts of squalene. The squalene contents and production at 4 d of
      culture were 198 mg/g and 1.29 +/- 0.13 g/L, respectively, exceptionally high
      values compared to previous reports.

PMID- 22056450
TI  - Effect of a 0.6% energy trans fatty acid intake on serum cholesterol
      concentrations in healthy young Japanese subjects.
AB  - A randomized crossover study in healthy young Japanese showed no significant
      effects of a 0.6% energy trans fatty acid (TFA) intake on the serum cholesterol
      concentrations and parameters of glucose metabolism. The results indicate that
      TFAs at this dietary level may have no adverse metabolic effects on healthy young
      Japanese.

PMID- 22056451
TI  - Functional analysis of the cyclopiazonic acid biosynthesis gene cluster in
      Aspergillus oryzae RIB 40.
AB  - The cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) nonproducing strain, Aspergillus oryzae RIB 40, does
      not biosynthesize cyclo-acetoacetyl-L-tryptophan (cAATrp) due to a truncation in
      the responsible PKS-NRPS gene. We found that RIB 40 converted cAATrp to 2
      oxocyclopiazonic acid, the final product of CPA biosynthesis in A. oryzae. This
      indicates that the CPA biosynthesis gene cluster, except for the PKS-NRPS gene,
      is functional in RIB 40.

PMID- 22056452
TI  - Biological activity and stability of mangosteen as a potential natural color.
AB  - Mangosteen pericarp color indicates antioxidant activity relating to the
      concentration of phenolics and flavonoids. The extract moderately inhibited
      Bacilus subtilis and was found to be stable at a concentration of 1.0 mg/mL at pH
      3 at 23  degrees C over 7 d. Mangosteen pericarp extracts can therefore be used
      in pharmaceutical products that require low to medium pH.

PMID- 22056453
TI  - Selection of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 gene-knockout mutants that adapt to an
      electrode-respiring condition.
AB  - Mutants of Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 that adapted to an electrode-respiring
      condition were selected from a random transposon-insertion mutant library to
      obtain active current-generating mutants and identify relevant cellular
      components. The mutants were selected in the presence of an electrode (poised at
      +0.2 V vs. an Ag/AgCl reference electrode) as the sole electron acceptor, and
      they were isolated on agar plates. Transposon-insertion sites in the isolated
      mutants were identified by inverse PCR coupled to sequence analyses. Southern
      blotting using a transposon probe was also performed to detect mutants that grew
      abundantly on the electrode. These analyses revealed that in many isolated
      mutants transposons were inserted in genes relevant to the synthesis of cell
      surface structures, including SO_3350 (pilus synthesis), SO_3171 (polysaccharide
      synthesis), SO_3174 (polysaccharide synthesis), and SO_0165 (general secretion
      pathway). In microbial fuel cells, some of these (the SO_3350 and SO_4704
      mutants) generated higher electrical outputs than wild-type MR-1, while the
      others generated lower outputs. The results suggest that cell-surface structures
      have a large influence on microbial current generation.

PMID- 22056454
TI  - Antidiabetic effects of Vigna nakashimae extract in db/db mice.
AB  - The inhibitory activity of Vigna nakashimae extract against intestinal alpha
      glucosidase was investigated in vitro and in vivo. The extract exerted a
      significant inhibitory effect against intestinal alpha-glucosidases. With sucrose
      loading, it reduced the peak responses of blood glucose significantly in normal
      mice. Next, it was administrated to 8-week-old db/db mice for 2 weeks, and then
      plasma glucose, triglyceride, and total cholesterol levels were measured. The
      extract significantly suppressed postprandial hyperglycemia and blood glycated
      hemoglobin in the db/db mice. In addition, it lowered fasting glucose and
      improved glucose tolerance. Furthermore, it led to significant decreases in
      plasma triglyceride levels. It reduced endoplasmic reticulum stress in
      thapsigargin-induced HepG2 cells. Taken together, these results suggest that
      Vigna nakashimae extract has hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects that occur
      via inhibition of alpha-glucosidase activity and endoplasmic reticulum stress.

PMID- 22056455
TI  - Use of bottom ash of waste coal as an effective microbial carrier.
AB  - An experiment was done to determine the efficacy of waste bottom ash as an
      effective microbial carrier. Bottom ash found to be a suitable microbial carrier.
      The average of viable cells of Paenibacillus polymyxa GS01 (as a test biocontrol
      agent) in bottom ash samples was about 10(8) cfu/10 +/- 2 mg. The surface of
      bottom ash coated with 5% PVA w/v was most effective for improvement of cell
      viability. TSB medium containing 50 mg/L of MnSO(4) . H(2)O was the best for
      spore production of P. polymyxa GS01. Thus waste bottom ash coating with 5% PVA
      is likely to be suitable for use as a microbial carrier.

PMID- 22056456
TI  - Screening of optimal cellulases from symbiotic protists of termites through
      expression in the secretory pathway of Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
AB  - For direct and efficient ethanol production from cellulosic materials, we
      screened optimal cellulases from symbiotic protists of termites through
      heterologous expression with Saccharomyces cerevisiae. 11 cellulases, belonging
      to glycoside hydrolase families 5, 7, and 45 endoglucanases (EGs), were confirmed
      to produce with S. cerevisiae for the first time. A recombinant yeast expressing
      SM2042B24 EG I was more efficient at degrading carboxylmethyl cellulose than was
      Trichoderma reesei EG I, a major EG with high cellulolytic activity.

PMID- 22056457
TI  - Consistent multi-time-point brain atrophy estimation from the boundary shift
      integral.
AB  - Brain atrophy measurement is increasingly important in studies of
      neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), with particular
      relevance to trials of potential disease-modifying drugs. Automated registration
      based methods such as the boundary shift integral (BSI) have been developed to
      provide more precise measures of change from a pair of serial MR scans. However,
      when a method treats one image of the pair (typically the baseline) as the
      reference to which the other is compared, this systematic asymmetry risks
      introducing bias into the measurement. Recent concern about potential biases in
      longitudinal studies has led to several suggestions to use symmetric image
      registration, though some of these methods are limited to two time-points per
      subject. Therapeutic trials and natural history studies increasingly involve
      several serial scans, it would therefore be useful to have a method that can
      consistently estimate brain atrophy over multiple time-points. Here, we use the
      log-Euclidean concept of a within-subject average to develop affine registration
      and differential bias correction methods suitable for any number of time-points,
      yielding a longitudinally consistent multi-time-point BSI technique. Baseline, 12
      month and 24-month MR scans of healthy controls, subjects with mild cognitive
      impairment and AD patients from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
      are used for testing the bias in processing scans with different amounts of
      atrophy. Four tests are used to assess bias in brain volume loss from BSI: (a)
      inverse consistency with respect to ordering of pairs of scans 12 months apart;
      (b) transitivity consistency over three time-points; (c) randomly ordered back-to
      back scans, expected to show no consistent change over subjects; and (d) linear
      regression of the atrophy rates calculated from the baseline and 12-month scans
      and the baseline and 24-month scans, where any additive bias should be indicated
      by a non-zero intercept. Results indicate that the traditional BSI processing
      pipeline does not exhibit significant bias due to its use of windowed sinc
      interpolation, but with linear interpolation and asymmetric registration, bias
      can be pronounced. Either improved interpolation or symmetric registration alone
      can greatly reduce this bias, and our proposed method combining both aspects
      shows no significant bias in any of the four experiments.

PMID- 22056458
TI  - Multi-echo acquisition.
AB  - The rapid development of fMRI was paralleled early on by the adaptation of MR
      spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) methods to quantify water relaxation changes during
      brain activation. This review describes the evolution of multi-echo acquisition
      from high-speed MRSI to multi-echo EPI and beyond. It highlights milestones in
      the development of multi-echo acquisition methods, such as the discovery of
      considerable gains in fMRI sensitivity when combining echo images, advances in
      quantification of the BOLD effect using analytical biophysical modeling and
      interleaved multi-region shimming. The review conveys the insight gained from
      combining fMRI and MRSI methods and concludes with recent trends in ultra-fast
      fMRI, which will significantly increase temporal resolution of multi-echo
      acquisition.

PMID- 22056459
TI  - Dynamical stability of intrinsic connectivity networks.
AB  - Functional connectivity MRI (fcMRI) has become a widely used technique in recent
      years for measuring the static correlation of activity between cortical regions.
      Using a publicly available resting state dataset (n = 961 subjects), we obtained
      high spatial-resolution maps of functional connectivity between a lattice of 7266
      regions covering the gray matter. Average whole brain functional correlations
      were calculated, with high reproducibility within the dataset and across sites.
      Since correlation measures not only represent pairwise connectivity information,
      but also shared inputs from other brain regions, we approximate pairwise
      connection strength by representing each region as a linear combination of the
      others by performing a Cholesky decomposition of the pairwise correlation matrix.
      We then used this weighted connection strength between regions to iterate
      relative brain activity in discrete temporal steps, beginning both with random
      initial conditions, and with initial conditions reflecting intrinsic connectivity
      networks using each region as a seed. In whole brain simulations based on
      weighted connectivity from healthy adult subjects (mean age 27.3), there was
      consistent convergence to one of two inverted states, one representing high
      activity in the default mode network, the other representing low relative
      activity in the default mode network. Metastable intermediate states in our
      simulation corresponded to combinations of characterized functional networks.
      Convergence to a final state was slowest for initial conditions on the borders of
      the default mode network.

PMID- 22056460
TI  - Structure Tensor Informed Fiber Tractography (STIFT) by combining gradient echo
      MRI and diffusion weighted imaging.
AB  - Structural connectivity research in the human brain in vivo relies heavily on
      fiber tractography in diffusion-weighted MRI (DWI). The accurate mapping of white
      matter pathways would gain from images with a higher resolution than the typical
      ~2mm isotropic DWI voxel size. Recently, high field gradient echo MRI (GE) has
      attracted considerable attention for its detailed anatomical contrast even within
      the white and gray matter. Susceptibility differences between various fiber
      bundles give a contrast that might provide a useful representation of white
      matter architecture complementary to that offered by DWI. In this paper,
      Structure Tensor Informed Fiber Tractography (STIFT) is proposed as a method to
      combine DWI and GE. A data-adaptive structure tensor is calculated from the GE
      image to describe the morphology of fiber bundles. The structure tensor is
      incorporated in a tractography algorithm to modify the DWI-based tracking
      direction according to the contrast in the GE image. This GE structure tensor was
      shown to be informative for tractography. From closely spaced seedpoints (0.5mm)
      on both sides of the border of 1) the optic radiation and inferior longitudinal
      fasciculus 2) the cingulum and corpus callosum, STIFT fiber bundles were clearly
      separated in white matter and terminated in the anatomically correct areas.
      Reconstruction of the optic radiation with STIFT showed a larger anterior extent
      of Meyer's loop compared to a standard tractography alternative. STIFT in
      multifiber voxels yielded a reduction in crossing-over of streamlines from the
      cingulum to the adjacent corpus callosum, while tracking through the fiber
      crossings of the centrum semiovale was unaffected. The STIFT method improves the
      anatomical accuracy of tractography of various fiber tracts, such as the optic
      radiation and cingulum. Furthermore, it has been demonstrated that STIFT can
      differentiate between kissing and crossing fiber configurations. Future
      investigations are required to establish the applicability in more white matter
      pathways.

PMID- 22056461
TI  - The contribution of myelin to magnetic susceptibility-weighted contrasts in high
      field MRI of the brain.
AB  - T(2)*-weighted gradient-echo MRI images at high field (>= 7T) have shown rich
      image contrast within and between brain regions. The source for these contrast
      variations has been primarily attributed to tissue magnetic susceptibility
      differences. In this study, the contribution of myelin to both T(2)* and
      frequency contrasts is investigated using a mouse model of demyelination based on
      a cuprizone diet. The demyelinated brains showed significantly increased T(2)* in
      white matter and a substantial reduction in gray-white matter frequency contrast,
      suggesting that myelin is a primary source for these contrasts. Comparison of in
      vivo and in-vitro data showed that, although tissue T(2)* values were reduced by
      formalin fixation, gray-white matter frequency contrast was relatively unaffected
      and fixation had a negligible effect on cuprizone-induced changes in T(2)* and
      frequency contrasts.

PMID- 22056462
TI  - Quantitative functional MRI: concepts, issues and future challenges.
AB  - Since its inception 20 years ago, functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) of
      the human brain based on the blood oxygenation level dependent (BOLD) contrast
      phenomenon has proliferated and matured. Today it is the predominant functional
      brain imaging modality with the majority of applications being in basic cognitive
      neuroscience where it has primarily been used as a tool to localize brain
      activity. While the magnitude of the BOLD response is often used in these studies
      as a surrogate for the level of neuronal activity, the link between the two is,
      in fact, quite indirect. The BOLD response is dependent upon hemodynamic (blood
      flow and volume) and metabolic (oxygen consumption) responses as well as
      acquisition details. Furthermore, the relationship between neuronal activity and
      the hemodynamic response, termed neurovascular coupling, is itself complex and
      incompletely understood. Quantitative fMRI techniques have therefore been
      developed to measure the hemodynamic and metabolic responses to modulations in
      brain activity. These methods have not only helped clarify the behaviour and
      origins of the BOLD signal under normal physiological conditions but they have
      also provided a potentially valuable set of tools for exploring
      pathophysiological conditions. Such quantitative methods will be critical to
      realize the potential of fMRI in a clinical context, where simple BOLD
      measurements cannot be uniquely interpreted, and to enhance the power of fMRI in
      basic neuroscience research. In this article, recent advances in human
      quantitative fMRI methods are reviewed, outstanding issues discussed and future
      challenges and opportunities highlighted.

PMID- 22056463
TI  - Similar behaviour, different brain patterns: age-related changes in neural
      signatures of ignoring.
AB  - We measured behavioural performance and fMRI activity whilst old and young adults
      performed a temporal segmentation task ('preview search'). Being able to select
      parts of the visual world to be attended or ignored is a critical visual skill.
      Both old and young adults were able to improve their performance on a difficult
      search task when some of the distracter items were presented earlier than the
      remainder. Comparisons of brain activity and functional connectivity, however,
      suggested that the underlying mechanisms are quite different for the two age
      groups. Older adults' activation patterns do not correspond to those predicted by
      simple increased involvement of frontal regions reflecting higher demand with age
      but seem to suggest that changes in brain activation patterns propagate
      throughout the cortex.

PMID- 22056464
TI  - On-farm treatment of dairy soiled water using aerobic woodchip filters.
AB  - Dairy soiled water (DSW) is produced on dairy farms through the washing-down of
      milking parlours and holding areas, and is generally applied to land. However,
      there is a risk of nutrient loss to surface and ground waters from land
      application. The aim of this study was to use aerobic woodchip filters to remove
      organic matter, suspended solids (SS) and nutrients from DSW. This novel
      treatment method would allow the re-use of the final effluent from the woodchip
      filters to wash down yards, thereby reducing water usage and environmental risks
      associated with land spreading. Three replicate 100 m(2) farm-scale woodchip
      filters, each 1 m deep, were constructed and operated to treat DSW from 300 cows
      over an 11-month study duration. The filters were loaded at a hydraulic loading
      rate of 30 L m(-2) d(-1), applied in four doses through a network of pipes on the
      filter surface. Average influent concentrations of chemical oxygen demand (COD),
      SS and total nitrogen (TN) of 5750 +/- 1441 mg L(-1), 602 +/- 303 mg L(-1) and
      357 +/- 100 mg L(-1), respectively, were reduced by 66, 86 and 57% in the
      filters. Effluent nutrient concentrations remained relatively stable over the
      study period, indicating the effectiveness of the filter despite increasing
      and/or fluctuating influent concentrations. Woodchip filters are a low cost,
      minimal maintenance treatment system, using a renewable resource that can be
      easily integrated into existing farm infrastructure.

PMID- 22056465
TI  - Breakage and re-growth of flocs: effect of additional doses of coagulant species.
AB  - Several polyaluminum chloride (PACl) coagulants were prepared, with different
      OH/Al ratios (B values), and characterized by Ferron assay. These were used in
      studies of floc formation, breakage and re-growth with kaolin suspensions under
      controlled shear conditions, using a continuous optical monitoring method.
      Particular attention was paid to the effect of small additional coagulant
      dosages, added during the floc breakage period, on the re-growth of broken flocs.
      The results showed that the re-growth ability was greatly dependent on the nature
      of the PACl species added as second coagulant. The re-growth ability of broken
      flocs was greatest when the second coagulant was PACl(0) (i.e. AlCl(3), with B =
      0) and least with PACl(25) (B = 2.5). In the latter case there was no effect on
      floc re-growth, irrespective of the initial coagulant used. PACls with
      intermediate B values gave some improvement in floc re-growth, but less than that
      with PACl(0). Additional dosage of PACl(0) gave re-grown flocs about the same
      size or even larger than those before breakage. The re-growth of broken flocs is
      significantly correlated with the species Al(a) (monomeric) and Al(b)
      (polymeric), as determined by Ferron assay. The amorphous hydroxide precipitate
      formed from PACl(0), (mainly Al(a)) can greatly improve the adhesion between
      broken flocs and give complete re-growth. However, for PACl(25), mostly composed
      of Al(b), the nature of the precipitate is different and there is no effect on
      floc re-growth.

PMID- 22056466
TI  - Assessing the benefits of focal pair cryo-electron tomography.
AB  - Cryo electron tomography provides nanometer-scale information on biological
      matter preserved in a close-to native state. The resolution of tomograms and
      structures resolved by sub-tomogram averaging is typically limited by the
      contrast transfer function of the electron microscope, which is especially
      critical for thick samples. Here, we report a method to increase the attainable
      resolution by recording tomographic 'focal pairs', which are pairs of tilt series
      of the same object acquired in complementary defocus conditions. Low defocus
      imaging provides high resolution at low contrast, while high defocus imaging
      yields high contrast at the price of limited resolution. Quantitative assessment
      of the quality of lipid bilayer reconstructions in the resulting tomograms
      demonstrates stable resolution preservation beyond 3 nm for cells thicker than
      500 nm. Further, in computational simulations on synthetic datasets we show the
      applicability of the method to sub-tomogram averaging, demonstrating its
      potential for achieving higher resolution.

PMID- 22056467
TI  - Formins filter modified actin subunits during processive elongation.
AB  - Fission yeast cells reject actin subunits tagged with a fluorescent protein from
      the cytokinetic contractile ring, so cytokinesis fails and the cells die when the
      native actin gene is replaced by GFP-actin. The lack of a fluorescent actin probe
      has prevented a detailed study of actin filament dynamics in contractile rings,
      and left open questions regarding the mechanism of cytokinesis. To incorporate
      fluorescent actin into the contractile ring to study its dynamics, we introduced
      the coding sequence for a tetracysteine motif (FLNCCPGCCMEP) at 10 locations in
      the fission yeast actin gene and expressed the mutant proteins from the native
      actin locus in diploid cells with wild-type actin on the other chromosome. We
      labeled these tagged actins inside live cells with the FlAsH reagent. Cells
      incorporated some of these labeled actins into actin patches at sites of
      endocytosis, where Arp2/3 complex nucleates all of the actin filaments. However,
      the cells did not incorporate any of the FlAsH-actins into the contractile ring.
      Therefore, formin Cdc12p rejects actin subunits with a tag of ~2 kDa,
      illustrating the stringent structural requirements for this formin to promote the
      elongation of actin filament barbed ends as it moves processively along the end
      of a growing filament.

PMID- 22056468
TI  - Cryo-EM study of Hepatitis B virus core antigen capsids decorated with antibodies
      from a human patient.
AB  - The capsid (core antigen, HBcAg) is one of three major antigens present in
      patients infected with Hepatitis B virus. The capsids are icosahedral particles,
      whose most prominent features are spikes that extend 25 A out from the contiguous
      "floor". At the spike tip are two copies of the "immunodominant loop".
      Previously, the epitopes of seven murine monoclonal antibodies have been
      identified by cryo-EM analysis of Fab-labeled capsids. All but one are
      conformational and all but one map around the spike tip. The exception, which is
      also the tightest-binder, straddles an inter-molecular interface on the floor.
      Seeking to relate these observations to the immunological response of infected
      humans, we isolated anti-cAg antibodies from a patient, prepared Fabs, and
      analyzed their binding to capsids. A priori, one possibility was that many
      different Fabs would give an undifferentiated continuum of Fab-related density.
      In fact, the density observed was highly differentiated and could be reproduced
      by modeling with just five Fabs, three binding to the spike and two to the floor.
      These results show that epitopes on the floor, far (~30 A) from the
      immunodominant loop, are clinically relevant and that murine anti-cAg antibodies
      afford a good model for the human system.

PMID- 22056469
TI  - Seasonal and H1N1v influenza vaccines in MS: safety and compliance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Viral infections may induce exacerbation of multiple sclerosis (MS),
      and attempts should be made to prevent them in MS patients by means of vaccines,
      but immunization is considered to possibly trigger autoimmune disease activity.
      AIMS: We studied the safety and patient compliance of seasonal influenza and
      H1N1v influenza vaccines. METHODS: Clinical data on 101 consecutive patients with
      MS who participated in the study conducted between December, 2009 and February,
      2010 were retrieved from the patients' charts. They all filled in a questionnaire
      on demographics, clinical symptoms and, when applicable, date of being vaccinated
      for seasonal influenza and/or H1N1v influenza. RESULTS: Five of the 49 vaccinated
      patients reported side effects of fever or flu-like symptoms associated with the
      administration of either of the vaccines: there were no complications or need for
      hospitalization. No patient reported any new neurological symptoms following the
      use of either vaccine. It emerged that many MS patients did not receive at least
      one of the vaccines, and that a substantial number of physicians were unsure of
      how to advise on vaccinations. CONCLUSIONS: Our results are intended to help
      reassure patients with MS and their physicians about the safety of seasonal
      influenza and H1N1v influenza vaccines.

PMID- 22056470
TI  - Detection of nuclear matrix protein 22 and survivin baseline level in patients
      after radical cystectomy.
AB  - We investigated the baseline levels of urine nuclear matrix protein 22 (U-NMP22)
      and survivin in urine after radical cystectomy for primary invasive bladder
      cancer. We measured U-NMP22 and survivin values in 72 patients with four types of
      urinary diversion (Indiana bladder, Bricker bladder, Mainz bladder and orthotopic
      bladder) after radical cystectomy and 25 healthy volunteers. We also analyzed the
      relation between the U-NMP22 and survivin level and other variables among
      patients with continent urinary diversion and incontinent urinary diversion as
      well as healthy controls, and found that the U-NMP22 and survivin values were not
      associated with postoperative interval or gender. The U-NMP22 values (mean +/-
      standard error) for continent urinary diversion, incontinent urinary diversion
      and healthy controls were 12.08 +/- 0.10, 16.62 +/- 0.15 and 0.01 +/- 0.00 U/ml,
      respectively. The survivin values (mean +/- standard error) for continent urinary
      diversion, incontinent urinary diversion and healthy controls were 0.47 +/- 0.06,
      0.69 +/- 0.16 and 0.02 +/- 0.03 U/ml, respectively. The U-NMP22 and survivin
      values in the Bricker bladder group were significantly higher than the values in
      the other three groups. We noted that increased levels of U-NMP22 and survivin
      after radical cystectomy varied according to different predictors, which may be
      useful for designing strategies to follow these cases.

PMID- 22056471
TI  - Morphology and hemodynamics during vascular regeneration in critically ischemic
      murine skin studied by intravital microscopy techniques.
AB  - BACKGROUND: With the understanding of angiogenesis and arteriogenesis, new
      theories about the orchestration of these processes have emerged. The aim of this
      study was to develop an in vivo model that enables visualization of vascular
      regenerating mechanisms by intravital microscopy techniques in collateral
      arteriolar flap vascularity. METHODS: A dorsal skin flap (15 * 30 mm) was created
      in mice and fixed into a skinfold chamber to allow for assessment of morphology
      and microhemodynamics by intravital fluorescence microscopy (IVFM). Laser
      scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) was utilized for three-dimensional
      reconstruction of the microvascular architecture. RESULTS: Flap tpO(2) was 5.3 +/
      0.9 versus 30.5 +/- 1.2 mm Hg in controls (p < 0.01). The collateral arterioles
      in the flap tissue were dilated (29.4 +/- 5.3 MUm; p < 0.01 vs. controls) and
      lengthened in a tortuous manner (tortuosity index 1.00 on day 1 vs. 1.35+/- 0.05
      on day 12; p < 0.01). Functional capillary density was increased from 121.00 +/-
      25 to 170 +/- 30 cm/cm(2) (day 12; p < 0.01) as a result of angiogenesis.
      Morphological evidence of angiogenesis on capillary level and vascular remodeling
      on arteriolar level could be demonstrated by IVFM and LSCM. CONCLUSIONS: Present
      intravital microscopy techniques offer unique opportunities to study structural
      changes and hemodynamic effects of vascular regeneration in this extended axial
      pattern flap model.

PMID- 22056472
TI  - Differential regulation of RGS proteins in the prefrontal cortex of short- and
      long-term human opiate abusers.
AB  - Opiate addiction is characterized by drug tolerance and dependence which involve
      adaptive changes in MU-opioid receptors (MORs) signaling. Regulators of G-protein
      signaling RGS9, RGS4 and RGS10 proteins negatively regulate G(alphai/o) protein
      activity modulating MOR function. An important role of RGS proteins in drug
      addiction has been described but the status of RGS proteins in human brain of
      opiate addicts remains unknown. The present study evaluated the immunoreactivity
      levels of RGS4, RGS9 and RGS10 proteins in prefrontal cortex of short- (n = 15)
      and long-term (n = 21) opiate abusers and in matched control subjects. RGS4
      protein was not altered in short-term opiate abusers but, in long-term abusers it
      was significantly up-regulated (Delta = 29 +/- 6%). RGS10 protein expression was
      significantly decreased in short-term (Delta = -42 +/- 7%) but remained unaltered
      in long-term opiate abusers. RGS9 protein levels in opiate abusers did not differ
      from matched controls either in the short-term or in the long-term opiate abuser
      groups. RGS4, RGS9 and RGS10 levels were also studied in brains (frontal cortex)
      of rats submitted to acute and chronic morphine treatment and to spontaneous and
      naloxone-precipitated opiate withdrawal. Chronic morphine treatment in rats was
      associated with an increase in RGS4 protein immunoreactivity (Delta = 28 +/- 7%),
      which persisted in spontaneous (Delta = 35 +/- 8%) and naloxone-precipitated
      withdrawal (Delta = 30 +/- 9%) without significant changes in RGS9 and RGS10
      proteins. The specific modulation of RGS4 and RGS10 protein expression observed
      in the prefrontal cortex of opiate abusers might be relevant in the neurobiology
      of opiate tolerance, dependence and withdrawal. This article is part of a Special
      Issue entitled 'Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder'.

PMID- 22056473
TI  - Novel markers of cerebral embolism in the course of infective endocarditis.

PMID- 22056474
TI  - Achievement of lipoprotein goals among patients with metabolic syndrome at high
      cardiovascular risk across Europe. The EURIKA study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine for the first time the achievement of lipoprotein treatment
      goals in patients with metabolic syndrome and lipid abnormalities who are at
      elevated cardiovascular risk in Europe. METHODS: Cross-sectional study conducted
      in 2009-2010 in 12 European countries among outpatients aged >=50 years free of
      clinical cardiovascular disease. We assessed achievement of American Diabetes
      Association/American College of Cardiology lipid treatment goals in those with
      metabolic syndrome at highest risk (diabetes plus >=1 additional major
      cardiovascular risk factor beyond lipid abnormalities) or high risk (no diabetes
      but >=2 additional major cardiovascular risk factors). RESULTS: Among 1431
      highest-risk patients, 64.6% (between-country range [BCR] 40-84.5%) were on lipid
      lowering medication. Of them, 13.4% (BCR: 2.5-28.6%) had LDL-cholesterol<70
      mg/dl, non-HDL-cholesterol<100mg/dl, and apolipoprotein B<80 mg/dl. Among 832
      high-risk patients, 38.7% BCR: 27.5-55.3%) were on lipid-lowering medication. Of
      them, 20.5% (BCR: 5.5-57.6%) had LDL-cholesterol<100mg/dl, non-HDL
      cholesterol<130 mg/dl, and apolipoprotein B<90 mg/dl. About 96% of highest-risk
      patients and 94% of high-risk patients were given at least one lifestyle advice
      (weight reduction, healthy diet, physical activity, no-smoking), but only 1.3% of
      the former and 4.9% of the latter reached all three lipid goals. CONCLUSION:
      There is a substantial gap between clinical guidelines and medical practice since
      only one in 5-7 patients met all treatment targets. Although most patients
      received lifestyle advice, the effectiveness of counseling was very low. Large
      between-country differences in outcomes suggest considerable room for
      improvement.

PMID- 22056475
TI  - Evaluation of coronary artery stent patency by using 64-slice multi-detector
      computed tomography and conventional coronary angiography: a comparison with
      intravascular ultrasonography.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Most studies have investigated the diagnostic accuracy of 64-slice
      multi-detector computed tomography (MDCT) to detect coronary artery stent patency
      by using conventional coronary angiography (CCA) as the reference standard. In
      this study, we compared the diagnostic accuracy of MDCT and CCA by using
      intravascular ultrasonography (IVUS) as the reference standard. METHODS: Forty
      six patients with previously implanted coronary artery stents (n=87) underwent
      MDCT followed by CCA and IVUS within 24h. Sensitivities, specificities, positive
      predictive values (PPV) and negative predictive values (NPV) of MDCT and CCA for
      detecting or excluding in-stent diameter restenosis (ISDR) by using in-stent area
      restenosis (ISAR) and minimal luminal area (MLA) <=4.0 mm(2) of IVUS as the
      reference standard were determined. RESULTS: Eight stents (9%) were judged non
      evaluable using MDCT for the detection of ISDR. ISDR was detected in 28% (22/79)
      of the evaluable stents using CCA. When ISAR was detected using IVUS, the
      sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV for ISDR detection by using MDCT were 71%,
      96%, 91% and 86%, and the corresponding values for CCA were 64%, 96%, 90% and
      83%. When MLA <=4.0mm(2) was detected using IVUS, the sensitivity, specificity,
      PPV, and NPV for ISDR detection by using MDCT were 87%, 96%, 91% and 95%, and for
      CCA were 78%, 96%, 90% and 92%. CONCLUSIONS: When ISAR with MLA <=4.0 mm(2)was
      detected on IVUS, CCA and MDCT had similar diagnostic accuracies for ISDR
      detection. High specificity and NPV make 64-slice MDCT a reliable non-invasive
      method for excluding ISDR.

PMID- 22056476
TI  - Cardiac rupture in tako-tsubo cardiomyopathy with persistent ST-segment
      elevation.

PMID- 22056477
TI  - The traveling salesrat: insights into the dynamics of efficient spatial
      navigation in the rodent.
AB  - Rodent spatial navigation requires the dynamic evaluation of multiple sources of
      information, including visual cues, self-motion signals and reward signals. The
      nature of the evaluation, its dynamics and the relative weighting of the multiple
      information streams are largely unknown and have generated many hypotheses in the
      field of robotics. We use the framework of the traveling salesperson problem
      (TSP) to study how this evaluation may be achieved. The TSP is a classical
      artificial intelligence NP-hard problem that requires an agent to visit a fixed
      set of locations once, minimizing the total distance traveled. We show that after
      a few trials, rats converge on a short route between rewarded food cups. We
      propose that this route emerges from a series of local decisions that are derived
      from weighing information embedded in the context of the task. We study the
      relative weighting of spatial and reward information and establish that, in the
      conditions of this experiment, when the contingencies are not in conflict, rats
      choose the spatial or reward optimal solution. There was a trend toward a
      preference for space when the contingencies were in conflict. We also show that
      the spatial decision about which cup to go to next is biased by the orientation
      of the animal. Reward contingencies are also shown to significantly and
      dynamically modulate the decision-making process. This paradigm will allow for
      further neurophysiological studies aimed at understanding the synergistic role of
      brain areas involved in planning, reward processing and spatial navigation. These
      insights will in turn suggest new neural-like architectures for the control of
      mobile autonomous robots.

PMID- 22056478
TI  - Carrier depletion and exciton diffusion in a single ZnO nanowire.
AB  - Carrier depletion and transport in a single ZnO nanowire Schottky device have
      been investigated at 5 K, using cathodoluminescence measurements. An exciton
      diffusion length of 200 nm has been determined along the nanowire axis. The
      depletion width is found to increase linearly with the reverse bias. The origin
      of this unusual dependence in semiconductor material is discussed in terms of
      charge location and dimensional effects on the screening of the junction electric
      field.

PMID- 22056479
TI  - Dexamethasone counteracts the immunostimulatory effects of triiodothyronine (T3)
      on dendritic cells.
AB  - Glucocorticoids (GCs) are widely used as anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive
      agents. Several studies have indicated the important role of dendritic cells
      (DCs), highly specialized antigen-presenting and immunomodulatory cells, in GC
      mediated suppression of adaptive immune responses. Recently, we demonstrated that
      triiodothyronine (T3) has potent immunostimulatory effects on bone marrow-derived
      mouse DCs through a mechanism involving T3 binding to cytosolic thyroid hormone
      receptor (TR) beta1, rapid and sustained Akt activation and IL-12 production.
      Here we explored the impact of GCs on T3-mediated DC maturation and function and
      the intracellular events underlying these effects. Dexamethasone (Dex), a
      synthetic GC, potently inhibited T3-induced stimulation of DCs by preventing the
      augmented expression of maturation markers and the enhanced IL-12 secretion
      through mechanisms involving the GC receptor. These effects were accompanied by
      increased IL-10 levels following exposure of T3-conditioned DCs to Dex.
      Accordingly, Dex inhibited the immunostimulatory capacity of T3-matured DCs on
      naive T-cell proliferation and IFN-gamma production while increased IL-10
      synthesis by allogeneic T cell cultures. A mechanistic analysis revealed the
      ability of Dex to dampen T3 responses through modulation of Akt phosphorylation
      and cytoplasmic-nuclear shuttling of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB). In
      addition, Dex decreased TRbeta1 expression in both immature and T3-maturated DCs
      through mechanisms involving the GC receptor. Thus GCs, which are increased
      during the resolution of inflammatory responses, counteract the immunostimulatory
      effects of T3 on DCs and their ability to polarize adaptive immune responses
      toward a T helper (Th)-1-type through mechanisms involving, at least in part, NF
      kappaB- and TRbeta1-dependent pathways. Our data provide an alternative mechanism
      for the anti-inflammatory effects of GCs with critical implications in
      immunopathology at the cross-roads of the immune-endocrine circuits.

PMID- 22056480
TI  - Prospective analysis of association between use of statins or other lipid
      lowering agents and colorectal cancer risk.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine whether 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A inhibitors
      (statins) are associated with a decreased risk of colorectal cancer. METHODS: The
      population included 159,219 postmenopausal women enrolled in the Women's Health
      Initiative in which 2000 pathologically confirmed cases of colorectal cancer were
      identified during an average of 10.7 (S.D. 2.9) years. Information on statins was
      collected at baseline and years 1, 3, 6, and 9. Self- and interviewer
      administered questionnaires were used to collect information on other risk
      factors. Hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated
      by the use of Cox proportional hazards regression to evaluate the relationship
      between statin use and risk. Statistical tests were two-sided. RESULTS: Statins
      were used by 12,030 (7.6%) women at baseline. The annualized colorectal cancer
      rate was 0.13% among users and 0.12% among nonusers. The multivariable adjusted
      HR for users versus nonusers was 0.99 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.83-1.20, p
      = .95), and 0.79 (95% CI, 0.56-1.11) for users of >=3 years. In the multivariable
      adjusted time-dependent model, the HR for lovastatin was 0.62 (95% CI, 0.39
      0.99). There was no effect of tumor location, stage or grade. CONCLUSIONS: There
      was a reduction in colorectal cancer risk associated with lovastatin and a
      nonsignificant association with longer duration of use.

PMID- 22056481
TI  - Infant growth and onset of puberty: prospective observations from Hong Kong's
      "Children of 1997" birth cohort.
AB  - PURPOSE: Infant growth and early puberty are associated with the risk of
      cardiovascular disease. It is unclear whether pubertal timing has an independent
      etiologic role or is a marker of preceding growth. We examined whether infant
      growth was associated with age at pubertal onset and whether any associations
      were mediated by childhood height or body mass index. METHODS: We used
      multivariable interval-censored proportional hazards regression in 6873 term
      births (87% follow-up, 53% male) from a population-representative Hong Kong
      Chinese birth cohort, "Children of 1997." We examined the adjusted associations
      of sex-specific infant growth trajectories, derived from latent class analyses by
      the use of, on average, 4.2 measurements per child, with clinically assessed age
      at pubertal onset (Tanner stage II). We used Sobel tests to assess mediation.
      RESULTS: Compared with children of average birth weight whose weight followed the
      same centile curve, a faster weight growth trajectory from birth to 12 months was
      associated with earlier pubertal onset (time ratio, 0.979; 95% confidence
      interval, 0.965-0.993) among boys, whereas girls born light with slow infant
      growth had later puberty (time ratio 1.020, 95% confidence interval 1.006-1.034).
      These associations were mediated by both height and body mass index among girls
      but only by height in boys. CONCLUSIONS: Infant weight growth may be associated
      with earlier pubertal onset, particularly in boys, at least in part because it is
      associated with more linear growth in childhood. Earlier pubertal onset may be an
      indicator of up-regulation of growth axes related to the risk of cardiovascular
      disease.

PMID- 22056482
TI  - Lectin-induced activation of plasma membrane NADPH oxidase in cholesterol
      depleted human neutrophils.
AB  - The gp91phox subunit of flavocytochrome b(558) is the catalytic core of the
      phagocyte plasma membrane NADPH oxidase. Its activation occurs within lipid rafts
      and requires translocation of four subunits to flavocytochrome b(558). gp91phox
      is the only glycosylated subunit of NADPH oxidase and no data exist about the
      structure or function of its glycans. Glycans, however, bind to lectins and this
      can stimulate NADPH oxidase activity. Given this information, we hypothesized
      that lectin-gp91phox interactions would facilitate the assembly of a functionally
      active NADPH oxidase in the absence of lipid rafts. To test this, we used lectins
      with different carbohydrate-binding specificity to examine the effects on
      H(2)O(2) generation by human neutrophils treated with the lipid raft disrupting
      agent methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (MbetaCD). MbetaCD treatment removed membrane
      cholesterol, caused changes in cell morphology, inhibited lectin-induced cell
      aggregation, and delayed lectin-induced assembly of the NADPH oxidase complex.
      More importantly, MbetaCD treatment either stimulated or inhibited H(2)O(2)
      production in a lectin-dependent manner. Together, these results show selectivity
      in lectin binding to gp91phox, and provide evidence for the biochemical
      structures of the gp91phox glycans. Furthermore, the data also indicate that in
      the absence of lipid rafts, neutrophil NADPH oxidase activity can be altered by
      these select lectins.

PMID- 22056483
TI  - Cocaine administration increases angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) expression
      and activity in the rat striatum and frontal cortex.
AB  - Some central effects of cocaine administration seem to be related to angiotensin
      II (Ang II) or its metabolites. Nonetheless, it is still an open question whether
      or not the levels of angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE), the main Ang II
      generating enzyme, are modified by cocaine administration. To evaluate the effect
      of acute and subchronic cocaine administration on ACE activity and mRNA
      expression, male rats were randomly assigned to saline or cocaine group. Acute
      and subchronic cocaine administration induced a significant increase in ACE
      activity and mRNA expression in the frontal cortex and striatum but not in the
      hippocampus. These results suggest that some of the Ang II related effects of
      cocaine upon the central nervous system can be mediated by changes on the
      expression and activity of ACE in the striatum and frontal cortex.

PMID- 22056484
TI  - Abeta plaque-associated glial reaction as a determinant of apoptotic neuronal
      death and cortical gliogenesis: a study in APP mutant mice.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to investigate the microglia-driven apoptosis and
      the Abeta deposits triggered generation of new microglial cells in the neocortex
      of TgCRND8 mice. Three- and seven-month-old TgCRND8 mice, displaying an early and
      widespread amyloid deposition, respectively, were used. In 7-month-old TgCRND8
      mice the Abeta-associated glial reaction was accompanied by an intense
      immunoreactivity of both TNF-alpha and inducible nitric oxide synthase, increased
      immunoreactivity of the pro-apoptotic protein Bax and a decrease in levels of the
      anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2.Cortical and hippocampal neurons of TgCRND8 mice
      displayed higher immunoreactivity and higher nuclear expression of the
      transcription factor NF-kB than controls. It is possible that such an increase
      could represent a defence/compensatory response to degeneration. These findings
      indicate that Abeta deposits activate brain-resident microglia population and
      astrocytes, and induce overproduction of inflammatory mediators that enhance pro-
      and anti-apoptotic cascades. In both 3- and 7-month-old TgCRND8 mice apparent
      gliogenesis was present in the vicinity of Abeta plaques in the neocortex,
      indicating that microglia have a high proliferative rate which might play a more
      complex role than previously acknowledge.

PMID- 22056485
TI  - Neuroprotective effects of melatonin on the nigrostriatal dopamine system in the
      zitter rat.
AB  - Melatonin has ubiquitous actions, both as a direct free-radical scavenger and as
      an indirect anti-oxidant. The present study examined in vivo neuroprotective
      effects of melatonin on the nigrostriatal dopaminergic system in zitter (zi/zi)
      rat, which displays abnormal metabolism of superoxide leading to age-related
      degeneration of the dopaminergic system. For up to 9 months after weaning, zi/zi
      rats had ad libitum access to drinking water containing melatonin. Chronic
      treatment with melatonin attenuated the decreases of dopamine and its metabolite
      in zi/zi rat caudate-putamen (CPU). Immunohistochemistry for tyrosine hydroxylase
      (TH) was consistent with neurochemical data in the CPU and demonstrated
      substantial sparing of the reduction of TH-immunoreactive neurons in the
      substantia nigra pars compacta. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was
      performed to analyze mRNA expressions of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1beta and
      TNF-alpha) and the anti-oxidant enzymes (catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase
      (SOD) 1 and 2, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx1)) in the striatum and midbrain in
      order to examine the neuroprotective effect of melatonin. IL-1beta and TNF-alpha
      mRNA expressions were significantly increased in both areas of 3-month-old zi/zi
      rats, whereas there was a significant decrease in CAT mRNA expression in the
      striatum of 6-month-old zi/zi rat as compared to age-matched controls. With the
      exception of the high TNF-alpha mRNA expression in 3-month-old zi/zi midbrains,
      chronic treatment of melatonin attenuated expressional changes of IL-1beta, CAT,
      SOD1, and GPx1. These results suggest that besides its direct scavenger effects,
      chronic melatonin treatment provides a neuroprotective effect against
      dopaminergic degeneration by suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines and up
      regulating anti-oxidant enzyme expression.

PMID- 22056486
TI  - Magnetic resonance imaging assessment of intraventricular dyssynchrony and
      delayed enhancement as predictors of response to cardiac resynchronization
      therapy in patients with heart failure of ischaemic and non-ischaemic etiologies.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the value of dyssynchrony and myocardial viability assessment
      by cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in prediction of response to cardiac
      resynchronization therapy (CRT) in patients with heart failure (HF) of both
      ischaemic and non-ischaemic etiologies. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients scheduled
      for CRT in NYHA class II-IV, left ventricular ejection fraction <35%, QRS >= 120
      ms were included. Tagged cine and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) images were
      performed. Dyssynchrony was assessed with inTag toolbox and LGE was quantified
      using cutoff value at half of maximal signal in the scar. Cardiopulmonary
      exercise test, echocardiography and blood testing for NT-proBNP levels were done
      at baseline and 6 months after CRT. RESULTS: 52 patients (age 60.3 +/- 13 years)
      were included. 26 patients (50%) met response criteria. The ischaemic etiology of
      HF was more frequent (69% vs. 31%, p=0.002), the percent of LGE was higher (7.7%
      [0-13.5%] vs. 19.0% (0-31.9%], p=0.013), regional vector of circumferential
      strain variance (RVV) was lower (0.27 +/- 0.08 vs. 0.34 +/- 0.09, p=0.009) and
      uniformity of radial strain was higher (0.72 +/- 0.25 vs. 0.56 +/- 0.29, p=0.046)
      in non-responders vs. responders. Multivariate logistic regression showed that
      RVV predicted response to CRT (HR 2.3, 95% CI 1.02-5.02, p=0.0430) independently
      of LGE and the etiology of heart failure. In the subgroup of patients with
      ischaemic HF the extend of transmural scar within myocardium was higher in non
      responders vs. responders (26.3% vs. 15.0% respectively, p=0.01) and was a
      predictor of response to CRT in univariable analysis (HR 0.87, 95% CI 0.77-0.98,
      p=0.025) providing the sensitivity of 76% and specificity of 75% at the cutoff
      point of 18% in the prediction of poor response to CRT. In patients with non
      ischaemic HF QRS was wider (162 ms vs. 140 ms, p=0.04), regional vector of strain
      variance (RVV) was higher (0.39 vs. 0.25, p=0.002) and uniformity of radial
      strain was lower (0.52 vs. 0.80, p=0.049) in non-responders vs. responders.
      Univariable logistic regression showed that RVV was a predictor of response to
      CRT (HR 1.50, 95% CI 1.06-2.13, p=0.022), providing the sensitivity of 94% and
      specificity of 85% at the cutoff point of 0.31. CONCLUSIONS: CMR derived
      parameters of dyssynchrony such as RVV may provide an additive value in
      prediction of response to CRT, especially in patients with non-ischaemic etiology
      of heart failure. In patients with ischaemic HF the transmurality of LGE is an
      important predictor of lack of response to CRT.

PMID- 22056487
TI  - Structural and functional cerebral impairments in cirrhotic patients with a
      history of overt hepatic encephalopathy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Diffuse brain atrophy has been observed in cirrhotic patients and
      recent reports have revealed the persistence of cognitive impairment after
      clinical resolution of overt hepatic encephalopathy. We sought to explore the
      continued influence of overt hepatic encephalopathy on neurological function by
      measuring brain resting-state inherent connectivity, based on an investigation of
      structural abnormalities. METHODS: Neuropsychological tests and structural and
      functional magnetic resonance scanning were conducted in 20 healthy controls and
      21 cirrhotic patients with a history of overt hepatic encephalopathy. The
      analysis of voxel-based morphometry and functional connectivity were performed to
      detect the alterations in brain structure and function, respectively. RESULTS:
      Patients showed significantly worse performance in neuropsychological tests as
      compared with controls, despite apparently normal mental status. Analysis of
      voxel-based morphometry revealed a decrease in gray matter volume primarily in
      the midline regions, bilateral insular cortex and caudates, left parahippocampal
      gyrus, and right cerebellum posterior lobe, while the volume of the bilateral
      thalamus showed an increase. Of these regions, the posterior cingulate cortex
      with peak atrophy was selected as the origin for the analysis of functional
      connectivity. Typical patterns of a default mode network were identified in both
      groups. Decreased functional connectivity was found in the medial prefrontal
      gyrus, left inferior parietal lobule, and left middle temporal gyrus in the
      patients. CONCLUSIONS: Both functional and structural impairments were evident
      after apparent recovery from overt hepatic encephalopathy, demonstrating that
      brain dysfunction induced by hepatic encephalopathy persisted after clinical
      resolution and provided a basis for further evolution of the disease.

PMID- 22056488
TI  - Predictors of mother-daughter resemblance in dietary intake. The role of eating
      styles, mothers' consumption, and closeness.
AB  - The present study examined the resemblance between daughters' and mothers' intake
      of energy-dense food (EDF) and vegetables as perceived by daughters and the
      potential moderating influence of relationship closeness. One-hundred and twelve
      female first-year psychology students (aged 17-25 years) completed an online
      measure incorporating questions on demographic information, food frequency,
      eating style, and mother-daughter closeness. The EDF and vegetable consumption of
      daughters and their perception of their mothers' consumption were significantly
      related. Daughters who ate more EDF perceived that their mothers consumed more
      EDF and vegetables overall and had lower levels of restrained eating. Both
      mothers' consumption of vegetables (as perceived by daughters) and the number of
      meals consumed within the family home had a strong influence on daughters'
      vegetable intake. Closeness of the mother-daughter relationship did not moderate
      the relationship between the EDF or vegetable intake of mothers and daughters.
      Overall, these findings are consistent with the contention that mothers may have
      a significant influence on the EDF consumption and vegetable intake of their
      young adult daughters. The mechanism of this influence requires further
      investigation.

PMID- 22056489
TI  - Family characteristics predicting favourable changes in 10 and 11-year-old
      children's lifestyle-related health behaviours during an 18-month follow-up.
AB  - Lifestyle-related health behaviours such as screen time, physical activity, sleep
      duration, and food intake tend to change into non-favourable directions when
      children become young adolescents. Cross-sectional studies show that family
      characteristics are important determinants for children's health behaviours. This
      study examined whether family characteristics such as parenting practices at
      meals and family involvement predict a more favourable change in children's
      lifestyle-related health behaviours during an 18-month follow-up. 745 children in
      school grades 4 and 5 (response rate 65%) filled in a baseline questionnaire in
      the autumn of 2006. A follow-up was conducted in the spring of 2008 (91%).
      Several health behaviours had changed in a non-favourable direction. Baseline
      parenting practices at meals and family involvement predicted some of the changes
      in the lifestyle-related health behaviours in 2008. Parenting practices at meals
      predicted a smaller increase in TV, DVD viewing time, and a smaller decrease in
      fruit intake. Amongst family involvement determinants, less time alone at home
      after school predicted a smaller increase in screen time, a smaller decrease in
      sleep duration, and a smaller increase in soft drink intake. For conclusion
      several family characteristics predicted favourable changes in children's
      lifestyle-related health behaviours.

PMID- 22056490
TI  - Risk factors and in-hospital mortality in Chinese patients undergoing coronary
      artery bypass grafting: analysis of a large multi-institutional Chinese database.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study was undertaken to delineate outcomes and to assess risk
      factors for in-hospital mortality among Chinese patients undergoing coronary
      artery bypass grafting. METHODS: From 2007 to 2008, a total of 9838 consecutive
      adult patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting were enrolled in the
      Chinese Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting Registry, which included 43 centers from
      17 province-level regions in China. This registry collected information on 67
      preoperative factors and 30 operative factors believed to influence in-hospital
      mortality. The relationship between risk factors and in-hospital mortality was
      evaluated by univariate and logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: Overall in
      hospital mortality was 2.5%. Eleven risk factors were found to be significant
      predictors for outcome: age (continuous), body mass index (continuous), left
      ventricular ejection fraction (continuous), preoperative New York Heart
      Association functional class III or IV, chronic renal failure, extracardiac
      arteriopathy, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, preoperative atrial
      fibrillation or flutter (within 2 weeks), preoperative critical state, other than
      elective surgery, and combined valve procedure. Calibration with the Hosmer
      Lemeshow test was satisfactory (P=.35), and the discrimination power was good
      (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.81; 95% confidence
      interval, 0.79-0.84). CONCLUSIONS: The risk profiles and in-hospital mortality of
      Chinese patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting were determined from
      data in the most up-to-date multi-institutional database. Eleven variables were
      demonstrated to be independent risk factors for in-hospital death after coronary
      artery bypass grafting.

PMID- 22056491
TI  - Differentiating aortic fibrosarcoma from acute intramural hematoma.

PMID- 22056493
TI  - Uric acid and blood pressure.

PMID- 22056492
TI  - Phylogeny, diversity, and species delimitation of the North American Round-Nosed
      Minnows (Teleostei: Dionda), as inferred from mitochondrial and nuclear DNA
      sequences.
AB  - Accurate delimitation of species is a critical first step in protecting
      biodiversity. Detection of distinct species is especially important for groups of
      organisms that inhabit sensitive environments subject to recent degradation, such
      as creeks, springs, and rivers in arid or semi-desert regions. The genus Dionda
      currently includes six recognized and described species of minnows that live in
      clear springs and spring-fed creeks of Texas, New Mexico (USA), and northern
      Mexico, but the boundaries, delimitation, and characterization of species in this
      genus have not been examined rigorously. The habitats of some of the species in
      this genus are rapidly deteriorating, and many local populations of Dionda have
      been extirpated. Considering the increasing concerns over degradation of their
      habitat, and pending a more detailed morphological revision of the genus, we
      undertook a molecular survey based on four DNA regions to examine variation over
      the range of the genus, test species boundaries, and infer phylogenetic
      relationships within Dionda. Based on analyses of two mitochondrial (cytb and D
      loop) and two nuclear (Rag1 and S7) DNA regions from specimens collected
      throughout the range of Dionda, we identified 12 distinct species in the genus.
      Formerly synonymized names are available for two of these species, and four other
      species remain undescribed. We also redefine the known range of six species. The
      limited distribution of several of the species, coupled with widespread habitat
      degradation, suggests that many of the species in this genus should be targets
      for conservation and recovery efforts.

PMID- 22056494
TI  - Comparative study of surgical margins and cosmetic outcome in lumpectomy versus
      segmental resection in breast cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present retrospective study was to compare two breast
      conserving techniques, segmental resection and standard lumpectomy, for the
      treatment of breast cancer regarding their oncological safety. Quality of life
      aspects were evaluated by assessing the respective postsurgical cosmetic results.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: 190 women with breast cancer located in the superior and
      lateral quadrant were included in the study. Sixty patients were treated with
      segmental resection (group 1), whereas 130 underwent standard lumpectomy (group
      2). Tumor sizes were determined and excised tissue specimens were analyzed for
      positive or negative resection margins. Patients were given a 16-item
      questionnaire for the postsurgical self-assessment of the cosmetic outcome.
      RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was found concerning the number
      of positive resection margins between the groups (25 vs. 30%, p = 0.46).
      Exceptions were ventral margins, which predominated in group 2 (p = 0.016). Group
      1 revealed a significantly larger maximum tumor size with negative margins as
      compared to group 2 (26.6 vs. 17.0 mm). General satisfaction with the cosmetic
      results was comparable between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Segmental resection surgery,
      as a method of breast conservation therapy, can be used to treat larger breast
      lesions as compared to standard lumpectomy.

PMID- 22056495
TI  - Oil droplets do not affect assimilation and survival probability of first feeding
      larvae of North-East Arctic cod.
AB  - Oil exploration and production in the Atlantic moves northwards towards spawning
      and nursery areas of fish species that sustain some of the world's largest
      fisheries. Models are therefore needed that can simulate the effects of
      accidental oil spills on early life stages of these fish. In this study, we
      combined an individual based model and a microcosm approach to infer effects of
      the water soluble fraction (WSF) and of an oil dispersion (WSF and droplets) on
      two key endpoints of North East Arctic cod (Gadus morhua) larvae: food
      assimilation rate and survival probability. Both exposure types (WSF and
      dispersion) decreased assimilation rate (control: 0.4 d(-1)) and survival
      probability (control: 0.96) in a concentration-dependent fashion, with EC(50)s of
      about 2 (feeding) and 40 MUg/L ?PAH in the WSF (survival probability). No
      consistent differences were found between the ECs from the two exposure types
      indicating no additional oil droplet effects in the oil dispersion. During post
      exposure, effects on the two endpoints disappeared, which was confirmed by an
      image analyses we performed of gut content fluorescence. Our results also show
      that the larvae model fitted the experimental data from the two exposure types
      equally well, indicating that the presence of oil droplets did not affect model
      performance. More complex models that explicitly consider possible mechanisms of
      oil droplet toxicity - in addition to the toxicity of the WSF - on the two
      examined endpoints during a 17 day time frame do therefore not have a higher
      accuracy than simpler models that neglect oil droplet toxicity.

PMID- 22056496
TI  - Surgical stabilization of postpartum symphyseal instability: two cases and a
      review of the literature.
AB  - During pregnancy, asymptomatic widening of the symphysis pubis by about one third
      is normal and considered physiological. However, peripartal relaxation of the
      symphyseal and sacroiliac ligaments may cause significant complaints conditions
      including pain and gait dysfunction. Usually, patients are treated by the
      application of pelvic binders and bed rest up to several weeks. Surgical
      stabilization is performed seldom, though it may be promising in selected
      patients. Based on 2 cases of postpartum symphyseal instability treated by
      surgical fixation, the current literature was reviewed systematically to evaluate
      the outcome and potential complications of surgical fixation of symphyseal
      instability. Thirteen articles met inclusion criteria and were analyzed in
      detail. Including the two cases presented, surgical stabilization of postpartum
      symphyseal instability has been described for 33 patients. In conclusion, though
      only based on case reports and case series, early surgical stabilization
      represents a decent treatment option for postpartum symphyseal instability and
      may be indicated by pain or walking disability alone. In regard to the clinical
      outcome comparing internal and external fixation, no differences were
      demonstrable. However, the rate of infection was higher in patients treated by
      external fixation. Based on these data, we propose a treatment algorithm for this
      injury.

PMID- 22056497
TI  - Process assessment of a peer education programme for HIV prevention among sex
      workers in Dhaka, Bangladesh : a social support framework.
AB  - This study evaluated the process of a peer education program for hotel-based sex
      workers in Dhaka, Bangladesh, with social support proposed as an organizing
      framework. Programme outcomes were examined through baseline and follow-up
      assessments. Sex workers naive to peer education were assessed on socio-cognitive
      and behavioural variables; a subsample was reassessed at follow-up 23 weeks later
      on average. Process was assessed in terms of the content of peer education
      sessions. These sessions were recorded and coded into percentages of social
      support types provided by the peer educator to her audience: informational,
      instrumental, appraisal, emotional, companionship, non-support. Peer educators
      were classified into three "social support profiles" based on average proportions
      of emotional and informational support they provided. Seeing more peer educators
      with a high informational support profile was related to higher sex worker self
      efficacy, self-reported STI symptoms, and self-reported condom use at follow-up;
      the same was true for the high emotional support profile and treatment seeking.
      Social support constituted a useful framework, but needs further exploration.
      This study provided a direct, in-depth examination of the process of peer
      education based on a comprehensive theoretical framework.

PMID- 22056498
TI  - Characterization and functional analysis of two PKR genes in fugu (Takifugu
      rubripes).
AB  - PKR (protein kinase R) is a serine-threonine kinase that inhibits protein
      synthesis by the phosphorylation of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor
      2-alpha (eIF2alpha), and activates NFkappaB by inducing NFkappaB-inducing kinase
      and IkappaB (inhibitor of NFkappaB) kinase. This can lead to antiviral and anti
      proliferative effects. In this study, the complete sequence and organization of
      two fugu PKR genes (fPKRs) were determined by in silico analysis and conventional
      PCR. The full-length fPKR1 and fPKR2 genes were 3832 bp and 4325 bp, which
      encoded 523 and 492 amino acids, respectively. Both encoded two dsRNA binding
      domains and a Serine/Threonine protein kinase domain, and showed very high
      similarity to green spotted puffer PKRs. Gene expression of the two fPKRs was
      measured by quantitative real-time PCR on tissue samples from healthy fish and
      peripheral blood leukocytes stimulated with polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid
      (PolyI:C) or lipopolysaccharides (LPS). The fPKRs were highly expressed in the
      skin and fPKR2 was significantly induced in PBLs by PolyI:C but not by LPS. The
      fPKRs inhibited translation of a luciferase reporter gene in a dose-dependent
      manner and induced transcriptional activity of a mammalian NFkappaB luciferase
      reporter. These results demonstrate that two PKRs in a single species can both be
      independently, but not equally, functional and support the hypothesis that fish
      PKRs have roles in the innate immune response similar to those of mammalian PKRs.

PMID- 22056499
TI  - A second copper zinc superoxide dismutase (CuZnSOD) in the blue crab Callinectes
      sapidus: cloning and up-regulated expression in the hemocytes after immune
      challenge.
AB  - The full-length cDNA (1362 nucleotides, GenBank JF736621) encoding an
      extracellular copper zinc superoxide dismutase initially isolated from an EST
      library of the blue crab Callinectes sapidus was characterized using 3' RACE and
      named Cas-ecCuZnSOD-2. The open reading frame of Cas-ecCuZnSOD-2 contains 203
      deduced amino acids with the conserved active catalytic center for copper and
      zinc binding and the post-translational modification at two putative N
      glycosylation and nine phosphorylation sites. Overall, the deduced amino acids of
      Cas-ecCuZnSOD-2 shared only 35% sequence identity with that of Cas-ecCuZnSOD
      (GenBank AF264031) which was previously found in C. sapidus, while it showed ~75%
      sequence identity to Scylla paramamosain ecCuZnSOD (GenBank FJ774661). The
      expression profile of Cas-ecCuZnSOD-2 and the other three C. sapidus SODs:
      ecCuZn, cytMn- and mitMn SODs was largely ubiquitous among the tested tissues
      obtained from a juvenile female at intermolt: brain, eyestalk ganglia,
      pericardial organs, and thoracic ganglia complex (nervous system); hepatopancreas
      (digestive system); heart, artery and hemocytes (circulatory system); gill and
      antennal gland (excretory system), hypodermis, and Y-organ (endocrine organ). Our
      study reports, for the first time in the crustaceans, expression analyses for all
      four Cas-SODs in hemocytes after immune challenges. Crabs challenged with
      lipopolysaccharides (LPS) injection had a remarkable induction of Cas-ecCuZnSOD-2
      expression along with three other SODs in hemocytes, suggesting that Cas-SODs
      including Cas-ecCuZnSOD-2 are involved in the defense system, possibly innate
      immunity and immunocompetency of C. sapidus.

PMID- 22056500
TI  - Molecular characterisation and expression analysis of a fish-egg lectin in rock
      bream, and its response to bacterial or viral infection.
AB  - A fish-egg lectin, RbFEL, was identified from rock bream (Oplegnathus fasciatus)
      and its expression analysed. In both vertebrates and invertebrates, carbohydrate
      binding proteins (lectins) play an important role in innate immunity against
      microbial invasion. Here, we report the cloning of a fish-egg lectin from rock
      bream using a combination of expression sequence tag (EST) analyses. The full
      length cDNA of RbFEL is composed of 1512-bp with a 780-bp ORF that encodes 259
      amino acid residues. The deduced polypeptide exhibits six conserved residues of
      the FEL family. All cysteine positions in each domain were completely conserved.
      Reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR analysis of the tissues revealed
      that RbFEL mRNA was abundantly expressed in liver, moderately expressed in head
      kidney and rarely expressed in other tissues. Expression analyses of time series
      sampled fertilised eggs showed that expression gradually increased 1, 3, 12, 24
      and 36 h after fertilisation. In addition, RbFEL expression was significantly up
      regulated in rock bream challenged with Edwardsiella tarda, Streptococcus iniae
      and red sea bream iridovirus (RSIV). These results suggest that RbFEL is a member
      of the egg-lectin family and is involved in the innate immune response in rock
      bream.

PMID- 22056501
TI  - Replication of five prostate cancer loci identified in an Asian population-
      results from the NCI Breast and Prostate Cancer Cohort Consortium (BPC3).
AB  - BACKGROUND: A recent genome-wide association study (GWAS) of prostate cancer in a
      Japanese population identified five novel regions not previously discovered in
      other ethnicities. In this study, we attempt to replicate these five loci in a
      series of nested prostate cancer case-control studies of European ancestry.
      METHODS: We genotyped five single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP): rs13385191
      (chromosome 2p24), rs12653946 (5p15), rs1983891 (6p21), rs339331 (6p22), and
      rs9600079 (13q22), in 7,956 prostate cancer cases and 8,148 controls from a
      series of nested case-control studies within the National cancer Institute Breast
      and Prostate Cancer Cohort Consortium (BPC3). We tested each SNP for association
      with prostate cancer risk and assessed whether associations differed with respect
      to disease severity and age of onset. RESULTS: Four SNPs (rs13385191, rs12653946,
      rs1983891, and rs339331) were significantly associated with prostate cancer risk
      (P values ranging from 0.01 to 1.1 * 10(-5)). Allele frequencies and ORs were
      overall lower in our population of European descent than in the discovery Asian
      population. SNP rs13385191 (C2orf43) was only associated with low-stage disease
      (P = 0.009, case-only test). No other SNP showed association with disease
      severity or age of onset. We did not replicate the 13q22 SNP, rs9600079 (P =
      0.62). CONCLUSIONS: Four SNPs associated with prostate cancer risk in an Asian
      population are also associated with prostate cancer risk in men of European
      descent. IMPACT: This study illustrates the importance of evaluation of prostate
      cancer risk markers across ethnic groups.

PMID- 22056502
TI  - Fine-mapping CASP8 risk variants in breast cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Multiple genome-wide and candidate gene association studies have been
      conducted in search of common risk variants for breast cancer. Recent large meta
      analyses, consolidating evidence from these studies, have been consistent in
      highlighting the caspase-8 (CASP8) gene as important in this regard. To define a
      risk haplotype and map the CASP8 gene region with respect to underlying
      susceptibility variant/s, we screened four genes in the CASP8 region on 2q33-q34
      for breast cancer risk. METHODS: Two independent data sets from the United
      Kingdom and the United States, including 3,888 breast cancer cases and controls,
      were genotyped for 45 tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (tSNP) in the
      expanded CASP8 region. SNP and haplotype association tests were carried out using
      Monte Carlo-based methods. RESULTS: We identified a three-SNP haplotype across
      rs3834129, rs6723097, and rs3817578 that was significantly associated with breast
      cancer (P < 5 * 10(-6)), with a dominant risk ratio and 95% CI of 1.28 (1.21
      1.35) and frequency of 0.29 in controls. Evidence for this risk haplotype was
      extremely consistent across the two study sites and also consistent with previous
      data. CONCLUSION: This three-SNP risk haplotype represents the best
      characterization so far of the chromosome upon which the susceptibility variant
      resides. IMPACT: Characterization of the risk haplotype provides a strong
      foundation for resequencing efforts to identify the underlying risk variant,
      which may prove useful for individual-level risk prediction, and provide novel
      insights into breast carcinogenesis.

PMID- 22056503
TI  - Early-life factors and breast cancer risk in Hispanic women: the role of
      adolescent body size.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adult body size has long been known to influence breast cancer risk,
      and there is now increasing evidence that childhood and adolescent body size may
      also play a role. METHODS: We assessed the association with body size at ages 10,
      15, and 20 years in 475 premenopausal and 775 postmenopausal Hispanic women who
      participated in a population-based case-control study of breast cancer conducted
      from 1995 to 2004 in the San Francisco Bay Area. We used unconditional logistic
      regression to estimate ORs and 95% CIs for the associations with self-reported
      relative weight compared with peers and body build at ages 10, 15, and 20 years.
      RESULTS: In premenopausal women, we found inverse associations with relative
      weight compared with peers, with ORs of 0.63 (P(trend) = 0.05), 0.31 (P(trend) <
      0.01), and 0.44 (P(trend) = 0.02) for heavier versus lighter weight at ages 10,
      15, and 20 years, respectively. These inverse associations were stronger in
      currently overweight women and U.S.-born women and did not differ significantly
      for case groups defined by estrogen receptor status. In postmenopausal women, not
      currently using hormone therapy, inverse associations with relative weight were
      limited to U.S.-born Hispanics. CONCLUSIONS: Large body size at a young age may
      have a long-lasting influence on breast cancer risk in premenopausal, and
      possibly postmenopausal, Hispanic women that is independent of current body mass
      index. IMPACT: These findings need to be weighed against adverse health effects
      associated with early-life obesity.

PMID- 22056504
TI  - Measured body mass index in adolescence and the incidence of colorectal cancer in
      a cohort of 1.1 million males.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The increasing prevalence of adolescent obesity affects
      adult health. We investigated the association of adolescent overweight with
      colorectal cancer incidence in a large cohort of males. METHODS: Body mass index
      (BMI) was measured in 1.1 million Jewish Israeli males who underwent a general
      health examination at ages 16 to 19 between 1967 and 2005. Overweight was defined
      as BMI >= 85th percentile of the standard U.S. distribution in adolescence.
      Colorectal cancer was identified by linkage with the Israel National Cancer
      Registry up to 2006. The mean follow-up period was 17.6 +/- 10.9 years,
      reflecting 19.5 million person-years. Cox proportional hazards modeling was used.
      RESULTS: The prevalence of adolescent overweight increased from 9.9% to 16.8% in
      the first 10 and last 10 annual examination cohorts. Colon (n = 445) and rectal
      cancer (n = 193) cases were detected. Overweight predicted an increased risk of
      colon cancer [HR = 1.53; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.17-2.02, P = 0.002] but
      not of rectal cancer (HR = 1.09; 95% CI, 0.38-1.73, P = 0.72). The risk was
      greatest for nonmucinous adenocarcinoma of the colon (HR = 1.68, 95% CI, 1.26
      2.23, P = 0.001). The association of BMI >= 85th percentile with colon cancer was
      even more pronounced in analyses that were restricted to men followed until at
      least 40 years of age [N = 367,478; HR = 1.75 (95% CI, 1.33-2.3, P < 0.001)].
      CONCLUSIONS: Adolescent overweight is substantially associated with colon cancer
      incidence in young to middle-aged adults. IMPACT: These long-term sequelae add to
      the urgency to seriously address increasing childhood and adolescent obesity with
      its attendant increasing population impact.

PMID- 22056505
TI  - Fear and happiness in the eyes: an intra-cerebral event-related potential study
      from the human amygdala.
AB  - We present the response pattern of intracranial event-related potentials (ERPs)
      recorded from depth-electrodes in the human amygdala (four patients) to faces or
      face parts encoding fearful, happy or neutral expressions. The amygdala showed
      increased amplitude ERPs (from 200 to 400 ms post-stimulus) in response to the
      eye region of the face compared to whole faces and to the mouth region. In
      particular, a strong emotional valence effect was observed, both at group and at
      single-subject level, with a preferential response to fearful eyes respect to
      every other stimulus category from 200 to 400 ms after stimulus presentation. A
      preferential response to smiling eyes compared to happy faces and smiling mouths
      was also observed at group level from 300 to 400 ms post-stimulus presentation. A
      complementary time-frequency analysis was performed showing that an increase in
      the theta frequency band (4-7 Hz) accounted for the main event-related band power
      (ERBP) change during the 200-500 ms post stimulus interval. The analysis of the
      ERBPs changes according to their emotional valence showed a strong increase in
      theta ERBP to fearful eyes, which was higher respect to any other facial
      stimulus. Moreover, theta ERBP increase to "smiling eyes" was larger respect with
      that evoked by smiling mouths and whole happy faces. Minimal post-stimulus ERBPs
      changes were evoked by neutral stimuli. These data are consistent with a special
      role of the amygdala in processing facial signals, both with negative and
      positive valence, conveyed by the eye region of the face.

PMID- 22056506
TI  - Audiovisual integration in low vision individuals.
AB  - Behavioral and neurophysiological studies have shown an enhancement of visual
      perception in crossmodal audiovisual stimulation conditions, both for sensitivity
      and reaction times, when the stimulation in the two sensory modalities occurs in
      condition of space and time congruency. The purpose of the present work is to
      verify whether congruent visual and acoustic stimulations can improve the
      detection of visual stimuli in people affected by low vision. Participants were
      asked to detect the presence of a visual stimulus (yes/no task) either presented
      in isolation (i.e., unimodal visual stimulation) or simultaneously with auditory
      stimuli, which could be placed in the same spatial position (i.e., crossmodal
      congruent conditions) or in different spatial positions (i.e., crossmodal
      incongruent conditions). The results show for the first time audiovisual
      integration effects in low vision individuals. In particular, it has been
      observed a significant visual detection benefit in the crossmodal congruent as
      compared to the unimodal visual condition. This effect is selective for visual
      stimulation that occurs in the portion of visual field that is impaired, and
      disappears in the region of space in which vision is spared. Surprisingly, there
      is a marginal crossmodal benefit when the sound is presented at 16 degrees far
      from the visual stimulus. The observed crossmodal effect seems to be determined
      by the contribution of both senses to a model of optimal combination, in which
      the most reliable provides the highest contribution. These results, indicating a
      significant beneficial effect of synchronous and spatially congruent sounds in a
      visual detection task, seem very promising for the development of a
      rehabilitation approach of low vision diseases based on the principles of
      multisensory integration.

PMID- 22056507
TI  - Drive latencies in hypoglossal motoneurons indicate developmental change in the
      brainstem respiratory network.
AB  - The respiratory rhythm originates and diverges from the brainstem to drive
      thousands of motoneurons that are responsible for control of the diaphragm,
      intercostals and upper airway. These motoneurons are known to have a wide range
      of phase relationships, even within a single motoneuron pool. The proposed source
      of this rhythm, the preBotzinger complex (preBotC), responds to an array of
      developmental changes in the first days post-birth, specifically at postnatal day
      3 (P3). We hypothesize that such developmental changes in the preBotC have a
      direct effect on motoneuron phase relationships and should be detectable around
      age P3. To test our hypothesis, we obtained single- and dual-voltage-clamp
      recordings of hypoglossal motoneurons in an in vitro slice preparation. We
      introduce a novel approach to analyzing the phase relationships between
      motoneurons by using cross-correlation analysis to determine the drive latencies.
      This analysis reveals that the distribution of drive latencies undergoes a
      significant change at or before age P3. We use a computational model of the in
      vitro slice to demonstrate the observed phase differences and hypothesize that
      network heterogeneity alone may not be sufficient to explain them. Through
      simulations, we show the effects on the preBotC of different network
      characteristics such as clustering and common inputs.

PMID- 22056508
TI  - Synthesis, characterization, and finite size effects on electrical transport of
      nanoribbons of the charge density wave conductor NbSe3.
AB  - NbSe(3)  exhibits remarkable anisotropy in most of its physical properties and
      has been a model system for studies of quasi-one-dimensional charge density wave
      (CDW) phenomena. Herein, we report the synthesis, characterization, and
      electrical transport of single-crystalline NbSe(3)  nanoribbons by a facile one
      step vapour transport process involving the transport of selenium powder onto a
      niobium foil substrate. Our investigations aid the understanding of the CDW
      nature of NbSe(3)  and the growth process of the material. They also indicate
      that NbSe(3)  nanoribbons have enhanced CDW properties compared to those of the
      bulk phase due to size confinement effects, thus expanding the search for new
      mesoscopic phenomena at the nanoscale level. Single nanoribbon measurements of
      the electrical resistance as a function of temperature show charge density wave
      transitions at 59 and 141 K. We also demonstrate significant enhancement in the
      depinning effect and sliding regimes mainly attributed to finite size effects.

PMID- 22056509
TI  - Phosphorylation of the arginine/serine repeats of lamin B receptor by SRPK1
      insights from molecular dynamics simulations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Arginine/serine (RS) repeats are found in several proteins in
      metazoans with a wide variety of functions, many of which are regulated by SR
      protein kinase 1 (SRPK1)-mediated phosphorylation. Lamin B receptor (LBR) is such
      a protein implicated in chromatin anchorage to the nuclear envelope. METHODS:
      Molecular dynamics simulations were used to investigate the conformation of two
      LBR peptides containing four (human-) and five (turkey-orthologue) consecutive RS
      dipeptides, in their unphosphorylated and phosphorylated forms and of a conserved
      peptide, in isolation and in complex with SRPK1. GST pull-down assays were
      employed to study LBR interactions. RESULTS: Unphosphorylated RS repeats adopt
      short, transient helical conformations, whereas serine phosphorylation induces
      Arginine-claw-like structures. The SRSRSRSPGR peptide, overlapping with the LBR
      RS repeats, docks into the known, acidic docking groove of SRPK1, in an extended
      conformation. Phosphorylation by SRPK1 is necessary for the association of LBR
      with histone H3. CONCLUSIONS: The C-terminal region of the LBR RS domain
      constitutes a recognition platform for SRPK1, which uses the same recognition
      mechanism for LBR as for substrates with long RS domains. This docking may
      promote unfolding of the RS repeats destined to be phosphorylated.
      Phosphorylation induces Arginine-claw-like conformations, irrespective of the RS
      repeat length, that may facilitate interactions with basic partners. GENERAL
      SIGNIFICANCE: Our results shed light on the conformational preferences of an
      important class of repeats before and after their phosphorylation and support the
      idea that even short RS domains may be constituents of recognition platforms for
      SRPK1, thus adding to knowledge towards a full understanding of their
      phosphorylation mechanism.

PMID- 22056510
TI  - Terminal differentiation program of skeletal myogenesis is negatively regulated
      by O-GlcNAc glycosylation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: O-Linked beta-N-acetylglucosaminylation (O-GlcNAcylation) on the
      Ser/Thr residue of nucleocytoplasmic proteins is a dynamic post-translational
      modification found in multicellular organisms. More than 500 proteins involved in
      a wide range of cellular functions, including cell cycle, transcription,
      epigenesis, and glucose sensing, are modified with O-GlcNAc. Although it has been
      suggested that O-GlcNAcylation is involved in the differentiation of cells in a
      lineage-specific manner, its role in skeletal myogenesis is unknown. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: A myogenesis-dependent drastic decrease in the levels of O-GlcNAcylation
      was found in mouse C2C12 myoblasts. The global decrease in O-GlcNAcylation was
      observed at the earlier stage of myogenesis, prior to myoblast fusion. Genetic or
      pharmacological inactivation of O-GlcNAcase blocked both the myogenesis-dependent
      global decrease in O-GlcNAcylation and myoblast fusion. Although inactivation of
      O-GlcNAcase affected neither cell-cycle exit nor cell survival in response to
      myogenic stimulus, it perturbed the expression of myogenic regulatory factors.
      While the expression of myod and myf5 in response to myogenic induction was not
      affected, that of myogenin and mrf4 was severely inhibited by the inactivation of
      O-GlcNAcase. CONCLUSION: These results indicate that the terminal differentiation
      program of skeletal myogenesis is negatively regulated by O-GlcNAcylation.
      GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: O-GlcNAcylation is involved in differentiation in a cell
      lineage-dependent manner, and a decrease in O-GlcNAcylation may have a common
      role in the differentiation of cells of muscle lineage.

PMID- 22056511
TI  - Protective effects of allopurinol against acute liver damage and cirrhosis
      induced by carbon tetrachloride: modulation of NF-kappaB, cytokine production and
      oxidative stress.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this work was to evaluate the hepatoprotective ability of
      allopurinol to prevent the liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)).
      METHODS: Acute liver damage was induced with CCl(4) (4g/kg, by gavage);
      allopurinol (50mg/kg, by gavage) was given 1h before and 1h after CCl(4)
      intoxication and two daily doses for the previous three days. Cirrhosis was
      established by CCl(4) administration (0.4g/kg, i. p. three times a week, eight
      weeks); allopurinol was administered (100mg/kg, by gavage, daily) during the long
      term of CCl(4) treatment. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl
      transpeptidase (gamma-GTP), xanthine oxidase (XO), lipid peroxidation, reduced
      and oxidized glutathione (GSH, GSSG, respectively), hydroxyproline and
      histopathologycal analysis were performed. Nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB), pro
      inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines, transforming growth factor-beta
      (TGF-beta) and metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) were analyzed by Western blots.
      RESULTS: Acute injury increased ALT and gamma-GTP activities, additionally
      enhanced NF-kappaB nuclear translocation and cytokines production such as tumor
      necrosis factor-alpha, interleukine-1beta, and interleukine-6. Allopurinol
      partially prevented these effects, while increased interleukine-10. Acute and
      chronic CCl(4) treatments altered the levels of XO activity, lipid peroxidation,
      and GSH/GSSG ratio, while these remained within normal range with allopurinol
      administration. Necrosis, fibrosis and TGF-beta production induced in chronic
      injury were partially prevented by allopurinol, interestingly, this drug induced
      MMP-13 activity. CONCLUSIONS: Allopurinol possesses antioxidant, anti
      inflammatory and antifibrotic properties, probably by its capacity to reduce NF
      kappaB nuclear translocation and TGF-beta expression, as well as to induce MMP
      13. General significance Allopurinol might be effective treatment of liver
      diseases.

PMID- 22056512
TI  - A method for the making and utility of gadolinium-labeled albumin microbubbles.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Perfluorocarbon-exposed sonicated dextrose albumin microbubbles
      (PESDA) binds scavenger receptors and can be noninvasively imaged. To enhance
      imaging, gadolinium (Gd)-labeled PESDA was developed and tested in a model of
      vascular inflammation by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). METHODS AND RESULTS:
      Purified human serum albumin (HSA) (5%) was labeled with Gd via the covalent
      binding of diethylenetriaminepentacetic acid. Abdominal aortic tissues in Sprague
      Dawley rats (n=5 per group) were analyzed by 7-T MRI and scanning electron
      microscopy to evaluate PESDA binding. Labeling-purified 5% human albumin resulted
      in an average of 16.1 Gd atoms per albumin molecule as determined by atomic
      absorption. Forty-eight hours after balloon angioplasty, aortic tissue was
      enhanced with Gd-PESDA as compared to control tissue. 7-T MRI of explanted
      tissues was sensitive to the detection of retained PESDA. Enhancement of aortic
      tissue in vivo was present albeit to a lesser extent than explanted tissue from
      the same animals. CONCLUSIONS: HSA was successfully labeled, and an albumin-based
      microbubble with Gd was synthesized. This contrast agent, Gd-PESDA, may serve as
      an additional agent for the MRI evaluation of innate inflammation and used to
      noninvasively image early vascular pathophysiologic processes. CONDENSED
      ABSTRACT: In this study, Gd-PESDA microbubbles and were synthesized and shown to
      detect the binding of these microbubbles using MRI in injured aortic tissue. The
      method for synthesizing Gd-PESDA is detailed, and the proposed utility of this
      new contrast agent is discussed.

PMID- 22056513
TI  - Neuroendocrine and metabolic activities of ghrelin gene products.
AB  - Acylated ghrelin (AG) is a 28 amino acid gastric peptide a natural ligand for the
      growth hormone secretagogue (GHS) receptor type 1a (GHS-R1a), endowed with GH
      secreting and orexigenic properties. Besides, ghrelin exerts several peripheral
      metabolic actions, including modulation of glucose homeostasis and stimulation of
      adipogenesis. Notably, AG administration causes hyperglycemia in rodents as in
      humans. Ghrelin pleiotropy is supported by a widespread expression of the ghrelin
      gene, of GHS-R1a and other unknown ghrelin binding sites. The existence of
      alternative receptors for AG, of several natural ligands for GHS-R1a and of
      acylation-independent ghrelin non-neuroendocrine activities, suggests that there
      might be a complex 'ghrelin system' not yet completely explored. Moreover, the
      patho-physiological implications of unacylated ghrelin (UAG), and obestatin (Ob),
      the other two ghrelin gene-derived peptides, need to be clarified. Within the
      next few years, we may better understand the 'ghrelin system', where we might
      envisage clinical applications.

PMID- 22056514
TI  - Histomorphological features of the pancreatic remnant as independent risk factors
      for postoperative pancreatic fistula: a matched-pairs analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Postoperative pancreatic fistula (POPF) is a major complication
      after resective pancreatic surgery. This study aimed to identify
      histomorphological features of the pancreatic remnant as independent determinants
      for the development of POPF. METHODS: Twenty-five patients, 3.6% of 696
      resections over a period of 5 years, who developed POPF were matched for age,
      gender, diagnosis, comorbidities, surgeon and procedure with 25 controls without
      POPF. Pancreatic duct size and index, fibrosis grade, fat content, edema, and
      signs of chronic and acute inflammation were measured in frozen sections of the
      resection margin and were then compared. RESULTS: The POPF rate was 12.2 and 2.6%
      after distal pancreatectomy and pancreatoduodenectomy, respectively. The POPF
      group was characterized by a longer ICU and total postoperative stay, higher rate
      of reoperations and complications. Their pancreata were softer at palpation (88
      vs. 56%). Their pancreatic duct was smaller (2.5 vs. 3.2 mm) and their pancreatic
      fat content higher (16 vs. 8%). High inter- and intralobular fat content, small
      duct size, low interlobular fibrosis grade and lack of signs of chronic
      pancreatitis were predictors of POPF development. A score including these
      parameters identified high-risk patients with a sensitivity of 92% and a
      specificity of 84%. CONCLUSION: Histomorphological features of the pancreatic
      remnant play an independent role as risk factors for the development of POPF. A
      simple histological score based on the frozen sections may already
      intraoperatively predict the risk of POPF development.

PMID- 22056515
TI  - Polysplenia syndrome.

PMID- 22056516
TI  - Thoughts on the incidence of deep organ space/surgical site abscesses following
      laparoscopy for non-complicated acute appendicitis: A new decision tree.

PMID- 22056517
TI  - Functional proton transfer pathways in the heme-copper oxidase superfamily.
AB  - Heme-copper oxidases (HCuOs) terminate the respiratory chain in mitochondria and
      most bacteria. They are transmembrane proteins that catalyse the reduction of
      oxygen and use the liberated free energy to maintain a proton-motive force across
      the membrane. The HCuO superfamily has been divided into the oxygen-reducing A-,
      B- and C-type oxidases as well as the bacterial NO reductases (NOR), catalysing
      the reduction of NO in the denitrification process. Proton transfer to the
      catalytic site in the mitochondrial-like A family occurs through two well-defined
      pathways termed the D- and K-pathways. The B, C, and NOR families differ in the
      pathways as well as the mechanisms for proton transfer to the active site and
      across the membrane. Recent structural and functional investigations, focussing
      on proton transfer in the B, C and NOR families will be discussed in this review.

PMID- 22056518
TI  - The fictile coordination chemistry of cuprous-thiolate sites in copper
      chaperones.
AB  - Copper plays vital roles in the active sites of cytochrome oxidase and in several
      other enzymes essential for human health. Copper is also highly toxic when
      dysregulated; because of this an elaborate array of accessory proteins have
      evolved which act as intracellular carriers or chaperones for the copper ions. In
      most cases chaperones transport cuprous copper. This review discusses some of the
      chemistry of these copper sites, with a view to some of the structural factors in
      copper coordination which are important in the biological function of these
      chaperones. The coordination chemistry and accessible geometries of the cuprous
      oxidation state are remarkably plastic and we discuss how this may relate to
      biological function. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled:
      Biogenesis/Assembly of Respiratory Enzyme Complexes.

PMID- 22056519
TI  - Different motion cues are used to estimate time-to-arrival for frontoparallel and
      looming trajectories.
AB  - Estimation of time-to-arrival for moving objects is critical to obstacle
      interception and avoidance, as well as to timing actions such as reaching and
      grasping moving objects. The source of motion information that conveys arrival
      time varies with the trajectory of the object raising the question of whether
      multiple context-dependent mechanisms are involved in this computation. To
      address this question we conducted a series of psychophysical studies to measure
      observers' performance on time-to-arrival estimation when object trajectory was
      specified by angular motion ("gap closure" trajectories in the frontoparallel
      plane), looming (colliding trajectories, TTC) or both (passage courses, TTP). We
      measured performance of time-to-arrival judgments in the presence of irrelevant
      motion, in which a perpendicular motion vector was added to the object
      trajectory. Data were compared to models of expected performance based on the use
      of different components of optical information. Our results demonstrate that for
      gap closure, performance depended only on the angular motion, whereas for TTC and
      TTP, both angular and looming motion affected performance. This dissociation of
      inputs suggests that gap closures are mediated by a separate mechanism than that
      used for the detection of time-to-collision and time-to-passage. We show that
      existing models of TTC and TTP estimation make systematic errors in predicting
      subject performance, and suggest that a model which weights motion cues by their
      relative time-to-arrival provides a better account of performance.

PMID- 22056520
TI  - Meiotic silencing by unpaired DNA is expressed more strongly in the early than
      the late perithecia of crosses involving most wild-isolated Neurospora crassa
      strains and in self-crosses of N. tetrasperma.
AB  - Meiotic silencing by unpaired DNA is a presumed RNAi-mediated elimination of the
      transcripts of any gene that is not properly paired with a homolog in meiosis.
      Eighty wild-isolated strains of Neurospora crassa were classified into three
      types based on the apparent strength of meiotic silencing of the bml (beta
      tubulin) and mei-3 genes in crosses with the ::Bml(r) and ::mei-3 tester strains.
      "OR" and "Sad" type wild-isolates, respectively, did or did not silence both the
      genes, whereas the "Esm" type (68 strains) silenced bml but not mei-3(+),
      suggesting an intermediate strength of silencing. Many wild strains, especially
      of the Esm type, gave fertile crosses with strains bearing the 148 kbp chromosome
      segment duplication Dp(EB4) but their crosses with the 405 kbp Dp(IBj5) were
      barren. Larger Dps might include more genes whose sensitivity to silencing is
      comparable with that of bml, consequently their crosses with the OR and Esm type
      strains would be about equally barren, whereas small Dps, with presumably few or
      no bml-like genes suffer little gene silencing in crosses with Esm and Sad
      strains and thus remain fertile. Using lollipop-shaped asci as indicators of
      silencing in crosses of the ::act tester with Esm type strains, and white-spored
      asci in Neurospora tetrasperma self-crosses heterozygous for an ectopic insertion
      of the asm-1 gene, we found that meiotic silencing was expressed more strongly in
      the early but not in the late perithecia of these crosses.

PMID- 22056521
TI  - Accumulation of P-bodies in Candida albicans under different stress and
      filamentous growth conditions.
AB  - Candida albicans is an opportunistic fungal pathogen that grows as budding yeast,
      pseudohyphal, and hyphal forms. In response to external signals, C. albicans
      switches rapidly among these forms. mRNA-containing cytoplasmic granules, termed
      processing bodies (P-bodies), have been reported to accumulate under various
      environmental stress conditions in diverse species from yeast to mammals. Here,
      we provide the first microscopic and genetic characterization of P-bodies in C.
      albicans. The core components of P-bodies, including the decapping machinery
      (Dcp2 and Dhh1), 5'-3' exoribonuclease (Kem1/Xrn1), and the P-body scaffolding
      protein (Edc3), were identified and their localizations with respect to P-bodies
      were demonstrated. Various growth conditions, including glucose deprivation,
      hyperosmotic stress, and heat stress, stimulated the accumulation of P-bodies. In
      addition, we observed P-body aggregation during hyphal development. The deletion
      mutant strain edc3/edc3 had a defect in filamentation and exhibited a dramatic
      reduction in the number of P-bodies. These results suggest that Edc3 plays an
      essential role in the assembly and maintenance of P-bodies in C. albicans, and
      that the switch to filamentous growth appears to accompany P-body accumulation.

PMID- 22056522
TI  - A heme peroxidase of the ascomyceteous lichen Leptogium saturninum oxidizes high
      redox potential substrates.
AB  - Lichens belonging to the order Peltigerales display strong activity of multi
      copper oxidases (e.g. tyrosinase) as well as heme-containing peroxidases. The
      lichen peroxidase was purified to homogeneity from the thallus of Leptogium
      saturninum (LsaPOX) by fast protein liquid chromatography and then partially
      characterized. The oligomeric protein occurs as both 79 kDa dimeric and 42 kDa
      monomeric forms, and displayed broad substrate specificity. In addition to an
      ability to oxidize classic peroxidase substrates (e.g. 2,6-dimethoxyphenol), the
      enzyme could convert recalcitrant compounds such as synthetic dyes (e.g. Azure B
      and Reactive Blue 5), 4-nitrophenol and non-phenolic methoxylated aromatics (e.g.
      veratryl alcohol). Comparing LsaPOX with a basidiomycete dye-decolorizing (DyP)
      type peroxidase from Auricularia auricula-judae showed that the lichen enzyme has
      a high-redox potential, with oxidation capabilities ranging between those of
      known plant and fungal peroxidases. Internal peptide fragments show homology (up
      to 60%) with putative proteins from free-living ascomycetes (e.g. Penicillium
      marneffei and Neosartorya fischeri), but not to sequences of algal or
      cyanobacterial peptides or to known fungal, bacterial or plant peroxidases.
      LsaPOX is the first heme peroxidase purified from an ascomyceteous lichen that
      may help the organism to successfully exploit the extreme micro-environments in
      which they often grow.

PMID- 22056523
TI  - Comment on: "Association between subclinical hypothyroidism and severe diabetic
      retinopathy in Korean patients with type 2 diabetes".

PMID- 22056524
TI  - [Reduction of muscle mass mediated by myostatin in an experimental model of
      pulmonary emphysema].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Among the extrapulmonary manifestations of COPD, dysfunction and
      loss of muscle mass/weight are those that have the greatest impact on the quality
      of life of patients. Our objective was to evaluate the molecular mechanisms that
      are potentially implicated in the limited development of muscle mass in the
      diaphragm and gastrocnemius of mice with experimentally-induced emphysema.
      METHODS: An experimental model in mice, in which emphysema was induced by means
      of the local instillation of elastase (n=6), while saline was administered to the
      controls (n=7). We determined the levels of oxidative stress, proteolytic
      systems, signaling pathways, growth factors and cell differentiation (western
      blot) in the diaphragm and gastrocnemius of all the mice after 34 weeks. RESULTS:
      Upon comparing the mice with emphysema with the controls, the following findings
      were observed: (1) lower total body weight and lower weight of the diaphragm and
      gastrocnemius; (2) in the diaphragm, the levels of protein oxidation were
      increased, the mitochondrial antioxidant systems reduced, the levels of myostatin
      and of the ERK1/2 and FoxO1 signaling pathways were higher, and the myosin
      content was lower (67%); and (3) in the gastrocnemius of the emphysematous mice,
      the cytosolic antioxidants were decreased and the levels of myostatin and of the
      JNK and NF-kB signaling pathways were increased. CONCLUSIONS: The reduction of
      the myosin content observed in the diaphragm of mice with emphysema could explain
      their smaller size. Oxidative stress, myostatin and FoxO could be implicated in
      the loss of this structural protein.

PMID- 22056525
TI  - In vivo imaging of bile accumulation and biliary infarction after common bile
      duct ligation in rats.
AB  - Obstructive cholestasis is caused by mechanical constriction or occlusion leading
      to reduced bile flow. Serious complications such as jaundice and even death may
      follow. Little is known about the initial phase of cholestasis and its
      consequences for the hepatic microarchitecture. This in vivo study aimed to
      characterize the nature and kinetics of developing obstructive cholestasis and
      focused on areas with biliary stasis and infarction by visualizing the
      autofluorescence of bile acids using intravital microscopy of the liver over a
      period of 30 h after bile duct ligation in rats. The innovation resided in
      performing fluorescence microscopy without applying fluorescent dyes. In animals
      subjected to obstructive cholestasis, the most significant changes observed in
      vivo were the concomitant appearance of (1) areas with bile accumulation
      increasing in size (6 h: 0.163 +/- 0.043, 18 h: 0.180 +/- 0.086, 30 h: 0.483 +/-
      0.176 mm(2)/field) and (2) areas with biliary infarction (6 h: 0.011 +/- 0.006,
      18 h: 0.010 +/- 0.004, 30 h: 0.010 +/- 0.050 mm(2)/field) as well as (3) a
      relation between the formation of hepatic lesions and enzyme activity in serum.
      The sequential in vivo analysis presented herein is a new method for the in vivo
      visualization of the very early changes in the hepatic parenchyma caused by
      obstructive cholestasis.

PMID- 22056526
TI  - Coating conditions matter to collagen matrix formation regarding von Willebrand
      factor and platelet binding.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Von Willebrand factor (VWF) and platelet binding needs a uniform
      collagen matrix therefore we aimed to find an optimal condition for the
      preparation of human type-I and type-III collagen matrices. METHOD: The effects
      of pH, salt and ligand concentration and binding time were tested when collagen
      matrices were prepared by adsorption. Surface-bound collagen and collagen-bound
      VWF measured by specific antibodies. Platelet adhesion was tested under flow
      conditions at a shear rate of 1800s(-1) for 2 min. Matrices and platelets were
      visualized by atomic force and scanning electron microscope. RESULTS: The extent
      of human collagens type-I and III binding to the surface was 10 and 4 times
      greater and binding was maximal under 8-16 hours, when coated from physiological
      buffer solution versus acid solution. Collagen fibrils were more developed and
      platelet adhesion was higher, with more organized and denser aggregates. VWF
      binding was parallel to the surface bound collagen in both collagen types.
      CONCLUSION: Collagen coating of surfaces for VWF binding and platelet adhesion
      studies is very variable from acid solution. Our experiments provide evidences
      that neutralizing the acid and adding NaCl in physiological concentration,
      thereby facilitating formation of collagen fibril molecules in solution, results
      in efficient coating of human type-I and type III collagens, which then bind
      normal VWF equally well.

PMID- 22056527
TI  - Nanoimprint of dehydrated PEDOT:PSS for organic photovoltaics.
AB  - We demonstrate the fabrication of poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)
      poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) nanogratings by a dehydration-assisted
      nanoimprint lithographic technique. Dehydration of PEDOT:PSS increases its
      cohesion to protect the nanostructures formed by nanoimprinting during demolding,
      resulting in the formation of high quality nanogratings of 60 nm in height, 70 nm
      in width and 70 nm in spacing (aspect ratio of 0.86). PEDOT:PSS nanogratings are
      used as hole transport and an electron blocking layer in blended poly(3
      hexylthiophene-2,5-diyl) (P3HT):[6,6]-penyl-C61-butyric-acid-methyl-ester (PCBM)
      organic photovoltaic devices (OPV), showing enhancement of photocurrent and power
      efficiency in comparison to OPV devices with non-patterned PEDOT:PSS films.

PMID- 22056528
TI  - A microPET study of the regional distribution of [11C]-PK11195 binding following
      temporary focal cerebral ischemia in the rat. Correlation with post mortem
      mapping of microglia activation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Post-stroke microglial activation (MA) may have both neurotoxic and
      pro-repair effects, particularly in the salvaged penumbra. Mapping MA in vivo is
      therefore an important goal. 11C-PK11195, a ligand for the 18 kDa translocator
      protein, is the reference radioligand for MA imaging, but a correlation between
      the regional distributions of in vivo tracer binding and post mortem MA after
      stroke, as assessed with PET and immunohistochemistry, respectively, has not been
      demonstrated so far. Here we performed 11C-PK11195 microPET in a rat model
      previously shown to induce extensive cortical MA, and determined the correlation
      between 11C-PK11195 and immunostaining with the CD11 antibody OX42, so as to
      verify the presence of activated microglia, in a template of PET-resolution size
      regions-of-interest (ROIs) spanning the whole affected hemisphere. METHODS: Adult
      spontaneously hypertensive rats underwent 45 min distal middle cerebral artery
      occlusion and 11C-PK11195 PET at Days 2 and 14 after stroke according to a
      longitudinal design. Following perfusion-fixation at Day 14, brains were removed
      and coronally cut for OX42 staining. 11C-PK11195 binding potential (BPND)
      parametric maps were generated, and in each rat both BP(ND) and OX42
      (intensity*extent score) were obtained in the same set of 44 ROIs extracted from
      a cytoarchitectonic atlas to cover the whole hemisphere. Correlations were
      computed across the 44 ROIs both within and across subjects. RESULTS: Significant
      BPND increases were observed in both the infarct and surrounding areas in all
      rats at day 14; less strong but still significant increases were present at day
      2. There were highly significant (all p<0.001) positive correlations, both within
      and across-subjects, between day 14 BPND values and OX42 scores. CONCLUSIONS:
      The correlation between Day 14 11C-PK11195 and OX42 across the affected
      hemisphere from the same brain regions and animals further supports the validity
      of 11C-PK11195 as an in vivo imaging marker of MA following stroke. The finding
      of statistically significant increases in 11C-PK11195 as early as 48 h after
      stroke is novel. These results have implications for mapping MA after stroke,
      with potential therapeutic applications.

PMID- 22056529
TI  - The influence of spontaneous activity on stimulus processing in primary visual
      cortex.
AB  - Spontaneous activity in the resting human brain has been studied extensively;
      however, how such activity affects the local processing of a sensory stimulus is
      relatively unknown. Here, we examined the impact of spontaneous activity in
      primary visual cortex on neuronal and behavioural responses to a simple visual
      stimulus, using functional MRI. Stimulus-evoked responses remained essentially
      unchanged by spontaneous fluctuations, combining with them in a largely linear
      fashion (i.e., with little evidence for an interaction). However, interactions
      between spontaneous fluctuations and stimulus-evoked responses were evident
      behaviourally; high levels of spontaneous activity tended to be associated with
      increased stimulus detection at perceptual threshold. Our results extend those
      found in studies of spontaneous fluctuations in motor cortex and higher order
      visual areas, and suggest a fundamental role for spontaneous activity in stimulus
      processing.

PMID- 22056530
TI  - Quantitative PET analyses of regional [11C]PE2I binding to the dopamine
      transporter--application to juvenile myoclonic epilepsy.
AB  - The dopamine transporter (DAT) is of central interest in research on the
      pathophysiology and treatment of neuro-psychiatric disorders. [(11)C]PE2I is an
      established radioligand that provides high-contrast delineation of brain regions
      that are rich in DAT. The aim of the present PET study in eight patients with
      juvenile myoclonic epilepsy (JME) was to evaluate the kinetics of [(11)C]PE2I in
      the brain and to compare binding parameters with those of age-matched control
      subjects (n = 6). Each patient participated in 90-minute PET measurements with
      [(11)C]PE2I. Data were analyzed using kinetic compartment analyses with
      metabolite-corrected arterial plasma input and reference tissue models using the
      cerebellum as a reference region. The time-activity curves were well described by
      the two-tissue compartment model (2TCM) for the DAT-rich regions. The 2TCM with
      fixed K(1)/k(2) ratio derived from the cerebellum provided robust and reliable
      estimates of binding potential (BP(ND)) and total distribution volume (V(T)). The
      reference tissue models also provided robust estimates of BP(ND), although they
      gave lower BP(ND) values than the kinetic analysis. Compared with those of
      control subjects, we found that BP(ND) values obtained by all approaches were
      reduced in the midbrain of the patients with JME. The finding indicates impaired
      dopamine uptake in the midbrain of JME patients. The three-tissue compartment
      model could best describe uptake in the cerebellum, indicating that two
      kinetically distinguishable compartments exist in cerebellar tissue, which may
      correspond to nonspecific binding and the blood-brain barrier passing metabolite.
      The reference tissue models should be applied with better understanding of the
      biochemical nature of the radioligand and the reliability of these approaches.

PMID- 22056531
TI  - The future of functionally-related structural change assessment.
AB  - The brain is continually changing its function and structure in response to
      changing environmental demands. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods can be
      used to repeatedly scan the same individuals over time and in this way have
      provided powerful tools for assessing such brain change. Functional MRI has
      provided important insights into changes that occur with learning or recovery but
      this review will focus on the complementary information that can be provided by
      structural MRI methods. Structural methods have been powerful in indicating when
      and where changes occur in both gray and white matter with learning and recovery.
      However, the measures that we derive from structural MRI are typically ambiguous
      in biological terms. An important future challenge is to develop methods that
      will allow us to determine precisely what has changed.

PMID- 22056532
TI  - Bleeding risk secondary to deep vein thrombosis prophylaxis in patients with
      lower gastrointestinal bleeding.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) continue to
      pose a major burden on the health care system in the United States. The precise
      timing of anticoagulation initiation in critically ill patients with recent or
      active lower gastrointestinal bleeding (LGIB) is not well defined. We set out to
      study the safety and efficacy of early heparin administration for DVT prophylaxis
      in these patients. METHODS: A review of all patients admitted to the ICU with a
      diagnosis of LGIB over a 13-year period was performed. A total of 60 patients
      received subcutaneous heparin along with mechanical prophylaxis, whereas 59
      patients had intermittent pneumatic compression devices alone. RESULTS: There was
      no difference in morbidity or mortality between the groups who received heparin
      and the nonheparin cohort. Neither of the groups developed a DVT or PE during the
      study period. Patients who received heparin had a median ICU LOS of 3 days, when
      compared with 2 days for patients who did not receive heparin (P < .0118). There
      was a significant association between units of blood received during the first 24
      hours in the ICU and heparin usage (P < .0229). Those administered heparin
      received more units (median 3) than those who did not receive heparin (median 2).
      CONCLUSIONS: Administration of subcutaneous heparin increases the transfusion
      requirements and LOS in ICU patients with LGIB. After 24 hours, however, the
      blood transfusion requirements are equivalent. DVT prophylaxis in patients with a
      diagnosis of LGIB should be initiated after 24 hours of ICU admission.

PMID- 22056533
TI  - Further assessment of neuropathology in retinal explants and neuroprotection by
      human neural progenitor cells.
AB  - Explanted rat retinas show progressive photoreceptor degeneration that appears to
      be caspase-12-dependent. Decrease in photoreceptor density eventually affects the
      inner retina, particularly in the bipolar cell population. Explantation and the
      induced photoreceptor degeneration are accompanied by activation of Muller and
      microglia cells. The goal of this study was to determine whether the presence of
      a feeder layer of human neural progenitor cells (hNPCs) could suppress the
      degenerative and reactive changes in the explants. Immunohistochemical analyses
      showed considerable sprouting of rod photoreceptor axon terminals into the inner
      retina and reduced densities of cone and rod bipolar cells. Both sprouting and
      bipolar cell degenerations were significantly lower in retinas cultured with
      feeder layer cells compared to cultured controls. A tendency toward reduced
      microglia activation in the retinal layers was also noted in the presence of
      feeder layer cells. These results indicate that hNPCs or factors produced by them
      can limit the loss of photoreceptors and secondary injuries in the inner retina.
      The latter may be a consequence of disrupted synaptic arrangement.

PMID- 22056534
TI  - Toxicity after reirradiation of pulmonary tumours with stereotactic body
      radiotherapy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess toxicity and feasibility of reirradiation with stereotactic
      body radiotherapy (SBRT) after prior lung SBRT for primary lung cancer or lung
      metastases. PATIENTS AND MATERIALS: Twenty-nine patients reirradiated with SBRT
      on 32 lung lesions (11 central, 21 peripheral) were retrospectively reviewed.
      Median follow-up time was 12 months (range 1-97). The primary endpoint was
      toxicity, secondary endpoints were local control and overall survival time.
      Toxicity was scored according to the NCI-CTCAE version 3. RESULTS: Grade 3-4
      toxicity was scored 14 times in eight patients. Three patients died because of
      massive bleeding (grade 5). Larger clinical target volumes (CTV) and central
      tumour localization were associated with more severe toxicity. There was no
      correlation between mean lung dose (MLD) and lung toxicity. Local control at 5
      months after reirradiation was 52%, as assessed by CT-scan (n=12) or X-thorax
      (n=3). A larger CTV was associated with poorer local control. Kaplan-Meier
      estimated 1- and 2-year survival rates were 59% and 43%, respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS: Reirradiation with SBRT is feasible although increased risk of
      toxicity was reported in centrally located tumours. Further research is warranted
      for more accurate selection of patients suitable for reirradiation with SBRT.

PMID- 22056535
TI  - Outcomes of stereotactic ablative radiotherapy following a clinical diagnosis of
      stage I NSCLC: comparison with a contemporaneous cohort with pathologically
      proven disease.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: As a finding of benign disease is uncommon in Dutch patients
      undergoing surgery after a clinical diagnosis of stage I NSCLC, patients are also
      accepted for stereotactic ablative radiotherapy (SABR) without pathology. We
      studied outcomes in patients who underwent SABR after either a pathological
      (n=209) or clinical diagnosis (N=382). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Five hundred and
      ninety-one patients with a single pulmonary lesion underwent SABR after either a
      pathological- or a clinical diagnosis of stage I NSCLC based on a (18)FDG-PET
      positive lesion with CT features of malignancy. SABR was delivered to a total
      dose of 60Gy in 3, 5 or 8 fractions, and outcomes were compared between groups
      with and without pathological diagnosis. RESULTS: Patients with pathology had
      significantly larger tumor diameters (p<.001) and higher predicted FEV1% values
      (p=.025). No significant differences were observed between both groups in overall
      survival (p=.99) or local control (p=.98). Regional and distant recurrence rates
      were also similar. CONCLUSIONS: In a population with a low incidence of benign
      (18)FDG-PET positive lung nodules, clinical SABR outcomes were similar in large
      groups of patients with or without pathology. The survival benefits reported
      after the introduction of SABR are unlikely to be biased by inclusion of benign
      lesions.

PMID- 22056536
TI  - Is involved-field radiotherapy based on CT safe for patients with limited-stage
      small-cell lung cancer?
AB  - PURPOSE: To examine the pattern of failures in patients with limited-stage small
      cell lung cancer (LS-SCLC) treated with involved-field radiotherapy (IFRT) and
      chemotherapy, with the aim of investigating the safety of IFRT. METHODS AND
      MATERIALS: Two consecutive clinical phase II trials in patients with LS-SCLC
      conducted in our center from 1997 to 2010 were reviewed retrospectively. Both
      trials had the same inclusion criteria. All patients (n=108) received combined
      chemotherapy and thoracic radiotherapy. Only the primary tumor and involved
      lymphatic regions based on computed tomography (CT) scan were irradiated.
      Isolated nodal failure (INF) was defined as a failure in an initially uninvolved
      lymph node region in the absence of local recurrence or distant metastasis.
      RESULTS: With a median follow-up of 21 months, 78 patients experienced treatment
      failures. Out of 28 patients with local-regional recurrences, 16 in-field, 10 out
      of-field, and 2 both in-field and out-of-field recurrences were observed. INF
      occurred in 5 patients (4.6%), all in the ipsilateral supraclavicular area. Four
      patients developed simultaneously supraclavicular nodal failures and distant
      metastases. The median overall survival was 27 months (95% confidence interval,
      24-30 months) and the median progression-free survival was 16 months (95%
      confidence interval, 12-21 months). For the 5 patients with INF, the median time
      to INF from the end of thoracic radiotherapy was 5 months (range, 1-18 months).
      CONCLUSIONS: IFRT based on CT scan in our patients resulted in a low rate of INF
      (4.6%), all in the ipsilateral supraclavicular area; but another four
      supraclavicular nodal failures with simultaneously distant metastases were also
      observed. The modern imaging with higher diagnostic capabilities of lymph node
      especially for supraclavicular area should be incorporated in the assessment of
      LS-SCLC when IFRT is being contemplated.

PMID- 22056537
TI  - Effects of strength training versus power training on physical performance in
      prefrail community-dwelling older adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It has been unclear which training mode is most effective and
      feasible for improving physical performance in the risk group of prefrail
      community-dwelling older adults. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was
      to compare the effects of strength training (ST) versus power training (PT) on
      functional performance in prefrail older adults. This study was registered at
      clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00783159. METHODS: 69 community-dwelling older adults
      (>65 years) who were prefrail according to the definition of Fried were included
      in a 12-week exercise program. The participants were randomized into an ST group,
      a PT group and a control group. All participants were supplemented with vitamin
      D(3) orally before entering the intervention period. The primary outcome was the
      global score on the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Secondary outcomes
      were muscle power, appendicular lean mass (aLM) measured by dual energy X-ray
      absorptiometry and self-reported functional deficits (Short Form of the Late-Life
      Function and Disability Instrument, SF-LLFDI). RESULTS: Regarding changes in the
      SPPB score during the intervention, significant heterogeneity between the groups
      was observed (p = 0.023). In pair-wise comparisons, participants in both training
      groups significantly (PT: p = 0.012, ST: 0.009) increased their SPPB score (PT:
      Delta(mean) = 0.8, ST: Delta(mean) = 1.0) compared to the control group, with no
      statistical difference among training groups (p = 0.301). No statistical
      differences were found in changes in aLM (p = 0.769), muscle power (p = 0.308)
      and SF-LLFDI (p = 0.623) between the groups. Muscle power significantly increased
      (p = 0.017) under vitamin D(3) intake. CONCLUSIONS: In prefrail community
      dwelling adults, PT is not superior to ST, although both training modes resulted
      in significant improvements in physical performance. With regard to dropout
      rates, ST appears to be advantageous compared to PT. The high prevalence of
      vitamin D(3) deficiency and the slight improvement of physical performance under
      vitamin D(3) supplementation among study participants underline the relevance of
      this approach in physical exercise interventions.

PMID- 22056538
TI  - Sleep disturbance interventions in oncology patients and family caregivers: a
      comprehensive review and meta-analysis.
AB  - Sleep disturbance is a significant problem for both oncology patients and family
      caregivers (FCs), and is associated with poorer functional status, quality of
      life, and potentially disease progression. This review describes a comprehensive
      literature search and meta-analysis of the efficacy of interventions for sleep
      disturbance in oncology patients and their FCs. This search revealed 47 studies
      that evaluated the effects of a number of interventions on sleep
      disturbance/sleep quality, as a primary or secondary outcome in oncology
      patients. The primary purposes of the review were to synthesize findings from
      intervention studies for sleep disturbance in oncology patients and their FCs; to
      evaluate the efficacy of these interventions; to identify gaps in the literature;
      and to provide directions for future research. In addition, all 47 intervention
      studies were evaluated in terms of key intervention and study characteristics.
      Both strong patterns and inconsistencies were identified among the studies, which
      complicate an evaluation of the efficacy of interventions, and may collectively
      guide future research. Finally, the importance of including the FC in sleep
      disturbance interventions is discussed. In light of the detrimental effects that
      sleep disturbance has on both the patient and the FC, this systematic review may
      better inform essential future intervention efforts.

PMID- 22056539
TI  - Effects of psychosocial stress on the pattern of salivary protein release.
AB  - Previous research suggests that acute stress can increase the release of immune
      relevant proteins in saliva. However, no attempts have been made to examine a
      wider range of salivary proteins in response to stress. In this study, we
      identified and quantified changes in the pattern of salivary protein release in a
      45 min time period following the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) in 12 asthmatic
      and 13 healthy participants. Proteins were separated using sodium dodecyl sulfate
      polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. The relative protein amounts were quantified
      using the Image J software (NIH), and identified and characterized using mass
      spectroscopy. Negative affect was increased immediately after stress in both
      groups. The results showed that alpha amylase, cystatin S and light chain IgA
      were increased after the TSST and significant increases in glutathione S
      transferase and prolactin inducible protein were also observed. Asthma patients
      showed responses similar to healthy controls, but had a tendency toward overall
      lower alpha amylase levels. Our findings suggest that a variety of proteins
      relevant to mucosal immunity are elevated following acute psychosocial stress,
      including glutathione S-transferase and prolactin inducible protein, which had
      not been characterized in this context before.

PMID- 22056540
TI  - Ondansetron interferes with unconditioned lying-on belly and acquisition of
      conditioned gaping induced by LiCl as models of nausea-induced behaviors in rats.
AB  - Rats selectively display conditioned gaping reactions when re-exposed to flavours
      previously paired with nausea-inducing treatments and drugs that reduce nausea
      also reduce these reactions, suggesting that they represent a model of nausea
      induced behavior in rats. However, these reactions rely upon learning, they are
      not unconditional malaise-induced reactions. Here we compared the effectiveness
      of the anti-nausea drug, ondansetron (OND) to interfere with the establishment of
      conditioned gaping reactions and the unconditional malaise-induced reaction of
      lying on belly (LOB). Pretreatment with OND significantly reduced both LiCl
      induced LOB and conditioned gaping reactions, without modifying conditioned taste
      avoidance. The frequency of gaping and duration of LOB were highly correlated.
      These results provide additional support for the validity of the conditioned
      gaping model as a rodent model of nausea-induced behavior.

PMID- 22056541
TI  - Neural interactions at the core of phonological and semantic priming of written
      words.
AB  - Word processing is often probed with experiments where a target word is primed by
      preceding semantically or phonologically related words. Behaviorally, priming
      results in faster reaction times, interpreted as increased efficiency of
      cognitive processing. At the neural level, priming reduces the level of neural
      activation, but the actual neural mechanisms that could account for the increased
      efficiency have remained unclear. We examined whether enhanced information
      transfer among functionally relevant brain areas could provide such a mechanism.
      Neural activity was tracked with magnetoencephalography while subjects read lists
      of semantically or phonologically related words. Increased priming resulted in
      reduced cortical activation. In contrast, coherence between brain regions was
      simultaneously enhanced. Furthermore, while the reduced level of activation was
      detected in the same area and time window (superior temporal cortex [STC] at 250
      650 ms) for both phonological and semantic priming, the spatiospectral
      connectivity patterns appeared distinct for the 2 processes. Causal interactions
      further indicated a driving role for the left STC in phonological processing. Our
      results highlight coherence as a neural mechanism of priming and dissociate
      semantic and phonological processing via their distinct connectivity profiles.

PMID- 22056542
TI  - The cost-effectiveness of birth-cohort screening for hepatitis C antibody in U.S.
      primary care settings.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the United States, hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is most
      prevalent among adults born from 1945 through 1965, and approximately 50% to 75%
      of infected adults are unaware of their infection. OBJECTIVE: To estimate the
      cost-effectiveness of birth-cohort screening. DESIGN: Cost-effectiveness
      simulation. DATA SOURCES: National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, U.S.
      Census, Medicare reimbursement schedule, and published sources. TARGET
      POPULATION: Adults born from 1945 through 1965 with 1 or more visits to a primary
      care provider annually. TIME HORIZON: Lifetime. PERSPECTIVE: Societal, health
      care. INTERVENTION: One-time antibody test of 1945-1965 birth cohort. OUTCOME
      MEASURES: Numbers of cases that were identified and treated and that achieved a
      sustained viral response; liver disease and death from HCV; medical and
      productivity costs; quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs); incremental cost
      effectiveness ratio (ICER). RESULTS OF BASE-CASE ANALYSIS: Compared with the
      status quo, birth-cohort screening identified 808,580 additional cases of chronic
      HCV infection at a screening cost of $2874 per case identified. Assuming that
      birth-cohort screening was followed by pegylated interferon and ribavirin (PEG
      IFN+R) for treated patients, screening increased QALYs by 348,800 and costs by
      $5.5 billion, for an ICER of $15,700 per QALY gained. Assuming that birth-cohort
      screening was followed by direct-acting antiviral plus PEG-IFN+R treatment for
      treated patients, screening increased QALYs by 532,200 and costs by $19.0
      billion, for an ICER of $35,700 per QALY saved. RESULTS OF SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS:
      The ICER of birth-cohort screening was most sensitive to sustained viral response
      of antiviral therapy, the cost of therapy, the discount rate, and the QALY losses
      assigned to disease states. LIMITATION: Empirical data on screening and direct
      acting antiviral treatment in real-world clinical settings are scarce.
      CONCLUSION: Birth-cohort screening for HCV in primary care settings was cost
      effective. PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE: Division of Viral Hepatitis, Centers for
      Disease Control and Prevention.

PMID- 22056543
TI  - The CpG island methylator phenotype in colorectal cancer: progress and problems.
AB  - In recent years, attention has focused on the biology and potential clinical
      importance of the CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP) in colorectal cancer
      (CRC). While it is generally well accepted that etiologically and clinically
      distinct subgroups exist in this disease, a precise definition of CIMP remains to
      be established. Here, we summarize existing literature that documents the
      prevalence of CIMP in CRC, with particular attention to the various methods and
      definitions used to classify a tumor as CIMP positive. Through a systematic
      review on both case-series and population based studies, we examined only
      original research articles reporting on sporadic CRC and/or adenomas in
      unselected cases. Forty-eight papers published between January 1999 and August
      2011 met the inclusion criteria. We describe the use of multiple gene panels,
      marker threshold values, and laboratory techniques which results in a wide range
      in the prevalence of CIMP. Because there is no universal standard or consensus on
      quantifying the phenotype, establishing its true prevalence is a challenge. This
      bottleneck is becoming increasingly evident as molecular pathological
      epidemiology continues to offer possibilities for clear answers regarding
      environmental risk factors and disease trends. For the first time, large,
      unselected series of cases are available for analysis, but comparing populations
      and pooling data will remain a challenge unless a universal definition of CIMP
      and a consensus on analysis can be reached, and the primary cause of CIMP
      identified.

PMID- 22056544
TI  - Sleep deprivation and accidental fall risk in children.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To look for an association between sleep deprivation and risk of
      accidental falls (AF) in children. METHODS: A questionnaire was applied to two
      groups of children aged 1-14 years, encompassing children observed in an
      emergency room for AF (G1) and children attending health care visits (HV) (G2).
      Collected data included demographic characteristics, medical history, previous
      week's sleep pattern (PWSP), sleep duration and sleep pattern in the preceding 24
      h, mechanism of fall, and injury severity. EXCLUSION CRITERIA: acute or chronic
      disease or exposure to drugs interfering with sleep. Statistical analyses
      included Fisher's exact test, Pearson Chi-square, Fisher-Freeman-Halton test, T
      and Mann-Whitney tests for independent samples, and multivariate logistic
      regression (alpha=5%). RESULTS: We obtained 1756 questionnaires in G1 and 277 in
      G2. Of those, 834 in G1 and 267 in G2 were analyzed. We found an increased risk
      of AF in boys (OR 1.6; 95% CI 1.2-2.4). After controlling for age, gender, summer
      holidays, parental education and profession, lack of naps and PWSP were
      associated with increased risk (OR 2.1; 95% CI 1.3-3.3 and OR 2.7; 95% CI 1.2
      6.1). In 3-5 year-old children there was an association between AF and a shorter
      than usual sleep duration in the previous 24 h (p=0.02). CONCLUSIONS: To our
      knowledge, our study is the largest so far to assess the association between
      sleep deprivation and childhood injury. It evidences a protective effect of naps
      in children. Sleep duration of less than 8 h increases risk of AF. Pre-schoolers
      may be particularly susceptible to sleep deprivation.

PMID- 22056545
TI  - Discriminative value of inflammatory biomarkers for suspected sepsis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Circulating biomarkers can facilitate sepsis diagnosis, enabling
      early management and improved outcomes. Procalcitonin (PCT) has been suggested to
      have superior diagnostic utility compared to other biomarkers. STUDY OBJECTIVES:
      To define the discriminative value of PCT, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and C-reactive
      protein (CRP) for suspected sepsis. METHODS: PCT, CRP, and IL-6 were correlated
      with infection likelihood, sepsis severity, and septicemia. Multivariable models
      were constructed for length-of-stay and discharge to a higher level of care.
      RESULTS: Of 336 enrolled subjects, 60% had definite infection, 13% possible
      infection, and 27% no infection. Of those with infection, 202 presented with
      sepsis, 28 with severe sepsis, and 17 with septic shock. Overall, 21% of subjects
      were septicemic. PCT, IL6, and CRP levels were higher in septicemia (median PCT
      2.3 vs. 0.2 ng/mL; IL-6 178 vs. 72 pg/mL; CRP 106 vs. 62 mg/dL; p < 0.001).
      Biomarker concentrations increased with likelihood of infection and sepsis
      severity. Using receiver operating characteristic analysis, PCT best predicted
      septicemia (0.78 vs. IL-6 0.70 and CRP 0.67), but CRP better identified clinical
      infection (0.75 vs. PCT 0.71 and IL-6 0.69). A PCT cutoff of 0.5 ng/mL had 72.6%
      sensitivity and 69.5% specificity for bacteremia, as well as 40.7% sensitivity
      and 87.2% specificity for diagnosing infection. A combined clinical-biomarker
      model revealed that CRP was marginally associated with length of stay (p =
      0.015), but no biomarker independently predicted discharge to a higher level of
      care. CONCLUSIONS: In adult emergency department patients with suspected sepsis,
      PCT, IL-6, and CRP highly correlate with several infection parameters, but are
      inadequately discriminating to be used independently as diagnostic tools.

PMID- 22056546
TI  - Complete atrioventricular block associated with non-penetrating cardiac trauma in
      a 40-year-old man.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Myocardial contusion is a rare complication of blunt chest trauma.
      Transient conduction and rhythm problems, right ventricular dysfunction, or
      pulmonary embolism may occur after chest trauma, but these complications almost
      always occur early in the post-operative period. OBJECTIVES: The objective is to
      describe a case illustrating that trauma may induce high-grade atrioventricular
      block. CASE REPORT: We report the case of a patient who developed delayed onset
      of complete atrioventricular block after transient complete atrioventricular
      block and alternating bundle branch block secondary to blunt chest trauma.
      CONCLUSION: Even with an injury that does not seem to be caused by direct
      penetrating trauma to the heart, maybe every trauma patient needs an
      electrocardiographic evaluation. It is important to note that myocardial healing
      is a continuous process after trauma, and additional pathology may be revealed
      later in the course of healing from myocardial contusion.

PMID- 22056547
TI  - Traumatic uvulitis from a suction catheter.

PMID- 22056548
TI  - A rare cause of atrial fibrillation: mad honey intoxication.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mad honey intoxication occurs after ingestion of honey containing
      grayanotoxin. CASE REPORT: We report the case of a 36-year-old man who ingested
      mad honey and developed atrial fibrillation. DISCUSSION: Mad honey intoxication
      is often characterized by symptoms such as hypotension, bradycardia, and syncope.
      Patients may also experience gastrointestinal, neurologic, and cardiovascular
      symptoms due to intoxication. Cardiac rhythm abnormalities, including sinus
      bradycardia, atrioventricular blocks, and nodal rhythms, also may be observed. To
      our knowledge, this is the first case report of a 36-year old man developing
      atrial fibrillation with a slow ventricular response after mad honey ingestion.

PMID- 22056549
TI  - Intravenous overdose of insulin glargine without prolonged hypoglycemic effects.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Insulin glargine is a long-acting insulin that can cause prolonged
      hypoglycemia when misdosed or overdosed subcutaneously. There are no reports of
      intravenous overdoses of insulin glargine. OBJECTIVES: We present a case of a
      patient inadvertently given a large intravenous dose of insulin glargine (100
      units) who had an unremarkable course. CASE REPORT: A 46-year-old woman with a
      history of type 2 diabetes was found to be hyperglycemic and was mistakenly given
      an intravenous bolus of 100 units of insulin glargine. She did not become
      hypoglycemic, did not require parenteral dextrose, and her blood sugar readings
      stabilized within 3 h. She was admitted and observed for 17 h and discharged
      without complication. CONCLUSION: To our knowledge, this is the first report of a
      significant intravenous insulin glargine administration. This patient had an
      unremarkable course and recovered without any parenteral glucose. This case,
      along with prior studies on healthy volunteers, suggests that unlike subcutaneous
      overdoses, intravenous insulin glargine misdose/overdose may not need prolonged
      observation; an observation time of 6 h may be sufficient in these patients.

PMID- 22056550
TI  - Dislocation of the knee: an epidemic in waiting?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Knee dislocation is an uncommon but serious injury that has
      traditionally been associated with high velocity injuries such as motor vehicle
      accidents. More recently, individual cases of obese individuals sustaining knee
      dislocation from a low velocity mechanism have been noted. Associated injuries of
      knee dislocation are common and include popliteal vessel damage requiring
      surgical repair and injuries to the peroneal nerve. Prompt diagnosis and
      reduction is essential to reduce the risk of these complications. OBJECTIVES: We
      aim to highlight the importance of prompt diagnosis and management of obese
      patients presenting with knee pain after a seemingly innocuous injury who may
      have a knee dislocation. CASES: We present a series of four cases of dislocation
      of the knee that have presented to our hospital over the course of 1 year. Each
      was sustained by a morbidly obese female of body mass index range 35-41, age
      range 33-52 years, experiencing a simple mechanical fall from standing. Magnetic
      resonance image scanning revealed multiple knee ligament rupture in all four
      cases. One case had peroneal nerve palsy. CONCLUSION: This is the first series of
      such injuries that we are aware of and highlights a potential future increase in
      incidence of these major injuries as body mass in society increases, placing more
      strain on health care resources. Practitioners in the Emergency Department need
      to be aware that serious injury can be present in morbidly obese patients that
      have sustained no more than a fall from standing height. Prompt investigation and
      management is essential.

PMID- 22056551
TI  - Acute abdomen due to primary omental torsion: case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Primary torsion of the greater omentum is an uncommon cause of acute
      abdominal pain that mainly affects adults in their fourth or fifth decade. It was
      first described by Eitel in 1899. Since then, more than 300 cases have been
      reported in the published literature. Clinical presentation and imaging findings
      are often of limited value in the diagnosis of primary omental torsion (POT). The
      patients usually undergo laparotomy for "acute appendicitis" or acute abdomen of
      poorly defined origin. OBJECTIVES: To provide a detailed description of this rare
      cause of acute abdomen. CASE REPORT: We report a case of POT in a woman of
      reproductive age and discuss contemporary methods in diagnosis and management of
      the condition. CONCLUSION: Nowadays, laparoscopy is a safe and effective approach
      for the diagnosis and management of POT, with the advantages of reduced
      postoperative pain and hospital stay. Conservative management has also been
      advocated by some authors in selected patients with a preoperative diagnosis of
      POT based on computed tomography findings.

PMID- 22056552
TI  - Tianeptine potentiates AMPA receptors by activating CaMKII and PKA via the p38,
      p42/44 MAPK and JNK pathways.
AB  - Impairments of cellular plasticity appear to underlie the pathophysiology of
      major depression. Recently, elevated levels of phosphorylated AMPA receptor were
      implicated in the antidepressant effect of various drugs. Here, we investigated
      the effects of an antidepressant, Tianeptine, on synaptic function and GluA1
      phosphorylation using murine hippocampal slices and in vivo single-unit
      recordings. Tianeptine, but not imipramine, increased AMPA receptor-mediated
      neuronal responses both in vitro and in vivo, in a staurosporine-sensitive
      manner. Paired-pulse ratio was unaltered by Tianeptine, suggesting a postsynaptic
      site of action. Tianeptine, 10 MUM, enhanced the GluA1-dependent initial phase of
      LTP, whereas 100 MUM impaired the latter phases, indicating a critical role of
      GluA1 subunit phosphorylation in the excitation. Tianeptine rapidly increased the
      phosphorylation level of Ser(831)-GluA1 and Ser(845)-GluA1. Using H-89 and KN-93,
      we show that the activation of both PKA and CaMKII is critical in the effect of
      Tianeptine on AMPA responses. Moreover, the phosphorylation states of
      Ser(217/221)-MEK and Thr(183)/Tyr(185)-p42MAPK were increased by Tianeptine and
      specific kinase blockers of the MAPK pathways (PD 98095, SB 203580 and SP600125)
      prevented the effects of Tianeptine. Overall these data suggest that Tianeptine
      potentiates several signaling cascades associated with synaptic plasticity and
      provide further evidence that a major mechanism of action for Tianeptine is to
      act as an enhancer of glutamate neurotransmission via AMPA receptors.

PMID- 22056553
TI  - OSA, metabolic syndrome and CPAP: effect on cardiac remodeling in subjects with
      abdominal obesity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We evaluated whether obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and continuous
      positive airway pressure (CPAP) treatment influence left ventricular (LV)
      remodelling independently of abdominal obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS).
      METHODS: Cardiorespiratory examination, 24-h BP monitoring and echocardiogram
      were performed in overweight/obese patients with increased abdominal adiposity
      and symptoms suggesting OSA : OSA/MetS (n.50), OSA/noMetS (n.22), noOSA/MetS
      (n.29), noOSA/noMets (n.16). The evaluation was repeated in 41 patients after
      >=18 months of CPAP. RESULTS: Despite similar age, gender, BMI and 24-h BP, the 2
      groups with MetS had greater LV remodelling (LV hypertrophy and diastolic
      dysfunction) than the 2 groups without MetS. From multiple regression analysis
      independent determinants for LV mass were MetS, 24-h systolic BP and age, for LV
      diastolic function were LV mass index, MetS and age. After CPAP, the 20 patients
      with decreased body weight showed diastolic BP decrease, LV hypertrophy
      regression and diastolic function improvement, whereas, despite similar
      respiratory improvement, BP and LV parameters were unchanged in the 21 patients
      with body weight unchanged/increased. CONCLUSION: In patients with increased
      abdominal adiposity, LV remodelling is not associated to OSA per se; chronic CPAP
      treatment does not influence LV remodelling whose regression is mainly linked to
      body weight decrease.

PMID- 22056554
TI  - Transcriptional gene silencing of HPV16 E6/E7 induces growth inhibition via
      apoptosis in vitro and in vivo.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Transcriptional silencing of HPV oncogenes using short interfering RNA
      (siRNA) blocks E6/E7 expression. Our objective was to estimate the effective
      value of E6/E7 specific siRNA-induced transcriptional gene silencing as a
      potential therapeutic strategy for cervical cancer. METHODS: In vitro studies
      were performed by employing two categories of siRNA targeting promoter of E6/E7
      gene and E7 transcript, respectively, and inhibitory effect of both siRNAs was
      further observed in vitro and on xenograft in BALB/c mice that were inoculated
      with siRNA transfected SiHa cells and parental SiHa cells followed by siRNA
      intratumoral injection in vivo. Tumor volume and growth curves were assessed.
      Furthermore, cellular proliferation and apoptosis of inoculated tumors were
      determined by immunohistochemistry staining and TUNEL assay. RESULTS: The two
      most active siRNA sequences specifically knockdown E6/E7 expressions at mRNA
      level in HPV16 positive Siha cells, increased p53 and decreased p16 expressions
      at protein level, inhibited cell proliferation, and induced cell apoptosis in
      vitro. Furthermore, both siRNAs effectively inhibited tumor formation and growth
      no matter in mice with siRNA transfected cells in vitro or with siRNA
      intratumoral injection in vivo. TUNEL staining and FCM assay consistently showed
      that tumor retardation was through induction of cellular apoptosis. CONCLUSION:
      RNAi targeting the promoter of HPV16 E6/E7 acts effectively in vitro and in vivo,
      especially through intratumoral delivery, and may be a candidate therapeutic
      strategy for cervical cancer.

PMID- 22056555
TI  - Inhaled corticosteroid/long-acting beta2-agonist combination therapy for asthma:
      attitudes of specialists in Europe.
AB  - BACKGROUND: As new combinations of inhaled corticosteroids (ICSs) and long-acting
      beta(2)-agonists (LABAs) become available for the treatment of asthma, it will be
      important to determine criteria against which they can be evaluated. The aim of
      this study was to assess which attributes of combination therapy physicians
      consider most important. METHODS: Primary and secondary care asthma specialists
      (n = 32) were recruited for an expert Delphi process that was performed over
      three rounds to determine attributes perceived to be important in the selection
      of combination therapy. A pan-European survey was carried out to assess the
      attitudes, perceptions and prescribing behaviour of a larger population (n =
      1,861) of physicians with a specialist interest in asthma treatment. RESULTS: The
      expert Delphi panel (response rate 59.4%) agreed that the availability of a range
      of doses (88% agreement in the final round), the efficacy of the combination
      (81%) and the safety and tolerability of the therapy (81%) were important
      attributes of ICS/LABA combination treatment. The potency of the ICS (69%) and
      the speed of onset of the LABA (69%) were also prioritized. The results of the
      attitudinal survey (eligibility rate 54.1%) showed that the same factors were
      considered important in everyday clinical practice. CONCLUSIONS: These studies
      identified which attributes of an ICS/LABA treatment are considered most
      important by an expert panel and a broader group of physicians; further research
      is warranted to better understand the influences that drive physician opinions.

PMID- 22056556
TI  - Allosteric property of the (Na++K+)-ATPase beta1 subunit.
AB  - (Na(+)+K(+))-ATPase (NKA) comprises two basic alpha and beta subunits: The larger
      alpha subunit catalyzes the hydrolysis of ATP for active transport of Na(+) and
      K(+) ions across the plasma membrane; the smaller beta subunit does not take part
      in the catalytic process of the enzyme. Little is known about allosteric
      regulation of the NKA beta subunit. Here, we report a surprising finding that
      extracellular stimuli on the native beta(1) subunit can generate a significant
      impact on the catalytic function of NKA. By using a beta(1) subunit-specific
      monoclonal antibody JY2948, we found that the JY2948-beta(1) subunit interaction
      markedly enhances the catalytic activity of the enzyme and increases the apparent
      affinity of Na(+) and K(+) ions for both ouabain-resistant rat NKA and ouabain
      sensitive dog NKA. This study provides the first evidence to identify an
      allosteric binding site residing on the NKA beta(1) subunit and uncovers the
      latent allosteric property of the beta(1) subunit, which remotely controls the
      NKA catalytic function.

PMID- 22056557
TI  - ABCC6 does not transport vitamin K3-glutathione conjugate from the liver:
      relevance to pathomechanisms of pseudoxanthoma elasticum.
AB  - Vitamin K is a cofactor required for gamma-glutamyl carboxylation of several
      proteins regulating blood clotting, bone formation and soft tissue
      mineralization. Vitamin K3 is an important intermediate during conversion of the
      dietary vitamin K1 to the most abundant vitamin K2 form. It has been suggested
      that ABCC6 may have a role in transporting vitamin K or its derivatives from the
      liver to the periphery. This activity is missing in pseudoxanthoma elasticum, a
      genetic disorder caused by mutations in ABCC6 characterized by abnormal soft
      tissue mineralization. Here we examined the efflux of the glutathione conjugate
      of vitamin K3 (VK3GS) from the liver in wild type and Abcc6(-/-) mice, and in
      transport assays in vitro. We found in liver perfusion experiments that VK3GS is
      secreted into the inferior vena cava, but we observed no significant difference
      between wild type and Abcc6(-/-) animals. We overexpressed the human ABCC6
      transporter in Sf9 insect and MDCKII cells and assayed its vitamin K3-conjugate
      transport activity in vitro. We found no measurable transport of VK3GS by ABCC6,
      whereas ABCC1 transported this compound at high rate in these assays. These
      results show that VK3GS is not the essential metabolite transported by ABCC6 from
      the liver and preventing the symptoms of pseudoxanthoma elasticum.

PMID- 22056558
TI  - Peroxynitrite detoxification by horse heart carboxymethylated cytochrome c is
      allosterically modulated by cardiolipin.
AB  - Carboxymethylation of equine heart cytochrome c (cytc) changes its tertiary
      structure by disrupting the heme-Fe-Met80 distal bond, such that
      carboxymethylated cytc (CM-cytc) displays myoglobin-like properties. Here, the
      effect of cardiolipin (CL) on peroxynitrite isomerization by ferric CM-cytc (CM
      cytc-Fe(III)) is reported. Unlike native ferric cytc (cytc-Fe(III)), CM-cytc
      Fe(III) catalyzes peroxynitrite isomerization, the value of the second order rate
      constant (k(on)) is 6.8 * 10(4)M(-1)s(-1). However, CM-cytc-Fe(III) is less
      effective in peroxynitrite isomerization than CL-bound cytc-Fe(III) (CL-cytc
      Fe(III); k(on)=3.2 * 10(5)M(-1)s(-1)). Moreover, CL binding to CM-cytc-Fe(III)
      facilitates peroxynitrite isomerization (k(on)=5.3 * 10(5)M(-1)s(-1)).
      Furthermore, the value of the dissociation equilibrium constant for CL binding to
      CM-cytc-Fe(III) (K=1.8 * 10(-5)M) is lower than that reported for CL-cytc-Fe(III)
      complex formation (K=5.1 * 10(-5)M). Although CM-cytc-Fe(III) and CL-cytc-Fe(III)
      display a different heme distal geometry and heme-Fe(III) reactivity, the heme
      pocket and the CL cleft are allosterically linked.

PMID- 22056559
TI  - Functions of the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway in an anemia-induced zebrafish model of
      cardiomyopathy are location dependent.
AB  - Recent evidence that the heart is not a terminally-differentiated organ has
      provided more credence to investigations of pathways involved in inducing
      cardiomyocyte (CM) hyperplasia as a therapy for heart disease. Here, we leveraged
      zebrafish as a novel vertebrate model of cardiomyopathy to explore the
      therapeutic potential based on the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling. In the anemia
      induced zebrafish model of cardiomyopathy (tr265), we detected differently
      regulated CM hyperplasia and CM hypertrophy in the compact region and the
      trabecular region. To assess the effects of the Wnt/beta-catenin pathway on these
      two regions, the anemia line was crossed with heat shock-inducible transgenic
      fish to upregulate or downregulate the pathway. Upregulation resulted in
      increased cardiomyocyte hyperplasia in the heart and increased cardiomyocyte
      hypertrophy in the trabecular region, while downregulation resulted in reduced
      cardiomyocyte hyperplasia in the heart and reduced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy in
      the trabecular region. Importantly, upregulation of the pathway resulted in
      improved fish survival, while downregulation decreased it. In summary, our data
      suggested that (1) the compact region and the trabecular region respond
      differently during cardiac remodeling; (2) activation of the Wnt/beta-catenin
      pathway might exert a cardioprotective function via promoting cardiomyocyte
      hyperplasia.

PMID- 22056560
TI  - Osterix is regulated by Erk1/2 during osteoblast differentiation.
AB  - Osterix (Osx) is a novel zinc finger-containing transcription factor that is
      essential for osteoblast differentiation and bone formation in bone homeostasis.
      The mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases are a group of evolutionarily
      conserved proline-directed protein serine/threonine kinases that are activated in
      response to a variety of extracellular stimuli and mediate signal transduction
      from the cell surface to the nucleus. Erk1/2 plays essential roles in osteoblast
      differentiation and in supporting osteoclastogenesis, but the precise molecular
      signaling mechanisms between Osterix and Erk1/2 are not known. We therefore
      focused on the relationship between Osterix and Erk1/2 during osteoblast
      differentiation because BMP signaling induces Erk activation in osteoblasts. We
      investigated the role of the MAPK pathway in regulating protein levels and
      transcriptional functions of Osterix. We found that Erk activation by
      overexpression of constitutively active MEK increased the mRNA and protein levels
      of Osterix and enhanced the transcriptional activity of Osterix, whereas U0126,
      an inhibitor of MEK, suppressed the protein levels of Osterix and the
      transcriptional activity. Also, overexpression of constitutively active MEK
      stabilized Osterix protein. These results suggest that Erk1/2 regulates a major
      transcription factor, Osterix, during osteoblast differentiation by increasing
      its protein stability and transcriptional activity.

PMID- 22056561
TI  - Genetic ablation and chemical inhibition of IP3R1 reduce mutant huntingtin
      aggregation.
AB  - Huntington's disease (HD) is a dominantly inherited neurodegenerative disease
      caused by an expansion of the polyglutamine (polyQ) stretch in huntingtin (htt).
      Previously, it has been shown that inhibition of the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate
      receptor type 1 (IP3R1) activity reduced aggregation of pathogenic polyQ
      proteins. Experimentally, this effect was achieved by modification of the
      intracellular IP3 levels or by application of IP3R1 inhibitors, such as 2
      aminoethyl diphenylborinate (2-APB). Unfortunately, there are certain concerns
      about the 2-APB specificity and cytotoxicity. Moreover, a direct link between
      IP3R1 and polyQ aggregation has not been shown yet. In this study we show, that
      down-regulation of the IP3R1 levels by shRNA reduced the aggregation of mutant
      htt. We tested 2-APB analogs in an attempt to identify less toxic and more IP3R1
      specific compounds and found that the effect of these analogs on the reduction of
      the mutant htt aggregation did weakly correlate with their inhibitory action
      toward the IP3-induced Ca(2+) release (IICR). Their effect on aggregation was not
      correlated with the store-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOCE), which is another target
      of the 2-APB related compounds. Our findings suggest that besides functional
      contribution of the IP3R inhibition on the mutant htt aggregation there are
      additional mechanisms for the anti-aggregation effect of the 2-APB related
      compounds.

PMID- 22056562
TI  - Apolipoprotein A-I stimulates cholesteryl ester transfer protein and
      apolipoprotein E secretion from lipid-loaded macrophages; the role of NF-kappaB
      and PKA signaling pathways.
AB  - Cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) and apolipoprotein E (apoE) are
      secreted by macrophages. Apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I) is a potent inducer of apoE
      secretion from lipid-loaded macrophages, but its effect on CETP is not known. We
      aimed to identify the signaling pathways involved in apoA-I and HDL-mediated
      regulation of CETP and apoE secretion from lipid-loaded macrophages. THP-1
      macrophages were loaded with lipids by incubation with human copper-oxidized LDL.
      The cells were subsequently exposed to human purified apoA-I or HDL(3)
      with/without inhibitors of NF-kappaB (TPCK) or PKA (H89). CETP and apoE in the
      cultured cells and media were quantified by real-time PCR and Western blot.
      Results showed that in lipid-loaded macrophages: (i) CETP and apoE gene
      expression and secretion were increased in the presence of apoA-I, and further
      increased by inhibition of NF-kB with TPCK; (ii) CETP and apoE gene expression
      and secretion were reduced by the inhibition of PKA with H89; (iii) PKA-gamma
      subunit was activated by oxidized LDL and moreover by apoA-I. We also showed
      that: (i) siRNA-mediated CETP gene silencing diminished apoE secretion from both
      non-loaded and lipid-loaded macrophages; (ii) addition of apoA-I partially
      restored apoE secretion from lipid-loaded macrophages with the silenced CETP
      gene. In conclusion, our data suggest a new mechanism by which apoA-I stimulates
      CETP secretion, in addition to apoE, from lipid loaded macrophages, a process
      involving NF-kappaB inhibition and/or PKA pathway activation.

PMID- 22056563
TI  - A zyxin-nectin interaction facilitates zyxin localization to cell-cell adhesions.
AB  - Cell-cell junction remodeling is associated with dramatic actin reorganizations.
      Several actin regulatory systems have been implicated in actin remodeling events
      as cell-cell contacts are assembled and disassembled, including zyxin/LPP-VASP
      complexes. These complexes facilitate strong cell-cell adhesion by maintaining
      actin-membrane connections. It has been proposed that zyxin and LPP localize to
      cell-cell junctions via a well-defined interaction with alpha-actinin. This was
      recently confirmed for LPP, but zyxin localization at cell-cell contacts occurs
      independently of alpha-actinin binding. Here we seek to map the zyxin sequence
      responsible for localization to cell-cell contacts and identify the protein that
      docks zyxin at this cellular location. Previous results have shown that a zyxin
      fragment excluding the alpha-actin binding site and the LIM domains (amino acids
      51-392) can independently localize to cell-cell contacts. Here, expression of
      smaller zyxin fragments show that zyxin localization requires amino acids 230
      280. A yeast-two-hybrid screen, using the central region of zyxin as bait,
      resulted in the identification of the cell-cell adhesion receptor nectin-4 as a
      zyxin binding partner. Further demonstrating zyxin-nectin interactions, zyxin
      binds the intracellular domain of nectin-2 in vitro. Depletion of nectin-2 from L
      cells expressing E-cadherin results in a loss of zyxin localization to cell-cell
      contacts, demonstrating that the zyxin-nectin interaction plays a critical role
      in zyxin targeting to these sites.

PMID- 22056564
TI  - Cerebral gene expression and neurobehavioural responses in mice pups exposed to
      methylmercury and docosahexaenoic acid through the maternal diet.
AB  - Methylmercury (MeHg) is an environmental neurotoxicant with adverse effects
      particularly noted in the developing brain. The main source of MeHg exposure is
      seafood. However, fish is also an important source of n-3 fatty acids such as
      docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) which has neuroprotective effects, and which plays an
      important role during the prenatal development of the central nervous system. The
      aim of the present study was to examine the effects of DHA and MeHg individually,
      and in combination, on development using accumulation, behavioural and
      transcriptomic endpoints in a mammalian model. Analyses were performed on 15 day
      old mice which had been exposed to varying levels of DHA (8 or 24 mg/kg) and/or
      MeHg (4 mg/kg) throughout development via the maternal diet. Supplementation of
      the maternal diet with DHA reduced MeHg accumulation in the brain. An accelerated
      development of grasping reflex was seen in mice offspring in the 'MeHg+high DHA'
      group when compared to 'MeHg' and 'control'. Exposure to MeHg and DHA had an
      impact on cerebral gene expression as assessed by microarray and qPCR analysis.
      The results from the present study show the potential of DHA for alleviating
      toxicity caused by MeHg. This information may contribute towards refining
      risk/benefit assessment of seafood consumption and may enhance understanding of
      discrepancies between epidemiological studies of MeHg neurodevelopmental
      toxicity.

PMID- 22056566
TI  - Supplementation with oral vs. intravenous iron for anemia with IBD or
      gastrointestinal bleeding: is oral iron getting a bad rap?
AB  - Although iron supplementation is commonly prescribed, the amount of elemental
      iron needed to achieve clinical efficacy, and the optimal method of
      supplementation, are under debate. Use of intravenous (IV) iron replacement is
      increasingly being advocated. We explore the physiology of iron supplementation,
      review clinical data suggesting that the typical oral dosing of iron may be
      excessive, and compare IV and oral methods of iron supplementation with a focus
      on inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Both IV and oral iron can effectively raise
      hemoglobin levels in iron-deficiency anemia. There is no evidence that IV iron
      can raise hemoglobin at a faster pace. Side effects of oral iron are probably
      related to the relatively high doses of elemental iron that are typically
      prescribed. Emerging data suggest that low-dose iron has comparable efficacy,
      with fewer side effects. In IBD, both oral and IV iron are effective, and there
      is no convincing evidence that oral iron activates or exacerbates clinical
      symptoms. The use of a low starting dose of oral iron, such as one ferrous
      sulfate tablet per day, for treatment of iron deficiency is worth considering.

PMID- 22056567
TI  - Increased screening colonoscopy rates and reduced racial disparities in the New
      York Citywide campaign: an urban model.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: In 2003, in response to low colonoscopy screening rates and
      significant sociodemographic disparities in colonoscopy screening in New York
      City (NYC), the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, together with the
      Citywide Colon Cancer Control Coalition, launched a multifaceted campaign to
      increase screening. We evaluated colonoscopy trends among adult New Yorkers aged
      50 years and older between 2003 and 2007, the first five years of this campaign.
      METHODS: Data were analyzed from the NYC Community Health Survey, an annual,
      population-based surveillance of New Yorkers. Annual prevalence estimates of
      adults who reported a timely colonoscopy, one within the past 10 years, were
      calculated. Multivariate models were used to analyze changes over time in
      associations between colonoscopy screening and sociodemographic characteristics.
      RESULTS: Overall, from 2003 to 2007 the proportion of New Yorkers aged 50 years
      and older who reported timely colonoscopy screening increased from 41.7% to
      61.7%. Racial/ethnic and sex disparities observed in 2003 were eliminated by
      2007: prevalence of timely colonoscopy was similar among non-Hispanic whites, non
      Hispanic blacks, Hispanics, men, and women. However, Asians, the uninsured, and
      those with lower education and income continued to lag in receipt of timely
      colonoscopies. CONCLUSIONS: The increased screening colonoscopy rate and
      reduction of racial/ethnic disparities observed in NYC suggest that multifaceted,
      coordinated urban campaigns can improve low utilization of clinical preventive
      health services and reduce public-health disparities.

PMID- 22056569
TI  - Image of the month: Aerophagia.

PMID- 22056574
TI  - Non-acid reflux: the missing link between gastric atrophy and esophageal squamous
      cell carcinoma?
AB  - Esophageal cancer is the eighth most common incident cancer in the world and, due
      to the poor survival rate it confers, ranks sixth among all cancers in mortality.
      In developed countries of the western world, the incidence of esophageal squamous
      cell carcinoma (ESCC) has undergone a decline and adenocarcinoma now constitutes
      approximately half of all esophageal cancers. In these relatively low-risk areas,
      tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption account for ~90% of ESCC cases. Eastern
      countries have much higher incidences of ESCC and epidemiologic evidence would
      suggest that there are additional unknown causal mechanisms. Gastric atrophy has
      consistently been associated with ESCC, but its causal relevance has been
      questioned. In this issue of the American Journal of Gastroenterology, Uno et al.
      offer evidence that a causal link between these two entities is non-acid reflux.

PMID- 22056575
TI  - Gastroesophageal reflux symptoms in 9/11 survivors and workers: insights gained
      from tragic losses.
AB  - Survivors of the 2001 World Trade Center (WTC) attacks and the individuals who
      volunteered for the rescue and recovery efforts remain substantially burdened by
      psychological trauma and respiratory illnesses related to the environmental
      exposures. Gastroesophageal reflux symptoms (GERS) are also reported at higher
      rates than expected among this population. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
      and exposures to the caustic aerosolized debris of the WTC are explored in
      further detail as potential mechanisms underlying these GERS experiences in WTC
      Registry participants. Recent work by Li and colleagues suggests that the WTC
      experience is associated with increases in GER independent of asthma and PTSD
      diagnoses. However, this association may be more complex since over
      representation of hypersensitive non-acid reflux subjects and failure to
      completely capture psychiatric comorbidity may also contribute to our
      understanding of these findings. Nonetheless, the WTC Registry offers a unique
      study population, and detailed psychologic profiling and physiologic testing of
      participants may promote greater insight into gastroesophageal reflux
      pathohysiology.

PMID- 22056576
TI  - Will H. pylori stagger under the weight of this LOAD? A novel but expensive
      eradication regimen.
AB  - In the era of increasing Helicobacter pylori resistance to clarithromycin and
      metronidazole used in standard treatments, newer well-tolerated regimens with
      high eradication success rates in practice are urgently needed. In this edition
      of the American Journal of Gastroenterology, a clinical trial of a novel drug
      combination is presented, demonstrating significantly more success in comparison
      with a standard "triple therapy." The new regimen (referred to as LOAD) comprises
      three antibiotics, levofloxaxin, doxycycline, and nitazoxanide, together with
      omeprazole. The LOAD regimen had around a 90% eradication rate compared with only
      73% with a standard "triple therapy" regimen of amoxicillin, clarithromycin, and
      lansoprazole. The use of this relatively expensive novel drug combination would
      represent an absolute increased eradication rate of 17%, with a number needed to
      treat to achieve one more successful eradication of 5.88. Results from this
      preliminary study should prompt further evaluation of LOAD in rigorously designed
      clinical studies.

PMID- 22056578
TI  - Rifaximin therapy in minimal hepatic encephalopathy cirrhotics.

PMID- 22056579
TI  - Risk factors for cardiovascular events in inflammatory bowel disease.

PMID- 22056581
TI  - When meta-analysis misleads.

PMID- 22056582
TI  - Importance of rare and private NOD2 variants in foreseeing severe disease
      behavior in Crohn's disease.

PMID- 22056584
TI  - Biologics in fistulizing Crohn's disease: so near, yet so far.

PMID- 22056587
TI  - Endoscopic resection of a large duodenal hamartoma related to SMAD4-associated
      juvenile polyposis/hereditary hemorrhagic teleangiectasia syndrome.

PMID- 22056588
TI  - Bright times for patients with cirrhosis and delayed sleep habits: a case report
      on the beneficial effect of light therapy.

PMID- 22056589
TI  - Enterocolic lymphocytic phlebitis presenting as an intussuscepting cecal mass.

PMID- 22056590
TI  - Acid suppressants, fracture, and statistical adjustments for body mass index,
      smoking status, and calcium/vitamin D intake.

PMID- 22056593
TI  - Assessing bleeding risk in acute coronary syndromes.

PMID- 22056594
TI  - Electron- and ion-beam-induced maneuvering of nanostructures: phenomenon and
      applications.
AB  - Electron-and ion-induced bending (EIB/IIB) phenomena have been studied in self
      supported polycrystalline metallic and metal-amorphous bilayered nanocantilevers.
      The experiments reveal many interesting facts regarding electron/ion-matter
      interaction, which builds a proper foundation for the understanding of the
      phenomenon. The mechanism for bending of metallic cantilevers has been proposed
      to be primarily due to void-induced stress generation during ion beam
      irradiation. On the other hand, thermal effects have been found to play the
      dominant role in the case of bending of bilayer (amorphous-metal)
      nanocantilevers. The instantaneous, reversible, highly controllable and permanent
      nature of the process has been exploited to fabricate several complicated
      nanostructures in three dimensions. IIB of the fabricated cantilevers is shown to
      have a high precession mass sensing aptitude, capable of detecting a change in
      mass of the order of femtograms.

PMID- 22056595
TI  - Association of cardio-ankle vascular index with brain natriuretic peptide levels
      in hypertension.
AB  - AIMS: Plasma brain natriuteric peptide (BNP) is an established marker of
      cardiovascular events in individuals without heart failure. Although the cardio
      ankle vascular index (CAVI) is clinically used as a parameter of arterial
      stiffness, its usefulness for predicting cardiovascular events has not been fully
      examined. This study aimed to evaluate the association among CAVIs, plasma BNP
      levels and left ventricular (LV) hypertrophy and dysfunction in hypertensive
      patients. METHODS: We enrolled 136 hypertensive patients (69+/-10 years) who had
      been taking antihypertensive medications for at least one year. Echocardiography
      was performed to evaluate LV hypertrophy and function. Plasma BNP levels and
      CAVIs were also measured simultaneously. RESULTS: CAVI was correlated with plasma
      BNP (r =0.245, p =0.004). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed three
      independent determinants of CAVI: age (beta =0.568, p <0.001), diameter of
      ascending aorta (beta =0.289, p <0.001), and diabetes (beta =0.207, p =0.003). In
      addition, multiple linear regression analysis revealed two independent
      determinants of the plasma BNP level: left atrial diameter (beta =0.334, p
      <0.001) and CAVI (beta =0.256, p =0.002). CONCLUSION: The present study indicates
      that increased CAVI is independently associated with elevated plasma BNP produced
      by increased LV afterload, that is, arterial stiffness, in hypertensive patients.
      Moreover, the present study raises the possibility that CAVI may be as useful as
      the plasma BNP level for predicting the risk of cardiovascular events in
      hypertensive patients.

PMID- 22056596
TI  - Lipoprotein(a) complexes with beta2-glycoprotein I in patients with coronary
      artery disease.
AB  - AIM: To investigate the possible mechanisms and association of increased
      complexes of beta(2)-glycoprotein I with lipoprotein(a) [beta(2)-GPI-Lp(a)]
      levels with the presence and extent of coronary artery disease (CAD). METHODS:
      beta(2)-GPI-Lp(a) levels were measured in 116 patients with acute coronary
      syndromes (ACS), 72 patients with stable CAD and 100 control subjects. RESULTS:
      Compared to the control, beta(2)-GPI-Lp(a) levels (expressed after
      logarithmically transformation: ACS, 0.22+/-0.45 U/mL; stable CAD, 0.05+/-0.55
      U/mL; control, -0.31+/-0.61 U/mL) significantly increased in both patients with
      ACS (p <0.001) and stable CAD (p <0.001). Univariate logistic regression analysis
      of risk factors revealed that the presence of beta(2)-GPI-Lp(a), ox-Lp(a) or
      Lp(a) was a strong risk factor for stable CAD [beta(2)GPI-Lp(a), OR 3.17, 95% CI
      1.65, 6.07; ox-Lp(a), OR 2.54, 95% CI 1.33, 4.85; Lp(a), OR 3.00, 95% CI 1.56,
      5.75; respectively], and especially for ACS [beta(2)-GPI-Lp(a), OR 5.38, 95% CI
      2.97, 9.74; ox-Lp(a), OR 7.55, 95% CI 4.12, 13.84; Lp(a), OR 4.33, 95% CI 2.40,
      7.80; respectively]. In multivariate analysis, adjusting for age, sex and plasma
      lipid levels, the presence of beta(2)-GPI-Lp(a) or Lp(a) was a risk factor for
      both stable CAD and ACS. Ox-Lp(a) was a risk factor only for ACS, while not for
      stable CAD. beta(2)-GPI-Lp(a) levels were found to be positively associated with
      Lp(a), ox-Lp(a), maximal stenosis and a number of vessel diseases in patients
      with ACS or stable CAD, respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis found
      that ox-Lp(a) and maximal stenosis accounted for 46.2% of the variation in
      beta(2)-GPI-Lp(a) levels. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated levels of beta(2)-GPI-Lp(a) are
      associated with the presence and severity of CAD, and may be a strong risk factor
      for atherosclerosis.

PMID- 22056597
TI  - Stimulation of glucose uptake and improvement of insulin resistance by
      aromadendrin.
AB  - Agents that stimulate glucose uptake and improve insulin resistance may be useful
      in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM). Thus, the aims of this study
      were to assess the effects of aromadendrin, a flavonoid from Gleditsia sinensis
      Lam., on stimulation of glucose uptake and improvement of insulin resistance and
      to characterize the molecular mechanisms underlying these activities. Insulin
      stimulated glucose uptake was measured in HepG2 cells and in differentiated 3T3
      L1 adipocytes using 2-[N-(7-nitrobenz-2-oxa-1,3-diazol-4-yl)amino]-2-deoxy-D
      glucose (2-NBDG), a fluorescent D-glucose analog. Expression of the peroxisome
      proliferator-activated receptor-gamma2 (PPARgamma2) and adipocyte-specific fatty
      acid binding protein (aP2) mRNAs and the PPARgamma2 protein was analyzed in
      adipocytes using RT-PCR and immunoblotting, respectively. Insulin-stimulated
      protein kinase B (Akt/PKB) phosphorylation was measured in high glucose-induced,
      insulin-resistant HepG2 cells. Similar to 30 MUmol/l rosiglitazone, treatment
      with 30 MUmol/l aromadendrin significantly stimulated insulin-sensitive glucose
      uptake in both HepG2 cells and 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Aromadendrin treatment also
      enhanced adipogenesis and caused increases in the expression of PPARgamma2 and
      aP2 mRNAs and the PPARgamma2 protein in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. In high
      glucose-induced, insulin-resistant HepG2 cells, aromadendrin reversed the
      inhibition of Akt/PKB phosphorylation in response to insulin, which could be
      abrogated by pretreatment with LY294002, a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)
      inhibitor. Aromadendrin treatment induced adipogenesis by increases in PPARgamma2
      expression, resulting in stimulation of glucose uptake and ameliorated insulin
      resistance. These findings suggest that aromadendrin may represent a potential
      therapeutic candidate for the management of type 2 DM.

PMID- 22056598
TI  - Juvenile and adult rats differ in cocaine reward and expression of zif268 in the
      forebrain.
AB  - Adolescents are more likely to experiment with and become addicted to drugs of
      abuse. A number of studies indicate that the developmental forebrain may be
      responsible for making adolescents vulnerable to the addictive properties of such
      drugs. The aim of this study was to first compare behavioral responses to novelty
      and cocaine between juvenile and adult rats and then compare levels of the
      immediate-early gene zif268 activation in several forebrain areas via in situ
      hybridization. We found that juveniles demonstrated higher locomotion scores and
      required a higher dose of cocaine than adults to establish a conditioned place
      preference. Additionally, at this higher dose, juvenile rats exhibited higher
      levels of zif268 mRNA in the prefrontal cortex compared with adults. A
      developmental effect for increased zif268 mRNA was also observed in the striatum
      and nucleus accumbens, but there was no interaction with the cocaine dose. These
      findings hold interesting implications for the study of the molecular mechanisms
      underlying juvenile drug addiction.

PMID- 22056599
TI  - Brain-derived neurotrophic factor promotes adaptive plasticity within the spinal
      cord and mediates the beneficial effects of controllable stimulation.
AB  - Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been characterized as a potent
      modulator of neural plasticity in both the brain and spinal cord. The present
      experiments use an in vivo model system to demonstrate that training with
      controllable stimulation increases spinal BDNF expression and engages a BDNF
      dependent process that promotes adaptive plasticity. Spinally transected rats
      administered legshock whenever one hind limb is extended (controllable
      stimulation) exhibit a progressive increase in flexion duration. This simple form
      of response-outcome (instrumental) learning is not observed when shock is given
      independent of leg position (uncontrollable stimulation). Uncontrollable
      electrical stimulation also induces a lasting effect that impairs learning for up
      to 48 h. Training with controllable shock can counter the adverse consequences of
      uncontrollable stimulation, to both prevent and reverse the learning deficit.
      Here it is shown that the protective and restorative effect of instrumental
      training depends on BDNF. Cellular assays showed that controllable stimulation
      increased BDNF mRNA expression and protein within the lumbar spinal cord. These
      changes were associated with an increase in the BDNF receptor TrkB protein within
      the dorsal horn. Evidence is then presented that these changes play a functional
      role in vivo. Application of a BDNF inhibitor (TrkB-IgG) blocked the protective
      effect of instrumental training. Direct (intrathecal) application of BDNF
      substituted for instrumental training to block both the induction and expression
      of the learning deficit. Uncontrollable stimulation also induced an increase in
      mechanical reactivity (allodynia), and this too was prevented by BDNF. TrkB-IgG
      blocked the restorative effect of instrumental training and intrathecal BDNF
      substituted for training to reverse the deficit. Taken together, these findings
      outline a critical role for BDNF in mediating the beneficial effects of
      controllable stimulation on spinal plasticity.

PMID- 22056601
TI  - Sex differences in the expression of serotonin-synthesizing enzymes in mouse
      trigeminal ganglia.
AB  - Migraine headaches are more prevalent in women and often occur during the early
      phases of the menstrual cycle, implying a link between migraine and ovarian
      steroids. Serotonin (5-HT) and its receptors have been proposed to play a key
      role in the pathophysiology of migraine. The trigeminal ganglion (TG) has been
      proposed as a site for 5-HT synthesis based on the expression of the rate
      limiting enzyme in peripheral 5-HT synthesis, tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1), in
      female rodent trigeminal ganglia. Tryptophan hydroxylase levels vary over the
      estrus cycle, however, the expression and potential regulation of other enzymes
      involved in 5-HT synthesis has not been reported in this tissue. C57/BL6 mice of
      both sexes expressed TPH1 and aromatic amino acid decarboxylase (AADC), the key
      enzymes involved in 5-HT synthesis. Levels of both enzymes were significantly
      higher in juvenile males compared with females. In naturally cycling females TPH1
      and AADC expression was highest during proestrus when compared with the other
      phases of the cycle, and this regulation was mirrored at the mRNA level. In situ
      hybridization experiments detected TPH1 and AADC mRNA in presumptive neurons in
      the trigeminal ganglion. Both key enzymes involved in the synthesis of 5-HT are
      expressed in mouse trigeminal ganglion and are localized to neurons. The levels
      of these enzymes are dependent on gender and estrus cycle stage, suggesting that
      ovarian steroids might play a role in the regulation of sensory neuron 5-HT
      synthesis.

PMID- 22056600
TI  - Spinal matrix metalloproteinase 3 mediates inflammatory hyperalgesia via a tumor
      necrosis factor-dependent mechanism.
AB  - Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) have been implicated in the modulation of
      synaptic plasticity, glial activation, and long-term potentiation in the CNS.
      Here we demonstrate for the first time a mechanism for the regulation of
      nociceptive processing by spinal MMP-3 during peripheral inflammation. We first
      determined by western blotting that the catalytic (active) form of MMP-3 (cMMP-3)
      is increased in lumbar spinal cord following peripheral inflammation in rats. The
      peripheral inflammation-induced thermal hyperalgesia and tactile hypersensitivity
      was transiently (2-3 h) attenuated by intrathecal (IT) pretreatment with either
      an MMP-3 inhibitor (NNGH), or a broad spectrum MMP inhibitor (GM6001). In
      addition, IT delivery of cMMP-3 evoked hypersensitivity, whereas the pro
      (enzymatically inactive) form of MMP-3 did not. This suggests a pro-algesic
      effect of spinal MMP-3 mediated by an enzymatic mechanism. This cMMP-3-induced
      hypersensitivity is concurrent with increased tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in the
      spinal cord. The hypersensitivity behavior is prevented by intrathecal etanercept
      (TNF blockade). Treatment with cMMP-3 resulted in an increase in TNF release from
      spinal primary microglial, but not astrocyte cultures. These findings thus
      present direct evidence implicating MMP-3 in the coordination of spinal
      nociceptive processing via a spinal TNF-dependent mechanism.

PMID- 22056602
TI  - Dynamic modeling of alpha-synuclein aggregation in dopaminergic neuronal system
      indicates points of neuroprotective intervention: experimental validation with
      implications for Parkinson's therapy.
AB  - Protein aggregation is the major pathological hallmark seen in neurodegenerative
      disorders such as Parkinson's disease (PD). Alpha-synuclein (alphaS) is the main
      component of protein aggregates that form Lewy bodies (LBs) in PD and dementia
      with LBs. There have been several attempts to intervene in the process of
      expression, modification, clearance, and aggregation of alphaS as a therapeutic
      strategy toward neuroprotection. In this study, we have employed a novel,
      predictive, system level approach in silico to study four different strategies of
      anti-aggregation therapies: (a) reduction in alphaS modifications such as
      phosphorylation, nitration, or truncation in an approach called "seed clearance;"
      (b) "anti-oligomerization" approach through blocking the early oligomers
      formation; (c) "oligomers clearance" process by increasing its lysosomal
      degradation; and (d) "anti-aggregation" that involves prevention of aggregate
      formation at a later stage. These strategies were tested in a virtual
      dopaminergic neuronal system triggered by overexpression (OE) of mutant alphaS
      A53T with or without rotenone (Rot)-induced oxidative stress. The results were
      compared by analyzing markers related to various end points such as oxidative
      stress, dopamine (DA) metabolism, proteasome function, survival and apoptosis.
      The experimental system and anti-oligomerization strategies were recapitulated in
      vitro in M17 dopaminergic cells overexpressing mutant alphaS-A53T triggered with
      Cu(II)-mediated oxidative stress, and the experimental data prospectively
      corroborated with the predictive results. Through this analysis, we found that
      intervention in the early part of the aggregation pathway by prevention of
      oligomer formation and increased clearance is indeed a good neuroprotective
      strategy, whereas anti-aggregation efforts to break up the aggregate at later
      stages has negative effects on the system.

PMID- 22056603
TI  - Potential autophagy enhancers attenuate rotenone-induced toxicity in SH-SY5Y.
AB  - Recent studies have shown that autophagy upregulation may be a tractable
      therapeutic intervention for clearing the disease-causing proteins, including
      alpha-synuclein, ubiquitin, and other misfolded or aggregated proteins in
      Parkinson's disease (PD). In this study, we explored a novel pharmacotherapeutic
      approach to treating PD by utilizing potential autophagy enhancers valproic acid
      (VPA) and carbamazepine (CBZ). Pretreatment with VPA (3 mM) and CBZ (50 MUM)
      along with positive control rapamycin (Rap, 0.2 MUM) or lithium (LiCl, 10 mM)
      significantly enhanced cell viability, decreased rotenone-induced nuclear
      fragmentation and apoptosis, ameliorated the decrease in mitochondrial membrane
      potential, reduced reactive oxygen species generation in the human neuroblastoma
      SH-SY5Y cells. Specifically, the numbers of lysosomes and autophagic vacuolar
      organelles were increased and the microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3
      II (LC3-II) expression was up-regulated by VPA, CBZ, Rap, and LiCl (53%, 31%,
      72%, and 63%), suggesting that these agents activated autophagic pathways.
      Moreover, pretreatment with the autophagy inhibitor chloroquine (Chl, 10 MUM)
      remarkably strengthened rotenone toxicity in these cells. Our results suggest
      that VPA and CBZ, the most commonly used anti-epilepsy and mood-stabilizing
      medications with low-risk and easy administration might be potential therapeutics
      for PD.

PMID- 22056604
TI  - Molecular and morphological evidences place the extinct New Zealand endemic
      Turnagra capensis in the Oriolidae.
AB  - The affinities of Piopio Turnagra capensis, an extinct New Zealand passerine,
      remain poorly known. It has been included into or associated with several bird
      families (Calleatidae, Cracticidae, Pachycephalidae, Ptilonorhynchidae,
      Turdidae), often on tenuous grounds. We reassessed Turnagra phylogenetic
      relationships using nuclear and mitochondrial sequences and a set of
      morphological and behavioural traits. Molecular and phenotypic characters
      strongly suggest a novel hypothesis, congruently placing Turnagra in Oriolidae, a
      highly dispersive corvoid family distributed from the Austro-Papuan landmass to
      Eurasia and Africa, but missing from the Pacific islands. We show also that the
      published molecular support to link Turnagra with Ptilonorhynchidae was biased by
      the use of incorrect genetic data and weak analyses.

PMID- 22056605
TI  - Invasion of protein coding genes by green algal ribosomal group I introns.
AB  - The spread of group I introns depends on their association with intron-encoded
      homing endonucleases. Introns that encode functional homing endonuclease genes
      (HEGs) are highly invasive, whereas introns that only encode the group I ribozyme
      responsible for self-splicing are generally stably inherited (i.e., vertical
      inheritance). A number of recent case studies have provided new knowledge on the
      evolution of group I introns, however, there are still large gaps in
      understanding of their distribution on the tree of life, and how they have spread
      into new hosts and genic sites. During a larger phylogenetic survey of
      chlorophyceaen green algae, we found that 23 isolates contain at least one group
      I intron in the rbcL chloroplast gene. Structural analyses show that the introns
      belong to one of two intron lineages, group IA2 intron-HEG (GIY-YIG family)
      elements inserted after position 462 in the rbcL gene, and group IA1 introns
      inserted after position 699. The latter intron type sometimes encodes HNH homing
      endonucleases. The distribution of introns was analyzed on an exon phylogeny and
      patterns were recovered that are consistent with vertical inheritance and
      possible horizontal transfer. The rbcL 462 introns are thus far reported only
      within the Volvocales, Hydrodictyaceae and Bracteacoccus, and closely related
      isolates of algae differ in the presence of rbcL introns. Phylogenetic analysis
      of the intron conserved regions indicates that the rbcL699 and rbcL462 introns
      have distinct evolutionary origins. The rbcL699 introns were likely derived from
      ribosomal RNA L2449 introns, whereas the rbcL462 introns form a close
      relationship with psbA introns.

PMID- 22056606
TI  - Comments on: "A simple method for preventing pharyngocutaneous fistula after
      pharyngolaryngectomy using a mesenteric turnover flap".

PMID- 22056607
TI  - Development of an anhydrotetracycline-inducible gene expression system for
      solvent-producing Clostridium acetobutylicum: A useful tool for strain
      engineering.
AB  - Clostridium acetobutylicum is an important solvent (acetone-butanol-ethanol)
      producing bacterium. However, a stringent, effective, and convenient-to-use
      inducible gene expression system that can be used for regulating the gene
      expression strength in C. acetobutylicum is currently not available. Here, we
      report an anhydrotetracycline-inducible gene expression system for solvent
      producing bacterium C. acetobutylicum. This system consists of a functional
      chloramphenicol acetyltransferase gene promoter containing tet operators (tetO),
      Pthl promoter (thiolase gene promoter from C. acetobutylicum) controlling TetR
      repressor expression cassette, and the chemical inducer anhydrotetracycline
      (aTc). The optimized system, designated as pGusA2-2tetO1, allows gene regulation
      in an inducer aTc concentration-dependent way, with an inducibility of over two
      orders of magnitude. The stringency of TetR repression supports the introduction
      of the genes encoding counterselective marker into C. acetobutylicum, which can
      be used to increase the mutant screening efficiency. This aTc-inducible gene
      expression system will thus increase the genetic manipulation capability for
      engineering C. acetobutylicum.

PMID- 22056608
TI  - Effects of oral loperamide on efficacy of naltrexone, baclofen and AM-251 in
      blocking ethanol self-administration in rats.
AB  - Naltrexone is a MU-opioid receptor antagonist that has been extensively studied
      for its ability to block the rewarding effects of ethanol. Opioid receptors are
      widely distributed within the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Typically, naltrexone
      is administered by parenteral routes in nonclinical studies. We initially tested
      if opioid receptors within the GIT would influence the ability of oral naltrexone
      to inhibit ethanol oral self-administration in rats using the co-administration
      of oral loperamide, a peripherally restricted opioid agonist. As expected, oral
      naltrexone only had modest effects on ethanol intake, and the response was not
      dose-dependent. However in rats, treatment with loperamide prior to the
      administration of naltrexone resulted in a suppression of ethanol intake which
      approached that observed with naltrexone given by the subcutaneous (SC) route.
      Importantly, administration of loperamide prior to administration of naltrexone
      did not alter blood concentrations of naltrexone. We then evaluated if oral
      loperamide would enhance effects of baclofen (a GABA(B) receptor agonist) and AM
      251 (a CB-1 receptor antagonist) and found that pre-treatment with loperamide did
      potentiate the action of both drugs to reduce ethanol self-administration.
      Finally, the specific opioid receptor type involved was investigated using
      selective MU- and kappa-receptor antagonists to determine if these would affect
      the ability of the AM-251 and loperamide combination to block ethanol drinking
      behavior. The effect of loperamide was blocked by ALKS 37, a peripherally
      restricted MU-receptor antagonist. These data suggest an important role for
      opioid receptors within the GIT in modulating central reward pathways and may
      provide new insights into strategies for treating reward disorders, including
      drug dependency.

PMID- 22056609
TI  - Natural course and comorbidities of allergic and nonallergic rhinitis in
      children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Not much data are available from large, unselected, birth cohort
      studies on the natural course and comorbidities of rhinitis in children.
      OBJECTIVE: To study phenotypes of rhinitis in relation to the natural course and
      comorbidities of allergic diseases in preschool-age and early school-age
      children. METHODS: We analyzed data from a birth cohort of 2024 children, for
      whom information on IgEs against 8 common inhaled allergens was available,
      collected at age 4 and 8 years. The children were assigned to groups of allergic
      rhinitis (rhinitis with sensitization to allergens), nonallergic rhinitis
      (rhinitis without sensitization), allergic sensitization but no rhinitis, or
      neither rhinitis nor sensitization. RESULTS: The proportion of children with
      allergic rhinitis increased from 5% to 14% from age 4 to 8 years, whereas the
      proportion of children with nonallergic rhinitis decreased slightly over the same
      period of development, from 8% to 6%. Of the children with allergic rhinitis when
      they were 4 years old, 12% underwent remission by the time they were 8 years old;
      of the children with nonallergic rhinitis, 73% underwent remission during this
      period of development. Among 4-year-olds without rhinitis who were sensitized to
      allergen, 56% had allergic rhinitis when they were 8 years old. Among 4- and 8
      year-olds, allergic rhinitis and nonallergic rhinitis were associated with
      asthma, eczema, and food hypersensitivity. Twenty-five percent of 8-year-olds
      with allergic rhinitis also had oral allergy syndrome. CONCLUSIONS: Fewer
      preschool-age children with allergic rhinitis undergo remission than do those
      with nonallergic rhinitis. Sensitization to inhaled allergens at an early age (4
      years) precedes the development of allergic rhinitis, whereas symptoms of
      rhinitis do not. Oral allergy syndrome is common among 8-year-olds with allergic
      rhinitis.

PMID- 22056610
TI  - The designer aminoglycoside NB84 significantly reduces glycosaminoglycan
      accumulation associated with MPS I-H in the Idua-W392X mouse.
AB  - Suppression therapy utilizes compounds that suppress translation termination at
      in-frame premature termination codons (PTCs) to restore full-length, functional
      protein. This approach may provide a treatment for diseases caused by nonsense
      mutations such as mucopolysaccharidosis type I-Hurler (MPS I-H). MPS I-H is a
      lysosomal storage disease caused by severe alpha-L-iduronidase deficiency and
      subsequent lysosomal glycosaminoglycan (GAG) accumulation. MPS I-H represents a
      good target for suppression therapy because the majority of MPS I-H patients
      carry nonsense mutations, and restoration of even a small amount of functional
      alpha-L-iduronidase may attenuate the MPS I-H phenotype. In this study, we
      investigated the efficiency of suppression therapy agents to suppress the Idua
      W392X nonsense mutation in an MPS I-H mouse model. The drugs tested included the
      conventional aminoglycosides gentamicin, G418, amikacin, and paromomycin. In
      addition, the designer aminoglycosides NB54 and NB84, two compounds previously
      designed to mediate efficient PTC suppression with reduced toxicity, were also
      examined. Overall, NB84 suppressed the Idua-W392X nonsense mutation much more
      efficiently than any of the other compounds tested. NB84 treatment restored
      enough functional alpha-L-iduronidase activity to partially reverse abnormal GAG
      accumulation and lysosomal abundance in mouse embryonic fibroblasts derived from
      the Idua-W392X mouse. Finally, in vivo administration of NB84 to Idua-W392X mice
      significantly reduced urine GAG excretion and tissue GAG storage. Together, these
      results suggest that NB84-mediated suppression therapy has the potential to
      attenuate the MPS I-H disease phenotype.

PMID- 22056611
TI  - L-shaped right-to-left crossed-fused renal ectopia with left dysplastic ureter.
AB  - Crossed-fused renal ectopia is a relatively rare congenital malformation. Herein,
      we report a case of L-shaped right- to-left crossed-fused renal ectopia with a
      left dysplastic ureter in a 5-year-old girl. She underwent a left nephrectomy and
      the postoperative course was uneventful.

PMID- 22056612
TI  - Changes in bone turnover markers during the close season in elite football
      (soccer) players.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Bone turnover marker changes in response to physical activity are
      well documented. There is, however, little information on the extent and severity
      of skeletal de-conditioning in athletes in response to rest periods. This study
      analyses changes in markers of bone resorption and bone formation during the
      close season within the squad of an English Football Association Championship
      club. DESIGN: Evaluation was performed on the first team football squad just
      before the end of the 2007/2008 football season and again 8 weeks later before
      pre-season testing and training. METHOD: Bone resorption was measured by serum
      concentration of C-terminal telopeptide (CTx) and bone formation by serum
      concentration of the N-terminal propeptide of type I procollagen (PINP). Twenty
      football players aged from 18 to 36 years (mean 23.6 years) were included in the
      study. RESULTS: The mean change in CTx during the close season was +0.14 ng/ml
      (95% CI: 0.21 to 0.06, p=0.001). The mean change in PINP was -10.8 ng/ml (95% CI:
      -3.9 to -17.7, p=0.004). CONCLUSIONS: In professional football players, a close
      season rest of 8 weeks results in an increase in bone resorption and a decrease
      in bone formation markers. This imbalance between formation and resorption may
      have negative effects on bone mass and structure. Future research should focus on
      understanding the many factors that could contribute to the changes found in the
      study during the close season.

PMID- 22056613
TI  - Recognition of methylated histones: new twists and variations.
AB  - Histone tails undergo methylation at their lysines and arginines. These chemical
      marks act as traffic signals that direct activity of chromatin remodeling
      complexes to appropriate regions of the genome. A surprisingly diverse group of
      effector protein modules in chromatin remodeling complexes and their associated
      factors are involved in the recognition of histone methyllysines. Previous
      studies generally painted a picture of individual lysines recognized by these
      protein modules in a 1:1 fashion. However, recent structural studies show more
      complex interactions where the critical lysines are recognized in pairs, or in
      the context of nucleosomal DNA, or within the central pore of repeat motifs.
      These interactions extend our understanding of how histone tail recognition can
      be enhanced through coupled interactions within a single module or through the
      cooperation of two different molecules.

PMID- 22056614
TI  - The CWD allele catalog in China.

PMID- 22056615
TI  - Diagnosis of immediate hypersensitivity to beta-lactam antibiotics can be made
      safely with current approaches.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diagnosing immediate hypersensitivity to beta-lactam antibiotics is
      still a significant problem. Recently, a new penicillin testing reagent was
      introduced to the market. In this study, the recommendations of the European
      Network of Drug Allergy (ENDA) for the diagnosis of immediate reactions to beta
      lactams were followed, and the negative predictive value of this approach with
      currently available reagents was assessed. METHODS: Eighty patients (age range: 6
      74 years) with a history of immediate reactions to beta-lactams were included.
      All cases underwent skin testing with benzylpenicilloyl-polylysine (PPL) and
      minor determinant mixture (MDM), followed by the culprit drug if necessary. If
      this step was negative, a drug provocation test was offered. If this step also
      yielded a negative result, then the patients were recommended to use beta-lactam
      antibiotics in future whenever their use was indicated. RESULTS: Overall, 29
      patients (36.2%) were diagnosed as beta-lactam allergic. The majority of the
      cases (72.4%) were diagnosed by positive skin tests to either PPL or MDM, whereas
      10.3% were diagnosed by skin testing with culprit drugs and 17.2% with drug
      provocation tests. Regarding the use of the tested drug in the long term, almost
      half of the contacted patients had had an indication to use the tested drug and
      the majority had taken the whole course without problems. CONCLUSIONS: Although
      currently available new penicillin tests provide sufficient allergy data, all the
      steps recommended by ENDA should be followed in the diagnosis of immediate
      reactions to beta-lactams. If these steps are negative, the patients usually
      tolerate beta-lactams and only a few develop mild, non-life-threatening reactions
      in the long term.

PMID- 22056616
TI  - The novel ATP-sensitive potassium channel opener iptakalim prevents insulin
      resistance associated with hypertension via restoring endothelial function.
AB  - AIM: To investigate the effects of iptakalim on endothelial dysfunction induced
      by insulin resistance (IR) and to determine whether iptakalim improved IR
      associated with hypertension in fructose-fed rats (FFRs) and spontaneously
      hypertensive rats (SHRs). METHODS: Human umbilical vein endothelial cells
      (HUVECs) were used for in vitro study. The levels of endothelial vasoactive
      mediators and eNOS protein expression were determined using radioimmunoassays,
      ELISAs, colorimetric assays or Western blotting. Sprague-Dawley rats were fed
      with a high-fructose diet. In both FFRs and SHRs, tail-cuff method was used to
      measure systolic blood pressure (SBP), and hyperinsulinemic- euglycemic clamp was
      used to evaluate IR states. RESULTS: (1) Cultured HUVECs incubated with the PI3
      kinase inhibitor wortmannin (50 nmol/L) and insulin (100 nmol/L) induced
      endothelial dysfunction characterized by significantly reduced release of NO and
      expression of eNOS protein, and significantly increased production of ET-1.
      Pretreatment with iptakalim (0.1-10 MUmol/L) could prevent the endothelial
      dysfunction. (2) In FFRs, the levels of SBP, fasting plasma glucose and insulin
      were significantly elevated, whereas the glucose infusion rate (GIR) and insulin
      sensitive index (ISI) were significantly decreased, and the endothelium-dependent
      vascular relaxation response to ACh was impaired. These changes could be
      prevented by oral administration of iptakalim (1, 3, or 9 mg.kg(-1).d(-1), for 4
      weeks). The imbalance between serum NO and ET-1 was also ameliorated by
      iptakalim. (3) In 2-4 month-old SHRs (IR was established at the age of 4 months),
      oral administration of iptakalim (1, 3, or 9 mg.kg(-1).d(-1), for 8 weeks)
      significantly ameliorated hypertension and increased the GIR to the normal level.
      CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate that iptakalim could protect against IR
      induced endothelial dysfunction, and ameliorate IR associated with hypertension,
      possibly via restoring the balance between NO and ET-1 signaling.

PMID- 22056617
TI  - Beneficial effects of mood stabilizers lithium, valproate and lamotrigine in
      experimental stroke models.
AB  - The mood stabilizers lithium, valproate and lamotrigine are traditionally used to
      treat bipolar disorder. However, accumulating evidence suggests that these drugs
      have broad neuroprotective properties and may therefore be promising therapeutic
      agents for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, including stroke.
      Lithium, valproate and lamotrigine exert protective effects in diverse
      experimental stroke models by acting on their respective primary targets, ie,
      glycogen synthase kinase-3, histone deacetylases and voltage-gated sodium
      channels, respectively. This article reviews the most recent findings regarding
      the underlying mechanisms of these phenomena, which will pave the way for
      clinical investigations that use mood stabilizers to treat stroke. We also
      propose several future research avenues that may extend our understanding of the
      benefits of lithium, valproate and lamotrigine in improving stroke outcomes.

PMID- 22056618
TI  - Systolic blood pressure below 110 mmHg is associated with increased mortality in
      penetrating major trauma patients: Multicentre cohort study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Non-invasive systolic blood pressure (SBP) measurement is a
      commonly used triaging tool for trauma patients. A SBP of <90mmHg has represented
      the threshold for hypotension for many years, but recent studies have suggested
      redefining hypotension at lower levels. We therefore examined the association
      between SBP and mortality in penetrating trauma patients. METHODS: We conducted a
      prospective cohort study in adult (>=16 years) penetrating trauma patients.
      Patients were admitted to hospitals belonging to the Trauma Audit and Research
      Network (TARN) between 2000 and 2009. The main outcome measure was the
      association between SBP and mortality at 30 days. Multivariate logistic
      regression models adjusted for the influence of age, gender, Injury Severity
      Score (ISS) and Glasgow Coma Score (GCS) on mortality were used. RESULTS: 3444
      patients with a median age of 30 years (IQR 22.5-41.4), SBP of 126mmHg (IQR 107
      142), ISS of 9 (IQR 9-14) and GCS of 15 (IQR 15-15), were analysed. Multivariable
      logistic regression analysis adjusted for age, gender, severity of injury and
      level of consciousness showed a cut-off for SBP at <110mmHg, after which
      increased mortality was observed. Compared with the reference group with SBP 110
      129mmHg, mortality was doubled at SBP 90-109mmHg, was four-fold higher at 70
      89mmHg and 10-fold higher at <70mmHg. SBP values >=150mmHg were associated with
      decreased mortality. CONCLUSION: We recommend that penetrating trauma patients
      with a SBP<110mmHg are triaged to resuscitation areas within dedicated,
      appropriately specialised, high-level care trauma centres.

PMID- 22056619
TI  - Training teams and leaders to reduce resuscitation errors and improve patient
      outcome.

PMID- 22056620
TI  - N,N'-dicyclohexylsulfamide and N,N'-diphenethylsulfamide are anticonvulsant
      sulfamides with affinity for the benzodiazepine binding site of the GABA(A)
      receptor and anxiolytic activity in mice.
AB  - A set of sulfamides designed, synthesized and evaluated against maximal
      electroshock seizure (MES) and pentilenetetrazol (PTZ) tests with promising
      results, were tested for their affinity for the benzodiazepine binding site of
      the GABA(A) receptor. The most active compounds, N,N'-dicyclohexylsulfamide (7)
      and N,N'-diphenethylsulfamide (10), competitively inhibited the binding of [(3)H]
      flunitrazepam to the benzodiazepine binding site with K(i)+/-SEM values of 27.7+/
      4.5MUM (n=3) and 6.0+/-1.2MUM (n=3), respectively. The behavioral actions of
      these sulfamides, i.p. administered in mice, were examined in the plus-maze, hole
      board and locomotor activity assays. Compound 7 exhibited anxiolytic-like effects
      in mice evidenced by a significant increase of the parameters measured in the
      hole-board test (at 1 and 3mg/kg) and the plus-maze assay (at 1 and 3mg/kg).
      Compound 10 evidenced anxiolytic activity in the plus-maze and the hole-board
      tests at 1mg/kg. Locomotor activity of mice was not modified by compound 7 or 10
      at the doses tested. Flumazenil, a non selective benzodiazepine binding site
      antagonist, was able to completely reverse the anxiolytic-like effects of these
      sulfamides, proving that the GABA(A) receptor is implicated in this action.
      Anxiety represents a major problem for people with epilepsy. The use of
      anxiolytic and anticonvulsant sulfamides would be beneficial to individuals who
      suffer from both disorders.

PMID- 22056621
TI  - Inhibition of genotoxic stress induced apoptosis by novel TAT-fused peptides
      targeting PIDDosome.
AB  - Genotoxic stress induced apoptosis is mediated by the formation of PIDDosome,
      which is a caspase-2 activating complex composed of three protein components,
      PIDD, RAIDD, and caspase-2. Here, synthetic TAT-fused peptides designed by the
      structure of PIDD and RAIDD, TAT-Y814A and TAT-R147E, respectively, were produced
      and tested for their ability to inhibit PIDDosome formation in vitro as well as
      to attenuate genotoxic stress-induced apoptosis in human renal cancer cells. The
      results show that TAT-Y814A and TAT-R147E have the potential to inhibit formation
      of the PIDDosome in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, both peptides partially
      inhibit genotoxic stress mediated apoptosis and activation of caspase2 and
      caspase3 in Caki cells. These results suggest that TAT-Y814A (also TAT-R147E) is
      a novel inhibitor of genotoxic stress-induced apoptosis that may serve as a
      prototype for anti-apoptotic drug development.

PMID- 22056622
TI  - Kindlin-2: a novel adhesion protein related to tumor invasion, lymph node
      metastasis, and patient outcome in gastric cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Kindlin-2 has been confirmed as an essential element of bidirectional
      integrin signaling. In recent years, the relationship between Kindlin-2
      expression and cancers has been a focus of interest. However, the relationship
      between Kindlin-2 expression in gastric cancer and tumor invasion, metastasis,
      and the outcome of patients have not been studied. METHODS: Kindlin-2 expression
      at protein and RNA levels were detected by Western blot and real-time polymerase
      chain reaction in 40 pairs of gastric cancer samples. In addition, the
      correlations between Kindlin-2 expression and clinicopathologic factors as well
      as the prognosis of the patients were analyzed. Multivariate Cox regression was
      used to study the effect of Kindlin-2 expression on overall and progression-free
      survival. RESULTS: We found that Kindlin-2 was up-regulated both at RNA (P =
      .027) and protein levels (P = .014) in gastric cancer tissues. Tumor samples with
      high Kindlin-2 expression (Kindlin-2/beta-actin:tumor tissue/paraneoplastic
      tissue, >=2) was observed in 55% of the patients. Moreover, Kindlin-2 expression
      had a significant positive correlation with tumor stromal invasion (P = .014),
      lymph node metastasis (P = .007), and TNM stage (P = .014). Patients with high
      Kindlin-2 expression had significantly poorer overall survival (P = .012) and
      progression-free survival (P = .012). High Kindlin-2 expression was an
      independent risk factor of progression-free survival (hazard ratio, 5.2; 95%
      confidence interval, 1.1-3.3; P = .032). CONCLUSIONS: Kindlin-2 may play an
      important role in the development of gastric cancer and it is a potential factor
      that could be used to evaluate the outcome of gastric cancer. Kindlin-2 may shed
      new light on evaluating the prognosis and targeted therapy of gastric cancer.

PMID- 22056623
TI  - Locomotor response to novelty correlates with the number of midbrain tyrosine
      hydroxylase positive cells in rats.
AB  - The present study investigated whether the higher dopaminergic system activation
      in rats with high (HRs) rather than low (LRs) locomotor activity in response to
      novelty depend on the number of cells containing the enzyme tyrosine hydroxylase
      (TH(+)) and/or differences in the morphology of these cells. One week after the
      novelty test, brains from male Wistar rats (HRs and LRs) were collected and
      stained for TH expression (immunohistochemistry) and for morphological analysis
      (immunofluorescent staining). The morphology and total number of TH(+) cells was
      analyzed for each A9 (substantia nigra) and A10 (ventral tegmental area) group of
      the midbrain dopaminergic cells. We found that HRs had a higher total number of
      TH(+) cells in the whole midbrain dopaminergic region (A9-A10) and in the A9
      group only than LRs. In particular midbrain dopaminergic groups of neurons, HR/LR
      differences were regionally specific: HRs had a higher total number of TH(+)
      cells in the A9, and in the anterior part of the A10. In contrast, the LRs had a
      higher number of TH(+) cells in the parabrachial pigmented nucleus (A10) and in
      the posterior part of the A9. There were no significant differences in the
      morphology of the midbrain dopamine neurons between HRs and LRs. Moreover, there
      was a positive correlation between the total number of TH(+) neurons and the
      locomotor activity score in response to novelty in the whole A9-A10 region and in
      the particular A9 group only. The results obtained indicate that the higher
      behavioral activation in resting conditions correlates with the higher number
      rather than changes in the morphology of the midbrain dopaminergic TH(+) cells.
      It supports findings on the higher level of dopaminergic system activation in
      high responders to novelty that depends on the number of midbrain dopaminergic
      TH(+) neurons.

PMID- 22056624
TI  - Acidification of grape marc for alcoholic beverage production: effects on
      indigenous microflora and aroma profile after distillation.
AB  - Grappa is an Italian alcoholic beverage obtained from distillation of grape marc,
      the raw material derived from separation of must during the winemaking process.
      Marc is stored for a period lasting from few days to several weeks, when
      fermentation of residual sugars occurs mainly by yeast activity. Many
      distilleries have adopted different solutions to manage this critical phase in
      order to avoid spoilage microorganisms: marc acidification is the most widely
      diffused. In this work, Prosecco grape pomace was acidified with sulphuric acid
      (to pH 2.9) and stored, whereas non-acidified grape marc was used as control (pH
      3.9). Samples for microbiological analysis were collected at the beginning of the
      storage period, after 15 and 43days. At the beginning of the ensilage (time T0)
      the indigenous microflora was represented both by yeasts and bacteria at a
      concentration of about 10(6)cfu/g. During the first 15days, when the fermentation
      generally takes place, yeast population grew considerably (up to 10(7)cfu/g) in
      acidified grape marc, where bacterial population was maintained at low levels.
      Moreover, yeast populations recovered at the three sampling times in both treated
      and untreated marc were genetically characterised. This analysis showed that the
      species succession lead to non-Saccharomyces species dominance (in particular
      Issatchenkia and Pichia genera) in both conditions although acidified marc showed
      a lower percentage of Saccharomyces at any sampling time analysed, this meaning
      that non-Saccharomyces species were favoured in this environment. Gas
      chromatographic analysis showed a remarkable change in the aromatic profile of
      distilled grape marcs at the end of the storage, thus evidencing that
      concentration of monitored volatile compounds usually produced by microflora was
      generally lowered by the acidification treatment. This work demonstrates for the
      first time the strong effect of a persistent acidification treatment both on the
      microbiota of grape pomace and on the aromatic profile of the distillate. Indeed,
      the lowering of the pH caused significant changes in yeast-bacteria populations
      ratio and in yeast species turnover. These microbiological changes determine an
      improvement of the aromatic profile of the distillate, due to the reduction of
      the main volatile products associated with potential off-flavours.

PMID- 22056625
TI  - The reno-protective effect of a phosphoinositide 3-kinase inhibitor wortmannin on
      streptozotocin-induced proteinuric renal disease rats.
AB  - Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a progressive kidney disease that is caused by
      injury to kidney glomeruli. Podocytes are glomerular epithelial cells and play
      critical roles in the glomerular filtration barrier. Recent studies have shown
      the importance of regulating the podocyte actin cytoskeleton in early DN. The
      phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitor, wortmannin, simultaneously regulates
      Rac1 and Cdc42, which destabilize the podocyte actin cytoskeleton during early
      DN. In this study, in order to evaluate the reno-protective effects of wortmannin
      in early DN by regulating Rac1 and Cdc42, streptozotocin (STZ)-induced
      proteinuric renal disease (SPRD) rats were treated with wortmannin. The
      albuminuria value of the SPRD group was 3.55 +/- 0.56 mg/day, whereas wortmannin
      group was 1.77 +/- 0.48 mg/day. Also, the albumin to creatinine ratio (ACR) value
      of the SPRD group was 53.08 +/- 10.82 mg/g, whereas wortmannin group was 20.27 +/
      6.41 mg/g. Changes in the expression level of nephrin, podocin and Rac1/Cdc42,
      which is related to actin cytoskeleton in podocytes, by wortmannin administration
      were confirmed by Western blotting. The expression levels of nephrin (79.66 +/-
      0.02), podocin (87.81 +/- 0.03) and Rac1/Cdc42 (86.12 +/- 0.02) in the wortmannin
      group were higher than the expression levels of nephrin (55.32 +/- 0.03), podocin
      (53.40 +/- 0.06) and Rac1/Cdc42 (54.05 +/- 0.04) in the SPRD group. In addition,
      expression and localization of nephrin, podocin and desmin were confirmed by
      immunofluorescence. In summary, we found for the first time that wortmannin has a
      reno-protective effect on SPRD rats during the early DN. The beneficial effects
      of wortmannin in SPRD rats indicate that this compound could be used to delay the
      progression of the disease during the early DN stage.

PMID- 22056626
TI  - Room temperature CO and H2 sensing with carbon nanoparticles.
AB  - We report on a shell-shaped carbon nanoparticle (SCNP)-based gas sensor that
      reversibly detects reducing gas molecules such as CO and H(2)  at room
      temperature both in air and inert atmosphere. Crystalline SCNPs were synthesized
      by laser-assisted reactions in pure acetylene gas flow, chemically treated to
      obtain well-dispersed SCNPs and then patterned on a substrate by the ion-induced
      focusing method. Our chemically functionalized SCNP-based gas sensor works for
      low concentrations of CO and H(2)  at room temperature even without Pd or Pt
      catalysts commonly used for splitting H(2)  molecules into reactive H atoms,
      while metal oxide gas sensors and bare carbon-nanotube-based gas sensors for
      sensing CO and H(2)  molecules can operate only at elevated temperatures. A
      pristine SCNP-based gas sensor was also examined to prove the role of functional
      groups formed on the surface of functionalized SCNPs. A pristine SCNP gas sensor
      showed no response to reducing gases at room temperature but a significant
      response at elevated temperature, indicating a different sensing mechanism from a
      chemically functionalized SCNP sensor.

PMID- 22056627
TI  - Development of an allele-specific real-time PCR assay for discrimination and
      quantification of p63 R279H mutation in EEC syndrome.
AB  - The ectrodactyly-ectodermal dysplasia-clefting syndrome is a rare autosomal
      dominant disorder caused by heterozygous mutations in the p63 gene, a
      transcription factor belonging to the p53 family. The majority of cases of
      ectrodactyly-ectodermal dysplasia syndrome are caused by de novo mutations and
      are therefore sporadic in approximately 60% of patients. The substitution of
      arginine to histidine (R279H), due to a c.836G>A mutation in exon 7 of the p63
      gene, represents 55% of the identified mutations and is considered a mutational
      hot spot. A quantitative and sensitive real-time PCR was performed to quantify
      both wild-type and R279H alleles in DNA extracted from peripheral blood and RNA
      from cultured epithelial cells. Standard curves were constructed for both wild
      type and mutant probes. The sensitivity of the assay was determined by generating
      serial dilutions of the DNA isolated from heterozygous patients (50% of alleles
      mutated) with wild-type DNA, thus obtaining decreasing percentages of p63 R279H
      mutant allele (50%, 37.5%, 25%, 12.5%, 10%, 7.5%, 5%, 2.5%, and 0.0%). The assay
      detected up to 1% of the mutant p63. The high sensitivity of the assay is of
      particular relevance to prenatal diagnosis and counseling and to detect
      therapeutic effects of drug treatment or gene therapy aimed at reducing the
      amount of mutated p63.

PMID- 22056628
TI  - Genotype variability and clinical features of human metapneumovirus isolated from
      Korean children, 2007 to 2010.
AB  - This study was undertaken to determine the genotype variability of human
      metapneumovirus (hMPV) and its circulation pattern over a 3.5-year period, and to
      evaluate its clinical characteristics in Korean children. We investigated 4599
      pediatric patients who were referred for a routine respiratory virus test by RT
      PCR. hMPV genotype analyses were performed using a nested PCR-restriction
      fragment length polymorphism assay. Clinical and laboratory data obtained from
      medical records were reviewed retrospectively. Of the 4599 samples tested, 325
      (7.1%) were positive for hMPV, and the co-infection rate among these 325 was 16%.
      Nested PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis clearly identified
      four of the five hMPV genotypes (A2a, A2b, B1, and B2) in 97.8%. The predominant
      genotype of hMPV changed over the 3.5-year study period from genotype A2a to B2
      and then back to A2a. The most common genotype was A2a (214/325, 65.8%). Evidence
      of recurrent infection was obtained in one child only. Lymphocytosis was more
      frequent in children with a co-infection, but sputum production was less frequent
      than in children with a single infection. In genotype A2a hMPV-infected children,
      sneezing and neutrophilia were more frequent than in genotype B1 or B2 hMPV
      infected children. This study broadens knowledge regarding the prevalence, the
      seasonal incidence, the occurrences of co-infection and re-infection, and the
      genotype diversity of hMPV in Korea.

PMID- 22056630
TI  - Does the use of standing 'hot' desks change sedentary work time in an open plan
      office?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the use of standing 'hot' desks in an open plan
      office and their impact on sedentary work time. METHOD: Australian employees
      (n=11; 46.9 [9.8] years; BMI 25.9 [3.5 kg/m(2)]) wore an armband accelerometer
      for two consecutive working weeks (November-December 2010). In the second week,
      employees were encouraged to use a pod of four standing 'hot' desks to stand and
      work as often as possible. Desk use was recorded using time logs. The percentages
      of daily work time spent in sedentary (<1.6 METs), light (1.6-3.0 METs) and
      moderate+ (>3 METs) intensity categories were calculated for each week, relative
      to the total daily time at work. Paired sample t tests were used to compare
      weekly differences. RESULTS: Employees spent 8:09 +/- 0:31h/day at work and 'hot'
      desk use ranged from zero to 9:35 h for the week. There were no significant
      changes in mean time spent in sedentary (difference of -0.1%), light (difference
      of 0.8%) and moderate+ (-0.7%) intensity categories. However, individual changes
      in sedentary work time ranged from -5.9 to 6.4%. CONCLUSIONS: Volitional use of
      standing 'hot' desks varied and while individual changes were apparent, desk use
      did not alter overall sedentary work time in this sample.

PMID- 22056629
TI  - Diabetes, body mass index and the excess risk of coronary heart disease, ischemic
      and hemorrhagic stroke in the Asia Pacific Cohort Studies Collaboration.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the effects of diabetes on coronary heart disease, ischemic
      and hemorrhagic stroke and cardiovascular disease according to category of body
      mass index. METHODS: Data on 161,161 men and women from 31 cohorts (baseline
      years, 1966-99; mean follow-up, 2-24 years) from the Asia Pacific Cohort Studies
      Collaboration were analyzed using Cox regression, stratified by sex and study and
      adjusted for age, systolic blood pressure and smoking. Diabetes was self-reported
      in all but one study. Body mass index was divided into five categories according
      to the World Health Organization Asian criteria. RESULTS: The hazard ratio
      (diabetes v. not) for cardiovascular disease was 1.83 (95% confidence interval,
      1.66-2.01). Across body mass index categories, this hazard ratio did not change
      significantly (p=0.19). Similar lack of difference across body mass index groups
      was found for coronary heart disease (p=0.33), ischemic stroke (p=0.97) and
      hemorrhagic stroke (p=0.98). CONCLUSIONS: Body mass index does not modify the
      effect of diabetes on major cardiovascular outcomes.

PMID- 22056631
TI  - Longitudinal study of parental smoking habits and development of asthma in early
      childhood.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study examined the association between parental smoking habits
      and the development of asthma in early childhood by using representative samples.
      METHODS: The survey subjects included all of the 53,575 babies born in Japan
      during the periods January 10-17 and July 10-17, 2001. The families of the
      subjects were asked to complete questionnaires that were delivered by post at 6
      months, 1 year 6 months, 2 years 6 months, 3 years 6 months, and 4 years 6 months
      postpartum. The first survey contained questions regarding the smoking habits of
      the parents. The second to fifth surveys asked if the child had needed medical
      attention for the treatment of asthma. RESULTS: Data from 36,888 subjects
      (collection rate: 68.9%) were analyzed. The 4-year cumulative incidence of asthma
      was 12.0%. Maternal indoor smoking significantly increased the risk of asthma
      development in children, 4-year risk 14.4% vs. 11.7%, risk ratio=1.24, 95% CI:
      1.11 to 1.38. No statistically significant association was found between paternal
      smoking and asthma development in children. CONCLUSIONS: In order to prevent the
      development of asthma in early childhood, it is necessary to formulate measures
      to stop or discourage maternal smoking.

PMID- 22056632
TI  - Genome arrays for the detection of copy number variations in idiopathic mental
      retardation, idiopathic generalized epilepsy and neuropsychiatric disorders:
      lessons for diagnostic workflow and research.
AB  - We review the contributions and limitations of genome-wide array-based
      identification of copy number variants (CNVs) in the clinical diagnostic
      evaluation of patients with mental retardation (MR) and other brain-related
      disorders. In unselected MR referrals a causative genomic gain or loss is
      detected in 14-18% of cases. Usually, such CNVs arise de novo, are not found in
      healthy subjects, and have a major impact on the phenotype by altering the dosage
      of multiple genes. This high diagnostic yield justifies array-based segmental
      aneuploidy screening as the initial genetic test in these patients. This also
      pertains to patients with autism (expected yield about 5-10% in nonsyndromic and
      10-20% in syndromic patients) and schizophrenia (at least 5% yield). CNV studies
      in idiopathic generalized epilepsy, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder,
      major depressive disorder and Tourette syndrome indicate that patients have, on
      average, a larger CNV burden as compared to controls. Collectively, the CNV
      studies suggest that a wide spectrum of disease-susceptibility variants exists,
      most of which are rare (<0.1%) and of variable and usually small effect.
      Notwithstanding, a rare CNV can have a major impact on the phenotype. Exome
      sequencing in MR and autism patients revealed de novo mutations in protein coding
      genes in 60 and 20% of cases, respectively. Therefore, it is likely that arrays
      will be supplanted by next-generation sequencing methods as the initial and
      perhaps ultimate diagnostic tool in patients with brain-related disorders,
      revealing both CNVs and mutations in a single test.

PMID- 22056633
TI  - Prolonged absence of meiotic spindles by birefringence imaging negatively affects
      normal fertilization and embryo development.
AB  - Meiotic spindle (MS) assembly in human oocytes is a dynamic process that can be
      visualized by computer-assisted microscopy. At extrusion of the first polar body
      a spindle bridge is detected until the completion of telophase I and its
      reformation requires approximately 1h. This study analysed 396 oocytes from 112
      cycles for fertilization and cleavage according to MS detection at two
      examinations, 39 and 41 h post-human chorionic gonadotrophin (HCG). All cycles
      had at least one injected oocyte lacking a visible MS at intracytoplasmic sperm
      injection (41 h post-HCG). To evaluate the results, oocytes were divided
      according to the presence (group A) or absence at both observations (group B) of
      the MS. Compared with group A, group B oocytes had lower normal fertilization
      rates, higher incidence of three pronuclei and two pronuclei in early dissolution
      and lower development to blastocyst. Some group A oocytes showed a late MS
      formation (not visualized at 39 h but at 41 h) and their performance was similar
      to that of the oocytes with a MS visible at both time points. Although some
      implantations occurred in group B, these findings suggest that prolonged MS non
      detection could be a marker of reduced oocyte competence.

PMID- 22056634
TI  - Elective single-embryo transfer: persuasive communication strategies can affect
      choice in a young British population.
AB  - This study tested the effectiveness of the framing effect and fear appeals to
      inform young people about the risks of multiple births and the option of
      selecting elective single-embryo transfer (eSET). A non-patient student sample
      (age (mean+/-SD) 23+/-5.5 years; n=321) were randomly allocated to one of seven
      groups: (1) framing effect: (1a) gain and (1b) loss frame; (2) fear appeal: (2a)
      high, (2b) medium and (2c) low fear; or (3) a control group: (3a) education and
      (3b) non-education. The primary outcome measure was the Attitudes towards Single
      Embryo Transfer questionnaire, before exposure to the messages (time 1) and
      immediately afterwards (time 2). Results revealed participants in the high fear,
      medium fear and gain condition demonstrated the most positive and significant
      differences (P<0.001 to P<0.05) in their knowledge, hypothetical intentions and
      modest changes in attitudes towards eSET than the low fear, loss frame and
      education and non-education messages. The results demonstrate that the use of
      complex persuasive communication techniques on a student population to promote
      immediate and hypothetical eSET preferences is more successful at promoting eSET
      than merely reporting educational content. Future research should investigate its
      application in a clinical population. A multiple pregnancy is a health risk to
      both infant and mother following IVF treatment. The aims of this study were to
      test the effectiveness of two persuasive communication techniques (the framing
      effect and fear appeals) to inform young people about the risks of multiple
      births and the hypothetical option of selecting elective single-embryo transfer
      (eSET) (i.e., only one embryo is transferred to the uterus using IVF treatment).
      A total of 321 non-patient student sample (mean age 23) were randomly allocated
      to read a message from one of seven groups: (1) framing effect: (1a) gain and
      (1b) loss frame; (2) fear appeal: (2a) high, (2b) medium and (2c) low fear; or
      (3) a control group: education (3a) and (3b) non-education. Participants
      completed the Attitudes towards Single Embryo Transfer questionnaire, before
      exposure to the messages (time 1) and immediately afterwards (time 2). Results
      revealed that participants in the high fear, medium fear and gain condition
      demonstrated the most positive and significant differences in their knowledge,
      hypothetical intentions and modest changes in attitudes towards eSET than the low
      fear, loss frame and education and non-education messages. This study recommends
      that health promotion based on the framing effect and fear appeals should be
      tested in clinical (patient) samples in the future.

PMID- 22056635
TI  - Legal perspectives on cross-border reproductive care.
AB  - Global cross-border reproductive care (CBRC), and the challenges accompanying it,
      are here to stay. A recent issue of this journal devoted to CBRC provides an
      extraordinary array of insights into multiple facets, with a focus on the legal
      dimensions of practices by restrictive countries such as Turkey and Italy. The
      articles identify restrictive laws that challenge and create vulnerabilities for
      both citizens and providers involved in CBRC, and call instead for more modest
      and nuanced legislation and the closing paper presents a thoughtful and ambitious
      outline for a future research agenda. This commentary reflects on the
      implications of these legal dimensions, including their applicability to
      countries with more permissive CBRC policies, discusses three specific examples
      of legal concerns that have arisen in the USA and identifies numerous legal
      issues meriting future study. Together with the nuanced, more modest legislation
      recommended for restrictive countries, consistent legal and judicial principles
      for CBRC in permissive countries would respect varying perspectives on family
      building while attempting to address a central legal concern of CBRC, the
      protection of families, third-parties and providers. Any future agenda should
      include research and recommendations on the legal dimensions of CBRC in both
      restrictive and permissive countries.

PMID- 22056636
TI  - Effect of family history on outcome in German patients treated with radical
      prostatectomy for clinically localised prostate cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The outcome of prostate cancer (CaP) patients treated with radical
      prostatectomy (RP) might be influenced by family history (FH) in a subset of
      patients. We analysed the effect of sporadic, familial and hereditary CaP
      stratified by risk on clinico-pathologic characteristics and biochemical
      recurrence-free survival (bRFS) following RP. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data of 8041
      German patients treated with RP between 1994 and 2008 in Germany were analysed.
      We evaluated the impact of FH stratified by D'Amico's risk classification on
      pathologic characteristics using Cochran-Mantel-Haenszel tests. The impact of FH
      stratified by risk on bRFS was analysed in a proportional hazards regression.
      RESULTS: Five thousand seven hundred and fifty six (71.6%) had sporadic, 1779
      (22.1%) familial and 506 (6.3%) hereditary CaP. Adjusted for risk group, FH was
      associated with age of onset <65 years (p<0.001) but not with pathological
      characteristics or bRFS. The subgroup of patients with high risk and hereditary
      CaP numerically had the lowest bRFS rate at 5 (52.9%) and 10 (30.7%) years.
      However, this observation was statistically insignificant (p = 0.267). Familial
      and hereditary CaP patients were 1-2 years younger than sporadic cases at CaP
      diagnosis. CONCLUSION: Sporadic, familial and hereditary CaP have the same
      pathologic characteristics and bRFS rate following RP. Patients with a positive
      family history are diagnosed earlier than sporadic patients. Stratification in
      subgroups by risk group did not add further information.

PMID- 22056637
TI  - Ulceration and stage are predictive of interferon efficacy in melanoma: results
      of the phase III adjuvant trials EORTC 18952 and EORTC 18991.
AB  - Adjuvant interferon has modest activity in melanoma patients at high risk for
      relapse. Patient selection is important; stage and ulceration of the primary
      tumour are key prognostic factors. METHODS: In this post hoc meta-analysis of
      European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) trials 18952
      (intermediate doses of interferon alpha-2b [IFN] versus observation in stage IIb
      III patients) and 18991 (pegylated [PEG]-IFN versus observation in stage III
      patients), the predictive value of ulceration on the efficacy of IFN/PEG-IFN with
      regard to relapse-free survival (RFS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS),
      and overall survival (OS) was assessed in the overall population and in subgroups
      stratified by stage (IIb and III-N1 [microscopic nodal disease] and III-N2
      [macroscopic nodal disease]). FINDINGS: In the overall population, the comparison
      of IFN/PEG-IFN versus observation for RFS, DMFS and OS yielded estimated hazard
      ratios (HR) of 0.85 (p = 0.004), 0.89 (p = 0.04) and 0.94 (p = 0.36),
      respectively. The impact of treatment was greater in the ulceration group (n =
      849) compared with the non-ulceration group (n = 1336) for RFS (test for
      interaction: p = 0.02), DMFS (p < 0.001) and OS (p < 0.001). The greatest risk
      reductions were observed in patients with ulceration and stage IIb/III-N1, with
      estimated HR for RFS, DMFS, and OS of 0.69 (p = 0.003), 0.59 (p < 0.0001) and
      0.58 (p < 0.0001), respectively. The efficacy of IFN/PEG-IFN was lower in stage
      III-N2 patients with ulceration and uniformly absent in patients without
      ulceration. There was consistency between the data of both trials.
      INTERPRETATION: This meta-analysis of the EORTC 18952 and 18991 trials indicated
      that both tumour stage and ulceration were predictive factors for the efficacy of
      adjuvant IFN/PEG-IFN therapy.

PMID- 22056638
TI  - Yes-associated protein promotes tumour development in luminal epithelial derived
      breast cancer.
AB  - Yes-associated protein (YAP) is inactivated by the tumour suppressing Hippo
      pathway. The YAP gene is amplified in human liver cancer, and promotes tumour
      growth. However, there are contrasting reports about its function in breast
      cancer. Studies have demonstrated both oncogenic or tumour suppressor functions.
      Our study aims to clarify the role of YAP in breast cancer. We investigated the
      expression of YAP in 69 cases of human breast cancer tissue by
      immunohistochemistry (IHC). The role of YAP on cell growth in vitro and
      tumourigenesis in vivo were evaluated. We found that YAP was expressed in 75.4%
      (52/69) of breast cancer samples; amongst these cases YAP was overexpressed in
      29% (20/69). There was no YAP expression in the remainder (17/69) cases. Breast
      cancer cell lines in which YAP was either overexpressed or depleted confirmed
      that YAP markedly promotes cell proliferation. This was confirmed in vivo:
      overexpression of YAP enhanced tumour formation and growth, whereas
      downregulation of YAP decreased the tumour formation and growth. Our results
      suggest that YAP acts as an oncogene in a subtype of breast cancer.

PMID- 22056639
TI  - Hypoxic preconditioning involves system Xc- regulation in mouse neural stem
      cells.
AB  - In animals, hypoxic preconditioning has been used as a form of neuroprotection.
      The exact mechanism involved in neuroprotective hypoxic preconditioning has not
      been described, yet could be valuable for possible neuroprotective strategies.
      The overexpression of the cystine-glutamate exchanger, system Xc-, has been
      demonstrated as being neuroprotective (Shih, Erb et al. 2006). Here, using
      immunohistochemistry, we demonstrate that C57BL/6 mice exposed to hypoxia showed
      an increase in system Xc- expression, with the highest level of intensity in the
      hippocampus. Western Blot analysis also showed an almost 2-fold increase in
      system Xc- protein in hypoxia-exposed versus control mice. The mRNA for the
      regulatory subunit of system Xc-, xCT, and the xCT/actin ratio were also
      increased under hypoxic conditions. Experiments using hypoxia-inducible factor
      (HIF-1alpha) siRNA showed a statistically significant decrease in HIF-1alpha and
      system Xc- expression. Under hypoxic conditions, system Xc- activity, as
      determined by cystine uptake, increased 2-fold. Importantly, hypoxic
      preconditioning was attenuated in neural stem cells by pharmacological inhibition
      of system Xc- activity with S4-carboxyphenylglycine. These data provide the first
      evidence of hypoxic regulation of the cystine glutamate exchanger system Xc-.

PMID- 22056640
TI  - Survival time of cardiac allografts prolonged by isogeneic BMT in mice.
AB  - To find an approach to prolong the survival time of cardiac allografts in a
      BALB/c-to-C57/BL6 heterotopic heart transplant model and to try to figure out
      related chemokines and cytokines, isogeneic and allogeneic BM cells were obtained
      from pregnant C57/BL6 (?C57/BL6 * ?BALB/c) and regular BALB/c mice and injected
      to the half lethally irradiated C57/BL6 mice 1 day before heart transplantation.
      Recipients were treated with CsA or phosphate-buffered saline for 7 days.
      Isogeneic BMT (iBMT) from pregnant C57/BL6 mice was observed to significantly
      prolong the survival of BALB/c allografts and reduce the lymphocyte infiltration.
      Allogeneic BMT (aBMT) and iBMT both exhibited signicantly less T-cell
      proliferation reactivity and the similar degree of chimerism. There was no
      significant difference in these groups of IFN-gamma and IL-4 production. The
      level of chemokine MIG (CXCL9) dramatically decreased in aBMT and iBMT groups
      compared with the control group. But there were no significant differences
      between aBMT and iBMT group. IL-17 and RORgamma(t) (receptor-related orphan
      receptor) production were downregulated in iBMT recipients. These results
      indicate that iBMT can prolong the survival of cardiac allografts. IL-17
      production downregulated in iBMT recipients. This means that iBMT may have
      important therapeutic implications.

PMID- 22056641
TI  - Prevention of relapse using granulocyte CSF-primed PBPCs following HLA
      mismatched/haploidentical, T-cell-replete hematopoietic SCT in patients with
      advanced-stage acute leukemia: a retrospective risk-factor analysis.
AB  - The role of donor lymphocyte infusion (DLI) in the prophylaxis of relapse has not
      been defined. We retrospectively analyzed the data from 88 patients with advanced
      stage acute leukemia after HLA-mismatched/haploidentical hematopoietic SCT (HSCT)
      whose treatment did (n=61) or did not (n=27) include granulocyte CSF (GCSF)
      primed PBPCs infusion (GPBPCI). The two groups were compared with respect to
      relapse and OS. Further, a detailed analysis of risk factors was performed. The 2
      year cumulative incidence of relapse in patients receiving prophylactic GPBPCI
      and not receiving prophylactic GPBPCI were 36% and 55% (P=0.017), respectively.
      Estimated survival at 3 years was 31% for patients receiving prophylactic GPBPCI
      and 11% for patients not receiving prophylactic GPBPCI (P=0.001). The three-year
      probability of leukemia-free survival was also higher in patients who received
      prophylactic GPBPCI (22%) compared with patients who did not (11%) (P=0.003).
      Multivariate analysis for relapse showed that use of prophylactic GPBPCI after
      transplantation was an independent prognostic factor (P=0.025). Higher OS was
      associated with use of prophylactic GPBPCI (P=0.002), AML (P=0.027) and female
      sex (P=0.023). Our results suggest that use of prophylactic GPBPCI may increase
      survival of patients with advanced-stage acute leukemia who receive HLA
      mismatched/haploidentical HSCT.

PMID- 22056642
TI  - Racial disparities in hematopoietic cell transplantation in the United States.
AB  - Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is a highly specialized, expensive and
      resource-intense medical procedure that can be associated with racial
      disparities. We review the prevailing literature on racial disparities in HCT in
      the United States and describe areas for future research and interventions. We
      discuss the complexity of interpreting race as a biological and social
      determinant of disease in biomedical research, especially as it relates to HCT.
      In the United States, race is often a surrogate for socioeconomic, education and
      health insurance status. We also discuss some of the nuances to consider while
      reviewing the literature on racial disparities. Disparities by race exist in
      three areas related to HCT: donor availability, access to HCT and outcomes of
      HCT. African-Americans/Blacks have a lower likelihood of finding an unrelated
      donor. Race and ethnicity definitions are country-specific and reconciling race
      data can represent significant challenges to unrelated donor registries
      worldwide. African-Americans/Blacks do not have the same access to autologous and
      allogeneic HCT as Whites. Racial disparities in outcomes of HCT are more
      prevalent among allogeneic HCT than autologous HCT recipients. More research is
      required to understand the biological, social, cultural, medical and financial
      aspects of race that may influence access to HCT and survival after
      transplantation. Better understanding of racial disparities will minimize
      inequities, inform health policy, guide development of interventions targeted to
      eliminate disparities and ensure equitable access to HCT for all populations.

PMID- 22056643
TI  - Glans penis involvement: an under-recognized manifestation of chronic GVHD.

PMID- 22056644
TI  - Autologous hematopoietic cell transplantation following high-dose
      immunosuppressive therapy for advanced multiple sclerosis: long-term results.
AB  - The purpose of the study was to determine the long-term safety and effectiveness
      of high-dose immunosuppressive therapy (HDIT) followed by autologous
      hematopoietic cell transplantation (AHCT) in advanced multiple sclerosis (MS).
      TBI, CY and antithymocyte globulin were followed by transplantation of
      autologous, CD34-selected PBSCs. Neurological examinations, brain magnetic
      resonance imaging and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for oligoclonal bands (OCB) were
      serially evaluated. Patients (n=26, mean Expanded Disability Status Scale
      (EDSS)=7.0, 17 secondary progressive, 8 primary progressive, 1
      relapsing/remitting) were followed for a median of 48 months after HDIT followed
      by AHCT. The 72-month probability of worsening >=1.0 EDSS point was 0.52 (95%
      confidence interval, 0.30-0.75). Five patients had an EDSS at baseline of <=6.0;
      four of them had not failed treatment at last study visit. OCB in CSF persisted
      with minor changes in the banding pattern. Four new or enhancing lesions were
      seen on MRI, all within 13 months of treatment. In this population with high
      baseline EDSS, a significant proportion of patients with advanced MS remained
      stable for as long as 7 years after transplant. Non-inflammatory events may have
      contributed to neurological worsening after treatment. HDIT/AHCT may be more
      effective in patients with less advanced relapsing/remitting MS.

PMID- 22056645
TI  - Nipple sparing mastectomy: can we predict the factors predisposing to necrosis?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nipple sparing mastectomy (NSM) is an accepted surgical approach in
      selected breast cancer and prophylactic mastectomy, nevertheless post-mastectomy
      skin necrosis is one of the frequent complications. This study aimed to analyze
      the factors that may lead to skin necrosis after NSM. PATIENTS AND METHODS: From
      May 2010 to July 2010, we prospectively registered 50 consecutive NSM from 45
      patients. There were 40 mastectomies for cancer, and 10 prophylactic
      mastectomies. The various patient's and surgical factors were registered during
      pre-, intra- and postoperative period. RESULTS: No total necrosis of the nipple
      areola complex (NAC) was observed. There were thirteen cases with partial
      necrosis (26.0%) of the areola or the adjacent skin. All these necrosis were
      partial both for the surface and the thickness. Surgical debridement was
      performed in 9 (18.0%) cases. The significant risk factors are smoking, young
      age, type of incision and NAC involvement with areola flap thickness less than 5
      mm. CONCLUSION: NSM should be done with high caution in smokers. Young patients,
      periareolar incision and superior circumareolar incision have also a higher risk
      of necrosis. We recommend keeping areolar flap thickness more than 5 mm in areola
      region.

PMID- 22056646
TI  - Temporal pattern of recurrence of stage I endometrial cancer in relation to
      histological risk factors.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the temporal pattern of endometrial cancer recurrence in
      relation to histological risk factors in a large multicenter setting. METHODS:
      843 patients with apparent stage I endometrial cancer were followed for a median
      time of 38 months, documenting all recurrences. Patients were stratified as high
      risk based on the presence of at least one of the established histological risk
      factors: high tumor grade, penetration to the outer half of the myometrium,
      lymphvascular space involvement, lower uterine segment involvement and non
      endometroid histology. Survival analysis, including Kaplan-Meier curves, log-rank
      tests and multi-variate Cox proportional hazard regression were used to evaluate
      the equality of recurrence-free distributions for different levels of risk.
      RESULTS: Recurrence was documented in 66 cases. The presence of one or more of
      the histological risk factors was associated with significantly shorter
      recurrence free survival, not attenuating over time (p < 0.001). Age-adjusted Cox
      regression model demonstrated a significantly decreased recurrence-free survival
      (HR = 2.8 95% CI 1.5, 5.1) in the presence of risk factors. CONCLUSIONS: In
      patients with stage I endometrial cancer, the presence of histological risk
      factors is associated with a significantly higher recurrence rate, which does not
      attenuate over follow up time. This may allow for a selective approach in the
      follow- up of endometrial cancer patients.

PMID- 22056647
TI  - Ameliorative effect of diosmin, a citrus flavonoid against streptozotocin
      nicotinamide generated oxidative stress induced diabetic rats.
AB  - Oxidative stress has been suggested as a contributory factor in development and
      complication of diabetes. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of
      diosmin (DS) in oxidative stress in streptozotocin-nicotinamide (STZ-NA)-induced
      diabetic rats by measuring the lipid peroxidation (LPO) as well as the
      ameliorative properties. Experimental diabetes was induced by a single
      intraperitoneal (i.p) injection of STZ (45 mg/kg body weight (b.w.)) dissolved in
      0.1 mol/L citrate buffer (pH 4.5), 15 min after the i.p administration of NA (110
      mg/kg b.w.). Diabetic rats exhibited increased plasma glucose with significant
      decrease in plasma insulin levels. The activities of antioxidant enzymes
      superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx),
      glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and the levels of low-molecular weight
      antioxidants vitamin C, vitamin E and reduced glutathione (GSH) were decreased
      while increases in the levels of LPO markers were observed in liver and kidney
      tissues of diabetic control rats as compared to normal control rats. Oral
      treatment with DS (100mg/kg/day) for a period of 45 days showed significant
      ameliorative effects on all the biochemical parameters studied. Biochemical
      findings were supported by histological studies. These results indicated that DS
      has potential ameliorative effects in addition to its antidiabetic effect in type
      2 diabetic rats.

PMID- 22056648
TI  - Analysis of an unusual cluster of systemic reactions to subcutaneous specific
      immunotherapy with respiratory allergens in one allergy center.
AB  - Systemic reactions to subcutaneous immunotherapy occur despite all necessary
      precautions and experienced staff and should prompt a search for causative
      factors. We present an analysis of 11 reactions, 8 of them within a short period.
      The patients and reactions were evaluated regarding extract errors (composition,
      concentration), dosing errors, ignored contraindications to specific subcutaneous
      immunotherapy, introductions versus maintenance phase and accidental
      intravascular injection. No single or common cause could be identified.
      Statistical analysis suggests that exceptional clusters of systemic reactions
      such as these may be just random cumulations without identifiable cause.

PMID- 22056649
TI  - MeCP2 controls the expression of RASAL1 in the hepatic fibrosis in rats.
AB  - Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation is an essential event during liver
      fibrogenesis. A major pathway is the transition of HSCs into hepatic
      myofibroblasts. The methyl-CpG-binding protein MeCP2 which promotes repressed
      chromatin structure is selectively detected in myofibroblasts of diseased liver.
      Overexpression of this protein results in an increase of global methylation
      levels. Treatment of HSCs with DNA methylation inhibitor 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine
      (5-azadC) blocks the cell proliferation. 5-azadC also prevents loss of Ras GTPase
      activating-like protein 1 (RASAL1) expression that occurs during HSCs
      proliferation. To further explore the underlying molecular mechanisms, we
      hypothesized that this perpetuation of fibrogenesis was caused by DNA
      methylation. Results demonstrated that hypermethylation of RASAL1 is associated
      with the perpetuation of fibroblast activation and fibrogenesis in the liver.
      knockdown of MeCP2 using siRNA technique increased RASAL1 in both mRNA and
      protein level in myofibroblasts. These studies demonstrated that MeCP2 and DNA
      methylation may provide molecular mechanisms for perpetuated fibroblast
      activation and fibrogenesis in the liver.

PMID- 22056651
TI  - Linear-quadratic order parameter coupling and multiferroic phase transitions.
AB  - The coupling between order parameters in systems with several instabilities has
      been analysed within Landau theory. The dominant term considered in this paper is
      linear in one order parameter and quadratic in the second order parameter ~QP2;
      other coupling terms have been treated previously. Typical examples for Q are
      proper or pseudo-proper ferroelastic instabilities, while P might be octahedral
      tilting in a perovskite, (anti-)ferromagnetic ordering or (anti-)ferroelectric
      soft modes. Coupling of this type is common in fluorites, Verwey transitions,
      Jahn-Teller systems, pnictide superconductors, etc. Analytical solutions and
      characteristic phase diagrams of the stable configurations are compiled. The
      coupling can lead to stepwise phase transitions even when the uncoupled systems
      would show continuous transitions. Mixed phases are common, so that many
      'intermediate phases' described in the literature may be the result of this
      linear-quadratic coupling.

PMID- 22056650
TI  - Environmental cigarette smoke exposure modulates IgE levels of Pb-exposed
      children.
AB  - In urban areas with a predominance of early to mid-20th century housing stock,
      islands of children possessing blood lead levels (PbB) in excess of CDC
      guidelines (>10MUg/dL) exist. Many of these children are also exposed to
      environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). The current study examined the impact of Pb
      exposure (PbB levels of 1-55MUg/dL) with/without concurrent ETS exposure on
      immune system function in 318 children aged 6-84 months from the urban area of
      Springfield-Greene County, MO. In this population, 36.5% of children possessed
      PbB levels >10MUg/dL, 62.9% of children came from smoking homes, 51.9% of
      children were under 2 years of age, and the population was WIC eligible and
      predominantly of white, non-Hispanic ethnicity. Multiple immune function markers
      including cell counts, IgE levels, sCD25 (sIL2R) and IL4 concentrations, and
      titers to common childhood immunizations were analyzed for correlation with Pb
      and/or ETS exposure. Increased IgE levels (p<0.01) were found in children with
      PbB levels within CDC Classes II-IV - this finding was primarily attributable to
      elevated IgE levels in the subpopulation of children with concurrent Pb and ETS
      exposure. A trend (0.05<p<0.01) of increases in % total T-cells (p=0.06) was also
      found in children with concurrent elevated PbB levels and ETS exposure. This
      trend was not found in the subset of children without ETS exposure nor was it
      present in the analysis of the entire population set. Conversely, alterations in
      median values for % lymphocytes, % granulocytes, and % activated T-cells across
      Pb classes were present in the subpopulation of children expose to Pb alone
      (without concurrent ETS exposure) though a clear trend was not evident. In the
      entire population set, a statistically significant correlation between ETS and
      PbB levels was found. This study indicates that prior reports of a correlation
      between elevated PbB levels and serum IgE levels may be strongly influenced by
      exposure to ETS. Findings from this study also indicate that Pb is an immune
      modulator and PbB levels may be influenced by ETS exposure.

PMID- 22056652
TI  - Glycoprotein 130 cytokine signal as a therapeutic target against cardiovascular
      diseases.
AB  - Postnatal cardiomyocytes have only limited capacity of proliferation. Therefore,
      the myocardium is intrinsically equipped with cardioprotective machineries and
      protects itself from pathological stresses. One of the most important
      cardioprotective systems is the signal network of autocrine/paracrine factors,
      including neurohumoral factors, growth factors, and cytokines. In this review, we
      focus on the roles of interleukin-6 (IL-6) family cytokines, also known as
      glycoprotein 130 (gp130) cytokines, in cardioprotection. These cytokines make a
      complex with their specific cytokine receptor alpha-subunits. The cytokine
      receptor alpha-subunit complex binds to gp130, a common receptor of the IL-6
      family, followed by the activation of JAK/STAT, ERK, and PI3 kinase/Akt pathways.
      In cardiomyocytes, signals through gp130 promote cell survival and angiogenesis
      through the JAK/STAT pathway. Activation of gp130 in cardiac stem cells induces
      their endothelial transdifferentiation, leading to neovascularization. Recently,
      accumulating evidence has revealed that altered JAK/STAT activity is associated
      with heart failure, suggesting that the JAK/STAT pathway is a therapeutic target
      against cardiovascular diseases. Interestingly, activation of the JAK/STAT
      pathway with interleukin-11 (IL-11) exhibits preconditioning effects in
      ischemia/reperfusion model. Moreover, IL-11 treatment after coronary ligation
      prevents cardiac remodeling through the JAK/STAT pathway. Since IL-11 is used for
      patients with thrombocytopenia, we propose that IL-11 is a candidate cytokine
      clinically available for cardioprotection therapy.

PMID- 22056653
TI  - The continuity of care checklist: a critical frontier in patient safety.

PMID- 22056654
TI  - Developing a referral system for fertility preservation among patients with newly
      diagnosed cancer.
AB  - The goal of this project was to develop a referral system to increase the
      likelihood that patients of childbearing age with newly diagnosed cancer receive
      timely information about fertility, and reduce the burden oncologists may feel
      when discussing and exploring fertility preservation options with their patients.
      The group developed and examined the effectiveness of a fertility preservation
      referral system through pilot-testing a developed patient education brochure.
      During the 12-month pilot-testing period, 776 patients of childbearing age (< 40
      years) were seen at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and 349 brochures were taken.
      The reproductive endocrinologist/infertility clinic experienced a 9-fold increase
      in the number of calls received during the 12-month study period, with 122 calls
      received compared with 13 the prior year. The large increase in calls illuminates
      the gap in patient interest and referral, and shows an effective method to
      transmit this information. Improving the communication of time-sensitive
      information about fertility and preservation options to patients with cancer is
      associated with an increased likelihood of improving quality of life, reducing
      patient distress, and increasing use of ancillary fertility-related health
      services. Through referring and providing patient information, this referral
      system allows oncologists to fulfill their obligation and make informed decisions
      about fertility preservation, thereby improving the full cancer care continuum.

PMID- 22056655
TI  - Creating an effort tracking tool to improve therapeutic cancer clinical trials
      workload management and budgeting.
AB  - Quantifying data management and regulatory workload for clinical research is a
      difficult task that would benefit from a robust tool to assess and allocate
      effort. As in most clinical research environments, The University of Michigan
      Comprehensive Cancer Center (UMCCC) Clinical Trials Office (CTO) struggled to
      effectively allocate data management and regulatory time with frequently
      inaccurate estimates of how much time was required to complete the specific tasks
      performed by each role. In a dynamic clinical research environment in which
      volume and intensity of work ebbs and flows, determining requisite effort to meet
      study objectives was challenging. In addition, a data-driven understanding of how
      much staff time was required to complete a clinical trial was desired to ensure
      accurate trial budget development and effective cost recovery. Accordingly, the
      UMCCC CTO developed and implemented a Web-based effort-tracking application with
      the goal of determining the true costs of data management and regulatory staff
      effort in clinical trials. This tool was developed, implemented, and refined over
      a 3-year period. This article describes the process improvement and subsequent
      leveling of workload within data management and regulatory that enhanced the
      efficiency of UMCCC's clinical trials operation.

PMID- 22056656
TI  - Colon cancer.

PMID- 22056657
TI  - Biomarker use in colorectal cancer therapy.
AB  - Biomarkers reflective of the molecular and genetic heterogeneity in colorectal
      cancers now guide certain aspects of clinical management and offer great
      potential for enrichment, stratification, and identification of novel therapeutic
      targets in drug development. Using case-based examples, this article reviews
      biomarkers that have an established role in the clinical management of colorectal
      cancer: mismatch repair protein testing and KRAS and BRAF mutational analysis. A
      selection of biomarkers undergoing validation for future clinical application is
      presented, and the dynamic and challenging interface between biomarkers in
      research and clinical practice is discussed.

PMID- 22056658
TI  - Interpretation of genetic testing for lynch syndrome in patients with putative
      familial colorectal cancer.
AB  - Colorectal cancer (CRC) risk assessment involves the evaluation of an
      individual's personal and family history for characteristics of an inherited
      susceptibility to develop CRC. Lynch syndrome (LS), or hereditary nonpolyposis
      colorectal cancer, is the most common cause of hereditary CRC, underlying 2% to
      3% of patients with newly diagnosed (incident) CRC. Risk assessment for LS is
      complex, and the interpretation of the many available tests can be challenging
      even for the genetics specialist. A move toward universal (reflex) LS screening
      for mismatch repair in all patients with incident CRC supports the importance of
      improving the awareness and understanding of LS testing, teaching rational
      testing approaches, and honing interpretive skills among cancer care providers.
      This article reviews important clinical features of LS genetic evaluation using 3
      pedigree-based case examples from the Fox Chase Cancer Center Gastrointestinal
      Risk Assessment Clinic.

PMID- 22056659
TI  - Clinical trials in the academic cancer center.

PMID- 22056663
TI  - Antiproliferative activity of Saponaria vaccaria constituents and related
      compounds.
AB  - Total methanolic extracts of Saponaria vaccaria seed derived from several
      varieties, as well as various purified components obtained through successive
      chromatographic separations of total extracts were evaluated for their growth
      inhibitory activity in WiDr (colon), MDA-MB-231 (breast), NCI-417 (lung) and PC-3
      (prostate) human cancer cells as well as the non-tumorigenic fibroblast BJ (CRL
      2522) cell line using MTT colorimetric assay. Purified bisdesmosidic saponins
      segetoside H and I were further examined using microscopy and apoptosis assays.
      Bisdesmosidic saponins exhibited dose-dependent growth inhibitory and selective
      apoptosis-inducing activity. Growth inhibitory effects were particularly strong
      in a breast (MDA-MB-231) and a prostate (PC-3) cancer cell line. Total extracts
      exhibited a different preference being most active against a colon cancer cell
      line (WiDr). In a comparison of varieties, all of the total seed extracts
      exhibited similar dose-dependent activities, but with some variation in potency.
      Monodesmosidic saponins vaccarosides A and B, phenolic vaccarin, and cyclopeptide
      segetalin A, co-occurring seed substituents, did not exhibit activity. The non
      tumorigenic fibroblast cell line BJ (CRL 2522) was growth inhibited but did not
      undergo apoptosis when treated with bisdesmosidic saponins at low micromolar
      concentrations. Saponin-rich extracts from Kochia scoparia seed and Chenopodium
      quinoa were also evaluated alongside Saponaria saponins but did not exhibit
      activity. Closely related Quillaja saponins exhibited activity but were less
      potent.

PMID- 22056664
TI  - Cyclic bisdesmosides from Actinostemma lobatum MAXIM (Cucurbitaceae) and their in
      vitro cytotoxicity.
AB  - Two new cyclic bisdesmosides elucidated as lobatoside L (1) and lobatoside M (2)
      and four known cyclic bisdesmosides (3-6) were isolated from Actinostemma lobatum
      MAXIM (Cucurbitaceae). Their structures were determined on the basis of
      spectroscopic analyses including IR, HR-FAB-MS, TOCSY, 1D- and 2D-NMR experiments
      and chemical reactions. The inhibitory effects of the six compounds on human
      cancer cell growth (including esophageal squamous carcinoma cell line ECA109,
      lung cancer cell line A549 and gastric cancer cell line MGC-803) were determined
      using the MTT assay. The results revealed that the six compounds exhibited
      cytotoxicity against all the cell lines tested, and compounds 1, 3 and 5 showed
      significant activities in a dose dependent manner against all the cell lines,
      especially for compound 1 and 5, the IC(50) values for ECA-109 cells were 8.25
      MUM and 3.71 MUM. The results demonstrated that compounds 1 and 5's activities
      are 2- and 4-fold that of cisplatin.

PMID- 22056665
TI  - Pharmacokinetic properties of isorhamnetin, kaempferol and quercetin after oral
      gavage of total flavones of Hippophae rhamnoides L. in rats using a UPLC-MS
      method.
AB  - An ultra performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometric (UPLC-MS) method
      was developed to investigate the pharmacokinetic properties of isorhamnetin,
      kaempferol and quercetin from a total flavone extract of Hippophae rhamnoides L.
      (TFH) after single dose oral administration. Rat plasma samples were pretreated
      using liquid-liquid extraction, and chromatographic separation was performed on a
      C(18) column using a linear gradient of methanol and formic acid (0.1%). The
      pharmacokinetic parameters of isorhamnetin, kaempferol and quercetin from TFH in
      rats were quantitatively determined by UPLC with photodiode array detection
      (PDA). The qualitative detection of the three flavones was accomplished by
      selected ion monitoring in negative ion mode ESI-MS. Results of the
      pharmacokinetic study indicate that the three flavones in TFH were absorbed by
      passive diffusion in rats, and no "double-peak" phenomenon was observed in C-t
      curves of the three flavones from TFH except for quercetin. Results of this study
      indicate that the pharmacokinetic behaviors of isorhamnetin, kaempferol and
      quercetin when administered together in a complex herbal extract might be
      different than the individual behaviors of the same compounds administered in
      their pure forms. Results of this study also demonstrate that UPLC-MS is a rapid
      and practical method to determine the pharmacokinetic parameters of flavones
      present in an herbal extract.

PMID- 22056666
TI  - Hypoglycemic effect of protopanaxadiol-type ginsenosides and compound K on Type 2
      diabetes mice induced by high-fat diet combining with streptozotocin via
      suppression of hepatic gluconeogenesis.
AB  - Compound K (CK) is a final intestinal metabolite of protopanaxadiol-type
      ginsenosides (PDG) from Panax ginseng. Although anti-diabetic activity of CK have
      been reported with genetic mouse models (db/db mice) in recent years, the
      therapeutic usefulness of CK and PDG in type 2 diabetes, a more prevalent form of
      diabetes, remains unclear. In the present investigation, we developed a mouse of
      non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus that closely simulated the metabolic
      abnormalities of the human disease. For this purpose, type 2 diabetes was induced
      in male ICR mice by combining of streptozotocin. The male ICR mice fed with HFD
      for 4 weeks received 100mg/kg of STZ injected intraperitoneally. After 4 weeks,
      mice with fasting (12h) blood glucose levels (FBG) above 7.8 mmol/L were divided
      into 3 groups (n=12) and treated with vehicle (diabetes model, DM), 300 mg/kg/day
      of PDG and 30 mg/kg/day of CK for 4 weeks while continuing on the high-fat diet.
      Hypoglycemic effects of CK and PDG were consistently demonstrated by FBG levels,
      and insulin-sensitizing effects were seen during oral glucose tolerance testing
      (OGTT). Moreover, the mechanism of hypoglycemic effect in type 2 diabetic mice
      was examined. Gluconeogenic genes, Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and
      Glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase), were decreased in two treatment groups with CK
      showing greater effects. These findings demonstrated the hypoglycemic and insulin
      sensitizing capabilities of CK on type 2 diabetes induced by HFD/STZ via down
      regulation of PEPCK and G6Pase expression in liver.

PMID- 22056667
TI  - Diverse ways to be specific: a novel Zn-binding domain confers substrate
      specificity to UTX/KDM6A histone H3 Lys 27 demethylase.
AB  - Histone methylations are highly regulated by site-specific histone
      methyltransferases and demethylases. In this issue of Genes & Development,
      Sengoku and Yokoyama (pp. 2266-2277) demonstrate that a novel Zn-binding domain
      and the Jumonji domain of UTX/KDM6A (Lys demethylase 6A) recognize histone H3 and
      together function as a substrate specificity determinant for H3K27 demethylation.
      This study demonstrates the mechanism of site-specific demethylation by UTX/KDM6A
      and implicates that histone demethylases use diverse methods to accomplish target
      specificity.

PMID- 22056669
TI  - Splitting the task: Ubp8 and Ubp10 deubiquitinate different cellular pools of
      H2BK123.
AB  - Monoubiquitination of H2BK123 (H2BK123ub), catalyzed by Rad6/Bre1, is a transient
      histone modification with roles in transcription and is essential for
      establishing H3K4 and H3K79 trimethylations (H3K4me3 and H3K79me3). Here, we
      investigated the chromatin network around H2BK123ub by examining its localization
      and co-occurrence with its dependent marks as well as the transcription
      elongation mark H3K36me3 across the genome of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In yeast,
      H2BK123ub is removed by the deubiquitinases Ubp8 and Ubp10, but their genomic
      target regions remain to be determined. Genome-wide maps of H2BK123ub in the
      absence of Ubp8 and Ubp10 revealed their distinct target loci, which were genomic
      sites enriched for H3K4me3 and H3K79me3, respectively. We propose an extended
      model of the H2BK123ub cross-talk by integrating existing relationships with the
      substrate specificities of Ubp8 and Ubp10 reported here.

PMID- 22056668
TI  - Pioneer transcription factors: establishing competence for gene expression.
AB  - Transcription factors are adaptor molecules that detect regulatory sequences in
      the DNA and target the assembly of protein complexes that control gene
      expression. Yet much of the DNA in the eukaryotic cell is in nucleosomes and
      thereby occluded by histones, and can be further occluded by higher-order
      chromatin structures and repressor complexes. Indeed, genome-wide location
      analyses have revealed that, for all transcription factors tested, the vast
      majority of potential DNA-binding sites are unoccupied, demonstrating the
      inaccessibility of most of the nuclear DNA. This raises the question of how
      target sites at silent genes become bound de novo by transcription factors,
      thereby initiating regulatory events in chromatin. Binding cooperativity can be
      sufficient for many kinds of factors to simultaneously engage a target site in
      chromatin and activate gene expression. However, in cases in which the binding of
      a series of factors is sequential in time and thus not initially cooperative,
      special "pioneer transcription factors" can be the first to engage target sites
      in chromatin. Such initial binding can passively enhance transcription by
      reducing the number of additional factors that are needed to bind the DNA,
      culminating in activation. In addition, pioneer factor binding can actively open
      up the local chromatin and directly make it competent for other factors to bind.
      Passive and active roles for the pioneer factor FoxA occur in embryonic
      development, steroid hormone induction, and human cancers. Herein we review the
      field and describe how pioneer factors may enable cellular reprogramming.

PMID- 22056670
TI  - Rejuvenating senescent and centenarian human cells by reprogramming through the
      pluripotent state.
AB  - Direct reprogramming of somatic cells into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)
      provides a unique opportunity to derive patient-specific stem cells with
      potential applications in tissue replacement therapies and without the ethical
      concerns of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs). However, cellular senescence,
      which contributes to aging and restricted longevity, has been described as a
      barrier to the derivation of iPSCs. Here we demonstrate, using an optimized
      protocol, that cellular senescence is not a limit to reprogramming and that age
      related cellular physiology is reversible. Thus, we show that our iPSCs generated
      from senescent and centenarian cells have reset telomere size, gene expression
      profiles, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial metabolism, and are
      indistinguishable from hESCs. Finally, we show that senescent and centenarian
      derived pluripotent stem cells are able to redifferentiate into fully rejuvenated
      cells. These results provide new insights into iPSC technology and pave the way
      for regenerative medicine for aged patients.

PMID- 22056671
TI  - Genome-wide function of H2B ubiquitylation in promoter and genic regions.
AB  - Nucleosomal organization in and around genes may contribute substantially to
      transcriptional regulation. The contribution of histone modifications to genome
      wide nucleosomal organization has not been systematically evaluated. In the
      present study, we examine the role of H2BK123 ubiquitylation, a key regulator of
      several histone modifications, on nucleosomal organization at promoter, genic,
      and transcription termination regions in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Using high
      resolution MNase chromatin immunoprecipitation and sequencing (ChIP-seq), we map
      nucleosome positioning and occupancy in mutants of the H2BK123 ubiquitylation
      pathway. We found that H2B ubiquitylation-mediated nucleosome formation and/or
      stability inhibits the assembly of the transcription machinery at normally
      quiescent promoters, whereas ubiquitylation within highly active gene bodies
      promotes transcription elongation. This regulation does not proceed through
      ubiquitylation-regulated histone marks at H3K4, K36, and K79. Our findings
      suggest that mechanistically similar functions of H2B ubiquitylation (nucleosome
      assembly) elicit different functional outcomes on genes depending on its
      positional context in promoters (repressive) versus transcribed regions
      (activating).

PMID- 22056672
TI  - Nkx2.2 repressor complex regulates islet beta-cell specification and prevents
      beta-to-alpha-cell reprogramming.
AB  - Regulation of cell differentiation programs requires complex interactions between
      transcriptional and epigenetic networks. Elucidating the principal molecular
      events responsible for the establishment and maintenance of cell fate identities
      will provide important insights into how cell lineages are specified and
      maintained and will improve our ability to recapitulate cell differentiation
      events in vitro. In this study, we demonstrate that Nkx2.2 is part of a large
      repression complex in pancreatic beta cells that includes DNMT3a, Grg3, and
      HDAC1. Mutation of the endogenous Nkx2.2 tinman (TN) domain in mice abolishes the
      interaction between Nkx2.2 and Grg3 and disrupts beta-cell specification.
      Furthermore, we demonstrate that Nkx2.2 preferentially recruits Grg3 and HDAC1 to
      the methylated Aristaless homeobox gene (Arx) promoter in beta cells. The Nkx2.2
      TN mutation results in ectopic expression of Arx in beta cells, causing beta-to
      alpha-cell transdifferentiation. A corresponding beta-cell-specific deletion of
      DNMT3a is also sufficient to cause Arx-dependent beta-to-alpha-cell
      reprogramming. Notably, subsequent removal of Arx in the beta cells of
      Nkx2.2(TNmut/TNmut) mutant mice reverts the beta-to-alpha-cell conversion,
      indicating that the repressor activities of Nkx2.2 on the methylated Arx promoter
      in beta cells are the primary regulatory events required for maintaining beta
      cell identity.

PMID- 22056673
TI  - A versatile gene trap to visualize and interrogate the function of the vertebrate
      proteome.
AB  - We report a multifunctional gene-trapping approach, which generates full-length
      Citrine fusions with endogenous proteins and conditional mutants from a single
      integration event of the FlipTrap vector. We identified 170 FlipTrap zebrafish
      lines with diverse tissue-specific expression patterns and distinct subcellular
      localizations of fusion proteins generated by the integration of an internal
      citrine exon. Cre-mediated conditional mutagenesis is enabled by heterotypic lox
      sites that delete Citrine and "flip" in its place mCherry with a polyadenylation
      signal, resulting in a truncated fusion protein. Inducing recombination with
      Cerulean-Cre results in fusion proteins that often mislocalize, exhibit mutant
      phenotypes, and dramatically knock down wild-type transcript levels. FRT sites in
      the vector enable targeted genetic manipulation of the trapped loci in the
      presence of Flp recombinase. Thus, the FlipTrap captures the functional proteome,
      enabling the visualization of full-length fluorescent fusion proteins and
      interrogation of function by conditional mutagenesis and targeted genetic
      manipulation.

PMID- 22056674
TI  - A new isocentric technique for exact geometric matching in the radiotherapy of
      the breast and ipsilateral supraclavicular fossa using dual asymmetric jaws.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In some clinical situations breast or chest wall radiotherapy for
      cancer is given in association with supraclavicular fossa irradiation. Often the
      treatment is delivered by two tangential fields to the breast or chest wall and
      an anterior field that irradiates the supraclavicular region. The tissue between
      the breast or chest wall and the supraclavicular region may be under or
      overdosed, because of the junction between the two tangential fields and the
      anterior field. PURPOSE: To present a new isocentric technique for exact
      geometric matching between the two tangential fields and the anterior field.
      METHODS: Patients are positioned with both arms raised. Using three-dimensional
      trigonometry, two half-fields, with isocenter between the breast and the
      supraclavicular region, are easily matched. The tangential fields have a
      collimator rotation to protect the lung without additional shielding. The correct
      gantry, collimator and couch positions are defined for the anterior field to
      match the tangential fields. CONCLUSIONS: A general formula for exact geometric
      matching in radiotherapy of the breast and supraclavicular fossa is presented.
      The method does not require additional shielding to eliminate divergence other
      than the four independent jaws. The result is simple to implement in modern
      delivery facilities.

PMID- 22056675
TI  - A gene-fusion strategy for stoichiometric and co-localized expression of light
      gated membrane proteins.
AB  - The precise co-localization and stoichiometric expression of two different light
      gated membrane proteins can vastly improve the physiological usefulness of
      optogenetics for the modulation of cell excitability with light. Here we present
      a gene-fusion strategy for the stable 1:1 expression of any two microbial
      rhodopsins in a single polypeptide chain. By joining the excitatory
      channelrhodopsin-2 with the inhibitory ion pumps halorhodopsin or
      bacteriorhodopsin, we demonstrate light-regulated quantitative bi-directional
      control of the membrane potential in HEK293 cells and neurons in vitro. We also
      present synergistic rhodopsin combinations of channelrhodopsin-2 with Volvox
      carteri channelrhodopsin-1 or slow channelrhodopsin-2 mutants, to achieve
      enhanced spectral or kinetic properties, respectively. Finally, we demonstrate
      the utility of our fusion strategy to determine ion-turnovers of as yet
      uncharacterized rhodopsins, exemplified for archaerhodopsin and CatCh, or to
      correct pump cycles, exemplified for halorhodopsin.

PMID- 22056676
TI  - Evaluation of fluorophores for optimal performance in localization-based super
      resolution imaging.
AB  - One approach to super-resolution fluorescence imaging uses sequential activation
      and localization of individual fluorophores to achieve high spatial resolution.
      Essential to this technique is the choice of fluorescent probes; the properties
      of the probes, including photons per switching event, on-off duty cycle,
      photostability and number of switching cycles, largely dictate the quality of
      super-resolution images. Although many probes have been reported, a systematic
      characterization of the properties of these probes and their impact on super
      resolution image quality has been described in only a few cases. Here we
      quantitatively characterized the switching properties of 26 organic dyes and
      directly related these properties to the quality of super-resolution images. This
      analysis provides guidelines for characterization of super-resolution probes and
      a resource for selecting probes based on performance. Our evaluation identified
      several photoswitchable dyes with good to excellent performance in four
      independent spectral ranges, with which we demonstrated low-cross-talk, four
      color super-resolution imaging.

PMID- 22056677
TI  - Rapid empirical discovery of optimal peptides for targeted proteomics.
AB  - We report a method for high-throughput, cost-efficient empirical discovery of
      optimal proteotypic peptides and fragment ions for targeted proteomics
      applications using in vitro-synthesized proteins. We demonstrate the approach
      using human transcription factors, which are typically difficult, low-abundance
      targets and empirically derived proteotypic peptides for 98% of the target
      proteins. We show that targeted proteomic assays developed using our approach
      facilitate robust in vivo quantification of human transcription factors.

PMID- 22056678
TI  - Global profiling of dynamic protein palmitoylation.
AB  - The reversible thioester linkage of palmitic acid on cysteines, known as protein
      S-palmitoylation, facilitates the membrane association and proper subcellular
      localization of proteins. Here we report the metabolic incorporation of the
      palmitic acid analog 17-octadecynoic acid (17-ODYA) in combination with stable
      isotope labeling with amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) and pulse-chase methods
      to generate a global quantitative map of dynamic protein palmitoylation events in
      cells. We distinguished stably palmitoylated proteins from those that turn over
      rapidly. Treatment with a serine lipase-selective inhibitor identified a pool of
      dynamically palmitoylated proteins regulated by palmitoyl-protein thioesterases.
      This subset was enriched in oncoproteins and other proteins linked to aberrant
      cell growth, migration and cancer. Our method provides a straightforward way to
      characterize global palmitoylation dynamics in cells and confirms enzyme-mediated
      depalmitoylation as a critical regulatory mechanism for a specific subset of
      rapidly cycling palmitoylated proteins.

PMID- 22056679
TI  - Plasminogen deficiency attenuates postnatal erythropoiesis in male C57BL/6 mice
      through decreased activity of the LH-testosterone axis.
AB  - Novel roles for the serine protease plasmin have been implicated recently in
      physiological and pathological processes. However, whether plasmin is involved in
      erythropoiesis is not known. In the present study, we studied the consequences of
      plasminogen deficiency on erythropoiesis in plasminogen-deficient (Plg knockout
      [KO]) mice. Erythroid differentiation was attenuated in male Plg KO mice and
      resulted in erythroblastic accumulation within the spleen and bone marrow, with
      increased apoptosis in the former, erythrocytosis, and splenomegaly, whereas
      similar erythropoietic defect was less prominent in female Plg KO mice. In
      addition, erythrocyte lifespan was shorter in both male and female Plg KO mice.
      Erythropoietin levels were compensatory increased in both male and female Plg KO
      mice, and resulted in a higher frequency of burst-forming units-erythroid within
      the spleen and bone marrow. Surprisingly, we found that male Plg KO mice, but not
      their female counterparts, exhibited normochromic normocytic anemia. The observed
      sex-linked erythropoietic defect was attributed to decreased serum testosterone
      levels in Plg KO mice as a consequence of impaired secretion of the pituitary
      luteinizing hormone (LH) under steady-state condition. Surgical castration
      causing testosterone deficiency and stimulating LH release attenuated erythroid
      differentiation and induced anemia in wild-type animals, but did not further
      decrease the hematocrit levels in Plg KO mice. In addition, complementation of LH
      using human choriogonadotropin, which increases testosterone production, improved
      the erythropoietic defect and anemia in Plg KO mice. The present results identify
      a novel role for plasmin in the hormonal regulation of postnatal erythropoiesis
      by the LH-testosterone axis.

PMID- 22056680
TI  - Sn-catalyzed synthesis of SnO2 nanowires and their optoelectronic
      characteristics.
AB  - We report the rational synthesis of one-dimensional SnO(2) nanowires (SnO(2)NWs)
      via a Sn-catalyzed vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) growth mechanism, in which Sn
      nanoparticles can direct the oriented growth of SnO(2)NWs at high temperature. I
      V  measurement of a field effect transistor made of individual SnO(2)NWs exhibits
      typical n-type semiconducting characteristics with an electron mobility and
      concentration of 14.36 cm(2) V( - 1) s( - 1) and 1.145 * 10(17) cm( - 3),
      respectively. The SnO(2)NW-based photodetector shows a high sensitivity to UV
      light radiation, and a fast light response speed of millisecond rise time/fall
      time with excellent stability and reproducibility, whereas it is nearly blind to
      illumination with wavelengths in the visible range. Detailed reasons to account
      for the detection selectivity and rapid response speed are proposed. The
      generality of the above results suggests that our SnO(2)NW  photodetectors have
      potential application in nanoscaled optoelectronic devices.

PMID- 22056681
TI  - Characterization and transcriptional regulation of thioredoxin reductase 1 on
      exposure to oxidative stress inducing environmental pollutants in Chironomus
      riparius.
AB  - We characterized thioredoxin reductase 1 (TrxR1) from Chironomus riparius
      (CrTrxR1) and studied its expression under oxidative stress. The full-length cDNA
      is 1820bp long and contains an open reading frame (ORF) of 1488bp. The deduced
      CrTrxR1 protein has 495 amino acids and a calculated molecular mass of 54.41kDa
      and an isoelectric point of 6.15. There was a 71bp 5' and a 261bp 3' untranslated
      region with a polyadenylation signal site (AATAAA). Homologous alignments showed
      the presence of conserved catalytic domain Cys-Val-Asn-Val-Gly-Cys (CVNVGC), the
      C-terminal amino acids 'CCS' and conserved amino acids required in catalysis. The
      expression of CrTrxR1 is measured using quantitative real-time PCR after exposure
      to 50 and 100mg/L of paraquat (PQ) and 2, 10 and 20mg/L of cadmium chloride (Cd).
      CrTrxR1 mRNA was upregulated after PQ exposure at all conditions tested. The
      highest level of CrTrxR1 expression was observed after exposure to 10mg/L of Cd
      for 24h followed by 20mg/L for 48h. Significant downregulation of CrTrxR1 was
      observed after exposure to 10 and 20mg/L of Cd for 72h. This study shows that the
      CrTrxR1 could be potentially used as a biomarker of oxidative stress inducing
      environmental contaminants.

PMID- 22056682
TI  - Cysteine digestive peptidases function as post-glutamine cleaving enzymes in
      tenebrionid stored-product pests.
AB  - The major storage proteins in cereals, prolamins, have an abundance of the amino
      acids glutamine and proline. Storage pests need specific digestive enzymes to
      efficiently hydrolyze these storage proteins. Therefore, post-glutamine cleaving
      peptidases (PGP) were isolated from the midgut of the stored-product pest,
      Tenebrio molitor (yellow mealworm). Three distinct PGP activities were found in
      the anterior and posterior midgut using the highly-specific chromogenic peptide
      substrate N-benzyloxycarbonyl-L-Ala-L-Ala-L-Gln p-nitroanilide. PGP peptidases
      were characterized according to gel elution times, activity profiles in buffers
      of different pH, electrophoretic mobility under native conditions, and inhibitor
      sensitivity. The results indicate that PGP activity is due to cysteine and not
      serine chymotrypsin-like peptidases from the T. molitor larvae midgut. We propose
      that the evolutionary conservation of cysteine peptidases in the complement of
      digestive peptidases of tenebrionid stored-product beetles is due not only to the
      adaptation of insects to plants rich in serine peptidase inhibitors, but also to
      accommodate the need to efficiently cleave major dietary proteins rich in
      glutamine.

PMID- 22056683
TI  - Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: safety and tolerability of hyperpolarized
      129Xe MR imaging in healthy volunteers and patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety and tolerability of inhaling multiple 1-L volumes
      of undiluted hyperpolarized xenon 129 ((129)Xe) followed by up to a 16-second
      breath hold and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This
      study was approved by the institutional review board and was HIPAA compliant.
      Written informed consent was obtained. Forty-four subjects (19 men, 25 women;
      mean age, 46.1 years +/- 18.8 [standard deviation]) were enrolled, consisting of
      24 healthy volunteers, 10 patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
      (COPD), and 10 age-matched control subjects. All subjects received three or four
      1-L volumes of undiluted hyperpolarized (129)Xe, followed by breath-hold MR
      imaging. Oxygen saturation, heart rate and rhythm, and blood pressure were
      continuously monitored. These parameters, along with respiratory rate and
      subjective symptoms, were assessed after each dose. Subjects' serum biochemistry
      and hematology were recorded at screening and at 24-hour follow-up. A 12-lead
      electrocardiogram (ECG) was obtained at these times and also within 2 hours prior
      to and 1 hour after (129)Xe MR imaging. Xenon-related symptoms were evaluated for
      relationship to subject group by using a chi(2) test and to subject age by using
      logistic regression. Changes in vital signs were tested for significance across
      subject group and time by using a repeated-measures multivariate analysis of
      variance test. RESULTS: The 44 subjects tolerated all xenon inhalations, no
      subjects withdrew, and no serious adverse events occurred. No significant changes
      in vital signs (P > .27) were observed, and no subjects exhibited changes in
      laboratory test or ECG results at follow-up that were deemed clinically important
      or required intervention. Most subjects (91%) did experience transient xenon
      related symptoms, most commonly dizziness (59%), paresthesia (34%), euphoria
      (30%), and hypoesthesia (30%). All symptoms resolved without clinical
      intervention in 1.6 minutes +/- 0.9. CONCLUSION: Inhalation of hyperpolarized
      (129)Xe is well tolerated in healthy subjects and in those with mild or moderate
      COPD. Subjects do experience mild, transient, xenon-related symptoms, consistent
      with its known anesthetic properties.

PMID- 22056684
TI  - Anomalous origin of the right coronary artery from the left coronary sinus with
      an interarterial course: subtypes and clinical importance.
AB  - PURPOSE: To classify anomalous origins of the right coronary artery (RCA) from
      the left coronary sinus (AORL) with an interarterial course into two subtypes and
      to evaluate the clinical importance of each. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Institutional
      review board approval was obtained for this retrospective study, and informed
      consent was waived. Through a retrospective review of 22,925 consecutive cardiac
      computed tomographic (CT) scans, 124 cases of AORL with an interarterial course
      were identified. These anomalies were classified into two subtypes according to
      the location of the anomalous RCA ostium: high interarterial course (between the
      aorta and the pulmonary artery) and low interarterial course (between the aorta
      and the right ventricular outflow tract). The clinical records were evaluated,
      and differences in prevalence of typical angina and major adverse cardiac events
      (MACEs) between the subtypes were analyzed through the chi(2) contingency tables
      or Fisher exact test. RESULTS: After excluding patients with combined cardiac
      disease, 87 patients (51 [59%] men, 36 [41%] women; mean age, 56.0 years) were
      enrolled. Of the 87 patients, 53 had a high interarterial course and 34 had a low
      interarterial course. A significant difference in the prevalence of typical
      angina (high [43%] vs low [6%], P = .001) and MACE (high [28%] vs low [6%], P =
      .012) was observed between the two subtypes. For patients with a high
      interarterial course, the odds ratio for typical angina was 12.3 (95% confidence
      interval: 2.7, 56.6), and the odds ratio for MACE was 6.3 (95% confidence
      interval: 1.3, 29.7). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of typical angina and that of
      MACE were significantly higher in patients with a high interarterial course than
      in those with a low interarterial course.

PMID- 22056685
TI  - Sodium MR imaging of Achilles tendinopathy at 7 T: preliminary results.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the feasibility of sodium magnetic resonance (MR) imaging
      in the diagnosis of Achilles tendinopathy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Institutional
      review board approval and written informed consent were obtained. Twenty healthy
      volunteers and eight patients with Achilles tendinopathy were examined by using a
      7-T whole-body MR imager with a 15-channel sodium knee coil. The sodium signal-to
      noise ratio (SNR) from each region, as well as from the whole Achilles tendon,
      was compared between patients and healthy control subjects. The changes in SNR
      were assessed with a two-tailed unpaired t test in three regions of the Achilles
      tendon: the insertion area, the middle portion, and the muscle-tendon junction. P
      values less than .05 were considered to indicate a statistically significant
      difference. To validate a relationship between the sodium SNR and the
      glycosaminoglycan content in tendon, five cadaver ankles were examined with MR
      imaging and immunohistologically. The Pearson correlation coefficient between
      sodium SNR and glycosaminoglycan content was calculated. RESULTS: Significant
      differences (P < .05) in the mean sodium SNR of healthy control subjects (mean
      SNR, 4.9 +/- 2.1 [standard deviation]) and patients with chronic Achilles
      tendinopathy (mean SNR, 9.3 +/- 2.3) were observed. Similar results were found at
      the insertion (mean SNR in control subjects, 6.7 +/- 2.3; mean SNR in patients,
      12.3 +/- 4.5; P < .05) and the midportion (mean SNR in control subjects, 5.1 +/-
      1.9; mean SNR in patients, 9.4 +/- 3.0; P < .05) of the Achilles tendon. At the
      muscle-tendon junction, the sodium SNR difference between control subjects and
      patients was small but still bellow the significance level (P = .0137). The
      increase in sodium SNR was observed in all regions independently of the location
      of morphologic findings. The Pearson correlation coefficient between sodium SNR
      and glycosaminoglycan content was 0.71. CONCLUSION: Sodium MR imaging may allow
      detection of the proteoglycan content increase in Achilles tendinopathy and thus
      identify the biochemical changes in the early stages of tendinopathy.

PMID- 22056686
TI  - Peripheral nerve repair: monitoring by using gadofluorine M-enhanced MR imaging
      with chitosan nerve conduits with cultured mesenchymal stem cells in rat model of
      neurotmesis.
AB  - PURPOSE: To observe the longitudinal changes of nerve repair in rats after tissue
      engineered construct implantation at magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and to
      determine whether the enhanced nerve regeneration with use of tissue-engineered
      constructs could be monitored with gadofluorine M-enhanced MR imaging or nerve T2
      relaxation time measurement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All experimental protocols
      were approved by the institutional Animal Use and Care Committee. Tissue
      engineered constructs were prepared by seeding mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into
      chitosan nerve tubes. Thirty-six rats with sciatic nerve transection injury
      underwent nerve tube implantation with (n = 18) or without (n = 18) MSC seeding.
      Sequential T2 measurement, gadofluorine M-enhanced MR imaging, and sciatic
      function index measurement were performed over an 8-week follow-up period, with
      histologic assessments performed at regular intervals. T2 relaxation times and
      signal intensity at gadofluorine M-enhanced T1-weighted imaging were measured and
      were compared by using repeated-measures analysis of variance followed by the
      Student-Neuman-Keuls post-hoc test for multiple pairwise comparisons. RESULTS:
      Nerve T2 relaxation times and gadofluorine M enhancement, as well as functional
      changes, showed a similar time course. Nerves implanted with MSC-seeded tubes
      achieved slightly better functional recovery and enhanced nerve regeneration
      while showing a slower return to baseline T2 relaxation time and a more rapid
      decline in gadofluorine M enhancement compared with nerves implanted with
      chitosan tubes alone. T2 values of the distal portion of transected nerves showed
      a more rapid return to baseline level than did gadofluorine M enhancement.
      CONCLUSION: Peripheral nerve repair with use of tissue-engineered constructs can
      be monitored by using gadofluorine M-enhanced MR imaging and T2 relaxation time
      measurements. T2 relaxation time seems more sensitive than gadofluorine M
      enhanced MR imaging for detecting nerve regeneration.

PMID- 22056687
TI  - Correlation of contrast-detail analysis and clinical image quality assessment in
      chest radiography with a human cadaver study.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the correlation between the clinical and physical image
      quality of chest images by using cadavers embalmed with the Thiel technique and a
      contrast-detail phantom. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The use of human cadavers
      fulfilled the requirements of the institutional ethics committee. Clinical image
      quality was assessed by using three human cadavers embalmed with the Thiel
      technique, which results in excellent preservation of the flexibility and
      plasticity of organs and tissues. As a result, lungs can be inflated during image
      acquisition to simulate the pulmonary anatomy seen on a chest radiograph. Both
      contrast-detail phantom images and chest images of the Thiel-embalmed bodies were
      acquired with an amorphous silicon flat-panel detector. Tube voltage (70, 81, 90,
      100, 113, 125 kVp), copper filtration (0.1, 0.2, 0.3 mm Cu), and exposure
      settings (200, 280, 400, 560, 800 speed class) were altered to simulate different
      quality levels. Four experienced radiologists assessed the image quality by using
      a visual grading analysis (VGA) technique based on European Quality Criteria for
      Chest Radiology. The phantom images were scored manually and automatically with
      use of dedicated software, both resulting in an inverse image quality figure
      (IQF). Spearman rank correlations between inverse IQFs and VGA scores were
      calculated. RESULTS: A statistically significant correlation (r = 0.80, P < .01)
      was observed between the VGA scores and the manually obtained inverse IQFs.
      Comparison of the VGA scores and the automated evaluated phantom images showed an
      even better correlation (r = 0.92, P < .001). CONCLUSION: The results support the
      value of contrast-detail phantom analysis for evaluating clinical image quality
      in chest radiography.

PMID- 22056688
TI  - Cerebral microbleeds: burden assessment by using quantitative susceptibility
      mapping.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) for reducing the
      inconsistency of standard magnetic resonance (MR) imaging sequences in
      measurements of cerebral microbleed burden. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This
      retrospective study was HIPAA compliant and institutional review board approved.
      Ten patients (5.6%) were selected from among 178 consecutive patients suspected
      of having experienced a stroke who were imaged with a multiecho gradient-echo
      sequence at 3.0 T and who had cerebral microbleeds on T2*-weighted images. QSM
      was performed for various ranges of echo time by using both the magnitude and
      phase components in the morphology-enabled dipole inversion method. Cerebral
      microbleed size was measured by two neuroradiologists on QSM images, T2*-weighted
      images, susceptibility-weighted (SW) images, and R2* maps calculated by using
      different echo times. The sum of susceptibility over a region containing a
      cerebral microbleed was also estimated on QSM images as its total susceptibility.
      Measurement differences were assessed by using the Student t test and the F test;
      P < .05 was considered to indicate a statistically significant difference.
      RESULTS: When echo time was increased from approximately 20 to 40 msec, the
      measured cerebral microbleed volume increased by mean factors of 1.49 +/- 0.86
      (standard deviation), 1.64 +/- 0.84, 2.30 +/- 1.20, and 2.30 +/- 1.19 for QSM,
      R2*, T2*-weighted, and SW images, respectively (P < .01). However, the measured
      total susceptibility with QSM did not show significant change over echo time (P =
      .31), and the variation was significantly smaller than any of the volume
      increases (P < .01 for each). CONCLUSION: The total susceptibility of a cerebral
      microbleed measured by using QSM is a physical property that is independent of
      echo time.

PMID- 22056690
TI  - Construction of two vectors for gene expression in Trichoderma reesei.
AB  - We report the construction of two filamentous fungi Trichoderma reesei expression
      vectors, pWEF31 and pWEF32. Both vectors possess the hygromycin
      phosphotransferase B gene expression cassette and the strong promoter and
      terminator of the cellobiohydrolase 1 gene (cbh1) from T. reesei. The two newly
      constructed vectors can be efficiently transformed into T. reesei with
      Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. The difference between pWEF31 and pWEF32
      is that pWEF32 has two longer homologous arms. As a result, pWEF32 easily
      undergoes homologous recombination. On the other hand, pWEF31 undergoes random
      recombination. The applicability of both vectors was tested by first generating
      the expression vectors pWEF31-red and pWEF32-red and then detecting the
      expression of the DsRed2 gene in T. reesei Rut C30. Additionally, we measured the
      exo-1,4-beta-glucanase activity of the recombinant cells. Our work provides an
      effective transformation system for homologous and heterologous gene expression
      and gene knockout in T. reesei. It also provides a method for recombination at a
      specific chromosomal location. Finally, both vectors will be useful for the large
      scale gene expression industry.

PMID- 22056689
TI  - Quantification and monitoring of inflammation in murine inflammatory bowel
      disease with targeted contrast-enhanced US.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate ultrasonography (US) by using contrast agent microbubbles
      (MBs) targeted to P-selectin (MB(P-selectin)) to quantify P-selectin expression
      levels in inflamed tissue and to monitor response to therapy in a murine model of
      chemically induced inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). MATERIALS AND METHODS: All
      procedures in which laboratory animals were used were approved by the
      institutional administrative panel on laboratory animal care. Binding affinity
      and specificity of MB(P-selectin) were tested in cell culture experiments under
      flow shear stress conditions and compared with control MBs (MB(Control)). In vivo
      binding specificity of MB(P-selectin) to P-selectin was tested in mice with
      trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid-induced colitis (n = 22) and control mice (n = 10).
      Monitoring of anti-tumor necrosis factor alpha antibody therapy was performed
      over 5 days in an additional 30 mice with colitis by using P-selectin-targeted US
      imaging, by measuring bowel wall thickness and perfusion, and by using a clinical
      disease activity index score. In vivo targeted contrast material-enhanced US
      signal was quantitatively correlated with ex vivo expression levels of P-selectin
      as assessed by quantitative immunofluorescence. RESULTS: Attachment of MB(P
      selectin) to endothelial cells was significantly (P = .0001) higher than
      attachment of MB(Control) and significantly (rho = 0.83, P = .04) correlated with
      expression levels of P-selectin on endothelial cells. In vivo US signal in mice
      with colitis was significantly higher (P = .0001) with MB(P-selectin) than with
      MB(Control). In treated mice, in vivo US signal decreased significantly (P =
      .0001) compared with that in nontreated mice and correlated well with ex vivo P
      selectin expression levels (rho = 0.69; P = .04). Colonic wall thickness (P >=
      .06), bowel wall perfusion (P >= .85), and clinical disease activity scoring (P
      >= .06) were not significantly different between treated and nontreated mice at
      any time. CONCLUSION: Targeted contrast-enhanced US imaging enables noninvasive
      in vivo quantification and monitoring of P-selectin expression in inflammation in
      murine IBD.

PMID- 22056691
TI  - Characteristics of Mycobacterium smegmatis J15cs strain lipids.
AB  - Mycobacterium smegmatis is a rapidly growing, non-pathogenic mycobacterium, and
      M. smegmatis strain mc(2)155 in particular has been used as a tool for molecular
      analysis of mycobacteria because of its high rate of transformation. We examined
      another strain, M. smegmatis J15cs, which has the advantage of surviving for six
      days in murine macrophages. The J15cs strain produces a rough dry colony, and we
      hypothesized that the long survival of the J15cs strain was correlated with its
      cell wall components. Therefore, the lipid compositions of these two strains were
      compared. The subclasses and carbon species of the mycolic acids were very
      similar, and the major glycolipids and phospholipids were expressed in both
      strains. However, apolar glycopeptidolipids were deleted only in the J15cs
      strain. The presence of apolar glycopeptidolipids gives the cell wall a different
      structure. Moreover, the apolar glycopeptidolipids were recognized by macrophages
      via toll-like receptor 2, but not 4. We concluded that the absence of apolar
      glycopeptidolipids is a definitive feature of the J15cs strain, and affects its
      morphology and survival in host cells.

PMID- 22056692
TI  - Implementation of a multi-parameter Point-of-Care-blood test analyzer reduces
      central laboratory testing and need for blood transfusions in very low birth
      weight infants.
AB  - Blood sampling for laboratory testing is a major cause of iatrogenic blood loss
      and anemia in neonatal intensive care unit [NICU] patients. The objective of the
      study was to assess whether the implementation of a multi-parameter Point of Care
      Test [POCT] (Roche, Cobas b221) analyzer affected blood loss for central
      laboratory testing and need for red blood cell transfusion in our NICU. This was
      a retrospective observational cohort study in a NICU with comparison of two
      serial cohorts of 2 years each. Implementation of a multi-parameter POCT
      decreased central laboratory performed testing for bilirubin (-32% per patient)
      and electrolytes (-36% per patient). On average, the net blood volume taken per
      admitted patient for electrolyte testing decreased with 23.7% and 22.2% for
      bilirubin testing in the second cohort. After implementation of POCT, fewer very
      low birth weight infants [VLBWI] required blood transfusion (38.9% vs. 50%,
      p<.05) as the number of transfusion/infants decreased by 48% (1.57 vs. 2.53,
      p<0.01). The implementation of POCT was cost-efficient for the Belgian national
      health insurance, cost reduction -8.3% per neonate. We conclude that
      implementation of a bedside multi-parameter POCT analyzer decreases transfusions
      among VLBWI by reducing iatrogenic blood loss for central laboratory testing.

PMID- 22056693
TI  - Enabling semantic similarity estimation across multiple ontologies: an evaluation
      in the biomedical domain.
AB  - The estimation of the semantic similarity between terms provides a valuable tool
      to enable the understanding of textual resources. Many semantic similarity
      computation paradigms have been proposed both as general-purpose solutions or
      framed in concrete fields such as biomedicine. In particular, ontology-based
      approaches have been very successful due to their efficiency, scalability, lack
      of constraints and thanks to the availability of large and consensus ontologies
      (like WordNet or those in the UMLS). These measures, however, are hampered by the
      fact that only one ontology is exploited and, hence, their recall depends on the
      ontological detail and coverage. In recent years, some authors have extended some
      of the existing methodologies to support multiple ontologies. The problem of
      integrating heterogeneous knowledge sources is tackled by means of simple
      terminological matchings between ontological concepts. In this paper, we aim to
      improve these methods by analysing the similarity between the modelled
      taxonomical knowledge and the structure of different ontologies. As a result, we
      are able to better discover the commonalities between different ontologies and
      hence, improve the accuracy of the similarity estimation. Two methods are
      proposed to tackle this task. They have been evaluated and compared with related
      works by means of several widely-used benchmarks of biomedical terms using two
      standard ontologies (WordNet and MeSH). Results show that our methods correlate
      better, compared to related works, with the similarity assessments provided by
      experts in biomedicine.

PMID- 22056694
TI  - Boosting performance of gene mention tagging system by hybrid methods.
AB  - NER (Named Entity Recognition) in biomedical literature is presently one of the
      internationally concerned NLP (Natural Language Processing) research questions.
      In order to get higher performance, a hybrid experimental framework is presented
      for the gene mention tagging task. Six classifiers are firstly constructed by
      four toolkits (CRF++, YamCha, Maximum Entropy (ME) and MALLET) with different
      training methods and features sets, and then combined with three different hybrid
      methods respectively: simple set operation method, voting method and two layer
      stacking method. Experiments carried out on the corpus of BioCreative II GM task
      show that the three hybrid methods get the F-measure of 87.40%, 87.31% and 87.70%
      separately without any post-processing, which are all higher than those of any
      single ones. Our best hybrid method (two layer stacking method) achieves an F
      measure of 88.42% after post-processing, which outperforms most of the state-of
      the-art systems. We also discuss the influence on the performance of the ensemble
      system by the number, performance and divergence of single classifiers in each
      hybrid method, and give the corresponding analysis why our hybrid models can
      improve the performance.

PMID- 22056695
TI  - The impact of salt water soaks on biophysical and molecular parameters in
      psoriatic epidermis equivalents.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: The exact mechanisms of action of balneophototherapy are
      incompletely understood. We aimed to investigate the effect of salt water soaks
      on ultraviolet (UV) transmission and the expression of molecular parameters of
      psoriasis. METHODS: We studied UV transmission and the expression of
      antimicrobial peptides and skin-derived antileukoproteinase (SKALP/elafin) in
      psoriatic epidermis equivalents which were pretreated with tap water and
      differently concentrated salt water solutions. Moreover, we performed in vivo
      phototoxicity tests in healthy subjects. RESULTS: Highly concentrated salt water
      soaks significantly increase UV transmission through psoriatic epidermis
      equivalents, in particular within the wavelength range of 305- 360 nm. In vivo
      tests revealed increased photosensitivity following highly concentrated salt
      water baths. A significant decrease in human beta-defensin-2 (hBD-2) and
      SKALP/elafin is observed after highly concentrated NaCl soaks. CONCLUSION: An
      increase in UV transmission following highly concentrated salt water soaks likely
      causes enhanced UV gain within the viable epidermis. Moreover, our data indicate
      that salt water soaks seem to influence the protein profiles of hBD-2 and
      SKALP/elafin.

PMID- 22056696
TI  - Forearm reconstruction with bone allograft following tumor excision: a series of
      10 patients with a mean follow-up of 10 years.
AB  - BACKGROUND: After a tumor resection, the reestablishment of the bone continuity
      at the forearm remains a challenge for restoring the biomechanics of hand and
      elbow. Bone allograft might be one option to consider amongst other suitable
      alternatives but there are insufficient data available to substantiate its value.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively investigated a series of 10 consecutive
      patients that had presented a bone tumor at the forearm. After bone excision, the
      segmental loss was replaced either by a bone allograft or an osteochondral
      allograft. Patients were reviewed clinically and with radiographs. RESULTS: The
      mean follow-up was 110 +/- 99 months. Fracture of the allograft was the most
      prevalent complication occurring in four patients, mainly in the osteoarticular
      group. Four patients were surgically revised: two of them had a fracture of the
      allograft that required a new one, another one had a painful stiff wrist
      requiring removal of the allograft and arthrodesis with autograft and the fourth
      one had a non-union of an intercalary allograft that was treated by a distal
      ulnar joint resection. Intercalary allograft had fewer complications than
      osteoarticular allografts and they had a better functional MSTS score with an
      average of 79% of a normal function compared to osteoarticular allografts with an
      average score of 62%. There was no infection. At the latest follow-up, one
      reconstruction of the forearm with an allograft failed and concerned the distal
      radius joint. DISCUSSION: A bone allograft when available can be considered as
      one amongst other suitable options for the reconstruction of the forearm
      skeleton.

PMID- 22056697
TI  - The valence strength of unpleasant emotion modulates brain processing of
      behavioral inhibitory control: neural correlates.
AB  - As an ability critical for adaptive social living, behavioral inhibitory control
      (BIC) is known to be influenced substantially by unpleasant emotion.
      Nevertheless, how unpleasant emotion of diverse strength influences this control,
      and the spatiotemporal dynamics underlying this influence, remain undetermined.
      For this purpose, Event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded for standard
      stimulus which required no BIC, and for deviant stimuli that required controlling
      habitual responses, during highly unpleasant (HU), mildly unpleasant (MU) and
      Neutral blocks. The results showed delayed response latencies for deviant
      compared to standard stimuli, irrespective of emotionality. Moreover, there were
      significant main effects of stimulus type, and significant stimulus type and
      block interaction effects on the averaged amplitudes of the 230-310 ms and 330
      430 ms intervals. In the deviant-standard difference waves which directly index
      BIC-relevant processing, these interactions were manifested by increased negative
      potentials as a function of the strength of unpleasant emotion across N2 and P3
      components. In addition, these influences are specific to unpleasant emotion, as
      pleasant emotion of diverse strength produced a similar impact in the control
      experiment. Therefore, unpleasant emotion of diverse strength is different in
      impact on brain processing of behavioral inhibitory control. This impact is
      evident not only in early monitoring of response conflicts, but also in late
      processing of response inhibition.

PMID- 22056698
TI  - Identification and characterization of low temperature stress responsive genes in
      Poncirus trifoliata by suppression subtractive hybridization.
AB  - Trifoliate orange (Poncirus trifoliata (L.) Raf.) is extremely cold hardy when
      fully acclimated, but knowledge relevant to the molecular events underlying the
      acclimation is still limited so far. In this study, forward (4  degrees C over 25
      degrees C) and reverse (25  degrees C over 4  degrees C) suppression subtractive
      hybridization (SSH) libraries were constructed in order to identify the genes
      involved in cold acclimation in trifoliate orange. After reverse northern
      blotting analysis and sequencing, a total of 105 and 117 non-redundant
      differentially expressed sequence tags (ESTs) were obtained from the forward and
      reverse libraries, respectively. Blast2go analysis revealed that 91 ESTs, 31 from
      the forward library and 60 from the reverse library, displayed significant
      sequence homology to the genes with known or putative functions. They were
      categorized into various functional groups, including catalytic activity, binding
      protein, structural molecule, enzyme regulator, molecular transducer, electron
      carrier, and transport activity/transcription regulation. Expression analysis of
      the selected ESTs by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was
      consistent with the results of differential screening. In addition, time-course
      expression patterns of the genes further confirmed that they were responsive to
      low temperature treatment. Among the genes of known functions, many are related
      to maintenance of cell wall integrity, adjustment of osmotic potential and
      maintenance of reactive oxygen species homeostasis, implying that these
      physiological processes might be of paramount significance in rendering
      protective mechanisms against the low temperature stress. The data presented here
      gain an insight into the molecular changes underlying the cold acclimation of
      trifoliate orange, and the results can be of reference for unraveling candidate
      genes that hold great potential for genetic engineering in an effort to create
      novel germplasms with enhanced cold stress tolerance.

PMID- 22056699
TI  - SuperPartitions: detection and classification of orthologs.
AB  - The proper detection of orthologs is crucial for evolutionary studies of genes
      and species. Despite large efforts to solve this problem the methodological
      situation appears unsettled to a large extent and the "quest for orthologs" is
      still an ongoing task in large-scale genome comparisons. Here, we introduce a
      simple operational framework for the detection of orthologs and their
      classification. The operational framework relies on well-established principles,
      optimizing their implementation for the considered purposes, and chaining
      components in coherent procedures: 1) We take advantage of the efficiency and
      simplicity of the Reciprocal Best Hit (RBH) detections, remedying (by design) the
      drawback concerning the limitations in terms of 1:1 detections. The procedure is
      based on the partitioning of Reciprocal Best Hits, with the further merging of
      partitions including members of the same paralogous classes ("SuperPartition of
      Orthologs" (SPOs)). 2) We then resort to the conservation profiles of the
      obtained clusters, allowing simple detection of SPOs containing duplicated
      members. Based on accepted evolutionary principles, such members can be further
      tagged as in-paralogs (co-orthologs) or out-paralogs. The method is illustrated
      and validated by extensive genomic analyses. The performances of the overall
      approach are characterized in global terms for three sets of species (Chlamydiae,
      Mycobacteria, Aspergilli), showing that at least 75% of the sets of orthologs
      contain at most one protein from a given species. The sets including more than
      one protein from a given species are shown to contain in-paralogs in proportions
      varying from 28% to 58%. The characterizations also show that the large majority
      of SPOs are associated with ancestral motifs, and accordingly not prone to
      chaining effects that might be triggered by multi-domain proteins. Further the
      SPO formulation is compared to other similarity based ortholog detection methods.
      Beyond core common results, significant differences are observed between various
      methods, which can be accounted for to a large extent on conceptual grounds,
      relative to the different merging schemes involved. Such comparisons highlight a
      major advantage of the SPO approach concerning the proper clustering of
      associated paralogs, which appear to be often dispatched spuriously into distinct
      orthologous classes. Finally the perspectives for future applications and
      elaborations of SPO-based compositional analyses are discussed.

PMID- 22056700
TI  - [Morbidity and mortality conferences: should quality be favored over quantity?].

PMID- 22056701
TI  - Differential expression of MMP-2, MMP-9 and PCNA in endometriosis and endometrial
      carcinoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Endometriosis is a common gynaecological disease with clinical
      symptoms such as chronic pain, infertility and intra-abdominal adhesions.
      Different theories on the pathogenesis of endometriosis and especially its
      aggressive subtype with infiltrative growth have been discussed. The objective of
      this study is to evaluate differences in proliferation and invasive properties of
      invasive colorectal endometriosis, superficial peritoneal endometriosis and
      endometrial carcinoma (G1 and G2). STUDY DESIGN: Paraffin embedded tissues of
      peritoneal endometriosis, endometriosis of the intestine and endometrial
      carcinoma from 97 patients were stained immunohistochemically to assess
      differences in expression patterns of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2, MMP-9) as
      markers of invasion and the marker of proliferation PCNA. MMP expression was
      evaluated using the Immuno Reactive Score (IRS) (combining positive cell ratio
      and staining intensity) and PCNA expression was assessed as the percentage of
      positively stained cells in representative areas. RESULTS: MMP-2, MMP-9 and PCNA
      showed differential expression patterns in the different tissues examined. MMP-2
      and PCNA expression was stronger in invasive colorectal endometriosis than in
      superficial peritoneal endometriosis (p=0.0394). MMP-9, however, was more
      frequently expressed in peritoneal endometriosis (59.1%) than in colorectal
      endometriosis (44.4%). This result did not reach statistical significance. When
      colorectal endometriosis was compared to low grade endometrial carcinoma,
      proliferation detected by PCNA was significantly higher in endometriosis
      (p=0.0008). MMP-2 and MMP-9 showed higher expression in endometrial carcinoma
      than in endometriosis. CONCLUSIONS: There are obvious differences in expression
      patterns of MMP-2, MMP-9 and PCNA in different stages of endometriosis and in
      endometrial cancer. These markers can be helpful to evaluate aggressiveness and
      invasiveness of endometriosis in different localizations. The results obtained
      could be of relevance for a better understanding of the pathogenesis of
      endometriosis and the development of an individual therapy concept.

PMID- 22056702
TI  - [Proposal of novel staging and grading system of primary biliary cirrhosis].

PMID- 22056703
TI  - [Present status and future prospect of autoimmune hepatitis].

PMID- 22056704
TI  - [The significance of scoring systems in the diagnosis of autoimmune hepatitis].

PMID- 22056705
TI  - [Autoimmune hepatitis with overlapping features of primary biliary cirrhosis].

PMID- 22056706
TI  - [Management of patients with glucocorticoid-resistant autoimmune hepatitis].

PMID- 22056707
TI  - [Clinical courses and pregnancy outcomes in Japanese women with inflammatory
      bowel disease].
AB  - In this study, we analyzed the clinical courses and the pregnancy outcomes in
      Japanese women with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in our hospital in the
      recent 10 years. We analyzed 49 pregnancies in 38 patients with ulcerative
      colitis (UC) and 24 pregnancies in 16 patients with Crohn's disease (CD)
      retrospectively. The results indicated that pregnancy has less influence on the
      clinical courses of IBD and that IBD also has less influence on the pregnancy
      outcomes. However, we should pay attention to the results that the patients with
      CD tend to deteriorate if conception occurs when CD is active and that patients
      with active UC tend to have more adverse pregnancy outcomes than patients in
      remission. In conclusion, patients with IBD are recommended to become pregnant
      when the diseases are in remission and treatment using selected safe medications
      should be continued during the pregnancy.

PMID- 22056708
TI  - [Transcatheter arterial chemotherapy with miriplatin for patients with
      hepatocellular carcinoma and chronic renal failure].
AB  - Miriplatin is a novel lipophilic platinum complex developed to treat
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Although HCC patients frequently have coexisting
      chronic renal failure, there is no reliable data regarding clinical toxicity of
      miriplatin in HCC patients with chronic renal failure. We retrospectively
      evaluated the safety and efficacy of transcatheter arterial chemotherapy with
      miriplatin in 67 HCC patients with chronic renal failure (estimated glomerular
      filtration rate [GFR] by the Cockcroft-Gault equation <60ml/min). Estimated GFR
      within 2 months after miriplatin administration did not decrease significantly by
      the Wilcoxon signed rank test (pretreatment;46ml/min, 1 month;48ml/min;P=0.019, 2
      months;45ml/min;P=0.619 [P<0.003 was significant by the Bonferroni correction]).
      Complete response in terms of tumor necrosis was achieved in 14 of 67 patients
      and no serious adverse events were observed. These results suggested that
      transcatheter arterial chemotherapy with miriplatin can be used safely for HCC
      patients with chronic renal failure.

PMID- 22056709
TI  - [A very elderly case of advanced gastric cancer with disseminated carcinomatosis
      of bone marrow and multiple bone metastasis, diagnosed by extremely elevated
      serum alkaline phosphatase levels, and treated with low-dose S-1 to avoid
      disseminated intravascular coagulation].
AB  - We report an 87-year-old woman who was admitted to our hospital due to anemia and
      extremely elevated serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels. We diagnosed advanced
      gastric cancer with disseminated carcinomatosis of the bone marrow and multiple
      bone metastasis. She was immediately treated with low-dose S-1 (50mg/body, p.o.,
      days 1-14) and zoledronic acid hydrate (4mg/body, i.v., day 1) to avoid
      disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). After 1 course of the treatment,
      she could completely avoid DIC and we found the primary lesion and the metastasis
      had decreased. Now she is an outpatient and continues treatment without relapse
      for about 6 months. We consider low-dose S-1 and zoledronic acid hydrate
      combination therapy to be an effective strategy against advanced gastric cancer
      with disseminated carcinomatosis of the bone marrow and multiple bone metastasis
      in very elderly cases.

PMID- 22056710
TI  - [A case of gastrointestinal stromal tumor of the duodenum with a huge abscess].
AB  - A 36-year-old man admitted for upper abdominal pain and fever. Enhanced abdominal
      computed tomography showed a cystic tumor with an air fluid level, measuring
      140mm in size, along the side of the first and second portions of the duodenum.
      The common bile duct, portal vein, and proper hepatic artery were displaced by
      the tumor. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy showed duodenal ulcer, but fistula
      was not confirmed. Combining all imaging and clinical findings, it was clinically
      diagnosed as duodenal submucosal tumor with abscess, and elective surgery was
      performed. There was a huge mass in the Morrison pouch, with severe adhesion to
      the second portion of the duodenum, gall bladder, common bile duct, and
      transverse colon. Subtotal stomach-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy with
      transverse colectomy was performed. A fistula from the second portion of the
      duodenum to the tumor was confirmed on the resected specimen. Histological
      examination showed gastrointestinal stromal tumor originating in the duodenum.

PMID- 22056711
TI  - [Effectiveness of systemic chemotherapy of GEM+CBDCA+5-FU/LV and hepatic arterial
      infusion of CDDP in a case of advanced, combined hepatocellular
      cholangiocarcinoma with multiple lung metastases].
AB  - This patient is a male in his 30's. He was diagnosed as hepatitis B virus-related
      huge primary liver cancer, 10cm in diameter, located in segment 4, accompanied
      with left portal thrombus and multiple lung metastases. Ten months after
      repeating systemic chemotherapy using gemcitabine (GEM)+carboplatin (CBDCA)+5
      FU/leucovorin (LV) and hepatic arterial infusion chemotherapy with cisplatin
      (CDDP) 4 times, extended left lobectomy with caudate lobe could be successfully
      performed because of marked reducion of the huge tumor. The pathology revealed
      almost entirely necrotic changes of the main tumor, and the remaining, viable
      tumor nests showed combined hepatocellular and cholangiocarcinoma. Systemic
      chemotherapy was repeatedly given afterwards, which kept the pulmonary metastases
      stable without growth. The present case suggests that systemic chemotherapy using
      GEM+CBDCA+5-FU/LV may be useful in the multimodal treatment for the combined
      hepatocellular and cholangiocarcinoma with distant metastases.

PMID- 22056712
TI  - [A case of spontaneous complete necrosis of hepatocellular carcinoma sized 10cm
      in diameter demonstrated by the resected specimen].
AB  - A 68-year-old man with chronic hepatitis C and of a heavy drinker was admitted to
      our hospital because of a huge liver tumor (10cm in diameter) in segment-5
      detected on CT in July 2009. One month later, the size of liver tumor was reduced
      to 5cm in diameter and another liver tumor of 1cm in segment-3 was detected on
      CT. AFP and AFP-L3 spontaneously decreased to normal range. In October, a partial
      hepatectomy was performed. The resected specimen demonstrated complete necrosis
      with thick capsule. The tumor in segment-3 became equivocal without resection. We
      considered this is a case of spontaneous complete necrosis of hepatocellular
      carcinoma.

PMID- 22056713
TI  - [A resected case of metachronous liver metastasis from mixed adenoneuroendocrine
      carcinoma of the stomach].
AB  - A 71-year-old woman was found in gastroendoscopic examination to have a type 2
      tumor at the posterior wall of the stomach with two type 0-IIa early
      adenocarcinomas at the lesser curvature and anterior wall. She underwent distal
      gastrectomy. Pathological evaluation of the type 2 tumor was mixed
      adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma and that of two type 0-IIa tumors were well
      differentiated tubular adenocarcinomas. The solitary metastasis was found in
      liver S8 on 15th month though S-1 was taken after the operation. Partial
      resection of the liver was performed, and its histological findings were similar
      to the mixed adenoneuroendocrine carcinoma of the stomach. After adjuvant
      chemotherapy with S-1+CPT-11 during half a year, S-1 single therapy was done for
      16 months, and there is no evidence of recurrence for 28 months after liver
      resection.

PMID- 22056714
TI  - [A case of unilocular serous cystic neoplasm mimicking mucinous cystic neoplasm].
AB  - A 40's woman had a cystic lesion in the tail of the pancreas that had grown over
      a 1.5-year period. Endoscopic ultrasound revealed a partition structure and "cyst
      in-cyst" like lesion, and a diagnosis of mucinous cystic neoplasm was made. The
      patient underwent distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy. Following histological
      examination, our final diagnosis was revised to unilocular serous cystic neoplasm
      since the increase in cysts was due to hemorrhage and the partition structure was
      in fact granulation tissue. We here discuss this rare case with reference to
      previous published reports.

PMID- 22056716
TI  - Toward in silico structure-based ADMET prediction in drug discovery.
AB  - Quantitative structure-activity relationship (QSAR) methods and related
      approaches have been used to investigate the molecular features that influence
      the absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion and toxicity (ADMET) of
      drugs. As the three-dimensional structures of several major ADMET proteins become
      available, structure-based (docking-scoring) computations can be carried out to
      complement or to go beyond QSAR studies. Applying docking-scoring methods to
      ADMET proteins is a challenging process because they usually have a large and
      flexible binding cavity; however, promising results relating to metabolizing
      enzymes have been reported. After reviewing current trends in the field we
      applied structure-based methods in the context of receptor flexibility in a case
      study involving the phase II metabolizing sulfotransferases. Overall, the
      explored concepts and results suggested that structure-based ADMET profiling will
      probably join the mainstream during the coming years.

PMID- 22056715
TI  - Classification of scaffold-hopping approaches.
AB  - The general goal of drug discovery is to identify novel compounds that are active
      against a preselected biological target with acceptable pharmacological
      properties defined by marketed drugs. Scaffold hopping has been widely applied by
      medicinal chemists to discover equipotent compounds with novel backbones that
      have improved properties. In this article we classify scaffold hopping into four
      major categories, namely heterocycle replacements, ring opening or closure,
      peptidomimetics and topology-based hopping. We review the structural diversity of
      original and final scaffolds with respect to each category. We discuss the
      advantages and limitations of small, medium and large-step scaffold hopping.
      Finally, we summarize software that is frequently used to facilitate different
      kinds of scaffold-hopping methods.

PMID- 22056717
TI  - An updated meta-analysis of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene 677C/T
      polymorphism with diabetic nephropathy and diabetic retinopathy.
AB  - Studies investigating the association of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase
      (MTHFR) gene 677C/T polymorphism with diabetic nephropathy and diabetic
      retinopathy have so far reported inconclusive results. We therefore aim to
      address this inconclusiveness by conducting a meta-analysis. Random-effects model
      was applied irrespective of between-study heterogeneity. Data and study quality
      were assessed in duplicate. A total of 7807 and 1599 subjects from 21 and 8
      studies were analyzed for diabetic nephropathy and diabetic retinopathy,
      respectively. Carriers of 677TT genotype were 1.71 (95% confidence interval [95%
      CI]: 1.02-2.88; P=0.042) and 2.89 (95% CI: 1.51-5.53; P=0.001) times more likely
      to develop diabetic nephropathy separately relative to diabetic patients without
      nephropathy and nondiabetic controls. Likewise, this association was preserved
      for diabetic patients with retinopathy referring to those without (odds ratio
      [OR]=1.86; 95% CI: 1.21-2.86; P=0.004). Subgroup analyses showed that ethnicity
      was a possible confounder, especially in West Asians and Africans, and so were
      gender and duration of diabetes mellitus in diabetic nephropathy studies.
      Probability of publication bias was low across all comparisons as reflected by
      the funnel plot and corresponding test. Taken together, our results demonstrate
      that MTHFR gene 677TT genotype might confer a moderately augmented risk for
      diabetic nephropathy and diabetic retinopathy.

PMID- 22056718
TI  - Glycated hemoglobin in ST-elevation myocardial infarction without previously
      known diabetes: its short and long term prognostic role.
AB  - In 518 consecutive STEMI non-diabetic patients, glycated hemoglobin>6.5% was not
      associated with increased short and long term mortality, but was associated with
      higher admission glucose values, worse in-hospital glycemic control and a higher
      incidence of acute insulin resistance (HOMA index).

PMID- 22056719
TI  - The glycemic triumvirate and diabetic complications: is the whole greater than
      the sum of its component parts?
AB  - The dysglycemia of diabetes mellitus can be depicted as the glycemic triumvirate
      with its 3 main components: the sustained chronic (ambient) hyperglycemia,
      glucose variability and hypoglycemic episodes. The respective contributions of
      these glycemic disorders to the overall risk for diabetic complications remain a
      subject of debate. At present, there is cogent evidence for the direct
      deleterious effect of ambient hyperglycemia while the roles exerted by glucose
      variability and hypoglycemia remain less documented and only based on
      observational and pathophysiological studies. In addition, these 3 glycemic
      disorders could be regarded as components of either an additive or an
      initiator/accelerator model according to whether each disorder exerts an
      independent or inter-dependent effect on the development and progression of
      diabetes-related complications, respectively. In the present review, pros and
      cons arguments for each model are debated. However it is highly likely that these
      3 glycemic disorders have both direct (spoke in a wheel) and indirect (link in a
      chain) causal effects on clinical cardiovascular outcomes. As a consequence, the
      relationship between the so-called glycemic triumvirate and diabetic
      complications might be summarized by the famous Aristotle's aphorism: "the whole
      is greater than the sum of its parts".

PMID- 22056720
TI  - The 3C study: coverage cost and care of type 1 diabetes in China--study design
      and implementation.
AB  - AIM: To describe coverage, cost and care of type 1 diabetes (T1D) in 2 regions of
      China--Beijing and Shantou--including: METHODS: This is a mixed-methods
      descriptive study with three arms--coverage, cost and care. It is taking place in
      4 tertiary hospitals, 3 secondary hospitals and 4 primary health facilities in
      Beijing, and 2 tertiary hospitals, 2 secondary hospitals and 2 primary health
      centres in Shantou, China. Two additional hospitals are involved in the coverage
      arm of the study. T1D participants are recruited from a 3-year list generated by
      each hospital and from those attending the outpatient clinic or admitted to the
      inpatient ward. Participants also include health care professionals and
      government officials. To determine coverage of care, a list of people with T1D is
      being developed including information on diagnosis, age, sex and vital status.
      The age and sex distribution will be compared with the expected distribution. To
      estimate the economic burden of T1D three groups of costs will be calculated -
      direct medical costs, direct non-medical costs and indirect costs from different
      perspectives of analysis (patients and their families, health system, insurer and
      societal perspective). The data are being collected from people with T1D (patient
      parents face-to-face interviews), hospital billing departments, medical records
      and government officials using a combined "top-down, bottom-up" approach
      developed to validate the data. Quality of life is assessed using the EQ-5D tool
      and burden of disease is measured based on clinical outcomes and complications.
      Standard care will be defined, costed and compared to the cost of current care
      identified within the study to determine the investment required to improve
      outcomes. The third arm includes three components - health policy, clinical care
      and education, and information management. Face-to-face, semi-structured
      interviews are conducted with people with T1D (for those <15 years of age parents
      are interviewed), health care professionals, senior hospital management and
      government officials. The core Summary of Diabetes Self-Care Activities Measure
      plus an additional 6 questions from the revised SDSCA scale are used to assess
      patient self-care. A medical records audit tool is used to assess care [7].
      Clinical outcomes and self-care activities will be analysed for associations with
      care and education. Information management and care processes will be described
      using the Standard for Integration Definition for Function Modelling (IDEF0) [8].
      PROGRESS TO DATE: At the time of writing (early October) the 3-year case list
      includes 1269 people with type 1 diabetes from Beijing and 481 people for
      Shantou, a total of 1750. In addition, two hundred and twenty people with T1D or
      their parents participated in face-to-face interviews in Beijing and 183 in
      Shantou, a total of 403. PRACTICAL PRELIMINARY CONCLUSIONS: Key implementation
      considerations were identified early in the project. Project success is dependent
      on strong local partnerships with local opinion leaders and key officials. It is
      important that a physician is the first point of contact to build the case list
      and recruit participants. July, August and January are peak months for recruiting
      school-age children in the Children's Hospital as this is school vacation period
      when they are more likely to attend clinics.

PMID- 22056721
TI  - Molecular genetic and functional association of Brugada and early repolarization
      syndromes with S422L missense mutation in KCNJ8.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-sensitive potassium cardiac channels
      consist of inward-rectifying channel subunits Kir6.1 or Kir6.2 (encoded by KCNJ8
      or KCNJ11) and the sulfonylurea receptor subunits SUR2A (encoded by ABCC9).
      OBJECTIVE: To examine the association of mutations in KCNJ8 with Brugada syndrome
      (BrS) and early repolarization syndrome (ERS) and to elucidate the mechanism
      underlying the gain of function of ATP-sensitive potassium channel current.
      METHODS: Direct sequencing of KCNJ8 and other candidate genes was performed on
      204 BrS and ERS probands and family members. Whole-cell and inside-out patch
      clamp methods were used to study mutated channels expressed in TSA201 cells.
      RESULTS: The same missense mutation, p.Ser422Leu (c.1265C>T) in KCNJ8, was
      identified in 3 BrS and 1 ERS probands but was absent in 430 alleles from
      ethnically matched healthy controls. Additional genetic variants included CACNB2b
      D601E. Whole-cell patch-clamp studies showed a 2-fold gain of function of
      glibenclamide-sensitive ATP-sensitive potassium channel current when KCNJ8-S422L
      was coexpressed with SUR2A-wild type. Inside-out patch-clamp evaluation yielded a
      significantly greater half maximal inhibitory concentration for ATP in the mutant
      channels (785.5 +/- 2 vs 38.4 +/- 3 MUM; n = 5; P <.01), pointing to incomplete
      closing of the ATP-sensitive potassium channels under normoxic conditions.
      Patients with a CACNB2b-D601E polymorphism displayed longer QT/corrected QT
      intervals, likely owing to their effect to induce an increase in L-type calcium
      channel current (I(Ca-L)). CONCLUSIONS: Our results support the hypothesis that
      KCNJ8 is a susceptibility gene for BrS and ERS and point to S422L as a possible
      hotspot mutation. Our findings suggest that the S422L-induced gain of function in
      ATP-sensitive potassium channel current is due to reduced sensitivity to
      intracellular ATP.

PMID- 22056722
TI  - Cardiac device infections are associated with a significant mortality risk.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiac device infections (CDIs) are a serious complication
      associated with the implantation of cardiac rhythm devices. However, the effect
      of CDI on the subsequent risk of mortality is unknown. OBJECTIVE: To assess the
      prognostic importance of CDI in recipients of implantable cardioverter
      defibrillator and cardiac resynchronization therapy - defibrillator. METHODS: All
      patients who received their initial implantable cardioverter
      defibrillator/cardiac resynchronization therapy - defibrillator between January
      2000 and September 2009 were included. During follow-up, the occurrence of CDI
      and all-cause mortality were noted. The prognostic importance of the first CDI on
      mortality was assessed by modeling CDI as a time-dependent covariate in the Cox
      proportional hazards model. RESULTS: A total of 2476 patients (79% men; mean age
      62 +/- 13 years) were included in this analysis. During follow-up, CDI occurred
      in 64 (2.6%) patients. The 1-year mortality following first CDI was 16.9% (95%
      confidence interval 6.7%-27.1%). Experiencing the first CDI was associated with a
      1.9-fold (hazard ratio 1.87; 95% confidence interval 1.07-3.26) increased risk of
      mortality compared to patients who did not experience CDI. After controlling for
      possible confounders, this increased to a 2.4-fold (hazard ratio 2.40; 95%
      confidence interval 1.35-4.28) increased risk of mortality. CONCLUSIONS: In a
      large cohort of patients who receive implantable cardioverter
      defibrillator/cardiac resynchronization therapy - defibrillator after their
      initial implant, the 3-year incidence of CDI was 2.6%. The occurrence of CDI was
      associated with substantial 1-year mortality, and patients experiencing CDI had a
      more than 2-fold increased risk of mortality compared with patients who remained
      free from CDI.

PMID- 22056723
TI  - Three-dimensional visualization of the entire reentrant circuit of bundle branch
      reentrant tachycardia.

PMID- 22056724
TI  - Formation of droplet networks that function in aqueous environments.
AB  - Aqueous droplets in oil that are coated with lipid monolayers and joined through
      interface bilayers are useful for biophysical measurements on membrane proteins.
      Functional networks of droplets that can act as light sensors, batteries and
      electrical components can also be made by incorporating pumps, channels and pores
      into the bilayers. These networks of droplets mimic simple tissues, but so far
      have not been used in physiological environments because they have been
      constrained to a bulk oil phase. Here, we form structures called multisomes in
      which networks of aqueous droplets with defined compositions are encapsulated
      within small drops of oil in water. The encapsulated droplets adhere to one
      another and to the surface of the oil drop to form interface bilayers that allow
      them to communicate with each other and with the surrounding aqueous environment
      through membrane pores. The contents in the droplets can be released by changing
      the pH or temperature of the surrounding solution. The multicompartment framework
      of multisomes mimics a tissue and has potential applications in synthetic biology
      and medicine.

PMID- 22056725
TI  - Signalling of DNA damage and cytokines across cell barriers exposed to
      nanoparticles depends on barrier thickness.
AB  - The use of nanoparticles in medicine is ever increasing, and it is important to
      understand their targeted and non-targeted effects. We have previously shown that
      nanoparticles can cause DNA damage to cells cultured below a cellular barrier
      without crossing this barrier. Here, we show that this indirect DNA damage
      depends on the thickness of the cellular barrier, and it is mediated by
      signalling through gap junction proteins following the generation of
      mitochondrial free radicals. Indirect damage was seen across both trophoblast and
      corneal barriers. Signalling, including cytokine release, occurred only across
      bilayer and multilayer barriers, but not across monolayer barriers. Indirect
      toxicity was also observed in mice and using ex vivo explants of the human
      placenta. If the importance of barrier thickness in signalling is a general
      feature for all types of barriers, our results may offer a principle with which
      to limit the adverse effects of nanoparticle exposure and offer new therapeutic
      approaches.

PMID- 22056726
TI  - Challenges and opportunities for structural DNA nanotechnology.
AB  - DNA molecules have been used to build a variety of nanoscale structures and
      devices over the past 30 years, and potential applications have begun to emerge.
      But the development of more advanced structures and applications will require a
      number of issues to be addressed, the most significant of which are the high cost
      of DNA and the high error rate of self-assembly. Here we examine the technical
      challenges in the field of structural DNA nanotechnology and outline some of the
      promising applications that could be developed if these hurdles can be overcome.
      In particular, we highlight the potential use of DNA nanostructures in molecular
      and cellular biophysics, as biomimetic systems, in energy transfer and photonics,
      and in diagnostics and therapeutics for human health.

PMID- 22056727
TI  - Nanoparticles: Barrier thickness matters.

PMID- 22056728
TI  - Role of cell cycle on the cellular uptake and dilution of nanoparticles in a cell
      population.
AB  - Nanoparticles are considered a primary vehicle for targeted therapies because
      they can pass biological barriers and enter and distribute within cells by energy
      dependent pathways. So far, most studies have shown that nanoparticle properties,
      such as size and surface, can influence how cells internalize nanoparticles.
      Here, we show that uptake of nanoparticles by cells is also influenced by their
      cell cycle phase. Although cells in different phases of the cell cycle were found
      to internalize nanoparticles at similar rates, after 24 h the concentration of
      nanoparticles in the cells could be ranked according to the different phases:
      G2/M > S > G0/G1. Nanoparticles that are internalized by cells are not exported
      from cells but are split between daughter cells when the parent cell divides. Our
      results suggest that future studies on nanoparticle uptake should consider the
      cell cycle, because, in a cell population, the dose of internalized nanoparticles
      in each cell varies as the cell advances through the cell cycle.

PMID- 22056729
TI  - Bionanoscience: Nanoparticles in the life of a cell.

PMID- 22056730
TI  - Thermal-gradient-induced interaction energy ramp and actuation of relative axial
      motion in short-sleeved double-walled carbon nanotubes.
AB  - We investigate the phenomenon of actuation of relative linear motion in double
      walled carbon nanotubes (DWNTs) resulting from a temperature gradient. Molecular
      dynamics simulations of DWNTs with short outer tube reveal that the outer tube is
      driven towards the cold end of the long inner tube. It is also found that the
      terminal velocity of the sleeve roughly depends linearly on the applied thermal
      gradient. We calculate the inter-tube interaction energy surface which is
      revealed to have a gradient depending upon the applied thermal gradient.
      Consequently, it is proposed that the origin of the thermophoretic motion of the
      outer tube may be attributed partially to the existence of such an energy
      gradient. A simple analytical model is presented accounting for the gradient in
      energy profile as well as the effect of biased thermal noise. It is shown that
      the proposed model predicts the dynamical behaviour of the long-time performance
      reasonably well.

PMID- 22056731
TI  - Epidemiology of community-acquired pneumonia in children of Latin America and the
      Caribbean: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This systematic review evaluated the incidence, etiology, and use of
      resources in bacterial, non-tuberculosis community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) in
      immune-competent children aged <5 years. METHODS: Systematic searches (1980-2008)
      were performed using MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, LILACS, generic, and
      academic Internet searches. Regional health ministries, the Pan American Health
      Organization (PAHO), regional proceedings, doctoral theses, and the reference
      lists of included studies were also searched, and experts were consulted. Arcsine
      transformations and the DerSimonian-Laird random-effects model were used for
      proportion meta-analyses. RESULTS: The search yielded 1220 references; 60 were
      included in the meta-analysis, giving a total 23 854 CAP episodes with an
      incidence of 919/100 000 child-years in children aged <5 years. Streptococcus
      pneumoniae was the most frequently isolated agent (11.08%; 95% confidence
      interval (CI) 7.63-15.08), and pneumococcal serotype 14 was most prevalent
      (33.00%; 95% CI 25.95-40.45). Other common agents were Haemophilus influenzae and
      Mycoplasma pneumoniae. Health economics data on CAP in the region were scarce.
      About one-fourth of CAP patients required hospitalization (median length of stay
      11 days, range 5-13.5 days). CONCLUSIONS: The burden of CAP was substantial, with
      S. pneumoniae, H. influenzae, and M. pneumoniae being the most common pathogens
      identified. High quality primary studies on disease incidence, use of health
      resources, and standardized data collection on disease burden and circulating
      strains are essential to provide baseline data for the future evaluation of
      vaccine impact.

PMID- 22056732
TI  - Lymphatic preservation in varicocele in the adolescent: does prior embolization
      limit spermatic dissection?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: One of the complications after complete section of the spermatic
      pedicle in the treatment of adolescent idiopathic varicocele is the formation of
      a scrotal lymphocele. This can be avoided by preserving lymphatic vessels using
      dye, but there is a risk that dissection may be complicated in patients who have
      previously undergone embolization. The aim of this study was to determine whether
      prior embolization limits spermatic dissection. MATERIAL AND METHOD: We used
      lymphography with dye (Patent Blue) prior to surgery in order to mark and
      preserve the lymph vessels during spermatic section. This was done by laparoscopy
      with a single umbilical port. RESULTS: We treated six patients aged 12.5-15 years
      (mean 13.12 years), two of whom had grade 2 varicoceles and four grade 3. Prior
      percutaneous embolization with metallic coils had been undertaken in all cases
      but had not been curative. Post-surgery controls were undertaken for a mean
      duration of 5 months without any lymphoceles appearing. No testicles were lost,
      nor did any other complication arise. CONCLUSION: The presence of embolization
      material in the spermatic veins and perivascular fibrosis does not complicate
      surgery, enabling the single port laparoscopic technique to be undertaken.

PMID- 22056733
TI  - Influences of composite-composite join on light transmission characteristics of
      layered resin composites.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purposes of this study were: (1) to determine the light
      transmission characteristics (straight-line and diffusion transmission) of bulk
      filled and layered resin composites, and (2) to evaluate the effect of layering
      filling on translucency and color appearance of resin composites. METHODS: Three
      light-cured resin composites (EsteliteSigma, Tokuyama Dental; Beautifil II, Shofu
      and Clearfil Majesty, Kuraray Medical) in A2 and OA2 shades were used in this
      study. 2 mm-thick resin composite discs were prepared by two methods; bulk
      filling technique (2 mm filling at one time), layering technique (two layers each
      1 mm thickness). The transmitted light intensity of each resin composite disc was
      measured using a goniophotometer, and diffusion factor (DF), an indicator for
      diffuse transmission property, and peak gain (G0) for straight-line transmission
      were calculated from the light distribution graphs. Color was measured according
      to the CIELAB color scale on a spectrophotometer, and the translucency parameter
      (TP) and color difference (DeltaE(*)) between bulk-filled and layered specimens
      were calculated. The data were statistically analyzed using three-way ANOVA, and
      Dunnett's T3 and t-test for post-hoc test. RESULTS: Three-way ANOVA revealed that
      the layered specimens had significantly lower G0 values and higher DF values than
      the bulk-filled specimens, and significantly reduced TP values. The color
      differences (DeltaE(*)) ranged from 1.07 to 1.85 between the bulk-filled and
      layered specimens. SIGNIFICANCE: Resin composite placed in layers exhibited
      reduced straight-line light transmission and increased diffusion transmission
      compared with bulk-filled resin composite. The layering technique affected the
      translucency and color rendition of resin composite.

PMID- 22056734
TI  - Tetramethylenedisulfotetramine intoxication presenting with de novo Status
      Epilepticus: a case series.
AB  - Tetramethylenedisulfotetramine (TETS), a neurotoxic rodenticide banned in China,
      has repeatedly been shown to kill healthy people. We report a series of nine
      people with TETS intoxication presenting with Convulsive Status Epilepticus (CSE)
      as the initial manifestation. Median duration of CSE after admission was 6h. All
      had normal neuro-imaging but inter-ictal EEG showed bilateral epileptic waves.
      Despite aggressive anti-convulsive treatment, attempts at reducing TETS levels
      and supportive therapy, outcomes were poor. Multiple organ dysfunction syndrome
      (MODS) occurred in six people, of whom three died. TETS exposure should be part
      of the differential diagnosis in people presenting with unexplained SE in rural
      China, particularly if this occurs in family clusters. Over 14,000 cases of TETS
      intoxication occurred in China between 1 January 1991 and 31 December 2010, and
      932 of these died. Cases were widely distributed throughout the country,
      occurring primarily in rural areas. CSE seems to be a frequent symptom of severe
      intoxication. There is, however, still a lack of information about the hazards of
      TETS and it is imperative that both the public and physicians are made aware of
      its risks and complications.

PMID- 22056736
TI  - Developments in obesity genetics in the era of genome-wide association studies.
AB  - Obesity is an important factor contributing to the global burden of morbidity and
      mortality. By identifying obesity susceptibility genes, scientists aim to
      elucidate some of its aetiology. Early studies used candidate gene and genome
      wide linkage approaches to search for such genes with limited success. However,
      the advent of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) has dramatically increased
      the pace of gene discovery. So far, GWAS have identified at least 50 loci
      robustly associated with body mass index (BMI), waist-to-hip ratio, body fat
      percentage and extreme obesity. Some of these have been shown to replicate in non
      white populations and in children and adolescents. Furthermore, for some loci
      interaction studies have shown that the BMI-increasing effect is attenuated in
      physically active individuals. Despite many successful discoveries, the effect
      sizes of the established loci are small, and combined they explain only a
      fraction of the inter-individual variation in BMI. The low predictive value means
      that their value in mainstream health care is limited. However, as most of these
      newly established loci were not previously linked to obesity, they may provide
      new insights into body weight regulation. Continued efforts in gene discovery,
      using a range of approaches, will be needed to increase our understanding of
      obesity.

PMID- 22056737
TI  - Ruling out IBD: estimation of the possible economic effects of pre-endoscopic
      screening with F-calprotectin.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To estimate the possible economic effects of a sequential testing
      strategy with F-calprotectin to minimize colonoscopies. DESIGN AND METHODS:
      Retrospective study in a third party payer perspective. The costs were calculated
      from initial F-calprotectin test results of 3639 patients. Two cut-off levels
      were used: 50 MUg/g feces and 100 MUg/g feces, respectively. The cost
      effectiveness of the testing strategy was estimated through the short-term cost
      avoidance and reduction in demand for colonoscopies. RESULTS: The estimated
      demand for colonoscopies was reduced by 50% with the 50 MUg/g cut-off and 67%
      with the 100 MUg/g cut-off. This corresponded to a cost avoidance of
      approximately ?1.57 million and ?2.13 million, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The use
      of F-calprotectin as a screening test substantially could reduce the number of
      invasive measurements necessary in the diagnostic work-up of patients with
      suspected IBD, as well as the associated costs.

PMID- 22056738
TI  - Fatty liver index as an indicator of metabolic syndrome.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to find an early indicator of metabolic
      syndrome (MetS). DESIGN AND METHODS: We measured several anthropometric,
      biochemical, haematological, and oxidative damage parameters in 128 middle-aged
      Caucasian men divided into two groups: patients with MetS (n=69) and healthy
      controls (n=59), and used Weka REPTree and SimpleCART algorithms to identify the
      most reliable predictor of MetS. RESULTS: Oxidative damage parameters did not
      differ between the groups, suggesting that oxidative damage is less prominent at
      the early stage of MetS. The algorithms singled out fatty liver index (FLI) as
      the best variable for discriminating between healthy and MetS subjects. This
      finding was confirmed by the receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve
      analysis, which set FLI 68.53 as the threshold value for MetS diagnosis.
      CONCLUSIONS: FLI is the most reliable tool for diagnosing MetS. The absence of
      oxidative damage does not rule out oxidative stress but may indicate that MetS is
      at an early stage.

PMID- 22056739
TI  - Concurrent chemoradiotherapy vs radiotherapy alone in stage II nasopharyngeal
      carcinoma: phase III randomized trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) has been shown to improve
      outcomes for stage III-IV nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients compared with
      radiotherapy (RT) alone, but the effectiveness of the combined therapy for stage
      II NPC patients is unknown. METHODS: Patients with Chinese 1992 stage II NPC were
      randomly assigned to receive either RT alone (n = 114) or CCRT (n = 116). The
      CCRT patients were given concurrent cisplatin (30 mg/m(2) on day 1) weekly during
      RT. The primary endpoint was overall survival (OS). Secondary endpoints were
      progression-free survival (PFS), distant metastasis-free survival, and
      locoregional relapse-free survival. All patients were analyzed by the intent-to
      treat principle. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to calculate hazard
      ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and in multivariable analyses to
      test the independent statistical significance of treatment intervention. Toxic
      effects and the response to treatment were analyzed using the chi(2) test. All
      statistical tests were two-sided. RESULTS: With a median follow-up of 60 months,
      adding chemotherapy statistically significantly improved the 5-year OS rate
      (94.5% vs 85.8%; HR of death = 0.30, 95% CI = 0.12 to 0.76; P = .007), PFS (87.9%
      vs 77.8%; HR of progression = 0.45, 95% CI = 0.23 to 0.88; P = .017), and distant
      metastasis-free survival (94.8% vs 83.9%; HR of distant relapse = 0.27, 95% CI =
      0.10 to 0.74; P = .007); however, there was no statistically significant
      difference in the 5-year locoregional relapse-free survival rate (93.0% vs 91.1%;
      HR of locoregional relapse = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.25 to 1.51; P = .29). Multivariable
      analysis showed that the number of chemotherapy cycles was the only independent
      factor that was associated with OS, PFS, and distant control in stage II NPC. The
      CCRT arm experienced statistically significantly more acute toxic effects (P =
      .001), although the rate of late toxic effects did not increase statistically
      significantly. CONCLUSION: Concurrent chemotherapy and radiotherapy is associated
      with a considerable survival benefit for patients with stage II NPC.

PMID- 22056741
TI  - Estimation of risk for the general public contaminated with radioiodine in
      nuclear accidents from the viewpoint of nuclear medicine physicians.

PMID- 22056740
TI  - Age-related changes in mouse taste bud morphology, hormone expression, and taste
      responsivity.
AB  - Normal aging is a complex process that affects every organ system in the body,
      including the taste system. Thus, we investigated the effects of the normal aging
      process on taste bud morphology, function, and taste responsivity in male mice at
      2, 10, and 18 months of age. The 18-month-old animals demonstrated a significant
      reduction in taste bud size and number of taste cells per bud compared with the 2
      and 10-month-old animals. The 18-month-old animals exhibited a significant
      reduction of protein gene product 9.5 and sonic hedgehog immunoreactivity (taste
      cell markers). The number of taste cells expressing the sweet taste receptor
      subunit, T1R3, and the sweet taste modulating hormone, glucagon-like peptide-1,
      were reduced in the 18-month-old mice. Concordant with taste cell alterations,
      the 18-month-old animals demonstrated reduced sweet taste responsivity compared
      with the younger animals and the other major taste modalities (salty, sour, and
      bitter) remained intact.

PMID- 22056742
TI  - Benzobistriazinones and related heterocyclic ring systems as potent, orally
      bioavailable positive allosteric AMPA receptor modulators.
AB  - AMPA receptors (AMPARs) are an important therapeutic target in the CNS. A series
      of substituted benzobistriazinone, benzobispyrimidinone and related derivatives
      have been prepared with high potency and selectivity for the allosteric binding
      site of AMPARs. Further improvements have been made to previously reported series
      of positive AMPAR modulators and these compounds exhibit excellent in vivo
      activity and improved in vivo metabolic stability with up to 100% oral
      bioavailability in rat.

PMID- 22056743
TI  - Synthesis of sulfonamide-containing N-hydroxyindole-2-carboxylates as inhibitors
      of human lactate dehydrogenase-isoform 5.
AB  - N-Hydroxyindole-2-carboxylates possessing sulfonamide-substituents at either
      position 5 or 6 were designed and synthesized. The inhibitory activities of these
      compounds against isoforms 1 and 5 of human lactate dehydrogenase were analysed,
      and K(i) values of the most efficient inhibitors were determined by standard
      enzyme kinetic studies. Some of these compounds displayed state-of-the-art
      inhibitory potencies against isoform 5 (K(i) values as low as 5.6 MUM) and
      behaved as competitive inhibitors versus both the substrate and the cofactor.

PMID- 22056744
TI  - Benzisothiazolinone as a useful template for the design of new monoacylglycerol
      lipase inhibitors: investigation of the target residues and comparison with
      octhilinone.
AB  - The regulation of 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) levels is a major issue as 2-AG
      has been proven to participate in numerous physiopathological phenomena such as
      neuroprotection or analgesia. Octhilinone, a cysteine-reagent compound, has
      recently been shown to inhibit in the nanomolar range monoacylglycerol lipase
      (MAGL), the major enzyme responsible for the degradation of 2-AG. Here, we
      further investigate the mechanism by which octhilinone and its
      benzisothiazolinone analog inhibit human MAGL. We also provide new information on
      the structural requirements for MAGL inhibition by these compounds. Finally, we
      describe for N-octylbenzisothiazolinone a mode of inhibition which is partially
      different from that described for octhilinone, especially with regard to the
      targeted cysteine residues in the vicinity of the catalytic site.

PMID- 22056745
TI  - CoMFA and CoMSIA studies on fluorinated hexahydropyrimidine derivatives.
AB  - 3D-QSAR models of a series of fluorinated hexahydropyrimidine derivatives with
      cytotoxic activities have been developed using CoMFA and CoMSIA. These models
      provide a better understanding of the mechanism of action and structure-activity
      relationship of these compounds. By applying leave-one-out (LOO) cross validation
      study, the best predictive CoMFA model was achieved with 3 as the optimum number
      of components, which gave rise to a non-cross-validated r(2) value of 0.978, and
      standard error of estimate of 0.059, and F value of 144.492. Similarly, the best
      predictive CoMSIA model was derived with 4 as the number of components, r(2)
      value of 0.999, F value of 4381.143, and standard error of estimate, 0.011. The
      above models will inspire the design and synthesis of novel hexahydropyrimidines
      with enhanced potency and selectivity.

PMID- 22056746
TI  - Indole RSK inhibitors. Part 2: optimization of cell potency and kinase
      selectivity.
AB  - A series of inhibitors for the 90 kDa ribosomal S6 kinase (RSK) based on an 1-oxo
      2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-[1,4]diazepino[1,2-a]indole-8-carboxamide scaffold were
      optimized for cellular potency and kinase selectivity. This led to the
      identification of compound 24, BIX 02565, an attractive candidate for use in
      vitro and in vivo to explore the role of RSK as a target for the treatment heart
      failure.

PMID- 22056747
TI  - 3D-Quantitative structure-activity relationship and docking studies of the
      tachykinin NK3 receptor.
AB  - The tachykinin NK(3) receptor (NK(3)R) is a novel drug target for schizophrenia
      and drug abuse. Since few non-peptide antagonists of this G protein-coupled
      receptor are available, we have initiated this study to gain a better
      understanding of the structure-activity relationships of NK(3) antagonist
      compounds. We developed a 3D comparative molecular similarity index analysis
      (CoMSIA) model that gave cross-validated PLS values with q(2) >0.5 which were
      validated using a test set. We also describe the development of a homology model
      of the NK(3)R. The model was then used to develop a pharmacophore for docked
      ligands. This pharmacophore showed two aromatic, two hydrogen donor and one
      acceptor/aromatic points. These data will be useful for future structure-based
      drug discovery of ligands for the NK(3)R.

PMID- 22056748
TI  - Dose-dependent protective effect of ivabradine against ischemia-reperfusion
      induced renal injury in rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: This study was designed to investigate the dose-dependent
      protective effect of ivabradine, a specific inhibitor of the cardiac sinoatrial
      node, on renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury in rats. METHODS: Rats were
      divided into six groups: group 1, control; group 2, I/R (60 min ischemia followed
      by 24 h reperfusion); groups 3 and 4, 0.6-6 mg/kg ivabradine; and groups 5 and 6,
      sham+0.6-6 mg/kg ivabradine. At the end of the study, malondialdehyde (MDA),
      superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase contents
      were assayed in the kidney tissues; serum blood levels of urea nitrogen (BUN),
      creatinine (Cr) and albumin also were determined. RESULTS: Tissue MDA levels were
      found to be significantly higher in the I/R group, whereas SOD and CAT levels
      were lower when compared to the control group. Ivabradine (0.6 mg/kg) treatment
      reduced the MDA levels and elevated the SOD and CAT enzyme activity. Treatment
      with a dose of 6 mg/kg ivabradine further increased MDA levels and did not
      ameliorate SOD or CAT activities. Serum levels of BUN and Cr were significantly
      higher in the I/R group. I/R+0.6 mg ivabradine reduced the elevated BUN and Cr
      levels. CONCLUSION: This study indicates that ivabradine exerts a dose-dependent
      response beyond heart rate reduction against renal I/R injury.

PMID- 22056749
TI  - Decreased voluntary activity and amygdala levels of serotonin and dopamine in
      ovariectomized rats.
AB  - Estrogen is involved in numerous activities in the brain, such as learning,
      memory, fear, anxiety and mood. However, little is known about the pathways
      involved in the effects of estrogen in the brain. Therefore, to improve our
      understanding of the effects of estrogen, we examined the effects of ovariectomy
      (OVX)-a model of estrogen deficiency and menopause-on psychiatric functions,
      including voluntary activity. Female Wistar rats underwent OVX or sham operation.
      Voluntary momentum and circadian activity were monitored at 2 and 6 weeks,
      respectively. Rats also underwent microdialysis of the amygdala to determine
      serotonin (5-HT) and dopamine levels. Although the circadian rhythm was unchanged
      at 2 weeks, voluntary activity at 6 weeks was significantly lower in OVX rats
      than that in sham rats. This was due to significantly reduced voluntary activity
      in the 12-h dark phase, while no significant difference was detected in the 12-h
      light phase. Both 5-HT and dopamine levels in the amygdala were significantly
      lower in OVX rats than those in sham rats at 6 weeks after the procedure. In
      conclusion, these results indicate that estrogen is an important mediator of
      voluntary activity in rats, particularly during the dark phase. These effects of
      estrogen appear to involve reduced 5-HT and dopamine release in the amygdala.
      Further studies are needed to determine whether estrogen (and its deficiency)
      influences the synthesis, vesicular packaging, release, re-uptake and degradation
      of these transmitters.

PMID- 22056750
TI  - Differences in BTBR T+ tf/J and C57BL/6J mice on probabilistic reversal learning
      and stereotyped behaviors.
AB  - Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) represent a class of neurodevelopmental disorders
      characterized by impairments in social interaction, verbal and non-verbal
      communication, as well as restricted interests and repetitive behavior. This
      latter class of symptoms often includes features such as compulsive behaviors and
      resistance to change. The BTBR T+ tf/J mouse strain has been used as an animal
      model to investigate the social communication and restricted interest features in
      ASD. Less is known about whether this mouse strain models cognitive flexibility
      deficits also observed in ASD. The present experiment investigated performance of
      BTBR T+ tf/J and C57BL/6J on two different spatial reversal learning tests (100%
      accurate feedback and 80/20 probabilistic feedback), as well as marble burying
      and grooming behavior. BTBR T+ tf/J and C57BL/6J mice exhibited similar
      performance on acquisition and reversal learning with 100% accurate feedback.
      BTBR T+ tf/J mice were impaired in probabilistic reversal learning compared to
      that of C57BL/6J mice. BTBR T+ tf/J mice also displayed increased stereotyped
      repetitive behaviors compared to that of C57BL/6J mice as shown by increased
      marble burying and grooming behavior. The present findings indicate that BTBR T+
      tf/J mice exhibit similar features related to "insistence on sameness" in ASD
      that include not only stereotyped repetitive behaviors, but also alterations in
      behavioral flexibility. Thus, BTBR T+ tf/J mice can serve as a model to
      understand the neural mechanisms underlying alterations in behavioral
      flexibility, as well as to test potential treatments in alleviating these
      symptoms.

PMID- 22056751
TI  - A voxel based morphometry study investigating brain structural changes in first
      episode psychosis.
AB  - Schizophrenia (SCZ) and bipolar disorder (BP) are associated with
      neuropathological brain changes, which are believed to disrupt connectivity
      between brain processes and may have common properties. Patients at first
      psychotic episode are unique, as one can assess brain alterations at illness
      inception, when many confounders are reduced or absent. SCZ (N=25) and BP (N=24)
      patients were recruited in a regional first episode psychosis MRI study. VBM
      methods were used to study gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) differences
      between patient groups and case by case matched controls. For both groups,
      deficits identified are more discrete than those typically reported in later
      stages of illness. SCZ patients showed some evidence of GM loss in cortical areas
      but most notable were in limbic structures such as hippocampus, thalamus and
      striatum and cerebellum. Consistent with disturbed neural connectivity WM
      alterations were also observed in limbic structures, the corpus callosum and many
      subgyral and sublobar regions in the parietal, temporal and frontal lobes. BP
      patients displayed less evidence of volume changes overall, compared to normal
      healthy participants, but those changes observed were primarily in WM areas which
      overlapped with regions identified in SCZ, including thalamus and cerebellum and
      subgyral and sublobar sites. At first episode of psychosis there is evidence of a
      neuroanatomical overlap between SCZ and BP with respect to brain structural
      changes, consistent with disturbed neural connectivity. There are also important
      differences however in that SCZ displays more extensive structural alteration.

PMID- 22056752
TI  - Analysis of microsatellite mutations in buccal cells from a case-control study
      for lung cancer.
AB  - Exposure to tobacco carcinogens is the major cause of human lung cancer, but even
      heavy smokers have only about a 10% life-time risk of developing lung cancer.
      Currently used screening processes, based largely on age and exposure status,
      have proven to be of limited clinical utility in predicting cancer risk. More
      precise methods of assessing an individual's risk of developing lung cancer are
      needed. Because of their sensitivity to DNA damage, microsatellites are
      potentially useful for the assessment of somatic mutational load in normal cells.
      We assessed mutational load using hypermutable microsatellites in buccal cells
      obtained from lung carcinoma cases and controls to test if such a measure could
      be used to estimate lung cancer risk. There was no significant association
      between smoking status and mutation frequency with any of the markers tested. No
      significant association between case status and mutation frequency was observed.
      Age was significantly related to mutation frequency in the microsatellite marker
      D7S1482. These observations indicate that somatic mutational load, as measured
      using mutation frequency of microsatellites in buccal cells, increases with
      increasing age but that subjects who develop lung cancer have a similar
      mutational load as those who remain cancer free. This finding suggests that
      mutation frequency of microsatellite mutations in buccal cells may not be a
      promising biomarker for lung cancer risk.

PMID- 22056753
TI  - The mechanical stimulation of cells in 3D culture within a self-assembling
      peptide hydrogel.
AB  - The aim of this present study was to provide a scaffold as a tool for the
      investigation of the effect of mechanical stimulation on three-dimensionally
      cultured cells. For this purpose, we developed an artificial self-assembling
      peptide (SPG-178) hydrogel scaffold. The structural properties of the SPG-178
      peptide were confirmed by attenuated total reflection-Fourier transform infrared
      spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The
      mechanical properties of the SPG-178 hydrogel were studied using rheology
      measurements. The SPG-178 peptide was able to form a stable, transparent hydrogel
      in a neutral pH environment. In the SPG-178 hydrogel, mouse skeletal muscle cells
      proliferated successfully (increased by 12.4 +/- 1.5 times during 8 days of
      incubation; mean +/- SEM). When the scaffold was statically stretched, a rapid
      phosphorylation of ERK was observed (increased by 2.8 +/- 0.2 times; mean +/-
      SEM). These results demonstrated that the developed self-assembling peptide gel
      is non-cytotoxic and is a suitable tool for the investigation of the effect of
      mechanical stimulation on three-dimensional cell culture.

PMID- 22056754
TI  - Gold nanoparticles functionalized with therapeutic and targeted peptides for
      cancer treatment.
AB  - Functionalization of nanostructures such as gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with
      different biological molecules has many applications in biomedical imaging,
      clinical diagnosis and therapy. Researchers mostly employed AuNPs larger than 10
      nm for different biological and medicinal applications in previous studies.
      Herein, we synthesized a novel small (2 nm) AuNPs, which were functionalized with
      the therapeutic peptide, PMI (p12), and a targeted peptide, CRGDK for selective
      binding to neuropilin-1(Nrp-1) receptors which overexpressed on the cancer cells
      and regulated the process of membrane receptor-mediated internalization. It was
      found that CRGDK peptides increased intracellular uptake of AuNPs compared to
      other surface conjugations quantified by ICP-MS. Interestingly, CRGDK
      functionalized AuNPs resulted in maximal binding interaction between the CRGDK
      peptide and targeted Nrp-1 receptor overexpressed on MDA-MB-321 cell surface,
      which improved the delivery of therapeutic P12 peptide inside targeted cells.
      Au@p12 + CRGDK nanoparticles indicated with highly effective cancer treatment by
      increasing p53 expression upregulated with intracellular enhanced p12 therapeutic
      peptide. These results have implications to design and functionalize different
      molecules onto AuNPs surfaces to make hybrid model system for selective target
      binding as well as therapeutic effects for cancer treatment.

PMID- 22056755
TI  - Influence of perfusion and compression on the proliferation and differentiation
      of bone mesenchymal stromal cells seeded on polyurethane scaffolds.
AB  - In the present study, a porous meniscal-shaped scaffold consisting of
      polyurethane (PU)-based 1, 4-butanediisocyanate (BDI), which provided a 3-D
      culture condition for human bone mesenchymal stromal cells (hBMSC) was employed.
      A bioreactor was utilized to produce perfusion and mechanical stimulations. The
      viability, proliferation and fibro-cartilaginous differentiation of the hBMSC
      cultured on the PU-based meniscal scaffold were investigated during the perfusion
      and mechanical stimulation process. In addition, the mechanical properties of the
      cell-laden scaffolds were examined as well. Our finding indicated that the
      perfusion (10 ml/min) and on-off cyclic compressions mechanical stimulation (10%
      strain, 0.5 Hz, 4 times/day, 2 h/time with 4 h of rest thereafter) maintained the
      viability and promoted the proliferation of hBMSC over 2 weeks. The on-off cyclic
      compression caused a 1.85 fold increase in equilibrium modulus. Meanwhile, type I
      procollagen produced by hBMSC was increased for 3.02-fold after 2 weeks culture.
      On the other hand, the irrigating medium enhanced the synthesis of type III
      procollagen for 2.24-fold after 2 weeks. Tensile modulus was elevated for 2.02
      fold in perfusion group after 1 week, which was decreased after 2 weeks
      unexpectedly. Our study suggests that the perfusion and on-off compression are
      promising to enhance the functional properties of the hBMSC-laden PU-based
      meniscal scaffold.

PMID- 22056756
TI  - Fluctuations of tensile strength and hardness of c-BC2N crystals induced by
      difference in atomic configuration.
AB  - At the atomistic level, the physical properties of a material are determined by
      its structure such as atomic arrangements. Here first-principles calculations
      were performed to investigate the effect of atomic configuration on the tensile
      strength and Vickers hardness of cubic-BC2N (c-BC2N) crystals. Depending on the
      degree of mixture between diamond and c-BN, the tensile strength of c-BC2N
      crystals can vary drastically from 27 to 77 GPa. The magnitude of the Vickers
      hardness fluctuations (~10 GPa) is also comparable to the experimental difference
      (~14 GPa). Thus, atomic-scale characterization of c-BC2N crystal structures may
      unveil the discrepancy of the measured Vickers hardness in experiments, and
      uncover the obvious differences of tensile strength described in theoretical
      calculations.

PMID- 22056757
TI  - Long-term follow-up of myopic choroidal neovascularization treated with
      ranibizumab.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of intravitreal
      ranibizumab in the treatment of myopic choroidal neovascularization (CNV).
      METHODS: Three-year retrospective, nonrandomized, interventional case series.
      Forty eyes of 39 patients with myopic CNV were included; 15 with previous
      photodynamic therapy, and 25 naive eyes. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA)
      changes, central foveal thickness (CFT), and number of treatments were assessed,
      from baseline to month 36. RESULTS: Mean visual acuity improved from 55.4 Early
      Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study (ETDRS) letters at baseline to 59.7 letters
      at 12 months (p = 0.07), 61.8 letters at 24 months (p = 0.008) and 63.4 letters
      at 36 months (p = 0.039). Twenty-five percent of the patients gained >=15 letters
      (3 lines) at 12 months, 30% at 24 months and 35% at 36 months. There was a mean
      reduction of 80 MUm in CFT (p < 0.001). A mean of 4.1 injections were performed
      in the first year, 2.4 in the second year and 1.1 in the third year. Fifty-three
      percent of the eyes had no need for treatment during the third year of follow-up.
      CONCLUSIONS: Intravitreal ranibizumab seems to be an effective and safe
      therapeutic procedure to treat CNV in highly myopic eyes, with a high proportion
      of patients gaining or stabilizing BCVA at a 3-year follow-up.

PMID- 22056758
TI  - Comments about the article by Mouterde et al. entitled "Indications of
      glucocorticoids in early arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis: Recommendations for
      clinical practice based on data from the literature and expert opinions". Joint
      Bone Spine 2010;77:597-603. Low-dose prednisone and biologics: allies rather than
      competitors?

PMID- 22056759
TI  - Vitamin D insufficiency: evaluation of an oral standardized supplementation using
      100,000 IU vials of cholecalciferol, depending on initial serum level of 25OH
      vitamin D.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: There is no protocol of vitamin D supplementation used worldwide due
      to a great disparity of vitamin D supplements available in different countries.
      The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficiency of the protocol most often
      used in France to correct vitamin D deficiency defined by a serum 25-hydroxy
      vitamin D (25OHD) level of less than 30 ng/mL. METHODS: This was a pragmatic
      multicentric study of vitamin D supplementation in 257 osteopenic/osteoporotic,
      vitamin D deficient patients who received 100,000 UI vitamin D3 vials every two
      weeks according to their initial serum 25OHD level (four vials when 25OHD less
      than 10 ng/mL, three when 25OHD was 10-19 ng/mL, two when 25OHD was 20-29 ng/mL).
      Blood samples were obtained at baseline, one (M1), two (M2), and three months
      (M3), after the end of the supplementation protocol. RESULTS: At M1, 198/257
      (77%) patients had a serum 25OHD level more than 30 ng/mL. Eighty-five percent of
      those with a BMI less than 25 kg/m2 had a 25OHD concentration more than 30 ng/mL,
      whereas only 66% of those with a BMI more than 25 had a level more than 30 ng/mL.
      At M2 and M3, 25OHD levels decreased significantly with 55% and 46% having still
      a level more than 30 ng/mL respectively, without any significant difference
      according to the initial 25OHD level. CONCLUSION: This protocol was effective in
      rising serum 25OHD of most vitamin D insufficient patients with a BMI less than
      25 kg/m2, but not in overweight patients. As almost one half of our patients had
      a serum 25OHD level less than 30 ng/mL at M2, we suggest that regular doses
      should be started quite soon after this initial supplementation.

PMID- 22056760
TI  - Tanycytic ependymoma of filum terminale: a case report.
AB  - Tanycytic ependymoma is an uncommon but well-recognized variant of ependymoma.
      Here we report a case of tanycytic ependymoma occurring at the region of filum
      terminale in a 44-year male who presented with low backache, bilateral lower limb
      weakness and urinary incontinence. MR imaging in this patient showed a lesion
      that was composed of solid and cystic components and was suggestive of
      ependymoma. The filum terminale region is an extremely unusual location for the
      occurrence of tanycytic ependymoma. To the best of our knowledge this is the
      third case of tanycytic ependymoma occurring in the filum terminale region.

PMID- 22056761
TI  - Management of symptomatic intrathecal catheter-associated inflammatory masses.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Intrathecal catheter-associated inflammatory masses (CIMs) are a
      serious complication of implanted drug pumps. The goal of this study was to
      review our experience with CIMs, including the pathology of all resected CIMs,
      and identify objective data which may guide management. METHODS: We performed a
      retrospective review of 13 patients who developed symptomatic CIMs during
      continuous intrathecal opioid therapy for chronic pain. Eight patients presented
      with pain plus neurologic deficit and 5 patients presented with pain alone.
      RESULTS: CIM resection via laminectomy and intradural exploration was ultimately
      performed in 8 patients, 3 of whom were initially treated with a non-resective
      surgical approach (catheter repositioning or pump removal) that failed. All 3
      patients who experienced a failure with non-resective surgery had CIMs located in
      the thoracic spine with a maximum diameter>=13 mm and 2 of these patients had
      neurologic deficits on presentation. CONCLUSIONS: Our experience, with the
      largest reported single-surgeon series of patients harboring CIMs, favors early
      resection, especially in patients with neurologic deficit. Resection may also be
      a prudent first-line strategy for patients with larger thoracic masses (>=13 mm)
      regardless of neurologic status. Neurologic deficits engendered by CIM usually
      improve after resection and the majority of patients in our series would have
      still elected to have an intrathecal pump for pain control knowing a CIM would
      have developed.

PMID- 22056762
TI  - An analysis of related factors of surgical results for patients with
      craniopharyngiomas.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to retrospectively review the surgical
      results following gross total resection and partial resection with or without
      radiotherapy for craniopharyngiomas and analyze the related factors of surgical
      results. METHODS: From 1994 to 2009, 214 patients underwent 219 procedures for
      craniopharyngiomas. We retrospectively reviewed the pre- and postoperative data
      of patients, reported the perioperative and long-term surgical results and
      analyzed the influencing factors and the relationship between hypothalamic
      involvement and postoperative quality of life. RESULTS: Gross total resection was
      achieved in 154 procedures (70.3%). Perioperative mortality was 5%. Perioperative
      hyperpyrexia was the most significant risk factor for perioperative mortality. A
      total of 151 patients were followed from 6 months to 190 months. There were
      significant differences in recurrence rate and overall survival between gross
      total resection and limited resection (P<0.05). There was significant difference
      in recurrence rate between limited resection and limited resection with
      radiotherapy (P<0.01), but it did not reach statistical difference between gross
      total resection and gross total resection with radiotherapy. The factors strongly
      influencing overall survival include old patients, partial resection and
      recurrent tumors. The preoperative hypothalamic involvement negatively correlates
      with the postoperative quality of life in patients with craniopharyngiomas.
      CONCLUSION: The preoperative CT/MR imaging provides clues of the relationship
      between tumor and surrounding structures. Gross total resection should be
      achieved in the treatment of craniopharyngiomas on the condition that
      hypothalamus is preserved. The patients who undergo limited resection should
      receive conventional radiotherapy or gamma knife surgery.

PMID- 22056763
TI  - Roles of PPARs in NAFLD: potential therapeutic targets.
AB  - Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a liver pathology with increasing
      prevalence due to the obesity epidemic. Hence, NAFLD represents a rising threat
      to public health. Currently, no effective treatments are available to treat NAFLD
      and its complications such as cirrhosis and liver cancer. Peroxisome proliferator
      activated receptors (PPARs) are ligand-activated nuclear receptors which regulate
      lipid and glucose metabolism as well as inflammation. Here we review recent
      findings on the pathophysiological role of PPARs in the different stages of
      NAFLD, from steatosis development to steatohepatitis and fibrosis, as well as the
      preclinical and clinical evidence for potential therapeutical use of PPAR
      agonists in the treatment of NAFLD. PPARs play a role in modulating hepatic
      triglyceride accumulation, a hallmark of the development of NAFLD. Moreover,
      PPARs may also influence the evolution of reversible steatosis toward
      irreversible, more advanced lesions. Presently, large controlled trials of long
      duration are needed to assess the long-term clinical benefits of PPAR agonists in
      humans. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Triglyceride Metabolism
      and Disease.

PMID- 22056764
TI  - The apoptotic effects of the flavonoid N101-2 in human cervical cancer cells.
AB  - This study evaluated the anti-cancer effects of a naringenin derivative in human
      cervical cancer cells. In this study, a synthesized naringenin derivative,
      diethyl 5,7,4'-trihydroxy flavanone N-phenyl hydrazone (N101-2), inhibited
      cervical cancer cell growth, whereas naringenin itself exhibited no anti-cancer
      activity. N101-2 treatment inhibited cancer cell viability in a dose- and time
      dependent manner through cell cycle arrest at sub-G1 phase, accompanied by an
      increase in apoptotic cell death. Expression of cyclins and ppRB was down
      regulated, whereas that of CDK inhibitors and p53 increased upon N101-2
      treatment. Meanwhile, we detected processing of caspases-8, -9, and -3, cleavage
      of PARP, as well as Bax up-regulation, which indicates activation of mitochondria
      emanated intrinsic apoptosis signaling. Treatment with caspase-8 and -3
      inhibitors also recovered cell cycling, and Fas/FasL expression increased in N101
      2-treated cervical cancer cells, suggesting that Fas-mediated extrinsic apoptosis
      signaling was also activated. The tumor suppressor PTEN and its upstream
      regulator PPARgamma were up-regulated with coincident inhibition of PI3K and
      phospho-Akt after N101-2 treatment. Taken together, we could conclude that N101-2
      induces apoptosis by arresting the cell cycle at sub-G1 phase, activating
      mitochondria-emanated intrinsic and Fas-mediated extrinsic signaling pathways,
      and inhibiting the PI3K/AKT pathway in CaSki and SiHa human cervical cancer
      cells.

PMID- 22056765
TI  - Enhancement of nitrite on heme-induced oxidative reactions: A potential
      toxicological implication.
AB  - Evidence to support the role of heme as major inducers of oxidative damage is
      increasingly present. Nitrite (NO(2)(-)) is one of the major end products of NO
      metabolism. Although the biological significance of heme/NO(2)(-)-mediated
      protein tyrosine nitration is a subject of great interest, the important roles of
      NO(2)(-) on heme-dependent redox reaction have been greatly underestimated. In
      this study, we investigated the influence of NO(2)(-) on heme -dependent
      oxidative reactions. It was found that NO(2)(-) had the capacity to act as a
      reducing agent to remove high oxidation states of heme iron. In the reduction of
      ferryl heme to ferric heme, NO(2)(-) was oxidized to a nitrating agent NO(2), and
      subsequently, tyrosine residues in bovine serum albumin (BSA) were nitrated.
      However, the presence of NO(2)(-) surprisingly exerted pro-oxidant effect on heme
      H(2)O(2)-induced formation of BSA carbonyls at lower concentrations and enhanced
      the loss of HepG2 cell viability dose-dependently, which was probably due to the
      ability of this inorganic compound to efficiently enhance the peroxidase activity
      and oxidative degradation of heme. These data provide novel evidence that the
      dietary intake and experimental use of NO(2)(-) in vivo and in vitro would
      possess the pro-oxidant activity through interfering in heme-dependent oxidative
      reactions. Besides the classic role in protein tyrosine nitration, the
      deleterious effects on heme redox reactions may provide new insights into the
      toxicological implications of NO(2)(-) with cellular heme proteins.

PMID- 22056766
TI  - Heme oxygenase-1 mediates the protective role of quercetin against ethanol
      induced rat hepatocytes oxidative damage.
AB  - Quercetin, one of the most widely distributed flavonoids in plants, possesses
      strong free radical scavenging ability and potent hepatoprotective effects.
      However, the protective effect and mechanism of quercetin on ethanol-induced
      oxidative damage in hepatocytes remain unclear. In this study, primary rat
      hepatocytes were incubated with ethanol and quercetin in the presence or absence
      of ZnPP 9, an antagonist of HO-1 induction. The ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity
      was found to be greatly diminished by pre-treatment of quercetin and this
      hepatoprotective effect could be partly blocked by ZnPP 9. This study also showed
      that quercetin significantly stimulated HO-1 expression at both mRNA and protein
      levels, then subsequently induced HO-1 activity. To further study the signaling
      pathways underlying quercetin-induced HO-1 up-regulation, HO-1 expression and
      activity in cytosolic microsomal fractions and Nrf2 expression in nuclear
      fractions were analyzed following quercetin or/and MAPK inhibitor(s) as well as
      PI3K inhibitor incubation for primary rat hepatocytes. These results indicated
      that ERK was required to induce HO-1 expression in rat hepatocytes. In summary,
      these data suggested that quercetin attenuates ethanol-induced oxidative stress
      through a pathway which involves ERK activation and HO-1 upregulation.

PMID- 22056767
TI  - Effects of population density and chemical environment on the behavior of
      Escherichia coli in shallow temperature gradients.
AB  - In shallow temperature gradients, changes in temperature that bacteria experience
      occur over long time scales. Therefore, slow processes such as adaptation,
      metabolism, chemical secretion and even gene expression become important. Since
      these are cellular processes, the cell density is an important parameter that
      affects the bacteria's response. We find that there are four density regimes with
      distinct behaviors. At low cell density, bacteria do not cause changes in their
      chemical environment; however, their response to the temperature gradient is
      strongly influenced by it. In the intermediate cell-density regime, the
      consumption of nutrients becomes significant and induces a gradient of nutrients
      opposing the temperature gradient due to higher consumption rate at the high
      temperature. This causes the bacteria to drift toward low temperature. In the
      high cell-density regime, interactions among bacteria due to secretion of an
      attractant lead to a strong local accumulation of bacteria. This together with
      the gradient of nutrients, resulted from the differential consumption rate,
      creates a fast propagating pulse of bacterial density. These observations are a
      result of classical nonlinear population dynamics. At extremely high cell
      density, a change in the physiological state of the bacteria is observed. The
      bacteria, at the individual level, become cold seeking. This appears initially as
      a result of a change in the methylation level of the two most abundant sensing
      receptors, Tsr and Tar. It is further enforced at an even higher cell density by
      a change in the expression level of these receptors.

PMID- 22056768
TI  - Epidemiology of snakebites in Europe: a systematic review of the literature.
AB  - Snakebites are rare medical emergency cases in Europe but may sometimes be severe
      and lead to complications. A better knowledge of snakebite epidemiology may help
      health authorities to better understand therapeutic requirements, especially
      concerning antivenoms, and thus improve treatment of snakebite. An extensive
      literature search for studies and articles published between 1970 and 2010 was
      performed. Both indexed and non-indexed articles were examined, the analysis of
      which took into account the heterogeneity between the studies and weighted the
      studies according to size of the study population covered. Most of the articles
      involved hospitalized patients who represented more than 90% of snakebites.
      Incidence, mortality and population at risk were estimated after stratification
      into three regions (northern, central and southern Europe) based both on viper
      species distribution and climatic characteristics. There was no significant
      variation in incidence from the north to the south of Europe. In the whole of
      Europe, including European Russia and Turkey, the annual number of snakebite
      cases was estimated at 7992 [CI 95% = 6860-9178] bites, out of which
      approximately 15% were considered severe (grade 3). These bites usually occurred
      between May and September, with a more dispersed distribution in southern Europe.
      The average number of deaths per annum was 4 [0.7-7.7]. Children and male victims
      are more affected, contrary to what one would expect given their respective
      proportion in the entire population. Both upper and lower limb bites were
      recorded at an equal frequency while the bites in other parts of the body were
      very rare. Immunotherapy was prescribed in one out of three snakebites in Europe,
      with a very high geographical variability, in spite of excellent tolerance, at
      least considering highly-purified immunoglobulin fragments. Snakebites are
      uncommon in Europe but can cause life-threatening envenomation. Fragments of
      highly-purified immunoglobulins are now very well tolerated and dramatically
      reduce both severity and mortality of snakebites when used in treatment.

PMID- 22056769
TI  - Structure of green-type Rubisco activase from tobacco.
AB  - Rubisco, the enzyme that catalyzes the fixation of atmospheric CO(2) in
      photosynthesis, is subject to inactivation by inhibitory sugar phosphates. Here
      we report the 2.95-A crystal structure of Nicotiana tabacum Rubisco activase
      (Rca), the enzyme that facilitates the removal of these inhibitors. Rca from
      tobacco has a classical AAA(+)-protein domain architecture. Although Rca
      populates a range of oligomeric states when in solution, it forms a helical
      arrangement with six subunits per turn when in the crystal. However, negative
      stain electron microscopy of the active mutant R294V suggests that Rca functions
      as a hexamer. The residues determining species specificity for Rubisco are
      located in a helical insertion of the C-terminal domain and probably function in
      conjunction with the N-domain in Rubisco recognition. Loop segments exposed
      toward the central pore of the hexamer are required for the ATP-dependent
      remodeling of Rubisco, resulting in the release of inhibitory sugar.

PMID- 22056770
TI  - Structural basis for the molecular evolution of SRP-GTPase activation by protein.
AB  - Small G proteins have key roles in signal transduction pathways. They are
      switched from the signaling 'on' to the non-signaling 'off' state when GTPase
      activating proteins (GAPs) provide a catalytic residue. The ancient signal
      recognition particle (SRP)-type GTPases form GTP-dependent homo- and heterodimers
      and deviate from the canonical switch paradigm in that no GAPs have been
      identified. Here we show that the YlxH protein activates the SRP-GTPase FlhF. The
      crystal structure of the Bacillus subtilis FlhF-effector complex revealed that
      the effector does not contribute a catalytic residue but positions the catalytic
      machinery already present in SRP-GTPases. We provide a general concept that might
      also apply to the RNA-driven activation of the universally conserved, co
      translational protein-targeting machinery comprising the SRP-GTPases Ffh and
      FtsY. Our study exemplifies the evolutionary transition from RNA- to protein
      driven activation in SRP-GTPases and suggests that the current view on SRP
      mediated protein targeting is incomplete.

PMID- 22056771
TI  - Insights into noncanonical E1 enzyme activation from the structure of autophagic
      E1 Atg7 with Atg8.
AB  - Autophagy is the degradation of cellular organelles via the lysosomal pathway.
      The autophagic ubiquitin-like (Ubl) molecule Atg8 is activated by the E1-like
      enzyme Atg7. As this noncanonical E1 enzyme's domain organization is unique among
      Ubl-activating E1 enzymes, the structural basis for its interactions with Atg8
      and partner E2 enzymes remains obscure. Here we present the structure of the N
      terminal domain of Atg7, revealing a unique protein fold and interactions with
      both autophagic E2 enzymes Atg3 and Atg10. The structure of the C-terminal domain
      of Atg7 in complex with Atg8 shows the mode of dimerization and mechanism of
      recognition of Atg8. Notably, the catalytic cysteine residue in Atg7 is
      positioned close to the C-terminal glycine of Atg8, its target for thioester
      formation, potentially eliminating the need for large conformational
      rearrangements characteristic of other E1s.

PMID- 22056772
TI  - Molecular profiling of common fragile sites in human fibroblasts.
AB  - Common fragile sites have been mapped primarily in lymphocytes, but recent
      analyses show that the setting of these sites relies on cell type-dependent
      replication programs. Using a new approach, we molecularly mapped common fragile
      sites in human fibroblasts and showed that commitment to fragility depends on
      similar replication features in fibroblasts and lymphocytes, although different
      loci are committed in each cell type. Notably, the common fragile sites that we
      identified overlapped heretofore unexplained deletion clusters observed in
      tumors.

PMID- 22056773
TI  - Total RNA sequencing reveals nascent transcription and widespread co
      transcriptional splicing in the human brain.
AB  - Transcriptome sequencing allows for analysis of mature RNAs at base pair
      resolution. Here we show that RNA-seq can also be used for studying nascent RNAs
      undergoing transcription. We sequenced total RNA from human brain and liver and
      found a large fraction of reads (up to 40%) within introns. Intronic RNAs were
      abundant in brain tissue, particularly for genes involved in axonal growth and
      synaptic transmission. Moreover, we detected significant differences in intronic
      RNA levels between fetal and adult brains. We show that the pattern of intronic
      sequence read coverage is explained by nascent transcription in combination with
      co-transcriptional splicing. Further analysis of co-transcriptional splicing
      indicates a correlation between slowly removed introns and alternative splicing.
      Our data show that sequencing of total RNA provides unique insight into the
      transcriptional processes in the cell, with particular importance for normal
      brain development.

PMID- 22056774
TI  - Bilateral inhibition of HAUSP deubiquitinase by a viral interferon regulatory
      factor protein.
AB  - Herpesvirus-associated ubiquitin-specific protease (HAUSP) regulates the
      stability of p53 and the p53-binding protein MDM2, implicating HAUSP as a
      therapeutic target for tuning p53-mediated antitumor activity. Here we report the
      structural analysis of HAUSP with Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus viral
      interferon (IFN) regulatory factor 4 (vIRF4) and the discovery of two vIRF4
      derived peptides, vif1 and vif2, as potent and selective HAUSP antagonists. This
      analysis reveals a bilateral belt-type interaction that results in inhibition of
      HAUSP. The vif1 peptide binds the HAUSP TRAF domain, competitively blocking
      substrate binding, whereas the vif2 peptide binds both the HAUSP TRAF and
      catalytic domains, robustly suppressing its deubiquitination activity. Peptide
      treatments comprehensively blocked HAUSP, leading to p53-dependent cell-cycle
      arrest and apoptosis in culture and to tumor regression in xenograft mouse model.
      Thus, the virus has developed a unique strategy to target the HAUSP-MDM2-p53
      pathway, and these virus-derived short peptides represent biologically active
      HAUSP antagonists.

PMID- 22056775
TI  - Imported malaria in Scotland--an overview of surveillance, reporting and trends.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Imported malaria cases continue to occur and are often underreported.
      This study assessed reporting of malaria cases and their characteristics in
      Scotland. METHODS: Cases were identified at the study sites of Aberdeen,
      Edinburgh, Glasgow and Inverness. The number of cases identified in the period
      2003-2008 was compared to surveillance databases from Health Protection Scotland
      (HPS) and the Malaria Reference Laboratory (MRL). Case characteristics were
      recorded and analysed. RESULTS: Of 252 cases of malaria diagnosed and treated, an
      estimated 235 (93.3%) were reported to the MRL. Between 2006 and 2008, 114 of 126
      cases (90.5%) were reported to HPS. Plasmodium falciparum caused 173 cases
      (68.7%). Business and professional travel accounted for 35.3% of cases (higher in
      Aberdeen), followed by visiting friends and relatives (33.1%) and holiday makers
      (25.5%). The majority of infections were imported from West Africa and 65.7% of
      patients for whom data on prophylaxis was available had taken no or inappropriate
      prophylaxis. CONCLUSIONS: Reporting of malaria in Scotland can be improved. There
      is a continued need to optimise preventive measures and adherence to
      chemoprophylaxis amongst business travellers, those visiting friends and
      relatives, and holiday makers in endemic countries in order to reduce imported
      malaria cases.

PMID- 22056776
TI  - An interspecies analysis reveals a key role for unmethylated CpG dinucleotides in
      vertebrate Polycomb complex recruitment.
AB  - The role of DNA sequence in determining chromatin state is incompletely
      understood. We have previously demonstrated that large chromosomal segments from
      human cells recapitulate their native chromatin state in mouse cells, but the
      relative contribution of local sequences versus their genomic context remains
      unknown. In this study, we compare orthologous chromosomal regions for which the
      human locus establishes prominent sites of Polycomb complex recruitment in
      pluripotent stem cells, whereas the corresponding mouse locus does not. Using
      recombination-mediated cassette exchange at the mouse locus, we establish the
      primacy of local sequences in the encoding of chromatin state. We show that the
      signal for chromatin bivalency is redundantly encoded across a bivalent domain
      and that this reflects competition between Polycomb complex recruitment and
      transcriptional activation. Furthermore, our results suggest that a high density
      of unmethylated CpG dinucleotides is sufficient for vertebrate Polycomb
      recruitment. This model is supported by analysis of DNA methyltransferase
      deficient embryonic stem cells.

PMID- 22056777
TI  - Cdk1 promotes kinetochore bi-orientation and regulates Cdc20 expression during
      recovery from spindle checkpoint arrest.
AB  - The spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC), an evolutionarily conserved surveillance
      pathway, prevents chromosome segregation in response to conditions that disrupt
      the kinetochore-microtubule attachment. Removal of the checkpoint-activating
      stimulus initiates recovery during which spindle integrity is restored,
      kinetochores become bi-oriented, and cells initiate anaphase. Whether recovery
      ensues passively after the removal of checkpoint stimulus, or requires mediation
      by specific effectors remains uncertain. Here, we report two unrecognized
      functions of yeast Cdk1 required for efficient recovery from SAC-induced arrest.
      We show that Cdk1 promotes kinetochore bi-orientation during recovery by
      restraining premature spindle elongation thereby extinguishing SAC signalling.
      Moreover, Cdk1 is essential for sustaining the expression of Cdc20, an activator
      of the anaphase promoting complex/cyclosome (APC/C) required for anaphase
      progression. We suggest a model in which Cdk1 activity promotes recovery from SAC
      induced mitotic arrest by regulating bi-orientation and APC/C activity. Our
      findings provide fresh insights into the regulation of mitosis and have
      implications for the therapeutic efficacy of anti-mitotic drugs.

PMID- 22056778
TI  - Structural basis of initial RNA polymerase II transcription.
AB  - During transcription initiation by RNA polymerase (Pol) II, a transient open
      promoter complex (OC) is converted to an initially transcribing complex (ITC)
      containing short RNAs, and to a stable elongation complex (EC). We report
      structures of a Pol II-DNA complex mimicking part of the OC, and of complexes
      representing minimal ITCs with 2, 4, 5, 6, and 7 nucleotide (nt) RNAs, with and
      without a non-hydrolyzable nucleoside triphosphate (NTP) in the insertion site
      +1. The partial OC structure reveals that Pol II positions the melted template
      strand opposite the active site. The ITC-mimicking structures show that two
      invariant lysine residues anchor the 3'-proximal phosphate of short RNAs. Short
      DNA-RNA hybrids adopt a tilted conformation that excludes the +1 template nt from
      the active site. NTP binding induces complete DNA translocation and the standard
      hybrid conformation. Conserved NTP contacts indicate a universal mechanism of NTP
      selection. The essential residue Q1078 in the closed trigger loop binds the NTP
      2'-OH group, explaining how the trigger loop couples catalysis to NTP selection,
      suppressing dNTP binding and DNA synthesis.

PMID- 22056779
TI  - [Erectile dysfunction in polycythemia vera].

PMID- 22056780
TI  - [New treatments of chronic hepatitis C].
AB  - The current treatment of chronic hepatitis C since several years, the association
      of pegylated interferon and ribavirine, allows to obtain a virological
      eradication in 55% of patients, all genotypes and 45% of those infected with the
      genotype 1, the most prevalent. The cure, defined by an undetectable viremia 24
      weeks after the discontinuation of treatment is associated to a improvement of
      the prognosis of the patients with a decrease of mortality and morbidity. The
      development of news antiviral C molecules, efficient against the genotype 1, two
      protease inhibitors, boceprevir or telaprevir (which approval has been recently
      obtained), in association with pegylated interferon and ribavirine, allows to
      obtain a viral eradication in 70 to 75% of cases, with a reduction of treatment
      duration to 24 weeks in half of patients. This evolution will modify the
      therapeutic indications, the therapeutic schemas, the virologic follow-up, the
      risk factors of sustained virological reponse, the tolerance with the appearance
      of new adverse effects.

PMID- 22056781
TI  - Gender differences in the types and frequency of coronary artery anomalies.
AB  - Coronary artery anomalies are rarely encountered in general population.  Gender
      may play a role in the types and incidence of coronary artery anomalies, although
      the effect of gender is not well established.  In the present study, we therefore
      aimed to investigate the frequency and location of various types of coronary
      artery anomalies and their correlation with gender.  We assessed retrospectively
      the coronary angiography movies of 7,810 patients (2,214 females and 5,596
      males), the method of which is distinct from the earlier studies with
      angiographic archive records.  We defined and classified the coronary artery
      anomalies according to their origin, course (myocardial bridge), and termination
      (fistula).  The incidence of coronary artery anomalies was 3.35% (262 of 7,810):
      130 individuals with anomalous origin (1.66%), 105 individuals with myocardial
      bridges (1.34%), and 27 with fistulas (0.35%).  The frequency of the coronary
      artery anomalies was significantly higher in the females than the males (p =
      0.001).  Of the coronary artery origin anomalies, the circumflex and the left
      anterior descending artery originating from separate ostia in the left aortic
      sinus were higher in the females compared to the males (P < 0.001).  In contrast,
      the frequency of myocardial bridges was higher in the males (P = 0.01).  No
      gender difference was detected in fistulas.  Thus, gender affects the types of
      coronary artery anomalies, except for fistulas.  The determination of the
      presence of the coronary artery anomalies during the coronary angiography is
      critical for the planning of the treatment and for the proper clinical follow-up
      of patients.

PMID- 22056782
TI  - Xenopus Zic3 controls notochord and organizer development through suppression of
      the Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway.
AB  - Zic3 controls neuroectodermal differentiation and left-right patterning in
      Xenopus laevis embryos. Here we demonstrate that Zic3 can suppress Wnt/beta
      catenin signaling and control development of the notochord and Spemann's
      organizer. When we overexpressed Zic3 by injecting its RNA into the dorsal
      marginal zone of 2-cell-stage embryos, the embryos lost mesodermal dorsal midline
      structures and showed reduced expression of organizer markers (Siamois and
      Goosecoid) and a notochord marker (Xnot). Co-injection of Siamois RNA partially
      rescued the reduction of Xnot expression caused by Zic3 overexpression. Because
      the expression of Siamois in the organizer region is controlled by Wnt/beta
      catenin signaling, we subsequently examined the functional interaction between
      Zic3 and Wnt signaling. Co-injection of Xenopus Zic RNAs and beta-catenin RNA
      with a reporter responsive to the Wnt/beta-catenin cascade indicated that Zic1,
      Zic2, Zic3, Zic4, and Zic5 can all suppress beta-catenin-mediated transcriptional
      activation. In addition, co-injection of Zic3 RNA inhibited the secondary axis
      formation caused by ventral-side injection of beta-catenin RNA in Xenopus
      embryos. Zic3-mediated Wnt/beta-catenin signal suppression required the nuclear
      localization of Zic3, and involved the reduction of beta-catenin nuclear
      transport and enhancement of beta-catenin degradation. Furthermore, Zic3 co
      precipitated with Tcf1 (a beta-catenin co-factor) and XIC (I-mfa domain
      containing factor required for dorsoanterior development). The findings in this
      report produce a novel system for fine-tuning of Wnt/beta-catenin signaling.

PMID- 22056783
TI  - Leucine and arginine regulate trophoblast motility through mTOR-dependent and
      independent pathways in the preimplantation mouse embryo.
AB  - Uterine implantation is a critical element of mammalian reproduction and is a
      tightly and highly coordinated event. An intricate and reciprocal uterine-embryo
      dialog exists to synchronize uterine receptivity with the concomitant activation
      of the blastocyst, maximizing implantation success. While a number of pathways
      involved in regulating uterine receptivity have been identified in the mouse,
      less is understood about blastocyst activation, the process by which the
      trophectoderm (TE) receives extrinsic cues that initiate new characteristics
      essential for implantation. Amino acids (AA) have been found to regulate
      blastocyst activation and TE motility in vitro. In particular, we find that
      arginine and leucine alone are necessary and sufficient to induce TE motility.
      Both arginine and leucine act individually and additively to propagate signals
      that are dependent on the activity of the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1
      (mTORC1). The activities of the well-established downstream targets of mTORC1,
      p70S6K and 4EBP, do not correlate with trophoblast motility, suggesting that an
      independent-rapamycin-sensitive pathway operates to induce trophoblast motility,
      or that other, parallel amino acid-dependent pathways are also involved. We find
      that endogenous uterine factors act to induce mTORC1 activation and trophoblast
      motility at a specific time during pregnancy, and that this uterine signal is
      later than the previously defined signal that induces the attachment reaction. In
      vivo matured blastocysts exhibit competence to respond to an 8-hour AA stimulus
      by activating mTOR and subsequently undergoing trophoblast outgrowth by the
      morning of day 4.5 of pregnancy, but not on day 3.5. By the late afternoon of day
      4.5, the embryos no longer require any exposure to AA to undergo trophoblast
      outgrowth in vitro, demonstrating the existence and timing of an equivalent in
      vivo signal. These results suggest that there are two separate uterine signals
      regulating implantation, one that primes the embryo for the attachment reaction
      and another that activates mTOR and initiates invasive behavior.

PMID- 22056784
TI  - SOHLH1 and SOHLH2 coordinate spermatogonial differentiation.
AB  - Spermatogonial self-renewal and differentiation are essential for male fertility
      and reproduction. We discovered that germ cell specific genes Sohlh1 and Sohlh2,
      encode basic helix-loop-helix (bHLH) transcriptional regulators that are
      essential in spermatogonial differentiation. Sohlh1 and Sohlh2 individual mouse
      knockouts show remarkably similar phenotypes. Here we show that SOHLH1 and SOHLH2
      proteins are co-expressed in the entire spermatogonial population except in the
      GFRA1(+) spermatogonia, which includes spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs). SOHLH1
      and SOHLH2 are expressed in both KIT negative and KIT positive spermatogonia, and
      overlap Ngn3/EGFP and SOX3 expression. SOHLH1 and SOHLH2 heterodimerize with each
      other in vivo, as well as homodimerize. The Sohlh1/Sohlh2 double mutant
      phenocopies single mutants, i.e., spermatogonia continue to proliferate but do
      not differentiate properly. Further analysis revealed that GFRA1(+) population
      was increased, while meiosis commenced prematurely in both single and double
      knockouts. Sohlh1 and Sohlh2 double deficiency has a synergistic effect on gene
      expression patterns as compared to the single knockouts. SOHLH proteins affect
      spermatogonial development by directly regulating Gfra1, Sox3 and Kit gene
      expression. SOHLH1 and SOHLH2 suppress genes involved in SSC maintenance, and
      induce genes important for spermatogonial differentiation.

PMID- 22056785
TI  - Competence of failed endocrine progenitors to give rise to acinar but not ductal
      cells is restricted to early pancreas development.
AB  - During mouse pancreas development, the transient expression of Neurogenin3
      (Neurog3) in uncommitted pancreas progenitors is required to determine endocrine
      destiny. However it has been reported that Neurog3-expressing cells can
      eventually adopt acinar or ductal fates and that Neurog3 levels were important to
      secure the islet destiny. It is not known whether the competence of Neurog3
      induced cells to give rise to non-endocrine lineages is an intrinsic property of
      these progenitors or depends on pancreas developmental stage. Using temporal
      genetic labeling approaches we examined the dynamic of endocrine progenitor
      differentiation and explored the plasticity of Neurog3-induced cells throughout
      development. We found that Neurog3(+) progenitors develop into hormone-expressing
      cells in a fast process taking less then 10h. Furthermore, fate-mapping studies
      in heterozygote (Neurog3(CreERT/+)) and Neurog3-deficient
      (Neurog3(CreERT/CreERT)) embryos revealed that Neurog3-induced cells have
      different potential over time. At the early bud stage, failed endocrine
      progenitors can adopt acinar or ductal fate, whereas later in the branching
      pancreas they do not contribute to the acinar lineage but Neurog3-deficient cells
      eventually differentiate into duct cells. Thus these results provide evidence
      that the plasticity of Neurog3-induced cells becomes restricted during
      development. Furthermore these data suggest that during the secondary transition,
      endocrine progenitor cells arise from bipotent precursors already committed to
      the duct/endocrine lineages and not from domain of cells having distinct
      potentialities.

PMID- 22056786
TI  - ETS-dependent regulation of a distal Gata4 cardiac enhancer.
AB  - The developing heart contains an inner tube of specialized endothelium known as
      endocardium, which performs multiple essential functions. In spite of the
      essential role of the endocardium in heart development and function, the
      transcriptional pathways that regulate its development remain largely undefined.
      GATA4 is a zinc finger transcription factor that is expressed in multiple
      cardiovascular lineages and is required for endocardial cushion development and
      embryonic viability, but the transcriptional pathways upstream of Gata4 in the
      endocardium and its derivatives in the endocardial cushions are unknown. Here, we
      describe a distal enhancer from the mouse Gata4 gene that is briefly active in
      multiple cardiac lineages early in cardiac development but restricts to the
      endocardium where it remains active through cardiogenesis. The activity of this
      Gata4 cardiac enhancer in transgenic embryos and in cultured aortic endothelial
      cells is dependent on four ETS sites. To identify which ETS transcription factors
      might be involved in Gata4 regulation via the ETS sites in the enhancer, we
      determined the expression profile of 24 distinct ETS factors in embryonic mouse
      hearts. Among multiple ETS transcripts present, ETS1, FLI1, ETV1, ETV5, ERG, and
      ETV6 were the most abundant in the early embryonic heart. We found that ETS1,
      FLI1, and ERG were strongly expressed in the heart at embryonic day 8.5 and that
      ETS1 and ERG bound to the endogenous Gata4 enhancer in cultured endothelial
      cells. Thus, these studies define the ETS expression profile in the early
      embryonic heart and identify an ETS-dependent enhancer from the Gata4 locus.

PMID- 22056787
TI  - Developing and measuring a set of process and outcome indicators for breast
      cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study aimed at developing and measuring a set of indicators to
      monitor the quality of breast cancer care, to make comparisons over time and to
      support quality improvement for all practitioners and centres involved in the
      care of breast cancer women. METHODS: Quality indicators were identified from a
      systematic literature search and the 2010 Belgian evidence-based clinical
      practice guideline. The selection process involved an expert panel evaluating
      reliability, relevance, interpretability and actionability of each indicator. The
      quality indicators were tested using the Belgian Cancer Registry data linked with
      claims data for all women registered with breast cancer in Belgium between 2001
      and 2006 (n=50,039). RESULTS: The selection process led to a final set of 32
      indicators. Of these, 12 were measurable using the available data, while 1
      indicator was measurable using proxy information. Five-year relative survival was
      98%, 87%, 68% and 29% for pStage I, II, III and cStage IV respectively. Overall 5
      year survival slightly improved for pStage II, III and cStage IV between 2001 and
      2004. Of the surgically treated women, 60% underwent breast conserving surgery,
      85% received adjuvant systemic treatment and 86% were irradiated postoperatively.
      In 80% of women treated for breast cancer, at least one mammography was performed
      within one year after the last treatment. CONCLUSION: The present study
      demonstrates the feasibility to develop a multidisciplinary set of quality
      indicators for breast cancer. Using national cancer registry data linked to
      claims data, 13 indicators were measurable, showing results that largely
      correspond to other studies in the field.

PMID- 22056788
TI  - Editorial. Surgery has become more and more conservative.

PMID- 22056789
TI  - Contribution of lateral gene transfer to the gene repertoire of a gut-adapted
      methanogen.
AB  - Methanobrevibacter smithii is the most abundant archaeon in the human colon. As
      most of its neighbors are bacterial species, it is expected that lateral gene
      acquisition from bacteria might have contributed to the evolution and adaptation
      of this archaeon. We performed a tree-based genome-wide survey of putative
      lateral gene transfer products in M. smithii, using a phylogenetic pipeline. Over
      15% of the coding genes of M. smithii are inferred to be bacterial in origin,
      based on this analysis. Laterally acquired genes have had the largest
      contribution to surface functions, and encode glycosyl-transferases and adhesin
      like proteins. In addition, several important ABC transporters, especially metal
      transporters are of bacterial origin. Thus, bacterial genes contributed to the
      host-adaptation by allowing a larger variety of surface structures and increasing
      the efficiency of metal ion uptake in the competitive gut niche.

PMID- 22056790
TI  - Sitagliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibitor, improves psoriasis.
AB  - A patient with a 17-year history of plaque psoriasis accompanied by type 2
      diabetes mellitus discontinued cyclosporine and steroid ointment given for
      treatment of psoriasis because she was dissatisfied with the effects of the
      drugs. After sitagliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV) inhibitor, was
      administered for control of blood glucose, psoriatic skin lesions were gradually
      diminished, although HbA1c did not improve. Three months after the administration
      of sitagliptin, infiltration, scales and erythema on all psoriatic plaques
      disappeared, leaving pigmentation on flat skin. DPP-IV in serum degrades the
      incretin hormones which stimulate beta-cell insulin secretion. DPP-IV inhibitors,
      as incretin enhancers, cause an increase in glucose-dependent insulin secretion,
      and are applied for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. DPP-IV is also expressed
      on T cells as CD26, a surface antigen which plays an important role in activating
      T cells. As helper T cells are involved in the pathogenesis of psoriasis, it is
      possible that DPP-IV inhibitors improve psoriatic skin lesions by inhibiting T
      cell activation, independently of glycemic control. DPP-IV inhibitors could be an
      alternative for the treatment of psoriasis.

PMID- 22056791
TI  - Screening and differential diagnosis of renal light chain-associated diseases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Renal involvement in the light chain-associated diseases multiple
      myeloma (MM), amyloidosis (AL) and monoclonal immune position disease (MIDD) is
      common and differential diagnosis usually requires renal biopsy. The aim of this
      study was to investigate if noninvasive methods are viable to identify and
      differentiate between the various types of kidney diseases. PATIENTS AND METHODS:
      All patients with a light chain-associated disease admitted to our center from
      1996 to 2008 were retrospectively evaluated. Renal biopsy data were correlated
      with proteinuria findings. RESULTS: Only the ratio of free kappa/lambda light
      chains showed a good sensitivity for myeloma cast nephropathy (MCN), AL and MIDD.
      The lambda light chain was characteristic for AL, the kappa light chain dominated
      in MIDD. Renal function at the time of diagnosis was worst in MIDD. MCN presented
      with a proteinuria of > 3.5 g/g creatinine. In contrast, a higher proteinuria was
      found in AL or MIDD. Whereas the kappa/lambda ratio in the urine was pathological
      for all three diseases, extremely high or low ratios indicated the presence of
      MCN. However, in AL or MIDD, the ratio was only moderately elevated. CONCLUSION:
      A noninvasive differentiation between MCN and other forms of renal light chain
      disease is possible.

PMID- 22056792
TI  - [Pulmonary aspergillosis and HIV infection: about two cases].
AB  - The occurrence of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is unusual during the course
      of AIDS. Patients at risk have a CD4 T-lymphocyte count under 50 cells/mm(3)
      combined with other risk factors in 50% of the cases. Positive diagnosis is based
      on chest CT scan imaging and isolation of Aspergillus in broncho-alveolar fluid.
      Detection of galactomannan antigen in serum and broncho-alveolar lavage fluid
      (BALF) is a reliable complementary tool in assessing the diagnosis. The first
      line therapy is Voriconazole. The prognosis, often severe, depends on prompt
      initiation of the appropriate antifungal treatment. We report two cases of
      invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in AIDS patients.

PMID- 22056793
TI  - Computational modelling for the embolization of brain arteriovenous
      malformations.
AB  - Treatment of arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) of the brain often requires the
      injection of a liquid embolic material to reduce blood flow through the
      malformation. The type of the liquid and the location of injection have to be
      carefully planned in a pre-operative manner. We introduce a new model of the
      interaction of liquid embolic materials with blood for the simulation of their
      propagation and solidification in the AVM. Solidification is mimicked by an
      increase of the material's viscosity. Propagation is modelled by using the
      concept of two-fluids modelling and that of scalar transport. The method is
      tested on digital phantoms and on one anatomically derived patient AVM case.
      Simulations showed that intuitive behaviour of the two-fluid system can be
      confirmed and that two types of glue propagation through the malformation can be
      reproduced. Distinction between the two types of propagation could be used to
      identify fistulous and plexiform compartments composing the AVM and to
      characterize the solidification of the embolic material in them.

PMID- 22056794
TI  - Retained energy-based coding for EEG signals.
AB  - The recent use of long-term records in electroencephalography is becoming more
      frequent due to its diagnostic potential and the growth of novel signal
      processing methods that deal with these types of recordings. In these cases, the
      considerable volume of data to be managed makes compression necessary to reduce
      the bit rate for transmission and storage applications. In this paper, a new
      compression algorithm specifically designed to encode electroencephalographic
      (EEG) signals is proposed. Cosine modulated filter banks are used to decompose
      the EEG signal into a set of subbands well adapted to the frequency bands
      characteristic of the EEG. Given that no regular pattern may be easily extracted
      from the signal in time domain, a thresholding-based method is applied for
      quantizing samples. The method of retained energy is designed for efficiently
      computing the threshold in the decomposition domain which, at the same time,
      allows the quality of the reconstructed EEG to be controlled. The experiments are
      conducted over a large set of signals taken from two public databases available
      at Physionet and the results show that the compression scheme yields better
      compression than other reported methods.

PMID- 22056795
TI  - Novel broad-host-range vehicles for cloning and shuffling of gene cassettes.
AB  - Novel vectors for cloning and shuffling of gene cassettes based on minireplicon
      of broad-host-range RA3 plasmid from IncU incompatibility group were constructed.
      A series of minireplicon variants were prepared with copy number ranging from low
      (1-2 copies per chromosome), medium (10-15 copies per chromosome) to high copy
      number (80-90 copies per chromosome). The new cloning vectors are relatively
      small in size (4.5-5.4kb) and carry various resistance determinants: kanamycin
      (Km(R)), tetracycline (Tc(R)) or chloramphenicol (Cm(R)). The vectors were
      engineered to facilitate cloning and shuffling of the functional modules with or
      without transcriptional terminators. Using the described strategy, a bank of
      functional modules, ready for exchange, has been initiated.

PMID- 22056796
TI  - State of the art: urologic surgery.

PMID- 22056797
TI  - Laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

PMID- 22056798
TI  - DIGE and iTRAQ as biomarker discovery tools in aquatic toxicology.
AB  - Molecular approaches in ecotoxicology have greatly enhanced mechanistic
      understanding of the impact of aquatic pollutants in organisms. These methods
      have included high throughput Omics technologies, including quantitative
      proteomics methods such as 2D differential in-gel electrophoresis (DIGE) and
      isobaric tagging for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ). These methods
      are becoming more widely used in ecotoxicology studies to identify and
      characterize protein bioindicators of adverse effect. In teleost fish, iTRAQ has
      been used successfully in different fish species (e.g. fathead minnow, goldfish,
      largemouth bass) and tissues (e.g. hypothalamus and liver) to quantify relative
      protein abundance. Of interest for ecotoxicology is that many proteins commonly
      utilized as bioindicators of toxicity or stress are quantifiable using iTRAQ on a
      larger scale, providing a global baseline of biological effect from which to
      assess changes in the proteome. This review highlights the successes to date for
      high throughput quantitative proteomics using DIGE and iTRAQ in aquatic
      toxicology. Current challenges for the iTRAQ method for biomarker discovery in
      fish are the high cost and the lack of complete annotated genomes for teleosts.
      However, the use of protein homology from teleost fishes in protein databases and
      the introduction of hybrid LTQ-FT (Linear ion trap-Fourier transform) mass
      spectrometers with high resolution, increased sensitivity, and high mass accuracy
      are able to improve significantly the protein identification rates. Despite these
      challenges, initial studies utilizing iTRAQ for ecotoxicoproteomics have exceeded
      expectations and it is anticipated that the use of non-gel based quantitative
      proteomics will increase for protein biomarker discovery and for characterization
      of chemical mode of action.

PMID- 22056799
TI  - Bacterial stress response to environmental radiation relating to the Fukushima
      radiation discharge event, Japan: will environmental bacteria alter their
      antibiotic susceptibility profile?
AB  - Antibiotic resistance in clinical pathogens in humans may be traced back to
      resistance mechanisms in environmental bacteria and any factors, which are likely
      to alter (upregulate) resistance in environmental organisms, is of potential and
      eventual consequence to human pathogens. Furthermore, sublethal doses of gamma
      radiation to environmental organisms may cause sublethal stress and a selective
      pressure, which may lead to mutational events that alter the bacterium's
      susceptibility profile. A gamma (gamma) radiation simulation experiment was
      performed to emulate the exposure of four environmental bacteria, including
      Listeria innocua, Bacillus subtilis, E. coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, to
      levels of radiation in and around Fukushima, Japan, equating to 1, 10 and 100
      years equivalence exposure. Alteration to susceptibility to 14 antibiotics was
      measured as the primary endpoint. There was no significant alteration in the
      susceptibility of the Gram-positive organisms, whereas both Gram-negative
      organisms became slightly more susceptible to the antibiotics tested over time.
      These data indicate that such radiation exposure will not increase the antibiotic
      resistance profile of these organisms and hence not add to the global public
      health burden of increased antibiotic resistance in human bacterial pathogens.

PMID- 22056800
TI  - Endocrine-disrupting effects of nonylphenol in the newt, Triturus carnifex
      (Amphibia, Urodela).
AB  - The aim of our study was to verify whether environmental concentrations of
      nonylphenol influenced the adrenal gland of Triturus carnifex. Newts were exposed
      to 19 MUg/L nominal concentration of nonylphenol throughout the periods of
      December-January and March-April, corresponding to different stages of the
      chromaffin cell functional cycle. The morphological features of the steroidogenic
      and chromaffin tissues, and the serum levels of ACTH, aldosterone,
      corticosterone, norepinephrine and epinephrine were evaluated. Nonylphenol did
      not influence ACTH serum levels. During the two periods examined, the
      steroidogenic tissue had the same reaction: the quantity of cytoplasmic lipids,
      and the corticosteroid serum levels, decreased, suggesting the inhibition of
      synthesis and release of corticosteroids. During the two periods examined, the
      chromaffin tissue reacted differently to nonylphenol. During December-January,
      the numeric ratio of norepinephrine granules to epinephrine granules, and the
      epinephrine serum levels, increased, suggesting the stimulation of epinephrine
      release. During March-April, the numeric ratio of norepinephrine granules to
      epinephrine granules did not change, and the norepinephrine serum levels
      decreased, suggesting the inhibition of norepinephrine release. Our results show
      that nonylphenol influences the activity of the newt adrenal gland; considering
      the physiological role of this gland, our results suggest that nonylphenol may
      contribute to amphibian decline.

PMID- 22056801
TI  - Effects of cadmium chloride and nonylphenol on the expression of StAR-related
      lipid transfer domain containing protein (START1) gene in aquatic midge,
      Chironomus riparius.
AB  - We identified and characterized a partial cDNA of StAR-related lipid transfer
      domain containing protein gene from Chironomus riparius (CrSTART1) having
      homology with human MLN64 and Drosophila melanogaster START1 (DmSTART1) and
      evaluated the effects of cadmium chloride (Cd) and nonylphenol (NP) on its
      expression. Pfam analysis identified the presence of two StAR-related lipid
      transfer (START) domains in CrSTART1 having several conserved amino acid
      residues, characteristic of the MLN64 and DmSTART1. The mRNA expression of
      CrSTART1 was observed in all developmental stages. The modulation in the mRNA
      expression of CrSTART1 was investigated after exposure to different
      concentrations Cd (0, 2, 10, and 20 mg/L) and NP (0, 10, 50, and 100 MUg/L) for
      different time intervals in fourth instar larvae of C. riparius. Significant
      downregulation of CrSTART1 mRNA was observed after exposure to 2, 10 and 20 mg/L
      of Cd for 24, 48 and 72 h. Significant upregulation of CrSTART1 was observed
      after exposure to 10 and 50 MUg/L of NP for 24, and 48 h period. At 100 MUg/L of
      NP significant upregulation of CrSTART1 was observed after 12 h and downregulated
      after 24, 48 and 72 h.

PMID- 22056802
TI  - TFAM forces mtDNA to make a U-turn.

PMID- 22056803
TI  - New insights in the mechanism of microRNA-mediated target repression.

PMID- 22056808
TI  - A minimum principle in codon-anticodon interaction.
AB  - Imposing a minimum principle in the framework of the so-called crystal basis
      model of the genetic code, we determine the structure of the minimum set of
      anticodons which allows the translational-transcription for animal mitochondrial
      code. The results are in very good agreement with the observed anticodons.

PMID- 22056809
TI  - An x-ray absorption spectroscopic study of the electronic structure and bonding
      of rare-earth orthoferrites.
AB  - Rare-earth orthoferrites, REFeO3 (RE D rare earth; Y), are tremendously adaptable
      compounds that are being investigated for use in a wide variety of applications
      including gas sensors, vehicle catalytic converters, and solid-oxide fuel cells.
      They also exhibit interesting magnetic properties such as high-temperature
      antiferromagnetism, making them useful for data storage applications. The
      compounds adopt a distorted perovskite-type structure where the tilt angle of the
      octahedra increases (Fe-O-Fe bond angle decreases) as the size of the rare-earth
      atom decreases. Despite intensive study of the physical properties of these
      compounds, very few studies have investigated how the bonding and electronic
      structure of these systems change with substitution of the RE. X-ray absorption
      near-edge spectroscopy (XANES) is a technique well-suited for such a study, and,
      in view of this, Fe L-, Fe K- and O K-edge spectra from a series of REFeO3
      compounds (RE D La, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Ho, Yb, Y) have been collected, and are
      presented here. Fe L-edge spectra show that Fe is octahedrally coordinated and
      that the Fe-centered octahedra do not appear to distort with changes in the
      identity of the RE. The Fe K-edge spectra contain an intersite hybrid peak, which
      is an ill-studied feature that is attributed to non-local transitions of 1s
      electrons to 3d states on the next-nearest-neighbor atom that are hybridized with
      4p states on the absorbing atom through O 2p states. In this study, it is shown
      that the intensity of this feature is strongly dependent on the Fe-O-Fe bond
      angle; the lower the Fe-O-Fe bond angle, the less intense the intersite hybrid
      peak is.

PMID- 22056810
TI  - Comparison of algorithms for out-of-plane artifacts removal in digital
      tomosynthesis reconstructions.
AB  - Digital tomosynthesis is a method of limited angle reconstruction of tomographic
      images produced at variable heights, on the basis of a set of angular projections
      taken in an arc around human anatomy. Reconstructed tomograms from unprocessed
      original projection images, however, are invariably affected by tomographic noise
      such as blurred images of objects lying outside the plane of interest and
      superimposed on the focused image of the fulcrum plane. The present work
      investigates the performance of two approaches for generation of tomograms with a
      reduced noise: a generalised post-processing method, based on constructing a
      noise mask from all planes in the reconstructed volume, and its subsequent
      subtraction from the in-focus plane and a filtered Multiple Projection Algorithm.
      The comparison between the two algorithms shows that the first method provides
      reconstructions with very good quality in case of high contrast features,
      especially for those embedded into a heterogeneous background.

PMID- 22056811
TI  - Capsule endoscopy image analysis using texture information from various colour
      models.
AB  - Wireless capsule endoscopy (WCE) is a novel imaging technique that is gradually
      gaining ground as it enables the non-invasive and efficacious visualization of
      the digestive track, and especially the entire small bowel including its middle
      part. However, the task of reviewing the vast amount of images produced by a WCE
      examination is a burden for the physicians. To tackle this major drawback, an
      innovative scheme for discriminating endoscopic images related to one of the most
      common intestinal diseases, ulceration, is presented here. This new approach
      focuses on colour-texture features in order to investigate how the structure
      information of healthy and abnormal tissue is distributed on RGB, HSV and CIE Lab
      colour spaces. The WCE images are pre-processed using bidimensional ensemble
      empirical mode decomposition so as to facilitate differential lacunarity analysis
      to extract the texture patterns of normal and ulcerous regions. Experimental
      results demonstrated promising classification performance (mean accuracy>95%),
      exhibiting a high potential towards automatic WCE image analysis.

PMID- 22056812
TI  - Interferon-gamma induces autophagy with growth inhibition and cell death in human
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells through interferon-regulatory factor-1 (IRF
      1).
AB  - Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) is a pleiotropic cytokine with immunomodulatory,
      anti-viral, and anti-proliferative effects. In this study, we examined the
      effects of IFN-gamma on autophagy and cell growth in human hepatocellular
      carcinoma (HCC) cells. IFN-gamma inhibited cell growth of Huh7 cells with non
      apoptotic cell death. IFN-gamma induced autophagosome formation and
      conversion/turnover of microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3)
      protein. Furthermore, overexpression of IRF-1 also induced autophagy in Huh7
      cells. Silencing IRF-1 expression with target small hairpin RNA blocked autophagy
      induced by IFN-gamma. Silencing of the autophagy signals Beclin-1 or Atg5
      attenuated the inhibitory effect of IFN-gamma on Huh7 cells with decreased cell
      death. Additionally, IFN-gamma activated autophagy in freshly cultured human HCC
      cells. Together, these findings show that IFN-gamma induces autophagy through IRF
      1 signaling pathway and the induction of autophagy contributes to the growth
      inhibitory effect of IFN-gamma with cell death in human liver cancer cells.

PMID- 22056813
TI  - Dual inhibition of (V600E)BRAF and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway cooperates to induce
      apoptosis in melanoma cells through a MEK-independent mechanism.
AB  - BRAF is a main oncogene in human melanomas. Here, we show that BRAF depletion by
      siRNA or inhibition of its activity by treatment with RAF inhibitor Sorafenib
      induces apoptosis in NPA melanoma cells expressing oncogenic (V600E)BRAF. This
      effect is mediated through a MEK/ERK-independent mechanism, since treatment with
      the MEK inhibitor U0126 does not exert any effect. Moreover, we demonstrate that
      inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR cascade alone does not increase apoptosis in
      these cells. However, the blockage of this pathway in cells lacking either BRAF
      expression or activity cooperates to induce higher levels of apoptosis than those
      achieved by inhibition of BRAF alone. Consistently, we demonstrate that
      abrogation of BRAF expression increases AKT and mTOR phosphorylation, suggesting
      the existence of a compensatory pro-survival mechanism after BRAF depletion.
      Together, our data provide a rationale for dual targeting of BRAF and
      PI3K/AKT/mTOR signalling to effectively control melanoma disease.

PMID- 22056814
TI  - Aura interruption: the Andrews/Reiter behavioral intervention may reduce seizures
      and improve quality of life - a pilot trial.
AB  - Patients with epilepsy frequently experience depression and emotional stress and
      these may function as seizure triggers in epileptogenic frontotemporal cortex,
      which serves in emotional processing. Eight patients enrolled in a pilot trial of
      a 6-month epilepsy-specific behavioral approach comprising counseling and
      relaxation to recognize and eliminate emotional seizure triggers. Potential
      participants with psychogenic seizures were excluded by long-term EEG and/or the
      MMPI profile. One participant became seizure free, another had an approximately
      90% reduction in seizures, and two additional participants achieved a greater
      than 50% reduction in seizure frequency (total responder rate=50%), stable during
      6 months of observation after the intervention. All completers showed marked and
      stable improvement of quality of life (Quality of Life in Epilepsy-89 inventory)
      and temporary improvement in the Profile of Mood States. An adequately powered
      randomized controlled trial is needed to confirm our findings, which suggest that
      behavioral approaches may hold promise for motivated patients with epilepsy.

PMID- 22056815
TI  - Gabapentin and sexual dysfunction: an overlooked and underreported problem?

PMID- 22056816
TI  - Estimation of the RBE of mammography-quality beams using a combination of a Monte
      Carlo code with a B-DNA geometrical model.
AB  - The PENELOPE code is used to determine direct strand break yields corresponding
      to photons from a (60)Co source and 28 and 30 kV x-ray beams impacting on a B-DNA
      geometrical model, which accounts for five organizational levels of the human
      genetic material. Direct single, double and total strand break probabilities are
      determined in a liquid water homogeneous medium with 1.06 g cm(-3) density. The
      spectra produced by the x-ray beams at various depths in the phantom have been
      used to study the dependence of the damage yield on the depth. The relative
      biological effectiveness (RBE) is also estimated using the (60)Co radiation
      qualities as the reference. According to this work, the damage probabilities and
      thus the RBE are, within the uncertainties, similar for both x-ray energies and
      are independent of the depth into the phantom. Furthermore, the total strand
      break yield is invariant with respect to the energy of the incident photons. The
      RBE for low-energy x-ray beams determined here (1.3 +/- 0.1) is lower than that
      reported by Kellerer, taking into account that he used a 200 kV radiation as the
      reference quality. However, our RBE values are consistent with those determined
      by Kuhne et al (2005 Radiat. Res. 164 669-76), which used the same biological
      endpoint and reference quality as our study. Also, our RBE values are similar to
      those determined by Verhaegen and Reniers (2004 Radiat. Res. 162 592-9).

PMID- 22056817
TI  - A model for mitotic inheritance of histone lysine methylation.
AB  - Histone lysine methylation has been implicated in epigenetic regulation of
      transcription. Using stable-isotope labelling and quantitative mass spectrometry,
      we analysed the dynamics of histone lysine methylation. Here we report that
      histone methylation levels are transiently reduced during S phase and are
      gradually re-established during subsequent cell cycle stages. However, despite
      the recovery of overall methylation levels before the next S phase, the
      methylation levels of parental and newly incorporated histones differ
      significantly. In addition, histone methylation levels are maintained at steady
      states by both restriction of methyltransferase activity and the active turnover
      of methyl groups in cells undergoing an extended G1/S phase arrest. Finally, we
      propose a 'buffer model' that unifies the imprecise inheritance of histone
      methylation and the faithful maintenance of underlying gene silencing.

PMID- 22056818
TI  - AMIGO is an auxiliary subunit of the Kv2.1 potassium channel.
AB  - Kv2.1 is a potassium channel alpha-subunit abundantly expressed throughout the
      brain. It is a main component of delayed rectifier current (I(K)) in several
      neuronal types and a regulator of excitability during high-frequency firing. Here
      we identify AMIGO (amphoterin-induced gene and ORF), a neuronal adhesion protein
      with leucine-rich repeat and immunoglobin domains, as an integral part of the
      Kv2.1 channel complex. AMIGO shows extensive spatial and temporal colocalization
      and association with Kv2.1 in the mouse brain. The colocalization of AMIGO and
      Kv2.1 is retained even during stimulus-induced changes in Kv2.1 localization.
      AMIGO increases Kv2.1 conductance in a voltage-dependent manner in HEK cells.
      Accordingly, inhibition of endogenous AMIGO suppresses neuronal I(K) at negative
      membrane voltages. In conclusion, our data indicate AMIGO as a function
      modulating auxiliary subunit for Kv2.1 and thus provide new insights into
      regulation of neuronal excitability.

PMID- 22056819
TI  - Apixaban for stroke prevention in atrial fibrillation: a review of the clinical
      trial evidence.
AB  - The objective of this review is to summarize data from the Apixaban for Reduction
      in Stroke and Other Thromboembolic Events in Atrial Fibrillation (ARISTOTLE) and
      Apixaban Versus Acetylsalicylic Acid to Prevent Stroke in Atrial Fibrillation
      Patients Who Have Failed or Are Unsuitable for Vitamin K Antagonist Treatment
      (AVERROES) trials of apixaban for stroke prevention in patients with atrial
      fibrillation (AF). The ARISTOTLE trial compared apixaban with warfarin in 18 201
      patients with AF and >= 1 additional risk factor for stroke. The AVERROES trial
      compared apixaban with aspirin in 5599 patients with AF who were at increased
      risk of stroke and for whom vitamin K antagonists were unsuitable. In ARISTOTLE,
      apixaban reduced the risk of stroke or systemic embolism by 21% compared with
      warfarin (1.27% vs 1.60% per year; hazard ratio, 0.79; 95% confidence interval,
      0.66-0.95). The reduction was significant and demonstrated the superiority of
      apixaban over warfarin for the primary outcome of preventing stroke or systemic
      embolism (P = 0.01 for superiority). Apixaban also reduced all-cause mortality by
      11% (P = 0.047) and major bleeding by 31% (P < 0.001) compared with warfarin. The
      benefits of apixaban observed in ARISTOTLE are further supported by the results
      from AVERROES, which demonstrated a 55% reduction in the risk of stroke or
      systemic embolism compared with aspirin. Risk of major bleeding was not
      significantly different between apixaban and aspirin. Subgroup analyses in both
      trials demonstrated that the effects of apixaban are highly consistent across
      various patient subpopulations. Discontinuation of study medication was
      significantly lower with apixaban than with either warfarin in ARISTOTLE or
      aspirin in AVERROES. Apixaban is the first new oral anticoagulant that has been
      shown to be superior to warfarin in reducing stroke or systemic embolism, all
      cause mortality, and major bleeding in patients with AF. Moreover, in patients
      with AF who are considered unsuitable for warfarin therapy, apixaban was more
      effective than aspirin for stroke prevention and had a similar rate of major
      bleeding.

PMID- 22056820
TI  - Lone atrial fibrillation: where are we now?
AB  - There is a growing pandemic of atrial fibrillation (AF), affecting nearly 2% of
      the general adult population. Atrial fibrillation is commonly associated with
      structural heart disease, and AF itself causes a sequence of complex processes of
      electrical, contractile, and structural remodeling of the atrial myocardium,
      which facilitate further AF progression. Nonetheless, AF may also affect
      individuals aged <= 65 years who have no evidence of associated cardiopulmonary
      or other disease, including hypertension; this is otherwise referred to as "lone"
      AF and is considered to have a generally favorable prognosis. The true prevalence
      of lone AF is unknown. Growing insights into the diversity of numerous mechanisms
      involved in the pathogenesis of AF, including acute atrial stretch, structural
      and electrophysiological alterations, systemic inflammation, oxidative stress,
      autonomic imbalance, genetic predisposition, and many others, and increasing
      recognition of novel risk factors for AF, including obesity, metabolic syndrome,
      subclinical atherosclerosis, sleep apnea, alcohol consumption, and endurance
      sports, suggest that apparently lone AF might not be so "lone" in many patients,
      which could have important prognostic and therapeutic implications. In this
      article, we summarize the current knowledge of epidemiology, etiopathogenesis,
      and pathophysiology of so-called lone AF and discuss the issues of long-term
      prognosis and management of patients who have an apparently lone AF.

PMID- 22056821
TI  - Duration of dual antiplatelet therapy after percutaneous coronary intervention
      with drug-eluting stent implantation: a review of the current guidelines and
      literature.
AB  - Dual antiplatelet therapy is the mainstay of medical treatment after percutaneous
      coronary intervention regarding the risk of stent thrombosis occurrence. Since
      the beginning of the stenting era, antiplatelet regimens have evolved according
      to the emerging and widespread diffusion of new devices and more challenging
      indications for their use. In the past years, concerns have been raised about the
      safety of drug-eluting stent implantation with regard to late and very late stent
      thrombosis. Thus, the length of dual antiplatelet therapy has been progressively
      increased with marked individual and local differences. However, prolonged
      antiplatelet therapy leads to increased risk of bleeding, especially in the
      setting of surgical procedures, traumas, and/or other diseases. To date, the
      exact duration of dual antiplatelet therapy after drug-eluting stent implantation
      is still debated in the literature. The aim of this article is to review the
      literature and the current guidelines on the risks and benefits of pursuing dual
      antiplatelet therapy after percutaneous coronary intervention with drug-eluting
      stent implantation.

PMID- 22056822
TI  - Perioperative management of patients receiving anticoagulant or antiplatelet
      therapy: a clinician-oriented and practical approach.
AB  - The management of patients who are receiving warfarin, aspirin, clopidogrel, or
      combinations of these drugs and require their interruption because of an elective
      surgical or other invasive procedure is a common and sometimes challenging
      clinical problem. For the practicing clinician, there are 2 key issues for
      perioperative anticoagulant management: 1) having an approach to stratify
      patients according to their risk for thromboembolism when warfarin or
      antiplatelet drug therapy is interrupted, and also having an approach to stratify
      patients according to the risk of bleeding associated with the surgery or
      procedure; and 2) determining which patients may require bridging anticoagulation
      and, if required, how to administer bridging, typically with a low-molecular
      weight heparin, before and after surgery in a manner that minimizes the risk for
      bleeding. The overall goal is to minimize patients' risk for thromboembolism and
      bleeding throughout the perioperative period. The objective of this article is to
      provide an evidence-based but practical approach relating to these 2 key issues
      in a manner than can be applied to everyday clinical practice.

PMID- 22056823
TI  - Review for hospitalists: acute pulmonary embolism.
AB  - Acute pulmonary embolism (PE) is a common and potentially life-threatening
      disease; however, the clinical presentation of acute PE can be quite variable,
      making the diagnosis a challenge. Occlusion of the pulmonary arterial bed can
      lead to gas exchange abnormalities or right ventricular dysfunction. Mortality
      rates are high but can be reduced when prompt suspicion leads to accurate
      diagnosis and treatment. Management includes timely initiation of anticoagulation
      therapy. The objective of this article is to provide a broad overview of acute PE
      epidemiology, risk factors, diagnosis, risk stratification, and management.

PMID- 22056824
TI  - A simulation-based program to train medical residents to lead and perform
      advanced cardiovascular life support.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Medical residents are often responsible for leading and performing
      cardiopulmonary resuscitation; however, their levels of expertise and comfort as
      leaders of advanced cardiovascular life support (ACLS) teams vary widely. While
      the current American Heart Association ACLS course provides education in
      recommended resuscitative protocols, training in leadership skills is
      insufficient. In this article, we describe the design and implementation in our
      institution of a formative curriculum aimed at improving residents' readiness for
      being leaders of ACLS teams using human patient simulation. Human patient
      simulation refers to a variety of technologies using mannequins with realistic
      features, which allows learners to practice through scenarios without putting
      patients at risk. We discuss the limitations of the program and the challenges
      encountered in implementation. We also provide a description of the initiation
      and organization of the program. Case scenarios and assessment tools are
      provided. DESCRIPTION OF THE INSTITUTIONAL TRAINING PROGRAM: Our simulation-based
      training curriculum consists of 8 simulated patient scenarios during four 1-hour
      sessions. Postgraduate year-2 and 3 internal medicine residents participate in
      this program in teams of 4. Assessment tools are utilized only for formative
      evaluation. Debriefing is used as a teaching strategy for the individual resident
      leader of the ACLS team to facilitate learning and improve performance. To
      evaluate the impact of the curriculum, we administered a survey before and after
      the intervention. The survey consisted of 10 questions answered on a 5-point
      Likert scale, which addressed residents' confidence in leading ACLS teams,
      management of the equipment, and management of cardiac rhythms. Respondents' mean
      presimulation (ie, baseline) and postsimulation (ie, outcome) scores were
      compared using a 2-sample t test. Residents' overall confidence score improved
      from 2.8 to 3.9 (P < 0.001; mean improvement, 1.1; 95% confidence interval, 0.7
      1.6). The average score for performing and leading ACLS teams improved from 2.8
      to 4 (P < 0.001; mean difference, 1.2; 95% confidence interval, 0.7-1.7). There
      was a uniform increase in the residents' self-confidence in their role as
      effective leaders of ACLS teams, and residents valued this simulation-based
      training program.

PMID- 22056825
TI  - Urinary protein as a marker for systolic blood pressure reduction in patients
      with type 2 diabetes mellitus participating in an in-hospital diabetes education
      program.
AB  - Increased blood pressure (BP) and urinary protein (UP)/microalbuminuria are risk
      factors for cardiovascular disease in patients with diabetes. Although the
      management of BP in patients with diabetes should involve a multidisciplinary
      therapy, there are no reports in which modulators have been identified in an in
      hospital diabetes education program. The aim of the present study was to
      investigate the change in BP levels in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus
      (T2DM) during a short-term (2-week) in-hospital education program on lifestyle
      modifications. A total of 167 patients with T2DM (101 men, 66 women; mean age,
      61.1 years; glycated hemoglobin, 9.2%) were divided into 2 groups on the basis of
      their urinary albumin levels: 1 group without UP (urinary albumin level < 30
      mg/day) and 1 group with UP (urinary albumin level >= 30 mg/day). We defined
      efficacy in reducing BP as a 20-mm Hg reduction in systolic BP (SBP) and a 10-mm
      Hg reduction in diastolic BP, and compared the changes between the 2 groups.
      Although the group with UP had higher SBP levels than the group without UP at
      baseline, this difference disappeared at the end of the program. Adjusted
      multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that UP at baseline was
      associated with a reduction in SBP (odds ratio, 3.361; 95% confidence interval,
      1.29-8.79; P = 0.013). The data suggest that UP may be a marker related to the
      management of SBP through lifestyle modifications in patients with T2DM.

PMID- 22056826
TI  - Factors affecting osteoarthritis patients' self-reported goal-directed drug
      information-seeking behaviors after exposure to direct-to-consumer advertising
      from physicians and the internet.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate appraisal of means (ie,
      self-efficacy, outcome expectancy, and affect) in predicting patients' goal
      directed behaviors of direct-to-consumer advertising (DTCA)-prompted drug
      information search from physicians and the internet. METHODS: One thousand
      patients were randomly selected from a nationwide sample frame of 3000
      osteoarthritis patients. A self-administered survey assessed exposure to DTCA,
      drug-information search as goal, self-efficacy, outcome expectancy, affect, and
      osteoarthritis pain. After 6 weeks, another survey measured the behavior of drug
      information search for respondents to the first survey. Study subjects were those
      who were exposed to DTCA in the previous month, and who set drug-information
      search as their goal. For each information source, a multiple regression analysis
      was conducted in which drug-information search was the dependent variable, and
      self-efficacy, outcome expectancy, affect, and osteoarthritis pain were the
      independent variables. RESULTS: Among 454 patients who were exposed to DTCA, 174
      patients set drug-information search as their goal and were the study subjects.
      The regression for physicians was not statistically significant. The regression
      for the internet was significant, accounting for 15% of behavior variance. Self
      efficacy was a strong predictor of goal-directed drug-information search from the
      internet. CONCLUSIONS: Appraisal of means was useful to predict the goal-directed
      behavior of DTCA-prompted drug-information search from the internet. For patients
      who set drug-information search as a goal, actions to promote drug-information
      search from the internet need to focus on self-efficacy.

PMID- 22056827
TI  - Severity of obstructive sleep apnea between black and white patients.
AB  - Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a relatively common problem with potentially
      serious health consequences. The purpose of this study was to identify whether
      race has any effect on the severity of OSA. Our hypothesis was that OSA, when
      present, is more severe in black patients than white patients. This cross
      sectional study was performed at Truman Medical Centers, a teaching hospital
      affiliated with University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine (Kansas
      City, MO). Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to establish if race
      was predictive of apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) score when controlling for age, sex,
      and body mass index. The analysis included 280 patients with complete data for
      each of the variables in the model. Race (the primary predictor of interest) did
      not significantly predict AHI score (P = 0.172), and neither did age (P = 0.783).
      Men had higher AHI scores than women (P < 0.001), and higher body mass index was
      associated with higher AHI score (P < 0.001). There were more black women in the
      sample population than white women (P = 0.043). Black patients were also more
      likely to have hypertension (P = 0.037). This study suggests that race is not a
      predictor of OSA severity after controlling for age, sex, and body mass index.
      There is a need for more studies to examine the prevalence of OSA in different
      races.

PMID- 22056828
TI  - Transitioning from inpatient to outpatient therapy in patients with in-hospital
      hyperglycemia.
AB  - Transition from inpatient to outpatient care for patients with type 2 diabetes
      mellitus is an important aspect of patient management for which there is no
      guidance. Intensive glucose lowering with insulin is generally favored for
      seriously ill hospitalized patients, but after discharge, patients often resume
      their prior regimens, which may include an array of oral or injected glucose
      lowering agents. Factors that should be considered in this transition include
      goals of care/life expectancy, glycated hemoglobin at hospital admission, home
      medications for other illnesses and their potential for interactions with
      antidiabetes treatment, comorbidities, nutritional status, physical disabilities,
      ability to carry out self-monitoring of blood glucose, risk for hypoglycemia,
      contraindications to oral medications, health literacy, and financial and other
      resources. Traditional oral therapies that may be used after the patient leaves
      the hospital include sulfonylureas, alpha-glucosidase inhibitors,
      thiazolidinediones, and metformin. alpha-Glucosidase inhibitors are limited by
      gastrointestinal adverse events, and thiazolidinediones by fluid retention and
      increased risk for heart failure. Thiazolidinediones also require a long period
      of administration for onset glucose lowering and are not suitable for
      transitioning hospitalized patients who have been receiving insulin to outpatient
      care. Metformin is contraindicated in patients with renal, cardiac, or pulmonary
      insufficiency. Incretin-based therapies, glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor
      agonists and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors, have limited use in hospitals,
      but may be suitable for the transition to outpatient treatment. The most common
      adverse events with glucagon-like peptide-1 inhibitors involve the
      gastrointestinal system. More formal studies of treatment regimens for patients
      with hyperglycemia leaving the hospital are needed to guide care for this group.

PMID- 22056829
TI  - A review of recent clinical trials and guidelines on the prevention and
      management of delirium in hospitalized older patients.
AB  - Treatment of acute illness in older adults is frequently complicated by the
      presence of delirium. Delirium is characterized by the development of an altered
      mental status over the course of hours to days, and can have a fluctuating
      course. Patients with delirium have difficulty paying attention to their
      environment, have disorganized thinking, and usually have an altered level of
      consciousness. While scientists continue to elucidate the pathophysiologic
      mechanisms associated with delirium, clinicians can identify patients at risk for
      delirium and diagnose it using valid instruments, such as the Confusion
      Assessment Method and Confusion Assessment Method for the Intensive Care Unit.
      Delirium is an independent risk factor for death, institutionalization, and
      dementia, and resolves in many patients by the time of hospital discharge. For
      patients admitted to medical units, optimal management of delirium includes
      reassessment of medications, pain, sleep, nutrition, mobility, need for physical
      restraints, and bowel and bladder function. The use of antipsychotic medication
      to sedate delirious patients should be restricted to patients in danger of
      harming themselves or others and should be used when nonpharmacologic means fail.
      Multicomponent interventions performed by the hospital care team that address
      risk factors can prevent delirium in patients in medical units and those
      undergoing hip fracture repair. This includes attention to the depth of sedation
      during spinal anesthesia and the addition of regional nerve blocks to patient
      controlled analgesia in orthopedic patients, both of which may reduce
      postoperative delirium. Perioperative use of antipsychotics may further reduce
      the incidence of delirium, although hospital length of stay has not been
      routinely reduced. Appropriate management of analgesia, sedation, and delirium in
      the intensive care unit is also associated with reduced duration of mechanical
      ventilation, as well as intensive care unit and hospital length of stay. The use
      of dexmedetomidine, an alpha-adrenergic receptor agonist, for sedation may reduce
      intensive care unit length of stay when compared with use of benzodiazepines.

PMID- 22056830
TI  - Lung cancer screening: a review of available data and current guidelines.
AB  - Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. A lack of
      clinical symptoms in early-stage disease frequently leads to diagnosis at a late
      stage, and a 15% 5-year survival rate in all patients so diagnosed. This has led
      to significant interest in effective screening methods to detect early-stage
      cancers, particularly for high-risk groups, such as current or former smokers.
      Early clinical trials focused on chest radiograph with or without sputum cytology
      and failed to show an improvement in mortality with screening. A meta-analysis
      also failed to show a difference in all-cause mortality. Subsequent protocols
      compared low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) scan with chest radiograph and
      documented increased detection of early-stage disease; however, they were not
      designed to prove a reduction in mortality. The most recent trials have focused
      on LDCT scans, including the National Lung Screening Trial. Data released from
      the National Lung Screening Trial demonstrated a statistically significant
      reduction in lung cancer deaths in patients screened with LDCT scans. When data
      from the study, including cost-effectiveness, are completely analyzed, they may
      lead to revision of current lung cancer screening recommendations to include LDCT
      scans in specific populations at high risk of developing lung cancer.

PMID- 22056831
TI  - The role of myotubularin-related phosphatases in the control of autophagy and
      programmed cell death.

PMID- 22056832
TI  - Memory shaped by age stereotypes over time.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Previous studies showed that negative self-stereotypes detrimentally
      affect the cognitive performance of marginalized group members; however, these
      findings were confined to short-term experiments. In the present study, we
      considered whether stereotypes predicted memory over time, which had not been
      previously examined. We also considered whether self-relevance increased the
      influence of stereotypes on memory over time. METHOD: Multiple waves of memory
      performance were analyzed using individual growth models. The sample consisted of
      395 participants in the Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging. RESULTS: Those
      with more negative age stereotypes demonstrated significantly worse memory
      performance over 38 years than those with less negative age stereotypes, after
      adjusting for relevant covariates. The decline in memory performance for those
      aged 60 and above was 30.2% greater for the more negative age stereotype group
      than for the less negative age stereotype group. Also, the impact of age
      stereotypes on memory was significantly greater among those for whom the age
      stereotypes were self-relevant. DISCUSSION: This study shows that the adverse
      influence of negative self-stereotypes on cognitive performance is not limited to
      a short-term laboratory effect. Rather, the findings demonstrate, for the first
      time, that stereotypes also predict memory performance over an extended period in
      the community.

PMID- 22056833
TI  - Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-alpha activation attenuates 3
      nitropropionic acid induced behavioral and biochemical alterations in rats:
      possible neuroprotective mechanisms.
AB  - Peroxisome proliferators activated receptor is regarded as potential therapeutic
      targets to control various neurodegenerative disorders. However, none of the
      study has elucidated its effect in the treatment of Huntington's disease. We
      explored whether peroxisome proliferators activated receptor-alpha agonist may
      attenuate various behavioral and biochemical alterations induced by systemic
      administration of 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP), an accepted experimental animal
      model of Huntington's disease phenotype. Intraperitoneal administration of 3-NP
      (20mg/kg., i.p.) for 4days in rats produced hypolocomotion, muscle
      incoordination, and cognitive dysfunction. Daily treatment with fenofibrate (100
      or 200mg/kg., p.o.), 30min prior to 3-NP administration for a total of 4days,
      significantly improved the 3-NP induced motor and cognitive impairment.
      Biochemical analysis revealed that systemic 3-NP administration significantly
      increased oxidative and nitrosative stress (increase lipid peroxidation, protein
      carbonyls and nitrite level), lactate dehydrogenase activity whereas, decreased
      the activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione, and
      succinate dehydrogenase. Fenofibrate treatment significantly attenuated oxidative
      damage, cytokines and improved mitochondrial complexes enzyme activity in brain.
      In the present study, MK886, a selective inhibitor of peroxisome proliferators
      activated receptor-alpha was employed to elucidate the beneficial effect through
      either receptor dependent or receptor independent neuroprotective mechanisms.
      Administration of MK886 (1mg/kg, i.p.) prior to fenofibrate (200mg/kg, p.o.)
      abolished the effect of fenofibrate. The results showed that receptor dependent
      neuroprotective effects of fenofibrate in 3-NP administered rats provide a new
      evidence for a role of PPAR-alpha activation in neuroprotection that is
      attributed by modulating oxidative stress and inflammation.

PMID- 22056834
TI  - Effect of topical application of mitomycin-C on wound healing in a
      postlaminectomy rat model: an experimental study.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of topical application
      mitomycin-C (MMC) on wound healing after laminectomy. 60 adult male SD rats were
      equally and randomly divided into five groups. Laminectomy was performed at the
      level of L1 in all rats. After hemostasis was achieved, cotton pads soaked with
      saline and MMC (0.1mg/ml, 0.3mg/ml, 0.5mg/ml and 0.7mg/ml) were directly
      subjected to the exposed dura for 5min in each group. Two weeks after laminectomy
      all the rats were killed. The vertebral column including the back scar tissue and
      muscles was obtained to make paraffin sections. The hematoxylin-eosin staining
      and Masson staining were performed with the obtained paraffin sections. The
      number of the fibroblast and the capillary density were counted by the
      hematoxylin-eosin staining slice. The extent of epidural fibrosis and the
      expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were evaluated by the
      immunohistochemical slice through a computer image analysis system. Our data
      showed that the number of fibroblast, capillary density and fibrotic tissue in
      the 0.5 and 0.7mg/ml MMC groups was significantly lower than the control, 0.1 and
      0.3mg/ml MMC groups; while the expression of VEGF in control and 0.1mg/ml MMC
      groups was notably higher than 0.3, 0.5 and 0.7mg/ml MMC groups. Topical
      application of MMC above the concentration of 0.3mg/ml could affect all steps of
      the wound healing process via inhibiting the angiogenesis and fibroblast
      proliferation, thus delayed the wound healing after laminectomy.

PMID- 22056835
TI  - Use and limitations of three TRPV-1 receptor antagonists on smooth muscles of
      animals and man: a vote for BCTC.
AB  - Specificity of the effect is a crucial factor in using antagonists for detecting
      the physiological/pathophysiological roles of receptors. Here we examined the
      capsaicin receptor antagonist effects of three commercially-available substances,
      capsazepine, iodo-resiniferatoxin (I-RTX) and BCTC, on isolated smooth muscle
      preparations, including the human intestine. Care was taken to observe possible
      non-specific effects, to find out safe and effective concentrations. Capsazepine
      appeared to have a low margin of safety. I-RTX (up to 1MUM) specifically
      inhibited capsaicin-induced contractions in the guinea-pig ileum and urinary
      bladder. I-RTX showed agonist activity on the rat urinary bladder. BCTC (1MUM)
      abolished the contractile effects of capsaicin (1 or 2MUM) on all preparations
      tested (guinea-pig ileum, bladder, trachea, as well as rat and mouse bladder),
      and on the guinea-pig renal pelvis, where it failed to influence capsaicin
      sensitive, sensory neuron-mediated positive inotropy in response to field
      stimulation. On human intestinal preparations BCTC prevented the relaxant effect
      of capsaicin. It is concluded that of the three antagonists tested BCTC seems the
      safest one for inhibiting TRPV-1 receptors. The effect of capsazepine may be
      complicated by non-specific inhibition of smooth muscle contractility and that of
      I-RTX by agonist activity. The "local efferent" function of capsaicin-sensitive
      sensory neurons is not influenced by BCTC, as shown by the results obtained in
      the renal pelvis. In conclusion, of the TRPV-1 receptor antagonists studied, BCTC
      (1MUM) seems the most reliable in isolated organ experiments. This substance is
      also effective in the human intestine.

PMID- 22056836
TI  - Stimulus-specific blockade of nitric oxide-mediated dilatation by asymmetric
      dimethylarginine (ADMA) and monomethylarginine (L-NMMA) in rat aorta and carotid
      artery.
AB  - Previous work on female rat aorta has shown that although monomethylarginine (L
      NMMA) and asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) each enhance submaximal
      phenylephrine-induced tone, consistent with blockade of basal nitric oxide
      activity, neither agent has any major effect on acetylcholine-induced relaxation.
      The aim of this study was to adopt a variety of different experimental approaches
      to test the hypothesis that these methylarginines block basal but not agonist
      stimulated activity of nitric oxide. Basal activity of nitric oxide was assessed
      by observing the rise in submaximal phenylephrine-induced tone produced by nitric
      oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors in male and female aorta and female carotid
      artery, and by monitoring the vasodilator actions of superoxide dismutase (SOD)
      or the PDE 5 inhibitor, T-0156. Agonist-stimulated activity of nitric oxide was
      assessed by observing the relaxant actions of acetylcholine or calcium ionophore
      A23187. L-NMMA, ADMA and L-NAME (100 MUM) each enhanced submaximal phenylephrine
      induced tone and inhibited SOD- or T-0156-induced relaxation, consistent with
      each NOS inhibitor blocking basal nitric oxide activity. In contrast, L-NMMA and
      ADMA had little effect on acetylcholine- or A23187-induced relaxation, while L
      NAME produced powerful blockade. These observations provide support for the
      hypothesis that L-NMMA and ADMA selectively block basal over agonist-stimulated
      activity of nitric oxide in rat vessels.

PMID- 22056837
TI  - Azithromycin fails to reduce inflammation in cystic fibrosis airway epithelial
      cells.
AB  - Cystic fibrosis is a hereditary disease caused by a mutation in the Cystic
      Fibrosis Transmembrane conductance Regulator (CFTR) gene that encodes a chloride
      (Cl(-)) channel. Cystic fibrosis pulmonary pathophysiology is characterised by
      chronic inflammation and bacterial infections. Azithromycin, a macrolide
      antibiotic, has shown promising anti-inflammatory properties in some inflammatory
      pulmonary diseases. Moreover, all clinical studies have presented an improvement
      of the respiratory condition of cystic fibrosis patients, but the molecular and
      cellular mechanisms remain unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate, in
      bronchial epithelial cells, the effects of azithromycin on inflammatory pathways
      involved in cystic fibrosis. We have analysed the effects of azithromycin on
      cystic fibrosis and non-cystic fibrosis bronchial epithelial cell lines but also
      in non-immortalized non-cystic fibrosis human glandular cells. To create an
      inflammatory context, cells were treated with Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF)-alpha
      or Interleukin (IL)1-beta. Activation of the NF-kappaB pathway was investigated
      by luciferase assay, western blotting, and by Forster Resonance Energy Transfer
      imaging, allowing the detection of the interaction between the transcription
      factor and its inhibitor in live cells. In all conditions tested, azithromycin
      did not have an anti-inflammatory effect on the cystic fibrosis human bronchial
      epithelial cells and on CFTR-inhibited primary human bronchial glandular cells.
      More, our data showed no effect of azithromycin on IL-1beta- or TNF-alpha-induced
      IL-8 secretion and NF-kappaB pathway activation. Taken together, these data show
      that azithromycin is unable to decrease in vitro inflammation in cystic fibrosis
      cells from airways.

PMID- 22056838
TI  - The interactions of atorvastatin and fluvastatin with carbamazepine, phenytoin
      and valproate in the mouse maximal electroshock seizure model.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine the influence of acute (single) and
      chronic (once daily for 7 consecutive days) treatments with atorvastatin and
      fluvastatin on the anticonvulsant potential of three antiepileptic drugs:
      carbamazepine, phenytoin and valproate in the mouse maximal electroshock-induced
      seizure model. Additionally, the effects of acute and chronic administration of
      both statins on the adverse effect potential of three antiepileptic drugs were
      assessed in the chimney test (motor performance) and passive avoidance task (long
      term memory). To evaluate the pharmacokinetic characteristics of interaction
      between antiepileptic drugs and statins, the total brain concentrations of
      antiepileptic drugs were estimated with the fluorescence polarization immunoassay
      technique. Results indicate that atorvastatin at doses up to 80mg/kg in chronic
      experiment attenuated the anticonvulsant potential of carbamazepine by increasing
      its ED(50) value against maximal electroconvulsions. Acute fluvastatin (80mg/kg)
      enhanced the anticonvulsant potential of carbamazepine and valproate by
      decreasing their ED(50) values. Acute fluvastatin (80mg/kg) also markedly
      increased the total brain carbamazepine concentration by 61% in a pharmacokinetic
      reaction. Atorvastatin (acute and chronic) and fluvastatin (chronic) in
      combinations with valproate impaired long-term memory in mice. Both statins in
      combinations with all three antiepileptic drugs had no impact on their adverse
      effects in the chimney test. Based on this preclinical study, one can conclude
      that chronic administration of atorvastatin reduces the anticonvulsant action of
      carbamazepine and acute fluvastatin can enhance the anticonvulsant potency of the
      carbamazepine and valproate. The former interaction was pharmacokinetic in
      nature.

PMID- 22056839
TI  - Depressive symptoms and diet: their effects on prospective inflammation levels in
      the elderly.
AB  - It has been reported that a Mediterranean-type diet in old age is protective
      against inflammation in Italians with depressive symptoms. In the present study,
      we explore this hypothesis in a non-Mediterranean, elderly sample, and further
      disentangle whether it is a Mediterranean diet per se or a healthy diet, in
      general, that confers this protective effect. The sample is a cohort of people
      born in 1936, who were assessed on diet and depressive symptoms at age 70.
      Inflammatory markers, C-reactive protein, fibrinogen and albumin, were collected
      at ages 70 and 73, while Interleukin-6 transferrin and ferritin were measured at
      the second time-point only. Controlling for confounding factors (e.g., CVD risk
      factors, medication) no interaction effect of depressive symptoms and
      Mediterranean diet was observed on inflammation. However, a main effect of
      Mediterranean diet on change in C-reactive protein was significant (beta=-0.10,
      p=0.03), and so too was an effect of the 'Health Aware' diet on ferritin (beta=
      0.12, p=0.02). An interaction between depressive symptoms and a Health Aware diet
      on transferrin levels showed that there was an association between increased
      depressive symptoms and inflammation in those following a Health Aware diet. Our
      results indicate that there are advantages of a Mediterranean diet over a Health
      Aware diet with respect to the progression of inflammation in old age and that
      depressive symptoms compound inflammatory burden only for specific biomarkers and
      under specific dietary conditions unrelated to the Mediterranean diet.

PMID- 22056840
TI  - New insights on the molecular features and electrophysiological properties of
      dinotefuran, imidacloprid and acetamiprid neonicotinoid insecticides.
AB  - Structural features and hydrogen-bond interactions of dinotefuran (DIN),
      imidacoloprid (IMI) and acetamiprid (ACE) have been investigated experimentally
      through analyses of new crystal structures and observations in structural
      databases, as well as by Density Functional Theory quantum chemical calculations.
      Several conformations are observed experimentally in the solid state,
      highlighting the large flexibility of these compounds. This feature is confirmed
      by the theoretical calculations in the gas phase, the numerous and different
      energetic minima of the three neonicotinoids being located within a 10kJ/mol
      range. Comparisons of the observed and simulated data sheds light on the hydrogen
      bond (HB) strength of the functional group at the tip of the electronegative
      fragment of each pharmacophore (NO(2) for DIN and IMI and CN for ACE). This
      effect originates in the 'push-pull' nature of these fragments and the related
      extensive electron delocalization. Molecular electrostatic potential calculations
      provide a ranking of the two fragments of the three neonicotinoid in terms of HB
      strength. Thus, the NO(2) group of DIN is the strongest HB acceptor of the
      electronegative fragment, closely followed by the cyano group of ACE. These two
      groups are significantly more potent than the NO(2) group of IMI. With respect to
      the other fragments of the three neonicotinoids, the nitrogen atom of the
      pyridine of IMI and ACE are stronger HB acceptors than the oxygen atom of the
      furanyl moiety of DIN. Finally, compared to electrophysiological studies obtained
      from cockroach synaptic and extrasynaptic receptors, DIN appears more effective
      than IMI and ACE because it strongly increases dose-dependently the ganglionic
      depolarisation and the currents amplitudes. These data suggest that DIN, IMI and
      ACE belong to two subgroups which act differently as agonists of insect nicotinic
      receptors.

PMID- 22056841
TI  - Treatment of psoriatic nails with indigo naturalis oil extract: a non-controlled
      pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the treatment of nail psoriasis, standardized therapeutic regimens
      are currently lacking. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of indigo
      naturalis oil extract in patients with nail psoriasis. METHODS: Patients with
      nail psoriasis applied indigo naturalis oil extract on affected nails twice daily
      for 24 weeks. Efficacy was evaluated using the Nail Psoriasis Severity Index
      (NAPSI) and modified target NAPSI for the single most severely affected nail.
      RESULTS: Twenty-eight out of 32 patients completed the study. The mean NAPSI was
      36.1 +/- 14.7 at baseline and decreased to 14.9 +/- 11.1 at week 24 while the
      mean modified target NAPSI was 11.7 +/- 3.9 at baseline and decreased to 3.6 +/-
      3.2 at week 24. CONCLUSIONS: Indigo naturalis oil extract appeared to improve
      nail psoriasis. Although preliminary, these results indicate that it could
      provide a novel therapeutic option for nail psoriasis, a disease notoriously
      difficult to treat.

PMID- 22056842
TI  - Cognitive dysfunction in Tunisian LRRK2 associated Parkinson's disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cognitive impairment and dementia are frequent and debilitating
      features associated with idiopathic Parkinson's disease (PD). However the
      prevalence and the pattern of these complications are lacking for LRRK2 (leucine
      rich kinase 2)-associated PD patients. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to
      assess cognitive function in LRRK2- associated PD patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      55 patients diagnosed with PD-related LRRK2 G2019S mutation were included in the
      study and compared to the same number of G2019S non-carriers PD patients. Age,
      sex, disease duration, the movement disorder society-unified Parkinson's Disease
      rating scale (MDS-UPDRS), Hoehn and Yahr stage, Schwab and England scale and the
      30-item geriatric depression scale (GDS) scores were noted. Cognitive assessment
      included MMSE (Mini-Mental Examination), MOCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment) and
      FAB (Frontal Assessment Battery). RESULTS: MMSE, MOCA and FAB performance in
      G2019S carriers PD patients was similar to that of non-carriers. In both groups,
      performance was primarily impaired on visuospatial and executive tasks. Cognitive
      impairment was associated with older age, lower educational level and increased
      severity of motor impairment. CONCLUSION: Cognitive functions were similarly
      affected in PD patients with and without LRRK2 G2019S mutation with mainly
      impaired visuospatial and executive abilities. However, these results need to be
      confirmed by further large and prospective studies.

PMID- 22056843
TI  - Importance of ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in adolescent hypertension.
AB  - There has been a steady increase in the prevalence of adolescent hypertension in
      recent years. In order to prevent target organ damages, it is important to
      determine the group of hypertensive adolescents. If repeatedly elevated blood
      pressure values are observed, with special emphasis on white coat hypertension,
      which is particularly frequent at this age, ambulatory blood pressure monitoring
      is highly recommended before pharmacological treatment is started. In addition,
      performing ambulatory blood pressure monitoring is recommended with target organ
      damage, resistance to therapy, and suspicion of secondary hypertension. The
      results of the widely available, simple-to-use device are easy to reproduce.

PMID- 22056844
TI  - Heart failure nurses play a pivotal role in linking clinical research to clinical
      practice: translational research.

PMID- 22056845
TI  - Porcine circovirus type 2 (PCV2) infections: clinical signs, pathology and
      laboratory diagnosis.
AB  - Clinical signs and pathological features are still the corner-stones to suspect
      and diagnose overt disease associated with PCV2 infection. The clinico
      pathological scope of this viral infection has been expanded over time. From the
      initial description of postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome, some enteric,
      respiratory and reproductive disorders have been subsequently linked with PCV2.
      Porcine dermatitis and nephropathy syndrome, an immunocomplex disease, has also
      been associated with infection by this virus. All together, these conditions have
      been grouped under the name of porcine circovirus diseases (PCVD) or porcine
      circovirus associated diseases (PCVAD). The precise mechanisms by which a PCV2
      infected pig develops a PCV2 subclinical infection or a clinical PCVD/PCVAD are
      still to be fully elucidated, but inferences based upon clinical, gross and
      histologic findings from field cases of disease have been useful to suggest the
      pathogenesis of this viral infection. The objective of the present review is to
      update the current knowledge on the clinical and pathological scope of PCV2
      infections, as well as on their diagnosis. Moreover, a proposal on a unified
      PCVD/PCVAD terminology and clearly defined diagnostic criteria for these
      conditions are also given.

PMID- 22056846
TI  - Tripping over emerging pathogens around the world: a phylogeographical approach
      for determining the epidemiology of Porcine circovirus-2 (PCV-2), considering
      global trading.
AB  - Porcine circovirus-2 (PCV-2) is an emerging virus associated with a number of
      different syndromes in pigs known as Porcine Circovirus Associated Diseases
      (PCVAD). Since its identification and characterization in the early 1990s, PCV-2
      has achieved a worldwide distribution, becoming endemic in most pig-producing
      countries, and is currently considered as the main cause of losses on pig farms.
      In this study, we analyzed the main routes of the spread of PCV-2 between pig
      producing countries using phylogenetic and phylogeographical approaches. A search
      for PCV-2 genome sequences in GenBank was performed, and the 420 PCV-2 sequences
      obtained were grouped into haplotypes (group of sequences that showed 100%
      identity), based on the infinite sites model of genome evolution. A phylogenetic
      hypothesis was inferred by Bayesian Inference for the classification of viral
      strains and a haplotype network was constructed by Median Joining to predict the
      geographical distribution of and genealogical relationships between haplotypes.
      In order to establish an epidemiological and economic context in these analyses,
      we considered all information about PCV-2 sequences available in GenBank,
      including papers published on viral isolation, and live pig trading statistics
      available on the UN Comtrade database (http://comtrade.un.org/). In these
      analyses, we identified a strong correlation between the means of PCV-2 dispersal
      predicted by the haplotype network and the statistics on the international
      trading of live pigs. This correlation provides a new perspective on the
      epidemiology of PCV-2, highlighting the importance of the movement of animals
      around the world in the emergence of new pathogens, and showing the need for
      effective sanitary barriers when trading live animals.

PMID- 22056847
TI  - The influence of HLA alleles and HBV subgenotyes on the outcomes of HBV
      infections in Northeast China.
AB  - Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection has a wide variety of clinical outcomes, it
      could be spontaneouly recovered and also could develop fulminant liver failure or
      cirrhosis with hepatocellular carcinoma. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA)
      polymorphism and HBV (sub)genotypes have been speculated to associate with the
      outcome of HBV infection because the data obtained from various populations who
      bear different HLA alleles have shown a HLA polymorphism associated outcome of
      HBV infection. However, as the most important viral and host genetic factors, the
      impact of HBV (sub)genotypes in combination with HLA polymorphism on the clinical
      outcomes of HBV infections remains unclear. To demonstrate the association of HLA
      allele polymorphism in combination with HBV subgenotypes with the outcome of HBV
      infection in Northeastern Han Chinese population, a total of 230 HBV-infected
      individuals (Infection group) were compared to 210 random selected controls
      (Control group) who are negative for HBV infection for their HLA alleles
      frequency as well as the associations with the virus infection, clearance and
      persistence in combination with HBV subgenotypes. Of the 230 HBV-infected
      subjects, 54 were acute self-limited hepatitis (ASH) with HBV subgenotype C2 (ASH
      C2), 144 were chronic hepatitis (CH) with HBV subgenotype C2 and B2 (CH-C2 and CH
      B2), and 32 were spontaneously recovered (SR) without subgenotype results. When
      two groups are compared, the results suggest that B*48, B*51 and DRB1*12 carrier
      may have a high risk for HBV infection, but B*51 is likely association with
      spontaneous recovery and DRB1*07, 12 may be implied in viral persistence. HLA
      B*15, DRB1*11 and 14 associated with viral clearance in the cases of HBV-C2
      infection; HLA-B*54 carriers in chronic group are more sensitive to with the
      infection of HBV subgenotype B2; HLA-B*07 and DRB1*13 may protect subjects from
      HBV infection. The data presented a link between HLA polymorphism and HBV
      pathogenesis and suggested potential therapeutic targets for hepatitis B.

PMID- 22056848
TI  - Functional characterization of EUL47 in productive replication, morphogenesis and
      infectivity of equine herpesvirus 1.
AB  - EUL47 is a major component of the tegument of equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV-1). To
      determine its function, we used Red/ET cloning to delete its gene (gene 13) from
      EHV-1 strain Ab4p inserted into a bacterial artificial chromosome (BAC), yielding
      Ab4pattBDelta13. We also examined the reverted virus (Ab4pattB13R).
      Ab4pattBDelta13 replicated in rabbit kidney (RK)-13 cells, indicating that ORF13
      is dispensable for virus replication in cell culture. Its intracellular and
      extracellular titers were about 10- and 100-fold lower than those of the
      revertant and parent strains, respectively. In addition, the plaque size was half
      the plaque sizes of the other two strains. The particle-to-plaque forming unit
      ratio of Ab4pattBDelta13 was 21-fold greater than the ratios of the revertant and
      parent strains. No enveloped virions were detected in the cytoplasm of
      Ab4pattBDelta13-infected cells by transmission electron microscopy. In hamster,
      Ab4pattBDelta13 caused clinical signs and weight loss after only 1 day, but
      induced less severe neurological signs than did the revertant and parent strains.
      These results indicate that EUL47 is structurally required for normal virus
      replication, viral morphogenesis and viral infectivity, and that loss of EUL47
      moderately attenuates the neuropathogenicity of EHV-1 in the hamster model.

PMID- 22056850
TI  - Bevacizumab-induced laryngeal necrosis.

PMID- 22056851
TI  - Sorafenib-induced diarrhea and hypophosphatemia: mechanisms and therapeutic
      implications.

PMID- 22056852
TI  - Prognostic significance of UBE2C mRNA expression in high-risk early breast
      cancer. A Hellenic Cooperative Oncology Group (HeCOG) Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) plays a pivotal role in
      tumorigenesis. Components of the UPS have recently been implicated in breast
      cancer progression. In the present study, we sought to explore the prognostic
      and/or predictive significance of UBE2C messenger RNA (mRNA) expression on
      disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) in high-risk operable
      breast cancer patients. METHODS: Five hundred and ninety-five high-risk breast
      cancer patients were treated in a two-arm trial evaluating postoperative, dose
      dense sequential chemotherapy with epirubicin followed by CMF (cyclophosphamide,
      methotrexate and 5-fluorouracil) with or without paclitaxel (Taxol). RNA was
      extracted from 313 formalin-fixed primary tumor tissue samples followed by one
      step quantitative RT-PCR for assessment of mRNA expression of UBE2C. RESULTS:
      High UBE2C mRNA expression was associated with poor DFS (Wald's P = 0.003) and OS
      (Wald's P = 0.005). High tumor grade, as well as high Ki67 protein expression,
      was more frequent in the high-expression group of UBE2C. Results of the Cox
      multivariate regression analysis revealed that high UBE2C mRNA expression
      remained an independent adverse prognostic factor for relapse (P = 0.037) and
      death (P = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: High UBE2C mRNA expression was found to be of
      adverse prognostic significance in high-risk breast cancer patients. These
      findings need to be validated in larger cohorts.

PMID- 22056853
TI  - Importance of gender in diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Combined therapy involving cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and
      perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy has been shown to improve survival
      outcomes for patients with diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma (DMPM). The
      present study aims to investigate gender as a potential prognostic factor on
      overall survival. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Over a period of two decades, 294
      patients who underwent CRS and perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy were
      selected from a large multi-institutional registry to assess the prognostic
      significance of gender on overall survival. RESULTS: Female patients were shown
      to have a significantly improved survival outcome than male patients (P < 0.001).
      Staging according to a recently proposed tumor-node-metastasis categorization
      system was significant in both genders. Older female patients had significantly
      worse survival than younger female patients (P = 0.019), a finding that was
      absent in male patients. Female patients with low-stage disease were found to
      have a very favorable long-term outcome after combined treatment. CONCLUSIONS:
      Gender has demonstrated a significant impact on overall survival for patients
      with DMPM after CRS and perioperative intraperitoneal chemotherapy. An improved
      understanding of the role of estrogen in the pathogenesis of DMPM may improve the
      prognostication of patients and determine the role of adjuvant hormonal treatment
      in the future.

PMID- 22056854
TI  - Cardiac safety of adjuvant pegylated liposomal doxorubicin with concurrent
      trastuzumab: a randomized phase II trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The cardiac safety of trastuzumab concurrent with pegylated liposomal
      doxorubicin (PLD) in an adjuvant breast cancer treatment regimen is unknown.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: Women with resected node-positive or intermediate-risk node
      negative HER2 overexpressing breast cancer and baseline left ventricular ejection
      fraction (LVEF)>=55% were randomized (1:2) to doxorubicin 60 mg/m2
      (A)+cyclophosphamide 600 mg/m2 (C) every 21 days (q21d) for four cycles or PLD 35
      mg/m2+C q21d+trastuzumab 2 mg/kg weekly (H) for 12 weeks. Both groups then
      received paclitaxel (Taxol, T) 80 mg/m2 with H for 12 weeks followed by H to
      complete 1 year. The primary end point was cardiac event rate or inability to
      administer 1 year of trastuzumab. RESULTS: Of 181 randomized patients, 179
      underwent cardiac analysis. The incidence of cardiac toxicity or inability to
      administer trastuzumab due to cardiotoxicity was 18.6% [n=11; 95% confidence
      interval (CI) 9.7% to 30.9%] with A+C->T+H and 4.2% (n=5; 95% CI 1.4% to 9.5%)
      with PLD+C+H->T+H (P=0.0036). All events, except one, were asymptomatic systolic
      dysfunction or mildly symptomatic heart failure. Mean absolute LVEF reduction at
      cycle 8 was greater with doxorubicin (5.6% versus 2.1%; P=0.0014). CONCLUSION:
      PLD+C+H->T+H is feasible and results in lower early cardiotoxicity rates compared
      with A+C->T+H.

PMID- 22056855
TI  - Predicting and managing the risk of pulmonary haemorrhage in patients with NSCLC
      treated with bevacizumab: a consensus report from a panel of experts.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bevacizumab is a monoclonal antibody against vascular endothelial
      growth factor. Severe pulmonary haemorrhage (PH) is a rare but serious potential
      adverse event associated with bevacizumab therapy for advanced non-squamous non
      small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). METHODS: A panel of expert oncologists,
      pulmonologists and radiologists reviewed the available data to identify
      predictive factors for PH in order to help guide physicians using bevacizumab in
      patients with NSCLC. RESULTS: Patients with NSCLC are at an increased risk of PH
      owing to the underlying disease process. Patients with squamous histology and/or
      a history of grade >= 2 haemoptysis (>= 2.5 ml per event) should not receive
      bevacizumab. No clinical or radiological features (including cavitation and
      central tumour location) reliably predict severe PH in bevacizumab-treated
      patients. Major blood vessel infiltration and bronchial vessel infiltration,
      encasement and abutting may predict PH; however, standardised radiological
      criteria for defining infiltration have not been established. Eligibility for
      bevacizumab is not affected by patient age, performance status or anticoagulation
      or antiplatelet therapy. CONCLUSIONS: An individualised risk-benefit assessment
      should be undertaken in all patients with NSCLC in whom bevacizumab is being
      considered. Further research is required to elucidate the mechanisms underlying
      PH and the clinical risk factors.

PMID- 22056856
TI  - Dosimetric evaluation of breast radiotherapy in a dynamic phantom.
AB  - This phantom study quantifies changes in delivered dose due to respiratory motion
      for four breast radiotherapy planning techniques: three intensity-modulated
      techniques (forward-planned, surface-compensated and hybrid intensity-modulated
      radiation therapy (IMRT)); using a combination of open fields and inverse planned
      IMRT) and a 2D conventional technique. The plans were created on CT images of a
      wax breast phantom with a cork lung insert, and dose distributions were measured
      using films inserted through slits in the axial and sagittal planes. Films were
      irradiated according to each plan under a static (modeling breathhold) and three
      dynamic conditions--isocenter set at mid-respiratory cycle with motion amplitudes
      of 1 and 2 cm and at end-cycle with 2 cm motion amplitude (modeling end-exhale).
      Differences between static and moving deliveries were most pronounced for the
      more complex planning techniques with hot spots of up to 107% appearing in the
      anterior portion of all three IMRT plans at the largest motion at the end-exhale
      set-up. The delivered dose to the moving phantom was within 5% of that to the
      static phantom for all cases, while measurement accuracy was +/-3%. The
      homogeneity index was significantly decreased only for the 2 cm motion end-exhale
      set-up; however, this same motion increased the equivalent uniform dose because
      of improved posterior breast coverage. Overall, the study demonstrates that the
      effect of respiratory motion is negligible for all planning techniques except in
      occasional instances of large motion.

PMID- 22056857
TI  - Electronic structure and energetics of tetragonal SrCuO2 and its high-pressure
      superstructure phase.
AB  - First-principles calculations have been used to investigate the electronic
      structure and energetics of the simple tetragonal SrCuO2 (P4=mmm) and its high
      pressure tetragonal superstructure (P4=mmm). Based on the calculations, the high
      pressure phase is metastable as compared with the low pressure tetragonal phase,
      with an energy difference of 0.13 eV per SrCuO2 formula unit. The energy barrier
      to the transition from the superstructure to the simple tetragonal structure is
      0.24 eV at 7 GPa; thus, high temperatures are required to synthesize the latter.
      Among the possible structural configurations resulting from the partially
      occupied oxygen site in the superstructure phase, the most stable structure has a
      space group PN4m2, reduced from that of the simple tetragonal structure P4=mmm.
      The detailed analysis of the electronic band structures of the simple tetragonal
      and superstructure phases suggests that the out-of-plane buckling of the O atoms
      in the superstructure leads to significant decrease in the O p-Cu d orbital
      overlap, allowing the energy of the system to be lowered, which is necessary for
      the structural stability. An understanding of the electronic structure and
      energetics of the high-pressure superstructure phase and its relation to the
      simple tetragonal phase provides a basis for exploring the physical properties of
      the infinite layer, high-TC superconductor.

PMID- 22056858
TI  - Isolated eyelid edema in Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome: a case series.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report the clinicopathologic features of a series of patients with
      Melkersson-Rosenthal syndrome (MRS). METHODS: Patients in this
      clinicopathological case series were identified through retrospective review.
      Five Caucasian patients (2 women and 3 men; age range, 46 to 73 years) with
      isolated eyelid swelling presented over an 11-month period to two Canadian
      tertiary Oculoplastic referral centres. All underwent clinical examination and
      had tissue biopsies. RESULTS: The patients presented with non-pitting, non
      pruritic, painless and recurrent eyelid swelling. None had evidence of cranial
      nerve palsy or fissured tongue. The duration of symptoms before referral was
      between 1-5 years. Histopathological examination showed granulomatous
      inflammation in four patients. Granulomatous folliculitis was a novel finding in
      three patients. CONCLUSIONS: Monosymptomatic patients with MRS require a high
      index of suspicion. Histopathological confirmation is vital for the diagnosis.

PMID- 22056860
TI  - Retinopathy in a patient with Fanconi anemia and vitamin B12 deficiency.

PMID- 22056861
TI  - Trabeculectomy pearls of wisdom; mitomycin-soaked pledget 'necklace' suture.

PMID- 22056862
TI  - Comment on 'Preclinical aspects of anti-VEGF agents for the treatment of wet AMD:
      ranibizumab and bevacizumab'.

PMID- 22056864
TI  - Central serous chorioretinopathy following oral tadalafil.

PMID- 22056865
TI  - A day at the races: ocular injuries in extreme motorcycle racing spectators.

PMID- 22056867
TI  - New concept: treating nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy with light adaptation
      of rods during sleep.

PMID- 22056868
TI  - TGFBI-linked corneal dystrophies treated using superficial lamellar keratectomy
      combined with phototherapeutic keratectomy.

PMID- 22056869
TI  - Authorship and the role of medical writers.

PMID- 22056870
TI  - In vivo confocal microscopic evaluation of keratic precipitates and endothelial
      morphology in Fuchs' uveitis syndrome.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the endothelial cell layer in patients with Fuchs' uveitis
      syndrome (FUS) with respect to the type and distribution of keratic precipitates
      (KP), endothelial cell morphology, and endothelial cell density (ECD), using in
      vivoconfocal microscopy (IVCM). METHODS: Forty eyes of 40 patients (mean age of
      32.2 +/- 12.5 years) with the clinical diagnosis of FUS were evaluated with IVCM
      (Confoscan 3.0, Vigonza, Italy). KP were classified as type I (small, round),
      type II (stippled), type III (dendritiform), and type IV (globular). When >1 KP
      type was present, differentiation between the predominant and less frequent KP
      was made as 'primary' and 'secondary'. ECD was measured and compared with age
      matched 60 control subjects. Endothelial blebs were classified as small (3-10
      MUm) or large (>10 MUm). RESULTS: In 36 (90.0%) cases with FUS, more than one KP
      type was observed with IVCM. Type III (dendritiform) KP was the most frequently
      observed primary KP type (85.0%), followed by type II (stippled) KP (15.0%).
      Secondary KP included type II (58.3%), type IV (globular) (27.8%), and type III
      (13.9%). The mean endothelial cell density of eyes with FUS (2588 +/- 396
      cells/mm(2)) was significantly lower than that of control subjects (2930 +/- 364
      cells/mm(2)) (t-test; P<0.001). Eyes with FUS had lower proportion of hexagonal
      cells and higher percentage of polymegethism compared with the uninvolved
      contralateral eyes. Endothelial blebs (21 small, 16 large blebs) were observed in
      37 (92.5%) eyes. CONCLUSIONS: FUS is characterized by dendritiform KP and is
      associated with decreased ECD and altered endothelial cell morphology.

PMID- 22056871
TI  - Molecular epidemiology of adrenocortical tumors in southern Brazil.
AB  - The high frequency of TP53 R337H carriers in southern Brazil is responsible for
      the highest known incidence of childhood adrenocortical tumor (ACT). Our aims
      were to examine other contributing mutations, age-related risk factors,
      epidemiological differences in ACT and to shed light on a method for increasing
      the survival rate of children. The fetal zone of the adrenal cortex is believed
      to be one of the tissues most susceptible to adenoma or carcinoma formation due
      to loss of p53 function. The founder germline R337H mutation is found in 95% of
      ACTs of young children, a much greater proportion than in adults. Despite intense
      educational campaigns about the high incidence of ACT in Parana State, advanced
      cases remain common. Four advanced ACT cases (4/5) were admitted to a single
      institution in the first 6months of 2011 in Parana State, none of the families
      knew about ACT, and 2 reported no familial cancer syndrome. Curative resection is
      possible when a small ACT is detected early.

PMID- 22056872
TI  - Twist contributes to hormone resistance in breast cancer by downregulating
      estrogen receptor-alpha.
AB  - The role of estrogen receptor-alpha (ER) in breast cancer development, and as a
      primary clinical marker for breast cancer prognosis, has been well documented. In
      this study, we identified the oncogenic protein, TWIST1 (Twist), which is
      overexpressed in high-grade breast cancers, as a potential negative regulator of
      ER expression. Functional characterization of ER regulation by Twist was
      performed using Twist low (MCF-7, T-47D) and Twist high (Hs 578T, MDA-MB-231, MCF
      7/Twist) expressing cell lines. All Twist high expressing cell lines exhibited
      low ER transcript and protein levels. By chromatin immunoprecipitation and
      promoter assays, we demonstrated that Twist could directly bind to E-boxes in the
      ER promoter and significantly downregulate ER promoter activity in vitro.
      Functionally, Twist overexpression caused estrogen-independent proliferation of
      breast cells, and promoted hormone resistance to the selective estrogen receptor
      modulator tamoxifen and selective estrogen receptor down-regulator fulvestrant.
      Importantly, this effect was reversible on downregulating Twist. In addition,
      orthotopic tumors generated in mice using MCF-7/Twist cells were resistant to
      tamoxifen. These tumors had high vascular volume and permeability surface area,
      as determined by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Mechanistically, Twist
      recruited DNA methyltransferase 3B (DNMT3B) to the ER promoter, leading to a
      significantly higher degree of ER promoter methylation compared with parental
      cells. Furthermore, we demonstrated by co-immunoprecipitation that Twist
      interacted with histone deacetylase 1 (HDAC1) at the ER promoter, causing histone
      deacetylation and chromatin condensation, further reducing ER transcript levels.
      Functional re-expression of ER was achieved using the demethylating agent, 5
      azacytidine, and the HDAC inhibitor, valproic acid. Finally, an inverse
      relationship was observed between Twist and ER expression in human breast tumors.
      In summary, the regulation of ER by Twist could be an underlying mechanism for
      the loss of ER activity observed in breast tumors, and may contribute to the
      generation of hormone-resistant, ER-negative breast cancer.

PMID- 22056873
TI  - Antitumor alkyl-lysophospholipid analog edelfosine induces apoptosis in
      pancreatic cancer by targeting endoplasmic reticulum.
AB  - Pancreatic cancer remains as one of the most deadly cancers, and responds poorly
      to current therapies. The prognosis is extremely poor, with a 5-year survival of
      less than 5%. Therefore, search for new effective therapeutic drugs is of pivotal
      need and urgency to improve treatment of this incurable malignancy. Synthetic
      alkyl-lysophospholipid analogs (ALPs) constitute a heterogeneous group of
      unnatural lipids that promote apoptosis in a wide variety of tumor cells. In this
      study, we found that the anticancer drug edelfosine was the most potent ALP in
      killing human pancreatic cancer cells, targeting endoplasmic reticulum (ER).
      Edelfosine was taken up in significant amounts by pancreatic cancer cells and
      induced caspase- and mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis. Pancreatic cancer cells
      show a prominent ER and edelfosine accumulated in this subcellular structure,
      inducing a potent ER stress response, with caspase-4, BAP31 and c-Jun NH(2)
      terminal kinase (JNK) activation, CHOP/GADD153 upregulation and phosphorylation
      of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2 alpha-subunit that eventually led
      to cell death. Oral administration of edelfosine in xenograft mouse models of
      pancreatic cancer induced a significant regression in tumor growth and an
      increase in apoptotic index, as assessed by TUNEL assay and caspase-3 activation
      in the tumor sections. The ER stress-associated marker CHOP/GADD153 was
      visualized in the pancreatic tumor isolated from edelfosine-treated mice,
      indicating a strong in vivo ER stress response. These results suggest that
      edelfosine exerts its pro-apoptotic action in pancreatic cancer cells, both in
      vitro and in vivo, through its accumulation in the ER, which leads to ER stress
      and apoptosis. Thus, we propose that the ER could be a key target in pancreatic
      cancer, and edelfosine may constitute a prototype for the development of a new
      class of antitumor drugs targeting the ER.

PMID- 22056874
TI  - Increased vascularity and spontaneous metastasis of breast cancer by hedgehog
      signaling mediated upregulation of cyr61.
AB  - The Hedgehog (Hh) pathway is well known for its involvement in angiogenesis and
      vasculogenesis during ontogeny. The ligand, Sonic Hh (SHH), has an important role
      in vascular formation during development. However, SHH expression is upregulated
      on tumor cells and can impact the tumor microenvironment. We have investigated
      the effects of autocrine as well as paracrine Hh signaling on tumor cells as well
      as on endothelial cells, respectively. Upon constitutive expression of SHH,
      breast cancer cells showed aggressive behavior and rapid xenograft growth
      characterized by highly angiogenic tumors that were spontaneously metastatic. In
      these cells, SHH caused activation of the Hh transcription factor, GLI1, leading
      to upregulated expression of the potent pro-angiogenic secreted molecule, CYR61
      (cysteine-rich angiogenic inducer 61). Silencing of CYR61 from these SHH
      expressing Hh activated cells blunted the malignant behavior of the tumor cells
      and resulted in reduced tumor vasculature and limited hematogenous metastases.
      Thus, CYR61 is a critical downstream contributor to the Hh influenced pro
      angiogenic tumor microenvironment. We also observed concomitant upregulation of
      SHH and CYR61 transcripts in tumors from patients with advanced breast cancer,
      further ratifying the clinical relevance of our findings. In summary, we have
      defined a novel, VEGF-independent, clinically relevant, pro-angiogenic factor,
      CYR61, that is a transcriptional target of Hh-GLI signaling.

PMID- 22056875
TI  - Cyclin G1 regulates the outcome of taxane-induced mitotic checkpoint arrest.
AB  - Anti-mitotic chemotherapeutic agents such as taxanes activate the spindle
      assembly checkpoint (SAC) to arrest anaphase onset, but taxane-exposed cells
      eventually undergo slippage to exit mitosis. The therapeutic efficacy of taxanes
      depends on whether slippage after SAC arrest culminates in continued cell
      survival, or in death by apoptosis. However, the mechanisms that determine these
      outcomes remain unclear. Here, we identify a novel role for cyclin G1 (CCNG1), an
      atypical cyclin. Increased CCNG1 expression accompanies paclitaxel-induced, SAC
      mediated mitotic arrest, independent of p53 integrity or signaling through the
      SAC component, BUBR1. CCNG1 overexpression promotes cell survival after
      paclitaxel exposure. Conversely, CCNG1 depletion by RNA interference delays
      slippage and enhances paclitaxel-induced apoptosis. Consistent with these
      observations, CCNG1 amplification is associated with significantly shorter post
      surgical survival in patients with ovarian cancer who have received adjuvant
      chemotherapy with taxanes and platinum compounds. Collectively, our findings
      implicate CCNG1 in regulating slippage and the outcome of taxane-induced mitotic
      arrest, with potential implications for cancer therapy.

PMID- 22056876
TI  - A retinoic acid receptor RARalpha pool present in membrane lipid rafts forms
      complexes with G protein alphaQ to activate p38MAPK.
AB  - Retinoic acid (RA) regulates several gene programs by nuclear RA receptors (RARs)
      that are ligand-dependent transcriptional transregulators. The basic mechanism
      for switching on transcription of cognate-target genes involves RAR binding at
      specific response elements and a network of interactions with coregulatory
      protein complexes. In addition to these classical genomic effects, we recently
      demonstrated that RA also induces the rapid activation of the p38MAPK/MSK1
      pathway, with characteristic downstream consequences on the phosphorylation of
      RARs and the expression of their target genes. Here, we aimed at deciphering the
      underlying mechanism of the rapid non-genomic effects of RA. We highlighted a
      novel paradigm in which a fraction of the cellular RARalpha pool is present in
      membrane lipid rafts, where it forms complexes with G protein alpha Q (Galphaq)
      in response to RA. This rapid RA-induced formation of RARalpha/Galphaq complexes
      in lipid rafts is required for the activation of p38MAPK that occurs in response
      to RA. Accordingly, in RA-resistant cancer cells, characterized by the absence of
      p38MAPK activation, RARalpha present in membrane lipid rafts does not associate
      with Galphaq, pointing out the essential contribution of RARalpha/Galphaq
      complexes in RA signaling.

PMID- 22056877
TI  - Chitinase 3-like 1 promotes macrophage recruitment and angiogenesis in colorectal
      cancer.
AB  - Chitinase 3-like 1 (CHI3L1), one of the mammalian members of the chitinase
      family, is expressed in several types of human cancer, and elevated serum level
      of CHI3L1 is suggested to be a biomarker of poor prognosis in advanced cancer
      patients. However, the overall biological function of CHI3L1 in human cancers
      still remains unknown. Studies were performed to characterize the role of CHI3L1
      in cancer pathophysiology utilizing human colorectal cancer samples and human
      cell lines. Plasma protein and tissue mRNA expression levels of CHI3L1 in
      colorectal cancer were strongly upregulated. Immunohistochemical analysis showed
      that CHI3L1 was expressed in cancer cells, and CHI3L1 expression had a
      significant association with the number of infiltrated macrophages and
      microvessel density (MVD). By utilizing transwell migration and tube-formation
      assays, overexpression of CHI3L1 in SW480 cells (human colon cancer cells)
      enhanced the migration of THP-1 cells (human macrophage cells) and HUVECs (human
      endothelial cells), and the tube formation of HUVECs. The knockdown of CHI3L1 by
      RNA interference or the neutralization of CHI3L1 by anti-CHI3L1 antibody
      displayed strong suppression of CHI3L1-induced migration and tube formation. Cell
      proliferation assay showed that CHI3L1 overexpression significantly enhanced the
      proliferation of SW480 cells. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) analysis
      showed that CHI3L1 increased the secretion of inflammatory chemokines, IL-8 and
      monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), from SW480 cells through mitogen
      activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway. Both neutralization of IL-8 or
      MCP-1 and inhibition or knockdown of MAPK in SW480 cells significantly inhibited
      CHI3L1-induced migration and tube formation. In a xenograft mouse model,
      overexpression of CHI3L1 in HCT116 cells (human colon cancer cells) enhanced the
      tumor growth as well as macrophage infiltration and MVD. In conclusion, CHI3L1
      expressed in colon cancer cells promotes cancer cell proliferation, macrophage
      recruitment and angiogenesis. Thus, the inhibition of CHI3L1 activity may be a
      novel therapeutic strategy for human colorectal cancer.

PMID- 22056878
TI  - Synergistic antitumor activity of lapatinib and retinoids on a novel subtype of
      breast cancer with coamplification of ERBB2 and RARA.
AB  - All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA), the only clinically available cyto
      differentiating agent, has potential for the therapy/chemoprevention of breast
      carcinoma. Given the heterogeneous nature of this tumor, a rational use of ATRA
      and derivatives (retinoids) in the clinic requires the identification of patients
      that would benefit from retinoid-based protocols. Here, we demonstrate that 23
      32% of the human ERBB2(+) breast cancers show coamplification of retinoic acid
      receptor alpha (RARA), encoding the retinoic acid receptor, RARalpha. This
      represents a novel subtype of breast cancer characterized by remarkable
      sensitivity to ATRA and RARalpha agonists, regardless of positivity to the
      estrogen receptor, a known modulator of retinoid sensitivity. In estrogen
      receptor-negative cellular models showing coamplification of ERBB2 and RARA,
      simultaneous targeting of the corresponding gene products with combinations of
      lapatinib and ATRA causes synergistic growth inhibition, cyto-differentiation and
      apoptosis. This provides proof-of-principle that coamplification of ERBB2 and
      RARA can be exploited for the stratified and targeted therapy of a novel subtype
      of breast cancer patients, with an approach characterized by tumor cell
      selectivity and low predicted toxicity. The available cellular models were
      exploited to define the molecular mechanisms underlying the antitumor activity of
      combinations between lapatinib and ATRA. Global gene expression and functional
      approaches provide evidence for three components of the
      antiproliferative/apoptotic responses triggered by lapatinib+ATRA. Induction of
      the retinoid-dependent RARRES3 protein by ATRA stabilizes the effect of lapatinib
      inhibiting ERBB2 phosphorylation. Upregulation and activation of the
      transcription factor FOXO3A integrates ATRA-dependent transcriptional and
      lapatinib-dependent posttranscriptional signals, controlling the levels of
      effector proteins like the antiapoptotic factor, BIRC5. Stimulation of the
      TGFbeta pathway by ATRA mediates other components of the apoptotic process set in
      motion by simultaneous targeting of ERBB2 and RARalpha.

PMID- 22056879
TI  - RNAi screening in glioma stem-like cells identifies PFKFB4 as a key molecule
      important for cancer cell survival.
AB  - The concept of cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) has gained considerable attention in
      various solid tumors including glioblastoma, the most common primary brain tumor.
      This sub-population of tumor cells has been intensively investigated and their
      role in therapy resistance as well as tumor recurrence has been demonstrated. In
      that respect, development of therapeutic strategies that target CSCs (and
      possibly also the tumor bulk) appears a promising approach in patients suffering
      from primary brain tumors. In the present study, we utilized RNA interference
      (RNAi) to screen the complete human kinome and phosphatome (682 and 180 targets,
      respectively) in order to identify genes and pathways relevant for the survival
      of brain CSCs and thereby potential therapeutical targets for glioblastoma. We
      report of 46 putative candidates including known survival-related kinases and
      phosphatases. Interestingly, a number of genes identified are involved in
      metabolism, especially glycolysis, such as PDK1 and PKM2 and, most prominently
      PFKFB4. In vitro studies confirmed an essential role of PFKFB4 in the maintenance
      of brain CSCs. Furthermore, high PFKFB4 expression was associated with shorter
      survival of primary glioblastoma patients. Our findings support the importance of
      the glycolytic pathway in the maintenance of malignant glioma cells and brain
      CSCs and imply tumor metabolism as a promising therapeutic target in
      glioblastoma.

PMID- 22056880
TI  - Predominant requirement of Bax for apoptosis in HCT116 cells is determined by Mcl
      1's inhibitory effect on Bak.
AB  - The intrinsic mitochondrial apoptotic pathway acts through two core pro-apoptotic
      proteins Bax (Bcl2-associated X protein) and Bak (Bcl2-antagonist/killer 1).
      Although Bax and Bak seem to have redundant roles in apoptosis, accumulating
      evidence also suggests that they might not be interchangeable under certain
      conditions, at least in some human cell lines. Here we report the generation of
      Bak knockout as well as BaxBak double knockout HCT116 human colon carcinoma
      cells. We show that Bak is dispensable for apoptosis induced by a variety of
      stimuli including ABT-737 but not for fluorouracil-induced apoptosis. In
      addition, Bax deficiency only provides partial protection against camptothecin
      and cisplatin-induced apoptosis and no protection against killing by Puma or ABT
      737 plus Noxa overexpression. Moreover, Bak is activated normally in response to
      many chemotherapeutic drugs in the presence of Bax, but remains kept in check by
      Mcl-1 in the absence of Bax. Our data suggest that Bax and Bak are functionally
      redundant, but they are counteracted by distinct anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family
      proteins in different species.

PMID- 22056881
TI  - MicroRNA-375 targets AEG-1 in hepatocellular carcinoma and suppresses liver
      cancer cell growth in vitro and in vivo.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are believed to have fundamental roles in tumorigenesis and
      have great potential for the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. However, the
      roles of miRNAs in hepatocellular carcinogenesis are still not fully elucidated.
      We investigated the aberrantly expressed miRNAs involved in hepatoma by
      comparison of miRNA expression profiles in cancerous hepatocytes with normal
      primary human hepatocytes, and 37 dysregulated miRNAs were screened out by
      twofold change with a significant difference (P<0.05). Clustering analysis based
      on 13 miRNAs with changes over 15-folds showed that the miRNA expression patterns
      between the cancerous and normal hepatocytes were clearly different. Among the 13
      miRNAs, we found that miR-375 was significantly downregulated in hepatocellular
      carcinoma (HCC) tissues and cell lines. Overexpression of miR-375 in liver cancer
      cells decreased cell proliferation, clonogenicity, migration/invasion and also
      induced G1 arrest and apoptosis. To unveil the molecular mechanism of miR-375
      mediated phenotype in hepatoma cells described above, we examined the putative
      targets using bioinformatics tools and found that astrocyte elevated gene-1 (AEG
      1) was a potential target of miR-375. Then we demonstrated that miR-375 bound
      directly to the 3'-untranslated region of AEG-1 and inhibited the expression of
      AEG-1. TaqMan quantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR and western blot analysis
      showed that miR-375 expression was inversely correlated with AEG-1 expression in
      HCC tissues. Knockdown of AEG-1 by RNAi in HCC cells, similar to miR-375
      overexpression, suppressed tumor properties. Ectopic expression of AEG-1,
      conversely, could partially reverse the antitumor effects of miR-375. In a mouse
      model, therapeutic administration of cholesterol-conjugated 2'-O-methyl-modified
      miR-375 mimics (Chol-miR-375) could significantly suppress the growth of hepatoma
      xenografts in nude mice. In conclusion, our findings indicate that miR-375
      targets AEG-1 in HCC and suppresses liver cancer cell growth in vitro and in
      vivo, and highlight the therapeutic potential of miR-375 in HCC treatment.

PMID- 22056882
TI  - The quality of name-based species records in databases.

PMID- 22056883
TI  - Identification of human papillomavirus type 53 L1, E6 and E7 variants in isolates
      from Brazilian women.
AB  - Human papillomavirus type 53 (HPV 53), which belongs to genus Alpha, species A6,
      has spread among women worldwide. Although it is classified as a probably high
      risk type, the association between HPV 53 and the development of neoplastic
      cervical disease is unclear, and HPV 53 is known to be genomically diverse. We
      investigated 15 cases of HPV 53 genital infection in women living in the state of
      Rio de Janeiro that were not associated with severe intraepithelial cervical
      neoplasia. To trace HPV 53 variants in this geographic area, we characterized the
      L1, E6 and E7 genes from these isolates, and undertook a phylogenetic analysis
      based on multiple alignment of their L1 sequences. After amplification and
      sequence analysis, we identified seven different L1-E6-E7 variants and a L1 co
      infected isolate, which taken together had base pair changes at 29 different
      positions. The co-infected sample presented overlapped peaks at two positions. We
      also detected two new E6 genomic variants. Several base pair changes in the E6
      region resulted in amino acid changes, three of which were non-conservative. The
      E7 gene was the most conserved sequence among those studied; in contrast, the E6
      sequence reached a maximum difference of 2.79%. None of the HPV 53 isolates
      corresponded to the reference type. Dichotomical branching characteristic of HPV
      53 was observed in all of the trees constructed, as well as in the concatenated
      phylogenetic tree. Probably, these variants pointing to evolutionary process, but
      they not appear to keep an increasing of pathogenesis Despite the limited number
      of samples analyzed in our work, we noticed that the same variant was found in
      more than one woman. Therefore, it is possible that such variants have been
      circulating in the female population in the state of Rio de Janeiro for a longer
      time or that due to host or genetic viral factors, these variants can spread more
      rapidly than others.

PMID- 22056884
TI  - Improved photocatalytic performance of ZnO nanograss decorated pore-array films
      by surface texture modification and silver nanoparticle deposition.
AB  - Immobilized photocatalyst was prepared by the growth of ZnO nanograss on the ZnO
      pore-array substrate. The surface morphology, optical and photocatalytic
      properties of the photocatalysts were studied. Nanograss decorated ZnO pore-array
      films exhibited improved performance on the photocatalytic degradation of methyl
      orange (MO) in aqueous solution under UV radiation. The photocatalytic activity
      of pore-array films can be tuned by changing the surface nanostructure of the
      porous photocatalyst. The enhanced photocatalytic activity of the nanostructured
      pore-array photocatalyst can be attributed to increased active surface area,
      improved diffusion of dye molecules among the nanostructured catalyst, and
      enhanced light absorption through the light-trapping effect. Besides, the
      degradation of MO using Ag/ZnO composite pore-array catalysts with different
      sizes and densities of the Ag particles on the surface of ZnO nanostructure was
      investigated.

PMID- 22056885
TI  - Efficient desulfurization by polymer-inorganic nanocomposite membranes fabricated
      in reverse microemulsion.
AB  - The sulfur in gasoline will convert to SO(2) after combustion under high
      temperature, which adversely affects human health and the environment. Membrane
      technique in particular pervaporation offers a number of potential advantages
      over conventional FCC gasoline desulfurization processes. The present study
      focuses on the performance enhancement of PDMS membrane by incorporating silica
      nanoparticles. Specifically, silica nanoparticles formed by the catalysis and
      templating of protamine in w/o reverse microemulsion are in situ embedded into
      PDMS bulk matrix, endowing the resultant oleophilic nanocomposite membranes with
      appropriate free volume properties and superior separation performance. Through
      the rational manipulation of biomimetic mineralization at water-oil interface,
      silica particles with uniform size are acquired. Following this protocol, by
      introducing organic PDMS oligomers into the oil phase, PDMS-SiO(2) nanocomposite
      membranes are prepared in a facile way. The resultant nanocomposite membranes
      display superior permeability and permselectivity in the pervaporative
      desulfurization using thiophene/n-octane binary mixture as model gasoline, for
      example, under the condition of 500 ppm sulfur in feed (40 L/h) at 30 degrees C,
      an enrichment factor of 4.83-5.82 with a normalized permeation rate of 6.61-10.76
      * 10(-5)kgm/m(2)h is acquired.

PMID- 22056886
TI  - Sequestration of total and methyl mercury in different subcellular pools in
      marine caged fish.
AB  - Mercury contamination is an important issue in marine fish, and can cause
      toxicity to human by fish consumption. Many studies have measured the mercury
      concentrations in fish and estimated the threshold levels of its risk to human,
      but the mercury sequestration in different subcellular pools of fish is unclear.
      In this study, we investigated the concentration and distribution of total
      mercury (THg) and methylmercury (MeHg) in different subcellular fractions in the
      farmed red seabream, red drum, and black seabream from Fujian marine fish farms,
      China. We found that both THg and MeHg were dominantly bound with the cellular
      debris, followed by metallothionein-like protein>metal-rich granule>heat
      denatured protein>organelles pools. In general, Hg bound with the metal-sensitive
      fraction was small, indicating that Hg may have little toxicity to the fish
      (muscle). For the first time we showed that MTLP fraction had the highest % of
      total Hg as MeHg (88-91%) among all the subcellular fractions. Furthermore, the
      mercury concentration and subcellular distribution in the black seabream were
      both dependent on the fish size. Subcellular study may shed light on the
      detoxification of marine fish to Hg exposure and the potential bioavailability to
      humans due to fish consumption.

PMID- 22056887
TI  - Non-invasive in situ concentration determination of fluorescent or color tracers
      and pollutants in a glass pore network model.
AB  - This study presents a non-invasive imaging method for in situ concentration
      determination of conservative tracers and pollutants in a two-dimensional glass
      pore network model. The method presented is an extension to the work by Huang et
      al., and Thomas and Chysikopoulos. The method consists of fabricating the glass
      pore network model using a photolithography technique, conducting flowthrough
      contaminant transport experiments, taking digital photographs at various times of
      the two-dimensional pore network under ultraviolet or visible light source, and
      determining the spatially-distributed pollutant concentrations by measuring the
      color intensity in the photographs with comparative image analysis. Therefore,
      the method is limited to fluorescent or colored pollutants and tracers. The
      method was successfully employed to in situ concentration determination of
      uranine and red color tracers.

PMID- 22056888
TI  - Efficacy of EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors in patients with EGFR-mutated non
      small-cell lung cancer: a meta-analysis of 13 randomized trials.
AB  - Advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring activating mutations of
      epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) are particularly sensitive to tyrosine
      kinase inhibitors (TKIs), namely erlotinib and gefitinib. The purpose of this
      meta-analysis was to evaluate the benefit of EGFR TKIs in EGFR-mutated NSCLCs.
      Eligible studies included published randomized controlled trials in which
      erlotinib or gefitinib (alone or with chemotherapy) were compared with standard
      therapy in 1260 patients with EGFR-mutated NSCLCs who were included in 13 trials.
      The mutational status was obtained through a retrospective or prospective
      analysis. Relative risk (RR) was calculated for response rate, and hazard ratios
      (HRs) were calculated for progression-free and overall survival. EGFR TKIs
      increase the chance of obtaining an objective response almost 2-fold when
      compared with chemotherapy (RR, 2.06; 2p < .00001). The response rate was 70% vs.
      33.2% in first-line trials. In 3 second-line trials, response rates were 47.4%
      vs. 28.5%, with a benefit similar to first-line trials (RR, 1.79; 2p = .04). EGFR
      TKIs reduced the hazard of progression by 70% in all trials (HR, 0.30; 2p <
      .00001) and by 65% in first-line trials only (HR, 0.35; 2p < .00001). Overall,
      however, they do not improve survival (HR, 0.96; 2p = .71). NSCLCs harboring EGFR
      mutations derive greater benefit from erlotinib or gefitinib than from
      chemotherapy. All patients affected by NSCLC with an EGFR-positive mutation test
      result must be offered the opportunity to be treated with an EGFR TKI upfront or
      during the natural course of the disease if not previously exposed.

PMID- 22056889
TI  - Safety profile and tolerability of antiangiogenic agents in non-small-cell lung
      cancer.
AB  - Recent advances in understanding the importance of angiogenesis to tumor growth
      and distant metastasis has driven the development of antiangiogenic therapies for
      the treatment of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The anti-vascular
      endothelial growth factor (VEGF) monoclonal antibody, bevacizumab, is the only US
      Food and Drug Administration-approved antiangiogenic agent for advanced NSCLC.
      Accumulated safety data with bevacizumab in NSCLC shows that patients are at risk
      for hemorrhage, venous thromboembolism, hypertension, and proteinuria.
      Investigational agents that target VEGF via a different mechanism (such as
      aflibercept [VEGF Trap]) or simultaneously inhibit multiple molecular pathways
      involved in angiogenesis (ie, multitargeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors [TKIs])
      and vascular disrupting agents (VDAs) that target existing tumor vasculature are
      in various stages of clinical development for NSCLC, and safety profiles are
      emerging for these classes of agents. This review describes the molecular
      rationale for targeting angiogenic pathways in anticancer therapy and summarizes
      safety and tolerability data from clinical trials of bevacizumab or aflibercept
      in combination with chemotherapy and the investigational TKIs and VDAs in
      patients who have advanced NSCLC.

PMID- 22056890
TI  - Successful long-term treatment with pemetrexed of NSCLC associated with EML4-ALK
      and low thymidylate synthase expression.

PMID- 22056891
TI  - Perioperative socialization, care and monitoring of National Institutes of Health
      miniature swine undergoing ocular surgery and sampling of peripheral blood.
AB  - Swine are a frequent species of choice for testing new surgical procedures and
      for transplantation studies. However, information concerning best practice to
      prepare pigs for surgery and postoperative treatment and monitoring is limited,
      despite a perception that preoperative socialization is beneficial. Therefore we
      examined the effect of preoperative visits by project personnel on compliance of
      26 National Institutes of Health (NIH) minipigs subject to corneal
      transplantation. We briefly describe sedation and anaesthesia protocols developed
      for surgery and multiple postoperative interventions in order to facilitate
      interpretation of data relating to pig compliance. Preoperative visit variables
      and measures of preoperative socialization were correlated with postoperative
      outcome. Principal component analysis (PCA) of postoperative outcome variables
      identified a factor accounting for 53.5% of the variance that was significantly
      associated with two factors derived from PCA of preoperative factors (accounting,
      respectively, for 54.7% and 26.0% of the variance; P = 0.019 for the overall
      model, P = 0.041 and 0.040 for factors 1 and 2, respectively), such that more
      time spent with pigs before surgery and higher socialization scores were
      associated with less postoperative stress and difficulty of eye medication.
      Moreover, two of the preoperative visit variables, time spent with only one
      person in the pen and time spent with two or more people in the pen, contributed
      predominantly to PCA factors 1 and 2, respectively, indicating that they were
      fulfilling two qualitatively different requirements for socialization. We
      conclude that NIH minipigs are fully compliant with anaesthetic and postoperative
      experimental procedures provided they are well-socialized to project personnel
      before surgery.

PMID- 22056892
TI  - Complications of injection laryngoplasty using calcium hydroxylapatite.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To report the adverse effects of using calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA)
      paste as a vocal fold filler. METHODS: Approval of this study was obtained
      through the institutional review board at Drexel University College of Medicine.
      Sixteen patients had 22 vocal fold injections with CaHA paste to treat glottic
      insufficiency. The initial procedures were performed at three different
      institutions between January 2006 and August 2009. Diagnosis and treatment of the
      complications in all cases were performed at our institution. Pre- and
      postinjection mucosal waves were assessed using strobovideolaryngoscopy when
      possible. All stroboscopic examinations were reviewed independently. Decreases in
      amplitude and waveform were classified as mild, moderate, or severe. Implant
      location was examined using computed tomography (CT) scan with 1-mm cuts through
      the larynx in patients suspected of having implant malposition. Vocal fold
      function was compared before and after injection, as well as after implant
      removal in selected cases. Histological section of explanted material was
      obtained. Major and minor complications were noted in 19 vocal folds. RESULTS:
      Ten major complications were encountered after surgery at three institutions.
      These included four vocal folds with adynamic mucosa, six with a severely
      decreased wave, and two granulomas affecting the vibratory margin. CT scanning
      confirmed six cases of implant malposition (possibly migration). Six implants
      were removed through endoscopic lateral cordotomy between 2 and 24 months after
      injection. Mucosal wave function recovered in five vocal folds after
      explantation. Minor complications were encountered in nine additional vocal
      folds. These included tissue inflammation marked by edema, erythema, and mild-to
      moderate mucosal wave restriction and hypervascularity. CONCLUSION: Injection
      laryngoplasty using CaHA paste has been regarded as an effective treatment for
      glottic insufficiency. In some patients, CaHA can cause an intense inflammatory
      reaction, potentially migrate, and compromise vocal fold function. It should be
      used with full understanding of the potential serious adverse reactions and risk
      of at least minor impairment of vibratory function.

PMID- 22056893
TI  - Measures of spectral slope using an excised larynx model.
AB  - Spectral measures of the glottal source were investigated using an excised canine
      larynx (CL) model for various aerodynamic and phonatory conditions. These
      measures included spectral harmonic difference H1-H2 and spectral slope that are
      highly correlated with voice quality but not reported in a systematic manner
      using an excised larynx model. It was hypothesized that the acoustic spectra of
      the glottal source were significantly influenced by the subglottal pressure,
      glottal adduction, and vocal fold elongation, as well as the resulting vibration
      pattern. CLs were prepared, mounted on the bench with and without false vocal
      folds, and made to oscillate with a flow of heated and humidified air. Major
      control parameters were subglottal pressure, adduction, and elongation.
      Electroglottograph, subglottal pressure, flow rate, and audio signals were
      analyzed using custom software. Results suggest that an increase in subglottal
      pressure and glottal adduction may change the energy balance between harmonics by
      increasing the spectral energy of the first few harmonics in an unpredictable
      manner. It is suggested that changes in the dynamics of vocal fold motion may be
      responsible for different spectral patterns. The finding that the spectral
      harmonics do not conform to previous findings was demonstrated through various
      cases. Results of this study may shed light on phonatory spectral control when
      the larynx is part of a complete vocal tract system.

PMID- 22056894
TI  - Normal neurodynamic responses of the femoral slump test.
AB  - Femoral slump test is a neurodynamic testing, which could be used to assess the
      mechanosensitivity of the femoral component of the nervous system. Although
      Trainor and Pinnington reported the diagnosis accuracy of the femoral slump test,
      the neurodynamic responses of the femoral slump test have never been studied. The
      purposes of this study were to evaluate whether maneuvers that changed the nerve
      tension altered the responses of the femoral slump test and if these responses
      were influenced by gender and leg dominance; and to identify the correlations
      between flexibility and measured hip extension angle. Thirty-two asymptomatic
      subjects (16 males, 16 females) were recruited. The femoral slump test was
      performed in trunk slump and neutral positions, and cervical extension was used
      as the structure differential technique. Hip extension angle and visual analog
      scale (VAS) of thigh pain was measured during the test. Our results showed the
      decrease of nerve tension significantly increased hip extension ROM (P < 0.001)
      and lowered pain intensity (P < 0.001). The hip extension ROM was similar between
      genders but smaller for the dominant leg, as compared to the non-dominant side (P
      < 0.05); and the hip ROM did not correlate with any of the flexibility indices (P
      > 0.05). These findings indicated that femoral slump test resulted in normal
      neurodynamic responses in individuals free of lower extremity problems, and these
      responses were independent of the influence of muscle flexibility or gender.
      Future research should emphasize the use of femoral slump test in patient groups
      such as low back and anterior knee pain.

PMID- 22056895
TI  - Principles of psychosomatic assessment.
AB  - There is increasing awareness of the limitations of disease as the primary focus
      of medical care. It is not that certain disorders lack an organic explanation,
      but that our assessment is inadequate in most clinical encounters. The primary
      goal of psychosomatic medicine is to correct this inadequacy by incorporation of
      its operational strategies into clinical practice. At present, the research
      evidence which has accumulated in psychosomatic medicine offers unprecedented
      opportunities for the identification and treatment of medical problems. Taking
      full advantage of clinimetric methods (such as with the use of Emmelkamp's two
      levels of functional analysis and the Diagnostic Criteria for Psychosomatic
      Research) may greatly improve the clinical process, including shared-decision
      making and self-management. Endorsement of the psychosomatic perspective may
      better clarify the pathophysiological links and mechanisms underlying symptom
      presentation. Pointing to individually targeted methods may improve final
      outcomes and quality of life.

PMID- 22056896
TI  - The psychosomatic interview.
AB  - The psychosomatic interview is a patient-focused dialogue between physician and
      patient. It differs from the traditional disease-focused encounter in that the
      psychosomatic approach includes the biological, psychological, and sociocultural
      domains irrespective of the patients initial complaint, whether somatic or
      psychological. The process of dyadic interaction and the techniques of open
      questions are reviewed. Specific issues such as the alexithymic patient and
      breaking bad news are challenges in such communications. Organizing the data into
      the perspectives of diseases, dimensions, behaviors, and life stories allows the
      clinician to best understand their patients within a psychosomatic milieu.

PMID- 22056897
TI  - Evaluating childhood adversity.
AB  - Childhood adversity increases risk of psychological and physical disorders. The
      comprehensive psychosomatic assessment of an individual's vulnerability to
      illness includes the evaluation of early life events, especially exposure to
      physical, emotional, sexual abuse and neglect. Many self-report and observer
      rated instruments are now available to aid this evaluation and increase its
      validity. The authors review the features and limitations of published tools, and
      recommend which to choose for clinical and research purposes.

PMID- 22056898
TI  - Evaluating life events and chronic stressors in relation to health: stressors and
      health in clinical work.
AB  - Despite the fact that there is an extensive scientific literature regarding the
      importance of exposure to psychosocial stressors, the assessment of such
      stressors is often neglected in clinical work. The present review summarizes the
      scientific literature on critical life changes and work-related stressors.
      Particular emphasis has been on somatic outcomes and physiological processes that
      have been shown to be affected by exposure to stressors. Although the
      relationships are highly complex, it could be concluded that exposure to
      stressors may often determine the onset of many illnesses. Standardized well
      functioning assessment instruments that could be used in clinical practice exist
      and should be used.

PMID- 22056899
TI  - Assessment of lifestyle in relation to health.
AB  - Habits relevant to health include physical activities, diet, smoking, drinking
      and drug consumption. Despite the fact that benefits of modifying lifestyle are
      increasingly demonstrated in clinical and general populations, assessment of
      lifestyle and therapeutic lifestyle changes is neglected in practice. In this
      review, associations between unhealthy lifestyle and health outcomes are
      presented. Particular emphasis will be placed on description and discussion of
      the standardized assessment instruments and behavioral methods that could be used
      in clinical practice to measure lifestyles.

PMID- 22056900
TI  - Assessment of sexual function in the medically ill: psychosomatic approach to
      sexual functioning.
AB  - Good sexual functioning is a part of overall well-being. Assessment of sexual
      functioning should be part of any complete psychosomatic assessment. The
      cornerstone of this assessment is a comprehensive clinical interview of the
      patient, with, if possible, collateral information obtained from the partner or
      another clinician. In addition, comprehensive assessment of sexual function
      should include a physical examination with a special focus on sexual function,
      laboratory testing and possibly other specialized testing and, in some cases,
      psychometric assessment. The results of a thorough assessment may serve as a
      basis for considering possible etiology(ies) of sexual dysfunction, coexisting
      comorbidities and as a starting point of managing sexual dysfunction.

PMID- 22056901
TI  - Psychological factors in medical disorders assessed with the diagnostic criteria
      for psychosomatic research.
AB  - The Diagnostic Criteria for Psychosomatic Research (DCPR) are a diagnostic and
      conceptual framework that aims to translate psychosocial variables that derived
      from psychosomatic research into operational tools whereby individual patients
      could be identified. A set of 12 syndromes was developed and grouped in the
      clusters of abnormal illness behavior (health anxiety, disease phobia,
      thanatophobia, and illness denial), somatization (functional somatic symptoms
      secondary to a psychiatric disorder, persistent somatization, conversion
      symptoms, and anniversary reaction), irritability (type A behavior, irritable
      mood), demoralization, and alexithymia. This chapter aims to illustrate the
      criteria for each of the 12 DCPR syndromes and how to diagnose them with the aid
      of the DCPR Structured Interview, as illustrated in a clinical example.

PMID- 22056902
TI  - Mood and anxiety in the medically ill.
AB  - In this review on rating scales for anxiety and depression, only instruments
      considered to be quantifiable, analogue to the measurement of hypertension in the
      medical setting, have been selected. The clinimetric method for validating these
      rating scales is the item response theory model in which the individual items are
      rank ordered on the dimensions of anxiety or depression, resulting in their total
      score being a sufficient statistic. The measurement of anxiety and mood on their
      respective dimensions of severity implies that we can speak of primary and
      secondary anxiety or depression in the same way as we speak about primary
      hypertension (without a medical explanation) and secondary hypertension (when
      caused be various medical conditions). Both clinician-rated scales and patient
      rated questionnaires are discussed. The Clinical Interview for Depression and
      Related Syndromes (CIDRS) is included in the appendix as this CIDRS covers many
      of the rating scales measuring mood and anxiety.

PMID- 22056903
TI  - Assessment of personality in psychosomatic medicine: current concepts.
AB  - The notion that personality variables can affect vulnerability to specific
      diseases has been widely promoted in psychosomatic medicine. Over the time, some
      personality patterns have been extensively studied. Among them, alexithymia, type
      A, and type D personality are the most relevant. However, also temperament and
      character has increasingly been object of studies. Alexithymia is currently
      recognized as a risk factor for medical, psychiatric, or behavioral problems;
      type A personality is recognized to increase the risk for coronary artery
      disease, and type D personality has been related to adverse cardiac events and
      cardiovascular outcomes. The growing interest and clinical role of the
      personality constructs in psychosomatic medicine has been favored by the
      revolutionary understanding that personality factors are not causes of medical
      disease but their moderators/mediators, and by the decline of the psychometric
      distinction between state and trait. Indeed, it is nowadays recognized that
      psychological constructs traditionally conceived as trait dimensions may
      surprisingly display sensitivity to change in specific clinical situations.
      Assessing personality, thus, has become worth pursuing since it may give unique
      information about individuals with medical conditions and contribute to
      completely understand medical patients and their global health as well as
      formulating optimal decision-making and treatment planning. In this framework,
      the present chapter has the aim to provide insight into personality dimensions in
      psychosomatic medicine and describe the main instruments to assess it.

PMID- 22056904
TI  - Illness behavior.
AB  - The term illness behavior was introduced by Mechanic and Volkart to describe the
      individuals' different ways to respond to their own health status. Pilowsky's
      concept of abnormal illness behavior encompasses several clinical conditions
      characterized by a maladaptive mode of experiencing, perceiving, evaluating and
      responding to one's own health status. The concept of somatization was criticized
      because it implies the presence of psychological distress or an underlying
      psychiatric disturbance when an organic cause for somatic symptoms is not found.
      Thus, more atheoretical terms , such as functional somatic symptoms and medically
      unexplained symptoms, were introduced. Both Kellner's Symptom Questionnaire and
      Derogatis' Symptom Checklist-90 include a scale for somatic symptoms, and other
      questionnaires were specifically designed to measure their frequency and
      severity. Kellner's Illness Attitude Scales appear to be the gold standard for
      the measurement of the hypochondriacal spectrum, which includes several clinical
      conditions, such as nosophobia, thanatophobia and health anxiety. The assessment
      of illness denial should consider that a certain degree of denial may sometimes
      prevent patients from overwhelming psychological distress resulting from life
      threatening or stigmatized diseases. Denial may concern both physical and
      psychiatric symptoms. Specific instruments are available for both types of
      denial. The cognitive and emotional representations developed by subjects when
      they have to cope with an illness or a perceived health threat are subsumed under
      the concept of illness perception and may be assessed by the Brief Illness
      Perception Questionnaire.

PMID- 22056905
TI  - Assessment of psychological well-being in psychosomatic medicine.
AB  - The measures of disease status alone are insufficient to describe the burden of
      illness or one's attitudes toward illness and life. The subjective health status
      including psychological resources and well-being is as valid as that of the
      clinician when it comes to evaluating outcomes. The aim of this chapter is to
      provide a theoretical framework for the assessment of psychological well-being
      and positive functioning and to review the literature supporting the influence of
      these positive dimensions on illness development and health protection. We
      selected the assessment tools such as Kellner's Symptom Questionnaire,
      Antonovsky's Sense of Coherence, Ryff's Psychological Well-Being Scales and
      Psychosocial Index that we found most helpful in clinical and psychosomatic
      practice and that displayed clinimetric properties of sensitivity in research.

PMID- 22056906
TI  - Family assessment in the medical setting.
AB  - Acute and chronic illness exists in a social context. A biopsychosocial
      assessment should include an evaluation of the patient's social situation, the
      nature of the patient's interpersonal connections, and his/her family's
      functioning. Families can influence health by direct biological pathways, health
      behavior pathways, and psychophysiological pathways. There are a large number of
      family-based risks factors as well as many protective relational factors that
      influence the onset and course of illness. A family assessment is the first step
      in determining both the need for further intervention and the specific areas of
      family life that might need to be addressed. A family assessment provides
      information about the social substrate for the evolution of the presenting
      complaint as well as information to better understand the patient's problems.
      There are many ways to assess families, and there are a variety of family
      assessment instruments to help with the assessments. Clinician will be best
      served by becoming familiar and comfortable with at least one assessment model
      that is consistent, structured, and evaluates a wide range of family functions.
      Such an assessment can be incorporated into routine clinical care. A good family
      assessment can be therapeutic in and of itself even if the decision is made that
      no further family intervention is indicated.

PMID- 22056907
TI  - Relational ethics and psychosomatic assessment.
AB  - The main ethical perspective in the clinical relationship takes into
      consideration the vulnerability of the clinical condition before threats and
      risks that can undermine the integrity and dignity of the person. Psychosomatic
      medicine faces complex cases whose ethical problems cannot only be solved by
      applying top-down deontological or utilitarian approaches, principlism, which is
      limited mainly to easing ethical tensions, or a bottom-up approach, the casuistic
      model, case-based reasoning. In introducing vulnerability as the core of ethical
      questioning as a principle ontological priority over other principles, relational
      ethics refers to the appreciation of the responsibility of health professionals
      through which a health care professional and the patient 'together' can construct
      more reasonable and prudential courses of action with, for, and by the patient.
      The model of relational ethics is based on three main aspects, clinically
      integrated approach, science/philosophy partnership, and deliberative process,
      that when taken together, form an intermediate model that ensures prudent and
      reasonable decision-making. The three structural elements and characteristics of
      relational ethics create and maintain a responsible relationship between the
      professional and the patient being aware that the mutual vulnerability of health
      professional and the patient has a moral value and recognizing that their
      relationship will allow for personal development of each. I conceptualized the
      model of relational ethics as one that embraces the meta-ethical principles of
      vulnerability, dignity, responsibility, and respect for autonomy as they are
      considered by many international declarations or conventions. This model
      integrates three key polarities: ensure conditions of authenticity, facilitate a
      process of cooperative mutuality, and promote opportunities for growth and
      development. Relational ethics can be used to solve major ethical problems in
      psychosomatic medicine, capacity , informed consent, and confidentiality.

PMID- 22056909
TI  - First evidence of an intimate symbiotic association between fungi and larvae in
      basal attine ants.
AB  - The most conspicuous ants in all of tropical America are those that belong to the
      tribe Attini which cultivate fungus. The objective of the present study is to
      verify the alterations that occur in the cuticle of the worker larvae from
      Myrmicocrypta, Mycetarotes and Trachymyrmex with the purpose of trying to
      establish the degree of this association. Attine ants from the Atta genus were
      used as a control group. The analysis of histological sections showed results
      about the distribution of the cells and tissues on the epidermis of A. sexdens
      rubropilosa ant larvae and Mycetarotes parallelus, Trachymyrmex fuscus and
      Myrmicocrypta sp. A cuticle covering the ants was observed in the larvae of all
      the species, and this is formed by a simple cubic epithelium, whose cells
      possibly change its shape to prismatic, depending on their secretory activity.
      Just under this epithelium large adipose cells with reserve granules in their
      cytoplasm were found. The presence of a space filled by granulose and acellular
      material was also observed, indicating that the larvae were in a molt period. The
      presence of fungal hyphae is observed both on the external side of the basal
      attine larvae as well as emitting projections to the interior of the cuticle
      reaching the epithelium and the adipocyte cells. Data obtained in the present
      study demonstrated that the fungus deposited on the surface of immature ants from
      attine basal species maintain a close relationship with them, once the fungus
      hyphae have the ability to disorganize the cuticle lamellas, penetrating the
      interior of the insect cells through the emission of prolongations transporting
      the cuticle and epithelium barriers and making substances exchanges between
      larvae and fungus.

PMID- 22056908
TI  - Oxidative stress and diabetes: what can we learn about insulin resistance from
      antioxidant mutant mouse models?
AB  - The development of metabolic dysfunctions like diabetes and insulin resistance in
      mammals is regulated by a myriad of factors. Oxidative stress seems to play a
      central role in this process as recent evidence shows a general increase in
      oxidative damage and a decrease in oxidative defense associated with several
      metabolic diseases. These changes in oxidative stress can be directly correlated
      with increased fat accumulation, obesity, and consumption of high-calorie/high
      fat diets. Modulation of oxidant protection through either genetic mutation or
      treatment with antioxidants can significantly alter oxidative stress resistance
      and accumulation of oxidative damage in laboratory rodents. Antioxidant mutant
      mice have previously been utilized to examine the role of oxidative stress in
      other disease models, but have been relatively unexplored as models to study the
      regulation of glucose metabolism. In this review, we will discuss the evidence
      for oxidative stress as a primary mechanism linking obesity and metabolic
      disorders and whether alteration of antioxidant status in laboratory rodents can
      significantly alter the development of insulin resistance or diabetes.

PMID- 22056911
TI  - KIF20A mRNA and its product MKlp2 are increased during hepatocyte proliferation
      and hepatocarcinogenesis.
AB  - Mitotic kinesin-like protein 2 (MKlp2), a microtubule-associated motor, is
      required during mitosis exit for the final step of cytokinesis. It also
      contributes to retrograde vesicular trafficking from the Golgi apparatus to the
      endoplasmic reticulum in interphase. The KIF20A gene encoding MKlp2 is controlled
      by the E2F-retinoblastoma protein-p16 pathway, and its widely expressed mRNA is
      found in fetal and proliferating adult tissues. The expression pattern and
      function of MKlp2 in the adult liver, however, have not been investigated. We
      report herein that MKlp2 transiently accumulates in vivo during mouse liver
      regeneration after partial hepatectomy and is strongly overexpressed in
      preneoplastic and neoplastic mouse liver. In vitro in mitogen-stimulated primary
      hepatocytes, MKlp2 accumulated in the nucleus during the G2 phase of the cell
      cycle coincident with the mitotic kinase Aurora B. Human hepatoma cell lines
      exhibited high levels of MKlp2; however, it was undetectable in normal human
      hepatocytes. RNAi-mediated MKlp2 knockdown in hepatoma cells induced
      polyploidization consistent with its essential function in promoting cytokinesis
      and inhibited cell proliferation without inducing apoptosis. KIF20A mRNA was
      strongly accumulated in a large series of human hepatocellular carcinomas, with
      the highest expression observed in tumors with genomic instability. Accumulation
      of MKlp2 in normal proliferating, preneoplastic, and transformed hepatocytes
      suggests that MKlp2 contributes to both normal and pathologic hepatocyte
      proliferation and is linked to tumor aggressiveness in human hepatocellular
      carcinomas.

PMID- 22056910
TI  - Aberrant activation of the hedgehog signaling pathway in malignant hematological
      neoplasms.
AB  - The hedgehog (HH) signaling pathway is a highly regulated signaling pathway that
      is important not only for embryonic development, tissue patterning, and
      organogenesis but also for tissue repair and the maintenance of stem cells in
      adult tissues. In the adult hematopoietic system, HH signaling regulates
      intrathymic T-cell development, and it is one of the survival signals provided by
      follicular dendritic cells to prevent apoptosis in germinal center B cells. HH
      signaling is required for primitive hematopoiesis; however, conflicting data have
      been reported regarding the role of the HH pathway in adult hematopoiesis.
      Inappropriate activation of the HH signaling pathway occurs in several human
      cancers, including hematological neoplasms. Emerging data demonstrate abnormal HH
      pathway activation in chronic lymphocytic leukemia/small lymphocytic lymphoma,
      plasma cell myeloma, mantle cell lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, ALK
      positive anaplastic large cell lymphoma, chronic myelogenous leukemia, and acute
      leukemias. In these neoplasms, HH signaling promotes proliferation and survival,
      contributes to the maintenance of cancer stem cells, and enhances tolerance or
      resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. Here, we review current understanding of
      HH signaling, its role in the pathobiology of hematological malignancies, and its
      potential as a therapeutic target to treat malignant hematological neoplasms.

PMID- 22056912
TI  - A novel melano-lysosome in the retinal epithelium of rhesus monkeys.
AB  - The large phagocytic load that confronts the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is
      thought to play a possible role in the pathogenesis of age related macular
      degeneration (AMD) that afflicts both humans and monkeys. Our knowledge of how
      RPE degrades phagosomes and other intra-cellular material by lysosomal action is
      still rudimentary. In this paper we examine organelles that play a role in this
      process, melanosome, lysosomes and phagosomes, in the RPE of young and old rhesus
      monkeys in order to better understand lysosomal autophagy and heterophagy in the
      RPE and its possible role in AMD. We used electron microscopy to detect and
      describe the characteristics of melanosomes and lysosome-like organelles in the
      macular RPE of rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta) that were 1, 6, 24, 24, 26 and 35
      years of age. The measurements include the number, shape and size of these
      organelles located in the basal, middle and apical regions of RPE cells.
      Phaagosomes were also examined but not counted or measured for size or shape
      because of their rarity. Melanosomes were homogeneously dark with a circular or
      elliptical shape and decreased in number with age. Smaller melanosomes were more
      common at the basal side of the RPE. Among the small melanosomes, we found an
      organelle that was losing melanin in varying degrees; in some cases was nearly
      devoid of melanin. Because of the melanin loss, we considered this organelle to
      be a unique type of autophagic melano-lysosome, which we called a Type 1
      lysosome. We found another organelle, more canonically lysosomal, which we called
      a Type 2 lysosome. This organelle was composed of a light matrix containing
      melanosomes in various stages of degradation. Type 2 lysosomes without
      melanosomes were rare. Type 2 lysosomes increased while Type 1 decreased in
      number with age. Phagosomes were rare in both young and old monkeys. They made
      close contact with Type 2 lysosomes which we considered responsible for their
      degradation. Melanosomes are being lost from monkey RPE with age. Much of this
      loss is carried out by two types of lysosomes. One, not defined as unique before,
      appears to be autophagic in digesting its own melanin; it has been called a Type
      1 lysosome. The other, a more canonical lysosome, is both heterophagic in
      digesting phagosomes and autophagic in digesting local melanosomes; it has been
      called a Type 2 lysosome. Type 1 lysosomes decrease while type 2 lysosomes
      increase with age. The loss of melanin is considered to be detrimental to the RPE
      since it reduces melanin's protective action against light toxicity and oxidative
      stress. Phagosomes appear to be degraded by membrane contacts with Type 2
      lysosomes. The loss of melanin and the buildup of Type 2 lysosomes occur at an
      earlier age in monkeys than humans implying that a greater vulnerability to
      senescence accelerates the rate of AMD in monkeys.

PMID- 22056913
TI  - A three-dimensional finite element model and image reconstruction algorithm for
      time-domain fluorescence imaging in highly scattering media.
AB  - In this work, development and evaluation of a three-dimensional (3D) finite
      element model (FEM) based on the diffusion approximation of time-domain (TD) near
      infrared fluorescence light transport in biological tissue is presented. This
      model allows both excitation and fluorescence temporal point-spread function
      (TPSF) data to be generated for heterogeneous scattering and absorbing media of
      arbitrary geometry. The TD FEM is evaluated via comparisons with analytical and
      Monte Carlo (MC) calculations and is shown to provide a quantitative accuracy
      which has less than 0.72% error in intensity and less than 37 ps error for mean
      time. The use of the Born-Ratio normalized data is demonstrated to reduce data
      mismatch between MC and FEM to less than 0.22% for intensity and less than 22 ps
      in mean time. An image reconstruction framework, based on a 3D FEM formulation,
      is outlined and simulation results based on a heterogeneous mouse model with a
      source of fluorescence in the pancreas is presented. It is shown that using early
      photons (i.e. the photons detected within the first 200 ps of the TPSF) improves
      the spatial resolution compared to using continuous-wave signals. It is also
      demonstrated, as expected, that the utilization of two time gates (early and
      latest photons) can improve the accuracy both in terms of spatial resolution and
      recovered contrast.

PMID- 22056914
TI  - Detection of Mimivirus in bronchoalveolar lavage of ventilated and nonventilated
      patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: We investigated the prevalence of Mimivirus in bronchoalveolar
      lavage (BAL) specimens from ventilated versus nonventilated patients. METHODS:
      The occurrence of Mimivirus DNA was evaluated by two previously developed real
      time PCR assays in 69 BAL specimens: 30 from patients on mechanical ventilation
      for at least 48 h and 39 from nonventilated patients from different clinical
      settings, including lung transplant recipients. RESULTS: None of the BAL
      specimens from ventilated and nonventilated patients resulted positive for
      Mimivirus. CONCLUSION: This study, similarly to other studies that used molecular
      assays to detect Mimivirus, found no occurrence of the virus in the lower
      respiratory tract, thus being in contrast to serological investigations which
      reported a significant association between Mimivirus and the development of
      pneumonia. Gene polymorphism could explain these results or, alternatively, it
      could be hypothesized that Mimivirus does not represent a common cause of lower
      respiratory tract infection in either ventilated or nonventilated patients.
      Further studies on a larger population of patients from a different clinical
      setting evaluating both serology and DNA detection in lower respiratory tract
      specimens, including BAL and possibly tissue samples, could allow a better
      definition of the epidemiological and pathological role of Mimivirus in the
      development of pneumonia.

PMID- 22056915
TI  - Calcium phosphate nanoparticles with an asymmetric lipid bilayer coating for
      siRNA delivery to the tumor.
AB  - Calcium phosphate (CaP) nanoparticles (NP) with an asymmetric lipid bilayer
      coating have been designed for targeted delivery of siRNA to the tumor. An
      anionic lipid, dioleoylphosphatydic acid (DOPA), was employed as the inner
      leaflet lipid to coat the nano-size CaP cores, which entrap the siRNA, such that
      the coated cores were soluble in organic solvent. A suitable neutral or cationic
      lipid was used as the outer leaflet lipid to form an asymmetric lipid bilayer
      structure verified by the measurement of NP zeta potential. The resulting NP was
      named LCP-II with a size of about 25 to 30nm in diameter and contained a hollow
      core as revealed by TEM imaging. PEGylation of NP was done by including a PEG
      phospholipid conjugate, with or without a targeting ligand anisamide, in the
      outer leaflet lipid mixture. The sub-cellular distribution studied in the sigma
      receptor positive human H460 lung cancer cells indicated that LCP-II could
      release more cargo to the cytoplasm than our previous lipid/protamine/DNA (LPD)
      formulation, leading to a significant (~40 fold in vitro and ~4 fold in vivo)
      improvement in siRNA delivery. Bio-distribution study showed that LCP-II required
      more PEGylation for MPS evasion than the previous LPD, probably due to increased
      surface curvature in LCP-II.

PMID- 22056917
TI  - Physical properties and valence state of cerium in the filled skutterudite
      CePt4Ge12.
AB  - Electronic, magnetic, and transport properties of the filled platinum-germanium
      skutterudite CePt4Ge12 are investigated. High resolution x-ray absorption
      spectroscopy measurements at the cerium L(III) edge demonstrate that CePt4Ge12 in
      this compound has a temperature-independent valence close to three. However,
      magnetic susceptibility, thermopower, Hall effect, and electronic specific heat
      reveal a broad maximum at Tmax D 65-80 K, suggesting the presence of valence
      fluctuations. The Sommerfeld coefficient gamma = 105 mJ mol-1 K-2, deduced from
      specific heat, indicates moderately enhanced band masses for CePt4Ge12. We
      discuss these findings and conclude that CePt4Ge12 represents a system at the
      border between intermediate valence (IV) and Kondo lattice behavior. In addition,
      the lattice specific heat and the thermal conductivity are discussed with respect
      to the vibrational dynamics of Ce in the [Pt4Ge12] framework.

PMID- 22056916
TI  - Peptides in cancer nanomedicine: drug carriers, targeting ligands and protease
      substrates.
AB  - Peptides are attracting increasing attention as therapeutic agents, as the
      technologies for peptide development and manufacture continue to mature.
      Concurrently, with booming research in nanotechnology for biomedical
      applications, peptides have been studied as an important class of components in
      nanomedicine, and they have been used either alone or in combination with
      nanomaterials of every reported composition. Peptides possess many advantages,
      such as smallness, ease of synthesis and modification, and good biocompatibility.
      Their functions in cancer nanomedicine, discussed in this review, include serving
      as drug carriers, as targeting ligands, and as protease-responsive substrates for
      drug delivery.

PMID- 22056918
TI  - Alterations of serotonin 2C and 2A receptors in response to T10 spinal cord
      transection in rats.
AB  - Recent studies reported that a recovery of motoneurons after spinal cord
      transection at the sacrocaudal level may depend on adaptive alterations of the
      serotonin 2C (5-HT(2C)R) and 2A (5-HT(2C)R) receptor function via changes in mRNA
      editing or protein expression, respectively. It has been suggested that depletion
      of serotonergic input may drive these adaptations. Here, mRNA editing and/or
      expression of 5-HT(2C)R and 5-HT(2A)R was evaluated in rats that sustained a
      complete transection at the thoracic (T10) level. While 5-HT(2A)R mRNA expression
      was upregulated below the site of spinal cord injury (SCI), no changes in 5
      HT(2C)R mRNA editing or expression were detected. These findings argue against
      the hypothesis that 5-HT(2C)R editing is regulated by extracellular serotonin
      levels. Rather, it appears that the editing process is just one of the ways in
      which excitability of motor neurons can be restored following SCI. To this end,
      the influence of excitatory locomotor circuits on motor neurons in the thoracic
      spinal cord of rats requires further exploration.

PMID- 22056919
TI  - Neocortical Posttraumatic Epileptogenesis.
AB  - Development of new excitatory connectivity and decreases in GABAergic inhibition
      are mechanisms underlying posttraumatic epileptogenesis in animal models.
      Experimental strategies that interfere with these processes, applied between the
      trauma andseizure onset, are antiepileptogenic in the laboratory, and have
      promise for prophylaxis of epileptogenesis after cortical injury in man. For an
      expanded treatment of this topic see Jasper's Basic Mechanisms of the Epilepsies,
      Fourth Edition (Noebels JL, Avoli M, Rogawski MA, Olsen RW, Delgado-Escueta AV,
      eds) published by Oxford University Press. Available on NCBI Bookshelf.

PMID- 22056920
TI  - Definitions and outcome measures for bullous pemphigoid: recommendations by an
      international panel of experts.
AB  - Our scientific knowledge of bullous pemphigoid (BP) has dramatically progressed
      in recent years. However, despite the availability of various therapeutic options
      for the treatment of inflammatory diseases, only a few multicenter controlled
      trials have helped to define effective therapies in BP. A major obstacle in
      sharing multicenter-based evidences for therapeutic efforts is the lack of
      generally accepted definitions for the clinical evaluation of patients with BP.
      Common terms and end points of BP are needed so that experts in the field can
      accurately measure and assess disease extent, activity, severity, and therapeutic
      response, and thus facilitate and advance clinical trials. These recommendations
      from the International Pemphigoid Committee represent 2 years of collaborative
      efforts to attain mutually acceptable common definitions for BP and proposes a
      disease extent score, the BP Disease Area Index. These items should assist in the
      development of consistent reporting of outcomes in future BP reports and studies.

PMID- 22056921
TI  - Deposition of beryllium-7 in Hsinchu, Taiwan.
AB  - In the present study, factors that influence the distribution and variation of
      (7)Be in Hsinchu, Taiwan were elucidated. The (7)Be activity including the
      deposition flux and air concentration was continuously monitored and recorded
      throughout a 15-year period (1996-2010). To explain the observed variability in
      the (7)Be activity over time, air concentration and deposition flux of (7)Be were
      correlated to rainfall and solar activity. The monthly average deposition flux
      and air concentration of (7)Be were inversely related to solar activity with the
      11-year cycle and were not strongly correlated to rainfall. The highest seasonal
      deposition flux of (7)Be occurred in March, which is commonly referred to as the
      spring maximum, due to air-mass mixing processes in the troposphere. The air
      concentration of (7)Be was seasonally variable and was significantly affected by
      monsoons. The lowest deposition flux and air concentration of (7)Be were observed
      in July and August due to the occurrence of southwest monsoons from low
      latitudes, which carry air masses with low concentrations of (7)Be. The
      deposition flux was enhanced by precipitation, which increased the deposition
      velocity, transferring more (7)Be from the troposphere to the ground. The
      fraction of dry to total deposition varied seasonally and was equal to 9.86%, on
      average.

PMID- 22056922
TI  - Recent health care transitions and emergency department use by chronic long term
      care residents: a population-based cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Long term care (LTC) residents commonly experience transitions
      between health care settings that can have important health consequences. The
      objective of this study was to quantify the effect of recent transitions on the
      risk of emergency department (ED) transfer among chronic LTC residents. Two types
      of transitions were considered: admission into LTC and discharge from hospital.
      DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study using linked administrative data from Ontario,
      Canada. PARTICIPANTS: All chronic LTC residents in Ontario older than 66 years on
      the date of the 2005 provincial LTC facility census. MEASUREMENTS: Using facility
      census date as baseline, admission to LTC was defined as the number of days
      between LTC admission and baseline. Residents were categorized as one of: newly
      admitted (<=30 days), shorter-stay (31-90 days), or longer-stay (>=91 days).
      Within each group, residents were further subdivided based on having had a recent
      discharge from hospital. The first ED visit for each resident during the 6-month
      follow-up was counted, as were death and other competing risks. The cumulative
      incidence of ED transfer for each group was estimated and logistic regression was
      used to test whether differences between groups persisted after controlling for
      resident characteristics. RESULTS: Of the 64,589 residents, 3.0% were newly
      admitted, 4.9% were shorter-stay, and 92.1% were longer-stay. The 6-month
      cumulative incidences of ED transfers were 35.0% for newly admitted, 30.7% for
      shorter-stay, and 22.0% for longer-stay. The odds of an ED transfer were higher
      for newly admitted and shorter-stay residents relative to longer-stay residents,
      even after adjustment for resident characteristics (adjusted odds ratio, 95%
      confidence interval 1.9, 1.7-2.1; and 1.5, 1.4-1.7, respectively). Regardless of
      time since LTC admission, residents with a recent discharge from hospital had a
      cumulative incidence of nearly 40% and an increase in the odds of ED transfer of
      at least 50% compared with those who had not been in hospital. CONCLUSIONS:
      Health care transitions, especially those from hospital, are associated with an
      increase in ED transfers among older chronic LTC residents. These findings
      highlight the need for a stronger focus on transitional care, especially
      posthospital care, for LTC residents.

PMID- 22056923
TI  - A novel model of cardiovascular risk based on kidney function.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Although creatinine-based estimated glomerular filtration rate
      (eGFR) is associated with cardiovascular events, threshold values for optimum
      discrimination are unclear. We aimed to identify serum creatinine and eGFR
      thresholds of maximum sensitivity and specificity (Max(Sn+Sp)) for a composite
      outcome of coronary heart disease, stroke, and death. METHODS: Classification
      tree methodology defined the hierarchical rank of serum creatinine, eGFR, and
      cardiovascular risk factors in adults aged 45-64 years (Atherosclerosis Risk in
      Communities Study, n = 15,582; follow-up, 13.1 years). The Chronic Kidney Disease
      Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI), Modification of Diet in Renal Disease
      (MDRD) Study, and Cockcroft-Gault corrected for body surface area (CG/BSA) eGFR
      equations were used. RESULTS: The mean study population age was 54.2 years; 26.4%
      were African-American. The mean standardized creatinine level was 0.83 mg/dl. The
      mean eGFR(CKD-EPI), eGFR(MDRD), and eGFR(CG/BSA) values were 95.7, 98.6, and 99.7
      ml/min/1.73 m(2), respectively. The composite outcome occurred for 22.1% of the
      population. For all eGFR measures, sensitivity was <0.05 and specificity >0.98
      for thresholds of 60 ml/min/1.73 m(2). Max(Sn+Sp) for serum creatinine occurred
      at 0.73 mg/dl (sensitivity 0.66/specificity 0.48); corresponding values for
      eGFR(CKD-EPI), eGFR(CG/BSA), and eGFR(MDRD) were 95 (0.52/0.59), 90 (0.44/0.67),
      and 75 (0.16/0.91) ml/min/1.73 m(2), respectively. Considering optimum thresholds
      for 10 modifiable risk factors, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol <=44 mg/dl
      ranked first; rankings for optimum renal function thresholds varied between sixth
      and tenth. CONCLUSIONS: Optimum eGFR thresholds for community-based risk triage
      were substantially higher than 60 ml/min/1.73 m(2), which currently defines
      moderate abnormality. Utility of creatinine-based risk triage in older adults
      appears modest.

PMID- 22056925
TI  - Giant pulmonary and hepatic hydatid cysts in a child.
AB  - This case report focuses on hydatidosis, one of the most important parasitic
      zoonoses in Romania. We describe an interesting paediatric case of an eight-year
      old boy from a rural region presenting with a both giant and life-threatening
      pulmonary cyst (that was successfully managed) and a hepatic cyst. Noteworthy are
      the negative consequences of this disorder on children's health and development
      as a result of prolonged hospitalizations, surgical interventions and
      chemotherapy.

PMID- 22056924
TI  - Waterborne manganese exposure alters plasma, brain, and liver metabolites
      accompanied by changes in stereotypic behaviors.
AB  - Overexposure to waterborne manganese (Mn) is linked with cognitive impairment in
      children and neurochemical abnormalities in other experimental models. In order
      to characterize the threshold between Mn-exposure and altered neurochemistry, it
      is important to identify biomarkers that positively correspond with brain Mn
      accumulation. The objective of this study was to identify Mn-induced alterations
      in plasma, liver, and brain metabolites using liquid/gas chromatography-time of
      flight-mass spectrometry metabolomic analyses; and to monitor corresponding Mn
      induced behavior changes. Weanling Sprague-Dawley rats had access to deionized
      drinking water either Mn-free or containing 1g Mn/L for 6 weeks. Behaviors were
      monitored during the sixth week for a continuous 24h period while in a home cage
      environment using video surveillance. Mn-exposure significantly increased liver,
      plasma, and brain Mn concentrations compared to control, specifically targeting
      the globus pallidus (GP). Mn significantly altered 98 metabolites in the brain,
      liver, and plasma; notably shifting cholesterol and fatty acid metabolism in the
      brain (increased oleic and palmitic acid; 12.57 and 15.48 fold change (FC),
      respectively), and liver (increased oleic acid, 14.51 FC; decreased
      hydroxybutyric acid, -14.29 FC). Additionally, Mn-altered plasma metabolites
      homogentisic acid, chenodeoxycholic acid, and aspartic acid correlated
      significantly with GP and striatal Mn. Total distance traveled was significantly
      increased and positively correlated with Mn-exposure, while nocturnal stereotypic
      and exploratory behaviors were reduced with Mn-exposure and performed largely
      during the light cycle compared to unexposed rats. These data provide putative
      biomarkers for Mn-neurotoxicity and suggest that Mn disrupts the circadian cycle
      in rats.

PMID- 22056926
TI  - FtsZ-ZapA-ZapB interactome of Escherichia coli.
AB  - Bacterial cell division relies on the formation and contraction of the Z ring,
      coordinated and regulated by a dynamic protein complex called the divisome. The
      cell division factor ZapA interacts directly with FtsZ and thereby increases FtsZ
      protofilament association and Z-ring stability. Here, we investigated ZapB
      interaction with ZapA and its effect on Z-ring formation and FtsZ protofilament
      bundling. The combination of the ftsZ84 allele that encodes an FtsZ variant that
      polymerizes inefficiently with a zapB null mutant resulted in a synthetic
      defective phenotype. Overproduction of ZapA led to the formation of aberrant FtsZ
      helical structures and delocalization of ZapB. The N-terminal end of ZapB was
      essential for ZapB-ZapA interaction, and amino acid changes close to the N
      terminus of ZapB exhibited reduced interaction with ZapA. Sedimentation assays
      showed that ZapB interacts strongly with ZapA and reduces ZapA's interaction with
      FtsZ in vitro. The morphology of the structures formed by ZapA and ZapB together
      was similar to the cables formed by ZapB in the presence of CaCl(2), a known ZapB
      bundling agent. The in vivo and in vitro data support a model in which ZapA
      interacts strongly with ZapB and the ZapA-ZapB interaction is favored over ZapA
      FtsZ.

PMID- 22056927
TI  - Effects on growth by changes of the balance between GreA, GreB, and DksA suggest
      mutual competition and functional redundancy in Escherichia coli.
AB  - It is well known that ppGpp and DksA interact with bacterial RNA polymerase
      (RNAP) to alter promoter activity. This study suggests that GreA plays a major
      role and GreB plays a minor role in the ppGpp-DksA regulatory network. We present
      evidence that DksA and GreA/GreB are redundant and/or share similar functions:
      (i) on minimal medium GreA overproduction suppresses the growth defects of a dksA
      mutant; (ii) GreA and DksA overexpression partially suppresses the auxotrophy of
      a ppGpp-deficient strain; (iii) microarrays show that many genes are regulated
      similarly by GreA and DksA. We also find instances where GreA and DksA seem to
      act in opposition: (i) complete suppression of auxotrophy occurs by
      overexpression of GreA or DksA only in the absence of the other protein; (ii)
      PgadA and PgadE promoter fusions, along with many other genes, are dramatically
      affected in vivo by GreA overproduction only when DksA is absent; (iii) GreA and
      DksA show opposite regulation of a subset of genes. Mutations in key acidic
      residues of GreA and DksA suggest that properties seen here probably are not
      explained by known biochemical activities of these proteins. Our results indicate
      that the general pattern of gene expression and, in turn, the ability of
      Escherichia coli to grow under a defined condition are the result of a complex
      interplay between GreA, GreB, and DksA that also involves mutual control of their
      gene expression, competition for RNA polymerase binding, and similar or opposite
      action on RNA polymerase activity.

PMID- 22056928
TI  - Activation of the cryptic PhnE permease promotes rapid adaptive evolution in a
      population of Escherichia coli K-12 starved for phosphate.
AB  - Escherichia coli K-12 suffers acetic acid stress during prolonged incubation in
      glucose minimal medium containing a limiting concentration of inorganic phosphate
      (0.1 mM P(i)), which decreases the number of viable cells from 6 * 10(8) to <=10
      CFU/ml between days 6 and 14 of incubation. Here we show that following two
      serial transfers into P(i)-limiting medium, evolved mutants survived prolonged
      incubation (~10(7) CFU/ml on day 14 of incubation). The evolved strains that
      overtook the populations were generally PhnE(+), whereas the ancestral K-12
      strain carries an inactive phnE allele, which prevents the transport of
      phosphonates. The switching in phnE occurred with a high frequency as a result of
      the deletion of an 8-bp repeated sequence. In a mixed culture starved for P(i)
      that contained the K-12 ancestral strain in majority, evolved strains grew
      through PhnE-dependent scavenging of probably organic phosphate esters (not
      phosphonates or P(i)) released by E. coli K-12 between days 1 and 3, before
      acetic acid excreted by E. coli K-12 reached toxic levels. The growth yield of
      phnE(+) strains in mixed culture was dramatically enhanced by mutations that
      affect glucose metabolism, such as an rpoS mutation inactivating the alternative
      sigma factor RpoS. The long-term viability of evolved populations was generally
      higher when the ancestral strain carried an inactive rather than an active phnE
      allele, which indicates that cross-feeding of phosphorylated products as a result
      of the phnE polymorphism may be essential for the spread of mutants which
      eventually help populations to survive under P(i) starvation conditions.

PMID- 22056929
TI  - A Rickettsia genome overrun by mobile genetic elements provides insight into the
      acquisition of genes characteristic of an obligate intracellular lifestyle.
AB  - We present the draft genome for the Rickettsia endosymbiont of Ixodes scapularis
      (REIS), a symbiont of the deer tick vector of Lyme disease in North America.
      Among Rickettsia species (Alphaproteobacteria: Rickettsiales), REIS has the
      largest genome sequenced to date (>2 Mb) and contains 2,309 genes across the
      chromosome and four plasmids (pREIS1 to pREIS4). The most remarkable finding
      within the REIS genome is the extraordinary proliferation of mobile genetic
      elements (MGEs), which contributes to a limited synteny with other Rickettsia
      genomes. In particular, an integrative conjugative element named RAGE (for
      Rickettsiales amplified genetic element), previously identified in scrub typhus
      rickettsiae (Orientia tsutsugamushi) genomes, is present on both the REIS
      chromosome and plasmids. Unlike the pseudogene-laden RAGEs of O. tsutsugamushi,
      REIS encodes nine conserved RAGEs that include F-like type IV secretion systems
      similar to that of the tra genes encoded in the Rickettsia bellii and R.
      massiliae genomes. An unparalleled abundance of encoded transposases (>650)
      relative to genome size, together with the RAGEs and other MGEs, comprise ~35% of
      the total genome, making REIS one of the most plastic and repetitive bacterial
      genomes sequenced to date. We present evidence that conserved rickettsial genes
      associated with an intracellular lifestyle were acquired via MGEs, especially the
      RAGE, through a continuum of genomic invasions. Robust phylogeny estimation
      suggests REIS is ancestral to the virulent spotted fever group of rickettsiae. As
      REIS is not known to invade vertebrate cells and has no known pathogenic effects
      on I. scapularis, its genome sequence provides insight on the origin of
      mechanisms of rickettsial pathogenicity.

PMID- 22056930
TI  - Characterization of the Escherichia coli SecA signal peptide-binding site.
AB  - SecA signal peptide interaction is critical for initiating protein translocation
      in the bacterial Sec-dependent pathway. Here, we have utilized the recent nuclear
      magnetic resonance (NMR) and Forster resonance energy transfer studies that
      mapped the location of the SecA signal peptide-binding site to design and isolate
      signal peptide-binding-defective secA mutants. Biochemical characterization of
      the mutant SecA proteins showed that Ser226, Val310, Ile789, Glu806, and Phe808
      are important for signal peptide binding. A genetic system utilizing alkaline
      phosphatase secretion driven by different signal peptides was employed to
      demonstrate that both the PhoA and LamB signal peptides appear to recognize a
      common set of residues at the SecA signal peptide-binding site. A similar system
      containing either SecA-dependent or signal recognition particle (SRP)-dependent
      signal peptides along with the prlA suppressor mutation that is defective in
      signal peptide proofreading activity were employed to distinguish between SecA
      residues that are utilized more exclusively for signal peptide recognition or
      those that also participate in the proofreading and translocation functions of
      SecA. Collectively, our data allowed us to propose a model for the location of
      the SecA signal peptide-binding site that is more consistent with recent
      structural insights into this protein translocation system.

PMID- 22056931
TI  - Characterization of DNA sequences required for the CcrAB-mediated integration of
      staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec, a Staphylococcus aureus genomic island.
AB  - The mobile element staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec), which carries
      mecA, the gene responsible for methicillin resistance in staphylococci, inserts
      into the chromosome at a specific site, attB, mediated by serine recombinases,
      CcrAB and CcrC, encoded on the element. This study sought to determine the
      sequence specificity for CcrB DNA binding in vitro and for CcrAB-mediated SCCmec
      insertion in vivo. CcrB DNA binding, as assessed in vitro by electrophoretic
      mobility shift assay (EMSA), revealed that a 14-bp sequence (CGTATCATAAGTAA; the
      terminal sequence of the orfX gene) was the minimal requirement for binding,
      containing an invariant sequence (TATCATAA) found in all chromosomal (attB) and
      SCCmec (attS) integration sites. The sequences flanking the minimal attB and attS
      binding sites required for insertion in vivo were next determined. A plasmid
      containing only 37 bp of attS and flanking sequences was required for integration
      into the attB site at 92% efficiency. In contrast, at least 200 bp of sequence
      within orfX, 5' to the attB core, and 120 bp of specific sequence 3' to the orfX
      stop site and attB core were required for the highest insertion frequency.
      Finally, an attS-containing plasmid was inserted into wild-type Staphylococcus
      aureus strains without integrated SCCmec (methicillin susceptible) at various
      frequencies which were determined both by sequences flanking the att site and by
      the presence of more than one att site on either the chromosome or the
      integration plasmid. This sequence specificity may play a role in the
      epidemiology of SCCmec acquisition.

PMID- 22056932
TI  - Network identification and flux quantification of glucose metabolism in
      Rhodobacter sphaeroides under photoheterotrophic H(2)-producing conditions.
AB  - The nonsulfur purple bacteria that exhibit unusual metabolic versatility can
      produce hydrogen gas (H(2)) using the electrons derived from metabolism of
      organic compounds during photoheterotrophic growth. Here, based on (13)C tracer
      experiments, we identified the network of glucose metabolism and quantified
      intracellular carbon fluxes in Rhodobacter sphaeroides KD131 grown under H(2)
      producing conditions. Moreover, we investigated how the intracellular fluxes in
      R. sphaeroides responded to knockout mutations in hydrogenase and poly-beta
      hydroxybutyrate synthase genes, which led to increased H(2) yield. The relative
      contribution of the Entner-Doudoroff pathway and Calvin-Benson-Bassham cycle to
      glucose metabolism differed significantly in hydrogenase-deficient mutants, and
      this flux change contributed to the increased formation of the redox equivalent
      NADH. Disruption of hydrogenase and poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate synthase resulted
      in a significantly increased flux through the phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase
      and a reduced flux through the malic enzyme. A remarkable increase in the flux
      through the tricarboxylic acid cycle, a major NADH producer, was observed for the
      mutant strains. The in vivo regulation of the tricarboxylic acid cycle flux in
      photoheterotrophic R. sphaeroides was discussed based on the measurements of in
      vitro enzyme activities and intracellular concentrations of NADH and NAD(+).
      Overall, our results provide quantitative insights into how photoheterotrophic
      cells manipulate the metabolic network and redistribute intracellular fluxes to
      generate more electrons for increased H(2) production.

PMID- 22056933
TI  - Rhodobacter sphaeroides uses a reductive route via propionyl coenzyme A to
      assimilate 3-hydroxypropionate.
AB  - 3-Hydroxypropionate is a product or intermediate of the carbon metabolism of
      organisms from all three domains of life. However, little is known about how
      carbon derived from 3-hydroxypropionate is assimilated by organisms that can
      utilize this C(3) compound as a carbon source. This work uses the model bacterium
      Rhodobacter sphaeroides to begin to elucidate how 3-hydroxypropionate can be
      incorporated into cell constituents. To this end, a quantitative assay for 3
      hydroxypropionate was developed by using recombinant propionyl coenzyme A
      (propionyl-CoA) synthase from Chloroflexus aurantiacus. Using this assay, we
      demonstrate that R. sphaeroides can utilize 3-hydroxypropionate as the sole
      carbon source and energy source. We establish that acetyl-CoA is not the
      exclusive entry point for 3-hydroxypropionate into the central carbon metabolism
      and that the reductive conversion of 3-hydroxypropionate to propionyl-CoA is a
      necessary route for the assimilation of this molecule by R. sphaeroides. Our
      conclusion is based on the following findings: (i) crotonyl-CoA
      carboxylase/reductase, a key enzyme of the ethylmalonyl-CoA pathway for acetyl
      CoA assimilation, was not essential for growth with 3-hydroxypropionate, as
      demonstrated by mutant analyses and enzyme activity measurements; (ii) the
      reductive conversion of 3-hydroxypropionate or acrylate to propionyl-CoA was
      detected in cell extracts of R. sphaeroides grown with 3-hydroxypropionate, and
      both activities were upregulated compared to the activities of succinate-grown
      cells; and (iii) the inactivation of acuI, encoding a candidate acrylyl-CoA
      reductase, resulted in a 3-hydroxypropionate-negative growth phenotype.

PMID- 22056934
TI  - BpsR modulates Bordetella biofilm formation by negatively regulating the
      expression of the Bps polysaccharide.
AB  - Bordetella bacteria are Gram-negative respiratory pathogens of animals, birds,
      and humans. A hallmark feature of some Bordetella species is their ability to
      efficiently survive in the respiratory tract even after vaccination. Bordetella
      bronchiseptica and Bordetella pertussis form biofilms on abiotic surfaces and in
      the mouse respiratory tract. The Bps exopolysaccharide is one of the critical
      determinants for biofilm formation and the survival of Bordetella in the murine
      respiratory tract. In order to gain a better understanding of regulation of
      biofilm formation, we sought to study the mechanism by which Bps expression is
      controlled in Bordetella. Expression of bpsABCD (bpsA-D) is elevated in biofilms
      compared with levels in planktonically grown cells. We found that bpsA-D is
      expressed independently of BvgAS. Subsequently, we identified an open reading
      frame (ORF), BB1771 (designated here bpsR), that is located upstream of and in
      the opposite orientation to the bpsA-D locus. BpsR is homologous to the MarR
      family of transcriptional regulators. Measurement of bpsA and bpsD transcripts
      and the Bps polysaccharide levels from the wild-type and the DeltabpsR strains
      suggested that BpsR functions as a repressor. Consistent with enhanced production
      of Bps, the bpsR mutant displayed considerably more structured biofilms. We
      mapped the bpsA-D promoter region and showed that purified BpsR protein
      specifically bound to the bpsA-D promoter. Our results provide mechanistic
      insights into the regulatory strategy employed by Bordetella for control of the
      production of the Bps polysaccharide and biofilm formation.

PMID- 22056935
TI  - Unified nomenclature for genes involved in prokaryotic aerobic arsenite
      oxidation.

PMID- 22056936
TI  - Roles of endonuclease V, uracil-DNA glycosylase, and mismatch repair in Bacillus
      subtilis DNA base-deamination-induced mutagenesis.
AB  - The disruption of ung, the unique uracil-DNA-glycosylase-encoding gene in
      Bacillus subtilis, slightly increased the spontaneous mutation frequency to
      rifampin resistance (Rif(r)), suggesting that additional repair pathways
      counteract the mutagenic effects of uracil in this microorganism. An alternative
      excision repair pathway is involved in this process, as the loss of YwqL, a
      putative endonuclease V homolog, significantly increased the mutation frequency
      of the ung null mutant, suggesting that Ung and YwqL both reduce the mutagenic
      effects of base deamination. Consistent with this notion, sodium bisulfite (SB)
      increased the Rif(r) mutation frequency of the single ung and double ung ywqL
      strains, and the absence of Ung and/or YwqL decreased the ability of B. subtilis
      to eliminate uracil from DNA. Interestingly, the Rif(r) mutation frequency of
      single ung and mutSL (mismatch repair [MMR] system) mutants was dramatically
      increased in a ung knockout strain that was also deficient in MutSL, suggesting
      that the MMR pathway also counteracts the mutagenic effects of uracil. Since the
      mutation frequency of the ung mutSL strain was significantly increased by SB, in
      addition to Ung, the mutagenic effects promoted by base deamination in growing B.
      subtilis cells are prevented not only by YwqL but also by MMR. Importantly, in
      nondividing cells of B. subtilis, the accumulations of mutations in three
      chromosomal alleles were significantly diminished following the disruption of ung
      and ywqL. Thus, under conditions of nutritional stress, the processing of
      deaminated bases in B. subtilis may normally occur in an error-prone manner to
      promote adaptive mutagenesis.

PMID- 22056937
TI  - The cyanobacterial NAD kinase gene sll1415 is required for photoheterotrophic
      growth and cellular redox homeostasis in Synechocystis sp. strain PCC 6803.
AB  - NAD kinase (NADK), which phosphorylates NAD to NADP, is one of the key enzymes
      regulating the cellular NADP(H) level. In Synechocystis sp. strain PCC 6803,
      slr0400 and sll1415 were shown to encode NAD kinases. The NADP(H) pool in the
      cyanobacterium was remarkably reduced by an sll1415-null mutation but slightly
      reduced by an slr0400-null mutation. The reduction of the NADP(H) level in the
      sll1415 mutant led to a significant accumulation of glucose-6-phosphate and a
      loss of photoheterotrophic growth. As the primary NADK gene, sll1415 was found to
      inhibit the transcription of genes involved in redox homeostasis and to exert
      stronger effects on methyl viologen tolerance than slr0040.

PMID- 22056938
TI  - Novel roles of SoxR, a transcriptional regulator from Xanthomonas campestris, in
      sensing redox-cycling drugs and regulating a protective gene that have overall
      implications for bacterial stress physiology and virulence on a host plant.
AB  - In Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris, SoxR likely functions as a sensor of
      redox-cycling drugs and as a transcriptional regulator. Oxidized SoxR binds
      directly to its target site and activates the expression of xcc0300, a gene that
      has protective roles against the toxicity of redox-cycling compounds. In
      addition, SoxR acts as a noninducible repressor of its own expression. X.
      campestris pv. campestris requires SoxR both for protection against redox-cycling
      drugs and for full virulence on a host plant. The X. campestris model of the gene
      regulation and physiological roles of SoxR represents a novel variant of existing
      bacterial SoxR models.

PMID- 22056939
TI  - Survival in a German population with frontotemporal lobar degeneration.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The present study aimed at analysing survival of patients with
      behavioural-variant frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD), semantic dementia (SD) and
      progressive non-fluent aphasia (PNFA). Furthermore, the objective of the study
      was to identify prognostic factors associated with survival and to examine causes
      of death. METHODS: Interviews were performed with the proxies of 124 patients
      with frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). RESULTS: Survival from the onset
      of first symptoms was significantly longer in SD than in bvFTD (10.5 years).
      Median survival in PNFA was 12.6 years. Age at onset, gender, education and
      severity of dementia at diagnosis did not significantly influence survival. We
      did not identify any phenocopy cases. The most frequent cause of death as
      reported by caregivers was respiratory system disorder. CONCLUSION: This study
      adds to the growing literature on survival in patients with FTLD and provides
      insights into the causes of death.

PMID- 22056940
TI  - The role of the sub-thalamic nucleus in the preparation of volitional movement
      termination in Parkinson's disease.
AB  - The sub-thalamic nucleus (STN) is relevant to the preparation of movement
      ignition but its role in movement termination is uncertain. Fourteen patients
      with Parkinson's disease (PD) received local field potentials (LFPs) recording at
      the left STN on the fourth day after deep brain stimulation surgery. They
      performed phasic and tonic movements of the right wrist extensor. Movement onset
      (Mon) and movement offset (Moff) of the electromyographic activities were used as
      triggers to determine an eight-second LFPs epoch for time-frequency analysis.
      Movement-related power changes were assessed by repeated measures analysis of
      variance with within-subject factors of Event (Mon and Moff), Period (ten time
      periods for phasic movement and six time periods for tonic movement), and
      Frequency (alpha, low-beta, and high-beta). There was significant triple
      interaction in both the phasic and tonic movements. By post-hoc analysis, high
      beta event-related de-synchronization (ERD) appeared earlier (3s prior to Mon)
      than those of low-beta and alpha for the Mon phasic movement. There was no alpha
      ERD for the Mon tonic movement. Alpha, low-beta, and high-beta ERD all appeared
      about 1s prior to the Moff tonic movement. The current findings suggest that STN
      participates in the preparation of volitional movement termination but via a
      different mechanism from that in movement initiation. Unlike asynchronous ERD
      frequency bands present in movement initiation, a simultaneous ERD across wide
      frequency bands in STN may play a pivotal role in terminating volitional
      movement.

PMID- 22056941
TI  - A continuous high frequency stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus determines a
      suppression of excitatory synaptic transmission in nigral dopaminergic neurons
      recorded in vitro.
AB  - High frequency stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (HFS-STN) has been
      successfully introduced to treat symptoms of advanced Parkinson's disease (PD)
      (rigidity, tremor and akinesia). In spite of its extensive clinical practice,
      little is known at cellular level about the effects of a continuous train of
      electrical stimuli (>100 Hz) delivered in the STN. In this manuscript we examine
      the synaptic responses of substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) dopaminergic
      cells, upon continuous HFS-STN delivered in a rat brain slice preparation. We
      report that HFS-STN, delivered at frequencies resembling those used during DBS
      (100-130 Hz), caused synaptic responses in SNpc dopaminergic neurons, which
      summated progressively, until they reached a plateau within few tens of ms.
      However, if the HFS was maintained, a rapid fading of the synaptic response was
      observed, with an almost complete loss after 10s. Accordingly, the postsynaptic
      excitability, evaluated by the tonic firing rate of the SNpc dopaminergic
      neurons, remained unaltered during a continuous HFS-STN. Upon HFS termination,
      there was a rapid recovery of synaptic function. Neither a converging synaptic
      input, evoked by intranigral stimulation, nor the depolarizing responses to
      locally-applied AMPA, were affected during HFS. The loss of synaptic response by
      continuous HFS-STN was not prevented by inhibition of AMPA receptor
      desensitization, nor by antagonists of a variety of neurotransmitter receptors,
      known to depress synaptic transmission in the SNpc. We conclude that a HFS in the
      STN, with patterns resembling in vivo DBS, induces a rapid and input-specific
      suppression of the synaptic transmission from STN to SNpc dopaminergic neurons,
      that is maintained during an ongoing stimulation. The deficit of transmission
      between the STN and the SNpc could have a role in the therapeutic effects of the
      DBS procedure.

PMID- 22056942
TI  - Cloning and expression analysis of the mitochondrial ubiquitin ligase activator
      of NF-kappaB (MULAN) in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar).
AB  - Nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) is a transcription factor involved in the
      regulation of a large number of genes including many involved in bacterial and
      viral infections. NF-kappaB is normally sequestered by inhibitory proteins
      (IkappaBs) in the cytoplasm of non-stimulated cells. The degradation of IkappaBs
      by the ubiquitin proteasome pathway leads to the rapid translocation of NF-kappaB
      to the nucleous where it regulates gene transcription. The Mitochondrial
      Ubiquitin Ligase Activator of NF-kappaB, (MULAN), is an E3 ubiquitin ligase
      believed to be central in controlling activation of NF-kappaB, and regulating the
      mitochondrial dynamics and apoptosis process. We report, for the first time in
      fish, the characterization of a MULAN cDNA in Atlantic salmon and rainbow trout.
      The salmonid MULAN sequences encode predicted proteins of 352 amino acids. The
      mRNA of MULAN was expressed in multiple tissues, with the highest abundance in
      brain and white muscle. An Aeromonas salmonicida bacterial challenge increased
      expression of this gene in head kidney, liver and gill both at 6 and at 24h
      following the infection. In vitro experiments using the salmonid cell line RTG-2
      indicated MULAN was increased in expression following 4h stimulation with LPS and
      recombinant trout IL-1beta. MULAN expression remained increased 24h post
      stimulation with both LPS and IL-1beta, but was down regulated by PolyI:C at this
      time. These results suggest an active role of the MULAN gene in the activation of
      the NF-kappaB pathway during piscine immune responses.

PMID- 22056943
TI  - Evolution of coordinated mutagenesis and somatic hypermutation in VH5.
AB  - The VH5 human antibody gene was analyzed using a computer program (mfg) which
      simulates transcription, to better understand transcription-driven mutagenesis
      events that occur during "phase 1" of somatic hypermutation. Results show that
      the great majority of mutations in the non-transcribed strand occur within loops
      of two predicted high-stability stem-loop structures, termed SLSs 14.9 and 13.9.
      In fact, 89% of the 2505 mutations reported are within the encoded
      complementarity-determining region (CDR) and occur in loops of these high
      stability structures. In vitro studies were also done and verified the existence
      of SLS 14.9. Following the formation of SLSs 14.9 and 13.9, a sustained period of
      transcriptional activity occurs within a window size of 60-70 nucleotides. During
      this period, the stability of these two SLSs does not change, and may provide the
      substrate for base exchanges and mutagenesis. The data suggest that many mutable
      bases are exposed simultaneously at pause sites, allowing for coordinated
      mutagenesis.

PMID- 22056944
TI  - Think androgen deficiency.

PMID- 22056945
TI  - Semi-automated methods for simulation and measurement of amyloid fiber
      distributions obtained from transmission electron microscopy experiments.
AB  - Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) is the standard procedure for
      qualitatively confirming the presence of amyloid fibers in a protein aggregation
      reaction product. However, extracting quantitative information about the amyloid
      size distribution from the electron micrographs is a nontrivial problem. Here we
      describe methods for (i) the simulation of pseudo-TEM images of amyloid fiber
      distributions having known characteristic properties and (ii) the semi-automated
      processing of experimental TEM images of amyloid fibers to produce two
      dimensional histogram plots reflecting either the distribution of amyloid length
      and width or, alternatively, the distribution of width and fiber
      rigidity/persistence. The processing method is fully automatic when the density
      of fibers on the grid is sufficiently low (such that the adsorbed fibers do not
      touch) and is semi-automatic (requiring some user decision making) when the
      fibers are overlapping. Termed "ADM" (for Amyloid Distribution Measurement), the
      program suite is written in MATLAB code and is available on request from the
      author.

PMID- 22056946
TI  - Proteomic tools for the investigation of human hair structural proteins and
      evidence of weakness sites on hair keratin coil segments.
AB  - Human hair is principally composed of hair keratins and keratin-associated
      proteins (KAPs) that form a complex network giving the hair its rigidity and
      mechanical properties. However, during their growth, hairs are subject to various
      treatments that can induce irreversible damage. For a better understanding of the
      human hair protein structures, proteomic mass spectrometry (MS)-based strategies
      could assist in characterizing numerous isoforms and posttranslational
      modifications of human hair fiber proteins. However, due to their physicochemical
      properties, characterization of human hair proteins using classical proteomic
      approaches is still a challenge. To address this issue, we have used two
      complementary approaches to analyze proteins from the human hair cortex. The
      multidimensional protein identification technology (MudPit) approach allowed
      identifying all keratins and the major KAPs present in the hair as well as
      posttranslational modifications in keratins such as cysteine trioxidation,
      lysine, and histidine methylation. Then two-dimensional gel electrophoresis
      coupled with MS (2-DE gel MS) allowed us to obtain the most complete 2-DE gel
      pattern of human hair proteins, revealing an unexpected heterogeneity of keratin
      structures. Analyses of these structures by differential peptide mapping have
      brought evidence of cleaved species in hair keratins and suggest a preferential
      breaking zone in alpha-helical segments.

PMID- 22056947
TI  - Development of a time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer assay for
      cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and identification of its ATP-noncompetitive
      inhibitors.
AB  - Protein kinases are recognized as important drug targets due to the pivotal roles
      they play in human disease. Many kinase inhibitors are ATP competitive, leading
      to potential problems with poor selectivity and significant loss of potency in
      vivo due to cellular ATP concentrations being much higher than K(m).
      Consequently, there has been growing interest in the development of ATP
      noncompetitive inhibitors to overcome these problems. There are challenges to
      identifying ATP-noncompetitive inhibitors from compound library screens because
      ATP-noncompetitive inhibitors are often weaker and commonly excluded by potency
      based hit selection criteria in favor of abundant and highly potent ATP
      competitive inhibitors in screening libraries. Here we report the development of
      a time-resolved fluorescence resonance energy transfer (TR-FRET) assay for
      protein kinase cyclin-dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) and the identification of ATP
      noncompetitive inhibitors by high-throughput screening after employing a strategy
      to favor this type of inhibitors. We also present kinetic characterization that
      is consistent with the proposed mode of inhibition.

PMID- 22056948
TI  - Risk for advanced-stage endometrial cancer in surgical specimens from patients
      with complex endometrial hyperplasia with atypia.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence of endometrial cancer in patients
      undergoing hysterectomy for atypical complex endometrial hyperplasia and to study
      the risk of advanced endometrial cancer that may be associated with extra-uterine
      disease. METHODS: A retrospective chart review was performed of the records of
      all women who underwent hysterectomy for a preoperative diagnosis of complex
      hyperplasia with atypia from two teaching hospitals between 1999 and 2006.
      Demographic and clinical variables were collected and analyzed for the 80
      patients identified by the initial screening methods. RESULTS: After screening
      and exclusions, 66 women with a preoperative diagnosis of atypical complex
      hyperplasia who subsequently underwent a hysterectomy were identified. Eleven of
      the 66 patients with atypical complex hyperplasia had a diagnosis of endometrial
      carcinoma in the hysterectomy specimens (17%). No endometrial cancer patient was
      staged greater than stage 1B or had greater than grade 2 disease. The patients
      with endometrial cancer were older (p < 0.05). Evidence of myometrial invasion
      was found in 63% (7/11) of the cancer cases, but all were less than 50% of the
      myometrium. CONCLUSION: Endometrial cancer found at the time of hysterectomy for
      complex hyperplasia with atypia may be associated with less advanced disease.

PMID- 22056949
TI  - The clinical impact of the couch top and rails on IMRT and arc therapy.
AB  - The clinical impact of the Varian Exact Couch on dose, volume coverage to targets
      and critical structures, and tumor control probability (TCP) has not been
      described. Thus, we examined their effects on IMRT and arc therapy. Five clinical
      prostate patients were planned with both 6 MV eight-field IMRT and 6 MV two-arc
      RapidArc techniques using the Eclipse treatment planning system. These plans
      neglected treatment couch attenuation, as is a common clinical practice. Dose
      distributions were then recalculated in Eclipse with the inclusion of the Varian
      Exact Couch (imaging couch top) and the rails in varying configurations. The
      changes in dose and coverage were evaluated using the dose-volume histograms from
      each plan iteration. We used a TCP model to calculate losses in tumor control
      resulting from not accounting for the couch top and rails. We also verified dose
      measurements in a phantom. Failure to account for the treatment couch and rails
      resulted in clinically unacceptable dose and volume coverage losses to the
      targets for both IMRT and RapidArc. The couch caused average prescription dose
      losses (relative to plans that ignored the couch) to the prostate of 4.2% and
      2.0% for IMRT with the rails out and in, respectively, and 3.2% and 2.9% for
      RapidArc with the rails out and in, respectively. On average, the percentage of
      the target covered by the prescribed dose dropped to 35% and 84% for IMRT (rails
      out and in, respectively) and to 18% and 17% for RapidArc (rails out and in,
      respectively). The TCP was also reduced by as much as 10.5% (6.3% on average).
      Dose and volume coverage losses for IMRT plans were primarily due to the rails,
      while the imaging couch top contributed most to losses for RapidArc. Both the
      couch top and rails contribute to dose and coverage losses that can render plans
      clinically unacceptable. A follow-up study we performed found that the less
      attenuating unipanel mesh couch top available with the Varian Exact couch does
      not cause a clinically impactful loss of dose or coverage for IMRT but still
      causes an unacceptable loss for RapidArc. Therefore, both the imaging or mesh
      couch top and the rails should be accounted for in arc therapy. The imaging couch
      top should be accounted for in IMRT treatment planning or the mesh top can be
      used, which would not need to be accounted for, and the rails should be moved to
      avoid the beams during treatment.

PMID- 22056950
TI  - Attenuation of LPS-induced inflammation by ICT, a derivate of icariin, via
      inhibition of the CD14/TLR4 signaling pathway in human monocytes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential of ICT in LPS stimulated
      human innate immune cells. BACKGROUND: 3, 5, 7-Trihydroxy-4'-methoxy-8-(3-hydroxy
      3- methylbutyl)-flavone (ICT) is a novel derivative of icariin, the major active
      ingredient of Herba Epimedii, an herb used in traditional Chinese medicine. We
      previously demonstrated its anti-inflammatory potential in a murine macrophage
      cell line as well as in mouse models. METHODS: We measured TNF-alpha production
      by ELISA, TLR4/CD14 expression by flow cytometry, and NF-kappaB and MAPK
      activation by western blot all in LPS-stimulated PBMC, human monocytes, or THP-1
      cells after treatment with ICT. RESULTS: ICT inhibited LPS-induced TNF-alpha
      production in THP-1 cells, PBMCs and human monocytes in a dose-dependent manner.
      ICT treatment resulted in down-regulation of the expression of CD14/TLR4 and
      attenuated NF-kappaB and MAPK activation induced by LPS. CONCLUSION: We
      illustrate the anti-inflammatory property of ICT in human immune cells,
      especially in monocytes. These effects were mediated, at least partially, via
      inhibition of the CD14/TLR4 signaling pathway.

PMID- 22056951
TI  - Stem cell pathologies and neurological disease.
AB  - The presence of stem and progenitor cells in the adult human brain suggests a
      putative and persistent role in reparative behaviors following neurological
      injury and neurological disease. Too few stem/progenitor cells (as in the case of
      Parkinson's disease) or too many of these cells (as in the case of Huntington's
      disease and glioma) could contribute to and even signal brain pathology. We
      address here critical issues faced by the field of stem cell biology and
      regenerative medicine, arguing from well-documented as well as speculative
      perspectives for a potential role for stem cells in the pathology of many human
      neurological diseases. Although stem cell responses may result in regenerative
      failure, in many cases they may help in the establishment or re-establishment of
      a functional neural circuitry (eg, after stroke). Therefore, we would argue that
      stem cells have a crucial-either positive or negative-role in the pathology of
      many neurological diseases.

PMID- 22056952
TI  - MYC gene amplification is often acquired in lethal distant breast cancer
      metastases of unamplified primary tumors.
AB  - In breast cancer, amplification of MYC is consistently observed in aggressive
      forms of disease and correlates with poor prognosis and distant metastases.
      However, to date, a systematic analysis of MYC amplification in metastatic breast
      cancers has not been reported. Specifically, whether the MYC amplification status
      may change in metastases in comparison to the corresponding primary breast tumor,
      and potential variability among different metastases within the same patient have
      also not been assessed. We generated single patient tissue microarrays consisting
      of both primary breast carcinomas and multiple matched systemic metastases from
      15 patients through our previously described rapid autopsy program. In total, the
      15 tissue microarrays contained 145 primary tumor spots and 778 spots derived
      from 180 different metastases. In addition, two separate tissue microarrays were
      constructed composed of 10 matched primary breast cancers and corresponding
      solitary metastases sampled not at autopsy but rather in routine surgical
      resections. These two tissue microarrays totaled 50 primary tumor spots and 86
      metastatic tumor spots. For each case, hormone receptor status, HER2/neu, EGFR
      and CK5/6 expression were assessed, and the cases were characterized as luminal,
      basal-like or HER2 based on published criteria. Both fluorescence in situ
      hybridization and immunohistochemistry for MYC was performed on all cases. Of the
      25 cases, 24 were evaluable. While 4 of 24 primary tumors (16%) demonstrated MYC
      amplification, an additional 6 (25% of total evaluable cases) acquired MYC
      amplification in their systemic metastases. Of note, there was remarkably little
      heterogeneity in MYC copy number among different metastases from the same
      patient. MYC immunoreactivity was increased in metastases relative to matched
      primaries in the surgical cohort, although there was no perfect correlation with
      MYC amplification. In conclusion, amplification of MYC is a frequent event in
      breast cancer, but occurs more frequently as a diffuse, acquired event in
      metastatic disease than in the corresponding primary. These observations
      underscore the importance of MYC in breast cancer progression/metastasis, as well
      as its relevance as a potential therapeutic target in otherwise incurable
      metastatic disease.

PMID- 22056953
TI  - Molecular subtyping of male breast cancer by immunohistochemistry.
AB  - Molecular subtyping of breast cancer by gene expression has proven its
      significance in females. Immunohistochemical surrogates have been used for this
      classification, because gene expression profiling is not yet routinely feasible.
      Male breast cancer is rare and large series are lacking. In this study, we used
      immunohistochemistry for molecular subtyping of male breast cancer. A total of
      134 cases of male breast cancer were immunohistochemically stained on tissue
      microarrays for estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), HER2 and
      epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), as well as for CK5/6, CK14, and Ki67.
      HER2 was also assessed by chromogen in situ hybridization. Cases were classified
      as luminal A (ER+ and/or PR+, and HER2- and Ki67 low), luminal B (ER+ and/or PR+,
      and HER2+ or Ki67 high), HER2 driven (ER-, PR-, HER2+), basal-like (ER-, PR-,
      HER2-, CK5/6+ and/or CK14+ and/or EGFR+), or unclassifiable triple-negative
      (negative for all six markers). Luminal type A was by far the most encountered
      type of male breast cancers, representing 75% of the cases. Luminal type B was
      seen in 21% and the remaining 4% of cases were classified as basal-like (n=4) and
      unclassifiable triple-negative (n=1). No HER2 driven cases were identified.
      Patients with basal-like cancer were significantly younger (P=0.034). Luminal B
      type cancers showed significantly higher histological grade (P<0.001), mitotic
      index (P<0.001), and PR negativity (P=0.005) compared with luminal type A
      cancers. In conclusion, most male breast cancers are luminal A and luminal B
      types, whereas basal-like, unclassifiable triple-negative, and HER2 driven male
      breast cancers are rare. Luminal type B seem to represent a subtype with an
      aggressive phenotype. This distribution of molecular subtypes in male breast
      cancer is clearly different compared with female breast cancers, pointing to
      possible important differences in carcinogenesis.

PMID- 22056954
TI  - Large duct type invasive adenocarcinoma of the pancreas with microcystic and
      papillary patterns: a potential microscopic mimic of non-invasive ductal
      neoplasia.
AB  - A morphological variant of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma forming large ductal
      elements, large duct type ductal adenocarcinoma, is documented and its
      clinicopathological features are studied. These tumors may have microcystic and
      papillary growth patterns that closely mimic the non-invasive cystic and
      papillary pancreatic tumors such as: intraductal papillary-mucinous neoplasia,
      including the oncocytic variant, mucinous cystic neoplasms, and ducts involved by
      pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia. In a review of 230 pancreatectomy specimens
      with ductal adenocarcinoma, 28 (8%) cases of large duct type ductal
      adenocarcinomas were identified according to following criteria: more than 50% of
      the tumor sections available for examination contained infiltrative ducts with a
      diameter larger than 0.5 mm or had a macroscopically identifiable microcystic
      pattern. Overall characteristics of large duct type ductal adenocarcinomas were
      not too different than those of conventional ductal adenocarcinomas, except that
      there was a slight female predominance in the former (F/M=2.3). The mean age was
      67 (vs 63 in conventional ductal adenocarcinomas; P=0.015), and occurrence in the
      tail was slightly more common (40% vs 18% in conventional ductal adenocarcinomas;
      P=0.006). Grossly, cysts measuring up to 1 cm was noted in 10 cases.
      Microscopically, large duct type adenocarcinomas were characterized by
      irregularly distributed large ducts with jagged edges, lined by columnar mucinous
      cells often having deceptively bland cytological features and variable degrees of
      papillomatosis. Stromal desmoplasia had a hypercellular quality (morphologically
      distinct from ovarian-like stroma) in four cases, and had a myxoid quality in
      others. KRAS oncogene mutation was identified in 9 out of 11 cases. Median, 1
      year and 2-year survival rates were 16 months, 77% and 30%, respectively, as
      opposed to 12 months, 52% and 30%, respectively, in conventional ductal
      adenocarcinoma. In conclusion, it should be recognized that, some (8%) pancreatic
      ductal adenocarcinomas exhibit a large duct pattern that may microscopically
      mimic non-invasive pancreatic tumors characterized by cystic and papillary
      patterns. They may be distinguished by the relatively smaller size of the cysts,
      irregularity of the duct contours, clustering of the ducts, presence of
      intraluminal neutrophils and granular debris, degree of cytological pleomorphism,
      and myxoid quality of the stroma. Clinical behavior appears to be slightly better
      than that of conventional ductal adenocarcinoma, which may be accounted by the
      well-differentiated nature of these tumors.

PMID- 22056955
TI  - p40 (DeltaNp63) is superior to p63 for the diagnosis of pulmonary squamous cell
      carcinoma.
AB  - Immunohistochemistry has recently emerged as a powerful ancillary tool for
      differentiating lung adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma-a distinction
      with important therapeutic implications. Although the most frequently recommended
      squamous marker p63 is extremely sensitive, it suffers from low specificity due
      to its reactivity in a substantial proportion of lung adenocarcinomas and other
      tumor types, particularly lymphomas. p40 is a relatively unknown antibody that
      recognizes DeltaNp63-a p63 isoform suggested to be highly specific for
      squamous/basal cells. Here we compared the standard p63 antibody (4A4) and p40 in
      a series of 470 tumors from the archives of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer
      Center and The Johns Hopkins Hospital, which included lung squamous cell
      carcinomas (n=81), adenocarcinomas (n=237), and large cell lymphomas (n=152). The
      p63 was positive in 100% of squamous cell carcinomas, 31% of adenocarcinomas, and
      54% of large cell lymphomas (sensitivity 100%, specificity 60%). In contrast,
      although p40 was also positive in 100% of squamous cell carcinomas, only 3% of
      adenocarcinomas, and none of large cell lymphomas had p40 labeling (sensitivity
      100%, specificity 98%). The mean percentage of p63 versus p40-immunoreactive
      cells in squamous cell carcinomas was equivalent (97 vs 96%, respectively,
      P=0.73). Rare adenocarcinomas with p40 labeling had reactivity in no more than 5%
      of tumor cells, whereas the mean (range) of p63-positive cells in adenocarcinomas
      and lymphomas was 26% (1-90%) and 48% (2-100%), respectively. In summary, p40 is
      equivalent to p63 in sensitivity for squamous cell carcinoma, but it is markedly
      superior to p63 in specificity, which eliminates a potential pitfall of
      misinterpreting a p63-positive adenocarcinoma or unsuspected lymphoma as squamous
      cell carcinoma. These findings strongly support the routine use of p40 in place
      of p63 for the diagnosis of pulmonary squamous cell carcinoma.

PMID- 22056956
TI  - Ab initio molecular dynamics model for density, elastic properties and short
      range order of Co-Fe-Ta-B metallic glass thin films.
AB  - Density, elastic modulus and the pair distribution function of Co-Fe-Ta-B
      metallic glasses were obtained by ab initio molecular dynamics simulations and
      measured for sputtered thin films using x-ray reflectivity, nanoindentation and x
      ray diffraction using high energy photons. The computationally obtained density
      of 8.19 g cm(-3) for Co(43)Fe(20)Ta(5.5)B(31.5) and 8.42 g cm(-3) for
      Co(45.5)Fe(24)Ta(6)B(24.5), as well as the Young's moduli of 273 and 251 GPa,
      respectively, are consistent with our experiments and literature data. These
      data, together with the good agreement between the theoretical and the
      experimental pair distribution functions, indicate that the model established
      here is useful to describe the density, elasticity and short range order of Co-Fe
      Ta-B metallic glass thin films. Irrespective of the investigated variation in
      chemical composition, (Co, Fe)-B cluster formation and Co-Fe interactions are
      identified by density-of-states analysis. Strong bonds within the structural
      units and between the metallic species may give rise to the comparatively large
      stiffness.

PMID- 22056957
TI  - The pre-synaptic metabotropic glutamate receptor 7 "mGluR7" is a critical
      modulator of ethanol sensitivity in mice.
AB  - Recent studies demonstrated that the metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 7
      "mGluR7" activation may reduce motivational aspects of ethanol dependence. We
      investigated the role of mGlu7 receptor in ethanol-related behaviors using the
      allosteric agonist AMN082 in mice. Results have shown that mGluR7 activation
      increased the sedative effect of ethanol as measured by the duration of loss of
      righting reflex (LORR) and reduced the severity of ethanol-induced withdrawal.
      Importantly, the protective effect of the drug on alcohol-induced withdrawal was
      found when the AMN082 was injected before, but not after, injection of ethanol
      suggesting that mGluR7 activation prevented development of dependence rather than
      producing an anti-convulsant effect. In addition, ethanol-induced locomotor
      stimulation was blocked by following mGluR7 activation. Furthermore, mice
      injected with AMN082 consumed less ethanol in a two-bottle free-choice paradigm
      and in a drinking in the dark (DID) model. Impairment in reward mechanisms in
      AMN082-injected mice was confirmed by the lack of ethanol-induced conditioned
      place preference (CPP). Follow-up control experiments have shown that plasma
      alcohol concentrations of AMN082 and vehicle-treated mice were similar. Taken
      together, these findings provide evidence for the crucial role of mGluR7 in
      ethanol-related behaviors, especially in voluntary alcohol drinking and alcohol
      reward. Thus, pharmacological targeting mGluR7 with AMN082-like compounds might
      be a potential means to tackle ethanol abuse and alcoholism in the future.

PMID- 22056958
TI  - Orexinergic neuron numbers in three species of African mole rats with rhythmic
      and arrhythmic chronotypes.
AB  - In the present study, orexinergic cell bodies within the brains of rhythmic and
      arrhythmic circadian chronotypes from three species of African mole rat (Highveld
      mole rat-Cryptomys hottentotus pretoriae, Ansell's mole rat--Fukomys anselli and
      the Damaraland mole rat--Fukomys damarensis) were identified using
      immunohistochemistry for orexin-A. Immunopositive orexinergic (Orx+) cell bodies
      were stereologically assessed and absolute numbers of orexinergic cell bodies
      were determined for the distinct circadian chronotypes of each species of mole
      rat examined. The aim of the study was to investigate whether the absolute
      numbers of identified orexinergic neurons differs between distinct circadian
      chronotypes with the hypothesis of elevated hypothalamic orexinergic neurons in
      the arrhythmic chronotypes compared with the rhythmic chronotypes. We found
      statistically significant differences between the circadian chronotypes ofF.
      anselli, where the arrhythmic group had higher mean numbers of hypothalamic
      orexin neurons compared with the rhythmic group. These differences were observed
      when the raw data was compared and when the raw data was corrected for body mass
      (M(b)) and brain mass (M(br)). For the two other species investigated, no
      significant differences were noted between the chronotypes, although a
      statistically significant difference was noted between all rhythmic and
      arrhythmic individuals of the current study when the counts of orexin neurons
      were corrected for M(b)--the arrhythmic individuals had larger numbers of orexin
      cells.

PMID- 22056959
TI  - Informed decision making for in-home use of motion sensor-based monitoring
      technologies.
AB  - Motion sensor-based monitoring technologies are designed to maintain independence
      and safety of older individuals living alone. These technologies use motion
      sensors that are placed throughout older individuals' homes in order to derive
      information about eating, sleeping, and leaving/returning home habits. Deviations
      from normal behavioral patterns are detected using statistical analysis of
      activities of daily living. Sensors are linked to mobile devices and secure Web
      pages in order to transmit information to designated caregivers who live outside
      the home. It is difficult to make informed decisions about purchasing new
      technologies. This article describes elements for making informed decisions about
      purchasing motion sensor-based monitoring technologies and factors that could be
      used to evaluate these technologies. Case managers, physicians, nurses, and
      social workers may be asked to help older individuals and their families make
      informed purchasing decisions. Recommendations and practical tools are provided
      to best support these professionals in their dialog with older individuals and
      their families.

PMID- 22056960
TI  - The influence of consistent assignment on nursing home deficiency citations.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The association of consistent assignment of nurse aides (NAs) with
      quality of care and quality of life of nursing home residents is examined (using
      5 groups of deficiency citations). METHODS: Data used came from a survey of
      nursing home administrators, the Online Survey Certification and Reporting data,
      and the Area Resource File. The information including consistent assignment and
      staffing variables of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and NAs were
      measured in 2007 and came from 3,941 facilities. Negative binomial regression and
      multivariate logistic regression models were used. RESULTS: An average of 68% of
      nursing homes in this sample reported using consistent assignment. However, the
      actual level of NA consistent assignment used varied substantially. Only 28% of
      nursing homes using NA consistent assignment did so at the often recommended
      level of 85% (or more). In the multivariate analyses, consistent assignment was
      associated with the deficiency citations examined in 4 of the 5 models. That is,
      quality of life deficiency citations (resident), quality of life deficiency
      citations (staffing), quality of life deficiency citations (facility), and
      quality of care deficiency citations were significantly (p < .01) lower in
      facilities with the highest levels of consistent NA assignment. Few significant
      findings were found in nursing homes using lower levels of consistent assignment.
      CONCLUSION: Consistent assignment has developed as a preferred practice in
      nursing homes based on little empirical evidence in the peer-reviewed literature.
      The findings presented here provide some justification for the use of this
      staffing practice for NAs.

PMID- 22056961
TI  - Emergency department use by nursing home residents: effect of severity of
      cognitive impairment.
AB  - PURPOSE: To examine the 1-year prevalence and risk of emergency department (ED)
      use and ambulatory care-sensitive (ACS) ED use by nursing home (NH) residents
      with different levels of severity of cognitive impairment (CI). DESIGN AND
      METHODS: We used multinomial logistic regression to estimate the effect of CI
      severity on the odds of any ED visit and any ACS ED visit in a 2006 national
      random sample of NH residents, controlling for predisposing, enabling, and need
      characteristics. RESULTS: Of 132,753 NH residents, 62% had at least one ED visit
      and approximately 24% had at least one ACS ED visit in 2006. The probability of
      any ED visit or any ACS ED visit varied with the severity of resident CI.
      Residents with mild CI had up to 15% higher odds of any ED or any ACS ED visit
      and those with more moderate CI had 9% higher odds of an ACS ED visit compared
      with those without CI. The probability of any ED visit was negatively associated
      with advanced dementia (adjusted odds ratio = 0.60; 95% CI = 0.55-0.65).
      IMPLICATIONS: Earlier identification of persons with mild CI may facilitate
      patient, family, and staff education, as well as advanced care planning to reduce
      ACS ED visits. Both ACS ED use and hospitalizations, adjusted for case mix,
      should be used as quality indicators to help ensure greater accountability for
      high-quality NH care and more appropriate utilization of ED resources.

PMID- 22056962
TI  - Supine head tremor: a clinical comparison of essential tremor and spasmodic
      torticollis patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Essential tremor (ET) is among the most misdiagnosed neurological
      diseases, and overdiagnosis is especially common. As many as 30-50% of supposed
      'ET' cases have other diagnoses, with dystonia prominent among these. Therefore,
      the recognition of differences in tremor phenomenology has potential diagnostic
      value for practising clinicians. There is an anecdotal sense that head tremor in
      ET is positional rather than resting, a feature which could aid in the diagnosis,
      yet no published data exist. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study of ET and
      spasmodic torticollis (ST) patients (3:1 matching) who had head tremor while
      upright, the prevalence of supine (ie, resting) head tremor was compared.
      RESULTS: There were 60 ET cases and 19 ST cases with head tremor while seated.
      When supine, head tremor persisted in only 5/60 (8.3%) ET versus 13/19 (68.4%) ST
      cases (p<0.001), indicating that essential head tremor is more likely to resolve
      in the supine position than is the head tremor of ST. Supine head tremor, when
      present in ET, did not seem to preferentially occur in patients with more severe
      disease (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that there is some validity
      to the anecdotal sense that head tremor in ET is a postural tremor that
      dissipates when a patient lies down; by contrast, in ST, head tremor more often
      persists. In a clinical context, these results have potential implications in
      diagnostically ambiguous patients with head tremor. Physicians should consider
      asking their tremor patients to lie down to assess whether head tremor resolves.

PMID- 22056963
TI  - Sporadic cerebral amyloid angiopathy revisited: recent insights into
      pathophysiology and clinical spectrum.
AB  - Sporadic cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) is a common age related cerebral small
      vessel disease, characterised by progressive deposition of amyloid-beta (Abeta)
      in the wall of small to medium sized arteries, arterioles and capillaries of the
      cerebral cortex and overlying leptomeninges. Previously considered to be a rare
      neurological curiosity, CAA is now recognised as an important cause of
      spontaneous intracerebral haemorrhage and cognitive impairment in the elderly,
      two fundamental challenges in the field of cerebrovascular disease. Our
      understanding of the pathophysiology and clinical manifestations of CAA continues
      to evolve rapidly, with the use of transgenic mouse models and advanced
      structural and/or molecular neuroimaging techniques. Yet, despite remarkable
      recent interest, CAA remains under-recognised by neurologists and stroke
      physicians. In this review, a fresh look at key developments in understanding the
      complex pathophysiology, important clinical and radiological features, diagnostic
      approaches and prospects for rational therapies for this enigmatic small vessel
      disorder is provided.

PMID- 22056964
TI  - Expanding the clinical, radiological and neuropathological phenotype of chronic
      lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive to
      steroids (CLIPPERS).
AB  - Chronic lymphocytic inflammation with pontine perivascular enhancement responsive
      to steroids (CLIPPERS) is a recently described inflammatory disease of the CNS
      with a predilection for the hindbrain and responsive to immunotherapy. Five
      further cases are described with detailed pathology and long term evaluation.
      CLIPPERS does not represent a benign condition, and without chronic
      immunosuppression the disease may relapse. The radiological distribution is
      focused not only in the pons but also in the brachium ponti and cerebellum.
      Pontocerebellar atrophy occurred early, even in cases treated promptly.
      Significant cognitive impairment was seen in some cases and was associated with
      additional cerebral atrophy. The pathology included distinctive histiocytic as
      well as lymphocytic components and evidence of neuro-axonal injury. Additional
      subclinical systemic findings on investigation were identified. Relapse was
      associated with withdrawal of corticosteroids, and disability was least marked in
      cases where both the presentation and relapses were treated promptly. We propose
      that the title of the syndrome be amended to chronic lymphocytic inflammation
      with pontocerebellar perivascular enhancement responsive to steroids to more
      accurately reflect the distribution of the radiological findings.

PMID- 22056965
TI  - Long term lymphocyte reconstitution after alemtuzumab treatment of multiple
      sclerosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Alemtuzumab is a lymphocyte depleting monoclonal antibody that has
      demonstrated superior efficacy over interferon beta-1a for relapsing-remitting
      multiple sclerosis (MS), and is currently under investigation in phase 3 trials.
      One unresolved issue is the duration and significance of the lymphopenia induced.
      The long term effects on lymphocyte reconstitution of a single course, and the
      consequences that this has on disability, morbidity, mortality and autoimmunity,
      were examined. METHODS: The lymphocyte reconstitution (n=36; 384 person years)
      and crude safety data (n=37; 447 person years) are reported for the first
      patients with progressive MS to receive alemtuzumab (1991-1997). Reconstitution
      time was expressed as a geometric mean or, when a non-negligible number of
      individuals failed to recover, as a median using survival analysis. RESULTS:
      Geometric mean recovery time (GMRT) of total lymphocyte counts to the lower limit
      of the normal range (LLN; >=1.0*10(9) cells/l) was 12.7 months (95% CI 8.8 to
      18.2 months). For B cells, GMRT to LLN (>=0.1*10(9)/l) was 7.1 months (95% CI 5.3
      to 9.5); median recovery times for CD8 (LLN >=0.2*10(9) cells/l) and CD4
      lymphocytes (LLN >=0.4*10(9) cells/l) were 20 months and 35 months, respectively.
      However, CD8 and CD4 counts recovered to baseline levels in only 30% and 21% of
      patients, respectively. No infective safety concerns arose during 447 person
      years of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Lymphocyte counts recovered to LLN after a
      single course of alemtuzumab in approximately 8 months (B cells) and 3 years (T
      cell subsets), but usually did not recover to baseline values. However, this long
      lasting lymphopenia in patients with a previously normal immune system was not
      associated with an increased risk of serious opportunistic infection.

PMID- 22056966
TI  - The association between cerebral amyloid angiopathy and intracerebral
      haemorrhage: systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the strength of the
      association between intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) and cerebral amyloid
      angiopathy (CAA) in a systematic review of published neuropathological studies.
      METHODS: In April 2011, Ovid Medline (from 1950) and Embase (from 1980) were
      searched for neuropathological studies that quantified the prevalence of CAA in
      patients with ICH and in a control group without ICH. Two authors extracted data
      from each study and meta-analysed their results using a random effects model.
      RESULTS: 10 neuropathological cross sectional or case control studies were
      identified, involving 481 cases with ICH and 3219 controls. There was no
      association between CAA and ICH in any location (OR 1.21, 95% CI 0.87 to 1.68; 10
      studies, I(2) 29%), deep ICH (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.30 to 2.19; five studies, I(2)
      58%) or cerebellar ICH (OR 2.05, 95% CI 0.55 to 7.63; four studies, I(2) 0%). CAA
      was significantly associated with lobar ICH, both overall (OR 2.21, 95% CI 1.09
      to 4.45; six studies, I(2) 40%) and in the three studies where average ages for
      cases and controls were comparable (OR 3.24, 95% CI 1.02 to 10.26). CONCLUSIONS:
      There is an association between CAA and lobar ICH, although the association might
      be stronger if potential confounding factors, distinctive clinical and imaging
      features of ICH due to CAA and CAA neuropathological severity are taken into
      account.

PMID- 22056967
TI  - Functional connectivity of dissociation in patients with psychogenic non
      epileptic seizures.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES) resemble epileptic
      seizures, but lack epileptiform brain activity. Instead, the cause is assumed to
      be psychogenic. An abnormal coping strategy may be exhibited by PNES patients, as
      indicated by their increased tendency to dissociate. Investigation of resting
      state networks may reveal altered routes of information and emotion processing in
      PNES patients. The authors therefore investigated whether PNES patients differ
      from healthy controls in their resting-state functional connectivity
      characteristics and whether these connections are associated with the tendency to
      dissociate. METHODS: 11 PNES patients without psychiatric comorbidity and 12
      healthy controls underwent task-related paradigms (picture-encoding and Stroop
      paradigms) and resting-state functional MRI (rsfMRI). Global cognitive
      performance was tested using the Raven's Matrices test and participants completed
      questionnaires for evaluating dissociation. Functional connectivity analysis on
      rsfMRI was based on seed regions extracted from task-related fMRI activation
      maps. RESULTS: The patients displayed a significantly lower cognitive performance
      and significantly higher dissociation scores. No significant differences were
      found between the picture-encoding and Stroop colour-naming activation maps
      between controls and patients with PNES. However, functional connectivity maps
      from the rsfMRI were statistically different. For PNES patients, stronger
      connectivity values between areas involved in emotion (insula), executive control
      (inferior frontal gyrus and parietal cortex) and movement (precentral sulcus)
      were observed, which were significantly associated with dissociation scores.
      CONCLUSION: The abnormal, strong functional connectivity in PNES patients
      provides a neurophysiological correlate for the underlying psychoform and
      somatoform dissociation mechanism where emotion can influence executive control,
      resulting in altered motor function (eg, seizure-like episodes).

PMID- 22056968
TI  - Xylo-oligosaccharides inhibit pathogen adhesion to enterocytes in vitro.
AB  - We previously reported that the non-digestible carbohydrates inulin and apple
      pectin promoted Listeria monocytogenes infection in guinea pigs, whereas xylo-
      and galacto-oligosaccharides (XOS and GOS), prevented infection by this pathogen.
      In the present study, mechanisms that could explain the previous in vivo
      observations were explored. Mixing bacterial cultures with XOS significantly (P <
      0.05) decreased the ability of two out of three strains of L. monocytogenes to
      adhere to Caco-2 cells. Additionally, 2 h incubation with XOS followed by washing
      of the bacteria significantly (P < 0.05) decreased the ability of all three
      strains to adhere to Caco-2 cells. Consistently, expression of the adhesion
      relevant genes inlA and lap was reduced by the presence of XOS. The observation
      that XOS inhibit the adhesion of Listeria to the intestinal epithelium in vitro
      may explain the reported preventive effect of XOS on Listeria infection in guinea
      pigs in vivo, while the preventive effect of GOS was not explicable by the assays
      chosen here.

PMID- 22056969
TI  - What is the life expectancy in frontotemporal lobar degeneration?

PMID- 22056970
TI  - Comparative acute toxicity from whole breast irradiation using 3-week accelerated
      schedule with concomitant boost and the 6.5-week conventional schedule with
      sequential boost for early-stage breast cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We aimed to evaluate the incidence of acute toxicity in a 3-week
      accelerated radiation therapy (RT) schedule with a concomitant boost compared
      with the 6.5-week conventional schedule with a sequential boost for early-stage,
      node-negative breast cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study included the first
      50 patients treated on protocol using the accelerated schedule as well as 74
      patients with comparable stages of disease treated over the same period using the
      conventional schedule. An accelerated schedule of 40.5 Gy * 2.7 Gy/fraction to
      the whole breast with 4.5 Gy * 0.3 Gy/fraction concomitant boost, for a delivered
      total dose of 45.0 Gy * 3.0 Gy/fraction in 15 fractions to the lumpectomy site.
      The conventional schedule used 46.8 Gy * 1.8 Gy to the whole breast with a
      sequential boost of 14.0 Gy * 2.0 Gy/fraction, delivering a total dose of 60.8 Gy
      * 33 fractions to the lumpectomy site. The side effects observed during RT and
      through the initial 8 weeks after treatment were scored for acute toxicity.
      RESULTS: A lower incidence of >= grade 2 skin toxicity was observed among
      patients treated on the accelerated schedule compared with those treated on the
      conventional schedule (p = .0015). There was a higher incidence of breast pain
      among patients receiving the conventional schedule (p = .045). No significant
      difference in the incidence of breast edema, fatigue, or hematologic side effects
      was observed between the 2 groups. CONCLUSION: Our observations suggest that
      there is acceptable toxicity with the accelerated schedule as used in this study.
      Further, it is not associated with a higher risk of acute toxicity when compared
      with the conventional schedule. Patients in the study are being followed, and
      clinical outcomes will be reported as the data mature.

PMID- 22056971
TI  - Kidney function decline in the elderly: impact of lipoprotein-associated
      phospholipase A(2).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Whether lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A(2) (Lp-PLA(2)) levels
      are associated with kidney function decline has not been well studied. METHODS:
      We investigated associations of Lp-PLA(2) antigen and activity with kidney
      function decline and rapid decline over 5.7 years in the Cardiovascular Health
      Study (n = 4,359). We estimated kidney function by cystatin C (eGFRcys) in
      repeated measures, and defined rapid decline as >=3 ml/min/1.73 m(2) per year. We
      stratified by baseline preserved GFR (>=60 ml/min/1.73 m(2)). RESULTS: Mean age
      was 72 +/- 5 years. Average eGFRcys decline was -1.79 ml/min/1.73 m(2) (SD =
      2.60) per year. Among persons with preserved GFR, compared to the lowest quartile
      of Lp-PLA(2) antigen, eGFRcys decline was faster among persons in the second,
      beta -0.31 (95% CI -0.52, -0.10), third -0.19 (-0.41, 0.02) and fourth quartiles 
      0.26 (-0.48, -0.04) after full adjustment. Persons in the highest quartile of Lp
      PLA(2) antigen had increased odds of rapid decline 1.34 (1.03, 1.75), compared to
      the lowest. There was no significant association between levels of Lp-PLA(2)
      activity and eGFRcys decline or rapid decline. Associations were not
      statistically significant among persons with low eGFR (<60 ml/min/1.73 m(2)) at
      baseline. CONCLUSION: Higher levels of Lp-PLA(2) antigen but not activity were
      significantly associated with faster rates of kidney function decline. These
      findings may suggest a novel vascular pathway for kidney disease progression.

PMID- 22056972
TI  - Prevalence and predictors of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use by
      men in Australian cancer outpatient services.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although studies have shown that complementary and alternative
      medicine (CAM) use is common in cancer patients, no survey has assessed CAM use
      in men with a variety of cancers. In Australia, no data exist about male cancer
      patients' use of CAM. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire was
      completed by 403 men attending four cancer outpatient services in Metropolitan
      Adelaide. Data were analyzed using Pearson's chi(2) tests and multivariate
      logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: CAMs were currently used by 52.9%, or used
      at some point by 61.5%, of respondents. The most popular CAM treatments were
      dietary supplements (36.1%), prayer (25.9%), herbs and botanicals (21.4%), and
      relaxation techniques/meditation (15.2%). CAM use was directed by a cancer
      specialist in 9.9% of respondents. Independent predictors of CAM use were
      metastatic cancer (P = 0.022), actively practicing religion (P = 0.008), and
      tertiary education (P = 0.007). CONCLUSIONS: CAM use in males is equally common
      across all cancer diagnoses, namely prostate, hematological malignancies,
      colorectal, lung, and other cancers. Oncologists should be aware that one-third
      of male patients modify their diet and/or search for spiritual guidance,
      particularly when diagnosed with metastatic cancer.

PMID- 22056973
TI  - Primary anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-refractory metastatic
      renal cell carcinoma: clinical characteristics, risk factors, and subsequent
      therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A subset of patients treated with initial anti-vascular endothelial
      growth factor (VEGF) therapy exhibit progressive disease (PD) as the best
      response per RECIST criteria. METHODS: Data from patients with metastatic renal
      cell carcinoma (mRCC) treated with anti-VEGF therapy were collected through the
      International mRCC Database Consortium from 12 centers. RESULTS: One thousand and
      fifty-six assessable patients received initial VEGF inhibitors and 272 (26%) of
      these patients had PD as best response. Initial treatment included sunitinib (n =
      203), sorafenib (n = 51), or bevacizumab (n = 18). Six percent of patients were
      at favorable risk, 55% at intermediate risk, and 39% at poor risk. On
      multivariable analysis, predictors of PD were Karnofsky performance status < 80%
      [odds ratio (OR) = 2.3, P < 0.0001], diagnosis to treatment < 1 year (OR = 2.1, P
      < 0.0001), neutrophilia (OR = 1.9, P = 0.0021), thrombocytosis (OR = 1.7, P =
      0.0068), and anemia (OR = 1.6, P = 0.0058). Median progression-free survival
      (PFS) in patients with PD versus without PD was 2.4 versus 11 months (P < 0.0001)
      and overall survival (OS) was 6.8 versus 29 months (P < 0.0001), respectively.
      One hundred and eight (40%) VEGF-refractory patients proceeded to receive further
      systemic therapies. Response rate, PFS, and OS for subsequent therapy were 9%,
      2.5 months, and 7.4 months, respectively, with no statistical differences between
      patients who received VEGF versus mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)
      inhibitors. CONCLUSIONS: Primary anti-VEGF-refractory mRCC patients have a dismal
      prognosis. Second-line anti-mTOR and anti-VEGF agents produce similar outcomes.

PMID- 22056974
TI  - Trastuzumab induces antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) in HER-2
      non-amplified breast cancer cell lines.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) mediated by
      CD56+natural killer (NK) cells may contribute to the activity of trastuzumab in
      HER-2-amplified tumours. In this study, we investigated the possibility that
      trastuzumab might induce ADCC against HER-2-non-amplified breast cancer cells.
      METHODS: Induction of NK cell-mediated ADCC was examined in trastuzumab-treated
      HER-2-non-amplified breast cancer cell lines. HER-2 protein levels were also
      determined in tumour and autologous normal tissue samples from patients with HER
      2 negative breast cancer. RESULTS: Trastuzumab induced a significant ADCC
      response in the HER-2-amplified HCC1954 and SKBR3 cell lines, and in all five of
      the non-amplified cell lines, which had low levels of detectable HER-2 by western
      blot (CAL-51, CAMA-1, MCF-7, T47D, and EFM19). Trastuzumab did not induce ADCC in
      the K562 control cell line or MDA-MB-468, which has very low levels of HER-2
      detectable by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) only. HER-2 protein was
      detected by ELISA in 14/15 patient tumour samples classified as HER-2-non
      amplified. Significantly lower levels of HER-2 were detected in normal autologous
      tissue compared with tumour samples from the same patients. CONCLUSION: Our
      results suggest that HER-2-non-amplified breast cancer cells, with low but
      detectable levels of HER-2 protein, can bind trastuzumab and initiate ADCC.

PMID- 22056975
TI  - Molecular beacon-based half-adder and half-subtractor.
AB  - This work demonstrates two DNA-based logic circuits that behave as a half-adder
      and a half-subtractor. A half-adder is composed of an AND gate and an XOR gate,
      whereas a half-subtractor consists of an INH gate and an XOR gate. The proposed
      designs are inspired by molecular beacons.

PMID- 22056976
TI  - Biomechanical testing and material characterization for the rat large intestine:
      regional dependence of material parameters.
AB  - The function of the large bowel is to absorb water from the remaining
      indigestible food matter and subsequently pass useless waste material from the
      body, but there has been only a small amount of data in the literature on its
      biomechanical characteristics that would facilitate our understanding of its
      transport function. Our study aims to fill this gap by affording comprehensive
      inflation/extension data of intestinal segments from distinct areas, spanning a
      physiologically relevant deformation range (100-130% axial stretches and 0-15
      mmHg lumen pressures). These data were characterized by the Fung-type exponential
      model in the thick-walled setting, showing reasonable agreement, i.e. root-mean
      square error ~30%. Based on optimized material parameters, i.e. a(1)<a(2) and the
      anisotropy degree (a(1) + a(4))/(a(2) + a(4))<1, with a(1) and a(2) representing
      circumferential and axial stiffness, and a(4) the stiffness interaction, the
      tissue was stiffer axially. The transverse colon was the stiffest of all regions
      both circumferentially (a(1) = 5.304 +/- 0.952 versus proximal colon: 4.043 +/-
      0.643, distal colon: 1.505 +/- 0.222 and rectum: 2.339 +/- 0.285) and axially
      (a(2) = 16.639 +/- 0.792 versus proximal colon: 16.580 +/- 1.042, distal colon:
      13.209 +/- 1.185 and rectum: 12.553 +/- 0.689). Our biomechanical testing and
      material characterization results for the large intestine of healthy young
      animals are expected to aid in comprehending the adaptation/remodeling that
      occurs with ageing, pathological conditions and surgical procedures, as well as
      for the development of suitable biomaterials for replacement.

PMID- 22056977
TI  - NAD(H)-coupled hydrogen cycling - structure-function relationships of
      bidirectional [NiFe] hydrogenases.
AB  - Hydrogenases catalyze the activation or production of molecular hydrogen. Due to
      their potential importance for future biotechnological applications, these
      enzymes have been in the focus of intense research for the past decades.
      Bidirectional [NiFe] hydrogenases are of particular interest as they couple the
      reversible cleavage of hydrogen to the redox conversion of NAD(H). In this
      account, we review the current state of knowledge about mechanistic aspects and
      structural determinants of these complex multi-cofactor enzymes. Special emphasis
      is laid on the oxygen-tolerant NAD(H)-linked bidirectional [NiFe] hydrogenase
      from Ralstonia eutropha.

PMID- 22056978
TI  - MicroRNAs in peritoneal dialysis effluent are promising biomarkers for peritoneal
      fibrosis in peritoneal dialysis patients.
AB  - Peritoneal fibrosis is a common complication of long-term peritoneal dialysis,
      and contributes to encapsulating peritoneal sclerosis and eventually peritoneal
      ultrafiltration failure, which restricts the wide application of peritoneal
      dialysis. Therefore, the prevention and treatment of peritoneal fibrosis is
      important to maintain peritoneal membrane integrity and prolong peritoneal
      dialysis treatment. Unfortunately, neither specific biomarkers nor effective
      therapies are available for peritoneal fibrosis in the clinic up to now. Emerging
      evidence suggests that extracellular microRNAs in body fluids are promising
      biomarkers for the diagnosis of diseases. microRNAs were reported to be involved
      in multiple fibrotic diseases and the serum levels of specific microRNAs were
      correlated with the degree of fibrosis. Moreover, extracellular microRNAs were
      found in peritoneal fluids and ascites. Based on these findings, here we present
      our hypothesis that extracellular microRNAs associated with peritoneal epithelial
      to-mesenchymal transition and fibrosis could potentially be detected in
      peritoneal dialysis effluent, and serve as novel biomarkers for early assessment
      and diagnosis of peritoneal fibrosis.

PMID- 22056979
TI  - Controversies in rheumatism and autoimmunity.

PMID- 22056980
TI  - Effect of sugar-sweetened beverages on body weight in children: design and
      baseline characteristics of the Double-blind, Randomized INtervention study in
      Kids.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intake of sugar-sweetened beverages is associated with overweight in
      observational studies. A possible explanation is that liquid sugars do not
      satiate and that their intake is not compensated by reduced caloric intake from
      other foods. However, evidence from intervention studies for this hypothesis is
      inconclusive because previous studies were not blinded. Hence results may have
      been influenced by expectations and behavioral cues rather than by physiological
      mechanisms. METHODS: We designed the Double-blind, Randomized INtervention study
      in Kids (DRINK) to examine the effect on body weight of covertly replacing sugar
      sweetened by sugar-free beverages. Children were only eligible if they habitually
      drank sugar-sweetened beverages. We recruited 642 healthy children (mean age 8.2,
      range 4.8-11.9). We designed, tested and produced custom-made beverages
      containing 10% sugar and sugar-free beverages with the same sweet taste and look.
      Children receive one 250 mL can of study beverage daily for 18 months. We perform
      body measurements at 0, 6, 12 and 18 months. The primary outcome is the z-score
      of BMI for age. The maximum predicted difference in this score between groups is
      0.72, which corresponds with a difference in body weight of 2.3 kg. DISCUSSION:
      The double-blind design eliminates behavioral factors that affect body weight. If
      children gain less body fat when drinking sugar-free than when drinking sugar
      sweetened beverages that would show that liquid sugar indeed bypasses biological
      satiation mechanisms. It would also suggest that a reduction in liquid sugars
      could decrease body fat more effectively than reduction of other calorie sources.

PMID- 22056981
TI  - Lipid-protein nanodiscs for cell-free production of integral membrane proteins in
      a soluble and folded state: comparison with detergent micelles, bicelles and
      liposomes.
AB  - Production of integral membrane proteins (IMPs) in a folded state is a key
      prerequisite for their functional and structural studies. In cell-free (CF)
      expression systems membrane mimicking components could be added to the reaction
      mixture that promotes IMP production in a soluble form. Here lipid-protein
      nanodiscs (LPNs) of different lipid compositions (DMPC, DMPG, POPC, POPC/DOPG)
      have been compared with classical membrane mimicking media such as detergent
      micelles, lipid/detergent bicelles and liposomes by their ability to support CF
      synthesis of IMPs in a folded and soluble state. Three model membrane proteins of
      different topology were used: homodimeric transmembrane (TM) domain of human
      receptor tyrosine kinase ErbB3 (TM-ErbB3, 1TM); voltage-sensing domain of K(+)
      channel KvAP (VSD, 4TM); and bacteriorhodopsin from Exiguobacterium sibiricum
      (ESR, 7TM). Structural and/or functional properties of the synthesized proteins
      were analyzed. LPNs significantly enhanced synthesis of the IMPs in a soluble
      form regardless of the lipid composition. A partial disintegration of LPNs
      composed of unsaturated lipids was observed upon co-translational IMP
      incorporation. Contrary to detergents the nanodiscs resulted in the synthesis of
      ~80% active ESR and promoted correct folding of the TM-ErbB3. None of the tested
      membrane mimetics supported CF synthesis of correctly folded VSD, and the
      protocol of the domain refolding was developed. The use of LPNs appears to be the
      most promising approach to CF production of IMPs in a folded state. NMR analysis
      of (15)N-Ile-TM-ErbB3 co-translationally incorporated into LPNs shows the great
      prospects of this membrane mimetics for structural studies of IMPs produced by CF
      systems.

PMID- 22056982
TI  - Intranasal anti-rabies DNA immunization promotes a Th1-related cytokine
      stimulation associated with plasmid survival time.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: DNA vaccination has a great potential to decrease infectious
      diseases worldwide, such as rabies. Here we showed the effects of a single anti
      rabies DNA vaccination applied intranasally (IN) on plasmid survival time,
      neutralizing antibody (NA) titers, G-protein expression and Th1/Th2-related
      cytokines. METHODS: Only one 50-MUg dose of an anti-rabies DNA vaccine was IN
      administered to 160 Balb/c mice. Twenty mice were used for the neutralizing
      antibody study, 35 for the proliferation assay, 35 for Th1/Th2-related cytokines,
      35 for glycoprotein expression by immunocytochemistry, and 35 for pGQH detection
      and G-protein mRNA expression. RESULTS: Th1-type related cytokines from spleen
      cells (IFN-gamma, TNF-alpha, and IL-2) were detected. Rabies NA titers were >=0.6
      IUs from day 30 onward in the IN DNA-vaccinated group. The plasmid was identified
      in brains and lungs from days 3-15. The mRNA transcript was amplified in brains
      and lungs from days 3-30, and G-protein expression was observed in spleens,
      brains and lungs on days 3, 8, and 15. In all cases, a gradual decrease was
      observed on days 30 and 45 and absent on day 60. CONCLUSIONS: We found that Th1
      type related cytokines (IL-2, IFN-gamma, and TNF-alpha) were stimulated during
      the first month after DNA vaccination, correlating with the proliferation assays.
      Also, it was associated with the plasmid survival time remaining in lungs and
      brains prior to its degradation.

PMID- 22056983
TI  - Treatment of osteonecrosis of the femoral head with VEGF165 transgenic bone
      marrow mesenchymal stem cells in mongrel dogs.
AB  - We evaluated the efficacy of vascular endothelial growth factor 165 (VEGF(165))
      transgenic bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) for the repair of early
      stage osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) in mature mongrel dogs. This
      animal model was surgically established by femoral neck osteotomy and subsequent
      repinning. Twenty-seven dogs (54 hips) were divided into 3 equal-sized groups: a
      pCI-neo-VEGF(165) BMSC group, a pCI-neo BMSC group and a core decompression-alone
      group. The lipofectamine was used to introduce the VEGF(165) gene into the BMSCs.
      After core decompression, transgenic and non-transgenic autologous BMSCs were
      implanted. Therapeutic efficacy, including new bone formation and
      neovascularization in the femoral head, was examined by computed radiography,
      single-photon emission computed tomography, histological and histomorphometric
      analysis and immunofluorescent staining for von Willebrand factor in pathological
      sections. The femoral osteotomy site healed completely by the 4th week after the
      osteotomy surgery and regions of histologically evident osteonecrosis were found
      12 weeks later. A regular arrangement of trabeculae and obvious bone regeneration
      were observed in the animals receiving implanted VEGF-transgenic BMSCs. The
      quantity of newly generated capillaries was significantly increased in the pCI
      neo-VEGF(165) BMSC group, but there was no significant difference between the pCI
      neo BMSC group and the core decompression-alone group. These results demonstrated
      that VEGF(165) transgenic autologous BMSCs enhanced bone reconstruction and blood
      vessel regeneration in the ONFH model. Compared with non-transgenic BMSCs, this
      approach could provide advanced benefits in the treatment of ONFH.

PMID- 22056984
TI  - Condom use and partnership intimacy among drug injectors and their sexual
      partners in Estonia.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Young age coupled with a high HIV prevalence among injection drug
      users (IDUs) and the prevalence of drug use in Eastern Europe can lead from an
      HIV epidemic concentrated among IDU to a self-sustained heterosexual HIV
      epidemic. Our objective was to explore the contexts of the prevention of sexual
      transmission of HIV among IDUs and their sexual partners and to provide insight
      into beliefs and behaviours related to condom use. METHODS: The authors undertook
      in-depth qualitative interviews to explore narratives about experience of
      preventing sexual transmission of HIV among 27 individuals (15 current IDUs and
      12 main sexual partners of IDUs) in Kohtla-Jarve, Estonia. RESULTS: The safe-sex
      'norm' was not common and factors that tended to reduce condom use included
      valuing the relationship above health risks, established gender roles,
      perceptions that condoms distributed via harm reduction programmes were of low
      quality and the stigma attached to HIV status disclosure. HIV risk management
      strategies among participants included consistent condom use and serosorting but
      were countered by a fatalism that encompassed consciously subjecting oneself to
      the inevitability of HIV infection in an HIV-discordant sexual partnership.
      CONCLUSIONS: Qualitative methods can significantly contribute to the prevention
      of sexual transmission of HIV among and beyond IDUs by improving our
      understanding of risky behaviours and the reasons for such behaviours that can be
      incorporated into tailored public health interventions.

PMID- 22056985
TI  - Metagenomic analysis of a permafrost microbial community reveals a rapid response
      to thaw.
AB  - Permafrost contains an estimated 1672 Pg carbon (C), an amount roughly equivalent
      to the total currently contained within land plants and the atmosphere. This
      reservoir of C is vulnerable to decomposition as rising global temperatures cause
      the permafrost to thaw. During thaw, trapped organic matter may become more
      accessible for microbial degradation and result in greenhouse gas emissions.
      Despite recent advances in the use of molecular tools to study permafrost
      microbial communities, their response to thaw remains unclear. Here we use deep
      metagenomic sequencing to determine the impact of thaw on microbial phylogenetic
      and functional genes, and relate these data to measurements of methane emissions.
      Metagenomics, the direct sequencing of DNA from the environment, allows the
      examination of whole biochemical pathways and associated processes, as opposed to
      individual pieces of the metabolic puzzle. Our metagenome analyses reveal that
      during transition from a frozen to a thawed state there are rapid shifts in many
      microbial, phylogenetic and functional gene abundances and pathways. After one
      week of incubation at 5  degrees C, permafrost metagenomes converge to be more
      similar to each other than while they are frozen. We find that multiple genes
      involved in cycling of C and nitrogen shift rapidly during thaw. We also
      construct the first draft genome from a complex soil metagenome, which
      corresponds to a novel methanogen. Methane previously accumulated in permafrost
      is released during thaw and subsequently consumed by methanotrophic bacteria.
      Together these data point towards the importance of rapid cycling of methane and
      nitrogen in thawing permafrost.

PMID- 22056986
TI  - Chromatin-associated RNA interference components contribute to transcriptional
      regulation in Drosophila.
AB  - RNA interference (RNAi) pathways have evolved as important modulators of gene
      expression that operate in the cytoplasm by degrading RNA target molecules
      through the activity of short (21-30 nucleotide) RNAs. RNAi components have been
      reported to have a role in the nucleus, as they are involved in epigenetic
      regulation and heterochromatin formation. However, although RNAi-mediated post
      transcriptional gene silencing is well documented, the mechanisms of RNAi
      mediated transcriptional gene silencing and, in particular, the role of RNAi
      components in chromatin dynamics, especially in animal multicellular organisms,
      are elusive. Here we show that the key RNAi components Dicer 2 (DCR2) and
      Argonaute 2 (AGO2) associate with chromatin (with a strong preference for
      euchromatic, transcriptionally active, loci) and interact with the core
      transcription machinery. Notably, loss of function of DCR2 or AGO2 showed that
      transcriptional defects are accompanied by the perturbation of RNA polymerase II
      positioning on promoters. Furthermore, after heat shock, both Dcr2 and Ago2 null
      mutations, as well as missense mutations that compromise the RNAi activity,
      impaired the global dynamics of RNA polymerase II. Finally, the deep sequencing
      of the AGO2-associated small RNAs (AGO2 RIP-seq) revealed that AGO2 is strongly
      enriched in small RNAs that encompass the promoter regions and other regions of
      heat-shock and other genetic loci on both the sense and antisense DNA strands,
      but with a strong bias for the antisense strand, particularly after heat shock.
      Taken together, our results show that DCR2 and AGO2 are globally associated with
      transcriptionally active loci and may have a pivotal role in shaping the
      transcriptome by controlling the processivity of RNA polymerase II.

PMID- 22056987
TI  - Sustained axon regeneration induced by co-deletion of PTEN and SOCS3.
AB  - A formidable challenge in neural repair in the adult central nervous system (CNS)
      is the long distances that regenerating axons often need to travel in order to
      reconnect with their targets. Thus, a sustained capacity for axon regeneration is
      critical for achieving functional restoration. Although deletion of either
      phosphatase and tensin homologue (PTEN), a negative regulator of mammalian target
      of rapamycin (mTOR), or suppressor of cytokine signalling 3 (SOCS3), a negative
      regulator of Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription
      (JAK/STAT) pathway, in adult retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) individually promoted
      significant optic nerve regeneration, such regrowth tapered off around 2 weeks
      after the crush injury. Here we show that, remarkably, simultaneous deletion of
      both PTEN and SOCS3 enables robust and sustained axon regeneration. We further
      show that PTEN and SOCS3 regulate two independent pathways that act
      synergistically to promote enhanced axon regeneration. Gene expression analyses
      suggest that double deletion not only results in the induction of many growth
      related genes, but also allows RGCs to maintain the expression of a repertoire of
      genes at the physiological level after injury. Our results reveal concurrent
      activation of mTOR and STAT3 pathways as key for sustaining long-distance axon
      regeneration in adult CNS, a crucial step towards functional recovery.

PMID- 22056988
TI  - Nuclear PKM2 regulates beta-catenin transactivation upon EGFR activation.
AB  - The embryonic pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) isoform is highly expressed in human
      cancer. In contrast to the established role of PKM2 in aerobic glycolysis or the
      Warburg effect, its non-metabolic functions remain elusive. Here we demonstrate,
      in human cancer cells, that epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activation
      induces translocation of PKM2, but not PKM1, into the nucleus, where K433 of PKM2
      binds to c-Src-phosphorylated Y333 of beta-catenin. This interaction is required
      for both proteins to be recruited to the CCND1 promoter, leading to HDAC3 removal
      from the promoter, histone H3 acetylation and cyclin D1 expression. PKM2
      dependent beta-catenin transactivation is instrumental in EGFR-promoted tumour
      cell proliferation and brain tumour development. In addition, positive
      correlations have been identified between c-Src activity, beta-catenin Y333
      phosphorylation and PKM2 nuclear accumulation in human glioblastoma specimens.
      Furthermore, levels of beta-catenin phosphorylation and nuclear PKM2 have been
      correlated with grades of glioma malignancy and prognosis. These findings reveal
      that EGF induces beta-catenin transactivation via a mechanism distinct from that
      induced by Wnt/Wingless and highlight the essential non-metabolic functions of
      PKM2 in EGFR-promoted beta-catenin transactivation, cell proliferation and
      tumorigenesis.

PMID- 22056989
TI  - Dopamine neurons derived from human ES cells efficiently engraft in animal models
      of Parkinson's disease.
AB  - Human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) are a promising source of cells for
      applications in regenerative medicine. Directed differentiation of PSCs into
      specialized cells such as spinal motoneurons or midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons
      has been achieved. However, the effective use of PSCs for cell therapy has lagged
      behind. Whereas mouse PSC-derived DA neurons have shown efficacy in models of
      Parkinson's disease, DA neurons from human PSCs generally show poor in vivo
      performance. There are also considerable safety concerns for PSCs related to
      their potential for teratoma formation or neural overgrowth. Here we present a
      novel floor-plate-based strategy for the derivation of human DA neurons that
      efficiently engraft in vivo, suggesting that past failures were due to incomplete
      specification rather than a specific vulnerability of the cells. Midbrain floor
      plate precursors are derived from PSCs 11 days after exposure to small molecule
      activators of sonic hedgehog (SHH) and canonical WNT signalling. Engraftable
      midbrain DA neurons are obtained by day 25 and can be maintained in vitro for
      several months. Extensive molecular profiling, biochemical and
      electrophysiological data define developmental progression and confirm identity
      of PSC-derived midbrain DA neurons. In vivo survival and function is demonstrated
      in Parkinson's disease models using three host species. Long-term engraftment in
      6-hydroxy-dopamine-lesioned mice and rats demonstrates robust survival of
      midbrain DA neurons derived from human embryonic stem (ES) cells, complete
      restoration of amphetamine-induced rotation behaviour and improvements in tests
      of forelimb use and akinesia. Finally, scalability is demonstrated by
      transplantation into parkinsonian monkeys. Excellent DA neuron survival, function
      and lack of neural overgrowth in the three animal models indicate promise for the
      development of cell-based therapies in Parkinson's disease.

PMID- 22056991
TI  - (75)As NMR study of antiferromagnetic fluctuations in Ba(Fe(1-x)Ru(x))(2)As(2).
AB  - The evolution of (75)As NMR parameters with composition and temperature was
      probed in the Ba(Fe(1-x)Ru(x))(2)As(2) system where Fe is replaced by isovalent
      Ru. While the Ru end member was found to be a conventional Fermi liquid, the
      composition (x = 0.5) corresponding to the highest T(c) (20 K) in this system
      shows an upturn in the (75)As [Formula: see text] below about 80 K, evidencing
      the presence of antiferromagnetic (AFM) fluctuations. These results are similar
      to those obtained in another system with isovalent substitution, BaFe(2)(As(1
      x)P(x))(2) (Nakai et al 2010 Phys. Rev. Lett. 105 107003) and point to a possible
      role of AFM fluctuations in driving superconductivity.

PMID- 22056990
TI  - HIV-1 restriction factor SAMHD1 is a deoxynucleoside triphosphate
      triphosphohydrolase.
AB  - SAMHD1, an analogue of the murine interferon (IFN)-gamma-induced gene Mg11 (ref.
      1), has recently been identified as a human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1)
      restriction factor that blocks early-stage virus replication in dendritic and
      other myeloid cells and is the target of the lentiviral protein Vpx, which can
      relieve HIV-1 restriction. SAMHD1 is also associated with Aicardi-Goutieres
      syndrome (AGS), an inflammatory encephalopathy characterized by chronic
      cerebrospinal fluid lymphocytosis and elevated levels of the antiviral cytokine
      IFN-alpha. The pathology associated with AGS resembles congenital viral
      infection, such as transplacentally acquired HIV. Here we show that human SAMHD1
      is a potent dGTP-stimulated triphosphohydrolase that converts deoxynucleoside
      triphosphates to the constituent deoxynucleoside and inorganic triphosphate. The
      crystal structure of the catalytic core of SAMHD1 reveals that the protein is
      dimeric and indicates a molecular basis for dGTP stimulation of catalytic
      activity against dNTPs. We propose that SAMHD1, which is highly expressed in
      dendritic cells, restricts HIV-1 replication by hydrolysing the majority of
      cellular dNTPs, thus inhibiting reverse transcription and viral complementary DNA
      (cDNA) synthesis.

PMID- 22056992
TI  - Premotor and occipital theta asymmetries as discriminators of memory- and
      stimulus-guided tasks.
AB  - The saccadic paradigm has been used to investigate specific cortical networks
      involving visuospatial attention. We examined whether asymmetry in theta and beta
      band differentiates the role of the hemispheres during the execution of two
      different prosacadic conditions: a fixed condition, where the stimulus was
      presented at the same location; and a random condition, where the stimulus was
      unpredictable. Twelve healthy volunteers (3 male; mean age: 26.25) performed the
      task while their brain activity pattern was recorded using quantitative
      electroencephalography. We did not find any significant difference for beta, slow
      and fast-alpha frequencies for the pairs of electrodes analyzed. The results for
      theta band showed a superiority of the left hemisphere in the frontal region when
      responding to the random condition on the right, which is related to the planning
      and selection of responses, and also a greater activation of the right hemisphere
      during the random condition, in the occipital region, related to the
      identification and recognition of patterns. These results indicate that
      asymmetries in the premotor area and the occipital cortex differentiate memory-
      and stimulus-driven tasks.

PMID- 22056993
TI  - 5-HT2A receptor antagonist M100907 reduces serotonin synthesis: an
      autoradiographic study.
AB  - The effects of the administration of the serotonin (5-HT)(2A) antagonist,
      M100907, on 5-HT synthesis rates, were evaluated using the alpha-[(14)C]methyl-l
      tryptophan (alpha-MTrp) autoradiographic method. In the treatment study, M100907
      (10mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally 30 min before the alpha-MTrp injection
      (30 MUCi over 2 min). A single dose of M100907 caused a significant decrease in
      the synthesis in the anterior olfactory nucleus, accumbens nucleus, frontal
      cortex, sensory-motor cortex, cingulate cortex, medial caudate-putamen, dorsal
      thalamus, substantia nigra, inferior collicus, raphe magnus nucleus, superior
      olive, and raphe pallidus nucleus. These data suggest that the terminal 5-HT(2A)
      receptors are involved in the regulation of 5-HT synthesis in the entire brain.
      Further, 5-HT synthesis is likely regulated by the 5-HT(2A) antagonistic property
      of M100907 in the cortices, anterior olfactory nucleus, caudate putamen, and
      nucleus accumbens.

PMID- 22056994
TI  - Suppression of MIP-2 or IL-8 production by annexins A1 and A4 during coculturing
      of macrophages with late apoptotic human peripheral blood neutrophils.
AB  - Annexin A1 (ANXA1) is a well-known anti-inflammatory protein that is expressed on
      the surface of apoptotic cells. Annexin A4 (ANXA4) is also recruited from the
      nucleus to the cytoplasm in apoptotic cells, although it is not known whether or
      not ANXA4 is expressed on the surface of apoptotic cells. In this study, we
      obtained rabbit anti-human ANXA1 and ANXA4 antibodies, and then examined whether
      or not ANXA1 and ANXA4 are expressed on the surface of early and late human
      apoptotic cells. ANXA1 and, to a lesser extent, ANXA4 were detected on late but
      not early apoptotic HeLa cells, whereas ANXA1 and a small amount of ANXA4 were
      detected on both early and late apoptotic human neutrophils. We then examined the
      effects of the anti-human ANXA1 and ANXA4 antibodies on the mouse or human
      macrophage response to human apoptotic cells. Upon coculturing of mouse or human
      macrophages with late apoptotic human neutrophils, anti-human ANXA1 antibodies
      and, to a lesser extent, anti-human ANXA4 antibodies increased MIP-2 or IL-8
      production significantly, suggesting that ANXA1 and ANXA4 suppress MIP-2 or IL-8
      production by macrophages in response to late apoptotic human neutrophils.

PMID- 22056995
TI  - Selective binding and fluorescence sensing of diphosphate in H2O via Zn(2+)
      induced allosteric regulation of the receptor structure.
AB  - A terpyridine-based receptor featuring two [9]aneN(3) units is able to
      selectively bind and sense diphosphate over mono- and triphosphate in aqueous
      solution at pH 7, thanks to the conformational change of its structure induced by
      Zn(2+) coordination to the polypyridyl moiety.

PMID- 22056996
TI  - Secondary malignancies in survivors of breast cancer: how to overcome the risk.
AB  - Secondary radiation-induced cancers (SRIC) are rare but well-documented as long
      term side effects of radiation in a large population of breast cancer survivors.
      The estimate of the standardized incidence ratio is 1.2, increasing with time
      elapsed from irradiation, and influenced by age, genetic and environmental
      backgrounds of the patient and systemic treatments. The majority of SRIC occurs
      in or close to high-dose treatment volume in the intermediate dose level. It is a
      dose- and rate-dependent phenomenon that rarely occurs in tissues with a
      cumulative dose of <3.5Gy. Careful patient selection, thorough treatment planning
      and modern radiation equipment can reduce the dose to the surrounding tissues and
      decrease the incidence of SRIC.

PMID- 22056997
TI  - Osteolytic expansile lesions in lumbosacral hydatid disease.

PMID- 22056998
TI  - Hospital and community validation of a screening instrument for detection of
      neurodisability in Indian children aged 6 months to 2 years.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To develop and validate a screening instrument for neurological
      disorders in children aged 6 months to 2 years in the community. METHODS: A
      comprehensive parent-administered instrument was developed to screen for hearing,
      vision, seizures, motor deficits and development in Indian children aged 6-24
      months. This was tested for reliability and validated in the hospital setting by
      comparing with pre-decided gold standards. It was then used in a community survey
      in a two-phase design in which all screen positives and a random sample of screen
      negatives were validated. RESULT: The screening instrument had overall
      sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive values of 95.8, 68.1 and 76.1%,
      respectively, in the hospital setting. In the field setting, these figures
      changed to 95.4, 51.8 and 20.6%, respectively. The reasons for this are
      discussed. CONCLUSION: Community surveys must use a two-phase design to get the
      true prevalence. A falsely high prevalence will be computed if only a single
      phase design or hospital validation is used.

PMID- 22056999
TI  - A stepwise validation of a wearable system for estimating energy expenditure in
      field-based research.
AB  - Regular physical activity (PA) is an important contributor to a healthy
      lifestyle. Currently, standard sensor-based methods to assess PA in field-based
      research rely on a single accelerometer mounted near the body's center of mass.
      This paper introduces a wearable system that estimates energy expenditure (EE)
      based on seven recognized activity types. The system was developed with data from
      32 healthy subjects and consists of a chest mounted heart rate belt and two
      accelerometers attached to a thigh and dominant upper arm. The system was
      validated with 12 other subjects under restricted lab conditions and simulated
      free-living conditions against indirect calorimetry, as well as in subjects'
      habitual environments for 2 weeks against the doubly labeled water method. Our
      stepwise validation methodology gradually trades reference information from the
      lab against realistic data from the field. The average accuracy for EE estimation
      was 88% for restricted lab conditions, 55% for simulated free-living conditions
      and 87% and 91% for the estimation of average daily EE over the period of 1 and 2
      weeks.

PMID- 22057000
TI  - The oxytocin/vasopressin receptor family has at least five members in the
      gnathostome lineage, inclucing two distinct V2 subtypes.
AB  - The vertebrate oxytocin and vasopressin receptors form a family of G-protein
      coupled receptors (GPCRs) that mediate a large variety of functions, including
      social behavior and the regulation of blood pressure, water balance and
      reproduction. In mammals four family members have been identified, three of which
      respond to vasopressin (VP) named V1A, V1B and V2, and one of which is activated
      by oxytocin (OT), called the OT receptor. Four receptors have been identified in
      chicken as well, but these have received different names. Until recently only V1
      type receptors have been described in several species of teleost fishes. We have
      identified family members in several gnathostome genomes and performed
      phylogenetic analyses to classify OT/VP-receptors across species and determine
      orthology relationships. Our phylogenetic tree identifies five distinct ancestral
      gnathostome receptor subtypes in the OT/VP receptor family: V1A, V1B, V2A, V2B
      and OT receptors. The existence of distinct V2A and V2B receptors has not been
      previously recognized. We have found these two subtypes in all examined teleost
      genomes as well as in available frog and lizard genomes and conclude that the V2A
      type is orthologous to mammalian V2 receptors whereas the V2B-type is orthologous
      to avian V2 receptors. Some teleost fishes have acquired additional and more
      recent gene duplicates with up to eight receptor family members. Thus, this
      analysis reveals an unprecedented complexity in the gnathostome repertoire of
      OT/VP receptors, opening interesting research avenues regarding functions such as
      regulation of water balance, reproduction and behavior, particularly in reptiles,
      amphibians, teleost fishes and cartilaginous fishes.

PMID- 22057002
TI  - Current progress in the assessment of 'liking' vs. 'wanting' food in human
      appetite. Comment on '"You say it's liking, i say it's wanting...". On the
      difficulty of disentangling food reward in man'.
AB  - Studies that make use of separate measures to capture 'liking' and 'wanting'
      components of food reward signal a paradigm shift in research on hedonic
      (over)eating in man. In a recent review, Havermans (2011) highlighted some key
      methodological and theoretical challenges faced by those working on this issue.
      Unfortunately, this selective reading of the recent literature in the field
      presents a skewed picture; but it should not dampen the building momentum. On the
      other hand the paper is a timely call for researchers to clarify some of the
      neological confusion that has inevitably been generated along the way. In this
      response to Havermans (2011), we offer a more robust review of current progress
      in the assessment of 'liking' vs. 'wanting' food in human appetite. The evidence
      supports important theoretical and practical implications for a dual-process
      account of food reward; the developing nature of the research means the majority
      of these remain tantalisingly unexplored.

PMID- 22057003
TI  - Sialome analysis of the cephalochordate Branchiostoma belcheri, a key organism
      for vertebrate evolution.
AB  - Sialic acid, a common terminal substitution of glycoconjugates, has been so far
      consistently identified in all vertebrates as well as in a growing number of
      bacterial species. It is assumed to be widely distributed among animal species of
      the deuterostome phylum, based on its identification in few echinoderm and all
      vertebrate species. However, whole sections of deuterostome, especially those
      intermediate species between invertebrates and vertebrates including
      cephalochordates, urochordates and hemichordates, are still unexplored in term of
      sialylation capacities. The discovery of functional sialic acid machinery in some
      of these species may shed new light onto the evolution of glycosylation
      capacities in deuterostome lineage. In a first approach, we investigated the
      sialylation pattern of a cephalocordate species, Branchiostoma belcheri, which
      occupies a strategic phylogenetic position to understand the transition of
      invertebrates toward vertebrates. Structural analysis of B. belcheri
      glycoconjugates established that this organism synthesizes large quantities of
      various sialic acids, some of which present rare or novel structures such as
      methylated sialic acids. These sialic acids were shown to be mainly associated
      with mono- and disialylated core 1-type O-glycans. Moreover, screening of the
      animal organs revealed the existence of exquisite tissue specificity in the
      distribution of sialic acids. Description of sialylation profiles was then
      correlated with the expression patterns of key enzymes involved in the
      biosynthesis of major forms of sialic acids, which provides the first complete
      overview of the sialylation patterns in cephalochordates.

PMID- 22057004
TI  - Mycoplasma genitalium: a comparative genomics study of metabolic pathways for the
      identification of drug and vaccine targets.
AB  - Increasing emergence of antibiotic-resistant pathogenic microorganisms is one of
      the biggest challenges for biomedical research and drug development. Traditional
      drug discovery methods are time-consuming, expensive and often yield few drug
      targets. In contrast, advances in complete genome sequencing, bioinformatics and
      cheminformatics represent an attractive alternative approach to identify drug
      targets worthy of experimental follow-up. Mycoplasma genitalium is a human
      parasitic pathogen that is associated with several sexually transmitted diseases.
      Recently, emergence of treatment-resistant isolates has been reported, which
      raises serious concern and a need for identification of additional drug targets.
      In the present study, a systematic workflow consisting of comparative genomics,
      metabolic pathways analysis and additional drug prioritizing parameters was
      defined for the identification of novel drug and vaccine targets that are
      essential for M. genitalium, but absent in its human host. In silico analyses and
      manual mining identified 79 proteins of M. genitalium, which showed no similarity
      to human proteins. Among these, 67 proteins were identified as non-homologous
      essential proteins that could serve as potential drug and vaccine targets.
      Subcellular localization, molecular weight, and three-dimensional structural
      characteristics that could facilitate filtering of attractive drug targets were
      also calculated for the non-homologous essential proteins. Enzymes from thiamine
      biosynthesis, protein biosynthesis, and folate biosynthesis were identified as
      attractive candidates for drug development. Furthermore, druggability of each of
      the identified drug targets was also evaluated by the DrugBank database. Results
      from this study could facilitate selection of M. genitalium proteins for entry
      into drug design and vaccine production pipelines.

PMID- 22057005
TI  - Unspecific ligand binding yielding stable colloidal ITO-nanoparticle dispersions.
AB  - Long-term stable ITO-nanoparticle dispersions are obtained using primary
      unbranched alkylamines with different chain lengths (C(3)-C(12)). The particles
      are stable despite weak interactions between the stabiliser and particle surface,
      which were qualitatively studied by (1)H-NMR spectroscopy and quantitatively by
      isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC).

PMID- 22057006
TI  - Atraumatic osteonecrosis of the distal radius and ulna: case series and review.
AB  - PURPOSE: Atraumatic multifocal osteonecrosis is defined as the occurrence of
      atraumatic osteonecrosis in 3 or more anatomic locations, and it is rare. We
      identified 6 patients with osteonecrotic lesions in the distal ulna, radius, or
      both. The purposes of this study were to describe the clinical manifestations of
      atraumatic multifocal osteonecrosis affecting these bones, to identify risk
      factors for developing the disease in these locations, and to evaluate the
      success of treatment by percutaneous drilling. METHODS: A total of 10 wrists in 6
      women with a mean age of 41 years had symptomatic osteonecrosis. Patients were
      treated by percutaneous drilling after they had failed nonoperative modalities.
      Clinical evaluation included preoperative and postoperative Michigan Hand
      Questionnaire scores plain radiographs, and MRI evaluations were performed to
      characterize the disease. The incidence of risk factors was recorded. RESULTS:
      There was disease occurrence in the radius in all 10 wrists and in the ulnas of 4
      wrists. All patients presented with symptomatic osteonecrosis of the large joints
      (primarily knee or hip), presumably secondary to corticosteroid use. These
      patients later developed symptomatic pain in the distal ulna, radius, or both
      that impaired daily activities. Other risk factors included alcohol or tobacco
      use, blood dyscrasias, and systemic lupus erythematosus. Treatment consisted of
      percutaneous drilling of the distal radius (and ulna when affected). One patient
      required additional bilateral drillings and had further improvement in her
      Michigan Hand Questionnaire scores. At a mean follow up of 35 months, there was
      no disease progression as evident radiographically. CONCLUSIONS: The distal
      radius and ulna are rare sites of osteonecrosis associated with multifocal
      disease. The clinical presentation and risk factors are similar to osteonecrosis
      in the large joints. Magnetic resonance imaging identifies necrotic lesions. The
      present study suggests that disease in these sites can be safely and effectively
      treated with percutaneous drilling. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic
      IV.

PMID- 22057007
TI  - Management and outcome of appendicitis among octogenarians in an English hospital
      over a five year period.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: There is a different perspective on diagnosis and management of
      common surgical problems in elderly patients. This study aimed to analyse the
      management of acute appendicitis in octogenarians. METHODS: A retrospective study
      investigated all appendicectomies over five years. Patient records were studied
      for presenting features, pre-operative imaging, pre-operative ASA grade, site of
      incision, post-operative complications and length of inpatient stay. RESULTS:
      Presenting symptoms included lower abdominal pain (n = 31, 93.9%), anorexia (n =
      19, 57.6%), nausea and vomiting (n = 15, 45.5%) and shifting pain (n = 10,
      30.3%). Twenty patients had right iliac fossa pain (60.6%) and seven had pyrexia
      (21.2%). The commonest co-morbidity was cardiac (n = 19; 58%). The average time
      from admission to theatre was greater in octogenarian patients (1.24 +/- 0.90
      days) than other patients (0.64 +/- 0.71 days), as was the average length of stay
      at 11 +/- 2.6 days compared with 4.3 +/- 3.1 days. The majority of octogenarian
      patients received a Lanz incision (48.3%), with others receiving laparotomy
      (24.1%), lower midline (13.8%), gridiron (13.8%), and right paramedian (3.4%).
      Complications were more common in the octogenarian patients (63.6%) than other
      patients (22.55%). The most common complications in the octogenarian population
      were post-operative ileus (n = 7; 21%), wound infection (n = 5; 15.2%) and
      pneumonia (n = 5; 15.2%). CONCLUSION: Appendicitis in the elderly can result in
      significant morbidity due to the atypical presentation causing an unnecessary
      delay in treatment. If indicated, age should not be a contraindication for an
      appendicectomy. The increased likelihood for these patients to have a post
      operative complication should be at the forefront of their care.

PMID- 22057008
TI  - Delivering quality of care while managing the interests of all stakeholders.
AB  - National healthcare systems worldwide face growing challenges to reconcile
      interests of patients for high-quality medical care and of payers for sustainable
      and affordable funding. Advances in the provision of renal replacement therapy
      can only be made by developing and implementing appropriate sophisticated and
      state-of-the-art business models that include reimbursement schemes for
      comprehensive care packages. Such business models must succeed in integrating and
      reconciling the interests of all stakeholders. NephroCare as dialysis provider
      has adopted and tailored recognized management techniques, i.e. Balanced
      Scorecard and Kaizen, to achieve these goals. Success of the complete business
      model package is tangible - strategies initiated to improve treatment quality
      even at the cost of providers have been translated into win-win scenarios for the
      complete stakeholder community. Room for improvement exists: the possibility to
      extend the portfolio of service offerings within the comprehensive care frame, as
      well as the challenge for achieving a balance between the stability of targets
      while keeping these up to date concerning new insights.

PMID- 22057009
TI  - Reconstruction and analysis of human heart-specific metabolic network based on
      transcriptome and proteome data.
AB  - The availability and utility of genome-scale metabolic networks have exploded
      with modern genome-sequencing capabilities. However, these generic models
      overlooked actual physiological states of the tissues and included all the
      reactions implied by the genome annotations. To address this problem, we
      reconstructed a human heart-specific metabolic network based on transcriptome and
      proteome data. The resulting model consists of 2803 reactions and 1880
      metabolites, which correspond to 1721 active enzymes in human heart. Using the
      model, we detected 24 epistatic interactions in human heart, which are useful in
      understanding both the structure and function of cardiovascular systems. In
      addition, a set of 776 potential biomarkers for cardiovascular disease (CVD) has
      been successfully explored, whose concentration is predicted to be either
      elevated or reduced because of 278 possible dysfunctional cardiovascular
      associated genes. The model could also be applied in predicting selective drug
      targets for eight subtypes of CVD. The human heart-specific model provides
      valuable information for the studies of cardiac activity and development of CVD.

PMID- 22057010
TI  - Activation of mitochondrial MU-calpain increases AIF cleavage in cardiac
      mitochondria during ischemia-reperfusion.
AB  - Ubiquitous calpains (calpain I and II) are generally recognized as cytosolic
      proteins. Recently, mitochondrial localized calpain I (MU-calpain) has been
      identified. Activation of mito-MU-calpain cleaves apoptosis inducing factor
      (AIF), a flavoprotein located within the mitochondrial intermembrane space, in
      liver mitochondria, but not in brain mitochondria. We first tested if activation
      of mito-MU-calpain cleaves AIF in isolated heart mitochondria. A decrease in AIF
      content within mitochondria increases cardiac injury during ischemia-reperfusion
      by augmenting oxidative stress. We hypothesize that the activation of mito-MU
      calpain by calcium overload during ischemia-reperfusion results in decreased AIF
      content within mitochondria by cleaving AIF. The MU-calpain was present within
      mouse heart mitochondria, mostly in the intermembrane space. Exogenous calcium
      treatment induced a calpain-dependent decrease of mitochondrial AIF content in
      isolated mouse heart mitochondria. This process was blocked by a calpain
      inhibitor (MDL-28170). The Mitochondrial MU-calpain activity was increased by 160
      +/- 15% during ischemia-reperfusion compared to time control. In contrast, the
      mitochondrial AIF content was decreased by 52 +/- 7% during reperfusion vs. time
      control in the buffer perfused mouse heart. Inhibition of mito-MU-calpain using
      MDL-28170 decreased cardiac injury by preserving AIF content within mitochondria
      during ischemia-reperfusion. Thus, activation of mito-MU-calpain is required to
      release AIF from cardiac mitochondria. Inhibition of calpains using MDL-28170
      decreases cardiac injury by inhibiting both cytosolic calpains and mito-MU
      calpain during ischemia-reperfusion.

PMID- 22057011
TI  - The size and phospholipid composition of lipid droplets can influence their
      proteome.
AB  - The proteomic makeup of lipid droplets (LDs) is believed to regulate the function
      of LDs, which are now recognized as important cellular organelles that are
      associated with many human metabolic disorders. However, factors that help
      determine LD proteome remain to be identified and characterized. Here we analyzed
      the phospholipid and protein composition of LDs isolated from wild type (WT)
      yeast cells, and also from fld1Delta, cds1, and ino2Delta mutant cells which
      produce 'supersized' LDs. LDs of fld1Delta and WT cells exhibited similar
      phospholipid profiles, whereas LDs of cds1 and ino2Delta strains had a higher
      (cds1) or lower (ino2Delta) percentage of phosphatidylcholine than those of WT,
      respectively. Unexpectedly, the presence of most known LD resident proteins was
      greatly reduced in the LD fraction isolated from cds1 and ino2Delta, including
      neutral lipid hydrolases. Consistent with this result, mobilization of neutral
      lipids was seriously impaired in these two strains. Contrary to the reduction of
      LD resident proteins, the Hsp90 family molecular chaperones, Hsc82 and Hsp82,
      were greatly increased in the LD fractions of cds1 and ino2Delta strains without
      changes at the level of expression. These data demonstrate the impact of LD
      phopholipids and size on the makeup of LD proteome.

PMID- 22057012
TI  - The global distribution and evolution of deoxyribonucleoside kinases in bacteria.
AB  - Deoxyribonucleoside kinases (dNKs) are important to DNA metabolism, especially in
      environments where nucleosides are freely available to be absorbed and used for
      the salvage pathway. Little has previously been known about the complement of
      dNKs in different bacterial genomes. However, it was believed that Gram-negative
      bacteria had a single dNK, while Gram-positive bacteria possessed several. An
      analysis of 992 fully sequenced bacterial genomes, including both Gram-positive
      and Gram-negative organisms, was conducted to investigate the phylogenetic
      relationship of all TK1-like and non-TK1-like dNKs. It was illustrated that both
      gene families evolved through a number of duplications and horizontal gene
      transfers, leading to the presence of multiple dNKs in different types of
      bacteria. The findings of this study provide a backbone for further studies into
      the evolution of the interplay between the de novo and salvage pathways in DNA
      synthesis with respect to environmental availability of deoxyribonucleosides and
      metabolic processes generating the provisions of different dNTPs.

PMID- 22057013
TI  - METCAM/MUC18 augments migration, invasion, and tumorigenicity of human breast
      cancer SK-BR-3 cells.
AB  - Previous research has identified METCAM/MUC18, an integral membrane cell adhesion
      molecule (CAM) in the Ig-like gene super-family, as a promoter or a suppressor in
      the development of human breast cancer by MCF7, MDA-MB-231, and MDA-MB-468. To
      resolve these conflicting results we have investigated the role of this CAM in
      the progression of the three aforementioned cell lines plus one additional human
      breast cancer cell line, SK-BR-3. We transfected the SK-BR-3 cells with human
      METCAM/MUC18 cDNA to obtain G418-resistant clones, which expressed different
      levels of the protein and which were used to test the effect of human
      METCAM/MUC18 expression on in vitro motility, invasiveness, anchorage-independent
      colony formation in soft agar, disorganized growth in a 3D basement membrane
      culture assay, and in vivo tumorigenesis in athymic nude mice. Enforced
      METCAM/MUC18 expression increased in vitro motility, invasiveness, and anchorage
      independent colony formation of SK-BR-3 cells and favored disorganized growth of
      the cells in 3D basement membrane culture. Enforced expression also increased
      tumorigenicity and final tumor weights of SK-BR-3 clones/cells after subcutaneous
      injection of the cells under the left third nipple of female athymic nude mice.
      To understand the mechanisms, we also determined the expression of several
      downstream key effectors in the tumors. Tumor cells from METCAM/MUC18 expressing
      clones exhibited elevated expression of an anti-apoptotic and survival index
      (Bcl2), an aerobic glycolysis index (LDH-A), and pro-angiogenesis indexes (VEGF
      and VAGFR2). We concluded that human METCAM/MUC18 promotes the development of
      breast cancer cells by increasing an anti-apoptosis and survival pathway and
      augmenting aerobic glycolysis and angiogenesis.

PMID- 22057014
TI  - Tetrode recordings in the cerebellar cortex.
AB  - Multi-unit recordings with tetrodes have been used in brain studies for many
      years, but surprisingly, scarcely in the cerebellum. The cerebellum is subdivided
      in multiple small functional zones. Understanding the proper features of the
      cerebellar computations requires a characterization of neuronal activity within
      each area. By allowing simultaneous recordings of neighboring cells, tetrodes
      provide a helpful technique to study the dynamics of the cerebellar local
      networks. Here, we discuss experimental configurations to optimize such
      recordings and demonstrate their use in the different layers of the cerebellar
      cortex. We show that tetrodes can also be used to perform simultaneous recordings
      from neighboring units in freely moving rats using a custom-made drive, thus
      permitting studies of cerebellar network dynamics in a large variety of
      behavioral conditions.

PMID- 22057015
TI  - The association of depression, risky sexual behaviours and herpes simplex virus
      type 2 in adults in NHANES, 2005-2008.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Depression has been linked to risky sexual behaviours in adolescents,
      but there is little research among adults. The goal of this analysis was to
      examine the associations between current depression and self-reported risky
      sexual behaviours in a nationally representative sample of US adults aged 20-59
      years. The authors also examined the association between depression and infection
      with herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), a biological marker of risky sexual
      behaviours. METHODS: The authors used data from the 2005-2008 National Health and
      Nutrition Examination Surveys. Current depression was measured by the Patient
      Health Questionnaire-9. Antibodies to HSV-2 were tested using the enzymatic
      immunodot assay. The authors used logistic regression to examine the associations
      controlling for socio-demographic variables. RESULTS: Among 5273 adults aged 20
      59 years, 7% had depression, 36% reported 10 or more lifetime sex partners, 15%
      had two or more past-year sex partners and 13% had first sex before 15 years of
      age. Persons with each of the risky sexual behaviours were more likely to have
      depression than those without. In stratified analyses, risky sexual behaviours
      were associated with depression in women but not in men. Among 3940 adults aged
      20-49 years, 19% had HSV-2 infection. Persons with HSV-2 infection were more
      likely to have depression (OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.5 to 2.9). CONCLUSIONS: Risky sexual
      behaviour is related to current depression in adult women. Healthcare providers
      should be aware of this association and its potential implications in order to
      deliver better care for patients with depression or sexually transmitted
      infections.

PMID- 22057016
TI  - Macroscopic analysis of human masseter compartments assessed by magnetic
      resonance imaging.
AB  - The human masseter is divided into compartments by aponeuroses. So far, the
      qualitative and quantitative features of these compartments and their aponeuroses
      have been scarcely investigated. This study investigated the three-dimensional
      compartmentalization of the masseter muscle and tested the hypothesis that
      aponeurosis content varies systematically across different masseter subportions
      as well as between genders. The right masseter of 14 healthy participants was
      scanned by magnetic resonance, and the outlines of muscle and aponeuroses were
      segmented and rendered in three dimensions by AMIRA software. The internal
      architecture of the masseter muscle varied markedly across individuals, with
      respect to the number, shape and location of the compartments delimited by
      aponeuroses. Aponeuroses were widely represented inside the masseter, amounting
      to 7.1 +/- 2.1% of its volume. The aponeurosis content varied systematically
      across masseter subvolumes and did not differ between genders after adjusting for
      body height and weight.

PMID- 22057017
TI  - Evidence for the differential co-localization of neurokinin-1 receptors with 5-HT
      receptor subtypes in rat forebrain.
AB  - Studies suggest that like selective 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT; serotonin)
      reuptake inhibitors, antagonists at neurokinin-1 receptors (NK(1)Rs) may have
      antidepressant and anxiolytic properties. NK(1)Rs are present in 5-HT innervated
      forebrain regions which may provide a common point of interaction between these
      two transmitter systems. This study aimed to investigate for cellular co
      localization between NK(1)Rs and 5-HT receptor subtypes in mood-related brain
      regions in the rat forebrain. With experiments using fluorescence
      immunocytochemistry, double-labelling methods demonstrated a high degree of co
      localization between NK(1)Rs and 5-HT(1A) receptors in most regions examined. Co
      localization was highest in the medial septum (88% NK(1)R expressing cells were 5
      HT(1A) receptor-positive) and hippocampal regions (e.g. dentate gyrus, 65%),
      followed by the lateral/basolateral amygdala (35%) and medial prefrontal cortex
      (31%). In contrast, co-localization between NK(1)Rs and 5-HT(2A) receptors was
      infrequent (< 8%) in most areas examined except for the hippocampus (e.g. CA3,
      43%). Overall co-localization between NK(1)Rs and 5-HT(1A) receptors was much
      greater than that between NK(1)Rs and 5-HT(2A) receptors. Thus, these experiments
      demonstrate a high degree of co-localization between NK(1)Rs and 5-HT(1A)
      receptors in cortical and limbic regions of the rat forebrain. These findings
      suggest a novel site of interaction between NK(1)R antagonists and the 5-HT
      system.

PMID- 22057018
TI  - EEG spectral power density profiles during NREM sleep for gaboxadol and zolpidem
      in patients with primary insomnia.
AB  - There is significant interest in the functional significance and the therapeutic
      value of slow-wave sleep (SWS)-enhancing drugs. A prerequisite for studies of the
      functional differences is characterization of the electroencephalography (EEG)
      spectra following treatment in relevant patients. We evaluate for the first time
      gaboxadol and zolpidem treatments in insomniac patients using power spectra
      analysis. We carried out two randomized, double-blind, crossover studies. Study
      1, 38 patients received gaboxadol 10 mg and 20 mg and zolpidem 10 mg; study 2, 23
      patients received gaboxadol 5 mg and 15 mg. Treatments were administered during
      two nights and compared with placebo. Gaboxadol 10, 15 and 20 mg enhanced slow
      wave activity (SWA) and theta power. In 1 Hz bins gaboxadol 10 and 20 mg enhanced
      power up to 9 Hz. In study 2, 15 mg gaboxadol showed a similar effect pattern.
      Zolpidem suppressed theta and alpha power, and increased sigma power, with no
      effect on SWA. In the 1 Hz bins zolpidem suppressed power between 5-10 Hz.
      Gaboxadol dose-dependently increased SWA and theta power in insomniac patients.
      In contrast, zolpidem did not affect SWA, reduced theta and alpha activity and
      enhanced sigma power. EEG spectral power differences may be consequences of the
      different mechanisms of action for zolpidem and the SWS-enhancing agent,
      gaboxadol.

PMID- 22057019
TI  - Antipsychotic drugs and extrapyramidal side effects in first episode psychosis: a
      systematic review of head-head comparisons.
AB  - This systematic review aimed to determine whether the risk of extrapyramidal side
      effects (EPS) differed between antipsychotic drugs used in first episode
      psychosis (FEP). We identified 11 RCTs comparing two or more antipsychotics in
      FEP and reporting on EPS. All trials assessed one or more second generation
      antipsychotics (SGAs), one assessed chlorpromazine, one zuclopenthixol and seven
      trials assessed haloperidol. Assessment and reporting of EPS varied. Compared
      with one or more SGA comparators, haloperidol was associated with significantly
      higher rates/severity of parkinsonism (seven trials) and akathisia (six trials)
      and greater use of anticholinergics (five trials) and beta-blockers (two trials).
      Two trials with low-dose haloperidol (<= 4 mg) showed significantly worse EPS
      outcomes versus a SGA. Two of four long-term haloperidol trials (>= 1 year) found
      a higher dyskinesia-risk with haloperidol versus olanzapine and risperidone
      respectively; the remaining two trials found no difference (various SGA
      comparators). There was an EPS advantage for clozapine versus chlorpromazine (one
      trial) and risperidone versus zuclopenthixol (one trial). There was little
      evidence of EPS-differences between SGAs, possibly reflecting use of low doses.
      We conclude that SGAs offer an EPS advantage over FGAs in FEP though the evidence
      largely relates to comparisons with haloperidol. Standardized assessment and
      reporting of EPS would assist future research.

PMID- 22057020
TI  - Spontaneous epigenetic variation in the Arabidopsis thaliana methylome.
AB  - Heritable epigenetic polymorphisms, such as differential cytosine methylation,
      can underlie phenotypic variation. Moreover, wild strains of the plant
      Arabidopsis thaliana differ in many epialleles, and these can influence the
      expression of nearby genes. However, to understand their role in evolution, it is
      imperative to ascertain the emergence rate and stability of epialleles, including
      those that are not due to structural variation. We have compared genome-wide DNA
      methylation among 10 A. thaliana lines, derived 30 generations ago from a common
      ancestor. Epimutations at individual positions were easily detected, and close to
      30,000 cytosines in each strain were differentially methylated. In contrast,
      larger regions of contiguous methylation were much more stable, and the frequency
      of changes was in the same low range as that of DNA mutations. Like individual
      positions, the same regions were often affected by differential methylation in
      independent lines, with evidence for recurrent cycles of forward and reverse
      mutations. Transposable elements and short interfering RNAs have been causally
      linked to DNA methylation. In agreement, differentially methylated sites were
      farther from transposable elements and showed less association with short
      interfering RNA expression than invariant positions. The biased distribution and
      frequent reversion of epimutations have important implications for the potential
      contribution of sequence-independent epialleles to plant evolution.

PMID- 22057021
TI  - Thermoelectric power of RAgSb(2) (R = Y, La, Ce, and Dy) in zero and applied
      magnetic fields.
AB  - We report the experimental results of measurements of the thermoelectric power on
      the ternary intermetallic compounds RAgSb(2) (R = Y, La, Ce, and Dy) over the
      temperature range from 2 to 300 K and in magnetic fields up to 140 kOe. In this
      work, we present the thermoelectric transport properties of four materials from
      the same family with different ground states: a non-moment bearing paramagnetic
      metallic system (YAgSb(2)), a non-moment bearing charge density wave system
      (LaAgSb(2)), a local moment bearing compound with XY-like antiferromagnetic order
      in the tetragonal basal plane as well as readily accessible metamagnetism
      (DyAgSb(2)), and a Kondo lattice system with ferromagnetic order below T(C) = 9.7
      K (CeAgSb(2)). The thermoelectric power data from these materials exhibit complex
      temperature and magnetic field dependences, which are associated with
      modification of the electronic density of states and changes in magnetic
      scattering. At low temperatures, quantum oscillations in the thermoelectric power
      are also observed. These oscillations are associated with the Landau quantization
      of electronic energy in an applied magnetic field.

PMID- 22057022
TI  - A decade of clinical colorectal cancer.

PMID- 22057023
TI  - Synthesis of transparent vertically aligned TiO2 nanotubes on a few-layer
      graphene (FLG) film.
AB  - Novel transparent 1D-TiO(2)/few-layer graphene electrodes are realised by the
      anodic growth of vertically aligned TiO(2) nano-tubes on a few-layer graphene
      film coated on a glass substrate.

PMID- 22057024
TI  - Selective impairment of optic flow perception in amnestic mild cognitive
      impairment: evidence from event-related potentials.
AB  - Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients have visuospatial deficits due to parietal
      dorsal stream dysfunction. Two distinct dorsal flows have been proposed: the
      inferior parietal (ventro-dorsal (v-d)) and superior parietal (dorso-dorsal (d
      d)) streams. We aimed to elucidate how the two dorsal streams are altered in
      patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI) and AD. Thus, the
      psychophysical threshold measurements and visual event-related potentials (ERPs)
      were recorded in patients with aMCI and AD, and in healthy old and young adults.
      The visual stimuli included radial optic flow (OF) derived from the v-d stream
      and horizontal (HO) motion conveyed from the d-d stream. The motion thresholds
      between aMCI patients and old adults were comparable. However, AD patients showed
      significantly higher motion thresholds for both stimuli compared with other
      groups. In lower-level ERPs, there were no significant differences in P1 (100 ms)
      and N1 (130 ms) for both stimuli among the groups. For higher-level ERPs, aMCI
      patients showed the prolonged latency of OF-specific P200 (v-d origin) and
      comparable latency of motion-related N170 (V5/MT origin) for both stimuli
      compared with old adults. In AD patients, both N170 and P200 latencies were
      significantly prolonged compared with other groups. P200 latency was closely
      correlated with the Mini-Mental State Examination score. These findings indicate
      that the v-d function related to OF perception is selectively impaired in aMCI,
      whereas AD has impairment of the distributed higher-level dorsal stream.
      Therefore, OF-specific P200 can be useful for detecting early functional changes
      of the brain in aMCI.

PMID- 22057025
TI  - Variants in CYP17 and CYP19 cytochrome P450 genes are associated with onset of
      Alzheimer's disease in women with down syndrome.
AB  - CYP17 and CYP19 are involved in the peripheral synthesis of estrogens, and
      polymorphisms in CYP17 and CYP19 have been associated with increased risk of
      estrogen-related disorders. Women with Down syndrome (DS) have early onset and
      high risk for Alzheimer's disease (AD). We conducted a prospective community
      based cohort study to examine the relationship between SNPs in CYP17 and CYP19
      and cumulative incidence of AD, hormone levels and sex hormone binding globulin
      in women with DS. Two hundred and thirty-five women with DS, 31 to 67 years of
      age and nondemented at initial examination, were assessed for cognitive and
      functional abilities, behavioral/psychiatric conditions, and health status at 14
      20 month intervals over five assessment cycles. We genotyped these individuals
      for single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in CYP17 and CYP19. Four SNPs in CYP17
      were associated with a two and one half-fold increased risk of AD, independent of
      APOE genotype. Four SNPs in CYP19 were associated with a two-fold increased risk
      of AD, although three were significant only in those without an APOE epsilon4
      allele. Further, carrying high risk alleles in both CYP17 and CYP19 was
      associated with an almost four-fold increased risk of AD (OR = 3.8, 95% CI, 1.6
      9.5) and elevated sex hormone binding globulin in postmenopausal women. The main
      effect of the CYP17 and CYP19 variants was to decrease the age at onset. These
      findings suggest that genes contributing to estrogen bioavailability influence
      risk of AD in women with DS.

PMID- 22057026
TI  - Obesity, cognitive functioning and dementia: back to the future.
AB  - The conditions of chronic obesity and overweight status are risk factors for
      lower cognitive performance, cognitive decline, cognitive deficit, and dementia.
      But lower cognitive performance early in life itself may be a risk factor for an
      increase in body weight over time. With this in mind, we review important papers
      in the literature that advance our knowledge of relations between weight and
      cognitive functioning, with an emphasis on papers that illustrate methodological
      and theoretical issues of importance. We describe the evolution in research on
      weight and cognition with respect to two major features: (a) the move backward in
      time from the diagnosis of dementia to the pre-clinical period of dementia in
      order to better identify risk factors; and (b) the evolution of studies from an
      earlier emphasis on obesity-related cardiovascular risk factors as major
      mediators of relations between obesity and cognition to a more recent emphasis on
      metabolic variables, lifestyle variables, genotype, and other mechanisms that
      explain relations among weight change, obesity, and cognition. We conclude that:
      1) a complete understanding of the causal links between weight and cognitive
      functioning requires a lifespan perspective; 2) practically speaking, lifespan
      research may need to amalgamate and integrate research at different segments of
      the lifespan until such time that we can include the entire life cycle within a
      single study of weight and cognition; and 3) we need more studies that examine
      reciprocal relations between weight and cognition, especially early in life.

PMID- 22057027
TI  - The isoform-specific pathological effects of apoE4 in vivo are prevented by a
      fish oil (DHA) diet and are modified by cholesterol.
AB  - Apolipoprotein E4 (apoE4) is the most prevalent genetic risk factor for
      Alzheimer's disease (AD). Epidemiological studies revealed that consumption of
      docosahexaenoic acid (DHA: 22 : 6 (omega3)), a major brain polyunsaturated fatty
      acid, is protective for AD and that elevated cholesterol levels are an AD risk
      factor. We presently investigated the extent to which the pathological effects of
      apoE4 in vivo can be prevented by consuming fish oil (DHA) or can be modified by
      cholesterol. Accordingly, apoE3- and apoE4-targeted replacement mice were
      subjected, following weaning, to a fish oil diet enriched in DHA and to a
      cholesterol-containing diet under regular and enriched environments. Cholesterol
      metabolism in the hippocampus and the corresponding phospholipid and fatty acid
      levels were affected by fish oil (DHA) and cholesterol diets and by environmental
      stimulation. Importantly, cholesterol metabolism and the fatty acid levels were
      not affected by apoE4. The phospholipid levels were, however, affected by apoE4.
      This effect was most pronounced in the cholesterol-fed mice and was abolished by
      the fish oil (DHA) diet. ApoE4 elevated hippocampal intraneuronal amyloid-beta
      levels under regular conditions and lowered them following environmental
      stimulation, relative to those of the apoE3 mice. ApoE4 also elevated the levels
      of the presynaptic transporters Vglut and Vgat, and decreased behavioral
      performance in an object recognition test. Importantly, all of these apoE4
      phenotypes were abolished by the fish oil (DHA) diet, whereas the cholesterol
      diet modified them. These findings suggest that a fish oil (DHA) diet could be
      used to attenuate the effects of apoE4 in AD.

PMID- 22057028
TI  - The dying of the light: mitochondrial failure in Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Impaired brain energy production, reflected by reduced cortical glucose
      metabolism seen on 2-FDG PET scans, has emerged as a robust biomarker of mild
      cognitive impairment (MCI). Progression from MCI to Alzheimer's disease (AD)
      shows further decline of cortical 2-FDG uptake, implying worsening bioenergetics.
      We characterized respiration, respiratory protein levels, and gene expressions
      for mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), mitochondrial biogenesis, and antioxidative
      signaling in preparations from postmortem AD and control frontal cortex.
      Mitochondrial respiration was maintained in frozen brain mitochondria and reduced
      by approximately two-thirds in AD due to loss of mitochondrial mass. Levels of
      most respiratory proteins were preserved, but expressions of gene families for
      mtDNA, mitobiogenesis, and mitochondrial/cytosolic antioxidant enzymes were
      reduced in AD cortex. None of these changes in AD were related to elevated levels
      of amyoid-beta1-42 peptide. For unclear reasons, mitochondrial biogenesis is
      suppressed in AD frontal cortex, leading to reduced mitochondrial mass and
      impaired mitochondrial respiratory capacity. Downregulation of antioxidant
      proteins further threatens neuronal function. Altering progression of AD appears
      to require both correction of impaired mitobiogenesis and restoration of
      antioxidant protection.

PMID- 22057029
TI  - Pain perception, pain drug therapy and health status in patients with Parkinson's
      disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Parkinson's disease (PD) is traditionally characterized as a movement
      disorder; however, sensory perception problems including pain syndromes are also
      frequent. We performed a survey to analyze the relations between health status,
      pain perception and gender in 4,086 PD patients. Moreover, the participants
      should tick whether they took pain medications or not. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The
      questionnaire included the EQ-5D and visual analogue scales (VAS) on pain, which
      asked for mean (VAS A), most (VAS B), and minimal (VAS C) intensity of pain
      during an interval of 4 weeks prior to the completion of the survey. RESULTS: PD
      patients were divided into three groups according to their EQ-5D total score (I:
      <8; II: 8-9; III: 10-15). An impairment of health status occurred in relation to
      the increase in pain syndromes in PD patients. There was a significant increase
      in VAS scores in relation to the EQ-5D group membership. Female patients reported
      more on pain and more frequently received a pain drug treatment than male
      patients. Significant associations were found between the VAS and the EQ-5D
      scores, and the correlation coefficients were higher in men than in women.
      CONCLUSIONS: Pain is associated with the health status of PD patients and worsens
      it. More female than male PD patients have to deal with handling of pain and pain
      drug treatment.

PMID- 22057030
TI  - Frustrated magnetism in the S = 1 kagome lattice BaNi3(OH)2(VO4)2.
AB  - Frustrated magnets with integer spin are predicted to have exotic physical
      properties including spin nematicity, yet few are known to exist. We report a
      new, frustrated S = 1 magnet, BaNi(3)(OH)(2)(VO(4))(2), which is the structural
      analogue of the mineral vesignieite. Magnetic frustration arises from a
      competition between ferromagnetic and antiferromagnetic ordering leading to a
      glassy transition at 19 K.

PMID- 22057031
TI  - The role of the androgen receptor in anabolic androgenic steroid-induced
      aggressive behavior in C57BL/6J and Tfm mice.
AB  - Humans self-administer anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) at superphysiological
      doses for the purpose of building muscle mass and enhancing physique whereas
      considerably lower doses of AAS are prescribed in the clinic to treat a variety
      of disorders. A number of studies have demonstrated that individual AAS influence
      aggressive behavior in rats and mice, but few studies have examined the
      aggression-enhancing effects of combinations of AAS. Using the resident-intruder
      paradigm, Experiment 1 determined whether a cocktail of commonly abused AAS
      increased aggressive behavior in gonadally-intact male C57BL/6J mice and examined
      whether the androgen receptor (AR) was involved. Mice given either AAS cocktail
      or the cocktail and the AR antagonist, flutamide, for 6 weeks were subject to
      three weekly tests in which the percentage of mice that fought, the latency to
      initiate an aggressive event and the number of aggressive events per 5-min-fight
      session were recorded. In C57BL/6J mice, 6 weeks of AAS administration increased
      the likelihood of fighting, however, within the subset of mice that engaged in
      aggression, AAS did not specifically modulate the latency to fight or the number
      of aggressive events per fight. In addition, co-administration of flutamide only
      slightly altered the likelihood that mice given AAS will initiate a fight.
      Experiment 2 examined the aggression-promoting effects of AAS in gonadally-intact
      adult testicular feminization mutant (Tfm) mice, which are deficient in
      functional ARs. Overall, fewer Tfm mice compared to C57BL/6J mice fought in both
      drug conditions (vehicle or AAS). Taken together, these data suggest that given
      the presence of AR during development, AAS enhance adult male aggression in
      C57BL/6J mice through AR-independent and AR-dependent pathways. In contrast, in
      adult Tfm mice, the likelihood of AAS-enhanced aggression in adulthood is
      significantly reduced.

PMID- 22057032
TI  - Detection of multiple cytokines in the urine of patients with focal necrotising
      glomerulonephritis may predict short and long term outcome of renal function.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Detection of urinary cytokines in pauci-immune focal segmental
      necrotizing glomerulonephritis (FSNGN) may provide valuable information about
      disease pathogenesis and prognosis. METHODS: Epidermal growth factor (EGF),
      transforming growth factor (TGF-beta1) and vascular endothelial growth factor
      (VEGF) were measured by ELISA, and Interleukins, monocyte chemotactic protein-1
      (MCP-1), macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP1beta) by a multiplex cytokine
      assay, in 38 patients with FSNGN. Their levels were correlated with severity of
      histological findings and renal function outcome in short and long term. RESULTS:
      The percentage of crescents in renal biopsy had positive correlation with TGF
      beta1 (p=0.004) and IL-15 urinary excretion (p=0.01), and negative correlation
      with EGF (p=0.01). Increased urinary excretion of IL-6, IL-15, VEGF and MIP-1beta
      was associated with poor renal function outcome, but increased levels of EGF, IL
      2 and IL-9 predicted a favourable prognosis. In multiple regression analysis IL-6
      and VEGF urinary levels were independent predictors of no-response at the acute
      phase (p=0.001 and p<0.0001, respectively), while, IL-6 was the only factor
      (p=0.03) predicted worse outcome at the end of follow-up (39.4+/-45 months).
      CONCLUSION: Increased urinary excretion of IL-6, IL-15, VEGF, TGF-beta1, MCP-1
      and MIP-1beta and reduced EGF, IL-2, IL-9 may be associated with histological
      damage and influence response to treatment in pauci-immune FSNGN.

PMID- 22057034
TI  - Developmental stage-specific changes in immunological biomarkers in male C3H/HeN
      mice after early life toluene exposure.
AB  - We investigated the effects of low-level toluene exposure on immunological
      biomarkers during different developmental stages in infant mice. Fetuses in utero
      in the pregnant mice on gestational day (GD) 14 as well as male pups on postnatal
      day (PND) 2 and PND 8 were exposed either to filtered air (control; 0 ppm), or to
      5 ppm or to 50 ppm of toluene for 5 consecutive days in the whole body exposure
      chamber. Immunological biomarkers in the blood and spleen of PND 21 male mice
      were examined by ELISA, real-time RT-PCR, flow cytometry, and histological
      analysis. Plasma total IgG1 levels were markedly reduced in PND 21 mice exposed
      to 5 ppm of toluene during all developmental stages. Splenic T lymphocyte subsets
      and mRNA expression levels of Th1 cytokine IL-12, transcription factor T-bet, and
      Foxp3 were significantly suppressed in PND 21 male mice exposed to toluene during
      PNDs 8-12. There were changes in some immunological biomarkers in PND 42 mice
      exposed to toluene during PNDs 8-12. These findings indicate developmental stage
      specific changes in non-specific immunological biomarkers in mice after early
      life toluene exposure.

PMID- 22057033
TI  - Glycomic analyses of ovarian follicles during development and atresia.
AB  - To examine the detailed composition of glycosaminoglycans during bovine ovarian
      follicular development and atresia, the specialized stromal theca layers were
      separated from the stratified epithelial granulosa cells of healthy (n=6) and
      atretic (n=6) follicles in each of three size ranges: small (3-5mm), medium (6
      9mm) and large (10mm or more) (n=29 animals). Fluorophore-assisted carbohydrate
      electrophoresis analyses (on a per cell basis) and immunohistochemistry (n=14)
      were undertaken. We identified the major disaccharides in thecal layers and the
      membrana granulosa as chondroitin sulfate-derived ?uronic acid with 4-sulfated N
      acetylgalactosamine and ?uronic acid with 6-sulfated N-acetylgalactosamine and
      the heparan sulfate-derived Deltauronic acid with N-acetlyglucosamine, with
      elevated levels in the thecal layers. Increasing follicle size and atresia was
      associated with increased levels of some disaccharides. We concluded that
      versican contains 4-sulfated N-acetylgalactosamine and it is the predominant 4
      sulfated N-acetylgalactosamine proteoglycan in antral follicles. At least one
      other non- or 6-sulfated N-acetylgalactosamine proteoglycan(s), which is not
      decorin or an inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor family member, is present in bovine
      antral follicles and associated with hitherto unknown groups of cells around some
      larger blood vessels. These areas stained positively for chondroitin/dermatan
      sulfate epitopes [antibodies 7D4, 3C5, and 4C3], similar to stem cell niches
      observed in other tissues. The sulfation pattern of heparan sulfate
      glycosaminoglycans appears uniform across follicles of different sizes and in
      healthy and atretic follicles. The heparan sulfate products detected in the
      follicles are likely to be associated with perlecan, collagen XVIII or
      betaglycan.

PMID- 22057035
TI  - High levels of immunoglobulin E and a continuous increase in immunoglobulin G and
      immunoglobulin M by age in children with newly diagnosed type 1 diabetes.
AB  - The incidence of type 1 diabetes (T1D) is increasing, either because of
      environmental factors accelerating onset of the disease or because of inducement
      of autoimmune diabetes in children who previously were at lower risk. High levels
      of immunoglobulin (Ig), specifically, IgM and IgA, and a low level of IgG were
      reported in adult patients; however no studies have analyzed the increasing
      incidence in relation to Ig levels. Our aim was to describe Ig in children newly
      diagnosed with diabetes and in their healthy siblings. Children with T1D
      expressed significantly lower IgG (p < 0.01) and higher IgA levels (p = 0.045),
      whereas no differences in IgE or IgM (p > 0.5) levels were found. Age-specific
      levels were unchanged over a 9-year period. In patients and siblings IgG, IgA and
      IgE increased by age (p < 0.001); which was in contrast to IgM (p > 0.05). The
      continued increase in IgG levels by age indicates that adult levels are reached
      later than in previously studied cohorts, thereby indicating a slower maturation
      of the immune system.

PMID- 22057036
TI  - Evaluation of the first immunoassay for the semi-quantitative measurement of
      meprobamate in human whole blood or plasma using biochip array technology.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Meprobamate is a carbamate, and the main metabolite of carisoprodol.
      It is used as an anxiolytic agent. Overdose of both drugs produces intoxication
      that is often serious and sometimes life threatening. However there was until now
      no immunoassay for the diagnosis of this intoxication. METHODS: A
      chemiluminescent immunoassay for the semi-quantitative measurement of meprobamate
      in human blood and plasma has recently been developed, using the Evidence
      Investigator system (Randox(r)). In this study, the immunoassay was evaluated by
      testing drug-free (n=10) or spiked whole blood and plasma samples (n=70), and
      authentic post mortem whole blood samples from deceased patients in which
      meprobamate was present (n=38) or not (n=10). A previously validated gas
      chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) method was used for confirmation and
      quantification. 97 psychoactive drugs including carisoprodol were analyzed for
      possible interference. RESULTS: With a cut-off at 0.5 mg/L, specificity,
      sensitivity and accuracy were 100%, 97.2% and 97.6%, respectively. All the
      untreated patients presented results under the cut-off. Meprobamate was not
      detected in three whole blood samples spiked with concentrations under the
      therapeutic range. In the authentic patients (n=48), there were no false-negative
      results. A good correlation was found between the immunoassay and GC-MS (r=0.90).
      Quantitative results of the immunoassay are approximately two-fold lower than GC
      MS results. Only carisoprodol presented a cross-reactivity, 38+/-6.6% at 10 mg/L,
      and 26+/-4.8% at 100mg/L. CONCLUSION: The first meprobamate immunoassay has shown
      very good specificity, selectivity and accuracy, which allow its use in hospital
      clinical laboratories for rapid diagnosis of meprobamate (or carisoprodol)
      intoxications.

PMID- 22057037
TI  - Identification of potential serum biomarkers for gastric cancer by a novel
      computational method, multiple normal tissues corrected differential analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Genes specifically expressed in one or a few tissues and upregulated
      in tumors are potentially good serum biomarkers. METHODS: By applying a recently
      developed computational method, called multiple normal tissues corrected
      differential analysis (MNTDA), we identified genes that are likely to be
      upregulated in the blood of gastric cancer patients as compared to normal
      controls. RESULTS: We identified four genes (MMP-1, MMP-3, MMP-12, and CXCL5) as
      potential serum biomarkers for gastric cancer. Of these four genes, only MMP-1
      was significantly upregulated in the sera of 40 gastric cancer patients, as
      compared to 40 control sera. The same pattern was observed in the second cohort
      of 80 gastric cancer patients and 80 controls. In a combined analysis, the level
      of serum MMP-1 in gastric cancer patients was significantly higher than the level
      in control samples (P<0.0001). The use of MMP-1 was 62.5% sensitive and 62.5%
      specific in detecting gastric cancer patients. Patients with high serum levels of
      MMP-1 had a significantly worse outcome than patients with low serum MMP-1
      levels. Finally, we determined that preoperative serum MMP-1 levels were
      prognostic, independent of tumor stage. CONCLUSIONS: MMP-1 is a potential
      prognostic marker for gastric cancer patients after gastrectomy.

PMID- 22057038
TI  - PCR for monitoring of minimal residual disease in hematologic malignancy.
AB  - Monitoring minimal residual disease (MRD) is useful to evaluate therapeutic
      response and risk of relapse in patients with hematologic malignancy. Currently
      available quantitative MRD assays are fluorescence in situ hybridization of
      chromosomal aberrations; multiparameter flow cytometry of leukemia-associated
      immunophenotypes; and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) analysis of
      fusion genes, immunoglobulin/T-cell receptor gene rearrangements, genetic
      alterations, or over-expressed genes. Among the PCR-based markers, genetic
      alterations are found in acute myelogenous leukemia patients with cytogenetically
      normal karyotype and can be considered as applicable targets for monitoring of
      MRD. Screening, confirmation and quantification procedures are important to
      develop the patient- or tumor-specific MRD assays using the PCR-based markers.
      Wild-type blocking PCR or coamplification at lower denaturing temperature-PCR is
      suited for screening of low-abundant genetic alterations, and allele-specific
      qPCR using primers including mismatched base and locked nucleic acids can
      quantify not only insertion and duplication of several nucleotides but also
      single nucleotide mutation in the presence of an excess amount of wild-type
      nucleotides. In addition to the well-established MRD markers, such as
      immunoglobulin/T-cell receptor gene rearrangements and fusion genes, utilizing
      potential MRD markers such as genetic alterations may expand the spectrum of
      patients in whom MRD can be monitored.

PMID- 22057039
TI  - Time course of cortisol loss in hair segments under immersion in hot water.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hair cortisol is supposed to be a good biomarker of chronic stress.
      Major loss of hair cortisol in long-term exposure to environmental factors
      affected strongly its proper assessment of chronic stress in human. However,
      there was no research on time course of hair cortisol loss during the long-term
      exposure. METHODS: Hair samples with longer than 1cm in the posterior vertex
      region were cut as close as possible to the scalp. The 1-cm hair samples were
      treated by ultraviolet irradiation or immersion in shampoo solution or water
      immersion at 40, 65 and 80 degrees C. Hair cortisol content was determined with
      high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS:
      Ultraviolet irradiation and immersion in shampoo solution and hot water gave rise
      to the significant cortisol loss in hair. Hair cortisol content was sharply
      decreased with water immersion duration during initial stage and slowly decreased
      in the following stage. CONCLUSIONS: The 2-stage loss process with water
      immersion duration modeled to some extent time course of hair cortisol loss in
      long-term exposure to external environments. Cortisol from hair samples closest
      to the scalp in the posterior vertex could represent more accurately central
      hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal activity.

PMID- 22057040
TI  - Accurate automatic analysis of cardiac cine images.
AB  - Acquisition of noncontrast agent cine cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) gated
      images through the cardiac cycle is, at present, a well-established part of
      examining cardiac global function. However, regional quantification is less well
      established. We propose a new automated framework for analyzing the wall
      thickness and thickening function on these images that consists of three main
      steps. First, inner and outer wall borders are segmented from their surrounding
      tissues with a geometric deformable model guided by a special stochastic speed
      relationship. The latter accounts for Markov-Gibbs shape and appearance models of
      the object-of-interest and its background. In the second step, point-to-point
      correspondences between the inner and outer borders are found by solving the
      Laplace equation and provide initial estimates of the local wall thickness and
      the thickening function index. Finally, the effects of the segmentation error is
      reduced and a continuity analysis of the LV wall thickening is performed through
      iterative energy minimization using a generalized Gauss-Markov random field
      (GGMRF) image model. The framework was evaluated on 26 datasets from clinical
      cine CMR images that have been collected from patients with eleven independent
      studies, with chronic ischemic heart disease and heart damage. The performance
      evaluation of the proposed segmentation approach, based on the receiver operating
      characteristic (ROC) and Dice similarity coefficients (DSC) between manually
      drawn and automatically segmented contours, confirmed a high robustness and
      accuracy of the proposed segmentation approach. Furthermore, the Bland-Altman
      plot is used to assess the limit of agreement of our measurements of the global
      function parameters compared to the ground truth. Importantly, comparative
      results on the publicly available database (MICCAI 2009 Cardiac MR Left Ventricle
      Segmentation) demonstrated a superior performance of the proposed segmentation
      approach over published methods.

PMID- 22057041
TI  - Sparse-grid-based adaptive model predictive control of HL60 cellular
      differentiation.
AB  - Quantitative methods such as model-based predictive control are known to
      facilitate the design of strategies to manipulate biological systems. This study
      develops a sparse-grid-based adaptive model predictive control (MPC) strategy to
      direct HL60 cellular differentiation. Sparse-grid sampling and interpolation
      support a computationally efficient adaptive MPC scheme in which multiple data
      consistent regions of the model parameter space are identified and used to
      calculate a control compromise. The algorithm is evaluated in silico with
      structural model mismatch. Simulations demonstrate how the multiscenario control
      strategy more effectively manages the mismatch compared to a single scenario
      approach. Furthermore, the controller is evaluated in vitro to differentiate HL60
      cells in both normal and perturbed environments. The controller-derived input
      sequence successfully achieves and sustains the specified target level of
      granulocytes when implemented in the laboratory. The results and analysis given
      here imply that adoption of this experiment planning technique to direct cell
      differentiation within more complex tissue engineered constructs will require the
      use of a reasonably accurate mathematical model and an extension of this
      algorithm to multiobjective controller design.

PMID- 22057042
TI  - High time-resolved cardiac functional imaging using temporal regularization for
      small animal on a clinical 3T scanner.
AB  - Accurate assessment of mice cardiac function with magnetic resonance imaging is
      essential for longitudinal studies and for drug development related to
      cardiovascular diseases. Whereas dedicated small animal MR scanners are not
      readily available, it would be a great advantage to be able to perform cardiac
      assessment on clinical systems, in particular, in the context of translational
      research. However, mouse imaging remains challenging since it requires both high
      spatial and temporal resolutions, while gradient performances of clinical
      scanners often limit the reachable parameters. In this study, we propose a new
      cine sequence, named "interleaved cine," which combines two repetitions of a
      standard cine sequence shifted in time in order to reach resolution parameters
      compatible with mice imaging. More precisely, this sequence allows temporal
      resolution to be reduced to 6.8 ms instead of 13.5 ms initially imposed by the
      system's hardware. We also propose a two-step denoising algorithm to suppress
      some artifacts inherent to the new interleaved cine thus allowing an efficient
      enhancement of the image quality. In particular, we model and suppress the
      periodic intensity pattern and further denoise the sequence by soft thresholding
      of the temporal Fourier coefficients. This sequence was successfully validated
      with mass and function measurements on relevant mice models of cardiovascular
      diseases.

PMID- 22057043
TI  - RP-HPLC-ESI-MS evidenced that salivary cystatin B is detectable in adult human
      whole saliva mostly as S-modified derivatives: S-Glutathionyl, S-cysteinyl and S
      S 2-mer.
AB  - An HPLC-ESI-MS analysis of adult human whole saliva evidenced three protein
      masses (M average 11,487+/-2, 11,301+/-2 and 22,362+/-3Da) eluting in the 32.5
      35.0min range. Treatment in reducing conditions allowed establishing that they
      are S-derivatives of N-terminal acetylated cystatin B, namely its S-glutathionyl,
      S-cysteinyl and S-S dimer. The identification was confirmed by high resolution
      HPLC-ESI-MS-MS experiments on the intact naturally occurring proteins and their
      tryptic digests. S-unmodified cystatin B is rarely detectable in whole saliva of
      healthy adults (5 subjects out of 65) and its percentage does not overcome
      approximately 20% of total cystatin B (11+/-9%). In the majority of subjects (60
      out of 65) the mean percentages of the S-modified derivatives were S-glutathionyl
      53+/-13%, S-cysteinyl 15+/-5%, S-S 2-mer 32+/-13%. Variations of the percentages
      of these S-modified derivatives of cystatin B could be indicative of oral
      oxidative stress. As we are aware, this is the first time that S
      glutathionylation and S-cysteinylation were described as extensive PTM of a
      salivary protein and the first time that these PTMs were detected in naturally
      occurring cystatin B.

PMID- 22057044
TI  - Proteomics combines morphological, physiological and biochemical attributes to
      unravel the survival strategy of Anabaena sp. PCC7120 under arsenic stress.
AB  - Proteomics in conjunction with morphological, physiological and biochemical
      variables has been employed for the first time to unravel survival strategies of
      the diazotrophic cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. PCC7120 under Arsenic (As) stress.
      Significant reduction in growth, carbon fixation, nitrogenase activity and
      chlorophyll content after 1 day (1d) and recovery after 15 days (15d) of As
      exposure indicates the acclimation of the test organism against As stress. The
      formation of akinete like structures is a novel observation never reported before
      in Anabaena sp. PCC7120. Proteomic characterization using 2-DE showed average
      537, 422 and 439 spots in control, 1 and 15d treatment respectively. MALDI-TOF
      and LC-MS of As-treated Anabaena revealed a total of 45 differentially expressed
      proteins, of which 13 were novel (hypothetical) ones. Down-regulation of
      phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK), fructose bisphosphate aldolase II (FBA II),
      fructose 1,6 bisphosphatase (FBPase), transketolase (TK), and ATP synthase on day
      1 and their significant recovery on the 15th day presumably maintained the
      glycolysis, pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) and turnover rate of Calvin cycle,
      hence survival of the test organism. Up-regulation of catalase (CAT),
      peroxiredoxin (Prx), thioredoxin (Trx) and oxidoreductase appears to protect the
      cells from oxidative stress. Appreciable induction in phytochelatin content (2.4
      fold), GST activity (2.3 fold), and transcripts of phytochelatin synthase (5.0
      fold), arsenate reductase (8.5 fold) and arsenite efflux genes - asr1102 (5.0
      fold), alr1097 (4.7 fold) reiterates their role in As sequestration and shielding
      of the organism from As toxicity. While up-regulated metabolic and antioxidative
      defense proteins, phytochelatin and GST work synchronously, the ars genes play a
      central role in detoxification and survival of Anabaena under As stress. The
      proposed hypothetical model explains the interaction of metabolic proteins
      associated with the survival of Anabaena sp. PCC7120 under As stress.

PMID- 22057045
TI  - Phosphotyrosine mediated protein interactions of the discoidin domain receptor 1.
AB  - The receptor tyrosine kinase DDR1 has been implicated in multiple human cancers
      and fibrosis and is targeted by the leukemia drug Gleevec. This suggests that
      DDR1 might be a new therapeutic target. However, further insight into the DDR1
      signaling pathway is required in order to support its further development. Here,
      we investigated DDR1 proximal signaling by the analysis of protein-protein
      interactions using proteomic approaches. All known interactors of DDR1 were
      identified and localized to specific phosphotyrosine residues on the receptor. In
      addition, we identified numerous signaling proteins as new putative
      phosphotyrosine mediated interactors including RasGAP, SHIP1, SHIP2, STATs, PI3K
      and the SRC family kinases. Most of the new proteins contain SH2 and PTB domains
      and for all interactors we could directly point the site of interaction to
      specific phosphotyrosine residues on the receptor. The identified proteins have
      roles in the early steps of the signaling cascade, propagating the signal from
      the DDR1 receptor into the cell. The map of phosphotyrosine mediated interactors
      of DDR1 created in this study will serve as a starting point for functional
      investigations which will enhance our knowledge on the role of the DDR1 receptor
      in health and disease. This article is part of a Special Section entitled:
      Understanding genome regulation and genetic diversity by mass spectrometry.

PMID- 22057046
TI  - Characterization of infections of human leukocytes by non-polio enteroviruses.
AB  - To elucidate the detailed susceptibilities of leukocytes to clinically important
      non-polio enteroviruses (EVs), primary monocytes and various human leukocyte cell
      lines were infected with coxsackievirus A24 (CVA24), coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3),
      and enterovirus 70 (EV70). The permissiveness was then assessed by determining
      virus replication and resultant cytopathic effects. Different EVs varied markedly
      in their ability to infect leukocyte cell lines. CVB3 replicated effectively in
      leukocytes of B-cell, T-cell, and monocyte origin, CVA24 in leukocytes of B-cell
      and monocyte origin, and EV70 in leukocytes of monocyte origin. Primary
      monocytes, as well as monocyte-derived U-937 cells, were permissive to all three
      EVs. We observed a positive correlation between cytotoxicity and active virus
      replication, except in CVB3-infected monocytes. U-937 cells efficiently generated
      CVB3 progeny virus without severe cellular damage, including cell death.
      Moreover, infectivity on leukocytes was not absolutely associated with the
      availability of viral receptors. These findings suggest that the susceptibility
      of human leukocytes to non-polio EVs may be responsible for virus transport
      during the viremic phase, particularly to secondary target organs, and that
      active replication of CVB3 in all human leukocyte lineages leads to greater
      dissemination, in agreement with the ability of CVB to cause systemic diseases.

PMID- 22057048
TI  - Porous 'Ouzo-effect' silica-ceria composite colloids and their application to
      aluminium corrosion protection.
AB  - By exploiting spontaneous emulsification to prepare porous SiO(2) particles, we
      report the formation of porous CeO(2)@SiO(2) hybrid colloids and their
      incorporation into a silica-zirconia coating to improve the corrosion protection
      of aluminium.

PMID- 22057047
TI  - Early stroke following acute myocardial infarction: incidence, predictors and
      outcome in six Middle-Eastern countries.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Stroke is a potential complication of acute myocardial
      infarction (AMI). The aim of this study was to identify the incidence, risk
      factors predisposing to stroke and in-hospital outcome during the index admission
      with AMI among patients in the Middle East. METHODS: For a period of 6 months in
      2006 and 2007, 5,833 consecutive AMI patients were enrolled from 64 hospitals in
      6 Middle East countries. RESULTS: The incidence of in-hospital stroke following
      AMI was 0.85%. Most cases were ST segment elevation AMI-related and ischemic in
      nature. Patients with in-hospital stroke were older than patients without stroke
      and were more likely to be female (36 vs. 18.6%, p = 0.0033). They were also more
      likely to have diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, prior AMI, or
      percutaneous/surgical coronary revascularization. Patients with stroke were more
      likely to present with advanced Killip class II-IV, higher mean heart rate and
      higher serum creatinine. Independent predictors of stroke were age, prior stroke,
      prior coronary artery bypass surgery, anterior AMI and systolic blood pressure
      >190 mm Hg on presentation. Early administration of statins was independently
      associated with reduced stroke risk (odds ratio, OR, 0.4, 95% confidence
      interval, CI, 0.19-0.90, p = 0.025). Stroke was fatal in 44% of the cases and was
      independently associated with in-hospital mortality (adjusted OR 12.5, 95% CI 5.7
      27.4, p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: There is a low incidence of in-hospital stroke in
      Middle-Eastern patients presenting with AMI but with very high fatality rates.
      Early statin therapy was associated with a significant reduction in stroke risk.
      Future work should be focused on reducing the risk and improving the outcome of
      this devastating complication.

PMID- 22057049
TI  - A 4D statistical model of wrist bone motion patterns.
AB  - Direct imaging of ligament damage in the wrist remains a challenge. Still, such
      damage can be assessed indirectly through the analysis of changes in wrist pose
      and motion pattern. For this purpose we built a statistical reference model that
      describes healthy motion patterns. We show that such a model can also be used to
      detect and quantify pathologies. A model that only describes the global
      translations and rotations of the carpal bones is insufficiently accurate due to
      size and shape variations of the bones. We present a local statistical motion
      model that minimizes the influence of size and shape differences by analyzing the
      coordinate differences of pairs of points on adjacent bone surfaces. These
      differences are determined in a set of 14 healthy example wrists imaged in a
      range of poses by means of 4D-RX imaging. The distribution of the differences as
      a function of the pose form the local statistical motion model (LSMM).
      Translations of 2 mm and rotations of 20 degrees  with respect to the healthy
      example wrists are detected as outliers in the point pair distributions. An
      evaluation involving wrists with a damaged ligament between scaphoid and lunate
      shows that not only joint space widenings can be detected, but also shifts of
      congruent bone surfaces. The LSMM is also used to perform a virtual
      reconstruction of the most likely healthy wrist after a simulated perturbation of
      bones. The reconstruction precision is shown to be about 1 mm. Therefore, the
      presented 4D statistical model of wrist bone movement may become a valuable
      clinical tool for diagnosis and surgical planning.

PMID- 22057050
TI  - Endoscopic video manifolds for targeted optical biopsy.
AB  - Gastro-intestinal (GI) endoscopy is a widely used clinical procedure for
      screening and surveillance of digestive tract diseases ranging from Barrett's
      Oesophagus to oesophageal cancer. Current surveillance protocol consists of
      periodic endoscopic examinations performed in 3-4 month intervals including
      expert's visual assessment and biopsies taken from suspicious tissue regions.
      Recent development of a new imaging technology, called probe-based confocal laser
      endomicroscopy (pCLE), enabled the acquisition of in vivo optical biopsies
      without removing any tissue sample. Besides its several advantages, i.e.,
      noninvasiveness, real-time and in vivo feedback, optical biopsies involve a new
      challenge for the endoscopic expert. Due to their noninvasive nature, optical
      biopsies do not leave any scar on the tissue and therefore recognition of the
      previous optical biopsy sites in surveillance endoscopy becomes very challenging.
      In this work, we introduce a clustering and classification framework to
      facilitate retargeting previous optical biopsy sites in surveillance upper GI
      endoscopies. A new representation of endoscopic videos based on manifold
      learning, "endoscopic video manifolds" (EVMs), is proposed. The low dimensional
      EVM representation is adapted to facilitate two different clustering tasks; i.e.,
      clustering of informative frames and patient specific endoscopic segments, only
      by changing the similarity measure. Each step of the proposed framework is
      validated on three in vivo patient datasets containing 1834, 3445, and 1546
      frames, corresponding to endoscopic videos of 73.36, 137.80, and 61.84 s,
      respectively. Improvements achieved by the introduced EVM representation are
      demonstrated by quantitative analysis in comparison to the original image
      representation and principal component analysis. Final experiments evaluating the
      complete framework demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed method as a
      promising step for assisting the endoscopic expert in retargeting the optical
      biopsy sites.

PMID- 22057051
TI  - Practice guidance on the management of acute and chronic gastrointestinal
      problems arising as a result of treatment for cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The number of patients with chronic gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms
      after cancer therapies which have a moderate or severe impact on quality of life
      is similar to the number diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease annually.
      However, in contrast to patients with inflammatory bowel disease, most of these
      patients are not referred for gastroenterological assessment. Clinicians who do
      see these patients are often unaware of the benefits of targeted investigation
      (which differ from those required to exclude recurrent cancer), the range of
      available treatments and how the pathological processes underlying side effects
      of cancer treatment differ from those in benign GI disorders. This paper aims to
      help clinicians become aware of the problem and suggests ways in which the
      panoply of syndromes can be managed. METHODS: A multidisciplinary literature
      review was performed to develop guidance to facilitate clinical management of GI
      side effects of cancer treatments. RESULTS: Different pathological processes
      within the GI tract may produce identical symptoms. Optimal management requires
      appropriate investigations and coordinated multidisciplinary working. Lactose
      intolerance, small bowel bacterial overgrowth and bile acid malabsorption
      frequently develop during or after chemotherapy. Toxin-negative Clostridium
      difficile and cytomegalovirus infection may be fulminant in immunosuppressed
      patients and require rapid diagnosis and treatment. Hepatic side effects include
      reactivation of viral hepatitis, sinusoidal obstruction syndrome, steatosis and
      steatohepatitis. Anticancer biological agents have multiple interactions with
      conventional drugs. Colonoscopy is contraindicated in neutropenic enterocolitis
      but endoscopy may be life-saving in other patients with GI bleeding. After cancer
      treatment, simple questions can identify patients who need referral for
      specialist management of GI symptoms. Other troublesome pelvic problems (eg,
      urinary, sexual, nutritional) are frequent and may also require specialist input.
      The largest group of patients affected by chronic GI symptoms are those who have
      been treated with pelvic radiotherapy. Their complex symptoms, often caused by
      more than one diagnosis, need systematic investigation by gastroenterologists
      when empirical treatments fail. All endoscopic and surgical interventions after
      radiotherapy are potentially hazardous as radiotherapy may induce significant
      local ischaemia. The best current evidence for effective treatment of radiation
      induced GI bleeding is with sucralfate enemas and hyperbaric oxygen therapy.
      CONCLUSIONS: All cancer units must develop simple methods to identify the many
      patients who need help and establish routine referral pathways to specialist
      gastroenterologists where patients can receive safe and effective treatment.
      Early contact with oncologists and/or specialist surgeons with input from the
      patient's family and friends often helps the gastroenterologist to refine
      management strategies. Increased training in the late effects of cancer treatment
      is required.

PMID- 22057052
TI  - Cognitive impairment in non-cirrhotic chronic liver disease is unrelated to liver
      disease severity but associated with ineffective baroreflex function.

PMID- 22057053
TI  - In silico feedback for in vivo regulation of a gene expression circuit.
AB  - We show that difficulties in regulating cellular behavior with synthetic
      biological circuits may be circumvented using in silico feedback control. By
      tracking a circuit's output in Saccharomyces cerevisiae in real time, we
      precisely control its behavior using an in silico feedback algorithm to compute
      regulatory inputs implemented through a genetically encoded light-responsive
      module. Moving control functions outside the cell should enable more
      sophisticated manipulation of cellular processes whenever real-time measurements
      of cellular variables are possible.

PMID- 22057054
TI  - Draft genome sequence of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan), an orphan legume crop of
      resource-poor farmers.
AB  - Pigeonpea is an important legume food crop grown primarily by smallholder farmers
      in many semi-arid tropical regions of the world. We used the Illumina next
      generation sequencing platform to generate 237.2 Gb of sequence, which along with
      Sanger-based bacterial artificial chromosome end sequences and a genetic map, we
      assembled into scaffolds representing 72.7% (605.78 Mb) of the 833.07 Mb
      pigeonpea genome. Genome analysis predicted 48,680 genes for pigeonpea and also
      showed the potential role that certain gene families, for example, drought
      tolerance-related genes, have played throughout the domestication of pigeonpea
      and the evolution of its ancestors. Although we found a few segmental duplication
      events, we did not observe the recent genome-wide duplication events observed in
      soybean. This reference genome sequence will facilitate the identification of the
      genetic basis of agronomically important traits, and accelerate the development
      of improved pigeonpea varieties that could improve food security in many
      developing countries.

PMID- 22057055
TI  - Associations between multiple indicators of objectively-measured and self
      reported sedentary behaviour and cardiometabolic risk in older adults.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the associations between sedentary behaviour (SB) measured
      objectively and by self-report and cardiometabolic risk factors. METHOD: Cross
      sectional analyses of adults >=60 years who participated in the 2008 Health
      Survey for England. Main exposures were self-reported leisure-time SB consisting
      of TV/DVD viewing, non-TV leisure-time sitting, and accelerometry-measured SB.
      Outcomes included body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, cholesterol ratio
      (total/HDL), Hb1Ac and prevalent diabetes. RESULTS: 2765 participants (1256 men)
      had valid self-reported SB and outcomes/confounding variables data, of whom 649
      (292 men) had accelerometer data. Total self-reported leisure-time SB showed
      multivariable-adjusted (including for moderate-to-vigorous physical activity)
      associations with BMI (beta for mean difference in BMI per 30 min/day extra SB:
      0.088 kg/m(2), 95% CI 0.047 to 0.130); waist circumference (0.234, 0.129 to 0.339
      cm); cholesterol ratio (0.018, 0.005 to 0.032) and diabetes (odds ratio per 30
      min/day extra SB: 1.059, 1.030 to 1.089). Similar associations were observed for
      TV time while non-TV self-reported SB showed associations only with diabetes
      (1.057, 1.017 to 1.099). Accelerometry SB was associated with waist circumference
      only (0.633, 0.173 to 1.093). CONCLUSION: In older adults SB is associated with
      cardiometabolic risk factors, but the associations are more consistent when is
      measured by self-report that includes TV viewing.

PMID- 22057057
TI  - Anisotropic two-dimensional sheets assembled from rod-shaped metal complexes.
AB  - The facile formation of anisotropic two-dimensional sheets with different sizes,
      ranging from nanometre-scale to micrometre-scale, was achieved by the assembly of
      rod-shaped palladium complexes.

PMID- 22057056
TI  - Salt preference and mortality from stroke and coronary heart disease for Japanese
      men and women: the JACC study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The study aims to examine the association between salt preference and
      mortality from stroke and coronary heart disease (CHD). METHODS: Between 1988 and
      1990, 35515 men and 49275 women aged 40-79 years completed a self-administered
      questionnaire in the Japan Collaborative Cohort Study for Evaluation of Cancer
      Risk sponsored by Monbusho. During a median duration of 16.4 years, 1970 stroke
      and 922 CHD deaths were observed. Salt preference was divided into three groups:
      low, moderate and high. RESULTS: Mortality rates per 1000 person-year from stroke
      were 2.0 for men, 1.3 for women and 1.6 for total subjects. The respective
      mortality from CHD was 1.1, 0.5 and 0.8, and that from total cardiovascular
      disease was 4.6, 2.9 and 3.6. Salt preference was positively associated with
      mortality from stroke for both sexes. The multivariable hazard ratios of stroke
      mortality for high versus low salt preference were 1.21(0.99-1.49) for men,
      1.22(1.00-1.49) for women and 1.23(1.06-1.41) for total subjects. That positive
      association was primarily observed among male heavy drinkers (>= 46.0 g
      ethanol/day). Salt preference tended to be inversely associated with mortality
      from CHD. CONCLUSION: Salt preference was associated with increased mortality
      from stroke for both sexes, particularly for male heavy drinkers.

PMID- 22057058
TI  - Saponins do not affect the ecdysteroid receptor complex but cause membrane
      permeation in insect culture cell lines.
AB  - This project studied the effects of four saponins with a triterpenoid
      (Quillajasaponaria saponin and aescin) or steroid structure (digitonin and
      diosgenin which is the deglycosylated form of dioscin) on insect cells, namely
      Schneider S2 cells of Drosophila melanogaster (Diptera). A series of different
      experiments were performed to investigate potential mechanisms of action by
      saponins with regard to ecdysteroid receptor (EcR) responsiveness, cell
      viability, cell membrane permeation, and induction of apoptosis with DNA
      fragmentation and caspase-3 like activity. Major results were that (1) exposure
      of S2 cells containing an EcR-based reporter construct to a concentration series
      of each saponin scored no EcR activation, while (2) a loss of ecdysteroid
      signaling was observed with median inhibitory concentrations (IC(50)'s) of 3-50
      MUM, and in parallel (3) a concentration-dependent change in loss of cell numbers
      in an cell viability assay with median effective concentrations (EC(50)'s) of 8
      699 MUM. In continuation, it was of interest that (4) a trypan blue assay with Q.
      saponaria saponin confirmed the cell membrane permeation effect leading to cell
      toxicity with a median lethal concentration (LC(50)) value of 44 MUM, and
      interestingly this effect was very rapid. Another three interesting observations
      were that (5) exposure to 20E at 500 nM as used in the EcR-based report assay
      induced caspase-3 like activities which may help to explain the discrepancies
      between loss of EcR-responsiveness and cell viability, (6) low concentrations of
      saponins induced DNA fragmentation and caspase-3 like activities, confirming
      their potential to induce apoptosis, and (7) the saponin effects were
      counteracted with addition of cholesterol to the culture medium. In general the
      data obtained provide evidence that the anti-ecdysteroid action by saponins is
      not based on a true antagonistic interaction with EcR signaling, but can be
      explained by a cytotoxic action due to permeation of the insect cell membrane.

PMID- 22057059
TI  - A one-layer recurrent neural network for pseudoconvex optimization subject to
      linear equality constraints.
AB  - In this paper, a one-layer recurrent neural network is presented for solving
      pseudoconvex optimization problems subject to linear equality constraints. The
      global convergence of the neural network can be guaranteed even though the
      objective function is pseudoconvex. The finite-time state convergence to the
      feasible region defined by the equality constraints is also proved. In addition,
      global exponential convergence is proved when the objective function is strongly
      pseudoconvex on the feasible region. Simulation results on illustrative examples
      and application on chemical process data reconciliation are provided to
      demonstrate the effectiveness and characteristics of the neural network.

PMID- 22057060
TI  - Incremental learning from stream data.
AB  - Recent years have witnessed an incredibly increasing interest in the topic of
      incremental learning. Unlike conventional machine learning situations, data flow
      targeted by incremental learning becomes available continuously over time.
      Accordingly, it is desirable to be able to abandon the traditional assumption of
      the availability of representative training data during the training period to
      develop decision boundaries. Under scenarios of continuous data flow, the
      challenge is how to transform the vast amount of stream raw data into information
      and knowledge representation, and accumulate experience over time to support
      future decision-making process. In this paper, we propose a general adaptive
      incremental learning framework named ADAIN that is capable of learning from
      continuous raw data, accumulating experience over time, and using such knowledge
      to improve future learning and prediction performance. Detailed system level
      architecture and design strategies are presented in this paper. Simulation
      results over several real-world data sets are used to validate the effectiveness
      of this method.

PMID- 22057061
TI  - Quantitative analysis of nonlinear embedding.
AB  - A lot of nonlinear embedding techniques have been developed to recover the
      intrinsic low-dimensional manifolds embedded in the high-dimensional space.
      However, the quantitative evaluation criteria are less studied in literature. The
      embedding quality is usually evaluated by visualization which is subjective and
      qualitative. The few existing evaluation methods to estimate the embedding
      quality, neighboring preservation rate for example, are not widely applicable. In
      this paper, we propose several novel criteria for quantitative evaluation, by
      considering the global smoothness and co-directional consistence of the nonlinear
      embedding algorithms. The proposed criteria are geometrically intuitive, simple,
      and easy to implement with a low computational cost. Experiments show that our
      criteria capture some new geometrical properties of the nonlinear embedding
      algorithms, and can be used as a guidance to deal with the embedding of the out
      of-samples.

PMID- 22057062
TI  - Real-time vector quantization and clustering based on ordinary differential
      equations.
AB  - This brief presents a dynamical system approach to vector quantization or
      clustering based on ordinary differential equations with the potential for real
      time implementation. Two examples of different pattern clusters demonstrate that
      the model can successfully quantize different types of input patterns.
      Furthermore, we analyze and study the stability of our dynamical system. By
      discovering the equilibrium points for certain input patterns and analyzing their
      stability, we have shown the quantizing behavior of the system with respect to
      its vigilance parameter. The proposed system is applied to two real-world
      problems, providing comparable results to the best reported findings. This
      validates the effectiveness of our proposed approach.

PMID- 22057063
TI  - Optimal tracking control for a class of nonlinear discrete-time systems with time
      delays based on heuristic dynamic programming.
AB  - In this paper, a novel heuristic dynamic programming (HDP) iteration algorithm is
      proposed to solve the optimal tracking control problem for a class of nonlinear
      discrete-time systems with time delays. The novel algorithm contains state
      updating, control policy iteration, and performance index iteration. To get the
      optimal states, the states are also updated. Furthermore, the "backward
      iteration" is applied to state updating. Two neural networks are used to
      approximate the performance index function and compute the optimal control policy
      for facilitating the implementation of HDP iteration algorithm. At last, we
      present two examples to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed HDP
      iteration algorithm.

PMID- 22057064
TI  - A comparison of information functions and search strategies for sensor planning
      in target classification.
AB  - This paper investigates the comparative performance of several information-driven
      search strategies and decision rules using a canonical target classification
      problem. Five sensor models are considered: one obtained from classical
      estimation theory and four obtained from Bernoulli, Poisson, binomial, and
      mixture-of-binomial distributions. A systematic approach is presented for
      deriving information functions that represent the expected utility of future
      sensor measurements from mutual information, Renyi divergence, Kullback-Leibler
      divergence, information potential, quadratic entropy, and the Cauchy-Schwarz
      distance. The resulting information-driven strategies are compared to direct
      search, alert-confirm, task-driven (TS), and log-likelihood-ratio (LLR) search
      strategies. Extensive numerical simulations show that quadratic entropy typically
      leads to the most effective search strategy with respect to correct
      classification rates. In the presence of prior information, the quadratic-entropy
      driven strategy also displays the lowest rate of false alarms. However, when
      prior information is absent or very noisy, TS and LLR strategies achieve the
      lowest false-alarm rates for the Bernoulli, mixture-of-binomial, and classical
      sensor models.

PMID- 22057065
TI  - Video distribution techniques over WiMAX networks for m-Health applications.
AB  - In this paper, we propose a novel approach for video distribution over IEEE
      802.16 networks for mobile Healthcare (m-Health) applications. The technique
      incorporates resource distribution, scheduling, and content-aware video streaming
      taking advantage of a flexible quality of service functionality offered by IEEE
      802.16/WiMAX technology. The proposed technique is thoroughly investigated using
      network simulator software under various real-life m-Health scenarios, which
      include streaming video over medium access control layer service connections. It
      is shown that the technique is fully compatible with the WiMAX standard
      specification and allows a 9-16% increase in the overall network throughput,
      which is dependent upon the initial system configuration and the selection of
      WiMAX user parameters.

PMID- 22057066
TI  - Oxidative stress in kidney transplantation: causes, consequences, and potential
      treatment.
AB  - Oxidative stress is a major mediator of adverse outcomes throughout the course of
      transplantation. Transplanted kidneys are prone to oxidative stress-mediated
      injury by pre-transplant and post-transplant conditions that cause reperfusion
      injury or imbalance between oxidants and antioxidants. Besides adversely
      affecting the allograft, oxidative stress and its constant companion,
      inflammation, cause cardiovascular disease, cancer, metabolic syndrome, and other
      disorders in transplant recipients. Presence and severity of oxidative stress can
      be assessed by various biomarkers produced from interaction of reactive oxygen
      species with lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, nitric oxide, glutathione, etc. In
      addition, expression and activities of redox-sensitive molecules such as
      antioxidant enzymes can serve as biomarkers of oxidative stress. Via activation
      of nuclear factor kappa B, oxidative stress promotes inflammation which, in turn,
      amplifies oxidative stress through reactive oxygen species generation by
      activated immune cells. Therefore, inflammation markers are indirect indicators
      of oxidative stress. Many treatment options have been evaluated in studies
      conducted at different stages of transplantation in humans and animals. These
      studies have provided useful strategies for use in donors or in organ
      preservation solutions. However, strategies tested for use in post-transplant
      phase have been largely inconclusive and controversial. A number of therapeutic
      options have been exclusively examined in animal models and only a few have been
      tested in humans. Most of the clinical investigations have been of short duration
      and have provided no insight into their impact on the long-term survival of
      transplant patients. Effective treatment of oxidative stress in transplant
      population remains elusive and awaits future explorations.

PMID- 22057067
TI  - Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor of kidney.

PMID- 22057068
TI  - Distribution of albuminuria and low glomerular filtration rate in a rural area,
      Shahreza, Iran.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is becoming a major public health
      problem worldwide. A remarkable part of health budget is designated annually to
      control end-stage renal disease in most countries. The aim of this study was to
      screen for CKD among the general population of the rural area of Shahreza, in the
      central region of Iran. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a study of rural area around
      Shahreza, Iran, in 2009, a total of 1400 participants aged over 30 years old were
      selected by systematic randomized sampling. Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) was
      used as an index of kidney function and albuminuria, as an index of kidney
      damage. The simplified Modification of Diet in Renal Disease Study equation was
      used for estimation of GFR. RESULTS: A GFR less than 60 mL/min/m2 was found in
      4.7% of the study population (1.8% in men and 6.1% in women). Microalbuminuria
      and macroalbuminuria were present in 16.2% of the participants (15% of men and
      16.8% of women). Pyuria and hematuria rates were 12.3% and 12.6%. The prevalence
      of a GFR less than 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 was significantly increasing by age groups
      in both genders. CONCLUSIONS: Considering its high prevalence, CKD needs measures
      to identify the disease sooner and requires an active national screening program
      to identify patients in earlier stages. It seems reasonable to integrate such
      programs in the primary healthcare system.

PMID- 22057069
TI  - Prognostic value of renal pathological findings in children with atypical
      hemolytic uremic syndrome.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is accompanied by a poor
      prognosis and high mortality rate. We investigated the predictive value of
      severity of renal involvement, as evaluated by pathologic examination, for long
      term outcome of atypical HUS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Kidney biopsies of 29
      children diagnosed with atypical HUS between 1992 and 2005 were reviewed. The
      severity of glomerular, vascular (arteriolar and arterial), interstitial, and
      tubular involvement were determined. Scores of renal involvement were determined
      by re-evaluating kidney specimens. The outcome measures were death, chronic
      kidney disease (CKD), hypertension, and proteinuria. RESULTS: After a mean of 3.7
      years of follow-up, 24.1% of the patients had normal kidney function and blood
      pressure, 24.1% showed proteinuria, and 41.4% had CKD, and 10.3% had unknown
      prognosis. Overall, 24.1% of the patients died due to emergent hypertension with
      or without CKD. The existence of arteriolar and arterial thrombosis attributed to
      severe CKD (risk ratio, 3.67; 95% confidence interval, 1.63 to 8.2). Presence of
      thrombosis in the vessels, and thickening of the arterial medial and intimal
      layers had brought about a significantly higher mortality rate. Chronic kidney
      disease was more frequent in the children with vascular scores higher than 0.14
      and a final score of more than 0.2. CONCLUSIONS: The severity of renal
      pathological involvement, especially the degree of vascular damage, is a good
      predictor of long-term outcome of patient with atypical HUS.

PMID- 22057070
TI  - Doppler ultrasonography as a predictive tool for permanent kidney damage
      following acute pyelonephritis: comparison with dimercaptosuccinic acid
      scintigraphy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study was to investigate power Doppler
      ultrasonography for diagnosis and prediction of scarring compared with technetium
      Tc 99m dimercaptosuccinic acid scintigraphy in acute pyelonephritis. MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Sixty-six children, aged 2 months to 6 years old, admitted with
      clinical and biological signs of their first febrile urinary tract infection were
      studied. All of the children underwent PDU and technetium Tc 99m
      dimercaptosuccinic acid scintigraphy within 7 days after diagnosis and repeat
      scintigraphy at least 6 months later, if results of the first study were
      abnormal. Scintigraphic and Doppler studies were interpreted and compared.
      RESULTS: Dimercaptosuccinic acid scintigraphy demonstrated scar in 7.6% of renal
      units, 3.1% of patients without reflux and 66.7% of those with high-grade reflux.
      Kidneys with permanent kidney damage had a mean resistive index (RI) of 0.71 +/-
      0.06, while the RI value for nonscarred kidneys was 0.66 +/- 0.06 (P = .02). The
      best cutoff point of RI value was 0.715, with a sensitivity of 70%, a specificity
      of 87.7%, and positive and negative predictive values of 32% and 97%,
      respectively. These values significantly increased when grey-scale
      ultrasonography findings were brought into account. Reflux was observed in 19.7%
      of renal units, which were associated with significantly higher RI values (P =
      .05). CONCLUSIONS: Power Doppler ultrasonography with a cutoff value of 0.715 has
      a reasonable sensitivity and specificity for prediction of renal scarring in
      young children with febrile urinary tract infection.

PMID- 22057071
TI  - Association of tumor necrosis factor-alpha gene polymorphisms with juvenile
      systemic lupus erythematosus nephritis in a cohort of egyptian patients.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha has been deeply
      deregulated in systemic lupus erythematosus. We evaluated the association of 
      863C>A and -1031T>C polymorphisms of the TNF gene with susceptibility to and
      clinical manifestations of juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: This study was performed on 70 juvenile patients with systemic lupus
      erythematosus (mean age, 13.0 +/- 4.2 years). Ninety age- and sex-matched
      children served as a controls. All participants were genotyped for the TNF 
      863C>A and -1031T>C polymorphisms by polymerase chain reaction-restriction
      fragment length polymorphism method. Analysis of serum TNF-alpha was done by
      solid-phase sandwich enzyme immunoassay. RESULTS: The mean serum TNF-alpha was
      significantly higher in the SLE patients compared to controls (P < .001).
      Regarding all participants, the mean serum TNF-alpha was significantly higher in
      children with -863AA genotype compared to carriers of -863C allele (P < .001).
      The TNF -863AA genotype frequencies were significantly higher in the patients
      group compared with the controls (P = .005) and were associated with increased
      risk for SLE development (odds ratio, 4.05; 95% confidence interval, 1.38 to
      13.13; P = .005). The -863AA variant was associated with nephritis (P < .001) and
      Raynaud phenomenon (P = .001). CONCLUSIONS: The -863A allele of the TNF gene can
      be used as a genetic marker for SLE susceptibility and was associated with high
      TNF-alpha production, Raynaud phenomenon, and nephritis in juvenile SLE Egyptian
      patients.

PMID- 22057072
TI  - Fractional excretion of urea in pre-eclampsia: a clinical observation.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Pre-eclampsia is one of the leading causes of maternal and fetal
      mortality and morbidity. It occurs in 7% of all the pregnancies and accounts for
      80% of the cases of pregnancy-induced hypertension. Diagnosis of pre-eclampsia in
      patients with pre-existing chronic kidney disease, proteinuria, and hypertension
      is a dilemma. The fractional excretion of urea has been described as a marker for
      renal perfusion. Since pre-eclampsia is associated with a marked decline in renal
      perfusion, we explored the utility of the fractional excretion of urea as a
      marker for pre-eclampsia. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Urine and serum chemistries were
      evaluated in 6 pregnant women with pre-eclampsia on their first visit,
      immediately prior to delivery, and postpartum. For each of these three
      measurements, the fractional excretion of urea was calculated and proteinuria was
      assessed by random urine protein-creatinine ratio or 24-hour urine protein
      studies. RESULTS: In patients diagnosed with pre-eclampsia, the fractional
      excretion of urea decreased substantially from higher values obtained during the
      3rd trimester to values consistent with renal hypoperfusion (< 35%) just prior to
      delivery, and it rapidly normalized immediately after delivery. CONCLUSIONS:
      Alterations in fractional excretion of urea, which suggest a decreased renal
      perfusion, may be a useful tool in supporting the diagnosis of preeclampsia.

PMID- 22057073
TI  - Comparing effects of clonazepam and zolpidem on sleep quality of patients on
      maintenance hemodialysis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Poor sleep quality is very common among maintenance hemodialysis
      patients and has negative impacts on patients' quality of life. Benzodiazepines
      have traditionally been used in this population; however, they may induce
      physical dependence and sleep apnea. Nonbenzodiazepine hypnotic medications with
      less side effects are introduced as alternatives. This study was designed to
      compare the effect of zolpidem and clonazepam on sleep quality of hemodialysis
      patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a randomized crossover study on 23
      hemodialysis patients, sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep
      Quality Index at baseline, at the initiation of a 1-week washout period after a 2
      week treatment with zolpidem (1 mg) and clonazepam (5 mg to 10 mg), and after the
      second 2 weeks of treatment. Patients who suffer from any concurrent situations
      that may affect sleep quality or psychiatric disorders and those on medications
      affecting sleep quality were excluded. RESULTS: The prevalence of poor sleep
      quality was 87.8% of the 88 hemodialysis patients who were initially approached.
      There was a significant negative correlation between iron deficiency and poor
      sleep quality. Both clonazepam and zolpidem significantly improved sleep quality;
      however, clonazepam was more effective in decreasing the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality
      Index scores (P = .03). Zolpidem was better tolerated in the hemodialysis
      patients. CONCLUSIONS: Clonazepam was more effective than zolpidem in the
      improvement of sleep quality of hemodialysis patients, while zolpidem was better
      tolerated in these patients.

PMID- 22057074
TI  - Effect of vitamin C on parathyroid hormone in hemodialysis patients with mild to
      moderate secondary hyperparathyroidism.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: In end-stage renal disease, there is a high incidence of secondary
      hyperparathyroidism. It is proposed that increasing vitamin C levels by dietary
      supplementation results in a decrease of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in vitamin C
      deficient hemodialysis patients with secondary hyperparathyroidism. The aim of
      this study was the evaluation of vitamin C administration for reduction of serum
      PTH level in hemodialysis patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-one
      hemodialysis patients with serum PTH levels less than 550 pg/mL (but more than
      200 pg/mL) were administered intravenous vitamin C, 200 mg, 3 times per week for
      3 months. Blood samples for measurement of PTH were obtained at the beginning of
      the hemodialysis session every month for three months. RESULTS: The mean level of
      serum biointact PTH was 333.3 +/- 141.3 pg/mL (reference range, 7 pg/mL to 82
      pg/mL) at baseline, and it decreased to 256.5 +/- 137.2 pg/mL at 1 month (P =
      .03). The mean PTH level was also lower than the baseline value at 2 months
      (260.1 +/- 123.2 pg/mL, P = .03), while it increased to 328.9 +/- 176.0 pg/mL at
      3 months, which was still slightly lower than the baseline level (P = .13). In 15
      patients (71.4%), serum levels of PTH were lower than the baseline at months 1 to
      2, while in the remaining 6 (28.6%), it was higher than the baseline value. At 3
      months, 5 of the 15 patients with lower PTH levels up to the 3rd month
      experienced an increase in these levels again. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of
      intravenous vitamin C in hemodialysis patients noticeably decreased level of PTH,
      but its effect gradually diminished.

PMID- 22057075
TI  - Urinary tract infection after kidney transplantation in children and adolescents.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is common after pediatric kidney
      transplantation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of UTI
      and its risk factors in children and adolescents with kidney transplantation in
      Shiraz Transplant Center. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All children with kidney
      transplantation from 1992 to 2008 who were under regular follow-up were included
      in this retrospective study. Confirmed episodes of UTI after the 1st month of
      kidney transplantation were reviewed. RESULTS: Of the 216 patients younger than
      19 years at the time of transplantation, 138 were included. The mean age at the
      time of kidney transplantation was 13.6 +/- 3.5 years. Urinary tract infection
      was documented in 24 patients (15 girls and 9 boys), of whom 12 experienced 1
      episode, 4 had 2 episodes, and 8 had more than 2 episodes, during a median follow
      up period of 54 months. Of the patients with UTI, 14 (58%) had urinary reflux
      obstruction disorders as the primary kidney disease, 6 (25%) had suffered
      hereditary diseases, 3 (12.5%) had glomerular disease, and 1 (4.5%) had a urinary
      calculus. Occurrence of UTI was not significantly different among children with
      different primary kidney disease (P = .22). Despite using prophylactic
      antibiotics after the 1st month of kidney transplantation in all 5 patients with
      neurogenic bladder, they all experienced recurrent UTI. CONCLUSIONS: Despite
      discontinuation of antibiotic therapy, UTI was uncommon in children after the
      first month of transplantation. Two significant risk factors for UTI were female
      gender and neurogenic bladder in this transplant population.

PMID- 22057076
TI  - Comparison of alendronate and pamidronate on bone loss in kidney transplant
      patients for the first 6 months of transplantation.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Osteoporosis develops and progresses in a considerable number of
      kidney transplant patients. Bisphosphonates, which are used for prevention and
      treatment of osteoporosis, may accentuate gasterointestinal complications and
      lead to more nonadherence to treatment. This randomized clinical trial was
      conducted to compare the effect of pamidronate versus alendronate on early bone
      mineral density changes in kidney transplant patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Forty patients (27 men and 13 women), aged from 20 to 58 years, with low bone
      mineral density (T score < -2) in the spine, total hip, or femur neck were
      enrolled. Participants were randomly allocated into 2 groups to receive
      pamidronate or alendronate. The pamidronate group received intravenous
      pamidronate, 90 mg, starting from the 3rd week of transplantation for 3 months.
      The alendronate group started to receive oral alendronate, 70 mg per week for the
      same period. At baseline and 6 months, bone mineral density was measured by dual
      energy x-ray absorptiometry. Gastrointestinal side effects were monitored every
      month. RESULTS: No significant difference was found in bone density changes of
      the lumber area between the two groups; however, significantly less reduction in
      bone mineral density of the femur neck and femur occurred in the pamidronate
      group. Kidney function and parathyroid hormone levels were similar in the two
      groups before and after the study. Gastrointestinal side effects were seen in 3
      patients of the alendronate group only. CONCLUSIONS: Pamidronate was comparable
      to alendronate in prevention of early bone loss after kidney transplantation.

PMID- 22057077
TI  - A 22-year-old woman with hypertension and hypokalemia due to a juxtaglomerular
      cell tumor.
AB  - Secondary hypertension is responsible for less than 10% of cases of hypertension.
      If associated with hypokalemia, it may be due to primary or secondary
      hyperaldostronism, the latter being rarely caused by renin-secreting tumors. We
      present a 22-year-old woman with a history of hypertension and repeated
      hypokalemia, who was finally diagnosed with a small renin-secreting tumor after
      extensive paraclinical workup and imaging studies.

PMID- 22057078
TI  - Recurrence of primary hyperoxaluria after kidney transplantation.
AB  - Primary hyperoxaluria is a genetic disorder in glyoxylate metabolism that leads
      to systemic overproduction of oxalate. Functional deficiency of alanine
      glyoxylate aminotransferase in this disease leads to recurrent nephrolithiasis,
      nephrocalcinosis, systemic oxalosis, and kidney failure. We present a young woman
      with end-stage renal disease who received a kidney allograft and experienced
      early graft failure presumed to be an acute rejection. There was no improvement
      in kidney function, and she was required hemodialysis. Ultimately, biopsy
      revealed birefringent calcium oxalate crystals, which raised suspicion of primary
      hyperoxaluria. Further evaluations including genetic study and metabolic assay
      confirmed the diagnosis of primary hyperoxaluria type 1. This suggests a
      screening method for ruling out primary hyperoxaluria in suspected cases,
      especially before planning for kidney transplantation in patients with end-stage
      renal disease who have nephrocalcinosis, calcium oxalate calculi, or a family
      history of primary hyperoxaluria.

PMID- 22057081
TI  - Modulation of Bmp4 signalling in the epithelial-mesenchymal interactions that
      take place in early thymus and parathyroid development in avian embryos.
AB  - Epithelial-mesenchymal interactions are crucial for the development of the
      endoderm of the pharyngeal pouches into the epithelia of thymus and parathyroid
      glands. Here we investigated the dynamics of epithelial-mesenchymal interactions
      that take place at the earliest stages of thymic and parathyroid organogenesis
      using the quail-chick model together with a co-culture system capable of
      reproducing these early events in vitro. The presumptive territories of thymus
      and parathyroid epithelia were identified in three-dimensionally preserved
      pharyngeal endoderm of embryonic day 4.5 chick embryos on the basis of the
      expression of Foxn1 and Gcm2, respectively: the thymic rudiment is located in the
      dorsal domain of the third and fourth pouches, while the parathyroid rudiment
      occupies a more medial/anterior pouch domain. Using in vitro quail-chick tissue
      associations combined with in ovo transplantations, we show that the
      somatopleural but not the limb bud mesenchyme, can mimic the role of neural crest
      derived pharyngeal mesenchyme to sustain development of these glands up to
      terminal differentiation. Furthermore, mesenchymal-derived Bmp4 appears to be
      essential to promote early stages of endoderm development during a short window
      of time, irrespective of the mesenchymal source. In vivo studies using the quail
      chick system and implantation of growth factor soaked-beads further showed that
      expression of Bmp4 by the mesenchyme is necessary during a 24 h-period of time.
      After this period however, Bmp4 is no longer required and another signalling
      factor produced by the mesenchyme, Fgf10, influences later differentiation of the
      pouch endoderm. These results show that morphological development and cell
      differentiation of thymus and parathyroid epithelia require a succession of
      signals emanating from the associated mesenchyme, among which Bmp4 plays a
      pivotal role for triggering thymic epithelium specification.

PMID- 22057082
TI  - Determination of vertebral and femoral trabecular morphology and stiffness using
      a flat-panel C-arm-based CT approach.
AB  - The importance of assessing trabecular architecture together with bone mineral
      density to determine bone stiffness and fracture risk in osteoporosis has been
      well established. However, no imaging modalities are available to assess
      trabecular architecture at clinically relevant sites in the axial skeleton.
      Recently developed flat-panel CT devices, however, offer resolutions that are
      potentially good enough to resolve bone architecture at these sites. The goal of
      the present study was to investigate how accurate trabecular architecture and
      stiffness can be determined based on images from such a device (XperCT, Philips
      Healthcare). Ten cadaver human C3 vertebrae, twelve T12 vertebrae and 12 proximal
      femora were scanned with XperCT while mimicking in-vivo scanning conditions and
      compared to scans of the same bones with microCT. Standard segmentation and
      morphology quantification algorithms were applied as well as finite element (FE)
      simulation based on segmented and gray value images. Results showed that mean
      trabecular separation (Tb.Sp) and number (Tb.N) can be accurately determined at
      all sites. The accuracy of other parameters, however, depended on the site. For
      T12 no other structural parameters could be accurately quantified and no FE
      results could be obtained from segmented images. When using gray-level images,
      however, accurate determination of cancellous bone stiffness was possible. For
      the C3 vertebrae and proximal femora, mean bone volume fraction (BV/TV), Tb.Sp,
      Tb.N, and anisotropy (C3 only) could be determined accurately. For Tb.Th,
      structure model index (SMI, femur only), and anisotropy good correlations were
      obtained but the values were not determined accurately. FE simulations based on
      segmented images were accurate for the C3 vertebrae, but severely underestimated
      bone stiffness for the femur. Here also, this was improved by using the gray
      value models. In conclusion, XperCT does provide a resolution that is good enough
      to determine trabecular architecture, but the signal to noise ratio is key to the
      accuracy of the morphology measurement. When the trabeculae are thick e.g. in the
      femur or the noise is low, e.g. cervical spine, architecture and stiffness could
      be determined accurately, but when the trabeculae are thin and the noise is high,
      e.g. thoracic spine, architecture could not be determined accurately and the
      connectivity was lost and hence no mechanical properties could be calculated
      directly.

PMID- 22057083
TI  - Ultrastructure of regenerated bone mineral surrounding hydroxyapatite-alginate
      composite and sintered hydroxyapatite.
AB  - We report the ultrastructure of regenerated bone surrounding two types of
      biomaterials: hydroxyapatite-alginate composite and sintered hydroxyapatite.
      Critical defects in the calvaria of Wistar rats were filled with micrometer-sized
      spherical biomaterials and analyzed after 90 and 120 days of implantation by high
      resolution transmission electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared
      attenuated total reflectance microscopy, respectively. Infrared spectroscopy
      showed that hydroxyapatite of both biomaterials became more disordered after
      implantation in the rat calvaria, indicating that the biological environment
      induced modifications in biomaterials structure. We observed that the regenerated
      bone surrounding both biomaterials had a lamellar structure with type I collagen
      fibers alternating in adjacent lamella with angles of approximately 90 degrees .
      In each lamella, plate-like apatite crystals were aligned in the c-axis
      direction, although a rotation around the c-axis could be present. Bone plate
      like crystal dimensions were similar in regenerated bone around biomaterials and
      pre-existing bone in the rat calvaria. No epitaxial growth was observed around
      any of the biomaterials. A distinct mineralized layer was observed between new
      bone and hydroxyapatite-alginate biomaterial. This region presented a particular
      ultrastructure with crystallites smaller than those of the bulk of the
      biomaterial, and was possibly formed during the synthesis of alginate-containing
      composite or in the biological environment after implantation. Round
      nanoparticles were observed in regions of newly formed bone. The findings of this
      work contribute to a better understanding of the role of hydroxyapatite based
      biomaterials in bone regeneration processes at the nanoscale.

PMID- 22057084
TI  - Analysis of the interactions between Eudragit(r) L100 and porcine pancreatic
      trypsin by calorimetric techniques.
AB  - Flexible-chain polymers with charge (polyelectrolytes) can interact with globular
      proteins with a net charge opposite to the charge of the polymers forming
      insoluble complexes polymer-protein. In this work, the interaction between the
      basic protein trypsin and the anionic polyelectrolyte Eudragit((r)) L100 was
      studied by using isothermal calorimetric titrations and differential scanning
      calorimetry. Turbidimetric assays allowed determining that protein-polymer
      complex was insoluble at pH below 5 and the trypsin and Eudragit((r)) L100
      concentrations required forming the insoluble complex. DSC measurements showed
      that the T(m) and denaturalization heat of trypsin increased in the polymer
      presence and the complex unfolded according to a two-state model. DeltaH degrees 
      and DeltaS degrees  binding parameters obtained by ITC were positives agree with
      hydrophobic interaction between trypsin and polymer. However, ionic strength of
      1.0M modified the insoluble complex formation. We propose a mechanism of
      interaction between Eudragit((r)) L100 and trypsin molecules that involves both
      hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions. Kinetic studies of complex formation
      showed that the interaction requires less than 1 min achieving the maximum
      quantity of complex. Finally, a high percentage of active trypsin was
      precipitated (approximately 76% of the total mass of protein). These findings
      could be useful in different protocols such as a protein isolation strategy,
      immobilization or purification of a target protein.

PMID- 22057085
TI  - 5alpha-reductase inhibitors, antiviral and anti-tumor activities of some
      steroidal cyanopyridinone derivatives.
AB  - We herein report the 5alpha-reductase inhibitors, antiviral and anti-tumor
      activities of some synthesized heterocyclic cyanopyridone and cyanothiopyridone
      derivatives fused with steroidal structure. Initially the acute toxicity of the
      compounds was assayed via the determination of their LD(50). All the compounds,
      except 3b, were interestingly less toxic than the reference drug
      (Prednisolone((r))). Seventeen heterocyclic derivatives containing a
      cyanopyridone or cyanothiopyridone rings fused to a steroidal moiety were
      synthesized and screened for their 5alpha-reductase inhibitors, antiviral and
      anti-tumor activities comparable to that of Anastrozole, Bicalutamide, Efavirenz,
      Capravirine, Ribavirin, Oseltamivir and Amantadine as the reference drugs. Some
      of the compounds exhibited better 5alpha-reductase inhibitors, antiviral and anti
      tumor activities than the reference drugs. The detailed 5alpha-reductase
      inhibitors, antiviral and anti-tumor activities of the synthesized compounds were
      reported.

PMID- 22057086
TI  - Decarboxylative benzylation and arylation of nitriles.
AB  - Decarboxylative benzylation of nitriles is achieved via coupling of metallated
      nitriles with Pd-pi-benzyl complexes that are generated in situ from cyanoacetic
      benzyl esters. In addition, decarboxylative couplings of alpha,alpha
      disubstituted 2-methylfuranyl cyanoacetates can lead to either decarboxylative
      arylation or benzylation depending on the reaction conditions.

PMID- 22057087
TI  - Oil based nanocarrier system for transdermal delivery of ropinirole: a
      mechanistic, pharmacokinetic and biochemical investigation.
AB  - Ropinirole, a recent introduction in the clinical treatment of Parkinson's
      disease, suffers with the problems of low oral bioavailability and frequent
      dosing. An effective transdermal nano-emulsion drug delivery system can however
      resolve these issues effectively with greater therapeutic benefits and clinical
      significance. Therefore, the present work focuses precisely on pharmacokinetic,
      biochemical and mechanistic assessment of transdermal nanoemulsion gel in rats
      induced with Parkinson lesioned brain by 6-OHDA. DSC and FT-IR studies showed
      that NEG affects the normal lipid packing of stratum corneum to enhance the drug
      permeation. Study of pharmacokinetic parameters (AUC, C(max), and T(max))
      revealed a greater and more extended release of ropinirole from nanoemulsion gel
      compared to that from a conventional gel (RPG) and oral marketed tablet
      (Ropitor). The AUC(0->infinity) for RPCNG and RPTNG was found to be 928.07 +/-
      206.5 and 1055.99 +/- 251.7 ngh/mL, respectively in comparison to 137.25 +/- 31.3
      and 467.15 +/- 106.1 ngh/mL for RPG and oral tablet, respectively. The relative
      bioavailability of ropinirole has been enhanced more than two fold by RPTNG.
      Furthermore, antiparkinson activity was evaluated in terms of estimating the
      level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, glutathione antioxidant enzymes
      and catalase in lesioned brain of rats. Formulations were also found to be non
      toxic and non-irritant by histological investigations.

PMID- 22057088
TI  - Can mortality data provide reliable indicators for Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
      surveillance? A study in France from 2000 to 2008.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Surveillance of Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is still an important
      issue because of the variant CJD epidemic, which is in decline and also because
      of the emergence of novel forms of animal transmissible spongiform encephalopathy
      with zoonotic potential and the risk of nosocomial and blood transfusion-related
      transmission. Active surveillance has been implemented in most European countries
      and requires important human resources and funding. Here, we studied whether
      national mortality and morbidity statistics can be used as reliable indicators.
      METHODS: CJD data collected by the French national CJD surveillance centre were
      compared with data registered in the national mortality statistics. RESULTS: From
      2000 to 2008, the two sources reported fairly similar numbers of CJD deaths.
      However, analysis of individual data showed important between-sources
      disagreement. Nearly 24% of CJD reported by the mortality register were false
      positive diagnoses and 21.6% of the CJD cases diagnosed by the surveillance
      centre were not registered as CJD in the national mortality statistics. One out
      of 22 variant CJD cases was not reported as having any type of CJD in the
      mortality statistics. CONCLUSIONS: These findings raise doubt about the
      possibility of a reliable CJD surveillance only based on mortality data.

PMID- 22057089
TI  - Human cytomegalovirus glycoprotein B genotypes in Chinese hematopoietic stem cell
      transplant recipients.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the distribution of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV)
      glycoprotein B (gB) genotypes and to explore the possible relationship between gB
      genotypes and clinical characteristics in Chinese hematopoietic stem cell
      transplant (HSCT) recipients. METHODS: A prospective analysis of gB genotypes was
      conducted on HCMV clinical isolates obtained from 102 HSCT recipients. Real-time
      quantitative PCR and PCR-based restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis
      were applied for the determination of viral loads and gB genotypes, respectively.
      RESULTS: The distribution of gB genotypes was as follows: gB1, 54/102 (52.9%);
      gB3, 21/102 (20.6%); and mixtures, 27/102 (26.5%). The rate of viral clearance at
      day 21 was higher in patients infected with the gB1 genotype than in those
      infected with the gB3 genotype (56 and 29%, respectively; p = 0.036). In
      contrast, the rate of HCMV reactivation/reinfection was higher in patients
      infected with the gB3 genotype than in those infected with the gB1 genotype (81
      and 56%, respectively; p = 0.041). CONCLUSIONS: The HCMV gB1 genotype is the most
      prevalent among Chinese HSCT recipients; patients infected with the gB3 genotype
      have more difficulty eradicating the virus and have a higher risk of
      reactivation/reinfection than those infected with the gB1 genotype.

PMID- 22057091
TI  - Accurate on-line nu-support vector learning.
AB  - The nu-Support Vector Machine (nu-SVM) for classification proposed by Scholkopf
      et al. has the advantage of using a parameter nu on controlling the number of
      support vectors and margin errors. However, comparing to standard C-Support
      Vector Machine (C-SVM), its formulation is more complicated, up until now there
      are no effective methods on solving accurate on-line learning for it. In this
      paper, we propose a new effective accurate on-line algorithm which is designed
      based on a modified formulation of the original nu-SVM. The accurate on-line
      algorithm includes two special steps: the first one is relaxed adiabatic
      incremental adjustments; the second one is strict restoration adjustments. The
      experiments on several benchmark datasets demonstrate that using these two steps
      the accurate on-line algorithm can avoid the infeasible updating path as far as
      possible, and successfully converge to the optimal solution. It achieves the fast
      convergence especially on the Gaussian kernel and is faster than the batch
      algorithm.

PMID- 22057092
TI  - The maximum vector-angular margin classifier and its fast training on large
      datasets using a core vector machine.
AB  - Although pattern classification has been extensively studied in the past decades,
      how to effectively solve the corresponding training on large datasets is a
      problem that still requires particular attention. Many kernelized classification
      methods, such as SVM and SVDD, can be formulated as the corresponding quadratic
      programming (QP) problems, but computing the associated kernel matrices requires
      O(n2)(or even up to O(n3)) computational complexity, where n is the size of the
      training patterns, which heavily limits the applicability of these methods for
      large datasets. In this paper, a new classification method called the maximum
      vector-angular margin classifier (MAMC) is first proposed based on the vector
      angular margin to find an optimal vector c in the pattern feature space, and all
      the testing patterns can be classified in terms of the maximum vector-angular
      margin rho, between the vector c and all the training data points. Accordingly,
      it is proved that the kernelized MAMC can be equivalently formulated as the
      kernelized Minimum Enclosing Ball (MEB), which leads to a distinctive merit of
      MAMC, i.e., it has the flexibility of controlling the sum of support vectors like
      v-SVC and may be extended to a maximum vector-angular margin core vector machine
      (MAMCVM) by connecting the core vector machine (CVM) method with MAMC such that
      the corresponding fast training on large datasets can be effectively achieved.
      Experimental results on artificial and real datasets are provided to validate the
      power of the proposed methods.

PMID- 22057093
TI  - Fabrication of layered nanostructures by successive electron beam induced
      deposition with two precursors: protective capping of metallic iron structures.
AB  - We report on the stepwise generation of layered nanostructures via electron beam
      induced deposition (EBID) using organometallic precursor molecules in ultra-high
      vacuum (UHV). In a first step a metallic iron line structure was produced using
      iron pentacarbonyl; in a second step this nanostructure was then locally capped
      with a 2-3 nm thin titanium oxide-containing film fabricated from titanium
      tetraisopropoxide. The chemical composition of the deposited layers was analyzed
      by spatially resolved Auger electron spectroscopy. With spatially resolved x-ray
      absorption spectroscopy at the Fe L3 edge, it was demonstrated that the thin
      capping layer prevents the iron structure from oxidation upon exposure to air.

PMID- 22057094
TI  - The human relevant potency threshold: reducing uncertainty by human calibration
      of cumulative risk assessments.
AB  - The 2008 National Research Council report "Phthalates and Cumulative Risk
      Assessment: Tasks Ahead," rejected the underlying premises of TEQ-like approaches
      - e.g., chemicals are true congeners; are metabolized and detoxified similarly;
      produce the same biological effects by the same mode of action; exhibit parallel
      dose response curves - instead asserting that cumulative risk assessment should
      apply dose addition (DA) to all chemicals that produce "common adverse outcomes"
      (CAOS). Published mixtures data and a human health risk assessment for phthalates
      and anti-androgens were evaluated to determine how firmly the DA-CAOS concept is
      supported and with what level of statistical certainty the results may be
      extrapolated to lower doses in humans. Underlying assumptions of the DA-CAOS
      concept were tested for accuracy and consistency against data for two human
      pharmaceuticals and its logical predictions were compared to human clinical and
      epidemiological experience. Those analyses revealed that DA-CAOS is
      scientifically untenable. Therefore, an alternative approach was developed - the
      Human-Relevant Potency-Threshold (HRPT) - that appears to fit the data better and
      avoids the contradictions inherent in the DA-CAOS concept. The proposed approach
      recommends application of independent action for phthalates and other chemicals
      with potential anti-androgenic properties at current human exposure levels.

PMID- 22057095
TI  - Background incidence of liver chemistry abnormalities in pediatric clinical
      trials for conditions with and without underlying liver disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The FDA provides guidance regarding pre-marketing liver chemistry
      subject stopping criteria. This study was undertaken to determine the background
      rates of liver chemistry abnormalities in pediatric clinical trials for
      conditions with and without underlying liver disease (LD). METHODS: The study
      included 5410 subjects aged 0-18years in 24 trials for conditions without LD.
      3756 pediatric subjects in 14 trials for conditions with LD (malaria, HIV, HBV)
      were also analyzed. Prevalence and incidence of abnormal liver chemistries were
      calculated. RESULTS: In conditions without LD, the overall incidence were 0.54
      (95%CI 0.20-1.17) per 1000 person-months for ALT?3xULN, 0.36 (95%CI 0.10-0.92)
      for ALT?5xULN, and 0.27 (95%CI 0.06-0.78) for ALT?8xULN, 1.03 (95%CI 0.50-1.90)
      for ALP?2xULN, and 0.22 (95%CI 0.03-0.78) for combined ALT?3xULN and TBIL?2xULN.
      Incidence of ALT?3xULN (8.17 95%CI 6.42-10.24) were much higher in trials of
      conditions with LD. However, combined elevations of ALT?3xULN and TBIL?2xULN were
      only marginally higher 0.37 (95%CI 0.10-1.08). CONCLUSION: Elevations of ALT
      (3xULN) and TBIL (2xULN) are rare in pediatric trial populations for conditions
      without underlying liver disease and can be considered a safety signal. For
      trials in conditions with liver disease, the potential for drug-induced liver
      injury must be distinguished from underlying disease progression.

PMID- 22057096
TI  - Medication use and functional status decline in older adults: a narrative review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Functional status is the cornerstone of geriatric care and serves as
      an indicator of general well-being. A decline in function can increase health
      care use, worsen quality of life, threaten independence, and increase the risk of
      mortality. One of several risk factors for decline in functional status is
      medication use. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to critically review published articles
      that have examined the relationship between medication use and functional status
      decline in the elderly. METHODS: The MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched
      for English-language articles published from January 1986 to June 2011. Search
      terms included aged, humans, drug utilization, polypharmacy, inappropriate
      prescribing, anticholinergics, psychotropics, antihypertensives, drug burden
      index, functional status, function change or decline, activities of daily living,
      gait, mobility limitation, and disability. A manual search of the reference lists
      of the identified articles and the authors' article files, book chapters, and
      recent reviews was conducted to retrieve additional publications. Only articles
      that used rigorous observational or interventional designs were included. Cross
      sectional studies and case series were excluded from this review. RESULTS:
      Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Five studies addressed the impact of
      suboptimal prescribing on function, 3 of which found an increased risk of worse
      function in community-dwelling subjects receiving polypharmacy. Three of the 4
      studies that assessed benzodiazepine use and functional status decline found a
      statistically significant association. One cohort study identified no
      relationship between antidepressant use and functional status, whereas a
      randomized trial found that amitriptyline, but not desipramine or paroxetine,
      impaired certain measures of gait. Two studies found that increasing
      anticholinergic burden was associated with worse functional status. In a study of
      hospitalized rehabilitation patients, users of hypnotics/anxiolytics (eg,
      phenobarbital, zolpidem) had lower relative Functional Independence Measure motor
      gains than nonusers. Use of multiple central nervous system (CNS) drugs (using
      different definitions) was linked to greater declines in self-reported mobility
      and Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) scores in 2 community-based
      studies. Another study of nursing home patients did not report a significant
      decrease in SPPB scores in those taking multiple CNS drugs. Finally, 2 studies
      found mixed effects between antihypertensive use and functional status in the
      elderly. CONCLUSIONS: Benzodiazepines and anticholinergics have been consistently
      associated with impairments in functional status in the elderly. The
      relationships between suboptimal prescribing, antidepressants, and
      antihypertensives and functional status decline were mixed. Further research
      using established measures and methods is needed to better describe the impact of
      medication use on functional status in older adults.

PMID- 22057097
TI  - Engineering assessment of the longitudinal compression behaviour of contemporary
      coronary stents.
AB  - AIMS: There have been recently reported clinical observations of significant
      longitudinal compression or "stent shortening" in certain contemporary drug
      eluting stents (DES), when re-crossed with other devices such as post-dilatation
      balloons, stent delivery systems or intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) catheters.
      The aim of this study was to understand the effect of stent design on
      longitudinal compression for coronary stents, when subjected to certain forces in
      vitro. This goal was achieved by experimentally evaluating the longitudinal
      strength of 14 contemporary stent designs under a clinically relevant compression
      force using a bench test method developed for this purpose. The results from the
      study are intended to provide an indication whether there is a quantifiable
      difference in the ability of the different stent platform designs to resist
      longitudinal compression in a deployed configuration. METHODS AND RESULTS: A test
      method was developed to evaluate the longitudinal compression behaviour of
      coronary stents. The test method was used to compare the longitudinal compression
      of four stent design families including a total of 14 commercialised stent
      platforms under a clinically relevant longitudinal compression force. The nominal
      expansion diameter of stents used in this study was 3.0 mm with stent lengths
      ranging from 28-30 mm. A test method was also developed to estimate a value of
      the clinically relevant longitudinal compression force to which a deployed stent
      may be subjected in a situation when a catheter tip is caught while trying to
      cross a freshly deployed stent. That force was determined to be 50 gram force
      (gf) (0.49 N). Based on the results of the testing it was noted that three of the
      four design families (13 of the 14 stents tested) demonstrated a longitudinal
      compression in the range of 1.25-5.30 mm (longitudinal compression of 4.46%
      18.93% compared to the nominal expanded stent length), with the exception of the
      offset peak-to-peak stent platform having results clearly outside of this
      grouping. The stent in the offset peak-to-peak design category (Element stent
      platform) had an average longitudinal compression of 13.20 mm (longitudinal
      compression of 47.07%), thus demonstrating a markedly lower resistance to
      longitudinal compression. CONCLUSIONS: Stent design is a primary driver
      determining the longitudinal compression behaviour of coronary stent platforms.
      The results of this study comparing the longitudinal compression performance of
      four different commercial stent design families indicate that the tendency of a
      deployed stent to undergo longitudinal compression is associated with the stent
      design concept. It was determined that the particular 2-link offset peak-to-peak
      design evaluated in this study had the lowest compression resistance compared to
      the other stent design families.

PMID- 22057098
TI  - Cerebral microbleeds predict impending intracranial hemorrhage in infective
      endocarditis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cerebral microbleeds (CMBs) detected by T2*-weighted MRI are a
      potential indicator of hypertension, microvascular disease and hemorrhagic
      stroke. An association between infective endocarditis (IE) and CMBs has been
      reported recently, but the clinical significance remains unclear. We hypothesized
      that CMBs in patients with IE are associated with vascular vulnerabilities such
      as mycotic aneurysm or pyogenic vasculitis. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed
      26 consecutive patients with definite IE who underwent T2*-weighted MRI and were
      admitted to 2 medical centers in Osaka, Japan, between January 2006 and June
      2010. We examined the incidence of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (ICH)
      occurring after initial MRI examination and investigated the association between
      ICH, CMBs and other clinical characteristics. RESULTS: CMBs were identified in 14
      patients (54%), and 72% of CMBs were found in the lobar region. Symptomatic ICH
      was observed in 8 patients (31%) during the 3-month follow-up period after
      initial MRI examination. In multiple logistic regression analyses, the presence
      of preceding ICH [odds ratio (OR) 40.0, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.5-2,870]
      and the presence of CMBs (OR 34.0, 95% CI 1.3-17,300) were independent predictors
      of the development of ICH. Using cutoff values for CMBs of >=2 and >=3, the
      adjusted ORs for ICH increased (OR 42.1, 95% CI 1.9-24,300, and OR 70.1, 95% CI
      2.5-105,000, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: In addition to prior ICH, the presence
      of CMBs was a strong predictor of impending ICH in patients with IE. CMBs might
      represent vascular vulnerability related to IE.

PMID- 22057099
TI  - A facile approach for the delivery of inorganic nanoparticles into the brain by
      passing through the blood-brain barrier (BBB).
AB  - This study provides an easy and simple method to obtain inorganic nanoparticles
      that can penetrate the blood-brain barrier, the heavily guarded system in the
      brain, via cross-linked serum albumin surface coatings. Their intact BBB
      permeability was confirmed in both in vitro and in vivo tests.

PMID- 22057100
TI  - Carbon nanotube coated snowman-like particles and their electro-responsive
      characteristics.
AB  - We report the fabrication of core-shell structured snowman-like microparticles
      coated with multi-walled carbon nanotubes and their electro-responsive
      electrorheological behavior under an applied electric field strength when
      dispersed in silicone oil. It is observed that they form a chain-like structure,
      possessing microfluidic potential applications with their solid-like property.

PMID- 22057101
TI  - ZNRF1 promotes Wallerian degeneration by degrading AKT to induce GSK3B-dependent
      CRMP2 phosphorylation.
AB  - Wallerian degeneration is observed in many neurological disorders, and it is
      therefore important to elucidate the axonal degeneration mechanism to prevent,
      and further develop treatment for, such diseases. The ubiquitin-proteasome system
      (UPS) has been implicated in Wallerian degeneration, but the underlying molecular
      mechanism remains unclear. Here we show that ZNRF1, an E3 ligase, promotes
      Wallerian degeneration by targeting AKT to degrade through the UPS. AKT
      phosphorylates glycogen synthase kinase-3beta (GSK3B), and thereby inactivates it
      in axons. AKT overexpression significantly delays axonal degeneration.
      Overexpression of the active (non-phosphorylated) form of GSK3B induces CRMP2
      phosphorylation, which is required for the microtubule reorganization observed in
      the degenerating axon. The inhibition of GSK3B and the overexpression of non
      phosphorylated CRMP2 both protected axons from Wallerian degeneration. These
      findings indicate that the ZNRF1-AKT-GSK3B-CRMP2 pathway plays an important role
      in controlling Wallerian degeneration.

PMID- 22057102
TI  - Torture in retrospect (1992-2000).

PMID- 22057103
TI  - Comparison of two methods of inquiry for torture with East African refugees:
      single query versus checklist.
AB  - PURPOSE: First to compare two methods of inquiry regarding torture: i.e., the
      traditional means of inquiry versus a checklist of torture experiences previously
      identified for these African refugees. Second, we hoped to identify factors that
      might influence refugees to not report torture on a single query when checklist
      data indicated torture events had occurred or to report torture when checklist
      data indicated that torture had not occurred. METHOD: Consisted of queries to
      1,134 community-dwelling East African refugees (Somalia and Ethiopia) regarding
      the presence-versus-absence of torture in Africa (single query), a checklist of
      torture experiences in Africa that we had previously identified as occurring in
      these groups, demography, non-torture traumatic experiences in Africa, and
      current posttraumatic symptoms. RESULTS: Showed that 14% of the study
      participants reported a torture experience on a checklist, but not on a single
      query. Nine percent responded positively to the single query on torture, but then
      failed to check any torture experience. Those reporting trauma on an open-ended
      query, but not on a checklist, had been highly traumatized in other ways
      (warfare, civil chaos, robbery, assault, rape, trauma during flight out of the
      country). Those who reported torture on the checklist but not on the single query
      reported fewer instances of torture, suggesting that perhaps a "threshold" of
      torture experience influenced the single-query report. In addition, certain types
      of torture appeared more apt to be associated with a singlequery endorsement of
      torture. On regression analysis, a single-query self-report of torture was
      associated with traumatic experiences consistent with torture, older age, female
      gender, and nontorture trauma in Africa. CONCLUSION: Inconsistent reporting of
      torture occurred when two methods of inquiry (one openended and one a checklist)
      were employed in this sample. We believe that specific contexts of torture and
      non-torture trauma, together with individual demographic characteristics and
      severity of the trauma, affect the self-perception of having been tortured.
      Specific information regarding these contexts, demographic characteristics, and
      trauma severity are presented in the report.

PMID- 22057104
TI  - How to combat torture if perpetrators are supported by a religious
      "justification".
AB  - While there are some examples of legal cases which have resulted in the
      prosecution of perpetrators and successful reparation for survivors, in countries
      such as Iran such due procedure is close to impossible since torture is practiced
      by state officials mostly based on religious codes, and the legal system is
      controlled by practices that makes it close to impossible to achieve justice.
      This article discusses the implications of such a situation that also include
      health care professionals in third party countries who have an obligation to
      document evidence using the Istanbul Protocol based on a case example of a
      survivor exposed to different forms of torture.

PMID- 22057105
TI  - Near-death experience and out of body phenomenon during torture--a case report.
AB  - A case of a near death experience (NDE) associated with an "Out of body"
      phenomenon in an African man as a result of torture is presented. Although NDEs
      occur in approximately ten per cent of survivors of cardiac arrest, case reports
      emerging from the medical examination of torture victims are lacking. This may be
      due to cultural/linguistic barriers and fear of disbelief. Low NDE incidence
      during torture would suggest that torture techniques rarely induce the critical
      brain ischaemia considered necessary to provoke an NDE. Alternatively
      psychological or physical characteristics of torture may render NDE harder to
      recall. Proof of low incidence during torture would counter the theory that NDEs
      are a psychological response to perceived threat of death. NDEs often induce
      transformational benefits in patients' lives and for this reason the author urges
      physicians to consider the possibility of NDE amongst torture victims under their
      care. A request for information about similar cases is made.

PMID- 22057106
TI  - Intercultural encounters in counselling and psychotherapy--communication with the
      help of interpreters.
AB  - Treatment and rehabilitation of torture victims and persons traumatized by war or
      persecution can require working in an intercultural setting, as is the case when
      working with refugees and migrants. The following article offers practical advice
      for diagnostics, counselling and treatment of patients from other cultures who
      are not speaking the language of the therapist.

PMID- 22057107
TI  - Statement on hooding.

PMID- 22057109
TI  - Contributory torture.

PMID- 22057110
TI  - Torture documentation inside detention centres.

PMID- 22057111
TI  - Osteological proofs of torture and cruelty: forensic findings form a secret
      cemetery in Tirana, Albania.
AB  - Two decades after the fall of the communism in Albania, documenting the human
      rights violations and proving torture and cruelties suffered from ex-politically
      persecuted and dissidents of the regime, is still a societal priority. Due to
      several reasons, the judicial way toward redressing the historical injustices has
      been slowed down. This is mainly because of the lack of proper documentation of
      torture, mass executions and extrajudicial ill-treatment. Several governmental
      and civil society organizations have tried to define the issue, but perpetrators
      have rarely, if ever, been brought to court. Secret cemeteries and mass graves
      have recently been found in different zones of Albania, and victims exhumed; thus
      proofs of torture and ill-treatments are being made widely known, potentially
      creating the necessary legal conditions for punishing the perpetrators and for
      identifying victims. In the present paper, authors describe osteological forensic
      findings from Linza secret cemetery in Tirana, where several ante mortem
      fractures prove the severe and cruel ill-treatment the victims suffered before
      the execution that was usually by bullet shot in the posterior region of the
      skull.

PMID- 22057112
TI  - CCL17 promotes intestinal inflammation in mice and counteracts regulatory T cell
      mediated protection from colitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Priming of T cells by dendritic cells (DCs) in the intestinal
      mucosa and associated lymphoid tissues helps maintain mucosal tolerance but also
      contributes to the development of chronic intestinal inflammation. Chemokines
      regulate the intestinal immune response and can contribute to pathogenesis of
      inflammatory bowel diseases. We investigated the role of the chemokine CCL17,
      which is expressed by conventional DCs in the intestine and is up-regulated
      during colitis. METHODS: Colitis was induced by administration of dextran sodium
      sulfate (DSS) to mice or transfer of T cells to lymphopenic mice. Colitis
      activity was monitored by body weight assessment, histologic scoring, and
      cytokine profile analysis. The direct effects of CCL17 on DCs and the indirect
      effects on differentiation of T helper (Th) cells were determined in vitro and ex
      vivo. RESULTS: Mice that lacked CCL17 (Ccl17(E/E) mice) were protected from
      induction of severe colitis by DSS or T-cell transfer. Colonic mucosa and
      mesenteric lymph nodes from Ccl17-deficient mice produced lower levels of
      proinflammatory cytokines. The population of Foxp3(+) regulatory T cells (Tregs)
      was expanded in Ccl17(E/E) mice and required for long-term protection from
      colitis. CCR4 expression by transferred T cells was not required for induction of
      colitis, but CCR4 expression by the recipients was required. CCL17 promoted Toll
      like receptor-induced secretion of interleukin-12 and interleukin-23 by DCs in an
      autocrine manner, promoted differentiation of Th1 and Th17 cells, and reduced
      induction of Foxp3(+) Treg cells. CONCLUSIONS: The chemokine CCL17 is required
      for induction of intestinal inflammation in mice. CCL17 has an autocrine effect
      on DCs that promotes production of inflammatory cytokines and activation of Th1
      and Th17 cells and reduces expansion of Treg cells.

PMID- 22057113
TI  - dysregulation of CD1d-restricted type ii natural killer T cells leads to
      spontaneous development of colitis in mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: CD1d-restricted natural killer (NK) T cells are a subset of
      immunoregulatory T cells that comprise type I (express the semi-invariant T-cell
      receptor [TCR] and can be detected using the alpha-galactosylceramide/CD1d
      tetramer) and type II (express diverse TCRs and cannot be directly identified).
      Studies in mouse models of inflammatory bowel disease revealed a complex role for
      type I NKT cells in the development of colitis. Type II NKT cells have been
      associated with intestinal inflammation in patients with ulcerative colitis.
      METHODS: To investigate whether dysregulation of type II NKT cells, caused by
      increased expression of CD1d, can contribute to colitis, we generated transgenic
      mice that express high levels of CD1d and a TCR from an autoreactive, type II NKT
      cell (CD1dTg/24alphabetaTg mice). RESULTS: CD1dTg/24alphabetaTg mice had reduced
      numbers of 24alphabeta T cells compared with 24alphabetaTg mice, indicating that
      negative selection increases among type II NKT cells engaged by abundant self
      antigen. The residual 24alphabeta T cells in CD1dTg/24alphabetaTg mice had an
      altered surface phenotype and acquired a cytokine profile distinct from that of
      equivalent cells in 24alphabetaTg mice. Interestingly, CD1dTg/24alphabetaTg mice
      spontaneously developed colitis; adoptive transfer experiments confirmed that
      type II NKT cells that develop in the context of increased CD1d expression are
      pathogenic. CONCLUSIONS: Aberrant type II NKT cell responses directly contribute
      to intestinal inflammation in mice, indicating the importance of CD1d expression
      levels in the development and regulation of type II NKT cells.

PMID- 22057114
TI  - Frequent aneuploidy among normal human hepatocytes.
AB  - Murine hepatocytes become polyploid and then undergo ploidy reversal and become
      aneuploid in a dynamic process called the ploidy conveyor. Although
      polyploidization occurs in some types of human cells, the degree of aneuploidy in
      human hepatocytes is not known. We isolated hepatocytes derived from healthy
      human liver samples and determined chromosome number and identity using
      traditional karyotyping and fluorescence in situ hybridization. Similar to murine
      hepatocytes, human hepatocytes are highly aneuploid. Moreover, imaging studies
      revealed multipolar spindles and chromosome segregation defects in dividing human
      hepatocytes. Aneuploidy therefore does not necessarily predispose liver cells to
      transformation but might promote genetic diversity among hepatocytes.

PMID- 22057115
TI  - Selective activation of nuclear bile acid receptor FXR in the intestine protects
      mice against cholestasis.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Cholestasis is a liver disorder characterized by impaired bile
      flow, reduction of bile acids (BAs) in the intestine, and retention of BAs in the
      liver. The farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is the transcriptional regulator of BA
      homeostasis. Activation of FXR by BAs reduces circulating BA levels in a feedback
      mechanism, repressing hepatic cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase (Cyp7a1), the rate
      limiting enzyme for the conversion of cholesterol to BAs. This mechanism involves
      the hepatic nuclear receptor small heterodimer partner and the intestinal
      fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 19 and 15. We investigated the role of activation
      of intestine-specific FXR in reducing hepatic levels of BAs and protecting the
      liver from cholestasis in mice. METHODS: We generated transgenic mice that
      express a constitutively active FXR in the intestine. Using FXR gain- and loss-of
      function models, we studied the roles of intestinal FXR in mice with intrahepatic
      and extrahepatic cholestasis. RESULTS: Selective activation of intestinal FXR
      induced FGF15 and repressed hepatic Cyp7a1, reducing the pool size of BAs and
      changing the BA pool composition. Activation of intestinal FXR protected mice
      from obstructive extrahepatic cholestasis after bile duct ligation or
      administration of alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate. In Mdr2(-/-) mice, transgenic
      expression of activated FXR in the intestine protected against liver damage,
      whereas absence of FXR promoted progression of liver disease. CONCLUSIONS:
      Activation of FXR transcription in the intestine protects the liver from
      cholestasis in mice by inducing FGF15 expression and reducing the hepatic pool of
      BA; this approach might be developed to reverse cholestasis in patients.

PMID- 22057116
TI  - [Comprehensive Care Center Bonn from 1980 to 2009. Changes in the epidemiology
      and regional composition of the haemophilia population].
AB  - The Bonn Haemophilia Care Center provides patient care on a superregional level.
      The centre's large service area is, in part, due to the introduction of
      haemophilia home treatment and related to this the individualized prophylaxis in
      children and adults by Egli and Brackmann in Bonn in the early 1970s, that
      represented a milestone in German haemophilia therapy. Epidemiologic patient data
      from the two selected time points, 1980 and 2009, are evaluated to illustrate the
      change in the composition of the patient clientele. In 1980 a total of 639
      patients were treated at the Bonn Haemophilia Center. 529 patients exhibited a
      severe form and 110 a non-severe form of the respective clotting disorder. In
      2009 the Bonn Haemophilia Center took care for a total of 837 patients. There
      were 445 patients who suffered from a severe form of the considered clotting
      disorder while 392 showed a non-severe course. The number of less severely
      affected patients has increased significantly in 2009. Patients in 1980 were
      predominantly suffering from a severe form and most had to travel more than 150
      km from their homes to the treatment center. In 2009 the number of patients
      living a medium-long distance from the care provider has significantly increased
      while the number of patients living more than 150 km from the center has
      decreased. Comparing 2009 to 1980 a growth of the center's regional character
      becomes apparent, especially when patient age and severity of the coagulation
      disorder are taken into consideration. The regional character was more strongly
      pronounced with milder disease severity and lower patient age. Due to the
      existence of well established primary haemophilia care in CCCs in Germany, the
      trend for the recent years is that the proportion of young patients that choose
      haemophilia care providers closer to their homes is increasing.

PMID- 22057117
TI  - Evolution of the TOR pathway.
AB  - The TOR kinase is a major regulator of growth in eukaryotes. Many components of
      the TOR pathway are implicated in cancer and metabolic diseases in humans.
      Analysis of the evolution of TOR and its pathway may provide fundamental insight
      into the evolution of growth regulation in eukaryotes and provide a practical
      framework on which experimental evidence can be compared between species. Here we
      performed phylogenetic analyses on the components of the TOR pathway and
      determined their point of invention. We find that the two TOR complexes and a
      large part of the TOR pathway originated before the Last Eukaryotic Common
      Ancestor and form a core to which new inputs have been added during animal
      evolution. In addition, we provide insight into how duplications and sub
      functionalization of the S6K, RSK, SGK and PKB kinases shaped the complexity of
      the TOR pathway. In yeast we identify novel AGC kinases that are orthologous to
      the S6 kinase. These results demonstrate how a vital signaling pathway can be
      both highly conserved and flexible in eukaryotes.

PMID- 22057118
TI  - Mapping QTL controlling maize deep-seeding tolerance-related traits and
      confirmation of a major QTL for mesocotyl length.
AB  - Deep-seeding tolerant seeds can emerge from deep soil where the moisture is
      suitable for seed germination. Breeding deep-seeding tolerant cultivars is
      becoming increasingly important in arid and semi-arid regions. To dissect the
      quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling deep-seeding tolerance traits, we
      selected a tolerant maize inbred line 3681-4 and crossed it with the elite inbred
      line-X178 to generate an F(2) population and the derivative F(2:3) families. A
      molecular linkage map composed of 179 molecular markers was constructed, and 25
      QTL were detected including 10 QTL for sowing at 10 cm depth and 15 QTL for
      sowing at 20 cm depth. The QTL analysis results confirmed that deep-seeding
      tolerance was mainly caused by mesocotyl elongation and also revealed
      considerable overlap among QTL for different traits. To confirm a major QTL on
      chromosome 10 for mesocotyl length measured at 20 cm depth, we selected and self
      pollinated a BC(3)F(2) plant that was heterozygous at the markers around the
      target QTL and homozygous at other QTL to generate a BC(3)F(3) population. We
      found that this QTL explained more phenotypic variance in the BC(3)F(3)
      population than that in the F(2) population, which laid the foundation for fine
      mapping and NIL (near-isogenic line) construction.

PMID- 22057119
TI  - Cloning and expression analysis of the transforming growth factor-beta receptors
      type 1 and 2 in the rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss.
AB  - Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta) binding to the TGF-beta type I
      (TGFBR1) and type II (TGFBR2) receptors delivers a plethora of cell-type specific
      effects. Moreover, the responses to TGF-beta are tuned by regulatory mechanisms
      at the receptor level itself. To further elucidate TGF-beta family signal
      transduction in teleosts, we therefore cloned the first complete set of a
      putative TGF-beta receptor complex in salmonids. Rainbow trout TGFBR1 and TGFBR2
      are transmembrane proteins with a serine/threonine kinase domain and are highly
      conserved within vertebrates. High expression levels in muscle and brain indicate
      regulation of the TGF-beta system in muscular and nervous systems.
      Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced expression of both receptor chains in RTgill
      cells while bacterial and viral mimics modulated the two receptors inversely in
      head kidney (HK) macrophages. In addition, T cell mitogens lowered receptor
      levels in HK leukocytes. These data provide the first insights into TGF-beta type
      I and II receptor modulation during immune responses in teleost fish.

PMID- 22057120
TI  - Malignant sinonasal papilloma with neck metastasis: a rare report and literature
      review.
AB  - Sinonasal papillomas are relatively rare, benign epithelial tumours of the nasal
      cavity. These lesions generate considerable interest because they are locally
      aggressive, have a tendency to recur and are associated with malignancy. The
      authors present a unique case of malignant sinonasal papilloma with neck
      metastasis. In the English literature only one case of such a presentation has
      been reported.

PMID- 22057121
TI  - Evaluation of postoperative function in patients undergoing reconstruction
      following resection of superior and lateral oropharyngeal cancer: long-term
      outcomes of reconstruction with the Gehanno method.
AB  - Resection of the superior or lateral wall of the cancer-affected oropharynx can
      often lead to disturbed nasal breathing, dysphagia, and dysarthria. The authors
      used the Gehanno method to reconstruct these surgical defects and achieved
      favourable functional recovery soon after surgery. The present study was
      undertaken to analyze the long-term outcome and usefulness of this method.
      Reconstruction was carried out using the Gehanno method in 36 patients during the
      10-year period between 1997 and 2007. Both short-term and long-term evaluations
      of the postoperative function were performed in 12 of the 36 cases. The
      postoperative function was favourably maintained in all 12 cases, but gradual
      deterioration was noted in some cases in which the forearm flap had been used for
      reconstruction. Conventionally, the forearm flap is considered suitable for the
      reconstruction of complex structures such as the oropharynx because of its
      excellent flexibility. The results suggest that if the forearm flap is used for
      reconstruction using the Gehanno method, the surrounding tissue is likely to
      undergo change over time. The rectus abdominis myocutaneous flap should be
      considered as the first-choice flap for reconstruction using the Gehanno method.

PMID- 22057122
TI  - Mandibular central mucoepidermoid carcinoma with distant metastasis.
AB  - Mucoepidermoid carcinoma is the most common malignant salivary gland tumour.
      Central mucoepidermoid carcinomas (CMC) are an exceedingly rare subgroup,
      representing 2-4% of all cases. The authors report on a case of CMC in a patient
      who presented with trigeminal neuropathy, trismus and distant metastasis. The
      possible pathogenesis of CMC and criteria for diagnosis are discussed.

PMID- 22057123
TI  - Adipokines and cardiovascular risk in Cushing's syndrome.
AB  - Cushing's syndrome (CS) is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and
      mortality. Recent evidence also suggests that increased cardiovascular risk may
      persist even after long-term remission of CS. Increased central obesity, a
      typical feature of CS, is associated with altered production of adipokines, which
      contributes to the pathogenesis of several metabolic and cardiovascular
      complications observed in this condition. In vitro and in vivo studies have shown
      a relationship between cortisol and adipokines in several experimental settings.
      In patients with either active or 'cured' CS, an increase in leptin and resistin
      levels as well as the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor
      necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6, may be associated with increased
      cardiovascular risk. For other adipokines, including adiponectin, results are
      inconclusive. Studies are needed to further elucidate the interactions between
      clinical and subclinical increases in cortisol production and altered adipokine
      release in CS.

PMID- 22057124
TI  - Prolonged survival of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer following first
      line oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy with molecular targeting agents and curative
      surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The ability of molecular targeting agents to improve overall survival
      (OS) in metastatic colorectal cancer (MCRC) patients who underwent oxaliplatin
      based chemotherapy remains controversial. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed
      331 patients with MCRC who underwent first-line oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy.
      Treatment outcomes were compared between patients who started chemotherapy from
      April 2005 to March 2007 (cohort A; n = 157) and those who started it from April
      2007 to March 2009 (cohort B; n = 174). To evaluate the impact of exposure to
      agents, we applied time-varying covariate analysis to avoid possible lead-time
      bias. RESULTS: Median OS of cohorts A and B was 21.3 and 28.6 months,
      respectively (HR 0.66, 95% CI 0.50-0.87, p = 0.003). Exposure to bevacizumab (25
      vs. 76%), anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) (18 vs. 33%) or curative
      surgery after chemotherapy (4 vs. 10%) was significantly higher in cohort B.
      According to a multivariate Cox model with exposure to each agent or treatment as
      a time-varying covariate, hazard ratios of death were 0.71 (95% CI, 0.51-0.96; p
      = 0.03) for bevacizumab, 0.62 (95% CI, 0.40-0.89; p = 0.01) for anti-EGFR and
      0.22 (95% CI, 0.06-0.57; p = 0.004) for surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Increased exposure
      to molecular targeting agents or surgery after chemotherapy appears to contribute
      to an improvement in OS in recent patients with MCRC who have undergone
      oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy.

PMID- 22057125
TI  - Coronary stent longitudinal deformation by compression: is this a new global
      stent failure, a specific failure of a particular stent design or simply an
      angiographic detection of an exceptional PCI complication?

PMID- 22057126
TI  - Structural basis of p38alpha regulation by hematopoietic tyrosine phosphatase.
AB  - MAP kinases regulate essential cellular events, including cell growth,
      differentiation and inflammation. The solution structure of a complete MAPK-MAPK
      regulatory protein complex, p38alpha-HePTP, was determined, enabling a
      comprehensive investigation of the molecular basis of specificity and fidelity in
      MAPK regulation. Structure determination was achieved by combining NMR
      spectroscopy and small-angle X-ray scattering data with a new ensemble
      calculation-refinement procedure. We identified 25 residues outside of the HePTP
      kinase interaction motif necessary for p38alpha recognition. The complex adopts
      an extended conformation in solution and rarely samples the conformation
      necessary for kinase deactivation. Complex formation also does not affect the N
      terminal lobe, the activation loop of p38alpha or the catalytic domain of HePTP.
      Together, these results show how the downstream tyrosine phosphatase HePTP
      regulates p38alpha and provide for fundamentally new insights into MAPK
      regulation and specificity.

PMID- 22057127
TI  - Dafadine inhibits DAF-9 to promote dauer formation and longevity of
      Caenorhabditis elegans.
AB  - The DAF-9 cytochrome P450 is a key regulator of dauer formation, developmental
      timing and longevity in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans. Here we describe the
      first identified chemical inhibitor of DAF-9 and the first reported small
      molecule tool that robustly induces dauer formation in typical culture
      conditions. This molecule (called dafadine) also inhibits the mammalian ortholog
      of DAF-9(CYP27A1), suggesting that dafadine can be used to interrogate
      developmental control and longevity in other animals.

PMID- 22057128
TI  - Ratiometric fluorescence imaging for distinguishing chloride concentration
      between normal and ischemic ventricular myocytes.
AB  - We devised a new ratiometric fluorescent probe for the detection of chloride
      ions. This synthesized probe was applied to the ventricular myocytes to
      successfully realize dynamic imaging of Cl(-) concentration fluctuations during
      the myocardial ischemia course.

PMID- 22057129
TI  - Coordination-driven self-assembly of polyoxometalates into discrete
      supramolecular triangles.
AB  - Pd(II)-directed self-assembly of a 3-pyridyl grafted Lindqvist hexavanadate led
      to the formation of a unique trimeric species, as confirmed by a variety of
      techniques, including pulsed-field gradient NMR spectroscopy and high-resolution
      ESI mass spectrometry.

PMID- 22057130
TI  - Enhanced antibacterial activity of bimetallic gold-silver core-shell
      nanoparticles at low silver concentration.
AB  - Herein we report the development of bimetallic Au@Ag core-shell nanoparticles
      (NPs) where gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) served as the seeds for continuous
      deposition of silver atoms on its surface. The core-shell structure and
      morphology were examined by UV-Vis spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy
      (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) analysis and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The
      core-shell NPs showed antibacterial activity against both gram negative
      (Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) and gram positive (Enterococcus
      faecalis and Pediococcus acidilactici) bacteria at low concentration of silver
      present in the shell, with more efficacy against gram negative bacteria. TEM and
      flow cytometric studies showed that the core-shell NPs attached to the bacterial
      surface and caused membrane damage leading to cell death. The enhanced
      antibacterial properties of Au@Ag core-shell NPs was possibly due to the more
      active silver atoms in the shell surrounding gold core due to high surface free
      energy of the surface Ag atoms owing to shell thinness in the bimetallic NP
      structure.

PMID- 22057131
TI  - Contribution of cystatin C gene polymorphisms to cerebral white matter lesions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vascular remodeling plays an important role in the development of
      arteriosclerosis and any of the resulting white matter lesions in the brain. An
      imbalance between cysteine proteases and the cysteine protease inhibitor cystatin
      C (CST3) may exacerbate vascular remodeling through degradation of extracellular
      matrix proteins. Therefore, we evaluated the association between functional
      polymorphisms in the CST3 gene and the development of cerebral white matter
      lesions. METHODS: In a total of 2,676 participants, 3 CST3 genepolymorphisms were
      genotyped in 92 cases with severe deep white matter hyperintensity (DWMH), and
      184 subjects were randomly selected age- and sex-matched controls without any
      signs of DWMH. The genetic effects of these polymorphisms on DWMH and plasma CST3
      levels were examined. CST3 expression vectors were transfected into an
      astrocytoma cell line and the expression level of CST3 mRNA was analyzed by
      quantitative RT-PCR. Intracellular and secreted levels of CST3 in the cell
      culture were quantified by Western blot and ELISA, respectively. RESULTS: A
      significant association was found between one CST3 gene haplotype and DWMH (p =
      0.002). This haplotype was also associated with lower plasma CST3 levels (p =
      0.01). An in vitro transfection study revealed that the +148A allele, which is
      included in the risk haplotype, significantly reduced the secretion and increased
      the intracellular accumulation of CST3; however, it had no effect on the mRNA
      expression. CONCLUSIONS: Our study shows that polymorphisms in the CST3 gene are
      significantly associated with the likelihood of DWMH. Substitution of A for G at
      +148 of the CST3 gene decreased the extracellular availability of CST3 in vitro,
      which might result in the activation of protease activity.

PMID- 22057133
TI  - Wire-shaped quantum dots-sensitized solar cells based on nanosheets and
      nanowires.
AB  - Wire-shaped quantum dots-sensitized solar cells (WS-QDSCs) based on nanosheets
      and nanowires were fabricated and investigated for this paper. The nanosheets
      grown on stainless steel (SS) wire by electrodeposition were mainly composed of
      Zn5(OH)8Cl2.H2O and most of the Zn5(OH)8Cl2.H2O was converted to ZnO by post
      treatment, and ZnO nanowires were directly grown on SS wire by the hydrothermal
      method. CdS QDs were deposited on nanosheets and nanowires by successive ionic
      layer adsorption and reaction method. The results of photoelectrochemical
      performance indicated that WS-QDSCs showed a similar conversion efficiency in
      polysulfide and Na2SO4 electrolytes, while the WS-QDSCs based on the Cu2S counter
      electrode achieved much higher performance than those based on SS and Cu counter
      electrodes. By optimizing electrodeposition duration, the WS-QDSCs based on
      nanosheets presented the highest conversion efficiency of 0.60% for the duration
      of 20 min. Performance comparison indicated that the WS-QDSC based on nanosheets
      showed very superior performance to that based on the nanowires with similar film
      thickness.

PMID- 22057134
TI  - Ibandronate for prevention and treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis
      in rabbits.
AB  - The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of ibandronate (IBN) in
      prevention and treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in rabbits. A
      total of 60 New Zealand white rabbits were randomly allocated into six groups.
      Twenty rabbits in the control group were injected with saline. Forty rabbits
      received dexamethasone (DX) treatment at a dose of 3 mg/kg twice weekly during
      the first 6 weeks, while 10 of these rabbits (group IBN&DX) were injected
      additionally with IBN at a dose of 2 mg/kg before DX treatment. At week 6, the
      rabbits from IBN&DX group, 10 rabbits from control group (group CNTR-1) and 10
      rabbits treated with DX (group DX6) were killed. Half (10) of the remaining
      rabbits in DX group were continued for DX treatment at a dose of 3 mg/kg once
      weekly (group DX12), while the other half (10) rabbits (group DX&IBN)
      additionally received IBN injection (2 mg/kg) once before continuing DX
      treatment. The remaining rabbits (10) in an additional of control group (group
      CNTR-2) continuously received saline. At week 12, all rabbits were killed for
      bone biomechanical analysis and histological examination. At week 6, the analysis
      of bone biomechanical and histological results of group CNTR-1 and DX6 showed
      that GIOP rabbit models were successfully established. Compared with group DX6,
      bone volume/tissue volume (BV/TV), trabecular number (Tb.N) and trabecular
      thickness (Tb.Th) of lumbar spine in group IBN&DX were increased by 100, 45.74
      and 40.55%, respectively (P < 0.01). Meanwhile, BV/TV and Tb.N of femoral neck
      were increased by 30.29 and 16.86%, respectively (P < 0.01). The maximum
      compressive load, the maximum bending stress and the maximum torque were
      increased by 24.19, 29.91 and 37.24%, respectively (P < 0.01). At week 12, in
      comparison of the results between group DX12 and group DX6, the histomorphometric
      and mechanical analysis demonstrated that prolonged DX treatment could lead to
      further loss of bone mass and strength. Compared with group DX12, BV/TV, Tb.N and
      Tb.Th of lumbar spine in group DX&IBN were increased by 73.34, 39.02 and 23.87%,
      respectively (P < 0.05), the parameters of femoral neck were increased by 88.75,
      31.29 and 42.01%, respectively (P < 0.01), and the biomechanical parameters were
      increased by 54.36, 21.38 and 105.75%, respectively (P < 0.05). IBN could
      effectively prevent and treat high-dosing glucocorticoid-induced loss of bone
      mass and strength in rabbits.

PMID- 22057135
TI  - Performance of ultrasounds compared with radiographs to detect chronic enthesitis
      signs in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.
AB  - To assess the performance of ultrasound in detecting erosion, swelling, and new
      bone comparing to radiographs in five lower limb entheses in patients with
      ankylosing spondylitis (AS). Prospective study of 60 patients meeting modified
      New York criteria for AS. Lateral radiographs of both knees and ankles followed
      by a high-resolution Doppler ultrasound examination with a high-frequency (15
      MHz) linear probe were performed. Ultrasound had an excellent sensitivity, but
      specificity was very weak compared to radiographs for erosion, swelling, and new
      bone formation. Negative and positive predictive values were good only for
      erosion. Ultrasound seems to be a performant instrument in detecting signs of
      chronic enthesitis particularly when radiograph is normal.

PMID- 22057136
TI  - Osteoprotegerin and RANKL in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis-induced
      osteoporosis.
AB  - Osteoporosis represents an important cause of morbidity in adult rheumatoid
      arthritis (RA) patients who exhibit increased fracture risk. It is thought that
      osteoclast and its dysfunction which mediated by many cytokines are the principal
      pathogenesis of this bone disease, although the mechanisms are still not fully
      understood. Osteoprotegerin (OPG) and receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa
      B ligand (RANKL) have been revealed in the pathogenesis of primary osteoporosis
      and other metabolic bone diseases. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate
      the possible role of the OPG/RANKL system in RA-related bone loss. A total of 64
      Chinese patients with RA and 60 healthy control subjects were involved. Serum
      levels of OPG and RANKL were measured by ELISA. BMD of nondominant forearm,
      lumbar spine(L(1-4)) and proximal femur, including femoral neck, Wards triangle,
      greater trochanter were assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. RA
      patients had a higher incidence of osteoporosis (23/64, 35.9%) than that in
      healthy controls (9/60, 15.0%) (P < 0.0001). They displayed lower BMD values than
      controls at positions of all detected region. Compared with healthy controls, RA
      group showed significantly higher serum levels of RANKL (48.4 +/- 12.5 vs. 23.0
      +/- 11.2 pmol/l, P < 0.0001), lower serum levels of OPG (106.2 +/- 40.6 vs. 231.6
      +/- 65.6 pg/ml, P < 0.0001), and OPG/RANKL ratio (2.4 +/- 0.7 vs. 7.0 +/- 1.1, P
      < 0.0001). Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that in RA group, plasma
      rheumatoid factor concentration (beta = -0.187, P = 0.031), swollen joint count
      (beta = 0.567, P = 0.029), BMD at forearm (beta = 0.324, P = 0.002), femoral
      Wards triangle (beta = 0.370, P < 0.0001), and lumbar spine (beta = 0.313, P =
      0.003) were the contributors for serum OPG (R ( 2 ) = 0.718, P < 0.0001). Age
      (beta = 0.241, P = 0.042) and BMD at femoral Wards triangle (beta = -0.441, P <
      0.0001) and lumbar spine (beta = -0.320, P = 0.013) were the determinants for
      serum RANKL (R ( 2 ) = 0.616, P < 0.0001), while swollen joint count (beta =
      1.029, P = 0.019) and BMD at femoral neck (beta = 0.285, P = 0.042) for serum
      OPG/RANKL ratio (R ( 2 ) = 0.279, P < 0.011). Analysis of logistic regression
      showed age (P = 0.004, OR = 1.156, 95% CI: 1.047-1.276) and the level of C
      reactive protein (P = 0.028, OR = 1.019, CI 95%: 1.002-1.036) in peripheral blood
      of RA were the risk factors for the occurrence of osteoporosis in RA, while
      OPG/RANKL ratio (P = 0.007, OR = 0.035, CI 95%: 0.003-0.400) was the unique
      protective factor. These data suggest that, in Chinese RA patients, an altered
      modulation of the OPG/RANKL system resulting in increased RANKL and decreased OPG
      in peripheral blood, could contribute to the bone loss characteristic and the
      generation of osteoporosis in these patients. Changes of ratio of OPG/RANKL might
      be a protective mechanism against the accelerated bone loss in RA.

PMID- 22057137
TI  - Is there a real adrenal axis dysfunction in patients with amyloidosis associated
      with familial Mediterranean fever?
AB  - Systemic amyloidosis with AA-type amyloid deposition is the major complication of
      FMF, leading to end stage renal disease. There is no clear data on the prevalence
      of adrenal involvement in patients with FMF amyloidosis. The aim of this study is
      to determine the adrenal axis function in patients FMF with amyloidosis. Twenty
      patients with FMF with amyloidosis (F/M: 10/10, mean age; 38 +/- 11 SD years),
      twenty without amyloidosis (F/M: 14/6, mean age 32 +/- 10 years), and healthy
      controls (F/M: 12/8, mean age: 30 +/- 7.6 SD years) were recruited. A dose of 250
      mg tetracosactide (Synacthen) was then administered intravenously and further
      blood samples collected 30 and 60 min later. Blood samples were separated and
      collected at 4 degrees C, and serum cortisol levels were measured. A normal
      cortisol response to Synacthen was defined as a post-stimulation peak cortisol
      value of >18 mg/d either at 30 or 60 min. sample. The mean disease duration was
      8.8 +/- 6 SD years, (range, 2-21) in FMF patients without amyloidosis compared to
      16 +/- 9.5 years (range, 0-30) in FMF with amyloidosis (P = 0.001). The cortisol
      concentrations increased significantly at 30 and 60 min compared to baseline
      after injection of synacthen in all groups. There were no statistically
      significant differences found among three groups, for basal, 30 and 60 min for
      cortisol levels (P = 0.154). FMF patients with amyloidosis do not exhibit overt
      adrenal insufficiency even though their basal cortisol levels were mildly lower.

PMID- 22057138
TI  - Increased finger skin vasoreactivity and stimulated vasomotion associated with
      simvastatin therapy in systemic sclerosis hypercholesterolemic patients.
AB  - We conducted an open-label trial to evaluate whether simvastatin therapy was, or
      was not, associated in systemic sclerosis hypercholesterolemic patients (SSc-Ps)
      with beneficial changes in finger skin microvascular function. 13 females SSc-Ps
      and 15 females healthy control subjects (CSs), age-matched with SSc-Ps, underwent
      finger skin post-occlusive reactive hyperaemia (PORH), using laser Doppler
      flowmetry (LDF). This test was repeated in SSc-Ps after about 10 weeks of
      simvastatin (20 mg/day) therapy (ST). At baseline and after ST, finger skin
      vasomotion was evaluated using spectral Fourier analysis of the LDF tracings.
      Endothelin-1 and cholesterol serum levels were also determined in SSc-Ps at
      baseline and after ST. At baseline, SSc-Ps had significantly lower basal finger
      skin blood flow (basal flow) and PORH, compared to CSs (18.9 +/- 11.7 PU vs. 28.5
      +/- 17.5 PU, 58.6 +/- 31.0 PU vs. 93. 1 +/- 37.3; P < 0.05). After ST, SSc-Ps had
      a significant increase in basal flow and PORH compared to baseline (42.7 +/- 35.7
      PU vs. 18.9 +/- 11.7 PU, 111.0 +/- 66.6 PU vs. 58.6 +/- 31.0 PU, respectively; P
      < 0.05), as well as a significant reduction in endothelin-1, total- and LDL
      cholesterol serum levels. After ST, SSc-Ps also showed a partially restored post
      ischaemic amplification in finger skin blood flow oscillations within 0.06-0.6
      Hz, related to myogenic vasomotion. This study showed that a short time period of
      ST in hypercholesterolemic SSc-Ps resulted in increased finger skin
      vasoreactivity and in partially restored post-ischaemic amplification of finger
      skin vasomotion, suggesting that ST affects positively finger skin microvascular
      dysfunction in SSc-Ps.

PMID- 22057139
TI  - A haplotype derived from the common variants at the -1997G/T and Sp1 binding site
      of the COL1A1 gene influences risk of postmenopausal osteoporosis in India.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to investigate the association between Collagen
      1 alpha 1 (COL1A1) polymorphism and osteoporosis in DEXA verified 349 (145
      osteoporotic, 87 osteopenic and 117 normal) postmenopausal women of India, who
      were not taking hormone replacement therapy. Two single-nucleotide polymorphisms
      (SNPs), that is, -1997G/T (rs1107946) and +1245G/T (rs1800012, Sp1) of the COL1A1
      gene, were analyzed. Minor allele frequencies of rs1107946 and rs1800012 were
      0.15 and 0.20 in osteoporotic women, 0.18 and 0.18 in osteopenic and 0.20 and
      0.17 in women having normal bone mass. An allele dose effect with BMD of lumbar
      spine has been exhibited by major allele G of rs1107946 (GG: 0.86 g/cm(2), GT:
      0.91 g/cm(2) and TT: 0.93 g/cm(2)) and minor allele T of rs1800012 (GG: 0.91
      g/cm(2), GT: 0.87 g/cm(2) and TT: 0.81 g/cm(2)). Disease association analysis
      revealed a haplotype GT that confers approximately threefold higher risk of
      osteoporosis in the carriers (OR 3.12, 95% CI 1.24-8.88, P = 0.008) after
      adjusting the confounding effect of age, BMI and years since menopause. These
      results suggest that GT haplotype of COL1A1 gene is associated with a higher risk
      of postmenopausal osteoporosis in Northwest Indian women.

PMID- 22057140
TI  - Sequelae of osteomyelitis variolosa: a case report.
AB  - Osteomyelitis variolosa is an osteoarticular complication of small pox infection.
      We are presenting a case of osteomyelitis variolosa, who presented to us with
      fracture of ankle on the involved side with other orthopedic sequelae of small
      pox infection, which he contracted during his childhood period. We have discussed
      the distinguishing clinical and radiological features of osteomyilitis variolosa.

PMID- 22057141
TI  - Prevalence of chronic widespread pain and fibromyalgia syndrome: a Korean
      hospital-based study.
AB  - This study was conducted to estimate the point prevalence of chronic widespread
      pain (CWP) and fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) in a primary care center of a hospital
      in Korea. CWP was defined as pain lasting more than 3 months involving all the
      classified pain sites (axial, left and right, above and below waist). FMS was
      diagnosed by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria and also by
      clinical judgment of a physician. All 1,077 subjects were classified into three
      groups as no chronic pain (NCP), chronic regional pain (CRP), and CWP. CRP was
      defined as chronic pain with the exception of CWP. The point prevalence of CWP
      was 6.5% (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.2-12.8) and the point prevalence of FMS
      was 1.7% (95% CI 0.0-4.9) by ACR criteria and 2.3% (95% CI 0.0-6.1) by clinical
      judgment, respectively. We also analyzed the differential demographic
      characteristics among patients with NCP, CRP, and CWP. When compared to NCP, CWP
      was significantly associated with the female gender after adjusting for other
      variables (odds ratio 4.2; 95% CI 1.4-12.4, P = 0.009). Compared to NCP, CWP
      patients had lower levels of education (P = 0.018), a lower likelihood of a
      professional occupation (P = 0.014), infrequent alcohol intake (P = 0.014) and a
      lower proportion of current smokers (P = 0.003) based on a univariable analysis.
      In this Korean hospital-based study, CWP patients were common and had different
      demographic characteristics and life habits from NCP.

PMID- 22057142
TI  - Serum melatonin level in ankylosing spondylitis: is it increased in active
      disease?
AB  - In the recent years, the role of melatonin (MLT) in the pathogenesis of
      inflammatory arthritis has been investigated, and the serum levels of MLT have
      been evaluated, but clinical study concerning MLT and ankylosing spondylitis (AS)
      is little reported in literature. We aimed to investigate the serum levels of MLT
      and their relation with the disease activity parameters of patients with AS.
      Forty AS patients and 40 healthy controls (matched for age and sex with the
      patients) participated in this study. Demographic and clinical data were
      collected and assessed. Disease activity of AS patients was assessed clinically
      according to the Bath AS Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), while AS functional
      impairment was assessed using the Bath AS Functional Index (BASFI). Serum samples
      were collected from all subjects to evaluate serum MLT, ESR, and CRP. Serum MLT
      levels were significantly increased in AS patients as compared to healthy
      controls (95% CI: 4.63, 8.77, P < 0.001). ESR and CRP are significantly higher in
      the AS patients compared with the controls (P < 0.001). AS patients with active
      disease had significantly higher ESR (P = 0.0151), CRP (P = 0.0124), and BASFI (P
      = 0.0016). Also, the MLT serum level in AS patients with BASDAI >=40 was 39.7 +/-
      6.2 pg/ml compared with 35.2 +/- 3.5 pg/ml in AS patients with BASDAI <40 (95%
      CI: 1.22, 7.78, P = 0.0106). Also, serum MLT level was significantly higher in
      the AS patients with enthesopathy than those without enthesopathy. Serum MLT
      levels were correlated with the duration of morning stiffness, BASDAI, BASFI, and
      CRP but not with ESR or duration of the disease. Serum levels of MLT were
      significantly increased in AS patients as compared to healthy controls. MLT
      levels correlated positively with BASDAI, BASFI, duration of morning stiffness,
      and CRP levels. Thus, it seems that MLT levels reflect the disease activity in AS
      patients.

PMID- 22057143
TI  - The major determinants of arterial stiffness in Korean patients with rheumatoid
      arthritis are age and systolic blood pressure, not disease-related factors.
AB  - Patients with rheumatoid arthritis are at increased risk of cardiovascular
      morbidity and mortality. This study was undertaken to investigate the prevalence
      of peripheral arterial disease, and to identify factors, especially those related
      to rheumatoid arthritis, influencing arterial stiffness in Korean patients with
      rheumatoid arthritis. A total of 262 patients with rheumatoid arthritis managed
      in a tertiary clinic were included. Ankle-brachial index and brachial-ankle pulse
      wave velocity were measured. Rheumatoid arthritis-related factors were
      determined, as well as the traditional cardiovascular risk factors. The
      prevalence of peripheral arterial disease was only 1.5%. Mean pulse wave velocity
      was 1,559 +/- 354 cm/s. Age, body mass index, blood pressure, lipid profile, and
      glucose, not rheumatoid arthritis-related factors such as disease duration,
      seropositivity and disease activity, were significantly correlated with pulse
      wave velocity. Moreover, stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that only
      age over 65 (OR = 9.1, 95% CI 4.3-19.1, P < 0.001), systolic blood pressure over
      140 mmHg (OR = 15.7, 95% CI 7.4-33.1, P < 0.001), and corticosteroid use (OR =
      2.1, 95% CI 1.03-4.3, P = 0.04) were independent risk factors for high pulse wave
      velocity. The prevalence of peripheral arterial disease in Korean patients with
      rheumatoid arthritis is very low. Among the many factors related to arterial
      stiffness, only old age, high systolic blood pressure, and, to a certain extent,
      corticosteroid use appear to be major determinants, especially in clinical
      setting with relatively well controlled patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

PMID- 22057144
TI  - Assessment of hand functions in rheumatoid arthritis using SF-SACRAH (short form
      score for the assessment and quantification of chronic rheumatoid affections of
      the hands) and its correlation to disease activity.
AB  - Rheumatoid arthritis activity is generally evaluated by using DAS-28 score. But
      this does not reflect the extent of functional hand impairment, a decisive
      parameter for patient wellbeing as well as for work disability. Several
      questionnaires to quantify the hand involvement in RA have been elaborated,
      amongst which SACRAH has been popular since 2003. But this requires evaluating 23
      questions on a visual analogue scale. The questions were reduced to 12 in
      modified-SACRAH (M-SACRAH) and to only five questions in short form SACRAH (SF
      SACRAH) so as to make it easily applicable in daily clinical practice. A study
      was planned to compare M-SACRAH (already validated) to SF-SACRAH in Indian
      population as no Indian data are available on the same. A total of 100 patients
      of RA were evaluated for disease activity using DAS-28 score and hand functions
      using M-SACRAH and SF-SACRAH. The M-SACRAH and SF-SACRAH were then compared based
      on DAS-28 scores; also M-SACRAH was compared to SF-SACRAH using Spearman's
      correlation coefficient. The mean value of DAS-28 score was 3.15 +/- 0.86. The
      mean value of SF-SACRAH was 8.065 +/- 7.44, and mean value of M-SACRAH was 201.7
      +/- 201.1008. The correlation of DAS-28 score to SF-SACRAH and M-SACRAH was
      significant in moderate and high disease activity but insignificant in remission
      and low disease activity state. The correlation between M-SACRAH and SF-SACRAH
      showed a spearman's coefficient of 0.998 with a P value of <0.001 (significant
      correlation). Correlation was significant for all disease activity states and for
      remission. The study suggests that the disease activity of rheumatoid arthritis
      (as assessed by DAS-28 score) has a poor correlation with hand functions (as
      assessed by M-SACRAH and SF-SACRAH) especially in low disease activity and
      remission states. Further, M-SACRAH and SF-SACRAH are significantly correlated.
      Therefore, it is suggested that RA patients should be assessed by SF-SACRAH
      (which includes five questions only) in addition to DAS-28 scoring for better
      evaluation of hand functions, a detrimental factor in day to day performance of
      RA patients.

PMID- 22057145
TI  - The value of procalcitonin measurements in children with familial Mediterranean
      fever.
AB  - It is well known that the serum procalcitonin (PCT) levels increase in severe
      bacterial infections. However, there is little information about the levels of
      PCT in diverse diseases except mainly the infectious diseases. The aim of this
      study was to investigate the progress of serum levels of PCT together with
      traditional acute phase reactants in children with familial Mediterranean fever
      (FMF) during the attack and attack-free periods and to test whether PCT could
      help to diagnose the attack in FMF patients. The study group comprised 21 FMF
      patients (mean age 10 +/- 4.6 years) and 19 healthy controls (mean age 10.6 +/-
      4.2 years). Serum levels of PCT and traditional acute phase reactants were
      measured during the attack and attack-free periods. Blood samples were obtained
      within the first 6-24 h of the attack period, 7 days later, and at least 2 months
      after the attack. Traditional acute phase reactants (hs-CRP, ESR, and fibrinogen)
      during the attack period were significantly higher than the attack-free levels
      and controls. PCT levels of the FMF patients during the attack period were also
      significantly higher than the attack-free and control group levels (median
      values, 0.044 ng/ml vs. 0.028 ng/ml and 0.031 ng/ml, P = 0.04, respectively).
      Although this difference was statistically significant (P = 0.04), median PCT
      values of the attack, attack-free period, and healthy subjects were lower than
      0.05 ng/ml. As a result, these findings suggested that PCT levels were not
      conspicuously affected from inflammation and could not be used as a descriptive
      marker for attack in FMF patients.

PMID- 22057146
TI  - Clinical findings of vertebral osteomyelitis: Brucella spp. versus other
      etiologic agents.
AB  - We aimed to evaluate patients with vertebral osteomyelitis (VO) in our region and
      to compare the clinical and laboratory parameters of brucellar and non-brucellar
      VO patients (NBVO). This retrospective study included 80 patients with VO
      followed in our hospital between August 2004 and September 2010. The distribution
      of gender was 43 females (53.8%) and 37 males (46.2%) with average age of 52.5.
      Patients with brucellar vertebral VO (BVO; n = 30) accounted for 37.5% of all
      patients, and the rest (n = 50) were with NBVO. Co-morbidities existed in 32.5%
      of patients. In statistical comparison of VO patients who had the Brucella spp.
      as the infectious agent with patients of VO by non-brucellar pathogens, the
      following factors were found out to be significantly associated with BVO; low
      Charlson score (P = 0.0001), lower co-incidence with chronic renal failure (P =
      0.001), high frequency of constitutional symptoms (P = 0.006), fever (P = 0.005),
      low-level inflammatory markers (WBC; Neutrophil; ESR; CRP, P values 0.006; 0.001;
      0.022; 0.002, respectively), low-rate surgical treatment (P = 0.02) and culture
      positivity (P = 0.0001) and higher hemoglobin, total protein, albumin values (P =
      0.002; 0.032; 0.016, respectively). VO may be strongly associated with
      brucellosis in patients presenting with fever and symptoms, low Charlson score
      and indistinct inflammatory markers.

PMID- 22057147
TI  - Unusual bridge ossification of pubic symphysis in diffuse idiopathic skeletal
      hyperostosis.

PMID- 22057148
TI  - Left or right hand of Cosimo I de' Medici?

PMID- 22057149
TI  - Lack of association between flow-mediated endothelium-dependent vasodilatation
      and biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction in patients with severe rheumatoid
      arthritis.

PMID- 22057150
TI  - [Does FVIII-activity increase with age in patients with haemophilia A and
      carriers of haemophilia A?].
AB  - The retrospective cohort study surveys the influence of age, co-morbidity and
      laboratory values on FVIII-activity (FVIII:C) in patients with haemophilia A with
      (mild n = 48, moderate n = 10, severe n = 7 and carriers n = 23). Median
      observation was 19 years for patients with haemophilia A and 9,5 years for
      carriers. RESULTS: FVIII:C levels collected from patients with mild haemophilia A
      displayed a significant median increase of 6.5% with proceeding age (p = 0.0013).
      Patients with moderate haemophilia A (and carriers of haemophilia A) showed a non
      significant median increase of 1.05% (carriers 8%). Eight patients showed FVIII:C
      levels at last blood withdrawal that indicated a change of severity from moderate
      to mild haemophilia A. A significant correlation was found between FVIII:C and
      VWF:RCo (p = 0.0203) and AFP (p < 0.0005). The correlation between FVIII:C and
      triglycerides and LDH was significant negative (p < 0.0005). No significant
      correlation could be found for FVIII:C and co-morbidity, fibrinogen, cholesterol
      and VWF:Ag.

PMID- 22057151
TI  - Quality improvement guidelines for recording patient radiation dose in the
      medical record for fluoroscopically guided procedures.

PMID- 22057152
TI  - Psychophysiological and electrophysiological testing of olfactory and gustatory
      function in patients with multiple sclerosis.
AB  - The olfactory (OF) and gustatory function in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients and
      possible influencing variables of the disease, such as depression or fatigue,
      were determined. In an open prospective controlled clinical study 30 patients
      with MS and 30 healthy controls matched for age, sex and smoking-habits were
      investigated. With Mini Mental State Examination cognitive dysfunction was
      excluded, with Expanded Disability Status Scale the patient's ability to
      accomplish the tests was ensured. The severity of depression was measured with
      the self-reported Beck Depression Inventory. The orthonasal olfactory function
      was derived with olfactory event related potentials (OERP) and TDI-score
      (Threshold, Discrimination and Identification, Sniffin' Sticks). Retronasal
      olfactory function was tested with Taste-Powder-score, gustatory function with
      Taste-strip-score. There was a significant loss of olfactory function measured
      with TDI-score [12/30 (40%), p = 0.002] and gustatory function [5/23 (21.7%), p <
      0.001] in MS-patients, 23.8% (5/21) of MS-patients showed hyposmia with OERPs,
      significantly correlating with the TDI-score (p = 0.03). The Expanded Disability
      Status scale score inversely correlated with the TDI-score (p = 0.002). This
      study confirms the incidence of olfactory disorder in MS-patients and reveals a
      frequent gustatory deficit. The Identification subtest can be proposed as a
      marker of the OF in MS-patients: it includes complex cognitive tasks and may be
      influenced by depression and fatigue, which are common symptoms of MS. It
      inversely correlates with the disability status.

PMID- 22057153
TI  - Reliability and efficacy of a new CO2 laser hollow fiber: a prospective study of
      39 patients.
AB  - We present the first series of patients treated by transoral laser surgery (TLS)
      using the new AcuPulse 40WG CO(2) laser with the FiberLase flexible waveguide
      (CO(2) LWG) (Lumenis, Santa Clara, CA) with the objective to test its reliability
      and efficacy. Patients older than 18 years, with oral, pharyngo-laryngeal or
      tracheal benign or premalignant lesions were enrolled after signing an informed
      consent. This prospective study was conducted between October 2010 and May 2011
      in two tertiary care university hospitals. Thirty-nine patients were enrolled in
      the study. The mean age was 47.9 years (range 18-86 years). There were 21 women
      and 18 men. Thirteen patients had hypertrophy of lymphoid tissue (palatine and or
      lingual), nine patients had granulomas, four patients had an exudative glottic
      lesion, three patients had severe dysplasia (glottic and supraglottic), three
      patients had leukoplakia, two patients had glottal cysts, two patients had
      laryngeal papilloma, two patients had bilateral paralysis of the vocal folds and
      one patient suffered from spasmodic dysphonia. Eighty-two percent of the
      procedures were performed under general anesthesia with laryngo-tracheal
      intubation. The CO(2) fiber passed through a handpiece was used with a microscope
      in the majority of the procedures. The laser delivery mode parameter used was:
      SuperPulse or Continuous Wave. Power levels were 3-15 Watts (W), continuous
      delivery. Each procedure utilized one CO(2) fiber which performed adequately
      throughout the procedure. No complications were noted with the use of this
      technology. A bipolar cautery was needed to control bleeding in eight procedures;
      all these procedures were tonsillectomies. The CO(2) LWG is a safe and reliable
      tool for TLS. It is durable enough to last through the entire surgical procedure
      without the need for replacement. Its use must be tailored depending on the type
      and location of the lesion, the CO(2) lasers tissue effects as well as the
      surgeon's experience.

PMID- 22057154
TI  - Suppression of spontaneous nystagmus during different visual fixation conditions.
AB  - Analysis of spontaneous nystagmus is important in the evaluation of dizzy
      patients. The aim was to measure how different visual conditions affect the
      properties of nystagmus using three-dimensional video-oculography (VOG). We
      compared prevalence, frequency and slow phase velocity (SPV) of the spontaneous
      nystagmus with gaze fixation allowed, with Frenzel's glasses, and in total
      darkness. Twenty-five patients (35 measurements) with the peripheral vestibular
      pathologies were included. The prevalence of nystagmus with the gaze fixation was
      40%, and it increased significantly to 66% with Frenzel's glasses and regular
      room lights on (p < 0.01). The prevalence increased significantly to 83% when the
      regular room lights were switched off (p = 0.014), and further to 100% in total
      darkness (p = 0.025). The mean SPV of nystagmus with visual fixation allowed was
      1.0 degrees /s. It increased to 2.4 degrees /s with Frenzel's glasses and room
      lights on, and additionally to 3.1 degrees /s, when the regular room lights were
      switched off. The mean SPV in total darkness was 6.9 degrees /s. The difference
      was highly significant between all test conditions (p < 0.01). The frequency of
      nystagmus was 0.7 beats/s with gaze fixation, 0.8 beats/s in both the test
      conditions with Frenzel's glasses on, and 1.2 beats/s in total darkness. The
      frequency in total darkness was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than with
      Frenzel's glasses, and more so than with visual fixation (p = 0.003). The VOG in
      total darkness is superior in detecting nystagmus, since Frenzel's glasses allow
      visual suppression to happen, and this effect is reinforced with gaze fixation
      allowed. Strict control of visual surroundings is essential in interpreting
      peripheral nystagmus.

PMID- 22057155
TI  - Effect of bariatric surgery on obesity-related infertility.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is a strong association between obesity and infertility, and
      weight loss can increase fecundity in obese women. In an attempt to determine the
      effect of bariatric surgery on obesity-related infertility, we reviewed the
      fertility outcomes after intragastric balloon placement, adjustable gastric
      banding, sleeve gastrectomy, and gastric bypass in childbearing women with a
      diagnosis of infertility at a university hospital in Italy. METHODS: This was a
      retrospective study of 110 obese infertile women. We evaluated the effectiveness
      of bariatric surgery in improving fertility, assessing the influence of age,
      surgical technique, co-morbidities (hypertension and diabetes), weight loss, and
      body mass index before and after surgery. RESULTS: Of these 110 women who had
      tried unsuccessfully to become pregnant before weight loss, 69 became pregnant
      afterward. The pregnancies proceeded without complications and ended with a live
      birth. Only the weight loss (odds ratio 20.2, P = .001) and the achieved body
      mass index (P = .001) after surgery were the predictors of pregnancy. CONCLUSION:
      Bariatric surgery might be effective in young infertile obese women who wish to
      become pregnant. Weight loss appears to be independent from the surgical
      technique in determining the increase in the pregnancy rate as well as the body
      mass index achieved at pregnancy.

PMID- 22057156
TI  - Particulate matter neurotoxicity in culture is size-dependent.
AB  - Exposure to particulate matter (PM) air pollution produces inflammatory damage to
      the cardiopulmonary system. This toxicity appears to be inversely related to the
      size of the PM particles, with the ultrafine particle being more inflammatory
      than larger sizes. Exposure to PM has more recently been associated with
      neurotoxicity. This study examines if the size-dependent toxicity reported in
      cardiopulmonary systems also occurs in neural targets. For this study, PM ambient
      air was collected over a 2 week period from Sterling Forest State Park (Tuxedo,
      New York) and its particulates sized as Accumulation Mode, Fine (AMF) (>0.18
      1MUm) or Ultrafine (UF) (<0.18MUm) samples. Rat dopaminergic neurons (N27) were
      exposed to suspensions of each PM fraction (0, 12.5, 25, 50MUm/ml) and cell loss
      (as measured by Hoechst nuclear stain) measured after 24h exposure. Neuronal loss
      occurred in response to all tested concentrations of UF (>12.5MUg/ml) but was
      only significant at the highest concentration of AMF (50MUg/ml). To examine if PM
      size-dependent neurotoxicity was retained in the presence of other cell types,
      dissociated brain cultures of embryonic rat striatum were exposed to AMF
      (80MUg/ml) or UF (8.0MUg/ml). After 24h exposure, a significant increase of
      reactive nitrogen species (nitrite) and morphology suggestive of apoptosis
      occurred in both treatment groups. However, morphometric analysis of neuron
      specific enolase staining indicated that only the UF exposure produced
      significant neuronal loss, relative to controls. Together, these data suggest
      that the inverse relationship between size and toxicity reported in
      cardiopulmonary systems occurs in cultures of isolated dopaminergic neurons and
      in primary cultures of the rat striatum.

PMID- 22057157
TI  - Incidence of Abcd1 level on the induction of cell death and organelle
      dysfunctions triggered by very long chain fatty acids and TNF-alpha on
      oligodendrocytes and astrocytes.
AB  - X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is characterized by ABCD1 deficiency. This
      disease is associated with elevated concentrations of very long chain fatty acids
      (C24:0 and C26:0) in the plasma and tissues of patients. Under its severe form,
      brain demyelination and inflammation are observed. Therefore, we determined the
      effects of C24:0 and C26:0 on glial cells:oligodendrocytes, which synthesize
      myelin, and astrocytes, which participate in immune response. So, 158N murine
      oligodendrocytes, rat C6 glioma cells, rat primary cultures of neuronal-glial
      cells, and of oligodendrocytes were treated for various periods of time in the
      absence or presence of C24:0 and C26:0 used at plasmatic concentrations found in
      X-ALD patients (1-5 MUM) and higher (10, 20, 40 MUM). To evaluate the importance
      of extrinsic and intrinsic factors, the part taken by TNF-alpha and reduced Abcd1
      level was studied. Whatever the cells considered, no effects on cell growth
      and/or viability were detected at 1-5 MUM, more or less pronounced effects were
      identified at 10 MUM, and an induction of cell death with increased permeability
      to propidium iodide and loss of transmembrane mitochondrial potential was
      observed at 20-40 MUM. On 158N, cell death was characterized by (i) an increased
      superoxide anion production at the mitochondrial level; (ii) the presence of
      vacuoles of different sizes and shapes; a destabilization of lysosomal membrane
      and a cytoplasmic redistribution of lysosomes; (iii) a modulation of Abcd3/PMP70
      and Acox-1 protein expression, and a decrease in catalase activity at the
      peroxisomal level. When TNF-alpha was combined with C24:0 or C26:0 and used on
      158N cells, C6 cells, and on 158N cells after siRNA mediated knockdown of Abcd1,
      no or slight potentiation was revealed. Thus, on the different cell models used,
      an induction of cell death with marked cellular dysfunctions at the
      mitochondrial, lysosomal, and peroxisomal levels were found with C24:0 and C26:0
      at 20 MUM and higher. However, in our experimental conditions, plasmatic
      concentrations of these fatty acids were unable to induce cell death, and
      organelle dysfunctions on oligodendrocytes and astrocytes, and additional
      intrinsic and environmental factors, such as reduced Abcd1 level and/or TNF
      alpha, were ineffective to potentiate their side effects.

PMID- 22057158
TI  - AURA: Atlas of UTR Regulatory Activity.
AB  - SUMMARY: The Atlas of UTR Regulatory Activity (AURA) is a manually curated and
      comprehensive catalog of human mRNA untranslated regions (UTRs) and UTR
      regulatory annotations. Through its intuitive web interface, it provides full
      access to a wealth of information on UTRs that integrates phylogenetic
      conservation, RNA sequence and structure data, single nucleotide variation, gene
      expression and gene functional descriptions from literature and specialized
      databases. AVAILABILITY: http://aura.science.unitn.it CONTACT:
      aura@science.unitn.it; dassi@science.unitn SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
      Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.

PMID- 22057159
TI  - Gene Ontology-driven inference of protein-protein interactions using inducers.
AB  - MOTIVATION: Protein-protein interactions (PPIs) are pivotal for many biological
      processes and similarity in Gene Ontology (GO) annotation has been found to be
      one of the strongest indicators for PPI. Most GO-driven algorithms for PPI
      inference combine machine learning and semantic similarity techniques. We
      introduce the concept of inducers as a method to integrate both approaches more
      effectively, leading to superior prediction accuracies. RESULTS: An inducer
      (ULCA) in combination with a Random Forest classifier compares favorably to
      several sequence-based methods, semantic similarity measures and multi-kernel
      approaches. On a newly created set of high-quality interaction data, the proposed
      method achieves high cross-species prediction accuracies (Area under the ROC
      curve <= 0.88), rendering it a valuable companion to sequence-based methods.
      AVAILABILITY: Software and datasets are available at
      http://bioinformatics.org.au/go2ppi/ CONTACT: m.ragan@uq.edu.au.

PMID- 22057160
TI  - Large-scale motif discovery using DNA Gray code and equiprobable oligomers.
AB  - MOTIVATION: How to find motifs from genome-scale functional sequences, such as
      all the promoters in a genome, is a challenging problem. Word-based methods count
      the occurrences of oligomers to detect excessively represented ones. This
      approach is known to be fast and accurate compared with other methods. However,
      two problems have hampered the application of such methods to large-scale data.
      One is the computational cost necessary for clustering similar oligomers, and the
      other is the bias in the frequency of fixed-length oligomers, which complicates
      the detection of significant words. RESULTS: We introduce a method that uses a
      DNA Gray code and equiprobable oligomers, which solve the clustering problem and
      the oligomer bias, respectively. Our method can analyze 18 000 sequences of ~1
      kbp long in 30 s. We also show that the accuracy of our method is superior to
      that of a leading method, especially for large-scale data and small fractions of
      motif-containing sequences. AVAILABILITY: The online and stand-alone versions of
      the application, named Hegma, are available at our website:
      http://www.genome.ist.i.kyoto-u.ac.jp/~ichinose/hegma/ CONTACT: ichinose@i.kyoto
      u.ac.jp; o.gotoh@i.kyoto-u.ac.jp

PMID- 22057161
TI  - Detecting differential binding of transcription factors with ChIP-seq.
AB  - SUMMARY: Increasing number of ChIP-seq experiments are investigating
      transcription factor binding under multiple experimental conditions, for example,
      various treatment conditions, several distinct time points and different
      treatment dosage levels. Hence, identifying differential binding sites across
      multiple conditions is of practical importance in biological and medical
      research. To this end, we have developed a powerful and flexible program, called
      DBChIP, to detect differentially bound sharp binding sites across multiple
      conditions, with or without matching control samples. By assigning uncertainty
      measure to the putative differential binding sites, DBChIP facilitates downstream
      analysis. DBChIP is implemented in R programming language and can work with a
      wide range of sequencing file formats. AVAILABILITY: R package DBChIP is
      available at http://pages.cs.wisc.edu/~kliang/DBChIP/  CONTACT: 
      kliang@stat.wisc.edu SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Supplementary data are available
      at Bioinformatics online.

PMID- 22057162
TI  - A robust clustering algorithm for identifying problematic samples in genome-wide
      association studies.
AB  - SUMMARY: High-throughput genotyping arrays provide an efficient way to survey
      single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) across the genome in large numbers of
      individuals. Downstream analysis of the data, for example in genome-wide
      association studies (GWAS), often involves statistical models of genotype
      frequencies across individuals. The complexities of the sample collection process
      and the potential for errors in the experimental assay can lead to biases and
      artefacts in an individual's inferred genotypes. Rather than attempting to model
      these complications, it has become a standard practice to remove individuals
      whose genome-wide data differ from the sample at large. Here we describe a
      simple, but robust, statistical algorithm to identify samples with atypical
      summaries of genome-wide variation. Its use as a semi-automated quality control
      tool is demonstrated using several summary statistics, selected to identify
      different potential problems, and it is applied to two different genotyping
      platforms and sample collections. AVAILABILITY: The algorithm is written in R and
      is freely available at www.well.ox.ac.uk/chris-spencer CONTACT:
      chris.spencer@well.ox.ac.uk SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Supplementary data are
      available at Bioinformatics online.

PMID- 22057163
TI  - Synthesis and anticonvulsant evaluation of dimethylethanolamine analogues of
      valproic acid and its tetramethylcyclopropyl analogue.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Valproic acid (VPA) is a major antiepileptic drug (AED) that is less
      potent than other AEDs. 2,2,3,3-Tetramethylcyclopropanecarboxylic acid (TMCA) is
      an inactive cyclopropyl analogue of VPA that serves as a starting material for
      the synthesis of CNS-active compounds. METHODS: New conjugation products between
      N,N'-dimethylethanolamine to VPA and TMCA to form N,N-dimethylethanolamine
      valproate (DEVA) and N,N-dimethylethanolamine 2,2,3,3-tetramethylcyclopropionate
      were synthesized and their anticonvulsant activity was assessed in the maximal
      electroshock seizure (MES) and subcutaneous metrazol (scMet) seizure tests and
      the hippocampal kindling model in mice and/or rats. An amide analogue of DEVA
      (DEVAMIDE) was also synthesized and evaluated. The pharmacokinetics of DEVA and
      DEVAMIDE was comparatively evaluated in rats. RESULTS: In rats DEVA acted as a
      prodrug of VPA and had ED(50) values of 73 mg/kg and 158 mg/kg in the MES and the
      hippocampal kindling models, respectively. At these two anticonvulsant models
      DEVA was seven-times more potent than VPA. DEVAMIDE was active in the MES test at
      doses of 100 mg/kg (mice) and its rat-MES-ED(50)=38.6 mg/kg however, its
      protective index (PI=TD(50)/ED(50)) was twice lower than DEVA's PI. The TMCA
      analogues were inactive at the mice MES and scMet models. DEVA underwent rapid
      metabolic hydrolysis to VPA and consequently, in its pharmacokinetic analysis
      only VPA plasma levels were monitored. In contrast, DEVAMIDE was stable in whole
      blood. CONCLUSION: DEVA acts in rats as a prodrug of VPA yet shows a more potent
      anticonvulsant activity than VPA. DEVAMIDE acted as the drug on its own and was
      more potent than DEVA at the rat-MES test.

PMID- 22057164
TI  - Generation and biological properties of a recombinant dodecahedron containing the
      short fiber protein of the human adenovirus 41.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In order to gain further insight into the function of the enteric
      adenovirus short fiber (SF), we have constructed a recombinant dodecahedron
      containing the SF protein of HAdV-41 and the HAdV-3 penton base. METHODS:
      Recombinant baculoviruses expressing the HAdV-41 SF protein and HAdV-3 penton
      base were cloned and amplified in Sf9 insect cells. Recombinant dodecahedra were
      expressed by coinfection of High FiveTM cells with both baculoviruses, 72 h post
      infection. Cell lysate was centrifuged on sucrose density gradient and the
      purified recombinant dodecahedra were recovered. RESULTS: Analysis by negative
      staining electron microscopy demonstrated that chimeric dodecahedra made of the
      HAdV-3 penton base and decorated with the HAdV-41 SF were successfully generated.
      Next, recombinant dodecahedra were digested with pepsin and analyzed by Western
      blot. A 'site-specific' proteolysis of the HAdV-41 SF was observed, while the
      HAdV-3 penton base core was completely digested. CONCLUSION: These results show
      that, in vitro, the HAdV-41 SF likely undergoes proteolysis in the
      gastrointestinal tract, its natural environment, which may facilitate the
      recognition of receptors in intestinal cells. The results obtained in the present
      study may be the basis for the development of gene therapy vectors towards the
      intestinal epithelium, as well as orally administered vaccine vectors, but also
      for the HAdV-41 SF partner identification.

PMID- 22057165
TI  - [Role of the kallikrein kinin system and its interrelationship with vasoactive
      systems in pregnancy].
AB  - Glomerular hyperfiltration and increased sodium reabsorption are key factors for
      the development of the fetus and placenta in pregnancy. These adjustments result
      from hemodynamic and renal factors involving vasoactive systems. It was
      demonstrated in rats that activation of KKS precedes the installation of
      glomerular hyperfiltration as aprotinin prevents the increase in glomerular
      filtration. In addition, individual or associated inhibition of specific
      kallikrein kinin system effectors, prostaglandins (PGs) and nitric oxide (NO),
      confirm the glomerular filtration rate dependence of KKS during pregnancy. It was
      also found that the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) contributes to glomerular
      hyperfiltration as this is affected by the administration of RAS blockers. The
      peak of hyperfiltration maximum inhibition was obtained by the blockade of both
      systems (KKS and RAS). In addition, strategies used to alter the glomerular
      hyperfiltration and increased sodium reabsorption during pregnancy, showed
      abnormalities in the development of the fetus and placenta, fewer offspring, more
      fetus resorptions and intrauterine growth retardation. KKS inhibitors associated
      with RAS or nitric oxide blockers showed the greatest impact. As a consequence,
      it was demonstrated that KKS plays a central role in the adaptation phenomenom
      that accompanies normal pregnancy. The interplay of KKS with several vasoactive
      systems, seem to arrange a network involved in the hemodynamic adaptations to
      allow the proper development of pregnancy and the fetus and placenta.

PMID- 22057166
TI  - [Role of three ELISA tests using promastigote homogenates of Leishmania
      braziliensis, L. amazonensis and L. guyanensis in the diagnosis of tegumentary
      leishmaniasis].
AB  - It is important to know whether the variability of species of Leishmania
      parasites circulating in a region affects the performance of the ELISA test for
      the diagnosis of leishmaniasis. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze
      the reactivity of the ELISA using homogenates of promastigotes of Leishmania (V.)
      braziliensis (ELISAb), Leishmania (L) amazonensis (ELISAa) and Leishmania (V.)
      guyanensis (ELISAg) against different sera groups. Samples from individuals with
      cutaneous leishmaniasis (n = 37), mucocutaneous leishmaniasis (n = 8), healthy
      controls (n = 52), persons infected with Trypanosoma cruzi (n = 11) and mixed
      infections (n = 14) were included in the study. We calculated sensitivities,
      specificities, cut offs, and predictive values for the three tests and compared
      them using ANOVA, kappa index, ROC curves comparison, and confidence intervals
      calculated by the bootstrap method. Significant differences were found when
      comparing the OD levels of sera from patients with cutaneous leishmaniasis
      against healthy controls, but there were no differences when comparing the
      different ELISAs. The sensitivities calculated for ELISAb and ELISAa were 84.6
      and of 88.5% for ELISAg, while the value of specificity for the three tests was
      96.2. The kappa index (0.87) and comparison of ROC curves showed similar
      performance for the three ELISAs (p = 0.225). The high reactivity obtained for
      these ELISAs in sera of patients with mucocutaneous leishmaniasis indicates this
      test as an important complement in the diagnosis of the disease.

PMID- 22057167
TI  - [Trichomonas vaginalis prevalence in sex workers].
AB  - Trichomoniasis is a sexually transmitted infection (STI) usually associated to
      vaginitis, urethritis, cervicitis and pelvic inflammatory disease, which can
      cause infertility. The aim of this retrospective longitudinal study was to
      determine Trichomonas vaginalis prevalence in a population of male and female sex
      workers in Mendoza, Argentina. A cohort of 720 people who attended the STI
      Program in this province was retrospectively analyzed. From February 2007 up to
      June 2009, 1692 samples were processed using a reposition sampling method. The
      age and sex distribution of the population was: 687 women/33 men, from 15 to 65
      years old. Trichomoniasis prevalence determined for this population at risk was
      7.6% in women only, men did not present infection. The high prevalence shown for
      this risk group suggests a great vulnerability of this population to contract
      other more serious STIs. In another sense, it also shows a remarkable lack in the
      use of mechanical barriers to prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). The
      present research justifies the elaboration of standardized procedures guide to
      diagnose T. vaginalis within the framework of the Reproductive Health Program
      (PROSAR).

PMID- 22057168
TI  - HIV and pregnancy: maternal and neonatal evolution.
AB  - Data regarding epidemiological aspects, antiretroviral drug safety, and outcomes
      of HIV-infected pregnant women and their newborns are limited in Argentina. We
      underwent a retrospective analysis of registries of HIV-infected pregnant women
      assisted at Helios Salud, Buenos Aires, Argentina (1997-2006). Variables
      associated with preterm delivery and neonatal complications were analyzed by
      univariate and logistic regression analyses. A total of 204 mother-child binomium
      were included. Maternal age (median): 29 years; 32.5% without prior diagnosis of
      HIV-infection. Baseline median CD4 T-cell count: 417 cell/ul; 98% received
      antiretroviral drugs during pregnancy [2 nucleoside analogs plus either
      nevirapine (55%) or a protease inhibitor (32%)]. Overall incidence of toxicity
      was 12.5%: rash (8%), anemia (3.5%) and hepatotoxicity (1%). Rash was associated
      with exposure to nevirapine. Eighty one percent and 50% reached HIV-viral loads
      <1000 and <50  copies/ml at the end of pregnancy, respectively. Twenty six
      percent had obstetric complications and 16% had preterm delivery. Of the
      newborns, 1.6% had congenital defects and 9% had neonatal complications. Overall
      neonatal mortality was 1% and perinatal transmission was 0.7%. Protease inhibitor
      use and obstetric complications were associated to preterm delivery while
      obstetric complications were associated with neonatal complications. In our
      population, hepatotoxicity was low despite frequent use of nevirapine. Protease
      inhibitor use was associated to preterm delivery. A favorable virological
      response and a low rate of perinatal transmission was observed, what supports the
      consensus that antiretroviral therapy benefits during pregnancy outweigh risks of
      maternal and neonatal adverse events.

PMID- 22057169
TI  - [Treatment of compression of the left main coronary artery in patients with
      pulmonary hypertension].
AB  - Chest pain is a frequent symptom in patients with pulmonary hypertension of any
      etiology. Its pathophysiology has not been clearly established, the proposed
      causes are ischemia due to increased right ventricle wall stress, transient
      increased pulmonary hypertension resulting in acute pulmonary artery dilatation
      and external compression of the left main coronary artery (LMCA) by a dilated
      pulmonary artery. We report and discuss here three cases where the association
      between chest pain and compression of the LMCA by a dilated pulmonary artery
      could be shown, and they were treated with coronary stenting.

PMID- 22057170
TI  - [Contrast induced nephropathy in acute coronary syndrome].
AB  - Contrast induced nephropathy (CIN) is one of the most frequent causes of acute
      renal failure in hospitalized patients. It is associated with an increase in
      morbidity and mortality in patients hospitalized for acute coronary syndrome
      (ACS) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Risk factors and
      prevention strategies are not well defined. The aim of this study was to assess
      the incidence and clinical risk factors associated to the development of contrast
      induced nephropathy in patients hospitalized for ACS. In a retrospective cohort
      we analyzed consecutive patients hospitalized for ACS undergoing urgent PCI
      within 72 hours from the admission. CIN was defined as a 25% increase of
      creatinine levels from baseline at 48 hours from the PCI. The inclusion period
      was from January 1, 2004 to June 30, 2010. A total of 125 patients were analyzed,
      and CIN occurred in 13 (10.4%) patients. An independent association was found
      between age (OR 1.05; 95% CI 1.004 to 1.11; p = 0.034), multiple vessel
      angioplasty (OR 2.2; 95% IC 1.07 to 4.8; p = 0.03) and the volume of contrast
      infused (OR 1.007; 95% CI 1.001 to 1.01; p = 0.014) with the development of CIN.

PMID- 22057171
TI  - [Morbidity and mortality of carotid endarterectomy].
AB  - Clinical trials in academic centers with high selected surgeons have demonstrated
      the effectiveness of carotid endarterectomy (CE) in addition to best medical
      treatment in symptomatic and asymptomatic patients with moderate to severe
      stenosis. International guidelines recommend that the procedure should be done in
      centers with morbidity and mortality rates of less than 6% for symptomatic and 3%
      for asymptomatic patients. We evaluated the morbidity and mortality of CE in our
      institution. This was defined by the presence of stroke, myocardial infarction
      and/or death within 30 days of surgery. Surgery was indicated in symptomatic
      patients with stenosis greater than 50%. For asymptomatic or symptomatic patients
      with stenosis = 50% treatment was decided on a case-by-case basis. All patients
      were examined by a neurologist with and a cardiologist before and after the
      procedure. Intraoperative monitoring with transcranial Doppler was routinely used
      in patients with adequate ultrasonic window. We evaluated 306 procedures. No
      deaths occurred. Perioperative morbidity was 2.6% for both, symptomatic and
      asymptomatic subjects. These numbers compared favorably with those reported by
      other centers in Latin America and Europe. In conclusion, CE can be performed in
      routine clinical practice with morbidity and mortality results within those
      recommended by international guidelines.

PMID- 22057172
TI  - [Fibrillary glomerulo-nephritis: a rare form of glomerular disease with organized
      deposits].
AB  - We describe the case of a 67 year-old female who presented weakness and fatigue.
      Laboratory data showed nephrotic level of proteinuria and dyslipidemia. A renal
      biopsy was performed, and studied by light microscopy, immuno-fluorescence and
      electron microscopy. Ultra-structural analysis revealed the existence of
      organized fibrillary deposits, straight and without ramifications, the thickness
      of which ranged from 15 to 20 nm. These fibres were identified, by light
      microscopy, as slightly nodular mesangial expansions PAS positive, Congo red
      negative and weakly positive for IgG. Given the above findings, the diagnosis was
      fibrillary glomerulonephritis. Glomerular lesions with organized deposits may
      exhibit syndromic and pathological overlap. For this reason it is important to
      initially discriminate between positive and negative Congo red deposits, using,
      in the latter case, transmission electron microscopy to distinguish between
      immuno-tactoid and fibrillary glomerulonephritis. This differentiation relies not
      only on ultrastructural features, but on different clinical characteristics.
      Unlike what happens with fibrillary glomerulonephritis, the immuno-tactoid shows
      a strong association with lymphoproliferative processes.

PMID- 22057173
TI  - [Vertigo and vertical nystagmus associated with intrathecal morphine
      administration and resolution by naloxone].
AB  - Combined regional anesthesia is frequently used as a tool for management of
      postoperative pain. The profile of side effects of the opioids used via this
      route is similar to those occurring after systemic administration. The onset of
      vertigo with vertical nystagmus is an adverse effect rarely described after the
      use of intrathecal, epidural or intravenous morphine. We report the case of a
      patient who presented this complication in the postoperative period of a partial
      nephrectomy, after the administration of intrathecal morphine, with complete
      resolution by intravenous naloxone.

PMID- 22057174
TI  - [Schwannoma of the brachial plexus resembling a breast adenocarcinoma
      metastasis].
AB  - Schwanomas originating from the brachial plexus, although rare, may be mistaken
      for another type of tumour. A 40 year-old woman, who had been treated years
      earlier for a breast adenocarcinoma, showed in the 5-year follow-up magnetic
      resonance examination a localized lesion in the right brachial plexus. The
      presumptive radiological diagnosis was a metastasis from the primary
      adenocarcinoma. Following surgical access via the right axilla, a well
      circumscribed mass in the brachial plexus was detected. Under intraoperative
      electrophysiological guidance, the lesion was observed to depend on the ulnar
      nerve and its complete resection was possible without compromising nerve
      function. Histological findings indicated a schwannoma thus ruling out the
      presence of metastasis. The postoperative development was uneventful and six
      years after surgery, the patient is to date tumour-free. To the best of our
      knowledge, this is the first report of a brachial plexus schwannoma arising from
      the ulnar branch. Intraoperative electrophysiological monitoring is essential for
      a good surgical outcome.

PMID- 22057175
TI  - [Interstitial lymphoid pneumonia associated with common variable
      immunodeficiency].
AB  - The interstitial lymphoid pneumonia (LIP) is an uncommon disorder, described as
      non-neoplastic lung lymphoid tissue hyperplasia and classified as an interstitial
      lung disease. It has been described in association with HIV infection, autoimmune
      disorders, policlonal hypergammaglobulinemia and less frequently, with
      hypogammaglobulinemia. We report the case of a 66 year old female patient with a
      history of diabetes, Sjogren syndrome and hypertension. She was referred to our
      hospital due to a dry cough and dyspnea (FC II-III). The physical examination
      showed bilateral dry crackles and splenomegaly. Laboratory studies showed
      thrombocytopenia (50 000/ mm3) and hypogammaglobulinemia. A computed tomography
      thoracic scan showed interstitial bilateral basal lung infiltrates with small
      peribroncovascular nodules. A lung biopsy was made by thoracoscopy and reported
      LIP. Initial treatment consisted of oral methilprednisone, 40 mg daily, and once
      a month intravenous gammaglobulin 500 mg/kg, with good clinical and radiological
      response. A splenectomy was done due to persistent thrombocytopenia associated
      with hypersplenism, with good response of the platelets counts. No lymphoid
      clonal or other associated disease was detected.

PMID- 22057176
TI  - [Cryoglobulinemic nephropathy CD68 positive in monocytes/glomerular macrophages].

PMID- 22057177
TI  - [Primary central nervous system lymphoma].

PMID- 22057178
TI  - [Pathophysiology of shock. New perspectives].
AB  - Metabolic activity can be down-regulated throughout the reduction of
      mitochondrial population. Lowering O2 demand in cardiogenic, hemorrhagic and
      septic shock is here examined through clinical observations and trials. A
      decrease in the availability of O will be followed by reductions in mitochondrial
      population and, therefore, in a decrease in O2 demand. This response may lessen
      or prevent the acquisition of an O2 debt; until now, cornerstone in the
      pathophysiology of shock.   The cost of this adaptation is less energy
      production, and the resulting energy deficit has been linked to multiple organ
      failure (MOF), a complication of acute inflammatory processes and shock. MOF is
      better tolerated than anaerobic metabolism and is potentially reversible if the
      triggering causes are reversed and the energy level is re-established through
      mitochondrial biogenesis.Decoupling of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation
      occurs in both experimental models and in clinical septic shock. In critical
      patients this phenomenon may be detected by an inordinate increase in VO2 in
      response to a therapeutically increased DO. This hipermetabolic stage can be
      mistakenly interpreted as the repayment phase of an O2 debt.

PMID- 22057179
TI  - Melatonin in Chagas' disease. Possible therapeutic value.
AB  - Chagas' disease is a severe health problem in Latin America, causing
      approximately 50 000 deaths a year, with approximately 18 million infected
      people. About 25-30% of the patients infected with Trypanosoma cruzi develop the
      chronic form of the disease. The protective response against T. cruzi depends on
      both innate and acquired immunity involving macrophages, natural killer cells, T
      and B lymphocytes, and the production of proinflammatory Th-1 cytokines. In
      addition,  an increased nitric oxide (NO) production in macrophages leading to
      effective microbicidal action is needed to control parasitemia. Melatonin is
      detectable in T. cruzi and may play a role in promoting infection whereas, when
      administered in high doses during the acute phase of T. cruzi infection, it can
      decrease parasitemia while reducing NO production. During chronic disease
      progression, the sustained oxidative stress concomitant to myocardial damage
      could be reduced by administering melatonin. It is hypothesized that the
      coordinated administration of a melatonin agonist like the MT1 /MT2  agonist
      ramelteon, that lacks antioxidant activity and may not affect NO production
      during the acute phase, and of melatonin in doses high enough to decrease
      oxidative damage, to preserve mitochondrial and to prevent cardiomyopathy during
      the chronic phase, could be a novel add-on treatment of Chagas' disease.

PMID- 22057180
TI  - [Impact factor, its variants and its influence in academic promotion].
AB  - Bibliometrics is a set of methods used to study or measure texts and information.
      While bibliometric methods are most often used in the field of library and
      information science, bibliometrics variables have wide applications in other
      areas. One popular bibliometric variable is Garfield's Impact Factor (IF). IF is
      used to explore the impact of a given field, the impact of a set of researchers,
      or the impact of a particular paper. This variable is used to assess academic
      output and it is believed to affect adversely the traditional approach and
      assessment of scientific research. In our country, the members of the evaluation
      committees of intensive research institutions, e.g. the National Scientific and
      Technical Research Council (CONICET) use IF to assess the quality of research.
      This article revises the exponential growth of bibliometrics and attempts to
      expose the overall dissatisfaction with the analytical quality of IF. Such
      dissatisfaction is expressed in the number of investigations attempting to obtain
      a better variable of improved analytical quality.

PMID- 22057181
TI  - [The war against cancer].

PMID- 22057182
TI  - [Unexpected pause: what is the mechanism ?].

PMID- 22057183
TI  - [Clinical judicial syndrome].

PMID- 22057184
TI  - [It's the patient, stupid !].

PMID- 22057185
TI  - Enzyme responsive luminescent ruthenium(II) cephalosporin probe for intracellular
      imaging and photoinactivation of antibiotics resistant bacteria.
AB  - The Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) based luminescent ruthenium(II)
      cephalosporin probe has been designed and synthesized, which can be selectively
      activated by endogenous beta-lactamases and thus provided a localized and
      specific intracellular luminescence imaging and photoinactivation of drug
      resistant bacterial pathogens.

PMID- 22057186
TI  - Dual anticancer activity in a single compound: visible-light-induced apoptosis by
      an antiangiogenic iridium complex.
AB  - A metal complex is identified in which the metal fulfills two independent
      functions: as a structural scaffold for the specific molecular recognition of
      protein kinases resulting in antiangiogenic properties, together with a visible
      light-induced photoreactivity triggering apopotosis in cancer cells.

PMID- 22057187
TI  - Efficacy of oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy in curatively resected colorectal
      cancer with liver metastasis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Although surgical resection alone has been validated as a standard
      treatment for patients with liver metastases from colorectal cancer, a high rate
      of recurrence is still an issue to be overcome. We aimed to assess the efficacy
      of adjuvant chemotherapy using an oxaliplatin-based regimen in patients who
      underwent hepatic and primary colorectal cancer resection. METHODS: Sixty
      patients who received oxaliplatin-based postoperative chemotherapy combined with
      curative resection of primary colorectal cancer and synchronous liver metastases
      between January 2000 and February 2008 were retrospectively reviewed. The Kaplan
      Meier method was used to estimate survival, and prognostic factors were evaluated
      with the log-rank test. RESULTS: Median overall survival (OS) was 62.8 months
      [95% confidence interval (CI) 44.1-81.3], and median relapse-free survival (RFS)
      was 32.8 months (95% CI 5.8-59.6). The 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates were
      95.0, 68.8 and 55.5%, respectively. The relapse-free interval and modality of
      liver resection were independently associated with OS. CONCLUSIONS: Oxaliplatin
      based adjuvant chemotherapy after radical resection resulted in increased OS and
      RFS with acceptable tolerability compared to surgery alone. However, it is not
      yet clear whether postoperative oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy improves outcome
      compared to patients treated with 5-fluorouracil plus leucovorin.

PMID- 22057188
TI  - The Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger NCKX4 governs termination and adaptation of the
      mammalian olfactory response.
AB  - Sensory perception requires accurate encoding of stimulus information by sensory
      receptor cells. We identified NCKX4, a potassium-dependent Na(+)/Ca(2+)
      exchanger, as being necessary for rapid response termination and proper
      adaptation of vertebrate olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs). Nckx4(-/-) (also known
      as Slc24a4) mouse OSNs displayed substantially prolonged responses and stronger
      adaptation. Single-cell electrophysiological analyses revealed that the majority
      of Na(+)-dependent Ca(2+) exchange in OSNs relevant to sensory transduction is a
      result of NCKX4 and that Nckx4(-/-) mouse OSNs are deficient in encoding action
      potentials on repeated stimulation. Olfactory-specific Nckx4(-/-) mice had lower
      body weights and a reduced ability to locate an odorous source. These results
      establish the role of NCKX4 in shaping olfactory responses and suggest that rapid
      response termination and proper adaptation of peripheral sensory receptor cells
      tune the sensory system for optimal perception.

PMID- 22057189
TI  - Polymodal activation of the endocannabinoid system in the extended amygdala.
AB  - The reason why neurons synthesize more than one endocannabinoid (eCB) and how
      this is involved in the regulation of synaptic plasticity in a single neuron is
      not known. We found that 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and anandamide mediate
      different forms of plasticity in the extended amygdala of rats. Dendritic L-type
      Ca(2+) channels and the subsequent release of 2-AG acting on presynaptic CB1
      receptors triggered retrograde short-term depression. Long-term depression was
      mediated by postsynaptic mGluR5-dependent release of anandamide acting on
      postsynaptic TRPV1 receptors. In contrast, 2-AG/CB1R-mediated retrograde
      signaling mediated both forms of plasticity in the striatum. These data
      illustrate how the eCB system can function as a polymodal signal integrator to
      allow the diversification of synaptic plasticity in a single neuron.

PMID- 22057190
TI  - Evolutionary differences in food preference rely on Gr64e, a receptor for
      glycerol.
AB  - Very little is known about how stimuli that are typically not rich in sugars,
      such as beer, trigger attractive gustatory responses in Drosophila. We identified
      a member of the gustatory receptor family, Gr64e, as a receptor that is required
      for feeding preference for beer and other sources that have fermenting yeast. We
      found that Gr64e is required for neuronal and behavioral responses to glycerol,
      an abundant component of growing yeast and fermentation products. Ectopic
      expression of Gr64e in an olfactory neuron conferred responsiveness to glycerol.
      We also found that Drosophila species that are predicted to carry pseudogenes of
      Gr64e had reduced glycerol sensitivity. Our results provide insight into the
      molecular mechanisms of feeding acceptance of yeast products and raise the
      possibility that Gr64e contributes to specific evolutionary variations in
      appetitive selectivity across Drosophila species.

PMID- 22057191
TI  - Cholinergic modulation of a specific memory function of prefrontal cortex.
AB  - Deficits in prefrontal cholinergic function are implicated in cognitive
      impairment in many neuropsychiatric diseases, but acetylcholine's specific role
      remains elusive. Rhesus monkeys with selective lesions of cholinergic input to
      prefrontal cortex (PFC) were unimpaired in tests of decision making and episodic
      memory that require intact PFC, but were severely impaired on a spatial working
      memory task. These observations are consistent with a specific role for
      prefrontal acetylcholine in working memory.

PMID- 22057192
TI  - Paradoxical reversal learning enhancement by stress or prefrontal cortical
      damage: rescue with BDNF.
AB  - Stress affects various forms of cognition. We found that moderate stress enhanced
      late reversal learning in a mouse touchscreen-based choice task. Ventromedial
      prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) lesions mimicked the effect of stress, whereas
      orbitofrontal and dorsolateral striatal lesions impaired reversal. Stress
      facilitation of reversal was prevented by BDNF infusion into the vmPFC. These
      findings suggest a mechanism by which stress-induced vmPFC dysfunction
      disinhibits learning by alternate (for example, striatal) systems.

PMID- 22057193
TI  - Orientation tuning of cytochrome oxidase patches in macaque primary visual
      cortex.
AB  - The abundant concentration of cytochrome oxidase in patches or blobs of primate
      striate cortex has never been explained. Patches are thought to contain
      unoriented, color-opponent neurons. Lacking orientation selectivity, these cells
      might endow patches with high metabolic activity because they respond to all
      contours in visual scenes. To test this idea, we measured orientation tuning in
      layer 2/3 of macaque cortical area V1 using acutely implanted 100-electrode
      arrays. Each electrode recording site was identified and assigned to the patch or
      interpatch compartment. The mean orientation bandwidth of cells was 28.4 degrees 
      in patches and 25.8 degrees  in interpatches. Neurons in patches were indeed less
      orientation selective, but the difference was subtle, indicating that the
      processing of form and color is not strictly segregated in V1. The most
      conspicuous finding was that patch cells had a 49% greater overall firing rate.
      This global difference in neuronal responsiveness, rather than an absence of
      orientation tuning, may account for the rich mitochondrial enzyme activity that
      defines patches.

PMID- 22057194
TI  - Periodontitis and diabetes: a two-way relationship.
AB  - Periodontitis is a common chronic inflammatory disease characterised by
      destruction of the supporting structures of the teeth (the periodontal ligament
      and alveolar bone). It is highly prevalent (severe periodontitis affects 10-15%
      of adults) and has multiple negative impacts on quality of life. Epidemiological
      data confirm that diabetes is a major risk factor for periodontitis;
      susceptibility to periodontitis is increased by approximately threefold in people
      with diabetes. There is a clear relationship between degree of hyperglycaemia and
      severity of periodontitis. The mechanisms that underpin the links between these
      two conditions are not completely understood, but involve aspects of immune
      functioning, neutrophil activity, and cytokine biology. There is emerging
      evidence to support the existence of a two-way relationship between diabetes and
      periodontitis, with diabetes increasing the risk for periodontitis, and
      periodontal inflammation negatively affecting glycaemic control. Incidences of
      macroalbuminuria and end-stage renal disease are increased twofold and threefold,
      respectively, in diabetic individuals who also have severe periodontitis compared
      to diabetic individuals without severe periodontitis. Furthermore, the risk of
      cardiorenal mortality (ischaemic heart disease and diabetic nephropathy combined)
      is three times higher in diabetic people with severe periodontitis than in
      diabetic people without severe periodontitis. Treatment of periodontitis is
      associated with HbA(1c) reductions of approximately 0.4%. Oral and periodontal
      health should be promoted as integral components of diabetes management.

PMID- 22057195
TI  - Early adulthood television viewing and cardiometabolic risk profiles in early
      middle age: results from a population, prospective cohort study.
AB  - AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Little research has been done on the long-term longitudinal
      associations between markers of sedentary behaviour and health risks. We
      hypothesised that television (TV) viewing in early to mid-adulthood predicts an
      adverse cardiometabolic risk factor profile in middle age independently of
      participation in physical activity. METHODS: We used prospective data from 5,972
      (2,947 men) participants of the 1958 British Birth Cohort study. TV viewing and
      exercise frequency were obtained at age 23 years. Daily TV viewing and weekly
      moderate to vigorous physical activity were assessed at age 44 years, as well as
      HbA(1c), triacylglycerol, total and HDL-cholesterol, systolic and diastolic blood
      pressure, and waist circumference. We used generalised linear models and multiple
      linear regression to examine the associations between TV viewing at age 23 years
      and the cardiometabolic risk markers (including a clustered cardiometabolic risk
      score) at 44 years, while adjusting for sex, exercise participation and TV
      viewing at age 44 years, and other potential confounders. RESULTS: In the
      multivariable models, TV viewing frequency at age 23 years showed positive
      associations with C-reactive protein (generalised linear model change 12.6%, 95%
      CI 3.5, 22.8; p = 0.005), fibrinogen (change 1.8%, 95% CI 0.3, 3.3; p = 0.020),
      waist circumference (coefficient 1.17, 95% CI 0.32, 2.01; p = 0.004), systolic
      (coefficient 1.44, 95% CI 0.33, 2.54; p = 0.019) and diastolic (coefficient 0.75,
      95% CI -0.01, 1.51; p = 0.053) blood pressure, and clustered cardiometabolic risk
      score (men only, coefficient 0.06, 95% CI 0.01, 0.11; p = 0.038). Adjustments for
      baseline (age 23 years) BMI attenuated these associations towards null.
      CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: TV viewing habits in early adulthood are associated
      with adverse cardiometabolic profiles in early middle adulthood that are
      independent of TV viewing habits and physical activity in middle age, but not
      independent of BMI in early adulthood.

PMID- 22057196
TI  - Five-year follow-up of a cohort of people with their first diabetic foot ulcer:
      the persistent effect of depression on mortality.
AB  - AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Depressive disorders are associated with mortality within 18
      months of presentation of diabetic foot ulcers (DFU). The main aim of this study
      was to determine whether depressive disorder is still associated with increased
      mortality in people with their first foot ulcer at 5 years. METHODS: This is a 5
      year follow-up of a cohort of 253 patients presenting with their first DFU. At
      baseline, the Schedules for Clinical Assessment in Neuropsychiatry (SCAN) 2.1 was
      used to define those who met DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual 4th
      edition) criteria for depressive disorder. Cox regression analysis controlled for
      potential covariates: age, sex, marital status, socioeconomic status, smoking,
      mean HbA(1c), diabetes complications and ulcer severity. The main outcome was
      mortality at 5 years. RESULTS: The prevalence of DSM-IV depressive disorder at
      baseline was 32.2% (n = 82). There were 92 (36.4%) deaths over the 5 years of
      follow-up. In the Cox regression (n = 246), after adjusting for covariates,
      baseline DSM-IV depressive disorder was significantly associated with a twofold
      increased risk of mortality for any depressive episode (HR 2.09, 95% CI 1.34,
      3.25), minor (HR 1.93, 95% CI 1.00, 3.74) or major depressive disorders (HR 2.18,
      95% CI 1.31, 3.65), compared with patients who were not depressed.
      CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: Depression is associated with a persistent twofold
      increased risk of mortality in people with their first DFU at 5 years.

PMID- 22057197
TI  - Building muscle, browning fat and preventing obesity by inhibiting myostatin.
AB  - The obesity epidemic is an overwhelming global health concern. Interventions to
      improve body weight and composition aim to restore balance between nutrient
      intake and energy expenditure. Myostatin, a powerful negative regulator of
      skeletal muscle mass, has emerged as a potential therapeutic target for obesity
      and type 2 diabetes mellitus because of the prominent role skeletal muscle plays
      in metabolic rate and insulin-mediated glucose disposal. In fact, inhibition of
      myostatin by genetic manipulation or pharmacological means leads to a
      hypermuscular and very lean build in mice. The resistance of myostatin-null mice
      to diet-induced obesity, fat mass accumulation and metabolic dysfunction has been
      presumed to be a result of their large skeletal muscle mass; however, in this
      issue of Diabetologia, Zhang et al. (doi: 10.1007/s00125-011-2304-4 ) provide
      evidence that myostatin inhibition also significantly impacts the phenotype of
      white adipose tissue (WAT). The authors reveal elevated expression of key
      metabolic genes of fatty acid transport and oxidation and, intriguingly, the
      presence of brown adipose tissue-like cells in WAT of myostatin-null mice. They
      also show that pharmacological inhibition of myostatin replicates several of the
      protective benefits conveyed by its genetic inactivation. Herein, these data,
      areas in need of further investigation and the evidence that implicates myostatin
      as a target for obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus are discussed.

PMID- 22057198
TI  - Usefulness of ice massage in triggering the swallow reflex.
AB  - In Japan, ice massage is widely used as the prefeeding technique to facilitate
      dry swallowing, to improve swallowing apraxia for initiating the swallowing
      action, and in daily swallowing training. In a crossover study, we evaluated the
      usefulness of ice massage for eliciting the swallowing response. The subjects
      were 24 dysphagic patients with stroke and cerebrovascular disease. We measured
      the latency between the command of dry swallowing and the triggering of the
      swallow reflex by videofluoroscopic examination of swallowing, with and without
      ice massage. When a subject could not swallow all the 4 trials we recorded
      whether he or she could swallow or not. And we counted how many times he or she
      could swallow with and without ice massage. Our results suggest that ice massage
      significantly shortened the latency to triggering of the swallow reflex and often
      initiated swallowing even in those subjects who could not swallow without the
      massage. These results demonstrate that ice massage has an immediate effect on
      triggering of the swallow reflex. The effect of ice massage was especially
      remarkable in the 15 subjects who had supranuclear lesions compared with the
      subjects with nuclear lesions. Thus, ice massage could activate the damaged
      supranuclear tract and/or the normal nucleus and subnuclear tract for swallowing.
      Ice massage has proven useful in many clinical dysphagia training sessions.

PMID- 22057199
TI  - Adults with reading disabilities: converting a meta-analysis to practice.
AB  - This article reviews the results of a meta-analysis of the experimental published
      literature that compares the academic, cognitive, and behavioral performance of
      adults with reading disabilities (RD) with average achieving adult readers. The
      meta-analysis shows that deficits independent of the classification measures
      emerged for adults with RD on measures of vocabulary, math, spelling, and
      specific cognitive process related to naming speed, phonological processing, and
      verbal memory. The results also showed that adults with high verbal IQs (scores >
      100) but low word recognition standard scores (< 90) yielded greater deficits
      related to their average reading counterparts when compared to studies that
      included adults with RD with verbal IQ and reading scores in the same low range.
      Implications of the findings related to assessment and intervention are
      discussed.

PMID- 22057200
TI  - The speed of articulatory movements involved in speech production in children
      with dyslexia.
AB  - A group of children with dyslexia (mean ages 9 and 14 years) was studied,
      together with group of children without dyslexia matched for age. Participants
      were monolingual native speakers of the Bosnian language with transparent
      orthography. In total, the diagnostic tests were performed with 41 children with
      dyslexia and 41 nondyslexic children. The participants were asked to produce
      monosyllables, /pa/, /ta/, and /ka/, and the trisyllable /pataka/, as fast as
      possible. Analysis was undertaken in four ways: (1) time of occlusion duration
      for plosives (duration of stop), (2) voice onset time for plosives, (3)
      diadochokinetic rate--articulators rate measured by pronunciation of
      monosyllables and the trisyllable, and (4) time of moving articulators from one
      gesture to another-time of interval length (from the explosion of one plosive to
      the start of the explosion of another plosive). The results suggest that children
      with dyslexia have significant problems with the speed of articulatory movements
      involved in speech production.

PMID- 22057201
TI  - The identification and performance of gifted students with learning disability
      diagnoses: a quantitative synthesis.
AB  - Much has been written about gifted students with learning disabilities, but there
      have been few large-scale empirical investigations, and the concept has proven
      controversial. The authors reviewed the available empirical literature on these
      students, focusing on (a) the criteria by which the students were identified and
      (b) the students' performance on standardized tests of ability and achievement.
      In addition, the test scores of these students were aggregated to determine
      typical performance levels. A total of 46 empirical articles were reviewed, and
      major findings included wide variability in identification criteria across
      studies, frequent reliance on dubious methods of learning disability
      identification, and a lack of academic impairment among the identified students.
      Implications for the "gifted/LD" category are discussed.

PMID- 22057202
TI  - Cobalt oxide polymorph growth on electrostatic self-assembled nanoparticle arrays
      for dually tunable nano-textures.
AB  - We report on a method for surface nano-texturing on a plastic substrate. Nano
      objects with a silica nanoparticle core and a textured cobalt oxide crown are
      created with selectable density on the plastic substrate. The resulting dual
      morphology is easily tuned over large areas, either by changing the parameters
      directing nanoparticle deposition through electrostatic self-arrangement for nano
      object density control, or the parameter directing cobalt oxide deposition for
      shape control. The entire process takes place at room temperature, with no
      chemicals harmful to the plastic substrate. The ready modulation of the dual
      morphology is used to control the wettability properties of the plastic film,
      which is covered by nano-objects.

PMID- 22057203
TI  - Polymyalgia rheumatica and the risk of stroke: a three-year follow-up study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a relatively common rheumatic
      disease, particularly in the elderly. Vasculitis is associated with PMR and
      theoretically makes such patients susceptible to vascular events such as stroke.
      This study aims to explore the frequency and risk of stroke among patients with
      PMR through a population-based case-controlled study. METHODS: The study included
      781 patients with PMR from the Taiwan Longitudinal Health Insurance Database
      between 2001 and 2005. We randomly extracted 3,905 other patients, matched with
      the study group in terms of sex and age, as a control population. Each subject
      was individually tracked for a three-year period to identify those who had
      strokes. Stratified Cox proportional hazard regression was employed to evaluate
      the risk of stroke, after adjusting for socio-demographic characteristics and
      comorbidities. RESULTS: We found that 386 out of 4,686 sampled patients (8.24%)
      had stroke during the three-year follow-up period, including 113 patients with
      PMR (14.47% of the PMR group) and 273 controls (6.98% of the control group). The
      stratified Cox proportional hazard regression showed that the adjusted hazard
      ratio of stroke for patients with PMR was 2.09 times that of controls (95% CI =
      1.63-2.66, p <0.001), after adjusting for socio-demographic characteristics and
      comorbidities. CONCLUSIONS: PMR was associated with a significantly higher risk
      of stroke in the three-year follow-up period. Physicians should be aware of this
      potential association in clinical settings.

PMID- 22057204
TI  - Inhibition of calcium oxalate crystal deposition on kidneys of urolithiatic rats
      by Hibiscus sabdariffa L. extract.
AB  - The present study aims at systematic evaluation of the calyces of Hibiscus
      sabdariffa to establish its scientific validity for anti-urolithiatic property
      using ethylene glycol-induced hyperoxaluria model in male albino rats.
      Administration of a mixture of 0.75% ethylene glycol and 2% ammonium chloride
      resulted in hyperoxaluria as well as increased renal excretion of calcium and
      phosphate. The decrease in the serum calcium concentration indicates an increased
      calcium oxalate formation. Supplementation of aqueous extract of H. sabdariffa at
      different doses (250, 500 and 750 mg/kg body weight) significantly lowered the
      deposition of stone-forming constituents in the kidneys and serum of urolithiatic
      rats. These findings have been confirmed through histological investigations.
      Results of in vivo genotoxicity testing showed no significant chromosomal
      aberrations in the bone marrow cells of ethylene glycol-induced rats. The plant
      extracts at the doses investigated induced neither toxic nor lethal effects and
      are safe. It can be concluded that the calyces of H. sabdariffa are endowed with
      anti-urolithiatic activity and do not have genotoxic effects. Thus, it can be
      introduced in clinical practices and medicine in the form of orally administered
      syrup after further investigations and clinical trials.

PMID- 22057205
TI  - Stereotactic localisation system: a modified puncture technique for percutaneous
      nephrolithotomy.
AB  - The objective of the study was to establish and evaluate a modified puncture and
      dilation technique-"stereotaxic localisation" system-and the corresponding
      instruments for percutaneous nephrostomy. Four hundred patients were randomised
      to the intervention group (200 cases, stereotaxic location puncture and dilation
      procedures) and the traditional group (200 cases, traditional procedure) under X
      ray guidance. In the modified intervention system, the distance and horizontal
      angle of the puncture pathway between the puncture point and the target site were
      calculated accurately. The time for punctures, time with X-ray exposure and
      operation, success rate of each puncture to access the target, number of patients
      requiring blood transfusion, stone clearance, drops of haemoglobin and days of
      hospital stay were compared between the two groups. In the traditional and
      intervention groups, the time for puncture was 17 and 7 min, respectively; the X
      ray exposure time was 9.1 and 1.3 min; the cases requiring blood transfusion were
      9 and 5; and the success rates for each puncture to access the target were 42.9
      and 88.0%, all with statistical difference (p < 0.01). The other outcomes and
      complications revealed similar trends. The stereotaxic localisation system for
      puncture is statistically better than the traditional procedure used in this
      study. The stereotaxic localisation system in this study is safer and more
      accurate, and provides easier access to the target with less bleeding and reduced
      exposure to X-ray compared to the traditional puncture and dilation procedures of
      percutaneous nephrostomy.

PMID- 22057206
TI  - Ureteroscopic retrograde intrarenal surgery after previous open renal stone
      surgery: initial experience.
AB  - The management of renal calculi following previous open surgery represents a
      challenge for urologists. The aim of this study is to evaluate the outcomes and
      safety of ureteroscopic laser retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) for renal
      calculi following prior open renal surgery. The charts of 53 patients who
      underwent RIRS for renal calculi following prior open surgery for urolithiasis
      were reviewed. Both flexible and semi-rigid ureteroscopes were utilized together
      with holmium: YAG laser for stone disintegration. Intravenous urography, computed
      tomography (CT) and ultrasound were used to evaluate the patient,
      perioperatively. Stone size ranged from 5 to 32 mm (mean 14.3 mm). The mean
      operative time was 86 min (20-130). The overall stone-free rate was 92.4%. The
      overall stone-free rates after one and two-procedures were 79.2% (42 cases) and
      92.4% (49 cases), respectively. Four patients (7.5%) had larger residual
      fragments, 2 (3.8%) of them underwent SWL, and 2 (3.8%) cases were followed up
      conservatively. Major complications were reported in two patients (3.8%). Stone
      analysis revealed calcium oxalate in 39 patients, uric acid in 5, calcium
      phosphate in 4, struvite in 3, and cystine in 2 cases. Ureteroscopic retrograde
      intrarenal surgery for renal calculi following prior open renal surgery was a
      minimally invasive, safe procedure with a high success rate. It is a viable
      alternative for PNL in managing recurrent renal calculi efficiently.

PMID- 22057207
TI  - Palliative services, forgotten issue in postnuclear accident crisis.

PMID- 22057208
TI  - Pediatric palliative care instruction for residents: an introduction to IPPC.
AB  - A 1-day training event for pediatric residents with interdisciplinary staff was
      held, which was modeled after the Initiative for Pediatric Palliative Care
      (IPPC). Training included relational communication, cultural humility, pain
      symptom management, family-centered care, team problem solving, and strategic
      planning using didactic, small group, and plenary platforms. Two bereaved parents
      were co-learners and trainers. Twenty-six interdisciplinary staff participated. A
      positive impact was measured in new knowledge gained, value in collaborative
      learning with health care professionals and families, and ability to work with
      professionals outside participants' own unit. Confidence to advocate for improved
      pediatric palliative care was also noted. The IPPC curriculum is easily adapted
      for resident education. Incorporating family members as co-learners and teachers
      is valuable. Advocacy for pediatric palliative care may follow this type of
      experience.

PMID- 22057209
TI  - Quality of life in patients with advanced lung cancer treated at home and at a
      palliative care unit.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To assess quality of life (QOL) in patients with advanced lung
      cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A prospective study of 78 patients cared at home
      and at a palliative care unit (PCU) with 2 QOL assessments was conducted.
      RESULTS: Fifty patients completed the study. In the EORTC QLQ-C30 role,
      cognitive, social functioning, global QOL, fatigue, pain, dyspnea, and appetite
      deteriorated; nausea/vomiting improved; dyspnea was more intense in the case of
      in-home patients. In the EORTC QLQ-LC13 hemoptysis improved; pain in other parts
      was more intense in the PCU patients. Pain (Visual Analogue scale) was more
      intense in the PCU patients; the level of activity (Karnofsky) decreased in the
      case of patients treated at home. CONCLUSIONS: QOL deteriorated with few
      differences between home and the PCU patients.

PMID- 22057210
TI  - Symptom prevalence in the last days of life in Germany: the role of place of
      death.
AB  - Investigations have shown that symptom prevalence varies according to the place
      of death. We sought to assess the symptom prevalence of chronically ill people in
      Germany and how this prevalence differs depending on the place of death. We sent
      questionnaires to 5000 bereaved people in Rhineland-Palatinate (Germany), whose
      relatives died between May 25 and August 24, 2008. In all, 3832 questionnaires
      were delivered and 1378 completed (response 36.0%). Most decedents had moderate
      to-severe weakness (94.5%), fatigue (93.5%), need for help in daily activities
      (87.9%), and appetite loss (87.4%). Pain and dyspnea were most severe in
      hospitals; fatigue, confusion/disorientation, and problems with wound care in
      nursing homes; and need for help in daily activities and overburden of family at
      home. Associations persisted after adjusting for potential confounders.

PMID- 22057211
TI  - New insights into the spliceosome by single molecule fluorescence microscopy.
AB  - Splicing is an essential eukaryotic process in which introns are excised from
      precursors to messenger RNAs and exons ligated together. This reaction is
      catalyzed by a multi-MegaDalton machine called the spliceosome, composed of 5
      small nuclear RNAs (snRNAs) and a core set of ~100 proteins minimally required
      for activity. Because of the spliceosome's size, its low abundance in cellular
      extracts, and its highly dynamic assembly pathway, analysis of the kinetics of
      splicing and the conformational rearrangements occurring during spliceosome
      assembly and disassembly has proven extraordinarily challenging. Here, we review
      recent progress in combining chemical biology methodologies with single molecule
      fluorescence techniques to provide a window into splicing in real time. These
      methods complement ensemble measurements of splicing in vivo and in vitro to
      facilitate kinetic dissection of pre-mRNA splicing.

PMID- 22057212
TI  - Single-molecule analysis of telomerase structure and function.
AB  - The telomerase ribonucleoprotein is a specialized reverse transcriptase required
      to maintain protective chromosome end-capping structures called telomeres. In
      most cells, telomerase is not active and the natural shortening of telomeres with
      each round of DNA replication ultimately triggers cell growth arrest. In
      contrast, the presence of telomerase confers a high level of renewal capacity
      upon rapidly dividing cells. Telomerase is aberrantly activated in 90% of human
      cancers and thus represents an important target for anticancer therapeutics.
      However, the naturally low abundance of telomerase has hampered efforts to obtain
      high-resolution models for telomerase structure and function. To circumvent these
      challenges, single-molecule techniques have recently been employed to investigate
      telomerase assembly, structure, and catalysis.

PMID- 22057214
TI  - Standardisation of liver MDCT by tracking liver parenchyma enhancement to trigger
      imaging.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess parenchymal bolus-triggering in terms of liver enhancement,
      lesion-to-liver conspicuity and inter-image variability across serial follow-up
      MDCTs. METHODS: We reviewed MDCTs of 50 patients with hepatic metastases who had
      a baseline CT and two follow-up examinations. In 25 consecutive patients CT data
      acquisition was initiated by liver parenchyma triggering at a 50-HU enhancement
      threshold. In a matched control group, imaging was performed with an empirical
      delay of 65 s. CT attenuation values were assessed in vessels, liver parenchyma
      and metastasis. Target lesions were classified according to five enhancement
      patterns. RESULTS: Compared with the control group, liver enhancement was
      significantly higher with parenchyma triggering (59.8 +/- 7.6 HU vs. 48.8 +/-
      11.2 HU, P = 0.0002). The same was true for conspicuity (liver parenchyma -
      lesion attenuation) of hypo-enhancing lesions (72.2 +/- 15.9 HU vs. 52.7 +/- 19.4
      HU, P = 0.0006). Liver triggering was associated with reduced variability for
      liver enhancement among different patients (P = 0.035) and across serial follow
      up examinations in individual patients (P < 0.0001). The number of patients
      presenting with uniform lesion enhancement pattern across serial examinations was
      significantly higher in the triggered group (20 vs. 11; P = 0.018). CONCLUSION:
      Liver parenchyma triggering provides superior lesion conspicuity and improves
      standardisation of image quality across follow-up examinations with greater
      uniformity of enhancement patterns. KEY POINTS: Liver parenchyma tracking
      improves liver enhancement and lesion-to-liver conspicuity in abdominal CT. In
      serial CT studies this technique reduces variability of conspicuity and
      enhancement patterns. Higher liver-to-lesion conspicuity is a prerequisite for
      reliable detection of liver lesions. Stabilisation of enhancement permits more
      accurate follow-up of oncology patients.

PMID- 22057216
TI  - Influence of GRIA1, GRIA2 and GRIA4 polymorphisms on diagnosis and response to
      treatment in patients with major depressive disorder.
AB  - The present study is aimed to exploring whether some single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) within GRIA1, GRIA2 and GRIA4 could be associated with major
      depressive disorder (MDD) and whether they could predict clinical outcomes in
      Korean in-patients, respectively, treated with antidepressants. One hundred forty
      five (145) patients with MDD and 170 healthy controls were genotyped for 17 SNPs
      within GRIA1, GRIA2 and GRIA4. Baseline and final clinical measures, including
      the Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) for patients with MDD, were
      recorded. No association was observed between alleles, genotypes and haplotypes
      under investigation and clinical and demographical variables. As a secondary
      finding, a marginal association was observed between rs4302506 and rs4403097
      alleles within GRIA2 and age of onset in patients with MDD. Our findings provide
      evidence for a possible association between rs4302506 and rs4403097 SNPs and age
      of onset in patients with MDD. However, taking into account that the several
      limitations of our study including the moderately small sample size of our study,
      our findings should be considered with caution and further research is needed to
      draw more definitive conclusions.

PMID- 22057217
TI  - How can grafted breast cancer models be optimized?
AB  - Breast cancer is the most frequent spontaneous malignancy diagnosed in women and
      is characterized by a broad histological diversity. Progression of the disease
      has a metastasizing trend and can be resistant to hormonal and chemotherapy.
      Animal models have provided some understanding of these features and have allowed
      new treatments to be proposed. However, these models need to be revised because
      they have some limitations in predicting the clinical efficacy of new therapies.
      In this review, we discuss the biological criteria to be taken into account for a
      realistic animal model of breast cancer graft (tumor implantation site, animal
      immune status, histological diversity, modern imaging). We emphasize the need for
      more stringent monitoring criteria, and suggest adopting the human RECIST
      (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors) criteria to evaluate treatments in
      animal models.

PMID- 22057218
TI  - Development of inhibitors in haemophilia. Ongoing epidemiological study.
AB  - A number of 513 consecutive patients (494-haemophilia A and 19-haemophilia B)
      from eight haemophilia treatment centers have been investigated with Bethesda
      assay for the presence of factor VIII or IX inhibitors. The overall prevalence of
      inhibitors was 15.20%, 18.48% in severe, 5.60% in moderate and 12.24% in mild
      forms. The prevalence was higher than reported in most of the western countries.
      The age at start of substitution (p = 0.9775), the frequent switching of factor
      concentrates (p = 0.8931) were not relevant factors for the development of
      inhibitors. It is worth to be mentioned the unexpectedly occurrence of inhibitors
      in prior inhibitor negative (6/72) patients (during surgical interventions)
      probably due to their previous scarce substitution, occurrence which seems not
      being connected with the continuous infusion modality of factor VIII
      administration (p = 0.8341). In controversial situations, in the field of low
      titer (<= 1 BU/ml) inhibitors for a reliable interpretation of the results the
      performance of recovery index and half-life time assessment of FVIII/IX was
      undertaken.

PMID- 22057219
TI  - Urinary tract infection following kidney transplantation: frequency, risk factors
      and graft function.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine the proportion of children who develop
      urinary tract infection (UTI) after kidney transplantation (KTx) and to identify
      the factors associated with UTI and its impact on graft function. To this end, we
      undertook a chart review of children who underwent KTx at Red Cross Children's
      Hospital between January 2003 and December 2009 and were followed-up for at least
      6 months after transplantation. Sixty-two children (53.2% males) were followed-up
      for a mean (standard deviation) period of 36.9 (19.7) months. Mean age at
      transplantation was 10.0 (4.6) years. Twenty-five (40.3%) children had 89 UTI
      episodes during the study period, equivalent to 0.94 UTI episodes per one patient
      year of follow-up. Acute pyelonephritis occurred in 17 (27.4%) children; another
      17 (27.4%) had multiple post-KTx UTI. Klebsiella (40.0%) and Escherichia (28.0%)
      were the commonest organisms. Those with post-KTx UTI were, at transplantation,
      younger (8.3 vs. 11.2 years; p = 0.017), had lower urinary tract abnormality
      (LUTA) (13 vs. 1; p = 0.000) and had pre-KTx UTI (13 vs. 5; p = 0.001).
      Multivariate analysis revealed that only age <5 years at transplantation and LUTA
      remained significant and that UTI KTx was not associated with worsening graft
      function. UTI is common after post-KTx. Among our patient cohort, younger age and
      LUTA were risk factors, but UTI did not affect graft function.

PMID- 22057220
TI  - Automatic analysis of EMG during clonus.
AB  - Clonus can disrupt daily activities after spinal cord injury. Here an algorithm
      was developed to automatically detect contractions during clonus in 24h
      electromyographic (EMG) records. Filters were created by non-linearly scaling a
      Mother (Morlet) wavelet to envelope the EMG using different frequency bands. The
      envelope for the intermediate band followed the EMG best (74.8-193.9 Hz).
      Threshold and time constraints were used to reduce the envelope peaks to one per
      contraction. Energy in the EMG was measured 50 ms either side of each envelope
      (contraction) peak. Energy values at 5% and 95% maximal defined EMG start and end
      time, respectively. The algorithm was as good as a person at identifying
      contractions during clonus (p=0.946, n=31 spasms, 7 subjects with cervical spinal
      cord injury), and marking start and end times to determine clonus frequency
      (intra class correlation coefficient, alpha: 0.949), contraction intensity using
      root mean square EMG (alpha: 0.997) and EMG duration (alpha: 0.852). On average
      the algorithm was 574 times faster than manual analysis performed independently
      by two people (p <= 0.001). This algorithm is an important tool for
      characterization of clonus in long-term EMG records.

PMID- 22057221
TI  - Histological and biochemical findings in membranous cataract.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In this report we present a patient with unilateral membranous
      cataract and describe the histological and biochemical findings accompanying this
      rare condition. METHODS: The patient underwent an uneventful cataract extraction.
      Aqueous humor (20 MUl) was aspirated from the anterior chamber intraoperatively
      and processed for fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and epidermal growth factor
      (EGF) using an immunoassay method (ELISA). The lens material was subjected to
      histological examination. RESULTS: The patient had increased levels of FGF and
      EGF in the aqueous humor, as measured by ELISA. Histological examination of the
      lens material showed a marked fibrous metaplasia and thickening of the anterior
      lens capsule, while the lens epithelial cells were transformed to active
      myofibroblasts which generated a fibrous matrix of collagen lamellae.
      Unfortunately, visual function was not restored postoperatively due to underlying
      amblyopia. CONCLUSIONS: Our histological and biochemical findings suggest that
      FGF and EGF may play a key role in the formation of membranous cataract, and
      therefore their impact on lens physiology should be further investigated.

PMID- 22057222
TI  - A controlled anion exchange strategy to synthesize Bi2S3 nanocrystals/BiOCl
      hybrid architectures with efficient visible light photoactivity.
AB  - Bi(2)S(3) nanocrystals/BiOCl hybrid architectures with tunable band gaps were
      synthesized by a controlled anion exchange approach and they displayed highly
      efficient visible light photoactivities, which is associated with suitable
      energetics and structural topotactic relationship that can benefit the
      interfacial charge transfer.

PMID- 22057224
TI  - Visible-light photocurrent response of TiO2-polyheptazine hybrids: evidence for
      interfacial charge-transfer absorption.
AB  - We investigated photoelectrodes based on TiO(2)-polyheptazine hybrid materials.
      Since both TiO(2) and polyheptazine are extremely chemically stable, these
      materials are highly promising candidates for fabrication of photoanodes for
      water photooxidation. The properties of the hybrids were experimentally
      determined by a careful analysis of optical absorption spectra, luminescence
      properties and photoelectrochemical measurements, and corroborated by quantum
      chemical calculations. We provide for the first time clear experimental evidence
      for the formation of an interfacial charge-transfer complex between polyheptazine
      (donor) and TiO(2) (acceptor), which is responsible for a significant red shift
      of absorption and photocurrent response of the hybrid as compared to both of the
      single components. The direct optical charge transfer from the HOMO of
      polyheptazine to the conduction band edge of TiO(2) gives rise to an absorption
      band centered at 2.3 eV (540 nm). The estimated potential of photogenerated holes
      (+1.7 V vs. NHE, pH 7) allows for photooxidation of water (+0.82 V vs. NHE, pH 7)
      as evidenced by visible light-driven (lambda > 420 nm) evolution of dioxygen on
      hybrid electrodes modified with IrO(2) nanoparticles as a co-catalyst. The
      quantum-chemical simulations demonstrate that the TiO(2)-polyheptazine interface
      is a complex and flexible system energetically favorable for proton-transfer
      processes required for water oxidation. Apart from water splitting, this type of
      hybrid materials may also find further applications in a broader research area of
      solar energy conversion and photo-responsive devices.

PMID- 22057223
TI  - An online resource of digital stories about cancer genetics: qualitative study of
      patient preferences and information needs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Cancer Genetics Service for Wales (CGSW) was established in 1998
      as an all-Wales service for individuals with concerns about their family history
      of cancer. CGSW offers a range of services such as risk assessment, genetic
      counseling, and genetic testing. Individuals referred to cancer genetics services
      often have unmet information and support needs, and they value access to
      practical and experiential information from other patients and health
      professionals. As a result of the lifelong nature of genetic conditions, a
      fundamental challenge is to meet the ongoing needs of these patients by providing
      easily accessible and reliable information. OBJECTIVES: Our aims were to explore
      how the long-term information and support needs of CGSW patients could be met and
      to assess whether an online bank of digital stories about cancer genetics would
      be acceptable to patients. METHODS: In 2009, CGSW organized patient panels across
      Wales. During these events, 169 patients were asked for their feedback about a
      potential online resource of digital stories from CGSW patients and staff. A
      total of 75 patients registered to take part in the project and 23 people from
      across Wales agreed to share their story. All participants took part in a follow
      up interview. RESULTS: Patient preferences for an online collection of cancer
      genetics stories were collected at the patient panels. Key topics to be covered
      by the stories were identified, and this feedback informed the development of the
      website to ensure that patients' needs would be met. The 23 patient storytellers
      were aged between 28 and 75 years, and 19 were female. The digital stories
      reflect patients' experiences within CGSW and the implications of living with or
      at risk of cancer. Follow-up interviews with patient storytellers showed that
      they shared their experiences as a means of helping other patients and to
      increase understanding of the cancer genetics service. Digital stories were also
      collected from 12 members of staff working at CGSW. The digital stories provide
      reliable and easily accessible information about cancer genetics and are hosted
      on the StoryBank website (www.cancergeneticsstorybank.co.uk). CONCLUSIONS: The
      Internet is one mechanism through which the long-term information and support
      needs of cancer genetics patients can be met. The StoryBank is one of the first
      places where patient and staff stories have been allied to every aspect of a
      patient pathway through a service and provides patients with an experiential
      perspective of the cancer genetics "journey." The StoryBank was developed in
      direct response to patient feedback and is an innovative example of patient
      involvement in service development. The stories are a useful resource for newly
      referred patients, current patients, the general public, and health care
      professionals.

PMID- 22057225
TI  - Progression from mild to pronounced MCI is not associated with cerebrospinal
      fluid biomarker deviations.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Detection of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarker deviations
      improve prediction of progression from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to
      dementia. However, it is not settled whether the same pattern exists in patients
      progressing from very mild to more pronounced MCI. Given that neurodegenerative
      processes occur very early in the disease course, we also expected to find
      biomarker deviations in these patients. METHODS: A total of 246 memory clinic
      patients with non-progressive (n = 161), progressive (n = 19), or converting (n =
      66) MCI, 67 with stable dementia, and 80 controls were followed for 24 months. At
      baseline, CSF total tau (T-tau), beta-amyloid 1-42 (Abeta42) and the light
      subunit of neurofilament protein (NFL) were determined. RESULTS: Patients with
      converting MCI and stable dementia had lower CSF Abeta42 concentrations and
      higher T-tau concentrations and NFL in comparison with controls and non
      progressive/progressive MCI (p < 0.0005). No differences were found between
      progressive and non-progressive MCI. CONCLUSION: As expected, biomarker
      deviations predicted progression from MCI to dementia. Contrary to our
      hypothesis, progression from very mild MCI to more pronounced MCI was not
      reflected by biomarker deviations. The results suggest that the measured
      biomarkers are not early disease markers, or alternatively Alzheimer or vascular
      pathology is not the underlying cause in this patient group.

PMID- 22057226
TI  - Characteristics of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon emissions of particles of
      various sizes from smoldering incense.
AB  - Release of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in particles of various sizes
      from smoldering incenses was determined. Among the three types of incense
      investigated, yielding the total PAH emission rate and factor ranges for PM0.25
      were 2,139.7-6,595.6 ng/h and 1,762.2-8,094.9 ng/g, respectively. The
      PM0.25/PM2.5 ratio of total PAH emission factors and rates from smoldering three
      incenses was greater than 0.92. This study shows that total particle PAH emission
      rates and factors were mainly <0.25 MUm. Furthermore, the total toxic equivalency
      emission rates and factors of PAHs for PM0.25 were 241.3-469.7 and 198.8-576.2
      ng/g from the three smoldering incenses. The benzo[a]pyrene accounted for 65.2%
      68.0% of the total toxic equivalency emission factor of PM2.5 for the three
      incenses. Experimental results clearly indicate that the PAH emission rates and
      factors were influenced significantly by incense composition, including carbon
      and hydrogen content. The study concludes that smoldering incense with low atomic
      hydrogen/carbon ratios minimized the production of total polycyclic aromatic
      hydrocarbons of both PM2.5 and PM0.25.

PMID- 22057227
TI  - Guiana dolphins (Sotalia guianensis, Van Beneden 1864) as indicators of the
      bioaccumulation of total mercury along the coast of Rio de Janeiro state,
      Southeastern Brazil.
AB  - Total mercury (Hg) was determined in muscle tissue of 20 Guiana dolphins stranded
      along the coast of Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, with a mean of 1.07 MUg/g wet
      weight. Mercury concentrations were positively related to body length, possibly
      related to the capacity of the dolphins to bioaccumulate this element throughout
      life. The Hg concentrations were not significantly different between males and
      females, although females (1.08 MUg/g) showed slightly higher levels than males
      (1.04 MUg/g). Concentrations were low when compared to results of studies carried
      out with small cetaceans in the Northern Hemisphere, and with previous studies in
      the Southeastern Brazil.

PMID- 22057228
TI  - Total mercury levels in selected tissues of some marine crustaceans from Persian
      Gulf, Iran: variations related to length, weight and sex.
AB  - Much of the variation in trace metal tissue concentrations in marine
      invertebrates has been attributed to the variety in individual organism size, age
      and sex. This study assessed the relationship between total mercury (Hg)
      concentrations in edible tissue, exoskeleton and viscera with length, weight and
      gender for 69 samples of crustaceans, Penaeus semisulcatus (n = 30), Thenus
      orientalis (n = 21) and Portunus pelagicus (n = 18) from the northern part of the
      Persian Gulf. Significant increase in the Hg level in muscle and viscera (r >
      0.65, p < 0.01) with an increase in length and weight for all three species. No
      relationship was found between the Hg level in exoskeleton and length or weight.
      Significantly higher Hg levels (p < 0.01) were found in female P. semisulcatus
      than in males (muscle and viscera), but no gender differences were found for the
      other two species.

PMID- 22057229
TI  - Tissue concentrations of pesticides, PCBs and metals among ospreys, Pandion
      haliaetus, collected in France.
AB  - In this study, osprey (Pandion haliaetus) tissues collected in France were used
      for contaminants analyses by a non-invasive approach. 53 pesticides
      (organochlorine, organophosphate, carbamate, pyrethroids, herbicides,
      anticoagulant rodenticides), 13 PCBs, and 5 metals (mercury, lead, cadmium,
      copper and arsenic) were quantified in liver of 14 individual samples. PCBs and
      mercury were frequent (mean 0.5 mg/kg, range < d.l.-2.6 mg/kg and mean 3.4 mg/kg,
      range < d.l.-16.3 mg/kg wet weight, respectively). Inter-individual variations in
      contaminant diversity and amounts were noticed. Immediate conservation of the
      species in the country does not seem to be threatened by global contamination.

PMID- 22057230
TI  - Butyltin compounds in fish commonly sold in north of Iran.
AB  - Levels of tributyltin (TBT) and its degradation products, mono (MBT) and
      dibutyltin (DBT), were monitored in fish commonly consumed in Iran. Samples were
      purchased from fish markets at seasonal intervals in 2010 along the North coast
      of Iran. Concentration of MBT, DBT and TBT in the muscle of these fish were in
      the range of n.d. -1.01 +/- 0.84, n.d. -0.33 +/- 0.26 and n.d. -4.31 +/- 0.95
      ngg(-1) (wet weight), respectively. Residue levels of butyltins were found lower
      than the tolerable average residue level of 100 ngg(-1) (wet weight).

PMID- 22057231
TI  - Determination of metal levels in thirteen fish species from Lakshadweep Sea.
AB  - A bio-monitoring study was performed to investigate the concentration of certain
      metals (cadmium, cobalt, copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, nickel, lead and
      zinc) in gill, skin and muscle of thirteen demersal fish species of Agatti Coast
      of Lakshadweep Sea. All the metal concentrations in gill are higher than skin and
      muscle. Concentrations of toxic metals such as Cd (0.61 +/- 0.67 MUg g(-1) in
      Gerres longirostris), Mn (0.83 +/- 1.21 MUg g(-1) in Lutjanus fulvus) and Ni
      (0.56 +/- 0.83 MUg g(-1) in L. bengalensis) were well above the permissible
      limits suggested by World Health Organization and Food and Agricultural
      Organizations.

PMID- 22057232
TI  - Association of clinical and genetical features in FMF with focus on MEFV strip
      assay sensitivity in 452 children from western Anatolia, Turkey.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between clinical findings
      and the most common mutated alleles of MEFV gene in a childhood population and to
      determine the sensitivity of the 12-mutation-strip assay test in familial
      Mediterranean fever (FMF). Records of 452 FMF children living in western
      Anatolia, Turkey, (12.3 +/- 4.7 years mean) were retrospectively reviewed. Of the
      408 patients who met the Tel-Hashomer criteria, 364 were classified into two main
      groups (two-mutant/one-mutant allele) either of which had three subgroups. The
      two-mutant allele frequency was 51% and one-mutant allele 38%; 1% had complex
      mutant alleles and 10% no mutant-alleles. The mean severity score was 8.3 +/-
      2.5. Most common clinical features were fever (81.9%), abdominal pain (86.3%) and
      myalgia (58.8%), and the least common ones: diarrhea (1.7%), protracted febrile
      myalgia (1.2%) and acute orchitis (1.5%). We detected 33 different genotypes of
      the MEFV gene: the most common mutant allele was M694V followed by symptomatic
      allele mutation of E148Q. Although not significantly associated with clinical
      findings, P369S mutation was not rare (7.5%). Phenotype-genotype correlation
      revealed that patients with two-allele mutations had more severe clinical
      presentation and high constipation rate (22.5%); 32.6% of patients with
      M694V/M694V had splenomegaly. Acute orchitis and protracted febrile myalgia as
      rare clinical findings were more common in M694V homozygotes. Comparisons of
      clinical findings among patients with one-mutation allele were made for the first
      time, but no significant association was found. Positive predictive value of
      strip assay screening for 12 mutations was recorded as 89%. We suggest that whole
      sequence analysis for supportive diagnosis of FMF should be performed for
      selected patients only.

PMID- 22057233
TI  - A novel automated indirect immunofluorescence autoantibody evaluation.
AB  - Autoantibodies (AAb), especially antinuclear (ANAs) and anticytoplasmatic
      antibodies (ACyA), are essential diagnosing markers for several autoimmune
      diseases. The current gold standard method for ANA detection is manual indirect
      immunofluorescence (IIF) on human epithelial-2 (HEp-2) cells. However, this
      technique is cost and time consuming, and characterized by considerable intra-
      and interlaboratory variability. Thus, an automated IIF-HEp-2 reader has been
      developed recently. In the current study, we compared the performance of the
      automated AAb IIF-HEp-2 interpretation to conventional detection methods.
      Autoantibody detection by IIF on HEp-2 cells was performed in a total of 260 sera
      of patients, including 34 with systemic lupus erythematosus, 111 with
      dermatomyositis or polymyositis, 74 with systemic sclerosis, 41 with rare AAb
      patterns, and 137 healthy individuals. Visual interpretation and routine
      immunoassays were compared with a novel automated IIF-HEp-2 system using Aklides
      pattern recognition algorithms. Positive AAbs were detected in 95-100% of
      rheumatic patients by automated interpretation, in 74-100% with manual reading,
      and in 64-100% by immunodot assay. Receiver operating characteristic curve
      analysis of fluorescent intensity revealed a high sensitivity and specificity for
      automated reading of AAb with an agreement ranging from 90% to 95% between manual
      and automated interpretation (kappa 0.554-0.69) for systemic sclerosis and
      myositis, respectively. This study demonstrates a good correlation between manual
      and automated interpretation of AAb including ANA and ACyA in patients with
      autoimmune diseases. Full automation of HEp-2 cell assay reading may minimize
      errors in ANA pattern interpretation and thus help in the standardization of ANA
      assessment.

PMID- 22057234
TI  - Somatic mosaic IDH1 and IDH2 mutations are associated with enchondroma and
      spindle cell hemangioma in Ollier disease and Maffucci syndrome.
AB  - Ollier disease and Maffucci syndrome are non-hereditary skeletal disorders
      characterized by multiple enchondromas (Ollier disease) combined with spindle
      cell hemangiomas (Maffucci syndrome). We report somatic heterozygous mutations in
      IDH1 (c.394C>T encoding an R132C substitution and c.395G>A encoding an R132H
      substitution) or IDH2 (c.516G>C encoding R172S) in 87% of enchondromas (benign
      cartilage tumors) and in 70% of spindle cell hemangiomas (benign vascular
      lesions). In total, 35 of 43 (81%) subjects with Ollier disease and 10 of 13
      (77%) with Maffucci syndrome carried IDH1 (98%) or IDH2 (2%) mutations in their
      tumors. Fourteen of 16 subjects had identical mutations in separate lesions.
      Immunohistochemistry to detect mutant IDH1 R132H protein suggested
      intraneoplastic and somatic mosaicism. IDH1 mutations in cartilage tumors were
      associated with hypermethylation and downregulated expression of several genes.
      Mutations were also found in 40% of solitary central cartilaginous tumors and in
      four chondrosarcoma cell lines, which will enable functional studies to assess
      the role of IDH1 and IDH2 mutations in tumor formation.

PMID- 22057235
TI  - Dense genotyping identifies and localizes multiple common and rare variant
      association signals in celiac disease.
AB  - Using variants from the 1000 Genomes Project pilot European CEU dataset and data
      from additional resequencing studies, we densely genotyped 183 non-HLA risk loci
      previously associated with immune-mediated diseases in 12,041 individuals with
      celiac disease (cases) and 12,228 controls. We identified 13 new celiac disease
      risk loci reaching genome-wide significance, bringing the number of known loci
      (including the HLA locus) to 40. We found multiple independent association
      signals at over one-third of these loci, a finding that is attributable to a
      combination of common, low-frequency and rare genetic variants. Compared to
      previously available data such as those from HapMap3, our dense genotyping in a
      large sample collection provided a higher resolution of the pattern of linkage
      disequilibrium and suggested localization of many signals to finer scale regions.
      In particular, 29 of the 54 fine-mapped signals seemed to be localized to single
      genes and, in some instances, to gene regulatory elements. Altogether, we define
      the complex genetic architecture of the risk regions of and refine the risk
      signals for celiac disease, providing the next step toward uncovering the causal
      mechanisms of the disease.

PMID- 22057236
TI  - Ollier disease and Maffucci syndrome are caused by somatic mosaic mutations of
      IDH1 and IDH2.
AB  - Ollier disease and Maffucci syndrome are characterized by multiple central
      cartilaginous tumors that are accompanied by soft tissue hemangiomas in Maffucci
      syndrome. We show that in 37 of 40 individuals with these syndromes, at least one
      tumor has a mutation in isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) or in IDH2, 65% of
      which result in a R132C substitution in the protein. In 18 of 19 individuals with
      more than one tumor analyzed, all tumors from a given individual shared the same
      IDH1 mutation affecting Arg132. In 2 of 12 subjects, a low level of mutated DNA
      was identified in non-neoplastic tissue. The levels of the metabolite 2HG were
      measured in a series of central cartilaginous and vascular tumors, including
      samples from syndromic and nonsyndromic subjects, and these levels correlated
      strongly with the presence of IDH1 mutations. The findings are compatible with a
      model in which IDH1 or IDH2 mutations represent early post-zygotic occurrences in
      individuals with these syndromes.

PMID- 22057237
TI  - Insertional mutagenesis identifies multiple networks of cooperating genes driving
      intestinal tumorigenesis.
AB  - The evolution of colorectal cancer suggests the involvement of many genes. To
      identify new drivers of intestinal cancer, we performed insertional mutagenesis
      using the Sleeping Beauty transposon system in mice carrying germline or somatic
      Apc mutations. By analyzing common insertion sites (CISs) isolated from 446
      tumors, we identified many hundreds of candidate cancer drivers. Comparison to
      human data sets suggested that 234 CIS-targeted genes are also dysregulated in
      human colorectal cancers. In addition, we found 183 CIS-containing genes that are
      candidate Wnt targets and showed that 20 CISs-containing genes are newly
      discovered modifiers of canonical Wnt signaling. We also identified mutations
      associated with a subset of tumors containing an expanded number of Paneth cells,
      a hallmark of deregulated Wnt signaling, and genes associated with more severe
      dysplasia included those encoding members of the FGF signaling cascade. Some 70
      genes had co-occurrence of CIS pairs, clustering into 38 sub-networks that may
      regulate tumor development.

PMID- 22057238
TI  - The trans-sutural distraction osteogenesis for 22 cases of craniosynostosis: a
      new, easy, safe, and efficient method in craniosynostosis surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Distraction osteogenesis for the treatment of craniosynostosis is
      becoming more widely used as it is simple, there are less transfusions, and a
      decreased incidence of complications, although a secondary procedure for the
      removal of the distractors is necessary. However, to date all previous procedures
      have still been complicated. The authors present a novel trans-sutural
      distraction osteogenesis method (TSuDO) for the treatment of all types of
      craniosynostosis. METHODS: The TSuDO consisted of simple suturectomy of the
      pathologic suture followed by direct distraction of the suturectomy site only.
      Types of TSuDO conducted were sagittal TSuDO in 6 patients, coronal TSuDO in 5
      patients, unilateral coronal TSuDO in 8 patients, lambdoid TSuDO in 2 patients,
      and metopic TSuDO in 1 patient (total = 22). Mean age was 9.3 +/- 12.7 months.
      RESULTS: The mean operation time was 143.6 +/- 50.2 min, and mean total
      transfusion volume of blood components was 131.1 +/- 78.3 ml. Immediate
      correction of the abnormal head contour after distraction was observed in all
      patients, and no complications were encountered except for 1 patient whose
      distractor malfunctioned and 2 who showed prolonged discharges from the pin sites
      (controlled by antibiotics). CONCLUSION: TSuDO is a simple, effective, and safe
      method for the treatment of all types of craniosynostosis, and is especially
      effective for the correction of unilateral coronal craniosynostosis.

PMID- 22057239
TI  - Low densities of serotonin and peptide YY cells in the colon of patients with
      irritable bowel syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The gut hormones are important in regulating gastrointestinal
      motility. Disturbances in gastrointestinal motility have been reported in
      patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Reduced endocrine cell density, as
      revealed by chromogranin A, has been reported in the colon of IBS patients. AIMS:
      To investigate a possible abnormality in the colonic endocrine cells of IBS
      patients. METHODS: A total of 41 patients with IBS according to Rome Criteria III
      and 20 controls were included in the study. Biopsies from the right and left
      colon were obtained from both patients and controls during colonoscopy. The
      biopsies were immunostained for serotonin, peptide YY (PYY), pancreatic
      polypeptide (PP), entroglucagon, and somatostatin cells. Cell densities were
      quantified by computerized image analysis. RESULTS: Serotonin and PYY cell
      densities were reduced in the colon of IBS patients. PP, entroglucagon, and
      somatostatin-immunoreactive cells were too few to enable reliable quantification.
      CONCLUSION: The cause of these observations could be primary genetic defect(s),
      secondary to altered serotonin and/or PYY signaling systems and/or subclinical
      inflammation. Serotonin activates the submucosal sensory branch of the enteric
      nervous system and controls gastrointestinal motility and chloride secretion via
      interneurons and motor neurons. PYY stimulates absorption of water and
      electrolytes, and inhibits prostaglandin (PG) E2, and vasoactive intestinal
      peptide, which stimulates intestinal fluid secretion and is a major regulator of
      the "ileal brake". Although the cause and effect relationship of these findings
      is difficult to elucidate, the abnormalities reported here might contribute to
      the symptoms associated with IBS.

PMID- 22057240
TI  - Levels of evidence in endoscopic ultrasonography: a systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: A prolific trend currently designates endoscopic
      ultrasonography (EUS) literature. We aimed to record all EUS-studies published
      during the past decade and evaluate them in terms of scientific quality, creating
      a stratification based on levels of evidence (LE). METHODS: All articles on EUS
      published between January 2001 and December 2010 were retrieved using a Pubmed
      and Cochrane Library search. Inclusion criteria were: original research papers
      (randomized controlled trials-RCTs, prospective and retrospective studies), meta
      analyses, reviews and surveys pertinent to gastrointestinal EUS. Levels of
      evidence (LE) were assessed using the North of England evidence-based guidelines.
      RESULTS: Overall, 1,832 eligible articles were reviewed. The majority (46.1%) of
      reports comprised retrospective descriptive studies (LE III). Expert reviews and
      committee reports (LE IV) accounted for 28.9%, well-designed quasi-experimental
      studies (LE IIb) for 20.1%, RCTs (LE Ib) for 2.4%, prospective controlled trials
      (LE IIa) for 1.4%, and meta-analyses (LE Ia) for 1.1% of the total. High LE (Ia
      Ib) were assigned to loco-regional staging of luminal gastrointestinal cancers;
      mediastinal staging of lung cancer; diagnostic work-up of solid pancreatic
      tumors, suspected biliary obstruction and choledocholithiasis; celiac plexus
      neurolysis; and pancreatic pseudocysts drainage. Intermediate to low LE (IIa-IV)
      were assigned to submucosal tumors, pancreatic cysts, chronic pancreatitis and
      novel therapeutic applications (pancreato-biliary drainage, tumor ablation).
      CONCLUSIONS: Diagnostic and staging EUS has matured and has proven its clinical
      impact on patient management. Therapeutic or interventional EUS is still evolving
      and more quality research and data are needed to establish EUS as the best next
      intervention to perform once firm evidence is available.

PMID- 22057241
TI  - On the association between soft drink consumption and Helicobacter pylori
      infection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The association between soft drink (SD) consumption and Helicobacter
      pylori infection remains unclear. AIM: To examine the relationship between SD
      consumption and H. pylori infection. METHODS: A prospective study included
      individuals who were referred for an upper gastrointestinal endoscopic
      examination because chronic dyspepsia within a period of 1 year. In addition to
      determining daily SD consumption and the risk factors for H. pylori infection by
      asking all study participants to complete a standard questionnaire about their
      diet, daily eating and drinking habits, and their lifestyle before undergoing the
      endoscopic examination. H. pylori infection was established by a positive result
      of the rapid urease test and histology. RESULTS: Of the 312 individuals who were
      referred for the endoscopic examination because chronic dyspepsia, 269 met the
      inclusion criteria. H. pylori infection was found in 164 (61%) of the 269 study
      participants, and, of these, 104/164 individuals were SD consumers with H. pylori
      infection versus 24/105 individuals without H. pylori infection (63 vs. 23%,
      respectively, P < 0.001). The results of the multiple logistic regression
      analysis showed that SD consumption (odds ratio = 4.0; 95 % confidence interval =
      3.19-5.82,P < 0.001), was associated with H. pylori infection. CONCLUSION: SD
      consumption is associated with H. pylori infection in individuals with chronic
      dyspepsia.

PMID- 22057242
TI  - Age- and chamber-specific differences in oxidative stress after ischemic injury.
AB  - Each year, tens of thousands of children undergo cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) to
      correct congenital heart defects. Although necessary for surgery, CPB involves
      stopping the heart and exposing it to ischemic conditions. On reoxygenation, the
      heart can experience effects similar to that of acute myocardial infarction.
      Although much is known about adult injury, little is known about the effects of
      global ischemia on newborn ventricles. We studied newborn (2 to 4 days old) and
      adult (>8 weeks old) rabbit hearts subjected to ischemia-reperfusion (30 min of
      ischemia and 60 min of reperfusion). Our data demonstrated chamber- and age
      specific changes in oxidative stress. During ischemia, hydrogen peroxide
      (H(2)O(2)) increased in both right-ventricular (RV) and left-ventricular (LV)
      myocytes of the newborn, although only the RV change was significant. In
      contrast, there was no significant increase in H(2)O(2) in either RV or LV
      myocytes of adults. There was a fivefold increase in H(2)O(2) formation in
      newborn RV myocytes compared with adults (P = 0.006). In whole-heart tissue,
      superoxide dismutase activity increased from sham versus ischemia in the left
      ventricle of both adult and newborn hearts, but it was increased only in the
      right ventricle of the newborn heart. Catalase activity was significantly
      increased after ischemia in both adult ventricles, whereas no increase was seen
      in newborn compared with sham hearts. In addition, catalase levels in newborns
      were significantly lower, indicating less scavenging potential. Nanoparticle
      encapsulated ebselen, given as an intracardiac injection into the right or left
      ventricle of newborn hearts, significantly increased functional recovery of
      developed pressure only in the right ventricle, indicating the potential for
      localized antioxidant therapy during and after pediatric surgical procedures.

PMID- 22057243
TI  - Improvement and defervescence of persistent fever after one course of intravenous
      immunoglobulin in a patient with bacterial infective endocarditis.

PMID- 22057244
TI  - Environmental factors and rheumatic heart disease in Fiji.
AB  - Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) is an important cause of cardiac morbidity and
      mortality globally, particularly in the Pacific region. Susceptibility to RHD is
      thought to be due to genetic factors that are influenced by environmental
      factors, such as crowding and poverty. However, there are few data relating to
      these environmental factors in the Pacific region. We conducted a case-control
      study of 80 cases of RHD with age- and sex-matched controls in Fiji using a
      questionnaire to investigate associations of RHD with a number of environmental
      factors. There was a trend toward increased risk of RHD in association with poor
      quality housing and lower socioeconomic status, but only one factor, maternal
      unemployment, reached statistical significance (OR 2.6, 95% confidence interval
      1.2-5.8). Regarding crowding, little difference was observed between the two
      groups. Although our data do not allow firm conclusions, they do suggest that
      further studies of socioeconomic factors and RHD in the Pacific are warranted.
      They also suggest that genetic studies would provide an insight into
      susceptibility to RHD in this population.

PMID- 22057245
TI  - Impact of central hypovolemia on photoplethysmographic waveform parameters in
      healthy volunteers part 2: frequency domain analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The photoplethysmographic (PPG) waveforms are modulated by the
      respiratory, cardiac and autonomic nervous system. Lower body negative pressure
      (LBNP) has been used as an experimental tool to simulate loss of central blood
      volume in humans. The aim of our research is to understanding PPG waveform
      changes during progressive hypovolemia. METHODS: With IRB approval, 11 volunteers
      underwent a LBNP protocol at baseline, 30, 75, and 90 mmHg (or until the subject
      became symptomatic). Subjects were monitored with finger and ear pulse oximeter
      probes, ECG, and finger arterial blood pressure monitor (FABP). Heart rate
      variability (HRV) was analyzed to high frequency (HRV-HF) (0.12-0.4 Hz) and low
      frequency (HRV-LF) (0.04-0.12 Hz). Frequency analysis of PPG waveforms were
      computed to low (0.04-0.11 Hz) frequency (PPG-LF), intermediate (0.12-0.18 Hz)
      frequency (PPG-IF), respiratory (0.19-0.3 Hz) frequency (PPG-Resp.) and cardiac
      (0.75-2.5 Hz) frequency (PPG-Cardiac)during different phases of LBNP protocol
      RESULTS: Heart rate increased significantly while systolic, mean and pulse
      pressure of the FABP declined slowly together with significant reductions in HRV
      HF (0.12-0.4 Hz) and HRV-LF (0.04-0.12 Hz) power at LBNP(75). There was
      significant reduction in finger PPG-Cardiac modulation which is consistent with
      the reduction in the pulse pressure of the FABP. As the LBNP progress there was
      shift in the amplitude density of the ear PPG-Cardiac to PPG-Resp. Oscillation as
      an evidence of progressive hypovolemia with reduction in pulse pressure and
      increase in the respiratory induced variations. At LBNP(75), there were
      significant increased (>140% increase from the baseline) in ear PPG-IF (0.12-0.18
      Hz) in the meantime HRV-HF showed significant reduction (>89%) from the baseline.
      At the symptomatic phase; there was a shift in ear PPG-IF to PPG-Resp. With an
      increase in the ear PPG-Resp. Modulation to >=175% from the baseline CONCLUSION:
      The pulse oximeter waveform contains a complex mixture of the effect of cardiac,
      venous, autonomic, and respiratory systems on the central and peripheral
      circulation. The occurrence of autonomic modulation needs to be taken into
      account when studying signals that have their origins from central sites (e.g.
      ear and forehead).

PMID- 22057246
TI  - Evaluation of a CO2 partial rebreathing functional residual capacity measurement
      method for use during mechanical ventilation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: There is a need for an automated bedside functional residual capacity
      (FRC) measurement method that does not require a step change in inspired oxygen
      fraction. Such a method can be used for patients who require a high inspired
      oxygen fraction to maintain arterial oxygenation and for patients ventilated
      using a circle breathing system commonly found in operating rooms, which is not
      capable of step changes in oxygen. We developed a CO(2) rebreathing method for
      FRC measurement that is based on the change in partial pressure of end-tidal
      carbon dioxide and volume of CO(2) eliminated at the end of a partial rebreathing
      period. This study was designed to assess the accuracy and precision of the
      proposed FRC measurement system compared to body plethysmography and nitrogen
      washout FRC. METHODS: Accuracy and precision of measurements were assessed by
      comparing the CO(2) rebreathing FRC values to the gold standard, body
      plethysmography FRC, in twenty spontaneously breathing volunteers. The CO(2)
      rebreathing FRC measurements were then compared to nitrogen washout FRC in twenty
      intensive care patients whose lungs were mechanically ventilated. For each
      subject, an average value of CO(2) rebreathing FRC was compared to the average
      gold standard method. Measurements were accepted for statistical analysis if 
      they had been recorded from periods of stable tidal ventilation, defined as a
      coefficient of variation of tidal volume of <0.13. RESULTS: Compared to body
      plethysmography, the accuracy (average error) for the CO(2) rebreathing method
      during stable ventilation (n = 8) was 0.03 L and precision (1 standard deviation
      of the error) was 0.29 L (0.8 +/- 7.6% of body plethysmography). During stable
      mechanical ventilation (n = 9), the accuracy was  -0.02 L and precision was 0.26
      L (-1.1 +/- 12.6% of nitrogen washout). CONCLUSIONS: The CO(2) rebreathing method
      for FRC measurement provides acceptable accuracy and precision during stable
      ventilation compared to the gold standards of body plethysmography and nitrogen
      washout. The results based on periods of stable ventilation best approximate the
      performance of the system in the likely areas of application during controlled
      mechanical ventilation. Further study of the CO(2) rebreathing method is needed
      to evaluate accuracy in a larger group of controlled mechanical ventilation
      patients, including patients with respiratory insufficiency and significant lung
      injury.

PMID- 22057247
TI  - The prognostic value of multivoxel magnetic resonance spectroscopy determined
      metabolite levels in white and grey matter brain tissue for adverse outcome in
      term newborns following perinatal asphyxia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Magnetic resonance spectroscopy can identify brain metabolic changes
      in perinatal asphyxia by providing ratios of metabolites, such as choline (Cho),
      creatine (Cr), N-acetyl aspartate (NAA) and lactate (Lact) [Cho/Cr, Lact/NAA,
      etc.]. The purpose of this study was to quantify the separate white and grey
      matter metabolites in a slab cranial to the ventricles and relate these to the
      outcome. METHODS: A standard 2D-chemical shift imaging protocol was used for
      measuring a transverse volume of interest located cranial to the ventricles
      allowing for direct comparison of the metabolites in white and grey matter brain
      tissue in 24 term asphyxiated newborns aged 3 to 16 days. RESULTS: Cho, NAA and
      Lact showed significant differences between four subgroups of asphyxiated infants
      with more and less favourable outcomes. High levels of Cho and Lact in the grey
      matter differentiated non-survivors from survivors (P = 0.003 and P = 0.017,
      respectively). CONCLUSION: In perinatal asphyxia the levels of Cho, NAA and Lact
      in both white and grey matter brain tissue are affected. The levels of Cho and
      Lact measured in the grey matter are the most indicative of survival. It is
      therefore advised to include grey matter brain tissue in the region of interest
      examined by multivoxel MR spectroscopy. KEY POINTS: Magnetic resonance
      spectroscopy can identify brain metabolic changes in perinatal asphyxia. Choline
      and lactate levels in grey matter seem the best indicators of survival. Both grey
      and white matter should be examined during spectroscopy for perinatal asphyxia.

PMID- 22057248
TI  - Hypervascular hepatocellular carcinomas: detection with gadoxetate disodium
      enhanced MR imaging and multiphasic multidetector CT.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To retrospectively compare the accuracy of detection of hypervascular
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by multiphasic multidetector CT and by gadoxetate
      disodium-enhanced MR imaging. METHODS: After ethical approval, we analysed a
      total of 73 hypervascular HCC lesions from 31 patients suspected of having HCC,
      who underwent both gadoxetate disodium-enhanced MR imaging and multiphasic
      multidetector CT. Five blinded observers independently reviewed CT images, as
      well as dynamic MR images alone and combined with hepatobiliary phase MR images.
      Diagnostic accuracy (Az values), sensitivities and positive predictive values
      were compared by using the Scheffe post hoc test. RESULTS: The mean Az value for
      dynamic and hepatobiliary phase MR combined (0.81) or dynamic MR images alone
      (0.78) was significantly higher than that for CT images (0.67, P < 0.001, 0.005,
      respectively). The mean sensitivity of the combined MR images (0.67) was
      significantly higher than that of dynamic MR alone (0.52, P < 0.05) or CT images
      (0.44, P < 0.05). The mean positive predictive values were 0.96, 0.95 and 0.94,
      for CT, dynamic MR alone and combined MR images, respectively. CONCLUSIONS:
      Compared with multiphasic multidetector CT, gadoxetate disodium-enhanced MR
      imaging combining dynamic and hepatobiliary phase images results in significantly
      improved sensitivity and diagnostic accuracy for detection of hypervascular HCC.
      KEY POINTS: Gadoxetate disodium is a new liver-specific MR imaging contrast
      agent. Gadoxetate disodium-enhanced MRI helps the assessment of patients with
      liver disease. It showed high diagnostic accuracy for the detection of
      hepatocellular carcinoma.

PMID- 22057250
TI  - PFOS elicits transcriptional responses of the ER, AHR and PPAR pathways in
      Oryzias melastigma in a stage-specific manner.
AB  - Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is widely distributed in seawater. However, the
      effects of PFOS on important receptors involved in the toxicity of POPs have not
      been fully defined, especially for the embryonic stages of marine fish. In this
      study, we examined the transcriptional responses and PFOS accumulation in the
      marine medaka embryos at the early and late developmental stages of 4 and 10 dpf
      upon PFOS exposure (1, 4, and 16mg/L). PFOS accumulated in the embryos, and the
      embryonic burdens of PFOS at 10 dpf were markedly higher than those at 4 dpf.
      Moreover, thirteen genes involved in three important POPs-related receptor
      pathways, including ER, AHR and PPAR, were cloned and investigated. The mRNA
      expression levels of ERalpha and ERgamma were not significantly altered, but the
      estrogenic marker genes were downregulated upon PFOS exposure at 4 dpf.
      Conversely, ERs and related marker genes all were significantly upregulated at 10
      dpf. The expressions of ARNT and cyp1a were both upregulated at 4 dpf, while no
      obvious changes were detected at 10 dpf. The expressions of cyp19a and cyp19b
      were regulated by PFOS in a stage-specific manner. PFOS produced different
      effects on three isoforms of PPAR. PPARalpha and PPARbeta were first inhibited at
      4 dpf and were induced at 10 dpf. PFOS did not elicit a change in PPARgamma
      expression at either stage. In conclusion, this study showed that PFOS has an
      estrogenic activity and endocrine-disruptive properties. Meanwhile, PFOS could
      elicit transcriptional responses on POPs-related pathways in a stage-specific
      manner.

PMID- 22057251
TI  - Imposex development in Nucella lapillus--evidence for the involvement of retinoid
      X receptor and androgen signalling pathways in vivo.
AB  - Imposex in female gastropods is a widely documented masculinisation phenomenon in
      response to tributyltin (TBT) exposure. Although it is generally accepted that
      imposex is a case of endocrine disruption the underlying mechanisms are
      controversially discussed with aromatase inhibition and retinoid X receptor (RXR)
      signalling pathways as two conflicting hypotheses. Hence, we performed injection
      experiments with the marine dogwhelk Nucella lapillus. As expected TBT induced
      imposex in all test specimens while the natural RXR ligand 9 cis-retinoic acid
      did not cause significant effects. Additionally, TBT effects were suppressed if
      the organotin compound was simultaneously injected with an androgen receptor
      inhibitor (cyproterone acetate) but not if co-administered with the synthetic RXR
      antagonist HX531. In contrast, the injection of the RXR agonist HX630 resulted in
      imposex development in nearly 100% females. Therefore, the results provide
      evidence for the involvement of the RXR and the androgen signalling pathway.
      Further investigations are necessary to resolve the biochemical mechanism of
      imposex development.

PMID- 22057252
TI  - Competition increases toxicant sensitivity and delays the recovery of two
      interacting populations.
AB  - We investigated how persistent competitive pressure alters toxicant sensitivity
      and recovery from a pesticide pulse at community level. Interacting populations
      of Daphnia (Daphnia magna) and Culex larvae (Culex pipiens molestus) were pulse
      exposed (48 h) to the pyrethroid fenvalerate. The abundance and biomass of the
      populations were monitored by non-invasive image analysis. Shortly after
      exposure, Daphnia showed a concentration-response relationship with the toxicant
      with an LC50 of 0.9 MUg/L. Culex larvae were slightly less sensitive with an LC50
      of 1.7 MUg/L. For both species, toxicant sensitivity increased with the
      population biomass of the respective species before exposure, which is explained
      by intraspecific competition. Several weeks after exposure to the highest
      treatment concentration of 1 MUg/L, the slight differences in sensitivity between
      the two species were amplified to contrasting long-term effects due to
      interspecific competition: high interspecific competition impaired the recovery
      of Daphnia. Subsequently, Culex larvae profited from the slow recovery of Daphnia
      and showed an increased success of emergence. We conclude that, in natural
      systems where competition is present, such competitive processes might prolong
      the recovery of the community structure. Hence, natural communities might be
      disturbed for a longer period by toxic exposure than predicted from single
      species tests alone.

PMID- 22057253
TI  - Adaptation of copper community tolerance levels after biofilm transplantation in
      an urban river.
AB  - The Water Framework Directive requires the development of biological tools which
      can act as early-warning indicators of a sudden increase (accidental pollution)
      or decrease (recovery due to prevention) of the chemical status of aquatic
      systems. River biofilms, which respond quickly to modifications of environmental
      parameters and also play a key part in the functioning of aquatic ecosystems, are
      therefore good candidates to monitor an increase or a decrease of water
      pollution. In the present study, we investigated the biological response of
      biofilms transplanted either upstream (recovery) or downstream (deterioration of
      exposure levels) the urban area of Paris (France). Both modifications of Cu
      community tolerance levels and of global bacterial and eukaryotic community
      structure using automated ribosomal intergenic spacer analysis (ARISA)
      fingerprints were examined 15 and 30 days after the transplantation. Cu tolerance
      levels of the heterotrophic component of biofilms were assessed using a short
      term toxicity test based on beta-glucosidase (heterotrophic) activity. Cu
      tolerance increased for biofilms transplanted upstream to downstream Paris (5
      fold increase on day 30) and conversely decreased for biofilms transplanted
      downstream to upstream (8-fold decrease on day 30). ARISA fingerprints revealed
      that bacterial and eukaryotic community structures of transplanted biofilms were
      closer to the structures of biofilms from the transplantation sites (or sites
      with similar contamination levels) than to biofilms from their sites of origin.
      Statistical analysis of the data confirmed that the key factor explaining biofilm
      Cu tolerance levels is the sampling site and not the site of origin. It also
      showed that Cu tolerance levels are related to the global urban contamination
      (both metals and nutrients). The study shows that biofilms adapt fast to
      modifications of their surroundings. In particular, community tolerance varies
      quickly and reflects the new exposure levels only 15 days after transplantation.
      Those results support the use of biofilms as reliable early-warning indicators of
      diffuse urban contamination.

PMID- 22057254
TI  - Biotransformation modulation and genotoxicity in white seabream upon exposure to
      paralytic shellfish toxins produced by Gymnodinium catenatum.
AB  - Fish are recurrently exposed to paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs) produced by
      Gymnodinium catenatum. Nevertheless, the knowledge regarding metabolism of PSTs
      and their toxic effects in fish is scarce. Consequently, the current study aims
      to investigate the role of phase I and II detoxification enzymes on PST
      metabolism in the liver of white seabream (Diplodus sargus), assessing
      ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD) and glutathione S-transferase (GST)
      activities. Moreover, the genotoxic potential of PSTs was examined through the
      erythrocytic nuclear abnormality (ENA) assay. Fish were intracoelomically (IC)
      injected with a nominal dose (expressed as saxitoxin equivalents) of 1.60 MUg
      STXeq kg-1 semipurified from a G. catenatum cell culture with previously
      determined toxin profile. Fish were sacrificed 2 and 6 days after IC injection.
      PST levels determined in fish liver were 15.2 and 12.2 MUg STXeq kg-1,
      respectively, at 2 and 6 days after the injection. Though several PSTs were
      administered, only dcSTX was detected in the liver after 2 and 6 days. This was
      regarded as an evidence that most of the N-sulfocarbamoyl and decarbamoyl toxins
      were rapidly biotransformed in D. sargus liver and/or eliminated. This was
      corroborated by a hepatic GST activity induction at 2 days after injection.
      Hepatic EROD activity was unresponsive to PSTs, suggesting that these toxins
      enter phase II of biotransformation directly. The genotoxic potential of PSTs was
      also demonstrated; these toxins were able to induce cytogenetic damage, such as
      chromosome (or chromatid) breaks or loss and segregational anomalies, measured by
      the ENA assay. Overall, this study pointed out the ecological risk associated
      with the contamination of fish with PSTs generated by G. catenatum blooms,
      providing the necessary first data for a proper interpretation of biomonitoring
      programs aiming to assess the impact of phytoplankton blooms in fish.

PMID- 22057255
TI  - Venlafaxine and atenolol disrupt epinephrine-stimulated glucose production in
      rainbow trout hepatocytes.
AB  - The beta-blocker atenolol (ATEN), and the selective serotonin and norepinephrine
      reuptake inhibitor, venlafaxine (VEN) are found in municipal wastewater
      effluents, but little is known about the effect of these pharmaceuticals on
      aquatic animals. We tested the hypothesis that VEN and ATEN disrupt acute stress
      mediated glucose production in fish liver. To this end, rainbow trout
      (Oncorhynchus mykiss) hepatocytes were exposed in vitro to different
      concentrations (0, 0.1, 10, 1000 nM) of VEN or ATEN and glucose production in
      response to either cortisol or epinephrine (two key stress hormones) was
      ascertained. Both VEN and ATEN did not affect either the unstimulated or cortisol
      (100 ng/mL)-stimulated glucose release over a 24 h period. The acute (3 h)
      unstimulated glucose production by isolated hepatocytes in suspension was also
      not modified by ATEN, while VEN (100 and 1000 nM) reduced basal glucose release.
      However, ATEN, even at concentration as low as 0.01 nM completely abolished
      epinephrine (1 MUM)-induced glucose production in trout hepatocytes.
      Interestingly, VEN also suppressed epinephrine-induced glucose production but
      only at higher concentrations (100 and 1000 nM). Neither VEN nor ATEN
      significantly impacted the glucose production in response to either 8-bromo-cAMP
      (cAMP analogue) or glucagon (a metabolic hormone that increases glucose
      production) stimulation. ATEN but not VEN attenuated the epinephrine-induced
      increase in glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2) mRNA abundance in trout hepatocytes.
      Taken together, our results suggest that the impact of ATEN and VEN on glucose
      production involves inhibition of beta-adrenoceptor signaling in trout
      hepatocytes. Overall, VEN and ATEN are beta-blockers and may disrupt the adaptive
      acute glucose response to a secondary stressor in rainbow trout.

PMID- 22057257
TI  - An activated immune and inflammatory response targets the pancreas of newborn
      pigs with cystic fibrosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: In cystic fibrosis (CF), pancreatic disease begins in utero and
      progresses over time to complete destruction of the organ. Although inflammatory
      cells have been detected in the pancreas of humans and pigs with CF, their
      subtypes have not been characterized. METHODS: Using four-color flow cytometry,
      we analyzed the surface antigens of leukocytes in pancreas, blood, and mesenteric
      lymph nodes (MLN) of newborn pigs with CF (CFTR(-/-) and
      CFTR(Delta)(F508/)(Delta)(F508)) and in those without CF (CFTR(+/-),
      CFTR(+/)(Delta)(F508), CFTR(+/+)). Pancreatic histopathology was examined with HE
      stain. RESULTS: CF pig pancreas had patchy distribution of inflammatory cells
      with neutrophils/macrophages in dilated acini, and lymphocytes in the
      interstitium compared to non-CF. B cells, effector (MHC-II(+)) and cytotoxic
      (CD2(+)CD8(+)) gammadelta T cells, activated (MHC-II(+) and/or CD25(+)) and
      effector (CD4(+)CD8(+)) alphabeta T helper cells, effector natural killer cells
      (MHC-II(+)CD3(-)CD8(+)), and monocytes/macrophages and neutrophils were increased
      in the CF pig pancreas compared to pigs without CF. Blood and MLN leukocyte
      populations were not different between CF and non-CF pigs. CONCLUSIONS: We
      discovered an activated immune response that was specific to the pancreas of
      newborn CF pigs; inflammation was not systemic. The presence of both innate and
      adaptive immune cells suggests that the disease process is complex and extensive.

PMID- 22057258
TI  - [Desmopressin parenteral in patients with VWD1, VWD 2A and thrombocytopathy].
AB  - Desmopressin (DDAVP, Minirin(r) parenteral), which induces the release of von
      Willebrand factor from endogenous stores, is indicated in von Willebrand disease
      type 1 (VWD 1). In the present study effectiveness of DDAVP was tested and side
      effects were recorded in patients with VWD 1, von Willebrand disease type 2 (VWD
      2) or thrombocytopathy (TCP). PATIENTS, METHODS: Subjects were analysed prior to
      and after Minirin parenteral infusion (0.4 MUg/kg body weight (b.w.) over 60
      minutes) for partial thromboplastin time (PTT, seconds), ADP/epinephrine
      triggered platelet-function analyzer (PFA-100) occlusion time (seconds), factor
      VIII activity (FVIII, %), VWF as ristocetin cofactor activity (VWF:RCo, %) and
      VWF antigen (VWF:Ag, %). Side effects of DDAVP during operative interventions
      were recorded per questionnaires by the patients. RESULTS: The mean +/- standard
      deviation dose (n = 165 patients) of Minirin parenteral administered was 0.37 +/-
      0.02 MUg/kg b.w., most often upcoming dental operations (57%) necessitated
      testing. Coagulation parameters of patients with VWD 1 or TCP normalised in
      almost all patients, but only in approximately 50% of patients with VWD 2
      respectively. Appraisal of effectiveness of Minirin parenteral as good was 96% in
      case of VWD 1 and 95 % in case of TCP. During minor surgeries (n = 23) in 91% of
      the patients no complications and in 2 patients (9%) postoperative haemorrhages
      without need for further interventions occurred, but 83% of the patients reported
      adverse reactions in the questionnaires, although Minirin parenteral was well
      tolerated by all patients during DDAVP efficacy tests. CONCLUSION: Desmopressin
      is well tolerated and affective in patients with VWD 1 and thrombocytopathy.

PMID- 22057259
TI  - A carbon nanoparticle-based low-background biosensing platform for sensitive and
      label-free fluorescent assay of DNA methylation.
AB  - Combining a DNA intercalator, SYBR Green I, and enzyme-linkage reactions with
      carbon nanoparticles, a low-background biosensing platform for label-free and
      sensitive fluorescent assay of DNA methylation is reported.

PMID- 22057260
TI  - Influenza-related excess mortality necessitates an urgent call for action.

PMID- 22057261
TI  - Gastric wash-based molecular testing for antibiotic resistance in Helicobacter
      pylori.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A number of noninvasive tests have been developed to establish the
      presence of Helicobacter pylori infection. However, thus far these tests have
      only been capable of detecting its presence. An increasing number of antibiotic
      resistant H. pylori infections have been reported and they are known to be
      correlated with 23S rRNA single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). We hypothesized
      that genomic analysis of H. pylori recovered from gastric washes could not only
      be less invasive, but also useful as a screening test and for assessing the
      outcome of eradication therapy. METHODS: Biopsy specimens and gastric washes were
      collected from 100 patients during endoscopic examination. Then we analyzed 23S
      rRNA, ureA, and cagA genes using PCR and high-throughput pyrosequencing analysis.
      RESULTS: Forty-five percent (44/97) of patients tested positive for ureA and
      42.3% (41/97) tested positive by a rapid urease test. One hundred percent (35/35)
      of patients who tested positive by both methods were observed to have the cagA
      gene. Among these 35 patients, 23S rRNA SNPs were present in 34.3% (12/35).
      CONCLUSIONS: Gastric wash-based PCR and a pyrosequencing assay were used to
      rapidly detect and estimate the number of 23S rRNA SNPs in clinical isolates of
      H. pylori. Not only is this a less invasive technique, but it can also diagnose
      drug resistance.

PMID- 22057262
TI  - Development of sensitive single-round pol or env RT-PCR assays to screen for XMRV
      in multiple sample types.
AB  - The potential association between xenotropic murine leukemia virus-related virus
      (XMRV) and prostate cancer and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) has been much
      debated. To help resolve the potential role of XMRV in human disease, it is
      critical to develop sensitive and accurate reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR assays
      to screen for the virus. Single-round RT-PCR assays were developed on the
      automated m2000TM system for detection of the pol or env regions of XMRV in whole
      blood, plasma, urine cell pellets and urogenital swab samples. Assay performance
      was assessed by testing two blinded panels, one comprised of whole blood and the
      other of plasma spiked with serial dilutions of XMRV-infected tissue culture
      cells and supernatant, respectively, prepared by the Blood XMRV Scientific
      Research Working Group (SRWG). For both whole blood and plasma panel testing, the
      assays showed excellent specificity and sensitivity as compared to the other
      tests included in the SRWG phase I study. Analytical specificity of the assays
      was also evaluated. Neither pol nor env PCR assays detected a panel of potential
      cross-reactive microorganisms, although some cross-reaction was observed with
      mouse genomic DNA. Screening of 196 normal human blood donor plasma, 214 HIV-1
      seropositive plasma, 20 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) prostate cancer
      specimens, 4 FFPE benign prostate specimens, 400 urine pellets from prostate
      cancer patients, 166 urine pellets from non-prostate cancer patients, and 135
      cervical swab specimens, detected no samples as unequivocally XMRV positive.

PMID- 22057263
TI  - A retrospective review of 15 patients with familial myasthenia gravis over a
      period of 25 years.
AB  - We observed, during a 25-year period, 15 patients from 6 families with autoimmune
      myasthenia gravis (all Chinese Han from Guangdong Province) referred to our
      department. Their mean onset age was 13.4 years (range 2-25 years) with 10
      patients with juvenile onset. The female:male ratio was 3:2. Acetylcholine
      receptors antibody titers were increased in 11 patients (range 1.62-19.8 nmol/L).
      Thymectomy was performed in six patients, who received corticosteroids /immune
      inhibitor plus pyridostigmine treatments after surgery. The other patients were
      placed on therapy with azathioprine, cyclophosphamide, corticosteroids and
      acetylcholinesterase inhibitors. All patients responded well to
      immunosuppressants, and psychiatric symptoms were observed only in one patient
      who received a high dose of corticosteroids. Patients with generalized type in
      the same family had different presentations with variable prognosis. HLA-A 0207
      was found in 9 patients (9/15), HLA-B 4601 in 11 patients (11/15), and HLA-DRB1
      0901 in 12 patients (12/15). When compared to familial autoimmune myasthenia
      gravis in other countries, we observed peculiar characteristics of Chinese
      populations, such as the within-family consistency was only found in families
      with ocular MG type (50% of all MG families), while the pathogenetic conditions
      and the prognoses of the generalized MG patients may differ greatly within the
      same family. These findings may shed new light on the genetic predisposition and
      the origin of immune abnormalities of MG patients.

PMID- 22057264
TI  - Position paper of the Italian Society for the study of Dementias (SINDEM) on the
      proposal of a new lexicon on Alzheimer disease.
AB  - A panel of Italian neurologists of the Italian Society for the study of Dementias
      (SINDEM) discussed the recently proposed new lexicon for Alzheimer disease (AD)
      and the related diagnostic criteria for the different phases of the disease
      (Preclinical AD, prodromal AD and Alzheimer's dementia) (Dubois et al. in Lancet
      Neurol 6:734-746, 2007; in Lancet Neurol 9:1118-1127, 2010). The aim of this
      discussion was to reach a consensus, among the Italian neurologists involved in
      the study and care of persons with dementia, in particular in reference to the
      potential use of the proposed diagnostic criteria in clinical practice. After
      having critically revised the scientific evidence related to the new lexicon and
      to the new proposed diagnostic criteria, the panel concluded that the proposed
      new diagnostic criteria and the new proposed lexicon for AD are conceptually
      attractive. However, the evidence about the instrumental and laboratory markers
      for the diagnosis of the preclinical and asymptomatic states of the disease are,
      until to now, insufficient to support the routine clinical use of these
      investigations.

PMID- 22057265
TI  - Fatal encephalitis associated with novel influenza A (H1N1) virus infection in a
      child.
AB  - A 4-year-old girl presented with fever, coughing, and vomiting; followed by
      unconsciousness. Magnetic resonance imaging showed hyperintense changes in the
      thalami bilaterally, brain stem, cerebellum, and subcortical cortex. Novel
      influenza A (H1N1) virus was identified by polymerase chain reaction in patient's
      nasopharyngeal swab specimen. We reported a rare case of clinically severe, novel
      influenza A-associated encephalitis. Novel influenza A should be considered in
      the differential diagnosis in patients with seizures and mental status changes,
      especially during an influenza outbreak.

PMID- 22057266
TI  - Anterior semicircular canal BPPV with positional downbeat nystagmus without
      latency, habituation and adaptation.

PMID- 22057267
TI  - Tumor cell metabolism: an integral view.
AB  - Cancer is a genetic disease that is caused by mutations in oncogenes, tumor
      suppressor genes and stability genes. The fact that the metabolism of tumor cells
      is altered has been known for many years. However, the mechanisms and
      consequences of metabolic reprogramming have just begun to be understood. In this
      review, an integral view of tumor cell metabolism is presented, showing how
      metabolic pathways are reprogrammed to satisfy tumor cell proliferation and
      survival requirements. In tumor cells, glycolysis is strongly enhanced to fulfill
      the high ATP demands of these cells; glucose carbons are the main building blocks
      in fatty acid and nucleotide biosynthesis. Glutaminolysis is also increased to
      satisfy NADPH regeneration, whereas glutamine carbons replenish the Krebs cycle,
      which produces metabolites that are constantly used for macromolecular
      biosynthesis. A characteristic feature of the tumor microenvironment is acidosis,
      which results from the local increase in lactic acid production by tumor cells.
      This phenomenon is attributed to the carbons from glutamine and glucose, which
      are also used for lactic acid production. Lactic acidosis also directs the
      metabolic reprogramming of tumor cells and serves as an additional selective
      pressure. Finally, we also discuss the role of mitochondria in supporting tumor
      cell metabolism.

PMID- 22057268
TI  - Identification of gene encoding Plasmodium knowlesi phosphatidylserine
      decarboxylase by genetic complementation in yeast and characterization of in
      vitro maturation of encoded enzyme.
AB  - The 23-megabase genome of Plasmodium falciparum, the causative agent of severe
      human malaria, contains ~5300 genes, most of unknown function or lacking homologs
      in other organisms. Identification of these gene functions will help in the
      discovery of novel targets for the development of antimalarial drugs and
      vaccines. The P. falciparum genome is unusually A+T-rich, which hampers cloning
      and expressing these genes in heterologous systems for functional analysis. The
      large repertoire of genetic tools available for Saccharomyces cerevisiae makes
      this yeast an ideal system for large scale functional complementation analyses of
      parasite genes. Here, we report the construction of a cDNA library from P.
      knowlesi, which has a lower A+T content compared with P. falciparum. This library
      was applied in a yeast complementation assay to identify malaria genes involved
      in the decarboxylation of phosphatidylserine. Transformation of a
      psd1Deltapsd2Deltadpl1Delta yeast strain, defective in phosphatidylethanolamine
      synthesis, with the P. knowlesi library led to identification of a new parasite
      phosphatidylserine decarboxylase (PkPSD). Unlike phosphatidylserine decarboxylase
      enzymes from other eukaryotes that are tightly associated with membranes, the
      PkPSD enzyme expressed in yeast was equally distributed between membrane and
      soluble fractions. In vitro studies reveal that truncated forms of PkPSD are
      soluble and undergo auto-endoproteolytic maturation in a phosphatidylserine
      dependent reaction that is inhibited by other anionic phospholipids. This study
      defines a new system for probing the function of Plasmodium genes by library
      based genetic complementation and its usefulness in revealing new biochemical
      properties of encoded proteins.

PMID- 22057269
TI  - Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1) binds to 8-oxoguanine-DNA glycosylase
      (OGG1).
AB  - Human 8-oxoguanine-DNA glycosylase (OGG1) plays a major role in the base excision
      repair pathway by removing 8-oxoguanine base lesions generated by reactive oxygen
      species. Here we report a novel interaction between OGG1 and Poly(ADP-ribose)
      polymerase 1 (PARP-1), a DNA-damage sensor protein involved in DNA repair and
      many other cellular processes. We found that OGG1 binds directly to PARP-1
      through the N-terminal region of OGG1, and this interaction is enhanced by
      oxidative stress. Furthermore, OGG1 binds to PARP-1 through its BRCA1 C-terminal
      (BRCT) domain. OGG1 stimulated the poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation activity of PARP-1,
      whereas decreased poly(ADP-ribose) levels were observed in OGG1(-/-) cells
      compared with wild-type cells in response to DNA damage. Importantly, activated
      PARP-1 inhibits OGG1. Although the OGG1 polymorphic variant proteins R229Q and
      S326C bind to PARP-1, these proteins were defective in activating PARP-1.
      Furthermore, OGG1(-/-) cells were more sensitive to PARP inhibitors alone or in
      combination with a DNA-damaging agent. These findings indicate that OGG1 binding
      to PARP-1 plays a functional role in the repair of oxidative DNA damage.

PMID- 22057270
TI  - Lzts2 regulates embryonic cell movements and dorsoventral patterning through
      interaction with and export of nuclear beta-catenin in zebrafish.
AB  - Leucine zipper tumor suppressor 2 (Lzts2) functions in the development and
      progression of various tumors, but its activities in vertebrate embryogenesis
      remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate that lzts2 transcripts are of maternal
      origin in zebrafish embryos. Activation of BMP signaling up-regulates zygotic
      expression of lzts2, whereas canonical Wnt signaling acts upstream of BMP
      signaling to inhibit lzts2 expression. Abrogation of lzts2 expression by its
      specific morpholino-enhanced gastrula convergence and extension (CE) movements,
      dorsalized early embryos, and inhibited specification of midline progenitors for
      pancreas, liver, and heart. In contrast, ectopic expression of lzts2 led to the
      delay of CE movements and midline convergence of organ progenitors and resulted
      in a certain ratio of ventralized embryos. Mechanistically, Lzts2 regulates the
      migration of embryonic cells and dorsoventral patterning through its limitation
      of Wnt/beta-catenin activity, because it physically interacts with beta-catenin-1
      and -2 and transports them out of the nucleus. In addition, both beta-catenin-1
      and -2 exhibit redundant functions in activation of Stat3 signaling and in
      induction of Wnt5/11 expression through inhibition of BMP signaling and
      stimulation of Cyclops and Squint expression. Thus, Lzts2 regulates gastrula CE
      movements, dorsoventral patterning, and midline convergence and specification of
      organ precursors through interaction with and the export of nuclear beta-catenins
      in zebrafish.

PMID- 22057271
TI  - Identification of a cAMP-response element in the regulator of G-protein signaling
      2 (RGS2) promoter as a key cis-regulatory element for RGS2 transcriptional
      regulation by angiotensin II in cultured vascular smooth muscles.
AB  - Mice deficient in regulator of G-protein signaling-2 (RGS2) have severe
      hypertension, and RGS2 genetic variations occur in hypertensive humans. A
      potentially important negative feedback loop in blood pressure homeostasis is
      that angiotensin II (Ang II) increases vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) RGS2
      expression. We reported that Group VIA phospholipase A(2) (iPLA(2)beta) is
      required for this response (Xie, Z., Gong, M. C., Su, W., Turk, J., and Guo, Z.
      (2007) J. Biol. Chem. 282, 25278-25289), but the specific molecular causes and
      consequences of iPLA(2)beta activation are not known. Here we demonstrate that
      both protein kinases C (PKC) and A (PKA) participate in Ang II-induced VSMC RGS2
      mRNA up-regulation, and that actions of PKC and PKA precede and follow
      iPLA(2)beta activation, respectively. Moreover, we identified a conserved cAMP
      response element (CRE) in the murine RGS2 promoter that is critical for cAMP
      response element-binding protein (CREB) binding and RGS2 promoter activation.
      Forskolin-stimulated RGS2 mRNA up-regulation is inhibited by CREB sequestration
      or specific disruption of the CREB-RGS2 promoter interaction, and Ang II-induced
      CREB phosphorylation and nuclear localization are blocked by iPLA(2)beta
      pharmacologic inhibition or genetic ablation. Ang II-induced intracellular cyclic
      AMP accumulation precedes CREB phosphorylation and is diminished by inhibiting
      iPLA(2), cyclooxygenase, or lipoxygenase. Moreover, three single nucleotide
      polymorphisms identified in hypertensive patients are located in the human RGS2
      promoter CREB binding site. Point mutations corresponding to these single
      nucleotide polymorphisms interfere with stimulation of human RGS2 promoter
      activity by forskolin. Our studies thus delineate a negative feedback loop to
      attenuate Ang II signaling in VSMC with potential importance in blood pressure
      homeostasis and the pathogenesis of human essential hypertension.

PMID- 22057272
TI  - (Na+ + K+)-ATPase is a target for phosphoinositide 3-kinase/protein kinase B and
      protein kinase C pathways triggered by albumin.
AB  - In recent decades, evidence has confirmed the crucial role of albumin in the
      progression of renal disease. However, the possible role of signaling pathways
      triggered by physiologic concentrations of albumin in the modulation of proximal
      tubule (PT) sodium reabsorption has not been considered. In the present work, we
      have shown that a physiologic concentration of albumin increases the expression
      of the alpha1 subunit of (Na(+) + K(+))-ATPase in LLC-PK1 cells leading to an
      increase in enzyme activity. This process involves the sequential activation of
      PI3K/protein kinase B and protein kinase C pathways promoting inhibition of
      protein kinase A. This integrative network is inhibited when albumin
      concentration is increased, similar to renal disease, leading to a decrease in
      the alpha1 subunit of (Na(+) + K(+))-ATPase expression. Together, the results
      indicate that variation in albumin concentration in PT cells has an important
      effect on PT sodium reabsorption and, consequently, on renal sodium excretion.

PMID- 22057273
TI  - Real-time imaging reveals that P2Y2 and P2Y12 receptor agonists are not
      chemoattractants and macrophage chemotaxis to complement C5a is
      phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)- and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase
      (MAPK)-independent.
AB  - Adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) has been implicated in the recruitment of
      professional phagocytes (neutrophils and macrophages) to sites of infection and
      tissue injury in two distinct ways. First, ATP itself is thought to be a
      chemotactic "find me" signal released by dying cells, and second, autocrine ATP
      signaling is implicated as an amplifier mechanism for chemotactic navigation to
      end-target chemoattractants, such as complement C5a. Here we show using real-time
      chemotaxis assays that mouse peritoneal macrophages do not directionally migrate
      to stable analogs of ATP (adenosine-5'-(gamma-thio)-triphosphate (ATPgammaS)) or
      its hydrolysis product ADP (adenosine-5'-(beta-thio)-diphosphate (ADPbetaS)).
      HPLC revealed that these synthetic P2Y(2) (ATPgammaS) and P2Y(12) (ADPbetaS)
      receptor ligands were in fact slowly degraded. We also found that ATPgammaS, but
      not ADPbetaS, promoted chemokinesis (increased random migration). Furthermore, we
      found that photorelease of ATP or ADP induced lamellipodial membrane extensions.
      At the cell signaling level, C5a, but not ATPgammaS, activated Akt, whereas both
      ligands induced p38 MAPK activation. p38 MAPK and Akt activation are strongly
      implicated in neutrophil chemotaxis. However, we found that inhibitors of
      phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K; upstream of Akt) and p38 MAPK (or
      conditional deletion of p38alpha MAPK) did not impair macrophage chemotactic
      efficiency or migration velocity. Our results suggest that PI3K and p38 MAPK are
      redundant for macrophage chemotaxis and that purinergic P2Y(2) and P2Y(12)
      receptor ligands are not chemotactic. We propose that ATP signaling is strictly
      autocrine or paracrine and that ATP and ADP may act as short-range "touch me"
      (rather than long-range find me) signals to promote phagocytic clearance via cell
      spreading.

PMID- 22057274
TI  - Plasticity in interactions of fibroblast growth factor 1 (FGF1) N terminus with
      FGF receptors underlies promiscuity of FGF1.
AB  - Tissue-specific alternative splicing in the second half of Ig-like domain 3 (D3)
      of fibroblast growth factor receptors 1-3 (FGFR1 to -3) generates epithelial
      FGFR1b-FGFR3b and mesenchymal FGFR1c-FGFR3c splice isoforms. This splicing event
      establishes a selectivity filter to restrict the ligand binding specificity of
      FGFRb and FGFRc isoforms to mesenchymally and epithelially derived fibroblast
      growth factors (FGFs), respectively. FGF1 is termed the "universal FGFR ligand"
      because it overrides this specificity barrier. To elucidate the molecular basis
      for FGF1 cross-reactivity with the "b" and "c" splice isoforms of FGFRs, we
      determined the first crystal structure of FGF1 in complex with an FGFRb isoform,
      FGFR2b, at 2.1 A resolution. Comparison of the FGF1-FGFR2b structure with the
      three previously published FGF1-FGFRc structures reveals that plasticity in the
      interactions of the N-terminal region of FGF1 with FGFR D3 is the main
      determinant of FGF1 cross-reactivity with both isoforms of FGFRs. In support of
      our structural data, we demonstrate that substitution of three N-terminal
      residues (Gly-19, His-25, and Phe-26) of FGF2 (a ligand that does not bind
      FGFR2b) for the corresponding residues of FGF1 (Phe-16, Asn-22, and Tyr-23)
      enables the FGF2 triple mutant to bind and activate FGFR2b. These findings taken
      together with our previous structural data on receptor binding specificity of
      FGF2, FGF8, and FGF10 conclusively show that sequence divergence at the N termini
      of FGFs is the primary regulator of the receptor binding specificity and
      promiscuity of FGFs.

PMID- 22057275
TI  - Exosome-associated tau is secreted in tauopathy models and is selectively
      phosphorylated in cerebrospinal fluid in early Alzheimer disease.
AB  - Recent demonstrations that the secretion, uptake, and interneuronal transfer of
      tau can be modulated by disease-associated tau modifications suggest that
      secretion may be an important element in tau-induced neurodegeneration. Here, we
      show that much of the tau secreted by M1C cells occurs via exosomal release, a
      widely characterized mechanism that mediates unconventional secretion of other
      aggregation-prone proteins (alpha-synuclein, prion protein, and beta-amyloid) in
      neurodegenerative disease. Exosome-associated tau is also present in human CSF
      samples and is phosphorylated at Thr-181 (AT270), an established phosphotau
      biomarker for Alzheimer disease (AD), in both M1C cells and in CSF samples from
      patients with mild (Braak stage 3) AD. A preliminary analysis of proteins co
      purified with tau in secreted exosomes identified several that are known to be
      involved in disease-associated tau misprocessing. Our results suggest that
      exosome-mediated secretion of phosphorylated tau may play a significant role in
      the abnormal processing of tau and in the genesis of elevated CSF tau in early
      AD.

PMID- 22057276
TI  - Nuclear localization of de novo thymidylate biosynthesis pathway is required to
      prevent uracil accumulation in DNA.
AB  - Uracil accumulates in DNA as a result of impaired folate-dependent de novo
      thymidylate biosynthesis, a pathway composed of the enzymes serine
      hydroxymethyltransferase (SHMT), thymidylate synthase (TYMS), and dihydrofolate
      reductase. In G1, this pathway is present in the cytoplasm and at S phase
      undergoes small ubiquitin-like modifier-dependent translocation to the nucleus.
      It is not known whether this pathway functions in the cytoplasm, nucleus, or both
      in vivo. SHMT1 generates 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate for de novo thymidylate
      biosynthesis, a limiting step in the pathway, but also tightly binds 5
      methyltetrahydrofolate in the cytoplasm, a required cofactor for homocysteine
      remethylation. Overexpression of SHMT1 in cell cultures inhibits folate-dependent
      homocysteine remethylation and enhances thymidylate biosynthesis. In this study,
      the impact of increased Shmt1 expression on folate-mediated one-carbon metabolism
      was determined in mice that overexpress the Shmt1 cDNA (Shmt1tg+ mice). Compared
      with wild type mice, Shmt1tg+ mice exhibited elevated SHMT1 and TYMS protein
      levels in tissues and evidence for impaired homocysteine remethylation but
      surprisingly exhibited depressed levels of nuclear SHMT1 and TYMS, lower rates of
      nuclear de novo thymidylate biosynthesis, and a nearly 10-fold increase in uracil
      content in hepatic nuclear DNA when fed a folate- and choline-deficient diet.
      These results demonstrate that SHMT1 and TYMS localization to the nucleus is
      essential to prevent uracil accumulation in nuclear DNA and indicate that SHMT1
      mediated nuclear de novo thymidylate synthesis is critical for maintaining DNA
      integrity.

PMID- 22057277
TI  - The Src family kinase Fyn mediates hyperosmolarity-induced Mrp2 and Bsep
      retrieval from canalicular membrane.
AB  - In perfused rat liver, hyperosmolarity induces Mrp2- (Kubitz, R., D'urso, D.,
      Keppler, D., and Haussinger, D. (1997) Gastroenterology 113, 1438-1442) and Bsep
      retrieval (Schmitt, M., Kubitz, R., Lizun, S., Wettstein, M., and Haussinger, D.
      (2001) Hepatology 33, 509-518) from the canalicular membrane leading to
      cholestasis. The aim of this study was to elucidate the underlying signaling
      events. Hyperosmolarity-induced retrieval of Mrp2 and Bsep from the canalicular
      membrane in perfused rat liver was accompanied by an activating phosphorylation
      of the Src kinases Fyn and Yes but not of c-Src. Both hyperosmotic transporter
      retrieval and Src kinase activation were sensitive to apocynin (300 MUmol/liter),
      N-acetylcysteine (NAC; 10 mmol/liter), and SU6656 (1 MUmol/liter). Also PP-2 (250
      nmol/liter), which inhibited hyperosmotic Fyn but not Yes activation, prevented
      hyperosmotic transporter retrieval from the canalicular membrane, suggesting that
      Fyn but not Yes mediates hyperosmotic Bsep and Mrp2 retrieval. Neither
      hyperosmotic Fyn activation nor Bsep/Mrp2 retrieval was observed in livers from
      p47(phox) knock-out mice. Hyperosmotic activation of JNKs was sensitive to
      apocynin and NAC but insensitive to SU6656 and PP-2, indicating that JNKs are not
      involved in transporter retrieval, as also evidenced by experiments using the JNK
      inhibitors L-JNKI-1 and SP6001255, respectively. Hyperosmotic transporter
      retrieval was accompanied by a NAC and Fyn knockdown-sensitive inhibition of
      biliary excretion of the glutathione conjugate of 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene in
      perfused rat liver and of cholyl-L-lysyl-fluorescein secretion into the
      pseudocanaliculi formed by hepatocyte couplets. Hyperosmolarity triggered an
      association between Fyn and cortactin and increased the amount of phosphorylated
      cortactin underneath the canalicular membrane. It is concluded that the
      hyperosmotic cholestasis is triggered by a NADPH oxidase-driven reactive oxygen
      species formation that mediates Fyn-dependent retrieval of the Mrp2 and Bsep from
      the canalicular membrane, which may involve an increased cortactin
      phosphorylation.

PMID- 22057278
TI  - Relative spatial positions of tryptophan and cationic residues in helical
      membrane-active peptides determine their cytotoxicity.
AB  - The cytotoxic activity of 10 analogs of the idealized amphipathic helical 21-mer
      peptide (KAAKKAA)3, where three of the Ala residues at different positions have
      been replaced with Trp residues, has been investigated. The peptide's cytotoxic
      activity was found to be markedly dependent upon the position of the Trp residues
      within the hydrophobic sector of an idealized alpha-helix. The peptides with Trp
      residues located opposite the cationic sector displayed no antitumor activity,
      whereas those peptides with two or three Trp residues located adjacent to the
      cationic sector exhibited high cytotoxic activity when tested against three
      different cancer cell lines. Dye release experiments revealed that in contrast to
      the peptides with Trp residues located opposite the cationic sector, the peptides
      with Trp residues located adjacent to the cationic sector induced a strong
      permeabilizing activity from liposomes composed of a mixture of zwitterionic
      phosphatidylcholine and negatively charged phosphatidylserine (1-palmitoyl-2
      oleoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocholine (POPC)/1-palmitoyl-2-oleoyl-sn-glycero-3
      phospho-l-serine (POPS)) (2:1) but not from liposomes composed of zwitterionic
      phosphatidylcholine, POPC. Fluorescence blue shift and quenching experiments
      revealed that Trp residues inserted deeper into the hydrophobic environment of
      POPC/POPS liposomes for peptides with high cytotoxic activity. Through circular
      dichroism studies, a correlation between the cytotoxic activity and the alpha
      helical propensity was established. Structural studies of one inactive and two
      active peptides in the presence of micelles using NMR spectroscopy showed that
      only the active peptides adopted highly coiled to helical structures when bound
      to a membrane surface.

PMID- 22057279
TI  - Effect of Microcystis aeruginosa on the rotifer Brachionus calyciflorus at
      different temperatures.
AB  - Rotifers are one of the smallest metazoans. They serve as a model organism for
      ecotoxicological studies. More than 60% of the lakes in China are increasingly
      eutrophic and they are susceptible to blooms of Microcystis aeruginosa. We
      investigated the effects of M. aeruginosa on the survival and reproduction of
      Brachionus calyciflorus using the life table method at different temperatures.
      The findings showed that concentration of M. aeruginosa significantly affected
      the intrinsic rate of increase (r(m)), net reproductive rate (R(0)), average
      lifespan (L) and offspring number (p < 0.05). Temperature also significantly
      affected the generation time (T), average lifespan (L) and offspring number (p <
      0.05). Moreover, the interaction between temperature and concentration had
      statistically significant effects on offspring number (p < 0.05). M. aeruginosa
      suppressed the survival and reproduction of B. calyciflorus, particularly at a
      concentration of 10(6) cells/mL. The r(m) values of the rotifers exposed at 10(6)
      cells/mL decreased more than 200% compared with those of the control group.
      However, at a lower concentration, 10(4) cells/mL, M. aeruginosa may supply
      appropriate nourishment to rotifers. In addition, at concentrations of 10(5) and
      10(6) cells/mL, the inhibition of rotifers by M. aeruginosa heightened with
      increasing temperature.

PMID- 22057280
TI  - Persistence behavior of combination mix crop protection agents in/on eggplant
      fruits.
AB  - Persistence behavior of two combination mix formulations of insecticides viz.
      profenofos + cypermethrin (Roket 44EC) and chlorpyrifos + cypermethrin (Nacraj
      505) were studied in eggplant fruits following spray application at recommended
      and double dose. Half-life values were calculated from first order dissipation
      kinetics, in case of Roket 44EC, residues of cypermethrin on fruits dissipated
      with half-life of 2.15-2.31 days, whereas residues of profenofos dissipated with
      the half-life of 0.91-1.86 days. Profenofos residues persisted beyond 7 days in
      soil, whereas residues of cypermethrin were below detection limit on 0-day
      itself. Dissipation of chlorpyrifos residues in the combination mix with
      cypermethrin (Nacraj-505) followed first order kinetics with the half-life values
      of 3.27-3.10 days. In soil, chlorpyrifos residues were below detectable limit
      even on 0-day at recommended dose of application. More than 90% dissipation was
      recorded on 7 day, although residues persisted beyond 15 days at double the
      recommended dose. Half life of dissipation for cypermethrin calculated from first
      order dissipation kinetics varied from 2.19 to 3.27 days. In soil, no residues of
      cypermethrin were detected even on 0-day at recommended dose.

PMID- 22057281
TI  - Coartemether induced oxidative and hepatic damage in Plasmodium berghei strain
      Anka infected mice.
AB  - This study investigated the effect of coartemether on antioxidant and hepatotoxic
      biomarkers in Plasmodium berghei infected mice. Erythrocyte, hepatic and renal
      superoxide dismutase (2.71 +/- 0.51; 1.96 +/- 0.87; 2.84 +/- 0.22 Units/mg
      protein respectively) and catalase (4.10 +/- 0.10; 8.25 +/- 1.24; 6.28 +/- 0.11
      Units/mg protein respectively) activities were significantly (p < 0.05) elevated
      in "parasitized and treated" (PnT) animals. Renal glutathione level (19.02 +/-
      0.20 MUg/mL) was elevated in PnT animals. Glutathione S-transferase and
      malondialdehyde levels in hepatic (8.76 +/- 0.49 MUmol/min/mg; 527.23 +/- 24.56
      mmol/dL) and renal (3.35 +/- 0.30 MUmol/min/mg; 464.42 +/- 59.13 mmol/dL) tissues
      were significantly high (p < 0.05) in coartemether-treated animals alone. Plasma
      aspartate transferase (9.45 +/- 3.59 U/L) and alanine transferase (5.78 +/- 2.36
      U/L) were high in PnT animals. Therefore, data indicates that in the presence of
      P. berghei, coartemether could alter the antioxidant status and induce
      hepatotoxic damage in mice.

PMID- 22057282
TI  - Up-regulated expression of advanced glycation end-products and their receptor in
      the small intestine and colon of diabetic rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Gastrointestinal disorders and symptoms are common in
      diabetic patients. Advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) and their receptor
      (RAGE) have been proposed as an important pathological mechanism underlying
      diabetic complications, such as diabetic cardiopathy, retinopathy, nephropathy,
      etc. The aims were to study the distribution of AGE and RAGE in the normal and
      diabetic small intestine and colon in rats and the possible relationship between
      AGEs/RAGE and diabetes-induced intestinal structural remodeling. METHODS:
      Diabetic and age-matched normal rats survived for 56 days. The body weight and
      blood glucose were measured regularly until day 56. Jejunal, ileal, and colonic
      segments were excised. The wet weight per unit length and the layer thickness
      were measured. AGE and RAGE were detected by immunohistochemical staining.
      RESULTS: The wet weight per unit length in the three segments and the layer
      thickness in jejunum and ileum increased in the diabetic rats. The staining
      density of AGE in diabetic rats was higher in the villi of jejunum and ileum, and
      in the crypt and circumferential muscle layer of ileum compared to normal rats.
      The staining intensity of RAGE increased in ganglia, crypt, and brush border of
      diabetic jejunum and ileum as well as in ganglia of diabetic colon. Positive
      association was found between the accumulation of AGE and RAGE and the thickness
      of the different layers. CONCLUSIONS: The expression of AGE and RAGE is up
      regulated in the small intestine and colon of diabetic rats. The increased AGE
      and RAGE levels may contribute to diabetic GI dysfunction.

PMID- 22057283
TI  - Outcome predictors for thiopurine maintenance therapy in patients with Crohn's
      disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Little is known about the factors that predict clinical relapse in
      Crohn's disease patients receiving thiopurine therapy to maintain remission. The
      objective of this study was, therefore, to investigate these factors. METHODS: A
      total of 82 Crohn's disease patients who received their first course of
      azathioprine or 6-mercaptopurine treatment at Severance Hospital between June
      1996 and July 2007 were recruited to the study. During the follow-up period (25.5
      +/- 16.6 months) 19 patients (23.2%) discontinued the medication because of
      significant adverse effects. Forty-five patients who continued to receive
      thiopurines to maintain medically or surgically induced remission were enrolled
      in the study. After adjusting the maintenance dose, patients in remission were
      followed at 2-3 month intervals. Relapse was defined as a Crohn's disease
      activity index >= 150. RESULTS: The male-to-female ratio was 1.5:1 and the mean
      age was 26.3 +/- 7.1 years. Cumulative relapse was 18.0% after one year and 49.2%
      after three years. According to multivariate Cox regression analysis, younger age
      (<30 years) at thiopurine therapy and increased C-reactive protein level (>= 0.5
      mg/dL) at remission were independent predictors of relapse (hazard ratio 19.751,
      95%-confidence interval (CI) 1.996-195.402, P = 0.011 and hazard ratio 9.001, 95%
      CI 1.583-51.181, P = 0.013, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Younger age (<30 years)
      and increased C-reactive protein level at remission were independent predictors
      of relapse in Crohn's disease patients receiving thiopurines to maintain
      remission. These high-risk groups warrant closer observation and possibly early
      introduction of biological agents.

PMID- 22057284
TI  - Lewis score correlates more closely with fecal calprotectin than Capsule
      Endoscopy Crohn's Disease Activity Index.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Small-bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) is an invaluable imaging method
      for the small bowel. The Lewis score (LS) and the Capsule Endoscopy Crohn's
      Disease Activity Index (CECDAI) have been developed to standardize the reporting
      of small-bowel inflammation. Fecal calprotectin (FC) represents a highly reliable
      biomarker of intestinal inflammation. AIM: To assess the performance of the two
      SBCE inflammation scoring systems by correlating them with FC. Furthermore, to
      define threshold levels for CECDAI. METHODS: Retrospective study; patients who
      underwent SBCE and had FC measurement shortly before or after SBCE. LS and CECDAI
      were calculated by a single reviewer and correlated [Spearman's (r ( s ))] with
      the FC results. Linear regression analysis was used to identify threshold levels
      for CECDAI. RESULTS: Forty-nine patients; three subgroups A, B and C (based on FC
      levels <100, 100-200, and >=200 MUg/g, respectively). LS appears to correlate
      with FC (r ( s ) = 0.448, p = 0.0014), unlike CECDAI, which does not demonstrate
      significant correlation (r ( s ) = 0.245, p = 0.089). Strongly positive
      correlation between FC and LS was observed in subgroup A (r ( s ) = 0.68, p =
      0.0047), while in subgroups B and C, neither LS nor CECDAI showed correlation
      with FC. Significant correlation between LS and CECDAI was demonstrated (r ( s )
      = 0. 6324, p < 0.0001). Linear regression analysis demonstrates that LS
      thresholds of 135 and 790 correspond with CECDAI levels of 3.8 and 5.8,
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: LS performs better than CECDAI in describing small
      bowel inflammation, especially at FC levels of <100 MUg/g. Furthermore, CECDAI
      levels of 3.8 and 5.8 seem to correspond to LS thresholds of 135 and 790,
      respectively.

PMID- 22057285
TI  - Photodynamic therapy for unresectable cholangiocarcinoma.
AB  - Cholangiocarcinoma (CC) is a rare primary malignancy of the biliary tract with a
      dismal prognosis. Curative resection can only be applied to a small proportion of
      early diagnosed patients. Palliative biliary drainage by either percutaneous or
      endoscopic insertion of endoprostheses improves quality-of-life by reducing
      pruritis, cholangitis, and pain, but has been reported to improve survival time
      only slightly. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a relatively new local, minimally
      invasive palliative strategy for unresectable CC. PDT uses a photosensitive
      molecule that accumulates in proliferating tissue such as tumors. Activation of
      the photosensitizer by use of light of a specific wavelength generates reactive
      oxygen species leading to selective tumor-cell death. After initial feasibility
      studies and promising prospective phase II studies, results from two prospective
      randomized controlled trials comparing PDT after endoprostheses insertion with
      endoprostheses alone for patients with unresectable CC have been published. One
      study resulted in dramatically prolonged median survival in the PDT group (493
      days) compared with the non-PDT group (98 days) (P < 0.0001), and significantly
      improved performance status (PS) in the PDT group. A second study with high
      baseline patients' PS confirmed the benefit of PDT for survival (630 days in the
      PDT group compared with 210 days for endoprostheses alone, P < 0.01). The
      procedures were generally well tolerated. PDT has also been reported to have a
      favorable outcome as adjuvant and neoadjuvant therapy for CC. Although
      accumulated data and local expertise are limited, PDT can be regarded as a
      standard palliative therapy for unresectable CC.

PMID- 22057286
TI  - Prospective assessment of risk of bacteremia following colorectal stent
      placement.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Colorectal stent insertion is an invasive endoscopic procedure.
      However, there are no reports regarding the incidence of bacteremia with
      colorectal stent. OBJECTIVE: This study was to evaluate the risk of bacteremia
      and infectious complications after stent insertion for colorectal obstruction.
      METHODS: Patients who underwent colorectal stent insertion were enrolled
      consecutively. Blood cultures were obtained before colorectal stent insertion and
      at 30 min after the procedure. Patients were monitored for 48 h after colorectal
      stent insertion to detect the development of infectious complications. Procedural
      data collected included location of obstruction, degree of bowel preparation,
      obstructive symptoms, and the time required for the procedure. RESULTS: Of 64
      patients undergoing colorectal stent, four (6.3%) had a positive post-stent blood
      culture. All patients, including those with positive cultures, remained
      asymptomatic during the 48 h after the procedure. Site of obstruction, degree of
      bowel preparation, age, and underlying disease were not different between the two
      groups. Development of bacteremia was associated with long procedure time (p <
      0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Colorectal stent insertion does not induce significant
      bacteremia in patients with colorectal obstruction. These findings suggest that
      the routine use of prophylactic antibiotics may not be necessary in colorectal
      stent insertion.

PMID- 22057287
TI  - Anxiety online: a virtual clinic: preliminary outcomes following completion of
      five fully automated treatment programs for anxiety disorders and symptoms.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The development of e-mental health interventions to treat or prevent
      mental illness and to enhance wellbeing has risen rapidly over the past decade.
      This development assists the public in sidestepping some of the obstacles that
      are often encountered when trying to access traditional face-to-face mental
      health care services. OBJECTIVE: The objective of our study was to investigate
      the posttreatment effectiveness of five fully automated self-help cognitive
      behavior e-therapy programs for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic
      disorder with or without agoraphobia (PD/A), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD),
      posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and social anxiety disorder (SAD) offered
      to the international public via Anxiety Online, an open-access full-service
      virtual psychology clinic for anxiety disorders. METHODS: We used a naturalistic
      participant choice, quasi-experimental design to evaluate each of the five
      Anxiety Online fully automated self-help e-therapy programs. Participants were
      required to have at least subclinical levels of one of the anxiety disorders to
      be offered the associated disorder-specific fully automated self-help e-therapy
      program. These programs are offered free of charge via Anxiety Online. RESULTS: A
      total of 225 people self-selected one of the five e-therapy programs (GAD, n =
      88; SAD, n = 50; PD/A, n = 40; PTSD, n = 30; OCD, n = 17) and completed their 12
      week posttreatment assessment. Significant improvements were found on 21/25
      measures across the five fully automated self-help programs. At postassessment we
      observed significant reductions on all five anxiety disorder clinical disorder
      severity ratings (Cohen d range 0.72-1.22), increased confidence in managing
      one's own mental health care (Cohen d range 0.70-1.17), and decreases in the
      total number of clinical diagnoses (except for the PD/A program, where a positive
      trend was found) (Cohen d range 0.45-1.08). In addition, we found significant
      improvements in quality of life for the GAD, OCD, PTSD, and SAD e-therapy
      programs (Cohen d range 0.11-0.96) and significant reductions relating to general
      psychological distress levels for the GAD, PD/A, and PTSD e-therapy programs
      (Cohen d range 0.23-1.16). Overall, treatment satisfaction was good across all
      five e-therapy programs, and posttreatment assessment completers reported using
      their e-therapy program an average of 395.60 (SD 272.2) minutes over the 12-week
      treatment period. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, all five fully automated self-help e
      therapy programs appear to be delivering promising high-quality outcomes;
      however, the results require replication.

PMID- 22057288
TI  - Repression of the DNA-binding inhibitor Id3 by Blimp-1 limits the formation of
      memory CD8+ T cells.
AB  - The transcriptional repressor Blimp-1 promotes the differentiation of CD8(+) T
      cells into short-lived effector cells (SLECs) that express the lectin-like
      receptor KLRG-1, but how it operates remains poorly defined. Here we show that
      Blimp-1 bound to and repressed the promoter of the gene encoding the DNA-binding
      inhibitor Id3 in SLECs. Repression of Id3 by Blimp-1 was dispensable for SLEC
      development but limited the ability of SLECs to persist as memory cells. Enforced
      expression of Id3 was sufficient to restore SLEC survival and enhanced recall
      responses. Id3 function was mediated in part through inhibition of the
      transcriptional activity of E2A and induction of genes regulating genome
      stability. Our findings identify the Blimp-1-Id3-E2A axis as a key molecular
      switch that determines whether effector CD8(+) T cells are programmed to die or
      enter the memory pool.

PMID- 22057289
TI  - The transcriptional regulators Id2 and Id3 control the formation of distinct
      memory CD8+ T cell subsets.
AB  - During infection, naive CD8(+) T cells differentiate into effector cells, which
      are armed to eliminate pathogens, and memory cells, which are poised to protect
      against reinfection. The transcriptional program that regulates terminal
      differentiation into short-lived effector-memory versus long-lived memory cells
      is not clearly defined. Through the use of mice expressing reporters for the DNA
      binding inhibitors Id2 and Id3, we identified Id3(hi) precursors of long-lived
      memory cells before the peak of T cell population expansion or upregulation of
      cell-surface receptors that indicate memory potential. Deficiency in Id2 or Id3
      resulted in loss of distinct CD8(+) effector and memory populations, which
      demonstrated unique roles for these inhibitors of E-protein transcription
      factors. Furthermore, cytokines altered the expression of Id2 and Id3
      differently, which provides insight into how external cues influence gene
      expression.

PMID- 22057290
TI  - The E3 ligase Itch and deubiquitinase Cyld act together to regulate Tak1 and
      inflammation.
AB  - Chronic inflammation has been strongly associated with tumor progression, but the
      underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Here we demonstrate that E3 ligase Itch and
      deubiquitinase Cyld formed a complex via interaction through 'WW-PPXY' motifs.
      The Itch-Cyld complex sequentially cleaved Lys63-linked ubiquitin chains and
      catalyzed Lys48-linked ubiquitination on the kinase Tak1 to terminate
      inflammatory signaling via tumor necrosis factor. Reconstitution of wild-type
      Cyld but not the mutant Cyld(Y485A), which cannot associate with Itch, blocked
      sustained Tak1 activation and proinflammatory cytokine production by Cyld(-/-)
      bone marrow-derived macrophages. Deficiency in Itch or Cyld led to chronic
      production of tumor-promoting cytokines by tumor-associated macrophages and
      aggressive growth of lung carcinoma. Thus, we have identified an Itch-Cyld
      mediated regulatory mechanism in innate inflammatory cells.

PMID- 22057291
TI  - Global concepts of bladder pain syndrome (interstitial cystitis).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bladder pain syndrome (BPS), commonly referred to as "interstitial
      cystitis", is no longer considered a rare disorder. It may affect up to 2.7% of
      the adult female population (Ueda et al. in Int J Urol 10:1-70, 2003) with up to
      20% of cases occurring in men. METHODS: The last two decades have seen a
      worldwide effort to try to standardize its nomenclature, definition, diagnosis,
      and treatment algorithm. The literature has been reviewed. RESULTS: In this
      article, we will detail current terminology, diagnostic approaches and treatment.
      Standard therapies will be discussed, and a section that concentrates on the
      management of the subset of patients with a Hunner's lesion will be highlighted.
      CONCLUSIONS: BPS is today viewed through a new paradigm. It is no longer
      considered primarily a bladder disease, but rather one of a number of chronic
      pain syndromes that is distinguished by being manifest through bladder-related
      symptoms. A distinct subgroup of patients with Hunner's lesion has specific
      characteristics, and successful treatment of this subgroup is available.

PMID- 22057292
TI  - A phosphino-oxazoline ligand as a P,N-bridge in palladium/cobalt or P,N-chelate
      in nickel complexes: catalytic ethylene oligomerization.
AB  - The Pd(II) complex [PdCl(2)(1)] [1 = ({oxazolin-2-yl}methyl)diphenylphosphine]
      was obtained by the 1:1 reaction of 1 with [PdCl(2)(NCPh)(2)]. Although this
      neutral complex is stable in the solid-state and in solution, it reacts with the
      dinuclear complex [CoCl(2)(MU-1)](2) to afford the heterometallic zwitterionic
      complex [{PdCl(1)}(+)(MU-1)(CoCl(3))(-)] (2). Under inert atmosphere, two
      equivalents of 1 reacted with [NiCl(2)(dme)] to give trans-[NiCl(2)(1)(2)] (3) in
      CH(2)Cl(2) but cis-[NiCl(2)(1)(2)] (4) in CHCl(3). When the latter reaction was
      performed in air, trans-[NiCl(2)(5)(2)] (6) [5 = ({oxazolin-2
      yl}methyl)diphenylphosphine oxide] was obtained. All metal complexes, 2, 3, 4 and
      6, have been structurally characterized by X-ray diffraction. Complexes 3, 4 and
      6 have been evaluated as precatalysts for ethylene oligomerisation in the
      presence of AlEtCl(2) as cocatalyst. Complexes 3 and 6 yielded a turnover
      frequency (TOF) of 60,700 and 62,600 mol of C(2)H(4)/((mol of Ni).h),
      respectively, in the presence of 10 equiv. of AlEtCl(2). In the presence of only
      6 equiv. of cocatalyst, these Ni complexes yielded TOF values of 41,500 and
      58,000 mol of C(2)H(4)/((mol of Ni).h), respectively.

PMID- 22057293
TI  - Melamine-related urinary stones in 195 infants and young children: clinical
      features within 2 years of follow-up.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To summarize the clinical features and follow-up, the effects of
      melamine-tainted milk powder (MMP) consumption on kidney and body growth in
      children who suffered from melamine-related urinary stones (MUS) 2 years earlier
      were checked. MEASUREMENTS: Body height and weight, kidney and bladder morphology
      monitored by ultrasound, urinalysis and renal function were recorded. Plain
      abdominal radiography was performed for differential diagnosis. The first follow
      up was carried out at 15 months and the second 2 years later for patients who
      showed any abnormality at the first follow-up. Two hundred age- and gender
      matched cohorts were included. RESULTS: All cases received conservative treatment
      in hospital. Fifteen months of follow-up was successfully carried out in 167
      cases. 91 children had residual MUS at the time of discharge, 58 MUS disappeared
      completely, 25 dissolved partially, 1 increased in size, and 7 did not change. At
      2 years of follow-up, the residual stones all disappeared except for 1 case; the
      patient who showed a delayed development with regard to height caught up at 24
      months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Conservative treatment shows a high
      effectiveness in cases with residual MUS. Consumption of MMP with timely
      treatment did not demonstrate an evident impact on kidney and bladder although
      body height is slightly affected in a few cases.

PMID- 22057294
TI  - Investigation and development of quantum dot-encoded microsphere bioconjugates
      for DNA detection by flow cytometry.
AB  - The development of screening assays continues to be an active area of research in
      molecular diagnostics. Fluorescent microspheres conjugated to biomarkers (nucleic
      acids, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates) and analyzed on flow cytometer
      instruments offered a new approach for multiplexed detection platform in a
      suspension format. Quantum dots encoded into synthetic microspheres have the
      potentials to improve current screening bioassays and specifically suspension
      array technology. In this paper, commercialized quantum dot-encoded microsphere
      were evaluated and optimized as fluorescent probes to address some of the
      limitations of suspension array technologies. A comprehensive study was
      undertaken to adapt the bioconjugation procedure to the quantum dot-encoded
      microsphere structural and optical properties. Both the leaching-out of quantum
      dots and microspheres degradation under bioconjugation experimental conditions
      were minimized. A rapid, efficient and reproducible conjugation method was
      developed for the detection of single-stranded DNA with the commercialized
      quantum dot-encoded microsphere. Approximately ten thousand microspheres were
      conjugated to short amino-modified DNA sequences in one hour with high
      efficiency. The bioconjugated microspheres acting as fluorescent probes
      successfully detected a DNA target in suspension with high specificity. Quantum
      dot-encoded microsphere commercial products are limited which strongly prevents
      reproducible and comparative studies between laboratories. The method developed
      here contributes to the understanding of quantum dot-encoded microsphere
      reactivity, and to the optimization of adapted experimental procedure. This step
      is essential in the development of this new fluorescent probe technology for
      multiplex genotyping assay and molecular diagnostic applications.

PMID- 22057296
TI  - Predictive models for tuberculous pleural effusions in a high tuberculosis
      prevalence region.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with pleural effusions who reside in geographic areas with a
      high prevalence of tuberculosis frequently have similar clinical manifestations
      of other diseases. The aim of our study was to develop a simple but accurate
      clinical score for differential diagnosis of tuberculosis pleural effusion (TPE)
      from non-TB pleural effusion (NTPE). METHODS: This was an unblinded, prospective
      study of Turkish patients 18 years of age or older with pleural effusion of
      indeterminate etiology conducted from June 2003 to June 2005. Unconditional
      logistic regression models were used to discriminate TPE cases from NTPE cases.
      Standard errors for the area under the curve (AUC) were calculated using the Mann
      Whitney method. Data were statistically significance if two-tailed P < 0.05.
      RESULTS: A total of 63.3% (157/248) of the patients had TPE while 36.7% (91/248)
      of the patients had other etiologies for pleural effusions. We were able to
      provide a predictive model of TPE that included age <47 years and either pleural
      fluid adenosine deaminase enzyme (PADA) >35 U/l or pleural serum protein ratio
      >0.710. However, only the combination of age <47 and PADA >35 U/l was significant
      (odds ratio [OR]: 7.46; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.99-13.96). The generated
      summary score (range = 0-6) was significantly predictive of TPE (OR: 2.91; 95%
      CI: 2.18-3.89) and with high AUC (0.79). CONCLUSION: We propose an affordable
      model that includes age <47 years and PADA >35 U/l for timely diagnosis of TPE in
      geographical regions with a high prevalence of TB.

PMID- 22057297
TI  - The synthesis and spectral properties of a stimuli-responsive D-pi-A charge
      transfer dye based on indole donor and dicyanomethylene acceptor moiety.
AB  - A dual mode chemosensor dye 3 for detection of fluoride ion, based on the D-pi-A
      molecular framework by one-step condensation, presents high selectivity and
      sensitivity both in colorimetric and fluorometric analyses. Upon the addition of
      F(-) anion, the absorption band shows a remarkable red shift along with
      fluorescent intensity decreasing. The absorption and fluorescent intensities of
      the dye 3 can be reversibly selected by deprotonation/protonation of the amine
      moiety via control of intramolecular charge transfer (ICT), leading to a
      molecular switch with "on" and "off" states. (1)H NMR titration analysis and
      DMol(3) calculation were employed to reveal the intermolecular charge transfer
      system of dye 3-F(-) complex.

PMID- 22057298
TI  - Synthesis, structural determination and spectroscopic analysis of a novel 2D
      terbium coordination network with ethyleneglycol-bis-(2-aminoethylether)
      N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid.
AB  - A novel two-dimensional (2D) mononuclear complex, namely,
      (enH(2))[Tb(III)(egta)(H(2)O)](2).6H(2)O (H(4)egta=ethyleneglycol-bis-(2
      aminoethylether)-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid and en=ethylenediamine), was
      successfully synthesized and characterized by infrared spectrum, UV-vis spectrum,
      fluorescence spectrum, thermal analysis and single-crystal X-ray diffraction
      techniques. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that the central
      Tb(III) ion is nine-coordinate in geometry of pseudo-monocapped square
      antiprismatic polyhedron. Furthermore, the hydrogen bonds play an important role
      in the fabrication of layer structure of the complex. Through hydrogen bonds
      between ethylenediamine cation (enH(2)(2+)) and [Tb(III)(egta)(H(2)O)](-) complex
      anion, the title complex forms a 2D layer network along [111] crystallographic
      direction. Particularly, the fluorescent property is also fully investigated,
      which indicates that the title complex would be a potential candidate as
      fluorescent materials.

PMID- 22057299
TI  - Sticking probability of CN(X2Sigma+) radicals onto amorphous carbon nitride films
      formed from the decomposition of BrCN induced by the microwave discharge flow of
      Ar.
AB  - The sticking probability, s, of CN(X(2)Sigma(+)) radicals onto amorphous carbon
      nitride (a-CN(x)) films with high [N]/([N]+[C]) ratios (<=0.5) was evaluated.
      CN(X(2)Sigma(+)) radicals were generated from the decomposition of BrCN with the
      microwave discharge flow of Ar in the two experimental configurations, I and II,
      where the distance between the tip of the nozzle introducing BrCN is close (~10
      mm) to and distant (~0.3 m) from the laser-beam path or the Si substrate,
      respectively. For each configuration, s was evaluated both under the desiccated
      and H(2)O-added conditions from the number density of CN(X(2)Sigma(+)) evaluated
      from the intensity of the CN(A(2)Pi(i)-X(2)Sigma(+)) laser-induced fluorescence
      spectrum calibrated against Rayleigh scattering intensity of Ar, the flow speed
      measured by a time-resolved emission, and the film mass. The [N]/([N]+[C]) ratios
      of films were evaluated as 0.4-0.5 and 0.3 in the configurations I and II,
      respectively, from the compositional analysis using Rutherford back scattering
      and elastic recoil detection analysis together with the XPS analysis. The
      variation of s under various experimental conditions was discussed based on the
      electron densities in the reaction region and the relative density of the
      hydrogen-termination structures of the film surface.

PMID- 22057300
TI  - Physicochemical study and characterization of the trimethoprim/2-hydroxypropyl
      gamma-cyclodextrin inclusion complex.
AB  - Here we report the preparation of a trimethoprim/2-hydroxypropyl-gamma
      cyclodextrin inclusion complex along with a physicochemical study, structural
      characterization, and molecular modeling of the complex. As main results, we
      observed from phase-solubility studies at two temperatures (20  degrees C and 35 
      degrees C) that the association constants decrease with increasing temperature.
      Values for K(1:1) constant were of the same magnitude order of those found for
      the parent gamma-CD. The inclusion orientation as evidenced by ROESY measurements
      involves the inclusion of the 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzyl ring in the CD cavity from
      the larger rim. This is in agreement with semiempirical molecular modeling
      calculation.

PMID- 22057301
TI  - Study on the interaction of sodium morin-5-sulfonate with bovine serum albumin by
      spectroscopic techniques.
AB  - In the present investigation, an attempt has been made to study the interaction
      of sodium morin-5-sulfonate (NaMSA) with the transport proteins, bovine serum
      albumin (BSA) employing UV-vis, fluorometric and circular dichroism (CD)
      techniques. The experimental results indicated that the quenching mechanism of
      BSA by the compound was a static procedure. Various binding parameters were
      evaluated. The negative value of DeltaH, positive value of DeltaS and the
      negative value of DeltaG indicated that electrostatic interactions and hydrogen
      bonding play major roles in the binding of the NaMSA and BSA. Based on the
      Forster's theory of non-radiation energy transfer, the binding distance, r,
      between the donor (BSA) and acceptor (NaMSA) was evaluated. The results of CD and
      UV-vis spectroscopy showed that the binding of this complex to BSA induces some
      conformational changes in BSA.

PMID- 22057302
TI  - Radiologic features of NUT midline carcinoma in an adolescent.
AB  - We present a case of NUT midline carcinoma (NMC) mimicking lymphoma in an
      adolescent boy, with attention to multidetector CT appearance and pattern of
      metastasis on [F-18]2-fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography (FDG
      PET/CT). Few case reports have focused on the imaging characteristics of this
      rare tumor in the pediatric imaging literature. A newly described but
      increasingly recognized disease entity, NMC should enter the differential of
      pediatric midline tumors displaying particularly aggressive characteristics on
      imaging.

PMID- 22057303
TI  - An organometallic approach for microporous organic network (MON)-Co3O4
      composites: enhanced stability as anode materials for lithium ion batteries.
AB  - Microporous organic network (MON)-Co(3)O(4) composites were obtained via
      organometallic complexation of cobalt carbonyl with MONs and showed enhanced
      stability as anode materials due to the buffering effect of MONs.

PMID- 22057304
TI  - A graphene nanoribbon network and its biosensing application.
AB  - Graphene oxide nanoribbons (GONRs) have been prepared by chemically unzipping
      multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). Thin-film networks of GONRs were
      fabricated by spray-coating, followed by a chemical or thermal reduction to form
      reduced graphene oxide nanoribbons (rGONRs). Raman spectroscopy and X-ray
      photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) characterizations indicate that the thermal
      reduction in the presence of ethanol vapor effectively restores the graphitic
      structure of the GONR as compared to chemical reduction with hydrazine vapor.
      Electrical measurements under a liquid-gate configuration demonstrates that rGONR
      network field-effect transistors exhibit much higher on/off ratios than a network
      of microsized reduced graphene oxides (rGOs) or a continuous film of single
      layered pristine or chemical vapor deposited (CVD) graphene. Furthermore, we
      demonstrated the potential applications of rGONR networks for biosensing,
      specifically, the real-time and sensitive detection of adenosine triphosphate
      (ATP) molecules.

PMID- 22057305
TI  - CpG and poly(I:C) stimulation of dendritic cells and fibroblasts limits herpes
      simplex virus type 1 infection in an IFNbeta-dependent and -independent way.
AB  - Viral activation of toll-like receptors (TLRs) on dendritic cells (DCs) leads to
      production of various cytokines, including antiviral type I interferons (IFNs).
      Synthetic ligands specific for TLRs are also able to induce the production of
      type I IFNs (IFNalpha/beta) by DCs, suggesting that these ligands have potential
      as antiviral drugs. In this in vitro study we extensively investigated the
      antiviral activity of various TLR ligands. Mouse bone marrow (BM) cells were
      differentiated into plasmacytoid and conventional DCs (pDCs and cDCs), stimulated
      with various TLR ligands and tested the antiviral abilities of collected
      supernatants in an in vitro herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) infection model.
      We observed a significant IFNbeta-, (but not IFNalpha-) dependent reduction in
      HSV-1 infection when a mixed pDC/cDC population was stimulated with the TLR9
      ligand CpG. In the absence of pDCs, TLR stimulation resulted in less pronounced
      antiviral effects. The most pronounced antiviral effect was observed when both DC
      subsets were stimulated with poly(I:C). A similar noticeable antiviral effect was
      observed when fibroblasts (L929 cells) were stimulated directly with poly(I:C).
      These poly(I:C)-mediated antiviral effects were only partially IFNbeta-mediated
      and probably TLR independent. These data demonstrate that TLR ligands are not
      only able to produce type I IFN but can indeed act as antiviral drugs. In
      particular poly(I:C), which exerts its antiviral effects even in the absence of
      DCs, may become a promising drug e.g. to prevent respiratory infections by
      topical intranasal application.

PMID- 22057306
TI  - Identification of novel virus inhibitors by influenza A virus specific reporter
      cell based screening.
AB  - As influenza viruses have developed resistance towards current drugs, it is
      urgent to find potential novel antiviral inhibitors. Here we generated an
      influenza virus reporter cell line in which the luciferase gene was driven by the
      influenza virus promoter and screened a small compound library (NCI Diversity Set
      II). Ten compounds were identified to have inhibitory activity against influenza
      A virus H1N1. Among them, four compounds blocked influenza virus replication
      through inhibiting the activity of vRNP. The compound NSC 335506 inhibited HA
      mediated membrane fusion. It showed the inhibitory activity against H1N1, H9N2
      and H5N1 subtype but not H3N2. Our results demonstrated that influenza virus
      reporter cell is a very useful tool to identify novel inhibitors against
      influenza A virus.

PMID- 22057307
TI  - Observations of adolescent peer resistance skills following a classroom-based
      healthy relationship program: a post-intervention comparison.
AB  - This study examines peer resistance skills following a 21-lesson classroom-based
      intervention to build healthy relationships and decrease abusive and health-risk
      behaviors among adolescents. The Fourth R instructs students in positive
      relationship skills, such as negotiation and delay, for navigating challenging
      peer and dating scenarios. Observational data from 196 grade 9 students
      participating in a larger cluster randomized controlled trial were used to
      evaluate post-intervention acquisition of peer resistance skills. Pairs of
      students engaged in a role play paradigm with older student actors, where they
      were subjected to increasing pressure to comply with peer requests related to
      drugs and alcohol, bullying, and sexual behavior. Specific and global measures of
      change in peer resistance responses were obtained from two independent sets of
      observers, blinded to condition. Specific peer resistance responses (negotiation,
      delay, yielding to pressure, refusal, and compliance) were coded by research
      assistants; global peer resistance responses were rated by teachers from other
      schools (thinking / inquiry, application, communication, and perceived efficacy).
      Students who received the intervention were more likely to demonstrate
      negotiation skills and less likely to yield to negative pressure relative to
      controls. Intervention students were also more likely to use delay than controls;
      control girls were more likely to use refusal responses; the number of times
      students complied with peer requests did not differ. Teacher ratings demonstrated
      significant main effects favoring intervention youth on all measures. Program and
      research implications are highlighted.

PMID- 22057308
TI  - Risk of falling in Parkinson's disease at the Hoehn-Yahr stage III.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is difficult to predict the risk of falling, especially in
      patients with good motor ability, and the mechanisms underlying the relation
      between gait patterns and falling in Parkinson's disease (PD) remain unclear. We
      investigated factors related to falling, including walking speed and time, in
      patients with Hoehn-Yahr stage III PD. METHODS: We performed clinical assessments
      and evaluated balance in 30 patients with PD. Information on falling was obtained
      from questionnaires and personal interviews. Gait patterns were analyzed with the
      use of an originally designed, suddenly narrowed path. RESULTS: Gait velocity was
      slower in fallers than in non-fallers (p = 0.047). Unified Parkinson's Disease
      Rating Scale part II (UPDRS part II) score, fear of falling, and gait velocity
      were significantly related to falling on analysis with a single logistic model.
      When a multiple logistic model was used, the UPDRS part II score was
      significantly related to falling (OR: 1.48, p = 0.037, 95% CI: 1.02-2.16).
      CONCLUSIONS: Patients with Hoehn-Yahr stage III PD showed slow gait velocity
      attributed to fear of falling before arrival at a narrowed entrance or while
      walking on a narrowed path. The UPDRS part II score is significantly related to
      the risk of future falls.

PMID- 22057309
TI  - Comparison of the effects of fentanyl, remifentanil, and dexmedetomidine on
      neuromuscular blockade.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of our study was to compare the effects of fentanyl,
      remifentanil, and dexmedetomidine on neuromuscular blockade under sevoflurane
      anesthesia. METHODS: Eighty-four patients were randomized to fentanyl,
      remifentanil, and dexmedetomidine groups. In the fentanyl group, fentanyl 1.5
      MUg/kg was given before induction of anesthesia, and additional 50-MUg boluses
      were administered. In the remifentanil group, the initial dose of remifentanil 1
      MUg/kg was infused in 10 min before induction and 0.1 MUg/kg/min infusion was
      continued during anesthesia. In the dexmedetomidine group, the initial dose of
      dexmedetomidine 1 MUg/kg was infused in 10 min before induction and 1 MUg/kg/h
      infusion was continued during anesthesia. Heart rate, blood pressure, SpO(2),
      EtCO(2), and TOF (train-of-four) values of all patients were monitored during
      anesthesia. Times to reach TOF 0 and TOF 25% and intubation quality were
      recorded. RESULTS: T (0) times and quality of intubation were found to be similar
      among the groups. T (25) time was found to be significantly longer in the
      dexmedetomidine group than in the fentanyl and remifentanil groups. CONCLUSION:
      Dexmedetomidine infusion increased the duration of neuromuscular blockade with
      vecuronium during general anesthesia. In addition to analgesic and sedative
      effects, dexmedetomidine may enhance the duration of neuromuscular blockade and
      may be used as an adjuvant anesthetic during general anesthesia.

PMID- 22057310
TI  - Generic comparison of protein inference engines.
AB  - Protein identifications, instead of peptide-spectrum matches, constitute the
      biologically relevant result of shotgun proteomics studies. How to appropriately
      infer and report protein identifications has triggered a still ongoing debate.
      This debate has so far suffered from the lack of appropriate performance measures
      that allow us to objectively assess protein inference approaches. This study
      describes an intuitive, generic and yet formal performance measure and
      demonstrates how it enables experimentalists to select an optimal protein
      inference strategy for a given collection of fragment ion spectra. We applied the
      performance measure to systematically explore the benefit of excluding possibly
      unreliable protein identifications, such as single-hit wonders. Therefore, we
      defined a family of protein inference engines by extending a simple inference
      engine by thousands of pruning variants, each excluding a different specified set
      of possibly unreliable identifications. We benchmarked these protein inference
      engines on several data sets representing different proteomes and mass
      spectrometry platforms. Optimally performing inference engines retained all high
      confidence spectral evidence, without posterior exclusion of any type of protein
      identifications. Despite the diversity of studied data sets consistently
      supporting this rule, other data sets might behave differently. In order to
      ensure maximal reliable proteome coverage for data sets arising in other studies
      we advocate abstaining from rigid protein inference rules, such as exclusion of
      single-hit wonders, and instead consider several protein inference approaches and
      assess these with respect to the presented performance measure in the specific
      application context.

PMID- 22057311
TI  - Unusual genomic rearrangements in introns 1 and 22 of the F8 gene.
AB  - Intron 1 and intron 22 inversions, two large rearrangements of the factor VIII
      gene, are generally associated with a severe phenotype of haemophilia A and a
      high risk of inhibitor formation. In several haemophiliacs, diagnostic analyses
      for detection of these inversions revealed unusual band patterns. Upon further
      examination, different copy number variations were detected in the factor VIII
      gene of these patients by multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification
      (MLPA). Since these duplications or deletions alone could not sufficiently
      explain the abnormal band patterns of the first analyses, we assumed a
      combination of intron 1 or intron 22 inversions together with a copy number
      variation. RESULT: We could confirm this hypothesis by specific long range PCRs
      but a detailed characterization of the breakpoints and the mechanisms for these
      complex rearrangements have yet to be elucidated.

PMID- 22057312
TI  - Isolated polio-like syndrome after tick-borne encephalitis presenting with acute
      hyperckemia.
AB  - Tick borne encephalitis virus infection usually shows a biphasic course. In the
      first stage of illness symptoms are similar to a flu-like syndrome, then after a
      defervescence period, fever may represent with neurological manifestations
      ranging from mild meningitis to severe encephalomyelitis. We report the clinical
      case of an adult man presented with an acute proximal hyposthenia, severe
      hyperckemia, clinical and laboratoristic evidence of acute tick borne virus
      infection. This virus has a favourite tropism for the anterior horn cells of the
      cervical spine segment. Polio-like syndrome, usually affecting the upper limbs,
      is the clinical phenotype of an infection of the cervical motoneurons. Usually
      myelitis is associated to severe encephalitis and a complete diagnosis may be
      difficult in comatose patients. Rarely, an isolated polio-like syndrome may be
      the sole neurological complication of tick-borne encephalitis.

PMID- 22057313
TI  - Laryngeal dystonia in the course of multiple system atrophy: a cause of
      postoperative respiratory insufficiency.
AB  - Multiple system atrophy (MSA) is an adult onset, incurable neurodegenerative
      disease, characterized by symptoms of nervous system failure. Occurrence of
      laryngeal dystonia indicates increased risk of sudden death caused by airway
      occlusion. We present the case report of 63-year-old patient with history of
      orthostatic hypotension, parkinsonism, progressive adynamia, and stridor. The
      patient was admitted to the hospital for diagnosis of orthostatic hypotension. A
      diagnosis of possible MSA was made. Because of patient's complaints, an X-ray of
      the hip joint was taken. It revealed femoral neck fracture. Endoprosthesis
      insertion under general anesthesia was performed. Two days later the patient
      presented progressive adynamy and respiratory insufficiency. Endotracheal
      intubation and respiratory support were required followed by extubation and one
      more intubation. After second extubation, stridor and acute respiratory
      insufficiency occurred. Urgent tracheostomy was performed. After 13 days in ICU,
      the patient was discharged to the rehabilitation center.

PMID- 22057314
TI  - The role of emergency neurology in Italy: outcome of a consensus meeting for a
      Intersociety position.
AB  - A possible definition of clinical, educational and organizing aspects of
      emergency neurology in Italy is reported in this position paper of Emergency
      Neurology Intersociety Group, created in 2008 among the two neurological
      Societies in Italy: Societa Italiana di Neurologia and Societa di Neuroscienze
      Ospedaliere. The aim of this Group has been the evaluation of the role of
      neurologist in the emergency setting of Italian hospitals, as well as of the
      description of different scenarios in which a ward dedicated to a semi-intensive
      care of neurological emergencies could have a role in the actual organization of
      academic or general hospitals in our Country. The actual great relevance of
      neurologist activity in the inpatients treatment, in fact, is actually misleaded
      as it is the considerable significance of neurological expertise, techniques and
      support in hospital care pathways also involving neurological manifestations
      throughout the course of other diseases. Finally, the possible contents of
      educational programs orienting neurological specialty towards a better
      comprehension and management of emergency neurological problems either in terms
      of specific formation or of techniques to be learned by emergency neurologist,
      are reported as a results of the Consensus Workshop hold in Castiglioncello (LI)
      in September 12th, 2009.

PMID- 22057315
TI  - Heatstroke in patients with Parkinson's disease.
AB  - We present two Parkinson's disease (PD) patients, who experienced heatstroke.
      Both patients manifested central nervous system dysfunction with elevated core
      temperature. Despite adequate lowering of the body temperature, multiorgan
      dysfunction syndrome including encephalopathy, rhabdomyolysis, acute renal
      failure, acute respiratory failure, and disseminated intravascular coagulopathy
      was noted in one patient, leading to permanent neurologic damage. Because the
      ensuing multiorgan dysfunction could determine the functional prognosis in
      heatstroke patients, it is important to provide information about the prevention
      of heatstroke to patients, who are isolated or are severely disabled in the
      advanced stages of PD.

PMID- 22057316
TI  - Crystal structure of HydF scaffold protein provides insights into [FeFe]
      hydrogenase maturation.
AB  - [FeFe]-hydrogenases catalyze the reversible production of H2 in some bacteria and
      unicellular eukaryotes. These enzymes require ancillary proteins to assemble the
      unique active site H-cluster, a complex structure composed of a 2Fe center
      bridged to a [4Fe-4S] cubane. The first crystal structure of a key factor in the
      maturation process, HydF, has been determined at 3 A resolution. The protein
      monomer present in the asymmetric unit of the crystal comprises three domains: a
      GTP-binding domain, a dimerization domain, and a metal cluster-binding domain,
      all characterized by similar folding motifs. Two monomers dimerize, giving rise
      to a stable dimer, held together mainly by the formation of a continuous beta
      sheet comprising eight beta-strands from two monomers. Moreover, in the structure
      presented, two dimers aggregate to form a supramolecular organization that
      represents an inactivated form of the HydF maturase. The crystal structure of the
      latter furnishes several clues about the events necessary for cluster
      generation/transfer and provides an excellent model to begin elucidating the
      structure/function of HydF in [FeFe]-hydrogenase maturation.

PMID- 22057317
TI  - PEDF effectively decreases VEGF to PEDF messenger RNA ratio of the inner edge of
      rat hepatocellular carcinoma induced by diethyl nitrosamine - an "in vivo" study.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is hypervascular. Pigment
      epithelial derived factor (PEDF), a potent angiogenic inhibitor, usually coexists
      with the stimulator, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). To assess the
      treatment effect of PEDF on growing HCCs we conducted this study. METHODOLOGY:
      Pathogen-free male LEW/SsN rats (n=150 in 5 groups), group A as control, groups
      B, C, D and E were given diethyl nitrosamine (DEN) to induce HCC. Group C
      received intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) of PEDF (0.3mg/kg/day) since induction.
      Group D received i.p. of PEDF (0.3mg/kg/day) since 18th week (wk). Group E
      received i.p. of normal saline. We examined VEGF mRNA and PEDF mRNA of livers of
      group A and 3 different areas (advancing edge, inner edge and central area) of
      HCC of other 4 groups at 24th wk. RESULTS: Tumor weight and metastasis score of
      group C were significantly lower (p=0.026). Comparing among 5 groups, the ratio
      of VEGF/PEDF mRNA of inner edge of HCC of group C and D were significantly lower
      (p=0.002 and p=0.011). By multivariate analysis, the difference of group C
      remains significant (p=0.030). CONCLUSIONS: PEDF significantly suppresses rat
      hepatocarcinogenesis if given simultaneously since cancer induction. The
      significant decrease of VEGF/PEDF mRNA is at the inner edge of HCC.

PMID- 22057318
TI  - Gastric motility and emptying in cirrhotic patients with portal hypersensitive
      gastropathy.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Our aim was to clarify gastric motility and emptying in LC
      patients with PHG. METHODOLOGY: A total of 30 LC patients (18 with mild
      gastropathy type, 12 with severe gastropathy type) with a mean age with 65.8 yr
      were enrolled and 17 healthy participants were recruited as the control group.
      Electrogastrography was performed to examine gastric motility in the fasting,
      nocturnal and 2 hr postprandial phase. Subsequently, patients with LC and control
      were performed to measure gastric emptying of solids with the breath test using
      13C for labeling the octanoic acid. Breath samples were obtained every 15 to 30
      minutes for 5 hours. RESULTS: The mean frequency of the EGG while fasting with
      severe PHG was significantly increased compared to mild PHG (p<0.05). The mean
      frequency of the EGG at 1-hr and 2-hr postprandially with severe PHG was
      significantly increased compared to mild PHG. The half time of GE with both mild
      and severe PHG was significantly increased compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS:
      Postprandial EGG and GE in LC patients would be affected by PHG.

PMID- 22057319
TI  - Release of extracellular purines from plant roots and effect on ion fluxes.
AB  - Extracellular purine nucleotides appear capable of regulating plant development,
      defence and stress responses by acting in part as agonists of plasma membrane
      calcium channels. Factors stimulating ATP release include wounding, osmotic
      stress and elicitors. Here we show that exogenous abscisic acid and L-glutamate
      can also cause ATP accumulation around Arabidopsis thaliana roots. Release of ADP
      from root epidermis would trigger ionotropic receptor-like activity in the plasma
      membrane, resulting in transient elevation of cytosolic free calcium. Root
      epidermal protoplasts (expressing aequorin as a cytosolic free calcium reporter)
      can support an extracellular ADP-induced cytosolic calcium elevation in the
      presence of an extracellular reductant. This confirms that ADP could elicit
      calcium-based responses distinct to those of ATP, which have been shown
      previously to involve production of extracellular reactive oxygen species.

PMID- 22057320
TI  - Emerging aspects of ER organization in root hair tip growth: lessons from RHD3
      and Atlastin.
AB  - Cell polarity is a fundamental aspect of eukaryotic cells. A central question for
      cell biologists is how the polarity of a cell is established and maintained. Root
      hairs are exceptionally polarized structures formed from specific root epidermal
      cells. The morphogenesis of root hairs is characterized by the localized cell
      growth in a small dome at the tip of the hair, a process called tip growth. Root
      hairs are thus an attractive model system to study the establishment and
      maintenance of cell polarity in eukaryotes. Research on Arabidopsis root hairs
      has identified a plethora of molecular and cellular components that are important
      for root hair tip growth. Recently, studies on RHD3 and Atlastin have revealed a
      surprising similarity with respect to the role of the tubular ER network in tip
      growth of root hairs in plants and the axonal outgrowth of corticospinal neurons
      in neurological disorders known as hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP). In this
      mini-review, we highlight recent progress in understanding of the function and
      regulation of RHD3 in the generation of the tubular ER network and discussed ways
      in which RHD3 could be involved in the establishment and maintenance of root hair
      tip growth.

PMID- 22057321
TI  - Does brassinosteroid function require chromatin remodeling?
AB  - The phytohormone brassinosteroid (BR) is crucial for plant growth and
      development. Although genetic and molecular approaches have improved
      understanding of the cellular BR signaling pathway, we still do not have
      sufficient knowledge about the function of BR. Therefore, proteomic analysis was
      used to elucidate BR signaling and gene expression in the nuclei of suspended
      Arabidopsis cells treated with brassinolide, a bioactive BR, or brassinazole, a
      BR biosynthesis inhibitor. Interestingly, chromatin remodeling-related proteins,
      the abundance of which was altered in response to cellular BR levels, were
      identified. This suggested that BR-induced gene expression is regulated not only
      by transcription factors directly binding to cis-elements, but also by chromatin
      remodeling in response to BR signaling. In this addendum, we summarize the
      functions of our identified nuclear proteins in chromatin remodeling and discuss
      the need for chromatin remodeling regulated by BR signal transduction for
      expression of BR-induced genes.

PMID- 22057322
TI  - Roles of EDR1 in non-host resistance of Arabidopsis.
AB  - Entry control of Arabidopsis thaliana against non-adapted powdery mildews largely
      depends on the PEN1 secretion pathway and the PEN2-PEN3 antifungal metabolite
      pathway, and is critical for non-host resistance. In a recent study, we reported
      that ENHANCED DISEASE RESISTANCE 1 (EDR1) plays a role in entry control against a
      non-adapted anthracnose fungus, which exhibits an infection style distinct from
      that of powdery mildews. Results obtained using edr1 pen2 double mutants indicate
      that the contribution of EDR1 to non-host resistance is independent of that of
      the PEN2-mediated defence pathway. Comparative transcript profiling revealed that
      EDR1 is critical for expression of four plant defensin genes. The MYC2-encoded
      transcription factor represses defensin expression. Inactivation of MYC fully
      restored defensin expression in edr1 mutants, implying that EDR1 cancels MYC2
      function to regulate defensin expression. These findings indicate that EDR1
      exerts a critical role in non-host resistance, in part by inducing antifungal
      peptide expression via interference in MYC2-mediated repressor function.

PMID- 22057323
TI  - Potential but limited redundant roles of MtPIN4, MtPIN5 and MtPIN10/SLM1 in the
      development of Medicago truncatula.
AB  - Auxin polar transport is crucial in regulating plant growth and patterning. As
      auxin efflux carriers, the PIN FORMED (PIN) proteins are responsible for
      transportation of auxin out of the cell. There are eight and ten PIN members in
      Arabidopsis (AtPIN) and Medicago truncatula (MtPIN), respectively. Compared with
      MtPIN10/SMOOTH LEAF MARGIN1 (SLM1), MtPIN4 exhibits a closer relationship with
      AtPIN1 based phylogenetic analysis. In addition, the gene structure and
      distribution of transmembrane segments of MtPIN4, MtPIN5 and MtPIN10/SLM1 are
      similar, implying possible redundant roles among them. However, analysis using
      Gene Expression Atlas revealed different expression patterns among MtPIN4, MtPIN5
      and MtPIN10/SLM1. Loss of function of MtPIN10/SLM1 in M. truncatula resulted in
      pleiotropic phenotypes in different organs, which are similar with the defects in
      the pin1 mutant of Arabidopsis, suggesting that the MtPIN10/SLM1 is a putative
      ortholog of AtPIN1. MtPIN4, MtPIN5 and MtPIN10/SLM1 may have limited redundant
      functions in the development of M. truncatula. The creation of double and triple
      mutants will help to elucidate their potential roles in auxin transport and plant
      development.

PMID- 22057324
TI  - Bisymmetry in the embryonic root is dependent on cotyledon number and position.
AB  - In the shoot pole of Arabidopsis embryos, radial symmetry is broken by cotyledon
      specification. Subsequently, the radial pattern of the embryo axis is converted
      to bisymmetric. In a recent publication, we showed that distinct boundaries of
      hormonal signalling output specify the vascular pattern in the root meristem
      through a mutually inhibitory feedback loop between the hormones auxin and
      cytokinin. We observed that during embryogenesis, symmetry breakage in the root
      pole coincided with an influx of auxin from the cotyledons. In this manuscript,
      we provide genetic data to support the role of the cotyledons in initiating
      symmetry breaking in the embryonic root pole. Mutants with alterations in
      cotyledon number fail to establish bisymmetry in the embryo axis. These data
      further support the idea that input from the cotyledons may be required for the
      propagation of bisymmetry from the cotyledons to the embryonic root.

PMID- 22057325
TI  - Plant lipid bodies and cell-cell signaling: a new role for an old organelle?
AB  - Plant lipid droplets are found in seeds and in post-embryonic tissues. Lipid
      droplets in seeds have been intensively studied, but those in post-embryonic
      tissues are less well characterised. Although known by a variety of names, here
      we will refer to all of them as lipid bodies (LBs). LBs are unique spherical
      organelles which bud off from the endoplasmic reticulum, and are composed of a
      single phospholipid (PL) layer enclosing a core of triacylglycerides. The PL
      monolayer is coated with oleosin, a structural protein that stabilizes the LB,
      restricts its size, and prevents fusion with adjacent LBs. Oleosin is uniquely
      present at LBs and is regarded as a LB marker. Although initially viewed as
      simple stores for energy and carbon, the emerging view is that LBs also function
      in cytoplasmic signalling, with the minor LB proteins caleosin and steroleosin in
      a prominent role. Apart from seeds, a variety of vegetative and floral structures
      contain LBs. Recently, it was found that numerous LBs emerge in the shoot apex of
      perennial plants during seasonal growth arrest and bud formation. They appear to
      function in dormancy release by reconstituting cell-cell signalling paths in the
      apex. As apices and orthodox seeds proceed through comparable cycles of dormancy
      and dehydration, the question arises to what degree LBs in apices share functions
      with those in seeds. We here review what is known about LBs, particularly in
      seeds, and speculate about possible unique functions of LBs in post-embryonic
      tissues in general and in apices in particular.

PMID- 22057326
TI  - Does polyamine catabolism influence root development and xylem differentiation
      under stress conditions?
AB  - Amine oxidases (AOs) oxidize polyamines (PAs) to aldehydes, simultaneously
      producing the removed amine moiety and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). AOs, which
      include copper-containing amine oxidases (CuAOs) and flavin-containing amine
      oxidases (PAOs), are stress-inducible enzymes involved in both PA homeostasis and
      H2O2 production. Here, we suggest that H2O2 derived from PAO-mediated PA
      catabolism has a role in inducing root xylem differentiation during plant stress
      responses, whereas its involvement in this event during plant development under
      physiological conditions is not suitably supported by the currently available
      data. Moreover, we show that spermidine (Spd) supply leads to a higher induction
      of cell death in wild-type (WT) tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) plants as compared to
      tobacco plants over-expressing maize (Zea mays) PAO (S-ZmPAO) in the cell wall,
      in apparent contradiction with the already reported results obtained by the
      analysis of the corresponding WT and S-ZmPAO Spd-untreated plants. Considering
      this last observation, we propose that PAs diversely affect plant development and
      stress responses depending on the expression levels of AOs, which in turn may
      lead to different plant responses by altering the PAs/H2O2 balance.

PMID- 22057327
TI  - Is GC bias in the nuclear genome of the carnivorous plant Utricularia driven by
      ROS-based mutation and biased gene conversion?
AB  - At less than 90 Mbp, the tiny nuclear genome of the carnivorous bladderwort plant
      Utricularia is an attractive model system for studying molecular evolutionary
      processes leading to genome miniaturization. Recently, we reported that
      expression of genes encoding DNA repair and reactive oxygen species (ROS)
      detoxification enzymes is highest in Utricularia traps, and we argued that ROS
      mutagenic action correlates with the high nucleotide substitution rates observed
      in the Utricularia plastid, mitochondrial, and nuclear genomes. Here, we extend
      our analysis of 100 nuclear genes from Utricularia and related asterid eudicots
      to examine nucleotide substitution biases and their potential correlation with
      ROS-induced DNA lesions. We discovered an unusual bias toward GC nucleotides,
      most prominently in transition substitutions at the third position of codons,
      which are presumably silent with respect to adaptation. Given the general
      tendency of biased gene conversion to drive GC bias, and of ROS to induce double
      strand breaks requiring recombinational repair, we propose that some of the
      unusual features of the bladderwort and its genome may be more reflective of
      these nonadaptive processes than of natural selection.

PMID- 22057328
TI  - Plant TOR signaling components.
AB  - Cell growth is a process that needs to be tightly regulated. Cells must be able
      to sense environmental factors like nutrient abundance, the energy level or
      stress signals and coordinate growth accordingly. The Target Of Rapamycin (TOR)
      pathway is a major controller of growth-related processes in all eukaryotes. If
      environmental conditions are favorable, the TOR pathway promotes cell and organ
      growth and restrains catabolic processes like autophagy. Rapamycin is a specific
      inhibitor of the TOR kinase and acts as a potent inhibitor of TOR signaling. As a
      consequence, interfering with TOR signaling has a strong impact on plant
      development. This review summarizes the progress in the understanding of the
      biological significance and the functional analysis of the TOR pathway in plants.

PMID- 22057329
TI  - Role of salicylic acid in induction of plant defense system in chickpea (Cicer
      arietinum L.).
AB  - Salicylic acid (SA), a plant hormone plays an important role in induction of
      plant defense against a variety of biotic and abiotic stresses through
      morphological, physiological and biochemical mechanisms. A series of experiments
      were carried out to evaluate the biochemical response of the chickpea (Cicer
      arietinum L.) plants to a range of SA concentrations (1, 1.5, and 2 mM). Water
      treated plants were maintained as control. Activities of peroxidase (POD) and
      polyphenol oxidase (PPO) were evaluated and amounts of total phenols, hydrogen
      peroxide (H2O2), and proteins were calculated after 96 h of treatment. Plants
      responded very quickly to SA at 1.5 mM and showed higher induction of POD and PPO
      activities, besides the higher accumulation of phenols, H2O2 and proteins. Plants
      treated with SA at 2 mM showed phytotoxic symptoms. These results suggest that SA
      at 1.5 mM is safe to these plants and could be utilized for the induction of
      plant defense.

PMID- 22057330
TI  - Cellulose synthesis in two secondary cell wall processes in a single cell type.
AB  - Plant cells have a rigid cell wall that constrains internal turgor pressure yet
      extends in a regulated and organized manner to allow the cell to acquire shape.
      The primary load-bearing macromolecule of a plant cell wall is cellulose, which
      forms crystalline microfibrils that are organized with respect to a cell's
      function and shape requirements. A primary cell wall is deposited during
      expansion whereas secondary cell wall is synthesized post expansion during
      differentiation. A complex form of asymmetrical cellular differentiation occurs
      in Arabidopsis seed coat epidermal cells, where we have recently shown that two
      secondary cell wall processes occur that utilize different cellulose synthase
      (CESA) proteins. One process is to produce pectinaceous mucilage that expands
      upon hydration and the other is a radial wall thickening that reinforced the
      epidermal cell structure. Our data illustrate polarized specialization of CESA5
      in facilitating mucilage attachment to the parent seed and CESA2, CESA5 and CESA9
      in radial cell wall thickening and formation of the columella. Herein, we present
      a model for the complexity of cellulose biosynthesis in this highly
      differentiated cell type with further evidence supporting each cellulosic
      secondary cell wall process.

PMID- 22057331
TI  - Plant responses to water stress: role of reactive oxygen species.
AB  - Responses of plants to water stress may be assigned as either injurious change or
      tolerance index. One of the primary and cardinal changes in response to drought
      stress is the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which is being
      considered as the cause of cellular damage. However, recently a signaling role of
      such ROS in triggering the ROS scavenging system that may confer protection or
      tolerance against stress is emerging. Such scavenging system consists of
      antioxidant enzymes like SOD, catalase and peroxidases, and antioxidant compounds
      like ascorbate, reduced glutathione; a balance between ROS generation and
      scavenging ultimately determines the oxidative load. As revealed in case of
      defence against pathogen, signaling via ROS is initiated by NADPH oxidase
      catalyzed superoxide generation in the apoplastic space (cell wall) followed by
      conversion to hydrogen peroxide by the activity of cell wall-localized SOD. Wall
      peroxidase may also play role in ROS generation for signaling. Hydrogen peroxide
      may use Ca2+ and MAPK pathway as downstream signaling cascade. Plant hormones
      associated with stress responses like ABA and ethylene play their role possibly
      via a cross talk with ROS towards stress tolerance, thus projecting a dual role
      of ROS under drought stress.

PMID- 22057332
TI  - ARF-GTPase activating protein mediates auxin influx carrier AUX1 early endosome
      trafficking to regulate auxin dependent plant development.
AB  - Polar auxin transport (PAT) plays a critical role in the regulation of plant
      growth and development. Auxin influx carrier AUX1 is predominantly localized to
      the upper side of specific root cells in Arabidopsis. Overexpression of OsAGAP,
      an ARF-GTPase activating protein in rice, could induce the accumulation of AUX1.
      But the mechanism is poorly known. Here we reported that over-expression of ARF
      GAP could reduce the thickness and bundling of microfilament (MF) which possibly
      could greatly interfere with the endocytosis of AUX1 early endosome; but not the
      exocytosis of AUX1 recycling endosome. Therefore, AFR-GAP over-expression
      suppressed-MF bundling is likely involved in regulating endocytosis of Auxin
      influx carrier AUX1 and in mediating auxin dependent plant development.    

PMID- 22057333
TI  - The reciprocal regulation of abscisic acid and ethylene biosyntheses.
AB  - Ethylene and abscisic acid (ABA) have compact effects on plant development and
      stress responses. It is not well understood about the mechanism of ABA modulation
      in ethylene biosynthesis. In our recent research, HY5-AtERF11 regulon was
      evidenced to connect the ABA action and ethylene biosynthesis. In this paper, by
      analyzing the expression of ABA biosynthesis genes and the ABA concentration in
      ethylene over-production mutants, we demonstrated that ethylene production
      affected by HY5-AtERF11 regulon targeted gene increased the expression of ABA
      biosynthesis genes and its contents. In addition, we discussed that HY5 might
      function as a convergence point of multiple hormones in response to light.

PMID- 22057334
TI  - Control of dicot leaf blade expansion by a WOX gene, STF.
AB  - WUSCHEL-RELATED HOMEOBOX (WOX) genes are plant specific transcription factors
      that serve as master switches controlling key developmental programs from embryo
      apical-basal asymmetric patterning to organizing stem cells and development of
      lateral organs. Recently, we reported the requirement of a WOX1/MAW-like gene,
      STENOFOLIA (STF), for blade outgrowth and leaf vascular patterning in Medicago
      truncatula and Nicotiana sylvestris. The stf mutant in Medicago produces narrow
      leaves where mediolateral outgrowth of the blade is severely curtailed while
      proximodistal growth and trifoliate identity remain unaffected. The lam1 mutant
      in N. sylvestris produces leaves devoid of blade tissue with just 1-2 layers of
      rudimentary strips and lacks stem elongation. stf and lam1 mutants have narrow
      petals and are female sterile due to defective ovule development. Morphological
      analysis of mutants and STF expression patterns suggest that STF regulates blade
      outgrowth mainly by controlling cell division in the margins of leaf primordium.
      Both the blade and flower phenotypes of lam1 can be complemented with WUS
      expressed under the STF promoter suggesting a conserved mechanism in stem cell
      maintenance and lateral organ development.

PMID- 22057335
TI  - Phototropin-dependent biased relocalization of cp-actin filaments can be induced
      even when chloroplast movement is inhibited.
AB  - In a recent publication using an actin-visualized line of Arabidopsis (Ichikawa
      et al. 2011, ref. 11), we reported a detailed analysis with higher time
      resolution on the dynamics of chloroplast actin filaments (cp-actin filaments)
      during chloroplast avoidance movement and demonstrated a good correlation between
      the biased configuration of cp-actin filaments and chloroplast movement. However,
      we could not conclusively determine whether the reorganization of cp-actin
      filaments into a biased configuration preceded actual chloroplast movement (and,
      thus, whether it could be a cause of the movement). In this report, we present
      clear evidence that the reorganization of cp-actin filaments into a biased
      distribution is induced even in the absence of the actual movement of
      chloroplasts. When the cells were treated with 2,3-butanedione monoxime (BDM), a
      potent inhibitor of myosin ATPase, chloroplast motility was completely
      suppressed. Nevertheless, the disappearance and biased relocalization of cp-actin
      filaments toward the side of the prospective movement direction were induced by
      irradiation with a strong blue light microbeam. The results definitively indicate
      that the reorganization of cp-actin filaments is not an effect of chloroplast
      movement; however, it is feasible that the biased localization of cp-actin
      filaments is an event leading to chloroplast movement.

PMID- 22057336
TI  - Modulation of root branching by a coumarin derivative.
AB  - A healthy root system is crucial to plant growth and survival. To maintain
      efficiency of root function, plants have to dynamically modulate root system
      architecture through various adaptive mechanisms such as lateral root formation
      to respond to a changing and diversified soil environment. Exogenous application
      of a coumarin derivative, 4-methylumbelliferone (4-MU), in Arabidopsis thaliana
      inhibits seed germination by mainly reducing primary root growth. UDP
      glycosyltransferases play an integral role in the biochemical mechanism of 4-MU
      detoxification in plant roots.1 However, 4-MU treatment also dramatically led to
      increased lateral root initiation, elongation and density. Moreover, marked root
      bending at the root-hypocotyl junction and auxin redistribution appeared to
      contribute to the 4-MU-mediated lateral root formation. We propose that 4-MU
      would serve as a useful chemical tool to study auxin-mediated root branching.

PMID- 22057337
TI  - sn-Glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferases in plants.
AB  - sn-Glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (GPAT) catalyzes the acylation at sn-1
      position of glycerol-3-phosphate to produce lysophosphatidic acid (LPA). LPA is
      an important intermediate for the formation of different types of acyl-lipids,
      such as extracellular lipid polyesters, storage and membrane lipids. Three types
      of GPAT have been found in plants, localizing to the plastid, endoplasmic
      reticulum, and mitochondria. These GPATs are involved in several lipid
      biosynthetic pathways and play important biological roles in plant development.
      In the present review, we will focus on the recent progress in studying the
      physiological functions of GPATs and their metabolic roles in glycerolipid
      biosynthesis.

PMID- 22057338
TI  - Glycinebetaine and abiotic stress tolerance in plants.
AB  - The accumulation of osmolytes like glycinebetaine (GB) in cell is known to
      protect organisms against abiotic stresses via osmoregulation or osmoprotection.
      Transgenic plants engineered to produce GB accumulate very low concentration of
      GB, which might not be sufficient for osmoregulation. Therefore, other roles of
      GB like cellular macromolecule protection and ROS detoxification have been
      suggested as mechanisms responsible for abiotic stress tolerance in transgenic
      plants. In addition, GB influences expression of several endogenous genes in
      transgenic plants. The new insights gained about the mechanism of stress
      tolerance in GB accumulating transgenic plants are discussed.

PMID- 22057339
TI  - How are tonoplast proteins degraded?
AB  - Protein turnover is fundamental both for development and cellular homeostasis.
      The mechanisms responsible for the turnover of integral membrane proteins in
      plant cells are however still largely unknown. Recently, considerable attention
      has been devoted to the degradation of plasma membrane proteins. We have now
      studied the turnover of a tonoplast protein, the potassium channel TPK1, in fully
      differentiated Arabidopsis leaf cells and showed that its degradation occurs upon
      internalization into the vacuole. Here, we discuss the possible mechanisms and
      triggering events involved.

PMID- 22057340
TI  - Pyrosequencing data reveals tissue-specific expression of lineage-specific
      transcripts in chickpea.
AB  - Chickpea is a very important crop legume plant, which provides a protein-rich
      supplement to cereal-based diets and has the ability to fix atmospheric nitrogen.
      Despite its economic importance, the functional genomic resources for chickpea
      are very limited. Recently, we reported the complete transcriptome of chickpea
      using next generation sequencing technologies. We analyzed the tissue-specific
      expression of chickpea transcripts based on RNA-seq data. In addition, we
      identified two sets of lineage-specific genes, including a total of 3,632
      chickpea-specific and 741 as legume-specific transcripts based on sequence
      comparison with other species within plant kingdom. The study of lineage-specific
      genes provides insights into the species-/lineage-specific functions and
      evolutionary processes. In this study, we further analyze the expression profiles
      of legume- and chickpea-specific transcripts in various tissue samples. Several
      legume- and chickpea-specific transcripts showed preferential and/or specific
      expression in the tissue samples analyzed. Our analysis provides evidence for the
      role of legume- and chickpea-specific transcripts in various tissues and opens an
      important area of future research to elucidate the exact role of these genes.

PMID- 22057341
TI  - Comparative analysis of protein transport in the N. benthamiana vasculature
      reveals different destinations.
AB  - We investigated the vascular transport of exogenously applied proteins and
      compared their delivery to various aerial parts of the plant with carboxy
      fluorescein dye. Alexafluor tagged bovine serum albumin (Alexa-BSA) moves at a
      low level to upper parts of the plant and unloads to the apoplast. Alexafluor
      tagged Histone H1 (Alexa-Histone) moves rapidly throughout the plant and is
      retained in the phloem and phloem parenchyma. Both Alexa-Histone and -BSA were
      exported from leaf veins class II and III but they unloaded completely into the
      leaf lamina with barely any residual fluorescence left inside the leaf veins.
      Fluorescein tagged hepatitis C virus core protein (fluorescein-HCV) moves more
      rapidly than BSA through the plant and was restricted to the leaf veins.
      Fluorescein-HCV failed to unload to the leaf lamina. These combined data suggest
      that there is not a single default pathway for the transfer of exogenous proteins
      through the plant. Specific protein properties appear to determine their
      destination and transport properties within the phloem.

PMID- 22057342
TI  - Arabidopsis Pht1;5 plays an integral role in phosphate homeostasis.
AB  - The mobilization of inorganic phosphate (Pi) in planta is a complex process
      regulated by a number of developmental and environmental cues. Plants possess
      many Pi transporters that acquire Pi from the rhizosphere and translocate it
      throughout the plant. A few members of the high-affinity Pht1 family of Pi
      transporters have been functionally characterized and, for the most part, have
      been shown to be involved in Pi acquisition. We recently demonstrated that the
      Arabidopsis Pi transporter, Pht1;5, plays a key role in translocating Pi between
      tissues. Loss-of-function pht1;5 mutant seedlings accumulated more P in shoots
      relative to wild type but less in roots. In contrast, overexpression of Pht1;5
      resulted in a lower P shoot:root ratio compared with wild type. Also, the rosette
      leaves of Pht1;5-overexpression plants senesced early and contained less P,
      whereas reproductive organs accumulated more P than those of wild type. Herein we
      report the molecular response of disrupting Pht1;5 expression on other factors
      known to modulate P distribution. The results reveal reciprocal mis-regulation of
      PHO1, miR399d, and At4 in the pht1;5 mutant and Pht1;5-overexpressor, consistent
      with the corresponding changes in P distribution in these lines. Together our
      studies reveal a complex role for Pht1;5 in regulating Pi homeostasis.

PMID- 22057343
TI  - Sample selection, preparation methods, and the apparent tensile properties of
      silkworm (B. mori) cocoon silk.
AB  - Reported literature values of the tensile properties of natural silk cover a wide
      range. While much of this inconsistency is the result of variability that is
      intrinsic to silk, some is also a consequence of differences in the way that silk
      is prepared for tensile tests. Here we explore how measured mechanical properties
      of Bombyx mori cocoon silk are affected by two intrinsic factors (the location
      from which the silk is collected within the cocoon, and the color of the silk),
      and two extrinsic factors (the storage conditions prior to testing, and different
      styles of reeling the fiber). We find that extrinsic and therefore controllable
      factors can affect the properties more than the intrinsic ones studied. Our
      results suggest that enhanced inter-laboratory collaborations, that lead to
      standardized sample collection, handling, and storage protocols prior to
      mechanical testing, would help to decrease unnecessary (and complicating)
      variation in reported tensile properties.

PMID- 22057344
TI  - ECIRS (Endoscopic Combined Intrarenal Surgery) in the Galdakao-modified supine
      Valdivia position: a new life for percutaneous surgery?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PNL) is still the gold-standard
      treatment for large and/or complex renal stones. Evolution in the endoscopic
      instrumentation and innovation in the surgical skills improved its success rate
      and reduced perioperative morbidity. ECIRS (Endoscopic Combined IntraRenal
      Surgery) is a new way of affording PNL in a modified supine position, approaching
      antero-retrogradely to the renal cavities, and exploiting the full array of
      endourologic equipment. ECIRS summarizes the main issues recently debated about
      PNL. METHODS: The recent literature regarding supine PNL and ECIRS has been
      reviewed, namely about patient positioning, synergy between operators,
      procedures, instrumentation, accessories and diagnostic tools, step-by-step
      standardization along with versatility of the surgical sequence, minimization of
      radiation exposure, broadening to particular and/or complex patients, limitation
      of post-operative renal damage. RESULTS: Supine PNL and ECIRS are not superior to
      prone PNL in terms of urological results, but guarantee undeniable
      anesthesiological and management advantages for both patient and operators. In
      particular, ECIRS requires from the surgeon a permanent mental attitude to
      synergy, standardized surgical steps, versatility and adherence to the ongoing
      clinical requirements. ECIRS can be performed also in particular cases,
      irrespective to age or body habitus. The use of flexible endoscopes during ECIRS
      contributes to minimizing radiation exposure, hemorrhagic risk and post-PNL renal
      damage. CONCLUSIONS: ECIRS may be considered an evolution of the PNL procedure.
      Its proposal has the merit of having triggered the critical analysis of the
      various PNL steps and of patient positioning, and of having transformed the old
      static PNL into an updated approach.

PMID- 22057345
TI  - Intra-arterial catheter for simultaneous microstructural and molecular imaging in
      vivo.
AB  - Advancing understanding of human coronary artery disease requires new methods
      that can be used in patients for studying atherosclerotic plaque microstructure
      in relation to the molecular mechanisms that underlie its initiation, progression
      and clinical complications, including myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac
      death. Here we report a dual-modality intra-arterial catheter for simultaneous
      microstructural and molecular imaging in vivo using a combination of optical
      frequency domain imaging (OFDI) and near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging. By
      providing simultaneous molecular information in the context of the surrounding
      tissue microstructure, this new catheter could provide new opportunities for
      investigating coronary atherosclerosis and stent healing and for identifying high
      risk biological and structural coronary arterial plaques in vivo.

PMID- 22057346
TI  - Identification of a central role for complement in osteoarthritis.
AB  - Osteoarthritis, characterized by the breakdown of articular cartilage in synovial
      joints, has long been viewed as the result of 'wear and tear'. Although low-grade
      inflammation is detected in osteoarthritis, its role is unclear. Here we identify
      a central role for the inflammatory complement system in the pathogenesis of
      osteoarthritis. Through proteomic and transcriptomic analyses of synovial fluids
      and membranes from individuals with osteoarthritis, we find that expression and
      activation of complement is abnormally high in human osteoarthritic joints. Using
      mice genetically deficient in complement component 5 (C5), C6 or the complement
      regulatory protein CD59a, we show that complement, specifically, the membrane
      attack complex (MAC)-mediated arm of complement, is crucial to the development of
      arthritis in three different mouse models of osteoarthritis. Pharmacological
      modulation of complement in wild-type mice confirmed the results obtained with
      genetically deficient mice. Expression of inflammatory and degradative molecules
      was lower in chondrocytes from destabilized joints from C5-deficient mice than C5
      sufficient mice, and MAC induced production of these molecules in cultured
      chondrocytes. Further, MAC colocalized with matrix metalloprotease 13 (MMP13) and
      with activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) around chondrocytes in
      human osteoarthritic cartilage. Our findings indicate that dysregulation of
      complement in synovial joints has a key role in the pathogenesis of
      osteoarthritis.

PMID- 22057347
TI  - Inhibition of proteasome deubiquitinating activity as a new cancer therapy.
AB  - Ubiquitin-tagged substrates are degraded by the 26S proteasome, which is a
      multisubunit complex comprising a proteolytic 20S core particle capped by 19S
      regulatory particles. The approval of bortezomib for the treatment of multiple
      myeloma validated the 20S core particle as an anticancer drug target. Here we
      describe the small molecule b-AP15 as a previously unidentified class of
      proteasome inhibitor that abrogates the deubiquitinating activity of the 19S
      regulatory particle. b-AP15 inhibited the activity of two 19S regulatory-particle
      associated deubiquitinases, ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase 5 (UCHL5) and
      ubiquitin-specific peptidase 14 (USP14), resulting in accumulation of
      polyubiquitin. b-AP15 induced tumor cell apoptosis that was insensitive to TP53
      status and overexpression of the apoptosis inhibitor BCL2. We show that treatment
      with b-AP15 inhibited tumor progression in four different in vivo solid tumor
      models and inhibited organ infiltration in an acute myeloid leukemia model. Our
      results show that the deubiquitinating activity of the 19S regulatory particle is
      a new anticancer drug target.

PMID- 22057348
TI  - Cancer cell-selective in vivo near infrared photoimmunotherapy targeting specific
      membrane molecules.
AB  - Three major modes of cancer therapy (surgery, radiation and chemotherapy) are the
      mainstay of modern oncologic therapy. To minimize the side effects of these
      therapies, molecular-targeted cancer therapies, including armed antibody therapy,
      have been developed with limited success. In this study, we have developed a new
      type of molecular-targeted cancer therapy, photoimmunotherapy (PIT), that uses a
      target-specific photosensitizer based on a near-infrared (NIR) phthalocyanine
      dye, IR700, conjugated to monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) targeting epidermal growth
      factor receptors. Cell death was induced immediately after irradiating mAb-IR700
      bound target cells with NIR light. We observed in vivo tumor shrinkage after
      irradiation with NIR light in target cells expressing the epidermal growth factor
      receptor. The mAb-IR700 conjugates were most effective when bound to the cell
      membrane and produced no phototoxicity when not bound, suggesting a different
      mechanism for PIT as compared to conventional photodynamic therapies. Target
      selective PIT enables treatment of cancer based on mAb binding to the cell
      membrane.

PMID- 22057349
TI  - Glu-108 is essential for subunit assembly and dimer stability of D
      phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase from Entamoeba histolytica.
AB  - D-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase catalyses the first step of phosphorylated
      serine biosynthesis pathway by oxidizing 3-phosphoglycerate, a glycolysis
      intermediate into phosphohydroxsy pyruvate. For Entamoeba histolytica this
      pathway is an integral part of the cysteine metabolism, which is considered to be
      vital for growth and survival of the parasite. Entamoeba histolytica D
      phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (EhPGDH) exists as a homodimer at pH 7. Mild
      acidic conditions induce significant changes in the functional and structural
      features of the protein as observed by enzymatic activity, spectropolarimetric
      measurements and fluorescence spectroscopy. Most interestingly the oligomeric
      status of the protein was lost and a functionally inactive monomer was stabilized
      at pH 5. Computational modeling and molecular dynamic simulations show that
      dimeric assembly of EhPGDH was stabilized with the help of several inter-subunit
      non-covalent interactions and subunit dissociation at pH 5 can be attributed to
      protonation of acidic amino acid residues present at the dimer interface. Site
      directed mutagenesis studies suggest that Glu-108 is essential for subunit
      assembly as the E108A mutant existed as monomer even at pH 7. The studies
      unequivocally show that the electrostatic interactions at the dimer interface
      play a crucial role in the stability of the protein and a complete dimer is
      essentially required for optimal enzymatic activity.

PMID- 22057350
TI  - Characterization of acyl carrier protein and LytB in Babesia bovis apicoplast.
AB  - The apicoplast is a highly specialized organelle that mediates required functions
      in the growth and replication of apicomplexan parasites. Despite structural
      conservation of the apicoplast among different parasite genera and species, there
      are also critical differences in the metabolic requirements of different
      parasites and at different stages of the life cycle. To specifically compare
      apicoplast pathways between parasites that have both common and unique stages, we
      characterized the apicoplast in Babesia bovis, which has only intraerythrocytic
      asexual stages in the mammalian host, and compared it to that of Plasmodium
      falciparum, which has both asexual intraerythrocytic and hepatic stages.
      Specifically focusing on the type II fatty acid (FASII) and isoprenoid (MEP)
      biosynthesis pathways, we searched for pathway components and retention of active
      sites within the genome, localized key components [acyl carrier protein (ACP) and
      4-hydroxy-3-methylbut-2-enyl diphosphate reductase (LytB)] to the apicoplast, and
      demonstrated that the N-terminal bipartite signals of both proteins are required
      and sufficient for trafficking to the apicoplast lumen. Using specific
      pharmacologic inhibition, we demonstrated that MEP biosynthesis may be disrupted
      and its presence is required for intraerythrocytic growth of B. bovis asexual
      stages, consistent with the genomic pathway analysis and with its requirement in
      the asexual erythrocytic stages of P. falciparum. In contrast, FASII biosynthesis
      may or may not be present and specific drug targets did not have any inhibitory
      effect to B. bovis intraerythrocytic growth, which is consistent with the lack of
      requirement for P. falciparum intraerythrocytic growth. However, genomic analysis
      revealed the loss of FASII pathway components in B. bovis whereas the pathway is
      intact for P. falciparum but regulated to be expressed when needed (hepatic
      stages) and silent when not (intraerythrocytic stages). The results indicate
      specialized molding of apicoplast biosynthetic pathways to meet the requirements
      of individual apicomplexan parasites and their unique intracellular niches.

PMID- 22057351
TI  - Mid-term clinical results of alumina medial pivot total knee arthroplasty.
AB  - PURPOSE: The medial pivot total knee prosthesis has been designed to reproduce
      physiological knee kinematics. It has been reported that alumina ceramic femoral
      components reduce polyethylene wear. Thus, medial pivot total knee prostheses
      with alumina ceramic femoral components were introduced. The purpose of this
      study was to evaluate the clinical results of patients who underwent newly
      introduced alumina medial pivot total knee arthroplasties (TKA). METHODS: We
      evaluated the clinical results of 107 alumina medial pivot TKAs in 80 consecutive
      patients with a mean follow-up period of 5 years. RESULTS: Alumina medial pivot
      TKAs provided significant improvements in the patients' Knee Society knee scores,
      function scores and post-operative ranges of motion compared with their pre
      operative statuses (each, P < 0.05). There was no statistical correlation between
      the change in maximum knee flexion and the increase in posterior condylar offset.
      Revision surgery was required in one knee due to a post-operative fracture of the
      tibial plateau after a fall that occurred 2 years postoperatively. No knees had
      aseptic loosening, osteolysis, or ceramic fractures. The survival rate was 98.6%
      at 5 years. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrates satisfactory mid-term clinical
      results for patients receiving the alumina medial pivot prosthesis. LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: Therapeutic study, Level IV.

PMID- 22057352
TI  - Anteromedial versus central single-bundle graft position: which anatomic graft
      position to choose?
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the time-zero stability of an anatomic anteromedial (AM)
      single-bundle ACL reconstruction to an anatomic central (CTR) single-bundle ACL
      reconstruction. METHODS: Twelve (6 paired) hip to knee cadaveric specimens were
      studied. Using custom ACL computer navigation software, a Lachman test and a
      previously validated, navigated mechanized pivot shift test were performed on 4
      separate experimental groups in each specimen: (1) intact ACL, (2) ACL deficient
      with total medial and lateral meniscectomy, (3) following anatomic AM single
      bundle ACL reconstruction, and (4) after anatomic CTR single-bundle ACL
      reconstruction. Maximum anterior tibial translation in each group was measured.
      RESULTS: Lachman: No significant difference was observed between the AM and CTR
      reconstructions (n.s.) or between reconstruction and the intact ACL (3.4 +/- 1.7
      mm) (n.s.). Pivot Shift: Both the AM and CTR ACL reconstructions significantly
      reduced anterior translation relative to the ACL/menisci-deficient condition
      (lateral compartment: 8.9 +/- 3.8 mm and 6.75 +/- 4.6 mm vs. 17.25 +/- 3.5 mm,
      respectively; P < 0.001 and medial compartment: -3.0 +/- 5.3 mm vs. -3.7 +/- 5.7
      mm vs. 6.2 +/- 6.7 mm, P < 0.05). There was also a significant difference between
      the AM (P < 0.001) and CTR (P < 0.05) ACL reconstructions and the intact ACL (2.8
      +/- 4.4 mm) for lateral compartment translation. Further, no difference was found
      between lateral or medial compartment translations in the AM versus CTR
      reconstructions (n.s.). CONCLUSIONS: It has been shown that there was no
      difference in the time-zero biomechanical stability between an anatomic
      anteromedial and anatomic central single-bundle ACL reconstruction. Given the
      current debate on the best anatomic ACL reconstruction technique, anatomic socket
      position in either the anteromedial or central locations provides similar time
      zero biomechanics.

PMID- 22057353
TI  - Gender difference of the femoral kinematics axis location and its relation to
      anterior cruciate ligament injury: a 3D-CT study.
AB  - PURPOSE: The variation of distal femur morphology has been often reported,
      especially in relation to ACL injury. However, it remains unknown how
      morphological differences affect knee kinematics and ACL function. The location
      of the transcondylar axis, a common anatomical reference line, may be a
      significant aspect of morphological variation. It was hypothesized that the
      location of this axis would be different between genders, and between ACL-injured
      and non-injured subjects. METHODS: 3D CT scans of contralateral healthy femurs in
      38 unilateral soft tissue injured patients (20 men/18 women, 26 ACL injury/12 non
      ACL injury (7 with PCL injuries and 5 with medial meniscus root tears)) were
      analyzed three-dimensionally. Condyle offset was calculated as the distance
      between the transcondylar axis and the anatomical axis of the femur. Condyle
      offset ratio (COR) was then calculated by dividing the condyle offset by the
      condyle radius. Gender and ACL-injured and non-injured group differences were
      assessed. RESULTS: Larger COR was found in women, 1.10 +/- 0.14, than men, 0.96
      +/- 0.08. In women, the ACL-injured group had significantly larger COR than the
      non-ACL injury group, but no difference was found in men. CONCLUSION: COR is a
      unique morphological feature which is measureable from 3D CT. COR is larger in
      women, and could be a possible risk indicator for ACL injury in the female
      population. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

PMID- 22057354
TI  - Less femorotibial rotation and AP translation in deep-dished total knee
      arthroplasty. An intraoperative kinematic study using navigation.
AB  - PURPOSE: Hyper-congruent inserts have been proposed as another means of posterior
      stabilization in total knee arthroplasty. Their kinematics, partially unexplored,
      is reported to be possibly erratic. The objectives of the present study were to
      detect whether prostheses with such a constrained design would provide antero
      posterior (AP) stability without interfering with high flexion. METHODS: The
      kinematics of 10 knees replaced with hyper-congruent inserts was tested intra
      operatively with a specially designed navigation system (Praxim, La Tronche,
      Isere, France), to measure AP displacements of femoro-tibial contact points at
      knee flexion. RESULTS: Femoro-tibial contact points in full extension were in a
      posterior position compared to their initial position before implantation (8 +/-
      6 mm medially, 15 +/- 10 mm laterally, P < 0.004). AP displacements were
      different from pre-operative displacements (3 +/- 4 mm vs -5 +/- 2 mm for the
      medial condyle, P < 0.01 and -2 +/- 6 mm vs -22 +/- 8 mm for the lateral condyle,
      P < 0.001). Forward rolling persisted in four cases, with the medial condyle
      being involved in three of them (9, 9, and 6 mm, respectively). Post-operative
      flexion of 122 degrees  on average was not correlated with AP displacements.
      CONCLUSIONS: Hyper-congruent prostheses partially stabilized femoral condyles at
      knee flexion. Posterior displacements were reduced with no consequence on range
      of flexion. Posterior stabilization was imperfect, and paradoxical displacements
      were detected by navigation, which could therefore help optimize knee balance.
      LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic study, Level II.

PMID- 22057355
TI  - Evaluation of a simulated pivot shift test: a biomechanical study.
AB  - PURPOSE: Double-bundle anterior cruciate reconstructions have led to an increased
      interest in quantifying anterolateral rotatory stability. The application of
      combined internal rotation and valgus torques to the knee can more nearly
      recreate the anterolateral subluxation that occurs in the pivot shift test in
      vitro compared to coupled internal rotation torque and anterior tibial loads.
      METHODS: Twelve non-paired cadaveric knees were biomechanically tested with the
      ACL intact and sectioned. For each test state, six-degree-of-freedom positional
      data were collected for two simulated pivot shift loads consisting of a 5-Nm
      internal rotation torque coupled with either a 10-Nm valgus torque or an 88 N
      anterior tibial load at 0 degrees , 20 degrees , 30 degrees , 60 degrees , and 90
      degrees  of knee flexion. RESULTS: The coupled internal rotation and valgus
      torques produced a significant increase in anterolateral subluxation between the
      ACL intact and sectioned states at all tested angles except 90o (5.9 +/- 0.4 mm
      at 0 degrees , 4.3 +/- 0.6 mm at 20 degrees , 3.5 +/- 0.6 mm at 30 degrees , 2.1
      +/- 0.6 mm at 60 degrees ). The coupled internal rotation and an anterior tibial
      load produced significant increases between the ACL intact and sectioned states
      at all tested angles except 30o (5.4 +/- 0.5 mm at 0 degrees , 3.7 +/- 0.5 mm at
      20 degrees , 2.1 +/- 0.8 mm at 60 degrees , 1.4 +/- 0.3 mm at 90 degrees ).
      CONCLUSIONS: We found that the coupled internal rotation and valgus torques best
      recreated the anterolateral subluxation that occurs in the pivot shift in vitro.
      This study describes an anterolateral subluxation test for ACL integrity in the
      laboratory setting.

PMID- 22057356
TI  - Factors affecting anterior knee pain following anatomic double-bundle anterior
      cruciate ligament reconstruction.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of anterior
      knee pain in anatomic double-bundle anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
      reconstruction and to identify critical factors affecting postoperative anterior
      knee pain development. METHODS: Subjects comprised 171 patients (171 knees) who
      underwent anatomic double-bundle ACL reconstruction with a follow-up period of
      >=2 years. The procedure used bone-patellar tendon-bone plus gracilis tendon (BTB
      G) in 56 knees, semitendinosus tendon (ST) in 71 knees, and ST-G in 44 knees.
      Clinical results and prevalence and severity of anterior knee pain were assessed
      at 3 months and 2 years postoperatively. Clinical variables influencing anterior
      knee pain development at each postoperative period were subjected to univariate
      analysis, followed by logistic regression analysis to identify risk factors for
      anterior knee pain. RESULTS: Overall prevalences of anterior knee pain at 3
      months and 2 years postoperatively were 42.0 and 11.1%, respectively. Use of BTB
      G graft represented the highest prevalence of anterior knee pain between the 3
      different grafts (P = 0.001); however, this statistical significance disappeared
      at 2 years postoperatively. Prevalence of postoperative extension deficit was
      significantly higher in anterior knee pain-positive cohort than in anterior knee
      pain-negative cohort at 3 months postoperatively. Level of quadriceps strength
      was significantly lower, and Lysholm score was significantly worse in anterior
      knee pain-positive cohort than in anterior knee pain-negative cohort at 2 years
      postoperatively. According to logistic regression analysis, knee extension
      deficit was a predisposing factor for the development of anterior knee pain at 3
      months postoperatively (odds ratio, 2.76; P = 0.004); however, there was no
      significant predisposing factor for anterior knee pain at 2 years
      postoperatively. CONCLUSIONS: Knee extension deficit was an important
      predisposing factor for postoperative anterior knee pain in the early
      postoperative period, and anterior knee pain was associated with impaired
      quadriceps function and inferior subjective results over 2 years postoperatively.
      Early recovery of full extension may prevent postoperative development of
      anterior knee pain and achieve successful outcomes for ACL reconstruction. LEVEL
      OF EVIDENCE: Retrospective comparative study, Level III.

PMID- 22057357
TI  - Arthroscopic fixation of displaced greater tuberosity fracture of the proximal
      humerus.
AB  - Single-row fixation with two inverted mattress stitches was used to treat
      displaced fracture of the greater tuberosity of the proximal humerus. The
      inverted mattress sutures were passed through the bone-tendon junction of the
      fragment by suture passer and crossed over the bone fragment, locking the suture
      ends into the lateral cortex.

PMID- 22057358
TI  - Association of clinical and pathological variables with survival in thymoma.
AB  - Our aim was to evaluate clinical and pathological features in prognosis of
      thymoma patients with particular emphasis on patients with myasthenia gravis
      (MG). From 1995 to 2010, 140 thymoma patients (women/men: 63/77) with a median
      age of 46 years (11-80 years) were admitted to our institution. According to
      World Health Organization (WHO), there were 23 (17%) type A, 12 (9%) type AB, 24
      (17%) type B1, 42 (31%) type B2 and 36 (26%) type B3. The distribution of Masaoka
      stages I, II, III and IV was 24 (17%), 71 (51%), 18 (13%) and 27 (19%),
      respectively. MG coexisted in 61% of patients. After a mean follow-up of 34
      months (1-158 months), 102 (73%) patients are alive and well while 14 (10%) are
      alive with disease. Twenty-three patients (16%) have died, only 9 died of
      thymoma. In univariate analyses, completeness of resection (P < .001), WHO
      histology (P = .008), Masaoka stage (P < .001) and MG (P = .002) were significant
      prognostic factors for progression-free survival (PFS). Young age (P = .008);
      Masaoka stages 1 and 2 (P = .039); WHO types A, AB and B1 (P = .031); complete
      resection (P = .024) and presence of MG (P = .05) significantly correlated with
      overall survival (OS). In multivariate analysis, Masaoka stages 1 and 2 (P =
      .038) and presence of MG (P = .01) were significantly correlated with a longer
      PFS; MG (P = .021) and WHO subtype (P = .022) were found to be significant
      prognostic factors for OS. Adjuvant radiotherapy improved neither OS nor PFS in
      completely resected stage 2 thymoma. Masaoka staging, WHO and MG are major
      determinants of prognosis in Turkish thymoma patients. Additionally, radiotherapy
      did not provide survival advantage to stage 2 patients with complete resection.

PMID- 22057359
TI  - TP53 mutation is not an independent prognostic factor in patients with mantle
      cell lymphoma at advanced stage.
AB  - Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is incurable in most patients. Several molecular
      markers have been identified as possible prognostic factors in MCL, including
      TP53 mutations. Direct sequencing was used to detect 32 cases with leukemic
      presentation of MCL form exons 2-11 in order to explore the prognostic
      significance of TP53 mutations in Chinese patients. Within the MCL cohort,
      6(18.8%) patients harbored TP53 mutations. TP53 mutations in the absence of
      del(17p13) were found in 5.0% of MCL cases (1 of 20) compared with 83.3% of MCL
      cases (5 of 6) with del(17p13). Compared with patients without TP53 mutations,
      TP53 mutations were associated with risk factors including age, higher serum
      lactate dehydrogenase, lymphocytosis, high-risk (HR) international prognostic
      index, HR mantle cell lymphoma international prognostic index, complex karyotype,
      and higher occurrence of TP53 deletions. In contrast, it is found that TP53
      mutations were correlated with mutated immunoglobulin heavy-chain variable region
      status and CD38 negative. TP53 mutations were the significant factors in
      predicting survival in univariate analysis, but unfortunately they were not the
      unique variable associated with overall survival by multivariate Cox regression
      analysis. TP53 mutation was insufficiently an independent prognostic factor in
      patients with MCL at advanced stage.

PMID- 22057360
TI  - Carbon/metal nanotubes with tailored order and configuration by direct
      carbonization of inverse block copolymer micelles inside nanoporous alumina.
AB  - Carbonaceous nanotubes decorated with metal nanoparticles were obtained by
      heating inverse block copolymer micelles loaded with metal precursors inside
      nanoporous alumina. Simple changes in the applied temperature profile allowed
      tailoring of the wall morphology of the nanotubes and the spatial arrangement of
      the metal nanoparticles.

PMID- 22057361
TI  - Phrenic nerve injury after image-guided insertion of a tunnelled right internal
      jugular central venous catheter.
AB  - Central venous catheters (CVC) are now commonly inserted by radiologists.
      Although complications are infrequent, they must be avoided where possible and
      recognized when they occur. We present a 10-year-old boy who developed right
      hemidiaphragmatic paralysis, requiring surgical plication, following US-guided
      insertion of a tunnelled right internal jugular CVC. The needle trajectory for
      internal jugular puncture must be planned to avoid the phrenic nerve.

PMID- 22057362
TI  - Quality assurance: a comparison study of radiographic exposure for neonatal chest
      radiographs at 4 academic hospitals.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Little is known about exposure differences among hospitals. Large
      differences might identify outliers using excessive exposure. OBJECTIVE: We used
      the newly described exposure index and deviation index to compare the difference
      in existing radiographic exposures for neonatal portable chest radiographs among
      four academic children's hospitals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For each hospital we
      determined the mean exposure index. We also set target exposure indices and then
      measured the deviation from this target. RESULTS: There was not a large
      difference in exposure index among sites. No site had an exposure index mean that
      was more than twice or less than half that of any other site. For all four sites
      combined, 92% of exposures had a deviation index within the range from -3 to +3.
      Thus exposures at each hospital were consistently within a reasonable narrow
      spectrum. CONCLUSION: Mean exposure index differences are caused by operational
      differences with mean values that varied by less than 50% among four hospitals.
      Ninety-two percent of all exposures were between half and double the target
      exposure. Although only one vendor's equipment was used, these data establish a
      practical reference range of exposures for neonatal portable radiographs that can
      be recommended to other hospitals for neonatal chest radiographs.

PMID- 22057363
TI  - Positional and temporal clustering in serial order memory.
AB  - The well-known finding that responses in serial recall tend to be clustered
      around the position of the target item has bolstered positional-coding theories
      of serial order memory. In the present study, we show that this effect is
      confounded with another well-known finding--that responses in serial recall tend
      to also be clustered around the position of the prior recall (temporal
      clustering). The confound can be alleviated by conditioning each analysis on the
      positional accuracy of the previously recalled item. The revised analyses show
      that temporal clustering is much more prevalent in serial recall than is
      positional clustering. A simple associative chaining model with asymmetric
      neighboring, remote associations, and a primacy gradient can account for these
      effects. Using the same parameter values, the model produces reasonable serial
      position curves and captures the changes in item and order information across
      study-test trials. In contrast, a prominent positional coding model cannot
      account for the pattern of clustering uncovered by the new analyses.

PMID- 22057365
TI  - Enteropathogens in acute diarrhea: a general practice-based study in a Nordic
      country.
AB  - The epidemiology of infectious diarrhea influences the microbiological
      investigation of the disease, and is best elucidated through prospective studies.
      We undertook such a study in a Nordic country. Patients of all age groups who had
      acute diarrhea were recruited prospectively from general practice clinics in
      Iceland. They completed a questionnaire and provided stool samples for the
      detection of pathogenic viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Of the 464 recruited
      patients, 211 (45%) had 224 infections. The most common pathogens were calici-
      and rotaviruses (23% and 18% of 224 infections, respectively), Campylobacter
      jejuni (17%), Cryptosporidium species (12%), and Salmonella serotypes (10%).
      Other agents found were Giardia lamblia, astro- and adenoviruses, and Yersinia
      enterocolitica. Viral pathogens were associated with vomiting, illness for <=7
      days, and younger age groups, while bacterial pathogens were associated with
      fever, rectal pain, and local or foreign travel, and parasitic pathogens with
      illness for >7 days. Detection rates for viral infections in the elderly and for
      Cryptosporidium species were higher than expected. Our study indicates the
      existence of regional differences in pathogen prevalence that should be taken
      into account when implementing guidelines for stool testing in patients with
      acute diarrheal disease.

PMID- 22057366
TI  - Polymorph and isomer conversion of complexes based on CuI and PPh3 easily
      observed via luminescence.
AB  - Reactions between copper(I) iodide and triphenylphosphine have been explored in
      solution and in the solid state and six luminescent coordination complexes have
      been obtained and characterized by X-ray diffraction and UV-vis spectroscopy and
      photophysics. Solid-state reactions of CuI with PPh(3) in different conditions
      (kneading, vapour digestion) and stoichiometries resulted in the formation of
      high ratio ligand:metal compounds while tetrameric structures could be obtained
      only by solution reactions. Crystal structures were determined by single crystal
      X-ray diffraction while purity of the bulk product was checked by powder
      diffraction (XRPD). Three different tetrameric structures with 1:1 stoichiometry
      have been synthesized: two closed cubane-type polymorphs [CuI(PPh(3))](4) (form
      1a) and [CuI(PPh(3))](4) (form 1b) and an open step-like isomer [CuI(PPh(3))](4)
      (form 2). The conversions between the polymorphs and isomers have been studied
      and characterized by XRPD. The most stable form [CuI(PPh(3))](4) (form 1b) can
      convert into the open step-like isomer [CuI(PPh(3))](4) (form 2) in a slurry
      experiment with EtOH or CH(2)Cl(2) or AcCN and converts back into
      [CuI(PPh(3))](4)1b when exposed to vapors of toluene. At room temperature all the
      tetrameric compounds exhibit luminescence in the solid state and, notably, the
      two polymorphs show a dissimilar dual emission at low temperature. The
      luminescence features in the solid state seem to be peculiarly related to the
      presence of the aromatic phosphine ligand and depend on the Cu-Cu distance in the
      cluster.

PMID- 22057368
TI  - Arousal and affective differences between student gamblers and non-gamblers
      during a card game.
AB  - The current study examined the differences in arousal (physiologically and
      subjectively) between gamblers and non-gamblers. Thirty students from a mid-sized
      university took part in the study for a chance to win money in a gambling task.
      Nearly half of the participants identified themselves as non-gamblers and
      slightly more than half of the participants considered themselves gamblers.
      Findings indicated that gamblers experienced a significantly higher increase in
      physiological arousal (heart rate) compared to non-gamblers during the gambling
      experience. The results suggests the possibility that physiological arousal may
      play a role in the appeal of gambling to certain types of people. Furthermore,
      when gamblers suffered a loss at the end of the game, they reported feeling worse
      as compared to the non-gamblers and relative to their state before playing.
      Moreover, this affective change explained 28.6% of the variance in gambling
      behavior according to self-reports. Findings suggest that gamblers in our study
      may have been more personally invested in the gambling tasks, such that losing
      was more disappointing to the habitual gamblers than the non-gamblers.

PMID- 22057367
TI  - Rescue of replication failure by Fanconi anaemia proteins.
AB  - Chromosomal aberrations are often associated with incomplete genome duplication,
      for instance at common fragile sites, or as a consequence of chemical alterations
      in the DNA template that block replication forks. Studies of the cancer-prone
      disease Fanconi anaemia (FA) have provided important insights into the resolution
      of replication problems. The repair of interstrand DNA crosslinks induced by
      chemotherapy drugs is coupled with DNA replication and controlled by FA proteins.
      We discuss here the recent discovery of new FA-associated proteins and the
      development of new tractable repair systems that have dramatically improved our
      understanding of crosslink repair. We focus also on how FA proteins protect
      against replication failure in the context of fragile sites and on the
      identification of reactive metabolites that account for the development of
      Fanconi anaemia symptoms.

PMID- 22057370
TI  - Tsunami lung.
AB  - We encountered three cases of lung disorders caused by drowning in the recent
      large tsunami that struck following the Great East Japan Earthquake. All three
      were females, and two of them were old elderly. All segments of both lungs were
      involved in all the three patients, necessitating ICU admission and endotracheal
      intubation and mechanical ventilation. All three died within 3 weeks. In at least
      two cases, misswallowing of oil was suspected from the features noted at the time
      of the detection. Sputum culture for bacteria yielded isolation of
      Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Legionella pneumophila, Burkholderia cepacia, and
      Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The cause of tsunami lung may be a combination of
      chemical induced pneumonia and bacterial pneumonia.

PMID- 22057371
TI  - Public awareness about the connection between depression and physical health:
      specifically heart disease.
AB  - The medical community continues to acknowledge a connection between depression
      and physical health, for example, cardiac disease. This study addresses public
      awareness about depression's effects on physical health, the relationship between
      cardiac disease and depression, and preferred sources of health information, in
      an effort to inform future health education programs. A survey, administered to
      816 adults ages 40-69, focused on public awareness, perception of depression as
      an illness, its impact on other illnesses such as heart disease, and sources of
      health information. (1) Eighty-three percent (83%) of respondents felt depression
      was an illness; (2) a slightly higher percentage (85.8%) felt a mental disorder,
      like depression, could affect the course of a physical illness; (3) respondents'
      awareness of links between depression and cardiac disease ranged from 29.8%
      (awareness of depression as a risk factor for coronary artery disease) to 31.6%
      (awareness that depression can increase the risk of having a second heart
      attack); (4) print media were the most frequently cited sources of health
      information (22.7%); and (5) more highly educated respondents were more informed
      about depression than respondents with less education. Although a majority of
      respondents (1) recognized depression as an illness (2) thought it could
      complicate recovery from a physical illness, less than a third of them were aware
      of links between cardiac disease and depression. Demographic groups differed in
      their preferred sources of health information, especially across educational
      levels, demonstrating a need for targeted health educational outreach in efforts
      to reach a variety of populations.

PMID- 22057372
TI  - Methylation status of lamin A/C in gastric cancer cell lines.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Epigenetic regulations play a role in the development and
      progression of cancer. Therefore, discovering novel epigenetically regulated
      genes could provide useful information in understanding cancer. Lamin A/C is an
      intermediate filament protein whose expression is reported to be suppressed in
      tissues of gastro-intestinal malignancies. We examined expression of lamin A/C in
      gastric and colorectal cancer cell lines and its association with DNA
      methylation. METHODOLOGY: The methylation status of CpG island in 19 gastric, 5
      colorectal cancer cells and 1 normal colon cell line were examined with
      methylation-specific PCR using paired methylated and unmethylated primers. The
      level of mRNA expression of lamin A/C was detected using RT-PCR. RESULTS:
      Eighteen gastric cancer cell lines showed 95% unmethylation of lamin A/C and 1
      cell line showed partial methylation. In colorectal cancer, only 1 out of 5
      cancer cell lines (20%) was partially methylated and the remaining cell lines,
      including 1 normal colon cell line was unmethylated. With RT-PCR, all cell lines
      demonstrated mRNA expression of lamin A/C regardless of methylation status.
      CONCLUSIONS: We observed that the expression of lamin A/C was not suppressed in
      gastrointestinal cancer cell lines different from hematologic malignant cells and
      it is not regulated through DNA methylation.

PMID- 22057373
TI  - Outcome of laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy vs. open gastrectomy for gastric
      cancer: a retrospective comparative study.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy is still controversial because
      of scant evidence of safety and feasibility. The objective of this study was to
      assess the feasibility of using the laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy in treating
      gastric cancer and evaluate its outcome compared with conventional open
      gastrectomy. METHODOLOGY: Between November 2005 and November 2007, 31 patients
      underwent laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy and 95 patients underwent open
      gastrectomy for gastric cancer. Clinicopathological characteristics, total number
      of lymph nodes retrieved and overall survival were retrospectively compared
      between the two groups. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in the
      total number of retrieved lymph nodes (26.3+/-11.6 vs. 27.6+/-10.4) between the
      two groups. The mean follow-up and overall survival time after surgery was 30.8
      (range 4-47) months and 40.9 months (95% confidence interval, 38.5-43.2 months),
      respectively. The mean survival time in patients of the laparoscopy-assisted
      gastrectomy group was 42.4 months vs. 40.3 months in patients of the open surgery
      alone group (p=0.457). A logistic regression model revealed that node invasion
      (hazard ratio 1.149, p<0.001) and serosal invasion (hazard ratio 4.623, p=0.044)
      were associated with overall survival of gastric cancer patients. CONCLUSIONS:
      Laparoscopy-assisted gastrectomy with D2 lymph node dissection is a safe and
      feasible procedure with adequate lymphadenectomy for the treatment of gastric
      cancer.

PMID- 22057374
TI  - Cystatin C is a good predictor of hepatorenal syndrome and survival in patients
      with cirrhosis who have normal serum creatinine levels.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: We evaluated the usefulness of cystatin C as a prognostic marker
      in patients with liver cirrhosis and normal serum creatinine. METHODOLOGY: We
      retrospectively analyzed prospectively enrolled patients with liver cirrhosis and
      normal serum creatinine from February 2007 to March 2008. We checked liver
      function and kidney variables including serum creatinine, cystatin C and
      glomerular filtration rate from 51Cr-EDTA on the same day for all patients. The
      endpoints of the study were either development of hepatorenal syndrome or
      mortality. RESULTS: In total, 112 patients with liver cirrhosis were enrolled in
      the study (87 men and 25 women, age 52 +/- 12 years). Twelve (11%), 59 (53%) and
      41 (36%) patients were in Child-Pugh class A, B and C, respectively. Cystatin C
      was better correlated with glomerular filtration rate from 51Cr-EDTA than
      creatinine. The 1-year cumulative incidence of hepatorenal syndrome and the 1
      year survival rate of patients were 20.5% and 79.5%, respectively. Cystatin C,
      Model for End-Stage Liver Disease and serum sodium were the independent
      predictive factors for hepatorenal syndrome. Cystatin C, serum sodium and
      prothrombin time were the independent factors for predicting survival.
      CONCLUSIONS: In patients with liver cirrhosis and normal creatinine levels,
      cystatin C is a useful marker for predicting hepatorenal syndrome and survival.

PMID- 22057375
TI  - Inhibition of trauma-associated inflammatory liver damage by blocking NF-kappaB
      activity.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: NF-kappaB protein family members act as transcription facts and
      play a key role in regulating the immune response to infection and inflammatory
      signals. We proposed to determine the role of NF-kappaB in the development of
      trauma-associated liver damage and inflammation. METHODOLOGY: NF-kappaB DNA
      binding activity was inhibited using double-stranded oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN).
      A total of 288 Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: control (C),
      traumatic inflammation (T), traumatic inflammation plus NF-kappaB decoy (ODN) and
      traumatic inflammation plus mutant NF-kappaB decoy ODN (mODN). RESULTS: Our data
      shows that inhibition of NF-kappaB activation significantly reduces liver tissue
      damage as evidenced by serum ALT levels and histological changes using both light
      microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Furthermore, EMSA results showed
      that NF-kappaB activation was reduced in Group ODN rats compared to Group T and
      Group mODN rats. Expression of TNF-a and IL-6 protein in Group ODN rats were also
      reduced compared to Group T and Group mODN rats. We demonstrated that NF-kappaB
      plays an important role in trauma-associated inflammation and liver tissue
      damage. CONCLUSIONS: Suppressing NF-kappaB activation effectively reduces the
      release of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-a and IL-6 following liver trauma.

PMID- 22057376
TI  - Recipient splenic artery utilization for arterial re-anastomosis in living donor
      liver transplantation: single-center experience.
AB  - Thrombosis of recipient hepatic artery is a life threatening complication for
      liver transplantation. The etiology of hepatic arterial thrombosis is multi
      factorial and can be caused by intimal dissection, poor surgical technique and
      coagulopathies. The patency of hepatic arterial flow is very important for both
      graft survival and patient survival. Intraoperative diagnosis of inadequate
      hepatic arterial flow found with Doppler ultrasonography is essential in order to
      achieve good results after liver transplantation. Urgent re-anastomosis is
      necessary when the arterial blood flow is insufficient. We performed 317 living
      donor liver transplantations from July 2004 to July 2011. We used recipient
      splenic artery for hepatic artery reconstruction in six patients. These six
      patients were included in this study. Using the recipient splenic artery is a
      simple, safe and practical alternative for hepatic artery re-anastomosis in
      living donor liver transplantations.

PMID- 22057377
TI  - Management of choledochal cysts in adults: a retrospective analysis of 23
      patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: Choledochal cysts are rare congenital anomalies of the
      pancreaticobiliary system, whose etiology remains unknown. We aimed to review
      patients with choledochal cysts and to compare our results with current
      literature. METHODOLOGY: Twenty-three patients diagnosed as having choledochal
      cysts between January 2004 and July 2010 were evaluated retrospectively. RESULTS:
      Thirteen patients had type I (56.5%), 3 patients type II (13%), 3 patients type
      III (13%), 1 patient type IV-A (8.3%) and the remaining 3 patients had type V
      (13%) choledochal cysts. All patients with type I cysts underwent cyst excision
      with Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy. Two patients with type II cysts underwent
      cyst excision with choledochoduodenostomy, whereas cyst excision with T-tube
      drainage was applied to the other. Endoscopic unroofing was performed type III
      cysts. The patient with type IV-A cyst was not eligible for surgery due to low
      cardiopulmonary performance status but ERCP was applied successfully more than 3
      times for the extraction of the stones which fell from the intrahepatic ducts
      into the common bile duct. Patients with Type V cysts underwent left hepatectomy,
      choledocoduodenostomy and cadaveric liver transplantation, respectively. Wound
      infection developed in 5 patients and anastomotic leakage occurred in 3; one died
      from sepsis. CONCLUSIONS: Choledochal cysts are rare congenital malformations.
      Although treatment varies depending on the type of the cysts, complete excision
      of the cysts should be performed if possible.

PMID- 22057378
TI  - Glue embolization for endoscopically unmanageable gastrointestinal haemorrhage.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: To evaluate the clinical feasibility of embolization with n
      butyl cyanoacrylate (NBCA) for endoscopically unmanageable non-variceal
      gastrointestinal hemorrhage (GIH). METHODOLOGY: Between June 2004 and May 2009,
      61 patients with confirmed acute upper and/or lower GIH underwent emergency
      embolization for haemorrhage control; NBCA was used in 28 of these patients, all
      of whom were in shock despite receiving blood transfusions. The results were
      studied retrospectively. Clinical parameters and embolization data were assessed
      for technical success, clinical success and outcome. RESULTS: Technical success
      was achieved in all patients. Clinical success was achieved in 19 (68%) of the 28
      patients. The mortality rate was 25% (7 patients). The cause of death was
      disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) in 6 patients and heart failure in
      1. The presence of coagulopathy or DIC significantly decreased the degree of
      clinical success (p=0.015, p=0.001, respectively) and increased the mortality
      rate (p=0.013, p<0.001, respectively). Unfortunately, 86% patients who had DIC
      before embolization, died. CONCLUSIONS: NBCA embolization is technically feasible
      and is effective for the control of haemorrhage in endoscopically unmanageable
      GIH. However, the presence of coagulopathy or DIC significantly decreases the
      clinical success and increases the mortality rate.

PMID- 22057379
TI  - Electrophysiological studies in newly onset type 2 diabetes without visible
      vascular retinopathy.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to investigate the early alterations of retinal
      function, assessed with electrophysiology, in newly onset type 2 diabetes
      patients without vascular retinopathy. Seventeen patients with newly diagnosed
      type 2 diabetes (duration 7+/-3 months), without any vascular retinopathy in
      fundus photographs, were examined with full-field electroretinogram (ERG) and
      multifocal ERG (mfERG). The results were compared with those of age-matched
      subjects without diabetes. In the dark-adapted full-field ERG, the a-wave and the
      30-Hz flicker implicit times were delayed in diabetes patients compared to
      controls, P=0.001 and P=0.020. In the first-order kernel of the mfERG, the first
      positive wave, P1, was delayed in all areas measured. The electrophysiological
      examinations demonstrate early alterations of retinal function characterised by a
      delayed a-wave implicit time in the dark-adapted full-field ERG, representing the
      rod signalling, and alterations in the multifocal ERG reflecting cone and/or
      postreceptoral function.

PMID- 22057380
TI  - Medical management of ischemic stuttering priapism: a contemporary review of the
      literature.
AB  - Priapism is defined as a prolonged and persistent erection of the penis without
      sexual stimulation. This is a poorly understood disease process with little
      information on the pathophysiology of this erectile disorder. Complications from
      this disorder are devastating due to the irreversible erectile damage and
      resultant erectile dysfunction (ED). Stuttering priapism, though relatively rare,
      affects a high prevalence of men with sickle-cell disease (SCD) and presents a
      challenging problem with guidelines for treatment lacking or resulting in
      permanent ED. The mechanisms involved in the development of priapism in this
      cohort are poorly characterized; therefore, medical management of priapism
      represents a therapeutic challenge to urologists. Additional research is
      warranted, so we can effectively target treatments for these patients with
      prevention as the goal. This review gives an introduction to stuttering priapism
      and its clinical significance, specifically with regards to the patient with SCD.
      Additionally, the proposed mechanisms behind its pathophysiology and a summary of
      the current and future targets for medical management are discussed.

PMID- 22057381
TI  - Altered histone retention and epigenetic modifications in the sperm of infertile
      men.

PMID- 22057382
TI  - Health-related quality of life outcomes in Scandinavian patients after radical
      prostatectomy or watchful waiting: a critical appraisal.

PMID- 22057383
TI  - Differentiation of murine male germ cells to spermatozoa in a soft agar culture
      system.
AB  - Establishment of an in vitro system that allows the development of testicular
      germ cells to sperm will be valuable for studies of spermatogenesis and future
      treatments for male infertility. In the present study, we developed in vitro
      culture conditions using three-dimensional agar culture system (SACS), which has
      the capacity to induce testicular germ cells to reach the final stages of
      spermatogenesis, including spermatozoa generation. Seminiferous tubules from
      testes of 7-day-old mice were enzymatically dissociated, and intratubular cells
      were cultured in the upper layer of the SACS in RPMI medium supplemented with
      fetal calf serum (FCS). The lower layer of the SACS contained only RPMI medium
      supplemented with FCS. Colonies in the upper layer were isolated after 14 and 28
      days of culture and were classified according to their size. Immunofluorescence
      and real-time PCR were used to analyse specific markers expressed in
      undifferentiated and differentiated spermatogonia (Vasa, Dazl, OCT-4, C-Kit, GFR
      alpha-1, CD9 and alpha-6-integrin), meiotic cells (LDH, Crem-1 and Boule) and
      post-meiotic cells (Protamine-1, Acrosin and SP-10). Our results reveal that it
      is possible to induce mouse testicular pre-meiotic germ cell expansion and induce
      their differentiation to spermatozoa in SACS. The spermatozoa showed normal
      morphology and contained acrosomes. Thus, our results demonstrate that SACS could
      be used as a novel in vitro system for the maturation of pre-meiotic mouse germ
      cells to post-meiotic stages and morphologically-normal spermatozoa.

PMID- 22057384
TI  - High-Tc ferromagnetism in a Co-doped ZnO system dominated by the formation of a
      zinc-blende type Co-rich ZnCoO phase.
AB  - The modulation of the distribution of magnetic ions embedded in the host is
      crucial for the functionality of dilute magnetic semiconductors. Through an
      element-specific structural characterization, we observe the formation and
      enhancement of an unrevealed Co-doped ZnO phase and consequently magnetic
      properties from paramagnetism to ferromagnetism are controlled by surface
      modification.

PMID- 22057385
TI  - Comparison of the tibiofemoral rotational alignment after mobile and fixed
      bearing total knee arthroplasty.
AB  - PURPOSE: The anatomical landmark for the anteroposterior (AP) axis of the
      proximal tibia and its variability was investigated in order to determine whether
      a certain landmark could be employed as a reference axis for the proximal tibia
      after the rotating platform mobile bearing and fixed bearing total knee
      arthroplasties (TKAs). METHODS: Eighty primary osteoarthritic knees were
      randomized to undergo either rotating platform mobile bearing (Group A, n = 40)
      or fixed bearing (Group B, n = 40) TKAs, and were followed up for 31 and 30
      months, respectively. The AP axes were defined for the distal femur, proximal
      tibia, ankle, and each TKA component on the reconstructed CT scan and the angles
      between the distal femoral AP axis and those of each bone or component were
      estimated. Clinical and radiographic outcomes were evaluated during the follow
      up. RESULTS: A significant difference was seen between the preoperative and
      postoperative rotational position of the proximal tibia relative to the distal
      femur following rotating platform mobile bearing TKA (P = 0.014) whereas no such
      difference was seen after fixed bearing TKA. The mean postoperative alignment of
      the tibia differed between the two groups (Group A:Group B = -2.9:0.2, P = 0.010)
      and its variability was significantly greater in group A (P < 0.001). There were
      no differences in the clinical outcomes including range of motion, knee society
      score, function score, HSS, and WOMAC score as well as the mean postoperative
      coronal tibiofemoral alignment between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The
      unpredictable change in the rotational axis of the tibia and its broad
      variability after rotating platform mobile bearing TKA may provide a warning
      against the use of a fixed landmark for establishing tibial rotational alignment.

PMID- 22057386
TI  - Over-the-top double-bundle revision ACL reconstruction.
AB  - Revision ACL presents many technical issues that are not seen in the primary ACL
      reconstruction. A variety of surgical techniques for revising ACL reconstruction
      have been described in the literature to address these concerns. The purpose of
      this article is to present a novel technique consisting in a non-anatomic double
      bundle ACL revision reconstruction, using a fresh-frozen Achilles tendon
      allograft with soft tissue fixation. This technique is a valid treatment option
      when faced with a complex scenario such as ACL revision surgery.

PMID- 22057387
TI  - Solution-processed small-molecule solar cells with 6.7% efficiency.
AB  - Organic photovoltaic devices that can be fabricated by simple processing
      techniques are under intense investigation in academic and industrial
      laboratories because of their potential to enable mass production of flexible and
      cost-effective devices. Most of the attention has been focused on solution
      processed polymer bulk-heterojunction (BHJ) solar cells. A combination of polymer
      design, morphology control, structural insight and device engineering has led to
      power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) reaching the 6-8% range for conjugated
      polymer/fullerene blends. Solution-processed small-molecule BHJ (SM BHJ) solar
      cells have received less attention, and their efficiencies have remained below
      those of their polymeric counterparts. Here, we report efficient solution
      processed SM BHJ solar cells based on a new molecular donor, DTS(PTTh(2))(2). A
      record PCE of 6.7% under AM 1.5 G irradiation (100 mW cm(-2)) is achieved for
      small-molecule BHJ devices from DTS(PTTh(2))(2):PC(70)BM (donor to acceptor ratio
      of 7:3). This high efficiency was obtained by using remarkably small percentages
      of solvent additive (0.25% v/v of 1,8-diiodooctane, DIO) during the film-forming
      process, which leads to reduced domain sizes in the BHJ layer. These results
      provide important progress for solution-processed organic photovoltaics and
      demonstrate that solar cells fabricated from small donor molecules can compete
      with their polymeric counterparts.

PMID- 22057388
TI  - Universal energy-level alignment of molecules on metal oxides.
AB  - Transition-metal oxides improve power conversion efficiencies in organic
      photovoltaics and are used as low-resistance contacts in organic light-emitting
      diodes and organic thin-film transistors. What makes metal oxides useful in these
      technologies is the fact that their chemical and electronic properties can be
      tuned to enable charge exchange with a wide variety of organic molecules.
      Although it is known that charge exchange relies on the alignment of donor and
      acceptor energy levels, the mechanism for level alignment remains under debate.
      Here, we conclusively establish the principle of energy alignment between oxides
      and molecules. We observe a universal energy-alignment trend for a set of
      transition-metal oxides--representing a broad diversity in electronic properties-
      with several organic semiconductors. The trend demonstrates that, despite the
      variance in their electronic properties, oxide energy alignment is governed by
      one driving force: electron-chemical-potential equilibration. Using a combination
      of simple thermodynamics, electrostatics and Fermi statistics we derive a
      mathematical relation that describes the alignment.

PMID- 22057389
TI  - Lack of correlation between catalytic efficiency and basicity of amines during
      the reaction of aryl methyl ketones with DMF-DMA: an unprecedented supramolecular
      domino catalysis.
AB  - 1-Methylimidazole exhibits an unusually high efficiency in promoting the reaction
      of aryl methyl ketones with DMF-DMA to form (2E)-1-aryl-3-dimethylamino-2
      propenones which lacks correlation between the catalytic efficiency and the
      basicity of 1-methylimidazole in comparison to other amines. An unprecedented
      supramolecular domino catalysis rationalises the lack of correlation between the
      catalytic efficiency and basicity of the amines. The supramolecular assemblies
      have been characterized by mass-spectrometric ion fishing. The time-dependent
      increase/decrease in the concentration (ion current) of the supramolecular
      species consolidated the mechanism.

PMID- 22057390
TI  - Two free radical pathways mediate chemical hypoxia-induced glutamate release in
      synaptosomes from the prefrontal cortex.
AB  - It has been known that the inhibition of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase is
      one of the earliest events occurring under hypoxia and this inhibition can lead
      to neuronal damages. Thus, the cytochrome c oxidase inhibitor sodium cyanide
      (NaCN) is widely used to produce a model of chemical hypoxia by inhibiting this
      enzyme. However, the downstream signaling pathways of the inhibition of the
      cytochrome c oxidase remain to be studied. In the present paper, we used sodium
      cyanide to mimic the inhibition of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase and
      studied its effect on glutamate release in synaptosomes from the prefrontal
      cortex using on-line fluorimetry. We also further investigated the mechanisms
      underlying the enhancing effect of sodium cyanide on glutamate release using
      pharmacological approaches combined with other techniques. The results showed
      that sodium cyanide significantly increased glutamate release from synaptosomes
      of prefrontal cortex; the broad-spectrum free radical scavenger MnTBAP and
      melatonin completely abolished the effect of sodium cyanide on glutamate release;
      the H2O2-NMDA receptor pathway mediated one part, whereas the lipid peroxyl
      radicals-ATP synthase pathway mediated another part of the sodium cyanide-induced
      glutamate release; scavenging H2O2 and enhancing ATP synthase activity could
      completely abolish the sodium cyanide-induced glutamate release.

PMID- 22057391
TI  - Acquisition of mitochondrial dysregulation and resistance to mitochondrial
      mediated apoptosis after genotoxic insult in normal human fibroblasts: a possible
      model for early stage carcinogenesis.
AB  - Acquisition of death-resistance is critical in the evolution of neoplasia. Our
      aim was to model the early stages of carcinogenesis by examining intracellular
      alterations in cells that have acquired apoptosis-resistance after exposure to a
      complex genotoxin. We previously generated sub-populations of BJ-hTERT human
      diploid fibroblasts, which have acquired death-resistance following exposure to
      hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)], a broad-spectrum genotoxicant. Long-term exposure
      to certain forms of Cr(VI) is associated with respiratory carcinogenesis. Here,
      we report on the death-sensitivity of subclonal populations derived from
      clonogenic survivors of BJ-hTERT cells treated with 5 MUM Cr(VI) (DR1, DR2), or
      selected by dilution-based cloning without treatment (CC1). Following Cr(VI)
      treatment, CC1 cells downregulated expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2
      and exhibited extensive expression of cleaved caspase 3. In contrast, the DR
      cells exhibited no cleaved caspase 3 expression and maintained expression of Bcl
      2 following recovery from 24 h Cr(VI) exposure. The DR cells also exhibited
      attenuated mitochondrial-membrane depolarization and mitochondrial retention of
      cytochrome c and SMAC/DIABLO following Cr(VI) exposure. The DR cells exhibited
      less basal mtDNA damage, as compared to CC1 cells, which correlates with
      intrinsic (non-induced) death-resistance. Notably, there was no difference in p53
      protein expression before or after treatment among all cell lines. Taken
      together, our data suggest the presence of more resilient mitochondria in death
      resistant cells, and that death-resistance can be acquired in normal human cells
      early after genotoxin exposure. We postulate that resistance to mitochondrial
      mediated cell death and mitochondrial dysregulation may be an initial phenotypic
      alteration observed in early stage carcinogenesis.

PMID- 22057392
TI  - A conserved cysteine cluster, essential for transcriptional activity, mediates
      homodimerization of human metal-responsive transcription factor-1 (MTF-1).
AB  - Metal-responsive transcription factor-1 (MTF-1) is a zinc finger protein that
      activates transcription in response to heavy metals such as Zn(II), Cd(II) and
      Cu(I) and is also involved in the response to hypoxia and oxidative stress. MTF-1
      recognizes a specific DNA sequence motif termed the metal response element (MRE),
      located in the promoter/enhancer region of its target genes. The functional
      domains of MTF-1 include, besides the DNA-binding and activation domains and
      signals for subcellular localization (NLS and NES), a cysteine cluster
      632CQCQCAC638 located near the C-terminus. Here we show that this cysteine
      cluster mediates homodimerization of human MTF-1, and that dimer formation in
      vivo is important for basal and especially metal-induced transcriptional
      activity. Neither nuclear translocation nor DNA binding is impaired in a mutant
      protein in which these cysteines are replaced by alanines. Although zinc
      supplementation induces MTF-1 dependent transcription it does not per se enhance
      dimerization, implying that actual zinc sensing is mediated by another domain. By
      contrast copper, which on its own activates MTF-1 only weakly in the cell lines
      tested, stabilizes the dimer by inducing intermolecular disulfide bond formation
      and synergizes with zinc to boost MTF-1 dependent transcription.

PMID- 22057393
TI  - Lowest instrumented vertebra selection in Lenke 3C and 6C scoliosis: what if we
      choose lumbar apical vertebra as distal fusion end?
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate whether or not post-op curve
      behaviour differs due to different choices of lowest instrumented vertebra (LIV)
      with reference to lumbar apical vertebra (LAV) in Lenke 3C and 6C scoliosis.
      METHODS: We reviewed all the AIS cases surgically treated in our institution from
      2002 through 2008. Inclusion criteria were as follows: (1) patients with Lenke 3C
      or 6C scoliosis who were treated with posterior pedicle screw-only constructs;
      (2) 2-year radiographic follow-up. All the included patients were categorized
      into three groups based on the relative position of LIV and LAV: Group A-the LIV
      was above the LAV; Group B-the LIV was at the LAV; Group C-the LIV was below the
      LAV. All the radiographic parameters were then compared among the groups. All
      image data were available in our picture archiving and communication systems.
      Standing anteroposterior (AP) and lateral digital radiographs were reviewed at
      four times (pre-op, post-op, 3-month and 2-year). In each standing AP radiograph,
      centre sacral vertical line (CSVL, the vertical line that bisects the proximal
      sacrum) was first drawn, followed by measuring T1-CSVL, LIV-CSVL, (LIV + 1)-CSVL,
      LAV-CSVL and thoracic AV-CSVL distance. In addition, the Cobb angles of major
      thoracic and lumbar curves were measured at the four times and the correction
      rates were then calculated. RESULTS: Of the 278 patients reviewed, 40 met the
      inclusion criteria; 11 of these were included in Group A (LIV above LAV), another
      11 in Group B (LIV at LAV) and the remaining 18 in Group C (LIV below LAV). At 2
      year follow-up, the lumbar vertebrae such as LIV, LIV + 1 and LAV were all more
      deviated than before surgery in Group A (LIV above LAV), whereas in Group B and C
      (LIV at and below LAV) they were all less deviated than before surgery. No
      significant differences were found in thoracic or lumbar correction rate, global
      coronal balance and incidence rate of trunk shift among the three groups.
      CONCLUSION: In conclusion, in Lenke 3C and 6C scoliosis, post-op lumbar curve
      behaviour differs due to different choices of LIV with reference to LAV, that is,
      the deviation of lumbar curve improves when the LIV is either at or below the LAV
      but deteriorates when the LIV is above the LAV. Although the greatest correction
      occurs when the LIV is below the LAV, choosing LAV as LIV can still be the
      optimal option in certain cases, since it can yield similar correction while
      preserving more lumbar mobility and growth potential.

PMID- 22057394
TI  - A multicentric study on validation of spot testing kit.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the validity of the Spot testing kit (against the Standard
      iodometric titration) in the semi-quantitative estimation of iodine in salt.
      METHODS: The project was conducted at four centers in the country, namely,
      Vadodara, Jodhpur, Dibrugarh and New Delhi (AIIMS, coordinating centre). Uniform
      protocol was utilized at all the four centres. The school going children were
      asked to bring 30 g of iodine from their kitchen in an auto-seal polythene pouche
      with an identification slip. The iodine content of 3,010 salt samples (more than
      700 salt samples from each center) was estimated independently by two different
      methods i.e., Iodometric Titration (used as reference standard) and Spot Testing
      Kit (STK) method, and the results were compared. The sensitivity, specificity,
      positive predictive value (PPV) and negative predictive value (NPV) of the STK
      method in relation to the Standard iodometric titration (SIT) were calculated.
      RESULTS: From total of 3,010 salt samples, majority (98%) of the salt samples
      collected were of powdered salt. The specificity of various research centers
      ranged from 60.5% to 88.9%. The positive predictive value of the various research
      centers ranged from 69.9% to 98%. The NPV of the various research centers ranged
      from 96.8% to 100%. The pooled sensitivity and specificity of the STK method
      (against IT method) for four centers together was 99.6% and 66.7%, respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS: The STK method is reliable for semi quantitative estimation of
      iodine content in salt and it can be used for monitoring the quality of iodized
      salt available in the community.

PMID- 22057395
TI  - Co-morbidity of Kawasaki disease.
AB  - Despite more than four decades of investigation, the etiology of Kawasaki disease
      remains obscure, and none of the proposed etiologic theories for the disease have
      achieved independent confirmation. Clinical and epidemiologic features support an
      infectious cause, but the etiology remains unclear. The authors present a case of
      Kawasaki disease associated with Epstein-Barr virus and Mycoplasma pneumoniae
      infection in a 3.5-y-old boy. He received two doses of intravenous immunoglobulin
      due to prolonged course of Kawasaki disease but later had complicated autoimmune
      haemolytic anaemia. His prolonged fever subsided after azithromycin
      administration. Epstein-Barr virus infection was confirmed by molecular
      microbiological pathology of cervical lymph node and serological tests. The
      serological tests for Mycoplasma pneumoniae also revealed a positive result.
      Thus, it is concluded that Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Epstein-Barr virus
      infections may occur simultaneously in a child with Kawasaki disease. In
      addition, autoimmune hemolytic anaemia may be noted in Kawasaki disease patients
      after high-dose IVIG administration. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first
      report of Kawasaki disease with Epstein-Barr virus and Mycoplasma pneumoniae in
      the English-language literature.

PMID- 22057396
TI  - Indications and outcome of flexible bronchoscopy in neonates.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyse the indications, safety and outcome of flexible fiberoptic
      bronchoscopy (FOB) in neonates. METHODS: This descriptive study was conducted in
      Level III neonatal unit (ICH, Chennai) and included 84 neonates with various
      respiratory problems admitted over a 3 y period. RESULTS: The indications
      included stridor (18%), persistent radiological abnormalities (44%), unexplained
      wheeze/respiratory distress (21%) and others (17%). The mean age and weight were
      25 d and 2.82 kg respectively. Bronchoscopy detected various anomalies like upper
      airway anomalies (10.7%), lower airway malacia (21%), synchronous airway malacias
      (19%) and miscellaneous anatomical abnormalities (18%). Bronchoalveolar lavage
      was done in 62% with microbiological yield in 54% cases.FOB helped in the
      revision of diagnosis in 57%. Resolution of atelectasis was observed in 13.5%
      cases. Except for transient hypoxemia in 2 neonates, no other complication was
      encountered. CONCLUSIONS: Flexible bronchoscopy is safe and useful both as
      diagnostic and therapeutic tool in neonates with respiratory problems.

PMID- 22057397
TI  - Use of oscillometric devices for the measurement of blood pressure-comparison
      with the gold standard.
AB  - The study was done to validate the use of automated devices (Datascope Duo) as a
      screening tool for measuring blood pressure. A cross sectional study was
      conducted in school children from urban slums of Bangalore. Blood pressure was
      recorded according to standard guidelines using a mercury sphygmomanometer and an
      automated device (Datascope Duo). The readings obtained using the two instruments
      were compared. One thousand four hundred eighty nine school children, both males
      and females, aged 5-16 y were included in the study. Readings with the Datascope
      Duo varied significantly when compared to the gold standard. The blood pressure
      measurements using Datascope Duo cannot be recommended as an accurate substitute
      for manual readings.

PMID- 22057398
TI  - Detection and identification of species-specific bacteria associated with
      synanthropic mites.
AB  - Internal bacterial communities of synanthropic mites Acarus siro,
      Dermatophagoides farinae, Lepidoglyphus destructor, and Tyrophagus putrescentiae
      (Acari: Astigmata) were analyzed by culturing and culture-independent approaches
      from specimens obtained from laboratory colonies. Homogenates of surface
      sterilized mites were used for cultivation on non-selective agar and DNA
      extraction. Isolated bacteria were identified by sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene.
      PCR amplified 16S rRNA genes were analyzed by terminal restriction fragment
      length polymorphism analysis (T-RFLP) and cloning sequencing. Fluorescence in
      situ hybridization using universal bacterial probes was used for direct bacterial
      localization. T-RFLP analysis of 16S rRNA gene revealed distinct species-specific
      bacterial communities. The results were further confirmed by cloning and
      sequencing (284 clones). L. destructor and D. farinae showed more diverse
      communities then A. siro and T. putrescentiae. In the cultivated part of the
      community, the mean CFUs from four mite species ranged from 5.2 * 10(2) to 1.4 *
      10(3) per mite. D. farinae had significantly higher CFUs than the other species.
      Bacteria were located in the digestive and reproductive tract, parenchymatical
      tissue, and in bacteriocytes. Among the clones, Bartonella-like bacteria
      occurring in A. siro and T. putresecentiae represented a distinct group related
      to Bartonellaceae and to Bartonella-like symbionts of ants. The clones of high
      similarity to Xenorhabdus cabanillasii were found in L. destructor and D.
      farinae, and one clone related to Photorhabdus temperata in A. siro. Members of
      Sphingobacteriales cloned from D. farinae and A. siro clustered with the
      sequences of "Candidatus Cardinium hertigii" and as a separate novel cluster.

PMID- 22057399
TI  - Structural requirements for interaction of peroxisomal targeting signal 2 and its
      receptor PEX7.
AB  - The import of a subset of peroxisomal matrix proteins is mediated by the
      peroxisomal targeting signal 2 (PTS2). The results of our sequence and physical
      property analysis of known PTS2 signals and of a mutational study of the least
      characterized amino acids of a canonical PTS2 motif indicate that PTS2 forms an
      amphipathic helix accumulating all conserved residues on one side. Three
      dimensional structural modeling of the PTS2 receptor PEX7 reveals a groove with
      an evolutionarily conserved charge distribution complementary to PTS2 signals.
      Mammalian two-hybrid assays and cross-complementation of a mutation in PTS2 by a
      compensatory mutation in PEX7 confirm the interaction site. An unstructured
      linker region separates the PTS2 signal from the core protein. This additional
      information on PTS2 signals was used to generate a PTS2 prediction algorithm that
      enabled us to identify novel PTS2 signals within human proteins and to describe
      KChIP4 as a novel peroxisomal protein.

PMID- 22057400
TI  - Zoophilia and impulse control disorder in a patient with Parkinson disease.

PMID- 22057401
TI  - Clinical and MRI patterns of pericallosal artery infarctions: the significance of
      supplementary motor area lesions.
AB  - Cerebral infarctions in the anterior cerebral artery (ACA) territory account for
      only up to 3-5% of strokes. Subject to the affected ACA branches, different
      clinical patterns can be defined. We report a case series of patients with
      isolated infarctions of the pericallosal (PC) artery territory. We analyzed 36
      consecutive patients presenting over a 10-year period with isolated PC artery
      territory infarctions (15 left-sided, 19 right-sided, 2 bilateral) regarding
      clinical symptoms as well as MRI findings. Analysis of DWI lesion pattern showed
      complete PC artery infarctions in three patients. The majority of patients had
      partial infarctions predominantly involving either the superior frontal gyrus (n
      = 12), the corpus callosum (n = 1) or both (n = 20). Hemodynamic lesion patterns
      were found in 13 patients, while multiple cortical emboli occurred in six. Distal
      pathology of the ACA (n = 13) was the most frequent MRA finding. Core symptom was
      contralateral hemiparesis with lower limb predominance (n = 29), partly
      associated with early-onset spasticity. Interestingly, motor evoked potential
      recording was abnormal in only five patients. Further characteristic symptoms
      were psychomotor slowing (n = 9), often with speech disturbances such as
      decreased verbal fluency, and confusional state (n = 4). Visual or motor
      hemineglect (n = 5) as well as apraxia (n = 5) was confined to a few patients
      only. Pericallosal artery infarctions are a rare localization of stroke, mostly
      occurring as partial infarctions due to distal ACA pathology. Clinically, they
      are mainly characterized by hemiparesis predominately in the lower limb caused by
      involvement of supplementary motor cortex areas without affection of the
      corticospinal tract.

PMID- 22057402
TI  - Use of intrathecal clonidine in patients with multiple sclerosis or spastic
      paraparesis.

PMID- 22057403
TI  - Detection of anti-glutamate receptor epsilon2 and anti-N-methyl-D: -aspartate
      receptor antibodies in a patient with sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease.

PMID- 22057404
TI  - Sporadic juvenile amyotrophic lateral sclerosis caused by mutant FUS/TLS:
      possible association of mental retardation with this mutation.
AB  - We present two cases of patients with juvenile amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
      (ALS), who had no history of familial ALS. The symptoms of both patients started
      as weakness of the unilateral upper limb and neck, and extended to bulbar and
      respiratory weakness in a relatively short period. Of note, the first patient was
      mentally retarded before the onset of weakness. Fused in sarcoma/translocated in
      liposarcoma (FUS/TLS) gene analyses revealed mutations of p. G492EfsX527 (c.
      1475delG), which is a novel deletion/frameshift mutation, in the first patient
      and p. R514S mutation (c. 1542G > T) in the second patient. Molecular analysis
      revealed that the mutant FUS/TLS, especially the deletion/frameshift mutation,
      showed significant cytoplasmic localization in transfected motor neuron-like
      cells. Our findings suggest the association of mental retardation with the
      FUS/TLS mutation. Further investigation, including the effect of FUS/TLS on
      cognitive function, would aid better understanding of FUS/TLS proteinopathies.

PMID- 22057405
TI  - Transcranial sonography in pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration.
AB  - After it was reported that increased tissue iron concentrations were associated
      with increased echogenicity of the substantia nigra (SN) obtained with
      transcranial sonography (TCS) in animal and postmortem studies, our goal was to
      use this method in a disorder characterized with iron accumulation in human brain
      tissue. Therefore, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and TCS were conducted in 5
      unrelated patients with pantothenate kinase-associated neurodegeneration (PKAN),
      caused by PANK2 mutations. All patients had an eye of the tiger sign. Hypointense
      lesions on the T2-weighted MRI images were restricted to the globus pallidus (GP)
      and SN. TCS also revealed bilateral hyperechogenicity restricted to the LN and
      SN, with normal DTV values. Both TCS and MRI studies in PKAN patients are in
      accordance with the pathological findings that accumulation of iron, even in
      advanced cases, is restricted to the GP and SN, suggesting selective involvement
      of these structures.

PMID- 22057406
TI  - The hemodynamic status within 24 h after intravenous thrombolysis predicts
      infarct growth in acute ischemic stroke.
AB  - A rapid and complete recanalization of the occluded artery is the ideal goal when
      intravenous (IV) recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) is
      administrated to patients with acute ischemic stroke, i.e., limiting the ongoing
      ischemia to achieve a better outcome. We explored the effect of complete versus
      partial recanalization of the occluded intracranial artery after IV thrombolysis
      on the infarct growth and evaluated the functional impact. Using diffusion
      weighted (DWI) volumetric measurements before rt-PA administration (DWI(1)) and
      24 h later (DWI(2)), we calculated the infarct growth in 36 consecutive patients
      with ischemic stroke treated with IV rt-PA, with the formula DWI(2)/DWI(1).
      Recanalization of the affected artery was assessed by transcranial Doppler (TCD)
      and magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) within 24 h of stroke onset. Three
      patients were eliminated from the analysis; 33 patients were fully analyzed (men:
      n = 23; mean (SD) age: 72.4 +/- 16 years; time from stroke onset to rt-PA: 179 +/
      54 min; mean NIHSS score at admission: 17). Patients achieving full
      recanalization by TCD had a smaller infarct growth, compared to those who had a
      partial or persistent occlusion after thrombolysis: 1.86 versus 2.91 (P = 0.017).
      This difference was not significant using MRA criteria: 2.01 versus 2.69 (P =
      0.193). In the regression analysis, complete recanalization by TCD was an
      independent predictor of infarct growth (P = 0.045). Thus, complete
      recanalization measured by TCD within 24 h of IV thrombolysis was independently
      associated with smaller infarct growth.

PMID- 22057407
TI  - Factors related to recurrence of paradoxical cerebral embolism due to patent
      foramen ovale.
AB  - Patent foramen ovale (PFO) is an important etiology of ischemic stroke in young
      adults. We investigated factors contributing to recurrent ischemic stroke in
      patients with PFO. Subjects comprised 47 patients (mean age, 56.8 +/- 14.2 years;
      range 23-74 years) with ischemic stroke due to PFO who were admitted to our
      hospital between April 2007 and February 2011. Mean duration of follow-up was
      34.5 +/- 13 months. Recurrence occurred in 11 cases. Annual recurrence rate was
      23.4%. We investigated relationships between recurrence of ischemic stroke and
      size of PFO (large, >4 mm; medium, 2-3.9 mm; small, <1.9 mm; absent group),
      maximal number of microbubbles (determined as the number of microembolic signals:
      small, 0-5; moderate, 6-25; and multiple, >= 26), massive bubble on contrast
      transesophageal echocardiography or atrial septal aneurysm, D-dimer level and
      antithrombotic therapy. Univariate analysis showed size of the PFO (P = 0.013),
      number of microbubbles (P = 0.021), and presence of a massive bubble on
      echocardiography (P = 0.04) were related to recurrence of ischemic stroke.
      Logistic analysis identified size of the PFO (P < 0.05) and massive bubble on
      echocardiography (P < 0.05) as factors related to recurrence of ischemic stroke.
      In conclusion, size of the PFO and presence of a massive bubble were considered
      to be factors associated with recurrence of ischemic stroke due to PFO.

PMID- 22057408
TI  - A systematic analysis of the theory and practice of syndrome differentiation.
AB  - Syndrome differentiation is a methodology unique to Chinese medicine. It threads
      the diagnosis process with clinical treatment into a holistic web of links to
      determine and regulate the patterns of dysfunctions in the human body. It is seen
      as the essence of Chinese medicine because it takes into account the theoretical
      principles, diagnostic methodologies and the modality of treatment holistically.
      In this process the progressive development and changes of syndromes are also
      considered by the physician. This paper is a systematic study of the methodology
      of syndrome differentiation in relation to its clinical applications in the
      treatment of diseases. To illustrate the efficacy of syndrome differentiation,
      the relationship between pattern identification and diseases is analysed to
      provide a guiding principle for integration between Chinese medicine and Western
      medicine. Diseases being selected include cancer, cardiovascular and metabolic
      syndromes. A study of renal and hepatic diseases related to lifestyle is also
      included to highlight the clinical efficacy of syndrome differentiation. The
      paper also includes an analytical summary of the theoretical advancements made in
      integrative differentiation methodology during the past five decades which links
      to the recent clinical thinking and practice.

PMID- 22057409
TI  - Chinese medicine pattern diagnosis could lead to innovation in medical sciences.
AB  - Chinese medicine (CM) pattern diagnosis (Bian zheng or syndrome differentiation),
      as another patient classification approach, has been incorporated with
      biomedicine diagnosis in clinical practice in China, and the clinical experience
      has proven that the integration of biomedicine and CM is better in the treatment
      of many diseases. CM pattern diagnosis is completely different from the diagnosis
      in biomedicine, and it must take an active role in innovation for medical
      sciences. This paper is trying to discuss how CM pattern diagnosis lead to
      innovations in basic research, clinical research and new drug discovery.
      Scientific basis of CM pattern in innovation of basic research, clinical efficacy
      and safety, CM pattern based clinical trial design, CM pattern and clinical
      practice guideline in innovation of clinical study, CM pattern based indication
      finding, and CM pattern based network pharmacology in innovation of new drug
      discovery have been discussed.

PMID- 22057410
TI  - Chinese medicine pattern differentiation and its implications for clinical
      practice.
AB  - Chinese medicine practitioners apply the differentiation reasoning for decision
      making. The wide scope of Chinese medicine intervention provides coverage of
      methods and techniques with applications to primary, secondary and tertiary
      levels of prevention. The rapid evolution of mathematical and computational
      techniques allowed the implementation of several models for pattern
      differentiation that were tested for several physiologic systems. Concurrently,
      it is argued that pattern differentiation might improve the efficacy of either
      traditional or conventional medical interventions. This article reviewed the
      influence of pattern differentiation into clinical practice organized by medical
      field: general pattern differentiation; genitourinary (recurrent cystitis);
      cardiovascular (coronary heart disease; arterial hypertension; angina pectoris);
      neurology (stroke); surgery; metabolic (diabetes mellitus); hepatic (cirrhosis);
      gastrointestinal (chronic superficial gastritis); orthopedic (low back pain;
      rheumatoid arthritis; cervical spondylosis; elbow arthritis); oncology (gastric
      mucosal dysplasia; lung cancer); gynecologic and obstetric manifestations (nausea
      and vomiting). The reviewed studies presented achievements that have contributed
      to the integration of Chinese medicine and evidence-based medicine in the
      treatment of many mild and severe diseases. Target diseases considered as major
      public health problems were also investigated and the results are promising
      regarding the possibility to treat guided by pattern differentiation.

PMID- 22057411
TI  - An innovative method to accommodate Chinese medicine pattern diagnosis within the
      framework of evidence-based medical research.
AB  - Pattern diagnosis is an integral aspect of Chinese medicine (CM). CM
      differentiates biomedical diseases into patterns, based upon the patient's
      symptoms and signs. Pattern identification (PI) is used to diagnose, direct the
      treatment principle and determine the treatment protocol. Most CM research has
      used fixed formula treatments for Western-defined diseases with outcomes measured
      using objective biomedical markers. This article presents an innovative method
      used in a randomised controlled pilot study using acupuncture for participants
      with hepatitis C virus. Each participant's CM patterns were identified and
      quantified at baseline which directed the treatment protocol for the treatment
      group. Data identified that while each participant expressed different patterns
      at baseline all participants displayed multiple patterns. Six patterns showed
      some expression by all 16 participants; Liver (Gan) yin vacuity expressing a
      group aggregate mean percentage of 47.2, binding depression of Liver qi 46.9, and
      Liver Kidney (Shen) yin vacuity 45.1. Further sub category gender grouping
      revealed that pattern ranking changed with gender; Liver yin vacuity (male 53.4%,
      female 51.93%), binding depression of Liver qi (male 50.0%, female 42.86%) and
      Liver Kidney yin vacuity (male 42.9%, female 47.96%). The quantification of CM
      patterns described in this article permitted statistical evaluation of presenting
      CM patterns. Although this methodology is in its infancy it may have potential
      use in the integration of PI with rigorous evidence based clinical research.
      Biomedical markers often do not relate to symptom/signs and therefore this
      innovative measure may offer an additional CM evaluation methodology and further
      CM PI understanding.

PMID- 22057412
TI  - Clinical observation of the treatment of myelodysplastic syndrome mainly with
      Qinghuang Powder.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical effectiveness of Qinghuang Powder (QHP)
      combined with Bupi Yishen Decoction (, BPYS) in treating myelodysplastic syndrome
      (MDS), and its relationship with France, America, and Britain (FAB) type,
      international prognosis scaling system (IPSS) risk, and chromosome karyotype.
      METHODS: There were 124 MDS patients subjected to the tests. By FAB typing, 91
      patients were typed as refractory anemia (RA) type and 33 as refractory anemia
      with excess of blasts (RAEB) type; by IPSS scale, 21 were sorted to low risk, 77
      to moderate risk I, 20 to moderate risk II, and 6 to high risk; 78 of them had
      normal chromosome and 46 with abnormal chromosome, including 26 of trisomy 8. All
      patients were treated with QHP+BPYS, and the changes of peripheral blood figure
      and bone marrow were observed. RESULTS: After treatment, the general effective
      rate was 72.58% (90/124), which in the patients of RA type was 80.22% (73/91) and
      in RAEB type 51.52% (17/33). The former was better than that in the later
      (P<0.01). For the analysis in the patients of different IPSS risk degrees, the
      effective rate was 95.24% (20/21) in the lowrisk group, 72.73% (56/77) in
      moderate risk I, 65.00% (13/20) in moderate-risk II, and 16.67% (1/6) in high
      risk group. Those in the first two groups were superior to that in the latter two
      (P<0.01). The effective rate was 79.49% (61/78) in the patients with normal
      chromosome and was 60.87% (28/46) in the patients with abnormal chromosome,
      showing a significant difference between them. While in the patients of trisomy
      8, it was 73.08% (19/26), which was parallel to that in the patients with normal
      chromosome. CONCLUSION: The effectiveness of QHP+BPYS comprehensive therapy for
      MDS is unquestionably good, and it is markedly correlated with the FAB type and
      IPSS risk degree of the disease, as well as the normality of chromosome in the
      patient.

PMID- 22057413
TI  - Xiongshao capsule promotes angiogenesis of HUVEC via enhancing cell proliferation
      and up-regulating the expression of bFGF and VEGF.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the angiogenic effect of the Xiongshao capsule (XSC) in
      human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC), and to investigate the possible
      molecular mechanisms mediating its biological effect. METHODS: Serum pharmacology
      was applied in this study, in which different doses of XSC were administrated to
      rats orally and then XSC-containing serum (XSC-S) was collected for the following
      in vitro experiments. The viability of HUVEC was determined by the 3-(4, 5
      dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Cell density
      was observed via phase-contrast microscopy. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting
      analysis with propidium iodide staining was performed to determine cell cycle
      phase. Cell migration was determined by wound-healing method. Capillary tube
      formation by HUVEC was examined using ECMatrix gel-based assay. Vascular
      endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF)
      expression levels were measured by reverse transcription polymerase chain
      reaction (RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbant assay (ELISA) analyses.
      RESULTS: XSC-S dose-dependently stimulated proliferation of HUVEC by promoting
      the cell cycle G1 to S progression. In addition, XSC-S treatment dramatically
      increased the migration and capillary tube formation of HUVEC in a dose-dependent
      manner. Moreover, XSC-S enhanced the expression of VEGF and bFGF at both mRNA and
      protein levels. CONCLUSION: XSC can promote several features of angiogenesis in
      endothelial cells through up-regulating the expression of bFGF and VEGF,
      suggesting that XSC may be a potential novel therapeutic agent for the treatment
      of ischemic heart diseases.

PMID- 22057414
TI  - Scavenging effect of Naoerkang on amyloid beta-peptide deposition in the
      hippocampus in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of a Chinese medicine compound, Naoerkang (NEK),
      on amyloid-beta peptide (1-42; Abeta(1-42)) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP
      9) expressions in the hippocampus of Alzheimer's disease (AD) model rats.
      METHODS: A total of 48 male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into
      normal control, untreated, and piracetam groups, and low-dose, medium-dose, and
      high-dose NEK groups, with 8 rats in each group. The 5-MUL aggregated Abeta(1-42)
      (2 MUg/MUL) were injected into both CA1 areas of the hippocampus in the rats to
      establish an AD model, whereas the normal control was treated with the same dose
      of normal saline. The rats in the NEK groups were treated with a high, medium, or
      low dose of NEK [60 g/(kg.d), 30 g/(kg.d), and 15 g/(kg.d)], respectively,
      intragastrically for 28 days; piracetam (0.375 g/kg, intragastrically) was
      consecutively administered in the piracetam group; and normal saline was applied
      in the normal control and untreated groups. A Y-maze test was used for behavioral
      study to test the learning and memory abilities. Abeta(1-42) and MMP-9
      expressions in the hippocampus was determined immunohistochemically, and the
      results were analyzed by image acquisition and an analysis system. RESULTS:
      Aggregated Abeta(1-42) induced obvious learning and memory dysfunction, as well
      as up-regulation of Abeta(1-42) expression in the hippocampus. Compared with
      those in the normal control group, the learning and memory abilities of rats in
      the untreated group significantly decreased (P<0.01), and the expression of
      Abeta(1-42) was significantly increased (P<0.01). Twenty-eight days after
      different treatments, compared with those in the untreated group, the learning
      and memory abilities of AD model rats in the piracetam, low-dose, medium-dose and
      high-dose NEK groups were significantly improved (P<0.01 or P<0.05), and the
      expression of Abeta(1-42) in the hippocampus decreased (P<0.01 or P<0.05), and
      MMP-9 increased (P<0.01 or P<0.05), especially in the high-dose NEK group.
      CONCLUSION: NEK might play a role of anti-dementia by increasing the expression
      of MMP-9 in the hippocampus of AD model rats, resulting in the reduction of the
      quantity of Abeta(1-42) and improvement in learning and memory ability in AD
      model rats.

PMID- 22057415
TI  - Protection of ultra-filtration extract from Danggui Buxue Decoction on oxidative
      damage in cardiomyocytes of neonatal rats and its mechanism.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether the administration of the ultra-filtration
      extract from Danggui Buxue Decoction (EDBD) was able to protect cardiomyocytes
      from oxidative injury of rats induced by hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) and its
      potential mechanism. METHODS: Myocardial cells from 1- to 2-day-old neonatal rats
      were cultured in Dulbecco's modified Eagle's medium low-glucose and Ham's F12
      medium (1:1), and the cellular injury was induced by H(2)O(2). The ultra
      filtration extract mixture from Angelica sinensis and Hedysarum polybotrys was
      given in three doses of 3.75, 7.5, and 15 mg/mL. Morphological changes of
      cardiomyocytes were observed by microscope. Survival rate of myocardial cells was
      assessed using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT)
      assay. The cardiomyocyte damages were estimated by detecting lactate
      dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK) releases in the medium, superoxide
      dismutase (SOD) activities, and intracellular malondialdehyde (MDA) and
      myeloperoxidase (MPO) contents. The levels of caspase-3 and heat shock protein 70
      (hsp70) mRNA expression in cardiomyocytes were measured by reverse transcription
      polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: The EDBD could protect the cardiomyocytes
      from H(2)O(2) injury in a dosedependent manner (3.75, 7.50, and 15.00 mg/mL). The
      EDBD could significantly decrease LDH and CK leakages and intracellular MDA and
      MPO contents, increase SOD activity, up-regulate hsp70 expression, and down
      regulate caspase-3 expression. CONCLUSION: The EDBD has protection on
      cardiomyocytes injured by H(2)O(2) through improving cell antioxidant ability, up
      regulating hsp70 expression, and inhibiting caspase-3 activity.

PMID- 22057416
TI  - Chinese ethics review system and Chinese medicine ethical review: past, present,
      and future.
AB  - The Chinese medical ethics committee and the ethical review system have made the
      following achievements: (1) enabled the institutionalization of medical ethics,
      (2) carried out the ethics review of Chinese medicine (CM) and integrative
      medicine extensively, (3) trained a large number of ethical professionals, (4)
      supported and protected the interests of patients and subjects, and (5) ensured
      the correct direction of biological research and provided ethical defense for the
      publication of its results. However, at the same time, they are also faced with
      some new problems and difficulties that need to be resolved in the following
      ways: (1) to refine the relevant rules of ethical review, (2) to develop the
      relevant standards of the CM and integrative medicine ethical review, (3) to
      enhance the independence and authority of ethics committee, (4) to emphasize
      innovation and to discover and solve new problems, and (5) to increase
      international exchanges and improve relevant research.

PMID- 22057417
TI  - 'The necessity must be convincingly shown to exist': standards for compulsory
      treatment for mental disorder under the Mental Health Act 1983.
AB  - Current English law has few controls on the involuntary treatment of persons
      detained under the Mental Health Act 1983. In 2001, R (Wilkinson) v. Broadmoor
      Special Hospital Authority provided some hope that, in conjunction with the Human
      Rights Act and the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), meaningful
      substantive and procedural standards for compulsory psychiatric treatment might
      be developed, but that hope has not been fulfilled. Using Wilkinson and the ECHR
      jurisprudence as a starting point, this article considers when, if at all,
      compulsory psychiatric treatment might be justified. In particular, it considers
      the difference between the 'appropriateness' standard of the English legislation
      and the ECHR requirement of 'therapeutic necessity', the requirements for
      appropriate procedure and appropriate legislative clarity, how the courts should
      deal with disagreements among treating physicians, and the relevance of the
      capacity and best interests of the detained person.

PMID- 22057418
TI  - Motor imagery in typing: effects of typing style and action familiarity.
AB  - The influences of typing style and action familiarity on executed and imagined
      typing were investigated. A group of touch typists and a group of hunt-and-peck
      typists were asked to imagine and execute typing texts of different lengths in
      two different styles: with ten fingers (familiar for touch typists, unfamiliar
      for hunt-and-peck typists) and with two fingers (unfamiliar for touch typists,
      familiar for hunt-and-peck typists). The imagination (but not the execution) of
      familiar and unfamiliar typing was correlated in both groups, indicating that
      participants used skill knowledge from the familiar action to imagine the
      unfamiliar action. Only when touch typists imagined familiar typing accurate
      motor imagery was observed (similar durations of and positive correlations
      between imagination and execution). When touch typists imagined unfamiliar
      typing, the average imagination durations resembled the execution durations, but
      correlations indicated individual differences in the processes of imagination and
      execution. Hunt-and-peck typists showed shorter imagination than execution
      durations with both familiar and unfamiliar typing, indicating that in both
      styles they did not imagine all details of typing. Also, they did not imagine
      some details specifically related to unfamiliar typing (reflected in particularly
      high percentages of absolute error). However, correlations indicated that
      individual difficulties in executing the unfamiliar action were reflected in the
      imagination durations. In conclusion, skill knowledge from familiar actions is
      used to imagine unfamiliar actions. Familiarity with actions promotes accurate
      motor imagery, but only if stable internal action representations have been
      acquired, and not if action control relies on online, step-by-step control.
      However, stable internal action representations of familiar actions may be
      detrimental for imagery of unfamiliar actions.

PMID- 22057419
TI  - Stenotrophomonas maltophilia in the respiratory tract of medical intensive care
      unit patients.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to investigate characteristics of critically ill
      patients with Stenotrophomonas maltophilia (S. maltophilia) isolated from the
      respiratory tract, to identify risk factors for S. maltophilia-pneumonia and
      intensive care unit (ICU) mortality and to analyze antibiotic susceptibility of
      S. maltophilia. This was a retrospective analysis of 64 medical ICU patients with
      S. maltophilia in the respiratory tract. Thirty-six patients fulfilled the
      criteria for diagnosis of pneumonia. A significantly higher lung injury score
      (LIS) was observed in patients with pneumonia compared to patients with
      colonization (p=0.010). Independent risk factors for S. maltophilia-pneumonia
      were higher Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score (p=0.009) and
      immunosuppression (p=0.014). Patients with S. maltophilia-pneumonia had higher
      ICU mortality within a 28-day follow-up (p=0.040) and higher hospital mortality
      (p=0.018) than patients with colonization. The highest antibiotic susceptibility
      rates were observed to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, tigecycline, and
      moxifloxacin. Higher SOFA score when S. maltophilia was isolated (p=0.001) and
      development of renal failure (p=0.021) were independent risk factors for ICU
      mortality. Higher SOFA score and immunosuppression are independent risk factors
      for S. maltophilia-pneumonia. Patients with S. maltophilia-pneumonia have a
      significantly higher ICU mortality within a 28-day follow-up, hospital mortality
      and LIS compared to patients with S. maltophilia-colonization.

PMID- 22057420
TI  - Low prevalence of STEC autotransporter contributing to biofilm formation (Sab) in
      verocytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli isolates of humans and raw meats.
AB  - Escherichia coli autotransporters (AT) are known to confer adherence to
      eukaryotic extracellular matrix and may, therefore, be virulence-associated.
      Recently, the plasmid-borne STEC AT contributing to biofilm formation (Sab) was
      described in verocytotoxin (VT)-producing E. coli (VTEC) strains that do not
      carry the locus of enterocyte effacement (LEE). Using polymerase chain reaction
      (PCR), we investigated the prevalence of sab and other virulence genes, VT1
      (vtx1), VT2 (vtx2), intimin (eae), enterohemolysin (ehxA), STEC autoagglutinating
      adhesin (saa), and subtilase cytotoxin (subA), in VTEC isolates from patients
      (n=263) and raw meats of ruminants and wildlife (n=104) in Belgium from 1990 to
      2010. Overall, sab was detected in three (0.82%) of 367 VTEC strains comprising
      human isolates of serotypes O162:H28 (no clinical data available) and OX183:H18
      (patient with abdominal pain), and one ground beef O181:H16 isolate. These three
      sab-positive isolates were eae-negative, but ehxA-, saa-, and subA-positive. Our
      data show that sab is uncommon in VTEC isolates. All sab-positive VTEC strains
      identified to date carried a comparable plasmid-bound virulence profile (ehxA-saa
      subA-sab), which may be transmitted to other strains. Sab may mediate intestinal
      adherence in some LEE-negative VTEC isolates, but more studies on its prevalence
      and function are needed.

PMID- 22057421
TI  - Carotid intima-media thickness, thrombin and atherosclerosis.

PMID- 22057422
TI  - American Indian/Alaska Native willingness to provide biological samples for
      research purposes.
AB  - This article examines the willingness of American Indian/Alaska Natives (AI/AN)
      to provide biological samples for research purposes. Prior cases of abuse and
      misuse of individuals, materials, and data highlight ethical research concerns.
      Investigators may be hesitant to engage AI/ANs in research projects. We conducted
      a survey of AI/ANs in the central plains region of the US over 1 year. This
      convenience sample completed a series of questions on biological samples and
      research. Survey results (N=998) indicate that 70.15% of AI/ANs would be willing
      to provide saliva/spit for a specific study with the proper consent and control
      of samples. In conclusion, researchers should find ways to work with and for
      AI/ANs, assuring participant input in the research process.

PMID- 22057423
TI  - A model program to reduce patient failure to keep scheduled medical appointments.
AB  - Community health center clinics that rely on scheduled appointments lose revenue
      and time when patients do not keep their appointments. Various approaches have
      been used to improve the rate of patient appointments kept. This article provides
      a model intervention program developed by a quality improvement committee at a
      Northwest Ohio community health center that is credited with significantly
      reducing rates of patient failure to keep scheduled medical and dental clinic
      appointments. The approach of this intervention program is different from others
      in that it was primarily designed to help patients learn how to become part of
      the solution to the problem. Community health center staff accomplishes this
      through engaging patients in a respectful and courteous manner and helping them
      understand the importance of their involvement in maintaining an efficient
      scheduling process to benefit all patients. Data collected from outpatient
      appointment records before and after implementation of the program indicate that
      missed appointments dropped to less than half the pre-intervention rate.

PMID- 22057424
TI  - Sugar and dietary fibre composition influence, by different hormonal response,
      the satiating capacity of a fruit-based and a beta-glucan-enriched beverage.
AB  - In this study the satiating capacity of three beverages containing 3 g barley
      beta-glucan, or 2.5 g dietary fibre (DF) from fruit, or without DF (control) was
      evaluated. Fourteen healthy volunteers were randomized to have isocaloric
      breakfasts including one of the beverages in different occasions. Appetite
      ratings over 3 h post-breakfast and energy intakes at ad libitum lunch, blood
      glucose, insulin, ghrelin, PYY, GLP-1, GIP, and PP concentrations, and 24 h food
      intake, were assessed. The bevaerages containing DF increased fullness and
      satiety over 3 h post-breakfast, but only the beta-glucan-enriched vs. the
      control significantly reduced energy intakes by 18% at lunch and 40% over the
      rest of the day. Blood ghrelin and PP responses were differently modulated by
      beverages. The fruit-based and the beta-glucan-enriched beverage suppressed by
      8.9% and 8.1% ghrelin response over the 3 h and the first hour post-breakfast,
      respectively, while only the latter increased PP response by 34.6%, compared to
      the control. A sucrose-sweetened beverage providing 3 g barley beta-glucans can
      control food intake by modulating PP response and it can even reduce 24 h energy
      intake. Ghrelin suppression by fruit dietary fibre and mixed sugars was not
      sufficient to significantly reduce food intake compared to the control.

PMID- 22057425
TI  - Detection of the full-length transcript variant for neurokinin-1 receptor in
      human whole blood associated with enhanced reinforcement of clot by substance-P.
AB  - We have recently reported that a neurotransmitter for pain, substance-P (SP),
      promotes platelet-dependent clot formation through neurokinin-1 receptors
      (NK1Rs), in which leukocytes appear to be involved (J Thromb Thrombolysis
      2009;27:280-6). Two naturally occurring splice isoforms of NK1R with different
      signal transduction potency, namely the full-length and the truncated NK1Rs are
      identified. It is known that human leukocytes express truncated NK1Rs, while in
      vivo expression of the full-length NK1R has not yet been fully clarified.
      Modulatory effects of alternative splicing for NK1Rs on clot formation also
      remain to be evaluated. Expression of the transcript variant mRNA for NK1Rs in
      human whole blood (n = 20) was evaluated by real-time reverse transcription
      polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). A 15 min time series of the strength of clot,
      formed after reloading of calcium in citrated whole blood with or without SP (10
      nM) and a NK1R antagonist Spantide (1 MUM), was measured by using oscillating
      probe viscoelastometry. The full-length transcript variant was detected in 5
      samples among 20. SP significantly increased the clot strength while Spantide
      suppressed the SP-derived change. The extent of modulation by SP/NK1R pathway in
      a subgroup with expression of the full-length transcript variant was three times
      as potent as those in another subgroup without expression. We conclude that
      expression of the full-length transcript variant for NK1R can be detected in
      human whole blood and that such expression is associated with the enhanced
      reinforcement of clot by SP. Further study is required to nominate this mRNA as a
      biomarker for prothrombotic risks in painful conditions such as perioperative
      period.

PMID- 22057426
TI  - Testicular toxicity of methyl thiophanate in the Italian wall lizard (Podarcis
      sicula): morphological and molecular evaluation.
AB  - The effects of the fungicide methyl thiophanate (MT) on testis were determined in
      the Italian wall lizard (Podarcis sicula) using morphological and molecular
      analyzes. Three experimental trials were performed: an acute test using six
      doses, a two-week chronic test, and "ecotoxicological" exposure (3 weeks). The
      minimal lethal dose (LD(50)) of pure MT, reached by the acute test, was 100 mg/kg
      body weight. Testicular histopathology of surviving animals showed a reduced
      lumen and several multinucleated giant cells 24 h after injection followed by
      large decreases in spermatogonia (72%) and secondary spermatocytes (58%) and a
      loss of spermatids and sperms 7 days after. In the chronic test, a dose
      equivalent to 1/100 of LD(50) was injected on alternate days. Complete shutting
      of the lumen and a great decrease in spermatogonia (82%) were observed. In
      "ecotoxicological" exposure, achieved with a commercial MT compound, testis
      showed a decrease in primary spermatocytes (20%) and several vacuoles. An
      increase in germ cell apoptosis was observed in all experimental groups using
      TUNEL assay. A decrease in expression of androgen and estrogen receptor (AR and
      ER) mRNAs was seen in all experimental groups. The reduction in AR and ER mRNAs
      was correlated to exposure time. Indeed, in the "ecotoxicological" treatment (30
      days), the decrease reached 82 and 90% for AR and ER mRNAs, respectively. These
      data strongly indicate that treatment with MT, damaging the seminiferous
      epithelium and decreasing steroid receptor expression, might render exposed
      lizards infertile.

PMID- 22057427
TI  - Accuracy of the digital anal examination in women with fecal incontinence.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: This study aims to determine the accuracy of digital
      rectal examination (DRE) to detect anal sphincter defects when compared to
      endoanal ultrasound (US) in women with fecal incontinence (FI). METHODS: Seventy
      four patients identified by retrospective chart review who presented with
      complaints of bothersome FI who underwent endoanal US are the subjects of this
      analysis. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative likelihood ratios
      were calculated for the ability of the DRE to detect anal sphincter defects.
      RESULTS: Anal sphincter defect was suspected on DRE in 75%. At endoanal US,
      external sphincter defects were noted in all three segments in 41% (complete
      defect) while partial defects were noted in 30%. DRE demonstrated a sensitivity
      of 82%, specificity of 32%, +likelihood ratio 1.2 (95% confidence interval (CI),
      0.95-1.16) and -likelihood ratio of 0.6 (95% CI, 0.2-1.24) for detecting a
      complete EAS defect on endoanal US. CONCLUSION: DRE has poor specificity for
      detecting anal sphincter defects seen on endoanal US.

PMID- 22057428
TI  - Sulfonamide carbazole receptors for anion recognition.
AB  - Carbazole-based receptors functionalized with two sulfonamide groups have been
      synthesized and their properties as anion receptors have been evaluated. The
      receptor with bis(trifluoromethyl)aniline groups has shown a very high affinity
      for halide ions, especially remarkable as only two hydrogen bonds are formed in
      the complexes. (1)H NMR and fluorescence titrations have been carried out and
      binding constants up to 7.9 * 10(6) M(-1) have been reached. X-ray structures
      have been obtained and a modelling study has shown the possible reasons for the
      large affinity of these compounds for halide anions.

PMID- 22057429
TI  - Review the role of terminal domains during storage and assembly of spider silk
      proteins.
AB  - Fibrous proteins in nature fulfill a wide variety of functions in different
      structures ranging from cellular scaffolds to very resilient structures like
      tendons and even extra-corporal fibers such as silks in spider webs or silkworm
      cocoons. Despite their different origins and sequence varieties many of these
      fibrous proteins share a common building principle: they consist of a large
      repetitive core domain flanked by relatively small non-repetitive terminal
      domains. Amongst protein fibers, spider dragline silk shows prominent mechanical
      properties that exceed those of man-made fibers like Kevlar. Spider silk fibers
      assemble in a spinning process allowing the transformation from an aqueous
      solution into a solid fiber within milliseconds. Here, we highlight the role of
      the non-repetitive terminal domains of spider dragline silk proteins during
      storage in the gland and initiation of the fiber assembly process.

PMID- 22057430
TI  - Fast lithium-ion conducting thin-film electrolytes integrated directly on
      flexible substrates for high-power solid-state batteries.
AB  - By utilizing an equilibrium processing strategy that enables co-firing of oxides
      and base metals, a means to integrate the lithium-stable fast lithium-ion
      conductor lanthanum lithium tantalate directly with a thin copper foil current
      collector appropriate for a solid-state battery is presented. This resulting thin
      film electrolyte possesses a room temperature lithium-ion conductivity of 1.5 *
      10(-5)  S cm(-1) , which has the potential to increase the power of a solid-state
      battery over current state of the art.

PMID- 22057431
TI  - Difference of intensity and disparity in impact of climate on several vascular
      diseases.
AB  - Several studies have reported the correlation between regional weather patterns
      and various vascular diseases. However, each vascular disease has inherent
      characteristics, and the difference of meteorological correlation between these
      diseases is not well known. This study was aimed at investigating the disparity
      and intensity of the relationship between meteorological factors and various
      vascular diseases. A total of 1113 events within 2 years were included in this
      study. Daily meteorological parameters with and without events were,
      respectively, compared in acute coronary syndrome (ACS), cerebral infarction
      (CI), cerebral embolism (CE), cerebral hemorrhage (CH), subarachnoid hemorrhage
      (SAH), aortic dissection (AD), and aortic aneurysm rupture (AAR). Days with CI
      onset correlated with fewer sunshine hours, fewer solar radiation factors,
      greater amounts of precipitation factors, and more humidity factors, whereas CH
      and CE only showed lower correlation in temperature factors. However, there was
      no relation seen between ACS, SAH, AD, AAR, and climatic parameters. Our findings
      suggest that climate affects various cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases
      differently. This finding may help in understanding the mechanism of how vascular
      events are triggered.

PMID- 22057432
TI  - Electrogenerated upconverted emission from doped organic nanowires.
AB  - The electrogenerated upconversion was achieved in the uniformly doped organic
      nanowires based on triplet energy transfer from tris(2,2'-bipyridyl)ruthenium(II)
      to 9,10-diphenylanthracene.

PMID- 22057433
TI  - Laparoscopic splenectomy for immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) patients with platelet
      counts lower than 1 * 109/L.
AB  - Laparoscopic splenectomy (LS) has become the gold-standard surgical intervention
      for the treatment of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) and the patients who
      experienced medical relapse to steroid. Fewer series are available regarding LS
      for patients with an extremely low platelet count. The aim of this study is to
      investigate the feasibility and safety of laparoscopic splenectomy in the
      treatment of patients with a preoperative platelet count of less than 1 * 109/L.
      From April 2006 to Jan 2011, 10 patients were managed by laparoscopic splenectomy
      for idiopathic thrombocytopenia with an extremely low preoperative platelet
      count. Preoperative, perioperative, and postoperative medical management has been
      reviewed. Before laparoscopic splenectomy, all of the 10 patients had a platelet
      count of less than 1 * 109/L but a normal level of coagulation function.
      Emergency laparoscopic splenectomy was performed. The mean operating time was 157
      min; the mean intraoperative blood loss was 44 mL. During the operations,
      transfusion was provided in two patients. No intraoperative complications ensued.
      The patients were followed up for a mean of 28 months and showed good recovery
      without any postoperative complications. Laparoscopic splenectomy is a feasible
      technique in the treatment of ITP patients, characterized by severe mucocutaneous
      bleeding, extremely low platelet count, and normal prothrombin time (PT) and
      activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT).

PMID- 22057434
TI  - Interconnected ordered nanoporous networks of colloidal crystals integrated on a
      microfluidic chip for highly efficient protein concentration.
AB  - We report a controllable method to fabricate silica colloidal crystals at defined
      position in microchannel of microuidic devices using simple surface modification.
      The formed PCs (photonic crystals) in microfluidic channels were stabilized by
      chemical cross-linking of Si-O-Si bond between neighboring silica beads. The
      voids among colloids in PCs integrated on microfluidic devices form
      interconnected nanoporous networks, which show special electroosmotic properties.
      Due to the "surface-charge induced ion depletion effect" mechanism, FITC-labeled
      proteins can be efficiently and selectively concentrated in the anodic boundary
      of the ion depletion zone. Using this device, about 10(3) - to 10(5)-fold protein
      concentration was achieved within 10 min. The present simple on chip protein
      concentration device could be a potential sample preparation component in
      microfluidic systems for practical biochemical assays.

PMID- 22057435
TI  - Antiplatelet activity of 3-butyl-6-bromo-1(3H)-isobenzofuranone on rat platelet
      aggregation.
AB  - This study aimed to explore the impact of 3-butyl-6-bromo-1(3H)-isobenzofuranone
      (Br-NBP) on rat platelet aggregation induced by arachidonic acid (AA). Anti
      platelet activities in vitro and ex vivo in rat platelets and the possible
      mechanism were also investigated. The 50% inhibitory concentration (IC(50)) of Br
      NBP was 84 MUM in washed platelet added AA (final concentration, 780 MUM) in
      vitro, meanwhile intravenous injection of Br-NBP also potently inhibited platelet
      aggregation ex vivo. Br-NBP significantly restrained thromboxane B(2) formation
      and Ca(2+) mobilization caused by AA, but failed to regulate 6-keto-prostaglandin
      F(1alpha) production and malonaldehyde content. Treatment of Br-NBP improved
      cAMP, cGMP levels and NO synthesis but prevented serotonin secretion and PF(4)
      release. Results suggested that Br-NBP inhibited rat platelet aggregation and
      that the anti-platelet activity was related to both arachidonic acid cascade and
      cGMP-NO signal path.

PMID- 22057436
TI  - In vitro detection of superoxide anions released from cancer cells based on
      potassium-doped carbon nanotubes-ionic liquid composite gels.
AB  - A newly developed electrochemical biosensor for the determination of superoxide
      anions (O(2)(-)) released from cancer cells using potassium-doped multi-walled
      carbon nanotubes (KMWNTs)-1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate
      ([BMIM]PF(6)) ionic liquid composite gels is demonstrated. The KMWNTs-[BMIM]PF(6)
      can electrocatalyze oxygen reduction to generate a strong current signal in
      neutral solution. Compared with KMWNTs without [BMIM]PF(6) or MWNTs-[BMIM]PF(6)
      composites, the KMWNTs-[BMIM]PF(6) can enhance the oxygen reduction peak current
      by 6.2-fold and 2.8-fold, which greatly increases the detection sensitivity of
      oxygen. Then, O(2)(-) biosensors are fabricated by mixing superoxide dismutase
      (SOD) in the KMWNTs-[BMIM]PF(6) gels via monitoring oxygen produced by an enzymic
      reaction between SOD/O(2)(-) without the help of electron mediators. The
      resulting biosensors show a linear range from 0.04 to 38 MUM with a high
      sensitivity of 98.2 MUA mM(-1), and a lower detection limit of 0.024 MUM. The
      common interferents such as hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), ascorbic acid (AA),
      uric acid (UA), and metabolites of neurotransmitters, do not interfere with the
      detection of O(2)(-). The proposed biosensor is tested to determine O(2)(-) in
      vitro and from liver cancer and leukemia cells and shows good application
      potential in biological electrochemistry.

PMID- 22057437
TI  - Gender- and region-specific variations of estrogen receptor alpha and beta
      expression in the growth plate of spine and limb during development and
      adulthood.
AB  - Although estrogen action is indispensable for normal bone growth in both genders,
      the roles of estrogen receptors (ERs) in mediating bone growth are not fully
      understood. The effects of ER inactivation on bone growth are sex and age
      dependent, and may differ between the axial and appendicular regions. In this
      study, the spatial and temporal expression of ERalpha and beta in the tibial and
      spinal growth plates of the female and male rats during postnatal development was
      examined to explore the possible mechanisms. The level of mRNA was examined and
      compared with quantitative real-time PCR. The spatial location was determined by
      immunohistochemical analysis. The 1-, 4-, 7-, 12- and 16-week age stages
      correspond to early life, puberty and early adulthood after puberty,
      respectively. Gender- and region-specific differences in ERalpha and beta
      expression were shown in the growth plates. Mainly nuclear staining of ERalpha
      and beta immunoreactivity was demonstrated in the spinal and tibial growth plate
      chondrocytes for both genders. Moreover, our study indicated significant effect
      of gender on temporal ERalpha and beta expression and of region on temporal
      ERalpha/ERbeta expression ratio. However, spatial differences of region-related
      ERalpha and beta expression were not observed. Gender-related spatial changes
      were detected only at 16 weeks of both spine and limb growth plates. ERalpha and
      beta immunoreactivity was detected in the resting, proliferative and
      prehypertrophic chondrocytes in the early life stage and during puberty. After
      puberty, ERalpha expression was mainly located in the late proliferative and
      hypertrophic chondrocytes in female, whereas the expression still extended from
      the resting to hypertrophic chondrocytes in males. Gender- and region-specific
      expression patterns of ERalpha and beta gene might be one possible reason for
      differences in sex- and region-related body growth phenotypes. Gender, age and
      region differences should be taken into consideration when the roles of ERs in
      the growth plate are investigated.

PMID- 22057438
TI  - Cell cycle-dependent expression and subcellular localization of fructose 1,6
      bisphosphatase.
AB  - Recently a gluconeogenic enzyme was discovered-fructose 1,6-bisphosphatase
      (FBPase)-that localizes in the nucleus of a proliferating cell, but its
      physiological role in this compartment remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate the
      link between nuclear localization of FBPase and the cell cycle progression.
      Results of our studies indicate that in human and mouse squamous cell lung
      cancer, as well as in the HL-1 cardiomyocytes, FBPase nuclear localization
      correlates with nuclear localization of S and G2 phase cyclins. Additionally,
      activity and expression of the enzyme depends on cell cycle stages.
      Identification of FBPase interacting partners with mass spectrometry reveals a
      set of nuclear proteins involved in cell cycle regulation, mRNA processing and in
      stabilization of genomic DNA structure. To our knowledge, this is the first
      experimental evidence that muscle FBPase is involved in cell cycle events.

PMID- 22057439
TI  - Autoreactivity against myelin basic protein in patients with chronic paraplegia.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Previous studies have shown the existence of either cellular or
      humoral MBP-reactive elements up to 5 years after spinal cord injury (SCI), but
      not the presence of both after 10 years. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twelve SCI
      patients, with more than 10 years of evolution, and 18 healthy blood donors were
      studied. Lymphocyte proliferation (colorimetric-BrdU ELISA assay) and antibody
      titers against MBP (ELISA Human IgG MBP-specific assay) were assessed. RESULTS:
      SCI patients presented a significant T-cell proliferation against MBP (lymphocyte
      proliferation index: 3.7 +/- 1.5, mean +/- SD) compared to control individuals
      (0.7 +/- 0.3; P < 0.001). Humoral response analysis yielded a significant
      difference (P < 0.0001) between the antibody titers of controls and SCI patients.
      A significant correlation between cellular and humoral responses was observed.
      Finally, patients with an ASIA B presented the highest immune responses.
      CONCLUSION: This work demonstrates, for the first time, the existence of both
      cellular and humoral responses against MBP in the chronic stages (>10 years) of
      injury.

PMID- 22057440
TI  - Motor and bladder dysfunctions in patients with vertebral fractures at the
      thoracolumbar junction.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To present the motor deficits and type of neurogenic bladder
      dysfunction (NBD) in patients with vertebral fractures at thoracolumbar junction.
      METHODS: Fifty-two patients with single level vertebra fracture over T11-L2 with
      onset duration of longer than 3 years were enrolled. All participants provided
      basic demographic data, ambulatory status and received neurologic examination and
      urodynamic studies. The differences in distribution of NBD types, neurologic
      injury sites and functional walkers in patients with different levels of
      vertebral injury were analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis
      was used to define the cutoff value of lower extremities motor score (LEMS) in
      functional walker and non-walker. RESULTS: Of the 52 patients, the injured levels
      were 3 (5.8%) in T11, 21 (40.4%) in T12, 22 (42.3%) in L1, and 6 (11.5%) in L2
      vertebrae. Eight (15.4%) patients had upper lumbar cord lesions, 26 (50.0%) had
      epiconus and lumbar roots lesions, 18 (34.6%) had conus medullaris or/and cauda
      equina lesions. Mean LEMS was 0 +/- 0, 5.4 +/- 7.7, 11.1 +/- 10.2, and 28.0 +/-
      11.0 for patients with T11, T12, L1, and L2 fractures, respectively. Patients
      with L2 fractures had higher LEMS than other levels (p < 0.001). The cutoff value
      of LEMS for functional walking was set at 20, and both the sensitivity and
      specificity was 100%. Thirty-one (59.6%) patients had spastic NBD, 18 (35.6%) had
      flaccid NBD, and 3 (5.8%) had mixed type NBD. Positive prediction value of ankle
      spasticity for bladder and sphincter spasticity was 95.2 and 100%, respectively.
      CONCLUSION: Half of the patients had epiconus lesion following thoracolumbar
      junction fracture, and they had a clinical presentation of flaccid legs and
      spastic NBD. Patients with L2 fracture had higher LEMS than patients with T11,
      T12, and L1 fracture. Patients whose LEMS was higher than 20 could all walk
      functionally. Fracture at the thoracolumbar junction may cause spastic, flaccid,
      or mixed type NBD, and urodynamic study is an essential tool for the correct
      diagnosis and management. Ankle spasticity has a high positive predictive value
      for spastic bladder or sphincter.

PMID- 22057441
TI  - Introduction to cell culture.
AB  - The basics of cell culture as applied to human cells are discussed. Biosafety
      when working with human tissue, which is often pathogenic, is important. The
      requirements for a tissue culture laboratory are described, particularly the
      range of equipment needed to carry out cell isolation, purification, and culture.
      Steps must be taken to maintain aseptic conditions to prevent contamination of
      cultures with micro-organisms. Basic cell-handling techniques are discussed,
      including choice of media, primary culture, and cryopreservation of cells so they
      can be stored for future use. Common assays which are used to determine cell
      viability and activity are considered.

PMID- 22057442
TI  - Isolation and cultivation of dermal stem cells that differentiate into functional
      epidermal melanocytes.
AB  - Human melanocytes have been extensively studied, but a melanocyte stem cell
      reservoir in glabrous skin has not yet been found. Human dermis contains cells
      that are nonpigmented but can differentiate to several different cell types. We
      have recently shown that multipotent dermal stem cells isolated from human
      neonatal foreskins are able to differentiate to multiple cell lineages, including
      pigmented melanocytes. The dermal stem cells grow as three-dimensional spheres in
      human embryonic stem cell medium and express some neural crest stem cell and
      embryonic stem cell markers. Melanocytes derived from dermal stem cells express
      melanocytic markers and act the same way as mature epidermal melanocytes. Dermal
      spheres, embedded in the reconstructed dermis consisting of collagen with
      fibroblasts, can migrate to the basement membrane, where they become pigmented in
      the same way as epidermal melanocytes suggesting that dermal stem cells can give
      rise to epidermal melanocytes.

PMID- 22057443
TI  - Isolation, cultivation, and application of human alveolar epithelial cells.
AB  - The blood-air barrier formed by the alveolar epithelium of the peripheral lung is
      crucial for the pulmonary delivery of drugs. Most existing in vitro models
      mimicking the blood-air barrier are represented by tumor cells or immortalized
      cells and lack biological relevance due to their genetic alterations and
      underexpressed essential physiological functions. However, the increasing
      interest of aerosol administration of medicines to the respiratory system
      requires the development and use of representative in vitro models. Thereby,
      human alveolar epithelial cells (hAEpC) are a suitable test system allowing
      standardized toxicity and transport studies for newly developed compounds and
      delivery systems. The isolation, purification, and cultivation of hAEpC are
      described as well as their possible application in the so-called Pharmaceutical
      Aerosol Deposition Device On Cell Cultures (PADDOCC) mimicking the complete
      inhalation process of a powder aerosol in vitro.

PMID- 22057444
TI  - Culture of parathyroid cells.
AB  - The parathyroid cells are highly differentiated with more or less their only
      function to secrete parathyroid hormone in response to the extracellular calcium
      level. Tumours from the parathyroid glands are >99% benign, and have a slow
      proliferation rate. Culture of parathyroid cells is known to be very difficult
      most likely due to the high differentiation level. This chapter reveals some
      details in order how to get parathyroid cells to survive in culture after
      dispersion of normal bovine parathyroid glands or pathological human parathyroid
      tumours. Detailed protocols describing cell dispersion with collagenase, short
      term cultures, and establishment of long-term cultures are presented.

PMID- 22057445
TI  - Functional analysis of human islets of Langerhans maintained in culture.
AB  - Islets of Langerhans isolated from experimental animals, such as mice and rats,
      have contributed much to our understanding of the mechanisms by which pancreatic
      beta-cells secrete insulin in a regulated manner, and this knowledge is important
      in identifying potential novel therapies for Type 2 diabetes. However, although
      many of the signal transduction pathways identified in rodent islets are common
      to humans, some critical differences have been demonstrated experimentally. It
      is, therefore, essential that experiments are performed using islets isolated
      from human pancreas to provide robust data defining whether the key observations
      made in rodents are also applicable to the human situation. The rate-limiting
      factor in this area of research is the supply of high-quality human islets
      isolated from pancreases retrieved from organ donors, and the protocols described
      in this chapter aim to provide methods of maximising information that can be
      obtained when human islets are maintained in culture.

PMID- 22057446
TI  - Conversion of non-endocrine human pancreatic cells to insulin-producing cells for
      treatment of diabetes.
AB  - Type I diabetes results from the autoimmune destruction of the insulin-secreting
      pancreatic beta-cells, affecting many millions of people worldwide. The optimal
      treatment is to restore the endogenous supply of insulin either through the
      transplantation of pancreas or the transplantation of islets of langerhans or
      simply the beta-cells. However, the donated pancreas organs are limited and the
      available organs are only able to treat a small portion of the diabetes patients.
      Thus, glucose-responsive, insulin-producing cells from human origin are urgently
      needed. The aim of this chapter is to give some insight views to how to turn the
      potential human pancreatic non-endocrine cells into cells that are capable of
      secreting insulin in response to glucose and ameliorating insulin-deficient
      diabetes conditions after transplantation.

PMID- 22057447
TI  - Evaluation of cytochrome P450 activities in human hepatocytes in vitro.
AB  - Major hepatic cytochrome P450 activities (CYP1A2, CYP2A6, CYP2B6, CYP2C9,
      CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP2E1, and CYP3A4) can be simultaneously examined in human
      hepatocytes by incubation with a cocktail of multiple specific probes. Cocktail
      strategy in combination with mass spectrometry is shown to be a robust, fast, and
      sensitive procedure for P450 activity assessment. This procedure allows a drastic
      reduction of the number of cells required in the assay and sample analysis time
      and increases throughput and reproducibility. Major applications of the probe
      cocktail strategy are P450 phenotyping of hepatocytes and induction studies.

PMID- 22057448
TI  - Human hepatocytes: isolation, culture, and quality procedures.
AB  - The use of isolated human liver cells in research and development has gained
      increasing interest during the past years. The possible application may vary
      between elucidation of new biochemical pathways in liver diseases, drug
      development, safety issues, and new therapeutic strategies up to direct clinical
      translation for liver support. However, the isolation of human liver cells
      requires a well-developed logistic network among surgeons, biologists, and
      technicians to obtain a high quality of cells. Our laboratories have been
      involved in various applications of human liver cells and we have long-lasting
      experiences in human liver cell isolation and their application in R&D. We here
      summarize the present protocol of our laboratories for cell isolation from normal
      resected liver tissue, the most common tissue available. In addition, we discuss
      the necessary network in the clinic and quality controls to maintain human liver
      cells in culture and the effect of 3D extracellular matrix in cultured cells
      which results in preservation of hepatocyte epithelial polarity in the form of
      bile canaliculi and repression of epithelial to mesenchymal transitions occurring
      in 2D cultures.

PMID- 22057449
TI  - Preclinical testing of virotherapeutics for primary and secondary tumors of the
      liver.
AB  - Virotherapy offers a new treatment strategy using oncolytic viruses as self
      replicating, tumor-specific agents, which destroy tumors during their natural
      lytic replication process. To study potential oncolytic viruses, cell culture
      experiments give basic information about the lytic potential of a virus, measured
      as cell lysis or decreased viability. For further analysis, animal models are
      usually employed. As these in vivo experiments are often performed in
      immunocompromised animals, results have to be interpreted with caution.
      Therefore, to obtain deeper information of the oncolytic action of specific
      viruses in a patient's individual context we established a test platform based on
      human primary tissue slices. In this three-dimensional model, we observed a
      preferential tumor infection and the penetration of oncolytic measles vaccine
      virus into deeper cell layers of tumor tissues, which is an essential feature of
      an effective oncolytic virus.

PMID- 22057450
TI  - Isolation and functional studies of human fetal gastric epithelium in primary
      culture.
AB  - Our understanding of gastric epithelial physiology in man is limited by the
      absence of normal or appropriate cancer cell lines that could serve as an in
      vitro model. Research mostly relied on primary culture of gastric epithelial
      cells of animal species, enriched with surface mucous cells, and devoid of
      glandular zymogenic chief cells. We successfully applied a new nonenzymatic
      procedure using Matrisperse Cell Recovery Solution to dissociate the entire
      epithelium from human fetal stomach. Cultures were generated by seeding
      multicellular aggregates prepared by mechanical fragmentation. We further
      demonstrate that this simple and convenient technique allows for the maintenance
      of heterogenous gastric epithelial primary cultures on plastic without a
      biological matrix as well as the persistence of viable chief cells able to
      synthesize and secrete gastric digestive enzymes, i.e., pepsinogen and gastric
      lipase. In wounding experiments, epithelial restitution occurred in serum-reduced
      conditions and was modulated by exogenous agents. This culture system is thus
      representative of the foveolus-gland axis and offers new perspectives to
      establish the influence of individual growth factors and extracellular matrix
      components as well as their combinatory effects on gastric epithelium
      homeostasis.

PMID- 22057451
TI  - Isolation, characterization, and culture of normal human intestinal crypt and
      villus cells.
AB  - The intestinal epithelium is a highly dynamic tissue undergoing constant and
      rapid renewal. It consists of a functional villus compartment responsible for
      terminal digestion and nutrient absorption and a progenitor cell compartment
      located in the crypts that produce new cells. The mechanisms regulating cell
      proliferation in the crypt, their migration, and differentiation are still
      incompletely understood. Until recently, normal human intestinal cell models
      allowing the study of these mechanisms have been lacking. In our laboratory,
      using fetal human intestines obtained at mid-gestation, we have generated the
      first normal human intestinal epithelial crypt-like (HIEC) cell line and villus
      like primary cultures of differentiated enterocytes (PCDE). In this chapter, we
      provide a detailed description of the methodologies used to generate and
      characterize these normal intestinal crypt and villus cell models.

PMID- 22057452
TI  - Primary culture of human renal proximal tubule epithelial cells and interstitial
      fibroblasts.
AB  - Renal physiology and pathology are complex systems that are best studied in whole
      living organisms. This, however, is often restricted by our desire to limit the
      number of animal experiments undertaken and to replace them with relevant in
      vitro models that can be used as surrogates for the system under test. Primary
      culture cells are derived directly from the relevant tissue and therefore
      correlate more closely with the system under examination. Although the tissue of
      origin is not always readily available for culture and cells may quickly change
      their phenotype after only a few passages, they can be used in many circumstances
      to validate results obtained from closely related cell lines and to confirm vital
      protein expression patterns. This chapter outlines methods by which proximal
      tubular epithelial cells and renal interstitial fibroblasts can be isolated and
      characterized from human renal nephrectomy tissue.

PMID- 22057453
TI  - Glomerular epithelial and mesangial cell culture and characterization.
AB  - Culture of isolated kidney glomerular cells has been employed for almost four
      decades as a tool to dissect pathophysiological effects of individual cell types
      in renal disease. This chapter aims to highlight in detail the available
      techniques to isolate, culture, and characterize human glomerular epithelial and
      mesangial cells. To establish primary culture of these cells, glomeruli are
      isolated from the cortex of kidney by differential sieving and cellular
      outgrowths from cultured glomeruli further subcultured in appropriately coated
      tissue culture plates/flasks. Methods used for characterization of isolated
      glomerular mesangial and epithelial cells (podocytes) are described as are the
      phenotypic markers useful for identification. Other sources of isolated
      glomerular cells such as immortalized cell lines are briefly discussed.

PMID- 22057454
TI  - Culture of isolated human adipocytes and isolated adipose tissue.
AB  - Adipose tissue (AT) is no longer considered merely as insulation or padding for
      human organs. It is an endocrine organ in its own right, which includes composite
      cells with the ability to differentiate into multiple cell lines. In fact, there
      is increasing evidence to support the theory that the causation of obesity and
      its associated metabolic disorders originate at the cellular or tissue level.
      Adipocyte dysfunction and chronic inflammatory states are able to modulate
      triglyceride storage and mobilization directly through cytokine and adipokine
      release. Significant variability exists between adipocyte isolation and culture
      techniques which subsequently can impact experimental results. We aim to explain
      the importance of controlling these variables, to assist tailoring methodological
      choice towards the investigational outcomes, and modifications of the techniques
      used accordingly. The techniques described in this chapter yield cell and adipose
      tissue which can be utilised in many different ways, including adipose tissue
      stem cells for differentiation, DNA analysis, RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry,
      lipolysis, glucose uptake, and LPL activity.

PMID- 22057455
TI  - Primary culture of human adipocyte precursor cells: expansion and
      differentiation.
AB  - Culture of adipose tissue precursor cells allows gaining insight into the
      sequential processes involved in adipocyte development. Furthermore, the
      secretory properties associated with these cellular changes can be studied.
      Although clonal cell lines are valuable tools for the identification of
      mechanisms associated with proliferation or differentiation such models do not
      necessarily represent the complexity of adipose tissue physiology. Primary cell
      culture systems may be closer to physiology and circumvent some of these
      restrictions. One advantage is that phenotypic properties of the tissue donor
      such as gender, age, or body weight are still, at least partially retained in
      vitro. In primary culture, also differences between various adipose depots can be
      studied either as a condition per se or in the cellular context of the stromal
      vascular (SV) fraction. Furthermore, artificial stressors such as hypoxia and
      other relevant conditions can be applied to elucidate their functional role.
      Finally, cultures of human adipose precursor cells may also be used as a
      screening tool for potential novel drug targets to modulate adipocyte
      differentiation and biology.

PMID- 22057456
TI  - Primary culture of ovarian cells for research on cell interactions in the
      hormonal control of steroidogenesis.
AB  - Ovary is a polymorphic complex structure in which the cells are arranged in two
      essential endocrine mini glands: the follicle (F) and the corpus luteum (CL).
      Their secretory function creates an optimal milieu for growth, maturation, and
      selection of follicles and oocytes competent for ovulation. Monoculture of
      isolated ovarian cells has identified the secretory potential of the different
      cell types functioning in this complex gland in vivo. Primary culture of isolated
      ovarian cells is a good tool for the investigation of cell interactions and its
      impact on steroidogenesis, dynamics of steroidogenic enzymes, hormone receptors,
      changes in the cytoskeleton in granulosa cell populations, regulatory mechanisms,
      and the intracellular pathways of gonadotropin signaling in steroidogenic ovarian
      cells. Since the granulosa cell number recovered during isolation from the
      follicle is substantial, this makes primary culture fairly easy and enables many
      kinds of studies in vitro. Ovarian cells are highly differentiated and express
      characteristic functional specificity dependent on the dynamics of the sexual
      cycle. This is important so as not to produce artifacts in vitro.

PMID- 22057457
TI  - Human vascular smooth muscle cell culture.
AB  - Human vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in culture are an important tool in
      understanding how VSMCs function and contribute to vessel wall contraction as
      well as disease. In this chapter, we describe methodologies that enable the
      investigator to culture large numbers of proliferative VSMCs. These VSMCs are
      heterogeneous and vary in size, shape, and proliferative capacity depending on
      the disease state and location of the vessel of origin. Therefore, we also
      describe techniques to validate their identity as bone fide VSMCs. Briefly, the
      methods include information on how to dissect the blood vessel to remove the
      medial layer containing VSMCs, as well as methods on how to propagate these
      cells, by either allowing VSMCs to migrate from the explanted medial tissue or by
      enzymatically dispersing the cells from the tissue. Both methods are suitable for
      culturing VSMCs derived from most vessel types with modifications of the enzyme
      dispersal method suitable for the isolation of microvessel VSMCs. An important
      feature of VSMCs in culture is that they lose many of their in vivo contractile
      properties and so model disease-associated VSMCs in the vessel wall rather than a
      non-proliferative contractile cell. To overcome this limitation, we also describe
      alternate methods that enable the study of cultured VSMCs in their contractile
      state by allowing the VSMCs to remain within an intact vessel ring. Overall,
      these procedures enable the investigator to undertake a diverse array of
      experimental assays on cultured VSMCs.

PMID- 22057458
TI  - Culture of human endothelial cells from umbilical veins.
AB  - The present protocol offers an economical option for the isolation and culture of
      human endothelial cells for vascular cell biology research due to the non
      invasive collection procedure being devoid of ethical concerns and ease of the
      isolation technique, expansion and maintenance under standard cell culture
      conditions. The human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) model is useful for
      any research on general properties of human endothelium, but as these cells are
      of foetal and venous origin, other sources could be more appropriate models for
      studies on specific pathological areas, for example, atherosclerosis or cancer
      angiogenesis. Nevertheless, HUVEC still represent the most simple and available
      human vascular cell type widely used in biomedical research.

PMID- 22057459
TI  - Human peripheral blood mononuclear cell culture for flow cytometric analysis of
      phosphorylated mitogen-activated protein kinases.
AB  - Lymphocyte activation and fine tuning of downstream signaling circuits for the
      regulation of cytokine expression are critical for a successful immune response.
      Hence, technical protocols permitting simultaneous testing of these attributes in
      peripheral blood lymphocytes are of paramount importance. Phospho-specific flow
      cytometry is a novel methodology that detects phosphorylation of signaling
      effectors in multiple, rare cellular populations within peripheral blood. In
      addition, it allows the quantification of phosphorylation levels for signaling
      proteins within each single cell, and therefore is superior compared to
      traditional biochemical approaches, such as Western blotting. One such important
      signaling pathway within immune cells is the p38 MAPK pathway involved in the
      regulation of cytokine expression, cell proliferation and apoptosis. In this
      chapter, we provide technical instructions for culturing human peripheral blood
      lymphocytes for simultaneous monitoring of p38 MAPK phosphorylation and
      associated cytokine expression, especially in rare cell populations, such as NK
      and NKT.

PMID- 22057460
TI  - Human CD4+CD25(high)CD127 (low/neg) regulatory T cells.
AB  - CD4+CD25(high)CD127(low/neg) regulatory T cells (Tregs) play a critical role in
      the maintenance of peripheral tolerance and in controlling the development of
      autoimmune diseases. A combination of surface and intracellular markers, namely,
      CD25, CD39/CD73, CD62L, CD45RO, CD127, glucocorticoid-induced tumor necrosis
      factor receptor (GITR), CTLA-4, and the forkhead/winged helix transcription
      factor (FOXP3), has been used to characterize Tregs. Tregs suppress T effector
      responses mainly in a direct cell-cell contact manner. However, other mechanisms
      independent from this manner cannot be excluded entirely. It has been shown that
      Tregs can undergo limited expansion in vitro after the stimulation of TCR in the
      presence of exogenous cytokines, e.g., IL-2. Expanded Tregs retain their
      suppression function. Human Tregs have demonstrated their great potential to be
      used as a therapeutic intervention in preventing graft rejection and treating
      autoimmune diseases. In this chapter, we have given a review on how to
      characterize, isolate, expand Tregs and assess their suppressive functions.

PMID- 22057461
TI  - Human chondrocyte cultures as models of cartilage-specific gene regulation.
AB  - The human adult articular chondrocyte is a unique cell type that has reached a
      fully differentiated state as an end point of development. Within the cartilage
      matrix, chondrocytes are normally quiescent and maintain the matrix constituents
      in a low-turnover state of equilibrium. Isolated chondrocytes in culture have
      provided useful models to study cellular responses to alterations in the
      environment such as those occurring in different forms of arthritis. However,
      expansion of primary chondrocytes in monolayer culture results in the loss of
      phenotype, particularly if high cell density is not maintained. This chapter
      describes strategies for maintaining or restoring differentiated phenotype by
      culture in suspension, gels, or scaffolds. Techniques for assessing phenotype
      involving primarily the analysis of synthesis of cartilage-specific matrix
      proteins as well as the corresponding mRNAs are also described. Approaches for
      studying gene regulation, including transfection of promoter-driven reporter
      genes with expression vectors for transcriptional and signaling regulators,
      chromatin immunoprecipitation, and DNA methylation are also described.

PMID- 22057462
TI  - Isolation and culture of human osteoblasts.
AB  - The skeleton is a dynamic organ that is constantly active throughout life. The
      highly coordinated actions of bone cells early in life determine the body's shape
      and form, whilst the constant remodelling (bone resorption followed by an equal
      amount of bone formation) during adulthood helps to maintain skeletal mass and
      repair microdamage. When the balance of bone resorption and bone formation
      becomes unequal, bone diseases, such as osteoporosis, occur. In order to develop
      drugs to combat bone disease, it is important to know the regulatory systems
      involved in normal bone formation and resorption. In this chapter, we concentrate
      on bone formation, providing a detailed guide to isolating and culturing primary
      human osteoblasts in bone explant cultures, as well as the methodology used to
      characterise and monitor the function of osteoblasts. In combination, these
      methods provide a powerful tool in bone cell biology and in the development of
      new novel treatments for bone disease.

PMID- 22057463
TI  - Human osteoclast culture and phenotypic characterization.
AB  - Bone remodelling occurs throughout life via the coupled actions of bone
      resorption and bone formation. When the balance of bone resorption and formation
      becomes unequal, bone diseases, such as osteoporosis occur, while the absence of
      functional osteoclasts leads to diseases such as osteopetrosis and
      pycnodysostosis. In order to develop effective treatments for bone disease the
      normal regulatory systems involved in bone resorption need to be fully
      elucidated. The only cell in the body capable of resorbing bone is the osteoclast
      - a highly specialized cell of haematopoietic origin. Until relatively recently,
      the ability to study the formation and function of human osteoclasts in vitro has
      been limited.In this chapter, we provide an up-to-date detailed guide to
      isolating and culturing primary osteoclasts from human peripheral blood. In
      addition, we detail the methodology used to characterize osteoclasts and how to
      quantify resorption in vitro. In combination these methods provide a powerful
      tool in the study of human osteoclasts and the development of new novel
      treatments for bone disease.

PMID- 22057464
TI  - Effects of temperature generated from the Holmium: YAG laser on human osteoblasts
      in monolayer tissue culture.
AB  - With the use of lasers for ablation purposes in spinal surgery, the tissue
      temperature increases above the boiling point of water, leading to tissue
      ablation by vaporisation. Due to the thermal environment engendered by the use of
      lasers, there is concern about the safety of the surrounding important
      structures, such as dura mater, dorsal root ganglia, and nerve roots.

PMID- 22057465
TI  - Laser microdissection microscopy: application to cell culture.
AB  - Laser microdissection (LMD) microscopy allows isolation of specific cell
      populations to target their -molecular profile. There are several different types
      of LMD microscopes, but they are all based on the same principle. A laser beam is
      used to cut out cells or tissues of interest from a histological section,
      cytology preparations, or live cells from tissue cultures. Live cells can be
      isolated using LMD and processed for downstream molecular work. RNA, DNA, and
      protein isolation is possible from a small number of cells and the material is
      suitable for further real-time PCR, ELISA, Western Blotting, and protein
      microarray analysis.

PMID- 22057466
TI  - Automated adherent human cell culture (mesenchymal stem cells).
AB  - Human cell culture processes developed at research laboratory scale need to be
      translated to large-scale production processes to achieve commercial application
      to a large market. To allow this transition of scale with consistent process
      performance and control of costs, it will be necessary to reduce manual
      processing and increase automation. There are a number of commercially available
      platforms that will reduce manual process intervention and improve process
      control for different culture formats. However, in many human cell-based
      applications, there is currently a need to remain close to the development
      format, usually adherent culture on cell culture plastic or matrix-coated wells
      or flasks due to deterioration of cell quality in other environments, such as
      suspension. This chapter presents an example method for adherent automated human
      stem cell culture using a specific automated flask handling platform, the CompacT
      SelecT.

PMID- 22057467
TI  - Culturing and differentiating human mesenchymal stem cells for biocompatible
      scaffolds in regenerative medicine.
AB  - Mesenchymal stem cells from a variety of sites are a natural resource that using
      appropriate skills can be cultured in the laboratory, in scaffolds, to provide
      differentiated-cell replacement tissues, for clinical application. To perform
      such work with human cells, strict ethical integrity must be observed at all
      stages. Adipocytes, osteocytes and chrondrocytes are amongst the most desirable
      end-point cells. Hydrolytic degradable scaffolds allow implanted cells to
      synthesise their own extracellular matrix in situ after implantation,
      degeneration of the foreign scaffold to temporally match creation of the new
      innate one. For preliminary in vitro stem cell differentiation protocols, initial
      investigation is commonly performed with stem cells in commercially available
      porous collagen sponges or cell-free small intestinal submucosa. Differentiation
      of stem cells to a specific phenotype is achieved by culturing them in apposite
      culture media under precise conditions. Once the cells have differentiated, they
      are checked and characterised in a wide variety of systems. This chapter
      describes differentiation media for adipocytes, osteocytes, chondrocytes,
      myocytes and neural precursors and methods of observing their characteristics by
      microscopy using phase contrast microscopy, standard light microscopy and
      electron microscopy with tinctorial, immunocytochemical and electron dense
      stains, respectively. Cell sorting techniques are not dealt with here.
      Immunocytochemistry/microscopy staining for specific differentiated-cell antigens
      is an invaluable procedure, and the range of commercially available antibodies is
      wide. Precautions need to be considered for using actively proliferating cells in
      vivo, so that implanted cells remain controlled by the body's molecular signals
      and avoid development of malignancy.

PMID- 22057468
TI  - Effects of a proximal base on water oxidation and proton reduction catalyzed by
      geometric isomers of [Ru(tpy)(pynap)(OH2)]2+.
AB  - Basic difference: The importance of a pendent base in promoting proton-coupled
      electron-transfer reactions with low activation barriers has been discussed for
      H(+) reduction or H(2) oxidation in acetonitrile. Investigation of the
      interaction between a base positioned in the second coordination sphere of a
      complex and a water ligand in water oxidation reactions using geometric isomers
      of [Ru(tpy)(pynap)(OH(2))](2+) (see picture) gave intriguing results.

PMID- 22057469
TI  - Imaging of neonatal brain emergencies: multisequence MRI analysis of pathologic
      spectrum including diffusion and MR spectroscopy.
AB  - The purpose of this pictorial essay is to review the normal neonatal brain MR
      anatomy and the MR imaging appearances of neonatal brain emergencies and discuss
      the advantages of individual MR imaging sequences and the clinical implications
      of utilizing MRI as a problem-solving modality in the neonatal intensive care
      unit. Here we briefly discuss the normal MR imaging anatomy and myelination
      pattern and normal MR spectroscopy findings in a neonate. The role of individual
      MR imaging sequences in evaluating various neonatal abnormalities is being
      emphasized. For example, the utility of diffusion-weighted imaging for the
      diagnosis of profound hypoxic-ischemic injury and other forms of hypoxic-ischemic
      encephalopathies and MR spectroscopy in the diagnosis of metabolic
      encephalopathies and genetic disorders including aminoacidurias is being
      presented.

PMID- 22057470
TI  - Analysis of serum and supplemented vitamin C and oxidative stress in HIV-infected
      children and adolescents.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess adequacy of vitamin C intake in HIV-infected children and
      adolescents; to evaluate serum levels of vitamin C and indicators of oxidative
      stress; to compare with the uninfected group; to correlate serum vitamin C with
      oxidative stress and associate them according to the reference values. METHODS:
      Comparative cross-sectional study. Two groups of 27 children and adolescents
      each, aged between 3 to 19 years. Group 1 (G1) comprised individuals vertically
      infected with HIV seen at a regional outpatient clinic. Group 2 (G2) comprised
      invited individuals without history of HIV infection. The groups were matched for
      age, sex, and socioeconomic status. The following variables were analyzed: body
      mass index for age; micronutrient intake and consumption; and serum vitamin C, C
      reactive protein (CRP), and albumin. RESULTS: The mean age was 12 years old. Most
      subjects were female (17, 63%), and there was prevalence of the economic class C
      (27, 50%). The most prevalent nutritional status was normal weight in 20
      individuals (74.1%) in G1 and 21 (77.8%) in G2. The intake of vitamin C was
      significantly higher in G1 (p = 0.006; t = 2.987) according to the 24-hour
      dietary recall method. There were significant differences in serum vitamin C
      concentration between the groups, with a lower level in G1 (p = 0.000; t = 
      7.309). In relation to oxidative stress, values of CRP in G1 were significantly
      higher (p = 0.007; t = 2.958). There was no association between deficiency of
      vitamin, CRP, and albumin. CONCLUSION: Our findings show that HIV-infected
      individuals have low levels of vitamin C; however, this deficiency is not related
      to eating habits, since the intake of this nutrient was higher in this group than
      in the control group. HIV-infected individuals have specific characteristics that
      increase their oxidative stress, which is evidenced by increased CRP.

PMID- 22057471
TI  - Interspecific resource competition-combined effects of radiation and nutrient
      limitation on two diazotrophic filamentous cyanobacteria.
AB  - The cyanobacterial blooms in the Baltic Sea are dominated by diazotrophic
      cyanobacteria, the potentially toxic species Aphanizomenon sp. and the toxic
      species Nodularia spumigena. The seasonal succession with peaks of Aphanizomenon
      sp., followed by peaks of N. spumigena, has been explained by the species
      specific niches of the two species. In a three-factorial outdoor experiment, we
      tested if nutrient and radiation conditions may impact physiological and
      biochemical responses of N. spumigena and Aphanizomenon sp. in the presence or
      absence of the other species. The two nutrient treatments were f/2 medium without
      NO (3) (-) (-N) and f/2 medium without PO (4) (3-) (-P), and the two ambient
      radiation treatments were photosynthetic active radiation >395 nm (PAR) and PAR +
      UV-A + UV-B >295 nm. The study showed that Aphanizomenon sp. was not negatively
      affected by the presence of N. spumigena and that N. spumigena was better adapted
      to both N and P limitation in interaction with ultraviolet radiation (UVR, 280
      400 nm). In the Baltic Sea, these physical conditions are likely to prevail in
      the surface water during summer. Interestingly, the specific growth rate of N.
      spumigena was stimulated by the presence of Aphanizomenon sp. We suggest that the
      seasonal succession, with peaks of Aphanizomenon sp. followed by peaks of N.
      spumigena, is a result from species-specific preferences of environmental
      conditions and/or stimulation by Aphanizomenon sp. rather than an allelopathic
      effect of N. spumigena. The results from our study, together with a predicted
      stronger stratification due to effects of climate change in the Baltic Sea with
      increased temperature and increased precipitation and increased UV-B due to ozone
      losses, reflect a scenario with a continuing future dominance of the toxic N.
      spumigena.

PMID- 22057472
TI  - Pattern analysis and spatial distribution of neurons in culture.
AB  - The nervous system is a complex, highly-ordered, integrated network of cells.
      Dispersed cultures of neurons enable investigations into intrinsic cellular
      functions without the complexities inherent in the intact nervous system. This
      culture process generates a homogeneously dispersed population that is assumed to
      be spatially random. Despite the vast number of studies utilizing dispersed
      neurons, few studies address the spatial distribution of large populations of
      neurons, in vitro. We used ink-jet printing and surface chemistry to define
      patterned areas of poly-lysine adhesion (~50 MUm spots) juxtaposed against a
      fluorinated-silane background. We quantitatively analysed populations of
      patterned neurons on printed protein spots, and unpatterned neurons. Using a
      microarray scanner, we acquired large images (72 mm * 22 mm) of patterns, and
      neurons with and without patterns. Fast Fourier transformation (FFT) image
      analysis was used to determine global alignment of neurons to patterns. Through
      point pattern analysis, we described the spatial organization of dispersed
      neurons with, or without, patterned substrates. Patterned neurons show spatial
      organization characteristics reminiscent of printed patterns, with spatial
      distributions representative of unpatterned neurons. Most notably, both patterned
      and unpatterned neurons show departure from null models of complete spatial
      randomness (CSR; a homogeneous Poisson process) at shorter distances with
      conformity to CSR occurring at longer distances. Cellular morphometrics show that
      when compared to their unpatterned counterparts, spot-patterned neurons exhibit a
      significant increase (p < 0.0001) in the mean dendritic circularity and an
      increase in the number of more circular neurons. Through neurite tracing, we show
      that dendritic processes are also highly confined to patterned areas, and that
      they are on average 58% shorter than dendrites of neurons without patterns. Our
      findings show that patterned areas change the spatial organization of the somata
      and dendrites of cultured neurons, and that traditional neuronal cultures deviate
      from CSR.

PMID- 22057473
TI  - Patient outcomes associated with group and individual genetic counseling formats.
AB  - Identifying new methods to deliver cancer genetic counseling (GC) are needed to
      meet the growing interest in BRCA1/2 testing. The goal of this pilot feasibility
      study was designed to test the initial acceptability of group GC on selected
      patient outcomes (satisfaction, distress, perceived control) in a breast/ovarian
      cancer genetics clinic setting. Sixty-five participants at increased risk for
      hereditary breast/ovarian cancer (HBOC) agreed to participate in self-selected
      individual or group GC appointments. Forty-nine participants completed all study
      questionnaires and were included in the analyses. There were significant
      improvements for participants in both the individual and group GC formats with
      regard to perceived personal control, general psychological distress and cancer
      specific psychological distress scores. Participants in both the individual and
      group formats reported high satisfaction scores on the Genetic Counseling
      Satisfaction Scale. Study results suggest that group GC may be feasible and
      acceptable to high-risk women.

PMID- 22057474
TI  - First degree relatives and familial aggregation of gastric cancer: who to choose
      for control in case-control studies?
AB  - Gastric carcinogenesis is a multifactorial process involving host gene and
      environmental interactions. Diverse case-control studies using different types of
      controls addressed the familial aggregation role for gastric cancer development.
      Our aim is to discuss the advantages and expected bias according to the different
      type of eligible controls. A PubMed search of papers on a query on first degree
      relatives of gastric cancer patients was conducted. The retrieved studies were
      evaluated regarding quality based on STROBE checklist. Data concerning risk of
      premalignant lesions and Helicobacter pylori infection was retrieved as the type
      of controls used on each study. Nine case-control studies were selected. A
      variety of controls were used ranging from general population to dyspeptic
      patients and spouses of the cases. We have observed that, independently of the
      type of control, the risk for the prevalence of premalignant lesions and H.
      pylori infection was higher for the cases. However, all of the evaluated case
      control studies were average quality studies (mean 28 out of 45), with a small
      number of cases and controls (range from 39 to 300). Furthermore, concerning gene
      environment interaction, each of the discussed type of control (general
      population, dyspeptic, spouse and neighbor) has potential advantages and
      disadvantages. The current data suggests that selection of any type of the
      aforementioned controls is feasible and seems to be mainly related to the
      feasibility of recruitment more than the genetic or environmental backgrounds.
      General population and dyspeptic patients would be equally appropriate for
      studies on familial aggregation of gastric cancer. Nevertheless, high-quality
      cohort studies are needed to validate this assumption.

PMID- 22057475
TI  - Facile aromatic radiofluorination of [18F]flumazenil from diaryliodonium salts
      with evaluation of their stability and selectivity.
AB  - Aromatic radiofluorination of the diaryliodonium tosylate precursor with
      [(18)F]fluoride ions has been applied successfully to access [(18)F]flumazenil in
      high radiochemical yields of 67.2 +/- 2.7% (decay corrected). The stability and
      reactivity of the diaryliodonium tosylate precursor plays a key role in
      increasing the production of (18)F-labelled molecules under the fluorine-18
      labelling condition. Various conditions were explored for the preparation of
      [(18)F]flumazenil from different diaryliodonium tosylate precursors. Optimum
      incorporation of [(18)F]fluoride ions in the 4-methylphenyl-mazenil iodonium
      tosylate precursor (5f) was achieved at 150  degrees C for 5 min by utilizing 4
      mg of the precursor, K(2.2.2)/K(2)CO(3) complex, and the radical scavenger in N,N
      dimethylformamide. This approach was extended to a viable method for use in
      automated synthesis with a radiochemical yield of 63.5 +/- 3.2% (decay corrected,
      n = 26) within 60.0 +/- 1.1 min. [(18)F]Flumazenil was isolated by preparative
      HPLC after the reaction was conducted under improved conditions and exhibited
      sufficient specific activity of 370-450 GBq MUmol(-1), with a radiochemical
      purity of >99%, which will be suitable for human PET studies.

PMID- 22057476
TI  - Enhanced photoelectrochemical activity of the TiO2 /ITO nanocomposites grown onto
      single-walled carbon nanotubes at a low temperature by nanocluster deposition.
AB  - High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) is used to observe a
      TiO2/ITO-coated composite nanostructure grown onto single-walled carbon nanotubes
      (SWCNTs). The SWCNTs, indium tin oxide (ITO), and TiO2 mixtures of anatase (A)
      and rutile (R) are clearly distinguished in the HRTEM images. The thickness of
      the SWCNT was about 3 nm, and the TiO2 shell included different polycrystalline
      structures.

PMID- 22057477
TI  - An unprecedented organic-inorganic hybrid based on the first {Nb10V4O40(OH)2}(12
      ) clusters and copper cations.
AB  - An unprecedented organic-inorganic hybrid
      {[Cu(6)L(6)(H(2)O)(3)][Nb(10)V(4)O(40)(OH)(2)]}(2).13H(2)O (1) (L = 1,10
      phenanthroline) containing the unreported {Nb(10)V(4)O(40)(OH)(2)}(12-) building
      blocks has been successfully synthesized and its photoluminescent properties, IR
      spectra, thermogravimetric analyses and single-crystal X-ray diffraction were
      investigated.

PMID- 22057478
TI  - Rathke's cleft cysts in children: clinical, diagnostic, and surgical features.

PMID- 22057479
TI  - Electro-acupuncture therapy in a patient with a total artificial heart.
AB  - Interaction between the electrical system of implanted cardiovascular devices and
      electrical stimulation of acupuncture points (electro-acupuncture) can be life
      threatening. As a result, there is reluctance to use this modality in patients
      who have been implanted with any cardiac device. A patient with a total
      artificial heart was successfully treated with electro-acupuncture for
      inflammatory arthritis without any adverse events. This case illustrates the
      safety of electro-acupuncture in patients with a total artificial heart.

PMID- 22057481
TI  - Inhibition of endocytic processes by photodynamic therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Recent studies have demonstrated an effect of
      photodamage on the endocytic pathway involved in recycling of membrane
      components. Using a series of agents with known sub-cellular targets, we explored
      the determinants of photodynamic inhibition of endocytic processes in three cell
      lines: A murine leukemia, a murine hepatoma, and a non-malignant epithelial cell
      line of human origin. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: The PI-3 kinase
      antagonist wortmannin blocks endosomal processing pathway dependent on this
      enzyme, providing an indication of the "flux" of endocytosis. Microscopic
      observations were used to assess the effect of photodamage on this pathway.
      Photosensitizing agents specific for mitochondrial, endoplasmic reticulum (ER),
      lysosomal, and endosomal photodamage were employed. RESULTS: Sub-lethal
      photodamage directed against endosomes or lysosomes interrupted early steps in
      this endocytic process in the hepatoma cell line. A mechanism for these effects
      is proposed. Mitochondrial photodamage could interrupt endocytosis, but at levels
      that also induced apoptosis. ER photodamage did not affect endocytosis even at
      lethal levels. Somewhat similar results were obtained with other cell lines, but
      there were sufficient differences to indicate that the cell phenotype is, in
      part, a determinant of the endocytic response to PDT. CONCLUSIONS: PDT is
      therefore seen to have an effect on endocytic processes. Further work will be
      needed to delineate the role of these endocytic effects in the array of responses
      to photodynamic therapy.

PMID- 22057482
TI  - Fluorescence detection and depletion of T47D breast cancer cells from human
      mononuclear cell-enriched blood preparations by photodynamic treatment: Basic in
      vitro experiments towards the removal of circulating tumor cells.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: A major obstacle for permanent cancer eradication is the persistence
      of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in blood, which often escape radio- or
      chemotherapy. Currently no efficient strategy to remove CTCs from peripheral
      blood in order to lower the risk of metastases or tumor recurrence exists.
      Photodynamic treatment (PDT) using aminolevulinic acid (ALA) induced
      protoporphyrin IX (PPIX) as photosensitizer offers an innovative approach to
      overcome this problem. This study aims at providing basic evidence towards
      fluorescence detection and photodynamic depletion of scattered cancer cells from
      blood preparations. METHODS: The breast cancer cell line T47D, endothelial GP8
      cells, red blood cells (RBCs) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (MNCs) have
      been tested for ALA-induced formation kinetics of PPIX by flow cytometry and
      microplate fluorescence analysis. The influence of the presence of RBCs on the
      PPIX-accumulation in cancer cells was evaluated by flow cytometry; the efficacy
      of PDT on cancer cells and MNCs has been tested by resazurin assay. Mixtures of
      T47D and GP8 cells and MNCs spiked with cancer cells were tested to determine the
      limit of fluorescence detection by flow cytometry and antibody co-staining.
      RESULTS: T47D cells accumulated significantly higher PPIX-amounts after ALA
      incubation than any other cell type tested. The presence of RBCs had no impact on
      PPIX-formation in T47D cells. Experiments towards the fluorescence detection of
      cancer cells in blood revealed that the sensitivity of this method is yet
      limited. Viability testing after PDT showed that cancer cells where almost
      completely eradicated after illumination whereas MNCs were almost spared.
      CONCLUSION: We clearly demonstrate in vitro tumor cell selectivity of PPIX
      accumulation over endothelial cells, MNCs and RBCs. Breast cancer cells are
      efficiently killed by PDT with minor depletion of MNCs. Our findings provide a
      basis for the PDT of blood samples for a future depletion of CTCs.

PMID- 22057483
TI  - RIP3 expression induces a death profile change in U2OS osteosarcoma cells after 5
      ALA-PDT.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The receptor-interacting protein 3 (RIP3) has recently
      been outlined as a key necrosis mediator but is also thought to participate in
      the regulation of apoptosis. The aim of this study is to compare the cell death
      profile induced by 5-aminolevulic acid (5-ALA)-mediated photodynamic therapy
      (PDT) in the RIP3-deficient cell line U2OS and in U2OS cells in which the
      expression of RIP3 was restored. MATERIALS AND METHODS: RIP3-expressing U2OS
      cells (RIP3-U2OS) were obtained after transfection and antibiotic selection. Wild
      type and RIP3-U2OS cells were treated by 5-ALA-PDT. Overall cell viability was
      evaluated and different parameters characteristic of apoptosis, autophagy, and
      necrosis were studied. RESULTS: Surprisingly, the survival of RIP3-U2OS cells was
      higher compared to that of the wild type cells. In addition, RIP3-U2OS cell death
      was decreased by a zVAD-fmk pre-treatment. A higher cleavage of caspase-3, 7, 8,
      9, and PARP was also detected in these cells, pointing out to the activation of
      caspase-dependent apoptosis. In parallel, a thrust of autophagy was clearly
      identified in the RIP3-U2OS cells. Conversely, RIP3-U2OS exhibited a lower level
      of necrosis than the wild types. Interestingly, necrostatin-1 efficiently
      decreased necrosis level in RIP3-U2OS but not in wild type cells. CONCLUSION:
      Expression of RIP3 in U2OS cells led to a better survival but also to a death
      profile change in response to PDT. The apoptotic and autophagic pathways were
      clearly up-regulated compared to the RIP3-deficient wild type cells. However,
      induction of necrosis was weaker in the RIP3-U2OS cells. In this context,
      autophagy is likely to play a protective role against PDT-induced cell death and
      to allow a better survival of RIP3-U2OS cells. This work also highlights the
      important role played by RIP3 in the apoptotic pathway, although the modalities
      are still widely unknown.

PMID- 22057484
TI  - Verteporfin-based photodynamic therapy overcomes gemcitabine insensitivity in a
      panel of pancreatic cancer cell lines.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Pancreatic cancer is notoriously difficult to treat and
      resistant to virtually all therapeutics including gemcitabine, the standard front
      line agent for palliative chemotherapy. Early clinical studies point to a
      potential role for photodynamic therapy (PDT) in the management of this deadly
      disease. Here we examine PDT with verteporfin for treatment of cells that are
      nonresponsive to gemcitabine and identify intracellular and extracellular factors
      that govern sensitivity to each modality. STUDY DESIGN: Using MTS we assess
      cytotoxicity of verteporfin-PDT in gemcitabine-treated nonresponsive populations
      from a panel of five pancreatic cancer cell lines representing a range of tumor
      histopathology and origin. We conduct Western blots for pro-/anti-apoptotic
      proteins bax and Bcl-XL to identify factors relevant to PDT and gemcitabine
      sensitivity. To examine the role of extracellular matrix influences we compare
      response to each modality in traditional cell culture conditions and cells grown
      on a laminin-rich basement membrane. RESULTS: All cell lines have gemcitabine
      nonresponsive populations (17-33%) at doses up to 1 mM while moderate total
      verteporfin PDT doses (1-6 uM J/cm2) produce nearly complete killing. Our data
      shows that cells that are nonresponsive to sustained gemcitabine incubation are
      sensitive to verteporfin PDT indicating that the latter is agnostic to
      gemcitabine sensitivity. Verteporfin-based PDT decreases Bcl-XL and increases the
      bax/Bcl-XL ratio toward a pro-apoptotic balance. Insensitivity to gemcitabine is
      increased in cells that are adherent to basement membrane relative to traditional
      tissue culture conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Collectively these results indicate the
      ability of verteporfin-based PDT to bypass intracellular and extracellular cues
      leading to gemcitabine resistance and point to the emerging role of this therapy
      for treatment of pancreatic cancer.

PMID- 22057485
TI  - Role of NF-kappaB/Snail/RKIP loop in the response of tumor cells to photodynamic
      therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a therapeutic modality
      whose efficacy depends on several factors including type of photosensitizer,
      light fluence and cellular response. Cell recurrence is one of the problems still
      unsolved in PDT. In this work we found that in B78-H1 murine amelanotic melanoma
      cells there is a correlation between cell recurrence and the NF-kappaB/Snail/RKIP
      loop. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Proliferation and migration of surviving cells were
      analyzed by MTT and wound-scratch assays. The levels of ROS/NO in B78-H1 melanoma
      cells treated with pheophorbide a (Pba) and light (Pba/PDT) were measured by
      FACS, while expression of NF-kappaB, Snail and RKIP were determined by Western
      blots. The mechanism of cell death was investigated by caspase and microscopy
      assays. RESULTS: Our data show that after a low-dose Pba/PDT treatment, B78-H1
      cells are able to recover. This correlates with a low level of NO production,
      which blocks apoptosis via NF-kappaB pathway. Western blot analyses showed that a
      low-dose Pba/PDT increases the expression of NF-kappaB and anti-apoptotic Snail,
      but reduces the expression of pro-apoptotic RKIP. The role played by NF-kappaB in
      the modulation of Snail and RKIP was investigated using DHMEQ: a NF-kappaB
      inhibitor which behaves as NO donor. DHMEQ caused a decrease of Snail and an
      increase of RKIP expression. When B78-H1 cells were treated with a low dose
      Pba/PDT and DHMEQ, the NO level strongly increased, with the result that Snail
      was down-regulated and RKIP was upregulated, as observed with a high-dose
      Pba/PDT. CONCLUSION: One major problem in PDT is the cellular rescue occurring in
      tissue regions receiving a low-dose PDT. To minimize this problem and sensitize
      cancer cells to PDT we propose a combined treatment in which the photosensitizer
      is delivered with a donor of NO acting on the NF-kappaB/Snail/RKIP loop.

PMID- 22057486
TI  - Molecular determinants of photodynamic therapy for lung cancers.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: PDT induces apoptosis, inflammatory reactions, immune
      reactions, and damage to the microvasculature around the tumors. The mechanisms
      responsible for the anticancer effects of Photofrin-PDT and NPe6-PDT differ
      somewhat. To select a photosensitizer for lung cancer treatment and to improve
      the efficacy of PDT, the mechanisms of action for PDT using Photofrin or NPe6
      must be elucidated and the phenomena validated by analyzing molecular
      determinants from clinical samples. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: We
      examined the role of immunological reactions in the anti-tumor effects of PDT
      using cytokine-overexpressing cells and investigated whether the anti-apoptotic
      protein Bcl-2 may be a molecular target. Moreover, we investigated the
      association between ATP-binding cassette transporter proteins such as breast
      cancer-resistant protein (BCRP), which can pump out some types of
      photosensitizer, and the efficacy of PDT using clinical samples from 81 early
      lung cancer lesions treated with PDT between 1998 and 2006 at the Tokyo Medical
      University Hospital. RESULTS: Photofrin-PDT damaged Bcl-2 and rapidly induced
      apoptosis, but NPe6-PDT did not damage Bc-2 nor did it induce morphologically
      typical apoptosis. However, NPe6-PDT exerted a strong anti-tumor effect,
      regardless of the overexpression of Bcl-2. By analyzing the BCRP-overexpressing
      cells, Photofrin, but not NPe6, was found to be a substrate of BCRP. All 81 lung
      cancer lesions were BCRP-positive; as Photofrin was found to be a substrate of
      BCRP, the expression of BCRP significantly affected the efficacy of Photofrin
      PDT. However, NPe6-PDT exerted a strong antitumor effect regardless of BCRP
      expression, and the complete response rate after NPe6-PDT was much higher than
      that after Photofrin-PDT. CONCLUSIONS: Our translational research suggests that
      NPe6-PDT may be superior to Photofrin-PDT for the treatment of lung caner, and
      individualized approaches to PDT based on the expression status of Bcl-2 and/or
      BCRP may improve the efficacy of PDT in patients with lung cancers.

PMID- 22057487
TI  - Photodynamic effects of methylene blue-loaded polymeric nanoparticles on dental
      plaque bacteria.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is increasingly being
      explored for treatment of oral infections. Here, we investigate the effect of PDT
      on human dental plaque bacteria in vitro using methylene blue (MB)-loaded
      poly(lactic-co-glycolic) (PLGA) nanoparticles with a positive or negative charge
      and red light at 665 nm. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: Dental plaque
      samples were obtained from 14 patients with chronic periodontitis. Suspensions of
      plaque microorganisms from seven patients were sensitized with anionic, cationic
      PLGA nanoparticles (50 ug/ml equivalent to MB) or free MB (50 ug/ml) for 20 min
      followed by exposure to red light for 5 min with a power density of 100 mW/cm2 .
      Polymicrobial oral biofilms, which were developed on blood agar in 96-well plates
      from dental plaque inocula obtained from seven patients, were also exposed to PDT
      as above. Following the treatment, survival fractions were calculated by counting
      the number of colony-forming units. RESULTS: The cationic MB-loaded nanoparticles
      exhibited greater bacterial phototoxicity in both planktonic and biofilm phase
      compared to anionic MB-loaded nanoparticles and free MB, but results were not
      significantly different (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Cationic MB-loaded PLGA
      nanoparticles have the potential to be used as carriers of MB for PDT systems.

PMID- 22057488
TI  - Vacata- and divacataporphyrin: new photosensitizers for application in
      photodynamic therapy-an in vitro study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The photodynamic therapy is a well-known method of
      treatment of both malignant tumors and non-tumor lesions in human patients. In
      the present study, we aimed at evaluating the in vitro efficacy of the new
      photosensitizing agents, vacataporphyrin (VP), and divacataporphyrin (DVP).
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: The effectiveness of VP and DVP was compared to well-known
      photosensitizers, that is, hematoporphyrin derivative (HPD) and chlorin e6 (Ce6)
      in identical in vitro conditions. The experiment was performed on a well
      established breast cancer cell line, MCF-7 and compared to HCV 29T11-2-D1 cell
      line. Cells were incubated in standard conditions and they were exposed to
      different concentrations of VP, DVP, HPD, and Ce6, that is, 180, 90, 45, 22.5,
      and 10 ug/ml. After incubation with photosensitizers, the cells were washed,
      medium was exchanged and the cells were subjected to irradiation at the proper
      wavelengths, light intensity (100 mW/sq cm), and total light doses 4.5 and 9 J/sq
      cm. RESULTS: Our results showed that the VP and DVP are potent photosensitizers
      and the photocytotoxic effect after the incubation with DVP was much better than
      that of VP. The cytotoxic effects of VP and DVP were less intensive than these of
      HPD and Ce6. VP and DVP also accumulated well in the tumor cells. Our results
      also indicated that the VP and DVP effectiveness on MCF-7 cells was
      photosensitizer dose and light dose dependent. CONCLUSION: The overall properties
      revealed by both new porphyrins and particularly a possibility for excitation at
      a higher wavelength and thus a deeper tissue penetration, make them promising
      candidates for further in vivo experiments.

PMID- 22057489
TI  - Amplification of cancer cell apoptosis in photodynamic therapy-treated tumors by
      adjuvant ceramide analog LCL29.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: C6-ceramide analog LCL29 was recently shown to improve
      the cure rates of mouse tumors treated by photodynamic therapy (PDT), but the
      mechanism underlying the therapeutic gain remains unclear. Since LCL29 is a pro
      apoptotic agent, the main objective of the present study was to determine how
      LCL29 affects cancer cell apoptosis in PDT-treated tumors. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: Mice bearing SCCVII tumors (syngeneic squamous cell carcinomas) were
      treated by PDT with photosensitizer Foscan. Adjuvant LCL29 treatment (40 mg/kg)
      was 24 hours before PDT. The tumors were excised 3 hours after PDT, disaggregated
      into single cell suspensions that were stained for flow cytometry to detect
      apoptosis-related events in cancer cells (caspase activation, loss of
      mitochondrial transmembrane potential, and intracellular calcium). In addition,
      phagocytic activity in tumor-associated macrophages was assessed by phalloidin
      staining. RESULTS: While 5-10% apoptotic cancer cells were found in tumors
      treated by PDT or LCL29 alone, close to 40% of such cells were found in tumors
      treated by LCL29 combined with PDT. Mitochondrial depolarization was detected in
      PDT, LCL29, and LCL29 + PDT groups, reaching similar values in all groups.
      Intracellular calcium release triggered by PDT was more pronounced when PDT was
      combined with LCL29. Macrophage phagocytic activity, negatively affected by PDT,
      was stimulated by adjuvant LCL29. CONCLUSIONS: Combining LCL29 treatment with PDT
      can enhance intracellular calcium release in cancer cells and strongly amplify
      their apoptosis.

PMID- 22057490
TI  - Intracutaneous ALA photodynamic therapy: dose-dependent targeting of skin
      structures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) using topical aminolevulinic acid (ALA)
      depends on local drug uptake, metabolism to porphyrins, and depth of light
      penetration using different wavelengths. Topical ALA-PDT has limited depth of
      drug penetration. We studied induced porphyrin distribution and PDT after
      intradermal ALA administration using different drug concentrations followed by
      high-fluence red light irradiation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Intradermal injections
      (~2 mm deep) of ALA concentrations from 0.0005% to 1% were studied in swine to
      evaluated porphyrin fluorescence before PDT and clinical and histological damage
      24 hours after PDT. Porphyrin accumulation was measured by fluorescence
      microscopy of frozen section. PDT was performed 3 hours after intradermal
      injections using a 635 nm LED array at a fluence of 200 J/cm2 . Skin responses to
      PDT were observed grossly and by histology (blind evaluation). RESULTS:
      Intradermal ALA caused porphyrin accumulation in epidermis, hair follicles (HF),
      sebaceous glands (SG), sweat glands (eccrine glands, EG and apocrine glands, AG),
      and subcutaneous fat. Significant differences of fluorescence intensity were
      observed between different skin structures (P < 0.05), but there was no
      significant difference comparing HF to SG; epidermis with either HF or SG; and
      dermis with fat (P > 0.05). Intradermal ALA is potent. ALA concentrations >=0.25%
      followed by red light exposures caused a very intense vascular PDT reaction.
      Moderate doses of injected ALA concentration (~0.06%), selectively targeted EG.
      Low doses (<=0.016%) targeted fat; producing fat necrosis with minimal
      inflammation, manifested both clinically and histologically. In contrast to
      topical ALA-PDT, intradermal ALA-PDT can effectively photosensitize deep skin
      structures. CONCLUSION: Potentially, intradermal ALA-PDT using various ALA
      concentrations may be useful for treating vascular lesions (malformations,
      hemangiomas, tumors), EG/AG disorders, fat or deep targets in skin.

PMID- 22057491
TI  - Tumor response to mTHPC-mediated photodynamic therapy exhibits strong correlation
      with extracellular release of HSP70.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: We investigated the relationship among heat shock
      protein 70 (hsp70) promoter activation, extracellular HSP70 protein levels, and
      tumor cure in an animal model of meso-tetrahydroxyphenyl chlorin (mTHPC;
      Foscan(r))-mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Using
      Western blot analysis, we compared HSP70 protein levels in control and PDT
      treated EMT6 cells with the amplitude of hsp70-promoter driven green fluorescent
      protein (GFP) expression in identically treated, stably transfected hsp70
      GFP/EMT6 cells. A clonogenic survival assay was performed to assess the
      relationship among promoter activation, HSP70 levels, and cell survival in vitro.
      Tumor growth studies with this transfected cell line were performed to examine
      responses to fluences from 0.1 to 10 J cm(-2) , which ranged from sub-curative to
      curative. In vivo stereofluorescence and confocal fluorescence imaging were used
      to assess the temporal kinetics in hsp70 activation in tumors subjected to these
      fluences and the intratumor spatial correlation between hsp70 induction and
      extracellular levels of HSP70, respectively. RESULTS: Maximum GFP expression and
      HSP protein levels in cells were observed at PDT doses that corresponded to 30%
      cell survival. The relative changes in GFP and HSP70 protein accumulation as
      analyzed using Western immunoblots agreed very well, thereby confirming the
      validity of fluorescent reporter assessment of gene expression in our studies. In
      vivo imaging revealed that hsp70 promoter-driven GFP expression and accumulation
      of extracellular HSP70 in PDT-treated tumors subjected to non-curative doses
      exhibit minimal spatial correlation. There is a strong correlation between mTHPC
      PDT doses that result in long-term tumor cure and those that cause high levels of
      surface exposed or extracellularly released HSP70s. CONCLUSION: Treatment
      conditions that induce strong promoter activation do not correspond to tumor
      cure. PDT doses that result in long-term tumor growth control also produce
      significant accumulation of extracellular HSP70.

PMID- 22057492
TI  - Pro-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory properties of the green tea constituent
      epigallocatechin gallate increase photodynamic therapy responsiveness.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A polyphenol constituent of green tea, epigallocatechin gallate
      (EGCG), has anti-carcinogenic properties. A growing number of studies document
      EGCG-mediated induction of apoptotic pathways and inhibition of pro-survival
      factors when combined with chemotherapy or radiation. We evaluated the efficacy
      of EGCG in modulating photofrin (PH)-mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT)
      responses. METHODS: Mouse mammary carcinoma (BA) cells and transplanted BA tumors
      growing in C3H mice were treated with PH-mediated PDT. Select groups of treated
      cells and mice also received EGCG and then cytotoxicity, tumor response, and
      expression of survival molecules were evaluated in all experimental groups.
      RESULTS: EGCG increased apoptosis and cytotoxicity in BA cells exposed to PH
      mediated PDT. The initial pro-survival phase of the unfolded protein response
      (UPR), characterized by increased expression of the 78 kDa glucose-regulated
      protein (GRP-78), was induced by PDT. The second pro-apoptotic phase of the UPR,
      characterized by phospho-c-Jun N-terminal kinase (p-JNK) expression, activation
      of caspases-3 and 7, poly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) cleavage, and expression
      of C/EBP homologous protein was observed when PDT was combined with EGCG. EGCG
      also decreased the expression of the pro-survival proteins GRP-78 and survivin,
      and attenuated PDT-induced prostaglandin E2 (PGE2 ) expression in PDT-treated
      cells. Comparable responses also were observed when BA tumors were treated with
      PDT and EGCG. In addition, PDT-induced expression of metalloproteinases (MMPs)
      and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was down-regulated in treated tumor
      tissue by EGCG. CONCLUSIONS: The polyphenol EGCG improves PDT efficacy by
      increasing tumor apoptosis and decreasing expression of pro-survival and
      angiogenic molecules within the tumor microenvironment.

PMID- 22057493
TI  - Antiangiogenesis agents avastin and erbitux enhance the efficacy of photodynamic
      therapy in a murine bladder tumor model.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been established as an
      alternative therapy for the treatment of various types of malignant disorders,
      including oesophageal, lung, and bladder cancer. However, one of the limitations
      of PDT is treatment-induced hypoxia that triggers angiogenesis. The objective of
      this study was to evaluate the effects of combination therapy with PDT and an
      antiangiogenic protocol using monoclonal antibodies against both vascular
      endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR).
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: In vitro angiogenesis assays and in vivo matrigel assay
      were performed to understand the inhibitory effects of the antiangiogenic agents.
      Tumor bearing mice were assigned to six different categories: Control, PDT only,
      Avastin + Erbitux, PDT + Avastin, PDT + Erbitux, and PDT + Avastin and Erbitux.
      Treated and control tumors were monitored for recurrence for up to 90 days.
      RESULTS: In vitro results provided valuable insight into the dynamics of
      endothelial cells in response to angiogenic stimulants and inhibitors to assess
      the angiogenesis processes. Addition of VEGF increased the migration of bladder
      cancer cells and addition of Avastin and Erbitux decreased cell migration
      significantly. Both inhibitors were also able to suppress invasion and tube
      formation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC). The in vivo tumor
      response for PDT with single inhibitor (Avastin or Erbitux) and double inhibitor
      (Avastin + Erbitux) was comparable; however, targeting both VEGF and EGFR
      pathways along with PDT resulted in more rapid response. Downregulation of VEGF
      and EGFR were observed in tumors treated with PDT in combination with Avastin and
      Erbitux respectively. CONCLUSION: Our results show that blocking the VEGF or EGFR
      pathway along with PDT can effectively suppress tumor growth and the combination
      of both VEGF and EGFR inhibitors along with PDT could be used to treat more
      aggressive tumors to achieve rapid response.

PMID- 22057494
TI  - Photodynamic therapy of disseminated non-small cell lung carcinoma in a murine
      model.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) of thoracic malignancies
      involving the pleural surfaces is an active area of clinical investigation. The
      present report aims to characterize a model for PDT of disseminated non-small
      cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) grown orthotopically in nude mice, and to evaluate
      the effect of PDT on tumor and normal tissues. STUDY DESIGN: H460 human NSCLC
      cells were injected percutaneously into the thoracic cavity of nude mice. HPPH
      PDT (1 mg/kg, 24 hours) was performed via the interstitial delivery (150 mW/cm)
      of 661 nm light to the thoracic cavity at fluences of 25-200 J/cm. RESULTS: H460
      tumors exhibited exponential growth within the thoracic cavity consisting of
      diffuse, gross nodular disease within 9 days after intrathoracic injection. Tumor
      volume, measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), was highly correlated with
      the aggregate tumor mass extracted from the corresponding animal. Intrathoracic
      PDT at fluences of >=50 J/cm produced significant decreases in tumor burden as
      compared to untreated controls, however, mortality increased with rising fluence.
      Accordingly, 50 J/cm was selected for MRI studies to measure intra-animal PDT
      effects. Tumor distribution favored the ventral (vs. dorsal), caudal (vs.
      cranial), and right (vs. left) sides of the thoracic cavity by MRI; PDT did not
      change this spatial pattern despite an overall effect on tumor burden.
      Histopathology revealed edema and fibrin deposition within the pulmonary
      interstitium and alveoli of the PDT-treated thoracic cavity, as well as
      occasional evidence of vascular disruption. Prominent neutrophil infiltration
      with a concomitant decline in the lymphocyte compartment was also noted in the
      lung parenchyma within 24 hours after PDT. CONCLUSION: HPPH-PDT of an orthotopic
      model of disseminated NSCLC is both feasible and effective using intracavitary
      light delivery. We establish this animal model, together with the treatment and
      monitoring approaches, as novel and valuable methods for the pre-clinical
      investigation of intrathoracic PDT of disseminated pleural malignancies.

PMID- 22057495
TI  - IL-6 potentiates tumor resistance to photodynamic therapy (PDT).
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an anticancer modality
      approved for the treatment of early disease and palliation of late stage disease.
      PDT of tumors results in the generation of an acute inflammatory response. The
      extent and duration of the inflammatory response is dependent upon the PDT
      regimen employed and is characterized by rapid induction of proinflammatory
      cytokines, such as IL-6, and activation and mobilization of innate immune cells.
      The importance of innate immune cells in long-term PDT control of tumor growth
      has been well defined. In contrast the role of IL-6 in long-term tumor control by
      PDT is unclear. Previous studies have shown that IL-6 can diminish or have no
      effect on PDT antitumor efficacy. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the
      current study we used mice deficient for IL-6, Il6(-/-) , to examine the role of
      IL-6 in activation of antitumor immunity and PDT efficacy by PDT regimens known
      to enhance antitumor immunity. RESULTS: Our studies have shown that elimination
      of IL-6 had no effect on innate cell mobilization into the treated tumor bed or
      tumor draining lymph node (TDLN) and did not affect primary antitumor T-cell
      activation by PDT. However, IL-6 does appear to negatively regulate the
      generation of antitumor immune memory and PDT efficacy against murine colon and
      mammary carcinoma models. The inhibition of PDT efficacy by IL-6 appears also to
      be related to regulation of Bax protein expression. Increased apoptosis was
      observed following treatment of tumors in Il6(-/-) mice 24 hours following PDT.
      CONCLUSIONS: The development of PDT regimens that enhance antitumor immunity has
      led to proposals for the use of PDT as an adjuvant treatment. However, our
      results show that the potential for PDT induced expression of IL-6 to enhance
      tumor survival following PDT must be considered.

PMID- 22057496
TI  - Novel methods to incorporate photosensitizers into nanocarriers for cancer
      treatment by photodynamic therapy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: A hydrophobic photosensitizer, 2-[1-hexyloxyethyl]-2-devinyl
      pyropheophorbide-a (HPPH), was loaded into nontoxic biodegradable amine
      functionalized polyacrylamide (AFPAA) nanoparticles using three different methods
      (encapsulation, conjugation, and post-loading), forming a stable aqueous
      dispersion. Each formulation was characterized for physicochemical properties as
      well as for photodynamic performance so as to determine the most effective
      nanocarrier formulation containing HPPH for photodynamic therapy (PDT). MATERIALS
      AND METHODS: HPPH or HPPH-linked acrylamide was added into monomer mixture and
      polymerized in a microemulsion for encapsulation and conjugation, respectively.
      For post-loading, HPPH was added to an aqueous suspension of pre-formed
      nanoparticles. Those nanoparticles were tested for optical characteristics, dye
      loading, dye leaching, particle size, singlet oxygen production, dark toxicity,
      in vitro photodynamic cell killing, whole body fluorescence imaging and in vivo
      PDT. RESULTS: HPPH was successfully encapsulated, conjugated or post-loaded into
      the AFPAA nanoparticles. The resultant nanoparticles were spherical with a mean
      diameter of 29 +/- 3 nm. The HPPH remained intact after entrapment and the HPPH
      leaching out of nanoparticles was negligible for all three formulations. The
      highest singlet oxygen production was achieved by the post-loaded formulation,
      which caused the highest phototoxicity in in vitro assays. No dark toxicity was
      observed. Post-loaded HPPH AFPAA nanoparticles were localized to tumors in a
      mouse colon carcinoma model, enabling fluorescence imaging, and producing a
      similar photodynamic tumor response to that of free HPPH in equivalent dose.
      CONCLUSIONS: Post-loading is the promising method for loading nanoparticles with
      hydrophobic photosensitizers to achieve effective in vitro and in vivo PDT.

PMID- 22057497
TI  - Leukocyte-endothelial cell interaction is necessary for photodynamic therapy
      induced vascular permeabilization.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) affects vascular barrier
      function and thus increases vessel permeability. This phenomenon may be exploited
      to facilitate targeted drug delivery and may lead to a new clinical application
      of photodynamic therapy. Here, we investigate the role of leukocyte recruitment
      for PDT-induced vascular permeabilization. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      Fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran (FITC-D, 2,000 kDa) was injected intravenously
      120 minutes after focal PDT on striated muscle in nude mice bearing dorsal
      skinfold chambers (Visudyne(r) 800 ug/kg, fluence rate 300 mW/cm2 , light dose of
      200 J/cm2). Leukocyte interaction with endothelial cells was inhibited by
      antibodies functionally blocking adhesion molecules ("MABS-PDT" group, n = 5);
      control animals had PDT but no antibody injection (group "PDT", n = 7). By
      intravital microscopy, we monitored leukocyte rolling and sticking in real-time
      before, 90 and 180 minutes after PDT. The extravasation of FITC-D from striated
      muscle vessels into the interstitial space was determined in vivo during 45
      minutes to assess treatment-induced alterations of vascular permeability.
      RESULTS: PDT significantly increased the recruitment of leukocytes and enhanced
      the leakage of FITC-D. Neutralization of adhesion molecules before PDT suppressed
      the rolling of leukocytes along the venular endothelium and significantly reduced
      the extravasation of FITC-D as compared to control animals (156 +/- 27 vs. 11 +/-
      2 (mean +/- SEM, number of WBC/30 seconds mm vessel circumference; P < 0.05) at
      90 minutes after PDT and 194 +/- 21 vs. 14 +/- 4 at 180 minutes after PDT). In
      contrast, leukocyte sticking was not downregulated by the antibody treatment.
      CONCLUSION: Leukocyte recruitment plays an essential role in the permeability
      enhancing effect of PDT.

PMID- 22057498
TI  - Photodynamic therapy (PDT) using HPPH for the treatment of precancerous lesions
      associated with Barrett's esophagus.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) with porfimer sodium, FDA
      approved to treat premalignant lesions in Barrett's esophagus, causes
      photosensitivity for 6-8 weeks. HPPH (2-[1-hexyloxyethyl]-2-devinyl
      pyropheophorbide-a) shows minimal photosensitization of short duration and
      promising efficacy in preclinical studies. Here we explore toxicity and optimal
      drug and light dose with endoscopic HPPH-PDT. We also want to know the efficacy
      of one time treatment with HPPH-PDT. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two
      nonrandomized dose escalation studies were performed (18 patients each) with
      biopsy-proven high grade dysplasia or early intramucosal adenocarcinoma of
      esophagus. HPPH doses ranged from 3 to 6 mg/m2 . At 24 or 48 hours after HPPH
      administration the lesions received one endoscopic exposure to 150, 175, or 200
      J/cm of 665 nm light. RESULTS: Most patients experienced mild to moderate chest
      pain requiring symptomatic treatment only. Six patients experienced grade 3 and 4
      adverse events (16.6%). Three esophageal strictures were treated with dilatation.
      No clear pattern of dose dependence of toxicities emerged. In the drug dose
      ranging study (light dose of 150 J/cm at 48 hours), 3 and 4 mg/m2 of HPPH emerged
      as most effective. In the light dose ranging study (3 or 4 mg/m2 HPPH, light at
      24 hours), complete response rates (disappearance of high grade dysplasia and
      early carcinoma) of 72% were achieved at 1 year, with all patients treated with 3
      mg/m2 HPPH plus 175 J/cm and 4 mg/m2 HPPH plus 150 J/cm showing complete
      responses at 1 year. CONCLUSIONS: HPPH-PDT for precancerous lesions in Barrett's
      esophagus appears to be safe and showing promising efficacy. Further clinical
      studies are required to establish the use of HPPH-PDT.

PMID- 22057499
TI  - Treatment of high grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia by photodynamic
      therapy using hexylaminolevulinate may be costeffective compared to conisation
      procedures due to decreased pregnancy-related morbidity.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Standard treatments of high-grade Cervical
      intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) are conisation procedures. Theses methods have
      proven effectiveness but are associated with an increased risk of subsequent
      pregnancy complications. Recently, photodynamic therapy (PDT) of CIN using
      hexylaminolevulinate (HAL) may represent an alternative treatment without the
      risk of cervical insufficiency or scaring. This study aims to evaluate the
      economical aspect of CIN treatment including associated pregnancy complications
      by comparing both methods. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We developed model treatment
      pathways for both conisation procedures and PDT using HAL. Thereafter, we
      calculated total costs for both treatment pathways including necessary re
      treatments or alternative treatments. The estimated impact of conisation-related
      cervical insufficiency, prematurity, perinatal morbidity and life-long disability
      were determined. The total additional costs per conisation due to perinatal
      morbidity were calculated. RESULTS: The total cost of treatment for CIN with a
      conisation procedure alone was 1,473 ?, whereas the PDT procedure alone accounted
      for 1,386 ?, based of assumptions of a 50% re-PDT rate, a 70% response rate and
      costs of 500 ? for the PDT intervention itself. We computed 71, 144 and 545
      newborns born prematurely due to conisation procedures <28, between 28 and <32
      and between 32 and <37 weeks of gestation, leading to 18, 24 and 65 cases of
      severe, moderate and mild life-long disability. The attributable additional
      amount of maternofetal morbidity discounted by 3% for 7 years was 573 ? per
      conisation. The total costs for a conisation therefore added up to 2,046 ?, the
      total costs per treatment with PDT given the above-mentioned assumptions were
      1,558 ?. CONCLUSION: For Germany, PDT has the potential to be a cost-effective
      treatment for high-grade CIN compared to conisation procedure. Most important,
      the increased perinatal morbidity, perinatal mortality and associated costs after
      conisation procedures are significant and may be reduced by the implementation of
      PDT in CIN treatment.

PMID- 22057500
TI  - Photochemical internalization of tumor-targeted protein toxins.
AB  - Photochemical internalization (PCI) is a method for intracellular delivery of
      hydrophilic macromolecular drugs with intracellular targets as well as other
      drugs with limited ability to penetrate cellular membranes. Such drugs enter
      cells by means of endocytosis and are to a large extent degraded by hydrolytic
      enzymes in the lysosomes unless they possess a mechanism for cytosolic
      translocation. PCI is based on photodynamic therapy (PDT) specifically targeting
      the endosomes and lysosomes of the cells, so that the drugs in these vesicles can
      escape into the cytosol from where they can reach their targets. The preferential
      retention of the photosensitizer (PS) in tumor tissue in combination with
      controlled light delivery makes PCI relatively selective for cancer tissue. The
      tumor specificity of PCI can be further increased by delivery of drugs that
      selectively target the tumors. Indeed, this has been shown by PCI delivery of
      several targeted protein toxins. Targeted protein toxins may be regarded as ideal
      drugs for PCI delivery, and may represent the clinical future for the PCI
      technology.

PMID- 22057501
TI  - Liposomal nanostructures for photosensitizer delivery.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: In photodynamic therapy (PDT), photosensitizers are
      activated by light of a specific wavelength and produce cytotoxic molecules to
      damage diseased tissues. Most photosensitizers are hydrophobic and easily
      aggregate in aqueous solution. To maintain their photodynamic activity and to
      enhance delivery efficiency of photosensitizers, various pharmaceutical carriers
      and delivery systems have been investigated for photosensitizers. This review
      will focus on liposomal nanostructures for the delivery of photosensitizing
      agents. METHODS: The published literature of liposomal structures, formulations,
      and pharmaceutical applications for photosensitizer delivery was reviewed with
      the main focus on articles published between 2004 and 2011 after the two
      excellent reviews by Derycke et al., Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2004:56(1); 17-30 and
      Chen et al., Expert Opin Drug Deliv 2005:2(3);477-487. Many articles dating back
      to 1970s were also covered for the purpose of obtaining information about
      historoical development of liposomal formulations for photosensitizer delivery.
      The systematic search was performed using several electronic databases, including
      Pubmed and Medline with the key search terms including PDT, photosensitizer,
      liposome, nanoparticle, formulation, biodistribution, etc. RESULTS: This review
      focuses on liposomal nanostructures with an in depth discussion on the liposomal
      structure, size-related effect on blood circulation and composition of
      phospholipids. Different active targeting strategies will also be reviewed which
      serve to improve specific targeting of photosensitizers to diseased tissue. To
      further enhance the selective release and accumulation of photosensitizers at the
      targeted tissue, triggered release methods have been developed. Many other
      liposomal structure-based nanoparticles have been developed for improved delivery
      efficiency for topical and systemic administration of pharmaceutics. Finally, a
      new class of phototransducing liposomes called "porphysomes" will also be
      introduced, which achieves intrinsic multifunctionality together with structure
      simplicity. CONCLUSION: Liposomes have been proved to be efficient and safe
      organic carriers for photosensitizers. Multifunctional liposomal formulations,
      such as porphysome, are further explored for clinic theranostic applications.

PMID- 22057502
TI  - New aspects of photodynamic therapy for central type early stage lung cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: and Objective Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has come to be considered as
      the first choice of treatment for central type early stage lung cancer (CELC).
      Recent advances in the ability to diagnose CELC, and in photosensitizers, as well
      as sophisticated clinical management, may improve the therapeutic outcome and
      expand the indications of PDT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We made the search for
      papers on PDT for lung cancer to select the most relevant articles. Based on this
      review and our recent data, we discussed the best available evidence for the
      diagnosis, the definition of indications, photosensitizers, and clinical
      management with regard to PDT. RESULTS: To obtain complete response (CR) by PDT,
      the selection of the indications is extremely important, including the extent of
      the tumor on the bronchial surface and the depth of invasion in the bronchial
      wall. The development of autofluorescence bronchoscopy (AFB) and endobronchial
      ultrasonography (EBUS) have had a large impact on diagnostic bronchoscopy for
      CELC. CELCs less than 1 cm in diameter showed a favorable cure rate by PDT, thus
      this is a good indication for PDT. The relatively newer photosensitizer NPe6,
      which has a stronger antitumor effect than Photofrin, showed similar treatment
      outcome even for large tumors >1.0 cm in diameter. Furthermore, comprehensive
      management including photodynamic diagnosis before and after PDT should be
      effective to minimize the possibility of local recurrence after PDT. CONCLUSION:
      The present guidelines of PDT for CELC were established based on the data
      obtained from studies in the 1980's. We postulate that comprehensive diagnosis
      and the new generation of photosensitizers may increase the CR rate and expand
      the indications of PDT for larger tumors.

PMID- 22057504
TI  - Photodynamic therapy for prostate cancer--an emerging approach for organ-confined
      disease.
AB  - Since the first report of the use of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for prostate
      cancer in 1990 it has been investigated as a primary and a salvage treatment,
      using either whole gland or focal approaches. Since 1990 advances in the
      transperineal approach to the prostate, coupled with photosensitizers which have
      a short drug-light interval and minimal skin phototoxicity, have resulted in
      major advances in the field. This review will look at the work done to date, and
      the ongoing studies which help to define the place of PDT as a useful treatment
      modality for organ-confined prostate cancer.

PMID- 22057503
TI  - Photodynamic therapy for infections: clinical applications.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) was discovered over 100
      years ago by its ability to kill various microorganisms when the appropriate dye
      and light were combined in the presence of oxygen. However it is only in
      relatively recent times that PDT has been studied as a treatment for various
      types of localized infections. This resurgence of interest has been partly
      motivated by the alarming increase in drug resistance amongst bacteria and other
      pathogens. This review will focus on the clinical applications of antimicrobial
      PDT. STUDY DESIGN/MATERIALS AND METHODS: The published peer-reviewed literature
      was reviewed between 1960 and 2011. RESULTS: The basics of antimicrobial PDT are
      discussed. Clinical applications of antimicrobial PDT to localized viral
      infections caused by herpes and papilloma viruses, and nonviral dermatological
      infections such as acne and other yeast, fungal and bacterial skin infections are
      covered. PDT has been used to treat bacterial infections in brain abscesses and
      non-healing ulcers. PDT for dental infections including periodontitis and
      endodontics has been well studied. PDT has also been used for cutaneous
      Leishmaniasis. Clinical trials of PDT and blue light alone therapy for gastric
      Helicobacter pylori infection are also covered. CONCLUSION: As yet clinical PDT
      for infections has been mainly in the field of dermatology using 5-aminolevulanic
      acid and in dentistry using phenothiazinium dyes. We expect more to see
      applications of PDT to more challenging infections using advanced antimicrobial
      photosensitizers targeted to microbial cells in the years to come.

PMID- 22057505
TI  - Photodynamic therapy for cholangiocarcinoma.
AB  - The only hope for cure in patients with cholangiocarcinoma is curative surgical
      resection. Unfortunately it can only performed in less than half of the patients.
      In the palliative setting endoprostheses insertion improves cholestasis. Survival
      time is not prolonged. The most promising conventional antitumoral therapy is
      chemotherapy with cisplatin and gemcitabine. However, randomized trials showing a
      clear survival advantage of chemo- or radiotherapy are missing. Photodynamic
      therapy utilizing photo-physical properties of light-absorbing drugs to
      efficiently generate reactive cytotoxic oxygen species has shown efficacy in
      several pilot studies, retrospective comparative studies and two prospective,
      randomized studies. Here, we review mechanism of action, technique, and efficacy
      of photodynamic therapy for cholangiocarcinoma.

PMID- 22057506
TI  - Feasibility of Pisum sativum as an expression system for pharmaceuticals.
AB  - Based on its high protein content and excellent storage capacity, pea (Pisum
      sativum), as well as other plants, is considered to be a suitable production
      platform for protein-based pharmaceuticals. Its capacity to produce high
      proportions of active recombinant proteins (up to 2% total soluble protein
      corresponding to approximately 8 mg/g fresh weight) has been proven using pea
      derived strong seed-specific promoters. The active antigens produced were also
      stable for more than 4 years. Pea can be used as a feed additive,  up to a
      proportion of 30% to total feed, despite the presence of lectins. Thus, a low
      dosage of recombinant pea-based pharmaceuticals is non-hazardous. In addition, it
      is independent of N-fertilisation, has excellent biosafety characteristics and is
      accessible to gene transfer. Growth systems with a capacity for high yield are
      available for the greenhouse (5 t/ha) and, to a limited extent, also in the field
      (2.3 t/ha). The practicable establishment of pea seed banks allows a continuous
      production process. Although the use of a pea system is limited by complex
      transformation procedures, these advantages render pea a promising plant for the
      production of pharmaceuticals.

PMID- 22057507
TI  - Effects of induced fatigue on brain activity during sensorimotor control.
AB  - The aim of this study was to study if accuracy in sensorimotor control and
      cortical activity was influenced after induced fatigue during a knee joint
      reproduction task. Twelve volunteers performed a sensorimotor task before,
      directly after and 60 min after a prolonged exhaustive exercise protocol. The
      task consisted of an active reproduction of a target knee angle. After three
      practice trials, visual feedback was taken and the task was performed for 10
      repetitions at a suitable pace. Reproduction accuracy was analyzed and EEG raw
      data were obtained from the frontal, central, temporal, parietal and occipital
      scalp locations during the task. The average power spectra in theta and alpha
      frequencies were computed across conditions for each participant. Task accuracy
      decreases significantly related to fatigue and increases after recovery. This is
      accompanied by a significant decrease in frontal theta, alpha-1 and alpha-2
      frequencies after inducing fatigue. The power values in all frequency bands
      recovered after 60 min. Sensorimotor control was influenced by induced fatigue,
      which could be demonstrated in behavior and brain activity. Characteristics of
      brain activity demonstrated an increase in theta and a decrease in alpha-1 and
      alpha-2 frequency band power. The changes were discussed related to attentional
      recourses, alertness and somatosensory information processing mechanisms.

PMID- 22057508
TI  - Cold water immersion recovery following intermittent-sprint exercise in the heat.
AB  - This study examined the effects of cold water immersion (CWI) on recovery of
      neuromuscular function following simulated team-sport exercise in the heat. Ten
      male team-sport athletes performed two sessions of a 2 * 30-min intermittent
      sprint exercise (ISE) in 32 degrees C and 52% humidity, followed by a 20-min CWI
      intervention or passive recovery (CONT) in a randomized, crossover design. The
      ISE involved a 15-m sprint every minute separated by bouts of hard running,
      jogging and walking. Voluntary and evoked neuromuscular function, ratings of
      perceived muscle soreness (MS) and blood markers for muscle damage were measured
      pre- and post-exercise, immediately post-recovery, 2-h and 24-h post-recovery.
      Measures of core temperature (Tcore), heart rate (HR), capillary blood and
      perceptions of exertion, thermal strain and thirst were also recorded at the
      aforementioned time points. Post-exercise maximal voluntary contraction (MVC) and
      activation (VA) were reduced in both conditions and remained below pre-exercise
      values for the 24-h recovery (P < 0.05). Increased blood markers of muscle damage
      were observed post-exercise in both conditions and remained elevated for the 24-h
      recovery period (P < 0.05). Comparative to CONT, the post-recovery rate of
      reduction in Tcore, HR and MS was enhanced with CWI whilst increasing MVC and VA
      (P < 0.05). In contrast, 24-h post-recovery MVC and activation were significantly
      higher in CONT compared to CWI (P = 0.05). Following exercise in the heat, CWI
      accelerated the reduction in thermal and cardiovascular load, and improved MVC
      alongside increased central activation immediately and 2-h post-recovery.
      However, despite improved acute recovery CWI resulted in an attenuated MVC 24-h
      post-recovery.

PMID- 22057509
TI  - Successful treatment of lymphoid blastic crisis in chronic myelogenous leukemia
      with the additional bcr/abl transcript using imatinib-combined chemotherapy and
      high-dose chemotherapy with allogeneic bone marrow stem cell transplantation.
AB  - Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative disorder characterized
      by the presence of the Philadelphia chromosome. Although the major BCR/ABL
      transcript is present in majority of CML patients, the minor BCR/ABL transcript
      is rarely reported as an additional chromosomal abnormality related to the
      progression of CML. We describe the case of a 37-year-old woman who had CML and
      pain in the extremities. She was diagnosed with lymphoid blast crisis of CML on
      the basis of the following findings: presence of promyelocytes, myelocytes, and
      metamyelocytes in peripheral blood smear; detection of major and minor BCR/ABL
      transcripts by polymerase chain reaction analysis; proliferation of lymphoblastic
      cells with abnormal B-cell phenotype; and aberrant expression of myeloid antigens
      in the bone marrow. The patient underwent one course of idarubicin and cytosine
      arabinose therapy combined with imatinib followed by
      daunorubicin/cyclophosphamide plus vincristine and prednisone/L: -asparaginase
      (DNR/COP/L: -ASP) therapy, high-dose cytosine arabinose, and CHOP therapy
      (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisolone). Subsequently, the
      patient underwent high-dose chemotherapy (total body irradiation and
      cyclophosphamide) followed by allogeneic bone marrow stem cell transplantation
      from a human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-matched unrelated donor. After these
      treatments, the patient was disease-free for 19 months. Our case suggests that
      these treatments may be feasible, safe, and effective for the treatment of
      patients with blast crisis CML expressing the minor BCR/ABL transcript.

PMID- 22057510
TI  - Symptomatic severe hypertriglyceridaemia with asparaginase therapy in acute
      lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and lymphoblastic lymphoma: is rechallenging safe?
AB  - Severe hyperlipidaemia with asparaginase therapy is rare. We report six cases,
      four of which developed significant problems with severe hyperlipidaemia during
      induction therapy for ALL and lymphoblastic lymphoma. The median triglyceride
      level was 22.3 mmol/L and the median cholesterol level was 12.3 mmol/L. None of
      the patients showed signs or symptoms of pancreatitis. Three children were re
      exposed with Peg asparaginase, and one with Erwinia asparaginase, without
      recurrence of hyperlipidaemia or other symptoms. These cases highlight the
      dilemma in managing such rare cases of symptomatic hypertriglyceridaemia
      secondary to asparaginase and steroid therapy.

PMID- 22057511
TI  - Synaptic protein expression is regulated by a pro-oxidant diet in APPxPS1 mice.
AB  - Dietary factors may play a role in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis. In an
      effort to recapitulate some of the synaptic protein changes observed in the
      disease, AD transgenic and wild-type mice were fed either a normal or pro-oxidant
      diet for 3 months from three months of age. Pro-oxidant diet treatment resulted
      in altered expression of vesicular glutamate transporter-1 and glutamine
      synthetase, suggesting changes in glutamatergic synaptic function, and increased
      expression of urokinase plasminogen activator receptor, possibly reflecting
      oxidative stress.

PMID- 22057512
TI  - A new year--a new outlook.

PMID- 22057514
TI  - Recent advances and future challenges in glycan microarray technology.
AB  - Glycan microarrays, carrying hundreds of different sugars on chip surfaces, have
      become a standard tool for the study of interactions of biomolecules with
      carbohydrates. The chip-based format offers important advantages, including the
      ability to screen in parallel several thousand binding events on a single slide,
      the minimal amount of sample required for one experiment, and the multivalent
      display of sugars on the chip that mimics the presentation of carbohydrates in
      nature. This chapter presents recent advances and future challenges in glycan
      microarray technology. We describe different immobilization and detection methods
      as well as applications in glycomics, drug discovery, and biomedicine.

PMID- 22057515
TI  - Chemical synthesis of carbohydrates and their surface immobilization: a brief
      introduction.
AB  - For all carbohydrate microarrays, two important prerequisites are necessary: the
      carbohydrate of interest has to be obtained either by isolation from natural
      sources, enzymatic or chemical synthesis; an immobilization of the carbohydrate
      at the surface of the chip has to be achieved. This chapter provides a very brief
      overview of the chemical synthesis of carbohydrates (creation of building blocks,
      assembly, and deprotection) and of immobilization techniques. Numerous methods
      are known to construct oligosaccharides by chemical methods. A typical
      monosaccharide building block, used in oligosaccharide assembly, is equipped with
      different protecting groups that mask the hydroxyl and amine groups. In general,
      a good leaving group at the anomeric center that can easily be activated is
      mandatory; especially trichloroacetimidates, phosphates, and thioethers have been
      widely used for the creation of glycosidic bonds. After the complete assembly of
      the oligosaccharide, a global deprotection of all permanent protecting groups
      affords the desired target structure with free hydroxyl groups. Linkers, which
      were introduced during the synthesis, must often be modified at the end to create
      appropriate functionalities for surface immobilization.

PMID- 22057516
TI  - General consideration on sialic acid chemistry.
AB  - Sialic acids, also known as neuraminic acids, are a family of negatively charged
      alpha-keto acids with a nine-carbon backbone. These unique sugars have been found
      at the termini of many glycan chains of vertebrate cell surface, which play
      pivotal roles in mediating or modulating a variety of physiological and
      pathological processes. This brief review covers general approaches for
      synthesizing sialic acid containing structures. Recently developed synthetic
      methods along with structural diversities and biological functions of sialic acid
      are discussed.

PMID- 22057517
TI  - Synthesis of azido-functionalized carbohydrates for the design of
      glycoconjugates.
AB  - As carbohydrates play a major role in numerous biological processes through their
      interactions with lectins and also appear as one of the most crucial post
      translational modifications of proteins, chemists have developed several
      approaches for the design of glycoconjugates based on a series of conjugation
      methodologies. The recent development of copper(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne
      cycloaddition (CuACC) paved the way to a novel conjugation strategy in which
      azido-functionalized carbohydrate derivatives can be readily connected to alkyne
      functionalized (bio)molecules. This so-called "click chemistry" methodology has
      now found numerous applications both in chemistry and biology. The azido moiety
      can be introduced either directly at the anomeric carbon of the carbohydrate
      derivative, or attached to a spacer arm. We describe here the syntheses of
      2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-beta-D: -glucopyranosyl azide as well as 1-azido-3,6
      dioxaoct-8-yl 2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-beta-D: -galactopyranoside and 1-azido-3,6
      dioxaoct-8-yl 2,3,6,2',3',4',6'-hepta-O-acetyl-beta-D: -lactoside. These
      molecules can then be used in the construction of glycoconjugates to find
      applications in chemical biology.

PMID- 22057518
TI  - Polypyrrole-oligosaccharide microarray for the measurement of biomolecular
      interactions by surface plasmon resonance imaging.
AB  - The polypyrrole approach initially developed for the construction of DNA chips,
      has been extended to other biochemical compounds such as proteins and more
      recently oligosaccharides. The copolymerization of a pyrrole monomer with a
      biomolecule bearing a pyrrole group by an electrochemical process allows a very
      fast coupling of the biomolecule (probe) to a gold layer used as a working
      electrode. Fluorescence-based detection is the reference method to detect
      interactions on biochips; however an alternative label free method, could be more
      convenient for rapid screening of biointeractions. Surface Plasmon Resonance
      (SPRi) is a typical label-free method for real time detection of the binding of
      biological molecules onto functionalized surfaces. This surface sensitive optical
      method is based upon evanescent wave sensing on a thin metal layer. The SPR
      approach described herein is performed in an imaging geometry that allows
      simultaneous monitoring of biorecognition reactions occurring on an array of
      immobilized probes (chip). In a SPR imaging experiment, local changes in the
      reflectivity are recorded with a CCD camera and are exploited to monitor up to
      100 different biological reactions occurring onto the molecules linked to the
      polypyrrole matrix. This method will be applied to oligosaccharide recognition.

PMID- 22057519
TI  - Glycosylated self-assembled monolayers for arrays and surface analysis.
AB  - Over the past few decades, carbohydrates (glycans) have received growing
      attention for their many roles in biological systems, including pathogenesis,
      receptor-ligand interactions, and cell signaling. To unravel the biology of this
      important category of biomolecules, a host of new tools have been developed for
      glycomics investigation. At the forefront is the carbohydrate microarray,
      developed to immobilize functional glycans on a solid substrate to rapidly screen
      a variety of potential binding partners (carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids,
      cells, and viruses). The essential role played by surface modification on glycan
      microarray performance requires new methods to rigorously characterize glycan
      surface chemistries. Due to their highly reproducible nature and well-studied
      properties, self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on gold are powerful models for
      presenting glycans on a solid substrate, engineering biomimetic microenvironments
      and exploring the bioactivity of immobilized carbohydrates via surface plasmon
      resonance (SPR). However, it can be challenging to prepare high quality
      glycosylated SAMs (glyco-SAMs) that retain their biological function following
      surface immobilization. Herein, a selection of versatile methods for the
      preparation of glyco-SAMs using natural and chemically modified glycans is
      described. This chapter will highlight the following three immobilization
      techniques: (1) direct self assembly using thiolated glycosides onto gold, (2)
      tethering aminated glycosides onto -amine-reactive SAMs, and (3) conjugating
      natural glycan onto divinyl sulfone-activated SAMs.

PMID- 22057520
TI  - Carbohydrate microarrays for enzymatic reactions and quantification of binding
      affinities for glycan-protein interactions.
AB  - Glycans are involved in a variety of physiological and pathological processes
      through interactions with proteins. Thus, the molecular basis of glycan-protein
      interactions provides valuable information on understanding biological phenomena
      and exploiting more effective carbohydrate-based therapeutic agents and
      diagnostic tools. Carbohydrate microarray technology has become a powerful tool
      for evaluating glycan-mediated biological events in a high-throughput manner.
      This technology is mostly applied for rapid analysis of glycans-protein
      interactions in the field of functional glycomics. In order to expand application
      areas of glycan microarrays, we have used carbohydrate microarrays for
      measurement of binding affinities between glycans and proteins and profiling of
      glycosyltransferase activities. The glycan microarrays used for these studies are
      constructed by immobilizing maleimide or hydrazide-conjugated glycans on the
      thiol or hydrazide-derivatized glass slides, respectively. This protocol
      describes the fabrication of carbohydrate microarrays and their applications to
      enzymatic reactions and determination of quantitative binding affinities.

PMID- 22057521
TI  - Neoglycolipid-based oligosaccharide microarray system: preparation of NGLs and
      their noncovalent immobilization on nitrocellulose-coated glass slides for
      microarray analyses.
AB  - Carbohydrate microarrays, since their advent in 2002, are revolutionizing studies
      of the molecular basis of protein-carbohydrate interactions both in endogenous
      recognition systems and pathogen-host interactions. We have developed a unique
      carbohydrate microarray system based on the neoglycolipid (NGL) technology, a
      well-validated microscale approach for generating lipid-tagged oligosaccharide
      probes for use in carbohydrate recognition studies. This chapter provides an
      overview of the principles and key features of the NGL-based oligosaccharide
      microarrays, and describes in detail the basic techniques - from the preparation
      of NGL probes to the generation of microarrays using robotic arraying hardware,
      as well as a general protocol for probing the microarrays with carbohydrate
      binding proteins.

PMID- 22057522
TI  - Preparation of a mannose-6-phosphate glycan microarray through fluorescent
      derivatization, phosphorylation, and immobilization of natural high-mannose N
      glycans and application in ligand identification of P-type lectins.
AB  - Glycan microarrays prepared by immobilization of amino-functionalized glycans on
      NHS-activated glass slides have been successfully used to study protein-glycan
      interactions. Fluorescently tagged glycans with an amino functional group can be
      prepared from natural glycans released from glycoproteins. These tagged glycans
      can be enzymatically modified with various glycosyltransferases,
      phosphotransferases, sulfotransferases, etc., to quickly expand the size and
      diversity of the tagged glycan libraries (TGLs). The TGLs, presented in the
      format of microarrays, provide a convenient platform for identifying the glycan
      ligands of glycan-binding proteins (GBPs). The chapter provides the background to
      prepare a defined glycan microarray and uses as an example glycans generated as
      phosphodiesters and phosphomonoesters of high-mannose type N-glycans. The method
      describes the preparation of high-mannose type glycan-AEAB conjugates (GAEABs),
      the purification of their phosphodiesters, and the subsequent mild acid
      hydrolysis to obtain corresponding phosphomonoesters. These GAEABs are covalently
      printed as a phosphorylated glycan microarray and used for analysis of the glycan
      ligand specificities of P-type lectins, such as the mannose-6-phosphate receptors
      (Man-6-P receptors or MPRs).

PMID- 22057523
TI  - Production of fluorous-based microarrays with uncharged carbohydrates.
AB  - Fluorous-based carbohydrate microarrays provide an alternative to traditional
      covalent microarray -platforms for probing protein-carbohydrate-binding
      interactions. The most studied plant lectin, concanavalin A (ConA), is known to
      bind to terminally alpha-linked mannose. In the studies presented, the binding of
      ConA with alpha-mannose is analyzed using a microarray formed on a fluorous
      coated glass slide with the sugar containing a fluorous tag at the anomeric
      position.

PMID- 22057524
TI  - General procedure for the synthesis of neoglycoproteins and immobilization on
      epoxide-modified glass slides.
AB  - Neoglycoproteins, such as BSA-glycosides, contain carbohydrates covalently
      attached to a protein carrier via nonnaturally occurring linkages. These
      conjugates have been used for decades to study carbohydrate-protein interactions
      and are frequently used as immunogens to raise antibodies to carbohydrate
      antigens. In fact, neoglycoproteins have been used extensively as vaccine
      antigens and several have obtained FDA approval. More recently, neoglycoproteins
      have been used in the construction of glycan arrays to produce "neoglycoprotein
      microarrays." In this chapter, two methods for preparing neoglycoproteins are
      described along with methods to immobilize these conjugates on epoxide-coated
      glass microscope slides to produce arrays.

PMID- 22057525
TI  - Immobilization of polyacrylamide-based glycoconjugates on solid phase in
      immunosorbent assays.
AB  - Our experience in coating of solid surfaces with glycans, mainly for obtaining
      routine glycoarrays based on immunological plates, is summarized. Three
      polystyrene coating techniques are described: direct physical adsorption,
      covalent binding, and immobilization using the biotin tag. Protocols for studies
      on anticarbohydrate antibodies are considered, with special emphasis on the
      application niches of different immobilization techniques as related to the
      specificity of each method of glycan-binding protein assay, as well as the
      problems of background binding and quantitative estimation of the results.

PMID- 22057526
TI  - Surface plasmon resonance imaging analysis of protein binding to a sialoside
      based carbohydrate microarray.
AB  - Monitoring multiple biological interactions in a multiplexed array format has
      numerous advantages. However, converting well-developed surface chemistry for
      spectroscopic measurements to array-based, high-throughput screening is not a
      trivial process and often proves to be the bottleneck in method development. This
      chapter reports the fabrication and characterization of a new carbohydrate
      microarray with synthetic sialosides for surface plasmon resonance imaging
      analysis of lectin-carbohydrate interactions. Contact printing of functional
      sialosides on neutravidin-coated surfaces was carried out and the properties of
      the resulting elements were characterized by fluorescence microscopy. Sambucus
      nigra agglutinin (SNA) was used for testing on four different carbohydrate
      functionalized surfaces and differential binding was analyzed. Multiplexed
      detection of SNA/biotinylated sialoside interactions on arrays up to 400 elements
      has been performed with good data correlation, demonstrating the effectiveness of
      the biotin-neutravidin-based biointerface to control probe orientation for
      reproducible and efficient protein binding to carbohydrates.

PMID- 22057527
TI  - Glycoarray by DNA-directed immobilization.
AB  - Glycoarrays have become a powerful platform to investigate the interactions of
      many biological events involving carbohydrates. The carbohydrates immobilization
      on the surface of the substrates is a key step of glycoarray fabrication. Plenty
      of strategies have been applied to the immobilization process. Herein a protocol
      for the synthesis of oligonucleotide glycomimetic conjugates is proposed. The
      resulting molecules are immobilized by hybridization on a DNA microarray (DNA
      directed immobilization; DDI). DDI has been proved to be a very efficient and
      site-selective. This protocol provides detailed procedures for the preparation of
      fluorescent oligonucleotide trigalactosylmimetic conjugates and for the
      preparation of carbohydrate microarrays by DDI on glass slides.

PMID- 22057528
TI  - Fabrication of carbohydrate surfaces by using non-derivatised oligosaccharides.
AB  - Surface-based tools, such as microarrays and optical biosensors, are being
      increasingly applied to the analysis of carbohydrate-protein interactions. A key
      to these developments is the presentation of the carbohydrate to the protein
      target. Dual polarisation interferometry (DPI) is a surface-based technique that
      permits the real-time measurement of the changes in thickness, refractive index,
      and mass of adsorbates 100-nm thick or less on the surface of a functionalised
      waveguide. DPI has been used to design and characterise a surface on which the
      orientation and density of the immobilised carbohydrates are suitable for
      studying their interactions with proteins and where non-specific binding is
      reduced to less than 5% of total binding. A thiol-functionalised surface was
      derivatised with a heterobifunctional cross-linker to yield a hydrazide surface.
      This was treated with oligosaccharides, derived from keratan sulphate,
      chondroitin sulphate, and heparin that possess a reducing end. To block the
      unreacted hydrazide groups, the surface was treated with an aldehyde
      functionalised PEG, and the surfaces were then challenged with a variety of
      proteins.

PMID- 22057529
TI  - Polysaccharide microarrays: application to the identification of heparan sulphate
      mimetics.
AB  - The interaction of polysaccharides with proteins modulates or triggers many
      biological effects. In particular, heparan sulphate proteoglycans (HSPGs) have
      multiple regulatory interactions with growth factors, enzymes, enzyme inhibitors,
      and some components of the extracellular matrix. The important role played by
      HSPGs has motivated the synthesis and selection of HSPG mimetics for modulating
      the biological activity of HS-binding proteins. We present hereinafter an
      efficient polysaccharide microarray method that allows the screening of HS
      mimetic libraries towards HS-binding growth factors, a major class of
      polypeptides whose inhibition or potentiation is of high medical interest.

PMID- 22057530
TI  - Carbohydrate antigen microarrays.
AB  - This chapter describes one of my laboratory's working protocols for carbohydrate
      based microarrays. Using a standard microarray spotter, we print carbohydrate
      antigens directly on the nitrocellulose-coated bioarray substrates. Because these
      substrates support noncovalent immobilization of many spotted antigens, in
      general no chemical modification of the antigen is needed for microarray
      production. Thus, this bioarray platform is technically simple and applicable for
      high-throughput construction of carbohydrate antigen microarrays. A number of
      nitrocellulose-coated glass slides with different technical characteristics are
      commercially available. Given the structural diversity of carbohydrate antigens,
      examining each antigen preparation to determine the efficacy of its
      immobilization in a given type of substrate and the surface display of the
      desired glycoepitopes in a microarray assay is essential.

PMID- 22057531
TI  - Probing virus-glycan interactions using glycan microarrays.
AB  - Glycan microarrays are surfaces that contain immobilized oligosaccharides or
      glycoconjugates and have proven useful in probing the interactions between glycan
      binding proteins (GBPs) and individual glycans. Such glycan microarrays have been
      especially important in studying virus-glycan interactions, as most viruses
      express one or more GBPs important for pathogenesis. For studying interactions of
      influenza viruses with glycans, we describe protocols for fluorescent labeling of
      virus, addition of virus to a glycan microarray, analysis of a glycan microarray
      slide experiment, and interpretation of data.

PMID- 22057532
TI  - MALDI-ToF MS analysis of glycosyltransferase activities on gold surface arrays.
AB  - Glycan-processing enzymes such as glycosyltransferases and glycosidases are
      responsible for the makeup of the glycome. The definition of their substrate
      specificities is, therefore, a central task in glycomics. In addition, these
      enzymes are themselves useful synthetic tools for the generation of complex
      carbohydrate structures as an alternative to tedious chemical synthesis. There
      has been great interest in using microarrays for studying these glycoenzymes
      because it allows the specificity of the enzyme to be probed against a panel of
      immobilized potential substrates, and also expands the repertoire of sugar arrays
      available for further carbohydrate-protein interaction studies. In particular,
      self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of alkanethiols on gold surfaces have proven to
      be a valuable platform for such studies due to their robustness and their
      biocompatible, well-defined structure. Furthermore, a direct observation of the
      change in mass of immobilized substrates due to enzymatic processing is possible
      through label-free MALDI-ToF MS (matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time
      of-flight mass spectrometry) technique. In this chapter, we describe the
      preparation of SAMs-coated gold surface arrays presenting carbohydrate or
      (glyco)peptide substrates, either pre-formed or directly synthesized on-chip, and
      MALDI-ToF MS analysis of glycosyltransferase activities on these immobilized
      substrates.

PMID- 22057533
TI  - Microarray technology using glycans extracted from natural sources for serum
      antibody fluorescent detection.
AB  - Glycan microarray technology enables the screening of large numbers of glycan
      samples for glycan-protein interactions, based on the presentation of immobilized
      glycans in a discrete pattern on a solid support. Here we describe a glycan
      microarray approach employing glycans enzymatically released from proteins and
      lipids of in vitro cultured cells and of human and animal tissues, followed by
      the detection of serum antibody binding. This approach may be used to detect
      autoantibodies in cancer as well as in autoimmune diseases.

PMID- 22057534
TI  - Studying modification of aminoglycoside antibiotics by resistance-causing enzymes
      via microarray.
AB  - Widespread bacterial resistance to antibiotics is a significant public health
      concern. To remain a step ahead of evolving bacteria, new methods to study
      resistance to antibacterials and to uncover novel antibiotics that evade
      resistance are urgently needed. Herein, microarray-based methods that have been
      developed to study aminoglycoside modification by resistance-causing enzymes are
      reviewed. These arrays can also be used to study the binding of aminoglycoside
      antibiotics to a mimic of their therapeutic target, the rRNA aminoacyl site (A
      site), and how modification by resistance-causing enzymes affects their abilities
      to bind RNA.

PMID- 22057535
TI  - Microarray method for the rapid detection of glycosaminoglycan-protein
      interactions.
AB  - Glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) perform numerous vital functions within the body. As
      major components of the extracellular matrix, these polysaccharides participate
      in a diverse array of cell-signaling events. We have developed a simple
      microarray assay for the evaluation of protein binding to various GAG subclasses.
      In a single experiment, the binding to all members of the GAG family can be
      rapidly determined, giving insight into the relative specificity of the
      interactions and the importance of specific sulfation motifs. The arrays are
      facile to prepare from commercially available materials.

PMID- 22057536
TI  - Neoglycolipid-based "designer" oligosaccharide microarrays to define beta-glucan
      ligands for Dectin-1.
AB  - In this chapter, we describe the key steps of the "designer" oligosaccharide
      microarray approach we followed to prove the carbohydrate binding activity and
      define the oligosaccharide ligands for Dectin-1, an atypical C-type lectin-like
      signaling receptor of the mammalian innate immune system with a key role in anti
      fungal immunity. The term "designer" microarray, which we introduced in the
      course of the Dectin-1 study refers to a microarray of oligosaccharide probes
      generated from ligand-bearing glycoconjugates to reveal the oligosaccharide
      ligands they harbor, so that these can be isolated and characterized.
      Oligosaccharide probes were generated from two polysaccharides, one that was
      bound by Dectin-1 and known to be rich in beta1,3-glucose sequence and another
      that was not bound and was rich in beta1,6-glucose sequence and served as a
      negative control. The approach involved: classic ELISA-type binding assays to
      select the polysaccharides; partial depolymerization of the polysaccharides by
      chemical hydrolysis; fractionation by size of the glucan oligosaccharides
      obtained and determination of their chain lengths by mass spectrometry; detection
      of Dectin-1 ligand-positive and ligand-negative oligosaccharides using the
      neoglycolipid (NGL) technology; methylation analysis of oligosaccharides to
      derive glucose linkage information, and incorporation of the newly generated
      glucan oligosaccharide probes into microarrays encompassing diverse mammalian
      type and exogenous sequences for microarray analysis of Dectin-1.

PMID- 22057537
TI  - Measurement of antibodies to pneumococcal polysaccharides with Luminex xMAP
      microsphere-based liquid arrays.
AB  - The 23 valent pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPV) is often used to assess
      an individual's ability to produce antibodies to polysaccharides. The Luminex
      xMAP microsphere-based liquid array system, when applied to the determination of
      antibodies to pneumococcal polysaccharides (PnPs), allows for the antibody
      response to the 23 serotypes to be determined simultaneously. Multiplexing saves
      considerable time and expense over the traditional method of testing each PnPs
      serotype individually by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). This
      chapter describes methods for (a) conjugation of poly-L: -lysine (PLL) to PnPs,
      (b) coupling of PnPs-PLL conjugates to Luminex microspheres, and (c) a multiplex
      Luminex assay for the measurement of serotype-specific IgG concentrations to
      pneumococcal serotypes.

PMID- 22057538
TI  - Carbohydrate microarrays in 96-well polystyrene microtiter plates.
AB  - A method for the preparation of carbohydrate microarrays inside 96-well
      polystyrene microtiter plates is described. The key step in this strategy
      represents the synthesis of carbohydrate-dextran conjugates by copper (I)
      catalyzed [3 + 2] cycloaddition between alkyne carbohydrate derivative and a
      specially designed azido dextran polymer. The conjugates adsorb efficiently on
      polystyrene surface and can be printed inside 96-well plates using a non-contact
      piezoelectric microarrayer. Model interactions with a selection of lectins
      (concanavalin A, wheat germ agglutinin, Erythrina Cristagalli) display the
      efficiency of the immobilization method, its reproducibility and the specificity
      of biomolecular interactions occurring at the polystyrene-water interface.

PMID- 22057539
TI  - Photoimmobilization of saccharides.
AB  - Interest in understanding the biological information content of carbohydrates has
      led to the development of a variety of methodologies for preparing carbohydrate
      microarrays. A key challenge is to find a general method to make carbohydrate
      molecules adhere to a solid chip in a stable manner while preserving the
      biorecognition properties present when in their native biological environment.
      The complexity of carbohydrates makes chemical modification prior to surface
      deposition rigorous when large libraries of surface-immobilized sugars are
      desired. In this report, we review a versatile photochemical method to
      carbohydrate immobilization that does not require premodification of the
      carbohydrate. The method utilizes surfaces modified with photoactive carbonyls
      that can insert into C-H bonds upon photoexcitation.

PMID- 22057540
TI  - Microwave-assisted method for fabrication of carbohydrate cluster microarrays on
      3-dimensional hydrazide-dendrimer substrate.
AB  - We present here a method for construction of carbohydrate cluster microarrays.
      This technology utilizes a 3-dimensional poly(amidoamine) starburst dendrimer
      monolayer assembled on glass surface, which is functionalized with terminal
      hydrazide groups for site-specific coupling of carbohydrates without prior
      chemical derivatization. Microwave radiation energy is applied to accelerate
      carbohydrate coupling on chips. Since this bioarray platform is designed to
      present sugar chains in defined orientation and cluster configurations, it is
      particularly suitable for exploration of the structural and conformational
      diversities of glycoepitopes and their functional properties.

PMID- 22057541
TI  - Combinatorial glycoarray.
AB  - Glycolipid-protein interactions are increasingly recognised as critical to
      numerous and diverse biological processes, including immune recognition, cell
      cell signalling, pathogen adherence, and virulence factor binding. Previously,
      such carbohydrate-lectin interactions have been assessed in vitro largely by
      assaying protein binding against purified preparations of single glycolipids.
      Recent observations show that certain disease-associated autoantibodies and other
      lectins bind only to complexes formed by two different gangliosides. However,
      investigating such 1:1 glycolipid complexes can prove technically arduous. To
      address this problem, we have developed a semi-automated system for assaying
      lectin binding to large numbers of glycolipid complexes simultaneously. This
      employs an automated thin-layer chromatography sampler. Single glycolipids and
      their heterodimeric complexes are prepared in microvials. The autosampler is then
      used to print reproducible arrays of glycolipid complexes onto polyvinylidene
      difluoride membranes affixed to glass slides. A printing density of 300 antigen
      spots per slide is achievable. Following overnight drying, these arrays can then
      be probed with the lectin(s) of interest. Detection of binding is by way of a
      horseradish peroxidase-linked secondary antibody driving a chemiluminescent
      reaction rendered on radiographic film. Image analysis software can then be used
      to measure signal intensity for quantification.

PMID- 22057542
TI  - Evaluation of acute cervical spine imaging based on ACR Appropriateness
      Criteria(r).
AB  - The objectives of this study were to determine the rate of acute blunt cervical
      spine injury at an academic urban level 1 trauma center and to evaluate the
      utilization of cervical spine imaging based on the established American College
      of Radiology (ACR) Appropriateness Criteria(r). We retrospectively reviewed all
      radiography and CT imaging of the cervical spine performed over a year period in
      adult patients presenting with acute blunt cervical spine trauma. Exclusion
      criteria were children <=17 years, non-acute trauma of >=72 h, and penetrating
      trauma. Any fracture, dislocation, or ligamentous instability demonstrated by
      diagnostic imaging and requiring stabilization or specialized follow-up was
      defined as clinically significant cervical spine injury. A total of 1,325
      cervical spine studies were reviewed in 1,245 patients; 32.7% (433/1,325) were
      cervical spine radiographs and 67.3% (892/1,325) were CT examinations.
      Approximately 1.5% (19/1,245) of the patients demonstrated clinically significant
      acute cervical spine injury. There were 6.4% (80/1,245) patients who received
      both cervical spine radiographs and CT as imaging evaluation. Based on the ACR
      Appropriateness Criteria(r), all of the cervical spine radiographs performed
      (433) were determined to be "inappropriate" imaging in the setting of acute
      cervical spine injury.

PMID- 22057543
TI  - Protein secretion in Pichia pastoris and advances in protein production.
AB  - Yeast expression systems have been successfully used for over 20 years for the
      production of recombinant proteins. With the growing interest in recombinant
      protein expression for various uses, yeast expression systems, such as the
      popular Pichia pastoris, are becoming increasingly important. Although P.
      pastoris has been successfully used in the production of many secreted and
      intracellular recombinant proteins, there is still room for improvement of this
      expression system. In particular, secretion of recombinant proteins is still one
      of the main reasons for using P. pastoris. Therefore, endoplasmic reticulum
      protein folding, correct glycosylation, vesicular transport to the plasma
      membrane, gene dosage, secretion signal sequences, and secretome studies are
      important considerations for improved recombinant protein production.

PMID- 22057544
TI  - Direct and cell signaling-based, geometry-induced neuronal differentiation of
      neural stem cells.
AB  - Neural Stem Cells (NSCs) are multipotent precursors inhabiting the subventricular
      and hippocampal subgranular regions of the adult mammalian brain, able to self
      renew and differentiate into neurons, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes, the three
      primary neural cell types of the adult brain. NSC fate is influenced by the
      physical and chemical microenvironment experienced by the cell, both in vitro and
      in vivo. Towards characterizing the influence of topographical, geometric cues on
      NSC fate, we fabricated highly aligned, single- and double-layer polystyrene
      nanofiber meshes. Seeding of NSCs on laminin-coated fibers induces polarized NSC
      morphology and cellular elongation in the directions of fiber alignment, with
      cells extending membranous processes over hundreds of microns along the fiber
      surfaces. Additionally, these aligned fiber substrates promote neuronal lineage
      specification of NSCs with an efficiency of 82.3 +/- 11.1% within days of
      seeding. Moreover, not only do cells on fibers yield neurons, but also
      neighboring cells in close proximity to those differentiating on aligned fibers,
      with an efficiency of 72.8 +/- 9.7%. This neighboring, cell-induced
      differentiation occurs without cell-cell contact over millimetres away from the
      fibers, suggesting a paracrine signaling effect not previously reported for NSCs
      undergoing neurogenesis. In contrast, NSCs farther away from these fiber
      substrates nearly uniformly yield glia.

PMID- 22057545
TI  - High efficient expression of bioactive human BMP-14 in E. coli using SUMO fusion
      partner.
AB  - Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are cytokines from the TGF-beta superfamily,
      with important roles during embryonic development and in the induction of bone
      and cartilage tissue differentiation in the adult body. In this contribution, We
      report here the application of small ubiquitin-related modifier (SUMO) fusion
      technology to the expression and purification of human BMP-14. The fusion protein
      expressed in a soluble form was purified to a purity of 90% by Ni-IDA
      chromatography. After the SUMO-BMP14 fusion protein was cleaved by the SUMO
      protease at 30  degrees C for 1 h, the cleaved sample was re-applied to a Ni-IDA.
      Finally, about 45 mg recombinant hBMP-14 was obtained from 1 litre bacterial
      culture with no less than 95% purity. The purified hBMP-14 dimer was over 90%
      purity and could induce the expression of alkaline phosphatase activity in C2C12
      cells in a dose-dependent manner. Thus the SUMO-mediated peptide expression and
      purification system potentially could be employed for the production of other
      homodimeric proteins.

PMID- 22057546
TI  - Electrochemical control of growth factor presentation to steer neural stem cell
      differentiation.
AB  - Let it grow: The conjugated polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) was
      synthesized with heparin as the counterion to form a cell culture substrate. The
      surface of PEDOT:heparin in the neutral state associated biologically active
      growth factors. Electrochemical in situ oxidation of PEDOT during live cell
      culture decreased the bioavailability of the growth factor and created an exact
      onset of neural stem cell differentiation.

PMID- 22057547
TI  - Molecular cloning, characterization expression of P450c17-I and P450c17-II and
      their functions analysis during the reproductive cycle in males of barfin
      flounder (Verasper moseri).
AB  - P450c17, a key steroidogenic enzyme, plays important roles in the production of
      sex steroid and cortisol. In teleost, there are two types of P450c17, P450c17-I
      possessing 17alpha-hydroxylase and 17, 20-lyase activities, and P450c17-II only
      possessing 17alpha-hydroxylase activity. This work describes the molecular
      cloning of the cDNA encoding the barfin flounder (Verasper moseri) P450c17-I and
      P450c17-II by means of RT-PCR and 5' and 3' rapid amplification of cDNA ends
      (RACE) analyses and mRNA expression profiles analyzing by semiquantitative RT
      PCR. Respectively, P450c17-I and P450c17-II mRNA levels in the testes correlated
      with serum testosterone (T) level, as well as gonadosomatic index (GSI) of males
      during specific stages of spermatogenesis. P450c17-I and P450c17-II mRNA were
      expressed in the testis and ovary, suggesting that both of them participate in
      the production of sex steroid in barfin flounder gonads. P450c17-I mRNA was
      undetectable; in contrast, P450c17-II mRNA was detected at the highest level in
      the head kidney, meaning that only P450c17-II is involved in the production of
      cortisol in barfin flounder. The results demonstrated that both of P450c17-I and
      P450c17-II participate in the production of sex steroid in male barfin flounder
      gonads.

PMID- 22057548
TI  - A significant association exists between receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan
      receptor 2 gene variants and the OPG/RANKL ratio in human plasma.
AB  - SUMMARY: There is a paucity of studies investigating association between ROR2
      gene variants and osteoporosis and osteoarthritis-related phenotypes. The
      published literature suggests that osteoprotegerin (OPG) and receptor activator
      of nuclear factor-kB ligand (RANKL) are essential for bone metabolism and
      correlate with osteoarthritis manifestation and progression. The present study
      provides evidence of the significant association between ROR2 variants and the
      OPG/RANKL ratio in human plasma. The present results also suggest significant
      association between ROR2 polymorphisms and severity of radiographic hand
      osteoarthritis. INTRODUCTION: Despite the importance of the ROR-2 in skeletal
      physiology, there is a paucity of studies investigating the potential association
      of ROR2 gene variants with phenotypes relevant to osteoporosis and
      osteoarthritis. On the other hand, there is a considerable body of literature
      suggesting that OPG and RANKL and their ratio (OPG/RANKL) are essential for
      regulating bone resorption. This is also correlated with osteoarthritis
      manifestation and progression. The present study therefore examines whether ROR2
      polymorphisms may be associated with the OPG/RANKL ratio and hand osteoarthritis
      (HOA). METHODS: The study was conducted in a family-based sample of 1,515
      Caucasian individuals, assessed for radiographic hand osteoarthritis, using the
      Kellgren/Lawrence score. Of these, 865 individuals were genotyped for 19 SNPs,
      relatively equally covering the ROR2 locus, and their plasma levels of OPG and
      RANKL were assayed. The association between the selected SNPs and OPG, along with
      the OPG/RANKL ratio and HOA, was explored using the pedigree disequilibrium test.
      RESULTS: Of the total of 57 tests, 16 nominally significant results (p < 0.05)
      were obtained, which is considerably more than the three normally expected for
      type I error. The significant association signals for all three phenotypes were
      mapped to the intron 1 region. The most significant results were detected between
      OPG/RANKL and rs7048756 (p < 0.0005) and between adjacent rs4744107 and
      Kellgren/Lawrence score (p = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS: The present study provides
      evidence of the significant association between ROR2 variants and the OPG/RANKL
      ratio in human plasma and also suggests ROR2 association with HOA.

PMID- 22057549
TI  - Risk factors for osteoporosis in long-term survivors of intracranial germ cell
      tumors.
AB  - SUMMARY: We measured bone mineral densities in 28 intracranial germ cell tumor
      long-term survivors. There was the high prevalence of osteoporosis and
      osteopenia, 25.0% and 42.9%, respectively, and three additional risk factors,
      male sex, a low lean mass, and adult growth hormone replacement, were identified.
      INTRODUCTION: Intracranial germ cell tumor long-term survivors (iGCTLS) have many
      risk factors for osteoporosis, including irradiation from cancer therapy and
      multiple hormone deficiencies. However, no study of bone mineral density (BMD)
      has been conducted in iGCTLS because these tumors are rare. The aims of this
      study were to evaluate the prevalence of osteoporosis and to identify risk
      factors associated with reduced bone mass in iGCTLS. METHODS: We evaluated BMD
      and body composition of 28 iGCTLS (10.9 +/- 5.2 years after cancer treatment; 13
      males) using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. To determine risk factors, we
      analyzed the medical history, including the nature of the tumor, treatment
      modality, endocrine status, hormone replacement therapy, lifestyle, and
      biochemical parameters. RESULTS: Twenty-five percent of iGCTLS were diagnosed
      with osteoporosis and 42.9% with osteopenia. Most males (92.3%) had low BMD. Lean
      mass (LM) was positively correlated with BMD in all regions of interest, and the
      starting age of adult growth hormone (GH) replacement was negatively correlated
      with the BMD Z-score at the femur neck. In logistic regression analysis, male sex
      and low LM were related to low BMD. CONCLUSIONS: The iGCTLS had a high prevalence
      of low BMD. We found that male sex, low LM, and delayed start of adult GH
      replacement were risk factors for osteoporosis. Therefore, the BMD of all iGCTLS
      should be evaluated, and if it is low, proper management should be started early.

PMID- 22057550
TI  - Relationship of femoral neck areal bone mineral density to volumetric bone
      mineral density, bone size, and femoral strength in men and women.
AB  - Using combined dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and quantitative computed
      tomography, we demonstrate that men matched with women for femoral neck (FN)
      areal bone mineral density (aBMD) have lower volumetric BMD (vBMD), higher bone
      cross-sectional area, and relatively similar values for finite element (FE)
      derived bone strength. INTRODUCTION: aBMD by DXA is widely used to identify
      patients at risk for osteoporotic fractures. aBMD is influenced by bone size
      (i.e., matched for vBMD, larger bones have higher aBMD), and increasing evidence
      indicates that absolute aBMD predicts a similar risk of fracture in men and
      women. Thus, we sought to define the relationships between FN aBMD (assessed by
      DXA) and vBMD, bone size, and FE-derived femoral strength obtained from
      quantitative computed tomography scans in men versus women. METHODS: We studied
      men and women aged 40 to 90 years and not on osteoporosis medications. RESULTS:
      In 114 men and 114 women matched for FN aBMD, FN total cross-sectional area was
      38% higher (P < 0.0001) and vBMD was 16% lower (P < 0.0001) in the men. FE models
      constructed in a subset of 28 women and 28 men matched for FN aBMD showed
      relatively similar values for bone strength and the load-to-strength ratio in the
      two groups. CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort of young and old men and women from
      Rochester, MN, USA who are matched by FN aBMD, because of the offsetting effects
      of bone size and vBMD, femoral strength and the load-to-strength ratio tended to
      be relatively similar across the sexes.

PMID- 22057552
TI  - High prevalence of Eimeria infection in dairy goats in Shaanxi province,
      northwestern China.
AB  - A survey of dairy goats for infection with Eimeria species of coccidia was
      conducted in the Shaanxi province, northwestern China between December and
      November 2010, including Saanen and Guanzhong breeds. A total of 584 fecal
      samples (250 and 334 from Saanen and Guanzhong dairy goats, respectively) in six
      farms were collected. Eimeria oocysts were seen in 568 (97.3%) fecal samples,
      with six species, namely Eimeria jolchijevi, Eimeria arloingi, Eimeria alijevi,
      Eimeria caprina, Eimeria hirci, and Eimeria christenseni. The most prevalent were
      E. arloingi in Saanen and Guanzhong dairy goats, with an overall prevalence of
      83.3% and 84.4%, and the lowest prevalence were E. christenseni (26.9%) and E.
      hirci (20.7%) for Saanen and Guanzhong Dairy goats, respectively. Two or more
      Eimeria species were commonly presented in all the age groups; 80.0% and 81.4% of
      positive Saanen and Guanzhong dairy goats carried more than two species, and 1.6%
      and 6.5% of two breeds had six species. The results of the present survey
      suggested that Eimeria infection is wide and severe in the Saanen and Guanzhong
      dairy goats, which suggested that integrated strategies should be implemented to
      prevent and control coccidial infection in dairy goats in this province.

PMID- 22057551
TI  - The evolution of menstruation: a new model for genetic assimilation: explaining
      molecular origins of maternal responses to fetal invasiveness.
AB  - Why do humans menstruate while most mammals do not? Here, we present our answer
      to this long-debated question, arguing that (i) menstruation occurs as a
      mechanistic consequence of hormone-induced differentiation of the endometrium
      (referred to as spontaneous decidualization, or SD); (ii) SD evolved because of
      maternal-fetal conflict; and (iii) SD evolved by genetic assimilation of the
      decidualization reaction, which is induced by the fetus in non-menstruating
      species. The idea that menstruation occurs as a consequence of SD has been
      proposed in the past, but here we present a novel hypothesis on how SD evolved.
      We argue that decidualization became genetically stabilized in menstruating
      lineages, allowing females to prepare for pregnancy without any signal from the
      fetus. We present three models for the evolution of SD by genetic assimilation,
      based on recent advances in our understanding of the mechanisms of endometrial
      differentiation and implantation. Testing these models will ultimately shed light
      on the evolutionary significance of menstruation, as well as on the etiology of
      human reproductive disorders like endometriosis and recurrent pregnancy loss.

PMID- 22057553
TI  - Titanium dioxide-assisted photocatalytic induction of prophages to lytic cycle.
AB  - The investigations on the kinetics of photocatalytic inactivation of
      bacteriophages, lactic bacteria and lysogenic lactic bacteria have shown that the
      rate of bacterial inactivation is ca. 10 times less than the inactivation of
      bacteriophages. Titania-assisted photorelease of bacteriophages from lysogenic
      bacteria proves that photogenerated reactive oxygen species affect the
      deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of bacteria before their deactivation. On this basis
      a novel photocatalytic method of a prophage induction to the lytic cycle and
      detection of lysogenic bacteria is proposed.

PMID- 22057554
TI  - Reference curves for the Brazilian Alberta Infant Motor Scale: percentiles for
      clinical description and follow-up over time.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To compare Alberta Infant Motor Scale scores for Brazilian infants
      with the Canadian norm and to construct sex-specific reference curves and
      percentiles for motor development for a Brazilian population. METHODS: This study
      recruited 795 children aged 0 to 18 months from a number of different towns in
      Brazil. Infants were assessed by an experienced researcher in a silent room using
      the Alberta Infant Motor Scale. Sex-specific percentiles (P5, P10, P25, P50, P75
      and P90) were calculated and analyzed for each age in months from 0 to 18 months.
      RESULTS: No significant differences (p > 0.05) between boys and girls were
      observed for the majority of ages. The exception was 14 months, where the girls
      scored higher for overall motor performance (p = 0.015) and had a higher
      development percentile (0.021). It was observed that the development curves
      demonstrated a tendency to nonlinear development in both sexes and for both
      typical and atypical children. Variation in motor acquisition was minimal at the
      extremes of the age range: during the first two months of life and from 15 months
      onwards. CONCLUSIONS: Although the Alberta Infant Motor Scale is widely used in
      both research and clinical practice, it has certain limitations in terms of
      behavioral differentiation before 2 months and after 15 months. This reduced
      sensitivity at the extremes of the age range may be related to the number of
      motor items assessed at these ages and their difficulty. It is suggested that
      other screening instruments be employed for children over the age of 15 months.

PMID- 22057555
TI  - Thermally stable, dye-bridged nanohybrid-based white light-emitting diodes.
AB  - Thermally stable red and green light-emitting nanohybrids are introduced as an
      organic luminescent converter with broad color tunability and a high color
      rendering index for white light-emitting diodes (LEDs). Nanohybrid-based white
      LEDs are thermally stable and the color coordination is not changed by heat
      exposure.

PMID- 22057556
TI  - Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) acts as a potent mucosal adjuvant for HIV-1
      gp140 vaccination in mice.
AB  - The development of a successful vaccine against HIV is likely to require the
      induction of strong and long-lasting humoral immune responses at the mucosal
      portal of virus entry. Hence, the design of a vaccine strategy able to induce
      mucosal antibodies and in particular specific IgA, may be crucial to providing
      immune protection. Nasal immunisation is known to induce specific IgG and IgA
      responses in the cervicovaginal mucosa; however, there is an urgent need for the
      development of safe, effective and accessible mucosal adjuvants for nasal
      application in humans. To reduce the potential for adverse events associated with
      some nasal adjuvants, we have assessed whether the B-cell-activating cytokines
      APRIL, BAFF and TSLP enhance humoral immune responses to HIV-1 gp140. Following
      intranasal immunisation, TSLP but not APRIL or BAFF induced strong humoral
      responses both in serum and mucosa. The adjuvant effect of TSLP on humoral
      responses was similar to that of cholera toxin (CT). The use of TSLP as an
      adjuvant skewed both the cellular and humoral immune responses towards Th2 cells.
      This is the first time that TSLP has been demonstrated to have a positive effect
      as a mucosal adjuvant, and specifically to promote mucosal and systemic responses
      to HIV gp140.

PMID- 22057557
TI  - Overview of mitochondrial bioenergetics.
AB  - Bioenergetic Science started in seventh century with the pioneer works by Joseph
      Priestley and Antoine Lavoisier on photosynthesis and respiration, respectively.
      New developments were implemented by Pasteur in 1860s with the description of
      fermentations associated to microorganisms, further documented by Buchner
      brothers who discovered that fermentations also occurred in cell extracts in the
      absence of living cells. In the beginning of twentieth century, Harden and Young
      demonstrated that orthophosphate and other heat-resistant compounds (cozymase),
      later identified as NAD, ADP, and metal ions, were mandatory in the fermentation
      of glucose. The full glycolysis pathway has been detailed in 1940s with the
      contributions of Embden, Meyeroff, Parnas, Warburg, among others. Studies on the
      citric acid cycle started in 1910 (Thunberg) and were elucidated by Krebs et al.
      in the 1940s. Mitochondrial bioenergetics gained emphasis in the late 1940s and
      1950s with the works of Lenhinger, Racker, Chance, Boyer, Ernster, and Slater,
      among others. The prevalent "chemical coupling hypothesis" of energy conservation
      in oxidative phosphorylation was challenged and replaced by the "chemiosmotic
      hypothesis" originally formulated in 1960s by Mitchell and later substantiated
      and extended to energy conservation in bacteria and chloroplasts, besides
      mitochondria, with clear-cut identification of molecular proton pumps. After
      identification of most reactive mechanisms, emphasis has been directed to
      structure resolution of molecular complex clusters, e.g., cytochrome c oxidase,
      complex III, complex II, ATP synthase, photosystem I, photosynthetic water
      splitting center, and energy collecting antennae of several photosynthetic
      systems. Modern trends concern to the reactivity of radical and other active
      species in association with bioenergetic activities. A promising trend
      concentrates on the cell redox status quantified in terms of redox potentials. In
      spite of significant development and advances of bioenergetic knowledge, major
      issues remain mainly related with poor experimental designs not representative of
      the real native cell conditions. Therefore, a major effort has to be implemented
      regarding direct observations in situ.

PMID- 22057558
TI  - Evaluation of respiration with clark type electrode in isolated mitochondria and
      permeabilized animal cells.
AB  - In many studies, the evaluation of mitochondrial function is critical to
      understand how disease conditions or xenobiotics alter mitochondrial function.
      One of the classic end-points that can be assessed is oxygen consumption, which
      can be performed under controlled, yet artificial conditions. Oxygen is the
      terminal acceptor in the mitochondrial respiratory chain, namely at an enzyme
      called cytochrome oxidase, which produces water in the process and pumps protons
      from the matrix to the intermembrane space. Several techniques are available to
      measure oxygen consumption, including polarography with oxygen electrodes or
      fluorescent/luminescent probes. The present chapter will deal with the
      determination of mitochondrial oxygen consumption by means of the Clark-type
      electrode, which has been widely used in the literature and that still remains to
      be the most reliable technique. We focus our technical description in the
      measurement of oxygen consumption by isolated mitochondrial fractions and by
      permeabilized cells.

PMID- 22057559
TI  - High-resolution respirometry: OXPHOS protocols for human cells and permeabilized
      fibers from small biopsies of human muscle.
AB  - Protocols for high-resolution respirometry (HRR) of intact cells, permeabilized
      cells, and permeabilized muscle fibers offer sensitive diagnostic tests of
      integrated mitochondrial function using standard cell culture techniques and
      small needle biopsies of muscle. Multiple substrate-uncoupler-inhibitor titration
      (SUIT) protocols for analysis of oxidative phosphorylation improve our
      understanding of mitochondrial respiratory control and the pathophysiology of
      mitochondrial diseases. Respiratory states are defined in functional terms to
      account for the network of metabolic interactions in complex SUIT protocols with
      stepwise modulation of coupling and substrate control. A regulated degree of
      intrinsic uncoupling is a hallmark of oxidative phosphorylation, whereas
      pathological and toxicological dyscoupling is evaluated as a mitochondrial
      defect. The noncoupled state of maximum respiration is experimentally induced by
      titration of established uncouplers (FCCP, DNP) to collapse the proton gradient
      across the mitochondrial inner membrane and measure the capacity of the electron
      transfer system (ETS, open-circuit operation of respiration). Intrinsic
      uncoupling and dyscoupling are evaluated as the flux control ratio between
      nonphosphorylating LEAK respiration (electron flow coupled to proton pumping to
      compensate for proton leaks) and ETS capacity. If OXPHOS capacity (maximally ADP
      stimulated oxygen flux) is less than ETS capacity, the phosphorylation system
      contributes to flux control. Physiological Complex I + II substrate combinations
      are required to reconstitute TCA cycle function. This supports maximum ETS and
      OXPHOS capacities, due to the additive effect of multiple electron supply
      pathways converging at the Q-junction. Substrate control with electron entry
      separately through Complex I (pyruvate + malate or glutamate + malate) or Complex
      II (succinate + rotenone) restricts ETS capacity and artificially enhances flux
      control upstream of the Q-cycle, providing diagnostic information on specific
      branches of the ETS. Oxygen levels are maintained above air saturation in
      protocols with permeabilized muscle fibers to avoid experimental oxygen
      limitation of respiration. Standardized two-point calibration of the
      polarographic oxygen sensor (static sensor calibration), calibration of the
      sensor response time (dynamic sensor calibration), and evaluation of instrumental
      background oxygen flux (systemic flux compensation) provide the unique
      experimental basis for high accuracy of quantitative results and quality control
      in HRR.

PMID- 22057560
TI  - High-throughput analysis of mitochondrial oxygen consumption.
AB  - Interest in the investigation of mitochondrial dysfunction has seen a resurgence
      over recent years due to the implication of such dysfunction in both drug-induced
      toxicity and a variety of disease states. Here, we describe a methodology to
      assist in such investigations whereby the oxygen consumption of isolated
      mitochondria is assessed in a high-throughput fashion using a phosphorescent
      oxygen-sensitive probe, standard microtitre plates, and plate reader detection.
      The protocols provided describe the required isolation procedures, initial assay
      optimization, and subsequent compound screening. Typical data is also provided
      illustrating the expected activity levels as well as recommended plate maps and
      data analysis approaches.

PMID- 22057561
TI  - Modulation of cellular respiration by endogenously produced nitric oxide in rat
      hippocampal slices.
AB  - Nitric oxide (*NO) is a ubiquitous signaling molecule that participates in
      neuromolecular phenomena associated with memory formation as well as in
      excitotoxicity. In the hippocampus, neuronal *NO production is coupled to the
      activation of the NMDA-type of glutamate receptor. More recently, Cytochrome c
      oxidase has emerged as a novel target for *NO, which competes with O 2 for
      binding to this mitochondrial complex. This reaction establishes *NO not only as
      a regulator of cellular metabolism but possibly also as a regulator of
      mitochondrial production of reactive oxygen species which participate in cellular
      signaling. A major gap in the understanding of *NO bioactivity, namely, in the
      hippocampus, has been the lack of knowledge of its concentration dynamics. Here,
      we present a detailed description of the simultaneous recording of *NO and O2
      concentration dynamics in rat hippocampal slices. Carbon fi ber microelectrodes
      are fabricated and applied for real-time measurements of both gases in a system
      close to in vivo models. This approach allows for a better understanding of the
      current paradigm by which an intricate interplay between *NO and O 2 regulates
      cellular respiration.

PMID- 22057562
TI  - Mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsi) fluctuations associated with the
      metabolic states of mitochondria.
AB  - The study of the mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsi) is essential for an
      integrated appraisal of mitochondrial function, since it reflects differences in
      electrical potential and represents the main component of the proton
      electrochemical gradient accounting for more than 90% of the total available
      respiratory energy. Numerous methods have been used to estimate mitochondrial
      membrane potential (DeltaPsi), including fluorescent methods and electrochemical
      probes. In this chapter, we describe several practical approaches that allow
      mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsi) evaluation, by using a
      tetraphenylphosphonium (TPP(+))-selective electrode. The main focus is given to
      the evaluation of DeltaPsi in isolated mitochondria.

PMID- 22057563
TI  - Safranine as a fluorescent probe for the evaluation of mitochondrial membrane
      potential in isolated organelles and permeabilized cells.
AB  - The mitochondrial electrical membrane potential (Deltapsi) is the main component
      of the proton motive force (Deltap) generated across the inner mitochondrial
      membrane during electron flow through the respiratory chain. Among the techniques
      available to assess Deltapsi, methods that rely on the spectrophotofluorometric
      responses of dyes are widely employed for whole suspensions of isolated
      mitochondria or permeabilized cells. Safranine is one of the dyes currently used
      most often for this purpose. Safranine is a lipophilic cationic dye that
      undergoes optical shifts upon its potential-dependent distribution between the
      external medium and the intramitochondrial compartment and on its stacking to
      inner mitochondrial membrane anionic sites. The association between the optical
      changes of safranine and the membrane potential allows unknown Deltapsi values to
      be estimated from an equation describing their relationship. Here, we describe
      the use of safranine as a fluorescent indicator of Deltapsi in isolated
      mitochondria and digitonin-permeabilized cells. We present suitable conditions to
      employ safranine as a Deltapsi indicator.

PMID- 22057564
TI  - Fluorescence measurement of mitochondrial membrane potential changes in cultured
      cells.
AB  - The mitochondrial membrane potential is the dominant component of the proton
      motive force that is the potential term in the proton circuit linking electron
      transport to ATP synthesis and other energy-dependent mitochondrial processes.
      Cationic fluorescent probes have been used for many years to detect gross
      qualitative changes in mitochondrial membrane potentials in intact cell culture.
      In this chapter, I describe how these fluorescence signals may be used to obtain
      a semiquantitative measure of changes in mitochondrial membrane potential.

PMID- 22057565
TI  - Phenomenological kinetic and control analysis of oxidative phosphorylation in
      isolated mitochondria.
AB  - Metabolic control analysis provides a quantitative framework for analyzing
      regulatory properties of enzymes in various metabolic pathways. It has been used
      for estimation of control parameters of the enzymatic pathways at isolated
      enzyme, cellular, or whole organism levels. This chapter describes how control
      and elasticities analysis can be experimentally applied to measure control
      properties of the components of the oxidative phosphorylation system and how a
      variant of such analysis - phenomenological kinetic analysis - can be used to
      investigate the effects of various factors (physiological or pathological) on the
      system of oxidative phosphorylation in isolated mitochondria.

PMID- 22057566
TI  - Expression of uncoupling proteins in a mammalian cell culture system (HEK293) and
      assessment of their protein function.
AB  - Immortalised cultured cells are powerful tools to assess the function of
      ectopically expressed proteins. However, it must be ensured that the protein of
      interest is functional in the host system and display native behaviour. In
      particular, mitochondrial uncoupling proteins (UCPs) displayed (non-native)
      artefactual uncoupling when expressed in yeast or can possess functions upon
      reconstitution in proteoliposomes that cannot be reproduced in isolated
      mitochondria. In the light of newly discovered UCP1 orthologues and paralogues
      (UCP2, UCP3, plant UCP), comparative functional studies require a system with
      identical mitochondrial, cellular, and genetic backgrounds. In this chapter, the
      protocols for the ectopic expression of mouse UCP1 in the human embryonic kidney
      (HEK293) cell line are introduced. In isolated cell culture mitochondria, the
      proton leak can be measured and modulators of UCP1 activity can be tested. As
      mouse UCP1 in this system shows native behaviour, this may be a suitable system
      to directly compare the functional relationships between different UCPs.

PMID- 22057567
TI  - Measurement of proton leak and electron leak in isolated mitochondria.
AB  - Oxidative phosphorylation is an important energy-conserving mechanism coupling
      mitochondrial electron transfer to ATP synthesis. Coupling between respiration
      and phosphorylation is not fully efficient due to proton and electron leaks. In
      this chapter, methods are presented to measure proton and electron leak
      activities in isolated mitochondria. The relative strength of a modular kinetic
      approach to probe oxidative phosphorylation is emphasised.

PMID- 22057568
TI  - Relation between mitochondrial membrane potential and ROS formation.
AB  - Mitochondria are considered as the main source of reactive oxygen species (ROS)
      in the cell. For this reason, they have been recognized as a source of various
      pathological conditions as well as aging. Chronic increase in the rate of ROS
      production is responsible for the accumulation of ROS-associated damages in DNA,
      proteins, and lipids, and may result in progressive cell dysfunctions and, in a
      consequence, apoptosis, increasing the overall probability of an organism's
      pathological conditions. The superoxide anion is the main undesired by-product of
      mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation. Its production is triggered by a leak of
      electrons from the mitochondrial respiratory chain and the reaction of these
      electrons with O(2). Superoxide dismutase (MnSOD, SOD2) from the mitochondrial
      matrix as well as superoxide dismutase (Cu/ZnSOD, SOD1) present in small amounts
      in the mitochondrial intramembrane space, convert superoxide anion to hydrogen
      peroxide, which can be then converted by catalase to harmless H(2)O. In this
      chapter, we describe a relation between mitochondrial membrane potential and the
      rate of ROS formation. We present different methods applicable for isolated
      mitochondria or intact cells. We also present experiments demonstrating that a
      magnitude and a direction (increase or decrease) of a change in mitochondrial ROS
      production depends on the metabolic state of this organelle.

PMID- 22057569
TI  - Use of a calcium-sensitive electrode for studies on mitochondrial calcium
      transport.
AB  - Ca(2+)-sensitive electrode as a practical approach is used to follow Ca(2+)
      changes in the medium and particularly useful to study mitochondrial Ca(2+)
      uptake (or release); this method permits the continuous recording of Ca(2+)
      movements through the mitochondrial inner membrane. In this chapter, it is
      described how to prepare a Ca(2+)-sensitive electrode, and its application on
      mitochondrial studies with emphasis on the mitochondrial permeability transition.

PMID- 22057570
TI  - Imaging mitochondrial calcium signalling with fluorescent probes and single or
      two photon confocal microscopy.
AB  - The concentration of calcium ions in the mitochondria has a profound impact on
      mitochondrial function, modulating respiratory activity at physiological
      concentrations, while causing lethal damage during calcium overload. The "rhod"
      series of calcium sensitive fluorescent dyes tend to accumulate preferentially in
      mitochondria, although the reliability of mitochondrial calcium measurements
      depends critically on the partitioning of dye within the mitochondria which can
      vary between preparations. Methods are described to aid verification and
      quantification of the mitochondrial calcium concentration using single or two
      photon confocal microscopy and combining the imaging with another cytosolic
      calcium sensing dye. The method of linear unmixing to separate fluorescent
      signals based on either differing excitation or emission spectra is outlined and
      for the purposes of illustration is applied to the separation of rhod-2 signals
      originating from dye within the mitochondrial and nucleoli.

PMID- 22057571
TI  - Mitochondrial permeability transition pore and calcium handling.
AB  - Opening of a large conductance channel in the inner mitochondrial membrane, known
      as the mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) pore, has been shown to be a
      primary mediator of cell death in the heart subjected to ischemia-reperfusion
      injury. Inhibitors of the MPT have been shown to reduce cardiac ischemia
      reperfusion injury. Furthermore, most cardioprotective strategies appear to
      reduce ischemic cell death either by reducing the triggers for the opening of the
      MPT, such as reducing calcium overload or reactive oxygen species, or by more
      direct inhibition of the MPT. This chapter focuses on key issues in the study of
      the MPT and provides some methods for measuring MPT opening in isolated
      mitochondria.

PMID- 22057572
TI  - Imaging of mitochondrial pH using SNARF-1.
AB  - Laser scanning confocal microscopy provides the ability to image submicron
      sections in living cells and tissues. In conjunction with pH-indicating
      fluorescent probes, confocal microscopy can be used to visualize the distribution
      of pH inside living cells. Here, we describe a confocal microscopic technique to
      image intracellular pH in living cells using SNARF-1, a ratiometric pH-indicating
      fluorescent probe. SNARF-1 is ester-loaded into the cytosol and mitochondria of
      adult cardiac myocytes. Using 568-nm excitation, emitted fluorescence longer and
      shorter than 595-nm are imaged and then ratioed after background subtraction.
      Ratio values for each pixel are converted to values of pH using a standard curve
      (lookup table). Images of the intracellular distribution of pH show cytosolic and
      nuclear areas to have a pH of ~7.1, but in regions corresponding to mitochondria,
      pH is 8.0, giving a mitochondrial DeltapH of 0.9. During hypoxia, mitochondrial
      pH decreases to cytosolic values, signifying the collapse of DeltapH. These
      results illustrate the ability of laser scanning confocal microscopy to image the
      intracellular distribution of pH in living cells and to determine mitochondrial
      DeltapH.

PMID- 22057573
TI  - Redox equivalents and mitochondrial bioenergetics.
AB  - Mitochondrial energy metabolism depends upon high-flux and low-flux electron
      transfer pathways. The former provide the energy to support chemiosmotic coupling
      for oxidative phosphorylation. The latter provide mechanisms for signaling and
      control of mitochondrial functions. Few practical methods are available to
      measure rates of individual mitochondrial electron transfer reactions; however, a
      number of approaches are available to measure steady-state redox potentials (E
      (h)) of donor/acceptor couples, and these can be used to gain insight into rate
      controlling reactions as well as mitochondrial bioenergetics. Redox changes
      within the respiratory electron transfer pathway are quantified by optical
      spectroscopy and measurement of changes in autofluorescence. Low-flux pathways
      involving thiol/disulfide redox couples are measured by redox western blot and
      mass spectrometry-based redox proteomics. Together, the approaches provide the
      opportunity to develop integrated systems biology descriptions of mitochondrial
      redox signaling and control mechanisms.

PMID- 22057574
TI  - NMR methodologies for studying mitochondrial bioenergetics.
AB  - Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is a technique with an increasing
      importance in the study of metabolic diseases. Its initial important role in the
      determination of chemical structures (1, 2) has been considerably overcome by its
      potential for the in vivo study of metabolism (3-5). The main characteristic that
      makes this technique so attractive is its noninvasiveness. Only nuclei capable of
      transitioning between energy states, in the presence of an intense and constant
      magnetic field, are studied. This includes abundant nuclei such as proton ((1)H)
      and phosphorous ((31)P), as well as stable isotopes such as deuterium ((2)H) and
      carbon 13 ((13)C). This allows a wide range of applications that vary from the
      determination of water distribution in tissues (as obtained in a magnetic
      resonance imaging scan) to the calculation of metabolic fluxes under ex vivo and
      in vivo conditions without the need to use radioactive tracers or tissue biopsies
      (as in a magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) scan). In this chapter, some
      technical aspects of the methodology of an NMR/MRS experiment as well as how it
      can be used to study mitochondrial bioenergetics are overviewed. Advantages and
      disadvantages of in vivo MRS versus high-resolution NMR using proton high
      rotation magic angle spinning (HRMAS) of tissue biopsies and tissue extracts are
      also discussed.

PMID- 22057575
TI  - Computational modeling of mitochondrial function.
AB  - The advent of techniques with the ability to scan massive changes in cellular
      makeup (genomics, proteomics, etc.) has revealed the compelling need for
      analytical methods to interpret and make sense of those changes. Computational
      models built on sound physico-chemical mechanistic basis are unavoidable at the
      time of integrating, interpreting, and simulating high-throughput experimental
      data. Another powerful role of computational models is predicting new behavior
      provided they are adequately validated.Mitochondrial energy transduction has been
      traditionally studied with thermodynamic models. More recently, kinetic or thermo
      kinetic models have been proposed, leading the path toward an understanding of
      the control and regulation of mitochondrial energy metabolism and its interaction
      with cytoplasmic and other compartments. In this work, we outline the methods,
      step-by-step, that should be followed to build a computational model of
      mitochondrial energetics in isolation or integrated to a network of cellular
      processes. Depending on the question addressed by the modeler, the methodology
      explained herein can be applied with different levels of detail, from the
      mitochondrial energy producing machinery in a network of cellular processes to
      the dynamics of a single enzyme during its catalytic cycle.

PMID- 22057576
TI  - Matriderm(r) 1 mm versus Integra(r) Single Layer 1.3 mm for one-step closure of
      full thickness skin defects: a comparative experimental study in rats.
AB  - PURPOSE: Dermal templates, such as Matriderm(r) and Integra(r), are widely used
      in plastic and reconstructive surgery, often as two-step procedures. A recent
      development is the application of thin dermal templates covered with split
      thickness skin grafts in one-step procedures. In this experimental study, we
      compare the two thin matrices Matriderm(r) 1 mm and Integra(r) Single Layer in a
      one-step procedure with particular focus on neodermis formation. METHODS:
      Matriderm(r) 1 mm and Integra(r) Dermal Regeneration Template-Single Layer (1.3
      mm) were compared in a rat model. In three groups of five animals each, a full
      thickness wound was covered with (a) Matriderm(r) 1 mm and neonatal rat
      epidermis, (b) Integra(r) Single Layer and neonatal rat epidermis, or, (c)
      neonatal rat epidermis only (control). Histological sections 2 weeks post
      transplantation were analyzed with regard to take of template and epidermis,
      neodermal thickness, collagen deposition, vascularization, and inflammatory
      response. RESULTS: Take of both templates was complete in all animals. The
      Matriderm(r)-based neodermis was thinner but showed a higher cell density than
      the Integra(r)-based neodermis. The other parameters were similar in both
      matrices. CONCLUSION: The two templates demonstrate a comparable biological
      behavior early after transplantation. The only difference was found regarding
      neodermal thickness, probably resulting from faster degradation of Matriderm(r).
      These preliminary data suggest that both dermal templates appear similarly
      suitable for transplantation in a one-step procedure.

PMID- 22057577
TI  - Suitability of Soxhlet extraction to quantify microalgal Fatty acids as
      determined by comparison with in situ transesterification.
AB  - To assess Soxhlet extraction as a method for quantifying fatty acids (FA) of
      microalgae, crude lipid, FA content from Soxhlet extracts and FA content from in
      situ transesterification (ISTE) were compared. In most cases, gravimetric lipid
      content was considerably greater (up to sevenfold) than the FA content of the
      crude lipid extract. FA content from Soxhlet lipid extraction and ISTE were
      similar in 12/18 samples, whereas in 6/18 samples, total FA content from Soxhlet
      extraction was less than the ISTE procedure. Re-extraction of residual biomass
      from Soxhlet extraction with ISTE liberated a quantity of FA equivalent to this
      discrepancy. Employing acid hydrolysis before Soxhlet extraction yielded FA
      content roughly equivalent to ISTE, indicating that acidic conditions of ISTE are
      responsible for this observed greater recovery of FA. While crude lipid derived
      from Soxhlet extraction was not a useful proxy for FA content for the species
      tested, it is effective in most strains at extracting total saponifiable lipid.
      Lipid class analysis showed the source of FA was primarily polar lipids in most
      samples (12/18 lipid extracts contained <5% TAG), even in cases where total FA
      content was high (>15%). This investigation confirms the usefulness of ISTE,
      reveals limitations of gravimetric methods for projecting biodiesel potential of
      microalgae, and reinforces the need for intelligent screening using both FA and
      lipid class analysis.

PMID- 22057578
TI  - Two genetically related begomoviruses causing tomato leaf curl disease in Togo
      and Nigeria differ in virulence and host range but do not require a betasatellite
      for induction of disease symptoms.
AB  - Tomato leaf curl disease (ToLCD) has emerged as a major constraint on tomato
      production in some parts of West Africa. In this study, begomoviruses associated
      with ToLCD in Togo and Nigeria were characterized, as well as a betasatellite
      associated with the disease in Togo. The genome organization of both viruses is
      typical of Old World monopartite begomoviruses. Sequence analysis revealed that
      the begomovirus from Togo is a variant of tomato leaf curl Kumasi virus (ToLCKuV)
      from Ghana, and it is designated ToLCKuV-[Togo:Pagouda:2006] (ToLCKuV
      [TG:Pag:06]). The begomovirus from Nigeria has a recombinant genome, composed of
      sequences of ToLCKuV (major parent) and a cotton leaf curl Gezira virus (CLCuGV)
      like virus, and possesses an unusual non-reiterated replication-associated
      protein (Rep) binding site. Moreover, because the sequence has <89% identity with
      those of previously characterized begomoviruses, it is a new species and is
      designated tomato leaf curl Nigeria virus-[Nigeria:Odogbo:2006] (ToLCNGV
      [NG:Odo:06]). The cloned DNAs of ToLCKuV-TG and ToLCNGV were infectious and
      induced leaf curl symptoms in tomato plants, but ToLCNGV was comparatively more
      virulent. Both viruses also induced stunted growth and leaf curl symptoms in
      other solanaceous species (various Nicotiana spp. and Datura stramonium), whereas
      ToLCNGV but not ToLCKuV-TG induced symptoms in common bean plants. The
      betasatellite associated with ToLCD in Togo is genetically distinct (i.e., <78%
      nucleotide sequence identity with previously identified betasatellites) and is
      designated tomato leaf curl Togo betasatellite-[Togo:Pagouda:2006] (ToLCTGB
      [TG:Pag:06]). Replication and systemic spread of ToLCTGB in tomato was mediated
      by ToLCKuV-TG and ToLCNGV; however, the betasatellite had no effect on disease
      symptoms induced by either begomovirus. In contrast, ToLCTGB increased symptom
      severity induced by both viruses in Nicotiana spp. and D. stramonium. Thus,
      although ToLCTGB increased symptom severity in a host-dependent manner, it does
      not appear to play a role in ToLCD and may have been present with ToLCKuV-TG as a
      reassortant.

PMID- 22057579
TI  - Immunomodulatory effect of NSAID in geriatric patients with acute infection:
      effects of piroxicam on chemokine/cytokine secretion patterns and levels of heat
      shock proteins. A double-blind randomized controlled trial. (ISRCTN58517443).
AB  - Inflammation in older persons is associated with frailty, cachexia, and
      disability. We hypothesized that NSAID treatment in addition to antibiotics in
      older patients with acute infection might rapidly reduce inflammatory cytokines
      and might be of therapeutic potential to improve outcomes. A double-blind
      controlled trial was conducted in geriatric patients admitted for acute
      infection. Patients were randomized to receive either 10 mg piroxicam or placebo.
      Patients >=70 years with CRP levels >10 mg/L of acute infectious origin were
      eligible. Twenty-five cyto-/chemokines as well as heat shock proteins Hsp27
      (HSPB1) and Hsp70 (HSPA1A) were measured the first 4 days and then weekly until
      discharge, with a maximum of 3 weeks. Thirty Caucasian patients were included
      (median age 84.5 years, 67% female, median CRP 87.5 mg/L). In the piroxicam
      group, IL-6 and IP-10/CXCL10 decreased significantly during the study period.
      Relationships between cytokines were disrupted in the piroxicam group: for 12 out
      of 20 cytokines the number of correlations between changes in serum levels was
      significantly lower compared to placebo. Serum Hsp70 levels decreased
      significantly in the piroxicam group, but not in the placebo group. Without heat
      challenge, intracellular levels of Hsp70 in monocytes decreased in both groups,
      whereas HsP27 in monocytes increased with piroxicam with a significant difference
      compared to placebo at 3 weeks. Piroxicam in this setting cannot be considered
      merely as an anti-inflammatory drug, but rather as an immunomodulator. Further
      studies are needed to establish whether these effects can change functional
      outcomes in geriatric patients.

PMID- 22057580
TI  - Subchondral bone density distribution in the human femoral head.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aims to quantitatively characterize the distribution of
      subchondral bone density across the human femoral head using a computed
      tomography derived measurement of bone density and a common reference coordinate
      system. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Femoral head surfaces were created bilaterally for
      30 patients (14 males, 16 females, mean age 67.2 years) through semi-automatic
      segmentation of reconstructed CT data and used to map bone density, by shrinking
      them into the subchondral bone and averaging the greyscale values (linearly
      related to bone density) within 5 mm of the articular surface. Density maps were
      then oriented with the center of the head at the origin, the femoral mechanical
      axis (FMA) aligned with the vertical, and the posterior condylar axis (PCA)
      aligned with the horizontal. Twelve regions were created by dividing the density
      maps into three concentric rings at increments of 30 degrees  from the
      horizontal, then splitting into four quadrants along the anterior-posterior and
      medial-lateral axes. Mean values for each region were compared using repeated
      measures ANOVA and a Bonferroni post hoc test, and side-to-side correlations were
      analyzed using a Pearson's correlation. RESULTS: The regions representing the
      medial side of the femoral head's superior portion were found to have
      significantly higher densities compared to other regions (p < 0.05). Significant
      side-to-side correlations were found for all regions (r(2) = 0.81 to r(2) =
      0.16), with strong correlations for the highest density regions. Side-to-side
      differences in measured bone density were seen for two regions in the anterio
      lateral portion of the femoral head (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The high correlation
      found between the left and right sides indicates that this tool may be useful for
      understanding 'normal' density patterns in hips affected by unilateral
      pathologies such as avascular necrosis, fracture, developmental dysplasia of the
      hip, Perthes disease, and slipped capital femoral head epiphysis.

PMID- 22057581
TI  - Evaluation of articular cartilage in patients with femoroacetabular impingement
      (FAI) using T2* mapping at different time points at 3.0 Tesla MRI: a feasibility
      study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To define the feasibility of utilizing T2* mapping for assessment of
      early cartilage degeneration prior to surgery in patients with symptomatic
      femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), we compared cartilage of the hip joint in
      patients with FAI and healthy volunteers using T2* mapping at 3.0 Tesla over
      time. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty-two patients (13 females and 9 males; mean
      age 28.1 years) with clinical signs of FAI and Tonnis grade <= 1 on anterior
      posterior x-ray and 35 healthy age-matched volunteers were examined at a 3 T MRI
      using a flexible body coil. T2* maps were calculated from sagittal- and coronal
      oriented gradient-multi-echo sequences using six echoes (TR 125, TE
      4.41/8.49/12.57/16.65/20.73/24.81, scan time 4.02 min), both measured at
      beginning and end of the scan (45 min time span between measurements). Region of
      interest analysis was manually performed on four consecutive slices for superior
      and anterior cartilage. Mean T2* values were compared among patients and
      volunteers, as well as over time using analysis of variance and Student's t-test.
      RESULTS: Whereas quantitative T2* values for the first measurement did not reveal
      significant differences between patients and volunteers, either for sagittal (p =
      0.644) or coronal images (p = 0.987), at the first measurement, a highly
      significant difference (p <= 0.004) was found for both measurements with time
      after unloading of the joint. Over time we found decreasing mean T2* values for
      patients, in contrast to increasing mean T2* relaxation times in volunteers.
      CONCLUSION: The study proved the feasibility of utilizing T2* mapping for
      assessment of early cartilage degeneration in the hip joint in FAI patients at 3
      Tesla to predict possible success of joint-preserving surgery. However, we
      suggest the time point for measuring T2* as an MR biomarker for cartilage and the
      changes in T2* over time to be of crucial importance for designing an MR protocol
      in patients with FAI.

PMID- 22057582
TI  - Risk factor profiles based on estimated glomerular filtration rate and dipstick
      proteinuria among participants of the Specific Health Check and Guidance System
      in Japan 2008.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and albuminuria
      (proteinuria) are both important determinants of the risk of cardiovascular
      disease (CVD), end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and mortality. Few studies,
      however, have examined the risk factor profiles based on eGFR and proteinuria
      among the general population. METHODS: Data of the newly developed nationwide
      screening program of the Specific Health Check-up and Guidance System (Tokutei
      Kensin) initiated in 2008 were used in this study. The aim of this screening,
      targeting people 40-74 years of age, was to detect those with metabolic syndrome
      and to offer those services regarding lifestyle modifications that will lead to
      the reduction of diabetes mellitus (DM) and DM-related ESRD. Individual records
      of 580,000 participants in 69 cities and towns and 3 union cohorts throughout
      Japan were anonymously provided and included in the present study. RESULTS:
      Details of 332,174 participants (57.3% of the total) with both serum creatinine
      and dipstick urine test data were analyzed. Mean (SD) age was 63.6 (8.3) years
      and 40.6% were men. The mean (SD) eGFR was 75.0 (16.2) ml/min/1.73 m(2) and 5.4%
      had proteinuria. The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 3, 4, and 5
      was 14.2%, 0.2%, and 0.07%, respectively. The prevalence of DM, hypertension, and
      history of stroke and heart disease was correlated with the combination of eGFR
      and degree of proteinuria. CONCLUSION: The findings of the present study indicate
      that CKD and risk factors for CVD are quite common among middle-aged Japanese.
      CKD classification based on eGFR and proteinuria may be useful for predicting
      CVD, mortality rate, and ESRD in the Japanese population.

PMID- 22057583
TI  - Recent advances in the treatment of lupus nephritis.
AB  - Lupus nephritis is a common complication of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
      which is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. The concept of two
      phases of therapy for lupus nephritis, such as an induction phase and a
      maintenance phase, is widely accepted. Since the renal involvement in SLE is
      heterogeneous, the treatment of lupus nephritis is governed by its pathological
      type and ranges from nonspecific measures, such as maintenance of adequate blood
      pressure control and blockade of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, to the
      use of immunosuppressive agents. Cyclophosphamide (CYC) in combination with
      prednisone has been the standard method of treatment of the proliferative forms
      of lupus nephritis. However, the high rates of progression to end-stage renal
      disease coupled with the adverse effects of CYC and prednisone have led to an
      intensive search for more effective and less toxic therapies for lupus nephritis.
      We review the options available for the treatment of proliferative and membranous
      lupus nephritis and summarize the results of recently published clinical trials
      that add new perspectives to the management of kidney disease in SLE.

PMID- 22057584
TI  - Firewall function of the endothelial glycocalyx in the regulation of sodium
      homeostasis.
AB  - Plasma sodium, slightly above normal and in presence of aldosterone, stiffens
      vascular endothelium and reduces nitric oxide release with the consequence of
      endothelial dysfunction. This process is mediated by epithelial sodium channels
      (ENaC) and, most likely, the endothelial Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase. Both, ENaC and
      Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase, are located in the plasma membrane of endothelial cells and
      embedded in the endothelial glycocalyx (eGC). This negatively charged biopolymer
      is directly exposed to the blood stream and selectively buffers sodium ions. We
      hypothesize that the glycocalyx could interfere with endothelial sodium transport
      when extracellular sodium varies in the physiological range. Therefore, we
      modeled the endothelial cell as a pump-leak system measuring changes of
      intracellular sodium in cultured human endothelial cells. Experiments were
      performed under low/high extracellular sodium conditions before and after
      enzymatic eGC removal, and with inhibition of Na(+)/K(+)-ATPase and ENaC,
      respectively. Three major observations were made: (1) eGC removal by heparinase
      treatment facilitates sodium to enter/exit the endothelial cells. (2) The
      direction of net sodium movement across the endothelial plasma membrane depends
      on the concentration of extracellular sodium which regulates both the Na(+)/K(+)
      ATPase and ENaC activity. (3) Removal of eGC and inhibition of sodium transport
      modify the electrical resistance of endothelial cells. We conclude that the eGC
      serves as a potential "firewall" preventing uncontrolled access of sodium to the
      pump-leak system of the endothelial cell. After eGC removal, sodium access to the
      system is facilitated. Thus the pump-leak system could be regulated by ambient
      sodium and control vascular permeability in pathophysiological conditions.

PMID- 22057585
TI  - Purinergic activation of rat skeletal muscle membranes increases Vmax and Na+
      affinity of the Na,K-ATPase and phosphorylates phospholemman and alpha1 subunits.
AB  - Muscle activity is associated with an increase in extracellular purines (ATP,
      ADP), which are involved in signalling mechanisms. The present study investigates
      the effect of purines on the function of Na,K-ATPase (Na,K-pump) in rat skeletal
      muscle. Na,K-ATPase activity was quantified by measuring the release of inorganic
      phosphate in the presence of ATP and variable Na(+) concentrations. In membranes
      purified from glycolytic muscle fibres, purinergic stimulation increases V (max)
      and decreases the K (m) (higher Na(+) affinity) of the Na,K-ATPase. Stimulatory
      effects were obtained using ATP, ADP, 2-methylthio-ADP and UPT, but not UDP and
      adenosine. The effect of ADP on V (max) can be inhibited by the non-specific P2Y
      receptor antagonists, suramin and PPADS. Moreover, the P2Y(13) receptor
      antagonist MRS 2211 strongly inhibited the response to ADP, whereas the specific
      P2Y(1) receptor antagonist MRS 2500 had less effect. Based on results from these
      agonists and antagonists, we conclude that P2Y(13) receptors mediate the main
      effects observed, that P2Y1 receptors are also involved and that some
      P2Y(2)/P2Y(4) receptors also appear to be involved. Receptor antagonists had no
      effect on ADP-induced subunit (phospholemman and alpha1) phosphorylation and
      changes in K (m) (Na(+) affinity). Thus, the stimulatory effects of purines are
      mediated by two independent mechanisms: P2Y receptor-mediated increase in Na,K
      ATPase capacity (increased V (max)) and P2Y receptor-independent phosphorylation
      of Na,K-ATPase phospholemman and alpha1 subunits, which induce changes in ion
      affinity. These mechanisms may contribute to up-regulation of Na,K-ATPase during
      muscle activity.

PMID- 22057586
TI  - Synthesis of 3-substituted 1,5-aldehyde esters via an organocatalytic highly
      enantioselective conjugate addition of new carbonylmethyl 2-pyridinylsulfone to
      enals.
AB  - A highly enantioselective organocatalytic protocol for conjugate addition of new
      nucleophilic carbonylmethyl 2-pyridinylsulfone to enals has been developed in
      good yields and with high enantioselectivities. The resulting Michael adducts are
      versatile building blocks for a variety of organic transformations.

PMID- 22057587
TI  - Carcinogenic potency of perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) on Syrian hamster embryo
      (SHE) cells.
AB  - Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) is the degradation product of many
      fluoroderivatives and a widespread environmental contaminant. Its persistence,
      its long half-life in humans and its toxicity explain high concerns on human
      health side effects in future. PFOS is suspected to be a non-genotoxic
      carcinogen. In the present work, we assessed carcinogenic potential of PFOS by
      studying morphological transformation in Syrian hamster embryo (SHE) cells; cell
      transformation of SHE cells is an in vitro assay recommended by the Organization
      for Economic Cooperation and Development to detect carcinogens, genotoxic or not.
      Genotoxicity of PFOS and expression of PPARs genes in SHE cells were also
      measured. PFOS was shown to induce cell transformation (P < 0.05) at non
      cytotoxic concentrations (0.2 and 2 MUg/mL) (P <= 0.01). No genotoxic effect was
      recorded in the range of PFOS concentrations tested (2 * 10(-4) to 50 MUg/mL)
      using the single-cell gel electrophoresis (comet) assay after 5 and 24 h of
      exposure. The expression of PPARs genes was measured by qPCR within the first 24
      h and after 7 days of PFOS treatment. Results indicated an increased expression
      of ppar-beta/delta isoform as early as 24 h. After 7 days, the increase of ppar
      beta/delta mRNA was significant at the concentrations inducing cell
      transformation (0.2 and 2 MUg/mL), while overexpression of ppar-gamma and ppar
      alpha did not closely relate to effective concentrations. The results indicate
      that PFOS behave as a non-genotoxic carcinogen and impacted PPARs genes. Its cell
      transforming potential paralleled an increased expression of ppar-beta/delta.

PMID- 22057588
TI  - Constraints for monocyte-derived dendritic cell functions under inflammatory
      conditions.
AB  - The activation of TLRs expressed by macrophages or DCs, in the long run, leads to
      persistently impaired functionality. TLR signals activate a wide range of
      negative feedback mechanisms; it is not known, however, which of these can lead
      to long-lasting tolerance for further stimulatory signals. In addition, it is not
      yet understood how the functionality of monocyte-derived DCs (MoDCs) is
      influenced in inflamed tissues by the continuous presence of stimulatory signals
      during their differentiation. Here we studied the role of a wide range of DC
      inhibitory mechanisms in a simple and robust model of MoDC inactivation induced
      by early TLR signals during differentiation. We show that the activation-induced
      suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1), IL-10, STAT3, miR146a and CD150
      (SLAM) molecules possessed short-term inhibitory effects on cytokine production
      but did not induce persistent DC inactivation. On the contrary, the LPS-induced
      IRAK-1 downregulation could alone lead to persistent MoDC inactivation. Studying
      cellular functions in line with the activation-induced negative feedback
      mechanisms, we show that early activation of developing MoDCs allowed only a
      transient cytokine production that was followed by the downregulation of effector
      functions and the preservation of a tissue-resident non-migratory phenotype.

PMID- 22057589
TI  - Signal-pair correlation analysis of single-molecule trajectories.
AB  - There you go: How to get kinetic information from trajectories of single
      biomolecules? A method based on correlating signal ranges (here for a three-state
      DNA hairpin with F = folded, I = intermediate, and U = unfolded state) is
      reported and shows how to get the kinetic scheme and the corresponding rates,
      even for states with low occupancy or very short lifetime, states which overlap
      because of noise, and systems with very similar or very different rates.

PMID- 22057590
TI  - Prospective evaluation of unidirectional barbed suture for various indications in
      surgeon-controlled robotic reconstructive urologic surgery: Wake Forest
      University experience.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the usage of unidirectional barbed suture and its related
      implications in various surgeon-controlled robotic reconstructive urologic
      surgeries. METHODS: From March 2010 to March 2011, all patients undergoing
      various surgeon-controlled robotic reconstructive urologic surgeries utilizing
      barbed sutures were prospectively enrolled in this study. Type and number of
      procedure performed were noted. Intraoperative and peri-operative outcomes
      potentially related to suture technique and material were recorded. RESULTS: This
      study reports on 210 patients, in whom barbed suture was used during this period.
      These included partial nephrectomy (20), pyeloplasty (9), ureteric tailoring and
      reimplantation (1), closure of bladder after Nephroureterectomy with excision of
      bladder cuff (8), closure of vaginal cuff in female radical cystectomy (12),
      partial cystectomy (1), radical prostatectomy (152), simple prostatectomy (2),
      vesicovaginal fistula repair (3), sacrocolpopexy (1), and hernia repair (1). We
      encountered 5 instances (2.38%) of tissue cut through possibly attributable to
      the use of barbed suture and 4 instances of misplacement of suture occurred, of
      these two required a new suture, whereas retrograde pull back of suture and
      needle was performed in 2 cases. No instance of slip back/loosening of suture was
      noted once it was tightened. At mean follow-up of 6.8 (1-14 months) months, we
      did not encounter any complications of urinary leakage, stone formation or
      fistula or any clinical evidence of urinary tract obstruction due to the use of
      barbed suture. CONCLUSION: Use of unidirectional barbed suture is safe, feasible,
      and efficient at short-term follow-up for reconstructive part of urological
      procedures.

PMID- 22057591
TI  - Failure of polymyxin B and fosfomycin combination to eradicate extensively
      antibiotic Klebsiella pneumoniae from the urine despite in-vitro activity.

PMID- 22057592
TI  - Can Feldenkrais exercises ameliorate subclinical depressive symptoms in older
      adults? A pilot study.

PMID- 22057593
TI  - Interprofessional team practices, attitudes, and educational experiences of
      medical faculty.

PMID- 22057594
TI  - Vitamin D deficiency assessment in a rural, Hispanic community in South Carolina.

PMID- 22057595
TI  - A first-principles theoretical approach to heterogeneous nanocatalysis.
AB  - A theoretical approach to heterogeneous catalysis by sub-nanometre supported
      metal clusters and alloys is presented and discussed. Its goal is to perform a
      computational sampling of the reaction paths in nanocatalysis via a global search
      in the phase space of structures and stoichiometry combined with filtering which
      takes into account the given experimental conditions (catalytically relevant
      temperature and reactant pressure), and corresponds to an incremental exploration
      of the disconnectivity diagram of the system. The approach is implemented and
      applied to the study of propylene partial oxidation by Ag(3) supported on
      MgO(100). First-principles density-functional theory calculations coupled with a
      Reactive Global Optimization algorithm are performed, finding that: (1) the
      presence of an oxide support drastically changes the potential energy landscape
      of the system with respect to the gas phase, favoring configurations which
      interact positively with the electrostatic field generated by the surface; (2)
      the reaction energy barriers for the various mechanisms are crucial in the
      competition between thermodynamically and kinetically favored reaction products;
      (3) a topological database of structures and saddle points is produced which has
      general validity and can serve for future studies or for deriving general trends;
      (4) the MgO(100) surface captures some major features of the effect of an oxide
      support and appears to be a good model of a simple oxide substrate; (5) strong
      cooperative effects are found in the co-adsorption of O(2) and other ligands on
      small metal clusters. The proposed approach appears as a viable route to advance
      the role of predictive computational science in the field of heterogeneous
      nanocatalysis.

PMID- 22057596
TI  - n-Doping of organic electronic materials using air-stable organometallics.
AB  - Air-stable dimers of sandwich compounds including rhodocene and
      (pentamethylcyclopentadienyl)(arene)ruthenium and iron derivatives can be used
      for n-doping electron-transport materials with electron affinities as small as
      2.8 eV. A p-i-n homojunction diode based on copper phthalocyanine and using
      rhodocene dimer as n-dopant shows a rectification ratio of greater than 10(6)  at
      4 V.

PMID- 22057597
TI  - Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease. Histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis.
AB  - Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD), or histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis, is a
      self-limited disease of complex and unclear etiology. Clinically and
      microscopically, it may mimic malignant lymphoma and other non-malignant
      diseases. Recognition of this entity is crucial, as mistaking this disease as
      lymphoma has major clinical consequences. Although KFD is a well-recognized
      entity in the literature, many clinicians and pathologists are still unaware of
      its existence. In this article, a review of KFD is provided with special emphasis
      on the pathogenesis and pathological differential diagnosis of this disease.

PMID- 22057598
TI  - In vitro efficacy of acetohydroxyacid synthase inhibitors against clinical
      strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolated from a hospital in Beijing, China.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of acetohydroxyacid synthase (AHAS) inhibitors
      against Mycobacterium tuberculosis from China, including multidrug-resistant
      tuberculosis (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB) 
      strains. METHODS: In this study, the tube dilution method and Middlebrook 7H10
      agar media were used to describe the  in vitro efficacy of 3 AHAS inhibitors
      (sulfometuron methyl, monosulfuron, and monosulfuron-ester) against H37Rv and 26
      clinical isolates, which include MDR-TB and XDR-TB strains, from the 309th
      Hospital of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA 309), Beijing, China.
      Cytotoxity of these compounds were then evaluated using the 3-[4,5
      dimethylthiazol-2yl]-2,5-dipheny tetrazolium bromide assay with HBE cells. All
      the experiments were performed from January 2010 to November 2010 in the
      Department of Clinical Laboratory of the PLA 309 hospital. RESULTS: Sulfometuron
      methyl (minimum inhibitory concentration [MIC] range, 8-16 mg/L), monosulfuron
      ester (MIC range, 8-16 mg/L), and monosulfuron (MIC range, 16-64 mg/L) showed
      significant activity against all Mycobacterium tuberculosis  strains tested in
      this study in vitro, and they exhibited the same degree of activity against MDR
      and XDR isolates with that shown against the susceptible strains. All 3 compounds
      showed little cytotoxicity, with an IC50 against HBE cells greater than 300 mg/L.
      CONCLUSION: The results suggest that AHAS could serve as a target protein for the
      development of novel anti-TB therapeutics in China.

PMID- 22057599
TI  - Use of laryngeal mask airway in anesthesia for treatment of retinopathy of
      prematurity.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To review clinical experience of anesthesia management using laryngeal
      mask airway (LMA) during retinopathy of prematurity (ROP)  photocoagulation.
      METHODS: After obtaining the ethical approval from the Ethics Committee, we
      retrospectively reviewed the anesthesia records of 85 infants who underwent laser
      photocoagulation for ROP between June 2004 and June 2010 at the Department of
      Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, School of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University,
      Izmir, Turkey. Anesthesia records were reviewed for airway management and
      respiratory complications in addition to medical and demographic data. RESULTS:
      The mean gestational age was 28.61+/-2.62 weeks, birth weight was 1205.24+/
      384.51 g, post-conceptional age was 38.21+/-7.01 weeks, and weight at the time of
      operation was 2323.9+/-588.6 g. Laryngeal mask airway was used with minimal
      complications in all patients, even in patients with chronic lung disease
      including bronchopulmonary dysplasia. After the ROP treatment, the LMA was
      successfully removed in all infants under deep anesthesia and none of the
      patients needed endotracheal intubation or ventilatory support. CONCLUSION:
      Laryngeal mask airway is a safe and easy to use alternative for airway management
      during laser photocoagulation procedure in infants with ROP.

PMID- 22057600
TI  - Significance of serum total prostate specific antigen and digital rectal
      examination in the diagnosis of prostate cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the significance of serum total prostate specific antigen
      (tPSA) and digital rectal examination (DRE) in the diagnosis of prostate cancer
      (PC). METHODS: One hundred and eighteen patients with serum tPSA ranging between
      2.5 and 10 ng/ml with lower urinary tract symptoms presented at the Urology
      Clinic of Soba University Hospital, Khartoum, Sudan from August 2008 and January
      2010 were included in the study. Serum tPSA was measured using enzyme immunoassay
      method, and accordingly, the patients were classified into 2 groups: patients
      that had tPSA between 2.5-4.0 ng/ml; and patients that had tPSA between 4.1-10
      ng/ml. The DRE was performed on all patients by a qualified urologist, and were
      recorded as a group with suspicion of PC, and a group with no suspicion of PC.
      All patients underwent transrectal sextant prostate biopsy. RESULTS: The DRE
      alone showed 63.8% sensitivity and 68% specificity with 46.9% positive predictive
      value (PPV) for the diagnosis of PC. The tPSA test revealed 91.6% sensitivity and
      24% specificity with PPV of 34%. However, when combining DRE and tPSA, the
      sensitivity reached 100% and the specificity increased to 92% with PPV of 49%.
      CONCLUSION: Combining DRE and tPSA test increases the sensitivity, specificity,
      and PPV of PC detection.

PMID- 22057601
TI  - The incidence and spectrum of central nervous system malformations in newborns
      over a decade (2001-2010) in the Central Region of Saudi Arabia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the incidence and spectrum of central nervous system (CNS)
      malformations confirmed by computerized tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance
      imaging (MRI) in a Saudi newborn population of Riyadh over a 10-year period, and
      to compare our findings with those in the published literature. METHODS: This is
      a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data on all inborn babies
      admitted to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Riyadh Military Hospital, Riyadh,
      Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that underwent CT or MRI of the brain and spine from
      January 2001 to December 2010. Out born babies, babies who sustained birth
      asphyxia, and premature babies were excluded from the study. RESULTS: During the
      study period, 849 imaging studies were carried out, and from these 248 babies
      with CNS malformations were identified. Specific syndromes associated with CNS
      malformations occurred in 58 (23.4%). Dysraphism was found in 42 babies (16.9%)
      (25 spinal and 17 cranial). Hydrocephalus was present in 30 (12.1%), cortical
      malformations occurred in 31 (12.5%), which was dominated by abnormal cell
      migration in 20. Cerebellar and posterior fossa abnormalities were diagnosed in
      44 (17.7%), Dandy-Walker syndrome in 15, and Joubert syndrome in 12. 
      Prosencephalic pathology was seen in 39 (15.7%), commissural abnormalities in 29,
      while there was holoprosencephaly in 12. Vascular malformations were found in 4
      babies (1.4%). CONCLUSION: This study showed a wide spectrum of malformations,
      with all CNS malformations confirmed by advanced imaging techniques.

PMID- 22057602
TI  - Normal knee angles in the adult Saudi population.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study knee angles in the adult Saudi population and compare their
      values to the published data from other populations. METHODS: Antero-posterior
      bilateral radiographs of 333 normal knees of 120 males and 213 females, with age
      range of 18-65 years, were studied retrospectively at King Khalid University
      Hospital, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from January 2009 to
      December 2009. Tibiofemoral (TFA), lateral distal femoral (LDFA), and lateral
      proximal tibial (LPTA) angles were measured and the mean of each angle was
      calculated. The relationship between each angle and age, gender, and side of the
      body was tested, and compared with the international figures. RESULTS: The mean
      for TFA in Saudis was 174.41 degrees , LDFA was 90.07 degrees  and LPTA was 89.42
      degrees . All angles were not significantly related to gender. Significant
      relations existed between TFA and side of the body, and between LDFA and age.
      Variations in means and ranges of knee angles between the Saudi and other
      populations were determined. A significant difference existed between means of
      TFA, LDFA, and LPTA of Saudis and those of Caucasians, between mean of TFA of
      Saudis and that of Chinese, and between mean of LPTA of Saudi males and that of
      Chinese males. The means of TFA of selected age groups in Saudis differed
      significantly when compared to those in the corresponding age groups in Japanese
      and Australian Caucasians. CONCLUSION: Knee angles are like many other skeletal
      angles that may have ethnic variation between different populations. The study
      reinforces the need for reference values of knee angles in a given population.

PMID- 22057603
TI  - Venous thromboembolism risk and prophylaxis in a Saudi hospital.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the risk factors and physician's compliance to American
      College of Chest Physicians    (ACCP) guidelines recommendations for venous
      thromboembolism (VTE) prevention at our hospital. METHODS: This retrospective
      cohort study was conducted at King Abdulaziz Hospital, Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia from
      November 2009 to December  2009. We used the American College of Chest Physicians
      (ACCP) 2008 guidelines and Caprini's scores to assess VTE risk and to determine
      whether patients had received recommended prophylaxis. All hospital in-patients
      aged 15 years or above were assessed for risk of VTE by reviewing the hospital
      chart. A data sheet was developed to obtain the data on demographics, VTE
      prophylaxis medication, dose, route, duration, and associated risk factors. The
      primary endpoint was the rate of appropriate thromboprophylaxis. RESULTS: Nine
      hundred and sixty-eight patients were included. The mean age was 40 +/- 18.7
      years, and 647 (66.8%) were women. According to the ACCP criteria, 547 (56.5%)
      patients were at risk for VTE. Of 210 patients that qualified for prophylaxis,
      117 (55.7%) received some form of prophylaxis. However, 46 (39.3%) of them
      received ACCP-recommended VTE prophylaxis. In contrast, 25.6% of patients with no
      risk, according to Caprini score, had thromboprophylaxis prescribed. CONCLUSION:
      This study demonstrates that only a small proportion of eligible patients
      received the recommended VTE prophylaxis. Efforts should be made to develop
      strategies to improve patient safety practices.

PMID- 22057604
TI  - Knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding cervical cancer screening among
      physicians in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate knowledge and practice of the Pap test, the role of HPV in
      the etiology of cervical cancer, and attitudes regarding the HPV vaccine of
      female physicians in the Western Region of Saudi Arabia. METHODS: A cross
      sectional descriptive study using an interview with a structured questionnaire to
      obtain information regarding cervical cancer, practice in screening for cervical
      cancer, and attitudes of female physicians regarding the HPV vaccine in different
      health facilities in Saudi Arabia. The study was performed in the Department of
      Obstetrics and Gynecology, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University
      Hospital, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, between May and December 2009.
      RESULTS: Of the 200 respondents, 70 (35%) physicians comprised gynecological
      doctors (GDs) group I, and 130 (65%) physicians comprised the non-gynecological
      doctors (NGDs) group II. The mean age was 36 years. A total of 63 (90%) in group
      I, and 87 (60.5%) in group II knew that HPV is a cause for cervical cancer. Forty
      five (64.3%) in group I, and 44 (33.8%) in group II believed that cervical cancer
      was curable (p<0.05). A total of 182 (91%) physicians in the GDs and NGDs group
      knew that the Pap smear test is used as a screening method for cervical cancer. A
      total of 97 (48.5%) physicians knew about the HPV vaccine. When the physicians
      were provided with information regarding the HPV vaccine, 100 (50%) physicians
      stated they would recommend the vaccine to their patients. CONCLUSION: Physicians
      in Saudi Arabia would benefit from further education regarding the available
      screening, prevention for HPV, and cervical cancer.

PMID- 22057605
TI  - Awareness of healthcare workers regarding preventive measures of communicable
      diseases among Hajj pilgrims at the entry point in Western Saudi Arabia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the level of knowledge of healthcare workers (HCWs)
      towards preventive measures for communicable diseases among pilgrims, and to
      highlight the difficulties faced by HCWs in implementing preventive measures at
      entry point. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted at King Abdulaziz
      International Airport Hajj Terminals in Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during
      Hajj season from October to November 2009 including 325 healthcare workers
      (HCWs). Data were collected using a self-administered questionnaire. RESULTS:
      Difficulties reported by HCWs were refusal of vaccine, or chemoprophylaxis by
      some pilgrims, language barriers, and difficulties in organizing pilgrims. The
      different items related to meningococcal meningitis were answered correctly by
      most HCWs except for preventive measures applied to infants and children. Less
      than one half were aware of the period of validity for Yellow Fever vaccine
      certificate and measures to be taken for unvaccinated pilgrims. Only 32.9% were
      aware of preventive measures that should be applied against influenza A (H1N1).
      Physicians, those reading guidelines, and those with high experience a showed
      significantly better level of knowledge than other categories. CONCLUSION: The
      HCWs have difficulties in some preventive measures, especially among non
      physicians, those with less years of experience, and those who did not read the
      written guidelines, which highlighted the importance of training courses before
      Hajj season.

PMID- 22057606
TI  - Study of risky behaviors leading to unintentional injuries among high school
      students in Tehran, Iran.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine risky behaviors leading to unintentional injuries among
      Tehrani high school students in 2009. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was
      carried out berween October and December 2009. Out of 237,300 (185151
      governmental, 52149 non governmental) Tehrani high school students in both
      genders, 727 subjects were selected by multistage randomized sampling. Among 20
      education districts, 8 districts were selected and divided by stratified sampling
      into 3 areas: North, Center, and South. Data were collected by cluster random
      sampling in each district using the standard questionnaire of the Management
      Diseases Center of America, which had been validated in Iran. Subjects were
      healthy students aged 12-18 years. Risky behaviors including fall, burn,
      poisoning, and road traffic injuries were studied. RESULTS: The mean age of
      subjects was 16.8+/-1.2, range 12-18 years. Overall, 44% of boys and 38% of girls
      were exposed to risky behaviors leading to unintentional injuries. Significant
      differences were observed in driving without licence among boys and in
      governmental schools (p=0.000). Using a motorcycle was more prevalent in the
      south of Tehran (p=0.000). Significant differences were observed among boys
      related to poisoning substance exposure, driving without a licence, motorcycle
      driving, and non-helmet use during motorcycle driving (p=0.000). CONCLUSION:
      Approximately half of the boys and more than one-third of the girls were exposed
      to risky behaviors leading to unintentional injuries. Prevention of unintentional
      injuries caused by children's risky behaviors is crucial, particularly among boys
      and those from deprived areas.

PMID- 22057607
TI  - Comparison of jeopardy game format versus traditional lecture format as a
      teaching methodology in medical education.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare students' performance, satisfaction, and retention of
      knowledge between a 'jeopardy game format' and a 'didactic lecture format' in
      teaching viral exanthema to fifth-year medical students. METHODS: We conducted a
      parallel-group randomized controlled trial in the Department of Pediatrics,
      Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia from November
      2008 to January 2009. We randomized fifth-year medical students into 2 groups. We
      taught viral exanthema to group one in lecture format, while group 2 received the
      same instruction in a jeopardy style game format. Both groups underwent a
      pretest, post-test I, and satisfaction survey. We conducted post-test II after 2
      months to assess the retention of knowledge. The satisfaction survey consisted of
      5 questions using a 5 point Likert scale. We used the paired sample t-test, and
      independent sample t-test to compare the results. RESULTS: Eighty-two students
      participated in the study (41 in each group). Both groups showed significant
      improvement in their knowledge on the post-test I compared with the pre-test
      scores. However, the post-test II conducted after 2 months showed that retention
      of knowledge was significantly better in the game format. The satisfaction survey
      showed that the game format was more enjoyable and fun. CONCLUSION: The game
      format teaching strategy has an added advantage in retaining knowledge of the
      subject for a longer time compared with a lecture format.

PMID- 22057608
TI  - Characterization of Yemeni patients treated for oral and pharyngeal cancers in
      Saudi Arabia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the relative frequency and rank of oral cancer (OC) and
      pharyngeal cancer (PC) among Yemeni cancer patients who were treated and
      registered in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) over 14 years, and to
      characterize these patients by different grouping factors. METHODS: In this
      retrospective study, the Saudi Cancer Registry, Riyadh, KSA officially provided
      the data regarding all Yemeni patients registered between 1994 and 2007. These
      data were reclassified and analyzed to present the cancer distribution by the
      main sites adopted by Globocan 2008. The OC and PC patients were statistically
      described and analyzed according to the demographic data and tumor details. This
      study was conducted at the Oral Medicine, Medically Compromised and Research
      Clinic, Department of Dentistry, Riyadh Military Hospital, Saudi Arabia between
      January and April 2011. RESULTS: There were 5862 Yemenis registered with
      malignancies. The OC ranked the eighth most common malignancy (215, 3.7%) with
      1.65:1 male to female ratio, whereas PC ranked the seventh (245, 4.2%) with
      2.06:1 male to female ratio. The most affected oral sub-site was the tongue (91,
      42.3%) while the nasopharynx accounted for 79% (194) of PC. The PC patients were
      significantly younger than those with OC (45.88+/-16.72 versus 55.6+/-15.75). The
      squamous cell carcinoma was the most frequent morphological type (289, 63.5%) but
      significantly more frequent in OC. Approximately 56% (255 patients) were
      diagnosed at advanced stage, however, significantly more frequent in PC (155,
      64.6%). CONCLUSION: The relative frequencies of oral and pharyngeal cancers in
      Yemen are quite high. The demographic and tumor characteristics of these cancers
      are obviously different.

PMID- 22057609
TI  - Photodynamic therapy as an adjunctive to scaling and root planing in treatment of
      chronic periodontitis in smokers.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare photodynamic therapy (PDT) as an adjunctive treatment of
      chronic periodontitis with scaling and root planing (Sc/Rp) in smokers. METHODS:
      This is a split-mouth, single-masked randomized controlled clinical trial
      conducted at the Faculty of Dentistry, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi
      Arabia between May 2010 and March 2011. Fifty-four teeth with probing depth of
      >=5mm at one or more periodontal sites in 20 smokers diagnosed with moderate to
      severe chronic periodontitis were selected. In each patient, at least one tooth
      was randomly assigned to Sc/Rp plus PDT (test group) and the contra-lateral tooth
      was assigned to Sc/Rp only (control). Plaque index (PI), bleeding on probing
      (BOP), probing depth (PD), recession and clinical attachment level (CAL) were
      recorded at baseline and 3 months after the periodontal treatment. Descriptive
      statistics and Wilcoxon signed ranked test were used for data analysis. RESULTS:
      There was a statistically significant improvement in PD, CAL, BOP, and PI after
      periodontal treatment in both groups. No statistically significant differences
      between the 2 groups in any of the periodontal parameters were found at baseline
      (p>0.05), but a statistically significant greater reduction in PD (p=0.028) and
      CAL (p=0.044) in the test compared to the control group was found at the 3-month
      follow up. CONCLUSION: Photodynamic therapy might have an additional benefit to
      scaling and root planing when treating smokers affected with periodontitis.

PMID- 22057610
TI  - Biliopleural fistula with cholethorax. A rare complication of  percutaneous
      transhepatic biliary drainage.
AB  - Biliopleural fistula leading to cholethorax formation is a rare complication of
      percutaneous transhepatic cholangiography (PTC). Ideally it should be treated
      conservatively as it closes spontaneously in most patients. However, in
      complicated cases it may require surgical intervention. We report a 35-year-old
      male with right biliopleural fistula with cholethorax following PTC. The patient
      complained of shortness of breath, right pleuritic chest pain, and cough after
      removal of PTC catheter.   Chest radiograph showed an extensive right pleural
      effusion. The diagnosis was confirmed by drainage of dark green pleural fluid
      with high bilirubin content. The initial treatment with chest tube and drainage
      was unsuccessful. He underwent video assisted thoracoscopic intervention.
      Diagnostic modalities and management options for biliopleural fistula are
      discussed along with a review of literature.

PMID- 22057611
TI  - Hemangiopericytoma of the adult male breast.
AB  - Hemangiopericytoma (HPC) is a rare tumor originated from the vascular pericytes,
      and it is uncommon in the breast. Only 2 cases of HPC in the male breast have
      been reported in the literature. This report presents a case of a 24-year-old man
      with a mass in his right breast. Under local anesthesia, the tumor was excised
      and diagnosed as 'malignant tumor of the breast, perhaps originated from the
      vessel tissues' based on pathological examination. Finally, a modified radical
      mastectomy and an axilla fossa sampling were performed, and 4 lymph nodes showed
      symptoms of reactive hyperplasia. We followed the patient without any treatment
      and no local recurrence or metastasis has been observed. We also review the
      literature and discuss the characteristics, immuno-phenotype, and prognosis of
      HPC. The accurate diagnosis of HPC depends on the appropriate histological and
      immunohistochemical examination.

PMID- 22057612
TI  - Dose-dependent profile of ethanolic extracts of Iranian propolis on radiation
      induced mucositis in rats.

PMID- 22057613
TI  - Insulin-like growth factor-I gene poly-morphisms and left ventricular function in
      Turkish obese women with insulin resistance.

PMID- 22057614
TI  - Tumor necrosis factor-receptor 2 and TROY gene expression patterns in cutaneous
      squamous cell carcinoma in a Tunisian population.

PMID- 22057615
TI  - An infant with renal and hepatic cysts.

PMID- 22057616
TI  - HBeAg negativity is not equal to the presence of pre core mutations in chronic
      hepatitis B patients.

PMID- 22057617
TI  - Incidence of cleft lip and palate in Iran. A meta-analysis.

PMID- 22057618
TI  - New and known mutations associated with inborn errors of metabolism in a
      heterogeneous Middle Eastern population.

PMID- 22057619
TI  - Prevalence of IgG antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii among Syrian females of
      childbearing age.

PMID- 22057620
TI  - Vitamin D levels in Saudi children with type 1 diabetes.

PMID- 22057621
TI  - Abdominal compartment syndrome in childhood: the role of near infrared
      spectroscopy for the early detection of the organ dysfunction.

PMID- 22057622
TI  - Adolescent substance misuse: neurobiology and evidence-based interventions.
AB  - This chapter reviews empirical research on risk-factors for adolescent onset of
      substance use and misuse, with a particular focus on a recent body of literature
      aimed at understanding the link between early onset substance use,
      neuropsychological impairment and future addiction risk. The evidence suggests a
      causal pathway with some studies showing that adolescents might be more sensitive
      to the neurotoxic effects of substances, which contributes to their heightened
      addiction vulnerability. While questions remain pertaining to the extent to which
      cognitive precursors to early onset substance use account for these impairments,
      the evidence from a few studies suggests that early substance misuse produces
      some cognitive or emotional processing impairment beyond these premorbid
      deficits. The possible interaction between premorbid deficits and the effects of
      substance use on cognitive development might also explain why early onset
      substance use so rapidly spirals into substance abuse and dependence and provides
      a strong rationale for preventing early onset substance use, particularly among
      those at risk. This chapter then reviews the different approaches to drug and
      alcohol prevention, the evidence-base for current programs and the essential
      intervention components that lead to beneficial outcomes and high implementation
      fidelity.

PMID- 22057623
TI  - Pharmacological MRI approaches to understanding mechanisms of drug action.
AB  - Functional neuroimaging is a novel technique for the study of drug action in the
      brain. The emerging role of this method is intimately tied to the unique
      challenges to advancing drug development for neuropsychiatric disorders. This
      chapter first presents a brief overview of the important treatment needs that
      remain to be met, which serve as clinical targets for drug development. Important
      factors that hinder progress in drug development, which arise from clinical,
      scientific and economic issues, are acknowledged. This sets the stage for the
      unique advantages of functional neuroimaging modalities such as functional MRI
      (fMRI) as a biomarker and drug development tool, in both clinical and preclinical
      phases. The physiological basis of the fMRI signal is briefly outlined, and
      aspects of neural signaling related to this signal change, with emphasis on
      implications for pharmacology studies. The utility of fMRI for evaluating the
      full anatomic extent of central neurotransmitter systems in a dynamic manner is
      then described. This is a critical advantage, and particularly important for
      studies of how systems such as the monoamines modulate distributed neural
      networks during cognitive processes in both health and illness, and how these
      actions are modified with pharmacological intervention. Central catecholamine
      systems are seen as paradigmatic targets amenable to pharmacologic fMRI. fMRI is
      observed to occupy a unique position in the armamentarium of methods available to
      the pharmacologist and the drug development process, and poised to play an
      expanding role in basic and clinical neuroscience.

PMID- 22057624
TI  - Indeterminate 1-2-cm nodules found on hepatocellular carcinoma surveillance:
      biopsy for all, some, or none?
AB  - In the latest hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) management guidelines by the
      American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases, biopsy is advocated for all
      nodules deemed indeterminate after imaging work-up by contrast-enhanced scans.
      However, the latest guidelines' imaging work-up algorithm has been shown to
      improve sensitivity of characterization of HCC for 1-2-cm nodules, decreasing the
      proportion of HCCs that remain indeterminate after imaging work-up. We undertook
      a study of 1-2-cm indeterminate nodules to determine what proportions are
      malignant and which variables can be used to limit biopsy to a subset of nodules
      at higher risk of malignancy. Eighty consecutive patients with 93 indeterminate
      nodules were included. Final diagnosis was established in 85 nodules, with 13
      malignant (9 by biopsy, 4 by growth) and 72 benign (stability of >=18 months).
      Cause of liver disease, ethnicity, size, arterial hypervascularity, venous
      hypoenhancement, and presence of synchronous typical HCC were analyzed by
      univariate logistic analysis to determine significant predictors of malignancy.
      Rate of malignancy among indeterminate 1-2-cm nodules was found to be 14%-23%.
      Only arterial hypervascularity [odds ratio (OR), 3.7) and presence of synchronous
      HCC (OR, 7.1) were significant predictors of malignancy. A strategy of limiting
      biopsy to nodules that had either feature would result in 23 biopsies and
      potentially detect 8 of 13 malignant nodules, yielding a sensitivity of 62% and
      specificity of 79%. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of malignancy among 1-2-cm
      indeterminate nodules is low (14%-23%), and biopsy of all such nodules results in
      many negative results. Limiting biopsy to nodules with arterial hypervascularity
      or in the presence of a synchronous typical HCC would detect the majority of HCCs
      while substantially reducing the number of biopsies.

PMID- 22057625
TI  - Floral ontogeny in Astragalus compactus (Leguminosae: Papilionoideae: Galegeae):
      variable occurrence of bracteoles and variable patterns of sepal initiation.
AB  - Comparative studies of floral ontogeny represent a growing field that promise to
      provide new insights on floral evolution. Floral ontogenetic information has been
      used successfully in Leguminosae for re-examining phylogenetic relationships at
      different levels. Using epi-illumination light microscopy, we present original
      ontogenetic data in Astragalus compactus, which was chosen because of its unusual
      arrangement of inflorescence and variable occurrence of bracteoles on flowers.
      Based on our results, uncommon ontogeny of the inflorescence led to the
      arrangement of flowers in four different positions. Variation was observed not
      only in the presence of bracteoles, but also in the order of sepal initiation in
      flowers of the same inflorescence. Surprisingly, besides the widely stated
      unidirectional pattern, bidirectional, sequential and an atypical unreported
      order were observed. High degree of overlapping between whorls and formation of
      two types of common primordia also were found. The variable occurrence of
      bracteoles suggests that the species is in an intermediate state towards fully
      lacking of bracteoles. We propose that the variability of the sequence of sepal
      initiation is possibly a consequence of the function of mechanical forces
      generated by surrounding leaves. Relationships between mechanical force and auxin
      signalling are discussed.

PMID- 22057626
TI  - Phosphate ligands in the gold(I)-catalysed activation of enynes.
AB  - Gold(I) forms neutral complexes with binol phosphates that are unreactive in the
      catalytic cyclisation of enynes. Reaction in protic solvents or activation by
      silver(I) restores the catalytic activity.

PMID- 22057627
TI  - Changes observed in radionuclide bone scans during and after teriparatide
      treatment for osteoporosis.
AB  - PURPOSE: Visual changes on radionuclide bone scans have been reported with
      teriparatide treatment. To assess this, serial studies were evaluated and
      quantified in ten postmenopausal women with osteoporosis treated with
      teriparatide (20 MUg/day subcutaneous) who had (99m)Tc-methylene diphosphonate
      (MDP) bone scans (baseline, 3 and 18 months, then after 6 months off therapy).
      METHODS: Women were injected with 600 MBq (99m)Tc-MDP, and diagnostic bone scan
      images were assessed at 3.5 h. Additional whole-body scans (10 min, 1, 2, 3 and 4
      h) were analysed for (99m)Tc-MDP skeletal plasma clearance (K(bone)). Regional
      K(bone) differences were obtained for the whole skeleton and six regions
      (calvarium, mandible, spine, pelvis, upper and lower extremities). Bone turnover
      markers (BTM) were also measured. RESULTS: Most subjects showed visual changes on
      3- and 18-month bone scan images that disappeared after 6 months off therapy.
      Enhanced uptake was seen predominantly in the calvarium and lower extremities.
      Whole skeleton K(bone) displayed a median increase of 22% (3 months, p = 0.004)
      and 34% (18 months, p = 0.002) decreasing to 0.7% (6 months off therapy).
      Calvarium K(bone) changes were three times larger than other sites. After 6
      months off therapy, all K(bone) and BTM values returned towards baseline.
      CONCLUSION: The increased (99m)Tc-MDP skeletal uptake with teriparatide indicated
      increased bone formation which was supported by BTM increases. After 6 months off
      therapy, metabolic activity diminished towards baseline. The modulation of
      (99m)Tc-MDP skeletal uptake during treatment was the result of teriparatide's
      metabolic activity. These findings may aid the radiological evaluation of similar
      teriparatide patients having radionuclide bone scans.

PMID- 22057628
TI  - Molecular characterization of a genomic interval with highly uneven recombination
      distribution on maize chromosome 10 L.
AB  - Homologous recombination in meiosis provides the evolutionary driving force in
      eukaryotic organisms by generating genetic variability. Meiotic recombination
      does not always occur evenly across the chromosome, and therefore genetic and
      physical distances are not consistently in proportion. We discovered a 278 kb
      interval on the long arm of chromosome 10 (10 L) through analyzed 13,933
      descendants of backcross population. The recombinant events distributed unevenly
      in the interval. The ratio of genetic to physical distance in the interval
      fluctuated about 47-fold. With the assistance of molecular markers, the interval
      was divided into several subintervals for further characterization. In agreement
      with previous observations, high gene-density regions such as subinterval A and B
      were also genetic recombination hot subintervals, and repetitive sequence-riched
      region such as subinterval C was also found to be recombination inert at the
      detection level of the study. However, we found an unusual subinterval D, in
      which the 72-kb region contained 6 genes. The gene-density of subinterval D was
      5.8 times that of the genome-wide average. The ratio of genetic to physical
      distance in subinterval D was 0.58 cM/Mb, only about 3/4 of the genome average.
      We carried out an analysis of sequence polymorphisms and methylation status in
      subinterval D, and the potential causes of recombination suppression were
      discussed. This study was another case of a detailed genetic analysis of an
      unusual recombination region in the maize genome.

PMID- 22057629
TI  - The missing link: do cortical microtubules define plasma membrane nanodomains
      that modulate cellulose biosynthesis?
AB  - Cellulose production is a crucial aspect of plant growth and development. It is
      functionally linked to cortical microtubules, which self-organize into highly
      ordered arrays often situated in close proximity to plasma membrane-bound
      cellulose synthase complexes (CSCs). Although most models put forward to explain
      the microtubule-cellulose relationship have considered mechanisms by which
      cortical microtubule arrays influence the orientation of cellulose microfibrils,
      little attention has been paid to how microtubules affect the physicochemical
      properties of cellulose. A recent study using the model system Arabidopsis,
      however, indicates that microtubules can modulate the crystalline and amorphous
      content of cellulose microfibrils. Microtubules are required during rapid growth
      for reducing crystalline content, which is predicted to increase the degree to
      which cellulose is tethered by hemicellulosic polysaccharides. Such tethering is,
      in turn, critical for maintaining unidirectional cell expansion. In this article,
      we hypothesize that cortical microtubules influence the crystalline content of
      cellulose either by controlling plasma membrane fluidity or by modulating the
      deposition of noncellulosic wall components in the vicinity of the CSCs. We
      discuss the current limitations of imaging technology to address these hypotheses
      and identify the image acquisition and processing strategies that will integrate
      live imaging with super resolution three-dimensional information.

PMID- 22057630
TI  - The structure and functioning of the couplon in the mammalian cardiomyocyte.
AB  - The couplons of the cardiomyocyte form nanospaces within the cell that place the
      L-type calcium channel (Ca(v)1.2), situated on the plasmalemma, in opposition to
      the type 2 ryanodine receptor (RyR2), situated on the sarcoplasmic reticulum.
      These two molecules, which form the basis of excitation-contraction coupling, are
      separated by a very limited space, which allows a few Ca(2+) ions passing through
      Ca(v)1.2 to activate the RyR2 at concentration levels that would be deleterious
      to the whole cell. The limited space also allows Ca(2+) inactivation of Ca(v)1.2.
      We have found that not all couplons are the same and that their properties are
      likely determined by their molecular partners which, in turn, determine their
      excitability. In particular, there are a class of couplons that lie outside the
      RyR2-Ca(v)1.2 dyad; in this case, the RyR2 is close to caveolin-3 rather than
      Ca(v)1.2. These extra-dyadic couplons are probably controlled by the multitude of
      molecules associated with caveolin-3 and may modulate contractile force under
      situations such as stress. It has long been assumed that like the skeletal
      muscle, the RyR2 in the couplon are arranged in a structured array with the RyR2
      interacting with each other via domain 6 of the RyR2 molecule. This arrangement
      was thought to provide local control of RyR2 excitability. Using 3D electron
      tomography of the couplon, we show that the RyR2 in the couplon do not form an
      ordered pattern, but are scattered throughout it. Relatively few are in a
      checkerboard pattern--many RyR2 sit edge-to-edge, a configuration which might
      preclude their controlling each other's excitability. The discovery of this
      structure makes many models of cardiac couplon function moot and is a current
      avenue of further research.

PMID- 22057631
TI  - Lyn deficiency affects B-cell maturation as well as survival.
AB  - Lyn, an Src-family protein tyrosine kinase expressed in B lymphocytes,
      contributes to initiation of BCR signaling and is also responsible for feedback
      inhibition of BCR signaling. Lyn-deficient mice have a decreased number of
      follicular B cells and also spontaneously develop a lupus-like autoimmunity. We
      used flow cytometric analysis, BrdU labeling and our mathematical models of B
      cell population dynamics, to analyze how Lyn deficiency impacts B-cell maturation
      and survival. We found that Lyn-deficient transitional 1 (T1) cells develop
      normally, but T2 cells develop primarily from the T1 subset in the spleen and
      fail to also develop directly from BM immature B cells. Lyn-deficient T2 cells
      either mature to the follicular B-cell type at a close to normal rate, or die in
      this compartment rather than access the T3 anergic subset. The ~ 40% of WT
      follicular cells that were short-lived exited primarily by joining the T3 anergic
      subset, whereas the ~ 15% Lyn(-/-) follicular cells that were not long lived had
      a high death rate and died in this compartment rather than entering the T3
      subset. We hypothesize that exaggerated BCR signaling resulting from weak
      interactions with self-antigens is largely responsible for these alterations in
      Lyn-deficient B cells.

PMID- 22057632
TI  - How do MYBPC3 mutations cause hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?
AB  - It is well established that MYBPC3 mutations are the most common cause of
      hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, accounting for about half of identified mutations.
      However, when compared with mutations in other myofibrillar proteins that cause
      hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, MYBPC3 mutations seem to be the odd one out. The
      most striking characteristic of HCM mutations in MYBPC3 is that many are within
      introns and are predicted to cause aberrant splicing leading to a frameshift and
      a premature chain termination, yet the truncated peptides have never been
      identified in human heart tissue carrying these mutations. Instead of expression
      of a poison peptide we consistently observe haploinsufficiency of MyBP-C in
      MYBPC3 mutant human heart muscle. In this review we investigate the mechanism for
      MyBP-C haploinsufficiency and consider how this haploinsufficiency could cause
      hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

PMID- 22057633
TI  - Divergent biophysical properties, gating mechanisms, and possible functions of
      the two skeletal muscle Ca(V)1.1 calcium channel splice variants.
AB  - Voltage-gated calcium channels are multi-subunit protein complexes that
      specifically allow calcium ions to enter the cell in response to membrane
      depolarization. But, for many years it seemed that the skeletal muscle calcium
      channel Ca(V)1.1 is the exception. The classical splice variant Ca(V)1.1a
      activates slowly, has a very small current amplitude and poor voltage
      sensitivity. In fact adult muscle fibers work perfectly well even in the absence
      of calcium influx. Recently a new splice variant of the skeletal muscle calcium
      channel Ca(V)1.1e has been characterized. The lack of the 19 amino acid exon 29
      in this splice variant results in a rapidly activating calcium channel with high
      current amplitude and good voltage sensitivity. Ca(V)1.1e is the dominant channel
      in embryonic muscle, where the expression of this high calcium-conducting
      Ca(V)1.1 isoform readily explains developmental processes depending on L-type
      calcium currents. Moreover, the availability of these two structurally similar
      but functionally distinct channel variants facilitates the analysis of the
      molecular mechanisms underlying the unique current properties of the classical
      Ca(V)1.1a channel.

PMID- 22057634
TI  - Ahnak1 abnormally localizes in muscular dystrophies and contributes to muscle
      vesicle release.
AB  - Ahnak1 is a giant, ubiquitously expressed, plasma membrane support protein whose
      function in skeletal muscle is largely unknown. Therefore, we investigated
      whether ahnak would be influenced by alterations of the sarcolemma exemplified by
      dysferlin mutations known to render the sarcolemma vulnerable or by mutations in
      calpain3, a protease known to cleave ahnak. Human muscle biopsy specimens
      obtained from patients with limb girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) caused by
      mutations in dysferlin (LGMD2B) and calpain3 (LGMD2A) were investigated for ahnak
      expression and localization. We found that ahnak1 has lost its sarcolemmal
      localization in LGMD2B but not in LGMD2A. Instead ahnak1 appeared in muscle
      connective tissue surrounding the extracellular site of the muscle fiber in both
      muscular dystrophies. The entire giant ahnak1 molecule was present outside the
      muscle fiber and did only partially colocalize with CD45-positive immune cell
      infiltration and the extracelluar matrix proteins fibronectin and collagenVI.
      Further, vesicles shedded in response to Ca(2+) by primary human myotubes were
      purified and their protein content was analysed. Ahnak1 was prominently present
      in these vesicles. Electron microscopy revealed a homogenous population of
      vesicles with a diameter of about 150 nm. This is the first study demonstrating
      vesicle release from human myotubes that may be one mechanism underlying
      abnormally localized ahnak1. Taken together, our results define ahnak1 in muscle
      connective tissue as a novel feature of two genetically distinct muscular
      dystrophies that might contribute to disease pathology.

PMID- 22057635
TI  - Prospective monitoring of Epstein-Barr virus and other herpesviruses in patients
      with juvenile idiopathic arthritis treated with methotrexate and tocilizumab.
AB  - Methotrexate (MTX) is widely used for the treatment of articular-type juvenile
      idiopathic arthritis (JIA), but patients receiving MTX for rheumatoid arthritis
      have been reported to be at increased risk of reactivation of Epstein-Barr virus
      (EBV) and the development of lymphoproliferative disorder. The association
      between MTX and reactivation of herpesviruses in pediatric patients is not yet
      understood. We prospectively monitored the viral load of EBV, cytomegalovirus
      (CMV), and herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) in four JIA patients treated with MTX for 12-24
      months. Tocilizumab, an anti-interleukin 6 receptor monoclonal antibody, was
      added to the therapeutic regimen in three patients during the observation period.
      Prior to the administration of MTX, EBV and HHV-6 were detected by PCR in two
      patients. Significant increases in EBV and HHV-6 load were not observed following
      the administration of MTX or tocilizumab. In one patient, a relatively high EBV
      load remained detectable during 21 months of observation in the absence of
      clinical symptoms. CMV was not detected throughout the observation period in any
      patient. This is the first report monitoring the longitudinal DNA loads of EBV
      and other herpesviruses in JIA patients. EBV and HHV-6 were often detectable, but
      treatment with MTX and tocilizumab did not appear to influence the viral load.

PMID- 22057636
TI  - Outcome of pregnancy in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DMP): results from combined
      diabetes-obstetrical clinics in Dublin in three university teaching hospitals
      (1995-2006).
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the pregnancy outcomes in all T1DMP attending at combined
      (diabetes-obstetric) outpatients clinics in three university teaching hospitals
      in Dublin from 1995 to 2006 with a non-diabetic control population (C) attending
      at antenatal outpatient clinics at the same hospitals over the same period.
      METHODS: T1DMP (n = 600) were compared with control non-diabetic pregnancies (n =
      142,498). RESULTS: The spontaneous abortion rate was 15% in T1DMP versus 8% in C
      (p < 0.0001). Perinatal mortality rate was 3.3% in T1DMP compared to 0.9% in C (p
      < 0.001). The incidence of foetal macrosomia was 29% in T1DMP versus 16% in C (p
      < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Pregnancy outcomes in T1DMP remain worse than in the
      general population despite management of T1DMP in combined obstetric/diabetes
      clinics in a single centre using similar management protocols. These outcomes in
      our study population of T1DMP in Dublin appear better than some previously
      reported studies.

PMID- 22057637
TI  - Clozapine-induced leukopenia: arguments for rechallenge.

PMID- 22057638
TI  - Stromal caveolin-1 expression in breast carcinoma. Correlation with early tumor
      recurrence and clinical outcome.
AB  - Caveolin- (cav-1) has been linked to tumor progression and clinical outcome in
      breast cancer, but its role as a prognostic marker is still unclear. We evaluated
      stromal and tumor caveolin-1 expression in 91 breast carcinomas, and assessed the
      association between their expression and clinicopathologic variables as well as
      patient outcome and early tumor recurrence. Absence of stromal caveolin-1
      expression was detected in 18.7% of cases, while 25.3% of cases revealed tumor
      epithelial caveolin-1 expression. Combined stromal and tumor caveolin-1
      immunopositivity was seen in 24.2% of cases. Absence of stromal cav-1 associated
      with larger tumor size, higher grade, higher nodal stage, higher number of
      positive nodes, higher TNM stage, positive HER2 status, higher recurrence rate,
      and shorter mean progression free survival (PFS). Stromal cav-1 status was a
      significant predictor of PFS in ER+, PR +, and HER2 + tumors. In tamoxifen
      treated patients, absence of stromal Cav-1 was a significant predictor of poor
      clinical outcome, suggestive of tamoxifen resistance. Conversely, tumor
      epithelial and combined caveolin-1 expression, didnot associate with patient
      outcome. In multivariate analysis, only TNM stage independently associated with
      survival. Loss of stromal caveolin-1 is a novel breast cancer biomarker that can
      predict early tumor recurrence, short PFS, and tamoxifen- resistance. Thus, its
      use as a predictive biomarker, especially in lower grade, lower stage, ER+, PR+,
      HER2+, and tamoxifen treated patients may allow for early interventions with more
      aggressive therapies. Thus, stromal marker expression and epithelial-stromal
      cross talk may be critical for tumor progression and metastasis.

PMID- 22057639
TI  - Effect of intramammary infusion of rbGM-CSF on SCC and expression of
      polymorphonuclear neutrophil adhesion molecules in subclinical mastitis cows.
AB  - The effect of rbGM-CSF intramammary infusion on the subclinical mastitis was
      evaluated by the somatic cell count (SCC) and expression of adhesion molecules
      (CD62L and CD11b) on the surface of neutrophils (PMN) in blood and milk. Fifteen
      cows diagnosed to have subclinical mastitis were used in this study. Seven cows
      showed a decrease in the SCC (decreased group), whereas 8 cows showed an increase
      in the SCC (increased group) 7 days after infusion of rbGM-CSF compared to pre
      infusion level. The percentage of CD62+ cells tended to be lower and CD11b+cells
      tended to be higher at 6 h on blood PMN in the decreased group of cows. Increased
      group of cows showed opposite tendencies. The mean fluorescent intensity of these
      adhesion molecules expressed on PMN in blood and milk was similar in both groups.
      These results suggested some association between expression of adhesion molecules
      and changes in SCC by rbGM-CSF. Responsiveness of PMN adhesion molecules to rbGM
      CSF might determine the changes in SCC of the subclinical mastitic cows after
      infusion of rbGM-CSF.

PMID- 22057640
TI  - Ultrasmall rigid particles as multimodal probes for medical applications.

PMID- 22057641
TI  - Interfacial self-assembly of amino acids and peptides: scanning tunneling
      microscopy investigation.
AB  - Proteins play important roles in human daily life. To take advantage of the
      lessons learned from nature, it is essential to investigate the self-assembly of
      subunits of proteins, i.e., amino acids and polypeptides. Due to its high
      resolution and versatility of working environment, scanning tunneling microscopy
      (STM) has become a powerful tool for studying interfacial molecular assembly
      structures. This review is intended to reflect the progress in studying
      interfacial self-assembly of amino acids and peptides by STM. In particular, we
      focus on environment-induced polymorphism, chiral recognition, and coadsorption
      behavior with molecular templates. These studies would be highly beneficial to
      research endeavors exploring the mechanism and nanoscale-controlling molecular
      assemblies of amino acids and polypeptides on surfaces, understanding the origin
      of life, unravelling the essence of disease at the molecular level and deeming
      what is necessary for the "bottom-up" nanofabrication of molecular devices and
      biosensors being constructed with useful properties and desired performance.

PMID- 22057642
TI  - A message to the millennial generation: suggestions for a successful transition
      into medicine as a profession.

PMID- 22057643
TI  - Use of seniors as mentors to medical students: a collaboration between the
      University of South Carolina School of Medicine and the Medical University of
      South Carolina.

PMID- 22057644
TI  - The "next medicine"?

PMID- 22057645
TI  - The state of pediatric traumatic brain injury in SC.

PMID- 22057646
TI  - Does health plan type contribute to difference in diabetes care?

PMID- 22057647
TI  - Practical roadmap and limits to nanostructured photovoltaics.
AB  - The significant research interest in the engineering of photovoltaic (PV)
      structures at the nanoscale is directed toward enabling reductions in PV module
      fabrication and installation costs as well as improving cell power conversion
      efficiency (PCE). With the emergence of a multitude of nanostructured
      photovoltaic (nano-PV) device architectures, the question has arisen of where
      both the practical and the fundamental limits of performance reside in these new
      systems. Here, the former is addressed a posteriori. The specific challenges
      associated with improving the electrical power conversion efficiency of various
      nano-PV technologies are discussed and several approaches to reduce their thermal
      losses beyond the single bandgap limit are reviewed. Critical considerations
      related to the module lifetime and cost that are unique to nano-PV architectures
      are also addressed. The analysis suggests that a practical single-junction
      laboratory power conversion efficiency limit of 17% and a two-cell tandem power
      conversion efficiency limit of 24% are possible for nano-PVs, which, when
      combined with operating lifetimes of 10 to 15 years, could position them as a
      transformational technology for solar energy markets.

PMID- 22057648
TI  - Prison medicine, public health policy and ethics: the Geneva experience.
AB  - The health care of prisoners represents a public health priority. However, in
      many countries, the pursuit of public health goals in prison is not granted.
      Introducing condom distribution and syringe exchange in prisons remains the
      exception. This article describes the example of a Swiss canton in which the
      legal framework enables health-care personnel to put into practice health care
      that is equivalent to the care available to non imprisoned persons including harm
      reduction measures for prisoners. The article describes the medical institutions
      in charge of health care for prisoners and the legal and ethical framework, its
      repercussions on the clinical and public health context, as well as persisting
      difficulties. The Geneva experience shows that in spite of the legal context,
      preventive measures, free informed consent and confidentiality have to be
      constantly defended by physicians and public health authorities. Both need to be
      regularly educated on their obligations towards prisoner patients. A complaint
      mechanism granted to detainees as part of the legal framework is important to
      adapt existing practice to new challenges.

PMID- 22057649
TI  - [Homo erectus haemophilus - the haemophilic arthropathy of the leg].
AB  - The haemophilic arthropathy of the hip, the knee and the ankle makes a painful
      loss of the degree of movement. Especially the muscles which bend these joints
      are contracted. This means a loss of posture and quality of life as well.  This
      article demonstrates the possibilities of the conservative and operative
      treatment and represents an algorithm of the indication of operative
      measurements. Finally, there is a report about the straighten up and the re
      socialisation of a patient with haemophilia by total hip and knee arthroplasty.

PMID- 22057650
TI  - Conjugated polymers containing a 2,2'-biimidazole moiety--a novel fluorescent
      sensing platform.
AB  - Two novel conjugated polymers containing a 2,2'-biimidazole moiety have been
      designed, synthesized, and demonstrated to be used as an effective fluorescent
      sensing platform for detection of Ag(+) and cysteine. This is the first example
      utilizing a fluorescent conjugated polymer-Ag(+) complex to selectively detect
      Cys with a nanomolar range detection limit.

PMID- 22057651
TI  - Action mirroring and action understanding: an ideomotor and attentional account.
AB  - Research over the last years has provided compelling evidence that the perception
      of an action leads to an activation of the perceiver's own motor system.
      Furthermore, it has been suggested that such a mirroring process supports the
      understanding of the other's action. However, the precise neurocognitive
      mechanisms behind this process remained unclear. Moreover, the hypothesis that
      activation in the motor system is directly related to the ascription of an
      intention to another person has been repeatedly criticized on conceptual grounds.
      This article suggests a conceptual framework that deals with both issues.
      Applying the ideomotor theory to the realm of action perception, it is suggested
      that the activation of one's own motor system through the perception of another
      person's action leads to an activation of the associated representation of the
      action's typical effect. This activation, in turn, modulates (visual) attention
      and leads to a facilitated processing of potentially relevant information in the
      environment and may so contribute to action understanding.

PMID- 22057652
TI  - Thiamine supplementation in symptomatic chronic heart failure: a randomized,
      double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over pilot study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Diuretic treatment for heart failure may lead to an increased urinary
      thiamine excretion and in long-term thiamine deficiency, which may further
      compromise cardiac function. This study evaluated the effect of high dose
      thiamine supplementation in heart failure patients. METHODS: Nine patients with
      diuretic treatment for symptomatic chronic heart failure and a left ventricular
      ejection fraction (LVEF) <40% were randomly assigned to receive thiamine (300
      mg/day) or placebo for 28 days. After a wash-out of 6 weeks, the patients crossed
      over to a second treatment period. The primary outcome was a change in LVEF.
      RESULTS: Mean age was 56.7 +/- 9.2 years (range 44.9-75.4 years). Baseline LVEF
      was similar for both treatment groups (29.5% in the thiamine group and 29.5% in
      the placebo group, P = 0.911). After 28 days of thiamine treatment, the LVEF
      increased to 32.8% which was significantly (P = 0.024) different from the LVEF in
      the placebo group (28.8%). This corresponds to a treatment effect for LVEF of
      3.9% in absolute terms. CONCLUSIONS: This study suggests that thiamine
      supplementation has beneficial effects on cardiac function in patients with
      diuretic drugs for symptomatic chronic heart failure. Subclinical thiamine
      deficiency is probably an underestimated issue in these outpatients.

PMID- 22057653
TI  - Evaluation of defibrillation safety margin in modern implantable cardioverter
      defibrillators after administration of amiodarone.
AB  - AIM: The adjunctive medication with amiodarone plays a major role in patients
      with an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD). Amiodarone as class III
      antiarrhythmic drug may significantly alter the defibrillation threshold (DFT).
      Conflicting results exist on the clinical relevance of a DFT rise on amiodarone.
      The only prospective study on this issue included only a small number of patients
      on amiodarone. The purpose of this study was to assess the safety and clinical
      relevance of repeat defibrillator testing after initiation of amiodarone in
      modern defibrillator systems. METHODS AND RESULTS: We assessed risks and clinical
      consequences of retesting defibrillation safety margin after initiation of
      amiodarone in 130 consecutive patients. All patients underwent intraoperative
      testing at the time of first ICD implantation. A repeated VF induction and
      defibrillator test (by protocol with a single shock and 10 J safety margin) after
      a total dose of at least 10 g amiodarone 4-6 weeks after initiation of medication
      was performed. DFT testing after initiation of amiodarone was safe as there were
      no complications that led to a prolonged hospital stay. In 4 of 114 patients with
      a left-sided device (1.6%) and 3 of 7 patients with a right-sided device (42.8%),
      a 10 J safety margin could not be achieved. As a result 4 patients (3.1% of study
      collective) had a revision of the system. CONCLUSION: Repeat defibrillation
      testing after administration of amiodarone therapy rarely fails in patients with
      left-sided devices. We observed a higher test failure in patients with a device
      in the right-subpectoral position although this subgroup was small. Repeat
      defibrillator testing is safe as no relevant complications were observed.

PMID- 22057654
TI  - Immunization induces activation of bone marrow eosinophils required for plasma
      cell survival.
AB  - Eosinophils not only have multiple functions as effector cells of the innate
      immune system but also as modulators of immune responses. As producers of
      cytokines required for plasma cell survival, they are essential for the long-term
      maintenance of plasma cells in the BM. Here we show that the activation of
      eosinophils both in vitro and in vivo enhances the expression of the plasma cell
      survival factors APRIL, IL-6, IL-4, IL-10 and TNF-alpha. The in vivo activation
      of eosinophils was independent of the type of adjuvant used for primary
      immunization. Although eosinophils were activated by adjuvant itself, a stable
      activation and a constant increase in BM eosinophils were observed only in the
      presence of antigen. Thus, the numbers and the quality of eosinophils were
      dependent on priming the adaptive immune system. With secondary immunization and
      re-activation of antigen-dependent memory cells, the ability of eosinophils to
      promote plasma cell survival was further increased. These findings suggest that
      in T-cell-dependent immune responses eosinophils are conditioned to support the
      long-term survival of plasma cells in the BM, and furthermore imply that through
      accelerated numbers of eosinophils, stable plasma cell survival niches are
      established and the long-term survival of plasma cells is ensured.

PMID- 22057655
TI  - Intracranial transplantation of monocyte-derived multipotential cells enhances
      recovery after ischemic stroke in rats.
AB  - Cell transplantation has emerged as a potential therapy to reduce the
      neurological deficits caused by ischemic stroke. We previously reported a
      primitive cell population, monocyte-derived multipotential cells (MOMCs), which
      can differentiate into mesenchymal, neuronal, and endothelial lineages. In this
      study, MOMCs and macrophages were prepared from rat peripheral blood and
      transplanted intracranially into the ischemic core of syngeneic rats that had
      undergone a left middle cerebral artery occlusion procedure. Neurological
      deficits, as evaluated by the corner test, were less severe in the MOMC
      transplanted rats than in macrophage-transplanted or mock-treated rats.
      Histological evaluations revealed that the number of microvessels that had formed
      in the ischemic boundary area by 4 weeks after transplantation was significantly
      greater in the MOMC-transplanted rats than in the control groups. The blood
      vessel formation was preceded by the appearance of round CD31(+) cells, which we
      confirmed were derived from the transplanted MOMCs. Small numbers of bloodvessels
      incorporating MOMC-derived endothelial cells expressing a mature endothelial
      marker RECA-1 were detected at 4 weeks after transplantation. In addition, MOMCs
      expressed a series of angiogenic factors, including vascular endothelial growth
      factor, angiopoetin-1, and placenta growth factor (PlGF). These findings provide
      evidence that the intracranial delivery of MOMCs enhances functional recovery by
      promoting neovascularization in a rat model for ischemic stroke.

PMID- 22057656
TI  - Relationship between birth spacing, child maltreatment, and child behavior and
      development outcomes among at-risk families.
AB  - Prior research indicates that closely spaced births are associated with poor
      outcomes for the mother and subsequent child. Limited research has focused on
      outcomes for the index child (the child born immediately prior to a subsequent
      child in a birth interval). The objectives are to assess the association of short
      birth intervals in at-risk families with: (1) indicators of harsh and neglectful
      parenting behaviors towards the index child, including substantiated maltreatment
      reports across 6 years; and (2) the index child's behavior and development in
      first grade. This is a longitudinal study of 658 women screened to be at-risk for
      child maltreatment. Twenty percent of women had a rapid repeat birth (RRB),
      defined as the birth of a subsequent child within 24 months of the index child.
      Generalized estimating equations, survival analyses, and linear and logistic
      regression models were used to assess the associations between RRB and index
      child outcomes. Women with an RRB were more likely than those without an RRB to
      report neglectful parenting of the index child. Children of mothers with an RRB
      were more likely than children of mothers without an RRB to have more behavioral
      problems and lower cognitive functioning in first grade. This study is among the
      first to focus on the associations of birth spacing with maltreatment, behavior
      and development outcomes in the index child. Future work regarding the effects of
      birth spacing should include a focus on the index child.

PMID- 22057657
TI  - Attitudes toward birth spacing among low-income, postpartum women: a qualitative
      analysis.
AB  - To explore attitudes about birth spacing among low-income, recently postpartum
      women, using qualitative methods, seven focus groups among postpartum women were
      conducted, probing knowledge and attitudes related to desired birth spacing.
      Transcripts of the discussions were reviewed and coded for salient themes using a
      Grounded Theory approach. In regards to whether to pursue pregnancy in the
      future, major themes included the availability of adequate resources, current
      family composition and the role of partners. With respect to when to have a next
      pregnancy, themes centered around the desire for particular intervals between
      siblings. Discussions of the effect of spacing on the health of the mother or
      child did not emerge frequently. Themes underlying postpartum women's desire for
      particular birth spacing are varied, but social and family considerations seem to
      predominate over concerns or knowledge about potential health effects. Improving
      women's knowledge about these consequences could lead to lowering the incidence
      of short interpregnancy intervals, known to be associated with adverse perinatal
      outcomes.

PMID- 22057658
TI  - Profiling of serum antibodies with printed glycan array: room for data
      misinterpretation.
AB  - Using an example of Galbeta1-3GlcNAc (Le(C)) related glycans, we here demonstrate
      a risk of data misinterpretation when polyclonal antibodies are probed for their
      glycan-binding specificities with help of a printed glycan array (PGA). Affinity
      isolation of antibodies from human serum using Le(C)-Sepharose or 3'-O-SuLe(C)
      Sepharose in conditions of excess of the adsorbents generated identical material
      regardless of the affinity ligand, with the antibodies equally capable of binding
      to Le(C) and to 3'-O-SuLe(C) disaccharides, as well as to 3'-O-SiaLe(C)
      trisaccharide. More detailed profiling has shown that the isolated antibodies
      bind to the inner part of Galbeta1-3GlcNAc disaccharide. We therefore conclude
      that serum does not contain different subsets of antibodies specific either to
      Le(C) or to 3'-O-SuLe(C), despite their visibly different binding signals to
      these glycans on PGA.

PMID- 22057659
TI  - Identification and characterization of the short variable region of the Japanese
      encephalitis virus 3' NTR.
AB  - Since the 1980s, the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) variants with slightly
      short variable regions (VR) of the 3' non-translated region (NTR) have been
      found; however, the implications of these short VR remain unclear. We recently
      identified two novel types of short VR (5 and 9 nt shorter than that of major
      group of genotype I JEV strains) of genotype I JEV isolates. To elucidate the
      impact of these short VR on the replication and virulence of JEV, we generated
      five recombinant JEV viruses: M41-d5 and M41-d9 have deletions in the VR that
      correspond to those observed in some recent JEV isolates, M41-d5d9 has both the 5
      and 9-nt deletions in the VR, M41-d27 has a large deletion that encompasses both
      the 5- and 9-nt deletion regions, and M41-a13 has a 13-nt sequence insertion of
      the genotype III JEV strain Beijing-1 into the parent genotype I JEV strain
      Mie/41/2002 genome. The recombinant viruses and the parent virus, except for the
      M41-d27 mutant, showed similar growth properties in mammalian and mosquito cell
      lines. Mouse challenge experiments indicated that no significant differences
      among the recombinant viruses M41-d5d9, M41-d27, M41-a13, and the parent virus.
      Our results suggest that the short VR in JEV 3' NTR do not affect its growth in
      vitro or its pathogenicity in mice.

PMID- 22057660
TI  - Antibiotic prophylaxis for transrectal ultrasound biopsy of the prostate in
      Ireland.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Prostate cancer is the most common solid cancer affecting men in
      Ireland. Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) biopsies of the prostate are routinely
      performed to diagnose prostate cancer. They are, in general, a safe procedure but
      are associated with a significant risk of infective complications ranging from
      fever, urinary tract infection to severe urosepsis. At present, there are no
      recommended national guidelines on the use of antibiotic prophylaxis to minimise
      the risk of infective complications post-TRUS biopsy. AIM: To review the
      antibiotic prophylaxis for TRUS biopsy used in Irish hospitals. METHOD: We used a
      standard telephone questionnaire to establish what antibiotic protocol is in use
      in each hospital. RESULTS: 40 hospitals were contacted, of which 29 perform TRUS
      biopsies. In the majority of hospitals, TRUS biopsies are carried out in the
      radiology department. All hospitals administer antibiotic prophylaxis but there
      is wide variation in the protocols used. There are five different antibiotics
      prescribed, ciprofloxacin being the most common. Treatment protocols vary from 1
      to 10 days antibiotic cover post procedure. CONCLUSION: There is a lack of
      standardisation of antibiotic prophylaxis in Irish hospitals. There is a need for
      guidelines to clarify the most appropriate antibiotic, route of administration
      and duration of treatment.

PMID- 22057663
TI  - The effect of methylphenidate and rearing environment on behavioral inhibition in
      adult male rats.
AB  - RATIONALE: The ability to withhold reinforced responses-behavioral inhibition-is
      impaired in various psychiatric conditions including Attention Deficit
      Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Methodological and analytical limitations have
      constrained our understanding of the effects of pharmacological and environmental
      factors on behavioral inhibition. OBJECTIVES: To determine the effects of acute
      methylphenidate (MPH) administration and rearing conditions (isolated vs. pair
      housed) on behavioral inhibition in adult rats. METHODS: Inhibitory capacity was
      evaluated using two response-withholding tasks, differential reinforcement of low
      rates (DRL) and fixed minimum interval (FMI) schedules of reinforcement. Both
      tasks made sugar pellets contingent on intervals longer than 6 s between
      consecutive responses. Inferences on inhibitory and timing capacities were drawn
      from the distribution of withholding times (interresponse times, or IRTs).
      RESULTS: MPH increased the number of intervals produced in both tasks. Estimates
      of behavioral inhibition increased with MPH dose in FMI and with social isolation
      in DRL. Nonetheless, burst responding in DRL and the divergence of DRL data
      relative to past studies, among other limitations, undermined the reliability of
      DRL data as the basis for inferences on behavioral inhibition. CONCLUSIONS:
      Inhibitory capacity was more precisely estimated from FMI than from DRL
      performance. Based on FMI data, MPH, but not a socially enriched environment,
      appears to improve inhibitory capacity. The highest dose of MPH tested, 8 mg/kg,
      did not reduce inhibitory capacity but reduced the responsiveness to waiting
      contingencies. These results support the use of the FMI schedule, complemented
      with appropriate analytic techniques, for the assessment of behavioral inhibition
      in animal models.

PMID- 22057662
TI  - Similarities and differences between pathological gambling and substance use
      disorders: a focus on impulsivity and compulsivity.
AB  - RATIONALE: Pathological gambling (PG) has recently been considered as a
      "behavioral" or nonsubstance addiction. A comparison of the characteristics of PG
      and substance use disorders (SUDs) has clinical ramifications and could help
      advance future research on these conditions. Specific relationships with
      impulsivity and compulsivity may be central to understanding PG and SUDs.
      OBJECTIVES: This review was conducted to compare and contrast research findings
      in PG and SUDs pertaining to neurocognitive tasks, brain function, and
      neurochemistry, with a focus on impulsivity and compulsivity. RESULTS: Multiple
      similarities were found between PG and SUDs, including poor performance on
      neurocognitive tasks, specifically with respect to impulsive choice and response
      tendencies and compulsive features (e.g., response perseveration and action with
      diminished relationship to goals or reward). Findings suggest dysfunction
      involving similar brain regions, including the ventromedial prefrontal cortex and
      striatum and similar neurotransmitter systems, including dopaminergic and
      serotonergic. Unique features exist which may in part reflect influences of acute
      or chronic exposures to specific substances. CONCLUSIONS: Both similarities and
      differences exist between PG and SUDs. Understanding these similarities more
      precisely may facilitate treatment development across addictions, whereas
      understanding differences may provide insight into treatment development for
      specific disorders. Individual differences in features of impulsivity and
      compulsivity may represent important endophenotypic targets for prevention and
      treatment strategies.

PMID- 22057664
TI  - Distinct regulation of stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 gene expression by cis and trans
      C18:1 fatty acids in human aortic smooth muscle cells.
AB  - Consumption of trans fatty acids is positively correlated with cardiovascular
      diseases and with atherogenic risk factors. Trans fatty acids might play their
      atherogenic effects through lipid metabolism alteration of vascular cells.
      Accumulation of lipids in vascular smooth muscle cells is a feature of
      atherosclerosis and a consequence of lipid metabolism alteration. Stearoyl-CoA
      desaturase 1 (scd1) catalyses the production of monounsaturated fatty acids (e.g.
      oleic acid) and its expression is associated with lipogenesis induction and with
      atherosclerosis development. We were interested in analysing the regulation of
      delta-9 desaturation rate and scd1 expression in human aortic smooth muscle cells
      (HASMC) exposed to cis and trans C18:1 fatty acid isomers (cis-9 oleic acid,
      trans-11 vaccenic acid or trans-9 elaidic acid) for 48 h at 100 MUM. Treatment of
      HASMC with these C18:1 fatty acid isomers led to differential effects on delta-9
      desaturation; oleic acid repressed the desaturation rate more potently than trans
      11 vaccenic acid, whereas trans-9 elaidic acid increased the delta-9 desaturation
      rate. We then correlated the delta-9 desaturation rate with the expression of
      scd1 protein and mRNA. We showed that C18:1 fatty acids controlled the expression
      of scd1 at the transcriptional level in HASMC, leading to an increase in scd1
      mRNA content by trans-9 elaidic acid treatment, whereas a decrease in scd1 mRNA
      content was observed with cis-9 oleic acid and trans-11 vaccenic acid treatments.
      Altogether, this work highlights a differential capability of C18:1 fatty acid
      isomers to control scd1 gene expression, which presumes of different consequent
      effects on cell functions.

PMID- 22057665
TI  - The impact of using different tariffs to value EQ-5D health state descriptions:
      an example from a study of acute cough/lower respiratory tract infections in
      seven countries.
AB  - When using the EQ-5D in European cross-national studies, there is no consensus
      over whether the European value set (EVS), country specific value sets (CVS) or
      UK value set (UKVS) should be used. Data on health outcomes were collected in 7
      countries. EQ-5D index scores were generated for each country using all three
      value sets. QALYs gained over 4 weeks based on EQ-5D scores were also generated
      in order to investigate the implications for cost-utility analysis. EQ-5D scores
      obtained using the EVS were similar to values obtained using the CVS and UKVS in
      all countries. CVS-based EQ-5D scores were on average associated with a smaller
      baseline-to-week 4 change/improvement in all countries (except in Wales and
      Belgium) while UKVS-based EQ-5D scores showed the largest improvement over the
      same period for every country. With regards to cost-utility analysis, the results
      suggest that in most countries (with the exception of Belgium and Finland), using
      different tariffs to value EQ-5D would not have made a difference to the
      decisions based on the results of cost-utility analysis.

PMID- 22057666
TI  - An analysis of the influence of framework aspects on the study design of health
      economic modeling evaluations.
AB  - Research and practical guidelines have many implications for how to structure a
      health economic study. A major focus in recent decades has been the quality of
      health economic research. In practice, the factors influencing a study design are
      not limited to the quest for quality. Moreover, the framework of the study is
      important. This research addresses three major questions related to these
      framework aspects. First, we want to know whether the design of health economic
      studies has changed over time. Second, we want to know how the subject of a
      study, whether it is a process or product innovation, influences the parameters
      of the study design. Third, one of the most important questions we will answer is
      whether and how the study's source of funding has an impact on the design of the
      research. To answer these questions, a total of 234 health economic studies were
      analyzed using a correspondence analysis and a logistic regression analysis. All
      three categories of framework factors have an influence on the aspects of the
      study design. Health economic studies have evolved over time, leading to the use
      of more advanced methods like complex sensitivity analyses. Additionally, the
      patient's point of view has increased in importance. The evaluation of product
      innovations has focused more on utility concepts. On the other hand, the source
      of funding may influence only a few aspects of the study design, such as the use
      of evaluation methods, the source of data, and the use of certain utility
      measures. The most important trends in health care, such as the emphasis on the
      patients' point of view, become increasingly established in health economic
      evaluations with the passage of time. Although methodological challenges remain,
      modern information and communication technologies provide a basis for increasing
      the complexity and quality of health economic studies if used frequently.

PMID- 22057667
TI  - Exploiting diverse stereochemistry of beta-amino acids: toward a rational design
      of sheet-forming beta-peptide systems.
AB  - Due to the two methylene groups in their backbone, beta-amino acids can adopt
      numerous secondary structures, including helices, sheets and nanotubes. Chirality
      introduced by the additional side chains can significantly influence the folding
      preference of beta-peptides composed of chiral beta-amino acids. However, only
      conceptual suggestions are present in the literature about the effect of
      chirality on folding preferences. Summarizing both the experimental and
      computational results, Seebach (Chem Biodivers 1:1111-1240, 2004) has proposed
      the first selection rule on the effect of side chain chirality, on the folding
      preference of beta-peptides. In order to extend and fine-tune the aforementioned
      predictions of Seebach, we have investigated its validity to the novel type of
      apolar sheet proposed recently (Pohl et al. in J Phys Chem B 114:9338-9348,
      2010). In order to facilitate the rational design of sheet-like structures, a
      systematic study on the effect of chirality on "apolar" sheet stability is
      presented on disubstituted [HCO-beta-Ala-beta(2,3)-hAla-beta-Ala-NH(2)](2) model
      peptides calculated at the M05-2X/6-311++G(d,p)//M05-2X/6-31G(d) and B3LYP/6
      311++G(d,p)//B3LYP/6-31G(d) levels of theory both in vacuum and in polar and
      apolar solvents. In addition, both types of "apolar" sheets were investigated;
      the one with two strands of identical (AA) and enantiomeric (AB) backbone
      structure. Our results show that heterochirally disubstituted sheets have the
      greatest preference for sheet formation (DeltaG ~ -11 kcal mol(-1)). However, in
      contrast to Seebach's predictions, "homochiral disubstitution" itself does not
      necessarily disrupt the sheet structure, rather it could result stable fold
      (DeltaG ~ -5 kcal mol(-1)). Results indicate that both the methyl group
      orientation and the local conformational effect of substitution affects sheet
      stability, as point chirality was found to have influence only on the backbone
      torsional angles. These results enabled us to extend and generalize Seebach's
      predictions and to propose a more general and accurate "rule of thumb" describing
      the effect of chirality on sheet stability. This offers an easy-to-use summary on
      how to design beta-peptide sheet structures. We conclude that heterochirally
      disubstituted models are the best candidates for sheet formation, if the two
      strands are substituted in a way to create identical torsional angle sets on the
      two backbones for ideal hydrogen-bonding pattern. With adequately selected side
      chains, homochirally disubtituted derivatives may also form sheet structures, and
      the position of methyl groups would prevent assembly of more than two strands
      making it ideal to create hairpins.

PMID- 22057668
TI  - Electronic bond-to-bond fluxes in pericyclic reactions: synchronous or
      asynchronous?
AB  - One at a time or all at once? Electronic fluxes during a pericyclic reaction in
      the electronic ground state--exemplified for the degenerate Cope rearrangement of
      semibullvalene--may proceed either synchronously or asynchronously. Quantum
      simulations show that the mechanism is determined by the preparation of the
      reactants, for example, synchronous at cryogenic temperatures (tunneling) but
      asynchronous when induced by selective laser pulses (with energy over the
      barrier).

PMID- 22057669
TI  - Indications to teriparatide treatment in patients with osteoporosis.
AB  - To prevent osteoporotic fracture occurrence, a variety of treatment regimens with
      different mechanisms of action is available. The antiresorptive bisphosphonate
      drugs are currently the most commonly prescribed agents in the management of
      patients with osteoporosis. The recombinant amino-terminal fragment of human
      parathyroid hormone (Teriparatide) is a bone anabolic agent which reduces
      fracture risk by increasing bone mass and improving bone microarchitecture.
      Teriparatide treatment reduces vertebral and non-vertebral fracture risk markedly
      in women and men with idiopathic osteoporosis, or with glucocorticoid-induced
      osteoporosis. Teriparatide should thus be considered as first line treatment for
      postmenopausal women and for men with severe osteoporosis.

PMID- 22057670
TI  - The integration of nasoalveolar molding in the treatment of cleft lip and palate:
      a comprehensive treatment of children born with cleft lip and palate.

PMID- 22057671
TI  - Behcet's disease with recurrent erythema multiforme in a 20 year-old African
      American male.

PMID- 22057672
TI  - Improving compliance: does it matter to your patients if you are spiritual?

PMID- 22057673
TI  - Eleanor W. Townsend, MD.

PMID- 22057674
TI  - Mending Medicaid.

PMID- 22057675
TI  - The ubiquitin-like protein, ISG15, is a novel tumor-associated antigen for cancer
      immunotherapy.
AB  - The recent announcement of the first FDA-approved therapeutic vaccine for
      prostate cancer, Sipuleucel-T, is a watershed moment for the field of tumor
      immunotherapy. However, while Sipuleucel-T provides a powerful tool to clinicians
      for the most prevalent form of cancer in men, there remains an unmet need for a
      similar therapeutic strategy against breast cancer, the most prevalent cancer in
      women. While current breast cancer vaccines in development target several
      antigens, the most prevalent is the tumor-associated antigen, HER2. Initial
      results with HER2 vaccines appear promising in terms of efficacy; however, the
      lack of HER2 overexpression by a majority of breast tumors and the safety
      concerns associated with current HER2-targeted immunotherapy suggest that
      additional therapeutic strategies would be beneficial. Recently, several studies
      have identified ISG15 as a molecule highly expressed in numerous malignancies.
      ISG15 is a small ubiquitin-like protein regulated by type-I interferon and
      classically associated with viral defense. Elevated ISG15 expression in breast
      cancer is especially well documented and is independent of HER2, progesterone
      receptor, and estrogen receptor status. Additionally, high ISG15 expression in
      breast cancer correlates with an unfavorable prognosis and poor responses to
      traditional treatment strategies such as chemotherapy and radiation. To overcome
      these challenges, we employ a novel strategy to specifically target tumor
      associated ISG15 expression with immunotherapy. We demonstrate that vaccination
      against ISG15 results in significant CD8-mediated reductions in both primary and
      metastatic mammary tumor burden. These results validate ISG15 as a tumor
      associated antigen for cancer immunotherapy.

PMID- 22057676
TI  - Scutellaria extract and wogonin inhibit tumor-mediated induction of T(reg) cells
      via inhibition of TGF-beta1 activity.
AB  - A number of studies have implicated tumor-induced T(reg) cell activity in the sub
      optimal response to therapeutic vaccines. Development of neo-adjuvant strategies
      targeting T(reg) cells is therefore imperative. Scutellaria extracts or
      constituent flavonoids have shown encouraging efficacy against various tumors,
      including gliomas, in both pre-clinical and clinical studies. We report here, for
      the first time, that Scutellaria ocmulgee leaf extract (SocL) and flavonoid
      wogonin could inhibit TGF-beta1-induced T(reg) activity in malignant gliomas.
      F344 rats, subcutaneously transplanted with F98 gliomas, were treated with SocL.
      There was a significant inhibition of intra-tumoral TGF-beta1 and T(reg) cell
      frequency as well as peripheral blood TGF-beta1 levels in SocL-treated animals
      compared to the controls. SocL extract and wogonin also inhibited glioma-induced,
      TGF-beta1-mediated T(reg) activity in vitro. SocL extract and wogonin also
      inhibited the secretion of IL-10 in T(reg) culture; whereas the level of IL-2 was
      either unchanged or marginally enhanced. We also observed an inhibition of Smad
      3, GSK-3beta and ERK1/2 signaling by SocL and wogonin in T(reg) cells, while
      phosphorylation of P38 MAPK was considerably enhanced, indicating that SocL or
      wogonin could inhibit the T cells' response to TGF-beta1 via modulation of both
      Smad and non-Smad signaling pathways. Overall, this study suggests that
      Scutellaria can potentially reverse tumor-mediated immune suppression via
      inhibition of TGF-beta1 secretion as well as via inhibition of T cells' response
      to TGF-beta1. This may provide an opportunity for developing a novel adjuvant
      therapeutic strategy for malignant gliomas, combining Scutellaria with
      immunotherapy and chemo/radio-therapeutic regimen, which could potentially
      improve the disease outcome.

PMID- 22057677
TI  - Epitope-targeted cytotoxic T cells mediate lineage-specific antitumor efficacy
      induced by the cancer mucosa antigen GUCY2C.
AB  - Guanylyl cyclase C (GUCY2C) is the index cancer mucosa antigen, an emerging class
      of immunotherapeutic targets for the prevention of recurrent metastases
      originating in visceral epithelia. GUCY2C is an autoantigen principally expressed
      by intestinal epithelium, and universally by primary and metastatic colorectal
      tumors. Immunization with adenovirus expressing the structurally unique GUCY2C
      extracellular domain (GUCY2C(ECD); Ad5-GUCY2C) produces prophylactic and
      therapeutic protection against GUCY2C-expressing colon cancer metastases in mice,
      without collateral autoimmunity. GUCY2C antitumor efficacy is mediated by a
      unique immunological mechanism involving lineage-specific induction of antigen
      targeted CD8(+) T cells, without CD4(+) T cells or B cells. Here, the unusual
      lineage specificity of this response was explored by integrating high-throughput
      peptide screening and bioinformatics, revealing the role for GUCY2C-directed
      CD8(+) T cells targeting specific epitopes in antitumor efficacy. In BALB/c mice
      vaccinated with Ad5-GUCY2C, CD8(+) T cells recognize the dominant GUCY2C(254-262)
      epitope in the context of H-2K(d), driving critical effector functions including
      interferon gamma secretion, cytolysis ex vivo and in vivo, and antitumor
      efficacy. The ability of GUCY2C to induce lineage-specific responses targeted to
      cytotoxic CD8(+) T cells recognizing a single epitope mediating antitumor
      efficacy without autoimmunity highlights the immediate translational potential of
      cancer mucosa antigen-based vaccines for preventing metastases of mucosa-derived
      cancers.

PMID- 22057679
TI  - Virus-like particles induce robust human T-helper cell responses.
AB  - Among synthetic vaccines, virus-like particles (VLPs) are used for their ability
      to induce strong humoral responses. Very little is reported on VLP-based-vaccine
      induced CD4(+)  T-cell responses, despite the requirement of helper T cells for
      antibody isotype switching. Further knowledge on helper T cells is also needed
      for optimization of CD8(+)  T-cell vaccination. Here, we analysed human CD4(+)  T
      cell responses to vaccination with MelQbG10, which is a Qbeta-VLP covalently
      linked to a long peptide derived from the melanoma self-antigen Melan-A. In all
      analysed patients, we found strong antibody responses of mainly IgG1 and IgG3
      isotypes, and concomitant Th1-biased CD4(+)  T-cell responses specific for Qbeta.
      Although less strong, comparable B- and CD4(+)  T-cell responses were also found
      specific for the Melan-A cargo peptide. Further optimization is required to shift
      the response more towards the cargo peptide. Nevertheless, the data demonstrate
      the high potential of VLPs for inducing humoral and cellular immune responses by
      mounting powerful CD4(+)  T-cell help.

PMID- 22057678
TI  - Increased lymphocyte infiltration in patients with head and neck cancer treated
      with the IRX-2 immunotherapy regimen.
AB  - Twenty-seven subjects with squamous cell cancer of the head and neck received the
      neoadjuvant IRX-2 immunotherapy regimen prior to surgery in a Phase 2 trial.
      Pretreatment tumor biopsies were compared with the primary tumor surgical
      specimens for lymphocyte infiltration, necrosis and fibrosis, using hematoxylin
      and eosin stain and immunohistochemistry in 25 subjects. Sections were examined
      by three pathologists. Relative to pretreatment biopsies, increases in lymphocyte
      infiltration (LI) were seen using H and E or immunohistochemistry. CD3+ CD4+ T
      cells and CD20+ B cells were primarily found in the peritumoral stroma and CD3+
      CD8+ T cells and CD68+ macrophages were mainly intratumoral. LI in the surgical
      specimens were associated with reductions in the primary tumor size. Improved
      survival at 5 years was correlated with high overall LI in the tumor specimens.
      Neoadjuvant IRX-2 immunotherapy regimen may restore immune responsiveness
      presumably by mobilizing tumor infiltrating effector lymphocytes and macrophages
      into the tumor.

PMID- 22057680
TI  - Nutrient and food intakes of middle-aged adults at low risk of cardiovascular
      disease: the international study of macro-/micronutrients and blood pressure
      (INTERMAP).
AB  - PURPOSE: Individuals with favorable levels of readily measured cardiovascular
      disease (CVD) risk factors (low risk, LR) experience low long-term rates of CVD
      mortality and greater longevity. The purpose of the current study was to compare
      nutrient/food intakes of LR participants with participants not LR in the INTERMAP
      study. METHODS: Men and women (40-59 years) from 17 population samples in four
      countries (China, Japan, UK, US) provided four 24-h dietary recalls and two timed
      24-h urine collections. LR was defined as meeting all of the following CVD risk
      criteria: systolic/diastolic blood pressure (BP) <= 120/ <= 80 mmHg; no drug
      treatment for high BP, hyperlipidemia, or CVD; non-smoking; BMI <25.0 kg/m(2)
      (US, UK) or <23.0 kg/m(2) (China, Japan); alcohol consumption <26.0 g/day
      (men)/<13.0 g/day (women); and no history of diabetes or CVD. Multivariate
      logistic regression was used to examine associations of nutrient/food intakes
      with LR. RESULTS: LR individuals reported higher intake of vegetable protein,
      fiber, magnesium, non-heme iron, potassium; lower energy intake; lower intake of
      cholesterol, saturated fatty acids, animal protein; and lower 24-h urinary sodium
      compared with individuals not LR. With regard to foods, LR individuals reported
      higher intake of fruits, vegetables, grains, pasta/rice, fish; lower intakes of
      meats, processed meats, high-fat dairy, and sugar-sweetened beverages than
      individuals not LR. CONCLUSIONS: Lower energy intake and differential intake of
      multiple specific nutrients and foods are characteristic of individuals at low
      risk for developing CVD. Identification of dietary habits associated with LR is
      important for further development of public health efforts aimed at
      reduction/prevention of CVD.

PMID- 22057681
TI  - The expression of PCNA, c-erbB-2, p53, ER and PR as well as atypical hyperplasia
      in tissues nearby the breast cancer.
AB  - To examine the proper margin for breast conservative surgery in Chinese women
      population. 40 breast cancer specimens were collected and each sample was
      dissected into several groups: primary tumor group, 1 cm paracarcinoma, 2 cm
      paracarcinoma, 3 cm paracarcinoma and excessive 3 cm paracarcinoma groups. The
      immunohistochemistry staining was performed to measure the expression levels of
      proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), c-erbB-2, p53, estrogen receptor (ER)
      and progesterone receptor (PR). The gene expressions of PCNA, c-erbB-2, and p53
      gradually decreased with the increased distance from primary tumor (P < 0.05).
      The 1 and 2 cm paracarcinoma group (no differences between the two, P > 0.05)
      showed higher risk factors (c-erbB-2, p53) than the 3 cm and excessive 3 cm
      paracarcinoma groups (P < 0.05). The expression of PCNA, ER, and PR showed no
      correlation with cancer progression (P > 0.05). Beyond the paracarcinoma 2 cm
      distance, the tissues showed significant decreases in tumor gene expression,
      which could represent the appropriate region for breast conservative surgery.

PMID- 22057682
TI  - Induction of interferon-gamma contributes to Toll-like receptor 3-mediated herpes
      simplex virus type 1 inhibition in astrocytes.
AB  - Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) recognizes double-stranded RNA and induces type I
      interferon (IFN)-mediated antiviral immunity against a number of viral
      infections. Type III IFN (IFN-lambda) is a newly identified antiviral cytokine
      that has biological functions similar to those of type I IFNs. We thus
      investigated the role of IFN-lambda in TLR3 activation-mediated inhibition of
      herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) in human primary astrocytes. Human astrocytes
      express endogenous IFN-lambda1 and IFN-lambda receptor complex, interleukin-28
      receptor alpha subunit (IL-28Ralpha), and IL-10Rbeta. The activation of TLR3 by
      poly-I:C treatment significantly induced the expression of IFN-lambda1 and IFN
      lambda2/3 in astrocytes. The induction of IFN-lambda contributed to TLR3
      activation-mediated HSV-1 inhibition in astrocytes. Investigation of the
      mechanisms showed that treatment of astrocytes with specific antibody against IFN
      lambda receptor attenuated the anti-HSV-1 activity of poly-I:C, indicating that
      endogenous IFN-lambda contributes to the anti-HSV-1 effect of TLR3 activation.
      The anti-HSV-1 effect of endogenous IFN-lambda was also confirmed by the finding
      that recombinant IFN-lambda treatment inhibited HSV-1 infection of astrocytes.
      These results provide direct and compelling evidence that endogenous IFN-lambda
      participates in TLR3-mediated antiviral activity, which may have important
      implications in host cell innate immunity against HSV-1 infection in the CNS.

PMID- 22057683
TI  - A meta-analysis on the effect of corticosteroid therapy in Kawasaki disease.
AB  - The current recommended therapy for Kawasaki disease (KD) is the combination of
      intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) and aspirin. However, the role of
      corticosteroid therapy in KD remains controversial. Using meta-analysis, this
      study aimed to investigate the efficacy of corticosteroid therapy in KD by
      comparing it with standard IVIG and aspirin therapy. We included all related
      randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials by searching Medline, the
      Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, Pub Med, Chinese
      BioMedical Literature Database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and the
      Japanese database (Japan Science and Technology) as well as hand searches of
      selected references. Data collection and meta-analysis were performed to evaluate
      the effect of corticosteroids. Our search yielded 11 studies; 7 of which
      evaluated the effect of corticosteroid for primary therapy in KD, and 4
      investigated the effect of corticosteroid therapy in IVIG-resistant patients.
      Meta-analysis of these studies revealed a significant reduction in the rates of
      initial treatment failure among patients who received corticosteroid therapy in
      combination with IVIG compared to IVIG alone (odds ratio (OR) = 0.50; 95% CI,
      0.32~0.79; p = 0.003). Furthermore, the use of corticosteroids reduced the
      duration of fever and the time required for C-reactive protein to return to
      normal. Our data did not show any significant increase in the incidence of
      coronary artery lesions or coronary aneurysms (OR = 0.67; 95% CI, 0.35~1.28; p =
      0.23) in the corticosteroid group. CONCLUSION: Corticosteroid combined with IVIG
      in primary treatment or as treatment of IVIG-resistant patients improved clinical
      course without increasing coronary artery lesions in children with acute KD.

PMID- 22057684
TI  - Mica, a potential two-dimensional-crystal gate insulator for organic field-effect
      transistors.
AB  - 2D mica crystals (with thickness < 100 nm) obtained by mechanical exfoliation are
      incorporated for the first time into the design of organic thin film field-effect
      transistor arrays and organic single crystal transistors as a gate insulator. The
      size of mica crystals could be up to the dimensions of an A4 piece of paper. All
      devices so fabricated exhibited high mobility and low operating voltage,
      indicating the high quality of the crystals and the great potential of mica
      crystals as a flexible, low-cost, transparent insulator for organic electronics.

PMID- 22057685
TI  - Patients with isolated prolonged in vitro bleeding time. Clinical symptoms.
AB  - In patients with isolated prolonged in vitro bleeding time there is no
      standardised treatment concept. With this study we characterized the extent of
      bleeding symptoms. PATIENTS, METHODS: All diagnoses known to cause prolonged in
      vitro bleeding time (PFA-100) (epinephrine-cartridge >160 s, ADP-cartridge > 120
      s) have been excluded, such as platelet function disorders, effects of
      medications, nutrition or von Willebrand disease. 75 patients (77%, n = 58 women;
      23%, n = 17 men, median age 46 (16-81) years were included. All bleeding symptoms
      have been stored in a databank with help of a comprehensive questionnaire.
      RESULTS: 78% (n = 54) of all patients reported of having had an operation, 69.8%
      (n = 37) of them described postoperative bleedings (p = 0.0373). 13.5% (n = 5) of
      the 54 could remember having been randomly treated by the administration of a
      transfusion and only 2.7% (n = 1) were treated by substitution of von Willebrand
      factor. 71% (n = 51) patients indicated haematoma (p = 0.8116). About 33.8% (n =
      24) patients had gum bleeding and 40.8% (n = 29, p = 0.7808) patients reported
      bleeding after the dentist. 41.4% (n = 29) patients suffered under frequent
      epistaxis (p = 0.0212). There was no correlation between prolonged epinephrine
      bleeding time to VWF:Ag (rho = 0.16) nor to VWF:RCo (rho = 0.12) nor between
      prolonged epinephrine and ADP bleeding time (rho = 0.01) nor to ROTEM(r)
      analysis. CONCLUSION: Patients with isolated prolonged PFA are mainly women and
      can be affected by all kinds of bleedings while haematoma is the main symptom.
      VWD might not be causal.

PMID- 22057686
TI  - Solvent-free microextraction techniques in gas chromatography.
AB  - Microextraction techniques represent a major part of modern sample preparation in
      the analysis of organic micropollutants. This article provides a short overview
      of recent developments in solvent-free microextraction techniques. From the first
      open-tubular trap techniques in the mid-1980s to recent packed-needle devices,
      different implementations of in-needle packings for microextraction are discussed
      with their characteristic benefits, shortcomings and possible sampling modes.
      Special emphasis is placed on methods providing full automation and solvent
      exclusion. In this context, in-tube extraction and the needle trap are discussed,
      with an overview of current research on new sorbent materials, together with the
      requirements for more efficient method development.

PMID- 22057687
TI  - Low-dose cardiovascular computed tomography: where are the limits?
AB  - Since its introduction in the 1970s, diagnostic computed tomography (CT) imaging
      has grown rapidly and developed into a standard diagnostic test for a wide
      variety of cardiovascular conditions. Although this has undoubtedly led to
      improved medical care, it has also been associated with a significant increase in
      population-based radiation exposure and the potential downstream increase in
      cancer is a justified concern. For cardiovascular CT, new CT scanner technologies
      were initially directed toward maximizing image quality rather than minimizing
      radiation exposure. Only more recently have technologic advances yielded dose
      saving protocols for cardiovascular applications, with impressive reduction of
      radiation exposure. The achievable limits of population-based exposure are
      dependent on responsible, evidence-based use of CT for cardiovascular imaging as
      well as exploitation of available and emerging dose-saving strategies.

PMID- 22057688
TI  - Meeting review: cardiomyocyte regeneration and protection, La Jolla, California,
      June 2011.

PMID- 22057689
TI  - Role of antiplatelet therapy in secondary prevention of acute coronary syndrome.
AB  - Cardiovascular disease is one of the major causes of death in developed
      countries, mainly related to coronary artery disease and its acute complications.
      Platelets play a great role in the pathogenesis of acute thrombotic events of
      coronary artery disease when silent chronic disease becomes acutely symptomatic.
      Platelet importance in coronary artery disease and pathophysiology of acute
      events support the large benefit of antiplatelet agents for both acute management
      of ACS and secondary prevention. Recent developments in oral antiplatelet therapy
      raised questions about the choice of the molecules, the use of single or double
      therapy, and the optimal dosing and duration of treatment. The present review
      aims to provide a current appraisal of antiplatelet therapy use after ACS and to
      summarize available scientific evidence for an optimal use of antiplatelet agents
      in daily practice, including the new P2Y12 blockers.

PMID- 22057690
TI  - Intramolecular electron transfer in sulfite-oxidizing enzymes: probing the role
      of aromatic amino acids.
AB  - Sulfite oxidase (SO) is a molybdoheme enzyme that is important in sulfur
      catabolism, and mutations in the active site region are known to cause SO
      deficiency disorder in humans. This investigation probes the effects that
      mutating aromatic residues (Y273, W338, and H337) in the molybdenum-containing
      domain of human SO have on both the intramolecular electron transfer (IET) rate
      between the molybdenum and iron centers using laser flash photolysis and on
      catalytic turnover via steady-state kinetic analysis. The W338 and H337 mutants
      show large decreases in their IET rate constants (k (ET)) relative to the wild
      type values, suggesting the importance of these residues for rapid IET. In
      contrast, these mutants are catalytically competent and exhibit higher k (cat)
      values than their corresponding k (ET), implying that these two processes involve
      different conformational states of the protein. Redox potential investigations
      using spectroelectrochemistry revealed that these aromatic residues close to the
      molybdenum center affect the potential of the presumably distant heme center in
      the resting state (as shown by the crystal structure of chicken SO), suggesting
      that the heme may be interacting with these residues during IET and/or catalytic
      turnover. These combined results suggest that in solution human SO may adopt
      different conformations for IET and for catalysis in the presence of the
      substrate. For IET the H337/W338 surface residues may serve as an alternative
      docking site for the heme domain. The similarities between the mutant and wild
      type EPR spectra indicate that the active site geometry around the Mo(V) center
      is not changed by the mutations studied here.

PMID- 22057691
TI  - Altered IL-10 and TNF-alpha production in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of
      systemic lupus erythematosus patients after Toll-like receptor 2, 4, or 9
      activation.
AB  - Toll-like receptor (TLR) activation and cytokines have been linked to the disease
      flare of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), yet the expression profiles of TLRs
      and cytokines in response to TLR activation in SLE patients remain unclear. In
      this study, we evaluated the expression levels of IL-10, TNF-alpha, interferon
      gamma (IFN-gamma), TLR-2, TLR-4, and TLR-9 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells
      (PBMCs) from SLE patients and normal controls after PBMCs were stimulated with a
      TLR-2, TLR-4, or TLR-9 agonist. The expression levels in SLE patient group were
      statistically compared with those in normal control group. It was found in SLE
      patients that the IL-10 protein production was down-regulated after the
      activation of TLR-2, TLR-4, or TLR-9 and that the TNF-alpha protein production
      was decreased after the activation of TLR-2 or TLR-9, but not TLR-4. However, the
      transcript levels of IL-10 and TNF-alpha as well as the protein and transcript
      levels of IFN-gamma were comparable between SLE and normal control groups. In
      addition, the TLR-2 transcript levels seem to be diminished after the activation
      of TLR-2, TLR-4, or TLR-9, but TLR-4 and TLR-9 transcript levels were not
      altered. The results indicate that the cytokine production from PBMCs in response
      to TLR activation is dysregulated in SLE patients, supporting the possibility
      that TLR activation may influence lupus disease activity through regulating
      cytokine production.

PMID- 22057692
TI  - ATPaceTM: injectable adenosine 5'-triphosphate : Diagnostic and therapeutic
      indications.
AB  - ATPaceTM, a novel injectable formulation of adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP), is
      developed by Cordex Pharma, Inc. (Cordex) as a diagnostic and therapeutic drug
      for the management of cardiac bradyarrhythmias. Extracellular ATP exerts multiple
      effects in various cell types by activating cell-surface receptors known as P2
      receptors. In the heart, ATP suppresses the automaticity of cardiac pacemakers
      and atrioventricular (AV) nodal conduction via adenosine, the product of its
      degradation by ecto-enzymes, as well as by triggering a cardio-cardiac vagal
      reflex. ATP, given as a rapid intravenous bolus injection, has been used since
      the late 1940s as a highly effective and safe therapeutic agent for the acute
      termination of reentrant paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT) involving
      the AV node. In addition, preliminary studies have shown that ATP can also be
      used as a diagnostic agent for the identification of several cardiac disorders
      including sinus node dysfunction (sick sinus syndrome), dual AV nodal pathways,
      long QT syndrome, and bradycardic syncope. The US Food and Drug Administration
      has approved Cordex formulation for ATP as an Investigational New Drug and two
      pathways for its marketing approval; one therapeutic, i.e., acute termination of
      paroxysmal PSVT, and the other diagnostic, i.e., the identification of patients
      with bradycardic syncope who can benefit from pacemaker therapy. The scientific
      rationale for the development of ATPaceTM is discussed.

PMID- 22057693
TI  - Determination of the structures of small gold clusters on stepped magnesia by
      density functional calculations.
AB  - The structural modifications of small supported gold clusters caused by realistic
      surface defects (steps) in the MgO(001) support are investigated by computational
      methods. The most stable gold cluster structures on a stepped MgO(001) surface
      are searched for in the size range up to 24 Au atoms, and locally optimized by
      density-functional calculations. Several structural motifs are found within
      energy differences of 1 eV: inclined leaflets, arched leaflets, pyramidal hollow
      cages and compact structures. We show that the interaction with the step clearly
      modifies the structures with respect to adsorption on the flat defect-free
      surface. We find that leaflet structures clearly dominate for smaller sizes.
      These leaflets are either inclined and quasi-horizontal, or arched, at variance
      with the case of the flat surface in which vertical leaflets prevail. With
      increasing cluster size pyramidal hollow cages begin to compete against leaflet
      structures. Cage structures become more and more favourable as size increases.
      The only exception is size 20, at which the tetrahedron is found as the most
      stable isomer. This tetrahedron is however quite distorted. The comparison of two
      different exchange-correlation functionals (Perdew-Burke-Ernzerhof and local
      density approximation) show the same qualitative trends.

PMID- 22057694
TI  - Induction of point chirality by E/Z photoisomerization.

PMID- 22057696
TI  - An overview of nitrogen cycling in a semiarid savanna: some implications for
      management and conservation in a large African park.
AB  - Nitrogen (N) is a major control on primary productivity and hence on the
      productivity and diversity of secondary producers and consumers. As such,
      ecosystem structure and function cannot be understood without a comprehensive
      understanding of N cycling and dynamics. This overview describes the factors that
      govern N distribution and dynamics and the consequences that variable N dynamics
      have for structure, function and thresholds of potential concern (TPCs) for
      management of a semiarid southern African savanna. We focus on the Kruger
      National Park (KNP), a relatively intact savanna, noted for its wide array of
      animal and plant species and a prized tourist destination. KNP's large size
      ensures integrity of most ecosystem processes and much can be learned about
      drivers of ecosystem structure and function using this park as a baseline. Our
      overview shows that large scale variability in substrates exists, but do not
      necessarily have predictable consequences for N cycling. The impact of major
      drivers such as fire is complex; at a landscape scale little differences in
      stocks and cycling were found, though at a smaller scale changes in woody cover
      can lead to concomitant changes in total N. Contrasting impacts of browsers and
      grazers on N turnover has been recorded. Due to the complexity of this ecosystem,
      we conclude that it will be complicated to draw up TPCs for most transformations
      and pools involved with the N cycle. However, we highlight in which cases the
      development of TPCs will be possible.

PMID- 22057697
TI  - Tackling contentious invasive plant species: a case study of buffel grass in
      Australia.
AB  - Introduced plants that have both production values and negative impacts can be
      contentious. Generally they are either treated as weeds and their use prohibited;
      or unfettered exploitation is permitted and land managers must individually
      contend with any negative effects. Buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) is
      contentious in Australia and there has been no attempt to broadly and
      systematically address the issues surrounding it. However, recent research
      indicates that there is some mutual acceptance by proponents and opponents of
      each others' perspectives and we contend that this provides the basis for a
      national approach. It would require thorough and on-going consultation with
      stakeholders and development of realistic goals that are applicable across a
      range of scales and responsive to regional differences in costs, benefits and
      socio-economic and biophysical circumstances. It would be necessary to clearly
      allocate responsibilities and ascertain the most appropriate balance between
      legislative and non-legislative mechanisms. A national approach could involve
      avoiding the introduction of additional genetic material, countering
      proliferation in regions where the species is sparse, preventing incursion into
      conservation reserves where it is absent, containing strategically located
      populations and managing communities to prevent or reduce dominance by buffel
      grass. This approach could be applied to other contentious plant species.

PMID- 22057698
TI  - [Intraoperative awareness: nightmare or harmless complication?].

PMID- 22057699
TI  - Can we really use beta-lactam/beta-lactam inhibitor combinations for the
      treatment of infections caused by extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing
      bacteria?

PMID- 22057700
TI  - Incidence of HIV-1 drug resistance among antiretroviral treatment-naive
      individuals starting modern therapy combinations.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Estimates of drug resistance incidence to modern first-line
      combination antiretroviral therapies against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
      type 1 are complicated by limited availability of genotypic drug resistance tests
      (GRTs) and uncertain timing of resistance emergence. METHODS: Five first-line
      combinations were studied (all paired with lamivudine or emtricitabine):
      efavirenz (EFV) plus zidovudine (AZT) (n = 524); EFV plus tenofovir (TDF) (n =
      615); lopinavir (LPV) plus AZT (n = 573); LPV plus TDF (n = 301); and ritonavir
      boosted atazanavir (ATZ/r) plus TDF (n = 250). Virological treatment outcomes
      were classified into 3 risk strata for emergence of resistance, based on whether
      undetectable HIV RNA levels were maintained during therapy and, if not, whether
      viral loads were >500 copies/mL during treatment. Probabilities for presence of
      resistance mutations were estimated from GRTs (n = 2876) according to risk
      stratum and therapy received at time of testing. On the basis of these data,
      events of resistance emergence were imputed for each individual and were assessed
      using survival analysis. Imputation was repeated 100 times, and results were
      summarized by median values (2.5th-97.5th percentile range). RESULTS: Six years
      after treatment initiation, EFV plus AZT showed the highest cumulative resistance
      incidence (16%) of all regimens (<11%). Confounder-adjusted Cox regression
      confirmed that first-line EFV plus AZT (reference) was associated with a higher
      median hazard for resistance emergence, compared with other treatments: EFV plus
      TDF (hazard ratio [HR], 0.57; range, 0.42-0.76), LPV plus AZT (HR, 0.63; range,
      0.45-0.89), LPV plus TDF (HR, 0.55; range, 0.33-0.83), ATZ/r plus TDF (HR, 0.43;
      range, 0.17-0.83). Two-thirds of resistance events were associated with
      detectable HIV RNA level <=500 copies/mL during treatment, and only one-third
      with virological failure (HIV RNA level, >500 copies/mL). CONCLUSIONS: The
      inclusion of TDF instead of AZT and ATZ/r was correlated with lower rates of
      resistance emergence, most likely because of improved tolerability and
      pharmacokinetics resulting from a once-daily dosage.

PMID- 22057701
TI  - beta-Lactam/beta-lactam inhibitor combinations for the treatment of bacteremia
      due to extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli: a post hoc
      analysis of prospective cohorts.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Escherichia coli (ESBL-EC)
      is an important cause of invasive infections. Alternatives to carbapenems-
      considered the drugs of choice--are needed because of the emergence of
      carbapenemase-producing enterobacteria. The efficacy of beta-lactam/beta-lactam
      inhibitors (BLBLI) in such infections is controversial. METHODS: The authors
      performed a post hoc analysis of patients with bloodstream infections due to ESBL
      EC from 6 published prospective cohorts. Mortality and length of hospital stay in
      patients treated with an active BLBLI (amoxicillin-clavulanic acid [AMC] and
      piperacillin-tazobactam [PTZ]) or carbapenem were compared in 2 cohorts: the
      empirical therapy cohort (ETC) and the definitive therapy cohort (DTC).
      Confounding was controlled by multivariate analysis; for patients in the ETC, a
      propensity score for receiving carbapenem was also used. RESULTS: The ETC
      included 103 patients (BLBLI, 72; carbapenem, 31), and the DTC included 174
      (BLBLI, 54; carbapenem, 120). Mortality rates at day 30 for those treated with
      BLBLI versus carbapenems were 9.7% versus 19.4% for the ETC and 9.3% versus 16.7%
      for the DTC, respectively (P > .2, log-rank test). After adjustment for
      confounders, no association was found between either empirical therapy with BLBLI
      (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.14; 95% confidence interval [CI], .29-4.40; P =
      .84) or definitive therapy (adjusted HR, 0.76; 95% CI, .28-2.07; P = .5) and
      increased mortality. Furthermore, BLBLI therapy, with respect to carbapenem, was
      not found to influence length of hospital stay. CONCLUSIONS: These results
      suggest that AMC and PTZ are suitable alternatives to carbapenems for treating
      patients with bloodstream infections due to ESBL-EC if active in vitro and would
      be particularly useful as definitive therapy.

PMID- 22057702
TI  - Clinical features and epidemiology of melioidosis pneumonia: results from a 21
      year study and review of the literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Melioidosis is an important cause of community-acquired sepsis in
      Southeast Asia and northern Australia, and pneumonia is the most common
      presentation. Clinical manifestations range from acute fulminant sepsis to
      chronic infection mimicking tuberculosis. Pneumonia may be the primary presenting
      feature, or it can develop secondary to initial disease at a distant focus.
      METHODS: A prospective database of all melioidosis patients at Royal Darwin
      Hospital (Australia) between 1989 and 2010 was reviewed. RESULTS: Of 624 patients
      with culture-confirmed melioidosis, 319 (51%) presented with pneumonia as the
      primary diagnosis. Acute/subacute presentations accounted for the majority of
      primary pneumonia cases (91%); chronic disease was seen less commonly (9%).
      Secondary pneumonia developed in 20% of patients with other primary melioidosis
      presentations and was particularly common in those with positive blood cultures.
      Risk factors for presentation with primary pneumonia (compared with other primary
      presentations) were rheumatic heart disease or congestive cardiac failure,
      chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, smoking, and diabetes mellitus, with P <
      .05 for these conditions in a multivariate logistic regression model. Patients
      presenting with pneumonia more frequently developed septic shock (33% vs 10%; P <
      .001) and died (20% vs 8%; P <.001) compared with patients with other primary
      presentations. Multilobar disease occurred in 28% of primary pneumonia patients
      and was associated with greater mortality (32%) than in those with single-lobe
      disease (14%; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Melioidosis pneumonia is often a rapidly
      progressive illness with high mortality, particularly among those with multilobar
      disease. Risk factors have been identified, and early diagnosis and treatment
      should be priorities.

PMID- 22057703
TI  - Serology as an adjunct to polymerase chain reaction assays for surveillance of
      acute respiratory virus infections.

PMID- 22057704
TI  - Identification of false-positive QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube assays by repeat
      testing in HIV-infected patients at low risk for tuberculosis.
AB  - The QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube assay (QFT) is increasingly being used for latent
      tuberculosis screening in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus
      (HIV) in the United States. This is a retrospective analysis of repeating
      positive QFT assays as a strategy to identify false-positive results in HIV
      infected patients at low risk for tuberculosis.

PMID- 22057705
TI  - Appropriate medical standards of crisis care.

PMID- 22057706
TI  - Creating a standardized system for allocation of scarce clinical resources in
      response to an all hazards mass casualty disaster.

PMID- 22057707
TI  - Surge capability: CHPTER and SC healthcare worker preparedness.

PMID- 22057708
TI  - Efficacy and safety of influenza vaccines.

PMID- 22057709
TI  - Influenza 2010-2011 in one South Carolina community: report of four cases in
      young adults and plea for wider immunization.

PMID- 22057710
TI  - Cost containment and policy changes for HIV services in a resource limited
      setting.

PMID- 22057711
TI  - All-hazards COOP for medical facilities.

PMID- 22057712
TI  - Is there much limited legal liability protection for physicians in crisis
      standards of care in SC?

PMID- 22057713
TI  - All hazards planning and response in the Veterans Administration.

PMID- 22057714
TI  - Dose dependence of intratumoral perivascular distribution of monoclonal
      antibodies.
AB  - Intravenously delivered antibodies have been previously found to distribute in a
      perivascular fashion in a variety of tumor types and despite targeting a range of
      different antigens. Properties of both the antibody and the targeted antigen,
      such as the administered dose, binding affinity, and antigen metabolic half-life,
      are predicted to influence the observed perivascular distribution. Here, the
      effect of antibody dose on the perivascular distribution is determined using an
      unbiased image analysis approach to quantify the microscopic distribution of the
      antibody around thousands of blood vessels per tumor. This method allows the
      quantitative determination of the localization of blood vessels, extravasated
      antibody, and tumor antigen following the administration of antibody doses
      covering two orders of magnitude in the dose range commonly utilized in
      preclinical studies. A mathematical model of antibody extravasation, diffusion,
      binding, and endocytosis in a Krogh cylinder geometry with parameters directly
      measured or taken from the literature is quantitatively consistent with the
      experimentally determined profiles. A previously reported scaling analysis is
      employed to extend these results to any tumor model in which the antigen density
      and turnover rate are known, allowing facile quantitative prediction of the
      minimum antibody dose required for complete tumor saturation.

PMID- 22057715
TI  - Spectroscopic analysis of immobilised redox enzymes under direct electrochemical
      control.
AB  - This article reviews recent developments in spectroscopic analysis of electrode
      immobilised enzymes under direct, unmediated electrochemical control. These
      methods unite the suite of spectroscopic methods available for characterisation
      of structural, electronic and coordination changes in proteins with the exquisite
      control over complex redox enzymes that can be achieved in protein film
      electrochemistry in which immobilised protein molecules exchange electrons
      directly with an electrode. This combination is particularly powerful in studies
      of highly active enzymes where redox states can be controlled even under fast
      electrocatalytic turnover. We examine examples in which UV-visible, IR, Raman and
      MCD spectroscopy have been combined with direct electrochemistry to probe redox
      dependent chemistry, and consider future opportunities for 'direct'
      spectroelectrochemistry of immobilised enzymes.

PMID- 22057716
TI  - Left ventricular remodeling in swine after myocardial infarction: a
      transcriptional genomics approach.
AB  - Despite the apparent appropriateness of left ventricular (LV) remodeling
      following myocardial infarction (MI), it poses an independent risk factor for
      development of heart failure. There is a paucity of studies into the molecular
      mechanisms of LV remodeling in large animal species. We took an unbiased
      molecular approach to identify candidate transcription factors (TFs) mediating
      the genetic reprogramming involved in post-MI LV remodeling in swine. Left
      ventricular tissue was collected from remote, non-infarcted myocardium, 3 weeks
      after MI-induction or sham-surgery. Microarray analysis identified 285
      upregulated and 278 downregulated genes (FDR < 0.05). Of these differentially
      expressed genes, the promoter regions of the human homologs were searched for
      common TF binding sites (TFBS). Eighteen TFBS were overrepresented >two-fold (p <
      0.01) in upregulated and 13 in downregulated genes. Left ventricular nuclear
      protein extracts were assayed for DNA-binding activity by protein/DNA array. Out
      of 345 DNA probes, 30 showed signal intensity changes >two-fold. Five TFs were
      identified in both TFBS and protein/DNA array analyses, which showed matching
      changes for COUP-TFII and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) only. Treatment of swine
      with the GR antagonist mifepristone after MI reduced the post-MI increase in LV
      mass, but LV dilation remained unaffected. Thus, using an unbiased approach to
      study post-MI LV remodeling in a physiologically relevant large animal model, we
      identified COUP-TFII and GR as potential key mediators of post-MI remodeling.

PMID- 22057717
TI  - TDP-43 toxicity is mediated by the unfolded protein response-unrelated induction
      of C/EBP homologous protein expression.
AB  - Transactive response DNA-binding protein-43 (TDP-43) neuronal toxicity plays an
      essential role in the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and
      frontotemporal lobar degeneration with ubiquitin-positive inclusions. In our
      previous study, we showed that low-grade overexpression of TDP-43, which is
      thought to mimic the gain-of-function of TDP-43, caused neuronal death, mediated
      by the upregulation of Bim and the downregulation of Bcl-xL in vitro. In this
      study, we show that TDP-43 overexpression caused the upregulation of C/EBP
      homologous protein (CHOP) and that disruption of the CHOP gene markedly
      attenuated TDP-43-induced cell death. These results indicate that increases in
      CHOP expression contribute to TDP-43-induced cell death. We also show that the
      TDP-43-induced upregulation of CHOP expression is mediated by both the
      upregulation of the mRNA level of CHOP and the attenuation of thedegradation of
      CHOP, which is independent on the PERK/eIF2alpha/ATF4 or other pathway related to
      the unfolded protein response (UPR) to endoplasmic reticulum stress. This study
      provides the first example of the CHOP-mediated cell death that is independent of
      the UPR. (c) 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

PMID- 22057718
TI  - On the stability of the bioactive flavonoids quercetin and luteolin under oxygen
      free conditions.
AB  - The natural flavonoid compounds quercetin (3,3',4',5,7-pentahydroxyflavone) and
      luteolin (3',4',5,7-tetrahydroxyflavone) are important bioactive compounds with
      antioxidative, anti-allergic, and anti-inflammatory properties. However, both are
      unstable when exposed to atmospheric oxygen, which causes degradation and
      complicates their analytical determinations. The oxidative change of these
      flavonoids was observed and followed by UV-visible spectrophotometry, both in
      aqueous and ethanolic solutions. The distribution of the degradation products in
      aqueous media was monitored by LC-MS and LC-DAD analysis. The amounts of
      oxidative reaction products increase with the exposure time. The oxidative
      degradation reduces the pharmacological efficiency of these antioxidants and
      renders analytical determination inaccurate. The oxidative changes in flavonoid
      test solutions can explain the inconsistent dissociation constants reported in
      the literature. Dissociation constants of quercetin and luteolin were determined
      both by alkalimetric titration and by UV-visible spectrophotometry under
      deaerated conditions. The values pK(1) = 5.87 +/- 0.14 and pK(2) = 8.48 +/- 0.09
      for quercetin, and pK(1) = 5.99 +/- 0.32 and pK(2) = 8.40 +/- 0.42 for luteolin
      were found.

PMID- 22057719
TI  - Ultrasound-enhanced surfactant-assisted dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction
      and high-performance liquid chromatography for determination of ketoconazole and
      econazole nitrate in human blood.
AB  - A simple and efficient method, based on ultrasound-enhanced surfactant-assisted
      dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction (UESA-DLLME) followed by high
      performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) has been developed for extraction and
      determination of ketoconazole and econazole nitrate in human blood samples. In
      this method, a common cationic surfactant, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB),
      was used as dispersant. Chloroform (40 MUL) as extraction solvent was added
      rapidly to 5 mL blood containing 0.068 mg mL(-1) CTAB. The mixture was then
      sonicated for 2 min to disperse the organic chloroform phase. After the
      extraction procedure, the mixture was centrifuged to sediment the organic
      chloroform phase, which was collected for HPLC analysis. Several conditions,
      including type and volume of extraction solvent, type and concentration of the
      surfactant, ultrasound time, extraction temperature, pH, and ionic strength were
      studied and optimized. Under the optimum conditions, linear calibration curves
      were obtained in the ranges 4-5000 MUg L(-1) for ketoconazole and 8-5000 MUg L(
      1) for econazole nitrate, with linear correlation coefficients for both >0.99.
      The limits of detection (LODs, S/N = 3) and enrichment factors (EFs) were 1.1 and
      2.3 MUg L(-1), and 129 and 140 for ketoconazole and econazole nitrate,
      respectively. Reproducibility and recovery were good. The method was successfully
      applied to the determination of ketoconazole and econazole nitrate in human blood
      samples.

PMID- 22057720
TI  - Ultra-thin layer MALDI mass spectrometry of membrane proteins in nanodiscs.
AB  - Nanodiscs have become a leading technology to solubilize membrane proteins for
      biophysical, enzymatic, and structural investigations. Nanodiscs are nanoscale,
      discoidal lipid bilayers surrounded by an amphipathic membrane scaffold protein
      (MSP) belt. A variety of analytical tools has been applied to membrane proteins
      in nanodiscs, including several recent mass spectrometry studies. Mass
      spectrometry of full-length proteins is an important technique for analyzing
      protein modifications, for structural studies, and for identification of proteins
      present in binding assays. However, traditional matrix-assisted laser
      desorption/ionization-time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry methods for
      analyzing full-length membrane proteins solubilized in nanodiscs are limited by
      strong signal from the MSP belt and weak signal from the membrane protein inside
      the nanodisc. Herein, we show that an optimized ultra-thin layer MALDI sample
      preparation technique dramatically enhances the membrane protein signal and
      nearly completely eliminates the MSP signal. First-shot MALDI and MALDI imaging
      are used to characterize the spots formed by the ultra-thin layer method.
      Furthermore, the membrane protein enhancement and MSP suppression are shown to be
      independent of the type of membrane protein and are applicable to mixtures of
      membrane proteins in nanodiscs.

PMID- 22057721
TI  - Data processing for image-based chemical sensors: unsupervised region of interest
      selection and background noise compensation.
AB  - Natural olfaction suggests that numerous replicas of small sensors can achieve
      large sensitivity. This concept of sensor redundancy can be exploited by use of
      optical chemical sensors whose use of image sensors enables the simultaneous
      measurement of several spatially distributed indicators. Digital image sensors
      split the framed scene into hundreds of thousands of pixels each corresponding to
      a portion of the sensing layer. The signal from each pixel can be regarded as an
      independent sensor, which leads to a highly redundant sensor array. Such
      redundancy can eventually be exploited to increase the signal-to-noise ratio. In
      this paper we report an algorithm for reduction of the noise of pixel signals.
      For this purpose, the algorithm processes the output of groups of pixels whose
      signals share the same time behavior, as is the case for signals related to the
      same indicator. To define these groups of pixels, unsupervised clustering, based
      on classification of the indicator colors, is proposed here. This approach to
      signal processing is tested in experiments on the chemical sensitivity of
      replicas of eight indicators spotted on to a plastic substrate. Results show that
      the groups of pixels can be defined independently of the geometrical arrangement
      of the sensing spots, and substantial improvement of the signal-to-noise ratio is
      obtained, enabling the detection of volatile compounds at any location on the
      distributed sensing layer.

PMID- 22057722
TI  - Iron topochemistry and surface reactivity of amphibole asbestos: relations with
      in vitro toxicity.
AB  - Chemical reactivity of asbestos tremolite from Italy and USA localities and Union
      Internationale Contre le Cancer (UICC) crocidolite was studied in relation to Fe
      content, oxidation state, and structural coordination. Direct correlation between
      amount of Fe(2+) at the exposed M(1) and M(2) sites of the amphibole structure
      and fiber chemical reactivity was established. The in vitro toxicity of the same
      samples was investigated on human alveolar A549 cell line. Relationship between
      crystal-chemical features and cell toxicity is not straightforward. UICC
      crocidolite has Fe content and chemical reactivity largely higher than that of
      tremolite samples, but all show comparable in vitro toxic potential. Results
      obtained evidenced that Fe topochemistry is not a primary factor for induced cell
      toxicity, though it accounts for asbestos chemical reactivity (and possibly
      genotoxicity).

PMID- 22057724
TI  - mTOR-rictor is the Ser473 kinase for AKT1 in mouse one-cell stage embryos.
AB  - Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) controls cell growth and proliferation via
      the raptor-mTOR (TORC1) and rictor-mTOR (TORC2) protein complexes. The mTORC2
      containing mTOR and rictor is thought to be rapamycin insensitive and it is
      recently shown that both rictor and mTORC2 are essential for the development of
      both embryonic and extra embryonic tissues. To explore rictor function in the
      early development of mouse embryos, we disrupted the expression of rictor, a
      specific component of mTORC2, in mouse fertilized eggs by using rictor shRNA. Our
      results showed that one-cell stage eggs that were lack of rictor could not enter
      into the two-cell stage normally. Recent biochemical studies suggests that TORC2
      is the elusive PDK2 (3'-phosphoinositide-dependent kinase 2) for AKT/PKB Ser473
      phosphorylation, which is deemed necessary for AKT function, so we microinjected
      AKT-S473A into mouse fertilized eggs to investigate whether AKT-S473A is
      downstream effector of mTOR.rictor to regulate the mitotic division. Our findings
      revealed that the rictor induced phosphorylation of AKT in Ser473 is required for
      TORC2 function in early development of mouse embryos.

PMID- 22057725
TI  - Clinical evaluation of the OptiVisTM multifocal intraocular lens.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the
      OptiVisTM Multifocal Intraocular Lens (IOL) in patients undergoing bilateral
      crystalline lens replacement following extracapsular extraction by
      phacoemulsification. METHODS: This was a prospective 6-month, open-label,
      nonrandomized clinical trial of subjects undergoing bilateral implantation with
      the OptiVis Multifocal IOL. Of the 121 eyes enrolled, 88 eyes of 44 subjects
      completed the entire 6-month trial. RESULTS: After 6 months, the majority of eyes
      had a distance best-corrected visual acuity of 20/20 or better, with 89.8%
      achieving that outcome, and 100% with 20/32 or better. At an intermediate
      distance, most eyes (90.9%) had a distance corrected intermediate visual acuity
      of 20/40 or better, and 53.4% had an acuity of 20/32 or better. At a near
      distance, most eyes (95.5%) had a distance corrected near visual acuity of 20/40
      or better by month 6. The most commonly reported adverse event was mild-to
      moderate halos (n = 30, 36%) and mild-to-moderate glare (n = 15, 18%). In
      addition, there was one case of cystoid macular edema, one posterior capsular
      opacification, and one case of severe corneal edema. Postoperative contrast
      sensitivity was comparable with normal phakic subjects >= 60 years of age.
      CONCLUSION: The OptiVis Multifocal IOL provided satisfactory visual acuity at
      distance, near, and intermediate with no apparent reduction in contrast
      sensitivity. Additional, longer-term follow-up studies are planned.

PMID- 22057726
TI  - Effects of escitalopram on sleep problems in patients with major depression or
      generalized anxiety disorder.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Disturbed sleep is a key symptom in major depressive disorder (MDD)
      and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). First-line antidepressants, including the
      selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and serotonin noradrenaline
      reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), may have different effects on sleep. METHODS: Data
      from 22 randomized, controlled trials comparing escitalopram with SSRIs, SNRIs,
      or placebo in the treatment of adult MDD or GAD were included. Both last
      observation carried forward (LOCF) and repeated measurements (MMRM) were used to
      analyze the sleep item of the Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS)
      or Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) after 8 weeks of treatment. Sleep
      related treatment-emergent adverse events were also compared across groups.
      RESULTS: For patients with MDD (n = 5133), the treatment difference on MADRS item
      4 ("reduced sleep") was significantly in favor of escitalopram versus placebo
      (LOCF [P = 0.0017] and MMRM [P = 0.0002]), versus SSRIs (LOCF [P = 0.0020] and
      MMRM [P < 0.0031]), and versus SNRIs (LOCF [P = 0.0002] and MMRM [P = 0.0352]).
      For the 53% of patients with MDD who suffered from sleep problems at baseline
      (baseline MADRS item 4 score >= 4), the improvement in sleep symptoms was
      significantly in favor of escitalopram versus placebo (LOCF [P = 0.0022] and MMRM
      [P < 0.0005]), versus SSRIs (LOCF [P = 0.0001] and MMRM [P = 0.0002]), and versus
      SNRIs (LOCF [P < 0.0067] but not MMRM [P > 0.0787]). For patients with GAD (n =
      2052) the treatment difference in sleep symptoms measured by HAM-A item 4
      ("insomnia") was significantly in favor of escitalopram versus placebo (LOCF [P =
      0.0005] and MMRM [P < 0.0001]), but not different to paroxetine or venlafaxine.
      The same pattern was seen for the large proportion (67%-82%) of GAD patients
      reporting sleep problems at baseline (baseline HAM-A item 4 score >= 2). In MDD,
      the rate of insomnia as an adverse event after escitalopram was higher than
      placebo, similar to SSRIs, and lower than SNRIs. CONCLUSIONS: Additional research
      assessing the comparative effects of antidepressants with polysomnography is
      needed. In the interim, from a clinical perspective, escitalopram appears to be
      beneficial for the treatment of sleep problems in MDD and GAD.

PMID- 22057727
TI  - Oseltamivir in seasonal, pandemic, and avian influenza: a comprehensive review of
      10-years clinical experience.
AB  - Oseltamivir (Tamiflu(r); F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd, Basel, Switzerland) is an
      orally administered antiviral for the treatment and prevention of influenza A and
      B infections that is registered in more than 100 countries worldwide. More than
      83 million patients have been exposed to the product since its introduction.
      Oseltamivir is recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for use in the
      clinical management of pandemic and seasonal influenza of varying severity, and
      as the primary antiviral agent for treatment of avian H5N1 influenza infection in
      humans. This article is a nonsystematic review of the experience gained from the
      first 10 years of using oseltamivir for influenza infections since its launch in
      early 2000, emphasizing recent advances in our understanding of the product and
      its clinical utility in five main areas. The article reviews the pharmacokinetics
      of oseltamivir and its active metabolite, oseltamivir carboxylate, including
      information on special populations such as children and elderly adults, and the
      co-administration of oseltamivir with other agents. This is followed by a summary
      of data on the effectiveness of oseltamivir treatment and prophylaxis in patients
      with all types of influenza, including pandemic (H1N1) 2009 and avian H5N1
      influenza. The implications of changes in susceptibility of circulating influenza
      viruses to oseltamivir and other antiviral agents are also described, as is the
      emergence of antiviral resistance during and after the 2009 pandemic. The fourth
      main section deals with the safety profile of oseltamivir in standard and special
      patient populations, and reviews spontaneously reported adverse event data from
      the pandemic and pre-pandemic periods and the topical issue of neuropsychiatric
      adverse events. Finally, the article considers the pharmacoeconomics of
      oseltamivir in comparison with vaccination and usual care regimens, and as a
      component of pandemic influenza mitigation strategies.

PMID- 22057729
TI  - Dissolution and pharmacokinetics of a novel micronized aspirin formulation.
AB  - Aspirin (acetylsalicylic acid, ASA) has been used as an analgesic, antipyretic
      and antiinflammatory drug for many years. A new 500 mg aspirin tablet formulation
      containing micronized active ingredient and an effervescent component has been
      developed for potential improvement in the onset of action for acute pain
      treatment. This paper describes the dissolution and the pharmacokinetics of the
      new formulation in comparison with regular aspirin tablets, aspirin granules and
      aspirin effervescent tablets. Micronized aspirin tablets dissolve significantly
      faster over a pH range from 1.2 to 6.8 compared to regular 500 mg aspirin
      tablets. Plasma concentration time curve comparison to regular 500 mg aspirin
      tablets showed a substantial improvement in the time to maximum plasma
      concentrations (T(max)) (ASA 17.5 min vs. 45 min) and an increase in maximum
      plasma concentration (C(max)) (ASA 13.8 MUg/ml vs. 4.4 MUg/ml) while the overall
      extent of exposure (AUC) remains almost unchanged. The data suggest a potential
      improvement for onset of action in treating acute pain with the new micronized
      aspirin formulation.

PMID- 22057730
TI  - Water ingestion reduces skin blood flow through sympathetic vasoconstriction.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Water ingestion induces a pressor effect in patients with efferent
      baroreflex impairment and a mild pressor effect in elderly healthy subjects.
      However, water raised the total peripheral vascular resistance (TPR) without a
      prominent change in blood pressure in young healthy subjects. We try to
      investigate whether water elicits a cardiovascular response via regulating
      regional skin blood flow (SkBF) in young healthy subjects. METHODS: In a
      randomized, controlled, crossover fashion, 15 healthy male subjects (19-27 years
      old) ingested either 500 (water session) or 50 ml of water (control). The heart
      rate, blood pressure, cardiac index, and TPR were measured using a Task Force
      Monitor. A laser Doppler velocimeter was used to determine the change in the SkBF
      at the left thenar eminence. Plasma catecholamines and their metabolites were
      also measured. RESULTS: At 25 min after ingestion of 500 ml water, the cardiac
      index and SkBF significantly decreased compared to control. In contrast, the TPR
      significantly increased after ingestion of 500 ml water. Plasma
      dihydroxyphenylalanine significantly increased at 25 min after water.
      INTERPRETATION: Water ingestion decreases the cardiac index to compensate for the
      increase in the TPR, leading to no net change in blood pressure in young healthy
      subjects. This study suggests that water decreases the SkBF, a mechanism that
      might account partly for the nature of osmopressor response to water in young
      healthy subjects.

PMID- 22057731
TI  - Replacing a battery by a nanogenerator with 20 V output.

PMID- 22057732
TI  - How to determine post-RCHOP therapy for risk-tailored adult patients with diffuse
      large B-cell lymphoma, addition of maintenance rituximab or observation:
      multicenter experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In international prognostic index (IPI) risk-tailored adult patients
      with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), it is still unclear whether the
      addition of maintenance rituximab (MR) improves progression-free (PFS) and
      overall survival (OS), after RCHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin,
      vincristine and prednisone) therapy. METHODS: In our study, 207 patients (age: 21
      59 years) received six 14-day cycles of RCHOP and gained overall response. After
      RCHOP, 98 patients were enrolled in the observation (OBS) arm. 109 patients
      continued to receive MR therapy. RESULTS: In IPI risk <2 profile, PFS at 5 years
      reached 72.9% (MR arm) versus 56% (OBS arm) (P = 0.033). In IPI risk >=2 profile,
      PFS estimation at 5 years was 44.9% (MR arm) versus 33.5% (OBS arm) (P = 0.006).
      It is noteworthy that patients with IPI >=2 who received MR achieved PFS similar
      to that for patients in the OBS arm with the IPI <2, 44.9% versus 56% (P = 0.97).
      In patients with an IPI <2, OS at 5 years was 83.2% (MR arm) versus 81.2% (OBS
      arm) (P = 0.708). In patients with an IPI >=2, 5-year OS estimation was 44.6% (MR
      arm) versus 40.5% (OBS arm) (P = 0.067). Subgroup analysis of patients with an
      IPI >=3 risk profile shows a survival benefit for patients receiving MR. OS at 5
      years was 62% (MR arm) versus 49% (OBS arm), (P = 0.033). CONCLUSIONS: In
      conclusion, maintenance rituximab after RCHOP improves progression-free survival.
      In addition, overall survival is improved for patients with an IPI >=3 risk
      profile receiving MR.

PMID- 22057733
TI  - The effects of vascular endothelial growth factor C knockdown in esophageal
      squamous cell carcinoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: We investigated the role of vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF
      C) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) by knocking down VEGF-C
      expression in the ESCC cell line EC9706. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry and in
      situ hybridization techniques were used to detect the expression of VEGF-C
      expression in ESCC tissues. We also investigated the relationship between VEGF-C
      expression and lymph node metastasis. We designed a siRNA expression plasmid for
      VEGF-C and transfected it into EC9706 cells. Stable clones were selected, and
      VEGF-C expression was analyzed by RT-PCR and western blotting. Cells were
      inoculated into nude mice. The expression of VEGF-C in the resulting tumors was
      analyzed by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. RESULTS: VEGF-C is
      highly expressed in ESCC and correlated with lymph node metastasis, as high
      levels were observed in patients presenting with lymph node metastases relative
      to those who did not (P < 0.01). Transfection with VEGF-C-siRNA decreased the
      expression of VEGF-C mRNA and protein. ESCC cells stably transfected with VEGF-C
      siRNA expressed very low levels of VEGF-C (P < 0.01 compared with control). This
      knockdown effect persisted when the cells were inoculated into nude mice and
      allowed to form tumors. CONCLUSIONS: The siRNA-targeted knockdown of VEGF-C led
      to a significant reduction in VEGF-C expression. This siRNA technique could be
      used for gene therapy in ESCC.

PMID- 22057734
TI  - Projected and observed diabetes epidemics in China and beyond.
AB  - Diabetes is one of the major noncommunicable diseases found worldwide. Different
      researchers have reported the predicted and observed prevalence of diabetes and
      the number of people with diabetes over different years in China and in other
      countries. This review provides a new insight into the growing epidemic of
      diabetes in recent decades and in the coming future by comparing projected and
      observed prevailing trends of this disease reported in the international
      literature. The review found that the projected burden of diabetes for China in
      each time point from 2000 to 2030 underestimated the epidemic of diabetes in
      terms of the prevalence and the total number of people with the disease. Based on
      a recent Chinese national survey, the observed prevalence and the total number of
      people with diabetes in 2008 (9.7% and 92.4 million, respectively) were
      remarkably higher than that expected for 2009 or 2010 (3.9% and 53.1 million for
      2009, and 4.5% and 43.2 million for 2010).The observed 2008 figures were even
      much higher than the projected prevalence and the number of people with diabetes
      for 2030. The tendency to underestimate future diabetes epidemics also occurs in
      many other countries, especially those characterized by low and middle incomes.

PMID- 22057735
TI  - Editorial: Learning from top performers using a positive deviance approach.

PMID- 22057736
TI  - Inhibitor-immunology-study. Evaluation of inhibitor development in haemophilia B.
AB  - The development of inhibitors in haemophilia B is one of the most important
      complications of replacement therapy, affecting mortality and morbidity.
      Inhibitor development is based on complex immunological factors, and to date,
      only little is known about its underlying mechanisms. Here, we present first
      results of the haemophilia B group of our Inhibitor-Immunology study. PATIENTS,
      METHODS: So far we have analysed 15 patients with haemophilia B. Four of them
      developed a high titre inhibitor; the remaining 11 had no inhibitor. We evaluated
      9 SNPs in 8 genes (CD40, CTLA-4 , IL-1beta, IL-10, TLR2 , TLR4, TLR9, TNF-alpha).
      We compared the distribution of these alleles between inhibitor and non-inhibitor
      haemophilia B patients and between haemophilia B patients and a normal male
      control population. HLA typing was performed in all patients. Results,
      discussion: There appears to be a trend towards a skewed distribution of TLR 9,
      IL-10 and CTLA4 alleles in haemophilia B patients. Due to the limited number
      these differences are, however, not statistically significant. The t-test of all
      patients with inhibitor versus without inhibitor was significant for HLA-A*03 and
      DPB1*0401 and borderline for DRB1*0201.

PMID- 22057737
TI  - Spontaneous femoral neck fracture associated with a low serum level of vitamin D.

PMID- 22057738
TI  - Arthroscopic gap distance can predict the degree of scapholunate ligament tears:
      a cadaver study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Midcarpal joint arthroscopy is essential for diagnosing scapholunate
      (SL) instability, but a discrepancy may exist between the grade of arthroscopic
      evaluation and the extent of SL ligament tears. This study aimed to investigate
      whether the magnitude of arthroscopic SL gap distance could predict the extent of
      ligamentous disruptions in a simulated SL dissociation model. METHODS: Eight
      upper extremities of fresh cadavers were analyzed. Static and dynamic SL gap
      distances were measured with using custom-made probes via midcarpal arthroscopy
      in intact wrists following sequential sectioning of the SL stabilizing ligaments.
      Comparisons of static and dynamic SL gaps between stages were conducted using
      analysis of variance followed by the Games-Howell test. Receiver operating
      characteristic (ROC) curves were constructed to assess the diagnostic performance
      of the SL gap distance in identifying simulated ligament tears. RESULTS: There
      were no significant differences between stages in the static SL gap distance.
      Dynamic SL gap distance increased significantly following SL interosseous
      ligament (SLIL) sectioning. According to the ROC curve for dynamic SL gap
      distance, the area under the curve was 0.94 for the assessment of the diagnostic
      performances in identifying complete SLIL sectioning. A cut-off value of 1.4 mm
      for the dynamic SL gap showed the highest diagnostic accuracy rate (91%). The
      dynamic SL gap distance showed a high diagnostic performance in the detection of
      dorsal intercarpal ligament (DICL) sectioning. The highest accuracy rate (85%)
      was noted when the threshold value was set at 2.8 mm. CONCLUSION: The SLIL is the
      primary stabilizer of the SL joint in the viewpoint of arthroscopic measurement.
      Dynamic SL joint widening of more than 1.4 mm showed the best predictive ability
      for complete SLIL tears, while 2.8 mm widening made it possible to predict both
      DICL and SLIL tears.

PMID- 22057739
TI  - Transition-metal-catalyzed synthesis of diboranes(4).
AB  - The diboranes(4) bis(catecholato)diborane (B(2)Cat(2)) and
      bis(pinacolato)diborane (B(2)Pin(2)) are important precursors for organoboronic
      esters, which are versatile reagents for the formation of carbon-carbon bonds. A
      new catalytic synthesis for these compounds starts from catecholborane or
      pinacolborane and gives the dehydrocoupling products B(2)Cat(2) and B(2)Pin(2)
      with turnover numbers of up to 11,600 (see scheme).

PMID- 22057740
TI  - Good things in small packages: meeting the challenges of a lower volume
      congenital heart surgery program.

PMID- 22057741
TI  - Changes in cardiothoracic surgery education.

PMID- 22057742
TI  - Cardiac transplantation at MUSC: 24 years of experience and change.

PMID- 22057743
TI  - The development of a minimally invasive cardiac surgery program: the Greenville
      experience.

PMID- 22057744
TI  - The survival benefit of lung transplantation among patients with advanced
      pulmonary diseases.

PMID- 22057745
TI  - Experience with valve-sparing aortic root replacement at MUSC.

PMID- 22057746
TI  - The evolving role of thoracoscopic lobectomy for non-small cell lung cancer.

PMID- 22057747
TI  - Brain death, cardiac death, and the dead donor rule.

PMID- 22057748
TI  - Stem cells and cardiac surgery- the road ahead.

PMID- 22057749
TI  - Mitral valve repair with the american correction: the first 100 cases at Roper
      Hospital.

PMID- 22057750
TI  - Update on ventricular assist devices.

PMID- 22057751
TI  - Apicoaortic Conduits, an innovative solution to difficult aortic stenosis: the
      MUSC Experience.

PMID- 22057752
TI  - Systematic review of met and unmet need of surgical disease in rural sub-Saharan
      Africa.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Little is known about the burden of surgical disease in rural sub
      Saharan Africa, where district and rural hospitals are the main providers of
      care. The present study sought to analyze what is known about the met and unmet
      need of surgical disease. METHODS: The PubMed and EMBASE databases were searched
      for studies of surveys in rural areas, information on surgical admissions, and
      operations performed within rural and district hospitals. Data were extrapolated
      to calculate the amount of surgical disease per 100,000 population and the number
      of operations performed per 100,000 population. These extrapolations were used to
      estimate the total, the met, and the unmet need of surgical disease. RESULTS: The
      estimated overall incidence of nonfatal injury is at least 1,690/100,000
      population per year. Morbidity as a result of injury is up to 190/100,000
      population per year, and the annual mortality from injury is 53-92/100,000.
      District hospitals perform 6 fracture reductions (95% CI: 0.1-12)/100,000
      population per year and 14 laparotomies (95% CI: 7-21)/100,000 per year. The
      incidence of peritonitis and bowel obstruction is unknown, although it may be as
      high as 1,364/100,000 population for the acute abdomen. The annual total need for
      inguinal hernia repair is estimated to be a minimum of 205/100,000 population.
      The average district hospital performs 30 hernia repairs (95% CI: 18-41)/100,000
      population per year, leaving an unmet need of 175/100,000 population annually.
      CONCLUSIONS: District hospitals are not meeting the surgical needs of the
      populations they serve. Urgent intervention is required to build up their
      capacity, to train healthcare personnel in safe surgery and anesthesia, and to
      overcome obstacles to timely emergency care.

PMID- 22057753
TI  - Comparison of Limberg flap and tension-free primary closure during pilonidal
      sinus surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pilonidal disease is an inflammatory disease seen in the intergluteal
      region. In this study, our aim was to compare the efficacy of the Limberg flap
      versus a tension-free primary closure. METHODS: A total of 93 patients were
      included in this study. The patients were assigned consecutively by the closed
      envelope technique to one of two groups: 49 patients in group 1 (excision and
      Limberg flap) and 44 patients in group 2 (tension-free primary closure). Excision
      and reconstruction with the Limberg flap was performed in its classic form. For
      tension-free primary closure after excision of the sinus tract with an elliptical
      incision, the skin and subcutaneous tissue were released 2-3 cm away from the
      incision line. The subcutaneous tissue was closed twofold with 2/0 polyglactin
      sutures. The skin underwent 3/0 polypropylene mattress suturing. RESULTS: The
      median age was 25 years (17-43 years). The median follow-up period was 29.5
      months (8-43 months). There was no significant difference between the groups in
      terms of age, sex, follow-up time, or anesthesia method. One patient in each
      group experienced wound infection. During the first 6 months of follow-up there
      was no recurrence. However, at later visits recurrences were seen in two patients
      in each group (4.1% in group 1, 4.5% in group 2). CONCLUSIONS: The lower rates of
      wound infection and recurrence associated with the Limberg flap reported
      elsewhere may be associated with healing of the tension-free procedure. In this
      study, tension-free primary closure was found to be as effective as the Limberg
      flap reconstruction.

PMID- 22057754
TI  - Incidence of malignancy in thyroid nodules determined to be follicular lesions of
      undetermined significance on fine-needle aspiration.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fine-needle aspiration (FNA) for thyroid nodules is the most
      important method for determining a diagnosis. The system for reporting results is
      based on a cytopathologic classification that stratifies the risk of malignancy.
      METHODS: We retrospectively studied 197 patients who underwent FNA for diagnostic
      evaluation of a thyroid nodule and had their results reported as a follicular
      lesion of undetermined significance (FLUS) using the Bethesda classification
      system. The objective of the study was to analyze the incidence and
      histopathologic types of malignancy in these cases. RESULTS: The final
      histopathologic breakdown is as follows: 65 cases (32.9%) of follicular adenoma,
      81 cases (41.1%) of microfollicular adenomatoid nodule, 19 cases (9.6%) of
      microfollicular adenomatoid nodule on the background of thyroiditis, 17 cases
      (8.6%) of follicular carcinoma, 9 cases (4.6%) of follicular variant papillary
      carcinoma, and 6 cases (3.1%) of classic papillary carcinoma, for a 16.2%
      incidence of malignancy. Beyond these diagnoses in the FNA-biopsied nodules, we
      observed 29 cases (14.7%) of incidental ipsilateral papillary thyroid
      microcarcinoma (PTM) and 13 cases (6.6%) of incidental contralateral thyroid lobe
      PTM. CONCLUSIONS: This study observed a 16.2% incidence of thyroid cancer in the
      nodule designated FLUS compared to the 5 to 15% rate reported by the Bethesda FNA
      classification. The overall incidence of incidental PTM in the thyroid gland was
      21.3%. These data support considering surgical intervention for at least
      diagnostic purposes in a patient with the FNAB diagnosis of FLUS.

PMID- 22057755
TI  - Spontaneous adrenal hemorrhage with associated masses: etiology and management in
      6 cases and a review of 133 reported cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Spontaneous adrenal hemorrhage associated with a mass is uncommon and
      treatment strategies are not standardized. Current treatment modalities range
      from supportive management and blood transfusion to embolization or immediate
      operative extirpation. Our objectives were to describe six cases from a single
      institution and to perform a literature review of the etiology of the condition
      and recommended management of patients with hemorrhagic adrenal masses. METHODS:
      Records from six patients diagnosed with adrenal hemorrhage and an associated
      mass at a single institution were reviewed. Clinical records and outcomes were
      analyzed. A comprehensive review of 133 reported cases in the literature was
      performed. RESULTS: Six patients presented with spontaneous adrenal hemorrhage
      that appeared to be associated with a mass, with tumor sizes ranging from 3.7 to
      15 cm. Three patients underwent adrenalectomy for pheochromocytoma or
      adrenocortical cancer. Three patients did not undergo adrenalectomy: one had a
      metastasis from lung cancer, one underwent embolization, and one had resolution
      of the mass on interval imaging. A comprehensive review of the literature
      identified 133 cases, with pheochromocytoma the most commonly reported lesion
      (48%). CONCLUSIONS: Spontaneous adrenal hemorrhage is rare. When it does occur, a
      high level of suspicion for malignant disease or pheochromocytoma should be
      maintained. The possibility of a hematoma masquerading as a neoplasm should also
      be considered. In cases of ongoing hemorrhage, embolization may be a lifesaving
      temporizing measure. Acute surgical intervention should be considered in selected
      patients, and surgery may not be required in all patients. A cautious approach
      with a comprehensive biochemical and imaging work-up is advised prior to
      operation.

PMID- 22057756
TI  - Relation of lipid gene scores to longitudinal trends in lipid levels and
      incidence of abnormal lipid levels among individuals of European ancestry: the
      Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Multiple genetic loci have been associated with blood lipid levels.
      We tested the hypothesis that persons with an unfavorable lipid gene profile
      would experience a greater increase in lipid levels and a higher incidence of
      abnormal lipid levels relative to those with more-favorable lipid gene profiles.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: A total of 9328 individuals of European descent (aged 45-64
      years) in the ARIC (Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities) study were followed for
      9 years. Separate gene scores were created for each lipid phenotype on the basis
      of 95 loci identified in a published genome-wide association study of >100 000
      people of European-descent. Adjusted linear and survival models were used to
      estimate associations with lipid levels and incidence of lipid-lowering
      medication or abnormal lipid levels. Age and sex interactions were also explored.
      The cross-sectional difference (mg/dL) per 1 SD was -1.89 for high-density
      lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), 9.5 for low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL
      C), and 22.8 for triglycerides (P<5*10(-34) for all). Longitudinally, overall
      triglyceride levels rose over time, and each 1-SD greater triglyceride gene score
      was associated with an average increase in triglyceride levels of 0.3 mg/dL
      (P=0.003) over 3 years. The HDL-C, LDL-C, and total cholesterol gene scores were
      not related to change. All lipid gene scores were positively related to incidence
      of abnormal lipid levels over follow-up (hazard ratios per SD range, 1.15-1.36).
      CONCLUSIONS: Associations of genetic variants with lipid levels over time are
      complex. The triglyceride gene score was positively related to change in
      triglycerides levels, but similar longitudinal results were not observed for LDL
      C or HDL-C levels. Unfavorable gene scores were nevertheless related to higher
      incidence of abnormal levels.

PMID- 22057757
TI  - Quality of colonoscopy: the real need is for universal quality measurement and
      common standards for certification and credentialing.

PMID- 22057759
TI  - Reflux disease and Barrett's esophagus.

PMID- 22057760
TI  - Endoscopic diagnosis and treatment of upper gastrointestinal tumors.
AB  - Early diagnosis, endoscopic differentiation of benign from malignant lesions, and
      removal of clinically significant tumors are increasingly considered to be major
      topics of interest in the upper gastrointestinal tract. This interest is mainly
      due to the development of better imaging tools and new resection techniques that
      fulfill surgical criteria. At this year's Digestive Disease Week (DDW; 7-10 May
      2011, Chicago, Illinois, USA), more than 500 abstracts were presented that
      focused on better imaging, training, safety issues, luminal stenting, and
      indications and results in endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). This review
      highlights a selection of clinically relevant reports of the upper
      gastrointestinal tract, excluding Barrett's esophagus, which is covered in a
      separate report. Related abstracts that are not discussed in this review can be
      found in the additional references of interest.

PMID- 22057761
TI  - Gastrointestinal bleeding.
AB  - Gastrointestinal bleeding remains one of the most important emergencies in
      gastroenterology. Despite this, only about 100 abstracts concerning
      gastrointestinal bleeding (excluding bleeding complicating endoscopic procedures)
      were presented at this year's Digestive Disease Week (DDW; 7-10 May 2011;
      Chicago, Illinois, USA), accounting for less than 2% of all presented lectures
      and posters. It seems that the number of such abstracts has been decreasing over
      recent years. This may be due in part to the high level of medical care already
      achieved, especially in the areas of pharmacotherapy and endoscopic treatment of
      gastrointestinal bleeding. In this review of gastrointestinal bleeding, priority
      has been given to large epidemiological studies reflecting "real life," and
      abstracts dealing more or less directly with endoscopic management.

PMID- 22057762
TI  - Small-bowel endoscopy.

PMID- 22057763
TI  - Colon tumors and colonoscopy.
AB  - A large number of abstracts dealing with colonoscopy were presented at Digestive
      Disease Week (DDW; 7-10 May 2011; Chicago, Illinois, USA). Topics included: new
      techniques in colonoscopy, recent innovations in endoscopic ultrasonography
      (EUS), prevention of postpolypectomy bleeding, Raman spectroscopy, bowel
      preparation during colonoscopy, risk factors for high grade dysplasia (HGD) in
      colonic adenoma, recent advances in endoscopic treatment of colorectal cancer
      (CRC), and follow-up of HGD and CRC after endoscopic treatment. This review
      focuses on the most relevant presentations dealing with colon tumours and
      colonoscopy.

PMID- 22057764
TI  - Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography.

PMID- 22057765
TI  - The year of improved tissue acquisition, randomized trials, and endoscopic
      ultrasound-guided therapy.
AB  - Presentations at this year's Digestive Disease Week (DWW; 7-10 May, 2011;
      Chicago, Illinois, USA) reflected a very active year for endoscopic ultrasound
      (EUS). There were numerous abstracts on EUS-guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA)
      and core biopsy to improve tissue acquisition, improve diagnostic accuracy, and
      indeed go beyond routine cytology and tissue diagnosis. EUS-guided therapy
      including drainage, anastomoses, injection of therapeutic agents, and ablation
      were other common themes with a lot of new information presented, much of which
      was obtained from randomized trials. This review discusses in detail some of the
      abstracts that followed a common theme. Additional interesting abstracts on this
      topic are listed at the end of the review.

PMID- 22057766
TI  - Natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery.

PMID- 22057768
TI  - Is cold biopsy forceps resection of diminutive polyps really so inadequate?

PMID- 22057770
TI  - Peroral direct cholangioscopy with an ultraslim gastroscope in combination with a
      short double-balloon enteroscope for reconstructed biliary anatomy.

PMID- 22057771
TI  - The optimal timing for urgent endoscopy in nonvariceal upper gastrointestinal
      bleeding.

PMID- 22057773
TI  - Endoscopic rendezvous technique and esophageal fistulae: sometimes it is worth
      working in the dark!

PMID- 22057776
TI  - DNA polymerase-beta mediates the neurogenic effect of beta-amyloid protein in
      cultured subventricular zone neurospheres.
AB  - beta-Amyloid protein (Abeta) is thought to be responsible for neuronal apoptosis
      in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Paradoxically, Abeta can also promote neurogenesis,
      both in vitro and in vivo, by inducing neural progenitor cells (NPCs) to
      differentiate into neurons. However, the mechanisms of Abeta-induced neurogenesis
      are unknown. Here we examined the role of DNA polymerase-beta (DNA pol-beta), a
      DNA repair enzyme that is required for proper neurogenesis during brain
      development and is also responsible for Abeta-induced neuronal apoptosis. In
      neurospheres obtained from the adult mouse subventricular zone (SVZ), the
      knockdown of DNA pol-beta or its pharmacological blockade showed that the enzyme
      functioned both to repress proliferation of early nestin(+) progenitor cells and
      to promote the maturation of TuJ-1(+) neuronal cells. In neurospheres challenged
      with oligomers of synthetic Abeta(42) , the expression levels of DNA pol-beta
      were rapidly increased. DNA pol-beta knockdown prevented the Abeta(42) -promoted
      differentiation of nestin(+) progenitor cells into nestin(+) /Dlx-2(+)
      neuroblasts. Moreover, when neurospheres were seeded to allow full
      differentiation of their elements, blockade of DNA pol-beta prevented Abeta(42) 
      induced differentiation of progenitors into MAP-2(+) neurons. Thus, our data
      demonstrate that Abeta(42) arrests the proliferation of a subpopulation of
      nestin(+) cells via the induction of DNA pol-beta, thereby allowing for their
      differentiation toward the neuronal lineage. Our findings reveal a novel role of
      DNA pol-beta in Abeta(42) -induced neurogenesis and identify DNA pol-beta as a
      key mechanistic link between the neurogenic effect of Abeta(42) on NPCs and the
      proapoptotic effect of Abeta(42) on mature neurons.

PMID- 22057777
TI  - Changes in expression profiles of antioxidant enzymes in diabetic rat kidneys.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In diabetes mellitus, increased formation of reactive oxygen species
      due to high level of glucose in both blood plasma and tissues creates oxidative
      stress and damages the tissues. Antioxidants together with the antioxidant
      enzymes are very important in order to protect the cells against oxidative
      damage. METHODS: Differential expressions of both mRNA and proteins of major
      antioxidant enzymes in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat kidneys were measured
      with the help of real-time polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis,
      respectively. Furthermore, effects of two strong antioxidants alpha-lipoic acid,
      vitamin C and their combination on the regulation of both expressions and the
      activities of antioxidant enzymes were also studied. RESULTS: In diabetic rat
      kidney tissue, both catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities were reduced
      (although mRNA expression for both was greatly increased) when compared with
      controls. No significant change was observed in superoxide dismutase (SOD)
      activity. Alpha-lipoic acid increased catalase activity towards the control
      values. Combined administration of alpha-lipoic acid and vitamin C increased the
      activities of both catalase and SOD, demonstrating a posttranslational effect.
      Glutathione concentrations were decreased in diabetic kidney; alpha-lipoic acid
      treatment partially restored the glutathione levels. CONCLUSIONS: All data showed
      the importance of post-transcriptional and translational regulation of the
      antioxidant enzyme activities against oxidative stress that is associated with
      diabetes.

PMID- 22057779
TI  - The position of nitrogen in N-heteropentacenes matters.
AB  - An exploratory study on novel silylethynylated N-heteropentacenes, which have
      their N atoms on the terminal rings of the pentacene backbone, is reported. This
      study leads to both p- and n-channel organic thin-film transistors with high
      field-effect mobility and also reveals that the position of the N atoms plays an
      important role in tuning the structures and properties of organic semiconductors
      based on N-heteropentacenes.

PMID- 22057780
TI  - Prosaccade errors in the antisaccade task: differences between corrected and
      uncorrected errors and links to neuropsychological tests.
AB  - The relations among spatial memory, Stroop-like colour-word subtests, and errors
      on antisaccade and memory-guided saccadic eye-movement trials for older and
      younger adults were tested. Two types of errors in the antisaccade task were
      identified: short latency prosaccade errors that were immediately corrected and
      longer latency uncorrected prosaccade errors. The age groups did not differ on
      percentages of either corrected or uncorrected errors, but the latency and time
      to correct prosaccade errors were shorter for younger than older adults.
      Uncorrected prosaccade errors correlated significantly with spatial memory
      accuracy and errors on the colour-word subtests, but neither of these
      neuropsychological indices correlated with corrected prosaccade errors. These
      findings suggest that uncorrected prosaccade errors may be a result of cognitive
      factors involving a failure to maintain the goal of the antisaccade task in
      working memory. In contrast, corrected errors may be a consequence of a fixation
      system involving an initial failure to inhibit a reflexive prosaccade but with
      active goal maintenance enabling correction to take place.

PMID- 22057781
TI  - Hypnotizability-dependent accuracy in the reproduction of haptically explored
      paths.
AB  - The study assessed differences between highly (Highs) and low hypnotizable (Lows)
      subjects in the blindfolded reproduction of paths connected at acute or obtuse
      angles. Reproduction attempts were made after path exploration performed by one
      finger, with or without concomitant cognitive activities (mental computation or
      imagery of exploring an angle larger than the explored one). The variables
      analyzed were: subjective experience (scores of the exploring effort,
      reproduction difficulty, perceived accuracy of reproduction, attention to mental
      computation and efficacy of imagery), exploration time, relative error in
      reproduction (under or overestimation) and the percentage of "successful" trials
      (absolute error <10 degrees ). The results showed that the subjective experience
      of exploration/reproduction and the exploration times are similar in Highs and
      Lows and that all subjects underestimate the explored angles and reproduce the
      acute angle more accurately than the obtuse one. Exploration of the acute angle
      concomitant with imagery of a larger one reduced its underestimation in both
      groups. Highs exhibited a larger number of successful trials after exploration of
      the obtuse angle, while Lows (males) decreased their relative error in the
      reproduction of the acute angle. In conclusion, in the more demanding condition
      of reproducing an obtuse angle, the Highs' reproduction was more accurate and
      more independent of cognitive load than that of the Lows.

PMID- 22057782
TI  - What happens in the lab does not stay in the lab [corrected]: Applying midstream
      modulation to enhance critical reflection in the laboratory.
AB  - In response to widespread policy prescriptions for responsible innovation, social
      scientists and engineering ethicists, among others, have sought to engage natural
      scientists and engineers at the 'midstream': building interdisciplinary
      collaborations to integrate social and ethical considerations with research and
      development processes. Two 'laboratory engagement studies' have explored how
      applying the framework of midstream modulation could enhance the reflections of
      natural scientists on the socio-ethical context of their work. The results of
      these interdisciplinary collaborations confirm the utility of midstream
      modulation in encouraging both first- and second-order reflective learning. The
      potential for second-order reflective learning, in which underlying value systems
      become the object of reflection, is particularly significant with respect to
      addressing social responsibility in research practices. Midstream modulation
      served to render the socio-ethical context of research visible in the laboratory
      and helped enable research participants to more critically reflect on this
      broader context. While lab-based collaborations would benefit from being carried
      out in concert with activities at institutional and policy levels, midstream
      modulation could prove a valuable asset in the toolbox of interdisciplinary
      methods aimed at responsible innovation.

PMID- 22057783
TI  - Exploration of signals of positive selection derived from genotype-based human
      genome scans using re-sequencing data.
AB  - We have investigated whether regions of the genome showing signs of positive
      selection in scans based on haplotype structure also show evidence of positive
      selection when sequence-based tests are applied, whether the target of selection
      can be localized more precisely, and whether such extra evidence can lead to
      increased biological insights. We used two tools: simulations under neutrality or
      selection, and experimental investigation of two regions identified by the
      HapMap2 project as putatively selected in human populations. Simulations
      suggested that neutral and selected regions should be readily distinguished and
      that it should be possible to localize the selected variant to within 40 kb at
      least half of the time. Re-sequencing of two ~300 kb regions (chr4:158Mb and
      chr10:22Mb) lacking known targets of selection in HapMap CHB individuals provided
      strong evidence for positive selection within each and suggested the micro-RNA
      gene hsa-miR-548c as the best candidate target in one region, and changes in
      regulation of the sperm protein gene SPAG6 in the other.

PMID- 22057784
TI  - Selective tau tyrosine nitration in non-AD tauopathies.
AB  - Previously, we reported the characterization of two novel antibodies that react
      with tau nitrated at tyrosine 197 (Tau-nY197) and tyrosine 394 (Tau-nY394) in
      Alzheimer's disease (AD). In this report, we examined whether tau nitration at
      these sites also occurs in corticobasal degeneration (CBD), progressive
      supranuclear palsy (PSP) and Pick's disease (PiD), three neurodegenerative
      tauopathies that contain abundant tau deposits within glial and neuronal cell
      types but lack amyloid deposition. The reactivity of these antibodies was also
      compared to two previously characterized antibodies Tau-nY18 and Tau-nY29,
      specific for tau nitrated at tyrosine 18 and tyrosine 29, respectively. In the
      present experiments, Tau-nY18 did not label the classical pathological lesions of
      CBD or PSP but did label the neuronal lesions associated with PiD to a limited
      extent. In contrast, Tau-nY29 revealed some, but not all classes of tau
      inclusions associated with both CBD and PSP but did label numerous Pick body
      inclusions in PiD. Tau-nY197 was restricted to the neuropil threads in both CBD
      and PSP; however, similar to Tau-nY29, extensive Pick body pathology was clearly
      labeled. Tau-nY394 did not detect any of the lesions associated with these
      disorders. In contrast, extensive neuronal and glial tau pathology within these
      diseases was labeled by Tau-Y197, a monoclonal antibody that reacts within the Y
      197-containing proline-rich region of the molecule. Based on our Western and IHC
      experiments, it appears that nitration of tau at tyrosine 29 is a pathological
      modification that might be associated with neurodegeneration. Collectively, our
      data suggest that site-specific tau tyrosine nitration events occur in a disease
      and lesion-specific manner, indicating that nitration appears to be a highly
      controlled modification in AD and non-AD tauopathies.

PMID- 22057785
TI  - Rapid, reliable, and reproducible molecular sub-grouping of clinical
      medulloblastoma samples.
AB  - The diagnosis of medulloblastoma likely encompasses several distinct entities,
      with recent evidence for the existence of at least four unique molecular
      subgroups that exhibit distinct genetic, transcriptional, demographic, and
      clinical features. Assignment of molecular subgroup through routine profiling of
      high-quality RNA on expression microarrays is likely impractical in the clinical
      setting. The planning and execution of medulloblastoma clinical trials that
      stratify by subgroup, or which are targeted to a specific subgroup requires
      technologies that can be economically, rapidly, reliably, and reproducibly
      applied to formalin-fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) specimens. In the current
      study, we have developed an assay that accurately measures the expression level
      of 22 medulloblastoma subgroup-specific signature genes (CodeSet) using
      nanoString nCounter Technology. Comparison of the nanoString assay with
      Affymetrix expression array data on a training series of 101 medulloblastomas of
      known subgroup demonstrated a high concordance (Pearson correlation r = 0.86).
      The assay was validated on a second set of 130 non-overlapping medulloblastomas
      of known subgroup, correctly assigning 98% (127/130) of tumors to the appropriate
      subgroup. Reproducibility was demonstrated by repeating the assay in three
      independent laboratories in Canada, the United States, and Switzerland. Finally,
      the nanoString assay could confidently predict subgroup in 88% of recent FFPE
      cases, of which 100% had accurate subgroup assignment. We present an assay based
      on nanoString technology that is capable of rapidly, reliably, and reproducibly
      assigning clinical FFPE medulloblastoma samples to their molecular subgroup, and
      which is highly suited for future medulloblastoma clinical trials.

PMID- 22057786
TI  - Pathology of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome in multiple sclerosis
      with natalizumab-associated progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy.
AB  - Natalizumab is an approved medication for highly active multiple sclerosis (MS).
      Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) may occur as a severe side
      effect of this drug. Here, we describe pathological and radiological
      characteristics of immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS), which
      occurs in natalizumab-associated PML after the cessation of therapy, and we
      differentiate it from ongoing PML. Brain biopsy tissue and MRI scans from five MS
      patients with natalizumab-associated PML were analyzed and their histology
      compared with non-MS PML. Histology showed an extensive CD8-dominated T cell
      infiltrate and numerous macrophages within lesions, and in nondemyelinated white
      and grey matter, in four out of five cases. Few or no virally infected cells were
      found. This was indicative of IRIS as known from HIV patients with PML.
      Outstandingly high numbers of plasma cells were present as compared to non-MS PML
      and typical MS lesions. MRI was compatible with IRIS, revealing enlarging lesions
      with a band-like or speckled contrast enhancement either at the lesion edge or
      within lesions. Only the fifth patient showed typical PML pathology, with low
      inflammation and high numbers of virally infected cells. This patient showed a
      similar interval between drug withdrawal and biopsy (3.5 months) to the rest of
      the cohort (range 2.5-4 months). MRI could not differentiate between PML
      associated IRIS and ongoing PML. We describe in detail the histopathology of IRIS
      in natalizumab-associated PML. PML-IRIS, ongoing PML infection, and MS
      exacerbation may be impossible to discern clinically alone. MRI may provide some
      clues for distinguishing different pathologies that can be differentiated
      histologically. In our individual cases, biopsy helped to clarify diagnoses in
      natalizumab-associated PML.

PMID- 22057787
TI  - Parkin, PINK1 and mitochondrial integrity: emerging concepts of mitochondrial
      dysfunction in Parkinson's disease.
AB  - Mitochondria are dynamic organelles which are essential for many cellular
      processes, such as ATP production by oxidative phosphorylation, lipid metabolism,
      assembly of iron sulfur clusters, regulation of calcium homeostasis, and cell
      death pathways. The dynamic changes in mitochondrial morphology, connectivity,
      and subcellular distribution are critically dependent on a highly regulated
      fusion and fission machinery. Mitochondrial function, dynamics, and quality
      control are vital for the maintenance of neuronal integrity. Indeed, there is
      mounting evidence that mitochondrial dysfunction plays a central role in several
      neurodegenerative diseases. In particular, the identification of genes linked to
      rare familial variants of Parkinson's disease has fueled research on
      mitochondrial aspects of the disease etiopathogenesis. Studies on the function of
      parkin and PINK1, which are associated with autosomal recessive parkinsonism,
      provided compelling evidence that these proteins can functionally interact to
      maintain mitochondrial integrity and to promote clearance of damaged and
      dysfunctional mitochondria. In this review we will summarize current knowledge
      about the impact of parkin and PINK1 on mitochondria.

PMID- 22057788
TI  - Embryonal tumor with abundant neuropil and true rosettes (ETANTR) with loss of
      morphological but retained genetic key features during progression.

PMID- 22057789
TI  - Ocular decompression retinopathy following post-trabeculectomy suture lysis and
      management with triamcinolone acetonide.
AB  - Ocular decompression retinopathy (ODR) is a rare complication of sudden lowering
      of intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucoma and ocular hypertension. An 80-year
      male, a known case of chronic open-angle glaucoma for 13 years, had his IOP
      controlled by multiple topical antiglaucoma medications. There was an increase in
      IOP, progression of optic disc cupping and visual field loss along with cataract
      over the past 6 months. The patient underwent uneventful phacoemulsification with
      posterior chamber intraocular lens (PCIOL) and penetrating trabeculectomy.
      Postoperatively, the trabeculectomy bleb was flat and IOP was 44 mmHg and was not
      controlled by bleb massage. Bleb needling and suture lysis were performed after 2
      weeks. The IOP dropped from 44 to 6 mmHg. Three days later the patient presented
      with a sudden decline in visual acuity (VA) from 0.5 to 1.225 logMAR. The fundus
      showed multiple retinal haemorrhages resembling ODR. Choroidal detachment also
      occurred after 3 weeks. Optical coherence tomography confirmed the presence of
      macular oedema which was treated with an orbital floor triamcinolone acetonide
      injection (OFTA). The haemorrhages, choroidal detachment and macular oedema
      resolved and VA improved in 6 months. This is the first case report of ODR
      following suture lysis and needling after an uneventful combined
      phacoemulsification with PCIOL implant and trabeculectomy. It also highlights the
      role of OFTA injections in the management of ODR.

PMID- 22057790
TI  - Dramatic dysesthetic overhanging bleb.
AB  - We report on a patient with an overhanging bleb several years following
      trabeculectomy surgery with mitomycin C.

PMID- 22057791
TI  - Magnetic nanoparticles catalyzed synthesis of diverse N-heterocycles.
AB  - A large library of diversified compounds (pyrano [2,3-d]pyrimidines, pyrido[2,3
      d] pyrimidines and a variety of spirooxindoles) were synthesized through a very
      efficient, economical and environmentally benign process utilizing magnetic
      nanoparticles. Ease of recovery using an external magnetic field is an additional
      ecofriendly attribute of this catalytic system. Most of the compounds are new;
      therefore, could be further explored for their pharmaceutical application.
      Moreover, column chromatography and recrystallisation of the products is not
      required as the crude products are already highly pure and hence can be used for
      target oriented synthesis on a wide scale.

PMID- 22057792
TI  - Ricin and Shiga toxins: effects on host cell signal transduction.
AB  - Shiga toxins and ricin are potent inhibitors of protein synthesis. In addition to
      causing inhibition of protein synthesis, these toxins activate proinflammatory
      signaling cascades that may contribute to the severe diseases associated with
      toxin exposure. Treatment of cells with Shiga toxins and ricin have been shown to
      activate a number of signaling pathways including those associated with the
      ribotoxic stress response, Nuclear factor kappa B activation, inflammasome
      activation, the unfolded protein response, mTOR signaling, hemostasis, and
      retrograde trafficking. In this chapter, we review our current understanding of
      these signaling pathways as they pertain to intoxication by Shiga toxins and
      ricin.

PMID- 22057793
TI  - A photogrammetric method to evaluate nutritional status without capture in
      habituated free-ranging Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata): a pilot study.
AB  - The quantification of nutritional status (e.g., total body fat) of animals is
      difficult, because the linear dimension (body length) required for the
      calculation of proxy parameters, such as the physique or body mass indices,
      cannot be measured without capture. One solution is photogrammetry of body
      length, provided the following two criteria are met: (1) the camera axes and
      subject are oriented vertically, and (2) anatomical landmarks are easily
      identified with low measurement error. By modifying Mori's (Primates 20:371-397,
      1979) approach, we devised an accurate photogrammetric method that uses a
      horizontal bar with an attached ruler for the monkey to traverse, and the
      anatomical landmarks of the eye and upper border of the ischial callosity to
      measure body length. We tested the applicability of this method on 11 adult
      female, habituated, free-ranging Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata). Somatometric
      body length (crown-rump length and anterior trunk length) was statistically
      compared with the body length obtained using photogrammetry. The significant
      correlation of the photogrammetric body length with each somatometric measurement
      verified that the former could be employed to calculate various indices that are
      used to characterize fat mass (nutritional status) in Japanese macaques. The
      advantages and disadvantages of photogrammetry are also discussed.

PMID- 22057794
TI  - Three-dimensional reconstruction of soft palate modeling from subject-specific
      magnetic resonance imaging data.
AB  - PURPOSE: The objectives of this study were to extract a computational three
      dimensional (3D) soft palate model from a set of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
      data and to identify an approach that generates a patient-specific model in a
      computerized visual platform. METHODS: Multiple MRI slices of the head and neck
      region of a young, non-overweight Caucasian male volunteer were taken in the
      supine position with a passive oral appliance in place. The DICOM (Digital
      Imaging and Communications) MRI slices were registered into a high-resolution
      volumetric data set for manually segmentation to generate a surface mesh and,
      with additional editing, a volume mesh. For biomechanical dynamic simulation and
      for physical simulation of the anatomical structures, the volume mesh format and
      multiple landmarks of each muscle were imported into ArtiSynth, a 3D
      biomechanical modeling toolkit. RESULTS: The segmented soft palate complex
      consisted of five groups of muscles: levator veli palatini, tensor veli palatini,
      palatoglossus, palatopharyngeous and musculus uvulae. The palatine tonsil between
      the pharyngopalatine and glossopalatine arches was included in the segmentation.
      CONCLUSIONS: The same procedure was used to build up a generic reference model of
      the dentition, tongue, mandible and airway from a mixture of medical records (CT
      and dental casts) of the same subject. This manual segmentation method eliminated
      the common errors that occur from an automatic segmentation although it was more
      time-consuming. It remains a fundamental process for analyzing the dynamic
      interaction between anatomical components in the oral, pharyngeal, and laryngeal
      areas.

PMID- 22057795
TI  - Liquid-crystalline hybrid materials based on [60]fullerene and bent-core
      structures.
AB  - What a core-ker! By the appropriate combination of promesogenic bent-core
      structures and the C(60)  unit, lamellar polar liquid-crystal phases were
      induced. The supramolecular organization of the functional fullerene-based
      assemblies, the temperature range of the soft phase, the stabilization of the
      mesophase-like order at room temperature, and the molecular switching under an
      electric field can be tuned, depending on the molecular structure.

PMID- 22057796
TI  - [Analysis of muscle function with kinetic superficial EMG in children with
      haemophilia - recognizing subclinical changes, establishing individual therapy,
      quality control].
AB  - Electromyography (EMG) measures muscle electricity. It depends on muscle
      contraction and central motor control. Muscles react very sensitive on external
      signals (e. g. bleeding), The resulting changes can be shown in EMG. PATIENTS,
      METHODS: A first study included 51 children and young adults from Costa Rica.
      They underwent a clinical examination and EMG of the hip, knee and ankle joints.
      Resting muscle tone, maximal isometric contraction and three typical isotonic
      movements of the joints were measured. First step of analysis was to characterize
      typical pathogenic changes in the muscles and to find a corresponding physical
      therapy to minimize these changes. RESULTS: It showed that EMG is a good marker
      for muscle condition. It helps to individualize therapy and improve effectivity
      of physical and physiotherapeutic treatment of the locomotive system of children
      and young adults with hemophilia. It can help to recognize early subclinical
      changes and to control the outcome of therapeutic modalities.

PMID- 22057797
TI  - An aberrant cerebellar artery originating from the internal carotid artery.
AB  - The aberrant origin of the cerebellar arteries from anterior cerebral circulation
      is a quite rare vascular variation. Herein, we report a 52-year-old white female
      with angiographically occult subarachnoid hemorrhage. Left superior and anterior
      inferior cerebellar arteries were not detected. An aberrant cerebellar artery was
      noted to arise from the left cavernous internal carotid artery and terminated in
      the distribution of the ipsilateral superior and anterior inferior cerebellar
      arteries. This variant artery might likely have resulted from an abnormal
      regression of fetal anterior-to-posterior circulation connections, and may
      represent a fetal-type cerebellar artery. A review of the anatomy and clinical
      significance of the variant is presented.

PMID- 22057798
TI  - Anatomical classification of the shape and topography of the stomach.
AB  - The aim of the study was to present the classification of anatomical variations
      of the stomach, based on the radiological and historical data. In years 2006
      2010, 2,034 examinations of the upper digestive tract were performed. Normal
      stomach anatomy or different variations of the organ shape and/or topography
      without any organic radiologically detectable gastric lesions were revealed in
      568 and 821 cases, respectively. Five primary groups were established: abnormal
      position along longitudinal (I) and horizontal axis (II), as well as abnormal
      shape (III) and stomach connections (IV) or mixed forms (V). The first group
      contains abnormalities most commonly observed among examined patients such as
      stomach rotation and translocation to the chest cavity, including sliding,
      paraesophageal, mixed-form and upside-down hiatal diaphragmatic hernias, as well
      as short esophagus, and the other diaphragmatic hernias, that were not found in
      the evaluated population. The second group includes the stomach cascade. The
      third and fourth groups comprise developmental variations and organ malformations
      that were not observed in evaluated patients. The last group (V) encloses mixed
      forms that connect two or more previous variations.

PMID- 22057799
TI  - Recent South Carolina AHEC Family Practice Residency Program graduates.

PMID- 22057800
TI  - Well child care in infancy and health care costs birth-six years for South
      Carolina Medicaid children.

PMID- 22057801
TI  - Personalized lung cancer treatment based on molecular determinants.

PMID- 22057802
TI  - What awaits tomorrow's medical graduates: perfect bliss or perfect storm?

PMID- 22057803
TI  - Preserving principle without impeding progress.

PMID- 22057805
TI  - The silence of the lambs.

PMID- 22057804
TI  - First World Congress on ultrasound in medical education hosted by the University
      of South Carolina School of Medicine.

PMID- 22057806
TI  - Going forth with PRIDE: the Graduating Oath Ceremony Address to the MUSC Class of
      2009.

PMID- 22057807
TI  - Docosahexaenoic acid modulates inflammatory and antineurogenic functions of
      activated microglial cells.
AB  - The complex process of microglial activation encompasses several functional
      activation states associated either with neurotoxic/antineurogenic or with
      neurotrophic/proneurogenic properties, depending mainly on the extent of
      activation and the nature of the activating stimuli. Several studies have
      demonstrated that acute exposure to the prototypical activating agent
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS) confers antineurogenic properties upon microglial cells.
      Acutely activated microglia ortheir conditioned media (CM) reduce neural stem
      progenitor cell (NPC) survival and prevent NPC differentiation into neurons. The
      present study tested the hypothesis that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), a long-chain
      polyunsatured fatty acid (L-PUFA) with potent immunomodulatory properties, could
      dampen microglial proinflammatory functions and modulate their antineurogenic
      effect. We demonstrate that DHA dose dependently inhibits the synthesis of
      inflammatory products in activated microglia without inducing an alternative
      antiinflammatory phenotype. Among the possible DHA mechanisms of action, we
      propose the inhibition of p38 MAPK phosphorylation and the activation of the
      nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator activated receptor (PPAR)-gamma. The
      attenuation of M1 proinflammatory phenotype has relevant consequences for the
      survival and differentiation of NPC, because DHA reverses the antineurogenic
      activities of conditioned media from LPS-activated microglia. Our study
      identifies new relevant potentially protective and proneurogenic functions of
      DHA, exerted through the modulation of microglial functions, that could be
      exploited to sustain or promote neuroregenerative processes in damaged/aged
      brain.

PMID- 22057809
TI  - Paradoxical response in ocular bartonellosis.

PMID- 22057810
TI  - Corticosteroid-sparing therapy: practice patterns among uveitis specialists.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study aims to determine uveitis specialists' practice patterns,
      preferences, and perceptions of corticosteroid-sparing therapies for the initial
      treatment of chronic noninfectious uveitis. METHODS: A survey was distributed to
      the American Uveitis Society and Proctor email listservs in order to restrict the
      respondents to specialists who likely have extensive experience in the use of
      immunomodulatory therapy. Topics included effectiveness, usage, and preferences
      related to seven immunomodulatory treatments. RESULTS: Among the 45 responders,
      the majority (59%) had greater than 10 years of experience treating uveitis.
      Methotrexate was the most commonly used initial therapy for anterior,
      intermediate, and posterior/panuveitis (85%, 57%, and 37%), and the most
      preferred for anterior (55%). Mycophenolate mofetil was the most preferred for
      intermediate (35%) and posterior/panuveitis (42%). Primary reasons not to
      prescribe a treatment were effectiveness for azathioprine, safety/tolerability
      for cyclosporine and cyclophosphamide, and a mixture of cost,
      safety/tolerability, and difficulty of administration for the biologic drugs.
      CONCLUSIONS: Within the group of highly experienced uveitis specialists,
      methotrexate is still the most commonly used initial treatment. Although newer
      biologic drugs are seen as effective, they are not commonly used, or even
      preferred, as initial corticosteroid-sparing treatment.

PMID- 22057812
TI  - The inhibitory effect of honokiol, a natural plant product, on vestibular
      schwannoma cells.
AB  - OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS: As the molecular biology of vestibular schwannoma (VS) is
      better understood, new means of targeting the pathways involved for intervention
      in schwannoma cells are being developed. Honokiol, a bioactive constituent of
      Magnolia officinalis, has attracted attention due to its diverse biological
      effects. This study was conducted to determine the inhibitory effect of honokiol
      on schwannoma cell proliferation. METHODS: HEI 193 cells were used to investigate
      the growth-inhibitory effects of honokiol. Cell proliferation was assessed by MTT
      assays. Apoptosis was measured by flow cytometry analysis and immunofluorescence
      staining including Hoechst 33342 and TUNEL. Western blot analysis was used to
      assess the potential inhibition of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)
      and AKT signaling by honokiol. RESULTS: Honokiol exhibited significant
      antiproliferative activity in a dose-dependent manner on HEI 193 cells.
      Significant apoptosis was detected on schwannoma cells with 7 mg/mL(IC50)
      honokiol. Western blot analysis showed significant inhibition of ERK
      phosphorylation. CONCLUSIONS: Honokiol, a low molecular weight natural product,
      inhibits cell proliferation and promotes apoptosis in schwannoma cells by
      targeting the ERK pathway. Our data suggest that honokiol can be evaluated as a
      chemotherapeutic agent for VS.

PMID- 22057811
TI  - Environment-dependent long-range structural distortion in a temperature-sensitive
      point mutant.
AB  - Extensive environment-dependent rearrangement of the helix-turn-helix DNA
      recognition region and adjacent L-tryptophan binding pocket is reported in the
      crystal structure of dimeric E. coli trp aporepressor with point mutation
      Leu75Phe. In one of two subunits, the eight residues immediately C-terminal to
      the mutation are shifted forward in helical register by three positions, and the
      five following residues form an extrahelical loop accommodating the register
      shift. In contrast, the second subunit has wildtype-like conformation, as do both
      subunits in an isomorphous wildtype control structure. Treated together as an
      ensemble pair, the distorted and wildtype-like conformations of the mutant
      apoprotein agree more fully than either conformation alone with previously
      reported NOE measurements, and account more completely for its diverse
      biochemical and biophysical properties. The register-shifted segment Ile79-Ala80
      Thr81-Ile82-Thr83 is helical in both conformations despite low helical
      propensity, suggesting an important structural role for the steric constraints
      imposed by beta-branched residues in helical conformation.

PMID- 22057813
TI  - The distributions of "new" and "old" Alu sequences in the human genome: the
      solution of a "mystery".
AB  - The distribution in the human genome of the largest family of mobile elements,
      the Alu sequences, has been investigated for the past 30 years, and the vast
      majority of Alu sequences were shown to have the highest density in GC-rich
      isochores. Ten years ago, it was discovered, however, that the small "youngest"
      (most recently transposed) Alu families had a strikingly different distribution
      compared with the "old" families. This raised the question as to how this change
      took place in evolution. We solved what was considered to be a "mystery" by 1)
      revisiting our previous results on the integration and stability of retroviral
      sequences, and 2) assessing the densities of acceptor sites TTTT/AA in isochore
      families. We could conclude 1) that the open state of chromatin structure plays a
      crucial role in allowing not only the initial integration of retroviral sequences
      but also that of the youngest Alu sequences, and 2) that the distribution of old
      Alus can be explained as due to Alu sequences being unstable in the GC-poor
      isochores but stable in the compositionally matching GC-rich isochores, again in
      line with what happens in the case of retroviral sequences.

PMID- 22057814
TI  - Structural water in carbonated hydroxylapatite and fluorapatite: confirmation by
      solid state (2)H NMR.
AB  - Water is well recognized as an important component in bone, typically regarded as
      a constituent of collagen, a pore-filling fluid in bone, and an adsorbed species
      on the surface of bone crystallites. The possible siting and role of water within
      the structure of the apatite crystallites have not been fully explored. In our
      experiments, carbonated hydroxyl- and fluorapatites were prepared in D(2)O and
      characterized by elemental analysis, thermal gravimetric analysis, powder X-ray
      diffraction, and infrared and Raman spectroscopy. Two hydroxylapatites and two
      fluorapatites, with widely different amounts of carbonate were analyzed by solid
      state (2)H NMR spectroscopy using the quadrupole echo pulse sequence, and each
      spectrum showed one single line as well as a low-intensity powder pattern. The
      relaxation time of 7.1 ms for 5.9 wt% carbonated hydroxylapatite indicates that
      the single line is likely due to rapid, high-symmetry jumps in translationally
      rigid D(2)O molecules, indicative of structural incorporation within the lattice.
      Discrimination between structurally incorporated and adsorbed water is enhanced
      by the rapid exchange of surface D(2)O with atmospheric H(2)O. Moreover, a (2)H
      resonance was observed for samples dried under a variety of conditions, including
      in vacuo heating to 150 degrees C. In contrast, a sample heated to 500 degrees C
      produced no deuterium resonance, indicating that structural water had been
      released by that temperature. We propose that water is located in the c-axis
      channels. Because structural water is observed even for apatites with very low
      carbonate content, some of the water molecules must lie between the monovalent
      ions.

PMID- 22057815
TI  - FRAX((r)) with and without bone mineral density.
AB  - The use of FRAX, particularly in the absence of BMD, has been the subject of some
      debate and is the focus of this review. The clinical risk factors used in FRAX
      have high validity as judged from an evidence-based assessment and identify a
      risk that is responsive to pharmaceutical intervention. Moreover, treatment
      effects, with the possible exception of alendronate, are not dependent on
      baseline BMD and strongly suggest that FRAX identifies high-risk patients who
      respond to pharmaceutical interventions. In addition, the selection of high-risk
      individuals with FRAX, without knowledge of BMD, preferentially selects for low
      BMD. The prediction of fractures with the use of clinical risk factors alone in
      FRAX is comparable to the use of BMD alone to predict fractures and is suitable,
      therefore, in the many countries where DXA facilities are sparse. In countries
      where access to BMD is greater, FRAX can be used without BMD in the majority of
      cases and BMD tests reserved for those close to a probability-based intervention
      threshold. Whereas the efficacy for agents to reduce fracture risk has not been
      tested prospectively in randomized controlled trials in patients selected on the
      basis of FRAX probabilities, there is compelling evidence that FRAX with or
      without the use of BMD provides a well-validated instrument for targeting
      patients most likely to benefit from an intervention.

PMID- 22057816
TI  - Isolated AL bundle reconstruction of the PCL.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical and
      radiologic results after isolated reconstruction of the posterior cruciate
      ligament (PCL) using the semitendinosus (ST) and gracilis (GR) tendons with the
      arthroscopic single-bundle technique. METHODS: All patients upon whom we had
      performed a single-bundle PCL reconstruction between 2002 and 2005 prospectively
      underwent a standardized follow-up examination after 2 years. Isolated PCL
      reconstruction was carried out on 41 patients during the observation period. Pre-
      and postoperative stress radiographs were taken using the Telos stress device in
      order to evaluate the dorsal translation. Knee joint function and degree of
      activity were recorded using the Tegner activity score, the subjective
      International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score, and the overall IKDC
      score. RESULTS: 33 of 41 patients (80.4%, 17 men, 16 women) completed the study.
      The posterior tibial translation of -10.1 +/- 1.8 mm had an overall average
      improvement to a postoperative value of -5.0 +/- 2.5 mm (p < 0.001). The patients
      showed a significant improvement in the Tegner activity score from an average 2.8
      +/- 0.8 points to 5.9 +/- 1.2 points (p < 0.001). Evaluation of the subjective
      IKDC showed a significant improvement from a preoperative score of 41.86 +/-
      11.49 points to a postoperative score of 69.54 +/- 11.39 points (p < 0.001). In
      total, 24 patients (72.8%) exhibited a normal or nearly normal outcome.
      CONCLUSION: The abovementioned reconstruction technique can achieve a stable knee
      function in patients with isolated PCL insufficiency. The isolated single-bundle
      PCL reconstruction offers an improvement regarding the activity level and
      stability of the knee joint. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.

PMID- 22057817
TI  - Chronic ankle instability: diagnosis and treatment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic ankle instability (CAI) is a very common injury but still
      remains an area of debate. QUESTIONS: This review aims to define the current
      diagnosis and treatment of persons with CAI. METHODS: A PubMed (MEDLINE) search
      of the years 2010 and 2011 (1 January 2010 to 15 July 2011) was performed using
      three keywords: ankle and chronic and instability. The number of articles in
      English language that was identified was 57. RESULTS: Low reliability has been
      found in effectively testing CAI in a clinical setting. No single force-plate
      measure is very effective in predicting if an individual had CAI or not.
      Availability of a nonradiographic device (ankle arthrometer) to measure ankle
      instability could improve diagnostic accuracy and facilitate decision making in
      patients with CAI. The sensitivity of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may not be
      adequate to detect lesions in these patients before surgery. In a symptomatic
      patient, negative results on MRI must be viewed with caution and an arthroscopy
      may still be required for a definitive diagnosis and treatment. Conservative
      treatment (rehabilitation, taping, brace) may reduce the occurrence of recurrent
      ankle sprains and may be effective in managing CAI. In patients with CAI,
      strengthening of the muscles around the ankle with well-planned proprioceptive
      exercises helped the patients return to normal living and sports activities, and
      prevents unnecessary surgery, especially in cases with functional instability.
      There is no consensus regarding optimum surgical treatment for CAI, but all of
      them often have good results. CONCLUSIONS: Conservative treatment of patients
      with CAI must be the first-line therapy. Surgical treatment must be indicated
      only when conservative treatment fails.

PMID- 22057818
TI  - Histologic examinations of arthroplasty specimens are not cost-effective: a
      retrospective cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many hospitals require all operative specimens be sent to
      pathologists for routine examination. Although previous studies indicate this
      practice increases medical cost, it remains unclear whether it alters patient
      management and whether it is cost-effective. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We therefore (1)
      determined the rate of discordance between clinical and histologic examinations
      of routine operative specimens during elective primary arthroplasties, (2)
      determined the cost of routine histologic screening, and (3) estimated its cost
      effectiveness in terms of cost per quality-adjusted life year gained, as compared
      with gross examination or no examination. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed
      medical records of 1247 patients who underwent 1363 routine elective primary
      total joint arthroplasties between January 18, 2006 and March 15, 2010. We
      compared preoperative, postoperative, and histologic diagnoses for each patient
      and categorized them into three classes: concordant (clinical and histologic
      diagnoses agreed), discrepant (diagnoses differed but with no resultant change in
      treatment), and discordant (diagnoses differed with resultant change in
      treatment). Medicare reimbursements were determined through the pathology
      department's administrative office. RESULTS: In 1363 cases, 1335 (97.9%) clinical
      and histologic diagnoses were concordant, 28 (2.1%) were discrepant, and none
      were discordant. Total reimbursement for routine pathological examination was
      $139,532, or $102.37 per specimen. The average cost to identify each discrepant
      case was $4983.29. Routine histologic examination did not alter patient
      management, and there was no direct gain in quality-adjusted life years.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our observations show routine histologic examinations of routine
      operative specimens during elective primary arthroplasties increase medical cost
      but rarely alter patient management and are not cost-effective. LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: Level I, economic and decision analyses. See Guidelines for Authors for
      a complete description of levels of evidence.

PMID- 22057819
TI  - Shared decision-making in orthopaedic surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The process of clinical decision-making and the patient-physician
      relationship continue to evolve. Increasing patient involvement in clinical
      decision-making is embodied in the concept of "shared decision-making" (SDM), in
      which the patient and physician share responsibility in the clinical decision
      making process. Various patients' decision aid tools have been developed to
      enhance this process. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We therefore (1) describe decision
      making models; (2) discuss the different types of patients' decision aids
      available to practice SDM; and (3) describe the practice and early impact of SDM
      on clinical orthopaedic surgery. METHODS: We performed a search of the literature
      using PubMed/MEDLINE and Cochrane Library. We identified studies related to
      shared decision-making and the use of patients' decision aids in orthopaedics.
      The search resulted in 113 titles, of which 21 were included with seven studies
      on patients' decision aid use specifically in orthopaedics. RESULTS: Although
      limited studies suggest the use of patients' decision aids may enhance decision
      making, conclusions about the use of these aids in orthopaedic clinical practice
      cannot be made and further research examining the best type, timing, and content
      of patients' decision aids that will lead to maximum patient involvement and
      knowledge gains with minimal clinical workflow interruption are needed.
      CONCLUSION: In clinical practice today, patients are increasingly involved in
      clinical decision-making. Further research on SDM in orthopaedic surgery
      examining the feasibility and impact on practice, on patients' willingness and
      ability to actively participate in shared decision-making, and the timing and
      type of patients' decision aids appropriate for use is still needed.

PMID- 22057820
TI  - Nonoperative versus operative treatment for thoracolumbar burst fractures without
      neurologic deficit: a meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Decision-making regarding nonoperative versus operative treatment of
      patients with thoracolumbar burst fractures in the absence of neurologic deficits
      is controversial. Lack of evidence-based practice may result in patients being
      treated inappropriately and being exposed to unnecessary adverse consequences.
      PURPOSE: Using meta-analysis, we therefore compared pain (VAS) and function
      (Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire) in patients with thoracolumbar burst
      fractures without neurologic deficit treated nonoperatively and operatively.
      Secondary outcomes included return to work, radiographic progression of kyphosis,
      radiographic progression of spinal canal stenosis, complications, cost, and
      length of hospitalization. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE((r)), and the
      Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for 'thoracic fractures', 'lumbar
      fractures', 'non-operative', 'operative' and 'controlled clinical trials'. We
      established five criteria for inclusion. Data extraction and quality assessment
      were in accordance with Cochrane Collaboration guidelines. The main analyses were
      performed on individual patient data from randomized controlled trials.
      Sensitivity analyses were performed on VAS pain, Roland Morris Disability
      Questionnaire score, kyphosis, and return to work, including data from
      nonrandomized controlled trials and using fixed effects meta-analysis. We
      identified four trials, including two randomized controlled trials consisting of
      79 patients (41 with operative treatment and 38 with nonoperative treatment). The
      mean followups ranged from 24 to 118 months. RESULTS: We found no between-group
      differences in baseline pain, kyphosis, and Roland Morris Disability
      Questionnaire scores. At last followup, there were no between-group differences
      in pain, Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire scores, and return to work rates.
      We found an improvement in kyphosis ranging from means of 12.8o to 11o in the
      operative group, but surgery was associated with higher complication rates and
      costs. CONCLUSIONS: Operative management of thoracolumbar burst fractures without
      neurologic deficit may improve residual kyphosis, but does not appear to improve
      pain or function at an average of 4 years after injury and is associated with
      higher complication rates and costs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, therapeutic
      study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of level of
      evidence.

PMID- 22057821
TI  - When do patient-reported assessments peak after revision knee arthroplasty?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The best timing for patient visits after revision TKA is unclear.
      Predictors of pain and function reported in the literature typically look at the
      influence at a given time that might not be ideal if the score is not at a peak
      or the earliest possible time. Moreover, most reports of predictors include
      revisions for infection, which typically have a poorer outcome, or for other
      indications with variable outcome. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We therefore determined
      (1) the trend of recovery after revision TKA to determine the best time to
      measure the peak patient-reported pain and function scores and (2) the influence
      of comorbidities and age on the patterns of recovery. METHODS: We prospectively
      followed 120 patients who had revision TKAs from 2003 to 2008. The patients were
      assessed within 6 weeks before surgery and at 12 weeks, 1 year, and annually
      thereafter. We obtained WOMAC and SF-36 scores at each visit. We used a linear
      mixed model analysis to assess predictors. The minimum followup was 2 years
      (mean, 3 years; range, 2-7 years). RESULTS: The majority of improvements in the
      WOMAC and SF-36 scores occurred during the first year after surgery after which
      the scores stabilized. One of the seven independent preoperative variables
      studied (comorbidities) predicted a trend toward improvement of WOMAC pain, WOMAC
      function, and SF-36 bodily pain scores. The greater the numbers of comorbidities,
      the worse were the scores. Age, gender, BMI, indication for surgery, and surgeon
      did not independently influence the WOMAC or SF-36. CONCLUSION: Our data suggest
      that one of the times for patient visits after revision TKA should be 1 year
      after surgery. This time allows for key discrimination of implant performance.
      The data also confirm that patients with a greater number of comorbidities had
      less functional benefit from revision surgery. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II,
      prognostic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of
      levels of evidence.

PMID- 22057822
TI  - Usefulness of colonoscopic examination with indigo carmine in diagnosing
      microscopic colitis.
AB  - Microscopic colitis, comprising collagenous colitis and lymphocytic colitis, is
      epitomized by chronic watery diarrhea, endoscopically normal colonic mucosa, and
      characteristic histopathological features. Reports on chromoendoscopic findings
      in microscopic colitis are scarce and in this paper we describe such findings. We
      have examined 13 patients with microscopic colitis by means of chromoendoscopy
      with indigo carmine 0.2 % - 0.5 %. In all 13 cases continuous mucosal changes
      were seen, with disappearance of innominate grooves or with irregularity of
      grooves. The segmental distribution of abnormal chromoendoscopic findings
      corresponded almost completely with the microscopic features. A diffuse mosaic
      pattern was found in five of 10 cases of collagenous colitis and in all three
      cases of lymphocytic colitis. Uneven surface was seen in four cases of
      collagenous colitis, one of collagenous colitis in remission, and one of
      lymphocytic colitis, and a nodular surface was recorded in five cases of
      collagenous colitis but in none of the lymphocytic colitis cases. If these
      findings can be reproduced in larger series of microscopic colitis cases, the
      need for biopsies as a diagnostic tool might be restricted to patients where
      chromoendoscopy shows clear mucosal changes, thereby saving costs and limiting
      possible complications associated with multiple biopsies.

PMID- 22057823
TI  - Endoscopic ultrasound-guided anterograde treatment of biliary stones following
      gastric bypass.
AB  - Endoscopic treatment of bile duct stones in gastric bypass patients is
      challenging. We describe a novel method involving endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)
      guided anterograde interventions. After prior experience with EUS-guided
      rendezvous endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and direct EUS
      guided anterograde stenting for malignant biliary obstruction, we have attempted
      EUS-guided treatment of biliary stones as first-line therapy following gastric
      bypass. Our approach involves: (i) EUS-fine needle aspiration (FNA) puncture into
      an intrahepatic bile duct; (ii) EUS-guided cholangiography; (iii) guide wire
      advancement across the ampulla; (iv) catheter dilation of the transhepatic
      transgastric access tract; (v) anterograde balloon sphincteroplasty; and (vi)
      anterograde advancement of stones across the ampulla using a balloon catheter. We
      reviewed outcomes and complications of this technique. Six patients with previous
      Roux-en-Y gastric bypass were referred for treatment of symptomatic
      choledocholithiasis. EUS-guided transhepatic puncture and cholangiography was
      successful in 100 %, and revealed choledocholithiasis in all patients. Tract
      dilation, anterograde balloon sphincteroplasty, and stone extraction were
      successful in four (67 %). Anterograde sphincteroplasty failed in two patients
      due to inability to advance the transhepatic dilation catheters. In both cases,
      wires were advanced down the afferent limb, and rendezvous ERCP using double
      balloon enteroscopy was successful. Five patients experienced no complications.
      One patient in whom EUS anterograde therapy failed due to difficulty in advancing
      the transhepatic dilation catheter, developed a subcapsular hepatic hematoma.
      This was managed conservatively. Direct EUS-guided treatment of biliary stones
      after gastric bypass appears safe and feasible. Further studies are needed to
      confirm the safety and efficacy of this technique.

PMID- 22057824
TI  - Retinal surface imaging provided by Cirrus high-definition optical coherence
      tomography prominently visualizes a dissociated optic nerve fiber layer
      appearance after macular hole surgery.
AB  - To investigate whether retinal surface imaging by Cirrus high-definition optical
      coherence tomography (HD-OCT) clearly depicts the development process of a
      dissociated optic nerve fiber layer (DONFL) appearance after macular hole (MH)
      surgery. We reviewed the medical records of the patients who underwent MH surgery
      with internal limiting membrane peeling. The cases were then selected using three
      principal criteria: (1) surgeries performed by the same surgeon (S. K.), (2) pre-
      and postoperative Cirrus HD-OCT imaging, and (3) minimal follow-up of 3 months.
      All cases received a complete ophthalmologic examination. The presence/absence of
      a DONFL appearance was determined using a retinal surface image provided by
      Cirrus HD-OCT. Color fundus photographs were also used for determination if
      available. Fifteen cases met the criteria. A DONFL appearance was identified in
      11 (73%) cases during the postoperative course by retinal surface imaging. A
      DONFL appearance was not detected in any OCT retinal surface image within the
      first postoperative month, gradually became distinct between 1 and 3 months after
      surgery, and remained detectable thereafter in all cases but one whose DONFL
      appearance became less detectable at 12 months. Indentations of the innermost
      retinal layer became apparent on cross-sectional OCT images as a DONFL appearance
      developed on OCT retinal surface images. There were two cases in which the DONFL
      appearance was not observed on color fundus photographs but detected on OCT
      retinal surface images. Retinal surface imaging provided by Cirrus HD-OCT
      appeared to be a promising option in evaluating a DONFL appearance after MH
      surgery.

PMID- 22057825
TI  - Highly twisted arenes by Scholl cyclizations with unexpected regioselectivity.
AB  - Let's twist! The Scholl reaction with quinquephenyl derivatives has been shown to
      have an unexpectedly strong preference for forming twisted, helicene aromatic
      polycycles, instead of their flat counterparts. This tendency is so strong that
      it will overcome even severe steric hindrance, and the procedure can be used in
      the efficient synthesis of hexa-tert-butylhexabenzotriphenylene from a simple
      biaryl starting material (see scheme).

PMID- 22057826
TI  - Association of IFNGR2 gene polymorphisms with pulmonary tuberculosis among the
      Vietnamese.
AB  - Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) is a key molecule of T helper 1 (Th1)-immune
      response against tuberculosis (TB), and rare genetic defects of IFN-gamma
      receptors cause disseminated mycobacterial infection. The aim of the present
      study was to investigate whether genetic polymorphisms found in the Th1-immune
      response genes play a role in TB. In our study, DNA samples were collected from
      two series of cases including 832 patients with new smear-positive TB and 506
      unrelated individuals with no history of TB in the general population of Hanoi,
      Vietnam. Alleles of eight microsatellite markers located around Th1-immune
      response-related genes and single nucleotide polymorphisms near the promising
      microsatellites were genotyped. A set of polymorphisms within the interferon
      gamma receptor 2 gene (IFNGR2) showed a significant association with protection
      against TB (P = 0.00054). Resistant alleles tend to be less frequently found in
      younger age at diagnosis (P = 0.011). Luciferase assays revealed high
      transcriptional activity of the promoter segment in linkage disequilibrium with
      resistant alleles. We conclude that the polymorphisms of IFNGR2 may confer
      resistance to the TB development of newly infected individuals. Contribution of
      the genetic factors to TB appeared to be different depending on age at diagnosis.

PMID- 22057827
TI  - Size effect of endohedral cluster on fullerene cage: preparation and structural
      studies of Y3N@C78-C2.
AB  - A new metallofullerene Y(3)N@C(78)-C(2) was synthesized and characterized. It was
      shown that Y(3)N@C(78) has an unconventional C(78)-C(2) cage with two pairs of
      fused pentagons closely bonded with two yttrium atoms. DFT calculations showed
      that the size of the ionic radii of the metals forming the caged cluster plays an
      important role in the non-isolated-pentagon-rule-feature of the C(78) cage.

PMID- 22057828
TI  - [Von Willebrand disease type 1 and pregnancy].
AB  - The von Willebrand-Jurgens syndrome (VWJS) type 1 is a common hereditary bleeding
      disorder with a bleeding tendency located especially in the mucous membranes.
      Women suffering from VWJS type 1 show menorrhagia and prolonged postoperative
      bleedings. During pregnancy the clinical presentation varies by the increase of
      the von Willebrand factors.  In this article the laboratory findings and the
      clinical presentation of patients with VWJS during pregnancy was examined. The
      necessity of interventions during pregnancy and at the time of delivery was under
      consideration.

PMID- 22057829
TI  - Inhaled NO and sildenafil combination in cardiac surgery patients with out-of
      proportion pulmonary hypertension: acute effects on postoperative gas exchange
      and hemodynamics.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The goal of this study was to examine the effects of coadministration
      of sildenafil and inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) in patients with out-of-proportion
      pulmonary hypertension who underwent cardiac valve replacement surgery. METHODS
      AND RESULTS: Twenty consecutive cardiac surgery patients with out-of-proportion
      pulmonary hypertension were randomly assigned postoperatively into 2 groups:
      group A received 10 ppm of iNO followed by sildenafil (100 mg) orally 30 minutes
      later, and group B initially received sildenafil (100 mg) orally followed by 10
      ppm of iNO 60 minutes later. Hemodynamic and gas exchange data were obtained at
      baseline, after administration of either iNO or sildenafil alone, and at 90
      minutes from baseline. In group A, iNO resulted in a significant reduction in
      mean pulmonary artery pressure (MPAP) and pulmonary vascular resistance index
      (PVRI) (by 9.6% and 20.8%, respectively). In group B, sildenafil administration
      also resulted in a significant decrease in mean arterial pressure, MPAP,
      pulmonary artery occlusive pressure, PVRI, and systemic vascular resistance index
      but also in the PaO(2)/inspired fraction of oxygen ratio (by 18.7%, 22.0%, 15.7%,
      31.6%, 21.3%, and 14%, respectively). In both groups, the coadministration of the
      2 drugs resulted in a significant further reduction of mean arterial pressure,
      MPAP, pulmonary artery occlusive pressure, systemic vascular resistance index,
      and PVRI, whereas cardiac index and mixed venous oxygen saturation remained
      unchanged. The hypoxemia after sildenafil administration in group B improved
      after the coadministration of iNO, and thus PaO(2)/inspired fraction of oxygen
      returned to values near baseline. CONCLUSION: In this study, the postoperative
      coadministration of iNO and oral sildenafil in patients with out-of-proportion
      pulmonary hypertension undergoing cardiac surgery is safe and results in an
      additive favorable effect on pulmonary arterial pressure and pulmonary vascular
      resistance, without systemic hypotension and ventilation/perfusion mismatch.

PMID- 22057830
TI  - Involvement of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunits in zinc-mediated
      modification of CA1 long-term potentiation in the developing hippocampus.
AB  - Zinc is an endogenous N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor blocker. It is
      possible that zinc-mediated modification of hippocampal CA1 long-term
      potentiation (LTP) is linked to the expression of NMDA receptor subunits, which
      varies with postnatal development. In the present study, the effect of ZnCl(2)
      and CaEDTA, a membrane-impermeable zinc chelator, on CA1 LTP induction was
      examined in hippocampal slices from immature (3-week-old) and young (6-week-old)
      rats. Tetanus (10-100 Hz, 1 sec)-induced CA1 LTP was more greatly enhanced in 3
      week-old rats. CA1 LTP was inhibited in the presence of 2-amino-5
      phosphonovalerate (APV), an NMDA receptor antagonist, and CaEDTA in 3-week-old
      rats, as in the case of 6-week-old rats reported previously. In 3-week-old rats,
      on the other hand, 5 MUM ZnCl(2) attenuated NMDA receptor-mediated EPSPs more
      than in 6-week-old rats and significantly attenuated CA1 LTP. Moreover, 5 MUM
      ZnCl(2) significantly attenuated CA1 LTP in the presence of (2R,4S)-4-(3
      phosphonopropyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylic acid (PPPA), an NR2A antagonist, in 3
      week-old rats, but not that in the presence of ifenprodil, an NR2B antagonist,
      suggesting that zinc-mediated attenuation of CA1 LTP is associated with the
      preferential expression of NR2B subunit in 3-week-old rats. In 6-week-old rats,
      however, 5 MUM ZnCl(2) significantly potentiated CA1 LTP and also CA1 LTP in the
      presence of PPPA. The present study demonstrates that endogenous zinc may
      participate in the induction of CA1 LTP. It is likely that the changes in
      expression of NMDA receptor subunits are involved in the zinc-mediated
      modification of CA1 LTP in the developing hippocampus.

PMID- 22057831
TI  - Cryptococcus gattii infection in an immunocompetent patient from Southern Italy.
AB  - Cryptococcus gattii has becoming more prevalent in temperate climate zones,
      during the past decades. We describe a C. gattii serotype B infection in an
      immunocompetent Italian patient with sclerosing cholangitis. The patient traveled
      once to Eastern Canada and otherwise no other countries than Italy were visited.
      Molecular analysis revealed that the C. gattii isolate belong to genotype
      AFLP4/VGI and has mating-type alpha which is the most common genotype in the
      Mediterranean environment. The C. gattii strain was found to be closely related,
      but not identical, to other C. gattii strains from the Mediterranean area.

PMID- 22057833
TI  - Kinetics of anaerobic elemental sulfur oxidation by ferric iron in
      Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans and protein identification by comparative 2-DE
      MS/MS.
AB  - Elemental sulfur oxidation by ferric iron in Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans was
      investigated. The apparent Michaelis constant for ferric iron was 18.6 mM. An
      absence of anaerobic ferric iron reduction ability was observed in bacteria
      maintained on elemental sulfur for an extended period of time. Upon transition
      from ferrous iron to elemental sulfur medium, the cells exhibited similar kinetic
      characteristics of ferric iron reduction under anaerobic conditions to those of
      cells that were originally maintained on ferrous iron. Nevertheless, a total loss
      of anaerobic ferric iron reduction ability after the sixth passage in elemental
      sulfur medium was demonstrated. The first proteomic screening of total cell
      lysates of anaerobically incubated bacteria resulted in the detection of 1599
      protein spots in the master two-dimensional electrophoresis gel. A set of 59 more
      abundant and 49 less abundant protein spots that changed their protein abundances
      in an anaerobiosis-dependent manner was identified and compared to iron- and
      sulfur-grown cells, respectively. Proteomic analysis detected a significant
      increase in abundance under anoxic conditions of electron transporters, such as
      rusticyanin and cytochrome c(552), involved in the ferrous iron oxidation
      pathway. Therefore we suggest the incorporation of rus-operon encoded proteins in
      the anaerobic respiration pathway. Two sulfur metabolism proteins were
      identified, pyridine nucleotide-disulfide oxidoreductase and sulfide-quinone
      reductase. The important transcription regulator, ferric uptake regulation
      protein, was anaerobically more abundant. The anaerobic expression of several
      proteins involved in cell envelope formation indicated a gradual adaptation to
      elemental sulfur oxidation.

PMID- 22057832
TI  - Occurrence and toxicity of antimicrobial triclosan and by-products in the
      environment.
AB  - INTRODUCTION AND AIMS: A review was undertaken on the occurrence, toxicity, and
      degradation of triclosan (TCS; 5-chloro-2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenol) in the
      environment. TCS is a synthetic, broad-spectrum antibacterial agent incorporated
      in a wide variety of household and personal care products such as hand soap,
      toothpaste, and deodorants but also in textile fibers used in a range of other
      consumer products (e.g., toys, undergarments and cutting boards among other
      things). OCCURRENCE: Because of its partial elimination in sewage treatment
      plants, most reports describe TCS as one of the most commonly encountered
      substances in solid and water environmental compartments. It has been detected in
      a microgram per liter or microgram per kilogram level in sewage treatment plants
      (influents, effluents, and sludges), natural waters (rivers, lakes, and estuarine
      waters), and sediments as well as in drinking water. TOXICITY: Moreover, due to
      its high hydrophobicity, TCS can accumulate in fatty tissues and has been found
      in fish and human samples (urine, breast milk, and serum). TCS is known to be
      biodegradable, photo-unstable, and reactive towards chlorine and ozone.
      DISCUSSION: As a consequence, it can be transformed into potentially more toxic
      and persistent compounds, such as chlorinated phenols and biphenyl ethers after
      chlorination, methyl triclosan after biological methylation, and chlorinated
      dibenzodioxins after photooxidation. The toxicity of TCS toward aquatic organisms
      like fish, crustaceans, and algae has been demonstrated with EC50 values near TCS
      environmental concentrations. It has even been shown to produce cytotoxic,
      genotoxic, and endocrine disruptor effects. CONCLUSION: Furthermore, the
      excessive use of TCS is suspected to increase the risk of emergence of TCS
      resistant bacteria and the selection of resistant strains.

PMID- 22057834
TI  - A geometry force field which converts low-resolution X-ray models to structures
      with properties found at ultra high resolution.
AB  - A geometry optimization force field was developed using ultra high-resolution
      structures and tested using high- and low-resolution X-ray structures. Protein
      and small molecule X-ray data was used. When applied to ultra high-resolution
      structures the force field conserves the internal geometry and local strain
      energy. When applied to low-resolution structures there is a small change in
      geometry accompanied by a large drop in local strain energy. Although
      optimization causes only small structural changes in low-resolution X-ray models,
      it dramatically modifies profiles for hydrogen bonding, Van der Waals contact,
      bonded geometry, and local strain energy, making them almost indistinguishable
      from those found at high resolution. Further insight into the effect of the force
      field was obtained by comparing geometries of homologous proteins before and
      after geometry optimization. Optimization causes homologous regions of structures
      to become similar in internal geometry and energies. Once again, the changes only
      require small atomic movements. These findings provide insights into the
      structure of molecular complexes. The new force field contains only short-range
      interatomic potential functions. Its effectiveness shows that local geometries
      are determined by short-range interactions which are well modeled by the force
      field. Potential applications of this study include detection of possible
      structural errors, correction of errors with minimal change in geometry, improved
      understanding and prediction of the effects of modifying ligands or proteins, and
      computational addition of structural water.

PMID- 22057835
TI  - Use of Angio-Seal closure device when the arteriotomy is above or below the
      common femoral artery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The majority of vascular complications during diagnostic coronary
      angiography occur while accessing the femoral artery. Angio-Seal vascular closure
      devices are indicated for closure of arteriotomies of the femoral artery, but not
      when the puncture site is above or below the femoral artery. HYPOTHESIS: Under
      certain circumstances, use of the Angio-Seal closure device above or below the
      common femoral artery may be safe and effective. METHODS: Consecutive patients at
      a single high-volume medical center having documented high or low arteriotomies
      were closed using an Angio-Seal closure device. Patients were chosen when they
      received a single arterial puncture, the arteriotomy was away from branch
      vessels, and the diameter of the artery at the site of sheath entry was of large
      enough caliber to suggest placement would be successful. Patients were then
      followed longitudinally for complications. RESULTS: Sixty-two patients had non
      femoral artery sheath placement. Twenty-two patients had "high" puncture sites,
      and 40 patients had "low" puncture sites. All were successfully closed using the
      Angio-Seal vascular closure device and had no complications. CONCLUSIONS:
      Although not approved for placement in areas above or below the femoral artery,
      off-label use of the Angio-Seal arteriotomy closure may be safely performed when
      patient characteristics are favorable.

PMID- 22057836
TI  - Effect of individualized worksite exercise training on aerobic capacity and
      muscle strength among construction workers--a randomized controlled intervention
      study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The combination of high physical work demands and low physical
      capacity has been shown to increase the risk for cardiovascular disease and
      musculoskeletal disorders. The aim of this study was to assess the physical
      capacity of construction workers and evaluate the effect of individually tailored
      exercise programs on their physical fitness and muscular capacity. METHOD: The
      study was a randomized controlled trial of male constructions workers allocated
      to either an exercise or control group. The intervention lasted 12 weeks, and the
      exercise group trained 3 x 20 minutes a week. The participants completed health
      checks before and after the intervention period. Data from the first health check
      were used to tailor the exercise in the interventions. RESULTS: At baseline,
      participants had maximal oxygen consumption (VO(2max)) of 2.9 [standard deviation
      (SD) 0.7] l/min and body mass index (BMI) of 28.3 (SD 4.7). Compared to
      representative data on employees in Denmark (N=78), this study population (N=67)
      had significantly lower relative aerobic capacity [difference in z-score -1.13 ,
      standard error (SE) 0.1, P<0.001] and higher BMI [difference in z-score 1.10, SE
      0.2, P<0.001] at baseline. With respect to the intervention, group x time
      analyses showed a significant difference in estimated change in VO(2max)of 0.4
      l/min for the exercise group and 0.0 l/min for the control group (P<0.001). Body
      mass and other general health measures remained unchanged. CONCLUSION: Training
      for 20 minutes, 3 times a week significantly increased VO(2max)with a clinically
      relevant magnitude regarding risk of cardiometabolic disorders. This study
      demonstrates a good effectiveness for integrating short exercise bouts into
      organizational routines among constructions workers.

PMID- 22057837
TI  - The shape of the myelosuppression time profile is related to the probability of
      developing neutropenic fever in patients with docetaxel-induced grade IV
      neutropenia.
AB  - PURPOSE: Chemotherapy-induced neutropenia is associated with the risk of
      developing febrile neutropenia (FN). The aim was to describe the time course of
      myelosuppression in breast cancer patients treated with docetaxel and to
      investigate how the shape of the predicted myelosuppression time course and
      earlier proposed risk factors influence the probability of developing FN.
      METHODS: Neutrophil counts from 140 breast cancer patients with observed grade IV
      neutropenia during the first course of docetaxel treatment were included. Twenty
      six of the patients (19%) experienced FN. The myelosuppression time course was
      described using a semi-mechanistic myelosuppression model in NONMEM. The
      individual myelosuppression model parameters [baseline neutrophil count, mean
      transit time (MTT) and drug effect parameter (EC(50))], myelosuppression
      descriptors (nadir, duration of grade IV neutropenia) and earlier suggested risk
      factors (age, performance status, haemoglobin and liver function) were explored
      to be related to FN by logistic regression. RESULTS: The neutrophil time course
      following docetaxel treatment was well described by the model. EC(50) and MTT
      were both significantly related to the probability of developing FN where low
      parameter values result in a rapid decline, low nadir and an increased risk of
      FN. None of the evaluated risk factors or myelosuppression descriptors were
      significant. CONCLUSION: The probability to develop FN in patients who experience
      grade IV neutropenia was dependent on the myelosuppression time profile. Patients
      with a rapid neutrophil decline and high drug sensitivity had a higher
      probability to develop FN. Model-based parameter estimates were superior
      predictors over descriptive values such as the nadir or duration of neutropenia.

PMID- 22057838
TI  - Treatments for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis: summarising current
      information by network meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Oral drugs for relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) have
      been recently investigated and, one of these, fingolimod, is already available in
      several countries. In this framework, an analysis of the data in terms of the
      comparative effectiveness for all treatments thus far approved for RRMS can be
      useful to reappraise their place in therapy. METHODS: After a MEDLINE search, we
      selected all randomised trials studying the effectiveness of drugs for RRMS and
      included in our analysis those randomised trials in which interferon, glatiramer,
      natalizumab or fingolimod were studied. The end-point was the relapse-free rate
      at 12 months, which was compared between the various treatments. Direct
      comparisons, based on actual randomised trials, were handled by calculating the
      trial-specific hazard ratio (HR) or the meta-analytic value of HR (when at least
      2 trials were available). Indirect comparisons for which data from actual trials
      were missing were instead managed through a network meta-analysis. RESULTS: Ten
      randomised trials met the criteria set for our analysis. All active treatments
      were found to be significantly more effective than placebo (direct comparisons)
      in terms of freedom from relapse at the 12-month follow-up assessments; the
      values of HR ranged from 1.28 for glatiramer to 1.53 for interferon beta. The
      comparisons between active agents revealed that fingolimod was superior to
      interferon (HR = 1.18; direct comparison) and glatiramer (HR = 1.23; indirect
      comparison), while the other four head-to-head comparisons of treatments revealed
      no significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: On the basis of the effectiveness data
      presently available, fingolimod seems to offer the advantage of oral
      administration together with the most favorable profile in terms of relapse-free
      rate at the 1-year follow-up assessment.

PMID- 22057840
TI  - Advancing the paradigm for cardiovascular imaging research.

PMID- 22057841
TI  - Haemophilia patients with HIV- and HCV-infection. Long term survival.
AB  - At present (2010), we investigate in a long term study on psychosocial aspects of
      haemophilia at the Munich Haemophilia Centre factors which could be held
      responsible for the large number of still living HIV+ patients while many
      patients died from AIDS or from diseases caused by HCV during the 1990ies.
      PATIENTS, METHODS: We retrospectively compare medical and psychosocial data of 15
      HIV+ long term survivors (L-S), 15 HIV+ later on deceased patients and 15 HIV-,
      all of them deriving from the original investigation group from 1985 including 52
      patients (30 HIV+, 22 HIV-). We prove the validity of our psychosocial factors by
      the SF 36 which currently serves as gold standard. The actual psychosocial
      factors and medical parameters of the 15 L-S are checked against the data of the
      15 HIV- patients. RESULTS, CONCLUSION: In 1985 already, we retrospectively found
      significantly higher values regarding psychosocial factors within the group of
      the L-S as opposed to the later on deceased ones. Highly significant are the
      facts that more than 90 % of HIV+ L-S have had a good relationship to their
      fathers and are still employed today in contrast to the deceased HIV+ patients.
      At present, the differences regarding psychosocial factors between HIV+ L-S and
      HIV-negative patients are vanishing.

PMID- 22057842
TI  - Aggression among children with ADHD, anxiety, or co-occurring symptoms: competing
      exacerbation and attenuation hypotheses.
AB  - Competing hypotheses for explaining the role of anxiety in the relation between
      attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and childhood aggression
      were evaluated. Two studies tested whether anxiety exacerbated, attenuated, or
      had no effect on the relation between ADHD and aggression subtypes among
      psychiatrically hospitalized children. In Study 1 (N = 99), children who scored
      above clinical cut-off levels for anxiety only, ADHD only, and co-occurring ADHD
      and anxiety were compared on aggression subtypes (i.e., reactive, proactive,
      overt, and relational aggression). In Study 2, the moderating role of anxiety on
      the relation between ADHD and aggression subtypes was examined with a larger
      sample (N = 265) and with continuous variables. No support was found for either
      the attenuation or exacerbation hypothesis, and results remained consistent when
      separately examining hyperactivity/impulsivity and inattention symptoms of ADHD.
      Although ADHD symptoms were significantly associated with all aggression
      subtypes, this association did not remain when including symptoms of oppositional
      defiant disorder.

PMID- 22057843
TI  - Carbon dioxide hydrogenation to formic acid by using a heterogeneous gold
      catalyst.
AB  - AUROlite, consisting of gold supported on titania (picture shows extrudates in a
      steel net cage), is a robust catalyst for the production of catalyst-free
      HCOOH/NEt(3) adducts from H(2), CO(2), and neat NEt(3). Pure HCOOH is freed from
      the adducts by amine exchange.

PMID- 22057844
TI  - Biosynthetic concepts for the production of beta-lactam antibiotics in
      Penicillium chrysogenum.
AB  - Industrial production of beta-lactam antibiotics by the filamentous fungus
      Penicillium chrysogenum is based on successive classical strain improvement
      cycles. This review summarizes our current knowledge on the results of this
      classical strain improvement process, and discusses avenues to improve beta
      lactam biosynthesis and to exploit P. chrysogenum as an industrial host for the
      production of other antibiotics and peptide products. Genomic and transcriptional
      analysis of strain lineages has led to the identification of several important
      alterations in high-yielding strains, including the amplification of the
      penicillin biosynthetic gene cluster, elevated transcription of genes involved in
      biosynthesis of penicillin and amino acid precursors, and genes encoding
      microbody proliferation factors. In recent years, successful metabolic
      engineering and synthetic biology approaches have resulted in the redirection of
      the penicillin pathway towards the production of cephalosporins. This sets a new
      direction in industrial antibiotics productions towards more sustainable methods
      for the fermentative production of unnatural antibiotics and related compounds.

PMID- 22057845
TI  - Roles of the N- and C-terminal sequences in Hsp27 self-association and chaperone
      activity.
AB  - The small heat shock protein 27 (Hsp27 or HSPB1) is an oligomeric molecular
      chaperone in vitro that is associated with several neuromuscular, neurological,
      and neoplastic diseases. Although aspects of Hsp27 biology are increasingly well
      known, understanding of the structural basis for these involvements or of the
      functional properties of the protein remains limited. As all 11 human small heat
      shock proteins (sHsps) possess an alpha-crystallin domain, their varied
      functional and physiological characteristics must arise from contributions of
      their nonconserved sequences. To evaluate the role of two such sequences in
      Hsp27, we have studied three Hsp27 truncation variants to assess the functional
      contributions of the nonconserved N- and C-terminal sequences. The N-terminal
      variants Delta1-14 and Delta1-24 exhibit little chaperone activity, somewhat
      slower but temperature-dependent subunit exchange kinetics, and temperature
      independent self-association with formation of smaller oligomers than wild-type
      Hsp27. The C-terminal truncation variants exhibit chaperone activity at 40 
      degrees C but none at 20  degrees C, limited subunit exchange, and temperature
      independent self-association with an oligomer distribution at 40  degrees C that
      is very similar to that of wild-type Hsp27. We conclude that more of the N
      terminal sequence than simply the WPDF domain is essential in the formation of
      larger, native-like oligomers after binding of substrate and/or in binding of
      Hsp27 to unfolding peptides. On the other hand, the intrinsically flexible C
      terminal region drives subunit exchange and thermally-induced unfolding, both of
      which are essential to chaperone activity at low temperature and are linked to
      the temperature dependence of Hsp27 self-association.

PMID- 22057846
TI  - Minocycline-induced reduction of brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression in
      relation to cancer-induced bone pain in rats.
AB  - Previous studies have suggested that the release of brain-derived neurotrophic
      factor (BDNF) from microglia in spinal cord is necessary for maintaining pain
      hypersensitivity after nerve injury. However, little is known about its role in
      cancer-induced bone pain (CIBP), which is in some ways unique. This study
      demonstrates a critical role of minocycline (a potent inhibitor of microglial
      activation)-modulated BDNF in the induction and maintenance of behavioral
      hypersensitivity in a rat model of CIBP. We assessed mechanical threshold and
      spontaneous pain of CIBP rats. Moreover, minocycline was administered
      intrathecally from day 4 to day 6 (early stage) or from day 10 to day 12 (later
      stage), after carcinoma cell inoculation. Real-time PCR, Western blots, and
      double immunofluorescence were used to detect the expression of OX-42 (marker of
      activated microglia), phosphorylated p38-MAPK (p-p38), and BDNF. We found that
      intrathecal minocycline could prevent CIBP at an early stage of tumor growth
      (from day 4 to day 6). However, at the late stage (from day 10 to day 12),
      intrathecal minocycline had no effect. Moreover, the expression of OX-42 and BDNF
      under CIBP, peaking on day 6, were all reduced after minocycline injection from
      day 4 to day 6. The ability of minocycline-induced reduction of BDNF in the
      induction of behavioral hypersensitivity could provide an opportunity for
      alleviating CIBP.

PMID- 22057847
TI  - Mating genes of the Trichophyton mentagrophytes complex.
AB  - The mating type (-)-specific gene of the alpha-box and the mating type (+)
      specific gene of the high-mobility group (HMG) DNA-binding domain were confirmed
      in zoophilic dematophytes of Arthroderma simii and A. vanbreuseghemii. The
      sequence of the alpha-box gene was 1,375 bp, containing 2 exons (from 172 to 463
      bp and from 513 to 1,375 bp) in the A. simii (-) mating type strain and 1,380 bp,
      containing 2 exons (from 177 to 468 bp and from 518 to 1,380 bp) in the A.
      vanbreuseghemii (-) mating type strain. The sequence of the HMG gene was 1,871
      bp, containing 2 exons (from 181 to 362 bp and from 426 to 1,440 bp, coding a
      protein of 398 amino acids) in the A. simii (+) mating type strain and 1,811 bp
      containing 2 exons (from 158 to 339 bp and from 403 to 1,381 bp, coding a protein
      of 386 amino acids) in the A. vanbreuseghemii (+) mating type strain. Of 15
      animal isolates and 72 human isolates examined, the alpha-box gene was detected
      in five of the animal isolates and in none of the human isolates, while the HMG
      gene was detected in the other 10 of the animal isolates and in all of the human
      isolates. Phylogenetic analysis of the alpha-box and HMG genes of Trichophyton
      mentagrophytes complex strains and the Microsporum gypseum strain revealed that
      these strains were divided into 4 clusters; the first cluster consisting of A.
      vanbreuseghemii and the isolates from animals and humans, the second cluster
      consisting of A. simii, the third cluster consisting of A. benhamiae and the
      fourth cluster consisting of M. gypseum. These results indicate that
      anthropophilic T. mentagrophytes evolved from the A. vanbreuseghemii (+) mating
      strain.

PMID- 22057848
TI  - Identification of vimentin- and elastin-like transcripts specifically expressed
      in developing notochord of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.).
AB  - The notochord functions as the midline structural element of all vertebrate
      embryos, and allows movement and growth at early developmental stages. Moreover,
      during embryonic development, notochord cells produce secreted factors that
      provide positional and fate information to a broad variety of cells within
      adjacent tissues, for instance those of the vertebrae, central nervous system and
      somites. Due to the large size of the embryo, the salmon notochord is useful to
      study as a model for exploring notochord development. To investigate factors that
      might be involved in notochord development, a normalized cDNA library was
      constructed from a mix of notochords from ~500 to ~800 day degrees . From the
      1968 Sanger-sequenced transcripts, 22 genes were identified to be predominantly
      expressed in the notochord compared to other organs of salmon. Twelve of these
      genes were found to show expressional regulation around mineralization of the
      notochord sheath; 11 genes were up-regulated and one gene was down-regulated. Two
      genes were found to be specifically expressed in the notochord; these genes
      showed similarity to vimentin (acc. no GT297094) and elastin (acc. no GT297478).
      In-situ results showed that the vimentin- like transcript was expressed in both
      chordocytes and chordoblasts, whereas the elastin- like transcript was uniquely
      expressed in the chordoblasts lining the notochordal sheath. In salmon
      aquaculture, vertebral deformities are a common problem, and some malformations
      have been linked to the notochord. The expression of identified transcripts
      provides further insight into processes taking place in the developing notochord,
      prior to and during the early mineralization period.

PMID- 22057850
TI  - Pesticide removal from waste spray-tank water by organoclay adsorption after
      field application: an approach for a formulation of cyprodinil containing
      antifoaming/defoaming agents.
AB  - PURPOSE: Many reports on purification of water containing pesticides are based on
      studies using unformulated active ingredients. However, most commercial
      formulations contain additives/adjuvants or are manufactured using
      microencapsulation which may influence the purification process. Therefore, the
      main objective of this work was to develop and test a pilot scheme for
      decontaminating water containing pesticides formulated with antifoaming/defoaming
      agents. METHODS: The Freundlich adsorption coefficients of formulation of
      cyprodinil, a new-generation fungicide, onto the organoclay Cloisite 20A have
      been determined in the laboratory in order to predict the efficiency of this
      organoclay in removing the fungicide from waste spray-tank water. Subsequently,
      the adsorption tests were repeated in the pilot system in order to test the
      practical operation of the purification scheme. RESULTS: The laboratory
      adsorption tests successfully predicted the efficiency of the pilot purification
      system, which removed more than 96% cyprodinil over a few hours. The passing of
      the organoclay-cyprodinil suspension through a layer of biomass gave 100%
      recovery of the organoclay at the surface of the biomass after 1 week. The
      organoclay was composted after the treatment to try to break down the fungicide
      so as to allow safe disposal of the waste, but cyprodinil was not significantly
      dissipated after 90 days. CONCLUSION: The purification scheme proved to be
      efficient for decontaminating water containing cyprodinil formulated with
      antifoaming/defoaming agents, but additional treatments for the adsorbed residues
      still appear to be necessary even for a moderately persistent pesticide such as
      cyprodinil. Furthermore, a significant conclusion of this study concerns the high
      influence of pesticide formulations on the process of purification of water
      containing these compounds, which should be taken into account when developing
      innovative decontamination schemes, especially for practical applications.

PMID- 22057851
TI  - Optimization of ethylenediamine-grafted multiwalled carbon nanotubes for solid
      phase extraction of lead cations.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Ethylenediamine-grafted multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs-EDA-I
      and MWCNTs-EDA-II) are optimized and employed to investigate the preconcentration
      of lead ions (Pb(II)) in trace level. RESULTS: The results show that Pb(II) can
      be adsorbed quantitatively on the optimized MWCNTs in the range of pH 4-7 and
      MWCNTs-EDA-I has a higher maximum Pb(II) adsorption capacity (157.19 mg/g) than
      MWCNTs-EDA-II (89.16 mg/g). The adsorbed Pb(II) can be eluted completely using 5
      mL of 1 mol/L HNO(3). DISCUSSION: A new approach using a microcolumn packed with
      the obtained MWCNTs-EDA-I has been developed for the preconcentration of trace
      amount of Pb(II). Parameters influencing the preconcentration of Pb(II), such as
      pH of the sample, sample volume, elution solution, and interfering ions, have
      been examined and optimized in detail. Under optimum experimental conditions, the
      limit of detection is 0.30 ng/mL with the enrichment factor of 60. The relative
      standard deviation (R.S.D) was 2.6% at the 20 ng/mL Pb(II) level. CONCLUSION: The
      method has been applied for the preconcentration of trace amount of Pb(II) in
      environmental water samples with satisfying results.

PMID- 22057852
TI  - The effect of food on the bioavailability of panobinostat, an orally active pan
      histone deacetylase inhibitor, in patients with advanced cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: Panobinostat is a novel oral pan-deacetylase inhibitor with promising
      anti-cancer activity. The study aimed to determine the influence of food on the
      oral bioavailability of panobinostat. METHODS: This multicenter study consisted
      of a randomized, three-way crossover, food-effect study period (cycle 1) followed
      by single-agent panobinostat continual treatment phase in patients with advanced
      cancer. Patients received panobinostat 20 mg twice weekly, and panobinostat
      pharmacokinetics was investigated on days 1, 8, and 15 with a randomly assigned
      sequence of three prandial states (fasting, high-fat, and normal breakfast).
      RESULTS: Thirty-six patients were assessed for the food effect on
      pharmacokinetics and safety in cycle 1, after which 29 patients continued
      treatment, receiving single-agent panobinostat. Safety and antitumor activity
      were assessed during the extension period. Panobinostat systemic exposure was
      marginally reduced (14-16%) following food [geometric mean ratio (GMR) of the
      AUC(0-infinity)/high-fat breakfast/fasting, 0.84 (90% confidence interval {CI},
      0.74-0.96); normal breakfast/fasting, 0.86 (90% CI, 0.75-1.00)], and interpatient
      variability (coefficient of variation, 59%) remained essentially unchanged with
      or without food. Panobinostat C (max) was reduced by 44% (high-fat) and 36%
      (normal) with median T (max) prolonged by 1-1.5 h following food. Panobinostat
      was well tolerated, with thrombocytopenia, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting as
      common adverse events, and demonstrated antitumor activity with one patient with
      a partial response and six patients with stable disease as best response.
      CONCLUSIONS: Food produced minor changes in oral panobinostat exposure; thus,
      panobinostat can be given without regard to food intake in future clinical
      studies.

PMID- 22057853
TI  - A phase I pharmacokinetic study of bexarotene with paclitaxel and carboplatin in
      patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
AB  - PURPOSE: Preclinical data suggest that the synthetic retinoid bexarotene may be
      an effective chemopreventive agent and that it may act synergistically in
      combination with platinum-based chemotherapy. The primary objective of this study
      was to determine whether repeated doses of bexarotene capsules affect
      pharmacokinetic parameters of paclitaxel or carboplatin in patients with advanced
      non-small cell lung cancer. METHODS: Patients received treatment with paclitaxel
      (200 mg/m(2)) and carboplatin to provide a target AUC of 6 mg min/mL (day 1)
      every 3 weeks. Continuous oral bexarotene therapy (400 mg/m(2)/day) was initiated
      on Day 4, and patients started lipid-lowering therapy prior to beginning
      chemotherapy. Blood sampling to characterize the pharmacokinetic profiles of the
      chemotherapeutic agents with or without bexarotene was performed during cycle 1
      (without concomitant bexarotene) and during cycle 2 (with concomitant
      bexarotene). RESULTS: An analysis of drug concentration data from 16 patients
      indicated that bexarotene did not affect the pharmacokinetics of paclitaxel, free
      carboplatin, or total carboplatin concentrations. However, both maximal plasma
      concentrations and total exposure of bexarotene increased by 80% in the presence
      of paclitaxel-carboplatin by an, as of yet, unexplained mechanism. The toxicities
      observed resembled those of either the chemotherapy regimen or bexarotene alone,
      and there was no evidence for an enhancement of any drug-related toxicity with
      the combined treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The administration of bexarotene,
      paclitaxel, and carboplatin is feasible and safe; however, the increased
      bexarotene plasma concentrations and exposure warrant further investigation if
      this combination is to be utilized clinically.

PMID- 22057854
TI  - A phase I pharmacokinetic study of bexarotene with vinorelbine and cisplatin in
      patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
AB  - PURPOSE: This is a phase I study of the retinoid X receptor agonist bexarotene
      (Targretin((r))) in combination with the chemotherapeutic drugs cisplatin and
      vinorelbine and lipid-lowering therapy. This study looked for pharmacokinetic
      (PK) interactions between the agents in parallel with a phase III study of the
      combination. METHODS: Patients (n = 26) with advanced-stage non-small-cell lung
      cancer received intravenous cisplatin 100 mg/m(2) on day 1 and at 4-week
      intervals plus intravenous vinorelbine 25 mg/m(2) weekly. Continuous oral
      bexarotene therapy (400 mg/m(2)/day) was initiated at day 4. Lipid-lowering
      therapy was initiated in all patients due to hypertriglyceridemia associated with
      bexarotene use. PK profiles of the chemotherapeutic agents were obtained on day 1
      (without bexarotene) and during cycles 2-4 (with bexarotene). Vinorelbine (n =
      18) and free cisplatin (n = 17) PK parameters in evaluable patients were
      determined using non-compartmental methods. RESULTS: Mean vinorelbine and free
      cisplatin clearance and dose-corrected AUC values with bexarotene were within 20%
      of respective values without concomitant bexarotene. Bexarotene levels did not
      vary with or without co-administration of the chemotherapeutic agents. There was
      no evidence of increased toxicity when bexarotene was co-administered with the
      chemotherapeutic agents. CONCLUSIONS: Bexarotene does not substantially affect
      vinorelbine or cisplatin PK, and the combination is well tolerated. The results
      are consistent with the mechanisms of elimination of vinorelbine (high metabolic
      clearance) and cisplatin (non-enzymatic and renal elimination).

PMID- 22057855
TI  - The effect of bexarotene on atorvastatin pharmacokinetics: results from a phase I
      trial of bexarotene plus chemotherapy in patients with advanced non-small cell
      lung cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: Bexarotene (Targretin((r)) capsules) is a retinoid-X-receptor agonist
      and an inducer of CYP3A4-mediated metabolism. This phase I trial evaluated the
      pharmacokinetic (PK) and drug-drug interactions of bexarotene with chemotherapy
      and a lipid-lowering agent (atorvastatin or fenofibrate). This trial was run in
      parallel with phase III trials of the combinations to determine whether repeated
      doses of bexarotene capsules affect the pharmacokinetics (PK) of the
      chemotherapeutic or the lipid-lowering agents. METHODS: Patients (n = 48) with
      advanced non-small cell lung cancer were treated with repetitive cycles of either
      paclitaxel/carboplatin or cisplatin/vinorelbine chemotherapy, bexarotene (400
      mg/m(2)/day) administered continuously starting on day 4 of chemotherapy, and a
      lipid-lowering drug, either atorvastatin or fenofibrate, starting at least 5 days
      before chemotherapy due to hypertriglyceridemia induced by bexarotene. Extensive
      plasma sampling to characterize the PK profiles of the lipid-lowering drugs,
      relevant chemotherapy agents was performed on day 1 (without bexarotene) and
      during chemotherapy cycles 2 or 3 (with bexarotene). RESULTS: Here, we report the
      drug-drug interactions between the lipid-lowering agents and bexarotene. Mean
      atorvastatin clearance and dose-corrected AUC values were reduced by nearly 50%
      with the addition of concomitant bexarotene. As fenofibrate was less effective at
      controlling hypertriglyceridemia, too few patients received this agent to make
      any meaningful conclusions about drug-drug interactions. CONCLUSIONS: A drug-drug
      interaction was seen in this trial with bexarotene co-administration leading to a
      significant reduction in the AUC of atorvastatin. The likely mechanism for this
      interaction is through induction of CYP3A4 by bexarotene given the role of this
      enzyme in the metabolism of atorvastatin. Knowledge of this interaction is
      important for optimizing lipid management with atorvastatin for patients
      receiving bexarotene.

PMID- 22057856
TI  - Intravascular ultrasound-guided primary percutaneous coronary intervention with
      drug-eluting stent implantation in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial
      infarction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Studies investigating the clinical outcome of intravascular
      ultrasound (IVUS)-guided primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) in
      patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) show conflicting
      results. The aim of our study was to evaluate whether IVUS-guidedPPCI with drug
      eluting stents (DESs) in STEMI patients improves clinical outcome. HYPOTHESIS:
      IVUS-guided PPCI is superior to angio-guided PPCI. METHODS: Three hundred forty
      one patients who underwent PPCI for STEMI and survived the hospitalization were
      enrolled in this study. Two hundred sixteen (63.3%) patients were treated with
      angio-guided PPCI and 125 (36.7%) patients were treated with IVUS-guided PPCI.
      The primary endpoint was defined as the composite of death, myocardial
      infarction, target vessel revascularization, and target lesion revascularization
      at the 3-year follow-up visit. RESULTS: Male gender, dyslipidemia, and smoking
      were frequent in the IVUS-guided PPCI group. These patients had a higher rate of
      radial approach, adjunctive ballooning, thrombectomy, and the use of a
      glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor. The number and length of implanted stents were
      higher in the IVUS-guided PPCI group. The primary end point (18.1% vs 12.8%, P =
      0.22) and stent thrombosis (2.8% vs 2.4%, P = 1.00) was not different between the
      groups. CONCLUSIONS: In our observational study, IVUS-guided PPCI with DESs in
      patients with STEMI did not improve clinical outcome or stent thrombosis.

PMID- 22057857
TI  - Associations of mental, and medical illnesses with against medical advice
      discharges: the National Hospital Discharge Survey, 1988-2006.
AB  - This study examined the association of mental and medical illnesses with the odds
      for leaving against medical advice (AMA) in a national sample of adult patients
      who left general hospitals between 1988 and 2006. Leaving AMA was first examined
      as a function of year and mental illness. Multiple logistic regression analysis
      was then used to adjust for patient and hospital characteristics when associating
      mental and major medical diagnoses with AMA discharges. The results indicated
      that leaving AMA was most strongly associated with mental health problems.
      However, the impact of mental illness was attenuated after adjusting for medical
      illnesses, patient and hospital characteristics. The strongest predictors of AMA
      discharge included being self-pay, having Medicaid insurance, being young and
      male, and the regional location of the hospital (Northeast). When substance abuse
      conditions were excluded from the mental illness discharge diagnoses, mental
      illness had lower odds for leaving AMA. The results may be of value to
      clinicians, and hospital administrators in helping to profile and target patients
      at risk for treatment-compliance problems. Prospective primary data collection
      that would include patient, physician, and hospital variables is recommended.

PMID- 22057858
TI  - Influence of CYP2B6 516G>T polymorphism and interoccasion variability (IOV) on
      the population pharmacokinetics of efavirenz in HIV-infected South African
      children.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the influence of CYP2B6 516G>T polymorphism, as a
      covariate, and of interoccasion variability (IOV) on the oral clearance (CL/F) of
      efavirenz (EFV) in treatment-naive black South African children over a period of
      24 months post-antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation. METHODS: HIV-infected
      black children (n = 60, aged 3-16 years), with no prior exposure to ART, eligible
      to commence ART and attending an outpatient clinic were enrolled into this study.
      Blood samples were taken at mid-dose interval at 1, 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months
      post-ART initiation. EFV plasma samples were determined with an adapted and
      validated LC/MS/MS method. Genotyping of the CYP2B6 G516T single nucleotide
      polymorphism (SNP) was performed using polymerase chain reaction-restriction
      fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). NONMEM was used for the population
      pharmacokinetic modelling. RESULTS: EFV concentrations below 1 MUg/mL accounted
      for 18% (116/649), EFV concentrations >4 MUg/mL accounted for 29.5% (192/649) and
      concentrations within the therapeutic range (1-4 MUg/mL) represented 52.5%
      (341/649) of all the samples determined. The covariates age, weight and CYP2B6
      G516Tgenotype were included in the final model with population estimates for CL/F
      determined as 2.46, 4.60 and 7.33 L/h for the T/T, G/T and G/G genotype groups
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The inclusion of both age and weight to predict
      accurate EFV CL values for the respective genotype groups within this paediatric
      population was required, whereas the addition of gender and body surface area did
      not improve the predictions. The importance of introducing IOV in a PK model for
      a longitudinal study with sparsely collected data was again highlighted by this
      investigation.

PMID- 22057859
TI  - Comparing satisfaction rates of Microwave and Bipolar Impedance controlled
      endometrial ablation.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare the satisfaction rates of Microwave and Bipolar Impedance
      controlled endometrial ablations. METHODS: Anonymized questionnaires were sent to
      patients who had undergone endometrial ablations in a two and a half year period,
      which ended 6 months prior to the start of the study. The same questionnaires
      printed in pink and white sheets of paper were sent to patients who had undergone
      Bipolar Impedance controlled and Microwave endometrial ablations, respectively.
      Returned questionnaires were then analysed. RESULTS: There were no statistically
      significant differences in satisfaction rates of Microwave or Bipolar Impedance
      controlled endometrial ablations, where control of pain or menstrual bleeding was
      concerned. Similarly there was no difference in hysterectomy rates and the
      percentage of women in each group recommending the procedure to others as well as
      those reporting a significant improvement in quality of life after the procedure.
      CONCLUSIONS: Microwave endometrial ablation and Bipolar Impedance controlled
      endometrial ablation are both equally successful at controlling heavy menstrual
      bleeding with satisfaction rates around 80% for both procedures.

PMID- 22057860
TI  - Dynamic nuclear polarization: new methodology and applications.
AB  - One way to overcome the intrinsically low sensitivity of Nuclear Magnetic
      Resonance spectroscopy is to enhance the signal by dynamic nuclear polarization
      (DNP), where the polarization of high-gyromagnetic ratio (gamma) electrons is
      transferred to the surrounding nuclei using microwave (MW) irradiation. Recent
      developments in DNP instrumentations and applications have shown that DNP is one
      of the most effective methods to increase the nuclear spin polarization in
      inorganic, organic, and biological materials. It is possible to obtain a solution
      of molecules containing hyperpolarized nuclei in combination with methods to
      dissolve rapidly the polarized solid sample. In this chapter, a brief
      introduction on a theoretical basis and some of new DNP applications in NMR
      spectroscopy as well as medical applications in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
      are described.

PMID- 22057861
TI  - Vanillin catabolism in Rhodococcus jostii RHA1.
AB  - Genes encoding vanillin dehydrogenase (vdh) and vanillate O-demethylase (vanAB)
      were identified in Rhodococcus jostii RHA1 using gene disruption and enzyme
      activities. During growth on vanillin or vanillate, vanA was highly upregulated
      while vdh was not. This study contributes to our understanding of lignin
      degradation by RHA1 and other actinomycetes.

PMID- 22057862
TI  - Live diatom silica immobilization of multimeric and redox-active enzymes.
AB  - Living organisms are adept in forming inorganic materials (biominerals) with
      unique structures and properties that exceed the capabilities of engineered
      materials. Biomimetic materials syntheses are being developed that aim at
      replicating the advantageous properties of biominerals in vitro and endow them
      with additional functionalities. Recently, proof-of-concept was provided for an
      alternative approach that allows for the production of biomineral-based
      functional materials in vivo. In this approach, the cellular machinery for the
      biosynthesis of nano-/micropatterned SiO2 (silica) structures in diatoms was
      genetically engineered to incorporate a monomeric, cofactor-independent
      ("simple") enzyme, HabB, into diatom silica. In the present work, it is
      demonstrated that this approach is also applicable for enzymes with "complex"
      activity requirements, including oligomerization, metal ions, organic redox
      cofactors, and posttranslational modifications. Functional expression of the
      enzymes beta-glucuronidase, glucose oxidase, galactose oxidase, and horseradish
      peroxidase in the diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana was accomplished, and 66 to 78%
      of the expressed enzymes were stably incorporated into the biosilica. The in vivo
      incorporated enzymes represent approximately 0.1% (wt/wt) of the diatom biosilica
      and are stabilized against denaturation and proteolytic degradation. Furthermore,
      it is demonstrated that the gene construct for in vivo immobilization of glucose
      oxidase can be utilized as the first negative selection marker for diatom genetic
      engineering.

PMID- 22057863
TI  - Disease dynamics and persistence of Musca domestica salivary gland hypertrophy
      virus infections in laboratory house fly (Musca domestica) populations.
AB  - Past surveys of feral house fly populations have shown that Musca domestica
      salivary gland hypertrophy virus (MdSGHV) has a worldwide distribution, with an
      average prevalence varying between 0.5% and 10%. How this adult-specific virus
      persists in nature is unknown. In the present study, experiments were conducted
      to examine short-term transmission efficiency and long-term persistence of
      symptomatic MdSGHV infections in confined house fly populations. Average rates of
      disease transmission from virus-infected to healthy flies in small populations of
      50 or 100 flies ranged from 3% to 24% and did not vary between three tested
      geographical strains that originated from different continents. Introduction of
      an initial proportion of 40% infected flies into fly populations did not result
      in epizootics. Instead, long-term observations demonstrated that MdSGHV infection
      levels declined over time, resulting in a 10% infection rate after passing
      through 10 filial generations. In all experiments, induced disease rates were
      significantly higher in male flies than in female flies and might be explained by
      male-specific behaviors that increased contact with viremic flies and/or virus
      contaminated surfaces.

PMID- 22057864
TI  - Culture and molecular method for detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex
      and Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis in milk and dairy products.
AB  - A combined molecular and cultural method for the detection of the Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis complex (MTBC) and Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis was
      developed and tested with artificially contaminated milk and dairy products.
      Results indicate that the method can be used for a reliable detection as a basis
      for first risk assessments.

PMID- 22057865
TI  - Rapid identification of Pseudallescheria and Scedosporium strains by using
      rolling circle amplification.
AB  - The Pseudallescheria boydii complex, comprising environmental pathogens with
      Scedosporium anamorphs, has recently been subdivided into five main species:
      Scedosporium dehoogii, S. aurantiacum, Pseudallescheria minutispora, P.
      apiosperma, and P. boydii, while the validity of some other taxa is being
      debated. Several Pseudallescheria and Scedosporium species are indicator
      organisms of pollution in soil and water. Scedosporium dehoogii in particular is
      enriched in soils contaminated by aliphatic hydrocarbons. In addition, the fungi
      may cause life-threatening infections involving the central nervous system in
      severely impaired patients. For screening purposes, rapid and economic tools for
      species recognition are needed. Our aim is to establish rolling circle
      amplification (RCA) as a screening tool for species-specific identification of
      Pseudallescheria and Scedosporium. With this aim, a set of padlock probes was
      designed on the basis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, differing
      by up to 13 fixed mutations. Padlock probes were unique as judged from sequence
      comparison by BLAST search in GenBank and in dedicated research databases at CBS
      (Centraalbureau voor Schimmelcultures Fungal Biodiversity Centre). RCA was
      applied as an in vitro tool, tested with pure DNA amplified from cultures. The
      species-specific padlock probes designed in this study yielded 100% specificity.
      The method presented here was found to be an attractive alternative to
      identification by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) or sequencing.
      The rapidity (<1 day), specificity, and low costs make RCA a promising screening
      tool for environmentally and clinically relevant fungi.

PMID- 22057866
TI  - Characterization of Streptomyces padanus JAU4234, a producer of actinomycin X2,
      fungichromin, and a new polyene macrolide antibiotic.
AB  - Strain JAU4234, identified as Streptomyces padanus, was isolated from soil
      collected in Jiangxi Province, China. It produced actinomycin X2, fungichromin,
      and a new polyene macrolide compound with antifungal activity, antifungalmycin
      702. Antifungalmycin 702 had good general antifungal activity and may have
      potential future agricultural and/or clinical applications.

PMID- 22057867
TI  - Molecular survey and genetic identification of Anaplasma species in goats from
      central and southern China.
AB  - Anaplasma species are obligate intracellular rickettsial pathogens that impact
      the health of humans and animals. Few studies have been carried out on Anaplasma
      infections in central and southern China. This study was conducted to determine
      the coinfection rates of Anaplasma ovis, A. bovis, and A. phagocytophilum from
      262 field blood samples of goats in these regions. The average prevalences of
      single infection of A. ovis, A. bovis, and A. phagocytophilum were 15.3, 16.0,
      and 6.1%, respectively. Coinfection of A. ovis and A. bovis was dominant, with an
      infection rate of 27.1%. Coinfection of A. ovis and A. phagocytophilum was 1.9%
      and that of A. bovis and A. phagocytophilum was 4.2%. Three-pathogen coinfection
      was found in three of four investigated provinces with a prevalence between 0 and
      5.3%. The accuracy of the PCR results was corroborated by sequencing. Analysis of
      the 16S rRNA gene sequences of A. bovis and A. phagocytophilum confirmed the
      presence of these pathogens at the investigated sites and indicated the possible
      genetic diversity of A. phagocytophilum. Field blood inoculation of experimental
      animals led to successful identification and observation of the morphological
      shapes of A. bovis in the infected monocytes of sheep. Phylogenetic study with
      msp4 sequences of A. ovis indicated that the A. ovis genotypes from sheep in the
      north differed from the genotypes of goats in the investigated sites.

PMID- 22057868
TI  - Locked nucleic acid and flow cytometry-fluorescence in situ hybridization for the
      detection of bacterial small noncoding RNAs.
AB  - We describe the development and testing of a high-throughput method that enables
      the detection of small noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) from single bacterial cells using
      locked nucleic acid probes (LNA) and flow cytometry-fluorescence in situ
      hybridization (flow-FISH). The LNA flow-FISH method and quantitative reverse
      transcription-PCR (qRT-PCR) were used to monitor the expression of three ncRNAs
      (6S, CsrB, and TPP-2) in Vibrio campbellii ATCC BAA-1116 cultures during lag
      phase, mid-log phase, and stationary phase. Both LNA flow-FISH and qRT-PCR
      revealed that CsrB and TPP-2 were highly expressed during lag phase but markedly
      reduced in mid-log phase and stationary phase, whereas 6S demonstrated no to
      little expression during lag phase but increased thereafter. Importantly, while
      LNA flow-FISH and qRT-PCR demonstrated similar overall expression trends, only
      LNA flow-FISH, which enabled the detection of ncRNAs in individual cells as
      opposed to the lysate-based ensemble measurements generated by qRT-PCR, was able
      to capture the cell-to-cell heterogeneity in ncRNA expression. As such, this
      study demonstrates a new method that simultaneously enables the in situ detection
      of ncRNAs and the determination of gene expression heterogeneity within an
      isogenic bacterial population.

PMID- 22057869
TI  - Factors influencing the microbial composition of metalworking fluids and
      potential implications for machine operator's lung.
AB  - Hypersensitivity pneumonitis, also known as "machine operator's lung" (MOL), has
      been related to microorganisms growing in metalworking fluids (MWFs), especially
      Mycobacterium immunogenum. We aimed to (i) describe the microbiological
      contamination of MWFs and (ii) look for chemical, physical, and environmental
      parameters associated with variations in microbiological profiles. We
      microbiologically analyzed 180 MWF samples from nonautomotive plants (e.g., screw
      machining or metal-cutting plants) in the Franche-Comte region in eastern France
      and 165 samples from three French automotive plants in which cases of MOL had
      been proven. Our results revealed two types of microbial biomes: the first was
      from the nonautomotive industry, showed predominantly Gram-negative rods (GNR),
      and was associated with a low risk of MOL, and the second came from the
      automotive industry that was affected by cases of MOL and showed predominantly
      Gram-positive rods (GPR). Traces of M. immunogenum were sporadically detected in
      the first type, while it was highly prevalent in the automotive sector, with up
      to 38% of samples testing positive. The use of chromium, nickel, or iron was
      associated with growth of Gram-negative rods; conversely, growth of Gram-positive
      rods was associated with the absence of these metals. Synthetic MWFs were more
      frequently sterile than emulsions. Vegetable oil-based emulsions were associated
      with GNR, while mineral ones were associated with GPR. Our results suggest that
      metal types and the nature of MWF play a part in MWF contamination, and this work
      shall be followed by further in vitro simulation experiments on the kinetics of
      microbial populations, focusing on the phenomena of inhibition and synergy.

PMID- 22057870
TI  - Association of constitutive hyperphosphorylation of Hsf1p with a defective
      ethanol stress response in Saccharomyces cerevisiae sake yeast strains.
AB  - Modern sake yeast strains, which produce high concentrations of ethanol, are
      unexpectedly sensitive to environmental stress during sake brewing. To reveal the
      underlying mechanism, we investigated a well-characterized yeast stress response
      mediated by a heat shock element (HSE) and heat shock transcription factor Hsf1p
      in Saccharomyces cerevisiae sake yeast. The HSE-lacZ activity of sake yeast
      during sake fermentation and under acute ethanol stress was severely impaired
      compared to that of laboratory yeast. Moreover, the Hsf1p of modern sake yeast
      was highly and constitutively hyperphosphorylated, irrespective of the
      extracellular stress. Since HSF1 allele replacement did not significantly affect
      the HSE-mediated ethanol stress response or Hsf1p phosphorylation patterns in
      either sake or laboratory yeast, the regulatory machinery of Hsf1p is presumed to
      function differently between these types of yeast. To identify phosphatases whose
      loss affected the control of Hsf1p, we screened a series of phosphatase gene
      deletion mutants in a laboratory strain background. Among the 29 mutants, a
      Deltappt1 mutant exhibited constitutive hyperphosphorylation of Hsf1p, similarly
      to the modern sake yeast strains, which lack the entire PPT1 gene locus. We
      confirmed that the expression of laboratory yeast-derived functional PPT1
      recovered the HSE-mediated stress response of sake yeast. In addition, deletion
      of PPT1 in laboratory yeast resulted in enhanced fermentation ability. Taken
      together, these data demonstrate that hyperphosphorylation of Hsf1p caused by
      loss of the PPT1 gene at least partly accounts for the defective stress response
      and high ethanol productivity of modern sake yeast strains.

PMID- 22057871
TI  - New approaches for isolation of previously uncultivated oral bacteria.
AB  - A significant number of microorganisms from the human oral cavity remain
      uncultivated. This is a major impediment to the study of human health since some
      of the uncultivated species may be involved in a variety of systemic diseases. We
      used a range of innovations previously developed to cultivate microorganisms from
      the human oral cavity, focusing on anaerobic species. These innovations include
      (i) in vivo cultivation to specifically enrich for species actively growing in
      the oral cavity (the "minitrap" method), (ii) single-cell long-term cultivation
      to minimize the effect of fast-growing microorganisms, and (iii) modifications of
      conventional enrichment techniques, using media that did not contain sugar,
      including glucose. To enable cultivation of obligate anaerobes, we maintained
      strict anaerobic conditions in most of our cultivation experiments. We report
      that, on a per cell basis, the most successful recovery was achieved using
      minitrap enrichment (11%), followed by single-cell cultivation (3%) and
      conventional plating (1%). Taxonomically, the richest collection was obtained
      using the single-cell cultivation method, followed by minitrap and conventional
      enrichment, comprising representatives of 13, 9, and 4 genera, respectively.
      Interestingly, no single species was isolated by all three methods, indicating
      method complementarity. An important result is the isolation and maintenance in
      pure culture of 10 strains previously only known by their molecular signatures,
      as well as representatives of what are likely to be three new microbial genera.
      We conclude that the ensemble of new methods we introduced will likely help close
      the gap between cultivated and uncultivated species from the human oral cavity.

PMID- 22057872
TI  - The effects of leflunomide on CD4(+)CD25 (+)Foxp3 (+) T regulatory cells in mice
      receiving allogeneic bone marrow transplantation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: Leflunomide (LEF) is effective not only in different animal
      models of autoimmune diseases and the therapy of patients with rheumatoid
      arthritisbut also in graft rejection. The effect of LEF on CD4(+)CD25(+)T
      regulatory cells (Treg) was determined in a mouse model of allogeneic bone marrow
      transplantation. MATERIAL OR SUBJECTS: BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice were used as
      donors and recipients, respectively. TREATMENT: C57BL/6 mice were given 2 Gy
      total-body irradiation, followed by an intravenous injection of 2 * 10(7) BALB/c
      bone marrow cells (BMCs). Mice were treated with LEF daily at a dose of 30
      mg/kg/day for 2 weeks. RESULTS: In naive mice, LEF significantly decreased the
      percentage of CD4(+)CD25(+) Treg cells in spleens (P < 0.05), but not in lymph
      nodes, though LEF enhanced the percentages of CD4(+)CD25(+) Treg cells in CD4
      single positive cells in the thymocytes and blood (P < 0.05). Furthermore, LEF
      significantly decreased the percentage of CD4(+)CD25(+) Treg cells in the spleens
      of mice that received allogeneic BMCs. CONCLUSIONS: LEF decreases peripheral
      CD4(+)CD25(+) Treg cells in un-immunizing and immunizing recipients, indicating
      that LEF might not be an ideal candidate for the treatment of autoimmune diseases
      or graft rejection with respect to induction of immune tolerance.

PMID- 22057873
TI  - Nanomedicine: evolutionary and revolutionary developments in the treatment of
      certain inflammatory diseases.
AB  - Nanomedicine, although in a nascent stage of development at present, is already a
      reality. Several pharmaceutical products using this modern technology are already
      on the market. Nanotechnology offers many potential benefits to medical research.
      Nanoparticle-based drug carriers can increase the efficacy and safety of drugs by
      enhancing capacity, improving solubility, combining multiple drugs, protecting
      against metabolism, and controlling release. Nanoparticles can also form the
      basis of multifunctional drug delivery vehicles by combining targeting, imaging,
      and therapeutic moieties. Multifunctional nanoparticles have tremendous potential
      to treat human diseases. The use of non-viral carriers (nanoparticles) can also
      improve the cellular/nuclear uptake of corresponding nucleotides. Preclinical
      characterization of nanoparticles intended for medical applications is
      complicated-due to the variety of materials used, their unique surface
      properties, and multifunctional nature. It is hard to predict what precise course
      nanomedicine will take in years to come. It is, however, very likely that this
      relatively young research area will become a driving force behind a vast
      revolution in medical treatment.

PMID- 22057874
TI  - The Flex-TipTM tracheal tube does not reduce the incidence of postoperative sore
      throat: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - PURPOSE: Sore throat after tracheal intubation is common with an incidence of 30
      70%. The Parker Flex-TipTM endotracheal tube (ETT) is designed to reduce trauma
      during ETT placement. This randomized single-blinded trial was designed to assess
      whether using the Flex-Tip ETT would reduce the incidence of postoperative sore
      throat and/or vocal change. METHODS: A Flex-Tip or a Mallinckrodt Hi-Lo(r) cuffed
      ETT was used by random allocation in 200 patients with normal-appearing airways
      requiring elective orotracheal intubation. On the second postoperative day, a
      blinded assessor recorded the incidence and severity of postoperative sore throat
      and voice alteration. The primary outcome was the incidence of moderate or severe
      sore throat. Secondary outcomes included vocal change, time to intubation, number
      of attempts/failures, incidence of oropharyngeal bleeding, and subjective ease of
      intubation. RESULTS: Demographic data were similar between the two groups.
      Moderate or severe sore throat was observed in 12% of patients with the Flex-Tip
      ETT and 6% of patients with the Mallinckrodt Hi-Lo ETT (odds ratio [OR] 2.1; 95%
      confidence intervals [CI] 0.70 to 7.1; P = 0.14). The incidence of moderate or
      severe vocal change was 6% and 3%, respectively (OR 2.0; 95% CI 0.42 to 12.9; P =
      0.50). Time to intubation, number of intubation attempts, incidence of
      oropharyngeal bleeding, and ease of intubation did not differ significantly
      between groups. CONCLUSION: In this study involving experienced clinicians, no
      significant difference was observed in the incidence of postoperative sore throat
      or vocal change between the Flex-Tip ETT and the standard Mallinckrodt Hi-Lo
      cuffed ETT. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov , NCT01095861.

PMID- 22057875
TI  - Remifentanil versus fentanyl for intravenous patient-controlled labour analgesia:
      an observational study.
AB  - PURPOSE: We undertook a retrospective study to compare the analgesic efficacy and
      effects on neonatal outcome of administering either remifentanil or fentanyl
      intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IVPCA) during labour. METHODS: A five
      year retrospective cohort study was undertaken of women with more than 24 weeks
      of gestation who had received either IVPCA remifentanil or fentanyl for labour
      analgesia at Mount Sinai Hospital. The sampling timeframe was from November 2005
      to March 2010. The standard IVPCA regimen for the remifentanil group consisted of
      a PCA bolus 0.25 MUg.kg(-1) with a lockout interval of two minutes, a four-hour
      limit of 3 mg, and a background infusion of 0.025-0.05 MUg.kg(-1).min(-1),
      whereas the standard IVPCA regimen for the fentanyl group consisted of a PCA
      bolus 25-50 MUg with a lockout interval of three to six minutes and a four-hour
      limit of 1-1.5 mg. The following data were compared: maternal hourly pain scores
      (verbal pain score scale 0-10), sedation scores (scale 0-3), adverse effects, and
      neonatal outcomes. Mixed linear modelling was used to analyze longitudinal data
      on pain scores over time. The exact Wilcoxon test and the Fisher's exact test
      were used for other comparisons. RESULTS: Ninety-eight women were studied. There
      was no significant difference in the model-adjusted pain scores between the two
      groups (P = 0.86). There was a moderate decrease in pain scores in both groups
      compared with the baseline values. There was no difference in maternal side
      effects between the two groups, although transient oxygen desaturation was
      observed more frequently in the remifentanil group than in the fentanyl group
      (13% vs 2%, respectively; odds ratio, 7.32; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.85 to
      63.3). A larger number of neonates in the fentanyl group required resuscitation
      compared with neonates in the remifentanil group (59% vs 25%, respectively; odds
      ratio, 4.33; 95% CI, 1.75 to 10.76); adjusted (44% vs 8%, respectively; odds
      ratio, 8.56; 95% CI, 2.17 to 33.77). CONCLUSIONS: Intravenous patient-controlled
      analgesia with either remifentanil or fentanyl provides a moderate degree of
      labour analgesia, whereas transient maternal oxygen desaturation is observed more
      commonly with remifentanil. Fentanyl is associated with a higher need for
      neonatal resuscitation.

PMID- 22057876
TI  - Markers of plaque instability in the early diagnosis and risk stratification of
      acute myocardial infarction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Plaque erosion and plaque rupture occur early in the pathophysiology
      of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We hypothesized that markers of plaque
      instability might be useful in the early diagnosis and risk stratification of
      AMI. METHODS: In this multicenter study, we examined 4 markers of plaque
      instability, myeloperoxidase (MPO), myeloid-related protein 8/14 (MRP-8/14),
      pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A), and C-reactive protein (CRP) in
      398 consecutive patients presenting to the emergency department with acute chest
      pain and compared them to normal and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (cTnT
      and hs-cTnT). The final diagnosis was adjudicated by 2 independent cardiologists.
      Primary prognostic end point was death during a median follow-up of 27 months.
      RESULTS: The adjudicated final diagnosis was AMI in 76 patients (19%). At
      emergency department presentation, concentrations of all 4 biomarkers of plaque
      instability were significantly higher in patients with AMI than in patients with
      other diagnoses. However, their diagnostic accuracy as quantified by the area
      under the ROC curve (AUC) was low (MPO 0.63, MRP-8/14 0.65, PAPP-A 0.62, CRP
      0.59) and inferior to both normal and high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (cTnT
      0.88, hs-cTnT 0.96; P<0.001 for all comparisons). Thirty-nine patients (10%) died
      during follow-up. Concentrations of MPO, MRP-8/14, and CRP were higher in
      nonsurvivors than in survivors and predicted all-cause mortality with moderate
      accuracy. CONCLUSIONS: Biomarkers of plaque instability do not seem helpful in
      the early diagnosis of AMI but may provide some incremental value in the risk
      stratification of patients with acute chest pain.

PMID- 22057877
TI  - Therapy refractory menorrhagia as first manifestation of Hermansky-Pudlak
      syndrome.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Oculocutaneous albinism (OCA) in combination with a platelet
      function defect caused by a disturbed release reaction from platelet delta
      granules (storage pool defect - SPD) is typical for the autosomal recessive
      inherited Hermansky-Pudlak syndrome (HPS). CASE REPORT: A girl (age: 13 years)
      with OCA was hospitalized with transfusion-requiring menorrhagia. The suspicion
      of HPS was confirmed by results of lumi-aggregometry. Suspecting a disorder in
      primary haemostasis treatment with tranexamic acid (10 mg/kg body weight every 8
      h i. v.), desmopressin (0.3 ug/kg body weight every 8 to 12 h) and hormonal
      therapy (norethisterone) was started but the menorrhagia persisted. Clinical
      response was finally achieved by a single injection of 100 ug/kg body weight
      recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa). CONCLUSION: The diagnosis of HPS should be
      suspected in patients with OCA and bleeding symptoms and is confirmed by the
      proof of SPD. In case of absent clinical response to desmopressin the application
      of rFVIIa should be considered. Hormones and antifibrinolytics are useful options
      in the treatment of extensive menorrhagia.

PMID- 22057878
TI  - Biosynthesis of lactate-containing polyesters by metabolically engineered
      bacteria.
AB  - Due to increasing concerns about environmental problems, climate change and
      limited fossil resources, bio-based production of chemicals and polymers is
      gaining attention as one of the solutions to these problems.
      Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs) are polyesters that can be produced by microbial
      fermentation. PHAs are synthesized using monomer precursors provided from diverse
      metabolic pathways and are accumulated as distinct granules inside the cells. On
      the other hand, most so-called bio-based polymers including polybutylene
      succinate, polytrimethylene terephthalate, and polylactic acid (PLA) are
      synthesized by a chemical process using monomers produced by fermentation. PLA,
      an attractive biomass-derived plastic, is currently synthesized by heavy metal
      catalyzed ring opening polymerization of L-lactide that is made from fermentation
      derived L-lactic acid. Recently, a complete biological process for the production
      of PLA and PLA copolymers from renewable resources has been developed by direct
      fermentation of recombinant bacteria employing PHA biosynthetic pathways coupled
      with a novel metabolic pathway. This could be accomplished by establishing a
      pathway for generating lactyl-CoA and engineering PHA synthase to accept lactyl
      CoA as a substrate combined with systems metabolic engineering. In this article,
      we review recent advances in the production of lactate-containing homo- and co
      polyesters. Challenges remaining to efficiently produce PLA and its copolymers
      and strategies to overcome these challenges through metabolic engineering
      combined with enzyme engineering are discussed.

PMID- 22057879
TI  - Practitioner's guide to assessment of autism spectrum disorders in infants and
      toddlers.
AB  - Recent advances in clinical research have made it possible to diagnosis autism
      spectrum disorders (ASD) as early as the second year of life. The diagnostic
      process early in development is often complex, and thus, familiarity with the
      most recent findings in clinical assessment instruments, early symptoms, and
      developmental trajectories of young children with autism is essential. This paper
      provides an empirically based practitioner's guide to issues and concerns related
      to early diagnosis of ASD in very young children, documentation of the course and
      patterns of ASD symptomatology in infants and toddlers, and current understanding
      in the field of diagnostic outcomes of children identified in the first and
      second year of life.

PMID- 22057880
TI  - Nitrile alkylations through sulfinyl-metal exchange.

PMID- 22057888
TI  - Transplant-mediated repair properties of rat olfactory mucosal OM-I and OM-II
      sphere-forming cells.
AB  - Olfactory mucosa is a source of cells for transplant-mediated repair of spinal
      cord injury (SCI) and is currently being assessed in clinical trials. We
      previously reported that olfactory mucosa can generate two types of sphere
      forming cells with stem cell-like properties. Here we have assessed the repair
      potential of these cells in a rodent SCI model. Sphere-forming cells transplanted
      into a dorsal column injury integrated with the host spinal cord, filling the
      injury cavity, but showed no evidence of differentiation in vivo. Moreover,
      transplants supported robust axonal regeneration, particularly when suspensions
      of smaller spheres, rather than large aggregates, were transplanted. However,
      tract-tracing of dorsal column fibers showed that regenerating axons did not
      extend beyond the transplant. These observations show that undifferentiated
      olfactory spheres, though capable of supporting axonal regeneration, do not show
      any advantage over olfactory ensheathing cells isolated from adult olfactory
      tissue. In addition, olfactory spheres induced a greater astrocytic hypertrophy
      at the injury site than previously observed for purified olfactory ensheathing
      cells.

PMID- 22057887
TI  - Innate and adaptive immune responses against Staphylococcus aureus skin
      infections.
AB  - Staphylococcus aureus is an important human pathogen that is responsible for the
      vast majority of bacterial skin and soft tissue infections in humans. S. aureus
      can also become more invasive and cause life-threatening infections such as
      bacteremia, pneumonia, abscesses of various organs, meningitis, osteomyelitis,
      endocarditis, and sepsis. These infections represent a major public health threat
      due to the enormous numbers of these infections and the widespread emergence of
      methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strains. MSRA is endemic in hospitals
      worldwide and is rapidly spreading throughout the normal human population in the
      community. The increasing frequency of MRSA infections has complicated treatment
      as these strains are more virulent and are increasingly becoming resistant to
      multiple different classes of antibiotics. The important role of the immune
      response against S. aureus infections cannot be overemphasized as humans with
      certain genetic and acquired immunodeficiency disorders are at an increased risk
      for infection. Understanding the cutaneous immune responses against S. aureus is
      essential as most of these infections occur or originate from a site of infection
      or colonization of the skin and mucosa. This review will summarize the innate
      immune responses against S. aureus skin infections, including antimicrobial
      peptides that have direct antimicrobial activity against S. aureus as well as
      pattern recognition receptors and proinflammatory cytokines that promote
      neutrophil abscess formation in the skin, which is required for bacterial
      clearance. Finally, we will discuss the recent discoveries involving IL-17
      mediated responses, which provide a key link between cutaneous innate and
      adaptive immune responses against S. aureus skin infections.

PMID- 22057889
TI  - hRpn13, a newly identified component of the 19S particle, regulates
      proliferation, differentiation, and function in the human osteoblast-like cell
      line MG63. [corrected].
AB  - The 26S proteasome is a key component of the ubiquitin-proteasome system, a
      process responsible for the majority of cellular protein degradation. The
      function of the proteasomal ubiquitin receptor hRpn13, a component of the 26S
      proteasome, is not completely understood. To investigate the role of hRpn13 in
      the ubiquitin-proteasome system in osteoblasts, the effects of suppressing and
      overexpressing the hRpn13 gene on proliferation, differentiation, and function of
      human osteoblast-like MG63 cells were examined. After knockdown of hRpn13 by
      small interfering RNA, changes in osteoblast proliferation were evaluated by
      methyl-thiazolyl-tetrazolium assay. There was an increase in markers for
      osteoblast proliferation, specifically alkaline phosphatase activity, and
      elevated protein levels of osteocalcin, proliferating cell nuclear antigen
      (PCNA), and ubiquitin. Furthermore, hRpn13 knockdown also resulted in a decrease
      in the ratio between the gene expressions of RANKL and OPG, key players in the
      pathogenesis of bone diseases that influence the normal balance between bone
      formation and resorption. In contrast, overexpression of hRpn13 inhibited the
      proliferation of MG63 cells, and decreased alkaline phosphatase activity as well
      as protein levels of osteocalcin, PCNA, and ubiquitin while the ratio of RANKL to
      OPG expression increased. To confirm the function of hRpn13 in the ubiquitin
      proteasome pathway, osteoblast proliferation enhancement and ubiquitin
      accumulation after hRpn2 knockdown was assessed. The results suggest that
      overexpression of hRpn13 negatively influences proliferation and osteogenic
      differentiation in MG63 cells. The evidence implies that hRpn13 modulates the
      influence of osteoblasts on osteoclasts by controlling the stability of
      regulatory proteins in osteoblasts. In summary, overexpression of hRpn13 promoted
      the activity of the ubiquitin-proteasome system.

PMID- 22057890
TI  - Giant cell tumour of the ovary in a 70-year-old nulliparous woman: a case report
      and review of literature.

PMID- 22057891
TI  - The investigation of ABO and Rh blood groups distribution in patients with
      endometriosis needs new project design.
AB  - We carefully studied all the three published papers in your journal as "ABO and
      Rh Blood group distribution in patients with endometriosis" and "Associations of
      ABO blood groups with various gynecologic diseases" and would like to express our
      point of view about them.

PMID- 22057892
TI  - Impact of prior bariatric surgery on maternal and fetal outcomes among obese and
      non-obese mothers.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the association between bariatric surgery and pregnancy
      related outcomes among obese and non-obese women in the state of Florida.
      METHODS: We conducted a population-based, retrospective cohort analysis using
      vital records and hospital discharge data in Florida during 2004-2007. Women were
      categorized based on prior bariatric surgery and pre-pregnancy obesity status.
      Maternal complications (i.e., anemia, pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes,
      chronic hypertension, endocrine disorders, cesarean section, prolonged hospital
      stay) and fetal morbidities [macrosomia, preterm birth, small for gestational age
      (SGA)] were the outcomes of interest. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and 95%
      confidence intervals (CI) were computed. RESULTS: Mothers with a prior history of
      bariatric surgery, regardless of obesity status, were more likely to have anemia,
      chronic hypertension, endocrine disorders, and SGA infants. Classification based
      on prior history of bariatric surgery and obesity status showed that non-obese
      mothers with prior bariatric surgery were more likely to have anemia, chronic
      hypertension, endocrine disorders, and SGA infants, whereas obese mothers without
      prior bariatric surgery were at greater risk of having gestational diabetes,
      chronic hypertension, macrosomic infants (AOR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.65-1.73), and
      prolonged hospital stay as compared to non-obese mother without prior bariatric
      surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Although prior bariatric surgery is associated with
      multiple negative maternal and fetal outcomes, it is protective against infant
      macrosomia in obese mothers. Our findings support the need for
      preconception/interconception services tailored for former bariatric surgery
      patients to improve maternal and feto-infant health outcomes.

PMID- 22057893
TI  - A conserved interaction with the chromophore of fluorescent proteins.
AB  - The chromophore of fluorescent proteins, including the green fluorescent protein
      (GFP), contains a highly conjugated imidazolidinone ring. In many fluorescent
      proteins, the carbonyl group of the imidazolidinone ring engages in a hydrogen
      bond with the side chain of an arginine residue. Prior studies have indicated
      that such an electrophilic carbonyl group in a protein often accepts electron
      density from a main-chain oxygen. A survey of high-resolution structures of
      fluorescent proteins indicates that electron lone pairs of a main-chain oxygen
      Thr62 in GFP-donate electron density into an antibonding orbital of the
      imidazolidinone carbonyl group. This n->pi* electron delocalization prevents
      structural distortion during chromophore excitation that could otherwise lead to
      fluorescence quenching. In addition, this interaction is present in on-pathway
      intermediates leading to the chromophore, and thus could direct its biogenesis.
      Accordingly, this n->pi* interaction merits inclusion in computational and
      photophysical analyses of the chromophore, and in speculations about the
      molecular evolution of fluorescent proteins.

PMID- 22057894
TI  - Managing emissions of active pharmaceutical ingredients from manufacturing
      facilities: an environmental quality standard approach.
AB  - Active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) residues have been found to be widespread
      in the aquatic environment, albeit in most cases at trace levels, with the route
      to the environment predominantly being via therapeutic use and subsequent
      excretion to sewer. Although manufacturing discharges may be a low overall
      contributor to environmental concentrations, they need to be managed effectively
      so that they do not adversely affect the local receiving environment. In order to
      achieve this, a risk-based approach is proposed that identifies the long-term and
      short-term concentrations, referred to as environmental reference concentrations
      (ERCs) and maximum tolerable concentrations (MTCs), respectively, of an API which
      should not be exceeded in the aquatic environment receiving effluent from
      pharmaceutical manufacturing sites. The ERC approach is based on established
      environmental quality standard concepts currently used in much national and
      international legislation. Building on these concepts, the approach takes into
      account indirect exposure of potential consumers such as fish-eating mammals and
      humans, as well as primary producers (e.g., algae) and primary and secondary
      consumers (e.g., invertebrates and fish). Although chronic toxicity data are
      preferred for ERC derivation, acute data, with appropriate considerations of
      uncertainty, may be used when chronic data are not available. This approach takes
      all available information into account, particularly for older established
      medicines that may predate current regulatory requirements for environmental
      data, and consequently helps prioritize resources for environmental testing. The
      ERC approach has been applied to 30 of AstraZeneca's APIs. Merits of the approach
      are discussed together with opportunities for potential future refinement.

PMID- 22057895
TI  - Glial molecular alterations with mouse brain development and aging: up-regulation
      of the Kir4.1 and aquaporin-4.
AB  - Glial cells, besides participating as passive supporting matrix, are also
      proposed to be involved in the optimization of the interstitial space for
      synaptic transmission by tight control of ionic and water homeostasis. In adult
      mouse brain, inwardly rectifying K+ (Kir4.1) and aquaporin-4 (AQP4) channels
      localize to astroglial endfeets in contact with brain microvessels and glutamate
      synapses, optimizing clearance of extracellular K(+) and water from the synaptic
      layers. However, it is still unclear whether there is an age-dependent difference
      in the expressions of Kir4.1 and AQP4 channels specifically during postnatal
      development and aging when various marked changes occur in brain and if these
      changes region specific. RT-PCR and immunoblotting was conducted to compare the
      relative expression of Kir4.1 and AQP4 mRNA and protein in the early and mature
      postnatal (0-, 15-, 45-day), adult (20-week), and old age (70-week) mice cerebral
      and cerebellar cortices. Expressions of Kir4.1 and AQP4 mRNA and protein are very
      low at 0-day. A pronounced and continuous increase was observed by mature
      postnatal ages (15-, 45-days). However, in the 70-week-old mice, expressions are
      significantly up-regulated as compared to 20-week-old mice. Both genes follow the
      same age-related pattern in both cerebral and cerebellar cortices. The time
      course and expression pattern suggests that Kir4.1 and AQP4 channels may play an
      important role in brain K(+) and water homeostasis in early postnatal weeks after
      birth and during aging.

PMID- 22057896
TI  - Postprandial antioxidant gene expression is modified by Mediterranean diet
      supplemented with coenzyme Q(10) in elderly men and women.
AB  - Postprandial oxidative stress is characterized by an increased susceptibility of
      the organism towards oxidative damage after consumption of a meal rich in lipids
      and/or carbohydrates. We have investigated whether the quality of dietary fat
      alters postprandial gene expression and protein levels involved in oxidative
      stress and whether the supplementation with coenzyme Q(10) (CoQ) improves this
      situation in an elderly population. Twenty participants were randomized to
      receive three isocaloric diets each for 4 weeks: Mediterranean diet supplemented
      with CoQ (Med + CoQ diet), Mediterranean diet (Med diet), saturated fatty acid
      rich diet (SFA diet). After 12-h fast, volunteers consumed a breakfast with a fat
      composition similar to that consumed in each of the diets. Nrf2, p22(phox) and
      p47(phox), superoxide dismutase 1 and 2 (SOD1 and SOD2), glutathione peroxidase 1
      (GPx1), thiorredoxin reductase (TrxR) gene expression and Kelch-like ECH
      associating protein 1 (Keap-1) and citoplasmic and nuclear Nrf2 protein levels
      were determined. Med and Med + CoQ diets induced lower Nrf2, p22(phox),
      p47(phox), SOD1, SOD2 and TrxR gene expression and higher cytoplasmic Nrf2 and
      Keap-1 protein levels compared to the SFA diet. Moreover, Med + CoQ diet produced
      lower postprandial Nrf2 gene expression and lower nuclear Nrf2 protein levels
      compared to the other diets and lower GPx1 gene expression than the SFA diet. Our
      results support the antioxidant effect of a Med diet and that exogenous CoQ
      supplementation has a protective effects against free radical overgeneration
      through the lowering of postprandial oxidative stress modifying the postprandial
      antioxidant protein levels and reducing the postprandial expression of
      antioxidant genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells.

PMID- 22057897
TI  - Insulin receptor signaling mediates APP processing and beta-amyloid accumulation
      without altering survival in a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - In brains from patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD), expression of insulin
      receptor (IR), insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R), and insulin
      receptor substrate proteins is downregulated. A key step in the pathogenesis of
      AD is the accumulation of amyloid precursor protein (APP) cleavage products, beta
      amyloid (Abeta)(1-42) and Abeta(1-40). Recently, we and others have shown that
      central IGF-1 resistance reduces Abeta accumulation as well as Abeta toxicity and
      promotes survival. To define the role of IR in this context, we crossed neuron
      specific IR knockout mice (nIR(-/-)) with Tg2576 mice, a well-established mouse
      model of an AD-like pathology. Here, we show that neuronal IR deficiency in
      Tg2576 (nIR(-/-)Tg2576) mice leads to markedly decreased Abeta burden but does
      not rescue premature mortality of Tg2576 mice. Analyzing APP C-terminal fragments
      (CTF) revealed decreased alpha-/beta-CTFs in the brains of nIR(-/-)Tg2576 mice
      suggesting decreased APP processing. Cell based experiments showed that
      inhibition of the PI3-kinase pathway suppresses endosomal APP cleavage and
      decreases alpha- as well as beta-secretase activity. Deletion of only one copy of
      the neuronal IGF-1R partially rescues the premature mortality of Tg2576 mice
      without altering total amyloid load. Analysis of Tg2576 mice expressing either a
      dominant negative or constitutively active form of forkhead box-O (FoxO)1 did not
      reveal any alteration of amyloid burden, APP processing and did not rescue
      premature mortality in these mice. Thus, our findings identified IR signaling as
      a potent regulator of Abeta accumulation in vivo. But exclusively decreased IGF
      1R expression reduces AD-associated mortality independent of beta-amyloid
      accumulation and FoxO1-mediated transcription.

PMID- 22057898
TI  - Protein storage and root:shoot reallocation provide tolerance to damage in a
      hybrid willow system.
AB  - To determine the mechanistic basis of tolerance, we evaluated six candidate
      traits for tolerance to damage using F(2) interspecific hybrids in a willow
      hybrid system. A distinction was made between reproductive tolerance and biomass
      tolerance; reproductive tolerance was designated as a plant's proportional change
      in catkin production following damage, while biomass tolerance referred to a
      plant's proportional change in biomass (i.e., regrowth) following damage. F(2)
      hybrids were generated to increase variation and independence among candidate
      traits. Using three clonally identical individuals, pre-damage candidate traits
      for tolerance to damage (root:shoot ratio, total nonstructural carbohydrate, and
      total available protein) and post-damage candidate traits (relative root:shoot
      ratio, phenolic ratio, and specific leaf area ratio) were measured. The range of
      variation for these six candidate traits was broad. Biomass was significantly
      increased two years after 50% shoot length removal, and catkin production was not
      significantly reduced when damaged, suggesting that F(2) hybrids had great
      biomass tolerance and reproductive tolerance. Based on multiple regression
      methods, increased reproductive tolerance was associated with increased protein
      storage and decreased relative root:shoot ratio (reduced root allocation after
      damage). In addition, a positive relationship between biomass tolerance and
      condensed tannins was detected, and both traits were associated with increased
      reproductive tolerance. These four factors explained 57% of the variance in the
      reproductive tolerance of F(2) hybrids, but biomass tolerance explained the
      majority of the variance in reproductive tolerance. Changes in plant architecture
      in response to plant damage may be the underlying mechanism that explains biomass
      tolerance.

PMID- 22057899
TI  - Can plant resistance to specialist herbivores be explained by plant chemistry or
      resource use strategy?
AB  - At both a macro- and micro-evolutionary level, selection of and performance on
      host plants by specialist herbivores are thought to be governed partially by host
      plant chemistry. Thus far, there is little evidence to suggest that specialists
      can detect small structural differences in secondary metabolites of their hosts,
      or that such differences affect host choice or performance of specialists. We
      tested whether phytochemical differences between closely related plant species
      are correlated with specialist host choice. We conducted no-choice feeding trials
      using 17 plant species of three genera of tribe Senecioneae (Jacobaea, Packera,
      and Senecio; Asteraceae) and a more distantly related species (Cynoglossum
      officinale; Boraginaceae) containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), and four PA
      sequestering specialist herbivores of the genus Longitarsus (Chrysomelidae). We
      also assessed whether variation in feeding by specialist herbivores is
      attributable to different resource use strategies of the tested plant species.
      Plant resource use strategy was quantified by measuring leaf dry matter content,
      which is related to both plant nutritive value and to plant investment in
      quantitative defences. We found no evidence that intra-generic differences in PA
      profiles affect feeding by specialist herbivores. Instead, our results indicate
      that decisions to begin feeding are related to plant resource use strategy, while
      decisions to continue feeding are not based on any plant characteristics measured
      in this study. These findings imply that PA composition does not significantly
      affect host choice by these specialist herbivores. Leaf dry matter content is
      somewhat phylogenetically conserved, indicating that plants may have difficulty
      altering resource use strategy in response to selection pressure by herbivores
      and other environmental factors on an evolutionary time scale.

PMID- 22057900
TI  - Effects of habitat characteristics and interspecific interactions on co
      occurrence patterns of saproxylic beetles breeding in tree boles after forest
      fire: null model analyses.
AB  - It is often suggested that habitat attributes and interspecific interactions can
      cause non-random species co-occurrence patterns, but quantifying their
      contributions can be difficult. Null models that systematically exclude and
      include habitat effects can give information on the contribution of these factors
      to community assembly. In the boreal forest, saproxylic beetles are known to be
      attracted to recently burned forests where they breed in dead and dying trees. We
      examined whether species co-occurrences of saproxylic beetles that develop in,
      and emerge from, boles of recently burned trees show non-random patterns. We also
      estimated the extent to which both the post-fire habitat attributes and
      interspecific interactions among beetles contribute to such patterns. We sampled
      tree boles encompassing key attributes (tree species, tree size/dbh and burn
      severity) that are thought to characterize species-habitat associations of
      saproxylic beetles, a proposition that we tested using indicator species
      analysis. Two null models with no habitat constraints ("unconstrained") indicated
      that a total of 29.4% of the species pairs tested had significant co-occurrence
      patterns. Habitat-constrained null models indicated that most of the detected
      species aggregations (72%) and segregations (59%) can be explained by shared and
      distinct species-habitat relationships, respectively. The assembly pattern was
      also driven by interspecific interactions, of which some were modulated by
      habitat; for example, predator and prey species tended to co-occur in large-sized
      trees (a proxy of available bark/wood food resource primarily for the prey). In
      addition, some species segregation suggesting antagonistic, competitive, or prey
      predator interactions were evident after accounting for the species' affinities
      for the same tree species. Overall, our results suggest that an intimate link
      between habitat and interspecific interactions can have important roles for
      community assembly of saproxylic assemblages even following disturbance by fire.
      We also show that a systematic application of null models can offer insight into
      the mechanisms behind the assembly of ecological communities.

PMID- 22057901
TI  - Analysis of glucose metabolism in cynomolgus monkeys during aging.
AB  - This study was designed to investigate the effect of aging on the glucose
      metabolism on cynomolgus (Macaca fascicularis) monkeys. A total of 33 cynomolgus
      monkeys in three aged groups were monitored for glucose levels, serum parameters
      in fasting state and somatometric measurements. Intravenous glucose tolerance
      test (IVGTT) and insulin tolerance test (ITT) were also performed. Aging
      associated changes lies in the less secretion of insulin and C-peptide during
      IVGTT in cynomolgus monkeys. It was also found that impaired insulin sensitivity
      occurred in female monkeys during aging based on HOMA-IR and K(ITT) value. In
      addition, triglyceride level also rose with the increase of age. Less insulin
      secretion and impaired insulin sensitivity in female were the characteristic
      during the aging of cynomolgus monkeys in this study. Body mass index, weight and
      waist hip rate may be the relevant factors in insulin resistance of cynomolgus
      monkeys.

PMID- 22057902
TI  - N-Acetylcysteine prevents baker's-yeast-induced inflammation and fever.
AB  - OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN: To investigate whether N-acetylcysteine (NAC) alters
      baker's-yeast-induced fever and inflammation. MATERIAL OR SUBJECTS: Male Wistar
      rats (26-28 days old) injected with baker's yeast (135 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) or
      prostaglandin E(2) (300 ng/100 MUL, intrathecal). TREATMENT: Rats were injected
      with NAC (500 mg/kg, subcutaneous, or 50 MUg/100 MUL, intrathecal) 1 h before, or
      2 h after, pyrogen injection. METHODS: Rectal temperature changes induced by
      baker's yeast, PGE(2) and NAC were followed up over time. Four hours after
      baker's yeast injection, total leukocytes, protein, interleukin (IL)-1beta, tumor
      necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and nonprotein thiol content were assessed in
      peritoneal lavage and hypothalamus. RESULTS: Systemic administration of NAC
      decreased leukocytes, protein, IL-1beta and TNF-alpha levels in peritoneal
      lavage, and decreased IL-1beta levels in the hypothalamus. The central
      administration of NAC prevented baker's-yeast-induced fever, but did not alter
      the febrile response elicited by prostaglandin E(2). CONCLUSION: These results
      suggest an anti-inflammatory and antipyretic role for NAC in yeast-induced
      peritonitis.

PMID- 22057903
TI  - Postnatal expression of an apamin-sensitive k(ca) current in vestibular calyx
      terminals.
AB  - Afferent innervation patterns in the vestibular periphery are complex, and
      vestibular afferents show a large variation in their regularity of firing. Calyx
      fibers terminate on type I vestibular hair cells and have firing characteristics
      distinct from the bouton fibers that innervate type II hair cells. Whole-cell
      patch clamp was used to investigate ionic currents that could influence firing
      patterns in calyx terminals. Underlying K(Ca) conductances have been described in
      vestibular ganglion cells, but their presence in afferent terminals has not been
      investigated previously. Apamin, a selective blocker of SK-type calcium-activated
      K(+) channels, was tested on calyx afferent terminals isolated from gerbil
      semicircular canals during postnatal days 1-50. Lowering extracellular calcium or
      application of apamin (20-500 nM) reduced slowly activating outward currents in
      voltage clamp. Apamin also reduced the action potential afterhyperpolarization
      (AHP) in whole-cell current clamp, but only after the first two postnatal weeks.
      K(+) channel expression increased during the first postnatal month, and SK
      channels were found to contribute to the AHP, which may in turn influence
      discharge regularity in calyx vestibular afferents.

PMID- 22057904
TI  - Tumor growth inhibited by low-voltage amplitude and 5-kHz frequency
      electrochemotherapy.
AB  - The most important unpleasant sensation of electrochemotherapy is muscle
      contraction. One of the causes of this discomfort is electrochemotherapy in the
      low-frequency range (1 Hz). To resolve this problem, there are two solutions:
      first, increasing the repetition frequency of electric pulses above the tetanic
      frequency and, second, reducing the voltage amplitude. This study examines the
      antitumor effectiveness of treatment using low electric fields and high frequency
      in the presence and absence of chemotherapeutic agents. High-voltage amplitude
      electrochemotherapy was performed by eight pulses, at 1,000 V/cm, of 100-MUs
      duration at 1-Hz and 5-kHz repetition frequency. In the low-voltage amplitude
      protocol, 4,000 pulses, of 100-MUs duration at 5-kHz repetition frequency with
      70, 100 and 150 V/cm were delivered to invasive ductal carcinoma tumors after
      intratumoral injection of bleomycin. Our data demonstrate significant differences
      in tumor volumes and the curability rate between mice treated by 70 V/cm compared
      to other groups. Electrochemotherapy, which is specified by a higher repetition
      frequency of electric pulses (5 kHz) and low voltage, inhibits tumor growth. This
      protocol has a comparable effect to 1-Hz pulse repetition electric pulses with
      high voltage. Based on these results, the 4,000 pulses of 70 V/cm with 5-kHz
      frequency are most effective. This protocol demonstrates inhibition of tumor
      growth without any need for drug administration.

PMID- 22057905
TI  - Dynamics of catalytic tubular microjet engines: dependence on geometry and
      chemical environment.
AB  - Strain-engineered tubular microjet engines with various geometric dimensions hold
      interesting autonomous motions in an aqueous fuel solution when propelled by
      catalytic decomposition of hydrogen peroxide to oxygen and water. The
      catalytically-generated oxygen bubbles expelled from microtubular cavities propel
      the microjet step by step in discrete increments. We focus on the dynamics of our
      tubular microjets in one step and build up a body deformation model to elucidate
      the interaction between tubular microjets and the bubbles they produce. The
      average microjet velocity is calculated analytically based on our model and the
      obtained results demonstrate that the velocity of the microjet increases linearly
      with the concentration of hydrogen peroxide. The geometric dimensions of the
      microjet, such as length and radius, also influence its dynamic characteristics
      significantly. A close consistency between experimental and calculated results is
      achieved despite a small deviation due to the existence of an approximation in
      the model. The results presented in this work improve our understanding regarding
      catalytic motions of tubular microjets and demonstrate the controllability of the
      microjet which may have potential applications in drug delivery and biology.

PMID- 22057906
TI  - Lipids containing polyunsaturated fatty acids synthesized by zygomycetes grown on
      glycerol.
AB  - Several strains of Zygomycetes cultivated on glycerol produced mycelia rich in
      lipids containing higher amounts of neutral lipids (NL) than glycolipids plus
      sphingolipids and phospholipids (P), while biosynthesis of P in Mortierella
      ramanniana, Mucor sp., and Cunninghamella echinulata occurred though NL
      accumulation process was in progress. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA)
      concentration gradually decreased in all lipid fractions of M. ramanniana during
      growth. In contrast, in C. echinulata concentration of both linoleic and gamma
      linolenic acids increased with time, especially in P. Taking for granted that the
      main function of PUFA is associated to their participation in mycelial membranes,
      we could suppose that biosynthesis of these fatty acids is associated to mycelial
      growth. However, this is accurate only for some Zygomycetes, e.g., M. ramanniana.
      On the contrary, PUFA biosynthesis in C. echinulata persists after growth
      cessation, suggesting that in this species biosynthetic ability is not a strictly
      growth-associated process. Phosphatidyl-inositol and phosphatidyl-choline were
      the major P classes in C. echinulata and M. ramanniana, respectively. In M.
      ramanniana, a decrease of PUFA concentration was noticed even when mycelia were
      incubated in low temperature (conditions that normally favor PUFA biosynthesis),
      indicating that PUFA biosynthesis in this fungus is associated to primary
      metabolism.

PMID- 22057907
TI  - Decolorization of Remazol Brilliant Blue R by a purified laccase of Polyporus
      brumalis.
AB  - A white rot basidiomycete Polyporus brumalis has been reported to induce two
      laccase genes under degradation conditions of dibutylphthalate. When this fungus
      was grown in a minimal medium, one laccase enzyme was detected by the native
      polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. A laccase was purified through ammonium
      sulfate precipitation and ion exchange chromatography, and the estimated
      molecular weight was 70 kDa. The optimum pH and temperature of the purified
      laccase was pH 4.0 and 20  degrees C, respectively. The K (m) value of the enzyme
      was 685.0 MUM, and the V (max) was 0.147 ODmin(-1) unit(-1) for o-tolidine.
      Purified laccase showed effective decolorization of a dye, Remazol Brilliant Blue
      R (RBBR), without any laccase mediator. However, this effect was reduced by a
      laccase inhibitor, kojic acid, which confirmed that the laccase was directly
      involved in the decolorization of RBBR.

PMID- 22057908
TI  - A galactomannan-driven enhancement of the in vitro multiplication rate for the
      Marubakaido apple rootstock (Malus prunifolia (Willd.) Borkh) is not related to
      the degradation of the exogenous galactomannan.
AB  - Agar is a complex mixture of gel-forming polysaccharides. Gelling agents are very
      often used to provide proper support for plants grown in semisolid culture media.
      And agar is the most frequently used gelling agent in plant tissue culture media.
      Galactomannans, another group of gel-forming polysaccharides, consists of a (1 ->
      4)-linked beta-D: -mannopyranosyl backbone partially substituted at O-6 with D: 
      galactopyranosyl side groups. In this work, we demonstrate that a statistically
      significant 2.7-fold increase on the multiplication rate (MR) for in vitro-grown
      Marubakaido (Malus prunifolia) shoots was associated with a 12.5% replacement of
      agar in the semi-solid culture media for a galactomannan obtained from seeds of
      Schizolobium paraybae. This increase on MR was due mainly to a 1.9-fold increase
      in the number of main branches and an 8.6-fold increase in the number of primary
      lateral branches. Gas liquid chromatography and thin layer chromatography
      analyzes demonstrated that the galactomannan-driven enhancement of the in vitro
      multiplication rate of the Marubakaido apple rootstock was not related to the
      galactomannan degradation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report
      on the successful use of partial replacement of high quality agar by a
      galactomannan from S. paraybae in a micropropagation system for a tree species.

PMID- 22057909
TI  - Preliminary studies for cephamycin C purification technique.
AB  - A study was made for purification of cephamycin C from fermentation of
      Streptomyces clavuligerus. Initially, the culture broth was clarified by
      microfiltration and ultrafiltration, after which the resulting permeates were
      subjected to nonspecific adsorption and ion-exchange chromatography on resin
      columns. The antibiotic activity was measured by the biological method at each
      stage by assaying its activity against the Escherichia coli ESS, super sensitive
      to beta-lactam antibiotic. The purification processes were assessed in relation
      to the variables affecting each step. The purification efficiency by nonspecific
      adsorption was monitored by UV spectrophotometry, while the ion-exchange
      adsorption fractions were assessed by NMR spectroscopy. Some of the fractions
      obtained during purification were also analyzed by mass spectrometry (LC/MS and
      LC/MS/MS) to identify the cephamycin C molecule. These preliminary results proved
      the process feasibility.

PMID- 22057910
TI  - Pharmacologic prophylaxis for venous thromboembolism and 30-day outcomes among
      older patients hospitalized with heart failure: an analysis from the ADHERE
      national registry linked to Medicare claims.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hospitalized medically ill patients are at greater risk for venous
      thromboembolism (VTE). Although pharmacologic prophylaxis regimens have reduced
      VTE risk in medically ill patients, associations with early postdischarge adverse
      clinical outcomes among patients with heart failure are unknown. HYPOTHESIS: We
      hypothesized that patients receiving pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis during
      hospitalization for heart failure would have lower rates of postdischarge adverse
      clinical outcomes than patients not receiving prophylaxis. METHODS: Using data
      from the Acute Decompensated Heart Failure (ADHERE) registry linked to Medicare
      claims, we estimated 30-day postdischarge outcome rates for patients who received
      in-hospital subcutaneous heparin compared with patients who did not receive in
      hospital VTE prophylaxis. We excluded patients who received warfarin or
      intravenous heparin. Outcomes included mortality, thromboembolic events, major
      adverse cardiovascular events, and all-cause readmission. We used propensity
      score methods to estimate associations between VTE prophylaxis and each outcome.
      In a secondary analysis, we compared outcomes of patients receiving pharmacologic
      prophylaxis with unfractionated heparin (UFH) vs low-molecular-weight heparin
      (LMWH). RESULTS: Of 36 799 eligible patients in 265 hospitals, 12 169 (33%)
      received pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis during the hospitalization. In unadjusted
      analysis and after weighting by the inverse probability of treatment, VTE
      prophylaxis was not associated with 30-day postdischarge mortality,
      thromboembolic events, major adverse cardiovascular events, or all-cause
      readmission. There were no differences in outcomes between patients receiving UFH
      and those receiving LMWH. CONCLUSIONS: Pharmacologic VTE prophylaxis is provided
      to one-third of older patients hospitalized with heart failure. Treatment with
      LMWH or UFH did not have a statistically significant association with 30-day
      postdischarge outcomes.

PMID- 22057911
TI  - Terminating the amyloid zipper by design.

PMID- 22057912
TI  - Repeated coagulation testing in children. Does it improve the diagnostic value?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mild bleeding disorders (BD) such as von Willebrand disease (VWD)
      type I are often difficult to diagnose because of inconclusive laboratory
      results. Our study examines the diagnostic value of repeated testing. PATIENTS,
      METHODS: Prospective study on 200 children. Extensive laboratory testing was done
      twice and a standardized history was taken. RESULTS: 165 patients completed the
      study (median age 5.6 years). Main reason for referral was aPTT prolongation (n =
      109). The initial diagnosis was upheld in 74/165 (44.8%) children. Of 18 patients
      rated normal, 8 had to be reclassified as possible VWD later. Ten patients were
      diagnosed VWD I. In 36 patients possible VWD was found, 13 of these had normal
      results at the second visit while in 6 VWD became more likely. The main diagnosis
      was lupus-anticoagulant (n=79), normalizing in 24. A total of 88 children
      underwent surgery during the study period. CONCLUSION: Our study shows frequent
      changes in the diagnosis and highlights the limitations of single laboratory
      tests in detecting mild BD. Clinical and laboratory abnormalities have to be
      followed and tests must be repeated in unclear cases. Normal values at one point
      do not exclude a BD.

PMID- 22057913
TI  - Obstetric outcomes of IVF trichorionic triamniotic triplets which are
      spontaneously or electively reduced to twins.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the obstetric outcome of IVF triplets which are spontaneously
      or electively reduced to twins. METHODS: Retrospective study of trichorionic
      triplets (TT) and dichorionic twins (DT) conceived with IVF. RESULTS: Compared to
      TT without reduction, TT with spontaneous reduction (SR) (OR: 5.6, 95% CI: 1.6
      19.9) or elective reduction (ER) (OR: 14.0, 95% CI: 3.92-50.02) to twins were
      significantly more likely to be delivered at >=34 weeks. Compared to DT
      likelihood of delivery >=34 weeks was similar for SR and ER. Compared to TT
      without reduction, the risk of pregnancy loss before 24 weeks was not increased
      with SR or ER. Compared to DT the risk of pregnancy loss before 24 weeks was not
      significantly increased for SR or ER. CONCLUSION: Obstetric outcome of IVF
      triplets with SR is better than ongoing triplets and is similar to that of ER of
      TT and DT.

PMID- 22057914
TI  - MK-2206, a novel allosteric inhibitor of Akt, synergizes with gefitinib against
      malignant glioma via modulating both autophagy and apoptosis.
AB  - Gefitinib, a small molecule inhibitor of the epidermal growth factor receptor
      tyrosine kinase, has been shown to induce autophagy as well as apoptosis in tumor
      cells. Yet, how to use autophagy and apoptosis to improve therapeutic efficacy of
      this drug against cancer remains to be explored. We reported here that MK-2206, a
      potent allosteric Akt inhibitor currently in phase I trials in patients with
      solid tumors, could reinforce the cytocidal effect of gefitinib against glioma.
      We found that cotreatment with gefitinib and MK-2206 increased the cytotoxicity
      of this growth factor receptor inhibitor in the glioma cells, and the CompuSyn
      synergism/antagonism analysis showed that MK-2206 acted synergistically with
      gefitinib. The benefit of the combinatorial treatment was also shown in an
      intracranial glioma mouse model. In the presence of MK-2206, there was a
      significant increase in apoptosis in glioma cells treated with gefitinib. MK-2206
      also augmented the autophagy-inducing effect of gefitinib, as evidenced by
      increased levels of the autophagy marker, LC3-II. Inhibition of autophagy by
      silencing of the key autophagy gene, beclin 1 or 3-MA, further increased the
      cytotoxicity of this combinatorial treatment, suggesting that autophagy induced
      by these agents plays a cytoprotective role. Notably, at 48 hours following the
      combinatorial treatment, the level of LC3-II began to decrease but Bim was
      significantly elevated, suggesting a switch from autophagy to apoptosis. On the
      basis of the synergistic effect of MK-2206 on gefitinib observed in this study,
      the combination of these two drugs may be utilized as a new therapeutic regimen
      for malignant glioma.

PMID- 22057915
TI  - Rapamycin induces Bad phosphorylation in association with its resistance to human
      lung cancer cells.
AB  - Inhibition of mTOR signaling by rapamycin has been shown to activate
      extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 or 2 (ERK1/2) and Akt in various types of
      cancer cells, which contributes to rapamycin resistance. However, the downstream
      effect of rapamycin-activated ERKs and Akt on survival or death substrate(s)
      remains unclear. We discovered that treatment of human lung cancer cells with
      rapamycin results in enhanced phosphorylation of Bad at serine (S) 112 and S136
      but not S155 in association with activation of ERK1/2 and Akt. A higher level of
      Bad phosphorylation was observed in rapamycin-resistant cells compared with
      parental rapamycin-sensitive cells. Thus, Bad phosphorylation may contribute to
      rapamycin resistance. Mechanistically, rapamycin promotes Bad accumulation in the
      cytosol, enhances Bad/14-3-3 interaction, and reduces Bad/Bcl-XL binding.
      Rapamycin-induced Bad phosphorylation promotes its ubiquitination and
      degradation, with a significant reduction of its half-life (i.e., from 53.3-37.5
      hours). Inhibition of MEK/ERK by PD98059 or depletion of Akt by RNA interference
      blocks rapamycin-induced Bad phosphorylation at S112 or S136, respectively.
      Simultaneous blockage of S112 and S136 phosphorylation of Bad by PD98059 and
      silencing of Akt significantly enhances rapamycin-induced growth inhibition in
      vitro and synergistically increases the antitumor efficacy of rapamycin in lung
      cancer xenografts. Intriguingly, either suppression of Bad phosphorylation at
      S112 and S136 sites or expression of the nonphosphorylatable Bad mutant
      (S112A/S136A) can reverse rapamycin resistance. These findings uncover a novel
      mechanism of rapamycin resistance, which may promote the development of new
      strategies for overcoming rapamycin resistance by manipulating Bad
      phosphorylation at S112 and S136 in human lung cancer.

PMID- 22057916
TI  - Tumor suppressor microRNA-493 decreases cell motility and migration ability in
      human bladder cancer cells by downregulating RhoC and FZD4.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to identify new tumor suppressor microRNAs (miRNA;
      miR) in bladder cancer, conduct functional analysis of their suppressive role,
      and identify their specific target genes. To explore tumor suppressor miRs in
      bladder cancer, miR microarray was conducted using SV-HUC-1, T24, J82, and TCCSUP
      cells. Expression of miR-493 in bladder cancer (T24, J82, and TCCSUP) cells was
      downregulated compared with normal SV-HUC-1 cells. Also, the expression of miR
      493 was significantly lower in bladder cancer tissues than in their corresponding
      noncancerous tissues. Transfection of miR-493 into T24 or J82 cells decreased
      their cell growth and migration abilities. On the basis of this result, to
      identify potential miR-493 target genes, we used target scan algorithms to
      identify target oncogenes related to invasion and migration. miR-493 decreased 3'
      untranslated region luciferase activity and protein expression of FZD4 and RhoC.
      miR-493 also decreased binding of RhoC and Rock-1. miR-493 is a new tumor
      suppressor miRNA in bladder cancer and inhibits cell motility through
      downregulation of RhoC and FZD4.

PMID- 22057917
TI  - Salvage gamma knife stereotactic radiosurgery followed by bevacizumab for
      recurrent glioblastoma multiforme: a case-control study.
AB  - We evaluated the efficacy and safety of gamma knife stereotactic radiosurgery
      (GKSR) followed by bevacizumab combined with chemotherapy in 11 patients with
      recurrent glioblastoma multiforme who experienced tumor progression despite
      aggressive initial multi-modality treatment. Our experience included eight male
      and three female patients. The median patient age at GKSR was 62 years (range 46
      72 years). At the time of GKSR, seven patients had a first recurrence and four
      had two or more recurrences. The median interval from the initial diagnosis until
      GKSR was 17 months (range 5-34.5 months). The median tumor volume was 13.6 cm(3)
      (range 1.2-45.1 cm(3)) and the median margin dose of GKSR was 16 Gy (range 13-18
      Gy). Following GKSR, bevacizumab was administrated with irinotecan in nine
      patients and with temozolomide in one patient. One patient was treated with
      bevacizumab monotherapy. The treatment outcomes were compared to 44 case-matched
      controls who underwent GKSR without additional bevacizumab. At a median of 13.7
      months (range 4.6-28.3 months) after radiosurgery, tumor progression was evident
      in seven patients. The median progression-free survival (PFS) was 15 months (95%
      confidential interval (CI), 6.5-23.3 months). Six-month and 1-year PFS rates were
      73 and 55%, respectively. The median overall survival (OS) from GKSR was 18
      months (95% CI, 10.1-25.7 months) and 1-year OS rate was 73%. One patient (9%)
      experienced grade III toxicity and one patient (9%) had major adverse radiation
      effects. Compared with patients who did not receive bevacizumab, the patients who
      received bevacizumab had significantly prolonged PFS (15 months vs. 7 months, P =
      0.035) and OS (18 months vs. 12 months, P = 0.005), and were less likely to
      develop an adverse radiation effect (9 vs. 46%, P = 0.037). The combination of
      salvage GKSR followed by bevacizumab added potential benefit and little
      additional risk in a small group of patients with progressive glioblastoma.
      Further experience is needed to define the efficacy and long-term toxicity with
      this strategy.

PMID- 22057918
TI  - Antibacterial activity and cytotoxicity of selected Egyptian medicinal plants.
AB  - Medicinal plants have been used as a source of remedies since ancient times in
      Egypt. The present study was designed to investigate the antibacterial activity
      and the cytotoxicity of the organic extracts from 16 selected medicinal plants of
      Egypt. The study was also extended to the isolation of the antiproliferative
      compound jaeschkeanadiol p-hydroxybenzoate (FH-25) from Ferula hermonis. The
      microbroth dilution was used to determine the minimal inhibitory concentration
      (MIC) of the samples against twelve bacterial strains belonging to four species,
      Providencia stuartii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and
      Escherichia coli, while a resazurin assay was used to assess the cytotoxicity of
      the extracts on the human pancreatic cancer cell line MiaPaCa-2, breast cancer
      cell line MCF-7, CCRF-CEM leukemia cells, and their multidrug resistant subline,
      CEM/ADR5000. The results of the MIC determination indicated that all the studied
      crude extracts were able to inhibit the growth of at least one of the tested
      bacterial species, the best activity being recorded with the crude extracts from
      F. hermonis and Vitis vinifera, whichwere active against 91.7% and 83.3% of the
      studied bacteria, respectively. The lowest MIC value of 128 MUg/mL was recorded
      against P. stuartii ATCC 29916 and E. coli ATCC 10536 with the extract from V.
      vinifera and Commiphora molmol, respectively. In the cytotoxicity study, IC50
      values below 20 MUg/mL were recorded for the crude extract of F. hermonis on all
      four studied cancer cell lines. FH-25 also showed good cytotoxicity against MCF-7
      cells (IC50: 2.47 MUg/mL). Finally, the results of the present investigation
      provided supportive data for the possible use of the plant extracts investigated
      herein, mostly F. hermonis and V. vinifera in the treatment of bacterial
      infections and jaeschkeanadiol p-hydroxybenzoate in the control of cancer
      diseases.

PMID- 22057919
TI  - Re-annotation of two hyperthermophilic archaea Pyrococcus abyssi GE5 and
      Pyrococcus furiosus DSM 3638.
AB  - Pyrococcus abyssi GE5 (P. aby) and Pyrococcus furiosus DSM 3638 (P. fur) are two
      model hyperthermophilic archaea. However, their annotations in public databases
      are unsatisfactory. In this article, the two genomes were re-annotated according
      to the following steps. (i) All "hypothetical genes" in the original annotation
      were re-identified based on the Z-curve method, and some of them were recognized
      as non-coding open reading frames (ORFs). Evidence showed that the recognized non
      coding ORFs were highly unlikely to encode proteins. (ii) The translation
      initiation sites (TISs) of all the annotated genes were re-located, and more than
      10% of the TISs were shifted to 5'-upstream or 3'-downstream regions. (iii) The
      functions of the refined "hypothetical genes" were predicted using sequence
      alignment tools, more than 200 originally annotated "hypothetical genes" in
      either of the two hyperthermophiles were assigned functions. A large number of
      these functions have reference support or experimentally characterized
      homologues. All the refined information will serve as a valuable resource for
      research on P. aby and P. fur, which may be helpful in the exploration of thermal
      adaptation mechanisms. The complete re-annotation files of P. aby and P. fur are
      available at http://211.69.128.148/download/ .

PMID- 22057920
TI  - Long-term survival of Bacillus spores in alcohol and identification of 90%
      ethanol as relatively more spori/bactericidal.
AB  - This study was taken up with a view to generate basic information on spore
      hardiness to ethanol in various Bacillus species and related genera, and to
      assess the effectiveness of different levels of ethanol as a bacterial
      disinfectant. Predominantly spore-bearing cultures of five Bacillus spp. (B.
      pumilus, B. subtilis, B. megaterium, B. fusiformis and B. flexus) that were
      isolated from the spent-alcohol used during plant tissue culture work were
      challenged with aqueous ethanol (25, 50, 60, 70, 80 and 90% v/v) in 1 ml volumes
      at 1010-11 CFU ml-1. Monitoring the spore endurance through spotting and plating
      revealed prolonged tolerance (>12 months) at different alcohol levels depending
      on the organism except in 90% where no survival was observed beyond 2-12 months.
      Spores of related genera like Paenibacillus and Lysinibacillus also showed long
      term ethanol survival. Alcohol tolerance of spore-forming organisms depended on
      the extent of spores and spore hardiness, which in turn varied with the organism,
      strain, age of culture, growing conditions and other factors as authenticated
      with ATCC strains of B. pumilus and B. subtilis. Aqueous 90% ethanol caused
      instant inactivation of vegetative cells in different spore formers and twelve
      other non-sporulating Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms tested. Taking
      into account both vegetative cells and spores, the appropriate concentration of
      ethanol as a disinfectant emerged to be 90% followed by absolute ethanol compared
      with the generally recommended 70-80% level.

PMID- 22057921
TI  - Isolation and identification of endophytic fungi in roots of nine Holcoglossum
      plants (Orchidaceae) collected from Yunnan, Guangxi, and Hainan provinces of
      China.
AB  - Holcoglossum is one of the smaller genera of Orchidaceae, mainly distributed in
      southwest China. Some members of this genus as well as H. rupestre and H.
      flavescens are endemic and rare Chinese orchids. As far as we know, little work
      has been done concerning the relationships between the Holcoglossum plants and
      endophytic microorganisms. In this study, 46 culturable fungal endophytes were
      isolated and identified from roots of nine Holcoglossum plants collected from
      Yunnan, Guangxi, and Hainan provinces of China based on molecular techniques. The
      results showed that all strains belonged to four classes, i.e., Sordariomycetes
      (41.30%), Dothideomycetes (36.96%), Agaricomycetes (17.39%), Leotiomycetes
      (4.35%). Thirty-six strains were identified at the genus level, including
      Alternaria, Cladosporium, Clonostachys, Colletotrichum, Cosmospora,
      Cryptosporiopsis, Cylindrocarpon, Didymella, Epulorhiza (Anamorphic Tulasnella),
      Fusarium, Myrmecridium, Leptosphaeria, Paraconiothyrium, Phomopsis, Pyrenochaeta,
      and Stephanonectria. Fusarium and Epulorhiza (Anamorphic Tulasnella) were the
      dominant fungal endophytes. Some orchids mycorrhizal fungi as well as Tulasnella
      calospora and Epulorhiza sp. were found in roots. This is the first report
      concerning endophytic fungi from Holcoglossum plants (Orchidaceae), suggesting
      that endophytic fungi in Holcoglossum plants are very abundant.

PMID- 22057922
TI  - Biologically inhibitory effects of VEGF siRNA on endometrial carcinoma cells.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the biological effects of small inhibitory RNA (siRNA) on
      endometrial carcinoma cells through disrupting the mRNA of Vascular endothelial
      growth factor (VEGF), and its inhibitory functions on tumor cells' proliferation.
      METHODS: The sequence-specific siRNA of VEGF165 and the mock siRNA were designed,
      they were transfected into the endometrial carcinoma cell line, Ishikawa cells.
      Total cell RNAs were extracted from the transfected cells. The mRNA levels of
      VEGF were then analyzed utilizing real-time fluorescence quantitative RT-PCR (FQ
      PCR) post-transfection at 12, 24, 48, 72, and 168 h, respectively. Simultaneously
      its protein levels were also determined by western blot. Cell proliferations were
      monitored by MTT assay and cytopathological effects (CPE) were determined by
      Multispect Imaging System. RESULT: The mRNA and protein levels of VEGF declined
      post-transfection at 12, 24, 48, 72 h, respectively, with a maximum decrease post
      transfection at 48 h. The proliferation of Ishikawa cells was significantly
      inhibited in a similar manner during this time window. All the data were repeated
      at least three independent times and similar results were achieved. CONCLUSION:
      The small siRNA of VEGF165 can effectively down-regulate its target mRNA and
      protein levels; consequently proliferation of Ishikawa cells was inhibited. The
      data strongly imply that VEGF may be involved in the genesis of endometrial
      carcinoma, which provides a new pathway to treat human endometrial caners.

PMID- 22057923
TI  - CONTSOR--a new knowledge-based fold recognition potential, based on side chain
      orientation and contacts between residue terminal groups.
AB  - Recognizing the structural similarity without significant sequence identity (fold
      recognition) is an effective method for protein structure prediction. Previously,
      we developed a fold recognition potential called SORDIS, which incorporated side
      chain orientation in relation to hydrophobic core centers, distance of the
      residues from the protein globule center and secondary structure terms. But this
      potential does not include terms, based on close contacts between residues. In
      this paper a new fold recognition potential CONTSOR was presented, which based on
      SORDIS terms and the term, based on contacts between amino acid terminal groups.
      The performance of this potential was evaluated on SABmark benchmark for
      alignment accuracy and on SABmark and Lindahl benchmarks for fold recognition.
      The results show that CONTSOR has the best performance among other potentials on
      SABmark benchmark both for alignment accuracy and fold recognition and one of the
      best performances on Lindahl benchmark. CONTSOR software package is available for
      download at http://www.lifescience.org.ge/downloads/contsor.zip.

PMID- 22057924
TI  - Epithelia, an evolutionary novelty of metazoans.
AB  - At the point in animal evolution when cells began to adhere to each other they
      presumably initially functioned as colonies. The formation of an epithelium that
      enclosed and controlled an internal milieu would have been the first event to
      distinguish an individual animal from a colony. To better understand when the
      first epithelium arose and what its characteristics were, we evaluate the
      morphological, functional, and molecular characters of epithelia in sponges,
      considered here the extant representatives of the first metazoans. In particular,
      we show new claudin-like sequences from sponges align most closely with sequences
      from Drosophila that have a barrier function in septate junctions. We also show
      that type IV collagen, the main component of the basement membrane (BM), is
      present in calcareous sponges, and we confirm the presence of type IV-like
      collagen (spongin short chain collagen) in other sponges. Though in sponges as in
      other metazoans the epithelium has grades of specialization with varying
      complexity of junctions and the BM, the main character of a functional
      epithelium, the ability to seal and control the ionic composition of the internal
      milieu, is a property of even the simplest sponge epithelium, and therefore the
      first metazoans likely also had epithelia with these characteristics, which we
      consider a "true" epithelium.

PMID- 22057925
TI  - Bacteriologic and nutritional evaluation of a commercial raw meat diet as part of
      a raw meat safety program.
AB  - This study evaluated selected bacteriologic and nutritional components of a
      commercially prepared ground raw horsemeat diet as part of a raw meat safety
      program. Six lots of meat were analyzed in triplicate. Frozen meat samples were
      thawed for 44 hr at 5 degrees C. Meat samples were tested at three times during
      thawing (t = 0, 24, 44 hr) for selected bacteria. Samples were screened for
      Salmonella sp. using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Escherichia coli and
      total coliform bacteria were quantified using a ready-made culture medium system.
      Proximate, energy, macro and trace mineral composition was determined at a
      reference laboratory. Salmonella sp. antigen was detected in one sample of meat
      at t = 0 hr. Frozen meat samples had low average maximum expected numbers of E.
      coli and coliforms. The average maximum number of E. coli did not change
      significantly at t = 24 or 44 hr, but the average maximum number of coliforms
      increased significantly by t = 44 hr. These bacteriologic tests were easily
      incorporated into a raw meat safety program. Median concentrations of moisture,
      dry matter, crude protein, crude fat, ash, calcium, and phosphorus conformed to
      the guaranteed analysis but median crude fiber exceeded the guaranteed maximum.
      Median magnesium, potassium, and sodium concentrations conformed to the
      approximate nutrient content. Median concentrations of copper exceeded, whereas
      iron, zinc, and manganese fell below, the approximate nutrient content. Median
      copper and manganese concentrations exceeded the National Research Council's
      recommendation for adult domestic cats, whereas iron and zinc were below the
      National Research Council's recommendations for adult cats.

PMID- 22057926
TI  - Health, migration and border management: analysis and capacity-building at
      Europe's borders.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Three key elements were analysed in Hungary, Poland and Slovakia as a
      basis for strengthening the capacity of staff and structures related to health,
      migration and border management: public health concerns linked to migration,
      health needs and rights of migrants and the occupational health of staff.
      METHODS: This IOM project was implemented through an in-depth situation analysis
      as well as the development of training modules and public health guidelines.
      RESULTS: Findings indicate a paucity of existing data, gaps in the health care
      for migrants and few existing tools for border officials and health
      professionals. Sets of training modules were developed for each of these groups,
      including common modules on migration and the right to health and intercultural
      communication, as well as targeted health modules. The guidelines promote good
      practices in the context of border management and detention. CONCLUSIONS: The EU
      is working towards a common immigration policy and integrated border management;
      however, a harmonized approach to migration and health is still lacking. Further
      research and piloting of the developed materials is needed to fully establish an
      adaptable, common toolkit.

PMID- 22057927
TI  - Experimental climate warming decreases photosynthetic efficiency of lichens in an
      arid South African ecosystem.
AB  - Elevated temperatures and diminished precipitation amounts accompanying climate
      warming in arid ecosystems are expected to have adverse effects on the
      photosynthesis of lichen species sensitive to elevated temperature and/or water
      limitation. This premise was tested by artificially elevating temperatures
      (increase 2.1-3.8 degrees C) and reducing the amounts of fog and dew
      precipitation (decrease 30.1-31.9%), in an approximation of future climate
      warming scenarios, using transparent hexagonal open-top warming chambers placed
      around natural populations of four lichen species (Xanthoparmelia austroafricana,
      X. hyporhytida , Xanthoparmelia. sp., Xanthomaculina hottentotta) at a dry inland
      site and two lichen species (Teloschistes capensis and Ramalina sp.) at a humid
      coastal site in the arid South African Succulent Karoo Biome. Effective
      photosynthetic quantum yields ([Formula: see text]) were measured hourly
      throughout the day at monthly intervals in pre-hydrated lichens present in the
      open-top warming chambers and in controls which comprised demarcated plots of
      equivalent open-top warming chamber dimensions constructed from 5-cm-diameter
      mesh steel fencing. The cumulative effects of the elevated temperatures and
      diminished precipitation amounts in the open-top warming chambers resulted in
      significant decreases in lichen [Formula: see text]. The decreases were more
      pronounced in lichens from the dry inland site (decline 34.1-46.1%) than in those
      from the humid coastal site (decline 11.3-13.7%), most frequent and prominent in
      lichens at both sites during the dry summer season, and generally of greatest
      magnitude at or after the solar noon in all seasons. Based on these results, we
      conclude that climate warming interacting with reduced precipitation will
      negatively affect carbon balances in endemic lichens by increasing desiccation
      damage and reducing photosynthetic activity time, leading to increased incidences
      of mortality.

PMID- 22057928
TI  - [Preparedness for influenza A/H5N1 pandemic in Niger: a study on health care
      workers' knowledge and global organization of health activities].
AB  - In industrialized countries, the emergence of potentially pandemic influenza
      virus has invited reactions consistent with the potential threat represented by
      these infectious agents. However, with globalization, controlling epidemics
      depends as much on an effective global coordination of control methods as on
      preparedness of northern and southern national health care systems, at the core
      of which are health care workers. Our study was conducted in the National
      Hospital of Niamey, the main Nigerian hospital. Its objective was to evaluate the
      knowledge of health care professionals regarding flu pandemic and control of
      infection. We interviewed 178 nursing staff, doctors and paramedics on the basis
      of a survey. This study - the first to our knowledge to explore these issues in
      the African context-revealed that caregivers have a rather good mastery of
      theoretical knowledge. Nevertheless, beyond theoretical knowledge, miscellaneous
      factors compromise the effectiveness of the health care structure. Some of them
      seem to occupy a critical position, particularly the absence of shared references
      among sanitary authorities and health care professionals, and the weaknesses of
      global coordination of preventive activities and case management.

PMID- 22057929
TI  - The fate of arsenic in soil-plant systems.
AB  - Arsenic is a natural trace element found in the environment. In some cases and
      places, human activities have increased the soil concentration of As to levels
      that exceed hazard thresholds. Amongst the main contributing sources of As
      contamination of soil and water are the following: geologic origin,
      pyriticmining, agriculture, and coal burning. Arsenic speciation in soils occurs
      and is relatively complex. Soils contain both organic and inorganic arsenic
      species. Inorganic As species include arsenite and arsenate, which are the most
      abundant forms found in the environment. The majority of As in aerated soils
      exists as H2AsO4- (acid soils) or HAsO42- (neutral species and basic). However,
      HA3sO3 is the predomiant anaerobic soils, where arsenic availability is higher
      and As(III) is more weakly retained in the soil matrix than is As(V). The
      availability of As in soils is usually driven by multiple factors. Among these
      factors is the presence of Fe-oxides and/or phosphorus, (co)precipitation in
      salts, pH, organic matter, clay content, rainfall amount, etc. The available and
      most labile As fraction can potentially be taken up by plant roots, although the
      concentration of this fraction is usually low. Arsenic has no known biological
      function in plants. Once inside root cells, As(V) is quickly reduced to As(III),
      and, in many plant species, becomes complexed. Phosphorus nutrition influences
      As(V) uptake and toxicity in plants, whilst silicon has similar influences on
      As(III). Plants cope with As contamination in their tissues by possessing
      detoxification mechanisms. Such mechanisms include complexation and
      compartmentalization. However, once these mechanisms are saturated, symptoms of
      phytotoxicity appear. Phytotoxic effects commonly observed from As exposure
      includes growth inhibition, chlorophyll degradation, nutrient depletion and
      oxidative stress. Plants vary in their ability to accumulate and tolerate As
      (from tolerant hyperaccumulators to sensitive excluders), and some plants are
      useful for soil reclamation and in sustainable agriculture, The status of current
      scientific knowledge allows us to manage As contamination in the soil-plant
      system and to mitigate arsenic's effects. Phytoremediation is an emerging
      technology suitable for reclaiming As-contaminated soils and waters.
      Phytoextraction has been used to clean As-contaminated soils, although its
      applicability has not yet reached maturity. Phytostabilization has been employed
      to reduce environmental risk by confining As as an inert form in soils and has
      shown success in both laboratory experiments and in field trials. Phytofiltration
      has been used to treat As-enriched waters. Such treatment removes As when it is
      accumulated in plants grown in or on water. In agricultural food production,
      appropriate soil management and plant variety/species selection can minimize As
      associated human dis- eases and the transfer of As within the food chain.
      Selecting suitable plants for use on As-contaminated soils may also enhance
      alternative land use, such as for energy or raw material production.

PMID- 22057930
TI  - Evaluating the toxicity of selected types of nanochemicals.
AB  - Nanotechnology is a fast growing field that provides for the development of
      materials that have new dimensions, novel properties, and a broader array of
      applications. Various scientific groups are keen about this technology and are
      devoting themselves to the development of more, new, and better nanomaterials. In
      the near future, expectations are that no field will be left untouched by the
      magical benefits available through application of nanotechnology. Presently,
      there is only limited knowledge concerning the toxicological effects of NPs.
      However, it is now known that the toxic behavior of NPs differ from their bulk
      counterparts. Even NPs that have the same chemical composition differ in their
      toxicological properties; the differences in toxicity depend upon size, shape,
      and surface covering. Hence, before NPs are commercially used it is most
      important that they be subjected to appropriate toxicity evaluation. Among the
      parameters of NPs that must be evaluated for their effect on toxicity are surface
      charges, types of coating material, and reactivity of NPs. In this article, we
      have reviewed the literature pertinent to the toxicity of metal oxide NPs,
      metallic NPs, quantum dots (QDs), silica (SiO2) NPs, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and
      certain other carbon nanomaterials (NMs). These NPs have already found a wide
      range of applications around the world. In vitro and in vivo studies on NPs have
      revealed that most are toxic to animals. However, their toxic behavior varies
      with their size, shape, surface charge, type of coating material and reactivity.
      Dose, route of administration, and exposure are critical factors that affect the
      degree of toxicity produced by any particular type of NP. It is for this reason
      that we believe a careful and rigorous toxicity testing is necessary before any
      NP is declared to be safe for broad use. We also believe that an agreed upon
      testing system is needed that can be used to suitably, accurately, and
      economically assess the toxicity of NPs. NPs have produced an array of different
      toxic effects in many different types of in vivo and in vitro studies. The types
      of effects that NPs have produced are those on the pulmonary, cardiac,
      reproductive, renal and cutaneous systems, as well as on various cell lines.
      After exposures, significant accumulations of NPs have been found in the lungs,
      brain, liver, spleen, and bones of test species. It has been well established
      that the degree of toxicity produced by NPs is linked to their surface
      properties. Soluble NPs are rendered toxic because of their constituents;
      however, the situation is entirely different for insoluble NPs. Stable metal
      oxides do not show any toxicity, whereas metallic NPs that have redox potential
      may be cytotoxic and genotoxic. The available data on NP toxicity is
      unfortunately limited, and hence, does not allow scientists to yet make a
      significant quantitative risk assessment of the safety of synthesized NPs. In
      this review, we have endeavored to illustrate the importance of having and using
      results from existing nanotoxicological studies and for developing new and more
      useful future risk assessment systems. Increased efforts of both an individual
      and collective nature are required to explore the future pros and cons of
      nanotechnology.

PMID- 22057931
TI  - Adsorption and desorption of chlorpyrifos to soils and sediments.
AB  - Chlorpyrifos, one of the most widely used insecticides, has been detected in air,
      rain, marine sediments, surface waters, drinking water wells, and solid and
      liquid dietary samples collected from urban and rural areas. Its metabolite, TCP,
      has also been widely detected in urinary samples collected from people of various
      age groups. With a goal of elucidating the factors that control the environmental
      contamination, impact, persistence, and ecotoxicity of chlorpyrifos, we examine,
      in this review, the peer-reviewed literature relating to chlorpyrifos adsorption
      and desorption behavior in various solid-phase matrices. Adsorption tends to
      reduce chlorpyrifos mobility, but adsorption to erodible particulates, dissolved
      organic matter, or mobile inorganic colloids enhances its mobility. Adsorption to
      suspended sediments and particulates constitutes a major off-site migration route
      for chlorpyrifos to surface waters, wherein it poses a potential danger to
      aquatic organisms. Adsorption increases the persistence of chlorpyrifos in the
      environment by reducing its avail- ability to a wide range of dissipative and
      degradative forces, whereas the effect of adsorption on its ecotoxicity is
      dependent upon the route of exposure. Chlorpyrifos adsorbs to soils, aquatic
      sediments, organic matter, and clay minerals to differing degrees. Its adsorption
      strongly correlates with organic carbon con- tent of the soils and sediments. A
      comprehensive review of studies that relied on the batch equilibrium technique
      yields mean and median Kd values for chlorpyrifos of 271 and 116 L/kg for soils,
      and 385 and 403 L/kg for aquatic sediments. Chlorpyrifos adsorption coefficients
      spanned two orders of magnitude in soils. Normalizing the partition coefficient
      to organic content failed to substantially reduce variability to commonly
      acceptable level of variation. Mean and median values for chlorpyrifos partition
      coefficients normalized to organic carbon, K, were 8,163 and 7,227 L/kg for soils
      and 13,439 and 15,500 L/kg for sediipents. This variation may result from several
      factors, including various experimental artifacts, variation in quality of soil
      organic matter, and inconsistencies in experimental methodologies. Based on this
      review, there appears to be no definitive quantification of chlorpyrifos
      adsorption or desorption characteristics. Thus, it is difficult to predict its
      adsorptive behavior with certainty, without resorting to experimental methods
      specific to the soil or sediment of interest. This limitation should be
      recognized in the context of current efforts to predict the risk, fate, and
      transport of chlorpyrifos based upon published partition coefficients. Based on a
      comprehensive review of the peer-reviewed literature related to adsorption and
      desorption of chlorpyrifos, we propose the following key areas for future
      research. From this review, it becomes increasingly evident that pesticide
      partitioning cannot be fully accounted for by the fraction of soil or solid
      matrix organic matter or carbon content. Therefore, research that probes the
      variation in the nature and quality of soil organic matter on pesticide
      adsorption is highly desirable. Pesticide persistence and bioavailability depend
      on insights into desorption capacity. Therefore, understanding the fate and
      environmental impact of hydrophobic pesticides is incomplete without new research
      being performed to improve insights into pesticide desorption from soils and
      sediments. There is also a need for greater attention and consistency in
      developing experimental methods aimed at estimating partition coefficients.
      Moreover, in such testing, choosing initial concentrations and liquid-solid
      ratios that are more representative of environmental conditions could improve
      usefulness and interpretation of data that are obtained. Future monitoring
      efforts should include the sampling and analysis of suspended particulates to
      account for suspended solid-phase CPF, a commonly underestimated fraction in
      surface water quality monitoring programs. Finally, management practices related
      to the reduction of off-site migration of CPF should be further evaluated,
      including alternative agricultural practices leading to reduction in soil erosion
      and structural best management practices, such as sedimentation ponds, treatment
      wetlands, and vegetated edge-of-field strips.

PMID- 22057932
TI  - Specific alterations of the HtrA2/HAX-1 ratio in the penumbra upon focal cerebral
      ischemia in mice.
AB  - HAX-1 is a mitochondrial protein which acts as an antiapoptotic protein in HeLa-
      and Jurkat cells after Fas-treatment, irradiation or serum deprivation. This
      underlines the evidence that HAX-1 might be involved in several apoptotic
      pathways. In this context, it is known that cell death executed by cerebral
      ischemia involves both receptor- and mitochondrial apoptotic mechanisms. In this
      study, we performed focal cerebral ischemia in mice and investigated principally
      the dynamic changes of HAX-1 expression and other apoptotic agents such as HtrA2,
      AIF and caspase-3. Western blot and immunohistochemistry analysis revealed that
      HAX-1 was expressed at very low levels under normal conditions. Focal cerebral
      ischemia significantly decreased cytosolic accumulation of HAX-1, induced an
      upregulation of HtrA2, an upregulation of AIF and activation of caspase-3. Taken
      together, these results suggested that HAX-1 is probably involved in the
      pathophysiology of cell death induced by focal ischemia.

PMID- 22057933
TI  - Secondary prevention of hyperkalemia with sodium polystyrene sulfonate in cardiac
      and kidney patients on renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibition therapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hyperkalemia, induced by renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system
      inhibition (RAAS-I) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), or cardiac
      disease often leads to withdrawal of RAAS-I therapy. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate
      (SPS) is a potassium-binding resin used for the treatment of hyperkalemia.
      Recently, concerns about the safety and efficacy of SPS were raised. We report
      here a follow-up of 14 patients with CKD and heart disease on RAAS-I treatment
      who were treated with low-dose daily SPS to prevent recurrence of hyperkalemia.
      HYPOTHESIS: Daily SPS is safe and effective for secondary prevention of
      hyperkalemia induced by RAAS-I therapy in CKD patients with heart disease.
      METHODS: We reviewed the medical charts of the patients with CKD (nondialysis
      patients) and heart disease treated in our CKD clinic from 2005 to 2010 and
      identified all patients on RAAS-I therapy who were treated with daily SPS
      (sorbitol-free) after episodes of hyperkalemia. Data on hospitalizations,
      symptoms that may be attributed to SPS therapy, and electrolyte concentration
      levels were obtained. RESULTS: Fourteen patients were treated with low-dose SPS
      therapy for a total of 289 months (median length of follow-up, 14.5 months). None
      of the patients developed colonic necrosis or life-threatening events that could
      be attributed to SPS use. Mild hypokalemia was noted in 2 patients and responded
      to reducing the dose of SPS. No further episodes of hyperkalemia were recorded
      while patients were on the therapy. SPS was well-tolerated during the follow-up
      without need for withdrawal or reduction of the dose of RAAS-I therapy by any
      patients. CONCLUSIONS: Low-dose SPS was safe and effective as a secondary
      preventive measure for hyperkalemia induced by RAAS-I in CKD patients with heart
      disease.

PMID- 22057934
TI  - Bacterial expression, purification and characterization of a rice voltage
      dependent, anion-selective channel isoform, OsVDAC4.
AB  - The voltage-dependent anion-selective channel (VDAC) is the most abundant protein
      in the mitochondrial outer membrane and forms the major conduit for metabolite
      transport across this membrane. VDACs from different sources show varied primary
      sequence but conserved functional properties. Here, we report on the
      characterization of a rice channel, OsVDAC4, which complements a VDAC1 deficiency
      in yeast. We present a consensus secondary structure prediction of an N-terminal
      alpha-helix and 19 beta-strands. Bacterially expressed OsVDAC4 was purified from
      inclusion bodies into detergent-containing solution, where it is largely helical.
      Detergent-solubilized OsVDAC4 inserts spontaneously into artificial membranes of
      two topologies-spherical liposomes and planar bilayers. Insertion into liposomes
      results in an increase in beta-structure. Transport of polyethylene glycols was
      used to estimate a pore diameter of ~2.6 nm in liposomes. Channels formed in
      planar bilayers exhibit large conductance (4.6 +/- 0.3 nS in 1 M KCl), strong
      voltage dependence and weak anion selectivity. The open state of the channel is
      shown to be permeable to ATP. These data are consistent with a large beta-barrel
      pore formed by OsVDAC4 on inserting into membranes. This study forms a platform
      to carry out studies of the interaction of OsVDAC4 with putative modulators.

PMID- 22057935
TI  - On-line characterization of metabolic state in batch cultivation of Clostridium
      diolis for 1,3-propanediol production using NADH+H+ fluorescence.
AB  - NADH is a coenzyme which plays a central role in cellular growth and metabolism.
      It is an intracellular fluorophore which fluoresces at 460 nm when cells are
      irradiated by 340 nm wavelength of light. The application of NADH+H(+)
      fluorescence measurement for characterization of biomass and its metabolic
      activity during batch fermentation of 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PD) using Clostridium
      diolis was investigated in this study. A linear correlation between net
      fluorescence and biomass concentration was observed during both the initial and
      final phases of 1,3-PD fermentation. This could be used as an on-line indicator
      of biomass concentration inside the bioreactor thereby eliminating the need for
      sampling and off-line analysis for establishing biomass concentration during
      these phases. Also a sharp decline in the NADH+H(+) fluorescence value was
      obtained towards the end of fermentation which could be a significant on-line, in
      situ signal of substrate depletion in the bioreactor and therefore possible fresh
      nutrient feed for enhanced production of 1,3-PD by repetitive and/or various fed
      batch cultivation(s). This is the first report on the use of NADH + H(+)
      fluorescence measurement technique for 1,3-PD fermentation.

PMID- 22057936
TI  - Molecular analysis of OsLEA4 and its contributions to improve E. coli viability.
AB  - OsLEA4, a late embryogenesis abundant (LEA) protein gene from rice (Oryza sativa
      L.), contains a 312-bp open reading frame encoding a putative polypeptide of 103
      amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 11.19 kDa and a theoretical pI of
      10.04. OsLEA4 polypeptide is rich in Ala (22%), Lys (15%), Glu (9%), His (8%),
      Thr (8%), and Arg (7%) and lacking in Trp, Cys, Asn, and Phe residues. OsLEA4
      protein contains a Pfam:LEA_1 domain architecture at positions 1-73 with three
      alpha-helical domains and without beta-sheet domain. In silico predictions showed
      that OsLEA4 protein was strongly hydrophilic with the grand average of hydropathy
      value of -0.816 and instability index of 27.31. The hydrophilic regions were
      found in the conserved motif of OsLEA4. OsLEA4 gene was introduced into
      Escherichia coli, and a fusion protein (~29.4 kDa) was expressed after
      isopropylthio-beta-D: -galactoside inducting by sodium dodecyl sulfate
      polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis. OsLEA4 protein enhanced the
      tolerance of E. coli recombinant to high salinity, heat, freezing, and UV
      radiation, which suggested that OsLEA4 protein may play a protective role under
      stressed conditions. This is the first successful use of E. coli as a prokaryotic
      system for LEA production from rice.

PMID- 22057937
TI  - Trifluoroethanol-induced changes in activity and conformation of manganese
      containing superoxide dismutase.
AB  - Superoxide dismutase (SOD, EC 1.15.1.1) plays an important role in antioxidant
      defense in organisms exposed to oxygen. However, there is a lack of research into
      the regulation of SOD activity and structural changes during folding, especially
      for SOD originating from extremophiles. We studied the inhibitory effects of
      trifluoroethanol (TFE) on the activity and conformation of manganese-containing
      SOD (Mn-SOD) from Thermus thermophilus. TFE decreased the degree of secondary
      structure of Mn-SOD, which directly resulted in enzyme inactivation and disrupted
      the tertiary structure of Mn-SOD. The kinetic studies showed that TFE-induced
      inactivation of Mn-SOD is a first-order reaction and that the regional Mn
      contained active site is very stable compared to the overall structure. We
      further simulated the docking between Mn-SOD and TFE (binding energy for Dock
      6.3, -9.68 kcal/mol) and predicted that the LEU9, TYR13, and HIS29 residues
      outside of the active site interact with TFE. Our results provide insight into
      the inactivation of Mn-SOD during unfolding in the presence of TFE and allow us
      to describe ligand binding via inhibition kinetics combined with computational
      predictions.

PMID- 22057938
TI  - Selection of a new whole cell biocatalyst for the synthesis of 2-deoxyribose 5
      phosphate.
AB  - 2-deoxyribose 5-phosphate (DR5P) is a key intermediate in the biocatalyzed
      preparation of deoxyribonucleosides. Therefore, DR5P production by means of
      simpler, cleaner, and economic pathways becomes highly interesting. One strategy
      involves the use of bacterial whole cells containing DR5P aldolase as biocatalyst
      for the aldol addition between acetaldehyde and D: -glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate or
      glycolytic intermediates that in situ generate the acceptor substrate. In this
      work, diverse microorganisms capable of synthesizing DR5P were selected by
      screening several bacteria genera. In particular, Erwinia carotovora ATCC 33260
      was identified as a new biocatalyst that afforded 14.1-mM DR5P starting from a
      cheap raw material like glucose.

PMID- 22057939
TI  - Molecular cloning and characterization of a putative cDNA encoding endoglucanase
      IV from Trichoderma viride and its expression in Bombyx mori.
AB  - The development of cellulase production technology has greatly contributed to the
      successful use of cellulosic materials as renewable carbon sources. In this
      study, a putative endoglucanase IV (EG IV) complementary DNA was cloned from the
      mycelium of a strain of the filamentous fungus Trichoderma viride using a PCR
      based exon-splicing method and expressed in both a silkworm BmN cell line and in
      silkworm larvae. Western blot analysis detected a band of 42 kDa in BmN cells
      after infection with a recombinant mBacmid/BmNPV/EG IV baculovirus. Sequence
      alignment analysis of the T. viride EG IV gene showed two domains that were
      highly conserved with glycosyl hydrolases and a funga-type cellulose-binding
      domain. Analysis of variance showed that silkworms infected with recombinant
      baculoviruses exhibited significantly higher enzyme activity that was 48.84%
      higher than silkworms infected with blank baculoviruses and 46.61% higher than
      normal silkworms. The expressed bioactive EG IV was also stable at the pH range
      from 5.0 to 10.0. The availability of large quantities of bioactive EG IV in
      silkworm provided a possibility to produce cellulase transgenic silkworm, which
      express bioactive cellulase specially in its digestive tract and improve its
      metabolism efficiency of mulberry leaves. Its application in the sericulture
      industry may be very promising.

PMID- 22057940
TI  - Production, partial characterization, and use of a red biochrome produced by
      Serratia sakuensis subsp. nov strain KRED for dyeing natural fibers.
AB  - We have described a novel red biochrome, 514 Da in size, produced by solid-state
      cultivation of a bacterial isolate obtained from garden soil. The growth
      requirements of the isolate, the chemical characteristics of the biochrome
      produced, and the application of the biochrome in dying of silk, wool, and cotton
      fabrics have been studied. The biochrome obtained after 52 h of incubation and
      having a lambda (max) of 535 nm was used for dyeing the fabrics. We found that
      silk, wool, and cotton fabrics dyed with this new natural red compound have high
      color strength values and dye uptake along with good color fastness as well as
      antibacterial activity.

PMID- 22057941
TI  - Postural control, motor skills, and health-related quality of life in children
      with hearing impairment: a systematic review.
AB  - Children with hearing impairment have balance and motor deficits primarily due to
      concomitant damage to the vestibular structures. Psycho-intellectual and social
      developmental disorders, as well as elimination of social activities and
      participation may diminish health-related quality of life in these children.
      Despite the documentation, assessment of balance, motor deficits, and health
      related quality of life of these children are not included in the educational
      program, unless obvious neurological or orthopedic disorders are diagnosed. The
      objective of this review was to systematically analyze the available information
      in the literatures regarding the postural control, motor skills, and health
      related quality of life in children with hearing impairment. Searches of data
      sources PubMed, MEDLINE, CINHAL, EMBASE, SCOPUS, ISI of web science, Cochrane
      Library, and AMED database were performed from the earliest to 7 February 2011.
      Study eligibility criteria included non-interventional studies that addressed
      postural control, motor skills, and health-related quality of life in children
      with hearing impairment. For each eligible article, data were extracted using
      custom-designed forms by a single investigator. Collected data included study
      demographics, study design, study population, sample size, outcome measures, and
      results. A total of 11,872 articles were retrieved, and 17 articles were found to
      be eligible for inclusion. Of the 17 articles included, five articles analyzed
      health-related quality of life alone, two articles analyzed balance alone, two
      articles analyzed motor performance alone, two articles analyzed vestibular
      dysfunction alone, two articles included both vestibular dysfunction and balance,
      two articles included both motor performance and balance, and two articles
      investigated vestibular, balance as well as motor impairments. Heterogeneity of
      the studies prevented us from performing methodological quality assessment and
      meta-analysis. The results of this review suggest that children with hearing
      impairment exhibit suboptimal levels of function in postural control, motor skill
      performance, and health-related quality of life.

PMID- 22057942
TI  - Robert Mulvey.

PMID- 22057943
TI  - An iterative self-refining and self-evaluating approach for protein model quality
      estimation.
AB  - Evaluating or predicting the quality of protein models (i.e., predicted protein
      tertiary structures) without knowing their native structures is important for
      selecting and appropriately using protein models. We describe an iterative
      approach that improves the performances of protein Model Quality Assurance
      Programs (MQAPs). Given the initial quality scores of a list of models assigned
      by a MQAP, the method iteratively refines the scores until the ranking of the
      models does not change. We applied the method to the model quality assessment
      data generated by 30 MQAPs during the Eighth Critical Assessment of Techniques
      for Protein Structure Prediction. To various degrees, our method increased the
      average correlation between predicted and real quality scores of 25 out of 30
      MQAPs and reduced the average loss (i.e., the difference between the top ranked
      model and the best model) for 28 MQAPs. Particularly, for MQAPs with low average
      correlations (<0.4), the correlation can be increased by several times. Similar
      experiments conducted on the CASP9 MQAPs also demonstrated the effectiveness of
      the method. Our method is a hybrid method that combines the original method of a
      MQAP and the pair-wise comparison clustering method. It can achieve a high
      accuracy similar to a full pair-wise clustering method, but with much less
      computation time when evaluating hundreds of models. Furthermore, without knowing
      native structures, the iterative refining method can evaluate the performance of
      a MQAP by analyzing its model quality predictions.

PMID- 22057944
TI  - Efficacy comparisons of the intraarticular steroidal agents in the patients with
      knee osteoarthritis.
AB  - Osteoarthritis is a chronic disease that causes serious pain and limitations in
      activities. Intraarticular corticosteroid injections combined with
      pharmacological treatment and physiotherapy have been used for years to control
      the local inflammation and relieve pain in the patients with osteoarthritis.
      There are several animal experiments which suggested that the intraarticular
      corticosteroid injections impair cartilage protein synthesis. However, there are
      no serious evidences suggesting the increase of cartilage impairment. The aim of
      our study was to compare the efficacy of placebo and intraarticular
      corticosteroid agents in the patients with symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. One
      hundred and twenty patients with painful knee osteoarthritis were included in the
      prospective, randomized, controlled study. The patients were randomized into four
      groups. Each group consisted of thirty patients. Intraarticular single dose of
      methylprednisolone acetate (40 mg, 1 ml), Betametazone disodium phosphate (3 mg,
      1 ml), Triamsinolon acetonate (40 mg, 1 ml), and serum physiological (0.09% NaCl,
      1 ml) were administrated to the groups, respectively. The patients were evaluated
      by Visual Analog Scale (0-10 cm [VAS]) for the pain severity, and by Lequesne
      Functional Index for functional state before treatment, and at the 1st, 3rd, 6th,
      and 12th weeks. Our results showed that single doses of three agents provided
      symptomatic and functional relief and their effects reduced at the 12th week.
      However, methylprednisolone acetate was a statistically more effective analgesic
      as compared to the other agents until the sixth week.

PMID- 22057945
TI  - Micro-ring structures stabilize microdroplets to enable long term spheroid
      culture in 384 hanging drop array plates.
AB  - Using stereolithography, 20 different structural variations comprised of
      millimeter diameter holes surrounded by trenches, plateaus, or micro-ring
      structures were prepared and tested for their ability to stably hold arrays of
      microliter sized droplets within the structures over an extended period of time.
      The micro-ring structures were the most effective in stabilizing droplets against
      mechanical and chemical perturbations. After confirming the importance of micro
      ring structures using rapid prototyping, we developed an injection molding tool
      for mass production of polystyrene 3D cell culture plates with an array of 384
      such micro-ring surrounded through-hole structures. These newly designed and
      injection molded polystyrene 384 hanging drop array plates with micro-rings were
      stable and robust against mechanical perturbations as well as surface fouling
      facilitated droplet spreading making them capable of long term cell spheroid
      culture of up to 22 days within the droplet array. This is a significant
      improvement over previously reported 384 hanging drop array plates which are
      susceptible to small mechanical shocks and could not reliably maintain hanging
      drops for longer than a few days. With enhanced droplet stability, the hanging
      drop array plates with micro-ring structures provide better platforms and open up
      new opportunities for high-throughput preparation of microscale 3D cell
      constructs for drug screening and cell analysis.

PMID- 22057946
TI  - Evidence of prophylaxis treatment in adult haemophiliacs. Need of this treatment
      strategy?
AB  - In contrast to children with haemophilia the scientific evidence of prophylaxis
      treatment in adults is not yet proven. Existing studies are of observational
      character and mostly retrospectively designed. Therefore, opinion leaders in this
      field postulate prospectively designed, randomized, controlled and multicentric
      studies to set up urgently needed guidelines. Evidence according to the Canadian
      task force ranking is assessed as level III with a recommendation grade C by the
      authors. The recognition of benefits of health care providers in accordance with
      the German Federal Joint Committee generally demands a Grade-Ia to Ib evidence.
      As long as the actual evidence of prophylaxis in adult haemophiliacs does not
      meet the postulated criteria of the German Federal Joint Committee, prophylactic
      replacement therapy of the individual case has to be well documented and
      reasonably explained.

PMID- 22057947
TI  - Comparison of three protocols for superovulation of brown brocket deer (Mazama
      gouazoubira).
AB  - This study aims to evaluate the ovulation rate and the presence of functional
      corpora lutea after treatment by three different protocols designed to cause
      superovulation in brown brocket deer. Six female received an intravaginal device
      containing 0.33 g of progesterone (CIDR(r)) for 8 days, followed by 0.5 mg
      injection of estradiol benzoate at the time of insertion and 265 ug of
      cloprostenol at the time of removal. Afterwards, the hinds were divided into
      three groups (n = 2): Treatment A received injection of 600 IU eCG on Day 4 after
      CIDR(r) insertion; Treatment B received injection of 300 IU eCG at the same time;
      and Treatment C received injection of 250 IU FSH dissolved in PVP, also on Day 4
      post-insertion. The treatments were crossed over with 44-48 day intervals after
      CIDR(r) removal, such that all the deer were submitted to all three treatments.
      The mean ovulation rate (Treatment A = 3.40 +/- 0.68, Treatment B = 1.40 +/-
      0.24, Treatment C = 0.80 +/- 0.49), total ovarian stimulation (Treatment A = 4.80
      +/- 1.02, Treatment B = 1.80 +/- 0.37, Treatment C = 1.40 +/- 0.60), and mean CL
      diameter (Treatment A = 7.33 +/- 0.76 mm, Treatment B = 3.94 +/- 0.19 mm,
      Treatment C = 2.18 +/- 0.49 mm) in Treatment A were significantly higher than the
      mean ovulation rates, total ovarian stimulation, and mean CL diameter in
      Treatments B and C. The mean fecal progesterone metabolites at the luteal phase
      in Treatment A (6,277.94+/-2,232.47 ng/g feces) was significantly different from
      Treatment C (1,374.82+/-401.77 ng/g feces). Thus, although fertility was not
      evaluated directly, Treatment A proved capable of induce superovulation in the
      species Mazama gouazoubira, presenting the greatest mean ovulation rates, with
      the formation of functional corpora lutea.

PMID- 22057948
TI  - N-cadherin and M-cadherin are sequentially expressed in myoblast populations
      contributing to the first and second waves of myogenesis in the trout
      (Oncorhynchus mykiss).
AB  - The objective of this study was to investigate the expression of two promyogenic
      cell surface adhesion receptors, N- and M-cadherin, in developing trout
      (Oncorhynchus mykiss) somite, taking account of the recent identification of a
      dermomyotome-like epithelium in teleosts. In situ hybridization showed that N
      cadherin was expressed throughout the paraxial mesoderm and nascent somite. As
      the somite matured, N-cadherin expression disappeared ventrally from the
      sclerotome, and then mediolaterally from the differentiating slow and fast muscle
      cells of the embryonic myotome, to become finally restricted to the
      undifferentiated myogenic precursors forming the dermomyotome-like epithelium
      that surrounds the embryonic myotome. By contrast, M-cadherin, which was
      transcribed in the differentiating embryonic myotome, was never expressed in the
      dermomyotome-like epithelium. In late-stage trout embryos, M-cadherin transcript
      was only detected at the periphery of the expanding myotome, where muscle cells
      stemming from the N-cadherin positive dermomyotome-like epithelium differentiate.
      Collectively, our results support the view that, in trout embryo, N-cadherin is
      associated with muscle cell immaturity while M-cadherin is associated with muscle
      cell maturation and differentiation and this during the two successive phases of
      myogenesis.

PMID- 22057949
TI  - Optimization production of acid urease by Enterobacter sp. in an approach to
      reduce urea in Chinese rice wine.
AB  - Urea in alcoholic beverages is a precursor of ethyl carbamate, which is
      carcinogenic. Acid urease (EC 3.5.1.5) is regarded as a good approach to scavenge
      the urea. The acid urease of Enterobacter sp. R-SYB082, with lower optimum pH
      than the widely used commercial acid urease, exhibited a urea removal rate of
      66.5% in Chinese rice wine, which was higher than that of the commercial acid
      urease (58.9%). The production of the acid urease was optimized from 1,100 to
      2,504 U L(-1) by an approach which includes the optimization of initial glucose
      concentration, the elevation of anaerobic level of the reactor by charging CO(2)
      and in vitro natural activation of the target enzyme by simple cold storage (4
      degrees C). These would open up the possibility for developing industrial
      application of this acid urease for producing high-quality Chinese rice wine.

PMID- 22057950
TI  - Selecting against antibiotic-resistant pathogens: optimal treatments in the
      presence of commensal bacteria.
AB  - Using optimal control theory as the basic theoretical tool, we investigate the
      efficacy of different antibiotic treatment protocols in the most exacting of
      circumstances, described as follows. Viewing a continuous culture device as a
      proxy for a much more complex host organism, we first inoculate the device with a
      single bacterial species and deem this the 'commensal' bacterium of our host. We
      then force the commensal to compete for a single carbon source with a rapidly
      evolving and fitter 'pathogenic bacterium', the latter so-named because we wish
      to use a bacteriostatic antibiotic to drive the pathogen toward low population
      densities. Constructing a mathematical model to mimic the biology, we do so in
      such a way that the commensal would be eventually excluded by the pathogen if no
      antibiotic treatment were given to the host or if the antibiotic were over
      deployed. Indeed, in our model, all fixed-dose antibiotic treatment regimens will
      lead to the eventual loss of the commensal from the host proxy. Despite the
      obvious gravity of the situation for the commensal bacterium, we show by example
      that it is possible to design drug deployment protocols that support the
      commensal and reduce the pathogen load. This may be achieved by appropriately
      fluctuating the concentration of drug in the environment; a result that is to be
      anticipated from the theory optimal control where bang-bang solutions may be
      interpreted as intermittent periods of either maximal and minimal drug
      deployment. While such 'antibiotic pulsing' is near-optimal for a wide range of
      treatment objectives, we also use this model to evaluate the efficacy of
      different antibiotic usage strategies to show that dynamically changing
      antimicrobial therapies may be effective in clearing a bacterial infection even
      when every 'static monotherapy' fails.

PMID- 22057951
TI  - Response to "blood levels of methemoglobin in patients with aluminum phosphide
      poisoning and its correlation with patient's outcome".

PMID- 22057952
TI  - A novel marine silk.
AB  - The discovery of a novel silk production system in a marine amphipod provides
      insights into the wider potential of natural silks. The tube-building corophioid
      amphipod Crassicorophium bonellii produces from its legs fibrous, adhesive
      underwater threads that combine barnacle cement biology with aspects of spider
      silk thread extrusion spinning. We characterised the filamentous silk as a
      mixture of mucopolysaccharides and protein deriving from glands representing two
      distinct types. The carbohydrate and protein silk secretion is dominated by
      complex beta-sheet structures and a high content of charged amino acid residues.
      The filamentous secretion product exits the gland through a pore near the tip of
      the secretory leg after having moved through a duct, which subdivides into
      several small ductules all terminating in a spindle-shaped chamber. This chamber
      communicates with the exterior and may be considered the silk reservoir and
      processing/mixing space, in which the silk is mechanically and potentially
      chemically altered and becomes fibrous. We assert that further study of this
      probably independently evolved, marine arthropod silk processing and secretion
      system can provide not only important insights into the more complex arachnid and
      insect silks but also into crustacean adhesion cements.

PMID- 22057953
TI  - Predictive value of preoperative electrocardiography for perioperative
      cardiovascular outcomes in patients undergoing noncardiac, nonvascular surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The utility of routine preoperative electrocardiography (ECG) for
      assessing perioperative cardiovascular risk in patients undergoing noncardiac,
      nonvascular surgery (NCNVS) is unclear. HYPOTHESIS: There would be an association
      between preoperative ECG and perioperative cardiovascular outcomes in patients
      undergoing NCNVS. METHODS: A total of 660 patients undergoing NCNVS were
      prospectively evaluated. Patients age >18 years who underwent an elective, nonday
      case, open surgical procedure were enrolled. Troponin I concentrations and 12
      lead ECG were evaluated the day before surgery, immediately after surgery, and on
      the first 5 postoperative days. Preoperative ECG showing atrial fibrillation,
      left or right bundle branch block, left ventricular hypertrophy, frequent
      premature ventricular complexes, pacemaker rhythm, Q-wave, ST-segment changes, or
      sinus tachycardia or bradycardia were classified as abnormal. The patients were
      followed up during hospitalization and were evaluated for the presence of
      perioperative cardiovascular events (PCE). RESULTS: Eighty patients (12.1%)
      experienced PCE. Patients with abnormal ECG findings had a greater incidence of
      PCE than those with normal ECG results (16% vs 6.4%; P < 0.001). Mean QTc
      interval was significantly longer in the patients who had PCE (436.6 +/- 31.4 vs
      413.3 +/- 16.7 ms; P < 0.001). Univariate analysis showed a significant
      association between preoperative atrial fibrillation, pacemaker rhythm, ST
      segment changes, QTc prolongation, and in-hospital PCE. However, only QTc
      prolongation (odds ratio: 1.15, 95% confidence interval: 1.06-1.2, P < 0.001) was
      an independent predictor of PCE according to the multivariate analysis. Every 10
      ms increase in QTc interval was related to a 13% increase for PCE. CONCLUSIONS:
      Prolongation of the QTc interval on the preoperative ECG was related with PCE in
      patients undergoing NCNVS.

PMID- 22057954
TI  - Cervical abscess in an immunocompetent patient with Mycobacterium malmoense
      pulmonary disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mycobacterium malmoense is a nontuberculous mycobacteria seen mainly
      in two age groups and with different clinical presentations. Most patients are
      male adults presenting clinical symptoms and signs similar to those of pulmonary
      tuberculosis. The second group is formed by immunocompetent children with
      localized cervical lymphadenitis. Although cervical adenitis is the main
      extrapulmonary manifestation of M. malmoense, virtually all cases of cervical
      disease were documented in children. Disseminated disease is rare and has been
      reported in patients with severely impaired immunity. CASE REPORT: We report a
      case of a 47-year-old immunocompetent man with a cervical abscess, in whom we
      identified a M. malmoense pulmonary disease with multiple cervical, thoracic and
      abdominal adenopathies. CONCLUSION: Extrapulmonary infection due to M. Malmoense
      needs to be considered on the differential diagnosis of cervical masses and
      adenopathies, not only in pediatric patients but also in adults with no impaired
      immunity. A high index of suspicion for nontuberculous mycobacteria is essential
      for the diagnosis and prognosis.

PMID- 22057955
TI  - Use of molecular markers in  reciprocal recurrent selection of maize increases
      heterosis effects.
AB  - We  examined the effect of incorporation of molecular markers on variability 
      between and within populations in order to maximize heterotic effects and 
      longevity of a maize reciprocal recurrent selection program. Molecular 
      variability was quantified by inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers 
      between and within the maize populations Cimmyt and Piranao in the 10th cycle  of
      a reciprocal recurrent selection program. Forty-two S(1) progenies of each 
      population were analyzed, these being families of full-sibs selected according 
      to their agronomic traits. Thirteen primers were selected, which produced 140 
      bands; 114 of them were polymorphic and 26 monomorphic. Based on UPGMA grouping 
      analysis and by genetic distances, it was possible to identify "contaminant" 
      progenies. These progenies belong to the Piranao or Cimmyt groups, but cluster 
      in the opposite heterotic group. Identification of "contaminant" progenies is 
      relevant for selection, because, besides identifying genotypes that should be 
      eliminated at the recombination stage, it allows increased heterosis expression 
      in crosses between more genetically distinct individuals. After the elimination 
      of the "contaminant" progenies and those that were allocated between the 
      heterotic groups, a new statistical analysis was carried out, which  demonstrated
      increased genetic distances between the populations. It was  concluded that the
      application of molecular markers in reciprocal recurrent  selection programs
      allows the optimization of the monitoring of genetic  variability within and
      between populations, favoring recombination between more  distant progenies,
      besides ensuring increased longevity of the reciprocal  recurrent selection
      program.

PMID- 22057956
TI  - A66G and C524T polymorphisms of the methionine synthase reductase gene are
      associated with congenital heart defects in the Chinese Han population.
AB  - Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are the most common  birth defects; genes
      involved in homocysteine/folate metabolism may play  important roles in CHDs.
      Methionine synthase reductase (MTRR) is one of  the key regulatory enzymes
      involved in the metabolic pathway of homocysteine.  We investigated whether two
      polymorphisms (A66G and C524T) of the MTRR gene  are associated with CHDs. A
      total of 599 children with CHDs and 672 healthy  children were included; the
      polymorphisms were detected by PCR and RFLP  analysis. Significant differences in
      the distributions of A66G and C524T  alleles were observed between CHD cases and
      controls, and slightly increased  risks of CHD were associated with 66GG and
      524CT genotypes (odds ratios = 1.545  and 1.419, respectively). The genotype
      frequencies of 524CT in the VSD  subgroup, 66GG and 524CT in the PDA subgroup
      were significantly different from  those of controls. In addition, the combined
      66AA/524CT, 66AG/524CT and  66GG/524CT in CHDs had odds ratios = 1.589, 1.422 and
      1.934, respectively.  Increased risks were also observed in 66AA/524CT and
      66GG/524CT for ASD, 66AG/524CT  for VSD, as well as 66GG/524CT for PDA. In
      conclusion, MTRR A66G and  C524T polymorphisms are associated with increased risk
      of CHDs.

PMID- 22057957
TI  - Two genetic stocks of Steindachneridion melanodermatum living in sympatry in
      nature and genetic variability of wild parents and F1 generation.
AB  - Steindachneridion  melanodermatum is a large Brazilian catfish, highly prized for
      sport  fishing and for its meat. Specimens of this species, both caught in nature
      from  Iguacu River and F(1) fish born in captivity, were analyzed with regard to 
      patterns of RAPD molecular markers. Genetic similarity ranged from 0.57 to  0.95;
      two groups were determined for the wild specimens. The results suggest  different
      genetic lineages in sympatry in nature. Heterozygosity and percentage  of
      polymorphic loci were 0.31 and 79% and 0.23 and 62%, respectively, for the  two
      populations of wild specimens and 0.26 and 66%, respectively, for those  born in
      captivity.

PMID- 22057958
TI  - Genome-wide identification,  phylogeny and expression analysis of the
      lipoxygenase gene family in cucumber.
AB  - Plant  lipoxygenase (LOX) is involved in growth and developmental control
      processes,  through the biosynthesis of regulatory molecules and defense
      responses to  pathogens, wounding and stress. To date, few LOX proteins and
      little tissue  expression profiling have been reported in detail for cucumber
      (Cucumis  sativus L.). Recent completion of the cucumber genome sequence now
      permits  genome-wide analysis of the LOX gene family in cucumber as well as
      comparison  with LOX in Arabidopsis and rice. We identified 23 candidate LOX
      genes  in the cucumber genome; phylogenetic analysis indicated that these LOX
      members  cluster into two groups, designated types 1 and 2, as expected from
      previous  studies. Sequence analysis showed that five binding sites of iron,
      including  two consensus histidines in the LOX domain, are highly conserved in
      the  cucumber LOX proteins. Analysis of chromosomal localization and genome 
      distribution suggested that tandem duplication and/or polyploidal duplication 
      contributed to the expansion of the cucumber LOX gene family. Based on 
      intron/exon structure analysis, only a few of the extant intron patterns  existed
      in the ancestor of monocots and eudicots. Expression data showed  widespread
      distribution of the cucumber LOX gene family within plant tissues,  suggesting
      that they perform different functions in different tissues.

PMID- 22057959
TI  - Functional characterization and signal transduction ability of nucleotide-binding
      site-leucine-rich repeat resistance genes in plants.
AB  - Pathogen infection in plants is often limited by a  multifaceted defense response
      triggered by resistance genes. The most prevalent  class of resistance proteins
      includes those that contain a nucleotide-binding  site-leucine-rich repeat (NBS
      LRR) domain. Over the past 15 years, more than 50  novel NBS-LRR class resistance
      genes have been isolated and characterized; they  play a significant role in
      activating conserved defense-signaling networks.  Recent molecular research on
      NBS-LRR resistance proteins and their signaling  networks has the potential to
      broaden the use of resistance genes for disease  control. Various transgenic
      approaches have been tested to broaden the disease  resistance spectrum using NBS
      LRR genes. This review highlights the recent  progress in understanding the
      structure, function, signal transduction ability  of NBS-LRR resistance genes in
      different host-pathogen systems and suggests new  strategies for engineering
      pathogen resistance in crop plants.

PMID- 22057960
TI  - Detection of fetal RHD pseudogene (RHDPsi) and hybrid RHD-CE-Ds from RHD-negative
      pregnant women with a free DNA fetal kit.
AB  - Hemolytic  disease of the newborn is a clinical condition in which maternal and
      paternal  Rh blood group antigens are incompatible and the mother is negative for
      the  antigen whereas the father is positive. Analysis of fetal cells recovered
      from  maternal plasma can provide a highly sensitive prenatal diagnosis. The
      fetal RHD gene in plasma DNA is detected by real-time PCR amplification of two 
      different segments of the RHD gene (exons 7 and 10). Each amplicon is  revealed
      with specific probes. We examined 40 female blood samples to verify  the
      specificity of RHD exons (7 and 10) amplified by real-time PCR. Thirty  fetuses
      were predicted to be RHD-positive based on analysis of plasma DNA.  Seven fetuses
      were predicted to be RHD-negative. One fetus was negative for RHD  on exon 10,
      and positive for RHD on exon 7 (early gestation age); two fetuses  were RHD
      negative on exon 7, and RHD-positive on exon 10 (RHD-CE-D(s) or RHDPsi),
      indicative of a  maternal RHD allele. We conclude that it is necessary to analyze
      at least two  exon regions in the RHD gene.

PMID- 22057961
TI  - Using PCR for early diagnosis  of bovine leukemia virus infection in some native
      cattle.
AB  - Bovine  leukemia virus (BLV), the causative agent of enzootic bovine leukosis, is
      an  exogenous, B lymphotropic retrovirus belonging to the Retroviridae family
      that  induces persistent lymphocytosis in cattle and sheep. PCR has proven to be 
      particularly suitable for investigating herds of cattle with a very low 
      incidence of BLV infection and for clarifying doubtful serological results 
      obtained by immunodiffusion or ELISA. The native Iranian and Russian cattle  have
      a series of valuable traits that discriminate them as unique breeds that  are
      well able to compete with western analogues. However, their gene pools have  not
      been analyzed with molecular markers, including detection of BLV by PCR.  Two
      pairs of primers were used: gag1 and gag2, and pol1 and pol2, which  encompass
      347- and 599-bp fragments of the BLV gene, respectively. Sixty-five  Iranian
      Sistani, 120 Yaroslavl, 50 Mongolian, and 35 Black Pied cows were  investigated.
      Among these 270 animals, we obtained 42 positive and 15 doubtful  results in the
      first PCR. The second PCR was very effective in increasing BLV  test reliability
      data to support detection of BLV.

PMID- 22057962
TI  - Smith-Magenis syndrome:  clinical evaluation in seven Brazilian patients.
AB  - Smith-Magenis  syndrome (SMS) is a complex congenital anomaly characterized by
      craniofacial  anomalies, neurological and behavioral disorders. SMS is caused by
      a deletion  in region 17p11.2, which includes the RAI1 gene (90% of cases), or by
      point mutation in the RAI1 gene (10% of cases). Laboratory diagnosis is  through
      cytogenetic analysis by GTG banding and molecular cytogenetic analysis  by FISH.
      We carried out an active search for patients in Associations of  Parents and
      Friends of Exceptional Children (APAE) of Sao Paulo and genetic  centers in
      Brazil. Forty-eight patients were screened for mental retardation,  craniofacial
      abnormalities and stereotyped behavior with a diagnosis of SMS. In  seven of
      them, chromosome banding at high resolution demonstrated chromosome  17p11.2
      deletions, confirmed by FISH. We also made a meta-analysis of 165 cases  reported
      between 1982 and 2010 to compare with the clinical data of our sample.  We
      demonstrated differences between the frequencies of clinical signs among the 
      cases reported and seven Brazilian cases of this study, such as dental anomalies,
      strabismus, ear infections, deep hoarse voice, hearing loss, and cardiac 
      defects. Although the gold standard for diagnosis of SMS is FISH, we found that 
      the GTG banding technique developed to evaluate chromosome 17 can be used for 
      the SMS diagnosis in areas where the FISH technique is not available.

PMID- 22057963
TI  - Chemical synthesis and improved  expression of recombinant human granulocyte
      colony-stimulating factor cDNA.
AB  - Recently,  granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) has been recognized as a
      useful  molecule for the treatment of a wide range of complex ailments, such as
      cancer,  AIDS, H1N1 influenza, cardiac and neurological diseases. The vast
      therapeutic  potential of G-CSF has induced scientists to develop
      biotechnological  approaches for the synthesis of this pharmacologically active
      agent. We used a  synthetic G-CSF cDNA molecule to produce the target protein by
      a simple cloning  protocol. We constructed the synthetic cDNA using a DNA
      synthesizer with the  aim to increase its expression level by specific sequence
      modifications at the  5' end of the G-CSF-coding region, decreasing the GC
      content without altering  the predicted amino acid sequences. The identity of the
      resulting protein was  confirmed by a highly specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent
      assay. In  conclusion, a synthetic G-CSF cDNA in combination with the recombinant
      DNA  protocol offers a rapid and reliable strategy for synthesizing the target 
      protein. However, commercial utilization of this methodology will require 
      rigorous validation and quality control.

PMID- 22057964
TI  - Microbial diversity in the larval  gut of field and laboratory populations of the
      sugarcane weevil Sphenophorus levis  (Coleoptera, Curculionidae).
AB  - The  sugarcane weevil, Sphenophorus levis, is a wide-spread sugarcane pest in 
      Brazil. Sphenophorus levis may depend on microorganisms that inhabit its 
      intestinal tract. We examined the diversity of the gut microbiota of S.  levis,
      which was characterized using culture-dependent and  culture-independent methods.
      Analysis of 16S rRNA amplified directly from the  gut community revealed the
      presence of 14 genera, one group from the Candidatus category, one uncultured
      group assigned to the family Flavobacteriaceae, and  one uncultured group
      assigned to the family Enterobacteriaceae; all of them are  members of the Alpha
      Proteobacteria, Beta-Proteobacteria, Gamma-Proteobacteria,  Firmicutes, and
      Bacteroidetes phyla. Microorganisms isolated through  culture-dependent methods
      were classified according to morphological parameters  and by 16S rRNA gene
      sequences. In addition to bacteria, four filamentous fungi  were isolated. A
      higher bacterial diversity was observed in field populations  of larvae than in
      laboratory populations, according to the Shannon index (Field  H' = 3.36;
      Laboratory H' = 3.26). Five genera of bacteria and two filamentous  fungi were
      found to have cellulolytic activity. This is the first report of S.  levis gut
      microbiota; it may contribute to development of strategies for  controlling this
      sugarcane pest.

PMID- 22057965
TI  - Iron-catalyzed C-H and C-C bond cleavage: a direct approach to amides from simple
      hydrocarbons.
AB  - Something functional: The title reaction proceeds in the presence of azide and
      water to deliver amides in high yields, and it can be used in a ring-expansion
      strategy to generate lactams. A mechanism is proposed based on experimental
      results. This reaction offers a new approach to functionalizing simple and
      readily available hydrocarbons. DDQ = 2,3-dichloro-5,6-dicyano-1,4-benzoquinone.

PMID- 22057966
TI  - Endocrine changes after pediatric traumatic brain injury.
AB  - Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a very common occurrence in childhood, and can
      lead to devastating long term consequences. Recent research has focused on the
      potential endocrine consequences of TBI in adults. The research in children is
      less robust. This paper reviews current literature regarding TBI and possible
      hypothalamic and pituitary deficiencies in childhood. Acute endocrine changes are
      commonly found after TBI in pediatric patients, which can include changes in
      hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and antidiuretic hormone production and
      release. In the long term, both temporary and permanent alterations in pituitary
      function have been found. About 30% of children have hypopituitarism up to 5
      years after injury. Growth hormone deficiency and disturbances in puberty are the
      most common, but children can also experience ACTH deficiency, diabetes
      insipidus, central hypothyroidism, and elevated prolactin. Every hormonal axis
      can be affected after TBI in children, although growth hormone deficiency and
      alterations in puberty are the most common. Because transient and permanent
      hypopituitarism is common after TBI, survivors should be screened serially for
      possible endocrine disturbances. These children should undergo routine
      surveillance at least 1 year after injury to ensure early detection of
      deficiencies in hormonal production in order to permit normal growth and
      development.

PMID- 22057967
TI  - ACTH-secreting pituitary adenomas: size does not correlate with hormonal
      activity.
AB  - ACTH-secreting pituitary adenomas (Cushing's disease, CD) are the most frequent
      cause of Cushing's syndrome. To test whether the size of ACTH-secreting adenomas
      correlates with the degree of biochemical and clinical features of
      hypercortisolism, we retrospectively reviewed all newly diagnosed CD patients
      seen at our institution by two neuro-endocrinologists over a 10-year time period.
      We documented the number of clinical manifestations and baseline hormonal
      measurements. There were 37 microadenomas (MUAs) and 16 macroadenomas (MAs). We
      sought to characterize the relationship between tumor size (MUA vs. MA) and
      number of signs and symptoms of hypercortisolism and biochemical assessment of
      hypercortisolemia. There were no significant differences in mean age, BMI, or
      prevalence of hypertension and type 2 diabetes between the MUA and MA groups.
      However, the MAs had fewer clinical manifestations of hypercortisolism (29.4% vs.
      36.1%, P = 0.02) compared to MUAs. There was a higher prevalence of easy
      bruisability and proximal muscle weakness in the MUAs, but otherwise the
      prevalence of signs and symptoms were similar between groups. The MAs had a lower
      random serum cortisol (18.2 +/- 2.4 vs. 25.9 +/- 1.8 mcg/dl, P = 0.018), lower
      cortisol:ACTH ratio (0.25 +/- 0.03 vs. 0.42 +/- 0.05, P < 0.048), and lower
      cortisol:tumor diameter ratio (14.1 +/- 2.2 vs. 56.8 +/- 7.2, P < 0.0001) than
      the MUAs. We conclude that tumor size does not directly correlate with the extent
      of hormonal activity in ACTH-secreting adenomas. Biochemical activity and
      clinical manifestations may be mild even in larger tumors, and therefore a high
      index of suspicion may be necessary to recognize hypercortisolism in pituitary
      MAs.

PMID- 22057968
TI  - Synthesis and characterization of hydrolytically degradable copolyester
      biomaterials based on glycolic acid, sebacic acid and ethylene glycol.
AB  - Copolyesters of glycolic acid (G) combined with sebacic acid (S) and ethylene
      glycol were synthesized in different molar ratios (G: 0-100% and S: 100-0%) and
      their hydrolytic degradation was studied and correlated with their structures.
      Based on the FTIR spectra of the homopolyesters and copolyesters and the
      normalized peak intensity of the I(2918), I(2848) and I(1087) for the
      corresponding wavenumbers, it is concluded that the I(2918) and the I(2848) are
      in accordance with the mean number degree of polymerization of ethylene sebacate
      units and the I(1087) is in accordance with the mean number degree of
      polymerization of glycolate units. Based on the XRD diffractograms, poly(ethylene
      sebacate) and poly(glycolic acid) belong to the monoclinic and the orthorhombic
      crystal system, respectively and both have higher crystallinity than the
      copolyesters. The experimental data of the hydrolytic degradation were fitted
      with exponential rise to maximum type functions using two-parameter model and
      four-parameter model. Three regions can been distinguished for the hydrolytic
      degradation by decreasing the molar feed ratio of sebacic acid, which are
      correlated with the changes of crystallinity. Two copolyesters are proposed:
      first the copolyester with high amount of glycolate units (S10G90) having higher
      hydrolytic degradation than G100 and second the copolyester with equal amount of
      glycolate and ethylene sebacate units (S50G50), having lower hydrolytic
      degradation than G100. These hydrolytically degradable copolyesters are soluble
      in common organic solvents, opposite to poly(glycolic acid) and could have
      perspectives for biomedical applications.

PMID- 22057969
TI  - A shape memory stent of poly(epsilon-caprolactone-co-DL-lactide) copolymer for
      potential treatment of esophageal stenosis.
AB  - Biodegradable polymer stent with shape memory effect is expected to be developed
      in the treatment of esophageal stenosis, most likely due to traditional stents
      having such shortages as considerable rigidity and nondegradation. A tubular
      stent with the inner and outer diameters of 28 and 30 mm was manufactured from
      biodegradable poly(epsilon-caprolactone-co-DL-lactide) (PCLA) copolymer
      consisting of epsilon-caprolactone and DL-lactide at a weight ratio of 10/90. A
      series of tests were accomplished to investigate its properties including shape
      memory effects (SMEs), compression property and influence of in vitro degradation
      of polymer matrix on its shape recovery and dilation force. Significantly, an
      implantation of the stent into a dog model was performed to evaluate its function
      for the treatment of esophageal stenosis. The deformed stent needs about 36 s to
      recover its initial shape in vitro in 37 degrees C warm water. The primary animal
      experiment in vivo has revealed that the implanted deformed stent could be
      triggered by body temperature and expectedly returned to a nearly-round shape to
      support esophageal wall. Therefore, the biodegradable intelligent polymer stent
      may be great potential to displace the conventional metallic stents for the
      esophageal stenosis therapy.

PMID- 22057970
TI  - Human platelet rich plasma plus Persian Gulf coral effects on experimental bone
      healing in rabbit model: radiological, histological, macroscopical and
      biomechanical evaluation.
AB  - Coral is an osteoconductive material used as a bone graft extender and human
      platelet rich plasma has been used as a source of osteoinductive factor. A
      combination of human platelet rich plasma and coral is expected to create a
      composite with both osteoconductive and osteoinductive properties. This study
      examined the effect of a combination of human platelet rich plasma and coral on
      osteogenesis in vivo using rabbit model of bone healing. A critical size defect
      of 10 mm elongation was created in the radial diaphysis of 36 rabbit and either
      supplied with coral-human PRP, or coral alone or left empty (control group). The
      platelets in the PRP were about 10.1 fold compared to normal blood. Radiographs
      of each forelimb was taken postoperatively on 1st day and then at the 2nd, 4th,
      6th and 8th weeks post injury to evaluate bone formation, union and remodeling of
      the defect. The operated radiuses were removed on 56th postoperative day and were
      grossly and histopathologically evaluated. In addition, biomechanical test was
      conducted on the operated and normal forearms of the rabbits. This study
      demonstrated that coral-human PRP (hPRP), could promote bone regeneration in
      critical size defects with a high regenerative capacity. The results of the
      present study demonstrated that coral-hPRP could be an attractive alternative for
      reconstruction of the major diaphyseal defects of the long bones in animal
      models.

PMID- 22057971
TI  - Real time analysis of protein location and function: a Golgi-specific PKD sensor.

PMID- 22057972
TI  - High level of miR-21, miR-10b, and miR-31 expression in bilateral vs. unilateral
      breast carcinomas.
AB  - We analyzed the expression of several microRNAs (miRs) implicated in breast
      cancer (BC) pathogenesis (miR-21, miR-10b, miR17-5p, mir-31, miR-155, miR-200c,
      miR-18a, miR-205, and miR-27a) in 80 breast carcinomas obtained from patients
      with bilateral BC (biBC) and 40 cases of unilateral BC (uBC). Unexpectedly, three
      miRs (miR-21, miR-10b and miR-31) demonstrated significantly higher level of
      expression in biBC vs. uBC (P = 0.0001, 0.00004 and 0.0002, respectively).
      Increased contents of miR-21, miR-10b and miR-31 were observed in all categories
      of biBC tumors, i.e., in synchronous biBC as well as in first and second tumors
      from metachronous biBC cases. Synchronous biBC showed more similarity of miR
      expression profiles within pairs that the metachronous doublets (P = 0.004). This
      study suggests that bilateral breast tumors have somewhat distinct pattern of
      molecular events as compared to the unilateral disease.

PMID- 22057973
TI  - Role of interleukin-10 in breast cancer.
AB  - Cytokines are low molecular weight regulatory proteins or glycoprotein that
      modulates the intensity and duration of immune response by stimulating or
      inhibiting the activation, proliferation, and/or differentiation of target cells.
      Different cytokines are known to have diverse role in breast cancer initiation
      and progression. Interleukin-10 (IL-10), a pleiotropic anti-inflammatory
      cytokine, induces immunosuppression and assists in escape from tumor immune
      surveillance. Like several other cytokines, IL-10 also can exert dual
      proliferative and inhibitory effect on breast tumor cells indicating a complex
      role of IL-10 in breast cancer initiation and progression. In this review, we
      tried to put together a comprehensive current view on significance of IL-10 in
      promotion, inhibition, and importance as prognosticator in breast cancer based on
      in vitro, in vivo, and clinical evidences. For literature collection, we
      conducted PubMed search with keywords "IL-10" and "breast cancer".

PMID- 22057974
TI  - Ultrasonographic differentiation of malignant from benign breast lesions: a meta
      analytic comparison of elasticity and BIRADS scoring.
AB  - There has been controversy regarding the accuracy of breast ultrasound
      elastography (USE) compared to conventional B-mode Ultrasound (USB). The purpose
      of this study was to conduct a direct comparative effectiveness analysis of USB
      versus USE or their combination in differentiating breast lesions through
      systematically reviewing recent literature. An extensive literature search of
      PubMed and other medical and general purpose databases from inception through
      August 2011 was conducted. Published studies that reported a direct comparison of
      the diagnostic performance of USE, using elasticity score versus USB, using
      breast imaging reporting and data system (BIRADS) for characterization of focal
      breast lesions were included. Summary diagnostic performance measures were
      assessed for each of the tests and their combination using bivariate generalized
      linear mixed modeling. The two tests were combined as: (1) conjunctive, where the
      outcome of the combination of tests is positive only if both test results are
      positive; (2) disjunctive, where the outcome of a combination of tests is
      negative only if both tests are negative. Twenty nine studies provided relevant
      information on 5,511 breast masses (2,065 cancers, 3,446 benign lesions).
      Sensitivity of USB, USE, and their conjunctive and disjunctive combinations were
      96% (95% credible interval (CrI), 93-98%), 79% (95% CrI, 74-83%), 73% (95% CrI,
      67-78%), and 99% (95% CrI, 98-99%), respectively. Specificity of USB, USE, and
      their conjunctive and disjunctive combinations were 70% (95% CrI, 55-83%), 88%
      (95% CrI, 82-92%), 97% (95% CrI, 95-99%), and 56% (95% CrI, 43-69%),
      respectively. The application of USE as a single test is not superior to USB
      alone. However, in low risk patients it is recommended to perform an USE
      following a positive USB result to decrease the rate of unnecessary biopsies.

PMID- 22057977
TI  - Chief resident year as stepping stone to attending academic hospitalist.

PMID- 22057975
TI  - Assessing anxious features in depressed outpatients.
AB  - Both the 17-item Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HRSD(17)) and 30-item
      Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology - Clinician-rated (IDS-C(30) ) contain a
      subscale that assesses anxious symptoms. We used classical test theory and item
      response theory methods to assess and compare the psychometric properties of the
      two anxiety subscales (HRSD(ANX) and IDS-C(ANX)) in a large sample (N = 3453) of
      outpatients with non-psychotic major depressive disorder in the Sequenced
      Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression (STAR*D) study. Approximately 48% of
      evaluable participants had at least one concurrent anxiety disorder by the self
      report Psychiatric Diagnostic Screening Questionnaire (PDSQ). The HRSD(ANX) and
      IDS-C(ANX) were highly correlated (r = 0.75) and both had moderate internal
      consistency given their limited number of items (HRSD(ANX) Cronbach's alpha =
      0.48; IDS-C(ANX) Cronbach's alpha = 0.58). The optimal threshold for ascribing
      the presence/absence of anxious features was found at a total score of eight or
      nine for the HRSD(ANX) and seven or eight for the IDS-C(ANX) . It would seem
      beneficial to delete item 17 (loss of insight) from the HRSD(ANX) as it
      negatively correlated with the scale's total score. Both the HRSD(ANX) and IDS
      C(ANX) subscales have acceptable psychometric properties and can be used to
      identify anxious features for clinical or research purposes.

PMID- 22057978
TI  - Inhibition of sodium current by taurine magnesium coordination compound prevents
      cesium chloride-induced arrhythmias.
AB  - The mechanism(s) by which taurine magnesium coordination compound (TMCC) inhibits
      experimental arrhythmias remains poorly understood. The purpose of this study was
      to observe the effects of TMCC against cesium chloride-induced arrhythmia in the
      rabbit heart and find whether the antiarrhythmic activity is related to
      inhibition of sodium current. Early afterdepolarization was induced by 1.5 mM
      cesium chloride (1 ml kg(-1)) through intravenous injection. The monophasic
      action potentials (MAP) and electrocardiograms were simultaneously recorded. The
      effect of TMCC on functional refractory periods (FRPs) in the left atrium was
      also observed in vitro. Arrhythmias onset was significantly retarded by TMCC. The
      number of ventricular premature contractions and incidence of monophasic
      ventricular tachycardia and polyphasic ventricular tachycardia in 10 min were
      decreased by TMCC. These effects can be abolished by veratridine (10 MUg kg(-1)).
      MAP duration at 90% repolarization was significantly prolonged by TMCC, which can
      be prolonged even longer by veratridine (10 MUg kg(-1)). In vitro experiments
      showed that FRPs was prolonged by TMCC which can be cancelled by veratridine (10
      MUg kg(-1)). TMCC prevents cesium chloride-induced arrhythmias, and inhibition of
      sodium current, in part, contributes to the antiarrhythmic effect of TMCC.

PMID- 22057979
TI  - Myofibroblast cells are preferentially expressed early in a rabbit model of joint
      contracture.
AB  - Studies have demonstrated increased myofibroblasts in contractures. However, the
      timeline is largely unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the number of
      myofibroblasts in contracting joint capsules at 3-time points over a 24-week
      period. Eighteen rabbits subjected to a surgical procedure designed to elicit a
      knee joint contracture were divided into three groups of six. Rabbits were
      sacrificed at each respective time point and myofibroblasts in the joint capsules
      were quantified using immunohistochemistry. The percent of myofibroblasts was
      significantly elevated in the operated limbs compared to the control limbs at 2
      weeks (20% vs. 7%, respectively; p = 0.014). There was no difference in the
      percent of myofibroblasts between the operated and control limbs at 8 or 24 weeks
      (p = 0.96 and 0.07, respectively). The percent of myofibroblasts dropped from 20%
      at 2 weeks to 3.0% at 8 weeks (p < 0.001). The decrease from 8 to 24 weeks was
      not significant (p = 0.19). A large proportion of myofibroblasts are present in
      contracted joints at 2 weeks. By week 8, the proportion of myofibroblasts seem to
      return to normal. Interventions aimed at affecting the myofibroblast cell in
      order to prevent fibrosis should be instituted early.

PMID- 22057980
TI  - Infantile midaortic syndrome with aortic occlusion.
AB  - Mid aortic syndrome (MAS) is a rare condition often presenting with severe
      hypertension. It is characterized by narrowing of the abdominal aorta. We here
      describe a case of complete occlusion of the abdominal aorta presenting in
      infancy. This child presented at four months of age with heart failure and
      hypertension. CT angiogram showed total narrowing of the abdominal aorta. This
      was initially felt to be too severe for surgical treatment and he was planned for
      palliative care. We were however able to improve his blood pressure with
      antihypertensive agents and he underwent succesful angioplasty at five and a half
      months of age. He has required three further angioplasty procedures and still
      needs two antihypertensive agents to control his blood pressure. His renal
      function remains normal and at age six years he has excellent quality of life
      with normal growth and development. This case illustrates that the combination of
      medical treatment and angioplasty can give an excellent long-term treatment
      response even in children with extremely severe MAS. This boy now has normal
      blood pressure and has experienced normal growth, development and quality of
      life.

PMID- 22057981
TI  - Urinary N-acetyl-beta-D glucosaminidase (NAG) level in idiopathic nephrotic
      syndrome.
AB  - Urinary N-acetyl-beta-D: glucosaminidase (NAG) is a sensitive biomarker of renal
      parenchymal disease. The aim of this study was to investigate variations in the
      levels of NAG excretion among different sub-groups of nephrotic syndrome (first
      episode, relapsers, and resistant) and its prediction based on proteinuria.
      Thirty-five patients with idiopathic nephrotic syndrome, aged 1-12 years, as well
      as 15 age- and gender-matched normal children (controls) were enrolled in the
      study. Among the 35 patients, ten were classified with first episode nephrotic
      syndrome (FENS), 17 with relapsing nephrotic syndrome (RNS), and eight with
      steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS). Urinary NAG/creatinine levels were
      significantly increased in SRNS patients as compared to FENS and RNS patients (p
      < 0.001); the FENS and RNS groups had comparable levels. A urinary NAG/creatinine
      value of <=108.9 U/g was found to identify steroid-sensitive patients with a
      sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive
      value of 78.8, 100, 100 and 77.7%, respectively. Significant correlations were
      found between experimental and predicted values of urinary NAG/creatinine in
      steroid sensitive nephrotic syndrome (SSNS) (R (2) = 0.9643) and SRNS patients (R
      (2) = 0.9823). Urinary NAG/creatinine values were found to be higher in SRNS than
      SSNS patients and have moderate predictive value for steroid responsiveness. This
      level can be obtained based on urinary protein/creatinine ratio or 24 h urinary
      protein levels.

PMID- 22057983
TI  - Phonological awareness, reading skills, and vocabulary knowledge in children who
      use cochlear implants.
AB  - In hearing children, reading skills have been found to be closely related to
      phonological awareness. We used several standardized tests to investigate the
      reading and phonological awareness skills of 27 deaf school-age children who were
      experienced cochlear implant users. Approximately two-thirds of the children
      performed at or above the level of their hearing peers on the phonological
      awareness and reading tasks. Reading scores were found to be strongly correlated
      with measures of phonological awareness. These correlations remained the same
      when we statistically controlled for potentially confounding demographic
      variables such as age at testing and speech perception skills. However, these
      correlations decreased even after we statistically controlled for vocabulary
      size. This finding suggests that lexicon size is a mediating factor in the
      relationship between the children's phonological awareness and reading skills, a
      finding that has also been reported for typically developing hearing children.

PMID- 22057984
TI  - Contribution of a contralateral hearing aid to perception of consonant voicing,
      intonation, and emotional state in adult cochlear implantees.
AB  - Binaural hearing in cochlear implant (CI) users can be achieved either by
      bilateral implantation or bimodally with a contralateral hearing aid (HA).
      Binaural-bimodal hearing has the advantage of complementing the high-frequency
      electric information from the CI by low-frequency acoustic information from the
      HA. We examined the contribution of a contralateral HA in 25 adult implantees to
      their perception of fundamental frequency-cued speech characteristics (initial
      consonant voicing, intonation, and emotions). Testing with CI alone, HA alone,
      and bimodal hearing showed that all three characteristics were best perceived
      under the bimodal condition. Significant differences were recorded between
      bimodal and HA conditions in the initial voicing test, between bimodal and CI
      conditions in the intonation test, and between both bimodal and CI conditions and
      between bimodal and HA conditions in the emotion-in-speech test. These findings
      confirmed that such binaural-bimodal hearing enhances perception of these speech
      characteristics and suggest that implantees with residual hearing in the
      contralateral ear may benefit from a HA in that ear.

PMID- 22057985
TI  - Public and professional educational needs for downstaging breast cancer in Egypt.
AB  - We conducted focus groups with women from urban and rural areas in the Nile Delta
      region to investigate their attitudes regarding breast cancer diagnosis,
      treatment, and screening. Six 60-min focus groups, each group comprised of 6-10
      women with ages between 20-69 years, were conducted. Discussions included breast
      health, breast cancer diagnosis, treatment, early detection and screening, and
      communication for breast health. Almost all urban and rural women reported that
      women do not see physicians until they are seriously ill or have advanced cancer.
      They reported that oncologists or gynecologists were important to be seen first
      if a woman suspected breast cancer and primary care physician are not the primary
      line of cancer diagnosis. Other deterring factors besides distrust in primary
      care physicians included attitude that breast cancer equals death and lack of
      knowledge of early detection and screening techniques. Women felt that public
      education campaigns must be implemented to improve early detection and screening
      methods for breast cancer. The majority of beliefs regarding breast cancer and
      screening were common among urban and rural women. Culture-specific and tailored
      professional and public education programs in developing countries are essential
      for achieving downstaging cancer.

PMID- 22057986
TI  - A DVD program on fall prevention skills training for cancer family caregivers.
AB  - This feasibility study tested an instructional DVD program for improving cancer
      family caregivers' knowledge and preparedness in fall prevention and reducing
      fall occurrence among the patients they care for at home. DVD program features
      included training caregivers on safe mobility skills. Family caregivers of cancer
      patients were surveyed before and after viewing the DVD program on "Moving
      Safely" in the home. Cancer patients were followed 4 months postintervention to
      determine if fall occurrence was reduced. There was a decrease in the number of
      patients who fell postintervention compared with those who fell preintervention.
      Caregivers' perceptions of knowledge about fall prevention improved significantly
      after viewing the DVD. An instructional DVD program is an effective educational
      tool for preparing family caregivers with the knowledge and skills needed to
      reduce the incidence of falls in the home setting. Educators must develop
      programs for preparing family caregivers to perform nursing skills within the
      home.

PMID- 22057987
TI  - Arabidopsis TTR1 causes LRR-dependent lethal systemic necrosis, rather than
      systemic acquired resistance, to Tobacco ringspot virus.
AB  - Most Arabidopsis ecotypes display tolerance to the Tobacco ringspot virus (TRSV),
      but a subset of Arabidopsis ecotypes, including Estland (Est), develop lethal
      systemic necrosis (LSN), which differs from the localized hypersensitive
      responses (HRs) or systemic acquired resistance (SAR) characteristic of
      incompatible reactions. Neither viral replication nor the systemic movement of
      TRSV was restricted in tolerant or sensitive Arabidopsis ecotypes; therefore, the
      LSN phenotype shown in the sensitive ecotypes might not be due to viral
      accumulation. In the present study, we identified the Est TTR1 gene (tolerance to
      Tobacco ringspot virus 1) encoding a TIR-NBS-LRR protein that controls the
      ecotype-dependent tolerant/sensitive phenotypes by a map-based cloning method.
      The tolerant Col-0 ecotype Arabidopsis transformed with the sensitive Est TTR1
      allele developed an LSN phenotype upon TRSV infection, suggesting that the Est
      TTR1 allele is dominant over the tolerant ttr1 allele of Col-0. Multiple sequence
      alignments of 10 tolerant ecotypes from those of eight sensitive ecotypes showed
      that 10 LRR amino acid polymorphisms were consistently distributed across the
      TTR1/ttr1 alleles. Site-directed mutagenesis of these amino acids in the LRR
      region revealed that two sites, L956S and K1124Q, completely abolished the LSN
      phenotype. VIGS study revealed that TTR1 is dependent on SGT1, rather than EDS1.
      The LSN phenotype by TTR1 was shown to be transferred to Nicotiana benthamiana,
      demonstrating functional conservation of TTR1 across plant families, which are
      involved in SGT-dependent defense responses, rather than EDS1-dependent signaling
      pathways.

PMID- 22057988
TI  - Regulation of cotton fiber  elongation by xyloglucan
      endotransglycosylase/hydrolase genes.
AB  - Ligon  lintless mutant (li1li1) with super-short fibers (5-8 mm in  length) and
      its wild type (Li1Li1) with normal fibers (30 mm in  length) were used to study
      the function of xyloglucan  endotransglycosylase/hydrolase (XTH) genes during
      fiber elongation in cotton.  Wild-type cotton attained the fiber elongation stage
      earlier (5 days  post-anthesis, DPA), than the Ligon lintless mutant (12 DPA)
      with a higher  fiber elongation velocity of about 1.76 mm/day. Xyloglucan
      contents in Ligon  lintless mutant fibers were 5-fold higher than the wild type
      during 9-15 DPA.  It was also observed that the activity of XTH in wild-type
      cotton fibers was  about 2-fold higher than that of the Ligon lintless mutant
      with a peak at 12  DPA. DNA blot analysis indicated that the XTH gene in the
      Ligon lintless  mutant and its wild type belonged to a multiple allelic series.
      However, RNA  blot analysis and quantitative real-time PCR exhibited an earlier
      expression  (10 DPA) of XTH in wild type as compared to delayed (15 DPA)
      expression  in the Ligon lintless mutant. The study also revealed that 9-15 DPA
      might be a  key phase for upregulation of fiber elongation via increasing XTH
      activity.  Higher XTH activity can cleave down the xyloglucan-cellulose chains
      thus  loosening fiber cell wall and promoting fiber cell elongation in wild type
      as  compared to its mutant.

PMID- 22057989
TI  - Association between matrix  metalloproteinase-3 polymorphism and anterior
      cruciate ligament ruptures.
AB  - Anterior  cruciate ligament (ACL) ruptures are considered to be the most severe
      joint  injury in sports. However, the precise etiologies of ACL injuries are not
      fully  understood. Recently, the gene encoding the matrix metalloproteinase-3
      (MMP-3,  stromelysin-1) was shown to be associated with anterior cruciate
      ligament  ruptures. The 5A/6A polymorphism in the promoter of the MMP-3 gene
      affects the  regulation of MMP-3 gene expression. We examined the association
      between  polymorphism within -1612 of the MMP-3 gene and ACL rupture in an
      independent  population. Eighty-six participants between 20 and 40 years of age
      with  surgically diagnosed ACL ruptures and 100 healthy controls between 18 and
      28  years of age without history of ligament or tendon injuries were recruited
      for  the study. All participants were genotyped for the MMP-3 polymorphism (-1612
      5A/6A). Statistical analyses of genotype frequencies between patients and 
      healthy controls were performed by the chi-square test. A significant  difference
      was found between ACL rupture subgroups in terms of genotype  association (5A+
      (5A/5A, 5A/6A): 37.5% in contact sports vs 20% in  non-contact sports; P = 0.02).
      In allelic association, there were significant  differences (6A: 81.2% in contact
      sports vs 89.1% in non-contact sports,  5A: 18.8% in contact sports vs 10.9% in
      non-contact sports, P = 0.01).  The 5A+ genotype of MMP-3 was represented in ACL
      ruptures in contact sport  participants. We propose that this sequence variant is
      a specific genetic  element that should be included in a multifactorial model to
      understand the  etiologies and risk factors for ACL rupture.

PMID- 22057990
TI  - Coagulation factor III (tissue  factor) is required for vascularization in
      zebrafish embryos.
AB  - Tissue  factor (coagulation factor III) is a cell surface receptor for
      coagulation  factor VII/VIIa; it was initially recognized as an initiator of the
      extrinsic  coagulation pathway. Recently, the zebrafish tissue factor gene (TF)
      has  been cloned. Paralogs encode coagulation factors IIIa and IIIb; both show 
      remarkable sequence identity to the human and mouse coagulation factor III  gene.
      It has been reported that TF could have additional properties that are  essential
      for normal embryonic development, since knockout of the murine  coagulation
      factor III gene resulted in 90% embryonic lethality. We examined  the role of
      coagulation factor IIIb (f3b) during zebrafish embryonic  development. Expression
      analysis revealed that endogenous f3b was  chronologically expressed in the
      pectoral fins and in the vicinity of the  pharynx. Knockout of f3b by injection
      of an f3b morpholino at the  one-to-two cell stage caused distinctive
      morphological defects in embryos,  including edema in the fourth brain ventricle
      at early embryonic stages and  occasional bleeding at later stages. Furthermore,
      f3b morphants  displayed abnormal vascular patterning. We conclude that f3b is
      required  for brain vascular development and for development of part of the
      somatic  vasculature during embryogenesis in the zebrafish.

PMID- 22057991
TI  - Limited efficiency of  universal mini-barcode primers for DNA amplification from
      desert reptiles,  birds and mammals.
AB  - In  recent years, DNA barcoding has emerged as a powerful tool for species 
      identification. We report an extended validation of a universal DNA mini-barcode 
      for amplification of 130-bp COI segments from 23 specimens collected from a 
      desert environment, including 11 reptiles, five mammals and seven birds.  Besides
      the standard double-annealing protocol, we also tested a more stringent  single
      annealing protocol. The PCR success rate for the amplification of the  mini
      barcode region was: mammals (4/5), reptiles (5/11) and birds (4/7). These 
      findings demonstrate the limited utility of universal primers for  mini
      barcoding, at least for these vertebrate taxa that we collected from the  Saudi
      Arabian desert.

PMID- 22057992
TI  - Random regression models using  different functions to model test-day milk yield
      of Brazilian Holstein cows.
AB  - We  analyzed 152,145 test-day records from 7317 first lactations of Holstein cows
      recorded from 1995 to 2003. Our objective was to model variations in test-day 
      milk yield during the first lactation of Holstein cows by random regression 
      model (RRM), using various functions in order to obtain adequate and 
      parsimonious models for the estimation of genetic parameters. Test-day milk 
      yields were grouped into weekly classes of days in milk, ranging from 1 to 44 
      weeks. The contemporary groups were defined as herd-test-day. The analyses were 
      performed using a single-trait RRM, including the direct additive, permanent 
      environmental and residual random effects. In addition, contemporary group and 
      linear and quadratic effects of the age of cow at calving were included as  fixed
      effects. The mean trend of milk yield was modeled with a fourth-order  orthogonal
      Legendre polynomial. The additive genetic and permanent  environmental covariance
      functions were estimated by random regression on two  parametric functions, Ali
      and Schaeffer and Wilmink, and on B-spline functions  of days in milk. The
      covariance components and the genetic parameters were  estimated by the
      restricted maximum likelihood method. Results from RRM  parametric and B-spline
      functions were compared to RRM on Legendre polynomials  and with a multi-trait
      analysis, using the same data set. Heritability  estimates presented similar
      trends during mid-lactation (13 to 31 weeks) and  between week 37 and the end of
      lactation, for all RRM. Heritabilities obtained  by multi-trait analysis were of
      a lower magnitude than those estimated by RRM.  The RRMs with a higher number of
      parameters were more useful to describe the  genetic variation of test-day milk
      yield throughout the lactation. RRM using  B-spline and Legendre polynomials as
      base functions appears to be the most  adequate to describe the covariance
      structure of the data.

PMID- 22057993
TI  - Virulence characteristics and  antimicrobial susceptibility of uropathogenic
      Escherichia coli strains.
AB  - Eight  virulence factors associated with uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) 
      were investigated in 204 clinical isolates of E. coli recovered from  urine
      cultures at counts >=10(5). The bacteria were classified into two groups 
      according to the number of leukocytes in urine samples from which they were 
      isolated: group I <=8 leukocytes/hpf, 104 strains; group II >8  leukocytes/hpf,
      100 strains. Two multiplex PCR systems were used to detect  genes encoding
      adhesin P (pap), adhesin S (sfa), afimbrial  adhesin I (afa), siderophore
      aerobactin (aer), alpha-hemolysin (hly),  cytotoxic necrotizing factor type 1
      (cnf1), and traT associated  with serum resistance. The PAI marker for the
      virulence island identified in  strains CFT072 and CVD432, a marker of
      enteroaggregative E. coli, was  also investigated using PCR. The susceptibility
      profile of E. coli strains  was determined by disk diffusion method. Ninety
      percent UPEC showed at least  one of the virulence genes, the prevalence being
      traT (76%), aer (41%),  PAI (32%), sfa (26%), pap (25%), cnf1 (18%), afa (6%), 
      and hly (5%). There was no significant difference in the distribution of 
      virulence genes between groups I and II. A significantly higher degree of 
      virulence was detected in UPEC group II. The CVD432 gene was not detected in  any
      of the UPECs. Fifty-nine percent of the strains were resistant to at least  one
      of the antimicrobials that we tested; the most common being resistance to 
      ampicillin (51%) and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (44%).

PMID- 22057994
TI  - Association between  interleukin 21 and Graves' disease.
AB  - Graves'  disease (GD) is an organ-specific autoimmune thyroid disease; 25-50% of
      GD  patients will develop Graves' ophthalmopathy (GO). The etiology of GD and GO 
      may be multifactorial, but the immune response plays a central role. Many 
      studies have reported that IL-21 has crucial roles in autoimmune diseases. We 
      examined whether IL-21 is associated with the development of GD and GO. The 
      serum concentration of IL-21 was tested in 40 primary GD patients, 42 treated  GO
      patients and 24 healthy controls. Our data show that the serum level of  IL-21 is
      associated with the development of GD. We also made an association study  with
      the IL-21 gene polymorphisms rs4833837, rs907715 and rs13143866 in a comparison 
      of 633 patients and 612 healthy controls from the Chinese population. This  case
      control association study demonstrated that rs907715 SNP is significantly 
      associated with GD, while the rs13143866 A allele is significantly associated 
      with GO. The haplotypes A-G-G and A-A-A were found at higher and lower 
      frequencies, respectively, in GD patients, suggesting a protective role for  A-A
      A. However, there were no significant differences in the frequencies of  these
      haplotypes between the GO patients and the control group. We found no 
      association between IL-21 gene polymorphisms and the age of GD onset. We 
      conclude that IL-21 is associated with GD and GO.

PMID- 22057995
TI  - Phylogenetic relationships of  the Hucul horse from Romania inferred from
      mitochondrial D-loop variation.
AB  - The  existence of the Hucul horse on Romanian territory has been documented from
      the  very distant past; today Hucul is a unique breed that is part of the FAO 
      Program for the Preservation of Animal Genetic Resources. We compared Hucul  with
      several primitive European and Asiatic breeds in order to elucidate the  origin
      of these horses. We analyzed a 683-bp mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) D-loop  fragment
      in a population of Hucul horses and compared the polymorphic sites  with
      sequences from other primitive breeds, including Exmoor, Icelandic Pony, 
      Sorraia, Przewalski Horse, Mongolian Wild Horse, Konik, and Shetland Pony, as 
      well as with Arabian, Akhal Teke and Caspian Pony. The sequences were truncated 
      to 247 bp to accommodate short sequence data for the other species. Eighty 
      horses were analyzed; 35 polymorphic sites representing 33 haplotypes were 
      observed. The mean percentage of polymorphic sites was 14.2% for this mtDNA 
      fragment. A neighbor-joining phylogenetic tree was constructed based on Kimura 
      two-parameter distances and the Network 3.111 software was used for  phylogenetic
      analysis. The Hucul horse was classified separately from all other  primitive
      breeds. It is possible that the Hucul horse is not part of the pony  class, as it
      segregated apart from all primitive pony breeds. We found multiple  origins in
      the maternal lineage of domestic horse breeds and demonstrated the  uniqueness of
      the Hucul breed; its origins remain unclear.

PMID- 22057996
TI  - Diversity of pea (Pisum sativum) accessions  based on morphological data for
      sustainable field pea breeding in Argentina.
AB  - We characterized 13 accessions of dry peas of  different origins from various
      growing regions in Argentina, based on three  replications of 20 plants
      cultivated in 2009 and 2010 in a greenhouse, with the  objective of selecting
      those with favorable characteristics for use in breeding  programs. Significant
      differences were found for length and width of stipule  and pod, length of the
      internodes and leaflets, plant height, total number of  nodes, number of nodes at
      the first pod, number of days to flowering and to  harvest, number of pods and
      seeds per pod, 100-seed weight and grain diameter,  demonstrating a high degree
      of genetic variability. Phenotypic correlation  analysis demonstrated that large
      pods produced more seeds per pod, but the seed  weight decreased. Plants with
      smaller number of nodes in the first pod were more  productive. Estimates of
      genotypic correlation coefficients indicated a strong  inherent association among
      the different traits. Clustering methods grouped the  accessions into five
      clusters. Cluster 5 included two accessions and showed the  highest values for
      length and width of stipules (4.9 and 4.5 cm, respectively),  length of leaflets
      (7.43 cm) and days to flowering (122.6), while cluster 3,  with one accession,
      and cluster 4, with two accessions, showed the highest  values for number of
      seeds per pod (3.78 and 4.39), number of pods per plant  (5.33 and 5.70), length
      of pods (5.54 and 5.72 cm), and width of pods (1.21 and  1.20 cm, respectively).
      We conclude that accessions in clusters 3 and 4 would  be useful for crosses with
      other cultivars in pea breeding programs.

PMID- 22057997
TI  - Genetic and environmental  effects on age at first farrowing in sows in
      southeastern Brazil.
AB  - We evaluated genetic and environmental factors affecting age at first farrowing
      of sows in the Brazilian southeast. For this purpose, 466 observations regarding
      the age at first farrowing were made for Dalland-C40(c) animals belonging to two
      herds. The effects of the environmental factors on this trait were assessed by
      means of a model that included, as random effects, the influence of the sow's
      father and mother and, as fixed effects, the influence the year of birth, the
      herd and the birth season, along with the covariable litter size at birth. The
      variance components were estimated using the derivative-free restricted maximum
      likelihood method. The estimated mean was 354.8 +/- 25.87 days, with a
      coefficient of variation of 7.29%. Significant effects on the trait were observed
      for the herd, the year and the season of birth; but a linear effect of litter
      size at birth on the age at first farrowing was not observed. The boar did not
      significantly contribute to the variation occurring among the sows, whereas the
      sow's mother caused significant variation. The heritability estimate for the age
      at first farrowing was 0.44 +/- 0.15, which is considered high. We concluded that
      herd effect and year and season of birth should be taken into consideration for
      an accurate genetic comparison; consequently, the animals should be joined into
      contemporary groups.

PMID- 22057998
TI  - Identification of neutral  genes at pollen sterility loci Sd and Se of cultivated
      rice (Oryza  sativa) with wild rice (O. rufipogon) origin.
AB  - Pollen  sterility is one of the main hindrances against the utilization of strong
      intersubspecific (indica-japonica) heterosis in rice. We looked  for neutral
      alleles at known pollen sterility loci Sd and Se that  could overcome this pollen
      sterility characteristic. Taichung 65, a typical japonica cultivar, and its near
      isogenic lines E7 and E8 for pollen sterility loci Sd and Se were employed as
      tester lines for crossing with 13 accessions  of wild rice (O. rufipogon). Pollen
      fertility and genotypic segregations  of the molecular markers tightly linked
      with Sd and Se loci were  analyzed in the paired F(1)s and F(2) populations.  One
      accession of wild rice (GZW054) had high pollen fertility in the paired F(1)s 
      between Taichung 65 and E7 or E8. Genotypic segregations of the molecular 
      markers tightly linked with Sd and Se loci fit the expected  Mendelian ratio
      (1:2:1), and non-significances were shown among the mean pollen  fertilities with
      the maternal, parental, and heterozygous genotypes of each  molecular markers
      tightly linked with Sd and Se loci.  Evidentially, it indicated that the alleles
      of Sd and Se loci for  GZW054 did not interact with those of Taichung 65 and its
      near isogenic lines,  and, thus were identified as neutral alleles Sd(n) and
      Se(n). These  neutral genes could become important germplasm resources for
      overcoming pollen  sterility in indica-japonica hybrids, making utilization of 
      strong heterosis in such hybrids viable.

PMID- 22057999
TI  - Meta-analysis of an association of  codon 72 polymorphisms of the p53 gene with
      increased endometrial cancer risk.
AB  - Polymorphisms  of the p53 gene have been associated with susceptibility to
      endometrial cancer.  However, whether there is a specific association is still
      controversial. We  investigated a possible association between p53 codon 72
      polymorphism and  endometrial cancer risk by conducting a meta-analysis.
      Publications addressing  this association were selected from the Pubmed, Embase
      and CBM databases (up to  January 2011). Data were extracted from the studies by
      two independent  reviewers. The meta-analysis was performed using RevMan 5.0.25
      and STATA 9.2  softwares. The odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI)
      was  calculated. Then, 10 case-control studies were retrieved, with a total of
      917  endometrial cancer patients and 1680 healthy controls. Meta-analysis results
      showed that the Pro allele and Pro carrier (Arg/Pro + Pro/Pro) of p53 codon 72 
      polymorphism were significantly related with endometrial cancer risk (OR =  1.25,
      95%CI = 1.10-1.41, P = 0.0005; OR = 1.34, 95%CI = 1.12-1.59, P = 0.001, 
      respectively). In the subgroup analysis, based on ethnicity, studies were 
      divided into Asian and Caucasian populations; the Pro allele and Pro carrier 
      (Arg/Pro + Pro/Pro) of p53 codon 72 polymorphism were significantly related  with
      endometrial cancer risk in Asian populations (OR = 1.41, 95%CI =  1.19-1.66, P <
      0.0001; OR = 1.66,  95%CI = 1.30-2.13, P < 0.0001,  respectively), but not in
      Caucasian populations (both P > 0.05). We  concluded that the Pro allele (Arg/Pro
      + Pro/Pro) of p53 codon 72 polymorphism  is a potential risk factor for
      endometrial cancer.

PMID- 22058000
TI  - Lack of association between  catalase gene polymorphism (T/C exon 9) and
      susceptibility to vitiligo in a  Turkish population.
AB  - Accumulation  of hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) and  low catalase (CAT) activity
      have been demonstrated in the epidermis of vitiligo  patients. We investigated a
      possible association between the CAT exon 9  (Asp-389) gene and vitiligo
      susceptibility in the Turkish population.  Thirty-four patients with vitiligo and
      49 gender, age and ethnic matched  controls were enrolled in the study.
      Genotyping was done by PCR-RFLP. The CAT exon 9 (Asp-389) genotype and allele
      frequencies of vitiligo patients did  not differ significantly from those of
      healthy controls. We found no  association between CAT (Asp-389) gene
      polymorphism and vitiligo  susceptibility in Turkish vitiligo patients.

PMID- 22058001
TI  - Vascular endothelial growth factor  gene polymorphisms and colorectal cancer
      risk: a meta-analysis.
AB  - Vascular  endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is an endothelial cell-specific
      mitogen  involved in a number of pathologic processes, including angiogenesis,
      tumor  growth and metastasis. Polymorphisms of the VEGF gene have been associated
      with  susceptibility to colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the specific
      association  still remains controversial. We made a meta-analysis of the
      association  between VEGF gene polymorphisms and CRC risk. Only eight case
      control studies  were retrieved, with a total of 2337 CRC patients and 2032
      healthy controls.  Six VEGF gene polymorphisms were addressed in all studies
      included, +936C>T  (rs3025039), -2578C>A (rs699947), -1154G>A (rs1570360), 
      634G>C  (rs2010963), -460C>T (rs833061), and +405C>G (rs2010963). There was a 
      significant association between -2578C>A polymorphism and susceptibility to  CRC
      in the comparison of C allele carriers (CC + CA) versus AA (odds ratio =  0.77,
      95% confidence interval = 0.62-0.96, P = 0.02). No association was found  between
      +936C>T, -1154G>A, -634G>C, -460C>T, and +405C>G with  susceptibility to CRC. We
      conclude that the C allele carrier (CC + CA) of VEGF  -2578C>A polymorphism
      appears to be a protective factor for CRC.

PMID- 22058002
TI  - Influence of glutathione S-transferase polymorphisms  on type-2 diabetes mellitus
      risk.
AB  - Glutathione S-transferase (GST) protects cells against oxidative stress. We
      evaluated the effect of genetic polymorphisms of the GST gene family on the risk
      of developing type-2 diabetes mellitus and on glycemic control. We also
      investigated the effects of smoking combined with these polymorphisms on type-2
      diabetes mellitus risk. We enrolled 100 type-2 diabetes mellitus patients and 100
      healthy controls matched for age, gender and origin, from the Sinai area of
      Egypt. Fasting serum glucose, HbA(1c) and lipid profiles were determined. Two
      polymorphisms were identified by multiplex PCR within the GST genes: GSTM1 and
      GSTT1. The proportion of the GSTT1- and GSTM1-null genotypes was significantly
      greater in diabetic patients when compared to controls. Patients carrying both
      null polymorphisms had a 3.17-fold increased risk of having type-2 diabetes
      mellitus compared to those with normal genotypes of these two genes (P = 0.009).
      Additionally, patients with the GSTT1-null genotype had higher levels of
      triglycerides and very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol compared to those with
      the GSTT1-present genotype. On the other hand, patients with the GSTM1- null
      genotype had significantly higher levels of HbA(1c) and significantly higher
      diastolic blood pressure compared to those with the GSTM1- present genotype. The
      interaction between these genotypes and smoking status was not significant. These
      results give evidence that the GSTT1- and GSTM1-null genotypes, alone or
      combined, are associated with increased risk of type-2 diabetes mellitus,
      regardless of smoking status. Only the GSTM1-null genotype had an effect on
      glycemic control.

PMID- 22058003
TI  - Quantitative trait loci affecting lactose and total  solids on chromosome 6 in
      Brazilian Gir dairy cattle.
AB  - Fourteen Brazilian Gir sire families with 657  daughters were analyzed for
      quantitative trait loci (QTL) on chromosome 6  affecting lactose and total
      solids. Cows and sires were genotyped with 27  microsatellites with a mean
      spacing between markers of 4.9 cM. We used a 1%  chromosome-wide threshold for
      QTL qualification. A QTL for lactose yield was  found close to marker MNB66 in
      three families. A QTL for total solid yield was  identified close to marker
      BMS2508 in three families. A QTL for lactose  percentage, close to marker
      DIK1182, was identified in two families. A QTL for  total solid percentage, close
      to marker MNB208, was identified in four  families. These QTLs could be used for
      selection of animals in dairy production  systems.

PMID- 22058004
TI  - Microsatellite analysis as a tool  for discriminating an interfamily hybrid
      between olive flounder  and starry flounder.
AB  - An  interspecific artificial hybrid was produced between two economically
      important  aquaculture flatfish: olive flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) and
      starry  flounder (P. stellatus). This hybrid displays the rapid growth 
      characteristic of the former and tolerance to low temperatures and low salinity 
      of the latter, but the genetics of inheritance in this hybrid have not been 
      elucidated. Polymorphic microsatellite markers developed for P. olivaceus and P.
      stellatus were tested to determine if these markers can be used for  analysis of
      parentage and genetic inheritance. Multiplex PCR using two primer  sets that were
      specific to each species produced PCR products of different  sizes; these could
      be used for the identification of interspecific hybrids.  Among the 192 primers
      derived from olive flounder, 25.5% of the primer sets  successfully amplified
      genomic DNA from starry flounder, and 23% of the 56  primer sets originating from
      starry flounder amplified DNA from olive flounder.  Analysis of genetic
      inheritance in the hybrid using seven of the 62  microsatellite markers common to
      both species demonstrated classic Mendelian inheritance  of these markers in the
      hybrid progeny, with the exception of one locus  identified as a null allele in
      the hybrid. These results demonstrate that  cross-specific microsatellite markers
      can be used tools for parentage analysis  of hybrid flatfish, for mapping
      quantitative trait loci, for marker-assisted  selective breeding, and for studies
      of the evolution of fish.

PMID- 22058005
TI  - Local treatment of mixed osteolytic/osteoblastic spinal metastases: is
      photodynamic therapy effective?
AB  - The widespread use of systemic and local therapies aimed at spinal metastatic
      lesions secondary to breast cancer has increased the incidence of mixed
      osteolytic/osteoblastic patterns of bony disease. The complex structure of these
      lesions requires novel therapeutic approaches to both reduce tumor burden and
      restore structural stability. In photodynamic therapy (PDT), a minimally invasive
      approach can be used to employ light to activate a photosensitizing agent that
      preferentially accumulates in tumor tissue, leading to cell toxicity and death.
      Previous work in an osteolytic rat model (MT-1) demonstrated that PDT effectively
      ablates tumor and improves vertebral structural properties. The aim of this study
      was to assess the efficacy of PDT in a rat model of mixed osteolytic/osteoblastic
      spinal metastases. Mixed spinal metastases were generated through intracardiac
      injection of Ace-1 canine prostate cancer cells into female athymic rats (day 0).
      A single PDT treatment was applied to lumbar vertebra L2 of tumor-bearing and
      healthy control rats (day 14). PDT-treated and untreated control rats were
      euthanized and excised spines imaged with MUCT to assess bone quality (day 21).
      Spines were mechanically tested or histologically processed to assess mechanical
      integrity, tumor burden, and remodelling properties. Untreated tumor-bearing
      vertebrae showed large areas of osteolysis and areas of immature, new bone
      formation. The overall bone quality resulting from these lesions consisted of
      decreased structural properties but without a significant reduction in mechanical
      integrity. PDT was shown to significantly decrease tumor burden and osteoclastic
      activity, thereby improving vertebral bone structural properties. While non-tumor
      bearing vertebrae exhibited significantly more new bone formation following PDT,
      the already heightened level of new bone formation in the mixed tumor-bearing
      vertebrae was not further increased. As such, the effect of PDT on mixed
      metastases may be more influenced by suppression of osteoclastic resorption as
      opposed to the triggering of new bone formation.

PMID- 22058006
TI  - Designing N-heterocyclic carbenes: simultaneous enhancement of reactivity and
      enantioselectivity in the asymmetric hydroacylation of cyclopropenes.
AB  - Faster, higher, stronger! The N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalyzed diastereo-
      and enantioselective hydroacylation of cyclopropenes affords structurally
      valuable acylcyclopropanes. A new family of electron-rich, 2,6-dimethoxyphenyl
      substituted NHCs induces excellent reactivity and enantioselectivity. Preliminary
      kinetic studies unambiguously demonstrated the superiority of this family of
      catalysts over known NHCs in this challenging transformation.

PMID- 22058007
TI  - Psychological distress in cancer survivors: the further development of an item
      bank.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Assessment of psychological distress by patient report is necessary to
      meet patients' needs throughout the cancer journey. We have previously developed
      an item bank to assess psychological distress but not evaluated it for cancer
      survivors. Our first aim in this study was to test whether we could extend our
      item bank to include cancer survivors. The second aim was to examine whether the
      item bank could assess positive affect as a single construct alongside negative
      psychological symptoms. METHODS: Responses from 1315 cancer survivors to the
      Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) and the Positive and Negative Affect
      Scale (PANAS) were considered for inclusion in a pre-existing item bank created
      from a heterogeneous sample of 4914 cancer patients. Differential item
      functioning (DIF) was used to assess whether HADS responses drawn from the two
      samples were equivalent. Common-item equating was used to anchor the shared
      (HADS) items, whilst the PANAS items were added. Item fit was evaluated at each
      stage, and misfitting items were removed. Unidimensionality was assessed with a
      principal components factor analysis. RESULTS: The DIF analysis did not reveal
      any differences between the HADS item locations from the two samples. Three
      misfitting PANAS items were removed, resulting in a final unidimensional bank of
      80 items with good internal reliability (alpha = 0.85). CONCLUSION: The new item
      bank is valid for use across the cancer journey, including cancer survivors, and
      modestly improves the assessment of all levels of psychological distress and
      positive psychological function.

PMID- 22058008
TI  - Glucose status in patients with acromegaly receiving primary treatment with the
      somatostatin analog lanreotide.
AB  - To describe glucose status changes in patients with acromegaly receiving
      somatostatin analog lanreotide as primary treatment. This retrospective, single
      center study conducted during 1996-2008, included acromegalic patients receiving
      primary lanreotide treatment. Baseline and last follow-up visit assessments
      included glucose status (according to American Diabetes Association criteria),
      growth hormone (GH), and insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels. Glucose
      control was considered improved when fasting plasma glucose or antidiabetic
      treatments were reduced, and deteriorated if fasting glucose was the same/higher
      but with increased antidiabetic treatments. 42 patients (median age 50 years;
      range 29-75 years) were included. At baseline, 26 (62%) were normoglycemic, eight
      (19%) had impaired glucose tolerance/fasting glycemia, and eight (19%) had
      diabetes mellitus; family history of diabetes mellitus was significantly
      associated with abnormal glucose status. At final visit, the mean (SE) lanreotide
      dose was 108 (21) mg/month. Median treatment duration was 23 months, range 3-138
      months, and 74% of patients received the 120-mg dose. Median GH levels decreased
      significantly (baseline, 12 [5-20] MUg/l; final visit, 2.1 [1.0-4.7] MUg/l; P <
      0.0001); IGF-1 levels were age- and sex-normalized in 33% of patients. Glucose
      control deteriorated in seven patients (17%) and improved from abnormal levels in
      10 (24%). Deterioration was associated with smaller GH decreases (median change, 
      3.4 MUg/l vs. -10.7 MUg/l, P = 0.014) and improvement with trend to lower BMI and
      younger age. During primary lanreotide treated acromegalic patients 60% had no
      change, 24% had an improvement and 17% had a worsening of glucose status.
      Deterioration was significantly associated with smaller GH decreases during
      primary lanreotide treatment.

PMID- 22058009
TI  - Effect of retreatment on the end-stage sudden deafness.
AB  - Microcirculatory disturbance of inner ear is probably one of the important
      etiological factors of sudden deafness. The purpose of this study was to evaluate
      the effect of retreatment on the end-stage sudden deafness. For this purpose, the
      patients who met with the criteria for sudden deafness and showed poor response
      to conventional therapy over 2 months were assigned randomly to the retreatment
      group. Pure tone audiometry was conducted before and after retreatment among the
      103 patients (112 ears). Sodium bicarbonate and dexamethasone were injected by
      intravenous drip for 2 days and batroxobin 5BU for 6 days. Data were analyzed
      using analysis of variance and t test to determine the efficacy of retreatment.
      These data show that the efficacy rate in retreatment group was 46.43% and the
      difference between before and after retreatment was significant (P < 0.01). It
      was, therefore, concluded that retreatment of the end-stage sudden deafness could
      improve the audition of the patients and should be valuable in clinics. In this
      regard, the combination of sodium bicarbonate and dexamethasone proved a rational
      therapeutic regimen for the end-stage sudden deafness. However, further large
      size multicenter studies will be required for independent validation of these
      findings.

PMID- 22058011
TI  - Economic impact of enoxaparin versus unfractionated heparin for venous
      thromboembolism prophylaxis in patients with acute ischemic stroke: a hospital
      perspective of the PREVAIL trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The PREVAIL (Prevention of VTE [venous thromboembolism] after acute
      ischemic stroke with LMWH [low-molecular-weight heparin] and UFH [unfractionated
      heparin]) study demonstrated a 43% VTE risk reduction with enoxaparin versus UFH
      in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS). A 1% rate of symptomatic
      intracranial and major extracranial hemorrhage was observed in both groups.
      OBJECTIVE: To determine the economic impact, from a hospital perspective, of
      enoxaparin versus UFH for VTE prophylaxis after AIS. DESIGN: A decision-analytic
      model was constructed and hospital-based costs analyzed using clinical
      information from PREVAIL. Total hospital costs were calculated based on mean
      costs in the PremierTM database and from wholesalers acquisition data. Costs were
      also compared in patients with severe stroke (National Institutes of Health
      Stroke Scale [NIHSS] score >=14) and less severe stroke (NIHSS score <14).
      RESULTS: The average cost per patient due to VTE or bleeding events was lower
      with enoxaparin versus UFH ($422 vs $662, respectively; net savings $240). The
      average anticoagulant cost, including drug-administration cost per patient, was
      lower with UFH versus enoxaparin ($259 vs $360, respectively; net savings $101).
      However, when both clinical events and drug-acquisition costs were considered,
      the total hospital cost was lower with enoxaparin versus UFH ($782 vs $922,
      respectively; savings $140). Hospital cost-savings were greatest ($287) in
      patients with NIHSS scores >=14. CONCLUSIONS: The higher drug cost of enoxaparin
      was offset by the reduction in clinical events as compared to the use of UFH for
      VTE prophylaxis after an AIS, particularly in patients with severe stroke.

PMID- 22058013
TI  - Long-term oral administration of glucosamine or chondroitin sulfate reduces
      destruction of cartilage and up-regulation of MMP-3 mRNA in a model of
      spontaneous osteoarthritis in Hartley guinea pigs.
AB  - Histological and molecular changes were examined to investigate the effects of
      long-term administration of glucosamine (GlcN) and chondroitin sulfate (CS) in a
      model of spontaneous osteoarthritis (OA) in Hartley guinea pigs. Three groups of
      female 3-week-old Hartley guinea pigs received GlcN, CS, and neither agent,
      respectively. Five animals in each group were sacrificed at 8, 12, and 18 months
      of age. At 8 months of age, Hartley guinea pigs had severe degeneration of knee
      joint cartilage, chondrocyte apoptosis, marked reduction of tissue total RNA,
      decreases of aggrecan and collagen type 2 mRNAs, and increases in MMP-3 and MMP-8
      mRNAs. Long-term administration of GlcN and CS reduced cartilage degeneration at
      8 months of age. The marked loss of total RNA and the increase in MMP-3 mRNA were
      also inhibited by GlcN and CS. Thus, long-term oral administration of GlcN or CS
      inhibits OA progression, maintains total RNA and down-regulates MMP-3 mRNA in a
      spontaneous OA model in Hartley guinea pigs.

PMID- 22058014
TI  - A novel nonsense mutation in PAX9 is associated with sporadic hypodontia.
AB  - The most important events during the regulation of tooth development were
      inductive interactions between the epithelial and mesenchymal tissues. The
      expression of Pax9 had been shown to specifically mark the mesenchymal regions at
      the prospective sites of all teeth prior to any morphological manifestations.
      Here, we investigated the PAX9 gene as a candidate gene for hypodontia in five
      unrelated Chinese patients with tooth agenesis. Direct sequencing and restriction
      enzyme analysis revealed a novel heterozygous mutation c.480C>G (p.160Tyr>X,
      Y160X) in a patient who was missing 20 permanent teeth (the third molars
      excluded) and 6 primary teeth. The mutation was a nonsense mutation, leading to a
      premature stop codon in exon 2 of PAX9 gene. PCR analysis of complementary DNA
      from cultured lymphocytes of the affected individual could not indicate the
      complete degradation of the mutated transcript. Promoter reporter assays revealed
      reduced transcriptional activity of the mutated PAX9 protein suggesting that the
      severe phenotype may result from haploinsufficiency of PAX9. In another patient
      with 15 missing permanent teeth (the third molars excluded), we found the
      c.219insG mutation previously reported by Stockton.

PMID- 22058015
TI  - An adaptation of the human HepaRG cells to the in vitro micronucleus assay.
AB  - The in vitro micronucleus test is considered as an attractive tool for
      genotoxicity testing of chemicals because of its simplicity of scoring and wide
      applicability in different cell types. However, most of the cells currently in
      use are devoid of the enzyme equipment required for activation of promutagens in
      the genotoxic metabolites. We postulated that the human HepaRG cell line, which
      can express xenobiotic metabolising enzymes at levels close to those found in
      primary human hepatocytes and has retained the indefinite growth capacity of
      transformed cells, could represent a more suitable model for genotoxicity testing
      of chemicals requiring metabolic activation. Based on the recommendations of the
      Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development test guideline TG 487 for
      testing of chemicals, HepaRG cell cultures containing >80% mature hepatocytes
      were treated in situ with various chemicals for 24 h followed by a 3-day
      mitogenic stimulation with epidermal growth factor without cytokinesis block. In
      such culture conditions, HepaRG cells underwent >1.5 cell cycle per cell during
      the mitogenic stimulation. While non-genotoxic compounds (mannitol and
      staurosporine) did not increase the rate of micronucleated mononucleated cells,
      all aneugens (colchicine, nocodazole and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene) as
      well as the direct acting clastogen methyl methanesulfonate and clastogens
      requiring metabolic activation (aflatoxin B1, benzo(a)pyrene and 2-nitrofluorene)
      induced a statistically significant concentration-related increase in the number
      of mono-micronucleated cells. The micronucleus test was also performed after 7
      day repeat exposure of HepaRG cells to the chemicals. Noticeably, a time
      dependent effect was obtained with the three clastogens requiring metabolic
      activation. In conclusion, our results obtained with HepaRG hepatocytes exposed
      to various genotoxic compounds requiring or not bioactivation, compared favorably
      with those reported in various other cell types. They support the view that
      metabolically competent HepaRG cells have unique potential benefits for testing
      genotoxic compounds using the in vitro micronucleus assay.

PMID- 22058016
TI  - Simvastatin promotes osteogenic differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells via
      canonical Wnt/beta-catenin signaling.
AB  - Simvastatin, an inhibitor of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA)
      reductase, has been known to reduce cholesterol biosynthesis. However, recent
      studies demonstrate that simvastatin shows diverse cholesterol-independent
      functions including cellular differentiation. In this study, we investigated the
      stimulatory effect of simvastatin on the osteogenic differentiation of mouse
      embryonic stem cells (ESCs). The osteogenic effect of simvastatin was observed at
      relatively low doses (ranging from 1 nM to 200 nM). Incubation of ESCs in
      simvastatin-supplemented osteogenic medium significantly increased alkaline
      phosphatase (ALP) activity at day 7. The matrix mineralization was also augmented
      and demonstrated pivotal levels after 14 days incubation of simvastatin.
      Osteogenic differentiation of ESCs by simvastatin was determined by upregulation
      of the mRNA expression of runtrelated gene 2 (Runx2), osterix (OSX), and
      osteocalcin (OCN) as osteogenic transcription factors. Moreover, the increased
      protein expression of OCN, osteopontin (OPN), and collagen type I (Coll I) was
      assessed using Western blot analysis and immunocytochemistry. However, the
      blockage of canonical Wnt signaling by DKK-1 downregulated simvastatin-induced
      ALP activity and the mRNA expression of each osteogenic transcription factor.
      Furthermore, the beta-catenin specific siRNA transfection decreased the protein
      levels of OCN, OPN, and Coll I. Collectively, these findings suggest that
      simvastatin enhances the differentiation of ESCs toward osteogenic lineage
      through activation of canonical Wnt/beta-catenin signaling.

PMID- 22058017
TI  - DNA aptamers against the receptor binding region of hemagglutinin prevent avian
      influenza viral infection.
AB  - The entrance of influenza virus into host cells is facilitated by the attachment
      of the globular region of viral hemagglutinin to the sialic acid receptors on
      host cell surfaces. In this study, we have cloned the cDNA fragment encoding the
      entire globular region (residues 101-257) of hemagglutinin of the H9N2 type avian
      influenza virus (A/ck/Korea/ms96/96). The protein segment (denoted as the H9
      peptide), which was expressed and purified in E. coli, was used for the
      immunization of BALB/c mice to obtain the anti-H9 antiserum. To identify specific
      DNA aptamers with high affinity to H9 peptide, we conducted the SELEX method; 19
      aptamers were newly isolated. A random mixture of these aptamers showed an
      increased level of binding affinity to the H9 peptide. The sequence alignment
      analysis of these aptamers revealed that 6 aptamers have highly conserved
      consensus sequences. Among these, aptamer C7 showed the highest similarity to the
      consensus sequences. Therefore, based on the C7 aptamer, we synthesized a new
      modified aptamer designated as C7-35M. This new aptamer showed strong binding
      capability to the viral particles. Furthermore, it could prevent MDCK cells from
      viral infection by strong binding to the viral particles. These results suggest
      that our aptamers can recognize the hemagglutinin protein of avian influenza
      virus and inhibit the binding of the virus to target receptors required for the
      penetration of host cells.

PMID- 22058018
TI  - Selection and optimization of asymmetric siRNA targeting the human c-MET gene.
AB  - The silencing of specific oncogenes via RNA interference (RNAi) holds great
      promise for the future of cancer therapy. RNAi is commonly carried out using
      small interfering RNA (siRNA) composed of a 19 bp duplex region with a 2
      nucleotide overhang at each 3' end. This classical siRNA structure, however, can
      trigger non-specific effects, which has hampered the development of specific and
      safe RNAi therapeutics. Previously, we developed a novel siRNA structure, called
      asymmetric shorter-duplex siRNA (asiRNA), which did not cause the non-specific
      effects triggered by conventional siRNA, such as off-target gene silencing
      mediated by the sense strand. In this study, we first screened potent asiRNA
      molecules targeting the human c-MET gene, a promising anticancer target. Next,
      the activity of a selected asiRNA was further optimized by introducing a locked
      nucleic acid (LNA) to maximize the gene silencing potency. The optimized asiRNA
      targeted to c-MET may have potential as a specific and safe anticancer RNAi
      therapeutic.

PMID- 22058019
TI  - A subset of OsSERK genes, including OsBAK1, affects normal growth and leaf
      development of rice.
AB  - Since the identification of BRI1-Associated receptor Kinase 1 (BAK1), a member of
      the Somatic Embryogenesis Receptor Kinase (SERK) family, the dual functions of
      BAK1 in BR signaling and innate immunity in Arabidopsis have attracted
      considerable attention as clues for understanding developmental processes that
      must be balanced between growth and defense over the life of plants. Here, we
      extended our research to study cellular functions of OsSERKs in rice. As it was
      difficult to identify an authentic ortholog of AtBAK1 in rice, we generated
      transgenic rice in which the expression of multiple OsSERK genes, including
      OsBAK1, was reduced by OsBAK1 RNA interference. Resulting transgenic rice showed
      reduced levels of Os-BAK1 and decreased sensitivity to BL, leading to
      semidwarfism in overall growth. Moreover, they resulted in abnormal growth
      patterns, especially in leaf development. Most of the OsBAK1RNAi transgenic rice
      plants were defective in the development of bulliform cells in the leaf epidermal
      layer. They also showed increased expression level of pathogenesis-related gene
      and enhanced susceptibility to a rice blast-causing fungal pathogen, Magnaporthe
      oryzae. These results indicate that OsSERK genes, such as OsBAK1, play versatile
      roles in rice growth and development.

PMID- 22058020
TI  - Buffered memory: a hypothesis for the maintenance of functional, virus-specific
      CD8(+) T cells during cytomegalovirus infection.
AB  - Chronic infections have been a major topic of investigation in recent years, but
      the mechanisms that dictate whether or not a pathogen is successfully controlled
      are incompletely understood. Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a herpesvirus that
      establishes a persistent infection in the majority of people in the world. Like
      other herpesviruses, CMV is well controlled by an effective immune response and
      induces little, if any, pathology in healthy individuals. However, controlling
      CMV requires continuous immune surveillance, and thus, CMV is a significant cause
      of morbidity and death in immune-compromised individuals. T cells in particular
      play an important role in controlling CMV and both CD4(+) and CD8(+) CMV-specific
      T cells are essential. These virus-specific T cells persist in exceptionally
      large numbers during the infection, traffic into peripheral tissues and remain
      functional, making CMV an attractive vaccine vector for driving "CMV-like" T cell
      responses against recombinant antigens of choice. However, the mechanisms by
      which these T cells persist and differentiate while remaining functional are
      still poorly understood, and we have no means to promote their development in
      immune-compromised patients at risk for CMV disease. In this review, I will
      briefly summarize our current knowledge of CMV-specific CD8(+) T cells and
      propose a mechanism that may explain their maintenance and preservation of
      function during chronic infection.

PMID- 22058021
TI  - Mechanisms controlling granule-mediated cytolytic activity of cytotoxic T
      lymphocytes.
AB  - Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) play a critical role in immunity against viruses
      and cancer. The antigen receptor or T-cell receptor (TCR) on CTL determines the
      specificity toward target cells. The CD8 co-receptor functions in concert with
      the TCR to enhance TCR-mediated signaling, accounting for the remarkable
      sensitivity and swift signaling kinetics of the CTL response. The latter ensures
      efficient delivery and release of lytic granules, resulting in sensitive and
      rapid destruction of target cells.

PMID- 22058022
TI  - Influence of body condition on reproductive output in the guinea pig.
AB  - Reproduction is expensive. Substantial body reserves (i.e. high body condition)
      are usually required for females to undertake offspring production. In many
      vertebrates, maternal body condition positively influences reproductive output,
      and emaciated individuals skip reproduction. However, the impact of extremely
      high body condition, more specifically obesity, on animal reproductive
      performance remains poorly understood and research has generated contradictory
      results. For instance, obesity negatively affects fertility in women, but does
      not influence reproductive capacity or reproductive output in laboratory rodents.
      We examined the influence of high body condition on reproductive status and
      reproductive output in the guinea pig. In captivity, when fed ad libitum, guinea
      pigs store large amounts of fat tissues and exhibit a tendency for obesity. Our
      results show that obesity negatively affected reproduction in this species: both
      the proportion of fertile females and litter size were lower in the fattest
      females. Therefore, guinea pigs may represent suitable organisms to better
      understand the negative effect of obesity on reproduction.

PMID- 22058023
TI  - Microporous aluminoborates with large channels: structural and catalytic
      properties.
AB  - Channel zapping: PKU-1 and newly synthesized PKU-2 (Al(2)B(5)O(9)(OH)(3)?n H(2)O;
      see picture) possess microporous structures with 18-ring and 24-ring channels,
      respectively. They show high reactivity and size selectivity in the
      cyanosilylation of aldehydes as heterogeneous Lewis acid catalysts. The different
      channel sizes determine the substrate selectivity. These examples demonstrate the
      potential of octahedron-based aluminoborate channels in catalysis.

PMID- 22058024
TI  - Nucleostemin-like 1 is required for embryogenesis and leaf development in
      Arabidopsis.
AB  - Arabidopsis NSN1 encodes a nucleolar GTP-binding protein and is required for
      flower development. Defective flowers were formed in heterozygous nsn1/+ plants.
      Homozygous nsn1 plants were dwarf and exhibited severe defects in reproduction.
      Arrests in embryo development in nsn1 could occur at any stage of embryogenesis.
      Cotyledon initiation and development during embryogenesis were distorted in nsn1
      plants. At the seedling stage, cotyledons and leaves of nsn1 formed upward curls.
      The curled leaves developed meristem-like outgrowths or hyperplasia tissues in
      the adaxial epidermis. Long and enlarged pavement cells, characteristic of the
      abaxial epidermis of wild type plants, were found in the adaxial epidermis in
      nsn1 leaves, suggesting a disoriented leaf polarity in the mutant. The important
      role of NSN1 in embryo development and leaf differentiation was consistent with
      the high level expression of the NSN1 gene in the developing embryos and the
      primordia of cotyledons and leaves. The CLAVATA 3 (CLV3) gene, a stem cell marker
      in the Arabidopsis shoot apical meristem (SAM), was expressed in expanded regions
      surrounding the SAM of nsn1 plants, and induced ectopically in the meristem-like
      outgrowths in cotyledons and leaves. The nsn1 mutation up-regulated the
      expression levels of several genes implicated in the meristem identity and the
      abaxial cell fate, and repressed the expression of other genes related to the
      specification of cotyledon boundary and abaxial identity. These results
      demonstrate that NSN1 represents a novel GTPase required for embryogenesis, leaf
      development and leaf polarity establishment in Arabidopsis.

PMID- 22058025
TI  - Karyotyping of barley chromosomes by a new fluorescence banding technique
      combined with scanning probe microscopy.
AB  - Fluorescence banding has been used to classify chromosomes, except those of
      barley. Four of the seven barley chromosomes are indistinguishable by length or
      arm ratio. C-banding has been used for classification; however, it requires a
      long aging period. Here, we describe a new fluorescence banding method for
      barley. The chromosomes are treated with warm acetate followed by staining with a
      fluorescent dye, YOYO-1. Using this method, all seven barley chromosomes can be
      clearly distinguished. Atomic force microscopy and scanning near-field microscopy
      analyses revealed that the surfaces of the banded chromosomes were flat,
      indicating that the fluorescence intensity reflected the internal DNA density or
      condensation of chromatin.

PMID- 22058026
TI  - Should we shift toward higher blood pressure targets in patients with chronic
      kidney disease?
AB  - Hypertension is the leading cause of death worldwide and is responsible for a
      significantly increased burden of cardiovascular events and progression to end
      stage kidney disease in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). The
      fundamentals of therapeutics in patients with hypertension and CKD are both the
      use of specific renal protecting agents and the achievement of tight blood
      pressure control - i.e., blood pressure values below 130/80 mm Hg. When the
      evidence underpinning a "tight blood pressure target control" recommendation is
      analyzed, hypertension guidelines appear to be largely extrapolating to people
      with CKD the key findings of large trials conducted in the general population and
      other high cardiovascular risk populations, while renal societies guidelines are
      primarily influenced by observational data reporting renal outcomes and small
      scale randomized studies, and have not always incorporated recent evidence from
      systematic reviews. In this narrative review, we present existing guidelines and
      evidence for 2 crucial clinical questions in the management of hypertension of
      CKD: (i) should we, and by how much should we, lower blood pressure in people
      with CKD and (ii) are there agents which are specifically beneficial in the CKD
      population, independent of blood pressure control.

PMID- 22058027
TI  - Targeted therapies in diabetic nephropathy: an update.
AB  - Diabetic nephropathy is the most common cause of end-stage renal disease
      worldwide. Various pathways in addition to the renin-angiotensinogen system have
      been implicated in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. Strategies to
      interrupt these pathophysiological pathways are a key to the development of new
      targeted therapies to prevent progression of diabetic nephropathy and are on the
      horizon. The various pharmacological drugs tried include aliskiren, a direct
      renin inhibitor blocking the first step in the renin pathway, and pentoxifylline
      and mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors, which have antiinflammatory
      properties and have shown some promising results in management of diabetic
      nephropathy. Others include endothelin antagonists and vitamin D analogs which
      have been shown to decrease urinary albumin excretion. Inhibitors of advanced
      glycation and oxidative stress and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 have proved
      useful in animal models of diabetic nephropathy. Others include ruboxistaurin,
      which blocks protein kinase C overexpression. Such targeted therapies would halt
      and might even reverse progression of diabetic nephropathy.

PMID- 22058028
TI  - Simultaneous multicystic kidney and Anderson-Fabry disease: 2 separate entities
      or same side of the coin.
AB  - We present the case of a 54-year-old man with multicystic kidney and concomitant
      Anderson-Fabry disease. He was referred to our hospital with multiple renal and
      hepatic cysts, without apparent family history of autosomal dominant polycystic
      kidney disease. His clinical history suggested Anderson-Fabry disease, so an
      extensive work-up for Anderson-Fabry disease was subsequently undertaken. The
      alpha-galactosidase activity in his serum was low, and a final diagnosis of
      Anderson-Fabry disease with concomitant multicystic kidney was confirmed by
      genetic analysis.

PMID- 22058029
TI  - Youyou Tu honored by the Lasker award.

PMID- 22058030
TI  - Systematic temperature signaling regulates behavior plasticity.

PMID- 22058031
TI  - Genetic engineering and enzyme research in lignocellulosic ethanol production.

PMID- 22058032
TI  - Romance of the three kingdoms: RORgammat allies with HIF1alpha against FoxP3 in
      regulating T cell metabolism and differentiation.
AB  - Regulatory T (Treg) cells play an essential role in immune homeostasis by
      controlling the function of various immune effector cells, including RAR-related
      orphan receptor gammat(+) (RORgammat(+)) T helper 17 (Th17) cells. Foekhead box
      P(3) (FoxP(3)) is the master regulator of Treg cell function, while RORgammat is
      the key transcription factor for the induction of the interleukin (IL)-17 family
      of cytokines during Th17 cell differentiation. FoxP3 can directly interact with
      and negatively regulate the function of RORgammat, to determine the balance
      between induced Treg (iTreg) and Th17 cell polarization. Two recent independent
      studies from the Pan and Chi Labs have shown how hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha
      (HIF1alpha) is able to tip the balance of T cell differentiation toward the Th17
      lineage by responding to the local changes in metabolic shift or an increase in
      proinflammatory mediators in the microenvironment. By allying with HIF1alpha,
      RORgammat wins the fight against FoxP3 and Treg cell commitment.

PMID- 22058033
TI  - Role of plant autophagy in stress response.
AB  - Autophagy is a conserved pathway for the bulk degradation of cytoplasmic
      components in all eukaryotes. This process plays a critical role in the
      adaptation of plants to drastic changing environmental stresses such as
      starvation, oxidative stress, drought, salt, and pathogen invasion. This paper
      summarizes the current knowledge about the mechanism and roles of plant autophagy
      in various plant stress responses.

PMID- 22058034
TI  - Mechanism and methods to induce pluripotency.
AB  - Pluripotent stem cells are able to self-renew indefinitely and differentiate into
      all types of cells in the body. They can thus be an inexhaustible source for
      future cell transplantation therapy to treat degenerative diseases which
      currently have no cure. However, non-autologous cells will cause immune
      rejection. Induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology can convert somatic
      cells to the pluripotent state, and therefore offers a solution to this problem.
      Since the first generation of iPSCs, there has been an explosion of relevant
      research, from which we have learned much about the genetic networks and
      epigenetic landscape of pluripotency, as well as how to manipulate genes,
      epigenetics, and microRNAs to obtain iPSCs. In this review, we focus on the
      mechanism of cellular reprogramming and current methods to induce pluripotency.
      We also highlight new problems emerging from iPSCs. Better understanding of the
      fundamental mechanisms underlying pluripotenty and refining the methodology of
      iPSC generation will have a significant impact on future development of
      regenerative medicine.

PMID- 22058035
TI  - Expanding neurotransmitters in the hypothalamic neurocircuitry for energy balance
      regulation.
AB  - The current epidemic of obesity and its associated metabolic syndromes impose
      unprecedented challenges to our society. Despite intensive research on obesity
      pathogenesis, an effective therapeutic strategy to treat and cure obesity is
      still lacking. Exciting studies in last decades have established the importance
      of the leptin neural pathway in the hypothalamus in the regulation of body weight
      homeostasis. Important hypothalamic neuropeptides have been identified as
      critical neurotransmitters from leptin-sensitive neurons to mediate leptin
      action. Recent research advance has significantly expanded the list of
      neurotransmitters involved in body weight-regulating neural pathways, including
      fast-acting neurotransmitters, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate.
      Given the limited knowledge on the leptin neural pathway for body weight
      homeostasis, understanding the function of neurotransmitters released from key
      neurons for energy balance regulation is essential for delineating leptin neural
      pathway and eventually for designing effective therapeutic drugs against the
      obesity epidemic.

PMID- 22058036
TI  - Crystal structure of human Gadd45gamma [corrected] reveals an active dimer.
AB  - The human Gadd45 protein family plays critical roles in DNA repair, negative
      growth control, genomic stability, cell cycle checkpoints and apoptosis. Here we
      report the crystal structure of human Gadd45gamma [corrected], revealing a unique
      dimer formed via a bundle of four parallel helices, involving the most conserved
      residues among the Gadd45 isoforms. Mutational analysis of human Gadd45gamma
      [corrected] identified a conserved, highly acidic patch in the central region of
      the dimer for interaction with the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), p21
      and cdc2, suggesting that the parallel dimer is the active form for the
      interaction. Cellular assays indicate that: (1) dimerization of Gadd45gamma
      [corrected] is necessary for apoptosis as well as growth inhibition, and that
      cell growth inhibition is caused by both cell cycle arrest and apoptosis; (2) a
      conserved and highly acidic patch on the dimer surface, including the important
      residues Glu87 and Asp89, is a putative interface for binding proteins related to
      the cell cycle, DNA repair and apoptosis. These results reveal the mechanism of
      self-association by Gadd45 proteins and the importance of this self-association
      for their biological function.

PMID- 22058037
TI  - Structural insight into substrate specificity of human intestinal maltase
      glucoamylase.
AB  - Human maltase-glucoamylase (MGAM) hydrolyzes linear alpha-1,4-linked
      oligosaccharide substrates, playing a crucial role in the production of glucose
      in the human lumen and acting as an efficient drug target for type 2 diabetes and
      obesity. The amino- and carboxyl-terminal portions of MGAM (MGAM-N and MGAM-C)
      carry out the same catalytic reaction but have different substrate specificities.
      In this study, we report crystal structures of MGAM-C alone at a resolution of
      3.1 A, and in complex with its inhibitor acarbose at a resolution of 2.9 A.
      Structural studies, combined with biochemical analysis, revealed that a segment
      of 21 amino acids in the active site of MGAM-C forms additional sugar subsites (+
      2 and + 3 subsites), accounting for the preference for longer substrates of MAGM
      C compared with that of MGAM-N. Moreover, we discovered that a single mutation of
      Trp1251 to tyrosine in MGAM-C imparts a novel catalytic ability to digest
      branched alpha-1,6-linked oligosaccharides. These results provide important
      information for understanding the substrate specificity of alpha-glucosidases
      during the process of terminal starch digestion, and for designing more efficient
      drugs to control type 2 diabetes or obesity.

PMID- 22058038
TI  - Programmed cell death may act as a surveillance mechanism to safeguard male
      gametophyte development in Arabidopsis.
AB  - Programmed cell death (PCD) plays an important role in plant growth and
      development as well as in stress responses. During male gametophyte development,
      it has been proposed that PCD may act as a cellular surveillance mechanism to
      ensure successful progression of male gametogenesis, and this suicide protective
      machinery is repressed under favorable growth conditions. However, the regulatory
      mechanism of male gametophyte-specific PCD remains unknown. Here, we report the
      use of a TdT-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling-based strategy for genetic screening
      of Arabidopsis mutants that present PCD phenotype during male gametophyte
      development. By using this approach, we identified 12 mutants, designated as pcd
      in male gametogenesis (pig). pig mutants are defective at various stages of male
      gametophyte development, among which nine pig mutants show a microspore-specific
      PCD phenotype occurring mainly around pollen mitosis I or the bicellular stage.
      The PIG1 gene was identified by map-based cloning, and was found to be identical
      to ATAXIA TELANGIECTASIA MUTATED (ATM), a highly conserved gene in eukaryotes and
      a key regulator of the DNA damage response. Our results suggest that PCD may act
      as a general mechanism to safeguard the entire process of male gametophyte
      development.

PMID- 22058040
TI  - Risk factors of workplace violence at hospitals in Japan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients and their relatives exposed to mental stress caused by
      hospitalization or illness might use violence against healthcare staff and
      interfere with quality healthcare. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to
      investigate incidences of workplace violence and the attributes of healthcare
      staff who are at high risk. DESIGN: A questionnaire-based, anonymous, and self
      administered cross-sectional survey. SETTING: Healthcare staff (n = 11,095) of 19
      hospitals in Japan. MEASUREMENTS: Incidence rates and adjusted odd ratios of
      workplace violence were calculated to examine the effect of attributes of
      healthcare staff to workplace violence by using logistic regression analysis.
      RESULTS: The response rate for survey completion was 79.1% (8711/11,095). Among
      the respondents, 36.4% experienced workplace violence by patients or their
      relatives in the past year; 15.9% experienced physical aggression, 29.8%
      experienced verbal abuse, and 9.9% experienced sexual harassment. Adjusted odds
      ratios of physical aggression were significantly high in psychiatric wards,
      critical care centers/intensive care units (ICU)/cardiac care units (CCU), long
      term care wards, for nurses, nursing aides/care workers, and for longer working
      hours. Adjusted odds ratios of verbal abuse were significantly high in
      psychiatric wards, long-term care wards, outpatient departments, dialysis
      departments, and for longer years of work experience, and for longer working
      hours. Adjusted odds ratios of sexual harassment were significantly high in
      dialysis departments, for nurses, nursing aides/care workers, technicians,
      therapists and females. The general ward and direct interaction with patients
      were common risk factors for each type of workplace violence. CONCLUSIONS: The
      mechanisms and the countermeasures for each type of workplace violence at those
      high-risk areas should be investigated.

PMID- 22058039
TI  - SDF-1/CXCR4 axis modulates bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell apoptosis, migration
      and cytokine secretion.
AB  - Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are considered as a promising cell
      source to treat the acute myocardial infarction. However, over 90% of the stem
      cells usually die in the first three days of transplantation. Survival potential,
      migration ability and paracrine capacity have been considered as the most
      important three factors for cell transplantation in the ischemic cardiac
      treatment. We hypothesized that stromal-derived factor-1 (SDF-1)/CXCR4 axis plays
      a critical role in the regulation of these processes. In this study, apoptosis
      was induced by exposure of MSCs to H(2)O(2) for 2 h. After re-oxygenation, the
      SDF-1 pretreated MSCs demonstrated a significant increase in survival and
      proliferation. SDF-1 pretreatment also enhanced the migration and increased the
      secretion of pro-survival and angiogenic cytokines including basic fibroblast
      growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor. Western blot and RT-PCR
      demonstrated that SDF-1 pretreatment significantly activated the pro-survival Akt
      and Erk signaling pathways and up-regulated Bcl-2/Bax ratio. These protective
      effects were partially inhibited by AMD3100, an antagonist of CXCR4.We conclude
      that the SDF-1/CXCR4 axis is critical for MSC survival, migration and cytokine
      secretion.

PMID- 22058041
TI  - Role of hydrogen sulfide as a gasotransmitter in modulating contractile activity
      of circular muscle of rat jejunum.
AB  - AIM: Our aim was to determine mechanisms of action of the gasotransmitter
      hydrogen sulfide (H(2)S) on contractile activity in circular muscle of rat
      jejunum. METHODS: Jejunal circular muscle strips were prepared to measure
      isometric contractions. Effects of sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS), a H(2)S donor,
      were evaluated on spontaneous contractile activity and after pre-contraction with
      bethanechol. L-cysteine was evaluated as an endogenous H(2)S donor. We evaluated
      extrinsic nerves, enteric nervous system, visceral afferent nerves, nitric oxide,
      K(ATP)+ and K(Ca)+ channels, and myosin light chain phosphatase on action of
      H(2)S using non-adrenergic/non-cholinergic conditions, tetrodotoxin, capsaicin, L
      N(G)-nitro arginine (L-NNA), glibenclamide, apamin, and calyculin A,
      respectively, and electrical field stimulation (EFS). RESULTS: NaHS dose
      dependently and reversibly inhibited spontaneous and bethanechol-stimulated
      contractile activity (p < 0.05). L-cysteine had a dose-dependent inhibitory
      effect. Non-adrenergic/non-cholinergic conditions, tetrodotoxin, capsaicin, L
      NNA, or apamin had no effect on contractile inhibition by NaHS; in contrast, low
      dose glibenclamide and calyculin A prevented NaHS-induced inhibition. We could
      not demonstrate H(2)S release by EFS. CONCLUSIONS: H(2)S inhibits contractile
      activity of jejunal circular muscle dose-dependently, in part by K(ATP)+ channels
      and via myosin light chain phosphatase, but not via pathways mediated by the
      extrinsic or enteric nervous system, visceral afferent nerves, nitric oxide, or
      K(Ca)+ channels.

PMID- 22058042
TI  - Oncologic colorectal resection, not advanced endoscopic polypectomy, is the best
      treatment for large dysplastic adenomas.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD), endoscopic mucosal
      resection (EMR), and partial circumference resection are used for large benign
      polyps to avoid an "Oncologic" Colorectal Resection (OCR); polyps with invasive
      cancer require OCR. This review of polyp patients who had OCR was done to
      stratify polyps into risk groups to guide treatment. METHODS: Colonoscopy,
      operative, and pathology reports of patients with adenoma (+/- dysplasia) who had
      OCR were reviewed. Polyp size, location, and pathology were assessed. RESULTS:
      Three hundred eighty-six polyp patients who had OCR were studied. Polyp locations
      were: right, 263 (68.1%); transverse, 33 (8.6%); sigmoid, 38 (9.8%); rectum, 23
      (6.0%); and multiple sites, 13 (3.4%). The preoperative diagnosis was adenoma for
      288 (74.6%) and dysplastic adenoma for 98 patients (25.4%). Final pathology
      revealed 62 invasive cancers (16.1%); 35% (34 out of 98) with dysplasia
      preoperatively had cancer versus 9.7% (28 out of 288) with adenoma alone (p <
      0.0001). The mean lymph node count was 16.0 +/- 10.2. Cancer stage breakdown was:
      stage 1, 74%; stage 2, 8.1%; stage 3, 16%; and stage 4, 1.6%. The mean benign
      polyp size was 3.0 +/- 1.9 versus 3.9 +/- 2.4 cm for malignant polyps (p =
      0.0008). CONCLUSION: Over one out of three of dysplastic polyps and 10% of
      adenomas were invasive cancers. OCR is advised for dysplastic polyps; ESD, EMR,
      and wedge resection are appropriate for non-dysplastic adenomas.

PMID- 22058043
TI  - Extended follow-up and outcomes of patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy
      for nonmalignant disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Due to improved surgical outcomes and increased detection of
      pancreatic lesions, the resection of nonmalignant and indeterminate lesions of
      the pancreas has increased. AIMS: This study aims to assess the outcomes over an
      extended period of time and the clinical consequences of pancreaticoduodenectomy
      (PD) performed for nonmalignant indications. METHODS: Patients undergoing a PD
      between 2006 and 2010 were retrospectively identified and asked to complete a
      symptom survey. Charts were reviewed for hospital admissions, emergency room
      visits, complications, and procedures performed. RESULTS: A total of 132 patients
      were identified through database review with a median follow-up of 2.8 years.
      Forty-two patients (31.1%) completed the phone survey. Pain and diarrhea were the
      most common symptoms reported, negatively impacting the patient's daily life in
      4.9% and 7.3% of patients, respectively. Diabetes developed or worsened in 19.5%,
      with new insulin required in 12.2%. Complications were rare, with abdominal
      abscess (7.6%) occurring most commonly. CONCLUSIONS: Although some patients
      experienced symptoms that negatively impacted their daily life or had diabetic
      issues following surgery, the outcome of patients undergoing PD for nonmalignant
      indications was generally favorable. Further prospective study is warranted.

PMID- 22058044
TI  - Stopping smoking in the weeks prior to surgery has no effect on the risk of
      postoperative complications.

PMID- 22058045
TI  - Low-magnitude high-frequency loading via whole body vibration enhances bone
      implant osseointegration in ovariectomized rats.
AB  - Osseointegration is vital to avoid long-time implants loosening after
      implantation surgery. This study investigated the effect of low-magnitude high
      frequency (LMHF) loading via whole body vibration on bone-implant
      osseointegration in osteoporotic rats, and a comparison was made between LMHF
      vibration and alendronate on their effects. Thirty rats were ovariectomized to
      induce osteoporosis, and then treated with LMHF vibration (VIB) or alendronate
      (ALN) or a control treatment (OVX). Another 10 rats underwent sham operation to
      establish Sham control group. Prior to treatment, hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated
      titanium implants were inserted into proximal tibiae bilaterally. Both LMHF
      vibration and alendronate treatment lasted for 8 weeks. Histomorphometrical
      assess showed that both group VIB, ALN and Sham significantly increased bone-to
      implant contact and peri-implant bone fraction (p < 0.05) when compared with
      group OVX. Nevertheless the bone-to-implant contact and peri-implant bone
      fraction of group VIB were inferior to group ALN and Sham (p < 0.05).
      Biomechanical tests also revealed similar results in maximum push out force and
      interfacial shear strength. Accordingly, it is concluded that LMHF loading via
      whole body vibration enhances bone-to-implant osseointegration in ovariectomized
      rats, but its effectiveness is weaker than alendronate.

PMID- 22058046
TI  - Sleep contributes to dendritic spine formation and elimination in the developing
      mouse somatosensory cortex.
AB  - Sleep is maximal during early postnatal life when rapid and extensive synapse
      remodeling occurs. It remains unknown whether and how sleep affects synapse
      development and plasticity. Using transcranial two-photon microscopy, we examined
      the formation and elimination of fluorescently labeled dendritic spines and
      filopodia of Layer 5 pyramidal neurons in the barrel cortex of 3-week-old mice
      during wakefulness and sleep. We observed high turnover of dendritic protrusions
      over 2 h in both wake and sleep states. The formation rate of dendritic spines or
      filopodia over 2 h was comparable between the two states. The elimination rate of
      dendritic spines or filopodia was lower during 2-h wakefulness than during 2-h
      sleep. Similar results were observed on dendritic protrusion dynamics over 12-h
      light/dark cycle when mice spent more time asleep or awake. The substantial
      remodeling of dendritic protrusions during the sleep state supports the notion
      that sleep plays an important role in the development and plasticity of synaptic
      connections in the mouse cortex.

PMID- 22058047
TI  - Catalytic asymmetric diastereodivergent deracemization.
AB  - Your wish is my command: Deracemization is a powerful strategy wherein a racemate
      is converted into a 100 % yield of a single enantiopure product. A new concept in
      catalytic deracemization is presented, in which a racemate with n stereogenic
      elements can be selectively converted into each one of 2(m) (m = number of chiral
      centers of the product) different enantiopure products, by simple tuning of the
      reaction conditions.

PMID- 22058048
TI  - Acinar Cell Carcinoma Responding to Carboplatin/Etoposide Chemotherapy.

PMID- 22058049
TI  - Rapid microparticle patterning by enhanced dielectrophoresis effect on a double
      layer electrode substrate.
AB  - We present a feasible dielectrophoresis (DEP) approach for rapid patterning of
      microparticles on a reusable double-layer electrode substrate in microfluidics.
      Simulation analysis demonstrated that the DEP force was dramatically enhanced by
      the induced electric field on top interdigitated electrodes. By adjusting
      electric field intensity through the bottom electrodes on thin glass substrate
      (100 MUm), polystyrene particles (10 MUm) were effectively patterned by top
      electrodes within several seconds (<5 s). The particle average velocity can reach
      a maximum value of about 20.0+/-3.0 MUm/s at 1 MHz with the strongest DEP force
      of 1.68 pN. This approach implements integration of functional electrodes into
      one substrate and avoids direct electrical connection to biological objects,
      providing a potential lab-on-chip system for biological applications.

PMID- 22058050
TI  - Pharmacokinetics of vitexin-4"-O-glucoside in rats after intravenous application.
AB  - Vitexin-4"-O-glucoside (VOG), being a main component in the leaves of Crataegus
      pinnatifida Bge. var. major, was isolated and then three different doses (20, 40,
      and 60 mg/kg) of VOG were administered intravenously to rats. To study its
      pharmacokinetics, a simple and rapid HPLC method was developed using hesperidin
      as internal standard and the relative parameters were calculated by both
      compartmental and non-compartmental approach. The results showed that VOG fitted
      a two-compartment open model. The values of AUC increased proportionally within
      the range of 20-60 mg/kg. Additionally, alpha half-life, beta half-life, (a)CL,
      MRT(0->t ), MRT(0->infinity ), and terminal half-life of VOG in rats showed
      significant differences between 20 mg/kg and other doses. Thereby, VOG presented
      a dose-dependent pharmacokinetics in the range of 20-60 mg/kg and non-linear
      pharmacokinetics at lower dose.

PMID- 22058051
TI  - The COL7A1 mutation database.
AB  - Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa (DEB) is a genetic disease caused by mutations
      in the COL7A1 gene that is inherited in the autosomal dominant or recessive mode.
      We have developed a curated, freely accessible COL7A1 specific database
      (http://www.col7.info), which contains more than 730 reported and unpublished
      sequence variants of the gene. Molecular defects are reported according to HGVS
      recommendation. The clinical description module is provided with an advanced
      search tool together with a CSV (comm. separated values) data format download
      option. This compilation of COL7A1 data and nomenclature is aimed at assisting
      molecular and clinical geneticists to enhance the collaboration between
      researchers worldwide.

PMID- 22058052
TI  - Excess dietary iodine differentially affects thyroid gene expression in diabetes,
      thyroiditis-prone versus -resistant BioBreeding (BB) rats.
AB  - SCOPE: To identify genes involved in the susceptibility to iodine-induced
      autoimmune thyroiditis. METHODS AND RESULTS: Diabetes, thyroiditis-prone (BBdp)
      and -resistant (BBc) rats were fed either a control or a high-iodine diet for 9
      wk. Excess iodine intake increased the incidence of insulitis and thyroiditis in
      BBdp rats. BBdp rats fed the high-iodine diet that did not develop thyroiditis
      had higher mRNA levels of Fabp4, Cidec, perilipin, Ppargamma and Slc36a2 than
      BBdp rats fed the control diet and BBc rats fed either the control or the high
      iodine diet. BBdp rats fed the high-iodine diet that did develop thyroiditis had
      higher mRNA levels of Cidec, Icam1, Ifitm1, and Slpi than BBdp rats fed the
      control diet and BBc rats fed either the control or the high-iodine diet. BBdp
      rats that did develop thyroiditis had lower mRNA levels of Fabp4, perilipin and
      Slc36a2 but higher mRNA levels of Icam1, Ifitm1 and Slpi than BBdp that did not
      develop thyroiditis. Excess dietary iodine also increased the protein levels of
      Fabp4, Cidec and perilipin in BBdp rats. CONCLUSION: Differential expression of
      thyroid genes in BBdp versus BBc rats caused by excess dietary iodine may be
      implicated in autoimmune thyroiditis and insulitis pathogenesis.

PMID- 22058053
TI  - Methods to assess neuroinflammation.
AB  - Neuroinflammation is observed in many brain pathologies: in neurodegenerative
      diseases and multiple sclerosis as well as in chemically induced lesions. It is
      characterized by the reactivity of microglial cells and astrocytes, activation of
      inducible NO-synthase (i-NOS), and increased expression and/or release of
      cytokines and chemokines. Clearly, cell-to-cell signaling between the different
      brain cell types plays an important role in the initiation and propagation of
      neuroinflammation, but despite the growing list of known molecular actors, the
      underlying pathways and the sequence of events remain to be fully elucidated. The
      present chapter presents an example of how to assess neuroinflammation in complex
      brain tissues, using aggregating brain cell cultures as an in vitro model. This
      three-dimensional cell culture system provides optimal cell-to-cell interactions
      crucial for histotypic cellular maturation and control of neuroinflammatory
      processes. The techniques described here comprise immunocytochemistry to assess
      the reactivity of microglia and astrocytes and the expression of cytokines;
      quantitative RT-PCR to measure the mRNA expression of cytokines (TNF-alpha, IL
      1beta, IL-6, IL-1ra, TGF-beta, IL-15, IFN-gamma), chemokines (ccl5, cxcl1,
      cxcl2), and i-NOS; and immunoblotting to assess MAP kinase pathway activation
      (phosphorylation of p38 and p44/42 MAP kinases).

PMID- 22058054
TI  - Murine embryonic stem cell derivation, in vitro pluripotency characterization,
      and in vivo teratoma formation.
AB  - The derivation of embryonic stem (ES) cells represents one of the most important
      breakthroughs in mammalian developmental biology. In addition to their utility in
      a wide array of in vitro studies, ES cells are also one of the most useful
      starting materials for the generation of mutants by homologous recombination in
      mice (Thomson and Solter, 1988). When ES cells are injected into host blastocysts
      and transferred to the uterus of a pseudo-pregnant mouse, they can contribute to
      different types of tissues in chimeric mice, including the germ line (Bradley et
      al., 1984). Hundreds of genes have been studied through genetic manipulation of
      ES cells to model human genetic diseases. In this unit, the ES cell lines are
      derived from the 129SvEv mice strain, which has a high probability of promoting
      germ line transmission. Procedures for validating and characterizing ES cell
      pluripotency are also described in detail.

PMID- 22058055
TI  - Preparation of epithelial and mesenchymal stem cells from murine mammary gland.
AB  - The mammary gland is a complex organ consisting of multiple cell types that
      undergo extensive remodeling during pregnancy and involution, cyclical changes
      that suggest the existence of a resident stem cell population that is responsible
      for remarkable tissue regeneration. The basic functional unit of the mammary
      gland is the terminal duct lobular unit, which invades the stromal tissue (fat,
      connective tissue, blood vessels, etc.). Luminal epithelial cells line the ducts
      while outer myoepithelial cells secrete the basal lamina that separates the
      mammary gland parenchyma from the mesenchymal cells of the stroma. Within the
      epithelial cell population of the ducts resides the mammary gland stem cells and
      it is believed that this population is the origin of the mammary gland cancer
      stem cells as well. In the mouse, epithelial stem cells can be separated from
      mesenchymal cells on the basis of CD24, CD44, and CD49f expression. This allows
      for the determination of both normal and cancer stem cell potential of these two
      populations and permits investigation into their interaction in tumor
      development.

PMID- 22058056
TI  - Human platelet-rich plasma stimulates migration and chondrogenic differentiation
      of human subchondral progenitor cells.
AB  - In cartilage repair, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is used in one-step approaches
      utilizing microfracture and matrix-induced chondrogenesis procedures, bone marrow
      derived cell transplantation, or intra-articular injection. The aim of our study
      was to evaluate the effect of human PRP on the migration and chondrogenic
      differentiation of human subchondral progenitors. Human progenitors were derived
      from subchondral cortico-spongious bone (CSP), were analyzed for their migration
      capacity upon PRP treatment in 96-well chemotaxis assays and cultured in high
      density pellet cultures under serum-free conditions in the presence of 5% PRP.
      Chemotaxis assays showed that 0.1-100% PRP significantly (p < 0.05) stimulate the
      migration of CSP compared to untreated controls. Histological staining of
      proteoglycan and immuno-staining of type II collagen indicated that progenitors
      stimulated with PRP show significantly increased cartilage matrix formation
      compared to untreated progenitors. Real-time gene expression analysis of typical
      chondrocyte marker genes as well as osteogenic and adipogenic markers like
      osteocalcin and fatty acid binding protein showed that PRP induces the
      chondrogenic differentiation sequence of human progenitors in high-density pellet
      cultures, while osteogenic or adipogenic differentiation was not evident. These
      results suggest that human PRP may enhance the migration and stimulate the
      chondrogenic differentiation of human subchondral progenitor cells known from
      microfracture.

PMID- 22058057
TI  - Review: more research needed on early intervention for psychosis.

PMID- 22058058
TI  - Zebrafish neurobiology: from development to circuit function and behaviour.

PMID- 22058059
TI  - The interleukin-10-1082 promoter polymorphism and cancer risk: a meta-analysis.
AB  - Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is a multifunctional cytokine with both immunosuppressive
      and anti-angiogenic properties and play an important role in the pathogenesis of
      cancer. IL-10-1082A>G polymorphism is the most extensively studied polymorphism
      in the IL-10 gene in cancer susceptibility. To date, a number of case-control
      studies were conducted to investigate the association between IL-10-1082A>G
      polymorphism and cancer risk in humans. However, the association between the IL
      10-1082A>G polymorphism and cancer risk is still ambiguous. In an effort to solve
      this controversy, we performed a meta-analysis based on 61 case-control studies,
      including 14,499 cancer cases and 16,967 controls. We used odds ratios (ORs) with
      95% confidence intervals (CIs) to assess the strength of the association. In the
      stratified analyses by specific cancer type, increased risk was found in lung
      cancer (OR = 3.16, 95% CI = 1.16-8.63 for GA versus AA; OR = 2.07, 95% CI = 1.16
      3.70 for GG versus AA; OR = 3.17, 95% CI = 1.31-7.68 for GA/GG versus AA) and non
      Hodgkin's lymphoma (OR = 1.18, 95% CI = 1.02-1.36 for GA versus AA; OR = 1.17,
      95% CI = 1.02-1.35 for GA/GG versus AA). The meta-analysis also indicated that
      the variant genotypes were associated with a moderately increased risk in Asians
      in all genetic models (OR = 1.80, 95% CI = 1.17-2.76 for GA versus AA; OR = 3.32,
      95% CI = 1.62-6.82 for GG versus AA; OR = 1.67, 95% CI = 1.07-2.60 for GA/GG
      versus AA; OR= 2.93, 95% CI = 1.43-6.03 for GG versus AA/GA). The meta-analysis
      suggested that the IL-10-1082A>G polymorphism was associated with increased risk
      of cancer in Asians and lung cancer and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. To draw
      comprehensive and true conclusions, more researches with larger numbers of
      worldwide participants are needed to examine associations between IL-10-1082A>G
      polymorphism and cancer risk.

PMID- 22058060
TI  - A unique bicyclic monosaccharide from the Bradyrhizobium lipopolysaccharide and
      its role in the molecular interaction with plants.
AB  - Sugar coat: The nitrogen-fixing soil bacterium Bradyrhizobium sp. BTAi1 is coated
      with a unique lipopolysaccharide that does not induce innate immune responses in
      its host plant Aeschynomene indica or in different plant families. The chemical
      nature of the monosaccharide forming the polymer (see picture) is unprecedented
      in nature, which helps to avoid "harmful" recognition by its symbiotic host.

PMID- 22058062
TI  - Identification of human herpesviruses 1 to 8 in Tunisian multiple sclerosis
      patients and healthy blood donors.
AB  - Members of the human Herpesviridae family are candidates for representing the
      macroenvironmental factors associated with multiple sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis.
      To verify the possible role of human herpesviruses (HHVs) as triggering or
      aggravating factors in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis clinical outcome,
      we studied the prevalence of all eight human herpesviruses in whole blood samples
      collected from 51 MS patients and from 51 healthy controls. The presence of DNA
      of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and type 2 (HSV-2), varicella zoster virus
      (VZV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), human herpesvirus
      6 (HHV-6), human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7) and human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) was
      searched by specific nested polymerase chain reaction. HHVs were significantly
      more prevalent in the blood of MS patients than in those of the controls (P < 10(
      4)). HSV-1, HSV-2, HCMV and HHV-8 were negative in both MS patients and controls
      samples. In MS patients, EBV, HHV-7, HHV-6 and VZV were detected in 31.3%, 33.3%,
      5.8% and 7.8% of samples, respectively, compared with 3.9%, 9.8%, 1.96% and
      1.96%, respectively, of samples from controls. We found a statistically
      significant difference only for EBV DNA and for HHV-7 DNA prevalence (P < 0.001
      and P = 0.03). Although these results indicate lack of apparent association in
      terms of gender, type of diagnosis, symptoms, disease score and beta interferon
      treatment between EBV or HHV-7 to MS among Tunisian patients, heterogeneity
      related to genetic polymorphism as well as geographical distribution of the
      disease and of pathogens may be of significance.

PMID- 22058061
TI  - CSF biomarkers for amyloid and tau pathology in Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - Reliable biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease (AD) are highly needed in the clinic.
      As a fluid surrounding the brain and reflecting the major neuropathological
      features characteristic to the AD brain, the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) provides
      the natural source for AD biomarkers. The expected use of an ideal AD biomarker
      is for the following purposes: (1) diagnosis, (2) prediction, (3) monitoring of
      disease progression, and (4) drug discovery. Review of the literature revealed
      that CSF analysis, specifically amyloid-beta (Abeta42, total (T)-tau, and
      phosphorylated (P)-tau, are reliable markers for AD diagnosis, even at very early
      stages, particularly vs. healthy controls, while more limited evidence for
      distinguishing from other dementias. As for prediction, abnormal CSF markers are
      predictors of cognitive decline in healthy subjects, converting from MCI to
      development of AD, and of the rate of cognitive decline in mild AD. Regarding
      monitoring disease progression, the use of CSF biomarkers does not seem very
      promising since a comparison of the marker levels between baseline and following
      years of follow-up revealed a remarkable stability of biomarker levels in CSF. As
      for the use in drug discovery, it is estimated that using CSF markers for the
      selection of subjects for clinical trials may reduce robustly sample size and
      trial costs. Yet, since no effective drug is currently available, the
      contribution of CSF AD biomarkers in drug discovery cannot be currently fully
      assessed. Nevertheless, testing CSF for evidence of CNS inflammation may help
      safety monitoring in AD clinical trials. Factors affecting CSF biomarker levels
      that should be taken into account are assay variability as well as effects of
      age, gender, apoE and other genetic variations, education, and time of day. Much
      effort has been and is still being dedicated into developing and validating CSF
      AD biomarkers by many centers in the world. Identifying additional CSF
      components, reflecting not only the lesions characteristic to AD (plaques and
      tangles) but also more functional and structural brain parameters, may provide a
      wider profile of the changes taking place in AD brains, and be further used as
      reliable CSF biomarkers for AD monitoring.

PMID- 22058063
TI  - A comparative study of interfaces for microchip micellar electrokinetic
      chromatography-electrospray ionization mass spectrometry using the surfactant
      ammonium dodecyl sulfate.
AB  - Using ammonium dodecyl sulfate (ADS) as the surfactant, the response of three
      common interfaces in the direct coupling of microchip micellar electrokinetic
      chromatography with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry was studied. In the
      range of 10-40 mM surfactant, a conventional sheath liquid interface provided
      poorer sensitivity than both sheathless interface and low-sheath-flow interface.
      At a surfactant concentration <20 mM, a low-sheath-flow interface exhibited less
      sensitivity than a sheathless interface; however, it outperformed the sheathless
      interface above a concentration of 20 mM. At a surfactant concentration above 20
      mM, signal reduction due to dilution of the analyte compensated by signal
      enhancement gained from a reduction in ion suppression effect. The difference in
      responses of the interfaces was mainly due to the dilution effect, whereas the
      effect of flow rate became an important factor when the difference in responses
      between the interfaces was not significant. The utility of the PMMA microchip
      MEKC/MS using a low-sheath-flow interface was demonstrated by the analysis of
      sulfonamides at a concentration of 40 mM. The interday precision was in the range
      of 4.9-14.5%, and the LOD was in the range of 0.34-1.03 ng/mL (MEKC/MS/MS).

PMID- 22058064
TI  - Chronic family stress interacts with 5-HTTLPR to predict prospective depressive
      symptoms among youth.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Previous research, predominantly with adults, has shown that the
      serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR) interacts with stress (G * E) to predict
      depressive symptoms; however, few G * E studies have been conducted with youth
      using rigorous methods, particularly a prospective design and contextual
      interview to assess stress. This study examined the interaction between 5-HTTLPR
      and stress, both chronic and episodic, to predict longitudinal change in
      depressive symptoms among children and adolescents. METHODS: A general community
      sample of youth (N = 200; 57% girls; mean age: 12.09 years old) was genotyped for
      5-HTTLPR (rs 25531) at baseline. They were interviewed via contextual stress
      procedures to ascertain chronic family stress and episodic stressors and
      completed depressive symptoms questionnaires at baseline and 6 months later.
      RESULTS: A significant G * E showed that chronic family stress predicted
      prospective increases in depressive symptoms over 6 months among youth possessing
      the high-risk S allele. This G * E was not found for episodic stressors occurring
      in the last 6 months. There was no moderation by sex or pubertal status.
      CONCLUSIONS: These findings advance knowledge on G * E effects in depression
      among youth. This is the first study to show that chronic family stress, but not
      episodic stressors, when ascertained by rigorous stress interview, interacts with
      5-HTTLPR to prospectively predict depressive symptoms among children and
      adolescents.

PMID- 22058065
TI  - Prebiotic effects and intestinal fermentation of cereal arabinoxylans and
      arabinoxylan oligosaccharides in rats depend strongly on their structural
      properties and joint presence.
AB  - SCOPE: Cereal arabinoxylan (AX) is one of the main dietary fibers in a balanced
      human diet. To gain insight into the importance of structural features of AX for
      their prebiotic potential and intestinal fermentation properties, a rat trial was
      performed. METHODS AND RESULTS: A water unextractable AX-rich preparation (WU-AX,
      40% purity), water extractable AX (WE-AX, 81% purity), AX oligosaccharides (AXOS,
      79% purity) and combinations thereof were included in a standardized diet at a 5%
      AX level. WU-AX was only partially fermented in the ceco-colon and increased the
      level of butyrate and of butyrate producing Roseburia/E. rectale spp. Extensive
      fermentation of WE-AX and/or AXOS reduced the pH, suppressed relevant markers of
      the proteolytic breakdown and induced a selective bifidogenic response. Compared
      with WE-AX, AXOS showed a slightly less pronounced effect in the colon as its
      fermentation was virtually complete in the cecum. Combining WU-AX and AXOS caused
      a striking synergistic increase in cecal butyrate levels. WU-AX, WE-AX and AXOS
      together combined a selective bifidogenic effect in the colon with elevated
      butyrate levels, a reduced pH and suppressed proteolytic metabolites. CONCLUSION:
      The prebiotic potential and fermentation characteristics of cereal AX depend
      strongly on their structural properties and joint presence.

PMID- 22058066
TI  - Sucrose in aqueous solution revisited, Part 2: adaptively biased molecular
      dynamics simulations and computational analysis of NMR relaxation.
AB  - We report 100 ns molecular dynamics simulations, at various temperatures, of
      sucrose in water (with concentrations of sucrose ranging from 0.02 to 4M), and in
      a 7:3 water-DMSO mixture. Convergence of the resulting conformational ensembles
      was checked using adaptive-biased simulations along the glycosidic Phi and psi
      torsion angles. NMR relaxation parameters, including longitudinal (R1) and
      transverse (R2) relaxation rates, nuclear Overhauser enhancements (NOE), and
      generalized order parameter (S2) were computed from the resulting time
      correlation functions. The amplitude and time scales of molecular motions change
      with temperature and concentration in ways that track closely with experimental
      results, and are consistent with a model in which sucrose conformational
      fluctuations are limited (with 80-90% of the conformations having phi-psi values
      within 20 degrees  of an average conformation), but with some important
      differences in conformation between pure water and DMSO-water mixtures.

PMID- 22058067
TI  - Variation in initial kidney replacement therapy for end-stage renal disease due
      to lupus nephritis in the United States.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Little is known about the patterns of use of initial kidney
      replacement therapies among patients with lupus nephritis (LN) end-stage renal
      disease (ESRD). We aimed to identify sociodemographic and clinical factors
      associated with variation in initial kidney replacement therapies among LN ESRD
      patients. METHODS: Patients with incident LN ESRD (1995-2006) were identified in
      the US Renal Data System. Age, sex, race, ethnicity, medical insurance,
      employment status, residential region, clinical factors, and comorbidities were
      considered as potential predictors of ESRD treatment choice, i.e., peritoneal
      dialysis (PD), hemodialysis (HD), or preemptive kidney transplantation in age
      adjusted and multivariable-adjusted logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: Of the
      11,317 individuals with incident LN ESRD, 82.0% initiated HD, 12.2% initiated PD,
      and 2.8% underwent preemptive kidney transplantation. Receiving initial PD was
      significantly associated with earlier calendar year, female sex, higher albumin
      and hemoglobin levels, and lower serum creatinine levels. African Americans
      (versus whites), Medicaid beneficiaries and those with no health insurance
      (versus private insurance), and those unemployed (versus employed) had
      significantly reduced PD initiation. Comorbidities including congestive heart
      failure, peripheral vascular disease, and the inability to ambulate were also
      associated with decreased PD. Many sociodemographic and clinical factors favoring
      PD were associated with preemptive kidney transplant (versus dialysis) as well.
      CONCLUSION: Few patients with LN ESRD receive initial PD or preemptive kidney
      transplantation. Race, ethnicity, employment, and medical insurance type are
      strongly associated with initial kidney replacement therapy choice. Future
      studies need to investigate the appropriateness of sociodemographic and clinical
      variation and the comparative effectiveness of kidney replacement therapies for
      LN ESRD.

PMID- 22058068
TI  - Selective artificial transmembrane channels for protons by formation of water
      wires.
AB  - Lined up water molecules: Artificial transmembrane channels from pillar[5]arene
      monomeric and dimeric derivatives have been prepared. Single-channel conductance
      measurements and isotope effect experiments under acidic conditions showed
      selective proton transport through the channels, which were mediated by water
      wires formed in the pillar[5]arene backbones (see picture).

PMID- 22058070
TI  - Microwave-assisted synthesis of colloidal inorganic nanocrystals.
AB  - Colloidal inorganic nanocrystals stand out as an important class of advanced
      nanomaterials owing to the flexibility with which their physical-chemical
      properties can be controlled through size, shape, and compositional engineering
      in the synthesis stage and the versatility with which they can be implemented
      into technological applications in fields as diverse as optoelectronics, energy
      conversion/production, catalysis, and biomedicine. The use of microwave
      irradiation as a non-classical energy source has become increasingly popular in
      the preparation of nanocrystals (which generally involves complex and time
      consuming processing of molecular precursors in the presence of solvents, ligands
      and/or surfactants at elevated temperatures). Similar to its now widespread use
      in organic chemistry, the efficiency of "microwave flash heating" in dramatically
      reducing overall processing times is one of the main advantages associated with
      this technique. This Review illustrates microwave-assisted methods that have been
      developed to synthesize colloidal inorganic nanocrystals and critically evaluates
      the specific roles that microwave irradiation may play in the formation of these
      nanomaterials.

PMID- 22058071
TI  - Long-term curcumin administration protects against atherosclerosis via hepatic
      regulation of lipoprotein cholesterol metabolism.
AB  - SCOPE: Atherosclerosis is a major cause of cardiovascular disease caused by high
      cholesterol. Stains are widely prescribed to lower cholesterol levels, but
      natural dietary compounds may also be effective. Therefore, we studied the effect
      of the natural dietary compound curcumin on atherosclerosis and its underlying
      mechanisms based on plasma and hepatic lipid metabolism. METHODS AND RESULTS:
      LDLR(-/-) mice were fed a high-cholesterol diet and treated with curcumin,
      lovastatin or control (n=10 per group) for 18 wk. Aortic arch sections revealed
      curcumin ameliorated early atherosclerotic lesions, lipid infiltration, ICAM-1
      and VCAM-1 localization, similar to lovastatin treatment. Furthermore, curcumin
      lowered plasma cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol and Apo B levels as
      well as CETP activity, while curcumin increased plasma HDL cholesterol and liver
      Apo A-I expression, similar to lovastatin treatment. Curcumin caused
      transcriptional inhibition of HMG-CoA reductase, independent of ACAT1 and ACAT2
      expression. Hepatic PPARalpha and LXRalpha expression was upregulated by curcumin
      treatment. Hepatic complement factor D (Cfd) and systemic CRP levels, markers of
      immune complement pathway activation, were significantly reduced by curcumin
      treatment. CONCLUSION: Long-term curcumin treatment lowers plasma and hepatic
      cholesterol and suppresses early atherosclerotic lesions comparable to the
      protective effects of lovastatin. The anti-atherogenic effect of curcumin is
      mediated via multiple mechanisms including altered lipid, cholesterol and immune
      gene expression.

PMID- 22058072
TI  - Effects of maternal food restriction on offspring lung extracellular matrix
      deposition and long term pulmonary function in an experimental rat model.
AB  - Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) increases the risk of respiratory
      compromise throughout postnatal life. However, the molecular mechanism(s)
      underlying the respiratory compromise in offspring following IUGR is not known.
      We hypothesized that IUGR following maternal food restriction (MFR) would affect
      extracellular matrix deposition in the lung, explaining the long-term impairment
      in pulmonary function in the IUGR offspring. Using a well-established rat model
      of MFR during gestation to produce IUGR pups, we found that at postnatal day 21,
      and at 9 months (9M) of age the expression and abundance of elastin and alpha
      smooth muscle actin (alphaSMA), two key extracellular matrix proteins, were
      increased in IUGR lungs when compared to controls (P < 0.05, n = 6), as
      determined by both Western and immunohistochemistry analyses. Compared to
      controls, the MFR group showed no significant change in pulmonary resistance at
      baseline, but did have significantly decreased pulmonary compliance at 9M (P <
      0.05 vs. control, n = 5). In addition, MFR lungs exhibited increased
      responsiveness to methacholine challenge. Furthermore, exposing cultured fetal
      rat lung fibroblasts to serum deprivation increased the expression of elastin and
      elastin-related genes, which was blocked by serum albumin supplementation,
      suggesting protein deficiency as the predominant mechanism for increased
      pulmonary elastin deposition in IUGR lungs. We conclude that accompanying the
      changes in lung function, consistent with bronchial hyperresponsiveness,
      expression of the key alveolar extracellular matrix proteins elastin and alphaSMA
      increased in the IUGR lung, thus providing a potential explanation for the
      compromised lung function in IUGR offspring.

PMID- 22058073
TI  - Photoactivatable caged cyclic RGD peptide for triggering integrin binding and
      cell adhesion to surfaces.
AB  - We report the synthesis and properties of a photoactivatable caged RGD peptide
      and its application for phototriggering integrin- and cell-binding to surfaces.
      We analysed in detail 1) the differences in the integrin-binding affinity of the
      caged and uncaged forms by quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) studies, 2) the
      efficiency and yield of the photolytic uncaging reaction, 3) the biocompatibility
      of the photolysis by-products and irradiation conditions, 4) the possibility of
      site, temporal and density control of integrin-binding and therefore human cell
      attachment, and 5) the possibility of in situ generation of cell patterns and
      cell gradients by controlling the UV exposure. These studies provide a clear
      picture of the potential and limitations of caged RGD for integrin-mediated cell
      adhesion and demonstrate the application of this approach to the control and
      study of cell interactions and responses.

PMID- 22058074
TI  - A kangaroo and your research toolbox.

PMID- 22058075
TI  - Hardening of the nanoparticle-protein corona in metal (Au, Ag) and oxide (Fe3O4,
      CoO, and CeO2) nanoparticles.
AB  - The surface modifications of metal and metal oxide nanoparticles with sizes
      ranging from 7 to 20 nm dispersed in commonly used cell culture medium
      supplemented with serum are investigated. All the tested nanoparticles adsorb
      proteins onto their surface, thereby forming a protein corona through a dynamic
      process evolving towards an irreversible coating (hard protein corona). Despite
      the fact that the studied nanomaterials have similar characteristics of
      hydrophobicity and surface charge, different temporal patterns of the protein
      corona formation are observed that can be considered a fingerprint for
      nanoparticle identification. Some of the biological and toxicological
      implications of the formation of the nanoparticle-protein corona are studied
      using the human monocytic cell line THP-1 exposed to cobalt oxide nanoparticles.
      Results show that production of reactive oxygen species is decreased if the
      nanoparticles are preincubated for 48 h with serum.

PMID- 22058076
TI  - Evaluation of association between exercise-induced bronchoconstriction and
      childhood asthma control test questionnaire scores in children.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Asthma control represents a major challenge in the management of
      asthmatic children; however, correct perception of control is poor. The aim of
      the study was to evaluate the association between subjective answers given to the
      Childhood Asthma Control Test (C-ACT) and objective evaluation of exercise
      induced bronchonstriction (EIB) by standardized treadmill exercise challenge.
      METHODS: EIB was evaluated by standardized treadmill exercise challenge and
      related to C-ACT scores in 92 asthmatic children. RESULTS: Of the 92 studied
      children only six children had a concordance between a positive challenge test
      (DeltaFEV1 >= 13%) and a positive response to the exercise-related issue of the C
      ACT questionnaire (C-ACT total score <= 19). There was no significant association
      between the degree of EIB and the scores relative to the single question on
      exercise-related problems while a significant association was found when
      considering the whole questionnaire with C-ACT total score > 19 (r = -0.40, P <
      0.001). The two single questions showing a significant association were those
      focusing on nocturnal asthma. The areas under the ROC curve (AUC) for the sum of
      the scores of these questions in relationship to a positive response to the
      exercise test was 0.74. The AUC of the C-ACT total score was 0.76 and 0.55 for
      the specific question on EIB related problems. CONCLUSION: The discrimination
      power of the C-ACT total score in relationship to EIB was moderately good, and C
      ACT questionnaire was capable of correctly predicting the absence of EIB in
      children reporting a global score > 19. However, direct questions on EIB are
      associated with a high number of false positive and negative responses; better
      associations are found questioning on the presence on nocturnal symptoms.

PMID- 22058077
TI  - Bottom-up preparation of porous metal-oxide ultrathin sheets with adjustable
      composition/phases and their applications.
AB  - A facile bottom-up synthesis approach is developed to prepare porous metal-oxide
      ultrathin sheets, e.g., SnO(2), Fe(2)O(3), and SnO(2)-Fe(2)O(3), with thicknesses
      of ~5 nm. Graphene sheets are used as the sacrificing template. Such a process
      can be extended to the synthesis of multiphased porous metal-oxide thin sheets.
      These porous thin sheets show interesting applications as gas sensors, effective
      platforms for matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization-time-of-flight mass
      spectrometry, and supercapacitors.

PMID- 22058078
TI  - A TLR5 (g.1174C > T) variant that encodes a stop codon (R392X) is associated with
      bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
AB  - Current evidence supports a major role for inherited factors in determining
      bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) susceptibility. The Toll-like receptor (TLR)
      family of proteins maintain pulmonary homeostasis in the developing lung by
      aiding pathogen recognition and clearance, regulating inflammation, and
      facilitating reparative tissue growth. We hypothesized that sequence variation in
      the TLR pathway genes would alter the susceptibility/severity of BPD in preterm
      infants. Very low birth-weight infants were recruited prospectively in a multi
      center study involving collection of blood samples and clinical information. Nine
      TLR pathway single-nucleotide polymorphisms were genotyped using a multiplexed
      single-base extension assay. BPD outcomes were compared among infants with and
      without the variant allele using Chi-square or Fisher's exact tests. In our
      cohort (n = 289), 66 (23.6%) infants developed BPD, out of which 32 (11.2%)
      developed severe BPD. The TLR5 (g.1174C > T) variant was associated with BPD (P =
      0.03) and severe BPD (P = 0.004). The TIRAP (g.2054C > T) variant was associated
      with BPD (P = 0.04). Infants heterozygous for the X-linked IRAK1 (g.6435T > C)
      variant had a lower incidence of BPD compared to infants homozygous for either
      the reference or variant allele (P = 0.03). In regression models that controlled
      for potential epidemiological confounders, the TIRAP variant was associated with
      BPD, and the TLR5 variant was associated with severe BPD. Our data support the
      hypothesis that aberrant pathogen recognition in premature infants arising from
      TLR pathway genetic variation can contribute to BPD pathogenesis.

PMID- 22058079
TI  - Prevalence of cardiovascular disease risk amongst the population eligible for the
      NHS Health Check Programme.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The National Health Service (NHS) Health Check Programme aims to
      identify and manage patients in England aged 40-74 years with a 10-year
      cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk score over 20%. We aimed to assess the
      prevalence of high CVD risk in the English population, using the two CVD risk
      scores and the 20% cut off mandated in national policy, and the prevalence of
      risk factors within this population. DESIGN: Modelling study using patients
      registered in general practice in England. METHODS: Using data from the Health
      Survey for England, we modelled the prevalence of high CVD risk in general
      practice populations. RESULTS: Of those eligible for an NHS Health Check, 10.5%
      (2,012,000) had a risk score greater than 20% using the QRISK2 risk score; 22.0%
      (4,267,000) using Joint British Societies' (JBS2) score. There was a median of
      206 (range 0-1693) and 447 (0-3321) patients per practice at high risk
      respectively, with wide geographic variation. Within the high-risk population,
      there was a high prevalence of CVD risk factors; in the QRISK2 population, for
      example 82.6% were physically inactive. To reduce risk in those at high CVD risk,
      we estimate the total costs of the Programme to be L176 million using QRISK2 or
      L378 million using JBS2. CONCLUSIONS: A large number of high-risk patients will
      be identified by the Programme; health service commissioners must ensure the
      adequate provision and the targeted allocation of risk reduction services for the
      Programme to be effective. The NHS must consider whether extra costs using JBS2
      are warranted. The Programme must be fully monitored to ensure its cost
      effectiveness and appropriate outcomes such as the numbers at high risk assessed.

PMID- 22058080
TI  - Robust depth-based estimation in the time warping model.
AB  - In functional data analysis, the time warping model aims at representing a set of
      curves exhibiting phase and amplitude variation with respect to a common
      continuous process. Many biological processes, when observed across the time
      among different individuals, fit into this concept. The observed curves are
      modeled as the composition of an "amplitude process," which governs the common
      behavior, and a "warping process" that induces time distortion among the
      individuals. We aim at characterizing the first one. Because of the phase
      variation present among the curves, classical sample statistics computed on the
      observed sample provide poor representations of the amplitude process. Existing
      methods to estimate the mean behavior of the amplitude process consist on
      aligning the curves, that is, eliminating time variation, before estimation.
      However, since they rely on the use of sample means, they are very sensitive to
      the presence of outliers. In this article, we propose the use of a functional
      depth-based median as a robust estimator of the central behavior of the amplitude
      process. We investigate its properties in the time warping model, and we evaluate
      its performance in different simulation studies where we compare it to existing
      estimators, and we show its robustness against atypical observations. Finally, we
      illustrate its use with real data on a yeast time course microarray data set.

PMID- 22058081
TI  - Fatal and non-fatal adverse events of glucocorticoid therapy for Graves'
      orbitopathy: a questionnaire survey among members of the European Thyroid
      Association.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to investigate the side effects of
      glucocorticoid (GC) therapy observed by European thyroidologists during the
      treatment of Graves' orbitopathy (GO). DESIGN: A questionnaire-based survey among
      members of the European Thyroid Association (ETA) who treat GO. RESULTS: A
      response was obtained from 128 ETA members of which 115 used GC therapy for GO.
      The majority of respondents (83/115, 72%) used intravenous (i.v.) GC, with a
      relatively wide variety of therapeutic regimens. The cumulative dose of
      methylprednisolone ranged between 0.5 and 12 g (median 4.5 g) for i.v.GC and
      between 1.0 and 4.9 g (median 2.4 g) for oral GC. Adverse events were often
      reported during oral GCs (26/32, 81%); most side effects were non-severe, but ten
      respondents reported severe adverse events (hepatic, cardiovascular, and
      cerebrovascular complications), including two fatal cases, both receiving a total
      of 2.3 g prednisone. Adverse events were less common in i.v.GC (32/83
      respondents, 39%), but mostly consisted of severe events, including seven fatal
      cases. All but one fatal event occurred in cumulative i.v.GC doses (>8 g) higher
      than those currently recommended. CONCLUSIONS: GCs are preferentially
      administered i.v. for the treatment of GO in Europe. Both oral and i.v.GC may be
      associated with severe adverse effects, including fatal cases, which are more
      frequently reported in daily or alternate day i.v.GC. IvGC therapy should be
      undertaken in centers with appropriate expertise. Patients should be carefully
      examined for risk factors before treatment and monitored for side effects, which
      may be asymptomatic, both during and after treatment.

PMID- 22058082
TI  - 3D self-assembled plasmonic superstructures of gold nanospheres: synthesis and
      characterization at the single-particle level.
AB  - The synthesis of 3D self-assembled plasmonic superstructures of gold nanospheres
      as well as the characterization of their structural and optical properties at the
      single-particle level is presented. This experimental work is complemented by FEM
      (finite element method) simulations of elastic scattering spectra and the spatial
      |E|(4)  distribution for establishing structure-activity correlations in these
      complex 3D nanoclusters.

PMID- 22058083
TI  - Diffusion of bacteriophages through artificial biofilm models.
AB  - The simple two-chamber diffusion method was improved to study the diffusion
      properties of bacteriophage (phage) T4 through a model biofilm agarose gel
      membrane (AGM) embedded with dead host Escherichia coli K12 cells. The apparent
      diffusion coefficient (D(app) ) of phage T4 was calculated to be 2.4 * 10(-12)
      m(2) /s in 0.5% AGM, which was lower than the coefficient of 4.2 * 10(-12) m(2)
      /s in 0.5% AGM without host cells. The phage adsorption process by dead host
      cells slowed the apparent phage diffusion. The Langmuir adsorption equation was
      used to simulate phage adsorption under different multiplicity of infections
      (MOIs); the maximum adsorbed phage MOI was calculated to be 417 PFU/CFU, and the
      Langmuir adsorption constant K(L) was 6.9 * 10(-4) CFU/PFU. To evaluate the
      effects of phage proliferation on diffusion, a simple syringe-based biofilm model
      was developed. The phage was added into this homogenous biofilm model when the
      host cells were in an exponential growth phase, and the apparent diffusion
      coefficient was greatly enhanced. We concluded that D(app) of phages through
      biofilms could be distinctly affected by phage adsorption and proliferation, and
      that the idea of D(app) and these methods can be used to study diffusion
      properties through real biofilms.

PMID- 22058084
TI  - Incorporating neutralizing antibody assays into routine clinical practice: a long
      and arduous road.

PMID- 22058085
TI  - Multiple sclerosis and depression.
AB  - Clinically significant depression can affect up to 50% of patients with multiple
      sclerosis over the course of their lifetime. It is associated with an increased
      morbidity and mortality and is regarded by patients as one of the main
      determinants of their quality of life. This review summarizes current
      perspectives relating to diagnosis, the utility of self report screening
      questionnaires, warning signs of suicidal intent and the biological and
      psychosocial variables implicated in mood change. In particular, the association
      between depression and structural brain abnormalities, including those derived
      from diffusion tensor imaging, is highlighted. Depression is treatable, as the
      results from randomized controlled trials of antidepressant medication, cognitive
      behavior therapy and mindfulness therapy, reveal. These positive findings are
      offset by data showing that depression in a neurological setting is often
      overlooked and under treated.

PMID- 22058086
TI  - Rationale, challenges, and participants in a Phase II trial of a botanical
      product for chronic hepatitis C.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic hepatitis C is associated with significant morbidity and
      mortality as a consequence of progression to cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma,
      and liver failure. Current treatment for chronic hepatitis C with pegylated
      interferon (IFN) and ribavirin is associated with suboptimal responses and
      numerous adverse effects. A number of botanical products have been used to treat
      hepatic disorders. Silymarin, extracted from the milk thistle plant, Silybum
      marianum (L) Gaertn. (Asteraceae), has been most widely used for various liver
      disorders, including chronic hepatitis C, B, and alcoholic liver disease.
      However, the safety and efficacy of silymarin have not been studied
      systematically in chronic hepatitis C. PURPOSE: We describe our strategy for a
      phased approach for studying the impact of silymarin in hepatitis C, in the
      context of the unique challenges of botanical product clinical trials and the
      development of specific and curative antiviral therapy. METHODS: This
      multicenter, randomized, double-masked, placebo-controlled trial was conducted
      with four clinical centers and a data-coordinating center in the United States,
      to assess the impact of silymarin therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C
      who failed conventional antiviral therapy. RESULTS: Key aspects relevant to
      performing clinical trials of botanical products include early identification of
      an appropriate product with standard product chemistry, acquisition of
      pharmacokinetic and dosing information, selection of the appropriate study group,
      and choosing rigorous outcome variables. POTENTIAL LIMITATIONS: Trial
      participants were chronic hepatitis C patients who were nonsustained virologic
      responders to IFN-based therapy; therefore, the findings are not generalizable to
      all hepatitis C populations. Further, alanine aminotransferase, a biochemical
      liver test, rather than hepatitis viral RNA or liver histology was the primary
      end point. CONCLUSIONS: The challenges identified and addressed during
      development of this United States multicenter Phase II trial to evaluate
      silymarin for treatment of patients with chronic hepatitis C infection who had
      failed to respond successfully to previous IFN-based therapy are common and must
      be addressed to conduct rigorous trials of botanical products.

PMID- 22058087
TI  - Searching for the main anti-bacterial components in artificial Calculus bovis
      using UPLC and microcalorimetry coupled with multi-linear regression analysis.
AB  - The fingerprints of artificial Calculus bovis extracts from different solvents
      were established by ultra-performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) and the anti
      bacterial activities of artificial C. bovis extracts on Staphylococcus aureus (S.
      aureus) growth were studied by microcalorimetry. The UPLC fingerprints were
      evaluated using hierarchical clustering analysis. Some quantitative parameters
      obtained from the thermogenic curves of S. aureus growth affected by artificial
      C. bovis extracts were analyzed using principal component analysis. The spectrum
      effect relationships between UPLC fingerprints and anti-bacterial activities were
      investigated using multi-linear regression analysis. The results showed that peak
      1 (taurocholate sodium), peak 3 (unknown compound), peak 4 (cholic acid), and
      peak 6 (chenodeoxycholic acid) are more significant than the other peaks with the
      standard parameter estimate 0.453, -0.166, 0.749, 0.025, respectively. So,
      compounds cholic acid, taurocholate sodium, and chenodeoxycholic acid might be
      the major anti-bacterial components in artificial C. bovis. Altogether, this work
      provides a general model of the combination of UPLC chromatography and anti
      bacterial effect to study the spectrum-effect relationships of artificial C.
      bovis extracts, which can be used to discover the main anti-bacterial components
      in artificial C. bovis or other Chinese herbal medicines with anti-bacterial
      effects.

PMID- 22058088
TI  - Bicuspid aortic valve with vertical opening and double raphe.

PMID- 22058089
TI  - Validation of a multi-marker model for the prediction of incident type 2 diabetes
      mellitus: combined results of the Inter99 and Botnia studies.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess performance of a biomarker-based score that predicts the five
      year risk of diabetes (Diabetes Risk Score, DRS) in an independent cohort that
      included 15-year follow-up. METHOD: DRS was developed on the Inter99 cohort, and
      validated on the Botnia cohort. Performance was benchmarked against other risk
      assessment tools comparing calibration, time to event analysis, and net
      reclassification. RESULTS: The area under the receiver-operating characteristic
      curve (AUC) was 0.84 for the Inter99 cohort and 0.78 for the Botnia cohort. In
      the Botnia cohort, DRS provided better discrimination than fasting plasma glucose
      (FPG), homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, oral glucose tolerance
      test or risk scores derived from Framingham or San Antonio Study cohorts. Overall
      reclassification with DRS was significantly better than using FPG and glucose
      tolerance status (p < 0.0001). In time to event analysis, rates of conversion to
      diabetes in low, moderate, and high DRS groups were significantly different (p <
      0.001). CONCLUSION: This study validates DRS performance in an independent
      population, and provides a more accurate assessment of T2DM risk than other
      methods.

PMID- 22058090
TI  - Civilian firearm injury and death in England and Wales.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: There is currently concern in the UK that injuries and deaths
      caused by firearms are increasing. This is supported by small local studies but
      not by wider research to inform targeted prevention programmes. METHODS: A
      retrospective analysis was performed of firearm injuries from the Trauma Audit
      and Research Network (TARN) database (1998-2007), the largest national registry
      of serious injuries. Data were analysed to determine temporal trends in the
      prevalence of firearm injuries and demographic characteristics of firearm
      victims. The UK Office of National Statistics provided data on all deaths by
      firearms as TARN does not record prehospital deaths. RESULTS: Of 91 232 cases in
      the TARN database, 487 (0.53%) were due to firearm injury. There were 435 men and
      52 women of median age 30 years. The median New Injury Severity Score in men was
      18 with a mortality of 7.4%, compared with 15.5 and 3.8% for women. The highest
      rate of firearm injuries as a proportion of all injuries was submitted from
      London (1.4%), with the South East (0.23%) submitting the lowest rate. 90.5%
      resided in urban areas, 78% presented outside 'normal' hours and 90% were alleged
      assaults. As a proportion of all injuries submitted, a small upward trend in the
      prevalence of deaths due to firearms was demonstrated over the study period. An
      increase in homicides since 2000 was also noted with an increasingly younger
      population being involved. In contrast, data from the Office of National
      Statistics showed that the greatest number of deaths were self-inflicted rather
      than homicides (984 vs 527), with Wales having the highest number of such deaths
      and predominantly involving older men. CONCLUSIONS: Deaths and serious injuries
      caused by firearms remain rare in the civilian population of England and Wales,
      although an upward trend can be described. Victims of assault and homicide are
      predominantly young men living in urban areas and the population involved is
      getting younger. However, of all deaths, self-inflicted wounds are nearly twice
      as common as assaults, affecting predominantly older men living in more rural
      areas.

PMID- 22058091
TI  - Mycobacterium bovis bacilli Calmette-Guerin regulates leukocyte recruitment by
      modulating alveolar inflammatory responses.
AB  - Leukocyte migration into the epithelial compartment is an important feature in
      the active phase of mycobacterial infections. In this study, we used the
      Transwell model to investigate the mechanisms behind mycobacteria-induced
      leukocyte recruitment and investigated the role of TLR2 and TLR4 in this process.
      Infection of epithelial cells resulted in significantly increased secretion of
      the neutrophil chemotactic CXCL8 and IL-6, but no secretion of monocyte
      chemotactic CCL2 or TNF-alpha was observed. In contrast to epithelial response,
      mycobacteria-infected neutrophils and monocytes secreted all these cytokines.
      Corresponding with epithelial cytokine response, mycobacterial infection of the
      epithelial cells increased neutrophil diapedesis, but decreased monocyte
      recruitment. However, monocyte recruitment towards mycobacteria infected
      epithelial cells significantly increased following addition of neutrophil pre
      conditioned medium. Mycobacterial infection also increases alveolar epithelial
      expression of TLR2, but not TLR4, as analyzed by flow cytometry, Western blotting
      and visualized by confocal microscopy. Blocking of TLR2 inhibited neutrophil
      recruitment and cytokine secretion, while blocking of TLR4 had a lesser effect.
      To summarize, we found that primary alveolar epithelial cells produced a
      selective TLR2-dependent cytokine secretion upon mycobacterial infection.
      Furthermore, we found that cooperation between cells of the innate immunity is
      required in mounting proper antimicrobial defence.

PMID- 22058092
TI  - Deferiprone approved for iron overload.

PMID- 22058093
TI  - Drug shortage solutions elude stakeholders.

PMID- 22058094
TI  - Bacteremia outbreak tied to improper filtration by compounding pharmacy.

PMID- 22058096
TI  - Role of the pharmacist in perinatal management of HIV disease.

PMID- 22058097
TI  - Managing underperformers.

PMID- 22058098
TI  - Too many, already.

PMID- 22058099
TI  - New treatment options for acute edema attacks caused by hereditary angioedema.
AB  - PURPOSE: New treatment options for acute edema attacks caused by hereditary
      angioedema (HAE) are reviewed. SUMMARY: HAE is characterized by mutations in the
      C1 inhibitor gene leading to either a reduced expression of C1 inhibitor in the
      plasma or expression of a functionally impaired C1 inhibitor. HAE is classified
      into two major types based on the cause of the C1 inhibitor deficiency. Type I
      HAE is defined by a reduced expression of C1 inhibitor in the plasma, whereas
      type II HAE is characterized by the expression of a dysfunctional C1 inhibitor
      protein. Clinical data were reviewed for C1 inhibitor, ecallantide, and icatibant
      in the treatment of acute edema attacks caused by HAE. C1 inhibitor leads to a
      faster onset of edema relief and is effective in decreasing the duration of
      edema. Dosing strategies include fixed dosing and weight-based dosing. Optimal
      dosing strategies have not been established, but fixed dosing (500-1000 units) or
      20 units/kg has been effective in clinical trials and reports. No comparative
      trials suggest that one strategy is superior to another; however, the approved
      labeling for acute treatment is based on weight. Ecallantide is also efficacious
      for treating acute episodes; however, the available evidence is limited to a
      single published trial. Icatibant has shown variable effects in two trials with
      placebo and active controls. CONCLUSION: In patients with HAE, most edema
      episodes only involve the skin and gastrointestinal tract, though airway
      obstruction caused by laryngeal angioedema is the most common cause of death.
      I.V. C1 inhibitor should be considered first-line treatment for acute edema
      attacks because of its fast onset of action and effectiveness, though it is not
      clear whether fixed or weight-based dosing is preferred. Ecallantide can be
      considered as a second-line treatment option.

PMID- 22058100
TI  - Risk of cancer associated with the use of angiotensin II-receptor blockers.
AB  - PURPOSE: The proposed mechanism by which angiotensin II and angiotensin II
      receptor blockers (ARBs) may influence the risk of cancer and the literature
      describing a possible causal relationship between ARB use and specific types of
      cancers are reviewed. SUMMARY: A number of cell-signaling pathways have been
      identified to establish a relationship between angiotensin II and cancer.
      Preclinical data support agonism of the angiotensin type-1 receptor by
      angiotensin II and unopposed stimulation of the angiotensin type-2 receptor as
      possible causes of proliferative and angiogenic processes. Results from a large
      meta-analysis suggested that ARB use is associated with a modest increase in risk
      of new cancer incidence. The publication of that meta-analysis led to subsequent
      large population analyses. A comprehensive literature review was conducted to
      identify studies evaluating the relationships among angiotensin II, ARBs, cancer,
      and malignancy. Preclinical studies evaluating the effects of angiotensin II and
      ARBs on proliferation and angiogenesis were selected to review how the renin
      angiotensin system is involved in cellular proliferation and growth. Human
      studies evaluating the role of ARBs in specific types of cancer were also
      analyzed. The literature review found limited patient-specific data in humans to
      support the association. The Food and Drug Administration has concluded that
      there is no evidence of an increased risk of cancer with ARBs. CONCLUSION: At
      this time there is insufficient evidence to conclude that ARBs increase the risk
      of cancer. Blockade of the angiotensin system through both AT(1) and AT(2)
      receptors may have a protective effect against malignancy.

PMID- 22058101
TI  - Effect of food on the single-dose pharmacokinetics and tolerability of
      dalfampridine extended-release tablets in healthy volunteers.
AB  - PURPOSE: The pharmacokinetics, bioavailability, and tolerability of dalfampridine
      extended-release tablets in healthy adults under fed and fasted conditions were
      evaluated. METHODS: The study participants (n = 30) were randomly assigned to
      receive one 10-mg dalfampridine tablet in a fasted condition (no food for 10-12
      hours) or a fed condition (after a high-fat meal); after a seven-day washout
      period, participants received the same dalfampridine dosage under the converse
      condition. The endpoints were the maximum plasma drug concentration (C(max)) and
      areas under the plasma-concentration curve (AUC) for 24-hour exposure (AUC(0-24))
      and total exposure (AUC(0-infinity)). A 90% two-sided confidence interval (CI)
      within predefined limits for the fed:fasted ratio of the geometric mean values
      was used as the standard for determining the absence of a significant food
      effect. RESULTS: Among the participants who received both treatments (n = 28),
      food intake was associated with a 23% increase in the log-transformed geometric
      mean C(max) of dalfampridine (p <= 0.10) but no significant change in mean AUC
      values. Eight (26.7%) of the study participants reported a total of 13 adverse
      events (AEs), of which only dizziness and upper abdominal pain occurred in more
      than one participant; all AEs were of mild-to-moderate severity. CONCLUSION: When
      a single 10-mg dose of dalfampridine was given to healthy volunteers after a high
      fat meal, a significant increase in C(max) was observed. However, overall
      differences in dalfampridine pharmacokinetics when the drug was administered to
      participants under fasting and fed conditions did not exceed predefined limits,
      indicating that the extended-release formulation may be taken without regard to
      meals.

PMID- 22058102
TI  - Compatibility of ceftaroline fosamil for injection with selected drugs during
      simulated Y-site administration.
AB  - PURPOSE: The physical compatibility of ceftaroline fosamil with commonly used
      medications and diluents (a total of 73 drugs in 219 admixtures) during simulated
      Y-site administration was evaluated. METHODS: Duplicate 5-mL samples of
      ceftaroline fosamil (2.22 mg/mL) in 5% dextrose injection, 0.9% sodium chloride
      injection, and lactated Ringer's injection were combined at a 1:1 ratio with
      samples of 73 drugs (diluted or undiluted). Visual examinations were performed
      with the unaided eye in fluorescent light and with the aid of a Tyndall beam; the
      turbidity and particulate content of each sample were also measured. The
      compatibility of ceftaroline fosamil with propofol was evaluated by visually
      inspecting for emulsion separation and particle formation after centrifugation.
      All evaluations were performed within 15 minutes of sample preparation and at one
      and four hours after preparation. RESULTS: Ceftaroline fosamil was physically
      compatible with 64 drugs in a combination of 196 admixtures for at least four
      hours, exhibiting color, clarity, turbidity, and microparticle content similar to
      those of control solutions. Signs of physical incompatibility, including visible
      precipitation, increased turbidity, and microparticle formation, were observed
      with 9 drugs in 23 admixtures during the four-hour observation period.
      CONCLUSION: Of the 73 drugs evaluated, 64 were compatible and 7 were incompatible
      with ceftaroline fosamil 2.22 mg/mL in 3 standard infusion solutions. Nine drugs
      in 23 admixtures were observed to exhibit signs of incompatibility with
      ceftaroline fosamil within four hours of mixing; those drugs should not be
      simultaneously administered via a Y-site with ceftaroline preparations.

PMID- 22058103
TI  - Improving patient care through implementation of an antimicrobial stewardship
      program.
AB  - PURPOSE: The implementation of an antimicrobial stewardship program at a health
      system is described. SUMMARY: In 2008, the Center for Antimicrobial Stewardship
      and Epidemiology (CASE) was formed at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital (SLEH) to
      improve the quality of care for patients as it related to antimicrobial therapy.
      The charter of CASE contained specific aims for improving patient care,
      furthering clinical research, and training the next generation of clinical
      infectious diseases pharmacists. The CASE team consists of at least two
      infectious diseases pharmacists and one physician (the medical director) who
      provide direct oversight for antimicrobial utilization within the hospital. The
      CASE medical director, an infectious diseases physician, is responsible for
      overseeing the activities of the center. With the oversight of the CASE advisory
      board, the medical director develops and implements the antimicrobial stewardship
      and management policies for SLEH. Another key innovative feature of CASE is its
      extensive involvement in training new infectious diseases pharmacists and
      conducting research. CASE uses a model in which a clinical scenario or problem is
      identified, a research project is undertaken to further elucidate the problem,
      and policy changes are made to improve patient outcomes. The CASE team is
      supported by a CASE advisory board, a CASE research collaborative including
      university faculty, and a dedicated training program for pharmacy fellows,
      residents, and students. CONCLUSION: Implementation of an antimicrobial
      stewardship program at a health system helped decrease the inappropriate use of
      antibiotics, improve patient care and outcomes, further clinical research, and
      increase training opportunities for future clinical infectious diseases
      pharmacists.

PMID- 22058104
TI  - Standardizing i.v. infusion concentrations: National survey results.
AB  - PURPOSE: The results of a 2008 survey by the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) Safe
      Medication Use Expert Committee assessing the use of standardized i.v. drug
      concentrations at U.S. health care institutions are presented. METHODS: To
      evaluate progress toward the goal of standardizing and limiting the number of
      i.v. infusion concentrations of high-risk medications, particularly those
      commonly used in pediatric patients, a USP-appointed expert committee surveyed a
      nationally representative sample of hospital and health-system pharmacy
      directors; 229 usable survey responses and 174 requested lists of routinely used
      or "standard" concentrations (i.e., those designed to meet the needs of at least
      90% of the target adult, pediatric, and neonatal populations) were received.
      RESULTS: The survey responses indicated that multiple concentrations of high-risk
      drugs are still commonly used; in some instances, as many as four standard
      concentrations of a single medication were reported to be in use for a particular
      age group. Depending on the drug and target group, the proportion of respondents
      reporting the use of one standard concentration for a given drug ranged from 15%
      to 79%. The survey data informed and helped focus the USP expert committee's
      efforts to develop recommended standard concentrations for 10 high-alert drugs.
      Also presented in this article are general principles drafted by the USP
      committee to guide the development of local and national standard concentrations.
      CONCLUSION: The results of a national USP survey indicate that many institutions
      do not use standard i.v. infusion concentrations of commonly used high-risk
      medications in adult, pediatric, or neonatal patient populations.

PMID- 22058105
TI  - Improving adherence to best-practice guidelines for venous thromboembolism risk
      assessment and prevention.
AB  - PURPOSE: The effectiveness of a program to improve adherence to best-practice
      guidelines for venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk assessment and prevention in a
      community hospital setting was evaluated. SUMMARY: Variation in the use of best
      practice guidelines for VTE risk assessment and prevention with regard to the
      frequency of VTE risk assessment and the risk score assigned, as well as the
      communication of the risk of VTE and the need for prophylaxis to treating
      physicians, was found. To improve adherence to established guidelines, the
      responsibilities of a nurse case manager were expanded to serve as a single point
      of contact who was accountable for identifying high-risk patients and advocating
      for appropriate pharmacologic prophylaxis in the absence of contraindications. To
      facilitate the role of the nurse case manager, an automated VTE-risk-assessment
      tool was developed to reliably identify high-risk patients in real time. This
      intervention was evaluated from January 1 to June 30, 2010. Before the
      intervention, contraindications to anticoagulation were reported for 19.1% of
      high-risk patients not receiving prophylaxis and pharmacologic prophylaxis was
      ordered for 47.9% of high-risk patients without contraindications. During the
      course of the intervention, contraindications to anticoagulation were reported
      for 36.2% of high-risk patients not receiving prophylaxis and pharmacologic
      prophylaxis was ordered for 64.9% of high-risk patients without
      contraindications. CONCLUSION: The appointment of a nurse case manager trained in
      anticoagulation and the development of an automated VTE-risk-assessment tool to
      identify patients at high risk of VTE were associated with improved adherence to
      best-practice guidelines for VTE risk assessment and prevention.

PMID- 22058106
TI  - Evaluating the mind's eye: the metacognition of visual imagery.
AB  - Can people evaluate phenomenal qualities of internally generated experiences,
      such as whether a mental image is vivid or detailed? This question exemplifies a
      problem of metacognition: How well do people know their own thoughts? In the
      study reported here, participants were instructed to imagine a specific visual
      pattern and rate its vividness, after which they were presented with an ambiguous
      rivalry display that consisted of the previously imagined pattern plus an
      orthogonal pattern. On individual trials, higher ratings of vividness predicted a
      greater likelihood that the imagined pattern would appear dominant when the
      participant was subsequently presented with the binocular rivalry display. Off
      line self-report questionnaires measuring imagery vividness also predicted
      individual differences in the strength of imagery bias over the entire study.
      Perceptual bias due to mental imagery could not be attributed to demand
      characteristics, as no bias was observed on catch-trial presentations of mock
      rivalry displays. Our findings provide novel evidence that people have a good
      metacognitive understanding of their own mental imagery and can reliably evaluate
      the vividness of single episodes of imagination.

PMID- 22058107
TI  - Immunizing against prejudice: effects of disease protection on attitudes toward
      out-groups.
AB  - Contemporary interpersonal biases are partially derived from psychological
      mechanisms that evolved to protect people against the threat of contagious
      disease. This behavioral immune system effectively promotes disease avoidance but
      also results in an overgeneralized prejudice toward people who are not legitimate
      carriers of disease. In three studies, we tested whether experiences with two
      modern forms of disease protection (vaccination and hand washing) attenuate the
      relationship between concerns about disease and prejudice against out-groups.
      Study 1 demonstrated that when threatened with disease, vaccinated participants
      exhibited less prejudice toward immigrants than unvaccinated participants did. In
      Study 2, we found that framing vaccination messages in terms of immunity
      eliminated the relationship between chronic germ aversion and prejudice. In Study
      3, we directly manipulated participants' protection from disease by having some
      participants wash their hands and found that this intervention significantly
      influenced participants' perceptions of out-group members. Our research suggests
      that public-health interventions can benefit society in areas beyond immediate
      health-related domains by informing novel, modern remedies for prejudice.

PMID- 22058108
TI  - Status, race, and money: the impact of racial hierarchy on willingness to pay.
AB  - A deeply entrenched status hierarchy in the United States classifies African
      Americans as lower status than Caucasians. Concurrently, African Americans face
      marketplace discrimination; they are treated as inferior and poor. Because having
      money and spending money signify status, we explored whether African Americans
      might elevate their willingness to pay for products in order to fulfill status
      needs. In Studies 1 and 2, explicit activation of the race concept led some
      African Americans to pay more than they would otherwise pay and also more than
      Caucasians. Individual differences in perceived status disadvantage and racial
      identification moderated this result. In Study 3, when race was salient, an overt
      status threat (inferior treatment in a purchasing context) similarly led African
      Americans, but not Caucasians, to pay more than they would otherwise pay. This
      research illustrates how African Americans whose status is threatened use
      spending as a way to assert status.

PMID- 22058109
TI  - Sick body, vigilant mind: the biological immune system activates the behavioral
      immune system.
AB  - Activation of the behavioral immune system has been shown to promote activation
      of the biological immune system. The current research tested the hypothesis that
      activation of the biological immune system (as a result of recent illness)
      promotes activation of the behavioral immune system. Participants who had
      recently been ill, and had therefore recently experienced activation of their
      biological immune system, displayed heightened attention to (Study 1) and
      avoidance of (Study 2) disfigured individuals--cognitive and behavioral processes
      reflecting activation of the behavioral immune system. These findings shed light
      on the interactive nature of biological and psychological mechanisms designed to
      help people overcome the threat of disease.

PMID- 22058110
TI  - Effect of monomer composition of polymer matrix on flexural properties of glass
      fibre-reinforced orthodontic archwire.
AB  - To compare force levels obtained from glass fibre-reinforced composite (FRC)
      archwires. Specifically, FRC wires were compared with polymer matrices having
      different dimethacrylate monomer compositions. FRC material (E-glass provided by
      Stick Tech Ltd, Turku, Finland) with continuous unidirectional glass fibres and
      four different types of dimethacrylate monomer compositions for the resin matrix
      were tested. Cross-sectionally round FRC archwires fitting into the 0.3 mm slot
      of a bracket were divided into 16 groups with six specimens in each group. Glass
      fibres were impregnated by the manufacturer, and they were initially light-cured
      by hand light-curing unit or additionally post-cured in light-curing oven. The
      FRC archwire specimens were tested at 37 degrees C according to a three-point
      bending test in dry and wet conditions using a span length of 10 mm and a
      crosshead speed of 1.0 mm/minute. The wires were loaded until final failure. The
      data were statistically analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The dry FRC
      archwire specimens revealed higher load values than water stored ones, regardless
      of the polymer matrix. A majority of the FRC archwires showed higher load values
      after being post-cured. ANOVA revealed that the polymer matrix, curing method,
      and water storage had a significant effect (P < 0.05) on the flexural behaviour
      of the FRC archwire. Polymer matrix composition, curing method, and water storage
      affected the flexural properties and thus, force level and working range which
      could be obtained from the FRC archwire.

PMID- 22058111
TI  - Automated analysis and classification of infected macrophages using bright-field
      amplitude contrast data.
AB  - This article presents a methodology for acquisition and analysis of bright-field
      amplitude contrast image data in high-throughput screening (HTS) for the
      measurement of cell density, cell viability, and classification of individual
      cells into phenotypic classes. We present a robust image analysis pipeline, where
      the original data are subjected to image standardization, image enhancement, and
      segmentation by region growing. This work develops new imaging and analysis
      techniques for cell analysis in HTS and successfully addresses a particular need
      for direct measurement of cell density and other features without using dyes.

PMID- 22058112
TI  - A novel hybrid CFH/CFHR3 gene generated by a microhomology-mediated deletion in
      familial atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome.
AB  - Genomic disorders affecting the genes encoding factor H (fH) and the 5 factor H
      related proteins have been described in association with atypical hemolytic
      uremic syndrome. These include deletions of CFHR3, CFHR1, and CFHR4 in
      association with fH autoantibodies and the formation of a hybrid CFH/CFHR1 gene.
      These occur through nonallelic homologous recombination secondary to the presence
      of large segmental duplications (macrohomology) in this region. Using multiplex
      ligation-dependent probe amplification to screen for such genomic disorders, we
      have identified a large atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome family where a
      deletion has occurred through microhomology-mediated end joining rather than
      nonallelic homologous recombination. In the 3 affected persons of this family, we
      have shown that the deletion results in formation of a CFH/CFHR3 gene. We have
      shown that the protein product of this is a 24 SCR protein that is secreted with
      normal fluid-phase activity but marked loss of complement regulation at cell
      surfaces despite increased heparin binding. In this study, we have therefore
      shown that microhomology in this area of chromosome 1 predisposes to disease
      associated genomic disorders and that the complement regulatory function of fH at
      the cell surface is critically dependent on the structural integrity of the whole
      molecule.

PMID- 22058113
TI  - Ribosomal deficiencies in Diamond-Blackfan anemia impair translation of
      transcripts essential for differentiation of murine and human erythroblasts.
AB  - Diamond-Blackfan anemia (DBA) is associated with developmental defects and
      profound anemia. Mutations in genes encoding a ribosomal protein of the small
      (e.g., RPS19) or large (e.g., RPL11) ribosomal subunit are found in more than
      half of these patients. The mutations cause ribosomal haploinsufficiency, which
      reduces overall translation efficiency of cellular mRNAs. We reduced the
      expression of Rps19 or Rpl11 in mouse erythroblasts and investigated mRNA
      polyribosome association, which revealed deregulated translation initiation of
      specific transcripts. Among these were Bag1, encoding a Hsp70 cochaperone, and
      Csde1, encoding an RNA-binding protein, and both were expressed at increased
      levels in erythroblasts. Their translation initiation is cap independent and
      starts from an internal ribosomal entry site, which appeared sensitive to
      knockdown of Rps19 or Rpl11. Mouse embryos lacking Bag1 die at embryonic day
      13.5, with reduced erythroid colony forming cells in the fetal liver, and low
      Bag1 expression impairs erythroid differentiation in vitro. Reduced expression of
      Csde1 impairs the proliferation and differentiation of erythroid blasts. Protein
      but not mRNA expression of BAG1 and CSDE1 was reduced in erythroblasts cultured
      from DBA patients. Our data suggest that impaired internal ribosomal entry site
      mediated translation of mRNAs expressed at increased levels in erythroblasts
      contributes to the erythroid phenotype of DBA.

PMID- 22058114
TI  - Rituximab blocks protective serologic response to influenza A (H1N1) 2009
      vaccination in lymphoma patients during or within 6 months after treatment.
AB  - Cancer patients are often encouraged to receive seasonal influenza vaccination.
      The monoclonal antibody rituximab is widely used in treatment of non-Hodgkin
      lymphoma. This results in a prolonged depletion of normal B cells, which might
      impair humoral responses. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether
      lymphoma patients undergoing rituximab-containing treatment regimens or having
      received such regimens within the past 6 months were able to mount protective
      antibody responses to the influenza A(H1N1) 2009 virus vaccine Pandemrix during
      the 2009 "swine flu" pandemic. Contrary to the control group, where 82% responded
      adequately to the vaccine, none of the 67 patients achieved protective antibody
      titers, suggesting that lymphoma patients receiving rituximab-containing regimens
      might not benefit from this vaccine. It is important that doctors who care for
      such patients are aware that they may fail to respond not only to the influenza
      vaccine, but also to other common vaccines.

PMID- 22058115
TI  - Interaction of HTLV-1 Tax with minichromosome maintenance proteins accelerates
      the replication timing program.
AB  - The Tax oncoprotein encoded by the human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 plays a
      pivotal role in viral persistence and pathogenesis. Human T-cell leukemia virus
      type 1-infected cells proliferate faster than normal lymphocytes, expand through
      mitotic division, and accumulate genomic lesions. Here, we show that Tax
      associates with the minichromosome maintenance MCM2-7 helicase complex and
      localizes to origins of replication. Tax modulates the spatiotemporal program of
      origin activation and fires supplementary origins at the onset of S phase.
      Thereby, Tax increases the DNA replication rate, accelerates S phase progression,
      but also generates a replicative stress characterized by the presence of genomic
      lesions. Mechanistically, Tax favors p300 recruitment and histone
      hyperacetylation at late replication domains, advancing their replication timing
      in early S phase.

PMID- 22058116
TI  - Protumoral role of monocytes in human B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic
      leukemia: involvement of the chemokine CXCL10.
AB  - Myelomonocytic cells play a key role in the progression of many solid tumors.
      However, very little is known about their contribution to the progression of
      hematopoietic cancers. We investigated the role of monocytes in the progression
      of human B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL). We demonstrated
      that coculturing human monocytes in vitro with CD19+ BCP-ALL blasts from patients
      "conditioned" them to an inflammatory phenotype characterized by significant up
      regulation of the chemokine, CXCL10. This phenotype was also observable ex vivo
      in monocytes isolated from BCP-ALL patients, which show elevated CXCL10
      production compared with monocytes from healthy donors. Functionally, the
      "conditioned" monocytes promoted migration and invasive capacity of BCP-ALL
      cells. Increased invasion was mediated by matrix metalloproteinase 9 expression
      and activity in the BCP-ALL cells induced by the monocyte-derived CXCL10.
      However, neither the "conditioned" monocytes nor the CXCL10 produced by these
      cells had any effect on the proliferation/viability of BCP-ALL cells and
      angiogenesis. Collectively, our results strongly suggest a protumoral role for
      human monocytes in BCP-ALL, orchestrated by CXCL10 and its effect on tumor cell
      migration and invasion. These observations highlight the importance of the
      CXCL10/CXCR3 chemokine circuit in BCP-ALL progression.

PMID- 22058117
TI  - Allelic methylation levels of the noncoding VTRNA2-1 located on chromosome 5q31.1
      predict outcome in AML.
AB  - Deletions of chromosome 5q are associated with poor outcomes in acute myeloid
      leukemia (AML) suggesting the presence of tumor suppressor(s) at the locus.
      However, definitive identification of putative tumor suppressor genes remains
      controversial. Here we show that a 106-nucleotide noncoding RNA vault RNA2-1
      (vtRNA2-1), previously misannotated as miR886, could potentially play a role in
      the biology and prognosis of AML. vtRNA2-1 is transcribed by polymerase III and
      is monoallelically methylated in 75% of healthy individuals whereas the remaining
      25% of the population have biallelic hypomethylation. AML patients without
      methylation of VTRNA2-1 have a considerably better outcome than those with
      monoallelic or biallelic methylation (n = 101, P = .001). We show that
      methylation is inversely correlated with vtRNA2-1 expression, and that 5
      azanucleosides induce vtRNA2-1 and down-regulate the phosphorylated RNA-dependent
      protein kinase (pPKR), whose activity has been shown to be modulated by vtRNA2-1.
      Because pPKR promotes cell survival in AML, the data are consistent with vtRNA2-1
      being a tumor suppressor in AML. This is the first study to show that vtRNA2-1
      might play a significant role in AML, that it is either mono- or biallelically
      expressed in the blood cells of healthy individuals, and that its methylation
      state predicts outcome in AML.

PMID- 22058118
TI  - Carbodiimide cross-linking inactivates soluble and matrix-bound MMPs, in vitro.
AB  - Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) cause collagen degradation in hybrid layers
      created by dentin adhesives. This in vitro study evaluated the feasibility of
      using a cross-linking agent, 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide
      (EDC), to inactivate soluble rhMMP-9, as an example of dentin MMPs, and matrix
      bound dentin proteases. The inhibitory effects of 5 EDC concentrations (0.01-0.3
      M) and 5 incubation times (1-30 min) on soluble rhMMP-9 were screened with an MMP
      assay kit. The same EDC concentrations were used to evaluate their inhibitory
      effects on endogenous proteinases from completely demineralized dentin beams that
      were incubated in simulated body fluid for 30 days. Decreases in modulus of
      elasticity (E) and dry mass of the beams, and increases in hydroxyproline content
      of hydrolysates derived from the incubation medium were used as indirect measures
      of matrix collagen hydrolysis. All EDC concentrations and pre-treatment times
      inactivated MMP-9 by 98% to 100% (p < 0.05) compared with non-cross-linked
      controls. Dentin beams incubated in 0.3 M EDC showed only a 9% decrease in E (45%
      decrease in control), a 3.6% to 5% loss of dry mass (18% loss in control), and
      significantly less solubilized hydroxyproline when compared with the control
      without EDC cross-linking (p < 0.05). It is concluded that EDC application for 1
      min may be a clinically relevant and effective means for inactivating soluble
      rhMMP-9 and matrix-bound dentin proteinases if further studies demonstrate that
      EDC is not toxic to pulpal tissues.

PMID- 22058119
TI  - Rapid estrogenic effects on TMJ-responsive brainstem neurons.
AB  - Estrogen status is a risk factor for temporomandibular muscle and joint disorders
      (TMJD) and other craniofacial pain conditions. The basis for estrogen modulation
      of pain is poorly understood and has often been attributed to long-term genomic
      effects. However, estrogens also act rapidly through membrane-initiated
      mechanisms to alter neural activity. To assess if estrogens act rapidly to affect
      TMJ-responsive neurons, we applied 17beta-estradiol (E2) directly at the
      spinomedullary (Vc/C(1-2)) region, the initial brainstem site for synaptic
      integration of TMJ sensory signals, while recording single neuron activity. In
      ovariectomized female rats, E2 rapidly (within 10 minutes) and reversibly reduced
      TMJ-evoked neural activity at the Vc/C(1-2) region. The effect was estrogen
      receptor (ER) subtype-specific, since ERbeta agonists inhibited, while an ERbeta
      agonist enhanced, evoked activity. A membrane-mediated mechanism was indicated,
      since the membrane-impermeable analogue, E(2)-BSA, mimicked the inhibitory effect
      of E2 and was prevented by an ER antagonist. This study demonstrated that E2
      acted rapidly, through membrane-mediated pathways, and locally at the Vc/C(1-2)
      region, to modulate sensory signals from the TMJ region. These results were
      consistent with the hypothesis that estrogens can act rapidly at the level of the
      trigeminal brainstem complex to influence sensory integration of TMJ-related
      information.

PMID- 22058120
TI  - Determinants of exclusive breastfeeding in a cohort of primiparous periurban
      peruvian mothers.
AB  - The authors aimed to identify factors associated with exclusive breastfeeding
      (EBF) among 117 Peruvian mothers planning to breastfeed exclusively. Data were
      collected on days 0 and 3, and months 1, 3, and 6. Exclusive breastfeeding status
      was evaluated with a 24-hour recall of infant diet. Exclusive breastfeeding rates
      were 74%, 72%, and 35% at 1, 3, and 6 months, respectively. At 3 months, lower
      maternal education, greater breastfeeding frequency (day 3), greater breast pain
      (day 3), and depot medroxyprogesterone acetate use (3 months) were associated
      with EBF, after adjusting for EBF intentions. At 6 months, greater infant birth
      weight and mother-not employed were associated with EBF, after controlling for
      EBF intentions. More educated and working mothers, and infants with lower birth
      weight should be targeted in interventions to promote EBF in urban Peru. Research
      is also warranted to explore the factors linking depot medroxyprogesterone
      acetate use and breast pain with EBF duration.

PMID- 22058121
TI  - Molecularly imprinted solid-phase extraction for the selective HPLC determination
      of ractopamine in pig urine.
AB  - A method was developed for the determination of ractopamine in pig urine using
      molecularly imprinted solid-phase extraction (MISPE) as the sample clean-up
      technique combined with high-performance liquid chromatography. The molecularly
      imprinted polymer (MIP) was synthesized in acetonitrile-triethylamine system
      using ractopamine (RAC) as the template and acrylamide as the monomer. The
      binding capacity of the polymer toward RAC was found to be about 2.57 mg of
      ractopamine/g of polymer. The optimal procedures for MISPE consisted of
      conditioning with 3 mL methanol, equilibrating with 3 mL of water, loading volume
      of <10 mL of aqueous sample (pH 7), washing with 3 mL water and 3 mL methanol,
      and eluting with 5 mL of 5% ammonia in methanol. In the four spiked samples with
      the levels of 0.01, 0.1, 1.0 and 5.0 MUg/mL, the mean recoveries of analyte on
      the MIP were higher than 90% with relative standard deviation <10%, and
      significant differences between imprinted and non-imprinted materials were
      observed. The MIP selectivity was evaluated by checking 11 drugs with similar and
      different molecular structures to that of RAC. The characteristics of three
      dimensional cavities and hydrogen bond interaction were regarded as the main
      factors that dominated the retention of RAC on the MISPE cartridge.

PMID- 22058122
TI  - Quality of care in independent sector treatment centres.

PMID- 22058123
TI  - Number of children admitted to hospital with viral disease rose markedly last
      year.

PMID- 22058124
TI  - House of Lords' vote on health secretary's responsibility for NHS services is
      delayed.

PMID- 22058125
TI  - Treatment of man with mental illness at UK detention centre breached human
      rights.

PMID- 22058126
TI  - Strong epigenetic similarity between maize centromeric and pericentromeric
      regions at the level of small RNAs, DNA methylation and H3 chromatin
      modifications.
AB  - Both kinetochore function and sister chromatid cohesion can depend upon
      pericentromere chromatin structure, and factors associated with heterochromatin
      have been proposed to have general, conserved roles in distinguishing centromeres
      and pericentromeres and in conferring pericentromere-intrinsic functions. We
      applied genome-wide sequencing approaches to quantify RNA expression, DNA
      methylation and histone modification distributions in maize (Zea mays), focusing
      on two maize chromosomes with nearly fully sequenced centromeres and
      pericentromeres. Aside from the presence of the Histone H3 variant common to all
      centromeres, Centromeric Histone H3 (CENH3), we found no RNA expression or
      chromatin modifications that clearly differentiate pericentromeres from either
      centromeres or from chromosome arms, nor did we identify an epigenetic signature
      that accurately predicts CENH3 location. RNA expression and chromatin
      modification frequencies were broadly associated with distance from centromeres,
      gradually peaking or dipping toward arms. When interpreted in the context of
      experimental data from other systems, our results suggest that centromeres may
      confer essential functions (such as cohesion retention) to flanking sequence
      regardless of the local heterochromatin profile.

PMID- 22058127
TI  - MACiE: exploring the diversity of biochemical reactions.
AB  - MACiE (which stands for Mechanism, Annotation and Classification in Enzymes) is a
      database of enzyme reaction mechanisms, and can be accessed from
      http://www.ebi.ac.uk/thornton-srv/databases/MACiE/. This article presents the
      release of Version 3 of MACiE, which not only extends the dataset to 335 entries,
      covering 182 of the EC sub-subclasses with a crystal structure available (~90%),
      but also incorporates greater chemical and structural detail. This version of
      MACiE represents a shift in emphasis for new entries, from non-homologous
      representatives covering EC reaction space to enzymes with mechanisms of interest
      to our users and collaborators with a view to exploring the chemical diversity of
      life. We present new tools for exploring the data in MACiE and comparing entries
      as well as new analyses of the data and new searches, many of which can now be
      accessed via dedicated Perl scripts.

PMID- 22058128
TI  - Characterization of the kinetic and thermodynamic landscape of RNA folding using
      a novel application of isothermal titration calorimetry.
AB  - A novel isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) method was applied to investigate
      RNA helical packing driven by the GAAA tetraloop-receptor interaction in
      magnesium and potassium solutions. Both the kinetics and thermodynamics were
      obtained in individual ITC experiments, and analysis of the kinetic data over a
      range of temperatures provided Arrhenius activation energies (DeltaH(?)) and
      Eyring transition state entropies (DeltaS(?)). The resulting rich dataset reveals
      strongly contrasting kinetic and thermodynamic profiles for this RNA folding
      system when stabilized by potassium versus magnesium. In potassium, association
      is highly exothermic (DeltaH(25 degrees C) = -41.6 +/- 1.2 kcal/mol in 150 mM
      KCl) and the transition state is enthalpically barrierless (DeltaH(?) = -0.6 +/-
      0.5). These parameters are significantly positively shifted in magnesium
      (DeltaH(25 degrees C) = -20.5 +/- 2.1 kcal/mol, DeltaH(?) = 7.3 +/- 2.2 kcal/mol
      in 0.5 mM MgCl(2)). Mixed salt solutions approximating physiological conditions
      exhibit an intermediate thermodynamic character. The cation-dependent
      thermodynamic landscape may reflect either a salt-dependent unbound receptor
      conformation, or alternatively and more generally, it may reflect a small per
      cation enthalpic penalty associated with folding-coupled magnesium uptake.

PMID- 22058129
TI  - DistiLD Database: diseases and traits in linkage disequilibrium blocks.
AB  - Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified thousands of single
      nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with the risk of hundreds of diseases.
      However, there is currently no database that enables non-specialists to answer
      the following simple questions: which SNPs associated with diseases are in
      linkage disequilibrium (LD) with a gene of interest? Which chromosomal regions
      have been associated with a given disease, and which are the potentially causal
      genes in each region? To answer these questions, we use data from the HapMap
      Project to partition each chromosome into so-called LD blocks, so that SNPs in LD
      with each other are preferentially in the same block, whereas SNPs not in LD are
      in different blocks. By projecting SNPs and genes onto LD blocks, the DistiLD
      database aims to increase usage of existing GWAS results by making it easy to
      query and visualize disease-associated SNPs and genes in their chromosomal
      context. The database is available at http://distild.jensenlab.org/.

PMID- 22058130
TI  - pre-miRNA profiles obtained through application of locked nucleic acids and deep
      sequencing reveals complex 5'/3' arm variation including concomitant cleavage and
      polyuridylation patterns.
AB  - Recent research hints at an underappreciated complexity in pre-miRNA processing
      and regulation. Global profiling of pre-miRNA and its potential to increase
      understanding of the pre-miRNA landscape is impeded by overlap with highly
      expressed classes of other non coding (nc) RNA. Here, we present a data set
      excluding these RNA before sequencing through locked nucleic acids (LNA), greatly
      increasing pre-miRNA sequence counts with no discernable effect on pre-miRNA or
      mature miRNA sequencing. Analysis of profiles generated in total, nuclear and
      cytoplasmic cell fractions reveals that pre-miRNAs are subject to a wide range of
      regulatory processes involving loci-specific 3'- and 5'-end variation entailing
      complex cleavage patterns with co-occurring polyuridylation. Additionally,
      examination of nuclear-enriched flanking sequences of pre-miRNA, particularly
      those derived from polycistronic miRNA transcripts, provides insight into miRNA
      and miRNA-offset (moRNA) production, specifically identifying novel classes of
      RNA potentially functioning as moRNA precursors. Our findings point to
      particularly intricate regulation of the let-7 family in many ways reminiscent of
      DICER1-independent, pre-mir-451-like processing, introduce novel and unify known
      forms of pre-miRNA regulation and processing, and shed new light on overlooked
      products of miRNA processing pathways.

PMID- 22058131
TI  - 959 Nematode Genomes: a semantic wiki for coordinating sequencing projects.
AB  - Genome sequencing has been democratized by second-generation technologies, and
      even small labs can sequence metazoan genomes now. In this article, we describe
      '959 Nematode Genomes'--a community-curated semantic wiki to coordinate the
      sequencing efforts of individual labs to collectively sequence 959 genomes
      spanning the phylum Nematoda. The main goal of the wiki is to track sequencing
      projects that have been proposed, are in progress, or have been completed. Wiki
      pages for species and strains are linked to pages for people and organizations,
      using machine- and human-readable metadata that users can query to see the status
      of their favourite worm. The site is based on the same platform that runs
      Wikipedia, with semantic extensions that allow the underlying taxonomy and data
      storage models to be maintained and updated with ease compared with a
      conventional database-driven web site. The wiki also provides a way to track and
      share preliminary data if those data are not polished enough to be submitted to
      the official sequence repositories. In just over a year, this wiki has already
      fostered new international collaborations and attracted newcomers to the
      enthusiastic community of nematode genomicists. www.nematodegenomes.org.

PMID- 22058132
TI  - PlantNATsDB: a comprehensive database of plant natural antisense transcripts.
AB  - Natural antisense transcripts (NATs), as one type of regulatory RNAs, occur
      prevalently in plant genomes and play significant roles in physiological and
      pathological processes. Although their important biological functions have been
      reported widely, a comprehensive database is lacking up to now. Consequently, we
      constructed a plant NAT database (PlantNATsDB) involving approximately 2 million
      NAT pairs in 69 plant species. GO annotation and high-throughput small RNA
      sequencing data currently available were integrated to investigate the biological
      function of NATs. PlantNATsDB provides various user-friendly web interfaces to
      facilitate the presentation of NATs and an integrated, graphical network browser
      to display the complex networks formed by different NATs. Moreover, a 'Gene Set
      Analysis' module based on GO annotation was designed to dig out the statistical
      significantly overrepresented GO categories from the specific NAT network.
      PlantNATsDB is currently the most comprehensive resource of NATs in the plant
      kingdom, which can serve as a reference database to investigate the regulatory
      function of NATs. The PlantNATsDB is freely available at
      http://bis.zju.edu.cn/pnatdb/.

PMID- 22058133
TI  - ConoServer: updated content, knowledge, and discovery tools in the conopeptide
      database.
AB  - ConoServer (http://www.conoserver.org) is a database specializing in the
      sequences and structures of conopeptides, which are toxins expressed by marine
      cone snails. Cone snails are carnivorous gastropods, which hunt their prey using
      a cocktail of toxins that potently subvert nervous system function. The ability
      of these toxins to specifically target receptors, channels and transporters of
      the nervous system has attracted considerable interest for their use in
      physiological research and as drug leads. Since the founding publication on
      ConoServer in 2008, the number of entries in the database has nearly doubled, the
      interface has been redesigned and new annotations have been added, including a
      more detailed description of cone snail species, biological activity measurements
      and information regarding the identification of each sequence. Automatically
      updated statistics on classification schemes, three-dimensional structures,
      conopeptide-bearing species and endoplasmic reticulum signal sequence
      conservation trends, provide a convenient overview of current knowledge on
      conopeptides. Transcriptomics and proteomics have began generating massive
      numbers of new conopeptide sequences, and two dedicated tools have been recently
      implemented in ConoServer to standardize the analysis of conopeptide precursor
      sequences and to help in the identification by mass spectrometry of toxins whose
      sequences were predicted at the nucleic acid level.

PMID- 22058134
TI  - Effect of exercise referral schemes in primary care on physical activity and
      improving health outcomes: systematic review and meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the impact of exercise referral schemes on physical activity
      and health outcomes. Design Systematic review and meta-analysis. DATA SOURCES:
      Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane Library, ISI Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, and
      ongoing trial registries up to October 2009. We also checked study references.
      Study selection Design: randomised controlled trials or non-randomised controlled
      (cluster or individual) studies published in peer review journals. POPULATION:
      sedentary individuals with or without medical diagnosis. Exercise referral
      schemes defined as: clear referrals by primary care professionals to third party
      service providers to increase physical activity or exercise, physical activity or
      exercise programmes tailored to individuals, and initial assessment and
      monitoring throughout programmes. Comparators: usual care, no intervention, or
      alternative exercise referral schemes. RESULTS: Eight randomised controlled
      trials met the inclusion criteria, comparing exercise referral schemes with usual
      care (six trials), alternative physical activity intervention (two), and an
      exercise referral scheme plus a self determination theory intervention (one).
      Compared with usual care, follow-up data for exercise referral schemes showed an
      increased number of participants who achieved 90-150 minutes of physical activity
      of at least moderate intensity per week (pooled relative risk 1.16, 95%
      confidence intervals 1.03 to 1.30) and a reduced level of depression (pooled
      standardised mean difference -0.82, -1.28 to -0.35). Evidence of a between group
      difference in physical activity of moderate or vigorous intensity or in other
      health outcomes was inconsistent at follow-up. We did not find any difference in
      outcomes between exercise referral schemes and the other two comparator groups.
      None of the included trials separately reported outcomes in individuals with
      specific medical diagnoses. Substantial heterogeneity in the quality and nature
      of the exercise referral schemes across studies might have contributed to the
      inconsistency in outcome findings. Conclusions Considerable uncertainty remains
      as to the effectiveness of exercise referral schemes for increasing physical
      activity, fitness, or health indicators, or whether they are an efficient use of
      resources for sedentary people with or without a medical diagnosis.

PMID- 22058135
TI  - Promoting physical activity in primary care.

PMID- 22058136
TI  - Epidemiology of chronic kidney disease in children in Serbia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The epidemiological information from well-defined populations
      regarding childhood chronic kidney disease (CKD), particularly those concerning
      non-terminal stages, are scanty. The epidemiology of CKD in children is often
      based on renal replacement therapy (RRT) data, which means that a considerable
      number of children in earlier stages of CKD are missed as they will reach end
      stage renal disease (ESRD) in adulthood. Here, we report the basic
      epidemiological data on childhood CKD in Serbia, gathered over the 10-year period
      of activity of the Serbian Pediatric Registry of Chronic Kidney Disease. METHODS:
      Since 2000-09, data on incidence, prevalence, aetiology, treatment modalities and
      outcome of children aged 0-18 years, with CKD Stages 2-4 and CKD Stage 5, were
      collected by reporting index cases from paediatric centres. RESULTS: Three
      hundred and thirty-six children were registered (211 boys, 125 girls, male/female
      ratio 1.7). The median age at registration was 9.0 years [interquartile range
      (IQR) 3-13]. Median follow-up was 4.0 years (IQR, 1-9). The median glomerular
      filtration rate (GFR) at the time of the registration was 39.6 mL/min/1.73m(2)
      (IQR, 13.8-65.4). Median annual incidence of CKD 2-5 stages was 14.3 per million
      age-related population (p.m.a.r.p.), while those of CKD 2-4 or CKD 5 were 9.1 and
      5.7 p.m.a.r.p., respectively. The median prevalence of CKD 2-5 was 96.1
      p.m.a.r.p., 52.8 p.m.a.r.p. in CKD 2-4 and 62.2 p.m.a.r.p. in CKD 5. The main
      causes of CKD were congenital anomalies of kidney and urinary tract and
      hereditary nephropathies. Kidney survival was the worst in children with
      glomerular diseases and in those with advanced CKD. Haemodialysis was the most
      common first modality of RRT. Mortality rate was 4.5%, mainly due to
      cardiovascular and infectious complications. CONCLUSIONS: Epidemiology of
      paediatric CKD in Serbia is similar to that reported from developed European
      countries. The knowledge of the epidemiology of earlier stages of CKD is
      essential for both institution of renoprotective therapy and planning of RRT, a
      fact of paramount importance in countries with limited resources.

PMID- 22058137
TI  - Diagnosis and management of anal intraepithelial neoplasia and anal cancer.

PMID- 22058138
TI  - Four in 10 cases of alleged abuse of vulnerable adults occur in own homes.

PMID- 22058139
TI  - Central nervous system recruitment of effector memory CD8+ T lymphocytes during
      neuroinflammation is dependent on alpha4 integrin.
AB  - Clonally expanded CD8(+) T lymphocytes are present in multiple sclerosis lesions,
      as well as in the cerebrospinal fluid of patients with multiple sclerosis. In
      experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, CD8(+) T lymphocytes are found in
      spinal cord and brainstem lesions. However, the exact phenotype of central
      nervous system-infiltrating CD8(+) T lymphocytes and the mechanism by which these
      cells cross the blood-brain barrier remain largely unknown. Using cerebrospinal
      fluid from patients with multiple sclerosis, spinal cord from experimental
      autoimmune encephalomyelitis and coronavirus-induced encephalitis, we demonstrate
      that central nervous system-infiltrating CD8(+) T lymphocytes are mostly of the
      effector memory phenotype (CD62L(-) CCR7(-) granzymeB(hi)). We further show that
      purified human effector memory CD8(+) T lymphocytes transmigrate more readily
      across blood-brain barrier-endothelial cells than non-effector memory CD8(+) T
      lymphocytes, and that blood-brain barrier endothelium promotes the selective
      recruitment of effector memory CD8(+) T lymphocytes. Furthermore, we provide
      evidence for the recruitment of interferon-gamma- and interleukin-17-secreting
      CD8(+) T lymphocytes by human and mouse blood-brain barrier endothelium. Finally,
      we show that in vitro migration of CD8(+) T lymphocytes across blood-brain
      barrier-endothelial cells is dependent on alpha4 integrin, but independent of
      intercellular adhesion molecule-1/leucocyte function-associated antigen-1,
      activated leucocyte cell adhesion molecule/CD6 and the chemokine monocyte
      chemotactic protein-1/CCL2. We also demonstrate that in vivo neutralization of
      very late antigen-4 restricts central nervous system infiltration of CD8(+) T
      lymphocytes in active immunization and adoptive transfer experimental autoimmune
      encephalomyelitis, and in coronavirus-induced encephalitis. Our study thus
      demonstrates an active role of the blood-brain barrier in the recruitment of
      effector memory CD8(+) T lymphocytes to the CNS compartment and defines alpha4
      integrin as a major contributor of CD8(+) T lymphocyte entry into the brain.

PMID- 22058140
TI  - alpha1,3 glucans are dispensable in Aspergillus fumigatus.
AB  - A triple alpha1,3 glucan synthase mutant of Aspergillus fumigatus obtained by
      successive deletions of the three alpha1,3 glucan synthase genes (AGS1, AGS2, and
      AGS3) has a cell wall devoid of alpha1,3 glucans. The lack of alpha1,3 glucans
      affects neither conidial germination nor mycelial vegetative growth and is
      compensated by an increase in beta1,3 glucan and/or chitin content.

PMID- 22058141
TI  - A trypanosomal pentatricopeptide repeat protein stabilizes the mitochondrial
      mRNAs of cytochrome oxidase subunits 1 and 2.
AB  - The pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) protein family consists of organellar proteins
      predicted to bind to specific RNA sequences. Plants have hundreds of distinct PPR
      proteins, whereas other eukaryotes generally have many fewer. The genome of the
      parasitic protozoon Trypanosoma brucei is predicted to encode more than 30
      different PPR proteins, which is an extraordinarily high number for a nonplant
      organism. Here we report the characterization T. brucei PPR9 (TbPPR9). Epitope
      tagging shows that the protein is exclusively mitochondrially localized.
      Interestingly, while in induced RNA interference cell lines TbPPR9 is efficiently
      downregulated, the level of its mRNA is not affected. Ablation of TbPPR9
      selectively abolishes oxidative but not mitochondrial substrate-level
      phosphorylation. The molecular basis of this phenotype is the fact that TbPPR9 is
      required for the stability of the cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COX1) and COX2
      mRNAs. This is supported by the observation that ablation of TbPPR9 destabilizes
      the COX complex but not the cytochrome bc1 or the ATP synthase complex. Moreover,
      it was shown by blue native gel electrophoresis that TbPPR9 is present in a large
      complex of unknown composition.

PMID- 22058142
TI  - The Neurospora crassa DCC-1 protein, a putative histidine kinase, is required for
      normal sexual and asexual development and carotenogenesis.
AB  - Two-component signaling pathways based on phosphoryl group transfer between
      histidine kinase and response regulator proteins regulate environmental responses
      in bacteria, archaea, plants, slime molds, and fungi. Here we characterize a
      mutant form of DCC-1, a putative histidine kinase encoded by the NCU00939 gene of
      the filamentous fungus Neurospora crassa. We show that this protein participates
      in the regulation of processes such as conidiation, perithecial development, and,
      to a certain degree, carotenogenesis. Furthermore, DCC-1 is suggested to exert
      its effect by promoting cyclic AMP production, thereby placing this protein
      within the context of a signaling pathway.

PMID- 22058143
TI  - Proteomic analysis of Trichoderma atroviride reveals independent roles for
      transcription factors BLR-1 and BLR-2 in light and darkness.
AB  - The genus Trichoderma is one of the most widely used biological control agents of
      plant-pathogenic fungi. The main mechanism for survival and dispersal of
      Trichoderma is through the production of asexual spores (conidia). The transition
      from filamentous growth to conidiation can be triggered by light, nutrient
      deprivation, and mechanical damage of the mycelium. We conducted proteomic
      profiling analyses of Trichoderma atroviride after a blue light pulse. The use of
      two-dimensional electrophoresis (2-DE) and mass spectrometry (MS) analysis
      allowed us to identify 72 proteins whose expression was affected by blue light.
      Functional category analysis showed that the various proteins are involved in
      metabolism, cell rescue, and protein synthesis. We determined the relationship
      between mRNA levels of selected genes 30 min after a light pulse and protein
      expression levels at different times after the pulse and found this correlation
      to be very weak. The correlation was highest when protein and mRNA levels were
      compared for the same time point. The transcription factors BLR-1 and BLR-2 are
      vital to the photoconidiation process; here we demonstrate that both BLR proteins
      are active in darkness and affect several elements at both the transcript and
      protein levels. Unexpectedly, in darkness, downregulation of proteins prevailed
      in the Deltablr-1 mutant, while upregulation of proteins predominated in the
      Deltablr-2 mutant. Our data demonstrate that the BLR proteins play roles
      individually and as a complex.

PMID- 22058144
TI  - Risks and benefits of thoracic epidural anaesthesia.
AB  - Thoracic epidural anaesthesia (TEA) reduces cardiac and splanchnic sympathetic
      activity and thereby influences perioperative function of vital organ systems. A
      recent meta-analysis suggested that TEA decreased postoperative cardiac morbidity
      and mortality. TEA appears to ameliorate gut injury in major surgery as long as
      the systemic haemodynamic effects of TEA are adequately controlled. The
      functional benefit in fast-track and laparoscopic surgery needs to be clarified.
      Better pain control with TEA is established in a wide range of surgical
      procedures. In a setting of advanced surgical techniques, fast-track regimens and
      a low overall event rate, the number needed to treat to prevent one death by TEA
      is high. The risk of harm by TEA is even lower, and other methods used to control
      perioperative pain and stress response also carry specific risks. To optimize the
      risk-benefit balance of TEA, safe time intervals regarding the use of concomitant
      anticoagulants and consideration of reduced renal function impairing their
      elimination must be observed. Infection is a rare complication and is associated
      with better prognosis. Close monitoring and a predefined algorithm for the
      diagnosis and treatment of spinal compression or infection are crucial to ensure
      patient safety with TEA. The risk-benefit balance of analgesia by TEA is
      favourable and should foster clinical use.

PMID- 22058145
TI  - Risk modification of colorectal adenoma by CYP7A1 polymorphisms and the role of
      bile acid metabolism in carcinogenesis.
AB  - Cholesterol 7alpha-hydroxylase (CYP7A1), the rate-limiting enzyme in the
      conversion of cholesterol to bile acids, is a postulated gene modifier of
      colorectal cancer risk and target for the therapeutic bile acid, ursodeoxycholic
      acid (UDCA). We investigated associations between CYP7A1 polymorphisms and fecal
      bile acids, colorectal adenoma (CRA), and UDCA efficacy for CRA prevention. Seven
      tagging, single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in CYP7A1 were measured in 703
      (355 UDCA, 348 placebo) participants of a phase III chemoprevention trial, of
      which 495 had known baseline fecal bile acid concentrations. In the placebo arm,
      participants with two minor G(rs8192871) alleles (tag for a low activity promoter
      polymorphism at -204) had lower odds of high secondary bile acids (OR = 0.26, 95%
      CI: 0.10-0.69), and CRA at 3 years' follow-up (OR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.19-0.89),
      than AA carriers. Haplotype construction from the six polymorphic SNPs showed
      participants with the third most common haplotype
      (C(rs10957057)C(rs8192879)G(rs8192877)T(rs11786580)A(rs8192871)G(rs13251096)) had
      higher odds of high primary bile acids (OR = 2.34, 95% CI: 1.12-4.89) and CRA (OR
      = 1.89, 95% CI: 1.00-3.57) than those with the most common CTACAG haplotype.
      Furthermore, three SNPs (rs8192877, rs8192871, and rs13251096) each modified UDCA
      efficacy for CRA prevention, and CCGTAG-haplotype carriers experienced 71% lower
      odds of CRA recurrence with UDCA treatment, an effect not present for other
      haplotypes (test for UDCA-haplotype interaction, P = 0.020). Our findings support
      CYP7A1 polymorphisms as determinants of fecal bile acids and risk factors for
      CRA. Furthermore, UDCA efficacy for CRA prevention may be modified by genetic
      variation in CYP7A1, limiting treatment benefit to a subgroup of the population.

PMID- 22058146
TI  - A combined array-based comparative genomic hybridization and functional library
      screening approach identifies mir-30d as an oncomir in cancer.
AB  - Oncomirs are microRNAs (miRNA) that acts as oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes.
      Efficient identification of oncomirs remains a challenge. Here we report a novel,
      clinically guided genetic screening approach for the identification of oncomirs,
      identifying mir-30d through this strategy. mir-30d regulates tumor cell
      proliferation, apoptosis, senescence, and migration. The chromosomal locus
      harboring mir-30d was amplified in more than 30% of multiple types of human solid
      tumors (n = 1,283). Importantly, higher levels of mir-30d expression were
      associated significantly with poor clinical outcomes in ovarian cancer patients
      (n = 330, P = 0.0016). Mechanistic investigations suggested that mir-30d
      regulates a large number of cancer-associated genes, including the apoptotic
      caspase CASP3. The guided genetic screening approach validated by this study
      offers a powerful tool to identify oncomirs that may have utility as biomarkers
      or targets for drug development.

PMID- 22058147
TI  - Defective NF-kappaB signaling in metastatic head and neck cancer cells leads to
      enhanced apoptosis by double-stranded RNA.
AB  - Ligands to several Toll-like receptors (TLR), which mediate innate immune
      responses and chronic inflammation have been used as adjuvants to immunotherapy
      to enhance their antitumor activity. In particular, double-stranded RNAs that are
      cognate ligands of TLR3 have been used to trigger proapoptotic activity in cancer
      cells. However, a mechanistic understanding of TLR3-mediated apoptosis and its
      potential involvement in controlling tumor metastasis has been lacking. In this
      study, we used paired cell lines and fresh tumor specimens, derived from
      autologous primary and metastatic head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, to
      investigate the role of TLR3 signaling in metastatic progression. Compared with
      primary tumor cells, metastatic tumor cells were highly sensitive to TLR3
      mediated apoptosis after double-stranded RNA treatment. Enhanced apoptosis in
      metastatic cells was dependent on double-stranded RNA and TLR3 and also the TLR3
      effector signaling protein TRIF. Downstream responses requiring NF-kappaB were
      critical for apoptosis in metastatic cells, the defects in which could be
      resuscitated by alternative pathways of NF-kappaB activation. By elucidating how
      TLR3 ligands trigger apoptosis in metastatic cells, our findings suggest insights
      into how to improve their clinical use.

PMID- 22058148
TI  - Angiopoietin-2 promotes inflammatory lymphangiogenesis and its effect can be
      blocked by the specific inhibitor L1-10.
AB  - Angiopoietin (Ang)-2, a ligand of the receptor tyrosine kinase Tie2, is known to
      be involved in the regulation of embryonic lymphangiogenesis. However, the role
      of Ang-2 in postnatal pathological lymphangiogenesis, such as inflammation, is
      largely unknown. We used a combination of imaging, molecular, and cellular
      approaches to investigate whether Ang-2 is involved in inflammatory
      lymphangiogenesis. We observed strong and continuous expression of Ang-2 on newly
      generated lymphatic vessels for 2 wk in sutured corneas of BALB/c mice. This
      expression was concurrent with an increased number of lymphatic vessels. TNF
      alpha expression also increased, with peak TNF-alpha expression occurring before
      peak Ang-2 expression was reached. In vitro experiments showed that TNF-alpha
      stimulates Ang-2 and Tie2 and ICAM-1 expression on human lymphatic endothelial
      cells (LECs) and blood vascular endothelial cells (BECs). Ang-2 alone did not
      affect the biological behavior of LECs, whereas Ang-2 combined with TNF-alpha
      significantly promoted the proliferation of LECs but not BECs. In mouse models,
      blockade of Ang-2 with L1-10, an Ang-2-specific inhibitor, significantly
      inhibited lymphangiogenesis but promoted angiogenesis. These results clearly
      indicate that Ang-2 acts as a crucial regulator of inflammatory lymphangiogenesis
      by sensitizing the lymphatic vasculature to inflammatory stimuli, thereby
      directly promoting lymphangiogenesis. The involvement of Ang-2 in inflammatory
      lymphangiogenesis provides a strong rationale for the exploitation of anti-Ang-2
      treatment in the prevention and treatment of tumor metastasis and transplant
      rejection.

PMID- 22058149
TI  - Diabetes-induced vascular dysfunction involves arginase I.
AB  - Arginase can cause vascular dysfunction by competing with nitric oxide synthase
      for l-arginine and by increasing cell proliferation and collagen formation, which
      promote vascular fibrosis/stiffening. We have shown that increased arginase
      expression/activity contribute to vascular endothelial cell (EC) dysfunction.
      Here, we examined the roles of the two arginase isoforms, arginase I and II (AI
      and AII, respectively), in this process. Experiments were performed using
      streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice: wild-type (WT) mice and knockout mice
      lacking the AII isoform alone (AI(+/+)AII(-/-)) or in combination with partial
      deletion of AI (AI(+/-)AII (-/-)). EC-dependent vasorelaxation of aortic rings
      and arterial fibrosis and stiffness were assessed in relation to arginase
      activity and expression. Diabetes reduced mean EC-dependent vasorelaxation
      markedly in diabetic WT and AI(+/+)AII(-/-) aortas (53% and 44% vs. controls,
      respectively) compared with a 27% decrease in AI(+/-)AII (-/-) vessels. Coronary
      fibrosis was also increased in diabetic WT and AI(+/+)AII(-/-) mice (1.9- and 1.7
      fold vs. controls, respectively) but was not altered in AI(+/-)AII (-/-) diabetic
      mice. Carotid stiffness was increased by 142% in WT diabetic mice compared with
      51% in AI(+/+)AII(-/-) mice and 19% in AI(+/-)AII (-/-) mice. In diabetic WT and
      AI(+/+)AII(-/-) mice, aortic arginase activity and AI expression were
      significantly increased compared with control mice, but neither parameter was
      altered in AI(+/-)AII (-/-) mice. In summary, AI(+/-)AII (-/-) mice exhibit
      better EC-dependent vasodilation and less vascular stiffness and coronary
      fibrosis compared with diabetic WT and AI(+/+)AII(-/-) mice. These data indicate
      a major involvement of AI in diabetes-induced vascular dysfunction.

PMID- 22058150
TI  - Role of soluble adenylyl cyclase in the heart.
AB  - This review discusses the potential place of soluble adenylyl cyclase (sAC) in
      the framework of signaling in the cardiovascular system. cAMP has been studied as
      a critical and pleiotropic second messenger in cardiomyocytes, endothelial cells,
      and smooth muscle vascular cells for many years. It is involved in the
      transduction of signaling by catecholamines, prostaglandins, adenosine, and
      glucagon, just to name a few. These hormones can act via cAMP by binding to a G
      protein-coupled receptor on the plasma membrane with subsequent activation of a
      heterotrimeric G protein and its downstream effector, transmembrane adenylyl
      cyclase. This has long been the canonical standard for cAMP production in a cell.
      However, the relatively recent discovery of a unique source of cAMP, sAC, creates
      the potential for a shift in this signaling paradigm. In fact, sAC has been shown
      to play a role in apoptosis in coronary endothelial cells and cardiomyocytes.
      Additionally, it links nutrient utilization with ATP production in the liver and
      brain, which suggests one of many potential roles for sAC in cardiac function.
      The possibility of producing cAMP from a source distal to the plasma membrane
      provides a critical new building block for reconstructing the cellular signaling
      infrastructure.

PMID- 22058151
TI  - Chronic Akt blockade aggravates pathological hypertrophy and inhibits
      physiological hypertrophy.
AB  - The attenuation of adverse myocardial remodeling and pathological left
      ventricular (LV) hypertrophy is one of the hallmarks for improving the prognosis
      after myocardial infarction (MI). The protein kinase Akt plays a central role in
      regulating cardiac hypertrophy, but the in vivo effects of chronic
      pharmacological inhibition of Akt are unknown. We investigated the effect of
      chronic Akt blockade with deguelin on the development of pathological [MI and
      aortic banding (AB)] and physiological (controlled treadmill running)
      hypertrophy. Primary cardiomyocyte cultures were incubated with 10 MUmol deguelin
      for 48 h, and Wistar rats were treated orally with deguelin (4.0 mg.kg(-1).day(
      1)) for 4 wk starting 1 day after the induction of MI or AB. Exercise-trained
      animals received deguelin for 4 wk during the training period. In vitro, we
      observed reduced phosphorylation of Akt and glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3beta
      after an incubation with deguelin, whereas MAPK signaling was not significantly
      affected. In vivo, treatment with deguelin led to attenuated phosphorylation of
      Akt and GSK-3beta 4 wk after MI. These animals showed significantly increased
      heart weights and impaired LV function with increased end-diastolic diameters
      (12.0 +/- 0.3 vs. 11.1 +/- 0.3 mm, P < 0.05), end-diastolic volumes (439 +/- 8
      vs. 388 +/- 18 MUl, P < 0.05), and cardiomyocyte sizes (+20%, P < 0.05) compared
      with MI animals receiving vehicle treatment. Furthermore, activation of
      Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent kinase II in deguelin-treated MI animals was
      increased compared with the vehicle-treated group. Four wk after AB, we observed
      an augmentation of pathological hypertrophy in the deguelin-treated group with a
      significant increase in heart weights and cardiomyocyte sizes (>20%, P < 0.05).
      In contrast, the development of physiological hypertrophy was inhibited by
      deguelin treatment in exercise-trained animals. In conclusion, chronic Akt
      blockade with deguelin aggravates adverse myocardial remodeling and antagonizes
      physiological hypertrophy.

PMID- 22058152
TI  - Morelloflavone, a biflavonoid inhibitor of migration-related kinases, ameliorates
      atherosclerosis in mice.
AB  - While macrophages take up modified LDL to form foam cells and multiply to develop
      fatty streaks, vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) migrate from the media to
      intima, secrete extracellular matrix, and increase the volume of atherosclerotic
      lesions. A medicinal plant Garcinia dulcis has been used in traditional Thai
      medicine for centuries to treat various chronic human diseases. Morelloflavone, a
      biflavonoid and an active ingredient of the plant, has been shown to inhibit VSMC
      migration through its inhibition of multiple migration-related kinases such as
      focal adhesion kinase, c-Src, ERK, and RhoA. However, the exact role of
      morelloflavone in atherosclerogenesis was unknown. We fed Ldlr(-/-)Apobec1(-/-)
      mice with either normal chow or chow containing 0.003% morelloflavone for 8 mo
      and assessed the extent of atherosclerosis by the en face and cross-sectional
      analyses. A cell composition analysis of atherosclerotic tissue was carried out
      using immunohistochemical staining. Oral morelloflavone therapy significantly
      reduced the atherosclerotic areas of the mouse aortas (a 26% reduction), without
      changing plasma lipid profiles or weights. Immunohistochemical analyses showed
      that morelloflavone reduced the number of VSMC in the atherosclerotic lesion
      while it did not change the density of macrophages in the lesion or the
      percentages of proliferating and apoptotic cells. Oral, low-dose, morelloflavone
      therapy retards atherosclerogenesis by limiting the migration of VSMC into the
      intima in the mouse model of human atherosclerosis. Upon further investigation,
      morelloflavone may be found to be a novel oral antiatherosclerotic agent and a
      viable addition to the conventional therapies such as statins in humans.

PMID- 22058153
TI  - The PTPN11 loss-of-function mutation Q510E-Shp2 causes hypertrophic
      cardiomyopathy by dysregulating mTOR signaling.
AB  - The identification of mutations in PTPN11 (encoding the protein tyrosine
      phosphatase Shp2) in families with congenital heart disease has facilitated
      mechanistic studies of various cardiovascular defects. However, the roles of
      normal and mutant Shp2 in the developing heart are still poorly understood.
      Furthermore, it remains unclear how Shp2 loss-of-function (LOF) mutations cause
      LEOPARD Syndrome (also termed Noonan Syndrome with multiple lentigines), which is
      characterized by congenital heart defects such as pulmonary valve stenosis and
      hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). In normal hearts, Shp2 controls cardiomyocyte
      size by regulating signaling through protein kinase B (Akt) and mammalian target
      of rapamycin (mTOR). We hypothesized that Shp2 LOF mutations dysregulate this
      pathway, resulting in HCM. For our studies, we chose the Shp2 mutation Q510E, a
      dominant-negative LOF mutation associated with severe early onset HCM. Newborn
      mice with cardiomyocyte-specific overexpression of Q510E-Shp2 starting before
      birth displayed increased cardiomyocyte sizes, heart-to-body weight ratios,
      interventricular septum thickness, and cardiomyocyte disarray. In 3-mo-old
      hearts, interstitial fibrosis was detected. Echocardiographically, ventricular
      walls were thickened and contractile function was depressed. In ventricular
      tissue samples, signaling through Akt/mTOR was hyperactivated, indicating that
      the presence of Q510E-Shp2 led to upregulation of this pathway. Importantly,
      rapamycin treatment started shortly after birth rescued the Q510E-Shp2-induced
      phenotype in vivo. If rapamycin was started at 6 wk of age, HCM was also
      ameliorated. We also generated a second mouse model in which cardiomyocyte
      specific Q510E-Shp2 overexpression started after birth. In contrast to the first
      model, these mice did not develop HCM. In summary, our studies establish a role
      for mTOR signaling in HCM caused by Q510E-Shp2. Q510E-Shp2 overexpression in the
      cardiomyocyte population alone was sufficient to induce the phenotype.
      Furthermore, the pathomechanism was triggered pre- but not postnatally. However,
      postnatal rapamycin treatment could still reverse already established HCM, which
      may have important therapeutic implications.

PMID- 22058155
TI  - Displacement-encoded and manganese-enhanced cardiac MRI reveal that nNOS, not
      eNOS, plays a dominant role in modulating contraction and calcium influx in the
      mammalian heart.
AB  - Within cardiomyocytes, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and neuronal
      nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) are thought to modulate L-type calcium channel
      (LTCC) function and sarcoplasmic reticulum calcium cycling, respectively.
      However, divergent results from mostly invasive prior studies suggest more
      complex roles. To elucidate the roles of nNOS and eNOS in vivo, we applied
      noninvasive cardiac MRI to study wild-type (WT), eNOS(-/-), and nNOS(-/-) mice.
      An in vivo index of LTCC flux (LTCCI) was measured at baseline (Bsl), dobutamine
      (Dob), and dobutamine + carbacholamine (Dob + CCh) using manganese-enhanced MRI.
      Displacement-encoded MRI assessed contractile function by measuring
      circumferential strain (E(cc)) and systolic (dE(cc)/dt) and diastolic
      (dE(cc)/dt(diastolic)) strain rates at Bsl, Dob, and Dob + CCh. Bsl LTCCI was
      highest in nNOS(-/-) mice (P < 0.05 vs. WT and eNOS(-/-)) and increased only in
      WT and eNOS(-/-) mice with Dob (P < 0.05 vs. Bsl). LTCCI decreased significantly
      from Dob levels with Dob + CCh in all mice. Contractile function, as assessed by
      E(cc), was similar in all mice at Bsl. With Dob, E(cc) increased significantly in
      WT and eNOS(-/-) but not nNOS(-/-) mice (P < 0.05 vs. WT and eNOS(-/-)). With Dob
      + CCh, E(cc) returned to baseline levels in all mice. Systolic blood pressure,
      measured via tail plethysmography, was highest in eNOS(-/-) mice (P < 0.05 vs. WT
      and nNOS(-/-)). Mice deficient in nNOS demonstrate increased Bsl LTCC function
      and an attenuated contractile reserve to Dob, whereas eNOS(-/-) mice demonstrate
      normal LTCC and contractile function under all conditions. These results suggest
      that nNOS, not eNOS, plays the dominant role in modulating Ca(2+) cycling in the
      heart.

PMID- 22058154
TI  - How NaCl raises blood pressure: a new paradigm for the pathogenesis of salt
      dependent hypertension.
AB  - Excess dietary salt is a major cause of hypertension. Nevertheless, the specific
      mechanisms by which salt increases arterial constriction and peripheral vascular
      resistance, and thereby raises blood pressure (BP), are poorly understood. Here
      we summarize recent evidence that defines specific molecular links between Na(+)
      and the elevated vascular resistance that directly produces high BP. In this new
      paradigm, high dietary salt raises cerebrospinal fluid [Na(+)]. This leads, via
      the Na(+)-sensing circumventricular organs of the brain, to increased sympathetic
      nerve activity (SNA), a major trigger of vasoconstriction. Plasma levels of
      endogenous ouabain (EO), the Na(+) pump ligand, also become elevated. Remarkably,
      high cerebrospinal fluid [Na(+)]-evoked, locally secreted (hypothalamic) EO
      participates in a pathway that mediates the sustained increase in SNA. This
      hypothalamic signaling chain includes aldosterone, epithelial Na(+) channels, EO,
      ouabain-sensitive alpha(2) Na(+) pumps, and angiotensin II (ANG II). The EO
      increases (e.g.) hypothalamic ANG-II type-1 receptor and NADPH oxidase and
      decreases neuronal nitric oxide synthase protein expression. The aldosterone
      epithelial Na(+) channel-EO-alpha(2) Na(+) pump-ANG-II pathway modulates the
      activity of brain cardiovascular control centers that regulate the BP set point
      and induce sustained changes in SNA. In the periphery, the EO secreted by the
      adrenal cortex directly enhances vasoconstriction via an EO-alpha(2) Na(+) pump
      Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger-Ca(2+) signaling pathway. Circulating EO also activates an
      EO-alpha(2) Na(+) pump-Src kinase signaling cascade. This increases the
      expression of the Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger-transient receptor potential cation
      channel Ca(2+) signaling pathway in arterial smooth muscle but decreases the
      expression of endothelial vasodilator mechanisms. Additionally, EO is a growth
      factor and may directly participate in the arterial structural remodeling and
      lumen narrowing that is frequently observed in established hypertension. These
      several central and peripheral mechanisms are coordinated, in part by EO, to
      effect and maintain the salt-induced elevation of BP.

PMID- 22058156
TI  - Current perspectives on cardiac amyloidosis.
AB  - Amyloidosis represents a group of diseases in which proteins undergo misfolding
      to form insoluble fibrils with subsequent tissue deposition. While almost all
      deposited amyloid fibers share a common nonbranched morphology, the affected end
      organs, clinical presentation, treatment strategies, and prognosis vary greatly
      among this group of diseases and are largely dependent on the specific amyloid
      precursor protein. To date, at least 27 precursor proteins have been identified
      to result in either local tissue or systemic amyloidosis, with nine of them
      manifesting in cardiac deposition and resulting in a syndrome termed "cardiac
      amyloidosis" or "amyloid cardiomyopathy." Although cardiac amyloidosis has been
      traditionally considered to be a rare disorder, as clinical appreciation and
      understanding continues to grow, so too has the prevalence, suggesting that this
      disease may be greatly underdiagnosed. The most common form of cardiac
      amyloidosis is associated with circulating amyloidogenic monoclonal
      immunoglobulin light chain proteins. Other major cardiac amyloidoses result from
      a misfolding of products of mutated or wild-type transthyretin protein. While the
      various cardiac amyloidoses share a common functional consequence, namely, an
      infiltrative cardiomyopathy with restrictive pathophysiology leading to
      progressive heart failure, the underlying pathophysiology and clinical syndrome
      varies with each precursor protein. Herein, we aim to provide an up-to-date
      overview of cardiac amyloidosis from nomenclature to molecular mechanisms and
      treatment options, with a particular focus on amyloidogenic immunoglobulin light
      chain protein cardiac amyloidosis.

PMID- 22058157
TI  - Electromechanical feedback with reduced cellular connectivity alters electrical
      activity in an infarct injured left ventricle: a finite element model study.
AB  - Myocardial infarction (MI) significantly alters the structure and function of the
      heart. As abnormal strain may drive heart failure and the generation of
      arrhythmias, we used computational methods to simulate a left ventricle with an
      MI over the course of a heartbeat to investigate strains and their potential
      implications to electrophysiology. We created a fully coupled finite element
      model of myocardial electromechanics consisting of a cellular physiological
      model, a bidomain electrical diffusion solver, and a nonlinear mechanics solver.
      A geometric mesh built from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements of an
      ovine left ventricle suffering from a surgically induced anteroapical infarct was
      used in the model, cycled through the cardiac loop of inflation, isovolumic
      contraction, ejection, and isovolumic relaxation. Stretch-activated currents were
      added as a mechanism of mechanoelectric feedback. Elevated fiber and cross fiber
      strains were observed in the area immediately adjacent to the aneurysm throughout
      the cardiac cycle, with a more dramatic increase in cross fiber strain than fiber
      strain. Stretch-activated channels decreased action potential (AP) dispersion in
      the remote myocardium while increasing it in the border zone. Decreases in
      electrical connectivity dramatically increased the changes in AP dispersion. The
      role of cross fiber strain in MI-injured hearts should be investigated more
      closely, since results indicate that these are more highly elevated than fiber
      strain in the border of the infarct. Decreases in connectivity may play an
      important role in the development of altered electrophysiology in the high
      stretch regions of the heart.

PMID- 22058158
TI  - Phosphodiesterase type-2 and NO-dependent S-nitrosylation mediate the
      cardioinhibition of the antihypertensive catestatin.
AB  - The chromogranin A (CHGA)-derived peptide catestatin (CST: hCHGA(352-372)) is a
      noncompetitive catecholamine-release inhibitor that exerts vasodilator,
      antihypertensive, and cardiosuppressive actions. We have shown that CST directly
      influences the basal performance of the vertebrate heart where CST dose
      dependently induced a nitric oxide-cGMP-dependent cardiosuppression and
      counteracted the effects of adrenergic stimulation through a noncompetitive
      antagonism. Here, we sought to determine the specific intracardiac signaling
      activated by CST in the rat heart. Physiological analyses performed on isolated,
      Langendorff-perfused cardiac preparations revealed that CST-induced negative
      inotropism and lusitropism involve beta(2)/beta(3)-adrenergic receptors
      (beta(2)/beta(3)-AR), showing a higher affinity for beta(2)-AR. Interaction with
      beta(2)-AR activated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/endothelial nitric oxide
      synthase (eNOS), increased cGMP levels, and induced activation of
      phosphodiesterases type 2 (PDE2), which was found to be involved in the
      antiadrenergic action of CST as evidenced by the decreased cAMP levels. CST
      dependent negative cardiomodulation was abolished by functional denudation of the
      endothelium with Triton. CST also increased the eNOS expression in cardiac tissue
      and human umbilical vein endothelial cells. cells, confirming the involvement of
      the vascular endothelium. In ventricular extracts, CST increased S-nitrosylation
      of both phospholamban and beta-arrestin, suggesting an additional mechanism for
      intracellular calcium modulation and beta-adrenergic responsiveness. We conclude
      that PDE2 and S-nitrosylation play crucial roles in the CST regulation of cardiac
      function. Our results are of importance in relation to the putative application
      of CST as a cardioprotective agent against stress, including excessive
      sympathochromaffin overactivation.

PMID- 22058159
TI  - Differential effect of atorvastatin and tacrolimus on proliferation of vascular
      smooth muscle and endothelial cells.
AB  - Although considered promising for use in drug-eluting stents (DES), tacrolimus
      failed clinically. Tacrolimus inhibits growth factor production but can also act
      as a growth factor on vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). This unexpected
      proliferative stimulus could reverse the beneficial effects of the drug on
      restenosis. We hypothesized that tacrolimus' association with statins, which
      lower cholesterol and impair cell proliferation, could restore tacrolimus'
      beneficial effect by abrogating the aberrant proliferative stimulus.
      Additionally, since maintenance of endothelial function represents a challenge
      for new-generation DES, we investigated the combined effect of tacrolimus and
      atorvastatin on endothelial cells. Human VSMC and umbilical vein endothelial
      cells (HUVEC) were incubated with 100 nM tacrolimus and increasing doses of
      atorvastatin (0-3.0 MUM). Atorvastatin plus tacrolimus dose-dependently inhibited
      VSMC proliferation. The percentage of cells incorporating 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine
      (BrdU) in their DNA was 49 +/- 14% under basal conditions, 62 +/- 15% (P = 0.01)
      with tacrolimus, 40 +/- 22% with 3 MUM atorvastatin, and 30 +/- 7% (P < 0.05)
      with 3 MUM atorvastatin plus tacrolimus. Atorvastatin downregulated beta-catenin,
      Erk1 and Erk2, and cyclin B in tacrolimus-stimulated VSMC. In contrast,
      atorvastatin plus tacrolimus did not affect proliferation of endothelial cells.
      The percentage of HUVEC incorporating BrdU in their DNA was 47 +/- 8% under basal
      conditions, 58 +/- 6% (P = 0.01) with tacrolimus, 45 +/- 4% with 3 MUM
      atorvastatin, and 49 +/- 1% with 3 MUM atorvastatin plus tacrolimus. Both agents
      stimulated endoglin production by HUVEC. Taken together, these results suggest
      that, when combined with tacrolimus, atorvastatin exerts a dose-dependent
      antiproliferative effect on VSMC. In contrast, atorvastatin acts in concert with
      tacrolimus in HUVEC to stimulate production of endoglin, a factor that has an
      important role in endothelial repair. Our study supports the conclusion that
      prevention of postcoronary in-stent restenosis and late thrombosis may benefit of
      concomitant association of tacrolimus and high doses of atorvastatin.

PMID- 22058160
TI  - Contribution of arterial blood pressure and PaCO2 to the cerebrovascular
      responses to motor stimulation.
AB  - Motor stimulation induces a neurovascular response that can be detected by
      continuous measurement of cerebral blood flow (CBF). Simultaneous changes in
      arterial blood pressure (ABP) and Pa(CO(2)) have been reported, but their
      influence on the CBF response has not been quantified. Continuous bilateral
      recordings of CBF velocity (CBFV), ABP, and end-tidal CO(2) (ET(CO(2))) were
      obtained in 10 healthy middle-aged subjects at rest and during 60 s of
      repetitive, metronome-controlled (1 Hz) elbow flexion. A multivariate
      autoregressive-moving average model was adopted to quantify the relationship
      between beat-to-beat changes in ABP, breath-by-breath ET(CO(2)), and the motor
      stimulus, represented by the metronome on-off signal (inputs), and the CBFV
      response to stimulation (output). All three inputs contributed to explain CBFV
      variance following stimulation. For the ipsi- and contralateral hemispheres, ABP
      explained 20.3 +/- 17.3% (P = 0.0007) and 19.5 +/- 17.2% (P = 0.01) of CBFV
      variance, respectively. Corresponding values for ET(CO(2)) and metronome signals
      were 22.0 +/- 24.2% (P = 0.008), 24.0 +/- 24.1% (P = 0.037), 32.7 +/- 22.5% (P =
      0.0015), and 43.2 +/- 25.1% (P = 0.013), respectively. Synchronized population
      averages suggest that the initial sudden change in CBFV was largely due to ABP,
      while the influence of ET(CO(2)) was more erratic. The component due to elbow
      flexion showed a well-defined pattern, with rise time slower than the main CBFV
      change but reaching a stable plateau after 15 s of stimulation. Identifying and
      removing the influences of ABP and Pa(CO(2)) to motor-induced changes in CBF
      should lead to more robust estimates of neurovascular coupling and better
      understanding of its physiological covariates.

PMID- 22058161
TI  - Molecular chaperones and heat shock proteins in atherosclerosis.
AB  - In response to stress stimuli, mammalian cells activate an ancient signaling
      pathway leading to the transient expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs). HSPs
      are a family of proteins serving as molecular chaperones that prevent the
      formation of nonspecific protein aggregates and assist proteins in the
      acquisition of their native structures. Physiologically, HSPs play a protective
      role in the homeostasis of the vessel wall but have an impact on
      immunoinflammatory processes in pathological conditions involved in the
      development of atherosclerosis. For instance, some members of HSPs have been
      shown to have immunoregulatory properties and modification of innate and adaptive
      response to HSPs, and can protect the vessel wall from the disease. On the other
      hand, a high degree of sequence homology between microbial and mammalian HSPs,
      due to evolutionary conservation, carries a risk of misdirected autoimmunity
      against HSPs expressed on the stressed cells of vascular endothelium.
      Furthermore, HSPs and anti-HSP antibodies have been shown to elicit production of
      proinflammatory cytokines. Potential therapeutic use of HSP in prevention of
      atherosclerosis involves achieving optimal balance between protective and
      immunogenic effects of HSPs and in the progress of research on vaccination. In
      this review, we update the progress of studies on HSPs and the integrity of the
      vessel wall, discuss the mechanism by which HSPs exert their role in the disease
      development, and highlight the potential clinic translation in the research
      field.

PMID- 22058162
TI  - Human apolipoprotein E genotypes differentially modify house dust mite-induced
      airway disease in mice.
AB  - Apolipoprotein E (apoE) is an endogenous negative regulator of airway
      hyperreactivity (AHR) and mucous cell metaplasia in experimental models of house
      dust mite (HDM)-induced airway disease. The gene encoding human apoE is
      polymorphic, with three common alleles (epsilon2, epsilon3, and epsilon4)
      reflecting single amino acid substitutions at amino acids 112 and 158. The
      objective of this study was to assess whether the human apoE alleles modify
      airway responses to repeated nasal HDM challenges. Mice expressing the human apoE
      epsilon2 (huApoE2), epsilon3 (huApoE3), or epsilon4 (huApoE4) alleles received
      nasal HDM challenges, and airway responses were compared with mice expressing the
      endogenous murine apoE gene (muApoE). huApoE3 mice displayed significant
      reductions in AHR, mucous cell metaplasia, and airway inflammation compared with
      muApoE mice. The attenuated severity of airway inflammation in huApoE3 mice was
      associated with reductions in lung mRNA levels of Th2 and Th17 cytokines, as well
      as chemokines (CCL7, CCL11, CCL24). huApoE4 mice had an intermediate phenotype,
      with attenuated AHR and IgE production, compared with muApoE mice, whereas airway
      inflammation and mucous cell metaplasia were not reduced. In contrast, HDM
      induced airway responses were not modified in mice expressing the huApoE2 allele.
      We conclude that the polymorphic huApoE alleles differentially modulate HDM
      induced airway disease, which can be stratified, in rank order of increasing
      disease severity, epsilon3 < epsilon4 < epsilon2. These results raise the
      possibility that the polymorphic apoE alleles may modify disease severity in
      human asthma.

PMID- 22058166
TI  - The exercise pressor reflex in animals.
AB  - This report summarizes work concerning the exercise pressor reflex performed in
      my laboratory over the past 20 years or so. It is part of a symposium held to
      celebrate the 40th anniversary of two publications by Dr Jere Mitchell that
      appeared in The Journal of Physiology. For the most part, this report concerns
      itself with the discharge properties of group III and IV muscle afferents.
      Particular attention has been paid to their responses to arterial injection of
      putative metabolic byproducts of muscular contraction as well as their responses
      to both static contraction and dynamic exercise.

PMID- 22058167
TI  - Muscle afferent activation causes ventilatory and cardiovascular responses during
      concurrent hypercapnia in humans.
AB  - Respiratory and cardiovascular responses to muscle mechanoreflex (passive calf
      stretch) and metaboreflex activation (local circulatory occlusion) were examined
      during inhalation of a hypercapnic gas mixture in four trials. These controlled
      for the effects of central command, metabolite sensitization of muscle afferents
      and hypercapnia-induced elevation of central respiratory drive. In an isokinetic
      dynamometer, with circulation through the right leg occluded by inflation of a
      thigh cuff, 13 participants either rested (control trial; CON) or plantarflexed
      their ankle at 50% maximal force for 1.5 min (voluntary exercise trial; EX).
      Thereafter, circulatory occlusion was maintained and the calf passively stretched
      before return to the resting position. Both trials were performed while breathing
      air, as well as while breathing a normoxic, hypercapnic (5% CO(2)) gas mixture
      (CO(2) trial and CO(2)+EX trial). Hypercapnic gas inhalation increased baseline
      minute ventilation (V), heart rate and mean arterial pressure (+27.67 +/- 1.74 l
      min(-1), +7 +/- 0.85 beats min(-1) and +13 +/- 3.41 mmHg, respectively; means +/-
      SEM) above control values (9.78 +/- 0.86 l min(-1), 62 +/- 2.3 beats min(-1) and
      88 +/- 2.6 mmHg, respectively). Voluntary exercise further increased these
      variables from baseline during both trials (P < 0.05). During the continued
      circulatory occlusion after voluntary exercise, mean arterial pressure remained
      significantly elevated (P < 0.05). Minute ventilation returned to baseline during
      circulatory occlusion following exercise in the EX trial, but in the CO(2)+EX
      trial the V remained elevated at end-exercise levels during this period (+7.12 +/
      1.13 l min(-1)). Passive stretch caused further increases in V during CO(2)+EX
      and CO(2) trials but not in CON and EX. These results indicate that in the
      absence of central command, either muscle metaboreflex and/or mechanoreflex
      activation stimulates ventilation during concurrent hypercapnia.

PMID- 22058168
TI  - Exercise training attenuates the hypermuscular phenotype and restores skeletal
      muscle function in the myostatin null mouse.
AB  - Myostatin regulates both muscle mass and muscle metabolism. The myostatin null
      (MSTN(-/-)) mouse has a hypermuscular phenotype owing to both hypertrophy and
      hyperplasia of the myofibres. The enlarged muscles display a reliance on
      glycolysis for energy production; however, enlarged muscles that develop in the
      absence of myostatin have compromised force-generating capacity. Recent evidence
      has suggested that endurance exercise training increases the oxidative properties
      of muscle. Here, we aimed to identify key changes in the muscle phenotype of
      MSTN(-/-) mice that can be induced by training. To this end, we subjected MSTN(-/
      ) mice to two different forms of training, namely voluntary wheel running and
      swimming, and compared the response at the morphological, myocellular and
      molecular levels. We found that both regimes normalized changes of myostatin
      deficiency and restored muscle function. We showed that both exercise training
      regimes increased muscle capillary density and the expression of Ucp3, Cpt1alpha,
      Pdk4 and Errgamma, key markers for oxidative metabolism. Cross-sectional area of
      hypertrophic myofibres from MSTN(-/-) mice decreased towards wild-type values in
      response to exercise and, in this context, Bnip3, a key autophagy-related gene,
      was upregulated. This reduction in myofibre size caused an increase of the
      nuclear-to-cytoplasmic ratio towards wild-type values. Importantly, both training
      regimes increased muscle force in MSTN(-/-) mice. We conclude that impaired
      skeletal muscle function in myostatin-deficient mice can be improved through
      endurance exercise-mediated remodelling of muscle fibre size and metabolic
      profile.

PMID- 22058169
TI  - The financial impact of health information exchange on emergency department care.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the financial impact health information exchange (HIE) in
      emergency departments (EDs). MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied all ED encounters
      over a 13-month period in which HIE data were accessed in all major emergency
      departments Memphis, Tennessee. HIE access encounter records were matched with
      similar encounter records without HIE access. Outcomes studied were ED-originated
      hospital admissions, admissions for observation, laboratory testing, head CT,
      body CT, ankle radiographs, chest radiographs, and echocardiograms. Our estimates
      employed generalized estimating equations for logistic regression models adjusted
      for admission type, length of stay, and Charlson co-morbidity index. Marginal
      probabilities were used to calculate changes in outcome variables and their
      financial consequences. RESULTS: HIE data were accessed in approximately 6.8% of
      ED visits across 12 EDs studied. In 11 EDs directly accessing HIE data only
      through a secure Web browser, access was associated with a decrease in hospital
      admissions (adjusted odds ratio (OR)=0.27; p<0001). In a 12th ED relying more on
      print summaries, HIE access was associated with a decrease in hospital admissions
      (OR=0.48; p<0001) and statistically significant decreases in head CT use, body CT
      use, and laboratory test ordering. DISCUSSION: Applied only to the study
      population, HIE access was associated with an annual cost savings of $1.9
      million. Net of annual operating costs, HIE access reduced overall costs by $1.07
      million. Hospital admission reductions accounted for 97.6% of total cost
      reductions. CONCLUSION: Access to additional clinical data through HIE in
      emergency department settings is associated with net societal saving.

PMID- 22058170
TI  - Time points may also count in assessment of the difference between prescribed and
      delivered dose.

PMID- 22058171
TI  - The reason why mother nature provided us with two kidneys: the risks of a
      congenital solitary functioning kidney.

PMID- 22058172
TI  - Effect of steroid-free low concentration calcineurin inhibitor maintenance
      immunosuppression regimen on renal allograft histopathology and function.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The most common cause of late kidney transplant failure is
      insidiously progressive renal dysfunction associated with organ scarring and
      fibrosis. Advanced donor age, delayed graft function, calcineurin toxicity and
      repeated acute rejection episodes are risk factors for this pathophysiology.
      METHODS: We employed 3, 12 and 24 months surveillance renal biopsies, scored
      using the Chronic Allograft Damage Index (CADI), with periodic estimates of
      glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) to assess the effect of a steroid-free
      maintenance immunosuppression regimen on allograft histology and function. Ninety
      one patients were induced with Alemtuzumab and then treated with mycophenolate
      sodium and low trough concentrations of tacrolimus. RESULTS: Fifty-six of 91
      patients followed for 24 months showed no clinical rejection and in 16 more only
      minimal histological or borderline changes as defined by Banff criteria were
      observed. Histologically acute rejection was observed in 14 patients including
      two detected on surveillance biopsy. Five patients refused biopsies but showed
      stable eGFR for 24 months. Graft histopathology in the group with no rejection
      did not worsen. In contrast, nearly half the patients with acute rejection showed
      progression of CADI scores and a total of four grafts were lost over the 2 years.
      The 16 patients with borderline rejection changes exhibited stable glomerular
      filtration rate throughout, but 12.5% showed progression of CADI scores in the 12
      to 24-month period. CONCLUSIONS: Following Alemtuzumab induction and in
      conjunction with low-dose tacrolimus and mycophenolate, continuous steroid
      therapy was not required to prevent progressive injury or preservation of graft
      function in patients without biopsy-proven acute rejection. Scored surveillance
      renal biopsies provide a useful tool to monitor transplanted kidneys.

PMID- 22058173
TI  - Suppression of neointimal hyperplasia by sirolimus-eluting expanded
      polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) haemodialysis grafts in comparison with
      paclitaxel-coated grafts.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Haemodialysis vascular access dysfunction caused by aggressive venous
      neointimal hyperplasia is a major problem for haemodialysis patients with
      synthetic arteriovenous (AV) grafts. Several different strategies to prevent
      venous stenosis by inhibiting smooth muscle cell proliferation and migration
      using local delivery of potent antiproliferative agents are currently under
      investigation. We performed this study to evaluate the efficacy of sirolimus
      eluting vascular grafts in preventing stenosis and to compare the effectiveness
      of sirolimus-coated grafts with that of paclitaxel-coated vascular grafts that we
      characterized in a previous study. METHODS: AV grafts were implanted laterally
      between the common carotid artery and external jugular vein of 14 female Landrace
      pigs. Three types of grafts were implanted: grafts coated with 1.08 MUg/mm(2)
      sirolimus (low dose, n = 6), grafts coated with 2.41 MUg/mm(2) sirolimus (high
      dose, n = 2) and uncoated control grafts (n = 6). Animals were sacrificed 6 weeks
      after surgery. Cross-sections of the venous anastomoses were analysed to
      determine the percentage of luminal stenosis in each group, and
      immunohistochemistry was performed to identify the cellular phenotypes of the
      neointimal hyperplasia and tissues adjacent to the implanted grafts. RESULTS:
      Compared with the control group, neointimal hyperplasia in the venous anastomoses
      of the groups implanted with sirolimus-coated vascular grafts was significantly
      suppressed without infection. The mean +/- standard error values for the
      percentage of luminal stenosis were 75.7 +/- 12.7% in the control group and 22.2
      +/- 1.41% in the low-dose sirolimus-coated group. Myofibroblasts and fibroblasts
      were the major cell types found in the neointimal hyperplasia. CONCLUSIONS:
      Neointimal hyperplasia was effectively suppressed by sirolimus-eluting grafts.
      However, the inhibitory effects of sirolimus-eluting grafts were weaker than
      those observed for paclitaxel-coated grafts in our previous study.

PMID- 22058174
TI  - Psychosocial variables are associated with being wait-listed, but not with
      receiving a kidney transplant in the Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns
      Study (DOPPS).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Psychosocial factors are associated with clinical outcomes in
      patients with end-stage renal disease. It is not known if self-reported
      depression and quality of life influence the likelihood of being wait-listed and
      receiving a transplant. METHODS: Prevalent cross section of 18- to 65-year-old
      hemodialysis (HD) patients in the USA (N = 2033) and seven European countries (N
      = 4350) from the Dialysis Outcomes and Practice Patterns Study phase II and III
      was analyzed. Wait-listed patients (N = 1838) were followed until kidney
      transplantation. Self-reported depressive symptoms were assessed by the Center
      for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression scale, 10-item version (CES-D) and health
      related quality of life (HR-QoL) by the Kidney Disease Quality of Life Short Form
      12 scale Physical Component Score (PCS). RESULTS: At study entry, 27% (USA) to
      53% (UK) of patients were wait-listed in participating countries. Variables
      associated with lower odds of being on the waiting list included worse HR-QoL,
      more severe depressive symptoms, older age, fewer years of education, lower serum
      albumin, lower hemoglobin, shorter time on dialysis and presence of multiple
      comorbid conditions. Among wait-listed patients, significantly lower
      transplantation rates were seen for females, blacks, patients having prior
      transplantation and multiple comorbid conditions but not PCS or CES-D.
      CONCLUSIONS: Fewer depressive symptoms and better HR-QoL are associated with
      being on the waiting list in prevalent HD patients but not with receiving a
      kidney transplant among wait-listed dialysis patients. Regular assessment of
      subjective well-being may help identify patients with reduced access to wait
      listing and kidney transplantation.

PMID- 22058175
TI  - Rostral overnight fluid shift in end-stage renal disease: relationship with
      obstructive sleep apnea.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In both healthy male subjects and men with heart failure, the
      severity of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is related to the amount of fluid
      displaced from their legs into the neck overnight. Whether overnight rostral
      fluid shift contributes to the pathogenesis of OSA in patients with end-stage
      renal disease (ESRD) is unknown. We hypothesized that the change in neck
      circumference (NC) and severity of OSA are related to the extent of overnight
      change in leg fluid volume (LFV) in patients with ESRD. METHODS: We studied 26
      patients with ESRD (14 men) on conventional hemodialysis. All subjects underwent
      polysomnography. LFV was measured by bioelectric impedance at bedtime and
      repeated in the next morning on awakening. RESULTS: Our cohort's overall apnea
      hypopnea index was 22.8+/-26.8 episodes/h of sleep. Their overnight change in LFV
      was -243+/-278 mL. The change in LFV correlated with apnea-hypopnea time (AHT)
      (P=0.001) and NC (P=0.0016). Other independent factors associated with AHT
      included age (P=0.005), baseline neck (P=0.0002), sitting time (P=0.008) and male
      gender. Stepwise multiple regression analysis revealed that age, change in LFV
      and male gender remained independent related to AHT. CONCLUSIONS: Nocturnal
      rostral fluid shift is associated with the severity of OSA in ESRD. Prospective
      evaluation of the effect of reducing fluid overload and severity of OSA in ESRD
      patients warrants further examination.

PMID- 22058176
TI  - Association between cold dialysis and cardiovascular survival in hemodialysis
      patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Higher cardiovascular mortality has been noted in patients with
      chronic kidney disease (CKD). CKD patients are also known to have impaired energy
      expenditure but the role of energy expenditure in cardiovascular disease is not
      yet known. Furthermore, the association between cold dialysis (CD) and clinical
      outcomes in hemodialysis patients is unclear. METHODS: This was a single-center
      retrospective cohort study consisting of two groups: a CD group with dialyzate
      temperature <35.5  degrees C and a standard dialysis (SD) group with dialyzate
      temperature between 35.5 and 37  degrees C. The end points of the study were
      overall mortality, cardiac mortality and non-cardiac mortality. The study
      analyzed the associations between dialyzate temperature and long-term survival in
      CD and SD groups. Propensity score analysis was used to control for intergroup
      baseline differences. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics of both groups were
      similar. Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that CD was significantly associated with a
      lower risk for overall mortality (P = 0.006) and cardiac mortality (P = 0.023)
      but not for non-cardiac mortality or infectious mortality. After multivariate Cox
      regression analysis, adjusting for propensity scores and other possible
      confounding factors, CD remained a significant beneficial factor for overall
      mortality (P = 0.030) and cardiac mortality (P = 0.034). CONCLUSION: Our studies
      show that CD is significantly and independently associated with a lower risk for
      overall mortality and cardiac mortality.

PMID- 22058177
TI  - A study of the natural history of diabetic kidney disease (DKD).
AB  - BACKGROUND: In view of the alarming increase in the number of people with
      diabetes mellitus (DM), a rising number of patients with diabetic kidney disease
      (DKD), end-stage renal disease (ESRD) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) is
      forecasted. It is therefore imperative to re-visit the natural history of DKD and
      to identify potential risk factors, which may enhance the progression of the
      disease and its complications. METHODS: The medical records of 270 Type 2
      diabetic chronic kidney disease patients followed up at the Sheffield Kidney
      Institute between 2000 and 2008 were reviewed. Various socio-demographic,
      clinical and biochemical parameters (baseline and follow-up parameters) were
      retrospectively collected from the patients' database. Progression of DKD was
      evaluated by evaluation of the rate of decline of estimated glomerular filtration
      rate (eGFR) as calculated from the simplified Modification of Diet in Renal
      Disease formula [progressors: loss of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) >2
      mL/min/1.73m(2)/year] as well as by the progression pattern based on the slope of
      GFR changes. Variables associated with progression in univariate analysis were
      examined by multivariate analysis to determine the factors independently
      associated with DKD progression. RESULTS: The majority of the study populations
      were males (66.7%) and Caucasians (88%). Ninety-four patients (34.8%) had
      progressive, whereas 176 (65.2%) had non-progressive DKD. The rate of eGFR
      decline in progressors was -3.57 +/- 1.45 mL/min/1.73m(2)/year compared to -1.31
      +/- 0.23 mL/min/1.73m(2)/year in non-progressors. The following parameters
      discriminated progressors from non-progressors by univariate analysis: baseline
      blood pressure (BP) parameters, eGFR and proteinuria as well as serum uric acid.
      We also observed that area under the curve for follow-up systolic blood pressure
      (SBP), glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and proteinuria were significantly higher
      among the progressors (P = 0.043, P = 0.02 and P = 0.001, respectively).
      Independent determinants of DKD progression in this study in an adjusted logistic
      regression model were baseline HbA1c [odds ratio (OR), 2.27; 95% confidence
      interval (CI), 1.14-4.54], baseline SBP (OR, 1.23; 95% CI, 1.06-1.41), baseline
      proteinuria (OR, 3.24; 95% CI, 2.1-5.38), baseline serum uric acid (OR, 1.16; 95%
      CI, 1.09-1.39) and vascular co-morbidities (OR, 1.61; 95% CI, 1.02-2.54).
      Percentage changes in the key parameters (BP, HbA1c and proteinuria) during the
      first year of the study did not affect the rate of eGFR decline. CONCLUSIONS:
      Baseline HbA1c, SBP, proteinuria and serum uric acid together with the presence
      of vascular co-morbidities are strongly and independently associated with faster
      DKD progression. A further prospective observational study is currently
      undertaken to evaluate these findings and to determine the predictive value of
      other biochemical peptides and cellular markers on DKD outcome.

PMID- 22058178
TI  - Early-onset group B Streptococcal sepsis: new recommendations from the Centres
      for Disease Control and Prevention.

PMID- 22058179
TI  - Bifidobacterium septicaemia in an extremely low-birthweight infant under
      probiotic therapy.

PMID- 22058180
TI  - Development of microsatellite loci for the endangered species Pityopsis ruthii
      (Asteraceae).
AB  - PREMISE OF THE STUDY: Microsatellite loci were developed for the endangered
      species Pityopsis ruthii and will permit genetic and conservation studies of the
      species. METHODS AND RESULTS: A microsatellite-enriched library was used to
      develop 12 polymorphic microsatellite loci for P. ruthii. The loci amplified
      perfect and imperfect repeats with three to seven alleles per locus. Observed
      heterozygosity ranged from 0.05 to 0.80 and expected heterozygosity ranged from
      0.23 to 0.75. CONCLUSIONS: These microsatellite loci provide a sufficient set of
      markers for further investigation of population genetics of P. ruthii.

PMID- 22058181
TI  - Genomics of Compositae weeds: EST libraries, microarrays, and evidence of
      introgression.
AB  - PREMISE OF STUDY: Weeds cause considerable environmental and economic damage.
      However, genomic characterization of weeds has lagged behind that of model plants
      and crop species. Here we describe the development of genomic tools and resources
      for 11 weeds from the Compositae family that will serve as a basis for subsequent
      population and comparative genomic analyses. Because hybridization has been
      suggested as a stimulus for the evolution of invasiveness, we also analyze these
      genomic data for evidence of hybridization. METHODS: We generated 22 expressed
      sequence tag (EST) libraries for the 11 targeted weeds using Sanger, 454, and
      Illumina sequencing, compared the coverage and quality of sequence assemblies,
      and developed NimbleGen microarrays for expression analyses in five taxa. When
      possible, we also compared the distributions of Ks values between orthologs of
      congeneric taxa to detect and quantify hybridization and introgression. RESULTS:
      Gene discovery was enhanced by sequencing from multiple tissues, normalization of
      cDNA libraries, and especially greater sequencing depth. However, assemblies from
      short sequence reads sometimes failed to resolve close paralogs. Substantial
      introgression was detected in Centaurea and Helianthus, but not in Ambrosia and
      Lactuca. CONCLUSIONS: Transcriptome sequencing using next-generation platforms
      has greatly reduced the cost of genomic studies of nonmodel organisms, and the
      ESTs and microarrays reported here will accelerate evolutionary and molecular
      investigations of Compositae weeds. Our study also shows how ortholog comparisons
      can be used to approximately estimate the genome-wide extent of introgression and
      to identify genes that have been exchanged between hybridizing taxa.

PMID- 22058182
TI  - Complex shaped detachable platinum coil system for the treatment of cerebral
      aneurysms: the Codman Trufill DCS and Trufill DCS Orbit Detachable Coil System
      COMPLEX Registry final results.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To report on an electronic database with longitudinal information on
      the use of bare platinum coils for the endovascular occlusion of cerebral
      aneurysms. We report here the final analysis of the data. METHODS: From 1 May
      2004 to 10 July 2007, a global registry was conducted at 36 centers in the USA,
      Europe and Latin America. 303 patients were enrolled, of whom 299 patients were
      treated with bare detachable platinum coils (mostly Trufill Detachable Coil
      System (DCS) Orbit coils). Short and long term anatomical and clinical data were
      collected. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the association of
      selected patient characteristics to outcomes of recanalization and retreatment.
      RESULTS: 313 aneurysms, ruptured and unruptured, were treated in the 299
      patients. Follow-up data were available on 185 patients: 150 (81%) had a 3-6
      month follow-up, 63 (34%) had a 1 year follow-up and five (3%) had a 2 year
      follow-up. This paper reviews the status of 185 patients with follow-up data
      available at this time. Immediately postprocedure, 114 (58%) aneurysms were
      completely obliterated, 40 (20%) residual neck, 23 (12%) residual aneurysm and 19
      (10%) dog ear. Of 174 aneurysms in 167 patients with angiographic follow-up, 137
      (79%) remained stable or improved, nine (5%) showed aneurysm regrowth, 26 (15%)
      showed compaction and two (1%) had migrated. At 3-6 months, 11 of the 174 (6%)
      aneurysms were re-treated. CONCLUSION: These results confirm previous outcome
      data of endovascular occlusion of cerebral aneurysms with Trufill DCS Orbit
      complex shaped detachable platinum coils. Complications related to the device
      were rare.

PMID- 22058184
TI  - Health impact assessment of fine particle pollution at the regional level.
AB  - Since the year 2000, evaluation of the impact of air pollution on people's health
      has drawn the attention of the general public and has led decision-makers to
      develop specific health policies. In most of the health impact assessment
      literature, investigators have reported on long- and short-term effects of air
      pollution. Here the authors present results of a health impact assessment of
      short-term effects of particulate matter <=10 MUm in diameter (PM(10)) in the
      Lombardy region of Italy (2003-2006). The impact was evaluated in terms of
      numbers of attributable deaths under several counterfactual scenarios of air
      pollution reduction based on World Health Organization guidelines and European
      Union limits. The authors found that annual average PM(10) levels exceeding the
      World Health Organization threshold of 20 MUg/m(3) and the European Union limit
      of 40 MUg/m(3) were responsible for 302 and 109 attributable deaths per year,
      corresponding to attributable community rates of 13 and 5 deaths per 100,000
      inhabitants per year, respectively. A 20% reduction in existing PM(10) levels
      could reduce by more than 30% the burden of short-term deaths linked to ambient
      air pollution. Therefore, policies for air pollution reduction appear to be
      necessary in order to protect and improve individual and community health.

PMID- 22058183
TI  - Organ and cell type-specific complementary expression patterns and regulatory
      neofunctionalization between duplicated genes in Arabidopsis thaliana.
AB  - Duplicated genes can contribute to the evolution of new functions and they are
      common in eukaryotic genomes. After duplication, genes can show divergence in
      their sequence and/or expression patterns. Qualitative complementary expression,
      or reciprocal expression, is when only one copy is expressed in some organ or
      tissue types and only the other copy is expressed in others, indicative of
      regulatory subfunctionalization or neofunctionalization. From analyses of two
      microarray data sets with 83 different organ types, developmental stages, and
      cell types in Arabidopsis thaliana, we determined that 30% of whole-genome
      duplicate pairs and 38% of tandem duplicate pairs show reciprocal expression
      patterns. We reconstructed the ancestral state of expression patterns to infer
      that considerably more cases of reciprocal expression resulted from gain of a new
      expression pattern (regulatory neofunctionalization) than from partitioning of
      ancestral expression patterns (regulatory subfunctionalization). Pollen was an
      especially common organ type for expression gain, resulting in contrasting
      expression of some duplicates in pollen. Many of the gene pairs with reciprocal
      expression showed asymmetric sequence rate evolution, consistent with
      neofunctionalization, and the more rapidly evolving copy often showed a more
      restricted expression pattern. A gene with reciprocal expression in pollen,
      involved in brassinosteroid signal transduction, has evolved more rapidly than
      its paralog, and it shows evidence for a new function in pollen. This study
      indicates the evolutionary importance of reciprocal expression patterns between
      gene duplicates, showing that they are common, often associated with regulatory
      neofunctionalization, and may be a factor allowing for retention and divergence
      of duplicated genes.

PMID- 22058185
TI  - The marrow of life.

PMID- 22058186
TI  - Nursing-home-acquired pneumonia in Germany: an 8-year prospective multicentre
      study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine differences in aetiologies, initial antimicrobial
      treatment choices and outcomes in patients with nursing-home-acquired pneumonia
      (NHAP) compared with patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), which is a
      controversial issue. METHODS: Data from the prospective multicentre Competence
      Network for Community-acquired pneumonia (CAPNETZ) database were analysed for
      hospitalised patients aged >=65 years with CAP or NHAP. Potential differences in
      baseline characteristics, comorbidities, physical examination findings, severity
      at presentation, initial laboratory investigations, blood gases, microbial
      investigations, aetiologies, antimicrobial treatment and outcomes were determined
      between the two groups. RESULTS: Patients with NHAP presented with more severe
      pneumonia as assessed by CRB-65 (confusion, respiratory rate, blood pressure, 65
      years and older) score than patients with CAP but received the same frequency of
      mechanical ventilation and less antimicrobial combination treatment. There were
      no clinically relevant differences in aetiology, with Streptococcus pneumoniae
      the most important pathogen in both groups, and potential multidrug-resistant
      pathogens were very rare (<5%). Only Staphylococcus aureus was more frequent in
      the NHAP group (n=12, 2.3% of the total population, 3.1% of those with microbial
      sampling compared with 0.7% and 0.8% in the CAP group, respectively). Short-term
      and long-term mortality in the NHAP group was higher than in the CAP group for
      patients aged >=65 years (26.6% vs 7.2% and 43.8% vs 14.6%, respectively).
      However, there was no association between excess mortality and potential
      multidrug-resistant pathogens. CONCLUSIONS: Excess mortality in patients with
      NHAP cannot be attributed to a different microbial pattern but appears to result
      from increased comorbidities, and consequently, pneumonia is frequently
      considered and managed as a terminal event.

PMID- 22058187
TI  - Therapeutic advances in non-small cell lung cancer.
AB  - Despite decades of research, therapeutic advances in non-small cell lung cancer
      (NSCLC) have progressed at a painstaking slow rate with few improvements in
      standard surgical resection for early stage disease and chemotherapy or
      radiotherapy for patients with advanced disease. In the past 18 months, however,
      we seemed to have reached an inflexion point: therapeutic advances that are
      centred on improvements in the understanding of patient selection, surgery that
      is undertaken through smaller incisions, identification of candidate mutations
      accompanied by the development of targeted anticancer treatments with a focus on
      personalised medicine, improvements to radiotherapy technology, emergence of
      radiofrequency ablation (RFA), and last but by no means least, the recognition of
      palliative care as a therapeutic modality in its own right. The contributors to
      this review are a distinguished international panel of experts who highlight
      recent advances in each of the major disciplines.

PMID- 22058188
TI  - Fixing cystic fibrosis CFTR with correctors and potentiators. Off to a good
      start.

PMID- 22058189
TI  - Smoking accessories for cessation? Mixed messages in Hong Kong.

PMID- 22058190
TI  - Front-loaded versus weekly counseling for treatment of tobacco addiction.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Approximately 60%-70% of cigarette smokers who try to quit relapse
      by 2 weeks postcessation. We tested the efficacy of a front-loaded (FL)
      counseling intervention whose goal was to increase the likelihood of successful
      early abstinence and subsequent long-term abstinence. METHODS: We randomized 278
      adult smokers to an FL or weekly behavioral smoking cessation counseling
      schedule. The total number of sessions across treatment was the same for both
      groups. However, those assigned to the FL schedule received 6 counseling sessions
      in the first 2 weeks postcessation, while those in the weekly condition received
      2 sessions. Participants in both groups also received standard nicotine patch
      treatment. RESULTS: At 1 year postcessation, FL participants were significantly
      less likely to have relapsed when continuous abstinence was used as the
      definition of abstinence/relapse (11.7% abstinent vs. 6.3%, hazard ratio [HR] =
      0.69, p = .007); and there were nonsignificant trends for FL subjects to have
      better outcomes when abstinence was defined as never smoking for 7 or more
      consecutive days nor for 7 or more consecutive episodes (18.4% abstinent vs.
      14.8%, HR = 0.83, p = .20) and as point prevalence abstinence (15.6% abstinent
      vs. 12.9%, p = .11). The relationship between FL counseling treatment and
      continuous abstinence was partially mediated by higher postcessation levels of
      social support perceived from counseling and greater use of cessation-related
      coping strategies. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that FL counseling is a promising
      treatment model that should be evaluated further, perhaps using modifications of
      the FL schedule used in this study.

PMID- 22058191
TI  - Arsenic exposure to killifish during embryogenesis alters muscle development.
AB  - Epidemiological studies have correlated arsenic exposure in drinking water with
      adverse developmental outcomes such as stillbirths, spontaneous abortions,
      neonatal mortality, low birth weight, delays in the use of musculature, and
      altered locomotor activity. Killifish (Fundulus heteroclitus) were used as a
      model to help to determine the mechanisms by which arsenic could impact
      development. Killifish embryos were exposed to three different sodium arsenite
      concentrations and were collected at 32 h post-fertilization (hpf), 42 hpf, 168
      hpf, or < 24 h post-hatch. A killifish oligo microarray was developed and used to
      examine gene expression changes between control and 25-ppm arsenic-exposed
      hatchlings. With artificial neural network analysis of the transcriptomic data,
      accurate prediction of each group (control vs. arsenic-exposed embryos) was
      obtained using a small subset of only 332 genes. The genes differentially
      expressed include those involved in cell cycle, development, ubiquitination, and
      the musculature. Several of the genes involved in cell cycle regulation and
      muscle formation, such as fetuin B, cyclin D-binding protein 1, and CapZ, were
      differentially expressed in the embryos in a time- and dose-dependent manner.
      Examining muscle structure in the hatchlings showed that arsenic exposure during
      embryogenesis significantly reduces the average muscle fiber size, which is
      coupled with a significant 2.1- and 1.6-fold upregulation of skeletal myosin
      light and heavy chains, respectively. These findings collectively indicate that
      arsenic exposure during embryogenesis can initiate molecular changes that appear
      to lead to aberrant muscle formation.

PMID- 22058192
TI  - Psychosocial stress among Danish vicars.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Burnout and depression are common among clergy members of several
      religions and denominations. Despite this, no studies have analysed whether
      differences in psychosocial workloads between vicars and others explain their
      higher prevalence of stress-related symptoms. AIMS: To test the hypothesis that
      elements of the job strain model (high work demands, low decision latitude and/or
      low job support) are mediators of the excess prevalence of stress-related health
      complaints among vicars compared with other employees in the Church of Denmark.
      METHODS: Data for this cross-sectional study were collected by means of a self
      administered questionnaire sent to all employees in 500 Danish parishes (n =
      2254). RESULTS: The study response rate was 73%, 35% of respondents were vicars
      and 43% were female. Compared with other employees, vicars felt quiet and relaxed
      less often (53 versus 67%), had less time for pleasure and relaxation (28 versus
      11%) and felt happy and satisfied (53 versus 67%) less often. Vicars had
      significantly higher quantitative, cognitive and emotional work demands, lower
      work support, less influence on whom to collaborate with and less influence on
      their workload. Psychosocial workloads were more favourable for the vicars who
      had greater influence on job decisions and on job organization. The higher
      prevalence of stress-related symptoms among vicars was strongly modified by high
      work demands, in particular high quantitative demands. CONCLUSIONS: The higher
      prevalence of stress-related symptoms among vicars could largely be attributed to
      high-quantitative work demands.

PMID- 22058193
TI  - Unhealthy and healthy weight control behaviours among bus operators.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Urban bus operators are an occupational group with high rates of
      overweight and obesity. Understanding methods bus operators use for weight
      control may be important; there may be increased risk for these workers to engage
      in less healthy weight management behaviours due to stressful working conditions.
      AIMS: To examine the prevalence of unhealthy and healthy weight control
      behaviours used by bus operators and examine associations between use of
      unhealthy weight control behaviours and work-related and sociodemographic
      variables. METHODS: Bus operators from four different transit garages were
      invited to complete a self-administered survey; height and weight were measured
      by research staff. Unhealthy and healthy weight control behaviours, work hours,
      work schedule and social support were measured with self-report items on the
      employee survey. Logistic regression analysis was conducted to estimate
      associations. RESULTS: Nearly 60% of bus operators endorsed at least one
      unhealthy method; over 50% reported skipping meals, 30% fasted and 10% reported
      taking diet pills in the past year. Bus operator gender, race, body mass index
      status and hours worked per week showed significant associations with using at
      least one unhealthy weight control behaviour. CONCLUSIONS: Worksite interventions
      should emphasize the benefit of healthy eating and physical activity but should
      also address the use of less healthy methods for weight control for individuals
      employed in transportation occupations.

PMID- 22058194
TI  - Hypocellular acute myeloid leukemia in adults: analysis of the clinical outcome
      of 123 patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The hypocellular variant of acute myeloid leukemia accounts for less
      than 10% of all cases of adult acute myeloid leukemia. It is defined by having
      less than 20 percent of cellular bone marrow in a biopsy at presentation. It is
      unclear in the literature whether the outcome of hypocellular acute myeloid
      leukemia differs from that of non-hypocellular acute myeloid leukemia. DESIGN AND
      METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed all the cases reported to be hypocellular
      acute myeloid leukemia between 2000 and 2009. A second pathology review was
      conducted and the diagnosis was confirmed in all cases. RESULTS: One hundred
      twenty-three (9%) patients were identified: patients with hypocellular acute
      myeloid leukemia were older than those with non-hypocellular acute myeloid
      leukemia (P=0.009) and more frequently presented with cytopenias (P<0.001). Forty
      one patients with hypocellular acute myeloid leukemia had an antecedent
      hematologic disorder and 11 patients had received prior chemo-radiotherapy for
      non-hematopoietic neoplasms. On multivariate analysis, overall survival,
      remission duration and event-free survival were comparable to those of other
      patients with acute myeloid leukemia. CONCLUSIONS: The outcome of hypocellular
      acute myeloid leukemia does not differ from that of non-hypocellular acute
      myeloid leukemia.

PMID- 22058195
TI  - p185(BCR/ABL) has a lower sensitivity than p210(BCR/ABL) to the allosteric
      inhibitor GNF-2 in Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphatic leukemia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The t(9;22) translocation leads to the formation of the chimeric
      breakpoint cluster region/c-abl oncogene 1 (BCR/ABL) fusion gene on der22, the
      Philadelphia chromosome. The p185(BCR/ABL) or the p210(BCR/ABL) fusion proteins
      are encoded as a result of the translocation, depending on whether a "minor" or
      "major" breakpoint occurs, respectively. Both p185(BCR/ABL) and p210(BCR/ABL)
      exhibit constitutively activated ABL kinase activity. Through fusion to BCR the
      ABL kinase in p185(BCR/ABL) and p210(BCR/ABL) "escapes" the auto-inhibition
      mechanisms of c-ABL, such as allosteric inhibition. A novel class of compounds
      including GNF-2 restores allosteric inhibition of the kinase activity and the
      transformation potential of BCR/ABL. Here we investigated whether there are
      differences between p185(BCR/ABL) and p210(BCR/ABL) regarding their sensitivity
      towards allosteric inhibition by GNF-2 in models of Philadelphia chromosome
      positive acute lymphatic leukemia. DESIGN AND METHODS: We investigated the anti
      proliferative activity of GNF-2 in different Philadelphia chromosome-positive
      acute lymphatic leukemia models, such as cell lines, patient-derived long-term
      cultures and factor-dependent lymphatic Ba/F3 cells expressing either
      p185(BCR/ABL) or p210(BCR/ABL) and their resistance mutants. RESULTS: The
      inhibitory effects of GNF-2 differed constantly between p185(BCR/ABL) and
      p210(BCR/ABL) expressing cells. In all three Philadelphia chromosome-positive
      acute lymphatic leukemia models, p210(BCR/ABL)-transformed cells were more
      sensitive to GNF-2 than were p185BCR/ABL-positive cells. Similar results were
      obtained for p185(BCR/ABL) and the p210(BCR/ABL) harboring resistance mutations.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our data provide the first evidence of a differential response of
      p185(BCR/ABL)- and p210(BCR/ABL)- transformed cells to allosteric inhibition by
      GNF-2, which is of importance for the treatment of patients with Philadelphia
      chromosome-positive acute lymphatic leukemia.

PMID- 22058196
TI  - Prognostic impact of high ABC transporter activity in 111 adult acute myeloid
      leukemia patients with normal cytogenetics when compared to FLT3, NPM1, CEBPA and
      BAALC.
AB  - ATP-binding cassette transporter (and specially P-glycoprotein) activity is a
      well known prognostic factor in acute myeloid leukemia, but when compared to
      other molecular markers its prognostic value has not been well studied. Here we
      study relationships between this activity, fms-like tyro-sine kinase 3(FLT3/ITD),
      nucleophosmin(NPM1), CAAT-enhancer binding protein alpha(CEBPalpha), and brain
      and acute leukemia cytoplasmic protein (BAALC), in 111 patients with normal
      cytogenetics who underwent the same treatment, and evaluate its prognostic
      impact. Independent factors for survival were age (P=0.0126), ATP-binding
      cassette transporter activity (P=0.018) and duplications in the fms-like tyrosine
      kinase 3 (P=0.0273). In the 66 patients without fms-like tyrosine kinase 3
      duplication and without nucleophosmin mutation, independent prognostic factors
      for complete remission achievement and survival were age and ATP-binding cassette
      transporter activity. In conclusion, ATP-binding cassette transporter activity
      remains an independent prognostic factor, and could assist treatment decisions in
      patients with no nucleophosmin mutation and no fms-like tyrosine kinase 3
      duplication.

PMID- 22058197
TI  - Membrane microdomain sphingolipids are required for anti-CD20-induced death of
      chronic lymphocytic leukemia B cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia remains incurable, despite the addition
      of rituximab to chemotherapy as an available means of treatment. The resistance
      of certain patients to this monoclonal antibody prompted us to set up in vitro
      studies of another CD20-specific monoclonal antibody, B1 (later termed
      tositumomab). We hypothesized that the membrane lipid organization of leukemic B
      cells might be instrumental in the cells' sensitivity to the B1 monoclonal
      antibody. DESIGN AND METHODS: B lymphocytes from 36 patients with chronic
      lymphocytic leukemia and 13 patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma were
      investigated for B1-triggered cell death. Membrane components, such as
      sphingomyelin and ganglioside M1, were investigated by flow cytometry,
      immunofluorescence and co-immunoprecipitation, together with the Csk-binding
      protein. RESULTS: Chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients segregated into two
      groups: B cells from one group were sensitive to B1, whereas those from the
      second group were not. Further results ascribed the resistance of these latter
      cases to a defective recruitment of Csk-binding protein, resulting in a lack of
      sphingomyelin and ganglioside M1 at the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane of
      their malignant B cells. Sphingolipids were indeed retained in the cytoplasm,
      because of lowered activity of P-glycoprotein. Supporting this mechanism,
      rifampicin, an inducer of P-glycoprotein, improved the activity of this
      transmembrane efflux pump, normalized the quantity of sphingomyelin within the
      membrane, and thereby restored the efficacy of the B1 monoclonal antibody in the
      formerly B1-resistant cases of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. CONCLUSIONS: The
      lipid organization of membranes of B cells from patients with chronic lymphocytic
      leukemia differs from one patient to another. In practice, given the relevance of
      the membrane lipid distribution to the efficacy of biotherapies, this observation
      is of potential importance.

PMID- 22058198
TI  - Comparative clinical effectiveness of prophylactic voriconazole/posaconazole to
      fluconazole/itraconazole in patients with acute myeloid leukemia/myelodysplastic
      syndrome undergoing cytotoxic chemotherapy over a 12-year period.
AB  - Post-induction aplasia for acute myeloid leukemia/myelodysplastic syndrome is a
      high-risk period for invasive fungal diseases. The effectiveness of fluconazole,
      itraconazole solution, voriconazole and posaconazole prophylaxis used
      consecutively from December 1998 to January 2010 in patients with acute myeloid
      leukemia/myelodysplastic syndrome undergoing remission-induction chemotherapy was
      retrospectively evaluated. A total of 216 consecutive patients received 573
      prophylaxis courses. Breakthrough-invasive fungal disease incidence in
      fluconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole, posaconazole recipients was 25%, 16%,
      14% and 3%, respectively. Voriconazole/posconazole versus
      fluconazole/itraconazole combined was associated with significant reductions in
      breakthrough-invasive fungal disease incidence (20% vs. 8%, P=0.011), premature
      discontinuations (46% vs. 22% P<0.001) and empiric antifungal treatment (31% vs.
      8.5%, P<0.001). Microbiologically confirmed infections were molds. Posaconazole
      compared to other drugs was associated with fewer courses requiring computed
      tomography (43% vs. 26%, P<0.001). Adoption of voriconazole/posaconazole has
      decreased invasive fungal disease incidence, empiric antifungal treatment and for
      posaconazole, computed-tomography demand, with effectiveness of posaconazole
      comparable to clinical trial experience.

PMID- 22058199
TI  - Mimicking the functional hematopoietic stem cell niche in vitro: recapitulation
      of marrow physiology by hydrogel-based three-dimensional cultures of mesenchymal
      stromal cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A culture system that closely recapitulates marrow physiology is
      essential to study the niche-mediated regulation of hematopoietic stem cell fate
      at a molecular level. We investigated the key features that play a crucial role
      in the formation of a functional niche in vitro. DESIGN AND METHODS: Hydrogel
      based cultures of human placenta-derived mesenchymal stromal cells were
      established to recapitulate the fibrous three-dimensional architecture of the
      marrow. Plastic-adherent mesenchymal stromal cells were used as controls. Human
      bone marrow-derived CD34(+) cells were co-cultured with them. The output
      hematopoietic cells were characterized by various stem cell-specific phenotypic
      and functional parameters. RESULTS: The hydrogel-cultures harbored a large pool
      of primitive hematopoietic stem cells with superior phenotypic and functional
      attributes. Most importantly, like the situation in vivo, a significant fraction
      of these cells remained quiescent in the face of a robust multi-lineage
      hematopoiesis. The retention of a high percentage of primitive stem cells by the
      hydrogel-cultures was attributed to the presence of CXCR4-SDF1alpha axis and
      integrin beta1-mediated adhesive interactions. The hydrogel-grown mesenchymal
      stromal cells expressed high levels of several molecules that are known to
      support the maintenance of hematopoietic stem cells. Yet another physiologically
      relevant property exhibited by the hydrogel cultures was the formation of hypoxia
      gradient. Destruction of hypoxia-gradient by incubating these cultures in a
      hypoxia chamber destroyed their specialized niche properties. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      data show that hydrogel-based cultures of mesenchymal stromal cells form a
      functional in vitro niche by mimicking key features of marrow physiology.

PMID- 22058200
TI  - Salvage treatment with lenalidomide and dexamethasone in relapsed/refractory
      mantle cell lymphoma: clinical results and effects on microenvironment and neo
      angiogenic biomarkers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Preclinical studies have highlighted the activity of lenalidomide in
      mantle cell lymphoma and its anti-proliferative synergy with dexamethasone.
      DESIGN AND METHODS: In this prospective, multicenter, phase II study, patients
      with relapsed/refractory mantle cell lymphoma who were not eligible for, or had
      relapsed after, intensive treatments received lenalidomide 25 mg/day (days 1-21
      of each 28-day cycle) and dexamethasone (40 mg/day on days 1, 8, 15, and 22) for
      up to 12 months. RESULTS: The primary end-points, overall and complete response
      rates, were achieved by 17 of 33 (52%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 35-68%) and
      8 of 33 patients (24%; 95% CI, 13-41%), respectively, by the end of treatment.
      Fifteen patients (45%) discontinued treatment prematurely, 13 due to lack of
      response. The median progression-free and overall survival were 12 months (95%
      CI, 5-19 months) and 20 months (95% CI, 12 months to not estimable),
      respectively. Treatment resulted in a significant increase in microvessel density
      (P=0.033) and non-significant increases in macrophage and natural killer cell
      counts, while serum levels of neoangiogenic factors did not change significantly.
      Grade 3/4 adverse events were neutropenia (53%), leukopenia (25%),
      thrombocytopenia (22%), infections (12%), and febrile neutropenia (12%).
      CONCLUSIONS: These results confirm a favorable safety and activity profile of
      lenalidomide in relapsed/refractory mantle cell lymphoma. The contribution of
      dexamethasone in achieving these results is unclear because of its possible
      detrimental effect on the immune activation generated by lenalidomide and a
      higher risk of developing infectious complications. (clinicaltrials.gov
      identifier: NCT00786851).

PMID- 22058201
TI  - Characterization of a pediatric T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia patient with
      simultaneous LYL1 and LMO2 rearrangements.
AB  - Translocation of the LYL1 oncogene are rare in T-cell acute lymphoblastic
      leukemia, whereas the homologous TAL1 gene is rearranged in approximately 20% of
      patients. Previous gene-expression studies have identified an immature T-cell
      acute lymphoblastic leukemia subgroup with high LYL1 expression in the absence of
      chromosomal aberrations. Molecular characterization of a t(7;19)(q34;p13) in a
      pediatric T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia patient led to the identification
      of a translocation between the TRB@ and LYL1 loci. Similar to incidental T-cell
      acute lymphoblastic leukemia cases with synergistic, double translocations
      affecting TAL1/2 and LMO1/2 oncogenes, this LYL1-translocated patient also had an
      LMO2 rearrangement pointing to oncogenic cooperation between LYL1 and LMO2. In
      hierarchical cluster analyses based on gene-expression data, this sample
      consistently clustered along with cases having TAL1 or LMO2 rearrangements.
      Therefore, LYL1-rearranged cases are not necessarily associated with immature T
      cell development, despite high LYL1 levels, but elicit a TALLMO expression
      signature.

PMID- 22058202
TI  - Universal antifungal therapy is not needed in persistent febrile neutropenia: a
      tailored diagnostic and therapeutic approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Giving antifungal therapy exclusively to selected patients with
      persistent febrile neutropenia may avoid over-treatment without increasing
      mortality. The aim of this study was to validate an innovative diagnostic and
      therapeutic approach based on assessing patients' risk profile and clinical
      criteria in order to select those patients requiring antifungal therapy. The
      efficacy of this approach was compared to that of universal empirical antifungal
      therapy. DESIGN AND METHODS: This was a prospective study which included all
      consecutive adult hematology patients with neutropenia and fever refractory to 5
      days of empirical antibacterial therapy admitted to a teaching hospital in Spain
      over a 2-year period. A diagnostic and therapeutic approach based on clinical
      criteria and risk profile was applied in order to select patients for antifungal
      therapy. The sensitivity, specificity and negative predictive value of this
      approach and also the overall success rate, according to the same criteria of
      efficacy described in classical clinical trials, were analyzed. RESULTS: Eighty
      five episodes were included, 35 of them (41.2%) in patients at high risk of
      invasive fungal infections. Antifungal therapy was not indicated in 33 episodes
      (38.8%). The overall incidence of proven and probable invasive fungal infections
      was 14.1%, all of which occurred in patients who had received empirical
      antifungal therapy. The 30-day crude mortality rate was 15.3% and the invasive
      fungal infection-related mortality rate was 2.8% (2/72). The overall success rate
      following the diagnostic and therapeutic approach was 36.5% compared with 33.9%
      and 33.7% obtained in the trial by Walsh et al. The sensitivity, specificity and
      negative predictive value of the study approach were 100%, 52.4% and 100%,
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the high negative predictive value of this
      diagnostic and therapeutic approach in persistent febrile neutropenia patients
      with hematologic malignancies or patients who have received a hematopoietic stem
      cell transplant, the approach is useful for identifying patients who are not
      likely to develop invasive fungal infection and do not, therefore, require
      antifungal therapy. The effectiveness of the strategy is similar to that of
      universal empirical antifungal therapy reported in controlled trials.

PMID- 22058203
TI  - In situ mantle cell lymphoma: clinical implications of an incidental finding with
      indolent clinical behavior.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cyclin D1-positive B cells are occasionally found in the mantle zones
      of reactive lymphoid follicles, a condition that has been called "in situ mantle
      cell lymphoma". The clinical significance of this lesion remains uncertain.
      DESIGN AND METHODS: The clinical and pathological characteristics, including
      SOX11 expression, of 23 cases initially diagnosed as in situ mantle cell lymphoma
      were studied. RESULTS: Seventeen of the 23 cases fulfilled the criteria for in
      situ mantle cell lymphoma. In most cases, the lesions were incidental findings in
      reactive lymph nodes. The t(11;14) was detected in all eight cases examined.
      SOX11 was positive in seven of 16 cases (44%). Five cases were associated with
      other small B-cell lymphomas. In two cases, both SOX11-positive, the in situ
      mantle cell lymphoma lesions were discovered after the diagnosis of overt
      lymphoma; one 4 years earlier, and one 3 years later. Twelve of the remaining 15
      patients had a follow-up of at least 1 year (median 2 years; range, 1-19.5), of
      whom 11 showed no evidence of progression, including seven who were not treated.
      Only one of 12 patients with an in situ mantle cell lymphoma lesion and no
      diagnosis of mantle cell lymphoma at the time developed an overt lymphoma, 4
      years later; this case was also SOX11-positive. The six remaining cases were
      diagnosed as mantle cell lymphoma with a mantle zone pattern. Five were SOX11
      positive and four of them were associated with lymphoma without a mantle zone
      pattern. CONCLUSIONS: In situ mantle cell lymphoma lesions are usually an
      incidental finding with a very indolent behavior. These cases must be
      distinguished from mantle cell lymphoma with a mantle zone pattern and overt
      mantle cell lymphoma because they may not require therapeutic intervention.

PMID- 22058204
TI  - MicroRNAs are shaping the hematopoietic landscape.
AB  - Hematopoiesis is regulated by microRNAs (miRNAs). These small regulatory RNAs are
      master regulators of developmental processes that modulate expression of several
      target genes post-transcriptionally. Various miRNAs are up-regulated at specific
      stages during hematopoietic development and the functional relevance of miRNAs
      has been proven at many different stages of lineage specification. Knockout of
      specific miRNAs can produce dramatic phenotypes leading to severe hematopoietic
      defects. Furthermore, several studies demonstrated that specific miRNAs are
      differentially expressed in hematopoietic stem cells. However, the emerging
      picture is extremely complex due to differences between species, cell type
      dependent variation in miRNA expression and differential expression of diverse
      target genes that are involved in various regulatory networks. There is also
      evidence that miRNAs play a role in cellular aging or in the inter-cellular
      crosstalk between hematopoietic cells and their microenvironment. The field is
      rapidly evolving due to new profiling tools and deep sequencing technology. The
      expression profiles of miRNAs are of diagnostic relevance for classification of
      different diseases. Recent reports on the generation of induced pluripotent stem
      cells with miRNAs have fuelled the hope that specific miRNAs and culture
      conditions facilitate directed differentiation or culture expansion of the
      hematopoietic stem cell pool. This review summarizes our current knowledge about
      miRNA expression in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells, and their role in
      the hematopoietic stem cell niche.

PMID- 22058205
TI  - Oxygen tension plays a critical role in the hematopoietic microenvironment in
      vitro.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells and osteoblasts form
      functional niches for hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. This
      microenvironment can be partially mimicked using in vitro co-culture systems. In
      this study, we examined the oxygen tension in three distinct compartments in a co
      culture system of purified CD34(+) cells and mesenchymal stromal cells with
      regard to different spatial localizations. DESIGN AND METHODS: Hypoxic cells in
      the co-culture were visualized by pimonidazole staining. Hematopoietic cell
      distribution, and functional and phenotypic characteristics were analyzed by flow
      cytometry. The secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor and stromal
      derived factor-1 by mesenchymal stromal cells in low oxygen co-cultures was
      determined by an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The effect of co-culture
      medium on the hematopoietic cell migration potential was tested in a transwell
      assay. RESULTS: In co-cultures under atmospheric oxygen tension, regions of low
      oxygen tension could be detected beneath the feeder layer in which a reservoir of
      phenotypically more primitive hematopoietic cells is located in vitro. In low
      oxygen co-culture, the adhesion of hematopoietic cells to the feeder layer was
      decreased, whereas hematopoietic cell transmigration beneath mesenchymal stromal
      cells was favored. Increased vascular endothelial growth factor-A secretion by
      mesenchymal stromal cells under low oxygen conditions, which increased the
      permeability of the monolayer, was responsible for this effect. Furthermore,
      vascular endothelial growth factor-A expression in low oxygen mesenchymal stromal
      cells was induced via hypoxia-inducible factor signaling. However, stromal cell
      derived factor-1 secretion by mesenchymal stromal cells was down-regulated under
      low oxygen conditions in a hypoxia-inducible factor-independent manner.
      CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrate for the first time that differences in oxygen tension
      cause selective modification of hematopoietic cell and mesenchymal stromal cell
      interactions in a co-culture system, thus confirming that oxygen tension plays a
      critical role in the interaction between hematopoietic cells and the niche
      environment.

PMID- 22058206
TI  - Overlap subtype of chronic graft-versus-host disease is associated with an
      adverse prognosis, functional impairment, and inferior patient-reported outcomes:
      a Chronic Graft-versus-Host Disease Consortium study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The National Institutes of Health Consensus Conference proposed the
      term "overlap" graft-versus-host disease to describe the situation when both
      acute and chronic graft-versus-host disease are present. DESIGN AND METHODS: We
      examined whether the overlap subtype of graft-versus-host disease was associated
      with a different prognosis, functional limitations, or patient-reported outcomes
      compared to "classic" chronic graft-versus-host disease without any acute
      features. RESULTS: Prospective data were collected from 427 patients from nine
      centers. Patients were classified as having overlap (n=352) or classic chronic
      (n=75) graft-versus-host disease based on reported organ involvement. Overlap
      cases had a significantly shorter median time from transplantation to cohort
      enrollment (P=0.01), were more likely to be incident cases (P<0.001), and had a
      lower platelet count at onset of the graft-versus-host disease (P<0.001).
      Patients with overlap graft-versus-host disease had significantly greater
      functional impairment measured by a 2-minute walk test, higher symptom burden and
      lower Human Activity Profile scores. Quality of life was similar, except patients
      with overlap graft-versus-host disease had worse social functioning, assessed by
      the Short Form-36. Multivariable analysis utilizing time-varying covariates
      demonstrated that the overlap subtype of graft-versus-host disease was associated
      with worse overall survival (HR 2.1, 95% CI 1.1-4.7; P=0.03) and higher non
      relapse mortality (HR 2.8, 95% CI 1.2-8.3; P=0.02) than classic chronic graft
      versus-host disease. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that the presence of
      acute features in patients with chronic graft-versus-host disease is a marker of
      adverse prognosis, greater functional impairment, and higher symptom burden.

PMID- 22058207
TI  - Acquired mutations in ASXL1 in acute myeloid leukemia: prevalence and prognostic
      value.
AB  - Somatic mutations in the additional sex comb-like 1 (ASXL1) gene have been
      described in various types of myeloid malignancies, including acute myeloid
      leukemia. Analysis of novel markers, such as ASXL1 mutations, in independent
      clinical trials is indispensable before considering them for clinical decision
      making. We analyzed 882 well-characterized acute myeloid leukemia cases to
      determine the prevalence and prognostic impact of ASXL1 exon12 mutations.
      Truncating ASXL1 mutations were present in 46 cases (5.3%). ASXL1 mutations were
      inversely associated with FLT3 internal tandem duplications and mutually
      exclusive with NPM1 mutations. ASXL1 mutations were an unfavorable prognostic
      factor as regards survival (median overall survival 15.9 months vs. 22.3 months;
      P=0.019), with a significantly lower complete response rate (61% vs. 79.6%;
      P=0.004). In multivariate analyses, ASXL1 mutations were independently associated
      with inferior poor overall survival (HR 1.52, P=0.032). In conclusion, ASXL1
      mutations are common mutations in acute myeloid leukemia and indicate a poor
      therapy outcome.

PMID- 22058208
TI  - Epigenetic inactivation of TWIST2 in acute lymphoblastic leukemia modulates
      proliferation, cell survival and chemosensitivity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Altered regulation of many transcription factors has been shown to be
      important in the development of leukemia. TWIST2 modulates the activity of a
      number of important transcription factors and is known to be a regulator of
      hematopoietic differentiation. Here, we investigated the significance of
      epigenetic regulation of TWIST2 in the control of cell growth and survival and in
      response to cytotoxic agents in acute lymphoblastic leukemia. DESIGN AND METHODS:
      TWIST2 promoter methylation status was assessed quantitatively, by combined
      bisulfite and restriction analysis (COBRA) and pyrosequencing assays, in multiple
      types of leukemia and TWIST2 expression was determined by quantitative reverse
      transcriptase polymerase chain reaction analysis. The functional role of TWIST2
      in cell proliferation, survival and response to chemotherapy was assessed in
      transient and stable expression systems. RESULTS: We found that TWIST2 was
      inactivated in more than 50% of cases of childhood and adult acute lymphoblastic
      leukemia through promoter hypermethylation and that this epigenetic regulation
      was especially prevalent in RUNX1-ETV6-driven cases. Re-expression of TWIST2 in
      cell lines resulted in a dramatic reduction in cell growth and induction of
      apoptosis in the Reh cell line. Furthermore, re-expression of TWIST2 resulted in
      increased sensitivity to the chemotherapeutic agents etoposide, daunorubicin and
      dexamethasone and TWIST2 hypermethylation was almost invariably found in relapsed
      adult acute lymphoblastic leukemia (91% of samples hypermethylated). CONCLUSIONS:
      This study suggests a dual role for epigenetic inactivation of TWIST2 in acute
      lymphoblastic leukemia, initially through altering cell growth and survival
      properties and subsequently by increasing resistance to chemotherapy.

PMID- 22058210
TI  - t(X;14)(p11.4;q32.33) is recurrent in marginal zone lymphoma and up-regulates
      GPR34.
AB  - Genetic events underlying pathogenesis of nodal and extranodal marginal zone
      lymphoma are not completely understood. We report here a novel
      t(X;14)(p11.4;q32.33) identified in 4 lymphoma cases: 2 with a mucosa-associated
      lymphoid tissue lymphoma, one with a nodal marginal zone lymphoma and one with
      gastric diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. In all cases, lymphoma evolved from a
      previous auto-immune disorder. Fluorescence in situ hybridization and molecular
      studies showed that t(X;14), which is mediated by immunoglobulin heavy chain
      locus, targets the GPR34 gene at Xp11.4. Upregulation of GPR34 mRNA and aberrant
      expression of GPR34 protein has been demonstrated in 3 presented cases by
      quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and immunohistochemistry,
      respectively. GPR34 belongs to the largest family of cell surface molecules
      involved in signal transmission that play important roles in many physiological
      and pathological processes, including tumorigenesis. Although functional
      consequences of t(X;14) have not been identified, our studies suggest that up
      regulated GPR34 activate neither nuclear factor-kappaB nor ELK-related tyrosine
      kinase.

PMID- 22058209
TI  - Cyclophosphamide, thalidomide, and dexamethasone as induction therapy for newly
      diagnosed multiple myeloma patients destined for autologous stem-cell
      transplantation: MRC Myeloma IX randomized trial results.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Thalidomide is active in multiple myeloma and is associated with
      minimal myelosuppression, making it a good candidate for induction therapy prior
      to high-dose therapy with autologous stem-cell transplantation. DESIGN AND
      METHODS: Oral cyclophosphamide, thalidomide, and dexamethasone was compared with
      infusional cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, and dexamethasone in
      patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma. RESULTS: The post-induction
      overall response rate (>= partial response) for the intent-to-treat population
      was significantly higher with cyclophosphamide-thalidomide-dexamethasone (n=555)
      versus cyclophosphamide-vincristine-doxorubicin-dexamethasone (n=556); 82.5%
      versus 71.2%; odds ratio 1.91; 95% confidence interval 1.44-2.55; P<0.0001. The
      complete response rates were 13.0% with cyclophosphamide-thalidomide
      dexamethasone and 8.1% with cyclophos-phamide-vincristine-doxorubicin
      dexamethasone (P=0.0083), with this differential response being maintained in
      patients who received autologous stem-cell transplantation (post-transplant
      complete response 50.0% versus 37.2%, respectively; P=0.00052). Cyclophosphamide
      thalidomide-dexamethasone was non-inferior to cyclophosphamide-vincristine
      doxorubicin-dexamethasone for progression-free and overall survival, and there
      was a trend toward a late survival benefit with cyclophosphamide-thalidomide
      dexamethasone in responders. A trend toward an overall survival advantage for
      cyclophosphamide-thalidomide-dexamethasone over cyclophosphamide-vincristine
      doxorubicin-dexamethasone was also observed in a subgroup of patients with
      favorable interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization. Compared with
      cyclophosphamide-vincristine-doxorubicin-dexamethasone, cyclophosphamide
      thalidomide-dexamethasone was associated with more constipation and somnolence,
      but a lower incidence of cytopenias. CONCLUSIONS: The cyclophosphamide
      thalidomide-dexamethasone regimen showed improved response rates and was not
      inferior in terms of survival outcomes to the standard infusional regimen of
      cyclophosphamide-vincristine-doxorubicin-dexamethasone. Based on its oral
      administration and the reduced incidence of infection and cytopenia,
      cyclophosphamide-thalidomide-dexa-methasone may be considered an effective
      induction therapy option for patients with newly diagnosed multiple myeloma.
      (ISRCTN: 68454111).

PMID- 22058211
TI  - POEMS syndrome with severe neurological damage clinically recovered with
      lenalidomide.

PMID- 22058212
TI  - Functional analysis of the NUP98-CCDC28A fusion protein.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The nucleoporin gene NUP98 is rearranged in more than 27 chromosomal
      abnormalities observed in childhood and adult, de novo and therapy-related acute
      leukemias of myeloid and T-lymphoid origins, resulting in the creation of fusion
      genes and the expression of chimeric proteins. We report here the functional
      analysis of the NUP98-coiled-coil domain-containing protein 28A (NUP98-CCDC28A)
      fusion protein, expressed as the consequence of a recurrent t(6;11)(q24.1;p15.5)
      translocation. DESIGN AND METHODS: To gain insight into the function of the
      native CCDC28A gene, we collected information on any differential expression of
      CCDC28A among normal hematologic cell types and within subgroups of acute
      leukemia. To assess the in vivo effects of the NUP98-CCDC28A fusion, NUP98
      CCDC28A or full length CCDC28A were retrovirally transduced into primary murine
      bone marrow cells and transduced cells were next transplanted into sub-lethally
      irradiated recipient mice. RESULTS: Our in silico analyses supported a
      contribution of CCDC28A to discrete stages of murine hematopoietic development.
      They also suggested selective enrichment of CCDC28A in the French-American
      British M6 class of human acute leukemia. Primary murine hematopoietic progenitor
      cells transduced with NUP98-CCDC28A generated a fully penetrant and
      transplantable myeloproliferative neoplasm-like myeloid leukemia and induced
      selective expansion of granulocyte/macrophage progenitors in the bone marrow of
      transplanted recipients, showing that NUP98-CCDC28A promotes the proliferative
      capacity and self-renewal potential of myeloid progenitors. In addition, the
      transformation mediated by NUP98-CCDC28A was not associated with deregulation of
      the Hoxa-Meis1 pathway, a feature shared by a diverse set of NUP98 fusions.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that the recurrent NUP98-CCDC28A is an
      oncogene that induces a rapid and transplantable myeloid neoplasm in recipient
      mice. They also provide additional evidence for an alternative leukemogenic
      mechanism for NUP98 oncogenes.

PMID- 22058213
TI  - Diagnostic power of laboratory tests for hereditary spherocytosis: a comparison
      study in 150 patients grouped according to molecular and clinical
      characteristics.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The laboratory diagnosis of hereditary spherocytosis commonly relies
      on NaCl-based or glycerol-based red cell osmotic fragility tests; more recently,
      an assay directly targeting the hereditary spherocytosis molecular defect (eosin
      5'-maleimide-binding test) has been proposed. None of the available tests
      identifies all cases of hereditary spherocytosis. DESIGN AND METHODS: We compared
      the performances of the eosin-5'-maleimide-binding test, NaCl-osmotic fragility
      studies on fresh and incubated blood, the glycerol lysis test, the acidified
      glycerol lysis test, and the Pink test on a series of 150 patients with
      hereditary spherocytosis grouped according to clinical phenotype and the
      defective protein, with the final aim of finding the combination of tests
      associated with the highest diagnostic power, even in the mildest cases of
      hereditary spherocytosis. RESULTS: The eosin-5'-maleimide-binding test had a
      sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 98% for detecting hereditary
      spherocytosis: the sensitivity was independent of the type and amount of
      molecular defect and of the clinical phenotype. The acidified glycerol lysis test
      and Pink test showed comparable sensitivity (95% and 91%). The sensitivity of
      NaCl osmotic fragility tests, commonly considered the gold standard for the
      diagnosis of hereditary spherocytosis, was 68% on fresh blood and 81% on
      incubated blood, and further decreased in compensated cases (53% and 64%,
      respectively). The combination of the eosin-5'-maleimide-binding test and
      acidified glycerol lysis test enabled all patients with hereditary spherocytosis
      to be identified. The eosin-5'-maleimide-binding test showed the greatest disease
      specificity. CONCLUSIONS: Each type of test fails to diagnose some cases of
      hereditary spherocytosis. The association of an eosin-5'-maleimide-binding test
      and an acidified glycerol lysis test enabled identification of all patients with
      hereditary spherocytosis in this series and, therefore, represents a currently
      effective diagnostic strategy for hereditary spherocytosis including
      mild/compensated cases.

PMID- 22058214
TI  - Plasma thymus and activation-regulated chemokine as an early response marker in
      classical Hodgkin's lymphoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Plasma thymus and activation-regulated chemokine is a potential
      biomarker for classical Hodgkin's lymphoma. To define its value as a marker to
      monitor treatment response, we correlated serial plasma thymus and activation
      regulated chemokine levels with clinical response in newly diagnosed and relapsed
      classical Hodgkin's lymphoma patients. DESIGN AND METHODS: Plasma was collected
      from 60 (39 early stage and 21 advanced stage) newly diagnosed classical
      Hodgkin's lymphoma patients before, during, and after treatment, and from 12
      relapsed patients before and after treatment. Plasma thymus and activation
      regulated chemokine levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
      and were related to pre-treatment metabolic tumor volume, as measured by
      quantification of 2-[18F]fluoro-2-deoxyglucose positron emission tomography
      images, and to treatment response. RESULTS: Baseline plasma thymus and activation
      regulated chemokine levels correlated with stage of disease and bulky disease,
      and more closely with metabolic tumor volume. Response to treatment was observed
      among 38 of 39 early stage and 19 of 21 advanced stage patients. Reduction in
      plasma thymus and activation-regulated chemokine to normal range levels could be
      observed as early as after one cycle of chemotherapy in all responsive patients,
      while plasma levels remained elevated during and after treatment in the 3 non
      responsive patients. Plasma thymus and activation-regulated chemokine was
      elevated in all 12 relapsed patients at time of relapse and remained elevated
      after salvage treatment in the 4 non-responsive patients. CONCLUSIONS: Baseline
      plasma thymus and activation-regulated chemokine levels correlate with classical
      Hodgkin's lymphoma tumor burden and serial levels correlate with response to
      treatment in patients with classical Hodgkin's lymphoma.

PMID- 22058215
TI  - European Bone Marrow Working Group trial on reproducibility of World Health
      Organization criteria to discriminate essential thrombocythemia from prefibrotic
      primary myelofibrosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The World Health Organization classification of myeloproliferative
      neoplasms discriminates between essential thrombocythemia and the prefibrotic
      phase of primary myelofibrosis. This discrimination is clinically relevant
      because essential thrombocythemia is associated with a favorable prognosis
      whereas patients with primary myelofibrosis have a higher risk of progression to
      myelofibrosis or blast crisis. DESIGN AND METHODS: To assess the reproducibility
      of the classification, six hematopathologists from five European countries re
      classified 102 non-fibrotic bone marrow trephines, obtained because of sustained
      thrombocytosis. RESULTS: Consensus on histological classification defined as at
      least four identical diagnoses occurred for 63% of the samples. Inter-observer
      agreement showed low to moderate kappa values (0.28 to 0.57, average 0.41). The
      percentage of unclassifiable myeloproliferative neoplasms rose from 2% to 23%
      when minor criteria for primary myelofibrosis were taken into account. In
      contrast, the frequency of primary myelofibrosis dropped from 23% to 7%,
      indicating that the majority of patients with a histological diagnosis of primary
      myelofibrosis did not fulfill the complete criteria for this disease. Thus, over
      50% of cases in this series either could not be reproducibly classified or fell
      into the category of unclassifiable myeloproliferative neoplasms. CONCLUSIONS:
      World Health Organization criteria for discrimination of essential
      thrombocythemia from prefibrotic primary myelofibrosis are poorly to only
      moderately reproducible and lead to a higher proportion of non-classifiable
      myeloproliferative neoplasms than histology alone.

PMID- 22058216
TI  - A risk of essential thrombocythemia in carriers of constitutional CHEK2 gene
      mutations.
AB  - Germline mutations of the CHEK2 gene have been reported in some myeloid and
      lymphoid malignancies, but their impact on development of essential
      thrombocythemia has not been studied. In 16 out of 106 (15.1%) consecutive
      patients, newly diagnosed with essential thrombocythemia, we found one of four
      analyzed CHEK2 mutations: I157T, 1100delC, IVS2+1G>A or del5395. They were
      associated with the increased risk of disease (OR=3.8; P=0.002). The median age
      at ET diagnosis among CHEK2+/JAK2V617F+ patients was seven years lower than that
      among CHEK2-/JAK2V617F+ (52 vs. 59 years; P=0.04), whereas there was no
      difference in the medians of hematologic parameters between these groups. The
      results obtained suggest that CHEK2 mutations could potentially contribute to the
      susceptibility to essential thrombocythemia. The germline inactivation of CHEK2,
      as it seems, has no direct impact on the development of disease, but it could
      cause disruption of cell cycle checkpoints and initiate or support the
      cancerogenic process of essential thrombocythemia at a younger age.

PMID- 22058217
TI  - CD20 expression has no prognostic role in Philadelphia-negative B-precursor acute
      lymphoblastic leukemia: new insights from the molecular study of minimal residual
      disease.
AB  - The prognostic significance of CD20 expression in acute lymphoblastic leukemia
      has been investigated in children and adults but is still a subject of debate.
      The aim of our study was to correlate CD20 expression with clinical-biological
      characteristics and outcome in 172 Philadelphia chromosome negative patients
      prospectively treated in a multicenter trial introducing the molecular evaluation
      of minimal residual disease for therapeutic purposes. We considered 20% as the
      threshold for CD20 positivity. Complete remission rate, minimal residual disease
      negativity rate at weeks 10, 16 and 22, and disease-free and overall survival
      were similar among CD20-positive and -negative patients, even considering minimal
      residual disease results and related therapeutic choices. Our study failed to
      demonstrate any prognostic significance for CD20 expression in Philadelphia
      chromosome negative acute lymphoblastic leukemia. This conclusion is supported
      for the first time by a comparable minimal residual disease response rate among
      CD20-positive and -negative and positive patients.

PMID- 22058218
TI  - Younger donor's age and upfront tandem are two independent prognostic factors for
      survival in multiple myeloma patients treated by tandem autologous-allogeneic
      stem cell transplantation: a retrospective study from the Societe Francaise de
      Greffe de Moelle et de Therapie Cellulaire (SFGM-TC).
AB  - BACKGROUND: How tandem autologous-allogeneic stem cell transplantation should be
      integrated in the treatment of multiple myeloma remains controversial. We
      examined the long-term outcome of patients with multiple myeloma managed with
      tandem autologous-allogeneic stem cell transplantation and present a prognostic
      factor analysis based on the experience of the Societe Francaise de Greffe de
      Moelle et de Therapie Cellulaire (SFGM-TC). DESIGN AND METHODS: This French,
      retrospective, registry-based study included 146 patients who had undergone
      tandem autologous-allogeneic transplantation for multiple myeloma at 20 SFGM-TC
      centers between 1998 and 2010. The patients included in the study had fully
      completed the two steps of a planned tandem autologous-allogeneic
      transplantation. No treatment had to be administered between the autologous and
      allogeneic parts of the tandem procedure. RESULTS: Seventy-seven patients (53%)
      underwent tandem autologous-allogeneic transplantation as part of upfront
      treatment, i.e. after a single line of treatment not including autologous
      transplantation. The median follow-up from the allogeneic transplant was 47.5
      months (range, 1.2-132 months). At 4 years, the overall survival and event-free
      survival rates were 48% (95% CI 39-57 %) and 27% (95% CI 19-36), respectively.
      Eighteen patients (12%) experienced grade III-IV acute graft-versus-host disease
      and 43 patients (30%) had chronic graft-versus-host disease. The transplant
      related mortality rate at 1 year was 15% (95% CI 10-22). Patients receiving
      tandem transplantation as upfront treatment had significantly improved event-free
      survival (36% versus 11%; P=0.005) and overall survival (56% versus 34%; P=0.02).
      Donor's age <= 50 years was associated with improved event-free survival (35%
      versus 16%; P=0.005) and overall survival (54% versus 41%; P=0.02). In the
      multivariable analysis, upfront tandem transplantation, donor's age <= 50 years
      and full chimerism were independent prognostic factors for better outcome.
      CONCLUSIONS: We confirmed the feasibility of tandem autologour-allogeneic
      transplantation in heavily treated patients with multiple myeloma. We identified
      younger donor's age and upfront tandem transplantation as two independent
      prognostic factors for survival which could be further explored in prospective
      studies.

PMID- 22058219
TI  - A multicenter phase II trial of decitabine as first-line treatment for older
      patients with acute myeloid leukemia judged unfit for induction chemotherapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The treatment of acute myeloid leukemia of older, medically non-fit
      patients still poses a highly unmet clinical need, and only few large,
      prospective studies have been performed in this setting. Given the established
      activity of hypomethylating agents such as 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (decitabine) in
      myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukemia with 20-30% bone marrow
      blasts, we investigated whether this drug is also active in patients with more
      than 30% blasts. DESIGN AND METHODS: To evaluate the efficacy and toxicity of
      decitabine in patients over 60 years old with untreated acute myeloid leukemia
      ineligible for induction chemotherapy, 227 patients (median age, 72 years), many
      with comorbidities, adverse cytogenetics and/or preceding myelodysplastic
      syndrome were treated with this hypomethylating agent. During the initial
      decitabine treatment (135 mg/m(2) total dose infused intravenously over 72 hours
      every 6 weeks), a median of two cycles was administered (range, 1-4). All-trans
      retinoic acid was administered to 100 patients during course 2. Fifty-two
      patients who completed four cycles of treatment subsequently received a median of
      five maintenance courses (range, 1-19) with a lower dose of decitabine (20
      mg/m(2)) infused over 1 hour on 3 consecutive days every 4-6 weeks. RESULTS: The
      complete and partial remission rate was 26%, 95% CI (20%, 32%), and an
      antileukemic effect was noted in 26% of patients. Response rates did not differ
      between patients with or without adverse cytogenetics; patients with monosomal
      karyotypes also responded. The median overall survival from the start of
      decitabine treatment was 5.5 months (range, 0-57.5+) and the 1-year survival rate
      was 28%, 95%CI (22%,34%). Toxicities were predominantly hematologic. CONCLUSIONS:
      Decitabine is well tolerated by older, medically non-fit patients with acute
      myeloid leukemia; myelosuppression is the major toxicity. The response rate and
      overall survival were not adversely influenced by poor-risk cytogenetics or
      myelodysplastic syndrome. Because of these encouraging results, randomized
      studies evaluating single-agent decitabine versus conventional treatment are
      warranted. The study is registered with the German Clinical Trials Registry,
      number DRKS00000069.

PMID- 22058220
TI  - Telomere length is associated with disease severity and declines with age in
      dyskeratosis congenita.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dyskeratosis congenita is a cancer-prone bone marrow failure syndrome
      caused by aberrations in telomere biology. DESIGN AND METHODS: We studied 65
      patients with dyskeratosis congenita and 127 unaffected relatives. Telomere
      length was measured by automated multicolor flow fluorescence in situ
      hybridization in peripheral blood leukocyte subsets. We age-adjusted telomere
      length using Z-scores (standard deviations from the mean for age). RESULTS: We
      confirmed that telomere lengths below the first percentile for age are very
      sensitive and specific for the diagnosis of dyskeratosis congenita. We provide
      evidence that lymphocytes alone and not granulocytes may suffice for clinical
      screening, while lymphocyte subsets may be required for challenging cases,
      including identification of silent carriers. We show for the first time using
      flow fluorescence in situ hybridization that the shortest telomeres are
      associated with severe variants (Hoyeraal-Hreidarsson and Revesz syndromes),
      mutations in DKC1, TINF2, or unknown genes, and moderate or severe aplastic
      anemia. In the first longitudinal follow up of dyskeratosis congenita patients,
      we demonstrate that telomere lengths decline with age, in contrast to the
      apparent stable telomere length observed in cross-sectional data. CONCLUSIONS:
      Telomere length by flow fluorescence in situ hybridization is an important
      diagnostic test for dyskeratosis congenita; age-adjusted values provide a
      quantitative measure of disease severity (clinical subset, mutated gene, and
      degree of bone marrow failure). Patients with dyskeratosis congenita have
      accelerated telomere shortening. This study is registered at
      www.clinicaltrials.gov (identifier: NCT00027274).

PMID- 22058221
TI  - AMD3100 disrupts the cross-talk between chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells and a
      mesenchymal stromal or nurse-like cell-based microenvironment: pre-clinical
      evidence for its association with chronic lymphocytic leukemia treatments.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Interactions with the microenvironment, such as bone marrow
      mesenchymal stromal cells and nurse-like cells, protect chronic lymphocytic
      leukemia cells from spontaneous and drug-induced apoptosis. This protection is
      partially mediated by the chemokine SDF-1alpha (CXCL12) and its receptor CXCR4
      (CD184) present on the chronic lymphocytic leukemia cell surface. DESIGN AND
      METHODS: Here, we investigated the ability of AMD3100, a CXCR4 antagonist, to
      sensitize chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells to chemotherapy in a chronic
      lymphocytic leukemia/mesenchymal stromal cell based or nurse-like cell based
      microenvironment co-culture model. RESULTS: AMD3100 decreased CXCR4 expression
      signal (n=15, P=0.0078) and inhibited actin polymerization/migration in response
      to SDF-1alpha (n=8, P<0.01) and pseudoemperipolesis (n=10, P=0.0010), suggesting
      that AMD3100 interferes with chronic lymphocytic leukemia cell trafficking.
      AMD3100 did not have a direct effect on apoptosis when chronic lymphocytic
      leukemia cells were cultured alone (n=10, P=0.8812). However, when they were
      cultured with SDF-1alpha, mesenchymal stromal cells or nurse-like cells
      (protecting them from apoptosis, P<0.001), chronic lymphocytic leukemia cell pre
      treatment with AMD3100 significantly inhibited these protective effects (n=8,
      P<0.01) and decreased the expression of the anti-apoptotic proteins MCL-1 and
      FLIP. Furthermore, combining AMD3100 with various drugs (fludarabine, cladribine,
      valproic acid, bortezomib, flavopiridol, methylprednisolone) in our mesenchymal
      stromal cell co-culture model enhanced drug-induced apoptosis (n=8, P<0.05)
      indicating that AMD3100 could mobilize chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells away
      from their protective microenvironment, making them more accessible to
      conventional therapies. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, these data demonstrate that
      interfering with the SDF-1alpha/CXCR4 axis by using AMD3100 inhibited chronic
      lymphocytic leukemia cell trafficking and microenvironment-mediated protective
      effects. Combining AMD3100 with other drugs may, therefore, represent a promising
      therapeutic approach to kill chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells.

PMID- 22058222
TI  - Th17 and non-Th17 interleukin-17-expressing cells in chronic lymphocytic
      leukemia: delineation, distribution, and clinical relevance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The levels and clinical relevance of Th17 cells and other interleukin
      17-producing cells have not been analyzed in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. The
      objective of this study was to quantify blood and tissue levels of Th17 and other
      interleukin-17-producing cells in patients with this disease and correlate blood
      levels with clinical outcome. DESIGN AND METHODS: Intracellular interleukin-17A
      was assessed in blood and splenic mononuclear cells from patients with chronic
      lymphocytic leukemia and healthy subjects using flow cytometry. Interleukin-17A
      producing cells were analyzed in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded spleen and
      lymph node sections using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. RESULTS:
      The absolute numbers of Th17 cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells and the
      percentages of Th17 cells in spleen cell suspensions were higher in patients with
      chronic lymphocytic leukemia than in healthy subjects; in six out of eight paired
      chronic lymphocytic leukemia blood and spleen sample comparisons, Th17 cells were
      enriched in spleen suspensions. Circulating Th17 levels correlated with better
      prognostic markers and longer overall survival of the patients. Two "non-Th17"
      interleukin-17-expressing cells were identified in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
      spleens: proliferating cells of the granulocytic lineage and mature mast cells.
      Granulocytes and mast cells in normal spleens did not express interleukin-17.
      Conversely, both chronic lymphocytic leukemia and healthy lymph nodes contained
      similar numbers of interleukin-17+ mast cells as well as Th17 cells. CONCLUSIONS:
      Th17 cells are elevated in chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients with better
      prognostic markers and correlate with longer survival. Furthermore, non-Th17
      interleukin-17A-expressing cells exist in chronic lymphocytic leukemia spleens as
      maturing granulocytes and mature mast cells, suggesting that the
      microenvironmental milieu in leukemic spleens promotes the recruitment and/or
      expansion of Th17 and other IL-17-expressing cells. The pathophysiology of Th17
      and non-Th17-interleukin-producing cells in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and
      their distributions and roles in this disease merit further study.

PMID- 22058223
TI  - Benefit from autologous stem cell transplantation in primary refractory myeloma?
      Different outcomes in progressive versus stable disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Several studies of autologous stem cell transplantation in primary
      refractory myeloma have produced encouraging results. However, the outcome of
      primary refractory patients with stable disease has not been analyzed separately
      from the outcome of patients with progressive disease. DESIGN AND METHODS: In the
      Spanish Myeloma Group 2000 trial, 80 patients with primary refractory myeloma (49
      with stable disease and 31 with progressive disease), i.e. who were refractory to
      initial chemotherapy, were scheduled for tandem transplants (double autologous
      transplant or a single autologous transplant followed by an allogeneic
      transplant). Patients with primary refractory disease included those who never
      achieved a minimal response (>= 25% M-protein decrease) or better. Responses were
      assessed using the European Bone Marrow Transplant criteria. RESULTS: There were
      no significant differences in the rates of partial response or better between
      patients with stable or progressive disease. However, 38% of the patients with
      stable disease at the time of transplantation remained in a stable condition or
      achieved a minimal response after transplantation versus 7% in the group with
      progressive disease (P=0.0017) and the rate of early progression after
      transplantation was significantly higher among the group with progressive disease
      at the time of transplantation (22% versus 2%; P=0.0043). After a median follow
      up of 6.6 years, the median survival after first transplant of the whole series
      was 2.3 years. Progression-free and overall survival from the first transplant
      were shorter in patients with progressive disease (0.6 versus 2.3 years,
      P=0.00004 and 1.1 versus 6 years, P=0.00002, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our
      results show that patients with progressive refractory myeloma do not benefit
      from autologous transplantation, while patients with stable disease have an
      outcome comparable to those with chemosensitive disease.

PMID- 22058224
TI  - Low platelet counts after induction therapy for childhood acute lymphoblastic
      leukemia are strongly associated with poor early response to treatment as
      measured by minimal residual disease and are prognostic for treatment outcome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Numerous reports have been published on the association between
      kinetics of leukemic cells during early treatment of childhood acute
      lymphoblastic leukemia and therapeutic outcome. In contrast, little is known
      about the prognostic relevance of normal blood counts in this setting. DESIGN AND
      METHODS: Normal hematopoiesis during and after induction treatment (days 8, 15
      and 33) was correlated with therapeutic outcome in a cohort of 256 children with
      acute lymphoblastic leukemia treated in one of three consecutive ALL-BFM trials
      at a single institute. Replication analysis of positive findings was performed in
      an independent cohort of 475 patients from the ALL-BFM 2000 multicenter trial.
      RESULTS: A platelet count in the first quartile on treatment day 33 and a
      neutrophil count above the median on day 8 were significantly associated with
      treatment outcome, conferring multivariate risk ratios for an event of 3.27 (95%
      confidence interval 1.60-6.69) and 2.26 (95% confidence interval 1.23-4.29),
      respectively. Replication analysis confirmed the prognostic effect of platelet
      count on treatment day 33 and demonstrated a strong association with minimal
      residual disease-based risk group distribution (P<0.00001). CONCLUSIONS: Platelet
      counts after induction treatment may improve treatment stratification for
      patients with childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia and be of particular
      interest in non-minimal residual disease-based trials. (ALL-BFM 2000 is
      registered at: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00430118. National Cancer Institute:
      Protocol ID 68529).

PMID- 22058225
TI  - Thousands of cis-regulatory sequence combinations are shared by Arabidopsis and
      poplar.
AB  - The identification of cis-regulatory modules (CRMs) can greatly advance our
      understanding of gene regulatory mechanisms. Despite the existence of binding
      sites of more than three transcription factors (TFs) in a CRM, studies in plants
      often consider only the cooccurrence of binding sites of one or two TFs. In
      addition, CRM studies in plants are limited to combinations of only a few
      families of TFs. It is thus not clear how widespread plant TFs work together,
      which TFs work together to regulate plant genes, and how the combinations of
      these TFs are shared by different plants. To fill these gaps, we applied a
      frequent pattern-mining-based approach to identify frequently used cis-regulatory
      sequence combinations in the promoter sequences of two plant species, Arabidopsis
      (Arabidopsis thaliana) and poplar (Populus trichocarpa). A cis-regulatory
      sequence here corresponds to a DNA motif bound by a TF. We identified 18,638
      combinations composed of two to six cis-regulatory sequences that are shared by
      the two plant species. In addition, with known cis-regulatory sequence
      combinations, gene function annotation, gene expression data, and known
      functional gene sets, we showed that the functionality of at least 96.8% and
      65.2% of these shared combinations in Arabidopsis are partially supported, under
      a false discovery rate of 0.1 and 0.05, respectively. Finally, we discovered that
      796 of the 18,638 combinations might relate to functions that are important in
      bioenergy research. Our work will facilitate the study of gene transcriptional
      regulation in plants.

PMID- 22058226
TI  - Nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyl transferase 1 protects against acute
      neurodegeneration in developing CNS by inhibiting excitotoxic-necrotic cell
      death.
AB  - Hypoxic-ischemic (H-I) injury to the developing brain is a significant cause of
      morbidity and mortality in humans. Other than hypothermia, there is no effective
      treatment to prevent or lessen the consequences of neonatal H-I. Increased
      expression of the NAD synthesizing enzyme nicotinamide mononucleotide adenylyl
      transferase 1 (Nmnat1) has been shown to be neuroprotective against axonal injury
      in the peripheral nervous system. To investigate the neuroprotective role of
      Nmnat1 against acute neurodegeneration in the developing CNS, we exposed wild
      type mice and mice overexpressing Nmnat1 in the cytoplasm (cytNmnat1-Tg mice) to
      a well-characterized model of neonatal H-I brain injury. As early as 6 h after H
      I, cytNmnat1-Tg mice had strikingly less injury detected by MRI. CytNmnat1-Tg
      mice had markedly less injury in hippocampus, cortex, and striatum than wild-type
      mice as assessed by loss of tissue volume 7 d days after H-I. The dramatic
      protection mediated by cytNmnat1 is not mediated through modulating caspase3
      dependent cell death in cytNmnat1-Tg brains. CytNmnat1 protected neuronal cell
      bodies and processes against NMDA-induced excitotoxicity, whereas caspase
      inhibition or B-cell lymphoma-extra large (Bcl-XL) protein overexpression had no
      protective effects in cultured cortical neurons. These results suggest that
      cytNmnat1 protects against neonatal HI-induced CNS injury by inhibiting
      excitotoxicity-induced, caspase-independent injury to neuronal processes and cell
      bodies. As such, the Nmnat1 protective pathway could be a useful therapeutic
      target for acute and chronic neurodegenerative insults mediated by
      excitotoxicity.

PMID- 22058227
TI  - Burn control, an adipocyte-specific function for galectin-12.

PMID- 22058229
TI  - The nerve injury and the dying neurons: diagnosis and prevention.
AB  - Following distal nerve injury significant sensory neuronal cell death occurs in
      the dorsal root ganglia, while after a more proximal injury, such as brachial
      plexus injury, a sizeable proportion of spinal motoneurons also undergo cell
      death. This phenomenon has been undervalued for a long time, but it has a
      significant role in the lack of functional recuperation, as neuronal cells cannot
      divide and be replaced, hence the resulting nerve regeneration is usually
      suboptimal. It is now accepted that this cell death is due to apoptosis, as
      indicated by analysis of specific genes involved in the apoptotic signalling
      cascade. Immediate nerve repair, either by direct suturing or nerve grafting,
      gives a degree of neuroprotection, but this approach does not fully prevent
      neuronal cell death and importantly it is not always possible. Our work has shown
      that pharmacological intervention using either acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) or N
      acetyl-cysteine (NAC) give complete neuroprotection in different types of
      peripheral nerve injury. Both compounds are clinically safe and experimental work
      has defined the best dose, timing after injury and duration of administration.
      The efficacy of neuroprotection of ALCAR and NAC can be monitored non-invasively
      using MRI, as demonstrated experimentally and more recently by clinical studies
      of the volume of dorsal root ganglia. Translation to patients of this
      pharmacological intervention requires further work, but the available results
      indicate that this approach will help to secure a better functional outcome
      following peripheral nerve injury and repair.

PMID- 22058230
TI  - The surgical management of painful nerves of the upper limb: a unit perspective.
AB  - Some patients develop excessive peripheral nerve pain beyond that normally
      experienced after injury or surgery. Managing this pain can be a difficult and
      frustrating experience for both the surgeon and patient concerned. We present a
      system for the classification, assessment and treatment of painful neuromas of
      the upper limb.

PMID- 22058231
TI  - A weighting approach to causal effects and additive interaction in case-control
      studies: marginal structural linear odds models.
AB  - Estimates of additive interaction from case-control data are often obtained by
      logistic regression; such models can also be used to adjust for covariates. This
      approach to estimating additive interaction has come under some criticism because
      of possible misspecification of the logistic model: If the underlying model is
      linear, the logistic model will be misspecified. The authors propose an inverse
      probability of treatment weighting approach to causal effects and additive
      interaction in case-control studies. Under the assumption of no unmeasured
      confounding, the approach amounts to fitting a marginal structural linear odds
      model. The approach allows for the estimation of measures of additive interaction
      between dichotomous exposures, such as the relative excess risk due to
      interaction, using case-control data without having to rely on modeling
      assumptions for the outcome conditional on the exposures and covariates. Rather
      than using conditional models for the outcome, models are instead specified for
      the exposures conditional on the covariates. The approach is illustrated by
      assessing additive interaction between genetic and environmental factors using
      data from a case-control study.

PMID- 22058232
TI  - Call to phase out prophylactic use of antimicrobials in livestock.

PMID- 22058235
TI  - Minister leads topping out of 'world-class' facility at Pirbright.

PMID- 22058237
TI  - Ups and downs for vulnerable breeds.

PMID- 22058238
TI  - Veterinary ethics and the humane treatment of animals.

PMID- 22058239
TI  - Concern expressed about AHVLA's plans for laboratory services.

PMID- 22058241
TI  - Preventing lungworm.

PMID- 22058242
TI  - Antimicrobials in the balance: prudence and the precautionary principle.

PMID- 22058243
TI  - Reducing surgical complications using a safety checklist.

PMID- 22058244
TI  - Dog breeding.

PMID- 22058245
TI  - Ingestion of multiple magnets by a dog.

PMID- 22058253
TI  - [Research on the integration of psychotherapies].
AB  - The author analyses metanalytic studies published after 2000, dealing with the
      common factors of psychotherapeutic interventions. Most studies conclude that
      there are common factors responsible for the most part of therapeutic
      effectiveness of the different psychotherapeutic methods. The significance of the
      specific techniques of the different methods, on the other hand, seems to be
      secondary, playing role only in the advanced phase of the therapeutic process.
      The integration of psychotherapies comes into the limelight on the basis of
      research of common factors. The integration view makes the appearance of new
      concepts possible, which are presented in short. A further synthesis of higher
      order concerning the philosophy of psychotherapies becomes possible as well.

PMID- 22058254
TI  - [Classification of endogenous psychoses. Predictive validity of initial diagnosis
      based on 5 and 21-33-years of follow-up in a long-term prospective study
      (Budapest 2000)].
AB  - As regards the clinical psychopathological diagnostics, Leonhard's classification
      of endogenous psychoses published in 1957 contained description of a detailed
      nosology with claims that the diagnostic categories included in this
      classification system involve differentiated predictions of course and outcome of
      the illness. The principal investigator (BP) chose Leonhard's classification
      system to test these nosological hypotheses via a prospective study of psychotic
      patients based on their clinical and life history in 1966-67. Validity of the
      categorial diagnoses given at baseline (female patients n=222; healthy control
      persons n=54; 1968-1976) was proven by combination of assessments of
      psychopathological symptoms and personality types at the 5-year follow-up.
      Moreover, "pure defect" also proved to be valid (84,6%). At the time of the long
      term follow-up in 1997-2002 (patients: n=125; healthy control persons: n=38)
      predictive validity of the nine categories was measured empirically and by using
      a stochastic (Markovian) model, thus combining validity and reliability.
      Hebephrenias, group of normal persons and of schizophrenias proved to be valid,
      with diagnostic stabilities of 0,93, 0,89, and 0,93, for the three groups,
      respectively. In addition, bipolar manic-depressive psychoses and cycloid
      psychoses were also valid (diagnostic stability of 0,76 in both cases). Unipolar
      depression was valid (diagnostic stability=0,84) only by forming a "nosological
      family" based on diagnostic stability and on current status and clinical
      presentation during the period preceeding the follow-up with regard to other
      moodcongruent disorders and outcome-diagnosis "healthy control". Validity of
      systematic paraphrenias (diagnostic stability =0,68) was also in the moderate
      range. Division of schizophrenias in "systematic vs. non-systematic" nosological
      categories was inconclusive; the categories of affect-laden paraphrenia, periodic
      catatonia and systematic catatonias could not be confirmed reliably in this
      study.

PMID- 22058255
TI  - [Problematic and pathologic gambling in Hungary: the Hungarian version and use of
      the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS-HU)].
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Gambling is a form of entertainment with a history of
      thousand years that has a significant potential for development and has become a
      widely spread global industry recently. Excessive gambling can take the form of
      problem, or even pathological gambling. The South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS) is
      the most common measure used for the assessment of problem and pathological
      gambling. The aim of our study was the development and psychometric analysis of
      the Hungarian version of the instrument, and its verification on a representative
      population sample. METHOD: The administration of the instrument was conducted
      within the frame of the National Household Survey on Addiction Problems, where
      2710 persons were interviewed from Hungarian population between 18 and 64 years.
      RESULTS: The psychometric properties of SOGS-HU are adequate. 65.3% of the
      respondents had ever gambled. The most popular games are lottery and other number
      draw games. According to the data obtained by SOGS 1.9 % of the sample was
      considered to be problem gambler, and 1.4 % of the sample was considered to be
      pathological gambler. In both groups the proportion of man was higher, while
      additional risk factors were lower income, lower expected level of education and
      legal / illegal substance use. CONCLUSION: Based on these results Hungary can be
      found in the middle-rank of Europe regarding the prevalence of problem and
      pathological gambling.

PMID- 22058256
TI  - [Body dissatisfaction and its risk factors: Hungarian adaptation of the Body
      Shape Questionnaire Short Form 14].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Body dissatisfaction has severe impact on obesity related
      psychological distress and other mental health problem. The main goals of this
      study were to present psychometric analysis of the Hungarian version of Body
      Shape Questionnaire Short Form 14 (BSQ-14), and to explore the risk factors of
      body dissatisfaction in participants of a health promotion program. METHODS: The
      study design is a cross-sectional analysis nested in a prospective study. Our
      respondents (n=377; 61% women; the mean age=38.8 SD=9.58, BMI=27.0 kg/m2 SD=5.52)
      participate in a countrywide worksite health promotion program targeting weight
      problems and physical inactivity. Measures included the Hungarian version of Body
      Shape Questionnaire Short Form 14, Eating Disorder Inventory Bulimia scale, body
      weight, body high, self-reported lifetime jojo effect (weight cycling), weight
      dissatisfaction. RESULTS: The one-factor measurement model is supported by
      confirmatory factor analysis with inclusion two error covariances. Internal
      consistency of this scale is excellent (Chronbach alpha=0.95). A multivariate
      analysis revealed that gender (female), actual weight, bulimic tendency, self
      reported lifetime jojo effect and higher educational attainment are associated
      with higher body dissatisfaction. CONCLUSIONS: The reliability and construct
      validity of the Hungarian version of Body Shape Questionnaire Short Form 14 are
      supported in the present study. Measuring body dissatisfaction might provide a
      good tool to identify high risk groups and risk factors for psychological
      distress and to develop optimal intervention programs.

PMID- 22058257
TI  - [Sleep disturbances and nightmares as risk factors for suicidal behavior among
      men and women].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Today, more and more international studies analyze the connection
      between sleep disturbances, including nightmares, and the risk of suicide. The
      majority of these studies focuses on patients with depression and PTSD; a few
      studies use community samples. The present paper is based on a community sample
      research; it examines gender differences in the relationship between nightmares
      and suicidal behavior (ideation and attempt) during the three years preceding the
      study. METHODS: The database was derived from the data of the national
      representative survey Hungaro study 2006, the objective of which was the health
      status of the Hungarian adult population (N=4642). The five-item version of
      Athens Insomnia Scale was used for the examination of sleep disturbances;
      depression was measured with the shortened version of the Beck depression
      questionnaire. The questions dealing with nightmares were part of the Sleep
      Quality Questionnaire. Sleep problems, nightmares and depression were considered
      as risk factors for both suicidal ideation and suicide attempts. Associations
      were analyzed by logistic regression. The data were corrected for age, gender,
      education, and financial situation. RESULTS: Our analysis verified the
      connections between suicidal thoughts and attempts, and nightmares. The results
      show that the frequent occurrence of nightmares is associated with a nearly four
      times higher risk of suicide attempts among men (OR=3,89) and a threefold
      increase among women (OR=1,74). For suicidal thoughts, nightmares correlate with
      a three times higher risk for men (OR=2,97) and one and the half higher risk for
      women (OR=1,58). In our sample, frequent nightmares and sleep disorders increase
      the risk of suicidal behavior more than depression. CONCLUSION: After clinical
      studies proved the influence of sleep problems in various patient groups, our
      epidemiological study seem to confirm that nightmares have an independent role in
      the formation of suicidal behavior.

PMID- 22058258
TI  - [Association of the different types of substance use behaviors in the Hungarian
      adult population].
AB  - BACKGROUND, AIMS: There are several examples in international literature dealing
      with the connection between different types of substance use behaviors. Studies
      mostly report the strengthening effect of one type of substance use on other
      types as well among Hungarian high school students. In our study the relationship
      between different substance use behaviors are analyzed on adult population.
      METHOD: The analysis was carried out within the framework of the Hungarian
      Population Survey on Addiction Problems (OLAAP) on a sample of 2710 persons from
      the Hungarian population between 18 and 64 years of age. RESULTS: Lifetime
      prevalence of abstinence regarding all substance use behaviors in the 18-64 years
      population is 7.5%. 848% of all subjects have drunk alcohol ever, 55.6% have
      smoked, 13.1% have consumed prescription drugs and 9.3% have used illicit drugs
      at least once while lifetime prevalence of abusive prescription drug use is 6.1%.
      One fourth (24.8%) of the surveyed persons have not used any of the studied
      substances in the last month. Socio-demographic pattern of different substance
      use behaviors is rather heterogenic, however descriptive analyses on the
      relationship between different actual (last month) substance use behaviors in
      line with the cluster analysis carried out on prevalence data of different
      substance use behaviors indicate the relatedness of substance use behaviors.
      CONCLUSION: Our results support the phenomenon called multiple drug use in
      literature that was observed on a Hungarian high school student sample as well.
      At the same time however, based on the substance use data regarding adult
      population, a slightly different cluster structure was identified.

PMID- 22058259
TI  - Clinical molecular medicine has finally arrived.

PMID- 22058260
TI  - Dermatomyositis and polymyositis: new treatment targets on the horizon.
AB  - Polymyositis (PM) and dermatomyositis (DM) are rare idiopathic inflammatory
      myopathies (IIM) with a presumed autoimmune pathogenesis. Typical features are
      subacute onset, proximal, symmetric muscle weakness, elevated serum creatine
      kinase, and mononuclear cell infiltrates in the muscle biopsy. Strong support for
      an autoimmune pathogenesis comes from histopathological findings in biopsies of
      affected muscles. Furthermore, the association with autoantibodies supports the
      notion that immune-mediated inflammation is involved. PM and DM may occur in
      isolation or in connection with a connective tissue disease or cancer. The
      current treatment for IIM consists of first-line high-dose steroids and various
      conventional second-line treatments. Improvements in treatment for IIM are
      hampered by difficulties in the design of trials and the low incidence and
      prevalence of the disease. Cytokines and chemokines are factors involved in the
      inflammatory process in IIM, and are candidates for future therapeutic targets.
      Preliminary data with anti-tumour necrosis factor therapy are not very promising,
      but results of blockers of the lymphotoxin signalling pathway are to be awaited.
      Anti-B cell therapy may be a valuable therapeutic option for treatment of
      refractory IIM. The effects of anti-interferon-alpha in IIM are to be awaited, as
      are results of other anti-cytokine therapies and anti-chemokine therapy. Outcome
      measures to be used in clinical trials in II M include at present the core sets
      of outcome proposed by the International Myositis Assessment Clinical Study Group
      (IMACS).

PMID- 22058261
TI  - Dutch guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
      2011.
AB  - One of the principal responsibilities of the Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL)
      Working Party of the Dutch/Belgium Haemato-Oncology Foundation for Adults in the
      Netherlands (HOVON) is to create up-to-date guidelines for CLL . In this article,
      the revised guidelines for diagnosis and treatment are summarised. Despite recent
      expansion in treatment options for patients with CLL , the disease remains
      incurable in most cases and the optimal treatment approach for several subgroups
      of patients is still unclear. Therefore, it remains highly important to treat
      patients within clinical studies as much as possible. In this article, the
      current studies initiated by the HOVON CLL working party are emphasised.

PMID- 22058262
TI  - New insights into the pathogenesis of chronic myeloid leukaemia: towards a path
      to cure.

PMID- 22058263
TI  - Clinical effects of leucoreduction of blood transfusions.
AB  - For many years filtration for removal of leucocytes from red blood cell (RBC) and
      platelet transfusions was applied for selected patients to prevent
      cytomegalovirus (CMV) (re)activation, HLA immunisation and recurrent febrile
      nonhaemolytic transfusion reactions (FNHTR ). Since the 1980s, there was also
      growing concern about cancer recurrence and postoperative infections. In this
      review we discuss the studies on possible benefits of leucoreduction. In 2001 the
      Dutch Health Council decided that all blood products should undergo
      leucoreduction by filtration, as a precautionary measure to reduce possible
      transmission of variant Creutzfeld-Jacob disease (vCJD). The incidences of
      transfusion-transmitted CMV infection, HLA immunisation and FN HTR are decreased
      by universal leucoreduction. However, transfusion-related immunomodulation with
      presumed negative effects on cancer immunosurveillance, postoperative infections
      or aggravating organ failure, investigated in randomised controlled trials,
      revealed no support for extended indications for leucoreduction. An exception was
      seen in cardiac surgery where leucoreduction reduced short-term mortality by
      approximately 50%. The exact mechanism(s) for this effect is (are) not known. Pro
      inf lammatory cytokines induced by eucocytecontaining RBC transfusions in
      combination with the inflammatory response after cardiac surgery may aggravate
      morbidity and could lead to mortality. In this review we discuss the evidence for
      the benefits of universal leucoreduction. Based on the available evidence,
      reversal to the use of buffy-coat depleted RBCs and restricted indications for
      leucoreduction by filtration (extended with open-heart surgery) is a safe option.

PMID- 22058264
TI  - Feverless red neck: why worry? Retropharyngeal abscess (RPA) with GABHS.

PMID- 22058265
TI  - Skin lesions in a HIV-positive female. Cellulitis of the groin region secondary
      to the skin lesions.

PMID- 22058266
TI  - A rare cause of abdominal pain. Epiploic appendagitis.

PMID- 22058267
TI  - Fever and persisting cough. Amoebic liver abscess.

PMID- 22058268
TI  - Equations estimating renal function in patients with diabetes.

PMID- 22058269
TI  - Listeria peritonitis in patients on peritoneal dialysis: two cases and a review
      of the literature.
AB  - Two cases are reported of patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis
      who presented with peritonitis caused by Listeria monocytogenes. They were
      successfully treated with intraperitoneal and intravenous administration of
      amoxicillin. In patients on peritoneal dialysis, Listeria monocytogenes is a very
      rare cause of peritonitis, with only 11 cases reported to date, and mainly
      occurring in immunocompromised patients. In contrast to the majority of the
      reported cases, neither of our patients had received immunosuppressive drugs. To
      our knowledge, these are the first two cases of Listeria peritonitis reported in
      the Netherlands.

PMID- 22058270
TI  - Needlestick injuries and infectious patients in a major academic medical centre
      from 2003 to 2010.
AB  - To implement adequate preventive measures in a hospital, the number and nature of
      occupational exposures to blood must be known. In the Amsterdam Academic Medical
      Centre a standardised procedure was used to assess all reported occupational
      exposures to blood from 2003 to 2010. 1601 incidents were reported of which 66%
      were needlestick accidents. Thirty-five percent of the incidents concerned
      persons in training and 27% concerned experienced nurses. Twenty-nine percent of
      accidents occurred during cleaning up after a medical procedure, including the
      recapping of needles in 6%. In 8% of the accidents the patient was known or found
      to be infected with hepatitis B or C virus or HIV and in 86% of accidents the
      personnel were immune to HBV. One case of HCV transmission occurred. The number
      and nature of the occupational exposures indicate that preventive measures must
      focus on the replacement of needles by safety devices and on awareness training
      of experienced nurses and of persons in training.

PMID- 22058271
TI  - Clinical pathological conference: a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma patient with
      persistent anaemia after chemotherapy.

PMID- 22058272
TI  - Inhibitory feedback promotes stability in an oscillatory network.
AB  - Reliability and variability of neuronal activity are both thought to be important
      for the proper function of neuronal networks. The crustacean pyloric rhythm (~1
      Hz) is driven by a group of pacemaker neurons (AB/PD) that inhibit and burst out
      of phase with all follower pyloric neurons. The only known chemical synaptic
      feedback to the pacemakers is an inhibitory synapse from the follower lateral
      pyloric (LP) neuron. Although this synapse has been studied extensively, its role
      in the generation and coordination of the pyloric rhythm is unknown. We examine
      the hypothesis that this synapse acts to stabilize the oscillation by reducing
      the variability in cycle period on a cycle-by-cycle basis. Our experimental data
      show that functionally removing the LP-pyloric dilator (PD) synapse by
      hyperpolarizing the LP neuron increases the pyloric period variability. The
      increase in pyloric rhythm stability in the presence of the LP-PD synapse is
      demonstrated by a decrease in the amplitude of the phase response curve of the PD
      neuron. These experimental results are explained by a reduced mathematical model.
      Phase plane analysis of this model demonstrates that the effect of the periodic
      inhibition is to produce asymptotic stability in the oscillation phase, which
      leads to a reduction in variability of the oscillation cycle period.

PMID- 22058273
TI  - Explaining pathological changes in axonal excitability through dynamical analysis
      of conductance-based models.
AB  - Neurons rely on action potentials, or spikes, to relay information. Pathological
      changes in spike generation likely contribute to certain enigmatic features of
      neurological disease, like paroxysmal attacks of pain and muscle spasm.
      Paroxysmal symptoms are characterized by abrupt onset and short duration, and are
      associated with abnormal spiking although the exact pathophysiology remains
      unclear. To help decipher the biophysical basis for 'paroxysmal' spiking, we
      replicated afterdischarge (i.e. continued spiking after a brief stimulus) in a
      minimal conductance-based axon model. We then applied nonlinear dynamical
      analysis to explain the dynamical basis for initiation and termination of
      afterdischarge. A perturbation could abruptly switch the system between two
      (quasi-)stable attractor states: rest and repetitive spiking. This bistability
      was a consequence of slow positive feedback mediated by persistent inward
      current. Initiation of afterdischarge was explained by activation of the
      persistent inward current forcing the system to cross a saddle point that
      separates the basins of attraction associated with each attractor. Termination of
      afterdischarge was explained by the attractor associated with repetitive spiking
      being destroyed. This occurred when ultra-slow negative feedback, such as
      intracellular sodium accumulation, caused the saddle point and stable limit cycle
      to collide; in that regard, the active attractor is not truly stable when the
      slowest dynamics are taken into account. The model also explains other features
      of paroxysmal symptoms, including temporal summation and refractoriness.

PMID- 22058274
TI  - A dynamical systems analysis of afferent control in a neuromechanical model of
      locomotion: I. Rhythm generation.
AB  - Locomotion in mammals is controlled by a spinal central pattern generator (CPG)
      coupled to a biomechanical limb system, with afferent feedback to the spinal
      circuits and CPG closing the control loop. We have considered a simplified model
      of this system, in which the CPG establishes a rhythm when a supra-spinal
      activating drive is present and afferent signals from a single-joint limb feed
      back to affect CPG operation. Using dynamical system methods, in a series of two
      papers we analyze the mechanisms by which this model produces oscillations, and
      the characteristics of these oscillations, in the closed- and open-loop regimes.
      In this first paper, we analyze the phase transition mechanisms operating within
      the CPG and use the results to explain how afferent feedback allows oscillations
      to occur at a wider range of drive values to the CPG than the range over which
      oscillations occur in the CPG without feedback, and then to comment on why
      stronger feedback leads to faster oscillations. Linking these transitions to
      structures in the phase plane associated with the limb segment clarifies how
      increased weights of afferent feedback to the CPG can restore locomotion after
      removal of supra-spinal drive to simulate spinal cord injury.

PMID- 22058275
TI  - A dynamical systems analysis of afferent control in a neuromechanical model of
      locomotion: II. Phase asymmetry.
AB  - In this paper we analyze a closed loop neuromechanical model of locomotor rhythm
      generation. The model is composed of a spinal central pattern generator (CPG) and
      a single-joint limb, with CPG outputs projecting via motoneurons to muscles that
      control the limb and afferent signals from the muscles feeding back to the CPG.
      In a preceding companion paper (Spardy et al 2011 J. Neural Eng. 8 065003), we
      analyzed how the model generates oscillations in the presence or absence of
      feedback, identified curves in a phase plane associated with the limb that
      signify where feedback levels induce phase transitions within the CPG, and
      explained how increasing feedback strength restores oscillations in a model
      representation of spinal cord injury; from these steps, we derived insights about
      features of locomotor rhythms in several scenarios and made predictions about
      rhythm responses to various perturbations. In this paper, we exploit our
      analytical observations to construct a reduced model that retains important
      characteristics from the original system. We prove the existence of an
      oscillatory solution to the reduced model using a novel version of a Melnikov
      function, adapted for discontinuous systems, and also comment on the uniqueness
      and stability of this solution. Our analysis yields a deeper understanding of how
      the model must be tuned to generate oscillations and how the details of the limb
      dynamics shape overall model behavior. In particular, we explain how, due to the
      feedback signals in the model, changes in the strength of a tonic supra-spinal
      drive to the CPG yield asymmetric alterations in the durations of different
      locomotor phases, despite symmetry within the CPG itself.

PMID- 22058276
TI  - The delayed and noisy nervous system: implications for neural control.
AB  - Recent advances in the study of delay differential equations draw attention to
      the potential benefits of the interplay between random perturbations ('noise')
      and delay in neural control. The phenomena include transient stabilizations of
      unstable steady states by noise, control of fast movements using time-delayed
      feedback and the occurrence of long-lived delay-induced transients. In
      particular, this research suggests that the interplay between noise and delay
      necessitates the use of intermittent, discontinuous control strategies in which
      corrective movements are made only when controlled variables cross certain
      thresholds. A potential benefit of such strategies is that they may be optimal
      for minimizing energy expenditures associated with control. In this paper, the
      concepts are made accessible by introducing them through simple illustrative
      examples that can be readily reproduced using software packages, such as XPPAUT.

PMID- 22058277
TI  - A sequential Monte Carlo approach to estimate biophysical neural models from
      spikes.
AB  - Realistic computational models of neuronal activity typically involve many
      variables and parameters, most of which remain unknown or poorly constrained.
      Moreover, experimental observations of the neuronal system are typically limited
      to the times of action potentials, or spikes. One important component of
      developing a computational model is the optimal incorporation of these sparse
      experimental data. Here, we use point process statistical theory to develop a
      procedure for estimating parameters and hidden variables in neuronal
      computational models given only the observed spike times. We discuss the
      implementation of a sequential Monte Carlo method for this procedure and apply it
      to three simulated examples of neuronal spiking activity. We also address the
      issues of model identification and misspecification, and show that accurate
      estimates of model parameters and hidden variables are possible given only spike
      time data.

PMID- 22058278
TI  - As iron goes, so goes disease?

PMID- 22058279
TI  - Beta-thalassemia: from genotype to phenotype.

PMID- 22058280
TI  - The JAK2 46/1 haplotype: a marker of inappropriate myelomonocytic response to
      cytokine stimulation, leading to increased risk of inflammation, myeloid
      neoplasm, and impaired defense against infection?

PMID- 22058281
TI  - Atypical autoimmune hemolytic anemia.

PMID- 22058282
TI  - If it ain't broke, don't fix it!

PMID- 22058283
TI  - Cardiac adaptation to acute and chronic participation in endurance sports.
AB  - The pervasive public health message is that moderate amounts of endurance
      exercise help maintain optimal health and reduce cardiovascular risk. While not
      enough people meet national physical activity guidelines, there are some at the
      opposite end of the activity spectrum who far exceed the recommended 'dose' of
      exercise. The cardiovascular health consequences of single and/or multiple
      (lifelong) 'doses' of high-volume endurance exercise are currently being debated.
      Recent commentaries, case reports and case series data have posed the question
      whether you can 'overdose on exercise', and that is the focus of this brief
      review.

PMID- 22058284
TI  - Contemporary and evolving risk scoring algorithms for percutaneous coronary
      intervention.
AB  - Risk stratification is an essential part of appropriately informing patients
      electing to undergo percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This process is
      also an integral part of the SYNTAX (Synergy between PCI with Taxus and Cardiac
      Surgery)-pioneered heart team approach in determining the most appropriate
      revascularisation modality for patients with complex coronary artery disease. The
      SYNTAX score was pioneered as an anatomical-based risk score to aid in this
      decision-making process; the lack of clinical variables in this score has,
      however, been its main limitation. This review examines the important established
      and evolving contemporary risk models used to aid this risk-stratification
      process. Risk scores based on clinical and anatomical variables alone and in
      combination-the latter of which is the subject of continuing research-are all
      explored. Other areas of discussion include risk scores based on the completeness
      of revascularisation and emerging concepts such as functional anatomical risk
      scores and the patient-empowered risk-benefit trade-off between PCI and coronary
      artery bypass grafting, to help personalise the choice of revascularisation
      modality.

PMID- 22058285
TI  - Almanac 2011: cardiomyopathies. The national society journals present selected
      research that has driven recent advances in clinical cardiology.

PMID- 22058286
TI  - Diagnosis and management of peripartum cardiomyopathy.

PMID- 22058287
TI  - Left atrial function: pathophysiology, echocardiographic assessment, and clinical
      applications.

PMID- 22058288
TI  - Influence of recruitment strategy on the reach and effect of a web-based multiple
      tailored smoking cessation intervention among Dutch adult smokers.
AB  - This study investigated the influence of two different recruitment strategies on
      the reach and effect of a web-based multiple tailored smoking cessation program.
      From May 2009 until June 2010, Dutch adult smokers were recruited via mass media
      or general practices. Those who completed the baseline questionnaire were
      followed up during 6 weeks (two follow-ups). Differences between the two samples
      were assessed regarding baseline characteristics, retention rates, quit attempts
      and 24-hour point prevalence abstinence. Smokers recruited via general practices
      (N = 409) were significantly lower educated, less addicted, more motivated to
      quit smoking and to maintain non-smoking, more often female and more often
      suffering from cardiovascular or respiratory diseases than mass media respondents
      (N = 1154). They showed higher retention rates and were more likely to report a
      quit attempt (64.3 versus 50.7%) and abstinence (43.3 versus 33.1%). More
      respondents could be recruited via mass media, while general practices
      respondents showed higher retention rates and were more successful in quitting
      smoking, though these effects became non-significant when controlling for
      experimental condition and baseline differences. The choice for a particular
      recruitment strategy appeared to determine the number and type of smokers
      recruited and might consequently influence the intervention's potential public
      health impact.

PMID- 22058289
TI  - Derivation of new human embryonic stem cell lines reveals rapid epigenetic
      progression in vitro that can be prevented by chemical modification of chromatin.
AB  - Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are pluripotent cell types derived from the
      inner cell mass of human blastocysts. Recent data indicate that the majority of
      established female XX hESC lines have undergone X chromosome inactivation (XCI)
      prior to differentiation, and XCI of hESCs can be either XIST-dependent (class
      II) or XIST-independent (class III). XCI of female hESCs precludes the use of XX
      hESCs as a cell-based model for examining mechanisms of XCI, and will be a
      challenge for studying X-linked diseases unless strategies are developed to
      reactivate the inactive X. In order to recover nuclei with two active X
      chromosomes (class I), we developed a reprogramming strategy by supplementing
      hESC media with the small molecules sodium butyrate and 3-deazaneplanocin A
      (DZNep). Our data demonstrate that successful reprogramming can occur from the
      XIST-dependent class II nuclear state but not class III nuclear state. To
      determine whether these small molecules prevent XCI, we derived six new hESC
      lines under normoxic conditions (UCLA1-UCLA6). We show that class I nuclei are
      present within the first 20 passages of hESC derivation prior to
      cryopreservation, and that supplementation with either sodium butyrate or DZNep
      preserve class I nuclei in the self-renewing state. Together, our data
      demonstrate that self-renewal and survival of class I nuclei are compatible with
      normoxic hESC derivation, and that chemical supplementation after derivation
      provides a strategy to prevent epigenetic progression and retain nuclei with two
      active X chromosomes in the self-renewing state.

PMID- 22058290
TI  - The accumulation and not the specific activity of telomerase ribonucleoprotein
      determines telomere maintenance deficiency in X-linked dyskeratosis congenita.
AB  - X-linked dyskeratosis congenita (X-DC) is caused by mutations in the housekeeping
      nucleolar protein dyskerin. Amino acid changes associated with X-DC are
      remarkably heterogeneous. Peripheral mononuclear blood cells and fibroblasts
      isolated from X-DC patients harbor lower steady-state telomerase RNA (TER) levels
      and shorter telomeres than healthy age-matched controls. Previously, we showed
      that retroviral expression of recombinant TER, together with expression of
      recombinant telomerase reverse transcriptase, restored telomere maintenance and
      proliferative capacity in X-DC patient cells. Using rare X-DC isoforms (DeltaL37
      and A386T dyskerin), we showed that telomere maintenance defects observed in X-DC
      are solely due to decreased steady-state levels of TER. Disease-associated
      reductions in steady-state TER levels cause deficiencies in telomere maintenance.
      Here, we confirm these findings in other primary X-DC patient cell lines coding
      for the most common (A353V dyskerin) and more clinically severe (K314R and A353V
      dyskerin) X-DC isoforms. Using cell lines derived from these patients, we also
      examined the steady-state levels of other hinge-ACA motif RNAs and did not find
      differences in their in vivo accumulations. We show, for the first time, that
      purified telomerase holoenzyme complexes from different X-DC cells have normal
      catalytic activity. Our data confirm that dyskerin promotes TER stability in
      vivo, endorsing the development of TER supplementation strategies for the
      treatment of X-DC.

PMID- 22058291
TI  - Displaced fracture of the waist of the scaphoid.
AB  - A displaced fracture of the scaphoid is one in which the fragments have moved
      from their anatomical position or there is movement between them when stressed by
      physiological loads. Displacement is seen in about 20% of fractures of the waist
      of the scaphoid, as shown by translation, a gap, angulation or rotation. A CT
      scan in the true longitudinal axis of the scaphoid demonstrates the shape of the
      bone and displacement of the fracture more accurately than do plain radiographs.
      Displaced fractures can be treated in a plaster cast, accepting the risk of
      malunion and nonunion. Surgically the displacement can be reduced, checked
      radiologically, arthroscopically or visually, and stabilised with headless screws
      or wires. However, rates of union and deformity are unknown. Mild malunion is
      well tolerated, but the long-term outcome of a displaced fracture that healed in
      malalignment has not been established.  This paper summarises aspects of the
      assessment, treatment and outcome of displaced fractures of the waist of the
      scaphoid.

PMID- 22058292
TI  - Extra-articular techniques in anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a
      literature review.
AB  - This annotation considers the place of extra-articular reconstruction in the
      treatment of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficiency. Extra-articular
      reconstruction has been employed over the last century to address ACL deficiency.
      However, the technique has not gained favour, primarily due to residual
      instability and the subsequent development of degenerative changes in the lateral
      compartment of the knee. Thus intra-articular reconstruction has become the
      technique of choice. However, intra-articular reconstruction does not restore
      normal knee kinematics. Some authors have recommended extra-articular
      reconstruction in conjunction with an intra-articular technique.  The anatomy and
      biomechanics of the anterolateral structures of the knee remain largely
      undetermined. Further studies to establish the structure and function of the
      anterolateral structures may lead to more anatomical extra-articular
      reconstruction techniques that supplement intra-articular reconstruction. This
      might reduce residual pivot shift after an intra-articular reconstruction and
      thus improve the post-operative kinematics of the knee.

PMID- 22058293
TI  - Effect of intra-articular lesions on the outcome of periacetabular osteotomy in
      patients with symptomatic hip dysplasia.
AB  - In order to clarify how intra-articular lesions influence the survival of a
      periacetabular osteotomy in patients with dysplasia of the hip, we performed an
      observational study of 121 patients (121 hips) who underwent a transposition
      osteotomy of the acetabulum combined with an arthroscopy. Their mean age was 40.2
      years (13 to 64) and the mean follow-up was 9.9 years (2 to 18). Labral and
      cartilage degeneration tended to originate from the anterosuperior part of the
      acetabulum, followed by the femoral side. In all, eight hips (6.6%) had post
      operative progression to Kellgren-Lawrence grade 4 changes, and these hips were
      associated with the following factors: moderate osteoarthritis, decreased width
      of the joint space, joint incongruity, and advanced intra-articular lesions
      (subchondral bone exposure in the cartilage and a full-thickness labral tear).
      Multivariate analysis indicated subchondral bone exposure on the femoral head as
      an independent risk factor for progression of osteoarthritis (p = 0.003). In hips
      with early stage osteoarthritis, femoral subchondral bone exposure was a risk
      factor for progression of the grade of osteoarthritis. Although the outcome of
      transposition osteotomy of the acetabulum was satisfactory, post-operative
      progression of osteoarthritis occurred at a high rate in hips with advanced intra
      articular lesions, particularly in those where the degenerative process had
      reached the point of femoral subchondral bone exposure.

PMID- 22058294
TI  - The extent of the bone defect affects the outcome of femoral reconstruction in
      revision surgery with impacted bone grafting: a five- to 17-year follow-up study.
AB  - We report the results of 79 patients (81 hips) who underwent impaction grafting
      at revision hip replacement using the Exeter femoral stem. Their mean age was 64
      years (31 to 83). According to the Endoklinik classification, 20 hips had a type
      2 bone defect, 40 had type 3, and 21 had type 4. The mean follow-up for unrevised
      stems was 10.4 years (5 to 17). There were 12 re-operations due to intra- and
      post-operative fractures, infection (one hip) and aseptic loosening (one hip).
      All re-operations affected type 3 (6 hips) and 4 (6 hips) bone defects. The
      survival rate for re-operation for any cause was 100% for type 2, 81.2% (95%
      confidence interval (CI) 67.1 to 95.3) for type 3, and 70.8% (95% CI 51.1 to
      90.5) for type 4 defects at 14 years. The survival rate with further revision for
      aseptic loosening as the end point was 98.6% (95% CI 95.8 to 100). The final
      clinical score was higher for patients with type 2 bone defects than type 4
      regarding pain, function and range of movement. Limp was most frequent in the
      type 4 group (p < 0.001). The mean subsidence of the stem was 2.3 mm (SD 3.7) for
      hips with a type 2 defect, 4.3 mm (SD 7.2) for type 3 and 9.6 mm (SD 10.8) for
      type 4 (p = 0.022). The impacted bone grafting technique has good clinical
      results in femoral revision. However, major bone defects affect clinical outcome
      and also result in more operative complications.

PMID- 22058295
TI  - The effect of aspirin and low-molecular-weight heparin on venous thromboembolism
      after hip replacement: a non-randomised comparison from information in the
      National Joint Registry.
AB  - We compared thromboembolic events, major haemorrhage and death after total hip
      replacement in patients receiving either aspirin or low-molecular-weight heparin
      (LMWH). We analysed data from the National Joint Registry for England and Wales
      linked to an administrative database of hospital admissions in the English
      National Health Service. A total of 108,584 patients operated on between April
      2003 and September 2008 were included and followed up for 90 days. Multivariable
      risk modelling and propensity score matching were used to estimate odds ratios
      (OR) adjusted for baseline risk factors. An OR < 1 indicates that rates are lower
      with LMWH than with aspirin. In all, 21.1% of patients were prescribed aspirin
      and 78.9% LMWH. Without adjustment, we found no statistically significant
      differences. The rate of pulmonary embolism was 0.68% in both groups and 90-day
      mortality was 0.65% with aspirin and 0.61% with LMWH (OR 0.93; 95% CI 0.77 to
      1.11). With risk adjustment, the difference in mortality increased (OR 0.84; 95%
      CI 0.69 to 1.01). With propensity score matching the mortality difference
      increased even further to 0.65% with aspirin and 0.51% with LMWH (OR 0.77; 95% CI
      0.61 to 0.98). These results should be considered when the conflicting
      recommendations of existing guidelines for thromboprophylaxis after hip
      replacement are being addressed.

PMID- 22058296
TI  - Anatomy of the medial femoral circumflex artery with respect to the vascularity
      of the femoral head.
AB  - We performed a series of 16 anatomical dissections on Caucasian cadaver material
      to determine the surgical anatomy of the medial femoral circumflex artery (MFCA)
      and its anastomoses. These confirmed that the femoral head receives its blood
      supply primarily from the MFCA via a group of posterior superior nutrient
      arteries and the posterior inferior nutrient artery. In terms of anastomoses that
      may also contribute to the blood supply, the anastomosis with the inferior
      gluteal artery, via the piriformis branch, is the most important. These
      dissections provide a base of knowledge for further radiological studies on the
      vascularity of the normal femoral head and its vascularity after dislocation of
      the hip.

PMID- 22058297
TI  - The influence of the tibial slope and the size of the intercondylar notch on
      rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament.
AB  - It has been suggested that an increased posterior tibial slope (PTS) and a narrow
      notch width index (NWI) increase the risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
      injury. The aim of this study was to establish why there are conflicting reports
      on their significance. A total of fifty patients with a ruptured ACL and 50
      patients with an intact ACL were included in the study. The group with ACL
      rupture had a statistically significantly increased PTS (p < 0.001) and a smaller
      NWI (p < 0.001) than the control group. When a high PTS and/or a narrow NWI were
      defined as risk factors for an ACL rupture, 80% of patients had at least one risk
      factor present; only 24% had both factors present. In both groups the PTS was
      negatively correlated to the NWI (correlation coefficient = -0.28, p = 0.0052).
      Using a univariate model, PTS and NWI appear to be correlated to rupture of the
      ACL. Using a logistic regression model, the PTS (p = 0.006) and the NWI (p <
      0.0001) remain significant risk factors. From these results, either a steep PTS
      or a narrow NWI predisposes an individual to ACL injury. Future studies should
      consider these factors in combination rather than in isolation.

PMID- 22058298
TI  - Simultaneous cemented and cementless total knee replacement in the same patients:
      a prospective comparison of long-term outcomes using an identical design of
      NexGen prosthesis.
AB  - The purpose of this prospective, randomised study was to evaluate the clinical
      and radiological results comparing the identical cemented or cementless NexGen
      total knee prostheses implanted bilaterally in the same patient. Sequential
      simultaneous bilateral total knee replacements were performed in 50 patients (100
      knees). There were 39 women and 11 men with a mean age of 58.4 years (51 to 67)
      who received a cemented prosthesis in one knee and a cementless prosthesis in the
      other. The mean follow-up was 13.6 years (13 to 14). At final review, the mean
      Knee Society scores (96.2 (82 to 100) versus 97.7 (90 to 100)), the mean Western
      Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index (34.5 (4 to 59) versus
      35.6 (5 to 51)), the mean ranges of knee movement (124 degrees  (100 degrees  to
      140 degrees ) versus 128 degrees  (110 degrees  to 140 degrees )), mean patient
      satisfaction (8.1 (SD 1.9) versus 8.3 (SD 1.7)), and radiological results were
      similar in both groups. The rate of survival of the femoral components was 100%
      in both groups at 14 years. The rate of survival of the cemented tibial component
      was 100% and 98% in the cementless tibial component. No osteolysis was identified
      in either group. Our data have shown no advantage of cementless over cemented
      components in total knee replacement.

PMID- 22058299
TI  - The long-term results of a two-stage protocol for revision of an infected total
      knee replacement.
AB  - We report the long-term results of the management of neglected chronically
      infected total knee replacements with a two-stage re-implantation protocol. In 18
      of 34 patients (53%) a resistant organism was isolated. All cases were treated by
      the same surgical team in a specialist centre and had a mean follow-up of 12.1
      years (10 to 14). They were evaluated clinically and radiologically using the
      Knee Society Score (KSS) and the American Knee Society Roentgenographic scoring
      system, respectively. One patient died after eight years from an unrelated cause
      and two were lost to follow-up. Three patients (8.8%) developed a recurrent
      infection for which further surgery was required. The infection was eradicated
      successfully in 31 patients (91.1%). There was one case of aseptic loosening
      after 13 years. We found a significant improvement in the KSS at final follow-up
      (p < 0.001).

PMID- 22058300
TI  - Management of tibial bone defects with metal augmentation in primary total knee
      replacement: a minimum five-year review.
AB  - Bone defects are occasionally encountered during primary total knee replacement
      (TKR) and cause difficulty in establishing a stable well-aligned bone-implant
      interface. Between March 1999 and November 2005, 59 knees in 43 patients
      underwent primary TKR with a metal block augmentation for tibial bone deficiency.
      In all, six patients (eight knees) died less than four years post-operatively,
      and four patients (five knees) were lost to follow-up leaving 46 knees in 33
      patients available for review at a mean of 78.6 months (62 to 129). The clinical
      results obtained, including range of movement, American Knee Society and Oxford
      knee scores, and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis
      index, were good to excellent, with no failures. Radiolucent lines at the block
      cement-bone interface were noted in five knees (11%) during the first post
      operative year, but these did not progress. Modular rectangular metal
      augmentation for tibial bone deficiency is a useful option. No deterioration of
      the block-prosthesis or block-cement-bone interface was seen at minimum of five
      years follow-up.

PMID- 22058301
TI  - Warfarin management in patients on continuous anticoagulation therapy undergoing
      total knee replacement.
AB  - We evaluated the safety and efficacy of total knee replacement in patients
      receiving continuous warfarin therapy. We identified 24 consecutive patients
      receiving long-term warfarin therapy who underwent total knee replacement between
      2006 and 2008 and compared them with a group of age- and gender-matched patients
      not on long-term anticoagulation. Primary observations were changes in
      haemoglobin, transfusion rates and complications. Secondary observations were
      fluctuations in the international normalised ratio (INR) and post-operative range
      of movement. There was no significant difference between the two groups in pre-
      or post-operative haemoglobin, incidence of transfusion or incidence of post
      operative complications. There were no surgical delays due to a high INR level.
      The mean change in INR during the peri-operative phase was minimal (mean 0.4; SD
      0.7). There was no significant difference in the range of movement between the
      two groups after day two post-operatively. Current American College of Chest
      Physicians guidelines recommend bridging therapy for high-risk patients receiving
      oral anticoagulation and undergoing major orthopaedic procedures. We have shown
      that a safe alternative is to continue the steady-state warfarin peri-operatively
      in patients on long-term anticoagulation requiring total knee replacement.

PMID- 22058302
TI  - Safety and outcome of surgical debridement of insertional Achilles tendinopathy
      using a transverse (Cincinnati) incision.
AB  - This is a prospective analysis on 30 physically active individuals with a mean
      age of 48.9 years (35 to 64) with chronic insertional tendinopathy of the tendo
      Achillis. Using a transverse incision, the tendon was debrided and an osteotomy
      of the posterosuperior corner of the calcaneus was performed in all patients. At
      a minimum post-operative follow-up of three years, the Victorian Institute of
      Sports Assessment scale-Achilles tendon scores were significantly improved
      compared to the baseline status. In two patients a superficial infection of the
      wound developed which resolved on antibiotics. There were no other wound
      complications, no nerve related complications, and no secondary avulsions of the
      tendo Achillis. In all, 26 patients had returned to their pre-injury level of
      activity and the remaining four modified their sporting activity. At the last
      appointment, the mean pain threshold and the mean post-operative tenderness were
      also significantly improved from the baseline (p < 0.001). In patients with
      insertional tendo Achillis a transverse incision allows a wide exposure and
      adequate debridement of the tendo Achillis insertion, less soft-tissue injury
      from aggressive retraction and a safe osteotomy of the posterosuperior corner of
      the calcaneum.

PMID- 22058303
TI  - Heterotopic ossification after total ankle arthroplasty.
AB  - We evaluated the incidence of heterotopic ossification following total ankle
      replacement to determine whether the degree of ossification was associated with
      the clinical outcome. We evaluated 90 ankles in 81 consecutive patients who
      underwent total ankle replacement, and heterotopic ossification was assessed
      according to proportional involvement of the ankle joint. Correlation analysis
      was used to investigate the association between heterotopic ossification and
      outcome.  No significant association was found between the formation of
      heterotopic ossification and the clinical outcome. The degree of heterotopic
      ossification in the posterior ankle joint was not significantly correlated with
      posterior ankle pain (p = 0.929), the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society
      score (p = 0.454) or range of movement (p = 0.283).  This study indicates that
      caution should be observed in attributing symptoms and functional limitation to
      the presence of heterotopic ossification in the posterior ankle joint when
      considering excision of heterotopic bone after total ankle replacement.

PMID- 22058304
TI  - Revision surgery following total shoulder arthroplasty: analysis of 2588
      shoulders over three decades (1976 to 2008).
AB  - Our objective was to examine the rate of revision and its predictive factors in
      patients undergoing total shoulder arthroplasty (TSA). We used prospectively
      collected data from the Mayo Clinic Total Joint Registry to examine five-, ten-
      and 20-year revision-free survival following TSA and the predictive factors. We
      examined patient characteristics (age, gender, body mass index, comorbidity),
      implant fixation (cemented versus uncemented), American Society of
      Anesthesiologists class and underlying diagnosis. Univariate and multivariable
      adjusted hazard rates were calculated using Cox regression analysis. A total of
      2207 patients underwent 2588 TSAs. Their mean age was 65.0 years (19 to 91) and
      1163 (53%) were women; osteoarthritis was the underlying diagnosis in 1640
      shoulders (63%). In all, 212 TSAs (8.2%) were revised during the follow-up
      period. At five, ten and 20 years, survival rates were 94.2% (95% confidence
      interval (CI) 93.2 to 95.3), 90.2% (95% CI 88.7 to 91.7) and 81.4% (95% CI 78.4
      to 84.5), respectively. In multivariable analyses men had a higher hazard ratio
      of revision of 1.72 (95% CI 1.28 to 2.31) (p < 0.01) compared with women, and
      those with rotator cuff disease had a hazard ratio of 4.71 (95% CI 2.09 to 10.59)
      (p < 0.001) compared with patients with rheumatoid arthritis. We concluded that
      male gender and rotator cuff disease are independent risk factors for revision
      after TSA. Future studies are needed to understand the biological rationale for
      these differences.

PMID- 22058305
TI  - Efficacy of less invasive posterior lumbar interbody fusion as revision surgery
      for patients with recurrent symptoms after discectomy.
AB  - Recurrence of back or leg pain after discectomy is a well-recognised problem with
      an incidence of up to 28%. Once conservative measures have failed, several
      surgical options are available and have been tried with varying degrees of
      success. In this study, 42 patients with recurrent symptoms after discectomy
      underwent less invasive posterior lumbar interbody fusion (LI-PLIF). Clinical
      outcome was measured using the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Short Form 36 (SF
      36) questionnaires and visual analogue scales for back (VAS-BP) and leg pain (VAS
      LP). There was a statistically significant improvement in all outcome measures (p
      < 0.001). The debate around which procedure is the most effective for these
      patients remains controversial. Our results show that LI-PLIF is as effective as
      any other surgical procedure. However, given that it is less invasive, we feel
      that it should be considered as the preferred option.

PMID- 22058306
TI  - Accurate placement of a pelvic binder improves reduction of unstable fractures of
      the pelvic ring.
AB  - The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy of placement of pelvic binders
      and to determine whether circumferential compression at the level of the greater
      trochanters is the best method of reducing a symphyseal diastasis. Patients were
      identified by a retrospective review of all pelvic radiographs performed at a
      military hospital over a period of 30 months. We analysed any pelvic radiograph
      on which the buckle of the pelvic binder was clearly visible. The patients were
      divided into groups according to the position of the buckle in relation to the
      greater trochanters: high, trochanteric or low. Reduction of the symphyseal
      diastasis was measured in a subgroup of patients with an open-book fracture,
      which consisted of an injury to the symphysis and disruption of the posterior
      pelvic arch (AO/OTA 61-B/C). We identified 172 radiographs with a visible pelvic
      binder. Five cases were excluded due to inadequate radiographs. In 83 (50%) the
      binder was positioned at the level of the greater trochanters. A high position
      was the most common site of inaccurate placement, occurring in 65 (39%).
      Seventeen patients were identified as a subgroup to assess the effect of the
      position of the binder on reduction of the diastasis. The mean gap was 2.8 times
      greater (mean difference 22 mm) in the high group compared with the trochanteric
      group (p < 0.01). Application of a pelvic binder above the level of the greater
      trochanters is common and is an inadequate method of reducing pelvic fractures
      and is likely to delay cardiovascular recovery in these seriously injured
      patients.

PMID- 22058307
TI  - Physical, mechanical and pharmacological properties of coloured bone cement with
      and without antibiotics.
AB  - Coloured bone cements have been introduced to make the removal of cement debris
      easier at the time of primary and revision joint replacement. We evaluated the
      physical, mechanical and pharmacological effects of adding methylene blue to bone
      cement with or without antibiotics (gentamicin, vancomycin or both). The addition
      of methylene blue to plain cement significantly decreased its mean setting time
      (570 seconds (SD 4) vs 775 seconds (SD 11), p = 0.01), mean compression strength
      (95.4 MPa (SD 3) vs 100.1 MPa (SD 6), p = 0.03), and mean bending strength (65.2
      MPa (SD 5) vs 76.6 MPa (SD 4), p < 0.001) as well as its mean elastic modulus
      (2744 MPa (SD 97) vs 3281 MPa (SD 110), p < 0.001). The supplementation of the
      coloured cement with vancomycin and gentamicin decreased its mean bending
      resistance (55.7 MPa (SD 4) vs 65.2 MPa (SD 5), p < 0.001).The methylene blue
      significantly decreased the mean release of gentamicin alone (228.2 ug (SD 24) vs
      385.5 ug (SD 26), p < 0.001) or in combination with vancomycin (498.5 ug (SD 70)
      vs 613 ug (SD 25), p = 0.018) from the bone cement. This study demonstrates
      several theoretical disadvantages of the antibiotic-loaded bone cement coloured
      with methylene blue.

PMID- 22058308
TI  - Forced-air warming and ultra-clean ventilation do not mix: an investigation of
      theatre ventilation, patient warming and joint replacement infection in
      orthopaedics.
AB  - We investigated the capacity of patient warming devices to disrupt the ultra
      clean airflow system. We compared the effects of two patient warming
      technologies, forced-air and conductive fabric, on operating theatre ventilation
      during simulated hip replacement and lumbar spinal procedures using a mannequin
      as a patient. Infection data were reviewed to determine whether joint infection
      rates were associated with the type of patient warming device that was used.
      Neutral-buoyancy detergent bubbles were released adjacent to the mannequin's head
      and at floor level to assess the movement of non-sterile air into the clean
      airflow over the surgical site. During simulated hip replacement, bubble counts
      over the surgical site were greater for forced-air than for conductive fabric
      warming when the anaesthesia/surgery drape was laid down (p = 0.010) and at half
      height (p < 0.001). For lumbar surgery, forced-air warming generated convection
      currents that mobilised floor air into the surgical site area. Conductive fabric
      warming had no such effect. A significant increase in deep joint infection, as
      demonstrated by an elevated infection odds ratio (3.8, p = 0.024), was identified
      during a period when forced-air warming was used compared to a period when
      conductive fabric warming was used. Air-free warming is, therefore, recommended
      over forced-air warming for orthopaedic procedures.

PMID- 22058309
TI  - Intramedullary and total femur replacement in revision arthroplasty as a last
      limb-saving option: is there any benefit from the less invasive intramedullary
      replacement?
AB  - There has been a substantial increase in the number of hip and knee prostheses
      implanted in recent years, with a consequent increase in the number of revisions
      required. Total femur replacement (TFR) following destruction of the entire
      femur, usually after several previous revision operations, is a rare procedure
      but is the only way of avoiding amputation. Intramedullary femur replacement
      (IFR) with preservation of the femoral diaphysis is a modification of TFR.
      Between 1999 and 2010, 27 patients with non-oncological conditions underwent
      surgery in our department with either IFR (n = 15) or TFR (n = 12) and were
      included in this study retrospectively. The aim of the study was to assess the
      indications, complications and outcomes of IFR and TFR in revision cases. The
      mean follow-up period was 31.3 months (6 to 90). Complications developed in 37%
      of cases, 33% in the IFR group and 4% in the TFR group. Despite a trend towards a
      slightly better functional outcome compared with TFR, the indication for
      intramedullary femur replacement should be established on a very strict basis in
      view of the procedure's much higher complication rate.

PMID- 22058310
TI  - Forearm lengthening by distraction osteogenesis in children: a report of 22
      cases.
AB  - We present our experience of forearm lengthening in children with various
      conditions performed by a single surgeon between 1995 and 2009. A total of 19
      children with a mean age of 9.8 years (2.1 to 15.9) at the time of surgery had 22
      forearm lengthenings using either an Ilizarov/spatial and Ilizarov circular frame
      or a monolateral external fixator. The patients were divided into two groups:
      group A, in whom the purpose of treatment was to restore the relationship between
      the radius and the ulna, and group B, in whom the objective was to gain forearm
      length. The mean follow-up after removal of the frame was 26 months (13 to 53).
      There were ten patients (11 forearms) in group A with a mean radioulnar
      discrepancy of 2.4 cm (1.5 to 3.3) and nine patients (11 forearms) in group B. In
      group A, the mean lengthening achieved was 2.7 cm (1.0 to 5.5), with a
      lengthening index of 11.1 weeks/cm. Equalisation or overcorrection of the
      discrepancy was achieved in seven of 11 forearms, but lengthening was only
      partially successful at preventing subluxation or dislocation of the radial head.
      In group B, the mean lengthening achieved was 3.8 cm (1.9 to 6.8), with a
      lengthening index of 7.25 weeks/cm. Common complications in both groups were pin
      site infection and poor regenerate formation. Forearm lengthening by distraction
      osteogenesis is a worthwhile procedure in children that can improve cosmesis and
      function, particularly in patients with shortening of both radius and ulna.

PMID- 22058311
TI  - The use of CRP within a clinical prediction algorithm for the differentiation of
      septic arthritis and transient synovitis in children.
AB  - Clinical prediction algorithms are used to differentiate transient synovitis from
      septic arthritis. These algorithms typically include the erythrocyte
      sedimentation rate (ESR), although in clinical practice measurement of the C
      reactive protein (CRP) has largely replaced the ESR. We evaluated the use of CRP
      in a predictive algorithm. The records of 311 children with an effusion of the
      hip, which was confirmed on ultrasound, were reviewed (mean age 5.3 years (0.2 to
      15.1)). Of these, 269 resolved without intervention and without long-term
      sequelae and were considered to have had transient synovitis. The remaining 42
      underwent arthrotomy because of suspicion of septic arthritis. Infection was
      confirmed in 29 (18 had micro-organisms isolated and 11 had a high synovial fluid
      white cell count). In the remaining 13 no evidence of infection was found and
      they were also considered to have had transient synovitis. In total 29 hips were
      categorised as septic arthritis and 282 as transient synovitis. The temperature,
      weight-bearing status, peripheral white blood cell count and CRP was reviewed in
      each patient. A CRP > 20 mg/l was the strongest independent risk factor for
      septic arthritis (odds ratio 81.9, p < 0.001). A multivariable prediction model
      revealed that only two determinants (weight-bearing status and CRP > 20 mg/l)
      were independent in differentiating septic arthritis from transient synovitis.
      Individuals with neither predictor had a < 1% probability of septic arthritis,
      but those with both had a 74% probability of septic arthritis. A two-variable
      algorithm can therefore quantify the risk of septic arthritis, and is an
      excellent negative predictor.

PMID- 22058312
TI  - A comparison of methods of post-operative analgesia in children undergoing limb
      reconstruction with circular frames.
AB  - This retrospective study compared post-operative epidural analgesia (E),
      continuous peripheral nerve blocks (CPNB) and morphine infusion (M) in 68
      children undergoing limb reconstruction with circular frames. The data collected
      included episodes of severe pain, post-operative duration of analgesia,
      requirement for top-up analgesia, number of osteotomies, side effects and
      complications. There was a significant difference between the number of episodes
      of severe pain in patients receiving a morphine infusion and those receiving
      epidurals or CPNB (M vs E, p < 0.0001; M vs CPNB, p = 0.018). The CPNB group was
      associated with the lowest incidence of episodes of severe pain and top-up
      analgesia. Epidural analgesia was associated with significantly more nausea and
      vomiting than morphine infusion (p = 0.053) and CPNB (p = 0.023). It also had a
      significantly higher incidence of motor blockade than CPNB (p < 0.01). We found
      that the most effective method of post-operative analgesia for children
      undergoing lower limb reconstruction was sciatic nerve catheterisation and
      continuous infusion.

PMID- 22058313
TI  - Progressive limitation of knee flexion secondary to an accessory quinticeps
      femoris muscle in a child: a case report and literature review.
AB  - We describe a symptomatic, progressive restriction of knee flexion due to an
      accessory quadriceps femoris in a nine-year-old girl. There was no history or
      findings of post-injection fibrosis, nor any obvious swelling of the affected
      quadriceps. At arthroscopy no intra-articular pathology was found. An accessory
      'quinticeps femoris' was diagnosed by ultrasonography and MRI. Following excision
      of the muscle and tendon full flexion of the knee was regained and there was no
      recurrence of the contracture.

PMID- 22058314
TI  - Posterior occipitocervical fixation under skull-femoral traction for the
      treatment of basilar impression in a child with Klippel-Feil syndrome.
AB  - We present the case of a 15-year-old boy with symptoms due to Klippel-Feil
      syndrome. Radiographs and CT scans demonstrated basilar impression,
      occipitalisation of C1 and fusion of C2/C3. MRI showed ventral compression of the
      medullocervical junction. Skull traction was undertaken pre-operatively to
      determine whether the basilar impression could be safely reduced. During
      traction, the C3/C4 junction migrated 12 mm caudally and spasticity resolved.
      Peri-operative skull-femoral traction enabled posterior occipitocervical fixation
      without decompression. Following surgery, cervical alignment was restored and
      spasticity remained absent. One year after surgery he was not limited in his
      activities. The surgical strategy for patients with basilar impression and
      congenital anomalies remains controversial. The anterior approach with
      decompression is often recommended for patients with ventral compression of the
      medullocervical region, but such procedures are technically demanding and carry a
      significant risk of complications. Our surgical strategy was an alternative
      solution. Prior to a posterior cervical fixation, without decompression, skull
      traction was used to confirm that the deformity was reducible and effective in
      resolving associated myelopathy.

PMID- 22058316
TI  - Pectinatus brassicae sp. nov., a Gram-negative, anaerobic bacterium isolated from
      salty wastewater.
AB  - A novel Gram-negative, non-spore-forming, strictly anaerobic, heterotrophic
      bacterium, strain TY(T), was isolated from salty pickle wastewater. Cells were
      rod-shaped with comb-like flagella, slightly curved and very variable in length.
      Optimal growth occurred at 28  degrees C and pH 6.5. Cells were resistant to up
      to 50 g NaCl l(-1). Strain TY(T) produced acid from glycerol, sucrose, glucose,
      fructose and mannitol. The main fermentation products from glucose were acetic
      and propionic acids. Tests for acid phosphatase and naphthol-AS-BI
      phosphohydrolase activities were positive. The major fatty acids were C(14 : 0)
      DMA (18.7 %), C(15 : 0) (15.4 %), anteiso-C(18 : 1) (15.2 %), C(11 : 0) (13.3 %)
      and summed feature 5 (C(17 : 1)omega7c and/or C(17 : 2)) (11.0 %). The DNA G+C
      content was 35.9 mol%. 16S rRNA gene sequence-based phylogenetic analysis
      indicated that strain TY(T) represented a novel species of the genus Pectinatus
      (sequence similarity to other members of the genus ranged from 93.2 to 94.8 %).
      Based on its phenotypic, genotypic and phylogenetic characteristics, strain TY(T)
      is proposed to represent a novel species, named Pectinatus brassicae sp. nov.
      (type strain TY(T) = JCM 17499(T) = DSM 24661(T)).

PMID- 22058317
TI  - Promicromonospora thailandica sp. nov., isolated from marine sediment.
AB  - A novel actinomycete, strain S7F-02(T), which produced primary branched hyphae
      and fragmented into V- and Y-shaped bacillary cells, was isolated from marine
      sediment collected in the Andaman Sea, Trang Province, Thailand. Lysine was found
      to be the diagnostic diamino acid in the cell-wall peptidoglycan. The whole-cell
      sugars of strain S7F-02(T) were ribose, arabinose and glucose. The characteristic
      phospholipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol and
      phosphatidylinositol. The predominant menaquinone was MK-9(H(4)). The predominant
      cellular fatty acids were anteiso-C(15 : 0) and iso-C(15 : 0). The G+C content of
      the genomic DNA of strain S7F-02(T) was 70.6 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on
      16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain S7F-02(T) should be classified in
      the genus Promicromonospora. This strain formed a close association with
      Promicromonospora citrea DSM 43110(T), with which it shared 99.2 % 16S rRNA gene
      sequence similarity. DNA-DNA hybridization data together with physiological and
      biochemical properties showed that strain S7F-02(T) could be readily
      distinguished from its closest phylogenetic relatives. On the basis of these
      phenotypic and genotypic data, strain S7F-02(T) is considered to represent a
      novel species of the genus Promicromonospora, for which the name
      Promicromonospora thailandica sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is S7F-02(T)
      (= BCC 41922(T) = JCM 17130(T)).

PMID- 22058318
TI  - Kerstersia similis sp. nov., isolated from human clinical samples.
AB  - Analysis of gyrB gene sequences, (GTG)(5)-primed PCR fingerprinting and
      biochemical characteristics determined in the Biolog GEN III microtest system
      were used to differentiate an unnamed Kerstersia species from Kerstersia gyiorum,
      the type and only named species in this genus. The inability to oxidize D
      galacturonic and D-glucuronic acids and the ability to oxidize D-serine, along
      with gyrB gene sequence analysis and (GTG)(5)-PCR fingerprints, readily
      differentiated the unnamed taxon from the type species. Therefore, we propose to
      formally classify this unnamed taxon as Kerstersia similis sp. nov. with strain
      LMG 5890(T) (= CCUG 46999(T)), isolated from a leg wound in the USA in 1983, as
      the type strain.

PMID- 22058319
TI  - Exiguobacterium aquaticum sp. nov., a member of the genus Exiguobacterium.
AB  - A Gram-positive, motile, short rod-shaped, orange pigmented bacterium, designated
      strain IMTB-3094(T), was isolated from a water sample collected from Tikkar Tal
      Lake, Haryana, and subjected to detailed polyphasic taxonomic analysis. Strain
      IMTB-3094(T) possessed most of the phenotypic and chemotaxonomic properties of
      the genus Exiguobacterium and, based on 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, was
      assigned to this genus. Strain IMTB-3094(T) exhibited the highest 16S rRNA gene
      sequence similarity to Exiguobacterium mexicanum MTCC 7759(T) (99.5 %) followed
      by Exiguobacterium aurantiacum MTCC 6414(T) (99.1 %), Exiguobacterium aestuarii
      MTCC 7750(T) (98.0 %), Exiguobacterium profundum MTCC 10851(T) (98.0 %) and
      Exiguobacterium marinum MTCC 7751(T) (98.0 %). The G+C content of the genomic DNA
      of strain IMTB-3094(T) was 53.2 mol% and a DNA-DNA relatedness study confirmed
      that it represents a novel species. The major fatty acids of strain IMTB-3094(T)
      were iso-C(17 : 0) (16.1 %), anteiso-C(13 : 0) (19.0 %), iso-C(13 : 0) (11.9 %),
      iso-C(15 : 0) (9.8 %) and iso-C(17 : 1) (12.7 %). The predominant quinones were
      MK-7 (55.0 %) and MK-6 (26.0 %) with minor amounts of MK-8 (12.0 %). Based on
      phenotypic, chemotaxonomic and phylogenetic analyses, strain IMTB-3094(T)
      represents a novel species of the genus Exiguobacterium, for which the name
      Exiguobacterium aquaticum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is IMTB-3094(T)
      (= MTCC 10958(T) = JCM 17977(T)).

PMID- 22058320
TI  - Halobacterium piscisalsi Yachai et al. 2008 is a later heterotypic synonym of
      Halobacterium salinarum Elazari-Volcani 1957.
AB  - Halobacterium piscisalsi was proposed by Yachai et al. (2008), with a single
      strain, HPC1-2(T) (= BCC 24372(T) = JCM 14661(T) = PCU 302(T)), which was
      isolated from fermented fish (pla-ra) in Thailand. According to Yachai et al.
      (2008), the strain was closely related to Halobacterium salinarum based on 16S
      rRNA gene sequence comparisons and could be differentiated by low DNA-DNA
      relatedness values and different biochemical profiles compared with other species
      of the genus. The reanalysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequences and the DNA-DNA
      relatedness among H. piscisalsi JCM 14661(T) and H. salinarum strains JCM
      8978(T), R1 and NRC-1 revealed that they all had exactly the same 16S rRNA gene
      sequence and shared more than 70 % DNA-DNA relatedness. In addition, the full
      length DNA-dependent RNA polymerase subunit B (RpoB) protein sequence of H.
      piscisalsi JCM 14661(T) (607 amino acids) was the same as that of H. salinarum
      JCM 8978(T) and showed 94.7 and 96.7 % similarities with those of Halobacterium
      noricense JCM 15102(T) and Halobacterium jilantaiense JCM 13558(T), respectively.
      Despite the different biochemical properties described by Yachai et al. (2008),
      the characteristic phenotypic properties of H. piscisalsi agreed with those in
      the description of H. salinarum emended by Gruber et al. (2004). Therefore, H.
      piscisalsi Yachai et al. (2008) should be regarded as a later heterotypic synonym
      of H. salinarum Elazari-Volcani 1957.

PMID- 22058321
TI  - Salinisphaera halophila sp. nov., a moderately halophilic bacterium isolated from
      brine of a salt well.
AB  - A Gram-stain-negative, moderately halophilic, strictly aerobic bacterium,
      designated YIM 95161(T), was isolated from brine of a salt well in Yunnan
      province, China, and subjected to a taxonomic study using a polyphasic approach.
      Cells of strain YIM 95161(T) were short rods, approximately 0.9-1.4 um long and
      0.4-0.6 um wide. Strain YIM 95161(T) grew at 15-40  degrees C (optimum, 25-30 
      degrees C), 6-29 % (w/v) NaCl (optimum, 14-19 %) and at pH 5.0-8.0 (optimum, pH
      7.0). The predominant isoprenoid quinone was Q-8. The major fatty acids (>10 %)
      were summed feature 8 (C(18 : 1)omega6c and/or C(18 : 1)omega7c) and C(14 : 0).
      The polar lipids consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylcholine,
      phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylglycerol, one unknown phosphoglycolipid and
      two unknown lipids. The DNA G+C content was 69.5 %. Phylogenetic analysis based
      on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain YIM 95161(T) was a member of the
      genus Salinisphaera and exhibited sequence similarities of 96.7 %, 95.6 % and
      95.4 % to Salinisphaera shabanensis E1L3A(T), Salinisphaera dokdonensis CL
      ES53(T) and Salinisphaera hydrothermalis EPR70(T), respectively. On the basis of
      phylogenetic, physiological and chemotaxonomic analysis, strain YIM 95161(T)
      represents a novel species of the genus Salinisphaera, for which the name
      Salinisphaera halophila sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 95161(T) (=
      CCTCC AB 2011132(T) = JCM 17431(T)).

PMID- 22058322
TI  - Enterococcus rivorum sp. nov., from water of pristine brooks.
AB  - A significant number of Enterococcus strains from pristine waters of two brooks
      in Finland formed a distinct cluster on the basis of whole-cell protein
      fingerprinting by one-dimensional SDS-PAGE. The strains shared the following
      characteristics. Cells were ovoid, Gram-positive-staining and non-spore-forming,
      appearing singly or in pairs or chains. They were facultatively anaerobic and
      catalase-negative. Growth in broth containing 6.5 % NaCl or at 45  degrees C was
      weak or absent. Production of D antigen was variable. The strains tolerated 60 
      degrees C for 30 min, 40 % bile and tellurite, hydrolysed aesculin strongly and
      gelatin weakly, produced no acid from hippurate and did not reduce it, grew
      weakly at 10  degrees C, showed a strong reaction for the Voges-Proskauer test
      and produced acid from methyl alpha-d-glucoside, mannitol, sorbitol and sucrose,
      with weak or no production of acid from methyl alpha-d-mannoside, l-arabinose,
      gluconate and l-xylose. Several of the strains were selected for identification
      on the basis of sequencing of almost the whole 16S rRNA gene and partial atpA and
      pheS genes and of (GTG)(5)-PCR fingerprints. Partial atpA and pheS gene
      sequencing was also performed for those type strains of Enterococcus species
      without available sequences in the database. The pristine brook isolates formed a
      novel species, for which the name Enterococcus rivorum sp. nov. (type strain
      S299(T) = HAMBI 3055(T) = LMG 25899(T) = CCM 7986(T)) is proposed. On the basis
      of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, E. rivorum sp. nov. is related to the
      Enterococcus faecalis genogoup. It is distinguished from described Enterococcus
      species on the basis of 16S rRNA, atpA and pheS gene sequences and whole-cell
      protein and (GTG)(5)-PCR fingerprints. It is most closely related to E. faecalis,
      but DNA-DNA hybridization confirms it to represent a novel species.

PMID- 22058323
TI  - Namhaeicola litoreus gen. nov., sp. nov., a member of the family
      Flavobacteriaceae isolated from seawater.
AB  - A Gram-staining-negative, non-flagellated, non-gliding and pleomorphic bacterial
      strain, designated DPG-25(T), was isolated from seawater in a seaweed farm in the
      South Sea in Korea and its taxonomic position was investigated by using a
      polyphasic approach. Strain DPG-25(T) grew optimally at 25  degrees C, at pH 7.0
      7.5 and in the presence of 2 % (w/v) NaCl. Flexirubin-type pigments were not
      produced. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that
      strain DPG-25(T) formed a cluster with the type strains of Actibacter sediminis,
      Aestuariicola saemankumensis and Lutimonas vermicola. Strain DPG-25(T) exhibited
      16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values of 95.3, 93.1 and 93.6 % to the type
      strains of Actibacter sediminis, Aestuariicola saemankumensis and L. vermicola,
      respectively. Strain DPG-25(T) contained MK-6 as the predominant menaquinone and
      iso-C(15 : 0) and iso-C(17 : 0) 3-OH as the major fatty acids. The major polar
      lipids detected in strain DPG-25(T) were phosphatidylethanolamine and one
      unidentified lipid. The DNA G+C content was 39.9 mol%. Differential phenotypic
      properties and the phylogenetic distinctiveness of strain DPG-25(T) demonstrated
      that this strain is distinguishable from Actibacter sediminis, Aestuariicola
      saemankumensis and L. vermicola. On the basis of the data presented here, strain
      DPG-25(T) represents a novel species in a novel genus of the family
      Flavobacteriaceae, for which the name Namhaeicola litoreus gen. nov., sp. nov. is
      proposed. The type strain of Namhaeicola litoreus is DPG-25(T) (= KCTC 23702(T) =
      CCUG 61485(T)).

PMID- 22058324
TI  - Mesorhizobium silamurunense sp. nov., isolated from root nodules of Astragalus
      species.
AB  - Four rhizobial strains representing a previously defined novel group in the genus
      Mesorhizobium and isolated from Astragalus species in China were further
      characterized using a polyphasic approach. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA gene
      sequences showed that these Gram-negative bacteria belonged to the genus
      Mesorhizobium, with Mesorhizobium plurifarium LMG 11892(T) as the closest
      neighbour sharing a sequence similarity of 99.8 %. Comparative sequence analysis
      of the atpD, recA, glnII, rpoB, nodC and nifH genes, SDS-PAGE of whole-cell
      soluble proteins, DNA-DNA hybridization, fatty acid profiles and a series of
      phenotypic and physiological tests differentiated the novel group from all
      recognized species of the genus Mesorhizobium. Based on the data obtained in the
      present and previous studies, this group represents a novel species within the
      genus Mesorhizobium, for which the name Mesorhizobium silamurunense sp. nov. is
      proposed. The type strain is CCBAU 01550(T) (= HAMBI 3029(T) = LMG 24822(T)), and
      could form effective nodules on Astragalus membranaceus, Astragalus adsurgens and
      Caragana intermedia, and ineffective nodules on Phaseolus vulgaris in cross
      nodulation tests.

PMID- 22058325
TI  - Granulicella arctica sp. nov., Granulicella mallensis sp. nov., Granulicella
      tundricola sp. nov. and Granulicella sapmiensis sp. nov., novel acidobacteria
      from tundra soil.
AB  - Four aerobic bacteria, designated MP5ACTX2(T), MP5ACTX8(T), MP5ACTX9(T) and
      S6CTX5A(T), were isolated from tundra soil of north-western Finland (69 degrees 
      03' N 20 degrees  50' E). Cells of all isolates were Gram-negative, non-motile
      rods. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that they belonged to the genus
      Granulicella of subdivision 1 of the phylum
      Acidobacteriahttp://dx.doi.org/10.1601/nm.7918. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity
      between the new isolates and the type strains of Granulicella aggregans,
      Granulicella paludicola, Granulicella pectinivorans and Granulicella rosea ranged
      from 94 to 99 %. Analysis of the RNA polymerase beta subunit (rpoB) gene sequence
      indicated that the isolates represented novel species of the genus Granulicella
      (<92 % rpoB sequence similarity between the isolates and members of the genus
      Granulicella). This was also confirmed by low DNA-DNA relatedness (31 %) between
      strain S6CTX5A(T) and the type strain of G. pectinivorans, which exhibited 99.1 %
      16S rRNA gene sequence similarity and 91.7 % rpoB gene sequence similarity. The
      isolates grew at pH 3.5-6.5 and at 4-26  degrees C. Sugars were the preferred
      growth substrates. The major cellular fatty acids were iso-C(15 : 0), C(16 :
      1)omega7c and C(16 : 0) and the major isoprenoid quinone was MK-8. The DNA G+C
      content was 56-60 mol%. On the basis of phylogenetic analysis and chemotaxonomic
      and physiological data, the isolates represent four novel species of the genus
      Granulicella, for which the names Granulicella arctica MP5ACTX2(T) (= ATCC BAA
      1858(T) = DSM 23128(T)), Granulicella mallensis MP5ACTX8(T) (= ATCC BAA-1857(T) =
      DSM 23137(T)), Granulicella tundricola MP5ACTX9(T) (ATCC BAA-1859(T) = DSM
      23138(T)) and Granulicella sapmiensis S6CTX5A(T) (= LMG 26174(T) = DSM 23136(T))
      are proposed. An emended description of the genus Granulicella is also presented.

PMID- 22058326
TI  - Microbacterium immunditiarum sp. nov., an actinobacterium isolated from landfill
      surface soil, and emended description of the genus Microbacterium.
AB  - A Gram-positive, non-endospore-forming bacterium, designated strain SK 18(T), was
      isolated from surface soil of a landfill site by dilution plating on trypticase
      soy broth agar. Preliminary characterization of strain SK 18(T) via biochemical
      tests, analysis of fatty acid methyl esters and partial 16S rRNA gene sequencing
      placed it within the genus Microbacterium. Analysis of the cell wall indicated
      that the peptidoglycan was of cross-linkage type B, containing the amino acids
      lysine and ornithine and with muramic acid in the N-glycolyl form. The polar
      lipids were phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, an unidentified
      phospholipid and an unidentified glycolipid. The major fatty acids of the cell
      membrane were anteiso-C(17 : 0), anteiso-C(15 : 0) and iso-C(16 : 0). These data
      further strengthened placement of the strain within the genus Microbacterium.
      Strain SK 18(T) shared highest 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity (97.2 %) with
      Microbacterium ulmi DSM 16931(T). Levels of similarity with the type strains of
      all other recognized Microbacterium species were less than 97.0 %. DNA-DNA
      hybridization experiments with strain SK 18(T) and its closest relative, M. ulmi
      DSM 16931(T), revealed a low reassociation value of 39.0 % (sigma = 3.8 %).
      Moreover, strain SK 18(T) showed a number of differences in phenotypic
      characteristics (colony colour, catalase activity, hydrolysis of polymers, acid
      production from sugars and oxidation of various substrates), and its DNA G+C
      content was also higher than that of M. ulmi DSM 16931(T). These data indicated
      that strain SK 18(T) represents a novel species of the genus Microbacterium, for
      which the name Microbacterium immunditiarum sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain
      is SK 18(T) (= MTCC 7185(T) = JCM 14034(T)). An emended description of the genus
      Microbacterium is also provided.

PMID- 22058327
TI  - Identification of a second mimicry epitope from Acanthamoeba castellanii that
      induces CNS autoimmunity by generating cross-reactive T cells for MBP 89-101 in
      SJL mice.
AB  - We had previously reported that Acanthamoeba castellanii (ACA) contains a mimicry
      epitope for proteolipid protein 139-151 capable of inducing central nervous
      system (CNS) autoimmunity in SJL/J mice. We now present evidence that ACA also
      contains a mimicry epitope for myelin basic protein (MBP) 89-101, a derivative
      from amoebic nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide dehydrogenase subunit 2 (NAD). The
      epitope, NAD 108-120, contains a discontinuous stretch of six amino acids in the
      core region (VVFFKNIILIGFL) sharing 46% identity with MBP 89-101 (VHFFKNIVTPRTP;
      identical residues are underlined). SJL mice immunized with NAD 108-120 develop
      encephalomyelitis similar to the disease induced by the cognate peptide. We
      demonstrate that NAD 108-120 induces T cells that cross-react with MBP 89-101;
      the antigen-sensitized T cells, which produce predominantly T helper (T(h)) 1 and
      T(h)17 cytokines, transfer disease in naive SJL recipients reminiscent of the
      disease induced with MBP 89-101. This is the first report to demonstrate that a
      solitary microbe can induce CNS autoimmunity by generating cross-reactive T cells
      for multiple myelin antigens.

PMID- 22058328
TI  - The CD40-CD40L axis and IFN-gamma play critical roles in Langhans giant cell
      formation.
AB  - The presence of Langhans giant cells (LGCs) is one of the signatures of systemic
      granulomatous disorders such as tuberculosis and sarcoidosis. However, the
      pathophysiological mechanism leading to LGC formation, especially the
      contribution of the T cells abundantly found in granulomas, has not been fully
      elucidated. To examine the role of T cells in LGC formation, a new in vitro
      method for the induction of LGCs was developed by co-culturing human monocytes
      with autologous T cells in the presence of concanavalin A (ConA). This system
      required close contact between monocytes and T cells, and CD4+ T cells were more
      potent than CD8+ T cells in inducing LGC formation. Antibody inhibition revealed
      that a CD40-CD40 ligand (CD40L) interaction and IFN-gamma were essential for LGC
      formation, and the combination of exogenous soluble CD40L (sCD40L) and IFN-gamma
      efficiently replaced the role of T cells. Dendritic cell-specific transmembrane
      protein (DC-STAMP), a known fusion-related molecule in monocytes, was up
      regulated during LGC formation. Moreover, knock-down of DC-STAMP by siRNA
      inhibited LGC formation, revealing that DC-STAMP was directly involved in LGC
      formation. Taken together, these results demonstrate that T cells played a
      pivotal role in a new in vitro LGC formation system, in which DC-STAMP was
      involved, and occurred via a molecular mechanism that involved CD40-CD40L
      interaction and IFN-gamma secretion.

PMID- 22058329
TI  - Endogenous osteopontin involvement in laser-induced choroidal neovascularization
      in mice.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of the lack of osteopontin (OPN) and the
      administration of anti-OPN antibody on inflammation and vascular endothelial
      growth factor (VEGF) expression in choroidal tissue and on the development of
      choroidal neovascularization (CNV) after retinal photocoagulation in mice.
      METHODS: CNV was induced in one eye each of 20 C57BL/6-background OPN-deficient
      mice or 20 wild-type littermates. In another series of experiments, CNV was
      induced in 40 C57BL/6 mice treated with intraperitoneal administration of 400 MUg
      anti-OPN (SLAYGLR) neutralizing antibody or control IgG. Four laser spots were
      prepared in each eye. At day 14, the size of the CNV was evaluated by high
      resolution angiography with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-dextran. Six wild
      type or six knockout mice also received photocoagulation and processed for
      histology. mRNA expression of OPN, VEGF, and F4/80 macrophage antigen in laser
      irradiated choroidal tissues was analyzed at day 3 in wild-type or knockout mice
      as well as in wild-type mice treated with anti-OPN antibody or control antibody.
      RESULTS: Photocoagulation upregulated OPN expression in choroidal tissue.
      Histology did not uncover the effects of the lack of OPN on the healing of laser
      injury in choroid. The lack of OPN or systemic administration of anti-OPN
      antibody suppressed mRNA expression of VEGF and macrophage invasion in choroidal
      tissue. FITC-dextran angiography showed that lacking OPN or systemic anti-OPN
      antibody reduced the size of laser-induced CNV. CONCLUSIONS: OPN is upregulated
      in laser-irradiated choroidal tissue. Endogenous OPN is required for macrophage
      inflammation and VEGF expression in choroidal tissue and for CNV development
      after retinal photocoagulation in mice.

PMID- 22058330
TI  - Binocular coordination during reading of blurred and nonblurred text.
AB  - PURPOSE: Reading a text requires vergence angle adjustments, so that the images
      in the two eyes fall on corresponding retinal areas. Vergence adjustments bring
      the two retinal images into Panum's fusional area and therefore, small remaining
      errors or regulations do not lead to double vision. The present study evaluated
      dynamic and static aspects of the binocular coordination when upcoming text was
      blurred. METHODS: Binocular eye movements and accommodation responses were
      simultaneously measured for 20 participants while reading single, nonblurred
      sentences and while the text was blurred as if it were seen by a person in whom
      the combination of refraction and accommodation deviated from the stimulus plane
      by 0.5 D. RESULTS: Text comprehension did not change, even though fixation times
      increased for reading blurred sentences. The disconjugacy during saccades was
      also not affected by blurred text presentations, but the vergence adjustment
      during fixations was reduced. Further, for blurred text, the overall vergence
      angle shifted in the exo direction, and this shift correlated with the individual
      heterophoria. Accommodation measures showed that the lag of accommodation was
      slightly larger for reading blurred sentences and that the shift in vergence
      angle was larger when the individual lag of accommodation was also larger.
      CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that reading comprehension is robust against
      changes in binocular coordination that result from moderate text degradation;
      nevertheless, these changes are likely to be linked to the development of fatigue
      and visual strain in near reading conditions.

PMID- 22058331
TI  - Extracellular matrix elasticity modulates TGF-beta-induced p38 activation and
      myofibroblast transdifferentiation in human tenon fibroblasts.
AB  - PURPOSE: Extracellular matrix and the cytokine TGF-beta influence scar formation
      in an interdependent fashion. In this study, the impact of extracellular matrix
      elasticity on TGF-beta-induced signal transduction and myofibroblast
      transdifferentiation was examined. METHODS: Primary human tenon fibroblasts were
      seeded on collagen-coated glass coverslips (rigid environment) or collagen or
      polyacrylamide gels (elastic environment) of different compliance and stimulated
      with TGF-beta. Myofibroblast transdifferentiation was assessed by reverse
      transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and Western blot
      analysis for the marker gene alpha-smooth muscle actin (SMA), and SMA
      incorporation into stress fibers was determined by confocal immunofluorescence
      microscopy. CTGF transcription was assessed by RT-qPCR. Signaling pathways were
      examined by Western blot using phosphospecific antibodies and by
      immunofluorescence microscopy. RESULTS: TGF-beta-dependent myofibroblast
      transdifferentiation was enhanced in a stiff environment. Increasing matrix
      elasticity attenuated TGF-beta-induced myofibroblast transdifferentiation and the
      associated CTGF expression. TGF-beta-induced p38 activation was reduced on
      elastic substrates. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that matrix elasticity
      influences TGF-beta-dependent activation of p38 signaling and subsequent
      myofibroblast transdifferentiation. Biomechanical cues represent an important
      determinant of scarring processes. Therefore, cellular signals elicited by
      mechanotransduction deserve consideration in the design of novel antifibrotic
      strategies.

PMID- 22058332
TI  - Roles of AMP-activated protein kinase in diabetes-induced retinal inflammation.
AB  - PURPOSE: AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a sensor of cellular energy
      status. The purpose of the present study was to elucidate the roles of AMPK in
      the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy using the known AMPK activators
      resveratrol and AICAR (5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide ribonucleoside) in a mouse
      model. METHODS: C57BL/6 mice with streptozotocin-induced diabetes were treated
      with resveratrol orally at 50 mg/kg for 7 days or with AICAR intraperitoneally at
      100 mg/kg 24 hours before death. Retinal protein levels of phosphorylated and
      total AMPK, phosphorylated nuclear factor (NF)-kappaB p65, intercellular adhesion
      molecule (ICAM)-1, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were evaluated
      by Western blot analysis or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Retinal activity
      of sirtuin (SIRT)1 was measured by deacetylase fluorometric assay. Leukocyte
      adhesion to the retinal vasculature was examined with a concanavalin A lectin
      perfusion-labeling technique. RESULTS: Induction of diabetes in mice led to
      retinal AMPK dephosphorylation, which was significantly reversed by either
      resveratrol or AICAR. Either resveratrol or AICAR significantly reversed SIRT1
      deactivation and NF-kappaB phosphorylation, both of which were induced in the
      diabetic retina. Administration of resveratrol to diabetic mice significantly
      reduced diabetes-induced retinal leukocyte adhesion, together with retinal
      expression of ICAM-1 and VEGF. CONCLUSIONS: The present findings reveal that
      diabetes-induced retinal inflammation stems from downregulation of the AMPK
      pathway, leading subsequently to SIRT1 deactivation and NF-kappaB activation. The
      data also suggest the potential use of the AMPK activator resveratrol as a
      therapeutic agent for diabetic retinopathy.

PMID- 22058333
TI  - The development of crowding and interocular interactions in a resolution acuity
      task.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the impact of interocular similarities of a surround
      stimulus on foveal resolution acuity in the normally developing visual system.
      METHODS: Liquid crystal shutter goggles synchronized with the monitor frame rate
      were used to present a Landolt C and surround bars to one or both eyes, in
      monocular, dichoptic, half-binocular, and binocular viewing conditions.
      Resolution acuity was measured under each condition in 56 normally sighted
      children (7 to 14 years of age) and 22 adults (21 to 38 years of age). The effect
      of the surround bars (crowding) was tested in a subgroup of nine children, and 10
      adults. RESULTS: Across all age groups resolution acuity was significantly better
      in the binocular condition than in the other three viewing conditions (binocular
      summation), and was significantly better in the half-binocular (with target
      presented to the test eye and bars presented to both eyes) than in the dichoptic
      condition (target presented to test eye and bars presented to the nontested eye
      only). In children, but not in adults, resolution acuity was significantly better
      without than with bars. CONCLUSIONS: The interocular similarities may explain the
      better visual resolution in the half-binocular condition than in the dichoptic
      condition for all age groups tested. The results suggest that interocular
      interactions underpinning resolution acuity under these viewing conditions are
      developed in early childhood. The foveal crowding effect was found to be apparent
      at the beginning of school age, and diminished with maturation.

PMID- 22058334
TI  - Expression and role of VEGF in the adult retinal pigment epithelium.
AB  - PURPOSE: Despite a lack of active angiogenesis, VEGF is expressed in nearly every
      adult tissue, and recent evidence suggests that VEGF may serve as a survival
      factor for both vascular and nonvascular tissues. VEGF blockade is a widely used
      treatment for neovascular diseases such as wet age-related macular degeneration
      (AMD). Therefore, it was sought in this study to evaluate the expression and role
      of endogenous VEGF in RPE. METHODS: VEGF and VEGFR2 expression in the murine
      retina were assessed during development. Bevacizumab was used to neutralize VEGF
      in ARPE-19 cells, and the effects on cell survival and apical microvill were
      assessed by TUNEL and SEM, respectively. VEGF was systemically neutralized in
      vivo by adenoviral-mediated overexpression of soluble VEGFR1 (sFlt). RPE and
      choriocapillaris were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Changes
      in gene expression were evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR. RESULTS: VEGF
      expression was detected in the developing RPE as early as embryonic day (E) 9.5,
      whereas VEGFR2 expression by RPE began nonuniformly between postnatal (P) day 6.5
      and P8.5. VEGF neutralization in vitro led to increased apoptosis and reduced
      microvilli density and length. Systemic VEGF neutralization led to transient
      degenerative changes; RPE were vacuolated and separated from photoreceptor outer
      segments, and choriocapillaris fenestrations were decreased. VEGF levels were
      elevated in RPE of Ad-sFlt1 mice at day 4 postinfection, and there was increased
      expression of the neurotrophic factor CD59a at day 14. CONCLUSIONS: These results
      indicate that VEGF plays a critical role in survival and maintenance of RPE
      integrity. Potential undesired off-target effects should be considered with
      chronic use of anti-VEGF agents.

PMID- 22058335
TI  - Effect of acute intraocular pressure elevation on the monkey optic nerve head as
      detected by spectral domain optical coherence tomography.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine whether acutely elevated IOP alters optic nerve head (ONH)
      structural parameters characterized in vivo using spectral domain optical
      coherence tomography (SD-OCT). METHODS: Five rhesus macaques were tested under
      isoflurane anesthesia. SD-OCT images of the ONH of both eyes were acquired 30
      minutes after IOP was stabilized to 10 mm Hg and 60 minutes after stabilization
      to 45 mm Hg. The internal limiting membrane, Bruch's membrane/retinal pigment
      epithelium, neural canal opening (NCO), and anterior lamina cribrosa surface
      (ALCS) were delineated using custom software. Differences in SD-OCT structural
      parameters between the two IOP levels were assessed using generalized estimating
      equations. In six eyes of three animals, images were acquired after 10 minutes
      and 30 minutes of IOP stabilization to 10 mm Hg (control experiment). RESULTS:
      Acute IOP elevation resulted in a reduction in prelaminar tissue thickness (mean,
      -47 MUm; SD, 25 MUm; P = 0.002), rim volume (-0.05 mm(3), 0.02 mm(3); P = 0.002),
      rim width (-30 MUm, 7 MUm; P = 0.002), and in an increase in NCO depth (38 MUm,
      15 MUm; P = 0.002). An increase in ALCS depth was significant relative to
      peripheral Bruch's membrane (48 MUm, 24 MUm; P = 0.002) but not relative to the
      NCO. No significant parameter changes were detected in the control eyes.
      CONCLUSIONS: Surface compliance changes in the normal monkey ONH primarily
      reflect prelaminar and peripapillary deformation. SD-OCT compliance testing will
      further our understanding of the effects of IOP on the ONH and help improve and
      validate numerical models of ONH biomechanics.

PMID- 22058336
TI  - Associations between genetic polymorphisms of insulin-like growth factor axis
      genes and risk for age-related macular degeneration.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate whether insulin-like growth factor (IGF) axis genes,
      together with a novel dietary risk factor, the dietary glycemic index (dGI), and
      body mass index (BMI) affect the risk for age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
      METHODS: This case-control study involved 962 subjects originally recruited
      through the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) Genetic Repository. After those
      with missing covariates or invalid calorie intake (n = 23), diabetes (n = 59),
      and non-Caucasian race (n = 16) were excluded, 864 participants were used,
      including 209 AREDS category 1 participants (control group), 354 category 2 or 3
      participants (drusen group), and 301 category 4 participants (advanced AMD
      group). A total of 25 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) selected from IGF-1
      (n = 9), IGF-2 (n = 1), IGF binding protein 1 (IGFBP1; n = 3), IGFBP3 (n = 3),
      acid-labile subunit of IGFBP (IGFALS; n = 2), IGF1 receptor (IGF1R; n = 4), and
      IGF2R (n = 3) were genotyped. SNP-AMD associations were measured with genotype,
      allele chi(2) tests and Armitage's trend test. Odds ratios (OR), 95% confidence
      intervals (CIs), and SNP-exposure interactions were evaluated by multivariate
      logistic regression. RESULTS: One SNP (rs2872060) in IGF1R revealed a significant
      association with advanced AMD (P-allele = 0.0009, P-trend = 0.0008; the
      significance level was set at 0.05/25 = 0.002 for multiple comparisons). The risk
      allele (G) in the heterozygous and homozygous states (OR, 1.67 and 2.93; 95% CI,
      1.03-2.71 and 1.60-5.36, respectively) suggests susceptibility and an additive
      effect on AMD risk. Further stratification analysis remained significant for both
      neovascularization (OR, 1.49 and 2.61; 95% CI, 0.90-2.48 and 1.39-4.90,
      respectively) and geographic atrophy (OR, 2.57 and 4.52; 95% CI, 0.99-6.71 and
      1.49-13.74, respectively). The G allele interaction analysis with BMI was
      significant for neovascularization (P = 0.042) but not for geographic atrophy (P
      = 0.47). No significant interaction was found with dGI. CONCLUSIONS: These data
      suggest a role of IGF1R on the risk for advanced AMD in this group of subjects.

PMID- 22058337
TI  - Polarized distribution of heme transporters in retinal pigment epithelium and
      their regulation in the iron-overload disease hemochromatosis.
AB  - PURPOSE: FLVCR, BCRP, and PCFT/HCP-1 represent the three heme transporters
      identified thus far in mammalian cells, but there is very little known about
      their expression and regulation in the retina. In this study, the expression of
      these transporters in mouse retina and retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and their
      regulation in the iron-overload disease hemochromatosis were examined. METHODS:
      The expression of FLVCR, BCRP, and PCFT in mouse retina and primary mouse RPE
      cells was studied by RT-PCR and immunofluorescence. Polarized localization of the
      transporters in RPE was studied by co-localization using a specific marker of the
      RPE apical membrane. Uptake of heme in primary RPE cells was determined using
      zinc-mesoporphyrin, a fluorescent heme analogue. The regulation of heme
      transporters by iron overload was studied in two genetic models of
      hemochromatosis (HFE-null mouse and HJV-null mouse) and in two nongenetic models
      of iron overload (cytomegalovirus infection and treatment with ferric ammonium
      citrate). RESULTS: All three heme transporters were expressed in the retina and
      RPE. In the RPE, the expression of FLVCR was restricted to the apical membrane,
      and the expression of BCRP and PCFT was restricted to the basolateral membrane.
      In all cases of iron overload, the expression of FLVCR and PCFT was upregulated
      and that of BCRP was downregulated. CONCLUSIONS: Hemochromatosis is associated
      not only with excessive accumulation of free iron in the retina and RPE but also
      with excessive accumulation of heme. Since heme is toxic at high levels, as is
      free iron, heme-induced oxidative damage may also play a role in hemochromatosis
      associated retinal pathology.

PMID- 22058338
TI  - Responses of rabbit retinal ganglion cells to subretinal electrical stimulation
      using a silicon-based microphotodiode array.
AB  - PURPOSE: With subretinal prostheses, retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are activated
      by electrical stimulation of the retinal neural network. The aim of this study
      was to evaluate the efficacy of silicon-based solar cells in evoking RGC
      responses by electrically stimulating the photoreceptor side of an isolated
      retina. METHODS: A light-bleached retina of an adult New Zealand White rabbit was
      placed with its photoreceptor side down onto a silicon chip that consisted of a 4
      * 4 microphotodiode array (MPDA). The stimulating current was elicited by
      activating the solar cell with a 532-nm laser light source. Responses of the ON
      and OFF alpha RGCs on electrical stimulation were recorded extracellularly.
      Recorded RGCs were then injected with 4% N-(2-aminoethyl)-biotinamide
      hydrochloride to allow cell type identification. RESULTS: Using a design that
      includes a circumvented ground electrode, the authors successfully evoked spiking
      responses by the ON and OFF alpha RGCs in an isolated rabbit retina using low
      light power to activate the MPDA (equivalent to 39 MUC/cm(2)). The charge density
      dependent response and the frequency-dependent pair-pulse suppression were
      characterized. The spike latency of the RGC responses triggered by electrical
      stimulation was equivalent to the latency of its light response, which supports
      the hypothesis that the activation is mediated by the retinal neural network.
      CONCLUSIONS: Reliable activation of RGCs by electrical stimulation in vitro using
      an MPDA demonstrates the feasibility of developing solar cell-based subretinal
      prostheses that potentially could be developed into a power-free device able to
      restore vision.

PMID- 22058339
TI  - Light-initiated bonding of amniotic membrane to cornea.
AB  - PURPOSE: Suturing amniotic membrane to cornea during surgery is time consuming,
      and sutures may further damage the eye. The authors introduce a novel sutureless,
      light-activated technique that securely attaches amnion to cornea through protein
      protein crosslinks. METHODS: Cryopreserved human amniotic membrane, stained with
      Rose Bengal (RB), was placed over a full-thickness wound in deepithelialized
      rabbit cornea and was treated with green laser. The intraocular pressure that
      broke the seal (IOP(L)) was measured, and adhesion was measured with a peel test.
      The influences on bonding strength of fluence, irradiance, RB concentration, and
      amnion surface bonded were measured. Epithelial cell migration on treated amnion
      and keratocyte viability after bonding were also measured. The involvement in the
      bonding mechanism of oxygen, singlet oxygen, and association of RB with stromal
      collagen was investigated. RESULTS: Sealing amniotic membrane over cornea using
      0.1% RB and 150 J/cm(2) at 532 nm produced an IOP(L) of 261 +/- 77 mm Hg ex vivo
      and 448 mm +/- 212 mm Hg in vivo. The ex vivo IOP(L) increased with increasing
      fluence (50-150 J/cm(2)). Equivalent IOP(L) was produced for bonding basement
      membrane or stromal amnion surfaces. The bonding treatment was not toxic to
      keratocytes but slightly reduced the migration of corneal epithelial cells on
      amnion ex vivo. Mechanism studies indicated that RB forms two complexes with
      amnion stromal collagen, that bonding requires oxygen, and that singlet oxygen
      mediates protein crosslinking. CONCLUSIONS: A rapid, light-activated technique
      produces strong, immediate bonding between amnion and cornea and merits further
      evaluation for ocular surface surgeries.

PMID- 22058340
TI  - Intraocular safety and pharmacokinetics of hexadecyloxypropyl-cidofovir (HDP-CDV)
      as a long-lasting intravitreal antiviral drug.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the intraocular safety and pharmacokinetics of
      hexadecyloxypropyl-cidofovir (HDP-CDV), the hydrolysis product of HDP-cyclic-CDV,
      a long-lasting intravitreal cidofovir prodrug for cytomegalovirus (CMV)
      retinitis. METHODS: HDP-cyclic-CDV was suspended in phosphate-buffered saline
      (PBS) at 37 degrees C and formation of HDP-CDV was monitored by high-performance
      liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis for 30 weeks. The safety and
      pharmacokinetics of HDP-CDV intravitreal injections were studied using New
      Zealand Red rabbits and (14)C labeled HDP-CDV. Ocular tissues from five time
      points (1, 3, 7, 14, and 35 days) were analyzed by scintillation counting and
      HPLC to characterize the pharmacokinetics. RESULTS: During the hydrolysis study,
      approximately 35% of the HDP-cyclic-CDV was converted to HDP-CDV. Evaluation of
      safety found no toxicity after intravitreal injection of HDP-CDV up to 28
      MUg/eye. Intravitreal pharmacokinetics of HDP-CDV in the retina, choroid, and
      vitreous followed a two-phase elimination process and elimination half-lives of
      8.4 days (retina), 6.9 days (choroid), and 6.2 days (vitreous). In the retina,
      cidofovir and an unknown metabolite were detected in the first 2 weeks, and the
      maximum metabolite concentrations were present 48 hours after the maximum HDP-CDV
      concentration. CONCLUSIONS: HDP-cyclic CDV, under simulated physiologic
      conditions, slowly converts to HDP-CDV, another potent anti-CMV prodrug that may
      be taken up by retinal cells and metabolized further to the active antiviral
      metabolite, cidofovir diphosphate. Taken together, these observations help to
      explain the ability of a single intravitreal dose of HDP-cyclic-CDV to prevent
      viral retinitis for up to 68 days in a rabbit model.

PMID- 22058341
TI  - Assessing efficacy of combined riboflavin and UV-A light (365 nm) treatment of
      Acanthamoeba trophozoites.
AB  - PURPOSE: To assess the Acanthamoeba trophozoite viability in vitro and treatment
      of Acanthamoeba keratitis in a hamster model using ultraviolet light A (UV-A) and
      riboflavin (B2). METHODS: A sample of Acanthamoeba sp. cultured was transferred
      to a 96-well plate and exposed to B2 and the UV-A light (365 nm wavelength) at a
      power density of 3 mW/cm(2), 8 mm spot diameter, for 30 minutes. The exposure was
      done in triplicate. Control groups were prepared in triplicate as well: blank
      control, UV-A only, riboflavin only, and dead control. Cell viability assessment
      was done using the trypan blue dye exclusion method. Acanthamoeba keratitis was
      induced in Chinese hamsters; who were randomly assigned to one of the animal
      groups: UV-A + B2, propamidine isethionate (Brolene; Sanofi-Aventis, Ellerslie,
      Auckland, Australia), UV-A + B2 + propamidine isethionate (Brolene), only UV-A,
      only B2, and blank. Throughout the 14 days after treatment the animals were
      examined clinically. Histology and clinical scores of all groups were compared.
      RESULTS: The in vitro study showed no difference between the treatment group UV-A
      + B2 and the control groups. In the hamster keratitis model a significant
      improvement of clinical score was observed for the groups propamidine isethionate
      (Brolene) and UV-A + B2 + propamidine isethionate (Brolene) (P = 0.0067). Also a
      significant worsening of clinical score was observed in the other groups: UV-A +
      B2 group (P = 0.0084), only UV-A (P = 0.0078), B2 only (P = 0.0084), and blank (P
      = 0.0082). No difference was observed between propamidine isethionate (Brolene)
      and UV-A + B2 + propamidine isethionate (Brolene). CONCLUSIONS: The adjunctive
      use of UV-A and B2 therapy did not demonstrate antitrophozoite activity; in vivo
      UV-A and B2 did not demonstrate efficacy in this model.

PMID- 22058342
TI  - Choroidal thickness in healthy Chinese subjects.
AB  - PURPOSE: To study posterior choroidal thickness and its profile based on location
      in a healthy Chinese population and to determine its correlation with age and
      refractive error. METHODS: A total of 210 healthy volunteers (420 eyes) with no
      ophthalmic disease history were recruited. Choroidal scans were obtained for all
      eyes using enhanced depth imaging spectral-domain optical coherence tomography.
      Subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) and choroidal thickness at 1 mm/3 mm
      temporal, nasal, superior, and inferior to the fovea were measured. RESULTS: The
      choroid was thickest underneath the fovea (261.93 +/- 88.42 MUm). At 1 mm and 3
      mm to the fovea, the choroid temporally was thicker than nasally. Mean SFCT in
      subjects younger than 60 years of age were 294.63 +/- 75.90 MUm, and no
      correlation between SFCT and age was noted. Mean SFCT in subjects older than 60
      years of age was 196.52 +/- 74.42 MUm, much thinner than that for subjects
      younger than 60 years of age. A significant negative correlation was found
      between SFCT and age in subjects older than 60 years of age. CONCLUSIONS: Age is
      critical for evaluation of choroidal thickness. However, SFCT has no correlation
      with age in subjects younger than 60 years of age. In subjects older than 60
      years of age, SFCT was significantly negatively correlated with age, and
      decreased by 5.40 MUm for each year of life.

PMID- 22058343
TI  - AAHA anesthesia guidelines for dogs and cats.
AB  - Safe and effective anesthesia of dogs and cats rely on preanesthetic patient
      assessment and preparation. Patients should be premedicated with drugs that
      provide sedation and analgesia prior to anesthetic induction with drugs that
      allow endotracheal intubation. Maintenance is typically with a volatile
      anesthetic such as isoflurane or sevoflurane delivered via an endotracheal tube.
      In addition, local anesthetic nerve blocks; epidural administration of opioids;
      and constant rate infusions of lidocaine, ketamine, and opioids are useful to
      enhance analgesia. Cardiovascular, respiratory, and central nervous system
      functions are continuously monitored so that anesthetic depth can be modified as
      needed. Emergency drugs and equipment, as well as an action plan for their use,
      should be available throughout the perianesthetic period. Additionally,
      intravenous access and crystalloid or colloids are administered to maintain
      circulating blood volume. Someone trained in the detection of recovery
      abnormalities should monitor patients throughout recovery. Postoperatively
      attention is given to body temperature, level of sedation, and appropriate
      analgesia.

PMID- 22058344
TI  - Exposure circumstances and outcomes of 48 households with 57 cats exposed to
      toxic lily species.
AB  - Ingestion of Lilium or Hemerocallis spp. by cats can result in renal failure. The
      objectives of this study were to determine the foreknowledge of lily toxicity of
      owners of cats that were exposed to lilies and to obtain historical, clinical and
      outcome information on the exposures. A survey was done of cat owners reporting
      indoor exposures to lilies to the Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) during
      April 2009. Forty eight individuals, (57 cats) were included. Sixty nine percent
      of cat owners said they could recognize a lily and 27% knew that lilies were
      toxic prior to their cats' exposures. Most lilies were obtained from grocery or
      other stores, and were purchased by the owners or as gifts to the cat owners.
      Owners who were unaware of lily toxicity frequently left the flowers where the
      cats had access to them, whereas in households where the toxicity was known the
      cats actively sought out the flowers. Of the cats in this study 93% received
      prompt veterinary care, and 87% either developed no signs or had brief signs that
      resolved. Five percent had evidence of renal insufficiency at final follow-up and
      another 5 percent of cats were euthanized due to renal failure.

PMID- 22058345
TI  - Pilot evaluation of a vacuum-assisted biopsy instrument for percutaneous renal
      biopsy in dogs.
AB  - Kidney biopsies in dogs are commonly obtained using automated spring-loaded
      biopsy instruments. Interpretation of biopsies from dogs with glomerular disease
      requires examination of at least 5-10 glomeruli, with at least two biopsies
      usually required for full evaluation. The purpose of this study was to compare
      quality and interpretability of renal biopsies obtained from healthy dogs with a
      large-gauge, vacuum-assisted biopsy instrument versus two biopsies obtained with
      a spring-loaded biopsy needle. Twenty dogs were randomized into two groups, and
      percutaneous, ultrasound-guided renal biopsies were evaluated using standard
      criteria. There were no significant differences in the number of biopsies that
      contained renal tissue, cortex, or medulla. Biopsies obtained with either
      instrument contained an adequate number of glomeruli and an equivalent number of
      arterioles and severity of tissue compression. Differences included easier
      penetration of the renal capsule and collection of sufficient tissue for
      interpretation with only one instrument pass when using the vacuum-assisted
      device (vs two passes required with the spring-loaded instrument). Before use in
      client-owned dogs, future studies should evaluate whether these differences are
      clinically relevant advantages in the diagnostic evaluation of dogs with kidney
      disease, and determine the prevalence and severity of complications when using
      this larger gauge device.

PMID- 22058346
TI  - Comparison of subjective and objective intradermal allergy test scoring methods
      in dogs with atopic dermatitis.
AB  - An intradermal allergy test (IDT) is an important diagnostic tool for identifying
      offending allergens in canine atopic dermatitis. No standardized method of
      scoring an IDT has been described. The purpose of this study was to determine
      whether there is a correlation between a conventional, subjective IDT scoring
      method based on perceived wheal diameter, erythema, and turgor (0-4+) and an
      objective scoring method based on measuring wheal diameter alone. Thirty-four
      atopic dogs were skin tested with 68 different allergens. All skin tests were
      performed according to standard procedures, and any IDT score >=2+ was considered
      clinically significant. When the subjective IDT scores were compared with the
      objective IDT scores in all dogs, there was a moderate level of correlation
      overall (r=0.457; P <0.0001). The highest level of agreement between subjective
      and objective scores was noted with the reactions assigned subjective scores of
      "0" and "2+." Overall, there was a slight level of agreement between subjective
      and objective scores based on clinical significance (i.e., subjective scores
      >=2+; kappa=0.20; P <0.0001). In conclusion, the authors believe that the
      objective scoring method used in this study may provide a point of reference for
      inexperienced individuals (dermatology residents, veterinarians, technicians)
      when learning to grade an IDT.

PMID- 22058347
TI  - Presurgical antiseptic efficacy of chlorhexidine diacetate and providone-iodine
      in the canine preputial cavity.
AB  - Antiseptic flushing of the canine prepuce and its exclusion from the surgical
      field are recommended before abdominal surgery to reduce the risk of bacterial
      contamination. The authors cultured the preputial cavity of 60 dogs prior to and
      following flushing with 0.05% chlorhexidine diacetate, 1% povidone-iodine, or
      0.9% saline control. Bacterial growth was evaluated using a semiquantitative
      method, and bacterial organisms were subsequently identified. There were no
      significant differences between povidone-iodine and the saline control in any of
      the variables assessed. Chlorhexidine resulted in a significant decrease in the
      proportion of positive postflush cultures compared with povidone-iodine. Although
      not significant, the difference in adverse reactions between povidone-iodine
      (25%) and chlorhexidine diacetate (5%) suggests clinical relevance. Based on the
      results of this study, a 2 min flush with 0.05% chlorhexidine diacetate is
      recommended for presurgical preparation of the preputial cavity.

PMID- 22058348
TI  - Blastomyces dermatitidis prostatic and testicular infection in eight dogs (1992
      2005).
AB  - This was a retrospective case study of eight dogs diagnosed with prostatic or
      testicular B. dermatitidis infection. Signalment, clinical presentation,
      diagnostic procedures, and treatment options were evaluated. Review of medical
      records of dogs diagnosed with blastomycosis at the University of Illinois
      Veterinary Teaching Hospital from 1992 to 2005 yielded four dogs with prostatic
      blastomycosis (PB) and four dogs with testicular blastomycosis (TB). Three of the
      four dogs with PB and all four dogs with TB had evidence of urogenital disease.
      Three dogs with PB had an elevated body temperature and all had systemic disease.
      All dogs with TB had a normal body temperature, and three had systemic disease
      and one had clinical signs limited to testicular disease. Cytology or
      histopathology was used to diagnose PB or TB. Treatment included itraconazole or
      fluconazole with or without nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. PB and TB are
      infrequently recognized and may be under diagnosed due to failure to specifically
      evaluate these tissues. PB or TB should be considered in the evaluation and
      staging of male dogs with blastomycosis. Male dogs with urogenital signs should
      be evaluated via prostatic or testicular cytology or histopathology since proper
      identification and management of PB or TB may improve overall treatment success.

PMID- 22058349
TI  - Hyperadrenocorticism in 10 dogs with skin lesions as the only presenting clinical
      signs.
AB  - Ten dogs that had skin lesions as the only presenting signs of
      hyperadrenocorticism (HAC) and as the owners' primary complaint are described.
      Dogs were included if the initial examination was for skin disease, there were no
      signs of systemic illness on initial presentation and there was a confirmed
      diagnosis of HAC by specific screening tests. Dogs were excluded if they had a
      severe disease that might interfere with screening tests for HAC or if the
      screening tests were not diagnostic. There were five males and five females; six
      dogs were intact. Nine dogs were diagnosed at >=7 years. Eight dogs weighed <=10
      kg. Alopecia was present in nine dogs. Eight dogs had bacterial pyoderma, five
      had hyperpigmentation, and four had thin skin. One dog had unresolved
      dermatophytosis. Skin lesions resolved after treatment in eight dogs. One dog was
      not treated and one was lost to follow-up. This study showed that skin lesions
      may be the only clinical signs of HAC. The presence of the more common clinical
      signs of HAC, such as a non-pruritic, truncal alopecia and/or thin skin, without
      any systemic signs of HAC and/or the presence of poorly responsive skin
      infections warrant screening for this disease.

PMID- 22058350
TI  - Elective and emergency surgical management of adrenal gland tumors: 60 cases
      (1999-2006).
AB  - Sixty-one adrenal gland tumors were surgically removed from 60 dogs. Fifty-two
      dogs underwent elective adrenalectomy and 8 dogs underwent emergency
      adrenalectomy for acute adrenal hemorrhage. Size of adrenal tumors ranged from 10
      mm to 80 mm. Histopathology confirmed a diagnosis of adrenocortical tumor in 47
      dogs, 26 of which were malignant. Pheochromocytoma was diagnosed in 11 dogs. Six
      dogs had tumor invasion of the caudal vena cava. Of the seven dogs that did not
      survive the perioperative period, four underwent emergency adrenalectomy. No dogs
      with tumor invasion of the caudal vena cava died perioperatively. Perioperative
      morality rates were 5.7% for dogs that underwent elective adrenalectomy and 50%
      for dogs that underwent emergency adrenalectomy for acute adrenal hemorrhage.
      Median survival time was 492 days for the 53 dogs that survived the perioperative
      period. Of the factors analyzed, only adrenal tumor size and the presence of
      acute adrenal hemorrhage had predictive values for perioperative mortality. Those
      dogs that survived the perioperative period had extended survival times of up to
      1,590 days. The mortality rate associated with elective adrenalectomy in dogs may
      be lower than previously reported. Dogs with very large tumors or acute adrenal
      hemorrhage may have a more guarded prognosis.

PMID- 22058351
TI  - Severe esophageal injuries occurring after general anesthesia in two cats: case
      report and literature review.
AB  - Two healthy cats underwent elective surgical procedures under general anesthesia.
      One developed severe esophagitis leading to esophageal rupture, mediastinitis,
      and pyothorax. The other cat developed esophageal stricture, diverticulum
      formation, and suspected iatrogenic perforation. Both cats had signs of dysphagia
      and regurgitation beginning a few days after anesthesia. The first cat also had
      severe dyspnea due to septic pleural effusion and pneumomediastinum. In the
      second cat, endoscopy revealed diffuse esophagitis, an esophageal stricture, and
      a large esophageal diverticulum. Rupture of the esophageal wall occurred while
      inflating the esophagus for inspection. Due to the poor prognosis, both cats were
      euthanized. Necropsy revealed severe esophageal changes. Postanesthetic
      esophagitis has been previously described in dogs and cats; however, severe life
      threatening esophageal injuries rarely occur as a sequel to general anesthesia.
      To the authors' knowledge, esophageal rupture secondary to perianesthetic reflux
      has never been reported in cats.

PMID- 22058352
TI  - Alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma in a juvenile labrador retriever: case report and
      literature review.
AB  - A 7 mo old Labrador retriever presented for evaluation of facial swelling
      associated with a 5 cm oral mass extending caudally from the upper third premolar
      on the left side. Cytology revealed an atypical population of round cells of
      undetermined origin. A diagnosis of alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) was reached
      via histopathology and confirmed with positive immunohistochemical staining for
      desmin. In humans, RMSs have a well-described round cell cytologic appearance.
      Few descriptions of veterinary cases of RMS exist. This report describes the
      cytologic appearance of alveolar RMS in a young dog and both summarizes and
      compares findings throughout the veterinary and human literature.

PMID- 22058353
TI  - Oronasal fistula repair utilizing a temporalis muscle flap in a dog with severe
      trismus.
AB  - A 9 yr old spayed female cocker spaniel presented for evaluation of an invasive
      maxillary squamous cell carcinoma. Curative intent surgery and radiation therapy
      allowed for local control of the neoplasm; however, the development of a
      persistent oronasal fistula prevented a complete recovery. A temporalis
      myofascial rotation flap allowed for successful resolution of the maxillary
      defect. Implementation of the flap was relatively simple and was associated with
      few complications.

PMID- 22058354
TI  - Severe ulcerative and granulomatous pinnal lesions with granulomatous sebaceous
      adenitis in unrelated vizslas.
AB  - Granulomatous sebaceous adenitis (GSA) is uncommon in dogs; however, certain
      breed predilections exist. In this report, three cases of GSA in unrelated
      vizslas have been described. All cases initially presented with episodes of
      otitis externa followed by severe inner pinnal lesions. In one case, multifocal
      coalescing inner pinnal ulceration appeared 4 wk prior to the occurrence of the
      skin lesions. The other two cases presented with simultaneous pinnal and skin
      lesions following episodes of bilateral otitis. The pinnae were diffusely
      erythematous and had multiple coalescing erosions and ulcers. The body lesions
      consisted of multifocal alopecia, papules, and fine scales. Biopsies of the skin
      and pinnae confirmed GSA. Two dogs responded to treatment with synthetic
      retinoids and cyclosporin A, respectively. One dog was not treated, and the
      owners preferred euthanasia when the ear lesions recurred and did not respond to
      glucocorticoids. To the best of the authors' knowledge, GSA with multifocal
      coalescing ulcerative pinnal lesions has not previously been reported.

PMID- 22058355
TI  - Remifentanil/isoflurane anesthesia in five dogs with liver disease undergoing
      liver biopsy.
AB  - Remifentanil is a synthetic opioid with direct action on MU opioid receptors. It
      has an ultrashort duration of action, and its elimination is independent of
      hepatic or renal function. The anesthetic management of five dogs with nonuniform
      liver disease and requiring liver biopsy via celiotomy is described. Remifentanil
      and isoflurane were used for induction and maintenance of anesthesia.
      Intraoperative analgesia was provided by a constant rate infusion of
      remifentanil. Remifentanil, in combination with isoflurane, was safely and
      successfully used in five cases for the balanced anesthesia of dogs with hepatic
      diseases requiring liver biopsy via celiotomy.

PMID- 22058356
TI  - Clinical resolution of nasal aspergillosis following therapy with a homeopathic
      remedy in a dog.
AB  - A 6 yr old, male, neutered Weimaraner was treated homeopathically for nasal
      aspergillosis after failing to respond to two treatments of topical (intranasal)
      clotrimazole and oral amoxicillin trihydrate/clavulanate potassium. Computed
      tomography, rhinoscopy, fungal culture, and cytology previously confirmed the
      diagnosis. At presentation for homeopathic treatment, the dog had aggressive left
      sided sinusitis and rhinitis with destruction of nasal turbinates and severe
      bouts of epistaxis. Erosion and depigmentation of the nasal planum were evident.
      After two treatments with homeopathic aurum metallicum, resolution of clinical
      signs occurred and clearance of the aspergillosis organisms was documented by
      computed tomographic scan, rhinoscopy, and histopathology. Homeopathic aurum
      metallicum may be beneficial in treating cases of canine nasal aspergillosis.

PMID- 22058357
TI  - Cutaneous and systemic blastomycosis, hypercalcemia, and excess synthesis of
      calcitriol in a domestic shorthair cat.
AB  - A 9 yr old domestic shorthair cat was diagnosed with cutaneous and pulmonic
      blastomycosis. Severe persistent ionized hypercalcemia and excess circulating
      concentration of calcitriol were documented in association with blastomycosis.
      Ionized hypercalcemia resolved when the granulomatous lesions of blastomycosis
      resolved and the calcitriol levels decreased.

PMID- 22058358
TI  - Infectious endocarditis and chylothorax in a cat.
AB  - A 6 yr old domestic longhair cat was evaluated for progressive weight loss,
      weakness, and dyspnea. Results of a physical examination and electrocardiogram
      were suggestive of cardiac disease. Thoracic radiographs revealed pleural
      effusion, which thoracocentesis revealed was consistent with chyle. An
      echocardiogram was performed, and aortic valve endocarditis with secondary aortic
      insufficiency was presumptively diagnosed. The cat was treated with broad
      spectrum oral antibiotics and palliative cardiac medications. Two days after
      discharge, the cat's dyspnea returned, and it died suddenly. Histopathology and
      culture confirmed Pseudomonas bacterial endocarditis of the aortic valve.
      Bacterial endocarditis in the cat has rarely been reported in the literature.
      This case described heart failure and chylothorax resulting from bacterial
      endocarditis.

PMID- 22058359
TI  - Intrathoracic lipoma in a cat.
AB  - A 10 yr old female cat presented for an acute onset of back arching,
      regurgitation, and open mouth breathing. Radiographs indicated the presence of a
      large intrathoracic mass. Computed tomography confirmed the presence of a large
      mass of fatty density in the dorso-caudal mediastinum. The mass was removed via
      right intercostal thoracotomy, and histopathology confirmed the mass as a lipoma.
      The cat was continuing to recover well as of 21 mo after surgery. This is the
      first reported case of an intrathoracic lipoma in a cat.

PMID- 22058360
TI  - Computed tomography of a cat with primary intratracheal lymphosarcoma before and
      after systemic chemotherapy.
AB  - A 12 yr old male neutered domestic shorthair cat presented with worsening
      tachypnea of 1 mo duration and open mouth breathing. Radiographs revealed
      tracheal narrowing at the thoracic inlet. Computed tomography (CT) revealed a
      contrast enhancing 8-cm long fusiform mass within the dorsal tracheal membrane.
      Tracheobronchoscopy confirmed the presence of the tracheal mass at the thoracic
      inlet, and lymphoma was diagnosed based on uniformly atypical lymphoid cells on
      aspirated bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. The cat was treated with combination
      chemotherapy consisting of cyclophosphamide, vincristine, doxorubicin, and
      prednisolone. Thoracic radiographs and CT performed 1 mo after completion of the
      6 mo chemotherapy protocol revealed resolution of the tracheal mass. The cat
      remained clinically normal at 21 mo after treatment.

PMID- 22058361
TI  - Resolution of a proteinuric nephropathy associated with Babesia gibsoni infection
      in a dog.
AB  - A 4 yr old male castrated Labrador retriever was evaluated for a short history of
      inappetance, lethargy, small-bowel diarrhea, polyuria, and polydipsia.
      Clinicopathologic abnormalities were consistent with protein-losing nephropathy
      and renal azotemia. Expansive infectious disease testing implicated Babesia
      gibsoni via whole blood polymerase chain reaction. Renal histopathology results
      were consistent with membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis and immune complex
      deposition. The dog was treated with azithromycin, atovaquone, and one dose of
      corticosteroids/cyclophosphamide. Three months after therapy was completed, the
      dog was clinically healthy, and all clinicopathologic abnormalities (including
      Babesia species polymerase chain reaction) had resolved. Atypical presentations
      of Babesia gibsoni should be considered with proteinuric nephropathy.

PMID- 22058362
TI  - Intramedullary epidermoid cyst in the thoracic spine of a dog.
AB  - A 5 yr old female spayed mastiff was evaluated for a 3-4 mo history of
      paraparesis and 3 days of acutely worse paraparesis and incontinence. On magnetic
      resonance imaging, a spinal cord lesion was present at the ninth thoracic
      vertebra. The lesion was hyperintense on T2-weighted images (T2-W), and a
      hyperintense rim was present on T1-weighted postcontrast images. Histologic
      examination showed a cystic mass lined by squamous epithelial cells.
      Histopathologic diagnosis was an intramedullary epidermoid spinal cyst.
      Epidermoid cyst should be a differential diagnosis in young dogs with a
      myelopathy and an intramedullary spinal cord lesion on magnetic resonance imaging
      examination.

PMID- 22058363
TI  - Ophthalmomyiasis externa in a puppy due to Cuterebra infestation.
AB  - An 8 wk old Scottish terrier was evaluated for a 2*2 cm mass located directly
      adjacent to the lateral canthus of the right eye. Examination revealed a well
      developed Cuterebra larva at the lateral aspect of the orbital cavity, anchored
      at the lateral canthus. The larva was manually removed under general anesthesia,
      and the eyelid margin was repaired. Systemic and topical antibiotics along with
      systemic anti-inflammatory treatment were instituted. The lesion healed
      completely, revealing a normal functional right eye 10 days after removal of the
      Cuterebra larva. Careful manual removal of the larva is recommended along with
      correction of any resultant conformational defects. The remaining cavity can be
      left to heal; however, antibiotic therapy is recommended.

PMID- 22058364
TI  - Endoscopic diagnosis of a pylorogastric intussusception with spontaneous
      resolution.
AB  - A 7 mo old intact female golden retriever was evaluated for acute vomiting.
      Abdominal radiographs revealed a possible gastric foreign body. Upper
      gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed an edematous, tubular antral mass, which on
      further evaluation was determined to be a pylorogastric intussusception based on
      radiographic, endoscopic, and surgical findings. Spontaneous resolution of the
      intussusception occurred upon surgical exploration of the abdomen. Histopathology
      of a full-thickness gastric biopsy revealed vascular congestion consistent with
      an intussusception, but did not indicate the primary cause. The dog recovered
      uneventfully from surgery and had no further vomiting during the 6 mo follow-up
      period. This case was significant as it was the first report of pylorogastric
      intussusception diagnosed using endoscopy. This description of the unique
      endoscopic appearance of pylorogastric intussusception will be useful for the
      veterinary endoscopist.

PMID- 22058365
TI  - Leptospirosis in a dog with uveitis and presumed cholecystitis.
AB  - A 7 yr old castrated male Australian shepherd dog was examined for acute change
      in iris color, lethargy, and anorexia. Uveitis, acute renal failure, and presumed
      cholecystitis were diagnosed. Based on clinical findings, leptosporosis was
      suspected, and the dog was treated with antibiotics and supportive care. The dog
      made a complete recovery, and leptospirosis was confirmed on convalescent titers.
      Due to the zoonotic potential, leptospirosis should be considered in cases of
      uveitis, as well as possible cholecystitis.

PMID- 22058366
TI  - Mesenteric vascular thrombosis associated with disseminated abdominal visceral
      hemangiosarcoma in a cat.
AB  - An adult castrated male cat was evaluated because of a 4 day history of lethargy
      and partial anorexia. Physical examination revealed abdominal pain with a
      palpable fluid wave. Cytologic and biochemical analyses of peritoneal effusion
      were suggestive of septic peritonitis. On surgical exploration of the abdomen,
      the mesenteric vessels had no palpable pulses and they contained gross
      thromboses. The intestines were white with no visible peristalsis. Necropsy
      findings included disseminated, poorly differentiated hemangiosarcoma throughout
      the abdomen. Mesenteric arterioles contained fibrin thrombi. To the author's
      knowledge, no previous reports exist of complete mesenteric vascular thrombosis
      associated with disseminated abdominal visceral hemangiosarcoma in a cat.

PMID- 22058367
TI  - Hypocalcemia following surgical treatment of metastatic anal sac adenocarcinoma
      in a dog.
AB  - A 9 yr old neutered male mixed-breed dog was presented for an anal sac apocrine
      gland adenocarcinoma with regional nodal metastases. At presentation, ionized
      calcium was 1.91 mmol/L (NOVA Stat reference range, 1.1-1.3 mmol/L). Surgical
      excision of the primary tumor and metastatic lymph nodes was performed. Following
      surgery, symptomatic hypocalcemia was noted. Repeated ionized calcium
      measurements confirmed hypocalcemia, and hypercalcemia of malignancy panels
      suggested parathyroid gland suppression as the cause. The calcium normalized with
      parenteral calcium administration, but calcium later became elevated with tumor
      recurrence and an increase in the parathormone-related peptide. Disrupted calcium
      homeostasis is a potential complication following the treatment of long-standing
      humoral hypercalcemia of malignancy.

PMID- 22058368
TI  - Fanconi syndrome in four non-basenji dogs exposed to chicken jerky treats.
AB  - Four small-breed dogs were diagnosed with acquired Fanconi syndrome. All dogs ate
      varying amounts of chicken jerky treats. All dogs were examined for similar
      clinical signs that included, but were not limited to, lethargy, vomiting,
      anorexia, diarrhea, and altered thirst and urination. The quantity of chicken
      jerky consumed could not be determined; however, based on the histories obtained,
      the chicken jerky treats were a significant part of the diet and were consumed
      daily by all dogs. Extensive diagnostic testing eliminated other causes of the
      observed clinical signs, such as urinary tract infection and rickettsial disease.
      Glucosuria in the face of euglycemia or hypoglycemia, aminoaciduria, and
      metabolic acidosis confirmed the diagnosis of Fanconi syndrome. All dogs received
      supportive care, including IV fluids, antibiotics, gastroprotectants, and oral
      nutritional supplements. Three dogs exhibited complete resolution of glucosuria,
      proteinuria, and the associated azotemia; however, one dog remained azotemic,
      resulting in a diagnosis of chronic kidney disease.

PMID- 22058369
TI  - Treatment of a malignant pheochromocytoma in a dog using 131I
      metaiodobenzylguanidine.
AB  - A 12 yr old castrated male Yorkshire terrier was presented with a history of an
      inoperable pheochromocytoma. Physical examination revealed a large, midabdominal
      mass. Neurologic examination was normal at presentation. An abdominal computed
      tomography scan revealed a 215 cm(3) mass in the region of the right kidney.
      Forty-eight hours after IV injection of 370 megabecquerels (MBq, equivalent to10
      millicuries [mCi]) of metaiodobenzylguanidine labeled with radioactive iodine
      ([(131)I]MIBG), standard planar scintigraphy was performed. A diffuse area of
      moderate uptake was noted in the midabdominal region. The dog experienced stable
      disease for 1.5 mo after injection based on a follow-up computed tomography (CT)
      scan; however, 5 mo after injection, repeat CT imaging revealed progression of
      the tumor, and a second IV injection of 370 MBq (10 mCi) of [(131)I]MIBG was
      administered. The dog died 3 wk after the second injection as a result of
      gastrointestinal blood loss that was believed to be caused by compression-induced
      bowel ischemia by the mass. A full necropsy was not performed, but the mass was
      removed for histologic evaluation, which confirmed the diagnosis of
      pheochromocytoma. This report is the first to document the treatment of canine
      pheochromocytoma using [(131)I]MIBG.

PMID- 22058370
TI  - Two cases of paraprostatic cysts in castrated male dogs.
AB  - Two castrated male dogs presented for evaluation of tenesmus. Presurgical
      evaluations included complete physical examinations, serum biochemistry,
      abdominal ultrasonography, and MRI (case 2 only). Paraprostatic cysts were
      diagnosed in both cases based on the results of abdominal ultrasonography, MRI,
      and histopathology of tissue samples obtained during exploratory laparotomy. To
      the authors' knowledge, the two cases presented herein are the first documented
      cases of paraprostatic cysts that developed after castration in male dogs.
      Paraprostatic cysts should be considered in the differential diagnoses for
      castrated male dogs with prostatic disease.

PMID- 22058371
TI  - Fusion podoplasty for the management of chronic pedal conditions in seven dogs
      and one cat.
AB  - Eight animals underwent fusion podoplasties for the treatment of chronic
      interdigital furunculosis (n=3), ectrodactyly (n=1), digit abnormalities
      associated with tendonectomy (n=1), redundant indertigital skin (n=1),
      conformational deformity (n=1), and necrotizing fasciitis of the paw (n=1).
      Median duration of bandaging was 14 days, and median duration of hospitalization
      was 5 days. Four dogs had dehiscence, which occurred at a mean time of 11 days
      after surgery. Clinical abnormalities necessitating podoplasty resolved in six
      animals and improved in two. Six animals had normal ambulation and two dogs had
      slight weight-bearing lameness after a median follow-up time of 29 mo. Fusion
      podoplasty may be recommended as a salvage procedure for the treatment of various
      chronic pedal diseases in dogs and cats.

PMID- 22058372
TI  - Typical and atypical manifestations of Anaplasma phagocytophilum infection in
      dogs.
AB  - Eighteen clinically ill dogs, naturally infected with Anaplasma phagocytophilum,
      were examined at a veterinary practice in Baxter, Minnesota. A clinical
      examination, complete blood cell count, enzyme- linked immunosorbent assay
      (ELISA) for A phagocytophilum, Borrelia burgdorferi, and Ehrlichia canis
      antibodies and Dirofilaria immitis antigen, and a polymerase chain reaction test
      for A phagocytophilum DNA were obtained for all dogs. Physical examination
      findings included fever, arthropathy, lymphadenopathy, epistaxis, acute
      gastritis, cervical hyperpathia, and central nervous system dysfunction. Complete
      blood cell count abnormalities included thrombocytopenia, morulae in neutrophils,
      anemia, leukopenia, eosinopenia, lymphopenia, and monocytosis. Seroreactivity to
      A phagocytophilum was found in 61%, B burgdorferi antibodies in 17%, and D
      immitis antigen in 5% of the dogs. Fever, arthropathy, neurologic dysfunction,
      and epistaxis are clinical syndromes that can be associated with A
      phagocytophilum infection. Treatment with doxycycline resulted in rapid
      resolution of clinical signs in all dogs.

PMID- 22058373
TI  - Canine schistosomiasis in Kansas: five cases (2000-2009).
AB  - This is a retrospective case series consisting of five dogs diagnosed with
      schistosomiasis. The purpose of this article is to report the presence of
      naturally occurring canine schistosomiasis in Kansas and to provide clinical
      details regarding schistosomiasis. Medical records of dogs diagnosed with
      schistosomiasis from 2000 to 2009 were reviewed, and information extracted
      included signalment, history, clinical signs, diagnostic test results, treatment,
      and outcome. Affected dogs were primarily medium to large breed and young to
      middle aged. All dogs were considered outdoor dogs, with three having known
      access to surface water. Common clinical signs included gastrointestinal disease
      and signs associated with hypercalcemia. Fecal flotation was negative in all dogs
      in contrast to fecal saline sedimentation and fecal polymerase chain reaction,
      which were both positive in all dogs in which it was performed. All dogs treated
      specifically for schistosomiasis fully recovered. This article describes the
      first reported cases of canine schistosomiasis in the Midwest and the first
      reported case of intestinal intussusception secondary to schistosomiasis.
      Recognizing that canine schistosomiasis is present in Kansas and possibly other
      Midwestern states should prompt veterinarians to perform appropriate diagnostic
      investigation in suspect animals as the diagnosis is straight forward and
      relatively inexpensive.

PMID- 22058374
TI  - Extended-spectrum beta-lactamases in German isolates belonging to the emerging
      monophasic Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Typhimurium 4,[5],12:i:-
      European clone.

PMID- 22058375
TI  - Update in hyper- and hypogonadotropic amenorrhea.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Amenorrhea is a relatively common condition that is present in up to
      5% of adult women at any time. The clinical significance of a lack of regular
      menstrual cycles extends beyond reproductive concerns. Episodes of amenorrhea as
      short as 90 d may have implications for bone and cardiovascular health. Prolonged
      amenorrhea, depending upon its underlying cause, can be a harbinger of
      substantial cardiovascular risk. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This is an update of
      recent medical literature on this topic. RESULTS: The past few years have been
      marked by a greater appreciation of the early presentation of common ovulatory
      disorders, such as polycystic ovary syndrome, and less common disorders, such as
      premature ovarian insufficiency/failure. The long-term implications of functional
      hypothalamic amenorrhea and its genetic origins have also been further
      elucidated. Finally, health consequences of these and other menstrual disorders
      are increasingly well defined, with firmer clinical endpoints rather than merely
      risk factor assessments.

PMID- 22058376
TI  - Approach to the patient with new-onset diabetes after transplant (NODAT).
AB  - New-onset diabetes after transplantation (NODAT) refers to the occurrence of
      diabetes in previously nondiabetic persons after organ transplantation. The
      incidence rates of NODAT vary by organ transplanted and posttransplant interval.
      The estimated rates at 12 months posttransplant are 20-50% for kidney
      transplants, 9-21% for liver transplants, and approximately 20% for lung
      transplants. NODAT is associated with increased risks of graft rejection,
      infection, cardiovascular disease, and death. Besides the traditional risk
      factors for type 2 diabetes (age, family history, obesity, and ethnicity),
      exposure to immunosuppressive agents often precedes the occurrence of NODAT.
      Identification of risk factors through pretransplant screening is desirable, as
      is prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment. NODAT is consistent with type 2
      diabetes and responds to the usual antidiabetes agents. However, severe
      hyperglycemia during the early posttransplant period may necessitate the use of
      iv insulin infusion. Also, high-dose glucocorticoid therapy for induction of
      immunosuppression (or treatment of acute rejection) may require the use of
      insulin therapy for glycemic control. After hospital discharge, close monitoring
      of blood glucose during the first month and every 3 months for the first year is
      recommended. Consideration should be given to drug toxicities or interactions
      when prescribing antidiabetes agents in the posttransplant patient. In addition
      to hyperglycemia, the control of comorbidities such as dyslipidemia and
      hypertension needs to be optimized. Future areas of investigation include the
      development of immunosuppressive regimens with minimal diabetogenic effects,
      determination of the role of glycemic control on graft survival, and
      interventions for primary prevention of NODAT.

PMID- 22058377
TI  - Squeezing the pituitary gland.

PMID- 22058378
TI  - (18)F-FDG-PET/CT imaging of ACTH-independent macronodular adrenocortical
      hyperplasia (AIMAH) demonstrating increased (18)F-FDG uptake.

PMID- 22058379
TI  - Management of adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome.

PMID- 22058380
TI  - The response to hypoglycemia: a role for the opioid system?

PMID- 22058386
TI  - Vaginal atrophy.

PMID- 22058388
TI  - Bupivacaine extended release liposome injection does not prolong QTc interval in
      a thorough QT/QTc study in healthy volunteers.

PMID- 22058389
TI  - A case completion curriculum for clinical dental education: replacing numerical
      requirements with patient-based comprehensive care.
AB  - The aim of this article is to describe the development and implementation of a
      case completion curriculum as a new clinical education model for the predoctoral
      program at Harvard School of Dental Medicine. In this innovative model, students
      conduct patient-based comprehensive care and complete assigned patient cases on
      which their performance is assessed, in contrast with a traditional model based
      on procedural numerical requirements. In our new model, senior tutors, who are
      full-time faculty members, act as group leaders responsible for patient
      assignment, treatment planning, monitoring of student performance, and
      verification of patient care. The number of completed patient cases in this new
      comprehensive care system increased from a previous average of 12.8 cases per
      student prior to graduation to 22.8 cases. Additionally, the number of patients
      who had to be transferred due to outstanding or pending treatment when their
      student provider graduated or because of students' need to fulfill discipline
      requirements has decreased from an average of 16.4 to 4.6.

PMID- 22058390
TI  - Testing the educational potential of 3D visualization software in oral
      radiographic interpretation.
AB  - There is heightened optimism about the potential of 3D visualization software as
      an alternative learning resource in radiology education. The purpose of this
      study was to investigate the effect of 3D visualization software on students'
      learning of oral radiographic interpretation from 2D radiographic images. Fourth
      year dental students underwent a learning intervention phase of radiographic
      interpretation of oral pathoses using 3D visualization software. The success of
      the educational intervention was assessed by quantitative means, using a
      radiographic interpretation test, and by qualitative means, using a structured
      Likert-scale survey, asking students to evaluate their own learning outcomes. It
      was anticipated that training with the rotational mode of 3D visualization
      software would provide additional depth cues, enabling students to create spatial
      mental models of anatomy that they can apply to 2D radiographic interpretation of
      oral pathoses. Although quantitative assessment did not support this,
      questionnaire evaluations demonstrated a positive effect of the 3D visualization
      software by enhancing students' learning about radiographic interpretation.
      Despite much optimism about the educational potential of 3D visualization
      software, it is important to understand the interactions between learners and
      such new technologies in order to identify potential advantages and limitations
      prior to embracing them as learning resources.

PMID- 22058391
TI  - An innovative HIV training program for dental students.
AB  - Dentists need to be able to give people with HIV/AIDS compassionate and
      comprehensive care. Previous studies have shown that many dental students have
      negative attitudes towards treating such individuals. This article addresses the
      effectiveness of a program that trains dental students in the issues of treating
      this population. All predoctoral students at the Loma Linda University School of
      Dentistry are required to receive this training. Students complete a pre-session
      survey during their third year and a post-session survey as they complete the
      training during their fourth year. The survey was administered from 2003 to 2009
      during which 386 students completed responses to the post-session survey. Five
      questions in the survey address self-evaluation of knowledge, attitudes, and
      confidence in the efficacy of universal precautions and post-exposure prophylaxis
      following bloodborne exposures. This study reports on five two-year testing
      cycles and shows significant shifts in all five areas surveyed. The most
      significant gains were in the two areas that are not addressed in much detail in
      other courses in the dental school curriculum. These are familiarity with post
      exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and confidence in the efficacy of PEP. These data
      support the usefulness of such a program in preparing future dentists to deliver
      appropriate care to persons living with HIV/AIDS.

PMID- 22058392
TI  - Dental students' attitudes toward the design of a computer-based treatment
      planning tool.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to identify and evaluate the attitudes of a cohort
      of fourth- and fifth-year dental students (n=53) at Griffith University in
      Australia to a proposed computer-based Case Study and Treatment Planning (CSTP)
      tool. The tool would allow students to work through the process of comprehensive,
      multidisciplinary treatment planning for patients in a structured and logical
      manner. A questionnaire was designed to investigate the students' perceived
      needs, attitudes, and factors deemed to be important in the design of such a
      tool. Students responded on a seven-point Likert scale ranging from 1 (strongly
      disagree) to 7 (strongly agree). The survey was supplemented by two focus groups,
      one of fourth-year and one of fifth-year students. The survey results indicated
      strong agreement that there is a need for such a tool (fourth-year mean=6.24;
      fifth-year mean=5.75) and the likelihood that it would be used after hours and
      for extra treatment planning practice (fourth-year mean=5.82; fifth-year
      mean=5.45). The themes that emerged from the focus groups revealed students'
      agreement that a CSTP tool would be beneficial both for training and for faculty
      assessment of students' treatment planning skills. The type of concerns raised
      included whether a rigid treatment planning template might hamper the flexibility
      needed to deal with complex patient cases. Additionally, there was some concern
      that students' personal interaction with tutors would be reduced if this mode of
      computer-based treatment planning were to be used exclusively. In conclusion, the
      overall attitude of dental students was positive towards a CSTP tool. This
      study's findings provide guidance as to how such software could be developed and
      which features to include.

PMID- 22058393
TI  - Faculty impressions of dental students' performance with and without virtual
      reality simulation.
AB  - This study compared faculty perceptions and expectations of dental students'
      abilities using virtual reality simulation (VRS) to those who did not use virtual
      reality simulation (non-VRS) in an operative dentistry preclinical course. A
      sixteen-item survey with a ten-point rating scale and three open-ended questions
      asked about students' abilities in ergonomics, confidence level, performance,
      preparation, and self-assessment. The surveys were administered three times to a
      small group of preclinical faculty members. First, faculty members (n=12, 92
      percent response rate) gave their perceptions of non-VRS students' abilities at
      the end of their traditional course. Secondly, faculty members (n=13, 100 percent
      response rate) gave their expectations of the next incoming class's abilities
      (VRS students) prior to the start of the course with traditional and VRS
      components. Finally, faculty members (n=13, 100 percent response rate) gave their
      perceptions of VRS students' abilities after completion of the course. A Tukey's
      test for multiple comparisons measured significance among survey items. Faculty
      perceptions of VRS students' abilities were higher than for non-VRS students for
      most abilities examined. However, the faculty members' expectations of VRS
      training were higher than their perceptions of the students' abilities after VRS
      training for most abilities examined. Since ergonomic development and technical
      performance were positively impacted by VRS training, these results support the
      use of VRS in a preclinical dental curriculum.

PMID- 22058394
TI  - Intraoral cameras as a computer-aided diagnosis tool for root canal orifices.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the diagnostic advantage of a new software
      tool in combination with an intraoral camera for automatic detection of root
      canal orifices in life videos via the access cavity of extracted human molars.
      The performance of a predoctoral dental student analyzing the images of the
      camera (without automatic detection) was compared with that of an experienced
      observer. Sensitivity and confidence intervals were provided and compared with
      histological slices of 200 teeth used for evaluation. The software's sensitivity
      for detection of root canal orifices was 0.957 (95 percent confidence interval:
      0.936 to 0.972). The sensitivity for the observer was 0.906 (95 percent
      confidence interval: 0.877 to 0.929) compared to 0.847 (95 percent confidence
      interval: 0.813 to 0.877) achieved by the predoctoral student. The tested
      software reaches a high sensitivity for automatic real-time detection of root
      canal orifices with intraoral cameras in direct comparison to histological
      images. The system might be a useful help for both pre-and postdoctoral students
      as an aid for the detection of second mesiobuccal root canal orifices.

PMID- 22058395
TI  - A survey of U.S. dental school programs that help students consider academic
      careers.
AB  - The faculty shortage in dental education has been reported for many years and is
      expected to increase. Some dental schools have developed "grow your own" programs
      that introduce students to academic careers and give them teaching experiences.
      These programs generally consist of teaching assistant, fellowship, and peer
      tutoring opportunities. In this study, a nineteen-item survey was sent to fifty
      six U.S. dental schools to determine the extent to which such programs were being
      implemented. Thirty-six out of fifty-six dental schools responded, a response
      rate of 64 percent. Twenty-five schools or 69 percent of the respondents reported
      the existence of a formal teaching assistant, fellowship, or peer tutoring
      program in which students teach in some capacity. The main reasons reported for
      implementing these programs were to expose students to academia and to address
      faculty shortages. The respondents reported that positive outcomes for dental
      student teachers and their students were academic benefits and increased interest
      in academic life. Among the barriers reported were securing faculty and financial
      support and problems with scheduling.

PMID- 22058396
TI  - Beginning the socialization to a new workforce model: dental students'
      preliminary knowledge of and attitudes about the role of the dental therapist.
AB  - The purpose of the study reported here was to assess first- and second-year
      dental students' knowledge of and attitudes about the role of the dental
      therapist in the oral health care delivery system. The results of this study are
      informing the continued development and implementation of a new dental workforce
      training model at the University of Minnesota. Dental students at the university
      (Classes of 2012 and 2013) were surveyed in 2009, with follow-up surveys planned
      for the subsequent five years. Multiple-choice questions and statements to be
      ranked using a Likert scale were used to determine what the students knew and
      thought about dental therapists' scope of practice, care delivery, work quality,
      cost-effectiveness, and role in reducing disparities in oral health care access.
      The results suggest that the students had generally neutral or uncertain
      attitudes about dental therapy, based on minimal knowledge about the role of
      dental therapists. In addition, we found little difference in attitudes between
      the two classes, the only exception being that the first-year students less often
      perceived the therapists as a solution to access problems. These baseline data
      are guiding the intraprofessional training of dental, dental hygiene, and dental
      therapy students toward the goal of positive socialization to a new workforce
      model and affirmation of the dental therapist as a member of the oral health care
      team.

PMID- 22058397
TI  - Differences between ADEA Annual Session poster abstracts and their corresponding
      full published articles.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to investigate differences between abstracts of
      posters presented at the 79(th) (2002) and 80(th) (2003) Annual Session &
      Exhibition of the American Dental Education Association (ADEA) and the published
      full-length articles resulting from the same studies. The abstracts for poster
      presentation sessions were downloaded, and basic characteristics of the abstracts
      and their authors were determined. A PubMed search was then performed to identify
      the publication of full-length articles based on those abstracts in a peer
      reviewed journal. The differences between the abstract and the article were
      examined and categorized as major and minor differences. Differences identified
      included authorship, title, materials and methods, results, conclusions, and
      funding. Data were analyzed with both descriptive and analytic statistics.
      Overall, 89 percent of the abstracts had at least one variation from its
      corresponding article, and 65 percent and 76 percent of the abstracts had at
      least one major and minor variation, respectively, from its corresponding
      article. The most prevalent major variation was in study results, and the most
      prevalent minor variation was change in the number of authors. The discussion
      speculates on some possible reasons for these differences.

PMID- 22058398
TI  - The impact of service-learning on two groups of South African dental students.
AB  - Service-learning has become an important component in the education of medical
      and dental students around the world. Dental students at the University of
      Witwatersrand, South Africa, provide dental services to rural communities via the
      Phelophepa train or a Public Oral Health Facility (POHF). The Phelophepa train is
      a mobile primary health care facility offering dental, pharmacy, nursing, and
      medical services provided by health professions students. The objective of this
      study was to determine the impact this experience with service-learning has had
      on dental students. Final-year dental students in 2008 and 2009 participated in
      the study by completing a self-administered questionnaire. There was a 100
      percent response rate (N=55) on the demographic questions and a 98 percent
      response rate (N=54) on the opinion questions. Students on the Phelophepa train
      performed more extractions and examinations than those at the POHFs. Most
      students (95 percent), both on the train and at the clinics, reported that their
      clinical skills and efficiency had improved, and 96 percent felt more aware of
      the communities' needs. Almost all the students (96 percent) reported that the
      experience had helped them define their personal strengths and weaknesses.
      Complaints they mentioned included large numbers of patients (87 percent), long
      working hours (60 percent), and equipment being inadequate (48 percent) or not
      working (40 percent). This program positively impacted these students and
      enhanced their personal growth and social responsibility by exposing them to the
      needs of rural and urban communities in South Africa.

PMID- 22058399
TI  - Attitudes of Iranian dental students toward their future careers: an exploratory
      study.
AB  - Students' attitudes toward and reasons for choosing careers are of great interest
      for educational systems around the world. The aims of this study were to
      investigate Iranian dental students' motivations in choosing dentistry as a
      career and their attitudes toward their future profession. A cross-sectional
      study of a group of 219 out of 225 (response rate: 97 percent) final-year dental
      students in four accredited dental schools in Tehran was conducted using a self
      administered, structured questionnaire. The data were analyzed using SPSS version
      11.5 and the Mann-Whitney test. The most popular reasons for these students'
      choice of dentistry as a career were a general interest in medicine and desire to
      enter a prestigious profession with high social status. The majority of the
      students planned to enter private practice; fewer intended to pursue specialty
      education abroad. Most of the female students planned to work in a group practice
      environment such as a clinic rather than a solo practice. Single students showed
      greater enthusiasm than married ones for pursuing further studies abroad after
      graduation. Overall, these dental students appeared to have positive attitudes
      about the dental profession.

PMID- 22058400
TI  - Creating an effective PBL case in oral and maxillofacial surgery at a Chinese
      dental school: a dental education primer.
AB  - Problem-based learning (PBL) is a widely accepted educational method centered on
      the discussion and learning that emerge from a clinically based problem; however,
      little has been reported on the details of PBL case-writing in the dental
      education literature. This article outlines some principles of writing a PBL case
      as it is practiced at a Chinese dental school and presents, as an example, an
      actual case based on a clinical problem (ameloblastoma of the jaw) intended to
      provide a learning focus for predoctoral dental students. A good PBL case should
      allow for progressive, interdependent actions to be taken in the evaluation and
      overall management of the patient in context and should trigger inquiry and
      discussion among students in both the basic sciences (anatomy, physiology,
      biochemistry, pharmacology, pathophysiology, etc.) and related clinical sciences.
      The epidemiological, sociological, and ethical considerations related to each
      problem should also be emphasized as an essential component of effective health
      care provision.

PMID- 22058401
TI  - Effectiveness of a five-step method for teaching clinical skills to students in a
      dental college in India.
AB  - This study conducted at the PDM Dental College and Research Institute, Haryana,
      India, had the purpose of developing a teaching method based upon a five-step
      method for teaching clinical skills to students proposed by the American College
      of Surgeons. This five-step teaching method was used to place fissure sealants as
      an initial procedure by dental students in clinics. The sealant retention was
      used as an objective evaluation of the skill learnt by the students. The sealant
      retention was 92 percent at six- and twelve-month evaluations and 90 percent at
      the eighteen-month evaluation. These results indicate that simple methods can be
      devised for teaching clinical skills and achieve high success rates in clinical
      procedures requiring multiple steps.

PMID- 22058402
TI  - Greece's high dentist to population ratio: comparisons, causes, and effects.
AB  - Reaching the optimal dentist to population ratio is a common health policy
      challenge around the world, but while many countries have too few dentists for
      their populations, Greece is facing the opposite problem. This study was designed
      to describe and analyze trends in the number and distribution of dentists in
      Greece over the last thirty years and compare the Greek dentist to population
      ratio with that of the other twenty-six European Union (EU) countries.
      Demographic data for Greece were obtained from the Hellenic Dental Association
      and the National Statistical Service of Greece and were analyzed using
      nonparametric statistical tests. Data for the other EU countries were derived
      from various authoritative sources. In Greece, the number of dentists per 10,000
      inhabitants increased significantly (p<0.05) from 1982 (7.7) to 2007 (13.0),
      ranking Greece first (in 2008) among the EU countries. The proportional increase
      in the number of dentists during the decade 1979-88 (30.4 percent) was
      significant (p<0.05), compared to the decade 1989-98 (22.3 percent) and the nine
      year period 1999-2007 (23.6 percent). In 1982 and 1992, the majority of dentists
      practiced in the Attica Prefecture (Athens) (55.2 percent and 52.6 percent,
      respectively), but this situation changed significantly in 2007 (p<0.05) (40.1
      percent for Attica). The percentage of female dentists remained almost the same
      from 1982 until 2007, but female dentists' location of practice changed
      significantly (p<0.05) between 1992 and 2007. After reporting the data, we
      examine some of the reasons for and effects of the situation and consider the
      problem that, even with a high dentist to population ratio, Greece has
      significant oral health access problems.

PMID- 22058403
TI  - The single functional blast resistance gene Pi54 activates a complex defence
      mechanism in rice.
AB  - The Pi54 gene (Pi-k(h)) confers a high degree of resistance to diverse strains of
      the fungus Magnaporthe oryzae. In order to understand the genome-wide co
      expression of genes in the transgenic rice plant Taipei 309 (TP) containing the
      Pi54 gene, microarray analysis was performed at 72 h post-inoculation of the M.
      oryzae strain PLP-1. A total of 1154 differentially expressing genes were
      identified in TP-Pi54 plants. Of these, 587 were up-regulated, whereas 567 genes
      were found to be down-regulated. 107 genes were found that were exclusively up
      regulated and 58 genes that were down- regulated in the case of TP-Pi54. Various
      defence response genes, such as callose, laccase, PAL, and peroxidase, and genes
      related to transcription factors like NAC6, Dof zinc finger, MAD box, bZIP, and
      WRKY were found to be up-regulated in the transgenic line. The enzymatic
      activities of six plant defence response enzymes, such as peroxidase, polyphenol
      oxidase, phenylalanine ammonia lyase, beta-glucosidase, beta-1,3-glucanase, and
      chitinase, were found to be significantly high in TP-Pi54 at different stages of
      inoculation by M. oryzae. The total phenol content also increased significantly
      in resistant transgenic plants after pathogen inoculation. This study suggests
      the activation of defence response and transcription factor-related genes and a
      higher expression of key enzymes involved in the defence response pathway in the
      rice line TP-Pi54, thus leading to incompatible host-pathogen interaction.

PMID- 22058404
TI  - Early agricultural pathways: moving outside the 'core area' hypothesis in
      Southwest Asia.
AB  - The origins of agriculture in the Near East has been associated with a 'core
      area', located in south-eastern Turkey, in which all major crops were brought
      into domestication within the same local domestication system operated by a
      single cultural group. Such an origin leads to a scenario of rapid invention of
      agriculture by a select cultural group and typically monophyletic origins for
      most crops. Surprisingly, support for a core area has never been directly tested
      with archaeological evidence. Over the past decade a large amount of new
      archaeological and genetic evidence has been discovered which brings new light on
      the origins of agriculture. In this review, this new evidence was brought
      together in order to evaluate whether a core region of origin is supported.
      Evidence shows that origins began earlier than previously assumed, and included
      'false starts' and dead ends that involved many more species than the typical
      eight founder crops associated with the core area. The rates at which
      domestication syndrome traits became fixed were generally slow, rather than
      rapid, and occurred over a geographically wide range that included the North and
      South Levant as well as the core area. Finally, a survey of the estimated ages of
      archaeological sites and the onset of domestication indicates that the
      domestication process was ongoing in parallel outside of the core area earlier
      than within it. Overall, evidence suggests a scenario in which crops were
      domesticated slowly in different locations around the Near East rather than
      emanating from a core area.

PMID- 22058405
TI  - Metabolism control over growth: a case for trehalose-6-phosphate in plants.
AB  - How plants relate their requirements for energy with the reducing power necessary
      to fuel growth is not understood. The activated glucose forms and NADPH are key
      precursors in pathways yielding, respectively, energy and reducing power for
      anabolic metabolism. Moreover, they are substrates or allosteric regulators of
      trehalose-phosphate synthase (TPS1) in fungi and probably also in plants. TPS1
      synthesizes the signalling metabolite trehalose-6-phosphate (T6P) and, therefore,
      has the potential to relate reducing power with energy metabolism to fuel growth.
      A working model is discussed where trehalose-6-phosphate (T6P) inhibition of
      SnRK1 is part of a growth-regulating loop in young and metabolically active
      heterotrophic plant tissues. SnRK1 is the Snf1 Related Kinase 1 and the plant
      homologue of the AMP-dependent protein kinase of animals, a central energy gauge.
      T6P accumulation in response to high sucrose levels in a cell inhibits SnRK1
      activity, thus promoting anabolic processes and growth. When T6P levels drop due
      to low glucose-6-phosphate, uridine-diphosphoglucose, and altered NADPH or due to
      restricted TPS1 activity, active SnRK1 promotes catabolic processes required to
      respond to energy and carbon deprivation. The model explains why too little or
      too much T6P has been found to be growth inhibitory: Arabidopsis thaliana embryos
      and seedlings without TPS1 are growth arrested and Arabidopsis seedlings
      accumulating T6P on a trehalose medium are growth arrested. Finally, the insight
      gained with respect to the possible role of T6P metabolism, where it is known to
      alter developmental and environmental responses of plants, is discussed.

PMID- 22058406
TI  - In Posidonia oceanica cadmium induces changes in DNA methylation and chromatin
      patterning.
AB  - In mammals, cadmium is widely considered as a non-genotoxic carcinogen acting
      through a methylation-dependent epigenetic mechanism. Here, the effects of Cd
      treatment on the DNA methylation patten are examined together with its effect on
      chromatin reconfiguration in Posidonia oceanica. DNA methylation level and
      pattern were analysed in actively growing organs, under short- (6 h) and long- (2
      d or 4 d) term and low (10 MUM) and high (50 MUM) doses of Cd, through a
      Methylation-Sensitive Amplification Polymorphism technique and an
      immunocytological approach, respectively. The expression of one member of the
      CHROMOMETHYLASE (CMT) family, a DNA methyltransferase, was also assessed by qRT
      PCR. Nuclear chromatin ultrastructure was investigated by transmission electron
      microscopy. Cd treatment induced a DNA hypermethylation, as well as an up
      regulation of CMT, indicating that de novo methylation did indeed occur.
      Moreover, a high dose of Cd led to a progressive heterochromatinization of
      interphase nuclei and apoptotic figures were also observed after long-term
      treatment. The data demonstrate that Cd perturbs the DNA methylation status
      through the involvement of a specific methyltransferase. Such changes are linked
      to nuclear chromatin reconfiguration likely to establish a new balance of
      expressed/repressed chromatin. Overall, the data show an epigenetic basis to the
      mechanism underlying Cd toxicity in plants.

PMID- 22058407
TI  - Induction of root Fe(lll) reductase activity and proton extrusion by iron
      deficiency is mediated by auxin-based systemic signalling in Malus xiaojinensis.
AB  - Iron is a critical cofactor for a number of metalloenzymes involved in
      respiration and photosynthesis, but plants often suffer from iron deficiency due
      to limited supplies of soluble iron in the soil. Iron deficiency induces a series
      of adaptive responses in various plant species, but the mechanisms by which they
      are triggered remain largely unknown. Using pH imaging and hormone localization
      techniques, it has been demonstrated here that root Fe(III) reductase activity
      and proton extrusion upon iron deficiency are up-regulated by systemic auxin
      signalling in a Fe-efficient woody plant, Malus xiaojinensis. Split-root
      experiments demonstrated that Fe-deprivation in a portion of the root system
      induced a dramatic increase in Fe(III) reductase activity and proton extrusion in
      the Fe-supplied portion, suggesting that the iron deficiency responses were
      mediated by a systemic signalling. Reciprocal grafting experiments of M.
      xiaojinensis with Malus baccata, a plant with no capability to produce the
      corresponding responses, indicate that the initiation of the systemic signalling
      is likely to be determined by roots rather than shoots. Iron deficiency induced a
      substantial increase in the IAA content in the shoot apex and supplying exogenous
      IAA analogues (NAA) to the shoot apex could mimic the iron deficiency to trigger
      the corresponding responses. Conversely, preventing IAA transport from shoot to
      roots blocked the iron deficiency responses. These results strongly indicate that
      the iron deficiency-induced physiological responses are mediated by systemic
      auxin signalling.

PMID- 22058408
TI  - Low-temperature-modulated fruit ripening is independent of ethylene in 'Sanuki
      Gold' kiwifruit.
AB  - Fruit ripening in response to treatments with propylene, 1-methycyclopropene (1
      MCP), and low temperature was characterized in 'Sanuki Gold' kiwifruit, Actinidia
      chinensis Planch. Propylene treatment immediately induced rapid fruit softening,
      increased AC-PG (polygalacturonase) and AC-EXP (expansin) mRNA accumulation, and
      stimulated an increase in the soluble solid concentration (SSC) and a decrease in
      titratable acidity (TA). After 3 d exposure to propylene, ethylene production and
      AC-PL (pectate lyase) mRNA accumulation were observed. 1-MCP treatment after 24 h
      exposure to propylene eliminated AC-PG mRNA accumulation and suppressed continued
      changes in SSC and TA. Application of 1-MCP at the start of the treatment,
      followed by continuous propylene exposure, markedly delayed fruit softening, and
      the expression of the cell wall-modifying genes, and changes in the SSC and TA,
      indicating that kiwifruit become insensitive to ethylene at least for 3 d
      following 1-MCP exposure. Surprisingly, significant fruit softening, mRNA
      accumulation of AC-PG, AC-PL, and AC-EXP, and decreased TA were observed without
      ethylene production in intact fruit stored at low temperature for 1 month, but
      not in fruit stored at room temperature. Repeated 1-MCP treatments (twice a week)
      failed to inhibit the changes that occurred in low temperature storage. These
      observations indicate that low temperature modulates the ripening of kiwifruit in
      an ethylene-independent manner, suggesting that kiwifruit ripening is inducible
      by either ethylene or low temperature signals.

PMID- 22058409
TI  - Biogeography in a continental island: population structure of the relict endemic
      centipede Craterostigmus tasmanianus (Chilopoda, Craterostigmomorpha) in Tasmania
      using 16S rRNA and COI.
AB  - We used 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI)
      sequence data to investigate the population structure in the centipede
      Craterostigmus tasmanianus Pocock, 1902 (Chilopoda: Craterostigmomorpha:
      Craterostigmidae) and to look for possible barriers to gene flow on the island of
      Tasmania, where C. tasmanianus is a widespread endemic. We first confirmed a
      molecular diagnostic character in 28S rRNA separating Tasmanian Craterostigmus
      from its sister species Craterostigmus crabilli (Edgecombe and Giribet 2008) in
      New Zealand and found no shared polymorphism in this marker for the 2 species. In
      Tasmania, analysis of molecular variance analysis showed little variation at the
      16S rRNA and COI loci within populations (6% and 13%, respectively), but
      substantial variation (56% and 48%, respectively) among populations divided
      geographically into groups. We found no clear evidence of isolation by distance
      using a Mantel test. Bayesian clustering and gene network analysis both group the
      C. tasmanianus populations in patterns which are broadly concordant with
      previously known biogeographical divisions within Tasmania, but we did not find
      that genetic distance varied in a simple way across cluster boundaries. The
      coarse-scale geographical sampling on which this study was based should be
      followed in the future by sampling at a finer spatial scale and to investigate
      genetic structure within clusters and across cluster boundaries.

PMID- 22058410
TI  - First analysis of multiple paternity in an oviparous shark, the small-spotted
      catshark (Scyliorhinus canicula L.).
AB  - Multiple paternity (MP) has been demonstrated in a variety of sharks, although
      its prevalence and the number of sires per litter vary considerably among
      species. To date, such analyses have focused on viviparous species that possess
      only part of the wide spectrum of reproductive strategies developed in
      elasmobranchs. We analyzed MP in an oviparous species, the small-spotted catshark
      (Scyliorhinus canicula). In total, 150 neonates originating from 13 different
      mothers were genotyped using 12 microsatellite loci. MP was commonplace, with
      progeny from 92% of females sired by multiple males. This result is consistent
      with the reproductive biology of the species, particularly its protracted
      breeding season and potential for long-term sperm storage. The significance of
      these findings is discussed in light of small-spotted catshark behavior, which
      suggests that the cost of avoiding mating attempts initiated by males may be high
      and is therefore supportive of convenience polyandry as an explanation for MP.
      Eggs were followed from the time they were laid to when they hatched, offering a
      rare opportunity to investigate juvenile development in more detail.

PMID- 22058411
TI  - Escape from CD8+ T cell response by natural variants of an immunodominant epitope
      from Theileria parva is predominantly due to loss of TCR recognition.
AB  - Polymorphism of immunodominant CD8(+) T cell epitopes can facilitate escape from
      immune recognition of pathogens, leading to strain-specific immunity. In this
      study, we examined the TCR beta-chain (TRB) diversity of the CD8(+) T cell
      responses of cattle against two immunodominant epitopes from Theileria parva
      (Tp1(214-224) and Tp2(49-59)) and investigated the role of TCR recognition and
      MHC binding in determining differential recognition of a series of natural
      variants of the highly polymorphic Tp2(49-59) epitope by CD8(+) T cell clones of
      defined TRB genotype. Our results show that both Tp1(214-224) and Tp2(49-59)
      elicited CD8(+) T cell responses using diverse TRB repertoires that showed a high
      level of stability following repeated pathogenic challenge over a 3-y period.
      Analysis of single-alanine substituted versions of the Tp2(49-59) peptide
      demonstrated that Tp2(49-59)-specific clonotypes had a broad range of fine
      specificities for the epitope. Despite this diversity, all natural variants
      exhibited partial or total escape from immune recognition, which was
      predominantly due to abrogation of TCR recognition, with mutation resulting in
      loss of the lysine residue at P8, playing a particularly dominant role in escape.
      The levels of heterozygosity in individual Tp2(49-59) residues correlated closely
      with loss of immune recognition, suggesting that immune selection has contributed
      to epitope polymorphism.

PMID- 22058412
TI  - Inflammasome activation of IL-18 results in endothelial progenitor cell
      dysfunction in systemic lupus erythematosus.
AB  - Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with heterogeneous
      manifestations including severe organ damage and vascular dysfunction leading to
      premature atherosclerosis. IFN-alpha has been proposed to have an important role
      in the development of lupus and lupus-related cardiovascular disease, partly by
      repression of IL-1 pathways leading to impairments in vascular repair induced by
      endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) and circulating angiogenic cells (CACs).
      Counterintuitively, SLE patients also display transcriptional upregulation of the
      IL-1beta/IL-18 processing machinery, the inflammasome. To understand this
      dichotomy and its impact on SLE-related cardiovascular disease, we examined
      cultures of human and murine control or lupus EPC/CACs to determine the role of
      the inflammasome in endothelial differentiation. We show that caspase-1
      inhibition improves dysfunctional SLE EPC/CAC differentiation into mature
      endothelial cells and blocks IFN-alpha-mediated repression of this
      differentiation, implicating inflammasome activation as a crucial downstream
      pathway leading to aberrant vasculogenesis. Furthermore, serum IL-18 levels are
      elevated in SLE and correlate with EPC/CAC dysfunction. Exogenous IL-18 inhibits
      endothelial differentiation in control EPC/CACs and neutralization of IL-18 in
      SLE EPC/CAC cultures restores their capacity to differentiate into mature
      endothelial cells, supporting a deleterious effect of IL-18 on vascular repair in
      vivo. Upregulation of the inflammasome machinery was operational in vivo, as
      evidenced by gene array analysis of lupus nephritis biopsies. Thus, the effects
      of IFN-alpha are complex and contribute to an elevated risk of cardiovascular
      disease by suppression of IL-1beta pathways and by upregulation of the
      inflammasome machinery and potentiation of IL-18 activation.

PMID- 22058413
TI  - C5a regulates NKT and NK cell functions in sepsis.
AB  - Complement, NKT, and NK cells play critical roles in the first line defense
      against pathogens. Functional roles for both C5a receptors, that is, complement
      receptor C5a (C5aR) and C5a receptor-like 2 (C5L2), in sepsis have been
      demonstrated. However, the role of C5a in innate lymphocyte activation during
      sepsis remains elusive. In this article, we show that naive NKT and NK cells
      already express high levels of C5aR and minor levels of C5L2 mRNA, but no
      protein. Upon Escherichia coli-induced sepsis, we found C5aR surface expression
      on subpopulations of NKT and NK cells, suggesting rapid translation into C5aR
      protein on bacterial encounter. Importantly, significantly increased survival in
      the absence of C5aR, NKT, and NK cells, but not of C5L2, was associated with
      reduced IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha serum levels. Sepsis induction in C5aR(+)/C5aR(-)
      mixed bone marrow chimeras identified cognate engagement of C5aR on NKT cells as
      an important factor for the recruitment of NKT cells. Furthermore, we found
      synergistic interaction between C5aR and TLRs enhancing the production of TNF
      alpha and IFN-gamma from NKT and NK cells in cocultures with dendritic cells. Our
      results identify C5aR activation as a novel pathway driving detrimental effects
      of NKT and NK cells during early experimental sepsis.

PMID- 22058414
TI  - Pathogenic and protective functions of TNF in neuroinflammation are defined by
      its expression in T lymphocytes and myeloid cells.
AB  - TNF displays pathogenic activities in many autoimmune disorders. However, anti
      TNF therapy in multiple sclerosis patients failed because of poorly understood
      reasons. We used a panel of gene-targeted mice that allowed cell-type specific
      ablation of TNF to uncover pathogenic and protective contributions of this
      cytokine during autoimmune disease of the CNS. T cells and myeloid cells were
      found to be critical cellular sources of TNF during experimental autoimmune
      encephalomyelitis (EAE). TNF produced by myeloid cells accelerated the onset of
      disease by regulation of chemokine expression in the CNS, driving the recruitment
      of inflammatory cells into the target organ. TNF produced by T cells exacerbated
      the damage to the CNS during EAE by regulating infiltration of inflammatory
      myeloid cells into the CNS. In secondary lymphoid organs, TNF expressed by
      myeloid cells and T cells acted in synergy to dampen IL-12p40 and IL-6 production
      by APCs, subsequently inhibiting the development of encephalitogenic T cell
      responses of Th1 and Th17 types. This dual role of TNF during EAE (protective in
      lymphoid organs and pathogenic in CNS) suggests that global TNF blockade might be
      inefficient in multiple sclerosis patients because augmented autoreactive T cell
      development in lymphoid tissues might overwhelm the beneficial effects resulting
      from TNF inhibition in the CNS.

PMID- 22058415
TI  - Uric acid-driven Th17 differentiation requires inflammasome-derived IL-1 and IL
      18.
AB  - Uric acid is released from damaged cells and serves as a danger signal that
      alerts the immune system to potential threats, even in the absence of microbial
      infection. Uric acid modulation of innate immune responses has been extensively
      studied, but the impact of this damage-associated molecular pattern on adaptive
      responses remains largely unknown. In this study, we report that, in the presence
      of NF-kappaB signaling, uric acid crystals were capable of stimulating dendritic
      cells to promote the release of cytokines associated with Th17 polarization.
      Accordingly, naive CD4(+) T cells cocultured with uric acid-treated dendritic
      cells differentiated toward the Th17 lineage. Th17 differentiation required the
      inflammasome-dependent cytokines IL-1alpha/beta and IL-18 in both in vitro and in
      vivo models, and the inflammasome adaptor protein ASC and caspase-1 were
      essential for Th17 responses. Collectively, our findings indicate a novel role
      for the danger signal uric acid, in cooperation with NF-kappaB activation, in
      driving proinflammatory Th17 differentiation. Our data indicate that sterile
      inflammation shapes adaptive immunity, in addition to influencing early innate
      responses.

PMID- 22058416
TI  - Regulation of IFN-lambda1 promoter activity (IFN-lambda1/IL-29) in human airway
      epithelial cells.
AB  - The type III (lambda) IFNs (IFN-lambda1, IFN-lambda2, and IFN-lambda3) and their
      receptor are the most recently discovered IFN family. They are induced by viruses
      and mediate antiviral activity, but type III IFNs have an important, specific
      functional niche at the immune/epithelial interface, as well as in the regulation
      of Th2 cytokines. Their expression appears diminished in bronchial epithelial
      cells of rhinovirus-infected asthmatic individuals. We investigated the
      regulation of IFN-lambda1 expression in human airway epithelial cells using
      reporter genes analysis, chromatin immunoprecipitation, small interfering RNA
      knockdown, and DNase footprinting. In this article, we define the c-REL/p65 NF
      kappaB heterodimer and IRF-1 as key transcriptional activators and ZEB1, B
      lymphocyte-induced maturation protein 1, and the p50 NF-kappaB homodimer as key
      repressors of the IFN-lambda1 gene. We further show that ZEB1 selectively
      regulates type III IFNs. To our knowledge, this study presents the first
      characterization of any type III IFN promoter in its native context and
      conformation in epithelial cells and can now be applied to understanding
      pathogenic dysregulation of IFN-lambda1 in human disease.

PMID- 22058417
TI  - Cutting edge: Tissue-retentive lung memory CD4 T cells mediate optimal protection
      to respiratory virus infection.
AB  - We identify in this article a new class of lung tissue-resident memory CD4 T
      cells that exhibit tissue tropism and retention independent of Ag or
      inflammation. Tissue-resident memory CD4 T cells in the lung did not circulate or
      emigrate from the lung in parabiosis experiments, were protected from in vivo Ab
      labeling, and expressed elevated levels of CD69 and CD11a compared with those of
      circulating memory populations. Importantly, influenza-specific lung-resident
      memory CD4 T cells served as in situ protectors to respiratory viral challenge,
      mediating enhanced viral clearance and survival to lethal influenza infection. By
      contrast, memory CD4 T cells isolated from spleen recirculated among multiple
      tissues without retention and failed to mediate protection to influenza
      infection, despite their ability to expand and migrate to the lung. Our results
      reveal tissue compartmentalization as a major determining factor for immune
      mediated protection in a key mucosal site, important for targeting local
      protective responses in vaccines and immunotherapies.

PMID- 22058418
TI  - Multiple human papillomavirus infections and type competition in men.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is little information on multiple human papillomavirus (HPV)
      infections and the potential for type competition in men, yet competition may
      impact the type-specific efficacy of HPV vaccination. METHODS: Among 2702
      uncircumcised men in Kisumu, Kenya, who were seronegative for human
      immunodeficiency virus, the observed numbers of HPV types detected were compared
      with the expected number, which was simulated under the assumption of independent
      infections. To assess the potential for HPV type competition, adjusted odds
      ratios for pairwise combinations of prevalent HPV type infections were estimated
      using semi-Bayesian methods. RESULTS: Half of all men were HPV positive, of whom
      57% had multiple HPV types. We observed men without HPV infection and with >=4
      HPV types more often than expected if infections were independent. No negative
      associations between individual HPV types were observed. HPV types 31, 39, 56,
      58, and 59 were positively associated with both carcinogenic vaccine types HPV-16
      and HPV-18 (2-sided P value <.05). CONCLUSIONS: Men who were HPV infected were
      likely to test positive for >1 HPV type. Cross-sectional associations between
      individual HPV types were positive and did not appear to be type-specific. Thus,
      we did not identify HPV types that are candidates for potential HPV type
      competition in men.

PMID- 22058419
TI  - Erlotinib for pretreated squamous cell carcinoma of the lung in Japanese
      patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Erlotinib has demonstrated survival benefit in patients with not only
      adenocarcinoma but also squamous cell carcinoma. Epidermal growth factor receptor
      tyrosine kinase inhibitors are more effective in Asian populations, including the
      Japanese than in western populations. However, a higher incidence of interstitial
      lung disease has been reported as a fatal adverse event in the Japanese
      population. There is little data on erlotinib for Japanese patients with
      pretreated squamous cell carcinoma. METHODS: Between January 2004 and October
      2010, we retrospectively evaluated the efficacy and toxicity of erlotinib
      administered as the first epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase
      inhibitors for 41 Japanese patients with pretreated squamous cell carcinoma.
      Patients with pre-existing interstitial lung disease were carefully excluded by
      several examinations including high-resolution computed tomography. RESULTS: The
      response rate and disease control rate were 9.7% [95% confidence interval: 2.7
      23.1%) and 43.9% (95% confidence interval: 28.5-60.2%], respectively. Median time
      to treatment failure and overall survival were 2.2 months (95% confidence
      interval: 1.0-2.8 months) and 11.0 months (95% confidence interval: 5.7-15.7
      months), respectively. Interstitial lung disease (Grade 5) was observed in one
      (2.4%) patient. Patients with Grade 0-1 skin rashes vs. patients with Grades 2-3
      exhibited disease control rates of 28 vs. 83% (P = 0.0017), and median time to
      treatment failure of 1.2 months vs. 3.4 months (P = 0.0099). CONCLUSIONS:
      Erlotinib has moderate efficacy for pretreated squamous cell carcinoma in
      Japanese patients. A higher grade of skin rash was associated with clinical
      benefit. Careful exclusion of pre-existing interstitial lung disease can minimize
      the occurrence of interstitial lung disease.

PMID- 22058420
TI  - Pivotal advance: peritoneal cavity B-1 B cells have phagocytic and microbicidal
      capacities and present phagocytosed antigen to CD4+ T cells.
AB  - Breaking the long-held paradigm that primary B cells are not phagocytic, several
      studies have demonstrated recently that B cells from fish, amphibians, and
      reptilians have a significant phagocytic capacity. Whether such capacity has
      remained conserved in certain mammalian B cell subsets is presently an enigma.
      Here, we report a previously unrecognized ability of PerC B-1a and B-1b
      lymphocytes to phagocytose latex beads and bacteria. In contrast, B-2 lymphocytes
      had an almost negligible ability to internalize these particles. Upon
      phagocytosis, B-1a and B-1b cells were able to mature their phagosomes into
      phagolysosomes and displayed the ability to kill internalized bacteria.
      Importantly, B-1a and B-1b cells effectively present antigen recovered from
      phagocytosed particles to CD4(+) T cells. However, these cells showed a much
      lower competence to present soluble antigen or antigen from large,
      noninternalized particles. B-1 B cells presented particulate and soluble antigen
      to CD4(+) T cells more efficiently than macrophages, whereas DCs were the most
      potent APCs. The novel phagocytic and microbicidal abilities identified in B-1 B
      lymphocytes strengthen the innate nature that has long been attributed to these
      cells. In the context of adaptive immunity, we show that these innate immune
      processes are relevant, as they enable B-1 B cells to present phagocytosable
      particulate antigen. These capacities position these cells at the crossroads that
      link innate with adaptive immune processes. In a broader context, these newly
      identified capacities of B-1 B cells further support the previously recognized
      functional, developmental, and evolutionary relationships between these cells and
      macrophages.

PMID- 22058421
TI  - Lipid-cytokine-chemokine cascades orchestrate leukocyte recruitment in
      inflammation.
AB  - Chemoattractants are pivotal mediators of host defense, orchestrating the
      recruitment of immune cells into sites of infection and inflammation.
      Chemoattractants display vast chemical diversity and include bioactive lipids,
      proteolytic fragments of serum proteins, and chemokines (chemotactic cytokines).
      All chemoattractants induce chemotaxis by activating seven-transmembrane-spanning
      GPCRs expressed on immune cells, establishing the concept that all
      chemoattractants are related in function. However, although chemoattractants have
      overlapping functions in vitro, recent in vivo data have revealed that they
      function, in many cases, nonredundantly in vivo. The chemically diverse nature of
      chemoattractants contributes to the fine control of leukocyte trafficking in
      vivo, with sequential chemoattractant use guiding immune cell recruitment into
      inflammatory sites. Lipid mediators frequently function as initiators of
      leukocyte recruitment, attracting the first immune cells into tissues. These
      initial responding immune cells produce cytokines locally, which in turn, induce
      the local release of chemokines. Local chemokine production then markedly
      amplifies subsequent waves of leukocyte recruitment. These new discoveries
      establish a paradigm for leukocyte recruitment in inflammation--described as
      lipid-cytokine-chemokine cascades--as a driving force in the effector phase of
      immune responses.

PMID- 22058422
TI  - TLR9 and TLR7 agonists mediate distinct type I IFN responses in humans and
      nonhuman primates in vitro and in vivo.
AB  - Human I-IFNs include IFN-beta and 13 independently regulated subtypes of IFN
      alpha (I-IFNs). TLR7 and -9 induce I-IFNs, but it is unknown whether their
      subtype repertoire is similar. This study used new PCR arrays that selectively
      amplify individual I-IFN subtype genes of human and nonhuman primates to
      characterize the TLR7- and -9-mediated IFN response in vitro and in vivo. We show
      that in human PBMCs, TLR7 agonists induce a rapid burst of I-IFN transcripts,
      consisting primarily of IFN-alpha1/13, -alpha2, and -alpha14. In contrast, TLR9
      agonists, regardless of the type used (CpG C-, B-, or D-ODN), prompted slower but
      sustained expression of IFN-alpha1/13, -alpha2, -alpha7, -alpha8, -alpha10, 
      alpha14, -alpha16, and -alpha21. These qualitative differences were translated
      downstream as differences in the pattern of IFN-inducible genes. In macaque
      PBMCs, imiquimod produced a short burst of IFN mRNA, dominated by IFN-alpha8,
      whereas C- or D-ODN induced a greater than tenfold increase in transcripts for
      all I-IFN subtypes by 12 h of culture. Differences were more evident in vivo,
      where TLR7 and -9 agonists induced significantly different levels of I-IFN
      transcripts in skin. Although the rates of gene transcription differed
      significantly for individual TLR9 agonists, their IFN-alpha subtype signature was
      almost identical, indicating that the type of receptor dictates the quality of
      the I-IFN response in vitro and in vivo. These results may underlie the
      differential therapeutic effects of TLR7 and -9 agonists and should inform future
      clinical studies.

PMID- 22058423
TI  - Pivotal advance: characterization of mouse liver phagocytic B cells in innate
      immunity.
AB  - Although B cells in vertebrates have been thought to lack phagocytic activity,
      there has been a recent report of such ability by the B cells of early
      vertebrates such as fish and frogs. Here, we show for the first time that mouse
      liver IgM(+) B cells actively phagocytose microsphere beads and Escherichia coli
      and that they effectively kill bacterial cells. Such phagocytic activity is not
      observed in other liver MNCs, except for F4/80(+) Kupffer cells. In the presence
      of fresh mouse serum (but not heat-inactivated serum), the heat-killed E. coli
      phagocytic activity of liver B cells increased significantly but was inhibited
      significantly by anticomplement component C3 antibody, suggesting E. coli
      opsonization by serum factors, including complement components. Upon i.v.
      injection of FITC-labeled E. coli into mice, a substantial proportion of liver B
      cells phagocytosed the bacteria, as compared with spleen B cells. Functional
      phagolysosome formation in liver B cells was supported by several reagents
      showing an acidic change and lysosomes in the phagocytosed vacuoles. Indeed,
      mouse liver B cells killed viable E. coli more efficiently than did spleen B
      cells in vitro. Further, E. coli-phagocytic liver B cells produced a substantial
      amount of IL-12. These results indicate that liver B cells have phagocytic and
      bactericidal activities similar to those of dedicated phagocytes and may
      contribute to bacterial clearance.

PMID- 22058424
TI  - Murine bone marrow-derived macrophages differentiated with GM-CSF become foam
      cells by PI3Kgamma-dependent fluid-phase pinocytosis of native LDL.
AB  - Accumulation of cholesterol by macrophage uptake of LDL is a key event in the
      formation of atherosclerotic plaques. Previous research has shown that
      granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is present in
      atherosclerotic plaques and promotes aortic lipid accumulation. However, it has
      not been determined whether murine GM-CSF-differentiated macrophages take up LDL
      to become foam cells. GM-CSF-differentiated macrophages from LDL receptor-null
      mice were incubated with LDL, resulting in massive macrophage cholesterol
      accumulation. Incubation of LDL receptor-null or wild-type macrophages with
      increasing concentrations of 125I-LDL showed nonsaturable macrophage LDL uptake
      that was linearly related to the amount of LDL added, indicating that LDL uptake
      was mediated by fluid-phase pinocytosis. Previous studies suggest that
      phosphoinositide 3-kinases (PI3K) mediate macrophage fluid-phase pinocytosis,
      although the isoform mediating this process has not been determined. Because
      PI3Kgamma is known to promote aortic lipid accumulation, we investigated its role
      in mediating macrophage fluid-phase pinocytosis of LDL. Wild-type macrophages
      incubated with LDL and the PI3Kgamma inhibitor AS605240 or PI3Kgamma-null
      macrophages incubated with LDL showed an ~50% reduction in LDL uptake and
      cholesterol accumulation compared with wild-type macrophages incubated with LDL
      only. These results show that GM-CSF-differentiated murine macrophages become
      foam cells by fluid-phase pinocytosis of LDL and identify PI3Kgamma as
      contributing to this process.

PMID- 22058425
TI  - Structural characterization of wax esters by electron ionization mass
      spectrometry.
AB  - The interpretation of the electron ionization mass spectra of straight-chain and
      methyl-branched saturated and unsaturated wax esters (WEs) is discussed in this
      study based on the spectra of 154 standards. The most important fragments
      indicative of the structure of the acid and alcohol chains are identified and
      summarized for WEs with various number of double bonds in the chains. Briefly,
      most WEs provide acylium ions allowing structural characterization of the acid
      part, whereas the alcohol part gives corresponding alkyl radical cations. The
      elemental composition of selected important fragments is established from a high
      resolution accurate mass analysis. The ion abundances are discussed with respect
      to the length and unsaturation of the aliphatic chains. The interpretation of the
      spectra of branched or unsaturated WEs requires the recognition of small but
      important peaks that are difficult to discern among the other fragments. We
      demonstrate that such fragments are easily detected in differential mass spectra.
      This approach requires spectra of WE standards (e.g., straight-chain analogs in
      the case of branched WEs) recorded under the same experimental conditions. The
      WEs mass spectral database provided in the supplemental data can be used as a
      reference for the analysis of the GC/EI-MS data.

PMID- 22058426
TI  - Property-based design of a glucosylceramide synthase inhibitor that reduces
      glucosylceramide in the brain.
AB  - Synthesis inhibition is the basis for the treatment of type 1 Gaucher disease by
      the glucosylceramide synthase (GCS) inhibitor eliglustat tartrate. However, the
      extended use of eliglustat and related compounds for the treatment of
      glycosphingolipid storage diseases with CNS manifestations is limited by the lack
      of brain penetration of this drug. Property modeling around the D-threo-1-phenyl
      2-decanoylamino-3-morpholino-propanol (PDMP) pharmacophore was employed in a
      search for compounds of comparable activity against the GCS but lacking P
      glycoprotein (MDR1) recognition. Modifications of the carboxamide N-acyl group
      were made to lower total polar surface area and rotatable bond number. Compounds
      were screened for inhibition of GCS in crude enzyme and whole cell assays and for
      MDR1 substrate recognition. One analog, 2-(2,3-dihydro-1H-inden-2-yl)-N-((1R,2R)
      1-(2,3-dihydrobenzo[b][1,4]dioxin-6-yl)-1-hydroxy-3-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)propan-2
      yl)acetamide (CCG-203586), was identified that inhibited GCS at low nanomolar
      concentrations with little to no apparent recognition by MDR1. Intraperitoneal
      administration of this compound to mice for 3 days resulted in a significant dose
      dependent decrease in brain glucosylceramide content, an effect not seen in mice
      dosed in parallel with eliglustat tartrate.

PMID- 22058427
TI  - Relationship of glucose and oleate metabolism to cardiac function in lipin-1
      deficient (fld) mice.
AB  - Lipin-1 is the major phosphatidate phosphatase (PAP) in the heart and a
      transcriptional coactivator that regulates fatty acid (FA) oxidation in the
      liver. As the control of FA metabolism is essential for maintaining cardiac
      function, we investigated whether lipin-1 deficiency affects cardiac metabolism
      and performance. Cardiac PAP activity in lipin-1 deficient [fatty liver dystrophy
      (fld)] mice was decreased by >80% compared with controls. Surprisingly, oleate
      oxidation and incorporation in triacylglycerol (TG), as well as glucose
      oxidation, were not significantly different in perfused working fld hearts.
      Despite this, [3H]oleate accumulation in phosphatidate and phosphatidylinositol
      was increased in fld hearts, reflecting the decreased PAP activity. Phosphatidate
      accumulation was linked to increased cardiac mammalian target of rapamycin
      complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Transthoracic
      echocardiography showed decreased cardiac function in fld mice; however, cardiac
      dysfunction was not observed in ex vivo perfused working fld hearts. This showed
      that changes in systemic factors due to the global absence of lipin-1 could
      contribute to the decreased cardiac function in vivo. Collectively, this study
      shows that fld hearts exhibit unchanged oleate esterification, as well as oleate
      and glucose oxidation, despite the absence of lipin-1. However, lipin-1
      deficiency increases the accumulation of newly synthesized phosphatidate and
      induces aberrant cell signaling.

PMID- 22058428
TI  - CHEK2*1100delC homozygosity is associated with a high breast cancer risk in
      women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mutations in the CHEK2 gene confer a moderately increased breast
      cancer risk. The risk for female carriers of the CHEK2*1100delC mutation is
      twofold increased. Breast cancer risk for carrier women is higher in a familial
      breast cancer setting which is due to coinheritance of additional genetic risk
      factors. This study investigated the occurrence of homozygosity for the
      CHEK2*1100delC allele among familial breast cancer cases and the associated
      breast cancer risk. METHODS AND RESULTS: Homozygosity for the CHEK2*1100delC
      allele was identified in 8/2554 Dutch independent familial non-BRCA1/2 breast
      cancer cases. The genotype relative risk for breast cancer of homozygous and
      heterozygous familial breast cancer cases was 101.34 (95% CI 4.47 to 121 000) and
      4.04 (95% CI 0.88 to 21.0), respectively. Female homozygotes appeared to have a
      greater than twofold increased breast cancer risk compared to familial
      CHEK2*1100delC heterozygotes (p=0.044). These results and the occurrence of
      multiple primary tumours in 7/10 homozygotes indicate a high cancer risk in
      homozygous women from non-BRCA1/2 families. CONCLUSIONS: Intensive breast
      surveillance is therefore justified in these homozygous women. It is concluded
      that diagnostic testing for biallelic mutations in CHEK2 is indicated in non
      BRCA1/2 breast cancer families, especially in populations with a relatively high
      prevalence of deleterious mutations in CHEK2.

PMID- 22058429
TI  - Linkage and association analyses of glaucoma related traits in a large pedigree
      from a Dutch genetically isolated population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite extensive research on the genetic determinants of glaucoma,
      the genes identified to date explain only a small proportion of cases in the
      general population. METHODS: Genome-wide linkage and association analyses of
      quantitative traits related to glaucoma were performed: intraocular pressure,
      size and morphology of the optic disc (individual and combined by method of
      principal components) and thickness of the retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL), in a
      large pedigree from a genetically isolated Dutch population. RESULTS: For the
      size of the optic disc, the study demonstrated a significant linkage signal
      (logarithm of odds (LOD)=3.6) at the LRP1B region on chromosome 2q21.2-q22.2 and
      significant association (p=8.95*10(-12)) with the previously reported CDC7/TGFBR3
      locus at 1p22. For parameters describing morphology of the optic disc, the study
      obtained significant linkage signal (LOD=4.6) at regions SIRPA and RNF24/PANK2 at
      20p13 (false discovery rate (FDR) based q value <0.05) and genome-wide
      significant association (p=2.38*10(-9)) with a common variant in the RERE gene at
      1p36. Suggestive linkage and association signals indicated loci for morphology of
      the optic disc at 2q31-q33 (IGFBP2 locus) and for RNFL thickness at 3p22.2 (DCLK3
      locus) and 14q22-q23 (SIX1 locus). CONCLUSION: This study identified new linkage
      regions at 20p13 (SIRPA and RNF24/PANK2 loci) and 2q33-q34 (IGFBP2 locus) for
      parameters describing morphology of the optic disc. The results of the study also
      suggested common genetic control of these parameters and RNFL thickness by SIX1
      and doublecotin family genes. Finally, association signals for the recently
      reported RERE and LRP1B loci and the well known CDC7, TGFBR3, and ATOH7 loci were
      replicated.

PMID- 22058431
TI  - IDENTIFICATION OF READING PROBLEMS IN FIRST GRADE WITHIN A RESPONSE-TO
      INTERVENTION FRAMEWORK.
AB  - Models of Response to Intervention (RTI) include parameters of assessment and
      instruction. This study focuses on assessment with the purpose of developing a
      screening battery that validly and efficiently identifies first-grade children at
      risk for reading problems. In an RTI model, these children would be candidates
      for early intervention. We examined accuracy, fluency, growth, and teacher rating
      measures as predictors of child status (at risk, not at risk) at the end of the
      school year based on an unselected sample of 243 children. The prediction model
      that best fit our selection criteria included 2-word fluency measures and a
      teacher rating of reading problems. Word-fluency growth was an equally plausible
      choice statistically, but, because the measure would require an additional data
      point, it was not the most efficient choice. The receiver-operator characteristic
      curve analysis yielded an area-under-the-curve index of .96, which indicates the
      selected 3-variable model is highly accurate.

PMID- 22058430
TI  - Genetic basis of pain variability: recent advances.
AB  - An estimated 15-50% of the population experiences pain at any given time, at
      great personal and societal cost. Pain is the most common reason patients seek
      medical attention, and there is a high degree of individual variability in
      reporting the incidence and severity of symptoms. Research suggests that pain
      sensitivity and risk for chronic pain are complex heritable traits of polygenic
      origin. Animal studies and candidate gene testing in humans have provided some
      progress in understanding the heritability of pain, but the application of the
      genome-wide association methodology offers a new tool for further elucidating the
      genetic contributions to normal pain responding and pain in clinical populations.
      Although the determination of the genetics of pain is still in its infancy, it is
      clear that a number of genes play a critical role in determining pain sensitivity
      or susceptibility to chronic pain. This review presents an update of the most
      recent findings that associate genetic variation with variability in pain and an
      overview of the candidate genes with the highest translational potential.

PMID- 22058432
TI  - High-Speed Nonlinear Interferometric Vibrational Imaging of Biological Tissue
      With Comparison to Raman Microscopy.
AB  - Vibrational contrast imaging of the distribution of complex biological molecules
      requires the use of techniques that provide broadband spectra with sufficient
      resolution. Coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS) microscopy is currently
      limited in meeting these requirements due to the presence of a nonresonant
      background and its inability to target multiple resonances simultaneously. We
      present nonlinear interferometric vibrational imaging (NIVI), a technique based
      on CARS that uses femtosecond pump and Stokes pulses to retrieve broadband
      vibrational spectra over 200 cm(-1) (full-width at half maximum). By chirping the
      pump and performing spectral interferometric detection, the anti-Stokes pulses
      are resolved in time. This phase-sensitive detection allows suppression of not
      only the nonresonant background, but also of the real part of the nonlinear
      susceptibility chi((3)), improving the spectral resolution and features to make
      them comparable to those acquired with spontaneous Raman microscopy, as shown for
      a material sample and mammary tissue.

PMID- 22058433
TI  - Research in India.

PMID- 22058434
TI  - The concept of bisexuality and psychiatry.

PMID- 22058435
TI  - Gita and mental sciences.

PMID- 22058436
TI  - The problems of Indian psychiatrists in an alien culture.

PMID- 22058437
TI  - A family and genetic study of primary affective disorders.

PMID- 22058438
TI  - Description and quantification of multiple family group interaction.
AB  - Multiple Family Group Interaction as a method of Family Therapy is reported with
      reference to its development, technique and procedure. A rating system for the
      categorization and quantification of the therapeutic processes is discussed. The
      main findings of analysis of 85 sessions are presented.

PMID- 22058439
TI  - Life events in depression.

PMID- 22058440
TI  - Neuroticism profile in coronary heart disease.
AB  - Thirty seven cases of coronary heart disease and 30 normal healthy controls were
      administered Hindi version of MHQ. The coronary heart disease patients scored
      significantly higher on total neuroticism, free-floating anxiety and somatic
      anxiety subscales of MHQ.

PMID- 22058441
TI  - A clinical study of 276 patients diagnosed as suffering from hysteria.
AB  - A clinical study of 276 patients diagnosed as Hysteria in the Department of
      Psychiatry, Unit-2, Christian Medical College, Vellore, during the period of 1970
      1974 is described.This group of 276 patients formed 10.81% of the total new
      consultations during this period. 61.2% of these were females. The peak age of
      onset was 10-20 years. The majority were married. 75% of them had conversion
      symptoms, 20.3% had dissociative states, and 4.7% had both features. 52.5% showed
      possible precipitating factors. 66.0% h i d features of extraversion in their
      personality make up. 14.1% showed evidence of parental deprivation. There was
      over-representation of the early born. Somatic symptoms (aches and pains) was the
      most common mode of presentation. The other common clinical manifestations were
      fainting attacks, "fits", vomiting, involuntary movements and paralysis of limbs.
      The immediate follow up showed that 11 patients recovered, 120 improved, 3 were
      unchanged and 1 patient became worse. Only 93 patients could be contacted for the
      final follow up. Among these, 28 recovered completely; 50 were improved; 2 became
      worse and 2 died.It is emphasized that Hysteria continues to remain a clinical
      entity.

PMID- 22058442
TI  - Depressive disorders and family constellation.

PMID- 22058443
TI  - Morbid grief-its clinical manifestation and proposed classification.

PMID- 22058444
TI  - Study of suicidal risk factors in depressive illness.
AB  - A statistical analysis was done to study the association of some environmental
      factors with Depressive illness, and suicidal tendency. All the factors studies
      were statistically significant.

PMID- 22058445
TI  - Junenile delinquency in girls ii. The application of the jesness inventory.
AB  - The use of the Inventory with 3 groups of girls is described-75 normal girls
      studying in 10(th) standard, 75 girls in an approved school with criminal record
      and 75 girls in the approved school requiring 'care and protection'. The results
      indicate that most of the sub-tests of the Inventory discriminate the delinquents
      from the normals. The results are compared with American and British studies. The
      usefulness of the Inventory in an Indian Setting indicated and future research
      trends are identified.

PMID- 22058446
TI  - Mental morbidity among graduate and research students : an epidemiological study.
AB  - A cross sectional epidemiological study of mental morbidity among 1160
      postgraduate and research students was done by census method. Goldberg's 60 item
      GHQ was used as screening tool and a person scoring 12 and above was taken as a
      case. The response rate was 92.5%. A prevalence rate of 16.63 was found. The
      relationship between mental morbidity and selected socio-demographic,
      motivational psychological variables; certain life experiences in the campus was
      studied. The results are discussed. This study is first of its kind in our
      country.

PMID- 22058447
TI  - Changing psychiatric manifestations of neurosyphilis over a period of 23 years.
AB  - Cases diagnosed as general paralysis of insane at the psychiatric services of
      NIMHANS for 23 years from 1955 to 1977 were studied to analyse the trends of age
      distribution, sex proportion, annual admission rate and clinical categories. It
      was found that the mean age and the proportion of females did not show any
      impressive change during these years.Among the clinical categories the simple
      dementia type showed a considerable rise over the years.The acute confusional
      type showed a definite decrease during this period. A less impressive but
      definite decrease was found in the expansive type. Depressive form of GPI found
      in a considerable proportion of cases earlier has rarely been seen over the last
      one decade.The schizophrenic type has not shown any significant change.These
      findings are discussed in comparison with the earlier studies both in India and
      abroad. The possible causes of these trends are outlined.

PMID- 22058448
TI  - Helping the chronic schizophrenic and their families in the community-intial
      observations.
AB  - There is a growing interest in the problems of mentally ill persons in the
      community in order to understand and organize services for them. Schizophrenia
      continues to form the most important problems in the community. The present
      prospective study involved thirty patients with chronic schizophrenia and their
      families. The study involved the intensive understanding of the social problems
      of the patients and families as well as the interventions to manage the problems
      isolated.THE STUDY REVEALED THE FOLLOWING AREAS TO THE SOURCE OF PROBLEMS OF
      ADJUSTMENT: (i) High expectations of the family, (ii) Excessive emotional
      involvement, (iii) Marital disturbances, (iv) Problems of employment and (v)
      Problems relating to long term treatment.The techniques employed in the
      management were, in addition to long-acting phenothiazines were: (i) periodic and
      regular home visits, (ii) family financial counselling, (iii) explanation about
      the illness to enhance treatment acceptance, and (iv) contact with social welfare
      agencies. The paper is largely descriptive and illustrations of cases are
      included to highlight the salient aspects of the experience.

PMID- 22058449
TI  - Inter-relationship between drug use, anomie, alienation and autthoritarianism
      amongst university students.
AB  - The degree of addictive substance usage score and three personality variables,
      namely, authoritarianism, alienation, and anomie were measured in 197 university
      students through a self-administered questionnaire. WHO's Youth Survey
      Questionnaire for drag use, Varma et al.'s scale of Authoritarianism, Srole's
      scale of Anomie, and Pearlin's scale of Alienation, were used. A study of the
      relationship between the co-variables was studied and is discussed.

PMID- 22058450
TI  - A study of psychiatric referrals in a general hospital.
AB  - In-patient as well as out-patient psychiatric referrals at Safdarjang Hospital,
      New Delhi were studied during a short period of 21/2 months. The data were
      analysed with respect to referral rate, sources of referral and psychiatric
      diagnosis as made by the referring unit, compared with the diagnosis arrived at
      the department of Psychiatry. The results have been discussed in the study.

PMID- 22058451
TI  - Healing practices in psychiatric patients.

PMID- 22058452
TI  - The problem-oriented approach in psychiatry.
AB  - The problem-oriented approach to record keeping developed by Lawrence Weed is
      having a significant impact on the practice of Psychiatry. In this system, the
      physician is required to identify list and number all the patient's psychiatric,
      social and physical problems. The problem list is kept at the front of the
      record, much like a table of contents. All subsequent data including the
      clinician's plans and progress notes arc cross-indexed to the numbered problems.
      A plan for approaching each problem is constructed with the help of the list of
      assets and resources which include patient's existing or potential
      characterological strengths, vocational skills and talents, as well as resources
      and supportive factors within the family and community. At regular intervals
      progress notes are made which may be classified as subjective, objective or
      related to the treatment plan.This system is aimed at effective patient-care
      because the information can be easily retrievable and thus can be thoroughly
      analysed, correlated and synthesized into an ongoing treatment plan. Some
      problems posed by the system are discussed and the author offers a simple
      practical mode of recording.

PMID- 22058453
TI  - A comparative evaluation of dothiepin (prothieden) and imipramine.

PMID- 22058454
TI  - 1981-year of the handicapped.

PMID- 22058455
TI  - Depressive illness in children-a review.

PMID- 22058456
TI  - Electrocardiographic changes during lithium treatment.

PMID- 22058457
TI  - Sex chromosome aberrations in schizophrenia.
AB  - Research on sex chromosome aberrations has made considerable progress. There are
      evidences that possession of an extra X chromosome may affect the mental health
      of an individual. All the male schizophrenia patients registered during the
      period of study, who were not under treatment, constituted the patient sample.
      They numbered two hundered eighty seven. A properly matched control sample of two
      hundred thirty three healthy persons was also examined. Nuclear sexing and
      Karyotype was done for (a) all the chromatin positive cases in patient as well as
      control sample (b) ten per cent cases of normal XY individual's of patient
      sample(28) and control sample (23) Photography was done for the positive slides.
      The patients who showed chromation positive XXY pattern were studied further
      clinically along with Rorschach test and Bhatia battery. The schizophrenics
      showed more prevalence of chromatin positive than the control sample.

PMID- 22058458
TI  - Habituation of alpha attenuation responeses in depressed patients and normal
      subjects.
AB  - Habituation of alpha attenuation responses (AAR) obtained from a group of 20
      depressed patients was compared with a group of 20 matched normal controls. The
      slope of the AAR habituation curve over trial showed that the normals habituated
      much quickly than those of patients. The findings were interpreted in terms of
      the level of arousal of the patients/subjects tested.

PMID- 22058459
TI  - Guilt and hostility in depression.

PMID- 22058460
TI  - d-AMPHETAMINE AS A PREDICTOR FOR RESPONSE TO IMIPRAMINE AND AMITRIPTYLINE.
AB  - Patients with endogenous depression fulfilling Feighner's criteria were included
      in the trial. All had pretrial scores above 20 on Hamilton's depression rating
      scale.Drugs were divided into groups A and B. Group A comprised of placebo and d
      amphetamine. It was found that all patients who improved with d-amphetamine also
      improved with tricyclics. Two who did not improve with d-amphetamine did not
      improve with tricyclics.

PMID- 22058461
TI  - EVALUTION OF UNILATERAL ELECTRO-CONVULSIVE THERAPY (A double blind study).
AB  - A double blind study of one hundred twenty patients ( ninety schizophrenics and
      thirty depressives )-who were divided equally into three groups, who received
      either (a) bilateral ECT or (b) unilateral application of electrodes on non
      dominant hemisphere or (c) unilateral on dominant hemisphere was conducted. The
      three groups were compared regarding efficacy of the therapy, effects on memory,
      speed of recovery from each shock session and lastly changes in the electro
      encephalogram.It was found that all the three techniques were more or less equal
      in therapeutic efficacy. There was no significant difference between them in the
      speed of recovery, nor in the EEG changes. Only difference was that in the field
      of memory, unilateral non-dominant group showed significant improvement in the
      'immediate verbal recall' component of memory in particular. Results have been
      discussed in view of the current literature on the subject.

PMID- 22058462
TI  - Sintamil in the treatment of depression : a comparison of single vs. Divided dose
      administration.

PMID- 22058463
TI  - Thyroid function in different psychiatric disorders.
AB  - Thyroid function viz. estimation of T(3), T(4) & TSH (Thyroid Stimulating
      Hormone) were studied in cases of depression, mania and schizophrenia, each
      category numbering thirty one. These values were compared with corresponding
      values estimated in norm.al control group of individuals of identical age, sex
      and socio economic status. The depressives and schizophrenics showed subclinical
      or chemical hypothyroidism while the manic showed slightly higher values for
      T(3), and T(4), when compared to normal control subjects.

PMID- 22058464
TI  - Suicide in madras.
AB  - Eighty seven cases of suicides were investigated in the present study. Of the 87
      cases 44.% were males and 56.2% were females. 7%of the females were below 30
      years and most of them were married. The chosen choice for the fatal self
      destruction in both sexes was hanging and the selected fateful hour in a
      considerable proportion of cases was between 6.00 P.M. and 12.00 midnight Some of
      the notable causes are discussed.

PMID- 22058465
TI  - The scientific investigation of rebirth cases problems of field work and in the
      analysis of data.

PMID- 22058466
TI  - HYSTERIA OR HYPOGLYCAEMIA (A case Report of Insulinoma).
AB  - A case of Insulinoma is presented here because of the uncommon and peculiar
      clinical manifestation in the form of fits of unconsciousness with bizzare
      movements of limbs, which were considered to be due to Conversion Reaction and
      treated as such for a period of two years without any success. She recovered and
      was relieved of symptoms after surgery.

PMID- 22058467
TI  - Trichobezoar and mental retardation.

PMID- 22058468
TI  - A plea for national institute of psychiatry.

PMID- 22058469
TI  - Psychiatric morbidity among parents of schizophrenic patients.

PMID- 22058470
TI  - A psychoticism scale in hindi : I. Construction and initial tryouts.
AB  - A psychoticism questionnaire was designed constituting 110 questions framed on
      the basis of the following constructs: desocialization, paranoia, thought
      disorder, depression, perceptual disturbance, superstitions and mania. In the
      initial tryout, it was administered to 40 psychotics, 40 neurotics and 40 normals
      and 40 items inadequately discriminating between psychotics and normals/neurotics
      were deleted. The revised questionnaire was administered, in second tryout, to 50
      psychotics, 50 neurotics and 50 normals. The results were again subjected to item
      analysis and 10 more items were deleted as they could not discriminate
      significantly between neurotics and psychotics or where they discriminated
      between normals and neurotics. Kuder-Richardson formula 20 was used for
      reliability and criterion validity was assessed by comparing the three
      diagnositic groups with one another. Both these were satisfactory. Thus a
      psychoticism questionnaire of 60 items was constructed.

PMID- 22058471
TI  - A psychoticism scale in hindi : ii. Standardization.
AB  - A psychoticism questionnaire in Hindi consisting of 60 items was standardised by
      administering it to 100 psychotics (schizophrenics and manic-depressives), 100
      neurotics, 100 psychiatrically normal relatives of psychotics and 100 normals.
      The mean psychoticism score (P-score) of psychotics, neurotics, relatives and
      normals were 30.69, 13.63, 13.85 and 8.83 respectively, were significantly
      different from one another except for the difference between neurotics and
      relatives. The scores in each diagnostic group were normally distributed.
      Reliability as measured by Kuder-Richardson formula, split half, and test-retest
      methods gave coefficients between .62 and .88. Criterion validity as measured by
      comparing the diagnostic groups according to proportion of subjects in top,
      middle and bottom thirds; concurrent validity as assessed by correlating the P
      score with scores obtained on PEN scale and on Paranoid and Depression sub-scales
      of Personality Traits Inventory nad cross-validity studied by comparing our
      scores on psychotics with those obtained at three other centres in India were
      satisfactory. The questionnaire could well discriminate between psychotics and
      non-psychotics, and a satisfactory cut-off point has been suggested for this.On
      the basis of above findings we can conclude that the questionnaire constructed is
      a valid measure of psychoticism.Since a personality trait is presumed to have a
      normal distribution in the population, and we have obtained normal distribution
      on psychoticism score for each of the groups separately, psychoticism score
      studied here may refleet a personality trait.

PMID- 22058472
TI  - An opinion survey about the causes and treatment of mental illness and the social
      acceptance of the mentally ill patients.
AB  - In the present study assessment of Public Opinion of two groups, relatives and
      non-relatives attending the out patient department with the patients, were done.
      Analysis of the data revealed that both groups held heredity as the cause of
      mental illness and both groups preferred, significantly the efficacy of
      Psychiatric treatment like E.C.T. and drugs to that of Homoeopathic and Ayurvedic
      treatment, Magic and faith healing procedure, not preferred to any significant
      extent. Regarding efficacy of treatment of the mentally ill we find that
      significantly more number of relatives did favour E.C.T. and drugs. Psychotherapy
      has yet to make a mark.

PMID- 22058473
TI  - Clinical aspects of dyskinesia.

PMID- 22058474
TI  - Phenomenology of 'escape' from a mental hospital in India.
AB  - Escape phenomenon is studied in a mental hospital in a retrospective design. From
      among the 3892 admissions of 1977, 128 case files of patients who were escapees
      according to the definition used, were picked up. The incidence of escape for the
      year 1977 was 3.3%. Results on different variables were compared with hospital
      admission statistics for the year 1977 to draw inferences. Using a Chi-aquare
      test it was found that escape incidence was significantly high in the below 30yr.
      age group, males, free voluntary boarders, manics and schizophrenics. The type of
      ward from where escape was made, the duration of their stay in the hospital
      before escape, and the clinical status at the time of escape were also examined.
      The implications of the results are discussed.

PMID- 22058475
TI  - Psycho-social problems of long stay mental patients.
AB  - One hundred and ten inpatients (80 males and 30 females) of Agra Mental Hospital
      with continuous stay of more than two years formed the study population. Majority
      of them were schizophrenics. Demographic data of these patients, their current
      social contacts inside and outside hospital, attitude of hospital staff and
      family members toward them, self care, sexual problems, future plans, social
      acceptability and their employability have been reported.

PMID- 22058476
TI  - Non-intellectual factors in learning disability.
AB  - 100 cases of learning disability are investigated to study non-intellectual
      factors associated with it. The study reveals that urban area, middle class,
      unitary and small family show high incidence. Impaired relationship with the
      parents is the most significant factor, followed by adverse influences in school.
      The findings are discussed.

PMID- 22058477
TI  - Functional neurosurgery in psychiatric illnesses.

PMID- 22058478
TI  - Psychiatric morbidity in a children's home.
AB  - Sixty-two inmates of a children's home were examined by using a symptom check
      list and Hindi adaptation of Stanford Binet Intelligence Scale-Form LM (1960). A
      high proportion (69.4%) of the inmates had one or other psychiatric problem. Mild
      mental retardation (I. Q. 50-70) was most common (40.3%), 11.3% were diagnosed as
      having unsocialized disturbance of conduct. Four most common psychiatric symptoms
      were stealing, quarrelsome behaviour, destructive behaviour and bed wetting. No
      significant correlation was found between psychiatric illnesses and present age,
      duration of stay and age at entry into the home.

PMID- 22058479
TI  - Social adjustment of 116 adult epileptics.
AB  - Social adjustment of 116 adult epileptics who had attended the out patient
      department of Agra Mental Hospital during a period of 3 years was studied through
      a follow-up investigation. Adjustment was recorded 'good' in 34.5%, fair in
      19.8%, poor in 22.4% and very poor in remaining 23.3% cases.

PMID- 22058480
TI  - Intraocular pressure changes following modified e.C.T.
AB  - Intraocular pressure changes following modified ECT with and without
      succinylcholine were studied in Sixty cases. The pressure rose in both the
      conditions though the rise was more marked and longer lasting when
      succinylcholine was used.

PMID- 22058481
TI  - Post-psychotic depression in schizophrenics: (a prospective study).
AB  - The study consists of 44 Schizophrenic patients. All the patients were the first
      admission cases and treated for the first time within 6 months of their illness.
      The subtype Schizo affective schizophrenia was not included. Cases were studied
      and treated initially in the hospital. After recovery from the psychotic episode,
      they were followed up in the community for a minimum period of one year, during
      which 4 cases went into an unequivocal, depression. Pheaomenological aspects of
      the depression and a prediction of variables in terms of socio-demographicand the
      clinical state of cohort has been attempted.

PMID- 22058482
TI  - Therapeutic efficacy of doxepin in divided and single dose regime.

PMID- 22058483
TI  - MURDER IN TAMIL NADU(A Study of Murder Trials of 1968).
AB  - The murder trials of 1968 in Tamil Nadu totalling 526 are studied and assessed on
      the pattern of the U. K. Home Office study. The results showed that there were
      six psychotic murderers, 16 murderers who attempted suicide, 483 'normal' male
      murderers, 20 female murderers and 6 youthful murderers. Age, sex, method of
      killing and motives of the murderers are discussed. The implications of the study
      with reference to the penal institutions and prevention of crime are dealt with.

PMID- 22058484
TI  - Psychiatric morbidity and referral in general practice-a survey of general
      practitioners in bangalore city.
AB  - 60 General practitioners having M.B., B.S. qualification from all age group
      practicing in Bangalore city's centrally located locality were personally visited
      and a specially designed proforma was administered to find out whether they come
      across Psychiatric patients in their general practice, if yes what percentage of
      their practice ? Whether they referred any cases for Psychiatric consultation,
      what factors determined their decision to refer a case to the psychiatrist.9%
      General practitioners reportedly were seeing Psychiatric cases, on an average 10%
      of total patients seen by GP's were suffering from Psychiatric illness. 85% GP's
      had referred cases for Psychiatric consultation and factors which determined GP's
      decision to refer a case were : Request from patient to see a Specialist, patient
      was excited and unmanageable, pressure from relatives of patients serious
      impirsonment of patients' working capacity, patient finds it more acceptable to
      be told by a Specialist that he has nervous trouble, lack of emotional support
      from family of patient. Less commonly given reasons inlcuded inability to
      diagnose a case, for confirmation of diagnosis and treatment, for detailed
      examination and investigation, for better managment, resistant casses and lack of
      time to deal with Psychiatric problems. These findings have been discussed and
      their implications in planning further services have been highlighted.

PMID- 22058485
TI  - A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF MMPI PROFILES OF PSYCHIATRIC PG's v/s MEDICAL PG's.
AB  - MMPI profiles of 10 psychiatric PG's have been compared with 10 medical PG's. The
      findings are discussed statistically and otherwise. Both the groups fall within
      the range of normal. Some interesting findings are not unexpected, if a larger
      section of population could be studied preferably over a span of few years.

PMID- 22058486
TI  - Non-medical drug use among interns and house-officers.
AB  - Self-administered questionnaire was given to a sample of 105 interns and house
      officers working in Govt. Medical College, Jammu. Questionnaire was designed to
      obtain information about socio-demographic characteristics, the frequency of non
      medical drug use during the last one year and to enquire about "reasons" for drug
      intake. It was found that drugs commonly used were alcohol, tobacco,
      tranquillizers, amphetamines, cannabis. Most of the subjects used the same for
      'company', festivity or curiosity.

PMID- 22058488
TI  - Psychic seizures-a case report.

PMID- 22058487
TI  - Lithium neurotoxicity at 'therapeutic' levels a case report.
AB  - A case of a young manic patient who developed severe neurotoxicity when on
      lithium alone has been presented. Investigations did not reveal presence of any
      infection, electrolyte imbalance or rise in lithium level.The possibility of
      lithium producing neurotoxicity at therapeutic levels for as yet unknown reasons
      is pointed out. It is suggested that this element of risk be considered when
      starting lithium for therapy or prophylaxis of affective disorders.

PMID- 22058489
TI  - Training for mental health team.

PMID- 22058490
TI  - Psychiatric services through peripheral health centres.

PMID- 22058491
TI  - The study of efficacy of family ward treatment in hysteria in comparison with the
      open ward and the outpatient treatment.
AB  - A comparative study of the efficacy of treatment of hysterical patients is made
      among three group of patients-patients treated in family wards, open wards and
      out-patients. The number of patients is fifteen in each group and they are
      matched for age, sex, per capita income, duration of illness and type of illness.
      Significant differences among three groups on certain parameters like personality
      have been eliminated. The results are discussed.

PMID- 22058492
TI  - Mental morbidity and urban life-an epidemiological study.
AB  - A survey of the mental morbidity of an urban group and two rural groups was made
      with the same method, same operational definition of a case and by the same team.
      The aim was to find out the nature and extent of the difference in their rates of
      morbidity and to identify the psychosocial variables associated with this
      difference. It was found that the rate of total morbidity was significantly
      higher in the urban group than in the rural groups. Psychosis was, however,
      commoner among the Brahmins, a rural group. The wide difference in the rates of
      mental morbidity between the urban and rural groups was mainly due to the
      difference in the rate of neurosis (165.3/1000, 51.6/1000 and 1.5/1000
      respectively). The rate of neurosis in its turn was considered to be positively
      correlated with certain psychosocial characteristics irrespective of urban or
      rural residence of the group concerned.

PMID- 22058493
TI  - Extent and pattern of alcohol use and alcohol-related problems in north India.
AB  - A structured questionnaire was verbally administered individually to a random
      sample of the general population, 18 years of age and older, of rural and urban
      Chandigarh and of two villages in Jullundur district, Punjab. Out of a total of
      1031 respondents, 23.7 percent were current users, 16.0 percent admitted of
      alcohol use in the past but were not current users, and 60.3 percent had never
      had alcoholic beverages. 19.0 percent of Chandigarh urban sample, 31.4 percent of
      Chandigarh rural sample and 45.9 percent of Jullundur rucal sample were current
      users. These findings have been discussed in terms of various socio-demographic
      variables.

PMID- 22058494
TI  - Alcoholic hallucinosis and paranoid schizophrenia-a comparative (clinical and
      follow up) study.
AB  - In a Study Of 90 patients of Alcoholic Hallucinosis and 30 patients of Paranoid
      Schizophrenia, it was found that delusions, delusions of infidelity, third person
      and running commentary auditory hallucinations and insight were not different in
      the two groups.Delusions of grandeur, passivity, thought echo and thought
      broadcast were significantly more frequent in paranoid schizophrenic patients.
      Anxiety, visual iiafracinatians and hallucinations in more than one modality at
      the same time were commoner in alcoholic hallucionsis. Recovery from acute
      symptoms was much earlier in alcoholic hallucinosis.Number of first degree
      relatives with schizophrenia was much higher in the paranoid schizophrenic
      group.In a mean follow up period of 18 months, it was found that patients with
      alcoholic hallucinosis did much better than patients with paranoid schizophrenia.

PMID- 22058495
TI  - ANDROGYNAE, 17 KETOSTEROID EXCRETION AND M-f PROFILE IN MENTAL ILLNESS.
AB  - For centuries it has been a common belief that any abnormality of physique is an
      accompaniment of mental illness. Recently interest has been focussed on the
      degree of masculinity or conversely feminity in the constitution. An index of
      this parameter called 'androgynae' can be derived from Taner's formula. Physique
      acts as a manifestation of the gene complex mediated possibly through endocrines
      and hence should reflect on the excretion pattern of 17 ketosteroids. Personality
      being a constitutional variation, it ought to be related to physique and in turn
      to the androgenic activities. M-f profile of the MMPI should locate such
      variation in that case. Present work was planned to find out implication of each
      of these parameters and to see if there is any correlation between them. It was
      seen that the psychiatric patients had low androgynae scores than the normals but
      the 17 ketosteroid excretion was higher. This was unexpected. M-f profile of the
      patients did not show any significant difference from the control. Results are
      discussed in the light of available literature.

PMID- 22058496
TI  - A study of delinquent boys using jesness inventory.
AB  - The Jesness Inventory was administered to two groups; one consisting of 100
      institutionalised delinquents and the other of 100 students of the school leaving
      class in a local school. The results suggest that some of the sub-tests of the
      inventory significantly discriminate between the delinquent and the non
      delinquent normal boys.These results have been studied in the light of earlier
      data of British and American Workers.

PMID- 22058497
TI  - Thyroid function in depression.
AB  - Studies on thyroid functions were performed on patients suffering from depression
      and compared with normal control group. 31 different cases of depression were
      studied for their thyroid function andshowed a diminished level of T(3) and T(4)
      with a concomitant rise in TSH level. When the female population of these 31
      cases was compared with their male counterparts the females showed a
      significantly lower thyroidal functional status than the males.

PMID- 22058498
TI  - Socio-demographic factors of depressive disorders in India: a comparative
      appraisal.
AB  - Socio-demographic study of 173 cases of depression was carried out prospectively
      over one year's period from January 1977 to December 1977, at the psychiatric out
      patient department of Kasturba Medical College Hospital, Manipal, Karnataka. The
      findings are compared with the data reported from other centres in India and the
      results are discussed.

PMID- 22058500
TI  - A comparative study to evaluate the efficacy of spaced v/s daily
      electroconvulsive therapy in schizophrenia.

PMID- 22058499
TI  - Neurotic disorders in children: a psycho-social study.
AB  - Thirty neurotic children and their parents seen consecutively at the C.G.C.,
      Institute of Medical Sciences, Varanasi, were studied with the help of a
      structured interview schedule and were subjected to detailed psychiatric
      assessment. The results were compared with that of thirty normal children and
      their parents who were studied in a like manner. Hysteria was found to be the
      commonest type of neurosis seen in C.G.C. population, followed by anxiety
      neurosis. In a number of cases there was a close similarity between symptoms
      presented by the children and the symptoms of parents who were suffering from
      neurotic or physical illness at the same time. The relevance of these findings
      are discussed.

PMID- 22058501
TI  - Suicide in rural community.
AB  - 51 suicides in a rural community of Northern Karnataka were studied for
      incidence, age and sex distribution, methods adopted for suicides, and causes of
      suicides. Suicides in rural area did not show any difference from urban suicide
      pattern.

PMID- 22058502
TI  - Value of propanidid in electro convulsive therapy (comparison with thiopentone).
AB  - Propanidid due to its fast induction, early recovery and absence of cumulative
      action avoiding post recovery hangover is a useful agent and a better substitute
      for the established inducing agent, thiopentone It has all the advantages of
      thiopentone but lacks tbe disadvantages of the same. Its extremely short duration
      of action suits the short procedure of electroconvulsive therapy which gets over
      within one or two minutes. Use of propanidid will allow more number of E. C. Ts
      to be given in out patient department and will help in reducing the load on the
      hospital staff without compromising the safety of the patients.

PMID- 22058503
TI  - Response of pineal gland in clinical cases of psychological stress.
AB  - The present study includes 50 patients suffering from psychological stress
      disorders like thyrotoxicosis and anxiety neurosis. Biochemical estimation of
      melatonin was done in all these cases prior to treatment and 3 months after
      appropriate treatment. A significant increase in the level of melatonin was
      observed in thyrotoxic and anxiety neurotic cases. In all these cases, after
      therapy the level of melatonin was found to be within the normal limits. These
      observations confirm the finding that there is a pineal response to psychic
      stress.

PMID- 22058504
TI  - Tricyclic anti-depressant induced mania.
AB  - The authors report four cases of Monopolar Depressed patients who developed manic
      features for the first time while on tricyclic antidepressant therapy. The
      phenomenon is viewed as tricyclic antidepressant induced mania. The manic
      symptoms occurred late in therapy, with moderate doses of tricyclic
      antidepressants (125-150 mg per day) and were easily controlled with
      antipsychotic medication. Factors relating to age of patients, metabolic products
      of tricyclic antidepressants and central nor-adrenergic and dopaminergic systems
      are considered important and their role has been discussed.

PMID- 22058505
TI  - Prevalence of psychiatric disorders in ahmedabad (an epidemiological study).
AB  - A psychiatric survey was carried out in an urban area of Ahmedabad which
      consisted mainly of middle class population. 461 families were surveyed which
      consisted of a total number of 2712 persons.The data was collected in a
      predetermined form. The index cases were individually evaluated in detail with
      the help of a structured Psychiatric proforma, case work and psychiatric
      examination by a consultant for psychiatric diagnosis. Out of the total of 2712
      persons surveyed, 128 were found to be suffering from psychiatric disorders, the
      prevalance rate being 4.7% (47.2 per thousand).

PMID- 22058506
TI  - Behavioural and tetratogenic effects of solar eclipse.

PMID- 22058507
TI  - Teenage drinking-a plea for intervention.

PMID- 22058508
TI  - Body/Mind from dichotomy to double-bind.

PMID- 22058509
TI  - Mental health and ageing in India.

PMID- 22058510
TI  - Family structure and mental illness in old age.
AB  - A random sample of subjects aged over 60 in the community was studied. Out of 181
      subjects studied 50 were found to suffer from functional disorders such as
      depression and anxiety, and 11 from organic brain syndrome. 120 are found
      psychiatrically normal. Over 50% of the elderly subjects studied were widowed and
      about 70% were unemployed and nearly 80% belonged to lower middle class and low
      socio-economic group.The families of the elderly subjects and their living
      condition were studied in detail. The family was divided into 'joint', 'nuclear'
      and loosely joint' on the basis of living arrangement financial support and other
      help they received. Functional disorder was found high in old age subjects living
      in nuclear family and living alone. 33 psychosocial variables affecting the
      health of the elderly subjects were studied and their correlation to psychiatric
      illness was determined, by computer. Further factorial analysis was carried out,
      and three factors were extracted. It was found that Factor II and Factor III were
      about family and living conditions. Hence it could be stated that the family and
      living conditions are significant factors affecting the mental health of the
      elderly subjects.

PMID- 22058511
TI  - Social dysfunctioning as a measure of severity of psychiatric illness.
AB  - A study was carried out to examine the validity of social dysfunctioning as a
      measure of severity of illness. Modified version of KAS, R2 inventory was used to
      measure social functioning. Since there can be no absolute measure of severity of
      psychiatric illness, the validity was tested through indirect means. It was
      decided that if the scores on social dysfunctioning were higher amongst the
      mentally ill compared to normals, higher in Psychotics compared to Neurotics and
      higher in those assessed by a relative as well as the Consultant Pyshciatrist to
      be more severely ill than those judged as less severely ill, the validity of
      social dysfunctioning as a measure of severity of Psychiatric illness would stand
      established. This was indeed found to be the case in the study which was carried
      out with 200 consecutive patients from a psychiatric out-patient department and
      their matched normal controls.

PMID- 22058512
TI  - Social interaction and neuroses (the family and the primary group): a pilot
      study.
AB  - The present work examines the social interaction with the primary group of 30
      neurotic patients and 30 matched controls. A comparison of the degree of family
      jointness in the two groups was also done keeping in view the nature of Indian
      family system and to find out the association, if any, it bears to social
      interaction. Evaluation instruments were Social Interaction Schedule (Henderson
      et al., 1978) and Khatri's Scale to Measure Jointness of Families in India
      (1970). The findings indicate that neurotic patients do not have a deficient
      primary group, as far as the numerical size and the duration and type of
      interaction is concerned. However, the patients appear to be less active than
      controls in making contacts with members of their primary group outside their
      household. Further, our group of patients perceived their personal lives to be
      deficient in some respects. Patients and controls did not differ with regard to
      the degree of family jointness as measured on Khatri's Scale.

PMID- 22058513
TI  - Psychiatric morbidity in general practice-a preliminary report.
AB  - No study of psychiatric morbidity in general practices is reported in India. A
      three phase study of psychiatric morbidity in General practice is nearing
      completion in a group general practice in Bangalore. This preliminary report
      covering the available data from the first phase indicates a psychiatric
      morbidity of about 36% in general practice.

PMID- 22058514
TI  - Do the psychiatric patients reject themselves?
AB  - Five statements measuring social distance from and prejudice against the ex
      mentally ill were read to 137 psychiatric patients and relatives from urban
      background. Their agreement and disagreement with the five statements was
      analysed and compared with controls from an orthopaedic clinic.Maximum social
      distance was found on statements about establishing marital relationship with an
      ex-mental patient. The social distance was found less frequently in working in a
      mental hospital; sharing same house, falling in love and working with an ex
      mental patient respectively. The psychiatric patients and their relatives are
      more rejecting than the controls.

PMID- 22058515
TI  - Hysteria-a psychodemographic study.
AB  - The study refers to Sixty five cases, diagnosed as Hysteria in the course of one
      year in a general hospital clinic. High occurrence was seen in the age group of
      16-20 years. Mean age was 19.1 years. Females formed the majority of the patients
      (63.1%). Occurrence was higher in unmarried males and females. Illness was more
      common in persons with lower education and socio-economic status. Nuclear
      families harboured greater number of the patients. Various psychogenic factors
      and the symptoms observed are discussed. During the follow up period, which was
      spread over a period of two years, it was observed that twenty two patients
      (33.8%) got rid of their symptoms altogether whereas fourteen of them (21.5%) had
      only partial relief.

PMID- 22058516
TI  - LITHIUM AND KIDNEY: (A study of renal biopsy in Lithium patients).
AB  - A study of renal biopsy in 13 lithium treated patients is reported. The light
      microscopic changes were non-specific and comprised glomerular hypercellularity;
      cloudy swelling of the tubular epithelium and interstitial fibrosis. Correlation
      between structural changes and functional alterations could not be established.
      The duration of therapy did not have any bearing on the intensity of the
      structural changes. No case of renal failure occurred in well controlled series
      as ours.

PMID- 22058517
TI  - Lithium treatment in affective disorders.
AB  - 50 manic patients of unipolar and bipolar affective illness were placed on oral
      lithium 600-1500 mg daily and serum levels in the range of 0.49-1.23 mEq/L. A
      better response in bipolar disorders than unipolar was observed. Besides, a much
      better response to lithium therapy is observed in patients with disease of longer
      duration and a positive history of affective illness in blood relations.
      Therapeutic effect had no relationship in terms of age or sex of the patients.

PMID- 22058518
TI  - Psychiatric disorders in children with temporal lobe epilepsy: a controlled
      investigation.
AB  - Twenty five children each with temporal lobe epilepsy and grand mal epilepsy,
      both diagnosed electroencephalographically were studied for psychiatric
      disorders. Temporal lobe epileptics had such disturbances much more oftener. The
      commonest diagnostic label in both the groups was behaviour disorder, followed by
      neuroses. Schizophrenia was seen only in temporal lobe epileptics.

PMID- 22058519
TI  - Psychiatric morbidity in pulmonary tuberculosis-a clinical study.
AB  - The prevalence of psychiatric morbidity in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis
      is significantly high. Depressive Neurosis is the commonest among them. The
      psychiatric morbidity is related to the duration of illness, the degree of
      incapacitation and the knowledge of sputum AFB positive status. More attention
      has to be paid to the psychiatric manifestations in chronic illnesses like
      tuberculosis in order to alleviate the mental sufferings of these patients.

PMID- 22058520
TI  - Psychiatric illness in suicide attempters.
AB  - Sample consisted of a series of 100 cases of attempted suicide who were
      hospitalized in medical or psychiatric wards of the two hospitals of Lucknow city
      during a period of two years. The study revealed about 80% subjects were in the
      age range of 15-34 years. Psychiatric disorders were observed in 62% of these
      subjects. 58% subjects had shown clinical features of abnormal personalities,
      usually of schizoid, hysterical or passive-aggressive type. Socio-demographic
      variables associated with self-destructive impulse were investigated. The enquiry
      also incorporates certain clinical impressions about 61% subjects who were
      followed-up for a period of two years. Two of the attempters committed suicide
      during the follow-up.

PMID- 22058521
TI  - Habituation of skin conductance responses in patients with anxiety States.
AB  - Habituation of the GSR responses obtained from a group of 20 patients sufferings
      from anxiety states was compared with a group of 20 matched normals, selected for
      lack of anxiety. Habituation parameter did differentiate the two groups very
      distinctly, where very fast habituation WP.S noted in the normals. Findings were
      interpreted in terms of the level of arousal of the patients/subjects tested.

PMID- 22058522
TI  - Nitrazepam in emotional disorders of childhood.
AB  - The therapeutic results obtained with Nitrazepam in 30 children with emotional
      disorders between 4 and 14 years of age are reported, 17 children with habit
      disorders, 6 with behaviour, 5 with personality and 2 with Neurosis. Employing a
      flexible dosage schedule, a dose of 1/4 tablet to 1 tablet of 5 mg. Nitrazepam
      once to thrice daily was effective and safe. 24 of the 30 children (80%) showed
      recovery or marked improvement with over 50% fall in percentage reduction in
      total score based on assessing the target symptoms.

PMID- 22058523
TI  - Depression in wilson's disease.
AB  - This study comprise of 23 patients of Wilson's Disease, who were assessed
      individually by a psychiatrist and neurologist separately. Clinically discernable
      psychiatric symptoms were detected in 11 patients. Depressed affect was the
      commonest finding in the series. While four out of five young patients showed
      depressive symptomatology, none of the six patients showed any depression. All
      four patients who had severely depressed affect were also patients who had most
      severe extrapyramidal features.

PMID- 22058524
TI  - Koro-like syndrome: a case report.

PMID- 22058525
TI  - Rabbit syndrome: patchy disapperance in stage 1 nrem sleep.
AB  - A case which fulfilled the clinical description of Rabbit Syndrome investigated
      with sleep E.E.G is presented. Unlike the earlier reports, a patchy disappearance
      of the movement disorder during Stage 1 NREM sleep was noticed. The clinical
      differentiating features from tardive dyskinesia are discussed.

PMID- 22058526
TI  - Family planning and mental health.

PMID- 22058527
TI  - Emotional factors in bronchial asthma.
AB  - Controlled study on 30 patients of bronchial asthma was conducted at General
      Medicine Dept. of Civil Hospital, Ahmedabad. It has been observed that parental
      loss or deprivation in childhood per se is a significantly important factor in
      asthmatics. Asthmatics are found to be reserved, detached, affected by feelings,
      emotionally less stable, mild, accommodating, shy, timid, tender-minded,
      dependent, tense and frustrated in comparison to the control cases.

PMID- 22058528
TI  - A comparative study of relative effectiveness of biofeedback and shavasana (yoga)
      in tension headache.

PMID- 22058529
TI  - Reliability of saliva lithium level-a prospective study.
AB  - 140 synchronous samples of serum and saliva, collected from 28 patients
      undergoing lithium therapy, were studied. The mean saliva/serum lithium ratio
      calculated for the first 120 synchronous samples from 24 patients was found to be
      2.68 (population mean ratio). Regression line equation calculated for the same
      population came out to be Y=0.325 + 0.22X. Predictive value of saliva lithium
      level was tested by applying this regression equation and the population mean
      ratio on 20 samples from the next 4 patients. Prediction was also tried in the 24
      patients who had given more than 3 synchronous samples by using the individual
      mean saliva/serum lithium ratio. An individual's mean ratio was calculated from
      the initial 3 synchronous samples and the predictive value of saliva was tested
      on subsequent samples in the same patient by using his mean ratio. This method of
      prediction was found to be better than predicting on the basis of population
      figures. But no method was found to be consistently reliable and therefore saliva
      lithium level is not a reliable indicator of serum lithium concentration.

PMID- 22058530
TI  - Is Western training relevant to Indian psychiatry?

PMID- 22058531
TI  - Prediction of response to tricyclic antidepressants with a single injection of
      methyleamphetamine.
AB  - Twenty five patients of endogenous depression fulfilling Feighner's criteria were
      selected for this study. It was found that the patients who improved with
      methylamphetamine responded to imipramine and those who did not improve with
      methylamphetamine improved with amitriptyline.

PMID- 22058532
TI  - Psychiatric evaluation of the spouses of female neurotics.
AB  - Fifty married female neurotics from outpatient clinic of G. M. & Associated
      Hospitals, Lucknow and their husbands were evaluated to investigate psychological
      disturbances in these husbands and to find out its relationship with the nature,
      severity and duration, of psychiatric illness in the wives. Personality
      characteristics and neurotic symptoms of the spouses were assessed on Eysenck
      Personality Inventory and Middlesex Hospital Questionnaire. 30 husbands were
      found to be sick but their illness does not seem to be related with the duration
      of marriage, severity and nature of wives' illness. Higher interspouse
      correlation on N-Scale of EPI was observed with increasing duration of illness in
      wives.

PMID- 22058533
TI  - A profile of the follow up of the rural mentally ill.
AB  - 108 Psychotic and 268 epileptic patients were followed up for 31/2 years as a
      part of an ongoing rural mental health care programme. Some of the observed
      situations, possible limitations and reasons for the evolved follow up pattern in
      this endeavour of non-institutional, family centred and community oriented
      treatment programme, are reported. The strategies to improve the follow up rate
      among the rural patients are discussed.

PMID- 22058534
TI  - Correlation between the adi self rating scale, the hamilton rating scale and
      clinical assessment of depression.

PMID- 22058535
TI  - Employability and work adjustment of epileptic patients.
AB  - Employability and work adjustment of all the 116 adult epileptics patients of
      Agra District who had attended the out-patient department of Agra Mental Hospital
      during a period of 3 years was studied through a follow-up investigation. 32.76%
      patients were found to be unemployed and among the gainfully employed patients
      and housewives 44.6% had satisfactory work adjustment, 32.4% had slight
      impairment, 28.6% moderate and 1.4% showed severe impairment and their
      occupational functioning.

PMID- 22058536
TI  - Mental health by the year 2000 a.d.

PMID- 22058537
TI  - Efficacy of lithium in schizophrenia.
AB  - 60 Schizophrenic patients were given LiCo(3)/Chlorpromazine for 4 weeks, in a
      double blind cross over study with two placebo crossovers of 1 week before and
      two weeks after active treatment. Several core schizophrenic features showed
      significant reduction in severity with lithium. However, CPZ treatment was
      superior in terms of improvement, as compared to the other group on MBPRS and
      CGIS. Target symptoms may be one situation, where lithium could be tried and
      these results are discussed.

PMID- 22058538
TI  - Acute schizophrenic episodes-are they schizophrenic?

PMID- 22058539
TI  - Attitude of parents towards their mentally retarded children.
AB  - Parents of 50 mentally retarded children were investigated for their attitudes
      towards their retarded children. Both the parents showed more negative attitudes
      toward their severely retarded child. In general mothers exhibited more negative
      attitude than the fathers.

PMID- 22058540
TI  - Role of walk-in-clinic in general hospital psychiatric units.

PMID- 22058541
TI  - Possession syndrome: an epidemiological study in west karnataka.
AB  - A house to house survey was conducted for a population of 1158 in west Karnataka
      to determine the prevalence of possession syndrome and to study people's attitude
      towards the same. One year period prevalence was found to be 3.7%. 90% of the
      respondents believed in possession. Women more than men shared this belief.
      Spirit possession was reported to be troublesome but God possession as helpful.
      Number of God possession cases exceeded tint of spirit possession. Female sex,
      young age, low education appeared to predispose an individual to get possessed in
      such atmosphere.

PMID- 22058542
TI  - Aspects of psychiatric morbidity in the out patient population of a general
      hospital in sri lanka.
AB  - A psychiatric morbidity study of a general hospital outpatient department
      population in Sri Lanka was done.A two stage sampling method was used. Questions
      which differentiated the psychiatrically morbid group were identified. The
      disease pattern was compared and contrasted with that presenting at psychiatric
      facilities in the area.Neurotic illness, the commonest being hypochondriasis was
      found to predominate in the general outpatient psychiatrically ill population in
      contrast to the population at in and out patient psychiatric facilities where
      schizophrenia was the major diagnostic category.

PMID- 22058543
TI  - Long term effects of cannabis.
AB  - 50 chronic cannabis users were studied for their physical, mental, cognitive and
      socio-economic aspects of health. They were given W.M.S., Bhatia Battery of
      intelligence and B.G.T. It was observed that only 12% provided clue for
      suspecting cognitive deficiency. No social breakdown phenomenon was observed in
      the sample. Also, no significant physical illness was detected in the subjects.

PMID- 22058544
TI  - Ect-chlorpromazine combination compared with chlorpromazine only in
      schizophrenia.
AB  - Forty-four hospitalized schizophrenic patients, 22 in each of two groups, were
      treated for a period of 6 weeks with either EGT-GPZ combination or CPZ alone.
      Ratings on RP scale (Rockland and Pollin, 1S65) showed that the KGT-receiving
      group was significantly better en several measure at second week and also had an
      earlier onset of beneficial response on "Affect and Mood." However, at the end of
      6 weeks, these differences disappeared and on clinical Global Impression of
      Improvement the two groups did not differ significantly. The implications are
      discussed.

PMID- 22058545
TI  - Fluphenazine decanoate in chronic schizophrenia.

PMID- 22058546
TI  - Psychotic jealously: a phenomenological study.
AB  - Sociodemographic, clinical, marital and sexual characteristics of 50 consecutive
      patients having delusions of infidelity were studied. Females outnumbered males
      after excluding alcoholics. Most of the patients were older than 30 yrs. and the
      onset occured more than 20 yrs. after marriage in about half the patients. Male
      patients were more often eldest siblings as compared to females. About one third
      of the patients had a history of marital and sexual difficulties prior to onset.
      The "third person" involved in the delusion was often a family member,
      particularly in patients coming from joint families. Possible causes of tie-in
      between delusion of jealousy and social factors are discussed.

PMID- 22058547
TI  - Psychiatric morbidity and the menopause.
AB  - A sample consisting of Menopausal, pre menopausal and post menopausal women in
      the age range of 36 to 50 years was studied using a two stage screening procedure
      for identifying and assessing psychiatric morbidity. The screening device,
      General Health questionnaire (GHQ) identified 21 of the 105 women studied as
      'possible cases'. On further interviews using standard psychiatric interview
      (SPI) a higher proportion of menopausal women were found to be psychiatrically
      ill. The predominant symptom in the Menopausal group was depression. Both
      menopausal women and women who had undergone hysterectomy (surgical menopause)
      received higher mean ratings on SPI. The inter-rater reliability of SPI was found
      to be high and was comparable to those reported by original authors.

PMID- 22058548
TI  - A psychiatric study of patients attending mehandipur balaji temple.
AB  - In the present study 100 cases, randomly selected were studied at famous shrine
      of Rajasthan, the Mehandipur Balaji. As regards the sociodemographic variables,
      patients were mainly between 15-39 years of age, 80% were educated, 82% had Urban
      domicile, 98% were Hindus and Females were 54%. Majority of the visitors being
      from Northern part of India. Failure of modern treatment and influence of family
      members and friends were the main motivating factors. Majority of patients were
      Neurotic (48%), followed by Psychotics (28%). Patients who developed trance
      (possession) were Neurotics. One quarter of the patients who were mainly
      psychoneurotics, showed improvement.

PMID- 22058549
TI  - Stability of serum lithium levels-usefulness and relevance in Indian conditions.
AB  - Two groups of patients on regular lithium therapy were studied to find out the
      stability in values of serum lithium over a period of time. Serum samples of one
      group was stored at -4 degrees C while that of other group at room temperature.
      These samples were subsequently analysed over a period of eight days and
      subjected to statistical analysis. It was seen that values on the first day did
      not differ significantly from values of subsequent days. Implications of this
      findings are discussed in Indian conditions as lithium estimation facilities are
      available only at a few centres.

PMID- 22058550
TI  - Pre-operative anxiety and its management in dentistry.

PMID- 22058551
TI  - Chronic mania following polioencephalomyelitis-a case report.
AB  - An interesting case of Chronic Mania following polioencephalomyelitis is
      presented. The case responded very well to conventional Lithium therapy. The case
      is reported because of its rarity.

PMID- 22058552
TI  - Treatment of encopresis with operant conditioning: a case report.

PMID- 22058553
TI  - Laurence-moon-biedl syndrome with schizophrenia (a case report).

PMID- 22058554
TI  - Dawn of precision in psychiatry.

PMID- 22058555
TI  - "Late paraphrenia" (a report from the geropsychiatric clinic, madurai, India).
AB  - A brief review of literature on Late Paraphrenia is offered. An analysis was made
      on 15 cases of late paraphrenia with reference to its frequency, sex
      distribution, hallucinations, delusions and sensory impairment. Late Paraphrenia
      formed 4% of all Geropsychiatry cases. All the cases had hallucinations (100%)
      while 14 had delusions (93%). An associated auditory and/or visual defect was
      noticed in 13 of the cases (87%).Follow up findings revealed a sustained
      remission for 4 to 5 years with drugs in 12 patients (75%) and one patient died
      from cerebral stroke.

PMID- 22058556
TI  - Evaluation of cognitive effects of ect (preliminary observations).
AB  - The aim of present double blind controlled study is to evaluate the effects of
      ECT in Schizophrenia and Depression. 20 depressed and 20 schizophrenic patients
      of either sex, in the age group 18 to 65 years fulfilling the inclusion and
      exclusion criteria were taken for study. The psychiatric evaluations were carried
      out before the treatment, and at the end of 3, 6, 8 and 10 treatments. Cognitive
      test battery was administered before the treatment and 48 hours after the last
      treatment. No Post ECT cognitive deficit was observed on the test battery though
      some patients did complain of forgetfulness subjectively.

PMID- 22058557
TI  - General hospital psychiatric clinic versus mental hospital setting: a study of
      socio-demographic variables in a novel experience.
AB  - A retrospective analysis of data showed that patients in general stayed for
      shorter duration in general hospital psychiatric clinic than in mental hospital.

PMID- 22058558
TI  - Life events and depression.
AB  - The life events occurring in a 6 month period preceding onset of illness in 50
      OPD primary depressives were inquired into by a Life Events Inventory and
      compared with those in a corresponding time period of 50 matched controls. The
      relation between life events and the depth of depression at initial interview was
      also studied. The results are analysed and the probable pitfalls discussed.

PMID- 22058559
TI  - Life events, physical illness and psychiatric morbidity.
AB  - Sixty patients of pulmonary tuberculosis selected through a specified selection
      procedure from T. B. Hospital, Bikaner, were assessed by P. S. E. (Present State
      Examination). An open ended life event schedule was used to record the life
      events of past one year, which had some impact on the patient. Results indicate
      that the patients who had experienced life events had significantly more
      psychiatric symptom scores as compared to those who did not report a life event
      (p<.001). Further analysis showed that the significant difference were among the
      patients, who had more than one life events as compared to those who had no life
      event or only one life event (p<.01). Implications of the findings are discussed.

PMID- 22058560
TI  - Popular attitudes towards alcohol use and alcoholism.
AB  - In a study involving individual verbal administration of a structured
      questionnaire to 1031 respondents comprising a random sample of general
      population, 18 years of age and older, of urban and rural Chandigarh and two
      villages in Jullundur district, Punjab, 45.0 per cent felt that people could
      drink "none at all" without it having a bad effect on their health, and 26.2 per
      cent thought that they could have a few drinks once or twice a month. To another
      question, 32.1 and 34.1 per cent felt that it was "normal" to have one drink and
      two drinks respectively, on any one occasion, and only 16.9 percent responded
      that it was "normal" to drink "none at all". Alcoholics were identified by such
      behaviours as "being dead drunk", "drinking too much", having "arguments/fights"
      and being a "public nuisance".Current users gave the most permissive and non
      users the most restrictive responses as regards the norms of drinking.

PMID- 22058561
TI  - Plasma creatine phosphokinase in schizophrenia.
AB  - Plasma creatine phosphokinase (GPK) was estimated from unmedicated schizophrenics
      to evaluate its significance in the diagnosis. The mean value of CPK in
      schizophrenics is 78.41+/-5.78 IU/L (n=49) as against control value of 27.45+/
      2.27 IU/L (n = 36). The statistical analysis showed significance (p<0.05). The
      study finds its importance in view of the earlier reports suggesting the
      diagnostic value of C.P.K.

PMID- 22058562
TI  - Insight and lithium compliance.
AB  - In a study of lithium compliance in 35 patients with Manic Depressive Psychosis
      on prophylactic lithium it was found that insight into the nature of illness and
      drug compliance were unrelated.

PMID- 22058563
TI  - A comparison of a divided and a single dose regime of dothiepin and its
      therapeutic efficacy.
AB  - In a double-blind study the advantages of a once-a-day dosage of a tricyclic
      antidepressant as against a thrice daily dosage regimen was evaluated using
      dothiepin (Prothiaden) and matching placebo tablets. Twenty eight adult patients
      of both sexes participated in the study and were randomly allocated to drug
      treatment. Out of 28 patients who received dothiepin, 17 showed good improvement,
      in 6 improvement was fair and in 5 there was no improvement. These findings show
      that the response to dotheipin was satisfactory. Further, both treatments were
      equally effective in relieving symptoms of depression.

PMID- 22058564
TI  - Mental illness in 30 married couples.
AB  - Diagnostic characteristics, personality pattern and certain psychosocial
      variables of 30 married couples where both partners were mentally ill (group A)
      were compared with the findings with another group of 30 couples where only one
      partner was psychiatric patient (Group B). Results revealed that couples in the
      Group A had significantly longer duration of marriage as compared to Group B.
      Significantly higher number of pairs in the Group A were from the higher socio
      economic status. Nearly two third of the secondary partners (those developing
      illness later) in the Group A were wives. Primary partners of Group A (those
      developing illness earlier) had a significantly longer duration of illness than
      the sick spouses of Group B.

PMID- 22058565
TI  - Acute porphyria amongst psychiatric patients.
AB  - A total of 519 consecutive patients, admitted to psychiatric wards of two
      different hospitals, were screened for evidence of increased excretion of
      porphobilinogen in the urine by original Watson Schwartz test and modified Watson
      Schwartz test supported with quantitative estimation of porphobilinogen by
      Remington's method in search of cases of acute porphyria amongst psychiatric
      patients. An additional 273 normal healthy volunteers were also screened as
      controls. Two cases (0.38%) were found which could be unequivocally diagnosed to
      be suffering from acute intermittent porphyria amongst psychiatric patients.
      These cases belonged to the category of missed diagnosis being labelled as
      hysterical. Seven more cases were positive by modified Watson Schwartz test but
      the test was only transiently positive and the Ehrlichaldehyde reactor substance
      was unstable. In the absence of detailed enzymatic and family studies, these
      cases have been kept under the category of suspected prophyria. A significant
      number of psychiatric patients (12.9%) gave positive original Watson-Schwartz
      test but were negative for modified test. Similar reaction was seen in 2.6% of
      healthy controls. The significance of this finding needs to be evaluated.

PMID- 22058566
TI  - A victim of an epidemic of possession syndrome.
AB  - A case of young man who got possessed by a god and two spirits alternatively is
      reported. He was one of the four victims of an epidemic of possession by two
      spirits (Mohini). The epidemic occurred following the prediction that the two
      women who committed suicide, would become Mohinis and liaunt adult men. It
      appeared that the strong belief and expectation in the local culture made the
      index person who was otherwise well adjusted in life to get possessed. The
      implication of this finding is discussed.

PMID- 22058567
TI  - A case of de clerambault's syndrome with capgras phenomenon.

PMID- 22058568
TI  - Clonidine for opiate withdrawal.

PMID- 22058569
TI  - Psychosis in systemic lupus erythematosus-a brief review and case report.

PMID- 22058570
TI  - Kinetics of Neuraminidase Action on Glycoproteins by 1D and 2D NMR.
AB  - The surfaces of mammalian cells are coated with complex carbohydrates, many
      terminated with a negatively charged N-acetylneuraminic acid residue. This motif
      is specifically targeted by pathogens, including influenza viruses and many
      pathogenic bacteria, to gain entry into the cell. A necessary step in the
      influenza virus life cycle is the release of viral particles from the cell
      surface; this is achieved by cleaving N-acetylneuraminic acid from cell surface
      glycans with a virally-produced neuraminidase. Here we present a laboratory
      exercise to model this process using a glycoprotein as a glycan carrier and using
      real time nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to monitor N
      acetylneuraminic acid release as catalyzed by neuraminidase. A time-resolved two
      dimensional data processing technique, statistical total correlation spectroscopy
      (STOCSY), enhances the resolution of the complicated 1D glycoprotein spectrum and
      isolates characteristic peaks corresponding to substrates and products. This
      exercise is relatively straightforward and leads students through a wide range of
      biologically and chemically relevant procedures, including use of NMR
      spectroscopy, enzymology and data processing techniques.

PMID- 22058571
TI  - Parental Work Schedules and Children's Cognitive Trajectories.
AB  - Previous work has shown an association between mothers' nonstandard work
      schedules and children's well-being. We built on this research by examining the
      relationship between parental shift work and children's reading and math
      trajectories from age 5/6 to 13/14. Using data (N=7,105) from the National
      Longitudinal Survey of Youth and growth curve modeling, we found that children's
      math and reading trajectories were related to parents' type of nonstandard shifts
      (i.e., evening, night, or variable). We found that having a mother who worked
      more years at a night shift was associated with lower reading scores, having a
      mother work more years at evening or night shifts was associated with reduced
      math trajectories, and having a father work more years at an evening shift was
      associated with reduced math scores. Mediation tests suggest that eating meals
      together, parental knowledge about children's whereabouts, and certain after
      school activities might help explain these results.

PMID- 22058572
TI  - Unemployment in Families: The Case of Housework.
AB  - Unemployment has consequences for individuals, but its impacts also reverberate
      through families. This paper examines how families adapt to unemployment in one
      area of life-time in housework. Using 74,881 observations from 10,390 couples in
      the Panel Study of Income Dynamics, we estimate fixed effects models and find
      that individuals spend between 3 and 7 hours more per week in housework when
      unemployed than when employed, with corresponding decreases of 1 to 2 hours per
      week in the housework hours of unemployed individuals' spouses. We are the first
      to show that unemployment is associated both with a reallocation of housework to
      the unemployed spouse and an increase in the family's total household production
      time. The results also provide evidence for gender differences in adjustments to
      the division of labor during unemployment, with wives' unemployment associated
      with an increase in housework hours that is double the increase for unemployed
      husbands.

PMID- 22058573
TI  - Mobility of Nonsticky Nanoparticles in Polymer Liquids.
AB  - We use scaling theory to derive the time dependence of the mean-square
      displacement <Deltar2> of a spherical probe particle of size d experiencing
      thermal motion in polymer solutions and melts. Particles with size smaller than
      solution correlation length xi undergo ordinary diffusion (<Deltar2 (t)> ~ t)
      with diffusion coefficient similar to that in pure solvent. The motion of
      particles of intermediate size (xi < d < a), where a is the tube diameter for
      entangled polymer liquids, is sub-diffusive (<Deltar2 (t)> ~ t1/2) at short time
      scales since their motion is affected by sub-sections of polymer chains. At long
      time scales the motion of these particles is diffusive and their diffusion
      coefficient is determined by the effective viscosity of a polymer liquid with
      chains of size comparable to the particle diameter d. The motion of particles
      larger than the tube diameter a at time scales shorter than the relaxation time
      tau e of an entanglement strand is similar to the motion of particles of
      intermediate size. At longer time scales (t > tau e ) large particles (d > a) are
      trapped by entanglement mesh and to move further they have to wait for the
      surrounding polymer chains to relax at the reptation time scale taurep. At longer
      times t > taurep, the motion of such large particles (d > a) is diffusive with
      diffusion coefficient determined by the bulk viscosity of the entangled polymer
      liquids. Our predictions are in agreement with the results of experiments and
      computer simulations.

PMID- 22058574
TI  - Tunable Encapsulation of Proteins within Charged Microgels.
AB  - The binding of cytochrome c to pH and thermoresponsive colloidal hydrogels was
      investigated using multiangle light scattering, measuring loading through changes
      in particle molar mass and root mean square radius. Loosely cross-linked
      microgels [composed of a random copolymer of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAm) and
      acrylic acid (AAc)] demonstrated a high loading capacity for protein.
      Encapsulation was dependent on both the charge characteristics of the network and
      the salinity of the medium. Under favorable binding conditions (neutral pH, low
      ionic strength), microgels containing the highest studied charge density (30 mol%
      AAc) were capable of encapsulating greater than 9.7 * 10(5) cytochrome c
      molecules per particle. Binding resulted in the formation of a polymer-protein
      complex and condensation of the polymer. Anionic microgels demonstrated a change
      in density ~20-fold in the presence of oppositely charged proteins. These studies
      of cytochrome c encapsulation represent a significant step towards direct
      measurement of encapsulation efficiency in complex media as we pursue responsive
      nanogels and microgels for the delivery of macromolecular therapeutic agents.

PMID- 22058575
TI  - Welfare Program Implementation and Parents' Depression.
AB  - This study examines how the frontline practices in welfare offices explain
      variation in program impacts on parents' depression. The study uses data from
      four large-scale experimental studies and conducts multilevel statistical
      modeling on 6,761 families in 22 local welfare offices. Analyses examine the ways
      that two program implementation practices (emphasis on quick job entry and
      personal client attention) are associated with program impacts on parents'
      depressive symptoms. Effects vary by the age composition of the parents'
      children, such that programmatic emphasis on quick job entry is associated with
      increases in depression among parents with preschool-age children but not among
      parents with school-age children. Findings have implications for research,
      policy, and practice.

PMID- 22058576
TI  - Aryliodine (III) Diacetates as Substrates for Pd-Ag Catalyzed Arylation of
      Alkenes.
AB  - An unprecedented application of aryliodine (III) diacetates as substrates in Pd
      Ag catalyzed arylation of alkenes is described. The mechanistic studies revealed
      that the binary Pd-Ag catalysis leads to the decomposition of aryliodine (III)
      diacetates to oxygen and aryl iodides followed by arylation of alkenes forming
      Heck-type products. Under optimized conditions both electron-rich and electron
      deficient alkenes undergo arylation in high yields. Advantageously, the reaction
      proceeds smoothly in water as a solvent and neither organic ligands nor inert
      atmosphere are required.

PMID- 22058577
TI  - NHC-catalyzed dehydrogenative self-coupling of diphenylsilane: A facile synthesis
      of octaphenylcyclotetra(siloxane).
AB  - A unique application of the CuIPr N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) to the
      dehydrogenative self-coupling of diphenylsilane has been discovered. This
      transformation is carried out open to air at room temperature, yielding
      octaphenylcyclotetra(siloxane) quantitatively in one hour. This preparation
      constitutes a significant improvement over existing methods for the preparation
      of this compound and demonstrates a novel mode of reactivity for CuIPr. The
      diphenylsilanone tetramer is the precursor to a number of industrially
      significant polymers.

PMID- 22058579
TI  - ToF-SIMS imaging and depth profiling of HeLa cells treated with
      bromodeoxyuridine.
AB  - Time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry 2D images and molecular depth
      profiles of human HeLa cells treated with bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) were acquired
      in the dual beam mode (Bi(3) (+) analysis beam, C(60) (+) etching beam). Several
      preparation protocols were investigated and were compared to a simple wash-and
      dry method. The feasibility of using C(60) to clean the samples prior to imaging
      with Bi was also investigated quantitatively by calibrating full depth profiles
      of the cells using atomic force microscopy. BrdU was used as a marker for the
      cell nucleus, facilitating identification and localization of sub-cellular
      features during depth profiling. Results show that C(60) can be used to remove
      the surface contamination and to access different layers within the cells for 2D
      imaging. For a 1 nA, 10 keV C(60) (+) beam incident at 45 degrees  and rastered
      over a 500 * 500 MUm(2) area, ~1 nm of biological material was sputtered every
      second. Our results show that HeLa cells were completely removed after etching
      with 1.3*10(15) C(60) (+) ions per cm(2), giving an average etching rate of 3.9
      nm for every 10(13) C(60) per cm(2) at 10 keV and 45 degrees  incidence.

PMID- 22058580
TI  - Sampling in Qualitative Research: Rationale, Issues, and Methods.
AB  - In gerontology the most recognized and elaborate discourse about sampling is
      generally thought to be in quantitative research associated with survey research
      and medical research. But sampling has long been a central concern in the social
      and humanistic inquiry, albeit in a different guise suited to the different
      goals. There is a need for more explicit discussion of qualitative sampling
      issues. This article will outline the guiding principles and rationales,
      features, and practices of sampling in qualitative research. It then describes
      common questions about sampling in qualitative research. In conclusion it
      proposes the concept of qualitative clarity as a set of principles (analogous to
      statistical power) to guide assessments of qualitative sampling in a particular
      study or proposal.

PMID- 22058578
TI  - Natural and Genetically Engineered Proteins for Tissue Engineering.
AB  - To overcome the limitations of traditionally used autografts, allografts and, to
      a lesser extent, synthetic materials, there is the need to develop a new
      generation of scaffolds with adequate mechanical and structural support, control
      of cell attachment, migration, proliferation and differentiation and with bio
      resorbable features. This suite of properties would allow the body to heal itself
      at the same rate as implant degradation. Genetic engineering offers a route to
      this level of control of biomaterial systems. The possibility of expressing
      biological components in nature and to modify or bioengineer them further, offers
      a path towards multifunctional biomaterial systems. This includes opportunities
      to generate new protein sequences, new self-assembling peptides or fusions of
      different bioactive domains or protein motifs. New protein sequences with tunable
      properties can be generated that can be used as new biomaterials. In this review
      we address some of the most frequently used proteins for tissue engineering and
      biomedical applications and describe the techniques most commonly used to
      functionalize protein-based biomaterials by combining them with bioactive
      molecules to enhance biological performance. We also highlight the use of genetic
      engineering, for protein heterologous expression and the synthesis of new protein
      based biopolymers, focusing the advantages of these functionalized biopolymers
      when compared with their counterparts extracted directly from nature and modified
      by techniques such as physical adsorption or chemical modification.

PMID- 22058581
TI  - Parallelization of Nullspace Algorithm for the computation of metabolic pathways.
AB  - Elementary mode analysis is a useful metabolic pathway analysis tool in
      understanding and analyzing cellular metabolism, since elementary modes can
      represent metabolic pathways with unique and minimal sets of enzyme-catalyzed
      reactions of a metabolic network under steady state conditions. However,
      computation of the elementary modes of a genome- scale metabolic network with 100
      1000 reactions is very expensive and sometimes not feasible with the commonly
      used serial Nullspace Algorithm. In this work, we develop a distributed memory
      parallelization of the Nullspace Algorithm to handle efficiently the computation
      of the elementary modes of a large metabolic network. We give an implementation
      in C++ language with the support of MPI library functions for the parallel
      communication. Our proposed algorithm is accompanied with an analysis of the
      complexity and identification of major bottlenecks during computation of all
      possible pathways of a large metabolic network. The algorithm includes methods to
      achieve load balancing among the compute-nodes and specific communication
      patterns to reduce the communication overhead and improve efficiency.

PMID- 22058582
TI  - Dirichlet Component Regression and its Applications to Psychiatric Data.
AB  - We describe a Dirichlet multivariable regression method useful for modeling data
      representing components as a percentage of a total. This model is motivated by
      the unmet need in psychiatry and other areas to simultaneously assess the effects
      of covariates on the relative contributions of different components of a measure.
      The model is illustrated using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS)
      for assessment of schizophrenia symptoms which, like many other metrics in
      psychiatry, is composed of a sum of scores on several components, each in turn,
      made up of sums of evaluations on several questions. We simultaneously examine
      the effects of baseline socio-demographic and co-morbid correlates on all of the
      components of the total PANSS score of patients from a schizophrenia clinical
      trial and identify variables associated with increasing or decreasing relative
      contributions of each component. Several definitions of residuals are provided.
      Diagnostics include measures of overdispersion, Cook's distance, and a local
      jackknife influence metric.

PMID- 22058584
TI  - What is New in the "New Rural Co-operative Medical System"? An Assessment in One
      Kazak County of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region.
AB  - In 2002, the Chinese leadership announced a change in national welfare policy:
      Voluntary medical schemes at county level, called the "New Rural Co-operative
      Medical System" should cover all counties by 2010. This article addresses the
      main characteristics of this system, analyses the introduction of local schemes
      based on our own field studies in one Kazak county of the Xinjiang Uyghur
      Autonomous Region since 2006, and argues that the fast progressing of the local
      scheme and the flexibility shown by local administrators in considering
      structural and procedural adjustments are not the result of central directives
      but of local initiatives. Recentralization from the township governments to
      functional departments in the provincial and the central state administration is
      only one aspect of current rural governance. Complementary forms of locally
      embedded responsiveness to the needs of health care recipients are crucial in
      restructuring the administration and discharge of health care. These new modes of
      governance are different from the hierarchical control and institutionalized
      representation of interests of the local population.

PMID- 22058585
TI  - Raman spectroscopy as a potentialmethod for the detection of extremely halophilic
      archaea embedded in halite in terrestrial and possibly extraterrestrial samples.
AB  - Evidence for the widespread occurrence of extraterrestrial halite, particularly
      on Mars, has led to speculations on the possibility of halophilic microbial forms
      of life; these ideas have been strengthened by reports of viable haloarchaea from
      sediments of geological age (millions of years). Raman spectroscopy, being a
      sensitive detection method for future astrobiological investigations onsite, has
      been used in the current study for the detection of nine different extremely
      halophilic archaeal strains which had been embedded in laboratory-made halite
      crystals in order to simulate evaporitic conditions. The cells accumulated
      preferentially in tiny fluid inclusions, in simulation of the precipitation of
      salt in natural brines. FT-Raman spectroscopy using laser excitation at 1064 nm
      and dispersive micro Raman spectroscopy at 514.5 nm were applied. The spectra
      showed prominent peaks at 1507, 1152 and 1002 cm(-1) which are attributed to
      haloarchaeal C(50) carotenoid compounds (mainly bacterioruberins). Their
      intensity varied from strain to strain at 1064-nm laser excitation. Other
      distinguishable features were peaks due to peptide bonds (amide I, amide III) and
      to nucleic acids. No evidence for fatty acids was detected, consistent with their
      general absence in all archaea.These results contribute to a growing database on
      Raman spectra of terrestrial microorganisms from hypersaline environments and
      highlight the influence of the different macromolecular composition of diverse
      strains on these spectra.

PMID- 22058586
TI  - Autologous fat injection to face and neck: from soft tissue augmentation to
      regenerative medicine.
AB  - Minimally-invasive autologous fat injection of the head and neck region can be
      considered a valid alternative to major invasive surgical procedures both for
      aesthetic and functional purposes. The favourable outcomes of autologous fat
      injection in otolaryngological practice are due to the filling of soft tissue
      and, mainly, to the potential regenerative effect of adipose-derived mesenchymal
      stem cells. Herewith, some important biological preliminary remarks are described
      underlying the potential of autologous fat injection in regenerative medicine,
      and personal experience in using it for both consolidated clinical applications,
      such as fat grafting to the face and vocal fold augmentation in the treatment of
      glottic incompetence, and more recent applications including the treatment of
      post-parotidectomy Frey syndrome and velopharyngeal insufficiency.

PMID- 22058587
TI  - Management of acute idiopathic sensorineural hearing loss: a survey of UK ENT
      consultants.
AB  - Acute sensorineural hearing loss is a rare event. As yet, there is no standard
      agreed treatment of this condition because there appears to be little reliable
      evidence that any one treatment will improve the hearing in these cases. This
      postal questionnaire was conducted to ascertain the current management of
      unilateral, acute, idiopathic sensorineural hearing loss by ENT consultants in
      the UK to see if there is at least a consensus of approach which might lay the
      foundation for an agreed treatment. Approximately 60% of consultants would admit
      a patient presenting with these symptoms and only 2% would not prescribe any form
      of treatment. Of those who do treat the patient, virtually all (99.2%) would
      prescribe steroids.

PMID- 22058588
TI  - Caloric stimulation with near infrared radiation does not induce paradoxical
      nystagmus.
AB  - Near infrared radiation can be used for warm stimulation in caloric irrigation of
      the equilibrium organ. Aim of this study was to determine whether near infrared
      radiation offers effective stimulation of the vestibular organ, whether it is
      well tolerated by the patients and especially whether it is a viable alternative
      to warm air stimulation in patients with defects of the tympanic membrane and
      radical mastoid cavities. Patients with perforations of the tympanic membrane (n
      = 15) and with radical mastoid cavities (n = 13) were tested both with near
      infrared radiation and warm dry air. A caloric-induced nystagmus could be seen
      equally effectively and rapidly in all patients. Contrary to stimulation with
      warm dry air, no paradoxical nystagmus was observed following caloric irrigation
      with a warm stimulus (near infrared radiation). Results of a questionnaire showed
      excellent patient acceptance of near infrared stimulation with no arousal effects
      or unpleasant feeling. In conclusion, near infrared radiation proved to be an
      alternative method of caloric irrigation to warm dry air in patients with
      tympanic membrane defects and radical mastoid cavities. Near infrared radiation
      is pleasant, quick, contact free, sterile and quiet. With this method an
      effective caloric warm stimulus is available. If near infrared radiation is used
      for caloric stimulus no evaporative heat loss occurs.

PMID- 22058590
TI  - Status of level IIb lymph nodes of the neck in squamous cell carcinoma of the
      oral tongue in patients who underwent modified radical neck dissection and lymph
      node sentinel biopsy.
AB  - Status of lymph nodes of level IIb was examined to identify the incidence of
      nodal metastasis and the lymphatic drainage in squamous cell carcinoma of the
      oral tongue in patients undergoing modified radical neck dissection (MRND) and
      sentinel node biopsy (SNB). Overall, 72 patients were divided into two groups; 38
      patients (Group A) of any T and N+ or T3-T4- N0 stage underwent MRND. The
      surgical specimens were sent to the Pathology Department, divided into specific
      levels (I, IIa, IIb, III, IV, V) and labelled. The remaining 34 patients (Group
      B) T1-T2 -N0 stage were submitted to SNB. The histological examination of the
      specimens of the two groups was performed by staining with haematoxylin and eosin
      several sections from each node at different levels and then using a molecular
      marker such as cytokeratin and Epithelial Membrane Antigen (EMA). In Group A: In
      N0 there were no occult metastases at level IIb; in N+ neck, 8 cases (33.3%)
      showed metastasis at level IIb (P = 0.04). Metastases at level IIb were observed
      only in combination with other levels (P = 0.03). In Group B, direct lymphatic
      drainage was found in 2 patients (5.9%) at level IIb. There were no occult
      metastases at level IIb. Out of the 54 sentinel nodes harvested, 4 lymph nodes
      (7.4%) were found to be metastatic; these 4 sentinel nodes were found
      respectively in 4 patients, 1 at level III, 3 at level II a with an occult
      metastasis rate of 11.7%. In conclusion, SNB has prospected a new concept of
      lymphatic drainage that is variable and individual. SNB has demonstrated that
      direct lymphatic drainage is possible to level II b. In our experience with early
      cancer of the tongue (T1-T2 NO ), SNB aided with lympho-scintigraphy seems to be
      a good technique for staging the neck with minimal morbidity.

PMID- 22058591
TI  - Clinical approach and treatment of benign and malignant parotid masses, personal
      experience.
AB  - Parotid gland tumours account for 80% of all salivary gland neoplasms, 20% of
      these are malignant, but in daily clinical practice most parotid masses are
      operated on before obtaining the final histological diagnosis. This clinical
      setting further complicates the critical point of parotid surgery, which is the
      management of the facial nerve. In the present study, data were evaluated
      referring to 540 patients who underwent parotidectomy for a mass which was
      discovered to be a benign (470 cases) or a malignant (70 cases) neoplasm, between
      November 1994 and December 2007, at our Institution. The most significant single
      parameter in this series of malignancies regarding disease specific survival was
      the clinical involvement of the facial nerve at diagnosis (p = 0.006). Also for
      this reason, as there is no evidence that liberal VIIth nerve sacrifice improves
      prognosis, when it is not clinically involved, every attempt is made to dissect
      and preserve it. At present, the most complicated situation concerning nerve
      preservation may be, on the other hand, recurrence of a benign tumour, in
      particular pleomorphic adenoma, which, in our series, has a higher incidence
      (8.3%) of permanent facial dysfunction, than surgery with nerve preservation for
      malignancy (3.7%).

PMID- 22058592
TI  - Diagnostic and therapeutic iter in paediatric OSAS: personal experience.
AB  - Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome in a child is characterized by prolonged
      episodes of obstructive hypopnoea and/or apnoea of upper airway leading to
      morbidity. The most common risk factor is adeno-tonsillar hypertrophy.
      Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome diagnosis is based on clinical ENT evaluation
      and an instrumental approach, such as pulse oximetry or the gold standard
      overnight polysomnography. The aim is to establish, in a population of children
      with suspected obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome, the frequency of this disorder,
      the effect of adenotonsillectomy and the risk of post-operative complications. A
      total of 481 patients (297 male, 184 female) with suspected obstructive sleep
      apnoea syndrome (aged 2-14 years) were evaluated between March 2007 and April
      2010 and divided into 3 morphological phenotypes: classic, adult and congenital.
      All patients underwent ENT assessment and a pulse oximetry with 4 channels
      cardiopulmonary monitoring. The examination following the Brouillette criteria
      was defined as negative, positive or inconclusive; when positive,
      adenotonsillectomy was the first therapeutic approach. At 6 months after surgery,
      all patients underwent check-up pulse oximetry. Of the overall sample, 96% of the
      patients had a classical phenotype, 3% an adult type and 1% a congenital type.
      The monitoring resulted pathological in 19% (17% of them were at increased post
      operative risk), negative in 61% and inconclusive in 20%. All 5 patients with
      congenital phenotype were positive. Of the positive patients, 86% underwent
      adenotonsillectomy and a control pulse oximetry 6 months thereafter, 96% resulted
      negative. Pulse oximetry was efficient in order to avoid incorrect surgery
      indications, improving appropriateness and safety of adenotonsillectomy in
      children with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome. Adenotonsillectomy showed a
      success rate of 96% and there were no episodes of post-surgery complications in
      particular in those patients at increased risk.

PMID- 22058593
TI  - About muscle insertions in man (Proposal for a new nomenclature of striated
      muscle).
AB  - Some plastic surgeons are limited in their technical knowledge on the mimetic
      muscle and conversely appear to vindicate a distinct priority in the problem of
      surgical rejuvenation, or, in general, in the effects of ageing, always involving
      the mimetic muscles included in the skin. Anatomists have worked better in
      research on mimetic muscles that we would like to indicate as not inserted, free
      to move in a different way from that of inserted or semi-inserted.
      Otolaryngologists and maxillo-facial surgeons, in the practice of surgery on the
      salivary glands, seem to have studied mimetic muscles before and in more detailed
      manner than plastic surgeons.

PMID- 22058594
TI  - Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx: report of a early laryngeal
      cancer.
AB  - Basaloid squamous cell carcinoma is a recently recognized, rare and aggressive
      variant of squamous cell carcinoma with a predilection to occur in base of the
      tongue, hypopharynx and larynx (especially the supraglottic tract). It is usually
      diagnosed in advanced stage, frequently with distant metastases, requiring
      aggressive surgical intervention. The prognosis is remarkably poor even after the
      association of radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Nevertheless recently it has been
      reported that in the early stage this neoplasm seems to have a behaviour less
      aggressive, similar to conventional squamous carcinoma. The therapeutic approach
      is not clearly defined when the neoplasm is diagnosed at an early stage. We
      present a case of early stage of basaloid squamous cell carcinoma of the
      supraglottic larynx.

PMID- 22058595
TI  - Granular cell tumour of the tongue in a 14-year-old boy: case report.
AB  - Granular cell tumour is a rare soft tissue neoplasm that can virtually affect any
      site of the body. Its histological origin is controversial, since several studies
      have shown that different cells are involved. Granular cell tumour was initially
      described as myoblastoma, but, at present, a neural origin is supported by most
      Authors, due to the immunohistochemical pattern. Even if the biological behaviour
      of granular cell tumours is usually benign, accurate histological examination is
      mandatory, because in a small number of cases they can be malignant. Here, a case
      is described of granular cell tumour in a 14-year-old boy, which is a very rare
      occurrence, since these tumours typically manifest in subjects between the third
      and sixth decade. Histopathological features, differential diagnosis and
      therapeutic implications of granular cell tumour are discussed, together with a
      brief review of the recent literature.

PMID- 22058596
TI  - Bilateral deep neck space infection in the paediatric age group: a case report
      and review of the literature.
AB  - Deep neck space infections can occur at any age but require more intimate
      management in the paediatric age group because of their rapidly progressive
      nature. Concurrent abscess in distinct neck spaces has rarely been reported in
      healthy children. Herewith, a rare case of bilateral neck abscess is reported in
      a 16-month-old female and the clinical presentation and management are discussed
      with a review of the literature.

PMID- 22058597
TI  - Primary haemangiopericytoma of the parapharyngeal space: an unusual tumour and
      review of the literature.
AB  - Haemangiopericytoma is a rare soft tissue tumour, with great histological
      variability and unpredictable clinical and biological behaviour. The precise cell
      type origin is uncertain. One third of haemangiopericytomas occur in the head and
      neck area, but only a few cases have been reported regarding localization at the
      parapharyngeal space. Herewith, case is presented of a 54-year-old female,
      referred to our Department due to a parapharyngeal space tumour with non-specific
      imaging characteristics. The patient underwent radical excision of the tumour
      with a trans-cervical sub-mandibular approach. The histolopathologic examination
      revealed a neoplasm with the characteristic features of haemangiopericytoma. One
      year later, during the scheduled follow-up, the computerized tomography scan
      showed no evidence of recurrence or residual disease. The pre-operative
      evaluation of a haemangiopericytoma must include a thorough imaging evaluation
      with computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging, even if results may
      not be specific for haemangiopericytoma. Angiography and pre-operative
      embolization may be performed in cases of large tumours with significant
      vascularity. The treatment of choice is radical excision. The follow-up includes
      clinical evaluation every 6 months and annual magnetic resonance imaging for at
      least 3 years.

PMID- 22058598
TI  - Letter from Editor-in-Chief.

PMID- 22058599
TI  - Effectiveness and pitfalls of elective neck dissection in N0 laryngeal cancer.
AB  - The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficacy and potential pitfalls of
      selective neck dissection of levels II-IV in controlling occult neck disease in
      clinically negative neck (cN0) of patients with laryngeal squamous cell
      carcinoma. Charts of 96 consecutive cN0 laryngeal cancer patients undergoing 122
      neck dissections at the University of Florence from January 2000 to December 2004
      were reviewed. N0 neck was defined with contrast enhanced computed tomography
      scan. Occult neck disease rate was 12.5%, involvement per level was: 47.6% at
      level II, 38.1% at level III, 9.5% at level IV. Six patients developed neck
      recurrence (6.25%) after selective neck dissection of levels II-IV within the
      first two years after treatment. In conclusion, selective neck dissection of
      levels II-IV is effective in N0 laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma; posterior
      limits of surgical resection are missing therefore if post-operative radiation is
      required, the field should be extended beyond the dissected levels. The low
      incidence of occult neck disease indicates the need to refine treatment strategy,
      restricting elective neck dissection only to supraglottic T2 with epilaryngeal
      involvement, supraglottic T3-4 and glottic T4 tumours, and considering a "wait
      and see" protocol implemented with imaging techniques and cytological assessments
      for other lesions.

PMID- 22058600
TI  - Transnasal endoscopic removal of malformation of the odontoid process in a
      patient with type I Arnold-Chiari malformation: a case report.
AB  - The endoscopic endonasal approach is emerging as a feasible alternative to the
      trans-oral route for the resection of the odontoid process, when the latter
      produces a compression of the brainstem and cervicomedullary junction. This type
      of approach has some advantages, such as excellent pre-vertebral exposure of the
      cranio-vertebral junction in patients with small oral cavities and the
      possibility to avoid the use of mouth retractors. A typical case of a 24-year-old
      male patient with a previous diagnosis of type I Arnold-Chiari Malformation,
      suffering from a posterior dislocation of the odontoid process causing severe
      anterior compression of the brainstem, is presented to stress the potential of
      this technique. Trans-nasal endoscopic removal of the odontoid process was
      performed and resolution of the ventral compression of the brainstem was
      achieved. This report demonstrates that in selected cases, an endoscopic
      endonasal approach should now be considered an excellent alternative to the
      traditional trans-oral approach.

PMID- 22058601
TI  - Bilateral SMAS rhytidectomy in parotid recurrent pleomorphic adenoma.
AB  - A case is presented of a young female with parotid recurrent pleomorphic adenoma
      and skin infiltration treated with subtotal parotidectomy combined with a
      bilateral superficial muscular aponeurotic system rhytidectomy.

PMID- 22058602
TI  - Intermarriage and the Intergenerational Transmission of Ethnic Identity and Human
      Capital for Mexican Americans.
AB  - We investigate whether selective intermarriage and endogenous ethnic
      identification interact to hide some of the intergenerational progress achieved
      by the Mexican-origin population in the United States. In part, we do this by
      comparing an "objective" indicator of Mexican descent (based on the countries of
      birth of the respondent and his parents and grandparents) with the standard
      "subjective" measure of Mexican self-identification (based on the respondent's
      answer to the Hispanic origin question). For third-generation Mexican-American
      youth, we show that ethnic attrition is substantial and could produce significant
      downward bias in standard measures of attainment which rely on ethnic self
      identification.

PMID- 22058603
TI  - THE DEFENSIVE NATURE OF BENEFIT FINDING DURING ONGOING TERRORISM: AN EXAMINATION
      OF A NATIONAL SAMPLE OF ISRAELI JEWS.
AB  - A study examining the effects of terrorism on a national sample of 1,136 Jewish
      adults was conducted in Israel via telephone surveys, during the Second Intifada.
      The relationship between reports of positive changes occurring subsequent to
      terrorism exposure (i.e., Benefit finding), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
      symptom severity, and negative outgroup attitudes toward Palestinian citizens of
      Israel (PCI) was examined. Benefit finding was related to greater PTSD symptom
      severity. Further, Benefit finding was related to greater threat perception of
      PCI and ethnic exclusionism of PCI. Findings were consistent with hypotheses
      derived from theories of outgroup bias and support the anxiety buffering role of
      social affiliation posited by terror management theory. This study suggests that
      benefit finding may be a defensive coping strategy when expressed under the
      conditions of ongoing terrorism and external threat.

PMID- 22058604
TI  - Factor Structure Validation of the Alcohol Dependence Scale in a Heavy Drinking
      College Sample.
AB  - The prevalence of alcohol use disorders in college students necessitates that
      adequate measures exist to assess students for abuse and dependence. The Alcohol
      Dependence Scale (ADS) is a continuous measure of the severity of alcohol
      involvement found to have a unidimensional factor structure in clinical samples.
      The latent factor structure of the ADS in college drinkers has not been examined
      and this study sought to replicate unidimensionality. Heavy college drinkers
      (N=343) completed the ADS. Performance was examined using confirmatory factor
      analysis (CFA) and exploratory factor analysis (EFA). The CFA did not support a
      single factor solution. Follow-up EFA revealed a two factor structure. The first,
      termed "Acute Excessive Drinking" consisted of relatively commonly endorsed items
      relating to loss of behavioral control, blackouts, and obsessive/compulsive
      drinking. The second, termed "Severe Withdrawal Symptoms," consisted of
      relatively infrequently endorsed items relating to withdrawal symptoms. The ADS
      does not appear to have the same factor structure in college and clinical
      samples, making it inadvisable as a linear measure of alcohol problems within a
      college population.

PMID- 22058605
TI  - Psychosocial Consequences of Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) Exposure in
      Maltreated Adolescents: Assessing More than IPV Occurrence.
AB  - The majority of research on the psychosocial impact of intimate partner violence
      (IPV) exposure for children has focused on IPV occurrence. The current study
      extended this research by examining three dimensions of IPV exposure: frequency,
      proximity, and severity, and tested whether these dimensions predicted variance
      in adolescents' psychosocial problems over-and-above that accounted for by IPV
      occurrence. Participants included 140 adolescents and their caregivers, who were
      recruited for an intervention involving maltreated youth placed in out-of-home
      care. After controlling for IPV occurrence, exposure to community violence, and
      severity of maltreatment, results indicated a positive association between the
      multidimensional IPV index and youth report of psychosocial problems. There was
      also a trend for a positive association between the IPV index and caregiver
      report of psychosocial problems for boys. The study's results are discussed in
      terms of their implications for prevention researchers and child welfare
      agencies.

PMID- 22058606
TI  - Food composition database harmonization for between-country comparisons of
      nutrient data in the TEDDY Study.
AB  - The Environmental Determinants of Diabetes in the Young Study (TEDDY) aims at
      examining the associations between islet autoimmunity and various environmental
      exposures, (e.g. diet) in Finland, Germany, Sweden and the United States (US). In
      order to produce comparable results from dietary assessments, the national food
      composition databases (FCDB) must contain mutually comparable food composition
      data. Systematic comparison (definition, unit of measurement, and method of
      analysis) of energy, protein, fats, carbohydrates, cholesterol, fiber, 13
      vitamins, and 8 minerals was carried out among the FCDB of the four countries.
      Total fat, cholesterol, vitamin A: retinol equivalents and beta-carotene,
      thiamin, riboflavin, pyridoxine, vitamin B(12), calcium, phosphorus, potassium,
      magnesium, iron, and zinc are comparable across all four databases.
      Carbohydrates, fiber, sugars, fatty acids, vitamin D, vitamin E: alpha
      tocopherol, vitamin K, vitamin C, pantothenic acid, niacin, manganese, and copper
      are comparable or can be converted comparable at least across three of the
      databases. Vitamin E: alpha-tocopherol equivalents, will be comparable across all
      databases after Finland and Germany subtract tocotrienols from their values.
      Nitrogen values were added to the Swedish and US databases. After recalculation
      of protein from nitrogen (Sweden and US), and subtraction of fiber from the total
      carbohydrate (Finland) followed by recalculations of energy, these values will be
      comparable across the countries. Starch and folate are not comparable.

PMID- 22058607
TI  - COMPARING THE IMPAIRMENT PROFILES OF OLDER DRIVERS AND NON-DRIVERS: TOWARD THE
      DEVELOPMENT OF A FITNESS-TO-DRIVE MODEL.
AB  - The purpose of this research effort was to compare older driver and non-driver
      functional impairment profiles across some 60 assessment metrics in an initial
      effort to contribute to the development of fitness-to-drive assessment models. Of
      the metrics evaluated, 21 showed statistically significant differences, almost
      all favoring the drivers. Also, it was shown that a logistic regression model
      comprised of five of the assessment scores could completely and accurately
      separate the two groups. The results of this study imply that older drivers are
      far less functionally impaired than non-drivers of similar ages, and that a
      parsimonious model can accurately assign individuals to either group. With such
      models, any driver classified or diagnosed as a non-driver would be a strong
      candidate for further investigation and intervention.

PMID- 22058608
TI  - Wear Performance of Laser Processed Tantalum Coatings.
AB  - This first generation investigation evaluates the in vitro tribological
      performance of laser-processed Ta coatings on Ti for load-bearing implant
      applications. Linear reciprocating wear tests in simulated body fluid showed one
      order of magnitude less wear rate, of the order of 10(-4)mm(3)(N.m)(-1), for Ta
      coatings compared to Ti. Our results demonstrate that Ta coatings can potentially
      minimize the early-stage bone-implant interface micro-motion induced wear debris
      generation due to their excellent bioactivity comparable to that of
      hydroxyapatite (HA), high wear resistance and toughness compared to popular HA
      coatings.

PMID- 22058609
TI  - Hydraulic efficiency compromises compression strength perpendicular to the grain
      in Norway spruce trunkwood.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate bending stiffness and compression
      strength perpendicular to the grain of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.)
      trunkwood with different anatomical and hydraulic properties. Hydraulically less
      safe mature sapwood had bigger hydraulic lumen diameters and higher specific
      hydraulic conductivities than hydraulically safer juvenile wood. Bending
      stiffness (MOE) was higher, whereas radial compression strength lower in mature
      than in juvenile wood. A density-based tradeoff between MOE and hydraulic
      efficiency was apparent in mature wood only. Across cambial age, bending
      stiffness did not compromise hydraulic efficiency due to variation in latewood
      percent and because of the structural demands of the tree top (e.g. high
      flexibility). Radial compression strength compromised, however, hydraulic
      efficiency because it was extremely dependent on the characteristics of the
      "weakest" wood part, the highly conductive earlywood. An increase in conduit wall
      reinforcement of earlywood tracheids would be too costly for the tree. Increasing
      radial compression strength by modification of microfibril angles or ray cell
      number could result in a decrease of MOE, which would negatively affect the
      trunk's capability to support the crown. We propose that radial compression
      strength could be an easily assessable and highly predictive parameter for the
      resistance against implosion or vulnerability to cavitation across conifer
      species, which should be topic of further studies.

PMID- 22058610
TI  - Photonic Shell-Crosslinked Nanoparticle Probes for Optical Imaging and
      Monitoring.
AB  - A pH-insensitive fluorophore is made to give pH-driven responses through its
      covalent incorporation within a nanostructure derived from pH-responsive
      polymers. Fluorophore-shell-crosslinked nanoparticles (SCKs) demonstrate notable
      enhancement of photophysical properties, in the physiological pH region.
      Fluorophore-SCKs are designed to swell at higher pH and shrink as the pH is
      lowered, producing high fluorescence vs. low fluorescence outputs, respectively.

PMID- 22058611
TI  - Extent and implications of the academia-industry connection.

PMID- 22058612
TI  - Of money and trust in biomedical care.

PMID- 22058613
TI  - Academia, journal publishing and the bio-medical industry.

PMID- 22058615
TI  - Footprints to follow.

PMID- 22058614
TI  - The ICMJE and URM: Providing Independent Advice for the Conduct of Biomedical
      Research and Publication.
AB  - The International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) is a working group
      of editors of selected medical journals that meets annually. Founded in
      Vancouver, Canada, in 1978, it currently consists of 11 member journals and a
      representative of the US National Library of Medicine. The major purpose of the
      Committee is to address and provide guidance for the conduct and publishing of
      biomedical research and the ethical tenets underpinning these activities. This
      advice is detailed in the Committee's Uniform Requirements for Manuscripts
      Submitted to Biomedical Journals: Writing and Editing for Biomedical Publication
      (URM).Recently, the ICMJE has adopted an interventionist role to ensure
      transparency of conflict of interest revelations in the conduct and publication
      of industry supported research. It also pursues a policy for the lodgement with
      trial registries of specified details of Phase III clinical trials. Failure to
      comply would jeopardise publication of trial outcomes in ICMJE member journals.
      This policy has resulted in the coming on stream of trial registries,
      international agreement on trial minimal datasets and compliance with trial
      registration requirements.

PMID- 22058616
TI  - Guidelines, editors, pharma and the biological paradigm shift.
AB  - Private investment in biomedical research has increased over the last few
      decades. At most places it has been welcomed as the next best thing to technology
      itself. Much of the intellectual talent from academic institutions is getting
      absorbed in lucrative positions in industry. Applied research finds willing
      collaborators in venture capital funded industry, so a symbiotic growth is
      ensured for both.There are significant costs involved too. As academia interacts
      with industry, major areas of conflict of interest especially applicable to
      biomedical research have arisen. They are related to disputes over patents and
      royalty, hostile encounters between academia and industry, as also between public
      and private enterprise, legal tangles, research misconduct of various types,
      antagonistic press and patient-advocate lobbies and a general atmosphere in which
      commercial interest get precedence over patient welfare.Pharma image stinks
      because of a number of errors of omission and commission. A recent example is
      suppression of negative findings about Bayer's Trasylol (Aprotinin) and the
      marketing maneuvers of Eli Lilly's Xigris (rhAPC). Whenever there is a conflict
      between patient vulnerability and profit motives, pharma often tends to tilt
      towards the latter. Moreover there are documents that bring to light how
      companies frequently cross the line between patient welfare and profit seeking
      behaviour.A voluntary moratorium over pharma spending to pamper drug prescribers
      is necessary. A code of conduct adopted recently by OPPI in India to limit pharma
      company expenses over junkets and trinkets is a welcome step.Clinical practice
      guidelines (CPG) are considered important as they guide the
      diagnostic/therapeutic regimen of a large number of medical professionals and
      hospitals and provide recommendations on drugs, their dosages and criteria for
      selection. Along with clinical trials, they are another area of growing influence
      by the pharmaceutical industry. For example, in a relatively recent survey of
      2002, it was found that about 60% of 192 authors of clinical practice guidelines
      reported they had financial connections with the companies whose drugs were under
      consideration. There is a strong case for making CPGs based not just on
      effectivity but cost effectivity. The various ramifications of this need to be
      spelt out. Work of bodies like the Appraisal of Guidelines Research and
      Evaluation (AGREE) Collaboration and Guidelines Advisory Committee (GAC) are also
      worth a close look.Even the actions of Foundations that work for disease
      amelioration have come under scrutiny. The process of setting up 'Best Practices'
      Guidelines for interactions between the pharmaceutical industry and clinicians
      has already begun and can have important consequences for patient care.
      Similarly, Good Publication Practice (GPP) for pharmaceutical companies have also
      been set up aimed at improving the behaviour of drug companies while reporting
      drug trialsThe rapidly increasing trend toward influence and control by industry
      has become a concern for many. It is of such importance that the Association of
      American Medical Colleges has issued two relatively new documents - one, in 2001,
      on how to deal with individual conflicts of interest; and the other, in 2002, on
      how to deal with institutional conflicts of interest in the conduct of clinical
      research. Academic Medical Centers (AMCs), as also medical education and research
      institutions at other places, have to adopt means that minimize their conflicts
      of interest.Both medical associations and research journal editors are getting
      concerned with individual and institutional conflicts of interest in the conduct
      of clinical research and documents are now available which address these issues.
      The 2001 ICMJE revision calls for full disclosure of the sponsor's role in
      research, as well as assurance that the investigators are independent of the
      sponsor, are fully accountable for the design and conduct of the trial, have
      independent access to all trial data and control all editorial and publication
      decisions. However the findings of a 2002 study suggest that academic
      institutions routinely participate in clinical research that does not adhere to
      ICMJE standards of accountability, access to data and control of
      publication.There is an inevitable slant to produce not necessarily useful but
      marketable products which ensure the profitability of industry and research
      grants outflow to academia. Industry supports new, not traditional, therapies,
      irrespective of what is effective. Whatever traditional therapy is supported is
      most probably because the company concerned has a product with a big stake there,
      which has remained a 'gold standard' or which that player thinks has still some
      'juice' left.Industry sponsorship is mainly for potential medications, not for
      trying to determine whether there may be non-pharmacological interventions that
      may be equally good, if not better. In the paradigm shift towards biological
      psychiatry, the role of industry sponsorship is not overt but probably more
      pervasive than many have realised, or the right thinking may consider good, for
      the health of the branch in the long run.An issue of major concern is protection
      of the interests of research subjects. Patients agree to become research subjects
      not only for personal medical benefit but, as an extension, to benefit the rest
      of the patient population and also advance medical research.We all accept that
      industry profits have to be made, and investment in research and development by
      the pharma industry is massive. However, we must also accept there is a
      fundamental difference between marketing strategies for other entities and those
      for drugs.The ultimate barometer is patient welfare and no drug that compromises
      it can stand the test of time. So, how does it make even commercial sense in the
      long term to market substandard products? The greatest mistake long-term players
      in industry may make is try to adopt the shady techniques of the upstart new
      entrant. Secrecy of marketing/sales tactics, of the process of manufacture, of
      other strategies and plans of business expansion, of strategies to tackle
      competition are fine business tactics. But it is critical that secrecy as a
      tactic not extend to reporting of research findings, especially those contrary to
      one's product.Pharma has no option but to make a quality product, do
      comprehensive adverse reaction profiles, and market it only if it passes both
      tests.Why does pharma adopt questionable tactics? The reasons are essentially
      two:What with all the constraints, a drug comes to the pharmacy after huge
      investments. There are crippling overheads and infrastructure costs to be
      recovered. And there are massive profit margins to be maintained. If these were
      to be dependent only on genuine drug discoveries, that would be taking too great
      a risk.Industry players have to strike the right balance between profit making
      and credibility. In profit making, the marketing champions play their role. In
      credibility ratings, researchers and paid spokes-persons play their role. All is
      hunky dory till marketing is based on credibility. When there is nothing
      available to make for credibility, something is projected as one and marketing
      carried out, in the calculated hope that profits can accrue, since profit making
      must continue endlessly. That is what makes pharma adopt even questionable means
      to make profits.Essentially, there are four types of drugs. First, drugs that
      work and have minimal side-effects; second, drugs which work but have serious
      side-effects; third, drugs that do not work and have minimal side-effects; and
      fourth, drugs which work minimally but have serious side-effects. It is the
      second and fourth types that create major hassles for industry. Often, industry
      may try to project the fourth type as the second to escape censure.The major cat
      and mouse game being played by conscientious researchers is in exposing the third
      and fourth for what they are and not allowing industry to palm them off as the
      first and second type respectively. The other major game is in preventing the
      second type from being projected as the first. The third type are essentially
      harmless, so they attract censure all right and some merriment at the antics to
      market them. But they escape anything more than a light rap on the knuckles,
      except when they are projected as the first type.What is necessary for industry
      captains and long-term players is to realise:Their major propelling force can
      only be producing the first type. 2. They accept the second type only till they
      can lay their hands on the first. 3. The third type can be occasionally played
      around with to shore up profits, but never by projecting them as the first type.
      4. The fourth type are the laggards, real threat to credibility and therefore do
      not deserve any market hype or promotion.In finding out why most pharma indulges
      in questionable tactics, we are lead to some interesting solutions to prevent
      such tactics with the least amount of hassles for all concerned, even as both
      profits and credibility are kept intact.

PMID- 22058617
TI  - The image of pharma.

PMID- 22058618
TI  - Clinical practice guidelines and industry.

PMID- 22058619
TI  - Guideline standardisation, cost effectiveness, industry needs and conflict of
      interest.

PMID- 22058620
TI  - Foundations and task forces.

PMID- 22058621
TI  - Concerned Journals, Editors And ICMJE.

PMID- 22058622
TI  - Ethical obligation towards research subjects.

PMID- 22058623
TI  - Useful and marketable, new and traditional.

PMID- 22058624
TI  - Biological psychiatry, research and industry.

PMID- 22058625
TI  - What propels the pharma industry?

PMID- 22058626
TI  - Concluding remarks.

PMID- 22058627
TI  - Questions that this monograph raises.

PMID- 22058628
TI  - What psychoanalysis, culture and society mean to me.
AB  - The paper reviews some ways that the social and psychic have been understood in
      psychoanalysis and argues that a model for understanding the relation between the
      psychic and the social must account both for the ways that we internalize
      oppressive norms as well as the ways we resist them. The author proposes that we
      build our identities in relation to other identities circulating in our culture
      and that cultural hierarchies of sexism, racism, classism push us to split off
      part of what it means to be human, thereby creating painful individual and
      relational repetition compulsions. These "normative unconscious processes"
      replicate the unjust social norms that cause psychic pain in the first place. The
      paper concludes with thoughts about contemporary US culture, in which the
      government has abdicated responsibility toward its most vulnerable citizens and
      has thus rendered vulnerability and dependence shameful states.

PMID- 22058629
TI  - What the cognitive neurosciences mean to me.
AB  - Cognitive Neuroscience is an interdisciplinary area of research that combines
      measurement of brain activity (mostly by means of neuroimaging) with a
      simultaneous performance of cognitive tasks by human subjects. These
      investigations have been successful in the task of connecting the sciences of the
      brain (Neurosciences) and the sciences of the mind (Cognitive Sciences). Advances
      on this kind of research provide a map of localization of cognitive functions in
      the human brain. Do these results help us to understand how mind relates to the
      brain? In my view, the results obtained by the Cognitive Neurosciences lead to
      new investigations in the domain of Molecular Neurobiology, aimed at discovering
      biophysical mechanisms that generate the activity measured by neuroimaging
      instruments. In this context, I argue that the understanding of how
      ionic/molecular processes support cognition and consciousness cannot be made by
      means of the standard reductionist explanations. Knowledge of ionic/molecular
      mechanisms can contribute to our understanding of the human mind as long as we
      assume an alternative form of explanation, based on psycho-physical similarities,
      together with an ontological view of mentality and spirituality as embedded in
      physical nature (and not outside nature, as frequently assumed in western
      culture).

PMID- 22058630
TI  - What medical writing means to me.
AB  - This is a personal account based on many years experience as a medical writer. It
      considers aspects of medical writing with particular focus on the intellectual
      and ethical dilemmas it can raise. What makes medical writing both so interesting
      and so challenging is the fact that it often takes place at the border between
      different disciplines. For example, it straddles both science and art. Ethical
      issues also arise at the boundaries between academia and commerce. Until recently
      there have been few guidelines to help navigate such potentially dangerous
      territory. I have been privileged to be involved in developing two such
      guidelines and I describe how I hope the Good Publication Practice guidelines for
      pharmaceutical companies and the European Medical Writers Association guidelines
      may improve the practice of this fascinating profession, Medical Writing.

PMID- 22058631
TI  - What psychiatry means to me.
AB  - Moving in early career from public health physician to psychiatrist gives me a
      public health view of psychiatry and an interest in pursuing the goals of
      widening access to community-based services for people with mental disorders and
      promoting mental health in communities. Training in social medicine in the UK and
      psychiatry in Australia lead to studies of homelessness in people living with
      psychotic disorders, the health of family caregivers, assessing quality of life
      and mental health promotion.Work with the World Health Organization (WHO) in the
      Western Pacific Region and the World Psychiatric Association (WPA) worldwide has
      given me opportunities to work with psychiatrists, mental health workers, service
      users and others in governments and non-government organisations implementing the
      recommendations of the World Health Report 2001 in countries with limited
      resources. My work as WPA Secretary for Publications seeks to improve information
      exchange in countries irrespective of their wealth. This is an exciting time to
      be working in a global village with technical capacity to reach into its furthest
      corners. Psychiatrists supported by WPA can help ensure that vulnerable people
      and communities and people living with mental disorders are well served in this
      new environment and no longer left out and left behind.

PMID- 22058633
TI  - Questions that this paper raises.

PMID- 22058632
TI  - Recollections of a journey through a psychotic episode: or, mental illness and
      creativity.

PMID- 22058634
TI  - A Discussion in the Mensanamonographs e-group.

PMID- 22058635
TI  - Doctor at work, late evening.

PMID- 22058636
TI  - Taking care of time.

PMID- 22058637
TI  - Ravinder lal kapur, m.d. (1938-2006).

PMID- 22058638
TI  - Open reduction and internal fixation of clavicular nonunions with allograft bone
      substitute.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Biologic augmentation with allograft has shown equivalent healing
      rates to autograft in several nonunion models. No literature exists clearly
      demonstrating this in the clavicle. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the
      healing and complication rates of clavicle nonunions treated solely with open
      reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) and allograft. MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Nineteen clavicle nonunions treated with ORIF and allograft were evaluated
      retrospectively to assess healing rates and complications based on clinical
      symptoms and radiographic findings. RESULTS: For the 19 patients included and
      treated with ORIF and allograft, clinical follow-up averaged 15 months. Seven
      patients were smokers. Although complete radiographic healing was achieved in
      only 68% of patients, clinical success occurred in 16 (84%) patients who
      demonstrated full range of motion and strength without pain. The three patients
      who did not demonstrate full radiographic healing were completely pain free. Five
      patients experienced complications (26%). Two underwent hardware removal due to
      persistent irritation after union. Three had a persistent painful nonunion. Each
      of these three patients was a smoker (P=0.08). Two proceeded to union after
      revision fixation. The other had hardware failure, which was removed, with a
      persistent nonunion and did not wish any further treatment. CONCLUSION: ORIF with
      allograft bone substitute is an acceptable treatment alternative to iliac crest
      bone graft for clavicle nonunions. However, we did not demonstrate equivalent
      healing rates to published results utilizing autograft. Smokers were identified
      to have a trend toward higher failure rates with ORIF augmented with allograft
      and therefore these patients may be better served by augmenting fixation with
      autograft. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV; retrospective comparative study.

PMID- 22058639
TI  - Arthroscopic evaluation and treatment of biceps brachii long head tendon
      injuries: A survey of the MOON shoulder group.
AB  - CONTEXT: Injuries to the biceps brachii long head tendon commonly occur in
      conjunction with tears in the rotator cuff and glenoid labrum. Consensus on
      treatment of varying levels of severity is undetermined. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: We
      surveyed members of the Multicenter Orthopedic Outcomes Network (MOON) Shoulder
      Group, to determine a consensus on arthroscopic grading and treatment. AIMS: We
      hypothesized that the Lafosse classification system would show a high level of
      inter- and intraobserver agreement regarding grading/treatment. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Arthroscopic videos of 30 patients determined to have biceps brachii
      long head tendon injuries were viewed by 13 surgeons. The surgeons graded the
      severity of the injury macrostructure based on the Lafosse classification system
      and chose from a list of treatment options. Four months later the same surgeons
      viewed the same videos and repeated the survey. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED:
      Analysis with weighted and non-weighted Kappa values was performed to determine
      intra- and interobserver reliability for severity grading and to determine the
      preferred treatments for each level of severity. RESULTS: Intraobserver
      reliability testing for the Lafosse system showed substantial agreement after two
      rounds (81.28%, K=0.7006). Interobserver testing demonstrated substantial
      agreement for Grade 0 (K=0.7152), fair agreement for Grade 1 (K=0.3803), and
      moderate agreement for Grade 2 (K=0.5156). Combined responses recommended no
      surgical treatment for 95.4% of the lesions classified as grade 0 (62/65). No
      surgical treatment was recommended for Grade 1 lesions in 24.1% of the cases
      (35/145), debridement in 38.6% (56/145), and tenotomy or tenodesis in 37.2%
      (54/145). Evaluators preferred tenotomy or tenodesis for 98.3% of the Grade 2
      lesions (177/180). CONCLUSIONS: Analysis of the Lafosse system indicated
      substantial intraobserver reliability for all grades. As Grades 1 and 2 showed
      only fair and moderate agreement, a need for a reliable grading system still
      exists. Grade 2 lesions should be treated with tenotomy or tenodesis. A preferred
      treatment for Grade 1 lesions could not be determined given the high variability
      of responses. Higher-powered surveys may help determine the ideal treatment of
      Grade 1 injuries.

PMID- 22058640
TI  - Combined single photon emission computerized tomography and conventional
      computerized tomography: Clinical value for the shoulder surgeons?
AB  - With the cases described, we strive to introduce single photon emission
      computerized tomography in combination with conventional computer tomography
      (SPECT/CT) to shoulder surgeons, illustrate the possible clinical value it may
      offer as new diagnostic radiologic modality, and discuss its limitations.
      SPECT/CT may facilitate the establishment of diagnosis, process of decision
      making, and further treatment for complex shoulder pathologies. Some of these
      advantages were highlighted in cases that are frequently seen in most shoulder
      clinics.

PMID- 22058641
TI  - Innovative use of computer-assisted tomography in the management of an
      irreducible anterior shoulder dislocation.
AB  - Anterior dislocation of the shoulder is a common injury which is often reduced in
      the emergency department, without specialist orthopedic input. We report a case
      of an irreducible locked anterior glenohumeral dislocation with impaction of the
      humeral head onto the antero-inferior glenoid rim and subsequent generation of a
      Hill-Sachs lesion. To our knowledge, we describe the first reported case of using
      computer-assisted tomography to generate a sequence of movements to safely
      disimpact the locked dislocation without causing further iatrogenic injury or a
      fracture through the humeral articular surface. This novel image-assisted closed
      reduction technique spared the patient from the morbidity associated with
      performing open reduction surgery. At 6-month follow-up, the patient reported no
      re-dislocations, returned to work and had excellent range of motion.

PMID- 22058642
TI  - Isolated supraspinatus muscle atrophy and fatty infiltration associated with
      recurrent anterior shoulder instability: A case report and review of the
      literature.
AB  - Supraspinatus muscle atrophy and fatty infiltration are two distinct muscle
      abnormalities which can be seen after a chronic massive tear or suprascapular
      neuropathy. Isolated supraspinatus muscle denervation due to suprascapular nerve
      injury after shoulder dislocation is extremely rare. We report on a patient who
      developed isolated supraspinatus muscle atrophy and fatty infiltration after
      traumatic anterior shoulder instability. Possible explanations and etiologies of
      this rare condition are discussed in this report.

PMID- 22058643
TI  - From the Editor's Desk.

PMID- 22058644
TI  - Tamoxifen: An alternative to clomiphene in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clomiphene citrate is commonly used for ovulation induction in women
      with anovulatory infertility. However, pregnancy rates with this drug are not as
      good as ovulation rates. Tamoxifen may be a better choice in some patients who
      fail to either ovulate or conceive with clomiphene due to its favorable effect on
      the cervical mucus and endometrium. This study was conducted to evaluate the role
      of tamoxifen in women with anovulatory infertility and find out the optimum dose
      needed for achieving the best outcome. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 160 women attending
      the infertility clinic and suffering from anovulatory infertility were recruited
      for the study. Tamoxifen was administered in the dose of 40 mg daily and
      ovulation monitored. In case of anovulation, the dose was increased to 80 mg
      daily. Ovulation and pregnancy rates were calculated. RESULTS: Twenty-three out
      of 160 women who received 40 mg of tamoxifen conceived, giving a pregnancy rate
      of 14.38% and pregnancy rate per ovulatory cycle as 14.94%. 32 out of 80 women
      who received 80 mg of tamoxifen conceived, giving a pregnancy rate of 40% and
      pregnancy rate per cycle as 33.68%. This difference in the pregnancy rate between
      the two groups was statistically significant. 35 women out of 90 with polycystic
      ovary syndrome (PCOS) became pregnant with a pregnancy rate of 38.8% and 20 out
      of 70 women with clomiphene citrate failure conceived, giving a pregnancy rate of
      28.5%. CONCLUSIONS: Tamoxifen is a good alternative to clomiphene in women with
      PCOS and clomiphene-resistant cases.

PMID- 22058645
TI  - Effect of epilepsy on female fertility and reproductive abnormalities.

PMID- 22058646
TI  - Finasteride and male fertility.

PMID- 22058647
TI  - Feature Guided Motion Artifact Reduction with Structure-Awareness in 4D CT
      Images.
AB  - In this paper, we propose a novel method to reduce the magnitude of 4D CT
      artifacts by stitching two images with a data-driven regularization constrain,
      which helps preserve the local anatomy structures. Our method first computes an
      interface seam for the stitching in the overlapping region of the first image,
      which passes through the "smoothest" region, to reduce the structure complexity
      along the stitching interface. Then, we compute the displacements of the seam by
      matching the corresponding interface seam in the second image. We use sparse 3D
      features as the structure cues to guide the seam matching, in which a
      regularization term is incorporated to keep the structure consistency. The energy
      function is minimized by solving a multiple-label problem in Markov Random Fields
      with an anatomical structure preserving regularization term. The displacements
      are propagated to the rest of second image and the two image are stitched along
      the interface seams based on the computed displacement field. The method was
      tested on both simulated data and clinical 4D CT images. The experiments on
      simulated data demonstrated that the proposed method was able to reduce the
      landmark distance error on average from 2.9 mm to 1.3 mm, outperforming the
      registration-based method by about 55%. For clinical 4D CT image data, the image
      quality was evaluated by three medical experts, and all identified much fewer
      artifacts from the resulting images by our method than from those by the compared
      method.

PMID- 22058648
TI  - Validation of the Marijuana Effect Expectancy Questionnaire-Brief.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to evaluate a brief version of the Marijuana Effect
      Expectancy Questionnaire (MEEQ; Schafer & Brown, 1991). The original MEEQ was
      reduced to 6 items (MEEQ-B). Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed and
      two factors were identified (positive effects and negative effects) accounting
      for 52.3% of the variance. Internal consistencies (0.42 to 0.60) were slightly
      lower than those of the original MEEQ. The negative effect expectancy scale
      correlated with criterion variables that assess marijuana use (p <= .05). This
      measure is a helpful tool for clinicians to use when assessing youth
      expectancies. Replication across different samples of adjudicated youth is
      recommended.

PMID- 22058649
TI  - Design and Control of a 1-DOF MRI Compatible Pneumatically Actuated Robot with
      Long Transmission Lines.
AB  - This paper presents the design and control of an MRI-compatible 1-DOF needle
      driver robot and its precise position control using pneumatic actuation with long
      transmission lines. MRI provides superior image quality compared to other imaging
      modalities such as CT or ultrasound, but imposes severe limitations on the
      material and actuator choice (to prevent image distortion) due to its strong
      magnetic field. We are primarily interested in developing a pneumatically
      actuated breast biopsy robot with a large force bandwidth and precise targeting
      capability during radio-frequency ablation (RFA) of breast tumor, and exploring
      the possibility of using long pneumatic transmission lines from outside the MRI
      room to the device in the magnet to prevent any image distortion whatsoever. This
      paper presents a model of the entire pneumatic system. The pneumatic lines are
      approximated by a first order system with time delay, because its dynamics are
      governed by the telegraph equation with varying coefficients and boundary
      conditions, which cannot be solved precisely. The slow response of long pneumatic
      lines and valve subsystems make position control challenging. This is further
      compounded by the presence of non-uniform friction in the device. Sliding mode
      control (SMC) was adopted, where friction was treated as an uncertainty term to
      drive the system onto the sliding surface. Three different controllers were
      designed, developed, and evaluated to achieve precise position control of the RFA
      probe. Experimental results revealed that all SMCs gave satisfactory performance
      with long transmission lines. We also performed several experiments with a 3-DOF
      fiber-optic force sensor attached to the needle driver to evaluate the
      performance of the device in the MRI under continuous imaging.

PMID- 22058650
TI  - Profiles and majority voting-based ensemble method for protein secondary
      structure prediction.
AB  - Machine learning techniques have been widely applied to solve the problem of
      predicting protein secondary structure from the amino acid sequence. They have
      gained substantial success in this research area. Many methods have been used
      including k-Nearest Neighbors (k-NNs), Hidden Markov Models (HMMs), Artificial
      Neural Networks (ANNs) and Support Vector Machines (SVMs), which have attracted
      attention recently. Today, the main goal remains to improve the prediction
      quality of the secondary structure elements. The prediction accuracy has been
      continuously improved over the years, especially by using hybrid or ensemble
      methods and incorporating evolutionary information in the form of profiles
      extracted from alignments of multiple homologous sequences. In this paper, we
      investigate how best to combine k-NNs, ANNs and Multi-class SVMs (M-SVMs) to
      improve secondary structure prediction of globular proteins. An ensemble method
      which combines the outputs of two feed-forward ANNs, k-NN and three M-SVM
      classifiers has been applied. Ensemble members are combined using two variants of
      majority voting rule. An heuristic based filter has also been applied to refine
      the prediction. To investigate how much improvement the general ensemble method
      can give rather than the individual classifiers that make up the ensemble, we
      have experimented with the proposed system on the two widely used benchmark
      datasets RS126 and CB513 using cross-validation tests by including PSI-BLAST
      position-specific scoring matrix (PSSM) profiles as inputs. The experimental
      results reveal that the proposed system yields significant performance gains when
      compared with the best individual classifier.

PMID- 22058651
TI  - Alternative methods in toxicology: pre-validated and validated methods.
AB  - The development of alternative methods to animal experimentation has progressed
      rapidly over the last 20 years. Today, in vitro and in silico methods have an
      important role in the hazard identification and assessment of toxicology profile
      of compounds. Advanced alternative methods and their combinations are also used
      for safety assessment of final products. Several alternative methods, which were
      scientifically validated and accepted by competent regulatory bodies, can be used
      for regulatory toxicology purposes, thus reducing or fully replacing living
      animals in toxicology experimentation. The acceptance of the alternative methods
      as valuable tools of modern toxicology has been recognized by regulators,
      including OECD, FDA and EPA.This paper provides a brief overview of the topic
      "alternative methods in toxicology" and focuses on pre-validated and validated
      alternative methods and their position in the modern toxicology.

PMID- 22058652
TI  - Flavonoids in prevention of diseases with respect to modulation of Ca-pump
      function.
AB  - Flavonoids, natural phenolic compounds, are known as agents with strong
      antioxidant properties. In many diseases associated with oxidative/nitrosative
      stress and aging they provide multiple biological health benefits. Ca(2+)-ATPases
      belong to the main calcium regulating proteins involved in the balance of calcium
      homeostasis, which is impaired in oxidative/nitrosative stress and related
      diseases or aging. The mechanisms of Ca(2+)-ATPases dysfunction are discussed,
      focusing on cystein oxidation and tyrosine nitration. Flavonoids act not only as
      antioxidants but are also able to bind directly to Ca(2+)-ATPases, thus changing
      their conformation, which results in modulation of enzyme activity.Dysfunction of
      Ca(2+)-ATPases is summarized with respect to their posttranslational and
      conformational changes in diseases related to oxidative/nitrosative stress and
      aging. Ca(2+)-ATPases are discussed as a therapeutic tool and the possible role
      of flavonoids in this process is suggested.

PMID- 22058653
TI  - Effect of N'-nitrosodimethylamine on red blood cell rheology and proteomic
      profiles of brain in male albino rats.
AB  - We investigated the effects of N'-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) induced toxicity on
      red blood cell rheology in male rats and identified bands in proteomic profiles
      of brain which can be used as novel markers. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis
      (PAGE) profiles exhibited constitutive as well as induced expression of the
      polypeptides. Remarkably, the molecular weight range of the polypeptides (8-150
      kDa) corresponded to that of the family of heat shock proteins. Our results
      revealed significant changes in blood parameters and showed the presence of
      acanthocytes, tear drop cells, spicules and cobot rings in the treated
      categories. Lactate dehydrogenase and esterase zymograms displayed a shift to
      anaerobic metabolism generating hypoxia-like conditions. This study strongly
      suggests that NDMA treatment causes acute toxicity leading to cell membrane
      destruction and alters protein profiles in rats. It is therefore recommended that
      caution should be exercised in using NDMA to avoid risks, and if at all necessary
      strategies should be designed to combat such conditions.

PMID- 22058654
TI  - Differential effects of alprazolam and clonazepam on the immune system and blood
      vessels of non-stressed and stressed adult male albino rats.
AB  - Benzodiazepines belongs to one of the most commonly used anxiolytic and
      anticonvulsant drugs in the world. Full description of toxic effects on different
      organs is lacking for nearly all the current benzodiazepines. The aim of the
      current work was to study the immunologic and vascular changes induced by sub
      chronic administration of alprazolam and clonazepam in non-stressed and stressed
      adult male albino rats. Forty-two adult male albino rats were divided into 6
      groups (I): (Ia) Negative control rats, (Ib): Positive control rats received
      distilled water, (II): Stressed rats, (III): Non-stressed rats received daily
      oral dose of clonazepam (0.5 mg/kg), (IV): Stressed rats received daily oral dose
      of clonazepam (0.5 mg/kg), (V): Non-stressed rats received daily oral dose of
      alprazolam (0.3 mg/kg). (VI): Stressed rats received daily oral dose of
      alprazolam (0.3 mg/kg). At the end of the 4th week, total leukocyte count (WBCs)
      and differential count were determined, anti-sheep RBC antibody (Anti-SRBC) titer
      and interleukin-2 (IL-2) level were assessed, thymus glands, lymph nodes, spleens
      and abdominal aortae were submitted to histopathological examination. Alprazolam
      was found to induce a significant increase in neutrophil count and a significant
      decrease in lymphocytes, anti-SRBC titer and IL-2 level with severe depletion of
      the splenic, thymal and nodal lymphocytes, accompanied by congestion and
      eosinophilic vasculitis of all organs tested in comparison to clonazepam treated
      rats. Stress enhanced the toxic effects. It was concluded that the immune system
      and blood vessels can be adversely affected to a greater extent by short-term
      chronic administration of alprazolam than by clonazepam, and these toxic effects
      are aggravated by stress.

PMID- 22058655
TI  - Plasma and whole brain cholinesterase activities in three wild bird species in
      Mosul, IRAQ: In vitro inhibition by insecticides.
AB  - Plasma and brain cholinesterase activities were determined in three wild bird
      species to assess their exposure to organophosphate and carbamate insecticides
      which are used in agriculture and public health. In the present study, we used an
      electrometric method for measurement of cholinesterase activities in the plasma
      and whole brain of three indigenous wild birds commonly found in northern Iraq.
      The birds used were apparently healthy adults of both sexes (8 birds/species,
      comprising 3-5 from each sex) of quail (Coturnix coturnix), collard dove
      (Streptopelia decaocto) and rock dove (Columba livia gaddi), which were captured
      in Mosul, Iraq. The mean respective cholinesterase activities (Delta pH/30
      minutes) in the plasma and whole brain of the birds were as follows: quail (0.96
      and 0.29), collard dove (0.97and 0.82) and rock dove (1.44 and 1.42). We examined
      the potential susceptibility of the plasma or whole brain cholinesterases to
      inhibition by selected insecticides. The technique of in vitro cholinesterase
      inhibition for 10 minutes by the organophosphate insecticides dichlorvos,
      malathion and monocrotophos (0.5 and 1.0 uM) and the carbamate insecticide
      carbaryl (5 and10 uM) in the enzyme reaction mixtures showed significant
      inhibition of plasma and whole brain cholinesterase activities to various
      extents. The data further support and add to the reported cholinesterase
      activities determined electrometrically in wild birds in northern Iraq. The
      plasma and whole brain cholinesterases of the birds are highly susceptible to
      inhibition by organophosphate and carbamate insecticides as determined by the
      described electrometric method, and the results further suggest the usefulness of
      the method in biomonitoring wild bird cholinesterases.

PMID- 22058656
TI  - Oxidative stress biomarkers and acetylcholinesterase activity in human
      erythrocytes exposed to clomazone (in vitro).
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of clomazone herbicide on
      oxidative stress biomarkers and acetylcholinesterase activity in human
      erythrocytes in in vitro conditions. The activity of catalase (CAT), superoxide
      dismutase (SOD) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE), as well as the levels of
      thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and reduced glutathione (GSH)
      were measured in human erythrocytes exposed (in vitro) to clomazone at varying
      concentrations in the range of 0, 100, 250 and 500 ug/L for 1 h at 37  degrees
      C.TBARS levels were significantly higher in erythrocytes incubated with clomazone
      at 100, 250 and 500 ug/L. However, erythrocyte CAT and AChE activities were
      decreased at all concentrations tested. SOD activity was increased only at 100
      ug/L of clomazone. GSH levels did not change with clomazone exposure. These
      results clearly showed clomazone to induce oxidative stress and AChE inhibition
      in human erythrocytes (in vitro). We, thus, suggest a possible role of ROS on
      toxicity mechanism induced by clomazone in humans.

PMID- 22058657
TI  - Effect of saliva from horse fly Hybomitra bimaculata on kinetic properties of
      Na,K-ATPase: possible role in regulation of relaxation.
AB  - The possible involvement of salivary gland extract (SGE) from horse flies in
      modifying hyperpolarization and relaxation via alterations in functional
      properties of sarcolemmal Na,K-ATPase in the host tissue was tested in vitro by
      application of various amounts of SGE from Hybomitra bimaculata.SGE in the amount
      of 3 ug proteins representing approximately the equivalent of one salivary gland
      of Hybomitra bimaculata induced a stimulatory effect on Na,K-ATPase at all ATP
      concentrations applied. This effect resulted from the improved ATP-binding site
      affinity in the Na,K-ATPase molecule, as implicated by the reduction in K(M).
      Increasing the amount of SGE to 6.5 ug resulted in inhibition of the enzyme,
      which was characterized by reduction in V(max) and also K(M). This suggests that
      in the presence of relatively high Hybomitra bimaculata SGE concentration some
      SGE components affect Na,K-ATPase, when ATP is already bound to the enzyme.Our
      results indicate that SGE from the horse fly Hybomitra bimaculata contain at
      least two different biologically active compounds modifying the acute recovery
      and maintenance of excitability during contractile activity in the host tissue by
      affecting Na,K-ATPase with opposite effects, depending on the ratio of SGE
      proteins to proteins of the host tissue.

PMID- 22058658
TI  - Effect of methyl methanesulfonate on hsp70 expression and tissue damage in the
      third instar larvae of transgenic Drosophila melanogaster (hsp70-lacZ) Bg.
AB  - Methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) is an anti-carcinogenic drug and its toxicity has
      been reported in various experimental models. The hsp70s are a family of
      ubiquitously expressed heat shock proteins. In the recent years, hsp70 has been
      considered to be one of the candidate genes for predicting cytotoxicity against
      environmental chemicals. Nowadays emphasis is given to the use of alternatives to
      mammals in testing, research and education. The European Centre for the
      Validation of Alternative Methods (EVCAM) has recommended the use of Drosophila
      as an alternative model for scientific studies. Almost all living organisms
      possess proteins with a similar structure to that of hsp70s. In the present
      study, the toxicity of MMS was evaluated by quantifying hsp70 expression and
      tissue damage in the third instar larvae of transgenic Drosophila melanogaster
      (hsp70-lacZ) Bg(9), at different doses and hours of exposure. We studied the
      effect of 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.0 ul/ml of MMS at 2, 4, 24 and 48 hours of
      exposure on hsp70 expression by using the soluble O-nitrophenyl-beta-D
      galactopyranoside (ONPG) assay and on establishing the tissue damage by the
      Trypan blue exclusion assay in the third instar larvae of transgenic Drosophila
      melanogaster (hsp70-lacZ) Bg(9). A dose-dependent increase in the expression of
      hsp70 was observed at 0.25, 0.50, and 0.75 ul/ml of MMS compared to the control.
      At the highest dose, i.e. 1.0 ul/ml of MMS, the activity of hsp70 was decreased
      due to tissue damage.

PMID- 22058659
TI  - The Subjective Experience of Social Class and Upward Mobility Among African
      American Men in Graduate School.
AB  - We used Consensual Qualitative Research Methodology to analyze responses from 14
      African American men (Mdn(Age) = 25 years-old) in graduate school at a
      predominantly-White university in the Midwestern region of the United Sates
      regarding how they acquired awareness of their social-class status; how social
      class was related to their sense of masculinity; how social class was related to
      race and skin tone; and the role that education and a romantic partner could play
      in upward mobility. School peers were the main source for their early awareness
      of social class. Many believed that discrimination maintains social class
      stratification that disadvantages racial minorities and that one's race will
      always trump any personal characteristics-including having light-complected skin
      and an advanced degree. Finally many overcame several obstacles during their
      educational career, and most believed that a romantic relationship with a woman
      from a privileged background could facilitate upward mobility. Psychological
      scientists and practitioners are encouraged to consider the role that social
      class plays when examining men's well-being.

PMID- 22058660
TI  - Mussel-Inspired Adhesives and Coatings.
AB  - Mussels attach to solid surfaces in the sea. Their adhesion must be rapid,
      strong, and tough, or else they will be dislodged and dashed to pieces by the
      next incoming wave. Given the dearth of synthetic adhesives for wet polar
      surfaces, much effort has been directed to characterizing and mimicking essential
      features of the adhesive chemistry practiced by mussels. Studies of these
      organisms have uncovered important adaptive strategies that help to circumvent
      the high dielectric and solvation properties of water that typically frustrate
      adhesion. In a chemical vein, the adhesive proteins of mussels are heavily
      decorated with Dopa, a catecholic functionality. Various synthetic polymers have
      been functionalized with catechols to provide diverse adhesive, sealant, coating,
      and anchoring properties, particularly for critical biomedical applications.

PMID- 22058661
TI  - Parameterization of a B3LYP specific correction for non-covalent interactions and
      basis set superposition error on a gigantic dataset of CCSD(T) quality non
      covalent interaction energies.
AB  - A vast number of non-covalent interaction energies at the counterpoise corrected
      CCSD(T) level have been collected from the literature to build a diverse new
      dataset. The whole dataset, which consists of 2027 CCSD(T) energies, includes
      most of the published data at this level. A large subset of the data was then
      used to train a novel, B3LYP specific, empirical correction scheme for non
      covalent interactions and basis set superposition error (abbreviated as B3LYP
      MM). Results obtained with our new correction scheme were directly compared to
      benchmark results obtained with B3LYP-D3(1) and M06-2X(2) (two popular density
      functions designed specifically to accurately model non-covalent interactions).
      For non-covalent complexes dominated by dispersion or dipole-dipole interactions
      all three tested methods give accurate results with the medium size aug-cc-pVDZ(3
      6) basis set with MUE's of 0.27 (B3LYP-MM), 0.32 (B3LYP-D3) and 0.47 kcal/mol
      (M06-2X) (with explicit counterpoise corrections). These results validate both
      B3LYP-D3 and M06-2X for interactions of this type using a much larger data set
      than was presented in prior work. However, our new dispersion correction scheme
      shows some clear advantages for dispersion and dipole-dipole dominated complexes
      with the small LACVP* basis set, which is very popular in use due to its low
      associated computational cost: The MUE for B3LYP-MM with the LACVP* basis set for
      this subset of complexes (without explicit counterpoise corrections) is only 0.28
      kcal/mol, compared to 0.65 kcal/mol for M06-2X or 1.16 kcal/mol for B3LYP-D3.
      Additionally, our new correction scheme also shows major improvements in accuracy
      for hydrogen-bonded systems and for systems involving ionic interactions, for
      example cation-pi interactions. Compared to B3LYP-D3 and M06-2X, we also find
      that our new B3LYP-MM correction scheme gives results of higher or equal accuracy
      for a large dataset of conformer energies of di- and tripeptides, sugars, and
      cysteine.

PMID- 22058662
TI  - Are There Racial Ethnic Differences in Indigent, Inner-City Clients With Dual
      Diagnosis?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: An exploratory, cross-sectional study examined personal, clinical, and
      treatment characteristics among non-Hispanic Caucasian, non-Hispanic African
      American, and Hispanic indigent, inner-city clients with co-occurring disorders. 
      METHODS: Men and women, 20-50 years old who met DSM-IV criteria for concurrent
      mood and substance use disorders were eligible. Inpatients, persons in
      detoxification programs, or incarcerated inmates were excluded. Assessments
      covered sociodemographic characteristics, clinical diagnoses, substance use,
      psychosocial variables, health care utilization and treatment history.  RESULTS:
      Two hundred volunteers were screened, and 145 were eligible to enroll. Racial
      ethnic group differences in the distribution of mood and substance use disorders
      and medical diseases were evident. Receiving psychiatric treatment and
      psychiatric medications significantly differed among racial ethnic groups with
      Caucasians more likely to receive these services than African Americans or
      Hispanics. African Americans and Hispanics were also more likely than Caucasians
      to test positive for their drug of choice and for other drugs as well. Serious
      medical illnesses were evident in about half of the sample, and the distributions
      of these illnesses significantly differed among racial ethnic groups. There were
      no significant differences in hospitalization or emergency room visits among
      racial ethnic groups.  CONCLUSIONS: Indigent, inner-city clients have multiple
      psychiatric and medical problems that warrant continuity of care. However, few
      doctor's visits for medical illnesses, lack of psychotropic medications,
      staggering unemployment, and homelessness were common in our sample. These
      results present healthcare and social service professionals with potentially
      serious treatment challenges. Better recognition and understanding of racial
      ethnic needs in those with co-occurring disorders are needed.

PMID- 22058663
TI  - Black men have lower rates than white men of biochemical failure with primary
      androgen-deprivation therapy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Black men have a higher incidence of advanced stage at diagnosis
      and mortality from prostate cancer than do men in other racial groups. Given that
      androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) is one of the mainstays of treatment for
      advanced prostate cancer, we investigated the development of biochemical failure,
      or recurrence of elevated prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, among different
      races in men receiving ADT. METHODS: Patients with prostate cancer who received
      ADT in the Kaiser Permanente Southern California Cancer Registry between January
      2003 and December 2006 were eligible for inclusion in our study. Patients who had
      prior treatment for their cancer with surgery or radiation were excluded.
      Treatment failure was defined as an increase in PSA of >2 ng/mL from PSA nadir,
      with no subsequent decrease in PSA. We compared the biochemical failure rate in
      white patients to those in black, Hispanic, and Asian/other patients. The Cox
      proportional hazards regression model was used to estimate hazards ratios.
      RESULTS: Our study population consisted of 681 patients: 416 (61%) were white;
      107 (16%) were black; 107 (16%) were Hispanic; and 51 (7%) were Asian or another
      race. After we controlled for all demographic variables and for variables related
      to prostate cancer, blacks were the only group with a lower risk of treatment
      failure compared with whites. The hazard ratios for treatment failure were as
      follows: black versus white, 0.66 (p = 0.03); Hispanic versus white, 1.00 (p =
      0.8); Asian/other race versus white, 1.5 (p = 0.1). In this multivariate
      analysis, pretreatment PSA level and cancer stage were the only other variables
      associated with a higher risk of treatment failure. CONCLUSION: Among patients
      receiving ADT as primary monotherapy for prostate cancer, blacks may have a lower
      rate of biochemical failure compared with whites. Although the etiology of this
      finding is unclear, it suggests the possibility that prostate cancer in black men
      may be more androgen sensitive than it is in white men.

PMID- 22058664
TI  - Building teams in primary care: what do nonlicensed allied health workers want?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Nonlicensed allied health workers are becoming increasingly
      important in collaborative team care, yet we know little about their experiences
      while filling these roles. To explore their perceptions of working as health
      coaches in a chronic-disease collaborative team, the teamlet model, we conducted
      a qualitative study to understand the nature and dynamics of this emerging role.
      METHODS: During semistructured interviews, 11 health coaches reflected on their
      yearlong experience in the teamlet model at an urban underserved primary care
      clinic. Investigators conducted a thematic analysis of transcriptions of the
      interviews using a grounded theory process. RESULTS: Four themes emerged: 1)
      health-coach roles and responsibilities included acting as a patient liaison
      between visits, providing patient education and cultural brokering during medical
      visits, and helping patients navigate the health care system; 2) communication
      and relationships in the teamlet model of care were defined by a triad of the
      patient, health coach, and resident physician; 3) interest in the teamlet model
      was influenced by allied health workers' prior education and health care roles;
      and 4) factors influencing the effectiveness of the model were related to
      clinical and administrative time pressures and competing demands of other work
      responsibilities. CONCLUSION: Nonlicensed allied health workers participating in
      collaborative teams have an important role in liaising between patients and their
      primary care physicians, advocating for patients through cultural brokering, and
      helping patients navigate the health care system. To maximize their job
      satisfaction, their selection should involve strong consideration of motivation
      to participate in these expanded roles, and protected time must be provided for
      them to carry out their responsibilities and optimize their effectiveness.

PMID- 22058665
TI  - Coffee, caffeine, and risk of hospitalization for arrhythmias.
AB  - CONTEXT: Population study data about relations of coffee drinking to arrhythmia
      are sparse. OBJECTIVE: To study relations of coffee drinking to risk of cardiac
      arrhythmia in 130,054 persons with previous data about coffee habits.Design and
      Outcome Measure: We used Cox proportional hazards models with 8 covariates to
      study coffee-related risk in 3137 persons hospitalized for cardiac arrhythmia. We
      conducted a similar analysis of total caffeine-related risk in a subgroup with
      data about other caffeine intake (11,679 study participants; 198 hospitalized).
      RESULTS: With non-coffee-drinkers as the referent, the adjusted hazard ratio (HR)
      for any arrhythmia at the level of <1 cup of coffee per day was 1.0 (95%
      confidence interval [CI] = 0.9-1.1; p = 0.7); for 1-3 cups/day, it was 0.9 (CI,
      0.8-1.0; p = 0.2), and for >=4 cups/day, it was 0.8 (CI, 0.7-0.9; p = 0.002).
      With coffee intake as a continuous variable, the HR per cup per day was 0.97 (CI,
      0.95-0.99; p = 0.001). RESULTS were similar for several strata, including persons
      with history or symptoms of possible cardiore-spiratory disease and those without
      such history or symptoms. Coffee had similar relations to atrial fibrillation
      (48% of participants with arrhythmia) and most other specific arrhythmia
      diagnoses. Controlled for number of cups of coffee per day, total caffeine intake
      was inversely related to risk (HR highest quartile vs lowest = 0.6; p = 0.03).
      CONCLUSION: The inverse relations of coffee and caffeine intake to
      hospitalization for arrhythmias make it unlikely that moderate caffeine intake
      increases arrhythmia risk.

PMID- 22058666
TI  - Optimizing Treatment of Intra-amniotic Infection and Early-Onset Postpartum
      Endometritis: Advantages of Single-Agent Therapy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Intra-amniotic infection (IAI) and early-onset postpartum
      endometritis (PPE) require prompt antibiotic treatment and are generally treated
      by either of two regimens. A complicated multi-agent regimen is most commonly
      used, despite a lack of clear evidence that it produces better outcomes than a
      simpler single-agent regimen. OBJECTIVE: We compared treatment outcomes between a
      multi-agent regimen of ampicillin, gentamicin, and clindamycin versus a single
      agent regimen of ampicillin/sulbactam for IAI and early-onset PPE. METHODS: We
      conducted an observational retrospective cohort study by collecting data from the
      records of all patients at Denver Health Medical Center treated for IAI or PPE
      during two 6-month periods: a baseline period during which a regimen of
      ampicillin, gentamicin, and clindamycin was used and a subsequent period when
      ampicillin/sulbactam was used. Primary outcomes were prolonged antibiotic
      treatment and readmission for endometritis or wound cellulitis. RESULTS: Of
      potential study participants, 323 women met inclusion criteria; 179 were treated
      with the multi-agent regimen and 144 were treated with the single-agent regimen.
      The groups were statistically similar for demographic and intrapartum
      characteristics, except for a lower rate of premature rupture of membranes in the
      single-agent treatment group. Twelve patients required prolonged treatment, and 2
      were readmitted; these subgroups were combined for statistical analyses. The
      primary outcomes were significantly associated with cesarean delivery and blood
      loss >500 mL for vaginal deliveries and >1000 mL for cesarean deliveries;
      however, there was no significant difference in the incidence of the primary
      outcomes between the 2 treatment groups when adjusted for these variables.
      Treatment with ampicillin/sulbactam resulted in fewer antibiotic doses
      administered to patients with an uncomplicated treatment course. CONCLUSION:
      Ampicillin/sulbactam treatment of IAI and early-onset PPE reduces the number of
      antibiotic doses administered and results in patient outcomes similar to those
      for the standard multi-agent therapy of ampicillin, gentamicin, and clindamycin.

PMID- 22058667
TI  - Virtual visitation in the neonatal intensive care: experience with the use of
      internet and telemedicine in a tertiary neonatal unit.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Globally about 8% to 10% of newborns require neonatal intensive
      care (NICU) care. Families face emotional and financial difficulties when their
      sick newborns are hospitalized for prolonged periods in a NICU. METHODS: We
      conducted a study to assess the feasibility and acceptance of an Internet-based
      telemedicine program in an intensive care setting and to evaluate its impact on
      newborns' length of stay (LOS) in hospitals. We identified eligible newborns and
      obtained their parents' written consent before installing a Web camera by the
      babies' beds. Using child-specific, confidential passwords, families viewed real
      time video images of their newborns through a secure portal via an Internet
      browser or 3G (third-generation) cell phone. Parents of study subjects completed
      a survey that detailed the performance of the system. Frequency of parental
      visits and LOS of babies were tracked and compared with the same data for similar
      high-risk newborns matched for gestation and birth weight. RESULTS: Parents
      responded favorably to the stability of the system and clarity of the image.
      Eighty percent requested a larger image frame. Frequencies of hospital visits
      made by parents of newborns in the study group and of those made by parents in
      the control group were not statistically different. LOS and postmenstrual age on
      discharge of study infants were not statistically different compared with infants
      in the control group. CONCLUSION: Virtual visitation is well accepted by families
      with sick newborns requiring prolonged hospitalization. Inclusion of information
      technology to optimize NICU visitation resulted in no significant decrease in
      duration of hospitalization; however, its role in improving post-discharge
      transition care must be evaluated further.

PMID- 22058668
TI  - Building a System of Care: Integration across the Heart Failure Care Continuum.
AB  - CONTEXT: MaineHealth provides chronic disease programs using The Planned Care
      Model as its framework. Over time, programs have evolved from working in silos to
      integrating across care arenas and organizations, resulting in a coordinated,
      reliable, and standardized system of care. Nowhere is this more apparent than in
      the system's heart failure (HF) programs. For years, disparate HF services
      existed across MaineHealth. The system lacked a comprehensive, integrated
      approach to support patients and families transitioning across multiple care
      environments. OBJECTIVE: Develop and implement a systemwide set of interventions
      to facilitate communication between clinicians in different care environments,
      consistent approaches to patient and clinician education, and improvement of
      clinical performance. DESIGN: An interdisciplinary Joint Heart Failure Workgroup
      was convened. Relationships were developed between "champions" from diverse care
      settings and professions. Champions assisted MaineHealth in leading the
      workgroup, creating a comprehensive set of strategies that better linked HF
      activities and care settings across the health system. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
      Readmission rates, core measures, use of home telemonitoring, patient confidence
      in self management. RESULTS: The impact of collaboration and integration has been
      substantial, resulting in better communication, coordination, reliability, and
      standardization of HF care. CONCLUSION: Through the use of a comprehensive set of
      improvement strategies, MaineHealth has been successful in overcoming many
      cultural and structural barriers to increase communication and integration across
      programs and care settings, and leveraging resources to improve outcomes in
      patients with HF.

PMID- 22058669
TI  - Qualitative Assessment of the Impact of Implementing Reiki Training in a
      Supported Residence for People Older Than 50 Years with HIV/AIDS.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Reiki is a Japanese form of energy healing that has become popular
      in the US. Reiki training involves three stages-levels I, II, and III-to a master
      practitioner level and requires both giving and receiving Reiki. We set out to
      implement a program to train clients of a supported residence in Brooklyn, NY.
      They were all older than age 50 years and had HIV/AIDS and substance-abuse and/or
      mental-health disorders. METHODS: A qualitative, narrative-inquiry study was
      conducted. The Reiki master kept a journal of her 3 years of providing 90 minutes
      of Reiki treatment and/or training once weekly at the residence. Forty-five of 50
      potential participants attended these sessions with various frequencies. Stories
      were collected from 35 participants regarding their experience of Reiki training.
      We posited success as continued involvement in the program. RESULTS: All 35
      participants reported receiving benefit from participation in Reiki. Participants
      first took part in training because of the offered subway tokens; however, 40
      continued their involvement despite a lack of compensation. When asked why they
      continued, participants reported life-changing experiences, including a greater
      ability to cope with addictions, a greater ability to manage counseling, healing
      of wounds, improvement of T-cell counts, and improved skills of daily living.
      CONCLUSION: Reiki training can be successfully implemented in a supported housing
      facility with people with HIV/AIDS and comorbid disorders. Some people in our
      study population reported areas of improvement and life-changing experiences. Our
      study did not establish the efficacy of Reiki, but our findings support the
      effect of the entire gestalt of implementing a program related to spirituality
      and healing and supports the goal of implementing a larger randomized, controlled
      trial in this setting to establish the efficacy of Reiki.

PMID- 22058670
TI  - Hospital Medicine's Evolution: Literature Search and Interview Study with
      Practices.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Hospital medicine is a young specialty that is still evolving. In
      its early years, research focused on clinical outcomes, efficiency, and cost
      effectiveness. As the specialty matures, increasing attention is being given to
      the patient and hospitalist experience with the hospitalist model of care.
      METHODS: In 2008, we conducted a literature search to identify patients' and
      hospitalists' satisfaction concerns and potential strategies for their
      resolution. We used our findings to develop a semistructured interview guide as a
      basis for a wide-ranging discussion with Kaiser Permanente (KP) hospitalists and
      physician leaders and KP and non-KP subject-matter experts on their priorities,
      concerns, and successful practices. RESULTS: Respondents identified
      sustainability and communications in coordinating care as their high-priority
      concerns with sustainability as the top priority. Within these broad concerns,
      they identified contributing factors and their interrelationships. Factors
      influencing sustainability of the hospitalist model include hospitalist
      scheduling, workload, comanagement responsibilities, and recruitment and
      retention. Regarding communications in coordinating care, respondents viewed
      themselves as being in the center of a web involving communication with patients,
      physicians in other services, nurses, and other hospitalists. CONCLUSION:
      Promising approaches have been developed to address sustainability concerns and
      for communicating with patients, physicians in other services, nurses, and other
      hospitalists. However, getting reliable feedback on patient satisfaction surveys
      for individual hospitalists is a continuing challenge. Despite the use of
      brochures and business cards to introduce themselves to patients and explain
      their role, there are difficulties in establishing a hospitalist-patient bond.

PMID- 22058671
TI  - The role of minimally invasive surgery and outcomes in colorectal cancer.
AB  - For some time now, there has been significant interest in understanding and
      defining the role of minimally invasive surgery in colorectal cancer.
      Laparoscopic surgery has been shown to have similar or better outcomes compared
      with open surgery. Recently, prospective randomized trials have demonstrated
      oncologic outcomes of laparoscopic colon surgery equivalent to those for open
      surgery. However, the technical challenges of performing laparoscopic resection
      of rectal cancers and the uncertainty of the oncologic quality of the surgical
      resection have hindered the growth of minimally invasive rectal surgery. Robotic
      rectal surgery has recently emerged as an attractive alternative to laparoscopic
      surgery because it allows for superior visualization within a narrow pelvic field
      and more precise dissection. Studies of robotic rectal resection have suggested
      similar or potentially improved short-term oncologic outcomes when compared with
      laparoscopic rectal resection. Ongoing randomized studies will provide additional
      insight into the role of laparoscopic and minimally invasive robotic surgery for
      rectal cancer.

PMID- 22058672
TI  - Improving diagnostic reasoning to improve patient safety.
AB  - Both clinicians and patients rely on an accurate diagnostic process to identify
      the correct illness and craft a treatment plan. Achieving improved diagnostic
      accuracy also fulfills organizational fiscal, safety, and legal objectives. It is
      frequently assumed that clinical experience and knowledge are sufficient to
      improve a clinician's diagnostic ability, but studies from fields where decision
      making and judgment are optimized suggest that additional effort beyond daily
      work is required for excellence. This article reviews the cognitive psychology of
      diagnostic reasoning and proposes steps that clinicians and health care systems
      can take to improve diagnostic accuracy.

PMID- 22058673
TI  - The treatment of black widow spider envenomation with antivenin latrodectus
      mactans: a case series.
AB  - Black widow spiders (Latrodectus mactans) are found throughout the US. Though
      bites are relatively uncommon, they pose a significant health problem with over
      2500 reported to American poison control centers annually. Black widow spider
      bites cause a characteristic envenomation syndrome consisting of severe pain,
      muscle cramping, abdominal pain, and back pain. The significant pain associated
      with envenomation is often refractory to traditional analgesics. Antivenom
      (Antivenin Latrodectus mactans) is available and effective, but is often withheld
      because of a fear of acute hypersensitivity reactions. We report four cases of
      symptomatic black widow spider envenomation. One of the reported cases was
      managed without antivenom, and, in contrast, three were treated successfully with
      Antivenin Latrodectus mactans. We believe that these cases demonstrate safe and
      effective use of black widow antivenom. This article presents the rationale for
      use of antivenom in these cases, and a nonsystematic review of the pertinent
      literature.

PMID- 22058674
TI  - Acute Myocardial Infarction due to Coronary Artery Embolism in a Patient with a
      Tissue Aortic Valve Replacement.
AB  - Acute occlusive embolism to the coronary arteries resulting in acute myocardial
      infarction (AMI) is an uncommon occurrence. Although cases of patients with
      mechanical prosthetic heart valves resulting in this phenomenon have been
      reported in the setting of inadequate anticoagulation, reported cases resulting
      years after tissue aortic valve replacement (AVR) are rare. We report the case of
      a 50-year-old man who underwent a tissue AVR four years earlier and presented to
      the Emergency Department (ED) with an ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.
      ED door-to-balloon time was delayed (at 115 minutes) because of pre-existing left
      bundle branch block on electrocardiogram. Emergent coronary angiography
      demonstrated complete occlusion of the left anterior descending coronary artery
      by a coronary embolus. The patient was successfully treated with percutaneous
      transluminal coronary angioplasty and aspiration thrombectomy, and subsequently
      underwent a transesophageal echocardiogram demonstrating thrombus on the tissue
      aortic valve prosthesis. This case demonstrates that coronary embolism resulting
      in AMI, while rare, can occur in patients years after tissue AVR surgery.

PMID- 22058675
TI  - Climate Change: It's Not About the Weather-Continuing Medical Education and
      Maintenance of Certification and Licensure.

PMID- 22058676
TI  - When Disaster Strikes, Humanity Becomes our Patient.

PMID- 22058677
TI  - Innovation in Our Nation's Public Hospitals: Three-Year Follow-Up Interview with
      Five CEOs and Medical Directors-Part 2.

PMID- 22058678
TI  - Notice of retraction.

PMID- 22058679
TI  - Retraction of articles.
AB  - This article reports the retraction of five articles published in Acta
      Crystallographica Section E between 2004 and 2011.

PMID- 22058680
TI  - A new langbeinite-type phosphate: K(2)AlSn(PO(4))(3).
AB  - Single crystals of the title compound, dipotassium aluminium tin(IV) tris
      [phosphate(V)], K(2)AlSn(PO(4))(3), were synthesized by a high temperature
      reaction in a platinum crucible. In the structure, the Al(III) and Sn(IV) atoms
      occupy the same site on a threefold rotation axis with occupational disorder in a
      1:1 ratio. In the three-dimensional structure, Al/SnO(6) octa-hedra and PO(4)
      tetra-hedra are inter-connected via their vertices, yielding a
      [Al/SnP(3)O(12)](n) framework. The K atoms (site symmetry 3) reside in the large
      cavities delimited by the [Al/SnP(3)O(12)](n) framework, and are surrounded by 12
      O atoms.

PMID- 22058681
TI  - Potassium deca-borate monohydrate.
AB  - In the crystal structure of the title compound, K(2)[B(10)O(14)(OH)(4)].H(2)O,
      the polyborate [B(10)O(14)(OH)(4)](2-) anions are linked together through their
      common O atoms, forming a helical chain-like structure. Adjacent chains are
      further connected into a three-dimensional structure by O-H?O hydrogen bonds. The
      water mol-ecules and potassium cations are located between these chains. Further
      O-H?O hydrogen bonds occur between the anions and the water mol-ecules.

PMID- 22058682
TI  - Thorium divanadate dihydrate, Th(V(2)O(7))(H(2)O)(2).
AB  - The title compound, Th(V(2)O(7))(H(2)O)(2), was synthesized by a hydro-thermal
      reaction. The crystal structure consists of ThO(7)(OH(2))(2) tricapped trigonal
      prisms that share edges, forming [ThO(5)(OH(2))(2)](n) chains along [010]. The
      edge-sharing ThO(7)(OH(2))(2) polyhedra share one edge and five vertices with the
      V(2)O(7) divanadate anions having a nearly ecliptic conformation parallel to
      [001]. This results in an open framework with the water mol-ecules located in
      channels. O-H?O hydrogen bonding between water molecules and framework O atoms is
      observed. Bond-valence-sum calculations are in good agreement with the chemical
      formula of the title compound.

PMID- 22058683
TI  - A second polymorph of chlorido(hydroxy-diphenyl-phosphane)gold(I).
AB  - The title complex, [AuCl{(C(6)H(5))(2)P(OH)-kappaP}] or [AuCl(C(12)H(11)OP)],
      contains two independent mol-ecules in the asymmetric unit and is a polymorph of
      a previously reported structure [Hollatz et al. (1999 ?) J. Chem. Soc. Dalton
      Trans. pp. 111-114]. The crystal structure exhibits inter-molecular Au?Au inter
      actions with alternate distances of 3.0112 (3) A and 3.0375 (2) A. The Cl-Au-P
      bond angle varies between different mol-ecular units, depending on the degree of
      influence of the intra-molecular the O-H?Cl hydrogen bond; the angle thus varies
      between negligible distortion from linearity at 179.23 (3) degrees  and more
      significant distortion at 170.39 (4) degrees , which differs from the previously
      reported polymorph in which both these angles are approximately 170 degrees . The
      Au-Cl [2.3366 (9) and 2.3131 (10)A] and Au-P [2.2304 (10) and 2.2254 (10) A] bond
      lengths vary slightly between the two independent mol-ecules but overall, the
      bond lengths are in good agreement with those in the previously reported
      polymorph.

PMID- 22058684
TI  - catena-Poly[[triaqua-nickel(II)]-MU-5-carb-oxy-benzene-1,3-dicarboxyl-ato
      kappaO:O].
AB  - In the title compound, [Ni(C(9)H(4)O(6))(H(2)O)(3)](n), the Ni(II) ion has a
      distorted NiO(5) square-pyramidal geometry, the maximum deviation from the least
      squares plane formed by the basal atoms being 0.9351 (13) A. The basal plane is
      formed by two O atoms from carboxyl-ate residues of the 5-carb-oxy-benzene-1,3
      dicarboxyl-ate ligand and by two O atoms from water mol-ecules. The O atom of the
      third water mol-ecule is axially positioned, 1.7890 (19) A perpendicular to the
      basal plane. The 5-carb-oxy-benzene-1,3-dicarboxyl-ate ligand bridges the metal
      atoms, forming a polymeric chain along the b axis. O-H?O hydrogen bonds between
      the water mol-ecules and carboxyl-ate groups stabilize the crystal structure.

PMID- 22058685
TI  - Diaqua-iodido(2,3,5,6-tetra-2-pyridyl-pyrazine-kappaN,N,N)manganese(II) iodide
      monohydrate.
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound,
      [MnI(C(24)H(16)N(6))(H(2)O)(2)]I.H(2)O, consists of a cationic Mn(II) complex, an
      I(-) anion and a solvent water mol-ecule. In the complex, the Mn(II) ion is six
      coordinated in a considerably distorted octa-hedral environment defined by three
      N atoms of the tridentate 2,3,5,6-tetra-2-pyridyl-pyrazine (tppz) ligand, one I(
      ) anion and two O atoms of two water ligands. The dihedral angles between the
      pyridyl rings [maximum deviation = 0.034 (6) A] and their carrier pyrazine ring
      [maximum deviation = 0.020 (6) A] are 26.5 (2) and 27.0 (2) degrees  for the
      coordinated pyridyl rings, and 51.3 (3) and 43.2 (2) degrees  for the
      uncoordinated pyridyl rings. Inter-molecular O-H?O, O-H?N and O-H?I hydrogen
      bonds stabilize the crystal structure.

PMID- 22058686
TI  - Bis(MU-2-phenyl-acetato-kappaO:O)bis-[(2,2'-bipyridyl-kappaN,N')(2-phenyl-acetato
      kappaO)copper(II)] dihydrate.
AB  - The mol-ecule of the binuclear title complex,
      [Cu(2)(C(8)H(7)O(2))(4)(C(10)H(8)N(2))(2)].2H(2)O, is located on an inversion
      centre. The Cu atoms are bridged by two O atoms of the monodentate phenyl-acetate
      groups [Cu-O = 1.9808 (14) and 2.3668 (14) A]. The longer of the two bridging Cu
      O bonds takes the apical position of the distorted square-pyramidal environment
      of the Cu atom, which is completed by two N atoms of the chelate 2,2'-bipyridine
      ligand [Cu-N = 2.0107 (17) and 2.0234 (16) A]. The mol-ecules are assembled into
      stacks along [100] through pi-pi inter-actions with inter-planar distances of
      3.630 (4) and 3.407 (3) A; the resulting stacks are further connected into a
      three-dimensional supra-molecular architecture by O-H?O and C-H?O hydrogen
      bonding inter-actions.

PMID- 22058687
TI  - Bis(acrylonitrile-kappaN)dichlorido(eta-cyclo-octa-1,5-diene)ruthenium(II).
AB  - In the title complex, [RuCl(2)(C(8)H(12))(C(3)H(3)N)(2)], the metal ion is
      coordinated to centers of each of the double bonds of the cyclo-octa-1,5-diene
      ligand, to two chloride ions (in cis positions) and to two N-atom donors from two
      acrylonitrile mol-ecules that complete the coordination sphere for the neutral
      complex. The coordination about the Ru(II) atom can thus be considered octa
      hedral with slight trigonal distortion. The three C atoms of one of the
      acrylonitrile ligands are disordered over two sets of sites in a 0.581 (13):0.419
      (13) ratio.

PMID- 22058688
TI  - trans-Bis[4-amino-3,5-bis-(2-pyrid-yl)-4H-1,2,4-triazole-kappaN]diaqua-cobalt(II)
      bis-(3-carb-oxy-5-nitro-benzoate).
AB  - The title complex, [Co(C(12)H(10)N(6))(2)(H(2)O)(2)](C(8)H(4)NO(6))(2), is
      composed of a mononuclear cobalt(II) cation and two 3-carb-oxy-5-nitro-benzoate
      anions for charge balance. In the cation, the Co(II) atom is six-coordinated in a
      distorted octa-hedral geometry. It bonds to two O atoms of two water mol-ecules,
      and two pairs of N atoms from two 4-amino-3,5-bis-(2-pyrid-yl)-4H-1,2,4-triazole
      mol-ecules, which behave as bidentate chelating ligands. There are intra
      molecular N-H?N hydrogen bonds in the cation. In the crystal, there are a number
      of inter-molecular N-H?O and O-H?O hydrogen bonds, as well as inter-molecular pi
      pi stacking inter-actions [centroid-centroid distances = 3.657 (2) and 3.847 (2)
      A], that link the mol-ecules into two-dimensional networks lying parallel to the
      ab plane. The presence of C-H?O inter-actions leads to the formation of a three
      dimensional network.

PMID- 22058689
TI  - Poly[[MU(7)-l-cysteato(2-)]disodium].
AB  - The title compound {systematic name: poly[[MU(7)-(2R)-2-amino-3-sulfonato-propano
      ato]disodium]}, [Na(2)(C(3)H(5)NO(5)S)](n), was obtained through solvent-thermal
      reaction of l-cysteic acid and aqueous sodium hydroxide. The monomer consists of
      two Na(+) cations that are coordinated to the deprotonated amino acid. The latter
      acts as donor utilizing all available coordination sites, viz. the amino, the
      carboxyl-ate and the sulfonate residues, so producing a monomeric framework in
      which the two coordinated Na(+) ions have different coordination spheres and
      geometries. One of the Na(+) ions has an O(5) coordination sphere with a typical
      geometric arrangement, inter-mediate between trigonal-bipyramidal and square
      pyramidal; all the O atoms from the amino acid (three from the sulfonate and two
      from the caboxylate residues) act as donors. The second Na(+) ion is
      tetracoordinated within an NO(3) coordination sphere. The Na(+) ion binds to the
      amino N atom, to one of the O atom of the carb-oxy-lic residue and to two O atoms
      of the sulfonate group in a distorted tetra-hedral arrangement. As the sulfonate
      O atoms bind to both Na(+) ions, a three-dimensional polymeric framework is
      obtained.

PMID- 22058690
TI  - cis-Dichloridobis{[4-(dimethyl-amino)-phen-yl]diphenyl-phosphane
      kappaP}platinum(II) ethyl acetate monosolvate.
AB  - The title compound, [PtCl(2)(C(20)H(20)P)(2)].C(4)H(8)O(2), crystallizes with the
      Pt atom in a distorted cis-square-planar geometry. The Pt-P bond lengths are
      2.2490 (19) and 2.253 (2) A, and the Pt-Cl bond lengths are 2.344 (2) and 2.3475
      (18) A. Some weak C-H?Cl and C-H?O inter-actions involving the solvate mol-ecule
      were observed.

PMID- 22058691
TI  - Tetra-kis(MU(2)-2-phen-oxy-propionato)-kappaO,O':O';kappaO:O,O';kappaO:O'-bis
      [(1,10-phenanthroline-kappaN,N')(2-phen-oxy-propionato-kappaO,O')lanthanum(III)].
AB  - In the centrosymmetric binuclear title complex,
      [La(2)(C(9)H(9)O(3))(6)(C(12)H(8)N(2))(2)], the two La(III) ions are linked by
      four 2-phen-oxy-propionate (L) groups in bi- and tridentate bridging modes. Each
      La(III) ion is nine-coordinated by one 1,10-phenanthroline mol-ecule, one
      bidentate chelating carboxyl-ate group and four bridging carboxyl-ate groups in a
      distorted LaN(2)O(7) monocapped square-anti-prismatic geometry.

PMID- 22058692
TI  - Bis(MU(2)-2-phen-oxy-propionato-kappaO:O')bis-[(1,10-phenanthroline-kappaN,N')bis
      (2-phen-oxy-propionato-kappaO,O')ytterbium(III)].
AB  - In the centrosymmetric binuclear title complex,
      [Yb(2)(C(9)H(9)O(3))(6)(C(12)H(8)N(2))(2)], the two Yb(III) ions are linked by
      two 2-phen-oxy-propionate (L) groups in a bidentate bridging mode. Each Yb(III)
      ion is eight-coordinated by two O atoms from two bridging L ligands, four O atoms
      from two chelating L groups and two N atoms from one chelating phen mol-ecule in
      a distorted YbN(2)O(6) dodeca-hedral geometry.

PMID- 22058693
TI  - Tri-MU-chlorido-bis-[(eta-hexa-methyl-benzene)-ruthenium(II)] tetra-chlorido
      ferrate(III).
AB  - The mol-ecular geometry of the complex cation in the title structure, [(MU
      Cl)(3){Ru(II)(eta(6)-C(6)Me(6))}(2)][Fe(III)Cl(4)], compares very well with that
      reported earlier for the corresponding PF(6) (-) salt [Pandey et al. (1999 ?). J.
      Organomet. Chem.592, 278-282]. The [FeCl(4)](-) counter ion has a rather regular
      tetra-hedral geometry with Fe-Cl distances and Cl-Fe-Cl angles in the range
      2.1891 (7)-2.2018 (8) A and 107.10 (3)-110.56 (3) degrees , respectively. There
      are no significant inter-molecular inter-actions in the crystal except for some
      weak C-H?Cl contacts, which in turn indicates that the crystal packing is
      determined predominantly by electrostatic inter-actions between the ionic
      constituents.

PMID- 22058694
TI  - Bis(MU-3-chloro-benzene-1,2-dicarboxyl-ato-kappaO:O)bis-[diaqua-(5,5'-dimethyl
      2,2'-bipyridine-kappaN,N')copper(II)].
AB  - In the centrosymmetric binuclear title compound,
      [Cu(2)(C(8)H(3)ClO(4))(2)(C(12)H(12)N(2))(2)(H(2)O)(4)], the Cu(II) ion is six
      coordinated by two N atoms from a 5,5'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine ligand, two
      bridging O atoms from two 3-chloro-benzene-1,2-dicarboxyl-ate ligands and two
      water mol-ecules in a distorted octa-hedral geometry. The binuclear complex mol
      ecules are linked together by inter-molecular O-H?O hydrogen bonds into a layer
      parallel to (100). The layers are connected by C-H?Cl hydrogen bonds. Intra
      molecular O-H?O hydrogen bonds and pi-pi inter-actions [centroid-centroid
      distance = 3.5958 (16) A] are also present.

PMID- 22058695
TI  - Poly[[diaqua-bis-(2,2'-bipyridine)-bis-(MU(3)-5-hy-droxy-isophthalato)(MU(2)-5-hy
      droxy-isophthalato)digadolinium(III)] trihydrate].
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title coordination polymer,
      {[Gd(2)(C(8)H(4)O(5))(3)(C(10)H(8)N(2))(2)(H(2)O)(2)].3H(2)O}(n), contains two
      Gd(III) cations, one of which is surrounded by three 5-hy-droxy-isophthalate
      anions, one 2,2'-bipyridine ligand and two water mol-ecules in a distorted
      N(2)O(7) tricapped trigonal-prismatic coordination geometry. The other Gd cation
      is coordinated by four 5-hy-droxy-isophthalate anions and one 2,2'-bipyridine
      ligand in a distorted N(2)O(7) tricapped trigonal-prismatic coordination
      geometry. The 5-hy-droxy-isophthalate anions bridge the Gd cations, forming a
      layer structure. The layers are further connected by extensive O-H?O hydrogen
      bonding, assembling a three-dimensional supra-molecular network.

PMID- 22058696
TI  - catena-Poly[[dichloridozinc(II)]-MU-1,4-bis-(pyridin-2-ylmeth-oxy)benzene
      kappaN:N'].
AB  - In the title compound, [ZnCl(2)(C(18)H(16)N(2)O(2))](n), the Zn(II) ion is tetra
      hedrally coordinated by two Cl atoms and by two N atoms from different 1,4-bis
      (pyridin-2-ylmeth-oxy)benzene ligands. The ligand shows a non-planar
      configuration, in which the dihedral angles between the two terminal pyridine
      rings and the linking benzene ring are 7.86 (12) and 70.74 (11) degrees . The
      flexible ligand coordinates to the Zn(II) ions, generating an infinite chain
      propagating along [001].

PMID- 22058697
TI  - (R,R(Fc),S(Ru))-Chlorido(eta-p-cymene){1-[1-(diphenyl-phosphanyl)ethyl]-2-[2
      (diphenyl-phosphanyl)phenyl]ferrocene-kappaP,P'}ruthenium(II) hexa-fluorido
      phosphate.
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound,
      [FeRuCl(C(5)H(5))(C(10)H(14))(C(37)H(31)P(2))]PF(6), contains two independent,
      geometrically similar Ru(II) complexes of a chiral ferrocenyldiphosphane with
      piano-stool coordination through the eta(6)-bound p-cymene ligand, two chelating
      phospho-rus donor atoms, and an exo-oriented chloride ion. The mean bond lengths
      of the two Ru complexes are Ru-C = 2.276 A, Ru-P = 2.3816 A, and Ru-Cl = 2.3924
      A. Both chloride ligands form only intra-molecular C-H?Cl inter-actions. Seven
      weak inter-molecular C-H?F inter-actions involving mainly arene H atoms
      consolidate the crystal packing, which reveals an approximate c/2 pseudo
      translation relating the two independent Ru complex mol-ecules.

PMID- 22058698
TI  - MU-Acetato-aqua-MU-(5-bromo-2-{1,3-bis-[2-(5-bromo-2-oxidobenzyl-idene-amino)-eth
      yl]imidazolidin-2-yl}phenolato)methano-ldinickel(II) methanol disolvate
      monohydrate.
AB  - The crystal structure of the title compound,
      [Ni(2)(C(27)H(24)Br(3)N(4)O(3))(CH(3)CO(2))(CH(3)OH)(H(2)O)].2CH(3)OH.H(2)O
      contains [L(OAc){(CH(3)OH)Ni}{(H(2)O)Ni}] mol-ecules {H(3)L = 2-(5-bromo-2-hy
      droxy-phen-yl)-1,3-bis-[4-(5-bromo-2-hy-droxy-phen-yl)-3-aza-but-3-en-yl]-1,3
      imidazolidine} with additional water and two methanol solvent mol-ecules. In this
      instance, one of the two Ni atoms is coordinated to a water and the other to a
      methanol mol-ecule. The Ni-O and Ni-N distances, as well as the angles about the
      metal atoms, show quite regular octa-hedra around the central ions. The Ni
      O(phenol)-Ni and Ni-O(acetate)-Ni angles are not similar [95.26 (13) and 97.34
      (13) degrees , respectively], indicating that this subtle solvate exchange
      induces significant differences in the conformation adopted. The coordinated
      methanol ligand is involved in an intra-molecular hydrogen bond to the
      uncoordinated O atom of the bridging acetate ligand, while the coordinated water
      mol-ecule forms a hydrogen bond with the one of the methanol solvent mol-ecules.
      The water solvent mol-ecule forms strong hydrogen bonds to both phenolate O
      atoms. The remaining methanol solvent mol-ecule also forms a hydrogen bond with
      this solvent water mol-ecule.

PMID- 22058699
TI  - catena-Poly[[(triphenyl-phosphane)copper(I)]-di-MU-iodido-[(triphenyl
      phosphane)copper(I)]-MU-{1,2-bis-[1-(pyridin-4-yl)ethyl-idene]hydrazine}].
AB  - In the title coordination polymer,
      [Cu(2)I(2)(C(14)H(14)N(4))(C(18)H(15)P)(2)](n), the Cu(I) atom is coordinated by
      two I atoms, one P atom and one N atom in a fairly regular tetra-hedral
      arrangement. A crystallographic inversion centre generates a Cu(2)I(2) diamond
      with a Cu-Cu separation of 3.0120 (5) A. The complete N,N'-(1-pyridin-4-yl
      ethethyl-idene)-hydrazine mol-ecule is also generated by inversion symmetry, and
      this bridging ligand leads to [011] polymeric chains in the crystal structure.

PMID- 22058700
TI  - Dichlorido{2-[(thio-phen-2-ylmeth-yl)imino-meth-yl]pyridine
      kappaN,N'}palladium(II).
AB  - In the title compound, [PdCl(2)(C(11)H(10)N(2)S)], the Pd(II) ion is four
      coordinated in a distorted square-planar environment by two N atoms of the
      chelating 2-[(thio-phen-2-ylmeth-yl)imino-meth-yl]pyridine ligand and two
      chloride anions. The thio-phene ring is rotationally disordered over two
      orientations in a 1:1 ratio. The crystal packing exhibits weak inter-molecular C
      H?Cl and C-H?S hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22058701
TI  - Bis(3-benzoyl-1,1-di-sec-butyl-thio-ureato-kappaO,S)palladium(II).
AB  - The complex mol-ecule of the title complex, [Pd(C(16)H(23)N(2)OS)(2)], is
      completed by crystallographic twofold symmetry with the metal atom lying on the
      rotation axis. The Pd(II) atom exists within a slightly distorted square-planar
      geometry defined by a cis-O(2)S(2) donor set. The dihedral angle formed between
      the mean planes of the symmetry-related six-membered chelate rings is 12.88 (7)
      degrees  and the bond lengths within the rings are indicative of significant
      electron delocalization. In the crystal, mol-ecules aggregate into dimers linked
      by four C-H?O inter-actions.

PMID- 22058702
TI  - Di-MU-chlorido-bis-[diacetonitrile-chlorido-oxidovanadium(IV)].
AB  - The title compound, [V(2)Cl(4)O(2)(CH(3)CN)(4)], is a centrosymmetric dinuclear
      V(IV) complex associated with four mol-ecules of acetonitrile. The coordination
      around both V(IV) atoms is essentially square-planar, involving three Cl atoms
      and one O atom [maximum deviation = 0.017 (3) A for the O atom]. The augmented
      octahedral coordination of the metal atom is completed by the N atoms of
      acetonitrile ligands. The V(IV) atoms are linked by two Cl atoms, acting as
      bridging atoms. The crystal studied was a non-merohedral twin with a ratio of the
      two twin components of 0.8200 (3):0.1800 (3). Although Cl and O atoms are present
      as potential acceptors in the title compound, no hydrogen bonds were observed in
      the crystal structure.

PMID- 22058703
TI  - Tris(2,2'-bi-1H-imidazole-kappaN,N)cobalt(II) hydrogen phosphate.
AB  - The title compound, [Co(C(6)H(6)N(4))(3)]HPO(4), was synthesized under hydro
      thermal conditions. In the cation, the Co(II) atom is octa-hedrally coordinated
      by six N atoms from three 2,2'-bi-1H-imidazole ligands [Co-N bond lengths are in
      the range 2.084 (5)-2.133 (6) A]. Inter-molecular N-H?O hydrogen bonds form an
      extensive hydrogen-bonding network, which links cations and anions into a three
      dimensional crystal structure.

PMID- 22058704
TI  - Tetra-kis(MU-2-phen-oxy-propionato)-kappaO,O':O';kappaO:O,O';kappaO:O'-bis-[(1,10
      phenanthroline-kappaN,N')(2-phen-oxy-propionato-kappaO,O')holmium(III)].
AB  - The title compound, [Ho(2)(C(9)H(9)O(3))(6)(C(12)H(8)N(2))(2)], lies about a
      centre of symmetry and is comprised of six 2-phen-oxy-propionate (POPA) anions
      and two 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) ligands. The two Ho(III) ions are linked by
      four POPA groups utilizing both bi- and tridentate bridging modes to form an
      inversion-symmetric dimer. Each Ho(III) ion is nine-coordinate, with a chelating
      1,10-phenanthroline mol-ecule, one bidentate chelating carboxyl-ate group, two
      bidentate bridging carboxyl-ate groups and two tridentate bridging carboxyl-ate
      groups in a distorted mono-capped square anti-prism geometry. There are weak pi
      pi aromatic inter-actions between the phen groups and aromatic rings of the POPA
      ligands [centroid-centroid distance = 3.829 (1) A].

PMID- 22058705
TI  - A new mono-functionalized organoimido hexa-molybdate derivative: bis-(tetra-n
      butyl-ammonium) (5-chloro-2-methyl-phenyl-imido)-MU(6)-oxido-dodeca-MU(2)-oxido
      penta-oxidohexa-molybdate(VI).
AB  - The title complex, [(C(4)H(9))(4)N](2)[Mo(6)(C(7)H(6)ClN)O(18)], was prepared by
      the reaction of (Bu(4)N)(4)[alpha-Mo(8)O(26)] and 2-methyl-5-chloro-aniline hydro
      chloride with N,N'-dicyclo-hexyl-carbodiimide as dehydrating agent in dry
      acetonitrile solution. The aryl-imido ligand is linked to an Mo atom of the
      Lindqvist-type hexamolybdate anion by an Mo N triple bond, with a bond length of
      1.732 (4) A and an Mo N-C bond angle of 169.1 (4) degrees , typical for
      monodentate imido groups in such hybrid complexes. Due to the inter-action
      between one H atom in the aryl group and an O atom of a symmetry-related hexa
      molybdate cluster, the anions form centrosymmetric dimers in the crystal
      structure. Weak C-H?O contacts are observed between the cations and anions.
      Unresolved disorder in some of the butyl chains of the ammonium cation is noted.

PMID- 22058706
TI  - Diiodidobis{4-[2-(2-methyl-phen-yl)ethen-yl]pyridine-kappaN}cadmium.
AB  - In the title complex, [CdI(2)(C(14)H(13)N)(2)], the Cd atom lies on a twofold
      rotation axis that relates the I atom and the 4-(2-methyl-styr-yl)pyridine ligand
      to their counterparts. Therefore the asymmetric unit contains one
      crystallographically independent half-mol-ecule. The Cd atom adopts a tetra
      hedral coordination geometry, coordinated by two I atoms and two N atoms from the
      symmetry-related 4-(2-methyl-styr-yl)pyridine ligands.

PMID- 22058707
TI  - Bis(9-amino-acridinium) bis-(pyridine-2,6-dicarboxyl-ato-kappaO,N,O)manganate(II)
      trihydrate.
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound,
      (C(13)H(11)N(2))(2)[Mn(C(7)H(3)NO(4))(2)].3H(2)O, consists of a discrete
      mononuclear [Mn(2,6-pydc)(2)](2-) anionic complex (2,6-pydc is pyridine-2,6
      dicarboxyl-ate) associated with two 9-amino-acridinium counter-ions for
      neutralization of charge and three uncoordin-ated water mol-ecules. The Mn(II)
      atom is six-coordinated by (2,6-pydc)(2-) anions in a tridentate fashion and is
      at the centre of a distorted octa-hedron formed by the MnO(4)N(2) bonding set. In
      the crystal, various inter-molecular inter-actions between different moieties can
      be found, such as different kinds of hydrogen bonds, offset or slipped pi-pi
      [centroid-centroid distances in the range 3.3704 (12) to 3.8674 (13)A] and C=O?pi
      [3.563 A] inter-actions, which lead to the formation of a three-dimensional supra
      molecular network.

PMID- 22058708
TI  - Di-MU(3)-chlorido-tetra-MU(2)-chlorido-dichloridobis(dimethyl-formamide
      kappaO)hexa-kis-(1H-imidazole-kappaN)tetra-cadmium.
AB  - The centrosymmetric mol-ecule of the title complex,
      [Cd(4)Cl(8)(C(3)H(4)N(2))(6)(C(3)H(7)NO)(2)], contains four Cd(II) atoms, six
      imidazole, two dimethyl-formamide and eight chloride ligands. The structure shows
      a novel chloride-bridged tetra-nuclear cadmium quasi-cubane cluster. The
      coordination geometry of all Cd(II) atoms is distorted octa-hedral, with the two
      metal atoms in the asymmetric unit in different coordination environments. One of
      the Cd(2+) ions is coordinated by five Cl(-) ions and by one N atom from an
      imidazole ligand, while the second is coordinated by three chloride ligands, two
      N atoms from two imidazole ligands and one O atom from a dimethyl-formamide mol
      ecule. Inter-molecular N-H?Cl hydrogen bonds link the mol-ecules into a two
      dimensional polymeric structure parallel to the ab plane.

PMID- 22058709
TI  - Bis(MU-azido-kappaN:N)bis-{(acetato-kappaO,O')[2,4,6-tris-(2-pyrid-yl)-1,3,5
      triazine-kappaN,N,N]lead(II)}.
AB  - The complete dinuclear title complex,
      [Pb(2)(C(2)H(3)O(2))(2)(N(3))(2)(C(18)H(12)N(6))(2)], is generated by the
      application of a crystallographic centre of inversion. The Pb(II) atom is
      coordinated by three N atoms of the tridentate ligand, two O atoms derived from
      an asymmetrically coordinating acetate ligand, and two azido-N atoms derived from
      two asymmetrically bridging azido ligands. The metal coordination geometry can be
      described as a square anti-prism with one position occupied by an unseen lone
      pair of electrons. In the ligand, the two coordinating pyridine rings are almost
      co-planar with the central pyrazine ring [dihedral angles = 0.47 (17) and 0.83
      (18) degrees ], but the terminal ring is twisted [dihedral angle = 19.76 (18)
      degrees ]. In the crystal, the presence of pi-pi inter-actions [ring centroid
      distance between pyridyl rings = 3.581 (2) A] leads to supra-molecular chains
      along the a-axis direction.

PMID- 22058710
TI  - Tetra-kis(5,7-dimethyl-quinolin-8-olato-kappaN,O)hafnium(IV) dimethyl-formamide
      disolvate.
AB  - In the title compound, [Hf(C(11)H(10)NO)(4)].2C(3)H(7)NO, the Hf(IV) atom is
      coordinated by four N,O-donating bidentate 5,7-dimethyl-8-quinolino-late (Ox(-))
      ligands arranged to give a distorted square-anti-prismatic coordination
      polyhedron. The average Hf-O and Hf-N distances are 2.098 and 2.298 A,
      respectively, and the average O-Hf-N bite angle is 70.2 degrees . The crystal
      packing is controlled by pi-pi inter-actions between Ox(-) ligands of
      neighbouring mol-ecules, giving rise to a three-dimensional supra-molecular grid
      network. The inter-planar distances vary from 3.441 (1) to 3.509 (1) A, while the
      centroid-centroid distances vary from 3.688 (2) to 3.759 (12) A. A non-classical
      C-H?O hydrogen bond is observed between the complex and one of the solvate mol
      ecules.

PMID- 22058711
TI  - Diaqua-bis-(5-methyl-pyrazine-2-carboxyl-ato-kappaN,O)cobalt(II) dihydrate.
AB  - In the title complex, [Co(C(6)H(5)N(2)O(2))(2)(H(2)O)(2)].2H(2)O, the
      coordination geometry of the Co(2+) cation is distorted octa-hedral, with two N
      atoms and two O atoms from two 5-methyl-pyrazine-2-carboxyl-ate ligands in the
      equatorial plane. The two remaining coordination sites are occupied by two water
      mol-ecules. In addition, there are two uncoordinated water mol-ecules in the
      asymmetric unit. The crystal structure is stabilized by a network of O-H?O and O
      H?N hydrogen-bonding inter-actions, forming a three-dimensional structure.

PMID- 22058712
TI  - Poly[diaquabis-(MU(4)-fumarato-kappaO:O:O:O)(MU(4)-fumarato
      kappaO:O,O:O:O,O)(MU(2)-fumaric acid-kappaO:O)dipraseodymium(III)].
AB  - The title complex, [Pr(2)(C(4)H(2)O(4))(3)(C(4)H(4)O(4))(H(2)O)(2)](n), was
      synthesized by reaction of praseodymium(III) nitrate hexa-hydrate with fumaric
      acid in a water-ethanol (4:1) solution. The asymmetric unit comprises a Pr(3+)
      cation, one and a half fumarate dianions (L(2-)), one half-mol-ecule of fumaric
      acid (H(2)L) and one coordinated water mol-ecule. The carboxyl-ate groups of the
      fumarate dianion and fumaric acid exhibit different coordination modes. In one
      fumarate dianion, two carboxyl-ate groups are chelating with two Pr(3+) cations,
      and the other two O atoms each coordinate a Pr(3+) cation. Each O atom of the
      second fumarate dianion binds to a different Pr(3+) cation. The fumaric acid
      employs one O atom at each end to bridge two Pr(3+) cations. The Pr(3+) cation is
      coordinated in a distorted tricapped trigonal-prismatic environment by eight O
      atoms of fumarate dianion or fumaric acid ligands and one water O atom. The
      PrO(9) coordination polyhedra are edge-shared through one carboxyl-ate O atom and
      two carboxyl-ate groups, generating infinite praseodymium-oxygen chains, which
      are further connected by the ligands into a three-dimensional framework. The
      crystal structure is stabilized by O-H?O hydrogen-bond inter-actions between the
      coordin-ated water mol-ecule and the carboxyl-ate O atoms.

PMID- 22058713
TI  - Poly[trans-diaquabis-[MU(2)-2-(pyridin-3-yl)acetato-kappaN:O]-zinc].
AB  - In the title coordination polymer, [Zn(C(7)H(6)NO(2))(2)(H(2)O)(2)](n), the
      Zn(II) cation is located on an inversion center and is coordinated by four
      pyridyl-acetate anions and two water mol-ecules in a distorted ZnN(2)O(4) octa
      hedral geometry. The pyridine-N and carboxyl-ate-O atoms of the pyridyl-acetate
      anion connect to two Zn(II) cations, forming a two-dimensional polymeric complex
      extending parallel to (212). Inter-molecular O-H?O and weak C-H?O hydrogen
      bonding is present in the crystal structure.

PMID- 22058714
TI  - MU-Oxalato-bis-[bis-(2,2'-bipyridine)-manganese(II)] bis(perchlorate) 2,2'
      bipyridine solvate.
AB  - The unit cell of the title compound,
      [Mn(2)(C(2)O(4))(C(10)H(8)N(2))(4)](ClO(4))(2).C(10)H(8)N(2), consists of a
      binuclear cation, two perchlor-ate anions, and one solvent 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy)
      mol-ecule. In the complex cation [Mn(2)(C(2)O(4))(C(10)N(2)H(8))(4)](2+), two
      Mn(II) atoms are bridged by a bis-(bidentate) oxalate ligand, each Mn(II) atom
      being further coordinated by two bpy ligands in a distorted octa-hedral geometry.
      The distance between the two six-coordinated metal atoms is 5.583 (1) A. pi-pi
      stacking inter-actions [inter-planar distances between bpy rings = 3.739 (1) A]
      are essential to the supramolecular assembly. There are extensive inter-ionic C
      H?O inter-actions between the cations and between the cation and anion. Three of
      the four perchlorate O atoms are disordered over two sets of sites with occupancy
      ratios of 0.852 (6):0.148 (6).

PMID- 22058715
TI  - {5,5'-Dimeth-oxy-2,2'-[1,1'-(2,2-dimethyl-propane-1,3-diyldinitrilo)-diethyl
      idyne]diphenolato-kappaO,N,N',O'}copper(II) monohydrate.
AB  - The tetra-dentate dianion in the title complex hydrate,
      [Cu(C(23)H(28)N(2)O(4))].H(2)O, provides the Cu(II) atom with a cis-N(2)O(2)
      donor set. There is a significant twist from a regular square-planar geometry
      with the dihedral angle formed between the two six-membered CuOC(3)N chelate
      rings being 32.14 (8) degrees . The water mol-ecule forms hydrogen bonds to each
      of the coordinating O atoms of a given complex mol-ecule. Supra-molecular layers
      in the bc plane are formed in the crystal packing through C-H?O and C-H?pi inter
      actions.

PMID- 22058716
TI  - Acetyl-ferrocene-2-chloro-1-ferrocenyl-ethanone (1/1).
AB  - In the title co-crystal, [Fe(C(5)H(5))(C(7)H(6)ClO)][Fe(C(5)H(5))(C(7)H(7)O)],
      both substituted ferrocene mol-ecules show the expected sandwich structure. The
      crystal packing exhibits weak inter-molecular Cl?Cl contacts of 3.279 (4) A, pi
      pi inter-actions between the substituted Cp rings of two neighbouring 2-chloro-1
      ferrocenyl-ethanone mol-ecules [centroid-centroid distance = 3.534 (3) A], and
      weak inter-molecular C-H?O and C-H?Cl hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22058717
TI  - [Mn(bpb)(DMAP)(NO)], an {Mn-NO} nitrosyl with Z' = 8.
AB  - The structure of the title compound octa-kis-{[4-(dimethyl-amino)
      pyridine](nitros-yl)[N,N'-(o-phenyl-ene)bis-(pyridine-2
      carboxamidato)]manganese(II)} ethanol hepta-solvate 3.5-hydrate,
      [Mn(C(18)H(12)N(4)O(2))(C(7)H(10)N(2))(NO)](8).7C(2)H(5)OH.3.5H(2)O, or
      8[Mn(bpb)(DMAP)(NO)].7EtOH.3.5H(2)O, is an unusual example of a structure with Z'
      = 8. The tetra-dentate bpb ligand, together with the nitrosyl and dimethyl-amino
      pyridine ligands, gives rise to a distorted octa-hedral coordination environment
      for the Mn(II) ion. The average Mn-N((N=O)) bond length is 1.631 (13) A. The
      eight mol-ecules in the asymmetric unit differ mainly in the rotation of the DMAP
      pyridine plane with respect to a reference plane of the Mn and three N atoms, one
      of which is the N atom of the NO group. The dihedral angles between the normals
      to these planes range from a minimum of 28.0 (2) degrees  to a maximum of 64.2
      (2) degrees . There are also some differences in O-H?O hydrogen bonding inter
      actions. For example, of the sixteen C=O acceptors, there are seven different
      inter-actions with EtOH donors and two inter-actions with H(2)O donors. The
      crystal studied was found to be a two-component twin, with a 179.9 degrees 
      rotation about the real axis [-0.535, 0.004, 1.000]. Due to the presence of a
      superlattice and, consequently, the large number of weak reflections, the
      refinement utilized rigid solvate groups and isotropic displacement parameters
      for all except the Mn atoms. H atoms were not located for hydrate molecules.

PMID- 22058718
TI  - catena-Poly[[MU(2)-aqua-diaqua-bis-(MU(4)-pyridazine-3,6-dicarboxyl-ato)tetra
      lithium] monohydrate].
AB  - In the polymeric structure of the title compound
      {[Li(2)(C(6)H(2)N(2)O(4))(2)Li(H(2)O)(2)Li(H(2)O)].H(2)O}(n), the coordination of
      two independent Li(I) ions is distorted trigonal-bipyramidal and that of the
      other two independent Li(I) ions is distorted tetra-hedral. The former two Li(I)
      ions are bridged by hetero-ring N atoms of two independent pyridazine-3,6
      dicarboxyl-ate ligands, making a dimeric moiety. The carboxyl-ato-O atoms of both
      bidentate ligands bridge the dimers to adjacent independent aqua-coordinated
      Li(I) ions, forming mol-ecular ribbons. The latter are bridged by ligand carboxyl
      ato and aqua O atoms, forming mol-ecular layers parallel to (100) which are held
      together by an extended system of O-H?O hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22058719
TI  - Tetra-aqua-bis-(2-{[5-(pyridin-4-yl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl]sulfan-yl}acetato)
      iron(II).
AB  - In the title compound, [Fe(C(9)H(6)N(3)O(3)S)(2)(H(2)O)(4)] or
      [Fe(POA)(2)(H(2)O)(4)], the Fe(II) atom is located on an inversion center and is
      ligated by four O atoms of coordinated water mol-ecules in the equatorial plane
      while two POA ligands acting as monodentate ligands occupy the axial positions
      through their pyridyl N atoms, completing a slightly distorted octa-hedral
      coordination geometry. A three-dimensional supra-molecular network is formed by
      multiple O-H?O hydrogen-bonding inter-actions between the coordinated water
      donors and the uncoordinated carboxyl acceptors.

PMID- 22058720
TI  - catena-Poly[iron(II)-bis-{MU-5-carb-oxy-2-[(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)meth-yl]-1H
      imidazole-4-carboxyl-ato}].
AB  - In the title coordination polymer, [Fe(C(8)H(6)N(5)O(4))(2)](n) {or
      [FeL(2)](n),where HL = 2-[(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl) meth-yl]-1H-imidazole-4,5
      dicarb-oxy-lic acid)}, the Fe(II) ion, located on an inversion centre, is six
      coordinated by two O atoms and four N atoms from two L(-) ligands in a distorted
      octa-hedral geometry [Fe-O = 2.1452 (13), Fe-N = 2.1316 (14) and 2.2484 (15) A].
      There is an intra-molecular O-H?O hydrogen bond in each L(-) ligand. Being an
      effective tridentate bridging ligand, the deprotonated L(-) anions link two
      Fe(II) atoms, yielding a chain-like polymer propagating along [100]. In the
      crystal, these polymer chains are linked via N-H?N hydrogen bonds, forming a two
      dimensional network.

PMID- 22058721
TI  - Poly[tris-(MU(3)-2-amino-ethane-sulfonato)-cobalt(II)potassium].
AB  - The title compound, [CoK(C(2)H(6)NO(3)S)(3)](n), is isotypic with its Ni(II)
      analogue. The Co(II) atom is chelated by the three taurinate ligands in a
      distorted octa-hedral geometry and in a facial manner. Each taurinate ligand
      bridges two K(+) ions via its sulfonate group, forming a three-dimensional
      framework. Weak N-H?O hydrogen bonding is observed in the crystal structure.

PMID- 22058722
TI  - Disodium diaqua-bis-(methyl-enedi-phos-pho-nato-kappaO,O')cobaltate(II)
      dihydrate.
AB  - In the title compound, Na(2)[Co(CH(4)O(6)P(2))(2)(H(2)O)(2)].2H(2)O, the
      asymmetric unit is composed of one methyl-enediphospho-nate ligand and one water
      mol-ecule, which both are coordinated to a Co(II) atom, as well as a non
      coordinated water mol-ecule and a sodium cation. The Co(II) atom occupies a
      special position on a crystallographic inversion centre. The slightly distorted
      Co(II)O(6) octa-hedral coordination environment is composed of two bidentate
      methyl-enediphospho-nate ligands and two coordinated water mol-ecules in trans
      positions. The sodium ion is octa-hedrally coordinated to six O atoms with Na-O
      distances ranging from 2.3149 (12) to 2.6243 (12) A. An extensive three
      dimensional network of inter-molecular as well as intra-molecular O-H?O and C-H?O
      hydrogen bonding inter-acions is present.

PMID- 22058723
TI  - Bis(4-amino-benzoato)-kappaO,O';kappaO-(2,2'-bipyridine-kappaN,N')zinc.
AB  - In the title complex, [Zn(C(7)H(6)NO(2))(2)(C(10)H(8)N(2))], the Zn(II) cation is
      coordinated by two amino-benzoate anions and one 2,2'-bipyridine ligand in a
      distorted trigonal-bipyramidal geometry. The carboxyl-ate group of one
      aminobenzoate anion coordinates to the Zn(II) cation in a monodentate manner,
      whereas the carboxyl-ate group of the other amino-benzoate anion chelates the Zn
      cation with different Zn-O bond lengths. Inter-molecular N-H?N and N-H?O hydrogen
      bonding is present in the crystal structure.

PMID- 22058724
TI  - Poly[[[MU(2)-1,1'-(butane-1,4-di-yl)bis-(1H-imidazole)-kappaN:N](MU(2)-2,6-di
      methyl-pyridine-3,5-dicarboxyl-ato-kappaO:O)zinc] dihydrate].
AB  - In the title coordination polymer,
      {[Zn(C(9)H(7)NO(4))(C(10)H(14)N(4))].2H(2)O}(n), the Zn(II) ion displays a
      distorted tetra-hedral geometry with two imidazole N atoms from two 1,1'-(butane
      1,4-di-yl)bis-(imidazole) (bbi) ligands and two carboxyl-ate O atoms from two 2,6
      dimethyl-pyridine-3,5-dicarboxyl-ate (dpdc) ligands. The bbi and dpdc ligands
      bridge the Zn(II) ions, forming layers parallel to (011). O-H?O and O-H?N
      hydrogen bonds and pi-pi inter-actions between the imidazole rings [centroid
      centroid distance = 3.807 (5) A] connect the layers. Two of the three
      uncoordinated water mol-ecules are disordered, each over two 0.25-occupancy
      positions.

PMID- 22058725
TI  - Poly[[diaquabis(2,2'-bipyridine-kappaN,N')(MU(3)-5-hydroxyisophthalato
      kappaO,O:O,O:O)(MU(3)-5-hydroxy-isophthalato-kappaO,O:O:O)(MU(2)-5
      hydroxyisophthalato-kappaO,O:O)didysprosium(III)] dihydrate].
AB  - The polymeric title compound,
      {[Dy(2)(C(8)H(4)O(5))(3)(C(10)H(8)N(2))(2)(H(2)O)(2)].2H(2)O}(n), contains two
      independent Dy(III) ions, both of which are nine-coordinated in a distorted
      tricapped trigonal-prismatic geometry. One Dy(III) ion is coordinated by five 5
      hy-droxy-isophthalate (hip) ligands and one 2,2'-bipyridine (bpy) ligand and the
      other by three hip ligands, one bpy ligand and two water mol-ecules. The Dy(III)
      ions are bridged by the carboxyl-ate groups of the hip ligands, forming a three
      dimensional framework. O-H?O hydrogen bonds are present in the crystal structure.

PMID- 22058726
TI  - Bis(triphenyl-lambda-phosphanylidene)ammonium hydrogen dichloride.
AB  - In the title compound, [(Ph(3)P)(2)N](+).[Cl-H-Cl](-) or C(36)H(30)NP(2)
      (+).Cl(2)H(-), the H atom of the [Cl-H-Cl](-) anion and the N atom of the
      [(Ph(3)P)(2)N](+) cation are located on a twofold axis, yielding overall symmetry
      2 for both the cation and the anion. The central P-N-P angle [144.12 (13) degrees
      ] of the cation is in the expected range and indicates only weak cation-anion
      inter-actions. The almost linear [Cl-H-Cl](-) anion is a rare example of a
      symmetric hydrogen bridge in a hydrogen dichloride anion. The Cl?Cl distance and
      two equal Cl-H bonds are typical of such a symmetric hydrogen dichloride anion.

PMID- 22058727
TI  - 4-Dimethyl-amino-N'-(2-hy-droxy-3,5-diiodo-benzyl-idene)benzohydrazide.
AB  - The title mol-ecule, C(16)H(15)I(2)N(3)O(2), adopts an E configuration about the
      C=N bond. The dihedral angle between the two benzene rings is 6.4 (2) degrees .
      An intra-molecular O-H?N hydrogen bond occurs. In the crystal, mol-ecules are
      linked through inter-molecular N-H?O hydrogen bonds, forming chains propagating
      in the c-axis direction.

PMID- 22058728
TI  - 6-Benzyl-2-[(triphenyl-lambda-phosphanyl-idene)amino]-4,5,6,7-tetra-hydro
      thieno[2,3-c]pyridine-3-carbonitrile.
AB  - In the title compound, C(33)H(28)N(3)PS, the P atom has a distorted tetra-hedral
      PNC(3) environment, formed by the N atom and three aryl rings. No inter-molecular
      hydrogen-bonding inter-actions or pi-pi stacking inter-actions are present in the
      crystal structure.

PMID- 22058729
TI  - 6-Chloro-3-(3-methyl-phen-yl)-1,2,4-triazolo[4,3-b]pyridazine.
AB  - The title compound, C(12)H(9)ClN(4), was prepared from dichloro-pyridazine and
      tolyl-tetra-zole in a nucleophilic biaryl coupling followed by thermal ring
      transformation. The mol-ecule is essentially planar (r.m.s. deviation for all non
      H atoms = 0.036 A) and an intra-molecular C-H?N hydrogen bond occurs. In the
      crystal, the mol-ecules form dimers connected via pi-pi inter-actions [centroid
      centroid distance = 3.699 (2) A], which are further connected to neighbouring mol
      ecules via C-H-N bonds. The bond lengths in the pyridazine ring system indicate a
      strong localization of the double bonds and there is a weak C-Cl bond [1.732 (3)
      A].

PMID- 22058730
TI  - 2-Phenyl-3-(trimethyl-sil-yl)propan-1-aminium chloride.
AB  - The title compound, C(12)H(22)NSi(+).Cl(-), contains two formula units in the
      asymmetric unit and is a hydro-chloride salt in which the amine N atom is
      protonated and the NH(3) (+) group forms hydrogen bonds with the Cl(-) anion,
      forming a ribbon in the c-axis direction.

PMID- 22058731
TI  - 2,2'-Bipyrimidine-1,1'-diium bis-(tri-iodide)-2,2'-bipyrimidine-water (1/2/2).
AB  - In the crystal of the title compound, C(8)H(8)N(4) (2+).2I(3) (
      ).2C(8)H(6)N(4).2H(2)O, inversion centres are located at the centroids of the
      central C-C bonds of the cation and the bpym mol-ecules, as well as at the
      central I atoms of both anions. Inter-molecular O-H?N and N-H?O hydrogen bonds
      are observed in the crystal structure.

PMID- 22058732
TI  - N,N-Dimethyl-5-nitro-N,N-diphenyl-pyrimidine-4,6-diamine.
AB  - In the title compound, C(18)H(17)N(5)O(2), the pyrimidine ring makes dihedral
      angles of 66.09 (12), 71.39 (13) and 56.7 (3) degrees  with two phenyl rings and
      the nitro group, respectively. The dihedral angle between the two phenyl rings is
      44.05 (14) degrees .

PMID- 22058733
TI  - 3-{[(Benz-yloxy)carbon-yl]amino}-butanoic acid.
AB  - In the title compound, C(12)H(15)NO(4), the butyric acid group has a stretched
      trans conformation. The dihedral angle between the phenyl ring and the oxycarb
      oxy-amino N-(C=O)-O-C plane is 56.6 (2) degrees . In the crystal, an inversion
      dimer is formed by a pair of O-H?O hydrogen bonds. The dimers are further linked
      by N-H?O hydrogen bonds between amide groups, forming a tape along the b axis.

PMID- 22058734
TI  - 2-Imino-3-(2-nitro-phen-yl)-1,3-thia-zolidin-4-one.
AB  - In the title compound, C(9)H(7)N(3)O(3)S, the nitro and thia-zolidinone moieties
      are inclined with respect to the aromatic ring at dihedral angles of 9.57 (16)
      and 78.42 (4) degrees , respectively. In the crystal, N-H?O hydrogen bonding
      connects the mol-ecules along the c and a axes to form a two-dimensional
      polymeric network. A weak S?O inter-action [3.2443 (11) A] and phenyl ring to
      phenyl ring off-set pi?pi stacking [with centroid-centroid separation of 3.6890
      (7) A and ring slippage of 1.479 A] link the polymeric chains along the b and a
      axes, respectively.

PMID- 22058735
TI  - 4,6,10,12,16,18,22,24-Octa-O-methyl-2,8,14,20-tetra-pentylresorcin[4]arene.
AB  - The complete molecule of the title compound, C(56)H(80)O(8), is generated by a
      crystallographic inversion centre. The dihedral angle between the aromatic ring
      and the unique half of the molecule is 81.52 (16) degrees . There are no pi-pi
      inter-actions in the crystal structure.

PMID- 22058736
TI  - Hexane-1,6-diaminium bis-[3,4,5,6-tetra-bromo-2-(meth-oxy-carbon-yl)benzoate]
      methanol disolvate.
AB  - In the title compound, C(6)H(18)N(2) (2+).2C(9)H(3)Br(4)O(4) (-).2CH(4)O, the
      carboxyl-ate and meth-oxy-carbonyl groups in one of the anions form dihedral
      angles of 71.9 (3) and 60.7 (3) degrees , respectively, with the aromatic ring
      while in the other anion these angles are 68.4 (3) and 56.8 (3) degrees ,
      respectively. In the crystal, the constituent units are linked into a two
      dimensional network parallel to the ab plane by N-H?O and O-H?O hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22058737
TI  - Ethyl 2-[2-(2-meth-oxy-phen-yl)hydrazinyl-idene]-3-oxobutano-ate.
AB  - In the title compound, C(13)H(16)N(2)O(4), an intra-molecular N-H?O hydrogen bond
      generates an S(6) ring. The mol-ecule adopts an E configuration with respect to
      the central C=N double bond. In the crystal, symmetry-related mol-ecules are
      connected into chains along [010] via weak C-H?N hydrogen bonds. The crystal
      structure is further stabilized by weak C-H?pi inter-actions.

PMID- 22058738
TI  - 2-Amino-4,6-dimethyl-pyridinium chloride dihydrate.
AB  - In the title hydrated mol-ecular salt, C(7)H(11)N(2) (+).Cl(-).2H(2)O, the
      pyridine N atom of the 2-amino-4,6-dimethyl-pyridine mol-ecule is protonated. The
      cation is essentially planar, with a maximum deviation of 0.006 (2) A. In the
      crystal, the components are linked by N-H?O, N-H?Cl and O-H?Cl hydrogen bonds,
      thereby forming sheets lying parallel to (100). The crystal structure is further
      stabilized by aromatic pi-pi stacking inter-actions between the pyridinium rings
      [centroid-centroid distance = 3.4789 (9) A].

PMID- 22058739
TI  - Quinoline-2-carbaldehyde.
AB  - The title compound, C(10)H(7)NO, crystallizes with two almost planar mol-ecules
      (A and B) in the asymmetric unit (r.m.s. deviations = 0.018 and 0.020 A). In the
      crystal, the A mol-ecules are linked by weak C-H?O inter-actions, thereby
      generating C(9) [001] chains. The B mol-ecules do not exhibit any directional
      bonding inter-actions.

PMID- 22058740
TI  - N-(4-Chloro-phen-yl)-4-ethyl-piperazine-1-carboxamide.
AB  - In the title mol-ecule, C(13)H(18)ClN(3)O, the piperazine ring has a chair
      conformation. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked into chains along [100] by N
      H?O hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22058741
TI  - N-(4-Chloro-phen-yl)-4-(pyrimidin-2-yl)piperazine-1-carboxamide.
AB  - The title compound, C(15)H(16)ClN(5)O, contains two mol-ecules, A and B, in the
      asymmetric unit, in which the dihedral angles between the terminal aromatic rings
      are 42.41 (17) and 45.77 (18) degrees . The central six-membered ring in both mol
      ecules has a chair conformation with equatorial substituents. In the crystal, mol
      ecules are linked into [100] C(4) chains of alternating A and B mol-ecules by N
      H?O hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22058742
TI  - (3Z)-3-Hydrazinylideneindolin-2-one.
AB  - The title mol-ecule, C(8)H(7)N(3)O, is almost planar, with a maximum deviation of
      0.0232 (2) A from the least-squares plane. The Z conformation of the C=N double
      bond is stabilized by an intra-molecular N-H?O hydrogen bond. In the crystal,
      adjacent mol-ecules are linked by inter-molecular N-H?N and N-H?O hydrogen bonds,
      forming zigzag sheets parallel to the c axis; the sheets are further stabilized
      by pi-pi inter-actions [centroid-centroid distance = 3.7390 (10) A].

PMID- 22058743
TI  - (E)-N-(Anthracen-9-yl-methyl-idene)-4-nitro-aniline.
AB  - In the title molecule, C(21)H(14)N(2)O(2), the anthracenyl system is
      approximately planar [maximum deviation = 0.056 (4) A] and is oriented at a
      dihedral angle of 73.6 (1) degrees  with respect to the benzene ring. An intra
      molecular C-H?N hydrogen bond generates an S(6) ring motif. The crystal packing
      is stabilized by C-H?pi and pi-pi inter-actions [centroid-centroid distances of
      3.688 (2), 3.656 (1) and 3.716 (2) A].

PMID- 22058744
TI  - 1-(4-Methyl-benzo-yl)-3-{2-[3-(4-methyl-benzo-yl)thio-ureido]phen-yl}thio-urea.
AB  - In the title compound, C(24)H(22)N(4)O(2)S(2), the dihedral angles formed by the
      thio-ureido groups with the attached benzene ring are 43.81 (13) and 75.25 (13)
      degrees . The dihedral angle between the thio-ureido groups is 85.48 (10) degrees
      . The mol-ecule is stabilized by intra-molecular N-H?S, N-H?O and C-H?S hydrogen
      bonds. In the crystal, molecules are linked by intermolecular N-H?S hydrogen
      bonds together with C-H?pi inter-actions.

PMID- 22058745
TI  - (E)-Methyl N'-(3-hy-droxy-benzyl-idene)hydrazinecarboxyl-ate dihydrate.
AB  - The title compound, C(9)H(10)N(2)O(3).2H(2)O, crystallizes with two organic mol
      ecules and four water mol-ecules in the asymmetric unit. Both organic mol-ecules
      adopt a trans conformation with respect to the C=N bond and are close to planar
      [dihedral angles between the side chain and the aromatic ring = 9.34 (8) and 4.96
      (8) degrees ]. In the crystal, the components are linked into three-dimensional
      network by N-H?O and O-H?O hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22058746
TI  - 2-[(1H-Imidazol-2-yl)disulfan-yl]-1H-imidazole.
AB  - In the title molecule, C(6)H(6)N(4)S(2), a twofold rotation axis passes through
      the mid-point of the S-S bond. The C-S-S-C torsion angle is 83.62 (17) degrees .
      pi-pi stacking between imidazole rings of adjacent mol-ecules is observed in the
      crystal structure, the centroid-centroid distance being 3.447 (2) A. Inter
      molecular N-H?S hydrogen bonding results in the formation of a linear chain in
      the c-axis direction.

PMID- 22058747
TI  - 1,4-Dimethyl-2-phenyl-6,7-dihydro-1H-pyrazolo-[4,3-b]pyridine-3,5(2H,4H)-dione.
AB  - The mean plane of the pyrazolone ring [maximum deviation = 0.054 (1) A] of the
      title compound, C(14)H(15)N(3)O(2), is oriented at a dihedral angle of 36.05 (7)
      degrees  with respect to the phenyl ring. The methyl group is slightly disposed
      [distance = 0.864 (2) A] out of the mean plane of the pyrazolone ring to which it
      is attached.

PMID- 22058748
TI  - 2-Meth-oxy-4-methyl-1-[1-(phenyl-sulfon-yl)propan-2-yl]benzene.
AB  - The title mol-ecule, C(17)H(20)O(3)S, displays a U-shaped structure; the two
      benzene rings are nearly parallel and partially overlapped to each other, the
      dihedral angle and centroid-to-centroid distance being 15.0 (2) degrees  and
      3.723 (2) A. In the crystal, weak inter-molecular C-H?O hydrogen bonds link the
      mol-ecules, forming supra-molecular chains running along the a axis.

PMID- 22058749
TI  - Hydrogen-bond inter-actions in morpholinium bromide.
AB  - In the title compound, C(4)H(10)NO(+).Br(-), which was synthesized by dehydration
      of diethano-lamine with HBr, morpholinium and bromide ions are linked into chains
      by N-H?Br hydrogen bonds describing a C(2) (1)(4) graph-set motif. Weaker
      bifurcated N-H?Br inter-actions join centrosymmetrically related chains through
      alternating binary graph-set R(4) (2)(8) and R(2) (2)(4) motifs, to form ladders
      along [100]. In addition, C-H?O inter-actions between centrosymmetric
      morpholinium cations link ladders, via[Formula: see text](8) motifs, to yield
      sheets parallel to (101), which in turn are crosslinked by weak C-H?O inter
      actions, related across a glide plane, to form a three-dimensional network.

PMID- 22058750
TI  - Tetra-n-butyl-ammonium bromide: a redetermination at 150 K addressing the
      merohedral twinning.
AB  - The redetermined, low temperature (150 K), structure of tetra-n-butyl-ammonium
      bromide, (C(4)H(9))(4)N(+).Br(-), has been found to be merohedrally twinned via
      twin law -1 0 0, 0 - 1 0, 1 0 1. The structure was previously determined, with
      low precision, no inclusion of H atoms and only the bromide ion refined with
      anisotropic displacement parameters, by Wang et al. (1995 ?). Mol. Cryst. Liq.
      Cryst. Sci. Tech. A, 264, 115-129. The redetermined structure has considerably
      improved precision in all geometrical parameters, has all non-H atoms refined
      anisotropically, H atoms included, and is isomorphous with the iodide analogue.
      The structure is otherwise routine, with the shortest cation to anion contacts
      being between the bromide anion and the CH atoms close to the ammonium nitro-gen
      centre at a distance of ca. 2.98-3.11 A. Each anion makes eight such contacts to
      four different anions. The n-butyl chains are fully extended, adopting an all
      anti conformation with approximate S(4) point symmetry.

PMID- 22058751
TI  - [3-(5-Hy-droxy-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclo-hepten-5-yl)prop-yl]dimethyl-ammonium 3
      carboxyprop-2-enoate.
AB  - In the cation of the title salt, C(20)H(24)NO(+).C(4)H(3)O(4) (-), the N atom in
      the dimethyl-ammonium group is protonated. The dihedral angle between the mean
      planes of the two six-membered rings fused to the cyclo-hepten-5-yl ring is 54.4
      (1) degrees . An intra-molecular O-H?O hydrogen bond occurs in the anion. The
      crystal packing is stabilized by inter-molecular O-H?O and N-H?(O,O) hydrogen
      bonds and weak C-H?O inter-actions, forming a two-dimensional network.

PMID- 22058752
TI  - N-(3-Chloro-4-fluoro-phen-yl)-2,2-diphenyl-acetamide.
AB  - In the title compound, C(20)H(15)ClFNO, the dihedral angles between the mean
      planes of the acetamide group and the chloro-fluoro-substituted benzene ring and
      the two phenyl rings are 10.8 (8), 81.9 (7) and 85.8 (5) degrees , respectively.
      The crystal packing is stabilized by N-H?O hydrogen bonds and weak C-H?O inter
      molecular inter-actions, forming infinite chains along the c axis.

PMID- 22058753
TI  - (3E,5E)-3,5-Dibenzyl-idene-1-phenethyl-piperidin-4-one.
AB  - In the title compound, C(27)H(25)NO, the piperidine ring adopts an envelope
      conformation with the N atom at the flap position. The two benzylidene-benzene
      rings are oriented at a dihedral angle of 8.5 (1) degrees . In the crystal, the
      mol-ecules are linked into centrosymmetric dimers by pairs of inter-molecular C
      H?O hydrogen bonds. The dimers are connected via C-H?pi inter-actions involving
      the phenyl rings.

PMID- 22058754
TI  - Ethyl 4-[3-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)propyl-amino]-3-nitro-benzoate.
AB  - In the title compound, C(15)H(18)N(4)O(4), the 1H-imidazole ring forms a dihedral
      angle of 67.12 (8) degrees  with the benzene ring. An S(6) ring motif is formed
      via an intra-molecular N-H?O hydrogen bond. In the crystal, neighbouring mol
      ecules are linked by a pair of inter-molecular N-H?N hydrogen bonds, forming an
      inversion dimer. The dimers are further linked by a pair of C-H?O hydrogen bonds,
      leading to the formation of chain along [021]. A C-H?pi inter-action involving
      the centroid of the benzene ring is also observed between the chains.

PMID- 22058755
TI  - N-(4-Chloro-butano-yl)-N'-(2,5-dimeth-oxy-phen-yl)thio-urea.
AB  - The title mol-ecule, C(13)H(17)ClN(2)O(3)S, shows an anti and syn disposition of
      the butanoyl and 2,5-dimethoxyphenyl groups with respect to the thione and is
      stabilized by intra-molecular N-H?O and weak C-H?S hydrogen bonds. In the
      crystal, inter-molecular N-H?S hydrogen bonds link the mol-ecules into
      centrosymmetric dimers. The crystal structure is stabilized by weak C-H?O and C
      H?S contacts.

PMID- 22058756
TI  - 2-(6-Phenyl-7H-1,2,4-triazolo[3,4-b][1,3,4]thia-diazin-3-yl)-1,3-benzothia-zole.
AB  - In the title compound, C(17)H(11)N(5)S(2), the dihedral angles formed between the
      triazole ring and the benzene ring and the 1,3-benzothia-zole ring system are
      8.67 (8) and 13.90 (9) degrees , respectively. The conformation of the triazolo
      thia-diazin-3-yl fused ring system is a twisted half-chair. Overall, the mol
      ecule adopts a flattened shape. Supra-molecular helical chains along the a axis
      sustained by C-H?N inter-actions are found in the crystal structure. These are
      linked via C-H?pi contacts as well as pi-pi [centroid-centroid distance = 3.5911
      (12) A] inter-actions between the triazole and thia-zole rings.

PMID- 22058757
TI  - 1,7-Diethyl-4,10-diisopropyl-tetra-cene.
AB  - The mol-ecule of the title compound, C(28)H(32), is located on a crystallographic
      inversion center. The ethyl groups are essentially coplanar with the tetra-cene
      ring, making a torsion angle of -0.4 (4) degrees . The isopropyl groups adopt an
      asymmetric conformation with their terminal methyl groups positioned on opposite
      sides of the tetra-cene plane [the Me-C-C-C torsion angles are -22.5 (4) and
      100.9 (3) degrees ]. In the crystal, the mol-ecules adopt an arrangement without
      significant pi-pi inter-actions along the stacking direction (y axis).

PMID- 22058758
TI  - N'-[(E)-2-Chloro-benzyl-idene]-2-[(1,3,4-thia-diazol-2-yl)sulfan
      yl]acetohydrazide.
AB  - In the title compound, C(11)H(9)ClN(4)OS(2), the thia-diazole and chloro-phenyl
      rings are oriented at an angle of 43.1 (1) degrees . The sum of the bond angles
      around the amide N atom (359.8 degrees ) of the acetohydrazide group is in
      accordance with a model of sp(2) hybridization. In the crystal, inversion dimers
      linked by pairs of N-H?O hydrogen bonds generate R(2) (2)(8) loops. Weak C-H?pi
      inter-actions also occur.

PMID- 22058759
TI  - 2-Methyl-1-phenyl-sulfonyl-1H-indole-3-carbaldehyde.
AB  - In the title compound, C(16)H(13)NO(3)S, the sulfonyl-bound phenyl ring forms a
      dihedral angle of 84.17 (6) degrees  with the indole ring system. An intra
      molecular C-H?O hydrogen bond generates an S(6) ring motif. The crystal structure
      exhibits weak inter-molecular C-H?O hydrogen bonds and pi-pi inter-actions
      between the five- and six-membered rings of the indole group [centroid-centroid
      distance = 3.6871 (9) A].

PMID- 22058760
TI  - 2-De-oxy-alpha-d-arabino-hexopyran-ose.
AB  - The title compound, C(6)H(12)O(5), is the alpha-pyran-ose form of the reducing
      aldose 2-de-oxy-d-arabino-hexose. The six-membered pyran-ose ring adopts a
      (4)C(1) conformation, with the anomeric hy-droxy group in axial and the other
      substituents in equatorial positions. In the crystal, each of the four hy-droxy
      groups acts as an inter-molecular hydrogen-bond donor function, resulting in a
      three-dimensional hydrogen-bonded network.

PMID- 22058761
TI  - 7-Amino-4-hy-droxy-4-trifluoro-methyl-3,4-dihydro-quinolin-2(1H)-one.
AB  - The title compound, C(10)H(9)F(3)N(2)O(2), was prepared by the reaction of m
      phenyl-enediamine and ethyl 4,4,4-trifluoro-acetoacetate. In the crystal, inter
      molecular C-H? F, N-H?F, O-H?N and N-H?O inter-actions contribute to the crystal
      packing.

PMID- 22058762
TI  - 1-{(1Z)-1-[6-(4-Chloro-phen-oxy)hex-y-l-oxy]-1-(2,4-difluoro-phen-yl)prop-1-en-2
      yl}-1H-1,2,4-triazol-4-ium nitrate.
AB  - In the title compound, C(23)H(25)ClF(2)N(3)O(2) (+).NO(3) (-), the triazole ring
      makes dihedral angles of 60.9 (4) and 25.0 (3) degrees  with the 6-chloro-phenyl
      and 2,4-difluoro-phenyl rings, respectively. The mol-ecule adopts a Z
      configuration about the C=C double bond. In the crystal, the cations and anions
      are linked by N-H?O hydrogen bonds and weak C-H?O inter-actions.

PMID- 22058763
TI  - 2,4-Dibromo-6-tert-butyl-benzene-1,3-diol.
AB  - In the title compound, C(10)H(12)Br(2)O(2), a multiply substituted bromo-arene,
      the C-C-C angles within the aromatic ring are in the range 115.7 (7)-122.4 (7)
      degrees . In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by O-H?O hydrogen bonds, but no
      pi-pi stacking is observed.

PMID- 22058764
TI  - (4,6-Diamino-1,3-phenyl-ene)bis-(phenyl-methanone).
AB  - In the mol-ecule of the title compound, C(20)H(16)N(2)O(2), two intra-molecular N
      H?O inter-actions occur. The mol-ecular chains are linked by N-H?pi and C-H?pi
      inter-actions into a three-dimensional network, which seems to be very effective
      in the stabilization of the crystal structure.

PMID- 22058765
TI  - 1-(2-Amino-eth-yl)-3-phenyl-thio-urea.
AB  - In the crystal structure of the title compound, C(9)H(13)N(3)S, mol-ecules are
      linked through N-H?S and N-H?N hydrogen bonds, forming hydrogen-bonded tapes
      along the b axis. The dihedral angle between the phenyl ring and the thiourea
      group is 44.9 (2) degrees .

PMID- 22058766
TI  - Ethyl 1-(4-methyl-phen-yl)-5-phenyl-4-phenyl-sulfon-yl-1H-pyrazole-3-carboxyl
      ate.
AB  - The title compound, C(25)H(22)N(2)O(4)S, features a tetra-substituted pyrazole
      ring. The dihedral angles formed between the five-membered ring (r.m.s. deviation
      = 0.007 A) and the N- and C-bound phenyl rings are 48.10 (7) and 72.01 (7) 
      degrees , respectively, indicating that the planes through the residues are
      significantly twisted from the plane through the heterocycle. The ester-CO(2)
      group is also twisted out of this plane, with an O-C-C-N torsion angle of -29.04
      (11) degrees . The sulfonyl-O atoms lie to one side of the pyrazole plane and the
      sulfonyl-phenyl ring to the other. The dihedral angle between the two ring planes
      is 70.63 (7)  degrees . Supra-molecular arrays are formed in the crystal
      structure sustained by C-H?O and C-H?pi(pyrazole) inter-actions and methyl-C
      H?pi(N-bound benzene) contacts.

PMID- 22058767
TI  - Bis(guanidinium) chloranilate.
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title co-crystal, 2CH(6)N(3) (+).C(6)Cl(2)O(4) (2-),
      contains one half of a chloranilate anion and one guanidinium cation, which are
      connected by strong N-H?O hydrogen bonds into a two-dimensional network.

PMID- 22058768
TI  - 1-(3-Chloro-phen-yl)-2-methyl-4-nitro-1H-imidazole-5-carboxamide.
AB  - In the crystal structure of the title compound, C(11)H(9)ClN(4)O(3), pairs of N
      H?N(imidazole) hydrogen bonds connect the mol-ecules into centrosymmetric dimers,
      which are further connected by N-H?O(carbamo-yl) hydrogen bonds into C(4) chains
      along [010]. Inter-play of these two kinds of hydrogen bonds connect the mol
      ecules into layers perpendicular to [101]. The imidazole [maximum deviation
      0.0069 (9) A] and phenyl rings are inclined at a dihedral angle of 58.44 (6)
      degrees ; the nitro group is almost coplanar [dihedral angle 5.8 (2) degrees ]
      with the imidazole ring while the carbamoyl group is almost perpendicular [70.15
      (13) degrees ] to it.

PMID- 22058769
TI  - 2-(Tritylsulfan-yl)ethyl 3-iodo-benzoate.
AB  - The triphenyl-methyl group in the title compound, C(28)H(23)IO(2)S, has the
      methine carbon slightly flattened out [SigmaC(phen-yl)-C-C(phen-yl) = 332.8 (6) 
      degrees ]. The -C-O-C-C-S- chain connecting the triphenyl-methyl group and the
      aromatic ring adopts an extended zigzag conformation, these five atoms being
      approximately co-planar (r.m.s. deviation 0.260 A).

PMID- 22058770
TI  - 1-{3-[1-(Hydroxyimino)ethyl]-4-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5-yl}ethanone.
AB  - In the title compound, C(8)H(11)N(3)O(2), the oxime and the acetyl groups adopt a
      transoid conformation, while the pyrazole H atom is localized in the proximity of
      the acetyl group and is cis with respect to the acetyl O atom. In the crystal,
      dimers are formed as the result of hydrogen-bonding inter-actions involving the
      pyrazole NH group of one mol-ecule and the carbonyl O atom of another. The dimers
      are associated into sheets via O-H?N hydrogen bonds involving the oxime hydroxyl
      and the unprotonated pyrazole N atom, generating a macrocyclic motif with six mol
      ecules.

PMID- 22058771
TI  - 1-Bromo-4-methyl-2-nitro-benzene.
AB  - In the title compound, C(7)H(6)BrNO(2), the dihedral angle between the nitro
      group and the phenyl ring is 14.9 (11) degrees .

PMID- 22058772
TI  - tert-Butyl N-(4-hy-droxy-benz-yl)-N-[4-(prop-2-yn-yloxy)benz-yl]carbamate.
AB  - In the crystal structure of the title compound, C(22)H(25)NO(4), inter-molecular
      O-H?O hydrogen bonds involving the hy-droxy group of the 4-(amimometh-yl)phenol
      fragment and the C=O group connect the mol-ecules into infinite chains along the
      c axis. Two C atoms of the propyne group are disordered over two sites with
      occupancy factors of 0.53 (2) and 0.47 (2).

PMID- 22058773
TI  - N,N,N',N'-Tetra-ethyl-N''-(2-fluoro-benzo-yl)phospho-ric triamide.
AB  - In the title compound, C(15)H(25)FN(3)O(2)P, the phosphoryl group is in an anti
      and syn orientation to the C=O and N-H groups, respectively. The P atom is in a
      distorted tetra-hedral environment. One of the ethyl groups is disordered over
      two sets of sites with refined occupancies of 0.755 (6) and 0.245 (6). In
      addition, the F atom was refined as disordered with occupancies fixed at 0.9 and
      0.1. This disorder corresponds to a rotation of approximately 180 degrees  of the
      fluoro-benzene ring about its connecting C-C bond. In the crystal, pairs of inter
      molecular N-H?O(=P) hydrogen bonds form centrosymmetric dimers.

PMID- 22058774
TI  - 4-Chloro-N-(2,4-dimethyl-phen-yl)-2-methyl-benzene-sulfonamide.
AB  - In the title compound, C(15)H(16)ClNO(2)S, the C-SO(2)-NH-C torsion angle is
      67.45 (17) degrees . The two aromatic rings are tilted relative to each other by
      44.5 (1) degrees . The crystal structure features inversion-related dimers linked
      by pairs of N-H?O hydrogen bonds..

PMID- 22058775
TI  - 3-(4-Bromo-phen-yl)-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carbaldehyde.
AB  - In the title compound, C(16)H(11)BrN(2)O, the phenyl and chloro-benzene rings are
      twisted out of the mean plane of the pyrazole ring, forming dihedral angles of
      13.70 (10) and 36.48 (10) degrees , respectively. The carbaldehyde group is also
      twisted out of the pyrazole plane [the C-C-C-O torsion angle is 7.9 (3) degrees
      ]. A helical supra-molecular chain along the b axis and mediated by C-H?O inter
      actions is the most prominent feature of the crystal packing.

PMID- 22058776
TI  - 2-Ethyl-piperidinium chloride.
AB  - In the title molecular salt, C(7)H(16)N(+).Cl(-), the piperidinium ring adopts a
      chair conformation. In the crystal, the two components are connected by N-H?Cl
      and C-H?Cl hydrogen bonds, forming a supra-molecular double-chain structure along
      the c axis.

PMID- 22058777
TI  - 2-Azido-1-(3,6-dichloro-9H-fluoren-1-yl)ethanone.
AB  - In the title compound, C(15)H(9)Cl(2)N(3)O, an intra-molecular C-H?O inter-action
      generates an S(7) ring motif. The cyclo-penta-1,3-diene ring forms dihedral
      angles of 1.93 (6) and 2.78 (6) degrees  with its attached benzene rings. In the
      crystal, mol-ecules are linked by C-H?N and C-H?O hydrogen bonds, thereby forming
      layers lying parallel to the ac plane. The crystal also features a pi-pi inter
      action with a centroid-centroid distance of 3.5612 (6) A.

PMID- 22058778
TI  - 2-Methyl-3-{2-nitro-1-[2-(prop-2-yn-1-yl-oxy)phen-yl]eth-yl}-1H-indole.
AB  - In the title compound, C(20)H(18)N(2)O(3), the indole unit is essentially planar,
      with a maximum deviation of 0.0197 (18) A for the N atom and forms a dihedral
      angle of 78.09 (9) degrees  with the propyne-subsituted phenyl ring. The propyne
      group is almost linear, the C-C C angle being 176.5 (2) degrees , and is also in
      the flagpole position on the O atom. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked via N
      H?O and C-H?O inter-molecular hydrogen bonds involving the nitro-group O atoms as
      acceptors.

PMID- 22058779
TI  - (7R,8S,9S,12S)-1-Benz-yloxy-13,14-didehydro-12-hy-droxy-2,13-dimeth-oxy-N-methyl
      morphinane.
AB  - In the title compound, C(26)H(31)NO(4), a sinomenine derivative, the angle
      between the two aromatic rings is 53.34 (4) degrees . The N-containing ring is in
      a chair conformation, while the other two non-planar rings are in a half-boat
      conformation. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by O-H?N inter-actions into a
      C(8) chain along [100].

PMID- 22058780
TI  - 1-(6,8-Dibromo-2-methyl-quinolin-3-yl)ethanone.
AB  - Two independent mol-ecules,1 and 2, with similar conformations comprise the
      asymmetric unit in the title compound, C(12)H(9)Br(2)NO. The major difference
      between the mol-ecules relates to the relative orientation of the ketone-methyl
      groups [the C-C-C-C torsion angles are -1.7 (6) and -16.8 (6) degrees  for mol
      ecules 1 and 2, respectively]; in each case, the ketone O atom is directed
      towards the ring-bound methyl group. The crystal packing comprises layers of mol
      ecules, sustained by C-H?O and pi-pi {ring centroid(C(6)) of molecule 2 with
      NC(5) of molecule 1 [3.584 (3) A] and NC(5) of molecule 2 [3.615 (3) A]}
      interactions. C-H?Br contacts also occur.

PMID- 22058781
TI  - (2E)-1-(5-Chloro-thio-phen-2-yl)-3-(2,3-dimeth-oxy-phen-yl)prop-2-en-1-one.
AB  - In the title compound, C(15)H(13)ClO(3)S, the chloro-thio-phene and dimeth-oxy
      phenyl groups are linked by a prop-2-en-1-one group. The C=C double bond exhibits
      an E conformation. The mol-ecule is non-planar, with a dihedral angle of 31.12
      (5) degrees  between the chloro-thio-phene and dimeth-oxy-phenyl rings. The meth
      oxy group at position 3 is coplanar with the benzene ring to which it is
      attached, with a C-O-C-C torsion angle of -3.8 (3) degrees . The meth-oxy group
      attached at position 2 of the benzene ring is in a (+)synclinal conformation, as
      indicated by the C-O-C-C torsion angle of -73.6 (2) degrees . In the crystal, two
      different C-H?O inter-molecular inter-actions generate chains of mol-ecules
      extending along the b axis.

PMID- 22058782
TI  - 4-[2-(4-Chloro-phen-yl)hydrazinyl-idene]-3-methyl-1H-pyrazol-5(4H)-one.
AB  - In the title compound, C(10)H(9)ClN(4)O, the pyrazole ring [maximum deviation =
      0.014 (2) A] forms a dihedral angle of 7.06 (14) degrees  with the chloro-benzene
      ring. The mol-ecular conformation is stabilized by an intra-molecular N-H?O
      hydrogen bond, which generates an S(6) ring motif. In the crystal, inversion
      dimers linked by pairs of C-H?O hydrogen bonds generate R(2) (2)(16) ring motifs.
      The dimers are further connected by N-H?N hydrogen bonds, thereby forming layers
      lying parallel to the bc plane.

PMID- 22058783
TI  - rac-3,9-Bis(3-chloro-phen-yl)-2,4,8,10-tetra-oxaspiro-[5.5]undeca-ne.
AB  - In the title compound, C(19)H(18)Cl(2)O(4), the two non-planar six-membered
      heterocycles passing through the spiro-C atom both adopt chair conformations, and
      the dihedral angle between the two benzene rings is 7.2 (1) degrees . In the
      crystal, the enanti-omers with R and S configurations are generated by the
      symmetry elements of the centrosymmetric space group, forming a racemic crystal.
      Inter-molecular C-H?pi and weak C-H?O inter-actions link the mol-ecules in the
      crystal structure.

PMID- 22058784
TI  - 1-(1-Benzofuran-2-yl)-2-(phenyl-sulfon-yl)ethanone.
AB  - The overall mol-ecular conformation of the title compound, C(16)H(12)O(4)S, is
      elongated, the dihedral angle formed between the benzofuran (r.m.s. deviation =
      0.018 A) and benzene rings being 24.81 (6) degrees . Both sulfonyl O atoms lie to
      one side of the S-bound benzene ring, and the carbonyl and furan O atoms are syn
      to each other. Supra-molecular arrays parallel to (101) sustained by C-H?O
      contacts feature in the crystal packing.

PMID- 22058785
TI  - 1,3-Dicyclo-hexyl-3-[(pyridin-2-yl)carbon-yl]urea monohydrate from synchrotron
      radiation.
AB  - The title urea derivative crystallizes as a monohydrate,
      C(19)H(27)N(3)O(2).H(2)O. The central C(3)N grouping is almost planar (r.m.s.
      deviation = 0.0092 A), and the amide and pyridine groups are substanti-ally
      twisted out this plane [dihedral angles = 62.80 (12) and 34.98 (10) degrees ,
      respectively]. Supra-molecular double chains propagating along the b-axis
      direction feature in the crystal packing whereby linear chains sustained by N-H?O
      hydrogen bonds formed between the amide groups are linked by helical chains of
      water mol-ecules (linked by O-H?O hydrogen bonds). The H atom that participates
      in these water chains is disordered over two positions of equal occupancy. The
      double chains are connected into a two-dimensional array by C-H?O contacts and
      the layers stack along the a axis.

PMID- 22058786
TI  - N-Diphenyl-phosphanyl-N-{[diphen-yl(2-pyridyl-imino)-lambda-phosphan-yl]meth
      yl}pyridin-2-amine.
AB  - In the title compound, C(35)H(30)N(4)P(2), the diphenyl-phosphanyl and diphen
      yl(2-pyridyl-imino)-lambda(5)-phosphanyl groups are attached to the central
      methyl C atom with a P-C-N angle of 114.09 (16) degrees . The mol-ecules stack
      along the b axis and inter-connect through C-H(pyrid-yl)?N(pyrid-yl) inter
      actions, forming an infinite chain structure. The parallel chains are further
      inter-connected via C-H(benzene)?N(amino) and C-H(benzene)?pi inter-actions,
      forming a three-dimensional framework.

PMID- 22058787
TI  - 7-Amino-heptyl-aza-nium iodide.
AB  - The absolute structure of the title compound, [H(3)N-(CH(2))(7)-NH(2)]I, has been
      determined from the diffraction experiment, the Flack parameter refining to -0.02
      (2). In the crystal, adjacent symmetry-related cations are connected by head-to
      tail R'H(2)N(+)-H?NH(2)R hydrogen bonds, forming chains along [010]. The
      remaining four H atoms attached to the amino and the aza-nium group form weak
      hydrogen bonds to neighbouring iodide anions, producing a three-dimensional
      hydrogen-bonded network. The amino group and the aliphatic chain of the 7-amino
      heptyl-aza-nium cation show an exact all-trans conformation, within experimental
      uncertainties. The aza-nium group, to fulfill the needs of hydrogen bonding, is
      twisted out of the plane defined by the C atoms of the aliphatic chain, the C-C-C
      N torsion angle being -65.4 (4) degrees .

PMID- 22058788
TI  - (E)-2-(3-Cinnamoyl-thio-ureido)acetic acid dimethyl sulfoxide disolvate.
AB  - In the title compound, C(12)H(12)N(2)O(3)S.2C(2)H(6)OS, the acetic acid and
      cinnamoyl groups adopt Z and E configurations, respectively, with respect to the
      thio group about the C-N bonds. The components of the asymmetric unit are
      connected by N-H?O and O-H?O hydrogen bonds and in the crystal weak inter
      molecular C-H?O and C-H?S hydrogen bonds further connect the components into
      chains along the b axis. In the main mol-ecule, an intra-molecular N-H?O hydrogen
      bond is also present.

PMID- 22058789
TI  - (E)-2-[1-(1-Benzothio-phen-2-yl)ethyl-idene]-N-phenyl-hydrazinecarboxamide.
AB  - The title compound, C(17)H(15)N(3)OS, crystallizes with two unique mol-ecules,
      denoted 1 and 2, in the asymmetric unit. The two mol-ecules are closely similar
      and overlay with an r.m.s. deviation of 0.053 A. Both mol-ecules adopt E
      configurations with respect to the C=N bonds. The dihedral angles between the
      benzothio-phene groups and N-bound phenyl rings are 36.36 (9) degrees  for mol
      ecule 1 and 29.71 (9) degrees  for mol-ecule 2. The C=N-NH-C(O)NH ethyl-idene
      hydrazinecarboxamide units are also reasonably planar, with r.m.s. deviations of
      0.061 and 0.056 A, respectively, for the two mol-ecules. The methyl substituents
      lie 0.338 (3) and 0.396 (3) A, respectively, from these planes. The C=N-NH-C(O)NH
      planes are inclined to the phenyl rings at 13.65 (11) and 15.56 (11) degrees ,
      respectively, in mol-ecules 1 and 2. This conformation is enhanced by weak intra
      molecular C-H?O hydrogen bonds between ortho-H atoms of the two phenyl rings and
      the carbonyl O atoms, which generate S(6) rings in each mol-ecule. In the
      crystal, pairs of mol-ecules are linked by pairs of inter-molecular N-H?O
      hydrogen bonds into dimers. Alternating dimers are further inter-connected by
      weak C-H?O contacts into zigzag rows along b. The rows are stacked along a by C
      H?pi contacts involving the benzene ring from molecule 2 and the thiophene ring
      from molecule 1 of adjacent benzothio-phene units.

PMID- 22058790
TI  - [(4-Dimethyl-amino-2-methyl-5-phenyl-furan-3-yl)meth-yl]diethyl-methyl-aza-nium
      iodide.
AB  - In the title compound, C(19)H(29)N(2)O(+).I(-), the dihedral angle between the
      mean planes of the essentially planar furan (r.m.s. deviation = 0.007 A) and
      phenyl rings is 48.4 (1) degrees . In the crystal, cations and anions are
      arranged in layers lying parallel to (100).

PMID- 22058791
TI  - 2-(4-Hy-droxy-phen-yl)-3-(trimethyl-sil-yl)propanaminium chloride.
AB  - In the title crystal structure, C(12)H(22)NOSi(+).Cl(-), anions and cations are
      linked via O-H?Cl, N-H?Cl and N-H?O hydrogen bonds to form a two-dimensional
      network parallel to (101). Within the hydrogen-bonded network, R(4) (2)(22) ring
      motifs are stacked along [010].

PMID- 22058792
TI  - 3,6-Dibromo-naphthalene-2,7-diyl bis-(trifluoro-methane-sulfonate).
AB  - The naphthalene fused ring of the title compound, C(12)H(4)Br(2)F(6)O(6)S(2), is
      slightly buckled (r.m.s. deviation = 0.036 A) along the common C-C bond and the
      benzene rings are twisted by 3.2 (3) degrees . The two trifluoro-methyl-sulfonyl
      groups lie on opposite sides of the fused-ring system. The crystal structure
      features short inter-molecular F?F contacts [2.715 (4) and 2.832 (4) A].

PMID- 22058793
TI  - 2-{(1S,2S,4aR,8R,8aR)-8-Hy-droxy-4a,8-dimethyl-1-[(2E)-2-methyl-but-2-eno-yl
      oxy]perhydro-naphthalen-2-yl}acrylic acid from Sclerorhachis platyrachis.
AB  - The eudesmane-type terpenoid, C(20)H(30)O(5), isolated from Sclerorhachis
      platyrachis, has a deca-lin skeleton whose six-membered rings adopt chair
      conformations. The two methyl substituents occupy axial positions, whereas the
      other three substituents occupy equatorial positions. The hy-droxy group is an
      intra-molecular hydrogen-bond donor to the single-bond ester O atom; adjacent mol
      ecules are linked through the carb-oxy-lic acid interacting with the hydroxyl
      group, forming a hydrogen-bonded chain running along the c axis.

PMID- 22058794
TI  - Ethyl 1-(2-hy-droxy-eth-yl)-2-propyl-1H-benzimidazole-5-carboxyl-ate.
AB  - In the title compound, C(15)H(20)N(2)O(3), the benzimidazole ring is essentially
      planar, with a maximum deviation from the mean plane of 0.012 (1) A. The crystal
      structure is stabilized by inter-molecular O-H?N hydrogen bonds, forming
      centrosymmetric dimers, which are connected in the [100] direction through weak C
      H?O contacts.

PMID- 22058795
TI  - 1,4-Bis(1,1-dimethyl-prop-yl)-2,5-dimeth-oxy-benzene.
AB  - The title compound, C(18)H(30)O(2), was prepared by Friedel-Crafts alkyl-ation of
      1,4-dimeth-oxy-benzene with 2-methyl-2-butanol. The complete mol-ecule is
      generated by the application of a crystallographic centre of inversion. The two
      meth-oxy groups are oriented in the same plane of the aromatic ring [C-C-O-C
      torsion angle = 9.14 (16) degrees ]. While one methyl group of the tert-pentyl
      substituent is coplanar with the benzene ring [C-C-C-C = 0.45 (15) degrees ] and
      lies towards the less-hindered H atom, the other methyl and ethyl groups are
      directed to either side of the benzene ring [C-C-C-C torsion angles = 118.78 (12)
      and 59.11 (14) degrees , respectively]. In the crystal, the hydro-phobic mol
      ecules pack to form a brick-wall-like architecture.

PMID- 22058796
TI  - 1-Diphenyl-methyl-4-[3-(4-fluoro-benzo-yl)prop-yl]piperazine-1,4-diium dichloride
      monohydrate.
AB  - In the title compound, C(27)H(31)FN(2)O(2+).2Cl(-).H(2)O, the piperazine ring
      adopts a chair conformation and both N atoms are protonated. The Cl(-) anions
      form strong hydrogen bonds to these protons. O/N-H?Cl and C-H?O hydrogen bonds
      link the anions, cations and water of hydration into a three-dimensional network.

PMID- 22058797
TI  - rac-3-{4-[(2-Hy-droxy-benzyl-idene)amino]-3-phenyl-5-sulfanyl-idene-4,5-dihydro
      1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl}-1,3-diphenyl-propan-1-one.
AB  - In the title compound, C(30)H(24)N(4)O(2)S, the four phenyl rings of the
      substituent groups make dihedral angles of 88.1 (2), 81.0 (2), 21.4 (2) and 44.6
      (2) degrees  with the triazole group. An intra-molecular hy-droxy-imino O-H?N
      hydrogen bond results in the formation of an approximately planar (r.m.s
      deviation = 0.0230 A) six-membered ring.

PMID- 22058798
TI  - rac-3-{4-[(4-Nitro-benzyl-idene)amino]-3-phenyl-5-sulfanyl-idene-4,5-dihydro-1H
      1,2,4-triazol-1-yl}-1,3-diphenyl-propan-1-one.
AB  - In the title mol-ecule, C(30)H(23)N(5)O(3)S, the 1,2,4-triazole ring is
      approximately planar (r.m.s. deviation = 0.006 A), and forms dihedral angles of
      66.0 (2), 65.1 (2), 30.1 (2) and 28.1 (2) degrees  with the four phenyl rings.
      The phenyl ring of the benzyl group directly attached to the triazole ring is
      almost perpendicular to the nitro-phenyl ring, making a dihedral angle of 84.9
      (2) degrees .

PMID- 22058799
TI  - Bis(2,4,6-trimethyl-anilinium) sulfate monohydrate.
AB  - In the crystal structure of the title compound, 2C(9)H(14)N(+).SO(4) (2-).H(2)O,
      the components are linked by inter-molecular N-H?O and O-H?O hydrogen bonds. N
      H?S and O-H?S inter-actions also occur.

PMID- 22058800
TI  - 3-(3-Chloro-2-hy-droxy-phen-yl)-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carbaldehyde.
AB  - In the title compound, C(16)H(11)ClN(2)O(2), the pyrazole ring makes dihedral
      angles of 11.88 (13) and 22.33 (13) degrees  with the 3-chloro-2-hy-droxy-benzene
      group and phenyl rings, respectively. The phenolic hy-droxy group forms an intra
      molecular O-H?N hydrogen bond with the imine N atom of the pyrazole unit. The
      formyl group is virtually coplanar with the pyrazole ring [dihedral angle = 4.5
      (19) degrees ] and acts as an acceptor in an intra-molecular C-H?O hydrogen bond
      closing seven-membered ring. In the crystal, adjacent mol-ecules are linked
      through C-H?O hydrogen bonds into infinite chains along the b axis.

PMID- 22058801
TI  - (Z)-Methyl 3-(2,4-dichloro-phen-yl)-2-[(2-formyl-phen-oxy)meth-yl]acrylate.
AB  - In the title compound, C(18)H(14)Cl(2)O(4), the mean planes of the methyl
      acrylate unit and the phenyl ring of the benzaldehyde are approximately
      orthogonal to each other, making a dihedral angle of 83.31 (6) degrees . The O
      atom of the aldehyde group is displaced significantly from the phenyl ring plane
      by 0.226 (2) A. The methyl acrylate group adopts an E conformation. In the
      crystal, inversion dimers linked by pairs of C-H?O hydrogen bonds generate R(2)
      (2)(24) loops.

PMID- 22058802
TI  - 4-[2-(4-Chloro-phen-yl)hydrazinyl-idene]-3-methyl-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole-1
      carbothio-amide.
AB  - In the title mol-ecule, C(11)H(10)ClN(5)OS, an intra-molecular N-H?O hydrogen
      forms an S(6) ring motif. The dihedral angle between the pyrazole ring and the
      benzene ring is 3.77 (8) degrees . In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by N-H?S
      and N-H?O hydrogen bonds into layers parallel to the bc plane.

PMID- 22058803
TI  - 4-[Bis(3-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)meth-yl]benzene-1,2-diol.
AB  - The title compound, C(25)H(20)N(4)O(2), is a ditopic ortho-hydro-quinone-based
      bis-(pyrazol-1-yl)methane ligand. The dihedral angles between the planes of the
      pyrazole rings and their attached phenyl rings are 17.4 (3) and 5.9 (4) degrees .
      The pyrazole rings make a dihedral angle of 87.84 (16) degrees . One of the two
      hy-droxy groups forms an intra-molecular hydrogen bond to the other hy-droxy
      group, whereas the second is involved in an inter-molecular O-H?N hydrogen bond.
      As a result of these inter-molecular hydrogen bonds, helical chains running along
      the b axis are formed.

PMID- 22058804
TI  - 2-(5-Bromo-pyridin-3-yl)-5-[3-(4,5,6,7-tetra-hydro-thieno[3,2-c]pyridine-5
      ylsulfon-yl)thio-phen-2-yl]-1,3,4-oxa-diazole.
AB  - In the title compound, C(18)H(13)BrN(4)O(3)S(3), the tetra-hydro-pyridine ring
      adopts a half-chair conformation with the central methyl-ene-C atom of the
      NCH(2)CH(2) unit at the flap. The dihedral angles between the tetra-hydro
      pyridine ring and the pyridine and two thio-phene rings are 69.34 (13) 5.66 (13)
      and 68.63 (13) degrees , respectively, while the dihedral angle between the 1,3,4
      oxadiazole and tetra-hydro-pyridine rings is 54.76 (13) degrees . The mol-ecule
      is stabilized by an intra-molecular C-H?N inter-action. In the crystal, adjacent
      mol-ecules are connected via bifurcated C-H?(N,O) hydrogen bonds, forming a chain
      along the b axis.

PMID- 22058805
TI  - 3-Amino-1-(4-bromo-phen-yl)-9,10-dihydro-phenanthrene-2,4-dicarbonitrile.
AB  - In the title compound, C(22)H(14)BrN(3), the fused-ring system is buckled owing
      to the ethyl-ene linkage in the central ring; the two flanking aromatic rings are
      twisted by 25.9 (1)  degrees  with respect to each other. The phenyl ring is
      twisted by 77.0 (1) degrees  relative to the amino- and cyano-bearing aromatic
      ring. In the crystal, adjacent mol-ecules are linked by two N-H?N hydrogen bonds,
      generating a zigzag chain along [101].

PMID- 22058806
TI  - 2-Ethyl-imidazolium terephthalate.
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C(5)H(9)N(2) (+).C(8)H(5)O(4) (-),
      consists of one protonated 2-ethyl-imidazolium cation and two half terephthalate
      anions. The anions and cations are linked through N-H?O hydrogen bonds while the
      anions are associated via O-H?O inter-actions, resulting in a layered structure.
      The ethyl group of the cation is disordered over twosites of occupancies 0.812
      (14) and 0.188 (14). The hydroxy H atoms of the anions are equally disordered
      over two symmetry-related sites.

PMID- 22058807
TI  - 1,1-Dimethyl-hydrazin-1-ium picrate.
AB  - In the title compound, C(2)H(9)N(2) (+).C(6)H(2)N(3)O(7) (-), the dihedral angles
      between the mean planes of the three nitro groups and the benzene ring are 63.5
      (3), 10.5 (2) and 10.4 (2) degrees . In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by N
      H?O hydrogen bonds into a two-dimensional network parallel to (001).

PMID- 22058808
TI  - Methyl N-(4-chloro-phen-yl)carbamate.
AB  - In the title compound, C(8)H(8)ClNO(2), the dihedral angle between the chloro
      benzene ring and the side chain is 8.79 (11) degrees . In the crystal, mol-ecules
      are linked by N-H?O hydrogen bonds into a C(4) chain propagating in the b-axis
      direction.

PMID- 22058809
TI  - 4a-Hydroxy-9-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-4,4a,5,6,9,9a-hexahydro-3H-xanthene-1,8(2H,7H)
      dione.
AB  - The title compound, C(19)H(20)O(5), was synthesized by the reaction of 1,3-cyclo
      hexa-nedione and 4-hy-droxy-benzaldehyde in the presence of PdCl(2) and thio
      urea. The tetra-hydro-pyran ring and the six-membered cyclo-hexene ring adopt
      envelope conformations, and the six-membered cyclo-hexane ring is in a chair
      conformation. The crystal packing is stabilized by classical inter-molecular O
      H?O hydrogen bonds and weak C-H?O inter-actions.

PMID- 22058810
TI  - 11alpha,15alpha-Dihy-droxy-androst-4-ene-3,17-dione.
AB  - The title compound, C(19)H(26)O(4), was biotransformed from androstenedione. In
      the crystal, inter-molecular O-H?O hydrogen bonds link molecules into a
      corrugated sheet, which lies parallel to the ab plane. Ring A has a slightly
      distorted half-chair conformation, rings B and C adopt chair conformations, while
      the cyclo-pentane ring D adopts a 14alpha-envelope conformation.

PMID- 22058811
TI  - (E)-Methyl 3-(4-ethyl-phen-yl)-2-{2-[(E)-(hy-droxy-imino)-meth-yl]phen-oxy-meth
      yl}acrylate.
AB  - In the title compound, C(20)H(21)NO(4), the two benzene rings are almost
      perpendicular to each other, making a dihedral angle of 86.1 (7) degrees . The hy
      droxy-ethanimine group is essentially coplanar with the benzene ring, the largest
      deviation from the mean plane of the hy-droxy-ethanimine [C=N-OH] group being
      0.011 (1) A for the O atom. An intra-molecular C-H?O hydrogen bond occurs. The
      mol-ecules are linked into cyclic centrosymmetric R(2) (2)(6) dimers via O-H?N
      hydrogen bonds. Inter-molecular C-H?O hydrogen bonds link the mol-ecules, forming
      a C(8) chain along the a axis. The crystal packing is further stabilized by C
      H?pi inter-actions.

PMID- 22058812
TI  - 2-{(1E)-1-[(3-{(E)-[1-(2-Hy-droxy-4-meth-oxy-phen-yl)ethyl-idene]amino}-2,2-di
      methyl-prop-yl)imino]-eth-yl}-5-meth-oxy-phenol.
AB  - Mol-ecules of the title compound, C(23)H(30)N(2)O(4), are located on a
      crystallographic mirror plane. The mol-ecule has a curved shape with the dihedral
      angle formed between the two benzene rings being 55.26 (5) degrees . Intra
      molecular O-H?N hydrogen bonds are noted. In the crystal, supra-molecular layers
      are formed in the ac plane owing to the presence of C-H?pi inter-actions.

PMID- 22058813
TI  - 2,4-Diamino-6-methyl-1,3,5-triazin-1-ium tetra-fluoro-borate.
AB  - In the crystal structure of the title salt, C(4)H(8)N(5) (+).BF(4) (-),
      centrosymmetrically related cations undergo base pairing via a pair of N-H?N
      hydrogen bonds, forming an R(2) (2)(8) ring motif. The cations and anions inter
      act via N-H?F hydrogen bonds, generating supra-molecular layers parallel to
      ([Formula: see text]20), which are in turn linked into a three-dimensional
      network, forming rings of R(6) (6)(24) graph-set motif. The crystal structure is
      further stabilized by pi-pi stacking inter-actions [centroid-centroid distance =
      3.3361 (12) A].

PMID- 22058814
TI  - (S)-5-Oxo-N-phenyl-pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide.
AB  - The title compound, C(11)H(12)N(2)O(2), shows an S configuration, in which the
      pyrrolidinone ring is twisted with respect to the phenyl plane, making a dihedral
      angle of 70.73 (7) degrees . In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by N-H?O
      hydrogen bonds, building up a layer parallel to (001).

PMID- 22058815
TI  - Ethyl 5-hy-droxy-6-oxo-4-phenyl-5,6-dihydro-4H-cyclo-penta-[b]thio-phene-5
      carboxyl-ate.
AB  - In the title mol-ecule, C(16)H(14)O(4)S, the dihydro-cyclo-penta-thio-phenone
      ring system is almost planar, with an r.m.s. deviation of 0.060 A from the best
      fit plane through all nine non-H atoms. The cyclo-penta-none ring adopts a
      severely flattened envelope conformation with the C atom carrying the OH and
      ethylcarboxylate substituents at the flap. This atom lies only 0.185 (3) A from
      the plane through the other four C atoms. The phenyl substituent is inclined at
      43.37 (5) degrees  to the dihydro-cyclo-penta-thio-phenone mean plane. In the
      crystal, mol-ecules are linked by pairs of O-H?O hydrogen bonds, forming
      inversion dimers with R(2) (2)(10) ring motifs. Weak C-H?O hydrogen bonds also
      link mol-ecules into chains along c, while an approximately orthogonal set of C
      H?O contacts form chains along b, resulting in layers lying parallel to (100).
      Inversion dimers also form through weaker R(2) (2)(12) C-H?S contacts, which
      combine with C-H?O contacts to form stacks along b.

PMID- 22058816
TI  - 9-Hy-droxy-4,8-dimethyl-12-(piperidin-1-ylmeth-yl)-3,14-dioxatricyclo
      [9.3.0.0]tetra-dec-7-en-13-one.
AB  - The title compound, C(20)H(31)NO(4), was synthesized from 9alpha-hy-droxy
      parthenolide (9alpha-hy-droxy-4,8-dimethyl-12-methylen-3,14-dioxa-tricyclo
      [9.3.0.0(2,4)]tetra-dec-7-en-13-one), which was isolated from the chloro-form
      extract of the aerial parts of Anvillea radiata. The mol-ecule is built up from
      fused five-and ten-membered rings with the pipyridin-1-yl-methyl group as a
      substituent. The ten-membered ring adopts an approximate chair-chair
      conformation, while the six-membered ring display a chair conformation and the
      five-membered ring an envelope conformation with the C(H)-C-C(H) atom at the
      flap. The dihedral angle between the ten-membered ring and the lactone ring is
      21.7 (4) degrees . The mol-ecular conformation is stabilized by an O-H?N hydrogen
      bond and the crystal structure is stabilized by weak inter-molecular C-H?O inter
      actions.

PMID- 22058817
TI  - Moxifloxacinium chloride monohydrate.
AB  - The title compound {systematic name: 7-[(1S,6S)-8-aza-2-azonia-bicyclo-[4.3.0]non
      8-yl]-1-cyclo-propyl-6-fluoro-8-meth-oxy-4-oxo-1,4-dihydro-quinoline-3-carb-oxy
      lic acid chloride monohydrate}, C(21)H(25)FN(3)O(4) (+).Cl(-).H(2)O, crystallizes
      with two moxi-floxa-cinium cations, two chloride ions and two uncoordinated water
      mol-ecules in the unit cell. The crystal structure has a pseudo-inversion center
      except for the chloride ions. In both moxi-floxa-cinium cations, the quinoline
      rings are approximately planar, the maximum atomic deviations being 0.107 (3) and
      0.118 (3) A. The piperidine rings adopt a chair conformation while the
      pyrrolidine rings display a half-chair conformation. In the crystal, the carboxyl
      groups, the protonated piperidyl groups, the uncoordinated water mol-ecule and
      chloride anions participate in O-H?O, O-H?Cl and N-H?Cl hydrogen bonding; weak
      inter-molecular C-H?O and C-H?Cl hydrogen bonding is also present in the crystal
      structure.

PMID- 22058818
TI  - 5-O-Acetyl-d-ribono-1,4-lactone.
AB  - The title compound, C(7)H(10)O(6), was obtained from a regioselective enzyme
      catalysed acyl-ation of d-ribono-1,4-lactone. The five-membered ring of the acyl
      ated sugar shows an envelope conformation. In the crystal, the mol-ecules are
      linked by inter-molecular O-H?O hydrogen-bonds, forming a one-dimensional
      polymeric structure parallel to [010]. In addition, packing analysis shows
      stacking along the b axis.

PMID- 22058819
TI  - N-Cyclo-hexyl-4-[(2-nitro-anilino)-meth-yl]thio-phene-2-sulfonamide.
AB  - In the title compound, C(17)H(21)N(3)O(4)S(2), an intra-molecular N-H?O hydrogen
      bond involving the proximate amine and nitro groups is observed. In the crystal,
      inter-molecular N-H?O hydrogen bonds involving the amine and SO(2) groups occur.
      One of the notro O atoms is disordered over two conformations with occupancies of
      0.578 (12) and 0.422 (12).

PMID- 22058820
TI  - 2-(Biphenyl-4-yl)-5-[3-(4,5,6,7-tetra-hydro-thieno[3,2-c]pyridine-5-ylsulfon
      yl)thio-phen-2-yl]-1,3,4-oxa-diazole.
AB  - In the title mol-ecule, C(25)H(19)N(3)O(3)S(3), the tetra-hydro-pyridine ring
      adopts a half-chair conformation. The dihedral angle between the least-squares
      plane through the tetra-hydro-pyridine ring and two thio-phene and two benzene
      rings are 6.25 (9), 89.49 (9), 76.43 (9) and 84.93 (8) degrees , respectively,
      while the dihedral angle between the 1,3,4-oxadiazole and tetra-hydro-pyridine
      rings is 81.14 (9) degrees . In the crystal, adjacent mol-ecules are connected
      via weak C-H?N hydrogen bonds, forming a chain along the b axis.

PMID- 22058821
TI  - Monoclinic polymorph of 4-[(1H-benz-imidazol-1-yl)meth-yl]benzoic acid.
AB  - Three polymorphs of the title compound, C(15)H(12)N(2)O(2), were obtained
      accidentally as single crystals in the hydro-thermal reaction of the title
      compound with manganese bromide in the presence of N,N'-dimethyl-formamide at 373
      K. Here we report the structure of the first polymorph. The benzimidazole ring is
      almost planar, the maximum deviation from the mean plane being 0.016 (1) A. The
      benzimidazole and benzene rings are approximately perpendicular, making a
      dihedral angle 85.56 (7) degrees , which is a reflection of the axial rotation of
      the flexible benzimidazolyl arm. In the crystal, adjacent mol-ecules are
      connected through O-H?N hydrogen bonds into a chain along [100], and neighboring
      chains are further linked by via weak C-H?O hydrogen-bonding inter-actions,
      forming a two-dimensional network.

PMID- 22058822
TI  - 4-Sulfamoylanilinium nitrate.
AB  - In the crystal structure of the title compound, C(6)H(9)N(2)O(2)S(+).NO(3) (-),
      the cations and anions are connected by N-H?O hydrogen bonds into a three
      dimensional network.

PMID- 22058823
TI  - 4-Amino-pyridinium cis-2-carb-oxy-cyclo-hexane-1-carboxyl-ate.
AB  - In the structure of the title molecular salt, C(5)H(7)N(2) (+).C(8)H(11)O(4) (-),
      the cis monoanions associate through short O-H?O hydrogen bonds in the carb-oxy
      lic acid groups [graph set C(7)], forming zigzag chains which extend along the c
      axis. These are inter-linked through pyridinium and amine N-H?O hydrogen bonds,
      giving a three-dimensional network structure.

PMID- 22058824
TI  - 9-p-Tolyl-9H-carbazole-3-carbonitrile.
AB  - In the title compound, C(20)H(14)N(2), the carbazole ring system is essentially
      planar (r.m.s. deviation = 0.187 A) and is inclined at an angle of 54.33 (4) 
      degrees  with respect to the benzene ring. The crystal packing is stabilized by
      weak C-H?N and C-H?pi inter-actions.

PMID- 22058825
TI  - 7H-1-Benzofuro[2,3-b]carbazole.
AB  - In the title compound, C(18)H(11)NO, the carbazole and benzofuran rings are
      almost co-planar, making a dihedral angle of 3.31 (3) degrees . The crystal
      structure is stabilized by weak C-H?pi inter-actions.

PMID- 22058826
TI  - 7-Phenyl-7H-dinaphtho-[2,1-b:1',2'-d]phosphole 7-oxide.
AB  - In the title compound, C(26)H(17)OP, the naphthyl ring systems are bent away from
      each other [dihedral angle = 30.81 (8) degrees ]. In the crystal, weak inter
      molecular C-H?O inter-actions link the mol-ecules into helical chains along the
      2(1) screw axis.

PMID- 22058827
TI  - Benzyl 2-{4-[2-(4-chloro-benzoyl-amino)-eth-yl]phen-oxy}-2-methyl-propionate.
AB  - In the title compound, C(26)H(26)ClNO(4), the central phenyl-ene ring is oriented
      at dihedral angles of 5.06 (14) and 64.14 (5) degrees , respectively, with
      respect to aromatic rings of the benzyl and chloro-phenyl groups. The centroid
      centroid distance between the central phenyl-ene ring and the aromatic ring of
      the benzyl group is 4.028 (12) A. In the crystal, inter-molecular N-H?O hydrogen
      bond generate a chain along (100). C-H?O inter-actions are also observed.

PMID- 22058828
TI  - 3-tert-Butyl-2-oxo-1-oxaspiro-[4.5]dec-3-en-4-yl 4-chloro-benzoate.
AB  - The title tetronic acid derivative, C(20)H(23)ClO(4), which is a spiro-diclofen
      analogue, has two crystallographically independent mol-ecules in the asymmetric
      unit (Z' = 2). The cyclo-hexane rings in the respective mol-ecules A and B adopt
      chair conformations [four C atoms are planar with mean deviations of 0.013 (2)
      and 0.001 (2) A, and the flap positions deviate by 0.653 (4) and -0.663 (3) A
      (mol-ecule A) and 0.642 (4) and -0.643 (5) A (mol-ecule B) from the plane]. The
      furan ring makes dihedral angles of 86.9 (1) (mol-ecule A) and 85.4 (1) degrees 
      (mol-ecule B) with the respective benzene rings.

PMID- 22058829
TI  - 5-Chloro-3-cyclo-pentyl-sulfonyl-2-methyl-1-benzofuran.
AB  - In the title compound, C(14)H(15)ClO(3)S, the cyclo-penyl ring adopts an envelope
      conformation. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by weak inter-molecular C-H?O
      hydrogen bonds into dual chains propagating in [100]. The dual chains arise from
      pairs of the same or different hydrogen bonds between adjacent molecules.

PMID- 22058830
TI  - Isopropyl 4-nitro-benzoate.
AB  - In the mol-ecule of the title compound, C(10)H(11)NO(4), the nitro group is
      approximately coplanar with the benzene ring [dihedral angle = 4.57 (10) degrees
      ], while the carboxyl-ate group is slightly twisted, making an angle of 12.16 (8)
      degrees . In the crystal, weak inter-molecular C-H?O hydrogen bonding and pi-pi
      stacking inter-actions [centroid-centroid distances = 3.670 (2) and 3.665 (2) A]
      are observed.

PMID- 22058831
TI  - 7-Chloro-3-phenyl-benzo[4,5]thia-zolo[2,3-c][1,2,4]triazole.
AB  - In the title compound, C(14)H(8)ClN(3)S, the dihedral angle between the
      approximately planar triple-fused ring system (r.m.s. deviation = 0.065 A) and
      the pendant phenyl ring is 62.25 (5) degrees . In the crystal, mol-ecules are
      linked into infinite chains along the c-axis direction by C-H?N hydrogen bonds.
      Aromatic pi-pi stacking inter-actions [centroid-centroid distances = 3.7499 (8)
      and 3.5644 (8) A] and weak C-H?pi inter-actions are also observed.

PMID- 22058832
TI  - Manganese(II) octa-uranium(IV) hepta-deca-sulfide.
AB  - Single crystals of manganese(II) octa-uranium(IV) hepta-deca-sulfide,
      MnU(8)S(17), were grown from the reaction of the elements in a RbCl flux.
      MnU(8)S(17) crystallizes in the space group C2/m in the CrU(8)S(17) structure
      type. The asymmetric unit is composed of the following atoms with site symmetries
      shown: U1 (1), U2 (m), U3 (m), Mn1 (2/m), S1 (1), S2 (1); S3 (m), S4 (m), S5 (m),
      S6 (m) and S7 (2/m). The three U(IV) atoms are each coordinated by eight S atoms
      in a bicapped trigonal-prismatic arrangement. The Mn(II) atom is coordinated by
      six S atoms in a distorted octa-hedral arrangement.

PMID- 22058833
TI  - (4,5-Diaza-fluoren-9-one-kappaN,N')bis-(1H-imidazole-kappaN)bis-(thio-cyanato
      kappaN)cobalt(II).
AB  - In the title complex, [Co(NCS)(2)(C(3)H(4)N(2))(2)(C(11)H(6)N(2)O)], the Co(II)
      atom has a distorted octa-hedral coordination with the N atoms of the 4,5-diaza
      fluoren-9-one ligand and two N atoms from imidazole ligands in the equatorial
      positions and the axial sites occupied by two N atoms of the thio-cyanate ligand.
      Inter-molecular N-H?O hydrogen bonding forms a one-dimensional motif parallel to
      the cell ab diagonal.

PMID- 22058834
TI  - catena-Poly[[bis-(N,N-dimethyl-formamide-kappaO)zinc]-MU(2)-oxalato
      kappaO,O:O,O].
AB  - In the crystal structure of the title compound, [Zn(C(2)O(4))(C(3)H(7)NO)(2)](n),
      the Zn(II) ion is situated on a twofold rotation axis and has a distorted octa
      hedral coordination geometry defined by the O atoms of two dimethyl-formamide mol
      ecules and four O atoms of two bidentate oxalate ligands. The oxalate anion is
      located on an inversion centre and bridges two metal ions, resulting in a
      polymeric structure with infinite zigzag chains extending parallel to [010].

PMID- 22058835
TI  - Poly[[{MU(3)-2-[4-(2-hy-droxy-eth-yl)piperazin-1-yl]ethane-sulfonato}-silver(I)]
      trihydrate].
AB  - Ethane-sulfonic acid-based buffers like 2-[4-(2-hy-droxy-eth-yl)-piperazin-1
      yl]ethane-sulfonic acid (HEPES) are commonly used in biological experiments
      because of their ability to act as non-coordinating ligands towards metal ions.
      However, recent work has shown that some of these buffers may in fact coordinate
      metal ions. The title complex, {[Ag(C(8)H(17)N(2)O(4)S)].3H(2)O}(n), is a metal
      organic framework formed from HEPES and a silver(I) ion. In this polymeric
      complex, each Ag atom is primarily coordinated by two N atoms in a distorted
      linear geometry. Weaker secondary bonding inter-actions from the hy-droxy and
      sulfate O atoms of HEPES complete a distorted seesaw geometry. The crystal
      structure is stabilized by O-H?O hydrogen-bonding interactions.

PMID- 22058836
TI  - Di-MU-chlorido-bis-{[4-amino-3,5-bis-(2-pyrid-yl)-4H-1,2,4-triazole
      kappaN]chloridomercury(II)}.
AB  - In the centrosymmetric binuclear title complex, [Hg(2)Cl(4)(C(12)H(10)N(6))(2)],
      the Hg(II) ion is five-coordinated by two N atoms and three chloride ions with a
      distorted square-pyramidal geometry. In the complex, there is an intra-molecular
      N-H?N hydrogen bond. In the crystal, the binuclear units are connected by inter
      molecular N-H?Cl hydrogen bonds, as well as pi-pi stacking inter-actions
      [centroid-centroid distances = 3.526 (2) and 3.696 (2) A], forming a two
      dimensional layered structure parallel to (010).

PMID- 22058837
TI  - MU-Acetato-diacetato{MU-6,6'-dimethoxy-2,2'-[o
      phenylenebis(nitrilomethanylylidene)]diphenolato}gadolinium(III)zinc.
AB  - In the heterodinuclear title complex, [GdZn(C(22)H(18)N(2)O(4))(CH(3)COO)(3)],
      the Zn(II) ion is five-coordinated in a square-pyramidal environment defined by
      two O atoms and two N atoms from the ligand, forming the square plane, and one
      acetate O atom serving as the apex, while the Gd(III) ion is nine-coordinated in
      an approximate mono-capped tetra-gonal-anti-prismatic environment defined by four
      O atoms from the ligand and five acetate O atoms.

PMID- 22058838
TI  - trans-Diaqua-bis-[5-carb-oxy-2-(3-pyrid-yl)-1H-imidazole-4-carboxyl-ato
      kappaN,O]cobalt(II).
AB  - In the title complex, [Co(C(10)H(6)N(3)O(4))(2)(H(2)O)(2)], the Co(II) atom is
      located on an inversion centre and displays a distorted octa-hedral coordination
      geometry defined by two N,O-bidentate ligands in the equatorial plane and two
      water mol-ecules in the axial positions. The conformation is stabilized by intra
      molecular O-H?O hydrogen bonds. Inter-molecular N-H?O hydrogen bonds link the mol
      ecules into chains, which are further connected by inter-molecular O-H?O and O
      H?N hydrogen-bonding inter-actions, forming a two-dimensional supra-molecular
      network parallel to (110).

PMID- 22058839
TI  - [6-(4-Bromo-phen-yl)-2,2'-bipyridine-kappaN,N']bis-(triphenyl-phosphane
      kappaP)copper(I) tetra-fluoridoborate.
AB  - The title compound, [Cu(C(16)H(11)BrN(2))(C(18)H(15)P)(2)]BF(4), is composed of
      one Cu(I) atom, one 6-(4-bromo-phen-yl)-2,2'-bipyridine (L) ligand, two triphenyl
      phosphane mol-ecules and one tetra-fluoridoborate anion. The Cu(I) ion is four
      coordinated in a distorted tetra-hedral configuration by two N atoms from L and
      two P atoms from triphenyl-phosphane ligands. In the L ligand, the two pyridine
      rings are not coplanar; the mean planes making a dihedral angle of 15.3 (5)
      degrees . In the crystal, the ions are linked by weak C-H?F inter-actions.

PMID- 22058840
TI  - Diaqua-tris-[4,4,4-trifluoro-3-oxo-1-(thio-phen-2-yl)but-1-en-1
      olato]neodymium(III) acetonitrile monosolvate.
AB  - The title complex, [Nd(C(8)H(4)F(3)O(2)S)(3)(H(2)O)(2)].CH(3)CN, consists of an
      Nd(III) ion surrounded by three 4,4,4-trifluoro-3-oxo-1-(thio-phen-2-yl)but-1-en
      1-olate ligands, coordinated through the O atoms, and two water mol-ecules. The
      Nd-O bond lengths range from 2.372 (2) to 2.513 (2) A. The metal ion displays a
      coordination number of eight and a square-anti-prismatic coordination geometry. A
      single uncoordinated acetonitrile mol-ecule is present in the asymmetric unit.
      Two of the three thio-phene rings are disordered, resulting from a 180 degrees 
      rotation with respect to the beta-diketonate moiety. The coordinated water mol
      ecules act as hydrogen-bond donors towards the acetonitrile N atom and the beta
      diketonate O atoms.

PMID- 22058841
TI  - Bis-(chloro-acetato-kappaO)bis(trimethyl-silylmethyl)tin(IV).
AB  - In the title complex, [Sn(C(2)H(2)ClO(2))(2)(C(4)H(11)Si)(2)], the Sn(IV) ion is
      coordinated in a distorted tetra-hedral environment formed by two O atoms from
      two monodenate chloro-acetato ligands and two C atoms from two trimethyl silyl
      ligands. Two further weak intra-molecular Sn?O contacts [2.744 (2) and 2.655 (2)
      A] are formed by the chloro-acetato ligands.

PMID- 22058842
TI  - Di-MU-but-2-enoato-bis-[diaqua-bis(but-2-enoato)neodymium(III)] 2,6-diamino
      purine disolvate.
AB  - The title Nd complex [Nd(2)(C(4)H(5)O(2))(6)(H(2)O)(4)].2C(5)H(6)N(6) is isotypic
      with two previously reported Dy and Ho isologues. It is composed of
      [Nd(crot)(3)(H(2)O)(2)](2) dimers [crot(onate) = but-2-enoate = C(4)H(5)O(2)],
      built up around symmetry centres and completed by 2,6-diamine-purine mol-ecules
      acting as solvates. The neodymium cations are coordinated by three chelating
      crotonato units and two water mol-ecules. One of the chelating carboxyl-ates acts
      also in a bridging mode, sharing one oxygen with both cations, and the final
      result is a pair of NdO(9) tricapped prismatic polyhedra linked to each other
      through a central (Nd-O)(2) loop. A most attractive aspect of the structures
      resides in the existence of a complex inter-molecular hydrogen-bonding
      interaction scheme involving two sets of tightly inter-linked, non-inter-secting
      one-dimensional structures, one of them formed by the [Nd(crot)(3)(H(2)O)(2)](2)
      dimers running along [100] and the second by the solvate mol-ecules evolving
      along [010].

PMID- 22058843
TI  - Dichloridobis[2-methyl-sulfanyl-4-(pyridin-2-yl)pyrimidine-kappaN,N]cobalt(II).
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound, [CoCl(2)(C(10)H(9)N(3)S)(2)], contains
      one half-mol-ecule with the Co(II) atom situtated on a twofold rotational axis.
      The Co(II) atom, in an octa-hedral enviroment, is coordinated by four N atoms
      from two 2-methyl-sulfanyl-4-(pyridin-2-yl)pyrimidine ligands and two Cl atoms.

PMID- 22058844
TI  - MU-Bromido-bis{MU-2,2'-[4,7-diaza-decane-1,10-diylbis(nitrilo-methanylyl
      idene)]diphenolato}tricopper(II) bromide dimethyl-formamide disolvate.
AB  - The complex mol-ecule of the title compound,
      [Cu(3)Br(C(22)H(28)N(4)O(2))(2)]Br.2C(3)H(7)NO, contains three copper atoms, two
      of which are five-coordinate within a square-pyramidal environment and linked by
      a bridging Br atom occupying the apical position in each square pyramid. The
      remaining Cu atom is four-coordinate but with considerable tetra-hedral disortion
      [the dihedral angle between the two chelate planes is 69.21 (7) degrees ]. There
      are two mol-ecules of dimethyl-formamide (DMF) present as solvent mol-ecules, one
      of which is disordered over two equivalent conformations with occupancies of
      0.603 (5) and 0.397 (5). The amine H atoms are involved in both inter- and intra
      molecular hydrogen-bonding inter-actions with the Br and O atoms of the cation,
      as well as with the O atom of the ordered DMF mol-ecule.

PMID- 22058845
TI  - catena-Poly[[bis-[[bis-(3-amino-prop-yl)amine-kappaN,N',N''](thio-cyanato
      kappaN)cadmium]-MU(4)-sulfato-kappaO,O:O',O'] methanol hemisolvate].
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound,
      {[Cd(2)(NCS)(2)(SO(4))(C(6)H(17)N(3))(2)].0.5CH(3)OH}(n), consists of two Cd(2+)
      cations, two thio-cyanate and one sulfate anion, two bis-(3-amino-prop-yl)amine
      co-ligands and one methanol molecule with half-occupancy. Each Cd(2+) cation is
      coordinated by four N atoms of one terminal N-bonded thio-cyanate anion and one
      bis-(3-amino-prop-yl)amine co-ligand, and by two O atoms of two symmetry-related
      sulfate anions, defining a slightly distorted octa-hedral coordination
      polyhedron. Each two Cd(2+) cations are connected into dimers, which are located
      on centres of inversion and which are further MU-1,1:3,3-bridged via the sulfate
      anions into polymeric zigzag chains along the a axis.

PMID- 22058846
TI  - Bis[2-(2-amino-ethyl-amino)-ethanol]copper(II) dinitrate.
AB  - In the title compound, [Cu(C(4)H(12)N(2)O)(2)](NO(3))(2), the central Cu(II) atom
      has a distorted octa-hedral coordination geometry and is surrounded by four N
      atoms and two O atoms from the two inversion-related 2-(2-amino-ethyl-amino)
      ethanol ligands. In the crystal, mol-ecules are held together by inter-molecular
      O-H?O and N-H?O hydrogen bonds, leading to the formation of a three-dimensional
      network.

PMID- 22058847
TI  - trans-Dibromidobis(1-ethyl-3-methyl-imidazol-2-yl-idene)palladium(II).
AB  - The title compound, trans-[PdBr(2)(C(6)H(10)N(2))(2)], was synthesized
      ionothermally in the ionic liquid solvent 1-ethyl-3-methyl-imidazolium bromide.
      In the crystal, the Pd(II) atoms are square-planarly coordinated to two Br atoms
      and two neutral (C(6)H(10)N(2)) ligands. The Pd(II) atom is located on an
      inversion centre.

PMID- 22058848
TI  - Bis[4-(1-imino-eth-yl)-3-methyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-5-olato-kappaO,N]copper(II).
AB  - In the title complex, [Cu(C(12)H(12)N(3)O)(2)], the Cu(II) ion is tetra
      coordinated by two N atoms and two O atoms from two bis-chelating 4-(1-imino-eth
      yl)-3-methyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-5-olate ligands in a square-planar geometry. The
      two N atoms and two O atoms around the Cu(II) atom are trans to each other, as
      the Cu(II) atom lies on an inversion centre. The six-membered ring composed of
      the Cu, an O, an N and three C atoms of the ligand and the pyrazole ring is
      nearly planar, the largest deviation being 0.037 (4) A for an N atom. In the
      crystal, weak inter-molecular C-H?N hydrogen-bonding inter-actions link the mol
      ecules into chains along the c axis.

PMID- 22058849
TI  - Bis{2-[(2-hy-droxy-2-methyl-prop-yl)imino-meth-yl]-4-nitro-phenolato}nickel(II)
      dimethyl-formamide monosolvate.
AB  - In the title compound, [Ni(C(11)H(13)N(2)O(4))(2)].C(3)H(7)NO, the Ni(II) ion is
      octa-hedrally coordinated in an N(2)O(4) environment by two identical Schiff base
      ligands. The Ni-O bond lengths range from 2.004 (2) to 2.106 (2) A, while the Ni
      N bond lengths are 2.038 (2) and 2.0465 (19) A. The cis bond angles range from
      78.64 (8) to 97.30 (8) degrees , with the former being due to the small bite of
      the amino-alcohol ligand, while the trans bond angles range from 167.86 (8) to
      171.23 (8) degrees . One of the alcohol H atoms forms a hydrogen bond with the
      dimethyl-formamide (DMF) solvent mol-ecule, while the other links mol-ecules into
      chains along the b axis through inter-molecular O-H?O hydrogen bonds. There are
      bifurcated C-H?O inter-actions involving one of the nitro groups between parallel
      stacks of mol-ecules in the b-axis direction.

PMID- 22058850
TI  - {MU-6,6'-Dimeth-oxy-2,2'-[butane-1,4-diylbis(nitrilo-methanylyl
      idene)]diphenolato}trinitratocopper(II)samarium(III).
AB  - In the monomeric dinuclear title complex, [CuSm(C(20)H(22)N(2)O(4))(NO(3))(3)],
      the four-coordinate Cu(II) ion has a square-planar geometry involving two O atoms
      and two N atoms of the deprotonated Schiff base ligand. The Sm(III) ion is ten
      coordinate, chelated by four O donor atoms of the Schiff base and two O atoms
      each from three bidentate nitrate groups, one of which is disordered over two
      sites in a 0.55 (7):0.45 (7) ratio.

PMID- 22058851
TI  - Bis[bis-(diphenyl-phosphino-yl)acetonitrile-kappaO,O']copper(II).
AB  - The title complex, [Cu(C(26)H(20)NO(2)P(2))(2)], contains a central Cu(II) atom
      surrounded by two homoleptic bidentate ligands, which form two five-membered
      chelate rings. The Cu atom binds to four O atoms, resulting in a four-coordinate
      square-planar complex. The asymmetric unit contains half of the complex, the
      other half being completed by inversion symmetry. The Cu-O bond lengths have
      similar distances, viz. 1.9153 (10) A for the pair opposite (trans) each other
      and 1.9373 (10) A for the other (trans) pair. The P-O bond lengths are 1.5250
      (11) A, indicating significant electron delocalization across the O-P-C-P-O atoms
      in the chelate ring, resulting in a longer P-O bond length when compared to a
      formal double-bond P=O character (much shorter at approximately 1.47 A). The two
      inter-secting O-Cu-O angles are both linear at 180 degrees , whilst the remaining
      L-shaped O-Cu-O bond angles are 88.26 (5) and 91.74 (5) degrees . The C-C N
      fragment is slightly distorted from linearity at 177.44 (19) degrees  and the C N
      bond length of 1.151 (2) A indicates predominantly triple-bond character.

PMID- 22058852
TI  - Poly[di-MU-glycinato-copper(II)]: a two-dimensional coordination polymer.
AB  - The title coordination polymer, [Cu(C(2)H(4)NO(2))(2)](n), is two-dimensional and
      consists of a distorted octa-hedral copper coordination polyhedron with two
      bidentate glycine ligands chelating the metal through the O and N atoms in a
      trans-square-planar configuration. The two axial coordination sites are occupied
      by carbonyl O atoms of neighbouring glycine mol-ecules. The Cu-O distances for
      the axial O atoms [2.648 (2) and 2.837 (2) A] are considerably longer than both
      the Cu-O [1.9475 (17) and 1.9483 (18) A] and Cu-N [1.988 (2) and 1.948 (2) A]
      distances in the equatorial plane, which indicates a strong Jahn-Teller effect.
      In the crystal, the two-dimensional networks are arranged parallel to (001) and
      are linked via N-H?O hydrogen bonds, forming a three-dimensional arrangement.

PMID- 22058853
TI  - 4-(Dimethyl-amino)-pyridinium tetra-chlorido(quinoline-2-carboxyl-ato
      kappaN,O)stannate(IV).
AB  - In the title salt, (C(7)H(11)N(2))[SnCl(4)(C(10)H(6)NO(2))], the Sn(IV) atom is
      chelated by the N,O-bidentate carboxyl-ate ions and four chloride ions, showing a
      distorted octa-hedral SnNOCl(4) coordination. In the crystal, the cation and
      anion are linked by a pyridinium-carboxyl-ate N-H?O hydrogen bond.

PMID- 22058854
TI  - Bis{4-bromo-2-[(2-hy-droxy-eth-yl)imino-meth-yl]phenolato}nickel(II) monohydrate.
AB  - The title mononuclear nickel complex, [Ni(C(9)H(9)BrNO(2))(2)].H(2)O, was
      obtained by the reaction of 5-bromo-salicyl-aldehyde, 2-amino-ethanol and nickel
      nitrate in methanol. The Ni(II) atom is six-coordinated by two phenolate O, two
      imine N and two hy-droxy O atoms from two crystallographically different Schiff
      base ligands, forming an octa-hedral geometry. In the crystal, mol-ecules are
      linked by inter-molecular O-H?O and O-H?Br hydrogen bonds, forming a three
      dimensional network.

PMID- 22058855
TI  - Bis{4-chloro-2-[(2-hy-droxy-eth-yl)imino-meth-yl]phenolato}nickel(II)
      monohydrate.
AB  - The title mononuclear nickel(II) complex, [Ni(C(9)H(9)ClNO(2))(2)].H(2)O, was
      obtained by the reaction of 5-chloro-salicyl-aldehyde, 2-amino-ethanol and nickel
      nitrate in methanol. The Ni atom is six-coordinated by two phenolate O, two imine
      N and two hy-droxy O atoms from two crystallographically different Schiff base
      ligands, forming an octa-hedral geometry. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked
      through inter-molecular O-H?O and O-H?Cl hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22058856
TI  - Dibromido(2,3-di-2-pyridyl-pyrazine-kappaN,N)platinum(II).
AB  - The Pt(II) ion in the title complex, [PtBr(2)(C(14)H(10)N(4))], is four
      coordinated in a distorted square-planar environment by two N atoms of a
      chelating 2,3-di-2-pyridyl-pyrazine ligand and two bromide anions. In the
      crystal, the pyridyl ring coordinated to the Pt atom is inclined slightly to its
      carrier pyrazine ring [dihedral angle = 14.7 (2) degrees ], whereas the
      uncoordinated pyridyl ring is inclined considerably to the pyrazine ring
      [dihedral angle = 51.9 (3) degrees ]. The dihedral angle between the two pyridyl
      rings is 57.7 (3) degrees . Two complex mol-ecules are assembled through inter
      molecular C-H?N hydrogen bonds, forming a dimer-type species. Intra-molecular C
      H?Br and C-H?N hydrogen bonds are also present.

PMID- 22058857
TI  - (eta-Isopropyl N-phenyl-carbamate)(eta-penta-methyl-cyclo-penta-dien
      yl)ruthenium(II) tetra-phenyl-borate acetone monosolvate.
AB  - The title complex, [Ru(C(10)H(15))(C(10)H(13)NO(2))](C(24)H(20)B).C(3)H(6)O, is
      related to the analogous O-methyl complex. The average Ru-C distance to the penta
      methyl-cyclo-penta-dienyl (Cp*) group is 2.19 (3) A, and 2.21 (1) A to the ortho,
      meta and para C atoms of the arene ring. The Ru-C(ipso) bond length of 2.272 (3)
      A is significantly longer, reflecting movement of the Ru atom away from the C
      atoms with electronegative substituents attached. The amide H atom in the cation
      forms an inter-molecular N-H?O hydrogen bond with the carbonyl O atom of the
      acetone solvent mol-ecule. A C-H?O inter-action also occurs.

PMID- 22058858
TI  - Tetra-kis(MU-2-phen-oxy-propionato)-kappaO,O':O';kappaO:O,O';kappaO:O'-bis-[(1,10
      phenanthroline-kappaN,N')(2-phen-oxy-propionato-kappaO,O')terbium(III)].
AB  - In the centrosymmetric binuclear title complex,
      [Tb(2)(C(9)H(9)O(3))(6)(C(12)H(8)N(2))(2)], the two Tb(III) ions are linked by
      four 2-phen-oxy-propionate (L) groups through their bi- and tridentate bridging
      modes. Each Tb(III) ion is nine-coordinated by one 1,10-phenanthroline mol-ecule,
      one bidentate carboxyl-ate group and four bridging carboxyl-ate groups in a
      distorted TbN(2)O(7) monocapped square-anti-prismatic geometry.

PMID- 22058859
TI  - catena-Poly[[tetra-kis-(MU-penta-fluoro-benzoato-kappaO:O')dimolybdenum(II)]-MU
      4,4'-bipyridine-kappaN:N'].
AB  - In the title compound, [Mo(2)(C(7)F(5)O(2))(4)(C(10)H(8)N(2))](n), the mol-ecule
      forms a paddle-wheel-type structure. Each Mo(2) (4+) unit is equatorially
      coordinated by four pentafluoro-benzoate groups, while the axial positions are
      occupied by two 4,4'-bipyridine mol-ecules. The Mo-Mo bond length of 2.1227 (4) A
      is representative of a dimolybdenum quadruple bond. An infinite linear chain
      parallel to [110] is formed by the Mo(2) (4+) unit coordinating axially to the
      two N atoms of the 4,4'-bipyridine ligand [Mo-N = 2.594 (2) A]. The crystal
      packing shows mol-ecules linked together into a three-dimensional network via Mo
      N coordination inter-actions and weak pi-pi stacking inter-actions between
      perfluoro-phenyl rings [centroid-centroid distance = 3.7280 (3) A and centroid-to
      plane distance = 3.6103 (12) A between two penta-fluoro-phenyl rings].

PMID- 22058860
TI  - Diacetato-kappaO;kappaO,O'-aqua-(2,4,6-tri-2-pyridyl-1,3,5-triazine
      kappaN,N,N)manganese(II) monohydrate.
AB  - The Mn(II) ion in the title compound,
      [Mn(CH(3)CO(2))(2)(C(18)H(12)N(6))(H(2)O)].H(2)O, is seven-coordinated in an
      approximately penta-gonal-bipyramidal geometry by three N atoms of the tridentate
      2,4,6-tri-2-pyridyl-1,3,5-triazine ligand and four O atoms from two distinct
      anionic acetato ligands and a water mol-ecule. One acetate anion chelates the Mn
      atom via two O atoms occupying equatorial positions, and the other anion
      coordinates the Mn atom as a monodentate ligand via one O atom. The complex and
      solvent water mol-ecules are linked by inter- and intra-molecular O-H?O, O-H?N
      and C-H?O hydrogen bonds into a three-dimensional network.

PMID- 22058861
TI  - Di-MU-acetato-kappaO,O':O';kappaO:O,O'-bis-[(acetato-kappaO,O')bis-(5-nitro-1,10
      phenanthroline-kappaN,N')cadmium].
AB  - In the binuclear title compound, [Cd(2)(C(2)H(3)O(2))(4)(C(12)H(7)N(3)O(2))(2)],
      the Cd(II) cations are linked by carboxyl-ate O atoms into a four-membered
      Cd(2)O(2) rhombic ring with a Cd? Cd separation of 3.7515 (5) A. Each Cd(II) atom
      is seven-coordinated by a bidentate 5-nitro-1,10-phenanthroline (5-NO(2)-phen)
      ligand and two bidentate acetate anions, one of which also acts as a bridge
      linking the two Cd atoms. The crystal packing is stabilized by pi-pi inter
      actions between the phen rings of neighboring mol-ecules, with centroid-centroid
      distances of 3.491 (2) (intra-molecular) and 3.598 (2) A (inter-molecular).

PMID- 22058862
TI  - Poly[diaqua-(MU-4,4'-bipyridine-kappaN:N')[MU-2,2'-(p-phenyl-enedi-oxy)diacetato
      kappaO:O']cadmium].
AB  - In the title compound, [Cd(C(10)H(8)O(6))(C(10)H(8)N(2))(H(2)O)(2)](n), the
      Cd(II) ion has inversion symmetry and is coordinated by O atoms from two water
      mol-ecules and two bridging 2,2'-(MU-p-phenyl-enedi-oxy)diacetate ligands and two
      N atoms from two 4,4'-bipyridine ligands, giving a slightly distorted octa-hedral
      geometry. The diacetate and 4,4'-bipyridine ligands also lie across inversion
      centers. The bridging ligands form layers parallel to (11[Formula: see text]),
      with adjacent layers inter-connected via O-H?O hydrogen bonds between the
      coordinated water mol-ecules and the carboxyl-ate O atoms, giving a three
      dimensional supra-molecular architecture.

PMID- 22058863
TI  - catena-Poly[[aqua-bis-(N-benzyl-adenine-kappaN)copper(II)]-MU-benzene-1,4
      dicarboxyl-ato-kappaO:O].
AB  - In the title compound, [Cu(C(8)H(4)O(4))(C(12)H(11)N(5))(2)(H(2)O)](n), the
      Cu(II) ion is five-coordinated by two carboxyl-ate O atoms from two symmetry
      related benzene-1,4-dicarboxyl-ate ligands, two N atoms from two symmetry-related
      N(6)-benzyl-adenine ligands and one water O atom in a square-pyramidal
      environment. The Cu(II) and water O atoms lie on a twofold rotation axis, and the
      benzene-1,4-dicarboxyl-ate ligand lies on an inversion center. The water O atom
      occupies the apical position and the basal plane is occupied by two O atoms and
      two N atoms. Each benzene-1,4-dicarboxyl-ate anion acts as a bis-monodentate
      ligand that binds two Cu(II) cations, forming an infinite chain extending
      parallel to [001]. The N(6)-benzyl-adenine ligands are attached on both sides of
      the chain. Neighboring chains are further inter-connected into the resulting
      three-dimensional supra-molecular architecture via O-H?O, N-H?O and N-H?N
      hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22058864
TI  - Tetra-aqua-{1-[(1H-1,2,3-benzotriazol-1-yl)meth-yl]-1H-1,2,4-triazole}sulfato
      cadmium dihydrate.
AB  - In the title complex, [Cd(SO(4))(C(9)H(8)N(6))(H(2)O)(4)].2H(2)O, the Cd(II) ion
      is six-coordinated by one N atom from a 1-[(1H-1,2,3-benzotriazol-1-yl)meth-yl]
      1H-1,2,4-triazole ligand and by five O atoms from four water mol-ecules and one
      monodentate sulfate anion in a distorted octa-hedral geometry. The sulfate tetra
      hedron is rotationally disordered over two positions in a 0.651 (12):0.349 (12)
      ratio. In the crystal, adjacent mol-ecules are linked through O-H?O and O-H?N
      hydrogen bonds into a three-dimensional network.

PMID- 22058865
TI  - (MU-Formato-kappaO:O')bis-[dicarbon-yl(eta-cyclo-penta-dien-yl)iron(II)] tetra
      fluoridoborate.
AB  - In the structure of the title compound [Fe(2)(C(5)H(5))(2)(CHO(2))(CO)(4)]BF(4),
      each Fe(II) atom is coordinated in a pseudo-octa-hedral three-legged piano-stool
      fashion. The cyclo-penta-dienyl ligand occupies three fac coordination sites
      while the two carbonyl ligands and formate O atom occupy the remaining three
      sites.

PMID- 22058866
TI  - catena-Poly[[diaqua-copper(II)]-MU-hy-drox-ido-kappaO:O-MU-[4-(4H-1,2,4-triazol-4
      yl)benzoato]-kappaN:N].
AB  - The title compound, [Cu(C(9)H(6)N(3)O(2))(OH)(H(2)O)(2)](n), adopts a chain motif
      along [010] in which the Cu(II) atoms are bridged by hy-droxy groups and 4-(1,2,4
      triazol-4-yl)benzoate (tab) ligands. The Cu(II) atom lies on an inversion center
      and is six-coordinated by two N atoms from two tab ligands, two hy-droxy groups
      and two water mol-ecules, giving a distorted octa-hedral geometry. The hy-droxy
      group and the tab ligand are located on a mirror plane. One of the water H atoms
      is disordered over two positions with equal occupancy factors. Inter-molecular O
      H?O hydrogen bonds extend the chains into a layer parallel to (100) and C-H?O
      hydrogen bonds connect the layers into a three-dimensional network.

PMID- 22058867
TI  - trans-Diaqua-bis-[4-carboxy-5-carboxyl-ato-2-(pyridin-1-ium-4-yl)-1H-imidazol-1
      ido-kappaN,O]cobalt(II).
AB  - In the title compound, [Co(C(10)H(6)N(3)O(4))(2)(H(2)O)(2)], the Co(II) ion is
      coordinated by two O atoms of two water mol-ecules, two imidazole nitro-gen atoms
      and two carboxyl-ate O atoms of the two trans-standing chelate ligands,
      displaying a distorted octa-hedral coordination geometry. A three-dimensional
      supra-molecular framework is generated through N-H?O, O-H?N and O-H?O hydrogen
      bonding inter-actions.

PMID- 22058868
TI  - [2-((R)-{2-[(S)-1-Benzylpyrrolidin-2-ylcarbonylazanidyl]-phen-yl}(phen-yl)methyl
      idene-amino)-4-hy-droxy-butano-ato-kappaN,N',N'',O]nickel(II) toluene disolvate.
AB  - The central Ni atom in the title compound, [Ni(C(29)H(29)N(3)O(4))].2C(7)H(8), is
      coordinated in a distorted square-planar environment by three N atoms [Ni-N =
      1.942 (3), 1.843 (3) and 1.853 (3) A] and one O atom [1.868 (3) A] of the
      tetradentate ligand. The conformation of the hy-droxy-butano-ate side chain is
      controlled by an inter-molecular hydrogen bond.

PMID- 22058869
TI  - cyclo-Tetra-kis(MU-3-acetyl-4-methyl-1H-pyrazole-5-carboxyl-ato
      kappaN,O:N,O)tetra-kis[aqua-copper(II)] tetra-deca-hydrate.
AB  - The title compound, [Cu(4)(C(7)H(6)N(2)O(3))(4)(H(2)O)(4)].14H(2)O, a tetra
      nuclear [2 * 2] grid-type complex with S4 symmetry, contains four Cu(II) atoms
      which are bridged by four pyrazole-carboxyl-ate ligand anions and are
      additionally bonded to a water molecule. Each Cu(II) atom is coordinated by two O
      atoms of the carboxyl-ate and acetyl groups, two pyrazole N atoms of doubly
      deprotonated 3-acetyl-4-methyl-1H-pyrazole-5-carb-oxy-lic acid and one O atom of
      a water mol-ecule. The geometry at each Cu(II) atom is distorted square
      pyramidal, with the two N and two O atoms in the equatorial plane and O atoms in
      the axial positions. O-H?O hydrogen-bonding interactions additionally stabilize
      the structure. One of the uncoordinated water molecules shows half-occupancy.

PMID- 22058870
TI  - Diaqua-bis-(2-hy-droxy-5-meth-oxy-benzoato-kappaO)zinc.
AB  - The title compound, [Zn(C(8)H(7)O(4))(2)(H(2)O)(2)], has been synthesized by
      hydro-thermal methods. The Zn(II) atom, whose symmetry element is a twofold axis,
      is four coordinated by two O atoms from 5-meth-oxy-salicylate anions and two aqua
      O atoms in a distorted tetra-hedral geometry. In the crystal, mol-ecules are
      linked into a layer by O-H?O hydrogen bonds, which stabilize the packing.

PMID- 22058871
TI  - Bis(N,N'-dimethyl-ethylenediammonium) tris-(oxalato-kappaO,O)cobaltate(II)
      dihydrate: an ion-pair complex.
AB  - The Co(II) ion in the title complex, (C(4)H(14)N(2))(2)[Co(C(2)O(4))(3)].2H(2)O,
      is coordinated by three oxalate ions, resulting in a distorted octa-hedral
      geometry. Two uncoordinated water mol-ecules are present in asymmetric unit.
      Inter-molecular N-H?O and O-H?O hydrogen bonds between the different entities
      stabilize the crystal structure.

PMID- 22058872
TI  - trans-Chlorido(phenanthren-9-yl)bis-(triphenyl-phosphane)nickel(II).
AB  - The title compound, [Ni(C(14)H(9))Cl(C(18)H(15)P)(2)], was synthesized from the
      reaction between 9-chloro-phenanthrene, NiCl(2).6H(2)O and triphenyl-phosphane in
      ethanol. The bond angles around the Ni(II) atom indicate that it exists in a
      slightly distorted square-planar geometry.

PMID- 22058873
TI  - Dichlorido[3-meth-oxy-methyl-4-phenyl-5-(2-pyrid-yl)-4H-1,2,4-triazole
      kappaN,N]copper(II).
AB  - In the title complex, [CuCl(2)(C(15)H(14)N(4)O)], the Cu(II) atom possesses a
      highly distorted square-planar geometry with N-Cu-N and Cl-Cu-Cl angles of 79.86
      (8) and 98.65 (3) degrees , respectively, while the Cl-Cu-N angles fall into two
      distinct groups with values of 95.26 (6), 98.75 (6), 150.56 (6) and 152.04 (6)
      degrees . The pyridyl ring is twisted by 9.4 (2) degrees  with respect to the
      triazole ring, which is oriented at approximately right angles [84.66 (8) degrees
      ] with respect to the phenyl ring.

PMID- 22058874
TI  - A cationic rhodium(I) N-heterocyclic carbene complex isolated as an aqua adduct.
AB  - The title complex, aqua-[1,3-bis-(2,6-diiso-propyl-phen-yl)imid-az-ol-2-yl
      idene](eta(4)-cyclo-octa-1,5-diene)rhodium(I) tetra-fluor-ido-borate,
      [Rh(C(8)H(12))(C(27)H(36)N(2))(H(2)O)]BF(4), exihibits a square-planar geometry
      around the Rh(I) atom, formed by a bidentate cyclo-octa-1,5-diene (cod) ligand,
      an N-heterocylcic carbene and an aqua ligand. The complex is cationic and a BF(4)
      (-) anion balances the charge. The structure exists as a hydrogen-bonded dimer in
      the solid state, formed via inter-actions between the aqua ligand H atoms and the
      BF(4) (-) F atoms.

PMID- 22058875
TI  - catena-Poly[[cadmium-bis-(MU-triethyl-ene-tetra-mine-kappaN,N':N'',N''')-cadmium
      (MU-triethyl-ene-tetra-mine-kappaN,N':N'',N''')] hexa-fluoridogermanate].
AB  - The title fluoridogermanate, {[Cd(2)(C(6)H(18)N(4))(3)][GeF(6)]}(n), was
      synthesized hydro-thermally. The crystal structure comprises undulated cationic
      [Cd(2)(TETA)(3)](4+) chains (TETA is triethyl-ene-tetra-mine) propagating
      parallel to [101]. The central Cd(II) atom is six-coordinated in a CdN(6) set by
      three TETA ligands. The isolated [GeF(6)](2-) units, serving as counter-anions,
      occupy the inter-chain spaces and simultaneously link adjacent chains into a
      three-dimensional network through extensive N-H?F hydrogen-bonding inter-actions.
      One of the ethyl-ene bridges of one TETA ligand is disordered around a twofold
      rotation axis.

PMID- 22058876
TI  - 8-Hy-droxy-2-methyl-quinolinium dichlorido(2-methyl-quinolin-8-olato
      kappaN,O)zincate acetonitrile disolvate.
AB  - The reaction of 2-methyl-8-hy-droxy-quinoline and zinc chloride in acetonitrile
      affords the title solvated salt, (C(10)H(10)NO)[Zn(C(10)H(8)NO)Cl(2)].2CH(3)CN,
      in which the Zn(II) atom is coordinated by an- N,O-chelating 2-methyl-quinolin-8
      olate ligand and two chloride ligands in a distorted tetra-hedral geometry. The
      cation is linked to the heterocyclic anion by an O-H?O hydrogen bond and the
      quinolinium H atom forms a inter-molecular N-H?N hydrogen bond with one of the
      acetonitrile solvent mol-ecules.

PMID- 22058877
TI  - 8-Hy-droxy-2-methyl-quinolinium dibromido(2-methyl-quinolin-8-olato
      kappaN,O)zincate acetonitrile mono-solvate.
AB  - The reaction of 2-methyl-8-hy-droxy-quinoline and zinc bromide in acetonitrile
      affords the title solvated salt, (C(10)H(10)NO)[ZnBr(2)(C(10)H(8)NO)].CH(3)CN, in
      which the Zn(II) ion is coordinated by a N,O-chelating 2-methyl-quinolin-8-olate
      ligand and two bromide ligands in a distorted tetra-hedral geometry. The cation
      is linked to the anion by an O-H?O hydrogen bond and the quinolinium H atom forms
      an inter-molecular N-H?N hydrogen bond with the acetonitrile solvent mol-ecule.

PMID- 22058878
TI  - Chlorido(8-hy-droxy-quinoline-kappaN,O)(quinolin-8-olato-kappaN,O)zinc methanol
      monosolvate.
AB  - In the title compound, [Zn(C(9)H(6)NO)Cl(C(9)H(7)NO)].CH(3)OH, the Zn(II) ion is
      N,O-chelated by both a neutral and a deprotonated quinolin-8-ol ligand, with a
      chloride ligand in the apical site completing the square-pyramidal coordination
      geometry. The Zn(II) ion is displaced by 0.586 A in the direction of the chloride
      ligand from the atoms forming the square plane. In the crystal, the components
      are linked by inter-molecular O-H?O hydrogen bonds, generating chains along the b
      axis.

PMID- 22058879
TI  - A double salt of iodo-bis-muthate: cis-aqua-iodidobis(1,10
      phenanthroline)cobalt(II) tris-(1,10-phenanthroline)cobalt(II) trans-hexa-MU(2)
      iodido-hexa-iodidotribismuthate(III).
AB  - In the title complex,
      [Co(C(12)H(8)N(2))(3)][CoI(C(12)H(8)N(2))(2)(H(2)O)][Bi(3)I(12)], conventionally
      abbreviated [Co(phen)(3)][CoI(phen)(2)(H(2)O)][Bi(3)I(12)], where phen is 1,10
      phenanthroline, the Co(II) atom in one cation is coordinated by six N atoms from
      three phen ligands in an octa-hedral coordination while the Co(II) atom in the
      other cation is coordinated octa-hedrally by four N atoms from two phen ligands,
      one water O atom and one I atom. In the anion, three Bi(III) ions adopt an octa
      hedral coordination constructed by six I(-) ligands. The three BiI(6) octa-hedra
      are fused together through trans face-sharing.

PMID- 22058880
TI  - trans-Carbonyl-chloridobis[dicyclo-hex-yl(4-isopropyl-phen
      yl)phosphane]rhodium(I) acetone monosolvate.
AB  - The title rhodium Vaska-type complex, trans-[RhCl{P(C(6)H(11))(2)(C(6)H(4)-4
      C(3)H(7))(2)}(2)(CO)], crystallizes with an accompanying acetone solvent mol
      ecule. The metal atom shows a distorted square-planar coordination environment
      with selected important geometrical parameters of Rh-P = 2.3237 (6) and 2.3253
      (6) A, Rh-Cl = 2.3724 (6) A, Rh-C = 1.802 (2) A, P-Rh-P = 173.42 (2) degrees  and
      Cl-Rh-C = 179.13 (7) degrees . Effective cone angles for the two P atoms are 165
      and 161 degrees , respectively. Both isopropyl groups and the acetone mol-ecule
      are disordered with occupancy values of 0.523 (5):0.477 (5), 0.554 (8):0.446 (8)
      and 0.735 (4):0.265 (4), respectively. The crystal packing is stabilized by weak
      C-H?O and C-H?Cl contacts.

PMID- 22058881
TI  - catena-Poly[copper(I)-bis-[MU-3-(1H-imidazol-2-yl)pyridine]-copper(I)-di-MU
      iodido].
AB  - The title polymeric compound, [Cu(2)I(2)(C(8)H(7)N(3))(2)](n) [C(8)H(7)N(3) = 3
      (1H-imidazol-2-yl)pyridine (HIPy), where HIPy comes from the in situ deca
      rboxylation of 2-(pyridin-3-yl)-1H-imidazole-4,5-dicarb-oxy-lic acid
      (H(3)PyIDC)], was obtained under solvo-thermal conditions. Each Cu(I) cation is
      in a distorted tetra-hedral coordination environment defined by two iodide anions
      and two nitro-gen atoms from two individual HIPy ligands. Two Cu(I) atoms are
      connected by two HIPy ligands to form a dimer and these dimers are further
      bridged through the iodide atoms, leading to a chain structure extending parallel
      to [100]. Moreover, inter-molecular N-H?I hydrogen bonds and weak pi-pi stacking
      inter-actions [centroid?centroid distances of 3.809 (4) A, an inter-planar
      separation of 3.345 (3) A and a ring slippage of 1.822 A] between pyridyl rings
      link the chains into a two-dimensional supra-molecular network in the ac plane.

PMID- 22058882
TI  - Tetra-kis(MU-penta-fluoro-benzoato-kappaO:O')bis-[(tetra-hydro-furan
      kappaO)molybdenum(II)].
AB  - In the asymmetric unit of the title compound,
      [Mo(2)(C(7)F(5)O(2))(4)(C(4)H(8)O)(2)], two independent half-mol-ecules are
      present, which are completed by a crystallographically imposed center of
      inversion between the individual Mo atoms. In each mol-ecule, four penta-fluoro
      benzoate anions bridge the quadruply bonded Mo(2) (4+) unit that is, in addition,
      axially coordinated by two O atoms of tetra-hydro-furan (THF) mol-ecules. In the
      two independent mol-ecules, the mean Mo-Mo bond length is 2.110 A. Since the THF
      mol-ecules are equally disordered over two sets of sites, there are four
      different Mo-O distances in both half-mol-ecules with an overall mean of 2.542 A.
      A zigzag chain is formed by pi-pi stacking inter-actions between penta-fluoro
      phenyl rings, indicated by a centroid-centroid distance of 3.7054 (11) A and a
      centroid-to-plane distance of 3.4169 (3) A. The extension of the unit gives a
      three-dimensional network structure with the THF mol-ecules located in the voids.

PMID- 22058883
TI  - catena-Poly[[[triaqua-europium(III)]-MU-(1H-benzimidazole-5,6-dicarboxyl-ato
      kappaO:O)-MU-(1H,3H-benzimidazol-3-ium-5,6-dicarboxyl-ato-kappaO:O,O)]
      dihydrate].
AB  - In the title one-dimensional coordination polymer,
      {[Eu(C(9)H(4)N(2)O(4))(C(9)H(5)N(2)O(4))(H(2)O)(3)].2H(2)O}(n), one of the 1H
      benzimidazole-5,6-dicarboxyl-ate (Hbdc) ligands is protonated at the imidazole
      group (H(2)bdc). The Eu(III) ion is eight-coordinated by two O atoms from two
      Hbdc ligands, three O atoms from two H(2)bdc ligands and three water mol-ecules,
      showing a distorted square-anti-prismatic geometry. The Eu(III) ions are bridged
      by the carboxyl-ate groups of the Hbdc and H(2)bdc ligands, forming a chain along
      [110], with an Eu?Eu separation of 5.4594 (3) A. These chains are further
      connected by inter-molecular O-H?O, N-H?O and N-H?N hydrogen bonds, as well as pi
      pi inter-actions between the imidazole and benzene rings [centroid-centroid
      distances = 3.558 (3), 3.906 (2), 3.397 (3), 3.796 (2) and 3.898 (2) A], into a
      three-dimensional supra-molecular network.

PMID- 22058884
TI  - Di-MU-chlorido-bis-(chlorido{2-[(4-ethyl-phen-yl)imino-meth-yl]pyridine
      kappaN,N'}copper(II)).
AB  - The binuclear title complex, [Cu(2)Cl(4)(C(14)H(14)N(2))(2)], is located on a
      crystallographic inversion centre. The Cu(II) ion is in a distorted square
      pyramid coordination environment formed by the bichelating N-heterocyclic ligand,
      two bridging Cl atoms and one terminal Cl atom. One of the bridging Cu-Cl bonds
      is significantly longer than the other.

PMID- 22058885
TI  - 1-Bromo-methyl-1,4-diazo-niabicyclo-[2.2.2]octane tetra-chloridozincate.
AB  - The reaction of 1-bromo-methyl-1,4-diazo-niabicyclo-[2.2.2]octane bromide, zinc
      chloride and hydro-chloric acid in water yields the title compound,
      (C(7)H(15)BrN(2))[ZnCl(4)]. In the crystal, the components are linked by N-H?Cl
      hydrogen bonds. The Zn(II) atom has an approximately tetra-hedral coordination
      geometry.

PMID- 22058886
TI  - Poly[[[MU(3)-5-(pyridine-4-carboxamido)-isophthalato]{MU(3)-5-[(pyridin-1-ium-4
      yl)carbonyl-amino]-isophthalato}-neodymium(III)] dihydrate].
AB  - In the title compound, {[Nd(C(14)H(9)N(2)O(5))(C(14)H(8)N(2)O(5))].2H(2)O}(n),
      the Nd(III) atom is eight-coordinated as it is surrounded by eight carboxyl-ate O
      atoms from six ligands in a distorted square-anti-prismatic arrangement. The
      Nd(III) atoms are linked by HL(-) and L(2-) ligands [H(2)L is 5-(pyridine-4
      carboxamido)-isophthalic acid], forming a bilayer network. The layers are linked
      into a three-demensional network through N-H?O and O-H?O hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22058887
TI  - Tris(3-amino-pyrazine-2-carboxyl-ato-kappaN,O)diaqua-erbium(III) tetra-hydrate.
AB  - The water-coordinated Er(III) atom in the title compound,
      [Er(C(5)H(4)N(3)O(2))(3)(H(2)O)(2)].4H(2)O, is N,O-chelated by three 3-amino
      pyrazine-2-carboxyl-ate ions and has a square-anti-prismatic geometry. The
      mononuclear mol-ecule inter-acts with the solvent water mol-ecules to generate a
      three-dimensional hydrogen-bonded network.

PMID- 22058888
TI  - Poly[[(MU-3-amino-pyrazine-2-carboxyl-ato-kappaN,O:O')diaqua-(MU-oxalato
      kappaO,O:O,O)lanthanum(III)] monohydrate].
AB  - The water-coordinated La(III) atom in the title compound,
      {[La(C(5)H(4)N(3)O(2))(C(2)O(4))(H(2)O)(2)].H(2)O}(n), is N,O-chelated by a 3
      amino-pyrazine-2-carboxyl-ate ion; this ion links adjacent metal atoms to form a
      chain parallel to [010]. The oxalate ion serves as a bis-bidentate chelate that
      links adjacent metal atoms to form a chain parallel to [001]. The two bridging
      ions give rise to a layer motif parallel to (100) in which the La(III) atom
      exists in a distorted tricapped trigonal prismatic geometry. Extensive hydrogen
      bonding between the constituents stabilizes the structure.

PMID- 22058889
TI  - catena-Poly[copper(II)-bis-(MU-2-ethyl-5-methyl-imidazole-4-sulfonato
      kappaN,O:O)].
AB  - In the title compound, [Cu(C(6)H(9)N(2)O(3)S)(2)](n), the copper(II) ion sits on
      an inversion center and is chelated by the imidazole N and sulfonate O atoms of
      two ligands in equatorial positions. O atoms of adjacent mol-ecules coordinate in
      the axial positions. Jahn-Teller tetra-gonal distortion is evident in the
      coordination geometry [Cu-N and Cu-O equatorial distances of 1.971 (3) and 2.045
      (2) A, respectively, with a Cu-O axial distance of 2.433 (3) A]. The structure is
      propagated by an infinite chain of eight-membered (Cu-O-S-O)(2) ring systems
      along the a axis. Only N-H?O hydrogen bonding exists between the chains.

PMID- 22058890
TI  - (Acetyl-acetonato-kappaO,O')bis-[2-(naphth[1,2-d][1,3]oxazol-2-yl)phenyl
      kappaC,N]iridium(III).
AB  - In the crystal structure of the title compound,
      [Ir(C(17)H(10)NO)(2)(C(5)H(7)O(2))], the Ir(III) atom is O,O'-chelated by the
      acetyl-acetonate group and C,N-chelated by the 2-aryl-naphth[1,2-d]oxazole
      groups. The six-coordinate metal atom displays a distorted octa-hedral geometry.

PMID- 22058891
TI  - Dibromido(2,3-di-2-pyridyl-pyrazine-kappaN,N)platinum(II).
AB  - The Pt(II) ion in the title complex, [PtBr(2)(C(14)H(10)N(4))], has a slightly
      distorted square-planar environment defined by the two pyridyl N atoms of the
      chelating 2,3-di-2-pyridyl-pyrazine ligand and two bromide anions. In the
      crystal, the pyridyl rings are considerably inclined to the least-squares plane
      of the PtBr(2)N(2) unit [maximum deviation = 0.064 (2) A] with dihedral angles of
      65.2 (2) and 66.0 (2) degrees . The nearly planar pyrazine ring [maximum
      deviation = 0.020 (5) A] is almost perpendicular to the unit plane with a
      dihedral angle of 89.2 (2) degrees . Two independent weak inter-molecular C-H?Br
      hydrogen bonds, both involving the same Br atom as a hydrogen-bond acceptor, give
      rise to chains running along the a and b axes, forming a layer structure
      extending parallel to (001). The complexes are stacked in columns along the a
      axis. When viewed down the b axis, the successive complexes stack in the opposite
      direction.

PMID- 22058892
TI  - A one-dimensional triaqua-europium(III)-1H,3H-benzimidazol-3-ium-5,6-dicarboxyl
      ate-sulfate polymeric structure.
AB  - In the title coordination polymer, catena-poly[[[triaqua-europium(III)]-bis-(MU
      1H,3H-benzimidazol-3-ium-5,6-dicarb-oxyl-ato-kappa(3)O(5),O(5'):O(6))-[triaqua
      europium(III)]-di-MU-sulfato-kappa(3)O:O,O';kappa(3)O,O':O'] hexahydrate],
      [Eu(2)(C(9)H(5)N(2)O(4))(2)(SO(4))(2)(H(2)O)(6)].6H(2)O}(n), the 1H,3H
      benzimidazol-3-ium-5,6-dicarb-oxy-l-ate ligand is protonated at the imidazole
      group (H(2)bdc). The Eu(III) ion is coordinated by nine O atoms from two H(2)bdc
      ligands, two sulfate anions and three water mol-ecules, displaying a bicapped
      trigonal prismatic geometry. The carboxyl-ate groups of the H(2)bdc ligands and
      the sulfate anions link the Eu(III) ions, forming a chain along [010]. These
      chains are further connected by N-H?O and O-H?O hydrogen bonds and pi-pi inter
      actions between the imidazole and benzene rings [centroid-centroid distances =
      3.997 (4), 3.829 (4) and 3.573 (4) A] into a three-dimensional supra-molecular
      network.

PMID- 22058893
TI  - Poly[MU-aqua-diaqua(MU(3)-1H-benzimid-azole-5-carboxylato-kappaN:O,O')(MU(2)-1H
      benzimidazole-5-carboxylato-kappaN:O:O')-MU(5)-sulfato-MU(4)-sulfato-tri
      cadmium].
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound,
      [Cd(3)(C(8)H(5)N(2)O(2))(2)(SO(4))(2)(H(2)O)(3)](n), contains three Cd(II) ions,
      two sulfate anions, two 1H-benzimidazole-5-carboxyl-ate (H(2)bic) ligands and
      three coordinated water mol-ecules. One Cd(II) ion is six-coordinated and
      exhibits a distorted octa-hedral geometry, while the other two Cd(II) ions are
      seven-coordinated, displaying a distorted penta-gonal-bipyramidal geometry. The
      Cd(II) ions are bridged by two types of sulfate anions, producing inorganic
      chains along [100]. These chains are further connected by the H(2)bic ligands,
      leading to a three-dimensional framework. N-H?O and O-H?O hydrogen bonds and pi
      pi inter-actions between the imidazole and benzene rings [centroid-centroid
      distances = 3.953 (2), 3.507 (2), 3.407 (2) and 3.561 (2) A] further stabilize
      the crystal structure.

PMID- 22058894
TI  - Diaqua-bis-(4-bromo-benzoato-kappaO)bis-(N,N-diethyl-nicotinamide
      kappaN)copper(II).
AB  - The title Cu(II) complex, [Cu(C(7)H(4)BrO(2))(2)(C(10)H(14)N(2)O)(2)(H(2)O)(2)],
      contains two 4-bromo-benzoate (PBB), two diethyl-nicotinamide (DENA) monodentate
      ligands and two water mol-ecules. The four O atoms in the equatorial plane around
      the Cu(II) ion form a slightly distorted square-planar arrangement, while the
      slightly distorted octa-hedral coordination is completed by two N atoms of the
      DENA ligands in the axial positions. Intra-molecular O-H?O hydrogen bonds link
      the water mol-ecules to the carboxyl-ate groups. The dihedral angles between the
      carboxyl-ate groups and the adjacent benzene rings are 3.1 (3) and 3.74 (17)
      degrees , while the pyridine rings and the benzene rings are oriented at dihedral
      angles of 6.81 (10) and 3.38 (12) degrees . In the crystal, inter-molecular O-H?O
      hydrogen bonds link the mol-ecules into double chains along the b axis. C-H?O
      inter-actions are also observed. pi-pi contacts between pyridine rings [centroid
      centroid distance = 3.485 (2) A] may further stabilize the crystal structure.

PMID- 22058895
TI  - Tetra-kis(MU-2-phen-oxy-propionato)-kappaO,O':O';kappaO:O,O',kappaO:O'-bis-[(1,10
      phenanthroline-kappaN,N')(2-phen-oxy-propionato-kappaO,O')dysprosium(III)].
AB  - In the centrosymmetric binuclear title complex,
      [Dy(2)(C(9)H(9)O(3))(6)(C(12)H(8)N(2))(2)], the two Dy(III) ions are linked by
      four 2-phen-oxy-propionate (L) groups through their bi- and tridentate bridging
      modes. Each Dy(III) ion is nine-coordinated by one 1,10-phenanthroline mol-ecule,
      one bidentate carboxyl-ate group and four bridging carboxyl-ate groups in a
      distorted DyN(2)O(7) monocapped square-anti-prismatic geometry. The title
      compound is isotypic with its terbium-containing analogue.

PMID- 22058896
TI  - Tetra-kis(MU-2-phen-oxy-propionato)-kappaO,O':O';kappaO:O,O',kappaO:O'-bis-[(1,10
      phenanthroline-kappaN,N')(2-phen-oxy-propionato-kappaO,O')praseodymium(III)].
AB  - In the centrosymmetric binuclear title complex,
      [Pr(2)(C(9)H(9)O(3))(6)(C(12)H(8)N(2))(2)], the two Pr(III) ions are linked by
      four 2-phen-oxy-propionate (L) groups through their bi- and tridentate bridging
      modes. Each Pr(III) ion is nine-coordinated by one 1,10-phenanthroline mol-ecule,
      one bidentate carboxyl-ate group and four bridging carboxyl-ate groups in a
      distorted PrN(2)O(7) monocapped square-anti-prismatic geometry. The title
      compound is isotypic with its terbium- and dysprosium-containing analogues.

PMID- 22058897
TI  - Bis(MU(2)-pyridine-2-carboxamide oximato)bis-[(pyridine-2-carboxamide oxime)zinc]
      dinitrate.
AB  - In the title dinuclear compound,
      [Zn(2)(C(6)H(6)N(3)O)(2)(C(6)H(7)N(3)O)(2)](NO(3))(2), the Zn(II) cation is N,N'
      chelated by one pyridine-2-carboxamide oximate anion and one pyridine-2
      carboxamide oxime mol-ecule, and is further bridged by an oxime O atom from the
      adjacent pyridine-2-carboxamide oximate anion, forming a distorted trigonal
      bipyramidal coordination. Two pyridine-2-carboxamide oximate anions bridge two
      Zn(II) cations to form the centrosymmetric dinuclear mol-ecule. Extensive O-H?O,
      N-H?O and O-H?N hydrogen bonds are present in the crystal structure.

PMID- 22058898
TI  - Bis(benzyl-trimethyl-ammonium) tetra-bromidocuprate(II).
AB  - In the title mol-ecular salt, (C(10)H(16)N)(2)[CuBr(4)], the Cu(II) ion adopts a
      squashed tetra-hedral geometry with Br-Cu-Br angles varying between 99.29 (3) and
      132.53 (3) degrees . In the crystal, the components are linked by C-H?Br inter
      actions, thereby generating a three-dimensional network.

PMID- 22058899
TI  - (2E,4E)-1-(2-Hy-droxy-phen-yl)-5-phenyl-penta-2,4-dien-1-one.
AB  - In the structure of the title chalcone, C(17)H(14)O(2), derived from
      cinnamaldehyde, the olefine group has a trans configuration. The mol-ecular
      conformation is stabilized by an intra-molecular O-H?O hydrogen-bond inter-action
      with graph-set motif S(6).

PMID- 22058900
TI  - Methyl 2,2'-dimethyl-4'-[2-(methyl-sulfan-yl)eth-yl]-1,3-dioxo-2,3-dihydro-1H,4'H
      spiro-[isoquinoline-4,5'-oxazole]-4'-carboxyl-ate.
AB  - In the isoquinoline ring system of the title mol-ecule, C(18)H(20)N(2)O(5)S, the
      fused N-heterocyclic ring is distorted towards a half-boat conformation. The
      methyl formate moiety is disordered over two sets of sites with refined
      occupancies of 0.882 (5) and 0.118 (5). In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked via
      weak inter-molecular C-H?O hydrogen bonds into one-dimensional chains along
      [010].

PMID- 22058901
TI  - 2-(3,3,4,4-Tetra-fluoro-pyrrolidin-1-yl)aniline.
AB  - In the title fluorinated pyrrolidine derivative, C(10)H(10)F(4)N(2), the dihedral
      angle between the best planes of the benzene and pyrrolidine rings is 62.6 (1)
      degrees . The crystal packing features inter-molecular N-H?F hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22058902
TI  - 2-(4-Methyl-phen-yl)-1-phenyl-sulfonyl-3-nitro-1,2-dihydro-quinoline.
AB  - In the title compound, C(22)H(18)N(2)O(4)S, the dihedral angle between the phenyl
      sulfonyl ring and the methyl-phenyl ring is 67.78 (7) degrees . In the crystal,
      mol-ecules are linked by weak inter-molecular C-H?O inter-actions into a zigzag
      chain along the [101] direction.

PMID- 22058903
TI  - 3,4,5-Trihy-droxy-benzohydrazidium perchlorate-3,4,5-trihy-droxy-benzohydrazide
      water (1/1/1).
AB  - The crystal studied of the title compound, C(7)H(9)N(2)O(4) (+).ClO(4) (
      ).C(7)H(8)N(2)O(4).H(2)O, was found to be a racemic twin with a 0.72 (18):0.28
      (18) domain ratio. The hydrazidium group is close to planar, with an r.m.s
      deviation of 0.105 A; the hydrazide group deviates more from planarity, with an
      r.m.s deviation of 0.174 A. In the crystal, the hydrazidium cation, hydrazide mol
      ecule, perchlorate anions and water mol-ecules are linked through O-H?O, N-H?O
      and C-H?O hydrogen bonds into a three-dimensional supra-molecular network. In
      addition, the benzene rings of the hydrazidium and hydrazide units are connected
      via pi-pi inter-actions into infinite chains along the c axis; the centroid
      centroid distances are 3.486 (3) and 3.559 (3) A.

PMID- 22058904
TI  - rac-2-{[1-(1-Adamant-yl)eth-yl]imino-meth-yl}-5-meth-oxy-phenol.
AB  - A novel Schiff base compound, C(20)H(27)NO(2), was obtained by a condensation of
      rimantadine and 2-hy-droxy-4-meth-oxy-benzaldehyde. An intra-molecular O-H?N
      hydrogen bond supports the phenol-imine tautomeric form. The adamantane and imino
      methyl-4-meth-oxy-phenol units are arranged in a folded conformation [C-N-C-C
      torsion angle = 110.9 (3) degrees ]. In the crystal, highly hydro-phobic
      adamantane moieties are inserted between the imino-methyl-4-meth-oxy-phenol units
      in a sandwich-like arrangement along the c axis.

PMID- 22058905
TI  - A second monoclinic polymorph of 1-benzyl-N-methyl-1H-pyrrole-2-carboxamide.
AB  - In the title compound, C(13)H(14)N(2)O, the N(pyrrole)-C(H(2))-C-C torsion angle
      is -7.7 (3) degrees  and the dihedral angle between the pyrrole and benzene rings
      is 83.6 (2) degrees . In the crystal, inter-molecular N-H?O hydrogen bonds link
      the mol-ecules into chains extending along the c axis. We have previously
      reported another polymorphic form of this title compound, which has the same
      space group with different cell parameters: a = 9.8285 (18) A, b = 23.588 (4) A,
      c = 9.9230 (17) A, beta = 90.107 (3) degrees , Z = 8 and V = 2300.5 (7) A(3)
      [Zeng et al. (2010 ?). Acta Cryst. E66, o2051].

PMID- 22058906
TI  - 2-[(3-Propyl-sulfanyl-5-p-tolyl-4H-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)imino-meth-yl]phenol.
AB  - In the title mol-ecule, C(19)H(20)N(4)OS, the two benzene rings form dihedral
      angles of 16.2 (1) and 12.0 (1) degrees , respectively, with the central triazole
      ring. In the crystal, inter-molecular O-H?N hydrogen bonds link mol-ecules into
      chains in the [010] direction.

PMID- 22058907
TI  - Bis[N-cyclohexyl-1-(2-{1-[(cyclohexyl-amino)carbonyl]cyclohexyl}-3,5-dioxo-1,2
      oxazolidin-4-yl)cyclopentanecarbox-amide] monohydrate.
AB  - The reaction of cyclo-hexyl isocyanide and alkyl-idene Meldrum's acid (systematic
      name 2,2-dimethyl-1,3-dioxane-4,6-dione) in the presence of cyclo-hexyl ketoxime
      and dichloro-methane as solvent resulted in the title compound,
      2C(28)H(43)N(3)O(5).H(2)O. One methyl-ene group of the cyclo-pentane ring was
      found to be disordered and was refined with occupancies 0.75:0.25. Intra
      molecular N-H?O hydrogen bonds occur. The crystal structure is stabilized by
      inter-molecular N-H?O and O-H?O hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22058908
TI  - The 1:1 adduct of caffeine and 2-(1,3-dioxoisoindolin-2-yl)acetic acid.
AB  - IN THE CRYSTAL STRUCTURE OF THE TITLE ADDUCT [SYSTEMATIC NAME: 2-(1,3
      dioxoisoindolin-2-yl)acetic acid-1,3,7-trimethyl-1,2,3,6-tetra-hydro-7H-purine
      2,6-dione (1/1)], C(8)H(10)N(4)O(2).C(10)H(7)NO(4), the components are linked by
      an O-H?N hydrogen-bond and no proton transfer occurs.

PMID- 22058909
TI  - N,N'-(Ethane-1,2-di-yl)bis-(4-chloro-benzene-sulfonamide).
AB  - The title mol-ecule, C(14)H(14)Cl(2)N(2)O(4)S(2), lies on an inversion center.
      The mol-ecule is twisted in the region of the sulfonamide group with a C-S-N-C
      torsion angle of -67.49 (16) degrees . In the crystal, mol-ecules are connected
      via inter-molecular N-H?O and weak C-H?O hydrogen bonds, forming layers parallel
      to (100).

PMID- 22058910
TI  - 2-(5,6-Dihydro-benzimidazo[1,2-c]quinazolin-6-yl)phenol.
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C(20)H(15)N(3)O, contains two
      independent mol-ecules, each of which is disordered over two sets of sites
      corresponding to a rotation of approximately 180 degrees  of the dihydro
      benzimidazoquinazoline moiety, with refined site occupancies of 0.7479 (13) and
      0.2521 (12) for both mol-ecules. The pyrimidine rings are in sofa conformations.
      In one mol-ecule, the hy-droxy-substituted benzene ring forms dihedral angles of
      83.9 (3) and 82.4 (4) degrees  for the major and minor components, respectively,
      with the mean plane of the benzimidazole ring system. The corres-ponding dihedral
      angles in the other mol-ecule are 88.31 (14) and 85.8 (6) degrees . In the
      crystal, mol-ecules are linked via inter-molecular O-H?N and N-H..O hydrogen
      bonds into chains along [100].

PMID- 22058911
TI  - 4-[(4-Meth-oxy-benzene-sulfonamido)-meth-yl]cyclo-hexane-1-carb-oxy-lic acid.
AB  - In the title compound, C(15)H(21)NO(5)S, two crystallographically independent mol
      ecules are linked into a dimer by a pair of N-H?O hydrogen bonds, forming an R(2)
      (2)(8) ring motif. In the crystal, mol-ecules are further linked by inter
      molecular O-H?O hydrogen bonds into a two-dimensional network parallel to (012).
      Additional stabilization is provided by weak inter-molecular C-H?O hydrogen
      bonds.

PMID- 22058912
TI  - A centrosymmetric monoclinic polymorph of N,N-bis-(pyridin-3-yl-methyl
      idene)benzene-1,4-diamine.
AB  - The complete molecule of the title compound, C(18)H(14)N(4), is generated by the
      application of a centre of inversion. The dihedral angle between the central
      benzene ring and the pyridine ring is 31.88 (7) degrees . In the crystal, mol
      ecules are stacked in columns along the c axis and several inter-molecular pi-pi
      inter-actions are present between the six-membered rings, the shortest centroid
      centroid distance being 3.937 (2) A. The structure reported herein represents a
      centrosymmetric polymorph of the previously reported non-centrosymmetric (P2(1))
      form [Kim et al. (2005 ?). Bull. Korean Chem. Soc.26, 892-898].

PMID- 22058913
TI  - 2-[(4-Chloro-benzyl-idene)amino]-4,5,6,7-tetra-hydro-1-benzothio-phene-3
      carbonitrile.
AB  - In the title compound, C(16)H(13)ClN(2)S, the dihedral angle between the 4-chloro
      benzaldehyde moiety and the heterocyclic five-membered ring is 7.21 (17) degrees
      . In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by weak C-H?pi inter-actions, generating
      [100] chains.

PMID- 22058914
TI  - 5-(4-Bromo-2-nitro-phen-yl)-1,3,4-thia-diazol-2-amine.
AB  - The title compound, C(8)H(5)BrN(4)O(2)S, was synthesized by the reaction of 4
      bromo-2-nitro-benzoic acid with thio-semi-carbazide. The dihedral angle between
      the thia-diazole and benzene rings is 40.5 (2) degrees . In the crystal, the
      strongest N-H?N inter-molecular hydrogen bond, between the amine group and one
      thia-diazole N atom, forms centrosymmetric dimers. The other amine H atom extends
      the supra-molecular network, forming an N-H?N contact with the other thia-diazole
      N atom.

PMID- 22058915
TI  - 4,4'-Diiodo-2,2'-[(3aR,7aR)-2,3,3a,4,5,6,7,7a-octa-hydro-1H-1,3-benzimidazole-1,3
      di-yl)bis-(methyl-ene)]diphenol.
AB  - In the crystal structure of the title compound, C(21)H(24)I(2)N(2)O(2), the two N
      atoms of the imidazolidine moiety are linked to the hy-droxy groups by intra
      molecular O-H?N hydrogen-bonding inter-actions. The cyclo-hexane ring adopts a
      chair conformation and the heterocyclic ring to which it is fused has a twisted
      envelope conformation.

PMID- 22058916
TI  - 4,4'-Dibromo-2,2'-[octane-1,8-diylbis(nitrilo-methanylyl-idene)]diphenol.
AB  - The title compound, C(22)H(26)Br(2)N(2)O(2), has a centre of inversion that is
      located in the middle of the octyl chain; the chain displays an extended zigzag
      conformation. A short intra-molecular O-H?N hydrogen bond occurs.

PMID- 22058917
TI  - N-(2,6-Dimethyl-phen-yl)-2,4-dimethyl-benzene-sulfonamide.
AB  - Mol-ecules of the title compound, C(16)H(19)NO(2)S, are bent at the S atom with a
      C-SO(2)-NH-C torsion angle of -60.0 (2) degrees . The dihedral angle between the
      phenyl-sulfonyl and aniline rings is 41.7 (1) degrees . In the crystal, mol
      ecules are packed into centrosymmetric dimers through pairs of N-H?O(S) hydrogen
      bonds.

PMID- 22058918
TI  - 2-(1,3-Benzothia-zol-2-yl)-6-eth-oxy-phenol.
AB  - In the title compound, C(15)H(13)NO(2)S, the benzothia-zole unit is essentially
      planar [maximum deviation = -0.0099 (5) A for the S atom] and is oriented at a
      dihedral angle of 4.8 (5) degrees  with respect to the benzene ring. An intra
      molecular O-H?N hydrogen bond generates an S(6) ring motif. The crystal packing
      is stabilized by C-H?pi inter-actions.

PMID- 22058919
TI  - rac-cis-Cyclo-hexane-1,2-dicarb-oxy-lic acid-isoquinoline (1/1).
AB  - In the crystal structure of the title mol-ecular adduct, C(9)H(7)N.C(8)H(12)O(4),
      the two species are -linked through a carb-oxy-lic acid-isoquinoline O-H?N
      hydrogen bond. These mol-ecular pairs then inter-associate through the second
      acid group of the cis-cyclo-hexane-1,2-dicarb-oxy-lic acid molecules, forming a
      classic centrosymmetric cyclic head-to-head carb-oxy-lic acid-carboxyl O-H?O
      hydrogen-bonding association [graph-set R(2) (2)(8)], giving a zero-dimensional
      (cluster) structure, consisting of two of each species.

PMID- 22058920
TI  - 3-Cyclo-hexyl-sulfonyl-2-methyl-5-propyl-1-benzofuran.
AB  - In the title compound, C(18)H(24)O(3)S, the cyclo-hexyl ring adopts a chair
      conformation. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked through weak inter-molecular
      C-H?O hydrogen bonds and C-H?pi inter-actions. In the propyl group, one C atom is
      disordered over two sites with site-occupancy factors of 0.546 (8) and 0.454 (8).

PMID- 22058921
TI  - (S)-(-)-1-Phenyl-ethanaminium 4-(4,4-di-fluoro-1,3,5,7-tetra-methyl-3a,4a-diaza-4
      borata-s-indacen-8-yl)benzoate.
AB  - The title compound, C(8)H(12)N(+).C(20)H(18)BF(2)N(2)O(2) (-), crystallizes with
      a significant amount of void space [4.0 (5)%] in the unit cell. The structure
      displays N-H?O hydrogen bonding between the components. The plane formed by the
      benzoic acid moiety of the BODIPY-CO(2) (-) is twisted by 80.71 (6) degrees 
      relative to the plane formed by the ring C and N atoms of the tetramethyldipyrrin
      portion of the molecule.

PMID- 22058922
TI  - (Z)-(1,2-Dichloro-vin-yl)diphenyl-phosphine oxide.
AB  - The title compound, C(14)H(11)Cl(2)OP, was synthesized by the reaction of
      diphenyl-phosphine oxide with 1,2-dichloro-ethyne under CuI catalysis. The
      reaction provided the Z isomer regioselectively. Two O-P-C bond angles [114.3 (1)
      and 112.5 (1) degrees ] are significantly larger than the C-P-C [107.7 (1), 105.6
      (1) and 106.6 (1) degrees ] and another O-P-C angle [109.5 (1) degrees ],
      indicating significant distortion of the tetra-hedral configuration of the P
      atom. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by weak inter-molecular C-H?O
      hydrogen bonds into centrosymmetric dimers, which are connected by further C-H?O
      inter-actions into chains along [101].

PMID- 22058923
TI  - Diethyl 1-benzyl-2,2-dioxo-4-phenyl-3,4,6,7,8,8a-hexa-hydro-1H-pyrrolo-[2,1
      c][1,4]thia-zine-1,3-dicarboxyl-ate.
AB  - In the title compound, C(26)H(31)NO(6)S, the five-membered pyrrolidine ring
      adopts an envelope conformation and the six-membered thia-zine ring is in a
      distorted chair conformation. The crystal packing is stabilized through an inter
      molecular C-H?O inter-action, generating inversion-related R(2) (2)(10) ring
      motifs.

PMID- 22058924
TI  - 2-Oxochromen-4-yl 4-(dimethyl-amino)-benzoate.
AB  - In the title mol-ecule, C(18)H(15)NO(4), the benzoate ring is oriented at a
      dihedral angle of 43.43 (6) degrees  with respect to the planar [maximum
      deviation = 0.038 (2) A] chromene ring. The crystal structure features R(2)
      (2)(12) centrosymetric dimers formed via C-H?O inter-actions and these dimeric
      aggregates are connected by C-H?pi inter-actions.

PMID- 22058925
TI  - 2,5-Dimethyl-1,3-dinitro-benzene.
AB  - The title compound, C(8)H(8)N(2)O(4), was prepared via the nitration of p-xylene.
      The mol-ecules are stacked along the c axis in an antiparallel manner. The two
      nitro groups are rotated relative to the benzene ring with dihedral angles of
      44.50 (7) and 31.67 (8) degrees . The tilt of the nitro groups allows the
      formation of C-H?O inter-actions between the ring C-H and nitro groups of
      adjacent mol-ecules creating puckered sheets perpendicular to the c axis. The H
      atoms of the methyl group in the 5-position are disordered (60 degrees  rotation)
      with an occupancy of 0.616 (19) for the major component. The crystal was found to
      be a non-merohedral twin with a twin law [-1 -0.002 0.005, 0.00031 -1 0.002,
      0.118 -0.007 1] corresponding to a rotation of 180 degrees  about the reciprocal
      axis (001) and refined to give a minor component fraction of 0.320 (2).

PMID- 22058926
TI  - N,N'-Bis(3-chloro-phen-yl)malonamide.
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C(15)H(12)Cl(2)N(2)O(2), contains two
      independent mol-ecules. In both independent mol-ecules, the N-H bond in one of
      the amide fragments is anti to the meta-chloro group of the adjacent benzene ring
      and that in the other amide group is syn to the other meta-chloro group.
      Furthermore, in both mol-ecules, each amide group is almost coplanar with the
      adjacent phenyl ring, making dihedral angles of 10.5 (2) and 8.7 (2) degrees  in
      one molecule and 9.0 (2) and 9.6 (2) degrees  in the other. The planes of the
      amide groups are inclined at dihedral angles of 83.4 (1) and 87.4 (1) degrees  in
      the two mol-ecules. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked into a chain by inter
      molecular N-H?O hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22058927
TI  - 1,2-Bis{[3,5-bis-(2,6-diisopropyl-phen-yl)phen-yl]imino}-acenaphthene toluene
      monosolvate.
AB  - In the title compound, C(72)H(80)N(2).C(7)H(8), the acenaphthene ring system is
      essentially planar, with a maximum deviation of 0.041 (3) A. The benzene rings
      bonded to the the N atoms are essentially parallel, forming a dihedral angle of
      0.80 (11) degrees , and these rings form dihedral angles of 87.49 (9) and 88.25
      (10) degrees  with the mean plane of the acenaphthene ring system. The methyl C
      atoms of three of the isopropyl groups are disordered of two sets of sites of
      equal occupancy.

PMID- 22058928
TI  - N,N'-Bis[3,5-bis-(2,6-diisopropyl-phen-yl)phen-yl]butane-2,3-diimine.
AB  - The title mol-ecule, C(64)H(80)N(2), lies on an inversion center wherein the
      central butane-diimine fragment [N=C(Me)-C(Me)=N] is essentially planar [maximum
      deviation = 0.002 (2) A] and its mean plane forms a dihedral of 70.88 (10)
      degrees  with the attached benzene ring. In the symmetry-unique part of the mol
      ecule, the dihedral angles between the benzene ring bonded to the N atom and the
      other two benzene rings are 89.61 (6) and 82.77 (6) degrees .

PMID- 22058929
TI  - 1,4-Bis(1H-benzimidazol-1-yl)benzene.
AB  - In the title compound, C(20)H(14)N(4), the dihedral angles between the central
      benzene ring and the pendant benzimidazole ring systems are 46.60 (15) and 47.89
      (16) degrees . The dihedral angle between the benzimidazole ring systems is 85.62
      (12) degrees  and the N atoms lie to the same side of the mol-ecule. In the
      crystal, mol-ecules are linked by C-H?N inter-actions and weak aromatic pi-pi
      stacking [shortest centroid-centroid separation = 3.770 (2) A] is observed.

PMID- 22058930
TI  - (E)-1-(2-Hy-droxy-phen-yl)-3-(2,4,5-trimeth-oxy-phen-yl)prop-2-en-1-one.
AB  - In the title chalcone derivative, C(18)H(18)O(5), the dihedral angle between the
      hy-droxy-substituted benzene ring and the trimeth-oxy-substituted benzene ring is
      16.3 (1) degrees . The three meth-oxy groups are essentially coplanar with the
      benzene ring to which they are attached, with an r.m.s. deviation of 0.0208 A. An
      intra-molecular O-H?O hydrogen bond generates an S(6) ring motif. In the crystal,
      weak C-H?O inter-actions link mol-ecules into helical chains along the b axis.
      These chains are connected into sheets parallel to the bc plane by further weak C
      H?O inter-actions.

PMID- 22058931
TI  - Caffeinium bis-ulfate monohydrate.
AB  - IN THE TITLE COMPOUND (SYSTEMATIC NAME: 1,3,7-trimethyl-2,6-dioxo-7H-purin-9-ium
      hydrogen sulfate monohydrate), C(8)H(11)N(4)O(2) (+).HSO(4) (-).H(2)O, the
      crystal packing is stabilized through N-H?O and O-H?O hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22058932
TI  - 6-(4-Chloro-phen-yl)-7-phenyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolizine-5-carbaldehyde.
AB  - The 4-chloro-phenyl residue in the title compound, C(20)H(16)ClNO, is oriented at
      a dihedral angle of 53.6 (3) degrees  towards the phenyl ring and 42.0 (9)
      degrees  towards the pyrrole ring of the pyrrolizine template. The phenyl ring is
      oriented at a dihedral angle of 45.4 (4) degrees  towards the pyrrole ring.

PMID- 22058933
TI  - 4,6-Dihy-droxy-4,6-dimethyl-1,3-diazinane-2-thione.
AB  - In the title compound, C(6)H(12)N(2)O(2)S, the heterocyclic ring has a sofa
      conformation. The mol-ecular conformation is stabilized by an intra-molecular O
      H?O hydrogen-bond inter-action with graph-set motif S(6). In the crystal, mol
      ecules are linked by O-H?S, N-H?S and N-H?O hydrogen-bond inter-actions, forming
      an extended two-dimensional framework parallel to the ac plane.

PMID- 22058934
TI  - Di-n-butyl 4,4'-dihy-droxy-3,3'-{[(3aRS,7aRS)-2,3,3a,4,5,6,7,7a-octa-hydro-1H-1,3
      benzimidazole-1,3-di-yl]bis-(methyl-ene)}dibenzoate.
AB  - The complete molecule of the title compound, C(31)H(42)N(2)O(6), is generated by
      crystallographic twofold symmetry, with one C atom lying on the axis. The
      dihedral angle between the aromatic rings is 57.03 (6) degrees . The central
      heterocyclic ring adopts a half-chair conformation. The mol-ecular conformation
      is stabilized by two intra-molecular O-H?N hydrogen bonds with the N atoms of the
      heterocyclic ring as the acceptors. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked into
      chains along the c axis by non-classical C-H?O hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22058935
TI  - (E)-3-[3,4-Bis(meth-oxy-methoxy)phen-yl]-1-(7-hy-droxy-5-meth-oxy-2,2-dimethyl
      chroman-8-yl)prop-2-en-1-one.
AB  - The reaction of 5,6-(2,2-dimethyl-chroman-yl)-2-hy-droxy-4-meth-oxy-acetophenone
      and 3,4-bis-(meth-oxy-meth-yloxy)benzaldehyde affords the intense orange title
      chalcone derivative, C(25)H(30)O(8). The two benzene rings are connected through
      a -C(=O)-CH=CH- (propenone) unit, which is in an E conformation; the ring with
      the hy-droxy substitutent is aligned at 19.5 (2) degrees  with respect to this
      unit, whereas the ring with the meth-oxy-meth-yloxy substituent is aligned at 9.3
      (3) degrees . The dihedral angle between the rings is 19.38 (10) degrees . The hy
      droxy group engages in an intra-molecular O-H?O hydrogen bond with the carbonyl O
      atom of the propenone unit, generating an S(5) ring.

PMID- 22058936
TI  - (E)-3-(2H-1,3-Benzodioxol-5-yl)-1-(7-hy-droxy-5-meth-oxy-2,2-dimethyl-chroman-8
      yl)prop-2-en-1-one.
AB  - The reaction of 5,6-(2,2-dimethyl-chromane)-2-hy-droxy-4-meth-oxy-acetophenone
      and 3,4-methlene-dioxy-benzaldehyde affords the title chalcone derivative,
      C(22)H(22)O(6). The two benzene rings are connected through a -C(=O)-CH=CH-
      (propenone) unit, which is in an E conformation; the ring with the hy-droxy
      substitutent is aligned at 6.2 (1) degrees  with respect to this unit, whereas
      the ring with the methyl-enedi-oxy substituent is aligned at 8.2 (1) degrees .
      The dihdral angle between the rings is 14.32 (7) degrees . The hy-droxy group
      engages in an intra-molecular hydrogen bond with the carbonyl O atom of the
      propenone unit, generating an S(5) ring.

PMID- 22058937
TI  - Diethyl 2,5-bis-[(1E)-(1H-pyrrol-2-yl-methyl-idene)amino]-thio-phene-3,4
      dicarboxyl-ate.
AB  - In the crystal structure of the title compound, C(20)H(20)N(4)O(4)S, the
      azomethine group adopt E conformations. The pyrrole units are twisted by 10.31
      (4) and 18.90 (5) degrees  with respect to the central thio-phene ring. The three
      dimensional network is close packed and involves N-H?O, N-H?N, C-H?N and C-H?O
      hydrogen bonding.

PMID- 22058938
TI  - N'-[(E)-2-Hy-droxy-3,5-diiodo-benzyl-idene]pyridine-3-carbohydrazide.
AB  - In the title compound, C(13)H(9)I(2)N(3)O(2), the dihedral angle between the two
      aromatic rings is 10.5 (2) degrees . The mol-ecule displays a trans configuration
      with respect to the C=N bond. An intra-molecular O-H?N hydrogen bond occurs. The
      crystal packing is stabilized by N-H?O and C-H?O hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22058939
TI  - N-[(E)-1,3-Benzodioxol-5-yl-methyl-idene]-3,4-dimethyl-1,2-oxazol-5-amine.
AB  - In the title compound, C(13)H(12)N(2)O(3), the dihedral angle between the
      aromatic rings is 7.94 (12) degrees . In the crystal, inversion dimers linked by
      pairs of C-H?O hydrogen bonds generate R(2) (2)(6) loops. Weak pi-pi [centroid
      centroid separations = 3.7480 (13) and 3.9047 (13) A] and C-H?pi inter-actions
      help to consolidate the packing.

PMID- 22058940
TI  - (E)-2-(4-Bromo-benzyl-idene)indan-1-one.
AB  - In the title compound, C(16)H(11)BrO, the dihydro-indene ring system is
      approximately planar, with a maximum deviation of 0.008 (2) A. The mean plane of
      this ring system forms a dihedral angle of 3.73 (11) degrees , with the bromo
      substituted benzene ring. In the crystal, weak inter-molecular C-H?O hydrogen
      bonds link the mol-ecules into sheets parallel to the ab plane and further
      stabilization is provided by weak C-H?pi inter-actions involving the bromo
      substituted benzene rings.

PMID- 22058941
TI  - 2-Phenyl-ethyl 1-thio-beta-d-galactopyran-oside hemihydrate.
AB  - The title compound, C(14)H(20)O(5)S.0.5H(2)O, crystallizes with two organic mol
      ecules and a solvent water mol-ecule in the asymmetric unit. In both mol-ecules,
      the hexa-pyranosyl rings adopt a slightly distorted chair conformation ((5)C(2))
      with four substituents in equatorial positions and one substituent in an axial
      position. The main difference between the organic mol-ecules is the dihedral
      angle between the phenyl ring and the best plane defined by the O-C(1)-C(2)-C(3)
      atoms (r.m.s deviations = 0.003 and 0.043 A) of the hexa-pyranosyl rings [47.4
      (4) and 86.5 (4) degrees ]. In the asymmetric unit, mol-ecules are linked by two
      strong O-H?O hydrogen bonds. In the crystal, the components are linked by a total
      of 10 distinct O-H?O hydrogen bonds, resulting in the formation of a two
      dimensional network parallel to the ab plane.

PMID- 22058942
TI  - 3-(4-Chloro-phen-yl)quinazolin-4(3H)-one.
AB  - In the title compound, C(14)H(9)ClN(2)O, the quinazoline unit is essentially
      planar, with a mean deviation from the least-squares plane defined by the ten
      constituent ring atoms of 0.027 (2) A. The dihedral angle between the mean plane
      of the quinazoline ring system and the 4-chloro-phenyl ring is 44.63 (5) degrees
      . In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by inter-molecular C-H?N and C-H?O
      hydrogen bonds, forming infinite chains of alternating R(2) (2)(6) dimers and
      R(2) (2)(14) ring motifs.

PMID- 22058943
TI  - Ethyl (2E)-2-cyano-3-(1-methyl-1H-pyrrol-2-yl)prop-2-enoate.
AB  - The 15 non-H atoms of the title compound, C(11)H(12)N(2)O(2), are approximately
      coplanar, the r.m.s. deviation being 0.145 A. The major deviation from
      coplanarity is seen in a twist between the ethene (E configuration) and pyrrole
      rings [C-C-N-C torsion angle = -8.26 (18) degrees ]. The carbonyl O and cyano N
      atoms are syn to each other. In the crystal, supra-molecular linear tapes linked
      by C-H?O and C-H?N inter-actions are further connected by C-H?pi(pyrrole) inter
      actions.

PMID- 22058944
TI  - Ethyl 5-((1E)-1-{(E)-2-[1-(4-eth-oxy-carbonyl-3-methyl-1,2-oxazol-5-yl)ethyl
      idene]hydrazin-1-yl-idene}eth-yl)-3-methyl-1,2-oxazole-4-carboxyl-ate.
AB  - The complete mol-ecule of the title compound, C(18)H(22)N(4)O(6), is generated by
      the application of a twofold axis of symmetry. Twists are evident in the mol
      ecule, i.e. between each -C=N-N group and the adjacent oxazole ring [dihedral
      angle = 46.08 (12)  degrees ] and between the latter and attached ester group
      [excluding the terminal methyl group; dihedral angle = 24.4 (7)  degrees ]. In
      the crystal, C-H?O and pi-pi [3.5990 (11) A] contacts connect mol-ecules into
      supra-molecular arrays in the ac plane. These stack along the b axis, being
      connected by weak pi-pi [3.3903 (11) A] inter-actions.

PMID- 22058945
TI  - N'-[(1E,2E)-1-(2-Phenyl-hydrazin-1-yl-idene)-1-(phenyl-sulfon-yl)propan-2-yl
      idene]benzohydrazide.
AB  - The configuration about each C=N bond in the title compound, C(22)H(20)N(4)O(3)S,
      is E. While to a first approximation the phenyl-hydrazin-1-yl-idene and
      benzohydrazide residues are coplanar, in part due to the presence of an intra
      molecular N-H?N hydrogen bond, significant twists are evident in the orientations
      of the hydrazine [N-N-C-C torsion angle = -170.74 (11) degrees ] and benzoyl
      benzene [N-C-C-C = -21.72 (18) degrees ] rings. The sulfonyl benzene ring
      occupies a position almost normal to the rest of the mol-ecule [C-S-C-N = -92.28
      (10) degrees ]. Centrosymmetric aggregates mediated by pairs of hydrazide
      sulfonyl N-H?O hydrogen bonds are the predominant packing motif in the crystal.
      These are connected into linear supra-molecular chains via C-H?O inter-actions
      which are, in turn, linked into layers in the ac plane via C-H?pi inter-actions.
      Connections between layers along the b-axis direction are of the pi-pi type and
      occur between centrosymmetrically related hydrazine-bound benzene rings [centroid
      centroid separation = 3.7425 (9) A].

PMID- 22058946
TI  - 2-{(E)-[(4-Methyl-phen-yl)imino]-meth-yl}-4-nitro-phenol-2-{(E)-[(4-methyl-phen
      yl)iminio]meth-yl}-4-nitro-phenolate (0.60/0.40).
AB  - The crystal of the title compound, 0.6C(14)H(12)N(2)O(3).0.4C(14)H(12)N(2)O(3),
      contains a mixture of its neutral (OH containing) and zwitterionic (NH
      containing) forms, in a 0.60 (4):0.40 (4) ratio. The former generates an S(6)
      loop via an intra-molecular O-H?N hydrogen bond and the latter generates an S(6)
      loop via an N-H?O hydro-gren bond. The aromatic rings are oriented at a dihedral
      angle of 42.52 (10) degrees . In the crystal, C-H?pi inter-actions occur and
      aromatic pi-pi stacking inter-actions [centroid-centroid separations = 3.7106
      (12) and 3.9177 (13) A] consolidate the packing.

PMID- 22058947
TI  - A 1:1 co-crystal of the herbicide triflusulfuron-methyl and its degradation
      product triazine amine.
AB  - The herbicide triflusulfuron-methyl (systematic name: methyl 2-{[4-dimethyl-amino
      6-(2,2,2-trifluoro-eth-oxy)-1,3,5-triazin-2-yl]carbamoylsulfamo-yl}-3-methyl
      benzoate) and its degradation product triazine amine [systematic name: 2-amino-4
      dimethyl-amino-6-(2,2,2-trifluoro-eth-oxy)-1,3,5-triazine] form a triclinic 1:1
      co-crystal of the title compound, C(7)H(10)F(3)N(5)O.C(17)H(19)F(3)N(6)O(6)S, in
      which its two components are connected via a pair of complementary N-H?N hydrogen
      bonds, similar to the monoclinic crystal structure of the parent compound
      triflusulfuron-methyl [Mereiter (2011 ?). Acta Cryst. E67, o1778-o1779] in which
      a pair of mol-ecules related by a twofold axis are linked by two N-H?N bonds. The
      triflusulfuron-methyl mol-ecules of both crystal structures are similar in
      geometric parameters and conformation, which is due to stiffening by a short
      intra-molecular N-H?N bond [N?N = 2.620 (4) A] and an intra-molecular dipole
      dipole inter-action between the sulfamide and the carboxyl moieties, with
      O(s)?C(c) = 2.802 (5) A and O(c)?N(s) = 2.846 (4) A. Inter-molecular N-H?O
      hydrogen bonds and slipped pi-pi stacking inter-actions between the diamino
      triazine moieties [perpendicular distances of 3.25 A within hydrogen-bonded tetra
      mers and 3.27 A between adjacent tetra-mers] link the two constituents of the co
      crystal into columns parallel to the a axis. An intra-molecular C-H?O hydrogen
      bond occurs in the triflusulfuron-methyl mol-ecule and inter-molecular C-H?O
      inter-actions between triflusulfuron-methyl mol-ecules occur in the crystal
      structure. In the triflusulfuron-methyl molecule the dihedral angle between the
      least-squares planes of the two rings is 75.8 (1) degrees . In the triazine
      molecule, the CF(3) group is partly orientationally disordered.

PMID- 22058948
TI  - 2,3,6,3',4'-Penta-O-acetyl-4,1',6'-tri-chloro-4,1',6'-tride-oxy-sucrose.
AB  - In the title compound, C(22)H(29)Cl(3)O(13), the glucopyran ring exists in the
      chair conformation while the glucofuran ring adopts an envelope conformation.
      Intra-molecular C-H?O hydrogen bonds occur. In the crystal, adjacent mol-ecules
      are linked by weak inter-molecular C-H?O hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22058949
TI  - 2-[(tert-But-oxy-carbonyl-amino)-oxy]acetic acid.
AB  - The title compound, C(7)H(13)NO(5), was prepared by the condensation of O-(carb
      oxy-meth-yl)hydroxyl-amine and (Boc)(2)O (Boc = but-oxy-carbon-yl).In the
      crystal, mol-ecules are linked by weak inter-molecular N-H?O hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22058950
TI  - (2S)-3-(1H-Indol-3-yl)-2-(4-methyl-benzene-sulfonamido)-propionic acid
      monohydrate.
AB  - In the title compound, C(18)H(18)N(2)O(4)S.H(2)O, the indole and toluene ring
      systems are oriented at a dihedral angle of 84.51 (9) degrees . In the crystal,
      the components are linked by N-H?O, O-H?O, C-H?O and N-H?pi inter-actions. These
      include a short link from the alpha-C atom of the amino acid fragment.

PMID- 22058951
TI  - (E)-1-(2-Iodo-phen-yl)-2-phenyl-diazene.
AB  - The mol-ecule of the title compound, C(12)H(9)IN(2), is approximately planar
      [maximum deviation = 0.020 (5) A] with a trans arrangement of the groups around
      the N=N double bond. This double bond is rotated away from the iodine substiuent.

PMID- 22058952
TI  - 3-(3-Fluoro-phenyl-sulfin-yl)-2,4,5,6-tetra-methyl-1-benzofuran.
AB  - In the title compound, C(18)H(17)FO(2)S, the 3-fluoro-phenyl ring makes a
      dihedral angle of 78.60 (5) degrees  with the mean plane of the benzofuran
      fragment. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by weak inter-molecular C-H?O
      hydrogen bonds and weak inter-molecular C-S?pi [3.490 (2) A] inter-actions.

PMID- 22058953
TI  - 3-(3,4-Dimeth-oxy-phen-yl)-4-(2-meth-oxy-anilino)furan-2(5H)-one.
AB  - In the title compound, C(19)H(19)NO(5), the furan-one unit makes a dihedral angle
      of 30.93 (6) degrees  with the benzene ring and a dihedral angle of 9.51 (6)
      degrees  with the aniline ring. In the crystal, inter-molecular C-H?O hydrogen
      bonds and C-H?pi contacts link the mol-ecules into sheets. A weak intramolecular
      hydrogen bond is also observed.

PMID- 22058954
TI  - 3-(4-Bromo-phen-yl)-4-(4-hy-droxy-anilino)furan-2(5H)-one.
AB  - In the title compound, C(16)H(12)BrNO(3), the butyrolactone core adopts the furan
      2(5H)-one structure and forms dihedral angles of 44.80 (17) and 65.73 (18)
      degrees  with the bromo-benzene and phenol rings, respectively. In the crystal, N
      H?O and O-H?O hydrogen bonds link the mol-ecules, generating R(4) (3)(26) loops
      The edge-fused rings extend to form a chain running along the b-axis direction
      and C-H?pi contacts help to consolidate the packing.

PMID- 22058955
TI  - 1-Isobutyl-4-meth-oxy-1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinoline.
AB  - In the title compound, C(15)H(17)N(3)O, the 1H-imidazo[4,5-c]quinoline ring
      system is approximately planar, with a maximum deviation of 0.036 (1) A. The C-N
      C-C torsion angles formed between this ring system and the isobutyl unit are 
      99.77 (16) and 79.71 (17) degrees . In the crystal, inter-molecular C-H?O
      hydrogen bonds link the mol-ecules into chains along the c axis.

PMID- 22058956
TI  - (E)-N-[(6-Bromo-pyridin-2-yl)methyl-idene]-4-methyl-aniline.
AB  - The title compound, C(13)H(11)BrN(2), a Schiff base obtained from 6-bromo
      picolinaldehyde and p-toluidine, has an E configuration about the C=N bond. The
      dihedral angle between the benzene and pyridine rings is 30.4 (1) degrees .

PMID- 22058957
TI  - Ethyl 4-chloro-2'-fluoro-3-hy-droxy-5-methyl-biphenyl-2-carboxyl-ate.
AB  - In the title compound, C(16)H(14)ClFO(3), the dihedral angle between the mean
      planes of the two benzene rings is 71.50 (5) degrees . Due to an intra-molecular
      O-H?O hydrogen bond between the hy-droxy group and the carbonyl O atom of the
      ethyl ester group, the ethyl ester group lies within the ring plane. The crystal
      structure is consolidated by inter-molecular C-H?O and C-H?F inter-actions.

PMID- 22058958
TI  - (E)-3-Hy-droxy-5,5-dimethyl-2-(3-phenyl-prop-2-en-1-yl)cyclo-hex-2-en-1-one.
AB  - Five of the atoms of the six-membered cyclo-hexene ring of the title compound,
      C(17)H(20)O(2), are essentially coplanar (r.m.s. deviation = 0.006 A), with the
      sixth (the dimethyl-methyl C atom) deviating from the mean plane of the five
      atoms by 0.610 (2) A. This plane is nearly perpendicular to the cinnamyl portion,
      the two planes being aligned at 85.1 (1) degrees . Two mol-ecules are linked by
      an O-H?O hydrogen bond about a center of inversion. The cyclo-hexene ring is
      disordered over two directly overlapping positions. As a result, the hy-droxy
      group and the keto O atom cannot be distinguished from one another.

PMID- 22058959
TI  - (E)-2-Bromo-benzaldehyde oxime.
AB  - The configuration of the C=N double bond of the title compound, C(7)H(6)BrNO, is
      E; the non-H atoms are approximately coplanar (r.m.s. deviation = 0.038 A). In
      the crystal, pairs of mol-ecules are linked by a pair of O-H?N hydrogen bonds
      about a center of inversion, generating hydrogen-bonded dimers.

PMID- 22058960
TI  - N,N-Bis(pyridin-3-ylmeth-yl)isophthalamide dihydrate.
AB  - The complete organic molecule in the title dihydrate, C(20)H(22)N(4)O(4), is
      generated by crystallographic twofold symmetry, with two C atoms lying on the
      rotation axis. The symmetry unique pyridine ring forms a dihedral angle of 83.16
      (8) degrees  with the central benzene ring. In the crystal, inter-molecular N
      H?O, O-H?N and O-H?O hydrogen bonds connect the components into a two-dimensional
      network lying parallel to (101).

PMID- 22058961
TI  - 2-{Hy-droxy[1-(4-meth-oxy-phen-yl)-4-oxo-3-phenyl-azetidin-2-yl]meth
      yl}acrylonitrile.
AB  - In the title compound, C(20)H(18)N(2)O(3), the beta-lactam ring is essentially
      planar, having a maximum deviation of 0.0291 (15) A for the N atom, and
      perpendicular to the phenyl ring [dihedral angle = 85.55 (11) degrees ]. The
      carbonitrile side chain is almost linear, the C-C-N angle being 176.8 (2) degrees
      . The crystal packing is stabilized by inter-molecular O-H?O and C-H?O inter
      actions.

PMID- 22058962
TI  - 5-Benzyl-5H-pyrido[3,2-b]indole.
AB  - The title compound, C(18)H(14)N(2), was prepared by twofold Pd-catalyzed aryl
      amination of a cyclic pyrido-benzo-iodo-lium salt. In the crystal, two mol-ecules
      of 9-benzyl-delta-carboline form centrosymmetrical dimers with distances of 3.651
      (2) A between the centroids of the pyridine rings and 3.961 (2) A between the
      centroids of the pyrrole and pyridine rings. The phenyl rings point to the other
      mol-ecule in the dimer and the carboline core is essentially planar [maximum
      deviation of 0.027 (2) A].

PMID- 22058963
TI  - 3-{1-[2-(2-Chloro-phen-yl)hydrazinyl-idene]-2,2,2-trifluoro-eth-yl}-7-diethyl
      amino-2H-chromen-2-one.
AB  - The title compound, C(21)H(19)ClF(3)N(3)O(2), has a structure related to other
      coumarin derivatives that have been used as fluorescent probes of metal ions. The
      dihedral angle between the coumarin ring system and the chlorobenzene ring is
      42.99 (9) degrees . Intra-molecular hydrogen bonding occurs via N-H?O and N-H?Cl
      inter-actions, generating S(7) and S(5) rings, respectively. The crystal packing
      is stabilized by weak C-H?O hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22058964
TI  - 8-(2-Hy-droxy-phen-yl)-1,3-dimethyl-1H-purine-2,6(3H,7H)-dione.
AB  - The title compound, C(13)H(12)N(4)O(3), is an imidazole derivative featuring an
      annealed purine ring system. The benzimidazole-inspired moiety is essentially
      planar (r.m.s. of all fitted non-H atoms = 0.0205 A). An intra-molecular O-H?N
      hydrogen bond occurs. In the crystal, inter-molecular N-H?O and C-H?O hydrogen
      bonds are observed, which connect the mol-ecules into chains along [110]. The
      shortest centroid-centroid distance between two aromatic systems is 3.7771 (11)
      A.

PMID- 22058965
TI  - (4-Methyl-phen-yl)[2-(thio-phen-2-ylcarbon-yl)phen-yl]methanone.
AB  - The crystal studied of the title compound, C(19)H(14)O(2)S, was an inversion twin
      with a 0.7 (1):0.3 (1) domain ratio. The central benzene ring makes dihedral
      angles of 63.31 (9) and 60.86 (9) degrees , respectively, with the 4-methyl
      phenyl and thio-phene rings. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by weak inter
      molecular C-H?O hydrogen bonds and S?pi [3.609 (3) A] inter-actions.

PMID- 22058966
TI  - 2,4-Dioxo-1-(prop-2-yn-yl)-1,2,3,4-tetra-hydro-pyrimidine-5-carbaldehyde.
AB  - In the crystal structure of the title compound, C(8)H(6)N(2)O(3), the mol-ecules
      are linked by a pairs of inter-molecular N-H?O hydrogen bonds, forming inversion
      dimers. The aldehyde group is in the same plane as the pyrimidine ring [with a
      maximum deviation of 0.083 (2) A for the O atom), and the linear propargyl group
      [C-C-C = 178.99 (19) degrees ] makes a dihedral angle of 74.36 (13) degrees  with
      the ring.

PMID- 22058967
TI  - Tramadol hydro-chloride-benzoic acid (1/1).
AB  - In the cation of the title co-crystal salt {systematic name: [2-hydroxy-2-(3-meth
      oxy-phen-yl)cyclo-hexyl-meth-yl]dimethyl-aza-nium chloride-benzoic acid (1/1)},
      C(16)H(31)NO(2) (+).Cl(-).C(7)H(6)O(2), the N atom is protonated and the six
      membered cyclo-hexane ring adopts a slightly distorted chair conformation. The
      dihedral angle between the mean planes of the benzene rings in the cation and the
      benzoic acid mol-ecule is 75.5 (9) degrees . The crystal packing is stabilized by
      weak inter-molecular O-H?Cl, N-H?Cl and C-H?pi inter-actions, forming a two
      dimensional chain network along the b axis. The benzoic acid mol-ecule is not
      involved in the usual head-to-tail dimer bonding, but instead is linked to the
      ammonium cation through mutual hydrogen-bonding inter-actions with the chloride
      anion.

PMID- 22058968
TI  - Ethyl 6-amino-8-(4-chloro-phen-yl)-9-nitro-2,3,4,8-tetra-hydro-pyrido[2,1
      b][1,3]thia-zine-7-carboxyl-ate.
AB  - In the structure of the title compound, C(17)H(18)ClN(3)O(4)S, the thia-zinane
      ring displays a twist-boat conformation. The 1,4-dihydro-pyridine ring is
      approximately perpendicular to the benzene ring [dihedral angle = 88.3 (1)
      degrees ]. The mol-ecular conformation is stabilized by an intra-molecular N-H?O
      hydrogen bond. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by N-H?O inter-actions into
      a C(8) chain along [100].

PMID- 22058969
TI  - (1E,4E)-1,5-Bis(thio-phen-3-yl)penta-1,4-dien-3-one.
AB  - The title compound, C(13)H(10)OS(2), exhibits twists between the central C(3)O
      and ethene residues [O-C-C-C torsion angles = -8.4 (3) and 11.8 (3) degrees ],
      and between the ethene and adjacent thio-phenyl residues [C-C-C-C torsion angles
      = -4.2 (3) and 10.5 (3) degrees ]. As a result, the mol-ecule is non-planar, the
      dihedral angle formed between the terminal thio-phenyl groups being 15.45 (10)
      degrees . The presence of C-H?O inter-actions involving the bifurcated carbonyl O
      atom leads to supra-molecular arrays in the ac plane. These are linked into a
      three-dimensional architecture by C-H?pi inter-actions involving both thio-phenyl
      residues.

PMID- 22058970
TI  - 1-Benzyl-2,5-diphenyl-3-tosylimidazol-idin-4-one.
AB  - In the title compound, C(29)H(26)N(2)O(3)S, the central imidazolidine ring adopts
      an envelope conformation with the N atom bearing the benzyl ring at the flap. The
      S atom has distorted tetra-hedral geometry. The benzyl and tosyl rings are
      oriented at a dihedral angle of 52.1 (1) degrees . The phenyl rings connected to
      the imidazolidine ring form a dihedral angle of 28.7 (1) degrees .

PMID- 22058971
TI  - 2-[(4-Chloro-phenyl)-amino-meth-yl]phenol.
AB  - In the title mol-ecule, C(13)H(12)ClNO, the two benzene rings are twisted from
      each other by a dihedral angle of 68.60 (8) degrees . In the crystal structure,
      the hy-droxy and amino H atoms are involved in inter-molecular hydrogen bonds, O
      H?N and N-H?O, respectively, resulting in R(4) (4)(8) loops about inversion
      centers.

PMID- 22058972
TI  - Naphthalen-1-aminium chloride.
AB  - In the crystal structure of the title compound, C(10)H(10)N(+).Cl(-), the two
      components are connected via N-H?Cl hydrogen bonds, forming a layer parallel to
      the bc plane.

PMID- 22058973
TI  - 1-(4-Chloro-benzo-yl)-3-(3-methyl-pyridin-2-yl)thio-urea.
AB  - The mol-ecule of the title compound, C(14)H(12)ClN(3)OS, consists of three
      approximately planar fragments: the central thio-urea group, the chloro-phenyl
      group and the picolyl (3-methyl-pyridin-2-yl) group with a maximum of 0.035 (2)
      degrees  for an N atom from the mean square plane of the central thiourea group.
      The central fragment forms dihedral angles of 33.30 (8) and 76.78 (8) degrees 
      with the chloro-phenyl and picolyl groups, respectively. With respect to the thio
      urea C-N bonds, the 4-chloro-benzoyl group is positioned trans to the thiono S
      atoms, whereas the picolyl group lies in a cis position to it. The mol-ecular
      conformation is stabilized by an intra-molecular N-H?O hydrogen bond. In the
      crystal, mol-ecules are linked by inter-molecular C-H?N hydrogen bonds, forming
      chains along the a axis.

PMID- 22058974
TI  - 1-Iodo-triptycene.
AB  - The title compound, C(20)H(13)I, is a halogenated derivative of triptycene. The
      mol-ecule shows crystallographic as well as non-crystallographic C(3) symmetry.
      The asymmetric unit comprises one third of the mol-ecule. Dispersive I?I contacts
      [I?I = 3.6389 (3) A] connect the mol-ecules into dimers. The shortest centroid
      centroid distance between two pi-systems is 3.8403 (12) A.

PMID- 22058975
TI  - 1-Phenyl-5-{[2-(trimethyl-sil-yl)eth-yl]sulfon-yl}-1H-tetra-zole.
AB  - The title compound, C(12)H(18)N(4)O(2)SSi, was synthesized to be employed in a
      Julia-Kocienski olefination. In the mol-ecule, the dihedral angle between the
      phenyl ring and the tetra-zole ring is 41.50 (5) degrees . The significantly
      longer Si-C(methyl-ene) bond [1.8786 (13) A] and the shortened adjacent C-C bond
      [1.5172 (18) A], as well as the significant deviation of the corresponding Si-C-C
      angle [114.16 (9) degrees ] from the ideal tetra-hedral angle, can be attributed
      to the beta-effect of silicon. In the crystal, mol-ecules are held together by
      van der Waals inter-actions.

PMID- 22058976
TI  - 2,2'-Bis(meth-oxy-meth-oxy)-3-methyl-1,1'-binaphth-yl.
AB  - The title compound, C(25)H(24)O(4), a meth-oxy-methyl (MOM) bis-protected BINOL
      derivative containing a methyl substituent in position 3, is a key inter-mediate
      for the synthesis of a great variety of chiral auxiliaries. The planes of the
      naphthyl aromatic rings are at an angle of 70.74 (3) degrees . There are no
      conventional hydrogen bonds binding the mol-ecules.

PMID- 22058977
TI  - N,N'-(Propane-1,3-di-yl)bis-(p-toluene-sulfonamide).
AB  - The complete mol-ecule of the title compound, C(17)H(22)N(2)O(4)S(2), is
      generated by crystallographic twofold symmetry, with one C atom lying on the
      rotation axis. The dihedral angle between the benzene rings is 44.04 (7) degrees 
      and the conformation of the central N-C-C-C group is gauche. In the crystal, mol
      ecules are linked by N-H?O hydrogen bonds, generating corrugated (010) sheets,
      and weak C-H?O inter-actions consolidate the packing.

PMID- 22058978
TI  - 5-[(E)-(2-Fluoro-benzyl-idene)amino]-2-hy-droxy-benzoic acid.
AB  - In the title compound, C(14)H(10)FNO(3), the dihedral angle between the two
      benzene rings is 32.66 (14) degrees . An S(6) ring motif is formed due to an
      intra-molecular O-H?O hydrogen bond between the hy-droxy and carbonyl groups. In
      the crystal, mol-ecules are consolidated into dimers with R(2) (2)(8) ring motifs
      by pairs of O-H?O hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22058979
TI  - 2-(5,6-Dihydro-benzimidazo[1,2-c]quinazolin-6-yl)-5-methyl-phenol.
AB  - In the title compound, C(21)H(17)N(3)O, the imidazole ring is essentially planar,
      with a maximum deviation of 0.009 (1) A. The mol-ecule is disordered over two
      sites corresponding to a rotation of approximately 180 degrees  with a refined
      occupancy ratio of 0.9180 (14):0.0820 (14). The central pyrim-idine ring makes
      dihedral angles of 5.02 (5), 3.97 (5) and 6.28 (5) degrees , respectively, with
      the planes of the imidazole and the terminal phenyl rings for the major
      component; the values for the minor component are 5.8 (7), 5.0 (6) and 8.5 (6)
      degrees , respectively. Part of the observed planarity is accounted for in terms
      of an intra-molecular N-H?O hydrogen bond. In the crystal, mol-ecules of the
      major component are connected by O-H?N hydrogen bonds, forming supra-molecular
      chains along the c axis.

PMID- 22058980
TI  - 2,4,6-Trimethyl-pyridinium 4-nitro-benzoate-4-nitro-benzoic acid (1/1).
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title co-crystal, C(8)H(12)N(+).C(7)H(4)NO(4) (
      ).C(7)H(5)NO(4), contains two cations, two anions and two neutral 4-nitro-benzoic
      acid mol-ecules. In the crystal, O-H?O, N-H?O and C-H?O hydrogen bonds connect
      the ions and mol-ecules, forming a three-dimensional network.

PMID- 22058981
TI  - 3,3'-Diphenyl-1,1'-(butane-1,4-di-yl)dithio-urea.
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C(18)H(22)N(4)S(2), contains one half
      mol-ecule, the complete mol-ecule being generated by crystallographic inversion
      symmetry. The crystal structure features two inter-molecular N-H?S hydrogen
      bonding inter-actions, the first generating an infinite chain along the b axis
      and the second an infinite chain along the a axis, together forming an inter
      locking structure.

PMID- 22058982
TI  - 4'-[5-(4-Fluoro-phen-yl)pyridin-3-yl]-1'-methyl-dispiro-[indan-2,2'-pyrrolidine
      3',2''-indan]-1,3,1''-trione.
AB  - In the title compound, C(32)H(23)FN(2)O(3), the pyrrolidine ring adopts an
      envelope conformation. The monoketo- and diketo-substituted five-membered rings
      are in envelope and half-chair conformations, respectively. The mol-ecular
      structure is stabilized by an intra-molecular C-H?O hydrogen bond, which
      generates an S(6) ring motif. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked via inter
      molecular C-H?N and C-H?O hydrogen bonds into a three-dimensional network. The
      crystal structure is further consolidated by C-H?pi inter-actions.

PMID- 22058983
TI  - 4,10-Bis(pyridin-2-ylmeth-yl)-1,7-dithia-4,10-diazo-niacyclo-dodecane
      bis(perchlorate).
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound C(20)H(30)N(4)S(2) (+). 2ClO(4) (-)
      comprises one macrocyclic cation and two perchlorate anions. In the cation, one
      of the protonated H atoms bound to the amide N atom is involved in an intra
      molecular N-H?N hydrogen bond. The O atoms in the two perchlorate anions are
      disordered over two sets of sites with occupancy ratios of 0.65 (3):0.35 (3) and
      0.640 (15):0.360 (15).

PMID- 22058984
TI  - 5-Chloro-3-cyclo-hexyl-sulfinyl-2,7-dimethyl-1-benzofuran.
AB  - In the title compound, C(16)H(19)ClO(2)S, the cyclo-hexyl ring adopts a chair
      conformation and the aryl-sulfinyl unit is positioned equatorial relative to the
      cyclo-hexyl group. The least-squares plane through all six C atoms of the cyclo
      hexyl ring makes a dihedral angle of 74.80 (6) degrees  with the mean plane of
      the benzofuran fragment. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked through inter
      molecular C-H?O hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22058985
TI  - 9-(4-Chloro-phen-yl)-4a-hy-droxy-4,4a,5,6,9,9a-hexa-hydro-3H-xanthene-1,8(2H,7H)
      dione.
AB  - In the title compound, C(19)H(19)ClO(4), the central fused ring and the attached
      cyclo-hexene ring adopt envelope conformations, while the cyclo-hexane ring
      adopts a chair conformation. The crystal packing is stabilized by O-H?O hydrogen
      bonds, which link the mol-ecules into a chain along the b axis. Weak C-H?O bonds
      also occur.

PMID- 22058986
TI  - (E)-2-{[1-Carb-oxy-2-(1H-indol-3-yl)ethyl-iminio]meth-yl}-6-hy-droxy-phenolate.
AB  - In the zwitterionic title compound, C(18)H(16)N(2)O(4), the dihedral angle
      between the planes of the benzene and indole rings is 26.38 (10) degrees . An
      intra-molecular N-H?O hydrogen bond generates an S(6) ring motif. In the crystal,
      mol-ecules are linked through N-H?O, O-H?O and C-H?O hydrogen bonds into infinite
      chains propagating in [010].

PMID- 22058987
TI  - 8-Phenyl-3,4,6,7,8,8a-hexahydro-1H-pyrrolo-[2,1-c][1,4]oxazin-6-one.
AB  - In the title compound, C(13)H(15)NO(2), the hexa-hydro-pyrrolo-[2,1
      c][1,4]oxazine fragment is disordered over two conformations (A and B) in a 0.656
      (5):0.344 (5) ratio. The five-membered ring is similarly disordered and adopts an
      envelope conformation in A, while in B this ring is nearly planar [maximum
      deviation = 0.088 (1) A]. The six-membered rings in both A and B exhibit chair
      conformations. In the crystal, weak inter-molecular C-H?O hydrogen bonds link the
      mol-ecules into ribbons propagating in [010].

PMID- 22058988
TI  - 1,7,8,9,10,10-Hexachloro-4-(thio-phen-2-ylmeth-yl)-4-aza-tricyclo-[5.2.1.0]dec-8
      ene-3,5-dione.
AB  - In the title compound, C(14)H(7)Cl(6)NO(2)S, the six-membered ring of the aza
      tricyclo system has a boat conformation whereas the five-membered rings have an
      envelope conformation. The thio-phene ring and the ring of the succinimide moiety
      enclose a dihedral angle of 67.2 (1) degrees . The crystal packing is stabilized
      by weak inter-molecular C-H?O hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22058989
TI  - 3,3'-Dimethyl-1,1'-[2,2'-bipyridine-5,5'-diylbis(methyl-ene)]diimidazol-3-ium bis
      (hexa-fluoro-phosphate).
AB  - The title compound, C(20)H(22)N(6) (2+).2PF(6) (-), was prepared by the reaction
      of 5,5'-bis-(bromo-meth-yl)-2,2'-bipyridine with 1-methyl-imidazole. The main mol
      ecule lies on an inversion center located at the mid-point of the C-C bond
      joining the two pyridine rings. The asymmetric unit therefore contains one half
      mol-ecule and one hexa-fluoro-phosphate anion. The dihedral angle between the
      pyridine and imidazole rings is 76.93 (7) degrees . In the crystal, weak inter
      molecular C-H?F hydrogen bonds contribute to the stabilization of the packing.

PMID- 22058990
TI  - Phenyl 3-meth-oxy-4-phen-oxy-benzoate.
AB  - In the title mol-ecule, C(20)H(16)O(4), the two outermost phenyl rings form
      dihedral angles of 79.80 (7) and 69.35 (7) degrees  with the central benzene
      ring. In the crystal structure, weak inter-molecular C-H?O inter-actions link the
      mol-ecules into ribbons propagating along [1[Formula: see text]0].

PMID- 22058991
TI  - N-Methyl-l-leucyl-l-leucine hydro-chloride monohydrate.
AB  - In the title compound C(13)H(27)N(2)O(3) (+).Cl(-).H(2)O, obtained by
      deprotecting the amino and carboxyl groups of an inter-mediate in the synthesis
      of the cyclic penta-peptide Galaxamide, a number of hydrogen-bonding inter
      actions occur including aminium N-H?Cl, amide-carboxyl N-H?O, water O-H?Cl and
      carbox-yl-water O-H?O associations. The aminium N-H?Cl?H-N bridging extensions
      give rise to zigzag chains extending along the a axis, the overall two
      dimensional structure lying in the (110) plane.

PMID- 22058992
TI  - 9,9-Dimethyl-9,10-dihydroanthracene.
AB  - In the title compound, C(16)H(16), the central benzene ring adopts a boat
      conformation, with a dihedral angle of 34.7 (9) degrees  between the mean planes
      of the two fused benzene rings. The two methyl groups at the apex of the central
      benzene ring are in axial and equatorial conformations. The crystal packing is
      stabilized by weak C-H?pi inter-molecular inter-actions.

PMID- 22058993
TI  - Ethyl 4-(phenyl-sulfon-yl)piperazine-1-carboxyl-ate.
AB  - In the title compound, C(13)H(18)N(2)O(4)S, the piperazine ring adopts a chair
      conformation. The dihedral angle between the least-squares planes through the
      piperazine and benzene rings is 73.23 (10) degrees . In the crystal, there are no
      classical hydrogen bonds but stabilization is provided by weak C-H?pi inter
      actions.

PMID- 22058994
TI  - 2-Amino-6-methyl-pyridinium 2-carb-oxy-benzoate.
AB  - In the title mol-ecular salt, C(6)H(9)N(2) (+).C(8)H(5)O(4) (-), an intra
      molecular O-H?O hydrogen bond occurs within the anion, thereby generating an S(7)
      ring, which may correlate with the fact that both the carb-oxy-lic acid and
      carboxyl-ate groups are almost coplanar with their attached rings [dihedral
      angles = 2.9 (3) and 5.2 (3) degrees , respectively]. In the crystal, each cation
      is linked to its adjacent anion by two N-H?O hydrogen bonds; the dihedral angle
      between the pyridine and benzene rings is 2.22 (10) degrees . The ion pairs are
      linked by further N-H?O inter-actions.

PMID- 22058995
TI  - (E)-1-(3,4-Dimeth-oxy-phen-yl)-3-[4-(methyl-sulfan-yl)phen-yl]prop-2-en-1-one.
AB  - In the title compound, C(18)H(18)O(3)S, the C=C double bond exists in an E
      configuration and the dihedral angle between the two benzene rings is 11.74 (8)
      degrees . In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked into a three-dimensional network
      by C-H?O hydrogen bonds. The crystal structure is also stabilized by weak C-H?pi
      inter-actions.

PMID- 22058996
TI  - Ethyl 1-[3-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)prop-yl]-2-(4-chloro-phen-yl)-1H-benzo[d]imidazole-5
      carboxyl-ate dihydrate.
AB  - In the title compound, C(22)H(21)ClN(4)O(2).2H(2)O, the almost-planar
      benzimidazole ring system [maximum deviation 0.014 (1) A] is inclined at angles
      of 36.32 (5) and 74.75 (7) degrees  with respect to the phenyl and imidazole
      rings, respectively. In the crystal structure, the water mol-ecules are linked to
      the organic mol-ecules to form a three-dimensional network via O-H?N and O-H?O
      hydrogen bonds. The packing is further consolidated by a pair of bifurcated C-H?O
      bonds, generating R(1) (2)(6) loops. C-H?pi inter-actions are also observed.

PMID- 22058997
TI  - (E)-1-(Pyridin-2-yl)-3-(3,4,5-trimeth-oxy-phen-yl)prop-2-en-1-one.
AB  - In the title heteroaryl chalcone derivative, C(17)H(17)NO(4), the dihedral angle
      between the pyridine and benzene rings is 10.82 (5) degrees . The two meth-oxy
      groups at the meta positions are essentially coplanar with the attached benzene
      rings [C-O-C-C torsion angles = -0.97 (14) and 179.47 (9) degrees ], whereas the
      meth-oxy group at the para position is twisted from the attached ring with a C-O
      C-C torsion angle of -104.48 (11) degrees . A C-H?O close contact involving two
      of the meth-oxy groups generates an S(6) ring motif. In the crystal, mol-ecules
      are linked by weak C-H?O inter-actions into columns along the b axis.

PMID- 22058998
TI  - Bis(4-fluoro-anilinium) sulfate.
AB  - In the crystal of the title molecular salt, 2C(6)H(7)FN(+).SO(4) (2-), the
      cations and anions are linked by N-H?O and C-H?O hydrogen bonds into sheets
      parallel to the ab plane. The crystal studied was found to be a racemic twin with
      a 0.50 (10):0.50 (10) domain ratio.

PMID- 22058999
TI  - 2-(5,6-Dihydro-benzimidazo[1,2-c]quinazolin-6-yl)-5-meth-oxy-phenol.
AB  - In the title quinazoline derivative, C(21)H(17)N(3)O(2), the benzimidazole unit
      makes dihedral angles of 8.29 (5) and 81.79 (5) degrees  with the benzene rings
      of the quinazoline and meth-oxy-phenol units, respectively. The nitro-gen
      containing six-membered ring adopts a half-chair conformation. In the crystal,
      the mol-ecules are linked through O-H?N hydrogen bonds into screw chains along
      the b axis; adjacent chains are further connected by N-H?O hydrogen bonds,
      thereby forming a two-dimensional network lying parallel to the bc plane. Weak C
      H?pi and pi?pi inter-actions with centroid-centroid distances of 3.5258 (8) and
      3.7184 (7) A are present and N?O [2.6816 (15) and 3.0519 (15) A] short contacts
      also occur.

PMID- 22059000
TI  - 2-[5-Methyl-2-(propan-2-yl)phen-oxy]-N'-{2-[5-methyl-2-(propan-2-yl)phen-oxy]acet
      yl}acetohydrazide.
AB  - The complete mol-ecule of the title compound, C(24)H(32)N(2)O(4), is generated by
      a crystallographic inversion center. The 1,2-diethyl-hydrazine moiety is nearly
      planar, with a maximum deviation of 0.024 (1) A, and is inclined at a dihedral
      angle of 54.20 (4) degrees  with the phenyl ring. In the crystal, [001] chains
      are formed, with adjacent mol-ecules in the chain linked by pair of inter
      molecular N-H?O hydrogen bonds, generating R(2) (2)(10) ring motifs. Inter
      molecular C-H?O hydrogen bonds and C-H?pi inter-actions are also observed.

PMID- 22059001
TI  - Ethyl 5-methyl-1-(4-nitro-phen-yl)-1H-1,2,3-triazole-4-carboxyl-ate.
AB  - In the title compound, C(12)H(12)N(4)O(4), the 1,2,3-triazole ring and the nitro
      group form dihedral angles of 37.93 (5) and 8.97 (12) degrees , respectively,
      with the phenyl ring. The mol-ecular structure is stabilized by an intra
      molecular C-H?O hydrogen bond, which generates an S(6) ring motif. In the
      crystal, mol-ecules are linked by C-H?N hydrogen bonds into layers lying parallel
      to (100). The crystal structure is further consolidated by pi-pi [centroid
      centroid distance = 3.6059 (6) A] inter-actions.

PMID- 22059002
TI  - N-(4-Chloro-phen-yl)-N'-(3-methyl-phen-yl)succinamide monohydrate.
AB  - In the title hydrate, C(17)H(17)ClN(2)O(2).H(2)O, the dihedral angles formed by
      the aromatic rings of the chloro-benzene and methyl-benzene groups with the mean
      planes of their attached NH-C(O)-CH(2) fragments are 16.6 (2) and 22.8 (2)
      degrees , respectively. In the crystal, O-H?O and N-H?O hydrogen bonds link the
      components into a two-dimensional network parallel to the ab plane.

PMID- 22059003
TI  - N-(4-Chloro-phenyl)-N'-(4-methyl-phen-yl)succinamide.
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C(17)H(17)ClN(2)O(2), contains one
      half-mol-ecule with a center of symmetry at the mid-point of the central C-C
      bond. The dihedral angle between the benzene ring and the adjacent NH-C(O)-CH(2)
      group is 39.9 (1) degrees . The methyl and Cl groups are disordered with respect
      to the para-positions of the benzene ring, with site-occupation factors of 0.5
      each. In the crystal, inter-molecular N-H?O hydrogen bonds link the mol-ecules
      into chains parallel to the baxis.

PMID- 22059004
TI  - 4,4'-(Cyclo-hexane-1,1-di-yl)dianilinium dichloride monohydrate.
AB  - In the title compound, C(18)H(24)N(2) (2+).2Cl(-).H(2)O, both the cation and the
      water mol-ecule lie on a twofold crystallographic axis. In the cation, the two
      benzene rings are perpendicular to each other, making a symmetry-constrained
      dihedral angle of 90 degrees . In the crystal, N-H?Cl, O-H?Cl and N-H?O hydrogen
      bonds result in the formation of a three-dimensional network.

PMID- 22059005
TI  - 5-(4-Chloro-phen-yl)-1-methyl-3-phenyl-3,6,8,9-tetra-hydro-pyrazolo-[3,4-b]thio
      pyrano[4,3-d]pyridine.
AB  - The title compound, C(22)H(18)ClN(3)S, was synthesized by the reaction of 4
      chloro-benzaldehyde, tetra-hydro-thio-pyran-4-one and 3-methyl-1-phenyl-1H
      pyrazol-5-amine in acetic acid without a catalyst. The pyridine and pyrazole
      rings are almost coplanar, the dihedral angle between their mean planes being
      2.50 (1) degrees . The thio-pyran ring exhibits an envelope conformation. The
      crystal packing is stabilized by inter-molecular C-H?Cl hydrogen bonds and by C
      H?pi and pi-pi inter-actions [centroid-centroid distances of 3.825 (2) A between
      pyridine rings and 3.557 (2) A between pyrazole and pyridine rings.

PMID- 22059006
TI  - 4-(5-Phenyl-3-trifluoro-meth-yl-1H-pyrazol-1--yl)benzene-sulfonamide.
AB  - Significant twists between the aromatic rings are evident in the structure of the
      title compound, C(16)H(12)F(3)N(3)O(2)S. With reference to the pyrazole plane,
      the N- and C-bound benzene rings form dihedral angles of 57.12 (11) and 29.75
      (11) degrees , respectively. The dihedral angle between the benzene rings is
      52.82 (11) degrees . The presence of N-H?O(sulfonamide) and N-H?N(pyrazole)
      hydrogen bonds lead to supra-molecular tubes along the b-axis direction. These
      are connected into layers via C-H?O inter-actions involving a bifurcated O atom
      (not involved in the N-H?O hydrogen bonding). Layers stack along the a-axis
      direction.

PMID- 22059007
TI  - 4-(3-Methyl-5-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)benzene-sulfonamide.
AB  - With respect to the planar five-membered ring of the title compound,
      C(16)H(15)N(3)O(2)S, the phenyl ring is aligned at 47.0 (1) degrees  and the
      phenyl-ene ring at 37.6 (1) degrees . The amino group has the N atom in a
      pyramidal geometry; the group is a hydrogen-bond donor to the sulfonyl O atom of
      one mol-ecule and to the pyrazole N atom of another mol-ecule, resulting in the
      formation of a layer parallel to the bc plane.

PMID- 22059008
TI  - N,N'-Bis(2,3-dimeth-oxy-benzyl-idene)ethane-1,2-diamine.
AB  - The title compound, C(20)H(24)N(2)O(4), crystallizes with two half
      (centrosymmetric) mol-ecules in the asymmetric unit. There are only minor
      differences between the geometric parameters between these two mol-ecules. The
      two aromatic rings in both mol-ecules are mutually coplanar.

PMID- 22059009
TI  - (3-Benzoyl-phen-yl)(phen-yl)methanone.
AB  - Mol-ecules of the title compound, C(20)H(14)O(2), show approximate C(s) symmetry
      with the approximate mirror plane perpendicular to the central ring. The torsion
      angles about the acyclic bonds are 30.05 (15) and 30.77 (15) degrees  in one half
      compared to -36.62 (14) and -18.60 (15) degrees  in the other half of the mol
      ecule. The central aromatic ring makes dihedral angles of 47.78 (4) and 51.68 (3)
      degrees  with the two terminal rings.

PMID- 22059010
TI  - (2RS,4'RS)-3'-(3-Chloro-4-meth-oxy-phen-yl)-4'-phenyl-4'H-spiro-[indene-2,5'
      isoxazol]-1(3H)-one ethanol monosolvate.
AB  - The title compound, C(23)H(17)ClN(2)O(3).C(2)H(6)O, is the stoichiometric 1:1
      ethanol solvate of a racemic reaction product, which forms a conglomerate. The
      refined Flack parameter of 0.36 (3) indicates racemic twinning. In the structure,
      mol-ecules are linked into zigzag chains by a series of inter-molecular N-H?O and
      O-H?O hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22059011
TI  - 3-Amino-1-(2H-1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-9,10-dihydro-phenanthrene-2,4-dicarbonitrile.
AB  - In the title compound, C(23)H(15)N(3)O(2), significant deviations from planarity
      are evidenced in the values of the dihedral angles formed between the amino
      benzene ring and the benzene rings of the 1,3-benzodioxole [65.38 (12) degrees ]
      and 1,2-dihydro-naphthalene [26.27 (14) degrees ] residues; the dioxole ring has
      an envelope conformation with the methyl-ene-C being the flap atom. The amino-H
      atoms form hydrogen bonds to one of the dioxole-O atoms and to one of the cyano-N
      atoms to generate a two-dimensional array with a zigzag topology that stacks
      along the ([Formula: see text] 0 2) plane.

PMID- 22059012
TI  - N,N'-Dibenzyl-N''-(2-chloro-acet-yl)-N,N'-dimethyl-phospho-ric triamide.
AB  - In the title mol-ecule, C(18)H(23)ClN(3)O(2)P, the P atom is bonded in a
      distorted tetra-hedral environment. The P=O and N-H groups are syn with respect
      to each other. The angles at the tertiary N atoms confirm their sp(2) character.
      In the crystal, pairs of inter-molecular P=O?H-N hydrogen bonds form
      centrosymmetric dimers.

PMID- 22059013
TI  - 5-Methyl-2-pyridone.
AB  - The crystal structure of the title compound, C(6)H(7)NO, is stabilized by inter
      molecular N-H?O hydrogen bonds, resulting in inversion dimers. The structure is
      further consolidated by weak C-H?O hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22059014
TI  - (E)-2-Methyl-5-(thiophen-2-ylmethyl-idene)cyclopentan-1-one.
AB  - The exocyclic C=C double-bond in the title compound, C(11)H(12)OS, has an E
      configuration. The methyl-bearing C atom in the cyclo-pentane ring is disordered
      over two positions with a site-occupation factor of 0.899 (8) for the major
      occupied site.

PMID- 22059015
TI  - N-(2,6-Difluoro-benzo-yl)-P,P-bis-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)phosphinic amide.
AB  - The phosphoryl and carbonyl groups in the title compound,
      C(15)H(20)F(2)N(3)O(2)P, are anti with respect to each other (but the P- and C
      groups are separated by another atom) and the P atom is in a tetra-hedral
      coordination environment. Two C atoms in one of the pyrrolidinyl fragments are
      disordered over two sets of sites with occupancies of 0.746 (8) and 0.254 (8).
      The environments of the pyrrolidinyl N atoms show a slight deviation from
      planarity and none of the three N atoms is involved in any hydrogen bond as an
      acceptor. In the crystal, pairs of inter-molecular N-H?O hydrogen bonds form
      inversion dimers.

PMID- 22059016
TI  - 1-Benzoyl-3-(pyridin-2-yl)-1H-pyrazole.
AB  - In the title compound, C(15)H(11)N(3)O, the dihedral angle betwen the
      heterocyclic rings is 9.23 (5) degrees  and the dihedral angle between the
      benzoyl and pyrazole rings is 58.64 (5) degrees . In the crystal, inversion
      dimers linked by pairs of C-H?O hydrogen bonds generate R(2) (2)(10) loops. The
      dimers stack into a column running parallel to the b-axis direction.

PMID- 22059017
TI  - 3-Amino-1-(4-meth-oxy-phen-yl)-9,10-dihydro-phenanthrene-2,4-dicarbonitrile.
AB  - In the title compound, C(23)H(17)N(3)O, significant deviations from planarity are
      evidenced. This is quanti-fied in the dihedral angles formed between the central
      amino-benzene ring and the benzene rings of the meth-oxy-benzene [67.93 (8)
      degrees ] and 1,2-dihydro-naphthalene [28.27 (8) degrees ] residues. In the
      crystal the amino-H atoms form hydrogen bonds to the meth-oxy-O atom and to one
      of the cyano-N atoms to generate a two-dimensional array with a zigzag topology
      that stacks along the ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text] 1) plane.

PMID- 22059018
TI  - Ethyl N-[4-(3-methyl-4,5-dihydro-benzo[g]indazol-1-yl)phenyl-sulfon-yl]thio
      carbam-ate ethanol monosolvate.
AB  - The title compound, C(21)H(20)N(3)O(3)S(2).CH(3)CH(2)OH, comprises two
      independent organic mol-ecules and two ethanol solvent mol-ecules. The mol-ecules
      are related by pseudo-mirror symmetry. In both mol-ecules, the N-bound benzene
      ring is twisted out of the plane of the pyrazole ring [the dihedral angles are
      51.4 (3) and 44.1 (3) degrees , respectively]. Similarly, the benzene ring of the
      1,2-dihydro-naphthalene residue is inclined with respect to the five-membered
      ring [dihedral angles 18.3 (3) and 22.2 (3) degrees ]. Overall, each mol-ecule
      has a flattened U shape. Dimeric aggregates mediated by O-H?N(pyrazole) and amide
      N-H?O hydrogen bonds feature in the crystal packing, whereby the ethanol mol
      ecules link the independent organic mol-ecules, leading to four-mol-ecule
      aggregates.

PMID- 22059019
TI  - 2,4-Bis(morpholin-4-yl)-6-phen-oxy-1,3,5-triazine.
AB  - In the title compound, C(17)H(21)N(5)O(3), the dihedral angle between the
      triazine and the phenyl ring is 80.31 (11) degrees . One of the morpholine rings
      is disordered over two orientations with site occupancies of 0.762 (10) and 0.238
      (10). Both morpholine rings in the mol-ecule adopt chair conformations.

PMID- 22059020
TI  - N-Benzyl-1,3-dide-oxy-1,3-imino-l-xylitol.
AB  - The structure determination confirms the stereochemistry of the title compound,
      C(12)H(17)NO(3), which contains a four-membered azetidine ring system. The
      absolute configuration was determined by the use of d-glucose as the starting
      material. In the crystal, O-H?O and O-H?N hydrogen bonds link the mol-ecules into
      layers in the ab plane.

PMID- 22059021
TI  - N-(4-Chloro-phen-yl)-4-methyl-piperazine-1-carboxamide.
AB  - In the title compound, C(12)H(16)ClN(3)O, the piperazine ring has a chair
      conformation. Within this ring, the N-methyl nitro-gen atom has a pyramidal
      geometry and the N-carboxamide nitro-gen atom is almost planar (bond-angle sum =
      359.8 degrees ). In the crystal, the mol-ecules are linked by N-H?O hydrogen
      bonds into C(4) chains propagating in [010].

PMID- 22059022
TI  - 4-(Diphenyl-phosphan-yl)benzoic acid.
AB  - In the title compound, C(19)H(15)O(2)P, the dihedral angles between the benzoic
      acid ring and the phenyl rings are 75.64 (7) and 80.88 (7) degrees ; the dihedral
      angle between the phenyl rings is 81.35 (7) degrees . In the crystal, inversion
      dimers linked by pairs of O-H?O hydrogen bonds generate R(2) (2)(8) loops between
      the head-to-head carb-oxy-lic acid groups.

PMID- 22059023
TI  - N-[4-(Ethyl-sulfamo-yl)phen-yl]acetamide.
AB  - The title compound, C(10)H(14)N(2)O(3)S, crystallized with two mol-ecules (A and
      B) in the asymmetric unit. The terminal methyl group of the ethyl-sulfonamide
      moiety in mol-ecule B is disordered over two sets of sites with an occupancy
      ratio of 0.61 (1):0.39 (1). Both mol-ecules have L-shaped conformations. In mol
      ecule A, the dihedral angles between the benzene ring and its ethyl-sulfonamide
      and methyl-amide substituents are 83.5 (3) and 13.34 (18) degrees , respectively.
      Equivalent values for mol-ecule B are 87.9 (3) and 6.32 (16) degrees ,
      respectively. The C-S-N-C torsion angles are 66.5 (3) degrees  for A and -64.4
      (3) degrees  for B, indicating similar twists about the S-N bonds, but in
      opposite senses. In the crystal, the A mol-ecules are linked by pairs of N(s)-H?O
      (s = sulfonamide) hydrogen bonds, generating inversion dimers containing R(2)
      (2)(8) rings, while the B mol-ecules are linked by N(s)-H?O hydrogen bonds into
      C(10) [100] chains. Finally, N(a)-H?O (a = amide) hydrogen bonds link the A-mol
      ecule dimers and B-mol-ecule chains into a three-dimensional network.

PMID- 22059024
TI  - N-(2,3-Dimethyl-phen-yl)-4-methylbenzamide.
AB  - In the mol-ecule of the title compound, C(16)H(17)NO, the two aromatic rings are
      almost perpendicular to each other [dihedral angle 85.90 (5) degrees ]. The
      crystal structure is stabilized by inter-molecular N-H?O hydrogen bonds which
      link the mol-ecules, forming C(4) chains running along the c axis.

PMID- 22059025
TI  - N-Cyclo-propyl-N-[2-(2,4-difluoro-phen-yl)-2-hy-droxy-1-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1
      yl)prop-yl]-2-(5-methyl-2,4-dioxo-1,2,3,4-tetra-hydro-pyrimidin-1-yl)acetamide
      dichloro-methane 0.62-solvate.
AB  - In the title compound, C(21)H(22)F(2)N(6)O(4).0.62CH(2)Cl(2), the difluoro
      substituted benzene ring forms dihedral angles of 54.6 (3) degrees  with the mean
      plane of the thymine ring and 50.9 (2) degrees  with the triazole ring. The
      dihedral angle between the thymine and triazole rings is 7.4 (3) degrees . In the
      crystal, inter-molecular N-H?N and O-H?O hydrogen bonds link the main mol-ecules
      into chains along [10[Formula: see text]]. The CH(2)Cl(2) solvent mol-ecule was
      refined as partial occupancy over two sets of sites with refined occupancies of
      0.308 (9) and 0.310 (8).

PMID- 22059026
TI  - N,N'-Bis[1-(thiophen-2-yl)ethylidene]ethane-1,2-diamine.
AB  - Mol-ecules of the title compound, C(14)H(16)N(2)S(2), have a centre of inversion
      in the middle of the -CH(2)-CH(2)- bond; the (C(4)H(3)S)(CH(3))C=N-CH(2)- moiety
      is almost planar (r.m.s. deviation for non-H atoms 0.027 A).

PMID- 22059027
TI  - 4-(3,7-Dimethyl-4-oxo-4,5-dihydro-isoxazolo[4,5-d]pyridazin-5-yl)benzene
      sulfonamide.
AB  - The nine-membered fused-ring system of the title pyridazine derivative,
      C(13)H(12)N(4)O(4)S, is approximately planar (r.m.s. deviation 0.027 A), and the
      benzene ring of the phenyl-sulfamide substituent is aligned at 43.5 (1) degrees 
      to the fused-ring system. The amine group of the sulfonamide substituent forms an
      N-H?O hydrogen bond to the ketonic O atom of two neigboring mol-ecules to
      generate a chain running along the c axis.

PMID- 22059028
TI  - 2,7-Dimethyl-1,3-thia-zolo[4,5-d]pyridazin-4(5H)-one.
AB  - The nine-membered fused-ring system of the title pyridazine derivative,
      C(7)H(7)N(3)OS, is almost planar (r.m.s. deviation 0.012 A). In the crystal, the
      amino H atom forms a hydrogen bond to the ketonic O atom of a neighboring mol
      ecule to generate a centrosymmetric dimer.

PMID- 22059029
TI  - 4-(4-Meth-oxy-phen-yl)-2-oxo-1,2,5,6-tetra-hydro-benzo[h]quinoline-3-carbo
      nitrile.
AB  - In the mol-ecule of the title compound, C(21)H(16)N(2)O(2), the tetra-hydro
      benzo[h]quinoline fused-ring system is buckled owing to the ethyl-ene -CH(2)CH(2)
      fragment, the benzene ring and the pyridine ring being twisted by 19.7 (1)
      degrees . The 4-substituted aromatic ring is bent away from the pyridine ring by
      50.3 (1) degrees  in order to avoid crowding the cyanide substituent. In the
      crystal, two mol-ecules are linked by a pair of N-H?O hydrogen bonds to form a
      centrosymmetric dimer.

PMID- 22059030
TI  - 4-(5,3'-Dimethyl-5'-oxo-2-phenyl-2',5'-dihydro-2H-[3,4']bipyrazol-1'-yl)benzene
      sulfonamide monohydrate.
AB  - In the title compound, C(20)H(19)N(5)O(3)S.H(2)O, the pyrazole ring is connected
      to a pyrazolone ring, and the two five-membered rings are aligned at 45.0 (1)
      degrees . The pyrazole ring is connected to a phenyl ring and the two are twisted
      by 42.7 (1) degrees . Finally, the pyrazolone ring is connected to a benzene ring
      and the two are twisted by 19.5 (1) degrees . The N-H and -NH(2) portions and the
      solvent water mol-ecules are engaged in N-H?N, N-H?O and O-H?O hydrogen-bonding
      inter-actions to generate a three-dimensional network.

PMID- 22059031
TI  - 2-(Tritylsulfan-yl)ethyl 2-iodo-benzoate.
AB  - The methine C atom of the triphenyl-methyl group in the title compound,
      C(28)H(23)IO(2)S, is slightly flattened out [SigmaC(phen-yl)-C-C(phen-yl) = 335.6
      (5) degrees ]. The -C-O-C-C-S- chain connecting the triphenyl-methyl group and
      the aromatic ring adopts an extended zigzag conformation, these five atoms lying
      on an approximate plane (r.m.s. deviation = 0.120 A).

PMID- 22059032
TI  - A triclinic modification of 3,4-dihy-droxy-benzoic acid monohydrate.
AB  - The unit cell of the title compound, C(7)H(6)O(4).H(2)O, features four
      independent formula units; the individual carb-oxy-lic acid mol-ecules themselves
      are nearly planar (r.m.s. deviations = 0.0189, 0.0334, 0.0356 and 0.0441 A). Two
      independent mol-ecules each form two hydrogen bonds by acid-carbonyl O-H?O inter
      actions and the dimers are also nearly planar (r.m.s. deviations = 0.039 and
      0.049 A). The two independent dimers are aligned at 44.5 (1) degrees . Other O
      H?O inter-actions involving the hy-droxy groups and water mol-ecules give rise to
      a three-dimensional network.

PMID- 22059033
TI  - (2R)-N-(2-Benzoyl-phen-yl)-1-benzyl-pyrrolidine-2-carboxamide.
AB  - In the title compound, C(25)H(24)N(2)O(2), the dihedral angle between the two
      benzene rings of the benzophenone moiety is 59.10 (6) degrees . An intra
      molecular, bifurcated N-H?(O,N) hydrogen bond, which generates S(6) and S(5)
      rings, respectively, helps to establish the overall conformation of the mol
      ecule.

PMID- 22059034
TI  - 2-(4-Fluoro-phen-yl)-1-(phenyl-sulfin-yl)-naphtho-[2,1-b]furan.
AB  - In the title compound, C(24)H(15)FO(2)S, the 4-fluoro-phenyl ring makes a
      dihedral angle of 19.43 (4) degrees  with the mean plane of the naphtho-furan
      fragment. The dihedral angle between the phenyl ring and the mean plane of the
      naphtho-furan fragment is 85.83 (4) degrees . In the crystal, mol-ecules are
      linked by weak inter-molecular C-H?O hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22059035
TI  - (7R,8S,9S,12S)-1-(4-Chloro-benz-yloxy)-13,14-didehydro-12-hy-droxy-2,13-dimeth
      oxy-N-methyl-morphinane.
AB  - The title compound, C(26)H(30)ClNO(4), a sinomenine derivative, has five six
      membered rings, two of which are aromatic, with a dihedral angle of 34.13 (20)
      degrees  between these. The N-containing ring and the fourth ring exhibit chair
      conformations, while the fifth ring approximates an envelope conformation. A
      single inter-molecular O-H?N hydrogen-bonding inter-action gives a one
      dimensional chain structure which extends along the a axis. The absolute
      configuration for the mol-ecule has been determined.

PMID- 22059036
TI  - Ethane-1,2-diaminium bis-{5-[4-(1H-tetra-zol-5-yl)phen-yl]tetra-zolide}
      dihydrate.
AB  - In the two anions of the title salt, C(2)H(10)N(2) (2+).2C(8)H(5)N(8) (-).2H(2)O,
      the central aromatic rings make dihedral angles of 13.53 (6) and 6.53 (7) degrees
      with the deprotonated tetra-zole rings, and 11.39 (6) and 10.41 (9) degrees 
      with the other tetra-zole groups. In the crystal, the cations, anions and water
      mol-ecules are linked by an extensive O-H?N, N-H?O and N-H?N hydrogen-bond
      network into two-dimensional wave-like duplex sheets extending parallel to the bc
      plane. pi-pi stacking inter-actions between benzene rings [inter-centroid
      distances are 3.8482 (4) and 3.9621 (5) A] and between tetra-zole rings [inter
      centroid distances are 3.4350 (4) and 3.7169 (4) A] further consolidate the
      crystal structure.

PMID- 22059037
TI  - 3-[3-Methyl-4-(3-nitro-benzyl-idene-amino)-5-sulfanyl-idene-4,5-dihydro-1H-1,2,4
      triazol-1-yl]-1,3-diphenyl-propan-1-one.
AB  - In the title mol-ecule, C(25)H(21)N(5)O(3)S, the triazole ring forms dihedral
      angles of 21.4 (2), 61.4 (2) and 102.4 (2) degrees  with the nitro-phenyl and two
      phenyl rings, respectively. In the crystal, weak C-H?O hydrogen bonds and pi-pi
      inter-actions between the benzene rings from neighbouring mol-ecules [with a
      centroid-centroid distance of 3.571 (3) A] consolidate the crystal packing.

PMID- 22059038
TI  - 1-(Biphenyl-4-ylcarbon-yl)-3-(4-nitro-phen-yl)thio-urea.
AB  - In the title compound, C(20)H(15)N(3)O(3)S, the two benzene rings of the biphenyl
      group form a dihedral angle of 40.11 (15) degrees . The conformation of the mol
      ecule is trans-cis and is stabilized by two intra-molecular N-H?O and C-H?S
      hydrogen bonds. In the crystal structure, the mol-ecules are linked by weak pi-pi
      stacking inter-actions [centroid-centroid distance = 3.991 (2) A].

PMID- 22059039
TI  - 11-Hy-droxy-9-(prop-2-en-1-yl)-9,10-dihydro-9,10-propano-anthracen-12-one.
AB  - In the title compound, C(20)H(18)O(2), the central six-membered ring adopts a
      boat conformation and the terminal benzene rings make a dihedral angle of 42.66
      (4) degrees  with each other. In the crystal structure, the O-H group forms both
      an intra- and an inter-molecular O-H?O hydrogen bond; the former generates an
      S(5) ring and the latter leads to inversion-generated R(2) (2)(10) loops. The
      dimers are further linked into ribbons propagating along the a axis by C-H?O
      inter-actions, and the packing is consolidated by weak C-H?pi inter-actions.

PMID- 22059040
TI  - (E)-2-[4-(Diethyl-amino)-styr-yl]-1-methyl-pyridinium 4-chloro-benzene-sulfonate
      monohydrate.
AB  - In the title hydrated mol-ecular salt, C(18)H(23)N(2) (+).C(6)H(4)ClO(3)S(
      ).H(2)O, which shows moderate biological activity against methicillin-resistant
      Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), one ethyl group of the 2-[4-(diethyl-amino)-styr
      yl]-1-methyl-pyridinium cation is disordered over two orientations in a 0.604
      (13):0.396 (13) ratio. The main part of the cation is nearly planar with a
      dihedral angle of 4.50 (10) degrees  between the pyridinium and benzene rings. In
      the crystal, the components are linked by O-H?O hydrogen bonds and C-H?O weak
      inter-actions. Aromatic pi-pi stacking inter-actions with centroid-centroid
      separations of 3.7363 (12) and 3.7490 (13) A also occur.

PMID- 22059041
TI  - 2-Methyl-5-nitro-1H-benzimidazol-6-amine dihydrate.
AB  - The title benzimidazole mol-ecule, C(8)H(8)N(4)O(2).2H(2)O, is planar with a
      maximum deviation of 0.079 (2) A (for one of the O atoms in the nitro group). It
      crystallized as a dihydrate and inter-molecular O-H?O and N-H?O hydrogen bonds
      link the uncoordinated water mol-ecules, and the nitro and amine groups,
      respectively. In the crystal, N-H?O, O-H?N, O-H?O and C-H?O hydrogen bonds link
      the mol-ecules to form a three-dimensional network. A pi-pi contact between the
      benzene rings, [centroid-centroid distance = 3.588 (1) A] may further stabilize
      the crystal structure.

PMID- 22059042
TI  - N-(4-Chloro-phen-yl)morpholine-4-carboxamide.
AB  - In the title mol-ecule, C(11)H(13)ClN(2)O(2), the morpholine ring has a chair
      conformation. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked into chains along [100] by N
      H?O hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22059043
TI  - (E)-3-(2-Hy-droxy-5-methyl-phenyl-imino)-indolin-2-one.
AB  - In the title compound, C(15)H(12)N(2)O(2), the dihedral angle between the two
      benzene rings is 83.55 (11) degrees  In the crystal, the molecules are linked by
      O-H?O and N-H?O hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22059044
TI  - 3-(9H-Carbazol-9-yl)-2H-chromen-2-one.
AB  - The title compound, C(21)H(13)NO(2), was prepared as an example of a new
      synthesis of carbazoles from a cyclic dibenzo-iodo-lium salt via a twofold Pd
      catalysed aryl-ation of a primary amine. The two essentially planar pi-subsystems
      [maximum deviations from the mean square plane of 0.038 (2) A in the carbazole
      and 0.059 (2) A in the coumarine unit] open a dihedral angle of 63.05 (4) degrees
      . Two mol-ecules form a centrosymmetrical pair connected via pi-pi inter-actions
      between the pyrrole and pyrone rings [centroid-centroid distance = 3.882 (1) A]
      and one benzene of the carbazole and the pyrone unit [centroid-centroid distance
      3.824 (1) A]. The lattice is stabilized by C-H?O bridging to both coumarin O
      atoms.

PMID- 22059045
TI  - 4,4'-Bipyridine-4-(p-toluene-sulfonamido)-benzoic acid (1/2).
AB  - In the title compound, C(14)H(13)NO(4)S.0.5C(10)H(8)N(2), the two benzene rings
      are nearly perpendicular to each other [dihedral angle = 83.21 (10) degrees ].
      The bipyridine mol-ecule is centrosymmetric, the mid-point of the C-C bond
      linking the pyridine rings being located on an inversion center. Inter-molecular
      N-H?O and O-H?N hydrogen bonds and weak inter-molecular C-H?O hydrogen bonds are
      present in the crystal structure.

PMID- 22059046
TI  - 4alpha,6alpha-Dihy-droxy-1beta-methyl-sulfonyl-8alpha,9alpha-ep-oxy-2beta,12
      epoxymethano-beta-dihydro-agarofuran.
AB  - The title mol-ecule, C(16)H(24)O(8)S, is a dihydro-agrofuran derivative and has a
      heteropolycyclic structure. One cyclohexane ring exhibits a chair conformation
      and the other a non-chair conformation. In the crystal structure there is an
      inter-molecular C-H?O hydrogen-bonding inter-action to stabilize the packing.

PMID- 22059047
TI  - Benzyl (E)-3-(2-methyl-benzyl-idene)dithio-carbazate.
AB  - The title compound, C(16)H(16)N(2)S(2), was obtained from the condensation
      reaction of benzyl dithio-carbazate and 2-methyl-benzaldehyde. The asymmetric
      unit contains two independent mol-ecules. In both mol-ecules, the methyl-phenyl
      ring and the dithio-carbazate fragment are located on opposite sides of the C=N
      bond, showing an E conformation. In each mol-ecule, the dithio-carbazate fragment
      is approximately planar, the r.m.s deviations being 0.018 and 0.025 A. The mean
      plane of dithio-carbazate group is oriented at dihedral angles of 7.9 (3) and
      68.24 (12) degrees , respectively, to the methyl-phenyl and phenyl rings in one
      mol-ecule, while the corresponding angles in the other mol-ecule are 10.9 (3) and
      69.76 (16) degrees . Inter-molecular N-H?S hydrogen bonding occurs in the crystal
      structure to generate inversion dimers for both molecules.

PMID- 22059048
TI  - (E)-N'-[1-(Thio-phen-2-yl)ethyl-idene]benzohydrazide.
AB  - The title compound, C(13)H(12)N(2)OS, was obtained from the condensation reaction
      of 2-acetyl-thio-phene and benzohydrazide. In the mol-ecule, the formohydrazide
      fragment is approximately planar (r.m.s deviation = 0.0146 A) and the mean plane
      is oriented at dihedral angles of 24.47 (11) and 28.86 (13) degrees ,
      respectively, to the phenyl and thio-phene rings. The thio-phene and phenyl rings
      make a dihedral angle of 53.21 (8) degrees . The benzamide fragment and thio
      phene ring are located on the opposite sides of the C=N bond, showing an E
      conformation. Classical inter-molecular N-H?O hydrogen bonds and weak C-H?O inter
      actions are present in the crystal structure: three such bonds occur to the same
      O-atom acceptor.

PMID- 22059049
TI  - Methyl 3,5-dibromo-2-diacetyl-amino-benzoate.
AB  - The title methyl benzoate compound, C(12)H(11)Br(2)NO(4), consists of an ortho
      substituted diacetyl-amino group and meta-substituted Br atoms. The crystal
      packing is stabilized by weak inter-molecular C-H?O inter-actions.

PMID- 22059050
TI  - Bis(ethano-laminium) succinate-succinic acid (1/1).
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound, 2C(2)H(8)NO(+).C(4)H(4)O(4) (2
      ).C(4)H(6)O(4), consists of half a succinate anion, half a succinic acid mol
      ecule and one ethano-laminium cation. The succinate anion and succinic acid mol
      ecule, both of which are located on inversion centres, are linked by O-H?O
      hydrogen bonds, forming a chain along the [2[Formula: see text]0] direction. The
      chain and the ethano-laminium cation are further connected by O-H?O and N-H?O
      hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22059051
TI  - 2-[(Naphthalen-1-yl-methyl-idene)amino]-5-methyl-phenol.
AB  - The title compound, C(18)H(15)NO, is a Schiff base prepared from an acid
      catalyzed condensation reaction between 1-naphthaldehyde and 6-amino-m-cresol.
      Intra-molecular hydrogen bonding occurs via an O-H?N inter-action, generating an
      S(5) ring motif. Neighboring phenol groups participate in inter-molecular
      hydrogen bonding through an O-H?O inter-action, forming chains. The O atom of the
      phenol group also participates in an intermolecular C-H?O interaction with an H
      atom of one of the naphthalene rings. The C-N=C-C torsion angle between the
      phenol and naphthalene rings is -179.8 (2) degrees . Crystal packing involves
      stacks with the mol-ecules inter-acting through the pi-systems of the C=N with
      both the phenol system and one of the naphthalene rings.

PMID- 22059052
TI  - 1-(4-Bromo-phen-yl)-2-methyl-1H-indole-3-carbonitrile.
AB  - In the title compound, C(16)H(11)BrN(2), the dihedral angle between the indole
      ring system and the phenyl ring is 58.85 (11) degrees .

PMID- 22059053
TI  - 2-Amino-pyridin-3-ol.
AB  - The molecule of the title pyridine derivative, C(5)H(6)N(2)O, shows approximate
      C(s) symmetry. Intra-cyclic angles cover the range 118.34 (10)-123.11 (10)
      degrees . In the crystal, O-H?N, N-H?O and N-H?N hydrogen bonds connect the mol
      ecules into double layers perpendicular to the a axis. The shortest centroid
      centroid distance between two pi-systems is 3.8887 (7) A.

PMID- 22059054
TI  - The 4-(3-chloro-4-methyl-phen-yl)-1,2,3,5-dithia-diazol-3-yl radical.
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C(8)H(6)ClN(2)S(2), comprises two mol
      ecules forming a dimer via pi-pi stacking inter-actions [centroid-centroid
      distance = 3.634 (10) A] and intra-dimer S?S contacts [3.012 (4) and 3.158 (4) A]
      between the two mol-ecules in a cis-antarafacial arrangement.

PMID- 22059055
TI  - 2-(1-Adamant-yl)-1-(3-amino-phen-yl)ethanol.
AB  - In the crystal structure of the title compound, C(18)H(25)NO, mol-ecules are
      linked via O-H?N hydrogen bonds, forming chains parallel to the c axis.
      Additional weak N-H?O inter-actions stabilize the crystal packing. The adamantane
      cage consists of three fused cyclo-hexane rings in almost ideal chair
      conformations, with C-C-C angles in the range 107.9 (10)-111.3 (11) degrees .

PMID- 22059056
TI  - 7-Benzyl-2,7-diaza-spiro-[4.4]nonan-1-one.
AB  - In the title compound, C(14)H(18)N(2)O, both the spiro-linked five-membered rings
      adopt envelope conformations, with a C atom as the flap in one ring and an N atom
      in the other. The dihedral angle between the two four-atom planes is 80.46 (8)
      degrees . In the crystal, the mol-ecules are linked by N-H?O hydrogen bonds to
      generate C(4) chains propagating in [010].

PMID- 22059057
TI  - 2-(5,6-Dihydro-benzimidazo[1,2-c]quinazolin-6-yl)-6-eth-oxy-phenol.
AB  - In the title compound, C(22)H(19)N(3)O(2), the phenol ring forms dihedral angles
      of 88.93 (10) and 87.95 (12) degrees  with the benzimidazole system and the
      quinazoline benzene ring, respectively. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked via
      O-H?N hydrogen bonds into infinite chains along [100]. An intra-molecular N-H?O
      hydrogen bond generates an S(6) ring.

PMID- 22059058
TI  - 3,5-Dimethyl-4-nitroso-1H-pyrazole.
AB  - In the unit cell of the title compound, C(5)H(7)N(3)O, there are two conformers
      (A and B) which differ in the position of the oxime group with respect to the
      protonated pyrazole nitro-gen (trans in the A conformer and cis in the B
      conformer) and in the geometric parameters. The oxime group exists in the nitroso
      form in both conformers. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by inter-molecular
      N-H?O and N-H?N hydrogen bonds into zigzag-like chains along the b axis.

PMID- 22059059
TI  - 8-(Naphthalen-1-yl)quinoline.
AB  - In the title mol-ecule, C(19)H(13)N, the angle between the mean planes of the
      naphthalene and quinoline ring systems is 68.59 (2) degrees . The compound is of
      inter-est with respect to its potential for spontaneous resolution. In the
      crystal structure, the R and S isomers are arranged in alternating homochiral
      layers. The mol-ecules of a given layer are oriented with their major axes (i.e.
      the axis perpendicular to the interannular bond) in the same direction and their
      naphthalene and quinoline ring systems are arranged parallel. Like the
      configurations, this orientation alternates in adjacent layers.

PMID- 22059060
TI  - rac-Phenyl (benzylamido)(p-tolyl-amido)-phosphinate.
AB  - The title compound, C(20)H(21)N(2)O(2)P, was synthesized from (RS)
      (C(6)H(5)O)P(O)Cl(NHC(6)H(4)-p-CH(3)) and benzyl-amine. The product crystallizes
      as a racemate in a polar space group. The phospho-rus atom has a distorted tetra
      hedral configuration: the bond angles at the P atom are in the range 103.2 (1)
      118.4 (1) degrees . The P-N(benzyl-amido) bond [1.615 (2) A] is slightly shorter
      than the P-N(p-tolyl-amido) bond [1.630 (2) A]. Both N-H groups adopt an anti
      orientation relative to the phosphoryl group. In the crystal, the adjacent mol
      ecules are linked via N-H?O hydrogen bonds, forming R(2) (2)(8) rings, into a one
      dimensional arrangement parallel to the x axis.

PMID- 22059061
TI  - Chloro-bis-(naphthalen-1-yl)phosphane.
AB  - In the title compound, C(20)H(14)ClP, the dihedral angle between the naphthyl
      rings is 81.77 (6) degrees . The crystal packing suggests weak pi-pi stacking
      inter-actions between the naphthyl rings in adjacent units [minimum ring centroid
      separation 3.7625 (13) A].

PMID- 22059062
TI  - Methyl 4-hy-droxy-2-meth-oxy-carbonyl-methyl-1,1-dioxo-1,2-dihydro-1lambda,2
      benzothia-zine-3-carboxyl-ate.
AB  - There are two independent mol-ecules in the asymmetric unit of the title
      compound, C(13)H(13)NO(7)S, which have almost identical geometries. The thia-zine
      ring adopts a sofa conformation in both mol-ecules and the mol-ecular
      conformations are stabilized by intramolecular O-H?O hydrogen bonds. Inter
      molecular C-H?O hydrogen bonds stabilize the crystal packing.

PMID- 22059063
TI  - 3,5-Dimethyl-1H-pyrazole-2-hy-droxy-5-(phenyl-diazen-yl)benzoic acid (1/1).
AB  - There are two independent 3,5-dimethyl-pyrazole and two independent 2-hy-droxy-5
      (phenyl-diazen-yl)benzoic acid mol-ecules [in which intra-molecular O-H?O bonds
      form S(6) graph-set motifs] in the asymmetric unit of the title compound,
      C(5)H(8)N(2).C(13)H(10)N(2)O(3). In the crystal, the components are linked by
      inter-molecular O-H?O, O-H?N and N-H?O hydrogen bonds, forming four-component
      clusters. Further stabilization is provided by weak C-H?pi inter-actions.

PMID- 22059064
TI  - 6-De-oxy-3,4-O-isopropyl-idene-2-C-methyl-l-galactono-1,5-lactone.
AB  - X-ray crystallography unequivocally confirmed the stereochemistry of the 2-C
      methyl group in the title mol-ecule, C(10)H(16)O(5), in which the 1,5-lactone
      ring exists in a boat conformation. The absolute stereochemistry was determined
      by the use of d-ribose in the synthesis. The crystal exists as O-H?O hydrogen
      bonded chains of mol-ecules running parallel to the a axis with each mol-ecule
      acting as a donor and acceptor for one hydrogen bond.

PMID- 22059065
TI  - 3-{4-[(2-Hy-droxy-benzyl-idene)amino]-3-methyl-5-sulfanyl-idene-4,5-dihydro-1H
      1,2,4-triazol-1-yl}-1,3-diphenyl-propan-1-one.
AB  - There are two crystallographically independent mol-ecules (A and B) in the
      asymmetric unit of the title compound, C(25)H(22)N(4)O(2)S, with almost identical
      mol-ecular conformations. The hy-droxy-phenyl ring plane and the 1,2,4-triazole
      ring form dihedral angles of 17.1 (2) and 7.4 (2) degrees  in A and B,
      respectively. The dihedral angles between 1,2,4-triazole ring and the other two
      phenyl rings are 89.6 (3) and 83.3 (2) degrees  in mol-ecule A, and 89.2 (3) and
      82.2 (2) degrees  in mol-ecule B. One intra-molecular O-H?N hydrogen bond is
      present in each mol-ecule. Weak inter-molecular C-H?O hydrogen bonds consolidate
      the crystal packing.

PMID- 22059066
TI  - 3-{4-[(4-Meth-oxy-benzyl-idene)amino]-3-phenyl-5-sulfanyl-idene-4,5-dihydro-1H
      1,2,4-triazol-1-yl}-1,3-diphenyl-propan-1-one.
AB  - In the title mol-ecule, C(31)H(26)N(4)O(2)S, the phenyl ring attached to the
      1,2,4-triazole ring forms dihedral angles of 65.4 (2), 63.4 (2) and 62.2 (2)
      degrees  with the other three rings. The 1,2,4-triazole ring makes dihedral
      angles of 78.0 (2), 87.9 (2), 24.9 (2) and 62.8 (2) degrees  with three phenyl
      rings and the methoxyphenyl ring.

PMID- 22059067
TI  - 3-[2-(2,6-Dichloro-anilino)benz-yl]-4-[(4-meth-oxy-benzyl-idene)amino]-1H-1,2,4
      triazole-5(4H)-thione.
AB  - In the title compound, C(23)H(19)Cl(2)N(5)OS, the triazole ring makes dihedral
      angles of 24.81 (18), 69.94 (19) and 35.68 (18) degrees  with the dichloro
      phenyl, benzene and meth-oxy-phenyl rings, respectively. An intra-molecular N-H?N
      hydrogen bond occurs. In the crystal, inversion dimers linked by pairs of N-H?S
      hydrogen bonds occur. In addition, there are weak C-H?pi inter-actions involving
      the dichloro-phenyl and triazole rings.

PMID- 22059068
TI  - Bis(2-bromo-5-methyl-phen-oxy)methane.
AB  - The complete mol-ecule of the title compund, C(15)H(14)Br(2)O(2), is generated by
      the application of crystallographic twofold symmetry, with the central C atom
      lying on the rotation axis. The dihedral angle between the benzene rings is 62.4
      (3) degrees . In the crystal, short Br?Br contacts [3.4885 (16) A] occur.

PMID- 22059069
TI  - 7-Amino-1,8-naphthyridin-2(1H)-one monohydrate.
AB  - In the crystal structure of the title compound, C(8)H(7)N(3)O.H(2)O, adjacent
      organic mol-ecules are linked together into a tape along the a axis through N-H?N
      and N-H?O hydrogen bonds. On the other hand, water mol-ecules are linked together
      to form a chain along the b axis through O-H?O hydrogen bonds. The water chains
      and the organic mol-ecular tapes are further connected by inter-molecular O-H?O
      hydrogen bonds, forming a three-dimensional network. In addition, a pi-pi
      stacking inter-action between the 1,8-naphthyridine ring systems with an inter
      planar separation of 3.246 (1) A and a centroid-centroid distance of 3.825 (2) A
      is observed.

PMID- 22059070
TI  - 1-Methyl-4-(4-nitro-benzo-yl)pyridinium perchlorate.
AB  - In the main mol-ecule of the title compound, C(13)H(11)N(2)O(3) (+).ClO(4) (-),
      the two aromatic rings are twisted by 56.19 (3) degrees  relative to each other
      and the nitro group is not coplanar with the benzene ring [36.43 (4) degrees ].
      The crystal packing is dominated by infinite aromatic stacks in the a-axis
      direction. These are formed by the benzene units of the mol-ecule featuring an
      alternating arrangement, which explains the two different distances of 3.3860 (4)
      and 3.4907 (4) A for the aromatic units (these are the perpendicular distances of
      the centroid of one aromatic ring on the mean plane of the other other aromatic
      ring). Adjacent stacks are connected by pi-pi stacking between two pyridinium
      units [3.5949 (4) A] and weak C-H?O inter-actions. The perchlorate anions are
      accomodated in the lattice voids connected to the cation via weak C-H?O contacts
      between the O atoms of the anion and various aromatic as well as methyl H atoms.

PMID- 22059071
TI  - The n250 brain potential to personally familiar and newly learned faces and
      objects.
AB  - Studies employing event-related potentials have shown that when participants are
      monitoring for a novel target face, the presentation of their own face elicits an
      enhanced negative brain potential in posterior channels approximately 250 ms
      after stimulus onset. Here, we investigate whether the own face N250 effect
      generalizes to other highly familiar objects, specifically, images of the
      participant's own dog and own car. In our experiments, participants were asked to
      monitor for a pre-experimentally unfamiliar target face (Joe), a target dog
      (Experiment 1: Joe's Dog) or a target car (Experiment 2: Joe's Car). The target
      face and object stimuli were presented with non-target foils that included novel
      face and object stimuli, the participant's own face, their own dog (Experiment
      1), and their own car (Experiment 2). The consistent findings across the two
      experiments were the following: (1) the N250 potential differentiated the target
      faces and objects from the non-target face and object foils and (2) despite being
      non-targets, the own face and own objects produced an N250 response that was
      equal in magnitude to the target faces and objects by the end of the experiment.
      Thus, as indicated by its response to personally familiar and recently
      familiarized faces and objects, the N250 component is a sensitive index of
      individuated representations in visual memory.

PMID- 22059072
TI  - Awareness of Central Luminance Edge is Crucial for the Craik-O'Brien-Cornsweet
      Effect.
AB  - The Craik-O'Brien-Cornsweet (COC) effect demonstrates that perceived lightness
      depends not only on the retinal input at corresponding visual areas but also on
      distal retinal inputs. In the COC effect, the central edge of an opposing pair of
      luminance gradients (COC edge) makes adjoining regions with identical luminance
      appear to be different. To investigate the underlying mechanisms of the effect,
      we examined whether the subjective awareness of the COC edge is necessary for the
      generation of the effect. We manipulated the visibility of the COC edge using
      visual backward masking and continuous flash suppression while monitoring
      subjective reports regarding online percepts and aftereffects of adaptation.
      Psychophysical results showed that the online percept of the COC effect nearly
      vanishes in conditions where the COC edge is rendered invisible. On the other
      hand, the results of adaptation experiments showed that the COC edge is still
      processed at the early stage even under the perceptual suppression. These results
      suggest that processing of the COC edge at the early stage is not sufficient for
      generating the COC effect, and that subjective awareness of the COC edge is
      necessary.

PMID- 22059073
TI  - A case of angioleiomyoma with epithelioid granuloma.
AB  - We describe a 61-year-old Japanese woman who had been aware of a lesion on her
      left thigh for 10 years. Pathological examination demonstrated a well
      circumscribed encapsulated nodule at the dermal-subcutaneous boundary, composed
      of eosinophilic spindle cell bundles, connective tissue, and numerous small
      vessels. Immunohistochemically, these eosinophilic cells were positive for a
      smooth muscle actin. The granulomatous areas in the tumor were composed focally
      of epithelioid cells and lymphocytes. The epithelioid cells were negative for a
      smooth muscle actin. We diagnosed this case as an angioleiomyoma with epithelioid
      granuloma. Malignant tumors with granulomatous change have sometimes been
      reported in the literature, but benign tumors with epithelioid granuloma, such as
      the present one, are rare. We thought that epithelioid cell granuloma might
      transform to angioleiomyoma through the action of IL-1 released from vascular
      smooth muscle cells.

PMID- 22059074
TI  - Complete Healing of a Giant Wart in a Severely Immune-Compromised Patient with
      HIV Infection Treated with Acupuncture.
AB  - Giant warts are infrequent dermatological viral infections caused by
      Papillomavirus (HPV) in immune-compromised patients. Treatment may often be
      difficult and unsatisfactory, either by surgery or cytotoxic agents, because of
      poor immune control of viral activity in such hosts. Here we report on the case
      of a patient with advanced and persistent immune suppression caused by HIV
      disease, who developed a monstrous wart covering the entirety of the radial
      district of his right hand. He was completely healed after a long treatment with
      traditional Chinese acupuncture, in spite of minimal immune recovery induced by
      efficacious antiretroviral therapy. To the best of our knowledge, therefore, the
      present report may be the first direct clinical evidence that acupuncture may be
      effective in the treatment of cutaneous warts also in HIV-infected patients.

PMID- 22059075
TI  - Targeting GIRK Channels for the Development of New Therapeutic Agents.
AB  - G protein-coupled inward rectifier K(+) (GIRK) channels represent novel targets
      for the development of new therapeutic agents. GIRK channels are activated by a
      large number of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and regulate the electrical
      activity of neurons, cardiac myocytes, and beta-pancreatic cells. Abnormalities
      in GIRK channel function have been implicated in the patho-physiology of
      neuropathic pain, drug addiction, cardiac arrhythmias, and other disorders.
      However, the pharmacology of these channels remains largely unexplored. In this
      paper we describe the development of a screening assay for identifying new
      modulators of neuronal and cardiac GIRK channels. Pituitary (AtT20) and cardiac
      (HL-1) cell lines expressing GIRK channels were cultured in 96-well plates,
      loaded with oxonol membrane potential-sensitive dyes and measured using a
      fluorescent imaging plate reader. Activation of the endogenous GPCRs in the cells
      caused a rapid, time-dependent decrease in the fluorescent signal; indicative of
      K(+) efflux through the GIRK channels (GPCR stimulation versus control, Z'-factor
      = 0.5-0.7). As expected this signal was inhibited by addition of Ba(2+) and the
      GIRK channel toxin tertiapin-Q. To test the utility of the assay for screening
      GIRK channel blockers, cells were incubated for 5 min with a compound library of
      Na(+) and K(+) channel modulators. Ion transporter inhibitors such as 5-(N,N
      hexamethylene)-amiloride and SCH-28080 were identified as blockers of the GIRK
      channel at sub-micromolar concentrations. Thus, the screening assay will be
      useful for expanding the limited pharmacology of the GIRK channel and in
      developing new agents for the treatment of GIRK channelopathies.

PMID- 22059076
TI  - Engineering Parvalbumin for the Heart: Optimizing the Mg Binding Properties of
      Rat beta-Parvalbumin.
AB  - Parvalbumin (PV), an EF-hand protein family member, is a delayed calcium buffer
      that exchanges magnesium for calcium to facilitate fast skeletal muscle
      relaxation. Genetic approaches that express parvalbumin in the heart also enhance
      relaxation and show promise of being therapeutic against various cardiac diseases
      where relaxation is compromised. Unfortunately, skeletal muscle PVs have very
      slow rates of Ca(2+) dissociation and are prone to becoming saturated with
      Ca(2+), eventually losing their buffering capability within the constantly
      beating heart. In order for PV to have a more therapeutic potential in the heart,
      a PV with faster rates of calcium dissociation and high Mg(2+) affinity is
      needed. We demonstrate that at 35 degrees C, rat beta-PV has an ~30-fold faster
      rate of Ca(2+) dissociation compared to rat skeletal muscle alpha-PV, and still
      possesses a physiologically relevant Ca(2+) affinity (~100 nM). However, rat beta
      PV will not be a delayed Ca(2+) buffer since its Mg(2+) affinity is too low (~1
      mM). We have engineered two mutations into rat beta-PV, S55D and E62D, when
      observed alone increase Mg(2+) affinity up to fivefold, but when combined
      increase Mg(2+) affinity ~13-fold, well within a physiologically relevant
      affinity. Furthermore, the Mg(2+) dissociation rate (172/s) from the engineered
      S55D, E62D PV is slow enough for delayed Ca(2+) buffering. Additionally, the
      engineered PV retains a high Ca(2+) affinity (132 nM) and fast rate of Ca(2+)
      dissociation (64/s). These PV design strategies hold promise for the development
      of new therapies to remediate relaxation abnormalities in different heart
      diseases and heart failure.

PMID- 22059077
TI  - Individual differences in audio-vocal speech imitation aptitude in late
      bilinguals: functional neuro-imaging and brain morphology.
AB  - An unanswered question in adult language learning or late bi and multilingualism
      is why individuals show marked differences in their ability to imitate foreign
      accents. While recent research acknowledges that more adults than previously
      assumed can still acquire a "native" foreign accent, very little is known about
      the neuro-cognitive correlates of this special ability. We investigated 140
      German-speaking individuals displaying varying degrees of "mimicking" capacity,
      based on natural language text, sentence, and word imitations either in their
      second language English or in Hindi and Tamil, languages they had never been
      exposed to. The large subject pool was strictly controlled for previous language
      experience prior to magnetic resonance imaging. The late-onset (around 10 years)
      bilinguals showed significant individual differences as to how they employed
      their left-hemisphere speech areas: higher hemodynamic activation in a distinct
      fronto-parietal network accompanied low ability, while high ability paralleled
      enhanced gray matter volume in these areas concomitant with decreased hemodynamic
      responses. Finally and unexpectedly, males were found to be more talented foreign
      speech mimics.

PMID- 22059078
TI  - Improved Visual Cognition through Stroboscopic Training.
AB  - Humans have a remarkable capacity to learn and adapt, but surprisingly little
      research has demonstrated generalized learning in which new skills and strategies
      can be used flexibly across a range of tasks and contexts. In the present work we
      examined whether generalized learning could result from visual-motor training
      under stroboscopic visual conditions. Individuals were assigned to either an
      experimental condition that trained with stroboscopic eyewear or to a control
      condition that underwent identical training with non-stroboscopic eyewear. The
      training consisted of multiple sessions of athletic activities during which
      participants performed simple drills such as throwing and catching. To determine
      if training led to generalized benefits, we used computerized measures to assess
      perceptual and cognitive abilities on a variety of tasks before and after
      training. Computer-based assessments included measures of visual sensitivity
      (central and peripheral motion coherence thresholds), transient spatial attention
      (a useful field of view - dual task paradigm), and sustained attention (multiple
      object tracking). Results revealed that stroboscopic training led to
      significantly greater re-test improvement in central visual field motion
      sensitivity and transient attention abilities. No training benefits were observed
      for peripheral motion sensitivity or peripheral transient attention abilities,
      nor were benefits seen for sustained attention during multiple-object tracking.
      These findings suggest that stroboscopic training can effectively improve some,
      but not all aspects of visual perception and attention.

PMID- 22059079
TI  - Is reasoning in rats really unreasonable? Revisiting recent associative accounts.

PMID- 22059080
TI  - Individual Differences in Heart Rate Variability Predict the Degree of Slowing
      during Response Inhibition and Initiation in the Presence of Emotional Stimuli.
AB  - Response inhibition is a hallmark of executive control and crucial to support
      flexible behavior in a constantly changing environment. Recently, it has been
      shown that response inhibition is influenced by the presentation of emotional
      stimuli (Verbruggen and De Houwer, 2007). Healthy individuals typically differ in
      the degree to which they are able to regulate their emotional state, but it
      remains unknown whether individual differences in emotion regulation (ER) may
      alter the interplay between emotion and response inhibition. Here we address this
      issue by testing healthy volunteers who were equally divided in groups with high
      and low heart rate variability (HRV) during rest, a physiological measure that
      serves as proxy of ER. Both groups performed an emotional stop-signal task, in
      which negative high arousing pictures served as negative emotional stimuli and
      neutral low arousing pictures served as neutral non-emotional stimuli. We found
      that individuals with high HRV activated and inhibited their responses faster
      compared to individuals with low HRV, but only in the presence of negative
      stimuli. No group differences emerged for the neutral stimuli. Thus, individuals
      with low HRV are more susceptible to the adverse effects of negative emotion on
      response initiation and inhibition. The present research corroborates the idea
      that the presentation of emotional stimuli may interfere with inhibition and it
      also adds to previous research by demonstrating that the aforementioned
      relationship varies for individuals differing in HRV. We suggest that focusing on
      individual differences in HRV and its associative ER may shed more light on the
      dynamic interplay between emotion and cognition.

PMID- 22059081
TI  - Threat but not arousal narrows attention: evidence from pupil dilation and
      saccade control.
AB  - It has been shown that negative affect causes attentional narrowing. According to
      Easterbrook's (1959) influential hypothesis this effect is driven by the
      withdrawal motivation inherent to negative emotions and might be related to
      increases in arousal. We investigated whether valence-unspecific increases in
      physiological arousal, as measured by pupil dilation, could account for
      attentional narrowing effects in a cognitive control task. Following the
      presentation of a negative, positive, or neutral picture, participants performed
      a saccade task with a pro-saccade versus an anti-saccade instruction. The
      reaction time difference between pro- and anti-saccades was used to index
      attentional selectivity, and while pupil diameter was used as an index of
      physiological arousal. Pupil dilation was observed for both negative and positive
      pictures, which indicates increased physiological arousal. However, increased
      attentional selectivity was only observed following negative pictures. Our data
      show that motivational intensity effects on attentional narrowing can occur
      independently of physiological arousal effects.

PMID- 22059082
TI  - Mismatch brain response to speech sound changes in rats.
AB  - Understanding speech is based on neural representations of individual speech
      sounds. In humans, such representations are capable of supporting an automatic
      and memory-based mechanism for auditory change detection, as reflected by the
      mismatch negativity (MMN) of event-related potentials. There are also findings of
      neural representations of speech sounds in animals, but it is not known whether
      these representations can support the change detection mechanism analogous to
      that underlying the MMN in humans. To this end, we presented synthesized spoken
      syllables to urethane-anesthetized rats while local field potentials were
      epidurally recorded above their primary auditory cortex. In an oddball condition,
      a deviant stimulus /ga/ or /ba/ (probability 1:12 for each) was rarely and
      randomly interspersed between frequently presented standard stimulus /da/
      (probability 10:12). In an equiprobable condition, 12 syllables, including /da/,
      /ga/, and /ba/, were presented in a random order (probability 1:12 for each). We
      found evoked responses of higher amplitude to the deviant /ba/, albeit not to
      /ga/, relative to the standard /da/ in the oddball condition. Furthermore, the
      responses to /ba/ were higher in amplitude in the oddball condition than in the
      equiprobable condition. The findings suggest that anesthetized rat's brain can
      form representations of human speech sounds, and that these representations can
      support the memory-based change detection mechanism analogous to that underlying
      the MMN in humans. Our findings show a striking parallel in speech processing
      between humans and rodents and may thus pave the way for feasible animal models
      of memory-based change detection.

PMID- 22059083
TI  - Language-mediated visual orienting behavior in low and high literates.
AB  - The influence of formal literacy on spoken language-mediated visual orienting was
      investigated by using a simple look and listen task which resembles every day
      behavior. In Experiment 1, high and low literates listened to spoken sentences
      containing a target word (e.g., "magar," crocodile) while at the same time
      looking at a visual display of four objects (a phonological competitor of the
      target word, e.g., "matar," peas; a semantic competitor, e.g., "kachuwa," turtle,
      and two unrelated distractors). In Experiment 2 the semantic competitor was
      replaced with another unrelated distractor. Both groups of participants shifted
      their eye gaze to the semantic competitors (Experiment 1). In both experiments
      high literates shifted their eye gaze toward phonological competitors as soon as
      phonological information became available and moved their eyes away as soon as
      the acoustic information mismatched. Low literates in contrast only used
      phonological information when semantic matches between spoken word and visual
      referent were not present (Experiment 2) but in contrast to high literates these
      phonologically mediated shifts in eye gaze were not closely time-locked to the
      speech input. These data provide further evidence that in high literates language
      mediated shifts in overt attention are co-determined by the type of information
      in the visual environment, the timing of cascaded processing in the word- and
      object-recognition systems, and the temporal unfolding of the spoken language.
      Our findings indicate that low literates exhibit a similar cognitive behavior but
      instead of participating in a tug-of-war among multiple types of cognitive
      representations, word-object mapping is achieved primarily at the semantic level.
      If forced, for instance by a situation in which semantic matches are not present
      (Experiment 2), low literates may on occasion have to rely on phonological
      information but do so in a much less proficient manner than their highly literate
      counterparts.

PMID- 22059084
TI  - The influence of expertise in simultaneous interpreting on non-verbal executive
      processes.
AB  - This study aimed to explore non-verbal executive processes in simultaneous
      interpreters. Simultaneous interpreters, bilinguals without any training in
      simultaneous interpreting, and control monolinguals performed the Wisconsin card
      sorting task (WCST; Experiment 1) and the Simon task (Experiment 2). Performance
      on WCST was thought to index cognitive flexibility while Simon task performance
      was considered an index of inhibitory processes. Simultaneous interpreters
      outperformed bilinguals and monolinguals on the WCST by showing reduced number of
      attempts to infer the rule, few errors, and few previous-category perseverations.
      However, simultaneous interpreters presented Simon effects similar to those found
      in bilinguals and monolinguals. Together, these results suggest that experience
      in interpreting is associated with changes in control processes required to
      perform interpreting tasks.

PMID- 22059085
TI  - Status and mating success amongst visual artists.
AB  - Geoffrey Miller has hypothesized that producing artwork functions as a mating
      display. Here we investigate the relationship between mating success and artistic
      success in a sample of 236 visual artists. Initially, we derived a measure of
      artistic success that covered a broad range of artistic behaviors and beliefs. As
      predicted by Miller's evolutionary theory, more successful male artists had more
      sexual partners than less successful artists but this did not hold for female
      artists. Also, male artists with greater artistic success had a mating strategy
      based on longer term relationships. Overall the results provide partial support
      for the sexual selection hypothesis for the function of visual art.

PMID- 22059086
TI  - Decision-making based on emotional images.
AB  - The emotional outcome of a choice affects subsequent decision making. While the
      relationship between decision making and emotion has attracted attention, studies
      on emotion and decision making have been independently developed. In this study,
      we investigated how the emotional valence of pictures, which was stochastically
      contingent on participants' choices, influenced subsequent decision making. In
      contrast to traditional value-based decision-making studies that used money or
      food as a reward, the "reward value" of the decision outcome, which guided the
      update of value for each choice, is unknown beforehand. To estimate the reward
      value of emotional pictures from participants' choice data, we used reinforcement
      learning models that have successfully been used in previous studies for modeling
      value-based decision making. Consequently, we found that the estimated reward
      value was asymmetric between positive and negative pictures. The negative reward
      value of negative pictures (relative to neutral pictures) was larger in magnitude
      than the positive reward value of positive pictures. This asymmetry was not
      observed in valence for an individual picture, which was rated by the
      participants regarding the emotion experienced upon viewing it. These results
      suggest that there may be a difference between experienced emotion and the effect
      of the experienced emotion on subsequent behavior. Our experimental and
      computational paradigm provides a novel way for quantifying how and what aspects
      of emotional events affect human behavior. The present study is a first step
      toward relating a large amount of knowledge in emotion science and in taking
      computational approaches to value-based decision making.

PMID- 22059088
TI  - Differentiation of Meat Samples from Domestic Horses (Equus caballus) and Asiatic
      Wild Asses (Equus hemionus) Using a Species-Specific Restriction Site in the
      Mitochondrial Cytochrome b Region.
AB  - Recent studies suggest that Asiatic wild asses (Equus hemionus) are being
      increasingly poached in a commercial fashion. Part of the meat is believed to
      reach the meat markets in the capital Ulaanbaatar. To test this hypothesis, we
      collected 500 meat samples between February and May 2006. To differentiate
      between domestic horse (Equus caballus) and wild ass meat, we developed a
      restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) assay based on the polymerase
      chain reaction (PCR). We amplified and sequenced a cytochrome b fragment (335 bp)
      and carried out a multialignment of the generated sequences for the domestic
      horse, the Asiatic wild ass, the domestic donkey (Equus asinus) and the
      Przewalski's horse (Equus ferus przewalskii). We detected a species-specific
      restriction site (AatII) for the Asiatic wild ass, resulting in a specific
      restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) band pattern. This RFLP assay
      represents a rapid and cost-effective method to detect wild ass meat. All of the
      500 meat samples we collected and analysed within this pilot project proved to be
      domestic horsemeat as declared by the sales people. Thus, either the assumption
      that wild ass meat is sold as "cheap horse meat" is wrong, or we picked the wrong
      markets, products or season.

PMID- 22059087
TI  - Comparative and functional genomics of legionella identified eukaryotic like
      proteins as key players in host-pathogen interactions.
AB  - Although best known for its ability to cause severe pneumonia in people whose
      immune defenses are weakened, Legionella pneumophila and Legionella longbeachae
      are two species of a large genus of bacteria that are ubiquitous in nature, where
      they parasitize protozoa. Adaptation to the host environment and exploitation of
      host cell functions are critical for the success of these intracellular
      pathogens. The establishment and publication of the complete genome sequences of
      L. pneumophila and L. longbeachae isolates paved the way for major breakthroughs
      in understanding the biology of these organisms. In this review we present the
      knowledge gained from the analyses and comparison of the complete genome
      sequences of different L. pneumophila and L. longbeachae strains. Emphasis is
      given on putative virulence and Legionella life cycle related functions, such as
      the identification of an extended array of eukaryotic like proteins, many of
      which have been shown to modulate host cell functions to the pathogen's
      advantage. Surprisingly, many of the eukaryotic domain proteins identified in L.
      pneumophila as well as many substrates of the Dot/Icm type IV secretion system
      essential for intracellular replication are different between these two species,
      although they cause the same disease. Finally, evolutionary aspects regarding the
      eukaryotic like proteins in Legionella are discussed.

PMID- 22059089
TI  - Protease Activity and the Role of the Endothelial Glycocalyx in Inflammation.
AB  - A new paradigm for governance of leukocyte-endothelium (WBC-EC) adhesion during
      the inflammatory process is presented in which shedding of the endothelial
      glycocalyx exposes adhesion molecules on the EC surface, which promotes WBC-EC
      adhesion. It is postulated that the effector of this shedding is the activation
      of extracellular proteases, one of which may be a member of the matrix
      metalloproteinase (MMP) family of zinc dependent endopetidases. This model for
      the role of the glycocalyx as a barrier to WBC-EC adhesion includes the
      additional participation of normally active extracellular proteolytic enzymes,
      i.e. sheddases, which may cleave proteoglycans or activate lyases that cleave GAG
      chains in the glycocalyx. In support of this hypothesis, studies are examined
      which have established the concurrent activation of MMP proenzymes on the EC
      surface, shedding of the glycocalyx, and enhanced WBC-EC adhesion.

PMID- 22059090
TI  - Optofluidic Microsystems for Chemical and Biological Analysis.
AB  - Optofluidics - the synergistic integration of photonics and microfluidics - has
      recently emerged as a new analytical field that provides a number of unique
      characteristics for enhanced sensing performance and simplification of
      microsystems. In this review, we describe various optofluidic architectures
      developed in the past five years, emphasize the mechanisms by which optofluidics
      enhances bio/chemical analysis capabilities, including sensing and the precise
      control of biological micro/nanoparticles, and envision new research directions
      to which optofluidics leads.

PMID- 22059091
TI  - An Initial Psychometric Evaluation of the CBCL 6-18 in a Sample of Youth with
      Autism Spectrum Disorders.
AB  - Individuals with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often present with co
      occurring emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD). The Child Behavior Checklist
      6-18 (CBCL; Achenbach & Rescorla, 2001) is an EBD measure that contains several
      norm-referenced scales derived through factor analysis of data from the general
      pediatric population. The psychometric properties of this widely used and well
      researched measure have not been evaluated in samples of youth with ASD. This
      study evaluated the CBCL's internal structure, scale reliability, criterion
      related validity, and diagnostic accuracy using archival data from a well
      characterized sample of youth with ASD (N = 122). Confirmatory factor analyses
      supported the unidimensionality of the CBCL's syndrome scales and its
      Internalizing-Externalizing factor structure. Significance tests indicated that
      many scales discriminated between two subgroups: a group of individuals with
      ASD+EBD and a group with ASD alone. Diagnostic accuracy analyses indicated that
      the CBCL had good sensitivity but low specificity for detecting co-occurring
      disorders. Results supported the use of the CBCL in conjunction with other
      clinical data when assessing for EBD in youth with ASD.

PMID- 22059092
TI  - TACTILE RESPONSIVENESS PATTERNS AND THEIR ASSOCIATION WITH CORE FEATURES IN
      AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS.
AB  - Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are often associated with aberrant responses to
      sensory stimuli, which are thought to contribute to the social, communication,
      and repetitive behavior deficits that define ASD. However, there are few studies
      that separate aberrant sensory responses by individual sensory modality to assess
      modality-specific associations between sensory features and core symptoms.
      Differences in response to tactile stimuli are prevalent in ASD, and tactile
      contact early in infancy is a foundation for the development of social and
      communication skills affected by ASD. We assessed the association between three
      aberrant patterns of tactile responsiveness (hyper-responsiveness, hypo
      responsiveness, sensory seeking) and core symptoms of ASD. Both sensory and core
      features were measured with converging methods including both parent-report and
      direct observation. Our results demonstrate that for the tactile modality,
      sensory hypo-responsiveness correlates strongly with increased social and
      communication impairments, and to a lesser degree, repetitive behaviors. Sensory
      seeking was found to correlate strongly with social impairment, nonverbal
      communication impairment, and repetitive behaviors. Surprisingly, tactile hyper
      responsiveness did not significantly correlate with any core features of ASD.
      This differential association between specific tactile processing patterns and
      core features provides an important step in defining the significance of sensory
      symptoms in ASD, and may be useful in the development of sensory-based approaches
      for early detection and intervention.

PMID- 22059093
TI  - Risk Factors of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Despite decades of intensive research, Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL)
      remains poorly understood and is largely incurable. NHL is a heterogeneous group
      of malignancies with multiple subtypes, each of which has distinct morphologic,
      immunophenotypic, and clinical features. Identifying the risk factors for NHL may
      improve our understanding of the underlying biological mechanisms and have an
      impact on clinical practice.  AREAS COVERED: This article provides a review of
      several aspects of NHL, including epidemiology and subtype classification,
      clinical, environmental, genetic, and genomic risk factors identified for
      etiology and prognosis, and available statistical and bioinformatics tools for
      identification of genetic and genomic risk factors from the analysis of high
      throughput studies.  EXPERT OPINION: Multiple clinical and environmental risk
      factors have been identified. However, they have failed to provide practically
      effective prediction. Genetic and genomic risk factors identified from high
      throughput studies have suffered a lack of reproducibility. The identification of
      genetic/genomic risk factors demands innovative statistical and bioinformatics
      tools. Although multiple analysis methods have been developed, there is still
      room for improvement. There is a critical need for well-designed, prospective,
      large-scale pangenomic studies.

PMID- 22059095
TI  - Effects of school reformon education and labor market performance: Evidence from
      Chile's universal voucher system.
AB  - This paper studies the effects of school reform in Chile, which adopted a
      nationwide school voucher program along with school decentralization reforms in
      1981. Since then, Chile has had a relatively unregulated, competitive market in
      primary and secondary education. It therefore provides a unique setting in which
      to study how these reforms affected school attainment and labor market outcomes.
      This paper develops and estimates a dynamic model of school attendance and work
      decisions using panel data from the 2002 and 2004 waves of the Encuesta de
      Proteccion Social survey. Some individuals in the sample completed their
      schooling before the voucher reforms were introduced, while others had the option
      of using the vouchers over part or all of their schooling careers. The impacts of
      the voucher reform are identified from differences in the schooling and work
      choices made and earnings returns received by similar aged individuals who were
      differentially exposed to the voucher system. Simulations based on the estimated
      model show that the voucher reform significantly increased the demand for private
      subsidized schools and decreased the demand for both public and nonsubsidized
      private schools. It increased high school (grades 9-12) graduation rates by 3.6
      percentage points and the percentage completing at least two years of college by
      2.6 percentage points. Individuals from poor and non-poor backgrounds on average
      experienced similar schooling attainment gains. The reform also increased
      lifetime utility and modestly reduced earnings inequality.

PMID- 22059094
TI  - Testing for Rheumatological Diagnoses in Children.
AB  - Paediatricians often order laboratory and radiological tests to identify children
      with potential rheumatological disease prior to subspeciality referral. However,
      the pattern of testing suggests inadequate understanding of their diagnostic
      utility and limitations. Herein we will address some of the most common
      rheumatological diagnoses encountered in the subspeciality clinic - juvenile
      idiopathic arthritis (JIA), juvenile spondyloarthritis (JSpA) and systemic lupus
      erythematosus (SLE), and related connective tissue diseases - and the tests most
      frequently ordered to diagnose them: anti-nuclear antibodies (ANA), rheumatoid
      factor (RF), human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B27 and radiological tests. This
      article will highlight the sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value
      of the tests. In general, none of these tests were appropriate to use as
      rheumatological 'screens', as no individual test was diagnostic. Specific tests
      should be ordered only when there is a high clinical index of suspicion for a
      particular disease entity. Greater understanding of a test's diagnostic utility
      should decrease unnecessary testing, anxiety and expense and aid in
      interpretation.

PMID- 22059096
TI  - Applause and congratulations.

PMID- 22059097
TI  - Report on the international Primary Neurosurgical Life Support course in the
      eighth Asian Congress of Neurological Surgeons in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
AB  - On November 22, 2010, a simulation-based hands-on education course for medical
      staff in the neurosurgical fields was held in 8(th) Asian Congress of
      Neurological Surgeons (ACNS) in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The present education
      course called Primary Neurosurgical Life Support (PNLS) course had been started
      by the Japan Society of Neurosurgical Emergency since 2008. This report
      summarizes the international version of PNLS course in 8(th) ACNS.

PMID- 22059098
TI  - Progress of women in neurosurgery.
AB  - Despite advances in issues related to gender equity, barriers to recruiting and
      retaining women in neurosurgery continue to exist. At the same time, the overall
      projected shortage of neurosurgeons suggests that women will be vital to the long
      term success of the field. Attracting women to neurosurgery can capitalize on
      strategies, such as mentoring, teaching leadership and negotiating skills, and
      job sharing or dual training tracks to name a few, that would benefit both men
      and women passionate about pursuing neurosurgery. Ultimately, personal and
      institutional accountability must be evaluated to ensure that the best and
      brightest candidates, regardless of gender, are recruited to neurosurgical
      programs to promote the health of our challenging but most satisfying profession.

PMID- 22059099
TI  - Surgical Strategies and outcomes for distal anterior cerebral arteries aneurysms.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Distal anterior cerebral artery (DACA) aneurysms are rare and their
      surgical treatment presents some unique difficulties. In this report, we present
      our experience of cases with DACA aneurysms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Among 80
      patents with cerebral aneurysm operated on in the three-year period, 15 patients
      (18.75%) had DACA aneurysms, who were studied retrospectively. We analyze the
      specific clinical and radiological features, surgical strategies and prognostic
      factors affecting the surgical outcomes of these DACA aneurysms. RESULTS: There
      were 10 male and 5 female patients harboring 16 DACA aneurysms. All patients
      presented with subarachnoid hemorrhage, 11 patients (73%) had intracerebral
      hematoma in their initial CT scan and four of them had associated
      intraventricular hemorrhage. Thirteen of the ruptured DACA aneurysms (86%) were
      small in size (less than 7 mm in diameter). Three patients (20%) had other
      associate aneurysms. In 14 patients (93%), a unilateral interhemispheric approach
      was used in their treatment, while pterional approach was used in one patient.
      Eleven patients (73%) had favorable outcomes and only one patient (7%) died. The
      follow-up data suggested that poor admission grade and initial Intracerebral
      hematoma (ICH) on brain scan portend an unfavorable prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: DACA
      aneurysms are usually small even when ruptured, they are usually associated with
      ICH more frequently than intracranial aneurysms in other locations. They should
      be aggressively treated even if very small because of their tendency to early
      rupture.

PMID- 22059100
TI  - Surgical treatment of ventral and ventrolateral intradural extramedullary tumors
      of craniovertebral and upper cervical localization.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Surgical treatment of extramedullary craniovertebral and upper
      cervical tumors differs essentially, depending on the peculiarities of their
      localization. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the Spinal Department of the Institute of
      Neurosurgery during the period from 2000 to 2010, 96 patients with ventral and
      ventrolateral intradural extramedullary craniovertebral tumors and tumors of
      upper cervical localization were examined and operated. RESULTS: The patients
      were distributed as follows. Tumors of the craniovertebral localization: These
      are neoplasms spreading in rostral direction up to the boundary of the lower
      third of the clivus and in caudal direction up to the upper edge body of the axis
      (C0-C1) - 12 patients; tumors at the C1-C2 level: 28 patients; and tumors at the
      C1-C2-C3 level: 56 patients. The tumors were divided into ventral (60) and
      ventrolateral (36). CONCLUSION: Therefore, the adequate choice of a surgical
      approach first depends on the localization of the tumor, its size and the extent
      to which it has spread. In most cases of extramedullary ventrolateral tumors of
      craniovertebral and upper cervical localization, far lateral and posterolateral
      approaches are the most optimum and the least traumatic. The extreme lateral
      approach is advisable in cases of big size ventral craniovertebral tumors.

PMID- 22059101
TI  - Role of magnesium sulfate in aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage management: A
      meta-analysis of controlled clinical trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There has been longstanding controversy over the use of magnesium
      sulfate infusion in the medical management of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage
      (SAH). Several clinical trials evaluating the beneficial effects of magnesium on
      cerebral vasospasm and their poor outcome have been published. However, results
      from the majority of these studies have been inconclusive. This meta-analysis was
      performed to evaluate the effectiveness of magnesium on patient outcomes after
      aneurysmal SAH. MATERIALS AND METHODS: PubMed and the Cochrane library were
      searched for controlled clinical trials assessing the efficacy of magnesium
      sulfate infusion after aneurysmal SAH. Eight studies consisting of 936 patients
      were included. RESULTS: There was a decreased risk of poor outcome at 3-6 months
      after SAH in magnesium treatment groups when compared to placebo [0.78 (95% CI
      0.66-0.93)]. Poor outcome was defined as severe disability, persistent vegetative
      state, or death, as measured by the Glasgow outcome scale (GOS), extended Glasgow
      outcome scale (GOSE) or modified Rankin scale (mRS). The risk of mortality after
      SAH was unaffected by magnesium treatment [RR 0.68 (95% CI 0.58-1.27)].
      CONCLUSION: Magnesium sulfate infusion decreases risk of poor outcome after
      aneurysmal SAH. Current studies in the literature do not suggest a role for
      magnesium sulfate in mortality reduction after SAH.

PMID- 22059102
TI  - Advances in neurosurgery: The Fujita Health University experience.
AB  - In a world with rapidly changing technologies in the field of neurosurgery, Japan
      leads the world in many subspecialities like vascular neurosurgery. Apart from
      this, neuro-oncology and spinal surgeries are also among the premium quality
      operations performed in the region. I would like to share my experience of
      spending 3 months at the Fujita Health University, Nagoya, Japan, and the rich
      expertise and technologies encountered during the period, which made me
      understand Neurosurgery in a better way.

PMID- 22059103
TI  - Low velocity penetrating head injury with impacted foreign bodies in situ.
AB  - Penetrating head injury is a potentially life-threatening condition. Penetrating
      head injuries with impacted object (weapon) are rare. The mechanism of low
      velocity injury is different from high velocity missile injury. Impacted object
      (weapon) in situ poses some technical difficulties in the investigation and
      management of the victims, and if the anticipated problems are not managed
      properly, they may give rise to serious consequences. The management practice of
      eight patients with impacted object in situ in context of earlier reported
      similar cases in literature is presented.

PMID- 22059104
TI  - Transvenous embolization in spontaneous direct carotid-cavernous fistula in
      childhood.
AB  - Carotid cavernous fistula (CCF) is an abnormal arteriovenous communication in the
      cavernous sinus. Direct CCF results from a tear in the intracavernous carotid
      artery. Typically, it has a high flow and usually presents with oculo-orbital
      venous congestive features such as exophthalmos, chemosis, and sometimes
      oculomotor or abducens cranial nerve palsy. Indirect CCF generally occurs
      spontaneously with subtle signs. We report a rare case of spontaneous direct CCF
      in childhood who did not have the usual history of craniofacial trauma or
      connective tissue disorder but presented with progressive chemosis and
      exophthalmos of the right eye. This report aims also to describe the safety and
      success of transvenous embolization with coils of the superior ophthalmic vein
      and cavernous sinus through the inferior petrosal sinus.

PMID- 22059105
TI  - Intrathecal baclofen therapy in severe head injury, first time in Nepal, a
      technique suitable for underdeveloped countries.
AB  - Intrathecal baclofen (ITB) has been found to be helpful not only for spasticity
      but also for unconsciousness in a vegetative patient. This is the first case of
      ITB in Nepal, and here we discuss the effectiveness of ITB for spasticity in a
      patient in vegetative state. We also discuss about a simple technique for ITB
      used in Nepal where baclofen pump is not available. Here, we present a case of a
      40-year-old male patient who had severe head injury with diffuse axonal injury
      treated conservatively. He went on to a vegetative state and subsequently
      developed severe spasticity of all the limbs. ITB was started under the guidance
      of one of the authors , Prof. Taira. Baclofen was injected to the spinal
      intrathecal space through a catheter which is used for spinal anesthesia.
      Spasticity improved significantly and his higher mental function also showed
      signs of improvement. He finally became fully conscious and well oriented. ITB is
      very useful in cases of severe spasticity and vegetative condition, a state of
      unconsciousness lasting longer than a few weeks. Even with a simple technique in
      the absence of baclofen pump, ITB can be used with its optimum effect.

PMID- 22059106
TI  - Sexual Risk Behaviors with Female and Male Partners Met in Different Sexual
      Venues Among Non-Gay-Identified, Non-Disclosing MSMW.
AB  - Despite considerable interest in the sexual behavior of non-disclosing men who
      have sex with men and women (MSMW), little is known about where they meet their
      male and female partners and whether their sexual risk behavior differs with
      partners met in different sexual venues (e.g., bars, Internet, parks). These
      issues were examined among 46 non-gay-identified MSMW who had not disclosed their
      same-sex behavior to female partners (i.e., men on the "down low"). The
      prevalence of unprotected vaginal sex was nearly identical with women met in
      bars/clubs as with women met through friends, work, or the neighborhood. In
      contrast, the prevalence of unprotected anal sex was higher with male partners
      met on the Internet, in bars/clubs, and through friends/work/neighborhood as
      compared with partners met in parks/restrooms or gyms. This is largely due to
      MSMW avoiding anal sex in parks, restrooms, and gyms, in favor of oral sex. These
      findings provide important insights into the role of venues on sexual risk and
      the locations where risk reduction interventions for MSMW may be provided.

PMID- 22059107
TI  - Fasting Triglyceride Concentrations are Associated with Early Mortality Following
      Antiretroviral Therapy in Zambia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In developing countries, 8 to 71% of patients initiating highly
      active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) die within the first year of treatment.
      Apart from baseline CD4 count, viral load, hemoglobin, BMI and stage of the
      disease, there may be other variables that contribute to AIDS-related mortality.
      We investigated the potential role of nutrition, lipids and insulin resistance
      related phenotypes in predicting early mortality.  METHODS: We recruited 210
      HAART-naive HIV/AIDS patients in Lusaka, Zambia. Dietary intake, anthropometric
      measurements, fasting serum insulin, glucose, and lipid profiles were assessed at
      baseline. Mortality was assessed after 90 days of follow-up. We used logistic
      regression models to identify variables associated with mortality.  RESULTS: The
      mean+/-SD for age, BMI and CD4 count at baseline were 34+/-7.4 y, 20+/-3 kg/m(2)
      and 138+/-52 cells/MUL, respectively. Sixteen patients (7.6%) died during follow
      up. Triglyceride concentrations were associated with increased mortality [odds
      ratio (OR) for 1 mmol/L increase in triglyceride concentration=2.51; 95% CI: 1.34
      4.71]. This association remained significant (OR=3.24; 95% CI: 1.51-6.95) after
      adjusting for age, gender, smoking, alcohol use, total cholesterol, BMI, CD4
      count and n3 fatty acid intake. Apart from higher n3 fat intake which was
      inversely associated with mortality (survivors: 1.81+/-0.99% total energy/day vs.
      non-survivors 1.28+/-0.66% energy/day, P=0.04), there were no other
      macronutrients associated with mortality.  CONCLUSION: Triglyceride
      concentrations at the time of initiating HAART are independently associated with
      increased risk for early mortality. If this association is confirmed in larger
      studies, assessment of triglycerides could become part of routine care of HIV
      patients initiating HAART in developing countries.

PMID- 22059108
TI  - Budd-Chiari syndrome management: Lights and shadows.
AB  - Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) is a rare disease whose management should follow a
      step by step strategy. Anticoagulation and medical therapy should be the first
      line treatment. Revascularization or TIPS are indicated in case of no response to
      medical therapy. OLT should be indicated as a rescue therapy and anticoagulation
      be started soon after OLT. However, no clear indication can actually be given
      about the timing of different treatments. Moreover, there is some concern about
      treatment of some subgroup of patients, especially regarding the risk of
      recurrence after liver transplantation. The topic of this paper is to critically
      review the actual knowledge of BCS management.

PMID- 22059109
TI  - Role of ezetimibe in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
AB  - Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) encompasses a histological spectrum
      ranging from simple steatosis to steatohepatitis, advanced fibrosis and
      inflammatory changes. Ezetimibe inhibits cholesterol absorption from the
      intestinal lumen into enterocytes. The molecular target of ezetimibe is the
      sterol transporter Niemann-Pick C1-like 1 protein (NPC1L1). Human NPC1L1 is
      abundantly expressed in the liver and may facilitate the hepatic accumulation of
      cholesterol. Ezetimibe exerts beneficial effects on several metabolic variables.
      Ezetimibe treatment attenuates hepatic steatosis and is beneficial in terms of
      NAFLD biochemical markers. The combination of ezetimibe with other interventions
      may also be beneficial in NAFLD patients. Our group investigated the ezetimibe
      orlistat combination treatment in overweight and obese patients with
      hypercholesterolemia, with beneficial effects on NAFLD biochemical markers. These
      results are promising for patients with NAFLD, who usually have increased
      cardiovascular disease risk and need a multifactorial treatment. However, it
      should be mentioned that most results are from animal studies and, although
      modest elevation of liver function tests may raise the suspicion of NAFLD, none
      of these tests are sensitive to establish the diagnosis of NAFLD with great
      accuracy.

PMID- 22059110
TI  - Bee sting therapy-induced hepatotoxicity: A case report.
AB  - The use of bee venom as a therapeutic agent for the relief of joint pains dates
      back to Hippocrates, and references to the treatment can be found in ancient
      Egyptian and Greek medical writings as well. Also known as apitherapy, the
      technique is widely used in Eastern Europe, Asia, and South America. The
      beneficial effects of bee stings can be attributed to mellitinin, an anti
      inflammatory agent, known to be hundred times stronger than cortisone.
      Unfortunately, certain substances in the bee venom trigger allergic reactions
      which can be life threatening in a sensitized individual. Multiple stings are
      known to cause hemolysis, kidney injury, hepatotoxicity and myocardial
      infarction. The toxicity can be immediate or can manifest itself only weeks after
      the exposure. We describe hepatotoxicity in a 35-year-old female, following bee
      sting therapy for multiple sclerosis. She presented to our clinic 3 wk after
      therapy with a history of progressive jaundice. The patient subsequently
      improved, and has been attending our clinic now for the last 9 mo.

PMID- 22059111
TI  - A histologically proven case of progressive liver sarcoidosis with variceal
      rupture.
AB  - Sarcoidosis is a chronic multi-systemic granulomatous disease, and liver
      involvement frequently occurs. in most cases, no evidence of liver dysfunction is
      observed, and portal hypertension due to sarcoid liver diseases is a
      rareoccurrence. Moreover, no case of liver sarcoidosis has ever been reported
      with confirmation of the disease progression. Herein we describe a patient having
      hepatic sarcoidosis with severe portal hypertension and liver dysfunction. The
      diagnosis was histologically confirmed from granulomatous status to established
      liver cirrhosis over 10 years. A 46-year-old woman developed massive hematemesis
      due to the rupture of gastric cardial varices. She underwent emergency endoscopic
      injection sclerotherapy, and clear evidence of chronic hepatic failure. Twelve
      years ago, she was diagnosed as having sarcoidosis with respiratory
      clinicalsymptoms. Liver biopsy revealed asymptomatic incidental granulomas
      without fibrosis development. After a couple of years, features of liver
      dysfunction were manifest and progressed. Ten years after the first biopsy, a
      second liver biopsy was performed, and well established dense fibrosis was
      revealed. Although significant liver dysfunction with portal hypertension is
      rarely seen in sarcoidosis, this case indicates that we have to consider the
      possibility that sarcoidosis may cause end-stage liver cirrhosis.

PMID- 22059112
TI  - Revisiting acute liver injury associated with herbalife products.
AB  - In the November 27, 2010 issue of the World Journal of Hepatology (WJH), three
      case reports were published which involved patients who had consumed various
      dietary supplements and conventional foods generally marketed as weight loss
      products. The reference to Herbalife products as contaminated and generally
      comparable to all dietary supplements or weight loss products is not
      scientifically supported. The authors provided an insufficient amount of
      information regarding patient histories, concomitant medications and other
      compounds, dechallenge results, and product specifications and usage. This
      information is necessary to fully assess the association of Herbalife products in
      the WJH case reports. Therefore, the article does not objectively support a
      causal relationship between the reported cases of liver injury and Herbalife
      products or ingredients.

PMID- 22059113
TI  - Mechanism of Inhibition of the GluA2 AMPA Receptor Channel Opening: the Role of 4
      Methyl versus 4-Carbonyl Group on the Diazepine Ring of 2,3-Benzodiazepine
      Derivatives.
AB  - 2,3-Benzodiazepine derivatives are synthesized as drug candidates for a potential
      treatment of various neurodegenerative diseases involving the excessive activity
      of AMPA receptors. Here, we describe a rapid kinetic investigation of the
      mechanism of inhibition of the GluA2Q(flip) AMPA receptor channel opening by two
      2,3-benzodiazepine derivatives, i.e. the prototypic 2,3-benzodiazepine compound
      GYKI 52466 [(1-(4-aminophenyl)-4-methyl-7,8-methylenedioxy-5H-2,3
      benzodiazepine)] and 1-(4-aminophenyl)-3,5-dihydro-7,8-methylenedioxy-4H-2,3
      benzodiazepin-4-one (BDZ-2). GYKI 52466 and BDZ-2 are structurally similar in
      that the 4-methyl group in the diazepine ring of GYKI 52466 is replaced by a
      carbonyl group, yielding BDZ-2. Using a laser-pulse photolysis technique with ~60
      MUs time resolution, we characterize the effect of the two compounds individually
      on the channel-opening process of the GluA2Q(flip) receptor expressed in HEK-293
      cells. We find that BDZ-2 preferentially inhibits the open-channel state, whereas
      GYKI 52466 is more selective for the closed-channel state of the GluA2Q(flip)
      receptors. Each inhibitor binds independently to its own noncompetitive site, yet
      the two sites do not interact allosterically. The significance of these results
      in the context of both the structure-activity relationship and the properties of
      the GluA2Q(flip) receptor channels is presented.

PMID- 22059114
TI  - Phase-shift, stimuli-responsive drug carriers for targeted delivery.
AB  - The intersection of particles and directed energy is a rich source of novel and
      useful technology that is only recently being realized for medicine. One of the
      most promising applications is directed drug delivery. This review focuses on
      phase-shift nanoparticles (that is, particles of submicron size) as well as
      micron-scale particles whose action depends on an external-energy triggered,
      first-order phase shift from a liquid to gas state of either the particle itself
      or of the surrounding medium. These particles have tremendous potential for
      actively disrupting their environment for altering transport properties and
      unloading drugs. This review covers in detail ultrasound and laser-activated
      phase-shift nano- and micro-particles and their use in drug delivery. Phase-shift
      based drug-delivery mechanisms and competing technologies are discussed.

PMID- 22059115
TI  - Neural correlates of emotion-cognition interactions: A review of evidence from
      brain imaging investigations.
AB  - Complex dynamic behaviour involves reciprocal influences between emotion and
      cognition. On the one hand, emotion is a "double-edged sword" that may affect
      various aspects of our cognition and behaviour, by enhancing or hindering them
      and exerting both transient and long-term influences. On the other hand, emotion
      processing is also susceptible to cognitive influences, typically exerted in the
      form of emotion regulation. Noteworthy, both of these reciprocal influences are
      subjective to individual differences that may affect the way we perceive,
      experience, and eventually remember emotional experiences, or respond to
      emotionally challenging situations. Understanding these relationships is
      critical, as unbalanced emotion-cognition interactions may lead to devastating
      effects, such as those observed in mood and anxiety disorders. The present review
      analyses the reciprocal relationships between emotion and cognition, based on
      evidence derived from brain imaging investigations focusing on three main topics:
      (1) the impact of emotion on cognition, (2) the impact of cognition on emotion,
      and (3) the role of individual differences in emotion-cognition interactions.
      This evidence will be discussed in the context of identifying aspects that are
      fundamental to understanding the mechanisms underlying emotion-cognition
      interactions in healthy functioning, and to understanding changes associated with
      affective disorders.

PMID- 22059116
TI  - Temperature-responsive biocompatible copolymers incorporating hyperbranched
      polyglycerols for adjustable functionality.
AB  - Temperature-triggered copolymers are proposed for a number of bio-applications
      but there is no ideal material platform, especially for injectable drug delivery.
      Options are needed for degradable biomaterials that not only respond to
      temperature but also easily accommodate linkage of active molecules. A first step
      toward realizing this goal is the design and synthesis of the novel materials
      reported herein. A multifunctional macromer, methacrylated hyperbranched
      polyglycerol (HPG-MA) with an average of one acrylate unit per copolymer, was
      synthesized and copolymerized with N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAAm), hydroxyethyl
      methacrylate-polylactide (HEMAPLA) and acrylic acid (AAc). The potential to fully
      exploit the copolymers by modification of the multiple HPG hydroxyl groups will
      not be discussed here. Instead, this report focuses on the thermoresponsive,
      biocompatible, and degradation properties of the material. Poly(NIPAAm-co-HEMAPLA
      co-AAc-co-HPG-MA) displayed increasing lower critical solution temperatures
      (LCST) as the HPG content increased over a range of macromer ratios. For the
      copolymer with the maximum HPG incorporation (17%), the LCST was ~30  degrees C.
      In addition, this sample showed no toxicity when human uterine fibroid cells were
      co-cultured with the copolymer for up to 72 h. This copolymer lost approximately
      92% of its mass after 17 hours at 37  degrees C. Thus, the reported biomaterials
      offer attractive properties for the design of drug delivery systems where
      orthogonally triggered mechanisms of therapeutic release in relatively short time
      periods would be attractive. 

PMID- 22059118
TI  - Cranioplasty after decompressive craniectomy: An institutional audit and analysis
      of factors related to complications.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although a relatively simple procedure, cranioplasties have been
      associated with high complication rates. Keeping this in perspective, we aimed to
      determine the factors associated with immediate and long-term complications of
      cranioplasties at our institution. METHODS: A retrospective review of patient
      records was carried out for patients having undergone reconstructive
      cranioplasties at our institution during the last 10 years (2001-2010). All case
      notes, records, and investigations were reviewed and the data were recorded in a
      predesigned questionnaire. Complications were recorded along with existing
      comorbids and measures taken for their prevention and management. Univariate and
      multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine possible
      predictors of complications. RESULTS: A total of 96 patients with a mean age of
      33 + 15 years were included in the study. Of the sample, 76% (n = 73) had no
      comorbids. The leading primary pathology was blunt traumatic brain injuries in
      46% (n = 44), followed by cerebrovascular incidents in 24% (n = 23), penetrating
      traumatic brain injuries in 12% (n = 11), and tumors in 10% (n = 10) of cases,
      with 41% (n = 39) of patients requiring multiple craniotomies. In a mean follow
      up of 386 +/- 615 days, complications were noted in 36.5% (n = 35) of the
      patients. Twenty six percent of patients (n = 25) had minor complications which
      included breakthrough seizures (15.6%, n = 15), subgaleal collections (3.1%, n =
      3), and superficial wound infections (3.1%, n = 3), whereas major complications
      (10.4% n = 10) included hydrocephalus (3.1%, n = 3), transient neurological
      deficits (3.1%, n = 3), and osteomyelitis (2.1%, n = 2). Univariate and
      multivariate analysis revealed External Ventricular Drain (EVD) placement and
      parietal flaps to be associated with complications. This could be explained by
      the fact that the patients requiring EVD usually have relatively severe head
      injuries, increasing the possibility of hydrocephalus. CONCLUSION: We have found
      a higher risk of complications of cranioplasty in patients who had EVD placement
      and removal prior to their constructive surgery. We however did not find any
      association between risks of complications in any other studied variable. We also
      did not find any association between intraoperative placement of subgaleal drains
      and postoperative risk of subgaleal fluid collections. Overall, our results are
      comparable with other reported series on cranioplasties.

PMID- 22059117
TI  - Approaches to Fungal Genome Annotation.
AB  - Fungal genome annotation is the starting point for analysis of genome content.
      This generally involves the application of diverse methods to identify features
      on a genome assembly such as protein-coding and non-coding genes, repeats and
      transposable elements, and pseudogenes. Here we describe tools and methods
      leveraged for eukaryotic genome annotation with a focus on the annotation of
      fungal nuclear and mitochondrial genomes. We highlight the application of the
      latest technologies and tools to improve the quality of predicted gene sets. The
      Broad Institute eukaryotic genome annotation pipeline is described as one example
      of how such methods and tools are integrated into a sequencing center's
      production genome annotation environment.

PMID- 22059119
TI  - Unilateral subfrontal approach to anterior communicating artery aneurysms: A
      review of 28 patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The pterional approach is the most common for AComm aneurysms, but we
      present a unilateral approach to a midline region for addressing the AComm
      complex. The pure subfrontal approach eliminates the lateral anatomic dissection
      requirements without sacrificing exposure. The subfrontal approach is not favored
      in the US compared to Asia and Europe. We describe our experience with the
      subfrontal approach for AComm aneurysms treated at a single institution. METHODS:
      We identified 28 patients treated for AComm aneurysms through the subfrontal
      approach. Patient records and imaging studies were reviewed. Demographics and
      case data, as well as clinical outcome at 6 weeks and 1 year were collected.
      RESULTS: Mean patient age was 48 (range 21-75) years and 64% suffered
      subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). All aneurysms were successfully clipped. Gyrus
      rectus was resected in 57% of cases, more commonly in ruptured cases.
      Intraoperative rupture occurred in 11% of cases. The average operative time was
      171 minutes. There were two patient deaths. Ninety-two percent of patients had a
      Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS) of 5 at 6 weeks. All unruptured patients had a GOS of
      5. At 12 months, 96% of all patients had a GOS of 5. CONCLUSIONS: The subfrontal
      approach provides an efficient avenue to the AComm region, which reduces opening
      and closing friction but still yields a comprehensive operative window for access
      to the anterior communicating region.

PMID- 22059120
TI  - Treatment of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and unruptured intracranial
      aneurysms by neurosurgeons in Colombia: A survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Trends in management of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and
      unruptured intracranial aneurysms among neurosurgeons is very variable and had
      not been previously described in any Latin American country. This study was
      conducted to determine the preferences of Colombian neurosurgeons in
      pharmacologic, surgical, and endovascular management of patients with aneurysmal
      subarachnoid hemorrhage and unruptured intracranial aneurysms. METHODS: A survey
      based descriptive study was performed in a sample of members from the Colombian
      Association of Neurosurgery. Questions about pharmacologic, surgical, and
      endovascular management of aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage and unruptured
      intracranial aneurysm were carried out. We calculated the mean and the standard
      deviation of the results obtained from the continuous variables. The results of
      the categorical variables are presented as percentages. RESULTS: The preference
      of medication with poor clinical evidence, such as magnesium sulfate, aspirin,
      statins, and anti-fibrinolytics was lower than 10%. The use of intravenous
      nimodipine and systemic glucocorticoids was as high as 31%. The availability of
      endovascular therapy was 69%. The indication for treatment of patients with
      unruptured intracranial aneurysms that required intervention was less than 13.8%.
      In patients with ruptured or unruptured intracranial aneurysms, coiling was the
      preferred method for exclusion. CONCLUSIONS: Reported compliance of evidence
      based clinical guidelines was similar to that described in developed countries,
      and even better. However, there is little agreement in treating patients with
      unruptured intracranial aneurysms. For other issues, the conducts reported by
      Colombian neurosurgeons are in accordance with the current guidelines.

PMID- 22059121
TI  - Ruptured cerebral aneurysm associated with a persistent primitive trigeminal
      artery variant.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Primitive trigeminal artery variants (PTAVs) are one of the rare
      persistent fetal anastomoses between the carotid and vertebrobasilar
      circulations. They originate from the internal carotid artery and join one of the
      cerebellar arteries instead of the basilar artery. CASE DESCRIPTION: We present
      an 82-year-old woman with subarachnoid hemorrhage due to a ruptured aneurysm
      originating at a PTAV. Three-dimensional computed tomography angiogram and
      cerebral angiography revealed bilateral PTAV and two aneurysms originating at the
      left PTAV. The proximal and distal aneurysms were saccular and fusiform,
      respectively. She underwent surgical treatment and her postoperative course was
      uneventful. CONCLUSION: Our case demonstrates that extremely rare cerebral
      aneurysms associated with PTAV can be addressed successfully by surgical
      intervention.

PMID- 22059122
TI  - Multiple non-branching dissecting aneurysms of the mid-basilar trunk presenting
      with sequential subarachnoid hemorrhages.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We describe a rare case of a patient with subarachnoid hemorrhage
      (SAH) due to a ventral dissecting mid-basilar aneurysm that was treated
      surgically. One week after surgery, the patient experienced sudden deterioration
      due to a new SAH caused by the development of a new aneurysm of the basilar trunk
      distinct from the previously clipped aneurysm. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 54-year-old
      woman with acute subarachnoid hemorrhage was found to have a small, broad-based
      aneurysm arising from the ventral aspect of the mid-basilar artery. This
      complicated lesion was treated with a microsurgical clipping via a
      translabyrinthine pre-sigmoidal sub-temporal approach. One week postoperatively,
      the patient suffered a new SAH and was found to have developed a distinct basilar
      artery aneurysm. The patient was returned to the Operating Room for microsurgical
      clipping via the previous craniotomy. After surgery, the patient made a slow, but
      steady, recovery. She underwent repeated angiographic imaging, demonstrating a
      stable appearance. Two years post surgery, the patient had returned to work and
      had no obvious neurological deficit, with the exception of unilateral iatrogenic
      hearing loss. CONCLUSION: We describe a rare case of multiple aneurysms
      originating in relation to a mid-basilar dissection, resulting in multiple
      episodes of SAH. These are difficult and dangerous lesions that can be treated
      with open microsurgical reconstruction or possibly via an endovascular approach.
      The intricate location of the lesions poses a particular challenge to
      neurosurgeons attempting to directly treat mid-basilar lesions.

PMID- 22059123
TI  - Nucleus caudalis lesioning: Case report of chronic traumatic headache relief.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The nucleus caudalis dorsal root entry zone (DREZ) surgery is used to
      treat intractable central craniofacial pain. This is the first journal
      publication of DREZ lesioning used for the long-term relief of an intractable
      chronic traumatic headache. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 40-year-old female experienced
      new-onset bi-temporal headaches following a traumatic head injury. Despite
      medical treatment, her pain was severe on over 20 days per month, 3 years after
      the injury. The patient underwent trigeminal nucleus caudalis DREZ lesioning.
      Bilateral single-row lesions were made at 1-mm interval between the level of the
      obex and the C2 dorsal nerve roots, using angled radiofrequency electrodes,
      brought to 80 degrees C for 15 seconds each, along a path 1 to 1.2 mm posterior
      to the accessory nerve rootlets. The headache improved, but gradually returned.
      Five years later, her headaches were severe on over 24 days per month. The DREZ
      surgery was then repeated. Her headaches improved and the relief has continued
      for 5 additional years. She has remained functional, with no limitation in
      instrumental activities of daily living. CONCLUSIONS: The nucleus caudalis DREZ
      surgery brought long-term relief to a patient suffering from chronic traumatic
      headache.

PMID- 22059124
TI  - Sacral laminoplasty and cystic fenestration in the treatment of symptomatic
      sacral perineural (Tarlov) cysts: Technical case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Perineural cysts of the sacrum, or Tarlov cysts, are cerebrospinal
      fluid (CSF)-filled sacs that commonly occur at the intersection of the dorsal
      root ganglion and posterior nerve root in the lumbosacral spine. Although often
      asymptomatic, these cysts have the potential to produce significant symptoms,
      including pain, weakness, and/or bowel or bladder incontinence. We present a case
      in which the sacral roof is removed and reconstructed via plated laminoplasty and
      describe how this technique could be of potential use in maximizing outcomes.
      METHODS: We describe technical aspects of a sacral laminoplasty in conjunction
      with cyst fenestration for a symptomatic sacral perineural cyst in a 50-year-old
      female with severe sacral pain, lumbosacral radiculopathy, and progressive
      incontinence. This patient had magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed
      tomography (CT)-myelographic evidence of a non-filling, 1.7 * 1.4 cm perineural
      cyst that was causing significant compression of the cauda equina and sacral
      nerve roots. This surgical technique was also employed in a total of 18 patients
      for symptomatic tarlov cysts with their radiographic and clinical results
      followed in a prospective fashion. RESULTS: Intraoperative images, drawings, and
      video are presented to demonstrate both the technical aspects of this technique
      and the regional anatomy. Postoperative MRI scan demonstrated complete removal of
      the Tarlov cyst. The patient's symptoms improved dramatically and she regained
      normal bladder function. There was no evidence of radiographic recurrence at 12
      months. At an average 16 month followup interval 10/18 patients had significant
      relief with mild or no residual complaints, 3/18 reported relief but had
      persistent coccydynia around the surgical area, 2/18 had primary relief but
      developed new low back pain and/or lumbar radiculopathy, 2/18 remained at their
      preoperative level of symptoms, and 1/18 had relief of their preoperative leg
      pain but developed new pain and neurological deficits. CONCLUSIONS: Sacral
      laminoplasty and microscopic cystic fenestration is a feasible approach in the
      operative treatment of this difficult, and often controversial, spinal pathology.
      This technique may be used further and studied in an attempt to minimize
      potential surgical morbidity, including CSF leaks, cyst recurrence, and sacral
      insufficiency fractures.

PMID- 22059125
TI  - Post-transplantation primary central nervous system lymphoma: A case report and
      review of the literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Post-transplantation primary central nervous system lymphoma (PT
      PCNSL) is a rare neoplasm that can develop within months to years after
      transplantation, and imaging often reveals multiple lesions with homogeneous or
      ring enhancement. The clinical and imaging presentation of PT-PCNSL can often be
      nonspecific and present a diagnostic challenge. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 56-year-old
      woman presented to a tertiary university emergency room with altered mental
      status 15 months after undergoing renal transplantation. On brain MRI, she was
      found to have three rim-enhancing mass lesions, and biopsy revealed PT-PCNSL.
      CONCLUSION: There has been a steady increase in the number of patients living
      following organ transplantation in the United States and an increasing likelihood
      that PT-PCNSL will increasingly be encountered in neurosurgical practice. We
      present here a case of PT-PCNSL and a brief review of the relevant clinical
      characteristics, treatment options, and prognosis of PT-PCNSL.

PMID- 22059126
TI  - The importance of testing deep brain stimulation lead impedances before final
      lead implantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the setting of a deep brain stimulation (DBS) lead with defective
      electrical circuitry, potential patient morbidity and additional surgery may be
      avoided if impedance testing of the brain lead is performed prior to final lead
      implantation. In the present report, detection of a short circuit upon lead
      placement and prior to lead anchoring was detected utilizing recently released
      DBS hardware and software (Medtronic, Minneapolis, MN). This report suggests that
      neurosurgeons need to be aware and consider the use of the newly available DBS
      testing equipment. METHODS: During the first DBS lead placement in a 69-year-old
      man with advanced idiopathic Parkinson's disease undergoing bilateral subthalamic
      nucleus DBS over staged procedures, test stimulation and lead impedance testing
      were accomplished prior to lead anchoring. An external neurostimulator (ENS) was
      affixed to an updated clinician programmer and connected to the DBS lead with a
      screening cable specific for the ENS and DBS. RESULTS: Impedance testing
      demonstrated a short circuit involving the 1 and 3 lead-electrode bipolar
      combination in a visually intact lead. The lead was replaced, repeat impedance
      testing and test stimulation were completed and the intact lead was secured.
      Subsequent DBS surgeries were completed uneventfully. The lead abnormality was
      verified by the manufacturer. CONCLUSIONS: This case highlights a new method to
      test DBS lead circuitry at the time of placement. The method may also be employed
      to directly test lead integrity when localizing a DBS system short or open
      circuit of unclear etiology. Our case suggests that the method is valuable and
      should be utilized.

PMID- 22059127
TI  - Post-surgical spine syndrome.

PMID- 22059128
TI  - A role for motor and somatosensory evoked potentials during anterior cervical
      discectomy and fusion for patients without myelopathy: Analysis of 57 consecutive
      cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although the usage of combined motor and sensory intraoperative
      monitoring has been shown to improve the surgical outcome of patients with
      cervical myelopathy, the role of transcranial electric motor evoked potentials
      (tceMEP) used in conjunction with somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP) in
      patients presenting with radiculopathy but without myelopathy has been less
      clear. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all patients (n = 57) with
      radiculopathy but without myelopathy, undergoing anterior cervical decompression
      and fusion at a single institution over the past 3 years, who had intraoperative
      monitoring with both tceMEPs and SSEPs. RESULTS: Fifty-seven (100%) patients
      presented with radiculopathy, 53 (93.0%) with mechanical neck pain, 35 (61.4%)
      with motor dysfunction, and 29 (50.9%) with sensory deficits. Intraoperatively, 3
      (5.3%) patients experienced decreases in SSEP signal amplitudes and 4 (6.9%) had
      tceMEP signal changes. There were three instances where a change in
      neuromonitoring signal required intraoperative alteration of the surgical
      procedure: these were deemed clinically significant events/true positives. SSEP
      monitoring showed two false positives and two false negatives, whereas tceMEP
      monitoring only had one false positive and no false negatives. Thus, tceMEP
      monitoring exhibited higher sensitivity (33.3% vs. 100%), specificity (95.6% vs.
      98.1%), positive predictive value (33.3% vs. 75.0%), negative predictive value
      (97.7% vs. 100%), and efficiency (91.7% vs. 98.2%) compared to SSEP monitoring
      alone. CONCLUSIONS: Here, we present a retrospective series of 57 patients where
      tceMEP/SSEP monitoring likely prevented irreversible neurologic damage. Though
      further prospective studies are needed, there may be a role for combined
      tceMEP/SSEP monitoring for patients undergoing anterior cervical decompression
      without myelopathy.

PMID- 22059129
TI  - "Real-world" comparison of non-invasive imaging to conventional catheter
      angiography in the diagnosis of cerebral aneurysms.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Based on numerous reports citing high sensitivity and specificity of
      non-invasive imaging [e.g. computed tomography angiography (CTA) or magnetic
      resonance angiography (MRA)] in the detection of intracranial aneurysms, it has
      become increasingly difficult to justify the role of conventional angiography
      [digital subtraction angiography (DSA)] for diagnostic purposes. The current
      literature, however, largely fails to demonstrate the practical application of
      these technologies within the context of a "real-world" neurosurgical practice.
      We sought to determine the proportion of patients for whom the additional
      information gleaned from 3D rotational DSA (3DRA) led to a change in treatment.
      METHODS: We analyzed the medical records of the last 361 consecutive patients
      referred to a neurosurgeon at our institution for evaluation of "possible
      intracranial aneurysm" or subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Only those who underwent
      non-invasive vascular imaging within 3 months prior to DSA were included in the
      study. For asymptomatic patients without a history of SAH, aneurysms less than 5
      mm were followed conservatively. Treatment was advocated for patients with
      unruptured, non-cavernous aneurysms measuring 5 mm or larger and for any non
      cavernous aneurysm in the setting of acute SAH. RESULTS: For those who underwent
      CTA or MRA, the treatment plan was changed in 17/90 (18.9%) and 22/73 (30.1%),
      respectively, based on subsequent information gleaned from DSA. Several reasons
      exist for the change in the treatment plan, including size and location
      discrepancies (e.g. cavernous versus supraclinoid), or detection of a benign
      vascular variant rather than a true aneurysm. CONCLUSIONS: In a "real-world"
      analysis of intracranial aneurysms, DSA continues to play an important role in
      determining the optimal management strategy.

PMID- 22059130
TI  - Thrombosed giant aneurysm of the distal anterior cerebral artery treated with
      aneurysm resection and proximal pericallosal artery-callosomarginal artery end-to
      end anastomosis: Case report and review of the literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Giant distal anterior cerebral artery (DACA) aneurysms are extremely
      rare, with only 32 cases reported in the literature. Most giant DACA aneurysms
      have features that make standard neck clipping difficult, and bypass surgery is
      sometimes required, although this surgery was performed in only three reported
      cases. This report presents the fourth case treated with bypass surgery. CASE
      DESCRIPTION: A 69-year-old female presented with an unruptured thrombosed giant
      DACA aneurysm. She underwent wrapping operation 7 years before, but radiological
      imaging revealed enlargement of the aneurysm at the left pericallosal artery
      (PerA)-callosomarginal artery (CMA) junction. Before operation, three different
      strategies were considered for bypass surgery in case the neck could not be
      clipped. Aneurysm resection and left proximal PerA-CMA end-to-end anastomosis
      were successfully performed under intraoperative digital subtraction angiography
      (DSA) and motor-evoked potential (MEP) monitoring. CONCLUSION: Most DACA
      aneurysms are located at the PerA-CMA junction. In some cases, adequate
      retrograde flow to the distal PerA from the posterior or middle cerebral artery
      can be expected, making distal PerA reconstruction unnecessary. Moreover, when
      the distal PerA is cut, proximal PerA-CMA end-to-end anastomosis can be easily
      performed because of reduced tension in both vessels. We therefore conclude that
      this strategy should be utilized for treating such patients. We also presented
      here the effectiveness of intraoperative modalities, such as intraoperative DSA
      and MEP monitoring, for performing a safe operation.

PMID- 22059131
TI  - Malignant psammomatous melanotic schwannoma of the spine: A component of Carney
      complex.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Psammomatous melanotic schwannomas (PMS) of the spine may be a
      component of the Carney complex in 50% of cases and is inherited in an autosomal
      dominant manner. Most PMS are benign and frequently associated with lentiginous
      pigmentation; cardiac, cutaneous, or breast myxomas; endocrine overactivity; and
      cutaneous blue nevi. These tumors are characterized by melanin containing cells
      having ultrastructural characteristics of Schwann cells. CASE DESCRIPTION: Two
      patients had spinal PMS that were surgically resected with adjacent local
      radiotherapy, followed by local recurrence and metastasis. The aggressive nature
      of this tumor is reported. CONCLUSION: Spinal PMS are rarely malignant with local
      recurrence and distal metastases. Inquiry into the patient's and family members'
      hereditary background for the Carney complex is important to avoid overlooking
      potential lethal associated abnormalities.

PMID- 22059132
TI  - Thoraco-lumbar artery aneurysms associated with a metameric paraspinal lesion
      presenting with retroperitoneal hemorrhage: Endovascular management.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Retroperitoneal hemorrhage is a life-threatening condition. This is
      the first reported case of rupture of one of multiple thoraco-lumbar artery
      aneurysms associated with a metameric paraspinal vascular lesion. CASE
      DESCRIPTION: A 77-year-old female patient presented to the emergency room with a
      new onset of left-sided low back pain shooting down the leg associated with
      weakness, numbness, and inability to walk. On physical examination, there was a
      notable left paraspinal swelling with a harsh bruit audible in the same area,
      left flank ecchymosis and a positive straight leg raising test. A computed
      tomography (CT) scan showed a large retroperitoneal hematoma. Digital subtraction
      angiography showed a large left paraspinal high-flow arteriovenous lesion, with
      large arterial aneurysms of the left T11, T12, and L1 segmental arteries. The
      patient was successfully treated with endovascular aneurysm embolization using
      coils and Onyx-34. Six months following the procedure, the patient had fully
      recovered, and a follow-up angiogram showed no residual or recurrent aneurysms.
      CONCLUSION: Thoraco-lumbar artery aneurysms have never previously been described
      in association with a metameric paraspinal vascular malformation. We report a
      case of retroperitoneal hemorrhage due to rupture of one of several high-flow
      artery aneurysms of a paraspinal arteriovenous malformation (AVM). The diagnosis
      was made on CTA, MRI, and angiography, and the lesion was successfully treated by
      transarterial embolization.

PMID- 22059133
TI  - Spontaneous C1 anterior arch fracture as a postoperative complication of foramen
      magnum decompression for Chiari malformation type 1.
AB  - BACKGROUND: C1 fracture accounts for 2% of all spinal column injuries and 10% of
      cervical spine fractures, and is most frequently caused by motor vehicle
      accidents and falls. We present a rare case of C1 anterior arch fracture
      following standard foramen magnum decompression for Chiari malformation type 1.
      CASE DESCRIPTION: A 63-year-old man underwent standard foramen magnum
      decompression (suboccipital craniectomy and C1 laminectomy) under a diagnosis of
      Chiari malformation type 1 with syringomyelia in June 2009. The postoperative
      course was uneventful until the patient noticed progressive posterior cervical
      pain 5 months after the operation. Computed tomography of the upper cervical
      spine obtained 7 months after the operation revealed left C1 anterior arch
      fracture. The patient was referred to our hospital at the end of January 2010 and
      C1-C2 posterior fusion with C1 lateral mass screws and C2 laminar screws was
      carried out in March 2010. Complete pain relief was achieved immediately after
      the second operation, and the patient resumed his daily activities. CONCLUSION:
      Anterior atlas fracture following foramen magnum decompression for Chiari
      malformation type 1 is very rare, but C1 laminectomy carries the risk of anterior
      arch fracture. Neurosurgeons should recognize that fracture of the atlas, which
      commonly results from an axial loading force, can occur in the postoperative
      period in patients with Chiari malformation.

PMID- 22059134
TI  - Impact of total disc arthroplasty on the surgical management of lumbar
      degenerative disc disease: Analysis of the Nationwide Inpatient Sample from 2000
      to 2008.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Spinal fusion is the most rapidly increasing type of lumbar spine
      surgery for various lumbar degenerative pathologies. The surgical treatment of
      lumbar spine degenerative disc disease may involve decompression, stabilization,
      or arthroplasty procedures. Lumbar disc athroplasty is a recent technological
      advance in the field of lumbar surgery. This study seeks to determine the
      clinical impact of anterior lumbar disc replacement on the surgical treatment of
      lumbar spine degenerative pathology. This is a retrospective assessment of the
      Nationwide Inpatient Sample (NIS). METHODS: The NIS was searched for ICD-9 codes
      for lumbar and lumbosacral fusion (81.06), anterior lumbar interbody fusion
      (81.07), and posterolateral lumbar fusion (81.08), as well as for procedure codes
      for revision fusion surgery in the lumbar and lumbosacral spine (81.36, 81.37,
      and 81.38). To assess lumbar arthroplasty, procedure codes for the insertion or
      replacement of lumbar artificial discs (84.60, 84.65, and 84.68) were queried.
      Results were assayed from 2000 through 2008, the last year with available data.
      Analysis was done using the lme4 package in the R programming language for
      statistical computing. RESULTS: A total of nearly 300,000 lumbar spine fusion
      procedures were reported in the NIS database from 2000 to 2008; assuming a
      representative cross-section of the US health care market, this models
      approximately 1.5 million procedures performed over this time period. In 2005,
      the first year of its widespread use, there were 911 lumbar arthroplasty
      procedures performed, representing 3% of posterolateral fusions performed in this
      year. Since introduction, the number of lumbar spine arthroplasty procedures has
      consistently declined, to 653 total procedures recorded in the NIS in 2008. From
      2005 to 2008, lumbar arthroplasties comprised approximately 2% of lumbar
      posterolateral fusions. Arthroplasty patients were younger than posterior lumbar
      fusion patients (42.8 +/- 11.5 vs. 55.9 +/- 15.1 years, P < 0.0000001). The
      distribution of arthroplasty procedures was even between academic and private
      urban facilities (48.5% and 48.9%, respectively). While rates of posterolateral
      lumbar spine fusion steadily grew during the period (OR 1.06, 95% CI: 1.05-1.06,
      P < 0.0000001), rates of revision surgery and anterior spinal fusion remained
      static. CONCLUSIONS: The impact of lumbar arthroplasty procedures has been
      minimal. Measured as a percentage of more common lumbar posterior arthrodesis
      procedures, lumbar arthroplasty comprises only approximately 2% of lumbar spine
      surgeries performed in the United States. Over the first 4 years following the
      Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval, the frequency of lumbar disc
      arthroplasty has decreased while the number of all lumbar spinal fusions has
      increased.

PMID- 22059135
TI  - Anterior clinoidectomy: Description of an alternative hybrid method and a review
      of the current techniques with an emphasis on complication avoidance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anterior clinoidectomy is a difficult but important part of surgery
      for a variety of parasellar, proximal carotid and central skull base pathologies.
      First developed intradurally nearly 60 years ago, the promotion of an extradural
      technique decades later offered an approach with a different set of difficulties,
      risks and benefits. Many recent studies have demonstrated that there is no
      consensus about the "correct side" of the dura from which to remove the anterior
      clinoid process in a number of pathologies. Here, we review and compare the
      current techniques for intra- and extradural clinoidectomy and describe a hybrid
      alternative technique. METHODS: We used a hybrid method to potentially engage the
      advantages of the intradural and extradural techniques. The hybrid method starts
      with an extradural sphenoid wing osteotomy to the level of the superior orbital
      fissure (SOF). The dura is then incised parallel to the sphenoid wing lateral to
      the SOF, and the need for further bony removal, including clinoidectomy, is
      assessed after gentle elevation of the frontal lobe and release of cerebrospinal
      fluid through opening the optico-carotid cisterns and inspection of the pathology
      in relation to the clinoid. Sylvian fissure may be dissected to relieve
      retraction on the frontal lobe. RESULTS: The hybrid method allows an early
      identification of the optic nerve and its protection during clinoidectomy. The
      operator leaves the dura medial to the SOF intact and the clionoidectomy proceeds
      in an extradural fashion while intradural inspection periodically is performed to
      assess the extent of necessary extradural bony removal. CONCLUSION: The hybrid
      method theoretically can be used as a versatile method under some circumstances.
      Cutting the dura along the sphenoid wing will prevent the dural layers from
      obscuring the clinoid and offers intradural visualization to monitor the lesion
      and potentially tailor bony removal.

PMID- 22059136
TI  - Relocation of ventricular catheter trough ventriculostomy due to congenital
      unilateral hydrocephalus: Nine year follow-up.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Congenital unilateral hydrocephalus is an uncommon entity occurring
      almost exclusively in children. Atresia, stenosis, membranous occlusion and even
      functional obstruction of the foramen of Monro have been described to be the main
      cause of this type of hydrocephalus. There are two options available in the
      surgical management of unilateral hydrocephalus: one is the placement of shunt
      CSF diversion from the dilated ventricle and the other is fenestration of the
      occluded foramen of Monro or septum pellucidum by endoscopy or by stereotactic
      method. Migration of the ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt in or out of ventricles
      is not so uncommon, but the relocation of the ventricular tip of a catheter from
      the ventricle into the quadrigeminal cisterns and superior vermis in association
      with ventriculostomy is extremely rare. Spontaneous ventriculostomy is a rare
      event and results from spontaneous rupture of a ventricle into the subarachnoid
      space. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 51/2-month-old baby with a right-sided congenital
      unilateral hydrocephalus underwent a VP shunt andhad experienced an uneventful
      outcome. Four years later on an MR imaging examination, the tip of the
      ventricular catheter passing through the medial wall of the ventricle and the
      quadrigeminal cistern was found to be situated in the superior vermis. During the
      follow-up period, there were no neurological difficulties. The cognitive and
      motor skill development corresponded well with the child's age. It transpired
      that the hydrocephalic ventricle reduced its size dramatically to normal.
      CONCLUSION: We have described the extremely rare site of the relocation of the
      ventricular catheter after the treatment of the congenital unilateral
      hydrocephalus by VP shunting. Spontaneous ventriculostomy as a rare phenomenon
      may be the explanation of the relocation of the ventricular catheter.

PMID- 22059137
TI  - Use of preoperative magnetic resonance imaging T1 and T2 sequences to determine
      intraoperative meningioma consistency.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Meningioma firmness is a critical factor that influences ease of
      resection and risk, notably when operating on tumors intimate with neurovascular
      structures such as the mesial sphenoid wing. This study develops a predictive
      tool using preoperative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics to
      determine meningioma consistency. METHODS: 101 patients with intracranial
      meningioma (50 soft/51 firm) were included. MRI characteristics of 38 tumors (19
      soft/19 firm) were retrospectively reviewed to identify preoperative imaging
      features that were then correlated with intraoperative description of the tumor
      as either "soft and/or suckable" or "firm and/or fibrous". Criteria were
      developed to predict consistency and then blindly applied to the remaining 63
      meningiomas (31 soft/32 firm). RESULTS: The overall sensitivities for detecting
      soft and firm consistency were 90% and 56%, respectively (95% CI = 73-97% and 38
      73%; P < 0.001). Compared to gray matter, meningiomas that were T2 hypointense
      were almost always firm. Soft meningiomas were hyperintense on T2 and hypointense
      on T1. Soft meningiomas were slightly larger and less likely to be associated
      with edema. There was a slight preponderance of firm meningiomas in the
      infratentorial compartment. Grade of meningioma was not predictive. Contrast
      enhancement, diffusion restriction, changes in overlying bone, intratumoral
      cysts, and angiographic features were not predictable. CONCLUSIONS: This tool
      using T1 and T2 series predicts meningioma consistency. Such knowledge should
      assist the surgeon in preoperative planning and counseling.

PMID- 22059138
TI  - A review of skin incisions and scalp flaps for the retromastoid approach and
      description of an alternative technique.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The retromastoid approach has been effective in exposing the
      cerebellopontine angle for resection of a variety of lesions, including
      vestibular schwannomas and decompression of cranial nerves. The following
      incisions and their variations have been most commonly used for the retromastoid
      approach: linear (and its variations, such as "lazy S-shaped") and "C-shaped"
      incision. METHODS: Herein, we describe a curvilinear incision and compare its
      advantages and disadvantages with the other previously described incisions based
      on the senior author's experience with 120 retromastoid operations. RESULTS: The
      senior author has used the curvilinear incision for the last 70 of 120 patients
      who underwent retromastoid operations. Of these, one patient encountered
      postoperative cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage through the incision, requiring a
      repeat operative wound revision, and one patient suffered from a soft
      asymptomatic pseudomeningocele. Among the initial 50 patients who underwent a
      linear incision, one patient suffered from a CSF leakage managed with local wound
      care and another patient required a repeat operation for a tense
      pseudomeningocele. No wound breakdown or infection was encountered in either
      group. CONCLUSIONS: The curvilinear incision is simple and efficient and may
      provide a shorter working distance and protect the suboccipital muscles and
      associated neurovascular bundle.

PMID- 22059139
TI  - Ocular melanoma: Keep your eyes open for late brain metastases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The most frequent intraocular malignant tumor is choroidal melanoma
      (CM). Although brain metastasis is a common feature of other types of cancers,
      metastasis of CM to the brain is a rare entity. CASE DESCRIPTION: The authors
      report a case of a 28-year-old woman presenting with a single brain metastasis,
      10 years after the treatment of a CM. She underwent a total en-bloc resection of
      the lesion, and the diagnosis was confirmed histopathologically. The patient
      concomitantly received whole-brain irradiation therapy combined with
      chemotherapy, with a survival period of 24 months. CONCLUSION: The present case
      report draws attention to the necessity of a close and lifelong follow-up of
      patients treated for this malignancy. The international literature is also
      reviewed.

PMID- 22059140
TI  - Ectopic pineal chordoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chordomas are rare tumors that arise from the remnants of embryonic
      notochord anywhere along the neuroaxis. Even though they may occur in an
      extraosseous intradural location, the most common sites include the
      sacrococcygeal and clivus regions. The authors report a unique presentation
      encompassing the pineal region with metastasis to the peritoneum after a
      ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt procedure and review the current knowledge about
      their pathophysiology and management. The presentation and clinical history
      endorse the idea that intradural extraosseous chordomas may be distinct from
      ecchordosis physaliphora and probably do not derive from it. CASE DESCRIPTION: An
      18-year-old male with previous history of VP shunt presented to the emergency
      room with pain and abdominal distension. Computed tomography (CT) scans revealed
      a mass in the pineal region and in the abdominal cavity. Histopathologic exams
      showed chordoma in both abdominal and cranial samples. The patient died due to
      systemic complications. CONCLUSION: The authors hypothesized that notochord
      remnants may subsist within the brain and occasionally may generate a neoplastic
      lesion.

PMID- 22059142
TI  - Rare case of intracranial Salmonella enteritidis abscess following glioblastoma
      resection: Case report and review of the literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Worldwide, Salmonella enteritidis (SE) is becoming a common cause of
      gastrointestinal infections by contaminated food products, mainly eggs. Extra
      intestinal manifestations such as brain abscess are more commonly associated with
      Salmonella typhimurium and are rare in adults. We report the clinical features,
      treatment outcomes and risk factors predisposing our patient to Salmonella
      enteritidis brain abscess and discuss relevant literature. CASE DESCRIPTION: A 57
      year-old-man developed SE subdural empyema, abscess and possible ventriculitis
      following reoperation for progression of a right temporal glioblastoma. He
      initially presented with rapidly worsening headaches over a few days, with a
      wound discharge and associated meningeal signs. An emergent wound washout
      revealed pus in the epidural, subdural space and resection cavity. An external
      ventricular drain (EVD) was placed and cultures revealed gram negative rods.
      Timely intervention, EVD, and antibiotics resulted in complete resolution. Nine
      cases of Salmonella abscess associated with primary brain tumor have been
      reported in literature, most frequently caused by SE in association with
      glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). We describe our management and outcome in addition
      to discussing neurosurgical literature on the reported cases. CONCLUSIONS: Re
      operative tumor surgery has a higher incidence of post-operative infections, with
      Gram positive cocci being the most common pathogens. Predisposing factors
      reported for intracranial salmonellosis include compromised immunity, diabetes,
      HIV, and recent travel. Chronic corticosteroid use, multiple regimens of
      chemotherapy, and regions of tumor necrosis likely potentiate this rare infection
      in GBM patients.

PMID- 22059143
TI  - Decompressive craniectomy bone flap hinged on the temporalis muscle: A new
      inexpensive use for an old neurosurgical technique.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The neurosurgical procedure of hinge decompressive craniectomy (hDC),
      or hinge craniotomy (HC), as described from units in the advanced countries makes
      use of metallic implants, usually titanium plates and screws, which may not be
      economically viable in resource-limited practice settings. METHODS: We describe
      our surgical techniques for performing this same procedure of hDC in a developing
      country using the patient's own temporalis muscle instead of any other
      potentially costly implants. RESULTS: The technique as described appears to be
      successful in achieving intracranial decompression in cases of traumatic brain
      swelling in which it has been used. Clinical and radiological illustrations of
      the feasibility, and practical utility, of the procedures in four clinical
      scenarios of traumatic brain injury are presented. Like all other techniques of
      HC, this new surgical technique of hDC temporalis saves the survivors the added
      imperative of future cranioplasty of the usual postcraniectomy skull defect.
      Unlike the others, the procedure eliminates the added cost of the metallic
      implants needed to perform the former techniques. CONCLUSIONS: The procedure of
      hDC temporalis appears to be a viable option for performing the surgical
      procedure of HC and has added cost-cutting economic benefits for resource-limited
      practice settings.

PMID- 22059141
TI  - Stuck at the bench: Potential natural neuroprotective compounds for concussion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: While numerous laboratory studies have searched for neuroprotective
      treatment approaches to traumatic brain injury, no therapies have successfully
      translated from the bench to the bedside. Concussion is a unique form of brain
      injury, in that the current mainstay of treatment focuses on both physical and
      cognitive rest. Treatments for concussion are lacking. The concept of neuro
      prophylactic compounds or supplements is also an intriguing one, especially as we
      are learning more about the relationship of numerous sub-concussive blows and/or
      repetitive concussive impacts and the development of chronic neurodegenerative
      disease. The use of dietary supplements and herbal remedies has become more
      common place. METHODS: A literature search was conducted with the objective of
      identifying and reviewing the pre-clinical and clinical studies investigating the
      neuroprotective properties of a few of the more widely known compounds and
      supplements. RESULTS: There are an abundance of pre-clinical studies
      demonstrating the neuroprotective properties of a variety of these compounds and
      we review some of those here. While there are an increasing number of well
      designed studies investigating the therapeutic potential of these nutraceutical
      preparations, the clinical evidence is still fairly thin. CONCLUSION: There are
      encouraging results from laboratory studies demonstrating the multi-mechanistic
      neuroprotective properties of many naturally occurring compounds. Similarly,
      there are some intriguing clinical observational studies that potentially suggest
      both acute and chronic neuroprotective effects. Thus, there is a need for future
      trials exploring the potential therapeutic benefits of these compounds in the
      treatment of traumatic brain injury, particularly concussion.

PMID- 22059144
TI  - Choroid plexus papilloma originating from the cerebrum parenchyma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Choroid plexus papilloma (CPP) can develop at a primary
      intraparenchymal location completely unrelated to the ventricular system. Here,
      we present a case of CPP that was difficult to diagnose preoperatively. CASE
      DESCRIPTION: Preoperative imaging and operative findings showed that the tumor
      originated entirely within the cerebrum parenchyma, with no connections between
      the tumor and the ventricular system. Histopathological examination of the tumor
      revealed a papillary structure with a single layer of well-differentiated
      columnar epithelium in the lesion. Furthermore, part of this lesion had
      infiltrated the cerebral parenchyma. Therefore, the tumor was diagnosed as CPP,
      and the diagnosis was confirmed by immunohistological examination. CONCLUSIONS:
      CPP originating as intraparenchymal growths are extremely rare. Origins of
      extraventricular CCP are discussed in the context of the literature.

PMID- 22059145
TI  - Autofocus methods of whole slide imaging systems and the introduction of a second
      generation independent dual sensor scanning method.
AB  - Accurate focusing is a critical challenge of whole slide imaging, primarily due
      to inherent tissue topography variability. Traditional line scanning and tile
      based scanning systems are limited in their ability to acquire a high degree of
      focus points while still maintaining high throughput. This review examines
      limitations with first-generation whole slide scanning systems and explores a
      novel approach that employs continuous autofocus, referred to as independent dual
      sensor scanning. This "second-generation" concept decouples image acquisition
      from focusing, allowing for rapid scanning while maintaining continuous accurate
      focus. The technical concepts, merits, and limitations of this method are
      explained and compared to that of a traditional whole slide scanning system.

PMID- 22059146
TI  - High-definition hematoxylin and eosin staining in a transition to digital
      pathology.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: A lot of attention has been generated in recent years by digital
      pathology and telepathology. Multiple reasons for and barriers to effective
      adoption are discussed in the current literature. Digital slides are the most
      promising medium at this time. The goal of our study was to evaluate whether the
      change in the methodology, particularly utilizing the so-called high-definition
      hematoxylin and eosin (H and E) slides, enhanced the quality of the final digital
      slide, and whether pathologists who tested the results perceived this as a
      difference in quality. METHODS: THE STUDY WAS A BLINDED COMPARISON OF DIGITAL
      SLIDES PREPARED USING TWO METHODS: standard H&E batch staining and automated
      individual "high definition" HD HE staining. Four pathologists have compared 80
      cases stained with each method. RESULTS: The results discussed in this study show
      potential promise that the utilization of protocol(s) adapted for tissue and for
      imaging might be preferable for digital pathology in at least some of the
      pathology subspecialties. In particular, the protocol evaluated here was capable
      of turning out digital slides that had more contrast and detail, and therefore
      were perceived to provide enhanced diagnostically significant information for the
      pathologist.

PMID- 22059147
TI  - Evaluation and optimization for liquid-based preparation cytology in whole slide
      imaging.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cytology poses different obstacles in whole slide imaging compared to
      surgical pathology slides. A single focal plane suffices for most of the latter,
      but cytology slides are thicker, potentially requiring multiple focal planes for
      adequate diagnostic information. Multiple focal planes adversely impact scanning
      time per slide, evaluation times, and file sizes. In this pilot study, we
      evaluated and compared the multilayer stack method to the extended focus
      algorithm as an alternative which collapses multiple focal planes into a single
      image, retaining only focused areas from each plane. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 10
      SurePath((r)) cervical cytology slides were scanned at three thickness settings:
      18, 24, and 30 MUm. Three scanners were used: (1) Hamamatsu Nanozoomer 2.0-HT,
      (2) 3DHISTECH Mirax scan, and (3) Bioimagene iScan Coreo Au. The Nanozoomer and
      iScan utilized multilayer stacking, while the Mirax files were composited by
      extended focus. Scan times and file sizes were recorded, and image quality
      compared. RESULTS: The Nanozoomer stacks averaged 1.58 gb and around 25 min for
      each slide, while the iScan stacks ranged from 6.23 to 9.3 gb and took 34-50 min
      to scan. The Mirax images averaged 210 mb and took 13-20 min to scan. Multilayer
      stack image quality from both Nanozoomer and iScan was fairly comparable. The
      iScan revealed significant mechanical issues that did not correspond to user
      settings. The Mirax images showed worrisome loss of crisp focus detail, worsening
      with increasing focal planes and impacting assessment of nuclear contours and
      chromatin detail. CONCLUSIONS: The optimal number of focal planes remains unknown
      for cytology. Multilayer stacks require excessive scanning time, network
      bandwidth, and file storage. Extended focus was evaluated as an alternative, but
      significant image quality issues were revealed. Further large-scale studies are
      needed to assess their clinical impact.

PMID- 22059148
TI  - Imaging findings in Chiari I malformation with syringomyelia in a case of charcot
      shoulder.
AB  - Neuropathic arthropathy of the shoulder is reported in only 5% of cases. Here, we
      report a rare case of neuropathic arthropathy of the shoulder, secondary to
      Chiari malformation Type I with associated syringomyelia, that remained
      undetected for four years. A 38-year-old female presented to our Department with
      a swelling over the right shoulder that had persisted for four years. X-ray of
      the joint showed destruction of the head of the right humerus, with typical blunt
      amputated appearance of the bone and increased joint space. Magnetic resonance
      imaging showed destruction and lateral dislocation of the head of the humerus.
      Large amount of fluid collection was seen in and around the right shoulder joint.
      Neuropathic osteoarthropathy can be defined as bone and joint changes that occurs
      secondary to loss of sensation. In our case, neuropathic shoulder joint was
      secondary to syringomyelia associated with Chiari I malformation.

PMID- 22059149
TI  - Congenital agenesis of the left lung: a rare case.
AB  - Pulmonary agenesis is a rare congenital anomaly, the etiology of which is not
      clearly known. Other systemic comorbidities such as cardiovascular,
      gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, and urogenital system anomalies can be
      observed in more than half of the patients. It is usually diagnosed during
      childhood. Diagnosis in adulthood is very rare. We present a case of pulmonary
      agenesis diagnosed in an adult.

PMID- 22059150
TI  - Breast MR Imaging: What the Radiologist Needs to Know.
AB  - Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the breast is being performed more frequently
      to improve primary and recurrent tumor detection, characterization, and response
      to therapy. Sensitivity of this test approaches 90% and the specificity ranges
      from 37% to 100%. We present a concise tutorial for the general radiologist with
      a pictorial review of common lesions identified with breast MRI.

PMID- 22059151
TI  - Imaging acute appendicitis: state of the art.
AB  - The goal of this review is to present the state of the art in imaging tests for
      the diagnosis of acute appendicitis. Relevant publications regarding performance
      and advantages/disadvantages of imaging modalities for the diagnosis of
      appendicitis in different clinical situations were reviewed. Articles were
      extracted from a computerized database (MEDLINE) with the following activated
      limits: Humans, English, core clinical journals, and published in the last five
      years. Reference lists of relevant studies were checked manually to identify
      additional, related articles. Ultrasound (US) examination should be the first
      imaging test performed, particularly among the pediatric and young adult
      populations, who represent the main targets for appendicitis, as well as in
      pregnant patients. A positive US examination for appendicitis or an alternative
      diagnosis of possible gastrointestinal or urological origin, or a negative US,
      either showing a normal appendix or presenting low clinical suspicion of
      appendicitis, should lead to a final diagnosis. A negative or indeterminate
      examination with a strong clinical suspicion of appendicitis should be followed
      by a computed tomography (CT) scan or alternatively, a magnetic resonanace
      imaging (MRI) scan in a pregnant patient. A second US examination in a patient
      with persistent symptoms, especially if the first one was performed by a less
      experienced imaging professional, is a valid alternative to a CT.

PMID- 22059152
TI  - An LXR agonist promotes glioblastoma cell death through inhibition of an
      EGFR/AKT/SREBP-1/LDLR-dependent pathway.
AB  - Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant primary brain tumor of adults and
      one of the most lethal of all cancers. Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)
      mutations (EGFRvIII) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) hyperactivation are
      common in GBM, promoting tumor growth and survival, including through sterol
      regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SREBP-1)-dependent lipogenesis. The role of
      cholesterol metabolism in GBM pathogenesis, its association with EGFR/PI3K
      signaling, and its potential therapeutic targetability are unknown. In our
      investigation, studies of GBM cell lines, xenograft models, and GBM clinical
      samples, including those from patients treated with the EGFR tyrosine kinase
      inhibitor lapatinib, uncovered an EGFRvIII-activated, PI3K/SREBP-1-dependent
      tumor survival pathway through the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR).
      Targeting LDLR with the liver X receptor (LXR) agonist GW3965 caused inducible
      degrader of LDLR (IDOL)-mediated LDLR degradation and increased expression of the
      ABCA1 cholesterol efflux transporter, potently promoting tumor cell death in an
      in vivo GBM model. These results show that EGFRvIII can promote tumor survival
      through PI3K/SREBP-1-dependent upregulation of LDLR and suggest a role for LXR
      agonists in the treatment of GBM patients.

PMID- 22059153
TI  - Extracellular/circulating microRNAs and their potential role in cardiovascular
      disease.
AB  - microRNAs (miRs, miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate hundreds of gene
      expression. Numerous studies have demonstrated that miRNAs are not only found
      intracellularly, but also detectable outside cells, including various body fluids
      (i.e. serum, plasma, saliva, urine, breast milk, and tears). Interestingly, ~90%
      of extracellular miRNAs are packaged with proteins (i.e. Ago2, HDL, and other RNA
      binding proteins) and ~10% are wrapped in small membranous particles (i.e.
      exosomes, microvesicles, and apoptotic bodies). It is believed that these
      extracellular miRNAs mediate cell-to-cell communication. Recent studies further
      indicated that the level and composition of these extracellular/circulating
      miRNAs correlated well with disease or injurious conditions. Uncovering the
      potential role of extracellular miRNAs in the heart is just emerging. This review
      will highlight recent exciting findings in the regulation of miRNA biogenesis and
      secretion, their functional roles in paracrine signaling, and the potential as
      non-invasive biomarkers for cardiovascular disease.

PMID- 22059154
TI  - Primary pancreatic lymphoma: a rare cause of massive upper gastrointestinal
      hemorrhage.

PMID- 22059156
TI  - Canadian patients with chronic hepatitis B cannot access appropriate drug
      treatments: a call for change.

PMID- 22059157
TI  - Helicobacter pylori treatment in the hospital setting: a potential model for
      developing quality improvement initiatives to prevent missed test results.

PMID- 22059158
TI  - How well is Helicobacter pylori treated in usual practice?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori is a WHO class I carcinogen also associated with
      nonmalignant gastrointestinal diseases. Effective treatment exists, and all
      persons infected with H pylori should receive treatment. However, data regarding
      the rates of treatment prescription in clinical practice are lacking. OBJECTIVE:
      To determine the rates of H pylori treatment in usual practice. METHODS: Patients
      with histological evidence of H pylori infection between January 1, 2007, and
      December 31, 2007, at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre (Toronto, Ontario) were
      identified. Charts were reviewed to determine the rates of H pylori treatment and
      confirmation of eradication, when indicated. Questionnaires were subsequently
      sent to endoscopists of patients identified as not having received treatment to
      determine the reasons for lack of treatment. RESULTS: A total of 102 patients
      were H pylori positive and were appropriate candidates for treatment, of whom 58
      (57%) were male and 78 (76%) were outpatients, with 92 (90%) receiving
      eradication therapy. When indicated, 15 of 22 (68%) patients received
      confirmation of eradication, 13 of 18 (72%) patients underwent repeat endoscopy
      and 86% received complete therapy. Outpatients were more likely to receive
      eradication therapy (OR 10.3 [95% CI 2.6 to 40.4]; P=0.001) and complete therapy
      (OR 13.2 [95% CI 3.8 to 45.7]; P=0.0001) compared with inpatients. Having a
      follow-up appointment resulted in higher treatment rates (OR 12.0 [95% CI 3.0 to
      47.5]; P=0.001). CONCLUSION: During the time period studied, adequate rates of H
      pylori treatment were achieved in outpatients and patients who had formal follow
      up at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre. However, some aspects of care remain
      suboptimal including treatment of inpatients and care following treatment.
      Additional studies are required to identify strategies to improve the care of
      patients infected with H pylori.

PMID- 22059159
TI  - Development and implementation of a comprehensive quality assurance program at a
      community endoscopy facility.
AB  - Quality assurance (QA) is a process that includes the systematic evaluation of a
      service, institution of improvements and ongoing evaluation to ensure that
      effective changes were made. QA is a fundamental component of any organized
      colorectal cancer screening program. However, it should play an equally important
      role in opportunistic screening. Establishing the processes and procedures for a
      comprehensive QA program can be a daunting proposition for an endoscopy unit. The
      present article describes the steps taken to establish a QA program at the
      Forzani & MacPhail Colon Cancer Screening Centre (Calgary, Alberta) - a
      colorectal cancer screening centre and nonhospital endoscopy unit that is
      dedicated to providing colorectal cancer screening-related colonoscopies. Lessons
      drawn from the authors' experience may help others develop their own initiatives.
      The Global Rating Scale, a quality assessment and improvement tool developed for
      the gastrointestinal endoscopy services of the United Kingdom's National Health
      Service, was used as the framework to develop the QA program. QA activities
      include monitoring the patient experience through surveys, creating endoscopist
      report cards on colonoscopy performance, tracking and evaluating adverse events
      and monitoring wait times.

PMID- 22059160
TI  - Retrospective analysis of radiation exposure during endoscopic retrograde
      cholagiopancreatography: critical determinants.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fluoroscopy during endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
      (ERCP) has a logarithmic relationship with radiation exposure, and carries a
      known risk of radiation exposure to patients and staff. Factors associated with
      prolonged fluoroscopy duration have not been well delineated. OBJECTIVES: To
      determine the specific patient, physician and procedural factors that affect
      fluoroscopy duration. METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 1071 ERCPs performed
      at two tertiary care referral hospitals over an 18-month period was conducted.
      Patient, physician and procedural variables were recorded at the time of the
      procedure. RESULTS: The mean duration of 969 fluoroscopy procedures was 4.66 min
      (95% CI 4.38 to 4.93). Multivariable analysis showed that the specific patient
      factors associated with prolonged fluoroscopy duration included age and diagnosis
      (both P<0.0001). The endoscopist was found to play an important role in the
      duration of fluoroscopy (ie, all endoscopists studied had a mean fluoroscopy
      duration significantly different from the reference endoscopist). In addition,
      the following procedural variables were found to be significant: number of
      procedures, basket use, biopsies, papillotomy (all P<0.0001) and use of a tritome
      (P=0.004). Mean fluoroscopy duration (in minutes) with 95% CIs for different
      diagnoses were as follows: common bile duct stones (n=443) 5.12 (3.05 to 4.07);
      benign biliary strictures (n=135) 3.94 (3.26 to 4.63); malignant biliary
      strictures (n=124) 5.82 (4.80 to 6.85); chronic pancreatitis (n=49) 4.53 (3.44 to
      5.63); bile leak (n=26) 3.67 (2.23 to 5.09); and ampullary mass (n=11) 3.88 (1.28
      to 6.48). When no pathology was found (n=195), the mean fluoroscopy time was 3.56
      min (95% CI 3.05 to 4.07). Comparison using t tests determined that the only two
      diagnoses for which fluoroscopy duration was significantly different from the
      reference diagnosis of 'no pathology found' were common bile duct stones
      (P<0.0001) and malignant strictures (P<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Factors that
      significantly affected fluoroscopy duration included age, diagnosis, endoscopist,
      and the number and nature of procedures performed. Elderly patients with biliary
      stones or a malignant stricture were likely to require the longest duration of
      fluoroscopy. These identified variables may help endoscopists predict which
      procedures are associated with prolonged fluoroscopy duration so that appropriate
      precautions can be undertaken.

PMID- 22059161
TI  - Strategic plan of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research Institute of
      Nutrition, Metabolism, and Diabetes.
AB  - The present document provides the new and updated strategic plan for the
      Institute of Nutrition, Metabolism, and Diabetes (INMD) of the Canadian
      Institutes of Health Research. This plan provides an overarching map for the
      strategic activities of the INMD during the five years from 2010 to 2014. These
      strategic priorities will guide the way that the INMD uses its resources over
      this period of time, and will provide opportunities to build new partnerships and
      strategic alliances that enhance and leverage the capacity to fund targeted
      research initiatives.

PMID- 22059162
TI  - Medical management of inflammatory bowel disease among Canadian
      gastroenterologists.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Little is known about physician perceptions of and practices in using
      infliximab - a biological agent that was approved in Canada for the treatment of
      Crohn's disease in 2001, and for ulcerative colitis in 2006. OBJECTIVES: To
      describe Canadian gastroenterologists' use and perceptions of infliximab in the
      treatment of refractory inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and to identify factors
      that may influence a gastroenterologist's decision to initiate infliximab
      therapy. METHODS: A postal questionnaire was distributed to all practicing
      clinicians captured in the 2007 membership of the Canadian Association of
      Gastroenterology. Each physician was contacted up to a maximum of three times.
      RESULTS: Of 466 questionnaires mailed out, responses were received from 336
      (72%), with 292 respondents (63%) returning fully completed surveys. For 80% of
      respondents, IBD patients comprised less than 30% of their clinical practice.
      Most prescribed infliximab at an initial dose of 5 mg/kg (97%), prescribed
      loading doses at 0, 2 and 6 weeks (88%), premedicated with corticosteroids (74%),
      administered maintenance infusions at eight-week intervals (89%), co-administered
      immunosuppressive agents (81%) and continued infliximab 'indefinitely' as long as
      it was effective and well tolerated (76%). Most gastroenterologists (>70%)
      identified lack of drug insurance coverage and provincial funding criteria as
      important barriers to prescribing infliximab. CONCLUSIONS: Most Canadian
      gastroenterologists exhibited similar practice patterns with respect to the use
      of infliximab for induction and maintenance therapy of IBD. Common barriers to
      the initiation of infliximab therapy were identified.

PMID- 22059164
TI  - Hepatitis A vaccination of patients with chronic liver disease admitted to
      hospital: a University of British Columbia medical resident quality assurance
      pilot project.

PMID- 22059165
TI  - Superior mesenteric artery syndrome.

PMID- 22059166
TI  - A bibliometric analysis of digestive health research in Canada: "fair is foul,
      and foul is fair".

PMID- 22059167
TI  - Clinical parameters predicting survival duration after hepatectomy for
      intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Currently, the most effective treatment for intrahepatic
      cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is complete hepatic tumour excision. OBJECTIVE: To
      identify the clinical parameters associated with survival duration for ICC
      patients following hepatectomy, and to construct a mathematical model for
      predicting survival duration. METHODS: Demographic data and clinical variables
      for 102 patients diagnosed with ICC, who underwent exploratory laparotomy at a
      single centre from July 1998 to December 2000 and were followed for an average of
      24 months, were collected in 2011. Patients were randomly assigned into training
      (n=76) and validation (n=26) groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were
      performed to identify factors associated with posthepatectomy survival duration.
      RESULTS: Univariate analysis revealed that more than three lymph node metastases,
      a serum carbohydrate antigen 19-9 level greater than 37 U/mL, stage IVa tumours,
      and intra- or perihepatic metastases were significantly associated with decreased
      survival duration. Curative resection was significantly associated with increased
      survival duration. A mathematical model incorporating parameters of age, sex,
      metastatic lymph node number, curative surgery, carbohydrate antigen 19-9
      concentration, alpha-fetoprotein concentration, hepatitis B, TNM stage and tumour
      differentiation was constructed for predicting survival duration. For a survival
      duration of less than one year, the model exhibited 93.8% sensitivity, 92.3%
      total accuracy and a positive predictive value of 93.8%; for a survival duration
      of one to three years, the corresponding values were 80.0%, 69.2% and 57.1%,
      respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The mathematical model presented in the current report
      should prove to be useful in the clinical setting for predicting the extent to
      which curative resection affects the survival of ICC patients, and for selecting
      optimal postoperative treatment strategies.

PMID- 22059168
TI  - A bibliometric analysis of digestive health research in Canada.
AB  - Measurement of the impact and influence of medical/scientific journals, and of
      individual researchers has become more widely practiced in recent decades. This
      is driven, in part, by the increased availability of data regarding citations of
      research articles, and by increased competition for research funding. Digestive
      disease research has been identified as a particularly strong discipline in
      Canada. The authors collected quantitative data on the impact and influence of
      Canadian digestive health research. The present study involved an analysis of the
      research impact (Hirsch factor) and research influence (Influence factor) of 106
      digestive health researchers in Canada. Rankings of the top 25 researchers on the
      basis of the two metrics were dominated by the larger research groups at the
      University of Toronto (Toronto, Ontario), McMaster University (Hamilton,
      Ontario), and the Universities of Calgary (Calgary, Alberta) and Alberta
      (Edmonton, Alberta), but with representation by other research groups at the
      Universities of Manitoba (Winnipeg, Manitoba), Western Ontario (London, Ontario)
      and McGill University (Montreal, Quebec). Female and male researchers had similar
      scores for the two metrics, as did basic scientists versus clinical
      investigators. Strategic recruitment, particularly of established investigators,
      can have a major impact on the ranking of research groups. Comparing these
      metrics over different time frames can provide insights into the vulnerabilities
      and strengths of research groups.

PMID- 22059169
TI  - 'Short' double-balloon enteroscope endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography
      in patients with a surgically altered upper gastrointestinal tract.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) remains a
      challenge for endoscopists in patients with surgically altered anatomy of the
      upper gastrointestinal tract. Double-balloon enteroscopes (DBEs) have
      revolutionized the ability to access the small bowel. The indication for its
      therapeutic use is expanding to include ERCP for patients who have undergone
      small bowel reconstruction. Most of the published experiences in DBE-assisted
      ERCP have used conventional double-balloon enteroscopes that are 200 cm in
      length, which do not permit use of the standard ERCP accessories. The authors
      report their experience with DBE-assisted ERCP using a 'short' DBE in patients
      with surgically altered anatomy. METHODS: A retrospective review of patients with
      previous small bowel reconstruction who underwent ERCP with a 'short' DBE at the
      Centre for Therapeutic Endoscopy and Endoscopic Oncology (Toronto, Ontario)
      between February 2007 and November 2008 was performed. RESULTS: A total of 20
      patients (10 men) with a mean age of 57.9 years (range 26 to 85 years) underwent
      29 sessions of ERCP with a DBE. Six patients underwent Billroth II
      gastroenterostomy, seven patients Roux-en-Y hepaticojejunostomy, five patients
      Roux-en-Y gastrojejunostomy, one patient Roux-en-Y esophagojejunostomy and one
      patient a Whipple's operation with choledochojejunostomy. Some patients (n=12
      [60%]) underwent previous attempts at ERCP in which the papilla of Vater or
      bilioenteric anastomosis could not be reached with either a duodenoscope or
      pediatric colonoscope. All procedures were performed with a commercially
      available DBE (working length 152 cm, distal end diameter 9.4 mm, channel
      diameter 2.8 mm). The procedures were performed under conscious sedation with
      intravenous midazolam, fentanyl and diazepam, except in one patient in whom
      general anesthesia was administered. Either the papilla of Vater or bilioenteric
      anastomosis was reached in 25 of 29 cases (86.2%) in a mean duration of 20.8 min
      (range 5 min to 82 min). Bile duct cannulation was successful in 24 of 25 cases
      in which the papilla or bilioenteric anastomosis was reached. Therapeutic
      interventions were successful in 15 patients (24 procedures) including
      sphincterotomy (n=7), stone extraction (n=9), biliary dilation (n=8), stent
      placement (n=9) and stent removal (n=8). The mean total duration of the
      procedures was 70.7 min (range 30 min to 117 min). There were no procedure
      related complications. CONCLUSION: DBEs enable successful diagnostic and
      therapeutic ERCP in patients with a surgically altered anatomy of the upper
      gastrointestinal tract. It is a safe, feasible and less invasive therapeutic
      option in this group of patients. Standard 'long' DBEs have limitations of long
      working length and the need for modified ERCP accessories. 'Short' DBEs are
      equally as effective in reaching the target limb as standard 'long' DBEs, and
      overcomes some limitations of long DBEs to result in high success rates for
      endoscopic therapy.

PMID- 22059170
TI  - Usefulness of endoscopic ultrasonography in hepatology.
AB  - Endoscopic ultrasonography (EUS) is used to evaluate patients with hepatobiliary
      diseases. The technique is useful for the diagnosis of esogastric varices in
      selected cases of portal hypertension, and to evaluate the pathogenic role and
      prognostic value of the collateral circulation in patients with this condition.
      When coupled with the Doppler technique, EUS can be used to guide injection
      sclerotherapy and to verify the obliteration of varices (particularly fundal
      varices) after endoscopic treatment. Hemodynamic changes induced in the
      collateral circulation by vasoactive drugs can also be measured with Doppler-EUS.
      Fine-needle aspiration under EUS guidance is useful in the diagnosis of focal
      liver lesions and perihepatic adenopathy, and in the evaluation of biliary tract
      diseases. New indications can be developed in the future after adequate
      experimental validation.

PMID- 22059171
TI  - Endoscopic treatment of obesity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The increasing incidence of obesity and overweight among children and
      adolescents will be reflected by the imminent increase in the number of obese
      patients who require more definitive methods of treatment. There is great
      interest in new, safe, simple, nonsurgical procedures for weight loss. OBJECTIVE:
      To provide an overview of new endoscopic methods for the treatment of obesity.
      METHODS: An English-language literature search on endoscopic interventions,
      endoscopically placed devices and patient safety was performed in the MEDLINE and
      Cochrane Library databases. RESULTS: The literature search yielded the following
      weight loss methods: space-occupying devices (widely used), gastric capacity
      reduction, modifying gastric motor function and malabsorptive procedures. A
      commercially available intragastric balloon was the most commonly used device for
      weight loss. In specific subgroups of patients, it improved quality of life,
      decreased comorbidities and served as a bridge to surgery. More evidence
      regarding the potential benefits and safety of other commercially available
      intragastric balloons is needed to clarify whether they are superior to the most
      commonly used one. Moreover, early experiences with transoral gastroplasty, the
      duodenal-jejunal bypass sleeve and an adjustable, totally implantable
      intragastric prosthesis, indicate that they may be viable options for obesity
      treatment. Other agents, such as botulinum toxin and a device known as the
      'butterfly', are currently at the experimental stage. CONCLUSION: New endoscopic
      methods for weight loss may be valuable in the treatment of obesity; however,
      more clinical experience and technical improvements are necessary before
      implementing their widespread use.

PMID- 22059177
TI  - Telehealth technology: an emerging method of delivering pulmonary rehabilitation
      to patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

PMID- 22059179
TI  - Using Telehealth technology to deliver pulmonary rehabilitation in chronic
      obstructive pulmonary disease patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) is an effective therapeutic strategy to
      improve health outcomes in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
      (COPD); however, there is insufficient PR capacity to service all COPD patients,
      thus necessitating creative solutions to increase the availability of PR.
      OBJECTIVE: To examine the efficacy of PR delivered via Telehealth (Telehealth-PR)
      compared with PR delivered in person through a standard outpatient hospital-based
      program (Standard-PR). METHODS: One hundred forty-seven COPD patients
      participated in an eight-week rural PR program delivered via Telehealth-PR. Data
      were compared with a parallel group of 262 COPD patients who attended Standard
      PR. Education sessions were administered two days per week via Telehealth, and
      patients exercised at their satellite centre under direct supervision. Standard
      PR patients viewed the same education sessions in person and exercised at the
      main PR site. The primary outcome measure was change in quality of life as
      evaluated by the St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). A noninferiority
      analysis was performed using both intention-to-treat and per-protocol approaches.
      RESULTS: Both Telehealth-PR and Standard-PR resulted in clinically and
      statistically significant improvements in SGRQ scores (4.5 +/- 0.8% versus 4.1 +/
      0.6%; P<0.05 versus baseline for both groups), and the improvement in SGRQ was
      not different between the two programs. Similarly, exercise capacity, as assessed
      by 12 min walk test, improved equally in both Telehealth-PR and Standard-PR
      programs (81+/-10 m versus 82 +/- 10 m; P<0.05 versus baseline for both groups).
      CONCLUSION: Telehealth-PR was an effective tool for increasing COPD PR services,
      and demonstrated improvements in quality of life and exercise capacity comparable
      with Standard-PR.

PMID- 22059178
TI  - Home mechanical ventilation: a Canadian Thoracic Society clinical practice
      guideline.
AB  - Increasing numbers of patients are surviving episodes of prolonged mechanical
      ventilation or benefitting from the recent availability of userfriendly
      noninvasive ventilators. Although many publications pertaining to specific
      aspects of home mechanical ventilation (HMV) exist, very few comprehensive
      guidelines that bring together all of the current literature on patients at risk
      for or using mechanical ventilatory support are available. The Canadian Thoracic
      Society HMV Guideline Committee has reviewed the available English literature on
      topics related to HMV in adults, and completed a detailed guideline that will
      help standardize and improve the assessment and management of individuals
      requiring noninvasive or invasive HMV. The guideline provides a disease-specific
      review of illnesses including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinal cord injury,
      muscular dystrophies, myotonic dystrophy, kyphoscoliosis, post-polio syndrome,
      central hypoventilation syndrome, obesity hypoventilation syndrome, and chronic
      obstructive pulmonary disease as well as important common themes such as airway
      clearance and the process of transition to home. The guidelines have been
      extensively reviewed by international experts, allied health professionals and
      target audiences. They will be updated on a regular basis to incorporate any new
      information.

PMID- 22059180
TI  - Persistent sputum cellularity and neutrophils may predict bronchiectasis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Quantitative cell counts in sputum provide an accurate assessment of
      the type and severity of bronchitis. OBJECTIVE: To examine whether sputum cell
      counts could identify bronchiectasis in patients with recurrent bronchitis.
      METHODS: A retrospective survey of a clinical database (January 2004 to January
      2005) of quantitative cell counts from sputum selected from expectorate in
      patients with obstructive airways diseases was used to identify predictors of
      bronchiectasis using ROC curves. This was prospectively evaluated (February 2005
      to April 2008) using high-resolution computed tomography scans of thorax that
      were independently scored by a radiologist who was blinded to the clinical
      details. RESULTS: The retrospective survey identified 41 patients with
      bronchiectasis among 490 patients with airway diseases. Total cell count of 60 *
      106/g or greater of the selected sputum with predominant neutrophils on two
      occasions had a sensitivity of 86.7%, a specificity of 87.5%, and positive and
      negative predictive values of 93% and 78%, respectively, to identify
      bronchiectasis. In the prospective study, 10 of 14 (71%) patients who met these
      criteria were identified to have bronchiectasis. Both total cell count and the
      percentage of neutrophils correlated with radiographic bronchiectasis severity.
      CONCLUSIONS: Persistent or recurrent intense sputum cellularity with neutrophilia
      is suggestive of bronchiectasis.

PMID- 22059181
TI  - Therapeutic drug monitoring in the treatment of active tuberculosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is used to optimize dosing that
      maximizes therapeutic benefit while minimizing toxicity. In the treatment of
      active tuberculosis (TB), TDM is not routine, yet low levels of anti-TB drugs can
      be associated with poorer treatment outcomes. METHODS: In a retrospective case
      control study, patients with active TB in whom TDM was performed were considered
      cases and compared with controls who did not undergo TDM, and matched according
      to year of diagnosis and the results of direct smear microscopy. Medical records
      were reviewed to abstract demographic, clinical, radiographic and microbiological
      data including time until smear and culture conversion. RESULTS: In total, 20
      patients were identified in whom TDM was performed, of whom 17 (87%) had at least
      one low drug concentration. Overall, 27 of 45 (60%) initial drug concentrations
      were low and resulted in an increased drug dosage. Low drug levels were found in
      13 of 15 (87%) isoniazid, four of five (80%) rifabutin and eight of 12 (67%)
      rifampin measurements, but in only two of 13 (15%) pyrazinamide measurements.
      Within cases only, the 17 patients with low serum drug levels were significantly
      more likely to have comorbid illnesses, be smear positive, have lower serum
      albumin levels and had nonsignificantly longer time to culture conversion,
      compared with the three cases in whom all drug levels were within therapeutic
      ranges. CONCLUSIONS: TB drug levels were frequently below clinically acceptable
      levels in patients with active TB, particularly in those with HIV infection or
      other comorbidities. TDM is potentially useful for the treatment of active TB,
      but is currently underused.

PMID- 22059182
TI  - Assessing response to therapy in idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension: a
      consensus survey of Canadian pulmonary hypertension physicians.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many treatment options are now available for patients with idiopathic
      pulmonary arterial hypertension (IPAH). Data regarding the optimal combination of
      therapies are lacking, as is consensus on how to assess response to therapy and
      when to change therapeutic regimens. OBJECTIVES: To gather the opinions of
      Canadian pulmonary hypertension (PH) experts regarding standard practice in the
      care of IPAH patients after therapy is initiated. METHODS: Canadian PH physicians
      were surveyed using short questionnaires to assess their opinions and practices
      in the care of IPAH patients. A Delphi forecasting approach was used to gain
      consensus among Canadian physicians on the most important clinical parameters to
      consider when assessing patients after the initiation of therapy. RESULTS: Twenty
      six of 37 Canadian PH experts who were invited to participate completed the
      study. All endorsed the use of combination therapy for IPAH patients despite the
      lack of universal provincial coverage for this approach. By consensus, WHO
      functional class, 6 min walk distance and hospitalization for right heart failure
      were the most important clinical parameters. The most highly rated physical
      examination parameters were jugular venous pressure, peripheral edema, the
      presence of ascites and body weight. CONCLUSIONS: The overall approach to care of
      IPAH patients is similar across PH centres in Canada. A limited number of
      clinical and physical examination parameters were considered to be most important
      to reassess patients after therapy is initiated. These parameters, along with
      definition of threshold values, will facilitate the development of standard
      practice guidelines for IPAH patients in Canada.

PMID- 22059183
TI  - Management of pulmonary embolism with rheolytic thrombectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Catheter thrombectomy combining thrombus destruction with local
      thrombolysis has been used in patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) who are
      unstable or have significant right heart dysfunction, but have contraindications
      to systemic thrombolytic therapy. OBJECTIVES: To assess the outcomes of patients
      who underwent pulmonary embolectomy using a commercially available thrombectomy
      device. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of patients who underwent pulmonary
      embolectomy between March 2007 and August 2009 was performed. Patients were
      classified as having clinical massive or submassive PE, and moderate or severe
      right ventricular dysfunction. Data collected included pre- and postprocedure
      shock index (heart rate divided by systolic blood pressure) and mean pulmonary
      artery pressure. RESULTS: Sixteen patients with a mean (+/- SD) age of 54.4 +/-
      15.8 years underwent embolectomy. Five had clinical massive PE (two in
      cardiogenic shock) and three of 11 submassive cases had severe right ventricular
      dysfunction. All were deemed to have contraindications to systemic lysis. Both
      shock index (1.02 +/- 33 preintervention versus 0.71 +/- 0.2 postintervention
      [P=0.001]) and mean pulmonary artery pressure (34.5 +/- 9.9 mmHg preintervention
      versus 27.1 +/- 7.1 postintervention [P=0.01]) improved. In the massive PE group,
      one patient died and two survivors experienced retroperitoneal bleeding and
      transient renal failure. At follow-up (17.3 +/- 7.8 months), two patients in the
      massive PE group demonstrated evidence of mild cor pulmonale. CONCLUSION:
      Rheolytic thrombectomy is an effective strategy in managing massive PE,
      particularly in patients who have well-defined contraindications to systemic
      lytic therapy. The effectiveness of rheolytic thrombectomy for submassive PE is
      not as well defined, but warrants a comparison with systemic lytic therapy.

PMID- 22059184
TI  - Acute respiratory distress following intravenous injection of an oil-steroid
      solution.
AB  - A case of acute respiratory distress and hypoxemia following accidental
      intravenous injection of an oil-steroid solution in a body builder is presented.
      Chest roentography at the time of presentation showed diffuse bilateral
      opacities, and computed tomography revealed predominantly peripheral ground-glass
      opacifications. The patient's symptoms gradually improved over 48 h and imaging
      of the chest was unremarkable one week later. The pathophysiology, diagnosis and
      treatment of this rare but potentially lifethreatening complication of
      intravenous oil injection are discussed.

PMID- 22059185
TI  - Coinfection with Cryptococcus gattii and Mycobacterium tuberculosis in an
      otherwise healthy 18-year-old woman.
AB  - A case of Cryptococcus gattii (pulmonary and central nervous system) and
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis (pulmonary) coinfection in an otherwise healthy young
      woman is reported. The patient presented with a two-month history of dry cough.
      She had an unremarkable medical history. Both tuberculosis and cryptococcosis
      were diagnosed following bronchoscopy, and a subsequent lumbar puncture revealed
      C gattii in the cerebrospinal fluid. There is evidence that both M tuberculosis
      and C gattii may have suppressive effects on the host immune system. This
      suggests a mechanism by which an otherwise healthy individual developed these two
      infections.

PMID- 22059186
TI  - Burkholderia gladioli - a predictor of poor outcome in cystic fibrosis patients
      who receive lung transplants? A case of locally invasive rhinosinusitis and
      persistent bacteremia in a 36-year-old lung transplant recipient with cystic
      fibrosis.
AB  - There have been very few reports describing postlung transplant outcomes in
      patients' infected/colonized with Burkholderia gladioli pretransplant. A case
      involving a lung transplant recipient with cystic fibrosis who ultimately died as
      a result of severe rhinosinusitis due to B gladioli infection in the context of
      postlung transplant immunosuppression is reported.

PMID- 22059187
TI  - Transient elevation of the ipsilateral hemidiaphragm associated with pneumonia.
AB  - Seventeen children with lobar or segmental pneumonia and ispilateral elevation of
      the diaphragm are described. These children did not differ significantly with
      respect to clinical and laboratory findings from their counterparts with
      pneumonia but without elevation of the hemidiaphragm. The elevation was transient
      and resolved by the time the repeat chest x-ray was taken six to eight weeks
      later.

PMID- 22059188
TI  - Yellow nail syndrome: dystrophic nails, peripheral lymphedema and chronic cough.
AB  - A case involving a 41-year-old man with yellow nail syndrome (YNS) is reported.
      YNS is a rare disorder characterized by yellow, dystrophic nails, peripheral
      lymphedema and bronchiectasis with recurrent lower respiratory tract infections.
      YNS is often misdiagnosed because the syndrome is not well known. An
      interdisciplinary approach is required to recognize and collate the components of
      the syndrome accurately. Correct diagnosis is of utmost clinical importance
      because YNS can occur secondary to malignancies and autoimmune disorders. Hence,
      the diagnosis of YNS must prompt further investigation.

PMID- 22059189
TI  - A milestone achieved.

PMID- 22059191
TI  - Examining nurse empathy for infant procedural pain: Testing a new video measure.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Research reporting effective pain care strategies exists, yet it is
      not translated to care. Little is known about how repeated pain exposure has
      affected nurses' ability to be empathetic and use their knowledge to provide
      evidence-based care. Concerns have been raised regarding the validity of self
      report empathy instruments; therefore, a novel video program was developed for
      testing. It was hypothesized that those who viewed infants in painful and
      nonpainful states would have a measureable empathy (pain rating) response
      correlating to the level of pain expressed by the infants. OBJECTIVE: To validate
      the newly developed Empathy for Infant Pain video program (EIPvp) by determining
      whether nurse and non-nurse control groups' pain scores of 24 video clips showing
      infants undergoing real medical procedures were equal. DESIGN: A descriptive
      cross-sectional video judgement study. METHODS: Fifty female participants (25
      nurses and 25 allied health controls) were asked to score the infant procedural
      pain level displayed in the EIPvp using a visual analogue scale and a composite
      score of known infant pain cues. Participants also scored their own sensitivity
      to painful events. RESULTS: Participants rated the videos contained in the EIPvp
      similarly in three categories (no, low or high pain); however, there were
      consistent differences between groups within the categories. Nurses scored facial
      cues for all categories higher than the control group. Nurses scored their own
      pain in hypothetical situations and that of the infants consistently higher than
      the control group. CONCLUSION: The EIPvp yielded predictable responses from both
      the nurse and non-nurse control groups when scoring the pain expressed in the
      video clips. Nurses' detection of pain more often than controls may have been an
      indication that they have greater knowledge of pain cues, or their empathy levels
      may have been different as a result of their exposure to, or their perceived
      relationship with, patients. The EIPvp was validated and has promising potential
      for training and research purposes.

PMID- 22059192
TI  - The influence of culture on maternal soothing behaviours and infant pain
      expression in the immunization context.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate how maternal culture (ie, individualist versus
      collectivist) influences soothing techniques and infant distress. METHODS:
      Archival data were analyzed using a subsample of 80 motherinfant dyads selected
      from a larger database of infant pain expression. RESULTS: Mothers belonging to
      the individualist group used more affection behaviours when attempting to
      regulate their infants' distress. No differences were observed in mothers'
      touching, holding, rocking, vocalizing, caregiving or distracting their infants.
      Mothers' culture did not appear to be related to the level of distress expressed
      by their infants. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the similarities in
      soothing and infant pain expression between individualist and collectivist
      cultures are more prominent than their differences.

PMID- 22059193
TI  - Improving the usefulness of the Multidimensional Pain Inventory.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Multidimensional Pain Inventory (MPI) is a reliable and valid
      self-report instrument that measures the impact of pain on an individual's life,
      quality of social support and general activity. Criticism of the MPI has focused
      on this instrument's internal structure and the stability of its classification
      taxonomy. OBJECTIVES: To determine whether empirical summary scales could be
      developed for the MPI based on a large sample of respondents diagnosed with
      fibromyalgia syndrome. It was hypothesized that summary scales would improve the
      psychometric quality of the MPI and increase the stability of respondents'
      taxonomy profiles across time. METHODS: Respondents completed the MPI on two
      occasions before their admission to a multidisciplinary pain management program.
      RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Based on principal components analysis, three summary
      scales were developed that reflected level of impairment, social support and
      activity. Summary scales possessed good psychometric qualities and, when cluster
      analyzed, replicated the MPI taxonomy. Exploratory analyses of the MPI taxonomy
      revealed that goodness-of-fit values generally became less reliable as respondent
      profiles approached the overall sample mean. When the relative distance between
      respondents fit to taxonomy profiles and the distance from the sample mean was
      considered, profile stability using summary scales was predicted with good
      precision. These results suggest that summary scales may enhance the usefulness
      of the MPI, and that the traditional method of determining profile fit within the
      MPI is not stable and needs to be reconsidered.

PMID- 22059194
TI  - Post hoc analyses of data from a 90-day clinical trial evaluating the
      tolerability and efficacy of tapentadol immediate release and oxycodone immediate
      release for the relief of moderate to severe pain in elderly and nonelderly
      patients.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the tolerability and efficacy of tapentadol immediate
      release (IR) and oxycodone IR for relief of moderate to severe pain in elderly
      and nonelderly patients. METHODS: Post hoc data analyses were conducted on a 90
      day randomized, phase 3, double-blind, flexible-dose study (ClinicalTrials.gov:
      NCT00364546) of adults with moderate to severe lower back pain or osteoarthritis
      pain who received tapentadol IR 50 mg or 100 mg, or oxycodone HCl IR 10 mg or 15
      mg every 4 h to 6 h as needed for pain relief. Treatment-emergent adverse events
      and study discontinuations were recorded. RESULTS: Data from 849 patients
      randomly assigned (4:1 ratio) to treatment with a study drug (tapentadol IR
      [n=679] or oxycodone IR [n=170]) were analyzed according to age (younger than 65
      years of age [nonelderly], or 65 years of age or older [elderly]) and treatment
      group. Among elderly patients, incidences of constipation (19.0% versus 35.6%)
      and nausea or vomiting (30.4% versus 51.1%) were significantly lower with
      tapentadol IR versus oxycodone IR (all P<0.05). Initial onsets of nausea and
      constipation occurred significantly later with tapentadol IR versus oxycodone IR
      (both P<=0.031). Tapentadol IR-treated elderly patients had a lower percentage of
      days with constipation than oxycodone IR-treated patients (P=0.020). For
      tapentadol IR- and oxycodone IR-treated elderly patients, respectively,
      incidences of study discontinuation due to gastrointestinal treatment-emergent
      adverse events were 15.8% and 24.4% (P=0.190). Tapentadol IR and oxycodone IR
      provided similar pain relief, with no overall age-dependent efficacy differences
      (mean pain scores [11-point numerical rating scale] decreased from 7.0 and 7.2 at
      baseline, to 4.9 and 5.2 at end point, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Tapentadol IR
      was safe and effective for the relief of lower back pain and osteoarthritis pain
      in elderly patients, and was associated with a better gastrointestinal
      tolerability profile than oxycodone IR.

PMID- 22059195
TI  - Representations of OxyContin in North American newspapers and medical journals.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are public concerns regarding OxyContin (Purdue Pharma, Canada)
      and charges within the pain medicine community that media coverage of the drug
      has been biased. OBJECTIVE: To analyze and compare representations of OxyContin
      in medical journals and North American newspapers in an attempt to shed light on
      how each contributes to the 'social problem' associated with OxyContin. METHODS:
      Using searches of newspaper and medical literature databases, two samples were
      drawn: 924 stories published between 1995 and 2005 in 27 North American
      newspapers, and 197 articles published between 1995 and 2007 in 33 medical
      journals in the fields of addiction/substance abuse, pain/anesthesiology and
      general/internal medicine. The foci, themes, perspectives represented and
      evaluations of OxyContin presented in these texts were analyzed statistically.
      RESULTS: Newspaper coverage of OxyContin emphasized negative evaluations of the
      drug, focusing on abuse, addiction, crime and death rather than the use of
      OxyContin for the legitimate treatment of pain. Newspaper stories most often
      conveyed the perspectives of law enforcement and courts, and much less often
      represented the perspectives of physicians. However, analysis of physician
      perspectives represented in newspaper stories and in medical journals revealed a
      high degree of inconsistency, especially across the fields of pain medicine and
      addiction medicine. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of negative representations of
      OxyContin is often blamed on biased media coverage and an ignorant public.
      However, the proliferation of inconsistent messages regarding the drug from
      physicians plays a role in the drug's persistent status as a social problem.

PMID- 22059196
TI  - Treatment of neuropathic pain with 5% lidocaine-medicated plaster: Five years of
      clinical experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Neuropathic pain is often severe and adversely affects patients'
      quality of life. OBJECTIVE: To perform a retrospective, observational study
      investigating the efficacy and safety of treating refractory chronic neuropathic
      pain with 5% lidocaine-medicated plaster, in patients attending pain centres.
      METHODS: Medical records from 467 patients treated with 5% lidocaine-medicated
      plaster were evaluated for efficacy (maximum and minimum pain intensities and
      coanalgesic consumption) and adverse events. Data from an initial assessment and
      at least one follow-up visit had to be available, and separate analyses were
      conducted for the general population and the subpopulation older than 70 years of
      age. RESULTS: Of the patients enrolled, 25.0% were older than 70 years of age.
      While 20.6% had postherpetic neuralgia, 76.3% had other types of peripheral pain.
      Approximately 78.1% of cases of peripheral neuropathic pain followed surgery, and
      23% were post-traumatic pain. The time from onset to referral was more than one
      year in two- thirds of cases. All patients experienced pain of at least moderate
      severity (mean [+/- SD] 11-point numerical rating scale score 5.2 +/- 2.4 to 8.2
      +/- 1.6). Treatment with 5% lidocaine-medicated plaster reduced pain intensity by
      more than 50% in 45.5% of patients, and by at least 30% in 82.2%. Of note, the
      consumption of analgesics and coanalgesics was significantly reduced. Results
      were similar in both the general population and the subpopulation older than 70
      years of age, at high risk and often receiving multiple medications. CONCLUSIONS:
      Treatment of refractory neuropathic pain with 5% lidocaine-medicated plaster
      clearly demonstrated efficacy and an excellent safety profile in patients with
      refractory neuropathic pain.

PMID- 22059198
TI  - Catastrophizers with chronic pain display more pain behaviour when in a
      relationship with a low catastrophizing spouse.
AB  - The present study examined the relationship between couple concordance of
      catastrophizing and adverse pain outcomes. Possible mechanisms underlying the
      relationship between couple concordance of catastrophizing and pain outcomes were
      also explored. Fifty-eight couples were recruited for the study. The chronic pain
      patients were filmed while lifting a series of weighted canisters. The spouse was
      later invited to view the video and answer questions about the pain experience of
      their partner. Median splits on Pain Catastrophizing Scale scores were used to
      create four 'catastrophizing concordance' groups: low catastrophizing patient-low
      catastrophizing spouse; low catastrophizing patient-high catastrophizing spouse;
      high catastrophizing patient-low catastrophizing spouse; and high catastrophizing
      patient-high catastrophizing spouse. Analyses revealed that high catastrophizing
      pain patients who were in a relationship with a low catastrophizing spouse
      displayed more pain behaviours than patients in all other groups. These findings
      suggest that high catastrophizing chronic pain patients may need to increase the
      'volume' of pain communication to compensate for low catastrophizing spouses'
      tendency to underestimate the severity of their pain experience. Patients'
      perceived solicitousness and punitive response from the spouse could not explain
      the group differences in pain behaviour. Theoretical and clinical implications of
      the findings are discussed.

PMID- 22059200
TI  - Persistent pain in a community-based sample of children and adolescents.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Very few studies have investigated the psychological factors
      associated with the pain experiences of children and adolescents in community
      samples. OBJECTIVES: To examine the lifetime prevalence of, and psychological
      variables associated with, persistent pain in a community sample of children and
      adolescents, and to explore differences according to sex, age and pain history.
      METHODS: Participants completed the Childhood Anxiety Sensitivity Index (CASI),
      the Child Pain Anxiety Symptoms Scale (CPASS), the Multidimensional Anxiety Scale
      for Children-10 (MASC-10), the Pain Catastrophizing Scale for Children (PCS-C)
      and a pain history questionnaire that assessed chronicity and pain frequency.
      After research ethics board approval, informed consent/assent was obtained from
      1022 individuals recruited to participate in a study conducted at the Ontario
      Science Centre (Toronto, Ontario). RESULTS: Of the 1006 participants (54% female,
      mean [+/- SD] age 11.6+/-2.7 years) who provided complete data, 27% reported
      having experienced pain that lasted for three months or longer. A 2*2*2 (pain
      history, age and sex) multivariate ANOVA was conducted, with the total scores on
      the CASI, the CPASS, the MASC-10 and the PCS-C as dependent variables. Girls with
      a history of persistent pain expressed higher levels of anxiety sensitivity
      (P<0.001) and pain catastrophizing (P<0.001) than both girls without a pain
      history and boys regardless of pain history. This same pattern of results was
      found for anxiety and pain anxiety in the older, but not the younger, age group.
      CONCLUSIONS: Boys and girls appear to differ in terms of how age and pain history
      relate to the expression of pain-related psychological variables. Given the
      prevalence of persistent pain found in the study, more research is needed
      regarding the developmental implications of persistent pain in childhood and
      adolescence.

PMID- 22059201
TI  - Opioid analgesics suppress male gonadal function but opioid use in males and
      females does not correlate with symptoms of sexual dysfunction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Opioid analgesia impairs gonadal function in men and women, but the
      correlation with symptoms and hormonal measurements of hypogonadism is not well
      established. OBJECTIVE: To determine the frequency of impaired gonadal function
      in men and women using opioids for chronic pain, and to determine the correlation
      of symptoms with hormonal measurements of gonadal function. METHODS: A
      prospective study of patients attending a multidisciplinary pain clinic was
      conducted. A total of 65 women (47 opioid users and 18 nonopioid analgesic
      controls) and 32 men (26 opioid users and six controls) were enrolled. Histories
      of sexual dysfunction and hormonal testing (men: total testosterone [TT], free
      testosterone [FT], prolactin and luteinizing hormone; women: FT, TT, prolactin,
      dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, sex hormone- binding globulin, progesterone,
      luteinizing hormone and follicle- stimulating hormone, and estradiol) were
      obtained. RESULTS: In men, a low FT level was more common in opioid users (20/26;
      P=0.04). In men with abnormal hormone levels, there was no difference in the
      frequency of sexual dysfunction compared with men with normal hormone levels, and
      no difference in the frequency of opioid versus nonopioid use. In women, opioid
      users had lower FT levels (P=0.02). Low dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate was more
      frequent in women on opioids (P=0.03) in the menopausal group only (P=0.046).
      Premenopausal women taking opioids more frequently had a low TT level (P=0.03).
      The frequency of female sexual dysfunction was the same in opioid users (32/47)
      and controls (13/18; P=0.75), and also did not relate to any hormone abnormality.
      DISCUSSION: Men taking opioids had lower FT and higher prolactin levels, and
      women taking opioids had lower FT levels. Frequency of sexual dysfunction did not
      correlate with hormone levels in either men or women taking opioids. CONCLUSION:
      Opioids frequently cause low FT levels in men, but there is no relationship
      between abnormal hormone levels and symptoms of sexual dysfunction. Therefore,
      all men should be screened for low FT levels. Women on opioids had lower FT
      levels, but this did not correlate with sexual dysfunction symptoms. Therefore,
      measurements of FT or other hormones were not considered to be useful in women.

PMID- 22059202
TI  - Current states of opinion and future directions on the epidemiology of sex
      differences in human pain.
AB  - One of the most commonly neglected findings in the human pain literature is the
      observation of sex differences in the mechanisms that support the phenotypic
      expression of pain. The present commentary describes an assessment of the
      prevalence of observed sex differences in various pain processes, and of how
      expert pain researchers interpret the epidemiology and, hence, the proximate and
      ultimate causes of such differences. Forty-two pain investigators completed an
      anonymous survey on the epidemiology of sex differences in the human pain
      experience. Investigator responses indicated that sex differences are pervasive
      across various areas of pain research, that sex differences are particularly
      pronounced in the area of situational influences on pain behaviors, and that
      contemporary pain researchers largely disagree on the epidemiology of, and hence,
      proximate and ultimate causes of the differences. The relevance of social
      situational factors on sex differences in pain behaviours is discussed in the
      context of evolutionary, developmental, social psychology and pain sensory
      systems that may function, in part, for regulating interpersonal intimacy.

PMID- 22059203
TI  - Pain control in infants and young children.

PMID- 22059204
TI  - Nonpharmacological management of procedural pain in infants and young children:
      an abridged Cochrane review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Acute pain and distress during medical procedures are commonplace for
      young children. OBJECTIVE: To assess the efficacy of nonpharmacological
      interventions for acute procedural pain in children up to three years of age.
      METHODS: Study inclusion criteria were: participants <3 years of age, involved in
      a randomized controlled or crossover trial, and use of a 'no treatment' control
      group (51 studies; n=3396). Additional studies meeting all criteria except for
      study design (eg, use of active control group) were qualitatively described
      (n=20). RESULTS: For every intervention, data were analyzed separately according
      to age group (preterm-born, term-born neonate and older infant / young child) and
      type of pain response (pain reactivity, immediate pain-related regulation). The
      largest standardized mean differences (SMD) for pain reactivity were as follows:
      sucking-related interventions (preterm: -0.42 [95% CI -0.68 to -0.15]; neonate 
      1.45 [CI -2.34 to -0.57]), kangaroo care (preterm -1.12 [95% CI -2.04 to -0.21]),
      and swaddling / facilitated tucking (preterm -0.97 [95% CI -1.63 to -0.31]). For
      immediate pain-related regulation, the largest SMDs were: sucking-related
      interventions (preterm -0.38 [95% CI -0.59 to -0.17]; neonate -0.90 [CI -1.54 to 
      0.25]), kangaroo care 0.77 (95% CI -1.50 to -0.03]), swaddling / facilitated
      tucking (preterm -0.75 [95% CI -1.14 to -0.36]), and rocking / holding (neonate 
      0.75 [95% CI -1.20 to -0.30]). The presence of significant heterogeneity limited
      confidence in nonsignificant findings for certain other analyses. CONCLUSIONS:
      Although a number of nonpharmacological treatments have sufficient evidence
      supporting their efficacy with preterm infants and healthy neonates, no
      treatments had sufficient evidence to support efficacy with healthy older infants
      / young children.

PMID- 22059205
TI  - Cerebral near-infrared spectroscopy as a measure of nociceptive evoked activity
      in critically ill infants.
AB  - Signs of pain may be subtle or absent in a critically ill infant. The complex
      nature of pain may further obscure its identification and measurement. Because
      the use of monitoring and neuroimaging techniques has become more common in pain
      research, an understanding of these specialized technologies is important. Near
      infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is a noninvasive technique for monitoring tissue
      hemodynamics and oxygenation. There are indications that NIRS is capable of
      detecting the cerebral hemodynamic changes associated with sensory stimuli,
      including pain, in infants. These developments suggest that NIRS may play an
      important role in research focusing on pain perception in critically ill infants.
      The present review briefly describes the cortical responses to noxious stimuli,
      which parallel cerebral hemodynamic responses to various stimuli. This is
      followed by an overview of NIRS technology including a summary of the literature
      on functional studies that have used NIRS in infants. Current NIRS techniques
      have well-recognized limitations that must be considered carefully during the
      measurement and interpretation of the signals. Nonetheless, until more advanced
      NIRS techniques emerge, the current devices have strengths that should be
      exploited.

PMID- 22059206
TI  - A comparison between enriched and nonenriched enrollment randomized withdrawal
      trials of opioids for chronic noncancer pain.
AB  - BACKGROUND: An enriched enrollment randomized withdrawal (EERW) design excludes
      potential participants who are nonresponders or who cannot tolerate the
      experimental drug before random assignment. It is unclear whether EERW design has
      an influence on the efficacy and safety of opioids for chronic noncancer pain
      (CNCP). OBJECTIVES: The primary objective was to compare the results from EERW
      and non-EERW trials of opioids for CNCP. Secondary objectives were to compare
      weak versus strong opioids, subgroups of patients with different types of pain,
      and the efficacy of opiods compared with placebo versus other drugs. METHODS:
      MEDLINE, EMBASE and CENTRAL were searched up to July 2009, for randomized
      controlled trials of any opioid for CNCP. Metaanalyses and meta-regressions were
      conducted to compare the results. Treatment efficacy was assessed by effect sizes
      (small, medium and large) and the incidence of adverse effects was assessed by a
      clinically relevant mean difference of 10% or greater. RESULTS: Sixty-two
      randomized trials were included. In 61 trials, the duration was less than 16
      weeks. There was no difference in efficacy between EERW and non-EERW trials for
      both pain (P=0.6) and function (P=0.3). However, EERW trials failed to detect a
      clinically relevant difference for nausea, vomiting, somnolence, dizziness and
      dry skin/itching compared with non-EERW. Opioids were more effective than placebo
      in patients with nociceptive pain (effect size=0.60, 95% CI 0.49 to 0.72) and
      neuropathic pain (effect size=0.56, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.73). CONCLUSION: EERW trial
      designs appear not to bias the results of efficacy, but they underestimate the
      adverse effects. The present updated meta- analysis shows that weak and strong
      opioids are effective for CNCP of both nociceptive and neuropathic origin.

PMID- 22059207
TI  - Postoperative respiratory depression with pregabalin: a case series and a
      preoperative decision algorithm.
AB  - Pregabalin is gaining popularity in the perioperative period for its usefulness
      in treating neuropathic pain and its apparent opioid- sparing effect. The present
      report describes the perioperative course of three patients who received
      pregabalin and experienced significant respiratory depression in the
      postoperative period. All three patients consented to the report and publication
      of the present case series. The first patient was elderly with borderline renal
      dysfunction. She experienced respiratory arrest in the immediate postoperative
      period following a craniotomy for tumour excision. The second patient presented
      with severe respiratory depression 12 h after receiving a spinal anesthetic for
      joint replacement, and was later found to have clinically significant obstructive
      sleep apnea. The third patient, who was an otherwise healthy elderly individual
      on benzodiazepines for anxiety, experienced respiratory arrest in the
      postanesthesia care unit after an uneventful anesthesia for lumbar spine
      decompression. All of these patients were treated successfully with standard
      resuscitation measures. Although other causes of respiratory depression in these
      patients were considered, there appears to be an association between pregabalin
      and this complication. The present article briefly reviews the evidence regarding
      the perioperative use of pregabalin. Based on the authors' experience and the
      available evidence, they believe that pregabalin may be useful in the management
      of acute pain in carefully selected patients undergoing certain surgeries. A
      clinical algorithm has been developed to guide the perioperative use of
      pregabalin. This algorithm may be helpful in increasing the safety of
      perioperative pregabalin use.

PMID- 22059208
TI  - Identification of a persistent primitive trigeminal artery following the
      transposition technique for trigeminal neuralgia: a case report.
AB  - A patient who presented with trigeminal neuralgia associated with a persistent
      primitive trigeminal artery (PPTA) is presented. A 62-year-old woman suffering
      from right orbital pain was admitted to the hospital. Medical treatment for three
      months was ineffective, and her neuralgia had deteriorated and gradually spread
      in the maxillary division. Magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated the flow void
      signal attached to the right trigeminal nerve. Thus, microvascular decompression
      was performed. The superior cerebellar artery was the responsible artery, and it
      was transposed to decompress the trigeminal nerve. After this manoeuvre, an
      artery was identified running parallel to the trigeminal nerve toward Meckel's
      cave. The artery, which turned out to be a PPTA, communicated with the basilar
      artery. The PPTA was carefully observed, and it was found not to be the artery
      causing the neuralgia because it did not compress the nerve at surgical
      observation. No additional procedure between the PPTA and the trigeminal nerve
      was performed. The patient's symptom improved dramatically following surgery, and
      her postoperative course was uneventful. Postoperative three-dimensional computed
      tomography showed the PPTA. The findings in the present case suggest that
      transposition of the responsible artery effectively decompresses the root entry
      zone and assists in determining whether the PPTA is affecting the trigeminal
      nerve.

PMID- 22059209
TI  - Asking the important questions.

PMID- 22059210
TI  - Unintended pregnancies - Reducing rates by improving access to contraception.
AB  - Unintended pregnancies have significant social, health and financial costs.
      Importantly, there is surprisingly little information available about the
      prevalence of unintended pregnancy in Australia. We are currently investigating
      unintended pregnancy and access to contraception among women aged 18-23 years in
      rural and urban areas of New South Wales. This is the first step toward
      understanding how access to effective contraception can be improved and could act
      as a pilot study for a regular survey of fertility.

PMID- 22059211
TI  - Intimate partner violence - identification and response in general practice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intimate partner violence is a common problem among women attending
      general practice, with around one in 10 women currently experiencing physical,
      sexual or emotional abuse by a partner. Abused women frequently present with
      physical and psychosocial issues. Yet intimate partner violence often remains
      concealed and addressing it poses challenges for the clinician and patient alike.
      OBJECTIVE: Although some of the general recommendations in this review may also
      apply to same-sex relationships and to women who abuse men, this article
      discusses identifying intimate partner violence in women who present to general
      practice. DISCUSSION: Identifying intimate partner violence is important in
      clinical practice as it underlies many common physical and mental health
      presentations. Facilitating disclosure and responding effectively requires good
      communication skills. Safety assessment of women and their families, pinpointing
      level of readiness to contemplate action, and providing appropriate referral
      options and ongoing nonjudgmental support are elements of an effective response.
      General practitioners have the potential to identify women and support them
      safely on a pathway to recovery, thereby avoiding the long term impacts of
      intimate partner violence.

PMID- 22059212
TI  - Nonaccidental injury in childhood.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nonaccidental injury is a significant cause of mortality and
      morbidity, especially in infants and young children. OBJECTIVE: This article
      focuses on physical injuries that are commonly observed when children have been
      physically harmed as a result of abuse and neglect. DISCUSSION: In 2009-2010
      statutory child protection agencies in Australia received 187 314 notifications
      regarding suspected child abuse and neglect, of which 31 295 were substantiated.
      Substantiated child abuse and neglect occurred for 6.1 per 1000 Australian
      children. The good news is that these data represent a 10% reduction in the
      number of notifications and a 4% reduction in the number of substantiated reports
      compared to 2008-2009 data. Children are vulnerable and child abuse is common. It
      is therefore important for all general practitioners to be skilled in recognising
      and responding to child abuse and neglect.

PMID- 22059213
TI  - Benzodiazepines - Their role in aggression and why GPs should prescribe with
      caution.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Benzodiazepines are widely prescribed in Australia, despite concerns
      about their potential for abuse and dependence. Paradoxical reactions,
      disinhibition and amnesia are all associated with benzodiazepine use, misuse and
      intoxication. While violent and aggressive behaviour may be a consequence of such
      disinhibition, there is limited information available regarding the links between
      benzodiazepine use and violence. OBJECTIVE: This article aims to examine the
      existing evidence on the relationship between benzodiazepines, violence and
      aggression. DISCUSSION: While current evidence suggests that benzodiazepines
      rarely induce violence, it is important to note that the available literature is
      limited in its scope and that benzodiazepine related violence is often severe and
      of potential concern to frontline workers. Mediating risk factors for
      benzodiazepine related violence include concurrent alcohol use, benzodiazepine
      dose, a history of aggression and underlying impulsivity. Comprehensive
      assessment and alternate nonpharmacological treatment options should be
      considered before prescribing benzodiazepines within primary care.

PMID- 22059214
TI  - Aggressive behaviour - prevention and management in the general practice
      environment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Aggressive behaviour is commonly encountered in the general practice
      setting and can often be de-escalated using good communication skills. OBJECTIVE:
      This article provides strategies to reduce and manage early aggression in the
      general practice environment. DISCUSSION: Aggressive behaviour usually occurs
      when a person feels unfairly treated. Having a systematic approach to the problem
      can improve safety for both staff and patients. This includes patient centred
      practice, identifying and managing the early signs of aggression to prevent
      escalation, having a plan to seek assistance if required, setting limits using a
      calm respectful manner and reinforcing limits using behaviour contracts when
      required. The physical layout of the practice and restraint of aggressive people
      are beyond the scope of this article.

PMID- 22059215
TI  - The prepubertal hymen.
AB  - Not so long ago, some doctors believed that they could determine, on the basis of
      examination of a girl's genitals, whether or not the girl had engaged in sexual
      intercourse. Even today, 'virginity checks' are conducted by doctors in some
      countries. Some Australian doctors still believe that it should be possible to
      determine, on the basis of examination findings, whether a child has been
      sexually abused. This article sets out to describe some of the common variations
      in hymenal anatomy in order to dispel myths and misperceptions surrounding
      genital examination findings in young girls.

PMID- 22059216
TI  - Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring.
AB  - This article forms part of our 'Tests and results' series for 2011 which aims to
      provide information about common tests that general practitioners order
      regularly. It considers areas such as indications, what to tell the patient, what
      the test can and cannot tell you, and interpretation of results.

PMID- 22059217
TI  - Primary hyperparathyroidism - is vitamin D supplementation safe?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vitamin D deficiency is commonly seen in patients with primary
      hyperparathyroidism. However, there is a widespread reluctance to provide vitamin
      D supplementation to this group of patients. OBJECTIVE: This article examines the
      relationship between vitamin D deficiency and primary hyperparathyroidism and the
      effects of vitamin D supplementation. CONCLUSION: Vitamin D deficiency
      exacerbates primary hyperparathyroidism and vice versa. With care, vitamin D
      supplementation can safely be given to selected patients with asymptomatic
      primary hyperparathyroidism and is suggested before deciding on medical or
      surgical management. Monitoring serum calcium concentration and urinary calcium
      excretion is recommended while achieving vitamin D repletion.

PMID- 22059218
TI  - Obstructive sleep apnoea and snoring - is examination necessary?
AB  - This article outlines two cases of snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA)
      secondary to parapharyngeal space tumours. Both patients were referred to a
      specialist sleep clinic where oropharyngeal masses were seen and biopsied. Both
      underwent surgery and this was curative of both their snoring and their OSA.
      Parapharyngeal space tumours are an extremely rare cause of OSA and snoring.
      However, all patients with OSA and snoring should have a full head and neck
      examination before referral; in rare cases this could enable early detection of a
      parapharyngeal space tumour.

PMID- 22059219
TI  - Steroid associated infective keratitis - case studies for caution.

PMID- 22059220
TI  - Occupational violence.
AB  - The problem of violence directed toward general practitioners and their practice
      staff is acknowledged worldwide. In Australia, the tragic 2006 murder of a
      Melbourne GP while practising in her surgery highlighted the seriousness of the
      issue.

PMID- 22059221
TI  - Patient centred care - are international medical graduates 'expert novices'?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Depending on their previous training, international medical graduates
      (IMGs) may be unfamiliar with patient centred care (PCC). This study explores the
      PCC skills that IMGs demonstrated during observed role play. METHODS: Qualitative
      observational data were collected during an IMG communication skills course and
      IMGs' perceptions of PCC were explored in semistructured interviews. Analysis
      followed principles of grounded theory and focused specifically on the elements
      of Candlin's (2002) quality of discourse. RESULTS: Many of the IMGs observed in
      this study used discourse features that identify them as novices in PCC: they
      framed consultations as interviews as opposed to conversations, maintained topic
      control instead of allowing digressions, and focused on achieving simple
      coherence rather than seeing the consultation as a whole. DISCUSSION: This study
      suggests that some IMGs may be novices in PCC while being experts in medical
      knowledge. A view of IMGs as 'expert novices' may be useful to inform the
      development of bridging courses.

PMID- 22059222
TI  - Lifestyle intervention - a study on maintenance in general practice.
AB  - AIM: This article aims to explore the factors contributing to sustained or
      nonsustained behaviour change following a lifestyle intervention in general
      practice. METHODS: Twenty patients who had participated in a general practice
      health check and group lifestyle support program were interviewed by telephone
      after 12 months. The interviews were transcribed and analysed thematically.
      RESULTS: Patients reported positive effects of the intervention on their
      behaviour change, especially the group peer support. However, their maintenance
      of these changes varied. Factors that contributed to sustained behaviour change
      included social support and self efficacy. Factors contributing to relapse
      included competing demands on time, comorbidity and stress. DISCUSSION: Greater
      attention needs to be given to maintenance of behaviour change in lifestyle
      management programs. Following completion of the program, there needs to be
      greater support for relapse prevention and management and effective integration
      back into general practice.

PMID- 22059223
TI  - Treating chronic fatigue syndrome - a study into the scientific evidence for
      pharmacological treatments.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic fatigue syndrome, or myalgic encephalomyelitis (CFS), is a
      severe disabling condition. Patients with CFS usually trial many different
      medicines, both conventional and complementary. An overview of the
      pharmacological treatments used by CFS patients and the available evidence
      underpinning the use of these treatments would be of great value to both patients
      and their healthcare providers. METHODS: Ninety-four CFS patients recruited into
      an Australian study investigating immunological biomarkers filled out a
      questionnaire assessing the medicines they were taking. Evidence from randomised
      clinical trials was sought in biomedical databases. RESULTS: The 94 CFS patients
      used 474 different medicines and supplements. The most commonly used medicines
      were antidepressants, analgesics, sedatives, and B vitamins. We identified 20
      randomised controlled trials studying these medicines in CFS patients.
      DISCUSSION: While conventional and complementary medicines are widely used by CFS
      patients, the evidence for effectiveness in CFS is very limited.

PMID- 22059224
TI  - Web based diabetes care planning - sociotechnical barriers to implementation in
      general practice.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This research explored the sociotechnical barriers in the
      implementation of web based diabetes care plans in general practice from the
      perspective of implementing stakeholders. METHODS: A qualitative case study
      design was use to explore the sociotechnical barriers. Twenty-one stakeholders
      were purposely recruited and interviewed. RESULTS: Technological barriers
      included rudimentary IT applications in general practice; standardisation and
      interoperability issues; and 'bugs' in the system. The role of practice managers
      as gatekeepers influenced the uptake of the technology. General practitioners
      were noted to be time poor, while practice nurses preferred to stick with paper
      based ways of doing care plans. The relationship between allied health
      professionals and GPs also influenced the adoption process. DISCUSSION:
      Implementers had significant insight into the sociotechnical barriers to diabetes
      web based care planning in general practice. Future research should examine the
      roles of the stakeholders involved in determining standards and the
      interoperability of systems.

PMID- 22059225
TI  - Child abuse - mandatory reporting requirements.
AB  - All Australian states and territories have legislation that requires medical
      practitioners to report cases of child abuse to the appropriate child protection
      service. This article outlines the obligations of medical practitioners to report
      child abuse and highlights the differences that exist in the legislative
      requirements in each state and territory.

PMID- 22059226
TI  - Advanced rural skills training - the value of an addiction medicine rotation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: General practitioners are ideally placed to address drug and alcohol
      problems in the Australian population. Lack of adequate undergraduate and
      postgraduate training has been suggested as a key barrier limiting their
      involvement in addiction medicine. OBJECTIVE: This article describes the
      establishment and operations of an advanced rural skills training program at the
      Lyndon Community - a rural drug and alcohol treatment organisation in New South
      Wales. DISCUSSION: An addiction medicine rotation offers general practice
      registrars the opportunity to develop skills and experience in psychosocial
      interventions as well as physical and mental health issues common in the
      treatment population. Registrars participating in the Lyndon Community program
      perceived that the training period had influenced and enhanced their future
      practice.

PMID- 22059227
TI  - Fitness to drive forms - a guide for GPs.
AB  - The effect of medical conditions on fitness to drive and crash risk has long been
      recognised. Therefore doctors and other health professionals play an important
      role in public health and safety when advising patients about fitness to drive
      and when providing information to driver licensing authorities to support their
      decision making in this regard. Various forms support communication between the
      doctor, patient and driver licensing authority.

PMID- 22059228
TI  - Rapid detection of apoptosis in mammalian cells by using intact cell MALDI mass
      spectrometry.
AB  - Detection of cell death has extensive applications and is of great commercial
      value. However, most current high-throughput cell viability assays cannot
      distinguish the two major forms of cell death: apoptosis and necrosis. Many
      apoptosis-specific detection methods exist but they are time consuming and labour
      intensive. In this work, we proposed a novel approach based on Matrix-Assisted
      Laser Desorption/Ionization Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) for
      the specific detection of apoptosis in cultured mammalian cells. Buffer washed
      cells were directly mixed with a matrix solution and subsequently deposited onto
      the stainless steel target for MALDI analysis. The resulting mass spectrometric
      profiles were highly reproducible and can be used to reflect cell viability.
      Remarkably, the mass spectrometric profiles generated from apoptotic cells were
      distinct from those from either normal or necrotic cells. The apoptosis-specific
      features of the mass spectra were proportional to the percentage of apoptotic
      cells in the culture, but are independent of the drugs used to stimulate
      apoptosis. This is the first report on the utilization of intact cell MALDI mass
      spectrometry in detecting mammalian cell apoptosis, and can be used as a basis
      for the development of a reliable, fast, label-free and high-throughput method
      for detecting apoptotic cell death.

PMID- 22059229
TI  - Sensitive and selective voltammetric measurement of Hg2+ by rational covalent
      functionalization of graphene oxide with cysteamine.
AB  - We report here a new voltammetric method for the sensitive and selective
      determination of Hg(2+) based on rational covalent functionalization of graphene
      oxide with cysteamine to form cysteamine-functionalized graphene through
      nucleophilic ring-opening reaction between the epoxy of graphene oxide and the
      amino group of cysteamine in KOH solution.

PMID- 22059230
TI  - A highly effective polymerase chain reaction enhancer based on dendrimer
      entrapped gold nanoparticles.
AB  - In molecular biology, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has played an important
      role but suffers a general problem of low efficiency and specificity. Development
      of suitable PCR additives to improve the specificity and efficiency still remains
      a great challenge. Here we report the use of dendrimer-entrapped gold
      nanoparticles (Au DENPs) as a novel class of enhancers to improve the specificity
      and efficiency of PCR. We show that the Au DENPs prepared using amine-terminated
      generation 5 poly(amidoamine) dendrimers (G5.NH(2)) as templates are much more
      effective than the same dendrimers without AuNPs entrapped in improving the
      specificity and efficiency of an error-prone two-round PCR system. With the
      increase of the molar ratio between Au atom and G5.NH(2) dendrimer in the Au
      DENPs, the optimum concentration of Au DENPs used to improve the PCR specificity
      and efficiency is decreased and can be as low as 0.37 nM when the Au
      atom/G5.NH(2) dendrimer molar ratio reaches 100:1. Our PCR results along with the
      dynamic light scattering data suggest that unlike the flexible soft dendrimers
      without NPs entrapped that may display a non-spherical shape when interacting
      with the PCR components, the Au DENPs with increasing Au atom/dendrimer molar
      ratio are able to reserve the spherical shape of dendrimers, enabling much more
      efficient interaction with the PCR components. Therefore, as a NP-based PCR
      enhancer, both the surface charge and the shape of the particles should be
      responsible for effective interaction with the PCR components for improving the
      PCR specificity and efficiency. Furthermore, the used Au DENPs were proved to be
      stable after the PCR process, enabling them to be potentially used for enhancing
      different PCR systems.

PMID- 22059231
TI  - Evaluation of antibacterial effect and mode of Coptidis rhizoma by
      microcalorimetry coupled with chemometric techniques.
AB  - In this study, the antibacterial effect and mode of Coptidis rhizoma on
      Escherichia coli was evaluated by microcalorimetry coupled with chemometric
      techniques. Using an isothermal microcalorimeter, the metabolic profiles of E.
      coli growth at 37  degrees C affected by 15 batches of C. rhizoma were measured.
      Through principal component analysis (PCA) on nine quantitative thermo-kinetic
      parameters obtained from the metabolic power-time profiles of E. coli, the
      antibacterial effects of C. rhizoma from various sources could be easily
      evaluated by analyzing the change of the two main thermo-kinetic parameters,
      growth rate constant k(2) and maximum heat-output power P(2)(m), in the second
      exponential phase of E. coli growth. Then, hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA)
      was carried out on the two parameters to distinguish those C. rhizoma samples in
      respect to their antibacterial effects. Clear results were obtained to show that
      all 15 C. rhizoma samples with different antibacterial effects could be
      successfully grouped in accordance with their origins. Ranked in decreasing
      order, the antibacterial mode of C. rhizoma samples that were from Sichuan
      province had the strongest antibacterial effects, followed by samples from
      Chongqing city and Hubei province. Our results revealed that the developed
      microcalorimetry with chemometric techniques had the potential perspective for
      evaluating the effect and mode of Coptidis rhizoma and other Chinese materia
      medicas.

PMID- 22059232
TI  - Polymer-capped fiber-optic Raman probe for non-invasive Raman spectroscopy.
AB  - Advances in fiber optic probe design are moving Raman spectroscopy into the
      clinic, although there remain important practical problems. While much effort has
      been devoted to minimizing Raman and fluorescence background from fibers, less
      attention has been given to the need to generate reference Raman signals that can
      correct for variations in tissue albedo, which is important in quantifying
      changes in tissue composition. To address this shortcoming, we have developed a
      fiber optic probe that incorporates a fluorinated ethylene-propylene copolymer
      (FEP) cap at the end of each excitation fiber. Transmission of laser light
      through the transparent cap generates a 732 cm(-1) Raman band whose intensity
      scales linearly with the laser power delivered to the tissue of interest. In our
      first design, the FEP cap functions as a waveguide with only a small insertion
      loss (~5%). Laser transmission through 1 mm of the polymer is sufficient to
      generate a usable reference Raman signal. We show the application of the probe to
      quantitative non-invasive Raman spectroscopy of animal tissues using rat leg
      phantoms as models. Ex-vivo Raman spectroscopy of excised rat tibia supports the
      use of the probe for spectroscopy of various tissues. These results provide proof
      of principle that the Raman probe can be used in multiple spectroscopic
      applications.

PMID- 22059233
TI  - Effect of HER2 status on risk of recurrence in women  with small, node-negative
      breast tumours.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adjuvant trastuzumab for small, node-negative, human epidermal growth
      factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer remains controversial. The
      purpose of this study was to investigate the risk of recurrence in women with
      pathological tumour node (pTN) T1 N0 tumours. METHODS: Patients with pT1 N0
      breast cancer diagnosed at the National Kyushu Cancer Centre between 2001 and
      2007 were reviewed. Patients were categorized according to HER2 status. RESULTS:
      Four hundred and fifty-four patients who had pT1 N0 tumours, and had not received
      adjuvant trastuzumab, were identified. The HER2-negative and -positive groups
      comprised 376 and 78 patients (17.2 per cent) respectively. At a median follow-up
      of 46.3 months, there were 18 recurrences.The 5-year relapse-free survival (RFS)
      rates were 97.2 and 88 per cent in the HER2-negative and -positive groups
      respectively (P < 0.001). Multivariable analysis identified HER2-positive tumour
      as an independent predictor of RFS in patients with pT1 N0 tumours (hazard ratio
      6.65, 95 per cent confidence interval 2.53 to 17.49; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION:
      Women with pT1 N0 HER2-positive breast cancer have a high risk of recurrence.

PMID- 22059234
TI  - Retraction: De Hert SG, Lorsomradee S, vanden Eede H, Cromheecke S, Van der
      Linden PJ. A randomized trial evaluating different modalities of levosimendan
      administration in cardiac surgery patients with myocardial dysfunction. J
      Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth 2008;22:699-705.

PMID- 22059235
TI  - Healthcare resource use and medical costs for the  management of oesophageal
      cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study examined the interaction between natural history, current
      practice patterns in diagnosis, monitoring and treatment of oesophageal cancer,
      and associated health resource utilization and costs. METHODS: A cost analysis of
      a prospective population-based cohort of 1100 patients with a primary diagnosis
      of oesophageal cancer was performed using chart review from the Australian Cancer
      Study Clinical Follow-Up Study. The analysis enabled estimation of healthcare
      resources and associated costs in 2009 euros by stage of disease and treatment
      pathway. RESULTS: Most patients (88.5 per cent) presented with stage II, III or
      IV cancer; 61.1 per cent (672 of 1100) were treated surgically. Overall mean
      costs were ?37,195 (median ?29,114) for patients undergoing surgery and ?17,281
      (median ?13,066) for those treated without surgery. Surgery contributed 66.4 per
      cent of the total costs (mean ?24,697 per patient) in the surgical group. In the
      non-surgical group, use of chemotherapy was more prevalent (81.9 per cent of
      patients) and contributed 61.1 per cent of the total costs. Other important cost
      determinants were gastro-oesophageal junction tumours, treatment location and
      tumour stage. Mean costs of those monitored for Barrett's oesophagus (7.3 per
      cent of patients) were lower, although about one-third still presented with
      advanced-stage cancer. CONCLUSION: Overall costs for managing oesophageal cancer
      were high and dominated by surgery costs in patients treated surgically and by
      chemotherapy costs in patients treated without surgery. Radiotherapy, treatment
      location and cancer subtype were also important. Monitoring for Barrett's
      oesophagus and earlier-stage detection were associated with lower management
      costs, but the potential net benefit from surveillance strategies needs further
      investigation.

PMID- 22059236
TI  - From branch to bedside: Youyou Tu is awarded  the 2011 Lasker~DeBakey Clinical
      Medical  Research Award for discovering artemisinin  as a treatment for malaria.

PMID- 22059237
TI  - A mystery unfolds: Franz-Ulrich Hartl and  Arthur L. Horwich win the 2011 Albert
      Lasker  Basic Medical Research Award.

PMID- 22059238
TI  - True dedication to clinical research:  the Clinical Center of the National
      Institutes  of Health receives the 2011 Mary Woodard  Lasker Award for Public
      Service.

PMID- 22059239
TI  - [Bulletin INFOVAC-France].

PMID- 22059240
TI  - Person--environment fit and functioning among older adults in a long-term care
      setting.

PMID- 22059241
TI  - Assisted living nurse competencies.

PMID- 22059243
TI  - [Molecular probes for the diagnosis of bacteremia].

PMID- 22059242
TI  - Images of health care.

PMID- 22059244
TI  - [Colistin for the treatment of ventilator-associated pneumonia].

PMID- 22059245
TI  - [Bacteremia/fungemia associated to a peripherally inserted venous central
      catheter].

PMID- 22059246
TI  - The context and development of a global framework for plant conservation.
AB  - A new international initiative for plant conservation was first called for as a
      resolution of the International Botanical Congress in 1999. The natural home for
      such an initiative was considered to be the Convention on Biological Diversity
      (CBD), and the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the CBD agreed to consider a
      Global Strategy for Plant Conservation (GSPC) at its 5th meeting in 2000. It was
      proposed that the GSPC could provide an innovative model approach for target
      setting within the CBD and, prior to COP5, a series of inter-sessional papers on
      proposed targets and their justification were developed by plant conservation
      experts. Key factors that ensured the adoption of the GSPC by the CBD in 2002
      included: (1) ensuring that prior to and during COP5, key Parties in each region
      were supportive of the Strategy; (2) setting targets at the global level and not
      attempting to impose these nationally; and (3) the offer by Botanic Gardens
      Conservation International (BGCI) to support a GSPC position in the CBD
      Secretariat for 3 years, which provided a clear indication of the support for the
      GSPC from non-governmental organizations (NGO).

PMID- 22059247
TI  - What more can plant scientists do to help save the green stuff?
AB  - The Global Strategy for Plant Conservation (GSPC) was the first such effort under
      the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), and had gone through a 3-year
      process to reach the level of maturity that enabled it to be approved by
      consensus by all Governments present at the key session in The Hague in April
      2002. It provided a model for subsequent CBD workplans, with targets, and
      undoubtedly contributed to the 2010 target of reducing the rate of biodiversity
      loss. In the event, few of the targets were achieved, because of numerous
      constraints at both policy and implementation levels. Even so, the GSPC stands as
      an important milestone in the global effort to conserve biodiversity. However,
      few plant scientists can be satisfied that the essential steps are being taken to
      ensure the conservation of plants, although, of course, plant scientists are only
      one part of the complex effort that will be required. This paper offers some
      suggestions that might be worth consideration, building on the basic principle in
      politics that a strong constituency is necessary to victory. In other words,
      although plant scientists play a crucial role, plant conservation is too
      important to leave in their hands alone; far broader support is required,
      including from the private sector, agriculture, forestry, trade, economics,
      tourism and even the military. Although botanical science provides a solid
      foundation, other branches of science are also important, ranging from
      anthropology to zoology. The legal profession also has important contributions to
      make (as well as the ability to hamper progress - for example through using
      issues such as access and benefit sharing to limit the exchange of genetic
      materials for even noncommercial use). 2010 was the United Nations Year of
      Biodiversity, and the GSPC targets reached their due date. It therefore seems
      timely to add some additional perspectives to the effort to update the GSPC. This
      paper suggests ways to reach a far broader constituency, provides tools to those
      who are expected to achieve the targets, and suggests ways to build a strong
      international constituency to conserve the world's botanical wealth.

PMID- 22059248
TI  - Strengthening the scientific contribution of botanic gardens to the second phase
      of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation.
AB  - The need for action on the global environment is now well understood and
      governments, agencies, non-governmental organizations and botanic gardens have
      all been working in their various ways to promote environmental sustainability
      and reduce species and habitat loss for at least 10-20 years. The Global Strategy
      for Plant Conservation (GSPC) has been widely adopted, particularly by the
      botanic garden community, and has resulted in many successes despite failing to
      achieve its ultimate goal of halting the loss of plant biodiversity. The
      objectives and targets for Phase 2 of the GSPC, running from 2010 to 2020, mirror
      those of Phase 1 and had been largely agreed prior to their formal adoption at
      the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity in Nagoya
      in October 2010. However, to be successful, the scientific contribution of
      botanic gardens needs to be strengthened, as does government policy and
      commitment. Botanic garden research to underpin conservation action, including
      the role of botanic garden horticulture, training and international capacity
      building, has a major part to play and needs to be better understood and better
      coordinated. We provide examples based on the experience of the Royal Botanic
      Garden Edinburgh in the UK and overseas. Government policy, at national and
      international levels, needs to reflect the fundamental importance of plant
      diversity in maintaining the biosphere and supporting humanity. The commitment of
      significant new resources is an essential prerequisite for success, but this
      needs to be well coordinated, inclusive of all stakeholders and carefully
      targeted. A further challenge is the need to integrate better the plant diversity
      related activities of what are currently diverse and disconnected sectors,
      including agriculture, forestry, protected area management and botanic gardens.

PMID- 22059249
TI  - Plant diversity and conservation in China: planning a strategic bioresource for a
      sustainable future.
AB  - China is one of the richest countries for plant diversity with approximately 33
      000 vascular plant species, ranking second in the world. However, the plant
      diversity in China is increasingly threatened, with an estimated 4000-5000 plant
      species being threatened or on the verge of extinction, making China,
      proportionally, one of the highest priorities for global plant biodiversity
      conservation. Coming in the face of the current ecological crisis, it is timely
      that China has launched China's Strategy for Plant Conservation (CSPC). China has
      increasingly recognized the importance of plant diversity in efforts to conserve
      and sustainably use its plant diversity. More than 3000 nature reserves have been
      established, covering approximately 16% of the land surface of China. These
      natural reserves play important roles in plant conservation, covering more than
      85% of types of terrestrial natural ecosystems, 40% of types of natural wetlands,
      20% of native forests and 65% of natural communities of vascular plants.
      Meanwhile, the flora conserved in botanical gardens is also extensive. A recent
      survey shows that the 10 largest botanical gardens have living collections of 43
      502 taxa, with a total of 24 667 species in ex situ conservation. These provide
      an important reserve of plant resources for sustainable economic and social
      development in China. Plant diversity is the basis for bioresources and
      sustainable utilization. The 21st century is predicted to be an era of bio
      economy driven by advances of bioscience and biotechnology. Bio-economy may
      become the fourth economy form after agricultural, industrial, and information
      and information technology economies, having far-reaching impacts on sustainable
      development in agriculture, forestry, environmental protection, light industry,
      food supply and health care and other micro-economy aspects. Thus, a strategic
      and forward vision for conservation of plant diversity and sustainable use of
      plant resources in the 21st century is of far-reaching significance for
      sustainable development of Chinese economy and society.

PMID- 22059250
TI  - Informing and influencing the interface between biodiversity science and
      biodiversity policy in South Africa.
AB  - South Africa, as a megadiverse country (+/-21 700 vascular plants, 4800
      vertebrates and 68 900 invertebrates described), is presently engaged with an
      extended, modified Global Strategy for Plant Conservation (GSPC). The country is
      fortunate in having a strong tradition of systematics research and, inter alia,
      houses several million preserved plant specimens (+/-1 million databased and
      georeferenced), allowing taxonomists and conservationists to track both the
      occurrence and distribution of indigenous and naturalized plant species. These
      rich local resources have been extensively drawn upon to deliver, with varying
      degrees of success, the 16 outcome-oriented GSPC 2010 Targets. The National
      Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA, 2004), the National
      Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP) and the National Biodiversity
      Framework (NBF) have provided a robust legislative, enabling and policy framework
      for making operational and advancing GSPC-related efforts. However, within an
      emerging economy, the conservation of biodiversity has competed for government
      resources with housing, sanitation, primary education, basic health care and
      crime prevention, delivery of which translates to the currency of politicians:
      votes. A key challenge identified by local (and global) biodiversity scientists
      for the current GSPC phase is broad-scale advocacy, communicating the changing
      state of nature, and the inter-relatedness of biodiversity and human well-being.
      The nature of meeting this challenge is explored.

PMID- 22059251
TI  - How has government policy post-Global Strategy for Plant Conservation impacted on
      science? The Ethiopian perspective.
AB  - In this paper, existing relevant Ethiopian government biodiversity-related
      policies and strategies, and mandates of various institutions prior to GSPC
      targets, are reviewed. Response to whether or not institutions responded to GSPC
      targets as the result of new policies or rebranded their work to fit within the
      context of existing policies and adjust their outcomes to fit into the GSPC
      targets is provided. The Ethiopian national report of 2009 submitted to the
      Convention of Biological Diversity Secretariat is reviewed and gaps analysed. The
      policies of the Federal government (and implementing institutions) post-GSPC so
      far have had only a limited impact on science, but research institutions have
      aligned their outputs to fit with the GSPC targets. Suggestions, conclusions and
      recommendations are made in order to work effectively towards the realization of
      the GSPC targets beyond 2010 in Ethiopia.

PMID- 22059252
TI  - Definition and insertion of the GSPC in the political context of Mexico.
AB  - Mexico as a megadiverse country houses between 6 and 8% of the world's flora.
      However, the Mexican flora is facing challenges, including the presence of at
      least 981 threatened plant species and 618 exotic plant species, habitat loss,
      pollution, overexploitation of natural resources and the adverse effects of
      climate change, which are compromising its conservation and sustainable use.
      Mexico has been actively involved in the development and update of the Global
      Strategy for Plant Conservation (GSPC) adopted by the Convention on Biological
      Diversity (CBD). As a party to CBD, Mexico has established a Coordinating
      Committee for the Mexican Strategy for Plant Conservation (MSPC), which has
      adapted the GSPC to fit national needs and drafted a number of projects,
      indicators, means of verification and actors to ensure that the MSPC, as a public
      policy tool, really drives conservation and sustainable use actions among all
      sectors and lasts beyond the current administration. An agenda is being developed
      with activities that include the following: approaching Congress, identifying the
      relevance of the MSPC in the National Development Plan and the Mexican
      Biodiversity Strategy, making use of current environmental policies and an
      aggressive awareness programme. The MSPC includes simultaneous programmes of
      technical and political work.

PMID- 22059253
TI  - Criminal sittings - rape in the colony, New Zealand, 1862.
AB  - In 1862 His Honor, Justice Johnston, issued his instructions to the jury of the
      New Zealand Supreme Court for two simultaneous rape trials - the alleged rape of
      a European woman by two Maori men, and an alleged "assault with intent to commit
      a rape" of a Maori woman by a European man. This article argues that those
      instructions should be read within an historiographical critique of British
      colonial expansion, print capitalism and violence. Drawing on feminist
      postcolonial theorizing the question posed here, is, "What is the historical,
      ideological context for a newspaper reporting of the possible rape of a Maori
      woman in 1862?

PMID- 22059254
TI  - Cell phones and brain cancer: should you be worried? Statement linking cell
      phones to brain tumors causes fear, confusion.

PMID- 22059255
TI  - New technologies brighten up low vision.

PMID- 22059256
TI  - Artificial pancreas: outlook is promising.

PMID- 22059257
TI  - Smoking and prostate cancer. Research suggests that smoking makes prostate cancer
      worse.

PMID- 22059258
TI  - Xarelto: a new drug for new joints.  Hip and knee recipients can avoid
      postsurgical clots without undergoing painful injections.

PMID- 22059259
TI  - I've been diagnosed with chronic prostatitis.  What can I do for my frequent
      nighttime urination?

PMID- 22059260
TI  - Can the bisphosphonate I'm taking for osteoporosis actually cause a bone
      fracture?

PMID- 22059261
TI  - I've tried rattlesnake, frog legs and other exotic foods.  Are there any I should
      avoid?

PMID- 22059262
TI  - Introduction: educational topics important to medical and graduate students.

PMID- 22059263
TI  - Questions regarding management of cardiopulmonary arrest.

PMID- 22059264
TI  - Thoughts on techniques for the removal of cystic and urethral calculi.

PMID- 22059265
TI  - Comments on transurethral cystoscopy and on clinical practice.

PMID- 22059266
TI  - Public charity and public piety: the missionary vocation of the daughters of
      charity as Catholic-reformation missionaries.

PMID- 22059267
TI  - Swishing on the "boulevards exterieures": representations of male same-sex desire
      in "fin-de-siecle" popular culture.

PMID- 22059268
TI  - "The lungs of Paris": urban reform, hygienic strategies, and the politics of
      parks, 1902-1920.

PMID- 22059269
TI  - The Paris municipal parks from empire to republic. The political transformation
      of public space, 1871-1900.

PMID- 22059270
TI  - The pathology of extravagant behavior.

PMID- 22059271
TI  - The police and the subculture: same-sex sexuality as crime in Paris in the 1870s.

PMID- 22059272
TI  - "There are no safe women": prostitution in France during the Great War.

PMID- 22059273
TI  - "To repress the exuberance of their characters": self-control and the definition
      of womanhood in nineteenth-century France.

PMID- 22059274
TI  - Treating illness in the nineteenth century: the work of doctors Itard and
      Blanchet and the medicalization of the French deaf population.

PMID- 22059275
TI  - Writing home: French troops, family correspondence, and the First World War.

PMID- 22059276
TI  - Are Europe's cities better?

PMID- 22059277
TI  - [Characteristics of urbanization in modern China].

PMID- 22059278
TI  - Jung's psychology in the light of his personal myth.

PMID- 22059279
TI  - [The supervision of psychiatric    patients in Poland in the second half of the
      18th century].

PMID- 22059280
TI  - Medicare program; home health prospective payment system rate update for calendar
      year 2012. Final rule.
AB  - This final rule sets forth updates to the home health prospective payment system
      (HH PPS) rates, including: the national standardized 60-day episode rates; the
      national per-visit rates; and the low utilization payment amount (LUPA) under the
      Medicare PPS for home health agencies effective January 1, 2012. This rule
      applies a 1.4 percent update factor to the episode rates, which reflects a 1
      percent reduction applied to the 2.4 percent market basket update factor, as
      mandated by the Affordable Care Act. This rule also updates the wage index used
      under the HH PPS, and further reduces home health payments to account for
      continued nominal growth in case-mix which is unrelated to changes in patient
      health status. This rule removes two hypertension codes from the HH PPS case-mix
      system, thereby requiring recalibration of the case-mix weights. In addition, the
      rule implements two structural changes designed to decrease incentives to upcode
      and provide unneeded therapy services. Finally, this rule incorporates additional
      flexibility regarding face-to-face encounters with providers related to home
      health care.

PMID- 22059281
TI  - Electronic consultations between primary and specialty care clinicians: early
      insights.
AB  - Electronic consultation (e-consultation) is an emerging tool that primary care
      clinicians can use to communicate with specialists about patients asynchronously-
      that is, at different times that are convenient for each physician. To conduct an
      e-consultation, clinicians use either a Web-based program or a shared electronic
      medical record. Early adopters of e-consultation describe positive experiences
      for patients, clinicians, and health systems, including improved continuity of
      care, access to specialists, convenience, and information transfer. E
      consultation presents opportunities to improve health care quality and reduce
      specialty care costs, but dissemination will be limited unless incentives are
      created and clinicians are encouraged to use e-consultation through financial
      reimbursement.

PMID- 22059282
TI  - Reconstructive pelvic surgery.

PMID- 22059283
TI  - Sports medicine.

PMID- 22059284
TI  - Child neurology.

PMID- 22059285
TI  - Notice of redundant publication. Nuclear reprogramming in cell-free extracts.

PMID- 22059286
TI  - Comparison of DNA isolation methods and detection of Salmonella spp. from animal
      faeces and dust using invA real-time PCR.
AB  - There is a strong interest to reduce the expenditure for the detection of
      Salmonella spp. from animal faeces and environmental samples from primary
      production according to ISO 6579:2002 Annex D by including a rapid and effective
      method to detect Salmonella spp. already after pre-enrichment in BPW. It has been
      shown that real-time PCR methods are very effective to detect Salmonella
      organisms after pre-enrichment of foods. However, materials from primary animal
      production compose of much higher amounts of substances which might inhibit the
      sensitivity of real-time PCR. Different techniques of DNA isolation after pre
      enrichment of artificially inoculated bovine faecal material were used to compare
      their detection limit and detection probability using an invA 5' nuclease real
      time PCR approach. A detection probability of 100% was shown at 10(5) cfu/ml
      using the QIAamp DNA Stool Mini Kit (Qiagen, Germany), at 10(4) cfu/ml using the
      High Pure PCR Template Preparation Kit (Roche, Germany) and at 10(3) cfu/ml using
      thermal cell lysis or an in-house lab protocol, respectively. In comparison DNA
      isolation by thermal cell lysis revealed a very good detection limit, low costs
      and almost no risks of contamination. Furthermore, caecal contents from pigs were
      analysed by ISO 6579:2002 Annex D and the invA real-time PCR using thermal cell
      lysis for DNA extraction. As a result neither false positive nor false negative
      findings were obtained. Inclusion of the real-time PCR after pre-enrichment of
      samples in BPW followed by bacterial detection of Salmonella only with samples
      positive with real-time PCR might be a valuable tool to fulfil the international
      standard of ISO 6579:2002 Annex D but also to diminish the expenditures. However,
      it must be stated that the modification of an international standard method and
      its use in routine diagnostic requires the validation and registration of
      national and/or international competent authorities.

PMID- 22059287
TI  - Two outbreaks of virulent systemic feline calicivirus infection in cats in
      Germany.
AB  - Over the last years, several outbreaks of virulent systemic feline calicivirus
      (VS-FCV) infection have been described in the USA and several European countries.
      The paper describes two outbreaks of VS-FCV infection in cats in Germany. Data
      concerning clinical, laboratory, and histopathological features ofVS-FCV
      infection were collected from two outbreaks affecting 55 and 4 cats,
      respectively. Presence of feline calicivirus was confirmed by PCR followed by
      sequencing of the PCR-products. Clinical signs were variable, including severe
      upper respiratory tract infection, dyspnoea, oral and footpad ulceration, facial
      oedema, enteritis, pneumonia, bleeding disorder, high fever, and icterus. Both
      outbreaks were characterized by a high mortality rate.The present report
      describes the first documented outbreaks of VS-FCV infection in cats in Germany.
      Clinical and histopathological features are comparable to outbreaks described in
      the USA and Europe. However, phylogenetic analysis of the virus genome suggests
      that virus strains involved in these outbreaks were different from each other and
      from virulent strains isolated before, confirming the known genetic variability
      of FCV.

PMID- 22059288
TI  - Investigation of serum protein profiles in sheep naturally infected with foot-and
      mouth disease virus.
AB  - This study was carried out to determine serum protein profiles in naturally
      infected sheep with foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV). The study material
      consisted of twelve healthy and 36 sheep with foot-and-mouth disease (FMD). FMD
      had been diagnosed on the basis of clinical findings and results of serological
      examination. Serotypes serologically detected in the FMDV-infected sheep were as
      follows: O (n = 11), A (n = 8) and mixed infection with serotypes O, A and Asia-1
      (n = 17).The total protein, albumin and globulin concentrations as well as
      Albumin/Globulin ratio were slightly different among the groups (P < 0.05). Three
      protein bands of 66 kDa, 45 kDa and 20 kDa were remarkable. Moderate differences
      were determined between healthy and infected sheep for proportion of distribution
      in serum proteins. In conclusion, serum protein concentrations and serum protein
      profiles were slightly changed and no specific serum protein profile occurred in
      sheep infected with either O or A or in sheep mixed infected with the O and A and
      Asia-1 serotypes of FMDV compared to healthy ones.

PMID- 22059289
TI  - Antimicrobial susceptibility testing of German Campylobacter fetus subsp.
      venerealis isolates by agar disk diffusion method.
AB  - Campylobacter fetus subsp. venerealis is the causative agent of bovine genital
      campylobacteriosis and is transmitted by asymptomatic carrier bulls via
      contaminated semen during artificial insemination. The aim of the present study
      was to determine the in vitro susceptibility of Campylobacter fetus subsp.
      venerealis isolated from bovine specimens in the years from 2000 to 2009 in
      Germany to antibiotics generally used in semen treatment. The susceptibilities of
      50 strains to spectinomycin (10 microg), gentamicin (10 microg), streptomycin (25
      microg), penicillin (10 microg), lincomycin (10 microg), ciprofloxacin (5
      microg), erythromycin (30 microg) and tetracycline (30 microg) were determined
      using a disk diffusion susceptibility test. All strains were susceptible to
      gentamicin. A considerably reduced susceptibility to one or more antimicrobial
      agents was detected in seven out of 50 isolates (14%) with the most frequent
      reduction in susceptibility to lincomycin and spectinomycin. Furthermore, strains
      with reduced susceptibility to more than one antimicrobial agent were always
      associated with reduced susceptibility to lincomycin. It is recommended to
      determine the antimicrobial susceptibility of Campylobacter fetus subsp.
      venerealis isolates in order to evaluate the efficacy of the generally used
      antibiotic treatment of bull semen and to detect possible resistances.

PMID- 22059290
TI  - Cloning of equine herpesvirus type 1 438/77 strain genome as a bacterial
      artificial chromosome.
AB  - Equine herpesvirus type 1 (EHV-1) is a major cause of respiratory and
      reproductive diseases in horses worldwide. The genome of EHV-1 strain 438/77
      (isolated from an aborted equine fetus) was cloned as a bacterial artificial
      chromosome (BAC) in E. coli without any gene deletions. The mini-F plasmid
      sequence was inserted in the middle of ORF19 and 20 via homologous recombination
      following co-transfection of viral DNA and plasmid pE19_20/HA into RK13 cells.
      Circular viral DNA was extracted from RK13 cells infected with purified
      recombinant virus expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) and electrophorated
      into E. coli DH10B cells. The clone harboring the BAC was screened and analyzed
      by PCR and RFLP. Reconstitution of the recombinant virus was achieved
      successfully by transfection of the BAC DNA into RK13 cells. The mini-F sequence
      in the reconstituted virus was subsequently removed by homologous recombination
      between virus DNA and plasmid pE1920XM, inducing a point mutation in the Xbal
      site in ORF19. Comparison of RFLP profiles of the rescued, recovered and the wild
      type viral genome demonstrated that no unexpected changes occurred during
      mutagenesis. In vitro replication assays showed that BAC-reconstituted virus
      mutant growth kinetics and plaque formation morphology/size were
      indistinguishable to those measured for wild-type virus.

PMID- 22059291
TI  - Avian polyomavirus infection of a fledgling budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus)
      and differential diagnoses of viral inclusions in psittacine birds--case report
      and mini-review.
AB  - A two-week-old budgerigar (Melopsittacus undulatus) of an outdoor aviary died
      suddenly and was submitted for determination the cause of illness and death.
      Macroscopically, the sparsely feathered animal was in a poor body condition.
      Histopathological examination revealed in various mesenchymal and epithelial
      tissues, numerous up to 15 microm in diameter large intranuclear, amphophilic to
      basophilic inclusion bodies with a clearing of the centre. Additionally, a
      feather dysplasia and retention hyperkeratosis of feather follicles was found.
      Ultrastructurally, viral particles of approximately 35 nm in diameter were
      detected in the feather follicle epithelium. A PCR for Avian Polyomavirus on
      fresh skin samples was negative whereas on formalin-fixed kidney samples with a
      high amount of viral inclusion bodies yielded a positive result. In addition,
      viral inclusion body diseases, like Avian Poxvirus, Psittacine Beak and Feather
      disease virus, Avian Adenovirus, Psittacine Herpesvirus and papillomavirus of
      psittacines are summarized and compared in the present article.

PMID- 22059292
TI  - [Outbreak of subclinical mastitis due to beta hemolytic group L streptococci (S.
      dysgalactiae ssp. equisimilis) in an Austrian dairy herd].
AB  - This study is reporting an outbreak of subclinical mastitis due to beta-hemolytic
      group L streptococci in an Austrian dairy herd with a history of high somatic
      cell count. At the first survey 16 of 33 lactating cows (28 quarters of 132) were
      cultured positive for beta-hemolytic, CAMP and esculin negative cocci that grew
      on Columbia blood agar with small grey catalase negative colonies. With the
      commercial API 20 Strep system (bioMerieux, F) isolates were classified as
      members of streptococci group L. All tested strains (eight of 28) produced acid
      from ribose, lactose, trehalose, amidon and glycogen; they hydrolysed hippurate
      and showed beta-glucuronidase, beta-galactosidase, alkaline phosphatase,
      leucinaminopeptidase and arginindehydrolase activity. Isolates were sensitive to
      bacitracin but resistant to tetracycline. Using phenotypic characterisation as
      well as sequence analysis of the 16S-23S intergenic spacer region of a
      representative strain, recovered isolates were identified as Streptococcus (S.)
      dysgalactiae ssp. equisimilis. Mastitis was characterized by normal milk
      secretions and absence of clinical abnormalities but high elevations of somatic
      cell count. Based on the characteristics of the strains and on the observations
      during the first herd survey, contagious transmission during milking as a result
      of poor milking hygiene was assumed. The mastitis was controlled through
      implementation of a strict hygiene protocol including use of single-use udder
      towels, post milking teat desinfection and cluster disinfection between milking
      cows in combination with antibiotic treatment of infected udders.

PMID- 22059293
TI  - A pilot study on ethanol-polyethylene glycol-formalin fixation of farm animal
      cadavers.
AB  - Most embalming of cadavers for anatomical dissection in veterinary medicine has
      used 6-10% formaldehyde resulting in discoloured and rigid specimens. This
      project produced teaching specimens of sheep, horse and calf cadavers having
      their musculoskeletal and visceral structures with a natural appearance using a
      fixation solution with lowered concentrations of formaldehyde (2% and 3%)
      together with ethanol and polyethylene glycols. Fixation parameters (palpable
      consistency, flexibility, colour, tissue hydration and odour) were assessed
      qualitatively by twice weekly dissections over two months for sheep and three
      months for horses and calf. Formaldehyde levels, measured in the breathing zone,
      were below the maximum allowable concentration in all specimens except for a 300
      kg horse cadaver. To evaluate the effectiveness of the fixation solution in
      microbial inhibition, tissue samples were taken and analyzed for the presence of
      culturable aerobic and anaerobic bacteria, yeasts and moulds. Single colonies of
      Pseudomonas oryzihabitans, Chryseobacterium sp., Acinetobacter sp. were isolated
      from lungs, and Micrococcus sp. and Bacillus sp. were isolated from one muscle
      sample.

PMID- 22059294
TI  - A spatial assessment of Culicoides spp. distribution and bluetongue disease risk
      areas in Austria.
AB  - Bluetongue disease (BT) was introduced into Central Europe in the summer of 2006
      and has since affected most European countries. In this study we analysed the
      distribution of the biting midge vector Culicoides spp. in Austria and modelled
      Bluetongue disease risk zones. Culicoides spp. abundance data was collected from
      weekly catches of 14 months from 54 trapping locations. The corresponding weather
      data mean temperature (p < 0.001), wind (p < 0.001), relative humidity (p =
      0.019) and altitude (p = 0.059) were identified as predictors on Culicoides spp.
      distribution in a regression model (R 2.8.0). The majority of catches were
      detected at temperatures above 10 degrees C and at relative humidities between 65
      80%. The point data of these parameters originating from 186 meteorological
      stations were interpolated using the Geostatistical Analyst Kriging tool (ESRI
      ArcGIS 9.3). To create seasonal risk maps we overlaid regions with optimal
      temperature and humidity conditions with domestic ruminants density data. Our
      results show that the summer season holds the greatest risk of a BT epidemic with
      25.9% of the analysed area providing optimal conditions for vector abundance and
      12.4% showing contact risk with ruminant hosts. This project (1) provides
      fundamental data on the Culicoides spp. distribution in Austria, (2) determines
      limiting climatic parameters on vector abundance and (3) identifies risk areas by
      including areas of possible host-parasite-interactions. These high-risk areas can
      subsequently be given special attention for precautionary monitoring and
      surveillance measures.

PMID- 22059295
TI  - Analysis of bacterial load and prevalence of mixed infections with Lawsonia
      intracellularis, Brachyspira hyodysenteriae and/or Brachyspira pilosicoli in
      German pigs with diarrhoea.
AB  - Lawsonia (L.) intracellularis, Brachyspira (B.) hyodysenteriae and B. pilosicoli
      are important pathogens in domestic pig production world-wide, responsible for
      porcine intestinal adenomatosis, swine dysentery, and porcine intestinal
      spirochetosis, respectively. Conventional PCR is the major diagnostic tool in the
      detection of the three pathogens, but the sole detection of bacterial DNA might
      lead to misinterpretations of results with respect to their clinical relevance,
      especially with mixed infections. Thus, the present study targeted the detection
      and quantification of the three pathogens in samples from herds with a case
      history of diarrhoea. Herds and samples were selected by the practitioners on a
      voluntary basis. Results were based on 1176 individual samples from 95 herds from
      Southern Germany. The pathogens were detected simultaneously by multiplex real
      time PCR. The overall prevalence for L. intracellularis, B. hyodysenteriae and B.
      pilosicoli was 12.6%, 8.4% and 3.2% in faecal samples and 48.4%, 24.2% and 31.6%
      in herds, respectively. Sixty one percent, 82.6%, and 73.4% of herds positive for
      L. intracellularis, B. hyodysenteriae, and B. pilosicoli, respectively, had mixed
      infections. Median log values of DNA equivalents/g of faeces for L.
      intracellularis, B. hyodysenteriae and B. pilosicoli were 3.3, 5.9 and 3.2, with
      maxima of 8.3, 8.0 and 6.3, respectively. Within herd prevalence of B.
      hyodysenteriae and B. pilosicoli as well as the load of B. hyodysenteriae were
      significantly associated with the severity of diarrhoea.

PMID- 22059296
TI  - Presence of porcine parvovirus in sera from pigs is independent of antibody
      titers.
AB  - Porcine parvovirus (PPV) is a widespread DNA virus that causes reproductive
      failure in swine. The aim of the present study was to investigate the presence of
      PPV in sera of nursery piglets (healthy n = 191 and wasting n = 132) and
      regularly vaccinated sows (with different parity rank [PR] n = 129), collected
      from different herds. Altogether, 452 animals were sampled in 27 herds owned by
      five companies. All sera were analyzed for the presence of PPV DNA by nested-PCR.
      The samples from sows were in addition tested for the presence of antibodies by
      Hemagglutination Inhibition (HI). PPV DNA was detected in healthy piglets
      (15.7%), wasting piglets (18.2%) and sows (17.8%). 25 herds had at least one
      positive sample and four companies had positive animals. The serology revealed
      that 84.7% of the sows had detectable antibodies and the fourth PR sows had the
      highest mean PPV antibody titers. Thirteen sows (19.1%) were found to be positive
      for DNA detection in the presence of high levels of antibody titers (> 512). This
      finding indicates that PPV DNA can be detected in different swine production
      categories irrespective of antibody titers.

PMID- 22059297
TI  - [Comparison of different applications of the sonographic contrast medium
      Levovist].
AB  - The influence of the application modes (bolus injection, infusion) of the
      sonographic signal enhancers Levovist was investigated in a total of 24 dogs. The
      animals in the bolus group were given 0.2 ml/kg body mass Levovist at a
      concentration of 300 mg/ml while in the other group the same amount was
      continuously injected over a time of two minutes. Signal enhancement was measured
      by an audiodoppler. Contrast duration above six, twelve, 18 and 24 dB and maximum
      signal enhancement were determined for each application mode. The comparison of
      these parameters showed that a statistically significant longer contrast duration
      (significance level p less than 0,05) at 0 and 6 dB can be achieved by continuous
      injection. Bolus application, on the other hand, resulted in significantly higher
      maximum contrast enhancement. With time consuming investigations
      (perfusiondiagnostic, shuntdiagnostic) the contrast effect can be partly extended
      with continuous injection but the technical requirements are higher and there is
      the risk that the acoustic properties of the microbubbles are negatively
      influenced.

PMID- 22059298
TI  - [Influence of exercise on horses' limb volume, measured by an optoelectronic
      device].
AB  - This study tested for the first time an optoelectronic device (Perometer*)
      measuring limb volume of horses. An analysis of its application was performed
      regarding the influence of different types of physical exercise on the volume of
      the extremities. 40 horses were divided into four groups often horses, each group
      being exposed to exercise, differing in kind and duration of lunging, horse
      ridden and riderless. The volume measurement was performed by determining the
      inactive value (I) after a twelfe-hour standing period, the load value (II)
      immediately after exercise and recovery value (III) one hour after exercise. The
      results showed a highly significant decrease in limb volume of 5.7% between
      values (I) and (II), as well as a highly significant increase of 68% between (II)
      and (III). The volume changes observed in male horses were significantly higher
      than in female horses. Volume changes in horse-ridden groups were higher than
      riderless ones, but not significant. There were fewer leg volume changes at low
      ambient temperatures (1-12 degrees C) compared to high temperatures (23-31
      degrees C), but these were not statistically significant. Well-trained horses
      showed lower volume changes than less trained horses (not statistically
      significant). The Perometer is a fast and reliable tool for measuring limb volume
      of horses. The ICC (Interclass Correlation Coefficient) calculated a high
      measurement reproducibility of 0.996. A variance analysis showed no significant
      differences between the three repeated leg measurements. Thus, the Perometer can
      be used for monitoring and quantifying edema and documenting limb volume changes
      resulting from training, wearing compression stockings or bandages, manual lymph
      drainage.

PMID- 22059299
TI  - Learning about faces: effects of trustworthiness on affective evaluation.
AB  - The results of two studies on the relationship between evaluations of
      trustworthiness, valence and arousal of faces are reported. In Experiment 1,
      valence and trustworthiness judgments of faces were positively correlated, while
      arousal was negatively correlated with both trustworthiness and valence. In
      Experiment 2, learning about faces based on their emotional expression and the
      extent to which this learning is influenced by perceived trustworthiness was
      investigated. Neutral faces of different models differing in trustworthiness were
      repeatedly associated with happy or with angry expressions and the participants
      were asked to categorize each neutral face as belonging to a "friend" or to an
      "enemy" based on these associations. Four pairing conditions were defined in
      terms of the congruency between trustworthiness level and expression: Trustworthy
      congruent, trustworthy-incongruent, untrustworthy-congruent and untrustworthy
      incongruent. Categorization accuracy during the learning phase and face
      evaluation after learning were measured. During learning, participants learned to
      categorize with similar efficiency trustworthy and untrustworthy faces as friends
      or enemies and thus no effects of congruency were found. In the evaluation phase,
      faces of enemies were rated as more negative and arousing than those of friends,
      thus showing that learning was effective to change the affective value of the
      faces. However, faces of untrustworthy models were still judged on average more
      negative and arousing than those of trustworthy ones. In conclusion, although
      face trustworthiness did not influence learning of associations between faces and
      positive or negative social information it did have a significant influence on
      face evaluation that was manifest even after that learning.

PMID- 22059300
TI  - Anticipated emotions and personal experience for predicting behavioral intentions
      and behavioral expectations.
AB  - We tested how anticipated emotions interact with personal experience in risk
      behavior to improve predictions from TPB on behavioral intention (BI) and
      behavioral expectation (BE) for sex without condom (Study 1) and excessive
      drinking (Study 2). In the moderate-high experience group, anticipated emotional
      profiles (AEPs) improve TPB prediction from 28% to 45% in the case of BI and from
      19% to 40% in that of BE in relation to sexual risk behavior (Study 1), and from
      23% to 36% in the case of BI and from 17% to 31% in that of BE in relation to
      binge drinking (Study 2). However, in the low-experience group (Study 2) AEPs
      improve TPB predictions for BI (12% to 34%) but not for BE, showing that in less
      experienced people BI and BE are not equivalent: anticipated emotions have
      different relevance in their prediction. These results were replicated using a
      general negative anticipated emotion index (averaging emotional categories).

PMID- 22059301
TI  - Cost of mental set reconfiguration between digits and their photisms in
      synaesthesia.
AB  - In this study we present an experiment investigating the reconfiguration process
      elicited by the task switching paradigm in synaesthesia. We study the time course
      of the operations involved in the activation of photisms. In the experimental
      Group, four digit-color synaesthetes alternated between an odd-even task and a
      color task (to indicate the photism elicited by each digit). In both tasks, the
      target stimuli were numbers between 1 and 9 written in white. One of the control
      groups ran the same tasks but this time with colored numbers (Naive Control
      Group). The results of these studies showed the expected pattern for the control
      group in the case of regular shift: a significant task switch cost with an abrupt
      offset and a cost reduction in long RSI. However for the experimental group, we
      found switch cost asymmetry in the short RSI and non-significant cost in the long
      RSI. A second control group performed exactly the same tasks as the experimental
      group (with white numbers as targets and a second imaginary color task) -Trained
      Control Group-. We found no cost for this second control group. This means that
      the cost of mental set reconfiguration between numbers (inducers) and their
      photisms (concurrent sensations) occurs, that there is a specific cost asymmetry
      (from photisms to inducers) and that this cost cannot be explained by associative
      learning. The results are discussed in terms of exogenous and endogenous
      components of mental set reconfiguration.

PMID- 22059302
TI  - Interference in visual perception by verbal and spatial cognitive activity.
AB  - In two experiments we tested the hypothesis that cognitive processing based on
      spatial imagery produces more deterioration of visual perception than cognitive
      processing based on verbal codes. So, we studied the effect on visual perception
      of two cognitive tasks, one of spatial imagery and the other a verbal task. In
      the first one, with 30 participants, we analyzed the mental load and ocular
      behaviors in both cognitive tasks. In the second experiment, with 29
      participants, we studied the effect of both tasks on a visual search task, using
      a dual-task experimental paradigm. The verbal task presented higher mental load
      than the imagery task when both tasks were carried out with visual search task,
      and there was more deterioration in stimulus detection with the verbal task. We
      can conclude that: (1) cognitive tasks produce important deterioration in the
      capacities of visual search and identification of stimuli; (2) this deterioration
      has two components: (a) an inefficient search, associated with alterations of the
      gaze patterns while performing cognitive tasks, and (b) a general interference,
      nonspecific to spatial codes, in the process of identification of looked-at
      stimuli; (3) this cognitive interference is related to the mental load or effort
      required by the cognitive task.

PMID- 22059303
TI  - The semantics of 'unless' conditionals: evidence from 'unless' and disjunctive
      inferences.
AB  - We report the results of an experiment investigating conditional inferences from
      conditional assertions such as 'Juan won't go to Leon unless Nuria goes to
      Madrid' and 'Either Nuria goes to Madrid or Juan won't go to Leon'. This
      experiment addresses Dancygier's claims about the semantics of 'unless' by
      examining inferential endorsements of 'not-A unless B' and 'Either B or not-A' in
      the canonical order, presenting the categorical premise after the conditional
      assertions, and in the inverse order, presenting the categorical premise before
      the conditional assertions. The results of the experiment confirm that the
      representation of 'unless' includes two possibilities, although as Dancygier
      holds one of the possibilities may not be complete. The implications of the
      results are discussed in the context of the strategic nature of conditional
      reasoning and recent convergent theories of linguistic processing.

PMID- 22059304
TI  - Inhibitory processes, working memory, phonological awareness, naming speed, and
      early arithmetic achievement.
AB  - This study identified the cognitive processes that underlie the individual
      differences in early mathematical performance in elementary school children.
      Taking into account the Baddeley framework multicomponent model, the inhibitory
      processes, working memory, phonological awareness, and naming speed are
      considered to be related to early math learning. To examine this relationship, we
      compared the performance of a total of 424 typically developing middle-class
      children, aged between 4 and 7 years in a battery of cognitive and early numeric
      tests: The Utrecht Early Numeracy Test, the Rapid Automatized Naming Test,
      Spanish version of the Stroop task, the Numeracy Interference Test, Digit Span
      test, and Phonological Knowledge Test. The mean age of the participants was 72.21
      months (sd = 14.8), and 48.6% were male and 51.4% were female. The results
      demonstrated that children performing worst on central executive, phonological
      processing, and inhibitory processes showed lower results in early mathematical
      tasks measured by The Utrecht Early Numeracy Test. Results supported the notion
      that the executive system is an important predictor of children's mathematical
      performance.

PMID- 22059305
TI  - Semantic priming effects in a lexical decision task: comparing third graders and
      college students in two different stimulus onset asynchronies.
AB  - Differences in the semantic priming effect comparing child and adult performance
      have been found by some studies. However, these differences are not well
      established, mostly because of the variety of methods used by researchers around
      the world. One of the main issues concerns the absence of semantic priming
      effects on children at stimulus onset asynchrony (SOA) smaller than 300ms. The
      aim of this study was to compare the semantic priming effect between third
      graders and college students at two different SOAs: 250ms and 500ms. Participants
      performed lexical decisions to targets which were preceded by semantic related or
      unrelated primes. Semantic priming effects were found at both SOAs in the third
      graders' group and in college students. Despite the fact that there was no
      difference between groups in the magnitude of semantic priming effects when SOA
      was 250ms, at the 500ms SOA their magnitude was bigger in children, corroborating
      previous studies. Hypotheses which could explain the presence of semantic priming
      effects in children's performance when SOA was 250ms are discussed, as well as
      hypotheses for the larger magnitude of semantic priming effects in children when
      SOA was 500ms.

PMID- 22059306
TI  - Thermal sensitivity and cardiovascular reactivity to stress in healthy males.
AB  - This paper examines the association of cardiovascular reactivity with thermal
      thresholds (detection and unpleasantness). Heart period (HP), systolic (SBP) and
      diastolic (DBP) blood pressure of 42 health young males were recorded during a
      cardiovascular reactivity task (a videogame based upon Sidman's avoidance
      paradigm). Thermal sensitivity, assessing detection and unpleasantness thresholds
      with radiant heat in the forearm was also estimated for participants.
      Participants with differential scores in the cardiovascular variables from base
      line to task > or = P65 were considered as reactors and those how have
      differential scores < or = P35 were considered as non-reactors. Significant
      differences were observed between groups in the unpleasantness thresholds in
      blood pressure (BP) but not in HP. Reactors exhibited significant higher
      unpleasantness thresholds than non-reactors. No significant differences were
      obtained in detection thresholds between groups.

PMID- 22059307
TI  - Effects of a play program on creative thinking of preschool children.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a play program in the
      creative thinking of preschool children. The study used a repeated measures
      experimental pretest-posttest design with control groups. The sample included 86
      participants aged 5 to 6 years (53 experimental and 33 control participants).
      Before and after administering the program, two evaluation instruments were
      applied: The Torrance Test of Creative Thinking (Torrance, 1990) and Behaviors
      and Traits of Creative Personality Scale (Garaigordobil & Berrueco, 2007). The
      program consisted of a weekly 75-minute play session throughout the school year.
      ANOVA results showed that the program significantly increased the verbal
      creativity (fluency, flexibility, originality), graphic creativity (elaboration,
      fluency, originality), and behaviors and traits of creative personality. In the
      pretest phase, there were no differences in the creativity of boys and girls, and
      the program stimulated a similar level of change in both sexes. The discussion
      focuses on the importance of implementing creative programs with preschool
      children.

PMID- 22059308
TI  - Functions of the pointing gesture in mothers and their 12 to 36-month-old
      children during everyday activities.
AB  - This study longitudinally examined the production of pointing in four Spanish 1
      year-old and four Spanish 2-year-old children in interactive situations with
      their mothers at home over the course of one year. Three aspects were analyzed:
      a) the functions of the pointing gesture, their accurate comprehension by the
      interlocutor (mother or child), and their order of emergence in the child; b)
      whether or not there were differences in the production of pointing according to
      who initiated the interaction; and c) whether maternal and child speech were
      related to maternal and child pointing production. The results showed that the
      pointing function of showing is the most frequent for both children and mothers
      from groups 1 and 2, and the first to emerge followed by the informing,
      requesting object, requesting action, and requesting cooperation functions. The
      accuracy with which these intentions were comprehended was found to be very high
      for both mother and child. Pointing production was greater when the speaker
      initiated the interaction than when the other person did, indicating that
      gestures follow the turn-taking system. Finally, the production of pointing to
      showing in children and mothers was found to be related to maternal and child
      speech, while pointing to request cooperation triggered the process of joint
      activity between mother and child.

PMID- 22059309
TI  - Infant-mother attachment can be improved through group intervention: a
      preliminary evaluation in Spain in a non-randomized controlled trial.
AB  - The quality of infant-mother attachment has been linked to competence in
      different domains of child development. Research indicates that early
      intervention can enhance the quality of infant-mother attachment, though its
      efficacy in a group format has yet to be evaluated. The current study is aimed at
      examining the usefulness of a group intervention in enhancing infant-mother
      attachment. An intervention aimed at addressing aspects such as maternal
      responsivity, sensitivity and childrearing behaviour was developed by the
      researchers and experienced psychologists. The intervention spanned a period of
      14 months starting from the third quarter of pregnancy. The intervention was
      evaluated among 24 mothers from the Basque region of Spain. The sample consisted
      of children of both genders in a similar proportion: 45.8% were boys and 54.2%
      were girls. The children in this sample were full-term born and did not present
      symptoms of any serious pre- or postnatal complications. The intervention had a
      statistically non-significant medium effect. Infants whose mothers had received
      the intervention showed higher rates of secure attachment compared to children
      from the control group, as assessed by the Strange Situation observation
      procedure. A potentially significant confounding variable, maternal attachment,
      was balanced across the intervention and comparison groups. We can tentatively
      point out that a group intervention may enhance the quality of infant-mother
      attachment. Nevertheless, because the study design was not randomized, the
      results of this study remain preliminary and need replication in a full
      randomized controlled trial designed study.

PMID- 22059310
TI  - Father involvement and marital relationship during transition to parenthood:
      differences between dual and single-earner families.
AB  - Research into the process of becoming mother or father shows very conclusively
      that this important life transition is accompanied by both a decrease in marital
      quality and a more traditional division of labour. In this paper these changes
      are analyzed with special emphasis on the relationships between them and
      exploring the role played in this process by the mother's work status. Results
      showed a significant link between the development of marital quality and violated
      expectations regarding father involvement on childrearing. Dual-earner families
      were characterized by a specific pattern of changes, with greater stability than
      single-earner families in marital and parental roles during transition to
      parenthood and a significant role played by spouse support as a partner, but not
      as a parent.

PMID- 22059311
TI  - A confirmatory factor analysis of the "Autoconcepto Forma 5" questionnaire in
      young adults from Spain and Chile.
AB  - The aim of this work is to examine the pentafactorial validity of the AF5 Self
      Concept Questionnaire in Spanish and Chilean young adults. From the responses of
      a total of 4,383 young adults aged 17 to 22 years (1,918 Spanish, 44%, and 2,465
      Chilean, 56%) it was analyzed the reliability of the instrument, the compared
      validity of the 5 oblique factor model proposed by the authors versus the
      unifactorial and the orthogonal alternative models, and was studied the
      invariance of one Chilean sample. The results of confirmatory factor analyses
      supported the authors' pentafactorial model. The multi-group factorial invariance
      showed that Chilean sample of the AF5 does not change neither the Spanish factor
      weights, nor the variances and covariances of the factors, or the error variances
      of items. Finally, the internal consistency of the five scales was good in the
      samples of both countries.

PMID- 22059312
TI  - The five and seven factors personality models: differences and similitude between
      the TCI-R, NEO-FFI-R and ZKPQ-50-CC.
AB  - The present study tests the relationships between the three frequently used
      personality models evaluated by the Temperament Character Inventory-Revised (TCI
      R), Neuroticism Extraversion Openness Five Factor Inventory - Revised (NEO-FFI-R)
      and Zuckerman-Kuhlman Personality Questionnaire-50- Cross-Cultural (ZKPQ-50-CC).
      The results were obtained with a sample of 928 volunteer subjects from the
      general population aged between 17 and 28 years old. Frequency distributions and
      alpha reliabilities with the three instruments were acceptable. Correlational and
      factorial analyses showed that several scales in the three instruments share an
      appreciable amount of common variance. Five factors emerged from principal
      components analysis. The first factor was integrated by A (Agreeableness), Co
      (Cooperativeness) and Agg-Host (Aggressiveness-Hostility), with secondary
      loadings in C (Conscientiousness) and SD (Self-directiveness) from other factors.
      The second factor was composed by N (Neuroticism), N-Anx (Neuroticism-Anxiety),
      HA (Harm Avoidance) and SD (Self-directiveness). The third factor was integrated
      by Sy (Sociability), E (Extraversion), RD (Reward Dependence), ImpSS (Impulsive
      Sensation Seeking) and NS (novelty Seeking). The fourth factor was integrated by
      Ps (Persistence), Act (Activity), and C, whereas the fifth and last factor was
      composed by O (Openness) and ST (Self- Transcendence). Confirmatory factor
      analyses indicate that the scales in each model are highly interrelated and
      define the specified latent dimension well. Similarities and differences between
      these three instruments are further discussed.

PMID- 22059313
TI  - Personality and job stress: a comparison of direct effects on parenting.
AB  - The impact of personality and job characteristics on parental rearing styles was
      compared in 353 employees. Hypotheses concerning the relationships between
      personality and job variables were formulated in accordance with findings in past
      research and the Belsky's model (1984). Structural equation nested models showed
      that Aggression-hostility, Sociability and job Demand were predictive of
      Rejection and Emotional Warmth parenting styles, providing support for some of
      the hypothesized relationships. The findings suggest a well-balanced association
      of personality variables with both parenting styles: Aggression-Hostility was
      positively related to Rejection and negatively to Emotional Warmth, whereas
      Sociability was positively related to Emotional Warmth and negatively related to
      Rejection. Personality dimensions explained a higher amount of variance in
      observed parenting styles. However, a model that considered both, personality and
      job dimensions as antecedent variables of parenting was the best representation
      of observed data, as both systems play a role in the prediction of parenting
      behavior.

PMID- 22059314
TI  - Dynamics of the general factor of personality in response to a single dose of
      caffeine.
AB  - General Factor of Personality (GFP) research is an emergent field in personality
      research. This paper uses a theoretical mathematical model to predict the short
      term effects of a dose of a stimulant drug on GFP and reports the results of an
      experiment showing how caffeine achieves this. This study considers the General
      Factor of Personality Questionnaire (GFPQ) a good psychometric approach to assess
      GFP. The GFP dynamic mechanism of change is based on the Unique Trait Personality
      Theory (UTPT). This theory proposes the existence of GFP which occupies the apex
      of the hierarchy of personality, and extends from an impulsiveness-and
      aggressiveness pole (approach tendency) to an anxiety-and-introversion pole
      (avoidance tendency). An experiment with 25 volunteers was performed. All the
      participants completed the GFPQ and the Sensation-Seeking Scale list of
      adjectives from the trait version of MAACL-R (Multiple Affect Adjective Checklist
      Revised) on an empty stomach. The participants in the experimental group (20)
      received 330 mg of caffeine. All the participants filled in a state version form
      with the sensation-seeking adjectives every 4.5 minutes. This study considers
      that the Sensation-Seeking Scale list of adjectives from the MAACL-R, available
      in both trait and state versions, is a good psychometric approach to assess GFP.
      The results show that GFP is modified by a single dose of caffeine in the
      direction predicted by the UTPT.

PMID- 22059315
TI  - Personality patterns of suicide attempters: gender differences in Ukraine.
AB  - In the present study, an attempt has been made to investigate the complete
      'pattern' of a suicide attempter (SA) within the set of Big Five traits. Two
      models were used: M1, which includes the five main dimensions of Big Five in the
      analysis; and M2, which includes facets of those dimensions which were identified
      as important in M1. The study consisted of a group of SA (men - 326, women - 299)
      and a group of healthy volunteers (HV) (men - 143, women - 190) with a similar
      age range. Discriminant analysis (DA) showed that the factors most significant in
      discriminating the personality pattern of a male SA are (in decreasing order):
      (E) Extraversion, (N) Neuroticism, (C) Conscientiousness and (O) Openness; and
      for a female SA these factors were (E) Extraversion, (C) Conscientiousness and
      (A) Agreeableness. In M2 for men, the largest contribution to pattern recognition
      is (N3) Depression. Moreover, in M2 for men significant characteristics were (in
      descending order): (E6) Positive Emotions, (O1) Fantasy, (E4) Activity, and also
      (N2) Angry Hostility, (C3) Dutifulness, (C4) Achievement Striving, (C2) Order and
      (O6) Values; and for women: (E4) Activity, (C6) Deliberation, (C2) Order, (A6)
      Tender-Mindedness, (E5) Excitement Seeking, (E6) Positive Emotions, (C4)
      Achievement Striving, (A2) Straightforwardness, (C5) Self-Discipline and (E1)
      Warmth. Analysis of the obtained data demonstrates that suicide attempts amongst
      males, can largely be associated with personality variables reflecting negative
      emotions; while female suicide attempts are primarily associated with variables
      regarding activity and self-regulation.

PMID- 22059316
TI  - Risk profiles and peer violence in the context of school and leisure time.
AB  - Though violence at school is by no means a new phenomenon, there has been growing
      social and scientific concern about this issue in recent years. The present study
      builds on prior analysis of the roles adolescents play in peer harassment, and
      the relationship between violence occurring at school and during free time. A
      representative sample of students between the ages of 14 and 18 was selected in
      the Community of Madrid (N = 1622) through random cluster sampling (school was
      the unit of analysis). Participants completed the C.E.V.E.O. questionnaire, which
      presents fifteen situations involving peer violence. The results reveal a
      relationship between violent situations occurring at school and during free time,
      and between the roles of aggressor and victim during free time. A profile
      analysis yielded three different categories: the "minimal violence exposure" type
      (1126 adolescents), the "psychological violence exposure" type (413 adolescents),
      and the "high risk of violence" type (83 adolescents). Judging from these
      results, we posit that interventions must be designed which tailor to each group
      and their respective risk situations.

PMID- 22059317
TI  - Eating habits, physical activity, consumption of substances and eating disorders
      in adolescents.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences between adolescents with a
      high or low risk of developing an eating disorder (ED) in different health
      behaviors (eating habits, physical activity and the consumption of substances)
      per gender. The EAT-40 and the Inventory of Behavioral Health in Scholars were
      applied to 2142 middle school students from Alicante (Spain), of whom 52.8% were
      girls and 47.2% were boys, with an average age of 13.92 years old (Sd = 1.34).
      Results indicated that girls with a high risk of developing an ED consumed fewer
      meals, ate fewer unhealthy foods, followed more diets and paid more attention to
      nutritional components. Furthermore, they also performed more physical activity
      with the objective of losing weight, and consumed more tobacco, alcohol and
      medicines. Boys at high risk of developing an ED followed more diets and paid
      more attention to nutritional components. For boys, no more differences were
      found. These results suggest that any program directed at the prevention of ED
      should not only include nutritional education, but should also seek to promote
      regular physical activity with objectives other than weight loss or the burning
      of calories.

PMID- 22059318
TI  - Drug awareness in adolescents attending a mental health service: analysis of
      longitudinal data.
AB  - One of the procedures used most recently with longitudinal data is linear mixed
      models. In the context of health research the increasing number of studies that
      now use these models bears witness to the growing interest in this type of
      analysis. This paper describes the application of linear mixed models to a
      longitudinal study of a sample of Spanish adolescents attending a mental health
      service, the aim being to investigate their knowledge about the consumption of
      alcohol and other drugs. More specifically, the main objective was to compare the
      efficacy of a motivational interviewing programme with a standard approach to
      drug awareness. The models used to analyse the overall indicator of drug
      awareness were as follows: (a) unconditional linear growth curve model; (b)
      growth model with subject-associated variables; and (c) individual curve model
      with predictive variables. The results showed that awareness increased over time
      and that the variable 'schooling years' explained part of the between-subjects
      variation. The effect of motivational interviewing was also significant.

PMID- 22059319
TI  - The classification of Spanish adolescents based on substance consumption patterns
      and the analysis of the relationships within their social developmental contexts.
AB  - This research is part of the 2006 edition of the Health Behavior in School-aged
      Children (HBSC) study. The data presented were composed of a sample of 15942
      Spanish adolescents ranging from 13 to 18 years of age. The instruments used
      included a variety of questions related to substance consumption among
      adolescents, their bio-psycho-social adjustment and developmental contexts, all
      of which are part of the HBSC study instrument bank. Through classification
      analysis, as well as significance and effect size tests, we obtained relevant
      information about the current epidemiology of substance consumption among Spanish
      adolescents. These results are representative of the Spanish adolescent
      population which allows the typical risk profile attributed to young people to be
      clarified. A gradual adjustment can be seen in terms of substance consumption
      levels in youth and that same level in their friends. Likewise, the analysis of
      the developmental context (family, friends and school) provides important
      information when it comes to preventing substance consumption, thus showing the
      advantages that coherence and connection have between the different environments
      where youth live, grow up and develop.

PMID- 22059320
TI  - Psychosocial correlates of condom use and their relationship with worry about STI
      and HIV in native and immigrant adolescents in Spain.
AB  - The goal of this study was to analyze how worry about sexually-transmitted
      infections (STI) and HIV influences attitudes and self-efficacy towards condom
      use, HIV-related knowledge, HIV-perceived susceptibility and HIV-misconceptions
      in a multicultural sample in Spain. The sample was composed of 3,051 adolescents
      aged between 14 and 19 years old who lived in Spain. Of these, 67.7% were native
      Spaniards and the remaining 32.3% were Latin American immigrants. Results showed
      that worry about STI and HIV has a direct influence on condom use self-efficacy
      and HIV-knowledge and HIV-perceived susceptibility. Native Spanish adolescents
      showed higher positive attitudes towards condom use, greater HIV-knowledge and
      HIV-perceived susceptibility, and lower negative attitudes towards condoms use
      and HIV-misconceptions than Latin American adolescents. In the discussion, the
      importance of worry about STI and HIV is highlighted as a mediator variable that
      can predict risky sexual behavior and is related to cultural origin.

PMID- 22059321
TI  - Hand gestures and perceived influence in small group interaction.
AB  - A laboratory study was carried out to establish the relative importance of verbal
      and gestural behavior, as well as their interaction, for perceived social
      influence in more or less competitive small groups. Forty women (psychology
      students) participated in leaderless small group discussions of different sizes
      (four-member and eight-member): at the end, each member rated the perceived
      influence in decision-making of every other member. Verbal dominance coding is
      based on traditional quantitative conversational dominance (number of talk
      turns). Gestural coding (conversational, ideational, object-adaptor, self-adaptor
      gestures) is based on classical gesture classifications. Beside a substantial
      effect of verbal dominance, the main result is that frequency of object-adaptors
      and conversational (only in large groups) and ideational (in both small and large
      groups) gestures increases perceived influence scores particularly when the
      verbal dominance of the speaker is low.

PMID- 22059322
TI  - I control therefore I am: effects of mortality salience on control attributions.
AB  - Terror Management Theory posits that when individuals are faced with their own
      mortality, they use several defense mechanisms to reduce the existential anxiety
      caused by the thought of their own death. In this paper, we examined one such
      mechanism: Control attributions. To do so, we ran an experiment (n = 140) in
      which we manipulated mortality salience and type of failure (relevant vs.
      irrelevant consequences) with which participants were faced. Participants were
      then instructed to evaluate the possible causes of their failure. The results
      indicated that participants assigned to the mortality salience condition,
      compared to those assigned to the control group, were more prone to making
      controllable attributions. That is, even in situations in which individuals are
      motivated to avoid responsibility (i.e., a relevant failure), mortality salience
      increased perceived controllability. These results suggest that attributions
      might serve as a control mechanism to compensate for the sheer uncontrollability
      of death.

PMID- 22059323
TI  - Predicting team output using indices at group level.
AB  - The present study explores the usefulness of dyadic quantification of group
      characteristics to predict team work performance. After reviewing the literature
      regarding team member characteristics predicting group performance, percentages
      of explained variance between 3% and 18% were found. These studies have followed
      an individualistic approach to measure group characteristics (e. g., mean and
      variance), based on aggregation. The aim of the present work was testing whether
      by means of dyadic measures group output prediction percentage could be
      increased. The basis of dyadic measures is data obtained from an interdependent
      pairs of individuals. Specifically, the present research was intended to develop
      a new dyadic index to measure personality dissimilarity in groups and to explore
      whether dyadic measurements allow improving groups' outcome predictions compared
      to individualistic methods. By means of linear regression, 49.5 % of group
      performance variance was explained using the skew-symmetry and the proposed
      dissimilarity index in personality as predictors. These results support the
      usefulness of the dyadic approach for predicting group outcomes.

PMID- 22059324
TI  - Effective behaviors to de-escalate organizational conflicts in the process of
      escalation.
AB  - The goal of the present study was to determine what behaviors negotiators can use
      to help to quell an escalating conflict. In doing so, we formed a sample of
      professionals who took on the role of negotiator when we provoked an
      organizational conflict between a superior and subordinate that escalates due to
      the intervention of research confederates. Trained judges analyzed the
      negotiators' behaviors that most effectively mitigated the intensity of the
      conflict in which they were involved. The results demonstrate that the behaviors
      most effective at de-escalating an escalating conflict are problem-solving and
      accommodation, especially when said conflict has escalated considerably.
      Similarly, jointly employing problem-solving and direct fighting behaviors also
      seems to help de-escalate conflict. The results do not, however, consistently
      support using a forceful behavioral strategy to de-escalate a conflict in the
      early stages of escalation.

PMID- 22059325
TI  - Assessing the impact of dispositional resistance to change on organizational
      attraction.
AB  - In recent years there has been an increasing interest among researchers and
      practitioners to analyze what makes a firm attractive in the eyes of university
      students, and if individual differences such as personality traits have an impact
      on this general affect towards a particular organization. The main goal of the
      present research is to demonstrate that a recently conceptualized narrow trait of
      personality named dispositional resistance to change (RTC), that is, the inherent
      tendency of individuals to avoid and oppose changes (Oreg, 2003), can predict
      organizational attraction of university students to firms that are perceived as
      innovative or conservative. Three complementary studies were carried out using a
      total sample of 443 college students from Mexico. In addition to validating the
      hypotheses, our findings suggest that as the formation of the images of
      organizations in students' minds is done through social cognitions, simple
      stimuli such as physical artifacts, when used in an isolated manner, do not have
      a significant impact on organizational attraction.

PMID- 22059326
TI  - Exploring the role of national culture on knowledge practices: a comparison
      between Spain and the UK.
AB  - In the context of a competitive knowledge-based economy, the knowledge provided
      by a firm's founders is one of the most important measures of success. This paper
      aims to identify the role of national culture on a founder's knowledge practices
      in a modern organisation. Using data collected from 258 Small to Medium sized
      Enterprises (SME(S)) in the Spanish and UK telecommunication industries (130 from
      Spain and 128 from the UK), we propose three knowledge management practices to be
      analysed; namely transfer, transformation and open-mindedness. This paper
      provides evidence that while Spanish SME(S) are more positively associated with
      higher levels of transfer and transformation of knowledge, UK SME(S) are more
      positively associated with higher levels of open-mindedness. Hence, this study
      serves as an important contribution to the small amount of literature currently
      available in this field by examining different practices that can be explained by
      the cultural characteristics of both countries.

PMID- 22059327
TI  - Consequences of job insecurity and the moderator role of occupational group.
AB  - In recent decades, transformations in organizations and the labour market have
      produced an increase in employee job insecurity. In response to this situation,
      workers present different negative reactions. However, the intensity of these
      reactions varies across studies that have investigated the outcomes of job
      insecurity. One possible explanation for this inconsistency may lie in the
      influence of other factors, such as the occupational group (Sverke et al., 2002).
      The aim of this study is to provide additional evidence about the relationship
      between job insecurity and its outcomes (i.e., life satisfaction, job
      satisfaction, perceived performance and organizational commitment), and examine
      the moderator role of occupational group in this relationship. The sample was
      composed of 321 employees from different Spanish organizations. The results
      showed that job insecurity was directly and negatively related to life
      satisfaction, job satisfaction and organizational commitment, and they suggest
      that occupational group moderated relations between job insecurity and three
      studied outcomes. In the case of life satisfaction and perceived performance,
      this relationship was stronger among blue collar workers. The relationship
      between job insecurity and job satisfaction was stronger in white collar workers.
      The implications and limitations of this study are discussed.

PMID- 22059328
TI  - The contribution of social rank and attachment theory to depression in a non
      clinical sample of adolescents.
AB  - This study explores the relative contribution of the overall quality of
      attachment to the mother, to the father and to peers (Inventory of Parent and
      Peer Attachment scales), the style of attachment towards peers (Attachment
      Questionnaire for Children scale), the social rank variables (submissive behavior
      and social comparison), and sex and age variables in predicting the depression
      score (Center of Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale) on a non-psychiatric
      sample of 13-18 year old adolescents (n = 225). Results of our integrated model
      (adjusted R-Square of .50) show that attachment variables (overall quality of
      attachment to the father and to the mother), social rank variables (social
      comparison and submissive behavior), age and sex are important in predicting
      depressive symptoms during adolescence. Moreover, the attachment to peers
      variables (quality of attachment to peers, secure and ambivalent style of
      attachment) and sex are mediated by the social rank variables (social comparison
      and submissive behavior).

PMID- 22059329
TI  - Latin-American immigrant women and mental health: differences according to their
      rural or urban origin.
AB  - Spain is one of the EU countries that receive most immigrants, especially from
      Latin America. The process of migration implies a high level of stress what may
      have repercussions for the mental health of immigrants. The purposes of this
      study were: (a) to determine whether the degree of mental health of immigrant
      women differs according to their rural or urban origin, (b) to compare the mental
      health of immigrant women with that of the female normative sample of host
      population (Spain). A sample of 186 Latin American immigrant women (142 from
      urban areas and 44 from rural areas) was recruited in Barcelona by means of a
      consecutive case method. A structured interview and the SCL-90-R were
      administered. The results indicated that the immigrant women from rural origin
      reported higher levels of psychological symptomatology than those from urban
      areas. Immigrants reported higher levels of psychological symptomatology than the
      native female population and in most of the psychological symptoms exceeded 90%
      of the native Spanish population. Migration is a powerful stressor which may lead
      to psychological distress. Being female of rural origin and being in an illegal
      situation is related with an increase in symptomatology.

PMID- 22059330
TI  - High and low trait anger, and the recognition of anger problems.
AB  - This study compared three groups of people: (a) high trait anger individuals who
      recognized personal anger problems (HR); (b) high trait anger individuals who did
      not recognize personal anger problems (HNR); and (c) low trait anger individuals
      not reporting personal anger problems (LNR). Compared to LNR participants, HR and
      HNR groups reported more anger-out (i.e., outward negative expression of anger
      such as arguing with others), anger-in (i.e., anger suppression and harboring
      grudges), greater desire to use and actual use of physically aggressive anger
      expression (e.g., pushing or shoving someone), and less anger control-in (i.e.,
      emotionally focused strategies to lower anger such as relaxation) and anger
      control-out (i.e., behaviorally focused strategies such as being patient with
      others). HR individuals reported more trait anger (i.e., higher propensity to
      experience anger) and less anger control-out than the HNR group. Gender did not
      relate to the recognition of anger problems. Findings were discussed with regard
      to theory and clinical implications.

PMID- 22059331
TI  - Assessment of executive functions in a Brazilian sample of bipolar subjects.
AB  - Research has demonstrated impairments in executive functions in Bipolar Mood
      Disorder patients. Evidence shows that this impairment is present in both periods
      of active symptoms of the disorder, as well as euthymic stages, and is compounded
      by mood episodes, especially manic phases. The purpose of this study was to
      compare the executive performance of a sample of Brazilian bipolar patients in
      depressive episodes, (44 participants), euthymia (37 participants), and in
      controls (43 participants). The main instrument for evaluation was the Wisconsin
      Card Sorting Test. Significant differences were found in performance on the
      Wisconsin Card Sorting Test between Bipolar subjects (Type I) (both in depression
      and euthymia) and the controls. No significant correlations were found between
      the number of manic episodes and the performance on execute measurement
      variables. The findings suggest that the executive dysfunctions in Bipolar
      Disorder may be related to both transitory and permanent deficits.

PMID- 22059332
TI  - The contingent negative variation laterality and dynamics in antisaccade task in
      normal and unmedicated schizophrenic subjects.
AB  - Contingent negative variation (CNV) topography, hemispheric asymmetry and time
      course were investigated in healthy subjects and non-medicated paranoid
      schizophrenic patients in two antisaccade paradigms with the short (800-1000 ms)
      and long (1200-1400 ms) durations of the fixation period. EEG and
      electrooculogram (EOG) were recorded. Saccade characteristics and mean amplitudes
      of slow cortical potentials time-locked to peripheral target were analyzed in 23
      healthy volunteers and 19 schizophrenic patients. Compared to healthy control
      subjects, schizophrenic patients had significantly slower antisaccades and
      committed significantly more erroneous saccades in the both antisaccade tasks.
      The prolongation of the fixation period resulted in noticeable decrease of error
      percent in patients group. The analysis of CNV time-course has revealed two
      distinct stages in both groups. The early CNV stage was represented by a negative
      wave with the maximal amplitude over midline fronto-central area, and the late
      stage was characterized by increased CNV amplitude at the midline and left
      parietal electrode sites. In healthy subjects the simultaneous activation of
      frontal and parietal areas was observed in the paradigm with the shorter fixation
      interval; the increase of the fixation period produced consecutive activation of
      these areas. Schizophrenic patients' CNV amplitude was generally smaller than
      that of healthy subjects. The most pronounced between-group differences of the
      negative shift amplitude were revealed at frontal electrode sites during the
      early CNV stage in both modifications of the antisaccade task. The deficit of
      frontal activation revealed in patients at the early stage of antisaccade
      preparatory set in both antisaccadic paradigms may be related to pathogenesis of
      paranoid schizophrenia.

PMID- 22059333
TI  - Perceptions of breastfeeding in mothers of babies born preterm in comparison to
      mothers of full-term babies.
AB  - The purpose of the present study was: a) to describe the theme of verbalizations
      about breastfeeding in mothers' pre-term (M-PT) and full-term (M-FT) infants; b)
      to examine the association between these themes and mother's anxiety and
      depression indicators and socio-demographic characteristics and, neonatal
      characteristics of the infants. The sample consisted of 50 M-PT and 25 M-FT. The
      mothers were assessed through State-Trait Anxiety Inventory and Beck Depression
      Inventory and were interviewed using a Guide focusing breastfeeding issues. The M
      PT group had significantly more mothers with clinical symptom of anxiety than the
      M-FT group. The M-PT reported more uncertainties and worries about breastfeeding
      and figured out more obstacles for the successful breastfeeding than the M-FT.
      These reports were associated positively with the infants' risk neonatal status;
      lower birth-weight, higher neonatal clinical risk, and more length time stay in
      NICU were associated with more mothers' worries and seeing obstacles for
      breastfeeding. In conclusion, the strategies to enhance the breastfeeding rate in
      the preterm population have to take into account the mothers' psychological
      status and their ideas in addition to offering information about the advantages
      of breastfeeding for child development.

PMID- 22059334
TI  - Objective assessment of gender roles: Gender Roles Test (GRT-36).
AB  - This study was designed to develop a computerized test to assess gender roles.
      This test is presented as a decision-making task to mask its purpose. Each item
      displays a picture representing an activity and a brief sentence that describes
      it. Participants have to choose the most suitable sex to perform each activity:
      man or woman. The test (Gender Roles Test, GRT-36) consists of 36
      items/activities. The program registers both the choices made and their response
      times (RTs). Responses are considered as stereotyped when the chosen sex fits
      stereotyped roles and non-stereotyped when the chosen sex does not fit
      stereotyped roles. Individual means (RTs) were computed for stereotyped and non
      stereotyped responses, differentiating between domestic and work spheres. A "D"
      score, reflecting the strength of association between activities and sex, was
      calculated for each sphere and sex. The study incorporated 78 participants (69%
      women and 31% men) ranging from 19 to 59 years old. The results show that: (a)
      reading speed does not explain the variability in the RTs; (b) RTs show good
      internal consistency; (c) RTs are shorter for stereotyped than for neutral
      stimuli; (d) RTs are shorter for stereotyped than for non-stereotyped responses.
      Intended goals are supported by obtained results. Scores provided by the task
      facilitate both group and individual detailed analysis of gender role,
      differentiating the gender role assigned to men from that assigned to women, at
      the domestic and work spheres. Obtained data fall within the scope of the
      genderology and their implications are discussed.

PMID- 22059335
TI  - Spanish validation of the Acceptance of Modern Myths about Sexual Aggression
      scale (AMMSA).
AB  - Two studies were conducted with college students to validate the Spanish-language
      version of the "Acceptance of Modern Myths about Sexual Aggression" scale (AMMSA)
      (Gerger, Kley, Bohner & Siebler, 2007). This scale assesses modern myths about
      sexual aggression in a subtle way. In Study 1, 305 students completed the Spanish
      AMMSA and other scales with related content. In Study 2, 263 participants
      completed the Spanish AMMSA and answered questions about a hypothetical sexual
      assault perpetrated by a young man against a female acquaintance. The Spanish
      AMMSA showed high internal consistency and adequate evidence of validity in both
      studies. Compared to traditional scales of rape myth acceptance, mean scores on
      the AMMSA were higher and their distributions more closely approximated
      normality. These findings suggest that the Spanish version of the AMMSA scale is
      a useful instrument to study the social perception of sexual aggression.

PMID- 22059336
TI  - Spanish validation of the Affective Neuroscience Personality Scales.
AB  - The Affective Neuroscience Personality Scales have been designed to provide a
      personality assessment tool based on six distinct affective systems. The six
      neural systems involved were labeled PLAY, SEEK, CARE, FEAR, ANGER and SADNESS.
      Spirituality has been integrated into the questionnaire as a seventh dimension
      because, in opinion of Panksepp and his colleagues is one of the most interesting
      human emotion. The aim of the present paper was introduce the validation of the
      Spanish version of Affective Neuroscience Personality Scales and their first
      psychometric results in a sample of 411 college students. Participants completed
      the Spanish version of ANPS, just as a personality scale of five factors (NEO-FFI
      R), and the Scales of Positive and Negative Affect (PANAS). The factor structure
      obtained and psychometric properties of the scales indicate that the Spanish
      version of the scales provides an effective tool to measure the seven dimensions
      of personality proposal in the original questionnaire.

PMID- 22059337
TI  - Intelligence impairment, personality features and psychopathology disturbances in
      a family affected with CADASIL.
AB  - Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and
      leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is a small-vessel disease of the brain that is
      characterized by headache, recurring lacunar strokes, mood changes and
      progressive cognitive deterioration. The disease is transmitted with an autosomal
      dominant pattern and usually starts during midadulthood (at 30-50 years of age).
      Cognitive deficits in patients with CADASIL develop slowly. The dementia causes
      frontal-like symptoms and it typically develops after a history of recurrent
      stroke. We describe three patients from one Spanish family affected by this
      disease. All three cases underwent comprehensive clinical and neuropsychological
      examination, and were monitored for seven years. The results obtained in this
      study describe a) a significant loss of the intelligence quotient (IQ) and
      noticeable damage to abstract ability (g factor), b) mood and psychopathological
      disturbances (major depression and dysthymia), and c) a personality with neurotic
      features.

PMID- 22059338
TI  - Psychometric analysis of the Catalan version of the Alabama Parenting
      Questionnaire (APQ) in a community sample.
AB  - The aim of this study was to adapt to Catalan the parents' and children's global
      report forms of the Alabama Parenting Questionnaire (APQ), using a community
      sample of 364 children between 10 and 15 years old and their families.
      Sociodemographic information (from parents) and the presence of externalizing
      problems (from parents and teachers) were collected. The results suggest a 3
      factor structure corresponding to the scales of Positive Parenting Practices
      (PPP), Inconsistent and Negative Discipline (IND) and Poor Monitoring/Supervision
      (PMS). The internal consistency is acceptable in all the scales, except for the
      IND in the children's format. The scales also present good convergent and
      discriminant validity, and the relations with the external variable studied
      pointed in the expected direction: inefficient parenting practices are related to
      the presence of more behavior problems in children. To sum up, the Catalan
      version of the parents' and children's global report forms of the APQ are
      considered suitable for use in the area of children's and adolescents' behavior
      problems.

PMID- 22059339
TI  - Psychometric properties of the Turkish adaptation of the Mathematics Teacher
      Efficacy Belief Instrument for in-service teachers.
AB  - Teaching efficacy beliefs have attracted researchers' attention in recent decades
      because of its close association with and potential impact on the implementation
      of new ideas and skills in education. In the present study, we have explored the
      psychometric properties and construct validity of the Turkish adaptation of the
      Mathematics Teacher Efficacy Belief Instrument developed by Enochs, Smith, &
      Huinker (2000) for in-service mathematics teachers. The instrument distinguishes
      between two dimensions of efficacy beliefs for mathematics teachers: personal
      mathematics teaching efficacy and mathematics teaching outcome expectancy. The
      sample consisted of 1355 in-service elementary school teachers and middle school
      mathematics teachers from 368 schools. Exploratory and confirmatory factor
      analysis revealed a two-factor structure similar to that found in other studies.
      Also, scores from the two subscales indicated acceptable internal consistency.

PMID- 22059340
TI  - Psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Running Addiction Scale
      (RAS).
AB  - Despite the growing number of Spanish people who organize their lives to prepare
      and participate in marathons, bringing to it a very committed lifestyle that,
      sometimes, go in detriment of their own health. In this instrumental paper, we
      the adaptation and testing of the psychometric properties of the Running
      Addiction Scale (RAS) in Spanish. To this end, we conducted two independent
      studies. The aim of the first was to present the first preliminary psychometric
      data (pilot sample of 174 marathon runners). Explained the process of
      translation, adaptation and content validity of items, we carried out a
      statistical analysis of these, an exploration of dimensional structure and
      analysis of the reliability of the instrument. In the second study (sample of 975
      marathon runners), the aim was to analyze the internal structure of the
      instrument with confirmatory procedures. The Spanish version of the RAS showed
      acceptable levels of internal consistency, temporal stability, inter-item
      correlations and total scale score. Also provides evidences of construct
      validity. Slight differences were obtained by sex and age. These findings support
      the use of the Spanish version of RAS to assess individual differences in
      negative addiction to running.

PMID- 22059341
TI  - Psychometric update of the Social Anxiety Screening Scale (SASS/EDAS) in a
      Spanish adolescent population.
AB  - The aim of this work was to update the validation of the Social Anxiety Screening
      Scale (SASS/EDAS) in a sample of Spanish adolescents. To achieve this, one study
      with a sample of 1489 students in secondary education, of ages 14 to 17 years,
      were carried out. The psychometric properties of EDAS were examined through
      confirmatory factor analysis, reliability (Cronbach's alpha), temporal stability
      (test-retest), and concurrent criterion validity. The results supported the three
      independent-factor structure (avoidance, distress and interference), that showed
      best fit indices compared to alternative models. They also showed that the scores
      of participants on EDAS scales were reliable in terms of internal consistency
      (alpha > .80) and moderately reliable concerning temporal stability (r = .48-.60)
      over a five-week period. The correlations between the EDAS factors and other
      social anxiety measures were positive and significant. Data provide empirical
      evidence of the estimation of reliability and validity of this scale. Future work
      should extend the validation of the EDAS in clinical samples.

PMID- 22059342
TI  - Validity of the Parenting Stress Index-Short Form in a sample of Spanish fathers.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to analyze the psychometric properties of the
      Spanish version of the Parenting Stress Index-Short Form in a sample of 115
      fathers of infants aged between ten and thirty-nine months old. The exploratory
      factor analysis revealed three reasonably distinct factors, as in the original
      version of the instrument. The three extracted factors: Parental Distress, Parent
      Child Dysfunctional Interaction and Difficult Child accounted for 47.48 % of the
      variance. The internal consistency coefficients were high in each factor or
      subscale. These results provided empirical evidence in favour of the reliability
      and validity of the Parenting Stress Index-Short Form in Spanish fathers, and can
      be useful to elucidate the mechanisms through which stress impacts parenting and
      permitting to develop more targeted interventions for infants and their families.

PMID- 22059343
TI  - Avoidance and activation as keys to depression: adaptation of the Behavioral
      Activation for Depression Scale in a Spanish sample.
AB  - In this paper we present the adaptation of the Behavioral Activation for
      Depression Scale (BADS), developed by Kanter, Mulick, Busch, Berlin, and Martell
      (2007), in a Spanish sample. The psychometric properties were tested in a sample
      of 263 participants (124 clinical and 139 non-clinical). The results show that,
      just as in the original English version, the Spanish BADS is a valid and
      internally consistent scale. Construct validity was examined by correlation with
      the BDI-II, AAQ, ATQ, MCQ-30, STAI and EROS. Factor analysis justified the four
      dimensions of the original instrument (Activation, Avoidance/Rumination,
      Work/School Impairment and Social Impairment), although with some differences in
      the factor loadings of the items. Further considerations about the usefulness of
      the BADS in the clinical treatment of depressed patients are also suggested.

PMID- 22059344
TI  - Factorial validity of the Job Expectations Questionnaire in a sample of Mexican
      workers.
AB  - The aim of this study was to examine the factorial validity of the Job
      Expectations Questionnaire (Cuestionario de Expectativas Laborales CEL) in a
      sample of Mexican workers. Following a cross validation approach, two samples
      were used in the study. The first sample consisted of 380 professionals who
      mainly performed administrative work in the Health Services in Puebla-Mexico. The
      second sample comprised 400 health professionals from the Hospital de la Mujer in
      Puebla-Mexico. Exploratory factor analysis yielded a three-factor solution,
      accounting for 51.8% of the variance. The results of confirmatory factorial
      analysis indicate that the three-factor model provided the best fit with the data
      (CFI = .96, GFI = .95, NNFI = .95, RMSEA = .04), maintaining the structure with
      12 items. The reliability of the questionnaire and the diverse subscales showed
      high internal consistency. Significant correlations were found between job
      expectations and autonomy, vigor, dedication, and absorption, providing evidence
      of its construct validity. The evaluation of the psychometric qualities confirms
      this questionnaire as a valid and specific instrument to measure job
      expectations.

PMID- 22059345
TI  - A new approach for differential item functioning detection using Mantel-Haenszel
      methods. The GMHDIF program.
AB  - To date, the statistical software designed for assessing differential item
      functioning (DIF) with Mantel-Haenszel procedures has employed the following
      statistics: the Mantel-Haenszel chi-square statistic, the generalized Mantel
      Haenszel test and the Mantel test. These statistics permit detecting DIF in
      dichotomous and polytomous items, although they limit the analysis to two groups.
      On the contrary, this article describes a new approach (and the related software)
      that, using the generalized Mantel-Haenszel statistic proposed by Landis, Heyman,
      and Koch (1978), permits DIF assessment in multiple groups, both for dichotomous
      and polytomous items. The program is free of charge and is available in the
      following languages: Spanish, English and Portuguese.

PMID- 22059346
TI  - Testing equivalence with repeated measures: tests of the difference model of two
      alternative forced-choice performance.
AB  - Solving theoretical or empirical issues sometimes involves establishing the
      equality of two variables with repeated measures. This defies the logic of null
      hypothesis significance testing, which aims at assessing evidence against the
      null hypothesis of equality, not for it. In some contexts, equivalence is
      assessed through regression analysis by testing for zero intercept and unit slope
      (or simply for unit slope in case that regression is forced through the origin).
      This paper shows that this approach renders highly inflated Type I error rates
      under the most common sampling models implied in studies of equivalence. We
      propose an alternative approach based on omnibus tests of equality of means and
      variances and in subject-by-subject analyses (where applicable), and we show that
      these tests have adequate Type I error rates and power. The approach is
      illustrated with a re-analysis of published data from a signal detection theory
      experiment with which several hypotheses of equivalence had been tested using
      only regression analysis. Some further errors and inadequacies of the original
      analyses are described, and further scrutiny of the data contradict the
      conclusions raised through inadequate application of regression analyses.

PMID- 22059347
TI  - The use of the effect size in JCR Spanish journals of psychology: from theory to
      fact.
AB  - In 1999, Wilkinson and the Task Force on Statistical Inference published
      "Statistical Methods and Psychology: Guidelines and Explanation." The authors
      made several recommendations about how to improve the quality of Psychology
      research papers. One of these was to report some effect-size index in the results
      of the research. In 2001, the fifth edition of the Publication Manual of the
      American Psychological Association included this recommendation. In Spain, in
      2003, scientific journals like Psicothema or the International Journal of
      Clinical and Health Psychology (IJCHP) published editorials and papers expressing
      the need to calculate the effect size in the research papers. The aim of this
      study is to determine whether the papers published from 2003 to 2008 in the four
      Spanish journals indexed in the Journal Citation Reports have reported some
      effect-size index of their results. The findings indicate that, in general, the
      followup of the norm has been scanty, though the evolution over the analyzed
      period is different depending on the journal.

PMID- 22059348
TI  - Innate immunity in obese asthmatic allergic and nonallergic adults.
AB  - Obesity is characterized by activation of the innate immune responses and low
      grade systemic inflammation with increased levels of inflammatory cytokines. In
      the past two decades, the prevalence of both asthma and obesity has increased
      dramatically. The aim of the present study is to examine the relationship between
      innate immunity, obesity and asthma in allergic and non allergic obese persons by
      estimating interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels as markers of
      innate immunity. The study included 2 groups of asthmatic patients; 50 obese
      asthmatic and 50 lean asthmatic patients. The obese asthmatic group included 25
      allergic obese and 25 non-allergic obese asthmatics. Similarly the lean asthmatic
      group included 25 allergic and 25 non-allergic lean asthmatics. Body mass index
      (BMI), skin prick test, serum total IgE, peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR),
      interleukin-6 (IL-6) and C-reactive protein (CRP) levels were all assessed. A
      significant difference was found between allergic and non-allergic obese
      asthmatics and between allergic and non-allergic lean asthmatics as regards IgE,
      IL-6 and CRP (P=0.000). Comparison between allergic obese asthmatics and allergic
      lean asthmatics as regards BMI, IL-6 and CRP revealed high significant
      differences (P=0.000). In contrast no significant differences existed between
      them as regards IgE, PEFR (P=0.621, P=0.321 respectively). Comparison between non
      allergic obese asthmatics and non-allergic lean asthmatics as regards BMI, IL-6
      and CRP levels revealed highly significant differences (P=0.000). While no
      significant difference existed between them as regards IgE and PEFR (P=0.14,
      P=0.336 respectively). A significant negative correlation was found between PEFR
      and IgE in all groups (P=0.000) and negative correlation between PEFR and IL-6,
      CRP in all groups (P=0.000) except for allergic obese asthmatics group.
      Meanwhile, there was a significant positive correlation between BMI and IL-6 and
      CRP in both allergic and non-allergic obese asthmatics (P=0.000). In conclusion,
      obesity is associated with activation of the innate immune system leading to
      release of inflammatory cytokines more in non-allergic obese than allergic obese
      asthmatics. Control of obesity in such patients may lead to control of asthma.

PMID- 22059349
TI  - CD11c+ and CD123+ dendritic cell subsets in peripheral blood of lung cancer
      patients.
AB  - Dendritic cells (DCs) play a central role in antitumor immune responses. Recent
      studies however have emphasized an immunosuppressive tumor influence on DCs in
      various types of cancer. We evaluated the percentages of myeloid and plasmacytoid
      related DCs in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer
      (SCLC). Myeloid CD11c+ DCs (mDC) and plasmacytoid CD123+ DCs (pDC) cells were
      assessed by Flowcytometry in peripheral blood of twenty untreated lung cancer
      patients (13 NSCLC and 7 SCLC) and 15 healthy subjects. Lower percentages of pDCs
      and mDCs were found in patient with NSCLC and SCLC as compared to controls, with
      significant value only between NSCLC patients and controls (P= 0.001and P=0.000
      respectively). The percentages of pDCs and mDCs subsets were significantly lower
      in patient with SCLC than NSCLC (P=0.013 and P=0.005 for pDCs and mDCs
      respectively). Our results suggest that NSCLC and SCLC might hamper the
      maturation of DCs, thus escaping an efficient immune response.

PMID- 22059350
TI  - Diminished absolute counts of CD56dim and CD56bright natural killer cells in
      peripheral blood from Egyptian patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - Natural killer cells (NK) as components of the innate immunity substantially
      contribute to anti-tumor immune responses, NK cell subpopulations can be defined
      on the basis of the relative expression of CD16 and CD56 markers. Earlier
      research demonstrated a dramatic reduction in the frequency of peripheral blood
      CD56dimCD16+ NK subsets in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients compared with
      healthy subjects. We aim to assess the relative and absolute counts of natural
      killer cells subsets in hepatitis C-related HCC among Egyptian patients.
      Flowcytometric analysis of peripheral blood NK subsets was performed for HCV with
      HCC patients (n=20) and HCV without HCC patients (n=14) as compared to healthy
      control subjects (n=152). We found that HCC patients displayed a marked reduction
      in the relative frequency of peripheral CD56im subsets compared with healthy
      subjects. Moreover, there was a significant reduction in the absolute counts of
      CD56dim16+, CD56dim16- and CD56bright. In conclusion, this study demonstrated
      that the absolute counts of dim and bright NK cell subsets were decreased in
      different proportions in patients with HCV-related HCC that refers to a possible
      role for these cells, particularly CD 56 bright cells, in the immune response to
      HCC. This might aid in developing new therapeutic strategies targeting both NK
      subsets for HCC.

PMID- 22059351
TI  - CD40 ligand, Bcl-2 and apoptosis in B-chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
AB  - Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a haematopoetic neoplasm caused primarily
      by defects in apoptosis mechanisms and complicated by progressive marrow failure,
      immunosupression and increased resistance to chemotherapy. The CD40-CD40 ligand
      (CD40L) interaction has been shown to significantly increase antigen presentation
      in normal and malignant B-cells and it is a powerful regulator of cell survival.
      Bcl-2 expression is common in CLL and is associated with decreased overall
      survival. Our objective was to asses CD40 ligand (CD154) and Bcl-2 expressions
      and their correlation with clinical and laboratory features in CLL patients. This
      study was conducted on 40 subjects, including 10 healthy volunteers as the
      control group and 30 patients presented with de novo chronic lymphocytic leukemia
      (CLL), all of them were subjected to thorough history taking, full clinical
      examinations, routine laboratory investigations and flowcytometric assessment of
      CD40L and Bcl-2 on lymphocytes. There was a highly significant increase in TLC,
      absolute lymphocytic count, serum LDH, B2-microglobulin and Bcl-2 expression
      (P<0.001); there was a significant increase in CD40L expression (P<0.05); whereas
      there was a highly significant decrease in hemoglobin concentration and platelets
      count between the study group (P<0.001). There was no significant difference as
      regard direct Coombs' test between both groups. There was no significant relation
      between CD154 expression and clinical findings, Rai staging system and other
      laboratory parameters. CD40L expression is increased with staging of Modified Rai
      staging system but not reaching the significant level. There was no significant
      correlation between CD154 expression and some of clinical and laboratory
      parameters, whereas there was only significantly negative correlation between Bcl
      2 expression and both haemoglobin concentration and platelets count (P<0.001).
      Combination of Bcl-2 antisense oligonucleotide with conventional chemotherapeutic
      drugs may enhance the cytotoxicity of these drugs and induces apoptosis.

PMID- 22059352
TI  - Tumor-derived CCL-2 and CXCL-8 as possible prognostic markers of breast cancer:
      correlation with estrogen and progestrone receptor phenotyping.
AB  - Prognosis of breast cancer is believed to be a multifactorial process best
      achieved by complex factors including host and tumor-derived biomarkers together
      with traditional clinicopathological parameters and tumor histologic markers. The
      present study aimed at evaluating the prognostic significance of chemokine ligand
      2 (CCL-2) and interleukin-8 (CXCL-8) expression in extracts of breast carcinomas
      through correlation with clinicopathological aspects as well as estrogen receptor
      (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) phenotyping. The study was conducted on 30
      Egyptian breast cancer patients diagnosed by fine needle aspiration cytology
      (FNAC) and subjected to modified radical mastectomy. Excised tissues were used to
      prepare tissue sections and extracts for histopathological and
      immunohistochemical studies. Expression of CCL-2 and CXCL-8 was determined by
      enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). 26 patients had invasive ductal
      carcinoma, grades II and III with metastasis to axillary lymph nodes and ER and
      PR positive phenotype. Expression of CCL-2 and CXCL-8 was significantly
      influenced by patient's age, menopausal status, nodal involvement, tumor grade
      and the ER phenotype. In contrast, it was not affected by either tumor size or PR
      staining pattern. Both chemokines correlated positively to each other and to
      tumor grade and negatively to age, menopausal status of patients and ER
      phenotyping. It is concluded that the angiogenic chemokine CXCL-8 and the
      macrophage chemoattractant CCL-2 might be useful prognostic markers where their
      routine follow up might be of importance in assessment of tumor aggressiveness in
      clinical settings.

PMID- 22059353
TI  - Investigation of adult-sera for the presence of anti-Cryptosporidium antibodies.
AB  - Cryptosporidiosis is an acute diarrhoeal disease caused by Cryptosporidium spp
      for both human and animals. Typically, the duration of diarrhoeal illness and
      ultimate outcome of intestinal cryptosporidiosis depend on the immune status of
      the patient. Random serology-based studies in humans and animals have suggested
      that infection with this organism is common during a life time. 130 serum samples
      of adults, (18-30 years) from two main public hospitals at Jeddah City, Saudi
      Arabia were recruited to participate in the study. The aim was to identify the
      sero-prevalence of cryptosporidiosis infection and determine factors associated
      with increased risk of the infection. Western Blot analysis (WB) with two
      different Cryptosporidium antigen markers; the 15-17 KDa and the 27 KDa, were
      used. Among participants, 8.5 % had antibodies to the 15 KDa, 23.8 % had
      antibodies to the 27 kDa, 34.6 % were sero-positive to both antigens, and 33.1 %
      were sero-negative to both antigens. Source of drinking water with a strong
      association with drinking tap water was the only factor significantly associated
      with seropositivity to cryptosporidiosis infection (OR= 37.33, P< 0.001).

PMID- 22059354
TI  - Peripheral blood mononuclear cells serve as a possible extrahepatic site for
      hepatitis C virus replication.
AB  - Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is thought to have a strong tropism for hepatic tissue
      but also replicative intermediates are found in extrahepatic tissues suggesting
      active viral replication in these cells. The aim of the study is to confirm that
      HCV can infect and replicate in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) as
      one of the possible sites of extrahepatic hepatitis C virus replication during
      the natural course of infection which may serve as a source of virions causing
      reinfection. Reverse transcriptase Polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for
      detection of positive and negative strands of HCV-RNA in PBMCs was done for 30
      patients with chronic HCV infection admitted to Ain Shams University Hospitals
      and the results were compared with those from 20 healthy controls matched in age
      and sex. Our results revealed statistically significant association between both
      HCV-RNA positive strand and negative strand and both serum HCV-RNA and HCV
      Antibody (Ab) (P<0.01).Moreover the association between the presence of HCV
      positive- and negative-strand RNA in PBMCs was statistically significant
      (P<0.01). Finally the correlation between HCV positive and negative stranded RNA
      in PBMCs and extrahepatic complications was statistically significant (P<0 .01).
      In conclusion our results support previous observations indicating that HCV can
      infect PBMCs. This is reflected by a higher frequency of extrahepatic
      complications and diseases associated with chronic HCV infection.

PMID- 22059355
TI  - Immunomodulatory effects of secondary hyperparathyroidism on circulating CD4+ and
      CD8+ T-lymphocytes in chronic renal failure patients.
AB  - The immunomodulatory effects of parathyroid hormone (PTH) in patients with end
      stage renal disease (ESRD) is controversial. This study was carried out to
      investigate the effect of PTH levels on the circulating CD4+, CD8+ T cell counts
      (%) in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) on regular hemodialysis ((HD).
      The study included 22 patients with serum levels of PTH < 300 pg/ml (group 1), 18
      patients with PTH > 300 pg/ml (group II) and 10 age and sex matched normal
      controls (group III). Chemiluminescence and flowcytometry assays were performed
      for determination of serum PTH levels and T cell subset counts respectively. The
      mean (%) of total lymphocyte, CD4+, CD8+ and CD4?CD8 ratio of group I were
      (81.68+/- 9.38), (52.00+/-6.24), (27.13+/- 6.31) and (1.99+/-0.42) respectively,
      as compared to (73.83+/-13.30), (46.05+/-8.59), (23.05+/-4.63) and (2.03+/-0.41)
      respectively in group II. Values of group I and II were significantly (P<0.001)
      lower than controls (88.50 +/- 6.02), (63.30 +/- 6.44), (36.80 +/- 6.44) and
      (1.76+/-0.36) respectively. In group II, the reduction was significantly
      (P<0.001) prominent in patients with high PTH levels, with significant inverse
      correlations (P<0.001) between PTH and % of total lymphocyte (r= -0.93), CD4+ (r=
      -0.74) and CD8+ % (r=-0.69). In conclusion, increased level of PTH in CRF
      patients on hemodialysis is associated with lymphopenia and reduction in CD4+ &
      CD8+ subsets of T cells. Monitoring circulating PTH levels in such patients can
      restore their immune competence.

PMID- 22059356
TI  - Soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (slCAM-1) for early diagnosis of
      neonatal infections.
AB  - We investigated the validity of circulating soluble intercellular adhesion
      molecule-1 (slCAM-1) as an early immunological marker of neonatal sepsis as
      compared to C-reactive protein (CRP), immature to total neutrophils ratio (IlT)
      and blood culture assays. The study included 28 full term neonates with clinical
      manifestations of sepsis, 10 of them had suspected sepsis "Group I" with negative
      blood culture, positive CRP during 1st week of life and one or more risk factors
      for infections. The other 18 neonates had proven sepsis "Group II"; with positive
      blood culture and positive CRP. 14 normal age and sex matched controls "Group
      III" were also included. Serum slCAM-1 concentrations (ng/ml) were measured using
      enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in two successive blood samples; before
      (S1) and one week after (S2) the start of antibiotics respectively. The mean
      value of I/T ratio was significantly higher in both SI and S2 (P<0.05; P<0.001
      respectively) in septic neonates compared with controls. In addition, a
      significant difference (P<0.05) was detected in S2 between mean CRP levels in
      group I (9.6+/-15.7 mg/dl) and group II (17.3+/-30.0 mg/dl). The mean values of
      slCAM-1 in (Sl) of septic groups I and II (445.7+/-138.5 and 512.8+240.9 ng/ml
      respectively) were significantly higher (P<0.05) than those of control group
      (364.0+/-67.4). In contrast, in (S2) insignificant differences were detected
      between both groups (392.6+/-149.8 and 420.0+/-184.7 respectively) and controls.
      A positive correlation was revealed between CRP and slCAM-1 values in (Sl)
      (r=0.3, P<0.05). Positive correlations were also detected between slCAM-1 levels
      and leukocytic counts (r=0.3, P<0.05) and CRP (r=0.5, P<0.001) in (S2) while,
      negative correlation was detected between slCAM-1 levels and platelet counts (r= 
      0.5, P<0.001). In conclusion, serum concentration of ICAM-1 is a potential marker
      for diagnosis of neonatal sepsis at its early stages.

PMID- 22059357
TI  - Dendritic cells-based T-cell immune response for the variable region of
      immunoglobulin light chain of myeloma and lymphoma cell lines.
AB  - The present work supported and extended a previous study (used VLIg gene segment
      type VkappaIV) and indicated that a considerable (P<0.001) and specific
      autologous T-cell proliferation, proliferative index (PI) ranged from 386.0 to
      399.5 at 20% dendritic cells (DCs):T-cells ratio, restricted mainly (>80%) to the
      major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class-I molecules can be elicited in vitro
      against other different VLg gene segments (VkappaI, VkappaIII and Vlambda2) of
      myeloma and lymphoma cell lines through a retroviral transduction of human DCs
      generated from CD34+ progenitor cells by phorbol ester (PMA) and under serum-free
      conditions. This study also showed a lesser proliferation, but significant
      (P<0.05), restricted to MHC class-II molecules and specific for VLIg gene
      segments. The obtained proliferation was almost completely blocked (approximately
      95%, P<0.001) by anti-CD86 monoclonal antibodies, which confirmed the critical
      role of the CD86 costimulatory molecules in the activation of naive T-cells. The
      resulting immune responses did not significantly differ (P>0.05) among the
      different types of VLIg gene segments, as VLIg-transduced DCs equally coexpressed
      the VLIg genes and CD86 costimulatory molecules. In conclusion, the present study
      could provide the basis of a VLIg-based immunotherapy in plasma cell and B-cell
      malignancies.

PMID- 22059358
TI  - Human leukocyte antigen and autoantibodies association with juvenile systemic
      lupus erythematosus.
AB  - In this study we investigated the association between autoantibodies production
      and MHC class II alleles in fifty three Egyptian children patients with systemic
      lupus erythematosus (SLE). A significant association was found between expression
      of HLA-DR4 and HLA-DR13 genes and the generation of anti-ribonucleoprotein and
      IgG cardiolipin antibodies respectively, in contrast to the negative association
      of antinuclear antibodies (ANA) with HLA-DR8 and HLA-DR14. Analysis of HLA-DR
      alleles and autoantibodies frequencies in relation to different clinical
      manifestations revealed significant association between HLA-DR13 and vasculitis,
      while, HLA-DR1 and HLA-DR3 were significantly associated with seizures. In
      contrast, HLA-DR8, HLA-DR4 and HLA-DR52 alleles were associated with significant
      protection from arthritis, abnormal kidney function and neuropsychiatric
      disorders, respectively. SLE autoantibodies, namely anti-DNA antibodies were
      significantly associated with disturbed kidney function tests and the occurrence
      of seizures. In contrast, nucleosome antibodies showed no association with renal
      involvement in childhood onset systemic lupus erythematosus.

PMID- 22059359
TI  - Influence of HCV infection on insulin-like growth factor 1 and proinflammatory
      cytokines: association with risk for growth hormone resistance development.
AB  - Communications between the endocrine, immune systems and the liver have been
      postulated. The liver is the central organ in growth hormone/insulin-like growth
      factor (GH-IGF) axis. Infection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) can lead to liver
      problems. Although proinflammatory cytokines are an integral part of inflammation
      in chronic liver diseases, their involvement in mediating hepatic GH resistance
      during HCV infection remains to be elucidated. To address this issue, our study
      aimed at evaluating the influence of HCV infection on serum profile of IGF-1, TNF
      alpha and IL-6 to assess their possible relation to hepatic dysfunction and GH
      resistance development. Twenty-five chronic HCV patients were studied together
      with 15 healthy control subjects. Serum concentration of IGF-1, TNF-alpha and IL
      6 was determined by ELISA. HCV viral load was assessed by Real-time polymerase
      chain reaction using TaqMan probe technology. Basal serum GH levels were
      determined by a chemiluminescence assay and serum aminotransferases' activities
      were also measured. TNF-alpha and IL-6 demonstrated higher serum levels, while
      IGF-1 levels were significantly lower in HCV patients compared to healthy
      controls. A statistically significant positive correlation was observed between
      GH and IL-6 levels (P<0.05), a similar trend was found between GH levels, GH/IGF
      1 ratio and AST/ALT ratio (P<0.01, P<0.01, respectively). A significant negative
      correlation was observed between HCV viral load and GH levels (P<0.05). The
      progressive increase in HCV viral load matches the decrease in circulating IGF-1
      levels but without reaching statistical significance. We conclude that the GH
      insensitivity could be induced by HCV infection and mediated by proinflammatory
      cytokines through their possible role in blunting the hepatic response to GH.
      This crosstalk between proinflammatory cytokines and GH-IGF-1 axis could be
      responsible for triggering impaired glucose metabolism and diabetes later on in
      chronic HCV infection.

PMID- 22059360
TI  - Association of beta-defensin 1 single nucleotide polymorphism with atopic
      dermatitis.
AB  - Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic relapsing, pruritic, inflammatory skin
      disease, which results from a complex interplay between genetic and environmental
      factors. Defensins are broadly dispersed family of antimicrobial peptides which
      are classified into 2 distinct families: the alpha-defensins and the beta
      defensins. The primary function of defensins is to protect the skin from invasion
      by foreign pathogens. Previous studies suggested that single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) of the beta-defensin 1 gene (DEFB1) could be involved in the
      development of AD. The Aim of the study is to examine DEFB1 gene to gain a better
      understanding of their role in the pathophysiology of AD patients and their
      involvement in AD susceptibility and severity. 35 atopic patients and 10 healthy
      volunteers as controls were investigated. They were subjected to analysis of
      absolute eosinophil count, total and specific IgE and detection of Beta-defensin
      1 gene polymorphism at position 692 and 1654 using PCR amplification and
      restriction analysis. We observed significant difference in the distribution of
      the DEFB1 AIG polymorphism at 692 (P<0.01) in AD patients compared to controls,
      but not at 1654. A statistical significant association between DEFB1 692 GG
      genotype and elevated total serum IgE level (P<0.01), and between DEFB1 692 GG
      and AG genotypes & 1654 AA genotype and high absolute eosinophil count (P<0.05)
      were found. Concerning Specific IgE there was significant association between
      DEFB1 692 GG genotype and positive specific IgE to dermatophytes and HDM (House
      Dust Mite) (P1<0.01) while DEFB1 1654AA genotype shows significant association
      with positive specific IgE to cockroaches (P<0.05). Regarding SCORAD severity
      index, there was significant statistical association between DEFB1 692 GG and AG
      & DEFB1 1654 AA and AG genotype with severe AD disease (P<0.05). The correlation
      between atopic markers and SCORAD severity index shows that there was a
      significant statistical relationship between serum levels of total IgE (P<0.01),
      absolute eosinophil count (P<0.01), specific IgE to cat (P<0.05), HDM (P<0.01)
      and cockroaches (P<0.01) and SCORAD. Our findings support previously studies
      suggesting that DEFB1 gene is one of the candidate genes for atopy. G allele at
      site 692& AA genotype at site 1654 may be useful as markers for AD susceptibility
      and severity

PMID- 22059361
TI  - Preparation and evaluation of specific polyclonal antibodies to H5N1 subtype of
      the avian influenza virus in Egypt.
AB  - Influenza A virus continue to cause widespread morbidity and mortality. The
      unprecedented spread of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus subtype H5N1 in
      Egypt is threatening poultry and public health systems. Effective diagnosis and
      control management are needed to control the disease. To this end, polyclonal
      antibodies (PAbs) were developed against the H5N1 avian influenza virus (AIV) and
      used in an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to detect the H5 viral
      antigen. A group of rabbits were immunized with H5N1 vaccine to obtain PAbs as
      the detector antibody after conjugation with horse radish peroxidase and
      fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC). The conjugated PAbs proved to be specific for
      the detection of AIV in field specimens, and results were confirmed using
      reference antisera obtained from Veterinary Lab in Weybridge. Specimens collected
      from different governorates of Egypt and tested positive for AIV by
      haemagglutination test were used to evaluate the produced PAbs. The detection
      limit of ELISA using the prepared peroxidase conjugated PAbs was 1:100,000, while
      the limit using fluorescein conjugated PAbs was 1:10,000. Extracts from
      pharyngeal-tracheal mucus of apparently healthy chickens mixed with H5 AIVs also
      yielded positive signals in ELISA. Such data suggest that these PAbs are useful
      in the surveillance and diagnosis of AIV in birds in Egypt.

PMID- 22059362
TI  - [Functional magnetic resonance imaging for cortical mapping in epilepsy].
AB  - It is not only the total curative resection of pathological tissue or the
      minimization of symptoms to be considered in epilepsy surgery or other
      neurosurgical procedures, it is equally desirable to maintain the best possible
      quality of life. Cortical mapping methods can help achieve this goal by
      delineating eloquent areas, i.e. brain regions that are vital for providing an
      acceptable quality of life, albeit not prone to compensatory reorganization.
      These areas include among others the Broca and Wernicke regions for speech, the
      primary motor, sensory and visual cortices. Functional MRI gained importance in
      the last decade as a non-invasive clinical cortical mapping technique. This
      method is capable of localizing cortical areas selectively activated by a given
      task condition. Thus, selecting appropriate tasks can help mapping eloquent brain
      regions. Using functional MRI provides information that is complementary to other
      mapping methods. Moreover, it can replace invasive methods such as the Wada test.
      Here, we explain the background of functional MRI, compare it to other clinical
      mapping methods, explain the intricacies of paradigm selection, and show the
      limitations of the technique while also pointing out alternative uses.

PMID- 22059363
TI  - [Magnetic resonance measuring and analitic methods in epilepsy].
AB  - Neuroradiology and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as its leading tool play a
      basic role in the diagnostics of epilepsy. The result of the MRI examination is
      of utmost importance in patients with therapy resistent focal epilepsy possibly
      requiring neurosurgical intervention. Based on the continuously developing MRI
      techniques, we can use an optimal imaging protocol. Cerebral structures can be
      evaluated on a microanatomical level on high-resolution images with thin slices.
      The three-dimensional (3D) sequence has high spatial resolution, properly
      distinguishes cerebral grey and white matter, provides the possibility of surface
      rendering and volumetry, as well as an anatomical basis for other methods like
      tractography, functional MRI and neuronavigation. Diffusion weighted and
      diffusion tensor imaging (DWI, DTI) and tractography has an important role in
      differential diagnostics and tractography visualizes the main white matter tracts
      and their relation with brain pathologies. MR perfusion (MRP) provides help in
      differential diagnostics and may have a future role in the determination of the
      epileptogenic focus in multifocal pathologies. MR spectroscopy (MRS) is important
      in differential diagnostics, lateralization of focal epilepsy and in the
      confirmation of hippocampal sclerosis. Several of these methods need special
      hardware, software and expertise, but the basic MRI protocol for epilepsy can be
      implemented in all modern MR scanners of middle or high field strength.

PMID- 22059364
TI  - [LORETA (low resolution electromagnetic tomography): a three-dimensional EEG
      source localization method].
AB  - The author presents a brief overview of the EEG source localization method LORETA
      (Low Resolution Electromagnetic Tomography) with special reference to the not
      widely discussed data.

PMID- 22059365
TI  - [The methodology and objectives of registrating high frequency oscillation in
      epilepsy].
AB  - Technological advances in digital EEG allowed the recording the full frequency
      band of the EEG. Activity beyond the traditional 0.3-70 Hz band reflects both
      physiological and pathological processes. High frequency activity recorded from
      the epileptic brain has been related to both epileptogenicity and
      epileptogenesis. The article reviews research avenues, clinical applications, and
      the methodology of detecting and quantifying high frequency activity.

PMID- 22059366
TI  - [Prolonged EEG-monitoring].
AB  - Prolonged EEG monitoring and video-EEG monitoring are basic methods on the level
      of epilepsy centers. These methods are able to make differences between epilepsy
      and non epileptic paroxysmal manifestations like psychogenic non epileptic
      seizures, parasomniac phenomena, narcolepsy. The application of the method, at
      least the video-EEG variant, needs team work, high level organisation, highly
      educated staff and high tech electrographic devices. Running the method even with
      these requirements is beneficial from the cost-benefit aspect as well.

PMID- 22059367
TI  - [Role of deep brain stimulation in epilepsy].
AB  - The deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an emerging treatment option in brain
      disorders in which randomized multicenter trials proved its efficacy leading to
      licensing different DBS methods in various brain diseases. More recently more and
      more brain structures have become candidates for being "target" in a possible DBS
      treatment of epilepsy. At present, only the DBS of the anterior nucleus of the
      thalamus (ANT) can be considered as a proved method for epilepsy treatment. Other
      potential targets for DBS treatment in epilepsy are the subthalamic nuclei, and
      the amygdala-hippocampus complex. There are some ongoing randomized studies to
      investigating their therapeutical role. The therapeutical outcome of ANT-DBS
      treatment in drug-resistant epilepsy seems to be better than the new
      antiepileptic drugs, but much worse than the results of a potential epilepsy
      surgery. At about 10% of patients may become seizure-free and 50% of patients may
      have a significant improvement. Nowadays ANT-DBS should be considered as an
      "ultima ratio" in those adult drug-resistant epilepsy patients with normal
      intelligence in which neither new antiepileptic drugs nor resective epilepsy
      surgery are a reasonable therapeutical options.

PMID- 22059368
TI  - [The clinical utility of genetic testing in epilepsy].
AB  - We summarize those epilepsies, in which genetic testing has clinical
      significance. Different types of genetic tests are presented. Na-channel
      epilepsies include different clinical entities, the exact genetic diagnosis is
      relevant in the prognosis, genetic counseling, as well in the therapeutic
      decision--as Na-channel blockers may worsen them. Molecular genetic tests are
      available for most of the malformations of cortical development, important for
      genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis. Molecular genetic testing of
      progressive myoclonic epilepsies, which may be difficult to differentiate
      clinically is almost complete. For some neonatal/infantile epileptic
      encephalopathies, for most of the neurometabolic disorders, molecular genetic
      tests are available, so are cytogenetic tests for chromosomal abnormalities
      accompanied with epilepsy. The clinical significance of the genetic diagnostic of
      rare, focal inherited epilepsies is limited, their importance is mostly in
      epilepsy pathophysiology research. The genetic background of the common
      idiopathic generalized epilepsies is unrevealed so far.

PMID- 22059369
TI  - [Critical analysis of types and objectives of phamacological trials].
AB  - Antiepileptic drug randomized controlled trial (RCT) design has been criticized
      in the near past. Designs emphasize conventions and regulations more than
      clinical aspects. In the new study that scrutinized RCT patient recruitment has
      also raised important ethical issues. The time has come when changes in RCT
      design seem imperative.

PMID- 22059370
TI  - [New antiepileptic drugs, and therapeutic considerations].
AB  - Epilepsy is not a singular disease, but a variety of disorders. It affects up to
      0.5% of the population. Over the past decade, researchers have made great
      advances in the field of epilepsy. These have been accompanied by the licensing
      of a great number of antiepileptic drugs. However, despite these efforts, up to
      15-20% of patients have refractory epilepsy. The novel antiepileptic drugs must
      suit several requirements: higher efficacy, especially in resistant cases, better
      tolerability, and improved pharmacokinetic properties. Recently, three new drugs
      have been introduced to the market. Retigabine is a carbamic derivate, and its
      anticonvulsive properties are largely due to its ability to prolong the opening
      of neuronal voltage-gated potassium Kv7.2 and Kv7.3 channels. Lacosamide is a
      functionalized amino acid, and selectively enhances voltage-gated sodium channel
      slow inactivation. Eslicarbazepine acetate is a new member of the dibenzazepine
      family, and blocks the fast inactivated voltage-gated sodium channel. All three
      of them differ from the foregoing agents in several important ways, including new
      mechanism of action (retigabine, lacosamide), or pharmacokinetics
      (eslicarbazepine acetate). These novel anticonvulsants appear to be a safe and
      effective addition to the armamentarium for the treatment of patients with
      refractory epilepsy. However, it will take the consideration of new concepts in
      shaping the new therapeutic algorithm.

PMID- 22059371
TI  - [The role of neuronavigation in the assessment and surgical treatment of drug
      resistant epilepsy].
AB  - For localizing the epileptogenic zone in cases of focal epilepsies detailed
      clinical investigations, imaging studies and electrophysiological methods are in
      use. In lesional epilepsies the intrapreoperative localization of the lesion and
      it's location to the eloquent cortex is essential for the neurosurgeon. The
      development in image guided neurosurgery lead us to use neuronavigation systems
      to localize intracerebral lesions or functionally eloquent cortical areas or
      subcortical pathways during surgery. Neuronavigation brought changes in
      preoperative evaluation and in resective surgery in epilepsy as well. In this
      article we describe the basics of neuronavigation and enhance the advantages of
      the technique in epilepsy surgery during the presurgical evaluation with invasive
      electrodes, in resective surgery and DBS for epilepsy.

PMID- 22059372
TI  - [Neuropsychological methods and trends in epilepsy management].
AB  - Neuropsychological assessment makes its own valuable contribution to diagnosis in
      epilepsy, and the integration of those findings with the data from multiple
      sources provides the most comprehensive picture for a given epilepsy patient. The
      objective of this paper is to define and summarize the role and methods of
      neuropsychological assessment, and to present recommendations on themes for
      future clinical research in the neuropsychology of epilepsy.

PMID- 22059373
TI  - [Oligoepilepsy: a real entity or the benign form of epileptic disorder?].
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Although oligoepilepsy (OLE) is a used term in many
      protocols, guidelines and the everyday routine, it is found practically nowhere
      in the scientific literature. The aim of our study is to investigate and evaluate
      of the main characteristics of his subcategory of epilepsy. We try to find answer
      to the basic question of not only theoretical but also great practical importance
      whether the OLE does really exist, is it an independent entity of epilepsy or
      only its general benign clinical presentation. METHODS: We considered OLE if the
      patients had two seizures maximally in the last year of their course. We counted
      only the two most severe clinical types, the generalized tonic-clonic and the
      complex partial seizures. We divided the OLE into two subtypes: those patients
      who had OLE from the beginning of their epilepsy (OLE1) and those in whom the OLE
      was the result of the treatment (OLE2). We retrospectively analysed the data of
      817 "OLE-suspicious" patients taken from our EPIMED database. RESULTS: We found
      47 patients met the inclusion criteria (OLE1 = 34, OLE2 = 13). OLE patients did
      not differ from the general epileptic population according to the age and gender,
      the type of seizures, the electro-clinical diagnosis and the possible cause of
      their first seizure. But we found statistically significant differences in two
      measures. In OLE, far less seizure provoking factors were found in the sporadic
      seizures. Concerning the social conditions: while the range of employees was
      equal, the vast majority of OLE patients were able to work at their level of
      education. CONCLUSION: We found that more than 5% of people with epilepsy can
      belong to the OLE category. In the majority of OLE patients the seizure frequency
      is low from the beginning of the disease. The sporadic seizures in OLE are
      generally not provoked. The chances of OLE patients in the world of job are
      better for the OLE patients. In our opinion OLE rather seems to be an independent
      entity among epilepsy. Therefore larger prospective studies are needed to the
      exact description of OLE and to establish the special standards for the everyday
      medical practice.

PMID- 22059374
TI  - [New generation antiepileptics: what do they offer in terms of improved
      tolerability and safety?].

PMID- 22059375
TI  - Pd(II)-catalyzed enantioselective C-H activation of cyclopropanes.
AB  - Systematic ligand development has led to the identification of novel mono-N
      protected amino acid ligands for Pd(II)-catalyzed enantioselective C-H activation
      of cyclopropanes. A diverse range of organoboron reagents can be used as coupling
      partners, and the reaction proceeds under mild conditions. These results provide
      a new retrosynthetic disconnection for the construction of enantioenriched cis
      substituted cyclopropanecarboxylic acids.

PMID- 22059376
TI  - Distinguishing groups of children with persistent speech disorder: findings from
      a prospective population study.
AB  - As part of a large-scale study of children's development, 7390 children were
      assessed on a range of speech tasks. These were used to identify three groups of
      children with speech errors within the sample: persistent speech disorder (PSD);
      speech errors but below the threshold for classification as persistent speech
      disorder (non-PSD); and common clinical distortions only (CCD). These three
      groups were compared on demographic factors, performance on IQ, non-word
      repetition, and diadochokinetic tests. Findings showed that the PSD group and the
      non-PSD group were most similar for gender, socio-economic status, IQ, and non
      word repetition. In the diadochokinetic tasks, the PSD group and the CCD groups
      were more similar. Implications for these findings in terms of clinical practice
      are discussed.

PMID- 22059377
TI  - Computational study of the reactions of methanol with the hydroperoxyl and methyl
      radicals. 2. Accurate thermal rate constants.
AB  - Multistructural canonical variational-transition-state theory with
      multidimensional tunneling (MS-CVT/MT) is employed to calculate thermal rate
      constants for the abstraction of hydrogen atoms from both positions of methanol
      by the hydroperoxyl and methyl radicals over the temperature range 100-3000 K.
      The M08-HX hybrid meta-generalized gradient approximation density functional and
      M08-HX with specific reaction parameters, both with the maug-cc-pVTZ basis set,
      were validated in part 1 of this study (Alecu, I. M.; Truhlar, D. G. J. Phys.
      Chem. A2011, 115, 2811) against highly accurate CCSDT(2)(Q)/CBS calculations for
      the energetics of these reactions, and they are used here to compute the
      properties of all stationary points and the energies, gradients, and Hessians of
      nonstationary points along each considered reaction path. The internal rotations
      in some of the transition states are found to be highly anharmonic and strongly
      coupled to each other, and they generate multiple structures (conformations)
      whose contributions are included in the partition function. It is shown that the
      previous estimates for these rate constants used to build kinetic models for the
      combustion of methanol, some of which were based on transition state theory
      calculations with one-dimensional tunneling corrections and harmonic-oscillator
      approximations or separable one-dimensional hindered rotor treatments of
      torsions, are appreciably different than the ones presently calculated using MS
      CVT/MT. The rate constants obtained from the best MS-CVT/MT calculations carried
      out in this study, in which the important effects of corner cutting due to small
      and large reaction path curvature are captured via a microcanonical optimized
      multidimensional tunneling (MUOMT) treatment, are recommended for future
      refinement of the kinetic model for methanol combustion.

PMID- 22059378
TI  - Adjacent central venous catheters can result in immediate aspiration of infused
      drugs during renal replacement therapy.
AB  - Dual-lumen haemodiafiltration catheters enable continuous renal replacement
      therapy in the critically ill and are often co-located with central venous
      catheters used to infuse drugs. The extent to which infusions are immediately
      aspirated by an adjacent haemodiafiltration catheter remains unknown. A bench
      model was constructed to evaluate this effect. A central venous catheter and a
      haemodiafiltration catheter were inserted into a simulated central vein and flow
      generated using centrifugal pumps within the simulated vein and
      haemodiafiltration circuit. Ink was used as a visual tracer and creatinine
      solution as a quantifiable tracer. Tracers were completely aspirated by the
      haemodiafiltration catheter unless the infusion was at least 1 cm downstream to
      the arterial port. No tracer was aspirated from catheters infusing at least 2 cm
      downstream. Orientation of side ports did not affect tracer elimination. Co
      location of central venous and haemodiafiltration catheters may lead to complete
      aspiration of infusions into the haemodiafilter with resultant drug under-dosing.

PMID- 22059379
TI  - APRIL and BAFF proteins increase proliferation of human adipose-derived stem
      cells through activation of Erk1/2 MAP kinase.
AB  - Human adipose-derived stem cells (hASC) are mesenchymal stem cells with reduced
      immunogenicity and the ability to modulate immune responses. APRIL and BAFF
      proteins are overexpressed in inflammatory and autoimmune diseases for which
      allogeneic hASC therapy is currently under clinical investigation. Modification
      of hASC properties by the tissue microenvironment could be a critical factor in
      patient outcome and is still not well understood. Our aim was to characterize the
      APRIL/BAFF system in hASC by analyzing the ligand and receptor expression
      patterns, the effects mediated by APRIL and BAFF on hASC, and the underlying
      signaling. We found that hASC express the tumor necrosis factor proteins APRIL (a
      proliferation-inducing ligand) and BAFF (B cell-activator factor) as well as
      their receptors TACI (transmembrane activator and calcium-modulator and
      cyclophilin ligand interactor), BCMA (B cell maturation antigen) and the BAFF
      specific receptor (BAFF-R). APRIL and BAFF secretion was differentially enhanced
      by CXCL12 and interferon (IFN)-gamma, implicated in hASC-mediated migration and
      immunosuppression, respectively. In addition, APRIL and BAFF induced rapid
      phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) and Akt
      kinases and promoted an increase in hASC proliferation, without affecting the
      immunosuppressive capacity of these cells. The use of specific chemical
      inhibitors indicated that the PI3K transduction pathway is involved in hASC basal
      growth and that APRIL- and BAFF-mediated effects are ERK-dependent. These results
      provide new information about the molecular mechanisms that underlie APRIL and
      BAFF secretion and signaling in hASC, and are of special relevance for the use of
      allogeneic hASC as therapeutic tools.

PMID- 22059380
TI  - Helminth and leech community structure in tadpoles and caudatan larvae of two
      amphibian species from Western Nebraska.
AB  - Currently no comparative studies exist on helminth and leech community structure
      among sympatric anuran tadpoles and salamander larvae. During June-August 2007
      2009, we examined 50 bullfrog tadpoles, Rana catesbeiana , 50 barred tiger
      salamander larvae, Ambystoma mavortium , and 3 species of snails from Nevens
      Pond, Keith County, Nebraska for helminth and leech infections. The helminth and
      leech compound community of this larval amphibian assemblage consisted of at
      least 7 species, 4 in bullfrog tadpoles and 4 in barred tiger salamander larvae.
      Bullfrog tadpoles were infected with 2 species of nematodes ( Gyrinicola
      batrachiensis and Spiroxys sp.) and 2 types of metacercariae ( Telorchis sp. and
      echinostomatids), whereas barred tiger salamander larva were infected with 1
      species of leech ( Placobdella picta ), 2 species of adult trematodes ( Telorchis
      corti and Halipegus sp.), and 1 species of an unidentified metacercaria. The
      component community of bullfrog tadpoles was dominated by helminths acquired
      through active penetration, or incidentally ingested through respiratory
      currents, or both, whereas the component community of larval salamanders was
      dominated by helminths acquired through ingestion of intermediate hosts (chi2  = 
      3,455.00, P < 0.00001). Differences in amphibian larval developmental time (2-3
      yr for bullfrog tadpoles versus 2-5 mo for salamander larvae), the ephemeral
      nature of intermediate hosts in Nevens Pond, and the ability of bullfrog tadpole
      to eliminate echinostome infections had significant effects on mean helminth
      species richness among amphibian species and years (t  =  12.31, P < 0.0001; t  =
      2.09, P  =  0.04). Differences in herbivorous and carnivorous diet and time to
      metamorphosis among bullfrog tadpoles and barred tiger salamander larvae were
      important factors in structuring helminth communities among the larval stages of
      these 2 sympatric amphibian species, whereas size was important in structuring
      helminth and leech communities in larval salamanders, but not in bullfrog
      tadpoles.

PMID- 22059381
TI  - Coffee components inhibit amyloid formation of human islet amyloid polypeptide in
      vitro: possible link between coffee consumption and diabetes mellitus.
AB  - Global epidemic studies have suggested that coffee consumption is reversely
      correlated with the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), a metabolic
      disease. The misfolding of human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) is regarded as
      one of the causative factors of T2DM. Coffee extracts have three major active
      components: caffeine, caffeic acid (CA), and chlorogenic acid (CGA). In this
      study, the effects of these major coffee components, as well as dihydrocaffeic
      acid (DHCA) (a major metabolite of CGA and CA), on the amyloidogenicity of hIAPP
      were investigated by thioflavin-T based fluorescence emission, transmission
      electronic microscopy, circular dichroism, light-induced cross-linking, dynamic
      light scattering, and MTT-based cell viability assays. The results suggest that
      all components show varied inhibitory effects on the formation of toxic hIAPP
      amyloids, in which CA shows the highest potency in delaying the conformational
      transition of the hIAPP molecule with the most prolonged lag time, whereas
      caffeine shows the lowest potency. At a 5-fold excess molar ratio of compound to
      hIAPP, all coffee-derived compounds affect the secondary structures of incubated
      hIAPP as suggested by the circular dichroism spectra and CDPro deconvolution
      analysis. Further photoinduced cross-linking based oligomerization and dynamic
      light scattering studies suggested CA and CGA significantly suppressed the
      formation of hIAPP oligomers, whereas caffeine showed no significant effect on
      oligomerization. Cell protection effects were also observed for all three
      compounds, with the protection efficiency being greatest for CA and least for
      CGA. These findings suggest that the beneficial effects of coffee consumption on
      T2DM may be partly due to the ability of the major coffee components and
      metabolites to inhibit the toxic aggregation of hIAPP.

PMID- 22059382
TI  - Enhancement of dissolution rate and bioavailability of sulfamethoxazole by
      complexation with beta-cyclodextrin.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to improve the solubility and dissolution rate of
      sulfamethoxazole (SMZ) with inclusion compound of beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD).
      The interaction between SMZ and beta-CD in solution was studied by the phase
      solubility method. The phase-solubility studies revealed the formation of
      inclusion complexes with poor solubility with an inclusion complex of 1:1 molar
      ratio and a stability constant of 122.3 M(-1). The solid complexes of SMZ with
      beta-CD were prepared by using kneading and coprecipitation methods. The physical
      mixture of these chemicals was also prepared for comparison. Inclusion
      complexation was confirmed by the results from the studies of infrared
      spectoroscopy (IR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The effect of
      water-soluble polymers i.e., polyethylene glycol 20000 and non-ionic surfactants
      i.e., polysorbate 20 on the complexation of SMZ with beta-CD was also
      investigated by the same methods. The rates of release of the active material
      from the complexes were determined from dissolution studies using USP XXII paddle
      method. The formulation, that provided delivery of active material near to the
      target value in six healthy volunteers and in vivo tests, clearly revealed that
      the bioavailability of active material was found to be enhanced by preparing
      ternary mixtures.

PMID- 22059383
TI  - Asymmetric introgression between the M and S forms of the malaria vector,
      Anopheles gambiae, maintains divergence despite extensive hybridization.
AB  - The suggestion that genetic divergence can arise and/or be maintained in the face
      of gene flow has been contentious since first proposed. This controversy and a
      rarity of good examples have limited our understanding of this process. Partially
      reproductively isolated taxa have been highlighted as offering unique
      opportunities for identifying the mechanisms underlying divergence with gene
      flow. The African malaria vector, Anopheles gambiae s.s., is widely regarded as
      consisting of two sympatric forms, thought by many to represent incipient
      species, the M and S molecular forms. However, there has been much debate about
      the extent of reproductive isolation between M and S, with one view positing that
      divergence may have arisen and is being maintained in the presence of gene flow,
      and the other proposing a more advanced speciation process with little realized
      gene flow because of low hybrid fitness. These hypotheses have been difficult to
      address because hybrids are typically rare (<1%). Here, we assess samples from an
      area of high hybridization and demonstrate that hybrids are fit and responsible
      for extensive introgression. Nonetheless, we show that strong divergent selection
      at a subset of loci combined with highly asymmetric introgression has enabled M
      and S to remain genetically differentiated despite extensive gene flow. We
      propose that the extent of reproductive isolation between M and S varies across
      West Africa resulting in a 'geographic mosaic of reproductive isolation'; a
      finding which adds further complexity to our understanding of divergence in this
      taxon and which has considerable implications for transgenic control strategies.

PMID- 22059384
TI  - Measuring healthcare disparities and racial segregation in Missouri nursing
      homes.
AB  - Measuring and, ultimately, addressing disparities in long-term care quality
      continue to be a challenge. Although literature suggests that disparities in
      healthcare quality exist and nursing homes remain relatively segregated,
      healthcare professionals and policymakers stand to benefit from improvements in
      measuring both racial segregation and healthcare disparities. This paper
      quantifies the relationships between healthcare disparities and racial
      segregation using the disparities quality index and dissimilarity index. Results
      suggested that the more segregated the nursing homes, the greater the observed
      disparities. Multivariate regression analysis indicated that the proportion of
      Black residents in nursing homes is the variable that best predicts disparities.

PMID- 22059385
TI  - Inhibition mechanism of human galectin-7 by a novel galactose-benzylphosphate
      inhibitor.
AB  - Galectins are involved in many cellular processes due to their ability to bind
      carbohydrates. Understanding their functions has shown the necessity for potent
      and specific galectin inhibitors. Human galectin-7 (hGal-7), in particular, has
      been highlighted as an important marker in many types of cancer by either
      inhibiting or promoting tumour growth. Producing ligands able to selectively
      target hGal-7 will offer promising tools for deciphering cancer processes in
      which hGal-7 is involved as well as present potential solutions for future
      therapeutics. Here we report the high resolution crystal structure of hGal-7 in
      complex with a synthetic 2-O-benzylphosphate-galactoside inhibitor (which is > 60
      fold more potent than its parent galactoside). The high resolution
      crystallographic analysis highlights the validity of using saccharide
      derivatives, conserving properties of the galactose binding, while enhanced
      affinity and specificity is provided by the added phosphate group. This
      structural information will allow the design of further inhibitors with improved
      potency and specificity.

PMID- 22059386
TI  - Occupational stress amongst audiologists: compassion satisfaction, compassion
      fatigue, and burnout.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate occupational stress amongst
      audiologists, along with quantification of their professional quality of life:
      Burnout, compassion fatigue, and compassion satisfaction. DESIGN: A cross
      sectional postal survey research design using an audiology occupational stress
      questionnaire (AOSQ), and the professional quality of life (ProQOL) instrument.
      STUDY SAMPLE: The sample consisted of members of the New Zealand Audiological
      Society. One hundred and forty-five questionnaires were mailed, 82 responses were
      received. RESULTS: The main findings suggest that six stress factors dominate
      clinical audiology: (1) time demand, (2) audiological management, (3) patient
      contact, (4) clinical protocol, (5) patient accountability, and (6)
      administration or equipment. A significant relationship was found between
      increasing age of the audiologist and risk of acquiring burnout (chi-square
      (1)=6.119, p<0.05). Pearson's correlation's revealed time demand was the
      strongest predictor of low compassion satisfaction (r=0.327) and burnout
      (r=0.463), while stress associated with patient contact was the strongest
      predictor of compassion fatigue (r=0.352). CONCLUSIONS: This study identifies
      sources of stress for clinical audiologists and different factors that contribute
      to professional quality of life.

PMID- 22059387
TI  - Fatigue in out-patients with inflammatory bowel disease is common and
      multifactorial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) often complain of
      fatigue. AIM: To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of fatigue among
      IBD out-patients in Scandinavia and to provide normative values for fatigue in
      IBD patients. METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted on 425 IBD patients
      from six out-patient centres in Denmark, Norway and Sweden. Fatigue was measured
      using the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory. The patients were also screened for
      anaemia and iron deficiency. Each centre included approximately 5% of their IBD
      cohort. The patients were enrolled consecutively from the out-patient clinics,
      regardless of disease activity and whether the visit was scheduled. The fatigue
      analysis was stratified for age and gender. RESULTS: Using the 95th percentile of
      the score of the general population as a cut-off, approximately 44% of the
      patients were fatigued. When comparing the IBD patients with disease activity to
      the IBD patients in remission, all dimensions of fatigue were statistically
      significant (P < 0.05). Being anaemic or iron deficient was not associated with
      increased fatigue. Being a male patient with ulcerative colitis treated with
      corticosteroids was a strong determinant for increased fatigue. The normative
      ranges for IBD fatigue were calculated. CONCLUSIONS: Fatigue in IBD is common
      regardless of anaemia or iron deficiency. Fatigue in IBD is most marked for
      patients < 60 years of age. Stratifying for gender and age is necessary when
      analysing fatigue, as fatigue is expressed differently between groups.

PMID- 22059388
TI  - Improvement of phosphoproteome analyses using FAIMS and decision tree
      fragmentation. application to the insulin signaling pathway in Drosophila
      melanogaster S2 cells.
AB  - This report examines the analytical benefits of high-field asymmetric waveform
      ion mobility spectrometry (FAIMS) coupled to liquid chromatography mass
      spectrometry (LC-MS) for phosphoproteomics analyses. The ability of FAIMS to
      separate multiply charged peptide ions from chemical interferences confers a
      unique advantage in phosphoproteomics by enhancing the detection of low abundance
      phosphopeptides. LC-FAIMS-MS experiments performed on TiO(2)-enriched tryptic
      digests from Drosophila melanogaster provided a 50% increase in phosphopeptide
      identification compared to conventional LC-MS analysis. Also, FAIMS can be used
      to select different population of multiply charged phosphopeptide ions prior to
      their activation with either collision activated dissociation (CAD) or electron
      transfer dissociation (ETD). Importantly, FAIMS enabled the resolution of
      coeluting phosphoisomers of different abundances to facilitate their unambiguous
      identification using conventional database search engines. The benefits of FAIMS
      in large-scale phosphoproteomics of D. melanogaster are further investigated
      using label-free quantitation to identify differentially regulated
      phosphoproteins in response to insulin stimulation.

PMID- 22059389
TI  - Control of Ostwald ripening by using surfactants with high surface modulus.
AB  - We describe results from systematic measurements of the rate of bubble Ostwald
      ripening in foams with air volume fraction of 90%. Several surfactant systems,
      with high and low surface modulus, were used to clarify the effect of the
      surfactant adsorption layer on the gas permeability across the foam films. In one
      series of experiments, glycerol was added to the foaming solutions to clarify how
      changes in the composition of the aqueous phase affect the rate of bubble
      coarsening. The experimental results are interpreted by a new theoretical model,
      which allowed us to determine the overall gas permeability of the foam films in
      the systems studied, and to decompose the film permeability into contributions
      coming from the surfactant adsorption layers and from the aqueous core of the
      films. For verification of the theoretical model, the gas permeability determined
      from the experiments with bulk foams are compared with values, determined in an
      independent set of measurements with the diminishing bubble method (single bubble
      attached at large air-water interface) and reasonably good agreement between the
      results obtained by the two methods is found. The analysis of the experimental
      data showed that the rate of bubble Ostwald ripening in the studied foams depends
      on (1) type of used surfactant-surfactants with high surface modulus lead to much
      slower rate of Ostwald ripening, which is explained by the reduced gas
      permeability of the adsorption layers in these systems; (2) presence of glycerol
      which reduces the gas solubility and diffusivity in the aqueous core of the foam
      film (without affecting the permeability of the adsorption layers), thus also
      leading to slower Ostwald ripening. Direct measurements showed that the foam
      films in the studied systems had very similar thicknesses, thus ruling out the
      possible explanation that the observed differences in the Ostwald ripening are
      due to different film thicknesses. Experiments with the Langmuir trough were used
      to demonstrate that the possible differences in the surface tensions of the
      shrinking and expanding bubbles in a given foam are too small to strongly affect
      the rate of Ostwald ripening in the specific systems studied here, despite the
      fact that some of the surfactant solutions have rather high surface modulus. The
      main reason for the latter observation is that the rate of surface deformation of
      the coarsening bubbles is extremely low, on the order of 10(-4) s(-1), so that
      the relaxation of the surface tension (though also slow for the high surface
      modulus systems) is still able to reduce the surface tension variations down to
      several mN/m. Thus, we conclude that the main reason for the reduced rate of
      bubble Ostwald ripening in the systems with high surface modulus is the low
      solubility and diffusivity of the gas molecules in the respective condensed
      adsorption layers (which have solid rather than fluid molecular packing).

PMID- 22059390
TI  - Aspiration thrombectomy during primary percutaneous coronary intervention as
      adjunctive therapy to early (in-ambulance) abciximab administration in patients
      with acute ST elevation myocardial infarction: an analysis from Leiden MISSION!
      acute myocardial infarction treatment optimization program.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The benefits of early abciximab administration and thrombus
      aspiration in ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) patients undergoing
      primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) have previously been
      elaborated. However, whether there is an adjunctive effect of thrombus aspiration
      among STEMI patients, with angiographic evidence of thrombus, receiving early
      prehospital abciximab remains unclear. METHODS:  In the context of a fixed
      protocol for PPCI, 158 consecutive patients with STEMI were enrolled, in whom
      abciximab was started early before hospital arrival (in-ambulance); 79 patients
      who had PPCI with thrombus aspiration (thrombectomy-facilitated PCI group), were
      compared to 79 who had PPCI without thrombus aspiration (conventional PCI group)
      in a prospective nonrandomized study. The primary end-point was complete ST
      segment resolution within 90 minutes. Secondary end points included distal
      embolization, enzymatic infarct size as well as left ventricular ejection
      fraction (LVEF) assessed by gated single-photon emission computed tomography.
      Major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) were evaluated up to 12 months. RESULTS: 
      Both groups were comparable for baseline characteristics. ST-segment resolution
      was significantly higher in the thrombectomy-facilitated group (P = 0.002), and
      multivariate analysis identified thrombectomy as an independent predictor of ST
      segment resolution (OR = 9.4, 95% CI = 2.6-33.5, P = 0.001). Distal embolization
      was higher in the conventional PCI group among patients with higher thrombus
      grades. No difference was observed between both groups in infarct size assessed
      by peak creatine kinase (p = 0.689) and peak Tn-T levels (P = 0.435). Also, the
      LVEF at 3 months was similar (P = 0.957). At 12 month clinical follow-up,
      thrombus aspiration was, however, associated with reduced all-cause mortality
      (log-rank p = 0.032). CONCLUSION:  Among STEMI patients treated with PPCI and in
      ambulance abciximab, it appears that a selective strategy of thrombus aspiration
      still has additive benefit.

PMID- 22059391
TI  - Low prevalence of Helicobacter pylori-negative gastric cancer among Japanese.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The true prevalence of Helicobacter pylori-negative gastric
      cancer (HpNGC) is unknown. We attempt to clarify the prevalence and
      clinicopathologic features of HpNGC in Japanese. METHODS: Helicobacter pylori
      infection was detected by antibody titer and microscopic observation. In
      addition, we confirmed the lack of endoscopic atrophy and histologic gastritis.
      In these cases, we added urea breath test or rapid urease test to confirm the
      absence of H. pylori. The mucus phenotype of gastric cancer tissue was also
      evaluated by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: We screened 3161 gastric cancer cases
      from 1996 to 2010, and 21 cases were regarded as H. pylori negative. Clinically,
      patients with HpNGC were younger than patients with H. pylori-positive gastric
      cancer (controls), and revealed a lack of male dominancy. Histologically, diffuse
      type was frequently found. All patients examined were pepsinogen negative. Among
      HpNGC cases with endoscopic resection, the depressed macroscopic appearance was
      dominant. The prevalence of HpNGC was calculated as 0.66% (95% confidence
      interval = 0.41-1.01). The mucus phenotype of HpNGC was similar to that of the
      controls. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of HpNGC is very low and its pathological
      characteristics are different from common gastric cancer.

PMID- 22059392
TI  - Randomized trial on 14 versus 7 days of esomeprazole, moxifloxacin, and
      amoxicillin for second-line or rescue treatment of Helicobacter pylori infection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Triple therapy with a proton pump inhibitor, moxifloxacin, and
      amoxicillin has been proven effective in first-line treatment of Helicobacter
      pylori infection. AIM: To explore 1, the value of triple therapy with
      esomeprazole, moxifloxacin, and amoxicillin in second-line or rescue treatment of
      Caucasian patients and 2, the impact of treatment duration on eradication
      success. METHODS: H. pylori-infected patients with at least one previous
      treatment failure were randomized to oral esomeprazole 20 mg b.i.d., moxifloxacin
      400 mg o.d., and amoxicillin 1000 mg b.i.d. for either 7 (EMA-7) or 14 days (EMA
      14). Eradication was confirmed by 13C urea breath test. Antimicrobial
      susceptibility testing was performed in all patients at baseline and in patients
      who failed treatment. RESULTS: Eighty patients were randomized, and 60% had >= 2
      previous treatment failures. Pretreatment resistance against clarithromycin and
      metronidazole was found in 70.5 and 61.5% of cases, respectively. The intention
      to-treat eradication rate was significantly higher after EMA-14 compared with EMA
      7 (95.0 vs 78.9%, p = .036). No independent risk factor for treatment failure
      could be identified. There were no serious adverse events. Five of the EMA-14
      patients (12.5%) compared with none of the EMA-7 patients discontinued
      prematurely because of adverse events (p = .031). Post-treatment resistance
      against moxifloxacin was found in one of seven patients with isolated organisms
      (14.3%). CONCLUSION: Second-line/rescue H. pylori eradication therapy with
      esomeprazole, moxifloxacin, and amoxicillin is very effective and well tolerated.
      Fourteen days of treatment significantly increase the eradication rate but also
      the rate of adverse events.

PMID- 22059393
TI  - Fasting gastric pH of Japanese subjects stratified by IgG concentration against
      Helicobacter pylori and pepsinogen status.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The clinical significance of Helicobacter pylori antibody titer has
      been controversial, and the association between the extent of gastric atrophy or
      acid secretion and H. pylori antibody concentration has not been elucidated.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Serum pepsinogen, H. pylori antibody concentration, and
      fasting gastric pH (as an indicator of acid secretion) were measured in 231
      patients undergoing upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. "Atrophic" pepsinogen was
      defined as pepsinogen-I < 70 ng/mL and pepsinogen-I/II ratio < 3. Other levels of
      pepsinogen were defined as "normal". Fasting gastric pH was analyzed in subjects
      stratified by pepsinogen level and by H. pylori antibody concentration. RESULTS:
      Helicobacter pylori antibody concentration showed no significant relationship
      with fasting gastric pH when all subjects were analyzed together. In H. pylori
      seronegative subjects, fasting gastric pH was within the normal range,
      irrespective of the extent of mucosal atrophy. In H. pylori-seropositive
      subjects, H. pylori antibody concentration was positively correlated with fasting
      gastric pH in subjects with "normal" pepsinogen, but inversely correlated in
      those with "atrophic" pepsinogen. Particularly in subjects with low H. pylori
      antibody concentration and atrophic mucosa, a group reportedly at high risk of
      noncardia cancer, the most impaired acid secretion was shown among subjects with
      atrophic mucosa. CONCLUSIONS:   The relationship between acid secretion and H.
      pylori antibody concentration differs depending on the presence of mucosal
      atrophy. Our findings provide a possible rationalization for measuring both serum
      pepsinogen levels and H. pylori antibody concentration in gastric cancer
      screening.

PMID- 22059394
TI  - Antibacterial effects of the urushiol component in the sap of the lacquer tree
      (Rhus verniciflua Stokes) on Helicobacter pylori.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Urushiol is a major component of the lacquer tree which has been used
      as a folk remedy for the relief of abdominal discomfort in Korea. The aim of this
      study was to evaluate the antibacterial effects of the urushiol on Helicobacter
      pylori. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Monomer and 2-4 polymer urushiol were used. In the
      in vitro study, pH- and concentration-dependent antibacterial activity of the
      urushiol against H. pylori were investigated. In addition, the serial
      morphological effects of urushiol on H. pylori were examined by electron
      microscopy. In vivo animal study was performed for the safety, eradication rate,
      and the effect on gastritis of urushiol. The expression of pro-inflammatory
      cytokines was checked. RESULTS:   All strains survived within a pH 6.0-9.0. The
      minimal inhibitory concentrations of the extract against strains ranged 0.064
      0.256 mg/mL. Urushiol caused separation of the membrane and lysis of H. pylori
      within 10 minutes. Urushiol (0.128 mg/mL * 7 days) did not cause complications on
      mice. The eradication rates were 33% in the urushiol monotherapy, 75% in the
      triple therapy (omeprazole + clarithromycin + metronidazole), and 100% in the
      urushiol + triple therapy, respectively. H. pylori-induced gastritis was not
      changed by urushiol but reduced by eradication. Only the expression of
      interleukin-1beta in the gastric tissue was significantly increased by H. pylori
      infection and reduced by the urushiol and H. pylori eradication (p = .014).
      CONCLUSIONS: The urushiol has an antibacterial effect against H. pylori infection
      and can be used safely for H. pylori eradication in a mouse model.

PMID- 22059395
TI  - Histopathology of gastric erosions. Association with etiological factors and
      chronicity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The histopathologic characteristics of the antral erosions, and a
      comparison with samples systematically collected from the background antral
      mucosa, have not been studied previously. Similarly, unknown is the association
      of these features with suspected etiological factors and chronicity of erosion.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: We studied 117 patients with gastric erosions in the
      absence of peptic ulcer disease. With 28 patients available for a follow-up 19
      years later, sites of erosions and background mucosa were biopsied and
      histopathology of both independently assessed at both visits. Helicobacter pylori
      status was examined from the biopsies taken in the initial and follow-up
      gastroscopies. Only subjects originally displaying antral erosions were included.
      The presence of Herpes simplex virus (HSV) antibodies was analyzed and use of
      nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) was inquired. RESULTS:   Initially,
      the inflammation was more active in the region of erosions than elsewhere in
      antral mucosa. More active inflammation in the erosion was associated with HSV
      seropositivity, Helicobacter pylori infection, and the recent use of NSAIDs. In
      the follow-up visit, antral erosions were present in 38% (3/8) of Helicobacter
      pylori negatives and in 35% (7/20) of positives (p = ns). The Helicobacter pylori
      positive subjects with chronic or recurrent erosions had initially higher scores
      of neutrophils compared to subjects with nonrecurrent or nonchronic erosions (2.7
      +/- 0.5 vs 1.2 +/- 1.0; p = .002). CONCLUSIONS: Focally enhanced inflammation is
      characteristic for gastric erosions. This focal inflammation was associated with
      HSV seropositivity or NSAID use suggesting that such inflammation may be
      important in the pathogenesis of gastric antral erosions. Highly active
      inflammation in the erosions associates with their chronicity.

PMID- 22059396
TI  - Protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR2) in human gastric mucosa as mediator of
      proinflammatory effects in Helicobacter pylori infection.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Protease-activated receptors (PAR) are seven transmembrane
      receptors that are expressed throughout the gastrointestinal tract. In vitro
      experiments using gastric tumor cell lines, murine models and one clinical study
      provided evidence for a potential role of PAR2 in Helicobacter pylori-induced
      gastritis. AIM: To investigate PAR2 expression in H. pylori-infected patients and
      correlation with proinflammatory IL-8, IL-1beta as well as histologic changes of
      the mucosa. Furthermore, PAR2 expression was studied in context to mucosal
      amounts of secretory leukocyte protease inhibitor (SLPI), a putative regulator of
      PAR2. METHODS: Twenty-two H. pylori-infected patients and 72 H. pylori-negative
      subjects underwent upper GI endoscopy. In antrum-derived mucosal biopsies, PAR2,
      IL-1beta, IL-8, and SLPI expression was analyzed by quantitative RT-PCR, and in
      part by ELISA and immunohistochemistry. Histopathologic evaluation of gastritis
      was performed according to the updated Sydney classification. RESULTS: IL-8 gene
      expression was 5-fold increased in the mucosa of H. pylori-infected patients
      compared with non-infected (p < .0001), whereas no differences for PAR2 and IL
      1beta mRNA amounts were observed between both groups. PAR2 gene expression
      correlated positively with transcript levels of IL-8, IL-1beta as well mucosal
      SLPI levels in H. pylori-infected patients (r: 0.47-0.84; p < .0001), whereas no
      correlation was found with the degree of gastritis. CONCLUSIONS: PAR2 represents
      an additive pathway of IL-8 secretion and proinflammatory effects in H. pylori
      induced gastritis. Reduced SLPI levels leading to higher serine protease
      activities in the mucosa of infected subjects might regulate PAR2 activation.

PMID- 22059397
TI  - Characterization and functional activity of murine monoclonal antibodies specific
      for alpha1,6-glucan chain of Helicobacter pylori lipopolysaccharide.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The outer core region of H. pylori lipopolysaccharide (LPS) contains
      alpha1,6-glucan previously shown to contribute to colonizing efficiency of a
      mouse stomach. The aim of the present study was to generate monoclonal antibodies
      (mAbs) specific for alpha1,6-glucan and characterize their binding properties and
      functional activity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: BALB/c mice were injected
      intraperitoneally with 10(8) formalin-fixed H. pylori O:3 0826::Kan cells 3* over
      56 days to achieve significant titer. Anti-alpha1,6-glucan-producing hybridomas
      were screened by indirect ELISA using purified H. pylori O:3 0826::Kan LPS. One
      clone, 1C4F9, was selected for further characterization. The specificities of
      mAbs were determined by indirect and inhibition ELISA using structurally defined
      H. pylori LPS and synthetic oligosaccharides, and whole-cell indirect ELISA (WCE)
      of clinical isolates. They were further characterized by indirect
      immunofluorescent (IF) microscopy and their functional activity in vitro
      determined by serum bactericidal assays against wild-type and mutant strains of
      H. pylori. RESULTS: The generated anti-alpha1,6-glucan IgM, 1C4F9, has
      demonstrated an excellent specificity for the glucan chain containing 5 to 6
      alpha1,6-linked glucose residues and showed surface accessibility by IF
      microscopy with H. pylori cells adherent to gastric adenocarcinoma cells
      monolayers. Of 38 isolates from Chile, 17 strains reacted with antiglucan mAbs in
      WCE (OD450 >= 0.2). Bactericidal activity was observed against selective wild
      type and mutant H. pylori strains exhibiting OD450 values of >= 0.45 in WCE.
      CONCLUSIONS: Anti-alpha1,6-glucan mAbs could have potential application in typing
      and surveillance of H. pylori isolates as well as offer insights into structural
      requirements for the development of LPS-based vaccine against H. pylori
      infections.

PMID- 22059398
TI  - First-time urea breath tests performed at home by 36,629 patients: a study of
      Helicobacter pylori prevalence in primary care.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of the current study was (1) to describe the use of a (13) C
      urea breath test (UBT) that was performed by patients at their homes as a part of
      a test-and-treat strategy in primary care and (2) to investigate the prevalence
      of Helicobacter pylori in patients taking a first-time UBT. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      The patients performed UBTs at home based on the discretion of the general
      practitioner and mailed the breath bags to a central laboratory for analysis.
      Each patient was identified by a unique civil registration number. The study was
      population-based, and the background population was approximately 700,000 people.
      RESULTS: From 2003 to 2009, 44,487 UBTs were performed. Of these, 36,629 were
      first-time UBTs. In total, 726 of 45,213 breath bags received (1.6%) were unable
      to be analyzed because of errors with the bags. For both women and men who were
      <= 45 years of age, positive H. pylori declined over the time course of the study
      (women: 19.6% in 2003 to 17.6% in 2009, p < .01; men: 20.7% in 2003 to 16.9% in
      2009, p < .001). Patients who were older than 45 years had significantly higher
      positive H. pylori results than younger patients. CONCLUSIONS: A test-and-treat
      system was possible to implement that allowed patients to perform UBTs at their
      homes. The results of the first-time UBTs demonstrated that approximately one of
      five patients who presented with dyspepsia in the clinical setting of Danish
      primary care was infected with H. pylori.

PMID- 22059399
TI  - Genotypic and phenotypic variation of Lewis antigen expression in geographically
      diverse Helicobacter pylori isolates.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Helicobacter pylori are a persistent colonizer of the human gastric
      mucosa, which can lead to the development of peptic ulcer disease and gastric
      adenocarcinomas. However, H. pylori can asymptomatically colonize a host for
      years. One factor that has been hypothesized to contribute to such persistence is
      the production of Lewis (Le) antigens in the lipopolysaccharide layer of the
      bacterial outer membrane as a form of molecular mimicry, because humans also
      express these antigens on their gastric mucosa. Humans and H. pylori both are
      polymorphic for Le expression, which is driven in H. pylori by variation at the
      Le synthesis loci. In this report, we sought to characterize Le genotypic and
      phenotypic variation in geographically diverse H. pylori isolates. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: From patients undergoing endoscopy in 29 countries, we determined Le
      phenotypes of 78 H. pylori strains and performed genotyping of the galT and beta
      (1,3)galT loci in 113 H. pylori strains. RESULTS: Le antigen phenotyping revealed
      a significant (p < .0001) association between type 1 (Le(a) and Le(b) )
      expression and strains of East Asian origin. Genotyping revealed a significant
      correlation between strain origin and the size of the promoter region upstream of
      the Le synthesis gene, galT (p < .0001). CONCLUSION: These results indicate that
      the heterogeneity of human Le phenotypes is reflected in their H. pylori
      colonizing strains and suggest new loci that can be studied to assess the
      variation of Le expression.

PMID- 22059401
TI  - The relationship of muscle fibre size to tenderness of beef.
AB  - Steaks were removed from loins of beef carcasses at 1, 3, 6 or 14 days post
      mortem for fragmentation index (MFI), Warner-Bratzler Shear Force (SF) and
      sensory panel tenderness evaluation. Also, after 1 day of storage, samples were
      removed for histological observations. Greatest improvement in tenderness, SF and
      MFI occurred within the first 6 days of storage. Sensory panel tenderness was
      correlated (P < 0.01) with SF and MFI. Average muscle fibre size was correlated
      (P < 0.01) with tenderness and SF at days 1 and 3, but not at days 6 and 14.
      Evidently, muscle fibre size is important to tenderness prior to post-mortem
      storage of meat and proteolysis, but becomes less of a factor in tenderness after
      6 days of storage.

PMID- 22059402
TI  - Some parameters involved in production of Zousoon-A semi-dry, long fibered pork
      product.
AB  - The production of Zousoon, which is a semi-dry, long-fibered (5-8 cm) pork
      product, is described as traditionally produced in Taiwan. The production process
      is an empirical one and is more of an art than a science. The present paper
      describes a modified clothes dryer developed to tumble and dry the product, which
      was shown to result in improved heat transfer and greater shear forces that gave
      better control of evaporation of water while causing the muscle bundles to
      disintegrate into smaller subunits. Color development and finishing to a final
      a(w) of 0.60 to 0.65 for the predried product was found to be best achieved by
      heating with steam at 150 degrees C for 7 min. The predried product was finished
      in a steam-heated dryer-finisher while adding fat. The final product had a
      yellowish-brown color and a fibrous appearance, being more uniform in color and
      texture than that produced in the traditional gas-fired, scraping-frypan.

PMID- 22059403
TI  - Use of perfused isolated muscle, as studied by (31)P NMR, to investigate
      metabolism and post-mortem changes.
AB  - An experimental system was designed to study as independently as possible the
      effects of various in-vivo or post-mortem factors susceptible to influence muscle
      metabolism. This system was made up of an NMR probe, a physiological stimulator,
      a perfusion system and a force monitoring device. Rabbit muscles were isolated
      and perfused with bovine red cells, then put into the NMR probe to follow the
      evolution of pH and phosphorylated compounds. It was possible to keep muscle
      metabolism stable for 2 h. Death was simulated by stopping the perfusion which
      allowed post-mortem changes to be followed. The effects of adrenaline perfusion
      or of a 5 s tetanus on some traits of metabolism and on changes following muscle
      death were studied. Tetanus immediately before perfusion was stopped accelerated
      changes in pH and in phosphocreatine and ATP contents; adrenaline perfusion
      during 30 min before perfusion was stopped had little effect on these traits.

PMID- 22059404
TI  - A comparison of some muscle metabolites in stress susceptible and resistant
      Landrace gilts after halothane exposure or exercise stress.
AB  - Sixty-six South African Landrace gilts were used in the experiments. At the age
      of 21 weeks, 47 of the pigs were challenged with halothane exposure. As a result
      17 of the pigs died, and were classified stress susceptible (SS), whereas the 30
      survivors were classified stress resistant (SR). The other 19 pigs were subjected
      to treadmill exercise. Four of the exercised pigs died. The pigs that survived
      the treadmill exercise were later exposed to halothane. The pigs that died as a
      result of the halothane exposure (n = 5) or the treadmill exercise (n = 4), were
      classified SS (n = 9) and the survivors as SR (n = 10). A biopsy of the M.
      semitendinosus was used for measurement of difference in muscle lactate, ATP,
      glucose 6-phosphate, phosphocreatine, glucose and glycogen concentrations. The
      results show that in all pigs exercise resulted in the higher stimulation of
      glycogenolysis than did halothane exposure. However, SS pigs overall showed a
      greater stimulation of glycogenolysis and glycolysis and general anaerobic
      metabolism, compared to SR pigs. Under halothane exposure, glycogenolysis and
      anaerobic metabolism were stimulated in the SS pigs to a much greater extent than
      in SR pigs, with significant differences between all the muscle metabolites
      determined. However, treadmill exercise, although sufficient to cause death in
      some pigs, resulted only in significantly higher lactate and glucose 6-phosphate
      concentrations. SR pigs exposed to halothane had significantly higher ATP,
      phosphocreatine and glycogen concentrations, but a lower glucose concentration
      than exercised SR pigs, indicating less severe stimulation of glycogenolysis by
      halothane than exercise. No significant differences were found in the determined
      muscle metabolites in SS pigs exposed to halothane compared to exercised SS pigs.
      In conclusion, these differences suggest that different mechanisms of stimulation
      of metabolism on exposure to halothane and exercise may exist, although both
      types of stress cause stimulation of glycogenolysis.

PMID- 22059405
TI  - An HPLC method using FMOC-ADAM for determination of hydroxyproline in muscle.
AB  - An HPLC method using 9-fluorenylmethyl chloroformate-1-amino-adamantane (FMOC
      ADAM) for the determination of hydroxyproline (HYP) in muscle hydrolyzates is
      described. The HYP was converted to a stable fluorescent derivative with FMOC
      after removal of all primary amino acids with ortho-phthaldialdehyde and 2
      mercaptoethanol. Excess FMOC was reacted with a hydrophobic amine, ADAM, thus
      eliminating the need for pentane or diethyl ether extraction. The method was
      performed without the use of controlled temperature derivatizations or extra
      equipment (e.g. column switching valves). Analysis of HYP was complete after 3
      min, with a total analysis time of 7.5 min. The HYP content of various muscle
      samples obtained with the HPLC procedure compared very well with values obtained
      using a colorimetric assay.

PMID- 22059406
TI  - Differentiation of closely related species by DNA hybridization.
AB  - The specificity of genomic DNA probes for species differentiation by slot blot
      hybridization has been investigated. Experiments have been performed
      investigating species differentiation between monkey and human and between
      cattle, goat and sheep. It is demonstrated that cross hybridization between probe
      and DNA sequences from closely related species is reduced by addition of
      unlabelled DNA from the cross hybridizing species. Quantitative species
      differentiation is shown possible for all species although with different
      detection limits. For differentiation between cattle and sheep or goat the
      detection limits are determined to less than 0.01% whereas the detection limits
      for differentiation between the closely related species sheep and goat are about
      10%.

PMID- 22059407
TI  - Study of proteolysis during the processing of a dry fermented pork sausage.
AB  - Dry pork sausage was formulated, fermented and dried for 41 days. Gross
      composition was determined and proteolysis was monitored by assaying the
      following N fractions: water-soluble nitrogen (WSN), salt-soluble nitrogen (SSN),
      ultrafiltration (UF) permeates of WSN and SSN, phosphotungstic acid (PTA)-soluble
      and -insoluble fractions and free amino acids. Meat and sausages, water- and salt
      insoluble components, UF-retentates of WSN and SSN were assessed by SDS-PAGE at
      different stages of ripening. The amount of WSN, WSN permeate, PTA-soluble N and
      free amino acids increased during processing, while the SSN and PTA-insoluble N
      decreased. The electrophoretic studies demonstrated that proteolysis of the heavy
      myosin chain, alpha-actinin and actin was most prominent. The increased
      insolubility of meat proteins was confirmed by SDS-PAGE.

PMID- 22059409
TI  - A randomised controlled trial of probiotics for the prevention of spontaneous
      preterm delivery associated with bacterial vaginosis: preliminary results.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bacterial vaginosis increases the risk of spontaneous preterm
      delivery at less than 34 weeks of gestation. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study
      was to evaluate the efficacy of the early administration of selected lactobacilli
      strains (probiotics) to pregnant women with asymptomatic bacterial
      vaginosis/intermediate-degree infections to prevent spontaneous premature
      delivery and associated neonatal morbidity. METHODS/DESIGN: Asymptomatic pregnant
      women at less than 20 weeks of gestation, with no indication of elective preterm
      delivery, with a vaginal pH >= 4.5 and Nugent score > 3 were randomly assigned to
      the placebo or intervention group (oral administration of selected lactobacilli
      up to the 24th to 26th week of gestation). The randomisation was stratified for
      the history of premature delivery (HPD) and blocked. The allocation was
      concealed, and the participating health professionals and patients were blinded.
      The primary outcome was preterm delivery (<34 to <32 weeks), and the secondary
      outcomes were associated neonatal complications. RESULTS: In total, 4,204
      pregnant women were screened; 320 and 324 individuals were respectively randomly
      assigned to the placebo and intervention groups, and 62% finished the trial. None
      of the randomised patients were lost to follow-up. For the non-HPD stratum, the
      intent-to-treat relative risks of spontaneous premature birth at < 34 and < 37
      weeks' gestation were 0.33 (0.03, 3.16) and 0.49 (0.17, 1.44), respectively, and
      they were non-significant (ns) with p = 0.31 and 0.14. The corresponding actual
      treatment figures were zero and 0.32 (0.09, 1.19), which were ns with p = 0.12
      and 0.06. The intent-to-treat relative risk of spontaneous premature birth at <
      37 weeks of gestation for the trial as a whole, including HPD and non-HPD
      participants, was 0.69 (0.26, 1.78), p = 0.30 (ns). The neonatal complications
      under evaluation occurred in only one infant (< 34 weeks; placebo group) who
      presented with respiratory distress syndrome and suspected early neonatal sepsis.
      The recorded adverse events were minor and relatively non-specific. CONCLUSIONS:
      The efficacy of the tested probiotics to prevent preterm delivery among women
      without a history of preterm delivery was not determined because the study sample
      was insufficient to estimate statistically significant intent-to-treat effects;
      additional studies are needed to evaluate this intervention among these women.
      TRIAL REGISTRATION: Trial registration at NIH register: NCT00303082. Sources of
      funding: the Brazilian Health Ministry and the State of Rio de Janeiro Research
      Foundation.

PMID- 22059410
TI  - Effects of feed treatment and gender on the flavour and texture profiles of cured
      and uncured pork cuts. I. Ractopamine treatment and dietary protein level.
AB  - Equal numbers of barrows (64) and gilts (64) were randomly allocated to two
      separate diets containing 17.6 and 19.6% crude protein. Subsequently within each
      gender/diet treatment group, pigs were equally and randomly assigned to two
      ractopamine treatment groups (i.e. 0 or 20 ppm ractopamine), resulting in 16 pigs
      per gender/diet/ractopamine subgroup. The feeding trial lasted an average of 41
      days, and the pigs went on trial at an average weight of 64.5 kg and were
      slaughtered at an average weight of 98.2 kg. Five barrows and five gilts were
      subsampled at random from each gender/diet/ractopamine subgroup for palatability
      evaluations. Comprehensive palatability evaluations were conducted on both cured
      and uncured pork cuts. Results revealed no meaningful differences in flavour,
      texture, or cooking properties attributable to dietary protein level (17.6 vs
      19.6% crude protein) or to ractopamine. Thus, within the context of conditions
      employed in the present study, ractopamine can be administered with different
      dietary crude protein levels to improve production efficiency and carcass
      composition, without influencing palatability and cooking properties or consumer
      acceptance. Gender effects have been reported elsewhere (Jeremiah et al., 1994).

PMID- 22059411
TI  - Effects of feed treatment and gender on the flavour and texture profiles of cured
      and uncured pork cuts. II. Ractopamine treatment and dietary protein source.
AB  - A total of 128 barrows and 128 gilts were equally and randomly allocated to two
      separate barley-based diets containing two distinct protein sources (soybean meal
      and canola meal). Subsequently, the pigs within each gender/ diet treatment
      subgroup were equally and randomly assigned to two ractopamine treatment groups
      (0 or 20 ppm). The feeding trial lasted an average of 42 days. The pigs went on
      trial at an average weight of 67.9 kg and were slaughtered at an average weight
      of 101.9 kg. Ten pigs selected at random from each gender/diet/ractopamine
      subgroup were utilized for detailed palatability evaluation. These comprehensive
      palatability evaluations were conducted on both cured and uncured pork cuts.
      Results revealed no differences of practical importance in flavour, texture, or
      cooking properties attributable to dietary protein source or to administration of
      ractopamine, despite the fact a few statistically significant differences were
      observed. Thus, ractopamine can be administered with different dietary protein
      sources to improve production efficiency and improve carcass composition, without
      influencing palatability and cooking properties, or consumer acceptance. Gender
      effects have been reported elsewhere (Jeremiah et al., 1994b).

PMID- 22059412
TI  - The effects of feed treatment and gender on the flavour and texture profiles of
      cured and uncured pork cuts. III. Effects of gender.
AB  - A total of 384 pigs (192 barrows and 192 gilts) was utilized to evaluate the
      effects of gender on the flavour and texture profiles of cured and uncured pork
      cuts. Observed differences in all cuts indicated the incidence, intensity, and/or
      order of appearance of flavour character notes were more appropriate, in samples
      from barrows than in samples from gilts; differences observed in all cuts also
      indicated textural properties were more appropriate, in samples from barrows than
      in samples from gilts. However, the magnitude of such differences in all cuts,
      was insufficient to influence flavour and texture amplitude ratings.
      Consequently, even though cuts from barrows are marginally superior to cuts from
      gilts in both flavour and texture, this superiority is unlikely to be of
      practical importance. The effects of ractopamine treatment and protein level
      (Jeremiah et al., 1994a) and ractopamine treatment and protein source (Jeremiah
      et al., 1994b) have been previously covered.

PMID- 22059413
TI  - Kinetic studies of the effect of muscle fiber type and tripolyphosphate on the
      aggregation of porcine salt-soluble proteins.
AB  - The kinetics of thermal aggregation of salt-soluble proteins (SSP) isolated from
      porcine Longissimus dorsi (75% white fiber, Serratus ventralis (43% red fiber,
      and Vastus intermedius (76% red fiber) muscles were studied in the presence of
      sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP). SSP solutions containing 0-2.0% TPP were heated at
      constant temperatures between 40 degrees  and 70 degrees C, and protein
      aggregation was monitored using turbidity measurements. SSP aggregation followed
      first-order kinetics, and the rate and extent of aggregation increased with the
      red fiber content. Addition of TPP generally increased the aggregation
      temperature for both white and red muscle SSP, but the changes in the aggregation
      rate varied depending on the specific temperature and muscle type. Arrhenius
      plots revealed 10.2-11.5% reduction in the activation energy for SSP aggregation
      caused by 0.5% TPP. These results indicate that SSPs from red and white muscle
      types differ in thermal properties and response to phosphate treatments.

PMID- 22059414
TI  - The molecular location of Ehrlich chromogen and pyridinoline cross-links in
      bovine perimysial collagen.
AB  - Collagenous peptides containing the Ehrlich chromogen (EC), a trifunctional cross
      link of proposed pyrrolic structure, were selectively isolated from a tryptic
      digest of bovine perimysial collagen by coupling to a diazotised support.
      Peptides containing pyridinoline (Pyr), another trifunctional cross-link but
      based on a 3-hydroxypyridinium ring, were isolated from the uncoupled material.
      The isolated cross-linked peptides were purified by chromatographic procedures
      and subsequently characterised by amino acid and sequence analyses. EC occurred
      in stoichiometric amounts in three-chained peptides derived from type I collagen
      cross-link regions. In contrast, Pyr was found in non-stoichiometric amounts in
      three-chained peptides where two of the chains were identified as the 76 amino
      terminal residues of the alpha1 (III) collagen chain. The third chain in these
      Pyr cross-linked peptides was derived from the C-terminal helical cross-link
      region of either type III collagen or the corresponding region of type I
      collagen, with the former region predominating. These findings suggest that EC
      and Pyr cross-links of perimysial collagen are associated mainly with type I and
      type III collagen respectively.

PMID- 22059415
TI  - Shelf-life of vacuum-packaged wild boar meat in relation to that of vacuum
      packaged pork: Relevance of intrinsic factors.
AB  - In order to study the factors influencing the relatively poor keepability of pork
      compared with beef, a study with wild boar meat was carried out. Microbiological
      and sensory quality traits of vacuum-stored wild boar (Sus scrofa scrofa) cuts of
      M. longissimus dorsi (longissimus) at 0 degrees C were determined after 1, 10,
      28, 42, 56, 70, 84 and 98 days and of tenderloins after 3, 35, 49 and 63 days.
      The amount of glycogen, glucose and glucose-6-phosphate in the longissimus cuts
      was measured during storage, in order to study the processes that determine shelf
      life. Tenderloins developed off-odours after 35 days, probably due to
      Enterobacteriaceae growth. Unacceptable discolouration of longissimus cuts and
      off-odour development were noticed after 84-98 days. Shelf-life comparison
      between wild boar meat and pork stored under similar conditions indicates that
      the relatively poor keepability of pork is due to intrinsic factors. Glucose
      depletion is probably triggering the onset of spoilage processes.

PMID- 22059416
TI  - Observations on some chemical and physical characteristics of buffalo meat.
AB  - Proximate composition, sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar protein fractions of buffalo
      meat were similar to those of beef. Buffalo meat was also rich in lysine. Meat
      from young animals had a lower collagen content than that from old ones. As the
      temperature of holding the carcasses was increased, the rate of pH fall was
      faster. Meat from stressed animals showed a higher ultimate pH. Percentage of
      cooking loss and thermal shrinkage was higher in muscles of old animals than in
      young ones, which probably reflected the poor condition of the older animals.
      Meat cooked by pressure cooking showed lower Warner-Bratzler shear values as
      compared with meat cooked in boiling water.

PMID- 22059417
TI  - The influence of low temperature, type of muscle and electrical stimulation on
      the course of rigor mortis, ageing and tenderness of beef muscles.
AB  - The course of rigor mortis, ageing and tenderness have been evaluated for two
      beef muscles, M. semimembranosus (SM) and M. longissimus dorsi (LD), when
      entering rigor at constant temperatures in the cold-shortening region (1, 4, 7
      and 10 degrees C). The influence of electrical stimulation (ES) was also
      examined. Post-mortem changes were registered by shortening and isometric tension
      and by following the decline of pH, ATP and creatine phosphate. The effect of
      ageing on tenderness was recorded by measuring shear-force (2, 8 and 15 days post
      mortem) and the sensory properties were assessed 15 days post mortem. It was
      found that shortening increased with decreasing temperature, resulting in
      decreased tenderness. Tenderness for LD, but not for SM, was improved by ES at 1
      and 4 degrees C, whereas ES did not give rise to any decrease in the degree of
      shortening during rigor mortis development. This suggests that ES influences
      tenderization more than it prevents cold-shortening. The samples with a pre-rigor
      mortis temperature of 1 degrees C could not be tenderized, when stored up to 15
      days, whereas this was the case for the muscles entering rigor mortis at the
      other higher temperatures. The results show that under the conditions used in
      this study, the course of rigor mortis is more important for the ultimate
      tenderness than the course of ageing.

PMID- 22059418
TI  - The effect of high post-mortem temperature on the development of pale, soft and
      exudative pork: Interaction with ultimate pH.
AB  - The effects of post-mortem temperature and ultimate pH (pH(u), 24 h post mortem)
      on the development of the pale, soft and exudative (PSE) characteristics in pig
      longissimus dorsi muscle were studied. Ten out of the 13 pigs used received pre
      slaughter injections of adrenaline in order to deplete muscle glycogen stores.
      The two muscles from each pig were held at 12 or 35 degrees C during rigor mortis
      development. Results from covariance analysis, using pH(u) as covariate, showed
      that a high temperature (35 degrees C) resulted in a dramatic increase in
      internal light scattering (FOP) 24 h post mortem and a significant decrease in
      water- and salt-soluble proteins. Cooking loss, sarcomere length and drip loss
      did not vary significantly with rigor temperature. Interaction between
      temperature and pH(u) was estimated by assessing the relationship between pH(u)
      and the difference between the two rigor temperatures for selected traits. The
      best predictive model was a segmented quadratic model with a plateau which gave
      significant results for FOP, drip loss, water- and salt-soluble proteins. The
      effect of temperature decreased curvilinearly when pH increased until a constant
      value above which no noticeable difference was recorded (drip loss, water- and
      salt-soluble proteins) or a constant difference was reached (FOP). The pH values
      corresponding to the convergence points differed from one trait to another. They
      ranged from 5.72 to 6.22. These results illustrate the importance of muscle
      glycogen content at slaughter and subsequent pH(u) with regard to the development
      of temperature-induced PSE meat.

PMID- 22059419
TI  - Fatty acid composition of the meat and fat of the one-humped camel (camelus
      dromedarius).
AB  - The fatty acid composition of lean raw meat taken from the hind leg of seven
      young (1-3 years of age) male one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius) has been
      determined by capillary gas-liquid chromatography; fat samples taken from the
      hump of these seven camels were also analysed. The saturated fatty acids in the
      meat account for 51.5% of the total fatty acids, while the monosaturated and
      polyunsaturated chains constitute 29.9 and 18.6%, respectively. The major fatty
      acids in camel meat are palmitic (26.0%), oleic (18.9%) and linoleic (12.1%),
      with smaller amounts of other fatty acids, both normal and branched, that range
      in chain lengths from C(14) to C(22). The fatty acids of dromedary fat are
      dominated by saturated even-numbered chains with smaller amounts (5.4%) of odd
      numbered normal and branched chains. The main fatty acid of the hump fat is
      palmitic (34.4%) followed by oleic (28.2%), myristic (10.3%) and stearic (10.0%).

PMID- 22059420
TI  - Obituary.

PMID- 22059421
TI  - Unexpected decline in tuberculosis cases coincident with economic recession -
      United States, 2009.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Since 1953, through the cooperation of state and local health
      departments, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has
      collected information on incident cases of tuberculosis (TB) disease in the
      United States. In 2009, TB case rates declined -11.4%, compared to an average
      annual -3.8% decline since 2000. The unexpectedly large decline raised concerns
      that TB cases may have gone unreported. To address the unexpected decline, we
      examined trends from multiple sources on TB treatment initiation, medication
      sales, and laboratory and genotyping data on culture-positive TB. METHODS: We
      analyzed 142,174 incident TB cases reported to the U. S. National Tuberculosis
      Surveillance System (NTSS) during January 1, 2000-December 31, 2009; TB control
      program data from 59 public health reporting areas; self-reported data from 50
      CDC-funded public health laboratories; monthly electronic prescription claims for
      new TB therapy prescriptions; and complete genotyping results available for NTSS
      cases. Accounting for prior trends using regression and time-series analyses, we
      calculated the deviation between observed and expected TB cases in 2009 according
      to patient and clinical characteristics, and assessed at what point in time the
      deviation occurred. RESULTS: The overall deviation in TB cases in 2009 was -7.9%,
      with -994 fewer cases reported than expected (P < .001). We ruled out evidence of
      surveillance underreporting since declines were seen in states that used new
      software for case reporting in 2009 as well as states that did not, and we found
      no cases unreported to CDC in our examination of over 5400 individual line-listed
      reports in 11 areas. TB cases decreased substantially among both foreign-born and
      U.S.-born persons. The unexpected decline began in late 2008 or early 2009, and
      may have begun to reverse in late 2009. The decline was greater in terms of case
      counts among foreign-born than U.S.-born persons; among the foreign-born, the
      declines were greatest in terms of percentage deviation from expected among
      persons who had been in the United States less than 2 years. Among U.S.-born
      persons, the declines in percentage deviation from expected were greatest among
      homeless persons and substance users. Independent information systems (NTSS, TB
      prescription claims, and public health laboratories) reported similar patterns of
      declines. Genotyping data did not suggest sudden decreases in recent
      transmission. CONCLUSIONS: Our assessments show that the decline in reported TB
      was not an artifact of changes in surveillance methods; rather, similar declines
      were found through multiple data sources. While the steady decline of TB cases
      before 2009 suggests ongoing improvement in TB control, we were not able to
      identify any substantial change in TB control activities or TB transmission that
      would account for the abrupt decline in 2009. It is possible that other multiple
      causes coincident with economic recession in the United States, including
      decreased immigration and delayed access to medical care, could be related to TB
      declines. Our findings underscore important needs in addressing health
      disparities as we move towards TB elimination in the United States.

PMID- 22059422
TI  - Diagnosis of pilonidal sinus on fine needle aspiration cytology.

PMID- 22059423
TI  - The convergence of type 1 and type 2 diabetes in childhood: the accelerator
      hypothesis.
AB  - It seems likely that type 1 and type 2 diabetes lie at different points of the
      same spectrum, separated by the misunderstanding that one belongs to childhood
      and the other to adulthood. The spectrum is that of tempo--the rate at which beta
      cell function is lost over time. A combination of beta cell up-regulation
      (insulin demand, largely determined by obesity) and the genetically-determined
      immune response to it ('autoimmunity') determines tempo, ranging from slow to
      fast with every variant in between. There is good evidence that people who go on
      to develop type 1 (fast) diabetes are, like those who develop type 2 (slow
      diabetes), insulin resistant, and overwhelming evidence that body mass plays a
      key role. The prevention of type 1 diabetes may lie in weight restriction from an
      early age.

PMID- 22059424
TI  - Ipsilateral printing in children's mirror-writing: a cause of specific learning
      disabilities?
AB  - Previous research has demonstrated that young children produce mirror-image
      letter-reversals when printing their names in a leftward direction from the
      midline or right margin of their writing paper. This ability is postulated to be
      an epiphenomenon of a symmetric, proximal (arm) stage of motor development that
      ontogenetically precedes lateralization of fine-motor distal (finger) control-a
      stage in which each arm can be controlled by either side of the brain. From this
      view, canonical writing in right hemi-space is contralaterally mediated by the
      left hemisphere and mirror-writing in left hemi-space is ipsilaterally mediated
      by the right hemisphere. However, evidence of right hemisphere canonical letter
      processing in dyslexia suggests that this is not always the case. Concordantly,
      an early study corrected reversals by having children print these errors
      canonically in left hemi-space and then rightward across the midline into right
      hemi-space. To further understand this behaviour, the present study investigated
      mirror-writing in three schools (Public, Montessori, and Waldorf) each differing
      in how writing is introduced. It was hypothesised that there would be no school
      differences in mirror-writing if printing had been learned before school-entry
      and that some children would produce reversals in right hemi-space that were
      canonically written in left-hemi-space (inverse reversals)-the opposite of the
      normal pattern. The results showed that 39% of the children demonstrated these
      inverse reversals. It is discussed how this unexpectedly high incidence may be
      foundational in the development of the phonologically proficient and deficient
      subtypes of dyslexia, spelling-dysgraphia, and the left-hand inverted writing
      posture.

PMID- 22059425
TI  - gamma-Glutamyl transferase and high-molecular-weight adiponectin levels are
      synergistically associated with metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance in
      community-dwelling persons.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome is associated with an increased risk of major
      cardiovascular events. Decreased high-molecular-weight (HMW) adiponectin levels
      are associated with metabolic syndrome and its components. Changes in gamma
      glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels are also associated with metabolic syndrome and
      could be modulated by HMW adiponectin. METHODS: From a single community, we
      recruited 822 men (mean age, 61+/-14 years) and 1,097 women (63+/-12 years)
      during their annual health examination. We investigated whether increased GGT and
      decreased HMW adiponectin levels are synergistically associated with metabolic
      syndrome and insulin resistance as evaluated by homeostasis of model assessment
      of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). RESULTS: Of these subjects, 141 men (17.2%) and
      170 women (15.5%) had metabolic syndrome. In men, the odds ratios (ORs) [(95%
      confidence interval (CI)] for metabolic syndrome across tertiles of GGT and HMW
      adiponectin were 1.00, 2.31 (1.25-4.24) and 3.39 (1.75-6.55) and 1.00, 0.51 (0.32
      0.82) and 0.30 (0.17-0.54), respectively. In women, the ORs (95% CI) for
      metabolic syndrome across tertiles of GGT and HMW adiponectin were 1.00, 1.39
      (0.81-2.40) and 1.79 (1.06-3.01) and 1.00, 0.35 (0.22-0.55) and 0.27 (0.15-0.46),
      respectively. The ORs for insulin resistance were increased in relation to GGT
      only in women, and decreased significantly in relation to HMW adiponectin in both
      genders. The interaction between increased GGT and decreased HMW adiponectin was
      a significant and independent determinant for metabolic syndrome and insulin
      resistance. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggested that higher GGT and lower HMW
      adiponectin levels are synergistically associated with metabolic syndrome and
      insulin resistance.

PMID- 22059426
TI  - Perceiving a calling, living a calling, and job satisfaction: testing a
      moderated, multiple mediator model.
AB  - The current study examined the relation between perceiving a calling, living a
      calling, and job satisfaction among a diverse group of employed adults who
      completed an online survey (N = 201). Perceiving a calling and living a calling
      were positively correlated with career commitment, work meaning, and job
      satisfaction. Living a calling moderated the relations of perceiving a calling
      with career commitment and work meaning, such that these relations were more
      robust for those with a stronger sense they were living their calling.
      Additionally, a moderated, multiple mediator model was run to examine the
      mediating role of career commitment and work meaning in the relation of
      perceiving a calling and job satisfaction, while accounting for the moderating
      role of living a calling. Results indicated that work meaning and career
      commitment fully mediated the relation between perceiving a calling and job
      satisfaction. However, the indirect effects of work meaning and career commitment
      were only significant for individuals with high levels of living a calling,
      indicating the importance of living a calling in the link between perceiving a
      calling and job satisfaction. Implications for research and practice are
      discussed.

PMID- 22059427
TI  - Perceived racism and mental health among Black American adults: a meta-analytic
      review.
AB  - The literature indicates that perceived racism tends to be associated with
      adverse psychological and physiological outcomes; however, findings in this area
      are not yet conclusive. In this meta-analysis, we systematically reviewed 66
      studies (total sample size of 18,140 across studies), published between January
      1996 and April 2011, on the associations between racism and mental health among
      Black Americans. Using a random-effects model, we found a positive association
      between perceived racism and psychological distress (r = .20). We found a
      moderation effect for psychological outcomes, with anxiety, depression, and other
      psychiatric symptoms having a significantly stronger association than quality of
      life indicators. We did not detect moderation effects for type of racism scale,
      measurement precision, sample type, or type of publication. Implications for
      research and practice are discussed.

PMID- 22059428
TI  - Therapeutic immediacy across long-term psychodynamic psychotherapy: an evidence
      based case study.
AB  - C. E. Hill (2004) recently developed the concept of therapist immediacy to
      capture discussion by the therapist about the therapeutic relationship that
      occurs in the here-and-now of a therapy session. This concept has been expanded
      to include discussion about the therapeutic relationship by both the client and
      therapist, captured by the term therapeutic immediacy (K. Kuutmann & M.
      Hilsenroth, 2011). Although prior research has examined the use of therapeutic
      immediacy across short-term treatment, the present study is the first to examine
      the use of immediacy across a long-term (4 years) psychotherapy. Also, this is
      the first study to assess the interrater reliability of therapeutic immediacy,
      which was found to achieve good to excellent levels across raters. The most
      frequently used categories of client and therapist immediacy are presented.
      Finally, the authors provide an in-depth qualitative examination of 5 therapeutic
      immediacy segments across the treatment judged by the raters to have high levels
      of depth/intensity (4.5 or higher out of 5) to examine the role of therapeutic
      immediacy in exploring meaningful treatment issues. Clinical utility, potential
      limitations, and future research on therapeutic immediacy are discussed.

PMID- 22059429
TI  - Disentangling the effects of depression symptoms and adult attachment on
      emotional disclosure.
AB  - Individuals with high levels of depression symptoms and individuals with insecure
      attachment orientations have been shown to limit their use of emotional
      disclosure as a means of emotion regulation. However, little is known about how
      depression symptoms and insecure attachment orientations might jointly predict
      whether individuals engage in emotional disclosure. The authors addressed this
      question using both inter- and intraindividual approaches. College students (N =
      121) completed measures of depression symptoms, adult attachment orientation, and
      generalized disclosure tendencies. To obtain an intraindividual measure of
      emotional disclosure, participants also completed an online daily diary in which
      they rated the intensity of the day's most unpleasant event and their disclosure
      of that event for 7 days. Results indicated that depression symptoms were
      negatively related to generalized disclosure tendencies and to intraindividual
      daily intensity-disclosure slopes. Attachment avoidance was negatively related to
      both generalized disclosure tendencies and to daily disclosure, and attachment
      anxiety moderated the relation between daily event intensity and disclosure. The
      authors discuss the implications for theory and counseling psychology practice.

PMID- 22059430
TI  - A new allocreadiid (Trematoda) species from freshwater fish Heterandria
      bimaculata (Teleostei: Poeciliidae) in Southeastern Mexico.
AB  - Paracreptotrema heterandriae n. sp. (Trematoda: Allocreadiidae) is described from
      the intestine of the freshwater fish Heterandria bimaculata (Teleostei:
      Poeciliidae) from the upper basin of Rio La Antigua, in Veracruz, Mexico. The new
      species is distinguished from the 3 others in the Paracreptotrema Choudhury,
      Perez-Ponce de Leon, Brooks, and Daverdin, 2006 , mainly by having a feeble
      membranous cirrus sac containing an uncoiled seminal vesicle, instead of a well
      developed muscular cirrus sac that encloses coiled seminal vesicle, pars
      prostatica, and ejaculatory duct as in the previously 3 nominal species.
      Moreover, eggs of the new species are larger than all others ([measurements in
      micrometers] eggs of P. heterandriae n. sp. 72.5 [70-75] * 40 [35-41]; P. blancoi
      55.4 [52.5-62.5] * 38.5 [32.5-42.5]; P. mendezi 46 * 37; P. profundulusi 57 [52
      60] * 27.8 [25-30]).

PMID- 22059431
TI  - Java-based diabetes type 2 prediction tool for better diagnosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The concept of classification of clinical data can be utilized in the
      development of an effective diagnosis system by taking the advantage of
      computational intelligence. Diabetes disease diagnosis via proper interpretation
      of the diabetes data is an important problem in neural networks. Unfortunately,
      although several classification studies have been carried out with significant
      performance, many of the current methods often fail to reach out to patients.
      Graphical user interface-enabled tools need to be developed through which medical
      practitioners can simply enter the health profiles of their patients and receive
      an instant diabetes prediction with an acceptable degree of confidence. METHODS:
      In this study, the neural network approach was used for a dataset of 768 persons
      from a Pima Indian population living near Phoenix, AZ. A neural network mixture
      of experts model was trained with these data using the expectation-minimization
      algorithm. RESULTS: The mixture of experts method was used to train the algorithm
      with 97% accuracy. A graphical user interface was developed that would work in
      conjunction with the trained network to provide the output in a presentable
      format. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides a machine-implementable approach that
      can be used by physicians and patients to minimize the extent of error in
      diagnosis. The authors are hopeful that replication of results of this study in
      other populations may lead to improved diagnosis. Physicians can simply enter the
      health profile of patients and get the diagnosis for diabetes type 2.

PMID- 22059432
TI  - Food choice: beyond the chemical content.
AB  - How are food choices formulated? Which are the factors that mostly affect food
      choice? These questions are crucially important both for efforts in food
      innovation and for institutions that face consequences and costs of diets that
      are harmful to human health and to the environment. On these matters, several
      reports have been developed following the angel of various disciplines, focusing
      on the analysis of the factors affecting food choices. Large-scale research on
      consumption behaviours has neither stopped the growing number of unsuccessful
      products entering the market, nor provided adequate support for institutions that
      are taking elaborate actions towards promoting health-orientated behaviours.
      These preliminary remarks highlight the need to think about the approaches and
      categories with which research programmes on food choices should be updated. This
      article discusses the reasons why food choices are determined by beliefs and
      identity, are conditioned by social images that influence preferences by
      indicating to individuals what foods are 'good' and 'right'; belong to the field
      of individual choice, and therefore, cannot be assimilated into medical
      prescriptions or merely reduced to a question of rules. Taste involves beliefs
      and identity as well as perceptions. This is why it has to be analyzed as a
      cultural and relational object. This paper aims to explore the complex mix of
      influences on food choice stressing that food choice is a matter of identity.

PMID- 22059433
TI  - HIV type 1 genetic diversity in newly diagnosed Cuban patients.
AB  - Knowledge of the genetic diversity of HIV-1 constitutes a fundamental premise in
      the epidemiological surveillance. In the present study, the HIV-1 genetic
      variability from 142 Cuban patients who were diagnosed with HIV-1 infection
      during 2009 and 2010 was determined. HIV-1 subtypes were determined by partial RT
      PCR and sequencing of the HIV-1 pol gene. The phylogenetic analysis showed that
      47 (33.1 %) samples were subtypes B and 95 (66.9 %) were non-B subtypes, where G,
      H, and C subtypes, as well as the recombinant forms CRF19_cpx, CRF18_cpx, and
      CRFs BG, were included. The circulation of CRF05_DF was detected for the first
      time in Cuba. The analyses of recombinants showed the presence of recombinant
      CRF18_cpx/CRF19_cpx. The study confirms the high genetic diversity of HIV-1 and
      the circulation of new genetic variants in the studied population, which
      indicates the importance of maintaining constant epidemiological surveillance in
      Cuba.

PMID- 22059434
TI  - Multimerization and aggregation of native-state insulin: effect of zinc.
AB  - The aggregation of insulin is complicated by the coexistence of various
      multimers, especially in the presence of Zn(2+). Most investigations of insulin
      multimerization tend to overlook aggregation kinetics, while studies of insulin
      aggregation generally pay little attention to multimerization. A clear
      understanding of the starting multimer state of insulin is necessary for the
      elucidation of its aggregation mechanism. In this work, the native-state
      aggregation of insulin as either the Zn-insulin hexamer or the Zn-free dimer was
      studied by turbidimetry and dynamic light scattering, at low ionic strength and
      pH near pI. The two states were achieved by varying the Zn(2+) content of insulin
      at low concentrations, in accordance with size-exclusion chromatography results
      and literature findings (Tantipolphan, R.; Romeijn, S.; Engelsman, J. d.;
      Torosantucci, R.; Rasmussen, T.; Jiskoot, W. J. Pharm. Biomed. 2010, 52, 195).
      The much greater aggregation rate and limiting turbidity (tau(infinity)) for the
      Zn-insulin hexamer relative to the Zn-free dimer was explained by their different
      aggregation mechanisms. Sequential first-order kinetic regimes and the
      concentration dependence of tau(infinity) for the Zn-insulin hexamer indicate a
      nucleation and growth mechanism, as proposed by Wang and Kurganov (Wang, K.;
      Kurganov, B. I. Biophys. Chem. 2003, 106, 97). The pure second-order process for
      the Zn-free dimer suggests isodesmic aggregation, consistent with the literature.
      The aggregation behavior at an intermediate Zn(2+) concentration appears to be
      the sum of the two processes.

PMID- 22059435
TI  - Gyroidal metal-organic frameworks.
AB  - The gyroid is ubiquitous for underlying the construction of natural substance and
      artificial zeolites, but it has been, surprisingly, overlooked by chemists who
      work in the field of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). In this work, a series of
      gyroidal MOFs with gie topology, constructed from 1,2-bis((5H-imidazol-4
      yl)methylene)hydrazine and octahedral metal ions, such as Zn(II), Mn(II), Cu(II),
      and Ni(II), have been synthesized. The Zn(II) analogue, named as STU-1, shows
      exceptional thermal and chemical stabilities, and exhibits permanent porosity and
      CO(2) capture ability.

PMID- 22059436
TI  - Carbon dioxide coordination and activation by niobium oxide molecules.
AB  - Carbon dioxide coordination and activation by niobium oxide molecules were
      studied by matrix isolation infrared spectroscopy. It was found that the niobium
      monoxide molecule reacted with carbon dioxide to form the niobium dioxide
      carbonyl complex NbO(2)(eta(1)-CO) spontaneously on annealing in solid neon. The
      observation of the spontaneous reaction is consistent with theoretical
      predictions that this carbon dioxide activation process is both thermodynamically
      exothermic and kinetically facile. In contrast, four niobium dioxide-carbon
      dioxide complexes exhibiting three different coordination modes of CO(2) were
      formed from the reactions between niobium dioxide and carbon dioxide, which
      proceeded with the initial formation of the eta(1)-O bound NbO(2)(eta(1)-OCO) and
      NbO(2)(eta(1)-OCO)(2) complexes on annealing. The NbO(2)(eta(1)-OCO) complex
      rearranged to the eta(2)-O,O bound NbO(2)(eta(2)-O(2)C) isomer under visible
      light irradiation, while the NbO(2)(eta(1)-OCO)(2) complex isomerized to the
      NbO(2)(eta(1)-OCO)(eta(2)-OC)O structure involving an eta(2)-C,O ligand under IR
      excitation. In these niobium dioxide carbon dioxide complexes, the eta(1)-O
      coordinated CO(2) ligand serves as an electron donor, whereas both the eta(2)-C,O
      and eta(2)-O,O coordinated CO(2) ligands act as electron acceptors.

PMID- 22059437
TI  - Comprehensive comparison of iTRAQ and label-free LC-based quantitative proteomics
      approaches using two Chlamydomonas reinhardtii strains of interest for biofuels
      engineering.
AB  - Comprehensive comparisons of quantitative proteomics techniques are rare in the
      literature, yet they are crucially important for optimal selection of approaches
      and methodologies that are ideal for a given proteomics initiative. In this
      study, two LC-based quantitative proteomics approaches--iTRAQ and label-free-
      were implemented using the LTQ-Orbitrap Velos platform. For this comparison, the
      model used was the total protein content from two Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
      strains in the context of alternative biofuels production. The strain comparison
      includes sta6 (a starch-less mutant of cw15) that produces twice as many lipid
      bodies (LB) containing triacylglycerols (TAGs) as its parental strain cw15 (a
      cell wall-deficient C. reinhardtii strain) under nitrogen starvation. Internal
      standard addition was used to rigorously assess the quantitation accuracy and
      precision of each method. Results from iTRAQ-4plex labeling using HCD (higher
      energy collision-induced dissociation) fragmentation were compared to those
      obtained using a label-free approach based on the peak area of intact peptides
      and collision-induced dissociation. The accuracy and precision, number of
      identified/quantified proteins and statistically significant protein differences
      detected, as well as efficiency of these two quantitative proteomics methods were
      evaluated and compared. Four technical and three biological replicates of each
      strain were performed to assess both the technical and biological variation of
      both approaches. A total of 896 and 639 proteins were identified with high
      confidence, and 329 and 124 proteins were quantified significantly with label
      free and iTRAQ, respectively, using biological replicates. The results showed
      that both iTRAQ labeling and label-free methods provide high quality quantitative
      and qualitative data using nano-LC coupled with the LTQ-Orbitrap Velos mass
      spectrometer, but the selection of the optimal approach is dependent on
      experimental design and the biological question to be addressed. The functional
      categorization of the differential proteins between cw15 and sta6 reveals already
      known but also new mechanisms likely responsible for the production of lipids in
      sta6 and sets the baseline for future studies aimed at engineering these strains
      for high oil production.

PMID- 22059438
TI  - Catalytic, enantioselective intramolecular hydroamination of primary amines
      tethered to di- and trisubstituted alkenes.
AB  - The in situ preparation of chiral amido alkyl ate yttrium complexes from an array
      of chiral N-benzyl-like-substituted binaphthyldiamines is reported. These chiral
      heteroleptic complexes are shown to be efficient catalysts for the
      enantioselective intramolecular hydroamination of primary amines tethered to
      sterically demanding alkenes at high reaction temperatures. Fine tuning of their
      chiral environment allowed up to 77% ee to be reached for the cyclization of
      aminoalkenes bearing 1,2-dialkyl-substituted carbon-carbon double bonds. These
      chiral complexes also demonstrate the ability to promote the cyclization of amine
      tethered trisubstituted alkenes in up to 55% ee, as the first report of the
      formation of enantioenriched quaternary centers by an hydroamination reaction.

PMID- 22059439
TI  - Cross-linked perylene diimide-based n-type interfacial layer for inverted organic
      photovoltaic devices.
AB  - This contribution describes the synthesis and characterization of a perylene
      diimide (PDI)-based n-type semiconductor and its application to organic
      photovoltaic (OPV) devices having inverted architecture. Films of N,N'-bis(3
      trimethoxysilylpropyl)-1,6,7,12-tetrachloroperylene-3,4,9,10-tetracarboxyldiimide
      (Cl(4)PSi(2)) and blends of this material with various polymers are solution
      deposited on tin-doped indium oxide (ITO) substrates as interfacial layers
      (IFLs). The organic IFL described in this work is based on the air- and light
      stable PDI core, annealed at low temperatures compatible with flexible
      substrates, and crosslinks in air for compatibility with device fabrication.
      Morphological, optical, and electrochemical analysis of these IFL films
      demonstrate predominantly smooth surfaces and HOMO and LUMO energies of ~4.5 and
      7.0 eV, respectively, which are ideal for accepting electrons and blocking holes
      in inverted devices. A cationic silane species is added to the Cl(4)PSi(2) at an
      optimum ~2-5 wt % to reduce IFL series resistance and enhance device performance.
      Also, a short light soaking procedure is necessary for completed devices to
      achieve high fill factors in current density-voltage analysis, a phenomenon
      previously only observed for inverted devices having an n-type inorganic IFL.

PMID- 22059440
TI  - The influence of clinical risk factors on pre-operative B-type natriuretic
      peptide risk stratification of vascular surgical patients.
AB  - The role of the revised cardiac risk index in risk stratification has recently
      been challenged by studies reporting on the superior predictive ability of pre
      operative B-type natriuretic peptides. We found that in 850 vascular surgical
      patients initially risk stratified using B-type natriuretic peptides,
      reclassification with the number of revised cardiac risk index risk factors
      worsened risk stratification (p < 0.05 for > 0, > 2, > 3 and > 4 risk factors,
      and p = 0.23 for > 1 risk factor). When evaluated with pre-operative B-type
      natriuretic peptides, none of the revised cardiac risk index risk factors were
      independent predictors of major adverse cardiac events in vascular patients. The
      only independent predictor was B-type natriuretic peptide stratification (OR 5.1,
      95% CI 1.8-15 for the intermediate class, and OR 25, 95% CI 8.7-70 for the high
      risk class). The clinical risk factors in the revised cardiac risk index cannot
      improve a risk stratification model based on B-type natriuretic peptides.

PMID- 22059441
TI  - Mood, motivation, and misinformation: aging and affective state influences on
      memory.
AB  - Normative age differences in memory have typically been attributed to declines in
      basic cognitive and cortical mechanisms. The present study examined the degree to
      which dominant everyday affect might also be associated with age-related memory
      errors using the misinformation paradigm. Younger and older adults viewed a
      positive and a negative event, and then were exposed to misinformation about each
      event. Older adults exhibited a higher likelihood than young adults of falsely
      identifying misinformation as having occurred in the events. Consistent with
      expectations, strength of the misinformation effect was positively associated
      with dominant mood, and controlling for mood eliminated any age effects. Also,
      motivation to engage in complex cognitive activity was negatively associated with
      susceptibility to misinformation, and susceptibility was stronger for negative
      than for positive events. We argue that motivational processes underlie all of
      the observed effects, and that such processes are useful in understanding age
      differences in memory performance.

PMID- 22059442
TI  - Structural properties of hydrolyzed high-amylose rice starch by alpha-amylase
      from Bacillus licheniformis.
AB  - High-amylose cereal starch has a great benefit on human health through its
      resistant starch (RS) content. Enzyme hydrolysis of native starch is very helpful
      in understanding the structure of starch granules and utilizing them. In this
      paper, native starch granules were isolated from a transgenic rice line (TRS)
      enriched with amylose and RS and hydrolyzed by alpha-amylase. Structural
      properties of hydrolyzed TRS starches were studied by X-ray powder diffraction,
      Fourier transform infrared, and differential scanning calorimetry. The A-type
      polymorph of TRS C-type starch was hydrolyzed faster than the B-type polymorph,
      but the crystallinity did not significantly change during enzyme hydrolysis. The
      degree of order in the external region of starch granule increased with
      increasing enzyme hydrolysis time. The amylose content decreased at first and
      then went back up during enzyme hydrolysis. The hydrolyzed starches exhibited
      increased onset and peak gelatinization temperatures and decreased gelatinization
      enthalpy on hydrolysis. These results suggested that the B-type polymorph and
      high amylose that formed the double helices and amylose-lipid complex increased
      the resistance to BAA hydrolysis. Furthermore, the spectrum results of RS from
      TRS native starch digested by pancreatic alpha-amylase and amyloglucosidase also
      supported the above conclusion.

PMID- 22059443
TI  - Management of acute coronary syndromes at hospital discharge: do targeted
      educational interventions improve practice quality?
AB  - Evidence-based guidelines exist for the management of patients with acute
      coronary syndromes (ACS), yet adherence is suboptimal. The Discharge Management
      of Acute Coronary Syndrome project used a quality improvement approach, with
      targeted intervention strategies to optimize: prescription of guideline
      recommended medications; education regarding lifestyle modifications, including
      cardiac rehabilitation (CR); and communication between hospital staff, patients,
      and general practitioners. Hospitals across Australia participated in a quality
      improvement cycle of audit, feedback, intervention, and reaudit. Interventions
      involved educational meetings, academic detailing and point-of-care reminders,
      and feedback of baseline audit results. Outcome measures included prescription of
      guideline-recommended medications, referral to CR, and documentation and
      communication of management plan. At baseline, 49 hospitals recruited 1,545
      patients, and postintervention, 45 hospitals remained active in the project and
      recruited 1,589 patients. Three thousand and thirty-four hospital staff attended
      group education or academic detailing sessions. Postintervention, there was a
      significant increase in the prescription of all four guideline-recommended
      medications (69% vs. 57%; p<.0001); short-acting nitrates (68% vs. 56%; p<.0001);
      and documented referral to CR (68% vs. 57%; p<.0001). There were significant
      increases in documented discharge medication counselling, smoking cessation
      counselling, and communication of management plans. Targeted educational
      interventions used as part of a quality improvement cycle can enhance adherence
      to evidence-based guidelines for the management of patients with ACS.

PMID- 22059444
TI  - History and structures of telecommunication in pathology, focusing on open access
      platforms.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Telecommunication has matured to a broadly applied tool in diagnostic
      pathology. TECHNOLOGY AND SYSTEMS: Contemporary with the development of fast
      electronic communication lines (Integrated digital network services (ISDN), broad
      band connections, and fibre optics, as well as the digital imaging technology
      (digital camera), telecommunication in tissue--based diagnosis (telepathology)
      has matured. Open access (internet) and server--based communication have induced
      the development of specific medical information platforms, such as iPATH, UICC
      TPCC (telepathology consultation centre of the Union International against
      Cancer), or the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology (AFIP) teleconsultation
      system. They have been closed, and are subject to be replaced by specific open
      access forums (Medical Electronic Expert Communication System (MECES) with
      embedded virtual slide (VS) technology). MECES uses php language, data base
      driven mySqL architecture, X/L-AMPP infrastructure, and browser friendly W3C
      conform standards. EXPERIENCES: The server--based medical communication systems
      (AFIP, iPATH, UICC-TPCC) have been reported to be a useful and easy to handle
      tool for expert consultation. Correct sampling and evaluation of transmitted
      still images by experts reported revealed no or only minor differences to the
      original images and good practice of the involved experts. beta tests with the
      new generation medical expert consultation systems (MECES) revealed superior
      results in terms of performance, still image viewing, and system handling,
      especially as this is closely related to the use of so--called social forums
      (facebook, youtube, etc.). BENEFITS AND EXPECTATIONS: In addition to the
      acknowledged advantages of the former established systems (assistance of
      pathologists working in developing countries, diagnosis confirmation,
      international information exchange, etc.), the new generation offers additional
      benefits such as acoustic information transfer, assistance in image screening, VS
      technology, and teaching in diagnostic sampling, judgement, and verification.

PMID- 22059445
TI  - The guanine cap of human guanylate-binding protein 1 is responsible for
      dimerization and self-activation of GTP hydrolysis.
AB  - Human guanylate-binding protein 1 (hGBP1) belongs to the superfamily of large,
      dynamin-related GTPases. The expression of hGBP1 is induced by stimulation with
      interferons (mainly interferon-gamma), and it plays a role in different cellular
      responses to inflammatory cytokines, e.g. pathogen defence, control of
      proliferation, and angiogenesis. Although other members of the dynamin
      superfamily show a diversity of cellular functions, they share a common GTPase
      mechanism that relies on nucleotide-controlled oligomerization and self
      activation of the GTPase. Previous structural studies on hGBP1 have suggested a
      mechanism of GTPase and GDPase activity that, as a critical step, involves
      dimerization of the large GTP-binding domains. In this study, we show that the
      guanine cap of hGBP1 is the key structural element responsible for dimerization,
      and is thereby essential for self-activation of the GTPase activity. Studies of
      concentration-dependent GTP hydrolysis showed that mutations of residues in the
      guanine cap, in particular Arg240 and Arg244, resulted in higher dissociation
      constants of the dimer, whereas the maximum hydrolytic activity was largely
      unaffected. Additionally, we identified an intramolecular polar contact (Lys62
      Asp255) whose mutation leads to a loss of self-activation capability and
      controlled oligomer formation. We suggest that this contact structurally couples
      the guanine cap to the switch regions of the GTPase, translating the structural
      changes that occur upon nucleotide binding to a change in oligomerization and
      self-activation.

PMID- 22059446
TI  - Study protocol of a Dutch smoking cessation e-health program.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The study aims to test the differential effects of a web-based text
      and a web-based video-driven computer-tailored approach for lower socio-economic
      status (LSES) and higher socio-economic status (HSES) smokers which incorporate
      multiple computer-tailored feedback moments. The two programs differ only in the
      mode of delivery (video- versus text-based messages). The paper aims to describe
      the development and design of the two computer-tailored programs. METHODS/DESIGN:
      Respondents who smoked at the time of the study inclusion, who were motivated to
      quit within the following six months and who were aged 18 or older were included
      in the program. The study is a randomized control trial with a 2 (video/text) *
      2(LSES/HSES) design. Respondents were assigned either to one of the intervention
      groups (text versus video tailored feedback) or to the control group (non
      tailored generic advice). In all three conditions participants were asked to fill
      in the baseline questionnaire based on the I-Change model. The questionnaire
      assessed socio-demographics, attitude towards smoking, knowledge, self-efficacy,
      social influence, depression, level of addiction, action planning, goal actions,
      intention to quit smoking, seven-day point prevalence and continued abstinence.
      Follow-up measurements were conducted at six and twelve months after baseline.
      DISCUSSION: The present paper describes the development of the two computer
      tailored smoking cessation programs, their components and the design of the
      study. The study results reveal different working mechanisms of multiple tailored
      smoking cessation interventions and will help us to gain more insight into
      effective strategies to target different subgroups, especially smokers with a
      lower socio-economic status. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Dutch Trial Register NTR3102.

PMID- 22059447
TI  - Effects of categorical labels on similarity judgments: a critical analysis of
      similarity-based approaches.
AB  - Our goal in the present study was to evaluate the claim that category labels
      affect children's judgments of visual similarity. We presented preschool children
      with discriminable and identical sets of animal pictures and asked them to make
      perceptual judgments in the presence or absence of labels. Our findings indicate
      that children who are asked to make perceptual judgments about identical items
      judge discriminable items less accurately when making subsequent similarity
      judgments. Thus, labels do not generally affect children's perceptual similarity
      judgments; rather, children's reliance on labels to make similarity judgments
      appears to be attributable to flaws in the methodological approaches used in
      prior studies. These results have implications for the role of perceptual and
      conceptual information in children's categorization and induction.

PMID- 22059448
TI  - Socialization in context: exploring longitudinal correlates of mothers' value
      messages of compassion and caution.
AB  - This study examined correlates of mothers' value messages using mother and
      adolescent reports across 3 years (N =1,638 dyads). Two fundamental socialization
      dimensions were assessed: compassion messages (e.g., caring for others) and
      caution messages (e.g., being wary of others). Multilevel models revealed
      distinct between-person and within-person correlates for mothers' compassion and
      caution messages. Individual differences in compassion messages were predicted by
      family context (e.g., mothers' knowledge of friends and concerns for their
      child's future) and neighborhood cohesion. Within-person effects demonstrated
      that compassion declined in concert with adolescents' experiences of being
      bullied. Caution messages were predicted by mothers' education levels,
      race/ethnicity, and marital status, and increased in relation to mothers'
      concerns and perceptions that illegal substances were easily attainable in the
      community. Tests of age, period, and cohort effects unexpectedly revealed that
      longitudinal changes in compassion and caution were best explained by period
      effects. Consistent with new developments in value socialization theory, results
      suggest that mothers place emphasis on certain values on the basis of their
      backgrounds, their children's characteristics, and the broader social context.

PMID- 22059449
TI  - Weathering the great recession: psychological and behavioral trajectories in the
      transition from school to work.
AB  - Studies of career development highlight the importance of finding a good "fit"
      between individual values, needs, and abilities and the experiences and rewards
      to be found in particular occupations. Rapid economic change and labor market
      turbulence make career choice and development life-long processes. Still, early
      careers are particularly unstable, as young workers move from "survival jobs" to
      "career jobs" in their quest for a good person-job fit. Little is known, however,
      about the psychological orientations and behaviors in the postadolescent period
      that foster longer term success in the world of work. The maintenance of high
      aspirations, crystallization of career goals, and intensive job search may be
      particularly important. Using multilevel latent class analysis applied to
      longitudinal data obtained from 1,010 youth surveyed by the ongoing Youth
      Development Study (YDS), we examine the interrelations of psychological
      orientations and behaviors indicative of agentic striving from age 18 to 31
      years. In addition, we assess how these trajectories influence adaptation to
      declining labor market conditions during the severe economic recession that began
      in 2007. We find that those who maintain high aspiration and certainty over
      career goals were better insulated against unemployment between 2007 and 2009
      (ages 33-35), even when educational and self-identified career attainments,
      adolescent achievement orientations, and social background variables indicative
      of advantage are controlled. They also had higher hourly wages in 2009.

PMID- 22059450
TI  - Adult age differences in categorization and multiple-cue judgment.
AB  - We often need to infer unknown properties of objects from observable ones, just
      like detectives must infer guilt from observable clues and behavior. But how do
      inferential processes change with age? We examined young and older adults'
      reliance on rule-based and similarity-based processes in an inference task that
      can be considered either a categorization or a multiple-cue judgment task,
      depending on the nature of the criterion (binary vs. continuous). Both older and
      young adults relied on rule-based processes in the multiple-cue judgment task. In
      the categorization task, however, the majority of older adults relied on rule
      based processes while young adults preferred similarity-based processes.
      Moreover, older adults who relied on rule-based processes performed poorly
      compared with young adults who relied on the same process, suggesting that aging
      is associated with deficits in applying rule-based processes.

PMID- 22059451
TI  - Interactions between serotonin transporter gene haplotypes and quality of
      mothers' parenting predict the development of children's noncompliance.
AB  - The LPR and STin2 polymorphisms of the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) were
      combined into haplotypes that, together with quality of maternal parenting, were
      used to predict initial levels and linear change in children's (N = 138)
      noncompliance and aggression from age 18-54 months. Quality of mothers' parenting
      behavior was observed when children were 18 months old, and nonparental
      caregivers' reports of noncompliance and aggression were collected annually from
      18 to 54 months of age. Quality of early parenting was negatively related to the
      slope of noncompliance only for children with the LPR-S/STin2-10 haplotype and to
      18-month noncompliance only for children with haplotypes that did not include LPR
      S. The findings support the notion that SLC6A4 haplotypes index differential
      susceptibility to variability in parenting quality, with certain haplotypes
      showing greater reactivity to both supportive and unsupportive environments.
      These different genetic backgrounds likely reflect an evolutionary response to
      variation in the parenting environment.

PMID- 22059452
TI  - Boechera, a model system for ecological genomics.
AB  - The selection and development of a study system for evolutionary and ecological
      functional genomics (EEFG) depend on a variety of factors. Here, we present the
      genus Boechera as an exemplary system with which to address ecological and
      evolutionary questions. Our focus on Boechera is based on several characteristics
      as follows: (i) native populations in undisturbed habitats where current
      environments reflect historical conditions over several thousand years; (ii)
      functional genomics benefitting from its close relationship to Arabidopsis
      thaliana; (iii) inbreeding tolerance enabling development of recombinant inbred
      lines, near-isogenic lines and positional cloning; (iv) interspecific crosses
      permitting mapping for genetic analysis of speciation; (v) apomixis (asexual
      reproduction by seeds) in a genetically tractable diploid; and (vi) broad
      geographic distribution in North America, permitting ecological genetics for a
      large research community. These characteristics, along with the current
      sequencing of three Boechera species by the Joint Genome Institute, position
      Boechera as a rapidly advancing system for EEFG studies.

PMID- 22059453
TI  - Caffeine is protective in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the hepatic manifestation
      of metabolic syndrome, is the most common cause of primary liver disease.
      Although recent studies have found that coffee drinking is protective against end
      stage chronic liver disease, there are scarce caffeine intake data in NAFLD
      specifically. AIM: To investigate the effects of dietary behaviour in NAFLD
      patients, using four continuous cycles of the National Health and Nutrition
      Examination Surveys (NHANES 2001-2008). METHODS: Using data from four continuous
      cycles of NHANES, dietary intake questionnaires that list 62 nutrition
      components. Logistic regression was used to identify independent predictors of
      NAFLD among nutrition components after adjustment for potential clinical
      confounders. All analyses were run using sas 9.1 and SUDAAN 10.0 (SAS Institute
      Inc., Cary, NC, USA). RESULTS: Of the 62 nutrient components used for the
      univariate analysis, 38% were significant (P-value <0.05) in NAFLD with caffeine
      consumption being higher in the control group (P-value <0.001). The multivariate
      analysis using demographics, clinical parameters and nutritional components found
      five factors independently associated with NAFLD [African American Race P-value
      <0.001); Male gender P-value <0.001); Obesity (BMI >= 30) P-value <0.001);
      Caffeine intake (mg) P-value <0.001) and total plain water consumption (g) P
      value <= 0.02)]. CONCLUSIONS: Our analysis shows that caffeine intake is
      independently associated with a lower risk for NAFLD suggesting a potential
      protective effect. These data necessitate further research to elucidate the
      mechanism by which caffeine can protect against NAFLD.

PMID- 22059454
TI  - A multi-residue method for the determination of 90 pesticides in matrices with a
      high water content by LC-MS/MS without clean-up.
AB  - A method using QuEChERS extraction and LC-MS/MS in electrospray positive
      ionisation mode was developed and validated for the analysis of 90 pesticides in
      a high water content matrix (tomato) in a single chromatographic run. To assess
      the intra-laboratory reproducibility of the method, validation was conducted on
      four different days by two different analysts. The validation data was treated
      using a spreadsheet developed in-house, which sets the most appropriate model for
      linear fit by determining whether the residuals of the calibration curves are
      homocedastic or heterocedastic. A statistical test for the significance of
      regression was also carried out. Calibration was always matrix-matched and the
      curves were obtained over the range 0.0075-0.10 or 0.020-0.125 mg kg(-1).
      Identification of analytes was based on retention times and MRM ratios.
      Recoveries were assessed at four different levels for each analyte and were
      between 73 and 106%, with relative standard deviations under reproducibility
      conditions of <20%. The measurement uncertainties of the method for each
      pesticide analysed were below 50%. Previous validation of the same method,
      applied to papaya samples and satisfactory results obtained in various
      proficiency tests with different high water content matrices, demonstrated the
      applicability of the method to these classes of commodities, without clean-up.
      The validated method will be applied routinely in the pesticide residues
      monitoring programme that constitutes the National Residue and Contaminant
      Control Plan of Brazil.

PMID- 22059456
TI  - Support of the failing left ventricle: extracorporeal life support plus blade and
      balloon atrioseptostomy as an alternative option.

PMID- 22059457
TI  - Lidocaine toxicity secondary to local anesthesia administered in the community
      for elective circumcision.
AB  - We report three previously healthy infants aged, respectively, 23 days, 6 weeks,
      and 3 months with systemic lidocaine toxicity following administration of
      subcutaneous lidocaine for regional anesthesia during an elective circumcision.
      The patients developed a generalized seizure requiring endotracheal intubation
      but recovered fully with supportive care. We report the clinical details of these
      cases as well as a review of lidocaine toxicity.

PMID- 22059458
TI  - The role of asymmetric dimethyl arginine and oxidant/antioxidant system in
      preeclampsia.
AB  - Preeclampsia is a syndrome characterized by hypertension and proteinuria. The aim
      of this study is to find the relationship between preeclampsia, asymmetric
      dimethyl arginine (ADMA), and the oxidant/antioxidant system. Twenty-one
      preeclamptic and 28 normal pregnant women were included in this study. In cord
      bloods, ADMA and oxidant/antioxidant parameters were measured. Asymmetric
      dimethyl arginine levels were significantly increased in preeclamptic pregnancies
      compared to the control group (p = 0.006). The activities of antioxidant enzymes
      and malondialdehyde levels were increased in the preeclamptic group compared to
      the control group (p < 0.001, p = 0.022, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively).
      Development of endothelial dysfunction and oxidative stress may play a role in
      developing preeclampsia.

PMID- 22059459
TI  - Evaluation of fetal lungs and stomach in the determination of amniotic sac
      infection.
AB  - This study evaluated neutrophils in fetal lung/stomach, in association with
      chorioamnionitis. Reports/slides from fetuses 13-24 weeks with a confirmed
      histologic diagnosis of placental chorioamnionitis were reviewed. There were 94
      cases with no neutrophils in the lungs or stomach, and 106 with neutrophils in
      lungs, stomach, or both (53%). Thirteen percent showed neutrophils in the lungs
      only. Fetuses with no neutrophils were older than those with neutrophils in the
      stomach only (p = 0.008). Neutrophils in fetal lungs/stomach are common, and may
      confirm chorioamnionitis when the placenta is not available. Submission of
      gastric sections increases identification of chorioamnionitis.

PMID- 22059460
TI  - Unilateral sclerocornea and tracheal stenosis: unusual findings in a patient with
      Goldenhar anomaly.
AB  - The Goldenhar anomaly (GA) is a heterogeneous field defect of uncertain cause and
      wide variability of expression, characterized by facial phenotypes, usually
      asymmetric and unilateral, accompanied by various combinations and gradations of
      cardiac, skeletal, renal, and central nervous system defects. We report the
      pathologic findings in a 5-month-old boy with GA, tracheal stenosis, and left
      unilateral sclerocornea. To the best of our knowledge this is the first
      description of sclerocornea in a patient with GA.

PMID- 22059461
TI  - Ganglia/nerve fibers ratio correlates with the need for surgery in patients
      diagnosed with Hirschsprung's disease allied disorder (HAD).
AB  - Treatment in Hirschsprung's disease allied disorder (HAD) is surgical. In HAD,
      surgery is always a question. We investigated the value of ganglia/nerve fibers
      ratio in prediction of the need for invasive procedures in HAD. Sections of full
      thickness bowel specimens of 14 patients were stained with antibodies marking
      ganglia (Anti-Neuron-Specific Enolase, Anti-NSE) and marking nerve fibers (S
      100). Six out of seven patients indicated for surgery had low ganglia/nerve
      fibers ratio. Five out of seven patients, not showing the need for surgery, had
      high ganglia/nerve fibers ratio. We propose that a lower ganglia/nerve fiber
      ratio can be used as a predictor of increased need for surgery in HAD.

PMID- 22059462
TI  - Funisitis and chorionic vasculitis: relation to chorioamnionitis, timing and
      scoring.
AB  - Five hundred consecutive cases with histologic chorioamnionitis and umbilical
      cord inflammation were analyzed to develop a staging system for funisitis and to
      correlate stage of funisitis with stage of chorioamnionitis in order to estimate
      the timing of various stages of funisitis. Funisitis progresses through venous
      involvement (with or without Wharton's jelly inflammation) to arterial
      involvement without Wharton's jelly and then full involvement of all three
      vessels and surrounding Wharton's jelly. Arterial involvement and full funisitis
      are strongly associated with stage III/IV chorioamnionitis, and imply a
      significant time interval following the onset of amniotic cavity inflammation.

PMID- 22059463
TI  - The fallacy of reduction.
AB  - The "accelerator hypothesis" has made a significant impact on research into the
      etiology of type 1 diabetes. Some, but not all prospective studies have confirmed
      a weak association between insulin resistance and faster progression to diabetes
      among persons with advanced islet autoimmunity. However, there is hardly any
      evidence that insulin resistance can cause development of islet autoimmunity,
      thus be responsible for the ongoing pandemic of type 1 diabetes in children.

PMID- 22059464
TI  - Survey: immune function and immunotoxicity assessment in dogs.
AB  - While immunotoxicology evaluations are often conducted in either rodents or non
      human primates, findings in standard toxicology studies may trigger additional
      investigations in dogs. A survey sponsored by the HESI Immunotoxicology Technical
      Committee, and described herein, was conducted to gather information regarding
      the extent and nature of immunology and immunotoxicity assessments available in
      the dog, and the need thereof. The survey was issued via e-mail to scientists
      affiliated with 39 organizations in industry and academia, including contract
      research organizations, academic research organizations, pharmaceutical
      companies, and veterinary practices. Fifteen institutions responded, including 10
      biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry organizations, 4 contract research
      organizations, and 1 academic institution. Responses indicated that indeed,
      immunological assessments in dogs are necessary for research and/or toxicology
      purposes. The survey demonstrated that multiple types of assays are used in the
      dog model, including assessment of T-cell-dependent antibody responses,
      immunoglobulins, complement CH(50), cytokines and cytokine mRNAs, lymphocyte
      proliferation in response to T-cell mitogens, neutrophil activation,
      phagocytosis, and immunophenotyping of several cell types. The survey also
      revealed that certain assays/endpoints are not available in the dog (complement
      components, NK immunophenotyping, T-cell activation and memory immunophenotyping)
      or require further optimization (ex vivo cytolysis assays such as CTL and NK
      function, B-cell proliferation in response to LPS). In addition, the survey
      indicated that a greater understanding of the specificity of the available
      immunophenotyping reagents is needed.

PMID- 22059465
TI  - Resistance, mobilization and militancy: nurses on strike.
AB  - Drawing on nurses' strikes in many countries, this paper explores nurse militancy
      with reference to professionalism and the commitment to service; patriarchal
      practices and gendered subordination; and proletarianization and the
      confrontation with healthcare restructuring. These deeply entangled trajectories
      have had a significant impact on the work, consciousness and militancy of nurses
      and have shaped occupation-specific forms of resistance. They have produced a
      pattern of overlapping solidarities--occupational solidarity, gendered alliances
      and coalitions around healthcare restructuring--which have supported, indeed
      promoted, militancy among nurses, despite the multiple forces arrayed against
      them. The professional commitments of nurses to the provision of care have
      confronted healthcare restructuring, nursing shortages, intensification of work,
      precarious employment and gendered hierarchies with a militant discourse around
      the public interest, and a reconstitution and reclamation of 'caring', what I
      call the politicisation of caring. In fact, nurses' dedication to caring work in
      the late twentieth and early twenty-first centuries may encourage rather than
      dissuade them from going on strike. This paper uses a trans-disciplinary
      methodology, qualitative material in the form of strike narratives constructed
      from newspaper archives, and references to the popular and scholarly literature
      on nursing militancy.

PMID- 22059466
TI  - A genetic variant in the promoter region of Toll-like receptor 9 and cervical
      cancer susceptibility.
AB  - The Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are important for the innate immune system by
      recognizing pathogen-associated molecular patterns expressed in infectious
      agents. E6 and E7 protein from HPV16 suppress the host immune response by
      regulating the TLR9 transcript. Therefore, we hypothesized that a single
      nucleotide polymorphism in TLR9 may contribute to cervical cancer. We genotyped
      TLR9 -1486T/C (rs187084) in a case-control study of 712 cervical cancer cases and
      717 cancer-free controls in Chinese women. Logistic regression analyses showed
      that the rs187084 heterozygote TC was associated with a significantly increased
      risk of cervical cancer (adjusted OR=1.28, 95% CI=1.01-1.62), compared with the
      TT genotype. Although the variant homozygote was associated with a
      nonsignificantly increased cervical cancer risk, the TC/CC genotypes contributed
      to the risk of cervical cancer in the dominant genetic model (adjusted OR=1.24,
      95% CI=1.01-1.53). The findings indicate that TLR9 -1486T/C (rs187084) may
      contribute to cervical cancer carcinogenesis.

PMID- 22059467
TI  - A semi-automated method for bone age assessment using cervical vertebral
      maturation.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To propose a semi-automated method for pattern classification to
      predict individuals' stage of growth based on morphologic characteristics that
      are described in the modified cervical vertebral maturation (CVM) method of
      Baccetti et al. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 188 lateral cephalograms were
      collected, digitized, evaluated manually, and grouped into cervical stages by two
      expert examiners. Landmarks were located on each image and measured. Three
      pattern classifiers based on the Naive Bayes algorithm were built and assessed
      using a software program. The classifier with the greatest accuracy according to
      the weighted kappa test was considered best. RESULTS: The classifier showed a
      weighted kappa coefficient of 0.861 +/- 0.020. If an adjacent estimated pre-stage
      or poststage value was taken to be acceptable, the classifier would show a
      weighted kappa coefficient of 0.992 +/- 0.019. CONCLUSION: Results from this
      study show that the proposed semi-automated pattern classification method can
      help orthodontists identify the stage of CVM. However, additional studies are
      needed before this semi-automated classification method for CVM assessment can be
      implemented in clinical practice.

PMID- 22059468
TI  - Active and passive self-ligation: a myth? Part 1: torque control.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the amount of torque expressed by various self-ligating
      brackets and to evaluate the influence of active clip designs. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Torque moments were measured for nine different bracket types in
      combination with a 0.019 * 0.025 inch stainless-steel archwire. All active
      brackets were measured in an open and a closed configuration to evaluate the
      influence of the self-ligating spring clip. In addition, slot dimensions were
      optically measured and compared to the torque expression. RESULTS: Moments
      between 3.1 Nmm and 22.6 Nmm were observed at an angulation of 30 degrees 
      between archwire and slot. The amount of torque contributed by the spring clip of
      active self-ligating brackets was approximately 1 Nmm; 10 Nmm of torque was
      achieved with most brackets with a 20 degrees -25 degrees  angulation between
      archwire and slot. The slot dimensions ranged from 0.0222 inch (0.563 mm) to
      0.0241 inch (0.613 mm). CONCLUSION: The influence of the ligature or the active
      or passive self-ligating mechanism is minimal, and slot dimensions are far more
      important for the transmission of torque. The amount of torque exerted by the
      active spring clip is approximately 1/10th of the torquing moments recommended in
      the literature.

PMID- 22059469
TI  - Selective molecular sequestration with concurrent natural product
      functionalization and derivatization: from crude natural product extracts to a
      single natural product derivative in one step.
AB  - A resin-bound nitroso compound sequestered a single unexpected component from
      crude plant seed extracts. Several plants, including Piper nigrum, Eugenia
      caryophyllata, and Pimenta dioica, were extracted with organic solvent in the
      presence of a nitroso-containing resin. The nitroso resin selectively sequestered
      a single compound, beta-caryophyllene, via a chemo- and regioselective ene
      reaction. The ene product was released from the resin, and proper selection of
      the solid-phase linker and cleavage cocktail allowed concomitant further
      transformation of the primary ene product to a novel functionalized polycycle.
      Preliminary studies indicate that the new hydroxylamine-containing natural
      product derivatives have antibiotic activity.

PMID- 22059470
TI  - Iridium-catalyzed allylic fluorination of trichloroacetimidates.
AB  - A rapid allylic fluorination method utilizing trichloroacetimidates in
      conjunction with an iridium catalyst has been developed. The reaction is
      conducted at room temperature under ambient air and relies on Et(3)N.3HF reagent
      to provide branched allylic fluorides with complete regioselectivity. This high
      yielding reaction can be conducted on a multigram scale and shows considerable
      functional group tolerance. The use of [(18)F]KF.Kryptofix allowed (18)F(-)
      incorporation in 10 min.

PMID- 22059475
TI  - Evaluating correlation-based metric for surrogate marker qualification within a
      causal correlation framework.
AB  - Biomarkers play an increasing role in the clinical development of new
      therapeutics. Earlier clinical decisions facilitated by biomarkers can lead to
      reduced costs and duration of drug development. Associations between biomarkers
      and clinical endpoints are often viewed as initial evidence supporting the
      intended purpose. As a result, even though it is widely understood that
      correlation is not proof of a causal relationship, correlation continues to be
      used as a metric for biomarker qualification in practice. In this article, we
      introduce a causal correlation framework where two different types of
      correlations are defined at the individual level. We show that the correlation
      estimate is a composite of different components, and needs to be interpreted with
      caution when used for biomarker qualification to avoid misleading conclusions.
      Otherwise, a significant correlation can be concluded even in the absence of a
      true underlying association. We also show how the causal quantities of interest
      are testable in a crossover design and provide discussion on the challenges that
      exist in a parallel group setting.

PMID- 22059476
TI  - Bleeding and first-year mortality following hip fracture surgery and preoperative
      use of low-dose acetylsalicylic acid: an observational cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hip fracture is associated with high mortality. Cardiovascular
      disease and other comorbidities requiring long-term anticoagulant medication are
      common in these mostly elderly patients. The objective of our observational
      cohort study of patients undergoing surgery for hip fracture was to study the
      association between preoperative use of low-dose acetylsalicylic acid (LdAA) and
      intraoperative blood loss, blood transfusion and first-year all-cause mortality.
      METHODS: An observational cohort study was conducted on patients with hip
      fracture (cervical requiring hemiarthroplasty or pertrochanteric or
      subtrochanteric requiring internal fixation) participating in a randomized trial
      that found lack of efficacy of a compression bandage in reducing postoperative
      bleeding. The participants were 255 patients (>=50 years) of whom 118 (46%) were
      using LdAA (defined as <=320 mg daily) preoperatively. Bleeding variables in
      patients with and without LdAA treatment at time of fracture were measured and
      blood transfusions given were compared using logistic regression. The association
      between first-year mortality and preoperative use of LdAA was analyzed with Cox
      regression adjusting for age, sex, type of fracture, baseline renal dysfunction
      and baseline cardiovascular and/or cerebrovascular disease. RESULTS: Blood
      transfusions were given postoperatively to 74 (62.7%) LdAA-treated and 76 (54%)
      non-treated patients; the adjusted odds ratio was 1.8 (95% CI 1.04 to 3.3). First
      year mortality was significantly higher in LdAA-treated patients; the adjusted
      hazard ratio (HR) was 2.35 (95% CI 1.23 to 4.49). The mortality was also higher
      with baseline cardiovascular and/or cerebrovascular disease, adjusted HR 2.78
      (95% CI 1.31 to 5.88). Patients treated with LdAA preoperatively were
      significantly more likely to suffer thromboembolic events (5.7% vs. 0.7%, P =
      0.03). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with hip fracture (cervical treated with
      hemiarthroplasty or pertrochanteric or subtrochanteric treated with internal
      fixation) preoperative use of low-dose acetylsalicylic acid was associated with
      significantly increased need for postoperative blood transfusions and
      significantly higher all-cause mortality during one year after surgery.

PMID- 22059477
TI  - In-house validation of PremiTest, a microbiological screening test with solvent
      extraction, for the detection of antimicrobial residues in poultry muscles.
AB  - PremiTest, a microbial inhibition test for the screening of antimicrobial
      residues, was validated according to the criteria established by Decision
      2002/657/EC. Sensitivity, detection capability (CCbeta), specificity,
      selectivity, robustness and applicability were evaluated. The methodology
      involves the technique of solvent extraction, which increases the detection
      capability of the test for a wider range of antibiotics. The following CCbeta
      values in poultry muscle were found: penicillin G <= 12.5 ug kg(-1), total
      sulfonamides <= 75 ug kg(-1), erythromycin 75 ug kg(-1) and lincomycin 50 ug kg(
      1). The detection capability of chlortetracycline was equal to its maximum
      residue limit (100 ug kg(-1)) and the method did not detect gentamicin (1000 ug
      kg(-1)), for which no MRL is established in poultry muscle. Specificity evaluated
      in relation to different analytes and matrices did not detect any interferences
      in the tests results; whilst the robustness showed that the pH neutralisation
      point of the extract affects the analytical results and the kits' performance.
      Only the screening of tetracyclines requires the analysis of extracts without pH
      neutralisation. The results of the validation process showed that this method is
      acceptable for screening beta-lactam, sulfonamide and macrolide antimicrobial
      groups in the National Residues and Contaminants Control Programme (PNCRC), and
      that for this it is fit for purpose.

PMID- 22059478
TI  - Activities identification for activity-based cost/management applications of the
      diagnostics outpatient procedures.
AB  - One of the most challenging problems facing healthcare providers is to determine
      the actual cost for their procedures, which is important for internal accounting
      and price justification to insurers. The objective of this paper is to find
      suitable categories to identify the diagnostic outpatient medical procedures and
      translate them from functional orientation to process orientation. A hierarchal
      task tree is developed based on a classification schema of procedural activities.
      Each procedure is seen as a process consisting of a number of activities. This
      makes a powerful foundation for activity-based cost/management implementation and
      provides enough information to discover the value-added and non-value-added
      activities that assist in process improvement and eventually may lead to cost
      reduction. Work measurement techniques are used to identify the standard time of
      each activity at the lowest level of the task tree. A real case study at a
      private hospital is presented to demonstrate the proposed methodology.

PMID- 22059479
TI  - Identification of interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 1 as a critical
      component that induces post-transcriptional activation of IkappaB-zeta.
AB  - IkappaB-zeta, an essential inflammatory regulator, is specifically induced by
      Toll-like receptor ligands or interleukin (IL)-1beta by post-transcriptional
      activation mediated via a 165-nucleotide element in IkappaB-zeta mRNA. Here, we
      analyzed the Toll-like receptor-IL-1 receptor signaling components involved in
      the post-transcriptional regulation of IkappaB-zeta with mutated estrogen
      receptor [ER(T2)] fusion proteins. Upon 4-hydroxytamoxifen treatment, the ER(T2)
      fusion proteins with IL-1 receptor-associated kinase (IRAK)1 and IRAK4 elicited
      specific activation of a reporter gene for the post-transcriptional regulation of
      IkappaB-zeta. The tumor necrosis factor receptor-associated factor (TRAF)6-ER(T2)
      protein activated nuclear factor-kappaB, but not post-transcriptional regulation,
      indicating that activation of IRAK1/4, but not of TRAF6, is sufficient to
      activate the 165-nucleotide element-mediated post-transcriptional mechanism.
      Interestingly, the post-transcriptional mechanism was not activated in TRAF6
      deficient cells, indicating an essential role for TRAF6. Thus, the signaling
      pathway leading to nuclear factor-kappaB activation and the post-transcriptional
      activation bifurcates at IRAK1, suggesting a new pathway activated by IRAK1.

PMID- 22059480
TI  - Phylogenetic patterns in zopherine beetles are related to ecological niche width
      and dispersal limitation.
AB  - Niche conservatism has been proposed as the mechanism driving speciation in
      temperate montane clades through range fragmentation during climatic
      oscillations. Thus, a negative relationship between speciation rates and niche
      width is expected. Here, we test this prediction using American zopherine
      beetles. Our phylogenetic analyses recovered two clades in addition to that of
      the genus Zopherus: the genera Verodes and Phloeodes, which originated most
      likely in the Eocene, and diversified during the Miocene and the Pliocene. The
      assessment of clade niche width in relation to clade diversity supported the
      proposition of narrow niches leading to a higher probability of range
      fragmentation during climatic oscillations, thus increasing speciation.
      Additionally, almost all current populations of Phloeodes and Verodes are located
      within regions that retained favourable climatic conditions across warm and cold
      Pleistocene periods, suggesting that dispersal limitation is a strong factor
      controlling clade distribution. In sum, our results suggest that (i) niche width
      is a major determinant of the probability of speciation in temperate montane
      clades, by controlling the probability of potential range fragmentation and (ii)
      dispersal limitation is also a major determinant of the speciation process, by
      increasing the fragmentation of realized ranges even when potential distributions
      are cyclically fused during climatic oscillations. When dispersal limitation is
      extreme, as in zopherine beetles, populations persist just in those areas that
      have retained suitable conditions during extremes of past climatic oscillations.
      Paradoxically, this relict condition confers zopherine beetles great resilience
      for facing future climate change.

PMID- 22059481
TI  - Emergency preparedness for those who care for infants in developed country
      contexts.
AB  - Emergency management organisations recognise the vulnerability of infants in
      emergencies, even in developed countries. However, thus far, those who care for
      infants have not been provided with detailed information on what emergency
      preparedness entails. Emergency management authorities should provide those who
      care for infants with accurate and detailed information on the supplies necessary
      to care for them in an emergency, distinguishing between the needs of breastfed
      infants and the needs of formula fed infants. Those who care for formula fed
      infants should be provided with detailed information on the supplies necessary
      for an emergency preparedness kit and with information on how to prepare formula
      feeds in an emergency. An emergency preparedness kit for exclusively breastfed
      infants should include 100 nappies and 200 nappy wipes. The contents of an
      emergency preparedness for formula fed infants will vary depending upon whether
      ready-to-use liquid infant formula or powdered infant formula is used. If ready
      to-use liquid infant formula is used, an emergency kit should include: 56 serves
      of ready-to-use liquid infant formula, 84 L water, storage container, metal
      knife, small bowl, 56 feeding bottles and teats/cups, 56 zip-lock plastic bags,
      220 paper towels, detergent, 120 antiseptic wipes, 100 nappies and 200 nappy
      wipes. If powdered infant formula is used, an emergency preparedness kit should
      include: two 900 g tins powdered infant formula, 170 L drinking water, storage
      container, large cooking pot with lid, kettle, gas stove, box of matches/lighter,
      14 kg liquid petroleum gas, measuring container, metal knife, metal tongs,
      feeding cup, 300 large sheets paper towel, detergent, 100 nappies and 200 nappy
      wipes. Great care with regards hygiene should be taken in the preparation of
      formula feeds. Child protection organisations should ensure that foster carers
      responsible for infants have the resources necessary to formula feed in the event
      of an emergency. Exclusive and continued breastfeeding should be promoted as an
      emergency preparedness activity by emergency management organisations as well as
      health authorities. The greater the proportion of infants exclusively breastfed
      when an emergency occurs, the more resilient the community, and the easier it
      will be to provide effective aid to the caregivers of formula fed infants.

PMID- 22059482
TI  - Getting the most from pleural fluid analysis.
AB  - Virtually, every pulmonary disease and most non-pulmonary diseases may be
      associated with a pleural effusion. The presence of a pleural effusion allows the
      clinician to 'diagnose' or narrow the differential diagnosis and aetiology of the
      fluid collection. However, pleural fluid analysis (PFA) in isolation rarely
      provides a definitive diagnosis. This review discusses the rationale for
      evaluating patients with a pleural effusion. If the clinician obtains a detailed
      history, performs a comprehensive physical examination, reviews pertinent blood
      tests, and evaluates the chest imaging findings prior to thoracentesis, there
      should be a high likelihood of establishing a firm clinical diagnosis based on
      the appropriate PFA. This manuscript reviews the clinical presentation, chest
      imaging findings, duration and natural course of specific pleural effusions to
      help narrow the range of pre-thoracentesis diagnoses. A diagnosis of transudative
      effusion confirms an imbalance in hydrostatic and oncotic pressures, normal
      pleura and a limited differential diagnosis, which is typically apparent from the
      clinical presentation. Exudates are the result of infections, malignancies,
      inflammation, impaired lymphatic drainage or the effects of drugs, and pose a
      greater diagnostic challenge. The differential diagnosis for a pleural exudate
      can be narrowed if LDH levels exceed 1000 IU/L, the proportion of lymphocytes is
      >=80%, pleural fluid pH is <7.30 or there is pleural eosinophilia of >10%.

PMID- 22059483
TI  - The components of the putative iron transport system in the cyanobacterium
      Anabaena sp. PCC 7120.
AB  - Iron uptake in Gram-negative bacteria involves four distinct steps: (i)
      siderophore synthesis, (ii) siderophore secretion into the extracellular space,
      (iii) iron chelation by the siderophores, and (iv) siderophore/iron uptake via
      complexes in the outer membrane and the intermembrane space as well as in the
      plasma membrane. This process is well characterized for some proteobacterial
      systems, but largely unexplored and scarcely investigated in cyanobacteria such
      as the heterocyst-forming cyanobacterium Anabaena sp. PCC 7120. Two putative
      siderophore synthesis clusters have been recently identified in this
      cyanobacterium. In addition, the export system for the main siderophore,
      schizokinen, secreted by Anabaena sp. PCC 7120 was described as well as the outer
      membrane transporter for its import from the extracellular space. We present the
      identification of components of three additional systems involved in siderophore
      mediated iron uptake under iron-limiting conditions, namely TonB3, the
      ExbB3/ExbD3 and the Fhu systems. The transcription level of these genes is
      elevated under iron limitations and decreased under excess iron, while the
      expression levels of other members of these gene families and systems are
      impacted in distinct ways by other environmental conditions. Mutants of the
      tonB3, exbB3/exbD3 and fhu genes show an iron starvation phenotype. Thus,
      Anabaena sp. has a similar, yet distinct system for siderophore-dependent iron
      uptake compared with other proteobacteria.

PMID- 22059484
TI  - Don't worry, be active: positive affect and habitual physical activity.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of ths study was to examine the association between habitual
      physical activity and positive and negative affect. METHOD: This cross-sectional
      study included 276 women aged 20 +, from the Geelong Osteoporosis Study. Habitual
      physical activity and other lifestyle exposures were assessed by questionnaire,
      concurrent with anthropometric assessments. Physical activity was categorized as
      very active, moderately active or sedentary. Positive and negative affect scores
      were derived from the validated 20 item Positive and Negative Affect Schedule
      (PANAS) self-report and were categorized into tertiles. RESULTS: There was a
      pattern of lower positive affect scores for lower levels of physical activity.
      With very active as the reference category, the odds for having a positive affect
      score in the highest tertile were sequentially lower for those who were
      moderately active (OR = 0.53, 95%CI 0.28-1.01) and sedentary (OR = 0.28, 95%CI
      0.10-0.75). Associations were sustained after adjusting for body mass index and
      polypharmacy (OR = 0.50, 95%CI 0.26-0.96 and OR = 0.25, 95%CI 0.09-0.72,
      respectively). These associations were not explained by age, negative affect
      score or other exposures. No association was detected between physical activity
      and negative affect scores. CONCLUSIONS: This study reports that higher positive
      affect scores, encompassing emotions such as interest, excitement, enthusiasm and
      alertness, are associated with higher levels of habitual physical activity. These
      observations warrant further investigations into possible mechanistic interplay
      between neurobiological and psychosocial factors that underpin this association.

PMID- 22059485
TI  - In vitro absorption of dietary trans-resveratrol from boiled and roasted peanuts
      in Caco-2 cells.
AB  - Previous studies on the transport and absorption of resveratrol (3,5,4-O
      trihydroxystilbene) were done using the pure compound. In this study, the
      absorption of resveratrol in digested peanut micellar from boiled and roasted
      peanuts was investigated using a human intestinal Caco-2 cell monolayer. The
      amount transported and rate of transport of both resveratrol glycosides and its
      hydrolytic product were quantified by a reverse-phase high-performance liquid
      chromatography method with mass spectrometric detection. Four peaks were
      identified in the digested peanut micellar of both boiled and roasted peanuts:
      two resveratrol glycosides, one resveratrol diglycoside, and possibly an acylated
      resveratrol glycoside. Resveratrol from roasted peanut micellar had a higher
      transport rate than those from the boiled peanut. This implies that resveratrol
      from roasted peanut is better absorbed than from boiled peanut. Also, the rate of
      transport and amount of resveratrol transported were higher for the hydrolytic
      product than the nonhydrolyzed glycosides. This has strong implications for in
      vivo absorption as the enzymatic activity of gut microflora could enhance the
      bioavailability of beta-glycosides of dietary polyphenols.

PMID- 22059486
TI  - Effect of landiolol hydrochloride, an ultra-short-acting beta 1-selective
      blocker, on supraventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation and flutter after
      pulmonary resection.
AB  - WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: Supraventricular tachycardia is a common
      complication after pulmonary resection. The objective of this study was to
      investigate the efficacy of landiolol hydrochloride, an ultra-short-acting beta1
      blocker, in patients with post-operative supraventricular tachycardia after
      pulmonary resection. METHODS: The response to continuous intravenous infusion of
      landiolol was evaluated in 25 patients who developed post-operative atrial
      fibrillation or atrial flutter after major pulmonary resection. Four patients had
      preoperative rate-controlled chronic atrial fibrillation. The heart rate and
      blood pressure were compared before and after infusion of landiolol. Side effects
      and recurrence of supraventricular tachycardia after termination of landiolol
      infusion were also monitored. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The heart rate was reduced
      from 135+/-24 bpm before landiolol infusion to a plateau rate of 85+/-19 bpm
      during infusion (P<0.0001). Heart rate reduction occurred in all but two
      patients. Conversion to normal sinus rhythm from supraventricular tachycardia
      occurred in 14 patients (56%). Recurrence of supraventricular tachycardia after
      stopping landiolol infusion was observed in 17 patients (68%), but all patients
      without preoperative AF were cured of post-operative AF. There were no detectable
      side effects, including no adverse influence on the circulatory and respiratory
      systems. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION: Continuous intravenous infusion of landiolol
      was found to be effective and safe for supraventricular tachycardia after
      pulmonary resection.

PMID- 22059487
TI  - The DinB superfamily includes novel mycothiol, bacillithiol, and glutathione S
      transferases.
AB  - The superfamily of glutathione S-transferases has been the subject of extensive
      study; however, Actinobacteria produce mycothiol (MSH) in place of glutathione,
      and no mycothiol S-transferase (MST) has been identified. Using mycothiol and
      monochlorobimane as substrates, an MST activity was detected in extracts of
      Mycobacterium smegmatis and purified sufficiently to allow identification of
      MSMEG_0887, a member the DUF664 family of the DinB superfamily, as the MST. The
      identity of the M. smegmatis and homologous Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Rv0443)
      enzymes was confirmed by cloning, and the expressed proteins were found to be
      active with MSH but not bacillithiol (BSH) or glutathione (GSH). Bacillus
      subtilis YfiT is another member of the DinB superfamily, but this bacterium
      produces BSH. The YfiT protein was shown to have S-transferase activity with
      monochlorobimane when assayed with BSH but not with MSH or GSH. Enterococcus
      faecalis EF_3021 shares some homology with MSMEG_0887, but En. faecalis produces
      GSH but not MSH or BSH. Cloned and expressed EF_0321 was active with
      monochlorobimane and GSH but not with MSH or BSH. MDMPI_2 is another member of
      the DinB superfamily and has been previously shown to have mycothiol-dependent
      maleylpyruvate isomerase activity. Three of the eight families of the DinB
      superfamily include proteins shown to catalyze thiol-dependent metabolic or
      detoxification activities. Because more than two-thirds of the sequences assigned
      to the DinB superfamily are members of these families, it seems likely that such
      activity is dominant in the DinB superfamily.

PMID- 22059488
TI  - Multifunctional gold-silica nanostructures for ultrasensitive electrochemical
      immunoassay of streptomycin residues.
AB  - A facile and simple electrochemical immunoassay for ultrasensitive determination
      of streptomycin residues (STR) in food was designed by using nanogold-assembled
      mesoporous silica (GMSNs) as bionanolabels on a three-dimensional redox-active
      organosilica-functionalized sensing interface. To construct such a sensing
      interface, we initially synthesized organosilica colloids by using wet chemical
      method, and then utilized the prepared colloidal organosilica nanocomposites for
      the immobilization of monoclonal anti-STR antibodies on a glassy carbon electrode
      based on a sol-gel method. The bionanolabels were prepared based on
      coimmobilization of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and STR-bovine serum albumin
      conjugates (STR-BSA) on the GMSNs. With a competitive-type immunoassay format,
      the assay toward STR analyte was carried out in pH 5.5 acetate acid buffer (ABS)
      by using redox-active organosilica nanocomposites as electron mediators,
      biofunctionalized GMSNs as traces, and hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) as enzyme
      substrate. Under optimal conditions, the reduction current of the electrochemical
      immunosensor decreased with the increase in STR level in the sample, and
      displayed a wide dynamic range of 0.05-50 ng mL(-1) with a low detection limit
      (LOD) of 5 pg mL(-1) at 3s(B). Intra- and interassay coefficients of variation
      were less than 8.7 and 9.3% for STR detection, respectively. In addition, the
      methodology was validated with STR spiked samples including honey, milk, kidney,
      and muscle, receiving a good correspondence with the results obtained from high
      performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).

PMID- 22059489
TI  - Enzyme-linked bridging assay method for the quantification of oligonucleotide
      based drugs in biological matrices.
AB  - With ongoing efforts to develop oligonucleotide-based (ODN-based) therapeutics,
      there is a need for a sensitive, high-throughput method of quantification of ODN
      based drugs in biological matrices. To overcome the insufficient sensitivity and
      time-consuming sample extraction procedures involved in conventional capillary
      gel electrophoresis (CGE) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), we
      developed a nucleic acid hybridization-based enzyme-linked bridging assay (ELBA),
      which shows significant advantages over CGE methods in evaluating ODN-based drugs
      in plasma and tissue: (1) It has higher sensitivity; (2) it involves easier
      sample extraction procedures; (3) it is suitable for many ODN-based drugs, even
      those with different secondary structures and modifications, including
      phosphorothioate oligonucleotide (PSODN), mixed backbones with 2'-O-Me (MBO),
      locked nucleic acid (LNA) modifications, and B- and C-type CpG sequences; and (4)
      it is highly selective, even during simultaneous quantification, with regard to
      intact ODNs and their 3'-metabolites. This universal design produces a rapid,
      sensitive, specific assay with minimal method development time. It is well suited
      to high-throughput analysis of various ODN-based drugs.

PMID- 22059490
TI  - D-pi-A-A-pi-D prototype 2,2'-bipyridine dyads exhibiting large structure and
      environment-sensitive fluorescence: synthesis, photophysics, and computation.
AB  - A series of 4,4'-pi-conjugated-2,2'-bipyridine chromophores (MS 1-8) were
      synthesized, and their photophysical and thermal properties were investigated.
      The title "push-pull' chromophores", except MS 1, were integrated with both
      alkoxy and alkylamino donor functionalities that differ in their donation
      capabilities. The oligophenylenevinylene (OPV) chromophores MS 4-8 are associated
      with a pi-extended backbone in which the position and the number of alkoxy donors
      were systematically varied. All of the studied systems possess a D-pi-A-A-pi-D
      dyad archetype in which the A-A is the central 2,2'-bipyridine acceptor core that
      is electronically attached with the donor termini through pi-linkers. The
      fluorescence quantum yields of the synthesized chromophores are found to be
      sensitive to the molecular archetype and the solvent medium. Out of the eight
      fluorescent compounds reported in this article, the compound MS 5 exhibits
      fluorescence in the solid state also. The modulating effect of the nature,
      position, and number of donor functionalities on the optical properties of these
      classes of compounds has further been comprehended on the basis of DFT and TD-DFT
      computation in a solvent  reaction field.

PMID- 22059491
TI  - Changes in carcass and meat quality traits of Danish friesian cull cows with the
      increase of their age and body condition.
AB  - Data from 98 Danish cull cows were used in this study. Cows were divided into
      three age groups: 'very young' (<3 years), 'young' (3-5 years) and 'mature' (>4.5
      years) and three body condition classes: 'thin', 'normal' and 'fat'. Independent
      of body condition, age had no significant effect on carcass scores related to
      conformation or to fatness. However, as the cow dvances in age, the carsass (lean
      and fat) colour tends to become darker yellow and the longissimus dorsi has a
      greater area with thicker cover-fat. Meat quality appeared to be independent of
      age with regards to its colour-related traits and its content of dry matter and
      intramuscular fat. However, the meat showed an increase in shear force value with
      age. Independent of age, the classification of cows according to their condition
      score prior to slaughter revaled significant differences in the quality of
      carcass and meat. While passing from 'thin' to 'normal' then to 'fat' condition,
      the carcasses showed better conformation score, a darker yellow colour, higher
      score of fatness and larger longissimus dorsi area with thicker cover-fat. The
      mean from 'fat' cows had similar shear force.

PMID- 22059492
TI  - An assessment of simple referee methods for the prediction of lean in pig
      carcasses.
AB  - A study was carried out in which carcass characteristics of 36 gilts were
      evaluated: 18 originated from the Hungarian 'Hungahyb' cross-breed, another 18,
      with undefined genetic background, from small private household plots. Two,
      rather simple substitute reference methods, called referee methods, were
      evaluated: measurement of carcass weight without skin and subcutaneous fat ('meat
      + bone'), and measurement of carcass weight without skin, subcutaneous fat and
      bone ('boneless meat'). Both methods gave a rather close relationship with the
      Kulmbach reference lean; however, removal of bone had presumably a beneficial
      effect on stability of prediction. The importance of preliminary information in
      quantitative form, giving a theoretical background for prediction equations, was
      presented as an example. Simple material balances could be formulated between
      reference lean and 'meat + bone' or 'boneless meat' content. Such material
      balances could not be set up with the indirect, rapid surrogate methods using
      mainly linear measurements (e.g. fat and muscle thickness, etc.) For this reason,
      as several other publications demonstrated, these latter methods seem to be more
      susceptible to bias than the referee methods. By determining the lipid content of
      the homogenised 'boneless meat' component, a 'lean' value adjusted to 3% fat
      content could be calculated from data which was compared to the dissected
      reference lean standardised also to contain 3% fat. These relationships, for
      several reasons discussed in this paper, were not as close as expected. So,
      further studies are needed to reveal these discrepancies.

PMID- 22059493
TI  - Effect of oral loading of acid or base on the incidence of pale soft exudative
      pork (PSE) in stress-susceptible pigs.
AB  - Thirty-three halothane-positive pigs were assigned to one of three ad libitum
      water treatments 4 days prior to slaughter: control, sodium bicarbonate (12.6 g
      litre(-1)), or ammonium chloride (8 g litre(-1)) to study the effect of an oral
      acid or base load on post-mortem changes in the longissimus dorsi muscle and on
      ultimate pork quality. Eight halothane-negative pigs were also slaughtered as
      negative controls. Dietary ammonium chloride caused a metabolic acidosis as
      indicated by lower blood and urine pH, and lower blood bicarbonate in treated
      pigs. In halothane-positive pigs, dietary treatments had no significant effect on
      post-mortem muscle pH changes or on measurements of muscle quality (colour, drip
      loss, texture scores or protein solubility). There was a weak to modest
      relationship between the blood gas measurements and meat quality indicators.
      Blood pH (r = 0.566) and bicarbonate (r = 0.514) were positively correlated with
      subjective texture scores and a trend was seen for blood PCO(2) and bicarbonate
      to be positively related to 45 min pH and subjective colour. These observations
      suggest that pigs with increased blood pH and bicarbonate may show an improvement
      in meat quality. Further research is necessary to find the optimum time and level
      of treatment to maximize the response.

PMID- 22059494
TI  - Evaluation of Longissimus dorsi muscle pH at three hours Post mortem as a
      predictor of beef tenderness.
AB  - The objective of this study was to determine the relationship of beef longissimus
      dorsi muscle (LM) pH at 3 h post mortem (pH(3)) and aged LM tenderness. The
      cattle (n = 444) sampled for this experiment represented various breed types, sex
      classes, feeding regimes, and post-mortem handling practices. The phenotypic
      diversity of the cattle used provided a great amount of variation in Warner
      Bratzler shear (WBS) force (Coefficient of variation for pH, temperature, and
      sarcomere length measurements were much smaller than the coefficient of variation
      for WBS force). None of the parameters measured (LM pH at 3 and 48 h post mortem,
      temperature at 3 h post mortem and sarcomere length) was strongly related to
      tenderness. These results do not support the use of pH(3) as a criterion for
      sorting beef carcasses into expected tenderness groups.

PMID- 22059495
TI  - Effect of oxidized dietary lipid and vitamin E on the colour stability of pork
      chops.
AB  - The effect of oxidized corn oil and vitamin E (alpha-tocopheryl acetate) in pig
      diets on the oxidative stability of muscle lipids and on the surface colour
      characteristics of fresh and previously frozen pork chops in refrigerated storage
      was investigated. Lipid oxidation (TBARS values) and surface redness (Hunter 'a'
      values) were significantly influenced (P < 0.01) by dietary alpha-tocopheryl
      acetate levels but not by degree of oxidation of dietary corn oil. Lipid
      oxidation and colour deterioration during refrigerated storage were greater in
      previously frozen chops compared to fresh chops. TBARS values were lower and
      Hunter 'a' values higher in pork chops from pigs fed 100 and 200 mg alpha
      tocopheryl acetate/kg diet compared to pigs fed 10 mg/kg diet after 2, 4, 6 and 8
      days of refrigerated storage. Hunter 'a' values were significantly correlated (P
      < 0.01) with the logarithm of TBARS values. The results suggest that oxidation of
      myoglobin precedes oxidation of muscle lipids in pork chops stored at 4 degrees
      C.

PMID- 22059496
TI  - Hydrolysis and loss of extractability of proteins during ripening of iberian ham.
AB  - To elucidate the extent of the hydrolysis and loss of extractability of protein
      during the traditional ripening of Iberian ham, the evolution during processing
      of non-protein nitrogen (NPN) and protein fractions soluble in 0.03 m pH 7.1
      phosphate and 1.1 KI + 0.1 m phosphate pH 7.4 buffers and 6 m urea was followed
      from Semimembranosus and Biceps femoris muscles. The NPN steadily increased
      during processing, showing maximum intensity at salting and drying.
      Electrophoretic study of the proteins extracted, and microscopical examination of
      the pellet obtained after consecutive extractions with the above buffers,
      revealed that hydrolysis and insolubilization are more intense in myofibrillar
      than in sarcoplasmic proteins. Protein aggregation involves mainly the
      myofibrillar fraction, and occurs during the first stage of processing.

PMID- 22059497
TI  - Relations between compositional traits and sensory qualities of French dry-cured
      ham.
AB  - The left hams of 20 pig carcasses were processed by dry-curing for either 179 (n
      = 10) or 273 days (n = 10). The Biceps femoris was taken at the end of the
      processing and submitted to chemical and sensory analyses. The following chemical
      traits were determined: pH, moisture, salt content, fatty acid content and
      composition of lipid classes (triglycerides, phospholipids, free fatty acids),
      nitrogen fractions (soluble and insoluble protein, non-protein nitrogen, free
      amino acids) and volatile compounds. Sensory analysis was performed by a panel of
      12 trained members, who scored texture traits (firmness, dryness, fibrousness,
      mellowness), taste (salty, acid), intensity of aromas (typical of dry ham, fresh
      meat, fat, cured meat, rancid, metal), persistence of dry ham aroma, persistence
      of taste after deglutition, persistence of astringency, persistence of metallic
      taste. The sensory qualities of dry-cured ham showed noticeable changes between
      days 179 and 273. Firmness, dryness and intensities of aromas typical of dry
      cured ham and cured meat were enhanced with time. Neither pH, moisture nor salt
      content played a noticeable role in determining the sensory quality of dry-cured
      ham. Among the volatile compounds, the levels of several ketones and 1-butanol
      were significantly correlated with the aromas of dry ham and cured meat, while
      rancid aroma was related to aldehydes, ethylacetate, 2,3-pentanedione and nonane.
      Therefore, the aromas of dry ham and cured meat appeared to be determined mainly
      by the products of lipid oxidation. However, they were related also to
      unidentified volatile compounds, whose identification would be of particular
      interest.

PMID- 22059498
TI  - Time-related changes in intramuscular lipids of French dry-cured ham.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the changes in intramuscular lipids
      during the processing of French dry-cured hams. In the fresh biceps femoris
      muscle, the lipid content was on average, 105 mg/g DM with a large individual
      variation. Glycerides accounted for about 75% of total lipids. During processing
      for 273 days, phospholipid content decreased markedly whereas free fatty acid
      content rose from 1.9 mg/g DM to 9.4 mg/g DM. Little change affected the fatty
      acid composition of both glycerides and phospholipids during processing. After a
      decrease in the proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids during the first 2
      months, free fatty acid composition remained stable. The results suggest that
      lipid alteration during dry-curing of hams is due to lipolysis and that lipid
      oxidation is limited.

PMID- 22059499
TI  - Effects of distribution packaging method and storage time on the physical
      properties and retail display characteristics of pork.
AB  - The sensory characteristics of pork chops from bone-in loins and Boston butts (n
      = 65 each) were affected little by primal loin and the butt packaging method
      (paper wrap, vacuum pack and gas flush) and storage time (7, 10 and 14 days)
      under industry conditions. However, loin chops fabricated from vacuum-packaged
      loins after 14 days of storage had less (P < 0.05) discoloration and two-toning
      than chops fabricated from other loins. All loin chops were placed in retail
      display and overwrapped with a polyvinyl chloride film after fabrication at each
      storage time. Vacuum-packed butts stored for 10 and 14 days produced chops with
      less discoloration and two-toning, and higher overall appearance scores (P <
      0.05) compared to chops from paper-wrapped or gas-flushed cuts. Vacuum-packaging
      resulted in higher quality retail cuts than paper-wrapped or gas-flushed
      packaging. Thus, it is recommended that the pork industry and retail distribution
      system utilize vacuum-packaging as the primary method to store and ship fresh
      pork before retail sale.

PMID- 22059500
TI  - The effect of acidification on myofibrillar proteins.
AB  - Isolated myofibrillar proteins of mutton, beef and chicken were treated with an
      acidulent to give various pH values and stored at 5 degrees C for 20 h before
      analysing the proteins using sodium dodecylsulphate polyacrylamide gel
      electrophoresis. It was found that protein degradation occurred below pH 4.5,
      with a decrease in band intensity of all major myofibrillar proteins,
      particularly myosin heavy chain, and the appearance of new bands at approximately
      140 and 70 kd. The degradation had an optimum around pH 3.0 and was inhibited by
      a high temperature pre-treatment or the presence of the endopeptidase inhibitors
      pepstatin A and leupeptin. Results are discussed in terms of the action of acid
      proteinase enzymes.

PMID- 22059501
TI  - The display of retail packs of ground beef after their storage in master packages
      under various atmospheres.
AB  - Batches of coarsely ground beef trimmings were each divided into four portions.
      One portion from each batch was vacuum packaged, then stored at -1.5 degrees C.
      The other portions were finely ground and distributed in retail packs. The retail
      packs were master packaged under atmospheres of N(2), CO(2) or O(2) + CO(2) (2:1,
      v/v), then stored at 2 degrees C. The product was assessed after storage times of
      up to 32 days. For each assessment, a vacuum pack and a master pack of each type,
      each containing products from the same batch, were withdrawn from storage. The
      vacuum packaged product was finely ground and distributed into retail packs. The
      newly prepared retail packs and those from the master packs were displayed in a
      retail cabinet in which air temperatures averaged 4 +/- 2 degrees C. The
      appearance of the displayed product from each storage packaging was assessed
      twice daily until it was judged to be unacceptable. At the beginning and end of
      the display, the product in each pack was assessed for discoloration and off
      odours, the chemical states of the muscle pigment at the exposed surface were
      estimated, and the surface microflora was characterized. The appearance of the
      product displayed after storage in a vacuum pack, for times up to 32 days, became
      unacceptable within 48 h. A product stored in any of the master packs for 1 day
      appeared unacceptable after 6 h of display. The display life of products stored
      under N(2) or CO(2) was similar to that of the vacuum packaged products when
      storage times were between 2 and 24 days but the display life was shorter when
      the storage times were 28 or 32 days. The display life of products stored under
      O(2) + CO(2) was similar to that of the vacuum packaged product when storage
      times were 2, 4 or 6 days, but the appearance of products stored under O(2) +
      CO(2) for 8 days or longer was unacceptable when master packs were opened. Apart
      from those latter packs, a product was not discoloured when storage packs were
      opened. However, all products were discoloured, and the metmyoglobin fractions of
      the surface pigments had increased, when the product was withdrawn from display.
      The products in all storage packagings developed flora dominated by lactic acid
      bacteria. The spoiage flora on products stored in vacuum pack or under O(2) +
      CO(2) did not attain the maximum numbers of 10(7)/g during either storage or
      display. Those maximum numbers were attained on products stored under N(2) and
      CO(2) after 16 and 28 days storage respectively. Some products stored under N(2)
      for 16 days or longer developed moderate or strong off-odours during display that
      were ascribable to microbial action. Other products developed only slight, non
      microbial off-odours during display. Retail-ready packs or ground beef master
      packaged under an oxygen-depleted atmosphere could then have a useful storage
      life of about 30 days in commercial circumstances.

PMID- 22059502
TI  - Pyridinoline in ovine intramuscular collagen.
AB  - Pyridinoline, a mature crosslink of collagen, was measured in intramuscular
      connective tissue isolated from ovine semimembranosus, a muscle noted for its
      highly insoluble collagen. Concentration ranged between 0.25 and 0.59 mol/mol of
      collagen, on the high side of concentrations reported in the literature for this
      and other muscles in various species. Pyridinoline concentration was inversely
      related to collagen solubility in muscle homogenates (P < 0.0). In a comparison
      between semimembranosus, biceps femoris and gluteus medius, pyridinoline
      concentration was again inversely related to collage solubility. For all these
      muscles, pyridinoline remained insoluble in a heat-dependent solubility test, but
      it is argued that pyridinoline does not explain all the solubility properties of
      ovine intramuscular collagen. Pyridinoline concentration was not significantly
      correlated with sensory or shear properties of cooked semimembranosus, confirming
      the importance of other heat-stable crosslinks.

PMID- 22059503
TI  - Authentication of African green monkey cell lines using human short tandem repeat
      markers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tools for authenticating cell lines are critical for quality control
      in cell-based biological experiments. Currently there are methods to authenticate
      human cell lines using short tandem repeat (STR) markers based on the technology
      and procedures successfully used in the forensic community for human
      identification, but there are no STR based methods for authenticating nonhuman
      cell lines to date. There is significant homology between the human and vervet
      monkey genome and we utilized these similarities to design the first multiplex
      assay based on human STR markers for vervet cell line identification. RESULTS:
      The following STR markers were incorporated into the vervet multiplex PCR assay:
      D17S1304, D5S1467, D19S245, D1S518, D8S1106, D4S2408, D6S1017, and DYS389. The
      eight markers were successful in uniquely identifying sixty-two vervet monkey DNA
      samples and confirmed that Vero76 cells and COS-7 cells were derived from Vero
      and CV-1 cells, respectively. The multiplex assay shows specificity for vervet
      DNA within the determined allele range for vervet monkeys; however, the primers
      will also amplify human DNA for each marker resulting in amplicons outside the
      vervet allele range in several of the loci. The STR markers showed genetic
      stability in over sixty-nine passages of Vero cells, suggesting low mutation
      rates in the targeted STR sequences in the Vero cell line. CONCLUSIONS: A
      functional vervet multiplex assay consisting of eight human STR markers with
      heterozygosity values ranging from 0.53-0.79 was successful in uniquely
      identifying sixty-two vervet monkey samples. The probability of a random match
      using these eight markers between any two vervet samples is approximately 1 in
      1.9 million. While authenticating a vervet cell line, the multiplex assay may
      also be a useful indicator for human cell line contamination since the assay is
      based on human STR markers.

PMID- 22059504
TI  - End-functionalized polymerization of 2-vinylpyridine through initial C-H bond
      activation of N-heteroaromatics and internal alkynes by yttrium ene-diamido
      complexes.
AB  - We successfully introduced end-capping functional groups to poly(2
      vinylpyridine)s by initial introduction of the functional groups on yttrium
      catalysts through C-H bond activation of heteroaromatics and internal alkynes to
      the Y center via alkylyttrium-mediated sigma-bond metathesis.

PMID- 22059505
TI  - Muscle fibre characteristics and metabolic response at slaughter in pigs of
      different halothane genotypes and their relation to meat quality.
AB  - Muscle samples for histochemical and biochemical analyses were taken immediately
      at slaughter from M. longissimus dorsi of pigs with different halothane genotypes
      (NN and nn). Fibre type composition was similar between groups but the nn
      genotype had larger mean fibre areas and lower capillary density than the NN
      genotype. At exsanguination the nn-genotype had lower muscle pH (pH(e)), higher
      lactate and ammonia and lower glycogen and phosphagen (ATP and CP) concentrations
      and twice as many glycogen-depleted type IIA and IIB fibres as compared with the
      NN-genotype. Muscle pH(e) was correlated positively to capillary density,
      glycogen and phosphagen concentrations and negatively to mean fibre area, ammonia
      and lactate concentrations. Ammonia concentrations were correlated negatively to
      ATP concentrations and positively to the percentage of glycogen-depleted IIB
      fibres. The highest reflectance and drip loss values were seen in the nn
      genotype. The reflectance values were correlated positively to the percentage of
      glycogen-depleted type IIB fibres in muscle and the values for drip loss were
      correlated negatively to pH(e). These data show that fibre size and capillary
      density in muscle seem to be important factors that influence the metabolic
      response at slaughter and thus meat quality.

PMID- 22059506
TI  - The effects of preblending time on physical and textural properties of coarse
      ground sausages.
AB  - The effects of preblending storage time on physical and textural properties of
      coarse ground sausages were characterized. Raw materials (pork, beef) were
      preblended at 0-2 degrees C and held for 0, 4, 8, 12, 16, 48, 96, 144, 196 or 240
      h just prior to manufacture into Polish sausages. Expressible moisture (EM), raw
      batter stability, processing yield (PY), Instron compression (CO) and protein
      solubilization (SEM micrographs) increased from 0 to 16 h. No differences were
      observed for EM, PY and CO and in SEM micrographs for the 48-240 h interval. The
      effects of storage of preblends on sausage physical and textural properties (raw
      batter stability, yield, cohesiveness, SEM micrographs) occurred rapidly (0-16h),
      reached a maximum and either remained constant or diminished as storage time
      increased from 48 to 240 h.

PMID- 22059507
TI  - Effect of processing and storage on neutral lipids of buffalo meat.
AB  - Three muscles viz. Triceps brachii (TB), Longissimus dorsi (LD) and Biceps
      femoris (BF) from different anatomical locations of adult male buffaloes were
      stored after broiling and pressure cooking under refrigerated (4 degrees C)
      condition for 3, 6, 9 days and 30, 60, 90 days under frozen (-10 degrees C)
      storage. At the end of each storage interval they were analysed for total lipids,
      cholesterol contents and glyceride fractions i.e. monoglycerides (MG),
      diglycerides (DG), and triglycerides (TG). Muscles differed significantly in
      total lipids as well as contents of all glyceride fractions. Muscle LD had
      significantly higher total lipid content than TB and BF. Muscles differed
      significantly in their esterfied cholesterol (EC) contents. Heat processing
      increased total lipids, cholesterol, MG, DG and TG contents of all the buffalo
      muscles studied. Total cholesterol contents remained unchanged during
      refrigerated and frozen storage. However, EC, MG, DG and TG contents declined
      during storage. The influence of anatomical locations on fatty acid composition
      of neutral lipids was observed. The ratio of unsaturated to saturated fatty acids
      increased due to cooking. A gradual decrease in mono- and polyunsaturated fatty
      acids was recorded during refrigerated and frozen storage.

PMID- 22059508
TI  - Collagen and its rational content in meat products: Part 1. Analytical studies.
AB  - Computer-assisted simulation has been used to study the effect of collagen
      content on the biological value of meat proteins. It has been shown that an
      increase in the collagen content from 2.5% to 15-20% of the total amount of
      proteins contained in minced meat tangibly enhances protein utilization for
      tissue synthesis. Hence, the above collagen content in meat products heightens
      their nutritional and biological value and renders them more suited for human
      metabolism.

PMID- 22059509
TI  - Physical, chemical and organoleptic characteristics of Turkish style frankfurters
      made with an emulsion containing Turkish soy flour.
AB  - The possibility of using Turkish Defatted Soy Flour (DSF) to replace part of the
      meat in Turkish style frankfurters was studied and the technological, physical,
      chemical, nutritional, sensory and quality characteristics of these sausages
      produced under Turkish conditions were determined. No significant difference in
      physical and sensory properties between the control group (all meat) and
      treatment groups (5, 10 and 20% soy flour) was found. DSF up to the level used
      significantly (P > 0.01) increased moisture and protein and decreased fat levels
      of the sausages. The amino acid and PER results also indicated that replacing
      meat with DSF in sausages did not significantly alter the nutritional value of
      the sausages.

PMID- 22059510
TI  - Modelling post-mortem tenderisation-I: Texture of electrically stimulated and non
      stimulated beef.
AB  - Texture in electrically stimulated and non-stimulated beef M Pectoralis
      profundus, stored under a range of temperatures from 0 to 30 degrees C, while
      avoiding muscle shortening, was measured from 1 to 21 days after stunning. The
      pre-rigor temperature (from 0 to 30 degrees C), maintained until the pH had
      fallen to 6.4 and then held at 15 degrees C, had no effect on the toughness nor
      on the rate of tenderisation after rigor. Modelling toughness prior to 24 h
      suggested that toughness of all muscles could be rationalised and that first
      order tenderisation began when the muscles reached pH 6.1 when the toughness of
      all the muscles was projected to be 12.5 kg. After pH 6.1, the rate of
      tenderisation at 30 degrees C was 10-fold higher than at 1 degrees C and was not
      affected by variations in pH from 6.1 to 5.5. At the higher temperatures, the
      ultimate toughness of aged meat was slightly higher than at the lower
      temperatures.

PMID- 22059511
TI  - Modelling post-mortem tenderisation-II: Enzyme changes during storage of
      electrically stimulated and non-stimulated beef.
AB  - Levels of calpains I and II, cathepsins B and L and beta-glucuronidase were
      determined in extracts of electrically stimulated and control beef M. Pectoralis
      profundus stored at temperatures between 0 and 30 degrees C and varied to avoid
      muscle shortening. The level of lysosomal enzymes remained essentially unchanged
      throughout storage. The levels of calpain II were largely unaffected by the early
      treatments and decreased slightly throughout ageing. The level of calpain I, in
      both stimulated and control meats, was unaffected by temperature prior to the
      attainment of about pH 6.2 and thereafter the loss was accelerated at higher
      temperatures. In the extreme case studied, that of stimulated meat held at 15
      degrees C, 73% of the activity was lost in the first 24 h. After ageing, the
      level was about 11% of the initial when stored at 1 degrees C and 25% when stored
      at 15 degrees C. The exponential decay constants for the decrease in the levels
      of calpain I were 0.01 h(-1) at 1 degrees C and 0.06 h(-1) at 15 degrees C, and
      were the same as those for the previously determined rate of tenderisation. This
      suggested that the rate of proteolysis by calpain I was linked to the rate of
      tenderisation.

PMID- 22059512
TI  - Modelling post-mortem tenderisation-III: Role of calpain I in conditioning.
AB  - A simple model is developed to show how proteolysis by calpain I can account for
      the variations in tenderness in electrically stimulated and nonstimulated beef
      pectoralis profundus muscles stored between 0 degrees C and 30 degrees C. As the
      pH of the muscle falls to about 6.1, calpain I is activated and causes
      proteolysis and tenderisation. The rate of tenderisation is then proportional to
      the concentration of calpain I which is autolysed slowly reducing its
      concentration and the rate of tenderisation. The activation energy for the
      inactivation (autolysis) of calpain I is slightly higher than that for its
      activity in tenderisation (proteolysis) and therefore, at higher temperatures,
      less tenderisation occurs. Proteolysis and tenderisation continue at a rate
      governed by the concentration of calpain I and the temperature until calpain I is
      depleted when tenderisation stops. Parameters for the activity and inactivation
      of calpain I were derived and were shown to predict 68% of the variation in
      toughness.

PMID- 22059513
TI  - Effect of animal sex and size on effort when pelting lambs.
AB  - Pelting load data were collected and analysed for 304 lambs (comprising 46% ewes,
      26% cryptorchids and 28% rams), all of which came from one farm. Although
      typically about 24% more impulse (Ns) had to be applied for pelting ram lambs
      than for ewe or cryptorchid lambs, only one-third of this increase was
      attributable to the distinct sexual category of rams; the rest was due to rams
      being heavier. Carcass size had a much greater effect on pelting load than animal
      sex: a change in dressed carcass weight of slightly less than 1 kg has the same
      effect on impulse requirement as the net sex effect. These findings suggest that
      the differences in pelting effort associated with animal sex are of relatively
      minor significance compared with the large differences occurring over the range
      of lamb size normally processed.

PMID- 22059514
TI  - Microstructural manifestations of two unusual phenomena detected in experimental
      roast pork: A scanning and transmission electron microscopy study.
AB  - Loin roasts L. dorsi from both barrows and gilts from a breeding and feeding
      experiment were cooked, cut, presented to sensory evaluation panelists and the
      excess meat stored at 4 degrees C in tied plastic bags. An interesting phenomenon
      observed was that a deposit remained on the cutter blade after slicing the
      experimental roasts, but no deposit remained in the blade after cutting control
      roasts. Similarly, slices of experimental roast adhered together after
      refrigeration, but slices of control roast stored under identical conditions did
      not stick together. Electron microscopic examination showed that the experimental
      samples were made up of three zones consisting of fat, collagen and muscle
      tissue. The thickness of the middle (collagen) zone varied with the sex of the
      animals and possibly with their genetic background. Where the experimental roast
      slices adhered, they always did so only at the middle collagen layer. In
      contrast, control samples were made up of only two layers: fat and muscle, with
      the collagen layer between them being absent or much reduced in thickness.

PMID- 22059515
TI  - Lipopolysaccharide-induced sickness behaviour evaluated in different models of
      anxiety and innate fear in rats.
AB  - The fact that there is a complex and bidirectional communication between the
      immune and nervous systems has been well demonstrated. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS),
      a component of gram-negative bacteria, is widely used to systematically stimulate
      the immune system and generate profound physiological and behavioural changes,
      also known as 'sickness behaviour' (e.g. anhedonia, lethargy, loss of appetite,
      anxiety, sleepiness). Different ethological tools have been used to analyse the
      behavioural modifications induced by LPS; however, many researchers analysed only
      individual tests, a single LPS dose or a unique ethological parameter, thus
      leading to disagreements regarding the data. In the present study, we
      investigated the effects of different doses of LPS (10, 50, 200 and 500 MUg/kg,
      i.p.) in young male Wistar rats (weighing 180-200 g; 8-9 weeks old) on the
      ethological and spatiotemporal parameters of the elevated plus maze, light-dark
      box, elevated T maze, open-field tests and emission of ultrasound vocalizations.
      There was a dose-dependent increase in anxiety-like behaviours caused by LPS,
      forming an inverted U curve peaked at LPS 200 MUg/kg dose. However, these anxiety
      like behaviours were detected only by complementary ethological analysis
      (stretching, grooming, immobility responses and alarm calls), and these reactions
      seem to be a very sensitive tool in assessing the first signs of sickness
      behaviour. In summary, the present work clearly showed that there are resting and
      alertness reactions induced by opposite neuroimmune mechanisms (neuroimmune bias)
      that could lead to anxiety behaviours, suggesting that misunderstanding data
      could occur when only few ethological variables or single doses of LPS are
      analysed. Finally, it is hypothesized that this bias is an evolutionary tool that
      increases animals' security while the body recovers from a systemic infection.

PMID- 22059516
TI  - Boechera Summit 2011.
AB  - Ecological model systems provide a conduit to understand the ecological impact of
      information gained from laboratory model species. Here, I review a 2011 meeting
      which focused on the systematic, ecological, evolutionary and developmental
      biology of the ecological model genus Boechera.

PMID- 22059517
TI  - Emotion expression in body action and posture.
AB  - Emotion communication research strongly focuses on the face and voice as
      expressive modalities, leaving the rest of the body relatively understudied.
      Contrary to the early assumption that body movement only indicates emotional
      intensity, recent studies have shown that body movement and posture also conveys
      emotion specific information. However, a deeper understanding of the underlying
      mechanisms is hampered by a lack of production studies informed by a theoretical
      framework. In this research we adopted the Body Action and Posture (BAP) coding
      system to examine the types and patterns of body movement that are employed by 10
      professional actors to portray a set of 12 emotions. We investigated to what
      extent these expression patterns support explicit or implicit predictions from
      basic emotion theory, bidimensional theory, and componential appraisal theory.
      The overall results showed partial support for the different theoretical
      approaches. They revealed that several patterns of body movement systematically
      occur in portrayals of specific emotions, allowing emotion differentiation.
      Although a few emotions were prototypically expressed by one particular pattern,
      most emotions were variably expressed by multiple patterns, many of which can be
      explained as reflecting functional components of emotion such as modes of
      appraisal and action readiness. It is concluded that further work in this largely
      underdeveloped area should be guided by an appropriate theoretical framework to
      allow a more systematic design of experiments and clear hypothesis testing.

PMID- 22059518
TI  - Threat facilitates subsequent executive control during anxious mood.
AB  - Dual competition framework (DCF) posits that low-level threat may facilitate
      behavioral performance by influencing executive control functions. Anxiety is
      thought to strengthen this effect by enhancing threat's affective significance.
      To test these ideas directly, we examined the effects of low-level threat and
      experimentally induced anxiety on one executive control function, the efficiency
      of response inhibition. In Study 1, briefly presented stimuli that were mildly
      threatening (i.e., fearful faces) relative to nonthreatening (i.e., neutral
      faces) led to facilitated executive control efficiency during experimentally
      induced anxiety. No such effect was observed during an equally arousing,
      experimentally induced happy mood state. In Study 2, we assessed the effects of
      low-level threat, experimentally induced anxiety, and individual differences in
      trait anxiety on executive control efficiency. Consistent with Study 1, fearful
      relative to neutral faces led to facilitated executive control efficiency during
      experimentally induced anxiety. No such effect was observed during an
      experimentally induced neutral mood state. Moreover, individual differences in
      trait anxiety did not moderate the effects of threat and anxiety on executive
      control efficiency. The findings are partially consistent with the predictions of
      DCF in that low-level threat improved executive control, at least during a state
      of anxiety.

PMID- 22059519
TI  - Visual attention and emotional memory: recall of aversive pictures is partially
      mediated by concurrent task performance.
AB  - The emotional enhancement of memory is often thought to be determined by
      attention. However, recent evidence using divided attention paradigms suggests
      that attention does not play a significant role in the formation of memories for
      aversive pictures. We report a study that investigated this question using a
      paradigm in which participants had to encode lists of randomly intermixed
      negative and neutral pictures under conditions of full attention and divided
      attention followed by a free recall test. Attention was divided by a highly
      demanding concurrent task tapping visual processing resources. Results showed
      that the advantage in recall for aversive pictures was still present in the DA
      condition. However, mediation analyses also revealed that concurrent task
      performance significantly mediated the emotional enhancement of memory under
      divided attention. This finding suggests that visual attentional processes play a
      significant role in the formation of emotional memories.

PMID- 22059520
TI  - Can an anger face also be scared? Malleability of facial expressions.
AB  - Do people always interpret a facial expression as communicating a single emotion
      (e.g., the anger face as only angry) or is that interpretation malleable? The
      current study investigated preschoolers' (N = 60; 3-4 years) and adults' (N = 20)
      categorization of facial expressions. On each of five trials, participants
      selected from an array of 10 facial expressions (an open-mouthed, high arousal
      expression and a closed-mouthed, low arousal expression each for happiness,
      sadness, anger, fear, and disgust) all those that displayed the target emotion.
      Children's interpretation of facial expressions was malleable: 48% of children
      who selected the fear, anger, sadness, and disgust faces for the "correct"
      category also selected these same faces for another emotion category; 47% of
      adults did so for the sadness and disgust faces. The emotion children and adults
      attribute to facial expressions is influenced by the emotion category for which
      they are looking.

PMID- 22059521
TI  - Enhanced attentional capture in trait anxiety.
AB  - Attentional Control Theory (ACT) proposes that anxiety is specifically associated
      with more attentional distraction by salient stimuli. Moreover, there is some
      suggestion that worry is one mechanism whereby anxiety impairs attentional
      control. However, direct evidence for these hypotheses is lacking. In the current
      study we addressed limitations of previous work by examining the relationships
      between trait anxiety and worry and attentional distraction by a salient, task
      irrelevant color singleton in a visual search task. Results revealed that trait
      anxiety, but not worry, was related to increased attentional distraction (i.e.,
      capture) by the color singleton. The current results suggest that anxiety is
      associated with a general enhancement of bottom-up processes involved in
      motivational significance detection. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2012 APA, all
      rights reserved).

PMID- 22059522
TI  - Predicting arsenic relative bioavailability in contaminated soils using meta
      analysis and relative bioavailability-bioaccessibility regression models.
AB  - A number of in vitro assays are available for the determination of arsenic (As)
      bioaccessibility and prediction of As relative bioavailability (RBA) to quantify
      exposure for site-specific risk assessment. These data are usually considered in
      isolation; however, meta analysis may provide predictive capabilities for source
      specific As bioaccessibility and RBA. The objectives of this study were to
      predict As RBA using previously published in vivo/in vitro correlations and to
      assess the influence of As sources on As RBA independent of geographical
      location. Data representing 351 soils (classified based on As source) and 514
      independent bioaccessibility values were retrieved from the literature for
      comparison. Arsenic RBA was predicted using published in vivo/in vitro regression
      models, and 90th and 95th percentiles were determined for each As source
      classification and in vitro methodology. Differences in predicted mean As RBA
      were observed among soils contaminated from different As sources and within
      source materials when various in vitro methodologies were utilized. However, when
      in vitro data were standardized by transforming SBRC intestinal, IVG, and PBET
      data to SBRC gastric phase values (through linear regression models), predicted
      As RBA values for As sources followed the order CCA posts >= herbicide/pesticide
      > mining/smelting > gossan soils with 95th percentiles for predicted As RBA of
      78.0, 78.4, 67.0, and 23.7%, respectively.

PMID- 22059523
TI  - Root cause analyses performed in a children's hospital: events, action plan
      strength, and implementation rates.
AB  - This study describes the types of events leading to the performance of root cause
      analyses (RCA) and the implementation rate and quality of the action plans
      developed for RCAs performed at a free standing children's hospital. Twenty
      serious adverse events resulting in RCAs took place between January 2007 and June
      2009. A wide variety of events triggered RCAs however, 30% involved medication
      errors. Seventy-eight action plans were developed with an average of 3.9 +/- 1.3
      per RCA. Action plans were classified as weaker 46% of the time, intermediate 44%
      of the time, and stronger 10% of the time. Intermediate or stronger action plans
      were developed to address 90% of the events. Ninety-five percent of the action
      plans were implemented. This study demonstrates that RCA can be effectively
      utilized to consistently generate moderate and high impact action plans to
      address a diverse array of adverse events within a children's hospital. Near
      complete implementation of action plans can be achieved.

PMID- 22059524
TI  - Use of a Monte Carlo analysis within a physiologically based pharmacokinetic
      model to predict doxycycline residue withdrawal time in edible tissues in swine.
AB  - The pharmacokinetics of doxycycline were studied following a single intravenous
      (I.V.) and intramuscular (I.M.) injection of 10 mg/kg into eight healthy pigs.
      The steady-state tissue/plasma partition coefficients were obtained via a 3-h
      constant rate infusion (CRI) in four pigs. Based on the results of in vivo
      studies and the parameters derived from published work, a physiologically based
      pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model was developed to predict the drug concentration in
      edible tissues. The predicted values were then compared with those derived from a
      previous study. To account for individual differences in the processes of drug
      metabolism and/or diffusion, a Monte Carlo (MC) run of 1000 simulations was
      incorporated into the PBPK model to predict the doxycycline residue withdrawal
      times in edible tissues in swine. The withdrawal periods were compared with those
      derived from linear regression analysis. The PBPK model presented here provided
      accurate predictions of the observed concentrations in all tissues except for the
      injection site. The withdrawal times in all edible tissues derived from the MC
      analysis were longer than those from linear regression analysis. Based on the
      residues in the injection site and muscle tissue, the MC analysis predicted a
      withdrawal time of 33 days. Here, we illustrate that MC analysis can be
      incorporated into the PBPK model to accurately predict doxycycline residue
      withdrawal time in edible tissues in swine.

PMID- 22059525
TI  - Usefulness of a semi-quantitative procalcitonin test and the A-DROP Japanese
      prognostic scale for predicting mortality among adults hospitalized with
      community-acquired pneumonia.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The solid-phase immunoassay, semi-quantitative
      procalcitonin (PCT) test (B R A H M S PCT-Q) can be used to rapidly categorize
      PCT levels into four grades. However, the usefulness of this kit for determining
      the prognosis of adult patients with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) is
      unclear. METHODS: A prospective study was conducted in two Japanese hospitals to
      evaluate the usefulness of this PCT test in determining the prognosis of adult
      patients with CAP. The accuracy of the age, dehydration, respiratory failure,
      orientation disturbance, pressure (A-DROP) scale proposed by the Japanese
      Respiratory Society for prediction of mortality due to CAP was also investigated.
      Hospitalized CAP patients (n = 226) were enrolled in the study. Comprehensive
      examinations were performed to determine PCT and CRP concentrations, disease
      severity based on the A-DROP, pneumonia severity index (PSI) and confusion, urea,
      respiratory rate, blood pressure, age >=65 (CURB-65) scales and the causative
      pathogens. The usefulness of the biomarkers and prognostic scales for predicting
      each outcome were then examined. RESULTS: Twenty of the 170 eligible patients
      died. PCT levels were strongly positively correlated with PSI (rho = 0.56, P <
      0.0001), A-DROP (rho = 0.61, P < 0.0001) and CURB-65 scores (rho = 0.58, P <
      0.0001). The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (95% CI)
      for prediction of survival, for CRP, PCT, A-DROP, CURB-65, and PSI were 0.54
      (0.42-0.67), 0.80 (0.70-0.90), 0.88 (0.82-0.94), 0.88 (0.82-0.94), and 0.89 (0.85
      0.94), respectively. The 30-day mortality among patients who were PCT-positive
      (>=0.5 ng/mL) was significantly higher than that among PCT-negative patients (log
      rank test, P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The semi-quantitative PCT test and the A-DROP
      scale were found to be useful for predicting mortality in adult patients with
      CAP.

PMID- 22059526
TI  - Effect of surgical repair on testosterone production in infertile men with
      varicocele: a meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the effect of surgical varicocele repair in improving
      testicular Leydig cell function as shown by increased testosterone production.
      METHODS: Eligible studies were searched in Medline and the Pubmed database, and
      cross-referenced as of 31 May 2011 using the terms "varicocele,""testosterone"
      and "surgery." The database search, quality assessment and data extraction were
      independently carried out by two reviewers. Only studies including patients with
      testosterone evaluation before and after surgery were considered for the
      analysis. A systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out for continues
      variables using random effect models. RESULTS: Out of 125 studies, a total of
      nine were selected, including 814 patients. The combined analysis showed that
      mean serum testosterone levels after surgical treatment increased by 97.48 ng/dL
      (95% confidence interval 43.73-151.22, P=0.0004) compared with preoperative
      levels. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical treatment of varicocele significantly increases
      testosterone production and improves testicular Leydig cell function.

PMID- 22059527
TI  - Empirical likelihood for cumulative hazard ratio estimation with covariate
      adjustment.
AB  - In medical studies, it is often of scientific interest to evaluate the treatment
      effect via the ratio of cumulative hazards, especially when those hazards may be
      nonproportional. To deal with nonproportionality in the Cox regression model,
      investigators usually assume that the treatment effect has some functional form.
      However, to do so may create a model misspecification problem because it is
      generally difficult to justify the specific parametric form chosen for the
      treatment effect. In this article, we employ empirical likelihood (EL) to develop
      a nonparametric estimator of the cumulative hazard ratio with covariate
      adjustment under two nonproportional hazard models, one that is stratified, as
      well as a less restrictive framework involving group-specific treatment
      adjustment. The asymptotic properties of the EL ratio statistic are derived in
      each situation and the finite-sample properties of EL-based estimators are
      assessed via simulation studies. Simultaneous confidence bands for all values of
      the adjusted cumulative hazard ratio in a fixed interval of interest are also
      developed. The proposed methods are illustrated using two different datasets
      concerning the survival experience of patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma or
      ovarian cancer.

PMID- 22059528
TI  - Evidence-informed decision-making by professionals working in addiction agencies
      serving women: a descriptive qualitative study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Effective approaches to the prevention and treatment of substance
      abuse among mothers have been developed but not widely implemented.
      Implementation studies suggest that the adoption of evidence-based practices in
      the field of addictions remains low. There is a need, therefore, to better
      understand decision making processes in addiction agencies in order to develop
      more effective approaches to promote the translation of knowledge gained from
      addictions research into clinical practice. METHODS: A descriptive qualitative
      study was conducted to explore: 1) the types and sources of evidence used to
      inform practice-related decisions within Canadian addiction agencies serving
      women; 2) how decision makers at different levels report using research evidence;
      and 3) factors that influence evidence-informed decision making. A purposeful
      sample of 26 decision-makers providing addiction treatment services to women
      completed in-depth qualitative interviews. Interview data were coded and analyzed
      using directed and summative content analysis strategies as well as constant
      comparison techniques. RESULTS: Across all groups, individuals reported locating
      and using multiple types of evidence to inform decisions. Some decision-makers
      rely on their experiential knowledge of addiction and recovery in decision
      making. Research evidence is often used directly in decision-making at program
      management and senior administrative levels. Information for decision-making is
      accessed from a range of sources, including web-based resources and experts in
      the field. Individual and organizational facilitators and barriers to using
      research evidence in decision making were identified. CONCLUSIONS: There is
      support at administrative levels for integrating EIDM in addiction agencies.
      Knowledge transfer and exchange strategies should be focussed towards program
      managers and administrators and include capacity building for locating,
      appraising and using research evidence, knowledge brokering, and for partnering
      with universities. Resources are required to maintain web-based databases of
      searchable evidence to facilitate access to research evidence. A need exists to
      address the perception that there is a paucity of research evidence available to
      inform program decisions. Finally, there is a need to consider how experiential
      knowledge influences decision-making and what guidance research evidence has to
      offer regarding the implementation of different treatment approaches within the
      field of addictions.

PMID- 22059529
TI  - Analysis of two marine metagenomes reveals the diversity of plasmids in oceanic
      environments.
AB  - Plasmid diversity is still poorly understood in pelagic marine environments.
      Metagenomic approaches have the potential to reveal the genetic diversity of
      microbes actually present in an environment and the contribution of mobile
      genetic elements such as plasmids. By searching metagenomic datasets from flow
      cytometry-sorted coastal California seawater samples dominated by cyanobacteria
      (SynMeta) and from the Global Ocean Survey (GOS) putative marine plasmid
      sequences were identified as well as their possible hosts in the same samples.
      Based on conserved plasmid replication protein sequences predicted from the
      SynMeta metagenomes, PCR primers were designed for amplification of one plasmid
      family and used to confirm that metagenomic contigs of this family were derived
      from plasmids. These results suggest that the majority of plasmids in SynMeta
      metagenomes were small and cryptic, encoding mostly their own replication
      proteins. In contrast, probable plasmid sequences identified in the GOS dataset
      showed more complexity, consistent with a much more diverse microbial population,
      and included genes involved in plasmid transfer, mobilization, stability and
      partitioning. Phylogenetic trees were constructed based on common replication
      protein functional domains and, even within one replication domain family,
      substantial diversity was found within and between different samples. However,
      some replication protein domain families appear to be rare in the marine
      environment.

PMID- 22059530
TI  - In vitro evaluation of flavonoids from Eriodictyon californicum for antagonist
      activity against the bitterness receptor hTAS2R31.
AB  - The leaves of the native North American plant, Eriodictyon californicum, were
      once used to mask the bitter taste of pharmaceuticals, an application currently
      of importance. Ten flavonoids (1-10) were isolated from the leaves of E.
      californicum, of which the structure and absolute configuration of 6
      methoxyhesperetin (8) were assigned for the first time. In addition, the absolute
      configurations at C-2 were established for 4'-isobutyrylhomoeriodictyol (3) and 6
      methoxyhomoeriodictyol (7). Using a cell-based assay, it was determined that the
      7-methoxylated flavanones, sakuranetin (2) and 6-methoxysakuranetin (9), and the
      flavone, jaceosidin (10), are antagonists of hTAS2R31.

PMID- 22059531
TI  - A study of neurocognition in bulimia nervosa and eating disorder not otherwise
      specified-bulimia type.
AB  - Neurocognition in bulimia nervosa (BN) is under-researched. This study
      investigated aspects of attention (d2-Letter Cancellation Task), inhibitory
      control (Stroop and go/no-go task), and decision making (Game of Dice Task) in 40
      people with BN, 30 with eating disorder not otherwise specified-BN type (EDNOS
      BN), and 65 healthy controls (HCs). The National Adult Reading Test (NART) and
      Depression Anxiety Stress Scale (DASS-21) were also administered. Analyses of
      covariance (covariates: age, NART, and DASS-21) showed that people with BN and
      EDNOS-BN performed as well as HCs on all tasks. Attention task performance was
      poorer in the EDNOS-BN than in the BN group.

PMID- 22059532
TI  - Statins after recent stroke reduces recurrence and improves survival in an aging
      Mediterranean population without known coronary heart disease.
AB  - WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: The effect of a statin-based medical intervention on
      prevention of fatal and non-fatal stroke recurrence and the incidence of all
      causes mortality have been explored previously in aging populations within the
      scope of clinical trials research. However, such evidence needs to be explored
      under conditions of routine clinical practice. The objective of this study was to
      determine whether statin therapy in patients with a first stroke episode reduces
      the incidence of 6-year recurrent fatal or non-fatal stroke and all-cause
      mortality in an aging Mediterranean population without known coronary heart
      disease followed in routine medical practice. METHODS: A retrospective study was
      carried out using records on death, hospitalizations owing to stroke and history
      of statin therapy included in the Badalona Serveis Assistencials (BSA) database.
      The cohort studied consisted of consecutive patients covered by the BSA health
      provider plan with a first-ever acute stroke episode during January 2003 until
      December 2008, for whom there was available information covering the 6-year
      follow-up period. Recurrence rate (RR) and incidence rate (IR) of fatal/non-fatal
      stroke and all-causes mortality were computed. Association with statin therapy
      was assessed by means of calculation of relative risk (RR) and hazard ratio (HR)
      using multivariate logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards models
      controlling for confounding covariates. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: The cohort
      comprised a series of 601 consecutive patients [57% men, 75.9 (12.4) years old
      (88% >60 years)]. Of these, 32% received statins, which were associated with
      lower fatal/non-fatal recurrent stroke RR; 7% vs. 18% [adjusted RR=0.32 (CI: 0.16
      0.61), P=0.001] and lower IR; 16.78 vs. 45.22 events/year-1000 subjects [adjusted
      HR=0.35 (0.19-0.64), P=0.001]. Similarly, observed all-causes mortality was lower
      in the cohort receiving statins; 11% vs. 16% [adjusted RR=0.29 (CI: 0.08-1.12),
      P=0.072], and also mortality rate; 26.09 vs. 36.25 deaths/year-1000 subjects
      [adjusted HR=0.23 (0.08-0.67), P=0.007]. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSIONS: Statin
      therapy in patients with first-ever acute stroke lowers the risk of 6-year stroke
      recurrence and improves survival in an aging Mediterranean cohort. These results
      add additional evidence in routine clinical practice to the observed effects of
      statins in clinical trials.

PMID- 22059533
TI  - Induction of methionine-sulfoxide reductases protects neurons from amyloid beta
      protein insults in vitro and in vivo.
AB  - Self-assembly of amyloid beta-protein (Abeta) into toxic oligomers and fibrillar
      polymers is believed to cause Alzheimer's disease (AD). In the AD brain, a high
      percentage of Abeta contains Met-sulfoxide at position 35, though the role this
      modification plays in AD is not clear. Oxidation of Met(35) to sulfoxide has been
      reported to decrease the extent of Abeta assembly and neurotoxicity, whereas
      surprisingly, oxidation of Met(35) to sulfone yields a toxicity similar to that
      of unoxidized Abeta. We hypothesized that the lower toxicity of Abeta-sulfoxide
      might result not only from structural alteration of the C-terminal region but
      also from activation of methionine-sulfoxide reductase (Msr), an important
      component of the cellular antioxidant system. Supporting this hypothesis, we
      found that the low toxicity of Abeta-sulfoxide correlated with induction of Msr
      activity. In agreement with these observations, in MsrA(-/-) mice the difference
      in toxicity between native Abeta and Abeta-sulfoxide was essentially eliminated.
      Subsequently, we found that treatment with N-acetyl-Met-sulfoxide could induce
      Msr activity and protect neuronal cells from Abeta toxicity. In addition, we
      measured Msr activity in a double-transgenic mouse model of AD and found that it
      was increased significantly relative to that of nontransgenic mice. Immunization
      with a novel Met-sulfoxide-rich antigen for 6 months led to antibody production,
      decreased Msr activity, and lowered hippocampal plaque burden. The data suggest
      an important neuroprotective role for the Msr system in the AD brain, which may
      lead to development of new therapeutic approaches for AD.

PMID- 22059534
TI  - Automated assessment of the neutrophil and platelet activation status in patients
      with essential thrombocythemia.
AB  - Neutrophil and platelet activation are consistently found in essential
      thrombocythemia (ET), but the techniques employed to demonstrate such
      abnormalities are complex. To ascertain whether the ADVIA 120 analyzer can be
      employed to assess neutrophil and platelet activation status in ET, 55 such
      patients and the same number of matched healthy individuals were studied and the
      results correlated with neutrophil CD11b and platelet P-selectin expressions
      measured by flow cytometry. Compared with controls, ET patients had significantly
      higher values of neutrophil myeloperoxidase index (MPXI), mean platelet volume
      (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), and platelet component distribution
      width, and significantly lower values of neutrophil lobularity index and mean
      platelet component (MPC). Patients with the JAK2 mutation had significantly lower
      values of MPC and higher values of MPV and PDW than those with wild-type allele.
      A positive correlation was observed between MPXI and neutrophil CD11b expression
      and a negative correlation between MPC and platelet P-selectin expression. The
      intensity of the agreement between the variables obtained by the two methods was
      moderate. These results support the possible value of MPC as surrogate parameter
      of platelet activation in ET.

PMID- 22059535
TI  - A review on the use of hyaluronic acid in tympanic membrane wound healing.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Tympanic membrane perforation represents a significant morbidity,
      especially if it occurs during a child's speech and language development.
      Recently, there has been an increased interest in hyaluronic-acid-related
      research and products as a potential therapeutic option for tympanic membrane
      perforation repair. AREAS COVERED: This review describes the physical and
      chemical properties of hyaluronic acid and examines the role of hyaluronic acid
      in wound healing, in particular on the tympanic membrane. It also reviews the
      safety and efficacy of hyaluronic acid and its derivatives in animal studies as
      well as in clinical trials. Finally, it considers the potential future clinical
      applications in tympanic membrane perforation repair. EXPERT OPINION: Hyaluronic
      acid has been found to accelerate tympanic membrane perforation closure, shorten
      the period of healing, produce a better quality neo-membrane and improve hearing.
      More importantly, hyaluronic acid is biodegradable, safe and biocompatible in the
      ear. Recently, there has been a trend towards the use of modified hyaluronic
      acid. However, there is a lack of higher-level evidence to support the use of
      hyaluronic acid in tympanic membrane perforations in the clinical setting. More
      large-scale randomised control trials are warranted before these bio-devices will
      be used routinely.

PMID- 22059536
TI  - Reversible switching of a cobalt complex by thermal, pressure, and
      electrochemical stimuli: abrupt, complete, hysteretic spin crossover.
AB  - Triply switchable [Co(II)(dpzca)(2)] shows an abrupt, reversible, and hysteretic
      spin crossover (T(1/2)? = 168 K, T(1/2)? = 179 K, and DeltaT(1/2) = 11 K) between
      the high-spin (HS) and low-spin (LS) states of cobalt(II), both of which have
      been structurally characterized. The spin transition is also reversibly triggered
      by pressure changes. Moreover, in a third reversible switching mechanism for this
      complex, the magnetic properties can be switched between HS cobalt(II) and LS
      cobalt(III) by redox.

PMID- 22059537
TI  - Inhibition of Yersinia enterocolitica by Lactobacillus sake strains of meat
      origin.
AB  - The growth of Yersinia enterocolitica at 4, 8, 15 and 24 degrees C, in mixed
      cultures with Lactobacillus sake strains previously isolated from Spanish dry
      fermented sausages was investigated. Growth of Y. enterocolitica was affected by
      L. sake strains at all temperatures studied. The inhibition was higher as the
      incubation temperature increased. L. sake 148, a bacteriocinogenic strain, was
      less inhibitory to Y. enterocolitica growth than L. sake 23, a stronger lactic
      acid producer strain. The low pH and the lactic acid produced by the lactobacilli
      seem to be major factors contributing to the inhibition of Y. enterocolitica
      strains.

PMID- 22059538
TI  - Relationships between post-mortem pH changes and some traits of sensory quality
      in veal.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationships between the rate and
      extent of post-mortem pH changes and the colour, the cooking loss and the eating
      quality of veal. The experiment used 12 calves aged 18 weeks. Variations in
      ultimate pH were induced by adrenalin administration (0.1-0.4 mg/kg liveweight)
      to six of the animals. Measurements were made on the Longissimus thoracis muscle.
      pH and osmotic pressure were measured at 0.5 h, 4 h and 29 h after slaughter.
      Pigment content, drip loss and cooking loss were measured at 29 h after
      slaughter, and colour was measured at 2 days and 9 days after slaughter. Cooking
      loss, tenderness, juiciness and flavour of roasts were assessed at 9 days after
      slaughter. Correlations between colour traits and pH values were higher with
      ultimate pH than with pH at 0.5 h or 4 h after slaughter. Lightness, redness and
      reflectance decreased when the ultimate pH increased. Drip loss was correlated
      with the rate of pH fall (r = -0.80, P < 0.01 with pH at 4 h), while cooking loss
      was correlated with ultimate pH (r = -0.94, P < 0.01). Ultimate pH and the
      sensory quality traits were linearity and positively correlated (r = 0.83) for
      tenderness, 0.81 for juiciness and 0.71 for flavour, respectively).

PMID- 22059539
TI  - Absence of volatile N-nitrosamines in cooked nitrite-free cured muscle foods.
AB  - Nitrite-free cured pork systems were prepared using the preformed cooked cured
      meat pigment (CCMP) and sodium ascorbate. Absence of volatile N-nitrosamines in
      cooked nitrite-free systems was confirmed using a gas chromatography-thermal
      energy analyzer (GC-TEA) methodology. Similar results were obtained when cod, cod
      surimi or mixtures containing pork with 15 or 50% cod or cod surimi were used.
      However, counterpart samples cured with sodium nitrite (156 ppm) and sodium
      ascorbate (550 ppm) produced N-nitrosodimethylamine at 1.0 ppb levels or less.
      Results demonstrate that nitrite-free curing of meat and meat/fish systems
      containing the preformed CCMP is successful in yielding products devoid of
      volatile N-nitrosamines.

PMID- 22059540
TI  - Polymerase chain reaction assay for detection of sheep and goat meats.
AB  - Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) was applied to a qualitative differentiation
      between sheep, goat and bovine meats. Oligonucleotide primers were designed for
      the amplification of sheep satellite I DNA sequence. The PCR amplified 374 bp
      fragments from sheep and goat DNA, but no fragment from bovine, water buffalo,
      sika deer, pig, horse, rabbit and chicken DNA. Sheep DNA (10 pg) was detected by
      4% agarose gel electrophoresis following PCR amplification. Althoug cooking of
      the sample meats reduced the PCR products, sheep DNA was detected in the meat
      heated at 120 degrees C. In order to differentiate between sheep and goat meats,
      nucleotide sequences of the PCR products were determined directly by cycle
      sequencing. The sequence of PCR products showed 92% of homology between sheep and
      goat. They were differentiated by ApaI digestion of the PCR products because
      sheep had one ApaI site and goat had no site in the PCR products.

PMID- 22059541
TI  - Studies on processing and refrigerated storage of 'Rista'.
AB  - Effects of mutton fat levels, hot-boned versus cold-boned meat and manual versus
      machine mincing were studied on the quality of 'Rista'-a popular emulsion type
      ground meat product of Kashmir (India). Incorporation of lamb fat at 20% level
      was found optimum for processing Rista. Both pre-rigor and chilled (post-rigor)
      meat were utilised for product manufacture. Addition of 0.5% sodium
      tripolyphosphate improved product binding, texture and yield. All these effects
      were more pronounced in machine minced Rista samples processed from cold-boned
      lamb meat, as compared with hot-processed and hand minced product. Cooked Rista
      was stored in low density polyethylene bags (0.25 MUm thickness) at 4 +/- 1
      degrees C in satifactory condition for 4 days.

PMID- 22059542
TI  - Effects of high pressure treatment on the flavour-related components in meat.
AB  - This paper describes the effects of high-pressure treatment on the water-soluble
      components of meat responsible for the flavor of meat. The amounts of peptides
      and amino acids as estimated by phenol reagent positive materials (PPM)
      apparently increased with increasing pressure applied to the muscle up to 300
      MPa, but the differences between each treatment were not statistically
      significant. When the muscles were stored at 2 degrees C for 7 days after the
      pressurization, increases in the amount of PPM were observed both in untreated
      and pressurized muscles. Apparently the contents of serine, glutamic acid,
      glutamine, glycine and alanine gradually increased in the extracts from
      pressurized muscle as the pressure increased up to 200 MPa, and some of them,
      especially glutamine and alanine, tended to decrease in the muscle pressurized at
      300 MPa. When the muscles were stored for 7 days after the pressurization,
      apparent increases of the contents of aspartic acid, serine, proline, alanine and
      lysine were observed in the extracts both from untreated and pressurized muscles.
      However, significant differences were not observed in the contents of each amino
      acid between each treatment. The content of inosinic acid, which is considered to
      contribute to the 'umani' taste of the meat, was not reduced by the
      pressurization. High performance liquid chromatograph (HPLC) of soluble peptides
      revealed no significant changes in any fraction from the pressurized muscles up
      to 200 MPa and a significant decrease of the peptide fraction (approx. molecular
      weight 500) from the muscle pressurized at 300 and 400 MPa. When the muscles were
      stored after pressurization, significant increases in the peptide fraction of
      molecular weight 300 and the amino acid fraction, and a decrease of the peptide
      fraction of molecular weight 3000 were observed in the extracts both from the
      untreated and pressurized muscles. From the results, it is suggested that high
      pressure treatment on the post mortem muscle causes almost the same changes in
      the components responsible for the flavor of meat as those observed in
      conditioned muscle.

PMID- 22059543
TI  - The use of a high pressure waterjet combined with electroimmobilization for the
      stunning of slaughter pigs: Some aspects of meat quality.
AB  - It is considered that waterjet stunning may be a humane stunning method to apply
      in slaughter facilities. An experiment was conducted in a slaughterhouse to
      examine the effects of waterjet stunning combined with electroimmobilization
      during exsanguination on the occurrence of haemorrhages in the muscles and on
      meat quality. Slaughter pigs (n = 31) were stunned by waterjet (3900 bar) in a V
      type restrainer and immobilized electrically (40 V) during exsanguination.
      Control animals (n = 39) were stunned automatically and electrically (600 V)
      using the same restraint device. At 45 min post mortem the pH in the
      semimembranosus (SM) and longissimus dorsi (LD) muscles was significantly lower
      (p < 0.01), while rigor mortis and temperature in the SM and LD were
      significantly higher (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01, respectively) in the carcasses of
      pigs stunned with the waterjet as compared to control pigs. At 18 h post mortem
      the ultimate pH of the LD was lower (p < 0.05), while scatter (fibre optic probe)
      and filter paper test values of the LD were higher (p < 0.01) in carcasses of
      pigs stunned with the waterjet. Fewer haemorrhages were observed in the shoulders
      of pigs stunned with the waterjet. The results of this experiment suggest that
      waterjet stunning, when combined with electroimmobilization, may be a suitable
      method to stun pigs in a slaughterhouse. However, further studies are required to
      improve the meat quality.

PMID- 22059544
TI  - Modelling post-mortem tenderisation-V: Inactivation of calpains.
AB  - The calpain-activity model, which allows computation of the in-situ activities of
      calpains, was used to predict tenderisation. Tenderisation results from the net
      proteolysis which is governed by the relative activities and the intramolecular
      inactivation of calpains. The activity increases non-interactively with increase
      in pH and increase in temperature. The rate of inactivation depends interactively
      upon pH and temperature. At high temperature, inactivation is high and almost
      independent of pH. The rate of inactivation decreases with decrease in
      temperature, but below about 10 degrees C it increases at low pH. Rapid rigor
      development produces rapid activation and tenderisation but it may be short
      lived, particularly in slowly-chilled meat, producing tough meat. Rapid cooling
      causes rapid inactivation of calpains and can give rise to very tough meat.
      Therefore, the calpain-activity model predicts the toughness often observed in
      PSE meats and rapidly-chilled meats without evoking structural changes dependent
      upon water-holding capacity or the degree of overlap of actin and myosin.
      Furthermore, the model demonstrates the known interactions of ageing with these
      conditions, interactions which cannot be explained by those structural changes
      alone. Variations in post-mortem activity of calpains therefore provide a single
      concept accounting for the variations in texture arising from variations in
      animal production, chilling and ageing and their interactions.

PMID- 22059545
TI  - Objective assessment of pork quality.
AB  - Several objective methods for estimating pork quality were studied: internal
      light scattering (FOP), electrical conductivity (EC), pH, colour, water holding
      capacity (WHC), soluble proteins (SP), pigment content, intramuscular fat (i.m.
      fat), and moisture. The measurements were made on the Semimembranosus and
      Longissimus thoracis at 45 min and 24 h post mortem in some cases and on the
      Semimembranosus in others. Most of the measurements are significantly different
      between normal, PSE and DFD quality categories. There is a good correlation
      between pH values in both muscles: pH(45)SM-pH(45)LT (r=0.74) and pH(24)SM
      pH(24)LT (r=0.71). At 45 min the correlation of EC with FOP and pH was r=0.56 and
      r=0.48 respectively. Lower correlations were found in other parameters. The
      results from principal component analysis (PCA) showed that the three first
      components explained 60.3% of the total variation and the most important
      variables for the first PC were pH(45) and EC(45).

PMID- 22059546
TI  - Objective meat quality measurements of ham: A practical classification method on
      the slaughterline.
AB  - Meat quality is one of the principal problems in Spanish dry cured ham
      productuon. At the experimental level, there are well developed objective
      instrumental measurements which can be made on the slaughterline and then, by
      applying the correct statistical treatment, these measurements can be used to
      classify hams with an acceptable degree of accuracy. These treatments, however,
      are not easy to apply in the industry. In this work, 312 pork carcasses were
      tested at three industrial abbatoirs. Ham meat quality was determined by internal
      light scattering (FOP), electrical conductivity (EC) and pH measurements in
      Semimembranosus (SM) muscle at 45 min and 24 h post mortem. The results obtained
      were: 21 (6.7%) DFD; 168 (53.9%) slightly DFD; 104 (33.3%) normal; 11 (3.5%)
      slightly PSE; and 8 (2.6%) PSE. A simplified method has been developed for
      classifying hams into quality categories, by deriving a theoretical quality value
      (Q) based on a simple statistical treatment of values for FOP, EC and pH. The
      multiple linear regression coefficient of Q was R(2) = 0.85 (P<0.001) with
      respect to the experimental variables.

PMID- 22059547
TI  - The effects of antifreeze proteins on chilled and frozen meat.
AB  - The effects of cryoprotectant proteins, trivially termed 'antifreeze proteins',
      from the Antarctic Cod and the Winter Flounder were assessed in meat during
      chilling and freezing. In light-microscopy studies, bovine muscle
      (Sternomandibularis) samples were soaked in phosphate buffered saline with and
      without 0.1 mg/ml antifreeze protein. Samples were then held frozen (-20 degrees
      C) or chilled (2 degrees C) for 3 days. Samples were freeze-substituted, embedded
      in resin and sectioned. With antifreeze protein present, transverse sections of
      frozen samples had many small intracellular spaces, probably representing ice
      crystals. Frozen controls had much larger intracellular single spaces. Antifreeze
      protein had no effect on chilled samples. Similarly treated samples were examined
      by scanning electron microscopy using a cryostage attachment. Chilled ovine
      muscle samples (Peroneus longus) were soaked for various periods (0-7 days) in
      0.9% saline containing various concentrations of antifreeze proteins (0-1 mg/ml).
      Samples were then held frozen (-20 degrees C) or chilled (2 degrees C) for 5 or 7
      days. With frozen samples, antifreeze proteins reduced the size of ice crystals,
      compared to the control. This effect depended upon the concentration used and the
      period of soaking before the samples were frozen, but was independent of source.
      Antifreeze proteins had no effect on chilled samples.

PMID- 22059548
TI  - Effect of gamma radiation on total tocopherols in fresh chicken breast muscle.
AB  - Chicken breasts were irradiated in air with a (137)Cs source at 0.0., 1.0, 3.0,
      5.6 and 10.0 kGy at 0-2 degrees C. The fresh muscle tissue was saponified and the
      total tocopherols were isolated and quantitated using normal phase high
      performance liquid chromatography with a fluorescence detector. Gamma irradiation
      of the chicken resulted in a decrease in alpha tocopherol with increasing dose.
      At 3 kGy and 2 degrees C, the radiation level approved by the FDA to process
      poultry, there was a 6% reduction in the alpha tocopherol level. No significant
      changes were observed for gamma tocopherol.

PMID- 22059549
TI  - Time-related changes in nitrogen fractions and free amino acids of lean tissue of
      frech dry-cured ham.
AB  - The 80 hams of 40 pig carcasses from one slaughter batch were taken on the day
      after slaughter. The 40 left hams were dry-cured. Groups of 10 hams were taken
      for analysis at 74 days (end of rest), 81 days (end of heating), 179 days (mid
      seasoning) and 273 days (end of seasoning) after the beginning of processing. A
      slice of about 150 g was taken in the middle of the Biceps femoris and used for
      analysis of nitrogen fractions and free amino acids by HPLC. Levels of insoluble
      nitrogen compounds did not vary significantly, while levels of soluble protein
      nitrogen decreased strongly from 26 to 16% of total nitrogen, with the fastest
      decrease observed between days 179 and 273. Levels of non-protein nitrogen
      increased regularly during the processing from 12 to 23% of total nitrogen.
      Nitrogen of free amino acids ranged from 3.6% in fresh muscle to 16.6% of total
      nitrogen at day 179, then decreased to 4.4% of the total nitrogen at the end of
      the processing. The HPLC method allowed the identification of 29 compounds, among
      which 27 were amino acids and 2 were dipeptides. The average levels of free amino
      acids of non-protein origin tended to decrease before day 74, then to increase
      until day 179 and to decrease again. The levels of compounds of protein origin
      increased or tended to increase from the beginning until day 179, then decreased.

PMID- 22059552
TI  - Stereoselective synthesis of uridine-derived nucleosyl amino acids.
AB  - Novel hybrid structures of 5'-deoxyuridine and glycine were conceived and
      synthesized. Such nucleosyl amino acids (NAAs) represent simplified analogues of
      the core structure of muraymycin nucleoside antibiotics, making them useful
      synthetic building blocks for structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies. The
      key step of the developed synthetic route was the efficient and highly
      diastereoselective asymmetric hydrogenation of didehydro amino acid precursors
      toward protected NAAs. It was anticipated that the synthesis of unprotected
      muraymycin derivatives via this route would require a suitable intermediate
      protecting group at the N-3 of the uracil base. After initial attempts using PMB-
      and BOM-N-3 protection, both of which resulted in problematic deprotection steps,
      an N-3 protecting group-free route was envisaged. In spite of the pronounced
      acidity of the uracil-3-NH, this route worked equally efficient and with
      identical stereoselectivities as the initial strategies involving N-3 protection.
      The obtained NAA building blocks were employed for the synthesis of truncated 5'
      deoxymuraymycin analogues.

PMID- 22059554
TI  - A model of habitability within the Milky Way galaxy.
AB  - We present a model of the galactic habitable zone (GHZ), described in terms of
      the spatial and temporal dimensions of the Galaxy that may favor the development
      of complex life. The Milky Way galaxy was modeled using a computational approach
      by populating stars and their planetary systems on an individual basis by
      employing Monte Carlo methods. We began with well-established properties of the
      disk of the Milky Way, such as the stellar number density distribution, the
      initial mass function, the star formation history, and the metallicity gradient
      as a function of radial position and time. We varied some of these properties and
      created four models to test the sensitivity of our assumptions. To assess
      habitability on the galactic scale, we modeled supernova rates, planet formation,
      and the time required for complex life to evolve. Our study has improved on other
      literature on the GHZ by populating stars on an individual basis and modeling
      Type II supernova (SNII) and Type Ia supernova (SNIa) sterilizations by selecting
      their progenitors from within this preexisting stellar population. Furthermore,
      we considered habitability on tidally locked and non-tidally locked planets
      separately and studied habitability as a function of height above and below the
      galactic midplane. In the model that most accurately reproduces the properties of
      the Galaxy, the results indicate that an individual SNIa is ~5.6* more lethal
      than an individual SNII on average. In addition, we predict that ~1.2% of all
      stars host a planet that may have been capable of supporting complex life at some
      point in the history of the Galaxy. Of those stars with a habitable planet, ~75%
      of planets are predicted to be in a tidally locked configuration with their host
      star. The majority of these planets that may support complex life are found
      toward the inner Galaxy, distributed within, and significantly above and below,
      the galactic midplane.

PMID- 22059553
TI  - VEGF signaling mediates bladder neuroplasticity and inflammation in response to
      BCG.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This work tests the hypothesis that increased levels of vascular
      endothelial growth factor (VEGF) observed during bladder inflammation modulates
      nerve plasticity. METHODS: Chronic inflammation was induced by intravesical
      instillations of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) into the urinary bladder and the
      density of nerves expressing the transient receptor potential vanilloid subfamily
      1 (TRPV1) or pan-neuronal marker PGP9.5 was used to quantify alterations in
      peripheral nerve plasticity. Some mice were treated with B20, a VEGF neutralizing
      antibody to reduce the participation of VEGF. Additional mice were treated
      systemically with antibodies engineered to specifically block the binding of VEGF
      to NRP1 (anti-NRP1B) and NRP2 (NRP2B), or the binding of semaphorins to NRP1
      (anti-NRP1 A) to diminish activity of axon guidance molecules such as neuropilins
      (NRPs) and semaphorins (SEMAs). To confirm that VEGF is capable of inducing
      inflammation and neuronal plasticity, another group of mice was instilled with
      recombinant VEGF165 or VEGF121 into the urinary bladder. RESULTS: The major
      finding of this work was that chronic BCG instillation resulted in inflammation
      and an overwhelming increase in both PGP9.5 and TRPV1 immunoreactivity, primarily
      in the sub-urothelium of the urinary bladder. Treatment of mice with anti-VEGF
      neutralizing antibody (B20) abolished the effect of BCG on inflammation and nerve
      density.NRP1A and NRP1B antibodies, known to reduce BCG-induced inflammation,
      failed to block BCG-induced increase in nerve fibers. However, the NRP2B antibody
      dramatically potentiated the effects of BCG in increasing PGP9.5-, TRPV1-,
      substance P (SP)-, and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP)-immunoreactivity
      (IR). Finally, instillation of VEGF121 or VEGF165 into the mouse bladder
      recapitulated the effects of BCG and resulted in a significant inflammation and
      increase in nerve density. CONCLUSIONS: For the first time, evidence is being
      presented supporting that chronic BCG instillation into the mouse bladder
      promotes a significant increase in peripheral nerve density that was mimicked by
      VEGF instillation. Effects of BCG were abolished by pre-treatment with
      neutralizing VEGF antibody. The present results implicate the VEGF pathway as a
      key modulator of inflammation and nerve plasticity, introduces a new animal model
      for investigation of VEGF-induced nerve plasticity, and suggests putative
      mechanisms underlying this phenomenon.

PMID- 22059555
TI  - Human leucocyte antigen typing: techniques and technology, a critical appraisal.
AB  - Methods for the identification of Human Leukocyte Antigens (HLA) have changed
      significantly since this group of polymorphic proteins were first characterized
      by serological reagents in the 1960s and 1970s. The invention and development of
      the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) has been key in the progress of methods for
      HLA genotyping. As the complexity of HLA polymorphism has unravelled so it has
      exposed the weaknesses in techniques such as PCR - Restriction Fragment Length
      Polymorphism (RFLP) and Reference Strand Mediated Conformation Analysis (RSCA),
      which are no longer in use today. Methods which have been considered routine
      laboratory tools in recent years, such as Sequence-Specific Primer - PCR and
      Sequencing Based Typing (SBT) are now also threatened with extinction, not only
      because of the depth of HLA variation but also because of the rapid development
      of Next Generation Sequencing and technologies which will follow this. This
      review describes the merits and disadvantages of current technologies available
      to HLA Typing laboratories, future trends and the problems posed by new alleles.

PMID- 22059556
TI  - Asthma-related SNP in FCER2 is associated with increased expression of IL-4R on
      human B cells.
AB  - A SNP (rs2228137) (R62W) in FCER2 has been linked with severe exacerbations in
      asthmatics. Transfectants expressing the SNP exhibited increased IL-4Ralpha
      expression after stimulation through CD23 compared with wild-type. Our data
      suggest that the SNP may favour increased IgE production through increased
      responsiveness to IL-4 in patients possessing this genotype.

PMID- 22059557
TI  - Asthma severity, child security, and child internalizing: using story stem
      techniques to assess the meaning children give to family and disease-specific
      events.
AB  - Children with persistent asthma are at increased risk for mental health problems.
      Although mechanisms of effect are not yet known, it may be that children are less
      trusting of the family as a source of support and security when they have more
      severe asthma. This study tested whether asthma severity is related to children's
      perceptions of insecurity in the family, and whether insecurity is in turn
      associated with child adjustment. Children (N = 168; mean age = 8 years)
      completed story stems pertaining to routine family events (e.g., mealtimes) and
      ambiguous but potentially threatening asthma events such as tightness in the
      chest. Responses were evaluated for the extent to which appraisals portrayed the
      family as responding in cohesive, security-provoking ways. Asthma severity was
      assessed by both objective lung function testing and primary caregiver report.
      Caregivers reported child symptomatology. Beyond medication adherence, caregiver
      education, and child age and gender, greater asthma severity predicted more
      internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Greater asthma severity, assessed using
      spirometry (but not parent report), was related to less secure child narratives
      of the family, which in turn related to more child internalizing symptoms.
      Results suggest that asthma can take a considerable toll on children's feelings
      of security and mental health. Furthermore, given the difficulty in assessing
      young children's perceptions, this study helps demonstrate the potential of story
      stem techniques in assessing children's appraisals of illness threat and
      management in the family.

PMID- 22059558
TI  - Critical outcomes: clinical and team performance across acute illness scenarios
      in emergency departments of critical access hospitals.
AB  - In their provision of acute care services, emergency department (ED) providers in
      critical access hospitals (CAHs) are uniquely challenged by limitations in
      personnel, facility resources, and available expertise. We sought to define the
      impact of team behaviors among ED staff in CAHs on clinical performance by
      studying the relationship between team and clinical performance scores across 100
      simulated scenarios. Team and clinical performance scores were calculated for
      each scenario using standardized checklists to quantify goal achievement and
      aggregated across teams and scenario types. These scores were compared using
      bivariate analysis and correlated with clinical and team performance outcomes
      using Pearson's correlation (r coefficient). There was a positive correlation
      between team and clinical performance across all scenarios; the relationship was
      statistically significant (p<.05) in 3 scenarios: acute coronary syndrome (r=.69;
      p=.027); abdominal aortic aneurysm (r=.77; p=.009); and nonaccidental trauma
      (r=.75; p=.013). The wide correlation between clinical and team performance may
      be a function of the critical care event itself or the unique characteristics of
      CAHs that make them more vulnerable when faced with high acuity, complex, and
      infrequently encountered clinical scenarios.

PMID- 22059559
TI  - Online detection and quantification of ergot bodies in cereals using near
      infrared hyperspectral imaging.
AB  - The occurrence of ergot bodies (sclerotia of Claviceps purpurea) in cereals
      presents a high toxicity risk for animals and humans due to the alkaloid content.
      To reduce this risk, the European Commission fixed an ergot concentration limit
      of 0.1% in all feedstuffs containing unground cereals, and a limit of 0.05% in
      'intervention' cereals destined for humans. This study sought to develop a
      procedure based on near infrared hyperspectral imaging and multivariate image
      analysis to detect and quantify ergot contamination in cereals. Hyperspectral
      images were collected using an NIR hyperspectral line scan combined with a
      conveyor belt. All images consisted of lines of 320 pixels that were acquired at
      209 wavelength channels (1100-2400 nm). To test the procedure, several wheat
      samples with different levels of ergot contamination were prepared. The results
      showed a correlation higher than 0.99 between the predicted values obtained using
      chemometric tools such as partial least squares discriminant analysis or support
      vector machine and the reference values. For a wheat sample with a level of ergot
      contamination as low as 0.01 %, it was possible to identify groups of pixels
      detected as ergot to conclude that the sample was contaminated. In addition, no
      false positives were obtained with non-contaminated samples. The limit of
      detection was found to be 145 mg/kg and the limit of quantification 341 mg/kg.
      The reproducibility tests of the measurements performed over several weeks showed
      that the results were always within the limits allowed. Additional studies were
      done to optimise the parameters in terms of number of samples analysed per unit
      of time or conveyor belt speed. It was shown that ergot can be detected using a
      speed of 1-100 mm/s and that a sample of 250 g can be analysed in 1 min.

PMID- 22059560
TI  - Beach monitoring criteria: reading the fine print.
AB  - Beach monitoring programs aim to decrease swimming-related illnesses resulting
      from exposure to harmful microbes in recreational waters, while providing maximum
      beach access. Managers are advised by the U.S. EPA to estimate microbiological
      water quality based on a 5-day geometric mean of fecal indicator bacteria (FIB)
      concentrations or on a jurisdiction-specific single-sample maximum; however, most
      opt instead to apply a default single-sample maximum to ease application. We
      examined whether re-evaluation of the U.S. EPA ambient water quality criteria
      (AWQC) and the epidemiological studies on which they are based could increase
      public beach access without affecting presumed health risk. Single-sample maxima
      were calculated using historic monitoring data for 50 beaches along coastal Lake
      Michigan on various temporal and spatial groupings to assess flexibility in the
      application of the AWQC. No calculation on either scale was as low as the default
      maximum (235 CFU/100 mL) that managers typically use, indicating that current
      applications may be more conservative than the outlined AWQC. It was notable that
      beaches subject to point source FIB contamination had lower variation,
      highlighting the bias in the standards for these beaches. Until new water quality
      standards are promulgated, more site-specific application of the AWQC may benefit
      beach managers by allowing swimmers greater access to beaches. This issue will be
      an important consideration in addressing the forthcoming beach monitoring
      standards.

PMID- 22059561
TI  - Geographic variation in the structure of oak hybrid zones provides insights into
      the dynamics of speciation.
AB  - Studying geographic variation in the rate of hybridization between closely
      related species could provide a useful window on the evolution of reproductive
      isolation. Reinforcement theory predicts greater prezygotic isolation in areas of
      prolonged contact between recently diverged species than in areas of recent
      contact, which implies that old contact zones would be dominated by parental
      phenotypes with few hybrids (bimodal hybrid zones), whereas recent contact zones
      would be characterized by hybrid swarms (unimodal hybrid zones). Here, we
      investigate how the hybrid zones of two closely related Chinese oaks, Quercus
      mongolica and Q. liaotungensis, are structured geographically using both nuclear
      and chloroplast markers. We found that populations of Q. liaotungensis located
      around the Changbai Mountains in Northeast China, an inferred glacial refugium,
      were introgressed by genes from Q. mongolica, suggesting historical contact
      between the two species in this region. However, these introgressed populations
      form sharp bimodal hybrid zones with Q. mongolica. In contrast, populations of Q.
      liaotungensis located in North China, which show no sign of ancient introgression
      with Q. mongolica, form unimodal hybrid zones with Q. mongolica. These results
      are consistent with the hypothesis that selection against hybrids has had
      sufficient time to reinforce the reproductive barriers between Q. liaotungensis
      and Q. mongolica in Northeast China but not in North China.

PMID- 22059562
TI  - Microstructure of fermented sausage.
AB  - A protein matrix is necessary for the desired texture of fermented sausages
      suitable for slicing. The formation of this network is predominantly induced by
      myosin and actin proteins. A change in the structure of native muscle proteins
      results from different technological processes such as chopping, salting, and
      fermentation. During chopping with simultaneous release of meat proteins, the
      salt brings about a change in the original structure of proteins by swelling and
      partial solution of myofibrils. The dissolved proteins are transformed into a
      thin fluid colloidal transition state, the so-called 'sol-state' with unstable
      coagulation bonds. During sausage ripening, as a result of denaturation by lactic
      acid and due to gradual loss of water (drying), the unstable bonds are replaced
      by condensation bonds, and thus the sol-state is converted into the 'gel-state'.
      Both gel formation (condensation structure) and water evaporation (syneresis)
      result in the development of a matrix in fermented sausage and, consequently, in
      the texture of the sliceable product.

PMID- 22059563
TI  - Characteristics of some intermediate moisture smoked meats.
AB  - Intermediate moisture smoked beef was prepared by cook-soak/equilibration in a
      solution containing sodium chloride, sodium nitrite and potassium sorbate. Two
      further solutions contained glycerol and glycerol + 'onion' in addition to the
      above ingredients. Half the samples in each treatment group were smoked for 18 h
      (heavy smoking) and the others for 4 h (light smoking) at 50 degrees C. All
      samples developed the pink-red colour of nitrite cured meat but those treated
      with glycerol were darker, presumably due to decreased moisture contents.
      Glycerol increased the apparent moisture, fat and sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS)
      soluble protein contents and also improved the conversion of haemoproteins to the
      cooked cured form but decreased the percent soluble hydroxyproline. Smoking
      caused a marked decrease in moisture, SDS-soluble protein and soluble
      hydroxyproline contents and slightly decreased the available lysine and percent
      conversion of the haemoproteins to the cured nitrose forms. Smoking also caused
      increased darkening and hardness of the samples. Total viable aerobes, coliforms
      and fungi were below the levels of detection while TBA values were low and all
      samples possessed no detectable rancidity. Electrophoretograms of the samples
      indicated that cooking/equilibration had no significant effects on the proteins
      present but smoking led to a slight loss of some of the protein components.

PMID- 22059564
TI  - Collagen and its rational content in meat products 2: Experiments with growing
      rats.
AB  - Experiments with growing rats have been carried out to determine the specific
      changes in the biological value of finely minced meat following an increase in
      the total ratio of collagen from 6.1% to 21.2% of the total proteins. It has been
      established that within the above range the biological value and net protein
      utilization tended to drop, the difference being statistically insignificant. At
      the same time, an increase in the collagen content to 14.5% did not reduce the
      efficiency of tissue protein biosynthesis. It has been demonstrated that the
      above differences in the biological value for humans and rats are due to their
      varied requirements for protein composition. Therefore, the results obtained do
      not contradict the conclusion favouring a positive effect of a 15-20% increase in
      the total ratio of collagen on the efficiency of utilizing meat proteins for the
      human body's biosynthesis.

PMID- 22059565
TI  - A response surface investigation of the effects of sodium chloride and
      tripolyphosphate on the thermal properties of beef muscle.
AB  - A response surface investigation, utilizing a central composite rotatable design,
      measured the thermal response of beef muscle samples treated with sodium chloride
      (NaCl, 0.5-2%) and sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP, 0.2-0.6%). Low temperature
      transitions were reduced in enthalpy and transition temperature by increased salt
      concentration. Enthalpy was raised by increased TPP levels. Total enthalpy, over
      the temperature range 45-90 degrees C, demonstrated the strong stabilizing effect
      of TPP at salt levels below 1%, and the lack of effect of TPP concentrations over
      0.5% with salt levels greater than 1.25%. NaCl and TPP concentrations in excess
      of 1.5 and 0.4%, respectively, show little additional effect on thermal response.

PMID- 22059566
TI  - (31)P NMR study of post mortem changes in pig muscle.
AB  - The rate and the extent of post mortem pH changes in pig muscle largely determine
      pork quality. Fast pH fall combined with low ultimate pH leads to pale soft
      exudative (PSE) meat; high ultimate pH leads to dark firm dry (DFD) meat. Post
      mortem metabolism was studied in pig muscle using(31)P NMR. Fifteen pigs, i.e. 7
      Large White pigs and 8 Pietrain pigs, were used. Five pigs of each breed were
      slaughtered, taking care to minimize preslaughter stress. The other pigs (3 Large
      Whites and 2 Pietrains) were injected with 0.1 mg adrenaline per kg liveweight
      before slaughter, in order to increase meat ultimate pH. All the animals were
      killed by electronarcosis and exsanguination. Three of the adrenaline-treated
      pigs (1 Large White and 2 Pietrains) gave meat with ultimate pH above 6 (DFD
      meat). The pigs with normal muscle ultimate pH, i.e. 6 Large Whites and 6
      Pietrains, had very variable rates of post mortem muscle metabolism (pH at 30 min
      after slaughter: 6.17-6.85 in Large Whites; 6.04-6.23 in Pietrains). The
      relationships between pH and ATP changes were similar in all pigs showing normal
      muscle ultimate pH, whereas ATP disappeared at a high pH value (on average pH
      6.4) in pigs with high ultimate pH. The course of post mortem biochemical changes
      in a given animal could be predicted rather well by examination of a single(31)P
      NMR spectrum obtained around 30 min after death. At this time, muscle with a low
      rate of metabolism simultaneously showed medium to high pH, high ATP content (4
      6.8 MUmol/g) and rather low Pi content (6-14 MUmol/g); muscle with a fast rate of
      metabolism (PSE-prone muscle) had low pH, low to medium ATP content (1.1-4
      MUmol/g) and generally high phosphomonoester (PME) content (9-23 MUmol/g); muscle
      with high ultimate pH (DFD-prone muscle) had high pH, low PME content (4-8
      MUmol/g) and high Pi content (22-27 MUmol/g).

PMID- 22059567
TI  - Identification and evaluation of volatile compounds of vacuum and modified
      atmosphere packaged beef strip loins.
AB  - Beef strip loins were packaged and stored for up to 28 days at 3 degrees C in
      high-oxygen barrier film under vacuum and in 100% CO(2), 40% CO(2)/60% N(2) and
      20% CO(2)/80% O(2). As storage progressed, loins packaged and stored in 20%
      CO(2)/80% O(2) developed strong off-odors. 1-hexene, methyl thiirane, ethyl
      acetate, benzene and 1-heptene were detected in these packaged loins beginning at
      7 to 14 days of storage. With the exception of 1-hexene, these compounds were not
      consistently detected in loins stored in vacuum, in 100% CO(2), or in 40%
      CO(2)/60% N(2), and these packaged loins developed much less off-odor during
      storage than loins packaged and stored in 20% CO(2)/80% O(2). A large number of
      volatile compounds from the headspace of the packaged loins originated from the
      packaging material. Lactobacillus plantarum became the dominant flora on loins
      stored under vacuum and under 40% CO(2)/60% N(2) while Leuconostoc mesenteroides
      subsp. mesenteroides predominated in loins stored in 100% CO(2). Pseudomonas
      putida eventually dominated on loins stored in 20% CO(2)/80% O(2).

PMID- 22059568
TI  - Thermal denaturation of Turkey breast myosin under different conditions: Effect
      of temperature and pH, and reversibility of the denaturation.
AB  - The thermal denaturation and renaturation of turkey breast myosin (TBM) under
      different conditions of pH and temperature was evaluated by circular dichroism.
      TBM unfolds upon heating, and the degree of unfolding was dependent on the pH and
      temperature. The transition temperature (T(m)) of TBM at pH values of 6 and 12
      was found to be 40 degrees C, suggesting that TBM is more temperature sensitive
      than other myosins. Full reversibility of the thermal denaturation of TBM was
      usually present when TBM was heated for 5-30 min at 40 degrees C for 5 min at 50
      degrees C and incubated for 24 h at 4 degrees C.

PMID- 22059569
TI  - The minimum quantity of nitrite required to stain sliced and homogenised cooked
      pork.
AB  - The levels of nitrite used in curing pork are in excess of those required to
      produce an adequate cured colour, but the minimum level for pink coloration to be
      visible has not been established experimentally. This paper demonstrates the
      effect of low nitrite levels from local surface application to pork muscle,
      simulating inadvertent contamination from work surfaces. An homogenate is used
      for comparison in which the nitrite was evenly distributed throughout the
      product. The results indicate that surface contact with nitrite produces
      essentially the same pattern of colour change as in the homogenate. Visible pink
      coloration was evident from 1-2 mg kg(-1) sodium nitrite absorbed.

PMID- 22059570
TI  - Beta-endorphin and cortisol concentrations in plasma of blood samples collected
      during exsanguination of cattle.
AB  - Blood samples were collected during exsanguination from a group of 36 cattle
      slaughtered at a research abattoir and from a group of 36 cattle slaughtered at a
      commercial abattoir. Beta-endorphin and cortisol values were measured in plasma
      from all blood samples. The mean beta-endorphin values for the two groups of
      animals (19.2 and 20.9 pmol/litre) did not differ significantly. The mean
      cortisol values for the two groups of cattle did differ significantly (P <
      0.001), with the commercial abattoir group having the greater mean value (123
      nmol/litre versus 41 nmol/litre). Although the commercial abattoir group had an
      elevated mean cortisol value there were no dark cutting carcasses in the group.

PMID- 22059571
TI  - Effects of exogenous porcine somatotropin (pST) administration on pork meat
      quality.
AB  - Two experiments were conducted on Large White pigs in order to assess the effect
      of porcine somatotropin (pST) administration upon meat quality criteria. No clear
      trend was observed concerning pH1 or pH2 measurements in Longissimus dorsi (LD),
      Adductor femoris (AF) and Semi spinalis (SS) muscles or drip loss in LD. Cooking
      loss in LD was not affected by pST treatment. Intramuscular lipid content was
      decreased by pST in LD and AF. Only non-polar lipids were affected by pST,
      whereas polar lipid content was similar in control and pST treated pigs.
      Percentage polyunsaturated fatty acids was significantly increased by pST in
      backfat and LD lipids, whereas no clear trend was observed concerning fatty acid
      composition of AF lipids.

PMID- 22059572
TI  - Influence of dietary fat and alpha-tocopherol supplementation on lipid oxidation
      in pork.
AB  - Sixty-four pigs, approximately 3 weeks old, were fed diets containing 3% beef
      tallow or 3% soya oil with either a basal (10-50 mg/kg diet) or supplemented (200
      mg/kg diet) level of alpha-tocopheral acetate. In pigs fed the soya oil diet the
      neutral and polar lipid fractions of muscle tissue and the total lipid fraction
      of adipose tissue had significantly (P < 0.05) higher C18:2/C18:1 ratios when
      compared to pigs fed the tallow diet. Muscle from pigs fed the soya oil diet was
      significantly more susceptible (P < 0.05) to lipid oxidation than muscle from
      pigs fed the tallow diet. In pigs receiving the alpha-tocopherol supplemented
      diet, alpha-tocopherol levels were approximately 3.3, 2.8 and 2-times higher in
      plasma, muscle and adipose tissue, respectively, when compared to pigs fed the
      basal level of alpha-tocopherol acetate. alpha-Tocopherol supplementation
      significantly increased (P < 0.05) the oxidative stability of muscle from pigs
      fed both the tallow and soya oil diets.

PMID- 22059573
TI  - How far and how fast can genomics take us towards precision breeding?

PMID- 22059574
TI  - Using the genomic relationship matrix to predict the accuracy of genomic
      selection.
AB  - Estimated breeding values (EBVs) using data from genetic markers can be predicted
      using a genomic relationship matrix, derived from animal's genotypes, and best
      linear unbiased prediction. However, if the accuracy of the EBVs is calculated in
      the usual manner (from the inverse element of the coefficient matrix), it is
      likely to be overestimated owing to sampling errors in elements of the genomic
      relationship matrix. We show here that the correct accuracy can be obtained by
      regressing the relationship matrix towards the pedigree relationship matrix so
      that it is an unbiased estimate of the relationships at the QTL controlling the
      trait. This method shows how the accuracy increases as the number of markers used
      increases because the regression coefficient (of genomic relationship towards
      pedigree relationship) increases. We also present a deterministic method for
      predicting the accuracy of such genomic EBVs before data on individual animals
      are collected. This method estimates the proportion of genetic variance explained
      by the markers, which is equal to the regression coefficient described above, and
      the accuracy with which marker effects are estimated. The latter depends on the
      variance in relationship between pairs of animals, which equals the mean linkage
      disequilibrium over all pairs of loci. The theory was validated using simulated
      data and data on fat concentration in the milk of Holstein cattle.

PMID- 22059575
TI  - Efficient computation of the genomic relationship matrix and other matrices used
      in single-step evaluation.
AB  - Genomic evaluations can be calculated using a unified procedure that combines
      phenotypic, pedigree and genomic information. Implementation of such a procedure
      requires the inverse of the relationship matrix based on pedigree and genomic
      relationships. The objective of this study was to investigate efficient computing
      options to create relationship matrices based on genomic markers and pedigree
      information as well as their inverses. SNP maker information was simulated for a
      panel of 40 K SNPs, with the number of genotyped animals up to 30 000. Matrix
      multiplication in the computation of the genomic relationship was by a simple
      'do' loop, by two optimized versions of the loop, and by a specific matrix
      multiplication subroutine. Inversion was by a generalized inverse algorithm and
      by a LAPACK subroutine. With the most efficient choices and parallel processing,
      creation of matrices for 30 000 animals would take a few hours. Matrices required
      to implement a unified approach can be computed efficiently. Optimizations can be
      either by modifications of existing code or by the use of efficient automatic
      optimizations provided by open source or third-party libraries.

PMID- 22059576
TI  - The unified approach to the use of genomic and pedigree information in genomic
      evaluations revisited.
AB  - Previous proposals for a unified approach for amalgamating information from
      animals with or without genotypes have combined the numerator relationship matrix
      A with the genomic relationship G estimated from the markers. These approaches
      have resulted in biased genomic EBV (GEBV), and methodology was developed to
      overcome these problems. Firstly, a relationship matrix, G(FG) , based on linkage
      analysis was derived using the same base population as A, which (i) utilizes the
      genomic information on the same scale as the pedigree information and (ii)
      permits the regression coefficients used to propagate the genomic data from the
      genotyped to ungenotyped individuals to be calculated in the light of the genomic
      information, rather than ignoring it. Secondly, the elements of G were regressed
      back towards their expected values in the A matrix to allow for their estimation
      errors. These developments were combined in a methodology LDLAb and tested on
      simulated populations where either parents were phenotyped and offspring
      genotyped or vice versa. The LDLAb method was demonstrated to be a unified
      approach that maximized accuracy of GEBV compared to previous methodologies and
      removed the bias in the GEBV. Although LDLAb is computationally much more
      demanding than MLAC, it demonstrates how to make best use the marker information
      and also shows the computational problems that need to be solved in the future to
      make best use of the marker data.

PMID- 22059577
TI  - The impact of the rank of marker variance-covariance matrix in principal
      component evaluation for genomic selection applications.
AB  - In genomic selection (GS) programmes, direct genomic values (DGV) are evaluated
      using information provided by high-density SNP chip. Being DGV accuracy strictly
      dependent on SNP density, it is likely that an increase in the number of markers
      per chip will result in severe computational consequences. Aim of present work
      was to test the effectiveness of principal component analysis (PCA) carried out
      by chromosome in reducing the marker dimensionality for GS purposes. A simulated
      data set of 5700 individuals with an equal number of SNP distributed over six
      chromosomes was used. PCs were extracted both genome-wide (ALL) and separately by
      chromosome (CHR) and used to predict DGVs. In the ALL scenario, the SNP variance
      covariance matrix (S) was singular, positive semi-definite and contained null
      information which introduces 'spuriousness' in the derived results. On the
      contrary, the S matrix for each chromosome (CHR scenario) had a full rank.
      Obtained DGV accuracies were always better for CHR than ALL. Moreover, in the
      latter scenario, DGV accuracies became soon unsettled as the number of animals
      decreases, whereas in CHR, they remain stable till 900-1000 individuals. In real
      applications where a 54k SNP chip is used, the largest number of markers per
      chromosome is approximately 2500. Thus, a number of around 3000 genotyped animals
      could lead to reliable results when the original SNP variables are replaced by a
      reduced number of PCs.

PMID- 22059578
TI  - Use of haplotypes to estimate Mendelian sampling effects and selection limits.
AB  - Limits to selection and Mendelian sampling (MS) terms can be calculated using
      haplotypes by summing the individual additive effects on each chromosome.
      Haplotypes were imputed for 43 382 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in 1455
      Brown Swiss, 40 351 Holstein and 4064 Jersey bulls and cows using the Fortran
      program findhap.f90, which combines population and pedigree haplotyping methods.
      Lower and upper bounds of MS variance were calculated for daughter pregnancy rate
      (a measure of fertility), milk yield, lifetime net merit (a measure of
      profitability) and protein yield assuming either no or complete linkage among SNP
      on the same chromosome. Calculated selection limits were greater than the largest
      direct genomic values observed in all breeds studied. The best chromosomal
      genotypes generally consisted of two copies of the same haplotype even after
      adjustment for inbreeding. Selection of animals rather than chromosomes may
      result in slower progress, but limits may be the same because most chromosomes
      will become homozygous with either strategy. Selection on functions of MS could
      be used to change variances in later generations.

PMID- 22059579
TI  - Using genome-wide information to minimize the loss of diversity in conservation
      programmes.
AB  - We study here the effect of using genome-wide marker data versus genealogical
      data in population management for the maintenance of diversity in conservation
      schemes using optimal contributions. We re-examine the benefits of using
      molecular data for different population and genome sizes and compare different
      management strategies according to the group of individuals where we take
      decisions (parents or offspring). We also study the consequences of using
      estimated genealogical coancestries calculated from molecular information. Using
      genome-wide marker data performed usually better than using genealogical data or
      estimated genealogical coancestry to maintain expected and observed
      heterozygosity. Furthermore, when we could take decisions acting on the
      offspring, a larger heterozygosity was maintained than when we based our
      decisions on the potential parents.

PMID- 22059580
TI  - Maximization of total genetic variance in breed conservation programmes.
AB  - The preservation of the maximum genetic diversity in a population is one of the
      main objectives within a breed conservation programme. We applied the maximum
      variance total (MVT) method to a unique population in order to maximize the total
      genetic variance. The function maximization was performed by the annealing
      algorithm. We have selected the parents and the mating scheme at the same time
      simply maximizing the total genetic variance (a mate selection problem). The
      scenario was compared with a scenario of full-sib lines, a MVT scenario with a
      rate of inbreeding restriction, and with a minimum coancestry selection scenario.
      The MVT method produces sublines in a population attaining a similar scheme as
      the full-sib sublining that agrees with other authors that the maximum genetic
      diversity in a population (the lowest overall coancestry) is attained in the long
      term by subdividing it in as many isolated groups as possible. The application of
      a restriction on the rate of inbreeding jointly with the MVT method avoids the
      consequences of inbreeding depression and maintains the effective size at an
      acceptable minimum. The scenario of minimum coancestry selection gave higher
      effective size values, but a lower total genetic variance. A maximization of the
      total genetic variance ensures more genetic variation for extreme traits, which
      could be useful in case the population needs to adapt to a new
      environment/production system.

PMID- 22059581
TI  - Consequences for diversity when prioritizing animals for conservation with
      pedigree or genomic information.
AB  - Up to now, prioritization of animals for conservation has been mainly based on
      pedigree information; however, genomic information may improve prioritization. In
      this study, we used two Holstein populations to investigate the consequences for
      genetic diversity when animals are prioritized with optimal contributions based
      on pedigree or genomic data and whether consequences are different at the
      chromosomal level. Selection with genomic kinships resulted in a higher conserved
      diversity, but differences were small. Largest differences were found when few
      animals were prioritized and when pedigree errors were present. We found more
      differences at the chromosomal level, where selection based on genomic kinships
      resulted in a higher conserved diversity for most chromosomes, but for some
      chromosomes, pedigree-based selection resulted in a higher conserved diversity.
      To optimize conservation strategies, genomic information can help to improve the
      selection of animals for conservation in those situations where pedigree
      information is unreliable or absent or when we want to conserve diversity at
      specific genome regions.

PMID- 22059582
TI  - Use of a microsatellite-based pedigree in estimation of heritabilities for
      economic traits in Australian blue mussel, Mytilus galloprovincialis.
AB  - This study aimed to estimate the heritabilities of three economically important
      traits (total weight, shell shape and meat yield) in Australian blue mussels. The
      estimates were derived using a pedigree reconstructed from a suite of both
      published and newly developed microsatellite markers. A total of 135
      microsatellite loci were tested, of which 10 loci produced consistent PCR
      amplification and reliable results across all samples (74 full-sibling families
      including 74 pairs of parents and 2536 offspring). Lack of polymorphism at the
      non-repetitive region of the adhesive protein gene confirmed that the broodstock
      were derived from a single species. A total of 1538 progenies (62.5%) could be
      assigned to single parent pairs, and the remainder were assigned to two families
      or more, so were discarded from further analysis. Heritabilities for total
      weight, shell shape and meat yield were low (0.051 +/- 0.027, 0.085 +/- 0.038 and
      0.049 +/- 0.028, respectively) but reflected large environmental variation rather
      than limited genetic variation, suggesting a family-based breeding programme
      could improve these traits. The genetic correlation between weight and meat
      yield, expressed as percentage of total mussel which was not shell, was negative,
      while the genetic correlation between meat yield and shell shape was weakly
      positive.

PMID- 22059583
TI  - Y chromosome genetic diversity in the Lidia bovine breed: a highly fragmented
      population.
AB  - To assess the paternal gene pool in the Lidia bovine breed (or fighting bull), a
      total of 603 animals belonging to 81 herds classified in 33 lineages were
      genotyped for six Y chromosome microsatellites, one single nucleotide
      polymorphism and one indel. A total of 10 haplotypes were determined with a high
      level of frequency variation between them, ranging from 0.2 to 74%. All the
      haplotypes identified belong to two previously defined major haplogroups (Y1 and
      Y2). Two major paternal influences were identified, corresponding to the two most
      common haplotypes (H1Y1 and H3Y2) with frequencies of 74 and 18%, respectively.
      The detection of the INRA189-104 allele evidenced an African influence in the
      Lidia bovine breed. Low levels of haplotype diversity have been achieved and only
      eight lineages showed more than one haplotype. Analysis of molecular variance
      showed a high level of interlineage variance (F(ST) = 86%). Network results
      evidenced two main clusters made for those haplotypes belonging to Y1 and Y2
      haplogroups, respectively. The findings support a high level of genetic structure
      together with a low level of genetic diversity in the Lidia bovine breed.

PMID- 22059585
TI  - Ionic liquid-supported aldehyde: a highly efficient scavenger for primary amines.
AB  - Novel aldehyde-functionalized ionic liquids have been synthesized and used as
      scavengers for primary amines in the synthesis of secondary amines. The yields of
      secondary amines are high (82-90%) with high purity. The advantages of the
      protocol over that with a polymer-supported aldehyde scavenger are the shorter
      reaction time, the homogeneous reaction medium, the high level of loading of the
      aldehyde group, easy monitoring of reaction, and characterization of
      intermediates.

PMID- 22059586
TI  - Letter to the editor of biometrics on "joint regression analysis for discrete
      longitudinal data" by Madsen and Fang.

PMID- 22059587
TI  - Implications of sampling design and sample size for national carbon accounting
      systems.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Countries willing to adopt a REDD regime need to establish a national
      Measurement, Reporting and Verification (MRV) system that provides information on
      forest carbon stocks and carbon stock changes. Due to the extensive areas covered
      by forests the information is generally obtained by sample based surveys. Most
      operational sampling approaches utilize a combination of earth-observation data
      and in-situ field assessments as data sources. RESULTS: We compared the cost
      efficiency of four different sampling design alternatives (simple random
      sampling, regression estimators, stratified sampling, 2-phase sampling with
      regression estimators) that have been proposed in the scope of REDD. Three of the
      design alternatives provide for a combination of in-situ and earth-observation
      data. Under different settings of remote sensing coverage, cost per field plot,
      cost of remote sensing imagery, correlation between attributes quantified in
      remote sensing and field data, as well as population variability and the percent
      standard error over total survey cost was calculated. The cost-efficiency of
      forest carbon stock assessments is driven by the sampling design chosen. Our
      results indicate that the cost of remote sensing imagery is decisive for the cost
      efficiency of a sampling design. The variability of the sample population impairs
      cost-efficiency, but does not reverse the pattern of cost-efficiency of the
      individual design alternatives. CONCLUSIONS, BRIEF SUMMARY AND POTENTIAL
      IMPLICATIONS: Our results clearly indicate that it is important to consider cost
      efficiency in the development of forest carbon stock assessments and the
      selection of remote sensing techniques. The development of MRV-systems for REDD
      need to be based on a sound optimization process that compares different data
      sources and sampling designs with respect to their cost-efficiency. This helps to
      reduce the uncertainties related with the quantification of carbon stocks and to
      increase the financial benefits from adopting a REDD regime.

PMID- 22059588
TI  - Lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis without the lipids: recognition promiscuity of
      Escherichia coli heptosyltransferase I.
AB  - Heptosyltransferase I (HepI) is responsible for the transfer of l-glycero-d-manno
      heptose to a 3-deoxy-alpha-D-oct-2-ulopyranosonic acid (Kdo) of the growing core
      region of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The catalytic efficiency of HepI with the
      fully deacylated analogue of Escherichia coli HepI LipidA is 12-fold greater than
      with the fully acylated substrate, with a k(cat)/K(m) of 2.7 * 10(6) M(-1) s(-1),
      compared to a value of 2.2 * 10(5) M(-1) s(-1) for the Kdo(2)-LipidA substrate.
      Not only is this is the first demonstration that an LPS biosynthetic enzyme is
      catalytically enhanced by the absence of lipids, this result has significant
      implications for downstream enzymes that are now thought to utilize deacylated
      substrates.

PMID- 22059589
TI  - Responses in digestion, rumen fermentation and microbial populations to
      inhibition of methane formation by a halogenated methane analogue.
AB  - The effects of the anti-methanogenic compound, bromochloromethane (BCM), on rumen
      microbial fermentation and ecology were examined in vivo. Japanese goats were fed
      a diet of 50 % Timothy grass and 50 % concentrate and then sequentially adapted
      to low, mid and high doses of BCM. The goats were placed into the respiration
      chambers for analysis of rumen microbial function and methane and H2 production.
      The levels of methane production were reduced by 5, 71 and 91 %, and H2
      production was estimated at 545, 2941 and 3496 mmol/head per d, in response to
      low, mid and high doses of BCM, respectively, with no effect on maintenance feed
      intake and digestibility. Real-time PCR quantification of microbial groups showed
      a significant decrease relative to controls in abundance of methanogens and rumen
      fungi, whereas there were increases in Prevotella spp. and Fibrobacter
      succinogenes, a decrease in Ruminococcus albus and R. flavefaciens was unchanged.
      The numbers of protozoa were also unaffected. Denaturing gradient gel
      electrophoresis and quantitative PCR analysis revealed that several Prevotella
      spp. were the bacteria that increased most in response to BCM treatment. It is
      concluded that the methane-inhibited rumen adapts to high hydrogen levels by
      shifting fermentation to propionate via Prevotella spp., but the majority of
      metabolic hydrogen is expelled as H2 gas.

PMID- 22059594
TI  - Compensation scheme for complementary and alternative medicine use in asbestos
      related diseases in New South Wales, Australia.
AB  - WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: Asbestos use has resulted in a high global incidence
      rate of asbestos-related diseases (ARDs). These diseases require high costs of
      compensation and medical expense, although definite cures have yet to be found.
      Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has been used as a means to
      attenuate symptoms of ARDs. Our objective is to describe the compensation scheme
      for CAM use for a population with ARDs in New South Wales (NSW), Australia.
      COMMENT: Expenses of CAM have conditionally been compensated by the workers
      compensation dust-diseases board (DDB) to a population with ARDs. The DDB
      approves patients' claim for the use of CAM if it is justifiable and related to
      compensable ARDs. To obtain the DDB's approval for the CAM cost, a written
      recommendation letter by the treating medical doctors is required that justifies
      the use of CAM and that this option does not pose any adverse effects on the
      compensated patients. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION: The use of CAM in a subject
      with ARDs does not have significant benefits of overall survival but does
      somewhat improve quality of life. However, awareness of the provisions of the
      compensation scheme for CAM use in a population with ARDs should be carefully
      informed and also emphasized any side effects on progress of ARDs.

PMID- 22059595
TI  - Influence of cell surface structures on crenarchaeal biofilm formation using a
      thermostable green fluorescent protein.
AB  - The thermoacidophilic crenarchaeote Sulfolobus acidocaldarius displays three
      distinct type IV pili-like structures on its surface: (i) the flagellum, (ii) the
      UV-induced pili and (iii) the adhesive pili. In bacteria, surface appendages play
      an important role in the spatial organization of cells from initial surface
      attachment to the development of mature community structures. To investigate the
      influence of the diverse set of type IV pili-like structures in S.
      acidocaldarius, single, double and triple mutants lacking the cell surface
      appendages were constructed and analysed for their behaviour in attachment assays
      and during biofilm formation. A heat stable green fluorescent protein was
      employed the first time in a hyperthermophilic archaeon. A codon adjusted eCGP123
      was expressed to study mixed biofilms of different deletion mutants to understand
      the interplay of the surface structures during biofilm formation. During this
      process the deletion of the adhesive pili and UV-induced pili led to the most
      pronounced effects, either an increase in cell density or increased cluster
      formation respectively. However, all three cell surface appendages played a role
      in the colonization of surfaces and only the interplay of all three appendages
      leads to the observed wild-type biofilm phenotype.

PMID- 22059596
TI  - Arabidopsis lonely guy (LOG) multiple mutants reveal a central role of the LOG
      dependent pathway in cytokinin activation.
AB  - Cytokinins are phytohormones that play key roles in the maintenance of stem cell
      activity in plants. Although alternative single-step and two-step activation
      pathways for cytokinin have been proposed, the significance of the single-step
      pathway which is catalyzed by LONELY GUY (LOG), is not fully understood. We
      analyzed the metabolic flow of cytokinin activation in Arabidopsis log multiple
      mutants using stable isotope-labeled tracers and characterized the mutants'
      morphological and developmental phenotypes. In tracer experiments, cytokinin
      activation was inhibited most pronouncedly by log7, while the other log mutations
      had cumulative effects. Although sextuple or lower-order mutants did not show
      drastic phenotypes in vegetative growth, the log1log2log3log4log5log7log8
      septuple T-DNA insertion mutant in which the LOG-dependent pathway is impaired,
      displayed severe retardation of shoot and root growth with defects in the
      maintenance of the apical meristems. Detailed observation of the mutants showed
      that LOG7 was required for the maintenance of shoot apical meristem size. LOG7
      was also suggested to play a role for normal primary root growth together with
      LOG3 and LOG4. These results suggest a dominant role of the single-step
      activation pathway mediated by LOGs for cytokinin production, and overlapping but
      differentiated functions of the members of the LOG gene family in growth and
      development.

PMID- 22059597
TI  - sigma/sigma- And pi/pi-interactions are equally important: multilayered
      graphanes.
AB  - The properties of single-sheet [n]graphanes, their double-layered forms
      (diamondoids), and their van der Waals (vdW) complexes (multilayered
      [n]graphanes) were studied for n = 10-97 at the dispersion-corrected density
      functional theory (DFT) level utilizing B97D with a 6-31G(d,p) basis set; for
      comparison, we also computed a series of structures at M06-2X/6-31G(d,p) as well
      as B3LYP-D3/6-31G(d,p) and evaluated SCS-MP2/cc-pVDZ single-point energies. The
      association energies for the vdW complexes reach 120 kcal mol(-1) already at 2 nm
      particle size ([97]graphane dimer), and graphanes adopt layered structures
      similar to that of graphenes. The association energies of multilayered graphanes
      per carbon atom are rather similar and independent of the number of layers (ca.
      1.2 kcal mol(-1)). Graphanes show quantum confinement effects as the HOMO-LUMO
      gaps decrease from 8.2 eV for [10]graphane to 5.7 eV for [97]graphane,
      asymptotically approaching 5.4 eV previously obtained for bulk graphane. Similar
      trends were found for layered graphanes, where the differences in the electronic
      properties of double-sheet CH/sigma vdW and double-layered CC/sigma diamondoids
      vanish at particles sizes of 1 nm. For comparison, we studied the parent CC/pi
      systems, i.e., the single- and double-sheet [n]graphenes (n = 10-130) for which
      the association energies demonstrate the same trends as in the case of
      [n]graphanes; in both cases the band gaps decrease with an increase in system
      size. The [112]graphene dimer (HOMO-LUMO gap = 0.5 eV) already approaches the 2D
      metallic properties of graphite.

PMID- 22059598
TI  - Mental distress, alcohol use and help-seeking among medical and business
      students: a cross-sectional comparative study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Stress and distress among medical students are thoroughly studied and
      presumed to be particularly high, but comparative studies including other student
      groups are rare. METHODS: A web-based survey was distributed to 500 medical
      students and 500 business students. We compared levels of study stress (HESI),
      burnout (OLBI), alcohol habits (AUDIT) and depression (MDI), and analysed their
      relationship with self-assessed mental health problems by logistic regression,
      with respect to gender. RESULTS: Medical students' response rate was 81.6% and
      that of business students 69.4%. Business students scored higher on several study
      stress factors and on disengagement. Depression (OR 0.61, CI95 0.37;0.98) and
      harmful alcohol use (OR 0.55, CI95 0.37; 0.75) were both less common among
      medical students. However, harmful alcohol use was highly prevalent among male
      students in both groups (medical students 28.0%, business students 35.4%), and
      among female business students (25.0%). Mental health problems in need of
      treatment were equally common in both groups; 22.1% and 19.3%, respectively, and
      was associated with female sex (OR 2.01, CI95 1.32;3.04), exhaustion (OR 2.56,
      CI95 1.60;4.10), lower commitment to studies (OR 1.95, CI95 1.09;3.51) and
      financial concerns (OR 1.81 CI95 1.18;2.80) CONCLUSIONS: Medical students may not
      be more stressed than other high achieving student populations. The more cohesive
      structure of medical school and a higher awareness of a healthy lifestyle may be
      beneficial factors.

PMID- 22059599
TI  - Effect of dietary nitrogen content on the urine metabolite profile of dairy cows
      assessed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics.
AB  - NMR-based metabolomics was applied on urine samples from 32 cows that were fed
      four levels of crude protein (124, 135, 151, and 166 g/kg DM, respectively) in a
      crossover design with the aim of identifying urinary metabolites related to
      nitrogen intake and nitrogen efficiency. Principal component analysis (PCA) on
      selected regions of the obtained (1)H NMR spectra revealed an effect of crude
      protein intake on NMR signals in the 0.5-3.0 and 5.0-10.0 ppm regions. Partial
      least-squares (PLS) regressions confirmed a correlation between the NMR
      metabolite profile and both nitrogen intake and efficiency. The NMR signals that
      correlated with nitrogen intake and efficiency included urea, hippurate,
      phenylacetylglutamine, and p-cresol sulfate, which all contributed to the
      prediction of nitrogen intake and efficiency. Thus, it was not possible to
      identify a single metabolite that could be used as a marker to predict nitrogen
      efficiency, and it can be concluded that a wide-ranging urinary metabolite
      profile is needed to evaluate nitrogen efficiency in ruminants.

PMID- 22059600
TI  - One-legged endurance training: leg blood flow and oxygen extraction during
      cycling exercise.
AB  - AIM: As a consequence of enhanced local vascular conductance, perfusion of
      muscles increases with exercise intensity to suffice the oxygen demand. However,
      when maximal oxygen uptake (VO(2)max) and cardiac output are approached, the
      increase in conductance is blunted. Endurance training increases muscle metabolic
      capacity, but to what extent that affects the regulation of muscle vascular
      conductance during exercise is unknown. METHODS: Seven weeks of one-legged
      endurance training was carried out by twelve subjects. Pulmonary VO(2) during
      cycling and one-legged cycling was tested before and after training, while VO(2)
      of the trained leg (TL) and control leg (CL) during cycling was determined after
      training. RESULTS: VO(2) max for cycling was unaffected by training, although one
      legged VO(2) max became 6.7 (2.3)% (mean +/- SE) larger with TL than with CL.
      Also TL citrate synthase activity was higher [30 (12)%; P < 0.05]. With the two
      legs working at precisely the same power during cycling at high intensity (n =
      8), leg oxygen uptake was 21 (8)% larger for TL than for CL (P < 0.05) with
      oxygen extraction being 3.5 (1.1)% higher (P < 0.05) and leg blood flow tended to
      be higher by 16.0 (7.0)% (P = 0.06). CONCLUSION: That enhanced VO(2) max for the
      trained leg had no implication for cycling VO(2) max supports that there is a
      central limitation to VO(2) max during whole-body exercise. However, the
      metabolic balance between the legs was changed during high-intensity exercise as
      oxygen delivery and oxygen extraction were higher in the trained leg, suggesting
      that endurance training ameliorates blunting of leg blood flow and oxygen uptake
      during whole-body exercise.

PMID- 22059601
TI  - Spin-state dependent radical stabilization in nitrenes: the unusually small
      singlet-triplet splitting in 2-furanylnitrene.
AB  - Geometries and energies of the triplet and singlet states of 2-furanylnitrene and
      3-furanylnitrene have been calculated by using spin-flip coupled-cluster methods.
      Calculations with triple-zeta basis sets predict a singlet-triplet splitting of
      10.9 kcal/mol for 2-furanylnitrene, 4.5 kcal/mol smaller than that in
      phenylnitrene. In contrast, the singlet-triplet splitting in 3-furanylnitrene is
      computed to be 1.9 kcal/mol larger than that in phenylnitrene. The differences in
      the singlet-triplet splittings for the furanylnitrenes are attributed to the
      differences in the radical stabilizing abilities of the 2-furanyl- and 3-furanyl
      groups compared to a phenyl ring. Comparison of the singlet-triplet splittings of
      more than 20 substituted aromatic nitrenes and the radical stabilizing ability of
      the aromatic systems reveals a high degree of correlation between the singlet
      triplet splitting and the radical stabilizing ability, indicating that singlet
      states of aromatic nitrenes are preferentially stabilized by radical stabilizing
      substituents. The preferential stabilization of the singlet states is attributed
      to the decrease in electron pair repulsion resulting from increased
      delocalization of the radical electron.

PMID- 22059603
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 22059602
TI  - Targeting cognitive deficits in schizophrenia: a review of the development of a
      new class of medicines from the perspective of community mental health
      researchers.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Schizophrenia is a chronic disorder associated with positive and
      negative symptoms and wide-ranging deficits in neurocognitive function.
      Neurocognitive deficits are considered to be the core pathophysiological symptoms
      of the illness. Neurocognitive deficits are also closely associated with
      functional outcome. At present, cognitive deficits remain one of the most
      important unmet therapeutic needs in schizophrenia. AREAS COVERED:
      Neuroscientific discoveries over the past decades have enriched our understanding
      of the neurobiological mechanism underlying cognitive deficits in schizophrenia.
      This research has identified new molecular mechanisms and processes as promising
      pharmacological targets. However, in spite of extensive efforts to develop a new
      class of cognitive-enhancing medicines for the treatment of schizophrenia over
      the past 5 years, no novel pharmacological agents have received the regulatory
      approvals required by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy and safety
      outcomes from selective Phase II clinical trials are reviewed. EXPERT OPINION:
      The evolving concept of neurocognition and the current guidelines for the design
      and methodology of clinical trials of cognitive-enhancing drugs for the treatment
      of individuals with schizophrenia are critically examined. The future directions
      in the development of cognitive-enhancing medicines for the treatment of
      schizophrenia from the perspective of clinicians and researchers from community
      mental health settings are discussed.

PMID- 22059604
TI  - Effect of dietary vitamin E on pigment and lipid stability of frozen beef: A
      kinetic analysis.
AB  - The effect of vitamin E supplementation on pigment and lipid stability was
      evaluated with beef wrapped in high or low oxygen permeability films and stored
      in the dark or under constant illumination at -20 degrees C. Dietary vitamin E
      supplementation improved pigment and lipid stability in both cases. Illumination
      increased metmyoglobin accumulation but did not affect lipid oxidation rate in
      both control and supplemented beef. A predisplay dark storage period of 30 days
      delayed metmyoglobin accumulation during subsequent display. Kinetic analysis
      showed that vitamin E supplementation stabilized the oxymyoglobin complex by
      enhancing the deoxymyoglobin oxygenation rate and by decreasing oxymyoglobin
      autoxidation rate.

PMID- 22059605
TI  - Inhibition of Listeria monocytogenes by Lactobacillus sake strains of meat
      origin.
AB  - The ability of two Lactobacillus sake strains of meat origin to inhibit the
      growth of Listeria monocytogenes at 4, 8, 15, 24 and 32 degrees C in a
      conventional liquid media was investigated. Growth of L. monocytogenes was
      affected by Lac. sake strains at all temperatures. The inhibition was higher at
      15, 24 and 32 degrees C than at refrigeration temperatures. The inhibitory
      activity of both lactobacilli was similar perhaps due to the fact that Lac. sake
      148 produces a bacteriocin inhibitory to L. monocytogenes, while Lac. sake 23 is
      a strong lactic acid producer. The antagonism exhibited by the lactobacilli on
      the L. monocytogenes strains seems to display a bacteriostatic rather than a
      bacteriocidal effect.

PMID- 22059606
TI  - Incorporation of sardine surimi in Bologna sausage containing different fat
      levels.
AB  - The object of this research was to assess the effects produced on binding
      properties, texture and microstructure by the incorporation of varying
      proportions of sardine surimi (0%, 6.5%, 13% and 20%) as an ingredient in Bologna
      sausage containing various levels of fat (4.8%, 10.6% and 20.8%). When the fat
      level is reduced, there is a significant decline both the in binding properties
      and in the shear force and penetration force of the products. These phenomena are
      consistent with the formation of microstructures presenting a less dense matrix.
      The incorporation of surimi produces scarcely any alteration in the fat and water
      binding properties and the rheological characteristics of meat products.

PMID- 22059607
TI  - Aroma components from dried sausages fermented with Staphylococcus xylosus.
AB  - Sausages with and without Staphylococcus xylosus were manufactured with four
      replicates. Antibiotics and a fungicide to inhibit growth of naturally occuring
      microorganisms were added to the control sausages. The volatile compounds from
      the sausages were collected and identified by gas chromatography/mass
      spectrometry, the effluent evaluated by sniffing and the sausages assessed by a
      trained panel. The study showed that sausages fermented with Staphylococcus
      xylosus contained several fragrant esters that were not found in control sausages
      without microbial growth. Control sausages had an unpleasant, rancid odour
      compared to sausages with Staphylococcus xylosus, indicating that the esterase
      activity of Staphylococcus xylosus or other microorganisms is very important in
      order to obtain the proper fermented sausage aroma. Although sausages with
      Staphylococcus xylosus contained the highest amounts of free fatty acids, it
      seemed to be of no importance to the aroma development. It is therefore
      questionable whether lipolytic activity of starter cultures has any influence on
      sausage flavour.

PMID- 22059608
TI  - Growth, composition and eating quality of Longissimus dorsi from young bulls fed
      the beta-agonist cimaterol at consecutive developmental stages.
AB  - The objective was to investigate the effect of the beta-adrenergic agonist,
      cimaterol, on gain, composition and meat quality of primerib (M. longissimus
      dorsi) from Friesian young bulls slaughtered at different developmental stages.
      Twelve pairs of monozygotic twins were allocated to three liveweight (LW) groups
      (162, 299 and 407 kg, respectively). Within each pair, one animal was given 0.056
      mg cimaterol per kg LW for 90 days, while the other served as a control.
      Cimaterol treatment increased the estimated gain and the weight of primerib by 55
      and 20%, respectively (both P < 0.001), and lean and protein content of the
      longissimus dorsi muscle by 26 and 25%, respectively (both P < 0.001), and
      concomitantly reduced fat content of primerib by 16% (P < 0.01) and intramuscular
      fat in longissimus dorsi by 36% (P < 0.001). Cimaterol treatment reduced total
      collagen content (P < 0.02), but not collagen solubility (P > 0.55). Meat colour
      was slightly lighter (lightness, P < 0.06), but pH(24) and pH(final) was not
      affected by cimaterol. Cimaterol increased Volodkevich shear force values (P <
      0.001). In general, the effect of cimaterol on meat quality characteristics was
      evident in all three LW groups, and LW only affected percent fat in primerib,
      intramuscular fat content in longissimus dorsi, meat colour and absolute contents
      of protein, fat and bone.

PMID- 22059609
TI  - Prediction of sensory characteristics of beef by near-infrared spectroscopy.
AB  - Sensory hardness, tenderness and juiciness of M. Longissimus dorsi muscles from
      10 beef carcasses at three ageing stages were predicted by near-infrared (NIR)
      spectroscopic analysis in the reflection (NIRR) and transmission modes (NIRT)
      during 14 days ageing at 2 degrees C. Predicting the sensory variables hardness
      and tenderness from NIRR measurements using principal component regression (PCR),
      yielded correlation coefficients in the range 0.80-0.90. The root mean square
      errors of prediction for the predictions of hardness and tenderness were in the
      range 0.5-0.7, given in sensory assessment units. Juiciness was not well
      predicted. Prediction of sensory variables from NIRT measurements did not give
      satisfactory results. Including samples from all carcasses, cows and young bulls
      in the models resulted in good predictions from NIRR measurements of frozen and
      thawed samples. However, the best prediction results were generally obtained from
      separate calibrations of the samples from the bulls. The potential of NIR
      spectroscopy in the prediction of sensory variables in whole meat needs to be
      further investigated on a larger number of samples with different breeds, animals
      and process treatments included.

PMID- 22059610
TI  - Performance characteristics of three different pre-evisceration wash regimes
      applied to the forequarters of ovine carcasses in an inverted dressing system.
AB  - The performance of three pre-evisceration wash regimes applied to the
      forequarters of ovine carcasses in an inverted dressing system was assessed.
      Washing regimes consisted of a high-pressure jet wash, a low-pressure sluice
      wash, and both washes applied in series. Visible contamination incidences prior
      to the wash were between 64 and 71% at the carcass level; wool was the
      predominant contaminant, while faecal material and ingesta were rare. All wash
      regimes reduced the incidence of carcass contamination by 62.8 to 70.5%,
      primarily through the removal of wool. A secondary effect was the redistribution
      of some wool from other areas of the forequarter to the inside leg. The sluice
      wash was superior to the jet wash in removing visible contamination. Bacterial
      numbers ranged from 3.64 to 4.03 log(10)CFU/cm(2) prior to washing and were
      reduced to between 3.24 and 3.75 log(10)CFU/cm(2) immediately after the pre
      evisceration wash; the three wash regimes performed in an equivalent, but
      commercially non-significant manner. Further reductions of between 0.20 and 0.58
      log(10)CFU/cm(2) were effected by post-dressing events, including 12 h chilling.
      The low-pressure wash performance was considered superior to that of the jet
      wash, and no further improvement in carcass quality was demonstrated by the use
      of both washes in series.

PMID- 22059611
TI  - Muscle glycogen depletion pattern in halothane-gene-free pigs at slaughter and
      its relation to meat quality.
AB  - Muscle fibre type composition and glycogen depletion pattern at slaughter as
      related to meat quality, were studied in M. longissimus dorsi of halothane-gene
      free Swedish Yorkshire pigs fed a high (n=19; 10 entire males and 9 gilts) or a
      low (n=18; 10 entire males and 8 gilts) protein diet. The muscle consisted of, on
      average, 8% type I, 9% type IIA and 83% type IIB fibres. Muscle fibre areas were
      significantly smaller in entire male pigs than in gilts irrespective of fibre
      type. There were no marked differences in muscle characteristics between pigs fed
      the low and high protein diets. Low glycogen concentrations were found in most
      type I and type IIA muscle fibres, while a greater variation in glycogen content
      was evident in type IIB fibres. The pigs were divided into two groups according
      to the proportion of glycogen depleted IIB fibres (more or less than 30% depleted
      IIB fibres). In the group where 30% or more of the type IIB fibres were glycogen
      depleted, a tendency toward DFD meat (dry, firm, dark) was seen, as the meat had
      higher ultimate pH (5.62 vs 5.52; p=0.02), lower drip loss (2.7% vs 4.4%;
      p=0.007) and lower reflectance value (darker meat; 16.5 vs 20.6 EEL units;
      p=0.0005), compared with the group with less than 30% depleted IIB fibres. No
      difference in total glycogen content was found between these two groups. This
      indicates that the distribution of glycogen in different fibre types seems to be
      of importance for the ultimate meat quality.

PMID- 22059612
TI  - Mechanical and microstructural characteristics of meat doughs, either heated by a
      continuous process in a radio-frequency field or conventionally in a waterbath.
AB  - Meat doughs, all having the same chemical composition, were pasteurised to a
      comparable heat intensity (calculated as Cook values: target level of 5 min at
      100 degrees C): (i) while flowing through a glass tube (inner diameter 50 mm)
      mounted in a special radio-frequency (27 MHz) heating section; (ii) after flowing
      unheated through the glass tube at the same rate and heated in a waterbath; and
      (iii) after sampling immediately after the pump and heated in a waterbath. The
      cooked products were sampled in the core and at the rim of the product for
      rheological (oscillation and uniaxial compression tests at small strain),
      fracture measurements (uniaxial compression tests at high strain) and
      microstructural evaluation (light microscopy and video image analysis).
      Additional core samples were used for a sensory evaluation (triangle tests) of
      the texture of the differently processed doughs. The fast heating rate (25-30
      K/min) at a mass flow of the dough of 100 kg/h (mean velocity 0.014 m/s) during
      dielectrical pasteurisation affected the mechanical character, the microstructure
      and the triangle test results of core samples from the sausages, compared to
      heating in a waterbath. Flow of the unheated dough through the tube of the
      continuous processing equipment, followed by heating in a waterbath, had little
      effect on the results of the mechanical tests, the microscopical evaluation and
      the triangle tests. The radio-frequency heated products had both higher storage
      and loss moduli (were more firm), fractured at higher stress values and were
      considered more firm in the sensory evaluation. The microstructure of
      dielectrically heated versus other samples displayed a more open structure of the
      protein matrix with larger irregularly shaped fat particles that were surrounded
      by relatively thin and compact protein bridges. The effects of flow and heating
      method on the behaviour of rim samples were very similar to their effects on the
      core of the products. A comparison of the mechanical behaviour of core and rim
      samples only was significant for radio-frequency heated doughs. The rim samples
      had lower storage and loss moduli and fractured at lower stress values than the
      core samples. Micrographs of the dielectrically heated rim versus core samples
      displayed more orientation of connective tissue particles in the direction of
      flow and of elongated, larger and irregularly shaped fat particles. Probably,
      shear at the wall of the tube affected the characteristics of the rim samples.
      All heated doughs displayed hardly and cooking losses. The radio-frequency heated
      products always displayed a thin layer of moisture on their surface and
      occasionally a little fat separation.

PMID- 22059613
TI  - Relationship between cathepsin B activity and compositional parameters in dry
      cured hams of normal and defective texture.
AB  - Thirty-eight Italian dry-cured hams were analysed for cathepsin B activity,
      proximate composition and proteolysis index and results were related to lean
      tissue texture, as assessed by an expert panel, in order to search for
      relationships between excessive softness, a major problem in the raw ham
      industry, and chemical parameters. Softness was found to be related to protein
      breakdown which, in turn, was linked with higher residual cathepsin B activity
      and, to a lesser extent, to lower salt content. Results suggest that the use of
      raw ham of controlled enzyme activity would improve the texture quality of the
      end product.

PMID- 22059614
TI  - Fatty acids in the subcutaneous adipose tissue of intensively fed SA Mutton
      Merino and Dorper wethers.
AB  - Recent ambiguity about the role of animal fat in causing coronary heart disease,
      coupled with the controversy regarding the effect of various levels of energy
      nutrition on ruminant depot fats, prompted an investigation into the influence of
      high-energy nutrition, breed and slaughter weight on the fatty acid profiles of
      ruminants. Two isonitrogenous and isomineral diets containing 11.76 MJ ME/kg DM
      and 10.18 MJ ME/kg DM were fed to Dorper and SA Mutton Merino wethers of +/- 20
      kg to 37 and 43 kg live weight. Subcutaneous fat samples and feed samples were
      collected for fatty acid analysis. Treatment significantly affected the
      subcutaneous fatty acid profiles of wethers, which includes C15:0, C16:0, C17:0,
      C17:1, C18:0, C18:1, C18:2 and C18:3. Treatment also influenced the concentration
      of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids in the subcutaneous adipose tissue as
      well as the concentration of trans-fatty acids. The results obtained suggest that
      dietary energy levels may significantly affect the fatty acids in the
      subcutaneous fat of wethers. Breed differences, after correcting for carcass
      fatness, occurred in C16:0.

PMID- 22059615
TI  - Calcium chloride in vitro effects on isolated myofibrillar proteins.
AB  - The objective of this study was to determine the effect of 30 mM CaCl(2) on the
      solubilization of those structural proteins that contribute to myofibril
      stability. Ovine M. longissimus dorsi (longissimus) samples were obtained
      immediately post-exsanguination, myofibrils were isolated, glycerated, and frozen
      until needed. Myofibrils were washed, diluted and incubated in 0.1 m KCl, 10 mm
      Tris, pH 7.0 buffer for 24, 48 and 72 h. Treatments consisted of: (1) control,
      (2) 1 mm E(64), (3) 30 mm CaCl(2), and (4) 1 mm E(64) + 30 mm CaCl(2). Results
      (SDS-PAGE) indicated that myosin heavy chain (though not to a great extent), M
      protein, C-protein, alpha-actinin, actin, troponin-T, tropomyosin isoforms,
      troponin-I and 72, 70, 62, 33, 32, 30, and 22 kDa unidentified bands were
      solubilized from myofibrils incubated in KCl buffer for 72 h. The addition of
      CaCl(2) hastened the appearance of some of the proteins in the supernatant
      fractions, but no differences were observed at 72 h among the treatments. The
      addition of E(64) had no effect on which proteins were released. Thus, in the
      absence of proteolysis it appears that a general solubilization of thick-and-thin
      filament ancillary proteins occurs in the presence of 30 mm CaCl(2). However, the
      contribution to tenderness should be minimal, because solubilized proteins are
      not part of the cytoskeletal elements that are responsible for maintaining
      structural integrity of the tissue.

PMID- 22059616
TI  - Stability of haem pigments in model systems and cooked meat.
AB  - The stability of sheep haemoglobin and myoglobin in aqueous solution at 80, 100
      and 121 degrees C for 1 h was measured by subjecting portions of the heated
      solutions to electrospray mass spectrometry (ESMS). ESMS dissociates haem
      proteins into the globin chains and the haem moiety and, with haemoglobin,
      degradation of the alpha-(15047.5 Da) and beta-(16073.3 Da) chains was observed
      at all heating temperatures. Under the same conditions, sheep myoglobin
      dissociated into the globin (16923.2 Da) and haem parts but the globin was stable
      and few degradation products were observed in the ESMS trace (mass range 4-20
      kDa) even after 1 h at 121 degrees C. There did seem to be limited breakdown of
      the globin due to loss of 170 Da. From the amino acid sequence, it is postulated
      that this is due to loss of GLY-LEU from the N-terminus. Methods for extracting
      myoglobin from raw and cooked meat were then investigated. Water was adequate for
      myoglobin extraction from raw meat but urea solution was required for adequate
      extraction of cooked meat samples. Sheep meat was heated at 80, 100 and 121
      degrees C in sealed cans, extracted and the mass profile in the range 4-20 kDa
      measured. Myoglobin was the major peak when samples were heated for 10, 20, 30
      and 40 min. After that time, other peaks appeared although the myoglobin globin
      chain was still apparent. The results are discussed in relation to using
      myoglobin as a marker for meat speciation.

PMID- 22059617
TI  - HIV/AIDS-related institutional mistrust among multiethnic men who have sex with
      men: effects on HIV testing and risk behaviors.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate relationships between institutional mistrust
      (systematic discrimination, organizational suspicion, and conspiracy beliefs),
      HIV risk behaviors, and HIV testing in a multiethnic sample of men who have sex
      with men (MSM), and to test whether perceived susceptibility to HIV mediates
      these relationships for White and ethnic minority MSM. METHOD: Participants were
      394 MSM residing in Central Arizona (M age = 37 years). Three dimensions of
      mistrust were examined, including organizational suspicion, conspiracy beliefs,
      and systematic discrimination. Assessments of sexual risk behavior, HIV testing,
      and perceived susceptibility to HIV were made at study entry (T1) and again 6
      months later (T2). RESULTS: There were no main effects of institutional mistrust
      dimensions or ethnic minority status on T2 risk behavior, but the interaction of
      systematic discrimination and conspiracy beliefs with minority status was
      significant such that higher levels of systematic discrimination and more
      conspiracy beliefs were associated with increased risk only among ethnic minority
      MSM. Higher levels of systematic discrimination were significantly related to
      lower likelihood for HIV testing, and the interaction of organizational suspicion
      with minority status was significant such that greater levels of organizational
      suspicion were related to less likelihood of having been tested for HIV among
      ethnic minority MSM. Perceived susceptibility did not mediate these
      relationships. CONCLUSION: Findings suggest that it is important to look further
      into the differential effects of institutional mistrust across marginalized
      groups, including sexual and ethnic minorities. Aspects of mistrust should be
      addressed in HIV prevention and counseling efforts.

PMID- 22059618
TI  - An application of the theory of planned behavior--a randomized controlled food
      safety pilot intervention for young adults.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Approximately 48 million Americans are affected by foodborne illness
      each year. Evidence suggests that the application of health psychology theory to
      food safety interventions can increase behaviors that reduce the incidence of
      illness such as adequately keeping hands, surfaces and equipment clean. This aim
      of this pilot study was to be the first to explore the effectiveness of a food
      safety intervention based on the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB). METHODS: Young
      adult participants (N = 45) were randomly allocated to intervention, general
      control or mere measurement control conditions. Food safety observations and TPB
      measures were taken at baseline and at 4-week follow-up. Within and between group
      differences on target variables were considered and regression analyses were
      conducted to determine the relationship between condition, behavior and the TPB
      intention constructs; attitude, subjective norm, perceived behavioral control
      (PBC). RESULTS: TPB variables at baseline predicted observed food safety
      behaviors. At follow-up, the intervention led to significant increases in PBC (p
      = .024) and observed behaviors (p = .001) compared to both control conditions.
      Furthermore, correlations were found between observed and self-reported behaviors
      (p = .008). CONCLUSIONS: The pilot intervention supports the utility of the TPB
      as a method of improving food safety behavior. Changes in TPB cognitions appear
      to be best translated to behavior via behavioral intentions and PBC. Further
      research should be conducted to increase effectiveness of translating TPB
      variables to food safety behaviors. The additional finding of a correlation
      between self-reported and observed behavior also has implications for future
      research as it provides evidence toward the construct validity of self-reported
      behavioral measures.

PMID- 22059619
TI  - A longitudinal investigation of the impact of disordered eating on young women's
      quality of life.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The extent to which subclinical levels of disordered eating affect
      quality of life (QOL) was assessed. METHOD: Four waves of self-report data from
      Survey 2 (S2) to 5 (S5) of a national longitudinal survey of young Australian
      women (N = 9,688) were used to assess the impact of any level of disordered
      eating at S2 on QOL over the following 9 years, and to evaluate any moderating
      effects of social support and of depression. RESULTS: At baseline, 23% of the
      women exhibited some level of disordered eating, and they scored significantly
      lower on both the physical and the mental component scores of the SF-36 at every
      survey; differences in mental health were still clinically meaningful at S5.
      Social support and depressive symptoms each acted as a moderator of the mental
      component scores. Women with both disordered eating and low social support, or
      disordered eating and depression, had the worst initial scores; although they
      improved the most over time, they still had the lowest scores at S5. Higher
      social support at baseline resulted in women with disordered eating being largely
      indistinguishable from women without disordered eating who had low social
      support. Lower levels of depression resulted in women with disordered eating
      having a significantly better QOL than women with high levels of depression,
      regardless of eating status. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to examine the
      long-term impact of subclinical levels of disordered eating on QOL, and it
      suggests that even apparently minor levels of symptomatology are associated with
      significant and far-reaching deficits in well-being.

PMID- 22059620
TI  - Socioeconomic status, psychosocial resources and risk, and cardiometabolic risk
      in Mexican-American women.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The current study examined the contributions of psychosocial factors
      to the association between socioeconomic status (SES) and metabolic syndrome
      (MetSyn) risk, in a randomly selected community cohort of 304 middle-aged (40-65
      years old) Mexican-American women, a population at elevated cardiometabolic risk.
      METHODS: Participants underwent a clinical exam and measures of demographic
      factors and psychosocial resource (i.e., personal and social resources) and risk
      (i.e., negative emotions and cognitions) variables. Confirmatory factor analysis
      (CFA) and structural equation models (SEMs) were performed in the total sample
      and in more- and less-U.S.-acculturated women (defined by language preference)
      separately. RESULTS: CFAs revealed single latent constructs for SES (i.e.,
      income, education) and psychosocial resources/risk. Three-factor solution was
      identified, with blood pressure (systolic diastolic), lipids (high-density
      lipoprotein cholesterol triglycerides), and metabolic variables (glucose waist
      circumference) forming separate factors. SEMs showed that an indirect effects
      model with SES relating to MetSyn factors through psychosocial resources/risk
      provided a reasonable descriptive and statistical fit in the full and more
      acculturated sample (root mean square error of approximation [RMSEA] and
      standardized root-mean-square residual < .08); fit in the less-acculturated
      sample was marginal according to RMSEA = .09. A significant mediated path from
      low SES to higher waist circumference/fasting glucose via lower psychosocial
      resources/higher psychosocial risk was identified in the overall and more
      acculturated samples (p < .05). CONCLUSIONS: In this cohort of healthy, middle
      aged Mexican-American women, contributions of psychosocial factors to SES-MetSyn
      associations were limited to the core underlying metabolic mechanisms, and to
      more-U.S.-acculturated women.

PMID- 22059621
TI  - A systematic review of psychological interventions for adolescents and young
      adults living with chronic illness.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: There is increasing recognition that adolescents and young adults
      (AYAs) with chronic illnesses experience common psychological challenges. This
      article reviewed published psychological interventions for AYAs with cancer,
      diabetes, juvenile idiopathic arthritis, sickle cell disease, and asthma. Common,
      efficacious intervention components were examined to generate clearer
      recommendations for future age-appropriate, evidence-based intervention
      development. METHODS: Five databases including MEDLINE, MEDLINE In Process & Non
      Indexed Citations, PsycINFO, EMBASE, and CINAHL, were searched for studies
      involving AYAs aged 10-30 years, using quantitative two-group methods, published
      from 1979-2010. Of 1,233 abstracts, 87 were extracted for further analysis and a
      final 25 studies were eligible for inclusion. Thirteen of these studies included
      AYAs with diabetes, 7 studies involved AYAs with cancer, and 5 included AYAs with
      other illnesses. RESULTS: Educational interventions showed some significant
      positive results, particularly when targeted knowledge outcomes were measured.
      Several skills-based programs, some including parents, showed positive results,
      with moderate effect sizes. Interventions which taught communication skills,
      incorporated practical components (e.g., role-plays, homework), involved >=6
      sessions, and spanned at least 3 months in length, appeared more likely to
      achieve positive outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Skills-based interventions delivered over
      multiple sessions may yield the most positive results in AYAs with chronic
      illness. Given the few peer-support groups eligible for review, their efficacy
      remains unclear. This review points to the need for intervention development that
      teaches adaptive coping skills, is grounded in theoretical frameworks, and
      adheres to strict randomization and independent assessments to evaluate efficacy
      in assisting AYAs adjust to chronic illness.

PMID- 22059622
TI  - The multidimensional nature of perceived barriers: global versus practical
      barriers to HPV vaccination.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Perceived barriers are one of the strongest determinants of health
      behavior. The current study presents a novel conceptualization of perceived
      barriers by testing the following hypotheses: (a) perceived barriers are
      multidimensional and thus should cluster into distinct factors; (b) practical
      barriers should be salient for individuals intending to engage in a particular
      health behavior, whereas global barriers should be salient for individuals not
      intending to enact the behavior; and (c) whereas global barriers should be
      negatively associated with behavioral intentions, practical barriers should be
      positively related to intentions. METHODS: The context for this investigation was
      young adult women's perceived barriers to human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination.
      Two months after viewing an educational video about HPV vaccination, women (aged
      18-26) who had not received any doses of the HPV vaccine (n = 703) reported their
      perceived barriers to HPV vaccination and intentions to receive the vaccine.
      RESULTS: Relative to the conventional single-factor approach, a five-factor model
      provided a better fit to the data and accounted for a larger proportion of
      variance in vaccination intentions. The relative salience of different perceived
      barriers varied as a function of women's intentions. Participants who were not
      intending to get vaccinated cited global concerns about vaccine safety and low
      perceived need for the vaccine. In contrast, participants intending to get
      vaccinated cited practical concerns (cost, logistical barriers) related to
      carrying out their intentions. Moreover, whereas global perceived barriers were
      associated with lower intentions, practical barriers were associated with higher
      intentions. CONCLUSIONS: Perceived barriers are multidimensional and vary
      systematically as a function of people's behavioral intentions.

PMID- 22059623
TI  - Validation of a quantitative and confirmatory method for residue analysis of
      aminoglycoside antibiotics in poultry, bovine, equine and swine kidney through
      liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.
AB  - The use of aminoglycoside antibiotics in food animals is approved in Brazil.
      Accordingly, Brazilian food safety legislation sets maximum levels for these
      drugs in tissues from these animals in an effort to guarantee that food safety is
      not compromised. Aiming to monitor the levels of these drugs in tissues from food
      animals, the validation of a quantitative, confirmatory method for the detection
      of residues of 10 aminoglycosides antibiotics in poultry, swine, equine and
      bovine kidney, with extraction using a solid phase and detection and
      quantification by LC-MS/MS was performed. The procedure is an adaptation of the
      US Department of Agriculture, Food Safety and Inspection Service (USDA-FSIS)
      qualitative method, with the inclusion of additional clean-up and quantification
      at lower levels, which proved more efficient. Extraction was performed using a
      phosphate buffer containing trifluoroacetic acid followed by neutralization,
      purification on a cationic exchange SPE cartridge, with elution with
      methanol/acetic acid, evaporation, and dilution in ion-pair solvent. The method
      was validated according to the criteria and requirements of the European
      Commission Decision 2002/657/EC, showing selectivity with no matrix interference.
      Linearity was established for all analytes using the method of weighted minimum
      squares. CCalpha and CCbeta varied between 1036 and 12,293 ug kg(-1), and between
      1073 and 14,588 ug kg(-1), respectively. The limits of quantification varied
      between 27 and 688 ug kg(-1). The values of recovery for all analytes in poultry
      kidney, fortified in the range of 500-1500 ug kg(-1), were higher than 90%, and
      the relative standard deviations were lower than 15%, except spectinomycin
      (21.8%). Uncertainty was estimated using a simplified methodology of 'bottom-up'
      and 'top-down' strategies. The results showed that this method is effective for
      the quantification and confirmation of aminoglycoside residues and could be used
      by the Brazilian programme of residue control.

PMID- 22059624
TI  - Coordination-driven inversion of handedness in ligand-modified PNA.
AB  - Peptide nucleic acid (PNA) is a synthetic analogue of DNA, which has the same
      nucleobases as DNA but typically has a backbone based on aminoethyl glycine
      (Aeg). PNA forms duplexes by Watson Crick hybridization. The Aeg-based PNA
      duplexes adopt a chiral helical structure but do not have a preferred handedness
      because they do not contain a chiral center. An L-lysine situated at the C-end of
      one or both strands of a PNA duplex causes the duplex to preferably adopt a left
      handed structure. We have introduced into the PNA duplexes both a C-terminal L
      lysine and one or two PNA monomers that have a gamma-(S)-methyl-aminoethyl
      glycine backbone, which is known to induce a preference for a right-handed
      structure. Indeed, we found that in these duplexes the gamma-methyl monomer
      exerts the dominant chiral induction effect causing the duplexes to adopt a right
      handed structure. The chiral PNA monomer had a 2,2':6',2''-terpyridine (Tpy)
      ligand instead of a nucleobase and PNA duplexes that contained one or two Tpys
      formed [Cu(Tpy)(2)](2+) complexes in the presence of Cu(2+). The CD spectroscopy
      studies showed that these metal-coordinated duplexes were right-handed due to the
      chiral induction effect exerted by the S-Tpy PNA monomer(s) except for the cases
      when the [Cu(Tpy)(2)](2+) complex was formed with Tpy ligands from two different
      PNA duplexes. In the latter case, the metal complex bridged the two PNA duplexes
      and the duplexes were left-handed. The results of this study show that the
      preferred handedness of a ligand-modified PNA can be switched as a consequence of
      metal coordination to the ligand. This finding could be used as a tool in the
      design of functional nucleic-acid based nanostructures.

PMID- 22059625
TI  - Working memory and two-digit number processing.
AB  - The processing of two-digit numbers in comparison tasks involves the activation
      and manipulation of magnitude information to decide which number is larger. The
      present study explored the role of different working memory (WM) components and
      skills in the processing of two-digit numbers by examining the unit-decade
      compatibility effect with Arabic digits and number words. In the study, the unit
      decade compatibility effect and different WM components were evaluated. The
      results indicated that the unit-decade compatibility effect was associated to
      specific WM skills depending on the number format (Arabic digits and number
      words). We discussed the implications of these results for the decomposed view of
      two-digit numbers.

PMID- 22059626
TI  - The stability of some intermediate moisture smoked meats during storage at 30
      degrees C and 38 degrees C.
AB  - Intermediate moisture smoked beef was prepared by cook/soak equilibration in
      solution, with or without glycerol followed by smoking for 4 h or 18 h at 50
      degrees C. During storage for 12 weeks at 30 and 38 degrees C all reactions
      except the change in pH were significatlyy slower at 30 degrees C. This suggests
      that certain reactions; namely, hydroxyproline solubilization and protein
      crosslinking, have different temperature dependencies and opposing effects on pH.
      Heavy smoking and glycerol both reduce the rate of protein crosslinking, as
      measured by solubility in 3% sodium dodecyl sulphate + 1% beta-mercaptoethanol.
      Glycerol accelerates hydroxyproline breakdown but helps retain moisture,
      available lysine and tenderness. Heavy (18 h) smoking had a reverse effect on
      these reactions. Browning occurs in these products, as well as rapid pigment
      loss.

PMID- 22059627
TI  - On the water condition in pork meat.
AB  - The water condition of cured and uncured pork, having different ageing times, was
      studied in the process of heating to 80 degrees C, using nuclear-magnetic
      resonance methods. In the transverse magnetization decay functions five
      components could be distinguished, differing from each other by their relative
      weights and relaxation times. The greatest relative weight (60-70%) was
      characteristic of the component having relaxation time 35-45 ms ('d'), which
      could be related to immobilized water. The change of the component's 'd' relative
      weight while heating was significantly dependent on the ageing time of meat and
      the factor of curing or not curing before heating. It was shown that the greatest
      amount of immobilized water and its strongest bonding were observed in uncured
      pork during the first 6-7 h and after 48 h post mortem. Cured meat possesses the
      highest amount of immobilized water at room temperature after 48-96 h post
      mortem, however, its bonding at heating is higher in the case of meat which is
      cured during the first hours and after 96 h post mortem.

PMID- 22059628
TI  - Volatile compounds of dry hams from Iberian pigs.
AB  - A study on volatile compounds from three batches of dry hams from Iberian pigs
      ('montanera', fed on acorns and pasture; 'recebo', fed on acorns, pasture and a
      commercial diet; and 'pienso', fed on a commercial diet) has been made. Over 64
      compounds were identified in the headspace volatiles from all three batches,
      including aldehydes, alcohols, short-chain fatty acids, furan derivatives,
      lactones and other miscellaneous compounds. Significant differences were found
      between batches at several levels (P<0.0005, P<0.005, P<0.05) for many volatile
      compounds, mainly between 'montanera' and 'pienso' batches. Overall quantitative
      differences, but not qualitative ones, were observed between batches.

PMID- 22059629
TI  - Storage and display characteristics of electrically stimulated, hot-boned and
      nonstimulated, cold-boned beef.
AB  - One side, randomly selected from each of 33 carcasses from forage-fed steers, was
      electrically stimulated within 30 min of exsanguination and hot-bonded (ESHB).
      Opposite sides were not electrically stimulated and were cold-boned (NESCB)
      following a 24 h chill (0 degrees C). From 17 ESHB sides, portions of the
      longissimus dorsi (LD) and semimembranosus (SM) muscles were removed and
      immediately vacuum packaged. LD and SM muscles were removed from the remaining 16
      ESHB sides, wrapped in polyvinyl chloride film, chilled (0 degrees C) for 22 h
      and then vacuum packaged. LD and SM muscles from NESCB sides (n = 33) were
      removed and the vacuum packed at 24 h post mortem. Whole muscle characteristics
      were evaluated initially and after storage periods of 7, 14 or 21 days and steaks
      were displayesd for 5 years thereafter. Neither hot versus cold-boning nor
      storage for 21 days affected retail display characteristics of LD and SM steaks
      (P > 0.05). As retail display time increased, retail lean color, fat color and
      overall appearance scores decreased.

PMID- 22059630
TI  - Effect of time between adrenaline injection and slaughter on the rate and extent
      of post-mortem metabolism in porcine skeletal muscle.
AB  - The aim of this work was to study the effect of time between adrenaline injection
      and slaughter on the rate and extent of post-mortem metabolism in pig muscle.
      Five pigs were subcutaneously injected with adrenaline (0.3 mg/kg) or with a
      saline solution 4 h, 1 h or 15 min prior to slaughter. pH(1), pH(u) and FOP(u)
      were measured in Longissimus dorsi (LD) and Biceps femoris (BF) muscles. m.LD
      samples were taken 20 days before slaughter using biopsy sampling, immediately
      after bleeding and 45 min post mortem for biochemical analysis. m.LD glycolytic
      potential (very close to glycogen content) was decreased by the injection of
      adrenaline 4 h and 1 h prior to slaughter, when comparing values at rest (20 days
      before slaughter) and values determined immediately after bleeding. The depletion
      was greater fro the injection performed 4 h before slaughter. In this group pH(u)
      was higher foe adrenaline-injected pigs (5.69 versus 5.47 for pigs injected with
      saline solution) but the difference was not significant. Pigs injected with
      adrenaline 1 h prior to slaughter exhibited higher glucose, glucose-6-phosphate
      and lactate levels immediately after slaughter, lower pH(1) and higher FOP values
      in m.LD than control pigs. Since the differences in pH(1) were not explained by
      differences in the rate of build-up of lactate, it was hypothesized that pigs
      injected with adrenaline 1 h prior to slaughter had lower muscle pH at slaughter.
      It was concluded that the rate or the extent of post mortem metabolism in pig
      muscle may be affected independently, by manipulating the time between adrenaline
      injection and slaughter.

PMID- 22059631
TI  - Relationship between myosin denaturation and the colour of low-voltage
      electrically-stimulated beef.
AB  - The semimembranosus muscles of low-voltage-electrically-stimulated beef carcases
      when subjected to relatively slow chill-freeze cooling were found to be
      significantly lighter (paler) than the equivalent muscles from unstimulated
      controls subjected to the same chilling procedure. There was a significant
      correlation (r > 0.75) between the lightness as measured by the Hunter 'L' values
      and the degree of denaturation of the myosin as estimated by differential
      scanning calorimetry. Hot or cold boning did not have a significant effect on the
      observed effects. In a further experiment, in which hot-boned meat was subjected
      to very rapid chilling and freezing, no difference in either colour or extent of
      myosin denaturation between stimulated and unstimulated samples was seen.
      However, cold-boned, slow chilled, stimulated samples were still measurably paler
      than the unstimulated controls. It is concluded that exposure of myosin to
      relatively high temperatures and pH values of 6 or less induces some unfolding of
      myosin which probably contributes to the observed 'paleness' of these samples.
      However, other factors may also contribute to the observed paleness.

PMID- 22059632
TI  - Effect of electrical stunning or sticking without stunning on the microstructure
      of zousoon, a Chinese semi-dry pork product.
AB  - The microstructure of muscle fibers from pigs killed following electrical
      stunning was compared to that from pigs killed after tying-resting and sticking.
      Examination of the muscle fibers demonstrated that electrical stunning resulted
      in contracture bands that caused tearing and fragmentation of the
      myofibers/myofibrils. On the other hand, tying-resting and sticking was not
      accompanied by microstructural fragmentation of the muscle fibers. Results
      indicate that electrical stunning of hogs causes fragmentation and breakage of
      the muscle fibers so that the meat is not suitable for production of Zousoon-a
      semi-dry shredded Chinese pork product and other similar items prepared from
      prerigor pig muscle. Heating and drying intensify the deteachment of the
      myofibrils from the muscle fiber bundles, which is caused mainly by electrical
      stunning or stimulation and improper conditioning following slaughter. The
      combined effects of electrical stunning and heating-drying appear to be
      responsible for the fragmentation of the muscle fibers/myofibrils and contribute
      to the unsuitability of prerigor muscle from electrically stunned pigs for use in
      the production of Zousoon. Since sticking of pigs without stunning does not meet
      humane slaughter standards, alternative animal welfare slaughter procedures
      should be examined from the standpoint of their usefulness in producing Zousoon.

PMID- 22059633
TI  - Carcass composition and meat quality of brush-tail possums (Trichosurus
      vulpecula).
AB  - One-hundred-and-thirty-nine possums, balanced as far as possible for sex (68
      male, 71 female) and age (1 year, 42; 2-4 years, 61; 5+ years, 36), were
      slaughtered and the dissected carcass composition, muscle, and cooked meat
      composition measured. Possums were slaughtered at time in captivity TIC 0 (n =
      58), TIC 14 days (n = 20) and TIC 28 days (n = 61). Compared with the 5+ years
      (mature) age group the 1 year olds (juveniles) were 67% and the 2-4 year olds
      (immature) 96% of the live weight of the mature possums. Carcass composition was
      characterised by high lean (78-80%) and low fat (around 1-2%). The cooked meat
      from possums is very high in protein (~ 25%) and low in fat, suggesting it should
      be a valuable source of animal protein with a low total fat, high unsaturated fat
      content. In all cases cooked meat was rated as tender, based on shear force
      values, despite having a pH of around 6.3.

PMID- 22059634
TI  - Evaluation of invasive instruments for assessment of veal colour at time of
      classification.
AB  - In a random selection of 480 veal carcasses, invasive measurements were made on
      the longissimus lumborum (LL) and biceps femoris (BF) with the Colormet, Hennessy
      Grading Probe (HGP4; LL only) and Invasive Meat Colour Meter. Surface colour of
      the rectus abdominis (RA) was determined instrumentally with the Minolta
      Chromameter and Surface Meat Colour Meter and visually by two persons, using a
      colour standard. All measurements were made at 30-40 min post mortem. Of the
      measurements made on the RA, the Surface Meat Colour Meter was best related to
      both visual judgements (r = -0.79; -0.73). The correlation coefficient between
      both visual judgements was 0.77. Clear differences were found between the
      invasive instruments in their ability to determine veal colour. The correlation
      coefficients between the invasive measurements and both visual judgements varied
      for the Colormet L (*)-value  from -0.18 to -0.35, for the HGP4 from -0.40 to 
      0.49, and for the Invasive Meat Colour Meter from -0.69 to -0.74. Both for LL and
      BF the best relationships were found between the Invasive Meat Colour Meter and
      the Surface Meat Colour Meter (RA).

PMID- 22059635
TI  - Pigment oxidation in ground veal: Influence of lipid oxidation, iron and zinc.
AB  - The color stability of fresh ground veal from four different muscles (biceps
      femoris, longissimus dorsi, psoas major and supraspinatus) was characterized, and
      the effects of lipid oxidation, iron and zinc on this degradative process were
      investigated. Samples were minced and prepared in a manner consistent with retail
      production and analyzed for pH, myoglobin concentration, total and nonheme iron,
      and zinc. Pigment and lipid oxidation were measured on days 0, 3 and 6 of 4
      degrees C storage. B. femoris demonstrated the greatest extent of lipid
      oxidation, and was more color-labile than p. major or supraspinatus (P < 0.05),
      but no different from l. dorsi (P > 0.05). Total iron and myoglobin
      concentrations were lowest for l. dorsi (P<0.05). Zinc concentration in the four
      muscles followed the order supraspinatus ? b. femoris ? l. dorsi ? p. major (P <
      0.05). Data analysis revealed that initial metmyoglobin formation (days 0 to 3)
      was significantly correlated with total iron (r = 0.69) or nonheme iron (r =
      0.68) in b. femoris, but not any of the other muscles. Correlations between lipid
      and pigment oxidation in each of the four muscles were performed and the data
      support a strong relationship between these degradative processes in ground veal.

PMID- 22059637
TI  - NF-kappaB activity in perinatal brain during infectious and hypoxic-ischemic
      insults revealed by a reporter mouse.
AB  - Infants suffering from infection or hypoxia-ischemia around the time of birth can
      develop brain damage resulting in life-long impairment such as cerebral palsy,
      epilepsy and cognitive disability. Inflammation appears to be an important
      contributor irrespective of whether the primary event is infection or hypoxia
      ischemia. Activation of the transcription factor NF-kappaB is a hallmark of
      inflammation. To study perinatal brain inflammation, we developed a transgenic
      reporter mouse for imaging NF-kappaB activity in live animals and tissue samples.
      The reporter genes firefly luciferase and a destabilized version of enhanced GFP
      (dEGFP) were regulated by common NF-kappaB sites using a bidirectional promoter.
      Luciferase activity was imaged in vivo, while dEGFP was detected at cellular
      level in tissue sections. In newborn mice subjected to experimental models of
      infections or hypoxia-ischemia; luciferase signal increased in brains of live
      animals. In brain sections dEGFP expression, revealing NF-kappaB activation was
      observed in the endothelial cells of the blood-brain barrier in all disease
      models. In meningitis and hypoxia-ischemia expression of dEGFP was also induced
      in perivascular astrocytes. In conclusion, by using this transgenic reporter
      mouse in experimental models of perinatal complications, we could assess NF
      kappaB activity in vivo and subsequently determine the cellular origin in the
      tissues.

PMID- 22059638
TI  - Does the crowded cell-like environment reduce the chaperone-like activity of
      alpha-crystallin?
AB  - The effect of crowding on the chaperone-like activity of alpha-crystallin has
      been studied using aggregation of UV-irradiated glycogen phosphorylase b (Phb)
      from rabbit skeletal muscle as an aggregation test system. The merit of this test
      system is the possibility of testing agents that directly affect the stage of
      aggregation of the protein molecules. It was shown that the solution of Phb
      denatured by UV contained aggregates with a hydrodynamic radius of 10.4 nm. These
      aggregates are relatively stable at 20  degrees C; however, they reveal a
      tendency to stick further in the presence of crowding agents. The study of the
      effect of alpha-crystallin on the aggregation of UV-irradiated Phb in the
      presence of the crowding agents by dynamic light scattering at 37  degrees C
      showed that under crowding conditions the antiaggregation ability of alpha
      crystallin was weakened. On the basis of the analytical ultracentrifugation, size
      exclusion chromatography, and sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel
      electrophoresis data, the scheme of interaction of UV-irradiated Phb and alpha
      crystallin has been proposed. It is assumed that chaperone-target protein
      complexes of two types are formed, namely, the complexes of dissociated forms of
      alpha-crystallin with a protein substrate and high-mass alpha-crystallin
      denatured protein complexes. The complexes of the first type reveal a weak
      propensity to aggregate even under crowding conditions. The complexes of the
      second type are characterized by the lower rate of aggregation in comparison with
      that of original UV-irradiated Phb. However, crowding stimulates the rate of
      aggregation of these complexes, resulting in the above-mentioned decrease in the
      chaperone-like activity of alpha-crystallin.

PMID- 22059639
TI  - A prospective study of intake of trans-fatty acids from ruminant fat, partially
      hydrogenated vegetable oils, and marine oils and mortality from CVD.
AB  - Trans-fatty acids (TFA) have adverse effects on blood lipids, but whether TFA
      from different sources are associated with risk of CVD remains unresolved. The
      objective of the present study was to evaluate the association between TFA intake
      from partially hydrogenated vegetable oils (PHVO), partially hydrogenated fish
      oils (PHFO) and ruminant fat (rTFA) and risks of death of CVD, CHD,
      cerebrovascular diseases and sudden death in the Norwegian Counties Study, a
      population-based cohort study. Between 1974 and 1988, participants were examined
      for up to three times. Fat intake was assessed with a semi-quantitative FFQ. A
      total of 71,464 men and women were followed up through 2007. Hazard ratios (HR)
      and 95 % CI were estimated with Cox regression. Energy from TFA was compared to
      energy from all other sources, carbohydrates or unsaturated cis-fatty acids with
      different multivariable models. During follow-up, 3870 subjects died of CVD, 2383
      of CHD, 732 of cerebrovascular diseases and 243 of sudden death. Significant
      risks, comparing highest to lowest intake category, were found for: TFA from PHVO
      and CHD (HR 1.23 (95 % CI 1.00, 1.50)) and cerebrovascular diseases (HR 0.65 (95
      % CI 0.45, 0.94)); TFA from PHFO and CVD (HR 1.14 (95 % CI 1.03, 1.26)) and
      cerebrovascular diseases (HR 1.32 (95 % CI 1.04, 1.69)); and rTFA intake and CVD
      (HR 1.30 (95 % CI 1.05, 1.61)), CHD (HR 1.50 (95 % CI 1.11, 2.03)) and sudden
      death (HR 2.73 (95 % CI 1.19, 6.25)) in women. These associations with rTFA
      intake were not significant in men (P interaction >= 0.01). The present study
      supports that TFA intake, irrespective of source, increases CVD risk. Whether TFA
      from PHVO decreases risk of cerebrovascular diseases warrants further
      investigation.

PMID- 22059640
TI  - Operating room team members' views of workload, case difficulty, and nonroutine
      events.
AB  - Interventions such as mandatory "time-outs" have contributed to intraoperative
      safety but improvements are still necessary. We present data provided by 3
      professions always present in the intraoperative setting that suggest next steps
      in the quest for improvements. We describe the differences and similarities in
      operating room (OR) nurses', anesthesia providers', and surgeons' beliefs about
      team function, case difficulty, nonroutine event (NRE), and error causation using
      a qualitative design at 3 Veterans' Administration hospitals. Intraoperative
      errors are costly in lives, suffering, and dollars. A quality improvement tenet
      states that workers are a rich information source regarding the context within
      which quality can be improved. Identifying and describing OR providers' beliefs
      are necessary steps in devising novel approaches to quality improvement.
      Intraoperative NRE and error prevention opportunities exist within and outside of
      the OR. There may be "cascade" and "perfect storm conditions" before and during
      operative procedures that increase the likelihood of NREs. Confirmation of these
      phenomena could improve prediction and prevention of NREs. Exploration of
      differences in team definition and team performance ratings by provider type may
      also identify avenues for improvement.

PMID- 22059641
TI  - Prebiotic significance of extraterrestrial ice photochemistry: detection of
      hydantoin in organic residues.
AB  - The delivery of extraterrestrial organic materials to primitive Earth from
      meteorites or micrometeorites has long been postulated to be one of the origins
      of the prebiotic molecules involved in the subsequent apparition of life. Here,
      we report on experiments in which vacuum UV photo-irradiation of
      interstellar/circumstellar ice analogues containing H(2)O, CH(3)OH, and NH(3) led
      to the production of several molecules of prebiotic interest. These were
      recovered at room temperature in the semi-refractory, water-soluble residues
      after evaporation of the ice. In particular, we detected small quantities of
      hydantoin (2,4-imidazolidinedione), a species suspected to play an important role
      in the formation of poly- and oligopeptides. In addition, hydantoin is known to
      form under extraterrestrial, abiotic conditions, since it has been detected,
      along with various other derivatives, in the soluble part of organic matter of
      primitive carbonaceous meteorites. This result, together with other related
      experiments reported recently, points to the potential importance of the
      photochemistry of interstellar "dirty" ices in the formation of organics in Solar
      System materials. Such molecules could then have been delivered to the surface of
      primitive Earth, as well as other telluric (exo-) planets, to help trigger first
      prebiotic reactions with the capacity to lead to some form of primitive
      biomolecular activity.

PMID- 22059642
TI  - Comparison of the roles of nucleotide synthesis, polymerization, and
      recombination in the origin of autocatalytic sets of RNAs.
AB  - Ribozymes that act as polymerases and nucleotide synthases are known
      experimentally, even though no fully self-replicating system has yet been found.
      If the RNA World hypothesis is true, ribozymes must have arisen initially from
      within a random abiotic polymerization system. To investigate the origin of the
      RNA world, we studied a mathematical model of a chemical reaction system
      describing RNA polymerization. It is supposed that, in absence of ribozymes,
      polymerization occurs at a small spontaneous rate, and that in the presence of
      polymerase ribozymes, polymerization occurs at a faster rate that is proportional
      to the ribozyme concentration. Chains must be longer than a minimum threshold
      length in order to have the possibility of acting as ribozymes. The reaction
      system has two stable states that we term dead and living. The dead state is
      controlled by the small spontaneous rate and has negligible concentration of
      ribozymes. The living state has high concentration of ribozymes, and the reaction
      rates are determined by the ribozymes; thus, the system is autocatalytic.
      Concentration fluctuations in a finite volume can cause a transition to occur
      from the dead to the living state, that is, an origin of life occurs within this
      model. We also consider ribozymes that catalyze nucleotide synthesis. We show
      that living and dead states arise in the presence of synthase ribozymes in the
      same way as for polymerases. It has been proposed that recombination reactions
      are a way of generating long RNA chains in the early stages of life. We show that
      if the possibility of random reversible recombination reactions is added to our
      model, this does not lead to an increase in long polymer concentration. Thus, if
      recombination is fully reversible, there is no autocatalytic state controlled by
      recombination. Nevertheless, recombination can play an important role in ribozyme
      synthesis if there is an additional process that keeps the recombination
      reactions out of equilibrium. We modeled a case studied experimentally in which
      building block strands of moderate length associate due to RNA secondary
      structure formation. A recombination reaction then occurs between these strands
      to form a longer sequence that catalyzes its own formation via the recombination
      reaction. This system has an autocatalytic state, and it is possible for it to
      arise within our random polymerization system. If complexes formed by
      associations of shorter strands can act as catalysts without the requirement that
      the strands be covalently linked, this would alleviate the need for synthesis of
      very long strands; hence, it makes the emergence of an autocatalytic system from
      an abiotic random polymerization system much more likely.

PMID- 22059643
TI  - Mucopolysaccharidosis type II: European recommendations for the diagnosis and
      multidisciplinary management of a rare disease.
AB  - Mucopolysaccharidosis type II (MPS II) is a rare, life-limiting, X-linked
      recessive disease characterised by deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme iduronate-2
      sulfatase. Consequent accumulation of glycosaminoglycans leads to pathological
      changes in multiple body systems. Age at onset, signs and symptoms, and disease
      progression are heterogeneous, and patients may present with many different
      manifestations to a wide range of specialists. Expertise in diagnosing and
      managing MPS II varies widely between countries, and substantial delays between
      disease onset and diagnosis can occur. In recent years, disease-specific
      treatments such as enzyme replacement therapy and stem cell transplantation have
      helped to address the underlying enzyme deficiency in patients with MPS II.
      However, the multisystem nature of this disorder and the irreversibility of some
      manifestations mean that most patients require substantial medical support from
      many different specialists, even if they are receiving treatment. This article
      presents an overview of how to recognise, diagnose, and care for patients with
      MPS II. Particular focus is given to the multidisciplinary nature of patient
      management, which requires input from paediatricians, specialist nurses,
      otorhinolaryngologists, orthopaedic surgeons, ophthalmologists, cardiologists,
      pneumologists, anaesthesiologists, neurologists, physiotherapists, occupational
      therapists, speech therapists, psychologists, social workers, homecare companies
      and patient societies. TAKE-HOME MESSAGE: Expertise in recognising and treating
      patients with MPS II varies widely between countries. This article presents pan
      European recommendations for the diagnosis and management of this life-limiting
      disease.

PMID- 22059644
TI  - Effects of acute ingestion of different fats on oxidative stress and inflammation
      in overweight and obese adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Studies show that obese individuals have prolonged elevations in
      postprandial lipemia and an exacerbated inflammatory response to high fat meals,
      which can increase risk for cardiovascular diseases. As epidemiological studies
      indicate an association between type of fat and circulating inflammatory markers,
      the purpose of this study was to investigate the acute effect of different fat
      sources on inflammation and oxidative stress in overweight and obese individuals.
      METHODS: Eleven overweight and obese subjects consumed three high fat milkshakes
      rich in monounsaturated fat (MFA), saturated fat (SFA), or long-chain omega 3
      polyunsaturated fat (O3FA) in random order. Blood samples collected at baseline,
      1, 2, 4, and 6 hours postprandial were analyzed for markers of inflammation
      (soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion
      molecule-1 (VCAM-1), tumor necrosis factor- alpha (TNF-alpha), and C-reactive
      protein (CRP)), oxidative stress (8-epi-prostaglandin-F2alpha (8-epi) and nuclear
      factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB)), and metabolic factors (glucose, insulin, non
      esterified free fatty acids, and triglycerides (TG)). RESULTS: O3FA enhanced NF
      kB activation compared to SFA, but did not increase any inflammatory factors
      measured. Conversely, SFA led to higher ICAM-1 levels than MFA (p = 0.051), while
      MFA increased TG more than SFA (p < 0.05). CRP increased while TNF-alpha and 8
      epi decreased with no difference between treatments. CONCLUSIONS: While most of
      the inflammatory factors measured had modest or no change following the meal,
      ICAM-1 and NF-kappaB responded differently by meal type. These results are
      provocative and suggest that type of fat in meals may differentially influence
      postprandial inflammation and endothelial activation.

PMID- 22059645
TI  - Mass-dependent bond vibrational dynamics influence catalysis by HIV-1 protease.
AB  - Protein motions that occur on the microsecond to millisecond time scale have been
      linked to enzymatic rates observed for catalytic turnovers, but not to transition
      state barrier crossing. It has been hypothesized that enzyme motions on the
      femtosecond time scale of bond vibrations play a role in transition state
      formation. Here, we perturb femtosecond motion by substituting all
      nonexchangeable carbon, nitrogen, and hydrogen atoms with (13)C, (15)N, and (2)H
      and observe the catalytic effects in HIV-1 protease. According to the Born
      Oppenheimer approximation, isotopic substitution alters vibrational frequency
      with unchanged electrostatic properties. With the use of a fluorescent peptide to
      report on multiple steps in the reaction, we observe significantly reduced rates
      in the heavy enzyme relative to the light enzyme. A possible interpretation of
      our results is that there exists a dynamic link between mass-dependent bond
      vibrations of the enzyme and events in the reaction coordinate.

PMID- 22059646
TI  - Severe ranitidine-induced anaphylaxis: a case report and literature review.
AB  - WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: Ranitidine is a generally well-tolerated drug, and
      serious side effects are rare. However, ranitidine-induced anaphylaxis has been
      reported on rare occasions. We report on such a case and review other cases
      reported in the literature. CASE SUMMARY: A 36-year-old man with no history of
      other medications, illnesses or allergic diseases, especially to drugs, consulted
      our emergency department because of renal colic and epigastric discomfort. He was
      given 50 mg of ranitidine as a slow intravenous bolus and 20 mg of piroxicam
      intramuscularly. Within the first minute, the patient developed a cold sweat,
      trembling, dyspnoea and deterioration of his consciousness. The condition was
      considered as an anaphylactic shock, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation and
      inotropic support were immediately commenced. Two days later, he was weaned off
      the ventilator as he was haemodynamically stable. He was discharged after 7 days.
      Four weeks later, skin prick tests to ranitidine and piroxicam were performed on
      the forearm of the patient. He reacted strongly to ranitidine about 10 min later
      but not to piroxicam. To assess cross-reactivity to other H2- and H1-receptor
      antagonists in our patient, we subsequently performed prick tests to famotidine,
      cimetidine and desloratadine and all were negative. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION:
      We re-emphasize a potentially serious, albeit very rare, adverse effect of
      ranitidine and summarize other reported cases. This case demonstrates that
      commonly used, generally safe drugs may on occasions cause serious adverse
      effects.

PMID- 22059647
TI  - Pharmacokinetic evaluation of roflumilast.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Roflumilast is a selective PDE4 inhibitor recently approved for
      oral, once-daily treatment of severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
      (COPD). Clinical trials have demonstrated the effect of roflumilast on reducing
      exacerbation frequency and improving lung function in COPD, while its mode of
      action may offer the potential to target the inflammatory processes underlying
      COPD. Roflumilast is, therefore, an important addition to current therapeutic
      options. It is catalyzed by cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1A2 and 3A4 to its active
      metabolite, roflumilast N-oxide, which accounts for > 90% of roflumilast total
      PDE4 inhibitory activity. AREAS COVERED: This article reviews the
      pharmacokinetics of roflumilast and considers the effects of co-administration
      with CYP inhibitors or inducers, and other medications commonly used in patients
      with COPD, on the pharmacokinetics of roflumilast and roflumilast N-oxide. EXPERT
      OPINION: Roflumilast has novel anti-inflammatory activity in COPD that provides
      the physician with a treatment option beyond bronchodilation. It can be co
      administered with many medications commonly used by patients with COPD and its
      anti-inflammatory activity provides incremental benefits on top of existing
      therapies. Future research will further elucidate the impact of roflumilast on
      COPD and beyond, while alternative dosing regimens may offer a means to
      ameliorate transient tolerability issues.

PMID- 22059648
TI  - Synthesis and properties of a bridged nucleic acid with a perhydro-1,2-oxazin-3
      one ring.
AB  - A novel derivative of 2',4'-bridged nucleic acid, named hydroxamate-bridged
      nucleic acid (HxNA), containing a six-membered perhydro-1,2-oxazin-3-one ring,
      was designed and synthesized. The introduction of a carbonyl function along with
      an N-O linkage in the six-membered bridged structure is the unique structural
      feature of the novel 2',4'-bridged nucleic acid analogue. The design was carried
      out to restrict the flexibility of the sugar moiety through the trigonal
      planarity of carbonyl function, which would improve the properties of the
      modification. The synthesized monomer was incorporated into oligonucleotides, and
      their properties were examined. The HxNA-modified oligonucleotides exhibited
      selectively high affinity toward complementary ssRNA. Furthermore, the nuclease
      resistance of the HxNA-modified oligonucleotide was found to be higher than that
      of the corresponding natural and 2',4'-BNA/LNA-modified oligonucleotides.
      Interestingly, exposure of HxNA modified oligonucleotide to 3'-exonuclease
      resulted in gradual opening of the bridge, which stopped further digestion.
      Moreover, ring-opening of only one modification at the 3'-end of the
      oligonucleotides was observed, even if two or three HxNA modifications were
      present in the sequence. The results demonstrate the strong potential of the HxNA
      modification as a switch for the generation of highly nuclease-resistant RNA
      selective oligonucleotide in situ, which could have potential applications in
      antisense technology.

PMID- 22059649
TI  - Dual task performance of working memory and postural control in major depressive
      disorder.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Previous studies with patients diagnosed with Major Depressive
      Disorder (MDD) revealed deficits in working memory and executive functions. In
      the present study we investigated whether patients with MDD have the ability to
      allocate cognitive resources in dual task performance of a highly challenging
      cognitive task (working memory) and a task that is seemingly automatic in nature
      (postural control). METHOD: Fifteen young (18-35 years old) patients with MDD and
      24 healthy age-matched controls performed a working memory task and two postural
      control tasks (standing on a stable or on a moving platform) both separately
      (single task) and concurrently (dual task). RESULTS: Postural stability under
      single task conditions was similar in the two groups, and in line with earlier
      studies, MDD patients recalled fewer working memory items than controls. To
      equate working memory challenges for patients and controls, task difficulty
      (number of items presented) in dual task was individually adjusted such that
      accuracy of working memory performance was similar for the two groups under
      single task conditions. Patients showed greater postural instability in dual task
      performance on the stable platform, and more importantly when posture task
      difficulty increased (moving platform) they showed deficits in both working
      memory accuracy and postural stability compared with healthy controls.
      CONCLUSIONS: We interpret our results as evidence for executive control deficits
      in MDD patients that affect their task coordination. In multitasking, these
      deficits affect not only cognitive but also sensorimotor task performance.

PMID- 22059651
TI  - Progression rate of newly diagnosed impaired fasting glycemia to type 2 diabetes
      mellitus: a study using the National Healthcare Group Diabetes Registry in
      Singapore.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aims of the present study were to estimate the rate of
      progression from newly diagnosed impaired fasting glycemia (IFG) to type 2
      diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Singapore and to identify factors associated with the
      progression to T2DM in individuals with newly diagnosed IFG. METHODS: The present
      study was a retrospective cohort study of newly diagnosed IFG from the National
      Healthcare Group Diabetes Registry between 1 January 2006 and 31 December 2007 to
      estimated the rate of progression to T2DM. Univariate survival analysis, followed
      by multivariate survival analysis, was performed and interactions were tested in
      the final model. RESULTS: Over a mean follow-up period of 1.65 +/- 0.13 years, 85
      of 490 participants with newly diagnosed IFG developed T2DM, giving an annual
      progression rate of 6.8%. The factors associated with the development of T2DM
      were higher fasting plasma glucose level in the year of IFG diagnosis (hazard
      ratio [HR] = 14.6; 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.66-37.5), Chinese race (HR =
      2.70; 95% CI 1.44-5.06), and body mass index (HR = 1.11; 95% CI, 1.06-1.15).
      CONCLUSIONS: The progression rate to T2DM is high in subjects with newly
      diagnosed IFG. Intensive lifestyle modification can be incorporated into their
      current yearly follow-up to prevent progression to T2DM, which is a growing
      problem in Singapore.

PMID- 22059650
TI  - Deconstructing spatial working memory and attention deficits in multiple
      sclerosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether spatial working memory (WM) is impaired in
      multiple sclerosis (MS), and, if it is, to localize impairment to specific
      cognitive subprocess(es). METHOD: In Experiment 1, MS and control participants
      performed computerized memory-span and visuomotor tasks. WM subprocesses were
      taxed by manipulating (1) the requirement to remember serial order, (2) delay
      duration, and (3) the presence of irrelevant stimuli during target presentation.
      In Experiment 2, recall and recognition tests varied the difficulty of WM
      retrieval. In Experiment 3, an attention-cueing task tested the ability to
      voluntarily and rapidly reorient attention. RESULTS: Performance was worse for MS
      than for control participants in both spatial recall (Exp. 1 span: 95% CIMS =
      [5.11, 5.57], 95% CIControls = [5.58, 6.03], p = .003, 1-tailed; Exp. 2 span: 95%
      CIMS = [4.44, 5.54], 95% CIControls = [5.47, 6.57], p = .006, 1-tailed) and
      recognition (accuracy: 95% CIMS = [0.71, 0.81], 95% CIControls = [0.79, 0.88], p
      = .01, 1-tailed) tests. However, there was no evidence for deficits in
      spatiotemporal binding, maintenance, retrieval, distractor suppression, or
      visuomotor processing. In contrast, MS participants were abnormally slow to
      reorient attention (cueing effect (ms): 95% CIMS: [90, 169], 95% CIControls: [29,
      107], p = .015, 1-tailed). CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest that, whereas spatial WM
      is impaired in MS, once spatial information has been adequately encoded into WM,
      individuals with MS are, on average, able to maintain and retrieve this
      information. Impoverished encoding of spatial information, however, may be due to
      inefficient voluntary orienting of attention.

PMID- 22059652
TI  - Associations between low literacy and health status measures: cross-sectional
      analyses of two physical activity trials.
AB  - Arthritis researchers have thoroughly documented a powerful relationship between
      years of education and health outcomes, but they have not documented the role of
      literacy. The authors examined the associations between literacy and arthritis
      health status measures. Participants were recruited from southeastern urban and
      rural areas. Rapid Estimate of Adult Literacy in Medicine, which provides an
      estimate of reading level in less than 3 minutes, was administered to 447
      participants at baseline in 2 community-based randomized controlled trials of
      lifestyle interventions designed for aging sedentary adults with arthritis. Those
      who read below ninth grade were considered to have low literacy. Among the 447
      study participants, the median sample age was 69 years. A majority of the
      participants were women (86%), Caucasian (80%), overweight or obese (72%). Of all
      participants, 20% had low literacy. Significantly more African Americans (54%)
      than Caucasians (12%) had low literacy levels (p < .001). Individuals with low
      literacy did not have significantly worse disability or arthritis symptoms than
      individuals with adequate literacy (all ps > .05). Among our study participants,
      1 in 5 had low literacy, but literacy was not associated with health status in
      this population.

PMID- 22059653
TI  - Ruthenium complexes of thiaporphyrin and dithiaporphyrin.
AB  - Successful synthesis and characterization of the six-coordinated complex
      [Ru(STTP)(CO)Cl] (1; STTP = 5,10,15,20-tetratolyl-21-thiaporphyrinato) allowed
      the development of the coordination chemistry of ruthenium-thiaporphyrin through
      dechlorination and metathesis reactions. Accordingly, [Ru(II)(STTP)(CO)X] (X =
      NO(3)(-) (2), NO(2)(-) (3), and N(3)(-) (4)) was synthesized and analyzed by
      single-crystal X-ray structural determination and NMR, UV-vis, and FT-IR
      spectroscopic methods. An independent reaction of STPPH and [Ru(COD)Cl(2)] led to
      [Ru(III)(STTP)Cl(2)] (5), which possessed a higher-valent Ru(III) center and
      exhibited good stability in the solution state. This stability allowed reversible
      redox processes in a cyclic voltammetric study. Reactions of [Ru(S(2)TTP)Cl(2)]
      (S(2)TTP = 5,10,15,20-tetratolyl-21,23-dithiaporphyrinato) with AgNO(3) and
      NaSePh, also via the metathesis strategy, resulted in novel dithiaporphyrin
      complexes [Ru(II)(S(2)TTP)(NO(3))(2)] (6) and [Ru(0)(S(2)TTP)(PhSeCH(2)SePh)(2)]
      (7), respectively. The structures of 6 and 7 were corroborated by X-ray
      crystallographic analyses. Complex 7 is an unprecedented ruthenium(0)
      dithiaporphyrin with two bis(phenylseleno)methanes as axial ligands. A comparison
      of the analyses of the crude products from reactions of NaSePh and CH(2)Cl(2)
      with or without [Ru(S(2)TTP)Cl(2)], further supported by UV-vis spectral changes
      under stoichiometric reactions between [Ru(S(2)TTP)Cl(2)] and NaSePh, suggested a
      reaction sequence in the order of (1) formation of a putative
      [Ru(II)(S(2)TTP)(SePh)(2)] intermediate, followed by (2) the concerted formation
      of PhSe-CH(2)Cl and simultaneously a reduction of Ru(II) to Ru(0) and finally (3)
      nucleophilic substitution of PhSeCH(2)Cl by excess PhSe(-), resulting in
      PhSeCH(2)SePh, which readily coordinated to the Ru(0) and completed the formation
      of bis(phenylseleno)methane complex 7.

PMID- 22059654
TI  - Microbiological examination of pre-storage and post-storage intervention beef.
AB  - Intervention processing involves processing techniques substantially different
      from traditional carcass dressing operations. Microbiological analysis of the
      bacterial flora of intervention beef found that this product had a bacterial
      population which was similar to that typically encountered on chill stored
      carcass beef. Counts obtained from freshly processed boned out forequarters
      displayed mean log(10) counts in the range 3.62-5.37 per gram dependent on
      enumeration conditions. Post-storage counts were of similar magnitudes. Pre- and
      post-storage samples demonstrated great genus diversity. Genera diversity was
      preserved throughout frozen storage yielding a product contaminated with pathogen
      containing genera in sizeable proportions. Reasons for the broad similarity in
      microbial loading, despite numerous divergencies from standard slaughter
      techniques, between intervention beef and aerobically chill stored beef are
      discussed.

PMID- 22059655
TI  - Quality of fresh retail pork cuts stored in modified atmosphere under temperature
      conditions simulating export to distant markets.
AB  - The effect of storage temperature on microbial and sensory quality of retail cuts
      of pork was determined on samples stored under temperature regimens designed to
      simulate conditions that could be encountered in accessing distant markets with
      retail-ready product. Samples were packaged in modified atmosphere with 100%
      CO(2) and <200 ppm O(2) in plastic film with extremely low gas transmission
      rates. All samples were stored at -1.5 degrees C for three weeks. Reference
      samples were held at -1.5 degrees C for the duration of the study; experimental
      samples were transferred to 4 degrees C (-1.5 4 degrees  C ) or 7 degrees C (-1.
      517 degrees  C ) and analyzed for microbial content and sebsory attributes
      including appearance, confinement and meat odours. Storage life of reference
      samples at -1.5 degrees C was seven weeks before rejection for loss of acceptable
      appearance. With transfer of samples to 4 and 7 degrees C after three weeks at 
      1.5 degrees C, samples remained acceptable for retail sale for two weeks and one
      week, restpectively. The microbial flora was dominated by lactic acid bacteria
      under all three storage conditions. Appearance of the cuts was the principal
      criterion limiting storage life. Discoloration of the meat was not a problem in
      this study, but purge and odour, including sour and sulphur notes, became a
      problem with time. The study indicated that export of retail-ready pork cuts to
      distant markets with a three-week time for delivery to market at -1.5 degrees C
      can be achieved with one to two weeks of marketing time at retail market at 4 to
      7 degrees C.

PMID- 22059656
TI  - Effect of temperature on porcine-muscle metabolism studied in isolated muscle
      fibre strips.
AB  - In the period before and after slaughter, muscle temperature differs between
      pigs, which is likely to influence muscle metabolism. Muscle-fibre strips were
      isolated under anaesthesia from six halothane-negative Large White pigs and eight
      halothane-positive Pietrain pigs and kept in oxygenated Krebs medium at 38, 40,
      or 42 degrees C, to study the effects of temperature on muscle metabolism. During
      a period of oxygenation, contraction measurements were carried out to assess the
      physiological state of the muscle-fibre strips. Aerated Krebs solution was
      replaced by paraffin oil at the same temperature to simulate post-mortem muscle
      metabolism. Pietrain muscle-fibre strips were more affected by preparation
      methods than Large White muscle strips, which led to a higher metabolite
      breakdown at the time of cessation of the oxygen supply. Pietrain muscle-fibre
      strips also showed a larger decrease in twitch-force contraction during the
      period of oxygenation. A moderate effect of temperature on energy metabolism
      could be seen in muscle-fibre strips of both types of pig, with increasing post
      mortem metabolite breakdown at higher temperatures. However, this effect can play
      only a limited role in the tremendous acceleration of the post-mortem pH fall as
      observed in PSE muscle (up to five to ten times the normal rate).

PMID- 22059657
TI  - Is colour brightness (L-value) a reliable indicator of water-holding capacity in
      porcine muscle?
AB  - A total of 265 pork carcasses representing a broad variation in quality was used
      to examine the relationship between colour (L-value) and water-holding capacity
      (WHC) in the longissimus thoracis et lumborum. Thirty-four samples appeared to
      possess 'normal' reddish pink colour (L-value 52.0-58.0) but had 'unacceptable'
      WHC (>5.0% drip loss). Conversely, 25 samples were pale in colour (L-value >58.0)
      but were 'acceptable' in WHC. When muscles were dark (L-value 52.0) the WHC was
      always acceptable. Some samples were subjected to further analysis. Variations in
      iron content, haematin content, sarcomere length and degree of soluble protein
      denaturation failed to explain why brightness and WHC were not more closely
      related. When L-value and WHC were compared to pH(45) (pH, 45 min post mortem),
      WHC exhibited a biphasic relationship to pH(45) whereas L-value did not. These
      results indicate that WHC and brightness are determined by independent pre-rigor
      biological phenomena, strengthening the argument that brightness is not
      necessarily a reliable predictor of WHC. Researchers selecting pork for specific
      investigations, or commercial companies using fresh pork for either further
      processing or for retail, should not rely on colour brightness alone to insure
      that other quality properties such as WHC and firmness will also be acceptable.

PMID- 22059658
TI  - Lipolysis, proteolysis and formation of volatile components during ripening of a
      fermented sausage with Pediococcus pentosaceus and Staphylococcus xylosus as
      starter cultures.
AB  - Bacterial growth, formation of acids, lipolysis, proteolysis, fat oxidation,
      formation of volatile compounds and flavour characteristics were followed during
      ripening and storage of a fermented sausage. The starter culture used was
      composed of Pediococcus pentosaceus and Staphylococcus xylosus. The number of
      Pediococcus sp. increased by 1.5 log cfu/g during the first day of processing and
      remained constant at this level for 3 weeks. The corresponding initial increase
      in the numbers of Staphylococcus sp., 0.4 log cfu/g, was followed by a rapid
      decrease in the viable numbers. Lactic acid, mainly d-lactic acid, and acetic
      acid were formed during ripening. The triglycerides were hydrolysed to 1,2
      diglycerides and free fatty acids at the beginning of ripening, followed by the
      formation of 1,3-diglycerides and monoglycerides, indicating lipolytic activity.
      Moreover, the nonprotein nitrogen increased during ripening as a result of the
      proteolytic activity. Most of the changes with respect to pH, formation of d
      lactic acid, acetic acid, peroxides and flavour development occurred during the
      initial 3 days of ripening, when growth of Pediococcus sp. and Staphylococcus sp.
      occurred. Lipolysis as well as proteolysis continued after this initial period.
      The volatile compounds identified belonged to several chemical families, viz.
      aliphatic and aromatic hydrocarbons, aldehydes, ketones, alcohols, phenols,
      carboxylic acids, esters, nitrogen compounds, sulphur compounds, chloride
      compounds, terpenes and furans. Many of the volatile compounds probably
      originated from smoke and seasoning (onion/garlic and pepper), while others were
      a result of the activities of muscle enzymes and bacteria.

PMID- 22059659
TI  - Effects of high pressure treatment on the proteolytic enzymes in meat.
AB  - This paper describes the effects of high-pressure treatment on proteolytic
      enzymes in muscle, especially catheptic enzymes which influence meat
      tenderization, and on acid phosphatase, used as an index of disruption of
      lysosomal membranes. Acid phosphatase activity in the extract from pressurized
      muscle increased with increasing pressure applied to the muscle up to 500 MPa.
      Activity of cathepsin B, D and L increased up to 400 MPa, then tended to decrease
      at 500 MPa. Cathepsin H and aminopeptidase B decreased with the increasing
      pressure. Measurements of enzymic activity in the pressurized crude extract, to
      investigate the pressure effect on the enzymes themselves, showed that all
      enzymes studied in this paper lost their enzymic activity as applied pressure
      increased. When the pressurized extracts were subjected to the gel-filtration
      chromatography, a decrease in the activities of cathepsin H and aminopeptidase B
      and an increase in the activities of cathepsins B and L and acid phosphatase were
      observed. It seems that the decrease in activity of the enzymes eluted early from
      the column (cathepsin H and aminopeptidase B) is due to decrease in the amount of
      protein eluted by the pressure treatment, whereas the increase in activity of the
      enzymes eluted late (cathepsin B, L and acid phosphatase) is due to an increase
      in the amount of protein eluted. From the results, it was concluded that the
      pressure-induced increase in the amount of protease activity in the muscle was
      due to the release of the enzymes from lysosomes.

PMID- 22059660
TI  - Parameters determining the quality of charqui, an intermediate moisture meat
      product.
AB  - Charqui is a typical Brazilian meat product obtained by salting and sun-drying
      beef samples. The chemical, physical and microbiological characteristics of the
      charqui were evaluated throughout processing and storage. The results confirm
      charqui is an intermediate moisture meat product (A(w) = 0.70-0.75). A close
      relationship between moisture, pretein and ash vaiues was found, suggesting the
      possibility of using the resulting charqui A(w) value as a parameter to define
      the product instead of the official moisture and mineral residue contents. The
      TBA determination, which expresses the state of lipid oxidation, rapidly reached
      the maximum value, corroborating the previous observations on the salt pro
      oxidant role, and then decreased gradually. A gradual decrease in microorganism
      count during processing and storage of charqui was also observed. These results
      indicate the feasibility of obtaining a final product with a low level of
      microbial count when raw materials of good quality, and adequate handling
      conditions, are used for charqui production.

PMID- 22059661
TI  - Predicting the weight of lean meat in lamb carcasses and the suitability of this
      characteristic as a basis for valuing carcasses.
AB  - The carcasses of 138 lambs were dissected into fat, muscle and bone as the basis
      for developing a model to estimate the weight of lean meat (muscle and
      intramuscular fat). The lambs represented two sexes (70 wethers, 68 ewes) and
      three sire genotypes (67 Poll Dorset, 39 Suffolk, 32 Wiltshire Horn) all from
      Border Leicester * Polwarth * Booroola type ewes. Hot carcass weight (HWT) was
      found to explain the majority of the variation in the weight of lean meat. When
      measures of subcutaneous fat depth at different sites were used as predictors in
      addition to HWT, the accuracy with which lean meat yield could be estimated was
      found to increase by a small amount. There was, however, little difference in
      their individual value as predictors. The area of the M. longissimus thoracis et
      lumborum at the twelfth-thirteenth rib was found to account for the significant
      breed type difference between Poll Dorset and Suffolk sired lambs when included
      in a multiple regression with HWT and the GR measurement (tissue thickness at the
      twelfth rib 110 mm from the midline). The final model produced an R(2) = 0.92 and
      an RSD = 0.45 kg for the 106 lambs. Using the model for the 106 lambs, the
      estimated (from the model) and actual values of lean meat for the Wiltshire Horn
      sired lambs were compared. The correlation coefficient between the values was r =
      0.97 and the RSD was 0.31 kg. This shows that for second cross lambs as used in
      this study the fitted model exhibits a degree of general validity and stability.
      An overall model for the 138 lambs produced an R(2) = 0.92 an RSD = 0.43 kg. The
      potential for pricing meat on the basis of lean meat yield is discussed, with
      particular emphasis on the current developments in assessment of lamb carcasses
      in Australia.

PMID- 22059662
TI  - Effect of chitosan in meat preservation.
AB  - The effect of chitosan in meat preservation, including microbiological, chemical,
      sensory and color qualities, was examined. In liquid medium, chitosan (0.01%)
      inhibited the growth of some spoilage bacteria such as Bacillus subtilis IFO
      3025, Escherichia coli RB, Pseudomonas fragi IFO 3458 and Staphylococcus aureus
      IAM 1011. At higher concentrations (0.1 and 1.0%) it inhibited the growth of the
      meat starter cultures, Lactobacillus plantarium IAM 1216, Pediococcus pentosaceus
      IAM 12296 and Micrococcus varians IFO 3765. In meat, during incubation at 30
      degrees C for 48 h or storage at 4 degrees C for 10 days, 0.5-1.0% chitosan
      inhibited the growth of spoilage bacteria, reduced lipid oxidation and
      putrefaction, and resulted in better sensory attributes. Chitosan also had a good
      effect on the development of the red color of meat during storage.

PMID- 22059663
TI  - Effects of double-muscling on carcass quality, beef tenderness and myofibrillar
      protein degradation in Belgian Blue White bulls.
AB  - Carcass properties and meat quality characteristics of 32 Belgian Blue White
      double-muscled bulls (DM) were compared with those of 59 bulls of the same breed
      with normal conformation (N). DM showed superior carcass quality as revealed in
      increased dressing percentage, meat production yield, conformation grade,
      muscle/fat and muscle/bone ratios (all P < 0.001). Longissimus dorsi (LD) shear
      force values, drip and cooking losses at 8 days post mortem (pm) were
      significantly higher (P < 0.001) for DM, whereas sarcomere lengths were not
      different. Calpain 1 and calpastatin levels at 1 h and 24 h pm were tremendously
      decreased in DM as were also cathepsin B and L levels at 1 and 8 days pm (P <
      0.001). As evident from semi-quantitative SDS-PAGE, these differences were
      accompanied by higher titin and lower 30 kDa levels (P < 0.001) in DM. Troponin-t
      levels were not different, but very low. Intramuscular collagen content was
      significantly lower in DM (P < 0.001). This suggests that lower background
      toughness in DM was compensated for by reduced post-mortem proteolytic
      tenderization. Discrepancy with literature reports regarding tenderness of DM
      might be related to the extreme muscularity of the Belgian Blue White breed,
      compared to other DM breeds. The results also suggest that reduced protein
      turnover might be involved in the muscle hypertrophy phenomenon within this
      breed, because of likely reduced levels of calpains and cathepsins in living DM
      animals.

PMID- 22059664
TI  - Intramuscular fat and muscle fibre lipid contents in halothane-gene-free pigs fed
      high or low protein diets and its relation to meat quality.
AB  - Immediately after exsanguination, samples were taken from M. longissimus dorsi
      (LD) and M. biceps fermorsi (BF) of halothane-gene-free Swedish Yorkshire pigs
      (entire males and gilts) fed a high-protein (18.5% crude protein, 0.96% lysine; n
      = 20) or a low-protein diet (13.1% crude protein, 0.64% lysine; n = 20). The
      lipid content, measured as triglyceride (TG), was analysed after the samples had
      been freeze-dried and dissected free from blood, fat and connective tissue. Fibre
      type composition (type I, IIA, IIB, IIC) was analysed by histochemical staining
      on all samples. In 14 samples of LD, representing the entire variation of the
      intramuscular fat content (IMF) among the 40 animals, fibre areas, lipid content
      and oxidative capacity within the fibre types were evaluated. IMF, meat colour
      and drip loss were measured in both muscles. Shear force was measured on cooked
      meat samples from LD. IMF was higher in both LD (2.5%) and BF (2.0%) from pigs on
      the low-protein diet compared with LD (1.5%) and BF (1.3%) from pigs on the high
      protein diet. TG content did not differ between diets in BF but was higher in LD
      from pigs on low- vis-a-vis high protein diet. A significant correlation was seen
      in LD between IMF and TG content (r = 0.57; P < 0.001). Fibre type composition
      did not differ between pigs on the two diets. BF had a higher proportion of type
      I and IIA fibres and a lower proportion of IIB fibres, compared with LD. TG
      content in muscle was not correlated with fibre type composition or staining
      intensity for lipids and oxidative capacity. High staining intensity for lipid in
      LD was seen in all type I fibres and in some type IIA fibres. Meat quality
      parameters did not differ between groups except shear force, which was higher in
      pigs fed the high- vis-a-vis low-protein diet (4.7 and 4.0 kg/cm(2),
      respectively). Shear force was correlated significantly with TG content (r = 
      0.42; P < 0.01) and IMF (r = -0.43; P < 0.01) in LD. The results of this study
      show that lipids are stored mainly in type I fibres and in some type IIA fibres.
      Intracellular triglycerides account for only a small fraction of IMF. The results
      indicate that IMF and TG content in muscle fibres may be related to shear force.

PMID- 22059665
TI  - Incidence of different pork quality categories in a Portuguese slaughterhouse: A
      survey.
AB  - This study was designed to evaluate the incidence of the PSE/DFD status in a
      Portuguese pig slaughterhouse, covering two seasons of the year (spring and
      summer) in order to find out if the proportions of those poor meat quality
      categories were sufficient to concern the meat industry. Meat quality
      classification was based on the measurements of the pH(60), pH(24), drip losses
      and colour (L, a, b) in the longissimus dorsi muscle (between the last third and
      fourth ribs) of 380 pigs randomly chosen from the line. The high global incidence
      of PSE and likely PSE (30%) as well as DFD (10%) carcasses and the enormous
      variation of the meat quality between the different days of analysis proves that
      the pig population presents a great variation of halothane genotype and that
      handling procedures have to be optimized in order to decrease stress and glycogen
      store depletion. The percentage of PSE carcasses during the summer season was
      double that found in the spring, probably due to a higher environmental
      temperature and relative humidity.

PMID- 22059666
TI  - Physiological aspects of androstenone and skatole formation in the boar-A review
      with experimental data.
AB  - The advantages of boars in fattening performance and carcass traits when compared
      with the other sexes are explained by testicular anabolic hormones. The steroid
      androstenone with a pronounced urine-like odour is the main objection against
      boar meat. More recently skatole (faecal odour) has been identified as another
      contributor to off-odour of pork. Androstenone is synthesized in the testes,
      secreted into the circulation and accumulated in adipose tissue due to its
      lipophilic property. Its biosynthesis is linked to the synthesis of anabolic
      testicular hormones. Therefore no practical method is available to maintain the
      sex-dependent anabolic potential of boars and to suppress androstenone
      selectively. Skatole is formed from tryptophan by specialized microbes in the
      colon when energy in the colon is limited. Gonadal hormones, but also growth
      hormone and IGF-1, favour its formation. Oestrogens, which are synthesized in
      high amounts in boar testes, decrease voluntary food intake, thus lowering the
      intestinal passage rate. Additionally oestrogens probably influence directly
      intestinal contractions via specific gut receptors. It appears, however, that
      glucocorticoids are more important. They counteract mitogenic hormones, such as
      IGF-1, ultimately leading to gut mucosal cell degradation. The resulting cell
      debris probably is the main source of tryptophan for microbial skatole formation.
      In contrast to androstenone, skatole formation can be easily suppressed by
      dietary means.

PMID- 22059667
TI  - Influence of low dose irradiation on the quality of fresh buffalo meat stored at
      0-3 degrees C.
AB  - The effect of low dose irradiation on the microbiological, chemical and sensory
      qualities of fresh buffalo meat stored at 0-3 degrees C was studied. Meat slices
      packed in polyethylene bags subjected to 2.5 kGy dose had a shelf-life of 4 weeks
      with acceptable sensory score, low total volatile basic nitrogen values and
      remarkable improvement in microbiological quality. Irradiated meat was completely
      free of Pseudomonas spp. and Enterobacteriaceae throughout storage. In contrast,
      the unirradiated control meat spoiled within 2 weeks.

PMID- 22059668
TI  - Structural changes in endomysium and perimysium during post-mortem aging of
      chicken Semitendinosus muscle-Contribution of structural weakening of
      intramuscular connective tissue to meat tenderization.
AB  - Post-mortem changes in endomysium and perimysium were investigated during aging
      of chicken semitendinosus muscle at 4 degrees C. Although the shear-force value
      of raw meat decreased rapidly within 5 h post mortem and gradually thereafter,
      the solubility of collagen and the ratio of each chain of soluble collagen
      remained unchanged during 24 h post mortem. Light microscopic studies showed that
      structures of endomysium and perimysium disintegrated into several thin sheets
      within 12 h post mortem, and that many gaps opened in the cross-section of
      endomysium and perimysium. While endomysium and perimysium were not stained by
      periodic acid Schiff reagent in fresh muscle, they were markedly stained in
      muscle 12 h post mortem. These results provide direct evidence for the structural
      weakening of endomysium and perimysium during post-mortem aging of chicken.
      Therefore, we conclude that the structural weakening of the intramuscular
      connective tissue is closely related to tenderization of chicken.

PMID- 22059669
TI  - Relationships between subjective and objective assessments of stress at slaughter
      and meat quality in pigs.
AB  - A study was carried out to relate subjective and objective measures of stress at
      slaughter and meat quality in pigs. Thirteen slaughter plants were visited. The
      systems used for handling the pigs pre-slaughter and the levels of stress
      experienced by the animals were subjectively assessed. The sound level
      immediately before stunning was also measured. Generally, systems that were rated
      as being most stressful also produced higher levels of sound, probably because of
      the vocalisations of the pigs. As the size of plant increased, there was a
      tendency for the level of stress, and the recorded sound level, to increase. This
      appeared to be because larger plants operated faster and were more likely to use
      restraining conveyors supplied by races to handle the animals before stunning.
      The restraint associated with these seems stressful to pigs. Five plants were
      selected for further study. Two had been assessed as having handling systems that
      produced a low level of stress in the pigs, one as having a system producing a
      medium level, and two as having poor systems producing high levels of stress.
      Blood samples were collected at exsanguination, and meat quality was assessed. As
      the level of subjectively assessed stress experienced by the pigs increased, so
      did the average blood levels of lactate and creatine phosphokinase (CPK). There
      was also a progressive increase in the potential incidence of pale, soft,
      exudative (PSE) and dark, firm, dry (DFD) meat in the plants using more stressful
      handling systems. Additionally, there were positive relationships between sound
      level and lactate and CPK, and sound level and indices of poorer meat quality.
      Cortisol concentrations were not different in pigs killed in the different
      systems and probably reflect events earlier in the handling process, such as in
      transport and lairage, rather than the stress experienced immediately before
      stunning. The overall conclusion was that subjective assessments of the stress
      suffered by pigs correlate well with objective measures and that higher stress
      levels are associated with poorer meat quality.

PMID- 22059670
TI  - Water activity of Spanish intermediate-moisture meat products.
AB  - On the basis of considering foods with water activity from 0.600 to 0.910 to be
      intermediate-moisture foods (IMF), we determined the water activity, pH, and some
      chemical parameters for 70 samples from 17 different selected types of Spanish
      intermediate-moisture meat products. Even though the salt content is the main
      water-activity depressor, the sodium chloride molality in the overall amount of
      water of the product cannot be used to calculate the a(w) value of these types of
      meat products of intermediate moisture.

PMID- 22059671
TI  - Measurements of pH(60) in pork using ISFET/REFET and glass electrode methods.
AB  - pH values of 180 pork longissimus dorsi muscles were obtained using different
      measurement methods. A glass combined penetration electrode and an ISFET/REFET pH
      sensor system were used directly in the muscle, whereas in the homogenate, pH was
      assessed with a glass combined electrode. The results showed that no
      statistically significant differences were obtained between the methods in all
      tested samples. However, samples where pH(60) stood below 5.9, produced a better
      agreement between methods. Comparing the values obtained from the two direct
      puncture methods in the first group of samples (pH<5.9) the I/R probe appeared to
      agree with those obtained from the homogenates. While working, the ISFET/REFET
      system proved to be a good device to detect carcasses with fast post mortem pH
      decline. Nevertheless, the excessive time required display stabilisation
      prohibits its use for continuous measurements on high speed slaughter-lines.

PMID- 22059672
TI  - Muscle pH(60), colour (L, a, b) and water-holding capacity and the influence of
      post-mortem meat temperature.
AB  - The use of the pH(60) and colour parameters (L, a, b) as chilled pork drip loss
      predictors 24 h post-mortem as well as the influence on this meat characteristic
      of an early blast cooling regime (90 min post-mortem) were investigated. Despite
      the best correlation found with pH(60) (-0.647), both indicators were found to be
      poor for this purpose, it being impossible to use them alone for pork quality
      classification (PSE/DFD status). Comparing the evolution between the drip losses
      on chilled and early deep frozen (-60 degrees C) longissimus dorsi pork cuts, the
      results indicate that both the thawing regime and the time the samples stay in
      refrigeration, influence the observed trends significantly. The general drip loss
      enhancement seen after thawing as well as the increasing meat toughness, judged
      subjectively, must be due to cold-shortening and/or thaw rigor phenomena.

PMID- 22059673
TI  - Relationship between Japanese beef marbling standard and intramuscular lipid in
      the M. longissimus thoracis of Japanese Black and American Wagyu Cattle.
AB  - Japanese Black and American Wagyu steers (n = 155) were slaughtered and graded
      under typical Japanese production conditions, and then analyzed for percentage
      ether-extractable fat at the 6th thoracic vertebra. The percentage of
      intramuscular lipid was used to develop a prediction equation for the Japanese
      beef marbling standard (BMS) with R(2) = 0.7619.

PMID- 22059674
TI  - Obituary: v. M. Gorbatov.

PMID- 22059675
TI  - Increasing incidence of Trichophyton tonsurans in Paris, France: a 15-year
      retrospective study.

PMID- 22059676
TI  - Dynamic SERS imaging of cellular transport pathways with endocytosed gold
      nanoparticles.
AB  - Dynamic SERS imaging inside a living cell is demonstrated with the use of a gold
      nanoparticle, which travels through the intracellular space to probe local
      molecular information over time. Simultaneous tracking of particle motion and
      SERS spectroscopy allows us to detect intracellular molecules at 65 nm spatial
      resolution and 50 ms temporal resolution, providing molecular maps of organelle
      transport and lisosomal accumulation. Multiplex spectral and trajectory imaging
      will enable imaging of specific dynamic biological functions such as membrane
      protein diffusion, nuclear entry, and rearrangement of cellular cytoskeleton.

PMID- 22059677
TI  - Assessing the confidence level of public domain compound activity data and the
      impact of alternative potency measurements on SAR analysis.
AB  - Publicly available compound activity data have been analyzed to distinguish
      between compounds for which single or multiple potency measurements were
      available and gain insight into data confidence levels. Different potency
      measurements with defined end points and alternative ways to represent multiple
      potency values for active compounds have been evaluated in the context of SAR
      analysis. Approximately 78% of all compounds with multiple potency measurements
      were found to represent high-confidence data, which corresponded to ~10% of all
      activity data. The use of different types of potency measurements and alternative
      representations of multiple potency values changed the SAR information content of
      compound data sets and resulted in different activity cliff distributions. Thus,
      the types of activity measurements that were available and how they were used
      substantially impacted SAR analysis. Compounds with multiple K(i) measurements
      provided the most reliable basis for SAR exploration.

PMID- 22059678
TI  - Super-resolution microscopy reveals cell wall dynamics and peptidoglycan
      architecture in ovococcal bacteria.
AB  - Cell morphology and viability in Eubacteria is dictated by the architecture of
      peptidoglycan, the major and essential structural component of the cell wall.
      Although the biochemical composition of peptidoglycan is well understood, how the
      peptidoglycan architecture can accommodate the dynamics of growth and division
      while maintaining cell shape remains largely unknown. Here, we elucidate the
      peptidoglycan architecture and dynamics of bacteria with ovoid cell shape
      (ovococci), which includes a number of important pathogens, by combining
      biochemical analyses with atomic force and super-resolution microscopies. Atomic
      force microscopy analysis showed preferential orientation of the peptidoglycan
      network parallel to the short axis of the cell, with distinct architectural
      features associated with septal and peripheral wall synthesis. Super-resolution
      three-dimensional structured illumination fluorescence microscopy was applied for
      the first time in bacteria to unravel the dynamics of peptidoglycan assembly in
      ovococci. The ovococci have a unique peptidoglycan architecture and growth mode
      not observed in other model organisms.

PMID- 22059679
TI  - What does dual pathway Wenckebach mean?

PMID- 22059680
TI  - Ultrastructural findings on the skeletal muscles of pigs following ultrarapid
      chilling in the initial phase of meat maturation.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to show the structural alterations in the short
      term frozen surface musculature of slaughtered pigs followed ultrarapid chilling
      methods. In muscles with normal glycolysis the short-term freezing of the
      musculature following ultrarapid chilling within 3 h 45 min post mortem led to
      cold shortening and in some areas to considerable changes in the transverse
      striation. The interstitial and interfibrillar spaces revealed severe oedema. The
      organelles showed, almost without exception, extreme vacuolar alterations and the
      cell membranes appeared fragmented. The non-frozen musculature of the more slowly
      chilled control group revealed similar changes but of a minor or less serious
      nature. In the muscle samples with accelerated glycolytic rates only minor
      differences were observed between the ultrarapidly chilled and the control
      musculature. Final evaluation of the effect of these chilling methods can only
      take place after studying the influence of the ultrastructural changes on the
      water binding capacity and tenderness of the musculature.

PMID- 22059681
TI  - Effect of different electrical stimulation and chilling treatments on pork
      quality.
AB  - The effect of different chilling and electrical stimulation (ES) treatments on
      the carcass and eating quality of pork has been examined. Preliminary trials
      (Study I), with a variety of ES treatments, indicated that, on the basis of pH
      fall, drip loss and tenderness, the most effective was that using 700 V peak at
      12.5 Hz for 90 s applied at 20 min post-slaughter. These ES parameters were used
      throughout the main study (II) using 80 pigs, one side of which was stimulated
      and the other not, before being chilled rapidly (10 degrees C in deep loin within
      2-3 h of slaughter) or conventionally (10 degrees C in deep loin within 5 h of
      slaughter). Changes in pH and temperature during chilling were observed and,
      after chilling, quality assessments on LD and Sm muscles included drip loss,
      muscle opacity and instrumental toughness at 3 days post-slaughter. Electrical
      stimulation, 20 min post-slaughter, improved tenderness of the LD and, to a
      lesser extent, the Sm of rapidly chilled pig sides. This advantage was gained
      without producing PSE pork. In fact, drip loss from the LD was consistently less
      from the sides which had been stimulated.

PMID- 22059682
TI  - The effect of ractopamine on myofibre distribution and morphology and their
      relation to meat quality in swine.
AB  - One hundred and twenty-eight purebred Lacombe pigs (equal number of barrows and
      gilts) were assigned to one of four treatments at 64 kg and fed a commercial
      grower-finisher diet ad libitum to which ractopamine (RAC) was incorporated (0,
      10, 15 or 20 mg kg(-1)). Pigs were slaughtered at 100 kg. Histological samples
      were collected from the semimembranosus (SM) and the psoas major (PM) muscles
      from the 0 and 20 mg kg(-1) RAC groups. Meat quality and muscle composition data
      were collected for all pigs. A significant 3-way interaction for muscle weight
      involving treatment, muscle and gender (P = 0.01) indicated that for the SM,
      gilts appeared to respond to RAC at a lower level of incorporation (10 mg kg(-1))
      than barrows. Despite these differences in response at the gross muscle level,
      responses were similar at the cellular level for both muscles. The proportion of
      red fibres did not change (P = 0.21), the proportion of intermediate fibres
      decreased (P = 0.01) and the proportion of white muscle fibres increased (P =
      0.02) in the mg kg(-1) RAC group compared to the controls. In addition, when
      compared to controls, average fibre diameters in the 20 mg kg(-1) RAC group
      remained constant in the red fibres, and increased significantly in both the
      intermediate and white fibres (P = 0.01 and 0.02, respectively). Over both
      muscles Kramer Press values were significantly higher (P = 0.030 in the RAC-fed
      pigs than in the controls. Incorporation of RAC into the diet did not result in
      any changes to crude protein or total and soluble hydroxyproline levels. Crude
      fat tended to increase in the 15 mg kg(-1) RAC treatment in the SM and decreased
      in the 20 mg kg(-1) RAC treatment in the PM. The shift in fibre type, and the
      associated changes in fibre size, may contribute to the increased shear values
      found in RAC-fed pigs.

PMID- 22059683
TI  - Distribution of volatile branched-chain fatty acids in various lamb tissues.
AB  - Volatile fatty acids (C4-C11) including even-, odd-, and branched-chain members
      in lamb tissues were quantitatively analyzed. Volatile branched-chain fatty acids
      (BCFA) were more concentrated in subcutaneous adipose tissue samples (rump,
      shoulder, breast) than in perinepheric adipose or muscle tissues. Perinepheric
      adipose tissue contained relatively high quantities of n-chain, even-numbered
      fatty acids and very low levels of BCFA. Greater variation existed in fatty acid
      profiles among similar subcutaneous adipose tissues from different lambs than
      between samples of adipose tissue from different carcass sites from a given lamb
      sample. 4-Methyl- and 4-ethyloctanoic acids were present at concentrations
      greatly above threshold levels in all lamb fats tested, and thus upon hydrolysis
      would contribute species-related flavors to lamb. 4-Methylnonanoic concentrations
      in lamb fats ranged from nondetectable to greater than the threshold level, and
      therefore this compound would not always contribute to the species-related
      flavors of lamb. Lean meat samples contained very low concentrations of 4-methyl-
      and 4-ethyloctanoic acids.

PMID- 22059684
TI  - The Use of principal component analysis (PCA) for evaluating results from pig
      meat quality measurements.
AB  - The relationships between different meat quality methods, i.e. pH, meat colour,
      protein extractability and pigment content, measured on Swedish pig carcasses,
      were analysed by principal component analysis (PCA). The result indicated that
      when using PCA for selection among the meat quality methods used, the ultimate
      internal reflectance explained the greatest proportion of the total variance. The
      results of this study show that PCA is a simple method of finding objects with
      different characteristics (e.g. outliers and various quality classes) and for
      variable selection.

PMID- 22059685
TI  - Secondary sexual development (Masculinity) of bovine males: 1. Influence on
      carcass composition, cutability, economic value and certain muscles.
AB  - Differences in carcass composition, cutability, economic value of the carcass and
      distribution of certain muscle groups, between bulls with secondary sexual
      characteristics (bulls(+)), those without (bulls(-)), and steers were
      investigated. Two carcass mass groups (250-300 and 301-350 kg) were compared.
      Five carcasses of either mass group were studied within each sex condition group.
      Bulls(+) had a higher meat percentage (P < 0.05) than bulls(-) or steers. They
      also had a lower bone percentage than steers (P < 0.05), but non-significant
      differences were found between bulls(+) and bulls(-) for bone percentage.
      Significant differences (P < 0.05) between sex condition groups were found for
      percentages of hindquarter, as well as for distribution of high-priced cuts.
      Steers had the most favourable distribution and bulls(+) the least favourable.
      Bulls(-) were intermediate. Masculinity significantly (P < 0.05) influenced the
      distribution of the chuck, neck, brisket and hind shin cuts, whilst mass had a
      significant effect on the percentage hind shin and percentage thin flank. It was
      found that the M. rhomboideus was the only muscle of those studied that was
      significantly affected by masculinity and it was concluded that this muscle could
      be used as an indicator of the masculinity of the carcass. The economic values of
      the carcasses of steers, bulls without secondary sexual development and bulls
      with secondary sexual development differed non-significantly.

PMID- 22059686
TI  - Secondary sexual development (Masculinity) of bovine males: 2. Influence on
      certain meat quality characteristics.
AB  - Differences in meat quality traits between bulls with secondary sexual
      development (bulls(+), n = 10), those without this development (bulls(-), n = 10)
      and steers (n = 10) were investigated. All animals had no permanent incisors (A
      age group). Significant differences (P < 0.05) between bulls(+) and bulls(-) were
      found for the cooking loss percentage of the M. splenius (27.83% versus 31.11%,
      respectively), iron content of the M. splenius (56.02MUg/g versus 49.43MUg/g,
      respectively) and total collagen content of the M. splenius (3.74 versus 4.73
      measured as Hyp N/Tot N x 1000, respectively). Drip loss of the wingrib cut
      (4.01% versus 5.18%, respectively) was also significantly different between
      bulls(+) and bulls(-). For the M. longissimus thoracis, no significant (P < 0.05)
      differences in any of the quality-indicating parameters investigated could be
      found. It is concluded that the M. splenius can be used as an indicator muscle
      for masculinity, based on meat quality attributes. This is supported by the
      correlation coefficients obtained between masculinity and the intramuscular
      collagen content of the M. splenius (r = -0.55) and the iron content of the M.
      splenius (r = 0.46). For all the other quality attributes investigated, non
      significant (P > 0.05) differences between the three sex condition groups were
      found. It is concluded that the influence of masculinity on meat quality traits
      of young bulls is of little practical importance in a classification and grading
      system.

PMID- 22059687
TI  - Survival of ropy slime-producing lactic acid bacteria in heat processes used in
      the meat industry.
AB  - The study reported here deals with the survival of ropy slime-producing lactic
      acid bacteria in two different heat processes used in the Finnish meat industry.
      In both processes tested, ropiness was prevented in products inoculated with the
      bacteria before cooking. The bacterial count in the sausages decreased during
      processing over 4-5 log units/g. The bacteria were evidently unable to survive
      the processes, and the contamination of the products apparently takes place after
      cooking. Heat treatment given to vacuum-packed grill sausages after packing could
      delay the formation of ropy slime.

PMID- 22059688
TI  - Effect of dietary crude protein content on skatole concentration in boar serum.
AB  - Forty-eight Yorkshire * Chester White crossbred boars, 28 days of age, were
      assigned to one of four diets differing in crude protein content. Dietary crude
      protein content was 23% initially and then adjusted to 14, 17, 20 or 23% at 9
      weeks of animal age, and 12, 15, 18 or 21% at 14 weeks of age, respectively. The
      skatole concentrations in serum of the boars was measured at 24, 32 and 40 weeks
      of age. Results showed that serum skatole concentrations declined (P < 0.05) with
      increasing age (0.034, 0.027 and 0.021 MUg/ml at 24, 32 and 40 weeks,
      respectively) and also decreased (P < 0.059) with increasing dietary crude
      protein concentration (0.033, 0.026, 0.022 and 0.021 MUg/ml at 12, 15, 18 and 21%
      in finishing diets, respectively).

PMID- 22059689
TI  - The effectiveness of high frequency electrical stunning in pigs.
AB  - Two commercially-available high frequency electrical stunners producing either AC
      sinewaves (146 V; 1592 Hz) or DC squarewaves (162V; 1642 Hz) having different
      waveforms were tested for their effectiveness in stunning pigs and compared with
      conventional 50 Hz sinusoidal waveforms. Seventy-nine pigs were stunned using the
      highest voltage settings, allowed to recover, and the duration of insensibility
      was assessed from behavioural signs. It was found that the pigs were adequately
      stunned by this method even though some physical responses differed from 50 Hz
      stunning. An additional experiment was conducted on three pigs to examine whether
      the epileptic brain activity (indicative of unconsciousness) occurred following
      high frequency stunning and to assess the effects on visually evoked responses.
      It was confirmed that high frequency stunning produced epilepsy and
      unconsciousness and appeared therefore to be acceptable from an animal welfare
      standpoint. However, the average stunning to sticking intervals were shorter with
      high frequency stunning compared with 50 Hz stunning.

PMID- 22059690
TI  - Individualized prediction of illness course at the first psychotic episode: a
      support vector machine MRI study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To date, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has made little impact on
      the diagnosis and monitoring of psychoses in individual patients. In this study,
      we used a support vector machine (SVM) whole-brain classification approach to
      predict future illness course at the individual level from MRI data obtained at
      the first psychotic episode. METHOD: One hundred patients at their first
      psychotic episode and 91 healthy controls had an MRI scan. Patients were re
      evaluated 6.2 years (s.d.=2.3) later, and were classified as having a continuous,
      episodic or intermediate illness course. Twenty-eight subjects with a continuous
      course were compared with 28 patients with an episodic course and with 28 healthy
      controls. We trained each SVM classifier independently for the following
      contrasts: continuous versus episodic, continuous versus healthy controls, and
      episodic versus healthy controls. RESULTS: At baseline, patients with a
      continuous course were already distinguishable, with significance above chance
      level, from both patients with an episodic course (p=0.004, sensitivity=71,
      specificity=68) and healthy individuals (p=0.01, sensitivity=71, specificity=61).
      Patients with an episodic course could not be distinguished from healthy
      individuals. When patients with an intermediate outcome were classified according
      to the discriminating pattern episodic versus continuous, 74% of those who did
      not develop other episodes were classified as episodic, and 65% of those who did
      develop further episodes were classified as continuous (p=0.035). CONCLUSIONS: We
      provide preliminary evidence of MRI application in the individualized prediction
      of future illness course, using a simple and automated SVM pipeline. When
      replicated and validated in larger groups, this could enable targeted clinical
      decisions based on imaging data.

PMID- 22059691
TI  - Integrated care facilitation model reduces use of hospital resources by patients
      with pediatric asthma.
AB  - This evaluation assessed a model of care for pediatric asthma patients that aimed
      to promote health and reduce their preventable and avoidable use of acute
      hospital services. Pediatric asthma patients (n=223) were allocated care
      facilitators who provided assistance in the promotion of carer/self-management,
      education and linkage to an integrated healthcare system, comprising of acute and
      community-based healthcare providers. Patients' use of acute hospital services
      (emergency department [ED] presentations, admissions, and bed-days) pre- and
      postrecruitment were compared using Wilcoxon signed rank tests. The pediatric
      asthma care givers quality of life questionnaire' was used to assess changes in
      health and quality of life. The patients displayed a 57% reduction in ED
      presentations, 74% in admissions, and a 71% reduction in bed-days. Whereas a
      comparator group displayed 27%, 32%, and 14% increases, respectively. Patients
      also reported significant improvements in quality of life domains of activity
      limitation (+5.6, p<.001) and emotional function (+9.1, p<.001). The reduction in
      the use of hospital services was attributed to the aversion of preventable
      presentations and admissions, via the enhancement of carer/self-management and
      access to community health services. These outcomes were supported by indicators
      of improved patient health and quality of life, and comments by the participant's
      carers.

PMID- 22059692
TI  - Survival of Deinococcus radiodurans against laboratory-simulated solar wind
      charged particles.
AB  - In this experimental study, cells of the radiation-resistant bacterium
      Deinococcus radiodurans were exposed to several different sources of radiation
      chosen to replicate the charged particles found in the solar wind. Naked cells or
      cells mixed with dust grains (basalt or sandstone) differing in elemental
      composition were exposed to electrons, protons, and ions to determine the
      probability of cell survival after irradiation. Doses necessary to reduce the
      viability of cell population to 10% (LD(10)) were determined under different
      experimental conditions. The results of this study indicate that low-energy
      particle radiation (2-4 keV), typically present in the slow component of the
      solar wind, had no effect on dehydrated cells, even if exposed at fluences only
      reached in more than 1000 years at Sun-Earth distance (1 AU). Higher-energy ions
      (200 keV) found in solar flares would inactivate 90% of exposed cells after
      several events in less than 1 year at 1 AU. When mixed with dust grains, LD(10)
      increases about 10-fold. These results show that, compared to the highly
      deleterious effects of UV radiation, solar wind charged particles are relatively
      benign, and organisms protected under grains from UV radiation would also be
      protected from the charged particles considered in this study.

PMID- 22059693
TI  - Life on Venus.

PMID- 22059694
TI  - Effect of the antipsychotic agent amisulpride on glucose lowering and insulin
      secretion.
AB  - AIMS: To investigate the effects of the second generation antipsychotic (R/S)
      amisulpride, and the chirally purified enantiomers, on glucose homeostasis in
      diet-induced obese (DIO) mice. METHODS: Normal and DIO mice were treated with
      pharmacologically relevant doses of amisulpride prior to oral glucose tolerance
      tests (OGTTs). Blood glucose, insulin, glucagon-like peptide-1, prolactin and
      amisulpride drug levels were determined. RESULTS: Racemic amisulpride
      significantly reduced glucose excursions during OGTT in both normal and DIO mice.
      This potent effect was preserved with the 'off-isomer', R-amisulpride (ED(50) 1
      mg/kg). Insulin secretion was significantly increased with R-amisulpride with
      only a minor increase in prolactin levels. CONCLUSIONS: Amisulpride has
      antidiabetic actions in DIO mice resulting from increased insulin secretion. This
      provides some explanation for why amisulpride, unlike other atypical
      antipsychotics, is not diabetogenic in man. Furthermore, the observation that R
      amisulpride is also antidiabetic and has minimal impact on prolactin levels
      presents the opportunity for development of this isomer as an antidiabetic agent.

PMID- 22059695
TI  - Reflections on the journey: six short stories.
AB  - One of the goals of the 2011 International Year of Chemistry is to celebrate the
      contributions of women to science. A question that has been frequently asked in
      this regard is... Why is it necessary to highlight women in the "age of
      equality"? The reasons are varied but the facts are that many women scientists
      worked in obscurity throughout the 19th and even well into the 20th century,
      sometimes publishing anonymously to be heard. This celebration of Women in
      Science is one way to recognize both the resiliency and passion of these women.
      As part of this celebration, Chemistry Central Journal's Thematic Series of
      "Women in Chemistry" includes this article describing the path several women took
      as they pursued chemistry careers spanning the latter part of the 20th century
      and into the early 21st century. Sharon Haynie, Nancy Jones, Cheryl Martin, Paula
      Olsiewski, Mary Roberts and Amber Hinkle each have unique story of their personal
      journey from childhood to adulthood. As you read these stories, listen
      generously, and feel free to share your own stories, comments and thoughts.

PMID- 22059696
TI  - The quality and use of regulatory analysis in 2008.
AB  - This article assesses the quality and apparent use of regulatory analysis for
      economically significant regulations proposed by federal agencies in 2008. A nine
      member research team used a six-point (0-5) scale to evaluate regulatory analyses
      according to criteria drawn from Executive Order 12866 and Office of Management
      and Budget Circular A-4. Principal findings include: (1) the average quality of
      regulatory analysis, though not high, is somewhat better than previous regulatory
      scorecards have shown; (2) quality varies widely; (3) biggest strengths are
      accessibility and clarity; (4) biggest weaknesses are analysis of the systemic
      problem and retrospective analysis; (5) budget or "transfer" regulations usually
      receive low-quality analysis; (6) a minority of the regulations contain evidence
      that the agency used the analysis in significant decisions; (7) quality of
      analysis is positively correlated with the apparent use of the analysis in
      regulatory decisions; and (8) greater diffusion of best practices could
      significantly improve the overall quality of regulatory analysis.

PMID- 22059697
TI  - Nonlinear Heart Rate Variability features for real-life stress detection. Case
      study: students under stress due to university examination.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study investigates the variations of Heart Rate Variability
      (HRV) due to a real-life stressor and proposes a classifier based on nonlinear
      features of HRV for automatic stress detection. METHODS: 42 students volunteered
      to participate to the study about HRV and stress. For each student, two
      recordings were performed: one during an on-going university examination, assumed
      as a real-life stressor, and one after holidays. Nonlinear analysis of HRV was
      performed by using Poincare Plot, Approximate Entropy, Correlation dimension,
      Detrended Fluctuation Analysis, Recurrence Plot. For statistical comparison, we
      adopted the Wilcoxon Signed Rank test and for development of a classifier we
      adopted the Linear Discriminant Analysis (LDA). RESULTS: Almost all HRV features
      measuring heart rate complexity were significantly decreased in the stress
      session. LDA generated a simple classifier based on the two Poincare Plot
      parameters and Approximate Entropy, which enables stress detection with a total
      classification accuracy, a sensitivity and a specificity rate of 90%, 86%, and
      95% respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The results of the current study suggest that
      nonlinear HRV analysis using short term ECG recording could be effective in
      automatically detecting real-life stress condition, such as a university
      examination.

PMID- 22059698
TI  - Anterior and posterior reconstruction technique and its impact on early return of
      continence after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Urinary incontinence is a significant cause of morbidity
      after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP). Several techniques have been
      developed to improve continence rates. In this study, we compared the continence
      rates of patients who underwent RARP with total reconstruction and without
      reconstruction. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between March 2005 and September 2009, 245
      patients underwent RARP at our institution. The initial 120 patients (control
      group) underwent standard RARP without reconstruction and the last 125 patients
      (reconstruction group) underwent a total reconstruction technique, which included
      an anterior and posterior reconstruction. Patients were followed for 1, 4, 12,
      24, 36, and 52 weeks after the operation. Continence was defined with strict
      criteria-no usage of pads and no leakage of urine. RESULTS: In the reconstruction
      group, the continence rates at, 1, 4, 12, 24, 36, and 52 weeks postoperatively
      were 71%, 72%, 80%, 84%, 86%, and 91%, respectively; in the control group, the
      continence rates were 23%, 49%, 76%, 80%, 85%, and 88%, respectively. CONCLUSION:
      The overall continence rates were similar in both groups at 52 weeks of follow
      up. Patients in the total reconstruction group, however, had higher early
      continence rates compared with patients in the control group. The total
      reconstruction procedure is an efficient way to achieve an early return to
      continence.

PMID- 22059699
TI  - Diastereo- and enantioselective catalytic vinylogous Mukaiyama-Mannich reactions
      of pyrrole-based silyl dienolates with alkyl-substituted aldehydes.
AB  - A reliable, catalytic asymmetric vinylogous Mukaiyama-Mannich reaction of pyrrole
      based silyl dienolates is introduced that is particularly apt for alkyl- and
      alpha-alkoxyalkyl-substituted aldehydes. The reaction course is effectively
      orchestrated by the Hoveyda-Snapper amino acid-based chiral ligand/silver(I)
      catalyst combination to produce valuable vicinal diamino carbonyl compounds in
      high yields, with virtually complete gamma-site- and anti-selectivity and
      significant catalyst-to-product chirality transfer. The utility of the Mannich
      products can be seen in the synthesis of an unprecedented perhydrofuro[3,2
      b]pyrrolone product, an aza-analogue of naturally occurring (+)-goniofufurone.

PMID- 22059701
TI  - Effects of nutritional planes and brees on intramuscular-lipid deposition in M.
      longissimus dorsi of steers.
AB  - The influences of nutritional planes and breeds on intramuscular-lipid (IML)
      deposition in M. longissimus dorsi were investigated by comparing the
      relationships between intramuscular lipid percentages (IMLP) in the muscle and
      side-carcass weight (SCW), carcass-fat percentage (CFP), and slaughter age (SA).
      Japanese Black (JB) and Japanese Shorthorn (JS) steers were fattened under two
      (medium-high and high) nutritional planes, which were different only in JB and
      when the adjusted IMLPs were compared on the basis of SCW or CFP. Breed effects
      on IML deposition were investigated by using three pure breeds and four crossbred
      steer groups. The means of IMLPs in the muscle adjusted to three criteria were
      significantly different among breeds, the IMLPs of JB and their backcrosses being
      higher than those of JS and Charolais crosses. IML deposition in steers was
      highly dependent on the genetic potential of the breeds or bulls used.

PMID- 22059700
TI  - Real-time PCR to quantify composition of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal
      communities--marker design, verification, calibration and field validation.
AB  - Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) is slowly becoming established as a tool to
      quantify abundance of different arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) taxa in roots
      and in soil. Here, we describe the development and field validation of qPCR
      markers (i.e. primers with associated hydrolysis probes), targeting taxon
      specific motifs in the nuclear large ribosomal subunit RNA genes. Design of such
      markers is complicated by the multinuclear and multigenomic cellular organization
      of these fungi and the high DNA sequence diversity within the smallest
      biologically relevant units (i.e. single-spore isolates). These limitations are
      further compounded by inefficient biomass production of these fungi, resulting in
      limited availability of pure genomic DNA (gDNA) of well-defined isolates for
      cross-specificity testing of the markers. Here we demonstrate, using a number of
      AMF isolates, the possibility to establish stringent qPCR running conditions
      allowing quantification of phylogenetically disjunctive AMF taxa. Further, we
      show that these markers can more generally be used to quantify abundance (i.e.
      number of target gene copies or amount of gDNA) of what is usually considered the
      level of AMF species, regardless of the isolate identities. We also illustrate
      the range of variation within qPCR signal strength across different AMF taxa with
      respect to the detected number of gene copies per unit amount of gDNA. This
      information is paramount for interpretation of the qPCR analyses of field
      samples. Finally, the field validation of these markers confirmed their potential
      to assess composition of field AMF communities and monitor the changes owing to
      agricultural practices such as soil tillage.

PMID- 22059702
TI  - Identification of halothane genotypes by calcium accumulation and their meat
      quality using live pigs.
AB  - The three halothane genotypes (NN, Nn, and nm) were identified by measuring the
      capacity for Ca(2+) accumulation by sarcoplasmic reticulum in whole muscle
      homogenate preparations of M. longissimus dorsi with a Ca(2+) specific electrode
      at 35 degrees C. Significant differences (P < 0.001) in deterioration (%) of
      Ca(2+) accumulation, 12% for NN, 35% for Nn, and 81% for nn pigs, were observed
      after ageing the whole muscle homogenate preparations for 24 h in ice.
      Predictions of meat quality in live pigs (n = 34) based on the values for water
      holding capacity, assessed as fluid (g/0.5 g wet wt LD), and pH (fluid) by using
      small biopsy LD samples (Cheah et al. 1993) were performed on all the halothane
      genotypes. The halothane genotype NN (n = 11) showed a fluid value of 0.37 +/-
      0.01 and a pH (fluid) value of 6.62 +/- 0.03 as compared with 0.61 +/- 0.02 and
      5.84 +/- 0.04, respectively, for the halothane genotype nn (n = 13). The Nn pigs
      (n = 10) showed fluid (0.49 +/- 0.03) and pH (fluid) (6.19 +/- 0.11) values
      between those values observed for the two homozygotes (NN and nn). Predictions of
      meat quality in live pigs from biopsy LD muscles were confirmed from assessments
      on post-mortem LD muscles based on pH(1) and fibre optic probe (FOP)
      measurements. The extent of deterioration (%) in Ca(2+) accumulation showed high
      correlations with fluid (r = -0.861) and pH (fluid) (r = -0.831) in the biopsy LD
      samples, and with pH(1) (r = 0.663), FOP (r = -0.812), and drip (%) loss (r = 
      0.777) in the post-mortem LD samples.

PMID- 22059703
TI  - The display life of retail-packaged beef steaks after their storage in master
      packs under various atmospheres.
AB  - Beef strip loins were divided into four portions. One portion of each loin was
      vacuum-packaged and then stored at -1.5 degrees C. The other portions were each
      divided into three steaks, which were retail-packaged. The retail packs were
      master-packaged under atmospheres of N(2), CO(2), or O(2) + CO(2) (2 : 1, v/v)
      and then stored at 2 degrees C. Product was assessed after storage times of up to
      60 days. At each assessment, a vacuum pack and a master pack of each type, each
      containing product from the same loin, were withdrawn from storage. The vacuum
      packaged product was cut into three steaks, which were retail-packaged. The newly
      prepared retail packs and those from the master packs were displayed in a retail
      cabinet, at air temperatures that averaged between 3 and 5.7 degrees C, and were
      assessed twice daily until the product was judged to be unacceptable. When first
      assessed, steaks cut from vacuum-packaged product were generally considered
      desirable, with little metmyoglobin in the surface pigment, although the edges of
      same steaks were discoloured. Steaks stored under N(2) or CO(2) for 4 days or
      less were only slightly desirable at best, with metmyoglobin forming relatively
      large fractions of the surface pigment. However, after storage under N(2) or
      CO(2) for 6 days or more, metmyoglobin fractions were low, and the steaks bloomed
      to a desirable red colour. Steaks stored under O(2) + CO(2) had lower
      metmyoglobin fractions, and were desirable after storage for up to 8 days.
      However, the fractions of metmyoglobin increased, and steaks were judged to be
      less desirable after longer storage times. Steaks stored under O(2) + CO(2) for
      20 days were unacceptable. After storage, the numbers of bacteria on steaks from
      vacuum packs and N(2), CO(2), and O(2) + CO(2) atmospheres were, respectively,
      <10(4), <10(6), <10(5), and <10(4) CFU/cm(2). The flora from steaks stored under
      CO(2) were composed wholly of lactic acid bacteria. Other flora were dominated by
      lactic acid bacteria, but contained fractions of enterobacteria and/or
      Brochothrix thermosphacta. The appearance of product from vacuum packs generally
      was unacceptable after 72 h of display. The display life of steaks stored under
      N(2) or CO(2) was shorter than that of the product from vacuum packs when product
      was stored for 2 days or less, or 46 days or more. After other storage times, the
      product from vacuum packs or master packs with N(2) or CO(2) atmospheres had a
      similar display life. The display life of product stored under O(2) + CO(2) was
      similar to that of product from vacuum packs or CO(2) or O(2) + CO(2) was similar
      to that of product from vacuum packs after storage times of 8 days or less but
      was shorter after storage times of 12 or 16 days. The flora on displayed product
      from vacuum packs or CO(2) or O(2) + CO(2). atmospheres did not attain the
      maximum number of 10(7) CFU/cm(2). and the product did not develop off-odours of
      microbial origin. However, numbers of 10(7) CFU/cm(2) were approached or attained
      during display of product stored under N(2) for 28 days or longer, and some of
      that product developed moderate off-odours. It then appears that, under
      temperature regimes that are common in commercial practice, retail-packaged strip
      loin steaks with a display life of 2 days or longer can be obtained from master
      packs after storage periods of up to about 2, 4, or 7 weeks, respectively, with
      master-pack atmospheres of O(2) + COPin2 (2 : 1, v/v), N(2), or CO(2).

PMID- 22059704
TI  - Consumer acceptance of display packs of beef stored under N(2) or CO(2) in master
      packs.
AB  - Display-packaged samples of beef steak and of ground beef were delivered to the
      homes of 120 panelists. Each panelist received a set of samples of each meat.
      Each set consisted of one sample freshly prepared for retail display from vacuum
      packaged product, one retail-packaged and then stored in a master pack under N(2)
      and one retail-packaged and the stored under CO(2). The samples in each set were
      prepared from the same strip loin or batch of coarsely ground beef and had been
      stored for between 21 and 23 days at 2 degrees C. The panelists completed
      questionnaires on the attributes of the meats while they were packaged, when they
      were unpackaged for cooking, and when they were eaten. The responses to each
      question were tabulated, and the probability of the chi(2) statistics was
      calculated for each table. There were no significant differences in the general
      acceptability of the steaks from the three storage treatments. Significant
      numbers of panelists judged that ground beef prepared from vacuum-packaged
      product was of better colour and had less exudate, but was of poorer eating
      quality than the product from master packs. However, the majority of panelists
      did not distinguish between ground beef from the three storage treatments. The
      consumer responses indicate that controlled-atmosphere master packaging of
      display packs may offer a means of preserving display-ready beef for times that
      would allow wide distribution of the product through current commercial systems.

PMID- 22059705
TI  - Effects of Kramer-shear-press-test conditions on the shear properties of beef
      products.
AB  - Tenderness parameters of bologna, salami, and pastrami were measured by Kramer
      shear tests. Three levels of sample size and crosshead speed were used. The
      initial yield force did not change significantly as the sample size changed. The
      friction between the sample and press, and the sample's stress and strain
      changes, were studied to explain the effect of sample size on shear properties.
      Peak-force distance (PD) increased proportionally to the increase in fill
      percentage. Peak force (PF) and initial-yield distance (IYD) increased partly as
      the fill percentage increased. The slope changed with the change in IYD, and
      break area (BA) changed proportionally to the changes in PF and PD. Recommended
      test conditions for bologna are 50% fill percentage at any crosshead speed; those
      for salami are 25% fill percentage at 150-mm/min crosshead speed; and those for
      pastrami are 75% fill percentage at 250-mm/min crosshead speed.

PMID- 22059706
TI  - Carcass and meat quality of finishing Friesian steers fed the beta-adrenergic
      agonist L-644,969.
AB  - The effect of the beta-adrenergic agonist L-644,969 on selected parameters of
      carcass and meat quality was examined in Friesian steers. Four groups of 18
      steers were individually offered ad libitum a pelleted diet that contained 0,
      0.25, 1.0, or 4.0 ppm L-644,969 for 12 weeks prior to slaughter. L-644,969
      quadratically increased carcass weight (3.7, 9.3, and 8.5%, P < 0.001) and
      altered the distribution of lean meat such that a greater (0.3-5%; P < 0.01)
      proportion was in the more valuable cuts. There were no effects of L-644,969 on
      carcass-chill loss and on the water-holding capacity of the longissimus thoracis
      et lumborum (LTL) muscle. The intramuscular-fat concentration of the LTL was
      decreased (27-50%; P < 0.01) and the effects on muscle ultimate pH were small and
      commercially unimportant. Fibre-optic-probe measurements of the LTL indicated
      darker (P < 0.01) meat due to beta-agonist treatment. L-644,969 increased the
      shear force required to cut through cooked muscle from the LTL (159%, 209%, and
      217%, P < 0.001). It is concluded that L-644,969 treatment improved the quantity
      and distribution of lean in the carcass but impaired meat quality, primarily
      through a reduction in tenderness.

PMID- 22059707
TI  - Electrical stunning by direct brain stimulation in pigs.
AB  - The effects of electrical stunning of slaughter pigs by electrodes shot into the
      brain, on sensibility and on the incidence of haemorrhages in the shoulder
      postmortem, were studied. To determine the efficiency of this method 37 slaughter
      pigs were equipped with EEG (electroencephalograph) and ECG (electrocardiograph)
      electrodes and stunned twice via the EEG electrodes. In the first experiment the
      pigs were stunned with 25 V and in the second with 25 V followed by a relaxation
      current. The day after slaughter the shoulders were scored for haemorrhages.
      Under more practical conditions three groups of 10 pigs each were electrically
      stunned via electrodes shot into the brain using 25, 50 or 75 V, followed by a
      relaxation current. The day after stunning the shoulders were scored for
      haemorrhages. The pigs did not react to shooting electrodes frontally into the
      head. After stunning all animals showed a general epileptiform seizure. However,
      after the second stun the tonic and clonic muscle cramps were impaired. The heart
      rate increased significantly (P < 0.01) after stunning, and extra systolae and
      irregular heart rates were observed. In the shoulders of 27% of the carcasses no
      haemorrhages were found and in the remainder only minor haemorrhages were seen.
      Under practical conditions a voltage of 87(+/- 2) V and a current of 511(+/-20)
      mA seemed to be necessary for an effective stun. When lower voltages were applied
      fewer carcasses with shoulder haemorrhages were found. It may be concluded from
      these experiments that 25 V (~134 mA; 150 Hz) is sufficient for effective
      stunning of slaughter pigs when electrodes are in direct contact with the brain.
      But as the optimum position of the electrodes may not be reached under practical
      conditions a voltage of approximately 90 V (~550 mA; 150 Hz) is recommended.
      After this stunning method only a few haemorrhages were observed in the
      shoulders.

PMID- 22059708
TI  - Evaluation of calcium chloride and lactic acid injection on chemical,
      microbiological and descriptive attributes of mature cow beef.
AB  - The effect of calcium chloride, lactic acid or their combination on palatability,
      microbiological, and flavor characteristics of mature cow semimembranosus muscle
      was investigated. Regardless of aging time, a 10% injection of equal volumes of
      0.3 m calcium chloride and 0.3 m lactic acid into hot-boned semimembranous muscle
      improved (P < 0.05) shear force values (approximately 35%) compared to hot- and
      cold-boned control cuts. Microbiological characteristics for all treatments were
      similar. Control cuts retained more desirable flavor (beefy and serumy/bloody)
      and less off-flavor (liver, sour, bitter and astringent) than calcium-chloride-
      or lactic-acid-injected cuts.

PMID- 22059709
TI  - Changes in lightness of porcine lean meat batters during processing.
AB  - The pattern of changes of lightness (L(*)) for porcine lean meat batters (PLMBs)
      with time was divided in two phases: chopping process (Phase 1) resulting in a
      sharp increase of L(*), and the subsequent storage of the batters for 24 h at 15
      degrees C (Phase 2). During Phase 2, L(*)-values decreased with time
      approximating a plateau. The subjects of study were effects on the course of L(*)
      of: (1) added sodium chloride and phosphate in Phase 2, (2) the fate of air
      bubbles embedded in the batters in Phases 1 and 2, and (3) changes in light
      absorption by the pigment myoglobin in Phase 2. (1) Sodium chloride and phosphate
      appeared to have very little impact on the changes in L(*) during storage of the
      PLMBs at 15 degrees C, although microstructural changes were distinct. (2)
      Continuous entrapment of air during the chopping process had a major effect on
      the increase of L(*) in Phase 1, air bubbles being scattering elements in the
      PLMB. Disproportionation caused a decrease in the number of small air bubbles,
      resulting in a decrease of L(*) during the early stage of Phase 2 (about 35 min),
      immediately after the chopping stage was finished. (3) Strong evidence was
      obtained that shifts in the absorption traits of pigments (red nitric oxide
      myoglobin was formed at the cost of grey met-myoglobin) during the period from 1
      to 5 h, caused a marked decrease in the pattern of L(*) during Phase 2.

PMID- 22059710
TI  - The effect of post-exsanguination infusion on the composition, exudation, color
      and post-mortem metabolic changes in lamb.
AB  - Twenty-four lamb carcasses were assigned to three treatment groups: (1) control
      (Ctr), (2) infused with 10% (vol/wt) of a tenderizing blend (NCa), and (3) NCa
      plus 0.015 m CaCl(2) (WCa). Results indicated that the infused carcass solution
      was retained in the following order: shoulder > lion > leg. Infusion had no
      effect (P > 0.05) on drip and cooking losses in refrigerated samples. Samples
      frozen and then thawed from infused carcasses had greater thaw drip (P < 0.05)
      and cooking losses (P < 0.01) than control samples. The amounts of drip and
      cooking losses were in the order: WCa > NCa > Ctr. Frozen storage preserved the
      red color but lowered the lightness and yellowness of ovine muscles; the opposite
      effect was observed following refrigerated storage. Infused samples were lighter
      and yellower than control in both fresh and frozen samples (P < 0.01). WCa had
      less red color (P < 0.01) than NCa and Ctr at all times and storage conditions.
      Infusion lowered (P < 0.05) the temperature of carcasses over the first 3 h
      postmortem (pm) compared with Ctr. The rate of glycolysis was higher in
      infraspinatus (IS) than in longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle (LTL or
      longissimus). In both IS and LTL, glycolysis was completed within the first 6 h
      postmortem in NCa, whereas in Ctr and WCa, it took 12-24 h for glycolysis to be
      completed. The rate of glycolysis was in the order: NCa > WCa > Ctr.

PMID- 22059711
TI  - Composition of minced meat part A: Methods.
AB  - A simplified rapid electrophoretic method is described for the identification of
      venison, pork, and beef in samples of only a few grams of minced meat. The method
      is based on the species-specific separation patterns obtained upon
      electrophoresis of the proteins. Venison, beef, and pork can be identified easily
      and readily from the patterns given by their raw water-extractable proteins.

PMID- 22059712
TI  - Composition of minced meat part B: A survey of commercial ground meat.
AB  - A modified polyacrylamide-gel electrophoretic method was used to differentiate
      qualitatively various species of meat such as beef, pork, venison, reindeer, and
      mutton. The composition of commercial minced meat was examined; and illegal
      adulterations of minced beef with pork were detected.

PMID- 22059713
TI  - Growth modelling of the predominant microbial groups in hamburgers in relation to
      the modulation of atmosphere composition, storage temperature, and diameter of
      meat particle.
AB  - The gas composition, storage temperature, and diameter of meat particles in
      modified-atmosphere-packaged hamburgers were modulated according to a Central
      Composite Design with the aim of assessing the effects of these variables and
      their interaction on the predominant spoilage microbial groups, gas atmosphere
      and colour modifications. The parameters of the growth curves, analyzed according
      to the Gompertz equation, as well as the rate of gas composition and colour
      modification, were analyzed in order to obtain polynomial equations. The model
      obtained emphasized the role attributable to a structural variable such as the
      diameter of particles and to its interaction with atmosphere composition and
      temperature. Brochothrix thermosphacta was the organism endowed with the highest
      growth potential in the three-dimensional space defined by the range of the
      variables taken into consideration. The iso-response surfaces obtained and a
      comparison of the responses of the various groups permit the identification of
      the conditions able to reduce the growth of potentially hazardous micro
      organisms.

PMID- 22059714
TI  - Competitiveness across the life span: the feisty fifties.
AB  - Existing theories on life span changes in confidence or motivation suggest that
      individuals' preferences to enter competitive situations should gradually decline
      with age. We examined competitive preferences in a field experiment using real
      financial stakes in 25- to 75-year-olds (N = 543). The critical dependent
      variable was whether participants chose to perform a simple mental arithmetic
      task either under a piece-rate payment schedule (i.e., $.25 per solved item) or a
      competitive payment schedule ($.50 per solved item if the overall score is better
      than that of a randomly selected opponent, $0 otherwise). Results revealed that
      competitive preferences increased across the life span until they peaked around
      age 50, and dropped thereafter. We also found that throughout, men had a
      substantially larger preference for competing than women-extending previous
      findings on college-aged participants. The age/gender differences in preferences
      were neither accounted for by actual differences in performance nor individuals'
      subjective confidence. This first systematic attempt to characterize age
      differences in competitive behavior suggests that a simple decline conception of
      competitiveness needs to be reconsidered.

PMID- 22059715
TI  - Managing daily life with age-related sensory loss: cognitive resources gain in
      importance.
AB  - This paper investigates the role of cognitive resources in everyday functioning,
      comparing visually impaired, hearing impaired, and sensory unimpaired older
      adults. According to arguments that cognitive resources are of increased
      importance and a greater awareness of cognitive restrictions exists among sensory
      impaired individuals, in particular among visually impaired individuals, we
      hypothesized differential relationships between resources and outcomes when
      comparing sensory impaired and sensory unimpaired older adults. Findings are
      based on samples of 121 visually impaired, 116 hearing impaired, and 150 sensory
      unimpaired older adults (M = 82 years). Results from a sample of 43 dual sensory
      impaired older adults are reported for comparison. Assessment relied on
      established instruments (e.g., WAIS-R, ADL/IADL). Structural equation modeling
      showed that cognitive resources and behavior-related everyday functioning were
      more strongly related in the sensory impaired groups as compared to the sensory
      unimpaired group. Cognitive resources and evaluation of everyday functioning were
      significantly linked only among the sensory impaired groups. When medical
      condition was controlled for, these effects persisted. It is concluded that both
      cognitive training as well as psychosocial support may serve as important
      additions to classic vision and hearing loss rehabilitation.

PMID- 22059716
TI  - Luminance affects age-related deficits in object detection: implications for
      computerized psychological assessments.
AB  - As psychological instruments are converted for administration on computers,
      differences in luminance and contrast of these displays may affect performance.
      Specifically, high-luminance assessments may mask age-group differences that are
      apparent under lower luminance conditions. We examined the effects of luminance
      and contrast on object detection using computerized and naturalistic assessments.
      Younger and older adults displayed more differences in performance across
      differing contrast levels in conditions that were matched for luminance, despite
      the conditions appearing perceptually different. These findings indicate that
      computerized assessments should be created with luminance levels that are similar
      to those of the tasks they purport to simulate in order to enhance their
      validity.

PMID- 22059717
TI  - Interstitial granulomatous dermatitis: a distinct entity with characteristic
      histological and clinical pattern.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Interstitial granulomatous dermatitis (IGD) is a rare disease for
      which a clinical-pathological correlation is essential to establish diagnosis.
      OBJECTIVES: To describe the histological and clinical features of patients with
      IGD seen in our department from 2004 to 2010, and to undertake a literature
      review and critical analysis of additional cases. METHODS: Twelve adult patients
      (nine women and three men; mean age 58.5 years; range 32-73 years) with IGD were
      enrolled. Lesions consisted of asymptomatic erythematous papules and plaques,
      symmetrically distributed on the trunk and the proximal limbs. Two patients had
      skin-coloured papules. Six patients had articular involvement (arthralgias,
      spondyloarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis) and three patients had cancer. RESULTS:
      All cases showed a predominant CD68-positive macrophage infiltrate distributed
      between collagen bundles of the mid- and deep dermis. Macrophages were also
      surrounding degenerated collagen fibres. A few neutrophils and/or eosinophils
      were also present. No vasculitis or significant mucin deposition was observed. Of
      the 62 cases of IGD reported since 1993, 53 fulfilled stringent diagnostic
      criteria. Erythematous papules and plaques on the trunk and proximal limbs were
      the dominant manifestation. Approximately 10% of patients had cord-like lesions.
      More than 50% of patients with IGD had arthralgia or arthritis, and less commonly
      other rheumatic disorders. Disease duration is months to years, but long-term
      prognosis seems favourable. CONCLUSIONS: IGD is a distinct entity with a typical
      histological and clinical pattern. The importance and the nature of the
      association with extracutaneous diseases remains to be clarified. Patients should
      be screened for rheumatic and autoimmune diseases.

PMID- 22059718
TI  - Modeling the mechanism of the glutathione peroxidase mimic ebselen.
AB  - Ebselen (1), the quintessential mimic of the antioxidant selenoenzyme glutathione
      peroxidase (GPx), is a potential chemopreventative for various diseases
      associated with oxidative stress. Density-functional theory (DFT) and solvent
      assisted proton exchange (SAPE) are used to model the complex mechanism for
      scavenging of reactive oxygen species by 1. SAPE is a microsolvation method
      designed to approximate the role of bulk solvent in chemical processes involving
      proton transfer. Consistent with experimental studies, SAPE studies predict the
      reaction of 1 with thiol (RSH) to form a selenenyl sulfide 2 to be preferred
      under most conditions, with an alternate pathway through a selenoxide 3 possible
      at high reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentrations ([ROS] ? [RSH]). The
      reduction of 2 to the selenol 4, known to be rate-determining in the protein, has
      a high SAPE activation barrier due to a strong Se...O interaction which reduces
      the electrophilicity of the sulfur center of the -SeS- bond of 2. Thiols, such as
      dithiols and peptide-based thiols, are expected to overcome this barrier through
      structural features that increase the probability of attack at this sulfur. Thus,
      in vivo, the GPx-like pathway is the most likely mechanism for 1 under most
      circumstances, except, perhaps, under extreme oxidative stress where initial
      oxidation to 3 could compete with formation of 2. Simple thiols, used in various
      in vitro studies, are predicted by SAPE modeling to proceed through oxidation of
      2 to a seleninyl sulfide intermediate. Overall, SAPE modeling provides a
      realistic interpretation of the redox mechanism of 1 and holds promise for
      further exploration of complex aqueous-phase reaction mechanisms.

PMID- 22059719
TI  - Evaluation of non-contact infrared thermometry for measuring the temperature of
      pig carcasses in chillers.
AB  - An OPTEX Thermo Hunter infrared (IR) non-contact hand-held thermometer was
      examined to determine its suitability for measuring porcine carcass surface
      temperatures during chilling. The manufacturer claims that the unit has the
      capability of measuring a range of temperature between -50 degrees C and 500
      degrees C, with a resolution of 0.1 degrees C. The device allows for an automatic
      determination and adjustment of unknown emissivities of objects to be measured.
      The stability of the device was tested in the laboratory at 4 and 18 degrees C
      and for accuracy against a known surface temperature. Tests were conducted in a
      commercial chiller to determined whether the device could detect temperature
      differences between carcasses, sites on one carcass and chillers. The results
      obtained were also examined for repeatability. The thermometer required a minimum
      initial stabilisation period of 120 min after which the results compared
      favourably with known surface temperatures. The chiller tests indicated that
      temperature differences could be detected between the various carcasses, sites on
      one carcass and chillers, and that the readings were reproducible. The device is
      best suited for determining temperature trends when overall accuracy is not
      essential. The device could also be useful in evaluating chiller performance.

PMID- 22059720
TI  - The influence of different centralised pre-packaging systems on the shelf-life of
      fresh pork.
AB  - The influence of different centralised pre-packaging systems (PVC, modified
      atmosphere packaging (MAP), 25% CO(2) and 75% O(2), vacuum skin packaging (VSP)
      and the mother bag concept, 100% CO(2)) on the shelf-life (0, 7, 14 and 21 days
      at 0 degrees C) of fresh pork was determined using microbiological, colour, odour
      and acceptability characteristics. All the packaging treatments were equally
      efficient for the first 4 days of retail display. In the extended shelf-life
      study (7, 14 and 21 days) the mother bag centralised packaging system gave the
      most promising shelf-life results (21 days) and was also judged superior in terms
      of odour. Modified atmosphere packaging (14 days) and VSP (7 days) may be
      considered as other possible options.

PMID- 22059721
TI  - The influence of additives on the oxidation of pork back fat and its effect on
      water and fat binding in finely comminuted batters.
AB  - We have found in previous experiments that slaughter-fresh processed pork back
      fat enhances batter stability in frankfurter-type sausages. In an attempt to
      clarify whether the decrease of batter stability with storage time of the fatty
      tissue is due to the fat oxidation a series of experiments was conducted using
      sodium nitrite and nitrate, 6- O -palmitoyl- l -ascorbic  acid and dl-ga
      tocopherol as additives to the fatty tissue. It was found that sodium nitrite and
      nitrate, although the first is regarded as an antioxidant in meat, had a pro
      oxidant effect when added to the fatty tissue. The palmitoyl-l-ascorbic acid
      showed the best antioxidative activity, and the dl-alpha-tocopherol was less
      effective as an antioxidant. Contrary to its effect on the increase in fat
      oxidation, sodium nitrite addition gave a remarkable improvement in batter
      stability, expressed as jelly and fat separation, which was more pronounced on
      the second day of storage of the fatty tissue. The pro-oxidant effect of nitrite
      increased up to a concentration of 375 ppm added to the fatty tissue.
      Concentrations of nitrite in fatty tissue up to 125 ppm had no influence on jelly
      release but at higher concentrations the jelly separation decreased. All nitrite
      concentrations, from 62.5 to 2250 ppm, showed significantly lower fat separation
      than for the control treatment, especially on the eighth and 15th day of storage
      of the fatty tissue. The results show that fat oxidation has little effect on
      batter stability. Further experiments are needed to clarify the mode of action of
      nitrite in improving batter stability.

PMID- 22059722
TI  - Thermal scanning rheology of myofibrillar proteins from muscles of defined fibre
      type.
AB  - Emulsion meat products are made with little regard to rheological properties of
      different muscles. Here the rheology of gels made from three classes of muscle
      defined by myosin type (fast twitch, slow twitch and heart) are compared.
      Myofibrillar fractions were prepared from representative bovine muscles-cutaneus
      trunci, masseter and heart-by a procedure that removed connective tissue, fat and
      sarcoplasmic proteins. Complicating effects of nongelling agents were thus
      minimized. Fractions were mixed with NaCl and pyrophosphate at concentrations
      typical of those used in processed meats. Rigidity and elasticity of the gelling
      mixtures were monitored during heating from 10 to 84 degrees C over a range of pH
      values. Several indices of gelation showed that masseter and heart (slow muscle
      group) gelations were similar to each other but distinct from cutaneus trunci
      (fast) gelation. Gelation temperature was 10 degrees C lower for fast than slow,
      perhaps explainable by one of two hypotheses: differential salt extraction or
      lower thermal stability of fast myosin rod. Cutaneus trunci gels were also more
      rigid at all pH values. Slow group gels suffered from proteolysis, which was
      combated with cathepsin inhibitors. For both fast and slow groups, rigidity
      increased as pH decreased, analogous to results reported for purified myosin in
      dilute solution. Texture also changed. Below pH 5.7 slow group gels were brittle
      and granular, with low water-holding capacity. Above that pH, gels were elastic
      and smooth. The equivalent point for cutaneus trunci gels was pH 5.5. Around pH
      7, pyrophosphate had a fluidizing effect at pregelation temperatures, but
      elasticity data indicated that this ion plays no part in final gelation.

PMID- 22059723
TI  - The influence of pre-slaughter oral loading of acid or base on post-mortem
      changes in Longissimus Dorsi muscle of pork.
AB  - Twenty-four pigs were assigned to one of four ad libitum water treatments:
      control, sodium bicarbonate (12.6 g/litre), low ammonium chloride (4 g/litre) or
      high ammonium chloride (8 g/litre) for 5 days, to study the influence of an oral
      acid or base load on post-mortem changes in longissimus dorsi muscle and ultimate
      pork quality. Physiological changes before slaughter were monitored by measuring
      blood pH, pCO(2) and HCO(3)(-). The influence of dietary treatments on post
      mortem changes and ultimate meat quality was determined by measuring glycolytic
      enzymes and intermediates, and muscle pH, color and water-holding capacity (WHC).
      As expected, sodium bicarbonate generated a metabolic alkalosis, whereas ammonium
      chloride resulted in a metabolic acidosis. Pre-slaughter acid-base status was
      positively correlated with muscle WHC (P < 0.05). However, no significant dietary
      treatment effect was observed in muscle quality traits such as color (a, b, L)
      and WHC. Muscle pH(45) was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in bicarbonate than
      control and high ammonium chloride treatments. The activity of Ca(2+)-dependent
      protein kinase was significantly (P < 0.05) higher at 45 min post-mortem but that
      of pyruvate kinase was significantly lower at 2 and 4 h post mortem in
      bicarbonate-treated pigs. At 45 min post mortem, the activity of fructose-1,6
      diphosphatase in the control pigs was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than on
      other treatments. The concentration of glycogen was significantly (P < 0.05)
      higher in bicarbonate and high ammonium chloride pigs; bicarbonate-treated pigs
      also has significantly higher adenosine-5'-triphosphate (ATP) and pH values than
      other treatment groups (P < 0.05) at early post-mortem. It was concluded that pre
      slaughter oral loading of acid or base could induce changes in muscle metabolism
      and post-mortem muscle pH. Further research is required to confirm that altering
      diet acidogenicity or alkalinogenicity may be a means of enhancing ultimate pork
      quality.

PMID- 22059724
TI  - The variation in pig muscle glycolytic potential during lairage-an in-vivo study.
AB  - The variations in glycolytic potential (GP, very close to glycogen content) were
      studied during lairage in pig m. longissimus dorsi using biopsy sampling. Pigs
      were sampled on arrival at the abattoor and after treatment. Post-mortem
      measurements including pH(1), pH(u) and FOP(u) were performed on both longissimus
      dorsi (LD) and biceps femoris (BF) muscles. The animals underwent one of the
      following treatments: 2 h lairage mixed or unmixed; 24 h lairage mixed or unmixed
      with access to water only; 24 h lairage mixed or unmixed with access to a sugar
      solution. A significant depletion in GP occurred during lairage except when pigs
      were fed liquid sugar. The extent of this depletion was irrespective of lairage
      duration or mixing. Pigs lairaged 24 h with access to water only exhibited a
      significantly lower pH(1) in m. BF suggesting a higher propensity to develop PSE
      meat. Values of pH(u) were low (pH < 5.5), and did not vary significantly between
      the treatments since muscle GP remained high, despite the depletion induced by
      lairage. This was attributed to the high level of muscle glycogen characterizing
      the Hampshire crossbred pigs used in this experiment. These results suggest that
      interaction between breed and handling procedure may be important regarding meat
      pH(u).

PMID- 22059725
TI  - The use of proteases from extreme thermophiles for meat tenderisation.
AB  - The potential use of the thermophile enzymes E A.1 protease (from Bacillus strain
      E A.1), 4-1.A protease (from Thermus strain Rt4-1.A) and caldolysin (from Thermus
      strain T-351) in meat tenderisation has been investigated. Temperature-activity
      relationships illustrated that E A.1 and 4-1.A proteases were more active on
      collagen than on meat powder at cooking temperatures (70-90 degrees C), whereas
      caldoysin was more active on meat powder. The potential of E A.1 and 4-1.A
      proteases was therefore investigated further using sensory and mechanical
      evaluation. An Instron Universal Testing Machine was used to quantitatively
      investigate the effect of cooking temperature and protease concentration on
      homogenised meat patties. With a cooking time of 30 min, the best protease
      concentrations (of those used) were found to be 0.75 U/g meat for E A.1 protease
      and 1.5 U/g meat for 4-1.A protease. The optimum cooking temperature was 80
      degrees C in both cases. Sensory analysis confirmed that these concentrations
      (and also 0.38 U/g meat for E A.1 protease) improved the tenderness
      significantly. At high concentrations the proteases had a detrimental effect on
      the mouthfeel of the patties. At lower concentrations this effect was less
      marked, and good tenderisation was obtained.

PMID- 22059726
TI  - Lipid composition of adipose tissue and muscle in pigs with an increasing
      proportion of Meishan genes.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to estimate the effect of the proportion of Meishan
      (MS) genes upon the lipid composition of longissimus dorsi and trapezius muscles
      and perirenal and s.c. dorsal adipose tissues. Five groups of 11-15 pigs with 0,
      12.5, 25, 37.5 and 50% MS genes were made up from a large herd of crossbred
      animals (0-100% MS dams * Pietrain sires). Results showed that: (1) the i.m.
      lipid content was higher in 1 2  MS than in controls and 1 4  MS pigs.
      Differences in the fatty acid composition of i.m. lipids, as related to genotype,
      depended more particularly on muscle fatness as the fatty acid compositions of
      triglycerides and phospholipids were little affected by the genotype. (2) The
      weight of perirenal and s.c. dorsal adipose tissues increased with the proportion
      of MS genes. Differences in the chemical composition of the adipose tissues were
      not related to the proportion of MS genes. The fatty acid composition was little
      affected by the genotype. Although the levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids
      decreased with increasing proportion of MS genes, these small variations had no
      marked influence on adipose tissue quality.

PMID- 22059727
TI  - Protein C, protein S and von Willebrand factor levels correlate with bleeding
      symptoms: a population-based study.
AB  - Although natural anticoagulant deficiencies are the established causes of
      thrombosis, their roles in bleeding are not fully studied. The objective is to
      correlate haemostatic factors with haemorrhagic symptoms quantified by a
      standardized questionnaire. Adult subjects were recruited from Bangkok and nearby
      provinces as part of routine health surveys/checkups. The validated MCMDM-1VWD
      form was used to assess their bleeding symptoms. At the same time, von Willebrand
      factor (VWF) activity, free protein S levels and protein C activity were
      measured. There were 5196 individuals. The mean age was 44.3 years (range 15-99)
      and 41% were male subjects. The mean bleeding score was -0.28 and 95% of subjects
      had scores between -2 and +2. The scores were lower in female subjects than in
      male subjects (-0.35 vs. -0.16, P < 0.001). Bleeding scores correlated negatively
      with age, VWF and protein C activities (Spearman's rho-0.258, -0.091 and -0.098,
      respectively, all P < 0.001), but did not significantly correlate with protein S
      levels. Using multivariate analysis, female gender, VWF below 100 IU dL(-1),
      protein C below 100 IU dL(-1) and protein S over 150 IU dL(-1) significantly
      related to high (>=3) bleeding scores (adjusted odds ratio 1.95, 1.83, 1.56 and
      2.84, P = 0.001, 0.001, 0.039 and 0.017, respectively). These findings may
      suggest interacting roles of VWF and natural anticoagulants in modifying bleeding
      symptoms.

PMID- 22059728
TI  - cAMP-CRP co-ordinates the expression of the protein acetylation pathway with
      central metabolism in Escherichia coli.
AB  - Lysine acetylation is a well-established post-translational modification widely
      conserved and distributed in bacteria. Although multiple regulatory roles have
      been proved, little is known about its regulation. Here, we present evidence that
      the transcription of the Gcn5-like acetyltransferase YfiQ of Escherichia coli
      (proposed name: PatZ) is regulated by cAMP-CRP and its implications on acetate
      metabolism regulation. The acetate scavenging acetyl-CoA synthetase (Acs) is
      regulated at the transcriptional and post-translational levels. Post
      translational regulation depends on a protein acetyltransferase (yfiQ) and an
      NAD(+) -dependent deacetylase (cobB). We have studied their expression under
      different environmental conditions. cobB is constitutively expressed from a
      promoter located upstream nagK. The expression of yfiQ occurs from its own
      promoter; it is upregulated in the stationary phase and in the presence of non
      PTS carbon sources and is positively regulated by cAMP-CRP. Two putative CRP
      binding sites are necessary for its full activity. Gene deletion revealed that
      cobB is essential for growth on acetate, yfiQ deletion restoring growth of the
      cobB mutant. The fine tuning of metabolic enzymes results from the integration of
      multiple mechanisms, and redundant systems may exist. Despite the existence of
      divergent catabolite repression systems, this may be a conserved strategy common
      to both Gram-positive and -negative bacteria.

PMID- 22059729
TI  - Esperanza y Vida: a culturally and linguistically customized breast and cervical
      education program for diverse Latinas at three different United States sites.
AB  - Breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer and the leading cause of cancer
      death among Latinas in the United States. In addition, Latinas experience a
      disproportionate burden of cervical cancer incidence, morbidity, and mortality
      compared with non-Hispanic White women. Lower use of breast and cervical cancer
      screening services may contribute to these disparities. To address the
      underutilization of breast and cervical cancer screening among diverse subgroups
      of Latinas, a peer-led education program called Esperanza y Vida ("Hope and
      Life") was developed and administered at 3 sites (2 in New York and 1 in
      Arkansas). Immigrant Latina women and their partners were educated about the
      importance of breast and cervical cancer screening, with the goals of increasing
      their knowledge about these cancers and their screening behavior. An analysis of
      the intervention's findings at baseline among female participants demonstrated
      significant sociodemographic, interpersonal, cultural, health care system, and
      program variability in 3 distinct geographic regions in the United States. These
      data indicate the need for and feasibility of customizing cancer outreach and
      educational programs for diverse Latina subgroups living in various U.S. regions,
      with implications for informing the expansion and replication of the program in
      other regions of the country.

PMID- 22059730
TI  - Ablation catheter entrapment by chordae tendineae in the mitral valve during
      ventricular tachycardia ablation.
AB  - We report on the entrapment of an ablation catheter by chordae tendineae in the
      mitral valve during radiofrequency (RF) ablation of ventricular tachycardia. The
      entrapped tip had to be removed via open surgery. Great care must be taken when
      performing radiofrequency ablation around the mitral valve apparatus.

PMID- 22059731
TI  - Examining structural and clinical factors associated with implementation of
      standing orders for adult immunization.
AB  - A proven method to increase vaccination rates in primary care is a standing
      orders program (SOP) for nonphysician staff to assess and vaccinate eligible
      individuals without a specific written physician order. This study describes a
      mixed methods approach to examining physicians' beliefs and attitudes about and
      adoption of SOPs for adult immunizations, specifically, influenza and
      pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine. Focus groups and in-depth interviews of
      physicians, nurses, practice managers, and the medical director of a managed care
      health plan were conducted. Results were used to enrich a concise survey based on
      the Awareness-to-Adherence model of physician behavior and previous research,
      which was mailed to 1,640 general internists and family physicians nationwide.
      Barriers to SOPs identified through qualitative methods were lack of interest in
      changing the status quo, a physician-dominated hierarchy, and fear of
      malpractice. Facilitators included having an electronic medical record and a
      practice culture that was open to change. The survey (response rate 67%)
      confirmed the facilitators and further identified patient, physician, and
      practice factors that served as barriers to establishing and maintaining SOPs.
      This mixed methods approach provided the opportunity to develop a tailored and
      practice-oriented survey for examining the contextual factors influencing
      clinical providers' decisions to implement SOPs for adult immunization.

PMID- 22059732
TI  - The influence of story context on a working memory span task.
AB  - The purpose of the present study was to examine factors that could influence
      whether recall performance in the reading span task (Daneman & Carpenter,  1980 )
      would benefit from the contextual information from the sentences in the
      processing component of the task. More specifically, we investigated whether
      people would benefit from sentence sets that formed short stories or when the
      entire span task was one continuous story. Overall, there was a clear benefit for
      contextually related sentence sets (i.e., the story span tasks) compared to the
      traditional reading span task. However, the benefit was eliminated when the
      entire set formed one continuous story. These results support the recall
      reconstruction hypothesis for working memory (Towse, Cowan, Hitch, & Horton, 
      2008 ), which suggests that people may strategically use the content of the
      sentences from the processing component of the reading span task as memorial cues
      to reconstruct the target words of the storage component. However, this benefit
      is constrained to scenarios when the contextual cues are unique to a specific
      set.

PMID- 22059733
TI  - Template-free synthesis and encapsulation technique for layer-by-layer polymer
      nanocarrier fabrication.
AB  - The encapsulation of therapeutic molecules within multiple layers of
      biocompatible and biodegradable polymeric excipients allows exquisite design of
      their release profile, to the extent the drug can be selectively delivered to a
      specific target location in vivo. Here, we develop a novel technique for the
      assembly of multilayer polyelectrolyte nanocarriers based on surface acoustic
      wave atomization as a rapid and efficient alternative to conventional layer-by
      layer assembly, which requires the use of a sacrificial colloidal template over
      which consecutive polyelectrolyte layers are deposited. Polymer nanocarriers are
      synthesized by atomizing a polymer solution and suspending them within a
      complementary polymer solution of opposite charge subsequent to their
      solidification in-flight as the solvent evaporates; reatomizing this suspension
      produces nanocarriers with a layer of the second polymer deposited over the
      initial polymer core. Successive atomization-suspension layering steps can then
      be repeated to produce as many additional layers as desired. Specifically, we
      synthesize nanocarriers comprising two and three, and up to eight, alternating
      layers of chitosan (or polyethyleneimine) and carboxymethyl cellulose within
      which plasmid DNA is encapsulated and show in vitro DNA release profiles over
      several days. Evidence that the plasmid's viability is preserved and hence the
      potential of the technique for gene delivery is illustrated through efficient in
      vitro transfection of the encapsulated plasmid in human mesenchymal progenitor
      and COS-7 cells.

PMID- 22059734
TI  - Design, measures and sample characteristics of the CadeViMa-Spain survey on
      quality of life in community-dwelling older adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The survey "Quality of life in older adults-Spain" (CadeViMa-Spain)
      was designed to obtain information about objective and subjective determinants of
      Quality of Life (QoL) in old age, from a multidimensional perspective. This paper
      presents the overall description, methodology, sample characteristics and
      reliability of the measures used. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was carried
      out in a representative sample of 1106 community-dwelling adults aged 60 years
      and over in Spain. The sample was obtained by a geodemographically-based
      proportional multistage stratified sampling. A home-based questionnaire included
      validated scales and questions about sociodemographic characteristics, global
      QoL, health, family and social networks, financial means and retirement, leisure
      and social participation, residential environment, and satisfaction with those
      issues. Face-to-face semi-structured interviews were conducted. Cronbach's alpha
      coefficients were used to assess internal consistency of the scales. RESULTS:
      This nationally representative survey furnishes information about global QoL,
      health-related QoL, resources availability, living conditions, and satisfaction
      with the assessed aspects, including life domains most valued by this group. In
      general, community-dwelling older adults reported positive assessments of health,
      living conditions, and high levels of satisfaction with the different aspects of
      QoL. The reliability of the measures in this population was good. CONCLUSIONS:
      This survey provides comprehensive and useful information, based on the view of
      older people themselves, with potential to contribute to health and social
      policies towards promoting active aging. The database is available for in-depth
      comparisons.

PMID- 22059735
TI  - Synchronous fluorescence spectrofluorimetric method for the simultaneous
      determination of metoprolol and felodipine in combined pharmaceutical
      preparation.
AB  - A rapid, simple and sensitive synchronous specrtofluorimetric method has been
      developed for the simultaneous analysis of binary mixture of metoprolol (MTP) and
      felodipine (FDP). The method is based upon measurement of the synchronous
      fluorescence intensity of the two drugs at Deltalambda of 70 nm in aqueous
      solution. The different experimental parameters affecting the synchronous
      fluorescence intensities of the two drugs were carefully studied and optimized.
      The fluorescence intensity-concentration plots were rectilinear over the ranges
      of 0.5-10 MUg/mL and 0.2-2 MUg/mL for MTP and FDP, respectively. The limits of
      detection were 0.11 and 0.02 MUg/mL and quantification limits were 0.32 and 0.06
      MUg/mL for MTP and FDP, respectively. The proposed method was successfully
      applied for the determination of the two compounds in their commercial tablets
      and the results obtained were favorably compared to those obtained with a
      comparison method.

PMID- 22059736
TI  - Initial therapy with the fixed-dose combination of sitagliptin and metformin
      results in greater improvement in glycaemic control compared with pioglitazone
      monotherapy in patients with type 2 diabetes.
AB  - AIMS: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of initial therapy with a fixed-dose
      combination (FDC) of sitagliptin and metformin compared with pioglitazone in drug
      naIve patients with type 2 diabetes. METHODS: After a 2-week single-blind placebo
      run-in period, patients with type 2 diabetes, HbA1c of 7.5-12% and not on
      antihyperglycaemic agent therapy were randomized in a double-blind manner to
      initial treatment with a FDC of sitagliptin/metformin 50/500 mg twice daily (N =
      261) or pioglitazone 30 mg per day (N = 256). Sitagliptin/metformin and
      pioglitazone were up-titrated over 4 weeks to doses of 50/1000 mg twice daily and
      45 mg per day, respectively. Both treatments were then continued for an
      additional 28 weeks. RESULTS: From a mean baseline HbA1c of 8.9% in both groups,
      least squares (LS) mean changes in HbA1c at week 32 were -1.9 and -1.4% for
      sitagliptin/metformin and pioglitazone, respectively (between-group difference = 
      0.5%; p < 0.001). A greater proportion of patients had an HbA1c of <7% at week 32
      with sitagliptin/metformin vs. pioglitazone (57% vs. 43%, p < 0.001). Compared
      with pioglitazone, sitagliptin/metformin treatment resulted in greater LS mean
      reductions in fasting plasma glucose (FPG) [-56.0 mg/dl (-3.11 mmol/l) vs. -44.0
      mg/dl (-2.45 mmol/l), p < 0.001] and in 2-h post-meal glucose [-102.2 mg/dl (
      5.68 mmol/l) vs. -82.0 mg/dl (-4.56 mmol/l), p < 0.001] at week 32. A
      substantially greater reduction in FPG [-40.5 mg/dl (-2.25 mmol/l) vs. -13.0
      mg/dl (-0.72 mmol/l), p < 0.001] was observed at week 1 with
      sitagliptin/metformin vs. pioglitazone. A greater reduction in the fasting
      proinsulin/insulin ratio and a greater increase in homeostasis model assessment
      of beta-cell function (HOMA-beta) were observed with sitagliptin/metformin than
      with pioglitazone, while greater decreases in fasting insulin and HOMA of insulin
      resistance (HOMA-IR), and a greater increase in quantitative insulin sensitivity
      check index (QUICKI) were observed with pioglitazone than with
      sitagliptin/metformin. Both sitagliptin/metformin and pioglitazone were generally
      well tolerated. Sitagliptin/metformin led to weight loss (-1.4 kg), while
      pioglitazone led to weight gain (3.0 kg) (p < 0.001 for the between-group
      difference). Higher incidences of diarrhoea (15.3% vs. 4.3%, p < 0.001), nausea
      (4.6% vs. 1.2%, p = 0.02) and vomiting (1.9% vs. 0.0%, p = 0.026), and a lower
      incidence of oedema (1.1% vs. 7.0%, p < 0.001), were observed with
      sitagliptin/metformin vs. pioglitazone. The between-group difference in the
      incidence of hypoglycaemia did not reach statistical significance (8.4 and 4.3%
      with sitagliptin/metformin and pioglitazone, respectively; p = 0.055).
      CONCLUSION: Compared with pioglitazone, initial therapy with a FDC of sitagliptin
      and metformin led to significantly greater improvement in glycaemic control as
      well as a higher incidence of prespecified gastrointestinal adverse events, a
      lower incidence of oedema and weight loss vs. weight gain.

PMID- 22059738
TI  - Protein conjugated with aldehydes derived from lipid peroxidation as an
      independent parameter of the carbonyl stress in the kidney damage.
AB  - BACKGROUND: One of the well-defined and characterized protein modifications
      usually produced by oxidation is carbonylation, an irreversible non-enzymatic
      modification of proteins. However, carbonyl groups can be introduced into
      proteins by non-oxidative mechanisms. Reactive carbonyl compounds have been
      observed to have increased in patients with renal failure. In the present work we
      have described a procedure designed as aldehyde capture to calculate the protein
      carbonyl stress derived solely from lipid peroxidation. METHODS: Acrolein-albumin
      adduct was prepared as standard at alkaline pH. Rat liver microsomal membranes
      and serum samples from patients with diabetic nephropathy were subjected to the
      aldehyde capture procedure and aldol-protein formation. Before alkalinization and
      incubation, samples were precipitated and redisolved in 6M guanidine. The
      absorbances of the samples were read with a spectrophotometer at 266 nm against a
      blank of guanidine. RESULTS: Evidence showed abundance of unsaturated aldehydes
      derived from lipid peroxidation in rat liver microsomal membranes and in the
      serum of diabetic patients with advanced chronic kidney disease. Carbonyl protein
      and aldol-proteins resulted higher in the diabetic nephropathy patients (p <
      0.004 and p < 0.0001 respectively). CONCLUSION: The aldehyde-protein adduct
      represents a non oxidative component of carbonyl stress, independent of the
      direct amino acid oxidation and could constitute a practical and novelty strategy
      to measure the carbonyl stress derived solely from lipid peroxidation and
      particularly in diabetic nephropathy patients. In addition, we are in a position
      to propose an alternative explanation of why alkalinization of urine attenuates
      rhabdomyolysis-induced renal dysfunction.

PMID- 22059739
TI  - Concomitant endoureterotomy and dextranomer/hyaluronic acid subureteral injection
      for management of obstructive refluxing megaureter.
AB  - PURPOSE: To present the results of our experience with combined endoureterotomy
      and endoscopic injection of dextranomer/hyaluronic acid (Deflux) for the
      treatment of primary obstructive refluxing megaureter (PORM). PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: Eighteen children (12 female, 6 male; mean age-14 months) with 20 PORM
      units underwent concomitant endoureterotomy and endoscopic subureteral Deflux
      injection. All patients underwent endoureterotomy at the 6-o'clock position with
      insertion of a 3F Double-J ureteral stent into the obstructed segment of ureter
      and subureteral injection of Deflux at the 5-o'clock and 7-o'clock positions. The
      Double-J stent was left in place with its distal tip fixed with a single knot to
      the external genitalia for easy removal after 1 week. Patients with refluxing
      nonobstructive ureter on the contralateral side of the PORM unit (seven children)
      underwent simultaneous endoscopic subureteral injection of Deflux. Voiding
      cystourethrography (VCUG) was performed at 6 months, and ultrasonography was
      performed at 1 week 3, 6, and 12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: With a mean
      follow-up of 30 months, the procedure was uneventful in all patients. Follow-up
      VCUG showed no evidence of reflux in 15 ureterorenal (75%), significant decrease
      in reflux grade in 2 (10%), and no change in 3 (15%) in the endoscopic treated
      PORM units. No evidence of reflux was observed in the treated contralateral
      refluxing nonobstructive ureters. Ultrasonography revealed no ureterovesical
      junction obstruction. In 19 ureterorenal (95%) units, there was a complete
      resolution or decrease in hydroureteronephrosis. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this
      study demonstrate that combined endoureterotomy and subureteral injection of
      Deflux is safe and effective in the treatment of PORM in selected patients.

PMID- 22059740
TI  - Evidence of clinical competence.
AB  - This cross-sectional research used a qualitative questionnaire to explore
      clinical competence in nursing. The aim was to look for evidence of how clinical
      competence showed itself in practice. In the research, the views from both
      education and working life are combined to broadly explore and describe clinical
      competence from the perspective of students, clinical preceptors and teachers.
      The questions were formulated on how clinical competence is characterised and
      experienced, what contributes to it and how it is maintained, and on the relation
      between clinical competence and evidence-based care. The answers were analysed by
      inductive content analysis. The results showed that clinical competence in
      practice is encountering, knowing, performing, maturing and improving. Clinical
      competence is an ongoing process, rather than a state and manifests itself in an
      ontological and a contextual dimension.

PMID- 22059741
TI  - MicroRNA-1 induces apoptosis by targeting prothymosin alpha in nasopharyngeal
      carcinoma cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: MiR-1 (microRNA-1) has been used as a positive control in some
      microRNA experiments. We found that miR-1 transfection of nasopharyngeal
      carcinoma cells reveals a typical apoptotic process as shown by time-lapse
      microscopy so we investigated the mechanisms of miR-1 inducing apoptosis.
      METHODS: To confirm that miR-1 induces apoptosis, we used Annexin V and TUNEL
      staining and caspase assay. To determine that miR-1 directly targets genes that
      involve in apoptosis, we analyzed microRNA and pathway databases, and cDNA
      expression microarrays from miR-1 transfected cells. To demonstrate candidate miR
      1 targeted genes, we used qRT-PCR analysis and luciferase reporter vector assays.
      To assess the miR-1 target gene PTMA (prothymosin alpha, ProTalpha) involves in
      apoptosis, we used PTMA siRNA to knock down PTMA. RESULTS: Annexin V and TUNEL
      staining and caspase assay confirm that miR-1 induces nasopharyngeal carcinoma
      cell apoptosis. MiR-1 transfection of HeLa, Cal-27, KYSE30 and NPC-TW06 cell
      lines which express low levels of endogenous miR-1 also induces apoptosis.
      However, miR-1 transfection of cell lines such as SW620, HepG2, HEK-293T, SAS and
      PC-13 which express high levels of endogenous miR-1 does not result in apoptosis.
      MiR-1 directly targets PTMA gene. PTMA siRNA and miR-1 accelerate the apoptotic
      process in cells treated with apoptosis inducers. CONCLUSIONS: The exogenous
      expression of miR-1 induces apoptosis in a number of cell lines. This is a model
      of microRNA-induced cell apoptosis. The PTMA is one of miR-1 target genes which
      involve in miR-1 inducing apoptosis. The apoptotic inducers including actinomycin
      D, camptothecin and etoposide are also the chemotherapeutic drugs in clinical
      cancer therapy and PTMA siRNA can accelerate apoptotic progression in cells
      treated with those apoptosis inducers. Therefore PTMA siRNA may have potential
      applications as an adjuvant in cancer chemotherapy.

PMID- 22059742
TI  - Ni(COD)2/PCy3 catalyzed cross-coupling of aryl and heteroaryl
      neopentylglycolboronates with aryl and heteroaryl mesylates and sulfamates in THF
      at room temperature.
AB  - Reaction conditions for the Ni(COD)(2)/PCy(3) catalyzed cross-coupling of aryl
      neopentylglycolboronates with aryl mesylates were developed. By using optimized
      reaction conditions, Ni(COD)(2)/PCy(3) was shown to be a versatile catalyst for
      the cross-coupling of a diversity of aryl neopentylglycolboronates with aryl and
      heteroaryl mesylates and sulfamates containing both electron-donating and
      electron-withdrawing substituents in their para, ortho, and meta positions in THF
      at room temperature. This Ni-catalyzed cross-coupling of aryl
      neopentylglycolboronates is also effective for the synthesis of heterobiaryls and
      biaryls containing electrophilic functionalities sensitive to organolithium and
      organomagnesium derivatives. In combination with the recently developed Ni
      catalyzed neopentylglycolborylation, all Ni-catalyzed routes to functional
      biaryls and heterobiaryls are now easily accessible.

PMID- 22059743
TI  - Friction and adhesion forces of Bacillus thuringiensis spores on planar surfaces
      in atmospheric systems.
AB  - The kinetic friction force and the adhesion force of Bacillus thuringiensis
      spores on planar surfaces in atmospheric systems were studied using atomic force
      microscopy. The influence of relative humidity (RH) on these forces varied for
      different surface properties including hydrophobicity, roughness, and surface
      charge. The friction force of the spore was greater on a rougher surface than on
      mica, which is atomically flat. As RH increases, the friction force of the spores
      decreases on mica whereas it increases on rough surfaces. The influence of RH on
      the interaction forces between hydrophobic surfaces is not as strong as for
      hydrophilic surfaces. The friction force of the spore is linear to the sum of the
      adhesion force and normal load on the hydrophobic surface. The poorly defined
      surface structure of the spore and the adsorption of contaminants from the
      surrounding atmosphere are believed to cause a discrepancy between the calculated
      and measured adhesion forces.

PMID- 22059744
TI  - Radiation therapy in the management of unilesional primary cutaneous T-cell
      lymphomas.

PMID- 22059745
TI  - A technique for muscle biopsy sampling on pigs to assess intramuscular fat.
AB  - The objective of the research was to develop a rapid, convenient method for
      sampling the muscle of live young pigs. A biopsy needle has been developed. It
      consists of two parts, a hollow outer cylinder and an inner stick. From female
      piglets (10-25 kg) a biopsy sample of 108 +/- 42 mg was taken from the biceps
      femoris. No infections or mobility problems were observed. The sample can be used
      for further i.m. fat analysis. The mean fat content in the biceps femoris is 2.24
      +/- 1.12%. This i.m. fat content was measured by extraction in a Soxhlet
      apparatus and was determined by a Fourier transform Infrared (FTIR) method. Fatty
      acid composition was determined by gas-liquid chromatography.

PMID- 22059746
TI  - Glycogen content, buffering capacity and resting pH in live muscles of pigs of
      different halothane genotypes (a pilot project).
AB  - The development of PSE (pale, soft and exudative) meat is characterized by a
      rapid decrease in pH post-mortem and/or a low ultimate pH. We investigated some
      physiological properties of the live muscle (the glycogen content, the non
      bicarbonate buffering capacity and 'resting pH'), which could influence both the
      decrease in pH and the ultimate pH. Measurements were performed on three
      halothane genotypes, hal(N)hal(N), hal(N)hal(n) and hal(n)hal(n), with their
      known predispositions for PSE meat. It was demonstrated that the glycogen content
      in both the groups of double recessive and heterozygous individuals was higher
      than the levels in the group of homozygous dominant pigs. No difference was found
      in non-bicarbonate buffering capacity between the groups. The groups with the
      highest glycogen levels also had the lowest 'resting pH' values. The results
      indicate that measurement of glycogen content in vivo may be superior to the
      halothane test in detecting PSE-prone individuals. The lower pH values of
      carriers of the hal(n) gene further indicate that the characteristic rapid
      decrease after slaughter may not be as fast as generally accepted, as even very
      low pH values can be observed in the muscles of live pigs.

PMID- 22059747
TI  - On the assessment of water-holding capacity of hot- vs cold-boned pork.
AB  - The effects of time of boning and storage period on creatine kinase (CK)
      activity, transmission value, drip losses and water-holding capacity (WHC)
      measured by various methods was investigated. At 40 min post-mortem 30 pig
      carcasses with pH values > 6.2 in the loin were selected. The right loin of each
      carcass was hot boned and vacuum packaged immediately. The left loin was cold
      boned and packaged after overnight chilling at 2 +/- 2 degrees C. After 1, 5 and
      12 days of storage at 0 +/- 1 degrees C, 10 hot- and cold-boned loins were
      unpacked and sampled. Time of boning did not affect drip losses. At 1 day post
      mortem the CK activity was higher in hot- than in cold-boned pork. Sarcomere
      lengths were not affected by time of boning. The WHC was investigated by two
      controlled methods. A filter-paper press method was not sensitive enough to
      assess differences in WHC of hot- vs cold-boned pork. The results of a
      gravimetric method depended on the sample location. Results of the gravimetric
      test decreased with increasing storage periods. The results suggest that under
      the experimental conditions the chilling rates of hot-boned vs carcass-attached
      muscles were similar.

PMID- 22059748
TI  - The effects of ante-mortem feed and water withdrawal, ante-mortem electrolyte
      supplementation, and post-mortem electrical stimulation on the palatability and
      consumer acceptance of bull beef after ageing (6 days at 1 degrees C).
AB  - A total of 120 bulls each weighing approximately 500 kg were used to evaluate the
      effects of withholding feed and water for various intervals pre-slaughter, ante
      mortem supplementation with an electrolyte solution, and post-mortem electrical
      stimulation on the cooking and palatability attributes and consumer acceptance of
      boneless rib steaks aged for 6 days at 1 degrees C. The results clearly showed
      the detrimental effects of withholding feed and water pre-slaughter and the
      beneficial effects of post-mortem electrical stimulation on the eating quality of
      bull beef aged for 6 days at 1 degrees C. Taste panel ratings of palatability
      attributes between electrolyte-treated and untreated animals did not differ
      significantly. However, consumer evaluations indicated a lower overall
      palatability rating for electrolyte-treated bulls. The results clearly indicate
      that feed and water deprivation is detrimental to the palatability attributes and
      consumer acceptance of aged bull beef.

PMID- 22059749
TI  - Effects of ultrarapid chilling and ageing on length of sarcomeres, and tenderness
      of pork.
AB  - In this study, the m. longissimus dorsi and the m. semimembranosus of pigs with
      normal and accelerated glycolysis (pale, soft and exudative, PSE) were used to
      evaluate the effect of ultrarapid chilling methods (with short-term freezing of
      the muscle surface) and ageing up to 72 h post-mortem on length of sarcomeres,
      Warner Bratzler shear force and firmness. The short-term freezing after
      ultrarapid chilling of musculature with normal glycolysis led to cold shortening
      with contraction of the sarcomeres by 33.5% (m. longissimus dorsi) and 38.3% (m.
      semimembranosus). At the same time, a massive increase in shear force and
      firmness was observed. After ageing up to 48h post-mortem the sarcomeres
      increased in length, whereby, in comparison with the measurements before the
      beginning of the chilling, 88 and 84% of the original length was attained,
      respectively. In addition, ageing led to a significant improvement of tenderness.
      After ageing for more than 72h the shear force and the firmness of meat specimens
      chilled under normal and ultrarapid conditions became more similar. The lenghts
      of the sarcomeres and the shear force of musculature with accelerated glycolysis
      were glycolysis were not affected by the chilling procedure.

PMID- 22059750
TI  - Effect of pre-scalding brushing on contamination level of pork carcasses during
      the slaughtering process.
AB  - The number of aerobic bacteria on the skin of pork carcasses was measured at
      seven different points on the slaughtering line in order to study the hygienic
      effect of pre-scalding brushing on the contamination level of carcasses. Eighty
      carcasses were investigated, of which 40 were brushed before scalding and 40
      served as controls. Samples were excised from three sites: back, abdomen and ham.
      The total number of samples was 1368. The cleaning monitoring of the pre-scalding
      brushing machine and the blackscraping machine was done at the same time. After
      singeing and blackscraping there were significant differences (P<0.05) between
      brushed and non-brushed ham sites. After singeing, brushed ham sites had a
      contamination level of 2.11 (log(10) cm(-2)) and non-brushed ham sites a level of
      1.57. After blackscraping the contamination of brushed ham sites was 3.45
      (log(10) cm(-2)) and that of non-brushed ham sites 3.26. At the end of the
      slaughtering line brushed carcasses were more contaminated than those not
      brushed, although this difference was not significant.

PMID- 22059751
TI  - The effect of boning and plant cleaning on the contamination of beef cuts in a
      commercial boning hall.
AB  - A series of experiments was carried out to determine the effect of boning and
      trimming on the bacteriology of a number of beef cuts. At the same time the plant
      cleaning programme was investigated to determine its efficiency in reducing
      bacterial numbers on different surfaces within the boning hall. The hygiene of
      the personnel involved in boning was also studied. The work showed that the level
      of contamination varied with the different cuts of meat. On the striploin and
      fillet the level of contamination was higher than on the inside or outside
      rounds. This variation resulted mainly from the amount of handling the meat
      received. The cleaning programme in the plant was shown to be very inefficient in
      reducing bacterial contamination. Personnel hygiene was also considered
      inadequate. It is probable that both surfaces and personnel were sources of
      contamination of the meat.

PMID- 22059752
TI  - A note on the use of subjective methods for assessing pig meat quality on the
      slaughterline.
AB  - The relationships between assessment of exudation from the intrascope hole, seen
      as a discolouration on the surface of the skin at 20h post mortem, subjective
      assessment of meat quality in the longissimus dorsi (LD), gluteus medius (GM) and
      rectus femoris (RF) muscles and objective measures of raw meat quality in the LD
      were determined on 100 pig carcasses representing a wide range of quality. The
      relationships between subjective exudation assessment and objective measures of
      quality were good with the best correlations being found with those measures
      indicating pale, soft, exudative (PSE), those with objective indicators of dark,
      firm, dry (DFD) being poorer. The relationships between subjective assessment of
      quality in the LD, GM and RF and all objective measures of meat quality in the LD
      were high. The appearance of any of the muscles could be used to predict overall
      meat quality in the carcasses after cutting. The subjective assessment of
      exudation was therefore a good, non-invasive predictor of severe PSE, but not DFD
      meat, which could be applied on the line after overnight chilling. After
      butchery, subjective assessment of LD, GM or RF muscles could be used to identify
      both PSE and DFD carcasses.

PMID- 22059753
TI  - Improvement of shelf-life and wholesomeness of ground beef by irradiation 1.
      Microbial aspects.
AB  - Various doses of ionizing radiation (cobalt-60) were used to improve the
      microbiological quality of commercial ground beef. The study included the
      isolation and identification of the natural microbial flora. The radioresistance
      of the individual strains was investigated. D(10) values, obtained in a saline
      solution, showed values ranging from 0.035 to 1.827 kGy. Treatment of ground beef
      with gamma radiation at doses of 1.0, 2.5 and 5.0 kGy resulted in extended shelf
      life at 4 degrees C of 4, 10 and 15 days, respectively while the control samples
      already exceeded 10(7) colony forming units (CFU)/g on day 0. Dominant groups of
      bacteria shifted from Gram-negative bacilli to Gram-positive cocci as the
      irradiation dose increased. Gram-negative cocci as well as yeasts and moulds also
      developed in greater proportion during storage of the irradiated samples.

PMID- 22059754
TI  - The influence of mincing and temperature of storage on the oxidation of pork back
      fat and its effect on water- and fat-binding in finely comminuted batters.
AB  - Besides the ability of swollen and dissolved meat proteins to form a heatstable
      network in finely comminuted sausage batters, the fat in the batter is an
      additional factor of batter stability. Fat cell integrity and the melting point
      of fat are regarded in the literature as essential for fat retention. In
      practice, however, butchers report that slaughterfresh pork back fat, whilst
      within a few hours post mortem and still hot, enhances batter stability compared
      with chilled and stored back fat. Experiments confirmed this observation. There
      could be several reasons for this behaviour. One would be the oxidation processes
      in pork fat which occur on storage. The experiments reported here show that
      rancidity of fat has little or no influence on batter stability. Disintegration
      of fat cells by mincing and/or fat softness by increased temperature, enhance
      batter stability. The conclusion drawn emphasizes the importance of the early
      formation of small fat particles in the batter for batter stability.

PMID- 22059755
TI  - A rapid and simple method for preparing pork with very low bacterial
      contamination.
AB  - A method for obtaining essentially bacteria-free raw meat is described. A
      technique of this type is necessary if intrinsic meat processes during storage
      are to be studied. Four cold-boned loins (M. longissimus dorsi, ML) of two pigs
      were fried for 2 min in frying fat at 180 degrees C and divided aseptically into
      eight cuts. These cuts were vacuum packaged and stored at 0 and 20 degrees C. The
      total aerobic count of all cuts was below 10(4) colony forming units (CFU)/cm(2)
      after 8 weeks of storage at 0 degrees C. At 20 degrees C, these values were much
      higher. Essentially the same results were found in a similar experiment in which
      the fried parts of the chops were removed aseptically. In a third experiment it
      was shown that the bacterial contamination of the cuts remained below 10(4)
      CFU/cm(2) during 4-6 weeks of storage at 5 degrees C. A control experiment
      included temperature measurement during and after frying. It was shown that after
      frying the ML must be cut immediately. Microscopic examination at different
      depths showed protein denaturation to a depth of 10 mm, indicating the necessity
      of removal of the outer layer. Frying appears to be a simple and rapid method of
      achieving virtually bacteria-free meat. Adaptation of the frying time is expected
      to be necessary to make the method applicable for muscles other than the ML.

PMID- 22059756
TI  - Pressure-induced conversion of alpha-connectin to beta-connectin.
AB  - The mechanism of the pressure-induced tenderization of meat has not been fully
      established in spite of its beneficial effect. To detect the changes in the large
      structural proteins of the myofibrils induced by pressurization without heat
      treatment, high hydrostatic pressure (100-300 MPa) was applied to rabbit at-death
      skeletal muscle for 10 min at low temperature (0-2 degrees C). Significant
      differences in the electrophoretic pattern of connectin (also called titin) in
      isolated myofibrils were observed between the control and pressurized muscle
      samples. The conversion of alpha-connectin (2800 kDa) to beta-connectin (2100
      kDa) was accelerated with increasing pressure applied to the muscle; also nebulin
      (800 kDa) was degraded by pressure treatment. From the results it is clear that
      the degradation of connectin is induced by pressurization alone without heat
      treatment. If the conversion of alpha-connectin to beta-connectin during
      conditioning has some influence on meat tenderization, the pressure-induced
      conversion of alpha- to beta-connectin is possibly one of the causes of pressure
      induced tenderization of meat.

PMID- 22059757
TI  - Structure, bonding, and phase relations in Bi2Sn2O7 and Bi2Ti2O7 pyrochlores: new
      insights from high pressure and high temperature studies.
AB  - One of the key points of interest in pyrochlore materials containing bismuth
      derives from the dielectric properties of some such materials that are linked to
      the displacements of the bismuth atoms from the ideal site. This study uses high
      pressure to probe the variations in, and causes of, these displacements. Under
      compression Bi(2)Ti(2)O(7) does not undergo any phase changes, but Bi(2)Sn(2)O(7)
      undergoes a similar series of changes to those observed during heating. The
      trigonal beta-Bi(2)Sn(2)O(7) structure is solved from high temperature powder
      neutron diffraction data and hence the sequence of phases observed in
      Bi(2)Sn(2)O(7) is discussed for the first time. The variation in Bi displacements
      can be considered in terms of the frustration of the tetrahedral lattice that
      accommodates them. It can also be inferred that the main driver for Bi
      displacement is a deficiency in the bond valence sum of bismuth.

PMID- 22059758
TI  - Effects of gamma irradiation on the distribution of calcium ions in grass shrimp
      (Phenaeus monodon F.) muscle.
AB  - Effects of medium-dose (5 kGy) irradiation on the calcium ion distribution in
      shrimp muscle were studied using an electron microprobe (EDX) and an electron
      microscope. In irradiated shrimp muscle cells, the calcium ions in the
      sarcoplasmic reticulum and nuclei were not released to the myofibrils, and
      remained in situ during 8 days storage at 4 degrees C after irradiation. However,
      without irradiation the concentration of calcium ions in the myofibrils of muscle
      cells increased after the same storage period. The distribution of calcium ions
      could play a role in the softening of shrimp meat, induced by proteinase.

PMID- 22059759
TI  - Influence of processing temperature on the formation of biogenic amines in dry
      sausages.
AB  - Temperature is known to have a clear influence on the formation of biogenic
      amines in the fishing industry and in cheese fermentation In this work, the
      effect of processing temperature on the formation of amines in dry sausages was
      studied in pilot and factory trials. Sausages made from the same batch of raw
      materials, were divided into two groups each fermented at different processing
      temperatures. The influence of raw materials on amine formation was evident. When
      commercial preparations of starter cultures containing lactic acid bacteria and
      Staphylococcus carnosus were used, a lower processing temperature resulted in
      higher levels of amines and delayed pH decrease in comparison with the higher
      temperature. However, more amines were formed at the higher processing
      temperature when glucono-delta-lactone with S. carnosus was used. According to
      these results not only the selection of raw materials, but also the choice of
      optimal processing temperature for the amine-negative starter culture used, are
      important critical control points in preventing the formation of high levels of
      biogenic amines in dry sausages.

PMID- 22059760
TI  - Rheological changes during isothermal holding of salted beef homogenates.
AB  - The gelation of lean meat homogenates was examined in a thermal scanning rheology
      monitor, a device that non-destructively measures rigidity and elasticity, as
      response to a repetitive small movement. Salted (NaCl and pyrophosphate)
      homogenates were scanned from 10 degrees C to 85 degrees C at 1 degrees C/min,
      continuously or with an isothermal hold period at 25, 35, 45, 50 or 55 degrees C.
      The intention of isothermal holding was to visualize key features of the gelation
      process. Whatever the thermal path, the final properties of the gel were
      substantially the same. This indicates that heat-mediated gelation follows only
      one path and is complete by 85 degrees C. The hold at 55 degrees C yielded the
      most information on gelation. During the hold, gelation was very nearly complete
      while rigidity steadily increased. This showed that transition from the sol state
      to the gel and rigidity development are separate events. Samples held at 25
      degrees C underwent pH-dependent transitions in rheological properties but at
      higher hold temperatures these transitions were often not observed. They were
      caused by a progressive loss of pyrophosphate due to an endogenous
      pyrophosphatase. The pH and temperature dependencies of the transitions were
      easily explained by classic enzymology. The enzyme activity could be inhibited by
      10 mm NaF. Under these conditions the onset of final gelation occurred at a
      slightly, but significantly, lower temperature. Models to explain this and
      another subtle effect of pyrophosphate are presented. At a given pH, although
      gelation is subtly affected by pyrophosphate, the final rigidity and elasticity
      are much the same in its presence or absence. Pyrophosphate is in near universal
      use in salted meat products. Presumably its reported advantages, better water
      holding capacity and greater gel strength, are not revealed by the thermal
      scanning technique.

PMID- 22059761
TI  - Effects of Postmortem time of calcium chloride injection on beef tenderness and
      drip, cooking, and total loss.
AB  - The effect of postmortem time of calcium chloride (CaCl(2)) injection in
      conjunction with postmortem aging was determined on 16 beef semimembranosus
      muscles. Each muscle was cut into four equal segments that were randomly
      assigned: (1) no injection (control); (2) CaCl(2) at 1 h postmortem; (3) CaCl(2)
      at 12 h postmortem; or (4) CaCl(2) at 24 h postmortem. Samples were injected with
      a 0.3 m solution of CaCl(2) at 10% by weight. At 24 h postmortem, each segment
      was divided into two pieces that were randomly assigned to either a 10-day aging
      period (2 degrees C) or to frozen storage (-29 degrees C). Shear force values
      were higher (P < 0.01) in control samples compared with injected samples and
      increased linearly (P < 0.05) with time of injection. Drip loss was lower (P <
      0.01) in control samples compared with injected samples. A linear (P < 0.05)
      effect was found for the increases in cooking and total loss due to injection
      time. Aging decreased (P < 0.05) shear force values and cooking loss. CaCl(2)
      injection at 1 h postmortem was most effective in reducing shear force values and
      preventing excessive moisture loss. However, injection at 12 or 24 h postmortem
      was also effective in lowering shear force values.

PMID- 22059762
TI  - Differences of post-mortem ATP turnover in skeletal muscle of normal and
      heterozygote malignant-hyperthermia pigs: Comparison of (31)P-NMR and analytical
      biochemical measurements.
AB  - Energy metabolism of the biceps femoris muscle of normal and heterozygote
      malignant-hyperthermia pigs was studied post-mortem after in-vivo exposure to a
      combination of halothane and succinylcholine. The pigs were anaesthetized with
      halothane and subsequently captive-bolt-stunned immediately after intravenous
      administration of succinylcholine. Cardiac arrest occurred within one minute
      after the depolarizing neuromuscular blocking with succinylcholine. During the
      following 2-5 hours post mortem, the level of several metabolites, reflecting the
      rate of muscle glycogenolysis and glycolysis, was measured by analytical
      biochemical techniques and by in situ (31)P-NMR spectroscopy. Both techniques
      demonstrated more than three-fold-accelerated PCr decay, matched by a similar
      increase of P(i) in heterozygotes compared with normal pigs. The rate of pH
      decrease and of lactate accumulation was also three to five times higher in the
      heterozygotes, all-in-all demonstrating a significantly increased ATP turnover
      post mortem in these animals when exposed to a combination of halothane and
      succinylcholine. The results are consistent with the notion of increased
      excitability of skeletal muscle due to a genetically altered calcium-channel
      protein. In addition, the results suggest that NMR identification of heterozygote
      malignant-hyperthermia pigs is possible.

PMID- 22059763
TI  - Physical and sensory characteristics of Najdi-camel meat.
AB  - Steaks were fabricated from three wholesale cuts: rib, chuck and leg of 18 Najdi
      male camels averaging eight, 16 and 26 months of age. The influence of age, type
      of cut, freezing and cooking method on the physical and palatability traits of
      meat has been investigated. The results indicated that age had a significant
      influence on cooking loss and shear value, but there was no significant effect on
      drip loss, expressible moisture and organoleptic properties (tenderness,
      juiciness and flavour). However, steaks from younger camels were more acceptable.
      The results also showed that wholesale cut significantly affects cooking loss,
      shear force value, tenderness, juiciness and flavour, but the effect on drip loss
      and expressible moisture was not significant. Generally, the ribeye steak had the
      lowest cooking loss and shear value, also the highest organoleptic scores. Except
      for cooking loss, freezing and cooking method had no significant effect on shear
      value and organoletic properties. The acceptability of camburger was also
      studied. Added fat resulted in higher cooking loss, but the sensory panel ratings
      were not significantly affected.

PMID- 22059764
TI  - Nutrient composition of Najdi-camel meat.
AB  - The proximate composition, amino-acid composition, and inorganic nutrients of
      different wholesale cuts and organs of 18 (six each at eight, 16, and 26 months)
      Najdi male camels have been determined. Skeletal muscles contained 68.8-76%
      moisture; 19.4-20.5% protein; 4.1-10.6% fat, and 1.0-1.1% ash. In proximate
      composition, camel meat is generally similar to beef. Significant differences (p
      < 0.05) in moisture, fat, potassium, sodium, magnesium, iron, and zinc were found
      between samples. The meat protein tended to have a higher percentage of the amino
      acid proline than literature values for other red meats, and lower values for
      tryptophan, aspartic acid, and tyrosine. Differences were observed between
      skeletal muscles and organs in nutrient content. Organs have higher percentages
      of ash, sodium, and iron than skeletal muscles. Among organs, kidneys contained
      higher quantities of moisture, calcium, and sodium but lower values of protein,
      magnesium, and potassium than liver and heart meats.

PMID- 22059765
TI  - Comparison of some components of pigs kept in natural (free-range) and large
      scale conditions.
AB  - A new pig genotype of Hungarian Large White (75%) * Mangalica (pig with curly
      bristles, 25%) was used in the experiments. The experimental group was kept in a
      farming system under strictly natural circumstances until a body weight of 120 kg
      was attained. Neither antibiotics nor yield-increasing hormones were given to
      this group. The control group was kept in the usual large-scale farming
      conditions until body weight of 120 kg was attained. In most cases, protein,
      zinc, and copper levels and, in some cases, iron levels were significantly higher
      in some major cuts (neck-end (Boston-butt), loin, ham) of the 'free-range' pigs
      (n = 12) in comparison with the control animals kept in large-scale farming
      conditions. There was, on average, 15% less cholesterol in the muscles and 30%
      less cholesterol in the liver and less linoleic acid in all tissues of 'free
      range' pigs than in the control group. There was less fat, but the amount of
      thiamin and riboflavin in the liver of the naturally kept pigs was twice that in
      the controls. In respect of TBA-reactive compounds, there were no significant
      differences between the two groups, but superoxide dismutase (SOD) showed
      significantly higher activities in all cuts from pigs kept in a large-scale
      farming system. This may be the effect of a higher level of linoleic acid in the
      fat.

PMID- 22059766
TI  - Relationship between USDA and Japanese beef grades.
AB  - Angus steers (n = 78) were feedlot-finished to approximately 703 kg live weight.
      The finished steers were slaughtered at a commercial packing plant, chilled, and
      evaluated for USDA and Japanese yield and quality-grade characteristics. The
      resulting carcasses were excessively heavy and fat for the domestic (US) beef
      industry. Over 70% of the carcasses were US Yield Grade 5, and almost 40% were
      Japanese Yield Score 'C'. Although excessively fat externally, fewer than 50% of
      the carcasses qualified for US Prime, and none of the carcasses qualified for
      Japanese Meat Quality Score 5. Moderate to high correlations were observed
      between US twelfth-rib carcass traits and Japanese sixth-rib traits; however,
      multiple-regression equations based on USDA carcass characteristics explained
      only 46 and 25% of the observed variation in Japanese marbling score and
      estimated percentage wholesale-cut yield, respectively.

PMID- 22059767
TI  - Rheological parameters as predictors of protein functionality: A model study
      using myofibrils of different fibre-type composition.
AB  - The rheology of myofibrils from a typical red muscle, m. masseter, and a typical
      white muscle, m. cutaneus trunci, has been studied at different pH values and
      salt and myofibrillar-protein concentrations. The storage modulus G' and the
      phase angle delta were related to the parameters pH, salt, and muscle, by using
      partial-least-square-two-block modelling. At high and low temperatures, G' was
      largely affected by pH and salt, respectively. For delta, the reverse was
      observed. The peak G' observed at temperatures between 40 and 60 degrees C is an
      indicator of salt addition above the physiological salt level for both types of
      myofibrillar system. The magnitude of the change in G' per degree, in the
      temperature range 40-60 degrees C, was the most muscle-specific parameter
      observed, and the peak was larger for cutaneus trunci than masseter myofibrils.
      At high temperatures (80 degrees C), the cutaneus trunci myofibrils, for
      technical relevant conditions, formed stronger gels than masseter myofibrils. The
      cutaneus trunci systems also aggregated more strongly and exuded more water than
      systems of masseter myofibrils. The effect of strain on G' was generally larger
      for cutaneus trunci than for masseter myofibrillar systems. Many observations on
      myofibrillar systems were transferable to real-meat systems, which were also
      examined.

PMID- 22059768
TI  - Sugar-beet pulp as an alternative ingredient of barley in rabbit diets and its
      effect on rabbit meat.
AB  - The effects of rabbit diets with four different levels of barley and sugar-beet
      pulp on the dressing percentage, chemical and fatty acid composition of meat from
      rabbits slaughtered at a liveweight of 2000 and 2500 g have been studied. Results
      revealed detectable (P < 0.05) effects of the total substitution of barley by
      sugar-beet pulp for carcass weight, dressing percentage and dry matter from
      animals slaughtered at a liveweight of 2000 g. No significant differences (P >
      0.05) among batches were observed when slaughter weight was 2500 g. No influence
      of the diet on the total lipid fatty acids was found. In general, similar results
      were found when rabbit diets were formulated with 50% barley and 0% sugar-beet
      pulp, 30% barley and 0% sugar-beet pulp or 15% barley and 15% sugar-beet pulp.

PMID- 22059769
TI  - Sex-specific identification of raw meat from cattle, buffalo, sheep and goat.
AB  - A simple and reliable method has been developed for accurate identification of
      male and female raw meats in cattle, buffalo, sheep and goat using the polymerase
      chain reaction (PCR) technique. The PCR assay was conducted on genomic DNA
      extracted from raw muscle tissue of male and female animals. The method has been
      found to be accurate, reliable and quick.

PMID- 22059770
TI  - Structural weakening of intramuscular connective tissue during conditioning of
      beef.
AB  - The structural changes in intramuscular connective tissues endomysium and
      perimysium during conditioning of beef were investigated using an improved
      technique of scanning electron microscopy. In beef conditioned for 28 days of 4
      degrees C, the endomysium resolved into individual collagen fibrils and the thick
      sheets of perimysium separated into collagen fibres of 4-8 MUm in diameter. These
      results provide direct evidence for the structural weakening of endomysium and
      perimysium during conditioning. The structural changes in the intramuscular
      connective tissue were minimal until 10 days post mortem, but clearly observable
      after 14 days post mortem. Therefore, it is concluded that intramuscular
      connective tissue shows the effect on tenderisation of extended conditioning (2-4
      weeks) of beef.

PMID- 22059771
TI  - Structural weakening of intramuscular connective tissue during post mortem ageing
      of chicken Semitendinosus muscle.
AB  - The structural changes in intramuscular connective tissues endomysium and
      perimysium during post mortem ageing in chicken semitendinosus muscle were
      investigated using an improved technique of scanning electron microscopy. In post
      mortem chicken aged for 12 h at 4 degrees C, the endomysium resolved into
      individual collagen fibrils and the perimysial sheets separated into collagen
      fibres. These results provide direct evidence for the structural weakening of
      endomysium and perimysium during post mortem ageing. The structural changes in
      the intramuscular connective tissue were minimal until 6 h post mortem, but
      clearly observable after 12 h post mortem. It was concluded that this
      disintegration of the intramuscular connective tissue is the chief mechanism in
      tenderisation during extended post mortem ageing of chicken.

PMID- 22059772
TI  - Sensory evaluation of beef-flavor-intensity, tenderness, and juiciness among
      major muscles.
AB  - Twelve muscles from eight USDA Select/Choice grade steers were evaluated for beef
      flavor intensity, tenderness, and juiciness. The biceps femoris, psoas major,
      gluteus medius, semimembranosus, and triceps brachii were similar in beef-flavor
      intensity (P > 0.05) and were ranked as the most intensely flavored of all
      muscles. The rectus femoris, longissimus lumborum, serratus ventralis,
      infraspinatus, semitendinosus, pectoralis profundus, and supraspinatus generally
      were less intense in beef-flavor than the other muscles and were ranked from
      highest to lowest intensity in that order. The psoas major was the most tender (P
      > 0.05) followed by the infraspinatus, longissimus lumborum, and rectus femoris,
      which were similar (P > 0.05). Generally, muscles from the chuck and loin were
      juicier than those from the round.

PMID- 22059773
TI  - Microbial growth and biochemical changes on naturally contaminated chilled-beef
      subcutaneous adipose tissue stored aerobically.
AB  - Naturally contaminated beef-brisket fat showed a psychrotroph count of 4 * 10(9)
      CFU/cm(2) after 14 days of aerobic refrigerated storage (5 degrees C +/- 1
      degrees C). Pseudomonas was the predominating genus. Other micro-organisms, such
      as Enterobacteriaceae and Brochothrix thermosphacta, grew up to 2.5 * 10(8)
      cfu/cm(2) and 1.6 * 10(8) cfu/cm(2), respectively. Concentrations of different
      substrates that could support microbial growth were measured. Glucose
      concentration dropped to approximately one-third of the initial level during the
      first week of storage. Lactic acid also declined. Free fatty acids increased
      significantly (P < 0.05) during refrigeration. However, other lipid-deterioration
      indices, such as the thiobarbituric acid number and the peroxide value, remained
      unchanged. Beef subcutaneous fat had a high initial microbial load and a capacity
      to support extensive bacterial growth. It may therefore constitute an important
      source of contamination for meat and manufactured meat products.

PMID- 22059774
TI  - Obituary: ronald harry locker (1927-1994).

PMID- 22059775
TI  - Sulfoquinovose synthase - an important enzyme in the N-glycosylation pathway of
      Sulfolobus acidocaldarius.
AB  - Recently, the Surface (S)-layer glycoprotein of the thermoacidophilic
      crenarchaeote Sulfolobus acidocaldarius was found to be N-glycosylated with a
      heterogeneous family of glycans, with the largest having a composition
      Glc(1)Man(2)GlcNAc(2) plus 6-sulfoquinovose. However, genetic analyses of genes
      involved in the N-glycosylation process in Crenarchaeota were missing so far. In
      this study we identify a gene cluster involved in the biosynthesis of
      sulfoquinovose and important for the assembly of the S-layer N-glycans. A
      successful markerless in-frame deletion of agl3 resulted in a decreased molecular
      mass of the S-layer glycoprotein SlaA and the flagellin FlaB, indicating a change
      in the N-glycan composition. Analyses with nanoLC ES-MS/MS confirmed the presence
      of only a reduced trisaccharide structure composed of Man(1) GlcNAc(2) , missing
      the sulfoquinovose, a mannose and glucose. Biochemical studies of the recombinant
      Agl3 confirmed the proposed function as a UDP-sulfoquinovose synthase.
      Furthermore, S. acidocaldarius cells lacking agl3 had a significantly lower
      growth rate at elevated salt concentrations compared with the background strain,
      underlining the importance of the N-glycosylation to maintain an intact and
      stable cell envelope, to enable the survival of S. acidocaldarius in its extreme
      environment.

PMID- 22059776
TI  - Remission of acquired von Willebrand syndrome after successful treatment of
      gastric MALT lymphoma.

PMID- 22059777
TI  - The Wartegg Zeichen Test: a literature overview and a meta-analysis of
      reliability and validity.
AB  - All available studies on the Wartegg Zeichen Test (WZT; Wartegg, 1939) were
      collected and evaluated through a literature overview and a meta-analysis. The
      literature overview shows that the history of the WZT reflects the geographical
      and language-based processes of marginalization where relatively isolated
      traditions have lived and vanished in different parts of the world. The meta
      analytic review indicates a high average interscorer reliability of rw = .74 and
      high validity effect size for studies with clear hypotheses of rw = .33. Although
      the results were strong, we conclude that the WZT research has not been able to
      establish cumulative knowledge of the method because of the isolation of research
      traditions.

PMID- 22059778
TI  - Atrial dysfunction and interatrial dyssynchrony predict atrial high rate
      episodes: insight into the distinct effects of right atrial appendage pacing.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Right atrial (RA) appendage pacing may prolong atrial conduction
      time (ACT). This study aimed to investigate if RA appendage pacing can induce
      intra- and interatrial dyssynchrony and if atrial dysfunction and dyssynchrony
      can predict atrial high rate episodes (AHREs) in the first year after pacing.
      METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients implanted with dual-chamber pacemakers for
      symptomatic bradycardia were enrolled. Cumulative percentage of RA appendage
      pacing (Cum%AP) during 1-year follow-up and AHREs were recorded. Full Doppler
      echocardiography studies were performed before implantation and 1 year after
      pacing. ACT and peak atrial velocities (Sm-la, Em-la, Am-la) were measured. One
      hundred ten patients (age 70.5 +/- 11 years; 53 males) were recruited and
      completed 1-year follow-up. ACT of both RA and left atrial (LA) were more
      prolonged in patients with Cum%AP > 75% than those with <25%. Intra- and
      interatrial dyssynchrony was more obvious in patients with Cum%AP > 75% (22.3 +/-
      12.2 milliseconds vs 9.5 +/- 6.2 milliseconds; 53.9 +/- 29.7 milliseconds vs 19.7
      +/- 17.3 milliseconds; both P < 0.001). AHREs occurred in 29% of patients. Atrial
      pump function and interatrial dyssynchrony independently predicted AHREs in
      multivariate analysis. Receiver operating characteristic curve provided a cutoff
      value of Am-la <5.3 cm/s, which predicted AHREs with a sensitivity of 71% and a
      specificity of 75% (area under the curve, 0.822; P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: RA
      appendage pacing causes atrial conduction delay with intra- and interatrial
      dyssynchrony. Atrial dysfunction and interatrial dyssynchrony are related to
      AHREs in the first year after pacing.

PMID- 22059779
TI  - Improving the electrical conductivity of carbon nanotube networks: a first
      principles study.
AB  - We address the issue of the low electrical conductivity observed in carbon
      nanotube networks using first-principles calculations of the structure,
      stability, and ballistic transport of different nanotube junctions. We first
      study covalent linkers, using the nitrene-pyrazine case as a model for
      conductance-preserving [2 + 1] cycloadditions, and discuss the reasons for their
      poor performance. We then characterize the role of transition-metal adsorbates in
      improving mechanical coupling and electrical tunneling between the tubes. We show
      that the strong hybridization between the transition-metal d orbitals with the pi
      orbitals of the nanotube can provide an excellent electrical bridge for nanotube
      nanotube junctions. This effect is maximized in the case of nitrogen-doped
      nanotubes, thanks to the strong mechanical coupling between the tubes mediated by
      a single transition metal adatom. Our results suggest effective strategies to
      optimize the performance of carbon nanotube networks.

PMID- 22059780
TI  - Using theory to identify beliefs associated with support for policies to raise
      the price of high-fat and high-sugar foods.
AB  - Public policies designed to dramatically raise the price of high-fat and high
      sugar foods have received substantial attention from researchers and the media.
      Although econometric studies suggest that these policies could reduce obesity
      rates, they are likely to face substantial public opposition. This study used the
      theory of perceived responsibility and social motivation as a framework to
      analyze data from a politically diverse convenience sample of 500 adults in
      upstate New York. The authors examined associations between attribution beliefs
      and policy support to identify what types of scientific evidence and accompanying
      messages appear most likely to generate public support for price-raising
      policies. Results suggest that public health advocates and health communicators
      could benefit from an increased emphasis on advertising for unhealthy foods as a
      cause of obesity and the food industry's (manufacturers, advertisers, markets,
      and restaurants) responsibility for addressing the problem.

PMID- 22059781
TI  - Implementing a pathway for the management of acute coronary syndrome leads to
      improved compliance with guidelines and a decrease in angina symptoms.
AB  - We describe our experience with the Advanced Cardiac Admission Program (ACAP) at
      our institution. The ACAP program is a hospital-wide implementation of critical
      pathways-based management of all cardiac patients. Data review of patients
      admitted for acute coronary syndromes from the ACAP-PAIN database and a
      comparative study of outcomes before and after implementation of the pathways
      based assessment and treatment protocols. In the pre-ACAP and post-ACAP patient
      groups, antiplatelet use at admission improved from 50% to 75% (p<.01), ACE-I use
      improved from 32% to 54% (p<.0001), statins use increased from 35% to 62%
      (p<.0001), and smoking cessation awareness increased from 15% to 86% (p<.0001).
      At 1-year follow-up, 84% of patients with CAD were treated with statins, and 47%
      had LDL cholesterol <100 mg/dL, compared with 20% and 9%, respectively, with
      conventional treatment before ACAP implementation (p<.0001). Recurrent angina
      symptoms and nonfatal myocardial infarction rates decreased from 28.5% to 13% (p
      = .02), and 15% to 5% (p = 0.03), respectively. Pathway-based programs like ACAP
      significantly enhance administration of guidelines-based cardioprotective
      medications both during hospital stay and at 1-year follow-up.

PMID- 22059783
TI  - Less RAAS is more, or not.

PMID- 22059784
TI  - Will apoA-I-based therapies step up to cure coronary artery disease?

PMID- 22059786
TI  - Diltiazem in the treatment of hypertension and ischemic heart disease.
AB  - Treatment of patients with hypertension and ischemic heart disease should be
      focused not only on the control of overall cardiovascular risk factors,
      particularly blood pressure, but also on eliminating anginal symptoms, or at
      least reducing them, as angina symptoms have a crucial prognostic value. Although
      the amount of blood pressure reduction, rather than the choice of
      antihypertensive drug, is the major determinant of reduction of cardiovascular
      risk, some drugs such as ?-blockers should be preferably used in patients with
      angina. However, ?-blockers are contraindicated or produce intolerable side
      effects in many patients. Although, in the last years, new drugs for the
      treatment of stable angina have emerged, diltiazem should remain as a good
      alternative in the treatment of these patients. In this article, available
      evidence regarding diltiazem in the treatment of hypertension and ischemic heart
      disease is updated.

PMID- 22059787
TI  - Clinical experience with rosuvastatin in the management of hyperlipidemia and the
      reduction of cardiovascular risk.
AB  - On the basis of large randomized clinical trials, pharmacological antagonists of
      HMG-CoA reductase (statins) have become increasingly used in clinical practice
      for the prevention of cardiovascular disease. Rosuvastatin was developed as a
      potent statin, which appeared to raise levels of HDL-cholesterol, in addition to
      marked reductions in levels of LDL-cholesterol. These effects on lipids are
      associated with a beneficial impact of rosuvastatin on progression of various
      stages of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular outcomes in clinical trials. The
      clinical experience of rosuvastatin will be reviewed in this article.

PMID- 22059788
TI  - Atrial fibrillation catheter ablation in females: same hardware, different
      findings.
AB  - Atrial fibrillation catheter ablation has gained a significant role in the
      management of the frequent arrhythmia and has been shown to be safe and
      effective. As with many other interventional therapies, gender bias is present
      and females are referred for catheter ablation less frequently than their male
      counterparts. Women referred for catheter ablation tend to be older, more
      symptomatic, have failed more antiarrhythmic agents and may have poorer procedure
      success and increased vascular complication rates. Efforts to close this referral
      gap are clearly needed and it is likely that early referral will reduce gender
      differences in atrial fibrillation catheter ablation success rates.

PMID- 22059789
TI  - Should the blood pressure or the blood vessel be the target of therapy?
AB  - Measured blood pressure is an insensitive and moderately nonspecific guide to the
      presence of vascular or cardiac diseases likely to progress to cardiovascular
      morbid events. Since the goal of the diagnosis and treatment of hypertension is
      to prevent or forestall such morbid events, blood pressure measurements should be
      supplemented by studies of the health of the cardiovascular system in defining
      the syndrome of hypertension and in monitoring its response to therapy.

PMID- 22059790
TI  - Antiplatelet options for secondary prevention in acute coronary syndromes.
AB  - Current guidelines recommend dual antiplatelet therapy, a combination of aspirin
      and a P2Y(12) inhibitor, for 6?12 months after percutaneous coronary intervention
      with drug-eluting stent implantation in all patients and for 1 year in all
      patients after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS), irrespective of
      revascularization strategy. Clopidogrel has a pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic
      profile that results in a delayed and/or subtherapeutic antiplatelet effect, and
      wide variability in antiplatelet response. New P2Y(12) inhibitors, such as
      prasugrel and ticagrelor, have favorable pharmacodynamics and clinical efficacy
      over clopidogrel and offer an alternative antiplatelet treatment strategy in
      specific patients. Prasugrel has more potent, rapid, and consistent effects on
      inhibiting ADP-induced platelet aggregation than clopidogrel. Ticagrelor also
      appears to have more rapid and consistent antiplatelet effects than clopidogrel.
      The higher levels of antiplatelet inhibition provided by prasugrel and ticagrelor
      compared with standard-dose clopidogrel result in improved ischemic outcomes in
      patients with ACS. Despite an increase in bleeding risk, prasugrel and ticagrelor
      appear to have a better net clinical benefit, especially in higher-risk patients
      with ACS.

PMID- 22059791
TI  - Heart rate recovery: a practical clinical indicator of abnormal cardiac autonomic
      function.
AB  - The autonomic nervous system (ANS) and cardiovascular function are intricately
      and closely related. One of the most frequently used diagnostic and prognostic
      tools for evaluating cardiovascular function is the exercise stress test.
      Exercise is associated with increased sympathetic and decreased parasympathetic
      activity and the period of recovery after maximum exercise is characterized by a
      combination of sympathetic withdrawal and parasympathetic reactivation, which are
      the two main arms of the ANS. Heart rate recovery after graded exercise is one of
      the commonly used techniques that reflects autonomic activity and predicts
      cardiovascular events and mortality, not only in cardiovascular system disorders,
      but also in various systemic disorders. In this article, the definition,
      applications and protocols of heart rate recovery and its value in various
      diseases, in addition to exercise physiology, the ANS and their relationship,
      will be discussed.

PMID- 22059792
TI  - Advances in 3D echocardiography for mitral valve.
AB  - The advent of real-time (RT) 3D transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) in 2007
      has enhanced our understanding of the location and extent of the pathology of the
      native, as well as prosthetic, mitral valve (MV), particularly for MV prolapse
      and the anatomy of perivalvular dehiscence with prosthetic MV. MV quantification
      programs provide precise assessment of many quantitative MV parameters allowing
      3D echocardiography to determine and quantify the geometry of mitral apparatus,
      including mitral annulus and periannular region, leaflet volume and anatomy,
      tethering distances, and tenting volumes. The detailed, accurate and optimal RT
      spatial visualization of the MV with 3D TEE gives greater confidence to the
      echocardiographer, interventionalist and the surgeon alike, facilitating medical
      and surgical treatment decisions. This article highlights recent advances in RT
      3D TEE and transthoracic echocardiography echocardiographic imaging of the MV.

PMID- 22059793
TI  - Pulmonary valve interventions.
AB  - The last decade has generated enormous advances in the diagnostic and therapeutic
      possibilities for diseases of the pulmonary valve. There have been advances in
      all age groups from fetus to adult, with not only the development of novel
      treatments (fetal interventions, new surgical strategies and percutaneous
      pulmonary valve implantation), but also an improved understanding of the long
      term sequelae of pulmonary valve disease. In this article, we discuss treatments
      of the native valve in the fetus and neonate and the management of the
      consequences of early interventions in later life, with the particular focus on
      the introduction of percutaneous pulmonary valve implantation, its follow-up and
      the development of new devices to treat pulmonary stenosis and incompetence
      without the need for open-heart surgery.

PMID- 22059794
TI  - Transcatheter rehabilitation of pulmonary arteries.
AB  - Pulmonary arterial stenoses commonly occur in patients with congenital heart
      disease. Indications for treatment are based around reduction of right
      ventricular hypertension and equalization of flow to each lung and its
      constituent segments. There are many treatment approaches for these lesions
      depending on the anatomy, location and the age of the patient. Although surgical
      reconstruction remains an option, it is technically challenging and in many
      cases, the results are disappointing. In the modern era, the majority of these
      patients are treated with transcatheter therapy, including balloon angioplasty,
      and increasingly, the use of intravascular stents. In this article, we discuss
      these issues and deal with both the technical approach to transcatheter therapy
      and up-to-date results.

PMID- 22059796
TI  - Current perspectives in endoscopic vessel harvesting for coronary artery bypass
      grafting.
AB  - Coronary artery bypass grafting is still the most commonly performed procedure in
      cardiac surgery. Minimally invasive or endoscopic vessel harvesting was developed
      a decade ago. It has been shown that these less traumatic techniques
      significantly reduce wound healing problems and improve patient satisfaction.
      However, there are some concerns regarding bypass patency and long-term outcomes.
      The aim of this article is to describe the historic development of endoscopic
      vessel harvesting, different harvesting techniques and to give an update of the
      scientific evidence and the current debate regarding outcome and safety of these
      minimally invasive techniques.

PMID- 22059795
TI  - Myocardial therapeutic angiogenesis: a review of the state of development and
      future obstacles.
AB  - A significant percentage of patients have coronary artery disease that is too
      advanced or diffuse for percutaneous or surgical intervention. Therapeutic
      angiogenesis is a treatment modality to induce vessel formation that is being
      developed for patients with advanced coronary disease not amenable to currently
      available interventions. A number of approaches to induce coronary
      collateralization are being developed. These include gene, protein, cellular and
      miRNA modalities, each of which have advantages and disadvantages. At this time,
      no modality has emerged as the single clear choice, and combination therapies may
      provide synergistic benefits. However, there have been a number of recent studies
      advancing our knowledge as to how we can refine procollateralizing treatments. In
      this article, we will examine some recent successes and future obstacles in the
      effort to bring therapeutic angiogenesis to patients.

PMID- 22059798
TI  - Osteoarthritis of the talonavicular joint with pseudarthrosis of the navicular
      bone: a case report.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Osteoarthritis of the talonavicular joint caused by inflammatory,
      degenerative, and post-traumatic arthritis has been commonly described, and
      isolated arthrodesis for talonavicular joint has usually been performed for such
      conditions. However, arthritis accompanied by pseudarthrosis of the navicular
      bone is an extremely rare case, and to the best of our knowledge, isolated
      arthrodesis for this situation has not been previously described in any published
      reports. CASE PRESENTATION: The patient was a 39-year-old Japanese man. He had
      complained of pain in his left middle foot since a fall from his motorcycle six
      months previously. Radiographs and computed tomography (CT) scans revealed
      pseudarthrosis of the navicular bone. MRI indicated mild arthritic change in the
      talonavicular joint and avascular necrosis of the navicular bone. We performed an
      isolated arthrodesis of the talonavicular joint with two 6.5 mm cancellous
      screws. One year after the operation, radiographical bone union had been
      obtained, and the patient reported no pain and complete satisfaction with the
      result. CONCLUSIONS: Isolated talonavicular arthrodesis is one of the effective
      procedures for the treatment of traumatic talonavicular arthritis with
      pseudarthrosis of the navicular bone both in providing pain relief and functional
      improvement.

PMID- 22059799
TI  - A novel stress monitoring method through stress-induced respiratory alterations:
      non-contact measurement of respiratory V(T)/T(I) alterations induced by stressful
      sound using a 10 GHz microwave radar.
AB  - We have developed a non-contact stress monitoring system which measures
      respiratory V(T)/T(I) (tidal volume/inspiration time) alterations using a 10 GHz
      microwave radar. The measurable distance of the system is 50 cm, which is 10
      times longer than our previously developed stress monitoring system which
      measures heart rate variability using a 24-GHz microwave-radar. The study was
      conducted with eight subjects (23 +/- 1 years old) to evaluate the efficacy of
      the system. An audio stimulus at 95 dB sound pressure level was presented to the
      subjects following a silent period of 120 seconds. During the silent period,
      V(T)/T(I) averaged 826 +/- 384 ml s(-1), while it increased significantly (p <
      0.05) with an average of 1227 +/- 704?ml s(-1) during audio stimulus low
      frequency component (LF)/high frequency component (HF), which reflects sympatho
      vagal valance, showed a peak during audio stimuli. This paper aims to study the
      efficacy of the non-contact stress monitoring system for its future applications
      in many fields including health and safety.

PMID- 22059800
TI  - Assessing the cumulative effects of exposure to selected benzodiazepines on the
      risk of fall-related injuries in the elderly.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The use of benzodiazepines is associated with increased risk of fall
      related injuries in the elderly. However, it is unclear if the risks vary across
      the products and how they depend on the pattern of use and dosage. Specifically,
      the possibility of cumulative effects of past benzodiazepine use has not been
      thoroughly investigated. METHODS: We used the administrative database for a
      cohort of 23,765 new users of benzodiazepines, aged 65 years and older, in
      Quebec, Canada, between 1990 and 1994. The associations between the use of seven
      benzodiazepines and the risk of fall-related injuries were assessed using several
      statistical models, including a novel weighted cumulative exposure model. That
      model assigns to each dose taken in the past a weight that represents the
      importance of that dose in explaining the current risk of fall. RESULTS: For
      flurazepam, the best-fitting model indicated a cumulative effect of doses taken
      in the last two weeks. Uninterrupted use of flurazepam in the past months was
      associated with a highly significant increase in the risk of fall-related
      injuries (HR = 2.83, 95% CI: 1.45-4.34). The cumulative effect of a 30-day
      exposure to alprazolam was 1.27 (1.13-1.42). For temazepam, the results suggested
      a potential withdrawal effect. CONCLUSIONS: Mechanisms affecting the risk of
      falls differ across benzodiazepines, and may include cumulative effects of use in
      the previous few weeks. Thus, benzodiazepine-specific analyses that account for
      individual patterns of use should be preferred over simpler analyses that group
      different benzodiazepines together and limit exposure to current use or current
      dose.

PMID- 22059802
TI  - Seeing minds: A neurophilosophical investigation of the role of perception-action
      coupling in social perception.
AB  - This paper proposes an empirical hypothesis that in some cases of social
      interaction we have an immediate perceptual access to others' minds in the
      perception of their embodied intentionality. Our point of departure is the
      phenomenological insight that there is an experiential difference in the
      perception of embodied intentionality and the perception of non-intentionality.
      The other's embodied intentionality is perceptually given in a way that is
      different from the givenness of non-intentionality. We claim that the
      phenomenological difference in the perception of embodied intentionality and non
      intentionality translates into an account of how, in some cases of social
      cognition, we perceive mental properties in the perception of embodied
      intentionality. The hypothesis derives support from a host of recent empirical
      studies in social neuroscience which demonstrate the importance of embodied
      engagements in understanding other minds. These studies reveal that embodied
      intersubjective interaction often builds on our ability to understand other minds
      in an immediate perceptual way not adequately investigated by theory-theory (TT)
      and simulation theories (ST) of mind-reading. We argue that there is a genuine,
      nontrivial difference in the informational content of the perception of embodied
      intentionality and the perception of non-intentionality which leads to a further
      difference in the way information is processed in the case of perception of
      embodied intentionality as opposed to the perception of non-intentionality. The
      full significance of such difference is appreciated only within an account of
      perception which views perception and action as tightly coupled. Thus, we propose
      an "action-oriented account of social perception" to develop a neurophilosophical
      account of the perceptual knowledge of other minds.

PMID- 22059801
TI  - Measurement properties of physical function scales validated for use in patients
      with rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review of the literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to systematically review the content
      validity and measurement properties of all physical function (PF) scales which
      are currently validated for use with patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
      METHODS: Systematic literature searches were performed in the Scopus and PubMed
      databases to identify articles on the development or psychometric evaluation of
      PF scales for patients with RA. The content validity of included scales was
      evaluated by linking their items to the International Classification of
      Functioning Disability and Health (ICF). Furthermore, available evidence of the
      reliability, validity, responsiveness, and interpretability of the included
      scales was rated according to published quality criteria. RESULTS: The search
      identified 26 questionnaires with PF scales. Ten questionnaires were rated to
      have adequate content validity. Construct validity, internal consistency, test
      retest reliability and responsiveness was rated favourably for respectively 15,
      11, 5, and 6 of the investigated scales. Information about the absolute
      measurement error and minimal important change scores were rarely reported.
      CONCLUSION: Based on this literature review, the disease-specificHAQ and the
      generic SF-36 can currently be most confidently recommended to measure PF in RA
      for most research purposes. The HAQ, however, was frequently associated with
      considerable ceiling effects while the SF-36 has limited content coverage.
      Alternative scales that might be better suited for specific research purposes are
      identified along with future directions for research.

PMID- 22059803
TI  - Low HDL predicts differential blood pressure effects from two weight-loss
      approaches: a secondary analysis of blood pressure from a randomized, clinical
      weight-loss trial.
AB  - Examining predictors of blood-pressure (BP) response to weight-loss diets might
      provide insight into mechanisms and help guide clinical care. We examined whether
      certain baseline patient characteristics (e.g. diet, medical history and
      laboratory tests) predicted BP response to two weight-loss diet approaches that
      differ in macronutrient content. One hundred and forty-six overweight adult
      outpatients were randomized to either a low-carbohydrate diet (N = 72) or
      orlistat plus a low-fat diet (N = 74) for 48 weeks. Predictors of BP reduction
      were evaluated using a structured approach and random effects regression models.
      Participants were 56% African-American, 72% male and 53 (+/-10) years-old. Of the
      variables considered, low baseline high-density lipoprotein (HDL) predicted
      greater reduction in BP in those patients who received the low-carbohydrate diet
      (p = 0.03 for systolic BP; p = 0.03 for diastolic BP and p = 0.02 for mean
      arterial pressure). A low HDL level may identify patients who will have greater
      BP improvement on a low-carbohydrate diet.

PMID- 22059804
TI  - Impact of moderate vs stringent TSH suppression on survival in advanced
      differentiated thyroid carcinoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To assess (i) the influence of Thyrotropin (TSH) suppression at a
      level of <0.1 mU/l and (ii) whether FT3 and FT4 levels have a prognostic
      significance independently of TSH values with regard to survival in patients with
      differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC) and distant metastases. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: In a retrospective patient chart study, we reviewed survival in 157 DTC
      patients with distant metastases treated between September 1985 and 1 July 2010.
      Patients with at least three available FT3 and FT4 values during TSH suppression
      were eligible. RESULTS: Fifty-three of 157 patients died from DTC. DTC-specific
      survival was significantly better in patients with a median TSH level <=0.1 mU/l
      (median survival 15.8 years) than those with a non-suppressed TSH level (median
      survival 7.1 years; P < 0.001). However, there was no further improvement in
      survival caused by TSH suppression to a level <= 0.03 mU/l (P = 0.24). FT3 and
      FT4 levels were also significantly associated with poorer survival; of these,
      only the prognostic value of FT3 was independent from that of TSH levels.
      CONCLUSION: The care of patients with DTC and distant metastases is like walking
      an endocrinological tightrope: non-suppressed TSH levels, that is, >0.1 mU/l, are
      associated with an impaired prognosis. There is, however, no prognostic benefit
      from suppressing TSH to levels lower than 0.1 mU/l. On the contrary, an
      improvement in prognosis might be achieved by keeping FT3 levels as low as
      possible.

PMID- 22059805
TI  - Metastable patterning of plasma nanocomposite films by incorporating cellulose
      nanowhiskers.
AB  - A new method is presented for developing patterned, thin nanocomposite films by
      introducing cellulose nanowhiskers during the pulsed plasma polymerization of
      maleic anhydride. Metastable film structures develop as a combination of
      dewetting and buckling phenomena. By controlling the maleic anhydride monomer to
      cellulose nanowhisker weight ratio, the whiskers can be incorporated into a
      homogeneously covering patterned polymer film. Excess nanowhiskers are required
      to prevent complete dewetting and deposit dimensionally stable films. The
      formation of anchoring points is assumed to stabilize the film through a
      "pinning" effect to the substrate. The latter control the in-plane film stresses,
      similar to the effects of surface inhomogeneities such as artificial scratches.
      The different morphologies are evaluated by optical microscopy, AFM, contact
      angle measurements, and ellipsometry. Further analysis by infrared spectroscopy
      and XPS suggests esterification between the maleic anhydride and cellulose
      moieties.

PMID- 22059806
TI  - Synthesis of alpha-glycosyl thiols by stereospecific ring-opening of 1,6
      anhydrosugars.
AB  - Treatment of 1,6-anhydrosugars with commercially available bis(trimethylsilyl)
      sulfide in the presence of trimethylsilyl triflate led to the formation of alpha
      glycosyl thiols. All the reactions were highly stereoselective and afforded the
      alpha-glycosyl thiols in good to excellent yields. By this procedure, a variety
      of 1,6-anhydrosugars, differing in their sugar units, glycosidic linkages, and
      protecting group pattern, were converted smoothly into the corresponding alpha
      glycosyl thiols, which could be of great utility in thioglycoside chemistry. It
      is noteworthy that 1,6-anhydrosugars carrying the 2-O-acyl group and 1,6
      anhydrosugar-containing oligosaccharides could also be ring-opened
      stereospecifically under the same conditions to give rise to the corresponding 1
      thiosugars in high yields. Thus, a very concise and efficient access to alpha
      glycosyl thiols of great value was established.

PMID- 22059807
TI  - Acute intratracheal Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in cystic fibrosis mice is
      age-independent.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Since the discovery of the human CFTR gene in 1989 various mouse
      models for cystic fibrosis (CF) have been generated and used as a very suitable
      and popular tool to approach research on this life-threatening disease. Age
      related changes regarding the course of disease and susceptibility towards
      pulmonary infections have been discussed in numerous studies. METHODS: Here, we
      investigated CftrTgH(neoim)Hgu and Cftrtm1Unc-Tg(FABPCFTR)1Jaw/J CF mice and
      their non-CF littermates during an acute lung infection with Pseudomonas
      aeruginosa for age dependent effects of their lung function and immune
      response.Mice younger than three or older than six months were intratracheally
      infected with P. aeruginosa TBCF10839. The infection was monitored by lung
      function of the animals using non-invasive head-out spirometry and the time
      course of physiological parameters over 192 hours. Quantitative bacteriology and
      lung histopathology of a subgroup of animals were used as endpoint parameters.
      RESULTS: Age-dependent changes in lung function and characteristic features for
      CF like a shallower, faster breathing pattern were observed in both CF mouse
      models in uninfected state. In contrast infected CF mice did not significantly
      differ from their non-CF littermates in susceptibility and severity of lung
      infection in both mouse models and age groups. The transgenic Cftrtm1Unc
      Tg(FABPCFTR)1Jaw/J and their non-CF littermates showed a milder course of
      infection than the CftrTgH(neoim)Hgu CF and their congenic C57Bl/6J non-CF mice
      suggesting that the genetic background was more important for outcome than Cftr
      dysfunction. CONCLUSIONS: Previous investigations of the same mouse lines have
      shown a higher airway susceptibility of older CF mice to intranasally applied P.
      aeruginosa. The different outcome of intranasal and intratracheal instillation of
      bacteria implies that infected CF epithelium is impaired during the initial
      colonization of upper airways, but not in the subsequent response of host
      defense.

PMID- 22059808
TI  - Erythrocyte sedimentation rate as an independent prognostic factor in mycosis
      fungoides.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mycosis fungoides has a characteristically indolent clinical course,
      with a slow progression from patches over plaques to tumours. In advanced stages,
      with generalized skin involvement or tumours, the prognosis is poor. Well defined
      prognostic parameters for the individual risc stratifications are rare.
      OBJECTIVES: To determine prognostic factors for mycosis fungoides. METHODS: In a
      retrospective monocenter study, we reevaluated 97 consecutive cases of mycosis
      fungoides seen at our clinic. We correlated various routinely accessed parameters
      with survival data. The parameters were "sex", "age at time of diagnosis", "age
      adjusted erythrocyte sedimentation rate"?(ESR), and "anemia". RESULTS: We
      identified ESR as a highly significant prognostic marker for MF that also affects
      overall survival and disease specific survival (P = 0.0014). The five-years
      disease specific survival was 100% for patients without elevation of ESR, and
      52.83% for patients with elevated ESR above normal range (P < 0.001). It is of
      main interest that the ESR is a significant prognostic marker also in the T2
      stage of MF. For the other parameters there was no significant impact on disease
      specific survival. CONCLUSIONS: ESR has turned out as independent prognostic
      factor in mycosis fungoides.

PMID- 22059809
TI  - Graphene gate electrode for MOS structure-based electronic devices.
AB  - We demonstrate that the use of a monolayer graphene as a gate electrode on top of
      a high-kappa gate dielectric eliminates mechanical-stress-induced-gate dielectric
      degradation, resulting in a quantum leap of gate dielectric reliability. The high
      work function of hole-doped graphene also helps reduce the quantum mechanical
      tunneling current from the gate electrode. This concept is applied to nonvolatile
      Flash memory devices, whose performance is critically affected by the quality of
      the gate dielectric. Charge-trap flash (CTF) memory with a graphene gate
      electrode shows superior data retention and program/erase performance that
      current CTF devices cannot achieve. The findings of this study can lead to new
      applications of graphene, not only for Flash memory devices but also for other
      high-performance and mass-producible electronic devices based on MOS structure
      which is the mainstream of the electronic device industry.

PMID- 22059811
TI  - Pig slaughtering procedures: Head-to-back stunning.
AB  - High voltage head-to-back electrical stunning can induce vertebral compression
      fractures, blood splash and poor meat quality in pigs. This experiment was
      designed to determine the optimum position of the rear electrode which would not
      only stun and kill pork and bacon weight pigs with a 1.3 A 50 Hz sinewave but
      would also produce a good carcass with desirable meat quality. Although there was
      a trend for less breaks to occur the further forward the rear electrode was
      positioned, there was no position which gave 100% cardiac fibrillation and an
      absence of breaks. The incidence of blood splash, muscle haemorrhages and the
      variations in meat colour were not related to electrode position and fell in the
      'normal' range quoted by other workers. The severity and incidence of kicking
      after stunning was reduced the more caudal the electrode position. This was in
      direct contrast to the effect on compression fractures where a reduction was seen
      with the more rostral applications.

PMID- 22059812
TI  - Effect of ionizing radiation on unesterified tocopherols in fresh chicken breast
      muscle.
AB  - The effect of ionizing radiation on free tocopherols in chicken was determined
      Raw chicken breast muscle with skin and adipose tissue removed was subjected to
      gamma radiation from a (137)Cs source at 1, 2.25, 5.0, and 10.0 kGy. The chicken
      was packaged aerobically, and irradiated at 4 degrees C. Free tocopherols were
      extracted directly from the meat without a saponification step. The tocopherols
      were resolved using normal phase, high performance liquid chromatography by
      spectrophotofluorometric detection. Irradiation resulted in a significant linear
      decrease in alpha and gamma tocopherol with increasing dose levels. At 3 kGy, the
      maximum level approved by the FDA for poultry, a 15% reduction of free gamma
      tocopherol and a 30% reduction for free alpha tocopherol were observed.

PMID- 22059813
TI  - Classification of pig myofibres and assessment of post-mortem glycogen depletion
      according to fibre type by computerized image analysis.
AB  - A computer-aided method for muscle fibre type determination and qualitative
      analysis of glycogen at a cellular level is described. The operational system
      consists of a microscope, a CCD videocamera, an image analysis card, a colour
      monitor and a standard workstation computer (32 Mb central memory, 22 mips)
      running under the UNIX operating system. The programme was developed with 512 *
      512 pixel images. Four main steps can be distinguished: digitization, network
      extraction, network matching and measurement of staining intensities. The data
      generated for each analysed fibre included, diameter, cross-sectional area,
      ATPase staining intensity and type. Ten minutes of batch processing and 36-41 min
      of interactive work were needed to analyse 200-300 fibres. Results have shown
      that this image analysis system can distinguish four types of myofibres denoted
      I, IIA, IIB and IIC, on the basis of myosin ATPase sensitivity at three
      preincubation pH values (4.10, 4.35 and 10.4). Preliminary results have also
      shown that the image analysis system can be used to measure post-mortem glycogen
      depletion according to fibre type.

PMID- 22059814
TI  - Effect of nitrate, nitrite and ascorbate on colour and colour stability of dry,
      fermented sausage prepared using 'back slopping'.
AB  - The effect of various levels of nitrite and nitrate, with and without ascorbate,
      in sausages prepared using 'back slopping' as inocluation, was investigated in
      three series of experiments. In all experiments, nitrite was rapidly depleted and
      nitrate formed. Nitrate was not used, probably because of the lack of (active?)
      micrococci in the starter sausage. Surface colour was found to be darker with
      increasing levels of nitrite. Irrespective of nitrate, colour stability was
      mainly promoted by residual ascorbate. The latter decreased with increasing
      nitrite levels.

PMID- 22059815
TI  - Effects of aqueous washings on colour and nutrient quality of mechanically
      deboned chicken meat.
AB  - Mechanically deboned chicken meat (MDCM) was washed with water, 0.5% NaCl or 0.5%
      NaHCO(3) solutions. Approximately 75.5% of the total hemoprotein pigments were
      removed by washing of MDCM with a sodium bicarbonate solution which resulted in
      the best colour improvements in the samples. Approximately 18.7% of total lipids
      were removed as a result of aqueous washing. The yield of proteins ranged from
      56.5% after one washing with water to 43.4% after washing with water and then
      with a sodium bicarbonate solution. The Hunter L and a colour parameters of the
      samples correlated well with the total hemoproteins (correlation coefficients 
      0.984 and +0.947, respectively); corresponding correlation coefficient with the
      Hunter b value was only +0.693.

PMID- 22059816
TI  - Comparative action of cathepsins B and L on intramuscular collagen as assessed by
      differential scanning calorimetry.
AB  - Intramuscular beef collagen of different degrees of reticulation was treated with
      cathepsin L obtained from chicken liver and a commercial cathepsin B prepared
      from beef spleen. It was shown that, in the absence of calcium, both proteinases
      caused a decrease in the initial temperature of denaturation whereas the total
      enthalpy of denaturation was unaffected. Treatment with cathepsin B resulted in
      the appearance of a new peak of denaturation at a lower temperature (~ 44 degrees
      C), a change wholly comparable with that obtained previously when intramuscular
      beef collagen was treated with a collagenase from Clostridium histolyticum. There
      was no such change with cathepsin L. The addition of 20 mM CaCl(2) to the
      incubation buffer brought about a shift in the total enthalpy of denaturation
      when collagen was treated with cathepsin L; in contrast, no additional effect was
      observed in cathepsin B treatments. These findings led to the suggestion that
      cathepsins B and L have a different mode of action on collagen and that there may
      be a similarity in the mechanism of action between cathepsin B and the bacterial
      collagenase.

PMID- 22059817
TI  - Haematological and clinico-chemical profiles of barrows at the farm and at
      slaughter.
AB  - Haematological and clinico-chemical profiles of blood of healthy stress-resistant
      swine collected at the farm and at slaughter were determined to investigate
      whether values of blood variables can be used to establish stress. The values of
      most variables investigated showed highly significant changes. It is concluded
      that haematological and clinico-chemical values may be useful in studies to
      detect, quantify and reduce stress-provoking conditions in stress-resistant
      swine.

PMID- 22059818
TI  - The assessment of pre-slaughter and slaughter treatments of livestock by
      measurement of plasma constituents-A review of recent work.
AB  - The measurement of plasma constituents in a blood sample can provide information
      on the stress status of the animal. The interpretation of results obtained for
      constituents of blood samples collected at exsanguination must consider the
      effect of the slaughter process on the constituent. Both electrical and
      mechanical stunning methods can cause dramatic increases in catecholamine levels
      and minor increases in glucose levels. Thus, there are difficulties in the
      interpretation of catecholamine and, to a lesser extent, glucose, values in blood
      samples collected post-stunning. Cortisol levels appear to be unaffected by
      stunning methods and measurement of this constituent in post-slaughter blood
      samples has been used to assist in the evaluation of transport and abattoir
      treatments. Beta-hydroxybutyrate concentrations may assist in evaluating
      nutritional stress prior to slaughter while the limited evidence available
      suggests that beta-endorphin measurements will be of value in assessing pain and
      other stressors prior to slaughter. Adreno-corticotrophic hormone, calcium and
      magnesium, free fatty acids, glucose, lactate and thyroid hormones have all been
      used on occasions to assist in the evaluation of stress status. In some cases it
      was not possible to demonstrate a clear relationship between plasma constituents
      that indicate stress, and stress-related meat quality defects.

PMID- 22059819
TI  - Autoxidation of purified myoglobin from two bovine muscles.
AB  - To elucidate the behavioural differences between beef muscles from the viewpoint
      of colour stability, oxymyoglobin was extracted at 2 h post mortem, purified from
      two different muscles (longissimus lumborum (LL), stable and psoas major (PM),
      unstable) and the autoxidation rate was measured. Oxymyoglobin was isolated after
      separation from metmyoglobin by chromatography on DEAE-Sepharose and TSK SW 2000
      columns, and its purity was controlled by electrophoresis and IEF. Over a wide
      range of pH values (5-9), temperatures (20-50 degrees C) and ionic strength (0
      500 mM), no difference was noted between autoxidation rates of LL and PM
      oxymyoglobin extracted at 2 h post mortem. Conversely, when myoglobin was
      extracted at 192 h post mortem, the autoxidation rate of PM oxymyoglobin was
      higher than LL myoglobin, particularly at elevated temperatures. These
      differences in autoxidation rates after extraction of myoglobin at 2h and 192 h
      post mortem were not associated with differences in Ea (approximately 23
      kcal/mol).

PMID- 22059820
TI  - Heme pigment content in meat as affected by the addition of curing agents.
AB  - The effects of curing agents on the content of heme pigments (HP) in meat were
      examined. Minced porcine skeletal muscle was treated with NaCl, NaNO(2) and
      sodium ascorbate (NaAsA), separately or in combination, and stored at 2-3 degrees
      C for 7 days. HP content decreased with increase in NaCl concentration and the
      decrease was about 50% and 80% at NaCl concentrations of 2% and 10%,
      respectively. Two percent NaCl prevented HP destruction, when previously mixed
      with 100 ppm NaNO(2) or 0.1% NaAsA. Although some decrease in HP content was
      noted following application of a mixture of NaCl, NaNO(2) and NaAsA, it was
      essentially the same as that of the control during 7 days of refrigerated
      storage. In a model solution containing the same curing agents as those applied
      to the meat. NaCl had no effect and myoglobin (Mb) content remained constant
      during storage. From the present results, endogenous muscle constituents appear
      to act in concert with NaCl to bring about a decrease in HP content.

PMID- 22059821
TI  - Marbling, intramuscular fat and meat colour of Dutch pork.
AB  - The amounts of intramuscular (i.m.) fat in the lean meat of the lumbar region of
      21 slaughterpigs have been determined according to the Soxhlet method as a
      reference, and compared with those determined with the faster Foss-let procedure.
      These methods were highly correlated, over the lower range of fat concentrations
      (0.30-4.35%) studied. Although the Foss-Let values were on average slightly lower
      than the Soxhlet values, the Foss-Let procedure can be recommended for the
      determination of i.m. fat in pork. Furthermore, chemically determined i.m. fat
      was found to be significantly correlated with marbling. The sensory evaluations
      of pork colour were significantly correlated with each other and with the
      instrumentally determined colour lightness.

PMID- 22059822
TI  - A probe to measure GR in lamb carcasses at chain speed.
AB  - The GR (total tissue thickness at the twelfth rib, 110 mm from the midline) was
      measured with the AUS-MEAT sheep probe (ASP) on lamb carcasses at chain speed by
      an abattoir operator in two experiments, both at the same abattoir. In both
      experiments, GR was also measured on the carcass by an independent operator using
      a GR knife. For experiment 1, a total of 779 lamb carcasses were measured over
      four occasions and for experiment 2 data on 607 lamb carcasses were obtained on
      two occasions, twelve months after experiment 1. In both experiments, one
      operator measured the manual GR and a different operator used the ASP. A new
      version of the ASP was used in the second experiment. In only 30% of cases in
      experiment 1 did the operator probe at the correct rib, and in the majority of
      cases the thirteenth rib was used as the probing site. In only a small percentage
      of cases (2%) was the operator more than one rib away from the twelfth rib. In
      67% of the cases for experiment 1, the operator probed at the correct site with
      respect to distance from the midline. Models were developed to describe the
      relationship between the manual and ASP GR measurements. In experiment 2, the
      amount of variation in manual GR explained by ASP measurements was greater than
      that in experiment 1 (R(2) = 0.80 compared with 0.72), and the accuracy of the
      estimates was significantly increased (+/- 1.54 mm compared with 2.31 mm). The
      better over-all performance of the ASP in the second experiments was indicated by
      the fact that for 90% of the sample the ASP measurements were within +/-2 mm of
      the manual GR measurements whereas, for experiment 1, the level was less than
      70%. Measurement time (day), which could be described as an operator 'effect',
      was identified as an important factor influencing the accuracy of GR estimates
      but location of the probed site with respect to the GR site was not found
      important. The significance of operator training and monitoring is discussed on
      the basis of the results, as are the implications of the findings for objective
      purchasing systems.

PMID- 22059823
TI  - Use of electronic probes for classifying lamb carcasses.
AB  - Three commercially available electronic lamb carcass grading probes (Hennessy
      Grading Probe, AUS-Meat Sheep Probe, Swedish FTC Lamb Probe) and one
      developmental probe (Ruakura GR lamb probe) were assessed for accuracy and
      suitability for use on-line on the lamb dressing chain for objectively
      classifying lamb carcasses. GR is the total tissue thickness over the 12th rib
      taken at a distance 11 cm from the mid-line, used to define fatness in lamb
      carcass grading in New Zealand. Probe measurements were compared with manually
      measured GR (sometimes used at present) and Toland probe measurements (total
      tissue depth between the ribs) for accuracy of predicting both GR on the right
      side of the carcass and also carcass water (indicating muscle) and fat content.
      Probes were tested on six occasions, each having approximately 50 lambs. All
      probes combined with carcass weight accounted for over 70% of the variation
      (R(2)) of GR right, with GR left accounting for 92% of the variation of GR right.
      Inclusion of a quadratic probe term was not quite as useful as inclusion of
      carcass weight for predicting GR right. The three commercial electronic probes
      individually when combined with carcass weight could account for 36-49% of the
      variation in the percentage of water and fat in the carcass, with the manual GR
      probe (right) on the chilled carcass accounting for 55% of the variation in water
      and 58% of the variation in fat percentages. Chilled carcass measurements are
      expected to give better results than readings on hot carcasses. The use of a
      quadratic probe coefficient instead of carcass weight with the probe readings
      gave similar accuracy of prediction of carcass composition. There was little
      difference between the two sides in the accuracy of prediction. Small differences
      were found between regressions relating probe readings to GR and composition for
      the different probing occasions. The electronic probe results from this trial are
      consistent with overseas results where probes are in use for objectively grading
      the carcasses of meat animals.

PMID- 22059824
TI  - Quantification of beef myofibrillar proteins by SDS-PAGE.
AB  - A semi-quantitative determination of beef myofibrillar proteins using sodium,
      dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis is described. Bovine serum
      albumin was used as internal standard. Results indicate a linear relationship
      between densitometric readings after staining with Coomassie brilliant blue
      R(250) and protein content. Recoveries of four pure proteins, loaded within a
      range of 0.5-4 MUg, were between 92 and 110%. Heating of beef myofibrillar
      protein samples during dissolution is shown to be unnecessary. The method allows
      the quantitative study of myofibrillar degradation during beef aging, without
      overlapping of troponin-T with tropomyosin bands.

PMID- 22059825
TI  - Basic chemical characteristics of fresh, non-packed and vacuum-packed sheep-tail
      and tail-fat stored frozen for different periods.
AB  - Fatty tails were obtained after the slaughter of Morkaraman sheep, which are a
      common breed of fatty-tailed sheep in Turkey. Fat obtained from sheep tails,
      (called tail-fat) is used either in fresh condition or after frozen storage. This
      fat is commonly used as a food source in many countries in which fat-tail sheep
      breeds are raised; but there has been no detailed research on fatty tails or the
      tail-fat. In this work some quality criteria such as water, fat and nitrogen
      content, 2-thiobarbituric acid and peroxide numbers, free fatty acids, melting
      point, iodine and saponification numbers were studied in sheep tails and sheep
      tail-fat, both in the fresh condition and after storage at -18 +/- 1 degrees C
      for up to 60 days. The effect of vacuum packaging versus storage in netting bags
      (no-protection, non-packed), was also determined. The fat content of the tails
      was around 94%. Thus, the tail is a concentrated fat source. Some quality
      criteria of the tail and the tail-fat were determined and are given in the text.
      Overall results indicated that both the tail and the tail-fat can be effectively
      used in various types of food and food processing, especially after performing
      some technological and refining processing. If the fatty tail has to be stored,
      it should be vacuum packed and stored frozen. At -18 degrees C, vacuum-packed
      tail samples could be stored around 45 days, but in the netting bags, this
      storage period should not exceed 30 days.

PMID- 22059826
TI  - Localization of metmyoglobin-reducing enzyme (NADH-cytochrome b(5) reductase)
      system components in bovine skeletal muscle.
AB  - Localization of metmyoglobin-reducing enzyme system components (NADH-cytochrome
      b(5) reductase, cytochrome b(5) outer mitochondrial membrane cytochrome b) was
      demonstrated in bovine skeletal muscle by immunohistochemical techniques. Both
      NADH-cytochrome b(5) reductase and OM cytochrome b were located in red fibers.
      However, localization of cytochrome b(5) did not show a definite difference
      between fiber types. Using an immunoblotting technique. NADH-cytochrome b(5)
      reductase was found predominantly in the mitochondrial fraction, but it was also
      detected at lower levels in the microsomal fraction. OM cytochrome b was found
      predominantly in the mitochondrial fraction, but cytochrome b(5) was detected
      only in the microsomal fraction. The results from this study, along with previous
      work about the localization of myoglobin in muscle, suggest that NADH-cytochrome
      b(5) reductase reduces metmyoglobin by using OM cytochrome b at the mitochondrial
      surface and, in part, by using cytochrome b(5) at the sarcoplasmic reticulum.

PMID- 22059827
TI  - Optimum conditions for beef carcass chilling.
AB  - Optimum chilling schemes for a two- or three-stage chilling system were developed
      using a validated heat and mass transfer model and a pattern search algorithm.
      The optimization was performed for the ambient temperature during each stage for
      an air velocity of 0.5 m/s and 90% relative humidity. The experiments were
      conducted to evaluate the effect of the optimum conditions on beef quality after
      ageing.

PMID- 22059828
TI  - Grinding as a method of meat texture evaluation.
AB  - An electric grinder equipped with a torque/speed sensor was used to evaluate
      maximum grinding torque (T(max)) and total energy (TE) necessary to grind 150 g
      of uncooked meat. Texture profile analysis (TPA), relaxation and cutting tests
      were carried out and sample compositions were also determined. The degree of
      dependence between grinding, TPA, relaxation, cutting parameters and sample
      composition was checked. Results showed that grinding parameters (T(max) and TE)
      correlated better with TPA, relaxation and cutting parameters than with
      composition. In particular correlation coefficient of -0.92, -0.92 and 0.97 were
      obtained, respectively, between T(max) and relaxation percentage (%R), T(max) and
      destructuring coefficient at 25% conmpression (De(25)) and between T(max) and
      maximum cutting force (F(c)).

PMID- 22059829
TI  - Plasma and muscle cortisol measurements as indicators of meat quality and stress
      in pigs.
AB  - Post-slaughter blood samples and muscle samples were collected from pigs
      slaughtered at the completion of a live-animal performance trial. There were two
      lines of pigs in which the halothane allele (n) was segregating. The lines were a
      lean line selected for rapid lean growth and an unselected fat line. There were
      homozygous normal (NN), homozygous halothane positive (nn) and heterozygous (Nn)
      genotypes in both lnes. Cortisol was measured in the plasma of the blood samples
      and in muscle juice obtained by high-speed centrifugation. Meat quality was
      assessed using pH, colour, fibre-optic probe, drip loss and cure yield
      measurements. Plasma cortisol concentrations in the fat line were significantly
      (P < 0.05) greater than thosein the lean line but concentrations did not differ
      significantly for the three halothane genotypes. Carcasses classified as dark,
      firm and dry (DFD) had significantly (P < 0.05) greater muscle cortisol
      concentrations than those classified as normal. Plasma and muscle cortisol
      concentrations of carcases classified as pale, soft and exudative (PSE) did not
      differ significantly from those classified as normal. Correlations between muscle
      cortisol and meat quality attributes were generally highly significant (r = 0.31
      to r = 0.51, P < 0.001) There was a highly significant correlation (r = 0.73, P <
      0.0001) between plasma and muscle cortisol concentrations.

PMID- 22059830
TI  - Effectson carcass weight and meat quality of pigs dehaired by scalding or
      singering post-mortem.
AB  - Two experiments were designed to compare the effects of two pig dehairing
      techniques. In the first experiment, 120 pigs were slaughtered in the same
      abattoir in five weekly sereis. One half of each series was dehaired by singeing
      (the usual technique in this abattoir), while the other half was dehaired in a
      scalding-dehairing combination. In the second experiment, 48 pigs were
      slaughtered in two series, one-half of each series in an abattoir practising
      singeing, the other half in an abattoir practising scalding. Temperature and pH
      were measured 30 min after slaughter in the longissimus lumborum. Meat quality
      was assessed the day after slaughter in various muscles. One ham was cured and
      cooked, while the other one was processed by dry-curing. In both experiments,
      carcass weights and yields were noticeably higher after singeing. Hams were
      heavier in singed carcasses, but their proportions in the carcasses were little
      or not at all affected by the dehairing technique. Proportions of loins,
      shoulders and bellies were similar with both dehairing techniques. The dehairing
      technique affected neither temperature nor rate of post-mortem pH fall. Meat
      quality as assessed on fresh meat was slightly better in singed carcasses.
      Weights of cooked ham and dry ham per side were higher in singed carcasses, due
      to the higher initial ham weight, but processing yields were not affected by the
      dehairing technique.

PMID- 22059831
TI  - Effect of dietary supplementation of vitamin E on pig meat quality.
AB  - The effect of vitamin E on pig meat quality was investigated using British
      Landrace (NN and nn), Landrace * Large White (NN and Nn) and Pietrain (nn) pigs.
      Daily dietary supplementation of 500 mg vitamin E/kg diet for 46 days could
      reduce drip loss in unfrozen longissimus thoracis (LT) by 45% and 54% in Nn and
      NN pigs, respectively. In PSE-prone Landrace * Large White Nn pigs, daily
      supplementation of 1000 mg vitamin E/kg diet for the same period could
      significantly (P < 0.001) reduce excess release of Ca(2+) and prevent the
      formation of PSE carcasses, evaluated from both biopsy and post- mortem LT
      samples. Experimental evidence from erythrocyte fragility and water-holding
      capacity of biopsy LT samples suggested that vitamin E improved pig meat quality
      by its ability to stabilize membranes. Stabilization of membrane integrity in
      isolated mitochondria of LT by vitamin E was associated with inhibition of
      phospholipase A(2) activity.

PMID- 22059832
TI  - The effects of spray-chilling on carcass mass loss and surface associated
      bacteriology.
AB  - The effect of spray-chilling on carcass mass loss and bacteriology was tested in
      this trial. The spray-chill treatment consisted of intermittent spraying of
      carcasses for either 60 or 120 s every 15 min, for 10, 14 or 17 h. The 17 h/120 s
      spray-chill treatment gave the highest and 10 h/60 s the lowest moisture savings
      after 18 h of chilling. Due to insufficient drying time between the end of
      spraying (17 h) and the end of chilling (18 h) the carcass sides of the 17 h/60 s
      and 120 s treatments appeared pale and wet; this was not the case with the other
      treatments. Regarding microbial analyses, the results indicated that, except for
      the 17 h/20 s spray-chill treatment, the mean total and Enterobacteriaceae counts
      of the spray-chill treatments were similar to their respective control groups
      (conventionally chilled). The mean total and Enterobacteriaceae counts of the 17
      h/20 s spray-chill treatments increased, while those of the controls decreased.

PMID- 22059833
TI  - Physico-chemical and processing quality of porcine M. longissimus dorsi frozen at
      different temperatures.
AB  - Longissimus dorsi muscle from six pigs (24 h post-mortem) was cut into portions
      of similar size and shape (c. 700 g) and vacuum-packed in polyfilm. The muscle
      specimens were divided into three samples, one frozen at -20 degrees C, another
      at -80 degrees C and the third served as the control (not frozen). The meat
      sample frozen at -80 degrees C was transferred to the -20 degrees C freezer.
      After one month, both frozen pork samples were thawed at -2 degrees C and drip
      loss (%) was measured. Hunter colour, metmyoglobin (MetMb) formation (%), water
      holding capacity (WHC), TBA value, transmission value (TM) and myofibril
      fragmentation were also determined. There was no significant difference in drip
      loss for the two frozen samples. No MetMb formation could be detected and Hunter
      values were basically the same for all three samples. WHC, TBA value and TM were
      essentially the same for all three samples. TBA value was quite low for each
      frozen sample, indicating that lipid oxidation did not occur during freezing.
      Histological examination of both frozen samples indicated inter- and
      intracellular ice crystal formation at -20 degrees C, and intracellular ice at 
      80 degrees C, the extent being less than at -20 degrees C. At -20 degrees C, ice
      crystals were larger and muscle fibre diameter smaller than for the control or 
      80 degrees C sample. Myofibril fragmentation in both frozen samples was
      significantly higher than in the control. Pork sausage was prepared from all
      three samples by adding 2% NaCl and 100 ppm NaNO(2). Cooking loss and colour
      forming ratios were essentially the same. The sausage sample made from the -20
      degrees C frozen meat was harder than that of the other two samples according to
      rheological measurement.

PMID- 22059834
TI  - The basal toughness of unaged lamb.
AB  - Identification of the commencement of aging in relation to the rigor process was
      determined on lamb loin muscles by injecting a zinc-TRIS solution, which inhibits
      meat aging, into the muscle over the period when the pH was falling. Aging was
      evaluated by measuring the tenderness of cooked meat samples using a MIRINZ
      tenderometer. When zinc was injected into muscle above pH 6.5, the sarcomeres
      shortened and the cooked meat had an average shear force of 19 kgF (shear force
      is the force required to shear through at 1 cm cross-section sample). When sinc
      was injected into the muscle at pH values below 6.5 the sarcomeres did not
      shorten, and down to the ultimate pH, the shear force remained at approximately
      15 kfF. Aging did not take place pre-rigor. The same relationships occurred for
      electrically stimulated muscle. The data indicate that the basal shear-force
      value of lamb loin prior to aging, i.e. the basal toughness level, is 15 kgF.

PMID- 22059835
TI  - Variations in meat quality in live halothane heterozygotes identified by biopsy
      samples of M. longissimus dorsi.
AB  - The meat quality of halothane heterozygotes (Nn) was investigated using British
      Landrace (n = 18) and Landrace * Large White pigs (n = 67). Normal and PSE meat
      were identified in both breeds using M. longissimus dorsi (LD). In Landrace *
      Large White Nn pigs, the potential meat quality identified using small biopsy LD
      samples (500 mg) showed a wide spectrum in water-holding capacity (WHC), ranging
      from normal (43%) to PSE (57%). Predictions of meat quality in live pigs were
      confirmed from post-mortem assessments of LD samples based on pH(1) and fibre
      optic probe measurements. Our results show that Nn pigs have the propensity to
      produce a higher proportion of PSE than normal carcasses. The predictive meat
      quality test performed on small biopsy LD samples offers an opportunity not
      currently available to the pig industry, to select Nn pigs with the potential to
      produce pork of superior WHC.

PMID- 22059836
TI  - Functionality of high and low voltage electrically stimulated beef chilled under
      moderate and rapid chilling regimes.
AB  - Chuck muscles from 24 beef carcasses electrically stimulated (ES) with either
      high or low voltage, or a combination of both, and submitted to conventional or
      rapid chilling regimes were used in a model system study (pH, salt-solubloe
      protein extraction, emulsifying capacity) and in frank-further fabrication and
      analysis (yield, color, texture). Glycolytic rates measured in the loin had no
      effects on the functional parameters or on the quality of frankfurters. The
      ultimate pH values of unstimulated carcasses remained higher than in any ES
      carcasses, and led to higher protein extraction (P <= 0.05). However, ES had no
      further influence on the emulsifying capacity or on frankfurter yield and quality
      parameters independently of the voltage used (P > 0.05). Chilling regimes had no
      influence on the functional parameters of the model system but slightly
      influenced the yield and chewiness of the frankfurters (P <= 0.05). Therefore,
      the use of any type of ES in combination with either conventional (Canadian) or
      more rapid chilling is unlikely to have commercial significance on the yield or
      quality of frankfurters.

PMID- 22059837
TI  - Additives in finnish sausges and other meat products.
AB  - Additives such as sodium nitrate, potassium nitrate, sodium nitrite, phosphates
      and sodium chloride in sausages and various meat products were examined. Nitrate,
      nitrite and phosphate concentrations were below the maximum permitted levels, but
      most of the samples examined contained large amounts of sodium chloride and were
      thus "extra salted". Sausage factories should lower the salt concentrations in
      their products.

PMID- 22059838
TI  - Food safety 1993 Food Research Institute, Department of Food Microbiology and
      Toxicology, University of Wisconsin. Published by Marcel Dekker, New York,
      US$165.00.

PMID- 22059839
TI  - Psychosocial aspects of haemophilia: a systematic review of methodologies and
      findings.
AB  - Psychosocial factors have a significant impact on quality of life for patients
      with chronic diseases such as haemophilia. Interventions to support the
      psychosocial needs of patients and their families, such as offering information
      and assistance, clarifying doubts, and teaching coping strategies to minimize the
      impact of disabilities, may help to maximize patient outcomes and improve quality
      of life for their families. The aim of this study was to evaluate the current
      literature on psychosocial aspects of haemophilia. Literature searches were
      performed using the PubMed database to identify studies evaluating psychosocial
      stressors in persons with haemophilia. Articles pertaining to the HIV epidemic
      were excluded from the analysis, as were those published before 1997. The
      literature reviews identified 24 studies, covering a range of different
      populations, generally with small cohorts (n < 100). Most studies were
      questionnaire based, with almost no overlap in terms of the instruments used.
      Only one study combined questionnaire techniques with qualitative methods. Except
      for two European studies, all publications reported data from a single country.
      Overall, studies tended to show that quality of life is reduced in persons with
      haemophilia, with a potential impact on education and employment, particularly
      when prophylactic treatment is not available. Carrier status in women may have a
      psychosocial impact and affect reproductive choices. Data on psychosocial aspects
      of the haemophilia life cycle are lacking in the published literature, along with
      data from developing countries. There is a need for more international,
      multifaceted research to explore and quantify the social and psychological
      aspects of life with haemophilia.

PMID- 22059840
TI  - Face the noise: embodied responses to nonverbal vocalizations of discrete
      emotions.
AB  - Extensive prior research has shown that the perception of an emotional facial
      expression automatically elicits a corresponding facial expression in the
      observer. Theories of embodied emotion, however, suggest that such reactions
      might also occur across expressive channels, because simulation is based on
      integrated motoric and affective representations of that emotion. In the present
      studies, we examined this idea by focusing on facial and experiential reactions
      to nonverbal emotion vocalizations. In Studies 1 and 2, we showed that both
      hearing and reproducing vocalizations of anger, disgust, happiness, and sadness
      resulted in specific facial behaviors, as well as congruent self-reported
      emotions (Study 2). In Studies 3 and 4, we showed that the inhibition of
      congruent facial actions impaired listeners' processing of emotion vocalizations
      (Study 3), as well as their experiences of a concordant subjective state (Study
      4). Results support the idea that cross-channel simulations of others' states
      serve facilitative functions similar to more strict imitations of observed
      expressive behavior, suggesting flexibility in the motoric and affective systems
      involved in emotion processing and interpersonal emotion transfer. We discuss
      implications for embodiment research and the social consequences of expressing
      and matching emotions across nonverbal channels.

PMID- 22059841
TI  - Do you believe in atheists? Distrust is central to anti-atheist prejudice.
AB  - Recent polls indicate that atheists are among the least liked people in areas
      with religious majorities (i.e., in most of the world). The sociofunctional
      approach to prejudice, combined with a cultural evolutionary theory of religion's
      effects on cooperation, suggest that anti-atheist prejudice is particularly
      motivated by distrust. Consistent with this theoretical framework, a broad sample
      of American adults revealed that distrust characterized anti-atheist prejudice
      but not anti-gay prejudice (Study 1). In subsequent studies, distrust of atheists
      generalized even to participants from more liberal, secular populations. A
      description of a criminally untrustworthy individual was seen as comparably
      representative of atheists and rapists but not representative of Christians,
      Muslims, Jewish people, feminists, or homosexuals (Studies 2-4). In addition,
      results were consistent with the hypothesis that the relationship between belief
      in God and atheist distrust was fully mediated by the belief that people behave
      better if they feel that God is watching them (Study 4). In implicit measures,
      participants strongly associated atheists with distrust, and belief in God was
      more strongly associated with implicit distrust of atheists than with implicit
      dislike of atheists (Study 5). Finally, atheists were systematically socially
      excluded only in high-trust domains; belief in God, but not authoritarianism,
      predicted this discriminatory decision-making against atheists in high trust
      domains (Study 6). These 6 studies are the first to systematically explore the
      social psychological underpinnings of anti-atheist prejudice, and converge to
      indicate the centrality of distrust in this phenomenon.

PMID- 22059842
TI  - Seeing isn't believing: the effect of intergroup exposure on children's
      essentialist beliefs about ethnic categories.
AB  - Adults and children seem to essentialize certain social categories. Three studies
      investigated whether, and how, exposure to ethnic diversity affects this bias.
      Participants were 516 kindergarten, 2nd grade, and 6th grade Israeli Jewish and
      Arab children attending regular (mono-cultural) or integrated schools. Study 1
      revealed that exposure increased the salience of ethnicity, especially for Jewish
      children. Study 2 showed no differences among groups at kindergarten regarding
      the relevance of recalling a story character's ethnicity, but by 2nd grade,
      Jewish children attending integrated schools were the most likely to mention such
      information. Finally, Study 3 revealed that while all kindergarteners started off
      at a similar level of essentialism towards ethnicity, exposure affected Arab, but
      especially Jewish, children's essentialist beliefs. Moreover, there were negative
      correlations between the salience of and essentialism towards ethnicity. Thus,
      interethnic exposure alleviated children's essentialist bias towards ethnicity
      and did so via making children aware of, rather than blind to, ethnic categories.

PMID- 22059844
TI  - Seeing failure in your life: Imagery perspective determines whether self-esteem
      shapes reactions to recalled and imagined failure.
AB  - The present research reveals that when it comes to recalling and imagining
      failure in one's life, changing how one looks at the event can change its impact
      on well-being; however, the nature of the effect depends on an aspect of one's
      self-concept, namely, self-esteem. Five studies measured or manipulated the
      visual perspective (internal first-person vs. external third-person) individuals
      used to mentally image recalled or imagined personal failures. It has been
      proposed that imagery perspective determines whether people's reactions to an
      event are shaped bottom-up by concrete features of the event (first-person) or
      top-down by their self-concept (third-person; L. K. Libby & R. P. Eibach, 2011b).
      Evidence suggests that differences in the self-concepts of individuals with low
      and high self-esteem (LSEs and HSEs) are responsible for self-esteem differences
      in reaction to failure, leading LSEs to have more negative thoughts and feelings
      about themselves (e.g., M. H. Kernis, J. Brockner, & B. S. Frankel, 1989). Thus,
      the authors predicted, and found, that low self-esteem was associated with
      greater overgeneralization--operationalized as negativity in accessible self
      knowledge and feelings of shame--only when participants had pictured failure from
      the third-person perspective and not from the first-person. Further, picturing
      failure from the third-person, rather than first-person, perspective, increased
      shame and the negativity of accessible knowledge among LSEs, whereas it decreased
      shame among HSEs. Results help to distinguish between different theoretical
      accounts of how imagery perspective functions and have implications for the study
      of top-down and bottom-up influences on self-judgment and emotion, as well as for
      the role of perspective and abstraction in coping.

PMID- 22059843
TI  - Subjective well-being and adaptation to life events: a meta-analysis.
AB  - Previous research has shown that major life events can have short- and long-term
      effects on subjective well-being (SWB). The present meta-analysis examines (a)
      whether life events have different effects on affective and cognitive well-being
      and (b) how the rate of adaptation varies across different life events.
      Longitudinal data from 188 publications (313 samples, N = 65,911) were integrated
      to describe the reaction and adaptation to 4 family events (marriage, divorce,
      bereavement, childbirth) and 4 work events (unemployment, reemployment,
      retirement, relocation/migration). The findings show that life events have very
      different effects on affective and cognitive well-being and that for most events
      the effects of life events on cognitive well-being are stronger and more
      consistent across samples. Different life events differ in their effects on SWB,
      but these effects are not a function of the alleged desirability of events. The
      results are discussed with respect to their theoretical implications, and
      recommendations for future studies on adaptation are given.

PMID- 22059845
TI  - Construal level mind-sets moderate self- and social stereotyping.
AB  - Construal level theory suggests that events and objects can be represented at
      either a higher, more abstract level involving consideration of superordinate
      goals, desirability, global processing, and broad categorizations or a lower,
      more concrete level involving consideration of subordinate goals, feasibility,
      local processing, and narrow categorizations. Analogously, social targets
      (including the self) can be represented more broadly, as members of a group, or
      more narrowly, as individuals. Because abstract construals induce a similarity
      focus, they were predicted to increase the perceived fit between social targets
      and a salient social category. Accordingly, placing individuals into a more
      abstract construal mind-set via an unrelated task increased the activation and
      use of stereotypes of salient social groups, stereotype-consistent trait ratings
      of the self, group identification, and stereotype-consistent performance relative
      to more concrete construal mind-sets. Thus, nonsocial contextual influences
      (construal level mind-sets) affect stereotyping of self and others.

PMID- 22059846
TI  - On the perpetuation of ignorance: system dependence, system justification, and
      the motivated avoidance of sociopolitical information.
AB  - How do people cope when they feel uninformed or unable to understand important
      social issues, such as the environment, energy concerns, or the economy? Do they
      seek out information, or do they simply ignore the threatening issue at hand? One
      would intuitively expect that a lack of knowledge would motivate an increased,
      unbiased search for information, thereby facilitating participation and
      engagement in these issues-especially when they are consequential, pressing, and
      self-relevant. However, there appears to be a discrepancy between the
      importance/self-relevance of social issues and people's willingness to engage
      with and learn about them. Leveraging the literature on system justification
      theory (Jost & Banaji, 1994), the authors hypothesized that, rather than
      motivating an increased search for information, a lack of knowledge about a
      specific sociopolitical issue will (a) foster feelings of dependence on the
      government, which will (b) increase system justification and government trust,
      which will (c) increase desires to avoid learning about the relevant issue when
      information is negative or when information valence is unknown. In other words,
      the authors suggest that ignorance-as a function of the system justifying
      tendencies it may activate-may, ironically, breed more ignorance. In the contexts
      of energy, environmental, and economic issues, the authors present 5 studies that
      (a) provide evidence for this specific psychological chain (i.e., ignorance about
      an issue -> dependence -> government trust -> avoidance of information about that
      issue); (b) shed light on the role of threat and motivation in driving the second
      and third links in this chain; and (c) illustrate the unfortunate consequences of
      this process for individual action in those contexts that may need it most.

PMID- 22059847
TI  - In perfect harmony: synchronizing the self to activated social categories.
AB  - The self-concept is one of the main organizing constructs in the behavioral
      sciences because it influences how people interpret their environment, the
      choices they make, whether and how they initiate action, and the pursuit of
      specific goals. Because belonging to social groups and feeling interconnected is
      critical to human survival, the authors propose that people spontaneously change
      their working self-concept so that they are more similar to salient social
      categories. Specifically, 4 studies investigated whether activating a variety of
      social categories (i.e., jocks, hippies, the overweight, Blacks, and Asians)
      increased associations between the self and the target category. Whereas Studies
      1 and 2 focused on associations between stereotypic traits and the self, Studies
      3 and 4 examined self-perceptions and self-categorizations, respectively. The
      results provide consistent evidence that following social category priming,
      people synchronized the self to the activated category. Furthermore, the findings
      indicate that factors that influence category activation, such as social goals,
      and factors that induce a focus on the interconnectedness of the self, such as an
      interdependent vs. independent self-construal, can impact this process. The
      implications of changes to the working self-concept for intergroup relations are
      discussed.

PMID- 22059848
TI  - More than a body: mind perception and the nature of objectification.
AB  - According to models of objectification, viewing someone as a body induces de
      mentalization, stripping away their psychological traits. Here evidence is
      presented for an alternative account, where a body focus does not diminish the
      attribution of all mental capacities but, instead, leads perceivers to infer a
      different kind of mind. Drawing on the distinction in mind perception between
      agency and experience, it is found that focusing on someone's body reduces
      perceptions of agency (self-control and action) but increases perceptions of
      experience (emotion and sensation). These effects were found when comparing
      targets represented by both revealing versus nonrevealing pictures (Experiments
      1, 3, and 4) or by simply directing attention toward physical characteristics
      (Experiment 2). The effect of a body focus on mind perception also influenced
      moral intuitions, with those represented as a body seen to be less morally
      responsible (i.e., lesser moral agents) but more sensitive to harm (i.e., greater
      moral patients; Experiments 5 and 6). These effects suggest that a body focus
      does not cause objectification per se but, instead, leads to a redistribution of
      perceived mind.

PMID- 22059849
TI  - Visual perspective influences the use of metacognitive information in temporal
      comparisons.
AB  - Four studies test the proposition that when people look back to past selves as a
      means of gauging current status, the visual perspective they assume determines
      the kind of information that they consider in making their judgments of change.
      In this way, visual perspective, coupled with the kind of change for which people
      are looking, determines how much change is perceived. The studies demonstrate
      that in the first-person perspective, experiential information is weighted more
      heavily than content information, whereas in the third-person perspective, the
      converse is true. In addition, the effects of perceived change on behavior are
      revealed, such that greater perceived positive change is associated with
      behaviors that are congruent with that change, whereas greater perceived negative
      change is associated with behaviors that are incongruent with that change.
      Theoretical implications, as well as implications for behavioral interventions,
      are discussed.

PMID- 22059850
TI  - Short-chain fatty acids induce pro-inflammatory cytokine production alone and in
      combination with toll-like receptor ligands.
AB  - PROBLEM: Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), produced at relatively high levels by
      anaerobic bacteria in bacterial vaginosis (BV), are believed to be anti
      inflammatory. BV, a common alteration in the genital microbiota associated with
      increased susceptibility to HIV infection, is characterized by increased levels
      of both pro-inflammatory cytokines and SCFAs. We investigated how SCFAs alone or
      together with Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands affected pro-inflammatory cytokine
      secretion. METHOD OF STUDY: Cytokines were measured by ELISA. Flow was used for
      phenotyping and reactive oxygen species (ROS) measurement. RESULTS: Short-chain
      fatty acids, at 20 mM, induced interleukin (IL)-8, IL-6, and IL-1beta release,
      while lower levels (0.02-2 mM) did not induce cytokine secretion. Levels >20 mM
      were toxic to cells. Interestingly, lower levels of SCFAs significantly enhanced
      TLR2 ligand- and TLR7 ligand-induced production of IL-8 and TNFalpha in a time-
      and dose-dependent manner, but had little effect on lipopolysaccharide-induced
      cytokine release. SCFAs mediated their effects on pro-inflammatory cytokine
      production at least in part by inducing the generation of ROS. CONCLUSION: Our
      data suggest that SCFAs, especially when combined with specific TLR ligands,
      contribute to a pro-inflammatory milieu in the lower genital tract and help
      further our understanding of how BV affects susceptibility to microbial
      infections.

PMID- 22059851
TI  - Hydrophilic Cu9S5 nanocrystals: a photothermal agent with a 25.7% heat conversion
      efficiency for photothermal ablation of cancer cells in vivo.
AB  - Photothermal ablation (PTA) therapy has a great potential to revolutionize
      conventional therapeutic approaches for cancers, but it has been limited by
      difficulties in obtaining biocompatible photothermal agents that have low cost,
      small size (<100 nm), and high photothermal conversion efficiency. Herein, we
      have developed hydrophilic plate-like Cu(9)S(5) nanocrystals (NCs, a mean size of
      ~70 nm * 13 nm) as a new photothermal agent, which are synthesized by combining a
      thermal decomposition and ligand exchange route. The aqueous dispersion of as
      synthesized Cu(9)S(5) NCs exhibits an enhanced absorption (e.g., ~1.2 * 10(9) M(
      1) cm(-1) at 980 nm) with the increase of wavelength in near-infrared (NIR)
      region, which should be attributed to localized surface plasmon resonances (SPR)
      arising from p-type carriers. The exposure of the aqueous dispersion of Cu(9)S(5)
      NCs (40 ppm) to 980 nm laser with a power density of 0.51 W/cm(2) can elevate its
      temperature by 15.1  degrees C in 7 min; a 980 nm laser heat conversion
      efficiency reaches as high as 25.7%, which is higher than that of the as
      synthesized Au nanorods (23.7% from 980 nm laser) and the recently reported Cu(2
      x)Se NCs (22% from 808 nm laser). Importantly, under the irradiation of 980 nm
      laser with the conservative and safe power density over a short period (~10 min),
      cancer cells in vivo can be efficiently killed by the photothermal effects of the
      Cu(9)S(5) NCs. The present finding demonstrates the promising application of the
      Cu(9)S(5) NCs as an ideal photothermal agent in the PTA of in vivo tumor tissues.

PMID- 22059853
TI  - Schisandrin B, attenuates cisplatin-induced oxidative stress, genotoxicity and
      neurotoxicity through modulating NF-kappaB pathway in mice.
AB  - This study aimed to investigate the potential beneficial effect of an antioxidant
      lignan, Schisandrin B (Sch B), against cisplatin (cDDP) induced oxidative stress
      mediated geno- and neuro-toxicities. A dose of 10 mg/kg cDDP induced considerable
      genotoxicity in mice, and Sch B treatment attenuated the cDDP-induced DNA damage
      as assessed by the comet assay in the brain. The frequency of micro-nucleated
      erythrocyte production in bone marrow was also significantly reduced by Sch B
      treatment in cDDP-treated mice. In neurobehavioral studies, Sch B significantly
      prevented the memory deficits induced by cDDP, and had an anxiolytic effect in
      the elevated plus maze task. Sch B treatment significantly attenuated lipid
      peroxidation, acetylcholinesterase activity and nitrite levels induced by cDDP.
      Furthermore, Sch B effectively inhibited NF-kappaB and p53 activation, and
      cleaved caspase-3 expression in cDDP-treated mice. Hence, Sch B with potent
      antioxidant and neuro-protective property with no mutagenic activity would be
      beneficial complementary food factor against cDDP induced oxidative stress.

PMID- 22059854
TI  - Deep vein thrombosis/pulmonary embolism: a survey of self-reported prevention
      practices among hospitals.
AB  - Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) are major causes of
      preventable complications for hospitalized patients worldwide. The National
      Quality Forum (NQF) recommends that all patients be assessed for DVT/PE risk upon
      admission, periodically thereafter, and receive evidence-based pharmacologic
      prophylaxis. Objectives of this study were to capture information about hospital
      practices related to detection, prevention, and treatment of DVT/PE and to
      explore relationships between hospital characteristics and an applicable patient
      safety indicator (PSI) #12 postoperative DVT/PE. Two study phases were conducted
      in the south-central region of the United States. First, a survey tailored to
      gather information about the study objectives from subject matter experts was
      administered, and then, using the subject matter expert results, an online survey
      of performance improvement professionals was deployed. Using this 5-point Likert
      scale online survey, respondents at each hospital reflected their DVT/PE
      prevention practices approach and status. Results provided insight for trends in
      hospital-based DVT/PE prevention practice, associated hospital characteristics,
      relationship among domains of prevention practice, and how electronic DVT/PE
      order sets related to DVT/PE outcomes. Relationship of all these characteristics
      to hospital overall PSI #12 postoperative DVT/PE rates were compared. Future
      study and survey development recommendations were discussed.

PMID- 22059855
TI  - Acute treatment with kerosene damages the dermal barrier and alters the
      distribution of topically applied benzo(a)pyrene in mice.
AB  - The dermal route is important in many occupational exposures. Some materials may
      reduce the barrier function of the skin to enhance absorption and effect on
      internal organs. We have reported previously that kerosene cleaning following
      treatment with used engine oil increased DNA adduct levels in the lungs of mice
      compared with animals treated with used oil alone. To investigate what other
      physiological parameters might be affected by kerosene, we conducted in vitro and
      in vivo measurements of skin barrier function. We also topically applied (3)H
      BAP(100 nM in 25 MUL acetone) and washed half the mice with 25 MUL kerosene 1 hr
      after carcinogen application. Groups of four mice were euthanized from 1 to 72 hr
      after treatment. Skin, lungs, and livers were harvested from each animal and
      stored separately. Kerosene application reduced the barrier function of the skin
      in vitro beyond the effect of the acetone vehicle and the vehicle plus BAP. In
      vivo studies indicated that kerosene treatment reduced the barrier function at 4
      and 8 hr post application and that the barrier function recovered at 24 hr after
      a single treatment. The fraction of the radiolabel remaining in the skin of
      animals treated with (3)H-BAP and washed with kerosene was significantly less
      than those not washed, beginning at 24 hr (p< 0.05). Fractional distribution to
      the lungs and livers of these animals became significantly elevated at this time.
      Kerosene treatment compromises dermal barrier function and the ability of the
      skin to retain water, enhances carcinogen absorption, and alters organ
      distribution. This appears to contribute to the increase in BAP DNA adducts we
      reported earlier.

PMID- 22059856
TI  - Identifying barriers to mental health system improvements: an examination of
      community participation in assertive community treatment programs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Integrating the best available evidence into program standards is
      essential if system-wide improvements in the delivery of community-based mental
      health services are to be achieved. Since the beginning of the Assertive
      Community Treatment (ACT) program movement, program standards have included a
      role for the community. In particular, ACT program standards have sought to
      ensure that members of the local community are involved in governance and that
      former clients participate in service delivery as "Peer Support Specialists".
      This paper reports on the extent to which ACT program standards related to
      community participation have been implemented and identifies barriers to full
      compliance. METHODS: Qualitative and quantitative data were collected through a
      telephone survey of ACT Program Coordinators in Ontario, Canada, using a census
      sample of the existing 66 ACT programs. A thematic approach to content analysis
      was used to analyze respondents' qualitative comments. Quantitative data were
      analyzed using SPSS 16.0 and included means, frequencies, independent t-tests and
      Pearson Correlations. RESULTS: An 85% response rate was achieved. Of the 33
      program standards, the two that received the lowest perceived compliance ratings
      were the two standards directly concerning community participation. Specifically,
      the standard to have a functioning Community Advisory Body and the standard
      requiring the inclusion of a Peer Support Specialist. The three major themes that
      emerged from the survey data with respect to the barriers to fully implementing
      the Community Advisory Body were: external issues; standard related issues; and,
      organizational/structural related issues. The three major themes concerning
      barriers to implementing the Peer Support Specialist role were: human resource
      related issues; organizational/structural related issues; and, standard related
      issues. CONCLUSIONS: The reasons for low compliance of ACT programs with
      community participation standards are complex and are tied to structural and
      human resources barriers (both internal and external to the ACT programs) as well
      as to the requirements of the standards themselves. In order for improvements to
      the mental health system to be achieved there is a need to identify and address
      these barriers. Failure to do so will result in less than optimal client, family
      and economic efficiency outcomes.

PMID- 22059857
TI  - Bi-auricular myxoma associated with atrioventricular dissociation in an 18-year
      old boy: a case report.
AB  - Primary cardiac tumours are rarely found and have an incidence of 0.3% in all
      open-heart surgeries. Among those, approximately 70% are myxomas, most of them in
      the left atrium. The reported incidence of cardiac tumours in autopsy series is
      0.001-0.28%. Right atrial myxomas are uncommon, but when present they often
      originate from the interatrial septum, and conduction disturbances are rarely
      noted as an accompanying feature in this condition. We report the case of an 18
      year-old boy with a myxoma in both left and right atrium associated with
      atrioventricular dissociation.

PMID- 22059858
TI  - Ocular pharmacokinetics profile of different indomethacin topical formulations.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study evaluated the ocular pharmacokinetics of indomethacin
      following topical administration of two different formulations present in the
      market. METHODS: Rabbits received a multiple topical instillation (30 MUL) of
      indomethacin ophthalmic suspension containing hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (IND
      HPMC; IndomTM Alfa-Intes) or indomethacin ophthalmic solution with hydroxypropyl
      beta-cyclodextrin (IND-CD; IndocollirioTM Bausch & Lomb). Aqueous humor, vitreous
      humor, and retina were collected from animals at fixed time intervals after
      dosing. Indomethacin ocular levels were measured by liquid chromatography mass
      spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), and the pharmacokinetic parameters--peak drug
      concentration (C(max)), time to peak value (T(max)), and area under the
      concentration-time curve between 0 and 240 min (AUC(0-240))--were determined. All
      of the animals were treated according to the Association for Research in Vision
      and Ophthalmology (ARVO) Statement for the Use of Animals in Ophthalmic and
      Vision Research. RESULTS: Peak concentrations of indomethacin in aqueous and
      vitreous were achieved within 30 min and 60 min after a single instillation of
      IND-HPMC and IND-CD, respectively. Retinal T(max) was 30 min and 120 min in the
      IND-HPMC-treated group and the IND-CD-treated group, respectively. Higher levels
      of indomethacin were found in retina after IND-HPMC administration compared to
      IND-CD (AUC(0-240) 272.9 ng/g per min vs. AUC(0-240) 73.5 ng/g/min, respectively;
      P<0.01). Also in the aqueous and vitreous, the drug levels were statistically
      higher (P<0.01) in the IND-HPMC group in comparison with the IND-CD group (AUC(0
      240) 2039 ng/mL per min vs. AUC(0-240) 427.3 ng/mL per min, AUC(0-240) 53.8 ng/mL
      per min vs. AUC(0-240) 12.5 ng/mL per min, respectively). The highest drug levels
      in the ocular tissues were found following IND-HPMC administration compared with
      IND-CD (retina: C(max) 73.7+/-6.4 ng/g vs. 25.5+/-1.73 ng/g; aqueous: C(max)
      952+/-6.8 ng/mL vs. 163+/-4.1 ng/mL; vitreous C(max) 31+/-3.5 ng/mL vs. 6.37+/
      3.6 ng/mL). CONCLUSIONS: IND-HPMC treatment demonstrates a nonclinical ocular
      pharmacokinetic profile of indomethacin characterized by higher concentrations of
      drug in ocular tissues (4.7-, 4.3- and 3.7-fold higher in aqueous, vitreous, and
      retina, respectively) compared to the ND-CD-treated group. Taken together, these
      data seem to indicate that IND-HPMC formulation has good ocular distribution
      reaching relevant indomethacin levels in the back of the eye, and suggest that
      this formulation may be very useful for clinicians to manage retinal conditions.

PMID- 22059859
TI  - A rare case of recurrent ovarian cancer presenting as a round ligament
      metastasis.
AB  - We report a rare case of recurrent ovarian cancer presenting as a round ligament
      metastasis. A 44-year-old woman presented with a lower abdominal mass. Computed
      tomography showed a pelvic mass. Primary surgery was performed. A
      histopathological examination showed an ovarian serous adenocarcinoma of Stage
      IIIb. The patient received 6 cycles of paclitaxel and carboplatin. Almost 2 years
      after the initial operation, the patient noticed a left inguinal mass. Computed
      tomography showed a left inguinal mass, 18 mm in size. An excisional biopsy was
      performed and the tumor was found to originate in the left round ligament. A
      histopathological examination showed serous adenocarcinoma and there was no
      evidence of lymph node tissue. Recurrence of ovarian cancer in the round ligament
      is extremely rare. This unique case suggests, however, that the round ligament in
      rare cases may be a recurrence site for ovarian cancer, and that accurate
      differentiation including confirmation by diagnostic imaging and excisional
      biopsy, is necessary for a definitive pathological diagnosis.

PMID- 22059860
TI  - Neurolaw: Differential brain activity for black and white faces predicts damage
      awards in hypothetical employment discrimination cases.
AB  - Currently, potential jurors' racial biases are measured by explicit questioning-
      a poor measure because people often hide their views to adhere to social norms,
      and people have implicit views they are not consciously aware of. In this
      experiment, we investigated whether two alternative methods of measuring racial
      bias--a standard black/white, good/bad implicit association test (IAT) and neural
      activity, measured by fMRI, in response to seeing faces of black and white
      individuals--could predict how much money subjects would award Black victims in
      hypothetical employment discrimination cases. IAT scores failed to predict how
      much money subjects awarded victims. However, in right inferior parietal lobule
      (BA 40) and in right superior/middle frontal gyrus (BA 9/10)--which have both
      previously been implicated in measuring biases and implicit preferences--the
      difference in neural activity between when subjects viewed black faces paired
      with neutral adjectives and when subjects viewed white faces paired with neutral
      adjectives was positively correlated with the amount of money the subjects
      awarded victims. This suggests that brain activity measures racial bias with more
      practical validity, at least in this situation and with our sample size, than a
      common behavioral measure (the IAT).

PMID- 22059861
TI  - Abdominal surgery for chronic constipation.

PMID- 22059862
TI  - Commentary on Murad-Regadas et al.

PMID- 22059866
TI  - Stereoselective synthesis of C-substituted morpholine derivatives using reductive
      etherification reaction: total synthesis of chelonin C.
AB  - A general strategy is developed for the stereoselective synthesis of C
      substituted morpholine derivatives using intramolecular reductive etherification
      reaction. The method is extended to the first stereoselective total synthesis of
      (+/-)-chelonin C.

PMID- 22059867
TI  - Oral health condition of French elderly and risk of dementia: a longitudinal
      cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Oral condition could be associated with cognitive impairment, but
      this is not yet well documented. We therefore hypothesized that people with poor
      oral condition would be more at risk to develop dementia. The objective of this
      study thus was to describe the oral condition of French community-dwelling
      elderly persons and to assess its relationship with the occurrence of dementia.
      METHODS: Oral examination was conducted on a sample of individuals aged 66-80
      years followed-up prospectively for screening of dementia over 15 years in
      Gironde, France. Univariate and multivariate analyses of the risk of dementia
      were performed using a Cox proportional hazard model with delayed entry. RESULTS:
      Data from 405 individuals were analyzed; 45.4% men; median age at baseline: 70
      years [interquartile range (IQR): 68-75]. The median number of decayed, missing,
      and filled teeth was 18 (IQR: 13-24) and was higher in women (median: 20 versus
      17, P = 0.004) and in persons with lower school level (median: 21 versus 17, P =
      0.003). Among 348 persons with sextant eligible for periodontal assessment, 2/3
      required periodontal care: 5.2% had bleeding observed, 44.8% calculus, 17.8% 4-5
      mm pockets, and 2.9%>= 6 mm pockets. The incidence of dementia during a median
      follow-up of 10 years (IQR: 6.5-13.7) was 19 per 1000 person-years. The adjusted
      hazard ratio for a number of missing teeth >= 11 (median) on the risk of dementia
      was 1.13 (95% confidence interval, CI = [0.60-2.12]) in people with higher
      education (n = 312) and 0.30 (CI = 0.11-0.79) in persons with lower school level
      (n = 93) (P for modification effect = 0.0002). CONCLUSIONS: Having eleven or more
      missing teeth seemed to be associated with a lower risk of dementia in people
      with lower education possibly owing to the suppression of source of chronic
      inflammation.

PMID- 22059868
TI  - On the behavior of dew drops.
AB  - It may be observed that, when dew drops form, although they may be positioned
      randomly on flat leaves, they tend to accumulate at the pointed ends of thin,
      slightly conical growths. We discuss here the basic physics leading to this
      phenomenon.

PMID- 22059869
TI  - Confocal laser scanning microscopy, optical coherence tomography and
      transonychial water loss for in vivo investigation of nails.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Nail disorders can be diagnostically challenging to the
      dermatologist. Noninvasive methods might help to avoid nail biopsies. More
      knowledge of the typical features of healthy nails with these techniques is
      needed for comparison with nail diseases. OBJECTIVES: To describe the typical
      morphology of healthy nails in optical coherence tomography (OCT) and confocal
      laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and to examine the influence of exposure to
      water on OCT features, nail thickness as well as on transonychial water loss
      (TOWL) before and after a hand bath. Material and methods  In the first part
      healthy nail plates were investigated with OCT and CLSM. The thickness of layers
      as well as structural details were defined. Secondly, in a prospective study 30
      healthy volunteers conducted 10 hand baths with water within a 2-week period.
      Measurements of nail thickness and signal intensity by OCT as well as of the TOWL
      were performed over time. RESULTS: In OCT the unaffected nail plate appears as a
      band-like, layered structure, yet with some individual differences. In addition,
      CLSM is able to display single corneocytes and the integrity of their borders.
      Exposure to water led to a transient rise of TOWL and in nail thickness.
      CONCLUSIONS: OCT, CLSM and TOWL offer valuable noninvasive diagnostic tools for
      the examination of nails. Using CLSM, microscopic features like integrity of
      single corneocytes can be investigated. OCT allows determination of nail plate
      thickness and both OCT and TOWL measurements are able to detect short-term
      effects after exposure to water.

PMID- 22059870
TI  - The effect of low voltage and high voltageelectrical stimulation on pork quality.
AB  - Carcasses from 36 Large White gilts, 70-80 kg live weight, were randomly
      allocated to three experimental groups. Pigs in the first group were electrically
      stimulated with low voltage during bleeding (85v, 14Hz for 64 s) and split before
      cooling. The left sides were rapidly chilled in air at -15 degrees C for 75 min
      and then at 1 degrees C until 24 h post-slaughter; right sides were chilled
      conventionally in air at 1 degrees C for 24 h. In the second group, two different
      treatments were used 20 min post-slaughter: left sides were stimulated with low
      voltage, and right sides with high voltage (700 v, 12.5 Hz for 90 s). Both sets
      of sides were chilled rapidly. Carcasses from the third group were not
      stimulated, and sides chilled either rapidly or conventionally. Drip loss, colour
      and texture were measured in M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum at 3 and 10 days
      post-slaughter. At 3 days post-slaughter the high voltage, treatment gave meat
      which was the most tender, was not pale and lost no more drip than unstimulated
      controls. Low voltage stimulation during bleeding gave meat which was 18% more
      tender than the unstimulated controls, but the improvement in tenderness was not
      as great as the 28% achieved with high voltage. Unexpectedly, low voltage
      stimulation applied 20 min after slaughter, was almost as effective in improving
      tenderness (by 17%) as low voltage applied during bleeding. Tenderness improved
      from 3 days to 10 days in all stimulated samples, but not in unstimulated
      controls. The results suggest a degree of coldtoughening in the latter, even with
      conventional chilling, and a positive effect of electrical stimulation on
      tenderness, independent of its protective action against cold-shortening.

PMID- 22059871
TI  - Improving pork quality by electricalstimulation or pelvic suspension ofcarcasses.
AB  - This investigation compared the separate and combined effects on meat quality of
      electrical stimulation (ES) and pelvic suspension of pig carcasses chilled
      rapidly or conventionally. Sides from 80 pigs, 80-90 kg live weight, were
      allocated to one of four treatments followed by either conventional chilling (1
      degrees C for 24 h) or rapid chilling (-20 degrees C for 2-3 h, before 1 degrees
      C until 24 h post-slaughter). The four treatments were: Achilles suspended, with
      and without high voltage ES, and pelvic suspended, with and without ES. The
      quality attributes: pH, colour and opacity, drip loss, instrumental and sensory
      texture were measured in M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum, at 10 days post
      slaughter. Rapid chilling reduced the evaporative weight loss by 0.5% There were
      no significant effects of treatment on colour or opacity, although ES samples
      were slightly paler. Drip loss was also slightly greater with ES, particularly
      when combined with pelvic suspension, but in no case was the meat classified as
      PSE. Instrumental measurements of 'texture showed improved tenderness from both
      ES and pelvic suspension, even after 10 days ageing. The improvement was less
      pronounced when ES and pelvic suspension were combined Taste panelling confirmed
      that samples treated by ES or pelvic suspension, separately or combined, were
      significantly more tender than samples from non-ES, Achilles hung sides. ES and
      pelvic suspension were equally effective in improving the tenderness of pork
      loin. Pelvic suspension did not suffer the disadvantage of increased drip loss
      that occurred with ES in this study.

PMID- 22059872
TI  - The effect of chilling, electrical stimulation and conditioning on pork eating
      quality.
AB  - The effect of three different post-slaughter treatments and subsequent
      conditioning times on the eating quality of pork was studied, using a total of 72
      pigs (80-90 kg live wt). The treatments were: (A) holding in air at > 10 degrees
      C for 3 h, followed by chilling in air at 1 degrees C; (B) chilling in air at 1
      degrees C; (C) high voltage electrical stimulation (ES) at 20 min post-slaughter,
      followed by Treatment B. The quality attributes were measured in M. longissimus
      thoracis et lumborum (LTL) and in M. semimembranosus (Sm). There was little
      difference in cooling rate between the three treatments; the major effect on
      quality came from the use of ES in Treatment C. ES reduced pH at 45 min by
      approximately 0.3 units, and achieved pH values at 3 h post-slaughter of 5.64
      (LTL) and 5.87 (Sm) but did not produce PSE meat. Drip losses were generally low,
      but were slightly higher with Treatment C. By all three instrumental texture
      parameters, LTL from Treatment C was significantly more tender than from A and B
      at 4, 7 and 12 days post-slaughter, suggesting that either some cold toughening
      with A and B was overcome by ES in treatment C or that ES had some other
      beneficial action. Conditioning at 1 degrees C improved the tenderness of LTL
      from 4 to 7 days and further to 12 days. Taste panelling of loin chops and Sm
      roasts confirmed that Treatment C gave significantly more tender meat than A and
      B, and that ageing from 4 to 7 days and further to 12 days significantly improved
      tenderness. High voltage electrical stimulation at 20 min post-slaughter followed
      by cooling in air at 1 degrees C (Treatment C) produced loin muscle which was
      more tender at 4 days than at 12 days with the other treatments.

PMID- 22059873
TI  - Changes in sugars during storage of sausages.
AB  - The shelf-life of fresh British sausages is determined by the production of off
      odours and colour changes due to microflora in the sausage. From work on meat,
      and in pure culture, it is known that the carbon source of the principal spoilage
      microorganism (Brochothrix thermosphacta) can affect its metabolism and change
      the nature of the secondary metabolic products. The sugar content of sausages was
      determined immediately after manufacture and during storage at 4 degrees C.
      Reducing-sugar content (measured by dinitrophenol phenolate, or DNP) increased in
      the first few days after manufacture, then decreased. The apparent increase in
      reducing sugar was due to hydrolysis of rusk components (oligo- or
      polysaccharides) either by meat or microbial enzymes. Thus, the amounts and types
      of sugar available for microbial growth change during storage. The effect of
      sulphite on the sugar assay and on sugar utilisation was also measured. Sulphite
      affected the DNP reducing sugar assay and caused a small increase in the
      absorbance at 510 nm. Addition of sulphite to the sausage formulation also caused
      some changes in the reducing-sugar content during storage at 4 degrees C.

PMID- 22059874
TI  - Measuring water-holding capacity in pork musculature with a tensiometer.
AB  - The water-holding capacity (WHC) of post-mortem porcine musculature is an
      important quality trait, and it is desirable for the industry to assess its
      variations ,for purposes of evaluating and processing pork products. There are
      several procedures to accurately determine WHC, but most are either too slow, too
      expensive or are impractical for commercial application. Since WHC is also
      important when examining the characteristics of soil, scientists routinely use an
      instrument called a tensiometer for this measurement. Therefore, we explored the
      potential application of this technique for assessing WHC in post-rigor pork
      muscle. The cost, potential speed and invasive application of the tensiometer in
      muscle were attractive characteristics. A sample (29) of pork loins, representing
      considerable variation in WHC were used to test the applicability of a commercial
      tensiometer. When tensiometer measurements were compared to 48 h drip loss, the
      results indicated the tensiometer could accurately detect the variations in free
      fluids expressed in muscle and that the procedure could be applied quickly and
      invasively without altering the commercial value of the product. However,
      particles (primarily protein and fat) in the muscle fluid became imbedded in the
      pores of the tensiometer ceramic tip, thus impairing the repeated use of the
      instrument. A plastic filter was developed to prevent clogging, but it could not
      be molded adequately to permit rapid insertion and removal for on-line
      measurements of WHC. Therefore, despite the various desirable features of the
      tensiometer, it failed to meet some requirements considered essential for further
      testing as a potential commercial, on-line procedure. First, the clogging problem
      must be resolved The study also indicated that the filter paper test would be
      more appropriate than the tensiometer for use in field tests to predict WHC when
      limited numbers of samples were to be tested.

PMID- 22059875
TI  - The influence of porcine growth hormone on muscle fibre characteristics,
      metabolic potential and meat quality.
AB  - Treatment of lean female pigs with porcine growth hormone (placebo or 80 MUg pGH
      per kg body weight per day) for 6 weeks from 50 kg to 86 kg body weight did not
      change the frequency and the percentage area of muscle fibre types (ST, FTa and
      FTb fibres) and muscle capillarity of M. longissimus dorsi, M. gluteus medius and
      M. psoas major. The mean fibre cross-sectional area increased 5.3%, albeit
      nonsignificantly, corresponding to a 6.6% increase in carcass meat. The muscles
      contained slightly less dry matter and protein, and the lipid content of M.
      longissimus dorsi decreased 19% after pGH treatment. In the backfat the fatty
      acid composition changed towards a higher ratio of polyunsaturated to saturated
      fatty acids. The pH(u) of M. longissimus dorsi was unaltered, while the pH(45)
      was reduced by pGH. The muscle glycogen level and the activity of lactate
      dehydrogenase (LDH), citrate synthetase (CS), and 3-OH-acyl-CoA-dehydrogenase
      (HAD) of M. longissimus dorsi were unchanged by pGH. The haem pigment, shear
      force, sarcomere length and eating quality of loin chops, were unaffected by pGH
      treatment. The results show that pGH treatment did not change the muscle
      characteristics in a way that affects the meat quality of M. longissimus dorsi in
      lean female pigs.

PMID- 22059876
TI  - The effects of residual oxygen concentration and temperature on the degradation
      of the colour of beef packaged under oxygen-depleted atmospheres.
AB  - Samples of beef longissimus dorsi (LD), approximately 5 * 5 * 1 cm, were packaged
      in pairs under 10 litre volumes of N(2) or CO(2) containing O(2) at
      concentrations between 100 and 1000 ppm. The packaged samples were stored at
      temperatures of 5, 1, 0 or -1.5 degrees C, for times between 4 and 48 h. Samples
      of beef psoas major (PM) were packaged under N(2) or CO(2) containing O(2) at
      between 100 and 600 ppm, and stored at -1.5 degrees C for 24 or 48 h. After
      storage, each sample was assessed for colour deterioration and discoloration, and
      for the fraction of metmyoglobin in the surface pigment. The results obtained
      with N(2) and CO(2) atmospheres were similar. The colours of all LD samples had
      deteriorated after 4 h storage at 5 or 1 degrees C, although the degree of
      deterioration increased with increasing O(2) concentration. All LD samples stored
      for 12 h at 5 or 1 degrees C were extensively discoloured, with metmyoglobin
      fractions generally exceeding 60%, but those stored at -1.5 degrees C for 48 h or
      less, under O(2) concentrations <= 400 ppm had undergraded colours. The colours
      of some LD samples stored at -1.5 degrees C under about 600 ppm of O(2) were also
      undergraded, but the colours of samples stored under 800 or 1000 ppm had
      deteriorated by 24 h. The colours of LD samples stored at 0 degrees C under > 200
      ppm had deteriorated after 24 h storage, and the colours of samples stored under
      100 ppm O(2) had deteriorated after 48 h storage. All PM samples were wholly
      discoloured after storage at -1.5 degrees C. Evidently, the colour of beef muscle
      of high colour stability is resistant to degradation by atmospheres containing <
      600 ppm of O(2) when the meat is stored at sub-zero temperatures, but not when
      the storage temperature is at or above 0 degrees C. Beef muscle of low colour
      stability, such as the PM, will discolour at all low concentrations of O(2)
      irrespective of the storage temperature.

PMID- 22059877
TI  - Post-weaning evolution of muscle energy metabolism and related physico-chemical
      traits in the rabbit.
AB  - Metabolic differentiation in muscles was analysed in 50 rabbits of New Zealand
      White breed (strain INRA 1077) slaughtered at 28, 42, 56, 70 or 84 days. The
      activity of enzymes representing the glycolytic (fructose 1,6-diP aldolase) and
      the oxidative (NADP-isocitrate dehydrogenase) (ICDH) energy metabolism pathways,
      and two related physico-chemical traits, haem pigment content and ultimate pH,
      were estimated in semimembranosus proprius + soleus, psoas major and longissimus
      lumborum muscles. Aldolase activity was lowest in semimbranosus proprius +
      soleus, which are pure betaR and the most precociously developed muscles, whereas
      haem pigment content and ultimate pH were highest; however, physico-chemical
      traits changed moderately during growth. In the psoas major (pure alphaW) and in
      the longissimus lumborum (mixed muscle), which develop later, aldolase activity
      increased until the 56th and 70th day respectively. The decrease in ICDH activity
      lasted longer, especially in the longissimus lumborum muscle. A significant
      negative relationship between aldolase activity and ultimate pH may explain why
      the ultimate pH decreased during fattening.

PMID- 22059878
TI  - A comparison of some metabolitesin skeletal muscle of different halothane
      sensitivity withmeat quality traits of pigs using a capillary isotachophoresis
      technique.
AB  - Isotachophoretic (ITP) measurements were made on biopsy samples from live muscle
      M. longissimus lumborum and carcasses of pigs. Two experiments were performed. In
      Experiment 1, the methodological aspects of ITP measurements from skeletal
      muscle, were studied. In Experiment 2, ITP measurements on muscle and carcass
      samples were made. The muscle and carcass samples were obtained by shot or spring
      loaded biopsy from the Longissimus lumborum muscle of 30 Belgium Landrace * Duroc
      pigs, of which 10 were halothane-positive. The pigs were slaughtered by electro
      stunning and manguination at approximately 105 kg body l. w. The potential meat
      quality in live pigs and after slaughter using small biopsy samples of M.
      longissimus lumborum was also determined. The experimental results show that ITP
      (mainly inosinemonophosphate and lactate) and meat quality data (water-holding
      capacity test, pH and R value) can differentiate halo thane-positive from
      halothane-negative pigs. Out results confirmed previous results which showed that
      the water-holding capacity test defined as fluid volume', pH and R value
      measurements on biopsy samples can also predict the potential meat quality in
      live pigs.

PMID- 22059879
TI  - Inter-animal variation in the biological characteristics of muscle tissue in male
      limousin cattle.
AB  - The biochemical, metabolic and contractile characteristics of semitendinosus (ST)
      and longissimus thoracicus (LT) muscles were studied in 147 male Limousin cattle.
      The animals, which were slaughtered at 16 months, were the offspring of 15
      different sires. Weight gain and carcass tissue composition (proportion of muscle
      and adipose tissue) were also measured. The biochemical characteristics of the
      two muscles studied had coefficients of variation between 13 and 30% markedly
      higher than for proximate characteristics of the carcass, in which coefficients
      were all lower than 18%. There were significant differences between the two
      muscles: ST had a higher protein/DNA ratio and greater lactate dehydrogenase
      (LDH) activity than LT, also a lower isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICDH) activity and
      lower slow myosin heavy chain (MHCI) content. The percentage of MHC 1 was
      positively correlated with ICDH activity and negatively with LDH activity and
      protein/DNA ratio. These muscle characteristics were also correlated with weight
      gain: animals with greater weight gain had a higher protein/DNA ratio and lower
      oxidative activity, with differences in the level of significance of the
      correlations according to muscles. Selection of animals on the basis of muscle
      growth may therefore be a means of improving the quality of meat.

PMID- 22059881
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 22059880
TI  - Meat composition in genetically selected a control cattle from a serial slaughter
      experiment.
AB  - Young bulls from an Angus yearling-weight selection herd (ASl) and from the
      contemporary control herd (ACO), differing in average slaughter weight by 16.8%,
      were allocated for slaughter on one or six occasions between 7.5 and 25 months of
      age. The M. longissimus lumborum from the left side of each animal was measured
      for cholesterol, fatty acid composition, and protein, fat and ash contents in
      both raw and cooked samples; the pH and tenderness were also recorded. All meat
      was generally lean, averaging 4% fat in raw samples and 2.4% fat in cooked
      samples. There was a trend, though not significant, for a slightly lower
      percentage of fat at a fixed age in raw and cooked meat from the AS] herd than
      from the A CO herd. There were no significant selection effects on cholesterol
      content or fatty acid content, in either raw or cooked meat samples. The pH was
      significantly, higher in meat from the ASl than the A CO herd, although the
      difference was small (0.11 units), and there were no significant herd differences
      in tenderness. Overall, the herd effects on chemical composition and tenderness
      were very small and unlikely to be detected by consumers.

PMID- 22059882
TI  - 5-Lipoxygenase-activating protein (FLAP) inhibitors. Part 4: development of 3-[3
      tert-butylsulfanyl-1-[4-(6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)benzyl]-5-(5-methylpyridin-2
      ylmethoxy)-1H-indol-2-yl]-2,2-dimethylpropionic acid (AM803), a potent, oral,
      once daily FLAP inhibitor.
AB  - The potent 5-lipoxygenase-activating protein (FLAP) inhibitor 3-[3-tert
      butylsulfanyl-1-[4-(6-ethoxypyridin-3-yl)benzyl]-5-(5-methylpyridin-2-ylmethoxy)
      1H-indol-2-yl]-2,2-dimethylpropionic acid 11cc is described (AM803, now
      GSK2190915). Building upon AM103 (1) (Hutchinson et al. J. Med Chem.2009, 52,
      5803-5815; Stock et al. Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 2010, 20, 213-217; Stock et al.
      Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett.2010, 20, 4598-4601), SAR studies centering around the
      pyridine moiety led to the discovery of compounds that exhibit significantly
      increased potency in a human whole blood assay measuring LTB(4) inhibition with
      longer drug preincubation times (15 min vs 5 h). Further studies identified 11cc
      with a potency of 2.9 nM in FLAP binding, an IC(50) of 76 nM for inhibition of
      LTB(4) in human blood (5 h incubation) and excellent preclinical toxicology and
      pharmacokinetics in rat and dog. 11cc also demonstrated an extended
      pharmacodynamic effect in a rodent bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) model. This
      compound has successfully completed phase 1 clinical studies in healthy
      volunteers and is currently undergoing phase 2 trials in asthmatic patients.

PMID- 22059883
TI  - Evolution of iridium-based molecular catalysts during water oxidation with ceric
      ammonium nitrate.
AB  - Organometallic iridium complexes have been reported as water oxidation catalysts
      (WOCs) in the presence of ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN). One challenge for all
      WOCs regardless of the metal used is stability. Here we provide evidence for
      extensive modification of many Ir-based WOCs even after exposure to only 5 or 15
      equiv of Ce(IV) (whereas typically 100-10000 equiv are employed during WOC
      testing). We also show formation of Ir-rich nanoparticles (likely IrO(x)) even in
      the first 20 min of reaction, associated with a Ce matrix. A combination of UV
      vis and NMR spectroscopy, scanning transmission electron microscopy, and powder X
      ray diffraction is used. Even simple IrCl(3) is an excellent catalyst. Our
      results point to the pitfalls of studying Ir WOCs using CAN.

PMID- 22059884
TI  - Social networking for adolescents with severe haemophilia.
AB  - Access to modern treatments allows adolescents with haemophilia to manage their
      haemophilia at home, with improved treatment outcomes and quality of life, but
      has reduced peer support and the potential for experiential learning from older
      peers. Social networking, aided by modern communication technologies, may offer
      health benefits through peer support. We sought to assess whether or not disease
      specific social networking could benefit adolescents with severe haemophilia. A
      total of 150 adolescents (aged 10-18) with severe haemophilia A or B from 11 UK
      treatment centres or those who had attended focus groups to explore the potential
      for a social network designed specifically for their use were surveyed. Teenage
      boys with severe haemophilia in the UK who responded to an online and paper
      questionnaire (n = 47; 31% response rate) rarely knew of or socialized with
      others with haemophilia outside their families. Two-thirds of respondents said
      they would like to meet others. For 70% of boys, parents were the major source of
      information about haemophilia, yet more than half said they often had trouble
      finding answers to their questions. These boys frequently used online social
      networks to chat with friends. Adolescents with severe haemophilia frequently
      have limited contact with others and many wish to have greater contact. They may
      benefit from peer support and experiential learning gained through online social
      networking. The SixVibe restricted access social network is to be launched in
      2011. It includes features designed to promote and facilitate the development of
      peer-to peer disease management skills for adolescents with severe haemophilia.

PMID- 22059885
TI  - The two-component histidine kinases DrkA and SlnA are required for in vivo growth
      in the human pathogen Penicillium marneffei.
AB  - In order to cause disease fungal pathogens must be capable of evading or
      tolerating the host immune defence system. One commonly utilized evasion
      mechanism is the ability to continually reside within macrophages of the innate
      immune system and survive subsequent phagocytic destruction. For intracellular
      growth to occur, fungal pathogens which typically grow in a filamentous hyphal
      form in the environment must be able to switch growth to a unicellular yeast
      growth form in a process known as dimorphic switching. The cue to undergo
      dimorphic switching relies on the recognition of, and response to, the
      intracellular host environment. Two-component signalling systems are utilized by
      eukaryotes to sense and respond to changes in the external environment. This
      study has investigated the role of the hybrid histidine kinase components encoded
      by drkA and slnA, in the dimorphic pathogen Penicillium marneffei. Both SlnA and
      DrkA are required for stress adaptation but are uniquely required for different
      aspects of asexual development, hyphal morphogenesis and cell wall integrity.
      Importantly, slnA and drkA are both essential for the generation of yeast cells
      in vivo, with slnA required for the germination of conidia and drkA required for
      dimorphic switching during macrophage infection.

PMID- 22059886
TI  - A parallel method for enumerating amino acid compositions and masses of all
      theoretical peptides.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Enumeration of all theoretically possible amino acid compositions is
      an important problem in several proteomics workflows, including peptide mass
      fingerprinting, mass defect labeling, mass defect filtering, and de novo peptide
      sequencing. Because of the high computational complexity of this task, reported
      methods for peptide enumeration were restricted to cover limited mass ranges
      (below 2 kDa). In addition, implementation details of these methods as well as
      their computational performance have not been provided. The increasing
      availability of parallel (multi-core) computers in all fields of research makes
      the development of parallel methods for peptide enumeration a timely topic.
      RESULTS: We describe a parallel method for enumerating all amino acid
      compositions up to a given length. We present recursive procedures which are at
      the core of the method, and show that a single task of enumeration of all peptide
      compositions can be divided into smaller subtasks that can be executed in
      parallel. The computational complexity of the subtasks is compared with the
      computational complexity of the whole task. Pseudocodes of processes (a master
      and workers) that are used to execute the enumerating procedure in parallel are
      given. We present computational times for our method executed on a computer
      cluster with 12 Intel Xeon X5650 CPUs (72 cores) running Windows HPC Server. Our
      method has been implemented as a 32- and 64-bit Windows application using
      Microsoft Visual C++ and the Message Passing Interface. It is available for
      download at https://ispace.utmb.edu/users/rgsadygo/Proteomics/ParallelMethod.
      CONCLUSION: We describe implementation of a parallel method for generating mass
      distributions of all theoretically possible amino acid compositions.

PMID- 22059887
TI  - Tenderisation of lamb meat: Effect of rapid postmortem temperature drop on muscle
      conditioning and aging.
AB  - Lamb Longissimus dorsi muscles were excised from carcasses of 9-12 kg and 16-20
      kg weight and brought to internal temperatures of either 0 degrees C, 4 degrees
      C, 10 degrees C, 15 degrees C, 20 degrees C or 36 degrees C within 3-4h post
      mortem. After rigor completion they were allowed to age at 4 degrees C for 7
      days. Sensory panel scores obtained on the first day of post-rigor aging showed
      that meat from heavier animals was tougher than that of lighter ones at any
      temperature. In all cases aging for 7 days had a marked tenderising effect which
      was similar at all studied temperatures, and greater in heavier animals.
      Tenderness was also dependent on the temperature at conditioning, as shortening
      caused by either high or low temperature resulted in meat toughening. The sole
      and surprising exception to this fact was, however, the high sensory scores
      obtained in 0 degrees C experiments, even though shortening occurred as expected.
      In fact, a more intense proteolysis was evident in this case, which was already
      apparent on the first day of aging. The effect of a rapid drop of muscle
      temperature to 0 degrees C on the fast and intense proteolysis, capable of even
      overcoming toughness due to cold shortening, was explained by the higher pH and
      the dramatic increase of the sarcoplasmic Ca(++) level induced early post mortem
      by chilling and which might result in the activation of calpain.

PMID- 22059888
TI  - Effect of mixing male sex types of cattle on their meat quality and stress
      related parameters.
AB  - Mixing of male cattle prior to slaughter results in increased physical activity,
      particularly homosexual behaviour, teasing and mounting. The number of mounts
      exhibited during the initial 4 h after mixing showed statistically significant
      correlations with serum enzyme levels at slaughter, pHu, glycolytic metabolites,
      colour and pigment proportions of M. longissumus dorsi at 48 h post-mortem. The
      amount of teasing showed significant correlations with pHu, glycolytic
      metabolites, colour and pigment proportions. The aggressive behaviour, pushing
      and butting, occurred only as retaliative acts and did not seem to affect meat
      quality. Among the male types used in this study, the vasectomised bulls were
      found to be more homosexually hyperactive and thus produced the highest number of
      dark-cutting carcasses, suggesting that the vasectomised bulls are more prone to
      dark-cutting due to mounting that occurs during pre-slaughter mixing.

PMID- 22059889
TI  - Performance and carcass characteristics of bulls as influenced by exogenous
      hormones.
AB  - One-hundred and forty-four weanling bulls of Angus (A, n = 48), Simmental x
      Hereford (SH, n = 8) and Simmental (S, n = 48) breeding were either castrated,
      left intact, left intact and implanted with Ralgro or left intact and implanted
      with Synovex S. Cattle were slaughtered after 190, 246 or 315 days of high-energy
      feeding. The right side of each carcass was electrically stimulated. Steers were
      inferior to intact treatments for most performance and carcass cutability traits,
      but steers were superior in marbling and lean quality (P < 0.05). There were no
      differences (P>0.05) in dressing percentage or ribeye area per 100 kg of carcass
      weight among treatments. Relative to intact bulls, Ralgro and Synovex S increased
      carcass masculinity. Implanted intact treatments did not differ from nonimplanted
      intacts for feed conversion, average daily gain, yield grade characteristics,
      percent longissimus dorsi chemical fat and 9-10dash11th rib composition (P
      >0.05).

PMID- 22059890
TI  - Palatability of beef from bulls administered exogenous hormones.
AB  - One-hundred and forty four weanling bulls of Angus (A, n = 48), Simmental x
      Hereford (SH, n = 48) and Simmental (S, n = 48) breeding were either castrated,
      left intact, left intact and implanted with Ralgro or left intact and implanted
      with Synovex S. Cattle were slaughtered after either 190, 246 or 315 days of high
      energy feeding, and the right side of each carcass was electrically stimulated.
      Sensory analysis was conducted on longissimus dorsi steaks after 5 days aging and
      Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBS) was measured after 5, 10 and 15 days aging.
      Steers had lower (P < 0.05) WBS and more desirable sensory panel scores for
      juiciness, ease of fragmentation, amount of connective tissue and overall
      tenderness than all intact treatments. The implanting of weanling bulls with
      synthetic steroid hormone compounds did not make a practical improvement in beef
      tenderness.

PMID- 22059891
TI  - Consumer attitudes to selected lamb cuts.
AB  - Analysis of responses by 151 people to five questions about meat and, in
      particular, lamb, showed that consumption of lamb on a weekly basis varied widely
      between consumers. There was some evidence that people who produce their own meat
      have a higher consumption of lamb than those who do not. A clear preference for
      either traditional or alternative lamb cuts according to the sex of the
      respondent was not found. Overall 60% of respondents preferred bone-in as opposed
      to bone-out leg, 72% preferred midloin to valentine chops and 73% preferred bone
      out as opposed to bone-in forequarters.

PMID- 22059892
TI  - Microbiological effects of acid decontamination of pork carcasses at various
      locations in processing.
AB  - The microbiological effect of hot (55 degrees  C), 1% (v/v) lactic acid sprayed
      on the surface of pork carcasses (n = 36) immediately after dehairing, after
      evisceration (immediately before chilling) or at both locations in slaughter/
      processing was determined. Mean aerobic plate counts (APCs) of all acid-treated
      carcass surfaces were numerically lower than those of control carcasses: however,
      in most cases these reductions were not statistically significant (P>0.05). All
      samples tested for the presence of Salmonella and Listeria were negative. No
      significant differences in sensory characteristics or microbiological counts were
      evident for acid-treated and control carcass loins that were vacuum packaged and
      stored 0-14 days post-fabrication. Mean pH value and scores of sensory attributes
      such as lean color, surface discoloration, fat color, overall appearance and off
      odor of chops from acid-treated carcasses were not significantly and/or
      consistently different from chops of comparable control carcasses. The role of
      bacterial attachment to pork skin and its effect on the decontaminating
      efficiency of lactic acid are discussed.

PMID- 22059893
TI  - The microbiology of sheep carcasses processed in a modern Indian abattoir.
AB  - A study has been conducted on the microbiology of sheep carcasses processed in a
      modern abattoir. The data revealed that careful handling at the different stages
      of processing of sheep reduced the level of microbial contamination of carcasses.
      Processing steps such as evisceration and washing did not increase the microbial
      counts on the carcass surface. Sources of microbial contamination in the abattoir
      were examined. It was observed that skin, floor washings, intestinal contents and
      gambrels were the major sources of microbial contamination. Seasonality did not
      have any effect on the microbial contamination of carcasses. The study revealed
      that total plate counts in 86.6% of the carcasses ranged between 3.0
      4.9log/cm(2). The counts of coliforms, staphylococci, enterococci and
      psychrotrophs were low. Pathogens such as Salmonella were not detected. The
      microbial counts were well within the generally acceptable levels. These findings
      demonstrated hygienic handling of carcasses. Shoulder and neck are the critical
      points for microbiological sampling as these sites showed higher microbial
      counts. Micrococcus and Staphylococcus predominated among microorganisms
      associated with carcasses. It was noted that differences occurred in microbial
      types of carcasses processed in tropical and temperate climates. The data
      generated in a model facility procided useful information for improving meat
      handling practices.

PMID- 22059894
TI  - The microbiological and technological properties of bruised beef.
AB  - Currently, bruised beef is condemned under meat hygiene regulations within
      Australia. The aim of this study was to determine whether bruised beef was
      microbiologically and technologically sound and therefore suitable for use in
      processed meat products. Paired samples of bruised and unbruised beef from sides
      processed through three abattoirs were collected over an 18 month period, and
      analysed for a range of microbiological, chemical and physical parameters. There
      were no differences in the microbiological loads or growth rates of micro
      organisms, and only small differences in the compositional and processing
      properties between the two tissues. There appears to be no microbiological or
      technological reason for the condemnation of bruised beef.

PMID- 22059895
TI  - Fatty acid composition of subcutaneous and intramuscular adipose tissues and M.
      longissimus dorsi of Wagyu cattle.
AB  - Three experiments were conducted to document the fatty acid composition of
      tissues from purebred Wagyu cattle from Japan and North American crossbred Wagyu.
      In experiment 1, subcutaneous (s.c.) adipose tissues (n = 23) were obtained from
      Japanese cattle representing the five Japanese fat quality grades. The
      monounsaturated:saturated fatty acid ratio (MUFA:SFA) was greatest in fat quality
      grade 5 samples (2.57) and least in the fat quality grade 3 samples (2.08; P <
      0.05). In experiment 2, M. longissimus dorsi and the associated intramuscular
      (i.m.) and s.c. adipose tissues were obtained from carcasses of Wagyu crossbred
      steers (1/2-7/8) raised in the USA. Fatty acid composition varied among depots,
      but the MUFA:SFA ratio in s.c. adipose tissue (1.46) was not different from
      values reported for other breeds of cattle. In experiment 3, samples of M.
      longissimus dorsi ribsteaks were obtained from three regions in Japan. Samples
      from the Gunma region had the greatest (P < 0.05) MUFA:SFA ratio (2.10), relative
      to samples from the Kagoshima (1.82) and Miyazaki (1.65) regions. The data
      indicate that beef from purebred Wagyu cattle raised in Japan is enriched in
      monounsaturated fatty acids, and that the degree of enrichment depends upon the
      region of Japan from which the samples were obtained.

PMID- 22059896
TI  - Determination of the antioxidative activity of substituted 5-aminopyrimidines.
AB  - The aminopyrimidine structural motif can be found in diverse biologically active
      compounds. This study aimed to describe the antioxidant activity of a series of
      di- and tri-substituted 5-aminopyrimidines using in vitro (TEAC, LPO) and cell
      based assays. 2,4,6-trisubstituted 5-aminopyrimidines displayed the highest
      activity in the TEAC and LPO assays whereas compounds with protected 5-aminogroup
      were active in the cellular assay. This is most likely because of their better
      membrane permeability and intracellular metabolic activation. In summary, we have
      identified the antioxidant activity of a series of substituted 5-aminopyrimidines
      and their potential prodrugs which may have implications in the treatment of
      oxidative stress-related diseases.

PMID- 22059897
TI  - Nanoparticle attachment on silver corrugated-wire nanoantenna for large increases
      of surface-enhanced Raman scattering.
AB  - Using three-dimensional finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulation, we
      described a systematic investigation on the electric field enhancement of the
      silver corrugated nanowires. The enhancement factor (EF) of surface-enhanced
      Raman scattering (SERS) for corrugated nanowires can be markedly increased by 1
      or 2 orders of magnitude as compared with the smooth nanowires. Moreover, the EF
      can be further increased with nanoparticle attachment on the corrugated Ag
      nanowires owing to the coupling between the discrete plasmon state of the
      nanoparticles and continuum plasmon states of the corrugated nanowire or the
      crossed corrugated nanowires. The surface plasmonic field distribution of Ag
      nanowires can be effectively controlled by the polarization of the incident
      light. Raman spectrum measurements show that the relatively dense corrugated
      nanowires exhibit a relatively high reproducibility and SERS enhancement
      attributed to the elimination of polarization-dependent SERS-anisotropic
      enhancement via the overlapping of randomly distributed Ag nanowires. Such
      nanostructures as potential nanoantennas offer a route to optimize plasmon
      coupling for designing miniaturization integration.

PMID- 22059898
TI  - Common variable immunodeficiency complicated with hemolytic uremic syndrome.
AB  - Common variable immunodeficiency is a primary immunodeficiency disease
      characterized by reduced serum immunoglobulins and heterogeneous clinical
      features. Recurrent pyogenic infections of upper and lower respiratory tracts are
      the main clinical manifestations of common variable immunodeficiency. Hemolytic
      uremic syndrome is a multisystemic disorder characterized by thrombocytopenia,
      microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, and organ ischemia due to platelet aggregation
      in the arterial microvasculature. This is one of the rare cases of patients
      diagnosed with common variable immunodeficiency, which was complicated by
      hemolytic uremic syndrome.

PMID- 22059899
TI  - Cranial repair: how complicated is filling a "hole"?
AB  - In general, cranioplasty is viewed as a straightforward surgical procedure, and
      for many years the complications associated with the procedure have been
      underestimated. We reviewed our 5-year experience consisting of 218
      cranioplasties. Study outcomes focused specifically on the occurrence of
      complications after cranioplasty. Autologous bone-assisted and prosthetic
      cranioplasties were considered. Variables described by other authors to be
      associated with complications were studied, including history of previous
      cranioplasty, wider craniectomy size, bifrontal craniectomy, and delayed
      cranioplasty. We also analyzed the influence of material used for craniectomy on
      the occurrence of complications. The overall complication rate was 19.7%.
      Nineteen cases of infection (8.7%), 5 cases of postoperative wound dehiscence
      (2.3%), 6 cases of epidural hemorrhage (2.8%), and 13 cases of cranioplasty
      dislocation (5.9%) were observed. Bifrontal cranioplasties were more frequently
      associated with complications (p=0.01; Fisher's exact test) and infection
      (p<0.0001; Fisher's exact test). Postoperative wound dehiscence was more
      frequently observed with hand-made or custom-made cranioplasties compared with
      autologous cranioplasties (p=0.02). Early cranioplasty (<3 months from
      craniectomy) was significantly associated with cranioplasty dislocation (p=0.03).
      Logistical regression analysis showed that the only factor independently
      associated with complication was the site of cranioplasty (p=0.01). In
      particular, patients with a bifrontal cranioplasty had a 2-fold increased risk of
      complication (CI 95 1.1-3.6, p=0.017) and a 2.5-fold increased risk of developing
      infection (CI 95 1.3-4.9, p=0.009) compared with hemispheric/bihemispheric
      cranioplasty. Our analysis confirms that cranioplasty is burdened by a
      significant complication rate. In this context, bifrontal cranioplasty is related
      to a higher risk of complication and, in particular, infection.

PMID- 22059900
TI  - Curvature and the visual perception of shape: theory on information along object
      boundaries and the minima rule revisited.
AB  - Previous empirical studies have shown that information along visual contours is
      known to be concentrated in regions of high magnitude of curvature, and, for
      closed contours, segments of negative curvature (i.e., concave segments) carry
      greater perceptual relevance than corresponding regions of positive curvature
      (i.e., convex segments). Lately, Feldman and Singh (2005, Psychological Review,
      112, 243-252) proposed a mathematical derivation to yield information content as
      a function of curvature along a contour. Here, we highlight several fundamental
      errors in their derivation and in its associated implementation, which are
      problematic in both mathematical and psychological senses. Instead, we propose an
      alternative mathematical formulation for information measure of contour curvature
      that addresses these issues. Additionally, unlike in previous work, we extend
      this approach to 3-dimensional (3D) shape by providing a formal measure of
      information content for surface curvature and outline a modified version of the
      minima rule relating to part segmentation using curvature in 3D shape.

PMID- 22059901
TI  - A stochastic detection and retrieval model for the study of metacognition.
AB  - We present a signal detection-like model termed the stochastic detection and
      retrieval model (SDRM) for use in studying metacognition. Focusing on paradigms
      that relate retrieval (e.g., recall or recognition) and confidence judgments, the
      SDRM measures (1) variance in the retrieval process, (2) variance in the
      confidence process, (3) the extent to which different sources of information
      underlie each response, (4) simple bias (i.e., increasing or decreasing
      confidence criteria across conditions), and (5) metacognitive bias (i.e.,
      contraction or expansion of the confidence criteria across conditions). In the
      metacognition literature, gamma correlations have been used to measure the
      accuracy of confidence judgments. However, gamma cannot distinguish between the
      first 3 attributes, and it cannot measure either form of bias. In contrast, the
      SDRM can distinguish among the attributes, and it can measure both forms of bias.
      In this way, the SDRM can be used to test competing process theories by
      determining the attribute that best accounts for a change across conditions. To
      demonstrate the SDRM's usefulness, we investigated judgments of learning (JOLs)
      followed by cued-recall. Through a series of nested and non-nested model
      comparisons applied to a new experiment, the SDRM determined that a reduction in
      variance during the confidence process is the most likely explanation of the
      delayed-JOL effect, and a stronger relation between information underlying JOLs
      and recall is the most likely explanation of the testing-JOL effect. Following a
      brief discussion of implications for JOL theories, we conclude with a broader
      discussion of how the SDRM can benefit metacognition research.

PMID- 22059902
TI  - Robotic surgery claims on United States hospital websites.
AB  - To examine the prevalence and content of robotic surgery information presented on
      websites of U.S. hospitals. We completed a systematic analysis of 400 randomly
      selected U.S. hospital websites in June of 2010. Data were collected on the
      presence and location of robotic surgery information on a hospital's website; use
      of images or text provided by the manufacturer; use of direct link to
      manufacturer website; statements of clinical superiority; statements of improved
      cancer outcome; mention of a comparison group for a statement; citation of
      supporting data and mention of specific risks. Forty-one percent of hospital
      websites described robotic surgery. Among these, 37% percent presented robotic
      surgery on their homepage, 73% used manufacturer-provided stock images or text,
      and 33% linked to a manufacturer website. Statements of clinical superiority were
      made on 86% of websites, with 32% describing improved cancer control, and 2%
      described a reference group. No hospital website mentioned risks. Materials
      provided by hospitals regarding the surgical robot overestimate benefits, largely
      ignore risks and are strongly influenced by the manufacturer.

PMID- 22059903
TI  - Parametric analysis of a novel semi-circular microfluidic CD-ELISA valve.
AB  - CD-ELISA uses the microfluidic ranking method and centrifugal force to control
      the testing solution as it flows into the reaction region. The most challenging
      part of CD-ELISA is controlling the flow process for different biological testing
      solutions, i.e. the controlling sequence for the microfluidic channel valves. The
      microfluidic channel valve is therefore the most important fluid channel
      structure for CD-ELISA. In this study, we propose a valve design suitable for a
      wide range rotational speeds which can be applied for mass production (molding).
      Together with supporting experiments, simulation based on two-phase flow theory
      is used in this study, and the feasibility of this novel valve design is
      confirmed. Influencing design factors for the microfluidic channel valves in CD
      ELISA are investigated, including various shapes of the arc, distance d, radius
      r, the location of the center of the circle, and the contact angle. From both the
      experimental results and the simulated results, it is evident that the narrowest
      channel width and the contact angle are the primary factors influencing valve
      burst frequency. These can be used as the main controlling factors during the
      design.

PMID- 22059904
TI  - Functional and anatomic response of the retina and the choroid to intravitreal
      bevacizumab for macular edema.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study evaluated the rate of change of best corrected visual acuity
      (BCVA), central retinal sensitivity, and retinal and choroidal thickness in
      patients with macular edema after intravitreal bevacizumab. METHODS: This was a
      prospective, nonrandomized, interventional study. Thirty-four consecutive eyes
      (34 patients) with macular edema were included in the study. Choroidal
      neovascularization was present in 21 cases, stage 1 retinal angiomatous
      proliferation in 6 cases, branch retinal vein occlusion in 4 cases, and diabetic
      edema in 3 cases. Evaluation of BCVA (Early Treatment Diabetic Retinopathy Study
      [ETDRS] logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution [LogMAR]), central
      retinochoroidal thickness (RCT) at standardized A-scan, combined optical
      coherence tomography/microperimetric assessment of central retinal thickness
      (RT), central scotoma, and fixation behavior was performed during 12 months after
      treatment. Choroidal thickness was considered as the difference between RCT and
      RT. All patients received two initial intravitreal bevacizumab injections (1.25
      mg/0.05 mL) at a 1-month interval. RESULTS: BCVA and RT during follow-up were
      significantly better than at baseline. BCVA was improved of 0.32+/-0.3 LogMAR
      (P<0.001) at month 1, 0.18+/-0.4 LogMAR (P=0.05) at month 6, and 0.14+/-0.2
      (P=0.09) at month 12. RT was reduced by 172.9+/-192.8 MUm (P<0.001) at month 1,
      157.7+/-134.2 MUm (P=0.003) at month 6, and 164.3+/-122.3 (P=0.002) at month 12.
      Mean retinal sensitivity significantly increased during the first month; it
      decreased afterward, but an improvement if compared with baseline was present at
      each visit during follow-up. In 23.5% of cases, a choroidal thinning was present
      during follow-up, and in this group visual acuity at baseline and final visual
      improvement were significantly greater if compared with patients showing a
      choroidal thickening. CONCLUSION: Intravitreal bevacizumab for macular edema
      determines significant functional and anatomic improvement at the 12-month follow
      up. Visual acuity at baseline and following treatment could be influenced by the
      choroidal involvement.

PMID- 22059905
TI  - Current development of the second generation of mTOR inhibitors as anticancer
      agents.
AB  - The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), a serine/threonine protein kinase, acts
      as a "master switch" for cellular anabolic and catabolic processes, regulating
      the rate of cell growth and proliferation. Dysregulation of the mTOR signaling
      pathway occurs frequently in a variety of human tumors, and thus, mTOR has
      emerged as an important target for the design of anticancer agents. mTOR is found
      in two distinct multiprotein complexes within cells, mTORC1 and mTORC2. These two
      complexes consist of unique mTOR-interacting proteins and are regulated by
      different mechanisms. Enormous advances have been made in the development of
      drugs known as mTOR inhibitors. Rapamycin, the first defined inhibitor of mTOR,
      showed effectiveness as an anticancer agent in various preclinical models.
      Rapamycin analogues (rapalogs) with better pharmacologic properties have been
      developed. However, the clinical success of rapalogs has been limited to a few
      types of cancer. The discovery that mTORC2 directly phosphorylates Akt, an
      important survival kinase, adds new insight into the role of mTORC2 in cancer.
      This novel finding prompted efforts to develop the second generation of mTOR
      inhibitors that are able to target both mTORC1 and mTORC2. Here, we review the
      recent advances in the mTOR field and focus specifically on the current
      development of the second generation of mTOR inhibitors as anticancer agents.

PMID- 22059906
TI  - Recent progress in the study of methylated tumor suppressor genes in gastric
      cancer.
AB  - Gastric cancer is one of the most common malignancies and a leading cause of
      cancer mortality worldwide. The pathogenesis mechanisms of gastric cancer are
      still not fully clear. Inactivation of tumor suppressor genes and activation of
      oncogenes caused by genetic and epigenetic alterations are known to play
      significant roles in carcinogenesis. Accumulating evidence has shown that
      epigenetic silencing of the tumor suppressor genes, particularly caused by
      hypermethylation of CpG islands in promoters, is critical to carcinogenesis and
      metastasis. Here, we review the recent progress in the study of methylations of
      tumor suppressor genes involved in the pathogenesis of gastric cancer. We also
      briefly describe the mechanisms that induce tumor suppressor gene methylation and
      the status of translating these molecular mechanisms into clinical applications.

PMID- 22059907
TI  - Epigenetic changes in colorectal cancer.
AB  - Epigenetic changes frequently occur in human colorectal cancer. Genomic global
      hypomethylation, gene promoter region hypermethylation, histone modifications,
      and alteration of miRNA patterns are major epigenetic changes in colorectal
      cancer. Loss of imprinting(LOI) is associated with colorectal neoplasia. Folate
      deficiency may cause colorectal carcinogenesis by inducing gene-specific
      hypermethylation and genomic global hypomethylation. HDAC inhibitors and
      demethylating agents have been approved by the FDA for myelodysplastic syndrome
      and leukemia treatment. Non-coding RNA is regarded as another kind of epigenetic
      marker in colorectal cancer. This review is mainly focused on DNA methylation,
      histone modification, and microRNA changes in colorectal cancer.

PMID- 22059908
TI  - Aberrant promoter CpG methylation and its translational applications in breast
      cancer.
AB  - Breast cancer is a complex disease driven by multiple factors including both
      genetic and epigenetic alterations. Recent studies revealed that abnormal gene
      expression induced by epigenetic changes, including aberrant promoter methylation
      and histone modification, plays a critical role in human breast carcinogenesis.
      Silencing of tumor suppressor genes (TSGs) by promoter CpG methylation
      facilitates cells growth and survival advantages and further results in tumor
      initiation and progression, thus directly contributing to breast tumorigenesis.
      Usually, aberrant promoter methylation of TSGs, which can be reversed by
      pharmacological reagents, occurs at the early stage of tumorigenesis and
      therefore may serve as a potential tumor marker for early diagnosis and
      therapeutic targeting of breast cancer. In this review, we summarize the
      epigenetic changes of multiple TSGs involved in breast pathogenesis and their
      potential clinical applications as tumor markers for early detection and
      treatment of breast cancer.

PMID- 22059909
TI  - Local recurrence of a parosteal osteosarcoma 21 years after incomplete resection.
AB  - Parosteal osteosarcoma (POS) is the most common form of surface osteosarcoma. Its
      symptoms are insidious and its duration prior to diagnosis is considerably longer
      than that of other types of osteosarcoma. We report a case of POS with a growing
      mass but no evidence of metastasis. This tumor, which was diagnosed as calcified
      hematoma with benign characteristics, was incompletely resected in our hospital
      21 years before the diagnosis of recurrence. The patient underwent a wide en bloc
      resection in our hospital and was free of symptoms, with no signs of tumor
      recurrence or metastasis during a 53-month follow-up.

PMID- 22059910
TI  - The evolution of phase I trials in cancer medicine: a critical review of the last
      decade.
AB  - The advent of targeted therapies, combined with an unsustainable rate of failure
      in oncology drug development, has resulted in a number of new approaches to
      clinical trials.  Early clinical trials are no exception, with efforts to improve
      the eventual success rate of late stage trials through evolving phase I trial
      methodologies, the addition of extensive pharmacodynamic studies, and early
      adoption of patient selection strategies.  Unfortunately, some of these new
      approaches have met with mixed results. Furthermore, no clear metrics are
      available to determine whether these designs are more successful than previous
      strategies. This review examines the evolution of phase I trials and draws upon
      several examples of strategies that have been successful as well as those that
      have not, and outlines a pragmatic approach to phase I trials as our
      understanding of the molecular biology of individual malignancies emerges.

PMID- 22059911
TI  - Potential of vesicular stomatitis virus as an oncolytic therapy for recurrent and
      drug-resistant ovarian cancer.
AB  - In the last decade, we have gained significant understanding of the mechanism by
      which vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) specifically kills cancer cells. 
      Dysregulation of translation and defective innate immunity are both thought to
      contribute to VSV oncolysis. Safety and efficacy are important objectives to
      consider in evaluating VSV as a therapy for malignant disease. Ongoing efforts
      may enable VSV virotherapy to be considered in the near future to treat drug
      resistant ovarian cancer when other options have been exhausted. In this article,
      we review the development of VSV as a potential therapeutic approach for
      recurrent or drug-resistant ovarian cancer.

PMID- 22059912
TI  - Anti-tumor effect of oncolytic herpes simplex virus G47delta on human
      nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
AB  - Oncolytic herpes simplex virus (HSV) can replicate in and kill cancer cells
      without harming normal tissue. G47delta is a third-generation HSV vector. In this
      study, the therapeutic effects of G47delta on human nasopharyngeal carcinoma
      (NPC) were determined in vitro and in vivo. The human NPC cell lines CNE-2 and
      SUNE-1, primary normal nasopharyngeal epithelial cells (NPECs), and immortalized
      nasopharyngeal cells NP-69 and NPEC2/Bmi1 were infected with G47delta at
      different multiplicities of infection (MOIs). The survival of infected cells was
      observed daily. Two subcutaneous models of NPC were established with CNE-2 and
      SUNE-1 in Balb/c nude mice. G47delta or virus buffer as control was injected into
      the subcutaneous tumors. Tumor size was measured twice a week, and animals were
      euthanized when the diameter of their tumors exceeded 18 mm or when the animals
      appeared moribund. For the NPC cell lines CNE-2 and SUNE-1, more than 85% and 95%
      of cells were killed on day 5 after G47delta infection at MOI = 0.01 and MOI =
      0.1, respectively. Similar results were observed for an immortalized cell line
      NPEC2/Bmi-1. A moderate effect of G47delta was also found on another immortalized
      cell line NP-69, of which only 27.7% and 75.9% of cells were killed at MOI = 0.01
      and MOI = 0.1, respectively. On the contrary, there was almost no effect observed
      on NPECs. The in vivo experiments showed that tumors in mice in the G47delta
      treated group regressed completely, and the mice exhibited much longer survival
      time than those in the control groups. Our results suggest that the potential
      therapeutic effects of G47delta would be applicable for treatment of NPC patients
      in the future.

PMID- 22059914
TI  - Relationship of physically separable lean with chemical lean in pig carcasses.
AB  - This study was conducted to examine the relationships between 'physically
      separable lean' (carried out by the Kulmbach reference technique) and 'lean'
      determined by moisture or lipid analysis (called chemical lean). Five major cuts
      (ham, shoulder, loin, belly and neck), originating from the Hungarian cross-breed
      'Hungahyb', were dissected and the weights recorded. The moisture and lipid
      contents of three tissue groups (lean, intermuscular fatty tissue and remainder)
      were determined by common laboratory methods. Adequate estimators (predictors)
      were then developed for the assessment of standardized or non-standardized lean
      content in the 'boneless cut' (without skin and subcutaneous fatty tissue). It
      was shown that the concept of moisture-standardized lean is analogous to that of
      the fat-standardized one. It appears that unbiased estimators could be obtained
      if the interdependences between the chemical composition (moisture or lipid
      content) of the lean, the 'residue' (intermuscular fatty tissue + remainder) and
      that of the 'boneless cut' are included in the respective equations. If these
      interdependences are neglected and only the corresponding means are used in these
      equations, biased estimates have been obtained for the standardized or non
      standardized lean content in the 'boneless cut'. Difficulties arising at
      practical application of these concepts are also discussed in this paper.

PMID- 22059915
TI  - The estimation of beef carcass muscle using cross-sectional area of M.
      longissimus dorsi at the fifth rib.
AB  - The improvements in the accuracy of prediction of side muscle (weight and
      proportion) using measurements of eye muscle area at the 10th rib (EMA(10)) and
      eye muscle area at the 5th rib (EMA(5)), were compared in 48 steers, grain-fed
      for the Japanese market. For side muscle proportion the addition of EMA(10) to
      hot side weight and a fat thickness measurement did not improve prediction but
      the addition of EMA(5) did. P8 fat thickness together with hot side weight and
      EMA(5) (each, P<0.001) predicted side muscle proportion with an SEE of 2.05% and
      an R(2) of 61%, while the values for 10th rib thickness together with hot side
      weight and EMA(5) (each, P<0.001) were 2.09% and 68%, respectively. For the
      prediction of side muscle weight a fat thickness measurement and hot side weight
      (both, P<0.001) explained 77-84% of variance; the addition of an eye muscle area
      measurement further improved prediction with the most accurate being P8 fat
      thickness together with hot side weight and EMA(5).

PMID- 22059916
TI  - Sex and crossbreed effects on the characteristics of dry-cured ham.
AB  - The right ham of 76 gilts and 82 barrows from five different crossbreeds, which
      included Duroc (DU), Landrace (LR), Large White (LW) and Belgian Landrace (BL)
      lines - DUx(LRxLW), LWx(DUxLW), LWx(LRxLW), BLx(DUxLW) and BLx(LRxLW) - were
      processed to produce dry cured hams. The external appearance of the hams, and the
      colour and thickness of the subcutaneous fat were determined. Chemical analyses,
      appearance, texture, flavour and odour were evaluated on biceps femoris (BF)
      muscle. The hams from the barrows showed a thicker and whiter layer of
      subcutaneous fat, higher marbling and lower processing loss than those from
      gilts. Hams from DU-sired pigs presented the highest marbling, but the worst
      texture characteristics. The texture characteristics of the hams from the
      LBx(LRxLW) cross were similar to those of the hams from DU-sired pigs. The hams
      from the LW-sired crosses showed the highest intensity of holes surrounding the
      coxo-femoral joint. The LBx(DUxLW) could be the most suitable among the five
      crosses studied for dry-cured ham production under the processing conditions used
      in this study.

PMID- 22059917
TI  - Atmosphere and blooming time affect color and lipid stability of frozen beef from
      steers supplemented with Vitamin E.
AB  - The influence of blooming time (1, 6 or 48 h) and atmosphere (air or 100% oxygen)
      on color and lipid stability of frozen Longissimus lumborum (LL) from control and
      vitamin E supplemented steers was studied. Samples were stored at -20 degrees C
      with or without illumination. Blooming control LL for 48 h in air followed by
      dark storage increased discoloration. Supplementation and blooming in oxygen,
      separately or combined, increased color display life. Illumination increased
      discoloration. Supplementation coupled with blooming for 6 or 48 h in 100% oxygen
      provided the highest color stability in both dark and illuminated storage. Color
      display lives for supplemented LL bloomed for 6 and 48 h in oxygen were 182 and
      212 days for dark storage, and 21 and 73 days for illuminated display.
      Supplementation decreased lipid oxidation in illuminated LL, but blooming for 48
      h in oxygen minimized this effect.

PMID- 22059918
TI  - Partial replacement of sodium chloride with potassium chloride in dry fermented
      sausages: Influence on carbohydrate fermentation and the nitrosation process.
AB  - Two types of dry fermented sausages were manufactured: type A with traditional
      formulation and type B with reduced sodium content. pH and a(w) values and the
      counts of aerobic mesophiles, Enterobacteriaceae and lactobacilli micro-organisms
      during the ripening of both fermented sausages were similar. Final lactic acid
      contents were also similar, but carbohydrate content was significantly lower in
      type B sausage. Content of acetic, propionic and butyric acids were significantly
      higher in type B, suggesting a higher heterofermentative activity. Also type B
      sausage showed lower nitrate level and higher chemical conversion percentage,
      suggesting a higher nitrosation intensity.

PMID- 22059919
TI  - Dry fermented sausages elaborated with lipase from Candida cylindracea.
      Comparison with traditional formulations.
AB  - The addition of microbial lipase to fermented sausages was studied. A sausage
      with lipase from Candida cylindracea and a control sausage with starter
      (Lactobacillus plantarum and Staphylococcus carnosus) were produced in a pilot
      plant. The acidity value and the amounts of the different free fatty acids (FFA)
      showed a higher intensity of lipolytic activity in sausages with lipase than in
      sausages with starter. In sausages with lipase, the percentage of saturated FFA
      was greater and that of polyunsaturated FFA was lower than in sausage with
      starter. Mono-unsaturated FFA percentage was similar in both sausages. TBA and
      peroxide values indicated that the increase of FFA produced by lipase action did
      not increase the rancidity. A slight increase in acetic, propionic and butyric
      acids was observed in sausage with lipase but this was not sufficient to develop
      excessive acidity in the product.

PMID- 22059920
TI  - The measurement of meat pigments by fibre-optic reflectance spectrophotometry
      using the Kubelka-Munk equation.
AB  - A reflectance spectrophotometry system with an adhesive pad type fibreoptic probe
      was developed to measure a wide range of absorbance. The performance of the
      instrument was evaluated by undertaking in vitro measurements of the reflectance
      spectra of metmyoglobin solution and meat pastes containing known amounts of oxy
      , deoxy- and metmyoglobin. The absorbance of metmyoglobin solution in the range
      of 0-4 mg/dl as successfully distinguised, but at the upper range of 4 mg/ml the
      reflectance results were not in proportion to the concentration. All absorbances
      at 525 nm for meat pastes were also not in proportion to the concentration. These
      non-linearities were considered to be a result of back-scattering. Therefore, the
      K/S value of the Kubelka-Munk equation was applied in an effort the refine the
      fibre optic reflectance method. Positive correlations between the myoglobin
      concentration and the K/S values obtained from spectra of meat pastes were found.

PMID- 22059921
TI  - The influence of controlled atmosphere and vacuum packaging upon chilled pork
      keeping quality.
AB  - A total of 48 pork loin section (1 kg) with normal inherent muscle quality were
      utilized to evaluate and compare the effects of a vacuum packaging system and a
      CO(2) controlled atmosphere packaging system on keeping quality of chilled pork
      stored at -1.5 degrees C. Results indicated based upon appearance CO(2) packaged
      porl loin had a storage life of greated than 15 weeks and vacuum packaged pork
      loid had a storage life of slightly over 12 weeks. However, off-flavor
      development coinciding with lactic acid bacteria reaching maximum numbers
      presently restricts the actual storage life of pork loin stored at -1.5 degrees C
      to 9 weeks in both packaging treatments. Therefore, if microbial contamination on
      the commercial product can be reduced significantly to prevent spoilage
      organisms, including lactics, from rapidly growing to maximum numbers, storage
      life of pork loin at -1.5 degrees C can be extended sufficiently to accomodate
      all domestic and export applications using either vacuum or CO(2) packaging.

PMID- 22059922
TI  - Lipid and cholesterol oxidation in Chinese-style sausage using vacuum and
      modified atmosphere packaging.
AB  - The oxidation of lipid and cholesterol in Chinese-style sausage in vacuum
      packaging (VP) and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) stored at 4 degrees C and
      15 degrees C, respectively, for 5 months was investigated. The 2-thiobarbitaric
      acid reactive substance (TBARS) and peroxide value (POV) of sausage were variable
      with packaging treatments during storage. TBARS and POV in sausage stored at 15
      degrees C were significantly greater (p < 0.05) than at 4 degrees C, and the MAP
      treatment was more stable than the VP treatment. In addition, the polyunsaturated
      fatty acids (PUFA) in sausage decreased with storage for both treatments. The
      content of cholesterol decreased significantly after 3 months of storage. 7-beta
      hydroxycholesterol, 7-ketocholesterol and 22-ketocholesterol were the major
      cholesterol oxidation products (COPs), but there was no detectable (< 1 MUg/100
      g) 25-hydroxycholesterol or cholestanetriol with either treatment.

PMID- 22059923
TI  - Quality of beef from commercial fattening systems in Northern Germany.
AB  - The objectives of this study were to gather information on the quality of beef
      carcasses representative of commercial fattening systems and a new fattening
      regime for intensively fattened heifers. Data on the classification of the
      carcasses into the EC beef categories were analysed. In all 48 carcasses from the
      following categories were analysed: 10 intensively fattened heifers, eight young
      bulls, eight steers, eight heifers, eight dairy cows, and six once-bred heifers.
      Various approaches of univariate and multivariate analysis were conducted to
      analyse beef quality of M. longissimus dorsi and M. semitendinosus. The analysis
      reveals that variation of beef quality assessments is great within and between
      categories. A significant interaction between category and cooking condition was
      recorded for M. longissimus dorsi tenderness. As opposed to beef of intensively
      fattened heifers the sample of dairy cows is darkest with the lowest soluble
      collagen and the highest shear values. Assessments of the remaining categories
      are between these categories. The difference between intensively fattened heifers
      and dairy cows of shear work done was 0.218 J, of lightness (L) was 8.6 and of
      solubility of collagen was 11.8%. Meat prepared at low temperature is much more
      tender (shear work done was 11% lower) and had just 30% cooking loss compared to
      beef of samples prepared at internal temperatures above 70 degrees C. Clustering
      based segmentation provides a lower variation of beef quality within clusters
      than the variation of beef quality within EC categories.

PMID- 22059924
TI  - Muscle glycogen level and meat quality in pigs of different halothane genotypes.
AB  - The halothane genotype of 22 Polish landrace pigs was determined using halothane
      test and blood typing. Eight homozygous normal (NN), eight hetero-zygotes (Nn)
      and six homozygous recessive (nn) were identified. The levels of glycogen and
      lactate were measured in biopsy samples taken from the longissimus lumborum using
      a shot biopsy technique. pH (pH(1)) and IMP/ATP ratio (R) were determined at 30
      min after slaughter, while pH, meat colour and water holding capacity were
      determined on the day after slaughter. The halothane genotype did not affect
      intra vitam glycogen level. The nn pigs had a higher R value and lower pH(1) than
      both Nn and NN animals. Heterozygous animals were intermediate between both homo
      zygotes for biopsy lactate level and meat colour. The lactate content of biopsy
      samples was significantly correlated with pH(1) (r = -0.68; P < 0.01), R (r =
      0.68; P < 0.01), meat colour (r = 0.57; P < 0.01) and water holding capacity (r =
      0.45; P . 0.05).

PMID- 22059925
TI  - Dipyrrolylmethane-based macrobicyclic azacryptand: synthesis, X-ray structures,
      conformational and anion binding properties.
AB  - A new class of macrobicyclic azacryptand containing dipyrrolylmethane subunits
      with nitrogen bridgeheads was synthesized by the Mannich reaction of the
      dipyrrolylmethane in the presence of aqueous ammonia. The azacryptand exhibits a
      staggered conformation in the solid state, but is in a dynamic equilibrium with
      the eclipsed conformation in solution studied by the variable-temperature (1)H
      NMR methods. The azacryptand has a specific size suitable only for fluoride ion;
      large anions such as NO(3)(-) bind in the clefts of the macrobicycle as shown by
      the X-ray structures of its fluoride ion inclusion and the nitrate anion
      complexes. The anion binding studies showed that it has high selectivity and
      affinity for fluoride ion in acetone over other anions studied, which was
      supported by (1)H and (19)F NMR methods. The azacryptand has fast fluoride ion
      mediated proton-deuterium exchanges with acetone-d(6) studied by the (19)F NMR
      method.

PMID- 22059926
TI  - Surgical treatment of primitive gastro-intestinal lymphomas: a systematic review.
AB  - Primitive Gastrointestinal Lymphomas (PGIL) are uncommon tumours, although time
      trend analyses have demonstrated an increase. The role of surgery in the
      management of lymphoproliferative diseases has changed over the past 40 years.
      Nowadays their management is centred on systemic treatments as chemo
      /radiotherapy. Surgery is restricted to very selected indications, always
      discussed in a multidisciplinary setting. The aim of this systematic review is to
      evaluate the actual role of surgery in the treatment of PGIL. A systematic review
      of literature was conducted according to the recommendations of The Cochrane
      Collaboration. Main outcomes analysed were overall survival (OS) and disease free
      survival (DFS). There are currently 1 RCT and 4 non-randomised prospective
      controlled studies comparing surgical versus medical treatment for PGIL. Seven
      hundred and one patients were analysed, divided into two groups: 318 who
      underwent to surgery alone or associated with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy
      (surgical group) versus 383 who were treated with chemotherapy and/or
      radiotherapy (medical group). Despite the OS at 10 years between surgical and
      medical groups did not show relevant differences, the DFS was significantly
      better in the medical group (P=0.00001). Accordingly a trend was noticed in the
      recurrence rate, which was lower in the medical group (6.06 vs. 8.57%); and an
      higher mortality was revealed in the surgical group (4.51% vs. 1.50%).The
      chemotherapy confirms its primary role in the management of PGIL as part of
      systemic treatment in the medical group. Surgery remains the treatment of choice
      in case of PGIL acutely complicated, although there is no evidence in literature
      regarding the utility of preventive surgery.

PMID- 22059927
TI  - Enzymatically degradable mussel-inspired adhesive hydrogel.
AB  - Mussel-inspired adhesive hydrogels represent innovative candidate medical
      sealants or glues. In the present work, we describe an enzyme-degradable mussel
      inspired adhesive hydrogel formulation, achieved by incorporating minimal
      elastase substrate peptide Ala-Ala into the branched poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)
      macromonomer structure. The system takes advantage of neutrophil elastase
      expression upregulation and secretion from neutrophils upon recruitment to
      wounded or inflamed tissue. By integrating adhesive degradation behaviors that
      respond to cellular cues, we expand the functional range of our mussel-inspired
      adhesive hydrogel platforms. Rapid (<1 min) and simultaneous gelation and
      adhesion of the proteolytically active, catechol-terminated precursor
      macromonomer was achieved by addition of sodium periodate oxidant. Rheological
      analysis and equilibrium swelling studies demonstrated that the hydrogel is
      appropriate for soft tissue-contacting applications. Notably, hydrogel storage
      modulus (G') achieved values on the order of 10 kPa, and strain at failure
      exceeded 200% strain. Lap shear testing confirmed the material's adhesive
      behavior (shear strength: 30.4 +/- 3.39 kPa). Although adhesive hydrogel
      degradation was not observed during short-term (27 h) in vitro treatment with
      neutrophil elastase, in vivo degradation proceeded over several months following
      dorsal subcutaneous implantation in mice. This work represents the first example
      of an enzymatically degradable mussel-inspired adhesive and expands the potential
      biomedical applications of this family of materials.

PMID- 22059928
TI  - Production of porous silica microparticles by membrane emulsification.
AB  - A method for the production of near-monodispersed spherical silica particles with
      controllable porosity based on the formation of uniform emulsion droplets using
      membrane emulsification is described. A hydrophobic metal membrane with a 15 MUm
      pore size and 200 MUm pore spacing was used to produce near-monodispersed
      droplets, with a mean size that could be controlled between 65 and 240 MUm
      containing acidified sodium silicate solution (with 4 and 6 wt % SiO(2)) in
      kerosene. After drying and shrinking, the final silica particles had a mean size
      in the range between 30 and 70 MUm. The coefficient of variation for both the
      droplets and the particles did not exceed 35%. The most uniform particles had a
      mean diameter of 40 MUm and coefficient of variation of 17%. By altering the pH
      of the sodium silicate solution and aging the gel particles in water or acetone,
      the internal structure of the silica particles was successfully modified, and
      both micro- and mesoporous near-monodispersed spherical particles were produced
      with an average internal pore size between 1 and 6 nm and an average surface area
      between 360 and 750 m(2) g(-1). A material balance and particle size analysis
      provided identical values for the internal voidage of the particles, when
      compared to the voidage as determined by BET analysis.

PMID- 22059929
TI  - Altering the electrostatic potential in the major groove: thermodynamic and
      structural characterization of 7-deaza-2'-deoxyadenosine:dT base pairing in DNA.
AB  - As part of an ongoing effort to explore the effect of major groove electrostatics
      on the thermodynamic stability and structure of DNA, a 7-deaza-2'
      deoxyadenosine:dT (7-deaza-dA:dT) base pair in the Dickerson-Drew dodecamer (DDD)
      was studied. The removal of the electronegative N7 atom on dA and the replacement
      with an electropositive C-H in the major groove was expected to have a
      significant effect on major groove electrostatics. The structure of the 7-deaza
      dA:dT base pair was determined at 1.1 A resolution in the presence of Mg(2+). The
      7-deaza-dA, which is isosteric for dA, had minimal effect on the base pairing
      geometry and the conformation of the DDD in the crystalline state. There was no
      major groove cation association with the 7-deaza-dA heterocycle. In solution,
      circular dichroism showed a positive Cotton effect centered at 280 nm and a
      negative Cotton effect centered at 250 nm that were characteristic of a right
      handed helix in the B-conformation. However, temperature-dependent NMR studies
      showed increased exchange between the thymine N3 imino proton of the 7-deaza
      dA:dT base pair and water, suggesting reduced stacking interactions and an
      increased rate of base pair opening. This correlated with the observed
      thermodynamic destabilization of the 7-deaza-dA modified duplex relative to the
      DDD. A combination of UV melting and differential scanning calorimetry
      experiments were conducted to evaluate the relative contributions of enthalpy and
      entropy in the thermodynamic destabilization of the DDD. The most significant
      contribution arose from an unfavorable enthalpy term, which probably results from
      less favorable stacking interactions in the modified duplex, which was
      accompanied by a significant reduction in the release of water and cations from
      the 7-deaza-dA modified DNA.

PMID- 22059930
TI  - Expression of matrix metalloproteinases, type IV collagen, and interleukin-10 in
      rabbits treated with morphine after lamellar keratectomy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To study the effects of topical administration of 1% morphine on corneal
      analgesia in rabbits submitted to lamellar keratectomy and to assess the
      expression of matrix metalloproteinase-1, metalloproteinase-2, metalloproteinase
      9 (MMPs), type IV collagen, and interleukin-10 (IL-10) during the treatment.
      METHODS: Morphine group (MG) received 50 MUL of topical 1% morphine four times
      daily, while the control group received saline instead. Corneal touch threshold
      (CTT) and the wound area were assessed until corneal healing. Corneal samples
      were processed for routine histology, immunohistochemistry, zymography, and
      ELISA. RESULTS: Following keratectomy, CTT increased significantly from 6 to 96 h
      time points. Mean corneal re-epithelization rate and scores of leukocyte
      infiltration did not differ significantly between treatment groups.
      Immunolabeling pattern for MMP-1, MMP-9, and type IV collagen was similar in both
      treatment groups. In the MG, zymography indicated significantly higher levels of
      active MMP-2 on days 6 and 12; and in the latent MMP-9, on days 3 and 6, and in
      the active MMP-9, on day 6. Latent MMP-2 and MMP-9, and active MMP-9 decreased to
      values close to those of healthy corneas on day 12, but levels of active MMP-2
      remained significantly elevated in the MG. IL-10 levels measured on days 1-6 were
      reduced as compared to those of healthy corneal tissue and returned to levels
      close to those of healthy corneas on day 12. CONCLUSION: Topical morphine
      promoted corneal analgesia for up to 4 days and did not delay corneal re
      epithelization. The re-establishment of MMPs and IL-10 to levels close to
      baseline values at the end of the study and the expression of type IV collagen in
      both groups reinforce that, with caution, 1% morphine can be used after lamellar
      keratectomy in rabbits.

PMID- 22059931
TI  - Ligand-promoted C3-selective arylation of pyridines with Pd catalysts: gram-scale
      synthesis of (+/-)-preclamol.
AB  - The first example of Pd-catalyzed, C3-selective arylation of unprotected
      pyridines has been developed by employing a catalytic system consisting of
      Pd(OAc)(2) and 1,10-phenanthroline. This protocol provides an expeditious route
      to an important class of 3-arylpyridines and 3-arylpiperidines frequently found
      in bioactive compounds. A brief synthesis of the drug molecule (+/-)-preclamol is
      also reported.

PMID- 22059932
TI  - Treatment with probiotics in experimental oral colonization by Candida albicans
      in murine model (DBA/2).
AB  - The aim of this study is to evaluate the oral colonization by Candida albicans in
      experimental murine immunosuppressed DBA/2 and treatment with probiotic bacteria.
      To achieve these objectives, 152 DBA/2-immunosuppressed mice were orally
      inoculated with a suspension of C. albicans containing 10(8) viable yeast cells,
      the animals were treated with nystatin or with the probiotics (Lactobacillus
      acidophilus and Lactobacillus rhamnosus). Evaluations were performed by Candida
      count from oral mucosa swabbing. The oral mucosa colonization by C. albicans
      started at day 1 after inoculation, remained maximal from day 3 until day 7, and
      then decreased significantly. Probiotics reduced the C. albicans colonization
      significantly on the oral mucosa in comparison with the untreated animal group.
      In the group treated with L. rhamnosus, the reduction in yeast colonization was
      significantly higher compared with that of the group receiving nystatin.
      Immunosuppressed animal model DBA/2 is a relevant model for experimental Candida
      oral colonization, and the treatment with probiotics in this model may be an
      effective alternative to prevent it.

PMID- 22059933
TI  - A preliminary randomized controlled study to determine the application frequency
      of a new lymphoedema bandaging system.
AB  - BACKGROUND:  Bandaging plays an important role in the treatment of lymphoedema.
      OBJECTIVE: To investigate efficacy and safety of the 3MTM CobanTM 2 compression
      system (Coban 2 system) with different application frequencies in comparison to
      short-stretch bandaging. METHODS: A multicentre, randomized, prospective study
      was performed with 82 patients suffering from arm or leg lymphoedema stage II or
      late stage II. Patients were allocated to traditional short-stretch bandaging
      five times per week or to the Coban 2 system applied two, three or five times per
      week for 19 days. Limb volume and adverse events were recorded at each study
      visit. The primary endpoint was percentage volume reduction. RESULTS: The highest
      lymphoedema volume reduction was achieved with the Coban 2 system applied two
      times per week. A mean reduction of 18.7% (SD 14.5) in legs and 10.5% (SD 8.3) in
      arms was achieved. More frequent bandage changes of three and five times per week
      did not demonstrate additional benefits. Short-stretch bandaging five times per
      week showed a mean volume reduction of 10.9% (SD 5.2) and 8.2% (SD 3.1) for legs
      and arms, respectively. Bandage slippage was low for all treatment groups. A
      relevant change in overall mobility was achieved during the use of the Coban 2
      system. The adverse reactions were in agreement with already known side-effects
      and did not differ remarkably between the treatment groups. CONCLUSION: The 3MTM
      CobanTM 2 compression system applied twice weekly demonstrated a high rate of
      volume reduction and a good safety profile. Oedema reduction was still effective
      with 4 days between bandage change, which allows a constant therapeutic effect in
      routine practice. This should give the patient a high degree of independence and
      mobility.

PMID- 22059935
TI  - A pilot genome wide association and gene expression array study of suicide with
      and without major depression.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Suicide is partly heritable but the responsible genes have not been
      identified. We conducted a gene-centric, low coverage single nucleotide
      polymorphism (SNP) pilot genome-wide association study (GWAS) seeking new
      candidate regions in suicides with and without depression, combined with gene
      expression assay of brain tissue. METHODS: Ninety-nine Caucasian subjects,
      including 68 who completed suicide and 31 who died suddenly from other causes,
      were genotyped postmortem using GeneChip(r) Mapping 50K Xba. Clinical data were
      obtained from relatives. SNPs with Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium P values below
      0.001 were excluded from analysis. Illumina chip expression arrays assayed the
      transcriptome in prefrontal cortex in a drug-free subgroup. RESULTS: GWAS
      analysis (cutoff P < 0.001) yielded 58 SNPs, 22 of them in or near 19 known
      genes, with risk allele-associated odds ratios between 2.7 and 6.9. Diagnosis of
      mood disorder did not explain the associations. Some of the SNPs matched into
      four functional groups in gene ontology. Gene expression in the prefrontal and
      the anterior cingulate cortex for these 19 genes was measured on a separate,
      though overlapping, sample of suicides and seven of 19 genes showed altered
      expression in suicides as compared with controls, especially in immune system
      related genes. CONCLUSIONS: Matching GWAS findings with expression data assesses
      functional effect of new candidate genes in suicide, and is an alternative form
      of confirmation or replication study. Results highlight a role for
      neuroimmunological effects in suicidal behaviour.

PMID- 22059936
TI  - An international survey of reported prescribing practice in the treatment of
      patients with generalised anxiety disorder.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To gain insight into the experience and practice of psychiatrists in
      the pharmacological management of patients with generalized anxiety disorder
      (GAD). METHODS: Multiple-choice questionnaire completed by 501 psychiatrists
      (representing a 45% response rate) from 18 countries, selected by pharmaceutical
      company representatives to attend a scientific meeting, through having an
      interest in anxiety disorders. RESULTS: Use of screening tools, routine
      structured diagnostic interviews, and practice guidelines was infrequent. Over
      one-third of patients did not receive their initial psychiatric consultation
      within a month after referral. A total of 45% of patients had symptoms for 2
      years or longer before being diagnosed and treated. Most patients had been
      treated with benzodiazepines before referral. 80% of respondents always or often
      prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), 43% serotonin
      norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), or pregabalin (35%) as first-line
      treatments. The most frequently recommended second-line treatments were SNRIs
      (41%) and pregabalin (36%). Concentration difficulties, fatigue, excessive
      worrying and pain were reported as the symptoms most difficult to manage.
      CONCLUSIONS: Patients with GAD have frequently been treated with benzodiazepines
      before referral to a psychiatrist. SSRIs were the preferred first-line treatment,
      and SNRIs and pregabalin preferred second-line treatments. Reported practice in
      this sample appears largely consistent with recent evidence-based treatment
      guidelines.

PMID- 22059937
TI  - Treatment with levetiracetam in a patient with pervasive developmental disorders,
      severe intellectual disability, self-injurious behavior, and seizures: a case
      report.
AB  - Pervasive developmental disorder is characterized by various symptoms that often
      include self-injurious behavior (SIB). Episodes of SIB occur in the context of
      high emotional arousal, anger, or fear and may be related to epilepsy. We report
      the case of a 20-year-old man with pervasive developmental disorder presenting
      with SIB non-responsive to antipsychotic medication. Positron emission tomography
      showed a right temporoparietal hypometabolic focal lesion suggestive of an
      epileptic focus. Two weeks after initiation of levetiracetam (Keppra(r)), SIB
      disappeared, without recurrence 24 months later. Levetiracetam (Keppra(r)) may be
      beneficial for such patients.

PMID- 22059938
TI  - Impact of emotional approach coping and hope on PTSD and depression symptoms in a
      trauma exposed sample of Veterans receiving outpatient VA mental health care
      services.
AB  - The present investigation evaluates the relationship between coping style,
      dispositional hope, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression
      symptom severity in a trauma-exposed Veteran sample. Specifically, we evaluated
      the adaptive value of emotional avoidant and approach coping strategies and
      perceptions of hope in a sample of 209 trauma-exposed Veterans receiving
      outpatient mental health care at a VA facility. Participants completed a life
      events questionnaire and inventories assessing coping, dispositional hope, and
      PTSD and depression symptom severity. Hierarchical regression analyses were
      conducted controlling for relevant demographic variables. Greater levels of
      emotional avoidance and lower levels of emotional expression were significantly
      associated with increased PTSD and depression symptom severity. Dispositional
      hope was positively associated with depression symptoms only and perceptions of
      hope moderated the association between emotional avoidance coping and depression
      symptoms. Findings highlight the value of emotional coping strategies and
      perceptions of hope in posttraumatic adjustment. Specifically, employing coping
      techniques that encourage emotional expression may promote improved adjustment
      among trauma-exposed individuals, while reduced perceptions of hope and the use
      of avoidant coping strategies may place individuals at greater risk for
      depression following exposure to traumatic events.

PMID- 22059940
TI  - Effect of heating rate on shortening, ultrastructure, and fracture behavior of
      prerigor beef muscle.
AB  - Rapidly heated prerigor beef is tender because of incompletely described
      myofibrillar disruption and tissue fracture. This study was designed to evaluate
      the effects of heating rate on heat-induced myofibrillar shortening,
      ultrastructural changes, and fracture behavior in prerigor triceps brachii
      muscle. Rapid heating (2 degrees C/2 min) to 53 degrees C caused (P < 0.05) more
      severe myofibrillar shortening in a shorter time and at higher muscle pH and
      temperature, less muscle weight loss, and shorter sarcomeres than slow heating (2
      degrees C/12 min) to 47 or 53 degrees C. Rapid heating caused more extensive
      degradation of A and I bands, greater loss of the tridimensional pattern of
      myofibrils, more fragmentation and melting of myofibrils, widened
      intermyofibrillar spaces, and maximum separation of fiber bundles as compared to
      slow heating. Slow heating caused extensive shortening but not extensive
      degradation and disruption of myofibrils. Muscles slowly heated to 53 degrees C
      sustained greater loss of structural integrity than those slowly heated to 47
      degrees C, but fracture behavior was similar. Separation and fracture occurred
      near the perimysial/endomysial junction in all heated samples, but the perimysium
      remained affixed to the endomysium at one side of the interface in many rapidly
      heated samples. Longitudinal fractures showed a granular endomysium and large
      numbers of supercontraction nodes alternating with areas of sarcolemmal membrane
      fragmentation and fiber tearing in rapidly heated samples. Alterations of
      myofibrillar ultrastructure and fiber structure, and separation of bundles, may
      account for enhanced tenderness of rapidly heated prerigor muscle.

PMID- 22059941
TI  - Investigation of the levels of free purine and pyrimidine bases and metabolites
      in mechanically recovered meats.
AB  - Levels of free purine and pyrimidine bases and metabolites, in particular
      xanthine, have been investigated in poultry meat and MRM as potential qualitative
      or quantitative markers for the presence of MRM in meat products. Only xanthine
      was found to exhibit significantly different levels between the source meat and
      MRM product where, for example, it was found to be present at approximately 100
      MUg/g in turkey MRM but only 57, 33 and 14 MUg/g in the neck, leg and breast meat
      respectively. The wide variation in levels within a cut, together with the
      overlap between figures for source meat and MRM, preclude the use of xanthine as
      a robust qualitative or quantitative marker. Processing of turkey meat by
      subjecting it to an increasing level of comminution does not appear to elevate
      the indigenous level of free xanthine.

PMID- 22059942
TI  - Titin content of beef in relation to tenderness.
AB  - Steaks obtained from the longissimus dorsi muscle of 24 crossbred steers were
      subjected to four treatments (unaged raw, aged raw, unaged cooked, aged cooked)
      and analyzed by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Titin
      migrated primarily as a single protein band in unaged raw samples (48 h post
      mortem), as a doublet in aged (16 days) raw samples, and as a triplet in unaged
      and aged cooked samples. Total titin band density remained constant among steaks
      that varied widely in Warner-Bratzler shear value, suggesting that beef steaks
      varying in tenderness contain the same amount of titin. It is concluded that
      titin content, as determined by gel electrophoresis, does not distinguish 'tough'
      from 'tender' beef.

PMID- 22059943
TI  - The effect of bruised beef addition on the quality of processed meat products.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine the levels of bruised beef that could be
      incorporated into processed meat products without detrimental effects on product
      quality. Bruised beef was incorporated into fresh sausages, Devon and semi-dry
      salami, and compared to products containing unbruised beef. Up to 30%, 25% and
      65% of the unbruised beef in fresh sausages, Devon and semidry salami
      respectively can be replaced with bruised beef with no detrimental effect on
      product quality (as assessed by a sensory panel), either initially or over the
      shelf-life of the product at 4 degrees C. The level of bruised beef which can be
      incorporated into meat products is predominantly limited by its effect on product
      colour. The microbiological and compositional qualities of meat products
      containing bruised beef are similar to those containing unbruised beef.

PMID- 22059944
TI  - Heat-induced gelation of actomyosin.
AB  - Rheological properties of actomyosin gels were markedly affected by protein
      concentration, pH and heating temperature. Gel strength increased with increasing
      protein concentration (30-60 mg ml(-1)) and heating temperature (55-75 degrees
      C), but decreased with increasing pH (5.5-9.0). Low heating temperatures (50-55
      degrees C) favoured the formation of more cohesive actomyosin gels than the
      higher heating temperatures (60-75 degrees C). Gels formed at low pH (5.5 and
      6.0) were less cohesive than those formed at high pH (7.5-9.0). Addition of ATP
      and pyrophosphate (10 mm) prior to heating decreased gel strength and
      cohesiveness, whereas EDTA (1-5 mM) reduced gel strength but did not affect gel
      cohesiveness.

PMID- 22059945
TI  - Potential of electrospray mass spectrometry for meat pigment identification.
AB  - The potential of electrospray mass spectrometry (ESMS) to identify haem pigments
      from different species has been investigated. Purified haemoglobin and myoglobin
      from various sources (pig, beef, sheep and horse) were analysed by ESMS. The
      spectra showed ions corresponding to the molecular weights of the globin portions
      of the haemoproteins. When boiled and then analysed by ESMS, the globin chains
      remained intact but, on autoclaving for 1 h at 121 degrees C, partial hydrolysis
      was observed, although the fragments could still be used to identify the origin
      of the haemoglobin. ESMS is a rapid, sensitive technique and may have potential
      as an analytical method for meat speciation.

PMID- 22059946
TI  - Nitrite stabilization of lipids in cured pork.
AB  - Peroxidation studies indicated that phospholipids, microsomes and mitochondria
      from cured pork samples are less susceptible to metmyoglobin/hydrogen peroxide
      catalyzed peroxidation than their counterparts from nitrite-free pork samples.
      The reaction of phospholipids and polyunsaturated fatty acid ethyl esters with
      dinitrogen trioxide increased their stability to peroxidative changes.
      Phospholipids from cured pork and those lipids reacted with dinitrogen trioxide
      were capable of nitrosating a secondary amine. These data, together with infrared
      analyses, indicate that nitrite or dinitrogen trioxide reacts with unsaturated
      lipids to form nitro-nitroso derivatives, thus stabilizing the lipids toward
      peroxidation changes. This mechanism can, in part, explain the antioxidant role
      of nitrite in cured meats.

PMID- 22059947
TI  - Meat quality and muscle fibre type characteristics of Southdown Rams from high
      and low backfat selection lines.
AB  - Characteristics of the meat of 15-18-month Southdown rams from lines selected for
      high or low backfat depths (assessed ultrasonically at position C over the last
      rib) were compared. Half of the carcasses were electrically stimulated (ES) and
      within each carcass post-mortem treatments chosen to produce effects on meat
      tenderness were ageing periods of 1 or 15 days (Semimembranosus), early or
      delayed chilling (Biceps femoris), and trimming of the s.c. fat cover
      (Longissimus dorsi). These treatments had the expected effects on shear values,
      but the sizes of the effects were little affected by selection line or ES
      treatment. Selection line did not have any direct effects on shear values,
      reflectance values at several wavelengths, waterholding capacity, cooking loss or
      sarcomere length. The Semitendinosus muscle had a higher proportion of
      predominantly oxidative fibres for the high-backfat line, based on succinic
      dehydrogenase activity (P < 0.05), but there was no line difference in alkaline
      stable ATPase activity in the same muscle. Muscle fibre diameter was similar for
      the two lines.

PMID- 22059948
TI  - Further studies on n-nitrosopyrrolidine and its precursors: Effects of ascorbic
      acid and vitamin E on tumor development in mice as related to consumption of
      cured meat.
AB  - Two experiments were carried out to ascertain if supplementation of a
      semipurified diet to Swiss-ICR mice with either ascorbic acid (AA), vitamin E
      (Vit E) or a combination of the two would modulate the carcinogenic effects of N
      nitrosopyrrolidine (NPyr) and of its probable precursors (nitrite-N0(2) and
      pyrrolidine-Pyr) in Experiment I or of NPyr in Experiment II. Results indicated
      that neither AA nor Vit E modulated the carcinogenic effects of NPyr or of its
      probable precursors (NO(2) and Pyr). Results verified a previous report from our
      laboratory showing that NPyr increased the number of malignant tumors by some 5-8
      fold over controls. There was a lower incidence of tumors in the control group on
      the semi-purfied diet than in the groups given NO(2) and Pyr, although both
      treatments had a low frequency of malignant tumors (1 63  versus 5 72 
      survivors). Results support our earlier study suggesting that neither NO(2) nor
      Pyr alone or in combination together contribute to cancer-at least in the
      laboratory mouse.

PMID- 22059949
TI  - Studies on thermostable antigens, production of species-specific antiadrenal sera
      and comparison of immunological techniques in meat speciation.
AB  - Heat-stable antigens (BE forms: resistant to heat and ethanol precipitation) of
      adrenal and muscle tissues of cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat and pig were prepared
      for use in detection of adulteration in meats. The physico-chemical
      characteristics of these antigens revealed that the antigens of adrenals had only
      one component corresponding to 'Troponin T'. Muscle antigens also contained a
      major troponin T component but were associated with low molecular weight
      fractions. Rabbit antiadrenal BE sera were developed and made species specific by
      immunoabsorption. The species-specific antisera were employed for identification
      of origin of fresh and cooked meats and their mixtures, using an immunodiffusion
      test-agar gel precipitation test (AGPT), counterimmunoelectrophoresis (CIEP),
      enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and the unlabelled antibody peroxidase
      antiperoxidase (PAP) technique. The results indicated that absorbed antisera
      could successfully differentiate the fresh, cooked meats and the meat mixtures
      from the species under study. AGPT and CIEP were useful in identification of 5
      10% addition, using water extracts of fresh meats and BE forms of cooked meats,
      whereas ELISA and PAP could detect adulteration down to the level of 1% when
      water extracts were used. Among the tests employed in the study, the PAP
      technique proved to be most sensitive. The antisera were also proved useful in
      identifying the species in canned meat products, milk, serum, plasma, semen,
      urine, organs, skin and spoilt flesh, employing AGPT and CIEP.

PMID- 22059950
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 22059951
TI  - Assessment of exposure to Plasmodium falciparum transmission in a low endemicity
      area by using multiplex fluorescent microsphere-based serological assays.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The evaluation of malaria transmission intensity is a crucial
      indicator for estimating the burden of malarial disease. In this respect,
      entomological and parasitological methods present limitations, especially in low
      transmission areas. The present study used a sensitive multiplex assay to assess
      the exposure to Plasmodium falciparum infection in children living in an area of
      low endemicity. In three Senegalese villages, specific antibody (IgG) responses
      to 13 pre-erythrocytic P. falciparum peptides derived from Lsa1, Lsa3, Glurp,
      Salsa, Trap, Starp, Csp and Pf11.1 proteins were simultaneously evaluated before
      (June), at the peak (September) and after (December) the period of malaria
      transmission, in children aged from 1 to 8 years. RESULTS: Compared to other
      antigens, a high percentage of seropositivity and specific antibody levels were
      detected with Glurp, Salsa1, Lsa3NR2, and Lsa1J antigens. The seropositivity
      increased with age for all tested antigens. Specific IgG levels to Glurp, Salsa1,
      Lsa3NR2, and Lsa1J were significantly higher in P. falciparum infected children
      compared to non-infected and this increase is significantly correlated with
      parasite density. CONCLUSION: The multiplex assay represents a useful technology
      for a serological assessment of rapid variations in malaria transmission
      intensity, especially in a context of low parasite rates. The use of such
      combined serological markers (i.e. Glurp, Lsa1, Lsa3, and Salsa) could offer the
      opportunity to examine these variations over time, and to evaluate the efficacy
      of integrated malaria control strategies.

PMID- 22059952
TI  - The emergence of complexity and restricted pleiotropy in adapting networks.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The emergence of organismal complexity has been a difficult subject
      for researchers because it is not readily amenable to investigation by
      experimental approaches. Complexity has a myriad of untested definitions and our
      understanding of its evolution comes primarily from static snapshots gleaned from
      organisms ranked on an intuitive scale. Fisher's geometric model of adaptation,
      which defines complexity as the number of phenotypes an organism exposes to
      natural selection, provides a theoretical framework to study complexity. Yet
      investigations of this model reveal phenotypic complexity as costly and therefore
      unlikely to emerge. RESULTS: We have developed a computational approach to study
      the emergence of complexity by subjecting neural networks to adaptive evolution
      in environments exacting different levels of demands. We monitored complexity by
      a variety of metrics. Top down metrics derived from Fisher's geometric model
      correlated better with the environmental demands than bottom up ones such as
      network size. Phenotypic complexity was found to increase towards an environment
      dependent level through the emergence of restricted pleiotropy. Such pleiotropy,
      which confined the action of mutations to only a subset of traits, better tuned
      phenotypes in challenging environments. However, restricted pleiotropy also came
      at a cost in the form of a higher genetic load, as it required the maintenance by
      natural selection of more independent traits. Consequently, networks of different
      sizes converged in complexity when facing similar environment. CONCLUSIONS:
      Phenotypic complexity evolved as a function of the demands of the selective
      pressures, rather than the physical properties of the network architecture, such
      as functional size. Our results show that complexity may be more predictable, and
      understandable, if analyzed from the perspective of the integrated task the
      organism performs, rather than the physical architecture used to accomplish such
      tasks. Thus, top down metrics emphasizing selection may be better for describing
      biological complexity than bottom up ones representing size and other physical
      attributes.

PMID- 22059953
TI  - Mycosis fungoides exhibiting features of a dermatofibroma: a case report and
      review of the literature.
AB  - We present the case of a 60-year-old male with known stage IA mycosis fungoides
      (MF) who developed a suspicious tumor within a pre-existing lymphomatous plaque
      of the right forearm. Microscopy revealed an unusual mixed fibrohistiocytic
      proliferation as well as atypical intraepidermal and dermal lymphocytes. There
      was no evidence of large-cell transformation. Histopathological,
      immunohistochemical and clinical clues suggest this lesion might not have
      represented a dermatofibroma, but rather a hitherto unreported dermatofibroma
      like process arising within a lesion of MF. The potential impact of this atypical
      lesion on the prognosis and clinical management of this patient highlights the
      importance of recognizing unusual clinical presentations of more common, benign
      lesions within this patient population.

PMID- 22059954
TI  - Helping children correctly say "I don't know" to unanswerable questions.
AB  - Adults ask children questions in a variety of contexts, for example, in the
      classroom, in the forensic context, or in experimental research. In such
      situations children will inevitably be asked some questions to which they do not
      know the answer, because they do not have the required information
      ("unanswerable" questions). When asked unanswerable questions, it is important
      that children indicate that they do not have the required information to provide
      an answer. These 2 studies investigated whether preinterview instructions
      (Experiment 1) or establishing a memory narrative (Experiment 2) helped children
      correctly indicate a lack of knowledge to unanswerable questions. In both
      studies, 6- and 8-year-olds participated in a classroom-based event about which
      they were subsequently interviewed. Some of the questions were answerable, and
      some were unanswerable. Results showed that preinterview instructions increased
      the number of younger children's appropriate "don't know" responses to
      unanswerable questions, without decreasing correct responses to answerable
      questions. This suggests that demand characteristics affect children's tendency
      correctly to say "I don't know." The opportunity to provide a narrative account
      increased children's appropriate "don't know" responses to unanswerable yes/no
      questions, and increased the number of younger children's correct responses to
      answerable questions. This suggests that cognitive factors also contribute to
      children's tendency correctly to say "I don't know." These results have
      implications for any context where adults need to obtain information from
      children through questioning, for example, a health practitioner asking about a
      medical condition, in classroom discourse, in the investigative interview, and in
      developmental psychology research.

PMID- 22059955
TI  - Insulin sensitisers in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a
      systematic review.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is closely linked with
      obesity and the prevalence of NAFLD is about 17% to 33% in the Western world.
      There is a strong association of NAFLD with insulin resistance and, hence,
      insulin sensitisers have been tried. This systematic review examined the clinical
      effectiveness of insulin sensitisers in patients with NAFLD, to help decide
      whether or not a trial or trials of the insulin sensitisers was necessary and
      also to explore whether or not non-invasive alternatives to liver biopsy were
      available that could be used in a large trial of the insulin sensitisers.
      OBJECTIVE: To review the use of insulin sensitisers in the treatment of NAFLD.
      REVIEW METHODS: A systematic review of the clinical effectiveness of metformin,
      rosiglitazone and pioglitazone was carried out, including reviews and randomised
      controlled trials (RCTs). Databases searched were MEDLINE, 1950 to June 2010;
      EMBASE, 1980 to June 2010; Science Citation Index Expanded, June 2010; Conference
      Proceedings Citation Index - Science June 2010; The Cochrane Library 2005-10.
      Abstracts were screened independently by two researchers. A narrative review of
      diagnostic methods was conducted. RESULTS: Clinical effectiveness. We identified
      15 RCTs (one available as abstract). Four papers explored efficacy of
      pioglitazone, one rosiglitazone, eight metformin; two compared metformin and
      rosiglitazone, although one used both metformin and rosiglitazone. The duration
      of most trials was between 6 and 12 months. Many trials had a small number of
      participants and the quality of the studies was mixed. Pioglitazone improved all
      parameters of liver histology. Metformin showed mixed results, with ultrasound
      changes in two studies showing some improvement in steatosis, whereas there were
      no changes in the other two. Metformin, however, showed no improvement in non
      alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) stages. Metformin showed greater reduction in
      glycosylated haemoglobin (-0.23% to -1.2% vs -0.2% to -0.7%) and fasting plasma
      glucose (+0.05 to -3.19 mmol/l vs -0.17 to -1.11 mmol/l) compared with
      pioglitazone. Metformin led to weight reduction (-4.3 to -6.7 kg), whereas
      participants on pioglitazone gained weight (+2.5 to +4.7 kg). Alanine
      aminotransferase levels were reduced with both metformin and pioglitazone;
      however, the reduction in levels with pioglitazone was not different to that
      caused by vitamin E. Most studies suggested that metformin led to a significant
      reduction in insulin resistance. Diagnosis. Non-invasive methods of diagnosing
      NAFLD without liver biopsy, using combinations of clinical history, laboratory
      tests and ultrasound, have been explored, but so far liver biopsy is the only
      proven method of distinguishing simple steatosis from NASH. Transient
      elastography appears useful, but less so in obese individuals. Magnetic resonance
      spectroscopy shows promise, but is expensive and not readily available.
      LIMITATIONS: Mixed quality of trials, with lack of detail as to how some trials
      were conducted. Many trials had small numbers of patients. CONCLUSIONS: The main
      need for drug trials is at the NASH stage. However, at present, any trial in the
      more advanced forms of NAFLD would have to use liver biopsy. The highest priority
      for research may, therefore, be in the diagnosis of NAFLD, and the
      differentiation between steatosis and NASH. The newer agents, the glucagon-like
      peptide-1 analogues such as liraglutide, may be more worthy of a trial. FUNDING:
      The National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment
      programme.

PMID- 22059956
TI  - A Toxoplasma gondii mutant highlights the importance of translational regulation
      in the apicoplast during animal infection.
AB  - Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular parasite of all warm-blooded
      animals. We previously described a forward genetic screen to identify T. gondii
      mutants defective in the establishment of a chronic infection. One of the mutants
      isolated was disrupted in the 3' untranslated region (3'UTR) of an orthologue of
      bacterial translation elongation factor G (EFG). The mutant does not have a
      growth defect in tissue culture. Genetic complementation of this mutant with the
      genomic locus of TgEFG restores virulence in an acute infection mouse model.
      Epitope tagged TgEFG localized to the apicoplast, via a non-canonical targeting
      signal, where it functions as an elongation factor for translation in the
      apicoplast. Comparisons of TgEFG expression constructs with wild-type or mutant
      3'UTRs showed that a wild-type 3'UTR is necessary for translation of TgEFG. In
      tissue culture, the TgEFG transcript is equally abundant in wild-type and mutant
      parasites; however, during an animal infection, the TgEFG transcript is increased
      more than threefold in the mutant. These results highlight that in tissue
      culture, translation in the apicoplast can be diminished, but during an animal
      infection, translation in the apicoplast must be fully functional.

PMID- 22059957
TI  - Vitamin d and metabolic syndrome risk factors: evidence and mechanisms.
AB  - The metabolic syndrome develops in an individual with any three of the following
      risk factors: obesity, diabetes, inflammation, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and
      thrombosis. Recent evidence suggests that vitamin D may play a role in the
      development of some of these risk factors. The metabolic syndrome is more common
      in western societies than the underdeveloped countries. Individuals in western
      societies usually consume a high calorie diet that lacks essential nutrients and,
      by virtue of being located in the northern hemisphere, they have limited sun
      exposures which restrict their vitamin D synthesis. Moreover, the lifestyle of
      these societies is considered sedentary. These dietary and environmental factors
      coupled with the sedentary lifestyle predispose them to metabolic syndrome risk
      factors. Active research revealed the role of vitamin D in the development of
      obesity, diabetes, inflammation, and hypertension. On the other hand, limited
      research has been done on the role of vitamin D in other risk factors such as
      dyslipidemia and thrombosis. The scientific community proposes to increase the
      current vitamin D fortification level in foods to reduce the risk factors of the
      metabolic syndrome.

PMID- 22059958
TI  - Substitution of saturated fat in processed meat products: a review.
AB  - The food industry is increasingly directing its efforts to produce and
      commercialize functional foods where the reduction or even elimination of
      saturated fat is an important goal. This situation arises from the concern of
      many institutions and individuals worldwide on the growth of non-transmissible
      diseases, particularly cardiovascular ones. This article presents a revision of
      the most important research carried out on processed meat products production and
      looks at the topic from two principal points of view: the nutritional and
      technological function of fat and the way in which it is gradually being replaced
      in the above-mentioned products. Many ingredients have been used to substitute
      fat but while the results concerning the nutritional composition of the final
      products are generally acceptable, the sensory aspects are not completely solved.
      This review emphasizes the use of plastic fats because they allow the highest fat
      substitution levels during its process and consumption without affecting the
      product behavior.

PMID- 22059959
TI  - Application of ultra high pressure (UHP) in starch chemistry.
AB  - Ultra high pressure (UHP) processing is an attractive non-thermal technique for
      food treatment and preservation at room temperature, with the potential to
      achieve interesting functional effects. The majority of UHP process applications
      in food systems have focused on shelf-life extension associated with non-thermal
      sterilization and a reduction or increase in enzymatic activity. Only a few
      studies have investigated modifications of structural characteristics and/or
      protein functionalities. Despite the rapid expansion of UHP applications in food
      systems, limited information is available on the effects of UHP on the structural
      and physicochemical properties of starch and/or its chemical derivatives included
      in most processed foods as major ingredients or minor additives. Starch and its
      chemical derivatives are responsible for textural and physical properties of food
      systems, impacting their end-use quality and/or shelf-life. This article reviews
      UHP processes for native (unmodified) starch granules and their effects on the
      physicochemical properties of UHP-treated starch. Furthermore, functional roles
      of UHP in acid-hydrolysis, hydroxypropylation, acetylation, and cross-linking
      reactions of starch granules, as well as the physicochemical properties of UHP
      assisted starch chemical derivatives, are discussed.

PMID- 22059960
TI  - The stability and degradation of dietary DNA in the gastrointestinal tract of
      mammals: implications for horizontal gene transfer and the biosafety of GMOs.
AB  - The fate of dietary DNA in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of animals has gained
      renewed interest after the commercial introduction of genetically modified
      organisms (GMO). Among the concerns regarding GM food, are the possible
      consequences of horizontal gene transfer (HGT) of recombinant dietary DNA to
      bacteria or animal cells. The exposure of the GIT to dietary DNA is related to
      the extent of food processing, food composition, and to the level of intake.
      Animal feeding studies have demonstrated that a minor amount of fragmented
      dietary DNA may resist the digestive process. Mammals have been shown to take up
      dietary DNA from the GIT, but stable integration and expression of internalized
      DNA has not been demonstrated. Despite the ability of several bacterial species
      to acquire external DNA by natural transformation, in vivo transfer of dietary
      DNA to bacteria in the intestine has not been detected in the few experimental
      studies conducted so far. However, major methodological limitations and knowledge
      gaps of the mechanistic aspects of HGT calls for methodological improvements and
      further studies to understand the fate of various types of dietary DNA in the
      GIT.

PMID- 22059961
TI  - Antioxidants in food: mere myth or magic medicine?
AB  - The powerful action of antioxidants in preventing premature lipid oxidation in
      food suggests that the same compounds, when consumed with the daily diet, could
      unfold antioxidative/anti-aging effects in the human body. Therefore, it has been
      hypothesized that antioxidants are helpful in preventing various diseases. More
      detailed chemical and physiological examination of antioxidants shows, however,
      that the extrapolation of in vitro data to in vivo behavior may be misleading.
      Indeed, such a procedure fails to take into account the mismatch between most in
      vitro models (e.g., cell cultures) and in vivo systems. For example, the
      physiological relevance of pro-oxidative and other physiological activities of
      antioxidants have been largely underestimated. Actually, contrary to the
      antioxidant hypothesis, clinical trials testing the health benefits of dietary
      antioxidants have reported rather mixed or negative results. Many clinical
      studies have not taken into account the nutrikinetic and nutridynamic nature of
      antioxidants. Further, oxidative stress is not only an inevitable event in a
      healthy human cell, but responsible for the functioning of vital metabolic
      processes, such as insulin signaling and erythropoietin production. In the light
      of recent physiological studies it appears more advisable to maintain the
      delicate redox balance of the cell than to interfere with the antioxidant
      homeostasis by a non-physiological, excessive exogenous supply of antioxidants in
      healthy humans.

PMID- 22059962
TI  - Nutritional modulation of insulin resistance in the true carnivorous cat: a
      review.
AB  - Cats are strict carnivores that rely on nutrients in animal tissues to meet their
      specific and unique nutritional requirements. In their natural habitat, cats
      consume prey high in protein with moderate amounts of fat and minimal
      carbohydrates in contrast to commercial diets, which are sometimes moderate to
      high in carbohydrates. This change in diet has been accompanied by a shift from
      an outdoor environment to an indoor lifestyle and decreased physical activity,
      because cats no longer need to hunt to obtain food. This transformation of the
      lifestyle of cats is thought to be responsible for the recent increase in
      incidence of obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes mellitus in domestic cats.
      At first, an overview of the evolutionary physiological adaptations of
      carbohydrate digestion in the feline digestive tract and of the hepatic
      carbohydrate and protein metabolism reflecting the true carnivorous nature of
      cats is given. Secondly, this literature review deals with nutritional modulation
      of insulin sensitivity, focusing on dietary macronutrients, carbohydrate sources,
      and dietary fiber for prevention and treatment of insulin resistance.

PMID- 22059963
TI  - Probiotic fermentation of plant based products: possibilities and opportunities.
AB  - Functional foods are claimed to have several health-specific advantages. In
      addition to their basic nutritive value, they contain a proper balance of
      ingredients which help in the prevention and treatment of illnesses and diseases.
      Within this category, products containing lactic acid bacteria or probiotics are
      increasingly gaining importance. The recognition of the beneficial effects of
      dairy products containing probiotics has been well established. The allergy to
      dairy products, lactose intolerance, and cholesterol content are the major
      drawbacks related to the use of fermented dairy products for a large percentage
      of consumers. Modern consumers are increasingly interested in their personal
      health, and expect the food that they eat to be healthy or even capable of
      preventing illness. Because of this, probiotic food products made out of
      fermentation of cereals and fruits and vegetables is receiving attention from the
      scientific world as well as consumers and constitutes the major part of this
      review. The use of mathematical models for the probiotic fermentation will help
      in reducing the time and effort involved in the optimization of the probiotic
      fermentation process. We have tried to summarize the developments in the use of
      mathematical models for probiotic fermentation. Future technological prospects
      exist in innovations which represent solutions for the stability and viability
      problems of probiotics in new food environments. Current research on novel
      probiotic formulations and microencapsulation technologies exploiting biological
      carrier and barrier materials has also been discussed.

PMID- 22059964
TI  - Polymerizable fluorescein derivatives: synthesis of fluorescent particles and
      their cellular uptake.
AB  - Fluorescent particles are used for a diverse number of biochemical assays
      including intracellular imaging, cellular tracking, as well as detection of a
      variety of biomolecules. They are typically prepared by postpolymerization
      conjugations of dyes onto preformed particles. Herein we report the synthesis of
      aminomethyl-functionalized fluorescent particles via the synthesis and
      application of polymerizable fluorescein monomers. These monomers allowed high
      and controllable fluorophore loading into the particles, resulting in enhanced
      fluorescence properties in comparison with more commonly used carboxyfluorescein
      conjugated particles. Furthermore, the particles were rapidly taken up by cells
      with enhanced fluorescence. The herein presented results demonstrate the
      advantages of dye polymerization in contrast with more conventional conjugation
      strategies for fluorescent particle generation with applications in the life
      sciences.

PMID- 22059965
TI  - The effect of cooking conditions on the eating quality of pork.
AB  - Two experiments were conducted to examine the effects of cooking parameters,
      including final internal temperature (65, 72.5 or 80 degrees C), on the eating
      quality of pork. Assessments were made by a 10-member trained taste panel. In
      Experiment 1 on loin steaks (m. longissimus) from 28 carcasses weighing 66 +/-
      1.9 (SD) kg, increasing the final internal temperature from 65 to 80 degrees C
      had the following effects on mean scores (1-8): tenderness -1.0; juiciness -1.5,
      pork flavour +0.6 and abnormal flavour -0.5. The medium temperature of 72.5
      degrees C was suggested as ideal. In Experiment 2 on leg roasts (m. gluteobiceps)
      from 96 carcasses weighing 65 + 2.7 (SD) kg, increasing the final internal
      temperature from 65 to 80 degrees C had the following effects on mean scores (1
      8): tenderness -0.2 (not significant), juiciness -0.6, pork flavour +0.3 and
      abnormal flavour -0.5. The effects of final internal temperature were therefore
      smaller in roasts and temperatures towards the upper end of the range would be
      recommended for ideal eating quality, balancing small losses in tenderness and
      juiciness against gains in flavour scores. Although the experiments were not
      designed to examine source and sex effects there was evidence that tenderness can
      be improved through the use of Duroc genes and pelvic suspension of carcasses and
      no evidence of differences in eating quality between entire males and females.

PMID- 22059966
TI  - The effect of electrical head-only stun duration on electroencephalographic
      measured seizure and brain amino acid neurotransmitter release.
AB  - Effective electrical head-only stunning produces a seizure-like state followed by
      a period of analgesia seen in animals allowed to recover. Passing of a 1.0 A
      current (50 Hz, 500 V) for less than 0.2 s, through the head of a sheep does not
      produce a seizure-like state as evidenced by recorded electroencephalogram.
      Corresponding to this lack of seizure-like state, the release of the
      neurotransmitters glutamate and aspartate, in the brain, occurs to levels
      associated with arousal rather than seizure. At a duration of 0.2 s, the same
      stun parameters as above produce a seizure-like state and the release of
      glutamate and aspartate rises dramatically. The length of the seizure-like state,
      and the levels of release of glutamate, aspartate and a third neurotransmitter
      gamma amino-4-butyric acid (GABA), increased with stun duration until 4.0 s
      duration, where a peak in these parameters was seen. Stun durations of 2.0, 4.0,
      8.0 and 12.0 s all produce similar effects. At a duration of 20 s, however, the
      length of the seizure-like state and the release of neurotransmitters is less
      than at shorter stun durations. For welfare purposes a head-only electrical stun,
      of 1.0 A, at a duration as low as 0.2 s produces unconsciousness and analgesia to
      subsequent slaughter procedures. However, maximum welfare benefits appear
      attainable at durations between 2.0 and 20.0 s.

PMID- 22059967
TI  - Influence of temperature variation on the metabolism of pig muscle in situ and
      after excision.
AB  - The experiment involved six halothane-positive (HP) and six halothane-negative
      (HN) pigs of about 100 kg liveweight. Under general anaesthesia the tibialis
      cranialis was exposed. The temperature of the muscle was maintained at either 35
      or 40 degrees C (in situ). The muscle was stimulated via the peroneal nerve at
      0.1 Hz for 10 min then 1 Hz for 10 further min. Twitch contractions were recorded
      throughout the stimulation, after which the muscle was excised and split into two
      parts which were kept in paraffin oil at either 35 or 40 degrees C (post-excision
      temperature) for 2 h. Samples were taken just before and after the 20 min
      stimulation period, and at 1 and 2 h after muscle excision for determination of
      pH and concentrations of PC, ATP, IMP, glycogen, G-6-P and lactate. As soon as
      one muscle was removed, the operation was repeated on the other leg. Both
      temperatures (35 and 40 degrees C) were applied to each animal in a balanced
      design. However data were obtained from only 11 pigs at 40 degrees C as one HP
      pig died accidentally at the beginning of the 40 degrees C experiment. Halothane
      sensitivity influenced the pH value and the levels of PC, G-6-P and lactate of
      the muscle in situ (P < 0.01 in all cases). Temperature affected contrction time
      (P < 0.01). Both halothane sensitivity and Post-excision temperature affected the
      pH values and the levels of PC, ATP, IMP, G-6-P and lactate (P < 0.01 in all
      cases) in the excised muscle. By contrast, the in situ temperature treatments did
      not affect any of the muscle traits measured after excision. It was concluded
      that the effects of the various treatments on the rate of metabolism in the
      excised muscle were wholly explainable in terms of temperature from the time of
      excision, and that the in situ temperature treatments may not be responsible for
      the differences after excision.

PMID- 22059968
TI  - Effect of the addition of pancreatic lipase on the ripening of dry-fermented
      sausages - Part 1. Microbial, physico-chemical and lipolytic changes.
AB  - The effect of the addition of nine different amounts (3-500 units) of pancreatic
      lipase on the microbial and physico-chemical parameters and lipid fractions
      during the ripening of dry fermented sausages has been studied. No differences
      between conventional and lipase-added sausages were found for pH, dry matter and
      water activity. The addition of lipase caused a greater accumulation of products
      resulting from the triglyceride breakdown, mainly diglycerides and free fatty
      acids (FFA). The maximum rate of lipolysis was observed during the first week of
      the ripening process, specially in the fermentation phase. The greater the
      pancreatic lipase added, the higher lipolysis observed. At the end of the
      ripening, the levels of total FFA were clearly higher (1.5 to 5-fold) in all
      lipase-added batches than in the controls. This fact gave rise to the
      accumulation of a great amount of FFA, which can contribute either by themselves
      to the flavour of the sausage or can be available as substrates for further
      transformations which may generate other flavour compounds.

PMID- 22059969
TI  - Tenderisation of pork as affected by degree of cold-induced shortening.
AB  - Porcine M. longissimus dorsi from 12 carcasses were used to study the effect of
      ante mortem exercise treatment, time of boning and different ageing periods on
      tenderness and tenderisation in pork. The pigs were randomly allocated into three
      groups, of which the pigs (in two of them) were exposed to work on a treadmill:
      (1) 30 min rest after work, then slaughtered; (2) slaughtered without rest after
      work; and (3) controls, which were not exposed to work before slaughter. At 1 and
      6 h post-stunning, samples from right side of each carcass were excised and
      immediately chilled in icewater until 24 h post-stunning. The left side loins
      were used as controls and were chilled on the carcasses at 12-14 degrees C for 90
      min and then at 2 degrees C before boning at 24 h post-stunning. The effect of
      ageing, 0 or 7 days at 2 degrees C, was studied. No parameter in this study was
      significantly affected by ante mortem treatment. WB shear force decreased
      significantly with increasing boning time and was correlated to the degree of
      muscle shortening in unaged excised samples. Muscle shortening for the 1 h
      excised cuts showed an average value of 27.4%, while an average value of only
      6.1% was obtained for 6 h excised cuts. Ageing for 7 days resulted in only minor
      (7.3%) tenderness improvement for the 1 h excised cuts as compared to the 24.5%
      decrease in WB shear force obtained from the 6 h excised, less cold-shortened
      cuts. These differences in ageing rate, however, did not result in detectable
      changes in the degradation profile of myofibrillar proteins as analysed by SDS
      PAGE.

PMID- 22059970
TI  - Predictive value of slaughterhouse measurements of ultimate pork quality in seven
      halothane negative Yorkshire populations.
AB  - An experiment with 1969 pigs, belonging to Yorkshire sire lines, was set up in
      cooperation with seven Dutch breeding organizations. The pigs, which were claimed
      to be halothane negative, were slaughtered in weekly batches. Light reflectance
      was determined with the Hennessy Grading Probe (HGP) and Fibre Optic Probe (FOP),
      in addition to pH(1) and rigor mortis at 45 min post mortem (p.m.). Further meat
      quality determinations were performed either in the slaughterhouse at 20 h p.m.,
      or in the laboratory at 24 h p.m.. At first sight, both the scatter of light (HGP
      PSE, FOP) and pH, measured at 45 min p.m., appeared to be indicative of the
      ultimate meat quality score. More accurate analyses, however, showed that the
      value of reflectance values is limited and less suitable in comparison to pH(1),
      especially with reference to the prediction of ultimate quality characteristics
      of water holding capacity. The correlations for pH(1) with drip loss were rather
      consistent, ranging from -0.34 to -0.52 per breeding population. In contrast, HGP
      reflectance values ranged from -0.27 to 0.34, while those based on FOP(1) had a
      range from nearly zero (0.02) to 0.20. The proportion of variation (R(2) * 100%)
      in drip loss, explained by a set of slaughterline measurements, ranged from 13 to
      about 28% per breeding population. The use of measurements carried out at 20 h
      p.m. improved the R(2) * 100% for drip loss to a range from 50 to 62%.

PMID- 22059971
TI  - Chilling pig carcasses: Effects on temperature, weight loss and ultimate meat
      quality.
AB  - Effects of conventional (4 degrees C, air velocity 0.5 m/s) and forced chilling
      at -5 degrees C (120 min) or -30 degrees C (30 min) with air velocities of 1, 2
      or 4 m/s, followed by conventional chilling till 24 h post mortem on
      temperatures, meat quality and weight losses, were studied. Experiments were
      carried out in six batches of six slaughter pigs each (crossbred gilts, weighing
      105-110 kg. The subcutaneous temperature decreased very rapidly to values below 0
      degrees C when 'ultra' rapid chilling (-30 degrees C) at high air velocities (4
      m/s was used. Immediately after rapid chilling, when the carcasses were railed
      into a conventional chiller, the subcutaneous temperature increased above the air
      temperature, after which the decline in temperature was continued. Temperature
      inside the biceps femoris muscle decreased from the start of chilling rather
      slowly according to an asymptotic curve until ultimate values of 4 degrees C were
      reached. Theoretically calculated temperatures during slaughter and chilling were
      comparable with the measured values; indicating that a finite-element calculation
      method in combination with a cylindrical model for heat transport can be used to
      predict muscle temperatures for various chilling regimes. Losses in carcass
      weight, 24 h after conventional and forced chilling at -5 degrees C, were about
      2%. After 'ultra' rapid chilling (-30 degrees C) the losses were reduced to 1.3%
      when air velocity was increased to 4 m/s. Meat quality of the longissimus
      lumborum muscle was not significantly affected by the various chilling regimes
      except for the variables related to tenderness. The Warner-Bratzler shear forces
      were higher (P < 0.05) together with shorter sarcomere lengths (P < 0.10) after
      'ultra' rapid chilling at a high (4 m/s) air velocity, indicating an increased
      risk of cold shortening.

PMID- 22059972
TI  - Differentiation between fresh and thawed meat by an enzyme profile test.
AB  - Exudates from fresh (stored at +4 degrees C) and thawed pork and beef (frozen and
      stored below -20 degrees C) was assayed by the rapid test kit API-ZYM(TM) to
      determine enzyme profiles. The test kit consists of 20 wells for different enzyme
      substrates. Of altogether 1040 results, only few reactions of the enzymes
      differed in their intensity between frozen and thawed pork or beef. Fresh pork
      showed a more intensive beta-galactosidase and N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase
      reaction while with fresh beef a more intensive reaction could only be detected
      for N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase. Only N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase showed
      significant differences between fresh and frozen meat in both species (alpha =
      0.01). Considering the indistinct results of the test kit differentiation between
      frozen and thawed meat, the API-ZYM(TM) test kit is considered not suitable for
      distinguishing frozen from thawed pork or beef.

PMID- 22059973
TI  - Distribution of intramuscular lipid throughout M. longissimus thoracis et
      lumborum in Japanese Black, Japanese Shorthorn, Holstein and Japanese Black
      crossbreds.
AB  - Intramuscular lipid content of M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum was determined
      at five locations within the ribeye muscle from 267 Japanese Black, Japanese
      Shorthorn, Holstein and Japanese Black crossbred steers and heifers or cows in
      order to investigate the distribution of marbling. Breed was a highly significant
      (P < 0.001) source of variation for amount of marbling at each of the locations
      measured. Percentage of lipid was higher at the extremities of the muscle than in
      the middle part and was not affected by sex at any location except for opposite
      the 6th rib (P > 0.05). Regression equations were derived which relate the
      percentage of lipid at various locations within M. longissimus thoracis et
      lumborum to that opposite the 6th rib. A substantial portion of the variation in
      marbling observed at the other locations could be accounted for by marbling at
      the 6th rib (R(2) = 0.73-0.90). These data confirm that marbling varies within
      the ribeye muscle but suggest that it is rather consistent in the distribution
      pattern exhibited by Japanese Black cattle and their crosses.

PMID- 22059974
TI  - Structural and mechanical changes in raw and cooked single porcine muscle fibres
      extended to fracture.
AB  - Tensile tests on single muscle fibres from raw and cooked porcine longissimus
      thoracis muscle were performed to explore the structural mechanisms responsible
      for their deformation and fracture properties. Measurements of load and
      deformation were made simultaneously with light microscopy observations of the
      structural changes which occur on extension. On extending the fibres to fracture,
      an r-shaped stress-strain curve was observed and the structural changes which
      occurred during this process could be divided into three phases. Phase one, was
      characterised by a rapid increase in stress with little change in strain and
      ended at the yield point. Sarcomere length was uniform along the fibre in this
      initial phase. Raw fibres yielded at strains of between 2 and 5% of their resting
      lengths and cooked fibres at strains of between 10 and 20%. In phase two, there
      was rapid increase in strain with minimal changes in stress. In most fibres this
      phase was characterised by multiple cracks on the fibre surface and unequal
      sarcomere stretching. Sarcomeres in the regions where the surface had ruptured
      extended faster than those in areas still covered by the surface membrane, where
      sarcomere length remained relatively unchanged. In some cooked fibres, there was
      little or no surface cracking and all the sarcomeres in these fibres extended
      almost uniformly. Phase three was characterised by a rise in stress as strain
      increased and then a final fall in stress at the breaking point. This was
      accompanied by myofibrillar failure and finally breakage of the whole fibre. The
      myofibrils did not always fail as one unit; a progressive snapping of small
      bundles of myofibrils was seen in some raw fibres. Muscle fibres could be
      stretched to 10.9 +/- 1.45% of their resting length before breaking when raw, but
      to 130 +/- 42% of their rest lengths after they were cooked for 1 h at 80 degrees
      C. Where multiple surface cracking was observed in phase two, sarcomeres in some
      cracked areas lengthened faster than others and the cracked areas which extended
      fastest were usually the focus of the eventual failure of the fibre. In raw
      fibres, sarcomeres in the areas where the fibre surface had ruptured could be
      stretched up to 107.7% before failure, while those in areas of the fibre with an
      intact surface remained relatively unchanged. In cracked areas of cooked fibres
      the sarcomeres were more extensible and could be stretched to 169.7% before
      breaking. The order-of-magnitude increase in overall extension to failure of
      fibres resulting from cooking is only partially due to this increase in sarcomere
      extensibility in cracked areas. Mechanically demembranating raw fibres depressed
      the stress at which yielding occurred and doubled their breaking strain. However,
      this process had no effect on the stress at which the fibres fractured. The
      results show that deformation is not uniform along individual fibres, especially
      in the raw case and that the endomysium has an important contribution to this non
      uniform deformation.

PMID- 22059975
TI  - Influence of storage time on parameters of colour stability of beef.
AB  - Direct measurements of the oxygen partial pressure profiles at the surface of the
      longissimus dorsi muscle of six bulls were obtained by means of a solid-state
      probe after 1 min and 5 h exposure to air at 5 degrees C. Changes in muscle
      colour were examined at the same time. The results show the profiles of oxygen
      partial pressure at the muscle surface after differing storage times (1, 3, 5, 7,
      11 and 13 days at 5 degrees C). Up to 5 days post mortem, increases in oxygen
      partial pressure with lengthening storage periods also led to higher percentages
      of oxymyoglobin, following exposure to air 1 min to 5 h. Further storage for up
      to 13 days decreased oxygenation, despite higher oxygen partial pressures. There
      was no evidence of rapid autoxidation to metmyoglobin during a 5-h period of
      exposure to air. Obvious connections between oxygenation and measurements of a
      value were not found. The Lab-values increased dependent on the length of storage
      time.

PMID- 22059976
TI  - Influence on meat colour of spray-chilling the surface of pig carcasses.
AB  - The present study examines the influence of spray-chilling on the surface colour
      of the musculature, skin and spinal spongiosa of swine carcass halves. Thirty
      swine halves, of the commercial classification U, were divided into six
      experimental groups and chilled under varying conditions over a period of 20 h.
      Three of the experimental groups were sprayed periodically with 810 g drinking
      water within a 4-h chilling phase. The other three served as unsprayed control
      groups. Oxygenation of the myoglobin to oxymyoglobin was accelerated by spraying
      the surface of the musculature. Spray-chilling conditions had no influence on the
      formation of metmyoglobin. The colour of the sprayed ham musculature became
      lighter after 4 h of chilling. Red- and yellow-values decreased. There were no
      significant differences in the colour values after 20 h of chilling. The surface
      of the skin became lighter after spray-chilling. The spraying had no influence on
      the colour of the spinal spongiosa.

PMID- 22059977
TI  - The relationship between carcass, meat and eating quality of three pig genotypes.
AB  - The relation between the intrinsic carcass and meat quality and the
      organoleptical characteristics of three genotypes of pigs was studied. In total
      411 pigs, consisting of 121 BL-genotype pigs, 115 hybrids (Seghers Hybrid) and
      175 Large White-genotype pigs, were screened. Slaughter day and genetic
      background had a great impact on the intrinsic meat quality parameters. The
      factor 'slaughter day' implies the stunning method besides the total specific
      transport and slaughter conditions. Whatever the genetic background is, halothane
      susceptibility is obviously the crucial factor. Selection against the halothane
      gene positively influences the intrinsic and sensory meat quality parameters.
      This study also suggests that an increase in the intramuscular fat content, if
      desirable in the interest of the sensory meat quality, can be achieved without
      deterioration of the zoo-technical performance and the carcass quality of the
      pigs.

PMID- 22059978
TI  - The effect of transport on some metabolic parameters and meat quality in pigs.
AB  - Two groups of 40 castrated male pigs were selected at random in an abattoir from
      pigs arriving from two farms, situated 650 km (group A) and 180 km (group B) from
      the plant, respectively. The animals were kept in lairage overnight and
      slaughtered the following morning. At slaughter, samples of blood were collected
      to determine serum levels of some enzymes [lactic dehydrogenase (LDH), glutamic
      oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) and glutamic phosphatase transaminase (GPT)].
      Measurements of pH were then taken on the Longissimus thoracis at the level of
      the last rib 45 min, 3 h and 24 h post mortem. After overnight chilling of the
      sides at +2 degrees C, a portion of the Longissimus thoracis was removed for
      colour and drip measurements. Results show that distance travelled affects pH
      values at 45 min and 24 h, group A presenting higher values than group B (P <
      0.001). Drip loss did not differ significantly between the two groups, while
      group A showed lower values of L (*) and higher a (*) values than group B (P <
      0.05 and P < 0.01, respectively), with no differences in the mean values of b
      (*). In group A, a higher value of LDH was observed (P < 0.001) than in group B.
      GOT and GPT showed no significant difference between the two groups. It is
      concluded that, although some significant effects of treatment were recorded on
      some quality traits, the magnitude of the differences are not considered of much
      practical significance.

PMID- 22059979
TI  - Formation of oxo- and hydroxyfatty acids in irradiated chickens.
AB  - Finely ground chicken skin and subcutaneous fat exposed to gamma radiation from
      (137)Cs at 0-2 degrees C for up to 10 kGy generated oxofatty acids (OFA) and
      hydroxyfatty acids (HFA) in the glycerides. Both classes were determined as
      colored derivatives; OFA as 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazones, and HFA as esters of
      pyruvic acid 2,6-dinitrophenylhydrazone. The concentration of OFA increased with
      increasing irradiation dose but not always linearly. Variations in the
      concentration of both classes were noted and some chicken lipids failed to form
      both classes. In the samples where OFA were generated in significant quantities,
      the absorption maximum of the derivatives shifted toward a higher wavelength with
      increasing dose due ostensibly to the formation of double bond(s) in conjugation
      with the oxo group. This shift in absorption maximum was initially considered to
      be a means for detecting irradiation as well as indicating the dose received with
      fair accuracy. However, in several instances irradiation of a chicken sample did
      not result in the formation of significant increases in OFA and therefore this
      method cannot be used as a definitive test.

PMID- 22059980
TI  - Biological effects and adaptive response from single and repeated computed
      tomography scans in reticulocytes and bone marrow of C57BL/6 mice.
AB  - This study investigated the biological effects and adaptive responses induced by
      single and repeated in vivo computed tomography (CT) scans. We postulated that,
      through the induction of low-level oxidative stress, repeated low-dose CT scans
      (20 mGy, 2 days/week, 10 weeks) could protect mice (C57BL/6) from acute effects
      of high-dose radiation (1 Gy, 2 Gy). The micronucleated reticulocyte (MN-RET)
      count increased linearly after exposure to single CT scans of doses ranging from
      20 to 80 mGy (P = 0.033). Ten weeks of repeated CT scans (total dose 400 mGy)
      produced a slight reduction in spontaneous MN-RET levels relative to levels in
      sham CT-scanned mice (P = 0.04). Decreases of nearly 10% in gamma-H2AX
      fluorescence levels were observed in the repeated CT-scanned mice after an in
      vitro challenge dose of 1 Gy (P = 0.017) and 2 Gy (P = 0.026). Spontaneous
      apoptosis levels (caspase 3 and 7 activation) were also significantly lower in
      the repeated CT-scanned mice than the sham CT-scanned mice (P < 0.01). In
      contrast, mice receiving only a single CT scan showed a 19% elevation in
      apoptosis (P < 0.02) and a 10% increase in gamma-H2AX fluorescence levels after a
      2-Gy challenge (P < 0.05) relative to sham CT controls. Overall, repeated CT
      scans seemed to confer resistance to larger doses in mice, whereas mice exposed
      to single CT scans exhibited transient genotoxicity, enhanced apoptosis, and
      characteristics of radiation sensitization.

PMID- 22059981
TI  - The disaster at Japan's Fukushima-Daiichi nuclear power plant after the March 11,
      2011 earthquake and tsunami, and the resulting spread of radioisotope
      contamination.
AB  - On March 11, 2011 eastern Japan was struck by a magnitude 9.0 earthquake and an
      enormous tsunami, over 13 m in height, which together killed over 20,500 people
      and resulted in the evacuation of over 320,000 people from the devastated areas.
      This paper describes the damage sustained by the Fukushima-Daiichi nuclear power
      plant during this unpredicted major natural disaster and the events that happened
      in the months after this accident. The events occurring at the Fukushima-Daiichi
      nuclear power plant, the actions taken to minimize the effects of the damage to
      the plant and to protect the public, and the points at which the responses proved
      to be inadequate all offer lessons that will be of value to those planning for
      and responding to future natural disasters and accidents in Japan and around the
      world.

PMID- 22059982
TI  - A case of HER-2-positive recurrent breast cancer showing a clinically complete
      response to trastuzumab-containing chemotherapy after primary treatment of triple
      negative breast cancer.
AB  - We report a case of HER-2-positive recurrent breast cancer showing a clinically
      complete response to trastuzumab-containing chemotherapy 6 years after primary
      treatment of triple-negative breast cancer. The primary tumor was negative for
      HER-2 as determined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and fluorescence in situ
      hybridization (FISH) (1+, and ratio, 1.1), but examination of the recurrent lymph
      node metastasis showed positivity for HER-2 by FISH (ratio, 5.2). No lesions were
      detected in either her left breast or in other organs, and the patient was
      diagnosed as having HER-2-positive recurrent disease. Combination chemotherapy
      using weekly paclitaxel and trastuzumab was initiated, and a clinically complete
      response was achieved. This report suggests the benefit of routine evaluation of
      HER-2 status in recurrent breast cancer with the introduction of HER-2-targeting
      agents.

PMID- 22059983
TI  - Thiazolides as novel antiviral agents. 2. Inhibition of hepatitis C virus
      replication.
AB  - We report the activities of a number of thiazolides [2-hydroxyaroyl-N-(thiazol-2
      yl)amides] against hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes IA and IB, using replicon
      assays. The structure-activity relationships (SARs) of thiazolides against HCV
      are less predictable than against hepatitis B virus (HBV), though an electron
      withdrawing group at C(5') generally correlates with potency. Among the related
      salicyloylanilides, the m-fluorophenyl analogue was most promising; niclosamide
      and close analogues suffered from very low solubility and bioavailability.
      Nitazoxanide (NTZ) 1 has performed well in clinical trials against HCV. We show
      here that the 5'-Cl analogue 4 has closely comparable in vitro activity and a
      good cell safety index. By use of support vector analysis, a quantitative
      structure-activity relationship (QSAR) model was obtained, showing good
      predictive models for cell safety. We conclude by updating the mode of action of
      the thiazolides and explain the candidate selection that has led to compound 4
      entering preclinical development.

PMID- 22059984
TI  - Bioconjugation of protein-repellent zwitterionic polymer brushes grafted from
      silicon nitride.
AB  - A new method for attaching antibodies to protein-repellent zwitterionic polymer
      brushes aimed at recognizing microorganisms while preventing the nonspecific
      adsorption of proteins is presented. The poly(sulfobetaine methacrylate) (SBMA)
      brushes were grafted from alpha-bromo isobutyryl initiator-functionalized silicon
      nitride (Si(x)N(4), x >= 3) surfaces via controlled atom-transfer radical
      polymerization (ATRP). A trifunctional tris(2-aminoethyl)amine linker was reacted
      with the terminal alkylbromide of polySBMA chains. N-Hydroxysuccinimide (NHS)
      functionalization was achieved by reacting the resultant amine-terminated
      polySBMA brush with bifunctional suberic acid bis(N-hydroxysuccinimide ester).
      Anti-Salmonella antibodies were subsequently immobilized onto polySBMA-grafted
      Si(x)N(4) surfaces through these NHS linkers. The protein-repellent properties of
      the polySBMA-grafted surface after antibody attachment were evaluated by exposing
      the surfaces to Alexa Fluor 488-labeled fibrinogen (FIB) solution (0.1 g.L(-1))
      for 1 h at room temperature. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) images
      revealed the minimal adsorption of FIB onto the antibody-coated polySBMA in
      comparison with that of antibody-coated epoxide monolayers and also bare
      Si(x)N(4) surfaces. Subsequently, the interaction of antibodies immobilized onto
      polySBMA with SYTO9-stained Salmonella solution without using blocking solution
      was examined by CLSM. The fluorescent images showed that antibody-coated polySBMA
      efficiently captured Salmonella with only low background noise as compared to
      antibody-coated monolayers lacking the polymer brush. Finally, the antibody
      coated polySBMA surfaces were exposed to a mixture of Alexa Fluor 647-labeled FIB
      and Salmonella without the prior use of a blocking solution to evaluate the
      ability of the surfaces to capture bacteria while simultaneously repelling
      proteins. The fluorescent images showed the capture of Salmonella with no
      adsorption of FIB as compared to antibody-coated epoxide surfaces, demonstrating
      the potential of the zwitterionic layer in preventing the nonspecific adsorption
      of the proteins during the detection of bacteria in complex matrices.

PMID- 22059986
TI  - Tracking of the polyproline folding by density functional computations and Raman
      optical activity spectra.
AB  - Polyprolines offer many opportunities to study factors influencing peptide and
      protein folding and structure. Longer chains can adopt two well-defined forms
      (PPI and PPII), but shorter peptides are quite flexible. To understand in detail
      the dependence of the secondary structure on the length and the interplay between
      the side chain and main chain conformation, zwitterionic (Pro)(N) models (with N
      = 2, 3, 4, 6, 9, 12 and longer inhomogeneous chains) were studied by a
      combination of the Raman and Raman optical activity (ROA) spectroscopy with the
      density functional theory (DFT). Potential surfaces were systematically explored
      for the shorter oligoprolines, and Boltzmann conformational ratios were obtained
      both for the main chain and the proline ring puckering. The predictions were
      verified by comparison of the experimental and simulated ROA spectra. The
      conformer ratios extracted from a decomposition of the experimental ROA into
      scaled computed spectra well reproduced Boltzmann populations calculated from
      relative energies. For example, an "A" puckering of the proline ring was found
      prevalent, relatively independent of the length, whereas the cis-amide backbone
      form adopted by shorter peptides rapidly disappeared for N > 4. The results are
      consistent with previous NMR and vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) data.
      Delocalized exciton vibrations along the peptide chain often enhance the ROA
      signal, and can thus be used to indicate a longer regular peptide structure. The
      ROA technique appeared to be very sensitive to the ring puckering; less distinct
      spectral features were produced by changes in the main chain geometry.

PMID- 22059985
TI  - Recent advances towards development and commercialization of plant cell culture
      processes for the synthesis of biomolecules.
AB  - Plant cell culture systems were initially explored for use in commercial
      synthesis of several high-value secondary metabolites, allowing for sustainable
      production that was not limited by the low yields associated with natural harvest
      or the high cost associated with complex chemical synthesis. Although there have
      been some commercial successes, most notably paclitaxel production from Taxus
      sp., process limitations exist with regards to low product yields and inherent
      production variability. A variety of strategies are being developed to overcome
      these limitations including elicitation, in situ product removal and metabolic
      engineering with single genes and transcription factors. Recently, the plant cell
      culture production platform has been extended to pharmaceutically active
      heterologous proteins. Plant systems are beneficial because they are able to
      produce complex proteins that are properly glycosylated, folded and assembled
      without the risk of contamination by toxins that are associated with mammalian or
      microbial production systems. Additionally, plant cell culture isolates
      transgenic material from the environment, allows for more controllable conditions
      over field-grown crops and promotes secretion of proteins to the medium, reducing
      downstream purification costs. Despite these benefits, the increase in cost of
      heterologous protein synthesis in plant cell culture as opposed to field-grown
      crops is significant and therefore processes must be optimized with regard to
      maximizing secretion and enhancing protein stability in the cell culture media.
      This review discusses recent advancements in plant cell culture processing
      technology, focusing on progress towards overcoming the problems associated with
      commercialization of these production systems and highlighting recent commercial
      successes.

PMID- 22059987
TI  - Vasoactive intestinal peptide/vasoactive intestinal peptide receptor relative
      expression in salivary glands as one endogenous modulator of acinar cell
      apoptosis in a murine model of Sjogren's syndrome.
AB  - Sjogren's syndrome (SS) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by a
      progressive oral and ocular dryness that correlates poorly with the autoimmune
      damage of the glands. It has been proposed that a loss of homeostatic equilibrium
      in the glands is partly responsible for salivary dysfunction with acinar cells
      involved actively in the pathogenesis of SS. The non-obese diabetic (NOD) mouse
      model of Sjogren's syndrome develops secretory dysfunction and early loss of
      glandular homeostatic mechanisms, with mild infiltration of the glands. Based on
      the vasodilator, prosecretory and trophic effects of the vasoactive intestinal
      peptide (VIP) on acini as well as its anti-inflammatory properties we
      hypothesized that the local expression of VIP/vasoactive intestinal peptide
      receptor (VPAC) system in salivary glands could have a role in acinar cell
      apoptosis and macrophage function thus influencing gland homeostasis. Here we
      show a progressive decline of VIP expression in submandibular glands of NOD mice
      with no changes in VPAC receptor expression compared with normal mice. The deep
      loss of endogenous VIP was associated with a loss of acinar cells through
      apoptotic mechanisms that could be induced further by tumour necrosis factor
      (TNF)-alpha and reversed by VIP through a cyclic adenosine-5'-monophosphate
      (cAMP)/protein kinase A (PKA)-mediated pathway. The clearance of apoptotic acinar
      cells by macrophages was impaired for NOD macrophages but a shift from
      inflammatory to regulatory phenotype was induced in macrophages during
      phagocytosis of apoptotic acinar cells. These results support that the decline in
      endogenous VIP/VPAC local levels might influence the survival/apoptosis
      intracellular set point in NOD acinar cells and their clearance, thus
      contributing to gland homeostasis loss.

PMID- 22059988
TI  - Detection of four diabetes specific autoantibodies in a single radioimmunoassay:
      an innovative high-throughput approach for autoimmune diabetes screening.
AB  - Highly sensitive and specific radioimmunoassays have been validated for
      autoantibodies reacting with the four major autoantigens identified so far in
      autoimmune diabetes. However, the analysis of this large number of autoantigens
      has increased the costs and time necessary for complete autoantibody screenings.
      Our aim was to demonstrate that it is possible to detect the immunoreactivity
      against a combination of four different autoantigens by a single assay, this
      representing a rapid, low-cost first approach to evaluate humoral autoimmunity in
      diabetes. By using this novel multi-autoantigen radioimmunoassay (MAA), in
      subsequent steps we analysed 830 sera, 476 of known and 354 of unknown diabetes
      specific immunoreactivity, collected from various groups of individuals including
      type 1 and type 2 diabetes patients, autoantibody-positive patients with a
      clinical diagnosis of type 2 diabetes (LADA), prediabetic subjects, individuals
      at risk to develop autoimmune diabetes, siblings of type 1 diabetic patients,
      coeliac patients and healthy control subjects. All sera reacting with one or more
      of the four autoantigens by single assays also resulted positive with MAA, as
      well as eight of 24 type 1 diabetic patients classified initially as autoantibody
      negative at disease onset based on single autoantibody assays. In addition, MAA
      showed 92% sensitivity and 99% specificity by analysing 140 blinded sera from
      type 1 diabetic patients and control subjects provided in the 2010 Diabetes
      Autoantibody Standardization Program. MAA is the first combined method also able
      to evaluate, in addition to glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) and tyrosine
      phosphatase (IA)-2, insulin and islet beta-cell zinc cation efflux transporter
      (ZnT8) autoantibodies. It appears to be particularly appropriate as a first-line
      approach for large-scale population-based screenings of anti-islet autoimmunity.

PMID- 22059989
TI  - 2alpha-Methyl-19-nor-(20S)-1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3)  protects the insulin 2
      knockout non-obese diabetic mouse from developing type 1 diabetes without
      hypercalcaemia.
AB  - Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease that destroys the insulin
      producing beta-islet cells of the pancreas. Currently, there are no treatment
      modalities for prevention of T1D, and the mechanisms influencing disease
      inception and early progression are not well understood. We have used the insulin
      2(-/-) non-obese diabetic (Ins2(-/-) NOD) model to study stages of T1D and to
      examine the protective effects of a potent analogue of 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin
      D(3), 2alpha-methyl-19-nor-(20S)-1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D(3) (2AMD).
      Pancreatic tissues from control and 2AMD-treated Ins2(-/-) NOD mice were obtained
      weekly from 5 to 16 weeks of age. Using immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis,
      samples were analysed for changes in beta cell survival, islet structure and T
      cell invasion. Weekly intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests (IPGTT) were
      performed to assess comparative beta cell function in control and treated
      animals. IHC demonstrated progressive beta cell destruction in control mice. In
      contrast, 2AMD treatment preserved islet cell architecture, arrested intra-islet
      T cell invasion and prevented the transition from insulitis to diabetes. IPGTT
      results revealed progressive impairment of beta cell function with increasing age
      in control mice, while 2AMD treatment resulted in normal beta function throughout
      the study. These results demonstrate that the Ins2(-/-) NOD model provides a
      rapid and effective method for studying T1D and for assessing efficacy of anti
      diabetic agents.

PMID- 22059990
TI  - The major risk alleles of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) in CFH do not
      play a major role in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
AB  - Because activation of the alternative pathway (AP) of the complement system is an
      important aspect of both age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and rheumatoid
      arthritis (RA), we wished to address the question whether genetic risk factors of
      the AP inhibitor complement factor H (CFH) for AMD would also be risk factors for
      RA. For this purpose we genotyped single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in a
      Dutch set of RA patients and controls. Similarly, a meta-analysis using a Spanish
      cohort of RA as well as six large genome-wide association studies (GWAS) studies
      was performed. For these SNPs we analysed more than 6000 patients and 20,000
      controls. The CFH variants, I62V, Y402H, IVS1 and IVS10, known to associate
      strongly with AMD, did not show a significant association with the risk of
      developing RA despite a strong statistical power to detect such differences. In
      conclusion, the major risk alleles of AMD in CFH do not have a similar effect on
      developing RA.

PMID- 22059991
TI  - Role of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and TNFRSF1A R92Q mutation in the
      pathogenesis of TNF receptor-associated periodic syndrome and multiple sclerosis.
AB  - It has long been known that tumour necrosis factor (TNF)/TNFRSF1A signalling is
      involved in the pathophysiology of multiple sclerosis (MS). Different genetic and
      clinical findings over the last few years have generated renewed interest in this
      relationship. This paper provides an update on these recent findings. Genome-wide
      association studies have identified the R92Q mutation in the TNFRSF1A gene as a
      genetic risk factor for MS (odds ratio 1.6). This allele, which is also common in
      the general population and in other inflammatory conditions, therefore only
      implies a modest risk for MS and provides yet another piece of the puzzle that
      defines the multiple genetic risk factors for this disease. TNFRSF1A mutations
      have been associated with an autoinflammatory disease known as TNF receptor
      associated periodic syndrome (TRAPS). Clinical observations have identified a
      group of MS patients carrying the R92Q mutation who have additional TRAPS
      symptoms. Hypothetically, the co-existence of MS and TRAPS or a co-morbidity
      relationship between the two could be mediated by this mutation. The TNFRSF1A
      R92Q mutation behaves as a genetic risk factor for MS and other inflammatory
      diseases, including TRAPS. Nevertheless, this mutation does not appear to be a
      severity marker of the disease, neither modifying the clinical progression of MS
      nor its therapeutic response. An alteration in TNF/TNFRS1A signalling may
      increase proinflammatory signals; the final clinical phenotype may possibly be
      determined by other genetic or environmental modifying factors that have not yet
      been identified.

PMID- 22059992
TI  - Genetic variability in the IL1RN gene and the balance between interleukin (IL)-1
      receptor agonist and IL-1beta in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
AB  - Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a rapidly progressive interstitial lung
      disease of unknown aetiology. Interleukin (IL)-1beta plays an important role in
      inflammation and has been associated with fibrotic remodelling. We investigated
      the balance between IL-1beta and IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra) in
      bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and serum as well as the influence of genetic
      variability in the IL1B and IL1RN gene on disease susceptibility and cytokine
      levels. In 77 IPF patients and 349 healthy controls, single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) in the IL1RN and IL1B genes were determined. Serum and BALF
      IL-1Ra and IL-1beta levels were measured using a multiplex suspension bead array
      system and were correlated with genotypes. Both in serum and BALF a significantly
      decreased IL-1Ra/IL-1beta ratio was found in IPF patients compared to healthy
      controls. In the IL1RN gene, one SNP was associated with both the susceptibility
      to IPF and reduced IL-1Ra/IL-1beta ratios in BALF. Our results show that genetic
      variability in the IL1RN gene may play a role in the pathogenesis of IPF and that
      this role may be more important than thought until recently. The imbalance
      between IL-1Ra and IL-1beta might contribute to a proinflammatory and pro
      fibrotic environment in their lungs.

PMID- 22059993
TI  - Neutralization of mitogenic lectins by intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) prevents
      T cell activation: does IVIg really have a direct effect on T cells?
AB  - Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) is used for the treatment of an increasing
      number of autoimmune diseases. Clinical observations on IVIg-treated patients
      have revealed a modulation of T cell populations and functions in these patients.
      In vitro studies aimed at understanding the mechanisms underlying the effects of
      IVIg on T cells led to the conclusion that IVIg directly affected lectin
      activated T cell functions. However, more recent studies have suggested the
      absence of a direct effect of IVIg on T cells. In the present work, we revisited
      the effect of IVIg on T cells using lectin-stimulated human T cells and showed
      that IVIg inhibited T cell functions only when added simultaneously with the
      activating lectin. Further, we showed that IVIg depleted from lectin-reactive IgG
      was no longer inhibitory, suggesting that the effect of IVIg on T cells was the
      consequence of lectin neutralization, possibly by interaction with glycans
      present in F(ab')(2)  portion of IgG molecules. Our results challenge the
      previously widely accepted notion that IVIg exerts its anti-inflammatory effects
      by acting directly on T cells and suggest that effects of IVIg observed in
      treated patients are rather a consequence of the recently reported inhibitory
      effect of IVIg on antigen presentation.

PMID- 22059994
TI  - Differential inhibition of trastuzumab- and cetuximab-induced cytotoxicity of
      cancer cells by immunoglobulin G1 expressing different GM allotypes.
AB  - Antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC), which links the innate and
      the adaptive arms of immunity, is a major host immunosurveillance mechanism
      against tumours, as well as the leading mechanism underlying the clinical
      efficacy of therapeutic antibodies such as cetuximab and trastuzumab, which
      target tumour antigens, human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER)1 and HER2,
      respectively. Immunoglobulin (Ig)G antibody-mediated ADCC is triggered upon
      ligation of Fcgamma receptor (FcgammaR) to the Fc region of IgG molecules. It
      follows that genetic variation in FcgammaR and Fc could contribute to the
      differences in the magnitude of ADCC. Genetic variation in FcgammaR is known to
      contribute to the differences in the magnitude of ADCC, but the contribution of
      natural genetic variation in Fc, GM allotypes, in this interaction has hitherto
      not been investigated. Using an ADCC inhibition assay, we show that IgG1
      expressing the GM 3+, 1-, 2- allotypes was equally effective in inhibiting
      cetuximab- and trastuzumab-mediated ADCC of respective target cells, in the
      presence of natural killer (NK) cells expressing either valine or phenylalanine
      allele of FcgammaRIIIa. In contrast, IgG1 expressing the allelic GM 17+, 1+, 2+
      allotypes was significantly more effective in inhibiting the ADCC - mediated by
      both monoclonal antibodies - when NK cells expressed the valine, rather than the
      phenylalanine, allele of FcgammaRIIIa. These findings have important implications
      for engineering antibodies (with human gamma1 constant region) against
      malignancies characterized by the over-expression of tumour antigens HER1 and
      HER2 - especially for patients who, because of their FcgammaRIIIa genotype, are
      unlikely to benefit from the currently available therapeutics.

PMID- 22059995
TI  - An engineered Plasmodium falciparum C-terminal 19-kilodalton merozoite surface
      protein 1 vaccine candidate induces high levels of interferon-gamma production
      associated with cellular immune responses to specific peptide sequences in
      Gambian adults naturally exposed to malaria.
AB  - The 19-kDa C-terminal region of merozoite surface protein 1 (MSP1(19)), a major
      blood stage malaria vaccine candidate, is the target of cellular and humoral
      immune responses in humans naturally infected with Plasmodium falciparum. We have
      previously described engineered variants of this protein, designed to be better
      vaccine candidates, but the human immune response to these proteins has not been
      characterized fully. Here we have investigated the antigenicity of one such
      variant compared to wild-type MSP1(19)-derived protein and peptides. Gambian
      adults produced both high T helper type 1 (Th1) [interferon (IFN)-gamma] and
      Th0/Th2 [interleukin (IL)-13 and sCD30] responses to the wild-type MSP1(19) and
      the modified protein as wells as to peptides derived from both forms. Response to
      the modified MSP1(19) (with three amino acid substitutions: Glu27Tyr, Leu31Arg
      and Glu43Leu) relative to the wild-type, included higher IFN-gamma production.
      Interestingly, some peptides evoked different patterns of cytokine responses.
      Modified peptides induced higher IL-13 production than the wild-type, while the
      conserved peptides P16 and P19 induced the highest IFN-gamma and IL-13 and/or
      sCD30 release, respectively. We identified P16 as the immunodominant peptide that
      was recognized by cells from 63% of the study population, and not restricted to
      any particular human leucocyte antigen D-related (HLA-DR) type. These findings
      provide new and very useful information for future vaccine development and
      formulation as well as potential Th1/Th2 immunmodulation using either wild-type
      or modified protein in combination with their peptides.

PMID- 22059996
TI  - Sildenafil treatment attenuates lung and kidney injury due to overproduction of
      oxidant activity in a rat model of sepsis: a biochemical and histopathological
      study.
AB  - Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response to infection and a major cause of
      morbidity and mortality. Sildenafil (SLD) is a selective and potent inhibitor of
      cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)-specific phosphodiesterase PDE5. We aimed
      to investigate the protective effects of sildenafil on caecal ligation and
      puncture (CLP)-induced sepsis in rats. Four groups of rats were used, each
      composed of 10 rats: (i) 10 mg/kg SLD-treated CLP group; (ii) 20 mg/kg SLD
      treated CLP group; (iii) CLP group; and (iv) sham-operated control group. A CLP
      polymicrobial sepsis model was applied to the rats. All groups were killed 16 h
      later, and lung, kidney and blood samples were analysed histopathologically and
      biochemically. Sildenafil increased glutathione (GSH) and decreased the
      activation of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and of lipid peroxidase (LPO) and levels of
      superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the septic rats. We observed a significant decrease
      in LPO and MPO and a decrease in SOD activity in the sildenafil-treated CLP rats
      compared with the sham group. In addition, 20 mg/kg sildenafil treatment in the
      sham-operated rats improved the biochemical status of lungs and kidneys.
      Histopathological analysis revealed significant differences in inflammation
      scores between the sepsis group and the other groups, except the CLP + sildenafil
      10 mg/kg group. The CLP + sildenafil 20 mg/kg group had the lowest inflammation
      score. Sildenafil treatment decreased the serum tumour necrosis factor (TNF)
      alpha level when compared to the CLP group. Our results indicate that sildenafil
      is a highly protective agent in preventing lung and kidney damage caused by CLP
      induced sepsis via maintenance of the oxidant-anti-oxidant status and decrease in
      the level of TNF-alpha.

PMID- 22059997
TI  - The effect of azithromycin on the maturation and function of murine bone marrow
      derived dendritic cells.
AB  - Dendritic cells (DCs) are professional antigen-presenting cells capable of
      initiating primary/adaptive immune responses and tolerance. DC functions are
      regulated by their state of maturation. However, the molecular pathways leading
      to DC development and maturation remain poorly understood. We attempted to
      determine whether inhibition of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB), which is one
      of the pivotal pathways underlying these processes, could induce immunophenotypic
      and functional changes in lipopolysaccharide-induced mature DCs derived from
      murine bone marrow. A comparative in vitro study of five clinically used drugs
      that are known to inhibit NF-kappaB demonstrated that azithromycin, a macrolide
      antibiotic, significantly inhibited expression of co-stimulatory molecules (CD40
      and CD86) and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II by DCs. It also
      reduced Toll-like receptor 4 expression, interleukin-12 production and the
      allostimulatory capacity of DCs. These data suggest that azithromycin, as not
      only an NF-kappaB inhibitor but also an antibiotic, has potential as a novel drug
      for manipulation of allogeneic responses.

PMID- 22059998
TI  - Inequity in work and intimate relationships: a Spillover-Crossover model.
AB  - This study among 267 Greek teachers and their partners tested and expanded the
      recently proposed Spillover-Crossover model (SCM) of well-being. Accordingly,
      experiences built up at work spill over to the home domain, and then influence
      the partner. The authors integrated equity theory in the model by formulating
      hypotheses about exchange in interpersonal relationships. Structural equation
      modeling analyses supported the spillover hypothesis that teachers who lose their
      work engagement as a result of an inequitable relationship with their students
      invest less in the relationship with their partner. In addition, the results
      supported the crossover hypothesis that teachers' relationship investments, in
      turn, show a negative relationship with inequity in the intimate relationship as
      perceived by the partner; and inequity in the intimate relationship contributed
      to partner depression. The findings are discussed in light of the SCM of well
      being.

PMID- 22060000
TI  - Electrophilic aromatic sulfonation with SO3: concerted or classic S(E)Ar
      mechanism?
AB  - The electrophilic sulfonation of several arenes with SO(3) was examined by
      electronic structure computations at the M06-2X/6-311+G(2d,2p) and SCS-MP2/6
      311+G(2d,2p) levels of theory. In contrast to the usual interpretations, the
      results provide clear evidence that in nonpolar media and in the absence of
      catalysts the mechanism of aromatic sulfonation with a single SO(3) is concerted
      and does not involve the conventionally depicted 1:1 sigma complex (Wheland)
      intermediate. Moreover, the computed activation energy for the 1:1 process is
      unrealistically high; barriers for alternative 2:1 mechanisms involving attack by
      two SO(3) molecules are 12-20 kcal/mol lower! A direct 2:1 sulfonation mechanism,
      involving a single essential transition state, but no Wheland type intermediate,
      is preferred generally at MP2 as well as at M06-2X in isolation (gas phase) or in
      noncomplexing solvents (such as CCl(4) or CFCl(3)). However, in polar, higher
      dielectric SO(3)-complexing media, M06-2X favors an S(E)Ar mechanism for the 2:1
      reaction involving a Wheland-type arene-(SO(3))(2) dimer intermediate. The
      reaction is slower in complexing solvents, since the association energy, e.g.,
      with nitromethane, must be overcome. But, in accord with the experimental
      kinetics (second-order in SO(3)), attack by two sulfur trioxide molecules is
      still favored energetically over reaction with a single SO(3) in CH(3)NO(2). The
      theoretical results also reproduce the experimental reactivity and
      regioselectivity trends for benzene, toluene, and naphthalene sulfonation
      accurately.

PMID- 22060001
TI  - Improvement of acetazolamide ocular permeation using ascorbyl laurate
      nanostructures as drug delivery system.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the performance of 6-O-Lauryl-l-ascorbic acid nanostructures
      (coagels) as vehicles for acetazolamide (AZM) in ophthalmic administration by in
      vitro and in vivo experimental tests. METHODS: The systems of coagel + AZM were
      evaluated in terms of their in vitro release (dialysis membrane), permeability
      (isolated cornea), pharmacological effectiveness [intraocular pressure (IOP)
      reduction in normotensive rabbits], and potential irritant effects. RESULTS: The
      results concerning AZM permeation were better when vehiculized in coagels
      compared with ringer solution, which was evident from the AZM steady-state flux
      and P(app) values (J=1.43 MUg/min and P(app)=3.04 cm.s(1)). As a consequence of
      this increase in permeation, the coagel-AZMs were more effective in lowering the
      IOP, according to the results obtained from the in vivo assays. Coagels loaded
      with 0.4% (W/W) of AZM showed a higher hypotensive effect in rabbits compared
      with the commercial formulation AZOPT((r)) (brinzolamide 1%), mainly due to the
      prolonged effect of the former. In all cases, the intensity of irritation was
      time dependent. The sodium lauryl sulphate solution (2%) used as a positive
      control produced serious injury 30 min postadministration. This effect caused
      irritation, which decreased slowly and even at 180 min, the discomfort was still
      considerable. However, in the case of coagels, a mild-to-moderate effect was
      observed. CONCLUSIONS: The incorporation of AZM in coagels seems to improve the
      ocular bioavailability of this drug. Coagel-AZM 0.4% showed a higher hypotensive
      effect, with a mild-to-moderate irritant effect. These systems could be
      administrated in human beings, although more detailed studies still need to be
      carried out.

PMID- 22060002
TI  - New understanding of memory poses challenges for retrospective research.

PMID- 22060003
TI  - Understanding the impact of early-life trauma in nursing home residents.
AB  - Reactions to early life trauma can reemerge or be exacerbated in later life as
      coping resources and abilities are compromised by age-related changes and
      declines in health. For newly admitted nursing home residents, this can impact
      their receptiveness to assistance with care and elicit challenging reactions to
      environmental and situational triggers. Unfortunately, current assessment tools
      fail to account for reactions to early-life trauma. In this article, we review
      existing literature on early-life trauma and aging and introduce a hypothetical
      case to illustrate the importance of identifying nursing home residents with past
      trauma experiences.

PMID- 22060004
TI  - The living-dying interval in nursing home-based end-of-life care: family
      caregivers' experiences.
AB  - Guided by concepts from the living-dying interval ( Pattison, 1977 ) this study
      sought to explore family members' experiences with a dying nursing home resident.
      In-depth interviews were conducted with 31 caregivers of residents who had died.
      Interviews were audiotaped and transcribed. Themes that illuminated families'
      experiences on the living-dying interval were: an acute medical crisis (trigger
      events, accumulation of stressors, level of care crisis); the living-dying phase
      (advance care planning, hospitalization, end-stage decisions); and the terminal
      phase (beginning of the end, awareness of dying). The results illustrate critical
      periods for social work intervention with families of dying nursing home
      residents.

PMID- 22060005
TI  - Health and medical services use: a matched case comparison between CCRC residents
      and national health and retirement study samples.
AB  - Little is known about the health status of adults living in continuing care
      retirement communities (CCRC). Using matched-case control, 458 adults from the
      Health and Retirement Study (HRS) or a CCRC-based sample were compared on total
      comorbidity, self-rated health, home health services use, and hospitalizations.
      At year 2, the CCRC sample reported more comorbidities (96%) but significantly
      better self-rated health (96% good/excellent) than the HRS sample (93%
      comorbidity, 73% good/excellent; p < .01). There were no significant differences
      in frequency of home health use or hospitalization. Living in a CCRC appears to
      be associated with higher self-ratings of health in this sample.

PMID- 22060006
TI  - Giving courts the information necessary to implement limited guardianships: are
      we there yet?
AB  - A retrospective analysis of written court records and audiotapes of court
      testimony for adult guardianship cases in 2 Kentucky counties was conducted. Two
      hundred forty clinical assessments were reviewed for 80 court petitions. The
      purpose of this research was to learn how interdisciplinary assessment teams
      contributed to the guardianship process for older adults. Guardianship
      assessments and court testimony were reviewed to explore the comprehensiveness of
      reports to the court, the consideration of less restrictive alternatives, and the
      use of limited guardianships. Recommendations are given for ways in which social
      workers can improve information given to the courts and advocate for elders in
      this situation. The role of social work in this national phenomenon is discussed.

PMID- 22060007
TI  - Welfare reform and elderly immigrants' health insurance coverage: the roles of
      federal and state medicaid eligibility rules.
AB  - Immigrants' access to federally-funded Medicaid became limited after welfare
      reform imposed restrictive noncitizen eligibility rules. This study used a
      representative sample from the Current Population Survey (N = 105,873) and state
      level data to examine the effects of these policy changes on elderly immigrants.
      Triple difference-in-differences analyses show that federal restriction of
      eligibility had a significantly negative association with elderly immigrants'
      Medicaid coverage, and generous state eligibility had significantly positive
      relationships with Medicaid and any health insurance coverage. Findings indicate
      the important role of eligibility on elderly immigrants' health insurance
      coverage. Results call for social workers' actions to expand elderly immigrants'
      Medicaid eligibility.

PMID- 22060010
TI  - Variation in local institutional review board evaluations of a multicenter
      patient safety study.
AB  - Several highly visible quality improvement (QI) projects led to controversy over
      their ethical oversight, attracting attention from institutional review boards
      (IRBs) and the Office for Human Research Protection. While QI research has
      increased dramatically, there is limited empirical evidence regarding how
      multiple IRBs review the same study. This paper describes the variations in local
      IRB reviews for the same a multicenter QI study. The study, entitled "Locating
      Errors through Networked Surveillance", used multiple data collection methods to
      identify patient safety risks in cardiovascular operating room services. This
      study involved 2-day site visits to 5 hospitals by the research team to observe
      cardiac surgery procedures and interview staff regarding clinical practice and
      hazards. Surveys were self-administered. The IRB process varied widely across the
      5 hospitals. Reviews ranged from full committee review and approval with verbal
      consent required from patients and operating room staff, to an IRB determining
      the study exempt from review and participant consent. The time to IRB approval
      ranged from 6 weeks to 6 months. This variation suggests there is wide
      interpretation of the Federal regulations put in place to guide IRBs. The
      adoption of uniformity would not only reduce inefficiencies but also attenuate
      the perceived arbitrary nature of current IRB review processes that often
      inappropriately influence hypothesis-generation and study design.

PMID- 22060011
TI  - Neurophysiological investigation of idiopathic acquired auditory-visual
      synesthesia.
AB  - We present a case of acquired auditory-visual synesthesia and its
      neurophysiological investigation in a healthy 42-year-old woman. She started
      experiencing persistent positive and intermittent negative visual phenomena at
      age 37 followed by auditory-visual synesthesia. Her neurophysiological
      investigation included video-EEG, fMRI, and MEG. Auditory stimuli (700 Hz, 50 ms
      duration, 0.5 s ISI) were presented binaurally at 60 db above the hearing
      threshold in a dark room. The patient had bilateral symmetrical auditory-evoked
      neuromagnetic responses followed by an occipital-evoked field 16.3 ms later. The
      activation of occipital cortex following auditory stimuli may represent
      recruitment of existing cross-modal sensory pathways.

PMID- 22060012
TI  - A 48 SNP set for grapevine cultivar identification.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Rapid and consistent genotyping is an important requirement for
      cultivar identification in many crop species. Among them grapevine cultivars have
      been the subject of multiple studies given the large number of synonyms and
      homonyms generated during many centuries of vegetative multiplication and
      exchange. Simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers have been preferred until now
      because of their high level of polymorphism, their codominant nature and their
      high profile repeatability. However, the rapid application of partial or complete
      genome sequencing approaches is identifying thousands of single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNP) that can be very useful for such purposes. Although SNP
      markers are bi-allelic, and therefore not as polymorphic as microsatellites, the
      high number of loci that can be multiplexed and the possibilities of automation
      as well as their highly repeatable results under any analytical procedure make
      them the future markers of choice for any type of genetic identification.
      RESULTS: We analyzed over 300 SNP in the genome of grapevine using a re
      sequencing strategy in a selection of 11 genotypes. Among the identified
      polymorphisms, we selected 48 SNP spread across all grapevine chromosomes with
      allele frequencies balanced enough as to provide sufficient information content
      for genetic identification in grapevine allowing for good genotyping success
      rate. Marker stability was tested in repeated analyses of a selected group of
      cultivars obtained worldwide to demonstrate their usefulness in genetic
      identification. CONCLUSIONS: We have selected a set of 48 stable SNP markers with
      a high discrimination power and a uniform genome distribution (2-3
      markers/chromosome), which is proposed as a standard set for grapevine (Vitis
      vinifera L.) genotyping. Any previous problems derived from microsatellite allele
      confusion between labs or the need to run reference cultivars to identify allele
      sizes disappear using this type of marker. Furthermore, because SNP markers are
      bi-allelic, allele identification and genotype naming are extremely simple and
      genotypes obtained with different equipments and by different laboratories are
      always fully comparable.

PMID- 22060013
TI  - Comparative studies on the crystalline to fluid phase transitions of two
      equimolar cationic/anionic surfactant mixtures containing dodecylsulfonate and
      dodecylsulfate.
AB  - In this work, a cationic surfactant, dodecyltrimethylammonium bromide (DTAB), and
      an anionic surfactant, sodium dodecylsulfonate (SDSO(3)) or sodium dodecylsulfate
      (SDSO(4)), were mixed in an equimolar ratio to prepare SDSO(3)-DTAB and SDSO(4)
      DTAB binary mixtures. The phase behavior, structure, and morphology of these two
      surfactant mixtures were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry,
      synchrotron X-ray scattering, freeze-fracture electron microscopy, and Fourier
      transform infrared spectroscopy. It was found that upon heating, both of the two
      systems transform from multilamellar crystalline phase to liquid crystalline (or
      fluid) phase. It is interesting to find that, although SDSO(3) has a lower
      molecular weight, the crystalline phase of SDSO(3)-DTAB shows much higher
      thermostability as compared with that of SDSO(4)-DTAB. Other than this, we
      observed a large difference in the repeat distances of the two crystalline
      phases. More interestingly, at 60  degrees C in the fluid phases, cylindrical
      micelles formed in the SDSO(3)-DTAB system, while spherical micelles were
      observed in the SDSO(4)-DTAB system. Our present work demonstrates that a subtle
      difference in the headgroup structure of the anionic component markedly affects
      the thermostability, packing structure, and morphology of the surfactant
      mixtures, which suggests the importance of the match of the head-head and tail
      tail interactions between the cationic and anionic surfactants.

PMID- 22060014
TI  - Reporting of sex as a variable in cardiovascular studies using cultured cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chromosomal complement, including that provided by the sex
      chromosomes, influences expression of proteins and molecular signaling in every
      cell. However, less than 50% of the scientific studies published in 2009 using
      experimental animals reported sex as a biological variable. Because every cell
      has a sex, we conducted a literature review to determine the extent to which sex
      is reported as a variable in cardiovascular studies on cultured cells. METHODS:
      Articles from 10 cardiovascular journals with high impact factors (Circulation, J
      Am Coll Cardiol, Eur Heart J, Circ Res, Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol, Cardiovasc
      Res, J Mol Cell Cardiol, Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol, J Heart Lung Transplant
      and J Cardiovasc Pharmacol) and published in 2010 were searched using terms
      'cultured' and 'cells' in any order to determine if the sex of those cells was
      reported. Studies using established cell lines were excluded. RESULTS: Using two
      separate search strategies, we found that only 25 of 90 articles (28%) and 20 of
      101 articles (19.8%) reported the sex of cells. Of those reporting the sex of
      cells, most (68.9%; n = 31) used only male cells and none used exclusively female
      cells. In studies reporting the sex of cells of cardiovascular origin, 40% used
      vascular smooth-muscle cells, and 30% used stem/progenitor cells. In studies
      using cells of human origin, 35% did not report the sex of those cells. None of
      the studies using neonatal cardiac myocytes reported the sex of those cells.
      CONCLUSIONS: The complement of sex chromosomes in cells studied in culture has
      the potential to affect expression of proteins and 'mechanistic' signaling
      pathways. Therefore, consistent with scientific excellence, editorial policies
      should require reporting sex of cells used in in vitro experiments.

PMID- 22060015
TI  - Decitabine immunosensitizes human gliomas to NY-ESO-1 specific T lymphocyte
      targeting through the Fas/Fas ligand pathway.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The lack of effective treatments for gliomas makes them a significant
      health problem and highlights the need for the development of novel and
      innovative treatment approaches. Immunotherapy is an appealing strategy because
      of the potential ability for immune cells to traffic to and destroy infiltrating
      tumor cells. However, the absence of well-characterized, highly immunogenic tumor
      rejection antigens (TRA) in gliomas has limited the implementation of targeted
      immune-based therapies. METHODS: We hypothesized that treatment with the
      demethylating agent, decitabine, would upregulate the expression of TRA on tumor
      cells, thereby facilitating enhanced surveillance by TRA-specific T cells.
      RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Treatment of human glioma cells with decitabine increased
      the expression of NY-ESO-1 and other well characterized cancer testes antigens.
      The upregulation of NY-ESO-1 made these tumors susceptible to NY-ESO-1-specific T
      cell recognition and lysis. Interestingly, decitabine treatment of T98 glioma
      cells also sensitized them to Fas-dependent apoptosis with an agonistic antibody,
      while a Fas blocking antibody could largely prevent the enhanced functional
      recognition by NY-ESO-1 specific T cells. Thus, decitabine treatment transformed
      a non-immunogenic glioma cell into an immunogenic target that was efficiently
      recognized by NY-ESO-1--specific T cells. CONCLUSIONS: Such data supports the
      hypothesis that agents which alter epigenetic cellular processes may
      "immunosensitize" tumor cells to tumor-specific T cell-mediated lysis.

PMID- 22060016
TI  - A characterization of individual differences in prospective memory monitoring
      using the Complex Ongoing Serial Task.
AB  - Prospective memory--remembering to retrieve and execute future goals--is
      essential to daily life. Prospective remembering is often achieved through
      effortful monitoring; however, potential individual differences in monitoring
      patterns have not been characterized. We propose 3 candidate models to
      characterize the individual differences present in prospective memory monitoring:
      attentional focus, secondary memory retrieval, and information thresholding. Two
      experiments using a novel paradigm, the Complex Ongoing Serial Task (COST),
      investigated the resource allocation patterns underlying individual differences
      in monitoring. Individuals exhibited differential resource allocation patterns,
      and the differences remained relatively stable across experimental sessions.
      Resource allocation patterns associated with information thresholding (high
      prospective memory, preserved ongoing task performance) and attentional focus
      (high prospective memory, inefficient ongoing task performance) were superior to
      secondary memory retrieval (low prospective memory, very inefficient ongoing task
      performance). Importantly, personality (openness, prevention focus) and cognitive
      (primary, working, and secondary memory) individual differences influenced
      monitoring patterns. This research represents the first explicit attempt to
      elucidate individual differences in prospective memory monitoring patterns.

PMID- 22060017
TI  - Probing the mechanistic role of the long alpha-helix in subunit L of respiratory
      Complex I from Escherichia coli by site-directed mutagenesis.
AB  - The C-terminus of the NuoL subunit of Complex I includes a long amphipathic alpha
      helix positioned parallel to the membrane, which has been considered to function
      as a piston in the proton pumping machinery. Here, we have introduced three types
      of mutations into the nuoL gene to test the piston-like function. First, NuoL was
      truncated at its C- and N-termini, which resulted in low production of a fragile
      Complex I with negligible activity. Second, we mutated three partially conserved
      residues of the amphipathic alpha-helix: Asp and Lys residues and a Pro were
      substituted for acidic, basic or neutral residues. All these variants exhibited
      almost a wild-type phenotype. Third, several substitutions and insertions were
      made to reduce rigidity of the amphipathic alpha-helix, and/or to change its
      geometry. Most insertions/substitutions resulted in a normal growth phenotype,
      albeit often with reduced stability of Complex I. In contrast, insertion of six
      to seven amino acids at a site of the long alpha-helix between NuoL and M
      resulted in substantial loss of proton pumping efficiency. The implications of
      these results for the proton pumping mechanism of Complex I are discussed.

PMID- 22060018
TI  - Catalytic hydroacylation as an approach to homoaldol products.
AB  - A method has been developed for the intermolecular hydroacylation of homoallyl
      alcohols with salicylaldehydes to furnish homoaldol products in 50-98% yields.
      The method also applies to the hydroacylation of 2-hydroxystyrenes. This work
      highlights the use of hydroacylation as a unified approach to both aldol and
      homoaldol products.

PMID- 22060020
TI  - Analysis of mixed micellar behavior of cationic gemini alkanediyl-alpha,omega
      bis(dimethylcetylammonium bromide) series with ionic and nonionic hydrotropes in
      aqueous medium at different temperatures.
AB  - The interaction between cationic symmetrical gemini alkanediyl-alpha,omega
      bis(dimethylcetylammonium bromide) series (16-s-16, s = 5, 6, abbreviated as G5
      and G6) with hydrotropes (cationic: aniline hydrochloride, para-toluidine
      hydrochloride, and ortho-toluidine hydrochloride; nonionic: phenol, resorcinol,
      and pyrogallol) in aqueous medium has been investigated at four different
      temperatures ranging from 298.15 to 313.15 K. Different physicochemical
      parameters such as critical micelle concentration (cmc), interaction parameter
      (beta(m), an energetic parameter that represents the excess Gibbs free energy of
      mixing), activity coefficients (f(i)), mole fraction of hydrotrope in mixed
      micelles at ideal mixing conditions (X(1)(ideal))(,) excess free energy of mixing
      (Delta(mix)G(E)), standard enthalpy (Delta(mic)H degrees ), entropy (Delta(mic)S
      degrees ), and Gibbs free energy (Delta(mic)G degrees ) of micellization were
      evaluated and then intracompared. For further understanding, similar studies were
      carried out with their conventional counterpart cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide
      (CTAB) and then compared. The bulk behaviors were explored using different
      theoretical models of Clint, Rubingh, and Motomura for justification and
      comparison of results of different binary combinations of hydrotropes with the
      gemini series and CTAB. Synergistic interaction was observed in all binary
      combinations at all temperatures in the micelles which decreases slightly with
      increasing temperature. This study will give insight into the selection of
      surfactants in different applications as their properties get modified by
      interaction with hydrotropes, thus influencing their solution behavior which, in
      turn, modifying the phase-forming behavior, microemulsion, liquid crystal forming
      systems, clouding phenomenon, cleaning, and laundry processes besides
      solubilization. The ability of hydrotropes to dramatically alter the solubility
      of other molecules in a medium can be exploited for the purpose of selective
      encapsulation and release.

PMID- 22060019
TI  - Nitrate and ammonium lead to distinct global dynamic phosphorylation patterns
      when resupplied to nitrogen-starved Arabidopsis seedlings.
AB  - Nitrogen is an essential macronutrient for plant growth and development.
      Inorganic nitrogen and its assimilation products control various metabolic,
      physiological and developmental processes. Although the transcriptional responses
      induced by nitrogen have been extensively studied in the past, our work here
      focused on the discovery of candidate proteins for regulatory events that are
      complementary to transcriptional changes. Most signaling pathways involve
      modulation of protein abundance and/or activity by protein phosphorylation.
      Therefore, we analyzed the dynamic changes in protein phosphorylation in membrane
      and soluble proteins from plants exposed to rapid changes in nutrient
      availability over a time course of 30 min. Plants were starved of nitrogen and
      subsequently resupplied with nitrogen in the form of nitrate or ammonium.
      Proteins with maximum change in their phosphorylation level at up to 5 min after
      nitrogen resupply (fast responses) included GPI-anchored proteins, receptor
      kinases and transcription factors, while proteins with maximum change in their
      phosphorylation level after 10 min of nitrogen resupply (late responses) included
      proteins involved in protein synthesis and degradation, as well as proteins with
      functions in central metabolism and hormone metabolism. Resupply of nitrogen in
      the form of nitrate or ammonium resulted in distinct phosphorylation patterns,
      mainly of proteins with signaling functions, transcription factors and
      transporters.

PMID- 22060021
TI  - Investigation of methods to detect mechanically recovered meat in meat products -
      I: Chemical composition.
AB  - The proximate composition (fat, moisture, nitrogen, ash and collagen) and the
      calcium, iron and total purine contents of samples of mechanically recovered meat
      (MRM) derived from beef, lamb, pork, chicken and turkey were analysed. The data
      obtained illustrate the variability in the composition of mechanically recovered
      meats derived from different meat species. The effect of including a high
      proportion of bones containing marrow in the starting material, the effect of
      recovery machine type (Yieldmaster and Protecon) and the effect of employing
      different operating conditions, were investigated. MRM produced using the
      Yieldmaster machine was generally found to contain higher concentrations of ash
      and calcium than that produced using the Protecon machine. Although operating
      conditions appeared to have little effect on the composition of mechanically
      recovered chicken meat, some differences were identified in mechanically
      recovered turkey and pork produced under different conditions. Comparison of the
      composition of MRM with that of meat removed manually, from close to the bone,
      from similar source materials highlighted a number of differences between the.

PMID- 22060022
TI  - Investigation of methods to detect mechanically recovered meat in meat products -
      II: Gel electrophoresis.
AB  - This study investigated the use of sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel
      electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) as a method for differentiating between mechanically
      recovered and hand deboned meat. Twenty-nine samples of mechanically recovered
      meat (MRM), including some heat treated samples, were obtained. The samples were
      derived from several animal species and processed using different machine types
      and a range of processing conditions. They were examined using SDS-PAGE and the
      separation patterns obtained compared with those of hand deboned meat (HDM)
      reference samples. There were obvious differences in the relative intensities of
      several bands within the profiles obtained which distinguished MRM from HDM.
      These were more obvious for red meat than poultry meat samples. A few differences
      were found between MRM samples produced using different machines but no apparent
      differences between samples produced using different machine operating conditions
      were observed. The technique was tested using composite MRM-HDM mixtures. It was
      possible to suggest an order of percentage incorporation of MRM at levels of down
      to 5-10% for red meat and 25% for poultry meat. With further development and
      refinement, it may be possible to use the technique to detect and possibly
      quantify MRM present in all types of meat products, including cooked meat
      products.

PMID- 22060023
TI  - Investigation of methods to detect mechanically recovered meat in meat products -
      III: Microscopy.
AB  - This was a preliminary study to investigate whether hyaline cartilage could be
      easily identified in mechanically recovered meat (MRM) and whether its presence
      could be used as a possible marker for MRM in meat products. MRMs produced from
      beef, pork, lamb, chicken and turkey, using a variety of machine types and
      processing conditions, were compared to both minced and colloid milled hand
      deboned samples, using a chemical staining technique followed by examination
      using the light microscope. The methodology was tested on various mixtures of MRM
      and hand-deboned meat. Although this technique, as with most microscopy
      techniques generally, is not suitable for quantitative determinations, the
      results indicate that light microscopy could be used as a useful screening
      method.

PMID- 22060024
TI  - Investigation of methods to detect mechanically recovered meat in meat products -
      IV: Immunology.
AB  - The possibility of using immunological techniques as a method for the detection
      of mechanically recovered chicken meat in meat products has been investigated in
      this preliminary study. Antibodies were raised against a low molecular weight
      fraction (<= 30 kDa) of chicken bone marrow proteins and an enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay (ELISA) developed. The system was used to test for the
      presence of mechanically recovered meat (MRM) in a range of product types, from
      raw chicken meat through to heat processed samples. The results show that it is
      possible to raise antibodies to chicken bone marrow proteins which show a strong
      reactivity with chicken and turkey MRM but show little reaction with extracts of
      MRM and hand deboned meat of other common meat species. However, blood, skin and
      soya all affected the accuracy of the ELISA. This study has demonstrated the
      potential for the use of an immunological procedure as a rapid test for MRM. The
      selectivity of the antiserum would, however, have to be increased before this
      procedure could be considered as a suitable technique for the detection of MRM in
      meat products.

PMID- 22060025
TI  - Effects of dietary clenbuterol and salbutamol on meat quality in veal calves.
AB  - Sixty male calves were assigned to one of four treatments, including (1) an
      untreated control, (2) clenbuterol; 1.6 mg/(calf.day), (3) and (4) salbutamol: 60
      and 100 mg/(calf.day). Animals were milk-fed during 24 weeks, and beta(2)
      agonists (BA) treatment occurred during the last 4 weeks including a 3-day
      withdrawal period before slaughter. Under identical feed intake amongst groups,
      treatments with BA had significantly positive effects on carcass weights and
      dressing percentages. BA induced muscle hypertrophy as evidenced by an improved
      EUROP carcass classification, 1 19-24% higher m. longissimus loin eye area and
      higher muscle protein/DNA and protein/RNA ratios. Through a dilution effect, this
      might explain the lower haem content of the m. semimembranosus and m. longissimus
      lumborum (LL) and diminished Hunter a(*) value (redness) of the latter muscle. A
      higher ultimate pH was found in the m. semitendinosus and m. psoas major of BA
      treated calves. The m. longissimus thoracis glycogen content appeared to be
      lowered by salbutamol. No effects of BA were encountered for water-holding
      properties of this muscle. Significantly higher shear force values (31-45%) for
      treated animals were measured for the LL which were parallelled by higher initial
      values for the calpain-inhibiting activity of calpastatin and a decrease of the
      MU-calpain/calpastatin ratio. EUROP fatness of carcasses and LL intramuscular fat
      content tended to be lowered by both BA. Effects of clenbuterol and of the higher
      salbutamol dose, which on a molecular base was administered at a 70 times higher
      level, were roughly of a comparable order. The lower dose mostly had intermediate
      effects. This means that in veal calves, clenbuterol is biologically more potent
      than salbutamol.

PMID- 22060026
TI  - Effect of the addition of pancreatic lipase on the ripening of dry-fermented
      sausages - Part 2. Free fatty acids, short-chain fatty acids, carbonyls and
      sensory quality.
AB  - The effect of the addition of nine different amounts (3-500 units) of pancreatic
      lipase on the composition of free fatty acids (FFA), short-chain fatty acids and
      carbonyls, as well as the sensory quality, has been studied on dry fermented
      sausages. The lipase produced a greater release of all fatty acids in relation to
      the control sausages. The greater the pancreatic lipase content, the higher the
      release of these fatty acids, the most important ones being myristic, palmitoleic
      and oleic acids. A lower release of linoleic acid was observed, probably because
      of its oxidative degradation. At the end of the ripening in all lipase-added
      batches, a clear increase of the carbonyl content was noticed in relation to
      conventional sausages. No consistent changes were observed in the short-chain
      fatty acid fraction. In the sensory evaluation, the highest significant
      differences (P < 0.01) between control sausages and lipase-added batches were
      observed when 60 and 90 lipase units were used. According to the chemical and
      sensory analyses, it can be concluded that the addition of 60 and 90 units to
      sausages seems to be useful to enhanced the flavour of these products.

PMID- 22060027
TI  - Sensory evaluation of beef patties and sausages containing lipids with various
      component fatty acids.
AB  - Sensory scores of beef patties and emulsion-type sausages containing varying
      levels of lipids with various component fatty acids were investigated. Sensory
      scores of beef patties containing solid fat were relatively constant at every fat
      level examined. However, scores of beef patties containing liquid oil decreased
      with increasing level of added oil. In the case of sausages, on the other hand,
      sensory evaluation scores markedly decreased with increasing the level of solid
      fat, while no significant change was observed in panel scores when liquid oil was
      mixed into sausages. Even 10% level of added lipids satisfactorily gave
      preferable acceptability to beef patties and sausages.

PMID- 22060028
TI  - Variability within intramuscular fat content of pigs as measured by gravimetry,
      FTIR and NMR spectroscopy.
AB  - In order to determine in vivo intramuscular fat content of pigs' biceps femoris,
      three methods were compared. Gravimetry and FTIR spectroscopy after total fat
      extraction from a biopsy (about 400 mg skeletal muscle tissue) and in vivo (1)H
      NMR spectroscopy after imaging and volume of interest selection were used. Mean
      values (g fat/100 g fresh tissue) were, respectively, 1.47 +/- 0.35 (gravimetry),
      1.26 +/- 0.33 (FTIR) and 0.51 +/- 0.19 (NMR); but NMR-values represented only
      triglycerides. Within an intramuscular fat range from 1.1 to 2.7 g per 100 g
      fresh muscle tissue, possible to estimate a calibration line between the in vitro
      and in vivo data for hybrid piglets of about 18 kg. Repeated in vivo NMR
      measurements on the same muscle volume showed a mean coefficient of variation of
      5.5 +/- 2.7%. The coefficient of variation of measurements on different volumes
      within the same muscle was 14 +/- 10%. The mean intramuscular fat content of 18
      kg or 100 kg pigs was, respectively, 1.64 +/- 0.46 (biceps femoris) and 1.32 +/-
      0.1 (longissimus dorsi) g per 100 g fresh muscle tissue.

PMID- 22060029
TI  - Microbial and chemical changes in 'Sobrasada' during ripening.
AB  - 'Sobrasada' is a raw-cured product typical of Mallorca (Balearic Islands).
      Throughout its ripening process the product, like other raw-cured sausages,
      undergoes a series of chemical and microbial changes which lead to the formation
      of its desirable final characteristics. In the 'sobrasada' studied, the breeds,
      feeding and casings used in the Balearic Islands were employed. The evolution of
      different groups of microorganisms was followed: mesophylic aerobic
      microorganisms, lactic acid bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, yeasts and moulds,
      group D Streptococcus, proteolytic microorganisms and lipolytic microorganisms.
      It was found that the predominant flora, from the beginning to the end, was made
      up of lactic acid bacteria. Conversely, Enterobacteriaceae disappeared as
      ripening went on, and the rest of the microbial groups studied underwent little
      variation along the process. An important characteristics of the product is the
      fast fall of pH, from values near 6.0 to values around 5.3, in the first week.

PMID- 22060030
TI  - Biochemical changes in an intermediate moisture cecina-like meat during storage.
AB  - Biochemical and microbiological changes in two cecina-like products were
      evaluated during storage. Two products were prepared, one by salting and the
      other by infusion in a salt-glycerol solution. The samples were vacuum packed and
      tested monthly for pH, colour, haematin complex, soluble nitrogen and
      microbiological spoilage. Proteolysis and increase in pH showed a high
      correlation for both samples. Temperature-dependent changes in colour and
      concentration of haematin complex during storage were also found in both samples.
      The activation energy for haematin transformation was found to be around 1
      kcal/mol. Based on the low activation energy for haematin complex degradation
      (around 1 kcal/mol) for both samples, this process may be regarded as a low
      energy biochemical process.

PMID- 22060031
TI  - Inoculation of lactic acid bacteria on meat surfaces as a means of
      decontamination in semitropical conditions.
AB  - Reduction of microbial populations on carcasses has been achieved and reported by
      some authors by spraying solutions of organic acids, mainly lactic acid, on the
      meat surface. However, in practice, lactic acid is very expensive. Production of
      lactic acid in situ by a controlled lactic fermentation seemed to be a feasible
      answer. The objective of the present study was to explore the viability of this
      concept at semitropical conditions, i.e. temperatures around 25 degrees C. In a
      first experiment, seven starters were tested for their ability to produce lactic
      acid and reducing the growth rate of pseudomonads, taking these microorganisms as
      indicators of contamination by spoilage microorganisms. The lactic acid bacteria
      strains were isolated from native Mexican maize-based beverages, and inoculated
      on the meat surface. Addition of sucrose and wrapping the samples in PVC film in
      order to induce a microaerophilic environment encouraged the over-growth of L.
      bulgaricus and P. pentosaceous over pseudomonads. A second experiment was
      designed to test a mixture of these two strains and a commercial starter with
      respect to lactic acid production, overgrowth of lactic acid bacteria over
      pseudomonads, decolouration and oxidation of the meat samples. It was concluded
      that a commercial starter (L. plantarum + M. kristinae-varians) resulted in a
      reduction of pseudomonas growth rate, without notably affecting meat colour and
      degree of oxidation.

PMID- 22060032
TI  - Relationship between the translocation of paratropomyosin and the restoration of
      rigor-shortened sarcomeres during post-mortem ageing of meat-A molecular
      mechanism of meat tenderization.
AB  - The weakening effect of paratropomyosin on rigor linkages formed between actin
      and myosin was determined by measuring the restoration of rigor-shortened
      sarcomeres of chicken, pork and beef. We observed the rate of the post-mortem
      translocation of paratropomyosin from the A-I junction region of sarcomeres onto
      the thin filaments in the A-band, where rigor linkages had been formed; this
      agreed well with the rate of increase in length of rigor-shortened sarcomeres.
      The sarcomere lengths were found to be maximum at 1, 7 and 10 days post-mortem in
      chicken, pork and beef, respectively. Thus, translocated paratropomyosin weakens
      rigor linkages and brings about the recovery in the length of rigor-shortened
      sarcomeres. Paratropomyosin stimulates the resolution of rigor mortis, and is a
      key factor in meat tenderization during post-rigor ageing. These results
      powerfully support the 'Calcium theory of meat tenderization' which we have
      proposed.

PMID- 22060033
TI  - 5-Amino-2-aroylquinolines as highly potent tubulin polymerization inhibitors.
      Part 2. The impact of bridging groups at position C-2.
AB  - A variety of studies on the modification of combretastatin A-4 triggered our
      interest in the impact of the linkers between the 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl ring and
      5-amino-6-methoxyquinoline on biological activity. The replacement of the
      carbonyl group with bond, amine, ether, sulfide, and sulfone groups was evaluated
      in this study. The results showed that compounds 14 and 15 containing sulfide and
      sulfone groups between the 3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl ring (A-ring) and 5-amino-6
      methoxyquinoline exhibited substantial antiproliferative activity against KB,
      HT29, and MKN45 cells with mean IC50 values of 42 and 12 nM, respectively. 15
      inhibited the tubulin polymerization with an IC50 value of 2.0 MUM, similar to
      that with CA4. The continued work on the C-5 substituents of 3',4',5'
      trimethoxybenzoyl-6-methoxyquinoline derivatives demonstrated that compound 7
      possessing OH at C-5 exhibited excellent antiproliferative activity with mean
      IC50 values of 3.4 nM and microtubule destabilizing potency with an IC50 of 1.5
      MUM, comparable to that of CA4 (IC50=1.9 MUM). It also exhibited substantial
      vascular disrupting effects. Compounds 7 and 15 exhibited significant efficacy
      against MDR/MRP-related drug-resistant cell lines (KB-vin10, KB-S15, and KB-7D)
      with mean IC50 values of 6.7 and 2.6 nM, respectively.

PMID- 22060034
TI  - The key to enabling biosurveillance is cooperative technology development.
AB  - The world population will continue to face biological threats, whether they are
      naturally occurring or intentional events. The speed with which diseases can
      emerge and spread presents serious challenges, because the impact on public
      health, the economy, and development can be huge. The U.S. government recognizes
      that global public health can also have an impact on national security. This
      global perspective manifests itself in U.S. policy documents that clearly
      articulate the importance of biosurveillance in providing early warning,
      detection, and situational awareness of infectious disease threats in order to
      mount a rapid response and save lives. In this commentary, we suggest that early
      recognition of infectious disease threats, whether naturally occurring or man
      made, requires a globally distributed array of interoperable hardware and
      software fielded in sufficient numbers to create a network of linked collection
      nodes. We argue that achievement of this end state will require a degree of
      cooperation that does not exist at this time-either across the U.S. federal
      government or among our global partners. Successful fielding of a family of
      interoperable technologies will require interagency research, development, and
      purchase ("acquisition") of biosurveillance systems through cooperative ventures
      that likely will involve our strategic allies and public-private partnerships. To
      this end, we propose leveraging an existing federal interagency group to
      integrate the acquisition of technologies to enable global biosurveillance.

PMID- 22060035
TI  - The Civil Air Patrol's role in medical countermeasure distribution in Michigan.
AB  - Michigan's unique geological features and highly variable climatic conditions
      make distribution of medical countermeasures during a public health emergency
      situation very challenging. To enhance distribution during these situations, the
      Civil Air Patrol (CAP) has agreed to support the state of Michigan by
      transporting life-saving medical countermeasures to remote areas of the state.
      The Michigan Strategic National Stockpile (MISNS) program has successfully
      developed, exercised, and enhanced its partnership with the CAP to include
      distribution of federally provided Strategic National Stockpile (SNS) assets. The
      CAP has proven to be a reliable and valuable partner, as well as a cost-effective
      and time-efficient means of transporting vital resources during a public health
      emergency.

PMID- 22060036
TI  - Unfinished business: efforts to define dual-use research of bioterrorism concern.
AB  - Biotechnological research poses a special security problem because of the duality
      between beneficial use and misuse. In order to find a balance between regulating
      potentially dangerous research and assuring scientific advancement, a number of
      assessments have tried to define which types of research are especially open to
      misuse and should therefore be considered dual-use research of special concern
      requiring rigorous oversight. So far, there has been no common understanding of
      what such activities are. Here we present a review of 27 assessments focusing on
      biological dual-use issues published between 1997 and 2008. Dual-use research
      activities identified by these assessments as being of special concern were
      compiled and compared. Moreover, from these 27 assessments, the primary research
      publications explicitly identified as examples of concerning research activities
      were extracted and analyzed. We extracted a core list of 11 activities of special
      concern and show that this list does not match with the reasons why primary
      research publications were identified as being of special concern. Additionally,
      we note that the 11 activities identified are not easily conducted or replicated,
      and therefore the likelihood of their being used in a high-tech mass casualty
      bioterrorism event should be reevaluated.

PMID- 22060037
TI  - Interferometric methods for label-free molecular interaction studies.

PMID- 22060038
TI  - Charge modifications to improve the emulsifying properties of whey protein
      isolate.
AB  - Whey protein isolate was modified by ethylene diamine in order to shift its
      isoelectric point to an alkaline pH. The extent of the modification was studied
      using SDS-PAGE and MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry. The modified whey proteins were
      used as an emulsifier to stabilize oil-in-water emulsions at acidic and neutral
      pH ranges, and their emulsifying properties were compared with that of the
      unmodified whey proteins and with the previously studied ethylene diamine
      modified sodium caseinate. The emulsifying activity of the modified whey proteins
      was similar to that of the unmodified ones, but the stability of an emulsion at
      pH 5 was significantly improved after the modification. Charge and coverage of
      droplet surface and the displacement of the interfacial proteins by surfactant
      Tween 20 were further studied as a function of pH. As compared with the
      unmodified whey proteins, the modified ones were proven to cover the interface
      more efficiently with extensive surface charge at pH 5, although the interfacial
      layer was less resistant to the surfactant displacement.

PMID- 22060039
TI  - Renal function after tandem high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell
      transplantation in children with Wilms tumor.
AB  - Despite increasing evidence that tandem HDCT and autoSCT might improve the
      survival of patients with high-risk solid tumors, patients with Wilms tumor may
      be at high risk of acute and chronic renal impairment during and after tandem
      HDCT/autoSCT because they usually have a single kidney. We investigated the
      feasibility of tandem HDCT/autoSCT in patients with Wilms tumor, focusing on
      renal function. Six patients with relapsed/progressed Wilms tumor were assigned
      to undergo tandem HDCT/autoSCT. One patient developed transient ARF during the
      first HDCT/autoSCT. All other patients underwent the second HDCT/autoSCT as
      scheduled. Acute renal dysfunction during the second HDCT/autoSCT was transient
      and manageable. Indicators of glomerular function such as creatinine clearance,
      serum creatinine, and albumin excretion were in the normal range at three yr
      after tandem HDCT/autoSCT. Subclinical tubular dysfunctions, such as increased
      excretion of beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase and beta2-microglobulin, were
      identified at one and three yr after tandem HDCT/autoSCT; however, no patient
      required treatment for these conditions. These results are helpful to consider
      tandem HDCT/autoSCT as a treatment option in patients with Wilms tumor. Longer
      duration of follow-up and close monitoring of tubular function are required if
      tandem HDCT/autoSCT is indicated in patients with Wilms tumor.

PMID- 22060040
TI  - Genetics and control of tomato fruit ripening and quality attributes.
AB  - Tomato ripening is a highly coordinated developmental process that coincides with
      seed maturation. Regulated expression of thousands of genes controls fruit
      softening as well as accumulation of pigments, sugars, acids, and volatile
      compounds that increase attraction to animals. A combination of molecular tools
      and ripening-affected mutants has permitted researchers to establish a framework
      for the control of ripening. Tomato is a climacteric fruit, with an absolute
      requirement for the phytohormone ethylene to ripen. This dependence upon ethylene
      has established tomato fruit ripening as a model system for study of regulation
      of its synthesis and perception. In addition, several important ripening mutants,
      including rin, nor, and Cnr, have provided novel insights into the control of
      ripening processes. Here, we describe how ethylene and the transcription factors
      associated with the ripening process fit together into a network controlling
      ripening.

PMID- 22060041
TI  - Toxin-antitoxin systems in bacteria and archaea.
AB  - Almost all bacteria and many archaea contain genes whose expression inhibits cell
      growth and may lead to cell death when overproduced, reminiscent of apoptotic
      genes in higher systems. The cellular targets of these toxins are quite diverse
      and include DNA replication, mRNA stability, protein synthesis, cell-wall
      biosynthesis, and ATP synthesis. These toxins are co-expressed and neutralized
      with their cognate antitoxins from a TA (toxin-antitoxin) operon in normally
      growing cells. Antitoxins are more labile than toxins and are readily degraded
      under stress conditions, allowing the toxins to exert their toxic effect.
      Presence of at least 33 TA systems in Escherichia coli and more than 60 TA
      systems in Mycobacterium tuberculosis suggests that the TA systems are involved
      not only in normal bacterial physiology but also in pathogenicity of bacteria.
      The elucidation of their cellular function and regulation is thus crucial for our
      understanding of bacterial physiology under various stress conditions.

PMID- 22060042
TI  - A genetic approach to the transcriptional regulation of Hox gene clusters.
AB  - The evolution of vertebrate genomes was accompanied by an astounding increase in
      the complexity of their regulatory modalities. Genetic redundancy resulting from
      large-scale genome duplications at the base of the chordate tree was repeatedly
      exploited by the functional redeployment of paralogous genes via innovations in
      their regulatory circuits. As a paradigm of such regulatory evolution, we have
      extensively studied those control mechanisms at work in-cis over vertebrate Hox
      gene clusters. Here, we review the portfolio of genetic strategies that have been
      developed to tackle the intricate relationship between genomic topography and the
      transcriptional activities in this gene family, and we describe some of the
      mechanistic insights we gained by using the HoxD cluster as an example. We
      discuss the high heuristic value of this system in our general understanding of
      how changes in transcriptional regulation can diversify gene function and thereby
      fuel morphological evolution.

PMID- 22060043
TI  - CRISPR-Cas systems in bacteria and archaea: versatile small RNAs for adaptive
      defense and regulation.
AB  - Bacteria and archaea have evolved defense and regulatory mechanisms to cope with
      various environmental stressors, including virus attack. This arsenal has been
      expanded by the recent discovery of the versatile CRISPR-Cas system, which has
      two novel features. First, the host can specifically incorporate short sequences
      from invading genetic elements (virus or plasmid) into a region of its genome
      that is distinguished by clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic
      repeats (CRISPRs). Second, when these sequences are transcribed and precisely
      processed into small RNAs, they guide a multifunctional protein complex (Cas
      proteins) to recognize and cleave incoming foreign genetic material. This
      adaptive immunity system, which uses a library of small noncoding RNAs as a
      potent weapon against fast-evolving viruses, is also used as a regulatory system
      by the host. Exciting breakthroughs in understanding the mechanisms of the CRISPR
      Cas system and its potential for biotechnological applications and understanding
      evolutionary dynamics are discussed.

PMID- 22060045
TI  - Formation mechanism and structure of a guanine-uracil DNA intrastrand cross-link.
AB  - The formation and structure of the 5'-G[8-5]U-3' intrastrand cross-link are
      studied using density functional theory and molecular dynamics simulations due to
      the potential role of this lesion in the activity of 5-halouracils in antitumor
      therapies. Upon UV irradiation of 5-halouracil-containing DNA, a guanine radical
      cation reacts with the uracil radical to form the cross-link, which involves
      phosphorescence or an intersystem crossing and a rate-determining step of bond
      formation. Following ionizing radiation, guanine and the uracil radical react,
      with a rate-limiting step involving hydrogen atom removal. Although cross-link
      formation from UV radiation is favored, comparison of calculated reaction
      thermokinetics with that for related experimentally observed purine-pyrimidine
      cross-links suggests this lesion is also likely to form from ionizing radiation.
      For the first time, the structure of 5'-G[8-5]U-3' within DNA is identified by
      molecular dynamics simulations. Furthermore, three conformations of cross-linked
      DNA are revealed, which differ in the configuration of the complementary bases.
      Distortions, such as unwinding, are localized to the cross-linked dinucleotide
      and complementary nucleotides, with minimal changes to the flanking bases. Global
      changes to the helix, such as bending and groove alterations, parallel cisplatin
      induced distortions, which indicate 5'-G[8-5]U-3', may contribute to the
      cytotoxicity of halouracils in tumor cell DNA using similar mechanisms.

PMID- 22060046
TI  - Clinical and microbiologic evaluation, by real-time polymerase chain reaction, of
      non-surgical treatment of aggressive periodontitis associated with amoxicillin
      and metronidazole.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of the present study is to evaluate the clinical and
      microbiologic changes resulting from non-surgical periodontal treatment
      associated with amoxicillin and metronidazole in individuals with aggressive
      periodontitis. METHODS: Fifteen individuals with aggressive periodontitis
      received non-surgical periodontal treatment and 45 days after completion of
      treatment were treated with antibiotics. Clinical data and samples of subgingival
      plaque were collected at baseline, 45 days after the non-surgical periodontal
      treatment, and 1 month after the use of antimicrobial agents. After 3 and 6
      months, only clinical data were collected. The presence and quantification of
      Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), Tannerella
      forsythia (Tf), Treponema denticola (Td), and Dialister pneumosintes were
      determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: All clinical
      parameters, with the exception of clinical attachment level (CAL), had
      significantly (P <0.05) improved at the end of the third month after non-surgical
      therapy associated with antibiotics. There was significant (P <0.05) reduction in
      the quantities of Td and Tf. After 1 month, there were significant (P <0.05)
      reductions in the frequencies of Pg and Tf. CONCLUSION: Non-surgical mechanical
      treatment associated with the use of amoxicillin and metronidazole led to an
      improvement in all clinical parameters studied, except for CAL, and significantly
      reduced the amount of subgingival Tf and Td.

PMID- 22060047
TI  - Radiographic periodontal bone loss in chronic kidney disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We examined the extent and severity of radiographic periodontal bone
      loss in patients with different stages of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and
      explored a potential dose-response relationship between bone loss and CKD-related
      biomarkers. METHODS: Panoramic radiographs were obtained from 129 CKD patients
      (78 males and 51 females; mean age: 63.5 years, range: 24 to 91 years), including
      63 patients undergoing dialysis for an average of 3.3 years (range: 0.5 to 14
      years). Glomerular filtration rate (GFR), dialysis dose, and levels of serum
      biomarkers were obtained through a hospital database. Interproximal bone loss was
      assessed as a percentage of root length. RESULTS: Twenty-nine participants were
      edentulous (23.8% of those on dialysis versus 21.2% of those with residual kidney
      function; chi(2) test, P = 0.724). The extent of bone loss was higher among
      dialysis patients (analysis of variance [ANOVA], P = 0.007), but no clear dose
      response association between CKD stage and extent was evident. GFR, dialysis
      dose, and levels of serum biomarkers did not differ between edentulous and
      dentate individuals, and only serum albumin was lower in patients with extensive
      bone loss (ANOVA, P = 0.030). After adjusting for dialysis status, the severity
      of bone loss was positively associated with glucose levels (multiple regression,
      P = 0.019) and white blood cell count (P = 0.032), whereas the number of teeth
      present was positively associated with plasma phosphorus (P = 0.008) and
      negatively with glucose levels (P = 0.011). CONCLUSION: Despite a higher extent
      of bone loss in dialysis patients, the lack of a dose-response association
      between bone loss and CKD stage or the levels of CKD-related serum biomarkers
      underscores the complex relationship between the two conditions.

PMID- 22060048
TI  - Effect of maxillary sinus floor augmentation on sinus membrane thickness in
      computed tomography.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Little is known about maxillary sinus compliance, i.e., the intrinsic
      potential of the sinus membrane to resume its homeostatic status after the
      surgical trauma caused by sinus floor elevation. The aim of the present study is
      to investigate the effect of maxillary sinus floor augmentation on sinus membrane
      thickness. METHODS: Within-patient comparison of computed tomographic scans
      before bone grafting versus 4 to 6 months after bone grafting was performed.
      Changes in membrane thickness were evaluated in 65 maxillary sinus floor
      augmentation procedures via a lateral approach in 35 patients without clinical
      signs of sinus pathology at any time. RESULTS: Sinus membrane thickness differed
      significantly before (0.8 +/- 1.2 mm) versus after (1.5 +/- 1.3 mm) augmentation
      surgery (P <0.001), with a mean increase of 0.8 +/- 1.6 mm (maximum: 4.4 mm).
      Only 28% of augmented sinuses did not show membrane thickening. In non-augmented
      control sinuses, there was no evidence of membrane thickness increase.
      CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that the maxillary sinus membrane, even in
      healthy clinical conditions, undergoes morphologic modifications after sinus
      floor elevation, yet membrane reactions demonstrate significant variability.
      Future research on the effect of augmentation surgery on maxillary sinus
      physiology is recommended.

PMID- 22060049
TI  - Measurement of atherosclerosis markers in patients with periodontitis: a case
      control study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is suggested that periodontitis enhances the process of vascular
      inflammation leading to atherosclerosis. The present study explores the effect of
      periodontitis in relation to the clinical and ultrasound markers of carotid
      atherosclerosis. METHODS: Sixty systemically healthy patients >45 years of age
      (30 with chronic periodontitis and 30 without periodontitis) were studied in a
      university dental school. Traditional cardiovascular risk factors for
      atherosclerosis were evaluated. Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) was assessed
      by ultrasound. RESULTS: The internal carotid IMT was 0.77 and 0.81 mm in the
      periodontal disease and control groups, respectively, with no statistically
      significant differences between the two groups (P = 0.538). There were
      significant differences in the presence of carotid atheroma plaques and the
      severity of periodontitis (P = 0.003). In the logistic regression analysis,
      significant differences in terms of age and periodontitis were recorded in
      relation to the presence of atheroma plaques in the carotid intima. CONCLUSION:
      The severity of periodontitis was seen to influence the presence of carotid
      atheroma plaques.

PMID- 22060050
TI  - Periosteal distraction osteogenesis and barrier membrane application: an
      experimental study in the rat calvaria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Distraction of the periosteum results in the formation of new bone in
      the gap between the periosteum and the original bone. We postulate that the use
      of a barrier membrane would be beneficial for new bone formation in periosteal
      distraction. METHODS: To selectively influence the contribution of the
      periosteum, a distraction plate with perforations was used alone or covered by a
      collagen barrier membrane. All animals were subjected to a 7-day latency period
      and a 10-day distraction period with a rate of 0.1 mm/day. Four animals per group
      with or without a barrier membrane were sacrificed at 2, 4, and 6 weeks after the
      end of the distraction. The height of new bone generated relative to the areas
      bound by the parent bone and the periosteum was determined by histomorphometric
      methods. RESULTS: New bone was found in all groups. At the periphery of the
      distraction plate, significant differences in bone height were found between the
      hinge and the distraction screw for the group without barrier membrane at 2 weeks
      (0.39 +/- 0.19 mm) compared to 4 weeks (0.84 +/- 0.44 mm; P = 0.002) and 6 weeks
      (1.06 +/- 0.39 mm; P = 0.004). Differences in maximum bone height with and
      without a barrier membrane were observed laterally to the distraction plate at 2
      weeks (1.22 +/- 0.64 versus 0.55 +/- 0.14 mm; P = 0.019) and 6 weeks (1.61 +/-
      0.56 versus 0.73 +/- 0.33 mm; P = 0.003) of the consolidation period. CONCLUSION:
      Within the limitations of the present study, the application of a barrier
      membrane may be considered beneficial for new bone formation induced by
      periosteal distraction.

PMID- 22060052
TI  - Age standardization in mapping adult overweight and obesity trends in the WHO
      European Region.
AB  - This study aims to improve comparability of available data within the World
      Health Organization (WHO) European Region taking into account differences related
      to the aging of the population. Surveys were included if they were conducted on
      adults aged 25-64 years between 1985 and 2010 in the WHO European Region.
      Overweight/obesity prevalences were adjusted to the European standard population
      aged 25-64. Data were entered for each of the 5-year categories between 1981 and
      2010. Measured height and weight data were available for males in 16 and females
      in 24 of the 53 countries. The 50-64-year-olds had higher prevalence of
      overweight and obesity as compared to the 25-49-year-olds. This pattern occurs in
      every country, by male and female, in almost all surveys. Age-standardized
      overweight prevalence was higher among males than females in all countries. Trend
      data showed increases in most countries. Age-standardized maps were based on self
      reported data because of insufficient availability of measured data. Results
      showed more countries with available data as well as the higher category of
      obesity in the later surveys. Measured values are needed and age adjustment is
      important in documenting emerging overweight and obesity trends, independent of
      demographic changes, in the WHO European Region.

PMID- 22060053
TI  - Renal differentiation of amniotic fluid stem cells: perspectives for clinical
      application and for studies on specific human genetic diseases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Owing to growing rates of diabetes, hypertension and the ageing
      population, the prevalence of end-stage renal disease, developed from earlier
      stages of chronic kidney disease, and of acute renal failure is dramatically
      increasing. Dialysis and preferable renal transplantation are widely applied
      therapies for this incurable condition. However these options are limited because
      of morbidity, shortage of compatible organs and costs. Therefore, stem cell-based
      approaches are becoming increasingly accepted as an alternative therapeutic
      strategy. DESIGN: This review summarizes the current findings on the nephrogenic
      potential of amniotic fluid stem (AFS) cells and their putative implications for
      clinical applications and for studies on specific human genetic diseases.
      RESULTS: Since their discovery in 2003, AFS cells have been shown to be
      pluripotent with the potential to form embryoid bodies. Compared to adult stem
      cells, induced pluripotent stem cells or embryonic stem cells, AFS cells harbour
      a variety of advantages, such as their high differentiation and proliferative
      potential, no need for ectopic induction of pluripotency and no somatic mutations
      and epigenetic memory of source cells, and no tumourigenic potential and
      associated ethical controversies, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Recently, the
      results of different independent studies provided evidence that AFS cells could
      indeed be a powerful tool for renal regenerative medicine.

PMID- 22060054
TI  - NSW immunisation performance: continuing progress but no room for complacency.

PMID- 22060055
TI  - NSW annual vaccine-preventable disease report, 2010.
AB  - AIMS: To describe trends in case notification data for vaccine-preventable
      diseases in NSW for 2010. METHODS: Risk factor and vaccination status data were
      collected from cases through public health unit follow-up. Data from the NSW
      Notifiable Conditions Information Management System (NCIMS) were analysed by:
      local health district of residence; age; vaccination status; and sub-organism,
      where available. RESULTS: Outbreaks of measles and pertussis were notified in
      2010, associated with unimmunised groups (measles) or as a result of waning
      immunity (pertussis). CONCLUSION: With the exception of pertussis, most vaccine
      preventable disease notifications remain low in NSW. Ensuring high levels of
      vaccination for travellers is important to prevent future outbreaks of vaccine
      preventable disease, particularly measles.

PMID- 22060056
TI  - NSW annual immunisation coverage report, 2010.
AB  - This annual report, the second in the series, documents trends in immunisation
      coverage in NSW for children, adolescents and the elderly, to the end of 2010.
      METHODS: Data from the Australian Childhood Immunisation Register, the NSW School
      Immunisation Program and the NSW Population Health Survey were used to calculate
      various measures of population coverage, coverage for Aboriginal children and
      vaccination timeliness for all children. RESULTS: Over 90% coverage has been
      reached for children at 12 and 24 months of age. For children at 5 years of age
      there was an improvement during 2010 in timeliness for vaccines due at 4 years
      and coverage almost reached 90%. Delayed receipt of vaccines is still an issue
      for Aboriginal children. For adolescents, there is good coverage for the first
      and second doses of human papillomavirus vaccine and the dose of diphtheria,
      tetanus and acellular pertussis. The pneumococcal vaccination rate in the elderly
      has been steadily rising, although it has remained lower than the influenza
      coverage estimates. CONCLUSION: Completion of the recommended immunisation
      schedule at the earliest appropriate age should be the next public health goal at
      both the state and local health district level. Official coverage assessments for
      'fully immunised' should include the 7-valent pneumococcal conjugate and
      meningococcal C vaccines, and wider dissemination should be considered.

PMID- 22060057
TI  - NSW annual report describing adverse events following immunisation, 2010.
AB  - AIM: This report summarises Australian passive surveillance data for adverse
      events following immunisation in NSW for 2010. METHODS: Analysis of de-identified
      information on all adverse events following immunisation reported to the
      Therapeutic Goods Administration. RESULTS: 424 adverse events following
      immunisation were reported for vaccines administered in 2010; this is 6% lower
      than 2009 but 24% higher than 2008 and the second highest number since 2003. A
      total of 274 (65%) adverse events involved seasonal or pandemic influenza
      vaccines. Reports were predominantly of mild transient events: the most commonly
      reported reactions were fever, allergic reaction, injection site reaction,
      malaise and headache. Only 9% of the reported adverse events were serious in
      nature, including eight reports of febrile convulsions in children following
      seasonal influenza vaccine. CONCLUSION: The large number of reports in 2010 is
      attributable to the high rates of fever and febrile convulsions in children after
      vaccination with 2010 seasonal trivalent influenza vaccine, as well as pandemic
      (H1N1) 2009 influenza vaccine.

PMID- 22060059
TI  - Bug breakfast in the bulletin: trachoma.

PMID- 22060060
TI  - Communicable Diseases Report, NSW, July and August 2011.

PMID- 22060061
TI  - Implementation of routine rapid HIV testing within the U.S. Department of
      Veterans Affairs Healthcare System.
AB  - Current HIV testing methods can be ineffective; patients often do not return for
      results. HIV rapid testing (RT) provides accurate results in 20 min. Patients
      find nurse-initiated HIV rapid testing (NRT) more acceptable than current testing
      methods and increases receipt of test results. Translating research findings into
      sustainable practice poses widely recognized implementation challenges. To
      ascertain effectiveness of NRT implementation, formative and process evaluations
      were conducted within the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Healthcare System
      (VA). Nurses and physicians at 2 VA medical centers were trained to administer
      RT. A preimplementation formative evaluation was conducted at Site 1. Process
      evaluations of ongoing RT activities were conducted at Site 2. Interviews were
      conducted with key informants. Content and thematic analysis was conducted on the
      field notes. A variety of barriers and facilitators were discovered that impacted
      the implementation of NRT. Findings indicate concerns regarding training and
      incorporating NRT into workflow. Process interviews indicated that training
      concerns could be alleviated through various means. Finally, interviewees
      highlighted that other clinic settings might be a more preferred setting for NRT
      than primary care. Findings are currently being used for the implementation of
      additional NRT interventions, and can also guide NRT adoption in other
      facilities.

PMID- 22060062
TI  - Comment regarding the histopathology of terra firma-forme dermatosis.

PMID- 22060063
TI  - Clinical characterization of bvFTD due to FUS neuropathology.
AB  - In 2009, inclusions containing the fused in sarcoma (FUS) protein were identified
      as a third major molecular class of pathology underlying the behavioral variant
      frontotemporal dementia (bvFTD) syndrome. Due to the low prevalence of FUS
      pathology, few clinical descriptions have been published and none provides
      information about specific social-emotional deficits despite evidence for severe
      behavioral manifestations in this disorder. We evaluated a patient with bvFTD due
      to FUS pathology using a comprehensive battery of cognitive and social- emotional
      tests. A structural MRI scan and genetic tests for tau, progranulin, and FUS
      mutations were also performed. The patient showed preserved general cognitive
      functioning and superior working memory, but severe deficits in emotion
      attribution, sensitivity to punishment, and diminished capacity for interpersonal
      warmth and empathy. The gray matter atrophy pattern corresponded to this focal
      deficit profile, with preservation of dorsolateral fronto-parietal regions
      associated with executive functioning but severe damage to right worse than left
      frontoinsula, temporal pole, subgenual anterior cingulate, medial orbitofrontal
      cortex, amygdala, and caudate. This patient demonstrates the striking focality
      associated with FUS neuropathology in patients with bvFTD.

PMID- 22060064
TI  - Short-sightedness puts Australia at risk.

PMID- 22060065
TI  - NSAIDs and stroke risk.

PMID- 22060066
TI  - Multiresistant Escherichia coli in aged care: the gathering storm.

PMID- 22060067
TI  - A most trusted profession ...?

PMID- 22060068
TI  - Wind farms and health: who is fomenting community anxieties?

PMID- 22060069
TI  - Should doctors feel able to practise according to their personal views and
      beliefs?--Yes.

PMID- 22060070
TI  - Should doctors feel able to practise according to their personal values and
      beliefs?--No.

PMID- 22060071
TI  - Implementing electronic medication management at an Australian teaching hospital.
AB  - We describe the implementation of an electronic medication management system
      (eMMS) in an Australian teaching hospital, to inform future similar exercises.
      The success of eMMS implementation depends on: a positive workplace culture
      (leadership, teamwork and clinician ownership); acceptance of the major impact on
      work practices by all staff; timely system response to user feedback; training
      and support for clinicians; a usable system; adequate decision support.

PMID- 22060072
TI  - Borderline health: complexities of the Torres Strait treaty.

PMID- 22060073
TI  - A clinician's perspective on providing TB services in the Torres Strait.

PMID- 22060074
TI  - The slow-motion disaster that is breaking the bank.

PMID- 22060075
TI  - A Pandora's box: sustainable pharmaceutical supply.

PMID- 22060076
TI  - Doing the right thing for tuberculosis control in the Torres Strait Islands.

PMID- 22060077
TI  - Thunderstorm asthma--a timely reminder.

PMID- 22060078
TI  - Should opioids be used for chronic non-cancer pain?

PMID- 22060079
TI  - Is Australia ready to use glycated haemoglobin for the diagnosis of diabetes?

PMID- 22060080
TI  - Change of HbA1c reporting to the new SI units.

PMID- 22060081
TI  - Increasing ambulance demand requires enhanced indicators of quality and safety.

PMID- 22060082
TI  - Serious morbidity associated with misuse of over-the-counter codeine-ibuprofen
      analgesics.

PMID- 22060083
TI  - Death and morbidity from supratherapeutic dosing of colchicine.

PMID- 22060084
TI  - Practical neurology--4: Dizziness on head movement.
AB  - Benign positional vertigo (BPV) is the most common cause of episodic vertigo. It
      results from activation of semicircular canal receptors by the movement of
      calcium carbonate particles (otoconia) which dislodge from the otolith membranes.
      During changes in head position, the otoconia either float freely within the
      semicircular canal duct (canalithiasis) or adhere to and move with the cupula of
      the canal (cupulolithiasis). BPV from canalithiasis evokes brief spells of
      vertigo lasting seconds and can be diagnosed at the bedside by provoking
      paroxysmal vertigo and nystagmus on tilting the head in the plane of the affected
      canal. The nystagmus has a unique rotational axis perpendicular to the affected
      canal. The Dix-Hallpike test is a simple means of confirming the diagnosis in
      patients presenting with episodic vertigo or imbalance. Audiovestibular tests are
      only indicated if a symptomatic primary underlying inner ear disease is
      suspected. In over 80% of patients, BPV can be treated successfully with a single
      bedside Epley (particle-repositioning) manoeuvre, which can be performed by any
      medical practitioner.

PMID- 22060085
TI  - Cross-border patients with tuberculosis.

PMID- 22060087
TI  - Stroke risk and NSAIDs: an Australian population-based study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the risk of stroke associated with non-steroidal anti
      inflammatory drug (NSAID) use. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Retrospective
      cohort study of 162,065 Australian veterans with incident dispensing of an NSAID
      between 1 January 2001 and 31 December 2008, using prescription event sequence
      symmetry analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Hospitalisation for stroke, ischaemic
      stroke or haemorrhagic stroke. RESULTS: The absolute risk of stroke was low:
      7.1/1000 people/year. Incident use of NSAIDs was associated with a 1.88 times
      increased risk (95% CI, 1.70-2.08) of hospitalisation for stroke (ischaemic or
      haemorrhagic) following first ever dispensing of an NSAID. This equates to an
      increased absolute risk of 13.4 strokes/1000 people/year. Significant positive
      associations between starting an NSAID and having a hospitalisation for stroke
      were found for most NSAIDs, with adjusted sequence ratios ranging from 1.44 (95%
      CI, 1.16-1.80) for indomethacin to 1.80 (95% CI, 1.59-2.04) for rofecoxib.
      CONCLUSIONS: Incident use of NSAIDs was associated with an increased risk of
      stroke. Increased awareness of the potential for serious adverse cardiovascular
      events, together with individual assessment of cardiovascular risk, careful
      deliberation of the balance between risk and benefits and appropriate
      supervision, is required when initiating NSAID therapy.

PMID- 22060088
TI  - Prevalence of antimicrobial-resistant organisms in residential aged care
      facilities.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the frequency of, and risk factors for, colonisation with
      vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE), Clostridium difficile and extended
      spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing organisms in residential aged care
      facilities (RACFs). DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: We conducted a point
      prevalence survey in October-November 2010 in three RACFs associated with our
      health service. A single faecal sample was collected from each participating
      resident and screened for the presence of VRE, C. difficile and ESBL-producing
      organisms. Presence of risk factors for antibiotic-resistant organisms was
      identified using a questionnaire. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Prevalence of
      colonisation with VRE, C. difficile and ESBL-producing organisms; molecular
      typing of ESBL-producing organisms; prevalence of risk factors including presence
      of a urinary catheter, recent inpatient stay in an acute care setting and recent
      antibiotic consumption. RESULTS: Of 164 residents in the three facilities, 119
      (73%) were screened. Mean age of screened residents was 79.2 years, and 61% were
      women; 74% had resided in the RACF for > 12 months, 21% had been given
      antibiotics within the past month and 12% had been in an acute care centre within
      the past 3 months. Overall rates of VRE (2%) and C. difficile (1%) colonisation
      were low, but ESBL-producing Escherichia coli was detected in 14 residents (12%)
      overall, with half of these residing in one wing of an RACF (27% of wing
      residents tested). Ten of the 14 ESBL-producing isolates had identical molecular
      typing patterns and belonged to genotye CTX-M-9. Eight of 13 residents had
      persistent colonisation on repeat testing 3 months later. CONCLUSION: We found a
      high prevalence of multiresistant ESBL-producing E. coli in RACF residents. A
      clonal relatedness of isolates suggests possible transmission within the
      facility. RACFs should have programs emphasising processes that will limit spread
      of these organisms, namely good hand hygiene compliance, enhanced environmental
      cleaning and dedicated antimicrobial stewardship programs.

PMID- 22060089
TI  - Is premigration health screening for tuberculosis worthwhile?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether premigration screening for tuberculosis is worth
      undertaking in visa applicants, and whether screening resources are being
      appropriately directed towards intending migrants at highest risk of
      tuberculosis. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A 12-month survey of all
      intending migrants with tuberculosis necessitating treatment detected during the
      premigration health assessment process, whose medical examinations were submitted
      to the Department of Immigration and Citizenship's Global Health Branch for
      assessment by a Medical Officer of the Commonwealth between 1 July 2009 and 30
      June 2010. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Individuals diagnosed with active tuberculosis;
      proportions diagnosed by sputum smear and culture tests or clinically, and with
      susceptibility test results; distribution of visa types among people diagnosed.
      RESULTS: In premigration assessments, 519 people were diagnosed with active
      tuberculosis (prevalence, 137 per 100,000 in examined population). The top source
      countries for people with tuberculosis were the Philippines (21.8%), India
      (16.8%), Vietnam (16.2%) and China (8.3%). Positive sputum smear test results
      were submitted for 67 cases (12.9%). Positive culture test results were obtained
      in 230 cases (44.3%), but only 95 of these (41.3%) had susceptibility test
      results, with 83 fully susceptible. Four people had multidrug-resistant
      tuberculosis (prevalence, 1.06 per 100 000 population). Five people had both
      active tuberculosis and HIV infection. Of all those diagnosed with tuberculosis,
      162 (31.2%) were intending students, 82 (15.8%) were intending visitors, and 53
      (10.2%) were applicants for humanitarian (refugee and Special Humanitarian
      Program) visas. CONCLUSIONS: Premigration health screening of intending migrants
      is identifying substantial numbers of people who would have required treatment
      for tuberculosis after arrival in Australia. The high proportion of students,
      visitors and refugee and humanitarian entrants with tuberculosis validates the
      current screening program. The screening is of benefit to the applicants, whose
      tuberculosis is treated earlier than it otherwise would have been, and to the
      Australian population, by averting exposure to people with active tuberculosis.

PMID- 22060090
TI  - Inpatient subacute care in Australia: perceptions of admission and discharge
      barriers.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine perceptions of barriers to admission to subacute care
      from acute hospital care, and barriers to subsequent discharge from subacute
      care. DESIGN, PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING: Web-based survey of key stakeholders
      using Likert scales and closed questions. Prompts were emailed repeatedly to
      potential participants in Australia between 15 May and 24 July 2009. Participants
      were physicians working in inpatient rehabilitation medicine and aged care units,
      as well as senior hospital managers with responsibility for patient flow. MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASURES: Perceived admission and discharge barriers in subacute care.
      RESULTS: Half of the 101 respondents reported barriers to admission to subacute
      hospitals as moderate, severe or extreme, and 81% reported a similar grading of
      severity for barriers to discharge. There was no relationship between these
      perceptions and whether respondents worked only in the public hospital system
      (barriers to access: chi2 = 0.02 [df = 1; P = 1.0]; and barriers to discharge:
      chi2 = 0.0 [df = 1; P = 1.0]). The most commonly reported barriers to admission
      were: availability of beds (61% of respondents); physical, environmental and
      equipment inadequacies (62% of respondents); and allied health or nursing staff
      issues (55% of respondents). The most commonly reported barriers to discharge
      included: waiting for a more appropriate setting of care (76% of respondents) and
      funding for home modifications, equipment or carers (55% of respondents). There
      was no relationship between respondents' position and their reporting of various
      admission (chi2 = 6.2; df = 8; P = 0.6) or discharge barriers (chi2 = 13.8; df =
      12; P = 0.3). CONCLUSION: There is a strong perception among key stakeholders in
      subacute care that there are major barriers to patient admission and discharge.
      Redistributing proposed funding for inpatient subacute beds to measures for
      overcoming these barriers is likely to improve patient flow though the whole
      hospital system.

PMID- 22060091
TI  - Flu fallout: what went wrong in 2010, and should we have seen it coming?

PMID- 22060093
TI  - The person inside.

PMID- 22060096
TI  - Structural studies of rigor bovine myofibrils using fluorescence microscopy. I.
      Procedures for purification and modification of bovine muscle proteins for use in
      fluorescence microscopy.
AB  - The myofibril is a fully competent fragment of the contractile apparatus of
      muscle, and its structure can be investigated with fluorescent-protein probes.
      Several purification and chemical modification techniques were developed for the
      synthesis of fluorescent myosin subfragment-1 (S1), actin and alphaactinin to be
      used as fluorescent probes of myofibril structure. Myosin was isolated from both
      rectus abdominis (RA) and cutaneus trunci (CT) and subjected to chymotryptic
      digestion to give S1 and myosin rod. Analysis of the time course of digestion by
      SDS-PAGE showed that S1 from RA myosin contained at least three heavy chain
      fragments while myosin from CT had essentially one. The S1 obtained from CT
      myosin was enzymatically characterized and used for fluorescent conjugation.
      Methods were adapted to conjugate thiol-specific fluorophores to actin, alpha
      actinin and S1. These fluorescent probes may be useful for structural studies on
      the isolated myofibril and on muscle in relation to its properties as a food.

PMID- 22060097
TI  - Structural studies of rigor bovine myofibrils using fluorescence microscopy. II.
      Influence of sarcomere length on the binding of myosin subfragment-1, alpha
      actinin and G-actin to rigor myofibrils.
AB  - Sarcomere length influences the textural quality of meat, yet the molecular basis
      for the mechanism of post-mortem shortening and the toughness associated with
      shortened muscle remain obscure. Bovine and rabbit myofibrillar structure was
      investigated over a range of sarcomere lengths (SL), using the high affinity of
      the myosin head for actin and of alpha-actinin for the Z-line. Myofibrils were
      incubated with fluorescent conjugates of myosin subfragment-1 (S1), alpha-actinin
      and actin. When S1 and alpha-actinin were added together, S1 bound in the I-band
      and A-band but not at the Z-line, while alpha-actinin bound at the Z-line. The
      pattern of S1 binding was highly influenced by SL, and could be explained using a
      model with the ratio of myofibrillar actin to myosin heads in the overlap region
      of 2:1 and thin filament penetration into opposing half sarcomeres. Double
      staining with S1 and actin demonstrated that, once the tip of the thin filament
      reached the bare zone, few intrinsic myosin heads were available for fluorescent
      actin. The patterns observed for both S1 and actin staining suggest that
      myofibrillar rigor bonds form even at very short SL. These observations lead to
      the hypothesis that the toughness associated with short sarcomeres is due to
      thick-filament interactions and not to the density of rigor bonds in the
      myofibril. Regulation of S1 binding was investigated by incubating myofibrils
      with low levels of fluorescent S1 in the presence and absence of calcium; S1
      binding was in the overlap region when calcium was absent, but in the I-band when
      it was present. These results suggest that the thin filament can be activated for
      muscle shortening by the binding of myosin heads, a mechanism that may contribute
      to post-mortem muscle shortening.

PMID- 22060098
TI  - Performance, muscle composition and meat texture in veal calves administered a
      beta-agonist (clenbuterol).
AB  - The effect of clenbuterol administration on performance, muscle composition and
      meat texture was studied in veal calves. Three groups, of ten animals each, were
      assigned to the three following treatments for 27 days: control, administration
      of 0.3 and 1.0 ppm in the feed (dry matter basis). After a 14-day withdrawal
      period, the animals were slaughtered, and three muscles were sampled (M.
      longissumus thoracis; M. triceps brachii caput longum; M. rectus abdominis).
      During the period of clenbuterol administration, the treated calves exhibited a
      higher daily liveweight gain (DLWG) and a higher feed conversion efficiency (FCE)
      compared to those of the control calves, but these effects were reversed during
      the subsequent withdrawal period. At slaughter, the overall DLWG, FCE and carcass
      weight were similar in the three treatments, but the dressing percentage in the
      clenbuterol-treated calves was up to 5.7 points higher than that of the control
      calves. In the muscles studied, the clenbuterol had little effect on pH,
      sarcomere length, dry matter and nitrogen contents, collagen heat stability
      (solubility, isometric tension) or cooking loss; but it markedly reduced the
      content of lipids, collagen and haem pigments. The clenbuterol also affected
      myofibrillar strength after ageing, measured either on raw meat or on cooked
      meat. This was particularly evident in cooked meat which showed up to a two-fold
      increase in mechanical parameters (maximum stress, compression modulus) after the
      clenbuterol treatment. No dose effect was detected except for the mechanical
      parameters. It was concluded that clenbuterol administration affects, meat in two
      opposite ways, viz. a marked toughening effects, due to a reduction in the muscle
      ageing rate, that is not compensated by a concomitant tenderizing effect (through
      a decrease in the intramuscular collagen content).

PMID- 22060099
TI  - Extended shelf-life of unrefrigerated prerigor cooked meat.
AB  - Five experiments were conducted to evaluate the microbial quality of
      unrefrigerated cooked prerigor beef after the application of oxygen-permeable
      packaging. Specific objectives were to combine the beneficial effects of aerobic
      packaging, meat surface acidification and prerigor rapid cooking rates on meat
      storage stability at ambient temperature. In the experiments, the triceps brachii
      muscle was dissected from one side 45 min after exanguination of the animal, and
      samples of 2 * 3 * 5 cm were prepared. Bags made of a strong barrier, plastic
      film, and a highly oxygen permeable oriented polypropylene, were used. The
      cooking of the packaged samples covered a number of treatments ranging from
      cooking in a 70 degrees C water bath to an internal sample temperature of 65
      degrees C to cooking in 100 degrees C water for 40 min. Reheating and multiple
      heat treatments were also included. The pH values of the cooked samples were
      determined and aerobic plate counts (log(10)/g) were determined for the cooked
      samples at various intervals during two weeks of storage at 22 degrees C or at 3
      degrees C for the control samples. The results indicate that heat treatment alone
      did not improve shelf stability at 22 degrees C. However, dipping the samples in
      80 degrees C solutions of 0.7% citric acid or 1.25% lactic acid for 1 min and
      draining for 1 min followed by packaging using oxygen permeable bags and cooking
      in 100 degrees C water for 40 min consistently resulted in shelf stable products
      at all 22 degrees C storage intervals. The lactic acid treatment was superior to
      the citric acid treatment because it completely decontaminated the samples and
      delayed spoilage, especially at 3 degrees C.

PMID- 22060100
TI  - Effects of feeding diets containing different fat supplements to swine on the
      visual properties and storage stability of low-fat sausage.
AB  - Sixty barrows and gilts were assigned to one of five dietary treatments
      consisting of a control diet of corn and soybean meal and four similar test diets
      that contained a 10% replacement of either animal fat, safflower oil, sunflower
      oil or canola oil, to determine the effects of high levels of oleic acid in the
      diet of swine on the storage stability of fresh pork sausage. Pork trim from each
      treatment was used to formulate sausage that contained two fat levels (25% and
      35%), and two levels of added water (3% and 11%). Thiobarbituric acid values did
      not differ between the control, safflower oil or sunflower oil treatments and all
      treatments were acceptable after 10 weeks of storage. Microbial numbers increased
      with the level of added water and during time in storage (up to 3 weeks). Visual
      evaluation showed that the control was the most red and least discolored, while
      the canola oil treatment was the least red and the most discolored. Results from
      the present study suggest that a 105 replacement of a typical corn/soybean meal
      diet to swine with safflower or sunflower oil did not alter the storage-stability
      of fresh pork sausage.

PMID- 22060101
TI  - Effect of residual oxygen on the colour, odour and taste of carbon dioxide
      packaged beef, lamb and pork during short term storage at chill temperatures.
AB  - Samples of boneless pork, lamb, beef (high and normal pH) were packaged in '100%'
      carbon dioxide atmospheres in foil laminate pouches. These pouches were fitted
      with a septum and a gas sampling port that allowed the introduction of air and
      removal of gas samples for analysis from the sealed packs. After sealing,
      measured volumes of air were introduced into test packs that had been gassed at a
      carbon dioxide volume to meat weight ratio of either 1 litre/kg or 2 litres/kg,
      to give initial atmospheres containing approximately 0.1, 0.2 and 1.0% oxygen.
      After 24 and 168 h storage at -1.5 +/- 0.5 degrees C, test packs were removed and
      compared with similarly treated control packs without added oxygen with respect
      to meat odour, taste and colour. No significant differences between the test and
      control packs in respect to odour or taste were evident with any meat type. The
      tendency to develop browning in response to the presence of residual oxygen
      within packs, increased in the order: pork, normal pH beef, normal pH lamb, high
      pH beef. Beef and lamb developed noticeable browning in packs containing more
      than 0.15% total oxygen while pork was able to tolerate 1% oxygen without obvious
      detrimental effects. For all meat types, the colour stability was greater in
      packs gassed to the higher gas volume to meat weight ratio.

PMID- 22060102
TI  - The relationship between ATP and R-values in postmortem bovine Longissimus dorsi
      muscle.
AB  - To study the relationship between ATP and each of three R-values (R248, R250 and
      R258) in beef longissimus dorsi muscle data, appropriate mathematical functional
      forms were estimated by the Box-Cox transformation and then tested for linearity.
      Two separate tests for linearity indicated that the relationships between ATP and
      the three R-values were nonlinear. A shifting parameter restriction on the Box
      Cox model was used to produce a curve that was more parallel to the y axis in the
      lower range of x axis, but the restriction lowered the R(2) compared with the Box
      Cox model. ATP (1 MUmol) could be estimated by R248 of 0.925, R250 of 0.967 and
      R258 of 1.038 with standard errors of 0.033, 0.034 and 0.032, respectively. There
      were no significant differences among the three R-values for the prediction of
      ATP, but there was a suggestion that R258 was the preferred R-value for
      predicting ATP in beef muscle.

PMID- 22060103
TI  - Calcium chloride marination effects on beef steak tenderness and calpain
      proteolytic activity.
AB  - A study was conducted in three phases to examine the effect of calcium chloride
      marination on tenderness. Steaks obtained 5 days postmortem were marinated in a
      150 mM calcium chloride solution for 24 h and 48 h in phase 1, and for 48 h in
      phases 2 and 3. The steaks utilized were obtained from mature cows 8-11 years of
      age-phase 1; four control and four beta-agonist fed steers-phase 2; and three
      Peidmontese and two Nelore 18-month-old steers-phase 3. Data were analyzed by
      analysis of variance for a split-plot design. In phase 1, marination failed to
      improve (P > 0.05) shear force values. However, shear force values were less than
      5 kg which was uncommonly low for mature cows. In phase 2, marination improved (P
      < 0.05) meat tenderness regardless of diet. Yet, the steaks from the beta-agonist
      fed steers remained less tender, even after marination, than the steaks from the
      control steers. In phase 3, shear force requirements were decreased (P < 0.01)
      with marination. Also, the activities of m-calpain and calpastatin decreased (P <
      0.05) with calcium marination. It appeared that the improvement in tenderness was
      through the activation of m-calpain.

PMID- 22060104
TI  - Detection of farnesyltransferase interface hot spots through computational
      alanine scanning mutagenesis.
AB  - In this study, we present a detailed characterization of the full alpha/beta
      interface in the farnesyltransferase (FTase) enzyme, an important target in drug
      design efforts. This characterization is presented in terms of hot spots, warm
      spots, and null spots and is based on the application of an improved variation of
      the computational alanine scanning mutagenesis methodology, complemented with
      extensive solvent-accessible surface area and interfacial hydrogen-bonding
      analysis. A total of 130 interface amino acid residues were considered in this
      analysis, a number that represents 16.0% of the total of 814 amino acid residues
      in the full enzyme. Globally, the results provide important clues on the most
      important structural and energetic determinants for dimer formation, suggesting
      several key targets at the subunit interface for the development of new molecules
      that aim to inhibit FTase activity through blocking the formation of the fully
      active FTase dimer, yielding useful indications for future drug design efforts.

PMID- 22060105
TI  - Slow-release insulin in cystic fibrosis patients with glucose intolerance: a
      randomized clinical trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Early stages of glucose metabolism impairment are a period at risk in
      the long-term prognosis of cystic fibrosis (CF). Slow-release synthetic insulin
      glargine can be a therapeutic tool in this metabolic condition. METHODS: In this
      phase 3 multicenter, controlled, two-arm, randomized clinical study, glargine was
      administered up to a dosage of 0.15 U/kg/die for a period of 18 months. Primary
      endpoint was the improvement of nutritional status [body mass index (BMI) Z
      score], while glucose tolerance [hemoglobin A1c (HbA1C) and respiratory function
      (FEV1 predicted] improvement were the secondary endpoints. RESULTS: Thirty-four
      subjects (18 in the glargine arm and 16 in the control arm) were evaluated.
      Adherence to insulin treatment was excellent. No significant adverse events were
      reported. There were no significant differences in BMI, HbA1C and FEV1 values
      between the two groups nor within groups, except for HbA1C improvement in the
      glargine arm at month +18 (p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS: Glargine treatment was well
      accepted and tolerated. No real efficacy in improving clinical and glycometabolic
      conditions was demonstrated. Further studies are necessary to test glargine at
      higher dosage and for a longer follow-up period.

PMID- 22060106
TI  - A PORR domain protein required for rpl2 and ccmF(C)  intron splicing and for the
      biogenesis of c-type cytochromes in Arabidopsis mitochondria.
AB  - Angiosperm mitochondria encode approximately 20 group II introns, which interrupt
      genes involved in the biogenesis and function of the respiratory chain. Nucleus
      encoded splicing factors have been identified for approximately half of these
      introns. The splicing factors derive from several protein families defined by
      atypical RNA binding domains that function primarily in organelles. We show here
      that the Arabidopsis protein WTF9 is essential for the splicing of group II
      introns in two mitochondrial genes for which splicing factors had not previously
      been identified: rpl2 and ccmF(C). WTF9 harbors a recently recognized RNA binding
      domain, the PORR domain, which was originally characterized in the chloroplast
      splicing factor WTF1. These findings show that the PORR domain family also
      functions in plant mitochondria, and highlight the parallels between the
      machineries for group II intron splicing in plant mitochondria and chloroplasts.
      In addition, we used the splicing defects in wtf9 mutants as a means to
      functionally characterize the mitochondrial rpl2 and ccmF(C) genes. Loss of
      ccmF(C) expression correlates with the loss of cytochromes c and c1, confirming a
      role for ccmF(C) in cytochrome biogenesis. By contrast, our results strongly
      suggest that splicing is not essential for the function of the mitochondrial rpl2
      gene, and imply that the Rpl2 fragment encoded by rpl2 exon 1 functions in
      concert with a nuclear gene product that provides the remainder of this essential
      ribosomal protein in trans.

PMID- 22060107
TI  - Influence of production system on carcass characteristics of F(1) Wagyu * Angus
      steers and heifers.
AB  - American Wagyu * Angus steers (n = 15) and heifers (n = 26) were finished to
      typical Japanese market weight and degree of finish using two different feeding
      methods. The first method (deferred) consisted of two growing/ finishing phases:
      a forage-based diet for approximately 8 months followed by a high concentrate
      diet fed ad libitum for an additional 8 months while the second finishing method
      (linear) was designed to produce a linear rate of gain for the entire 16 months
      that the cattle were on feed. Even though there were substantial differences in
      daily weight gain (P < 0.05) within the two growing/finishing phases, total
      weight gain for the entire 16 months was not different between the two feeding
      methods (P > 0.05). Cattle produced by the linear growth method were superior to
      deferred growth cattle for carcass weight (as estimated by cold left side
      weight), rib thickness, dressing percentage, marbling score, fat color, fat
      luster, fat quality, as well as in scores for meat color, brightness, firmness
      and texture (P < 0.05). Fat thickness was not affected by treatment (P > 0.05).
      These data indicate that the linear method of production is more consistent with
      producing carcasses for the Japanese beef market.

PMID- 22060108
TI  - Determinants of tenderisation in beef Longissimus dorsi and Triceps brachii
      muscles.
AB  - Tenderisation of bovine Mm. longissimus dorsi and triceps brachii and factors
      impacting tenderisation were studied. Mm. longissimus dorsi and triceps brachii
      of 12 Friesian-Holstein cows (age 3-11 years; 212-349 kg carcass weight) were
      sampled at various times post mortem (p.m.) for determination of pH, temperature,
      fibre type and morphology, connective tissue distribution, SDS-PAGE of
      myofibrillar proteins, Warner-Bratzler shear force, sarcomere length and
      osmolality. The stretched position of the M. triceps brachii (sarcomere length
      2.35 +/- 0.24 MUm) resulted in a relatively low shear force at 1 day p.m. (6.2 +/
      0.9 kg/cm(2)) with further storage having little additional effect. M.
      longissimus dorsi entered rigor in a more contracted state (sarcomere length 1.65
      +/- 0.11 MUm), resulting in a relatively high shear force at 1 day p.m. (10.3 +/-
      2.3). Stepwise linear regression was used to calculate the best 1- to 3-variable
      equations for shear force of M. longissimus dorsi at 1, 7 and 14 days p.m. and
      the decrease in shear force between 7 and 14 days p.m. Shear force at 1 day p.m.
      appeared to be determined mainly by the speed of pH- and temperature-decline.
      Proteolysis of myofibrillar proteins and animal age appeared to be the main
      determinants for shear force at 1 and 14 days p.m. The average surface area of
      type I fibres could explain part of the variation in the decrease in shear force
      between 1 and 14 days p.m.

PMID- 22060109
TI  - The use of oxygen scavengers to prevent the transient discolouration of ground
      beef packaged under controlled, oxygen-depleted atmospheres.
AB  - Rates of O(2) absorption from air were determined for a type of commercial O(2)
      scavenger that is formulated for rapid O(2) absorption at chiller temperatures.
      Rates of O(2) absorption from N(2) atmospheres containing 600 ppm O(2) were
      determined for trays that each contained 350 g of ground beef. Packs with
      controlled atmospheres of N(2) that contained ground beef and O(2) scavengers
      were prepared, to determine the conditions under which the scavengers could
      prevent the transient discolouration of the meat which arises from its reaction
      with the residual O(2) initially present in pack atmospheres. The rates of O(2)
      absorption by individual scavengers varied from the average by +/-50%. The rate
      of O(2) absorption declined with decreasing oxygen concentration, from an average
      value per scavenger of about 12 ml h(-1) when O(2) concentrations were between 20
      and 10%. At O(2) concentrations <1% (10,000 ppm) the rate of O(2) absorption was
      directly proportioned to the O(2) concentration so that the O(2) concentration in
      an atmosphere in a gas-impermeable pouch declined exponentially with time. The
      absorption of O(2) by ground beef was similarly dependent on the O(2)
      concentration. At 2  degrees C, the transient discolouration of beef in
      atmospheres initially containing about 50 ppm O(2) was prevented by the presence
      of 17.5 scavengers per l of atmosphere. At -15  degrees C, discolouration was
      prevented by 5 scavengers per l. The findings indicate that the O(2)
      concentration in pack atmospheres has to be reduced below 10 ppm within 30 min at
      2  degrees C, or 2 h at -1.5  degrees C if ground beef is not to transiently
      discolour. It is unlikely that the required rates of O(2) absorption could be
      obtained economically with currently available, commercial O(2) scavengers.

PMID- 22060110
TI  - Organ weights, muscle composition and fatty acid profiles in lambs fed
      salbutamol: Effect of a 5-day withdrawal period.
AB  - Lambs were fed ad libitum on a diet containing the beta-adrenergic agonist
      salbutamol (2 ppm) for 38 days to investigate its effects on organ weights,
      muscle composition and fatty acid profiles. The influence of a 5-day withdrawal
      period was also assessed. The oral administration of salbutamol did not increase
      muscle weights and no differences were found in liver, heart and lung
      proportions. However, kidney weight was higher in the salbutamol-not-withdrawn
      animals. In treated animals fat and collagen levels decreased (P < 0.05), while
      protein increased (P < 0.05) in the semitendinosus (ST) muscle when compared to
      controls. However, no effects of the beta-agonist treatment were found in the
      longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle. Intramuscular LD polyunsaturated fatty acids were
      higher (P < 0.05). Subcutaneous adipose tissue samples were higher (P < 0.05) in
      total unsaturated fatty acids and lower (P < 0.05) in total saturated fatty
      acids. All these changes in the fatty acid profiles of both intramuscular and
      adipose tissues were more marked after the 5-day salbutamol withdrawal period.

PMID- 22060111
TI  - Sorbic acid stability in meat products of reduced water activity.
AB  - This study investigated the behavior of sorbic acid in shelf-stable meats with
      0.91 water activity during processing (70  degrees , 80  degrees , 90  degrees C)
      and accelerated storage (33  degrees , 45  degrees , 57  degrees C). In meat
      systems stored at 70  degrees , 80  degrees  and 90  degrees C, after
      approximately 0.5-3 days, the destruction rate of sorbic acid diminished. This
      change in behavior (break) was probably caused by the limited availability of
      oxygen and/or the inhibitory action of nonenzymatic browning products on sorbate
      destruction. Before the break, the rate constants were found to be related to
      temperature, pH, the acid used to adjust it and the humectants added to depress
      water activity (NaCl, glycerol, the mixture NaCl 3.5% and glycerol). After the
      break, none of the above mentioned effects were observed. In meat systems stored
      at 33  degrees , 45  degrees  and 57  degrees C the rate of destruction was
      constant with time. The rate constants of meat systems were higher than the ones
      obtained for aqueous systems of similar composition, revealing that meat
      components played an important role in the destruction of sorbates.

PMID- 22060112
TI  - Implant and biological type effects on beef carcass characteristics.
AB  - Beef carcasses (n = 1574) were evaluated at Excel Corp. beef slaughtering
      facility, Friona, Texas, to determine the effects of implants (double Revalor and
      Ralgro/Revalor) and biological type (Continental European, Continental European *
      British and British) on carcass characteristics. No differences (P > 0.05) were
      found between implants for marbling score, USDA quality grade, adjusted
      preliminary yield grade, percentage kidney, pelvic and heart fat, or carcass
      weight. Carcasses from cattle implanted with double Revalor had a larger (P <
      0.05) ribeye area and a lower USDA yield grade. No differences were found among
      breed types for marbling score, USDA quality grade, preliminary yield grade,
      ribeye area or USDA yield grade (P > 0.05). Steers classed as continental
      European had the lowest adjusted preliminary yield grade and percentage kidney,
      pelvic and heart fat, the heaviest carcasses and were most muscular as determined
      by the Excel muscle score (P < 0.05).

PMID- 22060113
TI  - Potential interactions between the effects of preslaughter stress and post-mortem
      electrical stimulation of the carcasses on meat quality in pigs.
AB  - The experiment examined the influence on pork quality of the electrical
      stimulation of carcasses from pigs subjected to different ante-mortem handling
      treatments. The carcasses were subjected to a slow chilling regimen to reflect
      less than ideal commercial practice. A total of 288 pigs (mean live weight 89 kg)
      of both sexes and a range of genotypes were used. They came from the Meat and
      Livestock Commission 's Pig Development Unit at Stotfold and were processed in 12
      equal batches. Prior to slaughter they were transported for 2 h (80 km) at a
      stocking density of 0.5 m(2)/100 kg live weight. Preslaughter handling included
      being mixed or not with unfamiliar animals and being given a 3 h rest in lairage
      or not. One group received handling to simulate that in stunning races
      immediately before slaughter. There were no material interactions between the
      effects of ante- and post-mortem handling. Pigs rested 3 h in lairage had lower
      plasma cortisol levels irrespective of whether mixed with unfamiliar animals.
      Plasma lactate concentrations increased with greater ante-mortem stress. Pigs
      subjected to the simulated stunning race treatment had elevated carcass
      temperature. Greater ante-mortem stress progressively elevated pHu in the muscles
      and tended to reduce eating quality. Electrical stimulation followed by slow
      chilling raised initial muscle temperature, reduced pH(45) and pHu, and produced
      meat that was paler, had higher hue and saturation values and lost more drip
      during storage. Neither instrumentally-determined texture nor taste panel texture
      was affected, but electrical stimulation decreased juiciness and increased pork
      flavour. Overall eating quality was not affected by stimulation.

PMID- 22060114
TI  - Fatty acids in carcass fat of steers treated with a beta-adrenergic agonist
      individually or in combination with trenbolone acetate + oestradiol-17beta.
AB  - Forty steers of medium maturity were allocated randomly to four treatment groups
      of 10 steers each (C = Control, betaA = beta-Agonist, TO = Trenbolone acetate +
      oestradiol-17beta and betaTO = beta-Agonist in combination with trenbolone
      acetate + oestradiol-17beta). After 56 days on treatment, the beta-Agonist
      treatment was stopped and the steers slaughtered on the ninth day after
      withdrawal. Samples of subcutaneous fat over the 13th rib and M. longissimus
      dorsi were stored in sealed polyethylene bags at -20  degrees C for fatty acid
      analysis. A greater proportion of oleic acid (C18: 1, P < 0.05) was deposited in
      the subcutaneous fat of steers treated with betaA as opposed to those treated
      with either TO or betaTO. Treatments altered the fatty acid composition of the M.
      longissimus dorsi, particularly through their effects on palmitic acid (C16:0, P
      < 0.01), palmitoleic acid (C16:1, P < 0.01) and oleic acid (C18:1, P < 0.01). The
      results suggest a shift (P < 0.01) towards saturated fatty acids in the M.
      longissimus dorsi of steers treated with either betaA or betaTO.

PMID- 22060115
TI  - Differences in the electrophoretic patterns of soluble pork proteins as a
      consequence of pig rearing conditions.
AB  - In recent years the importance of 'organic meat' has increased. Rigorous rearing
      conditions has raised the emphasis on meat quality problems. Pigs (genotype:
      Hungarian Large White 75% and Mangalica, pigs with curly bristles, 25%) were kept
      in a natural farming system, and did not receive growth promoters, hormones or
      antibiotics. The meat of these pigs is called 'organic meat', or 'bio meat'.
      Longissimus dorsi muscles of pigs kept under natural circumstances and under
      traditional conditions were compared using SDS polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis
      and isoelectric focusing. Electrophoretic separation, protein and esterase enzyme
      staining showed definite differences between the proteolysates of organic and
      control meat samples.

PMID- 22060116
TI  - Effects of live animal performance and hemoglobin level on special-fed veal
      carcass characteristics.
AB  - Growth and carcass characteristics were measured on 975 Holstein bull calves
      raised on four commercial veal farms (nine feeding groups). Average values for
      blood hemoglobin (Hb), live weight and gain, dressing percentage (DP; hide-on and
      hide-off), visual muscle color score, rib-eye-area (REA), and carcass
      conformation score were 7.8 g/dl, 187.1 kg, 1.46 kg/d, 67.4%, 60.4%, 1.42, 42.0
      sq cm, and 11.7, respectively. Carcass weights averaged 127.6 and 112.4 kg for
      hide-on and hide-off, respectively. There were few significant correlations of Hb
      with growth performance, carcass weight or DP. Pre-slaughter Hb was correlated
      0.54 (P < 0.01) with flank muscle color score. Calves which were either heavier
      or which gained weight more rapidly tended to have slightly lower muscle color
      scores, larger REA and higher carcass conformation scores. Results from this
      study suggest that pre-slaughter Hb levels are higher than previously reported in
      specialfed veal, and there is no apparent relationship of Hb value, red blood
      cell count or mean corpuscular hemoglobin with growth performance traits.
      Although final Hb values were moderately predictive of muscle color score
      (accounting for 29% of the within-group variance), apparently there are other
      factors both within and between farms which influence muscle color in special-fed
      veal carcasses.

PMID- 22060117
TI  - An efficient method for the isolation of intramuscular collagen.
AB  - Ultrasonic fragmentation of the myofibrils and subsequent solubilisation in
      buffer has been used to isolate intramuscular collagen (IMC) in high yield and
      purity. The method is superior to previously reported techniques in providing
      both a high yield of collagen and intact fibres. The material obtained is
      suitable for both physical and biochemical analysis in attempts to demonstrate
      its role in determining the tenderness of meat.

PMID- 22060118
TI  - Functional polymer laminates from hyperthermal hydrogen induced cross-linking.
AB  - The use of a hyperthermal hydrogen induced cross-linking process to prepare
      laminates comprising polypropylene, poly(isobutylene-co-isoprene), and poly(vinyl
      acetate) is described. In this new, milder alternative to conventional plasma
      techniques, neutral molecular hydrogen projectiles were used to create carbon
      radicals on impacted surfaces by collision-induced dissociation of C-H bonds, and
      this process was used to cross-link polymers on a polypropylene surface. It was
      demonstrated that multiple layers of cross-linked materials could be added,
      creating polymer laminates with each layer introducing new functionalities and
      properties. In particular, the present work shows that the process is largely
      nondestructive toward ester functionalities. First, the esters were grafted to
      become nonleachable. Then, the esters were subsequently hydrolyzed to convert the
      surface from hydrophobic to hydrophilic. Afterward, the esters could be recovered
      by simple esterification demonstrating that further chemical transformations were
      possible.

PMID- 22060119
TI  - Field modulation in Na-incorporated Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) polycrystalline films
      influenced by alloy-hardening and pair-annihilation probabilities.
AB  - The influence of Na on Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) solar cells was investigated. A
      gradient profile of the Na in the CIGS absorber layer can induce an electric
      field modulation and significantly strengthen the back surface field effect. This
      field modulation originates from a grain growth model introduced by a combination
      of alloy-hardening and pair-annihilation probabilities, wherein the Cu supply and
      Na diffusion together screen the driving force of the grain boundary motion (GBM)
      by alloy hardening, which indicates a specific GBM pinning by Cu and Na. The pair
      annihilation between the ubiquitously evolving GBMs has a coincident probability
      with the alloy-hardening event.PACS: 88. 40. H-, 81. 10. Aj, 81. 40. Cd.

PMID- 22060120
TI  - Photoinduced electron-transfer-promoted redox fragmentation of N
      alkoxyphthalimides.
AB  - A new photoinduced electron-transfer-promoted redox fragmentation of N
      alkoxyphthalimides has been developed. Mechanistic experiments have established
      that this reaction proceeds through a unique concerted intramolecular
      fragmentation process. This distinctive mechanism imparts many synthetic
      advantages, which are highlighted in the redox fragmentation of various
      heterocyclic substrates.

PMID- 22060122
TI  - Incorporation of 15N-labeled ammonia into glutamine amide groups by protein
      glutaminase and analysis of the reactivity for alpha-lactalbumin.
AB  - Protein-glutaminase (PG) is an enzyme that catalyzes the deamidation of protein
      bound glutamine residues. We found that an enzyme labeling technique (ELT), which
      is a stable isotope labeling method based on transglutaminase (TGase) reaction,
      is applicable for PG. PG catalyzed incorporation of (15)N-labeled ammonium ions
      into reactive glutamine amide groups in alpha-lactalbumin similarly to TGase and
      deamidated the most reactive glutamine amide group once labeled with (15)N.
      Furthermore, we investigated the effect of ammonium ions on the PG activity by
      peptide mapping, and more reactive glutamine residues were detected than were
      detected by the ELT in the presence of ammonium ions. This is probably because
      ammonium ions are competitive inhibitors, causing decreased reactivity for
      glutamine residues. We propose the reaction scheme of PG in the presence of the
      (15)N-labeled ammonium ions and show that the ELT method with PG is useful for
      evaluating the activity of PG.

PMID- 22060123
TI  - American political affiliation, 2003-43: a cohort component projection.
AB  - The recent rise in identification with American political parties has focused
      interest on the long-term dynamics of party support. Liberal commentators cite
      immigration and youth as forces that will produce a natural advantage for the
      Democrats in the future, while conservative writers highlight the importance of
      high fertility amongst Republicans in securing growth. These opinions are not
      based on demographic analysis. We addressed this omission by undertaking the
      first ever cohort component projection (up to 2043) of populations by American
      party allegiance, based on survey and census data. On current trends, we predict
      that American partisanship will change much less than the nation's ethnic
      composition because the parties are similar in age structure. Nevertheless, our
      projections suggest that the Democrats will gain 2-3 per cent more support than
      the Republicans by 2043, mainly through immigration, although the higher
      fertility of Republicans may eventually offset that advantage.

PMID- 22060124
TI  - Social suffering and anxiety: deciphering coughs and colds at Akan anti
      witchcraft shrines in Paris.
AB  - In treating illness and suffering, the Akan anti-witchcraft shrine is often
      presented as a model of unchanging, tightly bounded and antiquated ideals. This
      fails to acknowledge the extensive repertoire of Ghanaian witchcraft discourses
      and contemporary divinatory practices uncovered at Akan anti-witchcraft shrines.
      This paper analyses how one of the most popular Akan anti-witchcraft shrine in
      Europe, in an eastern banlieue of Paris, diagnoses the seemingly common and
      innocuous coughs and colds suffered by recently arrived, unskilled female
      Ghanaian migrants as something more socially and economically malignant,
      witchcraft. Successful treatment combines divinatory techniques, paracetamol
      medicines and positive thinking in order to empower clients and present them with
      the possibility of new social and gainful employment prospects.

PMID- 22060125
TI  - Pregnancy decision-making among HIV positive women in Northern Vietnam:
      reconsidering reproductive choice.
AB  - The global HIV epidemic confronts pregnant women with hard reproductive choices.
      This paper offers a theoretically innovative and ethnographically sensitive
      exploration of the social processes through which 20 HIV positive women living in
      Northern Vietnam decide whether to continue or terminate their pregnancies.
      Arguing that human agency must be seen as an outcome of intersubjective
      engagements in shared social worlds, this paper explores how these women came to
      the decisions that they had to make and shows that women's choices were
      configured through everyday social relations, shaped through intimate engagements
      with husbands, parents, siblings, and in-laws. Based on the findings, it is
      recommended that pregnancy counseling is offered not only to the woman herself,
      but also, if she desires, involves members of her extended family.

PMID- 22060126
TI  - Suffering of childless women in Bangladesh: the intersection of social identities
      of gender and class.
AB  - Research has documented that, around the world, women who are childless against
      their will suffer from an array of social, economic and emotional difficulties.
      The causes of this suffering are primarily related to their gender position in
      society and their gender identity. This paper addresses the impact of class
      differences on the gender-related suffering of childless women in the socially
      very hierarchically structured society of Bangladesh. The main method was
      gathering life histories of illiterate rural poor childless women and educated
      urban middle-class childless women. The rural childless women experience strong
      stigma in society, as their identity is devalued due to their inability to
      produce children. As a result, they suffer from feelings of guilt, role failure,
      loss of self-esteem, abandonment by the family, social isolation, and
      impoverishment. In contrast, because of their relatively high socio-economic
      status and good educational background, urban childless women have more
      opportunities to avail themselves of alternative social identities and thus avoid
      social isolation. Despite these differences, both groups of women lead frustrated
      lives, burdened with a deep sense of guilt for not being able to produce
      children.

PMID- 22060127
TI  - 'It is only a pinprick': (or is it?): childhood vaccinations in general practice
      as 'matter out of place'.
AB  - The analysis presented in this paper is part of a larger study, the aim of which
      is to describe the GPs' everyday taken-for-granted working life. The study is
      based on multi-sited anthropological fieldwork in Danish general practices. This
      paper analyses consultations where children are vaccinated and the analysis shows
      the way these consultations differ from other consultations in relation to flow
      and communication. Neither parents nor doctors question the value of the
      vaccination, but the manner in which they talk about it and handle it in the flow
      of the consultation points to them experiencing it as being problematic. Taking
      inspiration from Mary Douglas' theory on cultural classification the injection is
      interpreted as 'matter out of place'. The analysis identifies the infliction of
      pain and the discomfort this brings to the doctor and the parent as problematic
      as well as a breach of the doctor-patient relationship. The aim of vaccination is
      to prevent potential diseases in the future, but its function in the
      consultation, besides being fulfilment of national guidelines, is not immediately
      apparent. It has no real function in the consultation and this makes it
      problematic in the present, causing the ambiguity that both doctors and parents
      express.

PMID- 22060128
TI  - A cultural model of infidelity among African American and Puerto Rican young
      adults.
AB  - Having concurrent sexual partners is a risk factor for STIs and HIV/AIDS, yet few
      studies have investigated the cultural meanings and functions of concurrency. A
      multi-method qualitative/quantitative study of sexual ideas, attitudes, and
      behaviors among inner-city Puerto Rican and African American emergent adults (age
      18-25) in Hartford, Connecticut, USA, suggests that having concurrent partners is
      common in this population. Using data from 12 focus groups and 40 participants in
      systematic data collection techniques (e.g., pile sorts), the underlying
      cognitive structure of concurrency and cheating/infidelity are explored. Results
      suggest that participants are less tolerant of multiple partners in more
      committed relationships, but that very few relationships can be considered
      committed. Furthermore, participants see cheating as inevitable even in committed
      relationships. Sexual transgressions are considered the most severe form of
      cheating. Having an outside partner for emotional reasons or to have access to
      one's child were seen as more acceptable/forgivable than doing so for sexual
      satisfaction, social status or material goods. Multiple partnerships must be seen
      in the context of the inner city where resources and opportunities are scarce and
      young adults attempt to protect themselves from emotional injury. Documenting new
      and changing social constructions of infidelity is important for understanding
      the social context of sexual behavior in our global world and for designing
      culturally appropriate health interventions.

PMID- 22060132
TI  - Multiplexed method to calibrate and quantitate fluorescence signal for allergen
      specific IgE.
AB  - Using a microarray platform for allergy diagnosis allows for testing of specific
      IgE sensitivity to a multitude of allergens, while requiring only small volumes
      of serum. However, variation of probe immobilization on microarrays hinders the
      ability to make quantitative, assertive, and statistically relevant conclusions
      necessary in immunodiagnostics. To address this problem, we have developed a
      calibrated, inexpensive, multiplexed, and rapid protein microarray method that
      directly correlates surface probe density to captured labeled secondary antibody
      in clinical samples. We have identified three major technological advantages of
      our calibrated fluorescence enhancement (CaFE) technique: (i) a significant
      increase in fluorescence emission over a broad range of fluorophores on a layered
      substrate optimized specifically for fluorescence; (ii) a method to perform label
      free quantification of the probes in each spot while maintaining fluorescence
      enhancement for a particular fluorophore; and (iii) a calibrated, quantitative
      technique that combines fluorescence and label-free modalities to accurately
      measure probe density and bound target for a variety of antibody-antigen pairs.
      In this paper, we establish the effectiveness of the CaFE method by presenting
      the strong linear dependence of the amount of bound protein to the resulting
      fluorescence signal of secondary antibody for IgG, beta-lactoglobulin, and
      allergen-specific IgEs to Ara h 1 (peanut major allergen) and Phl p 1 (timothy
      grass major allergen) in human serum.

PMID- 22060134
TI  - Clinical validation of the Acuros XB photon dose calculation algorithm, a grid
      based Boltzmann equation solver.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: A new algorithm that uses a grid-based technique to solve the
      linear Boltzmann transport equation (LBTE) has been developed to improve the
      accuracy and speed of external photon beam treatment planning calculations. The
      aim of this study was to test the accuracy of this algorithm in both
      heterogeneous and homogeneous media. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Output factors, depth
      dose curves and profiles for symmetric fields were measured in water using
      diamond and ionization chamber detectors. Furthermore, asymmetric fields, fields
      collimated with the multi-leaf collimator, enhanced dynamic wedge fields as well
      as fields with different source-skin distances were measured. Various test plans
      were created on a CIRS thorax phantom including tissue-equivalent inserts and
      corresponding dose distributions within the phantom were measured with
      radiochromic films. The new grid-based LBTE solver, Acuros XB (Eclipse version
      10.0, Varian Medical Systems, CA, USA) was used to calculate dose distributions
      for all field configurations and plans, for both 6 MV and 15 MV photons.
      Calculations were also performed with AAA, a standard convolution algorithm.
      RESULTS: Compared to measurements, the output factors were within 1% for Acuros
      XB. For the depth doses, the average deviations were within 1% in dose and 1 mm
      in distance to agreement (DTA). For the profiles, the deviations were within 2%/1
      mm except near the penumbra. Similar results were obtained for the other field
      configurations. Good agreement with AAA was also found. For the plans calculated
      on the CIRS phantom, the number of points meeting the gamma criterion of 3% in
      dose and 3 mm in DTA was higher with Acuros XB (98% for 6 MV; 100% for 15 MV)
      than with AAA (94% for 6 MV; 96% for 15 MV). CONCLUSION: Dose calculations with
      the Acuros XB algorithm in homogeneous media are in good agreement with both
      measurements and the AAA algorithm. In heterogeneous media, the Acuros XB
      algorithm is superior to AAA in both lung and bony material.

PMID- 22060133
TI  - alpha-Synuclein oligomers oppose long-term potentiation and impair memory through
      a calcineurin-dependent mechanism: relevance to human synucleopathic diseases.
AB  - Intracellular deposition of fibrillar aggregates of alpha-synuclein (alphaSyn)
      characterizes neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD) and
      dementia with Lewy bodies. However, recent evidence indicates that small alphaSyn
      oligomeric aggregates that precede fibril formation may be the most neurotoxic
      species and can be found extracellularly. This new evidence has changed the view
      of pathological alphaSyn aggregation from a self-contained cellular phenomenon to
      an extracellular event and prompted investigation of the putative effects of
      extracellular alphaSyn oligomers. In this study, we report that extracellular
      application of alphaSyn oligomers detrimentally impacts neuronal welfare and
      memory function. We found that oligomeric alphaSyn increased intracellular Ca(2+)
      levels, induced calcineurin (CaN) activity, decreased cAMP response element
      binding protein (CREB) transcriptional activity and resulted in calcineurin
      dependent death of human neuroblastoma cells. Similarly, CaN induction and CREB
      inhibition were observed when alphaSyn oligomers were applied to organotypic
      brain slices, which opposed hippocampal long-term potentiation. Furthermore,
      alphaSyn oligomers induced CaN, inhibited CREB and evoked memory impairments in
      mice that received acute intracerebroventricular injections. Notably, all these
      events were reversed by pharmacological inhibition of CaN. Moreover, we found
      decreased active CaN and reduced levels of phosphorylated CREB in autopsy brain
      tissue from patients affected by dementia with Lewy bodies, which is
      characterized by deposition of alphaSyn aggregates and progressive cognitive
      decline. These results indicate that exogenously applied alphaSyn oligomers
      impact neuronal function and produce memory deficits through mechanisms that
      involve CaN activation.

PMID- 22060135
TI  - Radiation induced myelopathy in a patient with tongue cancer: a case report.

PMID- 22060136
TI  - Phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity of olive leaf extracts.
AB  - The total phenolic content and antioxidant activities of olive leaf extracts were
      determined. Plant material was extracted with methanol and fractionated with
      solvents of increasing polarity, giving certain extracts. The qualitative changes
      in the composition of the extracts were determined after the storage of leaves
      for 22 h at 37 degrees C, before the extraction. Total polyphenol contents in
      extracts were determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu procedure. They were also
      analysed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Their antioxidant activities
      were evaluated using the diphenyl picrylhydrazyl method and the beta-carotene
      linoleate model assay. Moreover, the effects of different crude olive leaf
      extracts on the oxidative stability of sunflower oil at 40 degrees C and
      sunflower oil-in-water emulsions (10% o/w) at 37 degrees C, at a final
      concentration of crude extract 200 mg kg(-1) oil, were tested and compared with
      butylated hydroxyl toluene.

PMID- 22060137
TI  - Astrocyte elevated gene 1: biological functions and molecular mechanism in cancer
      and beyond.
AB  - Since its discovery, nearly one decade of research on astrocyte elevated gene 1
      (AEG-1) has witnessed expanding knowledge of this molecule, ranging from its role
      in cancer biology to molecular mechanisms underlying the biological functions. As
      a multifunctional oncoprotein, AEG-1 has been shown to overexpress in multiple
      types of human cancer, and the elevation of AEG-1 in tumor cells leads to
      enhanced phenotypes characteristic of malignant aggressiveness, including
      increased abilities to proliferate robustly, to invade surrounding tissues, to
      migrate, to induce neovascularization, and to enhance chemoresistance. The
      multifunctional role of AEG-1 in tumor development and progression has been found
      to be associated with several signaling cascades, namely, 1) activation of NF
      kappa B, partially through direct interaction with p65; 2) PI3K/AKT signaling
      triggered by AEG-1 indirectly; 3) enhancement of the transcriptional activity of
      beta-catenin by indirect activation of MAPK and induction of LEF1; 4) regulation
      of mi/siRNA-mediated gene silencing by interacting with SND1; and 5) promotion of
      protective autophagy; in addition to possibly unknown mechanisms. Elevated AEG-1
      expression is seen in nearly all tumor types, and in most cases AEG-1 positively
      correlates with tumor progression and poorer patient survival. Taken together,
      AEG-1 might represent a potential prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target.

PMID- 22060139
TI  - Structure-activity relationship studies of sulfonylpiperazine analogues as novel
      negative allosteric modulators of human neuronal nicotinic receptors.
AB  - Neuronal nicotinic receptors have been implicated in several diseases and
      disorders such as autism, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, and
      various forms of addiction. To understand the role of nicotinic receptors in
      these conditions, it would be beneficial to have selective molecules that target
      specific nicotinic receptors in vitro and in vivo. Our laboratory has previously
      identified novel negative allosteric modulators of human alpha4beta2
      (Halpha4beta2) and human alpha3beta4 (Halpha3beta4) nicotinic receptors. The
      effects of novel sulfonylpiperazine analogues that act as negative allosteric
      modulators on both Halpha4beta2 nAChRs and Halpha3beta4 nAChRs were investigated.
      This work, through structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies, describes the
      chemical features of these molecules that are important for both potency and
      selectivity on Halpha4beta2 nAChRs.

PMID- 22060140
TI  - Inhibition of 11beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 by carbenoxolone affects
      glucose homeostasis and obesity in db/db mice.
AB  - 1. One of the major causes of metabolic syndrome is elevated 11beta
      hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (11beta-HSD1) in the liver and adipose tissue.
      High 11beta-HSD1 expression contributes significantly to the diabetic phenotype
      in db/db mice. The purpose of the present study was to test the effect of the
      pharmacological inhibition of 11beta-HSD1 inhibition by carbenoxolone in db/db
      mice, a genetic model of diabetes. 2. Inhibition of 11beta-HSD1 by carbenoxolone
      was evaluated in liver homogenates obtained from untreated mice. At 0.4, 0.8, 1.6
      and 3.2 MUmol/L, carbenoxolone reduced the conversion of cortisone to cortisol by
      21%, 48%, 82% and 95%, respectively. 3. In another series of experiments in which
      female db/db mice were dosed orally with carbenoxolone (10, 25 and 50 mg/kg,
      twice daily) for 10 days, dose-dependent decreases were observed in 11beta-HSD1
      activity in the brain, adipose and liver. In the case of 10 mg/kg carbenoxolone,
      the effects were not significant. In addition, the bodyweight of female db/db
      mice was reduced by 10% and 13% following treatment with 10 and 50 mg/kg
      carbenoxolone, respectively. Carbenoxolone treatment dose-dependently improved
      fat mass, energy expenditure, the serum lipid profile, serum leptin and insulin
      and glucose tolerance. Furthermore, 50 mg/kg carbenoxolone reduced both
      phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6Pase)
      activity in the liver by 75% and 52%, respectively. These decreases were
      associated with increased glucokinase protein expression and activity in the
      liver. 4. Carbenoxolone inhibition of 11beta-HSD1 in the liver, adipose and brain
      significantly improves the symptoms of metabolic syndrome in db/db mice. These
      improvements can be attributed to increased energy expenditure, decreased
      activity of the gluconeogenic enzymes PEPCK and G6Pase in the liver and improved
      glucokinase function in the liver and pancreas.

PMID- 22060141
TI  - Parafoveal processing of transposed-letter words and nonwords: evidence against
      parafoveal lexical activation.
AB  - The current experiments explored the parafoveal processing of transposed-letter
      (TL) neighbors by using an eye-movement-contingent boundary change paradigm. In
      Experiment 1 readers received a parafoveal preview of a target word (e.g., calm)
      that was either (1) identical to the target word (calm), (2) a TL-neighbor
      (clam), or (3) a substituted-letter (SL) nonword (chem). In Experiment 2 a
      further set of parafoveal preview conditions was explored including (4) an SL
      word condition (chum) and (5) a TL-nonword condition (caml). Across both
      experiments, readers' fixation durations on the target words were significantly
      longer when the previews were SL previews than when they were TL neighbors,
      suggesting that TL neighbors (when presented in the parafovea) facilitate
      processing rather than inhibit processing. Experiments 3 and 4 showed that this
      is in contrast to the inhibitory effects that are seen when TL neighbor previews
      appear in the fovea.

PMID- 22060142
TI  - The bivalency effect: evidence for flexible adjustment of cognitive control.
AB  - When bivalent stimuli (i.e., stimuli with features for two different tasks)
      appear occasionally, performance is slower on subsequent univalent stimuli. This
      "bivalency effect" reflects an adjustment of cognitive control arising from the
      more demanding context created by bivalent stimuli. So far, it has been
      investigated only on task switch trials, but not on task repetition trials. Here,
      we used a paradigm with predictable switches and repetitions on three tasks, with
      bivalent stimuli occasionally occurring on one task. In three experiments, we
      found a substantial bivalency effect for all trials with at least one source of
      conflict. However, this effect was reduced for the repetition trials sharing no
      features with bivalent stimuli, that is, for those without conflict. This
      confirms that the bivalency effect reflects an adjustment of cognitive control.
      The news is that this adjustment of cognitive control is sensitive to the
      presence of conflict, but neither to its amount nor to its source.

PMID- 22060143
TI  - The attentional blink is not affected by backward masking of T2, T2-mask SOA, or
      level of T2 impoverishment.
AB  - Identification of the second of two targets (T2) is impaired when presented
      shortly after the first (T1). This attentional blink (AB) is thought to arise
      from a delay in T2 processing during which T2 is vulnerable to masking.
      Conventional studies have measured T2 accuracy which is constrained by the 100%
      ceiling. We avoided this problem by using a dynamic threshold-tracking procedure
      that is inherently free from ceiling constraints. In two experiments we examined
      how AB magnitude is affected by three masking-related factors: (a)
      presence/absence of T2 mask, (b) T2-mask stimulus onset asynchrony (SOA), and (c)
      level of T2 impoverishment (signal-to-noise ratio [SNR]). In Experiment 1,
      overall accuracy decreased with T2-mask SOA. The magnitude of the AB, however,
      was invariant with SOA and with mask presence/absence. Experiment 2 further
      showed that the AB was invariant with T2 SNR. The relationship among mask
      presence/absence, SOA, and T2 SNR and the AB is encompassed in a qualitative
      model.

PMID- 22060144
TI  - Decomposing task-switching costs with the diffusion model.
AB  - In four experiments, task-switching processes were investigated with variants of
      the alternating runs paradigm and the explicit cueing paradigm. The classical
      diffusion model for binary decisions (Ratcliff, 1978) was used to dissociate
      different components of task-switching costs. Findings can be reconciled with the
      view that task-switching processes take place in successive phases as postulated
      by multiple-components models of task switching (e.g., Mayr & Kliegl, 2003;
      Ruthruff, Remington, & Johnston, 2001). At an earlier phase, task-set
      reconfiguration (Rogers & Monsell, 1995) or cue-encoding (Schneider & Logan,
      2005) takes place, at a later phase, the response is selected in accord with
      constraints set in the first phase. Inertia effects (Allport, Styles, & Hsieh,
      1994; Allport & Wylie, 2000) were shown to affect this later stage. Additionally,
      findings support the notion that response caution contributes to both global as
      well as to local switching costs when task switches are predictable.

PMID- 22060145
TI  - Unmixing the mixing cost: contributions from dimensional relevance and stimulus
      response suppression.
AB  - When participants repeat the same task in a context in which the task may also
      switch (a mixed block), performance deteriorates compared to when there is only
      one task repeating (a pure block). Three experiments were designed to assess how
      perceptual and motor transitions influenced this mixing cost. Experiment 1
      provided three pure block baselines for perceptual and motor transitions.
      Experiments 2 and 3 examined these transitions in a mixed block. Results show
      that most of the mixing cost comes from two factors: (a) episodic interference in
      the mixed block when the stimulus changes and the response repeats, and (b)
      increased suppression in mixed blocks affecting trials where stimulus-response
      mappings repeat. We propose that these mechanisms are strategically applied when
      adopting a sustained "switching set" in mixed blocks. The purpose of this set
      would be to avoid perseveration errors in the most demanding trials (the task
      switching trials), but remaining active during task-repetitions. Results
      regarding the mixing cost are thus relevant to the assessment of models of task
      switching, which at present mainly rely on data from task switch trials.

PMID- 22060146
TI  - The role of gaze and road edge information during high-speed locomotion.
AB  - Robust control of skilled actions requires the flexible combination of multiple
      sources of information. Here we examined the role of gaze during high-speed
      locomotor steering and in particular the role of feedback from the visible road
      edges. Participants were required to maintain one of three lateral positions on
      the road when one or both edges were degraded (either by fading or removing
      them). Steering became increasingly impaired as road edge information was
      degraded, with gaze being predominantly directed toward the required road
      position. When either of the road edges were removed, we observed systematic
      shifts in steering and gaze direction dependent upon both the required road
      position and the visible edge. A second experiment required fixation on the road
      center or beyond the road edges. The results showed that the direction of gaze
      led to predictable steering biases, which increased as road edge information
      became degraded. A new steering model demonstrates that the direction of gaze and
      both road edges influence steering in a manner consistent with the flexible
      weighted combination of near road feedback information and prospective gaze
      information.

PMID- 22060147
TI  - Prediction of fluid losses from pork using subjective and objective paleness.
AB  - Meat paleness in pork Longissimus dorsi (LD) 1 day post-mortem (p-m) was measured
      subjectively using Japanese Pork Colour Scores (JPCS) and objectively using a
      Colormet fibre-optic (FO) meat probe (400-700 nm). Water-holding capacity (WHC),
      fluid loss during thin-slicing, and drip loss were measured in unfrozen and in
      frozen and thawed (FT) samples. FT caused a decrease in WHC, and an increase in
      slicing and drip loss (P < 0.001). FO interactance (i) was correlated (P < 0.01)
      with unfrozen WHC (R = 0.55), with FT WHC (r = -0.45 at 440 nm), with FT slicing
      loss (R = 0.81), with unfrozen drip loss (R = 0.66), and with FT drip loss (R =
      0.61). Objective measurements proved that the development of pork paleness takes
      several days p-m and that paleness is increased by FT. Where fluid losses were
      predictable from paleness, the FO probe was superior to subjective evaluation by
      JPCS.

PMID- 22060148
TI  - Estimation of mutton carcass components using two predictors.
AB  - Carcass weight and the GR measurement (a measure of fatness) were used as
      predictors in models for estimating mutton carcass components. These parameters
      explained a moderate to large amount of the variation in component weights (r(2)
      = 0.47-0.93) except for trunk meat (of a 50% visual lean specification) with an
      r(2) = 0.15. The 557 carcasses used ranged in weight from 9.2 to 43.8 kg and in
      fat depth at the GR site from 0 to 41.0 mm. Analysis of the trunk meat components
      designated 50%, 80% and 90% visual lean showed that despite rigorous slicing the
      observed chemical lean percentage of the two former categories was less than
      expected. The application of the models for price setting of carcasses based on
      derived rather than nominal values is discussed.

PMID- 22060149
TI  - Definition of the optimum freezing rate-1. Investigation of structure and
      ultrastructure of beef M. longissimus dorsi frozen at different freezing rates.
AB  - The influence of freezing rate on location, shape and size of ice crystals formed
      during freezing of beef M. longissimus dorsi, as well as its influence on
      ultrastructure, were investigated. Muscle samples were frozen at different rates:
      0.22 cm/h and 0.39 cm/h (cooling agent was chilled air), and 3.33 cm/h, 3.95
      cm/h, 4.92 cm/h and 5.66 cm/h (cooling agent was liquid carbon dioxide which
      expanded in the sucking-pipe of the tunnel freezer). It was found that by slow
      freezing (freezing rates 0.22 cm/h and 0.39 cm/h) 30.00 MUm). An increase in the
      freezing rate was followed by a change in ice crystal location. In this case they
      had also been formed intracellularly. The number of crystals increased while
      their size decreased. The most intensive fibre damage was found in samples frozen
      at a rate of 0.22 cm/h, and the least in samples frozen at a rate of 3.95 cm/h
      with a freezing temperature of -50 degrees C.

PMID- 22060150
TI  - Definition of the optimal freezing rate-2. Investigation of the physico-chemical
      properties of beef M. longissimus dorsi frozen at different freezing rates.
AB  - The influence of freezing rate on weight loss during the freezing, thawing and
      cooking, on water-binding capacity, on sensory and other physico-chemical
      properties of beef M. longissimus dorsi was investigated. The changes in
      myofibrillar proteins in muscle samples frozen at different freezing rates were
      also investigated. The greatest weight losses during the freezing, thawing and
      cooking were registered at slow freezing procedures (freezing rate of 0.22 cm/h
      and 0.29 cm/h), when the meat was tougher and less soft. The solubility of
      myofibrillar proteins was least from those muscles frozen at such freezing rates.
      The freezing of samples at freezing rates of 3.33 cm/h and 3.95 cm/h had less
      influence on their physico-chemical characteristics. The solubility of the
      myofibrillar proteins from such samples was greatest, and the cooked samples were
      the most tender. From analysis of the results it was concluded that optimal
      conditions for meat freezing seem to be those when the average freezing rate is 2
      5 cm/h.

PMID- 22060151
TI  - Post mortem evolution of myofilament spacing and extracellular space in veal
      muscle.
AB  - The post mortem evolution of water distribution was studied in muscle tissue from
      veal calves in two experiments. Myofilament spacing, extracellular space and rate
      and extent of pH fall were determined in Psoas major muscle in Experiment 1.
      Extracellular space and rate and extent of pH fall were determined in Longissimus
      dorsi, Psoas major and Trapezius muscles in Experiment 2. In Experiment 2, the
      variability of ultimate pH was increased by using adrenalin injections. The
      myofilament spacing decreased after slaughter when pH reached values around 5.9.
      In both experiments, the extracellular space began to increase soon after
      slaughter in close relation with the pH changes. The size of the ultimate
      extracellular space was significantly correlated with the rate of pH fall, but
      not with the ultimate pH.

PMID- 22060152
TI  - Use of polymerase chain reaction technology to detect a mutation associated with
      malignant hyperthermia in different pig tissues.
AB  - Refinements to a novel method to detect malignant hyperthermia in swine are
      described. Results show that the test can be performed on whole blood and that
      white blood cell isolation to generate template DNA is superfluous. Storage
      studies demonstrate that muscle samples are best utilized within 4 days if kept
      at 4 degrees C and that frozen storage at -20 degrees C is advised for longer
      periods. However freeze-thaw cycles should be avoided. Fat tissue was found to be
      much faster than other tissues to process, particularly to run the test on a
      large scale. MgCl(2) concentration and DNA polymerase source show small but non
      significant differences in polymerase chain reaction (PCR) product formation
      efficiency. An internal control is proposed in order to monitor endonuclease
      activity and to prevent partial digestions from being erroneously interpreted. In
      conclusion the test is very efficient in demonstrating the mutation associated
      with malignant hyperthermia.

PMID- 22060153
TI  - Quality attributes of major porcine muscles: A comparison with the Longissimus
      Lumborum.
AB  - Quality attributes of the longissimus lumborum (LL) were compared to the
      attributes of the muscles semimembranosus (SM), rectus femoris (RF), biceps
      femoris (BF), gluteus medius (GM) and the lateral portion of the semitendinosus
      (ST) in the ham, the psoas major (PM) in the loin and the supraspinatus (SS),
      infraspinatus (IS) and triceps brachii (TB) in the shoulder. Carcasses were
      allocated to quality groups based on measurements of muscle exudate and lightness
      (CIE-L(*)) in the LL. The SM, BF, GM and ST in the ham were similar to the LL (P
      > 0.05) in meat ultimate pH (pHu) and exudate and the GM, ST and LL were similar
      (P > 0.05) to the LL in lightness. The TB, RF, SS, PM and IS were similar (P >
      0.05) in exudate, lightness and pHu and compared to the LL, were less exudative
      (P < 0.05) and darker (P < 0.05). When the LL was classed pale, and exudative,
      the GM, BF, SM and ST were also pale and exudative but the other muscles were
      darker and non-exudative. When the LL was classed dark and non-exudative, all
      other muscles were dark, non-exudative and the pHu was high. Therefore, the LL
      could serve as a reliable indicator of colour and exudate for all porcine
      musculature when the condition was dark and non-exudative (i.e. DFD). However,
      when the condition was pale and exudative (i.e. PSE), then the LL would serve as
      a reliable indicator only for the four major ham muscles, excluding the RF.

PMID- 22060154
TI  - Evaluation of halothane sensitivity and prediction of post-mortem muscle
      metabolism in pigs from a muscle biopsy using (31)P NMR spectroscopy.
AB  - Phosphorus nuclear magnetic resonance ((31)P NMR) measurements were made on
      biopsy samples from pig muscles. Two experiments were performed, one in France
      and one in Czechoslovakia. In experiment 1, the muscle samples were obtained by
      surgery from the Biceps femoris muscle of 10 pigs with various genetic types (5
      Large White, 1 Large White * Landrace, 4 Pietrains). In experiment 2, the muscle
      samples were obtained by shot biopsy from the Longissimus dorsi muscle of 11
      Belgian Landrace * Duroc pigs, of which 6 were halothane-negative and 5 halothane
      positive. The pigs were slaughtered by electrostunning and exsanguination
      respectively 3 weeks and 1 week after the biopsy, and meat quality traits (pH(1),
      reflectance and water holding capacity) were determined. The changes in adenosine
      triphosphate (ATP), creatine phosphate (CP), inorganic phosphate (P(i)) and pH,
      as deduced from NMR, were faster in Pietrains than in Large Whites, and in
      halothane-positive than in halothane-negative pigs. The value of the CP/P(i)
      ratio at 40 min after taking biopsy allowed discrimination between halothane
      positive and halothane-negative pigs. The values of pH, creatine phosphate and
      adenosine triphosphate, as measured at definite times on the biopsies, were
      correlated with the rate of post-mortem metabolism (r approx 0.8) and with meat
      quality traits. (31)P NMR measurements combined with a rapid and efficient biopsy
      technique appear as an alternative tool for assessment of both halothane
      sensitivity and prediction of meat quality in pigs.

PMID- 22060155
TI  - Carcass characteristics of Angus steers fed to Japanese market standards.
AB  - Japanese Black (Wagyu) cattle are characterized by an ability to consistently
      produce highly palatable, well-marbled beef. The Japanese utilize a unique
      management program which includes feeding the cattle a high roughage diet for
      extended periods of time, typically at least twice that of American feedlot
      practices. In this study, Angus steers were fed a typical US feedlot diet to the
      Japanese market endpoint of 680 kg. Carcasses were analyzed for marbling score,
      meat color and fat color by days on feed and adjusted to a common carcass weight.
      Results indicate that the quality traits studied did change (P < 0.05) with an
      increasing number of days on feed. The marbling score had a high standard error.

PMID- 22060156
TI  - The effect of spices and manganese on meat starter culture activity.
AB  - Three species, two proprietary spice blends and six starter preparations used in
      commercial salami manufacture were analysed for manganese and magnesium content.
      A mettwurst spices blend showed the highest levels of manganese (0.77 ppm
      expressed as effective product level assuming a 1% spice content) while mild and
      hot paprika and milano blend contained levels of manganese 1 4 - 1 3  lower.
      Magnesium levels for spices ranged from 3.14 to 25.81 ppm. Only two of the six
      meat starter cultures showed high levels of manganese (7.77 and 16.12 ppm as
      effective product level based on inoculation rate) while magnesium levels for all
      starter cultures did not exceed 0.37 ppm. The pH of salami products made with
      starter cultures containing no added manganese lagged behind that of products
      made with added mangenese (5 ppm) by 0.2 pH units at 48 h. The effect of
      manganese ions on the fermentation rate of starter bacteria was studied further
      in a salami model system, in the absence and presence of added spices. The
      mettwurst blend produced greatest stimulation and the milano the least. A level
      of 1.2 ppm of added manganese was sufficient to achieve an optimal (< 4.9 pH
      units within 48 h) fermentation in the presence of all five spices tested in the
      salami model system.

PMID- 22060157
TI  - A rapid method of oxymyoglobin purification.
AB  - Oxymyoglobin was isolated from bovine Longissimus lumborum muscle by
      precipitation with ammonium sulfate and purification in rapid conditions with
      only one chromatographic step on Mono-Q HR column with a HPLC system. Purity of
      oxymyoglobin was controlled by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and
      isoelectrofocusing.

PMID- 22060158
TI  - Inhibition of glutaminyl cyclase attenuates cell migration modulated by monocyte
      chemoattractant proteins.
AB  - QC (glutaminyl cyclase) catalyses the formation of N-terminal pGlu
      (pyroglutamate) in peptides and proteins. pGlu formation in chemoattractants may
      participate in the regulation of macrophage activation and migration. However, a
      clear molecular mechanism for the regulation is lacking. The present study
      examines the role of QC-mediated pGlu formation on MCPs (monocyte chemoattractant
      proteins) in inflammation. We demonstrated in vitro the pGlu formation on MCPs by
      QC using MS. A potent QC inhibitor, PBD150, significantly reduced the N-terminal
      uncyclized-MCP-stimulated monocyte migration, whereas pGlu-containing MCP-induced
      cell migration was unaffected. QC small interfering RNA revealed a similar
      inhibitory effect. Lastly, we demonstrated that inhibiting QC can attenuate cell
      migration by lipopolysaccharide. These results strongly suggest that QC-catalysed
      N-terminal pGlu formation of MCPs is required for monocyte migration and provide
      new insights into the role of QC in the inflammation process. Our results also
      suggest that QC could be a drug target for some inflammatory disorders.

PMID- 22060159
TI  - Attitudes towards massage modify effects of manual therapy in breast cancer
      survivors: a randomised clinical trial with crossover design.
AB  - Our aims were to investigate the immediate effect of myofascial release on heart
      rate variability and mood state, and the influence of attitude towards massage in
      breast cancer survivors with cancer-related fatigue. Twenty breast cancer
      survivors reporting moderate to high cancer-related fatigue participated in this
      crossover study. All patients presented to the laboratory at the same time of the
      day on two occasions separated by a 2-week interval. At each session, they
      received either a massage intervention or control intervention. Holter
      electrocardiogram recordings and Profile of Mood States questionnaire (six
      domains: tension-anxiety, depression-dejection, anger-hostility, vigour, fatigue,
      confusion) were obtained before and immediately after each intervention. The
      attitude towards massage scale was collected before the first session in all
      breast cancer survivors. The results showed a significant session * time
      interaction for standard deviation of the normal-to-normal interval (SDNN) (F=
      5.063, P= 0.039), square root of mean squared differences of successive normal-to
      normal intervals (RMSSD) (F= 8.273, P= 0.010), high-frequency component (HF) (F=
      7.571, P= 0.013), but not for index heart rate variability (F= 3.451, P= 0.080),
      low-frequency component (LF) (F= 0.014, P= 0.997) and ratio LF/HF (F= 3.680, P=
      0.072): significant increases in SDNN, RMSSD and HF domain (P < 0.05) were
      observed after the manual therapy intervention, with no changes after placebo (P
      > 0.6). No influence of the attitude scale on heart rate variability results was
      found. A significant session * time interaction was also found for fatigue (F=
      5.101, P= 0.036) and disturbance of mood (F= 6.690, P= 0.018) scales of the
      Profile of Mood States: patients showed a significant decrease in fatigue and
      disturbance of mood (P < 0.001) after manual therapy, with no changes after
      placebo (P > 0.50). A significant influence of the attitude scale was observed in
      tension-anxiety, depression-dejection and anger-hostility scales. This controlled
      trial suggests that massage leads to an immediate increase of heart rate
      variability and an improvement in mood in breast cancer survivors with cancer
      related fatigue. Further, the positive impact of massage on cancer-related
      fatigue is modulated by the attitude of the patient towards massage.

PMID- 22060160
TI  - Twenty-one years of prospective incidence of childhood type 1 diabetes in Hungary
      -the rising trend continues (or peaks and highlands?).
AB  - The aim of this study was to examine secular trends in the incidence of type 1
      diabetes in children aged 0-14 yr in Hungary over the period 1989-2009. Newly
      diagnosed children with type 1 diabetes aged 0-14 yr in Hungary were
      prospectively registered from 1989 to 2009. Primary ascertainment of cases was by
      prospective registration using hospital notifications. Case ascertainment was
      over 96% complete using the capture-recapture method. Standardized incidence
      rates were calculated and secular trends estimated using Poisson regression
      analysis. In Hungary during 1989-2009 a total number of 3432 children were
      identified, giving a standardized incidence rate of 12.5 [95% confidence interval
      (CI) 12.1-12.9] per 100,000 person yr. The overall incidence rate has doubled
      from 7.7 (95% CI 6.4-9.15) per 100,000 per yr in 1989 to 18.2 (95% CI 15.7-20.9)
      per 100,000 per yr in 2009. A significant linear trend in incidence (p < 0.001)
      has been observed over time, with a mean annual increase of 4.4%. The increase in
      incidence was present in both genders and in all age groups, with the largest
      relative increase in the youngest age group (6.2%; p < 0.001). The incidence of
      type 1 diabetes in Hungarian children continues to increase, with the highest
      rate in the very young. Although it seems that transient periods of stabilization
      followed by increases in incidence are apparent, the long-term trend continues to
      be steadily upward. Incidence of childhood type 1 diabetes is a dynamic process,
      probably reflecting the changes of the environmental exposures and continued
      registration is necessary to recognize these trends.

PMID- 22060161
TI  - Welfare of calves - 1. Investigations into some aspects of calf slaughter.
AB  - The relationship between carotid occlusion, systemic blood pressure and brain
      function following electrical stunning and exsanguination (sticking) in slaughter
      calves (< 10 weeks) was assessed. Electrocorticograms, systemic blood pressure
      and evoked responses were measured in the chloralose. anaesthetised and the
      unanaesthetised states. Electrical stunning produced relatively short periods of
      measurable epilepsy in slaughter calves (18 s average). The pattern of decline in
      blood pressure after sticking showed variations between animals. However, the
      results indicated that two groups of animals could be recognised: a carotid
      occlusion (ballooning group) and no carotid occlusion (non-ballooning) group. The
      animals with ballooning (six out of 15 = 40%) developed occlusions of the caudal
      severed ends of the carotid arteries. These swellings, the so-called 'ballooning'
      effect, were characterised by large clots forming plugs at the severed ends of
      the arteries. When this phenomenon occurred the haemorrhaging was clearly
      impeded. This was reflected in the blood pressure traces which showed recovery
      episodes coinciding with the occurrence of the carotid occlusions. Our study
      indicates that in the worst possible case the development of a restriction to the
      outflow of blood can delay the rate of haemorrhaging and the decline in blood
      pressure. This can lead in turn to sustained brain function as evidenced by the
      continued presence of evoked responses following stun recovery and a long time to
      onset of the isoelectrical state in the electrocorticogram.

PMID- 22060162
TI  - Welfare of calves - 2. Increase in vertebral artery blood flow following
      exsanguination by neck sticking and evaluation of chest sticking as an
      alternative slaughter method.
AB  - The role of the vertebral arteries in delaying loss of sensibility following neck
      sticking in slaughter calves was investigated. Vertebral artery blood flow was
      measured using probes before, during and after electrical stunning and slaughter.
      Systemic blood pressure, electrocorticogram, visually evoked responses and the
      occurrence of carotid occlusions were also recorded. When carotid occlusion
      occurred, the time to onset of brain failure was delayed based on the development
      of an isoelectric state. In addition, when carotid occlusion occurred the mean
      arterial blood pressure was sustained for longer following slaughter, and
      concurrently vertebral artery blood flow could be maintained at about 30% of its
      initial level for up to 3 min. In some animals vertebral artery flow increased
      substantially following sticking. When chest sticking was used no occlusion of
      vessels occurred, mean arterial blood pressure fell promptly (within 8 s) and the
      onset of an isoelectric state did not extend beyond one minute. In addition,
      visually evoked responses were not present after 5 s following chest sticking.

PMID- 22060163
TI  - Post-natal changes in the biological characteristics of Semitendinosus muscle in
      male Limousin cattle.
AB  - Samples of semitendinosus muscle from 45 male Limousin cattle reared under
      similar conditions were taken at 1, 6 and 12 months of age (biopsy) and at 16
      months (at slaughter). The development of biochemical (DNA, protein/DNA), enzymic
      (lactic dehydrogenase, isocitric dehydrogenase), and histochemical (ATPase,
      succunic dehydrogenase) characteristics was studied. Muscle fibres were
      classified according to their contractile and metabolic properties (SO = slow
      oxidative; FOG = fast oxidative glycolytic; FG = fast glycolytic). DNA
      accumulation or hyperplasia was observed up to the age of 16 months. The period
      of growth and development, between 1 and 12 months of age, was characterized by
      increased glycolytic metabolism, as evidenced by the conversion of FOG fibres
      into FG fibres, a decrease in ICDH activity and a rise in LDH activity. The
      period between 12 and 16 months, was characterized by a slowing down of the
      conversion of FOG fibres into FG fibres and an increase in ICDH activity. The
      presence of type IIC fibres at the four ages studied is discussed. Of the muscle
      characteristics studied, LDH activity seemed to be a discriminating factor
      between animals from an early age. It could thus be used as to predict animal
      muscle characteristics at birth.

PMID- 22060164
TI  - The value of carcass weight, fat depth measures and eye muscle area for
      predicting the percentage yield of saleable meat in Australian grass-fed beef
      carcasses for Japan.
AB  - The percentage saleable meat yield was determined for 42 carcasses from grass-fed
      steers representing a range of breed types purchased in Australia for the
      Japanese market. Their mean (s.d.) carcass weight and P8 fat depth were 329
      (28.1) kg and 17.3 (4.3) mm, respectively. All measures of subcutaneous fat depth
      were significantly (P < 0.05) and moderately correlated with percentage saleable
      meat yield, with measures in the loin region showing a stronger association than
      those taken in the rump region. The association between P8 fat depth and the loin
      measures of subcutaneous fat were low and there was a significant (P < 0.05)
      association only between P8 and fat depth at the 10th rib (FD 10). The use of fat
      depth measurements from the loin region reduced the error associated with
      predicting saleable meat yield more than those from the rump region and
      significantly increased the amount of variation (R(2)) in saleable meat yield
      that was explained. Hot carcass weight (HCW) did not significantly (P > 0.05)
      improve prediction models when combined with subcutaneous fat depth measurements
      and overall, the R(2) values were low ranging from 0.19 to 0.42. The models
      indicated that fat depth measures and carcass weight are poor predictors of
      percentage meat yield in heavy-weight carcasses from mixed breed cattle as
      produced and processed in Australia. The prediction of percentage yield was in
      general significantly (P < 0.05) improved when measures of M. longissimus
      thoracis et lumborum (LD) area were added as independent variables to models
      based on hot carcass weight and subcutaneous fat depth measurements. With LD area
      added the amount of variation in yield that could be explained by the models
      increased by as much as 28%. Overall, the best model was based on fat depth at
      the 12th rib and LD area measured at the 5th rib for which the R(2) was 0.58 and
      the residual standard deviation was 1.63%. The next most accurate prediction of
      yield was provided by a model which included the independent variables used in
      the Australian Chiller Assessment Scheme namely HCW, FD10 and LD area at the 10th
      rib upon which breed type had no significant (P > 0.05) effect.

PMID- 22060165
TI  - Effects of pre-slaughter administration of antifreeze proteins on frozen meat
      quality.
AB  - The effects of pre-slaughter administration of antifreeze glycoproteins to lambs
      were assessed on lamb meat quality after thawing. Various concentrations of
      antifreeze glycoproteins (AFGP) from Antarctic Cod were injected intravenously
      into lambs (35 +/- 5 kg liveweight) at various times prior to slaughter. The
      lambs were electrically stunned, slaughtered, then subjected to high voltage
      electrical stimulation. The rate of glycolysis was assessed by monitoring the
      rate of pH fall and the ultimate pH. Longissimus dorsi muscles were removed from
      the carcasses 24 h post-slaughter. Samples were vacuum packed and stored frozen
      at -20  degrees C for 2-16 weeks. Upon thawing, samples were assessed for drip
      loss and sensory properties (foreign flavour, storage flavour, texture,
      tenderness, juiciness and overall acceptability). At certain times, frozen
      samples were examined by scanning electron microscopy after ice sublimation.
      Injection of AFGP had no effect on the rate of pH decline, and for all treatments
      the pH of samples was not significantly different. Injection of AFGP 10 min
      before slaughter had no effect at any of the concentrations of AFGP for any of
      the factors assessed, suggesting that 10 min was insufficient time for the AFGP
      to become associated with the muscle tissue. Injection of AFGP at either 1 or 24
      h before slaughter reduced drip loss and ice crystal size. Crystals were smallest
      in the lambs injected to a final concentration of 0.01 MUg/kg AFGP, particularly
      when injected 24 h before slaughter. These results suggest that the addition of
      AFGP could reduce damage due to frozen storage of meat, if a cost-effective and
      consumer-acceptable method could be developed to incorporate these proteins into
      meat prior to freezing.

PMID- 22060166
TI  - Measurement of the components in meat patties by near infrared reflectance
      spectroscopy.
AB  - Near infrared calibrations have been derived and used routinely in the
      measurement of fat, moisture, protein, collagen free protein and starch in meat
      patties. The lower standard error of prediction (SEP) values for moisture,
      protein, fat and starch content determination were recorded with the first
      derivative calibration than with those of the second derivative treatment. The
      prediction for the moisture and protein content determinations with first
      derivative transforms were satisfactory, the correlation coefficients (r) being
      0.99 and 0.98, respectively. Determining the fat content with both first and
      second derivative data showed excellent results, r amounting to more than 0.99.
      The result obtained for the starch and collagen free protein (CFP) content
      determination with the first derivative calibration, as well as with the second
      derivative treatment, showed a deviation from the chemical data and r was less
      than 0.97 in both cases. It is recommended that a sample preparation, such as
      demoisturizing or defatting, is needed to get a high correspondence with
      reference methods for starch and hydroxyproline determination in meat patties.

PMID- 22060167
TI  - Alteration of post-mortem ageing in beef by the addition of enzyme inhibitors and
      activators.
AB  - Twenty-four hours after stunning, slices of beef M. semitendinosus were soaked in
      buffers at 10  degrees C at different pH values containing enzyme inhibitors or
      calcium and magnesium salts and their enzyme levels and toughness determined up
      to 9 days. High pH meat was tender but appeared to have the same rate of ageing
      as meat of normal pH. Calcium chloride accelerated ageing and produced, after
      completion of conditioning, more tender meat than controls. In tenderising,
      sodium and potassium chlorides were 43% and MgCl(2) 73% as effective as Ca salts.
      Cysteine proteinase inhibitors were more effective in preventing ageing than
      serine or aspartate inhibitors. Cysteine and aspartate inhibitors together were
      the most effective in preventing ageing. The inhibition of ageing by cysteine
      inhibitors was overcome in the presence of 30 mM CaCl(2). The results suggest a
      main, but not exclusive, role for calpains in meat ageing and showed a
      synergistic non-enzymic tenderisation by the addition of high concentrations of
      salts.

PMID- 22060168
TI  - Dried sausages fermented with Staphylococcus xylosus at different temperatures
      and with different ingredient levels - Part I. Chemical and bacteriological data.
AB  - Sausages with added Staphylococcus xylosus were fermented at different
      temperatures and with different added levels of salt, glucose, nitrite, nitrate
      and Pediococcus pentosaceus in accordance with a six factor fractional design.
      The numbers of surviving Staphylococcus xylosus, lactic acid bacteria, pH, free
      fatty acids and residual amounts of nitrite and nitrate were measured. The
      effects of temperature and different ingredients on the chemical and bacterial
      data were tested using multiple linear regression and analysis of variance. The
      study showed that numbers of surviving Staphylococcus xylosus were reduced by
      high fermentation temperature, especially when salt concentration was low and
      glucose concentration high. High levels of nitrite and addition of Pediococcus
      pentosaceus had adverse effects as well. pH was lowered by high fermentation
      temperature, low salt concentration and addition of glucose and Pediococcus
      pentosaceus. On the other hand p H was increased by addition of nitrate. The pH
      lowering effect of glucose was small when temperature was low. The residual
      levels of nitrite and nitrate were increased by addition of nitrate, but then
      increased and decreased, respectively, by increasing temperature. Addition of
      glucose and Pedio coccus pentosaceus lowered the residual amount of nitrite. The
      level of free fatty acids was reduced by salt and increased by higher
      temperature. Of the individual acids, the amount of linoleic acid was also
      increased by addition of Pediococcus pentosaceus and decreased by nitrate.

PMID- 22060169
TI  - Dried sausages fermented with Staphylococcus xylosus at different temperatures
      and with different ingredient levels - Part II. Volatile components.
AB  - Sausages, with added Staphylococcus xylosus, were fermented at different
      temperatures and with different added levels of salt, glucose, nitrite, nitrate
      and Pediococcus pentosaceus in accordance with a six factor fractional design.
      The volatile compounds from the sausages were collected by dynamic headspace
      sampling and quantified and identified by gas chromatography and gas
      chromatography-mass spectrometry. The effects of temperature and different
      ingredients on the levels of individual volatiles were tested using multiple
      linear regression and analysis of variance. The study showed that sausages
      fermented under modern production conditions (high temperature, addition of
      glucose, nitrite, Pediococcus pentosaceus) in contrast to 'old-fashioned'
      sausages (added nitrate and fermented at low temperature) are likely to contain
      higher amounts of volatile acids, but lower levels of ethyl esters, certain short
      chain aldehydes as well as lipid autoxidation products. Several nitriles, nitro
      alkanes and one organic nitrate were identified for the first time in fermented
      sausages. Reaction mechanisms for those compounds and other classes of compounds
      are proposed and discussed in detail.

PMID- 22060170
TI  - Dried sausages fermented with Staphylococcus xylosus at different temperatures
      and with different ingredient levels - Part III. Sensory evaluation.
AB  - Sausages with added Staphylococcus xylosus were fermented at different
      temperatures and with different added levels of salt, glucose, nitrite, nitrate
      and Pediococcus pentosaceus in accordance with a six factor fractional design.
      The odour of the sausages was evaluated by a quantitative descriptive method with
      ten descriptors and by gas chromatography olfactometry. The sensory profile was
      correlated to the experimental design and the volatile compounds by partial least
      squares analysis. Also, the effects of temperature and different ingredients on
      the strength of the individual descriptors were tested using multiple linear
      regression and analysis of variance. The study showed that salami odour was more
      pronounced in sausages fermented at low temperature than in sausages fermented at
      high temperature and added nitrite, glucose and P. Pentosaceus. High temperature
      sausages had a more sour and cheesy aroma, but were less fatty and sourdough
      like. Salami odour was correlated with the presence of ethyl esters and 2
      alkanones as well as with high numbers of Staphylococcus xylosus. 2- and 3
      methylbutanal seemed to be influential as well. The sourish note to salami odour
      was especially caused by acetic and perhaps butanoic acid, the cheesy note by 2
      methylpropionic, butanoic and 3-methylbutanoic acid.

PMID- 22060171
TI  - Comparative study of two classifications of muscle fibres: Consequences for the
      photometric determination of glycogen according to fibre type in red and white
      muscle of the pig.
AB  - The present experiment was designed to compare two classifications of myofibres
      in samples of muscles longissimus lumborum (LL) and semispinalis capitis (SC)
      taken at slaughter from 56 Large White pigs. Comparisons were made for the
      percentage and histological characteristics of the different types of myofibres
      and for the photometric determination of glycogen using periodic acid schiff
      (PAS) staining. Computerized image analysis was used (i) to classify the fibres
      on the basis of myosin ATPase activity [Brooke and Kaiser (1970) Arch. Neurol.23,
      3669; types I, IIA and HB], or by combination of myosin ATPase and succino
      dehydrogenase (SDH) activities [Ashmore and Doerr (1971) Exp. Neurol.31, 408:
      types betaR, alphaR, and alphaW] and (ii) to compute the PAS staining luminance
      in individual fibres. Glycogen and related metabolites were determined in muscle
      homogenates using enzymatic techniques. The LL showed significantly higher
      glycogen and lactate contents than the SC and a significantly lower average PAS
      staining luminance (indicative of higher glycogen content). The LL was composed
      predominantly of fast-twitch (89%) and white (77.3%) fibres. The SC contained
      mainly red (61.1%) and fast-twitch (59.3%) fibres. In both muscles, the
      comparison of the two classifications indicates that all type I fibres showed
      high SDH activity and were therefore typed as betaR in Ashmore and Doerr's
      classification. However, in the LL, approximately 7% of the type IIB fibres
      showed a marked SDH activity and were thus typed as alphaR in Ashmore and Doerr's
      classification. Furthermore, significant differences were found between these two
      types for the cross sectional area of the fibres. In the SC, no significant
      differences were found for the pairwise comparisons of corresponding types
      between the two classifications. According to the photometric determination, fast
      twitch glycolytic fibres of the LL showed significantly higher glycogen content
      than red (fast- and slow-twitch) fibres, whereas in the SC, slow-twitch fibres
      had significantly lower glycogen levels than fast-twitch (red and white fibres).
      Corresponding types between the two classifications showed similar glycogen
      levels.

PMID- 22060172
TI  - Properties of nanocones formed on a surface of semiconductors by laser radiation:
      quantum confinement effect of electrons, phonons, and excitons.
AB  - On the basis of the analysis of experimental results, a two-stage mechanism of
      nanocones formation on the irradiated surface of semiconductors by Nd:YAG laser
      is proposed for elementary semiconductors and solid solutions, such as Si, Ge,
      SiGe, and CdZnTe. Properties observed are explained in the frame of quantum
      confinement effect. The first stage of the mechanism is characterized by the
      formation of a thin strained top layer, due to redistribution of point defects in
      temperature-gradient field induced by laser radiation. The second stage is
      characterized by mechanical plastic deformation of the stained top layer leading
      to arising of nanocones, due to selective laser absorption of the top layer. The
      nanocones formed on the irradiated surface of semiconductors by Nd:YAG laser
      possessing the properties of 1D graded bandgap have been found for Si, Ge, and
      SiGe as well, however QD structure in CdTe was observed. The model is confirmed
      by "blue shift" of bands in photoluminescence spectrum, "red shift" of
      longitudinal optical line in Raman back scattering spectrum of Ge crystal,
      appearance of Ge phase in SiGe solid solution after irradiation by the laser at
      intensity 20 MW/cm2, and non-monotonous dependence of Si crystal micro-hardness
      as function of the laser intensity.

PMID- 22060174
TI  - Mandatory ECG screening of athletes: is this question now resolved?
AB  - European and North American cardiologists have long debated the need for
      mandatory ECG screening of athletes in order to prevent sudden cardiac death.
      European investigators have recently adduced new evidence, which they believe
      supports the need for such screening. They note a decrease of sudden cardiac
      deaths among Italian athletes following the introduction of mandatory screening
      in that country, clearer definitions of resting ECG abnormalities in athletes,
      new and more encouraging calculations of cost/benefit ratios and direct
      comparisons of clinical examination alone against clinical examination plus ECG
      screening. Nevertheless, it seems that critical criteria for the success of any
      screening procedure (a substantial prevalence of the problem, coupled with an
      adequate test sensitivity and specificity) have yet to be satisfied. Very few
      athletes are liable to sudden cardiac death, only a few of those who are
      vulnerable will be identified by ECG screening, and even if all potential cases
      could be detected, restriction of their physical activity would be unlikely to
      have a major influence on their prognosis. At the same time, a requirement of
      mandatory testing would discourage engagement in physical activity, and would
      impose substantial direct costs on the community. Moreover, the large number of
      false positive test results could have important and undesirable consequences for
      both indirect medical costs and the overall health of competitors. ECG screening
      might become more effective if it could be focused on a smaller sub-group of
      vulnerable athletes, or if the problem of false positive tests could be addressed
      through an increase of test specificity. However, on the basis of current
      information, it would seem better to direct efforts in preventive medicine to
      more common causes of premature death in the young adult.

PMID- 22060175
TI  - Neural network modelling and dynamical system theory: are they relevant to study
      the governing dynamics of association football players?
AB  - Recent studies have explored the organization of player movements in team sports
      using a range of statistical tools. However, the factors that best explain the
      performance of association football teams remain elusive. Arguably, this is due
      to the high-dimensional behavioural outputs that illustrate the complex, evolving
      configurations typical of team games. According to dynamical system analysts,
      movement patterns in team sports exhibit nonlinear self-organizing features.
      Nonlinear processing tools (i.e. Artificial Neural Networks; ANNs) are becoming
      increasingly popular to investigate the coordination of participants in sports
      competitions. ANNs are well suited to describing high-dimensional data sets with
      nonlinear attributes, however, limited information concerning the processes
      required to apply ANNs exists. This review investigates the relative value of
      various ANN learning approaches used in sports performance analysis of team
      sports focusing on potential applications for association football. Sixty-two
      research sources were summarized and reviewed from electronic literature search
      engines such as SPORTDiscus, Google Scholar, IEEE Xplore, Scirus, ScienceDirect
      and Elsevier. Typical ANN learning algorithms can be adapted to perform pattern
      recognition and pattern classification. Particularly, dimensionality reduction by
      a Kohonen feature map (KFM) can compress chaotic high-dimensional datasets into
      low-dimensional relevant information. Such information would be useful for
      developing effective training drills that should enhance self-organizing
      coordination among players. We conclude that ANN-based qualitative analysis is a
      promising approach to understand the dynamical attributes of association football
      players.

PMID- 22060176
TI  - Assessing musculo-articular stiffness using free oscillations: theory,
      measurement and analysis.
AB  - Stiffness, the relationship between applied load and elastic deformation, is an
      important neuromechanical component related to muscular performance and injury
      risk. The free-oscillation technique is a popular method for stiffness
      assessment. There has been wide application of this technique assessing a variety
      of musculature, including the triceps surae, knee flexors, knee extensors and
      pectorals. The methodology involves the modelling of the system as a linear
      damped mass-spring system. The use of such a model has certain advantages and
      limitations that will be discussed within this review. Perhaps the major
      advantage of such a model is the specificity of the measure, whereby it is
      possible for the assessment conditions to simulate the type of loading witnessed
      during functional tasks and sporting situations. High levels of reliability and
      construct validity have typically been reported using such procedures. Despite
      these assurances of accuracy, a number of issues have also been identified. The
      literature reveals some concerns surrounding the use of a linear model for
      stiffness assessment. Further, procedural issues surrounding the administration
      of the perturbation, attention focus of the participant during the perturbation,
      signal collection, data processing and analysis, presentation of stiffness as a
      linear or torsional value, assessment load (single vs multiple vs maximal) and
      the stiffness-load relationship have been identified, and are all fundamentally
      related to the quality of the calculated output data. Finally, several important
      considerations for practitioners have been recommended to ensure the quality and
      consistency of stiffness data collection, processing and interpretation.

PMID- 22060177
TI  - Stability of haematological parameters and its relevance on the athlete's
      biological passport model.
AB  - The stability of haematological parameters is crucial to guarantee accurate and
      reliable data for implementing and interpreting the athlete's biological passport
      (ABP). In this model, the values of haemoglobin, reticulocytes and out-of-doping
      period (OFF)-score (Hb-60?Ret) are used to monitor the possible variations of
      those parameters, and also to compare the thresholds developed by the statistical
      model for the single athlete on the basis of its personal values and the variance
      of parameters in the modal group. Nevertheless, a critical review of the current
      scientific literature dealing with the stability of the haematological parameters
      included in the ABP programme, and which are used for evaluating the probability
      of anomalies in the athlete's profile, is currently lacking. In addition, we
      collected information from published studies, in order to supply a useful,
      practical and updated review to sports physicians and haematologists. There are
      some parameters that are highly stable, such as haemoglobin and erythrocytes (red
      blood cells [RBCs]), whereas others, (e.g. reticulocytes, mean RBC volume and
      haematocrit) appear less stable. Regardless of the methodology, the stability of
      haematological parameters is improved by sample refrigeration. The stability of
      all parameters is highly affected from high storage temperatures, whereas the
      stability of RBCs and haematocrit is affected by initial freezing followed by
      refrigeration. Transport and rotation of tubes do not substantially influence any
      haematological parameter except for reticulocytes. In all the studies we reviewed
      that used Sysmex instrumentation, which is recommended for ABP measurements,
      stability was shown for 72 hours at 4  degrees  C for haemoglobin, RBCs and mean
      curpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC); up to 48 hours for reticulocytes;
      and up to 24 hours for haematocrit. In one study, Sysmex instrumentation shows
      stability extended up to 72 hours at 4  degrees  C for all the parameters. There
      are significant differences among methods and instruments: Siemens Advia shows
      lower stability than Sysmex as regards to reticulocytes. However, the limit of 36
      hours from blood collection to analysis as recommended by ABP scientists is
      reasonable to guarantee analytical quality, when samples are transported at 4 
      degrees  C and are accompanied by a certified steadiness of this temperature.
      There are some parameters that are highly stable, such as haemoglobin and RBCs;
      whereas others, such as reticulocytes, mean cell volume and haematocrit are more
      unstable. The stability of haematological parameters might be improved
      independently from the analytical methodology, by refrigeration of the specimens.

PMID- 22060179
TI  - Mechanistic studies of ethylene hydrophenylation catalyzed by bipyridyl Pt(II)
      complexes.
AB  - Cationic platinum(II) complexes [((t)bpy)Pt(Ph)(L)](+) [(t)bpy =4,4'-di-tert
      butyl-2,2'-bipyridyl; L = THF, NC(5)F(5), or NCMe] catalyze the hydrophenylation
      of ethylene to generate ethylbenzene and isomers of diethylbenzene. Using
      ethylene as the limiting reagent, an 89% yield of alkyl arene products is
      achieved after 4 h at 120  degrees C. Catalyst efficiency for ethylene
      hydrophenylation is diminished only slightly under aerobic conditions.
      Mechanistic studies support a reaction pathway that involves ethylene
      coordination to Pt(II), insertion of ethylene into the Pt-phenyl bond, and
      subsequent metal-mediated benzene C-H activation. Studies of stoichiometric
      benzene (C(6)H(6) or C(6)D(6)) C-H/C-D activation by [((t)bpy)Pt(Ph
      d(n))(THF)](+) (n = 0 or 5) indicate a k(H)/k(D) = 1.4(1), while comparative
      rates of ethylene hydrophenylation using C(6)H(6) and C(6)D(6) reveal k(H)/k(D) =
      1.8(4) for the overall catalytic reaction. DFT calculations suggest that the
      transition state for benzene C-H activation is the highest energy species along
      the catalytic cycle. In CD(2)Cl(2), [((t)bpy)Pt(Ph)(THF)][BAr'(4)] [Ar' = 3,5
      bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl] reacts with ethylene to generate
      [((t)bpy)Pt(CH(2)CH(2)Ph)(eta(2)-C(2)H(4))][BAr'(4)] with k(obs) = 1.05(4) * 10(
      3) s(-1) (23  degrees C, [C(2)H(4)] = 0.10(1) M). In the catalytic
      hydrophenylation of ethylene, substantial amounts of diethylbenzenes are
      produced, and experimental studies suggest that the selectivity for the
      monoalkylated arene is diminished due to a second aromatic C-H activation
      competing with ethylbenzene dissociation.

PMID- 22060180
TI  - C60 secondary ion Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry.
AB  - Secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) has seen increased application for high
      spatial resolution chemical imaging of complex biological surfaces. The advent
      and commercial availability of cluster and polyatomic primary ion sources (e.g.,
      Au and Bi cluster and buckminsterfullerene (C(60))) provide improved secondary
      ion yield and decreased fragmentation of surface species, thus improving
      accessibility of intact molecular ions for SIMS analysis. However, full
      exploitation of the advantages of these new primary ion sources has been limited,
      due to the use of low mass resolution mass spectrometers without tandem MS to
      enable enhanced structural identification capabilities. Similarly, high mass
      resolution and high mass measurement accuracy would greatly improve the chemical
      specificity of SIMS. Here we combine, for the first time, the advantages of a
      C(60) primary ion source with the ultrahigh mass resolving power and high mass
      measurement accuracy of Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass
      spectrometry. Mass resolving power in excess of 100 000 (m/Deltam(50%)) is
      demonstrated, with a root-mean-square mass measurement accuracy below 1 part-per
      million. Imaging of mouse brain tissue at 40 MUm pixel size is shown. Tandem mass
      spectrometry of ions from biological tissue is demonstrated and molecular
      formulas were assigned for fragment ion identification.

PMID- 22060178
TI  - Antioxidant supplementation during exercise training: beneficial or detrimental?
AB  - High levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced in skeletal muscle during
      exercise have been associated with muscle damage and impaired muscle function.
      Supporting endogenous defence systems with additional oral doses of antioxidants
      has received much attention as a noninvasive strategy to prevent or reduce
      oxidative stress, decrease muscle damage and improve exercise performance. Over
      150 articles have been published on this topic, with almost all of these being
      small-scale, low-quality studies. The consistent finding is that antioxidant
      supplementation attenuates exercise-induced oxidative stress. However, any
      physiological implications of this have yet to be consistently demonstrated, with
      most studies reporting no effects on exercise-induced muscle damage and
      performance. Moreover, a growing body of evidence indicates detrimental effects
      of antioxidant supplementation on the health and performance benefits of exercise
      training. Indeed, although ROS are associated with harmful biological events,
      they are also essential to the development and optimal function of every cell.
      The aim of this review is to present and discuss 23 studies that have shown that
      antioxidant supplementation interferes with exercise training-induced
      adaptations. The main findings of these studies are that, in certain situations,
      loading the cell with high doses of antioxidants leads to a blunting of the
      positive effects of exercise training and interferes with important ROS-mediated
      physiological processes, such as vasodilation and insulin signalling. More
      research is needed to produce evidence-based guidelines regarding the use of
      antioxidant supplementation during exercise training. We recommend that an
      adequate intake of vitamins and minerals through a varied and balanced diet
      remains the best approach to maintain the optimal antioxidant status in
      exercising individuals.

PMID- 22060181
TI  - End-of-life care in the general wards of a Singaporean hospital: an Asian
      perspective.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite international differences in cultural perspectives on end-of
      life issues, little is known of the care for the dying in the general wards of
      acute hospitals in Asia. METHODS: We performed a retrospective medical chart
      review of all 683 adult patients who died without intensive care unit (ICU)
      admission in our Singaporean hospital in 2007. We first evaluated the prevalence
      of do-not-resuscitate (DNR) orders and orders for or against life-sustaining
      therapies; second, if such orders were discussed with the patients and/or family
      members; and third, the actual treatments provided before death. RESULTS: There
      were DNR orders for 66.2% of patients and neither commitment for DNR nor
      cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for 28.1%. Orders to limit life-sustaining
      therapies, including ICU admission, intubation, and vasopressors/inotropes were
      infrequent. Only 6.2% of the alert and conversant patients with DNR orders were
      involved in discussions on these orders. In contrast, such discussions with their
      family members occurred 82.9% of the time. Interventions in the last 24 hours of
      life included CPR (9.4%), intubation (6.4%), vasopressors/inotropes (14.8%), tube
      feeding (24.7%), and antibiotics (44.9%). Analgesia was provided in 29.1% of
      patients. CONCLUSIONS: There was a lack of commitment by doctors on orders for
      DNR/CPR and to limit life-sustaining therapies, infrequent discussions with
      patients on end-of-life decisions, and excessive burdensome interventions with
      inadequate palliative care for the dying. These findings may reflect certain
      Asian cultural biases. More work is required to improve our quality of end-of
      life care.

PMID- 22060183
TI  - Volatile organic compound adsorption on a nonporous silica surface: how do
      different probe molecules sense the same surface?
AB  - In this work, we compare experimental results to molecular simulation results of
      volatile organic compound (VOC) adsorption on nonporous silica. We adopted an
      effective model for the rough solid surface, obtained by a temperature annealing
      scheme, plus an experimental/simulation nitrogen adsorption tuning process over
      the silica energetic oxygen parameter. The measurement/prediction of selected
      VOCs, specifically, n-pentane and methylcyclohexane, is presented in terms of
      adsorption isotherms, with an emphasis on the angle distribution analysis of the
      three studied probe molecules with respect to the same modeled surface.

PMID- 22060184
TI  - Cellulosic biofuels and the road to energy security.

PMID- 22060185
TI  - Neuroprotection of paclitaxel against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion-induced brain
      injury through JNK3 signaling pathway.
AB  - In this study, we investigated the neuroprotective effects of paclitaxel in
      transient cerebral ischemia and possible regulatory mechanism of these
      neuroprotection. Our data showed that paclitaxel can down-regulate the increased
      MLK3, JNK3, c-Jun, Bcl-2, and caspase-3 phosphorylation induced by ischemia
      injury. Cresyl violet staining and immunohistochemistry results demonstrated that
      paclitaxel had neuroprotective effect against ischemia/reperfusion-induced
      neuronal cell death. These results indicated that paclitaxel has neuroprotection
      in ischemic injury through JNK3 signaling pathway and provided a novel possible
      drug in therapeutics of brain ischemia.

PMID- 22060186
TI  - Six-week consumption of a wild blueberry powder drink increases bifidobacteria in
      the human gut.
AB  - Wild blueberries are a rich source of polyphenols and other compounds that are
      highly metabolized by the intestinal microbiota and may, at the same time, affect
      the intestinal environment itself. A repeated-measure, crossover dietary
      intervention on human volunteers was designed to study the effect of six week
      consumption of a wild blueberry ( Vaccinium angustifolium ) drink, versus a
      placebo drink, in modulating the intestinal microbiota. Relative to total
      eubacteria,  Bifidobacterium  spp. significantly increased following blueberry
      treatment (P <= 0.05), while Lactobacillus acidophilus increased after both
      treatments (P <= 0.05). No significant differences were observed for  Bacteroides
      spp.,  Prevotella  spp.,  Enterococcus  spp., and  Clostridium coccoides .
      Bifidobacteria, which have been largely proposed to be of benefit for the host,
      appeared to be selectively favored suggesting an important role for the
      polyphenols and fiber present in wild blueberries. Results obtained suggest that
      regular consumption of a wild blueberry drink can positively modulate the
      composition of the intestinal microbiota.

PMID- 22060187
TI  - Production optimization of cyanophycinase ChpEal from Pseudomonas alcaligenes
      DIP1.
AB  - Pseudomonas alcaligenes DIP1 produces an extracellular cyanophycinase (CphEal).
      The corresponding gene (cphEal) was identified from subclones of a genomic DNA
      gene library by heterologously expressing the functionally active enzyme in
      Escherichia coli. The nucleotide sequence of the gene (1260 base pairs) was
      determined indicating a theoretical mass of 43.6 kDa (mature CphEal) plus a
      leader peptide of 2,6 kDa which corresponds well to the apparent molecular mass
      of 45 kDa as revealed by SDS-PAGE. The enzyme exhibited a high sequence identity
      of 91% with the extracellular cyanophycinase from P. anguilliseptica strain BI
      and carried an N-terminal Sec secretion signal peptide. Analysis of the amino
      acid sequence of cphE revealed a putative catalytic triad consisting of the
      serine motif GXSXG plus a histidine and a glutamate residue, suggesting a
      catalytic mechanism similar to serine-type proteases. The cyanophycinase (CphEal)
      was heterologously produced in two different E. coli strains (Top10 and
      BL21(DE3)) from two plasmid vectors (pBBR1MCS-4 and pET-23a(+)). The signal
      peptide of CphEal was cleaved in E. coli, suggesting active export of the protein
      at least to the periplasm. Substantial enzyme activity was also present in the
      culture supernatants. The extracellular cyanophycinase activities in E. coli were
      higher than activities in the wild type P. alcaligenes DIP1 in complex LB medium.
      Highest extracellular enzyme production was achieved with E. coli BL21(DE3)
      expressing CphEal from pBBR1MCS-4. Using M9 minimal medium was less effective,
      but the relatively low cost of mineral salt media makes these results important
      for the industrial-scale production of dipeptides from cyanophycin.

PMID- 22060188
TI  - Radiation induces up-regulation of somatostatin receptors 1, 2, and 5 in small
      cell lung cancer in vitro also at low absorbed doses.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Radiation can be used to up-regulate the expression of the
      somatostatin receptor (sstr) subtype 2 in small cell lung cancer (SCLC) cells at
      absorbed doses of 2-8 Gy. Increased sstr expression results in increased binding
      of radiolabeled somatostatin analogs to the tumor cell, which enhances the
      efficacy of systemic radionuclide therapy. The aim of this study was to determine
      if lower absorbed doses could up-regulate sstr2 expression, and possibly
      influence other sstr subtypes. METHODS: Human H69 SCLC cells were irradiated with
      an absorbed dose of 0.12-6.0 Gy and the sstr mRNA expression 3 days after
      irradiation was measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction for
      sstr1-5. At the same time point was the binding of [(177)Lu]-DOTA(0)-Tyr(3)
      octreotate to the cells measured after irradiation to an absorbed dose of 0.12
      2.0 Gy and compared to the binding to nonirradiated cells. RESULTS: mRNA
      expression of sstr1, sstr2, and sstr5 was increased by a factor of 1.5-2 in cells
      irradiated with absorbed doses>=4 Gy and the binding of [(177)Lu]-DOTA(0)-Tyr(3)
      octreotate was, accordingly, 2-3 times higher to irradiated cells for all
      absorbed doses, except 0.25 Gy. CONCLUSION: The binding of [(177)Lu]-DOTA(0)
      Tyr(3)-octreotate was increased after radiation exposure. This increase was
      observed at low absorbed doses in parallel with up-regulation of sstr1, sstr2,
      and sstr5 mRNA.

PMID- 22060189
TI  - From retrospective assessment to prospective decisions in natural product
      isolation: HPLC-SPE-NMR analysis of Carthamus oxyacantha.
AB  - An extract of Carthamus oxyacantha (wild safflower) was investigated using two
      approaches: a traditional, nontarget fractionation by VLC and HPLC, and the
      hyphenated technique HPLC-PDA-HRMS-SPE-NMR followed by targeted isolation of
      selected constituents for inclusion in a screening library of pure natural
      products. While the nontarget fractionation involved considerable time spent on
      pursuing fractions containing well-known or undesired compounds, the hyphenated
      analysis was considerably faster and required less solvent and other consumables.
      The results were used to design and execute an optimized, HPLC-HRMS-guided,
      targeted isolation scheme aiming exclusively at a series of identified spiro
      compounds. Thus, HPLC-PDA-HRMS-SPE-NMR is a dereplication technique of choice,
      allowing economical acquisition of comprehensive data about compounds in crude
      extracts, which can be used for rational, prospective decisions about further
      isolation efforts. A total of 15 compounds were identified in the extract. Six
      spiro compounds, of which four have not previously been characterized, and
      tracheloside (a lignin glucoside) are presented with assigned 1H and 13C chemical
      shifts.

PMID- 22060190
TI  - Neuronal differentiation alters the ratio of Sp transcription factors recruited
      to the CYP46A1 promoter.
AB  - CYP46A1 is a neuron-specific cytochrome P450 that plays a pivotal role in
      maintaining cholesterol homeostasis in the CNS. However, the molecular mechanisms
      underlying human CYP46A1 expression are still poorly understood, partly because
      of the lack of a cellular model that expresses high levels of CYP46A1. Our
      previous studies demonstrated that specificity protein (Sp) transcription factors
      control CYP46A1 expression, and are probably responsible for cell-type
      specificity. Herein, we have differentiated Ntera2/cloneD1 cells into post
      mitotic neurons and identified for the first time a human cell model that
      expresses high levels of CYP46A1 mRNA. Our results show a decrease in Sp1 protein
      levels, concomitant with the increase in CYP46A1 mRNA levels. This decrease was
      correlated with changes in the ratio of Sp proteins associated to the CYP46A1
      proximal promoter. To examine if the increase in (Sp3+Sp4)/Sp1 ratio was observed
      in other Sp-regulated promoters, we have selected four genes--reelin, glutamate
      receptor subunit zeta-1, glutamate receptor subunit epsilon-1 and MU-opioid
      receptor--known to be expressed in the human brain and analyzed the Sp proteins
      binding pattern to the promoter of these genes, in undifferentiated and
      differentiated Ntera2/cloneD1. Our data indicate that the dissociation of Sp1
      from promoter regions is a common feature amongst Sp-regulated genes that are up
      regulated after neuronal differentiation.

PMID- 22060191
TI  - Choroideremia: effect of age on visual acuity in patients and female carriers.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIMS: The extent and time course of vision loss in Choroideremia (CHM)
      is still unclear. We undertook this study to quantitate the change in visual
      acuity (VA) over time in order to gain a better understanding of the natural
      course of this retinal disorder. METHODS: Corrected VA of 120 males with CHM and
      53 female carriers were collected from 24 studies and/or case reports published
      between 1981 and 2010, as well as from data on 15 patients examined at the Cole
      Eye Institute (Cleveland Clinic). Cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses were
      used to investigate the relationship between VA and age, as well as the
      progression rate of VA with age, respectively. Age grouping effects were
      investigated using ANOVA. RESULTS: The mean age of affected males was 36.6 +/-
      17.7 years. The mean logMAR VA was 0.35 +/- 0.53. There was a significant 0.0072
      decrease in logMAR VA per year (p = 1.22 * 10(-4)). There was a significant
      difference between VA of patients <50 years of age and those >50 years (0.27 +/-
      0.39 vs. 0.61 +/- 0.81, p = 2.90 * 10(-5)). When we compared the rate of VA loss
      for patients <50 years vs. those >50 years, we also found a significant
      difference (0.01 +/- 0.04 vs. 0.06 +/- 0.08, p = 1.23 * 10(-2)). The average age
      of female carriers was 36.4 +/- 17.7 years, with an average logMAR VA of 0.36 +/-
      0.6. There was no significant correlation between VA of female carriers and age
      (p = 0.12) with 46% of female carriers having a VA better than 20/20 at an
      average age of 33 years compared to 25% of affected males at 30 years.
      CONCLUSION: In affected males with CHM, VA decreases very slowly until subjects
      reach 50 years of age, at which time the rate and extent of vision loss become
      significantly higher. Additionally, VA decreases more rapidly as individuals get
      older. In contradistinction to affected males, VA loss in female carriers is much
      milder.

PMID- 22060192
TI  - Type 1 diabetes education and care: time for a rethink?

PMID- 22060193
TI  - Correlation of age at oral contraceptive pill start with age at breast cancer
      diagnosis.
AB  - Breast cancer is progressively diagnosed with increasing age. This study aimed to
      determine whether women who started using the oral contraceptive pill (OCP) at an
      early age developed breast cancer earlier than women who started using the OCP
      later in life. A database review of 1,010 breast cancer patients, who had used
      the OCP at some point in their life, was carried out. Associations of age at OCP
      start with age at breast cancer diagnosis were determined by multiple linear
      regression analysis, considering year of birth, year of diagnosis, age at first
      pregnancy, number of live births, age at menarche, and length of OCP use. There
      was evidence of a linear trend between age at OCP start and age at breast cancer
      diagnosis. Women who started using the OCP aged 18 years or younger were, on
      average, 4 years younger at breast cancer diagnosis than women who started using
      the OCP over the age of 30 years, and women who started using the OCP aged 22-25
      years were, on average, 3 years younger (p-value for trend <0.001). The age when
      the OCP was started was positively associated with the age when breast cancer was
      first diagnosed.

PMID- 22060194
TI  - Phytochemical study of essential oil from the aerial parts of Coleus aromaticus
      Benth.
AB  - The essential oil composition of Coleus aromaticus Benth. (family Lamiaceae) was
      examined by capillary GC and GC-MS. Analyses revealed the presence of 28
      constituents, of which 16 were identified. Thymol (83.39%) was found to be the
      major compound, while 1-octen-3-ol, terpine-4-ol, eugenol, trans-caryophyllene,
      caryophyllene oxide and alpha-cadinol were present as minor constituents.

PMID- 22060195
TI  - Dietary vitamin E supplementation and discoloration of pork bone and muscle
      following modified atmosphere packaging.
AB  - The effects of modified atmosphere (80% O(2): 20% CO(2)) and illumination on the
      discoloration rate of pork bone (lumbar vertebrae) and muscle (longissimus
      lumborum), and on muscle lipid stability were studied in vitamin E-supplemented
      and unsupplemented pigs. Bone-in pork chops were placed in 80% O(2): 20% CO(2) at
      0  degrees C and stored for 5 days in the dark. The chops were then displayed
      under (a) fluorescent light in air or modified atmosphere or (b) in air with or
      without illumination. Lipid oxidation was increased by the modified atmosphere
      packaging but this detrimental effect was offset by vitamin E supplementation.
      Higher supplementation levels (198 and 207mg/kg) improved bone color stability
      regardless of the packaging atmosphere or the lighting conditions. Although
      vitamin E supplementation improved muscle color stability during display in air
      or modified atmosphere, the benefit of supplementation on muscle color was
      detectable only for illuminated storage.

PMID- 22060196
TI  - Levels of calpain and calpastatin in meat subjected to high pressure.
AB  - The levels of MU-, m-calpain and calpastatin were assayed in pressurized rabbit
      muscle. The crude calpain level from the pressurized muscle at 100 MPa was almost
      the same with that of control. Above 100 MPa, the level of calpain decreased
      rapidly with increased pressure. At 300 MPa, the calpain level was almost
      inactivated. When the crude extract was pressurized, the calpain level followed
      the same tendency as that in the pressurized muscle. When the extracts from
      control or pressurized muscle were subjected to DEAE-Sephacel column
      chromatography, MU- and m-calpains and calpastatin lost their activity with
      increasing pressure, but the degree of loss was different for each. Calpains
      resisted changes in pressurization at 200 MPa and were inactivated over 200 MPa.
      Inactivation of calpastatin at 100 MPa was faster than that of calpains. From the
      results, it was concluded that calpain levels remained in muscle pressurized up
      to 200 MPa, whereas calpastatin levels were decreased by the pressurization. Thus
      the total activities of calpains in pressurized muscle appear to have been
      increased by the pressure treatment and this may result in tenderization of meat.

PMID- 22060197
TI  - Effect of gamma radiation on levels of alpha-tocopherol in red meats and turkey.
AB  - The effect of low dose ionizing radiation on free alpha-tocopherol levels in
      beef, pork and lamb longissimus dorsi muscle and on turkey leg and breast muscle
      were determined. The samples were irradiated in air with a (137)Cs source at
      eight dose levels between 0 and 9.4 kGy at 5  degrees C. Irradiation resulted in
      a significant decrease in alpha-tocopherol levels in all of the meats studied.
      There were no statistically significant differences in the rate of loss of
      tocopherol due to species, with the exception of turkey breast. The rate of loss
      of tocopherol in turkey breast tissue was greater than the other meats. The
      information obtained in this study may be of use for 'chemiclearance' purposes
      since the relative effects due to species variation were examined.

PMID- 22060198
TI  - Ultrastructure of mechanically tenderised pork muscle.
AB  - Porcine biceps femoris muscles were mechanically tenderised by the use of a meat
      activator. The kind and degree of damage of muscle tissue were then examined
      under an electron microscope. It was observed that several changes, known from
      the studies of the post mortem muscles, were much more frequent in tenderised
      than in intact muscles. Additional changes were found as: disruption of the
      contractile system or its expansion till the A- and I-bands disconnected. Thus we
      suggest that mechanical tenderisation, by destroying several linkages between
      muscle fibres, between myofibrils and within myofibrils, may be responsible for
      lattice expansion and increase of brine uptake and overcoming the myofibrillar
      and connective tissue toughness of porcine meat.

PMID- 22060199
TI  - Determination of phospholipid content of intramuscular fat by Fourier Transform
      Infrared spectroscopy.
AB  - A method has been developed to determine the phospholipid content in fat extract
      with FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared). l-alpha-Phosphatidylcholine from egg yolk
      in hexane solution was used as a reference for band identification at different
      concentrations. Phosphate bands were determined at different wavenumbers as
      described in the literature. A dilution series was made from meat extract and
      from 1-alpha-phosphatidylcholine. A linear calibration curve was obtained between
      the FTIR-results and the Iatroscan results, which were used as a reference. The
      band between 1282 cm(-1) and 1020 cm(-1) can be used for determination of
      phospholipid content.

PMID- 22060200
TI  - Impact of salt, phosphate and temperature on the effect of a transglutaminase (F
      XIIIa) on the texture of restructured meat.
AB  - The effect of the transglutaminase F XIIIa on texture parameters was analysed in
      meat model systems simulating a restructured meat product. Porcine M. longissimus
      dorsi at normal ultimate pH was obtained 2 days post mortem from pigs slaughtered
      at approx. 100 kg liveweight. The F XIIIa product used was a recombinant protein
      produced by fermentation of Saccharomyces cereviciae. In raw minced meat F XIIIa
      increased cohesion, hardness and elasticity when a time-temperature heat
      treatment of 37  degrees C and 90 min was used during processing, while
      processing at 10  degrees C for 23 h caused only minor texture changes. Salt and
      phosphate addition together with F XIIIa resulted in a remarkable increase in
      binding properties. Thus, the texture parameters increased particularly at salt
      levels between 2 and 4% and a phosphate level of 0.2%. Binding of meat pieces
      containing 0.2% phosphate, 1% salt and F XIIIa as 0.4% active enzyme to substrate
      showed significant effect on the tensile strength compared to the samples without
      F XIIIa, however, color deterioration of the product was observed when adding F
      XIIIa.

PMID- 22060201
TI  - Binding properties and colour of Bologna sausage made with varying fat levels,
      protein levels and cooking temperatures.
AB  - A little-studied procedure for adjusting the properties of low-fat products is to
      use the influence that both composition and certain processing factors exert on
      these properties. The object of the present work was to assess the effects of
      protein level (P, ranging from 10% to 16%), fat level (F, ranging from 10.1% to
      22%) and cooking temperature (HT, ranging from 77  degrees C to 105  degrees C)
      on the binding properties and colour of meat emulsions. Protein content was the
      variable that most influenced total expressible fluid (TEF) and purge loss.
      Heating rate had scarcely any effect on the binding properties of Bologna
      sausages. Analysis of variance indicated that the regression models for
      parameters L, a and b were not significant.

PMID- 22060202
TI  - Presence of an unidentified myosin isoform in certain bovine foetal muscles.
AB  - Genetic variation in the establishment of bovine muscle fibre types was studied
      by comparing muscle differentiation at 210 days of foetal life in normal cattle
      and in 'culard' animals, which have muscular hypertrophy. The different fibre
      types were determined by histochemical and immunohistochemical analyses with
      monoclonal antibodies specific to different myosin heavy chain isoforms. The
      isoforms were separated by electrophoresis and quantified by the ELISA method.
      Four muscles with different contractile and metabolic characteristics were
      studied: Semitendinosus, Longissimus thoracis, Masseter (slow) and Cutaneus
      trunci (fast). Muscle fibres recognized by none of the antibodies used were
      observed in 'culard' foetuses in all the muscles studied and also in the Cutaneus
      trunci of normal animals. Electrophoretic analysis showed no particular myosin
      isoform in these muscles. It is possible therefore that the fibres contained a
      mysosin isoform until now unidentified in cattle, with a molecular weight the
      same as that of known isoforms. This newly observed isoform seems to be specific
      to muscles rich in IIB fibres such as Cutaneus trunci and to the muscles of adult
      'culard' cattle.

PMID- 22060203
TI  - Modification of physico-chemical and colour parameters during the marketing of
      'pate'.
AB  - The evolution of different physico-chemical parameters (iodine number, TBA test,
      residual nitrite level, pH and moisture) and CIE L (*)a (*)b (*) colour
      evolution, in pork liver 'pate', with and without sodium ascorbate addition, were
      studied. The samples were stored in an illuminated display cabinet at different
      lux intensities and in the dark. The regression equations were obtained for each
      one of the parameters under study, from the first day of exposure to light. The
      sodium ascorbate showed a protective effect on the photo-oxidation mechanism
      (measured by TBA test), but it did not have an influence on the samples in
      darkness. In both types of pate exposed to light, fading takes place and the most
      important variations in colour parameters are produced during the first 24 h of
      exposure to light.

PMID- 22060204
TI  - Effect of muscle type and food deprivation for 24 hours on the composition of the
      lipid fraction in muscles of Large White pigs.
AB  - The present study was designed to examine the lipid composition of a
      predominantly glycolytic (M. longissimus lumborum, LL) and a predominantly
      oxidative (M. semispinalis capitis, SC) muscle sampled at slaughter from Large
      White pigs fed or deprived of food for 24 h. The intramuscular lipid content was
      almost four-fold higher in the red SC than in the white LL. When expressed on a
      muscle tissue basis, the results indicated that the LL had significantly lower
      amount of tri-, di- and monoglycerides, free fatty acids, cholesterol and
      phospholipids than the SC. In both muscles, phosphatidylcholine represented the
      major constituent of the phospholipid fraction. The difference in phospholipid
      content between the LL and the SC was significant only for cardiolipin,
      phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylinositol. When expressed on total lipid
      basis, the results showed that the SC contained significantly lower amount of
      phospholipids and higher amount of triglycerides than the LL, thus suggesting
      that the influence of muscle type on the content of intramuscular lipid was
      primarily due to a difference in the amount of triglycerides. Food deprivation
      for 24 h resulted in a significantly higher content of free fatty acids, as
      expressed on a muscle tissue basis, in both muscles. Relative to total lipid,
      food deprivation resulted in increased levels of free fatty acids and
      monoglycerides only in the LL. These results suggest that food deprivation for 24
      h induced lipolysis in muscle, as evidenced by a modification in the relative
      composition of the neutral lipid fraction, but that this effect was muscle
      dependent.

PMID- 22060205
TI  - Estimation of the muscle to bone ratio of the bovine pelvic limb using a
      morphometric method.
AB  - Conformation is an indicator of carcass composition. The aim of this study was to
      derive an equation for estimating the composition of the bovine pelvic limb using
      morphometric variates. From a mixed group of 38 French bred bovines, the sample
      was chosen to have a wide range of conformation. The muscle to bone ratio (M B )
      was used as an index of composition. The carcasses were weighed and the other
      variates of the equation were measured on carcass photographs: M B  = 6.2 +
      0.005W -  0.62EF AB  + 12GH  with W: carcass weight (kg); GH: medio-lateral
      diameter of the distal part of the leg (cm); EF AB : medio-lateral diameter of
      thigh (cm)/leg length(cm); (R(2) = 0.91 and rsd = 0.27).

PMID- 22060206
TI  - Characteristics of lamb carcasses of contrasting subjective muscularity.
AB  - In order to compare characteristics of lamb carcasses with superior muscularity
      (the European E class) with carcasses that did not fit the E specification, 114 E
      carcasses were individually matched for weight and fatness class with 114 Non-E
      carcasses. The carcasses (mean weight = 17 kg) were processed under commercial
      conditions into six trimmed, boneless cuts of the leg and saddle (inside,
      outside, knuckle, rump, striploin and tenderloin) and two bone-in cuts (hind
      shank and 7-rib rack). After adjustment for carcass weight, fatness (as assessed
      by fat depth C and tissue depth GR) and sex, the E-class group, relative to the
      Non-E group, had a 4.3% higher yield of leg and saddle cuts, a 14.2% higher leg
      muscularity index calculated from the weights of trimmed boneless cuts around the
      femur and femur length, a 13.6% higher muscle to bone ratio in the femur region,
      an 8.2% greater 'eye'-muscle depth (B), and a 3.7% greater 'eye'-muscle width (A)
      (all P < 0.001). All boneless cuts except the knuckle were heavier for the E
      group. Carcasses of female lambs had legs with higher muscle to bone ratios and a
      higher yield from the leg plus saddle (both P < 0.01), but the muscularity index
      was similar between sexes. It is concluded that although lamb carcasses
      subjectively selected as having higher muscularity will yield slightly more meat,
      this difference will be small compared with the greater muscle depth relative to
      bone length. The importance consumers attach to carcass or cut shape over and
      above any association with meat yield needs to be assessed.

PMID- 22060208
TI  - Structure and develoment of meat animals and poultry By H.G. Swatland. Published
      by Technomic Publishing Co Inc., Philadelphia, USA. 606 + xiii pp. 238 Swiss
      France (L118).

PMID- 22060207
TI  - Effect of electrical stimulation on post mortem biochemical characteristics and
      quality of Longissimus dorsi thoracis muscle from buffalo (Bubalus bubalis).
AB  - High voltage electrical stimulation (700 V, 1400 V peak, pulses 1 s on/1 s off,
      60 Hz, 2 A) on buffalo carcasses resulted in a significantly more rapid pH fall
      in Longissimus dorsi thoracis muscle when compared to non stimulated controls (p
      < 0.01), during the first 24 h after slaughter. The IMP ATP  ratio on the same
      period showed a much more rapid increase for the stimulated muscles (1.07 and
      1.16 at times 1 and 2.5 hpost mortem vs control values of 0.77 and 0.83,
      respectively). Sensory and instrumental evaluation of texture of meat cooled by
      two distinct processes showed that tenderness at 24 hpost mortem was higher in
      the stimulated muscles compared to non-stimulated controls, irrespective of the
      cooling process adopted. High voltage stimulation significantly decreases
      cohesiveness, increases myofibril fragmentation; and SDS polyacrylamide gel
      electrophoresis of the myofibrillar proteins showed a weakening of Troponin T
      band during 6 days of ageing in non-stimulated control muscles, whereas
      electrical stimulation accelerated the process of ageing over 3 days. This is the
      first report on acceleration of conditioning in buffalo muscle and the conditions
      described here have a high potential for application in meat industry for buffalo
      slaughter.

PMID- 22060209
TI  - Investigation of methods to detect mechanically recovered meat in meat products -
      I: Chemical composition A. R. Crosland, R. L. S. Patterson, R. C. Higman, C. A.
      Stewart & K. D. Hargin (1995) Meat Science, 40(3), 289-302.

PMID- 22060210
TI  - Relationship of physically separable lean with chemical lean in pig carcasses E.
      Nagy, L. Kormendy, I.Elias, J.Czegledi-Janko & E.Zukal (1995) Meat Science,
      40(1), 1-12.

PMID- 22060211
TI  - Comprehensive molecular analysis of Japanese patients with pediatric-onset MODY
      type diabetes mellitus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In Asians, mutations in the known maturity-onset diabetes of the
      young (MODY) genes have been identified in only <15% of patients. These results
      were obtained mostly through studies on adult patients. OBJECTIVE: To investigate
      the molecular basis of Japanese patients with pediatric-onset MODY-type diabetes.
      SUBJECTS: Eighty Japanese patients with pediatric-onset MODY-type diabetes.
      METHODS: Mitochondrial 3243A>G mutation was first tested by the polymerase chain
      reaction restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis for maternally
      inherited families. Then, all coding exons and exon-intron boundaries of the
      HNF1A, HNF1B, GCK, and HNF4A genes were amplified from genomic DNA and directly
      sequenced. Multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification analysis was also
      performed to detect whole-exon deletions. RESULTS: After excluding one patient
      with a mitochondrial 3243A>G, mutations were identified in 38 (48.1%) patients;
      18 had GCK mutations, 11 had HNF1A mutations, 3 had HNF4A mutations, and 6 had
      HNF1B mutations. In patients aged <8 yr, mutations were detected mostly in GCK at
      a higher frequency (63.6%). In patients >9 yr of age, mutations were identified
      less frequently (45.1%), with HNF1A mutations being the most frequent. A large
      fraction of mutation-negative patients showed elevated homeostasis model
      assessment (HOMA) insulin-resistance and normal HOMA-beta indices. Most of the
      HNF1B mutations were large deletions, and, interestingly, renal cysts were
      undetectable in two patients with whole-gene deletion of HNF1B. CONCLUSION: In
      Japanese patients with pediatric-onset MODY-type diabetes, mutations in known
      genes were identified at a much higher frequency than previously reported for
      adult Asians. A fraction of mutation-negative patients presented with insulin
      resistance and normal insulin-secretory capacities resembling early-onset type 2
      diabetes.

PMID- 22060212
TI  - Running in place: the challenge of prescribing medications today.

PMID- 22060213
TI  - From forgotten to mainstream: how a nurse-midwife's commitment to nitrous oxide
      changed practice.

PMID- 22060214
TI  - Regulation of prescriptive authority for certified nurse-midwives and certified
      midwives: a national overview.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) and certified midwives (CMs)
      provide primary care to women across the lifespan. Yet these primary care
      providers face barriers to practice that include restrictive state laws and
      regulations regarding prescriptive authority. The purpose of this review is to
      critically examine and report the regulatory requirements relative to
      prescriptive authority for CNMs/CMs in the United States. METHODS: State statutes
      and rules relative to midwifery practice were reviewed for all 50 United States
      and the District of Columbia. RESULTS: CNMs have been granted the authority to
      write prescriptions in all 50 United States and the District of Columbia, while
      CMs have been granted prescriptive authority only in the state of New York.
      Prescriptive authority for CNMs and CMs is regulated by individual state agencies
      and regulatory boards. Regulations regarding prescriptive authority for CNMs and
      CMs vary widely from state to state and are described, with a summary for each
      state presented. DISCUSSION: While CNMs are granted fully independent
      prescriptive authority in some states, the regulatory requirements relative to
      prescriptive authority for CNMs/CMs limit patients' access to necessary services
      in most states.

PMID- 22060215
TI  - Safety and risks of nitrous oxide labor analgesia: a review.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: This review of the safety and risks of nitrous oxide (N(2) O) labor
      analgesia presents results of a search for evidence of its effects on labor, the
      mother, the fetus, the neonate, breastfeeding, and maternal-infant bonding.
      Concerns about apoptotic damage to the brains of immature mammals exposed to high
      doses of N(2) O during late gestation, possible cardiovascular risks from
      hyperhomocysteinemia caused by N(2) O, a hypothesis that children exposed to N(2)
      O during birth are more likely to become addicted to amphetamine drugs as adults,
      and possible occupational risks for those who provide care to women using N(2)
      O/O(2) labor analgesia are discussed in detail. METHODS: Research relevant to the
      4 special concerns and to the effects of N(2) O analgesia on labor and the mother
      child dyad were examined in depth. Three recent reviews of the biologic,
      toxicologic, anesthetic, analgesic, and anxiolytic effects of N(2) O; 3 reviews
      of the safety of 50% N(2) O/oxygen (O(2) ) in providing analgesia in a variety of
      health care settings; and a 2002 systematic review of N(2) O/O(2) labor analgesia
      were used. RESULTS: Nitrous oxide analgesia is safe for mothers, neonates, and
      those who care for women during childbirth if the N(2) O is delivered as a 50%
      blend with O(2) , is self-administered, and good occupational hygiene is
      practiced. Because of the strong correlation between dose and harm from exposure
      to N(2) O, concerns based on effects of long exposure to high anesthetic-level
      doses of N(2) O have only tenuous, hypothetical pertinence to the safety of N(2)
      O/O(2) labor analgesia. DISCUSSION: Nitrous oxide labor analgesia is safe for the
      mother, fetus, and neonate and can be made safe for caregivers. It is simple to
      administer, does not interfere with the release and function of endogenous
      oxytocin, and has no adverse effects on the normal physiology and progress of
      labor.

PMID- 22060216
TI  - Magnesium sulfate: past, present, and future.
AB  - First used anecdotally for the control of eclamptic seizures in the early 1900s,
      magnesium sulfate remains 1 of the most commonly used medications in obstetric
      practice today. Over the past 95 years, there have been countless research
      studies investigating the efficacy of magnesium sulfate for the management of
      eclampsia, preeclampsia, preterm labor, and most recently for prevention of
      cerebral palsy. The majority of this evidence undeniably supports the use of
      magnesium sulfate as the drug of choice for the prevention and treatment of
      eclampsia when evidence of severe disease is present. On the other hand, studies
      have not shown magnesium sulfate to be comparably more effective than other
      tocolytics for treating preterm labor, nor is there agreement on whether the
      evidence supports its use as a neuroprotective agent for prevention of cerebral
      palsy. The exact mechanism of action of magnesium sulfate remains largely
      hypothetical, and parenteral use has the potential to cause significant morbidity
      in high doses. This article reviews magnesium sulfate's remarkable history in
      obstetric practice and includes a summary of the evidence related to each of the
      controversies. An initial review of the physiology of magnesium sulfate is
      essential to understanding pharmacodynamic actions, dosing guidelines, and safety
      requirements.

PMID- 22060217
TI  - Bacterial vaginosis and preterm birth.
AB  - Although it has been clear for more than 2 decades that bacterial vaginosis
      increases the risk for preterm birth in some women, it is not yet fully
      understood why this association exists or how best to modify the risk. Incomplete
      understanding of this polymicrobial condition and difficulties in classification
      contribute to the challenge. The relationship between altered vaginal microflora
      and preterm birth is likely mediated by host immune responses. Because treatment
      of bacterial vaginosis during pregnancy does not improve preterm birth rates, and
      may in fact increase them, screening and treatment of asymptomatic pregnant women
      is discouraged. Symptomatic women should be treated for symptom relief. This
      article reviews the pathophysiology of bacterial vaginosis and controversy
      surrounding management during pregnancy. Agents currently recommended for
      treatment of this condition are reviewed.

PMID- 22060218
TI  - Omega-3 fatty acids and ginger in maternal health: pharmacology, efficacy, and
      safety.
AB  - Dietary supplements may be used by pregnant women if they perceive them to be
      natural and healthy products, if they are fearful of using prescription drugs, or
      if they are recommended by a health care provider. Usage surveys indicate that
      midwives feel comfortable in recommending some herbal products to their patients.
      There are sufficient data from randomized controlled trials on omega-3 fatty
      acids and ginger that their pharmacologic properties, efficacy, and safety data
      for specific indications in maternal health can be evaluated. Requests for
      information regarding these substances are likely to be encountered by health
      care providers who care for pregnant women. Omega-3 fatty acids benefit
      gestation, infant vision, and neurodevelopment, while effects on major depression
      in pregnancy and postpartum depression are less clear. Ginger is efficacious for
      nausea and vomiting in pregnancy but is limited in its safety data. Pharmacologic
      properties of each supplement and pathophysiology related to each indication are
      reviewed. It is recommended that pregnant and lactating women be advised to take
      an omega-3 fatty acid supplement daily, while the recommendation to use ginger is
      tentative and will likely be based on each practitioner's comfort level with the
      safety data that are presented.

PMID- 22060219
TI  - Antenatal corticosteroids at the beginning of the 21st century.
AB  - Corticosteroids administered to women in preterm labor are the standard of care
      for reducing neonatal morbidity and mortality associated with prematurity. These
      agents promote lung development and reduce the incidence of neonatal
      intraventricular hemorrhage. Several studies have investigated the method by
      which fetal lung fluid is cleared after birth. This exploration resulted in the
      elucidation of the Starling equation or the hypothesis that fluid filtration
      through capillary membranes is dependent on the balance between the pressure
      blood places on the capillary membranes and the osmotic pressure of the
      membranes. The clinical observation that a neonate experiences a vaginal squeeze
      during a vaginal birth may be important, but it can account for only a small
      percentage of the lung fluid absorbed. Perhaps more importantly, amiloride
      sensitive sodium transport channels (ENaCs) have emerged as key factors in the
      movement of alveolar fluid from the lung into the vascular system. Several
      potential clinical applications have been developed from this new knowledge about
      the physiology of lung fluid clearance at birth. Neonates born late preterm or at
      term by elective cesarean before the onset of labor are more likely to develop
      respiratory distress than those born vaginally. Based on the mechanism of action
      of antenatal corticosteroids, these drugs may be beneficial in the clearance of
      fetal lung fluid in this population. This article reviews how fetal lung fluid is
      cleared; the pharmacologic effects of corticosteroids on the fetus; and the
      risks, benefits, and controversies associated with corticosteroid use.

PMID- 22060220
TI  - United States medical eligibility criteria for contraceptive use 2010: a review
      of changes.
AB  - In the late 1990s, the World Health Organization (WHO) created the Medical
      Eligibility Criteria for Contraceptive Use (MEC), which provide evidence-based
      recommendations for safe and effective contraception in women with medical
      problems. The WHO MEC incorporate the best available evidence, are periodically
      updated, and are designed to be modified for specific populations. The US Centers
      for Disease Control and Prevention published US MEC in 2010. Changes to WHO
      guidelines for use in the US population include the following areas:
      breastfeeding, intrauterine device use, valvular heart disease, ovarian cancer,
      uterine fibroids, and venous thromboembolism. Medical conditions not covered by
      WHO recommendations but added to the US MEC include contraceptive guidance for
      women with inflammatory bowel disease, history of bariatric surgery, rheumatoid
      arthritis, endometrial hyperplasia, history of peripartum cardiomyopathy, and
      history of solid organ transplant. This article reviews the changes and additions
      to WHO MEC found in the US MEC.

PMID- 22060221
TI  - Strategies for partner management when treating sexually transmitted infection.
AB  - Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhea are the most commonly reported
      bacterial sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in the United States, and
      reinfection accounts for 14% to 30% of all reported cases of these STIs.
      Treatment of both the woman and her partner is imperative to prevent long-term
      sequelae. This report examines the clinical course of a woman diagnosed with
      Chlamydia during pregnancy, and reviews various approaches to treating partners,
      including patient referral, provider referral, patient-delivered partner therapy,
      and accelerated partner therapy.

PMID- 22060222
TI  - Osteoporosis update.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Osteoporosis is a chronic disease that is estimated to affect more
      than 75 million people worldwide. The US Department of Health and Human Services
      projects that the disease will impact more than 10 million women by 2020 if
      efforts to prevent it are ineffective. This article provides an overview of the
      pathophysiology of osteoporosis, prevention measures, and an update of the US
      Food and Drug Administration-approved medications that are used in the treatment
      of this widespread disease. METHODS: The current literature on the pathology,
      risks, and treatment of osteoporosis was reviewed. Studies providing the evidence
      for best practices are included in the following sections: prevention, diagnosis,
      and treatment of osteoporosis. Current national standards for diagnosis and
      treatment are highlighted. RESULTS: Bisphosphonates continue to be the most
      popular and widely used pharmacologic treatment for osteoporosis. However, when
      bisphosphonates are contraindicated or cause side effects so serious that it is
      not possible for some women to use them, alternative pharmacologic treatments and
      forms of dosing are available. DISCUSSION: When lifestyle and dietary
      modifications are insufficient to offset a diagnosis of osteoporosis, there are a
      variety of pharmaceutical options available that will provide safe and effective
      protection against fracture due to osteoporosis.

PMID- 22060223
TI  - Noncontraceptive uses of hormonal contraception.
AB  - Hormonal contraceptives are not only effective methods of birth control but also
      are effective at treating and/or preventing a variety of gynecologic and general
      disorders. Hormonal contraceptives can decrease the severity of acne, correct
      menstrual irregularities, treat endometriosis-associated pain, decrease bleeding
      associated with uterine myomas, decrease pain associated with menstrual periods,
      moderate symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome, reduce menstrual
      migraine frequency, and increase bone mineral density as well as decrease the
      risk of specific cancers such as endometrial and ovarian cancer. Women need to
      receive this information to guide them in their decisions regarding choice of
      contraception as well as treatment options for gynecologic disorders.

PMID- 22060224
TI  - Counterfeit medications: impurities in the american drug supply.

PMID- 22060225
TI  - Current resources for evidence-based practice, November/December 2011.

PMID- 22060226
TI  - Calcium supplementation has cardiovascular risks for some women.

PMID- 22060227
TI  - Health care providers may not be following guidelines for human papillomavirus
      DNA testing.

PMID- 22060228
TI  - A high level of evidence supports care provided by certified nurse-midwives.

PMID- 22060229
TI  - Other literature of interest to midwives.

PMID- 22060230
TI  - Bacterial vaginosis.

PMID- 22060232
TI  - Non-medical prescribing: current and future contribution of pharmacists and
      nurses.

PMID- 22060233
TI  - Reporting natural health product related adverse drug reactions: is it the
      pharmacist's responsibility?
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Herbal medicines and other natural health products (NHPs) are sold in
      Canadian pharmacies as over-the-counter products, yet there is limited
      information on their safety and adverse effect profile. Signals of safety
      concerns associated with medicines can arise through analysis of reports of
      suspected adverse drug reactions (ADRs) submitted to national pharmacovigilance
      centres by health professionals, including pharmacists and the public. However,
      typically such systems experience substantial under-reporting for NHPs. The
      objective of this paper is to explore pharmacists' experiences with and responses
      to receiving or identifying reports of suspected ADRs associated with NHPs from
      pharmacy customers. METHODS: A qualitative study in which in-depth, semi
      structured interviews were conducted with 12 community pharmacists in Toronto,
      Canada. KEY FINDINGS: Pharmacists generally did not submit reports of adverse
      events associated with NHPs to the national ADR reporting system and cited
      several barriers, including lack of time, complexity of the reporting process and
      lack of knowledge about NHPs. Pharmacists who accepted responsibility for adverse
      event reporting appeared to have different perceptions of their professional
      role: they saw themselves as 'knowledge generators', contributing to overall
      healthcare knowledge. CONCLUSIONS: Reporting behaviour for suspected ADRs
      associated with NHPs may be explained by a pharmacist's perception of his/her
      professional role and perceptions of the relative importance of generating
      knowledge to share in the wider system of health care.

PMID- 22060234
TI  - Community pharmacy in the United Arab Emirates: characteristics and workforce
      issues.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the characteristics and workforce issues of community
      pharmacy practice in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). METHODS: Data collection was
      by anonymous cross-sectional survey. Questionnaires were distributed by hand to
      700 community pharmacies to collect information about the participating
      pharmacists, pharmacy characteristics, the types of products and professional
      pharmacy services available to patients, and the barriers to offering
      professional services. KEY FINDINGS: A total of 344 pharmacists (49%) responded.
      Most were male (64%), had been in practice for less than 10 years (mean = 9.3,
      95% confidence interval (CI) = 8.4-10.0) and were trained in India (35%) or Egypt
      (15%). The pharmacies were open for business 7 days/week (mean = 6.8, 95% CI =
      6.7-8.8) with an average working day of 13 h (mean = 12.9, 95% CI = 12.7-13.2)
      and were mostly owned by independent non-pharmacists (70%). The pharmacies
      employed on average 2.6 full-time-equivalent (FTE) pharmacists (95% CI = 2.3-2.8)
      with 74% employing 1.8 FTE pharmacy assistants (95% CI = 1.7-2.0) and 47%
      employing trainee pharmacists (mean = 1.8 FTE, 95% CI = 1.6-2.0). Around three
      quarters of the pharmacies dispensed fewer than 100 prescriptions (75%) and
      responded to fewer than 100 requests for over-the-counter medicines (69%) per
      day. Most pharmacists encountered limited immediate access to up-to-date
      resources. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to explore the characteristics of
      community pharmacy practice in the UAE. The study provides baseline data which
      are critical to inform the development of strategies to improve the quality of
      community pharmacy services in the UAE.

PMID- 22060235
TI  - Patients' experience of hospital pharmaceutical services.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate inpatients' and outpatients' need for
      information about medication, to what extent those needs were addressed and
      patient attitudes regarding pharmaceutical services. METHOD: Self-administered
      questionnaires were distributed to a sample of outpatients and inpatients in a UK
      district general hospital. Themes included satisfaction with information given
      about medication, potential confusion over medication prescribed by the general
      practitioner and by the hospital, access to a member of the pharmacy team and
      preferences on how information on medication should be given. KEY FINDINGS:
      Ninety-one outpatient and 126 inpatient questionnaires were available for
      analysis. All outpatients who responded acknowledged that they were told how long
      they might need to wait for their medicines to be dispensed, although
      approximately one-fifth felt they had to wait a long time. Nearly three-quarters
      of outpatients felt there was an opportunity to ask medication-related questions
      of the pharmacy team. Nearly three-quarters of inpatients reported they were
      encouraged to bring into any hospital any medication they were taking at home.
      Twenty-eight per cent of 95 inpatients reported that some of their existing
      medication was stopped while in hospital. For the inpatients who received
      information about new medication, this was explained to the patient verbally
      (76%) and both verbally and in writing (22%). Forty-two per cent of inpatients
      (and 36% of outpatients) expressed a preference to receive information about
      medication both verbally and in writing. Thirty-five (32%) of 110 inpatients were
      not aware that a pharmacy team had a presence on the ward. CONCLUSIONS: Overall
      the majority of both in- and outpatients appeared to be receiving appropriate
      pharmaceutical services. There is a need to raise the profile of the pharmacy
      team in regards to provision of medication advice for inpatients. Consideration
      needs to be given to better provision of written information about medication for
      patients.

PMID- 22060236
TI  - Sources of pre-admission medication information: observational study of accuracy
      and availability.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify the accessibility of sources of pre-admission medication
      (PAM) information, to quantify agreement between the PAM list and the 'gold
      standard' PAM list (GS-PAML) and to categorise disagreements. METHODS: A random
      selection of patients with chronic illness admitted via accident and emergency to
      one of two study hospitals in the Republic of Ireland were recruited. For each
      patient, a GS-PAML was compiled and PAM lists were obtained from each relevant
      source, including patient own medications, general practitioner (GP) referral
      letter, past inpatient prescription (Kardex) and discharge summary, nursing home
      letter and personal communication with GP staff, community pharmacy staff and
      nursing home staff. Data were collected regarding availability for use of each
      source and allergy status. The GS-PAML was compared to each PAM, and
      disagreements were identified and categorised. KEY FINDINGS: Data were collected
      for 134 patients. Community pharmacy and nursing home staff were most accessible
      to researchers when undertaking the medication history (>90%), followed by GP
      staff (66%). Except for nursing home sources, agreement between PAML and GS-PAML
      was low (2-17% of patients, 44-77% of medications). The community pharmacy PAML
      most frequently agreed with the GS-PAML (17% of patients, 77% of medications)
      followed by GP staff (10% of patients, 69% of medications). Previous (within the
      last 6 months) discharge summaries (3% of patients, 49% of medications) and GP
      referral letters (2% of patients, 44% medications) agreed least frequently.
      Nursing home (100%) and GP (91%) staff provided most accurate allergy
      information. Drug omission (>35%) was the most common disagreement for all
      sources except nursing home staff. GP staff and community pharmacy PAMLs
      contained a considerable proportion of commission discrepancies. CONCLUSION:
      Community pharmacy and GP staff were identified as the most available and
      accurate sources of PAM information and should be prioritised when undertaking
      admission medication reconciliation in a busy clinical environment.

PMID- 22060237
TI  - Retrospective analysis of DATIX dispensing error reports from Scottish NHS
      hospitals.
AB  - AIM: The primary objective was to analyse reported dispensing errors, and
      contributing factors, in Scottish National Health Service hospitals by coding and
      quantifying error reports from the DATIX patient-safety software. The secondary
      objective was to gather managerial responses to dispensing error in order to gain
      a perspective on interventions already in place. METHODS: Incident reports
      collected from 23 Scottish hospitals over a 5-year period were analysed
      retrospectively. Reported incident types, contributory factors and managerial
      responses were categorised according to the event description, and the frequency
      of such factors calculated. KEY FINDINGS: Dispensing errors (n = 573), from both
      pharmacies and wards, were analysed. The main incident types were incorrect drug
      (19.2%, n = 110) and incorrect strength of drug (16.8%, n = 96). The main
      contributory factors were reported as drug name similarity (15.5%, n = 30) and
      busy wards/pharmacies (14.9%, n = 29). Patient-centred issues (6.1%, n = 12) also
      featured. Managerial responses to these errors took the form of meetings (16.7%,
      n = 42), increasing staff awareness (14.7%, n = 37) or staff reminders on the
      importance of checking procedures (17.9%, n = 45). CONCLUSIONS: The pattern of
      incidents reported is similar to previous research on the subject, but with a few
      key differences, such as, reports of errors associated with filling dosette
      boxes, and patient-centred issues. These differences indicate a potentially
      changing pattern of errors in response to new techniques in medicine management.
      Continued assessment of dispensing errors is required in order to develop
      practical interventions to improve medication safety.

PMID- 22060238
TI  - Factors affecting the views and attitudes of Scottish pharmacists to continuing
      professional development.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To explore factors associated with Scottish pharmacists' views and
      attitudes to continuing professional development (CPD). METHODS: A retrospective
      principal component analysis of 552 (22.8%) questionnaires returned from a sample
      of 2420 Scottish pharmacists randomly selected from the 4300 pharmacists
      registered with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain and with a
      Scottish address. KEY FINDINGS: Principal component analysis of questionnaire
      items (n = 19) revealed four factors associated with Scottish pharmacists' views
      and attitudes to CPD: having positive support in the workplace, having access to
      resources and meeting learning needs, having confidence in the CPD process and
      motivation to participate in the CPD process. Community pharmacists were
      identified as the subgroup of pharmacists that needed most support for CPD
      regarding all four factors, while pharmacists working in primary care felt that
      they had most support in the workplace in comparison to other sectors (P < 0.05)
      and better access to resources and meeting learning needs when compared to
      community (P < 0.001) and hospital (P = 0.008) colleagues. Pharmacists working in
      primary care also felt more motivated to participate in the CPD process than
      those in the community (P < 0.001), and hospital pharmacists reported having more
      confidence in the CPD process compared to community pharmacists (P < 0.05).
      CONCLUSION: Using principal component analysis has identified four factors
      associated with Scottish pharmacists' views and attitudes to CPD. This may
      provide an approach to facilitate comparison of CPD views and attitudes with
      intra and inter professional groupings. Further study may allow identification of
      good practice and solutions to common CPD issues.

PMID- 22060239
TI  - Pharmacy professionalism and the digital age.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To explore how the use of digital media could affect how people view
      professional behaviour. KEY FINDINGS: The growth in social networking sites has
      been phenomenal and they are now an extremely popular medium for interacting with
      others both commercially and privately. This as-yet-uncontrolled digital media
      provides ample opportunities for public and professional scrutiny for the unwary.
      Instances of employer screening and employee dismissal are already documented.
      All pharmacists who use digital media now need to be conscious that their virtual
      presence could be subject to regulator investigation. CONCLUSIONS: It is
      important that individuals are aware of the risks associated with using digital
      media and that pharmacy organisations begin to provide clear leadership to help
      pharmacists know what is and is not acceptable.

PMID- 22060240
TI  - Improving pharmacy counselling skills: an interdisciplinary model of support for
      students with English as an additional language.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The pilot project, described in this paper, targeted English as an
      additional language (EAL) students to facilitate their development of patient
      counselling communication skills. METHODS: An interdisciplinary content-based
      model was developed drawing on an interactional sociolinguistic framework to map
      language use valued in pharmacy counselling. Evaluation included analysis of
      successive self-assessments and surveys of students, surveys of teaching staff
      and final test results. KEY FINDINGS: Evaluation indicated that the
      interdisciplinary model was highly successful in improving EAL students'
      competency in pharmacy counselling. CONCLUSIONS: The model may have possible
      wider application for education in health professional programmes.

PMID- 22060241
TI  - Implementation and faculty assessment of an oral examination in a therapeutics
      course in a distance synchronous education pharmacy programme.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To describe the process and implementation of an oral exam in a large
      class with distance synchronous education technology and to evaluate the
      faculty's perspective of the development, administration, and assessment of the
      oral exam. METHODS: The Department of Pharmacy Practice at Nova Southeastern
      University, USA, created two patient cases for the oral exam per course over two
      semesters within the Therapeutics and Pathophysiology course sequence to be
      distributed across three campus sites. The faculty's perspective was evaluated
      utilizing a questionnaire distributed via an online survey. KEY FINDINGS: The
      oral exam was administered simultaneously across three campuses to a total of 464
      students over two semesters. A total of 42 faculty members assisted in the exam
      process. Four cases were developed for the two exams, with detailed answer keys
      to minimize subjectivity in grading. Twenty-eight faculty members (66%) completed
      the assessment questionnaire. Most faculty were in support of continuing to
      administer the oral exam in subsequent therapeutic courses. CONCLUSIONS:
      Implementation of an oral exam in a large class with synchronous education via
      distance campuses is feasible. However, exam coordinators must take into account
      logistics such as time commitment from faculty, adequate facilities and detailed
      case and key development.

PMID- 22060242
TI  - Ellagic acid, a new antiglycating agent: its inhibition of Nepsilon
      (carboxymethyl)lysine.
AB  - Non-enzymatic glycation is a complex series of reactions between reducing sugars
      and amino groups of proteins. Accumulation of AGEs (advanced glycation end
      products) due to non-enzymatic glycation has been related to several diseases
      associated with aging and diabetes. The formation of AGEs is accelerated in
      hyperglycaemic conditions, which alters the structure and function of long-lived
      proteins, thereby contributing to long-term diabetic complications. The present
      study describes AGE inhibition and the mechanism of action of a new antiglycating
      agent, EA (ellagic acid), a flavonoid present in many dietary sources. Inhibition
      of AGE formation by EA was demonstrated with different proteins, namely eye lens
      TSP (total soluble protein), Hb (haemoglobin), lysozyme and BSA, using different
      glycating agents such as fructose, ribose and methylglyoxal by a set of
      complementary methods. These results suggest that the antiglycating action of EA
      seems to involve, apart from inhibition of a few fluorescent AGEs, predominantly
      inhibition of CEL [Nepsilon-(carboxyethyl)lysine] through scavenging of the
      dicarbonyl compounds. Furthermore, MALDI-TOF-MS (matrix-assisted laser-desorption
      ionisation-time-of-flight MS) analysis confirms inhibition of the formation of
      CEL on lysozyme on in vitro glycation by EA. Prevention of glycation-mediated
      beta-sheet formation in Hb and lysozyme by EA confirm its antiglycating ability.
      Inhibition of glycosylated Hb formation in human blood under ex vivo high-glucose
      conditions signifies the physiological antiglycating potential of EA. We have
      also determined the effectiveness of EA against loss of eye lens transparency
      through inhibition of AGEs in the lens organ culture system. These findings
      establish the antiglycating potential of EA and its in vivo utility in
      controlling AGE-mediated diabetic pathologies.

PMID- 22060243
TI  - Delay to celiac disease diagnosis and its implications for health-related quality
      of life.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To determine how the delay in diagnosing celiac disease (CD) has
      developed during recent decades and how this affects the burden of disease in
      terms of health-related quality of life (HRQoL), and also to consider differences
      with respect to sex and age. METHODS: In collaboration with the Swedish Society
      for Coeliacs, a questionnaire was sent to 1,560 randomly selected members,
      divided in equal-sized age- and sex strata, and 1,031 (66%) responded. HRQoL was
      measured with the EQ-5D descriptive system and was then translated to quality
      adjusted life year (QALY) scores. A general population survey was used as
      comparison. RESULTS: The mean delay to diagnosis from the first symptoms was 9.7
      years, and from the first doctor visit it was 5.8 years. The delay has been
      reduced over time for some age groups, but is still quite long. The mean QALY
      score during the year prior to initiated treatment was 0.66; it improved after
      diagnosis and treatment to 0.86, and was then better than that of a general
      population (0.79). CONCLUSIONS: The delay from first symptoms to CD diagnosis is
      unacceptably long for many persons. Untreated CD results in poor HRQoL, which
      improves to the level of the general population if diagnosed and treated. By
      shortening the diagnostic delay it is possible to reduce this unnecessary burden
      of disease. Increased awareness of CD as a common health problem is needed, and
      active case finding should be intensified. Mass screening for CD might be an
      option in the future.

PMID- 22060244
TI  - Relationships between increasing outpatient encounters for neurological disorders
      and introductions of associated diagnostic codes, active duty military service
      members, 1998-2010.
AB  - Previous surveillance summaries of administrative data have indicated increases
      in the incidence and health care burdens of neurological disorders among active
      component U.S. military members during the last decade. Seventy-eight percent of
      the increase in average annual numbers of neurological disorders-related
      outpatient encounters during 2005-2010 is attributable to new diagnostic codes
      for three common conditions--sleep disorders, pain, and headache. The new codes
      were added to the International Classification of Diseases as "diseases of the
      nervous system" between 2005 and 2008. The pre-existing codes for these
      conditions are in most cases not classified as neurological. Visits for "organic
      sleep disorders" in particular represented nearly one-half of all outpatient
      encounters for neurological disorders in 2010. The use of the new diagnostic
      codes by healthcare providers can mask trends of the "true incidence" of
      illnesses and injuries and should be considered when interpreting surveillance
      analyses.

PMID- 22060245
TI  - Alcohol-related diagnoses, active component, U.S. Armed Forces, 2001-2010.
AB  - Alcohol abuse and dependence in the U.S. military are well-described public
      health problems. From 2001-2010, numbers and rates of incident alcohol-related
      diagnoses and alcohol-related medical encounters have increased among active
      component members, with the sharpest increases since 2007. Numbers of hospital
      bed days for acute alcohol diagnoses increased more than three-fold. Incidence
      rates of acute and chronic alcohol-related diagnoses were highest in 21-24-year
      old males in the Army, but among women rates were highest among those under 21.
      More than one-fifth (21%) of all acute alcohol-related encounters were recurrent
      diagnoses and the proportion of recurrences was higher among those in combat
      occupations (26%) and in the Air Force (35%). Recent increases in incident
      alcohol-related diagnoses may reflect increasing scrutiny of alcohol use among
      military members and a concomitant focus on referrals for evaluation of alcohol
      misuse.

PMID- 22060246
TI  - Update: cold weather injuries, U.S. Armed Forces, July 2006-June 2011.
AB  - From July 2010 through June 2011, the number of U.S. service members treated for
      cold injuries (n=557) was similar to recent prior years. The most frequently
      reported cold injury was hypothermia in the Marine Corps and frostbite in the
      other service branches. Cold injury rates were generally highest among service
      members who were less than 20 years old and of black, non-Hispanic
      race/ethnicity. Service members who train in wet and freezing conditions -- and
      their supervisors at all levels -- should know the signs of cold injury, ensure
      adequate hydration, and avoid tobacco, caffeine, and vasoconstrictive
      medications.

PMID- 22060247
TI  - Surveillance Snapshot: reportable medical events of heat injury in relation to
      heat index, June-September 2011.

PMID- 22060248
TI  - Internet-based treatment of depression: a randomized controlled trial comparing
      guided with unguided self-help.
AB  - Internet-delivered self-help for depression with therapist guidance has shown
      efficacy in several trials. Results from meta-analyses suggest that guidance is
      important and that self-help programs without support are less effective.
      However, there are no direct experimental comparisons between guided and unguided
      internet-based treatments for depression. The present study compared the benefits
      of a 10-week web-based unguided self-help treatment with the same intervention
      complemented with weekly therapist support via e-mail. A waiting-list control
      group was also included. Seventy-six individuals meeting the diagnostic criteria
      of major depression or dysthymia were randomly assigned to one of the three
      conditions. The Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) was used as the primary
      outcome measure. Secondary outcomes included general psychopathology,
      interpersonal problems, and quality of life. Sixty-nine participants (91%)
      completed the assessment at posttreatment and 59 (78%) at 6-month follow-up.
      Results showed significant symptom reductions in both treatment groups compared
      to the waiting-list control group. At posttreatment, between-group effect sizes
      on the BDI-II were d = .66 for unguided self-help versus waiting-list and d =
      1.14 for guided self-help versus waiting-list controls. In the comparison of the
      two active treatments, small-to-moderate, but not statistically significant
      effects in favor of the guided condition were found on all measured dimensions.
      In both groups, treatment gains were maintained at 6-month follow-up. The
      findings provide evidence that internet-delivered treatments for depression can
      be effective whether support is added or not. However, all participants were
      interviewed in a structured diagnostic telephone interview before inclusion,
      which prohibits conclusions regarding unguided treatments that are without any
      human contact.

PMID- 22060249
TI  - Mindfulness and the attenuation of post-event processing in social phobia: an
      experimental investigation.
AB  - The present experimental study examined the ability of metacognitive strategies
      to reduce the distress associated with post-event processing (PEP). Individuals
      with DSM-IV generalized social phobia (N = 57) were randomly allocated to receive
      brief training in mindfulness, distraction, or no training (control group). Next,
      they underwent an experimental PEP induction. Following the induction, they were
      instructed to apply the metacognitive strategy (mindfulness or distraction) they
      were taught or to continue thinking about the social event the way they typically
      would following such an event (control). Participants rated their distress on a
      visual analogue scale prior to the PEP induction, and then every minute for 5 min
      while applying the metacognitive strategy. They also rated their affect
      immediately after applying the metacognitive strategy. Results suggest that
      mindfulness reduces distress significantly over the post-event period and results
      in significantly more positive affect than when receiving no training. In
      contrast, distraction does not reduce distress over the post-event period
      performs comparable to receiving no training. The results of this experimental
      investigation suggest that mindfulness has the potential to reduce distress
      associated with PEP and provide further support for the clinical utility of
      mindfulness in the treatment of generalized social phobia.

PMID- 22060250
TI  - Attention modification in persons with fibromyalgia: a double blind, randomized
      clinical trial.
AB  - Contemporary models of chronic musculoskeletal pain emphasize the critical roles
      of fear, anxiety, and avoidance as well as biases in attention in the development
      and maintenance of chronic pain disability. Evidence supports the influence of
      individual difference variables such as anxiety sensitivity, pain-related
      anxiety, and catastrophizing on the pain experience and on pain-related
      attentional biases. Changes in attentional biases have been associated with
      treatment gains in patients with clinically significant anxiety. The Attentional
      Modification Paradigm (AMP) is a modification of the dot-probe paradigm used to
      facilitate such changes in attentional biases. Given the relationship between
      chronic musculoskeletal pain and anxiety, AMP may be effective in reducing pain
      as well. Participants included persons (n = 17) with fibromyalgia and were
      randomly assigned to either an AMP condition or a control condition. The
      participants completed two 15-minute AMP sessions per week for 4 weeks. Those in
      the AMP condition reported statistically significant and substantial reductions
      on several individual difference variables relative to those in the control
      condition, and a greater proportion experienced clinically significant reductions
      in pain. These preliminary results offer a promising new avenue for treating
      chronic musculoskeletal pain that warrants additional research. Comprehensive
      results, limitations, and future directions are discussed.

PMID- 22060255
TI  - Predictors of recovery from prenatal depressive symptoms from pregnancy through
      postpartum.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Identifying predictors of the course of depressive symptoms from
      pregnancy through postpartum is important to inform clinical interventions.
      METHODS: This longitudinal study investigated predictors of recovery from
      prenatal elevated depressive symptoms in the postpartum period. Forty-one
      pregnant women completed demographic, interpersonal, and psychosocial self-report
      assessment measures at 32 weeks of gestation and again 12 weeks postpartum.
      RESULTS: Of those with elevated depressive symptoms, defined as a Beck Depression
      Inventory-II (BDI-II) score >=10, at the prenatal baseline, 39% (n=16) recovered
      to nonelevated symptom levels postpartum, whereas 61% (n=25) experienced
      sustained elevated symptoms. Women who recovered evidenced significantly lower
      baseline depression severity and more frequent engagement in physical activity
      and cohabitated with a romantic partner. In multiparous women (n=25), history of
      past postpartum depression (PPD) differentiated between those with transient and
      those with persisting symptoms, although history of lifetime depression did not.
      None of the additional demographic, interpersonal, or psychosocial variables
      investigated differentiated between groups. Logistic regression analysis showed
      prenatal depression severity and exercise frequency as predictors of recovery
      postpartum. CONCLUSIONS: Results suggest most women will not experience
      spontaneous recovery. Women with prenatal heightened symptom severity and
      previous experiences with PPD are acutely vulnerable to experience sustained
      symptoms. In contrast, having a cohabitating partner and engagement in prenatal
      exercise predicted symptom improvement. Physical exercise may be an important
      clinical recommendation, as it may improve mood. Given the small sample size,
      these results are preliminary. Implications and future research recommendations
      are discussed.

PMID- 22060256
TI  - Depressive symptoms and health-related quality of life in breast cancer
      survivors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Breast cancer diagnosis and treatment can have a profound influence
      on a woman's physical, psychosocial, and overall well-being. We examined the
      prevalence of depressive symptoms and its association with health-related quality
      of life (HRQOL) in women who are survivors of breast cancer. We also assessed if
      factors, including metastasis, cancer recurrence, diagnosis of new primary
      cancers, and comorbid conditions, are associated with depressive symptoms.
      METHODS: The Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8) and European Organization for
      Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 were
      mailed to assess depressive symptoms and HRQOL, respectively, in breast cancer
      patients who received cancer treatment in a large tertiary cancer center.
      RESULTS: Two hundred forty patients participated (56% response rate and 6-13
      years since treatment). The mean score on the PHQ-8 scale was 4 points (standard
      deviation [SD] 4.8, median 2.0). Sixteen percent had PHQ-8 score >=10 and were
      categorized as depressed. Depression was inversely associated with HRQOL
      subscales for functioning, financial, and global health and positively associated
      with symptoms. Logistic regression showed that younger age (odds ratio [OR] age
      in years 0.92, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.86- 0.99, p<0.02), rheumatoid
      arthritis (OR 8.4, 95%CI 1.3-57.4, p<0.03), and years from treatment (OR 0.70,
      95% CI 0.46-0.99, p<0.05) were significant correlates of depression. CONCLUSIONS:
      Depression is a significant health concern for breast cancer survivors and is
      associated with lower HRQOL. The results suggest the need to monitor women with
      breast cancer for depression and provide resources for treating depression during
      the survival period.

PMID- 22060257
TI  - A study on the effect of different chemical routes on functionalization of MWCNTs
      by various groups (-COOH, -SO3H, -PO3H2).
AB  - Pristine multiwall carbon nanotubes [MWCNTs] have been functionalized with
      various groups (-COOH, -SO3H, -PO3H2) using different single- and double-step
      chemical routes. Various chemical treatments were given to MWCNTs using
      hydrochloric, nitric, phosphoric, and sulphuric acids, followed by a microwave
      treatment. The effect of the various chemical treatments and the dispersion using
      a surfactant via ultrasonication on the functionalization of MWCNTs has been
      studied. The results obtained have been compared with pristine MWCNTs. Scanning
      electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray [EDX] spectroscopy, and transmission
      electron microscopy confirm the dispersion and functionalization of MWCNTs. Their
      extent of functionalization with -SO3H and -PO3H2 groups from the EDX spectra has
      been observed to be higher for the samples functionalized with a double-step
      chemical route and a single-step chemical route, respectively. The ID/IG ratio
      calculated from Raman data shows a maximum defect concentration for the sample
      functionalized with the single-step chemical treatment using nitric acid. The
      dispersion of MWCNTs with the surfactant, Triton X-100, via ultrasonication helps
      in their unbundling, but the extent of functionalization mainly depends on the
      chemical route followed for their treatment. The functionalized carbon nanotubes
      can be used in proton conducting membranes for fuel cells.

PMID- 22060259
TI  - Quartz crystal impedance response of nonhomogenous composite electrodes in
      contact with liquids.
AB  - A new model of quartz-crystal impedance (QCI) of nonuniform layers composed of
      bumps of carbon particles (either porous or nonporous) and a polymeric binder
      layer has been proposed. The solid particles are modeled by semispherical and
      oblate semispheroid bumps embedded into the "sea" of a polymeric binder layer. On
      the basis of this model and elaborating on the principles of hydrodynamic
      spectroscopy of composite electrode materials, the geometric and porous structure
      parameters of nanoporous carbon and nonporous graphite composite electrodes in
      contact with liquids have been reliably determined. This work is believed to
      create a solid theoretical background for both advanced studies and optimized
      formulations of the composite electrodes suited to practical electrochemical
      devices and for the interpretation of the processes of ions and solvent insertion
      into nanoporous carbon electrodes uniquely probed by the QCI method
      (supercapacitive cells, desalination membranes).

PMID- 22060260
TI  - Molecular ordering of ethanol at the calcite surface.
AB  - To produce biominerals, such as shells, bones, and teeth, living beings create
      organic compounds that control the growth of the solid phase. Investigating the
      atomic scale behavior of individual functional groups at the mineral-fluid
      interface provides fundamental information that is useful for constructing
      accurate predictive models for natural systems. Previous investigations of the
      activity of coccolith-associated polysaccharides (CAP) on calcite, using atomic
      force microscopy (AFM) [Henriksen, K., Young, J. R., Bown, P. R., and Stipp, S.
      L. S. Palentology 2004, 43 (Part 3), 725-743] and molecular dynamics (MD)
      modeling [Yang, M., Stipp, S. L. S., and Harding, J. H. Cryst. Growth Des. 2008,
      8 (11), 4066-4074], have suggested that OH functional groups control
      polysaccharide attachment. The purpose of this work was to characterize, using X
      ray reflectivity (XR) combined with molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, the
      structuring on calcite of a layer of the simplest carbon chain molecule that
      contains an OH group, ethanol (CH(3)-CH(2)-OH). We found evidence that EtOH forms
      a highly ordered structure at the calcite surface, where the first layer
      molecules bond with calcite. The ethanol molecules stand up perpendicularly at
      the interface or nearly so. As a consequence, the fatty, CH(3) ends form a new
      surface, about 6 A from the termination of the bulk calcite, and beyond that,
      there is a thin gap where ethanol density is low. Following is a more disordered
      layer that is two to three ethanol molecules thick, about 14 A, where density
      more resembles that of bulk liquid ethanol. The good agreement between theory and
      experiment gives confidence that a theoretical approach can offer information
      about behavior in more complex systems.

PMID- 22060261
TI  - The virtue of temperance: built-in negative regulators of quorum sensing in
      Pseudomonas.
AB  - Many bacteria are now believed to produce small signal molecules in order to
      communicate in a process called quorum sensing (QS), which mediates cooperative
      traits and a co-ordinated behaviour. Pseudomonads have been extensively studied
      for their QS response highlighting that it plays a major role in determining
      their lifestyle. The main QS signal molecules produced by Pseudomonas belong to
      the family of N-acyl-homoserine lactones (AHLs); these are synthesized by a LuxI
      family synthase and sensed by a LuxR-family regulator. Most often in Pseudomonas,
      repressor genes intergenically located between luxI and luxR form an integral
      part of QS system. Recent studies have highlighted an important role of these
      repressors (called RsaL and RsaM) in containing the QS response within cost
      effective levels; this is central for pseudomonads as they have very versatile
      genomes allowing them to live in constantly changing and highly dynamic
      environments. This review focuses on the role played by RsaL and RsaM repressors
      and discusses the important implications of this control of the QS response.

PMID- 22060262
TI  - Effects of fibrates on C-reactive protein concentrations: a meta-analysis of
      randomized controlled trials.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The effects of fibrates on C-reactive protein (CRP) are
      controversial. This meta-analysis was conducted to synthesize the available
      clinical trial evidence and summarize the effects of fibrates on CRP
      concentrations. In addition, this study assessed the relationship between changes
      in CRP and lipid measures. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted of
      randomized controlled trials on the effects of fibrates on CRP concentrations in
      the PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library Database up to January 2011. A meta
      analysis was performed using a random effect model. Meta-regression analysis was
      employed to assess the relationships between average change in CRP and lipid
      profiles. RESULTS: Sixteen randomized controlled trials were included in the meta
      analysis. Compared with placebo, treatment with fibrates significantly decreased
      CRP concentrations (weighted mean difference -0.47 mg/L, 95% confidence interval 
      0.93 to -0.01 mg/L, p=0.046). Fibrates significantly reduced CRP concentrations
      in trials with a higher baseline CRP concentrations (>= 3 mg/L). There was a
      significant correlation between change in CRP and change in high-density
      lipoprotein cholesterol (regression coefficient or slope=-2.03, 95% CI -3.20 to 
      0.87, p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Fibrates can reduce CRP concentrations and change in
      CRP was correlated with change in high-density lipoprotein cholesterol but not
      with triglyceride. These findings suggest that patients with dyslipidemia could
      benefit from fibrates treatment by CRP lowering and this benefit is associated
      with lipid profile improving.

PMID- 22060263
TI  - Cold induced toughening in excised pork as affected by pH, R value and time at
      boning.
AB  - Porcine M. longissimus dorsi from paired sides of 87 carcasses representing a
      wide range of post-mortem glycolic rates were obtained to study the cold
      toughening potential in early excised cuts (right sides) as compared to a
      conventional, cold boning procedure (left sides). The pH, R value and time at
      boning were measured and evaluated for their effect on tenderness. The early
      excised cuts were chilled by two different chilling rates: fast chilling in ice
      water or chilling by air at 2-4 degrees C in a conventional chilling room. The
      cold toughening potential for excised fast chilled cuts was significantly (P <
      0.001) affected by pH, R value and time at boning, the latter parameters however
      being significantly correlated (P < 0.001). From partial regression analysis, the
      R value appeared to be the main factor involved in tenderness variations. Thus
      the R value as measured at time of boning was found to be the parameter showing
      the highest predictive value for estimating the risk of cold toughening in early
      excised cuts. When early excised cuts were chilled in air at 2-4 degrees C, the
      results from the present study showed tenderness levels comparable to the
      conventional cold boning procedure, irrespective of pH, R value and time at
      boning.

PMID- 22060264
TI  - Quadratic relationship between early-post-mortem glycolytic rate and beef
      tenderness.
AB  - Post-mortem (PM) glycolytic rate in beef M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum
      (LTL) was controlled by applying low-voltage electrical stimulation (ES) for 1
      min at different stages along the slaughter line. The ES treatments were as
      follows: (1) No electrical stimulation (NES); (2) 75 V to one side of the carcass
      immediately after splitting; (3) 20-40 V during exsanguination; (4) 75 V either
      during or following exsanguination. The study utilized 40 bulls and 40 steers.
      Loin steaks were aged in vacuum pouches 2, 4, 8 and 16 days PM. Quadratic
      equations utilizing pH at 3 h (pH(3)) gave the best estimate of Warner-Bratzler
      (WB) shear force for 2, 4, 8 and 16 day steaks. The rate of glycolysis is the
      primary determinant of LTL tenderness in this study. Temperature may only be
      important through its influence on early PM glycolytic rate. Optimum tenderness
      was produced by stimulating carcasses or sides to produce a pH(3) of 6.0. ES
      application to the carcass either just before or after splitting (treatment 2)
      produced more desirable and consistent pH(3) responses than either NES or ES
      during exsanguination. Aging has a differential effect whereby the WB shear
      values from tougher (leaner bulls) 2 day steaks improve to a greater degree, so
      they are not different from more tender (fatter steers) steaks by 16 day PM.

PMID- 22060265
TI  - 'Scharrel' (free range) pigs: Carcass composition, meat quality and taste-panel
      studies.
AB  - Carcass conformation, meat quality, fatty acid patterns of backfat and sensory
      quality characteristics (tenderness, juiciness, smell and taste) of scharrel
      (free range) pigs and animals from intensive fattening systems were compared.
      Both groups of pigs consisted of 80 animals, which were slaughtered in batches of
      20 pigs per group. The measurements included hot carcass weight, HGP, pH and FOP
      measurements and a score for intrathoracal fat deposition, all performed early
      post mortem, and marbling, colour, drip and cooking loss and Warner-Bratzler
      shear force measurements in loin chops after 1 and 3 days of storage at 4 degrees
      C. Furthermore, 25% of the carcasses were used in taste-panel analyses. The feed
      rations used for these 25% of the pigs and their backfat samples were analysed
      for fatty acid patterns. The overall meat quality of scharrel pigs was not
      significantly different from that of pigs from intensive fattening systems. W-B
      shear force values of scharrel pigs were slightly higher. However, this did not
      coincide with differences in panel tenderness scores. The analytical panel
      assessed minor differences in taste and smell. The inconsistency of the
      descriptions concerning these differences did not allow any conclusions. An
      increase in the amount of linolenic acid was observed in the scharrel pigs'
      backfat.

PMID- 22060266
TI  - Determination of papain in raw meat by immunoassay.
AB  - An antibody raised to papain, a meat tenderising proteolytic enzyme obtained from
      papaya (Carica papaya), has been used in the development of an enzyme-linked
      immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA) for the determination of papain in raw meat.
      Quantitative determinations of papain up to 4 mg/kg of raw meat have been
      obtained using standard extracts prepared by the exogeneous addition of papain to
      raw beef. A sample of commercially treated 'tenderised beef' was shown to contain
      papain at the level of 0.40 mg/kg. In collaboration with a Public Analyst, a
      papain immunoassay kit has been used to assay 50 samples of beef bought from
      retail outlets, with a view to monitoring the use of this tenderiser by the meat
      industry.

PMID- 22060267
TI  - Objective measurements of pork quality: Evaluation of various techniques.
AB  - Research has been undertaken in which various methods for meat quality evaluation
      were compared. The measures used were pH (by homogenization and by combined
      electrode), light scattering conductivity, dielectric loss factor and colour. A
      very low incidence of PSE (Pale, Soft, Exudative) and DFD (Dark, Firm, Dry) cases
      was observed and the correlation between pH, as measured by homogenization and by
      combined electrode, did not appear to be completely satisfactory. Dielectric loss
      factor, as measured by the MS tester, seems to be specifically suited for PSE
      diagnosis. On the other hand, higher values of light scattering and conductivity
      measured at 24 h post mortem, are found to be linked to the rate of pH fall, even
      outside the range for PSE. Colour measurements, especially of the parameters
      L(*), a(*) and hue angle, have given interesting information. In fact, meat could
      be classified by colour intensity (a(*), psychometric chroma), by type of colour
      (hue angle) and by exudative phenomena (L(*)). No marked effects of rearing
      techniques have been observed, whereas the genetic background appears to
      influence some colour parameters. Slaughter conditions, on the other hand, could
      affect markedly all the meat quality parameters measured in this research.

PMID- 22060268
TI  - Objective evaluation of pork quality: Results of on-line measurements.
AB  - Research has been conducted on objective pork quality evaluation on line in an
      industrial slaughterhouse. The investigation, which involved more than 5000 pigs,
      lasted for 12 working days spread over four consecutive weeks between October and
      November. Measurements performed were Fat-o-Meat'er carcass classification (lean
      content, fat and muscle thicknesses), cold carcass weight, 24-h pH of
      Semimembranosus and Biceps femoris muscles and 24-h colour of Semimembranosus
      muscle. The results show that cold carcass weight and lean content are only
      slightly related to meat quality as evaluated by pH and colour. Cluster analysis
      has confirmed the importance of pH and colour parameters, such as L(*), a(*) and
      hue angle, for the evalaution of pork quality on line in an industrial context.

PMID- 22060269
TI  - Catalysis of lipid oxidation in muscle model systems by haem and inorganic iron.
AB  - The catalytic effect of haem proteins (haemoglobin and myoglobin) and inorganic
      iron (FeSO(4)) on lipid oxidation in a muscle model system was investigated. Haem
      proteins had a greater prooxidant effect than inorganic iron in raw and heated
      pork muscle residue when these prooxidants were present at levels approaching
      those in red meats. The rate of lipid oxidation catalysed by each prooxidant
      increased as the iron concentration increased over a range of 1-17 MUg/g muscle
      residue. The relative prooxidant effects of haem protein and inorganic iron were
      not affected by the mode of addition of the prooxidants to the muscle residue
      (addition in a concentrated form or dispersed in water), or by the method of
      cooking (fast versus slow cooking).

PMID- 22060270
TI  - Skeletal muscle cellularity and histochemistry in response to porcine
      somatotropin in finishing pigs.
AB  - The effects of long-term application of recombinant porcine somatotropin (pST) on
      the development of muscle structure characteristics were examined in finishing
      pigs from about 120 to 200 days of age. Shot biopsy samples from the longissimus
      dorsi (longissimus) muscle of 60 Landrace barrows were taken at the initiation of
      treatment and again after 5 to 10 weeks treatment. The injection of 2 mg pST/d
      and 4 mg pST/d caused an intense hypertrophy of muscle fibres and resulted in 11%
      thicker muscle fibres at the end of treatment. In the course of fibre growth,
      dose-dependent differences occurred. The total muscle fibre number, calculated by
      muscle cross sectional area and fibre number per unit area of carcass samples,
      was not influenced. There was a tendency for more nuclei per fibre, whereas the
      nucleus-cytoplasm ratio seemed to be unchanged, Generally the composition of
      muscle fibre types (white, intermediate, red or alphaW, alphaR, betaR) was not
      affected. In pST treatment groups, no more animals with giant fibres were found,
      nor were higher percentages of this structural anomaly in carcass muscle sections
      discovered.

PMID- 22060271
TI  - Influence of pig crossbreed on the composition, volatile compound content and
      flavour of dry cured ham.
AB  - The extraction of volatile compounds from dry-cured ham using a dynamic head
      space method coupled with gas chromatography mass-spectrometry (GC-MS) enabled
      the identification of a large number of components. Some of these compounds
      exhibited intense sensory characteristics during odour assessment. Using similar
      technology, the effect of pig crossbreeds: Landrace * Large-White, Duroc * Gascon
      Meishan, Pietrain * Gascon-Meishan and Large-White * Gascon-Meishan, on both
      volatiles and the flavour of dry-cured hams was limited, although differences
      were observed in aromatic compounds like 1-octen-3-ol (mushroom), 2,3-butanedione
      and acetoin (butter like).

PMID- 22060272
TI  - Influence of control parameters in VOCs evolution during MSW trimming residues
      composting.
AB  - The influence of control parameters (aeration, moisture, and C/N ratio) during
      composting of a municipal solid waste (MSW)-legume-trimming residue (LTR) mixture
      was studied at a pilot plant scale. Factors measured included the composition of
      the main volatile organic carbons (VOCs) emitted including limonene, beta-pinene,
      2-butanone, undecane, phenol, toluene, and dimethyl disulfide. Polynomial models
      were found to reproduce the experimental results with errors at less than 10%.
      The relative influence of the independent variables on temperature and selected
      VOCs followed the order: aeration > moisture > C/N. A high aeration rate results
      in higher (strong negative effect) values on selected VOCs emissions (41-71% on
      emitted VOCs variation). Moisture had a positive and negative effect depending on
      the selected VOCs. A high C/N ratio caused lower production of VOCs except for
      undecane and 2-butanone. Providing an aerobic environment (0.05 Lair kg(-1) min(
      1)), high C/N ratios (>50), and medium moisture (55%) minimize emitted VOCs
      during MSW composting, ultimately resulting in less odors in the surrounding
      environment.

PMID- 22060273
TI  - Evaluation of process- and input-output-based life cycle inventory data with
      regard to truncation and aggregation issues.
AB  - Life cycle assessments (LCA) and environmentally extended input-output (EEIO)
      analyses both strive to account for direct and indirect environmental impacts of
      goods and services. Different methods have been developed to hybridize these two
      techniques and minimize the impact of their respective shortcomings on final
      assessments. These weaknesses, however, have not been extensively studied in a
      quantitative manner, especially not for complete LCA and EEIO databases. To this
      end, we jointly analyzed process-based and input-output-based data sets. We first
      evaluated their complementarity. Though the LCA data was more detailed overall,
      some sectors of the economy were more precisely represented in the EEIO database.
      We then contrasted the representation of the different economic sectors in the
      LCA database with the economic, environmental, and structural importance of these
      sectors. The weakness of the correlation results led us to conclude that process
      inventory efforts have not been systematically directed at the most important
      sectors of the economy. The LCA data was also used to evaluate the sensitivity of
      EEIO data to aggregation uncertainty. This sensitivity proved highly
      inhomogeneous. We conclude the presence of important research inefficiencies
      stemming from the lack of hybrid perspective in the compilation of LCA and EEIO
      data.

PMID- 22060274
TI  - ARTEMIN synergizes with TWIST1 to promote metastasis and poor survival outcome in
      patients with ER negative mammary carcinoma.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: ARTEMIN (ARTN) is an estrogen regulated growth factor, the
      expression of which promotes resistance to antiestrogen therapies and predicts
      poorer survival outcome of patients with estrogen receptor (ER) positive mammary
      carcinoma (ER+MC) treated with tamoxifen. ARTN is also expressed in ER negative
      mammary carcinoma (ER-MC). Herein, we determined the role of ARTN in ER-MC and
      defined the mechanism of action producing poor patient prognosis. METHODS: We
      modulated the expression of ARTN in two ER- (mesenchymal/claudin-low) mammary
      carcinoma cell lines (BT549 and MDA-MB-231) by forced expression or small
      interfering RNA (siRNA) mediated depletion. The effects of modulation of ARTN
      expression were examined by various in vitro measures of oncogenicity, including
      the expression of TWIST1 messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein. In vitro results were
      correlated to xenograft studies in immunodeficient mice. Co-expression of ARTN
      and TWIST1 and their association to poor survival outcome were examined in a
      cohort of patients with ER-MC. Pathway analysis was performed by pharmacological
      inhibition of phosphorylation of AKT (pAKT-Ser 473) or modulation of TWIST1
      expression. RESULTS: ARTN expression resulted in ER-MC cells with enhanced
      mesenchymal characteristics, including increased invasion and a gene expression
      profile consistent with enhanced mesenchymal phenotype. ARTN stimulated ER-MC
      cell anchorage independent and 3D matrigel growth, endothelial cell adhesion and
      transmigration of ER-MC cells through an endothelial cell barrier. Forced
      expression of ARTN produced a larger, locally invasive tumour mass with tumour
      emboli that produced distant metastasis. ARTN regulated TWIST1 expression in ER
      MC cells and ARTN expression was significantly correlated to TWIST1 expression in
      a panel of mammary carcinoma cell lines and in a cohort of patients with ER-MC.
      Low expression of both ARTN and TWIST1 predicted 100% relapse free and overall
      survival in patients with ER-MC, whereas high expression of both ARTN and TWIST1
      was associated with a poor survival outcome. ARTN stimulated an increase in
      TWIST1 expression via increased AKT activity. siRNA mediated depletion of TWIST1
      abrogated ARTN stimulated cellular behaviour associated with metastasis, and
      forced expression of TWIST1 abrogated the functional effects of ARTN depletion.
      CONCLUSIONS: ARTN and TWIST1 synergize to produce a worse outcome in ER-MC and
      combined inhibition of ARTN and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B
      (PI3K/AKT) may therefore provide a novel therapeutic strategy in this subtype of
      mammary carcinoma.

PMID- 22060275
TI  - Logic feels so good-I like it! Evidence for intuitive detection of logicality in
      syllogistic reasoning.
AB  - When people evaluate syllogisms, their judgments of validity are often biased by
      the believability of the conclusions of the problems. Thus, it has been suggested
      that syllogistic reasoning performance is based on an interplay between a
      conscious and effortful evaluation of logicality and an intuitive appreciation of
      the believability of the conclusions (e.g., Evans, Newstead, Allen, & Pollard,
      1994). However, logic effects in syllogistic reasoning emerge even when
      participants are unlikely to carry out a full logical analysis of the problems
      (e.g., Shynkaruk & Thompson, 2006). There is also evidence that people can
      implicitly detect the conflict between their beliefs and the validity of the
      problems, even if they are unable to consciously produce a logical response
      (e.g., De Neys, Moyens, & Vansteenwegen, 2010). In 4 experiments we demonstrate
      that people intuitively detect the logicality of syllogisms, and this effect
      emerges independently of participants' conscious mindset and their cognitive
      capacity. This logic effect is also unrelated to the superficial structure of the
      problems. Additionally, we provide evidence that the logicality of the syllogisms
      is detected through slight changes in participants' affective states. In fact,
      subliminal affective priming had an effect on participants' subjective
      evaluations of the problems. Finally, when participants misattributed their
      emotional reactions to background music, this significantly reduced the logic
      effect.

PMID- 22060276
TI  - Why is test-restudy practice beneficial for memory? An evaluation of the mediator
      shift hypothesis.
AB  - Although the memorial benefits of testing are well established empirically, the
      mechanisms underlying this benefit are not well understood. The authors evaluated
      the mediator shift hypothesis, which states that test-restudy practice is
      beneficial for memory because retrieval failures during practice allow
      individuals to evaluate the effectiveness of mediators and to shift from less
      effective to more effective mediators. Across a series of experiments,
      participants used a keyword encoding strategy to learn word pairs with test
      restudy practice or restudy only. Robust testing effects were obtained in all
      experiments, and results supported predictions of the mediator shift hypothesis.
      First, a greater proportion of keyword shifts occurred during test-restudy
      practice versus restudy practice. Second, a greater proportion of keyword shifts
      occurred after retrieval failure trials versus retrieval success trials during
      test-restudy practice. Third, a greater proportion of keywords were recalled on a
      final keyword recall test after test-restudy versus restudy practice.

PMID- 22060277
TI  - Feature-based versus category-based induction with uncertain categories.
AB  - Previous research has suggested that when feature inferences have to be made
      about an instance whose category membership is uncertain, feature-based inductive
      reasoning is used to the exclusion of category-based induction. These results
      contrast with the observation that people can and do use category-based induction
      when category membership is known. The present experiments examined the
      conditions that drive feature-based and category-based strategies in induction
      under category uncertainty. Specifically, 2 experiments investigated whether
      reliance on feature-based inductive strategies is a product of the lack of
      coherence in the categories used in previous research or is due to the use of a
      decision-only induction procedure. Experiment 1 found that feature-based
      reasoning remained the preferred strategy even when categories with relatively
      high internal coherence were used. Experiment 2 found a shift toward category
      based reasoning when participants were trained to classify category members prior
      to feature induction. Together, these results suggest that an appropriate
      conceptual representation must be formed through experience with a category
      before it is likely to be used as a basis for feature induction.

PMID- 22060278
TI  - Lack of association between polymorphisms in the prostaglandin F2alpha receptor
      and solute carrier organic anion transporter family 2A1 genes and intraocular
      pressure response to prostaglandin analogs.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the association between variants in the prostaglandin
      F(alpha) receptor (PTGFR) and solute carrier organic anion transporter family 2A1
      (SLCO2A1) genes and intraocular pressure (IOP) response to prostaglandin analogs.
      METHODS: The medical records of subjects with previously diagnosed open angle
      glaucoma or ocular hypertension were searched for intraocular pressure
      measurements before and after prescriptions of prostaglandin analogs. Stored DNA
      samples were genotyped for the following SNPs: rs3753380 (promoter region) and
      rs3766355 (intronic region) of the prostaglandin F(2alpha) receptor gene, and
      rs34550074 (Ala396Thr) of SLCO2A1. The mean change in IOP by genotype was
      measured. RESULTS: Prostaglandin analogs were prescribed to 267 subjects; 242
      (204 right eyes, 205 left eyes) met the inclusion/exclusion criteria for the
      current study. There was no significant association between genotype and IOP
      response to prostaglandin analogs (p = 0.48, p = 0.54, p = 0.90). CONCLUSION: In
      summary, we found no indication for an association between SNPs in the
      prostaglandin F(2alpha) receptor gene or SLCO2A1 and IOP response to
      prostaglandin analogs in a population of European descent.

PMID- 22060279
TI  - Silicone breast implant with intracapsular rupture coexisting with locally
      advanced carcinoma.

PMID- 22060280
TI  - Alginate graft copolymers and alginate-co-excipient physical mixture in oral drug
      delivery.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Use of alginate graft copolymers in oral drug delivery reduces dosage
      form manufacture complexity with reference to mixing or coating processes. It is
      deemed to give constant or approximately steady weight ratio of alginate to
      covalently attached co-excipient in copolymers, thereby leading to controllable
      matrix processing and drug release. This review describes various grafting
      approaches and their outcome on oral drug release behaviour of alginate graft
      copolymeric matrices. It examines drug release modulation mechanism of alginate
      graft copolymers against that of co-excipients in non-grafted formulations. KEY
      FINDINGS: Drug release from alginate matrices can be modulated through using
      either co-excipients or graft copolymers via changing their swelling, erosion,
      hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity, porosity and/or drug adsorption capacity. However,
      it is not known if the drug delivery performance of formulations prepared using
      alginate graft copolymers is superior to those incorporating graft-equivalent co
      excipient physically in a dosage form without grafting but at the corresponding
      graft weight, owing to limited studies being available. CONCLUSIONS: The value of
      alginate graft copolymers as the potential alternative to alginate-co-excipient
      physical mixture in oral drug delivery cannot be entirely defined by past and
      present research. Such an issue is complicated by the lack of green chemistry
      graft copolymer synthesis approach, high grafting process cost, complications and
      hazards, and the formed graft copolymers having unknown toxicity. Future research
      will need to address these matters to achieve a widespread commercialization and
      industrial application of alginate graft copolymers in oral drug delivery.

PMID- 22060281
TI  - Methods for co-culturing tumour and endothelial cells: systems and their
      applications.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The high levels of morbidity and mortality associated with cancer can
      be attributed to two main processes; the tumour's ability to rapidly proliferate
      and the process of metastasis. These key processes are facilitated by tumour
      induced angiogenesis, which causes existing blood vessels to branch off and
      actively grow towards the tumour providing it with the nutrients and oxygen
      required for growth and the avenue through which it can metastasise to invade
      other tissues. This process involves complex interactions between tumour and
      endothelial cells and is at the forefront of modern biomedical research as anti
      angiogenic therapies may hold the key to preventing tumour growth and spread.
      This review looks at modern co-culture systems used in the study of the tumour
      endothelial cell relationship highlighting the applications and weaknesses of
      each model and analysing their uses in various tumour-endothelial cell
      investigations. KEY FINDINGS: The tumour-endothelial cell relationship can be
      studied in vitro using co-culture systems that involve growing endothelial and
      tumour cells together so that the effects of dynamic interaction (either by
      direct cell contact or molecular cross-talk) can be monitored. These co-culture
      assays are quite accurate indicators of in-vivo growth and therefore allow more
      effective trialling of therapeutic treatments. CONCLUSIONS: The application of co
      culture systems are of fundamental importance to understanding the tumour
      endothelial cell relationship as they offer a method of in-vitro testing that is
      highly indicative of in-vivo processes. Co-cultures allow accurate testing, which
      is cost effective and therefore can be utilised in almost all laboratories, is
      reproducible and technically simple to perform and most importantly has
      biological relevancy. The importance of this form of testing is such that it
      warrants further investment of both time and money to enhance the methodology
      such as to eliminate some of the levels of variability.

PMID- 22060282
TI  - Hemin-coupled iron(III)-hydroxide nanoparticles show increased uptake in Caco-2
      cells.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The absorption of commonly used ferrous iron salts from intestinal
      segments at neutral to slightly alkaline pH is low, mainly because soluble
      ferrous iron is easily oxidized to poorly soluble ferric iron and ferrous iron
      but not ferric iron is carried by the divalent metal transporter DMT-1. Moreover,
      ferrous iron frequently causes gastrointestinal side effects. In iron(III)
      hydroxide nanoparticles hundreds of ferric iron atoms are safely packed in
      nanoscaled cores surrounded by a solubilising carbohydrate shell, yet
      bioavailability from such particles is insufficient when compared with ferrous
      salts. To increase their intestinal uptake iron(III)-hydroxide nanoparticles were
      coupled in this study with the protoporphyrin hemin, which undergoes carrier
      mediated uptake in the intestine. METHODS: Uptake of iron(III)-hydroxide
      nanoparticles with hemin covalently coupled by DCC reaction was measured in Caco
      2 cells with a colorimetric assay and visualized by transmission electron
      microscopy. KEY FINDINGS: Nanoparticles were taken up by carrier-mediated
      transport, since uptake was temperature-dependent and increased with an
      increasing hemin substitution grade. Furthermore, uptake decreased with an
      increasing concentration of free hemin, due to competition for carrier-mediated
      uptake. CONCLUSIONS: Hemin-coupled iron(III)-hydroxide nanoparticles were carried
      by a heme specific transport system, probably via receptor mediated endocytosis.
      It can be expected that this system shows improved absorption of iron compared
      with uncoupled iron(III)-hydroxide nanoparticles, which exist on the market
      today.

PMID- 22060283
TI  - Spray-dried oil-in-water emulsion to improve the intestinal absorption and oral
      bioavailability of ZLR-8, a nitric oxide-releasing derivative of diclofenac.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Spray-dried emulsion (SDE) was prepared and characterized to improve
      the intestinal absorption and oral bioavailability of ZLR-8, a nitric oxide
      releasing derivative of diclofenac, currently under preclinical development.
      METHODS: The intestinal absorption of ZLR-8 was characterized by single pass
      intestinal perfusion technique to obtain its absorption and permeability
      parameters. SDE of ZLR-8 was prepared and characterized by particle size
      measurements and in-vitro release study. Accurate and precise RP-HPLC methods for
      the detection of ZLR-8 and its metabolite diclofenac were constructed to perform
      the bioavailability study. KEY FINDINGS: It was demonstrated that ZLR-8 was
      absorbed in the whole intestine, of which the duodenum segment exhibited the
      largest absorption ability. ZLR-8 can be classified into BCS Class 2. SDE
      significantly enhanced the intestinal absorption rate of ZLR-8 in duodenum and
      jejunum but had indistinctive effect on permeability. All concentrations of ZLR-8
      in rat plasma was lower than the limit of detection. A bicompartment model gave
      the best fit to the plasma diclofenac concentration-time curves. Calculated on
      AUC(0-12h) , the mean relative bioavailability of SDE was 105.4-fold that of ZLR
      8 suspension. CONCLUSIONS: SDE significantly improved the intestinal absorption
      of ZLR-8 and resulted in a dramatic improvement in its bioavailability.

PMID- 22060284
TI  - Formulation of solid dispersion of rebamipide evaluated in a rat model for
      improved bioavailability and efficacy.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Rebamipide, a novel anti-ulcer agent, is listed in biopharmaceutics
      classification class IV because of its low aqueous solubility and permeability.
      Consequently, the bioavailability of rebamipide is under 10% in humans. The aim
      of this study was to increase the solubility and determine the effect of
      solubility enhancement on the bioavailability and efficacy of rebamipide (RBM).
      METHODS: After taking into account the physiochemical properties of RBM
      (solubility, melting point, dosage etc.), solid dispersion was chosen as the
      solubility enhancement method. A rebamipide solid dispersion system containing
      the drug, l-lysine, PVP-VA 64 and poloxamer 407 was obtained from a spray-drying
      method. Solubility enhancement of RBM from the solid dispersion was determined by
      a dissolution test in 900 ml at pH 1.2. The bioavailability and efficacy of RBM
      solid dispersion were evaluated in a rat model. KEY FINDINGS: The aqueous
      solubility of RBM was improved 62.17 times by solid dispersion. The oral
      bioavailability of the drug was also increased 1.74-fold from solid dispersion
      compared with the reference product in a rat model. With regard to the anti-ulcer
      effect, the percentage inhibition of the solid dispersion was 2.71 times higher
      than that of the reference product in the ulcer-induced rat model. CONCLUSIONS: A
      solid dispersion of rebamipide was successfully formulated using the spray-drying
      method. Bioavailability and efficacy of rebamipide were increased significantly
      by solubility enhancement of the drug.

PMID- 22060285
TI  - An investigation on the correlation between drug dissolution properties and the
      growth behaviour of granules in high shear mixer.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the correlation between the
      growth behaviour and in-vitro dissolution rate of water-insoluble drugs prepared
      with high-shear wet granulation. METHODS: Granules containing nimodipine,
      microcrystalline cellulose, low-substituted hydroxypropylcellulose and aqueous
      solution of hydroxypropylcellulose were prepared and the effects of independent
      process variables, including impeller speed and liquid-to-solid ratio were taken
      into consideration. The mean granule size, granule-size distribution (GSD),
      porosity and surface properties were monitored at different kneading times to
      identify the granule-growth mechanisms simultaneously. A computer-based method
      was applied to simulate the dissolution behaviour of polydisperse granules based
      on the GSD data. KEY FINDINGS: The in-vitro dissolution rate of drug was high for
      the early stages of granulation and sharply decreased when coalescence and
      consolidation of granules started, approaching a flat and low level when granules
      were sufficiently consolidated. The simulated dissolution results were in
      agreement with experimental observations and were significantly affected by the
      GSD, porosity and surface properties of granules during the granulation process.
      Moreover the GSD was directly related to the granule-growth behaviour and
      mechanisms. CONCLUSIONS: In general, it was concluded that the dissolution
      properties of nimodipine basically correlated with the growth behaviour of
      granules in a high-shear mixer. The simulation method based on GSD can be used as
      a convenient and rapid way to predict the dissolution properties for formulation
      development and granulation optimization.

PMID- 22060286
TI  - A sensitive liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry method for the
      intracellular and plasma quantification of raltegravir after solid-phase
      extraction.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry for the
      quantification of raltegravir in human plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear
      cells has been developed. METHODS: Sample preparations were based on a fully
      automated solid-phase extraction process. Mass spectrometric data were acquired
      in a single-ion monitoring method. Raltegravir and quinoxaline, the internal
      standard, were well separated in a gradient mode over 15 min. KEY FINDINGS:
      Validation study exhibited excellent linearity, with good intra- and inter-day
      precision and accuracy. CONCLUSIONS: The assay was successfully applied to the
      raltegravir quantification in HIV-infected patients.

PMID- 22060287
TI  - Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) prevents methotrexate-induced hepatorenal
      oxidative injury in rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory
      effects of caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) on the methotrexate (MTX)-induced
      hepatorenal oxidative damage in rats. METHODS: Following a single dose of
      methotrexate (20 mg/kg), either vehicle (MTX group) or CAPE (10 umol/kg, MTX +
      CAPE group) was administered for five days. In other rats, vehicle (control
      group) or CAPE was injected for five days, following a single dose of saline
      injection. After decapitation of the rats, trunk blood was obtained, and the
      liver and kidney tissues were removed for histological examination and for the
      measurement of malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels and
      myeloperoxidase (MPO) and sodium potassium-adenosine triphosphatase (Na(+)/K(+) 
      ATPase) activity. TNF-alpha and IL-1beta levels were measured in the blood. KEY
      FINDINGS: Methotrexate administration increased the tissue MDA levels, MPO
      activity and decreased GSH levels and Na(+)/K(+) -ATPase activity, while these
      alterations were reversed in the CAPE-treated MTX group. Elevated TNF-alpha and
      IL-1beta levels were also reduced with CAPE treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The results
      of this study revealed that CAPE, through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
      actions, alleviates methotrexate-induced oxidative damage, which suggests that
      CAPE may be of therapeutic benefit when used with methotrexate.

PMID- 22060288
TI  - Analysing the role of COX-2 in acute oesophagitis and in melatonin-exerted
      protection against experimental reflux oesophagitis in rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Cyclooxygenase(COX)-2 is implicated in variety of pathophysiological
      processes, although its role in acute reflux oesophagitis is debatable. This
      study was designed to evaluate the role of COX-2 during oesophagitis and in
      melatonin-elicited protection in rats. METHODS: Reflux oesophagitis was induced
      in rats by ligating the pyloric end and the limiting ridge of the stomach for 5
      h. Celecoxib (COX-2 blocker; 10 mg/kg), 16,16-dimethyl prostaglandinE(2)
      (dmPGE(2); a synthetic analogue of PGE(2) ; 10 ug/kg), melatonin (20 and 40
      mg/kg) and omeprazole (10 mg/kg) were given intra-peritoneally 45 min before
      induction of oesophagitis in rats. Alterations in COX-1 and 2 gene expression and
      protein levels level were analysed via RT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively.
      Mucosal PGE(2) level and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity were measured using an
      enzyme immunoassay (EIA) kit and spectrophotometrically, respectively. KEY
      FINDINGS: COX-2 over-expression during reflux oesophagitis promotes inflammation
      of the oesophagus as celecoxib pretreatment significantly reduced tissue damage
      and MPO activity in rats with reflux oesophagitis (RE-rats). By contrast,
      dmPGE(2) pretreatment significantly exacerbated tissue injury and simultaneously
      increased COX-2 expression, PGE(2) levels and MPO activity in RE-rats. Further,
      melatonin pretreatment significantly reduced the tissue injury, COX-2 over
      expression, PGE(2) level and MPO activity in RE-rats. Melatonin offered more
      potent suppression of COX-2, PGE(2) and MPO activity than the proton-pump
      inhibitor omeprazole; however, both reduced the lesion injury to a similar
      extent. Melatonin at a dose of 20 mg/kg failed to inhibit significantly the
      dmPGE(2) -induced tissue damage, COX-2 expression, PGE(2) level and MPO activity
      in RE-rats while at a higher dose of 40 mg/kg it significantly attenuated these
      changes. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that COX-2 plays an important pro
      inflammatory role during acute reflux oesophagitis in rats and its inhibition
      contributes significantly to melatonin-exerted protection against reflux
      oesophagitis.

PMID- 22060289
TI  - Ergosta-4,6,8(14),22-tetraen-3-one isolated from Polyporus umbellatus prevents
      early renal injury in aristolochic acid-induced nephropathy rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Aristolochic acid (AA) nephropathy, first reported as Chinese herbs
      nephropathy, is a rapidly progressive tubulointerstitial nephropathy that results
      in severe anemia, interstitial fibrosis and end-stage renal disease.
      Tubulointerstitial injury was studied in a rat model of AA nephropathy to
      determine whether ergosta-4,6,8(14),22-tetraen-3-one (ergone) treatment prevents
      early renal injury in rats with aristolochic acid I-induced nephropathy. METHODS:
      Early renal injury via renal interstitial fibrosis was induced in rats by
      administration of aristolochic acid I (AAI) solution intragastrically for 8
      weeks. Ninety-six rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 24/group): (1)
      control (2) AAI (3) AAI + ergone (10 mg/kg) and (4) AAI + ergone (20 mg/kg).
      Blood and urine samples were collected and rat were sacrificed for histological
      assessment of the kidneys on at the end of weeks 2, 4, 6 and 8. KEY FINDINGS: AAI
      caused progressive elevation of blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, potassium,
      sodium, chlorine, proteinuria and urinary N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG).
      Ergone suppressed elevation of blood urea, nitrogen, creatinine, proteinuria and
      urinary NAG to some degree, but the AAI-ergone-treated group did not differ from
      AAI-treated group for body weight, serum potassium, sodium and chlorine. The
      progress of the lesions in the kidney after AAI administration was also observed
      by histopathological examinations, but kidneys from rats of AAI-ergone-treated
      group displayed fewer lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Ergone treatment conferred protection
      against early renal injury in a rat model of AA nephropathy. Early administration
      of ergone may prevent the progression of renal injury and the subsequent renal
      fibrosis in AA nephropathy.

PMID- 22060290
TI  - Monascus purpureus-fermented rice inhibits tumor necrosis factor-alpha-induced
      upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase 2 and 9 in human aortic smooth muscle
      cells.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Inflammation is associated with atherosclerosis. Cholestin (Monascus
      purpureus-fermented rice) contains a naturally occurring statin, which has lipid
      modulating, anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects. This study aimed to
      investigate the effects of Cholestin extract on the expression of matrix
      metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9 by tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha-treated
      human aortic smooth muscle cells (HASMCs). METHODS: Zymography, reverse
      transcription polymerase chain reaction and immunoblot analyses were used for
      analysis of MMP expression of TNF-alpha-stimulated HASMCs. Gel shift assay was
      used for analysis of transcription factor nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB)
      activation. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was also
      analysed. KEY FINDINGS: The supplement of HASMCs with Cholestin extract
      significantly suppresses enzymatic activities of MMP-2 and MMP-9 in TNF-alpha
      stimulated HASMCs. RT-PCR and immunoblot analyses show that Cholestin extract
      significantly attenuates TNF-alpha-induced mRNA and protein expressions of MMP-2
      and MMP-9. Gel shift assays show that Cholestin treatment reduces TNF-alpha
      activated NF-kappaB. Furthermore, Cholestin also attenuates intracellular ROS
      generation in TNF-alpha-treated HASMCs. The supplement with an ROS scavenger N
      acetyl-cysteine (glutathione precursor) gives similar results to Cholestin.
      CONCLUSIONS: Cholestin reduces TNF-alpha-stimulated MMP-2 and MMP-9 expression as
      well as downregulating NF-kappaB activation and intracellular ROS formation in
      HASMCs, supporting the notion that the natural compound Cholestin may have
      potential application in clinical atherosclerosis disease.

PMID- 22060291
TI  - Effects of Ganoderma lucidum polysaccharides on IEC-6 cell proliferation,
      migration and morphology of differentiation benefiting intestinal epithelium
      healing in vitro.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Restoration of epithelial continuity in the intestinal surface after
      extensive destruction is important since intestinal epithelial cells stand as a
      boundary between the body's internal and external environment. Polysaccharides
      from Ganoderma lucidum (Gl-PS) may benefit intestinal epithelial wound healing in
      different aspects, which awaits clarification. To identify potential effects, a
      non-transformed small-intestinal epithelial cell line, IEC-6 cells, was used.
      METHODS: Effects on epithelial cell proliferation, migration, morphology of
      differentiation and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) protein
      expression, as well as the cellular ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) mRNA and c-Myc
      mRNA expression, were assessed, respectively, by MTT assay, wound model in vitro,
      observation under a microscope after hematoxylin and eosin staining, enzyme
      linked immunosorbent assay and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction
      assays. KEY FINDINGS: It was shown that Gl-PS stimulated IEC-6 cell proliferation
      and migration significantly in a dose-dependent manner; 10 ug/ml Gl-PS improved
      the morphology of differentiation in IEC-6 cells. Inefficacy in expression of TGF
      beta in IEC-6 cells indicated a possible TGF-beta independent action of Gl-PS.
      However, Gl-PS increased ODC mRNA and c-Myc mRNA expression in a dose-dependent
      manner, indicating, at least partially possible involvement of ODC and c-Myc gene
      expression in improvement of intestinal wound healing. CONCLUSIONS: These results
      suggest the potential usefulness of Gl-PS to cure intestinal disorders
      characterized by injury and ineffective repair of the intestinal mucosa.

PMID- 22060292
TI  - Curcumin: a potential therapeutic polyphenol, prevents noradrenaline-induced
      hypertrophy in rat cardiac myocytes.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study was designed to evaluate the effect of curcumin on H9c2
      cardiac cell line and primary rat cardiac myocytes, using purified noradrenaline
      as a hypertrophy-inducing agent. METHODS: The concentration of curcumin at which
      cells were treated was determined by MTT (3-(4,5-dimethyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2,5
      diphenyl tetrazolium bromide) assay. The effect of this safe dose in preventing
      noradrenaline-induced cardiac hypertrophy was assessed by biochemical analysis
      (estimating total protein content), molecular analysis (using RT-PCR to study the
      expression of fetal genes like ANF), immunological analysis (by determining the
      nuclear localization of GATA-4) and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA;
      to study DNA binding activity of GATA-4). KEY FINDINGS: Curcumin at a
      concentration of 8 um was found to suppress the increase in cell size, protein
      content and enhanced marker gene expression (ANF) caused by noradrenaline.
      Immunocytochemistry and Western blot analysis showed that curcumin suppressed the
      localization of transcription factor GATA-4 in the nucleus. It also showed a
      reduced DNA-binding activity in the presence of noradrenaline as confirmed by
      EMSA. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that curcumin reduces the hypertrophic
      marker gene expression by inhibiting nuclear localization and DNA binding
      activity of GATA-4. Thus it has a great anti-hypertrophic potential.

PMID- 22060293
TI  - Effects of various flavonoids isolated from Scutellaria baicalensis roots on skin
      damage in acute UVB-irradiated hairless mice.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Solar ultraviolet (UV) radiation causes skin damage including
      increasing skin thickness, edema and flush. Scutellaria baicalensis roots have
      been traditionally used as a remedy for allergic inflammatory diseases in China
      and Japan. In this study, we examined the effects of four flavonoids isolated
      from these roots, namely 2',5, 5',7-tetrahydroxy-6',8-dimethoxyflavone (1),
      skullcapflavone II (2), 2(S)-2',5,6',7-tetrahydroxyflavanone (3) and 2(R), 3(R)
      2',3,5,6',7-pentahydroxyflavanone (4), on acute UVB irradiation-induced skin
      damage in hairless mice. METHODS: The four flavonoids were orally administered
      twice daily, at doses of 10 and 50 mg/kg, for 14 consecutive days. The UVB
      irradiation was performed at a dose of 200 mJ cm(-2) on days 7 and 8 after
      beginning oral administration of the four flavonoids. KEY FINDINGS: Compounds 1
      and 4 prevented increases in skin thickness, levels of matrix metalloproteinases
      (MMP)-2 and MMP-9, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) induced by UVB
      irradiation. The other two flavonoids 2 and 3 had no effect. CONCLUSIONS:
      Compounds 1 and 4 isolated from Scutellaria baicalensis roots may be useful for
      preventing skin inflammation induced by acute UVB irradiation.

PMID- 22060296
TI  - Obituary: dr w. J. Scott (1911-1993).

PMID- 22060294
TI  - Summer-winter switching of the Ramadan fasts in people with diabetes living in
      temperate regions.

PMID- 22060297
TI  - 1,5-glucono-delta-lactone-induced gelation of myofibrillar protein at chilled
      temperatures.
AB  - In this study 1,5-glucono-delta-lactone was used to achieve acid-induced gelation
      of myofibrillar proteins at 4  degrees C. The characteristics of the myofibrillar
      gels were investigated by measuring Young's modulus and springiness. The effects
      of addition of sodium chloride and tetrasodium pyrophosphate on gel
      characteristics were also studied. Sodium chloride increased the Young's modulus
      of myofibrillar protein gels in the presence and absence of 1,5-glucono-delta
      lactone, while tetrasodium pyrophosphate had no observable effect on the gels
      until the pH decreased to 4.1, when the Young's modulus was enhanced.

PMID- 22060298
TI  - Ultrastructural changes of myofibrillar protein gelled with 1,5-glucono-delta
      lactone at chilled temperatures.
AB  - Changes in the ultrastructure of myofibrillar protein as a result of 1,5-glucono
      delta-lactone-induced gelation at chilled temperatures were investigated using
      transmission electron microscopy. The myofibril structure appeared to have
      completely disintegrated at pH 4.0 resulting in a granular, amorphous appearance.
      It was suggested that as the pH was lowered to about 4.5, partial extraction of
      the A-band proteins occurred. A composite system of a myosin gel network
      reinforced by the residual myofibrillar structure was proposed to have formed. As
      the pH was lowered further, complete depolymerisation of actomyosin was suggested
      to have resulted in the formation of a predominantly myosin gel. The inclusion of
      sodium chloride resulted in swelling of the myofibrillar protein and retention of
      the myofibrillar structure to pH 3.8.

PMID- 22060299
TI  - Chemical, physical and sensory attributes for the characterization of an Italian
      dry-cured sausage.
AB  - This work was designed to characterize Felino salami, an Italian dry-cured
      sausage. For this purpose, a wide range of chemical, physical and sensory
      parameters were studied in 29 samples. Seven chemical and physical variables were
      selected by using principal components analysis: namely, pH, NaCl/moisture,
      moisture/protein, soluble N/protein, lactic acid, elasticity index and sample
      luminosity (L(*)). The first two principal components were significant according
      to double-cross validation and accounted for 79% of variance. The seven-variable
      chemometric model shows that variability in the first principal component is
      determined by variables expressing the acidity and the extent of lactic
      fermentation, while the second component is determined by variables expressing
      the degree of ripening and is related to the sensory scores maturation and
      hardness, and to salami age (p < 0.001). Sensory scores were evaluated by a
      multivariate method to verify the consonance among assessors as to the different
      attributes. The semi-trained panel was consonant and reliable for five of the
      nine sensory attributes evaluated. The predictive ability of the chemometric
      model for the sensory attributes was assessed with cross-validation.

PMID- 22060300
TI  - Potassium chloride, potassium lactate and glycine as sodium chloride substitutes
      in fermented sausages and in dry-cured pork loin.
AB  - Salt is essential in the elaboration of dry meat products, contributing to their
      texture and flavour development. The effect brought about by substituting NaCl
      with KCl (0-60%), potassium lactate (0-100%) and glycine (0-100%) on the texture,
      flavour and colour characteristics of fermented sausages and dry-cured pork loins
      was evaluated. Texture profile analysis and a sensory analysis were performed.
      Important flavour defects were detected with substitutions above 40% for the
      three substituents in both products, and with substitutions above 30% for glycine
      in dry-cured loin. A loss of cohesiveness was detected by the sensory analysis in
      fermented sausages at substitution levels higher than 30% with potassium lactate
      (K-lactate) and higher than 50% with glycine. Although the instrumental analysis
      detected texture changes in dry-cured loin, the sensory analysis did not detect
      any substitution effect on texture.

PMID- 22060301
TI  - Effect of pre-rigor stretch and various constant temperatures on the rate of post
      mortem pH fall, rigor mortis and some quality traits of excised porcine biceps
      femoris muscle strips.
AB  - Porcine biceps femoris strips of 10 cm original length were stretched by 50% and
      fixed within 1 hr post mortem then subjected to temperatures of 4  degrees , 15 
      degrees  or 36  degrees C until they attained their ultimate pH. Unrestrained
      control muscle strips, which were left to shorten freely, were similarly treated.
      Post-mortem metabolism (pH, R-value) and shortening were recorded; thereafter
      ultimate meat quality traits (pH, lightness, extraction and swelling of
      myofibrils) were determined. The rate of pH fall at 36  degrees C, as well as ATP
      breakdown at 36 and 4  degrees C, were significantly reduced by pre-rigor
      stretch. The relationship between R-value and pH indicated cold shortening at 4 
      degrees C. Myofibrils isolated from pre-rigor stretched muscle strips kept at 36 
      degrees C showed the most severe reduction of hydration capacity, while paleness
      remained below extreme values. However, pre-rigor stretched myofibrils - when
      stored at 4  degrees C - proved to be superior to shortened ones in their
      extractability and swelling.

PMID- 22060302
TI  - The effects of the ultimate pH of meat on tenderness changes during ageing.
AB  - A range of ultimate pH (pH(u)) values, from 5.4 to 7.2, was produced in the m.
      longissimus thoracicum et lumborum (LD) of 55 sheep by subcutaneous injections of
      adrenaline, or by injection and subsequent exercise. The rate constant of ageing
      for each of 47 animals was calculated from shear force measurements, taken at
      intervals for up to 5 days from the LD held at 12 dgC. The relationship between
      the ageing rate and pH(u) could be adequately described by the equation rate
      constant (k) = 4.109 - 1.349(pH) + 0.1111(pH)(2); r(2) = 0.707, with a minimum
      rate constant at pH 6.07. The loin muscles from eight carcasses were selected to
      determine the effects of ultimate pH on the initial, unaged toughness value.
      Calpain activity was inhibited by intramuscular injection of ZnCl(2) dissolved in
      saline, and the muscles were aged at 10-12  degrees C on the carcass for up to 6
      days. At all values of pH(u) (5.4-6.7), tenderness as measured by shear force
      were equivalent, from which it was concluded that the initial toughness of unaged
      lamb was not affected by pH(u). In the contralateral, untreated muscle, ageing
      was measured using both shear force measurement and changes in the myofibrillar
      fragmentation index (MFI). After 1 day, the intermediate pH range (5.8-6.2) has
      the highest shear force and the lowest fragmentation index value. However, in
      contrast to the shear force values, the ultimate MFI value in aged muscle was
      lowest in the high pH(u) range (6.4-6.7; minimum value at 6.4). The highest
      fragmentation values were found at the low pH(u) range. These observations
      suggest that pH(u)-related tenderness differences in meat result from different
      rates of ageing in the post rigor period, and therefore that these differences
      disappear following a sufficient ageing period. The slowest rate of tenderization
      measured on cooked meat was observed at pH(u) values around 6.07, but the least
      fragmentation of raw meat was observed at pH(u) values around 6.4, a difference
      of almost 0.33 pH unit.

PMID- 22060303
TI  - Influence of protein isolate from lupin seeds (Lupinus albus ssp. Graecus) on
      processing and quality characteristics of frankfurters.
AB  - Lupin protein isolate (92% protein) from seeds of Lupinus albus ssp. Graecus
      (LSPI) was used as powder ingredient for the manufacture of frankfurters at
      levels 0, 1, 2 and 3% of the formulation weight. Additional 1% water was added
      during batter formulation to each 1% protein used. LSPI increased (P < 0.05) the
      pH and viscosity of batter and reduced the jelly separation. Increasing the LSPI
      level resulted in higher (P < 0.05) processing yield and lower (P < 0.05) purge
      accumulation, redness and visual colour scores and hardness of frankfurters.
      Significant differences in overall acceptability were not found among the control
      and frankfurters with 1% and 2% LSPI. Frankfurters with 3% LSPI were judged as
      unacceptable. Incorporation of LSPI at 1% level either in hydrated form or as
      stabilizer in pre-emulsified fat improved the processing characteristics and
      overall acceptability of frankfurters made with LSPI as powder ingredient and did
      not affect the color and texture.

PMID- 22060304
TI  - Rapid method for determining water-holding capacity in meat using video image
      analysis and simple formulae.
AB  - To accelerate measurement of the water-holding capacity (WHC) of meat by the
      press method, video image analysis (VIA) and formulae were investigated. The
      areas of meat and meat liquid on filter paper were little affected by changes in
      the operating conditions of the VIA system. VIA is associated with greater
      repeatability, less variation due to operators and was less time consuming than
      planimetry. When VIA was applied to a variety of fresh meats (beef, pork, chicken
      and duck meat), it was possible to measure the areas of meat and liquid on filter
      paper under a translucent plastic plate, immediately after pressing, without
      drawing an outline of the meat area. VIA was also able to measure cooked meat.
      Drying on filter paper decreased the areas of meat and liquid slightly but hardly
      changed the meat/liquid area ratio. The meat/liquid area ratio was correlated (P
      < 0.01, r = 0.92) with the WHC measurements obtained by conventional formulae
      including sample moisture. VIA combined with mmeat/liquid ratio is a rapid stable
      and efficient technique for measuring WHC by the press method.

PMID- 22060305
TI  - TBA test by an extractive method applied to 'pate'.
AB  - The aim of this work was to study the influence of different conditions on the
      thiobarbituric acid (TBA) test, determined by the extractive method, as a measure
      of lipid oxidation in 'pate'. Different extracting agents (trichloroacetic acid
      and trichloroacetic acid in 2 M phosphoric acid), different concentrations of
      these acids (10, 15 and 20%), different reaction times and temperatures (35 min
      at 100  degrees C and 900 min at room temperature) and the effect of
      sulfanilamide additions were evaluated. All the samples were measured by HP 8451A
      Diode ARRAY spectrophotometer at 532 nm. Significant differences between 35 and
      900 min of MA-TBA reaction time were found. Highest TBA numbers were found in
      samples with a reaction time of 35 min in a thermostatically controlled waterbath
      at 100  degrees C, rather than 900 min at room temperature. Lowest TBA numbers
      were found in samples with the addition of sulfanilamide rather than without it.
      The 10% TCA solution gave the best recovery percentages for 'pate', making it the
      preferred extractant.

PMID- 22060306
TI  - Use of electrical stimulation, hot processing and carrageenan for processing low
      fat ground beef patties.
AB  - Three studies were conducted to determine the effects of electrical stimulation,
      hot processing and carrageenan usage on sensory, shear force and cooking
      properties of low-fat (5, 10%) beef patties. The right or left sides of beef
      carcasses assigned to electrical stimulation (ES) received 600 V pulsating
      current for 120 s. Non-stimulated (NS) sides were also included for comparisons.
      Sides subjected to hot processing (HP) were boned 90 min post-exsanguination.
      Cold processing (CP) was initiated 48 h post mortem. Formulations for the
      manufacture of patties included the use of carrageenan [none, 0.5% iota (iota),
      0.5% kappa (kappa)]. Patties from NSHP beef had higher pH and cooking yields,
      less shrink in patty dimensions during cooking and lower shear force values than
      patties from NSCP controls (P < 0.05). ES improved tenderness and juiciness of CP
      patties, while ESHP patties exhibited higher cooking yields than NSCP patties.
      Tenderness was improved in two of the three studies as a result of increasing the
      fat content from 5 to 10%. Use of iota-carrageenan provided improvements in
      tenderness and juiciness over patties receiving no carrageenan or kappa
      carrageenan. Processors should consider HP with 1.0% added salt (improved cooking
      yields, patty configuration, tenderness) and the use of iota-carrageenan
      (improved tenderness and juiciness) for low-fat beef patties.

PMID- 22060308
TI  - Full-thickness local soft tissue atrophy following steroid injection to greater
      occipital nerve.

PMID- 22060309
TI  - The coronary sinus reducer stent for the treatment of chronic angina pectoris.

PMID- 22060310
TI  - The neuropathic pain diagnosed with the grading system is different from pain
      defined with the definition of neuropathic pain.

PMID- 22060312
TI  - alpha-Haemoglobin regulates sympathoadrenal cell metabolism to maintain a
      catecholaminergic phenotype.
AB  - Discovery of haemoglobin A expression outside of the erythroid cell lineage
      suggests that oxygen transport is the main, but not the unique, function of adult
      haemoglobin chains in mammals. The contribution of haemoglobin A to antioxidant
      defences has been proposed in the territories where it is expressed.
      Catecholaminergic cells rely on an active oxidative metabolism to accomplish
      their biological function, but are exposed to strong oxidative stress due to
      metabolism of catecholaminergic transmitters. We show in the present study that
      peripheral catecholaminegic cells express the alpha- and not the beta-haemoglobin
      A chains, and that alpha-haemoglobin expression could modulate the antioxidant
      capabilities of these cells. We also show that alpha-haemoglobin overexpression
      in PC12 cells leads to a selective increase of tyrosine hydroxylase synthesis and
      activity. This is achieved by means of a reorganization of antioxidant defences,
      decreasing cytoplasmic glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase, and
      increasing mitochondrial peroxidase. Moreover, alpha-haemoglobin induces a
      decrease in lipogenesis and increase in lipid degradation, situations that help
      save NAD(P)H and favour supply of acetyl-CoA to the tricarboxylic acid cycle and
      production of reducing equivalents in the cell. All of these results point to a
      role for alpha-haemoglobin as a regulator of catecholaminergic cell metabolism
      required for phenotype acquisition and maintenance.

PMID- 22060313
TI  - Effect of chain unsaturation on the self-association of tri- and tetraethylene
      glycol octyl ethers obtained by butadiene telomerization.
AB  - 2,7-Octadienyl ethers of tri- and tetraethylene glycol (C(8:2)E(3) and
      C(8:2)E(4)) have been synthesized by the atom-economical butadiene telomerization
      of the corresponding poly(ethylene glycols). On one hand, this synthetic path is
      attractive because it is expeditious and environmentally benign, and on the other
      hand, it provides unconventional amphiphiles for which the lipophilic chains
      possess two double bonds. These two unsaturations increase the global
      hydrophilicity of the compound, which is also highlighted by the modelization of
      the compounds using the conductor-like screening model for real solvents (COSMO
      RS). The behavior of C(8:2)E(3) and C(8:2)E(4) in binary amphiphile/water and
      ternary amphiphile/oil/water systems is therefore greatly modified compared to
      that of the conventional fully saturated homologues (C(8)E(3) and C(8)E(4)) that
      are easily obtained after hydrogenation. This results in a lowered efficiency of
      the unsaturated compounds for oil solubilization. The usual Winsor-type
      microemulsion systems are formed, and for the same oil, the DLS investigation of
      the microstructure of the Winsor I microemulsion does not highlight any
      difference in the self-association between the unsaturated and saturated
      compounds.

PMID- 22060314
TI  - Composition and antibacterial activity of essential oil from Scutellaria grossa
      Wall ex Benth.
AB  - The chemical composition of the steam volatile oil of the whole aerial part of
      Scutellaria grossa Wall ex Benth. (Lamiaceae), obtained by steam distillation,
      has been analysed by capillary GC and GC-MS. The oil was found to be rich in
      oxygenated monoterpenes (88.6%). A total of 50 constituents were identified,
      representing 94.4% of the total oil composition. Linalool (37.0%) and 1-octen-3
      ol (32.0%) were found to be the principal constituents. The antibacterial
      activity of the oil was determined against 10 bacterial strains by measuring the
      growth inhibitory zones. The oil showed significant antibacterial activity
      against Gram-positive bacteria, Bacillus subtilis and Enterococcus faecalis, and
      the Gram-negative, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Salmonella enterica enterica. A
      minimum inhibitory concentration of 31.25 uL mL(-1) was observed against E.
      faecalis.

PMID- 22060315
TI  - The association of health and employment in mature women: a longitudinal study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite a reduction in income inequalities between men and women,
      there is still a large gap between income and retirement savings of Australian
      men and women. This is especially true for women who have health or disability
      problems. Mature age women are closest to retirement and, therefore, have less
      chance than younger women to build up enough retirement savings and may need to
      continue working to fund their older age. Continued workforce participation may
      be particularly difficult for women who are less healthy. Understanding which
      health problems lead to a decrease in workforce participation among mature age
      women is crucial. Therefore, this longitudinal study sought to identify which
      health problems are associated with employment among midage women over time.
      METHODS: Data were analyzed from the midage cohort of the Australian Longitudinal
      Study on Women's Health (ALSWH), which involved 14,200 midage women (aged 45-50
      years in 1996). The women have been surveyed four additional times, in 1998,
      2001, 2004, and 2007. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to conduct
      nested multivariate longitudinal analyses. RESULTS: The percentages of women who
      were employed in the years 2001, 2004, and 2007 were 77%, 72%, and 68%,
      respectively. Results were adjusted for sociodemographic variables. Being
      employed decreased as physical and mental health deteriorated and with self
      reported conditions: diabetes, high blood pressure, depression, anxiety, and
      other psychiatric conditions. Back pain, arthritis, cancer, obesity, and being a
      current smoker are associated with employment but not when quality of life is
      added to the model. CONCLUSIONS: There were significant associations between
      health and employment. Understanding these relationships could inform policies
      and guidelines for preventing declines in employment in mature age women.

PMID- 22060316
TI  - Negative velocity fluctuations of pulled reaction fronts.
AB  - The position of a reaction front, propagating into an unstable state, fluctuates
      because of the shot noise. What is the probability that the fluctuating front
      moves considerably slower than its deterministic counterpart? Can the noise
      arrest the front motion for some time, or even make it move in the wrong
      direction? We present a WKB theory that assumes many particles in the front
      region and answers these questions for the microscopic model A?2A and random
      walk.

PMID- 22060317
TI  - Unraveling a Brownian particle's memory with effective mode chains.
AB  - Memory effects in quantum dynamical processes involving structured environments
      are presently difficult, if not impossible, to investigate using standard
      approaches. Progress can be made by transforming the environmental variables to a
      suitable chain representation which effectively performs a Markovian embedding of
      the dynamics. Here, we show that this effective-mode chain representation
      provides a unique way of unraveling the memory kernel kappa(t) as a function of
      time. Truncated or Markov-closed chains with n effective modes exactly reproduce
      kappa(t) to the 4nth order in time, up to an irrelevant constant of order
      kappa(0)/n. These favorable convergence properties pave the way for efficient
      quantum simulations of fast (non-Markovian) processes by reduced dynamical
      models.

PMID- 22060318
TI  - Stochastic treatment of finite-N effects in mean-field systems and its
      application to the lifetimes of coherent structures.
AB  - A stochastic treatment yielding to the derivation of a general Fokker-Planck
      equation is presented to model the slow convergence toward equilibrium of mean
      field systems due to finite-N effects. The thermalization process involves
      notably the disintegration of coherent structures that may sustain out-of
      equilibrium quasistationary states. The time evolution of the fraction of
      particles remaining close to a mean-field potential trough is analytically
      computed. This indicator enables to estimate the lifetime of coherent structures
      and thermalization time scale in mean-field systems.

PMID- 22060319
TI  - Molten salt eutectics from atomistic simulations.
AB  - Despite their importance for solar thermal power applications, phase-diagrams of
      molten salt mixture heat transfer fluids (HTFs) are not readily accessible from
      first principles. We present a molecular dynamics scheme general enough to
      identify eutectics of any HTF candidate mixture. The eutectic mixture and
      temperature are located using the liquid mixture free energy and the pure
      component solid-liquid free energy differences. The liquid mixture free energy is
      obtained using thermodynamic integration over particle identity transmutations
      sampled with molecular dynamics at a single temperature. Drawbacks of
      conventional phase diagram mapping methodologies are avoided by not considering
      solid mixtures, thereby evading expensive computations of solid phase free
      energies. Numerical results for binary and ternary mixtures of alkali nitrates
      agree well with experimental measurements.

PMID- 22060320
TI  - Isostaticity of constraints in amorphous jammed systems of soft frictionless
      Platonic solids.
AB  - The average number of constraints per particle <C(total)> in mechanically stable
      amorphous systems of Platonic solids approaches the isostatic limit at the
      jamming point (<C(total)>->12), though average number of contacts are hypostatic.
      By introducing angular alignment metrics to classify the degree of constraint
      imposed by each contact, constraints are shown to arise as a direct result of
      local orientational order reflected in edge-face and face-face alignment angle
      distributions. With approximately one face-face contact per particle at jamming,
      chainlike face-face clusters form with finite extent--a signature of amorphous
      jammed systems.

PMID- 22060321
TI  - Incompressibility of polydisperse random-close-packed colloidal particles.
AB  - We use confocal microscopy to study the compressibility of a random-close-packed
      sample of colloidal particles. To do this, we introduce an algorithm to estimate
      the size of each particle. Taking into account their sizes, we compute the
      compressibility of the sample as a function of wave vector q, and find that this
      compressibility vanishes linearly as q->0, showing that the packing structure is
      incompressible. The particle sizes must be considered to calculate the
      compressibility properly. These results also suggest that the experimental
      packing is hyperuniform.

PMID- 22060322
TI  - Instability of a uniformly collapsing cloud of classical and quantum self
      gravitating Brownian particles.
AB  - We study the growth of perturbations in a uniformly collapsing cloud of self
      gravitating Brownian particles. This problem shares analogies with the formation
      of large-scale structures in a universe experiencing a "big-crunch" or with the
      formation of stars in a molecular cloud experiencing gravitational collapse.
      Starting from the barotropic Smoluchowski-Poisson system, we derive a new
      equation describing the evolution of the density contrast in the comoving
      (collapsing) frame. This equation can serve as a prototype to study the process
      of self-organization in complex media with structureless initial conditions. We
      solve this equation analytically in the linear regime and compare the results
      with those obtained by using the "Jeans swindle" in a static medium. The
      stability criteria, as well as the laws for the time evolution of the
      perturbations, differ. The Jeans criterion is expressed in terms of a critical
      wavelength lambda(J) while our criterion is expressed in terms of a critical
      polytropic index gamma(4/3). In a static background, the system is stable for
      lambda<lambda(J) and unstable for lambda>lambda(J). In a collapsing cloud, the
      system is stable for gamma>gamma(4/3) and unstable for gamma<gamma(4/3). If
      gamma=gamma(4/3), it is stable for lambda<lambda(J) and unstable for
      lambda>lambda(J). We also study the fragmentation process in the nonlinear
      regime. We determine the growth of the skewness, the long-wavelength tail of the
      power spectrum and find a self-similar solution to the nonlinear equations valid
      for large times. Finally, we consider dissipative self-gravitating Bose-Einstein
      condensates with short-range interactions and show that, in a strong friction
      limit, the dissipative Gross-Pitaevskii-Poisson system is equivalent to the
      quantum barotropic Smoluchowski-Poisson system. This yields new types of
      nonlinear mean-field Fokker-Planck equations, including quantum effects.

PMID- 22060323
TI  - Glassy phases and driven response of the phase-field-crystal model with random
      pinning.
AB  - We study the structural correlations and the nonlinear response to a driving
      force of a two-dimensional phase-field-crystal model with random pinning. The
      model provides an effective continuous description of lattice systems in the
      presence of disordered external pinning centers, allowing for both elastic and
      plastic deformations. We find that the phase-field crystal with disorder assumes
      an amorphous glassy ground state, with only short-ranged positional and
      orientational correlations, even in the limit of weak disorder. Under increasing
      driving force, the pinned amorphous-glass phase evolves into a moving plastic
      flow phase and then, finally, a moving smectic phase. The transverse response of
      the moving smectic phase shows a vanishing transverse critical force for
      increasing system sizes.

PMID- 22060324
TI  - Principal axes for stochastic dynamics.
AB  - We introduce a general procedure for directly ascertaining how many independent
      stochastic sources exist in a complex system modeled through a set of coupled
      Langevin equations of arbitrary dimension. The procedure is based on the
      computation of the eigenvalues and the corresponding eigenvectors of local
      diffusion matrices. We demonstrate our algorithm by applying it to two examples
      of systems showing Hopf bifurcation. We argue that computing the eigenvectors
      associated to the eigenvalues of the diffusion matrix at local mesh points in the
      phase space enables one to define vector fields of stochastic eigendirections. In
      particular, the eigenvector associated to the lowest eigenvalue defines the path
      of minimum stochastic forcing in phase space, and a transform to a new coordinate
      system aligned with the eigenvectors can increase the predictability of the
      system.

PMID- 22060326
TI  - Brownian dynamics of a self-propelled particle in shear flow.
AB  - Brownian dynamics of a self-propelled particle in linear shear flow is studied
      analytically by solving the Langevin equation and in simulation. The particle has
      a constant propagation speed along a fluctuating orientation and is additionally
      subjected to a constant torque. In two spatial dimensions, the mean trajectory
      and the mean square displacement (MSD) are calculated as functions of time t
      analytically. In general, the mean trajectories are cycloids that are modified by
      finite temperature effects. With regard to the MSD, different regimes are
      identified where the MSD scales with t(nu) with nu=0,1,2,3,4. In particular, an
      accelerated (nu=4) motion emerges if the particle is self-propelled along the
      gradient direction of the shear flow.

PMID- 22060325
TI  - Periodic one-dimensional hopping model with transitions between nonadjacent
      states.
AB  - A one-dimensional hopping model is useful for describing the motion of
      microscopic particles in a thermal noise environment. Recent experiments on the
      new generation of light-driven rotary molecular motors found that a motor in
      state i can jump forward to state i+1 or i+2 or backward to state i-1 or i-2
      directly. In this paper, inspired by these experiments, such a modified periodic
      one-dimensional hopping model with arbitrary period N is studied theoretically.
      The mean velocity, effective diffusion constant, and mean dwell time in one
      single mechanochemical cycle are obtained. The corresponding results are
      illustrated and verified by being applied to the synthetic rotary molecular
      motors.

PMID- 22060327
TI  - Multispecies model with interconversion, chipping, and injection.
AB  - Motivated by the phenomenology of transport through the Golgi apparatus of cells,
      we study a multispecies model with boundary injection of one species of particle,
      interconversion between the different species of particle, and driven diffusive
      movement of particles through the system by chipping of a single particle from a
      site. The model is analyzed in one dimension using equations for particle
      currents. It is found that, depending on the rates of various processes and the
      asymmetry in the hopping, the system may exist either in a steady phase, in which
      the average mass at each site attains a time-independent value, or in a "growing"
      phase, in which the total mass grows indefinitely in time, even in a finite
      system. The growing phases have interesting spatial structure. In particular, we
      find phases in which some spatial regions of the system have a constant average
      mass, while other regions show unbounded growth.

PMID- 22060328
TI  - Universal and nonuniversal amplitude ratios for scaling corrections on Ising
      strips.
AB  - We consider strips of Ising spins at criticality. For strips of width N sites,
      subdominant (additive) finite-size corrections to scaling are assumed to be of
      the form a(k)/N(k) for the free energy, and b(k)/N(k) for inverse correlation
      length, with integer values of k. We investigate the set {a(k),b(k)} (k>=2) by
      exact evaluation and numerical transfer-matrix diagonalization techniques, and
      their changes upon varying anisotropy of couplings, spin quantum number S, and
      (finite) interaction range, in all cases for both periodic (PBCs) and free (FBCs)
      boundary conditions across the strip. We find that the coefficient ratios
      b(k)/a(k) remain constant upon varying coupling anisotropy for S=1/2 and first
      neighbor couplings, for both PBCs and FBCs (albeit at distinct values in either
      case). Such apparently universal behavior is not maintained upon changes in S or
      interaction range.

PMID- 22060329
TI  - Noise associated with nonconservative forces in optical traps.
AB  - It is known that for a particle held in an optical trap the interaction of
      thermal fluctuations with a nonconservative scattering force can cause a
      persistent nonequilibrium probability flux in the particle position. We
      investigate position fluctuations associated with this nonequilibrium flux
      analytically and through simulation. We introduce a model which reproduces the
      nonequilibrium effects, and in which the magnitude of additional position
      fluctuations can be calculated in closed form. The ratio of additional
      nonconservative fluctuations to direct thermal fluctuations scales inversely with
      the square root of trap power, and is small for typical experimental parameters.
      In a simulated biophysical experiment the nonconservative scattering force does
      not significantly increase the observed fluctuations in the length of a double
      stranded DNA tether.

PMID- 22060330
TI  - Relaxation properties in a diffusive model of k-mers with constrained movements
      on a triangular lattice.
AB  - We study the relaxation process in a two-dimensional lattice gas model, based on
      the concept of geometrical frustration. In this model the particles are k-mers
      that can both randomly translate and rotate on the planar triangular lattice. In
      the absence of rotation, the diffusion of hard-core particles in crossed single
      file systems is investigated. We monitor, for different densities, several
      quantities: mean-square displacement, the self-part of the van Hove correlation
      function, and the self-intermediate scattering function. We observe a
      considerable slowing of diffusion on a long-time scale when suppressing the
      rotational motion of k-mers; our system is subdiffusive at intermediate times
      between the initial transient and the long-time diffusive regime. We show that
      the self-part of the van Hove correlation function exhibits, as a function of
      particle displacement, a stretched exponential decay at intermediate times. The
      self-intermediate scattering function (SISF), displaying slower than exponential
      relaxation, suggests the existence of heterogeneous dynamics. For each value of
      density, the SISF is well described by the Kohlrausch-Williams-Watts law; the
      characteristic timescale tau(q(n)) is found to decrease with the wave vector q(n)
      according to a simple power law. Furthermore, the slowing of the dynamics with
      density rho(0) is consistent with the scaling law 1/tau(q(n);rho(0))?(rho(c)
      rho(0))(kappa), with the same exponent kappa=3.34+/-0.12 for all wave vectors
      q(n). The density rho(c) is approximately equal to the closest packing limit,
      theta(CPL)?1, for dimers on the two-dimensional triangular lattice. The self
      diffusion coefficient D(s) scales with the same power-law exponent and critical
      density.

PMID- 22060331
TI  - Hamiltonian of mean force for damped quantum systems.
AB  - We consider a quantum system linearly coupled to a reservoir of harmonic
      oscillators. For finite coupling strengths, the stationary distribution of the
      damped system deviates from the predictions of standard thermodynamics. With the
      help of the quantum Hamiltonian of mean force, we quantify this deviation exactly
      for a harmonic oscillator and provide approximations in the limit of high and low
      temperatures and weak and strong couplings. Moreover, in the semiclassical
      regime, we use the quantum Smoluchowski equation to obtain results valid for any
      potential. We finally give a physical interpretation of the deviation in terms of
      the initial system-reservoir coupling.

PMID- 22060333
TI  - Statistical mechanical foundation of the peridynamic nonlocal continuum theory:
      energy and momentum conservation laws.
AB  - The purpose of this paper is to derive the energy and momentum conservation laws
      of the peridynamic nonlocal continuum theory using the principles of classical
      statistical mechanics. The peridynamic laws allow the consideration of
      discontinuous motion, or deformation, by relying on integral operators. These
      operators sum forces and power expenditures separated by a finite distance and so
      represent nonlocal interaction. The integral operators replace the differential
      divergence operators conventionally used, thereby obviating special treatment at
      points of discontinuity. The derivation presented employs a general multibody
      interatomic potential, avoiding the standard assumption of a pairwise
      decomposition. The integral operators are also expressed in terms of a stress
      tensor and heat flux vector under the assumption that these fields are
      differentiable, demonstrating that the classical continuum energy and momentum
      conservation laws are consequences of the more general peridynamic laws. An
      important conclusion is that nonlocal interaction is intrinsic to continuum
      conservation laws when derived using the principles of statistical mechanics.

PMID- 22060332
TI  - Time-dependent motor properties of multipedal molecular spiders.
AB  - Molecular spiders are synthetic biomolecular walkers that use the asymmetry
      resulting from cleavage of their tracks to bias the direction of their stepping
      motion. Using Monte Carlo simulations that implement the Gillespie algorithm, we
      investigate the dependence of the biased motion of molecular spiders, along with
      binding time and processivity, on tunable experimental parameters, such as number
      of legs, span between the legs, and unbinding rate of a leg from a substrate
      site. We find that an increase in the number of legs increases the spiders'
      processivity and binding time but not their mean velocity. However, we can
      increase the mean velocity of spiders with simultaneous tuning of the span and
      the unbinding rate of a spider leg from a substrate site. To study the efficiency
      of molecular spiders, we introduce a time-dependent expression for the
      thermodynamic efficiency of a molecular motor, allowing us to account for the
      behavior of spider populations as a function of time. Based on this definition,
      we find that spiders exhibit transient motor function over time scales of many
      hours and have a maximum efficiency on the order of 1%, weak compared to other
      types of molecular motors.

PMID- 22060334
TI  - L-hop percolation on networks with arbitrary degree distributions and its
      applications.
AB  - Site percolation has been used to help understand analytically the robustness of
      complex networks in the presence of random node deletion (or failure). In this
      paper we move a further step beyond random node deletion by considering that a
      node can be deleted because it is chosen or because it is within some L-hop
      distance of a chosen node. Using the generating functions approach, we present
      analytic results on the percolation threshold as well as the mean size, and size
      distribution, of nongiant components of complex networks under such operations.
      The introduction of parameter L is both conceptually interesting because it
      accommodates a sort of nonindependent node deletion, which is often difficult to
      tackle analytically, and practically interesting because it offers useful
      insights for cybersecurity (such as botnet defense).

PMID- 22060335
TI  - Condensation of an ideal gas obeying non-Abelian statistics.
AB  - We consider the thermodynamic geometry of an ideal non-Abelian gas. We show that,
      for a certain value of the fractional parameter and at the relevant maximum value
      of fugacity, the thermodynamic curvature has a singular point. This indicates a
      condensation such as Bose-Einstein condensation for non-Abelian statistics and we
      work out the phase transition temperature in various dimensions.

PMID- 22060336
TI  - Spectral measure of the harmonic oscillator with alpha-stable noise.
AB  - We study the coordinate-velocity couple of the harmonic oscillator with alpha
      stable noise. As previously shown by Sokolov et al., the distribution of this
      couple is bivariate alpha-stable. In this work, we determine explicitly its
      associated spectral measure, exhibiting directly both the non-independence and
      non-ellipticity of the coordinate-velocity couple. Knowledge of the spectral
      measure allows to analyze and quantify the deviation from ellipticity.

PMID- 22060337
TI  - Test of fluctuation theorems in non-Markovian open quantum systems.
AB  - We study fluctuation theorems for open quantum systems with a non-Markovian heat
      bath using the approach of quantum master equations and examine the physical
      quantities that appear in those fluctuation theorems. The approach of Markovian
      quantum master equations to the fluctuation theorems was developed by Esposito
      and Mukamel [Phys. Rev. E 73, 046129 (2006)]. We show that their discussion can
      be formally generalized to the case of a non-Markovian heat bath when the local
      system is linearly connected to a Gaussian heat bath with the spectrum
      distribution of the Drude form. We found by numerically simulating the spin-boson
      model in non-Markovian regime that the "detailed balance" condition is well
      satisfied except in a strongly nonequilibrium transient situation, and hence our
      generalization of the definition of the "entropy production" is almost always
      legitimate. Therefore, our generalization of the fluctuation theorem seems
      meaningful in wide regions.

PMID- 22060338
TI  - Exit probability in a one-dimensional nonlinear q-voter model.
AB  - We formulate and investigate the nonlinear q-voter model (which as a special case
      includes the linear voter and the Sznajd model) on a one-dimensional lattice. We
      derive an analytical formula for the exit probability and show that it agrees
      perfectly with Monte Carlo simulations. The puzzle that we deal with here may be
      summarized by a simple question: Why does the mean-field approach give the exact
      formula for the exit probability in the one-dimensional nonlinear q-voter model?
      To answer this question, we test several hypotheses proposed recently for the
      Sznajd model, including the finite size effects, the influence of the range of
      interactions, and the importance of the initial step of the evolution. On the one
      hand, our work is part of a trend of the current debate on the form of the exit
      probability in the one-dimensional Sznajd model, but on the other hand, it
      concerns the much broader problem of the nonlinear q-voter model.

PMID- 22060339
TI  - Quantum Smoluchowski equation for a spin bath.
AB  - We derive the quantum mechanical description of overdamped Brownian motion of a
      particle in a spin bath of two-level atoms. The resulting Smoluchowski equation
      is used to calculate the rate of escape of the particle from a metastable state.
      At 0 K the decay rate is finite. We show that while quantization enhances the
      decay rate, higher temperatures induce thermal saturation, resulting in effective
      a reduction of the system-bath coupling. The role of coherence is examined.

PMID- 22060340
TI  - Noisy classical field theories with two coupled fields: dependence of escape
      rates on relative field stiffness.
AB  - Exit times for stochastic Ginzburg-Landau classical field theories with two or
      more coupled classical fields depend on the interval length on which the fields
      are defined, the potential in which the fields deterministically evolve, and the
      relative stiffness of the fields themselves. The latter is of particular
      importance in that physical applications will generally require different
      relative stiffnesses, but the effect of varying field stiffnesses has not
      heretofore been studied. In this paper, we explore the complete phase diagram of
      escape times as they depend on the various problem parameters. In addition to
      finding a transition in escape rates as the relative stiffness varies, we also
      observe a critical slowing down of the string method algorithm as criticality is
      approached.

PMID- 22060341
TI  - Percolation on correlated random networks.
AB  - We consider a class of random, weighted networks, obtained through a redefinition
      of patterns in an Hopfield-like model, and, by performing percolation processes,
      we get information about topology and resilience properties of the networks
      themselves. Given the weighted nature of the graphs, different kinds of bond
      percolation can be studied: stochastic (deleting links randomly) and
      deterministic (deleting links based on rank weights), each mimicking a different
      physical process. The evolution of the network is accordingly different, as
      evidenced by the behavior of the largest component size and of the distribution
      of cluster sizes. In particular, we can derive that weak ties are crucial in
      order to maintain the graph connected and that, when they are the most prone to
      failure, the giant component typically shrinks without abruptly breaking apart;
      these results have been recently evidenced in several kinds of social networks.

PMID- 22060342
TI  - Hyperbolic disordered ensembles of random matrices.
AB  - Using the recently introduced simple procedure of dividing Gaussian matrices by a
      positive random variable, a family of random matrices is generated characterized
      by a behavior ruled by the generalized hyperbolic distribution. The spectral
      density evolves from the semicircle law to a Gaussian-like behavior while
      concomitantly, the local fluctuations show a transition from the Wigner-Dyson to
      the Poisson statistics. Long range statistics such as number variance exhibit
      large fluctuations typical of nonergodic ensembles.

PMID- 22060343
TI  - Multiresonance of energy transport and absence of heat pump in a force-driven
      lattice.
AB  - Energy transport control in low dimensional nanoscale systems has attracted much
      attention in recent years. In this paper, we investigate the energy transport
      properties of the Frenkel-Kontorova lattice subject to a periodic driving force,
      in particular, the resonance behavior of the energy current by varying the
      external driving frequency. It is discovered that, in certain parameter ranges,
      multiple resonance peaks, instead of a single resonance, emerge. By comparing the
      nonlinear lattice model with a harmonic chain, we unravel the underlying physical
      mechanism for such a resonance phenomenon. Other parameter dependencies of the
      resonance behavior are examined as well. Finally, we demonstrate that heat
      pumping is actually absent in this force-driven model.

PMID- 22060344
TI  - Critical excitation spectrum of a quantum chain with a local three-spin coupling.
AB  - Using the phenomenological renormalization group (PRG), we evaluate the low
      energy excitation spectrum along the critical line of a quantum spin chain having
      a local interaction between three Ising spins and longitudinal and transverse
      magnetic fields, i.e., a Turban model. The low-energy excitation spectrum found
      with the PRG agrees with the spectrum predicted for the (D(4),A(4)) conformal
      minimal model under a nontrivial correspondence between translations at the
      critical line and discrete lattice translations. Under this correspondence, the
      measurements confirm a prediction that the critical line of this quantum spin
      chain and the critical point of the two-dimensional three-state Potts model are
      in the same universality class.

PMID- 22060345
TI  - Probability distribution of the time-averaged mean-square displacement of a
      Gaussian process.
AB  - We study the probability distribution of the time-averaged mean-square
      displacement of a discrete Gaussian process. An empirical approximation for the
      probability density is suggested and numerically validated for fractional
      Brownian motion. The optimality of quadratic forms for inferring dynamical and
      microrheological quantities from individual random trajectories is discussed,
      with emphasis on a reliable interpretation of single-particle tracking
      experiments.

PMID- 22060346
TI  - Multiterm solution of a generalized Boltzmann kinetic equation for electron and
      positron transport in structured and soft condensed matter.
AB  - In this paper, we generalize the semiclassical Boltzmann kinetic equation for
      dilute gases to consider highly nonequilibrium electrons and positrons in soft
      condensed matter, accounting rigorously for all types of interactions, including
      positronium formation, and allowing for both coherent and incoherent scattering
      processes. The limitations inherent in the seminal paper of Cohen and Lekner [M.
      H. Cohen and J. Lekner, Phys. Rev. 158, 305 (1967); Y. Sakai, J. Phys. D 40, R441
      (2007)] are avoided by solving the kinetic equation using a "multiterm" spherical
      harmonic representation of the velocity distribution function, as well as
      formulating a necessarily nonperturbative treatment of nonconservative
      collisional processes such as positronium formation. Numerical calculations of
      transport properties are carried out for a Percus-Yevick model of a hard-sphere
      system, and for positrons in liquid argon. New phenomena are predicted, including
      structure-induced negative conductivity and anisotropic diffusion.

PMID- 22060347
TI  - Noise effects in a finite-size Ising-like model.
AB  - We study finite-size effects on properties of stationary state and also transient
      process of a bistable system with long range interaction. We adopt an Ising-like
      model with infinite range interaction (Husimi-Temperlay model). In particular, we
      formulate this problem in light of the Langevin equation and investigate study
      the effects of various types of noises. We study characteristics of the
      probability of stationary state of a finite system and find that there exist two
      types of regions in the ordered state: the saturated region in which the maximum
      of the distribution locates at the maximum value of the Ising variable (+/-1) and
      the transient region in which the maximum of the distribution locates at a
      nonsaturated value. We introduce an additional type of noise that represents
      fluctuation due to direct coupling to the thermal bath. Finally we also study the
      finite-size effects on the dynamical aspect by studying the mean first-passage
      times.

PMID- 22060348
TI  - Boltzmann equations for a binary one-dimensional ideal gas.
AB  - We consider a time-reversal invariant dynamical model of a binary ideal gas of N
      molecules in one spatial dimension. By making time-asymmetric assumptions about
      the behavior of the gas, we derive Boltzmann and anti-Boltzmann equations that
      describe the evolution of the single-molecule velocity distribution functions for
      an ensemble of such systems. We show that for a special class of initial states
      of the ensemble one can obtain an exact expression for the N-molecule velocity
      distribution function, and we use this expression to rigorously prove that the
      time-asymmetric assumptions needed to derive the Boltzmann and anti-Boltzmann
      equations hold in the limit of large N. Our results clarify some subtle issues
      regarding the origin of the time asymmetry of Boltzmann's H theorem.

PMID- 22060349
TI  - Instability of the mean-field states and generalization of phase separation in
      long-range interacting systems.
AB  - Equilibrium properties of long-range interacting systems on lattices are
      investigated. There was a conjecture by Cannas et al. [Phys. Rev. B 61, 11521
      (2000)] that the mean-field theory is exact for spin systems with nonadditive
      long-range interactions. This is called "exactness of the mean-field theory." We
      show that the exactness of the mean-field theory holds for systems on a lattice
      with nonadditive two-body long-range interactions in the canonical ensemble with
      unfixed order parameters. We also show that in a canonical ensemble with fixed
      order parameters, exactness of the mean-field theory does not hold in one
      parameter region, which we call the "non-mean-field region." In the non-mean
      field region, an inhomogeneous configuration appears, in contrast to the uniform
      configuration in the region where the mean-field theory holds. This inhomogeneous
      configuration is not the one given by the standard phase separation. Therefore,
      the mean-field picture is not adequate to describe these states. We discuss phase
      transitions between the mean-field region and the non-mean-field region.
      Exactness of the mean-field theory in spin glasses is also discussed.

PMID- 22060350
TI  - Simulating the time-dependent diffusion coefficient in mixed-pore-size materials.
AB  - Porous media with a wide distribution of pore sizes are quite common. We show
      that variable-step-size random walk simulations can be used to model the time
      dependent diffusion coefficient D(t) in such porous media. The issue to be
      overcome is that, in variable-step-size walks, each walker carries its own
      "clock," and its position is known only at a random set of times. Thus, a direct
      ensemble-average calculation of <Deltar(2)(t)> (the mean-square distance traveled
      at time t) is problematic. We introduce a sequence of approximations that
      overcome this apparent difficulty. Calculations are carried out on periodic
      systems that contain pores of quite different sizes. Where possible, our results
      are compared to those obtained using fixed-step-size random walks.

PMID- 22060351
TI  - Anomalous negative differential thermal resistance in a momentum-conserving
      lattice.
AB  - A two-segment Fermi-Pasta-Ulam lattice has been investigated by using
      nonequilibrium molecular dynamics. Here we present an anomalous negative
      differential thermal resistance (NDTR) that has not been reported in Frenkel
      Kontorova and phi(4) lattices up to the present. The NDTR disappears in the low
      temperature region. The region of NDTR shifts from the large to the small
      temperature difference region as the system size increases. The anomalous
      dependence of NDTR on the temperature can be explained as the negative effect
      induced by the nonlinear coupling. The explanation can also cover the phenomenon
      of NDTR in momentum-nonconserved lattices.

PMID- 22060352
TI  - Statistics of interfacial fluctuations of radially growing clusters.
AB  - The dynamics of fluctuating radially growing interfaces is approached using the
      formalism of stochastic growth equations on growing domains. This framework
      reveals a number of dynamic features arising during surface growth. For fast
      growth, dilution, which spatially reorders the incoming matter, is responsible
      for the transmission of correlations. Its effects include the erasing of memory
      with respect to the initial condition, a partial attenuation of geometrically
      originated instabilities, and the restoration of universality in some special
      cases in which the critical exponents depend on the parameters of the equation of
      motion. In this sense, dilution rends the dynamics more similar to the usual one
      of planar systems. This fast growth regime is also characterized by the spatial
      decorrelation of the interface, which, in the case of radially growing
      interfaces, naturally originates rapid roughening and scale-dependent fractality,
      and suggests the advent of a self-similar fractal dimension. The center-of-mass
      fluctuations of growing clusters are also studied, and our analysis suggests the
      possible nonapplicability of usual scalings to the long-range surface
      fluctuations of the radial Eden model. In fact, our study points to the fact that
      this model belongs to a dilution-free universality class.

PMID- 22060353
TI  - Scaling behavior of a square-lattice Ising model with competing interactions in a
      uniform field.
AB  - Transfer-matrix methods, with the help of finite-size scaling and conformal
      invariance concepts, are used to investigate the critical behavior of two
      dimensional square-lattice Ising spin-1/2 systems with first- and second-neighbor
      interactions, both antiferromagnetic, in a uniform external field. On the
      critical curve separating collinearly ordered and paramagnetic phases, our
      estimates of the conformal anomaly c are very close to unity, indicating the
      presence of continuously varying exponents. This is confirmed by direct
      calculations, which also lend support to a weak-universality picture; however,
      small but consistent deviations from the Ising-like values eta=1/4, gamma/nu=7/4,
      beta/nu=1/8 are found. For higher fields, on the line separating row-shifted
      (2*2) and disordered phases, we find values of the exponent eta very close to
      zero.

PMID- 22060354
TI  - Frequency-dependent dispersion in porous media.
AB  - Several studies have shown that the performance of different chemical processes
      can be improved by means of periodic operation. An accurate modeling and
      simulation of these processes requires accounting for the dependence of the
      system parameters with the operating frequency. This work uses the method of
      volume averaging to study the behavior of dispersion with frequency (i.e.,
      dynamic dispersion) in homogeneous porous media. In the absence of convection,
      the dynamic dispersion is reduced to the dynamic diffusivity, showing a
      decreasing behavior with frequency. In contrast, the dynamic dispersion can be
      either an increasing or decreasing function of frequency, depending on the
      particle Peclet number values. At sufficiently high frequency values, the
      dispersion coefficient approaches the molecular diffusivity. Comparisons with
      direct numerical simulations for idealized porous medium models evidence the
      extents and limitations of the upscaling approach.

PMID- 22060355
TI  - Constitutive relations for steady, dense granular flows.
AB  - This work focuses on the mechanical response of dry granular materials under
      steady, simple shear conditions. In particular, the goal is to obtain a complete
      rheology able to describe the material behavior within the entire range of
      concentrations for which the flow can be considered dense. The total stress is
      assumed to be the linear sum of a frictional and a kinetic component. The
      frictional and the kinetic contributions are modeled in the context of the
      critical state theory and the kinetic theory of dense granular gases,
      respectively; in the latter, the correlated motion among the particles, which is
      likely to occur at high concentration, is also included. In accordance with
      recent findings on disordered granular packings, the frictional component of
      stresses is assumed to vanish when the concentration is below the random loose
      packing. According to this approach, four nondimensional quantities govern
      steady, simple shear flows: the concentration, the shear to normal stress ratio,
      the ratio of the time scales associated with the motion perpendicular and
      parallel to the flow, and the ratio between the particle stiffness and the normal
      stress. The present theory allows us to reproduce, in a notable way, both
      numerical simulations on simple shear flows of disks and physical experiments on
      incline flows of glass spheres taken from the literature.

PMID- 22060356
TI  - Cooling rates and energy partition in inhomogeneous fluidized granular mixtures.
AB  - The local cooling rates of the components of a vibrated binary granular mixture
      in a steady state are investigated. The accuracy of the expression obtained by
      assuming a local homogeneous cooling state distribution of the gas is analyzed by
      comparing it with molecular dynamics simulation results. A good agreement is
      observed. Also, the profiles of the partial temperatures are compared with the
      theoretical prediction following from the application of the Chapman-Enskog
      method to solve the kinetic Enskog equations of the mixture. In this case, the
      agreement is satisfactory if the boundary layers near the walls are excluded. The
      implications of the results are discussed.

PMID- 22060357
TI  - Extended hard-sphere model and collisions of cohesive particles.
AB  - In two earlier papers the present authors modified a standard hard-sphere
      particle-wall and particle-particle collision model to account for the presence
      of adhesive or cohesive interaction between the colliding particles: the problem
      is of importance for modeling particle-fluid flow using the Lagrangian approach.
      This technique, which involves a direct numerical simulation of such flows, is
      gaining increasing popularity for simulating, e.g., dust transport, flows of
      nanofluids and grains in planetary rings. The main objective of the previous
      papers was to formally extend the impulse-based hard-sphere model, while
      suggestions for quantifications of the adhesive or cohesive interaction were
      made. This present paper gives an improved quantification of the adhesive and
      cohesive interactions for use in the extended hard-sphere model for cases where
      the surfaces of the colliding bodies are "dry," e.g., there is no liquid-bridge
      formation between the colliding bodies. This quantification is based on the
      Johnson-Kendall-Roberts (JKR) analysis of collision dynamics but includes, in
      addition, dissipative forces using a soft-sphere modeling technique. In this way
      the cohesive impulse, required for the hard-sphere model, is calculated together
      with other parameters, namely the collision duration and the restitution
      coefficient. Finally a dimensional analysis technique is applied to fit an
      analytical expression to the results for the cohesive impulse that can be used in
      the extended hard-sphere model. At the end of the paper we show some simulation
      results in order to illustrate the model.

PMID- 22060358
TI  - Abrasion of yardangs.
AB  - A model for the collision between a sand grain and a body of yardang material is
      established by using the principles of classical mechanics. A new nondimensional
      parameter, the "abrasion number" A(n), is derived from the model. The volume
      removed per impact for different targets is proportional to A(n) approximately.
      As an indicator of the energy ratio of the impacting material to the target
      material, A(n) not only reflects the previous "abrasion law" but also introduces
      two dominant mechanical parameters, Young's modulus and yield stress. We propose
      A(n) to be a similarity criterion for abrasion experiments. The practicability of
      the model under natural conditions is examined by an example. It is concluded
      that the abrasion rates of yardangs in the western Qaidam basin, China, are 0.011
      0.398 mm/yr in the period of 1986 to 2010 and remarkable abrasion events
      generally correspond with strong wind conditions. The model will be helpful for
      reconstructing the history of aeolian activities from the morphologies of
      yardangs in the arid regions on Mars.

PMID- 22060359
TI  - Slow dynamics and precursors of the glass transition in granular fluids.
AB  - We use event driven simulations to analyze glassy dynamics as a function of
      density and energy dissipation in a two-dimensional bidisperse granular fluid
      under stationary conditions. Clear signatures of a glass transition are
      identified, such as an increase of relaxation times over several orders of
      magnitude. As the inelasticity is increased, the glass transition is shifted to
      higher densities, and the precursors of the transition become less and less
      pronounced, in agreement with a recent mode-coupling theory. We analyze the long
      time tails of the velocity autocorrelation and discuss its consequences for the
      nonexistence of the diffusion constant in two dimensions.

PMID- 22060360
TI  - Tailoring the frictional properties of granular media.
AB  - A method of modifying the roughness of soda-lime glass spheres is presented, with
      the purpose of tuning interparticle friction. The effect of chemical etching on
      the surface topography and the bulk frictional properties of grains are
      systematically investigated. The surface roughness of the grains is measured
      using white-light interferometry and characterized by the lateral and vertical
      roughness length scales. The underwater angle of repose is measured to
      characterize the bulk frictional behavior. We observe that the coefficient of
      friction depends on the vertical roughness length scale.

PMID- 22060361
TI  - Fluctuating hydrodynamics in a vertically vibrated granular fluid with gravity.
AB  - We investigate hydrodynamic fluctuations in a two-dimensional granular fluid
      excited by a vibrating base and in the presence of gravity, focusing on the
      transverse velocity modes. Since the system is inhomogeneous, we measure
      fluctuations in horizontal layers whose width is smaller than the characteristic
      hydrodynamic lengths: they can be considered as almost-homogeneous subsystems.
      The large time decay of the autocorrelations of modes is exponential and
      compatible with vorticity diffusion due to shear viscosity, as in equilibrium
      fluids. The velocity structure factor, which strongly deviates from the
      equilibrium constant behavior, is well reproduced by an effective fluctuating
      hydrodynamics described by two noise terms: the first associated with vorticity
      diffusion and the second with the local energy exchange, which have internal and
      external character, respectively.

PMID- 22060362
TI  - Hydrodynamics of a vibrated granular monolayer.
AB  - We investigate the long-standing puzzle of phase separation in a granular
      monolayer vibrated from below. Although this system is three dimensional, an
      interesting dynamics occurs mostly in the horizontal plane, perpendicular to the
      direction of vibration. Experiments [Olafsen and Urbach, Phys. Rev. Lett. 81,
      4369 (1998)] demonstrated that for a high amplitude of vibration the system is in
      the gaslike phase, but when the amplitude becomes smaller than a certain
      threshold, a phase separation occurs: A solidlike dense condensate of particles
      forms in the center of the system, surrounded by particles in the gaslike phase.
      We explain theoretically the experimentally observed coexistence of dilute and
      dense phases, employing Navier-Stokes granular hydrodynamics. We show that the
      phase separation is associated with a negative compressibility of granular gas.

PMID- 22060363
TI  - Fluctuations of grains inside a discharging two-dimensional silo.
AB  - We present experimental data corresponding to a two-dimensional dense granular
      flow, namely, the gravity-driven discharge of grains from a small opening in a
      silo. We study the local velocity field at the scale of single grains at
      different places with the help of particle-tracking techniques. From these data,
      the velocity profiles can be obtained and the validity of some long-standing
      approaches can be assessed. Moreover, the fluctuations of the velocities are
      taken into consideration to characterize the features of the advective motion
      (due to the gravity force) and the diffusive motion, which shows nontrivial
      behavior.

PMID- 22060364
TI  - Coarse-grained dynamics of the freely cooling granular gas in one dimension.
AB  - We study the dynamics and structure of clusters in the inhomogeneous clustered
      regime of a freely cooling granular gas of point particles in one dimension. The
      coefficient of restitution is modeled as r(0)<1 or 1, depending on whether the
      relative speed is greater or smaller than a velocity scale delta. The effective
      fragmentation rate of a cluster is shown to rise sharply beyond a delta-dependent
      time scale. This crossover is coincident with the velocity fluctuations within a
      cluster becoming order delta. Beyond this crossover time, the cluster-size
      distribution develops a nontrivial power-law distribution, whose scaling
      properties are related to those of the velocity fluctuations. We argue that these
      underlying features are responsible for the recently observed nontrivial
      coarsening behavior in the one-dimensional freely cooling granular gas.

PMID- 22060365
TI  - Capillary interactions in Pickering emulsions.
AB  - The effective capillary interaction potentials for small colloidal particles
      trapped at the surface of liquid droplets are calculated analytically. Pair
      potentials between capillary monopoles and dipoles, corresponding to particles
      floating on a droplet with a fixed center of mass and subjected to external
      forces and torques, respectively, exhibit a repulsion at large angular
      separations and an attraction at smaller separations, with the latter resembling
      the typical behavior for flat interfaces. This change of character is not
      observed for quadrupoles, corresponding to free particles on a mechanically
      isolated droplet. The analytical results are compared with the numerical
      minimization of the surface free energy of the droplet in the presence of
      spherical or ellipsoidal particles.

PMID- 22060366
TI  - Anisotropy of magnetic emulsions induced by magnetic and electric fields.
AB  - The anisotropy of magnetic emulsions induced by simultaneously acting electric
      and magnetic fields is theoretically and experimentally investigated. Due to the
      anisotropy, the electric conductivity and magnetic permeability of a magnetic
      emulsion are no longer scalar coefficients, but are tensors. The electric
      conductivity and magnetic permeability tensors of sufficiently diluted emulsions
      in sufficiently weak electric and magnetic fields are found as functions of the
      electric and magnetic intensity vectors. The theoretically predicted induced
      anisotropy was verified experimentally. The experimental data are fitted in order
      to calculate the dimensions of the ellipsoidal drops of the emulsion distorted by
      the electric and magnetic fields. The dependence of the calculated fitting
      parameter on the intensity of the magnetic field is compared with the theoretical
      one. The results of the analysis of the experimental data are discussed.

PMID- 22060367
TI  - Impact of spherical projectiles into a viscoplastic fluid.
AB  - We study the behavior of a yield-stress fluid following the impact of a
      vertically falling sphere. Since the impact produces shear stresses larger than
      the yield stress, the material in the vicinity of the impact becomes fluidized.
      The sphere entrains air when it enters the fluid, and the resulting cavity
      pinches off below the surface. The upper part of this cavity then rebounds
      upward. For sufficiently fast impacts, a vertical jet is produced by the cavity
      collapse. While many aspects of this process are similar to that in Newtonian
      fluids or granular materials, the rheological properties of our target material
      change the scaling of the cavity pinch-off depth and have a dramatic effect on
      the height of the jets. The material returns to a solid-like behavior once the
      stresses due to the impact have relaxed to below the yield stress, leaving a
      crater in the surface of the material. We find that the diameter of this crater
      depends nonmonotonically on the impact speed. The crater shape also changes with
      speed, reflecting the dynamics of the impact process.

PMID- 22060368
TI  - Dynamic self-assembly and directed flow of rotating colloids in microchannels.
AB  - Nonequilibrium structure formation and dynamics in suspensions of
      superparamagnetic colloids driven by an external rotating magnetic field are
      studied by particle-based mesoscale hydrodynamics simulations in confined
      geometry. We address the fundamental question how the rotation of the colloids
      about their own axes can be converted into a translational motion by breaking the
      symmetry of the confining geometry. We study a two-dimensional system of colloids
      with short-range repulsive interactions, which mimics flow in shallow
      microchannels. In straight channels, we observe a two-way traffic but--for
      symmetry reasons--no net transport. However, by keeping some colloids fixed near
      one of the two walls, net transport can be achieved. This approach allows the
      control and switchability of the flow in complex microchannel networks. A minimal
      geometry that fulfills the requirement of broken symmetry are ring channels. We
      determine the translational velocity of the spinning colloids and study its
      dependence on the channel width for various median radii. We conclude that
      spinning colloids present a promising alternative for flow generation and control
      in microfluidic devices.

PMID- 22060369
TI  - Influence of an ellipsoid on the angular order in a two-dimensional cluster.
AB  - The influence of an ellipsoid on the angular order of two-dimensional classical
      clusters is investigated through Brownian dynamics simulations. We found the
      following: (1) The presence of an ellipsoid does not influence the start of the
      angular melting, but reduces the rate at which the inner rings can rotate with
      respect to each other. (2) Even a small eccentricity of the ellipsoid leads to a
      stabilization of the angular order of the system. (3) Depending on the position
      of the ellipsoid in the cluster, a reentrant behavior in the angular order is
      observed before full radial melting of the cluster sets in. (4) The ellipsoid can
      lead to a two-step angular melting process: First, the rotation of the inner
      rings with respect to each other is hindered by the ellipsoid, but on further
      increasing the kinetic energy of the system, the ellipsoid just starts to behave
      as a spherical particle with different mobility. The effect of an ellipsoid on
      the molten system does not depend crucially on the interparticle interaction, but
      a softer parabolic confinement reduces the angular stabilization.

PMID- 22060370
TI  - Evaporation of solutions and colloidal dispersions in confined droplets.
AB  - We present a model that describes the drying of solutions and colloidal
      dispersions from droplets confined between two circular plates. This confined
      geometry, proposed by Clement and Leng [Langmuir 20, 6538 (2004)], casts a
      perfect control of the evaporation conditions, and thus also of the concentration
      kinetics of the solutes in the droplet. Our model, based on simple transport
      equations for binary mixtures, describes the concentration process of the solute
      inside the droplet. Using dimensionless units, we identify the different numbers
      that govern the concentration field of the solute, and we detail how to extract
      kinetic and thermodynamic information on the binary mixture from such drying
      experiments. We finally discuss, using numerical resolution of the model and
      analytical arguments, several specific cases: dilute solutions, a colloidal hard
      sphere dispersion, and a binary molecular mixture.

PMID- 22060371
TI  - Systematic modification of the rheological properties of colloidal suspensions
      with polyelectrolyte multilayers.
AB  - Tailoring rheological properties of colloidal suspensions with the adsorption of
      polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEMs) is based on the idea of controlling
      macroscopic mechanical properties by modifying the particle surface in a
      reproducible and well-understood manner. With layer-by-layer self-assembly,
      monodisperse polystyrene particles are coated with up to ten layers of the
      oppositely charged strong polyelectrolytes: poly(diallyl dimethyl ammonium
      chloride) and poly(styrene sulfonate). The conformation of the adsorbed
      polyelectrolyte is controlled by the ionic strength of the used aqueous
      polyelectrolyte solution. For 1M NaCl solution, a brushlike adsorption of the
      polyelectrolyte is expected. The ability of PEMs to serve on a nanoscale level as
      surface modifiers and influence macroscopic rheological properties like
      viscoelasticity, yield stress, and shear banding is discussed. The mechanical
      behavior of these suspensions is qualitatively described by the theory of
      Derjaguin-Landau-Verwey-Overbeek with short-range repulsion and long-range
      attraction. A scaling rule is proposed which distinguishes between the precusor
      and the multilayer regime.

PMID- 22060372
TI  - Shear thickening and jamming in densely packed suspensions of different particle
      shapes.
AB  - We investigated the effects of particle shape on shear thickening in densely
      packed suspensions. Rods of different aspect ratios and nonconvex hooked rods
      were fabricated. Viscosity curves and normal stresses were measured using a
      rheometer for a wide range of packing fractions for each shape. Suspensions of
      each shape exhibit qualitatively similar discontinuous shear thickening. The
      logarithmic slope of the stress vs shear rate increases dramatically with packing
      fraction and diverges at a critical packing fraction phi(c) which depends on
      particle shape. The packing fraction dependence of the viscosity curves for
      different convex shapes can be collapsed when the packing fraction is normalized
      by phi(c). Intriguingly, viscosity curves for nonconvex particles do not collapse
      on the same set as convex particles, showing strong shear thickening over a wider
      range of packing fraction. The value of phi(c) is found to coincide with the
      onset of a yield stress at the jamming transition, suggesting the jamming
      transition also controls shear thickening. The yield stress is found to
      correspond with trapped air in the suspensions, and the scale of the stress can
      be attributed to interfacial tension forces which dramatically increase above
      phi(c) due to the geometric constraints of jamming. Using this connection we show
      that the jamming transition can be identified by simply looking at the surface of
      suspensions. The relationship between shear and normal stresses is found to be
      linear in both the shear thickening and jammed regimes, indicating that the shear
      stresses come from friction. In the limit of zero shear rate, normal stresses
      pull the rheometer plates together due to the surface tension of the liquid below
      phi(c), but push the rheometer plates apart due to jamming above phi(c).

PMID- 22060373
TI  - Dynamic rheology of a supercooled polymer melt in nonuniform oscillating flows
      between rapidly oscillating plates.
AB  - The dynamic rheology of a polymer melt composed of short chains with ten beads
      between rapidly oscillating plates is investigated for various oscillation
      frequencies by using the hybrid simulation of the molecular dynamics and
      computational fluid dynamics. In the quiescent state, the melt is in a
      supercooled state, and the stress relaxation function G(t) exhibits a stretched
      exponential relaxation on the time scale of the alpha relaxation time tau(alpha)
      (the structural relaxation of beads) and then follows the Rouse relaxation
      function characterized by the Rouse relaxation time tau(R) (the conformational
      relaxation of polymer chains). In the rapidly oscillating plates, nonuniform
      boundary layer flows are generated over the plate due to inertia of the fluid,
      and the local rheological properties of the melt are spatially varied according
      to the local flow fields. The local strain and local strain rate of the melt
      monotonically decrease with the distance from the plate at each oscillation
      frequency of the plate, but their dependencies on the oscillation frequency at a
      fixed distance from the plate vary with the distance. Far from the plate, the
      local strain decreases as the oscillation frequency increases such that the
      dynamic rheology deviates from the linear moduli at the low oscillation
      frequencies rather than high oscillation frequencies. On the contrary, near the
      plate, the local strain rate increases with the oscillation frequency such that
      the shear thinning is enhanced at high oscillation frequencies. In close vicinity
      to the plate, the dynamic viscosity is mostly independent of the oscillation
      frequency, and the shear thinning behavior becomes similar to that observed in
      steady shear flows. We show the diagram of the loss tangent of the melt for
      different oscillation frequencies and local strain rates. It is seen that the
      melt generates three different rheological regimes, i.e., the viscous fluid
      regime, liquidlike viscoelastic regime, and solidlike viscoelastic regime,
      according to the oscillation frequency and local strain rate. Nonlinear
      rheological properties are also investigated by the spectrum analysis and the
      Lissajous-Bowditch curve. It is found that the fractional amplitude of the higher
      harmonics to the linear harmonics is suppressed within the boundary layer due to
      the nonslip boundary on the oscillating plate. We also find that the melt
      exhibits intercycle shear thinning between different positions but exhibits
      intracycle shear thickening at a fixed position in the vicinity of the plate.

PMID- 22060374
TI  - Efficient encapsulation with plug-triggered drop formation.
AB  - Monodisperse microscale drops formed with microfluidic devices are useful for
      encapsulating cells, microgel particles, or even additional drops. These
      techniques are thus useful for applications ranging from high-throughput biology
      to monodisperse particle and capsule synthesis, which require encapsulation of
      such objects. However, it is challenging to efficiently encapsulate the objects
      in all drops; often, the objects are encapsulated inefficiently, resulting in
      many improperly filled, unusable drops. Here, we describe a phenomenon that
      allows very efficient encapsulation. We use the inflow of the object to plug the
      drop maker nozzle; the continued injection of the outer phase pinches off a drop,
      thereby encapsulating the object; this yields precisely one object encapsulated
      per drop.

PMID- 22060375
TI  - Molecular dynamics changes induced by solvent in 2-ethyl-1-hexanol.
AB  - Apart from other classes of materials, supramolecular structures may exist in H
      bonded liquids due to the existence of hydrogen bonding. The dynamics of these
      structures remains one of the most exciting topics of interest of modern science
      because of its crucial meaning for the behavior of water and its participation in
      biological processes. A special group of these liquids form monohydroxy alcohols
      due to their similarity to water, their ability to vitrification, and the
      existence of the Debye relaxation process in dielectric loss spectra reflecting
      the dynamics of H-bond structures. Dynamics of these structures can be studied by
      changes of thermodynamic conditions, by immersion of the liquid into the
      constraint geometry, and by dilution in a nonassociated solvent. Herein we
      studied the behavior of relaxation dynamics of mixtures of 2-ethyl-1-hexanol with
      bromobutane using broadband dielectric spectroscopy. Analysis of the results
      exhibits the existence of crossover in temperature dependence of static
      permittivity of the Debye process at some particular temperature T(c). This
      temperature shifts to lower values with increasing concentration of bromobutane.
      Moreover, below some "critical" concentration of alcohol in the mixture the shape
      of the Debye process loses exponentiality and the temperature dependence of
      relaxation times starts to change. This change was illuminated based on the
      analysis of the steepness index. For the lowest concentration, the value of this
      parameter becomes the same as the value of the steepness index of faster
      relaxation, called process II, of pure alcohol at ambient pressure. The observed
      change in relaxation dynamics with lowering concentration of alcohol is
      astonishingly similar to the behavior observed in the same material at elevated
      pressure. A possible origin of these similarities is also discussed.

PMID- 22060376
TI  - Wall-mass effects on hydrodynamic boundary slip.
AB  - This paper investigates the combined effects of surface stiffness kappa and wall
      particles' mass m(w) on the slip length. It aims to enhance our understanding of
      the momentum and energy transfer across solid-liquid interfaces. Elastic spring
      potentials are employed to simulate the thermal solid walls and model the surface
      stiffness kappa. The thermal oscillation amplitude is primarily dictated by
      values of stiffness, whereas the oscillating frequency is proportional to
      ?(kappa/m(w)). It is shown that for cases with variable wall mass the relation of
      slip length and thermal oscillating frequencies can be approximated by a "master"
      curve according to which the length initially increases, then approaches a peak
      value, and afterwards is reduced toward an asymptotic value.

PMID- 22060377
TI  - Diffusion processes in water on oxide surfaces: quasielastic neutron scattering
      study of hydration water in rutile nanopowder.
AB  - Quasielastic neutron scattering (QENS) was used to investigate the diffusion
      dynamics of hydration water on the surface of rutile (TiO(2)) nanopowder. The
      dynamics measurements utilizing two inelastic instruments, a backscattering
      spectrometer and a disk chopper spectrometer, probed the fast, intermediate, and
      slow motions of the water molecules on the time scale of picoseconds to more than
      a nanosecond. We employed a model-independent analysis of the data collected at
      each value of the scattering momentum transfer to investigate the temperature
      dependence of several diffusion components. All of the probed components were
      present in the studied temperature range of 230-320 K, providing, at a first
      sight, no evidence of discontinuity in the hydration water dynamics. However, a
      qualitative change in the elastic scattering between 240 and 250 K suggested a
      surface freezing-melting transition, when the motions that were localized at
      lower temperatures became delocalized at higher temperatures. On the basis of our
      previous molecular dynamics simulations of this system, we argue that
      interpretation of QENS data from such a complex interfacial system requires at
      least qualitative input from simulations, particularly when comparing results
      from spectrometers with very different energy resolutions and dynamic ranges.

PMID- 22060378
TI  - Glassy relaxation and excess wing in mode-coupling theory: the dynamic
      susceptibility of propylene carbonate above and below T(c).
AB  - We explore the possibility of describing experimental susceptibility spectra of
      the glass former propylene carbonate with a two-component schematic model of mode
      coupling theory (MCT) from above the melting point down to temperatures far below
      the critical temperature of MCT. By introducing a phenomenological time-dependent
      hopping rate, the spectra are reproduced in the full frequency and temperature
      range available. Literature data of dielectric susceptibilities and depolarized
      Brillouin light-scattering spectra are combined with our measurements of photon
      correlation spectroscopy to cover up to 18 decades in frequency of spectra for
      two different dynamical variables. A consistent description of all data sets is
      obtained by adjusting only a few physically motivated parameters. In particular
      the excess wing or slow beta-relaxation commonly observed in the susceptibility
      spectra can consistently be modeled as originating from a coupling of the
      individual experimental probe correlator to the collective density fluctuations.

PMID- 22060379
TI  - Unified derivation of phase-field models for alloy solidification from a grand
      potential functional.
AB  - In the literature, two quite different phase-field formulations for the problem
      of alloy solidification can be found. In the first, the material in the diffuse
      interfaces is assumed to be in an intermediate state between solid and liquid,
      with a unique local composition. In the second, the interface is seen as a
      mixture of two phases that each retain their macroscopic properties, and a
      separate concentration field for each phase is introduced. It is shown here that
      both types of models can be obtained by the standard variational procedure if a
      grand-potential functional is used as a starting point instead of a free energy
      functional. The dynamical variable is then the chemical potential instead of the
      composition. In this framework, a complete analogy with phase-field models for
      the solidification of a pure substance can be established. This analogy is then
      exploited to formulate quantitative phase-field models for alloys with arbitrary
      phase diagrams. The precision of the method is illustrated by numerical
      simulations with varying interface thickness.

PMID- 22060380
TI  - Time-dependent distributions in self-quenching nucleation.
AB  - Diffusion- and interface-limited Becker-Doring (BD) -type nucleation is
      considered in a closed system, where supersaturation is depleted by growing
      nuclei. Special focus is on nonadiabatic effects, which become increasingly
      pronounced for barriers lower than 20-25k(B)T, and which lead to nucleation rates
      deviating from their quasi-steady-state (QSS) values. Several essential
      modifications of the QSS distribution are observed. For example, the front is
      continuous rather than sharp and has a double-exponential shape, which is in
      agreement with the earlier matched asymptotic solution obtained in neglect of
      depletion. The total number of nuclei is larger than predicted by the QSS
      approximation. The obtained distributions are compared with numerical solutions
      of the BD equations and can serve as initial conditions for further transition to
      the Ostwald Ripening stage.

PMID- 22060381
TI  - Instabilities of soft elastic microtubes filled with viscous fluids: pearls,
      wrinkles, and sausage strings.
AB  - A linear stability analysis is presented to study the self-organized
      instabilities of a highly compliant elastic cylindrical shell filled with a
      viscous liquid and submerged in another viscous medium. The prototype closely
      mimics many components of micro- or nanofluidic devices and biological processes
      such as the budding of a string of pearls inside cells and sausage-string
      formation of blood vessels. The cylindrical shell is considered to be a soft
      linear elastic solid with small storage modulus. When the destabilizing capillary
      force derived from the cross-sectional curvature overcomes the stabilizing
      elastic and in-plane capillary forces, the microtube can spontaneously self
      organize into one of several possible configurations; namely, pearling, in which
      the viscous fluid in the core of the elastic shell breaks up into droplets;
      sausage strings, in which the outer interface of the mircrotube deforms more than
      the inner interface; and wrinkles, in which both interfaces of the thin-walled
      mircrotube deform in phase with small amplitudes. This study identifies the
      conditions for the existence of these modes and demonstrates that the ratios of
      the interfacial tensions at the interfaces, the viscosities, and the thickness of
      the microtube play crucial roles in the mode selection and the relative
      amplitudes of deformations at the two interfaces. The analysis also shows
      asymptotically that an elastic fiber submerged in a viscous liquid is unstable
      for Y=gamma/(G(e)R)>6 and an elastic microchannel filled with a viscous liquid
      should rupture to form spherical cavities (pearling) for Y>2, where gamma, G(e),
      and R are the surface tension, elastic shear modulus, and radius, respectively,
      of the fiber or microchannel.

PMID- 22060382
TI  - Anomalous roughening in competitive growth models with time-decreasing rates of
      correlated dynamics.
AB  - Lattice growth models where uncorrelated random deposition competes with some
      aggregation dynamics that generates correlations are studied with rates of the
      correlated component decreasing as a power law. These models have anomalous
      roughening, with anomalous exponents related to the normal exponents of the
      correlated dynamics, to an exponent characterizing the aggregation mechanism and
      to that power-law exponent. This is shown by a scaling approach extending the
      Family-Vicsek relation previously derived for the models with time-independent
      rates, thus providing a connection of normal and anomalous growth models.
      Simulation results for several models support those conclusions. Remarkable
      anomalous effects are observed even for slowly decreasing rates of the correlated
      component, which may correspond to feasible temperature changes in systems with
      activated dynamics. The scaling exponents of the correlated component can be
      obtained only from the estimates of three anomalous exponents, without knowledge
      of the aggregation mechanism, and a possible application is discussed. For some
      models, the corresponding Edwards-Wilkinson and Kardar-Parisi-Zhang equations are
      also discussed.

PMID- 22060383
TI  - Real-time studies of evaporation-induced colloidal self-assembly by optical
      microspectroscopy.
AB  - Real-time monitoring of the whole growth process of evaporation-induced colloidal
      self-assembly has been conducted using an optical microspectroscopy setup. Our
      observations suggest that the assembly process can be divided into three
      different growth stages as evidenced by the variations detected in the
      reflectance spectra. The thickness variation of the growing colloidal crystal was
      monitored by examining the Fabry-Perot fringes in the reflectance spectra.
      Furthermore, the scalar wave approximation was utilized to analyze the evolution
      of optical properties with growth. More detailed information, including the time
      dependence of number of layers and volume fraction of water, has been revealed by
      comparing the experimental and calculated reflectance spectra. The present work
      demonstrates that in situ real-time microspectroscopy is a promising technique
      for monitoring and investigating the dynamic process of colloidal self-assembly.

PMID- 22060384
TI  - Surface order at surfactant-laden interfaces between isotropic liquid crystals
      and liquid phases with different polarity.
AB  - We present an ellipsometry study of the interface between thermotropic liquid
      crystals and liquid phases consisting of various binary mixtures of water and
      glycerol. The liquid-crystal samples contain a small constant amount of a
      surfactant which induces a homeotropic anchoring at the interface. We determine
      the smectic or nematic order at the interface in the temperature range above the
      liquid-crystal-isotropic transition while the water to glycerol ratio is varied,
      corresponding to a systematic modification of the polarity of the liquid phase.
      The surface-induced order becomes less pronounced with increasing glycerol
      concentration in the liquid phase. The observed behavior is compared with
      previous studies in which the surfactant concentration in the liquid-crystal bulk
      phase was varied. The results indicate that in both cases the magnitude of the
      surfactant coverage at the interface is the key quantity which determines the
      liquid-crystal surface order at the interface.

PMID- 22060385
TI  - Chiral dipole induced by azimuthal anchoring on the surface of a planar elastic
      quadrupole.
AB  - A spherical colloid with the tangential surface nematic director, aligned along
      the surface meridians, is known as a planar elastic quadrupole. The azimuthal
      anchoring, however, can induce a deviation of the planar director from the
      meridional lines. We show that a helical component of the planar surface director
      at the spherical surface of a planar quadrupole removes all the reflection
      symmetry planes and gives rise to a chiral elastic dipolar component. Using an
      ansatz approach, we consider the interplay between the quadrupole and anchoring
      induced chiral dipole components. The chirality is enhanced by the bend-twist
      anisotropy. The interaction of the chiral components changes the attraction
      directions of two such colloids. In particular, a point appears at which the
      quadrupolar repulsion is balanced by the dipolar attraction.

PMID- 22060386
TI  - Colloidal entanglement in highly twisted chiral nematic colloids: twisted loops,
      Hopf links, and trefoil knots.
AB  - The topology and geometry of closed defect loops is studied in chiral nematic
      colloids with variable chirality. The colloidal particles with perpendicular
      surface anchoring of liquid crystalline molecules are inserted in a twisted
      nematic cell with the thickness that is only slightly larger than the diameter of
      the colloidal particle. The total twist of the chiral nematic structure in cells
      with parallel boundary conditions is set to 0, pi, 2pi, and 3pi, respectively. We
      use the laser tweezers to discern the number and the topology of the -1/2 defect
      loops entangling colloidal particles. For a single colloidal particle, we observe
      that a single defect loop is winding around the particle, with the winding
      pattern being more complex in cells with higher total twist. We observe that
      colloidal dimers and colloidal clusters are always entangled by one or several 
      1/2 defect loops. For colloidal pairs in pi-twisted cells, we identify at least
      17 different entangled structures, some of them exhibiting linked defect loops
      Hopf link. Colloidal entanglement is even richer with a higher number of
      colloidal particles, where we observe not only linked, but also colloidal
      clusters knotted into the trefoil knot. The experiments are in good agreement
      with numerical modeling using Landau-de Gennes theory coupled with geometrical
      and topological considerations using the method of tetrahedral rotation.

PMID- 22060387
TI  - Phase behavior and properties of the liquid-crystal dimer 1'',7''-bis(4
      cyanobiphenyl-4'-yl) heptane: a twist-bend nematic liquid crystal.
AB  - The liquid-crystal dimer 1'',7''-bis(4-cyanobiphenyl-4'-yl)heptane (CB7CB)
      exhibits two liquid-crystalline mesophases on cooling from the isotropic phase.
      The high-temperature phase is nematic; the identification and characterization of
      the other liquid-crystal phase is reported in this paper. It is concluded that
      the low-temperature mesophase of CB7CB is a new type of uniaxial nematic phase
      having a nonuniform director distribution composed of twist-bend deformations.
      The techniques of small-angle x-ray scattering, modulated differential scanning
      calorimetry, and dielectric spectroscopy have been applied to establish the
      nature of the nematic-nematic phase transition and the structural features of the
      twist-bend nematic phase. In addition, magnetic resonance studies (electron-spin
      resonance and (2)H nuclear magnetic resonance) have been used to investigate the
      orientational order and director distribution in the liquid-crystalline phases of
      CB7CB. The synthesis of a specifically deuterated sample of CB7CB is reported,
      and measurements showed a bifurcation of the quadrupolar splitting on entering
      the low-temperature mesophase from the high-temperature nematic phase. This
      splitting could be interpreted in terms of the chirality of the twist-bend
      structure of the director. Calculations using an atomistic model and the surface
      interaction potential with Monte Carlo sampling have been carried out to
      determine the conformational distribution and predict dielectric and elastic
      properties in the nematic phase. The former are in agreement with experimental
      measurements, while the latter are consistent with the formation of a twist-bend
      nematic phase.

PMID- 22060388
TI  - Smectic-A and smectic-C phases and phase transitions in 8S5 liquid-crystal
      aerosil gels.
AB  - High-resolution x-ray scattering studies of the nonpolar thermotropic liquid
      crystal 4-n-pentylphenylthiol-4'-n-octyloxybenzoate (8S5) in aerosil gel
      nanonetworks reveal that the aerosil-induced disorder significantly alters both
      the nematic to smectic-A and smectic-A to smectic-C phase transitions. The
      limiting 8S5 smectic-A correlation length follows a power-law dependence on the
      aerosil density in quantitative agreement with the limiting lengths measured
      previously in other smectic-A liquid crystal gels. The smectic-A to smectic-C
      liquid crystalline phase transition is altered fundamentally by the presence of
      the aerosil gel. The onset of the smectic-C phase remains relatively sharp but
      there is an extended coexistence region where smectic-A and smectic-C domains can
      exist.

PMID- 22060389
TI  - Ferroelectric behavior of orthogonal smectic phase made of bent-core molecules.
AB  - Ferroelectric behavior in the recently reported orthogonal ferroelectric Sm
      A(d)P(F) phase in an unsymmetric bent-core molecule with a carbosilane terminal
      group was studied. The ferroelectricity of the Sm-A(d)P(F) phase was
      unambiguously confirmed by optical second-harmonic generation activity in the
      absence of an electric field, ferroelectric response, and high dielectric
      strength. The long-range polar order is a consequence of weakened interlayer
      coupling due to the formation of carbosilane sublayers, which allows for the
      parallel order of dipole moments of bent-core molecules in the neighboring
      layers. It develops in the system gradually through the second-order phase
      transition from the orthogonal Sm-A(d) phase. In the Sm-A(d)P(F) phase the strong
      surface anchoring results in the splay of polarization across the sample
      thickness. The polar surface anchoring also brings about strongly thickness
      dependent polar fluctuations, as proved by the dielectric measurements (Goldstone
      like mode). The relaxation frequency and dielectric strength vary more than one
      order of magnitude with cell thickness; in particular the dielectric strength
      attains more than 2000 in a 25 MUm-thick cell and continues to increase for
      thicker cells. Simple theory developed qualitatively explains the experimental
      results, supporting the polarization splay model proposed.

PMID- 22060390
TI  - Depth profile of optically recorded patterns in light-sensitive liquid-crystal
      elastomers.
AB  - We investigated nonlinear absorption and photobleaching processes in a liquid
      crystal elastomer doped with light-sensitive azobenzene moiety. A conventional
      one-dimensional holographic grating was recorded in the material with the use of
      two crossed UV laser beams and the angular dependence of the diffraction
      efficiency in the vicinity of the Bragg peak was analyzed. These measurements
      gave information on the depth to which trans to cis isomerization had progressed
      into the sample as a function of the UV irradiation time. Using a numerical model
      that takes into account the propagation of writing beams and rate equations for
      the local concentration of the absorbing trans conformer, we computed the
      expected spatial distribution of the trans and cis conformers and the shape of
      the corresponding Bragg diffraction peak for different irradiation doses. Due to
      residual absorption of the cis conformers the depth of the recording progresses
      logarithmically with time and is limited by the thermal relaxation from the cis
      to trans conformation.

PMID- 22060391
TI  - Flexoelectric measurements of a bent-core nematic liquid crystal.
AB  - A large flexoelectric polarization might be expected for a bent-core nematic
      liquid crystal, due to the combination of molecular shape and transverse dipole
      component. In this study a bent-core nematic compound is doped to be highly
      chiral, and measurements of the difference in flexoelectric coefficients (e(1)
      e(3)) are carried out by exploiting the chiral flexoelectro-optic effect. The
      measured flexoelectric coefficients are greater than those for many conventional
      calamitic nematics, but several orders of magnitude lower than recent reports on
      other bent-core compounds. The influence of the bent molecular shape on the
      nematic phase is evident from measurements of the elastic constants, where an
      unusually low ratio of k(3) to k(1) indicates that bend distortions of the
      director are relatively lower in energy compared to those involving splay.

PMID- 22060392
TI  - Helical phase of chiral nematic liquid crystals as the Bianchi VII0 group
      manifold.
AB  - We show that the optical structure of the helical phase of a chiral nematic is
      naturally associated with the Bianchi VII(0) group manifold, of which we give a
      full account. The Joets-Ribotta metric governing propagation of the extraordinary
      rays is invariant under the simply transitive action of the universal cover E(2)
      of the three-dimensional Euclidean group of two dimensions. Thus extraordinary
      light rays are geodesics of a left-invariant metric on this Bianchi type VII(0)
      group. We are able to solve, by separation of variables, both the wave equation
      and the Hamilton-Jacobi equation for this metric. The former reduces to Mathieu's
      equation, and the latter to the quadrantal pendulum equation. We discuss
      Maxwell's equations for uniaxial optical materials where the configuration is
      invariant under a group action and develop a formalism to take advantage of these
      symmetries. The material is not assumed to be impedance matched, thus going
      beyond the usual scope of transformation optics. We show that for a chiral
      nematic in its helical phase Maxwell's equations reduce to a generalized Mathieu
      equation. Our results may also be relevant to helical phases of some magnetic
      materials and to light propagation in certain cosmological models.

PMID- 22060393
TI  - Glassy dynamics in the isotropic phase of a smectogenic liquid crystalline
      compound.
AB  - The temperature evolution of the primary relaxation time in the isotropic phase
      of 4-cyano-4'-tetradecylbiphenyl (14CB) above the isotropic-smectic A (I-SmA)
      transition is discussed. Based on the enthalpy space and distortion-sensitive
      analysis, the prevalence of the mode coupling theory (MCT) "critical" and
      "glassy" dynamics is shown. The obtained singular dependence is related to the
      MCT critical temperature located approximately 48 K below the clearing (I-SmA)
      temperature. However, a weak but detectable distortion in the immediate vicinity
      of the transition occurs. It is also shown that the value of the fragile strength
      coefficient D(T) is characteristic of a very fragile glassy liquid whereas the
      steepness index m is typical of a strong one. Both magnitudes anomalously change
      on approaching the I-SmA phase transition. The static permittivity shows the
      pretransitional effect linked to the temperature of the hypothetical continuous
      phase transition located approximately 10.2 K below the I-SmA transition.

PMID- 22060394
TI  - First-principle approach to rescale the dynamics of simulated coarse-grained
      macromolecular liquids.
AB  - We present a detailed derivation and testing of our approach to rescale the
      dynamics of mesoscale simulations of coarse-grained polymer melts (I. Y.
      Lyubimov, J. McCarty, A. Clark, and M. G. Guenza, J. Chem. Phys. 132, 224903
      (2010)). Starting from the first-principle Liouville equation and applying the
      Mori-Zwanzig projection operator technique, we derive the generalized Langevin
      equations (GLEs) for the coarse-grained representations of the liquid. The chosen
      slow variables in the projection operators define the length scale of coarse
      graining. Each polymer is represented at two levels of coarse graining: monomeric
      as a bead-and-spring model and molecular as a soft colloid. In the long-time
      regime where the center-of-mass follows Brownian motion and the internal dynamics
      is completely relaxed, the two descriptions must be equivalent. By enforcing this
      formal relation we derive from the GLEs the analytical rescaling factors to be
      applied to dynamical data in the coarse-grained representation to recover the
      monomeric description. Change in entropy and change in friction are the two
      corrections to be accounted for to compensate the effects of coarse graining on
      the polymer dynamics. The solution of the memory functions in the coarse-grained
      representations provides the dynamical rescaling of the friction coefficient. The
      calculation of the internal degrees of freedom provides the correction of the
      change in entropy due to coarse graining. The resulting rescaling formalism is a
      function of the coarse-grained model and thermodynamic parameters of the system
      simulated. The rescaled dynamics obtained from mesoscale simulations of
      polyethylene, represented as soft-colloidal particles, by applying our rescaling
      approach shows a good agreement with data of translational diffusion measured
      experimentally and from simulations. The proposed method is used to predict self
      diffusion coefficients of new polyethylene samples.

PMID- 22060395
TI  - Interfacial properties of polystyrene thin films as revealed by neutron
      reflectivity.
AB  - We have studied the glass transition temperature (T(g)) and molecular mobility of
      polystyrene (PS) thin films near the interface between the polymer thin film and
      substrate with bilayer thin films consisting of surface hydrogenated PS (h-PS)
      and bottom deuterated PS (d-PS) using neutron reflectivity. With decreasing the
      thickness of the bottom d-PS layer, T(g) near the interface between the polymer
      thin film and substrate increased compared to bulk T(g) and a drastic increase of
      T(g) was observed for the bottom d-PS layer <155 A thick. The orientation of
      polymer chains at the interface is supposed to be related to the increase of T(g)
      near the interface between the polymer and substrate. The polymer chain mobility
      decreased with thickness even for the bottom d-PS layer with no discernible
      change of T(g). It is considered that the numerous contacts between polymer
      chains and substrate are related to the decrease of mobility near the interface
      between the polymer thin film and substrate.

PMID- 22060396
TI  - Thermodynamics of polymer adsorption to a flexible membrane.
AB  - We analyze the structural behavior of a single polymer chain grafted to an
      attractive, flexible surface. Our model is composed of a coarse-grained bead-and
      spring polymer and a tethered membrane. By means of extensive parallel tempering
      Monte Carlo simulations it is shown that the system exhibits a rich phase
      behavior ranging from highly ordered, compact to extended random coil structures,
      and from desorbed to completely adsorbed or even partially embedded
      conformations. These findings are summarized in a pseudophase diagram indicating
      the predominant class of conformations as a function of the external parameters
      temperature and polymer-membrane interaction strength. By comparison with
      adsorption to a stiff membrane surface it is shown that the flexibility of the
      membrane gives rise to qualitatively new behavior such as stretching of adsorbed
      conformations.

PMID- 22060397
TI  - Moran model as a dynamical process on networks and its implications for neutral
      speciation.
AB  - In population genetics, the Moran model describes the neutral evolution of a
      biallelic gene in a population of haploid individuals subjected to mutations. We
      show in this paper that this model can be mapped into an influence dynamical
      process on networks subjected to external influences. The panmictic case
      considered by Moran corresponds to fully connected networks and can be completely
      solved in terms of hypergeometric functions. Other types of networks correspond
      to structured populations, for which approximate solutions are also available.
      This approach to the classic Moran model leads to a relation between regular
      networks based on spatial grids and the mechanism of isolation by distance. We
      discuss the consequences of this connection for topopatric speciation and the
      theory of neutral speciation and biodiversity. We show that the effect of
      mutations in structured populations, where individuals can mate only with
      neighbors, is greatly enhanced with respect to the panmictic case. If mating is
      further constrained by genetic proximity between individuals, a balance of
      opposing tendencies takes place: increasing diversity promoted by enhanced
      effective mutations versus decreasing diversity promoted by similarity between
      mates. Resolution of large enough opposing tendencies occurs through speciation
      via pattern formation. We derive an explicit expression that indicates when
      speciation is possible involving the parameters characterizing the population. We
      also show that the time to speciation is greatly reduced in comparison with the
      panmictic case.

PMID- 22060398
TI  - Dynamical singularities in adaptive delayed-feedback control.
AB  - We demonstrate the dynamical characteristics of adaptive delayed-feedback control
      systems, exploiting a discrete-time adaptive control method derived for carrying
      out detailed analysis. In particular, the systems exhibit singularities such as
      power-law decay of the distribution of transient times and almost zero finite
      time Lyapunov exponents. We can explain these results by characterizing such
      systems as having (1) a Jacobian matrix with unity eigenvalue in the whole phase
      space, and (2) parameters approaching a stability boundary proven to be identical
      with that of (nonadaptive) delayed-feedback control.

PMID- 22060399
TI  - Dynamics of a genetic toggle switch at the nucleotide and codon levels.
AB  - We study the dynamics of a model stochastic two-gene switch at the nucleotide and
      codon levels. First, we show that its stability, the mean lifetime of the noisy
      attractors, differs from that of a model where transcription and translation
      elongation are modeled as single-step delayed events, indicating the need of
      detailed models to study the dynamics of switches. Next, we vary the coupling
      between the two genes by varying the affinity of repressor proteins to the
      promoters and measure the mutual information between the two proteins times
      series. We find that there is a degree of coupling that maximizes information
      propagation between the two genes. This is explained by the effects of the
      coupling on mean and entropy of RNA and protein numbers of each gene, as well as
      correlation, 2-tuple entropy between the two proteins numbers, and, finally, the
      stability of the noisy attractors. We also find that increasing the rate of
      translation initiation increases the correlation between RNA and protein numbers
      and between the two proteins, due to increased stability of the noisy attractors.
      Increasing the rate of transcription or decreasing RNA degradation causes
      opposite effects to the correlation between RNA and proteins of each gene and the
      stability of the noisy attractors. Finally, we add a sequence-dependent
      transcription pause site and show that both its probability of occurrence, as
      well as its mean time length, affects the dynamics of the switch, further
      demonstrating the dependence of the dynamics of this circuit on sequence level
      events.

PMID- 22060400
TI  - Correlated heterogeneous deformation of entangled fiber networks.
AB  - We study the deformation of a network of entangled non-cross-linked semiflexible
      fibers subjected to compression. We show that the deformation is intermittent,
      heterogeneous, and dominated by the occurrence of avalanches. Avalanches imply
      relative fiber sliding and rearrangement and lead to a serrated stress-strain
      curve. A large fraction of the fibers in the system contribute to an avalanche,
      and the amplitudes of the sliding events are correlated spatially. This
      phenomenon is qualitatively similar in systems with and without friction between
      fibers and is not due to frictional stick slip.

PMID- 22060401
TI  - Shear unzipping of double-stranded DNA.
AB  - We use a simple nonlinear scaler displacement model to calculate the distribution
      of effects created by a shear stress on a double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) molecule
      and the value of shear force F(c) that is required to separate the two strands of
      a molecule at a given temperature. It is shown that for molecules of base pairs
      fewer than than 21, the entire single strand moves in the direction of applied
      force, whereas for molecules having base pairs more than 21, part of the strand
      moves in the opposite direction under the influence of force acting on the other
      strand. This result as well as the calculated values of F(c) as a function of
      length of dsDNA molecules are in very good agreement with the experimental values
      of Hatch et al. [Phys. Rev. E 78, 011920 (2008)].

PMID- 22060402
TI  - Effects of surface hydrophobicity on the conformational changes of polypeptides
      of different length.
AB  - We studied the effects of surface hydrophobicity on the conformational changes of
      different length polypeptides by calculating the free energy difference between
      peptide structures using the bias-potential Monte Carlo technique and the
      probability ratio method. It was found that the hydrophobic surface plays an
      important role in the stability of secondary structures of the polypeptides with
      hydrophobic side chains. For short GAAAAG peptides, the hydrophobic surface
      destabilizes the alpha helix but stabilizes the beta hairpin in the entire
      temperature region considered in our study. Interestingly, when the surface
      hydrophobic strength epsilon(hpsf)>=epsilon(hp), the most stable structure in the
      low temperature region changes from alpha helix to beta hairpin, and the
      corresponding phase transition temperature increases slightly. For longer
      GAAAAAAAAAAG peptides, the effects of the relatively weak hydrophobic surface
      (epsilon(hpsf) < epsilon(hp)) on alpha-helical structures may be neglected, while
      the relatively strongly hydrophobic surface (epsilon(hpsf)>=epsilon(hp)) leads to
      the obvious partial helicity loss. In contrast, the stability of beta structures
      can be enhanced significantly by the hydrophobic surface, especially by the
      strongly hydrophobic surface, at low and intermediate temperatures. At high
      temperatures, in addition to thermal fluctuations, the strongly hydrophobic
      surface (epsilon(hpsf)>epsilon(hp)) may further disturb the formation of both
      alpha-helical and beta structures. Moreover, the phase transition temperature
      between alpha-helical structures and random coils significantly decreases due to
      the helicity loss when epsilon(hpsf)>epsilon(hp). Our findings provide a basic
      and quantitative picture for understanding the effects of a hydrophobic surface
      on the conformational changes of the polypeptides with hydrophobic side chains.
      From an application viewpoint, the present study is helpful in developing
      alternative strategies of producing high-quality biological fibrillar materials
      and functional nanoscale devices by the self-assembly of the polypeptides on
      hydrophobic surfaces.

PMID- 22060403
TI  - Fixation, transient landscape, and diffusion dilemma in stochastic evolutionary
      game dynamics.
AB  - Agent-based stochastic models for finite populations have recently received much
      attention in the game theory of evolutionary dynamics. Both the ultimate fixation
      and the pre-fixation transient behavior are important to a full understanding of
      the dynamics. In this paper, we study the transient dynamics of the well-mixed
      Moran process through constructing a landscape function. It is shown that the
      landscape playing a central theoretical "device" that integrates several lines of
      inquiries: the stable behavior of the replicator dynamics, the long-time
      fixation, and continuous diffusion approximation associated with asymptotically
      large population. Several issues relating to the transient dynamics are
      discussed: (i) multiple time scales phenomenon associated with intra- and inter
      attractoral dynamics; (ii) discontinuous transition in stochastically stationary
      process akin to Maxwell construction in equilibrium statistical physics; and
      (iii) the dilemma diffusion approximation facing as a continuous approximation of
      the discrete evolutionary dynamics. It is found that rare events with
      exponentially small probabilities, corresponding to the uphill movements and
      barrier crossing in the landscape with multiple wells that are made possible by
      strong nonlinear dynamics, plays an important role in understanding the origin of
      the complexity in evolutionary, nonlinear biological systems.

PMID- 22060404
TI  - Event-driven simulations of a plastic, spiking neural network.
AB  - We consider a fully connected network of leaky integrate-and-fire neurons with
      spike-timing-dependent plasticity. The plasticity is controlled by a parameter
      representing the expected weight of a synapse between neurons that are firing
      randomly with the same mean frequency. For low values of the plasticity
      parameter, the activities of the system are dominated by noise, while large
      values of the plasticity parameter lead to self-sustaining activity in the
      network. We perform event-driven simulations on finite-size networks with up to
      128 neurons to find the stationary synaptic weight conformations for different
      values of the plasticity parameter. In both the low- and high-activity regimes,
      the synaptic weights are narrowly distributed around the plasticity parameter
      value consistent with the predictions of mean-field theory. However, the
      distribution broadens in the transition region between the two regimes,
      representing emergent network structures. Using a pseudophysical approach for
      visualization, we show that the emergent structures are of "path" or "hub" type,
      observed at different values of the plasticity parameter in the transition
      region.

PMID- 22060405
TI  - Phase transitions and spatially ordered counterion association in ionic-lipid
      membranes: a statistical model.
AB  - We propose a statistical model to account for the gel-fluid anomalous phase
      transitions in charged bilayer- or lamellae-forming ionic lipids. The model
      Hamiltonian comprises effective attractive interactions to describe neutral-lipid
      membranes as well as the effect of electrostatic repulsions of the discrete ionic
      charges on the lipid headgroups. The latter can be counterion dissociated
      (charged) or counterion associated (neutral), while the lipid acyl chains may be
      in gel (low-temperature or high-lateral-pressure) or fluid (high-temperature or
      low-lateral-pressure) states. The system is modeled as a lattice gas with two
      distinct particle types--each one associated, respectively, with the polar
      headgroup and the acyl-chain states--which can be mapped onto an Ashkin-Teller
      model with the inclusion of cubic terms. The model displays a rich thermodynamic
      behavior in terms of the chemical potential of counterions (related to added salt
      concentration) and lateral pressure. In particular, we show the existence of
      semidissociated thermodynamic phases related to the onset of charge order in the
      system. This type of order stems from spatially ordered counterion association to
      the lipid headgroups, in which charged and neutral lipids alternate in a
      checkerboard-like order. Within the mean-field approximation, we predict that the
      acyl-chain order-disorder transition is discontinuous, with the first-order line
      ending at a critical point, as in the neutral case. Moreover, the charge order
      gives rise to continuous transitions, with the associated second-order lines
      joining the aforementioned first-order line at critical end points. We explore
      the thermodynamic behavior of some physical quantities, like the specific heat at
      constant lateral pressure and the degree of ionization, associated with the
      fraction of charged lipid headgroups.

PMID- 22060406
TI  - Simple biophysical model of tumor evasion from immune system control.
AB  - The competitive nonlinear interplay between a tumor and the host's immune system
      is not only very complex but is also time-changing. A fundamental aspect of this
      issue is the ability of the tumor to slowly carry out processes that gradually
      allow it to become less harmed and less susceptible to recognition by the immune
      system effectors. Here we propose a simple epigenetic escape mechanism that
      adaptively depends on the interactions per time unit between cells of the two
      systems. From a biological point of view, our model is based on the concept that
      a tumor cell that has survived an encounter with a cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL)
      has an information gain that it transmits to the other cells of the neoplasm. The
      consequence of this information increase is a decrease in both the probabilities
      of being killed and of being recognized by a CTL. We show that the mathematical
      model of this mechanism is formally equal to an evolutionary imitation game
      dynamics. Numerical simulations of transitory phases complement the theoretical
      analysis. Implications of the interplay between the above mechanisms and the
      delivery of immunotherapies are also illustrated.

PMID- 22060407
TI  - Profile structures of the voltage-sensor domain and the voltage-gated K(+)
      channel vectorially oriented in a single phospholipid bilayer membrane at the
      solid-vapor and solid-liquid interfaces determined by x-ray interferometry.
AB  - One subunit of the prokaryotic voltage-gated potassium ion channel from Aeropyrum
      pernix (KvAP) is comprised of six transmembrane alpha helices, of which S1-S4
      form the voltage-sensor domain (VSD) and S5 and S6 contribute to the pore domain
      (PD) of the functional homotetramer. However, the mechanism of electromechanical
      coupling interconverting the closed-to-open (i.e., nonconducting-to-K(+)
      conducting) states remains undetermined. Here, we have vectorially oriented the
      detergent (OG)-solubilized VSD in single monolayers by two independent
      approaches, namely "directed-assembly" and "self-assembly," to achieve a high in
      plane density. Both utilize Ni coordination chemistry to tether the protein to an
      alkylated inorganic surface via its C-terminal His_{6} tag. Subsequently, the
      detergent is replaced by phospholipid (POPC) via exchange, intended to
      reconstitute a phospholipid bilayer environment for the protein. X-ray
      interferometry, in which interference with a multilayer reference structure is
      used to both enhance and phase the specular x-ray reflectivity from the tethered
      single membrane, was used to determine directly the electron density profile
      structures of the VSD protein solvated by detergent versus phospholipid, and with
      either a moist He (moderate hydration) or bulk aqueous buffer (high hydration)
      environment to preserve a native structure conformation. Difference electron
      density profiles, with respect to the multilayer substrate itself, for the VSD-OG
      monolayer and VSD-POPC membranes at both the solid-vapor and solid-liquid
      interfaces, reveal the profile structures of the VSD protein dominating these
      profiles and further indicate a successful reconstitution of a lipid bilayer
      environment. The self-assembly approach was similarly extended to the intact full
      length KvAP channel for comparison. The spatial extent and asymmetry in the
      profile structures of both proteins confirm their unidirectional vectorial
      orientation within the reconstituted membrane and indicate retention of the
      protein's folded three-dimensional tertiary structure upon completion of membrane
      bilayer reconstitution. Moreover, the resulting high in-plane density of
      vectorially oriented protein within a fully hydrated single phospholipid bilayer
      membrane at the solid-liquid interface will enable investigation of their
      conformational states as a function of the transmembrane electric potential.

PMID- 22060408
TI  - Bubble statistics and positioning in superhelically stressed DNA.
AB  - We present a general framework to study the thermodynamic denaturation of double
      stranded DNA under superhelical stress. We report calculations of position- and
      size-dependent opening probabilities for bubbles along the sequence. Our results
      are obtained from transfer-matrix solutions of the Zimm-Bragg model for
      unconstrained DNA and of a self-consistent linearization of the Benham model for
      superhelical DNA. The numerical efficiency of our method allows for the analysis
      of entire genomes and of random sequences of corresponding length (10(6)-10(9)
      base pairs). We show that, at physiological conditions, opening in superhelical
      DNA is strongly cooperative with average bubble sizes of 10(2)-10(3) base pairs
      (bp), and orders of magnitude higher than in unconstrained DNA. In heterogeneous
      sequences, the mean degree of base-pair opening is self-averaging, while bubble
      localization and statistics are dominated by sequence disorder. Compared to
      random sequences with identical GC-content, genomic DNA has a significantly
      increased probability to open large bubbles under superhelical stress. These
      bubbles are frequently located directly upstream of transcription start sites.

PMID- 22060409
TI  - Bistability induces episodic spike communication by inhibitory neurons in
      neuronal networks.
AB  - Bistability is one of the important features of nonlinear dynamical systems. In
      neurodynamics, bistability has been found in basic Hodgkin-Huxley equations
      describing the cell membrane dynamics. When the neuron is clamped near its
      threshold, the stable rest potential may coexist with the stable limit cycle
      describing periodic spiking. However, this effect is often neglected in network
      computations where the neurons are typically reduced to threshold firing units
      (e.g., integrate-and-fire models). We found that the bistability may induce spike
      communication by inhibitory coupled neurons in the spiking network. The
      communication is realized in the form of episodic discharges with synchronous
      (correlated) spikes during the episodes. A spiking phase map is constructed to
      describe the synchronization and to estimate basic spike phase locking modes.

PMID- 22060410
TI  - Objective method for estimating asymptotic parameters, with an application to
      sequence alignment.
AB  - Sequence alignment is an indispensable computational tool in modern molecular
      biology. The model underlying biological sequence alignment is of interest to
      physicists because it approximates the statistical mechanics of DNA and protein
      annealing, while bearing an intimate relationship to models of directed polymers
      in random media. Recent methods for determining the statistics of random sequence
      alignments have reduced the computation time to less than 1 s, opening up some
      interesting possibilities for online computation with biological search engines.
      Before implementation, however, the methods required an objective technique for
      computing regression coefficients pertinent to an asymptotic regime. Typically,
      physicists estimate parameters pertinent to an asymptotic regime subjectively:
      They eyeball their data; estimate the asymptotic regime where the regression
      model holds with reasonable accuracy; and then regress data only within the
      estimated asymptotic regime. Our publicly available computer program ARRP
      replaces the subjective assessment of the asymptotic regime with an objective
      change-point detection method, increasing confidence in the scientific
      objectivity of the parameter estimates. Asymptotic regression has potential
      applications across most of physics.

PMID- 22060411
TI  - Ecological oscillations induced by a shared predator and the "Winner peaks first"
      rule.
AB  - We investigate the dynamics of an ecological system made up of one predator
      feeding on two different prey species. In a large range of parameter space, the
      system displays oscillating solutions. We show that, in the regime in which the
      two preys coexist, the better fit prey consistently peaks first. Further, we
      classify the possible oscillations of the network by a symbolic dynamics method.
      Our findings show that the symbolic orbits of an ecological system contain
      information about which of two preys is the better fit, and when one is bound to
      extinction.

PMID- 22060412
TI  - Phase-noise-induced resonance in a single neuronal system.
AB  - Phase-disorder-induced resonance has been recently uncovered in an ensemble of
      coupled excitable neurons with weak external signal, where each neuron takes a
      constant initial signal phase [Phys. Rev. E 82, 010902(R) (2010)]. However, it is
      unclear how the initial phase disorder influences the behavior of a single or
      isolated neuron, which constitutes the ensemble. In order to answer this
      question, we here consider the case of a single neuron with phase noise
      originated from the time-varying initial signal phase, in contrast to the
      constant initial phase in each neuron studied in the above referenced paper.
      Interestingly, we find that the phase noise can induce resonance even in the
      single neuronal system with subthreshold signal. Moreover, we reveal that, with
      the presence of phase noise, the neuron also shows another resonance behavior by
      varying the period of the external signal. An analysis is conducted to uncover
      the mechanisms behind these resonance phenomena.

PMID- 22060413
TI  - Partial hydrodynamic screening of confined linear and circular double-stranded
      DNA dynamics.
AB  - We performed experiments and simulations to investigate the influence of
      hydrodynamic interaction on the diffusion dynamics of circular and linear lambda
      DNA confined in nanoslits. Contrary to the common assumption that intrachain
      hydrodynamic interaction (HI) is completely screened when polymers are confined
      in channels with height h smaller than the radius of gyration R(g), it is found
      that the HI is partially screened and approaches complete screening only for
      R(g)?h. For lambda-DNA, the HI becomes nearly completely screened only when the
      channel height is smaller than the Kuhn length. In addition, the dynamics of
      linear and circular lambda-DNA in very strong confinement is shown to be
      independent of the chain topology.

PMID- 22060414
TI  - Multifractal analysis of thermal denaturation based on the Peyrard-Bishop-Dauxois
      model.
AB  - The theory of DNA dynamics is exceedingly complex and not easily explained. In
      the past two decades, by adapting methods of statistical physics, the dynamics of
      DNA in contact with a thermal bath is widely studied. In this paper, the thermal
      denaturation of DNA in the framework of the Peyrard-Bishop-Dauxois (PBD) model
      through the Renyi dimension is investigated. As a result, the Renyi dimension
      spectrum of the melting transition process reveals the multifractal nature of the
      dynamics of the Peyrard-Bishop-Dauxois model. Also, it can be concluded that the
      Renyi dimension (D(q)) at negative values of q is the characteristic signature of
      pre-melting and thermal denaturation of DNA. Furthermore, this approach is in
      excellent agreement with previous experimental studies.

PMID- 22060415
TI  - Charged bilayer membranes in asymmetric ionic solutions: phase diagrams and
      critical behavior.
AB  - We consider the phase separation in an asymmetrically charged lipid bilayer
      membrane consisting of neutral and negatively charged lipids that are in contact
      with in and out ionic solutions having different ionic strengths. The two
      asymmetric leaflets are coupled through electrostatic interactions. Based on a
      free-energy approach, the critical point and phase diagrams are calculated for
      different ionic strengths of the two solutions and coupling parameter. An
      increase of the coupling constant or asymmetry in the salt concentration between
      the in and out solutions yields a higher phase-separation temperature because of
      electrostatic interactions. As a consequence, the phase-coexistence region
      increases for strong screening (small Debye length). Finally, possible three
      phase coexistence regions in the phase diagram are predicted.

PMID- 22060416
TI  - Measuring absolute number concentrations of nanoparticles using single-particle
      tracking.
AB  - Single-particle tracking (SPT) microscopy is increasingly used to characterize
      nanoparticulate systems. We introduce a concept for estimation of particle number
      concentration in Brownian particle dispersions using SPT based on a model for the
      trajectory length distribution of particles to estimate the detection region
      volume. The resulting method is independent of precalibration reference
      measurements, and robust with respect to image processing settings.
      Experimentally estimated concentrations of different dilutions of 0.19- and 0.52
      MUm polymer nanospheres are in excellent agreement with estimates computed from
      the concentrations of the stock solutions.

PMID- 22060417
TI  - Bidirectional transport in a multispecies totally asymmetric exclusion-process
      model.
AB  - We study a minimal lattice model which describes bidirectional transport of
      "particles" driven along a one-dimensional track, as is observed in microtubule
      based, motor protein driven bidirectional transport of cargo vesicles, lipid
      bodies, and organelles such as mitochondria. This minimal model, a multispecies
      totally asymmetric exclusion process (TASEP) with directional switching, can
      provide a framework for understanding the interplay between the switching
      dynamics of individual particles and the collective movement of particles in one
      dimension. When switching is much faster than translocation, the steady-state
      density and current profiles of the particles are homogeneous in the bulk and are
      well described by mean-field (MF) theory, as determined by comparison to a Monte
      Carlo simulation. In this limit, we can map this model to the exactly solvable
      partially asymmetric exclusion-process (PASEP) model. Away from this fast
      switching regime the MF theory fails, although the average bulk density profile
      still remains homogeneous. We study the steady-state behavior as a function of
      the ratio of the translocation and net switching rates Q and find a unique first
      order phase transition at a finite Q associated with a discontinuous change of
      the bulk density. When the switching rate is decreased further (keeping
      translocation rate fixed), the system approaches a jammed phase with a net
      current that tends to zero as J~1/Q. We numerically construct the phase diagram
      for finite Q.

PMID- 22060418
TI  - Tuning the performance of an artificial protein motor.
AB  - The Tumbleweed (TW) is a concept for an artificial, tri-pedal, protein-based
      motor designed to move unidirectionally along a linear track by a diffusive
      tumbling motion. Artificial motors offer the unique opportunity to explore how
      motor performance depends on design details in a way that is open to experimental
      investigation. Prior studies have shown that TW's ability to complete many
      successive steps can be critically dependent on the motor's diffusional step
      time. Here, we present a simulation study targeted at determining how to minimize
      the diffusional step time of the TW motor as a function of two particular design
      choices: nonspecific motor-track interactions and molecular flexibility. We
      determine an optimal nonspecific interaction strength and establish a set of
      criteria for optimal molecular flexibility as a function of the nonspecific
      interaction. We discuss our results in the context of similarities to biological,
      linear stepping diffusive molecular motors with the aim of identifying general
      engineering principles for protein motors.

PMID- 22060419
TI  - Hierarchical organization of brain functional networks during visual tasks.
AB  - The functional network of the brain is known to demonstrate modular structure
      over different hierarchical scales. In this paper, we systematically investigated
      the hierarchical modular organizations of the brain functional networks that are
      derived from the extent of phase synchronization among high-resolution EEG time
      series during a visual task. In particular, we compare the modular structure of
      the functional network from EEG channels with that of the anatomical parcellation
      of the brain cortex. Our results show that the modular architectures of brain
      functional networks correspond well to those from the anatomical structures over
      different levels of hierarchy. Most importantly, we find that the consistency
      between the modular structures of the functional network and the anatomical
      network becomes more pronounced in terms of vision, sensory, vision-temporal,
      motor cortices during the visual task, which implies that the strong modularity
      in these areas forms the functional basis for the visual task. The structure
      function relationship further reveals that the phase synchronization of EEG time
      series in the same anatomical group is much stronger than that of EEG time series
      from different anatomical groups during the task and that the hierarchical
      organization of functional brain network may be a consequence of functional
      segmentation of the brain cortex.

PMID- 22060420
TI  - Fluid transport by active elastic membranes.
AB  - A flexible membrane deforming its shape in time can self-propel in a viscous
      fluid. Alternatively, if the membrane is anchored, its deformation will lead to
      fluid transport. Past work in this area focused on situations where the
      deformation kinematics of the membrane were prescribed. Here we consider models
      where the deformation of the membrane is not prescribed, but instead the membrane
      is internally forced. Both the time-varying membrane shape and the resulting
      fluid motion result then from a balance between prescribed internal active
      stresses, internal passive resistance, and external viscous stresses. We
      introduce two specific models for such active internal forcing: one where a
      distribution of active bending moments is prescribed, and one where active
      inclusions exert normal stresses on the membrane by pumping fluid through it. In
      each case, we asymptotically calculate the membrane shape and the fluid transport
      velocities for small forcing amplitudes, and recover our results using scaling
      analysis.

PMID- 22060421
TI  - Effect of robustness on selection of a mutation-rate regulating gene.
AB  - We study the evolution of a population of sequences, where each sequence is
      divided into a reproduction-rate (fitness) encoding part and a mutation-rate
      regulating part. Evolutionary selection acts on the sequence both by a direct
      fitness landscape and by indirect selection on a mutation landscape through which
      the sequence's mutation rate is determined, thereby providing a model of a
      mutation-rate-regulating gene. Coupling of the fitness landscape and mutation
      landscape leads to adaptive evolution of the sequence. We investigate the effects
      of robustness in the mutation landscape and fitness landscapes on selection of
      the sequence. We find that the effects of robustness in both the mutation and the
      fitness landscape can be described by an effective sequence length, defined as
      the mutational load divided by the per-base mutation rate, and we give
      expressions for the effective sequence length for various fitness and mutation
      landscapes. The probability that the sequence with a reduced mutation rate
      evolves is increased by increasing the robustness of the mutation landscape, and
      decreased by increasing the robustness of the fitness landscape. However, in the
      case of the mutation-rate-regulating part making up only a very small part of the
      total sequence length, we show that selection for a more robust sequence with
      less-reduced mutation rate is very weak, and therefore we conjecture that robust
      sequences play little role in selection of error-reducing mechanisms in real
      populations.

PMID- 22060422
TI  - Estimation of the bending rigidity and spontaneous curvature of fluid membranes
      in simulations.
AB  - Several numerical methods for measuring the bending rigidity and the spontaneous
      curvature of fluid membranes are studied using two types of meshless membrane
      models. The bending rigidity is estimated from the thermal undulations of planar
      and tubular membranes and the axial force of tubular membranes. We found a large
      dependence of its estimate value from the thermal undulation analysis on the
      upper-cutoff frequency q(cut) of the least-squares fit. The inverse power
      spectrum fit with an extrapolation to q(cut)->0 yields the smallest estimation
      error among the investigated methods. The spontaneous curvature is estimated from
      the axial force of tubular membranes and the average curvature of bent membrane
      strips. The results of these methods show good agreement with each other.

PMID- 22060423
TI  - Cell sorting based on motility differences.
AB  - Self-propelled particles are used to simulate cell aggregates in a model
      considering homogeneous adhesion forces between cells and using only motility
      differences as segregation drivers. The tendency of cells to follow their
      neighbors is also included in the formulation. Three model variants are explored,
      and the conditions on which motility differences may produce segregation are
      mapped in parameter diagrams. The evolution of the order parameter measuring cell
      segregation is similar to those found by models based on differential adhesion.
      It is also found that, considering only velocity differences, the faster cells
      envelope the slower ones, which is opposite to the ordering observed in early
      experiments by Jones and co-workers [Jones, Evans, and Lee, Exp. Cell. Res. 180,
      287 (1989)].

PMID- 22060424
TI  - Bubble solitons in an inhomogeneous, helical DNA molecular chain with flexible
      strands.
AB  - Base pair opening in an inhomogeneous, DNA double helical molecular chain with
      flexible strands is investigated by studying its internal dynamics. For the
      study, a generalized model which takes into account the energies involved in
      stacking and hydrogen bonds along with inhomogeneity, helicity, and phonons
      coupled to the stacking and hydrogen bonds is proposed. The internal dynamics of
      the proposed DNA model is governed by a perturbed nonlinear Schrodinger equation.
      The unperturbed, completely integrable nonlinear Schrodinger equation which
      admits soliton solutions and forming a bubble corresponds to DNA dynamics with
      homogeneous and rigid strands. The results of the soliton perturbation analysis
      show that the inhomogeneity in stacking and hydrogen bonds in localized and
      periodic forms and the helicity do not alter the amplitude under perturbation.
      However, the flexibility of the strands diminishes the perturbed amplitude. On
      the other hand, the velocity of the soliton and bubble are unaltered due to all
      the above effects. However, the position and phase of the soliton and the bubble
      vary linearly in time. While the position of the soliton depends on the initial
      velocity, the phase depends on both the initial velocity and the initial
      amplitude of the soliton. The above effects introduce small fluctuation in the
      tail of the soliton, without affecting the robust nature of the soliton and the
      bubble during propagation. The soliton and the bubble obtained as solutions of
      the internal dynamics of the DNA molecule represent an opening of the base pairs
      which is essential for the transcription process.

PMID- 22060425
TI  - Network analysis reveals cross-links of the immune pathways activated by bacteria
      and allergen.
AB  - Many biological networks are characterized by directed edges that represent
      either activating (positive) or inhibiting (negative) regulation. Most graph
      theoretical methods used to study biological networks either disregard this
      important feature, or study the role of edge sign only in the context of small
      subgraphs called motifs. Here, we develop path-based measures which capture, on
      continuous scales spanning negative and positive values, both the long- and short
      range regulatory relationships among node pairs. These measures also allow the
      quantification of each node's overall influence on the whole network and its
      susceptibility to regulation by the rest of the network. We apply the measures to
      a network representation of the mammalian immune response to simultaneous attack
      by allergen and respiratory bacteria. Although allergen and bacteria elicit
      different immune pathways, there is significant overlap (cross-talk) and feedback
      between these pathways. We identify key immune components in this cross-talk;
      particularly revealing the importance of natural killer cells as a key regulatory
      target in the cross-talk.

PMID- 22060426
TI  - Shearing self-propelled suspensions: arrest of coarsening and suppression of
      giant density fluctuations.
AB  - We study the effect of a linear shear flow on a collection of interacting active,
      self-propelled particles modeled via the Vicsek model. The imposed flow has a
      dramatic effect on the behavior of the model. We find that in the presence of
      shear there is no order-disorder transition, and that coarsening of the domains
      is arrested. Shear also suppresses the so-called giant density fluctuations that
      are observed in the quiescent limit.

PMID- 22060427
TI  - Marginal stability in chemical systems and its relevance in the origin of life.
AB  - Concentration fluctuations are always present in solutions; it has been noticed
      that, in chemical systems, they can lead to deviations from what is expected from
      mass-action equations. I recently described the class of the "marginally stable"
      chemical systems; namely, a system that have an infinity of stationary states
      forming a continuous curve, and I showed that they present such deviations, which
      appear as a drift along the stationary-state curve [Phys. Rev. Lett. 105, 058102
      (2010)]. Here I describe various marginally stable chemical reaction networks,
      including replicating molecules, and I present numerical calculations based on
      reaction-diffusion master equations, showing that the thermodynamic fluctuations
      induce a drift. This drift can be interpreted in terms of evolution toward a more
      efficiently replicating system and is analogous to a Darwinian evolution. The
      concentration fluctuations observed during the drift are scale invariant.
      Relevance of this phenomenon to the origin of life is discussed. I propose that
      marginal stability is the mathematical property defining chemical reaction
      networks potentially involved in the origin of life.

PMID- 22060428
TI  - Short-time evolution in the adaptive immune system.
AB  - We exploit a simple model to numerically and analytically investigate the effect
      of enforcing a time constraint for achieving a system-wide goal during an
      evolutionary dynamics. This situation is relevant to finding antibody
      specificities in the adaptive immune response as well as to artificial situations
      in which an evolutionary dynamics is used to generate a desired capability in a
      limited number of generations. When the likelihood of finding the target
      phenotype is low, we find that the optimal mutation rate can exceed the error
      threshold, in contrast to conventional evolutionary dynamics. We also show how a
      logarithmic correction to the usual inverse scaling of population size with
      mutation rate arises. Implications for natural and artificial evolutionary
      situations are discussed.

PMID- 22060429
TI  - Coarse-grained mechanochemical model for simulating the dynamic behavior of
      microtubules.
AB  - Modeling the structure and mechanics of microtubules, which play significant
      roles in various physiological functions of cells, has long been a fascinating
      issue. In this paper, a coarse-grained mechanochemical model is presented to
      study the mechanical-chemical coupling and dynamic attributes of microtubules.
      The interactions among tubulins are taken into account from the molecular basis.
      This model is used to characterize the conformations of sheet-ended microtubules,
      to analyze the distributions of interaction energy, and further to simulate the
      radial indentation process of a microtubule. This method also works for
      investigating the dynamic properties of microtubules, e.g., their assembly,
      growth, deformation, and structural evolution for different conditions. This
      study is helpful for understanding the structure-mechanics-function relationship
      of microtubules and lays a foundation for further investigation of their dynamic
      behavior.

PMID- 22060430
TI  - Protein-folding simulations of the hydrophobic-hydrophilic model by combining
      pull moves with energy landscape paving.
AB  - The energy landscape paving (ELP) method is a class of heuristic global
      optimization algorithms based on Monte Carlo sampling. By incorporating the
      generation of an initial conformation based on a greedy strategy, the
      conformation update mechanism based on pull moves, and some heuristic off-trap
      strategies into an improved ELP method, we propose an alternative version of the
      ELP method, called the ELP-pull move method. We test the ELP-pull move method on
      both two-dimensional (2D) and 3D hydrophobic-hydrophilic protein-folding models.
      For ten 2D benchmark sequences of length ranging from 20 to 100, the proposed
      algorithm finds the lowest energies so far. Within the achieved results, the
      algorithm converges more rapidly and efficiently than previous methods. For all
      ten 3D sequences with a length of 64, the ELP-pull move method finds lower
      energies within comparable computational times. The numerical results demonstrate
      that our algorithm is a powerful method to study the lattice protein-folding
      model.

PMID- 22060431
TI  - Renewal theory of coupled neuronal pools: stable states and slow trajectories.
AB  - A theory is provided to analyze the dynamics of delay-coupled pools of spiking
      neurons based on stability analysis of stationary firing. Transitions between
      stable and unstable regimes can be predicted by bifurcation analysis of the
      underlying integral dynamics. Close to the bifurcation point the network exhibits
      slowly changing activities and allows for slow collective phenomena like
      continuous attractors.

PMID- 22060432
TI  - Role of fluctuations in membrane models: thermal versus nonthermal.
AB  - We study the comparative importance of thermal to nonthermal fluctuations for
      membrane-based models in the linear regime. Our results, both in 1+1 and 2+1
      dimensions, suggest that nonthermal fluctuations dominate thermal ones only when
      the relaxation time tau is large. For moderate to small values of tau, the
      dynamics is defined by a competition between these two forces. The results are
      expected to act as a quantitative benchmark for biological modeling in systems
      involving cytoskeletal and other nonthermal fluctuations.

PMID- 22060433
TI  - Generalized interacting self-avoiding trails on the square lattice: phase diagram
      and critical behavior.
AB  - A generalized model for interacting self-avoiding trails on a square lattice is
      presented and studied using numerical transfer matrix methods. The model
      differentiates between on-site double visits corresponding to collisions, and
      crossings. Rigidity is also included in the model. The model includes the
      Nienhuis O(n=0) model and the interacting self-avoiding trail model as special
      cases. It is shown that the generic type of collapse found is the same as in the
      pure interacting self-avoiding trail model.

PMID- 22060434
TI  - Ising model on a hyperbolic plane with a boundary.
AB  - A hyperbolic plane can be modeled by a structure called the enhanced binary tree.
      We study the ferromagnetic Ising model on top of the enhanced binary tree using
      the renormalization-group analysis in combination with transfer-matrix
      calculations. We find a reasonable agreement with Monte Carlo calculations on the
      transition point, and the resulting critical exponents suggest the mean-field
      surface critical behavior.

PMID- 22060435
TI  - Separability of electrostatic and hydrodynamic forces in particle
      electrophoresis.
AB  - By use of optical tweezers we explicitly measure the electrostatic and
      hydrodynamic forces that determine the electrophoretic mobility of a charged
      colloidal particle. We test the ansatz of O'Brien and White [J. Chem. Soc.
      Faraday II 74, 1607 (1978)] that the electrostatically and hydrodynamically
      coupled electrophoresis problem is separable into two simpler problems: (1) a
      particle held fixed in an applied electric field with no flow field and (2) a
      particle held fixed in a flow field with no applied electric field. For a system
      in the Helmholtz-Smoluchowski and Debye-Huckel regimes, we find that the
      electrostatic and hydrodynamic forces measured independently accurately predict
      the electrophoretic mobility within our measurement precision of 7%; the O'Brien
      and White ansatz holds under the conditions of our experiment.

PMID- 22060436
TI  - X-ray-induced water vaporization.
AB  - We present quantitative evidence for x-ray-induced water vaporization: water is
      vaporized at a rate of 5.5 pL/s with the 1-A-wavelength x-ray irradiation of ~0.1
      photons per A(2); moreover, water vapor is reversibly condensed during pauses in
      irradiation. This result fundamentally suggests that photoionization induces
      vaporization. This phenomenon is attributed to surface-tension reduction by
      ionization and would be universally important in radiological and
      electrohydrodynamic situations.

PMID- 22060437
TI  - Role of chain entropy in an analytic model of protein binding in single-DNA
      stretching experiments.
AB  - We show that the simple analytical model proposed by Zhang and Marko [Phys. Rev.
      E 77, 031916 (2008)] to illustrate Maxwell relations for single-DNA experiments
      can be improved by including the zero-force entropy of a Gaussian chain. The
      resulting model is in excellent agreement with the discrete persistent-chain
      model and is in a form convenient for analyzing experimental data.

PMID- 22060438
TI  - Wavelet analysis of corneal endothelial electrical potential difference reveals
      cyclic operation of the secretory mechanism.
AB  - The corneal endothelium is a fluid-transporting epithelium. As other similar
      tissues, it displays an electrical potential of ~1 mV (aqueous side negative)
      across the entire layer [transendothelial potential difference (TEPD)]. It
      appears that this electrical potential is mainly the result of the transport of
      anions across the cell layer (from stroma to aqueous). There is substantial
      evidence that the TEPD is related linearly to fluid transport; hence, under
      proper conditions, its measure could serve as a measure of fluid transport.
      Furthermore, the TEPD is not steady; instead, it displays a spectrum of frequency
      components (0-15 Hz) recognized recently using Fourier transforms. Such frequency
      components appear due to charge-separating (electrogenic) processes mediated by
      epithelial plasma membrane proteins (both ionic channels and ionic
      cotransporters). In particular, the endothelial TEPD oscillations of the highest
      amplitude (1-2 Hz) were linked to the operation of so-called sodium bicarbonate
      cotransporters. However, no time localization of that activity could be obtained
      with the Fourier methodology utilized. For that reason we now characterize the
      TEPD using wavelet analysis with the aim to localize in time the variations in
      TEPD. We find that the mentioned high-amplitude oscillatory components of the
      TEPD appear cyclically during the several hours that an endothelial preparation
      survives in vitro. They have a period of 4.6 +/- 0.4 s on average (n=4). The
      wavelet power value at the peak of such oscillations is 1.5 +/- 0.1 mV(2) Hz on
      average (n = 4), and is remarkably narrow in its distribution.

PMID- 22060439
TI  - Effect of shear force on the separation of double-stranded DNA.
AB  - Using the Langevin dynamics simulation, we have studied the effects of shear
      force on the rupture of short double-stranded DNA at different temperatures. We
      show that the rupture force increases linearly with chain length and approaches
      the asymptotic value in accordance with the experiment. The qualitative nature of
      these curves remains almost the same for different temperatures but with a shift
      in the force. We observe three different regimes in the extension of covalent
      bonds (backbone) under shear force.

PMID- 22060440
TI  - Minimal fragmentation problem.
AB  - As an alternative to the paradigmatic fragmentation problem of a single object
      crushed into a great number of pieces, we survey a large collection of identical
      bodies, each one randomly split into two fragments only. While some key features
      of usual fragmentation are preserved, this minimal approach allows for closed
      analytical results on both shape abundances and mass distributions for the
      fragments, with robust power-law regimes. All the results are compared to
      numerical simulations.

PMID- 22060441
TI  - Global organization of spiral structures in biparameter space of dissipative
      systems with Shilnikov saddle-foci.
AB  - We reveal and give a theoretical explanation for spiral-like structures of
      periodicity hubs in the biparameter space of a generic dissipative system. We
      show that organizing centers for "shrimp"-shaped connection regions in the spiral
      structure are due to the existence of Shilnikov homoclinics near a codimension-2
      bifurcation of saddle-foci.

PMID- 22060442
TI  - Whispering gallery modes formed by partial barriers in ultrasmall deformed
      microdisks.
AB  - Unexpected formation of regular high-Q whispering gallery modes in a deformed
      microdisk where the radius is of the order of the vacuum wavelength is explained
      in terms of partial barriers in phase space. Using a semiclassical approach to
      determine the action flux of the partial barriers, we successfully predict
      spectral ranges in which the high-Q modes can exist. Our analysis enables
      optimization of emission directionality and the Q factor of deformed ultrasmall
      microcavities.

PMID- 22060443
TI  - Symmetry breaking between statistically equivalent, independent channels in few
      channel chaotic scattering.
AB  - We study the distribution function P(omega) of the random variable
      omega=tau(1)/(tau(1)+...+tau(N)), where tau(k)'s are the partial Wigner delay
      times for chaotic scattering in a disordered system with N independent,
      statistically equivalent channels. In this case, tau(k)'s are independent and
      identically distributed random variables with a distribution Psi(tau)
      characterized by a "fat" power-law intermediate tail ~1/tau(1+MU), truncated by
      an exponential (or a log-normal) function of tau. For N=2 and N=3, we observe a
      surprisingly rich behavior of P(omega), revealing a breakdown of the symmetry
      between identical independent channels. For N=2, numerical simulations of the
      quasi-one-dimensional Anderson model confirm our findings.

PMID- 22060444
TI  - Taylor cones in a leaky dielectric liquid under an ac electric field.
AB  - Conical points of a leaky dielectric drop surrounded by a dielectric gas in an
      external ac electric field are investigated. A novel class of steady conical tips
      depending on the permittivity ratio and applied signal frequency is presented. It
      is found that conical solutions with very small angles are possible (angles much
      smaller than the classical Taylor cone angle 49.3 degrees  for a conducting drop
      in a dc field); this result can be relevant to the observations of small cone
      angles in Chetwani, Maheshwari, and Chang experiments [N. Chetwani, S.
      Maheshwari, and H.-C. Chang, Phys. Rev. Lett. 101, 204501 (2008)].

PMID- 22060445
TI  - Combustion of hydrogen-oxygen mixture in electrochemically generated nanobubbles.
AB  - Ignition of exothermic chemical reactions in small volumes is considered as
      difficult or impossible due to the large surface-to-volume ratio. Here
      observation of the spontaneous reaction is reported between hydrogen and oxygen
      in bubbles whose diameter is smaller than a threshold value around 150 nm. The
      effect is attributed to high Laplace pressure and to fast dynamics in nanobubbles
      and is the first indication on combustion in the nanoscale. In this study the
      bubbles were produced by water electrolysis using successive generation of H(2)
      and O(2) above the same electrode with short voltage pulses in the microsecond
      range. The process was observed in a microsystem at current densities >1000
      A/cm(2) and relative supersaturations >1000.

PMID- 22060446
TI  - Pouring viscous fluid out of a tipped container in minimal time.
AB  - Emptying a container partially filled with viscous fluid can be a frustratingly
      slow process. It takes time for the fluid to even begin discharging after tipping
      the container to develop a draining film on the interior surface. To study the
      effects of the shape and the tipping angle of the container, we predict the time
      required for the fluid to begin discharging in two simple geometries. In
      addition, the volume of the fluid yet to be discharged at subsequent times is
      predicted to decrease as t(-1/2) or t(-1) for flow driven along a plane or
      corner, respectively. We compare these theoretical predictions with laboratory
      experiments and discuss how viscous fluids could be poured out most effectively.

PMID- 22060447
TI  - Directed percolation describes lifetime and growth of turbulent puffs and slugs.
AB  - We show that directed percolation (DP) simulations in a pipe geometry in 3+1
      dimensions capture the observed complex phenomenology of the transition to
      turbulence. At low Reynolds numbers (Re), turbulent puffs form and spontaneously
      relaminarize. At high Re, turbulent slugs expand uniformly into the laminar
      regions. In a spatiotemporally intermittent state between these two regimes of
      Re, puffs split and turbulent regions exhibit laminar patches. DP also captures
      some of the quantitative features of the transition, with a superexponentially
      diverging characteristic lifetime below the transition. Above the percolation
      threshold, active (turbulent) clusters expand into the inactive (laminar) phase
      with a well-defined velocity whose scaling with control parameter (Reynolds
      number or percolation probability) is consistent with experimental results. Our
      results provide strong evidence in favor of a conjecture of Pomeau.

PMID- 22060448
TI  - Geometrical interpretation of negative radiation forces of acoustical Bessel
      beams on spheres.
AB  - Various researchers have predicted situations where the acoustical or optical
      radiation force on a sphere centered on a Bessel beam is opposite the direction
      of beam propagation. We develop the analogy between acoustical and optical
      radiation forces of arbitrary-order helicoidal and ordinary Bessel beams to gain
      insight into negative radiation forces. The radiation force is expressed in terms
      of the asymmetry of the scattered field, the scattered power, the absorbed power,
      and the conic angle of the Bessel beam and is related to the partial-wave
      coefficients for the scattering. Negative forces only occur when the scattering
      into the backward hemisphere is suppressed relative to the scattering into the
      forward hemisphere. Absorbed power degrades negative radiation forces.

PMID- 22060449
TI  - Bright solitons from defocusing nonlinearities.
AB  - We report that defocusing cubic media with spatially inhomogeneous nonlinearity,
      whose strength increases rapidly enough toward the periphery, can support stable
      bright localized modes. Such nonlinearity landscapes give rise to a variety of
      stable solitons in all three dimensions, including one-dimensional fundamental
      and multihump states, two-dimensional vortex solitons with arbitrarily high
      topological charges, and fundamental solitons in three dimensions. Solitons
      maintain their coherence in the state of motion, oscillating in the nonlinear
      potential as robust quasiparticles and colliding elastically. In addition to
      numerically found soliton families, particular solutions are found in an exact
      analytical form, and accurate approximations are developed for the entire
      families, including moving solitons.

PMID- 22060450
TI  - Structural control of reaction-diffusion networks.
AB  - Recent studies revealed that reaction-diffusion (RD) dynamics can be
      significantly influenced by the structure of the underlying network. In this
      paper, a framework is established to study a closely related problem, i.e., to
      control the proportion of active particles in an RD process by adjusting the
      structure of the underlying diffusion network. Both distributed and centralized
      rewiring and reweighting control schemes are proposed for unweighted and weighted
      networks, respectively. Simulations show that the proportion of active particles
      can indeed be controlled to a certain extent even when the distributed control
      mechanism is totally random, while quite high precision can be achieved by
      centralized control schemes. More interestingly, it is found that the reactants
      in heterogeneous networks have wider controllable ranges than those in
      homogeneous networks with similar numbers of nodes and links, if only the weights
      of links are changed with a fixed bound. Therefore, it is believed that
      heterogeneous networks fit the changeable environment better, which provides
      another explanation for some common observations on many heterogeneous real-world
      networks.

PMID- 22060451
TI  - Reinforced communication and social navigation: remember your friends and
      remember yourself.
AB  - In social systems, people communicate with each other and form groups based on
      their interests. The pattern of interactions, the network, and the ideas that
      flow on the network naturally evolve together. Researchers use simple models to
      capture the feedback between changing network patterns and ideas on the network,
      but little is understood about the role of past events in the feedback process.
      Here, we introduce a simple agent-based model to study the coupling between
      peoples' ideas and social networks, and better understand the role of history in
      dynamic social networks. We measure how information about ideas can be recovered
      from information about network structure and, the other way around, how
      information about network structure can be recovered from information about
      ideas. We find that it is, in general, easier to recover ideas from the network
      structure than vice versa.

PMID- 22060452
TI  - Efficient and principled method for detecting communities in networks.
AB  - A fundamental problem in the analysis of network data is the detection of network
      communities, groups of densely interconnected nodes, which may be overlapping or
      disjoint. Here we describe a method for finding overlapping communities based on
      a principled statistical approach using generative network models. We show how
      the method can be implemented using a fast, closed-form expectation-maximization
      algorithm that allows us to analyze networks of millions of nodes in reasonable
      running times. We test the method both on real-world networks and on synthetic
      benchmarks and find that it gives results competitive with previous methods. We
      also show that the same approach can be used to extract nonoverlapping community
      divisions via a relaxation method, and demonstrate that the algorithm is
      competitively fast and accurate for the nonoverlapping problem.

PMID- 22060453
TI  - Average crack-front velocity during subcritical fracture propagation in a
      heterogeneous medium.
AB  - We study the average velocity of crack fronts during stable interfacial fracture
      experiments in a heterogeneous quasibrittle material under constant loading rates
      and during long relaxation tests. The transparency of the material
      (polymethylmethacrylate) allows continuous tracking of the front position and
      relation of its evolution to the energy release rate. Despite significant
      velocity fluctuations at local scales, we show that a model of independent
      thermally activated sites successfully reproduces the large-scale behavior of the
      crack front for several loading conditions.

PMID- 22060454
TI  - Nonperturbative heterogeneous mean-field approach to epidemic spreading in
      complex networks.
AB  - Since roughly a decade ago, network science has focused among others on the
      problem of how the spreading of diseases depends on structural patterns. Here, we
      contribute to further advance our understanding of epidemic spreading processes
      by proposing a nonperturbative formulation of the heterogeneous mean-field
      approach that has been commonly used in the physics literature to deal with this
      kind of spreading phenomena. The nonperturbative equations we propose have no
      assumption about the proximity of the system to the epidemic threshold, nor any
      linear approximation of the dynamics. In particular, we first develop a
      probabilistic description at the node level of the epidemic propagation for the
      so-called susceptible-infected-susceptible family of models, and after we derive
      the corresponding heterogeneous mean-field approach. We propose to use the full
      extension of the approach instead of pruning the expansion to first order, which
      leads to a nonperturbative formulation that can be solved by fixed-point
      iteration, and used with reliability far away from the epidemic threshold to
      assess the prevalence of the epidemics. Our results are in close agreement with
      Monte Carlo simulations, thus enhancing the predictive power of the classical
      heterogeneous mean-field approach, while providing a more effective framework in
      terms of computational time.

PMID- 22060455
TI  - Competing epidemics on complex networks.
AB  - Human diseases spread over networks of contacts between individuals and a
      substantial body of recent research has focused on the dynamics of the spreading
      process. Here we examine a model of two competing diseases spreading over the
      same network at the same time, where infection with either disease gives an
      individual subsequent immunity to both. Using a combination of analytic and
      numerical methods, we derive the phase diagram of the system and estimates of the
      expected final numbers of individuals infected with each disease. The system
      shows an unusual dynamical transition between dominance of one disease and
      dominance of the other as a function of their relative rates of growth. Close to
      this transition the final outcomes show strong dependence on stochastic
      fluctuations in the early stages of growth, dependence that decreases with
      increasing network size, but does so sufficiently slowly as still to be easily
      visible in systems with millions or billions of individuals. In most regions of
      the phase diagram we find that one disease eventually dominates while the other
      reaches only a vanishing fraction of the network, but the system also displays a
      significant coexistence regime in which both diseases reach epidemic proportions
      and infect an extensive fraction of the network.

PMID- 22060456
TI  - Pedestrian flow dynamics in a lattice gas model coupled with an evolutionary
      game.
AB  - This paper studies unidirectional pedestrian flow by using a lattice gas model
      with parallel update rules. Game theory is introduced to deal with conflicts that
      two or three pedestrians want to move into the same site. Pedestrians are either
      cooperators or defectors. The cooperators are gentle and the defectors are
      aggressive. Moreover, pedestrians could change their strategy. The fundamental
      diagram and the cooperator fraction at different system width W have been
      investigated in detail. It is found that a two-lane system exhibits a first-order
      phase transition while a multilane system does not. A microscopic mechanism
      behind the transition has been provided. Mean-field analysis is carried out to
      calculate the critical density of the transition as well as the probability of
      games at large value of W. The spatial distribution of pedestrians is
      investigated, which is found to be dependent (independent) on the initial
      cooperator fraction when W is small (large). Finally, the influence of the
      evolutionary game rule has been discussed.

PMID- 22060457
TI  - Dual modeling of political opinion networks.
AB  - We present the result of a dual modeling of opinion networks. The model
      complements the agent-based opinion models by attaching to the social agent
      (voters) network a political opinion (party) network having its own intrinsic
      mechanisms of evolution. These two subnetworks form a global network, which can
      be either isolated from, or dependent on, the external influence. Basically, the
      evolution of the agent network includes link adding and deleting, with the
      opinion changes influenced by social validation, the political climate, the
      attractivity of the parties, and the interaction between them. The opinion
      network is initially composed of numerous nodes representing opinions or parties
      that are located on a one dimensional axis according to their political
      positions. The mechanism of evolution includes union, splitting, change of
      position, and attractivity, taking into account the pairwise node interaction
      decaying with node distance in power law. The global evolution ends in a stable
      distribution of the social agents over a quasistable and fluctuating stationary
      number of remaining parties. Empirical study on the lifetime distribution of
      numerous parties and vote results is carried out to verify numerical results.

PMID- 22060458
TI  - Finding communities in linear time by developing the seeds.
AB  - We present an alternate method for finding the communities in a complex network.
      We introduce two concepts named the seed of the community and the absorption
      power of the seed in complex networks. First, we find the seeds and then develop
      them by considering their absorption power to achieve the communities. We compare
      the modularity and the computational complexity of this algorithm with some other
      existing methods, and we show that this algorithm is very fast and efficient in
      comparison with some recently fast algorithms.

PMID- 22060459
TI  - Epidemic spreading in networks with nonrandom long-range interactions.
AB  - An "infection," understood here in a very broad sense, can be propagated through
      the network of social contacts among individuals. These social contacts include
      both "close" contacts and "casual" encounters among individuals in transport,
      leisure, shopping, etc. Knowing the first through the study of the social
      networks is not a difficult task, but having a clear picture of the network of
      casual contacts is a very hard problem in a society of increasing mobility. Here
      we assume, on the basis of several pieces of empirical evidence, that the casual
      contacts between two individuals are a function of their social distance in the
      network of close contacts. Then, we assume that we know the network of close
      contacts and infer the casual encounters by means of nonrandom long-range (LR)
      interactions determined by the social proximity of the two individuals. This
      approach is then implemented in a susceptible-infected-susceptible (SIS) model
      accounting for the spread of infections in complex networks. A parameter called
      "conductance" controls the feasibility of those casual encounters. In a zero
      conductance network only contagion through close contacts is allowed. As the
      conductance increases the probability of having casual encounters also increases.
      We show here that as the conductance parameter increases, the rate of propagation
      increases dramatically and the infection is less likely to die out. This
      increment is particularly marked in networks with scale-free degree
      distributions, where infections easily become epidemics. Our model provides a
      general framework for studying epidemic spreading in networks with arbitrary
      topology with and without casual contacts accounted for by means of LR
      interactions.

PMID- 22060460
TI  - Elastic response of a grounded ice sheet coupled to a floating ice shelf.
AB  - An ice sheet that spreads into an ocean is forced to bend owing to its buoyancy
      and detaches from the bedrock to form a floating ice shelf. The location of the
      transition between the grounded sheet and the floating shelf, defined as the
      grounding line, behaves as a free boundary. We develop a model of an elastic
      grounded sheet resting on a deformable elastic bed and coupled to an elastic
      floating shelf. We find that the grounding-line position is determined by the
      geometry of the bed and the bending-buoyancy length scale of the system. These
      two contributions depend on the reaction modulus of the bed in opposite ways. We
      show that the structure of the floating shelf depends on the bending-buoyancy
      length scale only, allowing us to calculate the bending stiffness of the elastic
      sheet independently of the properties of the bed. Relations between the structure
      of the floating shelf and the grounding-line position are also developed. Our
      theoretical predictions agree with laboratory experiments made using thick
      elastic sheets and a dense salt solution. Our findings may provide new insights
      into the dynamics near grounding lines, as well as methods to infer the bending
      stiffness of ice sheets and the grounding-line position from satellite altimetery
      that can be applied to elastic sheets in general.

PMID- 22060461
TI  - Scaling and entropy in p-median facility location along a line.
AB  - The p-median problem is a common model for optimal facility location. The task is
      to place p facilities (e.g., warehouses or schools) in a heterogeneously
      populated space such that the average distance from a person's home to the
      nearest facility is minimized. Here we study the special case where the
      population lives along a line (e.g., a road or a river). If facilities are
      optimally placed, the length of the line segment served by a facility is
      inversely proportional to the square root of the population density. This scaling
      law is derived analytically and confirmed for concrete numerical examples of
      three US interstate highways and the Mississippi River. If facility locations are
      permitted to deviate from the optimum, the number of possible solutions increases
      dramatically. Using Monte Carlo simulations, we compute how scaling is affected
      by an increase in the average distance to the nearest facility. We find that the
      scaling exponents change and are most sensitive near the optimum facility
      distribution.

PMID- 22060462
TI  - Effects of dynamical grouping on cooperation in N-person evolutionary snowdrift
      game.
AB  - A population typically consists of agents that continually distribute themselves
      into different groups at different times. This dynamic grouping has recently been
      shown to be essential in explaining many features observed in human activities
      including social, economic, and military activities. We study the effects of
      dynamic grouping on the level of cooperation in a modified evolutionary N-person
      snowdrift game. Due to the formation of dynamical groups, the competition takes
      place in groups of different sizes at different times and players of different
      strategies are mixed by the grouping dynamics. It is found that the level of
      cooperation is greatly enhanced by the dynamic grouping of agents, when compared
      with a static population of the same size. As a parameter beta, which
      characterizes the relative importance of the reward and cost, increases, the
      fraction of cooperative players f(C) increases and it is possible to achieve a
      fully cooperative state. Analytically, we present a dynamical equation that
      incorporates the effects of the competing game and group size distribution. The
      distribution of cooperators in different groups is assumed to be a binomial
      distribution, which is confirmed by simulations. Results from the analytic
      equation are in good agreement with numerical results from simulations. We also
      present detailed simulation results of f(C) over the parameter space spanned by
      the probabilities of group coalescence nu(m) and group fragmentation nu(p) in the
      grouping dynamics. A high nu(m) and low nu(p) promotes cooperation, and a
      favorable reward characterized by a high beta would lead to a fully cooperative
      state.

PMID- 22060463
TI  - Computing equilibrium concentrations for large heterodimerization networks.
AB  - We consider a chemical reaction network governed by mass action kinetics and
      composed of N different species which can reversibly form heterodimers. A fast
      iterative algorithm is introduced to compute te equilibrium concentrations of
      such networks. We show that the convergence is guaranteed by the Banach fixed
      point theorem. As a practical example of relevance for a quantitative analysis of
      microarray data, we consider a reaction network formed by N~10(6) mutually
      hybridizing different mRNA sequences. We show that, despite the large number of
      species involved, the convergence to equilibrium is very rapid for most species.
      The origin of slow convergence for some specific subnetworks is discussed. This
      provides some insights for improving the performance of the algorithm.

PMID- 22060464
TI  - Voter model with non-Poissonian interevent intervals.
AB  - Recent analysis of social communications among humans has revealed that the
      interval between interactions for a pair of individuals and for an individual
      often follows a long-tail distribution. We investigate the effect of such a non
      Poissonian nature of human behavior on dynamics of opinion formation. We use a
      variant of the voter model and numerically compare the time to consensus of all
      the voters with different distributions of interevent intervals and different
      networks. Compared with the exponential distribution of interevent intervals
      (i.e., the standard voter model), the power-law distribution of interevent
      intervals slows down consensus on the ring. This is because of the memory effect;
      in the power-law case, the expected time until the next update event on a link is
      large if the link has not had an update event for a long time. On the complete
      graph, the consensus time in the power-law case is close to that in the
      exponential case. Regular graphs bridge these two results such that the slowing
      down of the consensus in the power-law case as compared to the exponential case
      is less pronounced as the degree increases.

PMID- 22060465
TI  - Scaling relations for watersheds.
AB  - We study the morphology of watersheds in two and three dimensional systems
      subjected to different degrees of spatial correlations. The response of these
      objects to small, local perturbations is also investigated with extensive
      numerical simulations. We find the fractal dimension of the watersheds to
      generally decrease with the Hurst exponent, which quantifies the degree of
      spatial correlations. Moreover, in two dimensions, our results match the range of
      fractal dimensions 1.10<=d(f)<=1.15 observed for natural landscapes. We report
      that the watershed is strongly affected by local perturbations. For perturbed two
      and three dimensional systems, we observe a power-law scaling behavior for the
      distribution of areas (volumes) enclosed by the original and the displaced
      watershed and for the distribution of distances between outlets. Finite-size
      effects are analyzed and the resulting scaling exponents are shown to depend
      significantly on the Hurst exponent. The intrinsic relation between watershed and
      invasion percolation, as well as relations between exponents conjectured in
      previous studies with two dimensional systems, are now confirmed by our results
      in three dimensions.

PMID- 22060466
TI  - Computationally efficient measure of topological redundancy of biological and
      social networks.
AB  - It is well known that biological and social interaction networks have a varying
      degree of redundancy, though a consensus of the precise cause of this is so far
      lacking. In this paper, we introduce a topological redundancy measure for labeled
      directed networks that is formal, computationally efficient, and applicable to a
      variety of directed networks such as cellular signaling, and metabolic and social
      interaction networks. We demonstrate the computational efficiency of our measure
      by computing its value and statistical significance on a number of biological and
      social networks with up to several thousands of nodes and edges. Our results
      suggest a number of interesting observations: (1) Social networks are more
      redundant that their biological counterparts, (2) transcriptional networks are
      less redundant than signaling networks, (3) the topological redundancy of the C.
      elegans metabolic network is largely due to its inclusion of currency
      metabolites, and (4) the redundancy of signaling networks is highly (negatively)
      correlated with the monotonicity of their dynamics.

PMID- 22060467
TI  - Multifractality of complex networks.
AB  - We demonstrate analytically and numerically the possibility that the fractal
      property of a scale-free network cannot be characterized by a unique fractal
      dimension and the network takes a multifractal structure. It is found that the
      mass exponents tau(q) for several deterministic, stochastic, and real-world
      fractal scale-free networks are nonlinear functions of q, which implies that
      structural measures of these networks obey the multifractal scaling. In addition,
      we give a general expression of tau(q) for some class of fractal scale-free
      networks by a mean-field approximation. The multifractal property of network
      structures is a consequence of large fluctuations of local node density in scale
      free networks.

PMID- 22060468
TI  - Locally self-organized quasicritical percolation in a multiple-disease model.
AB  - Diseases emerge, persist, and vanish in an ongoing battle for available hosts.
      Hosts, on the other hand, defend themselves by developing immunity that limits
      the ability of pathogens to reinfect them. We here explore a multidisease system
      with emphasis on mutual exclusion. We demonstrate that such a system develops
      toward a steady state, where the spread of individual diseases self-organizes to
      a state close to that of critical percolation, without any global control
      mechanism or separation of time scale. For a broad range of introduction rates of
      new diseases, the likelihood of transmitting diseases remains approximately
      constant.

PMID- 22060469
TI  - Skew-varicose instability in two-dimensional generalized Swift-Hohenberg
      equations.
AB  - We apply analytical and numerical methods to study the linear stability of stripe
      patterns in two generalizations of the two-dimensional Swift-Hohenberg equation
      that include coupling to a mean flow. A projection operator is included in our
      models to allow exact stripe solutions. In the generalized models, stripes become
      unstable to the skew-varicose, oscillatory skew-varicose, and cross-roll
      instabilities, in addition to the usual Eckhaus and zigzag instabilities. We
      analytically derive stability boundaries for the skew-varicose instability in
      various cases, including several asymptotic limits. We also use numerical
      techniques to determine eigenvalues and hence stability boundaries of other
      instabilities. We extend our analysis to both stress-free and no-slip boundary
      conditions and we note a crossover from the behavior characteristic of no-slip to
      that of stress-free boundaries as the coupling to the mean flow increases or as
      the Prandtl number decreases. Close to the critical value of the bifurcation
      parameter, the skew-varicose instability has the same curvature as the Eckhaus
      instability provided the coupling to the mean flow is greater than a critical
      value. The region of stable stripes is completely eliminated by the cross-roll
      instability for large coupling to the mean flow.

PMID- 22060470
TI  - Current reversals of coupled driven and damped particles evolving in a tilted
      potential landscape.
AB  - We explore the driven and damped dynamics of two coupled particles evolving in a
      symmetric and periodic substrate potential that is subjected to a static bias
      force. In addition, each particle is time-periodically driven with the same
      magnitude as, but out of phase to, its counterpart. It is shown that, for a
      certain parameter regime, the coupled particles can become self-organized and go
      against the direction of the bias force. This self-organization involves the
      particles becoming frequency locked with the driving force, and thus periodic
      motion ensues. We employ numerical arguments to show that running periodic states
      provide solutions of the system. Further, heuristic evidence is provided
      explaining how the two particles can travel against the bias force. In an effort
      to unearth coupling phenomena within the system, a detailed analysis of how the
      coupling strength affects the nonlinear dynamics is carried out. We show that
      within a range of coupling strengths the existence of periodic running solutions
      associated with negative mobility. To examine the robustness of our results we
      compare the deterministic system with the corresponding Langevin system. It is
      shown that, below a critical temperature, the qualitative behavior of the system
      remains the same.

PMID- 22060471
TI  - Deterministic fractals: extracting additional information from small-angle
      scattering data.
AB  - The small-angle scattering curves of deterministic mass fractals are studied and
      analyzed in momentum space. In the fractal region, the curve I(q)q(D) is found to
      be log-periodic with good accuracy, and the period is equal to the scaling factor
      of the fractal. Here, D and I(q) are the fractal dimension and the scattering
      intensity, respectively. The number of periods of this curve coincides with the
      number of fractal iterations. We show that the log-periodicity of I(q)q(D) in the
      momentum space is related to the log-periodicity of the quantity g(r)r(3-D) in
      the real space, where g(r) is the pair distribution function. The minima and
      maxima positions of the scattering intensity are estimated explicitly by relating
      them to the pair distance distribution in real space. It is shown that the minima
      and maxima are damped with increasing polydispersity of the fractal sets;
      however, they remain quite pronounced even at sufficiently large values of
      polydispersity. A generalized self-similar Vicsek fractal with controllable
      fractal dimension is introduced, and its scattering properties are studied to
      illustrate the above findings. In contrast with the usual methods, the present
      analysis allows us to obtain not only the fractal dimension and the edges of the
      fractal region, but also the fractal iteration number, the scaling factor, and
      the number of structural units from which the fractal is composed.

PMID- 22060472
TI  - Energy gain induced by boundary crisis.
AB  - We consider a nonlinear system and show the unexpected and surprising result
      that, even for high dissipation, the mean energy of a particle can attain higher
      values than when there is no dissipation in the system. We reconsider the time
      dependent annular billiard in the presence of inelastic collisions with the
      boundaries. For some magnitudes of dissipation, we observe the phenomenon of
      boundary crisis, which drives the particles to an asymptotic attractive fixed
      point located at a value of energy that is higher than the mean energy of the
      nondissipative case and so much higher than the mean energy just before the
      crisis. We should emphasize that the unexpected results presented here reveal the
      importance of a nonlinear dynamics analysis to explain the paradoxical strategy
      of introducing dissipation in the system in order to gain energy.

PMID- 22060473
TI  - Coalescence cascade of dissipative solitons in parametrically driven systems.
AB  - Parametrically driven spatially extended systems exhibit uniform oscillations
      which are modulationally unstable. The resulting periodic state evolves to the
      creation of a gas of dissipative solitons. Driven by the interaction of
      dissipative solitons, the multisoliton state undergoes a cascade of coalescence
      processes, where the average soliton separation distance obeys a temporal self
      similar law. Starting from the soliton pair interaction law, we have derived
      analytically and characterized the law of this multisoliton coarsening process. A
      comparison of numerical results obtained with different models such as the
      parametrically driven damped nonlinear Schrodinger equation, a vertically driven
      chain of pendula, and a parametrically forced magnetic wire, shows remarkable
      agreement. Both phenomena, the pair interaction law and the coarsening process,
      are also observed experimentally in a quasi-one-dimensional layer of Newtonian
      fluid which is oscillated vertically.

PMID- 22060474
TI  - Multivariate singular spectrum analysis and the road to phase synchronization.
AB  - We show that multivariate singular spectrum analysis (M-SSA) greatly helps study
      phase synchronization in a large system of coupled oscillators and in the
      presence of high observational noise levels. With no need for detailed knowledge
      of individual subsystems nor any a priori phase definition for each of them, we
      demonstrate that M-SSA can automatically identify multiple oscillatory modes and
      detect whether these modes are shared by clusters of phase- and frequency-locked
      oscillators. As an essential modification of M-SSA, here we introduce variance
      maximization (varimax) rotation of the M-SSA eigenvectors to optimally identify
      synchronized-oscillator clustering.

PMID- 22060475
TI  - Chaos computing in terms of periodic orbits.
AB  - The complex dynamics of chaotic systems can perform computations. The parameters
      and/or the initial conditions of a dynamical system are the data inputs and the
      resulting system state is the output of the computation. By controlling how
      inputs are mapped to outputs, a specific function can be performed. Previously no
      clear connection has been drawn between the structure of the dynamics and the
      computation. In this paper we demonstrate how chaos computation can be explained,
      modeled, and even predicted in terms of the dynamics of the underlying chaotic
      system, specifically the periodic orbit structure of the system. Knowing the
      dynamical equations of the system, we compute the system's periodic orbits as
      well as its stability in terms of its eigenvalues, thereby demonstrating how, how
      well, and what the chaotic system can compute.

PMID- 22060476
TI  - Cluster synchrony in systems of coupled phase oscillators with higher-order
      coupling.
AB  - We study the phenomenon of cluster synchrony that occurs in ensembles of coupled
      phase oscillators when higher-order modes dominate the coupling between
      oscillators. For the first time, we develop a complete analytic description of
      the dynamics in the limit of a large number of oscillators and use it to quantify
      the degree of cluster synchrony, cluster asymmetry, and switching. We use a
      variation of the recent dimensionality-reduction technique of Ott and Antonsen
      [Chaos 18, 037113 (2008)] and find an analytic description of the degree of
      cluster synchrony valid on a globally attracting manifold. Shaped by this
      manifold, there is an infinite family of steady-state distributions of
      oscillators, resulting in a high degree of multistability in the cluster
      asymmetry. We also show how through external forcing the degree of asymmetry can
      be controlled, and suggest that systems displaying cluster synchrony can be used
      to encode and store data.

PMID- 22060477
TI  - Solitary and coupled semiconductor ring lasers as optical spiking neurons.
AB  - We theoretically investigate the possibility of generating pulses in an excitable
      (asymmetric) semiconductor ring laser (SRL) using optical trigger pulses. We show
      that the phase difference between the injected field and the electric field
      inside the SRL determines the direction of the perturbation in phase space. Due
      to the folded shape of the excitability threshold, this has an important
      influence on the ability to cross it. A mechanism for exciting multiple
      consecutive pulses using a single trigger pulse (i.e., multipulse excitability)
      is revealed. We furthermore investigate the possibility of using asymmetric SRLs
      in a coupled configuration, which is a first step toward an all-optical neural
      network using SRLs as building blocks.

PMID- 22060478
TI  - General coupled-nonlinear-oscillator model for event-related (de)synchronization.
AB  - Changes in the level of synchronization and desynchronization in coupled
      oscillator systems due to an external stimulus are called event-related
      synchronization or desynchronization (ERS or ERD). Such changes occur in real
      life systems where the collective activity of the entities of a coupled system is
      affected by some external influence. In order to understand the role played by
      the external influence in the occurrence of ERD and ERS, we study a system of
      coupled nonlinear oscillators in the presence of an external stimulus signal. We
      find that the phenomena of ERS and ERD are generic and occur in all types of
      coupled oscillator systems. We also find that the same external stimulus signal
      can cause ERS and ERD depending upon the strength of the signal. We identify the
      stability of the ERS and ERD states and also find analytical and numerical
      boundaries between the different synchronization regimes involved in the
      occurrence of ERD and ERS.

PMID- 22060479
TI  - Species mobility induces synchronization in chaotic population dynamics.
AB  - A prototype population dynamics model with cyclic domination of four species and
      empty sites is proposed for studying transition to synchronization. At the mean
      field level the dynamics shows quasiperiodicity and chaos depending on the
      parameter values. The realization of the model on a square lattice shows that
      spatial restrictions and intrinsic stochasticity change the whole picture. The
      mean-field dynamics qualitatively remains only under global reactions, while
      local reactions drive the lattice to poisoning, where only some of the species
      survive. Nontrivial oscillatory steady states are developed if long-distance
      exchange is introduced due to gradual mixing with a certain probability. The
      mixing probability is shown to control the transition to synchronization which
      emerges abruptly following a phase slip scenario. Near the transition a typical
      intermittency crisis takes place, with phase slips becoming more infrequent as
      the transition is approached.

PMID- 22060480
TI  - Perturbation approach to multifractal dimensions for certain critical random
      matrix ensembles.
AB  - Fractal dimensions of eigenfunctions for various critical random matrix ensembles
      are investigated in perturbation series in the regimes of strong and weak
      multifractality. In both regimes, we obtain expressions similar to those of the
      critical banded random matrix ensemble extensively discussed in the literature.
      For certain ensembles, the leading-order term for weak multifractality can be
      calculated within standard perturbation theory. For other models, such a direct
      approach requires modifications, which are briefly discussed. Our analytical
      formulas are in good agreement with numerical calculations.

PMID- 22060481
TI  - From one- to two-dimensional solitons in the Ginzburg-Landau model of lasers with
      frequency-selective feedback.
AB  - We use the cubic complex Ginzburg-Landau equation linearly coupled to a
      dissipative linear equation as a model for lasers with an external frequency
      selective feedback. This system may also serve as a general pattern-formation
      model in media driven by an intrinsic gain and selective feedback. While,
      strictly speaking, the approximation of the laser nonlinearity by a cubic term is
      only valid for small field intensities, it qualitatively reproduces results for
      dissipative solitons obtained in models with a more complex nonlinearity in the
      whole parameter region where the solitons exist. The analysis is focused on two
      dimensional stripe-shaped and vortex solitons. An analytical expression for the
      stripe solitons is obtained from the known one-dimensional soliton solution, and
      its relation with vortex solitons is highlighted. The radius of the vortices
      increases linearly with their topological charge m, therefore the stripe-shaped
      soliton may be interpreted as the vortex with m=infinity, and, conversely, vortex
      solitons can be realized as unstable stripes bent into stable rings. The results
      for the vortices are applicable for a broad class of physical systems.

PMID- 22060482
TI  - Delay independence of mutual-information rate of two symbolic sequences.
AB  - Introduced by Shannon as a "rate of actual transmission," mutual information rate
      (MIR) is an extension of mutual information to a pair of dynamical processes. We
      show a delay-independence theorem, according to which MIR is not sensitive to a
      time shift between the two processes. Numerical studies of several benchmark
      situations confirm that this theoretical asymptotic property remains valid for
      realistic finite sequences. Estimations based on block entropies and a causal
      state machine algorithm perform better than an estimation based on a Lempel-Ziv
      compression algorithm provided that block length and maximum history length,
      respectively, can be chosen larger than the delay. MIR is thus a relevant index
      for measuring nonlinear correlations between two experimental or simulated
      sequences when the transmission delay (in input-output devices) or dephasing (in
      coupled systems) is variable or unknown.

PMID- 22060483
TI  - Prognosis of qualitative system behavior by noisy, nonstationary, chaotic time
      series.
AB  - An approach to prognosis of qualitative behavior of an unknown dynamical system
      (DS) from weakly nonstationary chaotic time series (TS) containing significant
      measurement noise is proposed. The approach is based on construction of a global
      time-dependent parametrized model of discrete evolution operator (EO) capable of
      reproducing nonstationary dynamics of a reconstructed DS. A universal model in
      the form of artificial neural network (ANN) with certain prior limitations is
      used for the approximation of the EO in the reconstructed phase space.
      Probabilistic prognosis of the system behavior is performed using Monte Carlo
      Markov chain (MCMC) analysis of the posterior Bayesian distribution of the model
      parameters. The classification of qualitatively different regimes is supposed to
      be dictated by the application, i.e., it is assumed that some classifier function
      is predefined that maps a point of a model parameter space to a finite set of
      different behavior types. The ability of the approach to provide prognosis for
      times comparable to the observation time interval is demonstrated. Some
      restrictions as well as possible advances of the proposed approach are discussed.

PMID- 22060484
TI  - Amplitude equations for reaction-diffusion systems with cross diffusion.
AB  - Using Taylor series expansion, multiscaling, and further expansion in powers of a
      small parameter, we develop general amplitude equations for two-variable reaction
      diffusion systems with cross-diffusion terms in the cases of Hopf and Turing
      instabilities. We apply this analysis to the Oregonator and Brusselator models
      and find that inhibitor cross diffusion induced by the activator and activator
      cross diffusion induced by the inhibitor have opposite effects in the two models
      as a result of the different structure of their community matrices. Our analysis
      facilitates finding regions of supercritical and subcritical bifurcations, as
      well as wave and antiwave domains and domains of turbulent waves in the case of
      Hopf instability.

PMID- 22060485
TI  - Relaxation of an unstable state in parametrically excited cold atoms.
AB  - We investigate the scaling behavior of the relaxation process for an unstable
      state near a subcritical Hopf bifurcation point. When the parametric modulation
      is applied to a magneto-optical trap, the atomic cloud becomes unstable and
      decays to the dynamic bistable states. Near the subcritical Hopf bifurcation
      point, we experimentally show that the relaxation process exhibits the scaling
      behavior; the relaxation time shows a scaling exponent of -1.002 (+/-0.024). We
      also present the passage time distribution for the statistical interpretation of
      the escape process associated with the relaxation of the unstable state. We
      compare the experimental results to the numerical and analytic results,
      demonstrating the good agreement between them.

PMID- 22060486
TI  - Electro-osmotic flow through a two-dimensional screen-pump filter.
AB  - The electro-osmotic flow driven by a screen pump, composed of a line array of
      evenly spaced identical rectangular solid blocks, is investigated under the Debye
      Huckel approximation. The geometry of the screen pump is determined by the
      spacing and aspect ratio of the solid blocks. A constant surface zeta potential
      is assumed on the block surface. The method of eigenfunction series expansion is
      applied to solve analytically for the applied electric field, electric charge
      potential in the fluid, and flow field. Because of the low Reynolds number,
      Stokes equations are applied for the flow. The analytic result is first confirmed
      by comparing with the exact solution of the electro-osmotic flow in an infinite
      channel. Then different geometries of the screen pump and the effect of the
      electrokinetic width are computed for their influence on the flow rate.
      Recirculating eddies and reversing flow are found even though the applied
      electric driving field is unidirectional.

PMID- 22060487
TI  - Sheathless hydrodynamic positioning of buoyant drops and bubbles inside
      microchannels.
AB  - Particles, bubbles, and drops carried by a fluid in a confined environment such
      as a pipe can be subjected to hydrodynamic lift forces, i.e., forces that are
      perpendicular to the direction of the flow. We investigated the positioning
      effect of lift forces acting on buoyant drops and bubbles suspended in a carrier
      fluid and flowing in a horizontal microchannel. We report experiments on drops of
      water in fluorocarbon liquid, and on bubbles of nitrogen in hydrocarbon liquid
      and silicone oil, inside microchannels with widths on the order of 0.1-1 mm.
      Despite their buoyancy, drops and bubbles could travel without contacting with
      the walls of channels; the most important parameters for reaching this flow
      regime in our experiments were the viscosity and the velocity of the carrier
      fluid, and the sizes of drops and bubbles. The dependencies of the transverse
      position of drops and bubbles on these parameters were investigated. At steady
      state, the trajectories of drops and bubbles approached the center of the channel
      for drops and bubbles almost as large as the channel, carried by rapidly flowing
      viscous liquids; among our experiments, these flow conditions were characterized
      by larger capillary numbers and smaller Reynolds numbers. Analytical models of
      lift forces developed for the flow of drops much smaller than the width of the
      channel failed to predict their transverse position, while computational fluid
      dynamic simulations of the experiments agreed better with the experimental
      measurements. The degrees of success of these predictions indicate the importance
      of confinement on generating strong hydrodynamic lift forces. We conclude that,
      inside microfluidic channels, it is possible to support and position buoyant
      drops and bubbles simply by flowing a single-stream (i.e., "sheathless") carrier
      liquid that has appropriate velocity and hydrodynamic properties.

PMID- 22060488
TI  - Effect of added salt on preformed surface nanobubbles: a scaling estimate.
AB  - In this paper we propose a scaling argument to quantify the role of added
      electrolyte salt in affecting the stability and the morphology of preformed
      surface nanobubbles on hydrophobic substrates like the water-OTS-silicon or the
      water-HOPG interfaces. The added salt controls the electric double layer
      formation as well as affects the zeta (zeta) potential at the air-water and solid
      water interfaces. The resulting electrostatic wetting tension acts in conjunction
      with the air-water surface tension (analogous to electrowetting scenarios),
      thereby affecting the nanobubble morphologies. Weak zeta potential of the water
      HOPG interface or the water-OTS-silicon interface at acidic pH ensures that the
      added salt will have imperceptible effect on the corresponding preformed surface
      nanobubbles, validating the experimental observations. However, at alkaline
      buffer pH for the OTS-silicon substrate, under certain system conditions, salt
      induced zeta potential can be substantially high so that the properties of
      preformed surface nanobubbles will be affected. This paper will thus readdress
      the long-held universal notion that added salt, no matter in what concentration,
      will not influence the properties of preformed surface nanobubbles.

PMID- 22060489
TI  - Paradoxes of magnetorotational instability and their geometrical resolution.
AB  - Magnetorotational instability (MRI) triggers turbulence and enables outward
      transport of angular momentum in hydrodynamically stable accretion discs. By
      using the WKB approximation and methods of singular function theory, we resolve
      two different paradoxes of MRI that appear in the limits of infinite and
      vanishing magnetic Prandtl number. For the latter case, we derive a strict limit
      of the critical Rossby number. This limit of Ro(c)=-0.802, which appears for a
      finite Lundquist number of S=0.618, extends the formerly known inductionless Liu
      limit of Ro(c)=-0.828 valid at S=0.

PMID- 22060490
TI  - Droplet spreading on chemically heterogeneous substrates.
AB  - Consider the spreading dynamics of a two-dimensional droplet over chemically
      heterogeneous substrates. Assuming small slopes and strong surface tension
      effects, a long-wave expansion of the Stokes equations yields a single evolution
      equation for the droplet thickness. The contact line singularity is removed by
      assuming slip at the liquid-solid interface. The chemical nature of the substrate
      is incorporated by local variations in the microscopic contact angle, which
      appear as boundary conditions in the governing equation. By asymptotically
      matching the flow in the bulk of the droplet with the flow in the vicinity of the
      contact lines, we obtain a set of coupled ordinary differential equations for the
      locations of the two droplet fronts. We verify the validity of our matching
      procedure by comparing the solutions of the ordinary differential equations with
      solutions of the full governing equation. The droplet dynamics is examined in
      detail via a phase-plane analysis. A number of interesting features that are not
      present in chemically homogeneous substrates are found, such as the existence of
      multiple equilibria, the pinning of the droplet fronts at localized chemical
      features, and the possibility for the droplet fronts to exhibit a stick-slip
      behavior.

PMID- 22060491
TI  - Scalar fluctuations from a point source in a turbulent boundary layer.
AB  - The downstream development of the concentration probability distribution along
      the mean-plume centerline of a dispersing plume in the wake of a ground-level
      continuous point source in a neutrally stratified wall-shear layer is studied. It
      is shown that the concentration distribution is well described by a family of one
      parameter gamma distributions, as first suggested by Villermaux and Duplat [Phys.
      Rev. Lett. 91, 184501 (2003)] in the context of confined mixing. A prediction of
      the downstream evolution of the parameter k (which specifies the gamma
      distribution) is obtained. This prediction includes explicitly the effects of
      mean shear on the mean-square concentration.

PMID- 22060492
TI  - Permeability of isotropic and anisotropic fracture networks, from the percolation
      threshold to very large densities.
AB  - The asymptotic behaviors of the permeability of isotropic fracture networks at
      small and large densities are characterized, and a general heuristic formula is
      obtained which complies with the limiting behaviors and accurately predicts the
      permeability of these networks over the whole density range. Theses developments
      are based on extensive numerical calculations and on theoretical arguments
      inspired by the examination of the flow distribution in the fractures at large
      densities. Then, the results are extended to anisotropic networks with a Fisher
      distribution of the fracture orientations, to polydisperse networks, and to
      fractured porous media. Finally, guidelines are provided for the practical
      evaluation of the required parameters from typical field data. A summary of the
      results is given in Table III.

PMID- 22060493
TI  - Transient electrohydrodynamics of a liquid drop.
AB  - The transient behavior of a leaky dielectric liquid drop under a uniform electric
      field of small strength is investigated. It is shown that for small distortion
      from a spherical shape, the drop deforms to an ellipsoid, and the deformation
      time history is represented by D=D(infinity)[1-exp(-t/tau)], where D(infinity) is
      the steady-state deformation and tau=(aMU(o)/gamma)(19MU+16)(2MU+3)/(40MU+40)is
      the characteristic time, a, gamma, MU(o) and MU being the drop radius, the
      surface tension, the viscosity of ambient fluid, and ratio of the drop viscosity
      to that of the ambient fluid, respectively. The contributions of the net normal
      and tangential electrical stresses in the degree of deformation and fluid flow
      strength are also determined.

PMID- 22060494
TI  - Two-valued breakup length of a water jet issuing from a finite-length nozzle
      under normal gravity.
AB  - Laboratory experiments are conducted in which water is issued vertically downward
      from a finite-length nozzle at a constant speed using a piston. The results of
      these experiments indicate that the breakup length of the liquid jet is two
      valued at Weber numbers greater than unity but less than a certain value, which
      depends on the nozzle length-to-radius ratio and the Bond number. In addition to
      a long breakup length, which is consistent with the conventional observation,
      another shorter breakup length is realized at the same jet issue speed. Each
      experimental run for a specific jet issue speed begins from the start of liquid
      issue so that each run is independent of the other runs. Transition between the
      two breakup lengths seldom occurs in each run. Which of the two breakup lengths
      occurs is determined at the start of liquid issue, when the capillary wave
      produced by the liquid jet tip contraction easily reaches the nozzle exit. Unlike
      the conventional belief, which is based on the Plateau-Rayleigh instability
      theory, this experimental evidence demonstrates that liquid jet disintegration
      occurs in a deterministic manner. The previously proposed self-destabilizing
      mechanism of a liquid jet in microgravity, in which the origin of the unstable
      wave responsible for the breakups is attributed to the formation of an upstream
      propagating capillary wave at every breakup, is extended to explore the physics
      underlying the observed liquid jet disintegration behaviors.

PMID- 22060495
TI  - Inverse-Leidenfrost phenomenon on nanofiber mats on hot surfaces.
AB  - The Leidenfrost effect is a technically and industrially important phenomenon
      that severely restricts heat removal from high-heat-flux surfaces. A simple
      remedy to the Leidenfrost effect is provided by polymer nanofiber mats created
      and deposited by electrospinning on stainless steel surfaces. The influence of
      nanofiber mats on hydrodynamics and cooling efficiency of single drop impact onto
      hot surfaces has been investigated experimentally. The evolution of the drops has
      been recorded by a high-speed complimentary metal-oxide semiconductor camera,
      whereas the cooling temperature was measured by a thermocouple. A remarkable
      phenomenon was discovered: a mat of polymer nanofibers electrospun onto a heater
      surface can completely suppress the Leidenfrost effect, thereby increasing the
      rate of heat removal from the surface to the liquid drops significantly. The
      "inverse-Leidenfrost" effect is described qualitatively and quantitatively,
      providing clear physical reasons for the observed behavior.

PMID- 22060496
TI  - Nanoflow hydrodynamics.
AB  - We show by nonequilibrium molecular dynamics simulations that the Navier-Stokes
      equation does not correctly describe water flow in a nanoscale geometry. It is
      argued that this failure reflects the fact that the coupling between the
      intrinsic rotational and translational degrees of freedom becomes important for
      nanoflows. The coupling is correctly accounted for by the extended Navier-Stokes
      equations that include the intrinsic angular momentum as an independent
      hydrodynamic degree of freedom.

PMID- 22060497
TI  - Effect of vapor bubbles on velocity fluctuations and dissipation rates in bubbly
      Rayleigh-Benard convection.
AB  - Numerical results for kinetic and thermal energy dissipation rates in bubbly
      Rayleigh-Benard convection are reported. Bubbles have a twofold effect on the
      flow: on the one hand, they absorb or release heat to the surrounding liquid
      phase, thus tending to decrease the temperature differences responsible for the
      convective motion; but on the other hand, the absorbed heat causes the bubbles to
      grow, thus increasing their buoyancy and enhancing turbulence (or, more properly,
      pseudoturbulence) by generating velocity fluctuations. This enhancement depends
      on the ratio of the sensible heat to the latent heat of the phase change, given
      by the Jakob number, which determines the dynamics of the bubble growth.

PMID- 22060498
TI  - Moving walls accelerate mixing.
AB  - Mixing in viscous fluids is challenging, but chaotic advection in principle
      allows efficient mixing. In the best possible scenario, the decay rate of the
      concentration profile of a passive scalar should be exponential in time. In
      practice, several authors have found that the no-slip boundary condition at the
      walls of a vessel can slow down mixing considerably, turning an exponential decay
      into a power law. This slowdown affects the whole mixing region, and not just the
      vicinity of the wall. The reason is that when the chaotic mixing region extends
      to the wall, a separatrix connects to it. The approach to the wall along that
      separatrix is polynomial in time and dominates the long-time decay. However, if
      the walls are moved or rotated, closed orbits appear, separated from the central
      mixing region by a hyperbolic fixed point with a homoclinic orbit. The long-time
      approach to the fixed point is exponential, so an overall exponential decay is
      recovered, albeit with a thin unmixed region near the wall.

PMID- 22060499
TI  - Why the water bridge does not collapse.
AB  - In 2007 an interesting phenomenon was discovered [J. Phys. D 40, 6112 (2007)]: a
      horizontal thread of water, the so-called water bridge, hangs in a horizontal
      electrostatic field. A different explanation of the water bridge stability is
      proposed herein: the force supporting it is the surface tension of water, while
      the role of the electric field is to not allow the water bridge to reduce its
      surface energy by breaking into separate drops. It is proven that electrostatic
      field is not the origin of the tension holding the bridge.

PMID- 22060500
TI  - Heisenberg approximation in passive scalar turbulence.
AB  - We use Heisenberg's approximation to derive analytic expressions for eddy
      viscosity and eddy diffusivity from the transfer integrals of energy and mean
      square scalar arising from the Navier-Stokes and passive scalar dynamics. In the
      same scheme, we evaluate the flux integrals for the transports of energy and mean
      square scalar. These procedures allow for the evaluation of relevant amplitude
      ratios, from which we calculate the universal numbers, namely, Batchelor constant
      B, Kolmogorov constant C, and turbulent Prandtl number sigma, under two different
      schemes (with and without epsilon expansion). Our results are comparable with
      existing theoretical, numerical, and experimental values. As a byproduct, we
      obtain a relation between C, B, and sigma, namely, B=sigma C. To compare our
      results with the experimental values, we calculate Batchelor constant in one
      dimension (B'). Within the same framework, we also see that with increasing
      values of space dimension d, the Prandtl number sigma increases and approaches
      unity, while the Kolmogorov constant C and Batchelor constant B approach very
      close to each other. For large space dimensions, we find the asymptotic
      B=B(0)d(1/3), and evaluate B(0).

PMID- 22060501
TI  - Universality of scaling and multiscaling in turbulent symmetric binary fluids.
AB  - We elucidate the universal scaling and multiscaling properties of the
      nonequilibrium steady states in a driven symmetric binary fluid (SBF) mixture in
      its homogeneous miscible phase in three dimensions. We show, via direct numerical
      simulations (DNSs) that structure functions of the velocity and the concentration
      gradient exhibit multiscaling in three dimensions (3D) and extended self
      similarity. We also find that, in contrast to the well-known passive scalar
      turbulence problem, structure functions of the concentration show simple scaling.
      We propose a shell model for SBF turbulence that preserves all the invariances in
      the ideal limit of the SBF equations and reduces to a well-known shell model for
      fluid turbulence in the zero concentration field limit. We show that the shell
      model has the same scaling properties as the three-dimensional SBF equations. Our
      combined results from our DNSs of the SBF equations and shell-model studies
      consistently bring out the multiscaling of the velocity and concentration
      gradient fields and simple scaling of the concentration field.

PMID- 22060502
TI  - Generation and manipulation of monodispersed ferrofluid emulsions: the effect of
      a uniform magnetic field in flow-focusing and T-junction configurations.
AB  - This paper demonstrates the use of magnetically controlled microfluidic devices
      to produce monodispersed ferrofluid emulsions. By applying a uniform magnetic
      field on flow-focusing and T-junction configurations, the size of the ferrofluid
      emulsions can be actively controlled. The influences of the flow rates, the
      orientation, and the polarity of the magnetic field on the size of ferrofluid
      emulsions produced in both flow-focusing and T-junction configurations are
      compared and discussed.

PMID- 22060503
TI  - Linear and nonlinear evolution and diffusion layer selection in electrokinetic
      instability.
AB  - In the present work, four nontrivial stages of electrokinetic instability are
      identified by direct numerical simulation (DNS) of the full Nernst-Planck-Poisson
      Stokes system: (i) a stage of the influence of the initial conditions
      (milliseconds); (ii) one-dimensional (1D) self-similar evolution (milliseconds
      seconds); (iii) a primary instability of the self-similar solution (seconds);
      (iv) a nonlinear stage with secondary instabilities. The self-similar character
      of evolution at moderately large times is confirmed. Rubinstein and Zaltzman
      instability and noise-driven nonlinear evolution toward overlimiting regimes in
      ion-exchange membranes are numerically simulated and compared with theoretical
      and experimental predictions. The primary instability which happens during this
      stage is found to arrest a self-similar growth of the diffusion layer. It also
      specifies its characteristic length as was first experimentally predicted by
      Yossifon and Chang [G. Yossifon and H.-C. Chang, Phys. Rev. Lett. 101, 254501
      (2008)]. A novel principle for the characteristic wave-number selection from the
      broadband initial noise is established.

PMID- 22060504
TI  - Hydraulic tortuosity in arbitrary porous media flow.
AB  - Tortuosity (T) is a parameter describing an average elongation of fluid
      streamlines in a porous medium as compared to free flow. In this paper several
      methods of calculating this quantity from lengths of individual streamlines are
      compared and their weak and strong features are discussed. An alternative method
      is proposed, which enables one to calculate T directly from the fluid velocity
      field, without the need of determining streamlines, which greatly simplifies
      determination of tortuosity in complex geometries, including those found in
      experiments or three-dimensional computer models. Based on numerical results
      obtained with this method, (a) a relation between the hydraulic tortuosity of an
      isotropic fibrous medium and the porosity is proposed, (b) a relation between the
      divergence rate of T with the system size at percolation porosity and the scaling
      of the most probable traveling length at bond percolation is found, and (c) a
      range of porosities for which the shape factor is constant is identified.

PMID- 22060505
TI  - Viscosity-ratio-based scaling for the rise velocity of a Taylor drop in a
      vertical tube.
AB  - Simulations of a silicon oil Taylor drop rising in a tube filled with a glycerol
      water mixture are performed to investigate the viscosity ratio effects on the
      rise velocity of the Taylor drop. By varying the viscosity ratio lambda between
      the drop and the suspending liquid from O(0.1) to O(10), a simple relationship of
      the nondimensional terminal velocity, the Froude number (Fr), is revealed as Fr ?
      lambda(-0.27). This scaling is further confirmed by recently published
      experimental data [Hayashi, Kurimoto, and Tomiyama, Int. J. Multiphase Flow 37,
      241 (2011)]. The simulated drop shapes also compare well with the experiments.
      Increasing the viscosity ratio elongates the drop and tends to make the tail
      bulge out. The correlation applies to small Reynolds numbers and finite viscosity
      ratios.

PMID- 22060506
TI  - Periodic magnetorotational dynamo action as a prototype of nonlinear magnetic
      field generation in shear flows.
AB  - The nature of dynamo action in shear flows prone to magnetohydrodynamc
      instabilities is investigated using the magnetorotational dynamo in Keplerian
      shear flow as a prototype problem. Using direct numerical simulations and
      Newton's method, we compute an exact time-periodic magnetorotational dynamo
      solution to three-dimensional dissipative incompressible magnetohydrodynamic
      equations with rotation and shear. We discuss the physical mechanism behind the
      cycle and show that it results from a combination of linear and nonlinear
      interactions between a large-scale axisymmetric toroidal magnetic field and
      nonaxisymmetric perturbations amplified by the magnetorotational instability. We
      demonstrate that this large-scale dynamo mechanism is overall intrinsically
      nonlinear and not reducible to the standard mean-field dynamo formalism. Our
      results therefore provide clear evidence for a generic nonlinear generation
      mechanism of time-dependent coherent large-scale magnetic fields in shear flows
      and call for new theoretical dynamo models. These findings may offer important
      clues to understanding the transitional and statistical properties of subcritical
      magnetorotational turbulence.

PMID- 22060507
TI  - Nonlinear propagation of light in Dirac matter.
AB  - The nonlinear interaction between intense laser light and a quantum plasma is
      modeled by a collective Dirac equation coupled with the Maxwell equations. The
      model is used to study the nonlinear propagation of relativistically intense
      laser light in a quantum plasma including the electron spin-1/2 effect. The
      relativistic effects due to the high-intensity laser light lead, in general, to a
      downshift of the laser frequency, similar to a classical plasma where the
      relativistic mass increase leads to self-induced transparency of laser light and
      other associated effects. The electron spin-1/2 effects lead to a frequency
      upshift or downshift of the electromagnetic (EM) wave, depending on the spin
      state of the plasma and the polarization of the EM wave. For laboratory solid
      density plasmas, the spin-1/2 effects on the propagation of light are small, but
      they may be significant in superdense plasma in the core of white dwarf stars. We
      also discuss extensions of the model to include kinetic effects of a distribution
      of the electrons on the nonlinear propagation of EM waves in a quantum plasma.

PMID- 22060508
TI  - Rarefaction shock in plasma with a bi-Maxwellian electron distribution function.
AB  - The one-dimensional collisionless expansion into a vacuum of a plasma with a bi
      Maxwellian electron distribution function and a single ion species is studied
      both theoretically and numerically. A shock wave occurs when the ratio of the
      temperatures between the hot and the cold electrons is larger than 5+?24 [B.
      Bezzerides, D. W. Forslund, and E. L. Lindman, Phys. Fluids 21, 2179 (1978)]. The
      theoretical model presented here gives a coherent and complete description of the
      rarefaction shock and its effects on the ion acceleration process. Analytical
      expressions of the characteristics of the shock are given. The analytical
      findings are compared to the results of a hybrid code describing the plasma
      expansion, and an excellent agreement is obtained.

PMID- 22060509
TI  - Two-dimensional s-polarized solitary waves in relativistic plasmas. I. The fluid
      plasma model.
AB  - The properties of two-dimensional linearly s-polarized solitary waves are
      investigated by fluid-Maxwell equations and particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations.
      These self-trapped electromagnetic waves appear during laser-plasma interactions,
      and they have a dominant electric field component E(z), normal to the plane of
      the wave, that oscillates at a frequency below the electron plasma frequency
      omega(pe). A set of equations that describe the waves are derived from the plasma
      fluid model in the case of cold or warm plasma and then solved numerically. The
      main features, including the maximum value of the vector potential amplitude, the
      total energy, the width, and the cavitation radius are presented as a function of
      the frequency. The amplitude of the vector potential increases monotonically as
      the frequency of the wave decreases, whereas the width reaches a minimum value at
      a frequency of the order of 0.82 omega(pe). The results are compared with a set
      of PIC simulations where the solitary waves are excited by a high-intensity laser
      pulse.

PMID- 22060510
TI  - Two-dimensional s-polarized solitary waves in plasmas. II. Stability, collisions,
      electromagnetic bursts, and post-soliton evolution.
AB  - The dynamics of two-dimensional s-polarized solitary waves is investigated with
      the aid of particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations. Instead of the usual excitation of
      the waves with a laser pulse, the PIC code was directly initialized with the
      numerical solutions from the fluid plasma model. This technique allows the
      analysis of different scenarios including the theoretical problems of the
      solitary wave stability and their collision as well as features already measured
      during laser-plasma experiments such as the emission of electromagnetic bursts
      when the waves reach the plasma-vacuum interface, or their expansion on the ion
      time scale, usually named post-soliton evolution. Waves with a single density
      depression are stable whereas multihump solutions decay to several waves.
      Contrary to solitons, two waves always interact through a force that depends on
      their relative phases, their amplitudes, and the distance between them. On the
      other hand, the radiation pattern at the plasma-vacuum interface was
      characterized, and the evolution of the diameter of different waves was computed
      and compared with the "snow plow" model.

PMID- 22060511
TI  - Effects of laser-plasma interactions on terahertz radiation from solid targets
      irradiated by ultrashort intense laser pulses.
AB  - Interactions of 100-fs laser pulses with solid targets at intensities of 10(18)
      W/cm(2) and resultant terahertz (THz) radiation are studied under different laser
      contrast ratio conditions. THz emission is measured in the specular reflection
      direction, which appears to decrease as the laser contrast ratio varies from 10(
      8) to 10(-6). Correspondingly, the frequency spectra of the reflected light are
      observed changing from second harmonic dominant, three-halves harmonic dominant,
      to vanishing of both harmonics. Two-dimensional particle-in-cell simulation also
      suggests that this observation is correlated with the plasma density scale length
      change. The results demonstrate that the THz emission is closely related to the
      laser-plasma interaction processes. The emission is strong when resonance
      absorption is a key feature of the interaction, and becomes much weaker when
      parametric instabilities dominate.

PMID- 22060512
TI  - Spatially resolved dynamic structure factor of finite systems from molecular
      dynamics simulations.
AB  - The dynamical response of metallic clusters up to 10(3) atoms is investigated
      using the restricted molecular dynamics simulations scheme. Exemplarily, a sodium
      like material is considered. Correlation functions are evaluated to investigate
      the spatial structure of collective electron excitations and the optical response
      of laser-excited clusters. In particular, the spectrum of bilocal correlation
      functions shows resonances representing different modes of collective excitations
      inside the nano plasma. The spatial structure, the resonance energy, and the
      width of the eigenmodes have been investigated for various values of electron
      density, temperature, cluster size, and ionization degree. Comparison with bulk
      properties is performed and the dispersion relation of collective excitations is
      discussed.

PMID- 22060513
TI  - Opacity of iron, nickel, and copper plasmas in the x-ray wavelength range:
      theoretical interpretation of 2p-3d absorption spectra.
AB  - This paper deals with theoretical studies on the 2p-3d absorption in iron,
      nickel, and copper plasmas related to LULI2000 (Laboratoire pour l'Utilisation
      des Lasers Intenses, 2000J facility) measurements in which target temperatures
      were of the order of 20 eV and plasma densities were in the range 0.004-0.01
      g/cm(3). The radiatively heated targets were close to local thermodynamic
      equilibrium (LTE). The structure of 2p-3d transitions has been studied with the
      help of the statistical superconfiguration opacity code SCO and with the fine
      structure atomic physics codes HULLAC and FAC. A new mixed version of the sco
      code allowing one to treat part of the configurations by detailed calculation
      based on the Cowan's code RCG has been also used in these comparisons. Special
      attention was paid to comparisons between theory and experiment concerning the
      term features which cannot be reproduced by SCO. The differences in the spin
      orbit splitting and the statistical (thermal) broadening of the 2p-3d transitions
      have been investigated as a function of the atomic number Z. It appears that at
      the conditions of the experiment the role of the term and configuration
      broadening was different in the three analyzed elements, this broadening being
      sensitive to the atomic number. Some effects of the temperature gradients and
      possible non-LTE effects have been studied with the help of the radiative
      collisional code SCRIC. The sensitivity of the 2p-3d structures with respect to
      temperature and density in medium-Z plasmas may be helpful for diagnostics of LTE
      plasmas especially in future experiments on the Deltan=0 absorption in medium-Z
      plasmas for astrophysical applications.

PMID- 22060514
TI  - Strongly coupled regime of ionization-induced scattering in ultrashort laser
      matter interactions.
AB  - The ionization-induced scattering of an ultrashort laser pulse is investigated by
      means of direct modeling of the Maxwell equations. Our results reveal a strongly
      coupled regime of ionization-induced scattering where structural and temporal
      characteristics of the laser-matter interactions may change significantly. In
      this regime, small-scaled plasma inhomogeneities are effectively generated with
      high plasma densities, even exceeding the critical one.

PMID- 22060515
TI  - Wakefield generation in magnetized plasmas.
AB  - We consider wakefield generation in plasmas by electromagnetic pulses propagating
      perpendicular to a strong magnetic field, in the regime where the electron
      cyclotron frequency is equal to or larger than the plasma frequency. Particle-in
      cell simulations reveal that for moderate magnetic field strengths previous
      results are reproduced, and the wakefield wave number spectrum has a clear peak
      at the inverse skin depth. However, when the cyclotron frequency is significantly
      larger than the plasma frequency, the wakefield spectrum becomes broadband, and
      simultaneously the loss rate of the driving pulse is much enhanced. A set of
      equations for the scalar and vector potentials reproducing these results are
      derived, using only the assumption of a weakly nonlinear interaction.

PMID- 22060516
TI  - Fourier-mode dynamics for the nonlinear Schrodinger equation in one-dimensional
      bounded domains.
AB  - We analyze the 1D focusing nonlinear Schrodinger equation in a finite interval
      with homogeneous Dirichlet or Neumann boundary conditions. There are two main
      dynamics, the collapse which is very fast and a slow cascade of Fourier modes.
      For the cubic nonlinearity the calculations show no long-term energy exchange
      between Fourier modes as opposed to higher nonlinearities. This slow dynamics is
      explained by fairly simple amplitude equations for the resonant Fourier modes.
      Their solutions are well behaved so filtering high frequencies prevents collapse.
      Finally, these equations elucidate the unique role of the zero mode for the
      Neumann boundary conditions.

PMID- 22060517
TI  - Strong collapse turbulence in a quintic nonlinear Schrodinger equation.
AB  - We consider the quintic one-dimensional nonlinear Schrodinger equation with
      forcing and both linear and nonlinear dissipation. Quintic nonlinearity results
      in multiple collapse events randomly distributed in space and time, forming
      forced turbulence. Without dissipation each of these collapses produces finite
      time singularity, but dissipative terms prevent actual formation of singularity.
      In statistical steady state of the developed turbulence, the spatial correlation
      function has a universal form with the correlation length determined by the
      modulational instability scale. The amplitude fluctuations at that scale are
      nearly Gaussian while the large-amplitude tail of the probability density
      function (PDF) is strongly non-Gaussian with powerlike behavior. The small
      amplitude nearly Gaussian fluctuations seed formation of large collapse events.
      The universal spatiotemporal form of these events together with the PDFs for
      their maximum amplitudes define the powerlike tail of the PDF for large-amplitude
      fluctuations, i.e., the intermittency of strong turbulence.

PMID- 22060518
TI  - Programmed buckling by controlled lateral swelling in a thin elastic sheet.
AB  - Recent experiments have imposed controlled swelling patterns on thin polymer
      films, which subsequently buckle into three-dimensional shapes. We develop a
      solution to the design problem suggested by such systems, namely, if and how one
      can generate particular three-dimensional shapes from thin elastic sheets by mere
      imposition of a two-dimensional pattern of locally isotropic growth. Not every
      shape is possible. Several types of obstruction can arise, some of which depend
      on the sheet thickness. We provide some examples using the axisymmetric form of
      the problem, which is analytically tractable.

PMID- 22060519
TI  - Anderson localization and Brewster anomalies in photonic disordered quasiperiodic
      lattices.
AB  - A comprehensive study of the properties of light propagation through one
      dimensional photonic disordered quasiperiodic superlattices, composed of
      alternating layers with random thicknesses of air and a dispersive metamaterial,
      is theoretically performed. The superlattices consist of the successive stacking
      of N quasiperiodic Fibonacci or Thue-Morse heterostructures. The width of the
      slabs in the photonic superlattice may randomly fluctuate around its mean value,
      which introduces a structural disorder into the system. It is assumed that the
      left-handed layers have a Drude-type dispersive response for both the dielectric
      permittivity and magnetic permeability, and Maxwell's equations are solved for
      oblique incidence by using the transfer-matrix formalism. The influence of both
      quasiperiodicity and structural disorder on the localization length and Brewster
      anomalies are thoroughly discussed.

PMID- 22060520
TI  - Fractional-calculus model for temperature and pressure waves in fluid-saturated
      porous rocks.
AB  - We study a fractional time derivative generalization of a previous Natale-Salusti
      model about nonlinear temperature and pressure waves, propagating in fluid
      saturated porous rocks. Their analytic solutions, i.e., solitary shock waves
      characterized by a sharp front, are here generalized, introducing a formalism
      that allows memory mechanisms. In realistic wave propagation in porous media we
      must take into account spatial or temporal variability of permeability,
      diffusivity, and other coefficients due to the system "history." Such a rock
      fracturing or fine particulate migration could affect the rock and its pores. We
      therefore take into account these phenomena by introducing a fractional time
      derivative to simulate a memory-conserving formalism. We also discuss this
      generalized model in relation to the theory of dynamic permeability and
      tortuosity in fluid-saturated porous media. In such a realistic model we obtain
      exact solutions of Burgers' equation with time fractional derivatives in the
      inviscid case.

PMID- 22060521
TI  - Discrete breathers on symmetry-determined invariant manifolds for scalar models
      on the plane square lattice.
AB  - A group-theoretical approach for studying localized periodic and quasiperiodic
      vibrations in two- and three-dimensional lattice dynamical models is developed.
      This approach is demonstrated for the scalar models on the plane square lattice.
      The symmetry-determined invariant manifolds admitting existence of localized
      vibrations are found, and some types of discrete breathers are constructed on
      these manifolds. A general method using the apparatus of matrix representations
      of symmetry groups to simplify the standard linear stability analysis is
      discussed. This method allows one to decompose the corresponding system of linear
      differential equations with time-dependent coefficients into a number of
      independent subsystems whose dimensions are less than the full dimension of the
      considered system.

PMID- 22060522
TI  - Gap compactonlike solutions of coupled Kortweg-de Vries equations with linear and
      nonlinear dispersions.
AB  - We show the existence of a type of excitation, which we term as "gap
      compactonlike," within the gap of the linear spectrum of a system of coupled
      Kortweg-de Vries equations with linear and nonlinear dispersions. Since the
      solutions lie in the gap region of the spectra, they avoid resonance with the
      linear oscillatory wave and, therefore, do not decay into radiations. These types
      of solutions are important in energy localization and transport in polymers and
      biopolymers, optical systems, etc.

PMID- 22060523
TI  - Parallel-tempering cluster algorithm for computer simulations of critical
      phenomena.
AB  - In finite-size scaling analyses of Monte Carlo simulations of second-order phase
      transitions one often needs an extended temperature range around the critical
      point. By combining the parallel-tempering algorithm with cluster updates and an
      adaptive routine to find the temperature window of interest, we introduce a
      flexible and powerful method for systematic investigations of critical phenomena.
      As a result, we gain one to two orders of magnitude in the performance for two-
      and three-dimensional Ising models in comparison with the recently proposed Wang
      Landau recursion for cluster algorithms based on the multibondic algorithm, which
      is already a great improvement over the standard multicanonical variant.

PMID- 22060524
TI  - Preventing the recurrence effect in the Vlasov simulation by randomizing phase
      point velocities in phase space.
AB  - The Vlasov equation is simulated by following the characteristics of phase points
      in phase space. It is shown that by increasing the number of phase points,
      without enhancing the resolution of phase-space grid, the accuracy of the
      simulation will be improved. In addition, the phase-point spacing introduces a
      smaller scale than grid spacing on which fine structures might be more
      conveniently handled. In order to perform simulation with a large population of
      phase points, an alternative to the bilinear interpolation scheme is introduced
      that reduces the number of operations. It is shown that by randomizing initial
      phase-point velocities, the recurrence effect does not happen. Finally, the
      standard problem of linear and nonlinear Landau damping will be examined.

PMID- 22060525
TI  - Consistent pseudopotential interactions in lattice Boltzmann models.
AB  - We outline a systematic procedure on how to construct and derive interactions for
      nonideal lattice fluids. Using a mesoscopic approach based on exact lattice
      theories, we prove the consistency of the resulting diffuse interface theory with
      continuum thermodynamics. Translated in the framework of the so called "Shan
      Chen" model for nonideal lattice fluids, this paper shows how to adjust the
      associated pseudopotentials to reproduce a free energy model based on a square
      gradient theory of equilibrium interfaces.

PMID- 22060526
TI  - Axisymmetric lattice Boltzmann method revised.
AB  - A reformulated lattice Boltzmann model is described for incompressible
      axisymmetric flows with or without swirling. It is a further development and
      improvement on the author's axisymmetric lattice Boltzmann method. The main
      features of the revised scheme are (a) all the macroscopic variables such as
      velocities are determined in the same formulas as those in the conventional
      lattice Boltzmann approach to the Navier-Stokes equations and (b) the added sink
      or source and force terms are simple with no calculation for a derivative. Such
      features distinguish the present method from the other existing simplified
      schemes, leading to a simple and efficient model. The scheme is naturally
      suitable for generic incompressible axisymmetric rotational flows involving more
      physical phenomena. The numerical solutions to Womersley and cylindrical cavity
      flows are presented to demonstrate its accuracy and capability.

PMID- 22060527
TI  - Lagrange-mesh calculations and Fourier transform.
AB  - The Lagrange-mesh method is a very accurate procedure for computing eigenvalues
      and eigenfunctions of a two-body quantum equation written in the configuration
      space. Using a Gauss quadrature rule, the method only requires the evaluation of
      the potential at some mesh points. The eigenfunctions are expanded in terms of
      regularized Lagrange functions, which vanish at all mesh points except one. Using
      the peculiarities of the method, it is shown that the Fourier transform of the
      eigenfunctions, computed in the configuration space, can easily be obtained with
      good accuracy in the physical domain of the momentum space. Also, observables in
      this space can easily be computed with good accuracy only using matrix elements
      and eigenfunctions computed in the configuration space.

PMID- 22060528
TI  - Entropic algorithms and the lid method as exploration tools for complex
      landscapes.
AB  - Monte Carlo algorithms such as the Wang-Landau algorithm and similar "entropic"
      methods are able to accurately sample the density of states of model systems and
      thereby give access to thermal equilibrium properties at any temperature. Thermal
      equilibrium is, however, unachievable at low temperatures in glassy systems. Such
      systems are characterized by a multitude of metastable configurations pictorially
      referred to as "valleys" of an energy landscape. Geometrical properties of the
      landscape, e.g., the local density of states describing the distribution in
      energy of the states belonging to a single valley, are key to understanding the
      dynamical properties of such systems. In this paper we combine the lid algorithm,
      a tool for landscape exploration previously applied to a range of models, with
      the Wang-Swendsen algorithm. To test this improved exploration tool, we consider
      a paradigmatic complex system, the Edwards-Anderson model in two and three
      spatial dimensions. We find a striking difference between the energy dependence
      of the local density of states in two dimensions and three dimensions--nearly
      linear in the first case, and nearly exponential in the second. The dynamical
      consequences of these findings are discussed.

PMID- 22060529
TI  - Local absorbing boundary conditions for nonlinear wave equation on unbounded
      domain.
AB  - The numerical solution of the nonlinear wave equation on unbounded spatial domain
      is considered. The artificial boundary method is introduced to reduce the
      nonlinear problem on unbounded spatial domain to an initial boundary value
      problem on a bounded domain. Using the unified approach, which is based on the
      operator splitting method, we construct the efficient nonlinear local absorbing
      boundary conditions for the nonlinear wave equation, and give the stability
      analysis of the resulting boundary conditions. Finally, several numerical
      examples are given to demonstrate the effectiveness of our method.

PMID- 22060530
TI  - Coarse graining the dynamics of heterogeneous oscillators in networks with
      spectral gaps.
AB  - We present a computer-assisted approach to coarse graining the evolutionary
      dynamics of a system of nonidentical oscillators coupled through a (fixed)
      network structure. The existence of a spectral gap for the coupling network graph
      Laplacian suggests that the graph dynamics may quickly become low dimensional.
      Our first choice of coarse variables consists of the components of the oscillator
      states--their (complex) phase angles--along the leading eigenvectors of this
      Laplacian. We then use the equation-free framework, circumventing the derivation
      of explicit coarse-grained equations, to perform computational tasks such as
      coarse projective integration, coarse fixed-point, and coarse limit-cycle
      computations. In a second step, we explore an approach to incorporating
      oscillator heterogeneity in the coarse-graining process. The approach is based on
      the observation of fast-developing correlations between oscillator state and
      oscillator intrinsic properties and establishes a connection with tools developed
      in the context of uncertainty quantification.

PMID- 22060531
TI  - Connected-component identification and cluster update on graphics processing
      units.
AB  - Cluster identification tasks occur in a multitude of contexts in physics and
      engineering such as, for instance, cluster algorithms for simulating spin models,
      percolation simulations, segmentation problems in image processing, or network
      analysis. While it has been shown that graphics processing units (GPUs) can
      result in speedups of two to three orders of magnitude as compared to serial
      codes on CPUs for the case of local and thus naturally parallelized problems such
      as single-spin flip update simulations of spin models, the situation is
      considerably more complicated for the nonlocal problem of cluster or connected
      component identification. I discuss the suitability of different approaches of
      parallelization of cluster labeling and cluster update algorithms for
      calculations on GPU and compare to the performance of serial implementations.

PMID- 22060532
TI  - Simulation of continuous-time random walks by the pruned-enriched method.
AB  - We generalize the pruned-enriched method to simulate the probability distribution
      of the continuous-time random walk. The small probabilities that the pruned
      enriched method can simulate could be many orders of magnitude smaller than the
      minimum probability obtained from the particle-tracking method when the
      computational costs of the two methods are the same. In addition, we propose a
      new criterion for pruning enrichment to improve the efficiency of the pruned
      enriched method.

PMID- 22060533
TI  - Information filtering via biased heat conduction.
AB  - The process of heat conduction has recently found application in personalized
      recommendation [Zhou et al., Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 107, 4511 (2010)], which
      is of high diversity but low accuracy. By decreasing the temperatures of small
      degree objects, we present an improved algorithm, called biased heat conduction,
      which could simultaneously enhance the accuracy and diversity. Extensive
      experimental analyses demonstrate that the accuracy on MovieLens, Netflix, and
      Delicious datasets could be improved by 43.5%, 55.4% and 19.2%, respectively,
      compared with the standard heat conduction algorithm and also the diversity is
      increased or approximately unchanged. Further statistical analyses suggest that
      the present algorithm could simultaneously identify users' mainstream and special
      tastes, resulting in better performance than the standard heat conduction
      algorithm. This work provides a creditable way for highly efficient information
      filtering.

PMID- 22060534
TI  - Success-driven distribution of public goods promotes cooperation but preserves
      defection.
AB  - Established already in Biblical times, the Matthew effect refers to the fact that
      in societies the rich tend to get richer and the potent even more powerful. Here
      we investigate a game theoretical model describing the evolution of cooperation
      on structured populations where the distribution of public goods is driven by the
      reproductive success of individuals. Phase diagrams reveal that cooperation is
      promoted irrespective of the uncertainty by strategy adoptions and the type of
      interaction graph, yet the complete dominance of cooperators is elusive due to
      the spontaneous emergence of superpersistent defectors that owe their survival to
      extremely rare microscopic patterns. This indicates that success-driven
      mechanisms are crucial for effectively harvesting benefits from collective
      actions but that they may also account for the observed persistence of
      maladaptive behavior.

PMID- 22060535
TI  - Core-periphery disparity in fractal behavior of complex networks.
AB  - We show that there is a disparity in fractal scaling behavior of the core and
      peripheral parts of empirical small-world scale-free networks. We decompose the
      network into a core and a periphery and measure the fractal dimension of each
      part separately using the box-counting method. We find that the core of small
      world scale-free networks has a nonfractal structure, whereas the periphery
      exhibits either fractal or nonfractal scaling. The fractal dimension of the
      periphery is found to coincide with one for the whole network.

PMID- 22060536
TI  - Nearest neighbors, phase tubes, and generalized synchronization.
AB  - In this paper we report on the necessity of the refinement of the concept of
      generalized chaotic synchronization. We show that the state vectors of the
      interacting chaotic systems being in the generalized synchronization regime are
      related to each other by the functional, but not the functional relation as it
      was assumed until now. We propose the phase tube approach explaining the essence
      of generalized synchronization and allowing the detection and the study of this
      regime in many relevant physical circumstances. The finding discussed in this
      Brief Report provides great potential for different applications.

PMID- 22060537
TI  - Chaotic dynamics of a magnetic nanoparticle.
AB  - We study the deterministic spin dynamics of an anisotropic magnetic particle in
      the presence of a magnetic field with a constant longitudinal and a time
      dependent transverse component using the Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert equation. We
      characterize the dynamical behavior of the system through calculation of the
      Lyapunov exponents, Poincare sections, bifurcation diagrams, and Fourier power
      spectra. In particular we explore the positivity of the largest Lyapunov exponent
      as a function of the magnitude and frequency of the applied magnetic field and
      its direction with respect to the main anisotropy axis of the magnetic particle.
      We find that the system presents multiple transitions between regular and chaotic
      behaviors. We show that the dynamical phases display a very complicated structure
      of intricately intermingled chaotic and regular phases.

PMID- 22060538
TI  - Vortices in a cylindrical annulus nonhomogeneously heated: effect of localized
      heating on their stability and intensity.
AB  - In this paper we study the influence of localized or widespread nonhomogeneous
      temperature profiles on the stability and intensity of vertical vortices
      generated in a cylindrical annulus by a convective instability. Localized
      profiles lead to more stable vortices while widespread inhomogeneities intensify
      the spin motion around the inner cylinder.

PMID- 22060539
TI  - Azimuthal solitary surface wave in cylindrical tank.
AB  - This Brief Report is devoted to the study of the solitary surface wave rotating
      in the azimuthal direction, arising during water drainage from a cylindrical
      reservoir, when shallow flow conditions are reached. The linear dependence
      between the wave speed and its amplitude is shown to be similar to that expected
      from the classical Korteweg-de Vries equation.

PMID- 22060540
TI  - Local wettability reversal during steady-state two-phase flow in porous media.
AB  - We study the effect of local wettability reversal on remobilizing immobile fluid
      clusters in steady-state two-phase flow in porous media. We consider a two
      dimensional network model for a porous medium and introduce a wettability
      alteration mechanism. A qualitative change in the steady-state flow patterns,
      destabilizing the percolating and trapped clusters, is observed as the system
      wettability is varied. When capillary forces are strong, a finite wettability
      alteration is necessary to move the system from a single-phase to a two-phase
      flow regime. When both phases are mobile, we find a linear relationship between
      fractional flow and wettability alteration.

PMID- 22060541
TI  - Electromagnetic solitary pulses in a magnetized electron-positron plasma.
AB  - A theory for large amplitude compressional electromagnetic solitary pulses in a
      magnetized electron-positron (e-p) plasma is presented. The pulses, which
      propagate perpendicular to the external magnetic field, are associated with the
      compression of the plasma density and the wave magnetic field. Here the solitary
      wave magnetic field pressure provides the restoring force, while the inertia
      comes from the equal mass electrons and positrons. The solitary pulses are formed
      due to a balance between the compressional wave dispersion arising from the curl
      of the inertial forces in Faraday's law and the nonlinearities associated with
      the divergence of the electron and positron fluxes, the nonlinear Lorentz forces,
      the advection of the e-p fluids, and the nonlinear plasma current densities. The
      compressional solitary pulses can exist in a well-defined speed range above the
      Alfven speed. They can be associated with localized electromagnetic field
      excitations in magnetized laboratory and space plasmas composed of electrons and
      positrons.

PMID- 22060542
TI  - Approaching a parameter-free metadynamics.
AB  - We present a unique derivation of metadynamics. This work leads to a more robust
      understanding of the error in the computed free energy than what has been
      obtained previously. Moreover, a formula for the exact free energy is introduced.
      The formula can be used to post-process any existing well-tempered metadynamics
      data, allowing one, in principle, to obtain an exact free energy regardless of
      the metadynamics parameters.

PMID- 22060543
TI  - Comment on "Lattice Boltzmann method for simulations of liquid-vapor thermal
      flows".
AB  - Zhang and Chen proposed a lattice Boltzmann method for simulations of liquid
      vapor thermal flows [Zhang and Chen, Phys. Rev. E 67, 066711 (2003)]. In their
      numerical test, the authors show simulation results with a temperature ratio of
      approximately 1.2 for a thermal two-phase flow with T<0.8T(c). However, we
      believe this to be erroneous and demonstrate the error to originate from a wrong
      choice of a parameter of critical importance in the Carnahan-Starling equation of
      state used in their work. Our numerical tests show that using the correct
      parameter choice, the scheme is only valid and robust to simulate temperature
      ratios below 1.10 and the lowest temperature in the flow field should be
      0.85T(c).

PMID- 22060545
TI  - Treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia with 17p deletion: the
      saga continues.

PMID- 22060546
TI  - Extracellular polysaccharide-degrading proteome of Butyrivibrio proteoclasticus.
AB  - Plant polysaccharide-degrading rumen microbes are fundamental to the health and
      productivity of ruminant animals. Butyrivibrio proteoclasticus B316(T) is a gram
      positive, butyrate-producing anaerobic bacterium with a key role in hemicellulose
      degradation in the rumen. Gel-based proteomics was used to examine the growth
      phase-dependent abundance patterns of secreted proteins recovered from cells
      grown in vitro with xylan or xylose provided as the sole supplementary carbon
      source. Five polysaccharidases and two carbohydrate-binding proteins (CBPs) were
      among 30 identified secreted proteins. The endo-1,4-beta-xylanase Xyn10B was 17.5
      fold more abundant in the culture medium of xylan-grown cells, which suggests it
      plays an important role in hemicellulose degradation. The secretion of three
      nonxylanolytic enzymes and two CBPs implies they augment hemicellulose
      degradation by hydrolysis or disruption of associated structural polysaccharides.
      Sixteen ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporter substrate-binding proteins were
      identified, several of which had altered relative abundance levels between growth
      conditions, which suggests they are important for oligosaccharide uptake. This
      study demonstrates that B. proteoclasticus modulates the secretion of
      hemicellulose-degrading enzymes and ATP-dependent sugar uptake systems in
      response to growth substrate and supports the notion that this organism makes an
      important contribution to polysaccharide degradation in the rumen.

PMID- 22060547
TI  - Implications of increased student intake on rural rotations in Australian medical
      schools.

PMID- 22060548
TI  - Molecular structure of the core-modified siRNA duplexes containing diastereomeric
      pair of [C6'(R)-OH]- versus [C6'(S)-OH]-carba-LNAs suggests a model for RNAi
      action.
AB  - Molecular structures of native and a pair of modified small interfering RNA-RNA
      duplexes containing carbocyclic [6 '-(R)-OH/7 '-(S)-methyl]- and [6 '-(S)-OH/7 '
      (S)-methyl]-carba-LNA-thymine nucleotides, which are two diastereomeric analogs
      of the native T nucleotide, incorporated at position 13 in the antisense (AS)
      strand of siRNA, have been simulated using molecular mechanics/dynamics
      techniques. The main aim of the project has been to find a plausible structural
      explanation of why modification of siRNA at T(13) position by the [6 '(R)-O-(p
      Toluoyl)-7 '(S)-methyl]-carba-LNA-Thymine [IC(50) of 3.32 +/- 0.17 nM] is ca 24
      times more active as an RNA silencing agent against the target HIV-1 TAR RNA than
      the [6 '(S)-O-(p-Toluoyl)-7 '(S)-methyl]-counterpart [IC(50) of 79.8 +/- 17 nM]
      [1]. The simulations reveal that introduction of both C6 '(R)-OH and C6 '(S)-OH
      stereoisomers does not lead even to local perturbation of the siRNA-RNA duplex
      structures compared to the native, and the only significant difference between 6
      '(S)- and 6 '(R)-diastereomers found is the exposure of the 6 '-OH group of the 6
      '(R)-diastereoisomer toward the edge of the duplex while the 6 '-hydroxyl group
      of the 6 '(S)-diastereoisomer is somewhat buried in the minor groove of the
      duplex. This rules out a hypothesis about any possible local distortion by the
      nature of chemical modification of the siRNA-target the RNA duplex, which might
      have influenced the formation of the effective RNA silencing complex (RISC) and
      puts some weight on the hypothesis about the 6 '-hydroxy group being directly
      involved with most probably Ago protein, since it is known from exhaustive X-ray
      studies [2, 3] that the core residues are indeed involved with hydrogen bonding
      with the internucleotidyl phosphates. Further systematic investigation is in
      progress to map the position-dependent functional and nonfunctional interactions
      of the modified [6 '(R or S)-O-(p-Toluoyl)-7 '(S)-methyl]-carba-LNA-T with the
      Ago2 protein of the RISC.

PMID- 22060549
TI  - Isolation and characterization of a murine P388 leukemia line resistant to
      clofarabine.
AB  - A murine P388 leukemia line fully resistant to clofarabine was obtained after
      only two courses of intraperitoneal treatment (three times a day for nine
      consecutive days). The resistance was stable for at least 13 weeks without
      treatment. The subline was as sensitive to 5-fluorouracil, methotrexate,
      cyclophosphamide, cisplatin, melphalan, BCNU, doxorubicin, etoposide, irinotecan,
      vincristine, and docetaxel as was the parental P388/0 line but was cross
      resistant to five antimetabolites [palmO-ara-C, 4'-thio-ara-C, fludarabine
      phosphate, cladribine, and gemcitabine-all of which require deoxycytidine kinase
      for activation] and paclitaxel. The subline had less than 1% of the deoxycytidine
      kinase activity in comparison to P388/0.

PMID- 22060550
TI  - The effect of ITPA polymorphisms on the enzyme kinetic properties of human
      erythrocyte inosine triphosphatase toward its substrates ITP and 6-Thio-ITP.
AB  - The role of inosine triphosphatase (ITPase) in adverse drug reactions associated
      with thiopurine therapy is still under heavy debate. Surprisingly, little is
      known about the way thiopurines are handled by ITPase. We studied the effect of
      ITPA polymorphisms on the handling of inosine triphosphate (ITP) and thioinosine
      triphosphate (TITP) to gain more insight into this phenomenon. Human erythrocyte
      ITPase activity was measured by incubation with ITP using established protocols,
      and the generated inosine monophosphate (IMP) was measured using ion-pair RP
      HPLC. Molecular analysis of the ITPA gene was performed to establish the
      genotype. Kinetic parameters were established for the two common polymorphisms
      for both ITP and TITP as substrates using the above mentioned protocol. Both ITP
      and TITP are substrates for ITPase and their enzyme activities are comparable.
      Substrate binding is not altered in the different ITPA polymorphisms. It is shown
      that the velocity of pyrophosphohydrolysis is compromised when the c.94C > A
      polymorphism is present, both in the heterozygous and in the homozygous state.
      TITP is handled by ITPase in a similar way as for ITP, which implies that TITP
      will accumulate in the erythrocytes of patients with an ITPase deficiency,
      resulting in adverse drug reactions (ADRs) on thiopurine therapy. In carriers of
      ITPA polymorphisms, the matter is more complex and the development of ADR may
      depend on additional epigenetic factors rather than on the accumulation of
      thiopurinenucleotides.

PMID- 22060551
TI  - Synthesis and evaluation of oligonucleotide-conjugated pyrrole polyamide-2'
      deoxyguanosine hybrids as novel gene expression control compounds.
AB  - DNA oligonucleotide-conjugated pyrrole polyamide-2'-deoxyguanosine hybrids were
      synthesized and examined as novel gene expression control compounds. The T(m)
      values and circular dichroism spectral analyses showed that the oligonucleotide
      conjugated hybrids possess high DNA recognition and a very high binding affinity
      for DNA that includes the pyrrole polyamide binding sequence.

PMID- 22060552
TI  - In-vitro cytotoxicity and cell cycle analysis of two novel bis-1,2, 4-triazole
      derivatives: 1,4-bis[5-(5-mercapto-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl-methyl)-thio-4-(p-tolyl)
      1,2,4-triazol-3-yl]-butane (MNP-14) and 1,4-bis[5-(carbethoxy-methyl)-thio-4-(p
      ethoxy phenyl)-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl]-butane (MNP-16).
AB  - In the present study, we have tested the cytotoxic and DNA damage activity of two
      novel bis-1,2,4 triazole derivatives, namely 1,4-bis[5-(5-mercapto-1,3,4
      oxadiazol-2-yl-methyl)-thio-4-(p-tolyl)-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl]-butane (MNP-14) and
      1,4-bis[5-(carbethoxy-methyl)-thio-4-(p-ethoxy phenyl) -1,2,4-triazol-3-yl]
      butane (MNP-16). The effect of these molecules on cellular apoptosis was also
      determined. The in-vitro cytotoxicity was evaluated by a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2
      yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay as well as Trypan blue dye
      exclusion methods against human acute lymphoblastic leukemia (MOLT4) and lung
      cancer cells (A549). Our results showed that MNP-16 induced significant
      cytotoxicity (IC(50) of 3-5 MUM) compared with MNP-14. The cytotoxicity induced
      by MNP-16 was time and concentration dependent. The cell cycle analysis by flow
      cytometry (fluorescence-activated cell sorting [FACS]) revealed that though there
      was a significant increase in the apoptotic population (sub-G(1) phase) with an
      increased concentration of MNP-14 and 16, there was no cell cycle arrest.
      Further, the comet assay results indicated considerable DNA strand breaks upon
      exposure to these compounds, thereby suggesting the possible mechanism of
      cytotoxicity induced by MNP-16. Hence, we have identified a novel molecule (MNP
      16) which could be of great clinical relevance in cancer therapeutics.

PMID- 22060553
TI  - Synthesis of stable isotope labeled analogs of the anti-hepatitis C virus
      nucleotide prodrugs PSI-7977 and PSI-352938.
AB  - In order to support bioanalytical LC/MS method development and plasma sample
      analysis in preclinical and clinical studies of the anti-hepatitis C-virus
      nucleotides, PSI-7977 and PSI-352938, the corresponding stable isotope labeled
      forms were prepared. These labeled compounds were prepared by addition reaction
      of the freshly prepared Grignard reagent (13)CD(3)MgI to the corresponding 2 '
      ketone nucleosides followed by fluorination of the resulting carbinol with DAST.
      As expected, these 2 '-C-(trideuterated-(13)C-methyl) nucleotide prodrugs showed
      similar anti-HCV activity to that of the corresponding unlabeled ones.

PMID- 22060554
TI  - Synthesis and biological activity of bimorpholine and its carbanucleoside.
AB  - A new enantiomerically pure carbacyclic nucleoside analogue with bimorpholine as
      a nonaromatic nucleobase was synthesized. The nucleoside analogue and
      bimorpholine were tested for cytotoxicity using an MTT assay and the xCELLigence
      System. Both assays revealed that compound 3 was highly cytotoxic at a 50 MUM
      concentration while the cytotoxic effect of compound 1 was much less prominent.
      No antiretroviral activity was detected for this compound. In contrast, it acted
      as a potent inhibitor of hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication. Most likely this
      effect originates largely from the cytotoxicity of the compound; however, it is
      possible that a specific mechanism of HCV inhibition also exists.

PMID- 22060555
TI  - An HPLC-based assay of adenylosuccinate lyase in erythrocytes.
AB  - ADSL deficiency is a disorder of purine metabolism with a broad clinical
      spectrum. A rapid and simple HPLC-based assay to measure ADSL activity in
      erythrocytes was developed. The suitability of DBSs was assessed. ADSL activity
      was measured in erythrocyte lysates and DBS using succinyl-AMP as the substrate.
      Detection and quantification were performed using isocratic ion-pairing reversed
      phase HPLC with UV-detection. Reference values in erythrocyte lysates were
      established. The intra- and interassay variations were 2% and 8%, respectively.
      ADSL deficiency was easily recognized. ADSL activity in DBS was highly unstable,
      disqualifying DBS for diagnostic procedures.

PMID- 22060556
TI  - DNA systems for B-Z transition and their significance as epigenetic model: the
      fundamental role of the methyl group.
AB  - Epigenetic systems involved in the dynamics of gene expression, which are
      fundamental to cell determination and function without alteration in DNA
      sequences, are based on methylation of the N-terminal tails of lysine residues
      and DNA methylation. We demonstrate the vital importance for genetic transfer by
      different (hydrogen) networks, suggesting a complex interaction between the two
      epigenetic modifications. In other words, the methylation of local lysines can
      prescribe C(P)G methylation, which requires that methylation of histones and DNA
      are cooperative in carrying out an epigenetic instruction for integrating gene
      silencing networks. To give a bio-organic description of the epigenetic coherence
      between histone and base methylation, we used the well-known B- into Z-DNA
      dynamics in combination with the unique properties of phosphatemethylated DNA on
      different levels of chemistry.

PMID- 22060557
TI  - Synthesis of novel difluoro-cyclopropyl guanine nucleosides and their phosphonate
      analogues as potent antiviral agents.
AB  - The synthesis of new rigid guanine analogues with anti-HIV-1 and anti-herpes
      viral activities is described. The phosphonate of difluorocyclopropane nucleoside
      analogue 26 exhibits in vitro anti-HIV-1 activity similar to that of PMEA in MT-4
      cells. Further, analogue 20 shows moderate anti-HCMV activity in MRC cells.

PMID- 22060558
TI  - Synthesis and characterization of C8 analogs of c-di-GMP.
AB  - We have synthesized five analogs of c-di-GMP with different substituents at the
      guanine C8 position, to study their effects on the metal-dependent polymorphism
      we had previously demonstrated for the parent compound. Of these, only the K(+)
      salt of c-di-Br-GMP, 2, forms higher order complexes, predominantly two different
      syn octamolecular ones. Its Na(+) salt, as well as both the K(+) and Na(+) salts
      of c-di-thio-GMP, 3, c-di-methylthio-GMP, 4, c-di-phenyl-GMP, 5, and c-di
      acetylphenyl-GMP, 6, all form primarily a syn bimolecular structure.

PMID- 22060559
TI  - Nontemplate polymerization of free nucleotides into genetic elements by
      thermophilic DNA polymerase in vitro.
AB  - DNA synthesis is the cornerstone of all life forms and is required to replicate
      and restore the genetic information. Usually, DNA synthesis is carried out only
      by DNA polymerases semiconservatively to copy preexisting DNA templates. We
      report here that DNA strands were synthesized ab initio in the absence of any DNA
      or RNA template by thermophilic DNA polymerases at (a) a constant high
      temperature (74 degrees C), (b) alternating temperatures (94 degrees C/60 degrees
      C/74 degrees C), or (c) physiological temperatures (37 degrees C). The majority
      of the ab initio synthesized DNA represented short sequence blocks, repeated
      sequences, intergenic spacers, and other unknown genetic elements. These results
      suggest that novel DNA elements could be synthesized in the absence of a nucleic
      acid template by thermophilic DNA polymerases in vitro. Biogenesis of genetic
      information by thermophilic DNA polymerase-mediated nontemplate DNA synthesis may
      explain the origin of genetic information and could serve as a new way of
      biosynthesis of genetic information that may have facilitated the evolution of
      life.

PMID- 22060560
TI  - Synthesis of new 9-glycosyl-4,9-dihydropyrano [3,4-b]indole-1(3H)-ones as
      antibacterial agents.
AB  - A series of new 9-glycosyl-4,9-dihydropyrano[3,4-b]indole-1(3H)-ones 3 was
      synthesized in moderate to low yields. 4,9-Dihydropyrano[3,4-b]indole-1(3H)-ones
      (1) were coupled with different acetobromoglycopyranoses 2 in refluxing toluene
      in the presence of silver oxide to afford one coupling product of the respective
      N-glycosides. alpha-L-Arabinopyranosides 3j and 3m were the most active
      glycosides among the tested compounds against certain Gram positive and Gram
      negative bacterial strains.

PMID- 22060561
TI  - Dynamic proteome analysis of Cyanothece sp. ATCC 51142 under constant light.
AB  - Understanding the dynamic nature of protein abundances provides insights into
      protein turnover not readily apparent from conventional, static mass spectrometry
      measurements. This level of data is particularly informative when surveying
      protein abundances in biological systems subjected to large perturbations or
      alterations in environment such as cyanobacteria. Our current analysis expands
      upon conventional proteomic approaches in cyanobacteria by measuring dynamic
      changes of the proteome using a (13)C(15)N-l-leucine metabolic labeling in
      Cyanothece ATCC51142. Metabolically labeled Cyanothece ATCC51142 cells grown
      under nitrogen-sufficient conditions in continuous light were monitored
      longitudinally for isotope incorporation over a 48 h period, revealing 414
      proteins with dynamic changes in abundances. In particular, proteins involved in
      carbon fixation, pentose phosphate pathway, cellular protection, redox
      regulation, protein folding, assembly, and degradation showed higher levels of
      isotope incorporation, suggesting that these biochemical pathways are important
      for growth under continuous light. Calculation of relative isotope abundances
      (RIA) values allowed the measurement of actual active protein synthesis over time
      for different biochemical pathways under high light exposure. Overall results
      demonstrated the utility of "non-steady state" pulsed metabolic labeling for
      systems-wide dynamic quantification of the proteome in Cyanothece ATCC51142 that
      can also be applied to other cyanobacteria.

PMID- 22060563
TI  - Genetic and nutritional effects on the fatty acid composition of subcutaneous and
      intramuscular lipids of steers.
AB  - Genetic and nutritional influences on fatty acid composition of subcutaneous
      (SNL) and intramuscular neutral lipids (IMNL) and intramuscular phospholipids
      (IMPL) of steer carcasses were investigated by removing the effect of carcass fat
      percentage (CFP) or slaughter age (SA) on the fatty acid composition. To
      investigate the genetic influences, steer progenies from two dam breed-types
      (Japanese Black (JB) and f(1) between JB bull and Holstein cows) and three
      different maturing types of JB sires were used. Dam breed-type did not affect any
      of the fatty acids except 17:0 in SNL and none of those in IMNL. Percentages of
      16:0, 16:1, 18:2, SFA, MUFA and PUFA in SNL differed among sires of JB dam breed
      type group (p < 0.05) even after removing the effect of CFP. Studies on the
      effects of two nutritional planes [high(H) and medium-high(MH)] on the fatty acid
      composition of SNL, IMNL and IMPL were done using JB steers. The SNL and IMNL of
      the H plane steers contained greater percentages of saturated fatty acids at the
      same CFP but less at the same SA than the MH plane animals. The reverse was true
      for the unsaturated fatty acid contents.

PMID- 22060562
TI  - Clinical significance of hyperglycaemia in acute coronary syndrome patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The clinical significance of moment measurements (admission and
      fasting glycaemia), persistent (hyperglycaemic index, HGI; time average glucose,
      TAG; mean glucose; maximum glucose) or chronic hyperglycaemia (HbA1c), estimated
      average glucose, eAG) is still elusive in clinical practice. AIM: To identify the
      clinical significance of hyperglycaemia in ACS. METHODS: The study included 226
      consecutive patients with ACS. Indicators for hyperglycaemia were defined,
      calculated and a correlation analysis with standard parameters-EF, maximum CPK,
      maximum CPK-MB and troponin was performed. Patients were followed up for 12
      months. RESULTS: Indicators for persistent and chronic hyperglycaemia correlated
      neither to ejection fraction, nor to the enzymes for myocardial necrosis (P >
      0.05). In contrast, acute hyperglycaemia correlated negatively with ventricular
      systolic dysfunction (P = 0.001/0.007) and positively with maximum CPK, MB and
      troponin (P = 0.0001/0.008). TAG was an independent predictor for 6-month re
      hospitalization (P = 0.027) because of cardiac complications. CONCLUSION:
      Glycaemia at admission and fasting glucose could be used as metabolic surrogate
      markers for ventricular systolic dysfunction and TAG as an independent surrogate
      marker for six-month re-hospitalization. None of the indicators for
      hyperglycaemia could be used as independent prognostic factors for survival.
      Hyperglycaemia rather reflects an underlying impairment in glucose metabolism.

PMID- 22060564
TI  - Use of mutagenically separated PCR for the detection of the mutation associated
      with porcine stress syndrome.
AB  - A point mutation in the Ryr1 gene encoding the ryanodine receptor in porcine
      skeletal muscle is associated with enhanced growth characteristics and leanness
      but also with porcine stress syndrome and pale, soft exudative meat in some
      animals. The current diagnostic test for the mutation is based on the polymerase
      chain reaction (PCR), followed by a restriction enzyme digestion step, prior to
      agarose gel electrophoresis. Using a technique known as mutagenically separated
      PCR (MS-PCR), a one-step procedure for the identification of the point mutation
      associated with porcine stress syndrome has been developed. This removes the
      requirement of the current PCR-based test for restriction enzyme digestion, is
      consequently quicker to perform, and may lend itself more readily to automation.
      DNA from blood samples from a series of animals were genotyped using both the
      conventional test and MS-PCR, and complete agreement between the two methods was
      obtained.

PMID- 22060565
TI  - Design of product as source of variance in composition of meat-based infant
      beikosts.
AB  - The influence of both the design of the product (formulated raw ingredients) and
      type of product (on the meat type formulated base) on the mineral composition,
      crude protein (CP), protein digestibility (PD), total dietary fiber (TDF) and
      phytic acid (FA) contents of meat-based infant beikosts was studied. The product
      design was the main factor determining the CP, TDF, Ca, Na and K contents, while
      the type of product was the main factor determining the PD, FA, Zn, Fe and Mn
      contents. High K and Mn levels were related to high TDF contents. CP and Zn
      showed a significant relationship but the CP Fe  relationship was not
      significant.

PMID- 22060566
TI  - Antioxidant enzyme activities in beef in relation to oxidation of lipid and
      myoglobin.
AB  - Lipid- and oxy-free radical generation has been implicated in oxidative processes
      which occur during meat maturation but the importance of the antioxidant enzyme
      (AOE) activity in these processes is not known. It was shown that metmyoglobin
      (MetMb) % and lipofuscin content were higher in colour-unstable muscles such as
      psoas major (PM) and diaphragma (D) compared to longissimus lumborum (LL) and
      tensor fasciae latae (TFL). Although Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity is
      higher post mortem in PM and D muscles than in LL and TFL muscles, catalase and
      glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities were higher only in D muscle. The higher
      AOE activity in colour-unstable muscles such as PM and D was not sufficient to
      prevent increased formation of MetMb and lipofuscin in these muscles compared to
      LL and TFL muscles.

PMID- 22060567
TI  - High pressure effects on lipid oxidation in minced pork.
AB  - Washed muscle fibres and minced pork were subjected to high pressure treatment at
      800 MPa for 20 min at 20  degrees C prior to storage at 4  degrees C. In both
      cases, high pressure treated samples oxidised more rapidly than the controls, as
      measured by 2-thiobarbituric (TBA) number. The rate of lipid oxidation of the
      high pressure treated samples was similar to that induced by heat (80  degrees C
      for 15 min). No significant increased rate of oxidation was observed in minced
      meat samples treated at 300 MPa but above this pressure the rate increased with
      intensity. Minced meat samples pressure treated in air had higher initial TBA
      numbers than those treated in nitrogen, but upon storage both oxidised more
      rapidly than untreated samples. Differential scanning calorimetry, reflectance
      spectrophotometry and electrophoresis showed that treatment above 300-400 MPa
      caused marked denaturation of the myofibrillar and sarcoplasmic proteins and
      conversion of reduced myoglobin/oxymyoglobin to the denatured ferric form. The
      possible role of these reactions in catalysing lipid oxidation is discussed.

PMID- 22060568
TI  - The influence of the anticaking agent potassium ferrocyanide and salt on the
      oxidative stability of frozen minced pork meat.
AB  - The anticaking agent potassium ferrocyanide, K(4)Fe(CN)(6), was found to affect
      lipid oxidation in frozen, minced pork meat both in 'normal' concentrations, when
      added together with food grade salt to yield 2 % NaCl in the product, and in
      'unrealistic' high concentrations added separately or together with analytical
      grade salt. The level of K(4)Fe(CN)(6) obtained from adding 2 % food grade salt
      accelerated the development of lipid hydroperoxides, but affected the development
      of TBARS to a lesser degree. High level of K(4)Fe(CN)(6) seems to protect
      hydroperoxides from degradation to secondary lipid oxidation products measured as
      TBARS. The use of salt with the anticaking agent, K(4)Fe(CN)(6), in meat
      processing should be reconsidered for each product since it may enhance lipid
      oxidation. A mechanism for mediation by the Fe(CN) (6)(4-)Fe(CN) (6)(3-) redox
      couple of pigment-catalysed lipid oxidation is suggested, based on an observed
      correlation between oxymyoglobin oxidation (measured as tristimulus colorimetric
      parameter, a) and lipid oxidation (measured as TBARS) for the frozen pork
      patties.

PMID- 22060569
TI  - Effects of high pressure treatment on Mg-enhanced ATPase activity of rabbit
      myofibrils.
AB  - Effects of high pressure treatment on the Mg-enhanced ATPase activity of
      myofibrils were studied to investigate the pressure-induced modification of actin
      myosin interaction. In the myofibrils prepared from muscles, similarities in the
      changes in the Mg-enhanced ATPase activity and its sensitivity to ionic strength
      were observed between muscles pressurized up to 200 MPa and muscles conditioned
      for 7 days. The BIMA (Biological Index of Myofibrillar Ageing) value of the
      pressurized myofibrils reached the same level as that of the conditioned
      myofibrils. When the isolated myofibrils were pressurized, slight increases of
      ATPase activity below 0.2 m KCI and of BIMA value were observed in the myofibrils
      pressurized at 30 MPa, which then decreased with increasing pressure. The release
      of soluble materials from the myofibrils was markedly accelerated by
      pressurization above 150 MPa. The SDS-PAGE analysis showed that the release of
      the constituents of thin filaments seemed to proceed prior to the release of the
      constituents of thick filaments. The pressure-induced changes in Mg-ATPase
      activity and BIMA value are explained in terms of the structural change of thin
      filaments resulting from briefly exposing muscles to high pressure.

PMID- 22060570
TI  - Effects of time on feed and post-mortem aging on palatability and lipid
      composition of crossbred Wagyu beef.
AB  - Twenty-seven Wagyu-sired steers were fed for 90 (14 steers) or 170 (13 steers)
      days to study the effects of time on feed on palatability and fatty acid
      composition, and the effects of post-mortem aging time (2, 4 or 10 days) on
      palatability. Hot carcass weight, fat thickness, longissimus dorsi muscle area,
      yield grade, estimated kidney, pelvic and heart fat and maturity score were
      increased (p < 0.05) by an additional 80 days on the high concentrate feed, but
      marbling was not changed (p > 0.05). Feeding the high concentrate diet for 170
      days increased Warner-Bratzler shear force values (p < 0.05) and tended to
      decrease tenderness (p > 0.05), flavor intensity and connective tissue scores.
      For the 90 day feeding group, 4 days of aging improved connective tissue score (p
      < 0.05) and tended to increase (p > 0.05) tenderness scores and decrease shear
      force, compared with 2 days of aging. For the 170 day feeding group, 10 days of
      aging improved (p < 0.05) shear force and all sensory attributes except flavor
      intensity, compared to 2 days of aging. An additional 80 days on feed decreased
      (p < 0.05) stearic acid and total saturated fatty acids (SFA) and generally
      increased (p < 0.05) monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), polyunsaturated fatty
      acids (PUFA), MUFA:SFA, and PUFA:SFA in subcutaneous fat and longissimus dorsi
      muscle. The cholesterol content of fat and muscle increased (p < 0.05) as time on
      feed increased. Ninety days on a high concentrate diet was adequate for yearling
      crossbred Wagyu steers to produce highly acceptable carcasses. The additional 80
      days on feed produced little or no overall benefit and the steers became
      overfinished and less tender. Ten days post-mortem aging improved (p < 0.05) all
      palatability attributes except flavor intensity.

PMID- 22060571
TI  - Effects of breed and sire on carcass characteristics and fatty acid profiles of
      crossbred wagyu and angus steers.
AB  - In a two-year experiment, 54 steers sired by seven Wagyu bulls [American Wagyu
      Association (AWA) sire numbers 331, 384, 388, 411, 429, 433 and 488] and 15
      steers sired by two Angus bulls, all out of Angus-Hereford cows, were used to
      evaluate the effects of sire and breed on carcass characteristics and fatty acid
      composition. Steers were given ad-libitum access to a high-concentrate diet (15 %
      alfalfa cubes and 85 % barley supplement) for at least 170 days. Breed and
      individual sire effects were analysed. Wagyu-sired steers had higher marbling,
      maturity and quality scores, more estimated kidney, pelvic and heart fat, larger
      longissimus dorsi muscle areas, lower fat thicknesses and yield grades than Angus
      sired steers (p < 0.05). Steers sired by 388, 411 and 433 had lower fat
      thicknesses than steers sired by Angus, 429 and 488 (p < 0.05). Steers sired by
      384 and 388 had higher marbling scores per cm subcutaneous fat than steers sired
      by Angus, 429 and 488, and lower fat thickness per 100 kg of carcass weight than
      Angus-sired steers (p < 0.05). For both subcutaneous fat and longissimus dorsi
      muscle, Wagyu-sired steers had higher (p < 0.05) percentages of 14:0, 14:1, 16:0,
      16:1, and lower percentages of 18:0 than Angus-sired steers. The genetic
      differences in carcass characteristics among Wagyu sires may enable us to select
      for improved marbling with less fat in the Wagyu breed. Some statistically
      significant (p < 0.05) but small differences existed in fatty acid profiles
      between breeds and among sires.

PMID- 22060572
TI  - Effect of cooking and storage on lipid oxidation and development of cholesterol
      oxidation products in water buffalo meat.
AB  - Buffalo meat was subjected to two cooking methods viz. broiling and pressure
      cooking and two storage procedures viz. refrigerated (4  degrees C) storage for
      six days and frozen (-10  degrees C) storage for 90 days. Changes in lipid
      oxidation and development of cholesterol oxidation products were studied in raw
      as well as cooked meat samples. Total lipid, phospholipid, cholesterol, free
      fatty acid, glycolipid and glyceride contents increased significantly on cooking
      of meat but did not show any significant changes during either refrigerated or
      frozen storage except for free fatty acid content which showed an increase. The
      TBA values also increased during storage but not to the extent of indicating
      rancidity. Cholesterol oxidation products separated by thin layer chromatography
      were: cholestanetriol, 7-alpha-hydroxycholesterol, 19-hydroxycholesterol, 7
      ketocholesterol, cholesterol-alpha-epoxide, cholesterol-beta-epoxide and an
      unidentified fraction. All these fractions, except for the unidentified fraction,
      increased on cooking and storage. The cholesterol-beta-epoxide fraction was
      resistant to changes. Changes in broiled meat were more pronounced compared to
      pressure cooked meat. Frozen storage did not prevent the development of
      cholesterol oxidation products in buffalo meat.

PMID- 22060573
TI  - The enumeration of coliforms and E. Coli on naturally contaminated beef: A
      comparison of the petrifilm(TM) method with the Australian Standard.
AB  - Petrifilm(TM) PEC was compared to Australian Standard (AS) methods for the
      enumeration of coliforms and Escherichia coli on 50 naturally contaminated beef
      samples from three meat works. The standard methods consist of a 3-tube most
      probable number test or a direct plate count on tryptone bile agar for E. coli,
      and violet red bile agar and the most probable number test for conliorms (AS
      1766.2.12.1984 and AS 1766.2.3.1992). No significant difference was found between
      the methods, except that the count of E. coli on the direct plate method with a
      resuscitation step was significantly higher than the count on Petrifilm(TM), most
      probable number or direct plate count without resuscitation.

PMID- 22060574
TI  - Lipid oxidation and cholesterol oxidation in mutton during cooking and storage.
AB  - The effects of cooking viz. pressure-cooking and broiling and storage at 4 
      degrees C for six days and -10  degrees C for 90 days on lipid oxidation and
      development of cholesterol oxidation products in mutton were studied. Results
      revealed that cooking of meat significantly increased the total lipids,
      phospholipids, cholesterol, glycolipids, free fatty acids and glycerides, but
      they did not change during refrigerated and frozen storage. The TBA values
      increased on cooking and during storage. However, the values were below the
      threshold level for rancidity development. The following cholesterol oxidation
      products were separated by thin layer chromatography cholestanetriol, 7-alpha
      hydroxy cholesterol, 19-hydroxycholesterol, 7-ketocholesterol, cholesterol-alpha
      epoxide, cholesterol-beta-epoxide and an unidentified fraction. All these
      fractions except the unidentified fraction increased on cooking. On refrigerated
      and even on frozen storage all these fractions increased except the unidentified
      fraction, which showed a concomitant reduction. The changes in broiled meat were
      more pronounced compared to pressure-cooked meat. Results clearly indicated that
      even frozen storage of cooked meat did not prevent the development of cholesterol
      oxidation products.

PMID- 22060575
TI  - Effects of modified gas atmosphere packaging on pork loin colour, display life
      and drip loss.
AB  - Boneless loins from both sides of 20 pig carcasses were divided into five
      sections each and assigned equally to five packaging treatments: 100 % CO(2); 50
      % CO(2)/50 % N(2); 25 % CO(2)/ 75 % N(2); 25 % CO(2)/65 % N(2)/10 % O(2) and
      vacuum. Loin sections were packaged in bags of low O(2) permeability, then stored
      in darkness at 1  degrees C for up to 22 days. Retail chops were cut from the
      sections and displayed in oxygen-permeable film under light at 3  degrees C for 3
      additional days. The O(2) concentrations in packages with nominally anoxic
      atmospheres were 0.1-0.4 %. Sections stored in 25 % CO(2)/65 % N(2)/10 % O(2) had
      more surface greying and greening, stronger off-odour and psychrotropic counts
      after storage were more than one log(10) higher compared to sections from the
      other four treatments. Displayed chops from sections stored in 25 % CO(2)/65 %
      N(2)/10 % O(2) also had greying/greening at an outer layer of the chops. Off
      odour of chops was most pronounced for treatments with 10 % O(2) and vacuum. Drip
      loss from loin sections was highest for those in 100 % CO(2) (4.2 %) and lowest
      for those in vacuum (3.2 %). In conclusion, storage in CO(2) or CO (2)N (2)
      atmospheres benefitted the overall shelf life of pork.

PMID- 22060576
TI  - Meat quality in pigs subjected to minimal preslaughter stress.
AB  - The experiment compared meat quality in carcasses from pigs subjected to the
      absolute minimum of stress preslaughter with that from carcasses of pigs
      subjected to simulated commercial handling. A total of 120 pigs (85 kg) were
      used. They were a commercial hybrid and were processed in six equal batches. The
      minimal stress group were slaughtered with as little stress as possible. The
      simulated commercial handling group were mixed and transported for 2hr (80 km)
      and lairaged for 30 min. Simulated commercial handling increased plasma cortisol,
      plasma lactate, CPK and beta-endorphin. Muscle temperature measured in the m.
      longissimus dorsi (LD) at 45 min increased as did the ultimate pH in the m.
      adductor (AD). Overall eating quality was not affected. There were batch affects
      on most variables. Males were leaner and produced meat that had greater abnormal
      fat odour, darker cooked colour, poorer pork flavour, lower overall acceptability
      and was tougher.

PMID- 22060577
TI  - Meat quality of cryptorchid lambs grazing either dryland or irrigated perennial
      pasture with some silage supplementation.
AB  - The meat quality of lambs grazed on perennial pasture (ryegrass Lolium perenne,
      cocksfoot, Dactylis glomerata and white clover Trifolium repens) was examined in
      three treatments; group 1 (S) lambs were grazed on dryland pasture for 30 days
      and then offered a supplement of pasture silage ad libitum until slaughter, 30
      days later (n = 21). Lambs in group 2 (P) were grazed on dryland pasture
      throughout (n = 28) and those in group 3 (IP) on irrigated pasture (n = 28).
      Lambs in group IP had a significantly (p < 0.001) heavier pre-slaughter
      liveweight and hot carcass weight than lambs in the other two groups. There was
      no significant difference (p < 0.05) infatscore between groups or in GR when
      adjusted to a common carcass weight. For cold carcass weight (reduced sample) IP
      lambs were still significantly heavier than those from group P, but no different
      to those from group S (n = 15, 15 and 10, respectively). There was no significant
      difference between groups for measures of fatness or for m. longissimus thoracis
      et lumborum (LL) area when adjusted to a common carcass weight of 23.6 kg. There
      was a significant difference between (p < 0.001) treatments for pH, group P
      carcasses having higher pH values for the LL muscle, with no treatment effect on
      m. semimembranosus (SM) pH. Differences between groups for meat colour values (L
      (*), a (*), b (*)) showed no consistent trend and there was no significant
      difference (p > 0.05) between groups in tenderness of the LL and SM muscles as
      indicated by shear force values. Aroma of the loin meat from pasture-fed lambs
      (P) was considered significantly (p < 0.05) stronger than from lambs in groups S
      and IP (n = 6, all groups) and the flavour of samples from lambs in group P was
      significantly (p < 0.05) stronger than from lambs in group IP. Overall there was
      no significant (p < 0.05) difference in acceptability between groups. The results
      indicate that consumers would be unlikely to detect the differences identified by
      the panel and that pasture silage will not have an adverse effect on lamb eating
      quality.

PMID- 22060578
TI  - The effects of non-vacuum packaging systems on drip loss from chilled beef.
AB  - This study investigated drip loss in chilled beef (hot-boned m. longissimus
      lumborum (LL)) under conventional packaging systems, in which a vacuum is
      applied, and non-vacuum packaging systems. The use of vacuum during the packaging
      process (vacuum packaging, CO(2) atmosphere packaging) was associated with
      increased drip. Drip was lower in heat-shrunk vacuum packaging than in non-shrunk
      vacuum packaging. A slow vacuum onset had no effect on drip formation, or may
      have increased it. The extent of pressure reduction (vacuum; range 0-1 atm) did
      not significantly affect drip formation, although the standard vacuum pressure (0
      atm) tended to cause more drip loss than higher pressures. The three non-vacuum
      anaerobic packaging systems tested were: flushed with carbon dioxide without the
      pressure being reduced below atmospheric (Flush), or the same system with no
      CO(2) flush but a proprietary oxygen absorber added (Scavenger), or a combination
      of both (Flush/Scavenger). Storage was at -1.5  degrees C for up to 20 weeks. The
      Flush and Flush/Scavenger systems had considerably lower drip loss than the CAP
      standard system (6.4%, 6.5%, and 9.1% respectively); the Scavenger system had the
      lowest drip loss (5.2%). Drip losses generally increased with storage period,
      irrespective of packaging system. All non-vacuum packaging systems except the
      Flush system had very low oxygen levels (<0.l% v v ). The Flush system had
      considerably higher levels of oxygen (0.9%) with associated browning of meat
      samples. All packaging systems gave a hygienic shelf-life of at least 16 weeks.
      At 16 weeks, microbial numbers were highest (5 * 10(6)) in the Scavenger system.
      The meat from all packaging systems was acceptable to taste panels even after 16
      weeks of storage at -1.5  degrees C. There were no significant differences
      between any of the packaging systems for any of the sensory attributes tested.
      The packaging systems with the best all round performance were the
      Flush/Scavenger and the Scavenger systems, depending on the storage-life
      required.

PMID- 22060579
TI  - Tyramine degradation by micrococci during ripening of fermented sausage.
AB  - The ability of tyramine oxidase exhibiting strains of Micrococcus varians to
      degrade tyramine in vivo during sausage fermentation was investigated. Fermented
      sausage was produced with a tyramine forming strain of Lactobacillus curvatus
      which acquired a final tyramine concentration of 190ppm. The addition of either
      one of two strains of M. varians exhibiting a potential to oxidise tyramine
      decreased the amount of tyramine formed to 160 and 150ppm, respectively. No
      effect on growth of L. curvatus and pH development in the fermented sausage was
      observed when micrococci were present during a three weeks ripening period.
      Sausage fermentation was further carried out with a non-amine forming strain of
      L. sake and M. varians after addition of 100ppm tyramine to the raw material. The
      amount of tyramine in the end product was 60ppm, and during the first 10 days of
      ripening the decrease was faster on the outside of the sausage.

PMID- 22060580
TI  - Effect of comminution method and raw binder system in restructured beef.
AB  - The effect of particle size, method of particle size reduction (grinding,
      flaking, slicing) and alginate or Fibrimex(TM) binding systems on processing
      properties of restructured beef were investigated. The size of semimembranosus
      muscles was reduced with a meat slicer, grinder or flaker (Comitrol) through
      machine openings that were 2, 4 and 8 mm in size. Bind of meat pieces in raw and
      cooked beef steakettes were measured. Sensory evaluation to determine the effect
      of method of size reduction on texture of beef steakettes was done only on
      steakettes manufactured with alginate. Beef steakettes manufactured with the
      alginate binding system had significantly (p < 0.05) higher raw bind values than
      did the beef steakettes manufactured with Fibrimex. Slicing meat for the
      manufacture of restructured beef steakettes resulted in a higher raw bind than
      did either grinding or flaking the meat. Significant (p < 0.05) interactions were
      observed for the bind of cooked steakettes between binder and method of size
      reduction and binder and opening size. When alginates were used to make
      restructured steakettes the bind of the cooked product was less (p < 0.05) when
      meat was sliced than when it was ground or flaked. However, when Fibrimex was
      used, bind was stronger when sliced meat was used. The alginate system resulted
      in higher binds for cooked product when particle size was smaller but with the
      Fibrimex system bind was higher when particle sizes were larger. A consumer panel
      on alginate restructured steakettes showed no preference for the texture produced
      by the different methods of particle size reduction.

PMID- 22060581
TI  - Oxidative stability and dietary treatment with vitamin E, oleic acid and copper
      of fresh and cooked pork chops.
AB  - Research has been conducted on the effects of feed supplementation with vitamin
      E, oleic acid (sunflower oil) and copper on some quality characteristics of pork
      chops. The study was based on the measurement of pH 45' and 24 hr post mortem,
      proximate composition, colour both objective and sensory, colour stability after
      packing in oxygen permeable film and protective atmosphere, copper and iron
      contents, vitamin E content in fresh and cooked chops, peroxide and TBARS value
      in raw and cooked meat, total cholesterol, cholesterol oxides and aldehydes in
      cooked meat, sensory evaluation of the eating quality of cooked chops and iodine
      number of subcutaneous fat. Vitamin E content was significantly higher with oil
      and vitamin supplementation. No variation has been observed in copper and iron
      contents. A higher stability of the colour of meat packed under modified
      atmosphere has been observed with increasing vitamin E content, but the same did
      not apply with meat packed in oxygen permeable film. No differences have been
      observed on fatty acid oxidative stability of fresh m. longissimus dorsi and
      cooked chops (peroxide and TBARS values), on cholesterol oxidation and aldehydes
      production of cooked chops with increasing vitamin E content. Iodine number in
      supplemented animals reached levels normally considered at risk for fat firmness.

PMID- 22060582
TI  - The polyunsaturated fatty acid composition of beef and lamb liver.
AB  - The effect on liver fatty acids of two typical beef production systems, steers
      fed grass (grazing) and bulls fed concentrates, was investigated. Liver fatty
      acids were also studied in lambs grazing grass. Total fatty acid content of liver
      in the beef animals was not affected by production system, being 3.5% for grass
      and 3.7% for concentrates although carcasses of the latter animals were leaner.
      The percentages of the major non polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were also
      similar: (concentrates in parentheses) 18:0, 25.2% (25.1%); 16:0, 13.3% (14.5%);
      18:1 12.6% (14.0%). Total liver PUFA contents were similar for the two production
      systems and much higher than in muscle from the same animals. All n-3 PUFA were
      present in greater amounts in liver from grass fed animals and n-6 PUFA were
      higher in concentrate fed animals: mg/100g liver, 18:3n-3 92 (32); 20:5 n-3, 151
      (17); 22:5 n-3, 283 (108); 22:6 n-3, 83 (32); 18:2 n-6, 172 (444); 20:4 n-6, 194
      (270). The P:S ratios were 0.20 (grass) and 0.32 (concentrates) and the n-6:n-3
      ratios were 0.71 and 4.8, respectively. Livers from grass-fed lamb had a higher
      fat content, 4.9%, than the beef livers and a lower percentage of 18:0, (21%);
      but more 16:0, (16%) and 18:1 (21 %). Total PUFA content of lamb's liver
      resembled that of beef liver and the composition was similar to that of the
      steers fed grass. However the concentrations of 18:3 n-3 and 22:6 n-3 were higher
      in lamb and contributed to a lower n-6: n-3 ratio of 0.46 although the P:S ratio
      of 0.18 was similar to that in beef liver. Ruminant liver is potentially a good
      source of C20 and C22 PUFA in the human diet particularly from grass fed animals,
      with a highly desirable n-6:n-3 ratio and this may be more important
      nutritionally than the low P:S ratio since people can offset this elsewhere in
      the diet.

PMID- 22060583
TI  - Fatty acid content and composition of UK beef and lamb muscle in relation to
      production system and implications for human nutrition.
AB  - Although ruminant meats normally have a low ratio of polyunsaturated fatty acids
      (PUFA) to saturated fatty acids (P:S ratio), the muscle contains a range of C(20)
      and C(22) PUFA of both the n-6 and n-3 series of potential significance in human
      nutrition. However, information on the amounts of these fatty acids in muscle and
      how they are modified by production system is limited In this study, the content
      and composition of fatty acids was determined in several muscles from beef steers
      fed grass (grazed) and bulls fed cereal concentrates. These are the two main
      types of beef production in the UK and Europe. Muscle fatty acids were also
      determined in lambs fed grass (grazed on pasture). The total fatty acid content
      of all muscles studied was less than 35 g kg(-1). The percentages in total fatty
      acids of all n-3 PUFA were higher in muscles from steers fed grass than from
      bulls fed concentrates whereas all n-6 PUFA were higher in the latter. The
      gluteobiceps muscle contained the largest amounts of fatty acids including PUFA
      and the m. longissimus dorsi the least amounts of PUFA in beef and lamb, and m.
      longissimus contained the lowest percentages of PUFA. Arachidonic acid was the
      major fatty acid in the C(20) + C(22) PUFA in beef from both production systems
      with twice as much in muscles from bulls fed concentrates. The P:S ratios were
      higher in the latter animals, range 0.21-0.34 compared with 0.08-0.13 in the
      steers fed grass. However, the n6:n-3 ratio was much less desirable in the bulls,
      15.6-20.1 compared with 2.0-2.3 in the steers fed grass. These effects of
      production system in ruminants are larger than previously reported. Lamb muscle
      P:S ratios resembled those in grass-fed beef but the n-6:n-3 ratios were lower.
      The percentage of trans unsaturated 18:1 fatty acids was similar in both cattle
      production systems but lamb muscles contained twice as much as beef. Although the
      concentrations of the C(20) and C(22) PUFA are much lower than in fish,
      maintaining high n-3 levels in ruminant meats through grass feeding may be
      advantageous in human nutrition since meat is more widely consumed.

PMID- 22060584
TI  - Changes in lactic acid levels during thawing of lamb chops.
AB  - Loins from 20 lambs with an ultimate pH ranging from 5.5 to 6.4 were frozen and
      stored at -20  degrees C, then thawed at + 3  degrees C. During thawing, muscle
      (m. longissimus lumborum) lactate was measured in samples taken when the meat
      temperature reached -20, -5, -2, 0, and + 2  degrees C. At -5  degrees C, muscle
      lactate concentration was similar to that at -20  degrees C, but at -2  degrees C
      lactate levels were double those at -20  degrees C. As the temperature increased
      to +2  degrees C lactate concentrations fell from their -2  degrees C level. Low
      pH (5.5-5.6) and intermediate pH (5.7-6.1) meat at +2  degrees C had a higher
      lactate level than at -20  degrees C, with the greatest difference occurring in
      the low pH group (5  mmol lactate kg  equating to approximately 0.05 pH unit
      increase). High pH meat (6.2-6.3) had similar lactate levels at -20  degrees C
      and +2  degrees C. These results demonstrate the importance of measuring the pH
      of frozen meat immediately rather than thawing the meat before measurement, and
      also show that meat pH may change on thawing, depending on the ultimate pH of the
      sample.

PMID- 22060585
TI  - A reporter protein for meat integrity.
AB  - A method for distinguishing fresh from thawed frozen samples of porcine and
      bovine meat is proposed.Crude soluble extracts from fresh (stored at +4  degrees
      C for 0-3 days) or deep frozen (at -80  degrees C) meat samples from pork and
      beef, were assayed by blocking ELISA to estimate m-MDH (mitochondrial malate
      dehydrogenase) titres. As a rule, a separate aliquot of each test sample was
      placed at -20  degrees C until frozen and subsequently thawed for the preparation
      of the extract whose analysis gave the 'self reference' m-MDH titre. For a given
      meat sample calculation of the tau index, 'tau', was proposed as the ratio
      between the self reference value and the original m-MDH titre. The 95% tolerance
      for tau for fresh and thawed meat, suggests that the method is suitable for this
      kind of analysis.

PMID- 22060586
TI  - Letter to the editor.

PMID- 22060587
TI  - Letter to the editor: Initial toughness of meat-The response.

PMID- 22060588
TI  - Lipid characteristics associated with oxidative and glycolytic fibres in rabbit
      muscles.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to specify the intramuscular lipid characteristics
      which are related to the metabolic type of muscles. Two glycolytic muscles
      (Longissimus lumborum and Psoas major), two oxidative ones (Soleus and
      Semimembranosus propriosus) and an intermediate one (Gastrocnemius laterale) were
      dissected from rabbit carcasses. The results showed that:

PMID- 22060589
TI  - Influence of partial replacement of NaCl with KCl on lipid fraction of dry
      fermented sausages inoculated with a mixture of Lactobacillus plantarum and
      Staphylococcus carnosus.
AB  - The effect of partial replacement of NaCl (3% NaCl) with KCl (1.5% NaCl and 1%
      KCl) on the lipid fraction of dry fermented sausages inoculated with
      Lactobacillus plantarum and Staphylococcus carnosus as starter culture was
      analysed. The reduction in salt concentration did not affect the Micrococcaceae
      count. A positive effect on the intensity of lipolytic activity was observed as a
      consequence of the decrease in salt level. There was no decrease in the oxidative
      processes. The higher amounts of volatile fatty acids found suggest that the
      tested modification enhances some of their mechanisms of synthesis.

PMID- 22060590
TI  - Lipolysis in a Belgian sausage: Relative importance of endogenous and bacterial
      enzymes.
AB  - The importance of bacterial and meat enzymes in lipolysis and carbonyl formation
      was evaluated during dry sausage ripening. Sausages were prepared with and
      without addition of an antibiotic-antimicotic mixture. In some experiments, an
      extra inoculum of Micrococcaceae was added and in two experiments, glucose was
      omitted. Total viable bacterial counts after 21 days were lowered by at least 2
      log units in the presence of antibiotics. Free fatty acid productions after 3 and
      21 days, in the presence of antibiotics were not significantly lower than
      observed in the control sausages. Total carbonyl compounds (benzidine reaction
      compounds) were significantly lowered by the presence of antibiotics compared to
      the control sausages except when glucose was omitted from the recipe. The data
      suggest that lipolysis is almost exclusively brought about by muscle and fat
      tissue. Polyunsaturated fatty acids are liberated from the polar lipid fraction
      and their specific liberation is higher than for monounsaturated and saturated
      fatty acids. Carbonyl production from lipids seems to be independent of bacterial
      activity.

PMID- 22060591
TI  - On-line, proximate analysis of ground beef directly at a meat grinder outlet.
AB  - The fat, moisture and protein contents of ground beef were determined on-line by
      a diffuse reflectance near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy instrument at the outlet
      of a meat grinder. Beef samples in the range of 6.2-21.7% fat, 59.6-72.9%
      moisture and 18.1-20.7% protein were studied. Calibrations from samples ground
      with hole diameters of 4, 8, 13 or 19 mm in the grinder plate were validated. In
      addition, calibrations of combinations of these samples from the different hole
      diameters were validated. Prediction errors, expressed as root mean square error
      of cross validation of the beef samples, were 0.73-1.50% for fat, 0.75-1.33% for
      moisture and 0.23-0.32% for protein, depending on the hole diameter of the
      grinder plate. Calibrations from samples ground with the smallest hole diameters
      gave lowest prediction errors. The present prediction error results are only
      slightly higher compared to reported prediction error results using conventional
      at- and off-line NIR instruments. It is concluded that the on-line NIR prediction
      results were acceptable for samples ground with grinder plates of 4, 8 or 13 mm
      hole diameter.

PMID- 22060592
TI  - Staphylococcal growth and enterotoxin production in the presence of meat cultures
      (non LAB).
AB  - The effect of meat cultures (non lactic acid bacteria) on the growth and
      production of enterotoxins and thermonuclease by Staphylococcus aureus was
      studied. Micrococcus varians did not affect growth nor the synthesis of
      metabolites. Levels of enterotoxins A, B and D produced by the respective S.
      aureus strains were reduced by S. xylosus, S. saprophyticus and S. carnosus. The
      two latter species prevented production of enterotoxin C(1) and S. xylosus
      markedly reduced the amount produced. The three coagulase-negative staphylococci
      showed little inhibitory effect on the growth of S. aureus. Penicillium
      nalgiovense did not show inhibitory activity against the four S. aureus strains.
      Debaryomyces hansenii slightly inhibited growth of the enterotoxin A-producing
      strain, but reduced enterotoxin synthesis at 30  degrees C. Thermonuclease was
      detected whenever enterotoxins were detected though the influence of the effector
      organism was dependent on the test strain.

PMID- 22060593
TI  - Utilization of image processing to quantitate surface metmyoglobin on fresh beef.
AB  - Ground beef patties were manufactured with various combinations of ascorbic acid
      and mechanically recovered neck bone lean (MRNL) to study the use of image
      processing in predicting percentage surface metmyoglobin (metMb) on fresh beef.
      Ascorbic acid and MRNL cause various color phenomena that resulted in a wide
      range of variation in surface color. Patties were also stored over six days of
      retail display to cause further color changes. Surface color was assessed by
      several different accepted methods. A prediction equation for percentage surface
      metMb included mean values for hue, saturation and intensity. Root mean square
      error, R-square and Mallow's Cp statistic were used as selection criteria for
      choosing the best predictive model. Image processing hue, saturation and
      intensity accounted for 93% of the variation in percentage surface metMb. Since
      hue, saturation and intensity each contribute to overall color profile it is
      logical that these parameters are good predictors. These data indicate that image
      processing is capable of objectively measuring percentage surface metMb.

PMID- 22060594
TI  - Parma ham: Correlation between myotypological parameters of Biceps femoris muscle
      and qualitative characteristics of fresh and seasoned product.
AB  - The morphofunctional characterisation of the Biceps femoris muscle was studied in
      128 pigs intended for use as Parma ham, as a means of evaluating the raw material
      in relation to its transformation into a seasoned product answering to the
      requirements of its trademark. Organoleptic tests were carried out on both fresh
      and seasoned product, and the seasoned product was chemically characterised. The
      following defects in fresh hams-muscle which was pale in colour and of
      unsatisfactory firmness, insufficent compactness, poor thickness of fat cover
      layer-were found to be strongly correlated to the increase in white fibres of the
      IIa type; no links were found, however, between the measurement of myofibre
      diameters and these defects. Principal component analysis, applied to the
      complete set of histoenzymatic and organoleptic variables considered, reveals the
      qualitative characteristics of seasoned ham as having no close correlation with
      the histoenzymatic parameters of the fresh product; the authors nevertheless hope
      that myotypological examination will become one of the parameters in the
      evaluation of meat quality.

PMID- 22060595
TI  - Comparison between two statistical models for prediction of turkey breast meat
      colour.
AB  - The aims of the present study were: (1) to determine the relevant objective
      measurements which could express visual assessment of turkey meat colour; and (2)
      to use these variables for the early prediction of the colour development of
      turkey breast meat. The colour of the meat was assessed subjectively by an expert
      at a processing plant at 24 hr post mortem, using a four-category scale (score a:
      light-pale meat, score b: light pink meat or normal meat, score c: dark meat,
      score d: very dark meat). Objective measurements included meat pH, temperature,
      dielectric loss factor, pigment concentration, L(*) (lightness), a(*) (redness)
      and b(*) (yellowness) colour coordinates determined at different times post
      mortem. Colour coordinates and pH were chosen as relevant variables when measured
      at 1 and 4 hr post mortem and were used in prediction models. Linear analysis
      (canonical discriminant analysis) showed that the efficiency of prediction was
      15%. A non-linear analysis (neural network) gave better prediction; the colour of
      the meat being correctly predicted for 70% of the muscles.

PMID- 22060596
TI  - Effects of dietary alpha-linolenic acid on the fatty acid composition, storage
      stability and sensory characteristics of pork loin.
AB  - Effects of dietary alpha-linolenic acid on the fatty acid composition, storage
      stability and sensory characteristics of cooked pork were studied. Dietary alpha
      linolenic acid (LNA) significantly (p < 0.05) increased the proportion of n-3
      fatty acids and the degree of unsaturation in the neutral lipids and
      phospholipids. The increases in n-3 fatty acids were observed in the total
      lipids, triglycerides, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylcholine, and
      mainly consisted of C18:3n3, C20:5n3 and/or C22:5n3. The thiobarbituric acid
      reactive substances (TBARS) values (mg malondialdehyde per kg meat) of cooked
      vacuum packaged loins remained below 1.5, but in loose packaged loins TBARS
      values increased more than 3 times those of 0 time values during 2-day storage at
      4  degrees C. The TBARS values of loins after LNA-enrichment were significantly
      higher than those of the control in both vacuum and loose packaging, and the
      increase of unsaturation in fatty acids had a strong prooxidant effect. The
      increase in dietary LNA enrichment increased oxidation (TBARS values) and had a
      detrimental effect on the acceptability of cooked pork loins held for 2 days in
      loose packaging.

PMID- 22060597
TI  - Changes in volatile compounds of Parma ham during maturation.
AB  - Changes in the aromatic profile of Parma ham caused by the normal course of aging
      up to 12 months were examined in order to identify distinctive signals for
      different maturing periods (6, 9, 12 months). The 28 samples analysed, divided
      among the three periods mentioned above, provided an aromatic profile in which
      methyl esters were the most relevant signals, followed by carbonyl compounds and
      alcohols. The greatest discriminating power is to be ascribed to components such
      as 3-methylbutanal and ethyl esters, and alcohols like 1-propanol, 1-butoxy-2
      propanol and 2-butanol. These compounds were present in higher percentages at 12
      months of aging.

PMID- 22060598
TI  - Calpains from thaw rigor muscle.
AB  - Pre-rigor beef M. Longissimus lumborum and diaphragma were frozen at -70  degrees
      C and thawed at different temperatures and the activities of extracted calpains
      and the toughness of heated meat compared with those in chilled muscle. Fresh
      muscle contained about 14 MUg of MU-calpain/g and was unaffected by freezing, but
      was reduced after thawing. Rapid thawing at 30  degrees C for 20 min reduced the
      MU-calpain to 14%. When cooked from the frozen state, extensive shortening
      occurred and tender meat was obtained. By storing at -3  degrees C for 1 day,
      thaw-shortening was prevented, but tougher meat obtained. The MU-calpain
      decreased to 70% whilst the m-calpain was unaffected. Toughness decreased after
      further storage at -3  degrees C, as did the MU-calpain. The latter changes were
      similar to those during development of rigor mortis and ageing of non-shortened
      meat stored at 4  degrees C. Variation in calpain activity, rather than in
      sarcomere length, are likely to be the cause of toughness variation in thaw rigor
      muscle.

PMID- 22060599
TI  - Predicting variability of ageing and toughness in beef M. Longissimus lumborum et
      thoracis.
AB  - The object of this study was to determine muscle characteristics which might
      predict meat toughness. Eleven Charolais cattle were slaughtered at approximately
      26 months of age and the Longissimus lumborum et thoracis muscle was taken 1 hr
      post mortem and stored at 12  degrees C for 24 hr and then at 4  degrees C. The
      average half-life for ageing in these raw muscles was 4.6 days but the toughness
      varied widely between the animals. Toughness varied 3-fold and the rate of ageing
      varied 20-fold between animals. Correlations were done to determine which
      characteristics might explain this variability. Toughness was correlated
      positively with increase in oxidative status of muscle and the initial levels of
      calpastatin. Toughness was correlated negatively with the initial levels of MU-
      and m-calpains and cysteine and serine proteinase inhibitors, the initial pH
      values and the rates of their decline. The rates of ageing were highly correlated
      positively with the initial levels of proteinase inhibitors and the rates of
      decline of calpastatin and negatively with the ultimate amounts of expressible
      juice. There was a wide variability in tenderness in M. Longissimus lumborum et
      thoracis from similar animals. Variations in metabolism and enzyme activity
      controlled by inhibitors and calpains appear to be largely responsible for this
      variability.

PMID- 22060600
TI  - Changes affecting the Longissimus dorsi, Triceps brachii caput longum and Rectus
      femoris muscles of young Friesian bulls during meat ageing.
AB  - The chemical composition and post-mortem changes during 3-14 days of ageing were
      studied on three muscles (Longissiums dorsi, Triceps brachii caput longum, Rectus
      femoris) from 13 young Friesian bulls. Chemical composition varied widely between
      animals (p < 0.001) and muscles (p < 0.001), and did not change during post
      mortem storage. Significant changes affecting the non-protein nitrogen and
      soluble protein nitrogen contents were similar in all three muscles but differed
      from animal to animal. The increase in non-protein nitrogen can be considered as
      an indicator of proteolysis. Proteolysis extended to 14 days post mortem. The
      myofibril fragmentation index increased significantly (p < 0.001) between 3 and 7
      days post mortem along the same pattern, irrespective of the muscle and animal. A
      ceiling was reached at around 7 days post mortem, by which time maximum breakdown
      of the structure had probably occurred. No significant relationship was observed
      between chemical composition, changes in the soluble protein nitrogen, breakdown
      of structures and carcass characteristics.

PMID- 22060601
TI  - Establishment of provisional quality assurance guidelines for assessing the
      hygienic adequacy of beef side cooling regimes.
AB  - The hygienic adequacy of beef side cooling regimes can be assessed from
      temperature histories obtained for a site within the aitch-bone pocket. Each
      temperature history is used to generate a numerical value, the Process Hygiene
      Index (PHI), which reflects the amount of mesophilic pathogen growth that the
      cooling regime allows. The PHI concept is proposed as a quality assurance tool
      for assessing beef side cooling. To develop provisional PHI guidelines for
      acceptable cooling, a chilling regime for carcasses which would yield frozen,
      boxed products was monitored on each of 11 days. Although the regime was
      hygienically acceptable, it was marginal in that cooling some sides to 7  degrees
      C took almost the permitted maximum time of 48 hr. The guidelines, derived from
      that process, based on a conventional three-class sampling plan, where the
      maximum acceptable value (M) is the highest PHI value obtained and the target
      value (m) is the 80th percentile PHI value of the pooled data from all
      acceptable, monitored trials. The proportion (c) of sample values that may lie
      between (m) and (M) was determined from the batch that had the highest PHI
      values. The proposed guidelines for the hygienically acceptable cooling of beef
      sides destined for fabrication to frozen product are: M = 19; m = 14; and c = 60
      %, with no fewer than five samples being tested per batch (n >= 5). For sides
      destined for chilled products, a processor may wish to use more stringent, in
      house guidelines, to assure an extended product storage life.

PMID- 22060602
TI  - An ultrastructural observation on charquis, salted and intermediate moisture meat
      products.
AB  - Charqui meats are tropical intermediate moisture meat products containing 45%
      moisture and 15% salt with an A(w) of 0.70-0.75. Light microscopic studies of a
      charqui derivative popularly known as Jerked beef (JB) demonstrated considerable
      shrinking of muscle cells and the formation of fluid channels. The area occupied
      by muscle cells in JB was diminished by 30-40% in comparison with control
      samples. At the ultrastructural level, A-bands including the M-line disappeared
      indicating proteins were lost during processing. Z-lines appeared to be
      fragmented. In the enlarged extracellular spaces, collagen fibers retained their
      banding patterns although an empty space was observed surrounding these fibers.
      The denaturation of myofibrillar proteins during processing and the osmotic
      pressure caused by salting create conditions for water movement from the
      myofibrillar compartments to the intermyofibrillar space, then to the
      extracellular matrix and ultimately to the meat surface.

PMID- 22060604
TI  - Halothane genotype and pork quality. 1. Carcass and meat quality characteristics
      of three halothane genotypes.
AB  - The carcass and meat quality characteristics of three halothane genotypes in pigs
      were evaluated. Sixty crossbred Landrace*Large White pigs (NN=25, Nn=19, nn=16)
      of +/-86 kg live weight were slaughtered, the carcasses chilled for 24 h at 2
      degrees C, certain carcass and meat quality traits determined and the shoulder
      and leg cuts deboned and cut into primal cuts. Dressing percentage of the Nn pigs
      was higher (P<0.05) than that of the NN and nn pigs. Carcass length was the
      longest (P<0.05) for the nn pigs. Midline fat measurements as well as
      measurements at the 2nd-3rd last rib (45 mm from the midline) indicated that the
      nn pigs had less fat (P<0.05) and a larger eye muscle width (P<0.05), depth
      (P<0.001) and area (P<0.001) than the NN or Nn pigs. This resulted in the nn pigs
      having the highest (P<0.05) percentage predicted carcass lean content. Fat, bone
      and lean yield of the shoulder identified the nn pigs with the least bone
      (P<0.05) and fat (P<0.001) and the highest lean yield (P<0.05), expressed as a
      percentage of total shoulder weight. Yield from the legs identified the nn pigs
      as having the lowest fat (P<0.001) and highest lean (P<0.05), expressed as a
      percentage of total leg weight. The primal lean cuts (topside, silverside,
      thickflank and rump) from the legs showed that the nn pigs had the highest values
      (P<0.05) for lean as a fraction of cold carcass weight. This resulted from the
      higher weight of these cuts (P<0.05) in the nn pigs. Calculation of bone yield in
      the legs showed that the femur weights were highest (P<0.05) for the Nn pigs,
      also when expressed as percentage of leg weight (P<0.05) and as a fraction of
      cold carcass weight (P<0.05). Comparison of meat quality traits show that the nn
      pigs had poor quality with regard to pH(45) (P<0.001), pH(24) (P<0.05), drip loss
      (P<0.001) and reflectance values (P<0.05).

PMID- 22060605
TI  - Halothane genotype and pork quality. 2. Cured meat products of three halothane
      genotypes.
AB  - The effect of the halothane gene on cured meat products was investigated using
      the meat from 60 Landrace*Large White pigs of known halothane genotype (NN=25,
      Nn=19, nn=16). The backs and hams were used to prepare cured, smoked bacon and
      canned hams. Initial bacon gain in pumped weight was significantly higher
      (P<0.001) for the NN (15.2%) and Nn (14.9%) compared to the nn pigs (8.9%).
      Similarly, the total gain in bacon yield was the highest for the Nn (11.5%) and
      NN pigs (10.0%), and significantly higher (P<0.05) than the bacon from nn pigs
      (3.4%). Differences between sexes were not significant. Canned hams (no
      phosphate) from the NN genotype had a significantly (P<0.001) lower percentage
      cooking loss (27.9%) compared to the Nn (30.1%) and nn pigs (31.1%), which did
      not differ statistically. Although addition of phosphates (0.3% on final product)
      led to a decrease in percentage cooking loss, the genotypes gave a similar
      response, with the NN genotype having 13.8% cooking loss, significantly lower
      (P<0.001) than the Nn (16.9%) and nn genotypes (17.7%). The results indicate
      reduced product quality with the inclusion of the halothane gene.

PMID- 22060606
TI  - Halothane genotype and pork quality. 3. Comminuted meat products derived from the
      three halothane genotypes.
AB  - The effect of the halothane gene on cured meat products was investigated using
      the meat from 60 Landrace*Large White pigs of known halothane genotype (NN=25,
      Nn=19, nn=16). Results for the two types of fresh sausage manufactured (with and
      without rusk) indicated that the NN pigs (15.7%) had lower total moisture losses
      (P<0.05) compared to the nn pigs (18.9%), with Nn being intermediate (17.4%) for
      the sausage without rusk. Where rusk was added, there were no significant
      differences between genotypes for moisture losses (NN=12.6%, Nn=13. 0%,
      nn=14.2%). Taste panel evaluations of the fresh sausages made without rusk
      indicated no genotypic influence for juiciness, however the sausage made with the
      rusk was judged the juiciest for the nn genotype, with Nn being intermediate and
      NN the least juiciest. The smoking and cooking losses during manufacturing of the
      emulsion product (vienna) indicated that the nn genotype (12.5%) had
      significantly (P<0.05) higher total losses than the Nn genotype (11. 3%), with NN
      being intermediate (12.4%).

PMID- 22060607
TI  - Effects of dietary high-oleic acid sunflower oil, copper and vitamin E levels on
      the fatty acid composition and the quality of dry cured Parma ham.
AB  - The effects of seven isoenergetic dietary treatments: (1) no sunflower oil, 35
      mg/kg Cu, without alpha-tocopheryl-acetate added; (2) to (7) 6% high oleic acid
      sunflower oil (HOSO), 35 or 175 mg/kg Cu crossed with a 0, 100 or 200 mg/kg alpha
      tocopherol addition, were tested on quality characteristics of dry cured Parma
      hams from a total 84 Large White gilts. No statistically significant effect was
      detected on parameters of early evaluation of seasoning loss of hams. The
      seasoning loss and intramuscular fat content of seasoned hams averaged 28.1 and
      3.3%, respectively, with no effect of the diet composition. The CIE L*a*b* colour
      values taken on the surface of the lean from Parma ham were not affected by
      dietary oil inclusion, nor by copper levels and by alpha-tocopherol addition in
      the feed mixture, except for the 'a' value that increased in HOSO groups (P<0.01)
      and in groups with alpha-tocopherol addition (P<0.01). The TBARS values in lean
      were reduced by the inclusion of HOSO (P<0.05) and alpha-tocopherol
      supplementation (P<0.10). Compared to the no oil group, the Parma hams in the
      HOSO groups showed a higher oleic acid content in the covering fat, but not
      different in neutral and polar fractions from semimenbranosus muscle. The oil
      inclusion reduced the saturated fatty acid content in subcutaneous fat and
      neutral lipids fraction from muscle to 30-34% No effect of alpha-tocopherol and
      copper levels were observed on fatty acids profiles. From the subjects fed the
      HOSO diet softer Parma hams were produced than those fed the control diet
      (chi(2)<0.05), while alpha-tocopherol and Cu levels did not influence the
      sensorial evaluation of hams. The inclusion of an oleic acid rich source in heavy
      pig diet brought about an improved nutritional value, but also the possible need
      of a prolonged ageing time to achieve an ideal firmness of Parma ham. Dietary
      alpha-tocopherol supplementation improved the red colour slightly and the lipid
      stability in Parma ham, while the supplementation of Cu in the diet had no
      influence on the tested parameters.

PMID- 22060608
TI  - Lipolysis in muscles during refrigerated storage as related to the metabolic type
      of the fibres in the rabbit.
AB  - The relation between lipolysis and the metabolic fibre type was investigated
      during refrigerated storage of rabbit muscles. Free fatty acid, monoacylglycerol
      and diacylglycerol contents and free fatty acid composition were compared in five
      muscles immediately after slaughter and after a 7-day-storage at 4 degrees C. The
      results showed that. (1) The amount of free fatty acids sharply increased during
      the refrigerated storage (from 2-10 to 11-32 mg/100 g of muscle), especially that
      of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (from less than 0.1 to 1.4-3.3 mg/100 g
      of muscle). (2) The glycolytic muscles contained 1.5 times less free fatty acids
      than the oxidative ones. However, the rates of phospholipid and triacylglycerol
      hydrolysis were not related to the metabolic type of the fibres. (3) The
      contribution of phospholipids to free fatty acid fraction was twice that of
      triacylglycerols in the glycolytic muscles whereas it was similar or lower to
      that of triacylglycerols in the oxidative muscles.

PMID- 22060609
TI  - Combined use of Pronase E and a fungal extract (Penicillium aurantiogriseum) to
      potentiate the sensory characteristics of dry fermented sausages.
AB  - A combination of an extract of Penicillium aurantiogriseum and Pronase E was used
      in an attempt to enhance the sensory characteristics of dry fermented sausages,
      specifically, a salami-like one named "salchichon". The addition of Pronase E
      alone (600 units/kg) produced a rise in free amino acids and biogenic amines and
      also an increase in the ammonia content. Addition of the protease and fungal
      extract (100.87 mg protein/kg of mixture) brought about a decrease in the level
      of free amino acids and a larger increase in the ammonia content than the batch
      added with only Pronase E. There was also an increase in the amount of specific
      volatile compounds such as 2- and 3-methylbutanal, 2- and 3-methylpropanal and 2-
      and 3-methyl-1-butanol produced by the breakdown of amino acids in these
      fermented sausages. Values of pH, a(w) and dry matter were not affected by
      addition of the protease or fungal extract. In contrast, addition of Pronase E
      produced a notable change in the textural characteristics, reducing the hardness,
      cohesiveness, gumminess, chewiness and cutting force. Sensory analysis showed
      that fermented sausages manufactured with Pronase E and Penicillium
      aurantiogriseum extract had better odour, flavour, texture and, as a consequence,
      better general acceptability.

PMID- 22060610
TI  - Boar taint in pigs selected for components of efficient lean growth rate.
AB  - Genetic and nutritional effects on the boar taint traits of androstenone, skatole
      and indole and the eating quality traits associated with boar taint were examined
      by testing animals from four selection lines and a control line on isoenergetic
      diets, which differed in ileal digestible lysine: digestible energy (0.40, 0.76
      and 1.12 g lysine/MJ DE). The selected lines resulted from seven generations of
      selection for high daily food intake, lean food conversion ratio (LFC) and lean
      growth rate on ad libitum (LGA) or restricted (LGS) feeding regimes in a Large
      White population. During performance test, from 30 to 90 kg, boars were fed on
      either ad libitum or restricted (0.75 g/g ad libitum daily food intake) feeding
      regimes. A sensory panel assessed heated fat samples for androstenone odour,
      skatole odour and abnormal odour. There were no significant differences between
      the selection and control lines or diets for log transformed fat content of
      androstenone, skatole, indole. The significant diet with feeding regime
      interaction for log transformed fat content of skatole and indole were
      essentially due to significantly higher log transformed fat contents with ad
      libitum feeding of the high lysine diet compared to restricted feeding (skatole: 
      1.94 vs -3.06, s.e.d. 0.43; indole: -3.44 vs -4.22, s.e.d. 0.28), as differences
      between feeding regimes on diets A and C were not significantly different from
      zero. There were no significant differences between selection and control lines
      for sensory panel score for abnormal odour or androstenone odour, but the LFC and
      LGA selection lines had a significantly higher skatole odour score than the LGS
      selection line. Neither diet nor feeding regime had any significant effect on
      sensory panel assessment of odour. Log transformed fat content of androstenone
      and skatole were significantly correlated with sensory panel score for skatole
      odour (0.37 and 0.46, s.e. 0.12), but not with sensory panel score for
      androstenone odour (0.06 and 0.09), such that they would not be useful predictors
      of androstenone odour.

PMID- 22060611
TI  - The relative effect of dietary energy density on repleted and resting muscle
      glycogen concentrations.
AB  - The aim of this study was to assess the effect of dietary energy density on the
      glycogen concentration of bovine gluteus medius (GM) and longissimus thoracis et
      lumborum (LTL) muscles in castrated and intact males. Cattle received diet C (90%
      whole corn and supplement: 10% alfalfa haylage) or diet AH (100% alfalfa haylage)
      in three experiments involving a 2*2 factorial cross-over design. Cattle fed an
      AH diet for 70 days prior to the first experiment had high glycogen
      concentrations in the GM (129+/-9.9 mmol/kg) and LTL (108+/-7.6 mmol/kg) at the
      first biopsy session. These concentrations are similar to GM (133+/-6.2 mmol/kg)
      and LTL (105+/-5.8 mmol/kg) glycogen concentrations when these cattle
      subsequently received diet C for 30 or 37 days. Diet C increased muscle glycogen
      concentration, but the consistency of the increase in glycogen was dependent on
      the initial concentration. When the initial glycogen concentration was depleted
      to 50 MUmol/g with one subcutaneous injection of adrenaline, repleted glycogen
      concentration was higher for diet C than AH (P<0.01) in all comparisons involving
      GM and LTL muscles of both steers and bulls. For resting muscle glycogen, the GM
      of bulls was more sensitive to the effect of diet C than the bull LTL or either
      muscle in steers. Diet was not a major determinant of resting muscle glycogen
      concentration. The ultimate pHs of GM, LTL and semimembranosus (SM) were not
      affected by diet and residual glycogen was lower in LTL of bulls fed either diet
      than for LTL of steers fed AH. Diet and male status did not affect residual
      glycogen in GM or SM.

PMID- 22060612
TI  - Glycogen concentrations in bovine longissimus dorsi muscle.
AB  - The aim of this study was to assess the effect of location within bovine
      longissimus dorsi (thoracis et lumborum) muscle (LTL) when determining glycogen
      concentration. Six locations in Angus heifers were sampled post mortem (EXP-1)
      and eight locations in live Charolais crossbred steers were biopsied (EXP-2). In
      EXP-1, there was more glycogen in the animals' left LTL (64.1+/-1.6 mmol/kg)
      versus the right LTL (57.0+/-1.6 mmol/kg) (P<0.05). Locations along the cranial
      caudal axis within LTL did not differ in glycogen concentration. Results for EXP
      2 did not confirm the sidedness effect. Instead, it showed that glycogen
      concentration was lower at the cranial sampling locations near the 10th rib (89+/
      2.5 mmol/kg) than at the middle (97+/-2.0 mmol/kg) or caudal locations (96+/-1.9
      mmol/kg) (P<0.005). Taking lactate accumulation into account (glycolytic
      potential) rendered those differences insignificant. Nevertheless, the tendency
      remained clear. The potential for dilution of glycogen by intramuscular fat
      deposits is discussed. The results indicate that one needs to be cautious in
      performing repeated sampling on bovine LTL.

PMID- 22060613
TI  - Thermal gelation characteristics of breast and thigh muscles of spent hen and
      broiler and their surimi.
AB  - Spent hen (98 weeks) and broiler (12 weeks) breast and thigh muscles were minced
      (1 mm orifice diameter) and washed with 0.1% NaCl. A portion of both unwashed and
      washed mince was mixed with cryoprotectants (CP) at the rate of 4% sucrose, 4%
      sorbitol, and 0.2% Na-tripolyphosphate to produce surimi and kept frozen at -20
      degrees C. The mince and surimi were ground with 3% NaCl and a small amount of
      water to adjust the final moisture content of 80%. The pastes were stuffed into
      the sausage casing and heated at 90 degrees C for 15 min to produce gel. The
      effects of washing, heating and CP on colour composition and thermal gelation
      properties of hen and broiler minces and surimi were compared. Broiler mince was
      lighter and less red in colour, higher in protein and lower in moisture, lipid
      and collagen. Gel strength and breaking strength were higher in spent hen surimi
      compared to broiler surimi under similar gelation conditions. Gel elasticity,
      springiness and water retention properties were almost identical in two surimi.
      Gel quality was markedly deteriorated in spent hen surimi but not so in broiler
      surimi after 8 weeks frozen-storage. Although CP increased the gel strength of
      fresh surimi (non-frozen, 0 week storage) from both hen and broiler, they were
      more effective in broiler surimi than hen surimi in protecting the functional
      quality of gel.

PMID- 22060614
TI  - Influence of feeding intensity, grazing and finishing feeding on muscle fibre
      characteristics and meat colour of semitendinosus, longissimus dorsi and
      supraspinatus muscles of young bulls.
AB  - Forty-one autumn-born Friesian bull calves were allocated to two production
      systems (Extensive='E' and Intensive='I'). In the E-system, animals were loose
      housed and fed a roughage-based diet from October to May, followed by a grazing
      period from May to October. Ten animals were slaughtered directly from pasture
      (360 kg BW) and 11 after a 10-week finishing feeding in tie-stalls (460 kg). E
      bulls were compared with intensively fed tie-stall housed young bulls (I)
      slaughtered at comparable weights (360 kg, n=11 and 460 kg, n=9). Semitendinosus
      (ST), longissimus dorsi (LD), and supraspinatus (SU) muscles were analysed
      histochemically, and the meat analysed for colour and pigmentation. In LD and SU,
      Type I % was higher in E- compared with I-bulls (P<0.05-0.006). In ST and LD,
      Type IIA % was higher in E- compared with I-bulls (P<0.01-0.009). As a result,
      Type IIB % was lower in all three muscles in E- compared with I-bulls (P<0.05
      0.001). In E- compared with I-bulls, Type IIA and IIB fibre areas were larger in
      ST (P<0.05-0.03) and capillarization was higher in both ST and LD (P<0.001). In
      all three muscles, the activity of citrate synthase was higher (P<0.07-0.001) and
      that of lactate dehydrogenase lower (P<0.003-0.001) in E- compared with I-bulls.
      E-bulls had lower glycogen content than I-bulls in ST and LD at 360 kg, but
      higher at 460 kg following finishing feeding (P<0.008-0.001). Meat colour
      (lightness) was darker (P<0.001) and pigmentation was higher (P<0.001) in ST and
      LD of E- compared with I-bulls, with no effects in SU. In conclusion,
      histochemically different muscles respond differently to changes in the
      production system, and differences between the extensive and the intensive
      production system were narrowed after the finishing feeding.

PMID- 22060615
TI  - Influence of feeding intensity, grazing and finishing feeding on meat and eating
      quality of young bulls and the relationship between muscle fibre characteristics,
      fibre fragmentation and meat tenderness.
AB  - Forty-one autumn-born Friesian bull calves were allocated to two production
      systems (Extensive='E'and Intensive='I'). In the E-system, animals were loose
      housed and fed a roughage-based diet from October to May, followed by a grazing
      period from May to October. Ten animals were slaughtered directly from pasture in
      October [360 kg body weight (BW)] and 11 after a 10-week finishing period in tie
      stalls (460 kg). The E-bulls were compared with intensively-fed tie-stall-housed
      young bulls (I) slaughtered at comparable weights (360 kg, n=11 and 460 kg, n=9).
      The myofibril fragmentation index (MFI) was measured 24 h post mortem in
      semitendinosus (ST), longissimus dorsi (LD), and supraspinatus (SU) muscles, and
      meat quality characteristics and sensory evaluation of LD were performed on aged
      meat. Intramuscular fat content was lower (P<0.001) in all three muscles of E-
      compared with I-bulls. MFI of ST and LD was lower in E-bulls compared with I
      bulls, but only at 360 kg. In contrast, MFI of SU was higher in E- compared with
      I-bulls at 360 kg. In E- compared with I-bulls, shear force value of ST was
      higher (P<0.003) at 360 kg, but not at 460 kg. Panel scores for tenderness, taste
      and juiciness were all lower (P<0.006 to 0.001) and remarks for off-flavour
      higher in E- compared with I-bulls, the effects being most pronounced at 360 kg.
      A 10-week finishing period improved all meat and eating quality characteristics
      of E-bulls. In LD, the correlation between MFI and tenderness was 0.79 (P<0.001),
      which indicates a potential of MFI as an early predictor of tenderness.

PMID- 22060616
TI  - Effect of inoculation of mesophilic lactic acid bacteria on microbial and sensory
      changes of minced goat meat during storage under vacuum and subsequent aerobic
      storage.
AB  - Minced goat meat inoculated with cell suspensions of Lactococcus lactis ssp
      lactis (Lc. lactis) or Lactobacillus plantarum was stored under vacuum in PETPE
      film at 4 degrees C and transferred to aerobic storage for 7 days in LDPE bags.
      During storage under vacuum, the lactic counts of the inoculated samples dropped
      followed by the development of spontaneous lactic flora. The pH of meat was lower
      in the treated samples than in the control. Towards the end of vacuum storage
      cell densities were lower than those in the control only for psychrotrophs in L.
      plantarum treatment and coliforms and staphylococcal counts in Lc. lactis
      treatment. There were increases in lactic counts in both treated and control
      samples during aerobic storage after previous vacuum storage of 18 days in trial
      1 and 9 days in trial 2 with reductions in the counts of different bacterial
      groups and deterioration in colour of the treated samples compared with the
      control. When goat meat chunks were surface sanitized in alcohol and treated with
      lactic cell suspension and vacuum stored, there was development of acid and salty
      taste (acceptable) in the treated samples whereas the control showed a bland
      taste.

PMID- 22060617
TI  - Bio-physical characteristics of gastrointestinal mucosa of celiac patients:
      comparison with control subjects and effect of gluten free diet-.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intestinal mucosa is leaky in celiac disease (CD), and this
      alteration may involve changes in hydrophobicity of the mucus surface barrier in
      addition to alteration of the epithelial barrier. The aims of our study were i)
      to compare duodenal hydrophobicity as an index of mucus barrier integrity in CD
      patients studied before (n = 38) and during gluten- free diet (GFD, n = 68), and
      in control subjects (n = 90), and ii) to check for regional differences of
      hydrophobicity in the gastro-intestinal tract. METHODS: Hydrophobicity was
      assessed by measurement of contact angle (CA) (Rame Hart 100/10 goniometer)
      generated by a drop of water placed on intestinal mucosal biopsies. RESULTS: CA
      (mean +/- SD) of distal duodenum was significantly lower in CD patients (56
      degrees  +/- 10 degrees )) than in control subjects (69 degrees  +/- 9 degrees ,
      p < 0.0001), and persisted abnormal in patients studied during gluten free diet
      (56 degrees  +/- 9 degrees ; p < 0.005). CA was significantly higher (62 degrees 
      +/- 9 degrees ) in histologically normal duodenal biopsies than in biopsies with
      Marsh 1-2 (58 degrees  +/- 10 degrees ; p < 0.02) and Marsh 3 lesions (57 degrees
      +/- 10 degrees ; p < 0.02) in pooled results of all patients and controls
      studied. The order of hydrofobicity along the gastrointestinal tract in control
      subjects follows the pattern: gastric antrum > corpus > rectum > duodenum >
      oesophagus > ileum. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the hydrophobicity of duodenal
      mucous layer is reduced in CD patients, and that the resulting decreased capacity
      to repel luminal contents may contribute to the increased intestinal permeability
      of CD. This alteration mirrors the severity of the mucosal lesions and is not
      completely reverted by gluten-free diet. Intestinal hydrophobicity exhibits
      regional differences in the human intestinal tract.

PMID- 22060618
TI  - Antioxidants modulate molecular mobility, oxygen permeability, and microstructure
      in zein films.
AB  - The effect of octyl gallate and propyl gallate on the molecular mobility, oxygen
      permeability, and microstructure of zein/glycerol films was studied. Films were
      cast from 70% ethanol/water containing 20% (w/w) glycerol and different amounts
      of the antioxidants propyl gallate or octyl gallate. The oxygen permeability and
      local mobility of these films were measured using phosphorescence from the
      dispersed triplet probe erythrosin B. Although both antioxidants increased the
      local mobility of the zein matrix to about the same extent, octyl gallate and to
      a lesser extent propyl gallate dramatically increased the permeability of the
      film to oxygen. Atomic force microscopy imaging indicated that propyl gallate
      induced aggregation of zein complexes, which could lead to a more condensed film.
      These results indicate that the addition of specific functional ingredients, such
      as antioxidants, to edible films may significantly affect the physical properties
      and structure and, thus, functional properties in ways that influence their
      eventual use.

PMID- 22060619
TI  - Purification and properties of rabbit muscle proteasome, and its effect on
      myofibrillar structure.
AB  - This paper describes the purification and properties of a multicatalytic
      proteinase complex, proteasome, from rabbit skeletal muscle, and its effect on
      myofibrillar structure. The purified proteasome gave a single band on
      polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis under non-denaturing conditions and gave eight
      bands under denaturing conditions, indicating that this enzyme comprises multiple
      hetero-subunits with low molecular mass. The purified proteasome was not
      activated by ATP and ubiquitin, and was markedly inhibited by Z-Leu-Leu-Leu-H
      (aldehyde). These data indicate that the purified proteasome is not 26S, but 20S.
      The proteasome degraded synthetic peptides maximally at pH 8.0. Relative to pH
      8.0, activities were gradually decreased with the lowering of pH, but the degree
      of decrease was substrate-dependent, and the activity at pH 5.0 still retained
      about 30~60% of the activity at pH 8.0, indicating the possibility that the
      proteasome is active in the muscle during conditioning. When the proteasome was
      heated at 60  degrees C for 20 min and treated in the presence of 0.005% SDS, the
      activity increased over 1.5 and 4.5 times, respectively. SDS remarkably increased
      the V(max) value of the enzyme at pH 8.0. The proteasome was also activated by
      high hydrostatic pressure up to 100~150 M Pa and gradually decreased at 200 MPa
      or higher. Electron microscopic observation revealed that obvious gaps between
      filamentous structure, the complete loss of M-line and partial loss of Z-line
      structure were caused by proteasome.

PMID- 22060620
TI  - Determination of mitochondrial cytochrome B gene sequence for red deer (Cervus
      elaphus) and the differentiation of closely related deer meats.
AB  - The cytochrome b gene sequence for red deer was determined using the Dye
      Terminator Cycle Sequencing method and used for identification of deer meat in
      meat and meat products. Red deer showed a similarity of 94.1, 84.0, 81.1, 85.5
      and 85.6% to sika deer (Cervus nippon), bovine, pigs, sheep and goats,
      respectively. To differentiate the deer meat, oligonucleotide primers RD-1(5'
      TCATCGCAGCACTCGCTATAGTACACT-3'), RD-2(5'-ATCTCCAAGTAGGTCTGGTGCGAATAA-3') were
      designed for the region of the cytochrome b gene of red deer. The PCR amplified
      194 bp fragments from red and sika deer, but no fragments from bovine, pig,
      chicken, sheep, goat, horse and rabbit DNA. Although cooking the meats reduced
      the PCR products, red deer could still be detected in meat heated at 120  degrees
      C. To discriminate between red and sika deer, these PCR products were digested by
      a restriction enzyme (EcoRI,BamHI,ScaI) and analyzed by 4% agorose gel
      electrophoresis. As a result, the red deer fragment was digested by EcoRI to
      67/127 bp fragments but not by BamHI and ScaI. The sika deer fragment was
      digested to 48/146 bp and 49/145 bp fragments with the two other enzymes, and
      thus it is possible to differentiate between the two kinds of deer from the
      digestion pattern of restriction enzymes.

PMID- 22060621
TI  - Some characteristics of lactic acid bacteria present in commercial sucuk samples.
AB  - A total of 10 sucuk samples, obtained from Denizli, Turkey were analysed for some
      physical, chemical and microbiological characteristics. In addition, lactic acid
      bacteria (LAB) strains producing bacteriocin-like metabolites were isolated and
      identified. The production of some typical metabolites of the cultures isolated
      was investigated. At the end of the research, the average values of the pH, water
      and fat content were 5.1, and 37.2% and 30.5%, respectively. Microbiological
      analyses results were determined: average 8.34 log CFU/g TAMB, 8.91 log CFU/g LAB
      (at the MRS agar) and average 8.25 log CFU/g LAB (at the Elliker's lactic agar).
      The average counts of yeast-mould, coliform and Enterobacteriaceae were found to
      be 5.0 log CFU/g, 3.28 log CFU/g and 3.27 log CFU/g, respectively. In this study,
      counts of yeast-mould in the two samples, coliform counts in the five samples,
      and Enterobacteriaceae counts in the three samples were < 1.0 log CFU/g. A total
      of 6 of 100 LAB isolates obtained from the sucuk samples were found as a strain
      producing bacteriocin-like metabolites. These 6 strains were identified as
      follows; 3 strains Lactobacillus plantarum and 3 strains Pediococcus pentosaceus.
      According to the findings, these strains have the potential to be used as a sucuk
      starter culture. Additionally, acid and flavour compounds, other undesirable
      metabolite-producing activities of the strains, were determined in the model
      system. From these results it was concluded, after the determination of the
      toxicological properties, that the 4 strains of LAB identified (L. plantarum 13
      P. pentosaceus 15 P. pentosaceus 74 and P. pentosaceus 75) would be useful as the
      starter and protective culture in the processing of the sucuk and similar
      fermented products.

PMID- 22060622
TI  - Non-destructive prediction of selected quality attributes of beef by near
      infrared reflectance spectroscopy between 750 and 1098 nm.
AB  - Heifers (n = 70) were slaughtered and hung conventionally in an industrial meat
      plant. Near infrared (NIR) spectroscopy was studied for its ability to predict
      selected meat quality attributes, i.e. Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF),
      sensory tenderness, texture, flavour and acceptability. Freshly cut steaks (2.5
      cm thick) were taken from the longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle at 1, 2, 7 and 14
      days post mortem for NIR analysis. Other samples (also 2.5 cm thick) were taken
      at 2, 7 and 14 days post mortem, vacuum-packaged in plastic bags and stored at 
      20  degrees C for WBSF measurement and sensory analysis. Heifers were slaughtered
      in two groups; between slaughterings, replacement of the spectrophotometer lamp
      and lamp assembly was necessitated by a bulb failure. Using principal component
      regression (PCR), correlation coefficients of 0.82 and 0.73 were obtained for the
      prediction of WBSF in sample sets 1 and 2, respectively. On merging both sample
      sets, this value was lowered slightly (r = 0.61). Correlation coefficients
      obtained for the prediction of tenderness, texture, flavour and acceptability
      were 0.67, 0.53, 0.51 and 0.46 respectively (set 1); 0.72, 0.71, 0.45 and 0.67
      (set 2); 0.53, 0.54, 0.24 and 0.42 (combined sets).

PMID- 22060623
TI  - Protein molecular interactions involved in the formation of frankfurters: Effect
      of fat level and heating rate.
AB  - The effect of the heating rate (0.55, 1.10 and 1.90  degrees C/min) on the types
      of interactions and proteins involved in emulsifying and gelation processes of
      high-fat (23%) and low-fat (9%) frankfurters was evaluated by means of a
      selective soluble protein study and SDS electrophoresis. The selective soluble
      protein analysis showed that with both fat levels alike, the molecular
      associations involved in the formation of the gel/emulsion network were
      hydrophobic interactions and hydrogen bridges, which are equally involved in
      protein denaturation and aggregation. It also showed that oxidation of the
      sulphydryl groups could facilitate molecule aggregation. Non-disulphide covalent
      bonds also play an essential role in the properties of frankfurters.
      Electrophoresis analysis showed that myosin heavy chain (MHC) and actin (A) were
      involved in both emulsifying and gelation processes of low-fat and high-fat
      frankfurters.

PMID- 22060624
TI  - A repeat national survey of muscle pH values in commercial pig carcasses.
AB  - Measurements of pH values at 45 min post-slaughter (pH(1)) in m. longissimus were
      taken in a total of 5598 commercial bacon weight carcasses. pH values at 24 h
      post-slaughter (pH(2)) were taken on a further 5598 carcasses. The overall mean
      pH(1) was 6.39 with 15.1% of values less than 6.0. The overall mean pH(2) was
      5.64, none of the values recorded were greater than 6.5. This survey shows a
      small increase over the 1983 study in the incidence of potentially Pale Soft and
      Exudative (PSE) carcasses. It found no evidence of a Dark, Firm and Dry (DFD)
      problem related to high ultimate pH.

PMID- 22060625
TI  - Effect of incorporation of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids in pork backfat on
      the quality of salami.
AB  - The suitability of backfat high in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) for salami
      manufacture was assessed. Eighty pigs (barrows and gilts) were fed four diets,
      containing 21, 25, 28 and 28 g PUFA/kg feed, originating mainly from soybeans
      and/or soybean oil in the first three diets and from linseed in the fourth.
      Salami was prepared with backfat from these pigs, according to gender and dietary
      treatment. Samples were taken throughout the ripening. The taste panel rejected
      the two high PUFA (diet 3 and 4) levels; moreover fishy off-flavours were
      detected for dietary treatment four. Twenty-five grams PUFA/kg feed,
      corresponding with 23% PUFA in backfat or 15% PUFA in salami, results in
      acceptable taste, if linoleic acid is the predominant PUFA. However, all PUFA
      levels resulted in salamis too soft to be commercialized, as evidenced by a fatty
      film on the salami slicing machine.

PMID- 22060626
TI  - Reference methods for the assessment of physical characteristics of meat.
AB  - As a spin-off of an OECD Workshop on pork quality, held in Helsinki in 1992, a
      group of scientists with many years of experience in the field of meat quality
      assessment convened in February 1993 for the first time, and subsequently in 1994
      and 1995, in Kulmbach at the German Federal Centre for Meat Research under the
      auspices of the OECD research project Management of Biological Resources. Three
      specific areas were discussed in order to develop internationally accepted
      reference methods:  In the autumn of 1997 the methods were brought into their
      final form at the Meat Industry Research Institute of New Zealand (MIRINZ). They
      are presented in this paper.

PMID- 22060627
TI  - Diverse lamb genotypes-1. Yield of saleable cuts and meat in the carcass and the
      prediction of yield.
AB  - Carcass measurements and composition data were obtained for 591 lambs
      representing two sexes (307 cryptorchid males, 284 ewes). The lambs were sired by
      a selection of Texel (T), Poll Dorset (PD), Border Leicester (BL) and Merino (M)
      rams, crossed with Border Leicester * Merino (BLM) and Merino (M) ewes giving 6
      genotypes (T * ELM, PD * BLM, T * M, PD * M, BL * M, M * M). m * M carcasses were
      significantly (p < 0.05) leaner than all other genotypes as measured by GR at a
      common weight, except for ewe carcasses where they were not significantly leaner
      than T * M carcasses. There was no difference in GR between Texel and Poll Dorset
      sired carcasses. The BL * M and PD * BLM carcasses were the fattest at the 5th
      rib. M * M lambs produced the lightest carcasses in each sex. Genotype
      differences were found for conformation using the EUROP scoring system. M*M lambs
      had a greater proportion (p < 0.001) of poorer scores particularly compared to PD
      * BLM and T * BLM carcasses. Analysis of Texel and Poll Dorset sired carcasses
      showed that the Texel cross had a better conformation than Poll Dorset cross
      amongst both sexes. BLM dams produced carcasses with a superior conformation
      compared to Merino dams (p < 0.001) in both sexes. BL * M carcasses had a
      significantly (p < 0.05) smaller M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum area (LL
      area) than other genotypes, except for M * M ewe carcasses. Texel sired ewe
      carcasses had a larger LL area (p < 0.05) than those sired by Poll Dorsets, but
      there was no significant difference for the heavier cryptorchid carcasses.
      Saleable meat yield for the BL * M carcasses of both sexes was significantly less
      (p < 0.001) than all other genotypes. M * M carcasses of both sexes produced
      similar amounts of saleable product to second cross carcasses with the T * M
      carcasses being superior, resulting in a significant sire breed effect. Texel
      sired carcasses produced more product than Poll Dorset carcasses. Year had a
      significant (p < 0.05) effect on all carcass measures and saleable meat yield.
      Genotype had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on the proportion of each cut except
      for the neck from cryptorchids and neck fillet from ewes. Texel sired genotypes
      had significantly (p < 0.05) heavier weights for the hindleg and forequarter cuts
      than those sired by Poll Dorsets. For the BL * M and m * M genotypes, some of the
      hindleg cuts, such as the topside and silverside weighed less than other
      genotypes. The boneless loins from the Poll Dorset genotypes were the heaviest,
      resulting in a significant (p < 0.05) sire breed effect, with all other genotypes
      being similar. Models were developed to estimate the yield of cuts and saleable
      meat using hot carcass weight, GR and other variables. The amount of variation in
      yield explained by hot carcass weight and GR ranged from r(2) = 0.06 to 0.23.
      Inclusion of LL area increased the r(2) values up to 0.39. Inclusion of both
      genotype and year significantly (p < 0.05) improved the prediction of yield, with
      year contributing the most. The addition of sex had no effect on the prediction
      of yield.

PMID- 22060628
TI  - Diverse lamb genotypes-2. Meat pH, colour and tenderness.
AB  - The effect of genotype on meat ultimate pH, colour and tenderness was studied in
      3 experiments involving 436 lambs. The lambs were sired by a selection of Texel
      (T), Poll Dorset (PD), Border Leicester (BL) and Merino (M) rams, crossed with
      Border Leicester * Merino (BLM) and Merino (M) ewes giving 6 genotypes (T * BLM,
      PD * BLM, T * M, PD * M, BLM and M * M). In experiment 1, pH data were obtained
      for 4 muscles (M. Semimembranosus (SM), M. Biceps femoris M. Semitendinosus and
      M. Longissimius thoracis et lumborum (LL)) from 198 carcasses representing two
      sexes (104 cryptorchid males, 94 ewes). There were significant differences for pH
      between genotypes in both sex groups. BL * M and M * M lambs tended to have
      higher pH values than the other genotypes. In experiment 2, meat pH, colour using
      a chromameter, and tenderness data were obtained for 186 lambs representing two
      sexes (101 cryptorchid males, 85 ewes). There were few significant differences
      between genotypes for the various meat quality traits amongst the ewes. The PD *
      BLM ewes had a significantly lower (p < 0.05) pH than the BL * M ewes for the LL
      and SM muscles. The BL * M crypt orchids had a higher LL muscle pH (p < 0.05)
      than the PD * BLM cryptorchids with other genotypes being intermediate. There
      were no significant differences between the genotypes for muscle shear force
      values. Within experiment 2, LL samples were taken from an additional 52
      cryptorchid carcasses these being from 3 specific Poll Dorset sires (experiment
      3). One of these sires (sire 3) was suspected of carrying a gene for increased
      muscling. Sire had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on shear force values, cooking
      loss and L(*) colour values, but not a(*) or b(*) colour values or pH. Sire 3
      progeny had significantly (p < 0.001) tougher LL muscles than those from the
      other 2 sires. Sire 3 also had the lowest L(*) values, but was intermediate for
      cooking loss. There was no significant sire effect on LL area at the same carcass
      weight, but boneless loins from the progeny of Sire 3 were significantly (p <
      0.05) heavier. In a fourth experiment, meat colour was measured at three sites
      (LL, diaphragm and M. Obliquus externus abdominis) on 86 cryptorchid carcasses 24
      hr post-mortem. There was little association between L(*), a(*) and b(*) values
      measured at the different sites.

PMID- 22060629
TI  - Fatty acid composition and cholesterol content of different ostrich muscles.
AB  - Six different muscles from the left legs of 19 African Black ostriches were
      analysed for cholesterol content and fatty acid composition. Cholesterol content
      differed (p < 0.05) from 56.61 mg/100 g in the M. femorotibialis medius to 71.12
      mg/100 g in the M. iliofemoralis. Although the percentage of individual fatty
      acids differed (p < 0.05) between muscles, and variation were found within
      muscles, the percentage of total saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated
      fatty acids were relatively constant between muscles. The M. iliofemoralis
      presented a w6:w3 ratio of 5.21, while this characteristic was constant around a
      mean value of 3.93 in all other muscles.

PMID- 22060630
TI  - Oxazaborolidinium ion-catalyzed cyclopropanation of alpha-substituted acroleins:
      enantioselective synthesis of cyclopropanes bearing two chiral quaternary
      centers.
AB  - A catalytic synthetic route to highly functionalized chiral cyclopropane
      derivatives was developed by Michael-initiated cyclopropanation of alpha
      substituted acroleins with aryl- and alkyl diazoacetates. In the presence of
      chiral (S)-oxazaborolidinium cation 1b as a catalyst, the reaction proceeded in
      high yield (up to 93%) with high to excellent diastereoselectivity (up to 98% de)
      and enantioselectivity (up to 95% ee).

PMID- 22060631
TI  - Incidence, genetics, and clinical phenotype of permanent neonatal diabetes
      mellitus in northwest Saudi Arabia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Permanent neonatal diabetes mellitus (PNDM) in European population
      has an incidence of at least 1 in 260 000 live births and is most commonly due to
      mutations in KCNJ11 and ABCC8. However, data on this condition in other
      populations are limited. OBJECTIVE: To define the incidence, genetic aetiology,
      and clinical phenotype of PNDM in Al-Madinah region, northwest Saudi Arabia.
      METHODS: Patients with PNDM diagnosed between 2001 and 2010 were identified and
      clinically phenotyped. Sequencing of KCNJ11, ABCC8, and INS were performed
      initially on all subjects, and EIF2AK3, GLIS3, SLC2A2, SLC19A2, GCK, IPF1, and
      NEUROD1 genes were sequenced according to the clinical phenotype. RESULTS: In
      total, 17 patients from 11 consanguineous families were diagnosed with PNDM and
      the incidence was 1 in 21 196 live births. Six different mutations in four genes
      were identified, of which two GLIS3 and one SLC2A2 were novel and no patient had
      KCNJ11, ABCC8, or INS mutations. Fourteen (82.4%) patients had identifiable
      genetic aetiology and their PNDM was part of known autosomal-recessive syndromes
      including Wolcott Rallison (41.1%), neonatal diabetes and hypothyroidism (29.4%),
      Fanconi-Bickel (5.8%), and thiamine-responsive megaloblastic anaemia (5.8%). Two
      patients with isolated PNDM and one with intermediate developmental delay,
      epilepsy and neonatal diabetes had no identifiable cause. CONCLUSIONS: Al-Madinah
      region has the highest reported incidence of PNDM worldwide. In this region with
      high consanguinity, PNDM has different genetic aetiology and in the majority of
      cases presents as a part of rare familial autosomal-recessive syndrome rather
      than in isolation.

PMID- 22060632
TI  - Testing the effect of transient Plio-Pleistocene barriers in monsoonal Australo
      Papua: did mangrove habitats maintain genetic connectivity in the Black
      Butcherbird?
AB  - Changes in climate and sea level are hypothesized to have promoted the
      diversification of biota in monsoonal Australia and New Guinea by causing
      repeated range disjunctions and restricting gene flow between isolated
      populations. Using a multilocus (one mtDNA locus, five nuclear introns)
      phylogeographic approach, we test whether populations of the mangrove and
      rainforest restricted Black Butcherbird (Cracticus quoyi) have diverged across
      several geographic barriers defined a priori for this region. Phylogeographic
      structure and estimates of divergence times revealed Plio-Pleistocene divergences
      and long-term restricted gene flow of populations on either side of four major
      geographic barriers between and within Australia and New Guinea. Overall, our
      data are consistent with the hypothesis that mesic-adapted species did not
      disperse across the open dry woodlands and grasslands that dominated the
      transient palaeo-landbridges during the Plio-Pleistocene despite the presence of
      mangrove forests that might have acted as dispersal corridors for mesic-adapted
      species. Our study offers one of the first multilocus perspectives on the impact
      of changes in climate and sea level on the population history of widespread
      species with disjunct ranges in Australia and New Guinea.

PMID- 22060633
TI  - Potential regulatory role of calsequestrin in platelet Ca(2+)  homeostasis and
      its association with platelet hyperactivity in  diabetes mellitus.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Altered Ca(2+) homeostasis contributes significantly to platelet
      hyperactivity in diabetes mellitus. Calsequestrin (CSQ), as a Ca(2+) buffer
      protein in the sarcoplasmic reticulum, also regulates the Ca(2+) release process
      in muscles. We hypothesized that CSQ may be expressed in platelets, but is
      altered and involved in diabetic platelet Ca(2+) abnormalities and
      hyperaggregability. METHODS: CSQ expression in platelets from streptozotocin
      induced type 1 diabetes rats, type 2 diabetes volunteers and Goto-Kakizaki rats
      were analyzed by western blotting and RT-qPCR. Platelet Ca(2+) and aggregation
      were evaluated with Fura2 and an aggregometer, respectively. RESULTS: Platelets
      from diabetic patients and rats exhibited increased resting Ca(2+) levels, and
      hyperactive Ca(2+) and aggregation responses to agonists. This enhanced basal
      Ca(2+) was largely dependent on intracellular Ca(2+) and insensitive to inositol
      1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP(3)R) antagonism. Additionally, the expression of
      the skeletal CSQ isotype (CSQ-1) was detected in both rat and human platelets,
      but its levels were significantly lowered in diabetic platelets as compared with
      normal platelets. Impairment of CSQ by trifluoperazine caused concentration
      dependent Ca(2+) release in normal platelets and HEK293 cells. Knocking down CSQ
      1 in HEK293 cells resulted in increased leakage of Ca(2+), which was also
      insensitive to IP(3)R inhibition, and exaggerated Ca(2+) release following
      carbachol treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Downregulation of CSQ-1 in diabetic platelets
      and impairment of CSQ-1 in normal cells leads to disturbed Ca(2+) release,
      demonstrating a potential role for CSQ-1 in the regulation of the platelet Ca(2+)
      release process and a possible causal contribution to diabetic platelet
      hyperactivity.

PMID- 22060634
TI  - Hole transport in triphenylamine based OLED devices: from theoretical modeling to
      properties prediction.
AB  - For the series of para-substituted triphenylamines, optimized geometries, HOMO
      and LUMO energy levels, ionization potentials Ip, reorganization energies for
      hole transport lambda(+), and frontier orbital contours have been calculated by
      means of ab initio computations. Relationships between them and the Hammett
      parameter are presented. According to calculations, electron releasing
      substituents increase the HOMO and LUMO energies of TPA, while electron
      withdrawing ones decrease it. This behavior is reflected in subsequent decreasing
      and increasing of ionization potentials of substituted TPAs. Calculations show
      that there exists also a strong substituent effect on the reorganization energy
      lambda(+), which is a dominating factor of hole mobility. It is concluded that
      proper tuning of the HOMO and LUMO levels (and, as a result, ionization
      potential, Ip) and reorganization energy lambda(+) (consequently, hole mobility)
      of the triphenylamine can be done by alteration of the TPA electronic structure
      by an appropriate substitution. It is demonstrated that the proper adjustment of
      the HOMO levels of HTM facilitates the reduction of an energy barrier at the
      interface of ITO/HTL and HTL/EL and ensure the high hole injection and hole
      transport rate. On the other hand, appropriate adjustment of the LUMO level
      prevents an electron leak from the EL into the HTM layer. Results of these
      calculations can be useful in the process of designing new HTM materials of
      desired properties (high efficiency, stability, and durability).

PMID- 22060635
TI  - Effective harvesting, detection, and conversion of IR radiation due to quantum
      dots with built-in charge.
AB  - We analyze the effect of doping on photoelectron kinetics in quantum dot [QD]
      structures and find two strong effects of the built-in-dot charge. First, the
      built-in-dot charge enhances the infrared [IR] transitions in QD structures. This
      effect significantly increases electron coupling to IR radiation and improves
      harvesting of the IR power in QD solar cells. Second, the built-in charge creates
      potential barriers around dots, and these barriers strongly suppress capture
      processes for photocarriers of the same sign as the built-in-dot charge. The
      second effect exponentially increases the photoelectron lifetime in unipolar
      devices, such as IR photodetectors. In bipolar devices, such as solar cells, the
      solar radiation creates the built-in-dot charge that equates the electron and
      hole capture rates. By providing additional charge to QDs, the appropriate doping
      can significantly suppress the capture and recombination processes via QDs. These
      improvements of IR absorption and photocarrier kinetics radically increase the
      responsivity of IR photodetectors and photovoltaic efficiency of QD solar cells.

PMID- 22060636
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 22060637
TI  - Consumer expectations and perceptions of meat and meat product quality.
AB  - This paper presents the determinants of perceived quality viewed by different
      authors. Then, it sets the factors of quality from purchase to consumption and
      some mechanisms of change over time. After this general presentation, the
      distinctive features of food and the particular place of meat and meat products
      among foods are underlined. Important credence and experience attributes as well
      as quality cues for meat and meat products are then presented through results
      from previous works. Finally, the advantages but also the limitations of present
      methodologies used in quality research are presented and some orientations for
      future research are suggested.

PMID- 22060638
TI  - Assuring eating quality of meat.
AB  - The way of assuring quality has changed over the years, from inspection of end
      product to quality management systems and on-line process control. The latter
      concepts have had a great impact in many industries during the last decades. But
      the concept of Total Quality is continuos improvement so it is time to take
      advantage of the next generation of quality assurance tools: Quality by Design.
      This is the most powerful instrument in quality assurance today. Quality by
      design has been used with outstanding results in many industries as the
      automobile and the electronics industry. Maybe the meat industry will be the
      next? To succeed, the "eating quality attributes" that are most important to the
      customer must be brought into focus. The challenge to the meat research scientist
      is to design products and processes that take care of customer needs despite
      variation in the raw material and the consumer's rough handling. The Quality
      Management Standards are helpful in conducting the design and production process,
      but to focus on the right aspects, there also are need for suitable methods as
      Quality Function Deployment. Customer needs change and new research changes old
      'truths'. This require an organisation, a quality system and a culture which can
      handle rapid changes and a diversity of customer needs.

PMID- 22060639
TI  - Welfare and hygiene during preslaughter handling.
AB  - This review considers some of the ways in which welfare is compromised during
      preslaughter handling and it examines some effects of preslaughter handling
      methods on carcass hygiene. There are many ways in which animals suffer during
      the preslaughter period. They include metabolic exhaustion, dehydration, death
      during transport, emotional and temperature stress, bruising, torn skin, and,
      sickness and disease. Recent research findings on the effects of preslaughter
      stress on muscle glycogen metabolism and dark firm dry meat are reviewed.

PMID- 22060640
TI  - Interruption of microbial cycles in farm animals from farm to table.
AB  - The fact that only slight problems are posed by Salmonella, Campylobacter and
      Escherichia coli O157 in mammalian farm animals in Norway, is undoubtedly due in
      large degree to the agricultural set-up with small farms and small herds,
      allowing a good overview of the situation at any time. Other factors are the very
      limited import of breeding animals and food products of animal origin,
      microbiological control of animal feed, and favourable geographical and climatic
      conditions. However, the Norwegian meat industry (including abattoirs) has
      continuing problems with Yersinia enterocolitica O:3 in pigs and pig meat, and in
      some cases with Listeria monocytogenes in cold cuts and Toxoplasma gondii in
      sheep meat (lamb). These three agents are therefore used to illustrate
      appropriate measures to be taken at the herd level on the farm, in abattoirs and
      in the meat processing industry.

PMID- 22060641
TI  - Microorganisms in fresh ground meats: the relative safety of products with low
      versus high numbers.
AB  - The two outbreaks of haemorrhagic colitis (HC) that were traced to ground beef in
      1982 were the first foodborne cases known to be caused by Escherichia coli
      0157:H7. The 1993 outbreak in the U.S. Pacific Northwest is the largest foodborne
      disease outbreak ever traced to ground beef. Why these events occurred continues
      to be a matter of speculation and debate. It is the thesis of this review that HC
      causing strains of E. coli, which could have been in the meat supply as early as
      the mid-1950s, can persist in meats that contain too few of the background
      bacterial biota. The antagonistic effect of background organisms against
      pathogenic bacteria (microbial interference) is well established. Fresh ground
      meats that contain 10(5)-10(6)/g of background organisms are inherently safer
      than those that contain, say, 10(3)/g. Although the production of fresh ground
      meats with as few microorganisms as possible would seem to be the ideal, there is
      little or no evidence to support the superior safety of such products. It is
      suggested that when pathogen-reduction strategies are applied to animal
      carcasses, the carcasses should be 'protected' against subsequent colonization by
      pathogens by actually adding appropriate mixtures of harmless bacteria.

PMID- 22060642
TI  - Structural weakening of skeletal muscle tissue during post-mortem ageing of meat:
      the non-enzymatic mechanism of meat tenderization.
AB  - Structural weakening of the myofibrils, the intermediate filaments and the
      intramuscular connective tissues the endomysium and perimysium contribute to
      tenderization of meat during post-mortem ageing. We have found four phenomena
      which effect the structural weakening of myofibrils: weakening of Z-disks,
      weakening of rigor linkages formed between actin and myosin, splitting of
      connectin (titin) filaments, and fragmentation of nebulin filaments. These
      reactions are specific to 0.1 mM calcium ions regardless of proteolysis. Desmin
      molecules which form intermediate filaments are also fragmented by 0.1 mM calcium
      ions nonenzymatically. The fragmentation of desmin molecules suggest
      depolymerization of intermediate filaments under non-physiological conditions.
      These facts are the basis of 'the calcium theory of meat tenderization' which I
      have proposed. The structural weakening of the endomysium and perimysium shows
      the effect on tenderization of extended ageing of meat, and is closely related to
      degradation of proteoglycans which link collagen fibrils and stabilize collagen
      fibres.

PMID- 22060643
TI  - Recent advances in process assessment and optimisation.
AB  - After stating the general principle of food preservation, this paper focuses on
      currently available methods to evaluate quantitatively the integrated time
      temperature impact during and/or after a thermal preservation process. In this
      context, both the physical-mathematical approach and the use of time temperature
      integrators are briefly reviewed and recent evolutions are indicated. Also new
      trends with regard to thermal process optimisation are highlighted.

PMID- 22060644
TI  - Extending the storage life of raw chilled meats.
AB  - Preservative packagings for raw meats must both delay the deterioration of the
      appearance of the product and retard the onset of bacterial spoilage. Preserving
      the product appearance is largely a matter of slowing or preventing the formation
      of brown metmyoglobin at muscle surfaces. Browning is slowed in atmospheres which
      are rich in oxygen, and persistent browning is entirely prevented when meat is
      packaged under oxygen-depleted atmospheres. Bacterial spoilage is delayed by
      packaging under aerobic atmospheres rich in carbon dioxide, or by packaging under
      anaerobic conditions. However, the control of bacterial spoilage also requires
      that product temperatures be maintained close to the optimum for chilled storage,
      and attention to the hygienic condition of the product before it is packaged.
      Packaging techniques for conforming an extended storage life on most raw meats
      are available, and long term economic trends seem to require a general
      improvement of the storage life of raw meats. However, current commercial systems
      for distributing meat are largely geared to the handling of highly perishable
      product, and the potential economic advantages from trading in more stable
      product will not be fully realizable while such systems persist. Consequently,
      commercial progress towards greater storage stability for chilled meats is likely
      to be uneven and uncertain.

PMID- 22060645
TI  - Oxidative quality and shelf life of meats.
AB  - Lipid oxidation is one of the primary mechanisms of quality deterioration in
      foods and especially in meat products. The changes in quality are manifested by
      adverse changes in flavor, color, texture and nutritive value, and the possible
      production of toxic compounds. Lipid oxidation in muscle systems is initiated at
      the membrane level in the intracellular phospholipid fractions. How this occurs
      has still not been resolved, although it is generally believed that the presence
      of transition metals, notably iron, is pivotal in facilitating the generation of
      species capable of abstracting a proton from an unsaturated fatty acid. This
      paper provides an overview of how lipid oxidation affects the quality and shelf
      life of meat and meat products, and how shelf life can be extended through
      dietary vitamin E supplementation above requirement levels. The formation of
      cholesterol oxidation products and the possible role of lipids and their
      oxidation products in the formation of heterocyclic aromatic amines are also
      discussed.

PMID- 22060646
TI  - Hot processing of meat.
AB  - Economical advantages favour hot processing of meat. Losses during chilling, cost
      of refrigeration, labour and transportation can be considerably reduced giving to
      meat processors extra value. However, several technical and technological
      problems delay implementation of this technology by industry. Beginning with cost
      of investment necessary to retrofit facilities into hot processing of meat,
      synchronizing organization of work at the factory according to this technology,
      and finally to insure the required, stable quality of meat and meat products.
      Therefore, before full industrial implementation several technological problems
      still should be solved in laboratory and pilot plant experiments and confirmed at
      full factory scale. This paper reviews the latest research publications on hot
      processing of meat.

PMID- 22060647
TI  - Multivariate techniques in the analysis of meat quality.
AB  - The present paper discusses the use of multivariate statistical methods in meat
      science. Three examples are given illustrating some of the most important areas
      of use. The three examples are i) interpretation of large data matrices, ii)
      prediction of chemical constituents from multivariate spectral data and iii)
      finding relationships between multivariate data matrices.

PMID- 22060648
TI  - In-line image analysis in the slaughter industry, illustrated by Beef Carcass
      Classification.
AB  - This paper describes a complete framework for the quantitative quality control of
      biological objects using computer vision. The techniques are described in the
      context of BCC-2, the second generation Beef Carcass Classification centre, which
      has operated as a prototype since March 1995. Installed in the slaughterline, BCC
      2 analyses one half, dehided carcass. BCC-2 determines the visual properties:
      conformation, fatness and fat colour as well as objective quantities such as the
      percent of saleable meat and the cross sectional area of the rib eye. BCC-2
      measures geometry and colour quantitatively. A procedure for maintaining the same
      calibration over time for several BCC-2 units has been developed. BCC-2 is built
      from a few inexpensive components: A frame that positions the half carcass in the
      slaughterline, a camera, two PC's, and a terminal. In addition, two slide
      projectors project stripes of light onto the carcass at an angle to the camera to
      provide information about the three-dimensional shape. The biological variation
      of the carcasses requires the use of advanced information processing techniques:
      traditional pattern recognition, principal component analysis, and neural
      networks. BCC-2 is adaptive, i.e. it is trained by examples, and BCC-2 is robust
      in the sense that it classifies all carcasses except the ones most damaged in the
      slaughter process.

PMID- 22060649
TI  - Recent developments in sheep and beef processing in Australasia.
AB  - New Zealand and Australia have invested heavily in the development of slaughter,
      dressing and deboning equipment for sheep and beef. A number of sheep dressing
      and deboning machines are now in commercial use after completing their
      development. The success of some of these developments has encouraged further
      investment in sheep dressing and deboning and beef deboning developments. Many of
      these developments will be ready for commercial use within the next two years.

PMID- 22060650
TI  - Biophysical aspects of meat tenderness.
AB  - Biophysical aspects of meat tenderness is reviewed, where the meat structural
      origin of variation in meat tenderness is tried to be elucidated. Processes, such
      as rigor development and ageing, known to influence the properties of the
      structural components, is covered, and variables that influence those processes,
      such as chilling, electrical stimulation and stress ante-mortem, are discussed.
      Meat tenderness can be evaluated both by sensory and instrumental methods. The
      relationships between mechanical and sensory assessments tend to be non-linear,
      which can be due to non-linearity in the sensory evaluation and that muscle fibre
      orientation is easier to control in instrumental than in sensory evaluation.
      Structural changes of the meat occuring during rigor development are both
      longitudinal and lateral contraction of the myofibrillar mass. Other structural
      events, based on the proteolytic action, are the loosing up of the myofibrils
      held together laterally, weakening of the myofibrillar length and myofibril
      fragmentation. Using instrumental recordings of meat toughness (Warner-Bratzler
      (W-B) peak force), it decreases significantly with degree of contraction, when
      raw, but the reverse is found, when meat is cooked above 60  degrees C. A
      structural explanation to this behaviour is suggested to be the following. When
      meat is raw the lateral contraction of the meat fiber increases with shorter
      sarcomeres, giving rise to a larger viscous component and hence a lower W-B peak
      force. On heating, however, with a larger extracellular space, when shortened,
      there is more room for the connective tissue to contract without being restricted
      by the myofibrillar mass. This in turn gives a higher number of fibers per unit
      cross-sectional area, hence a larger elastic modulus and a higher W-B peak force,
      when cooked. When chilling of muscle during rigor both warm- and cold-shortening
      occur. Minimal shortening region is for beef M. longissimus dorsi (LD) 10-15 
      degrees C and for M. semimembranosus (SM) 7-13  degrees C. For the SM muscle
      there is a high correlation between percentage shortening and ultimate tenderness
      both in the warm- and cold-shortening region. But for the LD muscle this is only
      the case in the cold-shortening region. This observation suggests that the LD
      muscle is a more enzymatically active muscle than SM. The influence of low
      voltage electrical stimulation (ES) was followed in the cold-shortening region
      for muscles LD and SM. A significant effect on tenderness 15 days post-mortem was
      only observed for LD at 1  degrees C and 4  degrees C, but not for SM. It was
      suggested that enhanced proteolysis could be the reason for the improved
      tenderness on ES of LD, as colds-hortening was not prevented by ES. Long-term and
      short-term stress ante-mortem can give rise to DFD (dark, firm and dry)-and PSE
      (pale, soft and exudative)-meat, respectively. DFD-meat (pH(u) > 6.0 in LD) has
      relatively short sarcomere lengths, but still it is swollen laterally and has
      consequently a small extracellular space. Therefore DFD-meat usually is tender.
      PSE-meat has a large variation in sarcomere length. The long sarcomeres of PSE
      meat is suggested to be caused by reduced shortening, due to the denaturation of
      the sarcoplasmic proteins during rigor. The short sarcomeres can be caused by a
      higher percentage of rigor development in the warm-shortening region and that the
      denaturation of the myosin heads cause both longitudinal and lateral contraction
      of the myofibrillar mass. There is also a large variation in tenderness of PSE
      meat, but it has been found that this variation is positively correlated to the
      sarcomere length (r = 0.52**), as has been shown for the other variables that
      governs the rigor process.

PMID- 22060651
TI  - Biochemical factors regulating the toughening and tenderization processes of
      meat.
AB  - The purpose of this manuscript is to present a brief review of the biochemical
      basis for longissimus toughening and tenderization processes. Also, to explore
      the potential technologies that can be developed based on this knowledge to
      reduce variation in tenderness, thus, improving consumer acceptance of meat.
      Results suggest that after slaughter longissimus has low to intermediate shear
      force values (probably tender). Rigor development-induced changes increase its
      shear force. Maximum toughness is observed between 12 to 24 h post mortem. The
      toughening process seems to occur equally in all carcasses. Post-mortem storage
      at refrigerated conditions tenderizes longissimus. Post-mortem tenderization is
      caused by enzymatic degradation of key myofibrillar and associated proteins. The
      function of these proteins is to maintain the structural integrity of myofibrils.
      Current data indicates that MU-calpain is responsible for degradation of these
      proteins. Unlike the toughening process, there exists a large variation in the
      rate and extent of tenderization which is responsible for variation in tenderness
      at the consumer level. Potential strategies for the control of the variation in
      meat tenderness are discussed.

PMID- 22060652
TI  - The chill chain "from carcass to consumer".
AB  - To provide safe meat and meat products of high organoleptic quality, attention
      must be paid to every aspect of the chill chain. The process commences with the
      initial chilling of the freshly slaughtered carcass and continues through to the
      storage of the chilled retail portion within the home. Within the chill chain are
      two different categories of refrigeration processes. In the first group are those
      such as primary and secondary chilling, where the aim is to change the average
      temperature of the meat. In the others, such as chilled storage, transport and
      retail display, maintaining the initial temperature of the meat or meat product
      is the prime aim. Failure to understand the needs of each process results in
      excessive weight loss, higher energy use, reduced shelf life or a deterioration
      in product quality.

PMID- 22060653
TI  - Very fast chilling of beef and tenderness-a report from an EU concerted action.
AB  - Very Fast Chilling (VFC) in Beef is a European Union funded concerted action
      begun in November 1994. Scientists from the Union have met several times to
      review their work. Muscle is defined as VFC when it is chilled to -1  degrees C
      by 5h post mortem. The sub-zero conditions necessary will produce temperature
      gradients in all muscles and these give rise to considerable variation in
      biochemical and physical parameters. Calcium ions released by the cold within
      muscle fibres stimulate proteolytic action which tenderises the meat, but also
      stimulate contraction which toughens meat. The studies considered here suggest
      that a combination of proteolysis and crust freezing can produce tender beef.
      More research is needed into the biochemical mechanisms and pilot scale
      investigations could be undertaken. The early cutting and processing of the beef
      side would improve abattoir efficiency but VFC technique is not yet ready for
      full-scale industrial implementation.

PMID- 22060654
TI  - Accelerated production of dry fermented sausage.
AB  - The scope of this paper is to review work connected with accelerated ripening of
      dry fermented sausages by addition of proteolytic enzymes. An overview of the
      following topics is given: practical sausage experiments with addition of various
      proteinases of bacterial origin, including data from sensory, biochemical and
      gc/ms analyses; biochemical and genetic characterization of the enzyme shown to
      be most useful in these experiments, the serine proteinase from Lactobacillus
      paracasei subsp. paracasei NCDO 151; experiments to transform starter cultures
      with the genes for production of this proteinase and proposals for future work in
      this field.

PMID- 22060655
TI  - Engineering aspects in fermentation of meat products.
AB  - This paper focuses on the engineering aspects of the drying and ripening process
      of dry sausages. It describes the physical and chemical phenomena during the
      ripening time. The influence of the intrinsic and extrinsic control quantities of
      the dry sausage ripening on the mass transfer parameter in the sausages is
      determined. Measuring techniques and experiments for the examination of these
      parameters are introduced and the influence of the parameters on the drying
      explained. Mathematical tools for numerical simulations and their application to
      the above mentioned problems are described. For the problem of inhomogeneous
      drying of dry sausages in industrial ripening chambers, solutions will be
      suggested.

PMID- 22060656
TI  - Pre-slaughter handling of reindeer-effects on meat quality.
AB  - The centralization of the slaughter industry has created one of the biggest
      problems for beef quality, namely dark-cutting or DFD. After studying the various
      handling routines and their effects on meat quality, it was found possible, by
      applying simple and clearcut rules, to minimize the DFD frequency in beef. We
      then started to scrutinize the slaughter procedure for reindeer, as we realized
      that new directives in Sweden would lead to centralization of the slaughter
      industry. Before the new directives were introduced we obtained sufficient
      funding to set up a four-year research project dealing with old and new slaughter
      handling procedures for reindeer and their effects on meat quality. The overall
      objective was to devise simple and effective rules for the handling of slaughter
      reindeer in order to avoid meat quality deterioration. Various preslaughter
      handling routines for reindeer, such as gathering and herding, selection,
      feeding, road transport and lairage, imply stressful events which can affect
      glycogen stores in muscle and hence meat quality. During a 3 day helicopter drive
      (20 km/day), we found no negative effects on glycogen stores or ultimate pH
      values. Lorry transport of reindeer over various distances (0 up to 1000 km) did
      not cause any increase in ultimate pH values in bulls and calves, though cows did
      show a slight increase in pH. A 2-day pre-slaughter waiting period at a
      slaughterhouse, where the reindeer were fed hay and water, caused no deleterious
      effects on muscle glycogen content or pH. Sorting out reindeer by use of the
      traditional lasso technique, however, seems to be the only handling procedure so
      far studied causing considerable physical and mental stress leading to muscle
      glycogen depletion and dark-cutting. The effects of various handling procedures
      are very much dependent on the physical condition of the animals. From our
      studies we can conclude that feeding has a major influence on physical condition,
      muscle glycogen content and hence meat quality.

PMID- 22060657
TI  - Processing of marine foods.
AB  - For the Norwegian fish industry, it is an objective to increase the production of
      value added products in order to improve profitability. This paper will briefly
      present four areas of important research tasks in this field. To aid in the
      identification of the species present in a product, we have applied the method
      called Random Amplification of Polymorphic DNA (RAPD). This technique is used to
      produce a fingerprint of DNA contained in the sample. The application of DNA
      typing for species identification in fish products is presented. The nutritional
      aspects of foods are important. Although the low death rate from coronary heart
      disease among the Eskimos of Greenland has been suggested to stem in large part
      from their consumption of fish, one should keep in mind that the daily diet of
      Eskimos living in the traditional way consists of substantial quantities of meat
      and fat (blubber) from seals and whales. A recent study as to whether seal and
      whale oils are more effective than cod liver oil in changing biological
      parameters that might be important in explaining low incidence of coronary heart
      disease, asthma and psoriasis among Greenland Eskimos will be presented.
      Commercial processing of fish must take the development of rigor mortis into
      consideration since it affects yield and fish flesh quality. Influence of early
      processing (pre-rigor) on fish quality and yield is also discussed. There are
      significant differences among fish species in gross chemical composition and
      morphological structure. Depending on the properties of the flesh and the way it
      is treated, it may gain or lose water. The relationship between structure and
      liquid-holding properties of cod and salmon muscle as a function of temperature
      is presented.

PMID- 22060658
TI  - Authenticity issues in meat and meat products.
AB  - Proper product description is of crucial importance in ensuring fair trading
      practices and enabling consumers to make informed choices and is therefore
      addressed in some detail in UK food legislation. This paper will briefly examine
      the historical development of UK food laws and the meaning of "authenticity"
      within the context of current legislation, particularly with respect to meat and
      fish products. The food authenticity programme of the UK Ministry of Agriculture,
      Fisheries and Food (MAFF) is discussed, outlining its R and D programme and
      detailing the types of topics under consideration, and how selection of
      surveillance projects is determined.

PMID- 22060659
TI  - Early Post Mortem pH decrease in porcine M. longissimus dorsi of PSE, Normal and
      DFD quality.
AB  - The purpose of this investigation was to compare the muscle pH at exsanguination
      and the rate of pH changes in porcine M. longissimus dorsi (LD) of normal, DFD
      (Dark, Firm, Dry) and PSE (Pale, Soft, Exudative) quality. The pH was
      continuously measured in the LD in 116 carcasses during the first 50 min post
      mortem. Calculations were made both on measured pH-values and on pH-values
      transformed to hydrogen ion concentrations. A regression of pH or hydrogen ion
      concentration on time was made for each animal. These individual regressions were
      then combined, using a multivariate analysis to estimate regression curves for
      each meat quality class. The two methods for expressing pH gave somewhat
      different results. The relationship between the hydrogen ion concentration and
      time was found to be linear for normal and DFD muscles and quadratic for PSE
      muscles. As a consequence of the mathematical properties of pH, the relationship
      between pH and time was found to be quadratic for the normal and DFD qualities,
      and linear for the PSE quality. For both methods of calculations the slopes for
      the regression curves were significantly different between PSE and the other two
      quality classes with both calculating methods, while the slopes did not differ
      between normal and DFD muscle qualities. The intercepts of the regression curves
      differed significantly between PSE and the other two quality classes only when
      the calculations were made on measured pH-values without transformation. A
      temporary increase in pH was seen in some normal and PSE carcasses during the
      measured time period. Development of muscles with PSE characteristics thus seems
      to be initiated by a combination of a lower muscle-pH already at exsanguination
      and a faster pH decrease. It is also of importance to consider the special
      mathematical properties of the pH-value.

PMID- 22060660
TI  - Model system evaluations of the effects of different levels of K(2)HPO(4) NaCl
      and oil temperature on emulsion stability and viscosity of fresh and frozen
      turkish style meat emulsions.
AB  - The effects of different levels of K(2)HPO(4), NaCl, and the effects of oil
      temperature used in the evaluation of emulsion stability and viscosity of fresh
      and frozen beef (fat level adjusted with tail fat from sheep) was studied by
      utilizing a model system. Emulsion stability (ES) and emulsion viscosity (EV) of
      frozen meat tissue were both decreased, by 3.6% and 10.5% respectively, when
      compared to fresh meat. ES was decreased by 4.0% and 3.7% at 5 degrees C and 11
      degrees C oil temperature respectively when compared to 21 degrees C. While EV
      decreased 12.2% at 11 degrees C compared to 21 degrees C, it did not show any
      statistically significant (P < 0.01) change at 5 degrees C oil temperature. ES
      and EV were elevated with the addition of phosphate and increasing phosphate
      levels. These increases for ES were 3.9% and 3.7% with 0.50% and 0.75% phosphate
      levels respectively, when compared to the 0.00% phosphate control group. Also,
      the increases for EV were 22.3% and 27.0% with 0.50% and 0.75% phosphate levels
      respectively, compared to the 0.00% phosphate control group. The alteration of
      the ES was not statistically P < 0.01) significant for the 0.50% phosphate level
      when compared to the 0.75% phosphate level. The ES decreased 1.1% for a 3.0% salt
      level when compared to a 2.5% salt level, and there was statistically (P < 0.05)
      no effect on the EV.

PMID- 22060661
TI  - Further investigations into the relationship between ultimate pH and tenderness
      for beef samples from bulls and steers.
AB  - Samples of longissimus dorsi muscle from 150 cattle comprising Friesian bulls and
      steers and Charolais * Angus cross steers, were used to investigate the nature of
      the relationship between ultimate pH and beef tenderness under conditions where
      cold-shortening was avoided. A modified Warner-Bratzler (WB) shear machine with a
      square- rather than a vee-blade enabled several aspects of tenderness to be
      evaluated, including peak force (PF), initial yield force (IY), PF-IY, and an
      index of total work done. The two steer groups differed little in meat quality
      characteristics, but, in terms of six major hindquarter cuts, the Charolais cross
      group yielded 14.3% more meat per unit live weight, due to a combination of a
      superior dressing-out percent and a higher cutability. Relative to Friesian
      steers, the bulls produced beef with a higher ultimate pH (P < 0.001), and after
      adjustment to a common pH, the bull beef was tougher for all WB parameters except
      PF-IY. Cooking loss was higher for beef from bulls after adjustment for pH.
      Although reduced by pH adjustment, beef from bulls remained significantly darker
      than that from steers (P < 0.05) based on reflectance measurements. Maximum
      toughness in terms of PF, IY, and work index was at an ultimate pH of 6.0-6.1,
      but the peak was much less clear for PF-IY. The decline in tenderness with an
      increase in ultimate pH to 6.2 was associated with a decrease in sarcomere
      length. This result supports a previous suggestion that shortening explains, at
      least in part, the lower average tenderness at intermediate pH values.

PMID- 22060662
TI  - Prediction of meat quality in live pigs using stress-susceptible and stress
      resistant animals.
AB  - A new in-vivo procedure for predicting the potential meat quality in live pigs
      was devised using stress-susceptible (halothane positive) and stress-resistant
      (halothone negative) pigs. The potential meat quality in live pigs was determined
      using small biopsy samples of M. longissimus dorsi (LD). Meat quality was
      assessed by the combined measurements of pH and water-holding capacity (WHC) on
      the 12 000 g supernatant after incubation of 500 mg biopsy LD muscle with an
      equal volume of 150 mm KCl at 39 degrees C for 45 min. With the LD muscles of
      halothane positive (n = 37) and halothane negative (n = 55) pigs, high
      correlations (r = -0.854) were observed between the supernatant (i.e. fluid) pH
      and WHC of the biopsy samples, between fluid pH of the biopsy samples and 1-h
      post-mortem (pH(60)) LD muscles (r = 0.951), and between pH(60) and WHC (r = 
      0.956). The experimental data show that our in-vivo test can differentiate
      halothane positive from halothane negative pigs and can also predict the
      potential meat quality in live pigs. The test could be applied to select pigs
      with differences in WHC to improve meat quality.

PMID- 22060663
TI  - A study of changes in the fat content of some varieties of dry sausage during the
      curing process.
AB  - The influence of the curing of dry sausage (chorizo, saucisson, salami) on the
      chemical composition of lipids was studied in terms of what affects the oxidation
      and resulting production of volatile aldehydes, mainly hexanal. Microbial
      fermentation initially increases the unsaturation, although this phenomenon is
      reversed during the drying-curing process. In this phase the
      saturation/unsaturation ratio rises in C16 and C18 fatty acids, the increase
      being higher in chorizo and lower in salami. Stearic acid appears to increase
      more than palmitic acid, and C16 quotient values show significant differences
      across a range of commercially-sold brands of each type of sausage. Unsaturation
      varies in parallel with the iodine value in the three cases studied. Lipolytic
      phenomena produce fatty acids with a greater amount of linoleic acid than oleic
      acid. The oxidation of these fatty acids is progressive regardless of whether TBA
      or carbonyl values are measured. Nevertheless, significant correlations of
      hexanal concentrations are not evident. The formation of butanal and pentanal (<2
      MUmol) is very low, and hexanal concentration fluctuates (11-111 MUmol) among
      commercial brands and types of sausage. These concentrations are always much
      higher in chorizo samples than in those of salami. Statistical multivariant
      analysis highlights the greater significant differences in salami samples, a
      sausage which reflects the lack of homogeneity between different industrial
      processes.

PMID- 22060664
TI  - Effect of the addition of pronase E on the proteolysis in dry fermented sausages.
AB  - The effect of the addition of pronase E at two different concentrations on
      protein breakdown during the ripening of dry fermented sausage was studied. In
      all batches, water-soluble, non-protein and 5% phosphotungstic acid soluble
      nitrogens increased sharply during the first days of ripening, then became
      stabilized until the end of the process (26th day), and the total volatile
      nitrogen consistently increased during ripening. The greater the pronase E added
      the higher were the values reached for all these fractions. The changes in total
      free amino acids showed a similar pattern to that observed for the
      phosphotungstic acid soluble nitrogen. Histamine and tyramine progressively
      increased throughout the ripening. By sensory evaluation, no significant
      differences between the control batch and the batch with the lowest amount of
      added pronase E were found, but both batches were significantly different (P <
      0.1) from the batch manufactured with the highest concentration of pronase E,
      which was classed as objectionable by the panellists because of its excessive
      softness.

PMID- 22060665
TI  - Modelling post-mortem tenderisation-IV: Role of calpains and calpastatin in
      conditioning.
AB  - A generalised model, based on published data, was developed quantifying the
      mechanism by which the activities of calpains I and II are responsible for post
      mortem tenderisation. Tenderisation is proposed to result from the activities of
      'free' activated-calpains, the activities of which are controlled by the changes
      in the calcium ion concentration, the binding of calpains to calpastatin, the
      inactivations of 'free' activated-calpains and their proteolysis of calpastatin.
      At the low myoplasmic ('free') calcium ion concentrations prevailing soon after
      slaughter, calpains are largely 'inert' and little tenderisation occurs. As the
      pH declines, the 'free' calcium ion concentration rises and activates calpain I:
      however, most of this activated-calpain I is then bound to calpastatin. With a
      futher decline in pH, the binding of activated-calpain I to calpastatin is
      reduced and the level of 'free' activated-calpain I rises and tenderisation
      increases. A comparable process occurs with calpain II at higher 'free' calcium
      ion concentrations which occur as the pH declines further. As the level of 'free'
      activated-calpains rises, their proteolysis of calpastatin also increases,
      causing a lowering of levels of calpastatin and reducing the inhibition of
      calphins. Concurrently, 'free' activated-calpains are inactivated. This balance
      between inhibition, inactivation and activity of calpains and their decrease as
      the pH declines maintains the proteolytic activity of calpains and produces the
      gradual process of tenderisation, initially by calpain I and at the later stages
      mainly by calpain II. Eventually, the activities of calpains decline to zero and
      tenderisatin stops. Equations were derived to describe the changes from stunning
      to the completion of conditioning, and parameters were calculated to determine
      the activities of calpains and tenderisation in beef M. longissimus dorsi.

PMID- 22060666
TI  - Influence of freezing method on thaw drip and protein loss of low-voltage
      electrically stimulated and non-stimulated sheeps' muscle.
AB  - South African Mutton Merino wethers (n = 32) were slaughtered, yielding carcasses
      with a mean weight of 22.18 +/- 2.11 kg. Sixteen carcasses were electrically
      stimulated (ES) (21 V, 60 Hz, 120 s) immediately and all carcasses were chilled
      at room temperature (16 degrees C) for 3 h and then overnight at 4 degrees C, 95%
      RH. Both left and right Mm. longissimus lumborum et thoracis were excised and cut
      into six portions (77 g +/- 7.8 g), each placed separately in a polyethylene bag
      and randomly allocated to five freezing treatments. These were: (1) cryogenic, 
      65 degrees C; (2) cryogenic, -90 degrees C; (3) walk-in-freezer, -21 degrees C;
      (4) blast freezer, -21 degrees C; (5) domestic freezer, -25 degrees C. The
      respective freezing rates were 4.4, 6.4, 0.55, 0.35 and 0.51 cm h(-1) to -2.2
      degrees C at core depth of 1 cm below the surface. Samples were frozen to core
      temperatures of -20 degrees C, removed and placed in a storage freezer (-20
      degrees C) for 48 h and 2.5 months. Samples were then suspended in perforated
      bags in a chiller (4 degrees C) to thaw, and drip was collected in outer bags
      over the periods 0-24, 24-48, 48-72 and 72-96 h and expressed as g (100 g)(-1).
      Freezing methods had significant (P < 0.01) influences on drip loss in both ES
      and NES samples. Following storage for 48 h post-freezing at -20 degrees C, total
      drip (g (100 g)(-1)) over 96 h of both ES and NES samples for the five freezing
      treatments were respectively: (1) 7.61 and 4.61; (2) 7.35 and 3.29; (3) 9.44 and
      4.68; (4) 9.07 and 5.43; (5) 10.58 and 5.15. Following storage for 2.5 months,
      the total ES and NES drip were respectively, (1) 11.25 and 9.38; (2) 10.36 and
      9.15; (3) 13.72 and 12.65; (4) 13.70 and 12.26; (5) 11.92 and 11.29. Total
      protein in the drip did not differ between freezing treatments. Differences
      between ES and NES samples did occur in the 48 h storage group. It is concluded
      that cryogenic freezing results in less thaw drip than the vapour compression
      systems. This advantage of cryogenic freezing disappears if meat is stored for
      long periods at -20 degrees C. Electrical stimulation increases the drip loss in
      samples frozen for 48 h, but the differences are not significant after 2.5 months
      frozen storage. Protein losses parallel the drip.

PMID- 22060667
TI  - Antioxidant activity of carnosine in cooked ground pork.
AB  - Carnosine (0.5-1.5%) reduced (P < 0.05) the formation of thiobarbituric acid
      reactive substances (TBARS) in cooked unsalted ground pork after 7 days of
      storage at 4 degrees C. The antioxidant activity of carnosine was less in cooked
      salted ground pork, with only 1.5% carnosine inhibiting (P < 0.05) TBARS
      formation during refrigerated storage. The antioxidant activity of carnosine in
      cooked salted and unsalted ground pork was greater than those of the lipid
      soluble free radical scavengers, butylated hydroxytoluene and alpha-tocopherol (P
      < 0.05) but less than that of sodium tripolyphosphate (P < 0.05). These data
      suggest that carnosine could be used to reduce the oxidative deterioration of
      cooked salted and unsalted ground pork.

PMID- 22060668
TI  - Comparison of dry sausages produced by different methods: Addition of
      nitrite/nitrate salts and sodium chloride at different phases.
AB  - Two processes for Spanish dry sausage manufacture, which differed only in the
      time of addition of nitrite/nitrate salts and sodium chloride (Type A: in the
      cutter; Type B: in the kneading machine) were studied. There were no significant
      differences in parameters related to product stability, pH or water activity.
      Water-holding capacity and nitroso heme pigment formation were better in type B.
      The intensity of proteolysis and the insolubilization of myofibrillar protein
      over the curing period were higher in type A. Iodine value and the relative
      percentage of polyunsaturated free fatty acids were higher in type B sausages at
      the end of the curing. Parameters related to protein integrity and the nature of
      the fat seem to be the main cause of the observed differences between the two
      types of dried samples.

PMID- 22060669
TI  - Lipid emboli distribution in cardiac surgery is dependent on the state of
      emulsification.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Lipid embolizations from retransfused shed blood during cardiac
      surgery have been shown to enter the circulation and end up in different organs.
      The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate differences in the kinetics and
      deposition between emulsified and non-emulsified lipid emboli in a porcine model.
      DESIGN: Twelve animals were anesthetized and put on cardiopulmonary bypass. A
      shed-blood phantom (6 animals given emulsified and 6 given non-emulsified lipids)
      was produced from arterial blood, saline, and tritium-labeled triolein. The
      phantom was infused into the cardiopulmonary bypass circuit. Arterial and venous
      blood samples were taken at short intervals. Tissue samples were taken post
      mortem from examined organs and prepared for scintillation counting. Levels of
      radioactivity were used to measure lipid emboli content in blood and tissue.
      RESULTS: Emulsified lipid emboli generated a 5-fold higher embolic load in the
      arterial and a 12-fold higher in the venous circulation, compared with non
      emulsified lipid emboli. Emulsified lipid micro emboli resulted in a 2-15-fold
      higher tissue deposition in investigated organs compared with non-emulsified
      lipid micro emboli. CONCLUSIONS: This study shows that the state of emulsion
      significantly alter the kinetics and tissue deposition of lipid emboli.
      Emulsified lipid emboli give higher embolic load in the arterial and venous
      circulation, and higher tissue deposition versus non-emulsified lipid emboli. In
      both groups, the embolic load was higher in the arterial circulation than on the
      venous side.

PMID- 22060670
TI  - Disruption in Bruch membrane in patients with Stargardt disease.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe the spectral domain-optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT)
      findings of two patients with complete defects in the retinal pigment epithelium
      (RPE) with disruptions in Bruch membrane in Stargardt disease (STGD1). METHODS:
      Two patients with STGD1 were referred to our clinic for further evaluation.
      Fundus autofluorescence (FAF), spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD
      OCT), electroretinography (ERG) and Microperimetry (MP-1) were performed to
      assess the retinal anatomy and function. Screening for mutations in the ABCA4
      gene was carried out and detected mutations were confirmed by direct sequencing.
      RESULTS: Both patients had bilateral macular geographic atrophy (GA) and
      yellowish subretinal pisciform flecks and mutations were detected in the ABCA4
      gene by chip screening. SD-OCT revealed marked atrophy of the retina in the
      central macula, with focal defects in the RPE with disruptions in Bruch membrane
      and herniation of the retina through the defect in three of four eyes.
      CONCLUSION: This case report highlights the necessity for a detailed ophthalmic
      examination including SD-OCT of patients with STGD1.

PMID- 22060671
TI  - Realization of process improvement at a diagnostic radiology department with aid
      of simulation modeling.
AB  - Using the classical process improvement framework of Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA),
      the diagnostic radiology department of a tertiary hospital identified several
      patient cycle time reduction strategies. Experimentation of these strategies
      (which included procurement of new machines, hiring of new staff, redesign of
      queue system, etc.) through pilot scale implementation was impractical because it
      might incur substantial expenditure or be operationally disruptive. With this in
      mind, simulation modeling was used to test these strategies via performance of
      "what if" analyses. Using the output generated by the simulation model, the team
      was able to identify a cost-free cycle time reduction strategy, which
      subsequently led to a reduction of patient cycle time and achievement of a
      management-defined performance target. As healthcare professionals work
      continually to improve healthcare operational efficiency in response to rising
      healthcare costs and patient expectation, simulation modeling offers an effective
      scientific framework that can complement established process improvement
      framework like PDSA to realize healthcare process enhancement.

PMID- 22060672
TI  - Primary leiomyosarcoma of the breast.

PMID- 22060676
TI  - Genome-wide analysis of chromatin features identifies histone modification
      sensitive and insensitive yeast transcription factors.
AB  - We propose a method to predict yeast transcription factor targets by integrating
      histone modification profiles with transcription factor binding motif
      information. It shows improved predictive power compared to a binding motif-only
      method. We find that transcription factors cluster into histone-sensitive and 
      insensitive classes. The target genes of histone-sensitive transcription factors
      have stronger histone modification signals than those of histone-insensitive
      ones. The two classes also differ in tendency to interact with histone modifiers,
      degree of connectivity in protein-protein interaction networks, position in the
      transcriptional regulation hierarchy, and in a number of additional features,
      indicating possible differences in their transcriptional regulation mechanisms.

PMID- 22060677
TI  - Depression after low-energy fracture in older women predicts future falls: a
      prospective observational study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Falls are one of the main causes of fractures in elderly people and
      after a recent fracture, the risk of another fall is increased, resulting in
      subsequent fracture. Therefore, risk factors for future falls should be
      determined. We prospectively investigated the relationship between depression and
      the incidence of falls in post-menopausal women after a low-energy fracture.
      METHODS: At baseline, 181 women aged 60 years and older who presented with a
      recent low-energy fracture were evaluated at the fracture and osteoporosis
      outpatient clinics of two hospitals. As well as clinical evaluation and bone
      mineral density tests, the presence of depression (measured using the Edinburgh
      Depression Scale, EDS, depression cut-off > 11) and risk factors for falling were
      assessed. During two years of follow-up, the incidence of falls was registered
      annually by means of detailed questionnaires and interviews. RESULTS: Seventy
      nine (44%) of the women sustained at least one fall during follow-up. Of these,
      28% (n = 22) suffered from depression at baseline compared to 10% (n = 10) of the
      102 women who did not sustain a fall during follow-up (Chi(2) = 8.76, df = 1, p =
      .003). Multiple logistic regression showed that the presence of depression and co
      morbidity at baseline were independently related to falls (OR = 4.13, 95% CI =
      1.58-10.80; OR = 2.25, 95% CI = 1.11-4.56, respectively) during follow-up.
      CONCLUSIONS: The presence of depression in women aged 60 years and older with
      recent low-energy fractures is an important risk factor for future falls. We
      propose that clinicians treating patients with recent low-energy fractures should
      anticipate not only on skeletal-related risk factors for fractures, but also on
      fall-related risk factors including depression.

PMID- 22060678
TI  - Evaluation of different systems for the identification of Bacillus strains
      isolated from Spanish fermented sausages.
AB  - Sixty-nine isolates obtained during the manufacture and ripening of Spanish
      fermented sausages were identified to species level using the Vitek Bacillus
      biochemical card, the dichotomous key and table proposed by Berkeley et al.
      ((1984). In Methods in Microbiology, Vol. 16. Academic Press, London, p. 291),
      morphological and physiological tests and the API 20E miniaturized system. None
      of the tested systems was entirely satisfactory and the final identification was
      mainly done on the basis of cellular morphology and the table of test results.
      Our isolates belonged to the species: B. subtilis (37), B. megaterium (22), B.
      pumilus (5), B. circulans (3) and unidentified (2). Forty-five cultures (65.2%)
      were accurately identified with the dichotomous key. A similar figure for the
      Vitek Bacillus biochemical card was 36%. The results of the API 20E system were
      very reproducible, especially those of the Voges-Proskauer test. Most of the
      strains of B. megaterium were misidentified as B. subtilis with the dichotomous
      key. On the other hand, a high percentage of the cultures belonging to B.
      subtilis were misidentified as B. megaterium with the Vitek system.

PMID- 22060679
TI  - Muscle glycogen levels and blood metabolites in reindeer (Rangifer tarandus
      tarandus L.) after transport and lairage.
AB  - A total of 66 reindeer cows and calves were included in a study on the effects of
      supplementary feeding, transport and lairage on muscle glycogen content, ultimate
      pH and blood metabolite values. Thirty reindeer (10 not transported, 20
      transported 800 km) received no supplementary feed (groups A-C), another 30
      animals (10 not transported, 20 transported 1000 km) were given a supplementary
      reindeer feed mixture 2 months prior to slaughter (groups D-F) and six animals,
      which had been part of a feeding experiment, were fed for 5 months and
      slaughtered at the research unit. Glycogen determinations and pH measurements
      were made in m. longissimus, m. biceps femoris and m. triceps brachii. Blood
      samples were collected at slaughter and muscle samples were taken 30 min after
      slaughter. Ultimate pH was measured 30 hr post mortem. The glycogen content in
      the muscles of groups A-C was very low (100-200 mmol/kg). In groups D-G, the
      glycogen content was equivalent to normal beef muscle values (300-500 mmol/kg).
      The values of the blood metabolites urea and creatinine, both of which could
      indicate protein catabolism caused by stress, were significantly (p < 0.05)
      higher in animals not having received supplemental feed (groups A-C). Alkaline
      phosphatase values were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in supplemental fed
      animals (groups D-G), indicating that their nutritional status was good. Total
      protein values were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in groups A, D, E and F
      compared to the other groups. Lorry transport did not significantly (p > 0.05)
      reduce the muscle glycogen content. Lairage (groups C and F) showed no negative
      effect on the parameters examined. These results suggest that the animals'
      physical condition and nutritional status have a considerable effect on their
      ability to tolerate various stress factors, such as lorry transport and lairage.

PMID- 22060680
TI  - Effect of the RN gene on technological and sensory meat quality in crossbred pigs
      with Hampshire as terminal sire.
AB  - The effect of the dominant RN gene (Rendement Napole) was studied in Hampshire
      crosses (Hampshire sires * Swedish Landrace-Swedish Yorkshire dams). The present
      material comprised 107 entire male and 52 female pigs slaughtered at 106 kg live
      weight. Carriers and non-carriers of the RN gene were distinguished on the basis
      of the glycolytic potential (GP) in post-mortem longissimus muscle, or with the
      Napole yield (yield after curing and cooking). Compared with the glycolytic
      potential classification, Napole classification gave 16% misclassified samples.
      In comparison with non-carriers of the RN gene, gene carriers showed the
      following significant differences in m. longissimus dorsi meat quality traits:
      lower pH, higher surface and internal reflectance values, lower protein
      extractability, lower water-holding capacity, lower Napole yield and greater
      cooking loss. The high correlation (r = -0.73; p < 0.001) which was found between
      GP and Napole yield in the total material, was absent in muscle from individuals
      carrying the RN gene. In addition to the detrimental effect on meat quality, the
      RN gene also had beneficial effects. Thus RN carriers had a lower (p = 0.02)
      shear force value (Warner-Bratzler) and, at sensory testing, a stronger taste and
      smell and greater acidity (9-member untrained panel). No difference was found in
      sensory evaluated tenderness.

PMID- 22060681
TI  - Addition of lipase from Candida cylindracea to a traditional formulation of a dry
      fermented sausage.
AB  - The objective of this work was to study the manufacture of sausage containing a
      traditional starter culture (Lactobacillus plantarum and Staphylococcus carnosus)
      together with an enzyme lipase from Candida cylindracea as compared with that of
      a sausage with only starter. The acidity value showed more intense lipolysis in
      the sausage with lipase with this increase being especially important in the
      second week of drying. In spite of this, there was no significant (p > 0.05)
      increase in the oxidative rancidity processes in this sausage. The analysis of
      short chain fatty acids suggested the enzyme and starter together produced a
      greater amount of such acids than did the enzyme or the starter separately.
      Almost all free fatty acids showed significantly higher values in the sausage
      with lipase with the exception of linolenic acid. The addition of enzyme lipase
      produced a higher proportion of free saturated acids and a lower proportion of
      polyunsaturated acids during the drying of the sausage.

PMID- 22060682
TI  - The retail display life of steaks prepared from chill stored vacuum and carbon
      dioxide-packed sub-primal beef cuts.
AB  - Chilled striploins and cube rolls from ten Australian steers (grain-fed for 150
      days) were trimmed of external fat and cut transversely into portions
      approximately 10 cm thick, each weighing between 750 and 1000 g. These 'retailer
      ready' cuts were each wrapped in drip saver pads and slid inside a plastic sleeve
      before being individually placed into a clear plastic high oxygen barrier film,
      metallized film or conventional vacuum bag. Cuts in clear plastic and metallized
      film packs were packaged in an oxygen-free saturated carbon dioxide atmosphere
      (CO(2)-CAP), those in vacuum bags were conventionally vacuum-packed. All packs
      were returned to the chiller for further cooling. After 24 hr, half the clear
      plastic and metallized CO(2)-CAP packs were carbon dioxide master-packed in
      groups of eight. Retailer-ready cuts in both clear plastic and metallized film
      single unit and master-packed CO(2)-CAP packs were air freighted to New Zealand
      and sea freighted to Japan for assessment. The control vacuum packs were all
      consigned to New Zealand. Assessments in both countries after 39-89 days storage
      at between 0  degrees C and -1.0  degrees C indicated that fat colour stability
      limited the retail display life of steaks cut from meat in these retailer-ready
      packs to approximately 48 hr. In this regard, meat from single unit CO(2)-CAP,
      master pack CO(2)-CAP and vacuum packs performed similarly. Lean meat colour and
      sensory attributes remained acceptable for up to 48 hr after displayed product
      was rejected because of grey-green fat discoloration. The microbiological status
      of retailer-ready cuts removed from CO(2)-CAP packs after 89 days chilled storage
      was superior to that of cuts from vacuum packs. Clear plastic and metallized film
      CO(2)-CAP packs performed comparably.

PMID- 22060683
TI  - Flavor and texture characteristics of low fat ground beef patties formulated with
      whey protein concentrate.
AB  - Low fat ground beef patties (10-11% fat), formulated with 10% water, 0.5% salt
      and 1-4% whey protein concentrate (WPC), were evaluated for cooking
      characteristics and compared with controls of higher fat content. A reduction in
      the fat level from 22 to 11% improved all cooking parameters with respect to
      better cooking yield (p < 0.01) and fat retention (p < 0.05), increased cooked
      moisture content (p < 0.05) as well as reduced shrinkage (p < 0.05). Texture
      profile analysis (TPA) showed an increase in chewiness for low fat samples over
      the high fat control, while hardness and springiness remained unaffected. Adding
      10% water to the low fat meat did not change the cooking characteristics, except
      for a further increase in cooked moisture content (p < 0.05) and an increase in
      the value for springiness (p < 0.05). Addition of increasing levels of WPC with
      10% water to low fat meat resulted in a linear increase (p < 0.05) in cooked
      yield with a linear decrease (p < 0.05) in shrinkage. The 4% WPC level produced
      the highest cooking yield (125% of the high fat control) and the least shrinkage
      (49% of the high fat control). Sensory analysis showed the 4% WPC level to be
      preferred over lower levels with respect to juiciness and overall acceptability.
      Addition of 0.3% of texture-modifying additives showed that calcium chloride and
      hydroxypropylmethylcellulose had a detrimental effect on yield and shrinkage,
      whereas the effect of tripolyphosphate (TPP) was positive (p < 0.05). Perception
      of juiciness and overall acceptability of formulated low fat products was
      significantly better (p < 0.05) with the addition of TPP (0.3%) and lactose
      (1.2%) to the WPC formulations. Fat levels (11, 18 and 22%) and lactose levels
      (0.24 and 1.2%) affected volatile components of the beef patties as measured by
      dynamic head space analysis. Ketones, i.e. 2-butanone, 2-pentanone and 3-hydroxy
      2-butanone increased with an increase in fat content from 11 to 22% fat. Addition
      of WPC and lactose decreased the relative concentrations of pentane, hexane and
      heptane. The increase of lactose level in meat was accompanied by an increase in
      4,4 diethyl-2-oxetanone and 2-methyl-butanal, two compounds that may originate
      from non-enzymatic browning of lactose.

PMID- 22060684
TI  - Influence of carcass weight on instrumental and sensory lamb meat quality in
      intensive production systems.
AB  - The influence of carcass weight (CW) on instrumental and sensory meat quality
      traits was studied in Rasa Aragonesa lamb carcasses. Forty-six intact male lamb
      carcasses were divided into three groups: 8.07 (S.D. 0.36) kg (A); 10.22 (S.D.
      0.79) kg (B) and 13.42 (S.D. 1.36) kg (C). Results indicate that CW significantly
      influenced instrumental measurements in all the traits considered, except for
      waterholding capacity. The weight increase produced higher pH, haem pigment and
      redness (a (*)) and lower lightness. Shear values were higher (p <= 0.01) in
      group B. Sensory traits were not influenced by CW with the exception of
      juiciness. This parameter increased in the order A-B-C, and the subjective colour
      estimation was darker in groups B and C. The results show that it is possible to
      produce heavier or lighter lamb carcasses than traditional lamb (Ternasco de
      Aragon, group B), without significant losses in meat quality. This fact could
      give flexibility to a system permitting the slaughter weight to be adjusted to
      variations in seasonal prices.

PMID- 22060685
TI  - The display life of retail packaged pork chops after their storage in master
      packs under atmospheres of N(2), CO(2) or O(2) + CO(2).
AB  - Commercial, bone-in pork loins were divided into four portions. One portion of
      each loin was vacuum packaged, then stored at -1.5  degrees C. The other portions
      were each divided into three chops, which were retail packaged. The retail packs
      were master packaged under atmospheres of N(2), CO(2) or O(2) + CO(2) (2:1, v/v),
      then stored at 2  degrees C. The pork was assessed after storage for up to 42
      days. At each assessment, a vacuum pack and a master pack of each type, each
      containing product from the same loin, were withdrawn from storage. The vacuum
      packaged portion was cut into three chops, which were retail packaged. The chops
      from all packagings were displayed in a retail cabinet which maintained average
      air temperatures between 3 and 6  degrees C. The chops were assessed twice daily
      until they were judged to be of undesirable appearance. After storage for 1 or 2
      days, the chops from all master packs appeared less desirable than the freshly
      cut chops. After all longer storage times, chops from N(2) and CO(2) atmospheres
      appeared as desirable as freshly cut chops, as did chops from O(2) + CO(2) that
      were stored for up to 16 days. However, chops stored under O(2) + CO(2) for 21
      days appeared undesirable. Chops stored under N(2) or O(2) + CO(2) developed
      spoilage odours, after storage for 28 or 21 days, respectively. Bacteria were
      more numerous on the fat than on the muscle tissue. The numbers of bacteria were
      10(7) cfu cm(-2) on the fat surfaces of chops stored under vacuum or N(2) for 42
      days. The numbers of bacteria were 10(6) cfu cm(-2) on the fat surfaces of chops
      stored under CO(2) for 42 days or under O(2) + CO(2) for 21 days. At those times,
      only lactobacilli were isolated from chops stored under CO(2), but small or large
      fractions of enterobacteria were present in the flora on chops stored under
      vacuum or N(2), respectively, while the flora on chops stored under O(2) + CO(2)
      contained large fractions of Brochothrix thermosphacta and Gram negative,
      strictly aerobic, spoilage bacteria. After all storage times, chops cut from
      vacuum packaged portions remained of desirable appearance when displayed for 48
      hr or longer. Chops stored under N(2) or CO(2) for between 2 and 35 days, or
      under O(2) + CO(2) for between 4 and 12 days, retained a desirable appearance
      during display for the same times as the freshly cut chops. Off-odours were
      apparent in chops after their display following storage under vacuum or CO(2) for
      21 days, or under N(2) or O(2) + CO(2) for 12 days. The numbers of bacteria on
      the fat surfaces of chops spoiled by off-odours were >= 10(5) cfu cm(-2). The
      flora on chops removed from display were generally enriched for B. thermosphacta,
      enterobacteria and/or Gram negative aerobes as compared with the flora on the
      chops when they were removed from the storage packs. Those data indicate that the
      storage life of master packaged, display ready pork will probably be severely
      limited by the poor hygienic condition of commercial products, to little more
      than 1 week for product stored under N(2) or O(2) + CO(2) or < 3 weeks for
      product stored under CO(2).

PMID- 22060686
TI  - The relationship between sensory time-intensity, physiological electromyography
      and instrumental texture profile analysis measurements of beef tenderness.
AB  - The relationship between the perception of tenderness, chewing activity and
      instrumental compression was explored by time-intensity, electromyography and
      instrumental texture profile analysis (ITPA). Bovine m. longissimus dorsi from
      five treatments were evaluated by seven individuals. Time-intensity results
      showed that the Decrease Area and Area Under the Curve provided the most
      information regarding sample differences, with the former providing the best
      sample discrimination. Electromyographic results of mastication rate demonstrated
      the number of chews required to reach maximum force to chew. The results suggest
      a need to re-examine the effects of early mastication vs the late mastication
      effects for the measurement of meat tenderness.

PMID- 22060687
TI  - Is there a protease that preferentially cleaves the M-line in partially
      dehydrated muscle?
AB  - When a partially dehydrated muscle fibre bundle (PDM, 65% H(2)O, pH 5.5, at 4 
      degrees C) was treated with a supernatant fraction (M-line-cleaving fraction:
      MCF) of muscle homogenate for 5 hr, the M-lines disappeared. MCF was extracted
      from rabbit skeletal muscles by homogenization with 15 mM HCl containing 0.5 M
      NaCl (pH 3.7), fractionated with 25-65% (NH(4))(2)SO(4) and clarified by Sephadex
      G-75. Rabbit psoas PDM was obtained with an osmotic dehydration sheet and
      glycerinated. One end of the bisected fibre bundle was incubated with 10 mM Na
      acetate (pH 5.5), 1 mM EDTA, 5 mM beta-mercaptoethanol (beta-MCE), 150 mM KCl, 10
      mM NaN(3) with MCF at 25  degrees C for 5 hr, the muscle being stretched and
      relaxed several times. The other end was incubated in the same solution, except
      that MCF was omitted (control). Electron microscopy showed the myofibrils broken
      down at the M-line in the presence of MCF. The myofilaments were closely packed
      near the Z-line and flared out at both ends near the centre of the sarcomere (bow
      tie shape). Thus, the Z-line is not the only target of proteases and structural
      decomposition can also occur at the M-line under specific conditions. An M-line
      cleaving protease may exist in the MCF muscle extract.

PMID- 22060688
TI  - Post-mortem pH decline in different ostrich muscles.
AB  - Post-mortem glycolysis, as described by muscle pH decline, was investigated in
      several ostrich muscles. While the gastrocnemius pars interna, femorotibialis
      medius, iliotibialis lateralis and iliofemoralis showed the normal descending pH
      decline pattern, the ambiens as well as the iliofibularis showed a very rapid pH
      decline until 2 hr post mortem whereafter pH increased.

PMID- 22060689
TI  - Yeast populations on Spanish fermented sausages.
AB  - Yeast populations on 24 lots of Spanish fermented sausages, made by four
      factories (F1, F2 and F4, artisanal; F3, industrial) were investigated throughout
      manufacture and the influence of different variables evaluated. In addition, 41
      yeast strains were identified at the species level using two miniaturised
      systems: ATB32C (API System) and Vitek Yeast Biochemical Card (Vitek YBC). Levels
      of yeasts found in the sausage mixture (mean counts around 4 log units/g) were
      similar to those described by other authors. In sausages from factories F1 and
      F2, a further increase was noted, reaching 5.5 log units/g after fermentation.
      Counts subsequently decreased to 3.6 and 5 log units/g, respectively. In sausages
      from factories F3 and F4, decreasing counts were observed from the beginning,
      particularly in sausages from F3, where yeasts were almost absent in the finished
      product. Type of manufacture and sausage diameter, were the variables most
      influencing yeast counts. Debaryomyces hansenii (teleomorph of C. famata) was the
      dominant species, being found at all stages of manufacture. Trichosporon ovoides
      (formerly T. beigelii), Yarrowia lipolytica (perfect form of C. lipolytica), C.
      intermedia/curvata, C. parapsilosis, C. zeylanoides and Citeromyces matritensis
      (teleomorph of C. globosa) were also present. Direct identification was possible
      only with 50% of the total of strains investigated, although a higher number of
      strains was identified using the API than the Vitek YBC system.

PMID- 22060690
TI  - Analysis of volatile components and the sensory characteristics of irradiated raw
      pork.
AB  - Longissimus dorsi muscle strips, approximately 20 mm long, 40 mm wide, and 5 mm
      thick (4 g), of pig were randomly placed in a single layer into labeled bags
      (four strips per bag) and packaged either aerobically or under vacuum. Samples in
      the bags were irradiated at 0, 5, or 10 kGy and stored at 4 degrees C for 5 days.
      Lipid oxidation, the amount and identity of volatile components and sensory
      characteristics of raw pork strips were determined at 0 and 5 days of storage.
      Irradiated muscle strips produced more 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances
      (TBARS) than nonirradiated only in aerobic packaging during storage. Irradiation
      had no effect on the production of volatiles related to lipid oxidation, but
      produced a few sulfur-containing compounds not found in nonirradiated meat. This
      indicates that the major contributor of off-odor in irradiated meat is not lipid
      oxidation, but radiolytic breakdown of sulfur-containing amino acids. Many of the
      irradiation-dependent volatiles reduced to 50 to 25% levels during the 5-days
      storage under aerobic conditions. Irradiated muscle strips produced stronger
      irradiation odor than nonirradiated, but no irradiation dose or storage effect
      was found. Irradiation had no negative effect on the acceptance of meat, and
      approximately 70% of sensory panels characterized irradiation odor as barbecued
      corn-like odor.

PMID- 22060691
TI  - Evaluation of electrical stunning in commercial rabbits effect on brain function.
AB  - Effect of electrical stunning on brain function in commercial rabbits was
      evaluated in electrophysiological studies. In addition to measuring duration of
      spontaneous physical activity and times to signs of recovery, electrocorticogram
      (ECOG) recordings and evoked responses were analysed following electrical
      stunning with 100 V for 1 s in eight rabbits. Epileptiform and other types of
      activity indicating insensibility were observed in the ECOG. Evoked responses
      were absent from 24 to 204 s following stunning. Application of a minimum current
      of 140 mA followed by prompt sticking should prevent welfare problems at stunning
      and slaughter in rabbits.

PMID- 22060692
TI  - Preslaughter resting and hot-fat trimming effects on the incidence of pale, soft
      and exudative (PSE) pork and ham processing characteristics.
AB  - Effects of preslaughter rest (0, 1, 2 or 3 h) and hot-fat trimming (HFT, one
      side) on muscle quality characteristics of hams and loins were tested with 120
      pigs. Center-cut loins from each carcass side were vacuum packaged and stored for
      7 or 14 days at 2 degrees C. Pigs not rested before slaughter had a skin
      temperature 3 degrees C higher and ham muscle temperatures 1 degrees C higher
      than pigs rested 1-3 h (P<0.05). Three hour muscle pH was highest if pigs were
      rested for 1 h. HFT significantly accelerated carcass chilling rate, but did not
      affect rate of muscle pH decline. After 14 days of aging, pigs not rested had
      lower sensory panel ratings for juiciness, tenderness, flavor and overall
      mouthfeel of loin chops than pigs rested 1 or 2 h. Percentage bound water of hams
      was highest (P<0.05) if pigs rested 1 or 2 h rather than a shorter or longer
      times. Pigs should be rested 1 h before slaughter and HFT carried out to allow
      more rapid carcass chilling and improve muscle quality.

PMID- 22060693
TI  - Testing for the RN(-) gene in retail pork chops.
AB  - A random sample of pork chops were purchased from local retail outlets to
      determine if the frequency of the RN(-) phenotype could be roughly estimated by
      GP measurements in fresh raw pork products or by genotyping for the nearest DNA
      microsatellite markers. Glycolytic potential (GP) is the estimated sum of
      glycogen, the intermediate metabolites of glycogenolysis, and the end product,
      lactate. GP has been used to identify a genetic mutation known as the RN(-) or
      Hampshire gene. Currently, there is no genetic test for the RN(-) allele and
      flanking DNA microsatellite markers were not useful at predicting the RN(-)
      phenotype in the random samples. Excessively high GP was found in 25% of the
      samples which correlated with a significant (P>0.05) drop in pH (5.8 to 5.7), a
      paler (L* value; 54.1 to 57.5) more yellowish (b* value; 9.6 to 11.6) color, and
      an increased cooking loss (9 to 18%), typical of the RN(-) phenotype. A genetic
      test for skin colour in swine proved that the majority (79%) of high GP pork
      sampled were from phenotypically white pigs. Analysis of glucose levels in post
      rigor samples may be useful in progeny testing for the RN gene until a true
      genetic marker can be identified.

PMID- 22060694
TI  - Modelling the effect of sarcomere length on collagen thermal shortening in cooked
      meat: consequence on meat toughness.
AB  - Normal and contracted pieces of Semimembranosus and Longissimus Dorsi muscles
      from cull cows were cooked for 90 min at temperatures up to 80 degrees C. For
      both muscles, at 50 degrees C the normal samples have higher breaking stress than
      contracted samples. The breaking stress of normal samples decreases at 55 degrees
      C. This decrease is not observed for contracted samples. The contracted samples
      become the tougher above 60 degrees C. Drip and cooking losses are the highest in
      contracted samples. Sarcomere length decreases above 60 degrees C whatever the
      raw sarcomere length. The amplitude of thermal shortening of perimysium collagen
      fibres in cooked meat has been calculated. This theoretical model takes into
      account the changes in the waviness of collagen fibres associated with changes in
      raw sarcomere length and the geometrical changes of fibre bundles due to drip,
      cooking losses and cooking shortening. The calculations lead to the conclusion
      that thermal shortening of collagen fibres at 60 degrees C is lower in contracted
      samples than in normal samples. As the final modulus of collagen fibres decreases
      when their thermal shortening increases, this can explain part of the differences
      observed between the toughness of normal and contracted cooked meats. In
      particular, it can explain why contracted cooked meat becomes tougher than normal
      meat just above 60 degrees C and why there is a decrease in normal meat toughness
      between 55 and 60 degrees C. This work therefore emphasises the role of collagen
      in toughening associated with cold shortening.

PMID- 22060695
TI  - An international study on the importance of androstenone and skatole for boar
      taint: I. Presentation of the programme and measurement of boar taint compounds
      with different analytical procedures.
AB  - An international study, involving 11 participants in 7 European countries, was
      conducted to provide scientific evidence for an objective measurement of boar
      taint in entire male pigs and its possible variation between countries. The
      specific objectives were to determine the respective contributions of
      androstenone and skatole to boar taint and their possible variations according to
      production systems and consumer populations. Over 4000 entire male pigs and 200
      gilts were raised and slaughtered in 6 countries. Meat samples were taken from
      the loin and backfat samples were used for the rapid measurement of androstenone
      and skatole. A sub-population of 377 entire males and 42 gilts was then selected
      in such a way as to represent all combinations of skatole and androstenone
      levels. Androstenone and skatole levels in the selected samples were checked,
      using established reference methods. Meat samples from the selected animals were
      used for sensory evaluation by trained panels and for consumer surveys in 7
      European countries. The present paper gives a general presentation of the
      programme and reports the main characteristics of the samples. Three companion
      papers present the results of the evaluation by trained sensory panels
      [Dijksterhuis, G., Engel, B., Walstra, P., Font i Furnols, M., Agerhem, H.,
      Fisher, K., Oliver, M. A., Claudi-Magnussen, C., Siret, F., Beague, M. P., Homer,
      D. B., & Bonneau, M. (2000). An international study on the importance of
      androstenone and skatole for boar taint: II. Sensory evaluation by trained panels
      in seven European countries. Meat Science54, 261-269], the results of the
      consumer surveys [Matthews, K. R., Homer, D. B., Punter, P., Beague, M. P.,
      Gispert, M., Kemspter, A. J., Agerhem, H., Claudi-Magnussen, C., Fischer, K.,
      Siret, F., Leask, H., Font i Furnols, M., & Bonneau, M. (2000). An international
      study on the importance of androstenone and skatole for boar taint: III. Consumer
      survey in seven European countries. Meat Science, 54, 271-283] and the main
      conclusions and recommendations [Bonneau, M., Walstra, P., Claudi-Magnussen, C.,
      Kempster, A. J., Tornberg, E., Fischer, K., Diestre, A., Siret, F., Chevillon,
      P., Claus, R., Dijksterhuis, G., Punter, P., Matthews, K. R., Agerhem, H.,
      Beague, M. P., Oliver, M. A., Gispert, M., Weiler, U., von Seth, G., Leask, H.,
      Font i Furnols, M., Homer, D. B., & Cook, G. L. (2000). An international study on
      the importance of androstenone and skatole for boar taint: IV. Simulation studies
      on consumer dissatisfaction with entire male pork and the effect of sorting out
      carcasses on the slaughter line, main conclusions and recommendations. Meat
      Science, 54, 285-295]. Seasonal effects and differences between countries in
      skatole and androstenone levels are presented elsewhere [Walstra, P., Claudi
      Magnussen, C., Chevillon, P., von-Seth, G., Diestre, A., Matthews, K. R., Homer,
      D. B., & Bonneau, M. (in press). An international study on the importance of
      androstenone and skatole for boar taint: Levels of androstenone and skatole
      according to country and season. Livestock Production Science]. A supplementary
      paper considers the effects of human sensitivity to androstenone and skatole on
      the consumer acceptance of entire male pork [Weiler, U., Font i Furnols, M.,
      Fischer, K., Kemmer, H., Oliver, M. A., Gispert, M., Dobrowolski, A., & Claus, R.
      (in press). Influence of differences in sensitivity of Spanish and German
      consumers to perceive androstenone on the acceptance of boar meat differing in
      skatole and androstenone concentrations. Meat Science]. A study of possible other
      compounds contributing to boar taint was also carried out within this programme.

PMID- 22060696
TI  - An international study on the importance of androstenone and skatole for boar
      taint: II. Sensory evaluation by trained panels in seven European countries.
AB  - The aim of the present study (part of an EU AIR programme on boar taint) was to
      make objective the perception of boar taint in entire male pork, and to relate
      the perception to skatole and androstenone levels. Trained analytical sensory
      panels in seven European countries assessed pig meat with known levels of
      androstenone and skatole. The panels performed a sensory profiling using the
      attributes pig, urine, manure/stable, naphthalene/mothballs, rancid, sweet, sweat
      and abnormal, both for odour and flavour in separate sessions. It turned out to
      be difficult to harmonise sensory methodology for seven sensory panels throughout
      the EU, especially with respect to the exact level of training the panellists
      received. Sensory panels in general were able to differentiate between the two
      compounds and between different levels of the compounds, though substantial
      differences between the panels in the different countries existed. Androstenone
      was found to relate mostly to the urine attribute, while skatole related mostly
      to manure and, to a lesser extent, to naphthalene.

PMID- 22060697
TI  - An international study on the importance of androstenone and skatole for boar
      taint: III. Consumer survey in seven European countries.
AB  - There has long been debate over the relative importance for consumer
      acceptability of androstenone and skatole. The objective of this study was to
      investigate consumer reaction to pig meat of varying levels of androstenone and
      skatole in seven member states of the European Union. Over 4000 entire male pigs
      (and 233 gilts as a control) were produced in six European countries, and a sub
      sample of 420 were selected to represent a range of androstenone and skatole
      levels. Loin samples from these pigs were distributed to the seven participating
      countries. Samples were prepared and cooked according to standardised procedures
      in each of the countries and presented to pork consumers. Each consumer rated
      samples from five pigs for liking of flavour and liking of odour. Although there
      were significant differences between country panels in their liking of meat from
      entire males generally, there was a greater degree of dislike as both
      androstenone and skatole increased. This reaction was stronger for skatole than
      androstenone and consumers reacted more negatively in terms of odour than
      flavour.

PMID- 22060698
TI  - An international study on the importance of androstenone and skatole for boar
      taint: IV. Simulation studies on consumer dissatisfaction with entire male pork
      and the effect of sorting carcasses on the slaughter line, main conclusions and
      recommendations.
AB  - An international study has been conducted in order to determine the respective
      contributions of androstenone and skatole to boar taint and their possible
      variations according to production systems and consumer populations. The
      presentation of the study and the main results concerning skatole and
      androstenone levels and data from sensory evaluation or consumer surveys are
      reported in companion papers. The present paper summarises the main conclusions
      of the study and gives tentative recommendations. A simulation study was
      conducted, based on the skatole and androstenone levels currently observed in
      European populations of entire male pigs and on the results of the consumer
      surveys. The first part of the simulation study demonstrated that, overall, 6.5%
      (odour) and 3.0% (flavour) more consumers were dissatisfied with entire male than
      with gilt pork. The differences were, however, very variable according to
      countries. Consumer dissatisfaction for the odour of entire male pork was mostly
      associated with high skatole levels, while androstenone had little influence on
      it. On the other hand, androstenone and skatole had similar contributions to the
      level of dissatisfaction for flavour. From the present study it is not possible
      to determine clear cut-off levels for androstenone/skatole. The regression
      equations presented in [Matthews, K. R., Homer, D. B., Punter, P., Beague, M. P.,
      Gispert, M., Siret, F., Leask, H., Fonti i Furnols, M., & Bonneau, M. (2000). An
      international study on the importance of androstenone, skatole for boar taint:
      III. Consumer survey in seven European countries. Meat Science, 54, 271-283]
      provide a basis for decision making. However, due to methodological limitations,
      the results may underestimate consumer reaction to entire male pork. The second
      part of the simulation study demonstrated that sorting carcasses on the basis of
      androstenone/skatole would reduce, but not eliminate, differences in consumer
      dissatisfaction between entire male and gilt pork. For odour, taking androstenone
      into account did not improve the efficiency obtained from sorting using skatole
      only. For flavour, sorting using both compounds was more efficient than sorting
      using skatole only. Sorting out 15% of the entire males, on the basis of skatole
      only, would result in a difference in the proportion of dissatisfied consumers of
      4.2% (odour) or 2.0% (flavour) between entire male and gilt pork. The results of
      the last part of the simulation study demonstrated that decreasing skatole in
      entire male pig populations, to levels as low as 0.10 ppm, would still result in
      a difference in the proportion of dissatisfied consumers of 3.2% (odour) or 1.6%
      (flavour). To reduce this difference further, the levels of both compounds would
      have to be reduced still further. The lowest difference that can be achieved is
      2.3% (odour) or 0.4% (flavour). The conclusions of the present study may differ
      according to whether immediate commercial applications or long-term goals are
      considered. On the basis of the skatole and androstenone levels currently
      observed in entire male pig populations, sorting out procedures based on skatole
      is the easiest way to rapidly achieve a significant decrease in consumer
      dissatisfaction with entire male pork. In most countries, however, this will not
      be sufficient to obtain the same level of acceptability as with gilts. In the
      long term, a sharp reduction in both skatole and androstenone would have to be
      achieved in entire male pig populations to obtain low differences in
      acceptability between entire male and gilt pork.

PMID- 22060699
TI  - Influence of differences in sensitivity of Spanish and German consumers to
      perceive androstenone on the acceptance of boar meat differing in skatole and
      androstenone concentrations.
AB  - The reactions of German (n=472) and Spanish (n=480) consumers of the European
      boar taint study to boar meat were evaluated according to their androstenone
      sensitivity. Consumers were checked with pure substance for their androstenone
      sensitivity. Eighteen per cent of the German and 31% of the Spanish participants
      were highly sensitive to androstenone, with a significantly higher proportion of
      women. For insensitive/mildly sensitive consumers, skatole level was the main
      determinant for the rating of flavour and odour of pork. For highly sensitive
      consumers, androstenone significantly influenced the rating of odour (Spain and
      Germany) and flavour (Germany) and is the predominant problem for that group, due
      to the high percentage of carcasses with high androstenone levels.

PMID- 22060701
TI  - Preface.

PMID- 22060700
TI  - Development of a quality monitoring program for platelet components: a report of
      the first four years' experience at Canadian Blood Services.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A quality monitoring program (QMP) for platelet concentrates (PCs)
      was implemented at Canadian Blood Services (CBS) to improve standards and to
      better understand platelet (PLT) products by supplementing routine quality
      control (QC). STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Annual surveys of PCs from CBS production
      sites were conducted, with four completed to date (QMP Cycles 1-4) spanning two
      different PC production methods: PLT-rich plasma (PRP) and buffy coat (BC).
      Randomly selected PCs were sent to a central laboratory and tested 1 day after
      expiry. An expanded panel of tests including CD62P expression by flow cytometry,
      mean PLT volume, PLT count and morphology, extent of shape change, and PLT
      metabolic parameters, were applied. RESULTS: QMP data on the implementation of
      the BC production method across CBS indicated that BC PCs have less variable in
      vitro quality measures than PRP PCs. For the QC parameters pH and PLT count per
      unit, the range of mean values from each site for QMP 3 and 4 fell well within
      the range defined by regulatory standards, a first step in defining quality
      benchmarks for PCs. Of the extended panel of quality parameters, CD62P expression
      was the most sensitive indicator of change and identified an issue with the
      implementation of the BC PC production method at one site, which was subsequently
      remedied. CONCLUSION: A QMP was found to be useful to monitor production
      processes across sites and highlights best practice approaches while deepening
      understanding of the quality of PLT products at CBS.

PMID- 22060702
TI  - Some recent advances and future priorities in research for the meat industry.
AB  - The meat industry is undergoing a period of very mixed fortunes with beef in
      particular losing market share; however, longer term forecasts are good for all
      meat species with demand growth coming mainly from developing countries. This
      review deals in particular with the main problems that are responsible for the
      decline of beef as a consumer product in developed markets. These are the meat
      safety crisis and the unreliability of meat eating quality, especially
      tenderness. The review suggests that recent research has defined and clarified
      these problems but they have not been elucidated to the extent that is needed for
      product assurance. Hence, meat safety and consistent quality are two of the core
      issues to be addressed in future research. The third core issue is product
      development which is very active in the most competitive sectors of the food
      industry and is weak in the red meat sector.

PMID- 22060703
TI  - Proteolysis and lipolysis in flavour development of dry-cured meat products.
AB  - Numerous proteolytic and lipolytic reactions are involved in the generation of
      flavour and/ or flavour precursors in meat and meat products. Most of these
      reactions are known to be due to endo-/exo-peptidases and lipases, respectively.
      The origin of these enzymes may be either from muscle and/or from microorganisms,
      although their relative relevance for a given meat product strongly depends on
      the manufacture and distribution. In this paper, the postmortem proteolysis and
      lipolysis is described with particular reference to dry-cured ham, a typical meat
      product naturally ripened by endogenous enzymes.

PMID- 22060704
TI  - Bacterial role in flavour development.
AB  - The role of bacteria in the production of non volatile and volatile compounds
      involved in the fermented meat flavour is discussed. Lactic acid bacteria produce
      D-lactic and acetic acids which may give a sour note. By reducing the pH, they
      also modulate the other bio-chemical bacterial activities. In muscle tissue
      proteins are degraded into peptides and lipids into fatty acids mainly by
      endogenous enzymes. In fermented meat products with a high pH lipases from very
      lipolytic species of Staphylococcus could increase lipolysis. Bacteria could also
      play a role in the production and degradation of free amino acids. Staphylococcus
      and to a lesser extent, lactic acid bacteria could participate in the production
      of methyl-branched aldehydes and their corresponding alcohols and acids from
      branchedchain amino acids. By their nitrate reductase and catalase Staphylococcus
      species limit fatty acid oxidation and aldehyde production. Staphylococcus could
      contribute to the ester content as they can produce or hydrolyse esters in vitro.

PMID- 22060705
TI  - New developments in meat starter cultures.
AB  - Meat starter cultures containing one or more strains of lactic acid
      bacteria,Actinobacteria, staphylococci,Halomonas elongata, Aeromonas spec., and
      moulds or yeasts are widely in practical use. The progress in microbial
      systematic has led to changes in the taxonomy of familiar bacterial species which
      are described. Studies of flavour genesis led to the identification of the
      contribution of the enzyme activities endogenously present in the meat matrix as
      well as of those exerted by the starter cultures. Characteristic compounds of the
      aroma of fermented meat products originating from the starter organisms were also
      described. New knowledge was accumulated on the physiology and genetics of
      starter bacteria and some insight has been gained in the regulation of the
      expression of genes encoding important properties such as bacteriocin production
      or catalase activity. The applicability of gene technology to starter strains has
      been shown and strains have been constructed that have the potential to further
      improve the technological and hygienic suitability of starter cultures. New
      applications of the micro-organisms as protective or probiotic cultures have been
      developed for application in meat science.

PMID- 22060706
TI  - Bacteriocinogenic lactic acid bacteria for the biopreservation of meat and meat
      products.
AB  - The consumer demands for less preserved foods and the development of new food
      systems to fulfil these demands, urges new hurdles for pathogen growth. The
      strategies for pathogen reduction are not selective for pathogenic microorganism
      and therefore the non-spoilage microorganisms may become also inactivated, from
      this situation a question of concern about a freer way for pathogen growth is
      arised. Biopreservation refers to the extended storage life and enhanced safety
      of foods using their natural or controlled microflora and (or) their
      antibacterial products. In meats, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) constitute a part of
      the initial microflora which develops easily after meat is processed. LAB growth
      in meat can cause microbial interference to spoilage and pathogenic bacteria
      through several mechanisms, specially bacteriocins. The paper deals with the
      description of meat-borne bacteriocins and their application in meat and meat
      products either to extend the shelf life or to inhibit meat pathogens. The
      application of bacteriocinogenic LAB together with new technological hurdles is
      discussed.

PMID- 22060707
TI  - Factors affecting the emergence of pathogens on foods.
AB  - Recent times have seen the emergence of a number of new or emerging pathogens.
      Research is needed to establish the mechanisms underlying their emergence in
      foods, and their interactions with traditional food production processes. The
      paper reviews the general relationships between environmental stresses and
      pathogen emergence. Non genetic mechanisms of pathogen adaptation to stress are
      considered, focusing on acid resistance as an example of particular importance to
      pathogen survival in food and the human host. The influence of environmental
      factors in genetic adaptation in stationary phase cells are considered in
      relation to the development of non-directed antibiotic resistance, i.e.
      development of resistance when antibiotics are not present in the environment.
      The paper examines the molecular mechanisms underlying such genetic processes and
      their enhancement during environmental stress. The implications of these
      mechanisms for food safety and pathogen emergence are discussed.

PMID- 22060708
TI  - Dry fermented sausages.
AB  - Two major aspects of fermented sausages are discussed in the article. After a
      brief history of enterohemorrhagicEscherichia coli with special regard to
      fermented meat products the basic experimental designs and results are tackled on
      the basis of which safety issue in this respect is thoroughly discussed. The
      results show a rather limited opportunity for meeting food safety requirements
      with short or medium time ripened raw fermented sausages while traditionally,
      long ripened sausages are in a much better position. Fermented meat products as
      probiotics are also discussed. After evolving the EHEC outbreaks caused by
      fermented sausages the possibilities for finding reliable methods and products
      have been narrowed and more research is needed to find optimum solution.

PMID- 22060709
TI  - Sustained utilization of the Iberian pig breed.
AB  - The Iberian pig is one of the scarce non-improved swine breeds which survives the
      modern techniques of pig production based on improved genotypes. This is
      attributed both to its perfect adaptation to the Mediterranean natural ecosystem
      and the high quality of its products. The production of meat products from
      Iberian pigs has very little in common with that of meat products obtained from
      selected pigs raised under intensive conditions, and it constitutes an example of
      the preparation of high quality meat products, comparable to the most exquisite
      food products in the world. The production of Iberian pig is deeply bound to the
      Mediterranean ecosystem. It is a rare example in the world swine production where
      the pig contributes so decisively to the preservation of the ecosystem. The aim
      of this review is to describe in detail the traditional feeding of the Iberian
      pigs in La Dehesa and to discuss some aspects of the use of alternatives to this
      production system. Some of the experience in the formulation of compounds feeds
      for Iberian pigs and in the processing of meat products could be useful in the
      feeding of other pig genotypes and in different meat processing strategies.

PMID- 22060710
TI  - Rapid microbiological methods in meat and meat products.
AB  - Modern analytical techniques have to provide accurate results in time to permit
      forward approaches for controlling the microbiological quality of foods. Although
      the classical microbiological procedures of counting and identification of micro
      organisms have been automated, several techniques with quite different principles
      are now used. The quantification of the microbial load of meat samples can be
      done in 4-24 hr with methods involving the growth of micro-organisms in liquid
      media (impedance and turbidimetric methods) and in less than 2 hr with methods
      counting stained microbial cells or detecting components of microbial cells.
      Rapid detection of undesirable (pathogens or spoilers) micro-organisms in meat
      samples can be done with immunological and DNA-based methods. The main techniques
      which can be used for the microbiological quantification and identification in
      the meat industries, as well as their applications are reviewed. Possibilities
      for rapid typing of bacterial isolates are also presented. Finally, some future
      trends in the microbiological analysis of foods are discussed.

PMID- 22060711
TI  - Quality Assurance schemes.
AB  - This paper considers the consumer's changing definition of quality in relation to
      meat and the current development of Quality Assurance (QA) schemes to ensure that
      certain quality standards are met. The key ingredients of QA schemes are food
      safety, animal welfare and sensory aspects (meat quality) although the latter is
      not a major feature of many schemes at present. For each of these components,
      points in the production-processing chain where problems can arise should be
      identified and control procedures introduced. Monitoring is required to check the
      effectiveness of these. This approach is based on HACCP principles although best
      practice rules are the basis of most current QA schemes. The paper identifies key
      points on the farm and in the abattoir where food safety, animal welfare and meat
      quality can be compromised and shows how best practice procedures are introduced
      to reliably raise standards. There is some concern about the credibility of some
      QA schemes in relation to the standards set, the strictness of inspection and
      especially the impartiality of auditing procedures. This may be ensured in
      schemes within Europe which comply with EN 45011 standards. The move towards more
      tightly regulated QA schemes to raise consumer confidence could benefit some
      traditional products and organic meat production schemes which already operate
      with strict specifications.

PMID- 22060712
TI  - Neurophysiology and assessment of welfare.
AB  - Concern for animal welfare is a major consideration in meat production and is
      based upon the belief that animals can suffer. Welfare may be considered in terms
      of the subjective experiences of animals; preference testing is often used in
      this approach. Neurophysiology has provided insight into the biological basis of
      emotions and into the mechanisms of learning and memory, which are important to
      interpret the results of preference tests. Welfare may also be defined in terms
      of the biological functioning of the animals; physiological measures of stress
      such as plasma levels of glucocorticoids, catecholamines, prolactin and
      endorphins, as well as heart rate and brain levels of neurotransmitters are then
      used to assess welfare. Individual differences in the stress response are
      important in welfare issues. Slaughter poses particular problems and
      neurophysiology has provided objective criteria to assess the effectiveness of
      electrical stunning. It is concluded that neurophysiology has made important
      contributions to assess and improve animal welfare.

PMID- 22060713
TI  - Muscle fibre type and meat quality.
AB  - Muscle morphology and fibre type composition are briefly reviewed in relation to
      colour stability and tenderness in beef, and water holding capacity, colour and
      eating quality in pork. A large inter-muscle and inter-animal variation exists in
      meat quality, which is often related to metabolic and contractile properties as
      determined by their muscle fibre type distribution. Characteristics of different
      muscles may be modified in living animals by environmental conditions and genetic
      selection. Selection experiments based on biochemical and histochemical
      characteristics determined in biopsies or otherwise, and study of correlated
      selection responses, may lead to the development and applications of (new) muscle
      traits in future breeding programmes.

PMID- 22060714
TI  - Recent methods for predicting quality of whole meat.
AB  - The world of meat faces a permanent need for new methods of meat quality
      evaluation. Researchers want improved techniques to deepen their understanding of
      meat features. Expectations of consumers for meat quality grow constantly, which
      induces the necessity of quality control at the levels of slaughtering, meat
      cutting, and distribution. This article is focused on techniques intended to
      predict technological and sensory qualities from measurements carried out on
      fresh intact meat. pH has been measured for a long time, but its on-line
      determination still progresses through automation. In the laboratory, NMR
      provides new insights on WHC mechanisms. Image processing has considerably
      improved the assessment of meat appearance. Developments of techniques for
      prediction of toughness are in progress, either directly, through ultrasonic
      analysis or NIR reflectance, or indirectly, through determination of connective
      tissue content by fluorescence probes. Control of authenticity benefits from the
      last developments of molecular biology and analytical chemistry. However,
      implementation of methods for meat quality evaluation has been very limited in
      the industry. The reasons for that situation are analyzed. Among the techniques
      recently described, the most promising for large-scale meat quality evaluation
      are considered to be ultrasonic analysis, image processing and NIR spectroscopy.

PMID- 22060715
TI  - The role of major genes and DNA technology in selection for meat quality in pigs.
AB  - The aim of this paper is to discuss the role of major genes and DNA technology in
      selection for meat quality in modern breeding schemes. An overview of major
      genes, including genes that affect water-binding, colour, marbling, boar taint
      and tenderness, is given. Two different approaches for the development of DNA
      tests as selection tools are described: (1) localization of relevant genes on the
      genome map using DNA markers, and (2) research on mutations in targeted
      functional genes (candidate genes). It is concluded that major genes for meat
      quality provide excellent opportunities, not only for increasing the level of
      meat quality, but also for decreasing variability. Furthermore, major genes can
      be exploited for differentiation for specific markets. It is stressed that
      phenotypic data on culled nucleus animals provide an important basis for the
      development of DNA tests for selection for meat quality. More fundamental
      research is recommended to understand the interactions of genes with each other
      and with environmental factors.

PMID- 22060716
TI  - Use of entire males for pig meat in the European Union.
AB  - The aim of the present paper is to review the present knowledge concerning the
      possible use of entire male pigs for meat production, with particular emphasis on
      the current situation in EU countries. Raising entire male pigs has a number of
      advantages including lower production costs, leaner carcass, reduction of the
      output of pollutants in the manure and improved welfare of the animals. However,
      it has also a number of drawbacks, most of them concerning meat quality, with
      boar taint being the most serious problem. A recent international study involving
      7 EU countries has shown that a higher proportion of consumers is dissatisfied
      with entire male than with gilt pork (31.9 vs 26.0% for odour; 21.5 vs 18.5% for
      flavour). However, the perception of boar taint differs widely between countries.
      Skatole, a compound with intense faecal odour, and androstenone, a steroid with
      intense urinary odour, are held as responsible for boar taint. The above
      mentioned international study demonstrated that skatole has a higher contribution
      than androstenone for consumer perception of unpleasant odours, while both
      compounds have similar contributions to unpleasant flavours. In the current
      situation, a high proportion of the entire male pigs reared in EU countries
      exhibit skatole/androstenone levels that result in a significant increase in
      consumer dissatisfaction, comparatively to gilt pork. Fat skatole levels are
      mostly dependent on feeding and rearing factors, while fat androstenone content
      is mostly determined by genetic factors. Besides the economic advantages
      associated with the production of entire males, the animal welfare issue may
      result some day in EU regulations prohibiting the castration of male piglets as
      it is currently performed. This would lead to a degradation of meat quality
      unless something is done to control the boar taint problem. An integrated
      approach should be considered with actions taken at the three levels of animal
      production, slaughter and processing. On the short range, immunocastration may
      offer a viable way for a drastic reduction of the incidence of boar taint in
      entire male pig populations. On the long range, selection against
      skatole/androstenone may be cheaper and more readily acceptable. Artificial noses
      and related techniques offer interesting possibilities for the assessment of boar
      taint on the slaughter line, however, further developments are needed in order to
      determine whether they can be used in industrial conditions. Tainted meat can be
      used through processing, however specific studies have to be conducted for each
      of the many products that can be processed from pig meat.

PMID- 22060717
TI  - Electronic nose and artificial neural network.
AB  - Gas sensor array technology combined with multivariate data processing methods as
      artificial neural network has been demonstrated to have a promising potential for
      rapid nondestructive analysis of odour and flavour in foods. It may be applicable
      in quality control of raw material, food processing or products. This technique
      cannot completely replace reference methods like the use of sensory panels as the
      technique requires a frequent calibration against some valid reference method. As
      with all new techniques there remain some basic problems to be solved concerning
      sample handling and instrumental performance. The emerging research activity in
      the development of chemical sensors including hardware and software combined with
      applied research makes it realistic to expect applications with this technique
      implemented on-line in the food industry in near future. In particular, promising
      applications on meat seem to be within the field of spoilage, off-flavour,
      sensory analysis and fermentation processes.

PMID- 22060718
TI  - Consumer perceptions of meat. Understanding these results through descriptive
      analysis.
AB  - Consumer perceptions of meals are investigated through qualitative and
      quantitative consumer studies. Qualitative studies add value and meaningful
      information to quantitative studies of meat. Among the important issues to
      consider in designing a quantitative consumer test for meats is the selection of
      terms to be used in a questionnaire. Additional terms besides tenderness,
      juiciness and flavor liking should be used to fully investigate consumer
      perceptions of meats. The limitations of consumer language is discussed. These
      limitations may be overcome through consumer-descriptive studies. These studies
      combine descriptive/sensory laboratory data with consumer information to decode
      consumer responses. The applications of this approach are: to achieve a more
      thorough interpretation and understanding of consumer responses, to provide more
      specific product guidance, to enable the prediction of consumer responses based
      on internal data (e.g. descriptive, instrumental), and to study different
      consumer segments.

PMID- 22060719
TI  - Small ruminant production systems and factors affecting lamb meat quality.
AB  - The influence of sheep production systems on the environment of the Mediterranean
      area and the different productive systems of lamb in Spain are described.
      Moreover the actual knowledge (90s decade) about factors influencing the quality
      of lamb meat is reviewed, highlighting the importance of productive and pre
      slaughter factors on carcass quality and post-slaughter factors on meat quality.
      Also the significance of culinary cultural back-ground on the acceptance of sheep
      meat is discussed.

PMID- 22060720
TI  - Robotic equipment in the meat industry.
AB  - Robotic technology is beginning to find uses in the meat processing industry.
      This paper attempts to describe the potential benefits and some of the problems
      in implementing robots for meat processing. An overview of some of the robotic
      equipment available and in development for beef, pork, lamb, poultry, fish and
      seafood processing is given. Standard industrial robots already perform meat
      industry tasks involving regular and uniform products and processes. Robotic
      automation is emerging for more skilled tasks but is not yet fully accepted or
      implemented in the meat industry.

PMID- 22060721
TI  - Environmental impact of pig meat production.
AB  - The aim of this paper is to examine the environmental effects of pig production
      and possibilities at farm level to limit these effects. According to the 'EC
      Nitrate Directive' the application of animal manure should not exceed 170 kg
      N/ha. Supply of animal manure in the 12 European member states exceeds 170 kg N
      per ha, approximately 13% of the number of holdings. The production of nitrogen
      from animal manure at member state level exceeds 170 kg N/ha in Belgium and The
      Netherlands. The performance and mineral excretion per sow and per fattening pig
      on Dutch farms in 1995 were estimated using data from 362 sow farms and 631 farms
      with growing-finishing pigs. Average annual P(2)O(5) excretion per sow and per
      fattening pig amounted to 14.0 and 5.0 kg year(-1), respectively. Average annual
      N-excretion per sow and per fattening pig amounted to 30.8 and 13.1 kg/ year
      respectively. Observed differences between farms in annual mineral excretion per
      animal are large. Farms with low annual mineral excretion have better
      productivity figures. The possibilities of reducing the mineral excretion are
      mainly dependent on the onset of the situation. In many cases lowering the
      mineral content in the feed alone will not be sufficient. There are possibilities
      for reducing the mineral excretion level but it takes time to implement the
      appropriate measures and they are not feasible for all farms. The emission of
      ammonia from animals which is produced in the barn can only be reduced by
      allowing new housing systems that meet specific environmental requirements. The
      emission of ammonia can be diminished by reducing the emitting surface, the
      slurry temperature, the air movement above the emission surface, the N contents
      and the pH of the slurry. Over the last few years, low emission housing systems
      for each pig category have been developed.

PMID- 22060722
TI  - Lipid stability in meat and meat products.
AB  - Lipid oxidation is one of the main factors limiting the quality and acceptability
      of meats and meat products. Oxidative damage to lipids occurs in the living
      animal because of an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species
      and the animal's defence mechanisms. This may be brought about by a high intake
      of oxidized lipids or poly-unsaturated fatty acids, or a low intake of nutrients
      involved in the antioxidant defence system. Damage to lipids may be accentuated
      in the immediate post-slaughter period and, in particular, during handling,
      processing, storage and cooking. In recent years, pressure to reduce artificial
      additive use in foods has led to attempts to increase meat stability by dietary
      strategies. These include supplementation of animal diets with vitamin E,
      ascorbic acid, or carotenoids, or withdrawal of trace mineral supplements.
      Dietary vitamin E supplementation reduces lipid and myoglobin oxidation, and, in
      certain situations, drip losses in meats. However, vitamin C supplementation
      appears to have little, if any, beneficial effects on meat stability. The effect
      of feeding higher levels of carotenoids on meat stability requires further study.
      Some studies have demonstrated that reducing the iron and copper content of feeds
      improves meat stability. Post-slaughter carnosine addition may be an effective
      means of improving lipid stability in processed meats, perhaps in combination
      with dietary vitamin E supplementation.

PMID- 22060723
TI  - Oxidation in traditional mediterranean meat products.
AB  - Lipid oxidation in dry-fermented sausages and dry-salted-hams, representative
      items of traditional Mediterranean pork products, is responsible for the
      production of compounds which can affect their organoleptic qualities and
      wholesomeness. Lipid-derived compounds make up an important share of the
      volatiles extracted from matured products, once the contribution of spices is
      removed, and contribute significantly to the flavour of old style products. The
      few reports available on oxysterols depict a total cholesterol oxidation rate of
      about 0.1%, a threshold level for toxic effects to occurin vitro but about 100
      times lower of thein vivo toxicity dose. The value could perhaps be reduced with
      the use of antioxidants. Phospholipids are the main class of fats interested by
      lipolysis and unsaturated fatty acids are those most interested by oxidation. On
      that basis, the case of special feeding regimes, such as that of Iberian pigs,
      and the possible relevance of muscle fibre type on flavour development are
      discussed.

PMID- 22060724
TI  - Conference review panel.

PMID- 22060725
TI  - Infrared study of structural characteristics of Frankfurters formulated with
      olive oil-in-water emulsions stabilized with casein as pork backfat replacer.
AB  - This article reports an infrared spectroscopic (FT-IR) study on lipids and
      protein structural characteristics in frankfurters as affected by an emulsified
      olive oil stabilizing system used as a pork backfat replacer. The oil-in-water
      emulsions were stabilized with sodium caseinate, without (F/SC) and with
      microbial transglutaminase (F/SC+MTG). Proximate composition and textural
      characteristics were also evaluated. Frankfurters F/SC+MTG showed the highest (P
      < 0.05) hardness and lowest (P < 0.05) adhesiveness. These products also showed
      the lowest (P < 0.05) half-bandwidth of the 2922 cm(-1) band, which could be
      related to the fact that the lipid chain was more orderly than that in the
      frankfurters formulated with animal fat and F/SC. The spectral results revealed
      modifications in the amide I band profile when the olive oil-in-water emulsion
      replaced animal fat. This fact is indicative of a greater content of aggregated
      intermolecular beta-sheets. Structural characteristics in both proteins and
      lipids could be associated with the specific textural properties of frankfurters.

PMID- 22060726
TI  - Superexchange-like interaction of encaged molecular oxygen in nitrogen-doped
      water cages of clathrate hydrates.
AB  - Clathrate hydrates are a highly prospective material in energy and environmental
      fields, but the inherent nature of inclusion phenomena occurring in the stacked
      water cages has not been completely resolved yet. Investigating the magnetism of
      guest molecules is a new experimental approach in clathrate hydrate research to
      open the possibility of icy magnetic applications as a novel material as well as
      to understand the unrevealed host-guest interactions in icy inclusion compounds.
      In this study, we observed an indirect spin coupling between encaged dioxygen
      molecules via a nonmagnetic water framework through the measurement of guest
      magnetization. This spin coupling is reminiscent of superexchange coupling
      between magnetic ions through intervening oxygens in antiferromagnetic oxides,
      such as MnO and CoO. Theoretical calculations revealed that OH(-) incorporated in
      the framework induced the mixing of perpendicular pi* orbitals of two distant
      dioxygens and that ammonia doping into the hydrate cage leads to a longer
      lifetime of that orientation.

PMID- 22060727
TI  - Markedly reduced rate of diabetic ketoacidosis at onset of type 1 diabetes in
      relatives screened for islet autoantibodies.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether screening for islet autoantibodies in children
      prevents ketoacidosis and other metabolic complications at diabetes onset and
      improves the clinical course after diagnosis. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The German
      BABYDIAB and the Munich Family Study follow children with a first-degree family
      history of type 1 diabetes for the development of islet autoantibodies and type 1
      diabetes. The Diabetes Prospective Documentation (DPV) Initiative registers and
      collects information on pediatric patients with type 1 diabetes throughout
      Germany. Here, clinical characteristics at diabetes onset [ketoacidosis, mean
      hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), and length of hospitalization] and the 5-yr clinical
      course (HbA1c and insulin dose) of screened and followed islet autoantibody
      positive children (n = 101) and 49 883 non-screened children within the DPV
      registry were compared. RESULTS: At diabetes onset, children who were followed
      after screening and were positive for islet autoantibodies had lower HbA1c (8.6
      vs. 11%, p < 0.001) and a lower prevalence of diabetic ketoacidosis (3.3 vs.
      29.1%, p < 0.001). Screened children also had a shorter hospitalization period at
      onset (11.4 vs. 14.9 d, p = 0.005). Similar results were observed when the
      analysis was restricted to 759 non-screened DPV children with a first-degree
      family history of type 1 diabetes. No differences between screened and non
      screened children were observed with respect to HbA1c and insulin dose during the
      first 5 yr after diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: Screening for islet autoantibodies in
      children likely leads to earlier diabetes diagnosis resulting in less
      complications at diagnosis. However, no substantial benefit in the clinical
      outcome during the first 5 yr after diagnosis was observed.

PMID- 22060728
TI  - Abstinence orientation and treatment practice: an analysis of German settings
      providing opioid maintenance therapy.
AB  - We examined whether differences in abstinence orientation are related to
      differences in treatment patterns by analyzing assessment data from a total of
      161 German treatment settings offering opioid maintenance therapy. According to
      an index value, settings were divided into low (LAOs), medium (MAOs), and high
      abstinence-oriented settings (HAOs). Logistic, multinomial logistic, and linear
      regression analyses were carried out. HAOs prescribed lower maximum dosages of
      methadone and enforced rules for handling of concomitant drug use more rigidly
      than MAOs and LAOs. Patients in HAOs were more likely to undergo
      psychotherapeutic and psychiatric treatment than in MAOs and LAOs. Limitations,
      conclusions, and future research are suggested.

PMID- 22060729
TI  - Comparisons between Q(ST) and F(ST) --how wrong have we been?
AB  - The comparison between quantitative genetic divergence (Q(ST) ) and neutral
      genetic divergence (F(ST) ) among populations has become the standard test for
      historical signatures of selection on quantitative traits. However, when the
      mutation rate of neutral markers is relatively high in comparison with gene flow,
      estimates of F(ST)  will decrease, resulting in upwardly biased comparisons of
      Q(ST)  vs. F(ST) . Reviewing empirical studies, the difference between Q(ST)  and
      F(ST)  is positively related to marker heterozygosity. After refuting alternative
      explanations for this pattern, we conclude that marker mutation rate indeed has
      had a biasing effect on published Q(ST) -F(ST)  comparisons. Hence, it is no
      longer clear that populations have commonly diverged in response to divergent
      selection. We present and discuss potential solutions to this bias. Comparing
      Q(ST)  with recent indices of neutral divergence that statistically correct for
      marker heterozygosity (Hedrick's G'st and Jost's D) is not advised, because these
      indices are not theoretically equivalent to Q(ST) . One valid solution is to
      estimate F(ST)  from neutral markers with mutation rates comparable to those of
      the loci underlying quantitative traits (e.g. SNPs). Q(ST)  can also be compared
      to Phi(ST)  (Phi(ST) ) of amova, as long as the genetic distance among allelic
      variants used to estimate Phi(ST)  reflects evolutionary history: in that case,
      neutral divergence is independent of mutation rate. In contrast to their common
      usage in comparisons of Q(ST)  and F(ST) , microsatellites typically have high
      mutation rates and do not evolve according to a simple evolutionary model, so are
      best avoided in Q(ST) -F(ST)  comparisons.

PMID- 22060730
TI  - Intermolecular vibrations and diffusive orientational dynamics of Cs condensed
      ring aromatic molecular liquids.
AB  - The ultrafast dynamics, including the intermolecular vibrations and the diffusive
      orientational dynamics, of the neat C(s) symmetry condensed ring aromatic
      molecular liquids benzofuran, 1-fluoronaphtalene, and quinoline were investigated
      for the first time by means of femtosecond Raman-induced Kerr effect
      spectroscopy. To understand the features of these C(s) condensed ring aromatic
      molecular liquids, reference singular aromatic molecular liquids, furan,
      fluorobenzene, pyridine, and benzene, were also studied. High quality low
      frequency Kerr spectra of the aromatic molecular liquids were obtained by Fourier
      transform deconvolution analysis of the measured Kerr transients. The Kerr
      spectra of the C(s) condensed ring aromatic molecular liquids are bimodal, as are
      those of the reference singular aromatic molecular liquids. The first moment of
      the intermolecular vibrational spectrum and the peak frequencies of the high- and
      low-frequency components in the broad spectrum band were compared with their
      molecular properties such as the rotational constants, molecular weight, and
      intermolecular (bimolecular) force. The comparisons show that the molecular
      volume (related to molecular weight and rotational constants) is a dominant
      property for the characteristic frequency of the entire intermolecular
      vibrational spectrum. The observed intramolecular vibrational modes in the Kerr
      spectra of the aromatic molecular liquids were also assigned on the basis of the
      ab initio quantum chemical calculation results. In their picosecond diffusive
      orientational dynamics, the slowest relaxation time constant for both the
      condensed ring and singular aromatic molecular liquids can be accounted for by
      the simple Stokes-Einstein-Debye hydrodynamic model.

PMID- 22060731
TI  - Early immune outcome of retroperitoneal laparoscopic radical nephrectomy for
      localized renal cell carcinoma: a prospective, randomized study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We evaluated differences in cytokine responses and T-lymphocyte
      subsets following retroperitoneal laparoscopic and conventional open radical
      nephrectomies for localized renal cell carcinoma (RCC). METHODS: A total of 62
      patients with T(1)N(0)M(0) staged RCC were randomized to either retro
      laparoscopic (n = 31) or open (n = 31) radical nephrectomy. Plasma levels of
      interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), IL-6, and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)
      were measured separately by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
      preoperatively and on postoperative days 1 and 5. Levels of CD3(+), CD4(+) and
      CD8(+) as well as the CD4(+):CD8(+) ratio were acquired by flow cytometry at the
      same time points. RESULTS: Levels of IL-1beta, IL-6 and TNF-alpha increased
      significantly compared to preoperative values in both groups (p < 0.05) on
      postoperative day 1, and all the parameters in the open group were significantly
      higher than those in the retro-laparoscopy group (p < 0.05). On postoperative day
      1, the levels of CD3(+) and CD4(+) and the CD4(+):CD8(+) ratio decreased markedly
      compared to preoperative values for both groups (p < 0.05). Elevations of the
      CD4(+):CD8(+) ratio in the retro-laparoscopy group (p < 0.05) and the CD8(+)
      level in the open group (p < 0.05) were observed when compared with the other
      group. On postoperative day 5, the levels of CD3(+) and CD4(+) and the
      CD4(+):CD8(+) ratio in the retro-laparoscopy group, as well as the level of
      CD8(+) in the open group, returned to about preoperative levels (p < 0.05).
      Follow-up ranged from 4 to 14 months postoperatively in all 62 patients with a
      100% cancer-specific survival rate in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: Retroperitoneal
      laparoscopic radical nephrectomy is associated with the milder cytokine responses
      caused by trauma and inflammation and the better preserved distribution of T
      lymphocytes.

PMID- 22060732
TI  - Prostate cancer survival in Trinidad: Is PSA a prognostic factor?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy among men in the
      western hemisphere, including Trinidad and Tobago. The aim of this study is to
      describe the epidemiological features of prostate cancer among patients admitted
      to a tertiary level teaching hospital during 2002 to 2005. We assessed the long
      term survival of patients with prostate cancer and the epidemiology of the
      disease. METHODS: We reviewed the admissions data for the period 2002-2005.
      Demographic, clinical and outcomes (survival or death) data were collected and
      analysed, using SPSS version 16. Statistical analysis included Kaplan-Mier
      survival analysis, Cox regression models and the log-rank test. A p value of
      <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: Of the 1250 cases
      reviewed, 242 participants were selected. Patients of African ancestry, older
      than 60 years and a Gleason score greater than 7 had an increased risk of
      mortality. Patients with prostate-specific antigen (PSA) >=100 ng/L had a 3-fold
      increased risk of mortality. Survival rates declined between 2002 and 2005.
      CONCLUSION: This is the first study of its kind to demonstrate survival rates
      among patients with prostate cancer in Trinidad. The following epidemiological
      features were identified: average age of occurrence of 71 years, ethnic disparity
      with higher occurrence in African men than all other ethnic groups and a PSA of
      >100 ng/dL. These features were associated with a 3-fold higher risk of death. A
      Gleason score of 8 to 10 was also associated with lower survival rates.

PMID- 22060736
TI  - Attachment of bacteria to meat surfaces: A review.
AB  - The mechanism of attachment of bacteria to meat surfaces involves two consecutive
      stages: reversible and irreversible attachment. The dependence of attachment on
      various factors is discussed: hydrophobicity and cell surface charge, bacterial
      structures, type of meat surface, pH, temperature, presence of chemical
      substances, etc. The consequences of these findings for slaughter hygiene,
      kitchen hygiene, etc., are clear; avoid bacterial contamination.

PMID- 22060737
TI  - A practical method to prevent dark-cutting (DFD) in beef.
AB  - A method for the prevention of dark-cutting in beef, based on recognition of
      social relationships within groups of bulls, was tested on 2234 bulls slaughtered
      under commercial conditions. When the influence of time between loading the
      animals and slaughter was eliminated statistically, the bulls of the socially
      stablized group showed the lowest pH(24) values, whereas those of the socially
      unstable group showed the highest ones. When the type of social group was
      eliminated statistically, the earlier slaughtered animals had lower pH(24) values
      than those slaughtered later. When the two major factors were integrated, there
      was no statistically significant difference in the pH(24) values in bulls of the
      socially stabilized group whether they were slaughtered immediately after
      transport or during the following day. In contrast, in bulls from the socially
      unstable group, the pH(24) values increased substantially after overnight lairage
      at the abattoir. In conclusion, for longer transportion, bulls from loose housing
      with stable social relationships should be used. It is necessary to keep the same
      social groups from loading to slaughter, strictly avoiding any mixing of strange
      bulls. Bulls from tethered stalls should be transported and slaughtered within as
      short a time after regrouping as possible.

PMID- 22060738
TI  - The effectiveness of examining early post-mortem musculature to predict ultimate
      pork quality.
AB  - Variations in pork quality reflect value differentials. However, only when they
      can be easily, accurately, rapidly and cost-effectively detected, can swine
      producers expect to eliminate poor quality from their herds through genetic
      selection, and can the industry be expected to take the necessary environmental
      precautions to prevent poor quality. This study was designed to assess the
      effectiveness of various techniques thought to predict ultimate pork quality
      through the examination of the physical and chemical properties of early post
      mortem (PM) musculature. Based on stiffness and pH 30, 285 carcasses were
      selected. This selection procedure ensured a wide variation in ultimate quality.
      Using 12 instruments simultaneously, temperature, stiffness, electrical
      properties, lightness properties, and pH 45 of the early PM longissimus thoracis
      et lumborum were recorded to predict ultimate quality. Based on post-rigor light
      reflection and water-holding capacity (WHC), quality was assigned to one of five
      arbitrary groups. Of all techniques tested, the only one with any potential for
      adequate prediction of quality categories was pH 45. Combination of different
      techniques did not significantly increase predictive values. For predicting
      quality of single carcasses, pH 45 should not be considered satisfactory.
      However, based on our success in selecting carcasses representing quality
      variation for this study and the results obtained from the study, using pH 45 and
      muscle stiffness to select groups of carcasses is feasible. We conclude that the
      techniques used early post mortem are not appropriate for predicting ultimate
      pork quality for single carcasses. At present we recommend that only post-rigor
      muscle be considered, and that ultimate pH, light reflection and a measure of WHC
      should be used.

PMID- 22060739
TI  - Influence of cooking on benzo(a)pyrene content in smoked sausages.
AB  - The changes in benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) content of smoked sausages were monitored
      during 1 h cooking. During this time, the BaP content decreased from 4.80 to 1.87
      MUg/kg. The maximum drop in BaP content was reached in the first 20 min of
      cooking. Two factors affected the course of BaP changes, viz. water-holding
      capacity and the fat content. After excluding these factors, there was a high
      correlation coefficient of 0.996 between time of cooking and BaP content, which
      confirmed an inverse relationship between the decrease in BaP content and time of
      cooking. The BaP decrease was directly proportional to the decrease of fat
      content during cooking, when the relatively high BaP content of 7.71 MUg/kg was
      found in the cooked-out fat.

PMID- 22060740
TI  - Spray chilling of lamb carcasses.
AB  - Two spray-chilling treatments were developed to improve appearance and reduce
      weight loss during lamb chilling. Rates of cooling and weight loss and meat
      quality were compared to conventionally chilled carcasses. The first treatment
      was an intermittent spray during the first 3 h of chilling. The second consisted
      of only two sprays at 2 h and 10 h post mortem. The conventional control was a
      two-stage process, with air at 10 degrees C and 1 m/s up to 10 h post mortem,
      followed by air at 0 degrees C and 1 m/s for a further 14 h. Both treatments
      significantly reduced weight loss at 24 h post mortem compared to conventional,
      from 2.20% to 0.86% and 1.20%, respectively. During a further 4 days storage, the
      savings were maintained, with weight losses being 3.97%, 2.97% and 3.19%,
      respectively. There were small (<1 h) but significantly reductions in the cooling
      times of spray-chilled loins and legs, attributed to sustained evaporative
      cooling of the continually wetted surfaces. No effects on texture or drip loss
      and only slight effects on surface lean and fat colour were found. Variation in
      texture between animals within treatments was far greater than between treatments
      and could not be accounted for by variations in cooling rates.

PMID- 22060741
TI  - Growth and carcass characteristics of Angus and American Wagyu steers.
AB  - Ten purebred Angus and ten crossbred (3/4-7/8) American Wagyu steers were fed a
      corn and barley-based diet for 552 days and slaughtered. All USDA and Japanese
      yield and quality grade factors were evaluated and the amount of extractable
      lipid and moisture in totally trimmed muscle was determined. Angus steers gained
      0.9 kg/head/day and American Wagyus gained 0.7 kg/head/day. This difference in
      growth rate resulted in Angus steers having a heavier final weight (P < 0.05).
      Angus steers required less feed per unit of gain than did American Wagyu steers.
      Adjusted fat thickness over M. longissimus dorsi opposite the 12th rib was
      approximately 3.5 cm and was not statistically different between the two breeds
      (P > 0.05). Average ribeye area and kidney, pelvic and heart fat were similar for
      the two breeds. The calculated USDA yield grade for both breeds exceeded 6.
      Average USDA marbling score was nearly a degree of marbling higher for American
      Wagyu than for Angus, but variation within breed groups was high. Average USDA
      quality grade was well into USDA Prime for all carcasses and did not differ by
      breed (P > 0.05). Japanese yield grade factors were similar for both breeds
      except for cold left side weight and the yield estimation which includes an
      adjustment factor that favors American Wagyu. American Wagyu steers merited a
      higher Japanese marbling score than did Angus (P < 0.05). Beef color score,
      firmness, texture and firmness and texture grade were also different between the
      breeds (P < 0.05). Fat colour, luster and quality were not different (P > 0.05).
      These data clearly show that some American Wagyu steers have the genetic ability
      to deposit as much marbling as Japanese Black cattle raised in Japan.

PMID- 22060742
TI  - Changes in pH and water holding properties of Longissimus dorsi muscle during
      beef ageing.
AB  - The effects of vacuum packaging, chilling rate (slow or fast), and fat cover
      thickness (<= 4 mm or 7-8 mm) on pH and water-holding properties of longissimus
      dorsi muscle were assessed during beef ageing. The longissimus dorsi muscles were
      aged on the carcass or in vacuum packaging. Muscle samples were taken on days 0
      (24 h post-mortem), 2, 4, 8, 12 and 16 to measure these properties. Ageing time
      significantly influenced muscle pH and cooking loss; however, interaction fat *
      chill * time affected press juice. The pH was also influenced by vacuum-packaged
      ageing. Press juice positively correlated with cooking loss and pH.

PMID- 22060743
TI  - The effects of spray and blast-chilling on carcass shrinkage and pork muscle
      quality.
AB  - Combinations of blast- and spray-chilling of pork carcasses were compared to
      spray-chilling at conventional chilling temperatures with regard to carcass
      shrinkage during chilling and pork muscle quality. In experiment 1, pork sides
      were spray-chilled at 1 degrees C for the first 10 h (40 spray cycles of 60-s
      duration every 15 min) of cooling or blast-chilled at -20 degrees C for 1, 2 or 3
      h followed by spray-chilling for 9, 8 or 7 h duration, respectively. All pork
      sides were then chilled to 24 h post mortem at 1 degrees C. Experiment 2 followed
      the same procedures as experiment 1, except that -40 degrees C was used as the
      blast-chill temperature. Carcass shrinkage was similar for all treatments in
      experiment 1 at 24 h ranging from 0.5-0.7 g 100 g(-1). Blast/spray-chilling
      increased the rate of chilling and reduced the rate of post-mortem pH decline in
      two muscles (longissimus thoracis, LT and semimembranosus, SM) compared to the
      combined conventional/spray-chill treatment. Carcasses that were blast-chilled
      for 3 h had LT muscles that were darker with a higher protein solubility, less
      drip loss, shorter lengths and higher shear values compared to those from
      carcasses in the conventional/spray-chill treatment. In experiment 2, carcasses
      blast-chilled for 3 h at -40 degrees C recorded a weight gain at 24 h of 0.4 g
      100 g(-1), compared to a weight loss in all other treatments (0.2-0.4 g 100 g(
      1)). Muscle colour was darker in both the LT and SM of carcasses blast-chilled
      for 3 h at -40 degrees C compared to carcasses from the conventional/spray-chill
      treatment, but most other measurements of muscle quality showed an inconsistent
      response to chilling treatment.

PMID- 22060744
TI  - Flavour- and tenderness-related quality characteristics of goat and sheep meat.
AB  - The quality characteristics of 27 Angora goats, Boer goats and sheep carcases
      were compared. Significant differences exist between the quality characteristics
      of sheep meat and Angora or Boer goat meat. Sheep meat has a more intense aroma,
      it is more tender, contains less fibrous tissue residue and the species flavour
      is more pronounced (typical) than that of Angora and Boer goat meat. In general,
      goat meat was found to be significantly different to sheep meat, the Angora to a
      lesser extent, however, than the Boer goat. This study confirms the fact that the
      meat of younger animals is more tender, contains less fibrous tissue residue and
      the species flavour is less typical than that of older animals. This was
      irrespective of whether it was obtained from sheep, Angora or Boer goat. With
      increasing fatness of carcases, the tenderness and species flavour of the cooked
      cuts increased significantly.

PMID- 22060745
TI  - Cooking- and juiciness-related quality characteristics of goat and sheep meat.
AB  - Significant differences exist between the quality characteristics of meat
      obtained from 27 sheep, Angora and Boer goat carcases, when compared. Sheep meat
      showed greater drip loss than goat meat and was more juicy than that of Angora
      and Boer goat meat. In general, Angora goat meat was found to be more juicy than
      Boer goat meat. Drip loss increased significantly with increased animal age. Meat
      of younger animals (no permanent incisors) was more juicy (initial and sustained)
      than that of older animals (7-8 permanent incisors). This was irrespective of
      whether it was obtained from sheep, Angora or Boer goats and was confirmed by the
      expressible moisture measurements. Higher drip, evaporation and total cooking
      loss were reported when carcases had increased fat content. With increasing
      fatness of carcases, the juiciness of the cooked cuts decreased and the
      expressible moisture content of the meat increased.

PMID- 22060746
TI  - The effect of scalding on subcutaneous and ham temperatures and ultimate pork
      quality.
AB  - Scalding of pig carcasses (n = 34) at 60 degrees C for a period of at least 5.5
      to 7.5 min gave satisfactory dehairing results, with the exception of autumn hair
      for which a longer period (9 mins) was required. Temperature curves were recorded
      for a subcutaneous position in the ham (n = 26) between the rind and the
      underlying fat layer. These showed a curve starting at about 30.8 degrees C and
      increasing to an asymptotic value of 53 degrees C during scalding. Results of
      calculations with a finite element model of a flat layer of muscle covered with a
      layer of 1.0 cm fat broadly showed the same temperature increase at about 0.5 cm
      below the surface as the actual values measured. Immediately after dehairing,
      about 1.5 mins after finishing scalding, the subcutaneous temperature had already
      dropped to 46.1 +/- 3.0 degrees C, which was considerably higher than the muscle
      temperature at the same position at a depth of 5 cm under the skin (40.6 degrees
      C). The heat removal and temperatures during the cooling period after scalding
      were also calculated. It can be concluded that the increase in temperature due to
      scalding has only a minor influence on muscle temperature and that meat quality
      (pH, FOP) is not affected.

PMID- 22060747
TI  - Soluble CD163.
AB  - CD163 is an endocytic receptor for haptoglobin-hemoglobin complexes and is
      expressed solely on macrophages and monocytes. As a result of ectodomain
      shedding, the extracellular portion of CD163 circulates in blood as a soluble
      protein (sCD163) at 0.7-3.9 mg/l in healthy individuals. The function of sCD163
      is unknown, but during inflammation and macrophage activation, sCD163 levels
      increase acutely due to metalloproteinase-mediated cleavage near the cell
      membrane. It is now evident that sCD163 is very useful as a biomarker of
      macrophage activation in various inflammatory diseases, such as macrophage
      activation syndrome, sepsis, and liver disease. Moreover, sCD163 is a general
      risk marker of comorbidity and mortality in several chronic inflammatory disease
      states. Recently, sCD163 has been shown to be strongly associated with later
      development of type 2 diabetes in both lean and obese subjects, likely due to
      macrophage infiltration of adipose tissue and the liver. This review summarizes
      the current knowledge on the regulation of sCD163 in normal and pathological
      states and also deals with analytical aspects of sCD163 measurements in
      biological samples.

PMID- 22060748
TI  - The NET effect of clot formation.

PMID- 22060749
TI  - Prediction of post-treatment hypothyroidism using changes in thyroid volume after
      radioactive iodine therapy in adolescent patients with Graves' disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The goal of iodine-131 therapy for pediatric Graves' disease is to
      induce hypothyroidism. However, changes in post-treatment thyroid volume have not
      been investigated in pediatric and/or adolescent patients. OBJECTIVE: The aim of
      this retrospective study was to examine whether changes in thyroid volume predict
      post-treatment hypothyroidism in adolescent Graves' disease patients. PATIENTS
      AND METHODS: We used ultrasonography to examine changes in thyroid volume, and
      also assessed thyroid functions, at 0, 1, 3, 5, 8 and 12 months after iodine-131
      treatment in 49 adolescents ranging in age from 12 to 19 years retrospectively.
      Based on thyroid function outcome at 12 months, patients were divided into two
      groups: 29 patients with overt hypothyroidism requiring levothyroxine replacement
      and 20 without overt hypothyroidism. We compared changes in post-radioiodine
      thyroid volume between the two groups. RESULTS: About 90% of patients whose
      thyroid volume at 3 months after iodine-131 administration was less than 50% of
      the original volume were hypothyroid by one year after treatment (positive
      predictive value 88%, sensitivity 75.9%, specificity 85.0%). CONCLUSIONS: We
      believe ultrasonographic measurement of thyroid volume at 3 months after iodine
      131 to be clinically useful for predicting post-treatment hypothyroidism in
      adolescent Graves' disease patients.

PMID- 22060750
TI  - Chopping temperature effects on the characteristics and chilled storage of low-
      and high-fat pork Bologna sausages.
AB  - The object of this study was to investigate the influence of chilled storage (2 
      degrees C) and final chopping temperatures (8, 15 and 22  degrees C) on the
      characteristics and stability of Bologna sausage containing two levels of fat
      (8.5 and 23%). When the fat level was reduced there was a significant decrease in
      penetration force and an increase in both cooking and purge loss. A lower
      chopping temperature reduced purge loss during chilled storage. In general, an
      inverse relationship was found between chopping temperature and penetration
      force. Chopping temperature did not influence total aerobic count, but during
      chilled storage counts were significantly higher in the low fat sausages.

PMID- 22060751
TI  - Effect of post-slaughter processing and freezing on the functionality of hot
      boned meat from young bull.
AB  - The effects of variation in the times of mincing post mortem (2, 4, or 6 h), pre
      rigor salting (1.5% wt wt ) and freezing rate [fast (10 min, liquid nitrogen);
      medium (4-6 h at -40  degrees C and 0.8 m s(-1) air velocity); or slow (36-38 h
      at -10  degrees C and 0.1 m s(-1) air velocity followed by 12 h at -20  degrees C
      and 0.1 m s(-1) air velocity)] on the functionality of young bull meat were
      examined using hot-boned forequarters. At 52 h post packaging, the meat was
      thawed (72 h at 4  degrees C), its pH measured, and it was used to make finely
      comminuted batters. Cook yield and stress and strain of the cooked batters were
      measured. Time of mincing had no effect on meat pH, cook yield or stress and
      strain. There was a significant interaction (P < 0.05) between pre-rigor salting
      and freezing rate for pH. Freezing rate did not affect the pH of pre-rigor salted
      meat whereas the pH of unsalted pre-rigor meat was highest at the fastest
      freezing rate. Meat salted pre-rigor had a significantly (P < 0.05) higher pH
      than the post-rigor chilled control. Pre-rigor salting decreased the stress
      values of cooked batter whereas the slowest freezing rate increased stress.
      Stress and strain values for cooked batters from thawed meat were not
      significantly different from the values for batters made from the unfrozen
      control. Cook yields of batters made from pre-rigor frozen meat were higher than
      that of the postrigor control but not significantly so. The results indicate that
      suppliers can use pre-rigor salted and frozen meat when manufacturing comminuted
      products without major detrimental effects on the cook yield and texture of the
      finished product.

PMID- 22060752
TI  - Release of free amino-acids during ageing in bovine meat.
AB  - The amounts of free amino-acids in Longissimus dorsi (LD), Triceps brachii (TB)
      and Rectus femoris (RF) from 8 Friesian 20-month old bulls were determinated
      using gas chromatography. The amounts of free amino-acids released during storage
      from 3 to 14 days post mortem at 4  degrees C depended on the muscle. Total free
      hydroxyproline in LD increased from 3% at 3 days to 11% at 14 days post mortem.
      Free amino-acids seemed to increase more after 10 days than between 3 and 10 days
      post mortem. The myofibrillar fragmentation index was highly correlated with
      leucine, isoleucine, threonine and methionine contents in TB and RF. MFI was
      correlated with hydroxyproline, leucine and isoleucine in LD.

PMID- 22060753
TI  - Enzymological investigations on the causes for the PSE-syndrome, I. Comparative
      studies on pyruvate kinase from PSE- and normal pig muscles.
AB  - A fast breakdown of glycogen is observed in muscles of stress-susceptible pigs
      leading to pale, soft and exudative (PSE) meat. We report a comparative study of
      pyruvate kinase from muscles of normal and PSE-prone pigs. Compared with enzyme
      from normal muscle, pyruvate kinase isolated from PSE-muscle shows a five times
      lower K(m) for phosphoenol pyruvate and a more than ten times higher k (cat)K (m)
      value. The pH-dependency of the enzymatic activity is shifted to more acidic
      values for pyruvate kinase from PSE muscles. According to isoelectric focusing,
      pyruvate kinase from PSE muscle consists of three isoforms, while only two
      isoforms are detectable in pyruvate kinase preparations from normal pigs. The
      various isoforms were isolated by preparative isoelectric focusing and their
      steady-state properties were compared. Isoform 3, which is found only in PSE
      muscle, shows a 10-fold higher specific activity, a 30-fold lower K(m) value and
      a 100-fold increased k (cat)K (m) value for phosphoenol pyruvate compared to
      isoform 1. The presence of isoform 3 in PSE-muscle appears to be responsible for
      the high activity of this enzyme under the more acidic conditions prevailing in
      PSE-muscle. In vitro phosphorylation and dephosphorylation experiments using
      total enzyme and purified isoenzyme 1 suggest that isoforms 2 and 3 arise from
      isoform 1 by phosphorylation. Thus protein phosphorylation seems to be
      responsible for the shift in activity of pyruvate kinase, a key enzyme of
      glycolysis, under the acidic conditions of PSE-muscles.

PMID- 22060754
TI  - Enzymological investigations on the causes for the PSE-syndrome, II. Comparative
      studies on glycogen phosphorylase from pig muscles.
AB  - In order to investigate the cell biological causes for the fast breakdown of
      glycogen which is observed during the development of the PSE (pale, soft,
      exudative) syndrome in muscles of stress-susceptible pigs, muscle glycogen
      phosphorylase (GP) as a key enzyme in two isoforms, a and b, of the energy
      turnover was isolated from M. longissimus dorsi of normal and PSE-prone pigs of
      the German Landrace. GP b as well as GP a from normal and PSE-muscles exist in a
      dimeric form with a molecular weight of 97 000 D per subunit. The tendency for
      tetramerization of GP b increases in the presence of ATP, whereas the enzyme
      activity is simultaneously inhibited. The catalytic activities of GP a and GP b
      from both groups of animals show an optimum at pH 7.0. GP b can be activated to
      GP a by phosphorylation with the result of a 25% higher optimum specific activity
      in the case of normal and PSE-muscles. In interaction with glycogen and glucose-1
      phosphate GP b follows the characteristics of a Michaelis-Menten kinetic, whereas
      the binding of AMP and phosphate proves to be allosteric. In comparison of the
      structural and kinetic characteristics of GP from normal as well as PSE-muscles
      no significant differences could be determined, indicating that GP does not
      belong to those factors which are triggering an accelerated energy turnover of
      ATP in muscles of stress-susceptible pigs.

PMID- 22060755
TI  - Omega-3 fatty acids in pig nutrition: Implications for the intrinsic and sensory
      quality of the meat.
AB  - Seventy-eight hybrid pigs (Pietrain * Seghers hybrid cross, 38 barrows and 40
      gilts) were fed ad libitum diets, containing either 0.4%, 0.7% or 1.0% alpha
      linolenic acid (C18:3n-3), originating from linseed. The variation in
      polyunsaturated fatty acid content in the feed (1.19%, 1.52% and 1.88%,
      respectively) was mainly attributed to variations in alpha-linolenic acid
      content. Meat quality evaluated by physical measurements (pH, light scattering,
      conductivity, colour, light reflection, tenderness, water holding capacity) was
      not influenced, to any significant extent, by the fatty acid composition of the
      feed. A subjective judgement of cohesiveness revealed no abnormalities. Dietary
      fat source, sex and intramuscular fat (IMF) level affected the fatty acid pattern
      of the IMF. The alpha-linolenic content in the IMF increased from 1.2% to 2.3%
      for the barrows and from 1.4% to 2.9% for the gilts with increasing
      alphalinolenic acid content in the feed. A multiple paired comparison test for
      taste, tenderness and juiciness on 45 meat samples (M. longissimus thoracis)
      revealed no significant differences among the feed groups.

PMID- 22060756
TI  - Monitoring nitrite and nitrate residues in frankfurters during processing and
      storage.
AB  - Frankfurter-type sausages were prepared in a pilot plant with different
      concentrations of NaNO(2) (75, 125 or 250 ppm) combined or not with 200 ppm
      KNO(3). A meat system, free of curing agents, was also used as control. Nitrite
      and nitrate levels were tested in various processing steps and over 120 days
      storage at 3  degrees C of the vacuum-packaged frankfurters. Little influence of
      the originally added nitrite level on the amount of nitrate formed was observed.
      Important losses of nitrite and nitrate were due to cooking. Thereafter about 50%
      of the nitrite added initially remained in this form in all samples (39, 59 and
      146 ppm, respectively) and between 10 and 15% as nitrate. When only nitrate was
      initially added, formation of nitrite after cooking was observed (maximum level
      43 ppm NaNO(2)). Formulations prepared with both nitrate and nitrite showed no
      significant differences (p < 0.01) respect to their nitrite or nitrate
      counterparts. A good correlation among nitrite and nitrate levels and storage
      time was showed by multiple linear regression analysis. It is concluded that the
      use of nitrate in combination with nitrite in cooked meat products seems to have
      little technological significance and adds to the total body burden of nitrite.

PMID- 22060757
TI  - Prediction of carcass composition in the rabbit.
AB  - Carcass composition of two synthetic rabbit breeds was predicted from retail cuts
      and external measurements by using regression equations. Breed R has a higher
      adult weight and reaches slaughter weight 1 week before breed V. Sixty rabbits of
      each breed were slaughtered when they (approximately) reached the Spanish
      commercial liveweight of 2kg. The carcasses were measured and retailed according
      to the norms of the World Rabbit Scientific Association. Rabbit carcass
      composition is well defined by meat percentage of the commercial carcass and
      ratio meat bone . External measurements on the carcass, retail cuts and meat of
      retail cuts or muscular masses are all bad predictors of carcass meat percentage
      or ratio meat bone  (R(2) < 0.53). The ratio meat bone  of the hind leg can give
      reasonable predictions for carcass meat percentage and meat bone  ratio (R(2) =
      0.60 and 0.69). Dissectible carcass fat weight and dissectible carcass fat
      percentage can be predicted by the perirenal fat weight (R(2) = 0.77 and 0.69).
      Fat depots had a low predictive power for fat percentage of the dissected meat in
      the half carcass.

PMID- 22060758
TI  - Carcass composition and meat characteristics of two rabbit breeds of different
      degrees of maturity.
AB  - Carcass and meat characteristics of rabbits from two synthetic breeds of
      different size were compared. Breed R had a higher adult weight and reached
      slaughter weight 1 week before breed V. Sixty rabbits of each breed were
      slaughtered when they (approximately) reached the Spanish commercial liveweight
      of 2 kg in order to compare their carcasses and meat quality. The carcasses were
      measured and retailed according to the norms of the World Rabbit Scientific
      Association. Breed R had a considerably more developed liver, a less developed
      hind part, and a more developed thoracic cage. Dissectible fat content was 3.1%
      and 2.5% of the carcass weight for the breeds V and R, respectively. Meat content
      was higher in the V breed than in the R breed (53 and 51% with respect to the
      chilled carcases). The ratio meat bone  was better for breed V (2.18 and 2.05,
      respectively). Muscular fat content, estimated in the meat of one side of the
      carcass, was higher for breed V. All these differences are related to the lower
      degree of maturity of breed R at equal weights. Muscular pH, measured on the B.
      femoris and on the M. Longissimus lumborum at the level of the 5th lumbar
      vertebra, was the same for both breeds. Colour was measured on the carcass
      surface and in cuts of the M. Longissimus lumborum. Some colour differences were
      found for the carcass surface, but not for the meat.

PMID- 22060759
TI  - Prediction of composition traits of young Charolais bull carcasses using a
      morphometric method.
AB  - The relationships among morphological traits and bovine carcass composition
      traits were analysed in order to select carcass measurements to derive equations
      for predicting muscle weight, percentage of muscle and muscle to bone ratio. The
      sample, constituted by 35 young Charolais bulls slaughtered at 18 months old, was
      homogeneous, e.g. half carcass weight = 225 +/- 13.2 kg (standard deviation),
      carcass fat% = 6.4 +/- 1.0, carcass muscle% = 74.58 +/- 1.47, carcass bone% =
      16.87 +/- 0.83. Carcasses were weighed and a sub-group of carcass measurements
      was selected from the results of a principal component analysis, performed on 76
      measurements taken from carcass photographs. The computation of the best
      combination of variables for prediction was based on the Mallows' Cp statistic
      and linear regression. The percentage of muscle was best predicted by only three
      carcass measurements with a relatively low value of fit (R(2) = 0.70). When
      carcass weight was added to the same measurements to obtain the best prediction
      for muscle weight, the fit was high (R(2) = 0.98). The prediction of muscle to
      bone ratio required nine variables and again the fit was high (R(2) = 0.90).

PMID- 22060760
TI  - Effects of breed, feed level and conditioning time on the tenderness of pork.
AB  - This study of 80 pigs compared the effects of breed (Duroc vs Large White), feed
      level (High vs 0.8 High, termed Low) and conditioning time (1 vs 10 days at 1 
      degrees C) on the tenderness and other aspects of the eating quality of pork.
      Conditioning time had the biggest effect (increase of 1.0 units on 1-8 taste
      panel scale between 1 and 10 days) and this was associated with an increase in
      the myofibrillar fragmentation index (MFI) from 19 to 24 units. Tenderness was
      not different between the two breeds although pork flavour intensity and overall
      liking scores were higher in Durocs. Durocs had higher concentrations of total
      lipid (marbling fat) in muscle (13.7 and 5.4 mg/g) and most polyunsaturated fatty
      acids except alpha-linolenic (C18:3 n-3) were at lower concentrations in Durocs,
      reflecting dilution of phospholipid fatty acids within a larger total lipid pool.
      Pigs fed at the high level were fatter than those fed restrictedly in terms both
      of P2 fat thickness and marbling fat. There was also a tendency, although not
      significant, for the meat to be more tender. When the data from all pigs were
      pooled, MFI was shown to correlate well with tenderness (r = 0.45) and marbling
      fat with juiciness (r = 0.36).

PMID- 22060761
TI  - Veal colour assessment with three wavelengths.
AB  - A method to derive reflectance spectra and colour coordinates of meat by
      measurement of reflectance at only three wavelengths, 480, 570 and 620 nm has
      been developed, by treating the spectra of a meat sample as a linear combination
      of the spectra of the three major myoglobin derivatives (reduced myoglobin,
      oxymyoglobin and metmyoglobin). Applied to 300 samples of Semitendinosus and
      Longissimus dorsi veal muscles at different times post mortem (24 h to 9 d),
      colour differences DeltaE (*) between the derived spectra and the real ones were
      about 1.5 units. The total pigment content, with high correlation with the
      extraction method (P < 0.02), and the relative proportions of the derivatives can
      also be estimated.

PMID- 22060762
TI  - Incorporation of dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids in pork tissues and its
      implications for the quality of the end products.
AB  - One hundred and ten fattening pigs of a Pietrain * Hybrid cross-barrows and gilts
      in equal numbers-were distributed over five feeding formulas, containing
      increasing amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), in the form of
      rapeseed. The aim of the study was to evaluate the maximum admissible amount of
      PUFA in the pig diet before problems-in terms of backfat consistency and storage
      stability-occur and to investigate the incorporation of dietary PUFA in
      intramuscular fat as well. A tendency towards reduced feed (energy) intake was
      obvious from the 7% rapeseed inclusion level, apparently resulting in a somewhat
      thinner backfat layer. None of the backfat samples showed a visible yellow
      discolouration instead thin backfat layers appeared as pink. Backfat consistency
      was lower for gilts and decreased with increasing dietary PUFA levels. PUFAs in
      the feed and in backfat were very well correlated (0.8-0.9) as expected;
      correction for de novo fat synthesis (by means of backfat thickness) did not
      alter the correlations within one sex group. Thresholds for PUFA in feed-15 g
      PUFA/kg feed-and for PUFA in back-fat-iodine value of 70 or 15% PUFA-were all
      surpassed in this experiment: 18 g PUFA/ kg feed resulted in maximally 22% PUFA
      in the outer backfat layer. The backfat PUFA limit was reached at relatively low
      feed PUFA levels. This might be explained by thin and hence more unsaturated
      backfat layers in lean or underweight pigs. Oxidative stability of the backfat
      after storage for 1 year in the freezer was satisfactory. The total intramuscular
      fat (IMF) content showed no obvious relationship with diet, in contrast with sex:
      barrows had more IMF than gilts. IMF consisted in 80% apolar phase and 20% polar
      fraction. The apolar fraction showed similar feed and sex tendencies as backfat,
      although correlations between feed and apolar fraction PUFAs were higher for
      gilts than for barrows. The amount of phospholipid was invariable throughout all
      treatments. Only linoleic acid-the major fatty acid-showed some feed and sex
      influence. In view ofthf results obtained the threshold for feed and backfat PUFA
      can be as high as, respectively, 18 g PUFA/kg feed and 22% PUFA in backfat,
      without deterioration of fresh and frozen backfat. However, for meat processing,
      demands could be more severe.

PMID- 22060763
TI  - Colon and muscle metastases from lobular breast carcinoma: a very rare entity.

PMID- 22060764
TI  - Comprehensive perinatal safety initiative to reduce adverse obstetric events.
AB  - A comprehensive perinatal safety initiative (PSI) was incrementally introduced
      from August 2007 to July 2009 at a large tertiary medical center to reduce
      adverse obstetrical outcomes. The PSI introduced: (1) evidence-based protocols,
      (2) formalized team training with emphasis on communication, (3) standardization
      of electronic fetal monitoring with required documentation of competence, (4) a
      high-risk obstetrical emergency simulation program, and (5) dissemination of an
      integrated educational program among all healthcare providers. Eleven adverse
      outcome measures were followed prospectively via modification of the Adverse
      Outcome Index (MAOI). Additionally, individual components were evaluated. The
      logistic regression model found that within the first year, the MAOI decreased
      significantly to 0.8% from 2% (p<.0004) and was maintained throughout the 2-year
      period. Significant decreases over time for rates of return to the operating room
      (p<.018) and birth trauma (p<.0022) were also found. Finally, significant
      improvements were found in staff perceptions of safety (p<.0001), in patient
      perceptions of whether staff worked together (p<.028), in the management
      (p<.002), and documentation (p<.0001) of abnormal fetal heart rate tracings, and
      the documentation of obstetric hemorrhage (p<.019). This study demonstrates that
      a comprehensive PSI can significantly reduce adverse obstetric outcomes, thereby
      improving patient safety and enhancing staff and patient experiences.

PMID- 22060770
TI  - Rapid evolution of fluoroquinolone-resistant Escherichia coli in Nigeria is
      temporally associated with fluoroquinolone use.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Antibiotic resistance has necessitated fluoroquinolone use but little
      is known about the selective forces and resistance trajectory in malaria-endemic
      settings, where selection from the antimalarial chloroquine for fluoroquinolone
      resistant bacteria has been proposed. METHODS: Antimicrobial resistance was
      studied in fecal Escherichia coli isolates in a Nigerian community. Quinolone
      resistance determining regions of gyrA and parC were sequenced in nalidixic acid
      resistant strains and horizontally-transmitted quinolone-resistance genes were
      sought by PCR. Antimicrobial prescription practices were compared with
      antimicrobial resistance rates over a period spanning three decades. RESULTS:
      Before 2005, quinolone resistance was limited to low-level nalixidic acid
      resistance in fewer than 4% of E. coli isolates. In 2005, the proportion of
      isolates demonstrating low-level quinolone resistance due to elevated efflux
      increased and high-level quinolone resistance and resistance to the
      fluoroquinolones appeared. Fluoroquinolone resistance was attributable to single
      nucleotide polymorphisms in quinolone target genes gyrA and/or parC. By 2009, 35
      (34.5%) of isolates were quinolone non-susceptible with nine carrying gyrA and
      parC SNPs and six bearing identical qnrS1 alleles. The antimalarial chloroquine
      was heavily used throughout the entire period but E. coli with quinolone-specific
      resistance mechanisms were only detected in the final half decade, immediately
      following the introduction of the fluoroquinolone antibacterial ciprofloxacin.
      CONCLUSIONS: Fluoroquinolones, and not chloroquine, appear to be the selective
      force for fluoroquinolone-resistant fecal E. coli in this setting. Rapid
      evolution to resistance following fluoroquinolone introduction points the need to
      implement resistant containment strategies when new antibacterials are introduced
      into resource-poor settings with high infectious disease burdens.

PMID- 22060771
TI  - Antigenic specificity of monoclonal antibodies to beef myoglobin determined by
      cross-reactivity studies against myoglobins from domestic species.
AB  - Six rat monoclonal antibodies to beef myoglobin were studied to pinpoint the
      antigenic determinants they recognize. Their ability to bind myoglobin from beef,
      sheep, goat, horse, pig and chicken was compared in a competitive ELISA using
      biotinylated beef myoglobin. Correlation of sequence differences with relative
      binding allowed us to identify critical antigenic residues recognized by these
      antibodies. Each domain included residues previously considered not to be
      directly involved in the antigenic structure of myoglobin. Moreover, a possible
      orientation of myoglobin when adsorbed onto plastic surfaces was defined. These
      antibodies should be valuable tools for analysing conformational changes of the
      protein occurring during chemical or physical treatments.

PMID- 22060772
TI  - Relationship between degradation of proteoglycans and weakening of the
      intramuscular connective tissue during post-mortem ageing of beef.
AB  - Changes in proteoglycans (PGs) during post-mortem ageing of bovine m.
      semitendinosus were studied. Electron microscopic observations made it clear that
      there were two types of PGs in bovine m. semitendinosus immediately post-mortem:
      PGs were arranged regularly in the basement membrane and PGs associated with
      collagen fibrils in the perimysium. After 28 days ageing at 4  degrees C, no PG
      was observed in the basement membrane, and the greater part of PGs in the
      perimysium had disappeared. The total amount of PGs decreased with time post
      mortem. SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis indicated that PGs with a high
      molecular weight disappeared within 7 days post mortem. These results suggest
      that PGs are degraded during post-mortem ageing of beef. The degradation of PGs
      seems likely to be the main factor in the weakening of intramuscular connective
      tissues, i.e., separation of collagen fibrils and fibres from the endomysium and
      the perimysium, which results in the partial tenderization of beef during post
      mortem ageing.

PMID- 22060773
TI  - Proteolysis of type III collagen by collagenase and cathepsin B under high
      hydrostatic pressure.
AB  - The effects of high hydrostatic pressures on the kinetics of hydrolysis of type
      III collagen from calf skin by collagenase and cathepsin B were studied. Collagen
      hydrolysates sampled at different time intervals (0-90 min) and at different
      pressures (0.1-300 MPa) were analysed by reverse-phase high pressure liquid
      chromatography. The rate of collagen hydrolysis decreased up to 300 MPa for both
      enzymes. The rate of collagen hydrolysis with cathepsin B was drastically reduced
      between 0.1 and 100 MPa. Significant differences in the populations of the
      peptides in cathepsin B hydrolysates were observed in chromatograms corresponding
      to different pressures. This indicated that some amino acid side-chains were less
      exposed to cathepsin B recognition on the surface of collagen molecules at high
      pressures. In contrast, the chromatograms of collagenase hydrolysates showed
      similar patterns, varying only by the peak heights in chromatograms corresponding
      to the 0.1-300 MPa pressure range. Pressureinduced decreases of the enzyme
      apparent activities suggested that the activation volumes for the reaction of
      both enzymes were positive.

PMID- 22060774
TI  - Effect of low dose gamma radiation on lipids in five different meats.
AB  - Five types of meats were irradiated by gamma radiation up to a dose of 10 kGy.
      The m. longissimus dorsi from pork, lamb and beef was irradiated as well as
      turkey leg and turkey breast muscle. After irradiation, the lipids were extracted
      from the muscles to ascertain the effect of irradiation. Peroxide and iodine
      values along with malonaldehyde concentration were used to assess any damage made
      to the lipids, and to note any significant differences in these compounds due to
      the type of muscle tissue. Peroxide and iodine values showed that at low
      irradiation dose, <10 kGy, there was no significant change in any of the meat
      lipids. Malonaldehyde concentration changed significantly at the micromolar level
      due to irradiation dose, but only in turkey breast muscle.

PMID- 22060775
TI  - Some observations on the absorption spectra of various myoglobin derivatives
      found in meat.
AB  - The three principal myoglobin states of haem pigment, oxymyoglobin, metmyoglobin
      reduced myoglobin, and the ferrous nitrous oxide form, nitrosomyoglobin, were
      prepared as pure pigments in solution. The absorbance spectra of these solutions
      were determined and extinction coefficients calculated. The position of the
      absorption peaks showed some small differences compared to published data, in
      particular the use of absorbance readings at 525 nm as an isobestic point for all
      three could be questioned. The use of mathematical transforms to first or second
      difference functions showed merit for the identification of mixtures of some of
      the myoglobin forms. The second difference function separated the broad
      absorbance band in the Soret region into two separate troughs, thereby resolving
      a mixture of oxymyoglobin and reduced myoglobin. It is suggested that based on
      absorption spectra, similar mathematical transforms could be applied to the
      interpretation of reflectance spectra of meat and meat products. Further
      evaluation of such mathematical transformations is required on a range of meat
      reflectance spectra.

PMID- 22060776
TI  - The origin of the 30 kDa component appearing during post-mortem ageing of bovine
      muscle.
AB  - The most predominant component appearing on SDS-PAGE of myofibrils prepared from
      bovine m. vastus intermedius (VI) during ageing for 31 days post mortem at 0-2 
      degrees C was a component with a molecular weight of 32 kDa (SDS-32 kDa). In this
      study, the origin of the SDS-32 kDa component, which was thought to correspond to
      the 30 kDa component already known, was investigated. On the SDS-PAGE of the
      crude troponins, both troponin T and the 34 kDa component were gradually degraded
      during ageing and then troponin T disappeared at 24 days post mortem, while the
      concentration of the 32 kDa component showed a tendency to increase during
      ageing. The 32 kDa component was prepared from troponin of bovine VI muscle
      stored for 17 days post mortem using CM-Toyopearl chromatography, and named the
      native 32 kDa component. Its mobility on SDS-PAGE agreed with that of the SDS-32
      kDa component. The SDS-32, native 32 and 34 kDa components were recognized by the
      polyclonal anti-troponin T antibody, and furthermore, the patterns of amino acid
      composition of both the native 32 and 34 kDa components were very similar to
      troponin T. Thus, it was considered that these two components would be
      polypeptides from the degradation of troponin T. We concluded that the SDS-32 kDa
      component must be derived from the degraded poly-peptides of troponin T. However,
      it still remains a possibility that some degradation products from other
      myofibrillar proteins are included in the SDS-32 kDa component. Therefore,
      further studies about the identity of this component will be required.

PMID- 22060777
TI  - Polyclonal antibodies against protein F from the cell envelope of Pseudomonas
      fluorescens for the detection of psychrotrophic bacteria in refrigerated meat
      using an indirect ELISA.
AB  - An indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) has been developed for
      detection of Pseudomonas fluorescens and related psychrotrophic bacteria in
      refrigerated meat. The ELISA uses polyclonal antibodies raised in rabbits against
      protein F from the cell envelope of Pseudomonas fluorescens AH-70. The anti
      protein F antibodies were recovered from the crude antiserum by ammonium sulfate
      precipitation and conjugated to biotin. Commercial Extr Avidin-peroxidase
      conjugate was used to detect the biotinylated antibodies bound to their specific
      antigens. Subsequent enzymatic conversion of substrate gave distinct absorbance
      differences when assaying meat samples containing P. fluorescens strains of
      different origin as well as related psychrotrophic microorganisms. The detection
      threshold for the ELISA assay developed in this work was 10(4)-10(5) cfu cm(-2).

PMID- 22060778
TI  - Physical characteristics of lamb primals packaged under vacuum or modified
      atmospheres.
AB  - Lamb primals (shoulders) were packaged under vacuum, 80% O(2)/20% CO(2), 50%
      CO(2)/50% N(2) or 100% CO(2) and stored at 5 or 0  degrees C. Pack contents were
      examined at 7 day intervals to determine the composition of the pack atmosphere,
      drip loss, colour (muscle and fat) and pH (surface and internal). The composition
      of the gas atmospheres changed very little during storage. The only significant
      differences between developed head space compositions above primals stored at the
      two different temperatures (5 and 0  degrees C) were noted in packs stored for 28
      days under 80% O(2)/20% CO(2). Low levels of drip loss (<0.5%) were noted in all
      packs stored under the modified gas atmospheres. In contrast, significantly
      higher levels of drip loss (0.5-1.1%) were noted in vacuum packaged lamb stored
      at 5 and 0  degrees C. Acceptable muscle colour was observed 2 hr after opening
      of all packs. The only significant differences between atmospheres for lean
      muscle colour were noted after 28 days storage. Fat colour did not generally
      change during storage in any of the atmospheres, apart from a slight bleaching
      effect at 7 days. There were no significant differences between the surface or
      internal pH values noted after storage under any of the atmosphere/temperature
      combinations. In general, higher pH values were observed at the surface of the
      meat than in the interior. This pattern was noted before and after storage.

PMID- 22060779
TI  - Frozen storage of Bologna sausages as a function of fat content and of levels of
      added starch and egg white.
AB  - The effect of freezing and frozen storage on the water holding capacity (WHC) and
      texture of Bologna sausages formulated with varying fat levels (7.2, 12.8 and
      20.1%) and with different proportions of added starch (0, 5 and 10%) and egg
      white (EW) (0, 1.5 and 3%) was studied. High-fat sausages exhibited better
      binding properties than low-fat sausages. Freezing and frozen storage caused
      binding properties to deteriorate, the more so the lower the fat content. In
      general, addition of starch caused an increase in penetration force and a
      decrease in elasticity of sausages, and also favoured freeze-thaw stability.
      Addition of egg white had no influence (p > 0.05) on the WHC of Bologna sausages
      but did influence texture.

PMID- 22060780
TI  - Effect of protective cultures and packaging film permeability on shelf-life of
      sliced vacuum-packed cooked ham.
AB  - Cooked ham produced with Lactobacillus alimentarius and Staphylococcus xylosus as
      protective cultures, and control ham were sliced, vacuum-packed in pouches with
      oxygen transmission rates (OTR) of 360 and 77 cm(3)/m(2)/24 hr/atm, and stored at
      4  degrees C in the dark. The addition of protective cultures increased (p <
      0.05) lactic acid bacteria and micrococci and staphylococci counts in the meats.
      After cooking, the population of lactic acid bacteria was higher (p < 0.05) in
      hams produced with L. alimentarius than the other treatments. Protective cultures
      increased (p < 0.05) the shelf-life of cooked ham. The higher the OTR, the lower
      the shelf-life. Cooked ham with L. alimentarius was acceptable up to 28 days
      compared to control ham with a shelf-life of 3 weeks. Micrococci and
      staphylococci were inhibited in hams with L. alimentarius. Hams with S. xylosus
      had a better red colour than other treatments. Cooked hams with protective
      cultures had lower total aerobic bacteria, micrococci and staphylococci and
      Brochothrix thermosphacta counts than control hams which had higher populations
      of lactic acid bacteria and lower pseudomonads.

PMID- 22060781
TI  - Changes in colour of beef m. longissimus dorsi muscle during ageing.
AB  - The effects of vacuum packaging, chilling rate (slow or fast), and fat cover
      thickness (?4 mm or 7-8 mm) on the colour parameters of beef m. longissimus dorsi
      muscle were assessed during ageing. The m. longissimus dorsi muscle was aged on
      the carcass or in vacuum packaging. Muscle samples for analysis were taken on
      days 0 (24 hr post mortem), 2, 4, 8, 12 and 16 to ascertain the parameters.
      Ageing time influenced all colour parameters, while chilling rate affected
      lightness ('L'), yellowness ('b'), and hue angle difference (HD), and fat cover
      thickness influenced 'L' and 'b' only.

PMID- 22060782
TI  - Collagen cross-linking in porcine m. longissimus lumborum: Absence of a
      relationship with variation in texture at pork weight.
AB  - The determination of all currently known intermolecular cross-links present in
      intramuscular collagen of porcine m. longissimus lumborum is described in
      relation to the texture of the meat as determined both objectively by
      instrumentation and subjectively by sensory panel. The variation in texture
      observed in the m. longissimus lumborum of pork weight pigs has been shown to be
      unrelated to the total collagen content or to the nature of the collagen
      intermolecular cross-links. We have also demonstrated a considerable error in the
      colorimetric method for quantitation of hydroxyproline when determining the very
      low values of collagen present in pig meat. During this study we have established
      a sound protocol for the determination of all the known cross-links in
      intramuscular collagen of meat from any meat animal species.

PMID- 22060783
TI  - Estimation of the muscle to bone ratio of the bovine pelvic limb using a
      morphometric method Laville, E., Astruc, T., Martin, V. & Bousset, J. (1995).
      Meat Sci., 41(3), 345.

PMID- 22060784
TI  - Soyasaponin Ab ameliorates colitis by inhibiting the binding of
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to Toll-like receptor (TLR)4 on macrophages.
AB  - Many clinical studies have shown that daily intake of soybean [ Glycine max  (L.)
      Merr., Fabacease] or its foods may reduce the risk of osteoporosis, heart attack,
      hyperlipidemia, coronary heart disease, cardiovascular and chronic renal
      diseases, and cancers, including prostate, colon, and breast cancers. Of the soy
      constituents, soyasaponins exhibit anti-aging, antioxidant, apoptotic, and anti
      inflammatory effects. However, the anti-inflammatory effect of soyasaponin Ab has
      not been thoroughly studied. Therefore, we investigated its anti-inflammatory
      effects in 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced colitic mice and
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated peritoneal macrophages. Soyasaponin Ab
      inhibited colon shortening, myeloperoxidase activity, the expression of
      cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and
      activation of the transcription factor nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB).
      Soyasaponin Ab (1, 2, 5, and 10 MUM) inhibited the production of NO (IC(50) = 1.6
      +/- 0.1 MUM) and prostaglandin E(2) (IC(50) = 2.0 +/- 0.1 ng/mL), the expression
      of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha (IC(50) = 1.3 +/- 0.1 ng/mL), interleukin
      (IL)-1beta (IC(50) = 1.5 +/- 0.1 pg/mL), and toll-like receptor (TLR)4, and the
      phosphorylation of interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase (IRAK)-1 in LPS
      stimulated peritoneal macrophages. Soyasaponin Ab weakly inhibited the
      phosphorylation of ERK, JNK, and p38. Soyasaponin Ab significantly reduced the
      binding of Alexa-Fluor-594-conjugated LPS to peritoneal macrophages. Soyasaponin
      Ab did not affect TLR4 expression or LPS-induced NF-kappaB activation in TLR4
      siRNA-treated peritoneal macrophages (knockdown efficiency of TLR4 > 94%). On the
      basis of these findings, soyasaponin Ab may ameliorate colitis by inhibiting the
      binding of LPS to TLR4 on macrophages.

PMID- 22060785
TI  - Enzymatic assay to determine collagen thermal denaturation and solubilization.
AB  - Analysis of collagen in fresh and cooked meat products typically separates the
      heat-solubilized portion from the insoluble. However, extensive changes in the
      insoluble portion can occur during heat treatment that greatly affect cooked meat
      texture. This study evaluated a method of determining the proportion of
      solubilized and heat-altered collagen using a nonspecific protease from
      Streptomyces griseus to digest heat-altered collagen. Bovine semitendinosus
      muscle was heated to either 50, 60, or 70 degrees C. Warner-Bratzler shear
      forces, Ringer's-soluble and insoluble collagen, and enzyme-labile collagen
      (digested with pronase) were determined on all samples. The enzyme-labile
      fraction (ELF) increased as endpoint temperature increased, and a corresponding
      decrease occurred in the total unaltered fraction (TUF). The Ringers-soluble
      fraction (RSF) increased slightly. Correlations of peak shear force and peak
      energy with TUF (0.65 and 0.81) were stronger than those with RSF (0.53 and
      0.57). Use of this method should provide further insights into the role of
      collagen in the development of cooked meat texture.

PMID- 22060786
TI  - Fatty acid composition of goat diets vs intramuscular fat.
AB  - Twenty Boer x Spanish goats, at the age range of 90-118 days, were assigned to
      two dietary treatments, with 10 animals fed a grain ration (G) and the other 10
      grazed in rangeland. The grain ration contained sorghum grain (67.5%), cottonseed
      hulls, dehydrated alfalfa meal, cottonseed meal, soybean meal, molasses, and
      mineral and vitamin supplements. Animals were slaughtered at the age range of 206
      234 days. Intramuscular fat (IF) and the diet specimens - representative samples
      of G and the parts of range plants (RPs) that goats were expected to have
      consumed - were analyzed for fatty acid composition. The percentage of 16:0 was
      higher in RPs than in G, but not different between IF from range goats and that
      from grain-fed goats. Total unsaturated fatty acid (UFA) percentage was higher in
      G than in RPs. The major UFAs were 18:2 and 18:3 in RPs, and 18:1 and 18:2 in G.
      In IF, 18:1 constituted more than two-thirds of UFAs, regardless of diet type.

PMID- 22060787
TI  - Training for more accurate visual fat estimation in meat.
AB  - Much animal fat in the diet is contained in meat. As fat intake is considered too
      high in western societies, a more fat-conscious attitude may be desirable. One of
      the parties involved is the butcher, who sells fresh meat directly to the
      consumer. In a pre-post experimental design, with an interpolated training phase,
      the possibility to improve the ability of student butchers to visually estimate
      fat content of meat, was investigated. A limited number of training sessions, in
      which immediate feed-back was given of the actual fat percentage after each
      estimation, led to a large improvement in fat estimation accuracy. A delayed post
      test indicated that most of the training effect was preserved after six weeks.
      Similarities between the observed learning process and informational feed-back
      learning with numerosity stimuli were discussed. On the basis of these results it
      is recommended that courses for trainee butchers include a short course on fat
      estimation in their curriculum. If butchers sell what they think they sell,
      consumers are more likely to get what they think they get. Increased 'fat
      awareness' may indirectly contribute to healthier eating habits.

PMID- 22060788
TI  - Interrelationships between descriptive texture profile sensory panel and
      descriptive attribute sensory panel evaluations of beef Longissimus and
      Semitendinosus muscles.
AB  - The objectives of our study were to examine the relationships between highly
      trained and experienced descriptive texture profile (DTP) sensory panel and
      trained descriptive attribute (DA) sensory panel evaluations, and to evaluate the
      effects of muscle fiber orientation on sensory panel tenderness scores of beef
      longissimus lumborum (LL) and semitendinosus (ST) muscles. Eighteen LL and 18 ST
      muscles were cut into 2.54 cm steaks and cooked to 71 degrees C; then
      1.27*1.27*2.54-cm cubes were removed using two methods (parallel with the muscle
      fiber orientation and perpendicular to the steak cut surface) and presented to
      the two sensory panels. Both panels detected differences among replications
      (muscles from different carcasses); however, a panelist * replication effect
      occurred for the DA sensory panel. Both panels detected differences (p<0.05) in
      LL muscle fiber orientation for most attributes related to tenderness; however,
      few differences were detected for flavor and juiciness traits for either muscle.
      Numerous significant (r ? 0.50 or ? -0.50) correlations occurred between DTP and
      DA panel attributes and were generally higher when cubes were cut perpendicular
      to the steak cut surface. The DTP panelists were more consistent in their
      evaluations of texture attributes; however, they were more sensitive to muscle
      fiber orientation. Both panels were effective in detecting differences among
      replications.

PMID- 22060789
TI  - Evolution of volatile aldehydes in Iberian ham matured under different processing
      conditions.
AB  - To evaluate the influence of the Iberian ham processing conditions in the
      evolution of volatile aldehydes, 35 hams were processed in two plants following
      different conditions of relative humidity and temperature. For this, free fatty
      acids, peroxide values and volatile aldehydes were quantified in the hams. The
      highest increases in free fatty acids were noted during the drying stage in both
      processing plants. The drying period also revealed the greatest increase in
      peroxide values, where the highest values were in those hams processed at higher
      temperatures. The temperature during post-salting and drying had a marked
      influence on the formation of volatile aldehydes, being responsible for the
      differences in volatile compounds of matured hams.

PMID- 22060790
TI  - Fatty acid composition and sensory characteristics of lamb carcasses from Britain
      and Spain.
AB  - Fatty acid composition of intramuscular fat in M. Longissimus was measured in
      four groups of lambs representing two Spanish breeds: Rasa Aragonesa (RA) and
      Merino (ME) and two British lamb types: the Welsh Mountain breed (WM), whose
      carcasses were purchased in Spain and typical early lambs (EL) purchased in
      Britain. The lambs grown in Spain were concentrate fed and slaughtered at a
      lighter weight and lower age than those grown in Britain. The British lamb
      carcasses purchased in Spain were of a similar weight to the Spanish lambs but
      were lighter than the lamb carcasses purchased in Britain. The British lambs were
      grass fed. Relationships between fatty acid (FA) composition and sensory
      attributes were examined following sensory testing of all lambs by both British
      and Spanish taste panels. The production system was shown to be more important
      than breed in determining FA composition. British lambs had higher percentages,
      within total fatty acids, of 18:0, 18:3 (n-3) and long chain polyunsaturated n-3
      FA and lower percentages of 18:2 (n-6) and long chain polyunsaturated n-6 FA than
      Spanish lambs. These differences were due to the different feeding systems used.
      The amounts of these FA in muscle (mg/100 g) were also different between the
      British and Spanish groups, not only because the British lambs had more total
      fat. For both taste panels, odour and flavour intensity were positively
      correlated with the amounts and percentages of 18:0 and 18:3 and negatively
      correlated with those of 18:2. This was explained by the fact that both panels
      gave higher odour and flavour intensity scores to the grass-fed British lamb with
      high 18:3 levels and lower scores to the concentrate-fed Spanish lamb with high
      18:2 levels. However, 18:0 and 18:3 were positively correlated with flavour
      quality and overall appraisal for the British panel and negatively for the
      Spanish panel. Conversely, 18:2 was a positive contributor to flavour and overall
      preference for the Spanish panel and was negative for the British panel. The
      results show that the production system affects muscle fatty acid composition and
      the flavour of lamb. However, people's preference is determined to a large extent
      by their past experience.

PMID- 22060791
TI  - The effect of selection for growth rate on carcass composition and meat
      characteristics of rabbits.
AB  - The effect of selection for growth rate on carcass composition and meat quality
      was assessed by comparing two groups of rabbits belonging to different
      generations of a selection experiment. A Bayesian approach was used. Embryos
      belonging to generations 3 and 4 of selection were frozen and thawed to be
      contemporary of animals from generation 10. A control group (C), formed from
      offspring of these embryos, was contemporary to offspring of generations 10 and
      11 of selection, chosen at random, which constituted the selected group (S). One
      hundred and thirty-one contemporary rabbits were slaughtered at approximately the
      Spanish commercial live weight of 2 kg. Carcasses were dissected and measured
      according to the norms of the World Rabbit Scientific Association. An animal
      model including effects of genetic group (C, S) and sex, and slaughter weight as
      a covariate was used. S animals had a higher development of liver, kidneys and of
      a set of organs consisting of the thymus, trachea, oesophagus, lung and heart,
      relative to C. For dissectible fat, S animals had less than C: -0.31 g for
      scapular fat, -1.62 g for perirenal fat and -2.03 g for inguinal fat. S had a
      lower content (-0.39%) of dissectible fat percentage in the "Reference" carcass,
      indicating a lower degree of maturity at slaughter. The meat to bone ratio was
      not affected by selection, but the meat and bone contents of the hind leg were
      3.25 and 0.71 g higher, respectively, in the C group. Selected animals had a
      lower water holding capacity in the raw meat (-2.10%), a higher water holding
      capacity in the cooked meat (2.17%), a higher cooking loss (3.31%) and a lower
      fat percentage in the meat of a hind leg (-0.37%). Females had more fat than
      males: 0.26 g for scapular fat, 1.02 g for perirenal fat, 1.10 g for inguinal
      fat, and 0.24% for total dissectible fat percentage of the "Reference" carcass.

PMID- 22060792
TI  - High pressure/thermal treatment of meat batters prepared from freeze-thawed pork.
AB  - Various meat batters were prepared from pork subjected to different freeze-thaw
      cycles. These batters were pressurized (300 MPa, 30 min) at low, non-denaturing
      temperature (10 degrees C) followed by heating (70 degrees C) (PLT+H) and at
      high, denaturing temperature (70 degrees C) (HUPC). Nonpressurized (NP), heated
      only (70 degrees C) sample were also produced. Freezing of meat influenced water
      binding and textural properties of meat batters; the influence on texture was
      affected by thermal and pressure conditions. Pressure prior to heating produced a
      coarse, irregular and loose protein matrix, favoring the formation of weaker gel
      structures than were found in non-pressurized samples. Pressurization at
      denaturing temperatures reduced the level of protein denaturation induced by the
      thermal treatment. The resulting gel structures had better water binding
      properties but were weaker than non-pressurized samples and samples pressurized
      prior to heating.

PMID- 22060793
TI  - Buffalo meat as a salted and cured product.
AB  - Bresaola, a GPI product, is produced by salting and curing different cuts of the
      hindquarters of lean bovine meat. The use of buffalo meat to produce similar
      processed, cold-cut products demonstrated the possibility of transforming cuts of
      buffalo rump into a product similar to that of beef, even considering parameters
      that penalise the buffalo product like tenderness and colour.

PMID- 22060794
TI  - Evaluation of a DNA fingerprinting method for determining the species origin of
      meats.
AB  - This study describes an investigation into the use of a PCR-RFLP technique as a
      routine analytical tool for species testing. The technique was used to generate
      DNA fingerprints for 22 animal species by amplifying a 359 bp region within the
      cytochrome b gene and digesting the amplified product using Hae III and Hinf I.
      All species could be discriminated using the two restriction enzymes with the
      exception of kangaroo and buffalo. Cooking the tissues did not affect the DNA
      extractions or the profiles generated. When mixtures were investigated, pig was
      preferentially amplified and dominated over all species tested, even at levels of
      1%. Another set of cytochrome b primers which amplified 464 bp, was also tested
      for the analysis of these mixtures. Beef was found to be favourably amplified
      over the other species. Anomolous results where the digested products exceeded
      359 bp was also investigated. Co-amplification was found to occur in the species
      investigated. Results of this study suggest that the CytB PCR-RFLP method shows
      promise for the identification of both cooked and uncooked tissues, although the
      method is unsuitable for analysing meat mixtures.

PMID- 22060795
TI  - Influence of supranutritional vitamin E and copper on alpha-tocopherol deposition
      and susceptibility to lipid oxidation of porcine membranal fractions of M. Psoas
      major and M. Longissimus dorsi.
AB  - Addition of 200 ppm all-rac-alpha-tocopheryl acetate to pig feed supplemented
      with 6% high-oleic rapeseed oil gave mitochondrial membranes, which had a lower
      rate of formation of free radicals as determined by ESR-spectroscopy using the
      spin-trapping technique. Addition of 175 mg/kg copper to the feed, with or
      without all-rac-alpha-tocopherol acetate addition was not pro-oxidative (or anti
      oxidative). While these effects were similar for both the oxidative M. Psoas
      major (PM), and the glycolytic, M. Longissimus dorsi (LD), differences between
      muscles were characterised by a higher activity of beta-hydroxyacyl-coenzyme A
      dehydrogenase (HAD) and citrate synthase (CS), and a lower activity of lactate
      dehydrogenase (LDH) in PM than in LD (p<0.001). The concentration of alpha
      tocopherol in muscles, liver, and plasma was influenced by the alpha-tocopherol
      level in the feed (p<0.001). The concentration of fatty acids in microsomes was
      not influenced by dietary treatments, but was higher in PM than in LD. However,
      the total concentration of fatty acids in the mitochondria of PM was higher in
      pigs supplemented with all-rac-alpha-tocopheryl acetate.

PMID- 22060796
TI  - Stability of catalase and its potential role in lipid oxidation in meat.
AB  - The activity of catalase in microbial growth-controlled and uncontrolled ground
      beef muscle (semimembranosus, SM) did not change (P>0.05) during 6-day storage at
      4 degrees C. Likewise, catalase activity in ground, beef SM and longissimus dorsi
      (LD), pork LD, and chicken breast (B) and thigh (T) muscles was not affected
      (P>0.05) by 2-month storage at -20 degrees C, with or without mid-month
      thawing/refreezing. When sodium azide (a catalase inhibitor) was added to ground
      beef SM, lipid oxidation (as measured by peroxide values) during 4-day
      refrigeration was higher (P<0.05) in treated samples - 43 and 55% higher at day 2
      and day 4, respectively - than in the controls. It was concluded that catalase
      would be stable during meat storage/distribution and contribute significantly to
      the antioxidative process in raw meat products.

PMID- 22060797
TI  - Colour of normal and high pH beef heated to different temperatures as related to
      oxygenation.
AB  - The effects of oxygenation and thermal treatment (internal temperature, T(i): 45,
      60, 75 degrees C) on the colour and some colour related physical and biochemical
      properties of beef longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle, both normal (pH(u)~5.6) and DFD
      (pH(u)>6.6), were studied. The colour components (L (*), a (*), b (*) values) for
      the raw and heated LD, both before and after oxygenation, were instrumentally and
      sensorily evaluated. The colour of raw and heated (60 degrees C) DFD beef before
      and after oxygenation differed significantly from the normal meat and contained
      more native muscle pigment (TMP). pH also influenced the depth of the oxygenated
      layer, specific activity of cytochrome c oxidase (SACCO) and the amount of oxygen
      consumed. An increase in internal temperature was usually accompanied by a lower
      SACCO and a significant decrease of TMP, as well as a change of all colour
      parameters. Oxygenation of the raw and heated slices (except at 75 degrees C) of
      both types of meat led to higher L (*), a (*) and b (*) values.

PMID- 22060798
TI  - Effect of residual oxygen on colour stability during chill storage of sliced,
      pasteurised ham packaged in modified atmosphere.
AB  - The critical level of residual oxygen to avoid light induced oxidative
      discoloration during chill storage of sliced, pasteurised ham packaged in
      modified atmosphere (20% carbon dioxide balanced with nitrogen in a 1:3 product
      to headspace volume ratio) was found to lie between 0.1 and 0.5% oxygen. In 0.5%
      oxygen light induced discoloration was significant, as detected by the
      tristimulus colorimetry redness parameter, when compared to the same product
      stored in the dark, while at 0.1 and 0.02% oxygen the colour was stable both in
      the dark and when exposed to light for up to 27 days in chill storage. Lipid
      oxidation, determined as 2-thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, and total
      plate counts showed no difference between discoloured and colour stable products,
      although a trained panel in a triangle test could differentiate between the taste
      of ham from packages with 0.02 and 0.5% oxygen after 27 days of chill storage.

PMID- 22060799
TI  - Survival of enterohaemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7 strain in Turkish
      soudjouck during fermentation, drying and storage periods.
AB  - Soudjouck (a kind of Turkish sausage) batter was inoculated with Escherichia coli
      O157:H7 at a level of 10(5) colony-forming unit (CFUg) and kept overnight at 4
      degrees C. After stuffing the soudjouck batter into natural casing, fermentation
      was carried out at 24+/-2 degrees C and 90-95% relative humidity (RH) for 3 days
      with subsequent drying at 22+/-2 degrees C and 80-85% RH for 5 days. Then, half
      of soudjouck samples were vacuum-packed in polyethylene bags and the rest were
      kept open. All samples were stored at 4 degrees C (55% RH) for 3 months. E. coli
      O157:H7 and lactic acid bacteria counts, moisture contents and pH values of the
      samples were determined during fermentation, drying and storage periods. Results
      showed that count of E. coli O157:H7 decreased by 3 log unit during fermentation
      and drying periods. It was observed that this pathogen survived longer in vacuum
      packaged samples (more than 2 months) than non-vacuum samples (more than 1
      month).

PMID- 22060800
TI  - Conversion to low transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI)-risk plasma
      significantly reduces TRALI.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Transfusion-related acute lung injury (TRALI) is an uncommon but
      serious transfusion reaction. Studies have shown that the transfusion of HLA and
      HNA antibodies in donor plasma can lead to TRALI. Female donors are more likely
      to have such antibodies due to alloantigen exposure during pregnancy. Many blood
      suppliers have now implemented various TRALI risk reduction strategies to unknown
      effect. A retrospective analysis of TRALI reactions in plasma recipients before
      and after the conversion to low-TRALI-risk plasma (all-male donor plasma, male
      predominant plasma, nulliparous female plasma, and HLA antibody-tested plasma) is
      reported. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: Transfusion reaction reports at three large
      hospitals 16 months before and 16 months after the conversion to low-TRALI-risk
      plasma were analyzed. Respiratory reactions were categorized as TRALI, possible
      TRALI, or other (e.g., transfusion-associated circulatory overload or allergic
      reactions). Reactions were reported as a percentage of total units transfused and
      rates for the two time periods were compared. Trends in reaction rates for other
      components were also compared. RESULTS: A total of 2156 transfusion reactions in
      association with 461,598 transfused blood components were reviewed. The incidence
      of combined TRALI or possible TRALI reactions, due to the transfusion of plasma,
      decreased from 0.0084% to zero (p = 0.052). The rate of TRALI or possible TRALI
      reactions in red blood cell and platelet recipients did not change significantly.
      CONCLUSION: The conversion to low-TRALI-risk plasma has reduced the incidence of
      TRALI reactions in plasma recipients.

PMID- 22060801
TI  - Gender differences in early maladaptive schemas in a treatment-seeking sample of
      alcohol-dependent adults.
AB  - The current study examined early maladaptive schemas among alcohol-dependent men
      and women and sought to determine whether men and women differed in their early
      maladaptive schemas. Using preexisting patient records of adults diagnosed with
      alcohol dependence from a residential treatment center in the Southeastern United
      States, from 2005 to 2010 (N = 854), results showed that women scored
      significantly higher than men on 14 of the 18 early maladaptive schemas assessed.
      Both women and men endorsed having a number of early maladaptive schemas, with
      four schemas being particularly prevalent across gender. Study limitations are
      noted and implications of these findings for treatment and future research are
      discussed.

PMID- 22060802
TI  - Evaluation of 1,5-anhydroglucitol, hemoglobin A1c, and glucose levels in youth
      and young adults with type 1 diabetes and healthy controls.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Serum 1,5-anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG) is a marker of
      hyperglycemic excursions in adults with diabetes and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) < 8%.
      We compared 1,5-AG levels among youth and young adults with and without type 1
      diabetes (T1D) and investigated the utility of 1,5-AG in the assessment of
      glycemic status in pediatric T1D. METHODS: We compared 1,5-AG, HbA1c, and plasma
      glucose levels in 138 patients with T1D (duration >=1 yr) and 136 healthy
      controls, aged 10-30 yr. Within each group, we investigated associations between
      1,5-AG and clinical characteristics, HbA1c and random plasma glucose. For
      patients with T1D, 1,5-AG was further analyzed according to HbA1c strata: <8, 8
      9, and >9%. RESULTS: Compared to controls, patients with T1D had higher HbA1c
      (8.5 +/- 1.6 vs. 5.1 +/- 0.4%, p < 0.0001), lower 1,5-AG (4.0 +/- 2.0 vs. 24.7 +/
      6.4 ug/mL, p < 0.0001), and higher glucose (11.1 +/- 5.2 vs. 5.1 +/- 0.9 mmol/L,
      p < 0.0001). Males had higher 1,5-AG than females within patients (4.5 +/- 2.3
      vs. 3.4 +/- 1.6 ug/mL, p = 0.003) and controls (26.0 +/- 6.6 vs. 23.5 +/- 6.0
      ug/mL, p = 0.02). 1,5-AG was not correlated with glucose in either group. 1,5-AG
      was significantly correlated to HbA1c in patients, but not controls. For patients
      with HbA1c < 8%, 1,5-AG demonstrated the widest range and was not predicted by
      HbA1c; 1,5-AG levels were narrowly distributed among patients with HbA1c >= 8%.
      CONCLUSIONS: Youth and young adults with T1D demonstrate similar 1,5-AG levels
      which are distinct from controls. 1,5-AG assessment may provide unique
      information beyond that provided by HbA1c in the mid-term assessment of glycemic
      control in young patients with T1D and HbA1c < 8%.

PMID- 22060803
TI  - Possibilities for predicting taste and tenderness of broiled beef steaks using an
      optical-electromechanical probe.
AB  - A prototype beef-quality probe was tested on 47 strip-loin steaks evaluated by a
      sensory panel. The probe responded to the reflectance or back-scatter of
      initially polarized light from 400 to 800 nm, UV fluorescence of connective
      tissue, and electromechanical resistance to needle penetration. All three
      indicators contributed to predictions (p < 0.01) of tenderness (r = 0.58 for
      initial tenderness after 3 days aging, r = 0.57 for sustained tenderness at 3
      days, r = 0.42 for initial tenderness at 21 days, and r = 0.58 for sustained
      tenderness at 21 days) and taste (r = 0.59 for flavor intensity at 3 days, r =
      0.41 for beef flavor at 3 days, and r = 0.41 for flavor intensity at 21 days).
      The reflectance of initially polarized light from 440 to 600 nm appeared to
      contain a relatively high content of useful information, but further improvements
      to the prototype are required to obtain more reliable predictions for industrial
      use.

PMID- 22060804
TI  - The effect of two handling and slaughter systems on skin damage, meat
      acidification and colour in pigs.
AB  - In order to minimize the high proportion of carcass and meat quality defects
      recorded in commercially slaughtered pigs, the optimum handling, stunning and
      bleeding-out conditions must be implemented. In this study improvements in pig
      handling resulted in the elimination of electric goading within the raceways,
      which reduced the skin blemish score by 50%. Furthermore, the application of
      higher stunning voltage (200 V) and the immediate bleeding-out in the prone
      position improved the post-mortem acidification rate in the Longissimus thoracis
      (LT) and Semimembranosus (SM) muscles. This resulted in a sharp reduction of the
      PSE incidence in both muscles. A positive effect on muscle metabolism was also
      showed by the lower release of CPK into the bloodflow. These results show that,
      under commercial conditions, the design of slaughter handling systems and the
      slaughter procedures can have an effect on skin damage and on the quality of the
      pig meat.

PMID- 22060805
TI  - Optimizing the traditional processing of beef into Kilishi.
AB  - Kilishi, a meat-based traditional product of Sahelian Africa, is a sun-dried,
      coated and grilled beef. The effect of moisture content of the dried meat before
      coating and sauce ingredients, on coating quality and product yield of kilishi
      were determined. Analysis of the losses after the coating and grilling stages
      highlighted the mechanisms that determine coating quality. To improve sauce
      adhesion to the dried meat, wheatflour was added to the traditional sauce (a
      mixture of groundnut paste, water, and spices). The amounts of water and wheat
      flour required to ensure that the sauce adhered to the meat well were also
      determined. This has optimized the kilishi processing to improve product yield.

PMID- 22060806
TI  - A note on the muscle, fat and bone contents of Portuguese light lamb carcasses.
AB  - A total of 72 lambs weighing between 10.1-13.0 kg (category C of the European
      Union grading for light lambs) from the Bragancano, Campanico, Merino Branco,
      Merino Preto e Serra da Estrela breeds were studied. These breeds represent 66.8%
      of the Portuguese sheep population. Evaluations were made at the same
      subcutaneous fat contents in the carcass (88.5 g kg(-1)). Small, significant (p <
      0.05) differences in the range of muscle and bone contents were found; the ranges
      being 30 and 25 g kg(-1), respectively. These variations led to significant
      diferences in the muscle:bone ratios, the highest value being 3.30 and the lowest
      2.73. Significant differences were also found in the content of higher-priced
      joints (leg + chump, loin + ribs and anterior ribs) and in the proportion of kkcf
      (9 g kg(-1)). No significant differences were found in the content of total fat
      [subcutaneous, intermuscular and kidney knob and channel fat (kkcf)] and in the
      muscle: total fat ratios.

PMID- 22060807
TI  - Simultaneous addition of Palatase M and Protease P to a dry fermented sausage
      (Chorizo de Pamplona) elaboration: Effect over peptidic and Lipid fractions.
AB  - The effect of the simultaneous addition of a lipase (Palatase M 200L Novo Nordisk
      A/S) and a protease (Protease P 31.000 Solvay Enzymes GMBH&CO.KG) to the
      manufacture of a Spanish dry fermented sausage (Chorizo de Pamplona) was studied.
      In relation to the free aminoacid fraction, significative increases in Glu, His,
      Lys, Ser, Ala, Pro, Val, Met, Ile, Leu and Phe were found. Smaller differences
      were observed in the aminoacids obtained from peptides. The addition of the
      lipase caused significant increases in palmitic, oleic and linolenic acids.
      Despite the observed changes, no differences were found in the sensory quality
      compared with the control, except for a slight softening.

PMID- 22060808
TI  - Effect of anatomical location on the composition of fatty acids in double-muscled
      Belgian Blue cows.
AB  - Double-muscled cows of the Belgian Blue breed, ranging from ca. 680 to 880 kg
      live weight were slaughtered and various fat depots sampled for lipid analysis.
      Subcutaneous fat (SCF), intermuscular fat in m. serratus (IMF1) and m.
      transversalis (IMF2), kidney fat (KF) and intramuscular fat in m. longissimus
      thoracis (IMF3) were sampled. In IMF3 samples, polar lipids were separated from
      other lipid classes by thin layer chromatography. Both the proportions (w w  %)
      and gravimetric concentrations (mg g(-1) of sample) of long-chain fatty acids
      were determined in total lipids of SCF, IMF1, IMF2, KF and in lipid classes of
      IMF3 by gas chromatography. The greatest concentration of total fatty acids was
      found in KF (777.6 +/- 82.6 mg g(-1)), followed by SCF (721.3 +/- 92.2 mg g(-1)),
      IMF2 (709.8 +/- 72.5 mg g(-1)) and IMF1 (682.1 +/- 71.6 mg g(-1)).
      Triacylglycerol and polar lipid fatty acid content of m. longissimus thoracis
      (IMF3) were respectively 8.1 +/- 3.3 and 3.1 +/- 0.6 mg g(-1). Fatty acid
      content, particularly the triacylglycerol fatty acid content in IMF3, increased
      (p < 0.01) with increasing carcass fat content. Polar lipid fatty acids in IMF3
      contained a higher proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (32.6 +/- 4.8 %) and
      lower proportion of saturated fatty acids (27.4 +/- 5.0%) compared to the
      triacylglycerol fatty acid fraction (p < 0.01), which may reflect a prerequisite
      for proper membrane functioning. Internal fat depots were more saturated (p <
      0.01) compared to SCF. The proportion of monounsaturated fatty acids differed (p
      < 0.01) between IMF1 and IMF2, possibly reflecting differences in muscle activity
      and functioning. Oleic (C18:1) and stearic (C18:0) acids comprised more than 60%
      of the total fatty acids in all anatomical locations.

PMID- 22060809
TI  - Determination of sensory, chemical and cooking characteristics of retail beef
      cuts differing in intramuscular and external fat.
AB  - Top loin (TLS), top sirloin (TSS), and eye of round (EYS) steaks, and loin end
      (LRR) and blade end (BRR) rib, and eye of round (EYR) roasts were used to
      determine the effect of USDA quality grade, Choice or Select, external fat trim
      level, and internal temperature endpoint on sensory, chemical and cooking
      characteristics. Cuts cooked with external fat required slightly greater cooking
      times and had higher fat content in the lean than cuts cooked without external
      fat (p < 0.05). Regardless of quality grade or external fat trim, increasing
      internal temperature endpoint resulted in tougher, drier cuts with longer cooking
      times and greater cooking loss (p < 0.05). Choice TLS, TSS and LRR were higher (p
      < 0.05) in palatability than Select, but quality grade did not affect
      palatability of BRR, EYS or EYR.

PMID- 22060810
TI  - Colour-stabilising effect of muscle vitamin E in minced beef stored in high
      oxygen packs.
AB  - Minced beef samples stored in high oxygen modified atmosphere packs (80% O(2):20%
      CO(2)) were evaluated for colour stability during refrigerated storage. The
      oxymyoglobin content and surface redness (Hunter 'a' value) of m. biceps femoris
      samples, previously frozen and minced, were significantly lower in samples with a
      mean vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) content of 2.5 MUg g(-1) compared with samples
      with 3.3, 3.9 or 5.5 MUg g(-1) after 4, 6 and 8 days of storage at 4  degrees C.
      Lipid oxidation was significantly higher in the beef samples with the low vitamin
      E content compared with the other groups indicating that a likely mechanism for
      the colour-stabilising effect of vitamin E is through its action as a lipid
      antioxidant.

PMID- 22060811
TI  - Preparation of surimi-like extract from beef hearts and its utilisation in
      frankfurters.
AB  - Surimi-like material was prepared from beef heart and evaluated in commercial
      frankfurter (30% fat) recipes at levels of 3, 7 10 and 15% by weight replacing
      lean meat. The addition of the heart surimi at a 15% level reduced (p < 0.05)
      cook loss compared with the control (6.4% vs 7.5%). Shear force measurements on
      frankfurters showed that the control had the highest value (20.4 N(-1) g) and the
      15% surimi treatment the lowest (p < 0.05) value (13.9 N(-1) g). Correspondingly,
      sensory analysis indicated that as the surimi-type material was added the
      tenderness increased (p < 0.05). Panellists found no off-flavours and all the
      treatments scored similarly to the control in terms of overall flavour. In terms
      of 'overall acceptability' panellists found treatments containing 7 and 10% heart
      surimi were preferable to the control. Surimi-type material from hearts can be
      used in frankfurter formulations up to 15% without impairing texture or flavour.

PMID- 22060812
TI  - Immunolocalisation of intermediate filament proteins in porcine meat. Fibre type
      and muscle-specific variations during conditioning.
AB  - Two intermediate filament proteins, desmin and vinculin, were immunofluorescently
      localised in porcine longissimus dorsi(**) and iliocostalis muscles up to 7 days
      post mortem. Changes in tenderness of the m. longissimus and the water-holding
      capacity of both muscles were also monitored throughout this storage period.
      Longissimus muscle shows a rapid decline in the overall intensity of labelling
      for both desmin and vinculin. In contrast to the vinculin labelling, desmin
      labelling is preferentially lost from type IIB muscle fibres in the longissimus
      muscle. In the redder iliocostalis muscle, the loss of desmin and vinculin
      labelling was less rapid and did not show an obvious relation to muscle fibre
      type. In one sample with very high water loss, there were indications of greater
      extracellular space development and delayed loss of intermediate filament
      labelling. The time course of diminishing intermediate filament labelling is
      consistent with previous suggestions that degradation of these proteins is
      involved in post-mortem conditioning. The variations within and between muscles
      shown here may explain some of the variability in their mechanical properties.
      Additionally, it is suggested that intermediate filament integrity is necessary
      for the expulsion of water from the muscle cells during drip formation.

PMID- 22060813
TI  - Meat speciation by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis using an
      alpha-actin cDNA probe.
AB  - Classical DNA fingerprinting is based on separation of DNA restriction fragments
      by electrophoresis and hybridisation to nucleic acid probes containing repetitive
      nucleotide sequences. The use of such mini- or micro-satellite probes tends to
      yield patterns specific to an individual rather than to a species, hence their
      value in forensic analysis but general unsuitability for meat speciation. In the
      present study, a cDNA probe based on conserved sequences contained in members of
      the actin multigene family has been evaluated for potential application in meat
      speciation. Genomic DNA was extracted from muscle and digested with BamHI before
      electrophoresis and hybridisation to a murine alpha-actin cDNA probe. Beef, pork,
      lamb, horse, chicken and fish DNA restriction fragments formed characteristic
      'fingerprints' which were reproducible and varied sufficiently to allow
      discrimination even between closely-related species. However no major differences
      were seen between individuals of the same breed or between different breeds
      within a species. When DNA obtained from fresh tissue and also from meat heated
      at 120  degrees C was analysed, the gel patterns were essentially the same. An
      attractive feature of this approach is that it employs a single cross-reacting
      probe and set of conditions, and gives different patterns with all species so far
      studied. This simplicity suggests applications in meat speciation or related
      areas of biology.

PMID- 22060814
TI  - Effect of early post-mortem cooling on temperature, pH fall and meat quality in
      pigs.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate how early cooling of carcasses after
      slaughter by showering with cold water affected the rate of the pH fall post
      mortem, protein denaturation and drip loss. Eighty pigs were selected in pairs at
      debleeding according to sex and farm of origin. All pigs were halothane genotyped
      and glycolytic potential in LD analysed. One of each pair was cooled 30 min post
      mortem by showering with 10-12  degrees C water for 12 min. The control pig was
      treated normally except for the same delay before batch chilling commenced. The
      initial pH fall in LD and BF did not depend on the glycolytic potential in LD but
      at 5 to 6 and 24 hr post mortem pigs with the lowest glycolytic potential had the
      highest pH. Weight and lean meat content did not affect the cooling curve, i.e.
      the temperature fall. The results showed that it was possible to reduce the
      temperature in BF and LD by cooling at slaughter. The maximum difference in
      temperature between control and cooled carcasses 2hr post mortem was 2 and 1 
      degrees C in LD and BF respectively. The lowering of the muscle temperature early
      post mortem resulted in a reduced rate of the pH fall and a higher pH from 2 to 6
      hr in the cooled carcasses. The rate of the pH fall in LD and BF seemed to be
      independent of temperature at levels above approximately 37  degrees C, but
      decreased linearly as the temperature dropped below approximately 37  degrees C.
      The cooling procedure used here did not result in a significant reduction in
      protein denaturation or drip loss, although there was a tendency towards lower
      drip loss in LD and BF in cooled carcasses.

PMID- 22060815
TI  - Sensory evaluation of young goat meat.
AB  - Loins from 12 young goats (three extensively reared-entire males, EE; three
      extensively reared-castrated males, EC; three intensively reared-entire males,
      IE; four intensively reared-castrated males, IC) were assessed by a trained panel
      of eight assessors for odour, flavour and texture using 100 mm unstructured
      scales. Procrustes analysis was used to produce the spatial configuration of the
      samples. The first principal axis explained 44.9% of the variation and was mainly
      based on textural attributes. The second principal axis accounted for 21.3% of
      the variation and was mainly related to odour and flavour. Samples obtained from
      groups EE and EC were more tender and juicy, whereas, IE animals produced a more
      cohesive meat. Groups IE and IC produced a more stringy meat, with a higher meaty
      odour and flavour. The rearing system affected texture more than odour and
      flavour, whereas sex had little effect on textural attributes compared with odour
      and flavour.

PMID- 22060816
TI  - Genomic diversity in switchgrass (Panicum virgatum): from the continental scale
      to a dune landscape.
AB  - Connecting broad-scale patterns of genetic variation and population structure to
      genetic diversity on a landscape is a key step towards understanding historical
      processes of migration and adaptation. New genomic approaches can be used to
      increase the resolution of phylogeographic studies while reducing locus sampling
      effects and circumventing ascertainment bias. Here, we use a novel approach based
      on high-throughput sequencing to characterize genetic diversity in complete
      chloroplast genomes and >10,000 nuclear loci in switchgrass, at continental and
      landscape scales. Switchgrass is a North American tallgrass species, which is
      widely used in conservation and perennial biomass production, and shows strong
      ecotypic adaptation and population structure across the continental range. We
      sequenced 40.9 billion base pairs from 24 individuals from across the species'
      range and 20 individuals from the Indiana Dunes. Analysis of plastome sequence
      revealed 203 variable SNP sites that define eight haplogroups, which are
      differentiated by 4-127 SNPs and confirmed by patterns of indel variation. These
      include three deeply divergent haplogroups, which correspond to the previously
      described lowland-upland ecotypic split and a novel upland haplogroup split that
      dates to the mid-Pleistocene. Most of the plastome haplogroup diversity present
      in the northern switchgrass range, including in the Indiana Dunes, originated in
      the mid- or upper Pleistocene prior to the most recent postglacial
      recolonization. Furthermore, a recently colonized landscape feature
      (approximately 150 ya) in the Indiana Dunes contains several deeply divergent
      upland haplogroups. Nuclear markers also support a deep lowland-upland split,
      followed by limited gene flow, and show extensive gene flow in the local
      population of the Indiana Dunes.

PMID- 22060817
TI  - Stereochemical dependence of 3JCH coupling constants in 2-substituted 4-t-butyl
      cyclohexanone and their alcohol derivatives.
AB  - Theoretical and experimental studies on (3)J(C2H6eq) NMR spin-spin coupling
      constants in both the 2-X-4-t-butyl-cyclohexanone (X = H, CH(3), F, Cl, and Br)
      and in their alcohol derivatives series are reported. Results thus found are
      rationalized in terms of the transmission of the Fermi contact contribution to
      such couplings. To this end, dependencies of (3)J(C2H6eq) couplings versus the
      C(2)-C(1)-C(6) angle are compared in both series for equatorial and axial X
      orientations. The main trend is described in terms of the rear lobes interaction.
      Besides, for X = halogen atom in equatorial orientation a rather strong
      interaction between oxygen and halogen lone pairs is observed, and its influence
      on (3)J(C2H6eq) couplings is discussed and rationalized in terms of different
      Fermi contact transmission pathways.

PMID- 22060818
TI  - The role of large-scale motions in catalysis by dihydrofolate reductase.
AB  - Dihydrofolate reductase has long been used as a model system to study the
      coupling of protein motions to enzymatic hydride transfer. By studying
      environmental effects on hydride transfer in dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) from
      the cold-adapted bacterium Moritella profunda (MpDHFR) and comparing the
      flexibility of this enzyme to that of DHFR from Escherichia coli (EcDHFR), we
      demonstrate that factors that affect large-scale (i.e., long-range, but not
      necessarily large amplitude) protein motions have no effect on the kinetic
      isotope effect on hydride transfer or its temperature dependence, although the
      rates of the catalyzed reaction are affected. Hydrogen/deuterium exchange studies
      by NMR-spectroscopy show that MpDHFR is a more flexible enzyme than EcDHFR. NMR
      experiments with EcDHFR in the presence of cosolvents suggest differences in the
      conformational ensemble of the enzyme. The fact that enzymes from different
      environmental niches and with different flexibilities display the same behavior
      of the kinetic isotope effect on hydride transfer strongly suggests that, while
      protein motions are important to generate the reaction ready conformation, an
      optimal conformation with the correct electrostatics and geometry for the
      reaction to occur, they do not influence the nature of the chemical step itself;
      large-scale motions do not couple directly to hydride transfer proper in DHFR.

PMID- 22060819
TI  - Dechlorane plus in the atmosphere and precipitation near the Great Lakes.
AB  - Air (vapor and particle) and precipitation samples were collected at five sites
      (two urban, one rural, and two remote) on the shores of the Great Lakes from
      January 1, 2005 to December 31, 2009 as a part of the Integrated Atmospheric
      Deposition Network (IADN). The concentrations of the syn and anti isomers of
      Dechlorane Plus (DP), a highly chlorinated flame retardant, were measured in
      these samples. The highest concentrations of these compounds were generally
      observed at the rural site at Sturgeon Point, New York, which is located near
      DP's manufacturing facility in Niagara Falls, New York, and at the urban site at
      Cleveland, Ohio. A multiple linear regression model was applied to the
      concentrations of these compounds in the vapor phase, particle phase,
      precipitation, and for the three phases combined. This regression resulted in an
      overall (three phases combined) doubling time for the anti-DP isomer of 9.5 +/-
      3.6 years, but for the syn- and total DP (syn + anti) concentrations, the overall
      regression was not statistically significant. These results suggest that there
      has been no significant change in the atmospheric concentrations of these
      compounds over the 2005-2009 time period. The effect of distance from the source
      in Niagara Falls was highly significant; for example, doubling the distance from
      Niagara Falls decreased the DP concentrations by about 30%. The effect of the
      number of people living and working within a 25-km radius of the sampling site
      (population density) was also highly significant but small; for example if this
      population doubled or halved, then the atmospheric DP concentrations would
      increase or decrease by only a few percent.

PMID- 22060820
TI  - Comparative dermal toxicity of dicyclohexylcarbodiimide and
      diisopropylcarbodiimide in rodents.
AB  - Dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) and Diisopropylcarbodiimide (DIC) are two
      representative chemicals in the carbodiimide class of chemicals used in industry
      as stabilizing agents. There is a potential of dermal exposure to these agents in
      chemical, pharmaceutical and recombinant DNA industries. The National Toxicology
      Program conducted a number of animal studies to characterize toxicity and
      carcinogenicity of DIC and DCC. Dermal administration of DCC and DIC in F344/N
      rats and B6C3F1 mice for 90-days induced skin irritation at the site of
      application in a dose-dependent manner. Microscopically, dose-dependent increases
      in epidermal hyperplasia and chronic inflammation were observed. We further
      evaluated the effects of dermal exposure of DCC and DIC in p53 haploinsufficient
      and Tg.AC mouse models. Results revealed the skin as the primary target of DCC
      and DIC exposure as indicated by dose - dependent skin lesions (hyperplasia,
      inflammation and necrosis). DCC induced squamous cell papillomas in Tg.AC mice
      but did not induce any neoplastic lesions in p53 haploinsufficient mice. Dermal
      application of DIC did not induce any neoplastic lesions in Tg.AC mice and p53
      haploinsufficient mice. Based on these studies, it was predicted that DIC would
      be negative and DCC positive for carcinogenic activity in the traditional two
      year bioassay. In the subsequent studies, the carcinogenic potential of DIC only
      in F344 rats and B6C3F1 mice in a traditional 2-year chronic carcinogenicity
      bioassay was evaluated by the dermal route. Findings revealed the skin as the
      major target organ of toxicity in both sexes in rats and in male mice. There were
      no neoplastic lesions observed in rats or mice with the administration of DIC. In
      rats, there were clinical signs of toxicity in the highest dose-group which
      included ataxia, excitability, impaired gait, low muscle tone, abnormal
      breathing, lethargy, and seizures. This was accompanied by non-neoplastic lesions
      in the brain and lung only at the highest dose level.   In conclusion, both DIC
      and DCC are dermal toxicants. DIC did not have any carcinogenic activity in
      transgenic mouse models or in the traditional NTP two-year carcinogenicity
      studies in F344 rats and B6C3F1 mice. DCC was positive in the Tg.AC mouse model
      and likely to be carcinogenic in the 2-year bioassay as well.

PMID- 22060821
TI  - Prospective evaluation of the interobserver reliability  of the 4Ts score in
      patients with suspected heparin-induced  thrombocytopenia.

PMID- 22060822
TI  - Description of two new gill myxozoans from smallmouth (Micropterus dolomieu) and
      largemouth (Micropterus salmoides) bass.
AB  - Two previously undescribed species of myxozoan parasites were observed in the
      gills of bass inhabiting the Potomac and James River basins. They are described
      using morphological characteristics and small-subunit (SSU) rDNA gene sequences.
      Both were taxonomically identified as new species of Myxobolus; Myxobolus
      branchiarum n. sp. was found exclusively in smallmouth bass, and Myxobolus
      micropterii n. sp. was found in largemouth and smallmouth bass. Small, spherical,
      white plasmodia of M. branchiarum from smallmouth bass were observed grossly in
      the gills; these plasmodia had an average length of 320.3 um and width of 246.1
      um. The development of the plasmodia is intralamellar in the secondary lamellae
      of the gills. Mature spores were pyriform in shape with a length of 12.8 +/- 1.4
      (8.1-15.1) um and width of 6.9 +/- 1.1 (4.0-9.0) um. Analysis of SSU rDNA
      identified M. branchiarum in a sister-group to 3 species of Henneguya , although
      morphologically caudal appendages were absent. Myxobolus micropterii observed in
      the gills of largemouth and smallmouth bass had larger, ovoid, cream-colored
      plasmodia with an average length of 568.1 um and width of 148.1 um. The cysts
      developed at the distal end of the gill filament within the primary lamellae. The
      mature spores were ovoid in shape with a length of 10.8 +/- 0.7 (9.2-12.2) um and
      width of 10.6 +/- 0.6 (9.0-11.8) um. SSU rDNA analysis placed M. micropterii in a
      sister group with Henneguya lobosa and Myxobolus oliveirai . The highest
      prevalence of M. branchiarum was observed in the gills of bass collected from the
      Cowpasture River (50.9%). Prevalence was 44.6% in bass from the Potomac River and
      only 4.3% in bass collected from the Shenandoah River. A seasonal study of M.
      branchiarum , which included both infected and uninfected smallmouth bass,
      determined that a significantly higher intensity was observed in the spring than
      in the summer (P < 0.001) or fall (P  =  0.004). In an analysis excluding
      uninfected bass, a higher intensity was observed in the spring than in the summer
      (P  =  0.001) or fall (P  =  0.008). Prevalence and seasonal differences were not
      determined for M. micropterii .

PMID- 22060823
TI  - Incidence and risk factors of antiretroviral treatment failure in treatment-naive
      HIV-infected patients at Chiang Mai University Hospital, Thailand.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The use of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) has become a
      standard of care for the treatment of HIV infection. However, cost and resistance
      to cART are major obstacles for access to treatment especially in resource
      limited settings. In this study, we aimed to determine the incidence and risk
      factors of treatment failure in a cohort of treatment-naive Thai HIV-infected
      patients. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study was conducted among HIV-infected
      patients initiating their first cART at Chiang Mai University Hospital, Thailand.
      RESULTS: From January 2002 to December 2008, 788 patients were enrolled; 365 were
      male (46.3%), and the mean age was 37.9 +/- 8.6 years. The median baseline CD4
      count was 57.7 cells/mm3 (IQR 22, 127). GPO-VIR(r) (a fixed-dose combination of
      lamivudine, stavudine, and nevirapine) was the most common prescribed cART (657
      patients, 83.4%). Seventy-six patients developed virological failure given the
      cumulative incidence of 9.6%. The incidence of virological failure was 2.79 (95%
      CI 2.47, 3.14) cases per 100 person years. Poor adherence was the strongest
      predictor for virological failure. Of 535 immunologically evaluable patients, 179
      (33.5%) patients developed immunological failure. A low CD4 cell count at
      baseline (< 100 cells/mm3) and the increment of CD4 cell count of < 50 cell/mm3
      after 6 months of cART were the predictors for immunological failure (p < 0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated that even in resource-limited settings, the
      high rate of success could be expected in the cohort with good and sustainable
      drug adherence. Poor adherence, older age, and low baseline CD4 cell count are
      the predictors for unfavorable outcome of cART.

PMID- 22060824
TI  - High-pressure effects on oxidation of nitrosylmyoglobin.
AB  - The rate of oxidation of nitrosylmyoglobin by oxygen decreases with increasing
      hydrostatic pressure. At 15  degrees C in air-saturated solution with ionic
      strength 0.16 and pH 6.8 (tris-buffer), the first-order rate constant is smaller
      by a factor of 5 at 300 MPa compared to ambient conditions. The pressure-effect
      on rate is not primarily caused by protein denaturation, as the presence of urea
      (up to 4 M) at ambient pressure increases the rate of oxidation. From
      rate/pressure data a volume of activation of +8 ml.mol(-1) and a compressibility
      coefficient of activation of -3 * 10(-8) ml.mol(-1) Pa(-1) is estimated.

PMID- 22060825
TI  - Post-mortem kinetics of meat tenderness and the components of the calpain system
      in bull skeletal muscle.
AB  - Eight strip loins (M. longissimus dorsi) from pasture fed Friesian bulls were
      aged at 15  degrees C for a range of times from 1 to 120 h. pH declined from 6.29
      (SE 0.119) one hour post slaughter to an ultimate pH of 5.48 (SE 0.013). The
      activities of the components of the calpain system (MU-calpain, m-calpain and
      calpastatin) were determined after separation on a DEAE-sephacel column. There
      was a dramatic decline in MU-calpain activity post slaughter with a complete
      disappearance within 48 h. The rates of decline in m-calpain and calpastatin
      activity were slower with 30% and 50% remaining 120 h post slaughter,
      respectively. The rapid decline in MU-calpain activity relative to the
      calpastatin activity is likely to reduce the degree of tenderisation and ultimate
      tenderness of the meat.

PMID- 22060826
TI  - Lean colour of green and matured Parma hams: Comparative evaluation and
      technological relevance of sensory and objective data.
AB  - Research has been conducted on the relationship between sensory evaluation and
      objective measurement of pork colour. The study also investigated the
      relationship between the colour of fresh meat and the colour of matured hams.
      Sensory evaluation was carried out at 24 h post mortem on the freshly cut
      surfaces of green hams trimmed for Parma ham production. Objective measurements
      were performed at the same time on Semimembranosus and Biceps femoris muscles
      with a Minolta Chromameter Reflectance II CR200/08. Cold carcass weight, lean
      content, trimmed ham weight, 45 min and 24 h post mortem pH of Semimembranosus
      muscle were also recorded. The hams were processed according to Parma ham
      technology. Weight losses at standard processing times were collected. At the end
      of processing a sample of about one-third of the hams was evaluated for internal
      lean colour and lean firmness both by sensory panel and objective measurements.
      Proximate composition was also determined. The results showed highly significant
      relationships between colour sensory scores and the coordinates L (*), b (*) and
      hue of the C.I.E. L (*)a (*)b (*) colour system. Among the other parameters
      measured on fresh meat only 24 h pH was related at a very significant level with
      sensory and objective colour values. Correlation coefficients were generally
      higher for Semimembranosus than Biceps femoris. Matured ham colour was linked
      with fresh meat sensory judgements, L (*), hue and a (*) values. The
      relationship, though, was not sufficiently strong for use in predicting the
      colour of matured hams from green ham characteristics. Processing appears to have
      a positive effect on the colour of pale meat. Weight losses were mainly linked
      with lean meat content; other quality attributes being less important. Lean
      firmness of matured hams was related to the colour and pH of the fresh meat.

PMID- 22060827
TI  - Production of salami from ostrich meat with strains of Lactobacillus sake,
      Lactobacillus curvatus and Micrococcus sp.
AB  - The aim of this study was to produce Italian-type salami from ostrich meat using
      different combinations of Lactobacillus sake, Lactobacillus curvatus and
      Micrococcus sp., and to compare the sensory characteristics of these products to
      that of salami produced with glucono-delta-lactone (GdL). Meat inoculated with
      starter cultures was fermented for four days (20-22  degrees C, 97-99% RH) and
      ripened for a further 11 days (16-18  degrees C, 40-60% RH). Cell counts of
      lactic acid bacteria and micrococci, and changes in pH were determined daily
      during fermentation. According to texture and sensory evaluation, the best salami
      was produced by a starter culture containing L. curvatus DF 38 and Micrococcus
      sp. MC 50.

PMID- 22060828
TI  - Risk factors associated with bruising in red deer at a commercial slaughter
      plant.
AB  - Bruising of slaughter animals has both economic and welfare implications. In
      order to identify potential risk factors we surveyed bruising of red deer
      carcasses from a single Deer Slaughter Plant (DSP) over a three year period.
      Downgrading due to bruising did not vary between the three years surveyed [1991,
      n = 21 454, 6.5% downgraded (dg); 1992, n = 22 289, 7.9% dg; 1993, n = 22 262,
      6.1% dg]. From an intensive examination of one year's kill (1991) we related the
      incidence of bruising to various preslaughter transport, seasonal and animal
      variables. Bruising varied significantly with time of year, hot carcass weight,
      distance transported, carrier company and carcass fatness. Bruising was related
      to duration of lairage for some periods of the year which varied with sex. The
      majority of bruising was on one or other hindquarter implying a consistent cause
      of the damage. Carcass quality and deer welfare can be best protected by careful
      driving, by only transporting animals in good condition and avoiding transporting
      males during the rut.

PMID- 22060829
TI  - Cassava as a non-conventional filler in comminuted meat products.
AB  - Cassava (Manihot esculenta) was used as an unconventional filler to produce
      affordable comminuted meat products that stored well under tropical conditions
      without refrigeration. The study involved two experiments. In experiment 1, five
      different emulsion-type pork sausages containing 5.4, 9.0 and 10.0% mould-free
      cassava flour, 5.4% crude full fat soy flour and a control without filler were
      assessed 0 and 7 days after preparation. A 40-member taste panel sensorily
      assessed the products in a 5 * 2 factorial (treatment * storage occasion)
      experiment based on the external appearance of the uncooked products and the
      external and internal colour, consistency, texture, aroma and taste of the cooked
      products. Although the panel judged products with 5.4% cassava flour as the best,
      the 9% inclusion level of cassava flour was found not to compromise the
      organoleptic qualities of the product. At this level 54 000 cedis (US$150) was
      saved on the cost of producing 1t of the product. In experiment 2, the sausages
      were pasteurised at 80  degrees C for 1 h and stored in a 4:1 vinegar-sugar
      solution or a 1:1:50 vinegar-sugar-water solution at 5 and 30  degrees C. Storage
      in 4:1 vinegar-sugar medium arrested bacterial growth over the 7-day monitoring
      period. It was concluded that 9% cassava flour could conveniently replace fat in
      comminuted meat products and a combination of pasteurisation and storage in
      vinegar-sugar solution is an effective method of storage of such products in the
      tropics.

PMID- 22060830
TI  - Cured colour development during sausage processing.
AB  - A study of colour evolution in dry cured sausage manufactured using industrial
      technology was made. Parameters which define changes related to nitrosation
      during curing were determined. The main changes in the colour characteristics of
      Spanish sausage took place during the fermentation stage. pH, nitrate and nitrite
      concentration, pigment nitrosation index, pigment discoloration index, a(*),
      b(*), C(*) and H(*) values decreased during this stage. However, the nitrosation
      of the myoglobin pigment continued during the whole curing process. The percent
      conversion of total pigments to the cured nitric oxide heme pigment form was
      about 70% in the minced mix, and it increased gradually to about 90% in the final
      product. During fermentation nitrites reacted with myoglobin (Mb) to form
      nitrosomyoglobin (NOMb) and metmyoglobin (MetMb), which reduced to NOMb during
      the drying process.

PMID- 22060831
TI  - Consumer assessment of the effect of electrical stimulation on the colour and
      colour stability of Semimembranosus muscles.
AB  - The influence of effective low voltage electrical stimulation on the colour
      stability of beef topside (semimembranosus) muscles, during storage and retail
      display was studied using objective measurements and subjective assessments.
      Earlier results obtained from objective measurements demonstrated that during a
      three day retail display period, stimulated topsides had a greater loss of colour
      than non-stimulated topsides, and primal cuts aged for 33 days at 0  degrees C
      before display suffered faster changes to colour during retail presentation than
      cuts aged for 5 days. To relate results obtained using objective methods to
      consumer perceptions of meat quality, consumer perceptions of samples of meat
      displayed for 3 days in the retail cabinets of a major local supermarket were
      recorded. A total of 960 consumers were asked to evaluate topside steaks for meat
      and fat colour, meat discolouration and acceptability. During 3 days of retail
      display, consumers did not perceive differences in the extent of discolouration
      of topside steaks from electrically stimulated and non-stimulated carcasses; for
      the majority of the treatment groups (high or low pH muscles, 5 or 33 day ageing,
      1-3 day retail display) there were no significant differences, for any of the
      scored attributes, between stimulated and non-stimulated samples. However, for
      samples in the fresh (5 days ageing), high pH (5.8-6.0) treatments group, lean
      meat colour and acceptability for the stimulated samples were, on some of the
      days on display, given significantly (P < 0.05) better ratings by the consumers
      than those from corresponding non-stimulated samples.

PMID- 22060833
TI  - Improved oxidative stability of veal lipids and cholesterol through dietary
      vitamin E supplementation.
AB  - The influence of dietary vitamin E supplementation on the alpha-tocopherol
      content of muscle membranes and on the resultant oxidative stability of veal was
      investigated. Daily supplementation of veal calves with 500 mg vitamin E in the
      form of alpha-tocopherol acetate for 12 weeks after birth increased muscle and
      membranal alpha-tocopherol concentrations approximately 6-fold over those of
      control animals. Oxidative stability of mitochondrial and microsomal lipids was
      enhanced by dietary supplementation as indicated by the results of an oxidative
      assay using hydrogen peroxide-activated metmyoglobin as the catalyst of
      oxidation. Muscle lipid and cholesterol stability was also improved by
      supplementation.

PMID- 22060834
TI  - Effects of high-pressure treatment on the ultrastructure and thermal behaviour of
      beef intramuscular collagen.
AB  - Effects of high-pressure treatment on the ultrastructure and thermal behaviour of
      beef intramuscular collagen were investigated to clarify the pressure effects on
      background toughness attributed to the presence of connective tissue in the
      muscle. No significant differences in the ultrastructure, electrophoretic
      pattern, thermal solubility and thermogram of differential scanning calorimetric
      analysis of the intramuscular collagen were observed among the control
      (untreated) and pressurized muscles. From the results, it is suggested that the
      pressurization has no significant effects on the connective tissue and the
      pressure-induced tenderization of meat could probably be caused only by the
      improvement of actomyosin toughness attributed to the myofibrillar proteins.

PMID- 22060835
TI  - The concentrations of free magnesium and free calcium ions both increase in
      skeletal muscle fibres entering Rigor mortis.
AB  - Metabolic inhibitors have been used to induce rigor in mammalian muscle fibres
      previously injected with the Ca(2+)- and Mg(2+)-binding dye arsenazo III. The
      spectral changes which ensue, after the onset of rigor, indicate that a large
      increase in intracellular free Ca(2+) occurs (to more than 10(-4)m) but that this
      is preceded and accompanied by a substantial increase in free Mg(2+)
      concentration (to 2 mm or more) presumably as a result of the decline in the ATP
      concentration within the cell. Fibres in rigor have been treated with the
      divalent cation ionophore A23187 to enable Ca(2+) and Mg(2+) to be extracted
      selectively from the cell by extracelluar chelating agents. Optical measurements
      performed during this extraction, confirm that both Ca(2+)- and Mg(2+)-binding to
      arsenazo III contribute to the absorption change which is recorded, whilst the
      treatment of relaxed fibres with the ionophore together with EDTA, produces an
      absorption change which, in combination with other measurements, indicates that
      in the sarcoplasm of the resting relaxed cell, approximately one third of the dye
      is complexed with Mg(2+). This indicates that the cytoplasmic free Mg(2+)
      concentration, prior to rigor onset, is about 0.5 mm.

PMID- 22060836
TI  - Effects of meat quality and storage on the breakdown of adenosine triphosphate in
      muscle from swine.
AB  - The quality of pork is dependent on animal genotype, pre-slaughter handling,
      processing, maturation, and storage. We investigated the pattern of adenosine
      triphosphate (ATP) breakdown as it related to these factors. Samples of the
      thoracis portion of the longissimus dorsi muscle were obtained from 19 randomly
      selected German Landrace-Pietrain crossbreed swine. Based on their 40 min post
      mortem pH and electrical conductances, three groups were classified: (1) PSE
      meat, pH <= 5.6 and conductance >10 mS (n = 7); (2) intermediate quality, pH 5.6
      6.0 and conductance between 4 and 10 mS (n = 5); and (3) normal quality, pH >=
      6.0 and conductance < mS (n = 7). Hence, the animals investigated included those
      susceptible to malignant hyperthermia (porcine stress-syndrome). Twenty-four
      hours post mortem samples were evaluated for the following parameters: ATP
      metabolism, pH values, electrical conductance, meat colour, water binding
      capacity, shear force and general composition (i.e. total protein, fat, mineral
      and water contents). Muscle composition was the same in each group, but for the
      other parameters there were clear differences. Following different storage
      periods and conditions (1 or 5 days at 4 degrees C and 27 days at -18 degrees C),
      the degree of ATP metabolism as well as general meat quality (i.e. including
      sensory evaluation) were reassessed. Samples from the pre-selected groups became
      less discernible following prolonged storage. In all animals, the pattern of ATP
      breakdown was similar, the major metabolites including inosine monophosphate,
      hypoxanthine, adenosine monophosphate, and inosine. The degree of breakdown was
      dependent on the duration and temperature of storage, but not on animal type. The
      muscular samples for the intermediate and normal muscle groups, which were stored
      for 27 days at -18 degrees C, were given the highest sensory evaluation scores.
      The simple HPLC measurement of ATP metabolism was considered as a useful means to
      assess appropriate storage.

PMID- 22060837
TI  - The effect of growth rate and ultimate pH on meat quality of lambs.
AB  - Entire male Romney lambs (n = 60) were grown slowly (67 g/day) and slaughtered at
      14 months of age at an anticipated carcass weight of 18 kg. Another group of ram
      lambs (n = 15) from the same genetic background (born 7 months later) were grown
      rapidly (162 g/day) for 7 months and slaughtered at the same time and at a
      similar carcass weight. Preslaughter shearing (20 days prior to slaughter) and
      swim washing (3 times) were variously imposed upon the 14-month old lambs to give
      them a graded preslaughter stress. The lambs were head-only electrically stunned
      and slaughtered. Dressed carcasses were electrically stimulated at 20 min post
      mortem for 90 s at 14.3 pulses/s, 1.8-2 A and 1130 V peak, then held at 12
      degrees C for 2 h and frozen so that the deep leg reached -4 degrees C in 12 h.
      The ultimate pH was measured for the longissimus dorsi, and loin samples were
      assessed by tenderometer and a sensory panel. The groups with the greatest
      stresses imposed had the highest ultimate pH. The most tender meat came either
      from carcasses with an ultimate high pH greater than 6.3 or from young lambs with
      an ultimate pH from 5.5-5.7. While 7-month old lambs were slightly more tender
      than the 14-month old lambs of iso pH, the 14-month old lambs of high pH were the
      most tender. This suggests that age-related connective tissue effects were
      minimal for the loin. The shear force values and taste panel tenderness scores
      were linearly related. When the shear force and panellists' tenderness scores
      were expressed in relation to ultimate pH, there was a decreased acceptance of
      meat with a moderate ultimate pH between 5.8 and 6.0. Panel texture assessments
      showed a less clearly defined, but statistically significant decrease in
      acceptance at pH 5.8-6.0. Other sensory attributes of flavour, juiciness and
      aroma were uniform across the whole ultimate pH spectrum.

PMID- 22060838
TI  - Effect of feed protein on carcass composition and meat quality in steers.
AB  - Forty-five Charolais steers were fed one of four experimental regimes containing
      maize silage and maize grain supplemented with either protected soyabean-rapessed
      meal or linseed meal. The first three regimes were formulated to supply the same
      energy and different protein levels with soyabean-rapessed meal: low (L-SRM),
      medium (M-SRM) and high (H-SRM). The fourth regime consisted in feeding the same
      amount (kg/day) of linseed meal as that of soyabean-rapessed meal in the H-SRM
      regime (LSM). As the protein level increased from L-SRM to H-SRM, the daily
      weight gain of steers increased and the carcass composition was changed towards
      higher muscle and lower fat proportions. Though the actual supply of feed protein
      by regime LSM was close to that achieved with M-SRM, the effect of linseed meal
      supplementation on weight gain and carcass composition was comparable to that
      obtained by feeding the high protein level (H-SRM). The dry matter content
      increased and the heme pigments and lipids contents decreased in longissimus
      thoracis muscle as the protein supply increased from the low to the high level.
      Again the amplitude of the differences in meat quality with L-SRM were similar in
      H-SRM and LSM. Muscle colour, connective tissue and mechanical strength remained
      practically unaffected by the protein treatments. However, meat was scored less
      tender in H-SRM and less juicy in treatment LSM than in treatment L-SRM. The
      results obtained with linseed meal suggest a specific effect of type of feed
      protein on beef carcass composition and meat quality.

PMID- 22060839
TI  - Effects of various cellulose gums on the quality parameters of low-fat breakfast
      sausages.
AB  - Composition, textural, viscoelastic, hydration, colour and sensory attributes of
      regular (26% fat) and low-fat (13%) pork breakfast sausages with and without
      cellulose gums (two types of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC-I and -II) and
      microcrystalline cellulose (MCC-I and -II)) were investigated. The fat was
      replaced with water in low-fat products. In cooked low-fat sausages, the fat
      content decreased by 52-60%, and moisture content reduced by 61-65% of the
      initial values. The cooked high-fat products' composition showed an increase of
      about 6% fat and a decrease of 7% moisture due to cooking. MCC was more effective
      in retaining moisture compared to CMC. Product lightness was reduced due to both
      CMC and MCC. Gums have not affected fat content, water holding capacity, redness,
      yellowness, hardness, chewiness and gumminess. High-fat products were less
      elastic and easier to chew. Springiness was reduced by CMC-II and cohesiveness by
      other cellulose gums.

PMID- 22060840
TI  - The effects of breed and halothane sensitivity on pig meat quality.
AB  - The effects of halothane sensitivity and breed (Belgian Landrace BL and Landrace
      L), and their interactions on carcass and meat quality were analysed. Also the
      effect of breed (Pietrain P, BL, L, Large White LW and Duroc D) on carcass and
      meat quality was studied in a sample of 153 gilts. Each of the half-carcasses was
      cut and fully dissected to obtain lean percentage. The following measurements of
      meat quality were carried out: muscle pH, electrical conductivity (QM) and light
      scattering (POP). Muscle reflectance (GOFO value), muscle protein solubility
      (MPS) and intramuscular fat content were also determined. The results obtained in
      this study revealed the effect of halothane gene on all of the traits studied.
      The halothane-positive animals showed less fat thickness and more lean percentage
      in the carcass. The P and BL breeds had more lean percentage in the carcass and a
      better lean-to-bone ratio compared with L, LW and D. The L breed was
      intermediate. Stress sensitivity is an important factor affecting the inverse
      relationship between carcass quality and meat quality. Those breeds free of the
      halothane gene (LW and D) had the best meat quality. The L breed was in an
      intermediate position, but more similar to halothane-negative breeds. The Duroc
      breed had significantly higher intra-muscular fat (>2.0%), required for optimum
      fresh meat quality and for the production of Spanish dry-cured ham of high
      quality.

PMID- 22060841
TI  - The influence of high temperature, type of muscle and electrical stimulation on
      the course of rigor, ageing and tenderness of beef muscles.
AB  - The course of rigor mortis (rigor), ageing and tenderness has been evaluated for
      three beef muscles; M. biceps femoris (BF), M. semimembranosus (SM) and M.
      semitendinosus (ST), when entering rigor at constant temperatures of 15 and 37
      degrees C respectively, with and without electrical stimulation (ES/NS) (85 V, 14
      Hz and 32 s). The course of post-mortem changes has been registered by isometric
      tension, by shortening of unrestrained muscle strips and by following the pH
      decline and the changes in metabolites, such as ATP and CP. Ageing at +4 degrees
      C was recorded by measuring Warner-Bratzler (W-B) shear values 2, 8 and 15 days
      post mortem. On the last occasion, the sensory properties of the cooked meat were
      also evaluated. Maximum shortening and isometric tension were higher at 37
      degrees C as compared to 15 degrees C, whereas ES did not reduce rigor
      shortening. A high correlation between maximum shortening and the ATP-level at
      the onset of the shortening rapid phase was found (r = 0.77(***)), which could
      explain the greater shortening obtained at 37 degrees C compared to 15 degrees C.
      Rigor shortening is an important phenomenon governing meat tenderness as
      tenderness is highly affected by rigor temperature but not by ES. This was the
      case for muscles SM and ST but not for BF muscle. Even though tenderness was
      measured after ageing (15 days post mortem), shortening during rigor seems to be
      more important for toughness when rigor mortis occurs at 37 degrees C than any
      suggested tenderizing effect due to increased proteolysis in this temperature
      region.

PMID- 22060842
TI  - Detection of micrometastatic cells in peripheral blood and bone marrow fluid of
      stage I-III Japanese breast cancer patients and transition following anti-cancer
      drug treatment.

PMID- 22060844
TI  - Evaluation of rib steak colour from Friesian, Hereford and Charolais heifers
      pastured or overwintered prior to slaughter.
AB  - Heifers (n=10) were randomly selected from the slaughter line of a local factory
      each month for a period of 21 months. Rib steak (sampled at the 10th rib) from
      the left side of each carcass was taken for analysis. The cattle breeds selected
      during this study were Friesian, Hereford and Charolais. The mean weight of the
      left side for all carcasses was 146.6 (S.E.M.= 1.0kg). Graded carcasses selected
      for sampling during this trial were classified using the EUROP scale and the
      specific heifer grades chosen were factory grades EO4L and EO4H. Initial Hunter
      'a' values (on the day of arrival in the laboratory) of rib steak from heifers
      finished between November and March (overwintered) were significantly (P<0.001)
      higher than Hunter 'a' values from heifers finished between April and October
      (pastured). After storage at 4  degrees C under simulated retail display
      conditions for 6 days, the Hunter 'a' values for overwintered samples were also
      significantly (P<0.001) greater than those for pastured samples. Breed also had
      an effect on the colour of the meat. After storage for 6 days, Hunter 'a' values
      of rib steak from Charolais were significantly (P<0.05) higher than either
      Friesian or Hereford. Pastured heifers had significantly (P<0.05) higher levels
      of the monounsaturated fatty acid C16.1 in the total lipid fraction of rib steak
      (neutral and polar) than samples taken from overwintered heifers. Pastured
      heifers had significantly (P<0.01) higher levels of the polyunsaturated fatty
      acid (PUFA) C18.3 in the phospholipid fraction than those from overwintered
      cattle. However, Hereford had significantly (P<0.05) higher levels of C14.0,
      C16.1 and C18.0 in the phospholipid fraction than those found in Friesian and
      Charolais. The level of alpha-tocopherol in the muscle was not affected by either
      pasturing/overwintering or breed. However, Continental breeds had significantly
      (P<0.05) higher levels of alpha-tocopherol in adipose tissue than Friesian.

PMID- 22060843
TI  - Pandemic A/H1N1v influenza 2009 in hospitalized children: a multicenter Belgian
      survey.
AB  - BACKGROUND: During the 2009 influenza A/H1N1v pandemic, children were identified
      as a specific "at risk" group. We conducted a multicentric study to describe
      pattern of influenza A/H1N1v infection among hospitalized children in Brussels,
      Belgium. METHODS: From July 1, 2009, to January 31, 2010, we collected
      epidemiological and clinical data of all proven (positive H1N1v PCR) and probable
      (positive influenza A antigen or culture) pediatric cases of influenza A/H1N1v
      infections, hospitalized in four tertiary centers. RESULTS: During the epidemic
      period, an excess of 18% of pediatric outpatients and emergency department visits
      was registered. 215 children were hospitalized with proven/probable influenza
      A/H1N1v infection. Median age was 31 months. 47% had >= 1 comorbid conditions.
      Febrile respiratory illness was the most common presentation. 36% presented with
      initial gastrointestinal symptoms and 10% with neurological manifestations. 34%
      had pneumonia. Only 24% of the patients received oseltamivir but 57% received
      antibiotics. 10% of children were admitted to PICU, seven of whom with ARDS. Case
      fatality-rate was 5/215 (2%), concerning only children suffering from chronic
      neurological disorders. Children over 2 years of age showed a higher propensity
      to be admitted to PICU (16% vs 1%, p = 0.002) and a higher mortality rate (4% vs
      0%, p = 0.06). Infants less than 3 months old showed a milder course of
      infection, with few respiratory and neurological complications. CONCLUSION:
      Although influenza A/H1N1v infections were generally self-limited, pediatric
      burden of disease was significant. Compared to other countries experiencing
      different health care systems, our Belgian cohort was younger and received less
      frequently antiviral therapy; disease course and mortality were however similar.

PMID- 22060845
TI  - In vitro (31)P NMR studies on biopsy skeletal muscle samples compared with meat
      quality of normal and heterozygous malignant hyperthermia pigs.
AB  - Phosphorus nuclear magnetic resonance ((31)P NMR) measurements were made to
      determine muscle energetic metabolism on muscle biopsy samples of heterozygote
      malignant hyperthermia (Nn) and normal (NN) pigs DNA tested on occurrence of
      mutation in RYR 1 gene. Biopsy samples (approx. 1 g) were obtained by spring
      loaded biopsy instrument (Biotech, Slovakia) from Longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle
      at 80 kg live weight. The spectra were recorded at 121 MHz on a VXR 300 (Varian)
      spectrometer in 10 mm diameter tube (maintained at 39  degrees C) for 50 min. pH
      of bioptates after NMR measurements were also measured at 60 min. The changes in
      inorganic phosphate (Pi), phosophocreatine (PCr) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP)
      were faster in heterozygote malignant hyperthermia (MH; 29 crossbred White
      Meaty*Pietrain) than in normal (13 Duroc, Yorkshire and White Meaty). The values
      of PCr at 20 min and pH at 60 min after taking biopsy allowed discrimination
      between NN and Nn pigs and significant (P<0.05) differences were also found
      between two subgroups in heterozygote MH pigs with different rate of post mortem
      muscle metabolism. The values of PCr and pH as measured at definite time on the
      biopsies, were significantly (P<0.05) correlated with the rate of post mortem
      metabolism (pH) and with meat quality traits (r approx. 0.4-0.6). The (31)P NMR
      measurements pointed to impaired muscle energetic metabolism connected with the
      occurrence of mutation on the RYR 1 gene in heterozygote MH pigs.

PMID- 22060846
TI  - Proximate composition, selected minerals, cholesterol content and lipid oxidation
      of mechanically and hand-deboned chickens from the Jordanian market.
AB  - Samples of chicken were prepared using four treatments: (1) manual deboning of
      whole chickens; (2) manual deboning of skinned chickens; (3) mechanical deboning
      of whole chickens; (4) mechanical deboning of skinned chickens. The meat was
      packaged in polyethylene bags, frozen and stored at -18  degrees C. Treatments 2
      and 4 resulted in the lowest fat content. Some minerals, e.g. Fe, Na, Al, K, and
      Mg did not vary among the four products, while others, e.g. Ca, Zn and Mn were
      significantly higher in Treatments 3 and 4 compared with Treatments 1 and 2.
      Cholesterol content was directly proportional to fat content; Treatment 3 gave
      the highest cholesterol content, while the lowest cholesterol level resulted from
      Treatment 2. Thiobarbituric acid (TBA) determinations to evaluate oxidative
      rancidity of fat in the samples showed that Treatments 1 and 3 gave significantly
      higher values than Treatments 2 and 4.

PMID- 22060847
TI  - The effect of pig genetics on palatability, color and physical characteristics of
      fresh pork loin chops.
AB  - The objective of this study was to characterize the quality attributes of pork
      derived from pigs of the following backgrounds: Duroc, Pietrain (Halothane
      negative, NN), Pietrain (Halothane positive, nn), Berkshire, Hampshire (rn+),
      Hampshire (RN-), and a synthetic line. A 10-member panel was trained to evaluate
      visual appearance of uncooked lean and fat, and flavor and texture of cooked
      chops. Hunter L*, a*, and b* values, hue angle, cookloss and Warner-Bratzler
      shear force were also determined. Visual color differences occurred due to
      genetic background. Chops from Duroc, Berkshire, Pietrain-nn, and the synthetic
      line were least pink. Chops from Berkshire carcasses appeared to have the most
      marbling in the lean and those from Pietrain-nn pigs appeared to have the least.
      Chops from Pietrain-nn and Hampshire-rn+ carcasses had the highest a* values
      while chops from Duroc, Pietrain-NN, and Hampshire-RN- carcasses had the lowest.
      Cook loss from chops from Duroc carcasses was lower than that from Hampshire rn+,
      Pietrain-NN and synthetic line carcasses. Shear force was highest for chops from
      Pietrain-nn and Hampshire-rn+ carcasses. Chops from Hampshire-RN- carcasses were
      most juicy followed by those from Hampshire-rn+, Pietrain-NN, Berkshire and Duroc
      carcasses. Shear force was positively correlated with abnormal flavor intensity,
      metallic taste, and chewiness (r=0.72, 0.94, and 0.69, respectively), and
      negatively correlated with sweetness (r=-0.73). Overall, genetic background had
      significant effects on many of the quality characteristics evaluated.

PMID- 22060848
TI  - Volatile profiles, lipid oxidation and sensory characteristics of irradiated meat
      from different animal species.
AB  - Irradiated meats produced more volatiles and higher 2-thiobarbituric acid
      reactive substances (TBARS) than nonirradiated regardless of animal species.
      Irradiation not only produced many new volatiles not found in nonirradiated meats
      but also increased the amounts of some volatiles found in nonirradiated meats.
      The amounts of volatiles in aerobically packaged irradiated meats decreased with
      storage while those of nonirradiated meats increased. TBARS values were the
      highest in beef loin, followed by turkey breast and pork loin regardless of
      irradiation, packaging, and storage time. TBARS of meats showed positive
      correlation with total volatiles, but preference scores between irradiated and
      nonirradiated were similar.

PMID- 22060849
TI  - A national audit of retail lamb loin quality in Australia.
AB  - A retail audit of lamb loin tenderness was conducted over a 12-month period to
      determine the variation in tenderness of Australian lamb. Tenderness was
      objectively measured using Warner-Bratzler (WB) shear force. Muscle pH and
      cooking loss were determined on all samples and colour was measured on a sub
      sample of loins. A total of 909 midloins from retail butcher shops and
      supermarkets located in four Australian capital cities (Sydney, Canberra,
      Melbourne, and Perth) were evaluated at four sampling times (December 1997 and
      March, June, and October 1998). Overall, 20.3% of all midloins purchased had a WB
      shear force value above the threshold level of 5 kg. Generic samples from
      Melbourne butcher shops were similar for WB shear force on average to the generic
      samples from Canberra and Sydney, whereas those from Melbourne supermarkets had
      significantly (P<0.001) higher WB shear force and were in line with generic
      samples from Perth. In both Canberra and Perth, alliance (branded) lamb had a
      greater WB shear force (P<0.05) than generic lamb. No relationship was found
      between price per kg and shear force (r=0.02) for loins purchased in Sydney
      (n=220). Price per kg differed between months (P<0.001) and suburbs (P<0.001),
      but not between retail butcher shops and supermarkets. Of the midloins tested,
      10.3% had a pH above the critical point of 5.8. Midloins from the December 1997
      sampling had a lower pH (P<0.01) than those sampled at other months. Those
      sampled in Melbourne and Perth had a similar mean pH, which were lower (P<0.001)
      than Canberra and Sydney samples. The findings from this quality audit suggest
      that there is room to improve the tenderness of Australian lamb sold in the
      domestic market. A lamb eating quality assurance system, based on set protocols,
      is one approach that is currently being investigated in Australia to ensure the
      supply of consistently high eating quality lamb to consumers.

PMID- 22060850
TI  - Use of Staphylococcus xylosus as a starter culture in dried sausages: effect on
      the biogenic amine content.
AB  - The main objective of this work was to investigate if the use of Staphylococcus
      xylosus S81 as a starter culture in sausage production can influence the amount
      of histamine during ripening, and the concentration of the other most important
      biogenic amines, by influencing the activity of the microbial amino oxidases as
      well as the aminoacid decarboxylases. The results confirm that the biogenic
      amines presence in foods is the consequence of a complex equilibrium between the
      composition of the medium and the enzymatic activities of the microbial
      population. In addition, the results suggest that the presence and relative
      activity of amino oxidases should be considered as an important characteristic in
      the selection of starter cultures used in the production of fermented foods.

PMID- 22060851
TI  - Use of oxygen sensors to non-destructively measure the oxygen content in modified
      atmosphere and vacuum packed beef: impact of oxygen content on lipid oxidation.
AB  - The ability of optical oxygen sensors to monitor the levels of oxygen in raw and
      cooked beef was investigated. Raw and cooked beef slices were vacuum packaged and
      cooked beef slices were modified atmosphere packaged MAP, (60% N(2): 40% CO(2))
      and held under refrigerated display (4  degrees C) for 15 or 35 days for MAP and
      vacuum packed samples, respectively. Oxygen sensors attached to the inside of the
      lidding material in modified atmosphere packages, or inserted into vacuum
      packages, were capable of monitoring changes in oxygen levels in all packaged
      samples. Lipid oxidation of samples was measured at regular intervals. Oxygen
      contents detected, ranged from 1.15 to 1.26% and 0.07-0.55% in MAP and vacuum
      packed samples, respectively. Samples containing greatest levels of oxygen were
      most oxidised and cooked samples were significantly (P<0.05) more oxidised than
      raw samples.

PMID- 22060852
TI  - Identification of the goose species (Anser anser) in Italian "Mortara" salami by
      DNA sequencing and a Polymerase Chain Reaction with an original primer pair.
AB  - "Mortara" goose salami is a typical product of the Lomellina zone (Italy) and is
      home-made in accordance with old traditions. A Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
      was set up using Italian goose breeds meat and the earlier mentioned product. A
      zone of the cytochrome b of mitochondrial DNA of goose was sequenced and a
      specific primer pair was successfully designed to identify the species Anser
      anser in salami.

PMID- 22060853
TI  - Electromagnetic scanning to estimate carcass lean content of Taiwan native
      broilers.
AB  - To estimate lean content of Taiwan native broiler carcasses accurately,
      objectively and rapidly, electrical conductivity measurements of broiler
      carcasses and other relative factors (carcass weight, length and temperature)
      were used in multiple linear regression analysis for lean prediction. Forty
      native broiler carcasses, with average market weight 2477.5+/-465.5 g, were
      scanned through a 10 MHz electromagnetic field created by an electromagnetic
      scanner (SA-3203) to measure the total body electrical conductivity (TOBEC)
      index. After scanning, each broiler carcass was separated into wing, breast, leg
      and back. Each primal cut was dissected into lean, fat and bone. The weight,
      length, temperature and TOBEC index of broiler carcass were significantly
      correlated with lean weight of broiler carcass (P<0.001). Regression analysis for
      lean estimation with carcass weight, length, temperature and TOBEC index showed
      higher coefficient of determination (R(2)=0.968) and lower coefficient of
      variation (CV=4.178) with an equation using beheaded carcass weight, temperature
      and TOBEC index as variables.

PMID- 22060854
TI  - alpha- and gamma-tocopherol levels in Nelore steer blood plasma after a single
      oral treatment of soybean oil deodorizer distillate (SODD).
AB  - The paper presents a study on the effect of a treatment of steers with a single
      oral dose of soybean oil deodorizer distillate (SODD) on the alpha- and gamma
      tocopherol blood plasma concentrations. SODD containing 1.95% of alpha-tocopherol
      and 8.45% of gamma-tocopherol in doses of 0.75, 1.50 or 2.25g/kg live weight was
      used on nine 2-year-old Nelore (Bos indicus) steers to promote increases in the
      plasma concentration of vitamin E. Tocopherol analyses were performed by HPLC on
      a C18 column, using a UV detector. The results showed that a single oral
      treatment of steers with SODD produces significant increases in plasma alpha- and
      gamma-tocopherol levels. The vitamin E content was increased up to four times the
      initial content, showing the high capacity of SODD as a source of vitamin E for
      bovines in a single oral dose with the objective of increasing vitamin E blood
      plasma concentrations and, consequently, the levels in the tissues, as well.

PMID- 22060855
TI  - The effects of ozone, chlorine dioxide, cetylpyridinium chloride and trisodium
      phosphate as multiple antimicrobial interventions on microbiological,
      instrumental color, and sensory color and odor characteristics of ground beef.
AB  - The impact of multiple antimicrobial interventions on ground beef microbial,
      color and sensory characteristics was studied. For this, beef trimmings were
      inoculated with Escherichia coli (EC) and Salmonella typhimurium (ST) then
      treated with either (1) 1% ozonated water followed by 5% acetic acid (OA), (2) 1%
      ozonated water followed by 0.5% cetylpyridinium chloride (OC), (3) 200 ppm
      chlorine dioxide followed by 10% trisodium phosphate (CT) or (4) control (C).
      Trimmings were ground, packaged and sampled at 0, 1, 2, 3 and 7 days of display
      for EC, ST, coliforms (CO), aerobic plate count (APC), instrumental color and
      sensory color and odor characteristics. The OA and OC treatments reduced (P<0.05)
      all bacterial types evaluated, while CT reduced (P<0.05) EC, CO and APC. The CT
      treatment was redder (P<0.05) in overall color than C, and there was no
      difference (P>0.05) in beef odor or off odor between OC, CT or C treatments.

PMID- 22060856
TI  - Reduction of microorganisms in ground beef using multiple intervention
      technology.
AB  - The effectiveness of multiple antimicrobial interventions on ground beef
      microbial, instrumental color and sensory characteristics through display was
      studied. Beef trimmings were inoculated with Escherichia coli (EC) and Salmonella
      typhimurium (ST) then treated with either: (1) 5% acetic acid followed by 0.5%
      cetylpyridinium chloride (AC); (2) 200 ppm chlorine dioxide followed by 0.5%
      cetylpyridinium chloride (CC); (3) 0.5% cetylpyridinium chloride followed by 10%
      trisodium phosphate (CT); or (4) control (C). Trimmings were ground, packaged and
      sampled through display for EC, ST, coliforms (CO), aerobic plate count (APC),
      and sensory color and odor characteristics. All treatments reduced (P<0.05) all
      bacterial types monitored through display. Ground beef from the CC treatment was
      similar (P>0.05) in redness (a*) to C. The CT treatment remained (P<0.05) redder
      (a*) in color, contained more (P<0.05) oxymyoglobin and had less (P<0.05)
      overall, worst point and percentage discoloration than C by day 7 of display.

PMID- 22060857
TI  - Effect of temperature on the radiation resistance of virulent Yersinia
      enterocolitica.
AB  - Yersinia enterocolitica, a food-borne pathogen, can be eliminated from meat using
      ionizing radiation. Commercial facilities may irradiate meat at refrigeration or
      frozen temperature, or packed in dry ice if the facility does not have
      refrigeration capabilities. The effect of temperature on the radiation resistance
      of Y. enterocolitica that contained the 70 kb large virulence plasmid was
      determined. A mixture of four Y. enterocolitica strains was inoculated into
      ground pork, which was then vacuum-packed, equilibrated to refrigeration or sub
      freezing temperatures, and irradiated to doses of 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0
      kGy. The D(10) value, the radiation dose required to reduce the number of viable
      Y. enterocolitica by 90%, increased as product temperature decreased with values
      of 0.19, 0.19, 0.21, 0.40, 0.40. 0.38, and 0.55 kGy being obtained at +5, 0, -5, 
      10. -15, -20 and -76  degrees C, respectively. Meat product temperature should be
      considered when selecting a radiation dose required for elimination of Y.
      enterocolitica.

PMID- 22060858
TI  - Relationships between beef carcass shape and muscle to bone ratio.
AB  - Relationships between muscularity and muscle to bone ratio were investigated for
      beef carcasses of several breeds and crosses, and three genders using data from
      Bristol and Alberta. Side dissection data in terms of muscle, fat and bone
      weights were used to calculate muscle to bone ratios (MtoB) and muscularity
      indexes (MUSC) for the whole side or for the region around the femur bone. Highly
      significant breed and gender effects on MtoB and MUSC were shown for both the
      Bristol and the Alberta data sets, but the group differences for MtoB were not
      the same as those for MUSC despite the fact that these two characteristics were
      closely correlated. For both sets of data, for example, MUSC values at a common
      muscle plus bone weight were significantly higher for carcasses of bulls than
      heifers, but similarly adjusted MtoB values were generally higher for carcasses
      of heifers than bulls. Differences among breed groups were mainly in a similar
      direction for MUSC and MtoB, but the size of the differences varied widely. For
      example, relative to the Friesian, the Jersey breed had a significantly higher
      MtoB but a significantly lower MUSC, and carcasses of double-muscled bulls had a
      femur-region MtoB that was 19.2% greater than that of a group of Shorthorn-cross
      carcasses, but a MUSC that was only 1.7% higher. These findings show that because
      of the inconsistent relationships between muscularity and muscle to bone ratio
      among different classes of beef carcasses, lean meat yield cannot always be
      predicted without bias if measures of carcass shape are used as indicators of
      muscle to bone ratio.

PMID- 22060859
TI  - Bioassay for nisin in sausage; a shelf life study of nisin in cooked sausage.
AB  - A bioassay for nisin, an antimicrobial peptide used as a food additive, was
      developed for sausages based on nisin induced GFP-fluorescence (green fluorescent
      protein), and that could be performed on a microplate. The amount of GFP
      fluorescence was easily measurable and dependent on nisin concentration. This GFP
      bioassay for nisin had a detection limit in sausage as low as 0.9 ppm (0.9
      MUg/g), and it was used to assay shelf life of nisin in cooked sausage. Of the
      added nisin 68% could be detected from the sausages after storage of 28 days at 6
      degrees C.

PMID- 22060860
TI  - The effects of aging on moisture-enhanced pork loins.
AB  - The effects of preinjection aging time on pork loins injected with a
      salt/phosphate/lactate solution were investigated. Ninety-six fresh pork loins,
      in two replicates, were divided into two treatments. Loins in the first treatment
      were injected to 13% of loin weight at 1 day post-slaughter with a brine
      containing 2.17% salt/3.04% phosphate/20.8% lactate. The second group was
      injected with the same brine 4 days after slaughter. Color and Warner-Bratzler
      shear (WBS) force were measured immediately, 7 and 14 days after injection. Purge
      was measured 8 and 15 days postmortem. Western blots to measure troponin-T
      degradation were performed on samples from the two loins that resulted in the
      lowest shear force, and from the two loins that resulted in the highest shear
      force, as measured by Warner-Bratzler shear. The two loins with the most purge
      loss and the two loins with the least purge loss were also analyzed by Western
      blots for desmin degradation. The L(*) and b(*) color values were higher (P<0.05)
      and purge was greater (P<0.05) for loins injected 1 day postmortem than for loins
      injected 4 days postmortem. Western blots demonstrated that injection did not
      affect protein degradation. Therefore, differences between individual animals
      that affect protein degradation remain important regardless of injection
      treatment.

PMID- 22060861
TI  - Antioxidant, lipolytic and proteolytic enzyme activities in pork meat from
      different genotypes.
AB  - Oxidative processes in meat lead to meat quality deterioration. Meat has
      endogenous antioxidants and prooxidants, but information on factors influencing
      the activity of antioxidant enzymes in meat is limited. Lipolytic and proteolytic
      enzymes are involved in important aspects of meat quality. Our objective was to
      find differences between five different genotypes on the activity of antioxidant,
      lipolytic and proteolytic enzymes in meat. Forty Psoas major muscles of females
      of five different pig genotypes were used, Pietrain, Landrace, Large-White,
      lberian, and lberian*Duroc. Pre slaughter conditions were similar for all the
      genotypes. After slaughter, muscles were vacuum packed and frozen at -20  degrees
      C until required. Differences between genotypes were found for the activity of
      catalase and SOD, while GSH-Px showed no differences. The highest differences
      between breeds were found for the lberian breed where catalase had the highest
      activity. Catalase activity also showed differences between the white pigs, with
      large values for LR and lower activities in P. There were no differences in
      neutral lipase activities between the different genotypes while acid lipase and
      phospholipase showed significant differences. The activities of cathepsin B and H
      were significantly lower for Iberian pigs compared with other breeds except LR,
      while the ratio of cathepsin B+L/cathepsin B was higher in Iberian. The
      differences between genotypes found in enzyme activities suggest some genetic
      effects on the antioxidant, lipolytic and proteolitytic activity of pork meat.

PMID- 22060862
TI  - Effect of grass or concentrate feeding systems and rate of growth on triglyceride
      and phospholipid and their fatty acids in the M. longissimus thoracis of lambs.
AB  - Thirty-two male Ile-de-France lambs were used in a factorial 2*2 design to
      analyse the effects of feeding systems (grass outdoor, G, or concentrate and hay
      indoor: stall, S) and of growth rate (low, L, or high, H) on total lipids,
      triglyceride (TG) and phospholipid (PL) contents and their fatty acid composition
      in the longissimus thoracis muscle (L.T.). Contents were lower for TG (10.4 vs.
      15.8 mg/100 g fresh tissue, P<0.05) and higher for PL (6.4 vs. 5.8 mg/100 g fresh
      tissue, P <0.05) in grass-fed lambs compared to stall-fed ones. TG of grass fed
      lambs displayed lower proportions of palmitic acid (C16:0), monounsaturated fatty
      acids (MUFAs), linoleic acid (C18:2n-6) and other (n-6) polyunsaturated fatty
      acids (PUFA) and higher proportions of stearic acid (C18:0), linolenic acid
      (C18:3n-3), cis 9, 11 trans C18:2 and trans monounsaturated fatty acids. In PL of
      the same lambs only lower MUFA, C18:2n-6 and (n-6) PUFA and higher C18:3n-3, (n
      3) PUFA and cis 9, 11 trans C18:2 were observed. Growth rate had no effect on
      lipid, TG or PL contents of longissimus thoracis. However C18:0 proportions were
      higher in TG and lower in PL for low growth rate lambs. Low growth rate lambs had
      also lower cis 9, 11 trans C18:2 in TG. Thus, irrespective of growth rate, the
      muscle lipids characteristic of grass fed lambs fulfilled the recommended
      features of human food components much better than that of stall fed lambs,
      namely for CLA and C18:3n-3. The lower ratios of (n-6) to (n-3) PUFA displayed in
      grass fed lambs both in TG and in PL were also useful to discriminate all the
      grass fed lambs from all the stall fed animals.

PMID- 22060863
TI  - Determination of total fat and moisture content in meat using low field NMR.
AB  - The use of low field Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (LF-NMR) is shown to be a fast
      and accurate alternative to the use of drying and solvent extraction, to
      determine the content of raw or total fat and moisture in a biological system.
      The proposed NMR method for fat determination in minced meat proves to be a
      robust method that does not require sophisticated post handling of the
      experimental data. The calibration procedure is very easy, as a calibration value
      from a sample of known weight containing 100% oil is the only calibration needed
      for the proposed experimental set-up. On three sets, each containing 42 samples
      of minced beef where the fat content varies from less than 1 to 14%, the fat
      content has been measured either by NMR on fresh tissue, NMR on dried tissue, or
      by the use of solvent extraction determining the content of raw fat [Foss-let fat
      analyser (AOAC Official Method 976.21]. Comparison of the three methods for
      determination of the fat content shows satisfactory agreement between the
      different methods. On six samples of minced pork meat, the fat and moisture
      content have been determined. The total fat content was determined by NMR both on
      fresh and dried tissue. The moisture content was determined by NMR of fresh
      tissue and by drying of the tissue. The different methods for determining fat and
      moisture content agreed for the minced pork samples.

PMID- 22060864
TI  - Sequence analysis of mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene can identify meat species.
AB  - In this study, sequence analysis of mitochondrial 12S rRNA has been applied for
      meat species identification. The procedure involves polymerase chain reaction
      (PCR) amplification of a fragment of mitochondrial (mt) 12S rRNA gene and
      sequencing of amplicons. Amplified product of mt 12S rRNA gene was 456 bp in
      size. Species sequenced include cattle (Bos indicus), buffalo (Bubalus bubalis),
      sheep (Ovis aries), goat (Capra hircus) and mithun (Bos frontalis). Sequences
      were compared with the reported sequences of low land anoa (Bubalus
      depressicornis), yak (Bos grunniens) and pig (Sus scrofa). There was no effect of
      routinely used additives or cooking temperature (72, 90, 120 and 180  degrees C)
      on the efficacy of PCR amplification. The closely related species like cattle and
      buffalo, sheep and goat could also be differentiated decisively by sequence
      analysis. Sequencing and analysis of mt 12S rRNA gene was, hence, found to be an
      ideal, authentic and unambiguous qualitative method for meat species
      identification.

PMID- 22060865
TI  - Beef carcass contamination in a slaughterhouse and prevalence of resistance to
      antimicrobial drugs in isolates of selected microbial species.
AB  - Meat contaminating bacteria may be the direct cause of foodborne diseases and
      represent a potential cause for the drug resistance of human pathogenic agents.
      The prevalence and resistance to 17 antimicrobial drugs of isolates of selected
      bacterial species were investigated in 70 swabs of beef carcasses and 70
      subsequent samples of beef meat. Molecular techniques (coagulase gene typing
      Staphylococcus aureus and original gene typing Escherichia coli) were used in the
      differentiation of isolates. Carcasses were already contaminated after
      evisceration, least frequently with S. aureus strains (7.5% of samples), most
      frequently with coagulase-negative staphylococci strains (52.2% of samples).
      During carcass processing, contamination with resistant or polyresistant strains
      of S. aureus and E. coli significantly increased (P<0.01). Gene typing isolates
      of S. aureus and E. coli indicated that the strains probably originated in the
      processing plant.

PMID- 22060866
TI  - Effect of pasture vs. concentrate feeding with or without antioxidants on carcass
      characteristics, fatty acid composition, and quality of Uruguayan beef.
AB  - Thirty Hereford steers were finished either on pasture (n=10) or concentrate
      (n=20) to determine dietary and antioxidant treatment effects on carcass
      characteristics, fatty acid composition, and quality of Uruguayan beef. Half of
      the steers finished on concentrate were supplemented with 1000 I.U. vitamin E
      head(-1) day(-1) for 100 days. Postmortem vitamin C was added to ground beef
      (0.05% v/w) displayed for 8 days at 2  degrees C. Carcasses from steers finished
      on concentrate had greater (P<0.05) carcass weight, conformation, degree of
      finishing, fat depth, and ribeye area than pasture finished animals. Carcasses
      from pasture-fed steers showed darker (P<0.05) longissimus color and yellower
      (P<0.05) fat at 24 h postmortem than concentrate-fed. Initial longissimus Warner
      Bratzler shear force (WBSF) values were similar (P>0.05) between pasture- and
      concentrate-fed animals. However, beef from pasture-fed cattle had lower (P<0.05)
      WBSF values at 7 and 14 days postmortem. Longissimus alpha-tocopherol
      concentrations were greater (P<0.01) for pasture- and concentrate-fed animals
      that were supplemented with vitamin E compared to concentrate-fed. Steaks from
      pasture-fed and vitamin E supplemented cattle had similar (P>0.05) TBARS values,
      which were lower (P<0.05) than steaks from concentrate-fed steers during 21 days
      of display. Ground beef from vitamin E supplemented steers had the lowest TBARS
      values; whereas samples from pasture-fed animals had the lowest lipid stability
      with higher TBARS levels than other treatments. Vitamin C addition to ground beef
      did not (P>0.05) reduce lipid oxidation. Vitamin E supplementation of concentrate
      fed cattle had no effect (P>0.05) on color stability of ground beef or steaks.
      The a(*) (redness) and b(*) (yellowness) values were higher (P<0.05) when vitamin
      C was added to ground beef. Longissimus fatty acid content of concentrate-fed
      animals was twofold greater (P<0.01) than pasture-fed. The percentages of C14:0,
      C16:0, and C18:1 fatty acids were higher (P<0.01) in the intramuscular fat of
      concentrate-fed steers, whereas pasture-fed cattle showed greater (P<0.01)
      proportions of C18:0, C18:2, C18:3, C20:4, C20:5, and C22:5. Total conjugated
      linoleic acid (CLA) and CLA isomer c9t11 were higher (P<0.01) for pasture- than
      concentrate-fed cattle. Vitamin E supplementation of concentrate-fed steers
      increased lipid stability of ground beef and steaks, but was unable to improve
      color stability; whereas vitamin C addition to ground beef increased color
      stability without altering lipid oxidation. Finishing cattle on pasture enhanced
      the unsaturated fatty acid profile of intramuscular fat in beef including CLA and
      omega-3 fatty acids.

PMID- 22060867
TI  - Changes in composition and functional properties of proteins and their
      contributions to Nham characteristics.
AB  - Changes in composition and functional properties of proteins during fermentation
      of Nham, a Thai-fermented sausage, were studied. An alkaline-soluble fraction
      constituted a major protein component of Nham. The amount of each protein
      fraction in Nham varied, depending on the fermentation time. As fermentation
      proceeded, the progressive decrease in sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar protein
      fractions was accompanied by an increase in the alkaline-soluble fraction and non
      protein constituents (P<0.05). Slow pH lowering to pH 4.6 during fermentation as
      a result of bacterial growth and accumulation of lactic acid affected the
      molecular conformation of the muscle proteins and resulted in changes in protein
      functional properties. The acid produced resulted in changes in solubility, water
      binding capacity, textural properties, and color characteristics. Proteolysis of
      Nham proteins occurred during fermentation, resulting in increases in TCA-soluble
      peptides and free alpha-amino acids, which may contribute to the taste and aroma
      of Nham.

PMID- 22060868
TI  - Meat and carcass quality from Peruvian llama (Lama glama) and alpaca (Lama
      pacos).
AB  - An experiment based on 20 llama males and 40 alpaca males reared in Peru has been
      carried out with the aim to evaluate the live growth performances, carcass
      quality, the nutritional characteristics of meat from animals slaughtered at 25
      months of age, and to determine the physical and chemical parameters of meat
      obtained from these animals. The live body weights registered during the 25
      months of the experiment were significantly lower in alpaca compared with llama.
      In llama carcasses were significantly higher both warm and cold carcass weight
      (P<0.001) but dressing percentage was higher in alpacas (P<0.01). The glycolityc
      fine-course was very similar both in llama and in alpaca muscle Longissimus
      Thoracis et Lumborum. Chemical composition of muscle Longissimus Thoracis et
      Lumborum taken from llama and alpaca carcasses was significantly different
      (P<0.01) in ash content; cholesterol content was significantly higher (P<0.001)
      in llama meat compared with alpaca.

PMID- 22060869
TI  - Effect of muscle type on the rate of post-mortem proteolysis in pigs.
AB  - Post-mortem proteolysis was examined in muscle homogenates from porcine m.
      longissimus dorsi (LD), m. semitendinosus (ST), m. semimembranosus (SM), m.
      vastus intermedius (VI), and m. soleus (S). During post-mortem storage, desmin
      and troponin-T degraded faster in LD and SM than in ST, VI and S. ST exhibited
      the same rate of degradation as VI and S. These differences could not be
      explained solely by differences in fibre type distribution, indicating that other
      muscle-specific traits independent of fibre type determine myofibrillar
      degradation post-mortem. Thus, the rate of post-mortem proteolysis seems to
      depend more on muscle-to-muscle variations than on fibre type composition.

PMID- 22060870
TI  - Replacement of pile salting by simultaneous brine thawing-salting in Spanish
      cured ham manufacturing.
AB  - Salting, is one of the fundamental operations in Spanish cured ham manufacturing,
      and is basic in order to preserve the product throughout its processing and
      storage. Pile salting is the method traditionally employed to accomplish this
      step. The use of frozen raw material has become quite frequent in the industry,
      and it implies a preliminary thawing step in a cold chamber. The aim of this
      study is the analysis of the first step in ham production (salting) and the
      influence of simultaneous brine thawing/salting and vacuum impregnation in the
      salting stage of Spanish cured ham. The results indicated a reduction in the
      salting time when using the brine thawing/salting method, which was performed
      together with vacuum impregnation. Further studies need to be done in order to
      fully understand the influence of these new salting methods on the following
      manufacturing steps and the final quality characteristics.

PMID- 22060871
TI  - A second mutant allele (V199I) at the PRKAG3 (RN) locus- I. Effect on
      technological meat quality of pork loin.
AB  - The effect of three alleles (RN(-), rn(+) and a second mutant allele V199I,
      denoted rn*) at the PRKAG3 (RN) locus on such meat quality traits as pH, internal
      reflectance (FOP), Warner-Bratzler shear force, water-holding capacity and
      cooking loss were studied. M. longissimus dorsi (LD) from a total of 334
      crossbreed pigs, entire males and females, Hampshire (H) and Finnish Landrace (L)
      of three combinations H * LH, LH * H and LH * LH, were used. The PRKAG3 alleles
      were identified with a DNA test and all possible RN genotypes, RN(-)/RN(-) (23%),
      RN(-)/rn(+) (24%), RN(-)/rn* (33%), rn(+)/rn(+) (8%), rn(+)/rn* (9%) and rn*/rn*
      (2%), were found. Water, intramuscular fat, protein and glycogen contents were
      determined. All the three alleles at the RN locus affected the studied
      technological meat quality traits of pork loin, except for the internal
      reflectance 24 h post mortem and the shear force. The RN(-) allele was dominant
      over the other two alleles, rn(+) and rn*, in LD with regard to ultimate pH,
      water-holding capacity and cooking loss, giving lower ultimate pH and water
      holding capacity and higher cooking loss. The rn* allele affected ultimate pH in
      LD of non-carriers of the RN(-) allele, giving higher ultimate pH. The RN(-)
      allele was also dominant over the other two alleles in residual glycogen content
      in entire male pigs, but not in female pigs, where the rn* allele had a glycogen
      lowering effect. The water content was higher and the protein content lower in LD
      of all RN(-)/- animals compared with the other genotypes, while no significant
      differences were found with regard to IMF content. Water-holding capacity,
      cooking loss and shear force were higher in LD of entire males compared with
      females.

PMID- 22060872
TI  - A second mutant allele (V199I) at the PRKAG3 (RN) locus-II. Effect on colour
      characteristics of pork loin.
AB  - Three alleles at the PRKAG3 (RN) locus that influence the glycogen content of
      pork were found to be segregating in Hampshire*Landrace crossbred pigs, RN(-),
      rn(+) as well as second mutant allele V 199I (here denoted rn*). The effect of
      these three alleles on ultimate pH, pigment content, internal reflectance (FOP),
      surface colour measured by tristimulus colorimetry (L*, a*, b*) and fractions of
      deoxymyoglobin (Mb), oxymyoglobin (MbO(2)) and metmyoglobin (MetMb) of pork loin
      was studied. Moreover, the effect of sex, entire male versus female pigs, on
      these traits was also analysed. The three PRKAG3 alleles affected ultimate pH,
      internal reflectance, colour and distribution of myoglobin derivatives of pork
      loin, while the pigment content was not influenced. Ultimate pH values of loins
      from the three genotypes were found to be in the order RN(-)/- genotypes
      <rn(+)/rn(+) genotype <rn(+)/rn* genotype=rn*/rn* genotype. The internal
      reflectance in the loin was found to be in the order RN(-)/- genotypes
      >rn(+)/rn(+) genotype=rn(+)/rn* genotype=rn*/rn* genotype. The RN(-) allele was
      dominant resulting in higher redness (a* value) and yellowness (b* value), while
      the rn* allele tended to result in lower redness and yellowness compared with the
      rn* allele. The RN(-) allele was dominant over the rn* allele in lightness (L*
      value) giving a lighter colour. Surface colour differences were mainly explained
      by differences in the distribution of the myoglobin derivatives. Finally, surface
      lightness was higher and pigment content, redness and fraction of MbO(2) lower in
      loin from entire males compared with females.

PMID- 22060873
TI  - Concentrations in beef and lamb of taurine, carnosine, coenzyme Q(10), and
      creatine.
AB  - Levels of taurine, carnosine, coenzyme Q(10), and creatine were measured in beef
      liver and several muscles of beef and lamb and in cooked and uncooked meat. The
      amino acid taurine has numerous biological functions, the dipeptide carnosine is
      a buffer as well as an antioxidant, coenzyme Q(10) is also an antioxidant present
      within mitochondria, and creatine along with creatine phosphate is involved with
      energy metabolism in muscle. Large differences were shown for all compounds
      between beef cheek muscle (predominantly red fibres) and beef semitendinosus
      muscle (mainly white fibres), with cheek muscle containing 9.9 times as much
      taurine, and 3.2 times as much coenzyme Q(10), but only 65% as much creatine and
      9% as much carnosine. Levels in lamb relative to beef semitendinosus muscles were
      higher for taurine but slightly lower for carnosine, coenzyme Q(10) and creatine.
      Values for all the compounds varied significantly between eight lamb muscles,
      possibly due in part to differences in the proportion of muscle fibre types. Slow
      cooking (90 min at 70  degrees C) of lamb longissimus and semimembranosus muscles
      led to significant reductions in the content of taurine, carnosine, and creatine
      (P<0.001), but a slight increase in coenzyme Q(10). There was also a four-fold
      increase in creatinine, presumably due to its formation from creatine. It is
      concluded that biologically, and possibly nutritionally, significant levels of
      taurine, carnosine, coenzyme Q(10), and creatine are present in beef and lamb,
      but that these levels vary between muscles, between animals, and with cooking.

PMID- 22060874
TI  - Lipid composition of the intramuscular fat of beef from Spanish cattle breeds
      stored under modified atmosphere.
AB  - The lipid composition of intramuscular fat from 30 young bulls of 5 Spanish
      cattle breeds (Asturiana de los Valles, Morucha, Parda Alpina, Pirenaica and
      Retinta) was studied. Steaks from each shortloin were packaged in 60% O(2), 30%
      CO(2) and 10% N(2) and aged for 0, 5, 10 and 15 days. Lipid classes obtained by
      thin layer chromatography and total fatty acids obtained by gas chromatography
      were evaluated. Meat from Asturiana de los Valles had high PL and C contents, and
      low TG contents that reflected its low intramuscular percentage content. This
      breed showed high FFA content that likely originated from lipolysis of PL. The
      main breed effect was due to the low intramuscular fat content observed in the
      Asturiana de los Valles. After 5 days, FFA decreased because they were probably
      transformed into other compounds. The Morucha breed may have a genetic
      predisposition for depositing MUFA, and the high MUFA and C14:0 values observed
      in the Morucha breed were likely due to its high intramuscular fat percentage.
      Regarding fatty acid composition, no "days of storage" effect was observed for
      any of the studied fatty acids, except for C18:3omega6 that increased during the
      first 5 days of storage in Asturiana de los Valles. Concerning the fatty acid
      composition, Asturiana de los Valles had the highest PUFA/SFA ratio, while Parda
      Alpina and Morucha possessed low omega6/omega3 ratios but high C22:6omega3
      contents. Finally, the presence of C22:6omega3 and 15-CH(3)-C16:0 may be related
      to higher intramuscular fat contents.

PMID- 22060875
TI  - Study of the effects of smoke flavourings on the oxidative stability of the
      lipids of pork adipose tissue by means of Fourier transform infrared
      spectroscopy.
AB  - Pork adipose tissue was dry-salted for 24 h and then smoked by immersion in two
      liquid smoke flavourings for 1, 2 or 3 min. Both unsmoked and smoked pork adipose
      tissue samples were submitted to oxidative conditions at 70  degrees C in a
      convection oven with circulating air. Melted lipids of both samples were studied
      by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Duplicate spectra were collected each
      day of the experiment by applying a film of melted lipids between two KBr disks.
      Changes in frequency values of different bands and in ratios between absorbances
      of some bands allow oxidation degree and oxidative stability of the samples to be
      determined. The usefulness of this technique for monitoring the oxidation process
      of pork adipose tissue lipids is shown. The greater oxidative stability of smoked
      pork adipose tissue samples in comparison with unsmoked samples is proved.

PMID- 22060876
TI  - PCR-based fingerprinting techniques for rapid detection of animal species in meat
      products.
AB  - A reproducible, rapid, and simple method for simultaneous identification of
      multiple meat species in a single step DNA-based test has been developed based on
      the generation of species-specific fingerprintings by two different arbitrary DNA
      amplification approaches (RAPD- and AP-PCR). Samples representative of various
      species and meat products submitted to different processing conditions were
      selected to verify the applicability of the techniques. RAPD-PCR fingerprintings
      allowed the discrimination amongst pork, beef, lamb, chicken and turkey in all
      cases. Samples corresponding to each species were clustered together at
      similarity levels ?75%. The DNA profiles consisted of a discrete but reproducible
      number of bands, which made possible the interpretation of the results by simple
      visual inspection. AP-PCR also allowed identification of the five tested species
      in every sample although more complex patterns were generated, including some low
      intensity bands. In both cases, a ramp time between annealing and extension
      temperatures was introduced to achieve good reproducibility. Overall, the
      simplicity of RAPD-PCR patterns could make this technique suitable for meat
      authentication in routine analysis.

PMID- 22060877
TI  - Bacterial populations associated with meat from the deboning room of a high
      throughput red meat abattoir.
AB  - Developing countries are faced with high incidences of food poisoning outbreaks,
      with obvious economic consequences. In highly perishable foodstuffs such as fresh
      red meat the threat of food poisoning is particularly intense. In this study, red
      meat samples were collected from a deboning room of a high throughput abattoir.
      The samples were analysed for the presence of Bacillus cereus., Staphylococcus
      aureus., Pseudomonas spp., Listeria monocytogenes., Escherichia coli and
      Salmonella spp. The aerobic plate counts as well as Enterobacteriaceae were also
      enumerated. Almost without exception the counts exceeded the microbiological
      guidelines for raw meat as proposed by the South African Department of Health.
      The average B. cereus count over the sampling period was 8.32 * 10(3) cfu, g (
      1), for S. aureus and Pseudomonas spp. 1.72 * 10(5) and 1.7 * 10(5) cfu g(-1)
      respectively and for E. coli 3.4 * 10(5) cfu g(-1). Sixty percent of the samples
      were positive for presumptive Salmonella spp. while 52% of the samples tested
      positive for the presence of L. monocytogenes. The aerobic plate and
      Enterobacteriaceae counts were 1.7 * 10(7) and 4.6 * 10(6) cfu g(-1),
      respectively. The data highlighted the need for a more systematic approach to
      ensuring safe food through implementing quality control methods to prevent the
      entry and proliferation of pathogens in meat and meat products, especially during
      processes with a high degree of handling, such as deboning.

PMID- 22060878
TI  - Generation of flavour compounds in fermented sausages-the influence of curing
      ingredients, Staphylococcus starter culture and ripening time.
AB  - The volatile profiles of fermented sausages made with either Staphylococcus
      xylosus or Staphylococcus carnosus starter cultures were studied with regard to
      the influence of salt concentration, ripening time and three different
      combinations of curing ingredients-nitrate, nitrite or nitrite/ascorbate.
      Emphasis was laid on volatile compounds originating from degradation of branched
      chain amino acids. Volatile compounds were collected using dynamic headspace
      sampling and were identified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS).
      Development in water activity, water loss and pH was monitored throughout
      maturation. Curing salts had a pronounced effect on the level of volatile
      compounds. In particular, curing with nitrate instead of nitrite resulted in a
      striking difference. Generally, nitrate increased the level of volatile compounds
      compared to nitrite, whereas ascorbate had only a small influence. The
      concentration level of NaCl had a considerable effect on the amount of volatile
      compounds but the effect was highly related to the ripening stage. Most
      compounds, but not all, increased in concentration as ripening proceeded. Major
      differences in the development of volatile compounds were observed depending on
      whether S. xylosus or S. carnosus were used as starter culture. In particular the
      effects of nitrate was much more predominant in the sausages made with S.
      carnosus than S.xylosus.

PMID- 22060879
TI  - Evaluation of surimi, fat and water content in a low/no added pork sausage
      formulation using response surface methodology.
AB  - Response surface methodology (RSM) was employed for simultaneous analysis of the
      effects of added surimi (0-40%), fat (5-30%) and water (10-35%), on the physical,
      textural and sensory characteristics of fresh breakfast pork sausages.
      Experimental design allowed for evaluation of potential interactive effects
      between these ingredients. Sausages were evaluated for texture, colour, water
      holding capacity (WHC) and sensory attributes. Three optimum recipes, R1 (25.3%
      surimi, 22.2% fat, 12.7% water, 25.3% pork), R2 (12.2% surimi, 5.5% fat, 38.7%
      water, 33.2% pork) and R3 (25.3% surimi, 6.3% fat, 28.5% water, 25.3% pork), were
      determined and these were evaluated against a full-fat commercial control (R4).
      Force values of R1 were not significantly different to R4, however, force values
      for R2 and R3 were lower (P<0.001). No significant differences were observed
      between R1, R3 and R4 for visual colour or sensory acceptability scores
      throughout the study, whereas scores for R2 were lower. Sensory analysis
      indicated that R2 had lower scores for texture (P<0.01), chewiness (P<0.01),
      acceptability (P<0.01), flavour (P<0.05) and preference (P<0.01). Results from
      this study suggest that it is possible to successfully replace pork meat with
      functional fish proteins in the manufacture of sausage type products.

PMID- 22060880
TI  - Use of bacteriocin-producing starter cultures of Lactobacillus plantarum and
      Lactobacillus curvatus in production of ostrich meat salami.
AB  - Ostrich meat salami was produced by using Lactobacillus plantarum strain 423 and
      Lactobacillus curvatus strain DF126. The strains produce the bacteriocins
      plantaricin 423 and curvacin DF126, respectively. The specific activity of
      plantaricin 423 in MRS broth at 30  degrees C increased as the pH decreased from
      6.5 to 3.5, but activity subsequently decreased. The activity of curvacin DF126
      increased under the same conditions, but remained stable for the duration of the
      growth cycle. Maximum curvacin DF126 and plantaricin 423 activity levels were
      recorded at a culture pH of around 4. The spectra of antimicrobial activity
      recorded for plantaricin 423 and curvacin DF126 were similar. Neither of the two
      bacteriocins inhibited the growth of Micrococcus sp. MC50 and did not have any
      inhibitory effect on either of the producer strains. Curvacin DF126 and
      plantaricin 423 inhibited the growth of L. monocytogenes in salami meat. However,
      after 15 h of fermentation the viable count of L. monocytogenes LM1 increased,
      probably due to a decrease in activity of the bacteriocins and/or the development
      of resistant bacterial cells. This is the first report on the inhibition of L.
      monocytogenes in ostrich meat salami by using bacteriocinogenic starter cultures.

PMID- 22060881
TI  - Ice VI freezing of meat: supercooling and ultrastructural studies.
AB  - While "classical" freezing (to ice I) is disruptive to the microstructure of
      meat, freezing to ice VI has been found to preserve it. Ice VI freeze
      substitution microscopy showed no traces of structural alteration on muscle
      fibres compared with the extensive damage caused by ice I freezing. The different
      signs of the freezing volume changes associated with these two ice phases is the
      most likely explanation for the above effects. Ice VI exists only at high
      pressure (632.4-2216 MPa) but can be formed and kept at room temperature. It was
      found that its nucleation requires a higher degree of supercooling than ice I
      freezing does, both for pure water and meat. Monitoring of the freezing process
      (by temperature and/or pressure measurements) is, thus, essential. The possible
      applications of ice VI freezing for food and other biological materials and the
      nucleation behaviour of this ice phase are discussed.

PMID- 22060882
TI  - Use of antioxidants to minimize rancidity in pressurized and cooked chicken
      slurries.
AB  - Sodium chloride (5%) and some antioxidants (400 ppm rosemary extract; 2000 ppm
      acerola extract; 50 ppm ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA); 1,000, 2,000,
      and 5,000 pm of sodium hexametaphosphate or 5 and 10% egg white powder) were
      added to minced chicken. From these mixtures, slurries were made by mixing with
      water (1:3) at 15,000 rpm for 30 s at 20  degrees C. Samples were pressurized
      (300, 500 and 900 MPa for 30 min at 20  degrees C) or cooked (90  degrees C for
      15 min). Hexanal was quantified by solid phase microextraction at 1, 3, 6 and 9
      days of 4  degrees C storage in contact with air. Hexanal values increased with
      pressure and storage time. Cooked slurries had higher hexanal contents than
      samples pressurized at 300 MPa, but lower than those treated at 500 and 900 MPa.
      Rosemary extract was an antioxidant for pressure-treated samples, but had little
      effect on cooked ones. Acerola extract was not an effective antioxidant, but EDTA
      strongly inhibited oxidation. Hexamethaphosphate also showed antioxidant ability.
      Egg white powder inhibited hexanal generation, which can be a new way for
      revalorizing egg constituents.

PMID- 22060883
TI  - Electronic nose for the identification of pig feeding and ripening time in
      Iberian hams.
AB  - An electronic nose system to control the processing of dry-cured Iberian ham is
      presented. The sensors involved are tin oxide semiconductors thin films. They
      were prepared by RF sputtering. Some of the sensors were doped with metal
      catalysts as Pt and Pd, in order to improve the selectivity of the sensors. The
      multisensor with 16 semiconductor sensors, gave different responses from two
      types of dry-cured Iberian hams which differ in the feeding and curing time. The
      data has been analysed using the PCA (principal component analysis) and
      backpropagation and probabilistic neural networks. The analysis shows that
      different types of Iberian ham can be discriminated and identified successfully.

PMID- 22060884
TI  - Effect of enrobing and antioxidants on quality characteristics of precooked pork
      patties under chilled and frozen storage conditions.
AB  - Enrobed or coated pork patties containing a (50:50) mixture of butylated
      hydroxyanisole (BHA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) at a level of 100 ppm in
      the batter mix and meat emulsion were cooked and stored chilled (4+/-1  degrees
      C) and frozen (-18+/-1  degrees C) for evaluation of quality. Test samples were
      compared to control patties (neither enrobed nor antioxidant treated). After 35
      days of refrigerated storage no significant difference (P>0.05) was found in pH,
      2-thiobarbituric acid (TBA) and Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) values between
      uncoated and treated samples. Similarly, enrobed patties showed no significant
      (P<0.05) decrease in TBA values compared to control patties, but had lower
      relative moisture loss at the 45th day of frozen storage. However, control
      patties had significantly (P<0.05) higher overall shear values than coated
      patties under the same storage conditions. Coated samples had higher microbial
      loads but below the acceptable limit. Total plate counts (TPC) in enrobed and
      control patties were around 3.48 and 3.05 log(10) cfu/g, respectively, whereas in
      frozen stored samples these numbers were 2.77 and 2.69 log(10) cfu/g at the end
      of storage. Sensory scores viz appearance and color, flavor, juiciness, texture,
      and overall acceptability were higher in treated samples than controls during the
      entire storage period.

PMID- 22060885
TI  - Method of isolation, rate of postmortem metabolism, and myosin heavy chain
      isoform composition influence ATPase activity of isolated porcine myofibrils.
AB  - The objective of this study was to determine the influence of myofibril isolation
      procedures and myosin heavy chain (MyHC) isoform composition on myofibrillar
      ATPase activity as related to postmortem muscle metabolism. Myofibrils from the
      red (RST) and white (WST) portions of semitendinosus muscles were isolated using
      two different methods (A and B) at 3 min and 24 h postmortem in control (NS) and
      electrically stimulated (ES) pork carcasses. Comparison of the relative MyHC
      isoform profiles between the two different myofibril isolation methods and myosin
      extracts from the RST and WST at 3 min showed that method B myofibrils were more
      similar to the myosin extract than method A. Myofibrillar ATPase activity
      remained constant or increased (P<0.01) from 3 min to 24 h postmortem in NS
      carcasses and decreased (P<0.0001) in ES carcasses. From the RST, method A
      myofibrils had higher (P<0.0001) ATPase activity compared to method B across
      sampling time and carcass treatment. In the WST, method A myofibrils had lower
      (P<0.01) activity at 3 min, were not different at 24 h in NS carcasses, but had
      higher (P<0.05) activity at 24 h in ES carcasses versus method B myofibrils.
      Compared to method B, isolation method A biased the isoform profile of myofibril
      samples more towards faster MyHC (2A and 2X) in the RST and towards MyHC 2X in
      the WST. Results suggest that the ATPase activity and MyHC isoform profile of
      isolated myofibril samples are influenced by method of myofibril isolation,
      postmortem sampling time, and the rate of postmortem metabolism. Thus,
      differences in MyHC isoform profile and method of myofibril isolation must be
      taken into account to determine accurately the relationship between myofibrillar
      ATPase activity and rate of postmortem metabolism.

PMID- 22060886
TI  - A note on the identification of Rupicapra rupicapra species by polymerase chain
      reaction product sequencing.
AB  - To identify meat samples suspected of containing a protected game species
      (Chamois-Rupicapra rupicapra) Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) product sequencing
      was performed. The amplicon was obtained with a pair of "universal" primers. The
      results confirm those of Isoelectric Focusing (IEF) on the same samples.

PMID- 22060888
TI  - The chilled storage life and retail display performance of vacuum and carbon
      dioxide packed hot deboned beef striploins.
AB  - Two cooling regimes that complied with the New Zealand meat hygiene requirement
      that hot deboned meat be chilled to +7  degrees C or less within 24 hr of leaving
      the slaughter floor were evaluated for the production of chilled table meats.
      Electrically stimulated hot deboned bull beef half striploins were either vacuum
      or carbon dioxide packed before being cooled in accordance with either Regime 1
      (cool at +5  degrees C for 24 hr, transfer to chiller operating at -1.0 +/- 0.5 
      degrees C) or Regime 2 (cool at +5  degrees C for 24 hr, hold at 5  degrees C for
      6 days, transfer to chiller operating at -1.0 +/- 0.5  degrees C). Striploins
      were removed from -1.0  degrees C storage 8, 28, 42, 56, 70, 84 and 98 days after
      slaughter and subjected to microbiological, tenderness, sensory and retail
      display performance evaluations. Both Regimes 1 and 2 produced meat of acceptable
      mean tenderness, 8 kgF (MIRINZ Tenderometer) in either vacuum or carbon dioxide
      packs within 28 and 8 days of slaughter, respectively. However, 70 days after
      slaughter the first signs of over-ageing became apparent. Steaks from Regimes 1
      and 2 maintained acceptable visual appearance during retail display at 5  degrees
      C for 48 hr and 24 hr, respectively. After these times, the product was judged by
      the panel to be unacceptable because of its dull dark lean tissue and grey to
      green discoloration of the fat. Poor colour stability during retail display was
      mirrored by deterioration of sensory attributes, particularly aroma which is
      indicative of incipient spoilage. While carbon dioxide packaging in combination
      with Regime 1 offered an initial microbiological advantage over vacuum packaging,
      this advantage was not, however, carried over into retail display. Poor colour
      and sensory stability during retail display suggest that chilled table cuts
      derived from hot deboned bull beef are more suited to the Hotel-Restaurant
      Institutional (HRI) trade than supermarket retailing. To serve the HRI, vacuum
      packed hot deboned bull beef primal cuts processed by Regime 1 appear to be the
      combination of choice. This combination would enable commercial processors to
      produce quality table beef with a chilled storage life of up to 70 days.

PMID- 22060887
TI  - Implications of rapid virological response in hepatitis C therapy in the US
      veteran population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Early predictors of response to hepatitis C virus (HCV) therapy, such
      as rapid virological response, are valuable for the identification of patients
      with a higher likelihood of treatment success. AIM: To identify predictors of
      rapid virological response in a real world setting. METHODS: Using the VA
      Clinical Case Registry, we identified patients with HCV mono-infection, without
      liver transplantation, who initiated peginterferon (PEG-IFN) and ribavirin (RBV)
      in 2007 or 2008 and had HCV RNA testing for RVR. Significant baseline
      characteristics from genotype specific univariate analyses were used in backwards
      stepwise models to identify significant independent predictors of RVR. RESULTS:
      The final cohort consisted of 2424 patients with genotype 1 (G1), 666 patients
      with genotype 2 (G2), and 419 patients with genotype 3 (G3). Rapid virological
      response rates were 15% for G1, 71% for G2 and 57% for G3. Sustained virological
      response rates were significantly higher in patients with rapid virological
      response than without, increasing from 18% to 52% in G1, 39% to 71% in G2, and
      40% to 60% in G3 (P < 0.0001). A baseline HCV RNA < 500,000 IU/mL positively
      predicted RVR across all genotypes studied. In addition, for G1, Black race,
      Hispanic ethnicity, aspartate aminotransferase/alanine aminotransferase (AST/ALT)
      >= 0.6, ferritin >= 350 ng/mL, LDL< 100 mg/dL and diabetes; for G2, BMI >= 30
      kg/m(2), platelets < 150 K/MUL, LDL< 100 mg/dL and the use of PEG-IFN alfa-2b;
      and for G3, AST/ALT >= 1.0, all negatively predicted rapid virological response.
      CONCLUSION: We found several novel independent predictors of rapid virological
      response, including BMI, AST/ALT ratio, ferritin, platelets, LDL, diabetes and
      type of PEG-IFN prescribed, which may be useful in guiding treatment decisions in
      routine medical practice.

PMID- 22060889
TI  - Dietary vitamin E effect on color stability and sensory assessment of spoilage in
      three beef muscles.
AB  - Effects of dietary vitamin E supplementation (1204 IU/head/day) for 122 days on
      color stability and microbial load on beef m. longissimus lumborum (LL), m.
      gluteus medius (GM) and m. psoas major (PM) were studied by subjective and
      objective evaluation. Color stability of these muscles followed the order LL > GM
      > PM (p < 0.05). Vitamin E-treated LL, GM and PM showed less metmyoglobin
      formation, higher a(*) values and lower hue angle values than controls during
      storage at 4  degrees C (p < 0.05). Sensory evaluation demonstrated that
      panelists preferred the appearance of vitamin E-treated LL, GM and PM beef
      steaks. Vitamin E supplementation did not affect total microbial load on LL, PM
      and GM and did not influence panelists' olfactory assessment of microbial
      spoilage of beef. Endogenous alpha-tocopherol concentration and lipid stability
      of microsomal fractions of LL, GM and PM were greater (p < 0.05) in vitamin E
      treated muscles relative to controls. There was no muscle effect on the pro
      oxidant activity of microsomes towards oxymyoglobin oxidation (p > 0.05).
      Oxymyoglobin stability was greater in the presence of microsomal fractions
      obtained from vitamin E-treated muscle than in those from controls. Dietary
      vitamin E supplementation delayed oxymyoglobin oxidation in LL, PM and GM muscle
      and increased the color shelf-life of these muscles without affecting total
      microbial load.

PMID- 22060890
TI  - Determination of nitrites in meat systems: An improved procedure.
AB  - Various analytical methods for nitrite determination in meat products, based on
      extraction of the preservative through digestion at 60-80  degrees C followed by
      colorimetric analysis gave relatively poor recoveries (44-65%) when applied to
      raw beef. An improved procedure was developed based on disintegration and
      dispersion of beef with sand prior to the extraction step and on the use of a
      higher concentration of N-(1-naphthyl) ethylenediamine dihydrochloride than
      normally used. The proposed technique resulted in almost 93% recovery of nitrites
      and showed a high precision revealed in a variation coefficient of 8&#x0303;%.

PMID- 22060891
TI  - Effect of meat ultimate pH on rate of titin and nebulin degradation.
AB  - The processes involved in the tenderisation of meat were studied on muscles with
      a range of ultimate pH values (5.4-7.0), produced by subcutaneous injection of
      various doses of adrenaline and exercise. The m. longissimus thoracicum et
      lumborum (LD) was removed from carcasses stored at 10  degrees C and held for 1,
      3 or 6 days after slaughter, then frozen until tenderness assessment. The
      tenderness of meat cooked from the frozen state was determined as the force to
      shear samples of 10 mm * 10 mm cross-section using a MIRINZ tenderometer. The
      maximum toughness of 15 kgF occurred at an ultimate pH (pH(u)) of about 6.0,
      resulting in a curvilinear relationship between tenderness and pH(u) at 1 day
      post-slaughter. By 6 days post-slaughter, all meat had reached the same low shear
      value of approximately 3 kgF. SDS-PAGE patterns obtained from samples at 12, 24
      and 48 hr post-slaughter showed increasing titin and nebulin degradation over
      time, with the slowest rate of degradation occurring at pH(u) values 6.0-6.3.
      Titin and nebulin are known to play an important role in the stabilisation of
      myofibril structure, and it is suggested that the curvilinear relationship
      results when pH-dependent titin and nebulin degradation occurs.

PMID- 22060892
TI  - Color of fresh, frozen and cooked ground beef patties manufactured with
      mechanically recovered neck bone lean.
AB  - Mechanical systems that recover lean tissue from beef vertebrae without grinding
      bone material are in use in major packing plants across the country. Our
      objective was to determine the effects of mechanically recovered neck bone lean
      (MRNL) on color stability of fresh, frozen and cooked ground beef patties. Ground
      beef patties at two fat levels (10 and 20%) and four MRNL levels (0, 15, 30 and
      45%) were analyzed for percentage surface metmyoglobin (metMb) and HunterLab L
      (*) and a (*) values over 12 days of fresh display and 18 weeks of frozen
      storage. Data were collected for three replications of the experiment.
      Mechanically recovered neck bone lean caused an increase in surface metMb up to 7
      days of retail display; however, patties made with higher levels of MRNL showed a
      rapid decrease in surface metMb from days 8 to 12. Both the increase and decrease
      in surface metMb may be due to microbial effects, which were greater at increased
      levels of MRNL. Patties made with 30 and 45% MRNL showed greater (p < 0.05)
      surface metMb by 18 weeks of frozen storage than controls; however, patties with
      15% MRNL were not different (p > 0.05) than controls. HunterLab L (*) values for
      cooked patties decreased in a linear fashion (p < 0.01, R(2) = 0.70) as MRNL
      level increased.

PMID- 22060893
TI  - Separation and amino acid composition of three troponin components from bovine
      muscle.
AB  - Three troponin components were isolated from bovine skeletal muscle, and their
      molecular weights and amino acid composition were studied. Crude troponin
      prepared from bovine muscle was purified by DEAE-Toyopearl chromatography. The
      purified troponin was dissociated in the order of tropopins C, I and T by CM
      Toyopearl chromatography in the presence of 6 M urea. The molecular weights of
      troponins C, I and T were 19,500, 23,300 and 40,400, respectively, as determined
      with SDS-PAGE. The separation of troponin into three components was also achieved
      using reverse-phase HPLC; however, the elution order of troponins T and C was
      contrary to that of the cation-exchange chromatography described above. In this
      study, the amino acid composition of the three troponin components from bovine
      skeletal muscle was first determined. The amino acid composition of the three
      troponin components among bovine, rabbit and chicken skeletal muscles showed
      stronger similarity than that between bovine skeletal and cardiac muscle with a
      different muscle type. We considered that this method of troponin preparation
      from bovine muscle must be a very useful technique for investigating the changes
      in troponin components, especially troponin T, during ageing of beef.

PMID- 22060894
TI  - Fatty acid content and composition of english beef, lamb and pork at retail.
AB  - We have determined the fatty acid content and composition of retail samples of
      meat and assessed them with respect to UK dietary recommendations. Fifty beef
      sirloin steaks, pork chops and lamb chops were purchased from four supermarkets
      on separate occasions. The percentage of muscle (boneless basis) in the samples
      was 84.4 +/- 4.3, 69.8 +/- 7.7 and 78.9 +/- 7.1 for beef, lamb and pork,
      respectively, with fatty acid contents of 3.84 +/- 1.3, 4.73 +/- 1.66 and 2.26 +/
      0.7 g per 100 g muscle, respectively. Adipose tissue fatty acid contents were
      70.0 +/- 8.2, 70.6 +/- 8.6 and 65.3 +/- 9.4 g per 100 g tissue. A range of C20
      and C22 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) was present in the muscle of all three
      species and pork adipose tissue but their concentrations in lamb and beef adipose
      tissue were too low to measure. The mean P:S ratios for beef, lamb and pork
      muscle were (adipose tissue values in parentheses): 0.11 (0.05); 0.15 (0.09) and
      0.58 (0.61), and the n-6:n-3 ratios were 2.1 (2.3), 1.3 (1.4) and 7.2 (7.6). We
      conclude that the muscles of red meat species are a valuable source of PUFA,
      particularly the C20 and C22 n-3 fatty acids, in the human diet and that,
      considered as part of a varied diet, the low P:S ratio of the ruminant muscle,
      the high n-6:n-3 ratio of pork and the total fatty acid contents do not detract
      significantly from the nutritional value of lean meat.

PMID- 22060895
TI  - Effect of clenbuterol on productive performance, body composition and muscle
      biochemistry in the rabbit.
AB  - Twenty New Zealand White rabbits (INRA 1077 strain) were given a complete and
      balanced diet including a clenbuterol additive (100 MUg per day) between 70 and
      98 days. They were compared with 20 control rabbits. The treatment improved the
      growth performance (29.90 vs 26.07 g/day), the feed conversion (5.45 vs 6.46 g
      feed per g gain) and the carcass yield (64.37 vs 61.11%), by decreasing the
      relative weights of the skin and the digestive tract. Moreover, all organs in
      which development is precocious, were found to be relatively lighter. The
      muscle/bone ratio of the carcass was improved (7.56 vs 6.38), resulting in a
      greater relative development of muscle tissue, without any change in bone tissue
      weight. Perirenal and interscapular fat percentages in the carcass were reduced
      (3.23 vs 3.83 and 0.68 vs 0.86, respectively). Clenbuterol, a repartitioning
      agent, had therefore modified the growth allometry of the organs and tissues. In
      the hindleg region (Biceps femoris, Tensor fasciae latae, Semimembranosus
      accessorius), the ultimate muscular pH was increased, (+0.31 pH units on
      average), while the cooking loss was reduced (24.23 vs 24.88%). In the m.
      longissimus lumborum, the increase of ultimate pH (+0.31 units of pH), under the
      effect of clenbuterol, was explained by a relative increase in the oxidative
      metabolic pathway represented by aldolase/ICDH ratio (246 vs 284) and by a
      decrease in glucidic content (total glycosyl residues) of muscle (16.6 vs 26.2 MU
      mol g ). Due to its effects on muscular biology, clenbuterol is thus likely to
      cause a change in meat quality.

PMID- 22060897
TI  - Lipolysis in dry-cured ham maturation.
AB  - Thirty light Parma hams were tested for muscle lipolytic activity (acid and
      neutral lipase activity) and free fatty acid (FFA) amounts in M. semimembranosus
      and biceps femoris, during progressive phases (0, 3, 6, 10 months) of dry-cured
      ham manufacturing. No correlation was found between the activities of acid and
      neutral lipases in fresh M. semimembranosus, while during processing the
      activities were positively related (p<0.1), probably due to effects of muscle
      composition changes on lipolytic activities. In each processing step tested, acid
      lipase activities were higher in the M. semimembranosus than in the M. biceps
      femoris, and FFA amounts varied accordingly, the only exception being for the
      very dehydrated 10-month old M. semimembranosus, which yielded lower FFA than in
      the corresponding M. biceps femoris. FFAs in the end product correlated
      positively with acid and neutral lipase activities of green ham, suggesting that
      FFA production could be influenced by both raw meat properties and muscle
      composition during processing.

PMID- 22060896
TI  - Enhanced expression of heme oxygenase-1 and carbon monoxide excitatory effects in
      oxytocin and vasopressin neurones during water deprivation.
AB  - A growing body of evidence indiates that carbon monoxide (CO) acts as a gas
      neurotransmitter within the central nervous system. Although CO has been shown to
      affect neurohypophyseal hormone release in response to osmotic stimuli, the
      precise sources, targets and mechanisms underlying the actions of CO within the
      magnocellular neurosecretory system remain largely unknown. In the present study,
      we combined immunohistochemistry and patch-clamp electrophysiology to study the
      cellular distribution of the CO-synthase enzyme heme oxygenase type 1 (HO-1), as
      well as the actions of CO on oxytocin (OT) and vasopressin (VP) magnocellular
      neurosecretory cells (MNCs), in euhydrated (EU) and 48-h water-deprived rats
      (48WD). Our results show the expression of HO-1 immunoreactivity both in OT and
      VP neurones, as well as in a small proportion of astrocytes, both in supraoptic
      (SON) and paraventricular (PVN) nuclei. HO-1 expression, and its colocalisation
      with OT and VP neurones within the SON and PVN, was significantly enhanced in
      48WD rats. Inhibition of HO activity with chromium mesoporphyrin IX chloride
      (CrMP; 20 MUm) resulted in a slight membrane hyperpolarisation in SON neurones
      from EU rats, without significantly affecting their firing activity. In 48WD
      rats, on the other hand, CrMP resulted in a more robust membrane
      hyperpolarisation, significantly decreasing neuronal firing discharge. Taken
      together, our results indicate that magnocellular SON and PVN neurones express HO
      1, and that CO acts as an excitatory gas neurotransmitter in this system.
      Moreover, we found that the expression and actions of CO were enhanced in water
      deprived rats, suggesting that the state-dependent up-regulation of the HO-1/CO
      signalling pathway contributes to enhance MNCs firing activity during an osmotic
      challenge.

PMID- 22060898
TI  - Effect of dietary vitamin E supplementation on cholesterol oxidation in vacuum
      packaged cooked beef steaks.
AB  - The effect of dietary vitamin E supplementation on cholesterol oxidation in
      vacuum packaged, cooked, refrigerated and frozen beef steaks, was investigated.
      Steers (Friesian*Charolais*Black Hereford) were fed diets providing 20 or 3000 mg
      alpha-tocopheryl acetate/head/day for 135 days prior to slaughter. alpha
      Tocopherol concentrations in M. psoas major (PM) and M. longissimus dorsi (LD)
      were significantly (p<0.05) increased by supplementation and were significantly
      (p<0.05) higher in PM than LD. Cholesterol oxidation (monitored by measuring 7
      ketocholesterol formation) increased during refrigerated and frozen storage in
      some, but not all, groups, and tended to be higher in PM than LD. Dietary vitamin
      E did not affect 7-ketocholesterol formation in LD, but significantly (p<0.05)
      reduced concentrations in PM during refrigerated and frozen storage.
      Supplementation significantly (p<0.05) reduced TBARS in PM and LD, indicating
      that vitamin E improved oxidative stability in both muscles. The results show
      that dietary vitamin E supplementation inhibits cholesterol oxidation in vacuum
      packaged, cooked beef during refrigerated and frozen storage, but may be
      influenced by muscle type.

PMID- 22060899
TI  - Prediction of temperature and moisture content of frankfurters during thermal
      processing using neural network.
AB  - An artificial neural network (ANN) was developed to predict temperature and
      moisture content of frankfurters during smokehouse cooking. Fat protein ratio
      (FP), initial moisture content, initial temperature, radius of frankfurter,
      ambient temperature, relative humidity and process time were input variables.
      Temperature at the frankfurter centre, average temperature of the frankfurter and
      average moisture content (d.b) of the frankfurter were outputs. Network training
      data were obtained from validated heat and mass transfer models simulating
      temperature and moisture profiles of a frankfurter. Backpropagation method was
      used for ANN training. Selection of hidden nodes, learning rate, momentum and
      range of input variables were important to ANN prediction. The FP was not an
      important factor in predictions.

PMID- 22060900
TI  - Bovine muscle glycogen concentration in relation to finishing diet, slaughter and
      ultimate pH.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of a high-energy diet
      provided for a rather short time prior to transportation to slaughter on muscle
      glycogen concentration on farm, after transportation and after refrigeration of
      the carcasses. The experiment involved 60 Ayrshire bulls which were fed either a
      low energy diet of 100% grass silage or a compound feed based diet providing 10.8
      and 12.9 MJ of metabolizable energy per kg of dry matter, respectively. Identical
      setup of 30 bulls was carried out in spring and in summer. Three muscle samples
      were obtained from the longissimus dorsi and gluteus medius muscles: a biopsy
      prior to initiation of experimental feeding (B1); another biopsy after 14 days on
      diet (B2); a post mortem sample at 48 h after slaughter (3) (also M.
      semimembranosus). Initial resting muscle glycogen concentration affected the
      responsiveness of glycogen to diet. The more glycogen there was initially the
      less glycogen increased (r=-0.678, p<0.0001). However, compared to the low energy
      diet the high energy diet seemed to protect cattle from potentially glycogen
      depleting stressors such as high temperatures and transportation. The cattle on
      high energy lost 7+/-4.0 (se) mmol/kg and 23+/-3.9 mmol/kg during transportation
      in spring (cool weather) and in summer (hot weather), respectively, whereas the
      cattle on low energy diet lost 16+/-3.8 mmol/kg in spring and 33+/-4.1 mmol/kg in
      summer. The overall protective effect of high energy diet corresponded to 0.65 pH
      units. The effects of diet were reflected all the way to ultimate pH values
      [5.69+/-0.03 (high energy); 5.93+/-0.03 (low energy)] (p<0.0001) and residual
      glycogen concentrations (p<0.0001). It seems indeed that providing a diet high in
      energy for a couple of weeks prior to transportation to slaughter is one of the
      many appropriate measures to take in the fight against bovine dark-cutting.

PMID- 22060901
TI  - Some effects of residual glycogen concentration on the physical and sensory
      quality of normal pH beef.
AB  - The aim of this study was to assess the effects of residual glycogen
      concentration on the physical and sensory quality of normal-pH beef. Longissimus
      thoracis et lumborum muscles (n=42) having ultimate pH (48 h) between 5.50 and
      5.75 were excised, assayed for residual glycogen concentration and divided into
      three categories according to the residual glycogen concentration. The categories
      were ?25 mmol/kg, 25.1-49.9 mmol/kg and ? 50 mmol/kg. One half of every LTL
      muscle was aged for 28 days. All samples were evaluated for fresh meat colour,
      drip loss, shear force, thawing and frying losses and fried steak colour as well
      as sensory attributes of tenderness, juiciness, flavour and overall palatability.
      The independent significant effects of increasing residual glycogen concentration
      on the physical and sensory quality of normal-pH-beef were, although numerous,
      quite modest in magnitude. The water holding variables in the form of decreasing
      drip loss (p<0.061), increasing thawing loss (p<005), increasing sum of losses in
      thawing and frying (p<0.05), and decreasing sensory juiciness (p<0.05) were
      somewhat affected as were decreasing fresh meat redness (Minolta a*) (p<0.005),
      decreasing shear force (p<0.05) and increasing yellowness (Minolta b*) of the
      steak (p<0.0001). Beef of the lowest and highest glycogen category were the ones
      behaving slightly differently from each other, the intermediate category mostly
      followed the pattern of one or the other.

PMID- 22060902
TI  - The effect of oxygen level and exogenous alpha-tocopherol on the oxidative
      stability of minced beef in modified atmosphere packs.
AB  - The effect of oxygen level (20, 40, 60 and 80%) in modified atmospheres on the
      oxymyoglobin content of intact and minced beef (M. semimembranosus, SM) was
      evaluated. There was no significant difference in the oxymyoglobin content of
      minced SM stored for up to 4 days in modified atmosphere packs containing 20, 40,
      60 or 80% O(2). After 7 days, oxymyoglobin in minced SM decreased significantly
      (P?0.05) with decreasing oxygen level but by day 10 all samples had similarly low
      oxymyoglobin contents. Lipid oxidation increased significantly (P?0.05) between
      day 7 and 10 of storage in minced SM stored in modified atmospheres containing
      40, 60 or 80% O(2). Oxymyoglobin and lipid oxidation occurred in intact SM but
      the extent of oxidation was lower than for minced SM. Exogenous alpha-tocopherol,
      dispersed in olive oil and added to minced SM (300 and 3000 mg alpha
      tocopherol/kg lipid), had no significant effect on Hunter 'a' values when the
      samples were stored in low (20%) or high (80%) oxygen atmospheres. Exogenous
      alpha-tocopherol addition led to a significant reduction in lipid oxidation
      (P?0.05) in minced SM stored in high but not in low oxygen atmospheres.

PMID- 22060903
TI  - Postmortem muscle glycolysis and meat quality characteristics of intact male
      Korean native (Hanwoo) cattle.
AB  - Five intact Korean bulls weighing about 550 kg were slaughtered to investigate
      postmortem glycolysis. Histochemical and meat quality characteristics of
      longissimus dorsi (LD) and psoas major (PM) muscles were made. Postmortem changes
      in ATP, glucose-6-phosphate and pH demonstrated that the rate of postmortem
      glycolysis in the PM was significantly faster than in the LD. The shear force to
      cut cooked PM was significantly lower than that of LD in 1 and 3 day aged
      samples, but no difference was observed between the two muscles in 7, 15 and 21
      day aged samples. During the 21 days of aging, the rate of lipid oxidation, as
      measured by TBA value, was significantly faster in the PM than in the LD. The
      result suggests that PM muscle needs less aging time than LD muscle for optimum
      meat quality.

PMID- 22060904
TI  - Composition and protein fractions of different meat by-products used for petfood
      compared with mechanically separated chicken (MSC).
AB  - Pork by-products (lung lobes, kidneys), chicken viscera (head, feet and viscera)
      and mechanically separated chicken (MSC) were evaluated for proximate
      composition, protein distribution and connective tissue. Proximate composition
      varied among meat by-products and MSC. Pork by-products contained the most crude
      protein (p<0.05). Low levels of high ionic strength soluble (HIS) proteins were
      obtained from meat by-products. Pork lungs and chicken viscera contained the
      greatest amounts of insoluble (IN) proteins (p<0.05). Total collagen values were
      positively correlated to IN proteins, intramuscular collagen (IMC) and elastin.
      Types I and III collagen could not be detected by SDS-PAGE for the different meat
      by-products though collagen solubility appeared to be significant. These results
      suggest functional property differences between specific by-products are likely
      when used in petfood product formulations.

PMID- 22060905
TI  - Functional properties of meat by-products and mechanically separated chicken
      (MSC) in a high-moisture model petfood system.
AB  - Contributions to water retention capacity (% WRC) and texture changes were
      determined for pork by-products (lung lobes, kidneys), chicken viscera (head,
      feet and viscera) and mechanically separated chicken (MSC) as affected by pH and
      various salts in a high-moisture model system. The % WRC for meat by-products and
      MSC was increased by increased pH (4.5-6.8). Pork lungs and MSC had the highest %
      WRC (p<0.05) among the meat by-products. Meat by-product % WRC was not
      signifcantly (p>0.05) affected by salt (2%), phosphate (0.3%) or NaOH (0.075%).
      Chicken viscera had the lowest (p<0.05) mean texture measurements among the meat
      by-products and MSC. Strong negative correlations (p<0.05) were obtained for
      texture with total collagen, soluble collagen and high ionic strength soluble
      (HIS) proteins. These results should be considered for product quality changes
      when these by-products are used in formulation of high moisture pet food
      products.

PMID- 22060906
TI  - Specificity of different anti-myosin heavy chain antibodies in bovine muscle.
AB  - Muscle fibre types play an important role in bovine meat tenderness, and
      conditions the speed of ageing. Two generations of myotubes appear during foetal
      life. Their differentiation results in several types of fibres differing in their
      contractile and metabolic properties, namely type I fibres and type II fibres
      (IIA and IIB). Fibre types were identified using antibodies by
      immunohistochemistry and western-blotting techniques. The aim was to test
      different antibodies on foetal and adult muscles by these two techniques. Ten
      monoclonal antibodies reported to be specific to different myosin heavy chain
      (MHC) isoforms in other species were tested. Only three antibodies were selected:
      BF.35, specific for I and IIa MHCs, F1.652 specific for foetal MHC and SC.71 an
      anti II MHCs (IIa and IIb) antibody. The use of these antibodies will enable a
      more precise characterisation of muscle fibres and will have applications in the
      study of bovine muscle ontogenesis.

PMID- 22060907
TI  - Characterisation of indigenous African cattle breeds in relation to meat quality
      traits.
AB  - Meat quality characteristics of two Sanga (indigenous) breeds (Afrikaner and
      Nguni), one indigenous composite breed (Bonsmara), one foreign composite breed
      (Santa Gertrudis) and two continental breeds (Brown Swiss and Pinzgauer) were
      compared. Means were adjusted for mean overall subcutaneous fat level (4.7%).
      Meat tenderness was then related to certain muscle characteristics. Shear force
      measurements indicated that Santa Gertrudis (SG) meat was significantly less
      tender than that of the two continental breeds and the three indigenous breeds
      (P<0.05). Pairwise linear correlations showed that differences found in
      background toughness (connective tissue) among breeds did not have a significant
      effect on tenderness. However, higher myofibrillar fragmentation indices, as well
      as lower white muscle fibre percentages for the three indigenous breeds,
      especially the two Sanga breeds, proved their potential to produce meat of
      comparable tenderness to that of continental breeds under specific slaughter and
      post-slaughter conditions.

PMID- 22060908
TI  - Production of bacteriocin-like metabolites by lactic acid cultures isolated from
      sucuk samples.
AB  - A total of 51 sucuk samples, obtained from different regions of Turkey, were
      examined for lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains producing putative bacteriocin
      like metabolites. For detection of antagonistic activity, agar spot and well
      diffusion assay tests were used. Lactobacillus sake Lb790, Listeria monocytogenes
      Li6, Staphylococcus aureus St44 and Escherichia coli NRRL B-3704 were used as
      indicator organisms. Strains having antimicrobial activity were also tested
      against Clostridium perfringens 4TTK, Clostridium botulinum type A. 7948,
      Bacillus cereus NRRL B-3711, Micrococcus luteus NRRL B-4376 and Yersinia
      enterocolitica type 103. 57 of 424 isolates from sucuk samples were putative
      producers of bacteriocin-like metabolistes and were identified as the following:
      19 Lactobacillus plantarum, 4 L. curvatus, 4 Pediococcus pentosaceus, 3 P.
      acidilactici, 2 L. pentosus, 2 L. sake, 1 L. delbrueckii, 1 L. rhamnosus and 21
      unidentified Lactobacillus spp. P. pentosaceus 416, P. acidilactici 413, 419 and
      446, L. curvatus 348, L. plantarum 452 and 495, and Lactobacillus spp. 411
      strains have the best potential for use as sucuk starter cultures.

PMID- 22060909
TI  - A survey of pre-slaughter conditions, halothane gene frequency, and carcass and
      meat quality in five Spanish pig commercial abattoirs.
AB  - A total of 116 deliveries, comprising 15,695 commercial pigs delivered to five
      abattoirs, were surveyed during winter and summer. Information about on-farm
      fasting, transport duration and stocking density, and lairage time was collected.
      Cortisol, creatine phospho-kinase (CPK), and lactate, and DNA for halothane
      genotype were analysed in a subsample of pigs at exsanguination in every journey.
      Electrical conductivity (PQM) in semimembranosus muscle (SM) and carcass
      characteristics (Fat-o-Meater and skin damage) were measured in each carcass. pHu
      of SM was analysed in the laboratory in a subsample in every journey. Carcasses
      were identified as PSE or DFD based on PQM and pHu, respectively. The n gene
      frequency ranged among abattoirs from 54 to 8%. Mean lean content was 58.9% for
      nn, 57.3% for Nn, and 55.8% for NN pigs, though a difference of 2.5% lean was
      observed between two abattoirs with the same n gene frequency. A straight
      relationship of the incidence of serious PSE carcasses and n gene frequency was
      found. The overall incidence of serious PSE and DFD carcasses was 6.5 and 12.5%,
      respectively. A higher incidence of PSE carcasses was found in summer; in
      deliveries with <12 h on-farm fasting; with transport stocking densities >0.40
      m(2)/100 kg pig; and in transports of <2 h duration. A higher incidence of DFD
      carcasses was found in winter; with transport stocking densities <0.40 m(2)/100
      kg pig; transports of >2 h duration; and lairage times >9 h. Cortisol level in
      blood increased in winter and decreased after 12-18 h fasting time. A rise in the
      lactate concentration was observed in pigs transported in high stocking density
      (<0.40 m(2)/100 kg pig) and for a longer time (>2 h). All blood stress indices
      increase as increasing lairage time. Carcasses with more skin damage had higher
      levels of cortisol, CPK and lactate, and higher incidence of DFD meat, compared
      with non and low skin damage carcasses.

PMID- 22060910
TI  - Color changes in irradiated cooked pork sausage with different fat sources and
      packaging during storage.
AB  - Pork sausages were prepared with lean pork meat, fat from different sources
      [backfat (BF), corn oil (CO) or flaxseed oil (FO); 10% of lean meat], NaCl (2%),
      and ice water (10%). The emulsified meat batters were stuffed into casings (3 cm
      in diameter) and cooked to an internal temperature of 72 degrees C. Cooked
      sausages were sliced and vacuum- or aerobic-packaged individually. Sausages were
      irradiated at a 0, 2.5, or 4.5 kGy dose and stored in a 4 degrees C refrigerator
      for 8 days. Aerobic-packaged, irradiated cooked sausages prepared with BF and FO
      showed higher Hunter L-values than nonirradiated controls at day 0, but the
      difference disappeared at day 8. Irradiation increased the Hunter a-value in
      vacuum-packaged cooked pork sausages regardless of the fat source used, and the
      increase of the Hunter a-value was dose-dependent. In contrast, the Hunter a
      value decreased by irradiation in aerobic-packaged cooked pork sausages prepared
      with BF or FO. The Hunter a-value of cooked pork sausage with aerobic packaging
      was significantly reduced at day 8. Hunter b-values increased at Day 8 in
      irradiated cooked pork sausages except for the sausage prepared with CO at 2.5
      kGy. Cooked pork sausages prepared with CO were lighter, and sausage prepared
      with FO was redder and more yellow (p<0.05) in vacuum packaging.

PMID- 22060911
TI  - Development of technology for the early post mortem prediction of water holding
      capacity and drip loss in fresh pork.
AB  - Two different technologies were tested on the slaughterline for their ability to
      predict drip loss at 24 h, namely near infrared reflectance (NIR) and impedance
      measurements using a tetra polar measuring geometry at a frequency of 1000 Hz.
      The results demonstrate that NIR measurements (900-1800 nm) acquired during a 6
      min period starting only 30 min post exsanguination through a fibre optic probe
      in combination with multivariate data analysis can be used for predicting drip
      loss 24 h after slaughter. A correlation higher than 0.8 was observed for a trial
      on 99 carcasses measured at a commercial slaughterhouse. The tetrapolar impedance
      measurements did not perform as well as NIR yielding a correlation of 0.5 with 24
      h drip loss.

PMID- 22060912
TI  - Effects of salt level and high hydrostatic pressure processing on frankfurters
      formulated with 1.5 and 2.5% salt.
AB  - The effects of salt level and high pressure processing on cook loss, emulsion
      stability, colour, textural and sensory characteristics of frankfurters were
      investigated. Two salt levels (1.5 and 2.5%) and two pressure treatments (150 and
      300 MPa) were examined. For each batch a control was set up which was non
      pressure treated. Cook loss values were significantly decreased in 150 MPa
      products at the 2.5% salt level compared to controls. Significantly lower cook
      losses were recorded at the lower salt level after the application of 150 MPa
      pressure. The stability of the meat emulsions was significantly increased at the
      lower salt level, especially after 150 MPa pressure. Sensory analysis results for
      overall flavour acceptability after pressure application of 150 MPa and 300 MPa
      were similar to control products and panellists preferred products formulated at
      1.5% salt after pressure treatment (150 MPa). Hardness, cohesiveness, gumminess
      and chewiness were also improved after pressure treatment. The results
      demonstrate that high pressure technology is a viable process that partially
      compensates for the reduction of salt levels in frankfurters.

PMID- 22060913
TI  - Control of post mortem pH decrease in pig muscles: experimental design and
      testing of animal models.
AB  - From a series of experiments aimed at manipulating and relating the resting
      levels of glycogen and creatine phosphate (CP) in the live muscle four models
      were selected to induce different rates and extents of pH decrease post mortem in
      pig muscle. Model A served as the control, animals being slaughtered under
      minimal stress, in model B animals were subjected to 10 min treadmill exercise at
      3.8 km/h immediately prior to stunning, in model C, animals were given 0.2 mg
      adrenaline/kg live weight 16 h prior to slaughter, and in model D they were given
      0.3 mg adrenaline/kg live weight 16 h before slaughter and subjected to 5 min of
      treadmill exercise immediately before stunning. After slaughter, the decline in
      pH and temperature post mortem was recorded in M. longissimus dorsi (LD), M.
      biceps femoris (BF), M. semimembranosus (SM) and M. psoas major (PM) from 1 min
      to 24 h after bleeding. Significant differences in ultimate pH and the time
      course of pH decrease were observed, both as an effect of model as well as type
      of muscle. No differences in ultimate pH between model A and model B were
      observed in any of the muscles. Ultimate pH in the C and the D models were
      significantly higher than in A and B. In the B model lower pH values were
      observed from 1 min to 6 h post bleeding compared to the other three models. No
      differences in rate of pH decrease were observed between the A and the B models
      in any of the muscles. Within the A model no differences in ultimate pH between
      muscles were seen, indicating that the frequently observed differences in
      ultimate pH are caused by environmental factors rather than by differences in
      physiological and morphological characteristics. The exercise bouts caused
      elevated temperatures during the first hour after bleeding (model B and D). The
      BF muscle in all the models displayed the fastest rate of pH decrease and SM the
      slowest; a slower rate of temperature decline occurred in the BF than in the SM.

PMID- 22060915
TI  - The regulation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors by Src kinase.
AB  - Src family kinases (SFKs) play critical roles in the regulation of many cellular
      functions by growth factors, G-protein-coupled receptors and ligand-gated ion
      channels. Recent data have shown that SFKs serve as a convergent point of
      multiple signaling pathways regulating N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in
      the central nervous system. Multiple SFK molecules, such as Src and Fyn, closely
      associate with their substrate, NMDA receptors, via indirect and direct binding
      mechanisms. The NMDA receptor is associated with an SFK signaling complex
      consisting of SFKs; the SFK-activating phosphatase, protein tyrosine phosphatase
      alpha; and the SFK-inactivating kinase, C-terminal Src kinase. Early studies have
      demonstrated that intramolecular interactions with the SH2 or SH3 domain lock
      SFKs in a closed conformation. Disruption of the interdomain interactions can
      induce the activation of SFKs with multiple signaling pathways involved in
      regulation of this process. The enzyme activity of SFKs appears 'graded',
      exhibiting different levels coinciding with activation states. It has also been
      proposed that the SH2 and SH3 domains may stimulate catalytic activity of protein
      tyrosine kinases, such as Abl. Recently, it has been found that the enzyme
      activity of neuronal Src protein is associated with its stability, and that the
      SH2 and SH3 domain interactions may act not only to constrain the activation of
      neuronal Src, but also to regulate the enzyme activity of active neuronal Src.
      Collectively, these findings demonstrate novel mechanisms underlying the
      regulation of SFKs.

PMID- 22060916
TI  - Application of different scaffolds for bladder wall regeneration: the bladder as
      a natural bioreactor.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We investigated the potential of different scaffolds for in vivo
      construction of bladder muscular and urothelial wall. Bladder wall was used as a
      bioreactor to create a model of the natural environment for cellular
      interactions, growth, and differentiation. METHODS: Forty rabbits were divided
      into 10 groups. Different scaffolds were implanted between bladder mucosa and
      seromuscular layer. Scaffolds used in each group were one layer or a three
      layered combination of tissue-engineered pericardium (TEP), biofilm, and
      polyglycolic acid (PGA). In all groups, a biopsy of full thickness of bladder was
      dissected. Muscular and urothelial layers were separated and minced into small
      fragments. Fragments were seeded above the urothelial layer and urothelial
      fragments were placed on the scaffold under the seromuscular layer. One group
      served as control and no scaffold was inserted between the separated bladder
      layers. After 2 and 6 weeks, biopsies were performed for histologic examinations
      (trichrome, smooth muscle alpha-actin, and pancytokeratin AE1/AE3, CD34, CD31).
      RESULTS: Histopathological examinations showed granulomatous reaction and severe
      inflammation in biofilm-containing groups. Samples with TEP alone and with PGA
      coated TEP as scaffolds revealed more organized bladder wall in two different
      layers with mature urothelial and smooth muscle cells. The number of CD34+ cells
      and CD31+ microvessels increased continuously during 6 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      results demonstrated the effective role of PGA-coated TEP as a potential scaffold
      for muscular and urothelial fragment seeding in bladder wall acting as a natural
      bioreactor. Biodegradable scaffolds could be helpful in association with
      acellular matrices to optimize the cell attachment and in vivo bladder wall
      construction.

PMID- 22060917
TI  - Metmyoglobin reducing activity.
AB  - Meat colour is a major factor that influences the purchase decision by consumers.
      Many intrinsic and extrinsic factors contribute to the final colour of meat. The
      role of the MetMb reducing system in maintaining meat colour has been
      controversial and a considerable amount of work has been published since
      [Giddings, G. G., 1974. Reduction of ferrimyoglobin in meat. CRC Critical Reviews
      in Food Technology 5, 143-173] classic review. Historically, the activity of
      MetMb reductase was classified under different names, for example, diaphorases,
      aerobic and anaerobic reducing systems, cytochrome b(5) MetMb reductase, and NADH
      dependent metmyoglobin reducing enzyme system. Several techniques have been
      proposed to measure the enzyme activity including reflectance spectrophotometry
      and absorbance spectrophotometry. However, the variations in the reductase
      systems and techniques used to measure them have yielded inconsistent results
      from different investigators. This review seeks to characterize the current
      understanding of metmyoglobin reduction in meat especially with reference to
      recent developments in this area. Because many systems (different enzymatic
      systems and non-enzymatic systems) have been reported to reduce MetMb, the term
      MetMb reductase is not appropriate to be used to reflect "the MetMb reducing
      activity" in meat. The need for a standardized approach for measuring MetMb
      reduction is discussed in order for future research to ensure a greater
      understanding of this important reaction.

PMID- 22060918
TI  - Lipid oxidation of beef fillets during braising with different cooking oils.
AB  - Effects of braising without oil and with different cooking oils (olive oil, corn
      oil and partially hydrogenated plants oil) on the susceptibility to lipid
      oxidation in beef fillets (psoas major) were evaluated. The beef fillets were pan
      fried without oil or with the respective oils for five min, followed by 90 min
      steam cooking (braising). Lipid oxidation status of the samples and the cooking
      residues was evaluated by peroxide value (PV), acid value (AV), p-Anisidine value
      (p-AnV), as well as the alteration of the tocopherol content. Total lipids and
      the individual fatty acid pattern were analyzed in order to determine the impact
      of the frying medium as well as the cooking procedures on the fat of the braised
      samples. The decrease in PV simultaneous with the significant increase in p-AnV
      indicated the progression of lipid oxidation. Tocopherol and fatty acid contents
      of all the investigated samples exhibited modifications mainly due to the
      influence of the frying medium and braising process. Although there was a
      significant change in lipid oxidation parameters, there is no risk in consuming
      such braised meat.

PMID- 22060919
TI  - Use of the DNA Comet Assay to detect beef meat treated by ionizing radiation.
AB  - The DNA Comet Assay has been described as a rapid and inexpensive screening test
      to identify radiation treatment of food. In this work, this method was applied to
      detect the treatment of beef meat pieces either by gamma rays or electron beam.
      The dose levels were 2.5, 4.5, and 7.0kGy for chilled samples, and 2.5, 4.5, 7.0
      and 8.5kGy for frozen samples. The analyses were made over periods of 15 and 30
      days after irradiation for the chilled and frozen samples, respectively. The
      effects of gamma rays and electron beam on DNA migration in the test were
      similar. The DNA Comet Assay, under neutral conditions, made it easy to
      discriminate between irradiated and non-irradiated beef.

PMID- 22060920
TI  - Benchmarking value in the pork supply chain: Characterization of US pork in the
      retail marketplace.
AB  - Retail pork from eight US cities was obtained for quality and palatability
      evaluations. Boneless pork loin chops were classified into one of three quality
      categories - "high," "average," or "low" - with higher quality chops possessing
      more desirable color, marbling, juiciness, and shear force characteristics than
      lower quality chops. Loin chops that were enhanced (injected with solution to
      improve juiciness and/or tenderness) had higher (P<0.05) pH, less purge and cook
      loss, and higher palatability ratings compared to non-enhanced chops. Hams
      compared by their protein fat free (PFF) classifications showed that ham and
      water product received the highest (P<0.05) ratings for juiciness and tenderness,
      and ham with natural juices received the highest (P<0.05) texture, ham flavor
      intensity, and smoke flavor ratings. Bacon was compared by price/brand
      categories; however, the highest priced, national branded bacon (US$12.03/kg) was
      similar (P>0.05) for most quality and all palatability traits to the lowest
      priced, national branded bacon (US$6.47/kg) and the store branded bacon
      (US$8.30/kg) even though retail prices differed widely. Overall, there were
      tremendous ranges in values for these products indicating that retail pork is
      quite variable and that efforts to improve the quality and consistency of it must
      continue.

PMID- 22060921
TI  - Preference structure for lamb meat consumers. A Spanish case study.
AB  - There is a current tendency in the European Union member countries to cut down on
      meat consumption. This tendency is not due as much to the traditional income
      price factor, but to other attributes whose influence is gaining relative
      importance. Some of them are: quality, image, health, food safety and changes in
      people's taste. In addition, the relative importance of different attributes
      valued by the consumer must be weighed in order to develop marketing strategies
      which increase lamb meat consumption. In order to determine these preferences,
      400 consumers were asked to evaluate different attributes (price, certification,
      origin, and commercial type) of lamb meat. Results obtained by means of conjoint
      analysis techniques show that regular consumers as well as occasional ones show a
      preference for lamb meat type. In this sense, a market share simulation of
      preferred (suckling and "ternasco") types proved that regular consumers generally
      prefer suckling lamb to "ternasco" lamb when both are from Castilla-La Mancha.

PMID- 22060922
TI  - Influence of breed and ageing time on the sensory meat quality and consumer
      acceptability in intensively reared beef.
AB  - The meat market is very concerned about the influence of ageing on beef quality.
      However, not many studies have analysed the possible influence of the intrinsic
      factors (individual, age, sex, body condition, breed, etc.), on the development
      of the ageing process. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of
      breed on the sensory characteristics of the meat throughout the ageing time,
      using a trained sensory panel and a consumer test. Forty entire males of four
      breeds, which represented different biotypes (dairy: 10 Spanish Holstein; dual
      purpose: 10 Brown Swiss; meat type: 10 Limousin; high muscularity: 10 Blonde
      d'Aquitaine) were analysed. Animals were weaned at seven months on average
      (except Holstein calves, which were weaned earlier), and fed intensively. Each
      breed was slaughtered at its usual commercial live weight, according to the
      market requirements. The m. Longissimus thoracis et lumborum (between T6 and L6)
      was cut, vacuum packaged and aged for 1, 3, 7, 14, 21 and 35 days. Cooked samples
      were evaluated by 8 panellists and 200 consumers. Breed had a significant
      influence on tenderness (p<0.001) and on the quantity of residue after chewing
      for panellists (p<0.01), but there was a significant interaction between breed
      and ageing time for tenderness. Long ageing times (more than seven days) tend to
      reduce differences among breeds in textural characteristics. Ageing had a very
      important effect on tenderness (p<0.01) and also on some odour and flavour
      characteristics evaluated by the panel. Taking into account the results obtained
      in the consumer test, the consumption of the Limousin meat may be recommended at
      shorter ageing times, meanwhile Blonde d'Aquitaine, Holstein and Old Brown Swiss
      meats would need a longer ageing period to obtain an optimum acceptance by the
      consumer.

PMID- 22060923
TI  - Colour stability, under simulated retail display conditions, of M. longissimus
      dorsi and M. semimembranosus from steers given long-term daily exercise and
      supplemented with vitamin E.
AB  - The objective was to determine if exercise has a negative impact on the colour
      stability of beef and if dietary vitamin E (VE) supplementation could counteract
      any negative effect. Steers were not exercised or were walked 4.41km/day for 18
      weeks. Within exercise treatment animals consumed, on average, either 450 or
      1050IU/day of VE. Muscle alpha-tocopherol increased (P=0.004) from 2.35 to
      3.15MUg/g with VE supplementation. Following ageing M. longissimus dorsi (LD) and
      M. semimembranosus (SM) steaks were packaged under 80%O(2):20%CO(2) and stored at
      4 degrees C. The LD of exercised steers was more red and more saturated (both
      P<0.05) after 0 and 2 days of storage than LD of unexercised steers. While
      redness of both muscles decreased over the display period, LD retained a higher
      redness than SM from day 2 to 7 (P<0.05). Colour shelf-life of LD was extended by
      0.75 days, to 3.25 days, due to VE supplementation.

PMID- 22060924
TI  - Meat mixture detection in Iberian pork sausages.
AB  - Five homogenized meat mixture treatments of Iberian (I) and/or Standard (S) pork
      were set up. Each treatment was analyzed by NIRS as a fresh product (N=75) and as
      dry-cured sausage (N=75). Spectra acquisition was carried out using DA 7000
      equipment (Perten Instruments), obtaining a total of 750 spectra. Several
      absorption peaks and bands were selected as the most representative for
      homogenized dry-cured and fresh sausages. Discriminant analysis and mixture
      prediction equations were carried out based on the spectral data gathered. The
      best results using discriminant models were for fresh products, with 98.3%
      (calibration) and 60% (validation) correct classification. For dry-cured sausages
      91.7% (calibration) and 80% (validation) of the samples were correctly
      classified. Models developed using mixture prediction equations showed SECV=4.7,
      r(2)=0.98 (calibration) and 73.3% of validation set were correctly classified for
      the fresh product. These values for dry-cured sausages were SECV=5.9, r(2)=0.99
      (calibration) and 93.3% correctly classified for validation.

PMID- 22060925
TI  - Effects of mechanical treatments and moisture enhancement on the processing
      characteristics and tenderness of beef semimembranosus roasts.
AB  - The combined effect of blade tenderization (TD,NTD), pre-massaging (0 and 30min),
      moisture enhancement and post-injection tumbling (2h) on the chemical, binding
      and textural characteristics of pre-cooked roasts made from beef top round was
      investigated. Properties of the beef roasts were determined by measuring
      processing (i.e., cooking yield, expressible moisture (EM)) and textural
      characteristics (Warner-Bratzler shear, Kramer shear (KS), texture profile
      analysis). Brine injection helped to improve the cook yield and had the largest
      effect on tenderness of semimembranosus muscles. Post-injection tumbling did not
      significantly improve yield and textural properties of roasts; however, combined
      with the tenderization, it had beneficial effects on water holding and moisture
      retention. Pre-tumbling and blade tenderization treatments prior to injection
      generally were found to be beneficial for textural characteristics; pre-tumbling
      also tended to improve cook yield, but did not influence EM. However, no
      synergistic effect between these two variables was observed. An interaction
      between injection/tumbling and pre-tumbling was observed for KS. There was a
      significant improvement of KS values of roasts due to pre-tumbling observed for
      either non-injected roasts or those injected but without tumbling. However, no
      additional reduction in shear force was observed with pre-tumbling when roasts
      were tumbled after injection. This suggests that pre-tumbling may not be
      necessary to ensure more tender roasts when post-injection tumbling is applied,
      but would be beneficial for non-injected roasts or when tumbling is not applied
      after injection.

PMID- 22060926
TI  - Safety and storage stability of horse meat for human consumption.
AB  - Most horse meat is consumed by humans and/or animals in the region where it is
      produced. However, horse meat for human consumption is exported in large
      quantities from the Americas and in lesser quantities from Eastern Europe, to
      Western Europe and Japan where it is often eaten raw. Horse meat prepared to a
      good hygienic condition should not be prone to early microbial spoilage, but
      contamination of the meat with Salmonella and Yersinia enterocolitica may be
      relatively common, and infection of the meat with Trichinella may occur
      occasionally. Those organisms from horse meat could cause disease when the raw
      meat is eaten. Moreover, accumulation of cadmium in horse liver and kidney may
      render those tissues unsafe for human consumption.

PMID- 22060927
TI  - Carcass characterisation of seven Spanish beef breeds slaughtered at two
      commercial weights.
AB  - A total of 159 bulls representing seven Spanish beef breeds were fed with
      concentrates, managed in the same conditions and slaughtered at two commercial
      weights (veal and young-bull). Carcasses were measured and classified in order to
      characterise the carcass variation in the Spanish beef market and to assess the
      relationship among carcass measurements and grading. Principal Component Analysis
      clearly separated commercial types regardless the inclusion of the carcass weight
      in the input data. Within commercial weights the studied breeds clustered into
      three groups according to muscular development and carcass classification score:
      high meat producer breeds (Asturiana de los Valles and Rubia Gallega); medium
      meat producers (Parda Alpina and Pirenaica); and low meat producers (Avilena,
      Retinta and Morucha). The perimeter and width of the leg (muscular development)
      besides the length and width of the carcass basically defined these three carcass
      types. Conformation was an important trait in explaining variation between breeds
      because its values were positively correlated with muscular development and
      carcass compactness.

PMID- 22060928
TI  - Variations in metabolite contents and protein denaturation of the longissimus
      dorsi muscle in various porcine quality classifications and metabolic rates.
AB  - The purpose of the present study was to investigate the variations in metabolite
      contents and muscle protein denaturation in various porcine quality
      classifications and metabolic rates. A total of 226 crossbred pigs were
      evaluated. Samples were classified based on muscle pH(45min) and R-value into
      fast or normal glycolysing group. Drip loss and lightness (L*) were used to
      assign samples as PSE, RSE, or RFN pork. Normal-glycolysing PSE pork contained an
      exceptional amount of initial glycogen and the high level of lactate at 24h
      postmortem (PM). The initial levels of metabolites related closely with muscle
      pH, R-value and protein solubility at 45min PM. The fast glycolysing group
      exhibited severe protein denaturation during the early postmortem period, and
      among them, fast-glycolysing PSE pork exhibited most pronounced protein
      denaturation. Via examination of each sarcoplasmic protein fraction, it was found
      that the bands for fructose-6-phosphate kinase, creatine kinase, triosephosphate
      isomerase, and myokinase were generally more evident as fainter bands in the fast
      glycolysing pigs.

PMID- 22060929
TI  - Lamb meat quality of two breeds with protected origin designation. Influence of
      breed, sex and live weight.
AB  - Lamb meat quality of two Portuguese products was examined. The influences of
      slaughter weight, sex and breed on eating quality were evaluated. Data were
      obtained from 72 lambs of two different breeds with protected designation origin.
      In accord with the normal slaughter weight in the region three classes were
      considered: A: 9-14kg live weight; B: 14-19kg live weight and C: 19-24kg live
      weight. pH of M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle (MTL) was measured 1h
      and 24h after slaughter. Meat colour was estimated in the M. longissimus thoracis
      et lumborum muscle (MTL) muscle on the 12th rib using the L*a*b* system. Shear
      force was evaluated 72h after slaughter. Sensorial analysis was assessed by a
      trained taste panel of 12 members. The pH values found could be considered within
      the normal pH range, between 5.5 and 5.9. When the pH measurement was made 24h
      after slaughter, the heavy lambs had significant higher value than the light
      lambs. In relation to colour variables, live weight, sex and breed had no effect
      on the red index (a*). Lightness (L) decreased with increasing live weight and
      the light lambs had higher yellow index (b*) than the heavier lambs. Shear force
      increased with live weight and the Bragancano breed had a greater mean shear
      force than the Mirandesa (7.8 vs. 6.8kg/cm(2)). The heavy carcasses had more
      flavour intensity than the light ones. Mirandesa lambs had significantly lower
      values for toughness, stringy and odour intensity than Bragancana lambs.

PMID- 22060930
TI  - Quantification of calpastatin using an optical surface plasmon resonance
      biosensor.
AB  - An immunological biosensor for calpastatin was developed on a surface plasmon
      resonance based system (Biacore Q). The performance of the biosensor assay was
      evaluated using ovine and bovine muscle and heart extracts with known calpastatin
      activity. In addition, the relationship between immunologically detectable
      calpastatin at 1 day postmortem and shear force at 14 days postmortem was
      investigated for bovine longissimus dorsi. Calpastatin biosensor results for
      several experiments were linearly related to calpastatin activity measurements
      with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.51 to 0.99. The intra- and inter
      assay CVs were <6% (n=12). During postmortem storage, the amount of
      immunologically detectable calpastatin decreased faster than the inhibitory
      activity in the enzymatic assay. Probably, the epitope recognized by the antibody
      is degraded faster than the inhibitory sites of calpastatin during postmortem
      storage. Calpastatin content at 1 day postmortem was correlated to shear force at
      14 days postmortem (r=0.75). It is anticipated that developments in the near
      future will allow for at-line calpastatin determinations in beef plants. At
      present, the calpastatin biosensor assay appears suitable for research purposes
      where large numbers of samples need to be processed for breed evaluation or
      selection programs because this assay requires less labor than other methods.

PMID- 22060931
TI  - Geographical origin and breed discrimination of Apulian lamb meat samples by
      means of analytical and spectroscopic determinations.
AB  - With the aim of finding parameters capable of characterizing meat according to
      geographical origin, twenty-five lamb meat samples from three areas located in
      Apulia (Southern Italy) were analysed for moisture, ash, fat and protein content,
      stable isotope ratios ((15)N/(14)N and (13)C/(12)C), major elements (Ca, Mg, Na,
      K) and trace metals (Zn, Cu, Fe, Cr). (1)H high resolution magic angle spinning
      (HR-MAS) NMR spectra were also obtained for all the samples. The advantages of
      the (1)H HR-MAS NMR technique are that sample preparation is easy, since the
      spectrum is obtained directly on the minced solid sample, and that information is
      acquired for a large number of metabolites (amino acids, fatty acids, sugars,
      etc.). The application of multivariate statistical analysis to two data sets
      containing tissue composition results together with the metals contents and (1)H
      HR-MAS NMR spectral data together with isotope ratios, respectively, provided in
      both cases a satisfactory origin differentiation of lamb meat samples.

PMID- 22060932
TI  - Control of Staphylococcus aureus in sausages by enterocin AS-48.
AB  - Results presented here are the first contribution on the anti-staphylococcal
      activity of bacteriocin AS-48 in a model meat sausage system. We have examined
      bacteriocin application, by inoculation with the enterocin AS-48 producer strain
      Enterococcus faecalis A-48-32 or by adding a semi-purified bacteriocin
      preparation. AS-48 inhibits proliferation of Staphylococcus aureus in sausages
      when added at concentrations of 30 or 40MUg/g, achieving a significant reduction
      of 2 and 5.31 log units, respectively, in viable counts (CFU/g) of staphylococci
      with respect to the untreated control. The presence of bacteriocin also had a
      moderate negative effect on total lactic acid bacteria. AS-48(+) strain was
      developed well in the meat mixture, producing sufficient amounts of AS-48 (to a
      maximum of 76-88 arbitrary units/g) to control growth of staphylococci. The best
      result was achieved with a bacteriocinogenic strain inoculum of 10(7)CFU/g.

PMID- 22060933
TI  - Effect of age on fatty acid composition of Italian Merino suckling lambs.
AB  - The present study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of age on lipid content
      and composition of lamb meat. Thirty suckling ram lambs of the Italian Merino
      breed, reared according to a traditional semi-extensive management, were
      slaughtered at 30, 50 and 70 days of age to evaluate total lipids and fatty acid
      profile in three different muscles: longissimus dorsi (LD), semimembranosus (SM)
      and quadriceps femoris (QF). Age did not dramatically modify lipid content and
      composition, even if effects of nutritional interest were observed. Meat from
      lambs slaughtered at 70 days of age presented the best fatty acid profile,
      because they had the highest PUFA content and ratio to SFA, as well as the lowest
      thrombogenic index. The SM muscle had better nutritional quality than the LD and
      the QF, as a result of a higher PUFA percentage and PUFA/SFA ratio, together with
      a lower thrombogenic index. These characteristics were also associated with
      slightly lower amounts of intramuscular lipids and SFA.

PMID- 22060934
TI  - Effect of different concentrations of carbon dioxide and low concentration of
      carbon monoxide on the shelf-life of fresh pork sausages packaged in modified
      atmosphere.
AB  - This paper reports the effects of different concentrations of carbon dioxide and
      the presence of low levels of carbon monoxide on quality attributes throughout
      storage of fresh pork sausages. Four pork forelegs (initial pH 5.5-5.7) were used
      to prepare a total of 120 fresh sausages, which were packaged in different
      atmospheres containing (%O(2)/%CO(2)/%N(2)): 0/20/80; 0/60/40; 40/20/40; 40/60/0;
      80/20/0; and 0.3% CO/30% CO(2)/rest argon. The packs were stored for 20 days at
      2+/-1  degrees C in the dark. Three packs for each atmosphere were opened every 4
      days for subsequent analysis of pH, colour CIE L*, a*, b*, TBARS formation,
      microbial psychotrophic aerobes and sensory discolouration and off-odour. Results
      showed that increasing concentrations of carbon dioxide promoted oxidation of
      both myoglobin and lipids, most probably due to its effect of lowering pH.
      Therefore, preservation of colour and odour of fresh pork sausages packaged in
      modified atmosphere was better achieved using atmospheres containing low CO(2)
      concentrations (20%) rather than high (60%). However, their shelf-life depended
      also on the concentration of O(2); 20% CO(2) with high O(2) (80%) enhanced the
      red colour, but shortened shelf-life, while 20% CO(2) in the absence of O(2)
      extended freshness to 16 days. The atmosphere containing 0.3% CO, together with
      30% CO(2), maintained the red colour for 20 days, but failed to keep fresh odour
      longer than 16 days.

PMID- 22060935
TI  - Moisture adsorption properties and adsorption isosteric heat of dehydrated slices
      of Pastirma (Turkish dry meat product).
AB  - Moisture sorption characteristics of dehydrated pastirma were investigated at 15
      degrees C, 20 degrees C and 30 degrees C over a water activity (a(w)) range of
      0.2-0.9. Sigmoidal (type-II) adsorption isotherms were observed for pastirma. The
      experimental sorption data obtained were applied to the Halsey, Harkins-Jura,
      Smith, BET, Henderson, Freundlich and GAB isotherm equations to test fitness of
      these equations to pastirma. The order of the best fit of sorption data obtained
      for pastirma at 15 degrees C, 20 degrees C and 30 degrees C in all the range of
      a(w) studied (0.2-0.9) was Harkins
      Jura>Halsey>BET>Smith>Freundlich>GAB>Henderson, respectively. In the range a(w)
      0.2-0.55, BET model has a better fit than in the range a(w) 0.2-0.9. Isosteric
      heats of adsorption were evaluated by applying the Clausius-Clapeyron equation to
      experimental isotherms and decreased with increasing moisture content.

PMID- 22060936
TI  - Incidence in diverse pig populations of an IGF2 mutation with potential influence
      on meat quality and quantity: An assay based on real time PCR (RT-PCR).
AB  - IGF2, insulin-like growth factor 2, is implicated in myogenesis and lean meat
      content. A mutation in a single base (A for G substitution) of the gene for IGF2
      (position 3072 in intron 3) has been recently described as the cause of a major
      QTL effect on muscle growth in pigs [Van Laere, A. S, Nguyen, M., Braunschweig,
      M., Nezer, C., Collete, C., & Moreau, L. et al. (2003). Nature, 425, 832-836]. We
      describe here a rapid assay based on real time PCR (RT-PCR) to detect this
      mutation. We have evaluated the incidence of the mutation in commercial pig
      crosses, in three populations of purebred Iberian or Iberian*Duroc crosses, and
      in cured meat products and wild boars. The incidence of the mutation varies among
      these groups. Penetrance of the A mutation is about 80% in the commercial
      population. Purebred Iberian pigs were all homozygous G/G whereas crosses of
      Iberian pigs were heterozygous (90%) or homozygous A/A (10%). The implications of
      this gene for the selection of Iberian pigs are discussed.

PMID- 22060937
TI  - Factors affecting food choice in relation to venison: A South African example.
AB  - Meat is a universally valued and sought-after source of human nutrition. However,
      concerns are raised about the health implications of eating too much saturated
      animal fat. This also applies to South Africa where the high incidence of heart
      disease and cancer is often linked to consumption of red meat. Despite venison
      offering a healthy alternative to beef and lamb, its consumption is low. A review
      of appropriate literature and the perceptions, opinions and preferences of 300
      South African consumers resulted in a simplified framework of consumer and market
      related issues that could influence consumers' preference for wild venison.
      Consumer-related factors include health considerations, sensory variables, social
      interactions, familiarity and habit, psychographics and demographics, while the
      most important market-related issues comprise price, distribution and promotion.
      An understanding of all these factors is required to better target the promotion
      of venison as a healthy food choice.

PMID- 22060938
TI  - Effects of cortisol on muscle proteolysis and meat quality in piglets.
AB  - The present study was conducted to examine the effects of cortisol on muscle
      proteolysis and meat quality. Male piglets (n=14) were assigned to one of two
      treatment groups at 28 days of age. After 7 days adaptation period, each group
      was fed a commercial diet (86% total digestible nutrients, 21.5% crude protein)
      or the same commercial diet containing cortisol (120mg/kg diet) for 7 days from
      35 days of age. All piglets were slaughtered at 42 days of age. The serum
      triiodothyronine (T3) concentration, MU- and m-calpain and proteasome activities
      and the content of easily releasable myofilament, which contains intermediates of
      the breakdown of myofibrils in the m. longissimus dorsi (LD) at slaughter were
      measured as parameters of muscle proteolysis. Serum T3 levels and MU-calpain
      activity were increased (P<0.01), as was the amount of easily releasable
      myofilament and m-calpain and proteasome activities were higher (P<0.05) in LD
      from cortisol-treated piglets than from non-treated controls. At 24 h postmortem,
      LD of cortisol-treated piglets showed higher (P<0.01) drip loss and lighter
      (P<0.05) color than those of the control. The results clearly show that the
      administration of cortisol increases serum T3 concentration and muscle
      proteolysis and reduces productivity and meat quality.

PMID- 22060939
TI  - Dry fermented sausages elaborated with Lactobacillus plantarum-Staphylococcus
      carnosus part I: Effect of partial replacement of NaCl with KCl on the stability
      and the nitrosation process.
AB  - The effect of partial replacement of NaCl with KCl on the nitrosation process of
      dry fermented sausages elaborated with L. plantarum + S. carnosus as starter
      culture was analysed. The Na (+)K (+) ratio decreased from 4.38 in the control to
      0.86 in the modified product. The nitrosation process happened in a quicker and
      more intense way from the beginning of the process onwards. The chemical
      conversion percentages (nitrosopigments/total pigments * 100) were higher during
      the whole ripening process in the modified product. This fact agrees with the
      highest acidification found in the modified products. Also, a reduced degree of
      pigment oxidation was found.

PMID- 22060940
TI  - Determination of the flavor attributes of cooked beef from cross-bred Angus
      steers fed corn- or barley-based diets.
AB  - Eighteen commercial Angus cross-bred feedlot steers of similar hip height and
      live weight were randomly assigned to one of three dietary treatment groups: corn
      , corn/barley, or barleybased diets (n = 6 per treatment). Steers were fed for
      102-103 days on their respective diets prior to slaughter. Live animal
      performance traits, carcass characteristics, total lipid and descriptive flavor
      and descriptive palatability attributes of beef strip loin steaks were
      determined. End live weight (P = 0.88) did not differ between dietary treatments.
      Beef carcasses from steers fed corn-, barley-, and corn/barley-based diets did
      not differ in hot carcass weight (P = 0.18), ribeye area (P = 0.21), kidney,
      pelvic and heart fat (KPH) (P = 0.35), and yield grade (P = 0.14). However,
      adjusted preliminary yield grade was higher (P = 0.03) for carcasses from steers
      fed corn/barley-based diets than carcasses from steers fed barley as the dietary
      energy source. These data suggest that carcasses from steers fed barley-based
      diets were lower in external fat. Quality grade characteristics were not
      different in beef carcasses from steers fed either corn-, barley-, or a
      corn/barley-based diet. Cook time (P = 0.37), cooking loss (P = 0.83),
      descriptive meat palatability attributes (P > 0.27), Warner-Bratzler shear force
      (P = 0.25), and descriptive sensory flavor attributes (P >= 0.17) did not differ
      for steaks from steers fed the three diets prior to slaughter. The Japanese have
      claimed that feeding cattle barley-based high energy diets result in beef with
      different flavor than when cattle are fed high-energy corn-based diets. These
      results indicated that the eating quality, tenderness and flavor attributes of
      beef steaks were not influenced by the dietary grain source fed to young steers
      in this study prior to slaughter.

PMID- 22060941
TI  - Taste compounds in chorizo and their changes during ripening.
AB  - Taste compounds in chorizo-a dry fermented sausage-prepared by both traditional
      and industrial methods, i.e. D- and L-lactic acid, acetic acid, free amino acids
      and ATP derivatives, were analysed. Industrial chorizo contained larger amounts
      of D-lactic, L-lactic and acetic acids, several amino acids (e.g. gamma
      aminobutyric acid, phenylalanine) and hypoxanthine (Hx) than the traditional one
      (p < 0.05). The variations in taste compounds during the ripening of chorizo were
      tracked. D-Lactic and acetic acid increased, as well as most of the amino acids.
      ATP derivatives showed characteristic changes, IMP decreased on the first day and
      inosine (Ino) changed gradually to Hx during ripening. The taste compounds
      contents of garlic and paprika were studied. There was an important contribution
      of asparagine from spices to the initial mixture of sausage.

PMID- 22060942
TI  - Volatile compounds in chorizo and their changes during ripening.
AB  - The volatile compounds extracted from both traditional and industrial chorizo-a
      dry fermented sausage-were analysed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry
      (GC/MS). One hundred and twenty-six peaks were detected relating to volatile
      extracts of which 115 were identified. The substances identified belonged to
      several classes of chemical: acids, alkanes, alcohols, aldehydes, sulphur
      compounds, ketones, esters, ethers, phenolic compounds, aromatic hydrocarbons,
      lactones, nitrogen compounds, terpenes, chloroform and benzofurane. Among the
      major compounds isolated were acetic acid, allyl-1-thiol and phenol. Larger
      quantities of most of the chemical groups were found in industrial compared to
      traditional chorizo, except for sulphur compounds. Typical breakdown products
      derived from lipid autooxidation were virtually negligible in chorizo. Of the
      chemicals isolated, sulphur compounds, phenols, acids, ethyl esters and carbonyls
      could have particular importance to the overall chorizo flavour. In addition, the
      changes in the proportions of volatile compounds during the ripening of chorizo
      were tracked. Most of the volatiles increased during ripening, especially acids,
      alcohols, esters, phenols, ketones and terpenes. On comparing the distribution of
      the sulphur compounds observed in chorizo with that of garlic, some noteworthy
      differences were observed. The reason for these differences is based upon several
      transformations of the sulphur compounds derived from garlic during the ripening
      and storage of chorizo.

PMID- 22060943
TI  - Uptake of alpha-tocopherol in porcine plasma and tissues.
AB  - The effect of feeding alpha-tocopheryl acetate to pigs on the rate and extent of
      uptake of alpha-tocopherol in various tissues was investigated. The rate of iron
      ascorbate-induced lipid peroxidation was also studied. One hundred and eight
      Landrace * Large White pigs were assigned at random to one of the following
      barley-based diets: 20 mg alpha-tocopheryl acetate/kg feed for up to 126 days; 20
      mg/kg feed to day 91, followed by 200 mg/kg feed to day 126, or 200 mg/kg feed
      for up to 126 days: Pigs from each group were slaughtered at specified intervals.
      For pigs fed the diet supplemented with 200 mg alpha-tocopheryl acetate/kg feed,
      alpha-tocopherol levels increased with increasing supplementation time up to day
      126 in all tissues studied. The highest levels of alpha-tocopherol were observed
      in kidney fat and subcutaneous fat (inner layer) followed by subcutaneous fat
      (outer layer), liver, lung, heart, kidney, with muscle and brain containing
      approximately the same level. The alpha-tocopherol concentrations in all tissues
      examined, from pigs fed 200 mg alpha-tocopheryl acetate/kg feed from weaning to
      day 126 were greater than those fed the supplemented diet for 35 days. Iron
      induced lipid peroxidation was reduced by dietary alpha-tocopheryl acetate
      supplementation, and muscle samples from pigs supplemented for 126 days were
      significantly (p < 0.05) less susceptible to peroxidation compared to muscle from
      pigs fed the same supplemented diet for 35 days.

PMID- 22060944
TI  - Polymerase chain reaction for detection of male tissue in pork products.
AB  - Economic and organoleptic concerns are in opposition relative to the use of male
      swine (boars) in many pork products. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to
      detect the presence of male tissue in hot boned pork and fresh and cooked sausage
      products. Two oligonucleotide primers were generated to amplify a male-specific
      158 base pair fragment from the Y chromosome. Control experiments verified the
      specificity of the primers for tissue from male swine only. Dilution studies show
      that male tissue can be detected down to at least 1:10 000 parts of sow tissue.
      There was no effect of the addition of spices to the sample (fresh bratwurst) or
      cooking (50, 70 and 100  degrees C for 15 min) on the efficacy of the assay.
      These results show PCR to be a reliable, specific and sensitive method for
      detecting male tissue in pork sausage, that may be of great value for monitoring
      its presence by meat processors or regulatory agencies.

PMID- 22060945
TI  - Formulation of a cured meat product by the dewatering-impregnation soaking (DIS)
      process: Mass transfer study and assessment of product quality.
AB  - Venison muscle meats were simultaneously salted and dried by soaking in a mixed
      concentrated solution (salt/corn starch syrup) at a low temperature, a process
      known as dewatering and impregnation soaking (DIS). Cured products of suitable
      market quality (in terms of their salt and water content) were obtained with this
      process. The impregnation of standard curing additives (nitrites and
      polyphosphates) into the meat product was controlled by mixing these compounds in
      the concentrated solution. Also, beneficial effects of additives on the
      physicochemical, microbiological and organoleptic characteristics of the product
      are confirmed. The present study highlights the choice of DIS process and
      proposed optimal DIS conditions for formulating cured products.

PMID- 22060946
TI  - The relationship between muscularity, muscle:bone ratio and cut dimensions in
      male and female lamb carcasses and the measurement of muscularity using image
      analysis.
AB  - Dorsal images of 57 whole lamb carcasses (mean 22.5 kg, SD 2.3 kg) were obtained
      on a slaughter chain using a video camera. The lambs represented two sexes (29
      cryptorchids, 28 ewes) and one genotype (Poll Dorset * Border Leicester *
      Merino). Cryptorchid carcasses were significantly (P < 0.05) leaner than ewe
      carcasses at a common weight but there was little difference in dimensional
      measurements of M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LL). The cryptorchid
      carcasses had a significantly better conformation (based on the EUROP system)
      even when adjusted to the same carcass weight and subcutaneous fat level. From
      the hindleg and chump the following muscles were dissected and weighed: M.
      semimembranosus, M. adductor femoris, M. semitendinosus, M. biceps femoris, and
      M. quadriceps femoris. The femur was weighed, the length measured and a
      muscularity value calculated as described by Purchas et al. (1991 Meat Sci., 30,
      181). There was no significant effect of sex on muscularity or muscle to bone
      ratio (M:B). Cryptorchid carcasses produced heavier (P < 0.05) round and midloin
      cuts but lighter (P < 0.05) chump and ribloin cuts. Overall there was no
      significant sex effect on the yield of hindquarter cuts. Correlation showed a
      significant (P < 0.001) association between LL area and muscularity, with a lower
      correlation between round and topside cross-sectional area and muscularity.
      Neither muscle cross-sectional area nor muscularity was significantly related to
      M:B ratios. Muscularity increased with increasing carcass weight (P < 0.001) but
      M:B did not. Prediction of muscularity was significantly (P < 0.05) improved by
      adding to hot carcass weight a measure of the combined width across the hind legs
      at interval three, as taken from video images, there being five equally-spaced
      intervals from the groin to the gambrel. A similar result was achieved by using
      carcass width at the third interval of five-eventy spaced intervals between the
      minimum shoulder width and the point of maximum loin width. There was no
      significant (P > 0.05) effect of sex on the relationships. It is concluded that
      muscularity could be used to indicate carcasses that have cuts with greater cross
      sectional areas and that a video image analysis approach could potentially be
      used to derive an estimate of muscularity. The value to the meat marketing chain
      of identifying carcasses with large crosssectional areas remains to be
      established.

PMID- 22060947
TI  - Error monitoring dysfunction across the illness course of schizophrenia.
AB  - Response monitoring abnormalities have been reported in chronic schizophrenia
      patients, but it is unknown whether they predate the onset of psychosis, are
      present in early stages of illness, or are late-developing abnormalities
      associated with illness progression. Response-synchronized event-related
      potentials (ERP) recorded during a picture-word matching task yielded error
      related negativity (ERN), correct-response negativity (CRN), and error positivity
      (Pe) from 84 schizophrenia patients (SZ), 48 clinical high risk patients (CHR),
      and their age-matched healthy controls (HC; n = 110 and 88, respectively). A sub
      sample of 35 early illness schizophrenia patients (ESZ) was compared to 93 age
      matched HC and the CHR patients (after statistically removing the effects of
      normal aging). Relative to HC, 1) SZ, ESZ, and CHR had smaller ERNs, and 2) SZ
      and ESZ had larger CRNs and smaller Pes. Within the SZ, longer illness duration
      was associated with larger CRNs but was unrelated to ERN or Pe. CHR and ESZ did
      not differ on ERN or CRN, although Pe was smaller in ESZ than CHR. These results
      indicate that while ERN, CRN, and Pe abnormalities are present early in the
      illness, only the ERN abnormality is evident prior to psychosis onset, and only
      the CRN abnormality appears to worsen progressively over the illness course.
      Brain regions subserving response monitoring may be compromised early in the
      illness and possibly during its clinical prodrome.

PMID- 22060948
TI  - Deconstructing the age-prevalence curve of alcohol dependence: why "maturing out"
      is only a small piece of the puzzle.
AB  - Epidemiological studies have consistently demonstrated that heavy alcohol use and
      alcohol dependence (AD) tend to increase in adolescence and emerging adulthood
      and then show a large decline in the late 20s, a phenomenon called maturing out.
      This decline has been explained as an effect of "role incompatibility" in which
      involvement in new roles and activities interferes with a heavy drinking
      lifestyle. However, maturing out has been conceived mostly as a decrease in
      offset, with little attention paid to reductions in new onset or recurrence
      across decades of life. Moreover, although role incompatibility processes have
      been studied with young samples, little is known about the effect of life
      transitions (e.g., marriage, parenthood, changes in employment status) on AD
      later in life and whether similar effects are observed. Using longitudinal data
      from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions, a
      nationally representative epidemiologic survey, we examined the patterns of
      stability and change in AD across the life span and the differential effect of
      life transitions on AD across different age strata. Results showed that
      persistence of AD tended to increase with age, although not dramatically, and
      that onset and recurrence tended to decrease with age. Moreover, the effects of
      life transitions on the course of AD varied across the life span and were
      different for men and women. These results indicate that life transitions
      differentially affect the patterns of stability and change in younger versus
      older people, have a different impact for men and women, and highlight the need
      to consider the unique aspects of each stage of adult development on the course
      of AD.

PMID- 22060949
TI  - The measurement of the responses to different odour intensities of 'boar taint'
      using a sensory panel and an electronic nose.
AB  - This study explored the possibility of using an electronic nose (e-nose) with a
      12-conducting-polymer sensor array combined with pattern recognition routines to
      discriminate between varying intensities of boar taint. A set of samples in a
      model system comprising a neutral lipid base containing varying combinations of
      androstenone and skatole were tested, as were pork fat samples. The e-nose
      responses for pork fat were calibrated against those given by a trained 10-member
      sensory panel for abnormal odour of the same samples from a total of 60 Large
      White cross-bred pigs. The e-nose responses related strongly to those of the
      sensory panel with a significant (p<0.01) canonical correlation of 0.78. The data
      set was used to develop a discriminant function for grouping pork samples into
      three 'response classes': normal, doubtful and abnormal. Based on this, the e
      nose identified all the abnormal samples correctly. However, 16% of the normal
      samples were also classified as abnormal. It was concluded that, in general, the
      electronic nose can discriminate between different levels of boar taint and that
      although a high specificity of sensors to androstenone and skatole may be
      desirable it may not be entirely important to the development and configuration
      of a boar taint sensor array.

PMID- 22060950
TI  - Effect of dietary vitamin e on the oxidative stability of raw and cooked rabbit
      meat.
AB  - The effect of dietary alpha-tocopheryl acetate supplementation (200mg/kg diet) on
      plasma and muscle levels of alpha-tocopherol and the oxidative stability of raw
      and cooked rabbit meat was determined. Two groups of 20 male hybrid rabbits were
      fed the experimental diets from 35 to 80 days of age. Feed intake, live weight,
      feed efficiency and qualitative traits of the carcass and meat were recorded. The
      alpha-tocopherol levels in plasma and muscle were significantly higher (p<=0.01)
      in the supplemented group, which also showed an increase in oxidative stability
      in both raw and cooked meat. The higher alpha-tocopherol level improved the
      physical traits of the meat, significantly reducing shear value and increasing
      water-holding capacity; n-3 fatty acids in raw and cooked meat increased
      (p<=0.05) and the thrombogenic index decreased (p<=0.05). Dietary vitamin E did
      not influence weight gain, feed intake and dressing yield.

PMID- 22060951
TI  - Effects of substituting a concentrated diet for chestnuts on the lipid traits of
      muscle and adipose tissues in corsican and corsican * large white pigs reared in
      a sylvo-pastoral system in corsica.
AB  - In the sylvo-pastoral extensive system in Corsica, pigs are fattened with
      chestnuts. The decrease in chestnut resource forces the farmers to use more and
      more concentrated diets for feeding the pigs but so far they have disregarded the
      consequences of this on meat quality. The aim of the present study was to
      evaluate the effects of substituting a concentrated diet for chestnuts during the
      fattening period on the lipid composition of adipose and muscle tissues of ham in
      Corsican and Corsican * Large-White pigs. The results showed that the Corsican *
      Large-White pigs had heavier carcasses (125kg versus 106kg) and hams (12.5kg
      versus 10.2kg) but the genotype affected neither the carcass fatness nor the
      lipid composition of the adipose and muscle tissues. In addition, compared to
      chestnuts, the concentrated diet used did not affect live-weight, carcass and ham
      weights, or the carcass fatness of the pigs at slaughter. However, pigs fattened
      with a concentrated diet had adipose tissue lipids, intramuscular triglycerides
      and phospholipids with a lower proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids (8.1%
      versus 6.2%, 5.8% versus 4.5%, and 47.7% versus 37.1%, respectively).

PMID- 22060952
TI  - Comparison of Dehiding versus Scalding and Singeing: Effect on Temperature, pH
      and Meat Quality in Pigs.
AB  - The aim of this work was to investigate the temperature and pH changes taking
      place at the slaughter line and during the chilling process, and the subsequent
      effect on meat and eating quality in pig carcasses that had either been scalded
      and singed or dehided. Both processes were followed by fast chilling. 219
      halothane-gene-free Duroc Sire and Landrace-Yorkshire pigs were delivered from
      three farms and slaughtered over 2 weeks at either a dehiding or a scalding
      singeing slaughterhouse. Temperature and pH were measured at intervals from
      exsanguination until 6 hours post mortem. Ultimate pH, internal reflection, drip
      loss and colour (Minolta) were measured the day after slaughter. Colour (JPCS
      scale) was evaluated after freezing and thawing, and eating quality was estimated
      on unaged and aged (4 days at 4 degrees C) m. longissimus dorsi (LD), using a
      trained taste panel. At the slaughter line the dehided carcasses had an almost
      constant and lower temperature compared to the scalded and singed carcasses.
      During chilling there is a shift in temperature curves between treatments, where
      the scalded carcasses had the lowest muscle temperature in LD and m. biceps
      femoris (BF) from 2hr post mortem and throughout the measuring period. In spite
      of the shift in temperature, the dehided carcasses had the highest pH in LD and
      BF from exsanguination and throughout the measuring period. The rate of pH fall
      in LD and BF was slowest in the dehided carcasses from exsanguination until 3 and
      2hr respectively, post mortem. Dehided carcasses showed a 40% lower drip loss, a
      darker meat colour and a lower internal reflection in LD and BF compared to
      scalded and singed carcasses, thus indicating less protein denaturation in
      dehided carcasses. Scalding and singeing, however, lead to increased tenderness
      compared to dehiding, and this difference persisted even after ageing for 4 days
      at 4 degrees C. The differences in toughness may be caused by increased
      proteolysis by released lysosomal cathepsins.

PMID- 22060953
TI  - Effect of Dietary Supplementation with alpha-Tocopheryl Acetate on the Stability
      of Reformed and Restructured Low Nitrite Cured Turkey Products.
AB  - The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of sodium (Na) nitrite
      reduction on the oxidative and colour stability of reformed and restructured
      cured cooked turkey products manufactured from meat containing high and low
      levels of dietary alpha-tocopheryl acetate. Turkeys were randomly assigned to
      either a control group, fed a basal alpha-tocopheryl acetate diet (20mg/kg feed),
      or a treatment group fed a supplemented alpha-tocopheryl acetate diet (600mg/kg
      feed). Diets were fed ad libitum from day 1 until slaughter on day 147. Breast
      meat from control and treatment groups was used to manufacture cured reformed
      cooked turkey ham and cured restructured cooked turkey patties. Residual levels
      of 60 and 120mg Na nitrite/kg of meat were used. Turkey products were packaged in
      either overwrap or vacuum packaging and stored under refrigerated (4 degrees C)
      illuminated display for 10 days. Results showed that dietary supplementation with
      alpha-tocopheryl significantly (p<0.05) improved the oxidative and colour
      stability of all low nitrite products produced when compared to non-supplemented
      controls.

PMID- 22060954
TI  - Effects of dietary vitamin e supplementation and packaging on the quality of
      minced beef.
AB  - Friesian cattle, aged 26-27 months, were fed a diet supplemented with 2000IU
      alpha-tocopheryl acetate/kg feed/day and another group was fed a basal diet
      (20IU/kg feed/day) for approximately 50 days prior to slaughter. Following frozen
      storage (-20 degrees C for 8 weeks) semimembranosus muscles from basal and alpha
      tocopheryl acetate supplemented cattle were minced and vacuum packaged,
      aerobically packaged or packaged under modified atmospheres (MAP) (30% O(2): 70%
      CO(2); 70% O(2): 30% CO(2); 80% O(2): 20% CO(2)). Samples were held under
      refrigerated (4 degrees C) display (fluorescent lighting, 616 lux) for eight
      days. Vacuum-packaged samples were held under similar conditions but in complete
      darkness and allowed to bloom for a minimum of 4hr prior to taking colour
      readings. TBARS values and Hunter a values in minced beef were measured every two
      days. alpha-Tocopherol concentrations were significantly (p<0.05) higher in
      minced meat samples from the supplemented group than in the basal group.
      Significant (p<0.05) reductions in alpha-tocopherol concentrations in
      supplemented meat samples were observed with increased concentrations of oxygen
      in different packaging systems after eight days of refrigerated storage. TBARS
      values were reduced over the whole retail display period for all packaging
      systems when alpha-tocopheryl acetate supplemented beef was used. TBARS values
      increased as oxygen levels increased in MAP. Hunter a values showed that vitamin
      E supplementation in combination with vacuum packaging and MAP improved the
      colour stability of meat during the first 4 days of storage, however, the failure
      of MAP to extend meat colour for longer periods of time was probably the result
      of prior storage at -20 degrees C for 8 weeks.

PMID- 22060955
TI  - Effects of Dietary Rape Seed Oil, Copper(II) Sulphate and Vitamin E on Drip Loss,
      Colour and Lipid Oxidation of Chilled Pork Chops Packed in Atmospheric Air or in
      a High Oxygen Atmosphere.
AB  - The effect of addition of rapeseed oil (canola), CuSO(4) and vitamin E (all-rac
      alpha-tocopheryl acetate) to pig diets on pork meat quality (lipid oxidation,
      colour and drip loss) was studied. Pigs were reared on ten different diets,
      either a control diet (no supplementation of rapeseed oil, CuSO(4) or vitamin E)
      or 6% rapeseed oil diets supplemented with CuSO(4) (0, 35 or 175mg/kg) and
      vitamin E (0, 100 or 200mg all-rac-alpha-tocopheryl acetate/kg). The natural
      content of vitamin E originating from feed ingredients amounted to 9-23mg vitamin
      E (alpha-tocopherol) per kg feed. Muscle vitamin E levels reflected the dietary
      intake and pigs fed the control diet had significantly lower levels than pigs fed
      rapeseed oil diets. The quality of fresh pork chops packed in air or in 80%
      O(2):20% CO(2) was followed during chill storage for 8 and 13 days, respectively.
      Colour, as measured by tristimulus colorimetry of pork chops packed in 80% oxygen
      atmosphere, was significantly improved with respect to redness when compared to
      chops packed in air, regardless of dietary treatment. The low vitamin E content
      in pigs fed the control feed significantly decreased a values and the oxidative
      stability of pork chops during chill storage compared to the other feeding
      groups. Packing of chops in a high-oxygen atmosphere increased lipid oxidation,
      especially in chops with low levels of vitamin E. Supplementation of rapeseed oil
      diets with 100 or 200mg vitamin E significantly decreased lipid oxidation of
      chill stored chops. Supplementation with CuSO(4) did not influence meat quality
      attributes (drip loss, colour stability and lipid oxidation) for any of the
      storage conditions.

PMID- 22060956
TI  - Effect of Chemical and Physical Dry-curing Parameters on Cathepsins B, H and L
      from Ostrich Muscle.
AB  - The effects of curing agents (NaCl, nitrate, ascorbic acid and glucose) and
      processing parameters (pH, temperature and cooking temperatures) on cathepsins B,
      H and L activities were investigated. NaCl, nitrate, ascorbic acid and glucose
      exhibited different influences on ostrich cathepsin B, B+L and H activities. In
      the range 20-60gl(-1), NaCl inhibited cathepsin B+L and H activities. All three
      cysteine proteinase activities were inhibited by up to 8g ascorbic acid l(-1).
      With the exception of cathepsin B activity, which was inhibited by glucose,
      nitrate and glucose had very little effect on cathepsin B, B+L and H activities.
      Cathepsins B and D were active at 65 and 69 degrees C and might play an important
      degradative role during the cooking of meat and meat products. Cathepsins B, B+L
      and H were optimally active at temperatures of 40-45 degrees C and 50 degrees C,
      and were still quite active at the low temperatures used in the dry-curing
      process; they showed maximum activity in the pH range 5.5-7. A simulation of the
      three stages of the dry-curing process of hams revealed that cathepsins B and B+L
      might play an important role throughout the complete process, whereas cathepsin H
      could only participate in the middle and at the end of the dry-curing process.
      Although ostrich cathepsins show many properties similar to those from other
      species, the present study also revealed some interesting distinguishing
      features.

PMID- 22060957
TI  - Effect of muscle condition before freezing and simulated chemical changes during
      frozen storage on protein functionality in beef.
AB  - The effect of rigor temperature (RT, 35 versus 10 degrees C), increased ionic
      concentration (MS: 0 versus 0.2% mixed salts), oxidized lipids (OL, 0 versus 1%
      added oxidized fat), increased free amino acids (FAA, 0 versus 0.3% added mixture
      of amino acids), fat content (FC, 0 versus 15% added fat) and excluding
      atmospheric gases (V, 0 versus 99.9% vacuum) on protein functionality in mince
      stored 1 month at -20 degrees C was studied using a complete 2(6) factorial
      design. All factors studied affected the functional properties of beef. Fresh
      24hr samples that entered rigor at 35 degrees C had lower total (TPS),
      myofibrillar (MPS) and sarcoplasmic (SPS) protein solubilities than samples
      entering rigor at 10 degrees C (p<0.01). During frozen storage, RT, MS and OL
      alone did not affect protein solubilities, FAA increased TPS but did not affect
      MPS and SPS, increasing the meat's fat content raised TPS and SPS but did not
      affect MPS, applying a vacuum increased TPS and MPS but lowered SPS (p<0.05).
      Cook yield of frozen stored mince increased with higher FAA but decreased with
      higher fat content, and the peak force of patties made from frozen stored mince
      was lowered by increased MS and low FC during storage. Various significant
      interactions are tabulated and discussed.

PMID- 22060958
TI  - Effect of Muscle Condition Before Freezing and Simulated Chemical Changes During
      Frozen Storage on the pH and Colour of Beef.
AB  - The effect of rigor temperature (RT, 35 versus 10 degrees C), increased ionic
      concentration (MS, 0 versus 0.2% mixed salts), oxidized lipids (OL, 0 versus 1%
      added oxidized fat), increased free amino acids (FAA, 0 versus 0.3% added mixture
      of amino acids), fat content (FC, 0 versus 15% added fat) and excluding
      atmospheric gases (V, 0 versus 99.9% vacuum) on pH and colour of mince stored for
      one month at -20 degrees C was studied using a complete 2(6) factorial design.
      Adding FAA increased the meat pH measured after storage (p<0.001). Meat lightness
      (Hunter L* value) was increased by increased fat content (p<0.001), higher rigor
      temperature (p<0.001) and oxidized lipids (p<0.05). Vacuum packing tended to
      preserve redness (Hunter a*) whereas the higher rigor temperature decreased
      redness (p<0.001). Vacuum packing (p<0.05) and increased fat content (p<0.001)
      increased yellowness (Hunter b*). The hue angle was lowered by increased salt
      concentration (p<0.01), increased free amino acids (p<0.01) and using vacuum
      packing (p<0.001), whereas it was raised (p<0.001) by increased fat content and
      higher rigor temperature. Various significant two-and three-way interactions are
      tabulated and discussed.

PMID- 22060959
TI  - Influence of sampling on steroid hormone patterns of beef from bulls and steers.
AB  - Three different muscles (Longissimus dorsi, Semitendinosus, Extensor carpi
      ulnaris) of bulls and steers, which represent different parts of the carcass and
      which have differing properties (function, proportions of fat and connective
      tissue), were analysed with GC-MS for their contents of testosterone, cortisol,
      cortisone, pregnenolone, dehydroepiandrosterone, progesterone,
      hydroxyprogesterone, androstenedione, dihydrotestosterone, epitestosterone and
      androsterone. No difference in the hormone patterns could be detected between the
      three muscles. However, the enrichment of beef samples with inter- and
      intramuscular fat decreased the levels of the polar corticosteroids, whereas the
      levels of lipophilic steroids were increased. The patterns of the lipophilic sex
      steroids, their precursors and metabolites, which can be used to determine the
      sexual origin of beef and which might prove useful in evaluating residues of
      administered steroid hormones, seem to be less affected by the beef sample's fat
      content, however.

PMID- 22060960
TI  - The bacteriological quality of British beef 1. Carcasses sampled prior to
      chilling.
AB  - During a survey of 11 beef abattoirs in England 2200 swab samples were taken from
      carcasses just before chilling. Geometric mean aerobic plate counts at 30 degrees
      C on each of four carcass sites ranged from log(10) 2.45 to 4.29cfu cm(2) with
      the brisket and flank samples tending to be more highly contaminated than those
      from the fore-rib and groin. Presumptive coliforms were isolated from 24% of the
      samples and the proportion of positive samples among the abattoirs varied between
      1.5% and 43%. Analysis of variance confirmed that the bacteriological status of
      beef carcasses may be influenced by a number of interacting factors, including
      abattoir, visit, and sampling site. However, the results showed that working
      methods alone were not critical factors in the production of beef of superior
      bacteriological quality.

PMID- 22060961
TI  - QTc prolongation and diabetes therapies.

PMID- 22060963
TI  - Evaluation of the occurrence and biodegradation of parabens and halogenated by
      products in wastewater by accurate-mass liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of
      flight-mass spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS).
AB  - An assessment of the sewage occurrence and biodegradability of seven parabens and
      three halogenated derivatives of methyl paraben (MeP) is presented. Several
      wastewater samples were collected at three different wastewater treatment plants
      (WWTPs) during April and May 2010, concentrated by solid-phase extraction (SPE)
      and analysed by liquid chromatography-electrospray-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass
      spectrometry (LC-QTOF-MS). The performance of the QTOF system proved to be
      comparable to triple-quadrupole instruments in terms of quantitative
      capabilities, with good linearity (R(2) > 0.99 in the 5-500 ng mL(-1) range),
      repeatability (RSD < 5.6%) and LODs (0.3-4.0 ng L(-1) after SPE). MeP and n
      propyl paraben (n-PrP) were the most frequently detected and the most abundant
      analytes in raw wastewater (0.3-10 MUg L(-1)), in accordance with the data
      displayed in the bibliography and reflecting their wider use in cosmetic
      formulations. Samples were also evaluated in search for potential halogenated by
      products of parabens, formed as a result of their reaction with residual chlorine
      contained in tap water. Monochloro- and dichloro-methyl paraben (ClMeP and
      Cl(2)MeP) were found and quantified in raw wastewater at levels between 0.01 and
      0.1 MUg L(-1). Halogenated derivatives of n-PrP could not be quantified due to
      the lack of standards; nevertheless, the monochlorinated species (ClPrP) was
      identified in several samples from its accurate precursor and product ions
      mass/charge ratios (m/z). Removal efficiencies of parabens and MeP chlorinated by
      products in WWTPs exceeded 90%, with the lowest percentages corresponding to the
      latter species. This trend was confirmed by an activated sludge biodegradation
      batch test, where non-halogenated parabens had half-lives lower than 4 days,
      whereas halogenated derivatives of MeP turned out to be more persistent, with up
      to 10 days of half-life in the case of dihalogenated derivatives. A further
      stability test performed with raw wastewater also showed that parabens degrade
      rapidly in real sewage, with half-lives lower than 10 h for n-butyl-paraben,
      while dihalogenated species again turned out to be more stable, with half-lives
      longer than a week.

PMID- 22060964
TI  - Establishment of a real-time PCR method for quantification of geosmin-producing
      Streptomyces spp. in recirculating aquaculture systems.
AB  - Geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol (MIB) have been associated with off-flavour
      problems in fish and seafood products, generating a strong negative impact for
      aquaculture industries. Although most of the producers of geosmin and MIB have
      been identified as Streptomyces species or cyanobacteria, Streptomyces spp. are
      thought to be responsible for the synthesis of these compounds in indoor
      recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS). The detection of genes involved in the
      synthesis of geosmin and MIB can be a relevant indicator of the beginning of off
      flavour events in RAS. Here, we report a real-time polymerase chain reaction
      (qPCR) protocol targeting geoA sequences that encode a germacradienol synthase
      involved in geosmin synthesis. New geoA-related sequences were retrieved from
      eleven geosmin-producing Actinomycete strains, among them two Streptomyces
      strains isolated from two RAS. Combined with geoA-related sequences available in
      gene databases, we designed primers and standards suitable for qPCR assays
      targeting mainly Streptomyces geoA. Using our qPCR protocol, we succeeded in
      measuring the level of geoA copies in sand filter and biofilters in two RAS. This
      study is the first to apply qPCR assays to detect and quantify the geosmin
      synthesis gene (geoA) in RAS. Quantification of geoA in RAS could permit the
      monitoring of the level of geosmin producers prior to the occurrence of geosmin
      production. This information will be most valuable for fish producers to manage
      further development of off-flavour events.

PMID- 22060965
TI  - 2-fluorophenol degradation by aerobic granular sludge in a sequencing batch
      reactor.
AB  - Aerobic granular sludge is extremely promising for the treatment of effluents
      containing toxic compounds, and it can economically compete with conventional
      activated sludge systems. A laboratory scale granular sequencing batch reactor
      (SBR) was established and operated during 444 days for the treatment of an
      aqueous stream containing a toxic compound, 2-fluorophenol (2-FP), in successive
      phases. Initially during ca. 3 months, the SBR was intermittently fed with 0.22
      mM of 2-FP added to an acetate containing medium. No biodegradation of the target
      compound was observed. Bioaugmentation with a specialized bacterial strain able
      to degrade 2-FP was subsequently performed. The reactor was thereafter
      continuously fed with 0.22 and 0.44 mM of 2-FP and with 5.9 mM of acetate (used
      as co-substrate), for 15 months. Full degradation of the compound was reached
      with a stoichiometric fluoride release. The 2-FP degrading strain was
      successfully retained by aerobic granules, as shown through the recovering of the
      strain from the granular sludge at the end of the experiment. Overall, the
      granular SBR has shown to be robust, exhibiting a high performance after
      bioaugmentation with the 2-FP degrading strain. This study corroborates the fact
      that bioaugmentation is often needed in cases where biodegradation of highly
      recalcitrant compounds is targeted.

PMID- 22060966
TI  - Charge specific protein placement at submicrometer and nanometer scale by direct
      modification of surface potential by electron beam.
AB  - The understanding and the precise control of protein adsorption is extremely
      important for the development and optimization of biomaterials. The challenge
      resides in controlling the different surface properties, such as surface
      chemistry, roughness, wettability, or surface charge, independently, as
      modification of one property generally affects the other. We demonstrate the
      creation of electrically modified patterns on hydroxyapatite by using scanning
      electron beam to tailor the spatial regulation of protein adsorption via
      electrostatic interactions without affecting other surface properties of the
      material. We show that domains, presenting modulated surface potential, can be
      created to precisely promote or reduce protein adsorption.

PMID- 22060967
TI  - Cryogenic chilling of pork carcasses: Effects on muscle quality, bacterial
      populations and palatability.
AB  - Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of cryogenic chilling on
      the carcass shrinkage, meat quality, bacterial condition and palatibility of
      pork. In experiment I, pork sides were chilled at 1 degrees C (n = 20), or
      immersed in liquid nitrogen (LN) for 1 or 3 min prior to placement in a 1 degrees
      C cooler. Muscle temperature in the loin was significantly lower at 2 and 6 h
      post mortem in treated compared to control sides, and loin muscle pH was higher
      (P < 0.05) at 6 h post mortem in sides immersed for 3 min in LN. Carcass side
      shrinkage was reduced from 29.3 g kg(-1) in control sides to 20.9 and 13.5 g kg(
      1) in sides dipped in LN for 1 and 3 min. Chilling treatment had no significant
      effect on the survival of mesophilic bacteria on carcass sides, on meat colour,
      drip loss, protein solubility or sarcomere length, but sides dipped for 1 min in
      LN has a higher muscle shear value than control sides. In experiment II, carcass
      sides from halothane positive (H+) and negative (H-) pigs were conventionally
      chilled (n = 49), immersed in LN for 3 min (n = 23), or electrically stimulated
      and chilled in LN for 3 min (n = 26). Similar results for temperature, pH,
      colour, protein solubility and drip loss in loin muscle were found to those in
      experiment I. Laboratory taste panel results showed that chilling treatment had
      no effect on palatability. Genotype produced meaningful differences in most
      palatability attributes with H+ pigs having less tender, less juicy and less
      desirable flavour than pork from H- pigs. Laboratory studies with inoculated
      fresh muscle slices showed that a 3 min immersion in LN resulted in a 10-fold
      reduction in the aerobic spoilage pseudomonads, but effects upon other spoilage
      bacteria and potential human pathogens were less pronounced. It was concluded
      that cryogenic chilling using LN reduced carcass shrinkage during cooling, but
      had no consistent effects on meat quality, palatability or bacterial numbers on
      the carcass. In contrast, genotype had a significant effect on most pork quality
      and palatability attributes.

PMID- 22060968
TI  - Meat pigment determination by a simple and non-toxic alkaline haematin method-(An
      alternative to the hornsey and the cyanometmyoglobin methods).
AB  - A method is described for the determination of total pigment content in porcine
      meat by conversion to haematin (ferriprotoporphyrin hydroxide), and using the non
      ionic detergent Triton X-100 to increase the absorptivity. The method is
      presented as an alternative to the well-known Hornsey and cyanometmyoglobin
      methods. The alkaline haematin method requires a single reagent, sodium hydroxide
      and the detergent Triton X-100. This combination is probably less poisonous and
      more stable than the reagents used in the Hornsey (1956) and the
      cyanometmyoglobin methods. The method presented here is also more sensitive than
      the alkaline haematin method presented by Lawrie (1950). Reference solutions of
      alkaline haematin can be prepared easily.

PMID- 22060969
TI  - Effects of feed withdrawal before delivery on pork quality and carcass yield.
AB  - A total of 270 pigs from a Yorkshire/Duroc/Landrace 3-way cross, reared under an
      ad libitum feed regimen, were delivered for slaughter after fasting (with access
      to water) for 24 and 0 h (Exp. 1), 16 and 0 h (Exp. 2) and 24, 16 and 0 h (Exp.
      3). The interval between delivery and slaughter was 4-5 h. Feeding until delivery
      resulted in a lower pH at 45 min post mortem in the longissimus muscle. Ultimate
      pH values of longissimus and semimembranosus muscles were higher after feed
      restriction for 24 h. However, the incidence of dark, firm and dry (DFD) (pH >
      6.2) was also increased after fasting in Exp. 1. Assessment of meat quality in
      samples taken from the longissimus at 20 h post mortem showed that, in comparison
      with feeding until delivery. Hunter L(*) (Lightness)-values and drip loss
      decreased and firmness improved by prolonged fasting (24 h). Fasting for 16 h did
      not reduce drip loss, but colour was improved (lower Hunter L(*)-values) in Exp.
      3, although not in Exp. 2. Feeding until delivery resulted in better meat quality
      in Exp. 2 than in Exp. 1 and 3. A significant reduction in dressing percentage as
      a result of fasting was only found in Exp. 1. There appears no economic
      disadvantage in restricting feed for 16 h prior to delivery. Although the
      incidence of DFD may also increase, a fasting period of 16-24 h is recommended to
      reduce pale, soft and exudative (PSE) muscle, while losses in carcass yield are
      minimized. Other advantages of fasting are discussed.

PMID- 22060970
TI  - Carcass composition and meat quality of Chinese purebred and European * Chinese
      crossbred pigs.
AB  - Carcass composition and meat quality were compared in Chinese purebred native
      pigs (Meishan and Ming) and the same breeds crossed with Landrace. Duroc *
      Landrace were controls. The study was part of a programme to improve pig
      production in Japan by introducing Chinese native pigs. The loin meat from
      Chinese purebred pigs received higher sensory scores than that from crosses
      between Landrace and Duroc (abbreviated as LD). Separable fat percentage of the
      carcass from Chinese purebred pigs was about 2.5 times higher than that from LD
      pig. This separable fat was decreased by crossbreeding with Landrace. Water
      holding capacity (WHC) of the meat from Chinese purebred and crossbred pigs was
      slightly higher than that from LD. Significant difference in the contents of
      amino acids and peptides was not observed among the species examined. Contents of
      inosinic acid (IMP), one of the flavour components, in the meat from Chinese
      purebred and crossbred pigs were higher than that from LD. From histochemical
      observation, an unusual distribution of fat in the muscle fibre was observed in
      the muscle from Chinese purebred pigs, especially Ming, as compared with other
      species.

PMID- 22060971
TI  - Endurance-exercised growing sheep: I. Post-mortem and histological changes in
      skeletal muscles.
AB  - A study was conducted with Suffolk ram lambs to determine whether chronic
      endurance exercise would affect post-mortem changes in muscle tissue. Muscle
      fibre diameters, sarcomere lengths, fibre types, and pH and temperature declines
      were measured in five skeletal muscles (semimembranosus, SM: vastus lateralis,
      VL; semitendinosus, ST; psoas major, PM; gastrocnemius, G). The exercise had no
      significant effect on muscle size or muscle fibre diameter in any of the muscles
      studied. However, endurance-exercised sheep had significantly shorter sarcomeres
      in all five muscles than their non-exercised counterparts. The pH decline curves
      differed among muscles; those having the highest proportion of glycolytic fibres
      had the slowest rates of pH decline. The increased proportion of slow-twitch
      fibres in the SM, VL, ST and G associated with the exercise regime had little
      effect on the post-mortem pH decline. However, the ST also had a significant
      exercise-associated increase in the proportion of oxidative-glycolytic fibres
      (intermediate) and was the only muscle in which exercise influenced the rate of
      pH decline significantly.

PMID- 22060972
TI  - Endurance-exercised growing sheep: II. Tenderness increase and change in meat
      quality.
AB  - A study was conducted to examine the effect, in ram lambs, of chronic treadmill
      exercise, on meat quality. A secondary objective was to relate changes in
      tenderness to metabolic and chemical phonomena. Meat quality traits, including
      instrumental measurements of tenderness and thaw and drip losses, were recorded
      for two muscles from the hind limb (semimembranosus SM; vastus lateralis, VL).
      Chemical analyses, including total and soluble collagen, total and myofibrillar
      protein, and myofibrillar fragmentation were also performed. Muscles from
      exercised sheep were significantly more tender than muscles from their control
      counterparts. A larger myofibrillar protein to total collagen ratio was observed
      in the VL muscles from exercised sheep (P < 0.01) which probably contributed to
      the observed increase in tenderness. However, similar results were not observed
      for the SM muscle. The tendency for a slightly higher pH at similar post-mortem
      temperatures in meat from exercised sheep may also have contributed to the
      increased tenderness.

PMID- 22060973
TI  - Effect of reduced sodium chloride concentration and tetrasodium pyrophosphate on
      pH, water-holding capacity and extractable protein of prerigor and postrigor
      ground beef.
AB  - The effect of tetrasodium pyrophosphate (TSPP) (0, 0.25, 0.5% w/w) alone or in
      combination with salt (NaCl) (0, 0.5, 1.0% w/w) on water-holding capacity (WHC),
      pH, the ratio of absorbance at 250 nm over the absorbance at 260 nm (R-values)
      and 150m CaCl extractable protein (EP) was studied in prerigor and postrigor
      sternomandibularis homogenates over time. The 0 h samples were defined as when
      the NaCl was incorporated with the muscle. R-values verified that 0 h samples
      were in a prerigor or postrigor state. In prerigor homogenates, increasing
      phosphate concentration increased the time required to reach ultimate pH.
      Ultimate pH values of prerigor homogenates containing phosphate were lower (P <
      0.05) than homogenates without phosphate and similarly treated postrigor
      homogenates. After six hours, no differences (P > 0.10) were noted in EP or WHC
      at different phosphate concentrations when averaged over NaCl concentrations in
      prerigor homogenates. With increasing phosphate concentration of postrigor
      homogenates, there was an increase (P < 0.05) in pH and EP at the initial
      sampling time. However, 0 and 0.25% phosphate WHC values could not be
      differentiated (P > 0.10). Results of this study indicate no advantages, after
      six hours post mortem, to using TSPP alone or in combination with NaCl in
      prerigor meat homogenates at concentrations added in this study.

PMID- 22060975
TI  - Dr nirihide ando (1909-1990).

PMID- 22060974
TI  - Quality control in the meat industry by multivariate statistics. The case of raw
      ham.
AB  - Two multivariate statistical techniques were tested on sensory and instrumental
      data from raw ham technology. (1) Cluster analysis, applied to parameters ranging
      from the beginning of processing to the end of resting, originated three groups
      which provided an explanation of the observed trends in the occurrence of
      microbial defects. (2) Partial-least-squares (PLS) regression, used to relate
      three sensory descriptors to five instrumental variables, provided a fully
      instrumental method for the assessment of quality of aged ham. Application of
      both techniques for prediction and description purposes is discussed.

PMID- 22060976
TI  - Developing the skill of endotracheal intubation: implication for emergency
      medicine.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Securing the airway by means of endotracheal intubation (ETI)
      represents a fundamental skill for anaesthesiologists in emergency situations.
      This study aimed to evaluate the time needed by first-year anaesthesiology
      residents to perform 200 ETIs and assessed the associated success rates and
      number of attempts until successful ETI. METHODS: This prospective single centre
      study evaluated the number of working days, the success rate, the attempts needed
      until successful ETI in consecutive blocks of 25 ETI procedures and the related
      difficulties and complications. RESULTS: From 2007 to 2010, 21 residents were
      evaluated consecutively. These residents needed a mean (mean +/- standard
      deviation) of 15.6 +/- 3.0 days for 25 ETIs. Out of all residents 52% reached the
      target value of 200 ETIs after 50.2 +/- 14.8 weeks of total working time. The ETI
      success rate after the first 25 ETIs increased steadily to the results after 200
      ETIs (ETI success rate within one ETI attempt: 67% vs. 83%, P = 0.0001; ETI
      success rate within all ETI attempts: 82% vs. 92%, P = 0.0001). The number of
      attempts required until successful ETI decreased from 1.6 +/- 0.8 after the first
      25 ETIs to 1.3 +/- 0.6 after 200 ETIs (P = 0.0001). CONCLUSION: The increasing
      rate of relative ETI success and the decreasing rate of necessary attempts for
      successful airway management suggest a steadily increasing gain in ETI
      experience. The complications that developed during the first 200 ETI procedures
      justify supervision by a specialist in the field or a senior physician. Moreover,
      these results may influence the minimum requirement for qualification in
      anaesthesiology and emergency medicine.

PMID- 22060977
TI  - Positive Darwinian selection in gamete recognition proteins of Strongylocentrotus
      sea urchins.
AB  - Gamete recognition proteins commonly experience positive Darwinian selection and
      evolve more rapidly than nonreproductive proteins, but the selective forces
      responsible for their adaptive diversification remain unclear. We examined the
      patterns of positive selection in the cognate interacting pair of proteins formed
      by sperm bindin and its egg receptor (EBR1) and in two regions of the sea urchin
      sperm receptor for egg jelly suREJ3 gene (exons 22 and 26) among four species of
      Strongylocentrotus sea urchins (S. purpuratus, S. droebachiensis, S. pallidus and
      S. franciscanus). The signatures of selection differed at each reproductive
      protein. A strong signal of positive selection was detected at bindin in all
      lineages even though the species compared had highly variable gamete traits and
      experience different intensities and forms of sexual selection and sexual
      conflict in nature. Weaker selection was observed at EBR1 but the small region
      studied precluded a clear understanding of the extent of sexual conflict between
      bindin and the EBR1 protein. At the suREJ3 locus, diversifying selection was
      observed in exon 22 but not exon 26, suggesting that these regions experience
      different selective pressures and evolutionary constraints. Positive selection
      was also detected within S. pallidus at suREJ-22 because of the presence of 12
      amino acid replacement mutations segregating at frequencies >0.10. Our results
      suggest that sexual conflict may be the predominant evolutionary mechanism
      driving the rapid diversification of reproductive proteins between, and
      polymorphism within, strongylocentrotid sea urchins.

PMID- 22060978
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 22060979
TI  - Influence of ewe feeding systems on fatty acid composition of suckling lambs.
AB  - The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of ewe dietary
      treatments on the intramuscular fatty acid composition of suckling lambs. Twenty
      four pregnant Italian Merino ewes were divided into two equal groups. One group
      (pasture-fed group) was allowed to graze a natural pasture and the other group
      (stall-fed group) was penned indoors and fed with hay and concentrate. After
      lambing, all ewes stayed with their respective lambs for the whole experimental
      period. Lambs were slaughtered at 100 days of age with an average live weight of
      20kg. Fatty acid profiles of milk and lamb meat (longissimus lumborum muscle)
      were analysed. Intramuscular fat from pasture-fed lambs showed higher (P<0.001)
      proportions of polyunsaturated fatty acids. The percentage of lauric (C12:0;
      P<0.05), palmitic (C16.0; P<0.001) and oleic (C18.1; P<0.001) fatty acids were
      higher in the intramuscular fat from stall-fed lambs, whereas pasture-fed lambs
      showed greater proportions of linolenic (C18:3; P<0.001), eicosapentaenoic
      (C20:5; P<0.001) and docosapentaenoic (C22:5; P<0.05) fatty acids. Moreover, the
      intramuscular fat from pasture-fed lambs displayed a higher (P<0.001) PUFA/SFA
      ratio, and a lower (p<0.001) n-6/n-3 ratio. The conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
      tended to be higher (P=0.07) in the intramuscular fat from pasture-fed lambs.
      This study confirmed that pasture enhanced the unsaturated fatty acid profile of
      intramuscular fat in lambs including n-3 fatty acids.

PMID- 22060980
TI  - Carcass traits of Kheri lambs maintained on different system of feeding
      management.
AB  - The study was conducted on 6-month-old finisher lambs of the Kheri breed raised
      under extensive range management (G1), grazing with ad libitum concentrate
      supplementation (G2) or intensive feeding (G3) to assess dressing yield,
      cutability of standard cuts, composition of the carcass and the efficiency of
      mutton production from the three defined systems. The weaning weight of the lambs
      in the three groups was similar while the finishing weight, total body weight
      gain in the experiment, average daily gain and the percent feed conversion
      efficiency were higher (P<0.01) in G2 and G3 than G1. The pre slaughter weight
      (PSW), empty live weight (ELW), hot carcass weight and hot carcass weight with
      edible offal was higher (P<0.01) in G2 and G3 fed on a high plane of nutrition
      than G1 raised under extensive range management. The dressing percent in terms of
      live weight (LW) and empty live weight (ELW) was also higher in G2 and G3 than
      G1. The loin eye area as an index of muscle growth was also higher in G2 and G3
      than G1. Although the weights of standard cuts were generally higher in G2 and G3
      due to higher PSW, as proportions of half carcass they were similar in the three
      groups, except the rack cut, which was higher in G2 and G3. The cut proportions
      pooled for the three groups averaged 33.2%, 12.3%, 13.3%, 24.9% and 16.3% of half
      carcass for leg, loin, rack, neck and shoulder and breast and fore shank,
      respectively. The depot fat (Caul and kidney fat) accretion was higher in G2 and
      G3 than G1. The composition of the half carcass indicated that lean percent was
      higher (P<0.01) in G1 and G2 than G3 while sub cutaneous and intra muscular fat
      content were generally higher (P<0.01) in G2 and G3 and KOH bone percent was
      higher (P<0.05) in G1 and G2 than G3. The results indicated that the growth
      performance was better, feed conversion efficiency, carcass yield and dressing
      percentage higher in lambs maintained under grazing with supplementation and
      intensive feeding than extensive range management. The carcass separable fat
      content was 8% under extensive range management while it was 12% and 16% in semi
      intensive and intensive system of feeding management indicating that the carcass
      was of acceptable quality. The loin eye area reflected the trends of pre
      slaughter weight and was higher in intensive and semi intensive than extensive
      range management.

PMID- 22060981
TI  - Demineralization of animal blood plasma by ion exchange and ultrafiltration.
AB  - The blood waste from slaughterhouses is strictly controlled due to its high
      pollutant load, the treatment for its purification being of great economic
      interest. The separation of proteins, the most valuable components of blood, in a
      chromatographic column requires the use of well treated plasma, in particular the
      removal of inorganic salts. Accordingly, a demineralization process is usually
      required. In this paper, ion exchange and ultrafiltration demineralization
      techniques were tested and the results compared. In the ion exchange experiments,
      the blood plasma was treated with cationic and anionic resins in packed columns,
      studying the removal of the major cations and anions, protein loss and pH
      evolution in both the loading and elution steps. In the demineralization process
      by means of membranes, a 10KDa ultrafiltration membrane was used, the blood
      plasma being filtered to concentrate all the proteins in the retentate while
      removing the inorganic ions and other compounds in the permeate. The evolution of
      the major anions and cations in the plasma and the protein loss were studied at
      different volumetric concentration factors. The results obtained enable us to
      draw conclusions as regards the advantages and disadvantages of each technique at
      a laboratory scale and to offer some considerations regarding the operation at an
      industrial scale.

PMID- 22060982
TI  - Effect of duration of feeding under free-range conditions on production results
      and carcass and fat quality in Iberian pigs.
AB  - This experiment was undertaken to provide information on the effect of feeding
      system applied during the finishing period (100-150kg) on the quality of Iberian
      pig meat. Four feeding systems were applied: pigs fed under free-range conditions
      with acorns and grass fully available during 111 days (FR(111)), pigs fed
      concentrate diet in confinement during 28 days and free-range with acorns and
      grass fully available during 83 days (CDC(28)+FR(83)), pigs fed concentrate diet
      in confinement during 65 days and free-range with acorns and grass fully
      available during 46 days (CDC(65)+FR(46)) and pigs fed concentrate diet in
      confinement with a feed average daily amount of 3.1kg during 111 days (CDC(111)).
      The CDC(111) pigs had more muscular carcasses characteristics than the remaining
      groups of pigs. However, the higher concentration of C18:1 n-9 in subcutaneous
      backfat was found in FR(111) pigs. In the neutral lipids from intramuscular fat
      of Longissimus dorsi only the C18:2 n-6 and C18:3 n-3 proportions were affected
      by feeding system, and the n-6/n-3 ratio observed was lower in FR(111) and
      CDC(28)+FR(83) pigs than in CDC(111) pigs. In the neutral lipids from hepatic fat
      the proportion of n-6 fatty acids was lower in FR(111) pigs than in
      CDC(65)+FR(46) and CDC(111) pigs.

PMID- 22060983
TI  - Indoor fattening of lambs raised on pasture: 2. Influence of stall finishing
      duration on triglyceride and phospholipid fatty acids in the longissimus thoracis
      muscle.
AB  - Twenty-four male Ile-de-France lambs (six blocks of homologous lambs) were used
      to study the effect of four feeding systems on muscle triglyceride (TG) and
      phospholipid (PL) fatty acids (FA) from the longissimus thoracis (LT): raised and
      finished on cool season grasses (G), raised on the same grasses and stall
      finished, indoors, on concentrates and hay, respectively, for 22 (GSS) and 41
      days (GSL), and stall-feeding, indoors, on concentrate and hay during both
      growing and finishing periods (S). In TG, similar decreases (P<0.05) of
      proportions of linolenic acid were observed after changing from grass feeding to
      stall feeding (GSS and GSL), and a decrease (P<0.05) in proportions of conjugated
      C18:2 cis9, trans11 (CLA cis9, trans11) was obtained after a long period of
      concentrate feeding (GSL). In PL, C22:5 n-3 achieved a significantly (P<0.05)
      lower level in GSL lambs compared both G and S lambs. A similar non-significant
      tendency was observed in the case of the other very long chain n-3
      polyunsaturated FA. The separate analysis of fatty acids of TG and PL from the LT
      muscle underlined that TG afforded a more significant lowering effect than PL on
      the overall ratio between C18:2 n-6 and C18:2 n-3 in muscle lipids and on the
      health potential of meat for the consumer. A PCA analysis combining FA
      composition of TG and PL, and growth performances of the lambs allowed an
      efficient discrimination between the four feeding systems.

PMID- 22060984
TI  - Effects of triticale-based diets on finishing pig performance and pork quality in
      deep-bedded hoop barns.
AB  - Effects of triticale diets on pig performance and pork quality were evaluated in
      summer and winter. Diets were: corn-soy, 40% triticale, or 80% triticale. Pigs
      (72kg) were fed 49d. Loins were evaluated for meat and fat quality and sensory
      evaluation. Average daily gain decreased as triticale inclusion increased
      (P<0.01). Feed intake was similar. Pigs fed corn-soy had the greatest and those
      fed 80% triticale had least gain:feed ratio (P<0.05). In summer, pigs fed corn
      soy had largest and those fed 80% triticale diet had smallest loin muscle area
      (P<0.05) based on ultrasound scan. During summer, ultimate pH was higher
      (P?0.001) and, loin purge and shear force were lower (P<0.05). Diet did not
      affect sensory evaluation or fatty acid profile of loins. During summer, total
      MUFA were more and total PUFA were less (P?0.01). Triticale fed to pigs in hoop
      barns slightly decreased growth without compromising pork quality.

PMID- 22060985
TI  - Characterization of beef semimembranosus and adductor muscles from US and Mexican
      origin.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to compare the chemical composition and sensory
      characteristics of two beef muscles (semimembranosus, SM and adductor, AD) from
      the inside round of Mexican and US origins. Inside rounds were obtained from 20
      Mexican bull carcasses, representing beef of Mexican origin. Forty-vacuum
      packaged USDA Choice and Select inside rounds were purchased from a local trader,
      representing US beef. Muscles were analyzed for chemical composition, Warner
      Bratzler shear force (WBSF), cooking loss percentage, instrumental color,
      textural profile, and consumer acceptability. Muscles imported from the US
      contained more intramuscular fat, had higher cooking loss percentages, lower
      shear force values, and higher consumer ratings for overall desirability than
      Mexican counterparts (P<0.05). Choice and Select beef samples had similar WBSF
      values (P>0.05). Consumers found differences in juiciness and tenderness ratings
      between the two muscles, with the SM being tougher and less juicy than the AD
      (P<0.05).

PMID- 22060986
TI  - Fatty acid composition and sensory traits of beef fed palm oil supplements.
AB  - This study measured the effect of replacing dietary fat from an animal source
      with palm oil supplements on the intramuscular fatty acid profile and sensory
      quality traits of the meat from young bulls. Thirty-six entire male Friesian
      calves (mean age=6.8+/-1.1 months, mean live weight=162.5+/-28.6kg) were assigned
      to one of four isoenergetic (1.03 MFU/kg DM) and isoproteinic (15.5% CP) diets,
      that differed in their fat additives: (D1) lard-tallow mix (control); (D2)
      hydrogenated palm oil fatty acids (PFA); (D3) calcium salt of partially
      hydrogenated PFA, and (D4) calcium salt of the fatty acid distillate from palm
      oil. Bulls (mean live weight=391.3+/-30.3kg) were slaughtered under commercial
      conditions and sensory tests were performed to evaluate the effects of the four
      diets and ageing time (1, 10, and 21d). Only the proportions of C16:0 and C18:0
      were significantly affected by the palm oil dietary supplement. Ageing time
      affected grass odour, tenderness, juiciness, fibrosity, liver flavour, and acid
      flavour. Nevertheless, palm oil supplements did not negatively alter the
      organoleptic characteristics of the meat.

PMID- 22060987
TI  - Differentiation in improvements of gel strength in chicken and beef sausages
      induced by transglutaminase.
AB  - This research investigated the improvement in the texture of chicken and beef
      sausages induced by using microbial transglutaminase (MTG). The epsilon-(gamma
      glutamyl)lysine (G-L) content and the extractability of myofibrillar proteins
      from these sausages were also investigated. Treatment with MTG significantly
      affected the breaking strength score in both meat types, especially for beef
      cooked at 80 degrees C (p<0.001). The protein concentration of both meat types
      treated with MTG and extracted in water-soluble protein solution (WSP) was
      slightly decreased; compared with a significant decrease (p<0.003) in samples
      extracted in Guba-Straub-ATP solution (GS-ATP). The variation in protein
      extractability of both meat types could lead to some considerations of the
      mechanisms and the high affinity reaction between MTG and myosin heavy chain
      (MHC). SDS-PAGE analysis revealed significant changes in the density of the bands
      after adding MTG, especially for the beef samples. The G-L content in the
      presence of MTG was double that in control samples of both meat types. The amount
      of crosslinking in chicken and beef meat was different and found to be
      reasonable. Collectively, this suggests that the binding ability of myofibrillar
      proteins with MTG is strong and dominated by MHC. There was a unique reaction
      among MHC proteins with MTG molecules considered as a very advantageous reaction.
      This leads us to suggest that the functional properties of MTG make it a
      beneficial protein-binding agent, positively helping the functionality of
      proteins to improve the texture and gelation of meat products that are treated
      mechanically, such as sausages. Some variation in gel improvement level between
      chicken and beef sausages was observed; this resulted from the variation in meat
      proteins in response to MTG, as well as to the original glutamyl and lysine
      contents.

PMID- 22060988
TI  - Effect of whey protein concentrate and sodium chloride addition plus tumbling
      procedures on technological parameters, physical properties and visual appearance
      of sous vide cooked beef.
AB  - Beef muscles cooked by the sous vide system were evaluated for the effects of pre
      injection tumbling, brine addition and post-injection tumbling on technological
      parameters, physical properties, visual appearance and tissue microstructure. The
      muscles were injected at 120% (over original weight) with a brine formulated to
      give a concentration of 3.5% whey protein concentrate and 0.7% sodium chloride on
      an injected raw product basis. Pre-injection tumbling did not affect most of the
      evaluated parameters. Brine addition reduced significantly the cooking and total
      weight losses. Total weight loss was 7.2% for injected muscles, and significantly
      higher (28.2%) for non-injected ones. Brine incorporation increased pH and
      reduced shear force values of cooked muscles. Extended post-injection tumbling
      (5rpm-10h) improved brine distribution and visual appearance, and also diminished
      the shear force values of cooked muscles. However, this treatment increased the
      weight losses of post-injection tumbling and cooking-pasteurization stages.

PMID- 22060989
TI  - Thermal stability of connective tissue from porcine muscles.
AB  - Connective tissue of three porcine muscles (M. infraspinatus, IS; M. longissimus
      dorsi, LD; M. semimembranosus, SM) from 27 animals [populations A (n=13, reared
      in Ireland) and B (n=14, reared in Finland)] was studied by measuring the
      collagen content, collagen solubility and thermal shrinkage temperature of the
      connective tissue. Colour and pH were also determined. Collagen solubility was
      highest in IS (p<0.05) and lowest in SM (p<0.05) although no difference between
      LD and SM was found in population B. The onset and peak temperatures of thermal
      shrinkage (T(o) and T(p)) were highest in IS (p<0.05). The lowest T(o) and T(p)
      were found in SM from population B whereas no differences were seen between LD
      and SM muscles in population A. It was concluded that the thermal stability of
      the connective tissue in the three porcine muscles differ. IS, as a dark muscle
      has high thermal shrinkage temperatures and high collagen solubilities in
      comparison to the lighter LD and SM muscles which have lower thermal shrinkage
      temperatures and collagen solubilities. Collagen contents were highest in IS and
      lowest in LD.

PMID- 22060990
TI  - Purification and partial characterisation of a matrix metalloproteinase from
      ostrich skeletal muscle, and its activity during meat maturation.
AB  - The matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are a homologous family of zinc proteinases
      that are collectively capable of catabolising the various macromolecular
      components of the extracellular matrix including collagens. In this study an MMP
      was successfully isolated and purified from ostrich skeletal muscle using
      Toyopearl Super Q-650S, hydroxylapatite and zinc-chelate chromatographies. The
      purified molecule had a molecular weight of 55K and a total of 467 amino acid
      residues. Purified ostrich MMP showed a pH optimum of 7 and a temperature optimum
      of 45 degrees C. The activity of purified ostrich MMP was shown to be inhibited
      by metal chelators (1,10 phenanthroline and EDTA) and partially inhibited by soy
      bean trypsin inhibitor. All the functional properties of ostrich MMP were
      compared to previously reported values for MMPs from other sources. The MMP
      activities in ostrich meat during a 21-day ageing period were determined and an
      overall increase in MMP activities was observed.

PMID- 22060991
TI  - Evaluation of a commercial lateral flow feed test for rapid detection of beef and
      sheep content in raw and cooked meats.
AB  - Meat species adulteration is a common problem in the retail market. This study
      investigated the feasibility of a commercial lateral flow immunoassay designed to
      detect ruminant muscle tissue in feedstuffs, such as "meat-and-bone meal" (MBM)
      for detection of beef and/or sheep flesh in meat mixtures, and developed a simple
      method for meat sample extraction. Laboratory adulterated samples including raw,
      cooked (100 degrees C, 30min), and sterilized (121 degrees C, 15min) beef-in
      chicken, beef-in-turkey, and lamb-in-pork at 0 to 1.00% (w/w) adulteration levels
      were extracted by different solvents (tap water, NaCl, and PB-NaCl with and
      without EDTA; and a kit-provided "Extraction Solvent") using three mixing
      methods. The test rapidly (20min) detected 0.50% (w/w) bovine or ovine meat;
      Extraction Solvent was the most efficient extractant tested; EDTA coupled with
      heating (100 degrees C, 10min) improved the assay sensitivity; and all the mixing
      methods achieved the same results. This immunoassay can be conveniently applied
      to detect low levels of beef/sheep meat in a wide range of meat products.

PMID- 22060992
TI  - Influence of dietary selenium and vitamin E on quality of veal.
AB  - Three groups of six calves each were fed a milk replacer and a starter
      concentrate for 15weeks. Calves of the first group received the basal diet
      containing selenium (Se) and vitamin E at 0.095-0.128mg and 30-33mg per kg of
      total solids, respectively. Calves of the second group received the basal diet
      supplemented with Se-enriched yeast to increase dietary Se concentration to
      0.50mg/kg. The third group of calves received the latter diet supplemented with
      vitamin E to increase its concentration to 100mg/kg. There was no effect of diet
      on growth rate, digestibility of dry matter and Se, chemical composition of meat
      (M. Longissimus thoracis et lumborum), meat colour and fatty acid profile of meat
      lipids. The Se supplementation significantly increased Se concentration in muscle
      from 0.21 to 0.43mg/kg. The activity of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in muscle
      and liver tissue of Se-supplemented animals was increased by 56% and 67%,
      respectively, compared to the control. The combined supplementation of vitamin E
      and Se significantly improved the lipid stability of meat compared to the control
      diet, but not compared to the Se-supplemented diet. It can be concluded that
      dietary Se supplementation increases the concentration of Se and the GSH-Px
      activity in meat, but has limited potential for improving meat oxidative
      stability.

PMID- 22060993
TI  - Effect of tomato paste and nitrite level on processing and quality
      characteristics of frankfurters.
AB  - Fourteen treatments of frankfurters (18% fat) were produced with two levels of
      sodium nitrite, 0 and 150mg/kg (0.015%), and seven levels (0%,2%,6%,8%,12% and
      16%) of tomato paste with 12% soluble solids The higher the tomato paste level
      the higher the preference of consumers for frankfurters based on their colour.
      Frankfurters with 16% tomato paste had a sour taste while those with 12% tomato
      paste were the most acceptable. In a 2nd experiment three treatments of
      frankfurters (18% fat) were produced with 0, 50 and 100mg/kg of sodium nitrite
      and 12% tomato paste and a fourth (control) with only 150mg/kg sodium nitrite.
      Treatments with 12% tomato paste had lower (p<0.05) pH values and residual
      nitrite, and higher (p<0.05) thiobarbituric acid values, lightness and yellowness
      than control. Frankfurters with reduced levels of sodium nitrite (50 and
      100mg/kg) and 12% tomato paste had the highest (p<0.05) redness. Storage time
      affected (p<0.05) all quality attributes. The nitrites added to frankfurters can
      be reduced from 150mg/kg to 100mg/kg in combination with 12% tomato paste without
      any negative effect on the quality of the product.

PMID- 22060994
TI  - Prediction of sensory characteristics of lamb meat samples by near infrared
      reflectance spectroscopy.
AB  - This study was implemented to evaluate the potential of visible and near infrared
      reflectance (NIR) spectroscopy to predict sensory characteristics related to the
      eating quality of lamb meat samples. A total of 232 muscle samples from Texel and
      Scottish Blackface lambs was analyzed by chemical procedures and scored by
      assessors in a taste panel (TP). Then, these parameters were predicted from
      Vis/NIR spectra. The prediction equations showed that the absorbance data could
      explain a significant but relatively low proportion of the variability
      (R(2)<0.40) in the taste panel traits (texture, juiciness, flavour, abnormal
      flavour and overall liking) of the lamb meat samples. However, a top-tail
      approach, looking at the spectra of the 25 best and worst samples as judged by TP
      assessors, provided more meaningful results. This approach suggests that the
      assessors and the spectrophotometer were able to discriminate between the most
      extreme samples. This may have practical implications for sorting meat into a
      high quality class, which could be branded, into a low quality class sold for a
      lower price for less demanding food use. Regarding the chemical parameters, both
      intramuscular fat and water could be more accurately predicted by Vis/NIR spectra
      (R(2)=0.841 and 0.674, respectively) than sensory characteristics. In addition,
      the results obtained in the present study suggest that the more important regions
      of the spectra to estimate the sensory characteristics are related to the
      absorbance of these two chemical components in meat samples.

PMID- 22060995
TI  - Growth performance and fatty acid profiles of intramuscular and subcutaneous fat
      from Limousin and Charolais heifers fed extruded linseed.
AB  - Forty-eight heifers, Limousin (LI) and Charolais (CH) breed, were used to
      evaluate the effect of a basal mixed diet with linseed supplementation (108g/kg
      DM) on performance and fatty acid (FA) composition of M. longissimus thoracis
      (MLT) and subcutaneous fat. The feed intake and weight gains were higher, and
      feed per gain ratio lower in CH heifers than in LI heifers. The muscle lipids and
      subcutaneous fat of LI heifers contained significantly more MUFA, PUFA, CLA, and
      less SFA than the lipids of CH heifers. The feeding of extruded linseed
      significantly increased the concentration of linolenic acid (C18:3n-3), CLA, and
      decreased PUFA n-6 to PUFA n-3 ratio in lipids extracted from both tissues.
      Linseed supplementation decreased SFA and increased PUFA in subcutaneous fat. In
      MLT lipids of linseed-fed heifers PUFA of the n-3 series were increased. It can
      be concluded that the growth performance of LI heifers was lower, but that their
      lipids contained more FA that are thought to be important for human health. The
      feeding of linseed at 108g/kg DM enhanced the nutritive value of beef in terms of
      FA profile. Breed differences were generally more important than effects of the
      diet. Dietary effects, however, were more pronounced in PUFA n-3 and arachidonic
      acid (C20:4n-6).

PMID- 22060996
TI  - Pelvic suspension and fast post-mortem chilling: Effects on technological and
      sensory quality of pork - A combined NMR and sensory study.
AB  - The effects of pre-rigor excision, which results in a fast post-mortem chilling;
      pelvic suspension, which results in a muscular stretching; control treatment of
      m. longissimus dorsi on water distribution measured by (1)H NMR relaxometry and
      on sensory properties were investigated in two sub-studies including a total of
      16 pigs. Determination of sarcomere length revealed significant effects of the
      treatments on the degree of contraction, as pre-rigor excision and pelvic
      suspension resulted in shorter and longer sarcomere length, respectively. In
      addition, an effect of treatment on pH measured at 24h post-mortem was found, as
      pre-rigor excision was associated with a higher ultimate pH. NMR measurements
      revealed that water distribution in the meat was affected to a minor degree by
      the various treatments. However, an interaction between treatment and ageing
      period was observed, as the data demonstrated an effect of pre-rigor excision on
      water distribution in the cooked samples when meat was only aged for 2 days, but
      this effect was eliminated when meat was aged for 5 days. The effect of pre-rigor
      excision on water distribution in cooked meat after 2 days of ageing is suggested
      to reflect structural constraints in the meat that are eliminated during ageing.
      Sensory analyses demonstrated strong interactions between treatment and position
      on the muscle and between treatment and ageing period. However, in general pre
      rigor-excised meat was sensed as significantly juicier compared with the other
      two treatments. Accordingly, the study demonstrates that under the present
      conditions the ultimate pH is more important for juiciness than the sarcomere
      length.

PMID- 22060997
TI  - Instrumental evaluation of defective texture in dry-cured hams.
AB  - In the first experiment, the effect of the stress relaxation time on texture
      evaluation of biceps femoris (BF) muscle from dry-cured hams was studied. The
      specimens were compressed to 25% of their original height and the crosshead speed
      was 5mm/s. The force decay versus time was recorded and Peleg's model was fitted
      with different relaxation times. Whatever relaxation time was used, Peleg's model
      did not describe simultaneously the initial fall of force and the asymptotic
      tendency of force decay correctly. The initial force and force decay at 2s and at
      90s are proposed to assess texture in dry-cured ham. In the second experiment,
      stress relaxation (SR) and texture profile analysis (TPA) tests were performed on
      BF and semimembranosus (SM) muscles of 10 hams with abnormal softness and 10 hams
      with normal texture, at different assay conditions: sample temperature (4 degrees
      C or 20 degrees C); compression crosshead speed (1mm/s or 10mm/s). The
      instrumental texture test and the assay conditions that detected defective
      textures better depended on the muscle considered: for BF muscle the SR test at 4
      degrees C and at 1mm/s and for SM muscle the TPA test at 10mm/s at both 4 degrees
      C or 20 degrees C.

PMID- 22060998
TI  - Use of a fluorescence front face technique for measurement of lipid oxidation
      during refrigerated storage of chicken meat.
AB  - Lipid oxidation in chicken breast was measured during refrigerated storage in air
      by front face fluorescence and by thiobarbituric acid techniques. Three chicken
      genotypes were compared: Standard (fast-growing line), Certified (medium-growing
      line) and Label (slow-growing line). Lipid oxidation was stable during the first
      3 days of storage and then increased in the certified and label animal groups.
      Standard animals were very stable towards lipid oxidation. This study showed a
      good correlation between fluorescence intensity and thiobarbituric acid reactive
      substances measurements. Front face fluorescence technique can be used as a
      valuable index of lipid oxidation in chicken meat.

PMID- 22060999
TI  - Effects of hydrocolloid addition and high pressure processing on the rheological
      properties and microstructure of a commercial ostrich meat product "Yor" (Thai
      sausage).
AB  - "Yor" is a traditional sausage like product widely consumed in Thailand. Its
      textures are usually set by steaming, in this experiment ultra-high pressure was
      used to modify the product. Three types of hydrocolloid; carboxymethylcellulose
      (CMC), locust bean gum (LBG) and xanthan gum, were added to minced ostrich meat
      batter at concentration of 0-1% and subjected to high pressure 600MPa, 50 degrees
      C, 40min. The treated samples were analysed for storage (G') and loss (G") moduli
      by dynamic oscillatory testing as well as creep compliance for control stress
      measurement. Their microstructures using confocal microscopy were also examined.
      Hydrocolloid addition caused a significant (P<0.05) decrease in both the G' and
      G" moduli. However the loss tangent of all samples remained unchanged. Addition
      of hydrocolloids led to decreases in the gel network formation but appears to
      function as surfactant materials during the initial mixing stage as shown by the
      microstructure. Confocal microscopy suggested that the size of the fat droplets
      decreased with gum addition. The fat droplets were smallest on the addition of
      xanthan gum and increased in the order CMC, LBG and no added gum, respectively.
      Creep parameters of ostrich yors with four levels of xanthan gum addition (0.50%,
      0.75%, 1.00% and 1.25%) showed an increase in the instantaneous compliance
      (J(0)), the retarded compliance (J(1)) and retardation time (lambda(1)) but a
      decrease in the viscosity (eta(0)) with increasing levels of addition. The
      results also suggested that the larger deformations used during creep testing
      might be more helpful in assessing the mechanical properties of the product than
      the small deformations used in oscillatory rheology.

PMID- 22061000
TI  - Combination effects of ultra-high pressure and temperature on the physical and
      thermal properties of ostrich meat sausage (yor).
AB  - Ostrich meat sausages (yor) were subjected to ultra-high pressures of 300, 500
      and 700MPa for 40 and 60min at 40 and 60 degrees C. Subsequently the physical
      properties of the products, colour, released and expressible water, gel strength
      and stress relaxation as well as their thermal characteristics (by differential
      scanning calorimeter, DSC) were determined. The effects of pressure, temperature
      and holding time significantly influenced the L(*), a(*) and b(*) values. The
      amount of released plus expressible water significantly decreased with increasing
      pressure, temperature and holding time. The gel strength and equilibrium stress
      increased with increasing severity of treatment. DSC thermograms indicated that
      pressures of 700MPa yielded gel networks involving completely denatured protein
      with the ability to retain water.

PMID- 22061001
TI  - Monitoring the ripening process of Iberian ham by computer vision on magnetic
      resonance imaging.
AB  - This paper explores the use of MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) in combination
      with a fully automated Image Analysis method for the recognition of Biceps
      Femoris and Semimembranosus muscles in Iberian ham. A quantitative description of
      volume and a study of moisture and weight relationships during the product's
      ripening process are included. Three Active Contour methods (Variational
      Calculus, Dynamic Programming, and Greedy Algorithms) are used to recognize the
      Biceps Femoris and Semimembranosus muscles by means of Computer Vision
      techniques. The recognition of both muscles via MRI entails a low error rate (3
      10%). A loss of weight in hams during the ripening process is related to a
      decrease in size (r(2)=0.992). The high correlation implies that the information
      obtained by means of Computer Vision techniques can be used as a non-invasive
      complement to the traditional processes of ham weighing and moisture estimation.

PMID- 22061002
TI  - Effects of ascorbic and citric acid on beef lumbar vertebrae marrow colour.
AB  - Citric acid was evaluated as a way of improving ascorbic acid's ability to
      stabilize beef lumbar vertebrae colour in high-oxygen packaging (MAP; 80%
      O(2)/20% CO(2)). Vertebrae were treated with citric acid (1%, 3%, or 10%),
      ascorbic acid (1%, 3%, or 10%), or a combination of both. Citric acid
      demonstrated no positive effects (P>0.05), compared with ascorbic acid, which
      inhibited (P<0.05) discolouration throughout the 7d display. Although ascorbic
      acid inhibited discolouration (visual colour and a(*); P<0.05), 3% and 10%
      ascorbic acid were most effective. However, if vertebrae are displayed for less
      than 7d, there may be no significant colour-stabilizing advantages associated
      with increasing ascorbic acid from 3 to 10%. The significant oxidizing effects of
      citric acid at 10% were reversed (P<0.05) by ascorbic acid. Combining citric and
      ascorbic acid had no synergistic affect (P>0.05) on vertebrae colour.

PMID- 22061003
TI  - Microstructural changes in Teruel dry-cured ham during processing.
AB  - Dry-cured ham, "Protected Designation of Origin (PDO)" Teruel, is a high quality
      meat product processed using a traditional dry-curing procedure. The objective of
      this paper was to study the microstructure of the Biceps femoris and
      Semimembranosus muscles during "PDO Teruel" dry-cured ham processing using
      electron microscopy techniques (Cryo-SEM, SEM and TEM). The Semimembranosus and
      Biceps femoris muscles from raw ham show the typical structure of muscle tissue
      in meat. The muscle fibres appear firmly attached to one another by the
      endomysial connective tissue; the myofibrils inside the cells are strongly
      attached to each other and to the sarcolemma. In raw ham, the typical structural
      elements that constitute the sarcomere can be observed by TEM. Important
      microstructural changes are observed following salting; reflected in the fact
      that the Z-disks inside the myofibrils are no longer in line and there is
      important degradation of the cell membranes in this stage. At the end of the
      process, an accumulation of solutes, which could be products from proteolysis
      occurring mainly in the last stage of ripening, could be observed in both
      muscles. Thus the proteolysis and dehydratation phenomena that take place during
      "PDO Teruel" dry-cured ham processing occur at an ultrastructural level, and this
      is the basis to produce a product with the sensory features appreciated by
      consumers.

PMID- 22061004
TI  - How many muscle samples are required to obtain reliable estimations of muscle
      fibre characteristics from pig longissimus muscle?
AB  - In order to investigate the reliability of muscle fibre trait estimations of pig
      longissimus muscle and to derive the minimum number of samples required per
      muscle cross-section and animal, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC,
      theta^) were obtained by one-way analysis of variance. From each of 23 market
      weight pigs five samples, evenly distributed over the muscle cross-sectional area
      at the 12th/13th rib level, were taken and analyzed for various muscle fibre
      traits. The number of samples required per muscle cross-section was found to be
      different between selected fibre traits, ranging from a minimum of three (for
      number of muscle fibres) to a maximum of five or more (for mean fibre area, fibre
      type composition and relative area occupied by each fibre type). These findings
      should be taken as a recommendation, but their usefulness will depend upon the
      goal and conditions of future experiments.

PMID- 22061005
TI  - Carcass yield, composition and meat quality attributes of sheep and goat under
      semiarid conditions.
AB  - Carcass composition and meat quality attributes were compared in yearling sheep
      and goats. After weaning at 3 months of age, the animals were maintained under
      stall fed condition up to 1 year of age. Throughout the study, the animals were
      maintained on ad libitum complete feed (50:50 roughage and concentrate). The
      yearling sheep had higher (P<0.05) pre slaughter weight, hot carcass weight and
      dressing % than the goats. The muscular development as indicated by loin eye area
      was significantly (P<0.01) greater in sheep than goats. In general, total non
      carcass fat contents were more in sheep than goats. Similarly, the dissected
      total fat of half carcass was also more (P<0.01) in sheep than the goats. Neck
      and shoulder portion was heavier (P<0.01) in goats than the sheep. Shear force
      value was greater (P<0.01) in goats (7.42 kg/cm(2)) than sheep (3. 74 kg/cm(2)).
      Goat meat had more (P<0.01) moisture and less fat than mutton. In sensory
      evaluation both the species were rated almost equal in overall palatability
      scores. The current study showed that dressing yield was higher in sheep than
      goats. But goat yielded leaner carcass which is desirable for the calorie concern
      consumers. It was also revealed that meat from goat carcasses was tougher than
      mutton.

PMID- 22061006
TI  - Determination of potential inherent variability when measuring beef quality.
AB  - Probes, which can be used on-line to rapidly and efficiently detect beef quality
      attributes (colour and tenderness), are currently being considered to predict
      ultimate beef quality. The contribution of the inherent sampling variability (due
      to factors such as muscle location) needs to be evaluated in order to optimise
      the sampling procedure for these measurements. The main objective of this trial
      was to monitor some sampling factors which may contribute to variation in pH and
      various quality attributes in bovine M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL).
      Location along the muscle did not impact on colour measurements (P?0.05).
      Location had no effect on cook loss, Warner Bratzler shear force (WBSF) and
      sarcomere length values (P?0.05). The moisture and intramuscular fat contents did
      vary (P?0.05); however, as the differences were very small this may not be of
      practical significance. Different models of pH meters/probes had a significant
      influence (P?0.01) on recorded pH values. However pH did not differ significantly
      (P?0.05) along the length of the LTL. The type of meter used also had a
      significant impact on colour readings and 1 h 'blooming' time was observed as
      optimal for measuring colour on beef.

PMID- 22061007
TI  - Effects of conjugated linoleic acid on color and lipid oxidation of beef patties
      during cold storage.
AB  - The effects of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on color and lipid oxidation of
      beef patties were investigated. Ground beef was divided into three batches. The
      control patties were prepared with 90% lean meat and 10% tallow. The second
      treatment consisted of 90% lean meat with 9.5% tallow+0.5% CLA sources. The third
      treatment consisted of 90% lean meat with 8% tallow+2% CLA sources. The patties
      were wrap-packaged and then stored at 4 degrees  for 14 days. The CLA
      concentration significantly increased (P<0.05) by substituting CLA sources for
      fat. Storage of the patties did not alter the CLA concentration in beef patties.
      The treatment substituted with CLA sources had significantly lower TBARS (2
      thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances) values (P<0.05) than the control. For
      oxymyoglobin contents and a* value, substituted CLA sources treatments had
      significantly higher values than the control. However, L* value significantly
      increased by substituting CLA sources for fat.

PMID- 22061008
TI  - A comparison of halothane homozygous negative and positive pietrain sire lines in
      relation to carcass and meat quality, and welfare traits.
AB  - Barrows (n=164) and gilts (n=249) from crosses of a Pietrain homozygous halothane
      recessive (Pi nn) and two Pietrain homozygous dominant (Pi NN-a and Pi NN-b) sire
      lines with Landrace*Large White NN sows, were used to study the effect of
      terminal sire and pre-slaughter treatment on meat quality and animal welfare. The
      pigs from each of the two farms where they were finished were delivered to the
      abattoir in two batches differing in the pre-slaughter conditions. A total of 90
      pigs (54 NN and 36 Nn) were assigned to a long pre-slaughter treatment (6 h
      transport and 14.5 h lairage) and 89 (57 NN and 33 Nn) to a short pre-slaughter
      treatment (4.5 h transport and 2.5 h lairage) in Farm 1, and 118 (65 NN and 53
      Nn) to the long (7 h transport and 14 h lairage) and 114 (66 NN and 48 Nn) to the
      short pre-slaughter treatment (1.5 h transport and 2 h lairage) in Farm 2. In
      Farm 1, heart rate of 3 NN and 3 Nn gilts was recorded throughout loading and
      transport and blood samples from 5 NN and 5 Nn were collected before loading and
      after transport to measure cortisol, creatine phosphokinase (CPK) and lactate
      dehydrogenase (LDH). Carcasses were classified and commercial cutting was carried
      out. At 24 h, meat quality was assessed on the Longissimus thoracis muscle by
      measuring electrical conductivity (PQM), colour (Minolta CR 200 and Japanese
      scale), pHu and drip losses. Halothane carriers showed a higher mean heart rate
      and higher increase in CPK levels (P<0.05) after transport in the short pre
      slaughter treatment than halothane free pigs. No effect was observed in cortisol
      or LDH values. Pi NN-a sired pigs had a higher live and carcass weight (P<0.001)
      and loin depth (P<0.05), but lower killing out percentage (P<0.01) and leg yield
      (P<0.01) compared with the progeny of the other two terminal sires. Gilts were
      leaner (P<0.001), had a higher killing out percentage (P<0.001) and higher yields
      of primal cuts (P<0.001) compared with barrows. Pi nn sired pigs had poorer meat
      quality (higher PQM values in both farms, P<0.01) than Pi NN-a sired pigs. Long
      pre-slaughter treatment resulted in darker meat (P<0.01) in both farms and in
      higher pHu (P<0.001) in Farm 1 than short pre-slaughter treatment. Conversely,
      pigs subjected to the short pre-slaughter treatment showed higher PQM values
      (P<0.01) in Farm 1 and higher PSE percentage (P<0.05) in both farms compared to
      the ones subjected to the long pre-slaughter treatment. These results suggest
      that Pietrain halothane free sire lines could produce similar results on carcass
      quality to halothane carriers, without compromising meat quality and welfare.

PMID- 22061009
TI  - Effect of NaCl on lipid peroxidation-derived aldehyde, 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal
      formation in minced pork and beef.
AB  - Pork and beef containing NaCl were stored at 0  degrees C and changes in 4
      hydroxynonenal (HNE) content were analyzed after 0, 3, 7 and 10 days. As an index
      of the lipid peroxidation level, malonaldehyde (MA) content was also analyzed. In
      pork, HNE content in samples with 2% NaCl increased (P<0.05) after 7 and 10 days
      of storage. In beef, HNE content in all samples increased during storage. The HNE
      content in samples with NaCl was higher than those of the control, after 7 and 10
      days of storage, although the difference was not always significant. Judging from
      MA content, NaCl may act as a pro-oxidant in pork and beef. HNE may accumulate in
      pork and beef in which lipid peroxidation is progress.

PMID- 22061010
TI  - Changes in fatty acids and microbial populations of pork inoculated with two
      biopreservative strains.
AB  - Meat surface fermentation has been reported as an efficient method to reduce
      undesirable microbial population of this food commodity in tropical areas with
      high ambient temperatures and humidity. However, in order to efficiently apply
      this method, growth of biopreservative strains and changes in the meat substrate
      should be studied. Changes in long-chain fatty acids as well as pH and microbial
      growth (lactic acid bacteria and enterobacteria) were studied in pork inoculated
      with two biopreservative strains (Lactobacillus alimentarius and Staphylococcus
      carnosus) and stored at 4 and 20  degrees C. Both tested strains produced more
      than 6 mg lactic acid/g tissue, however, S. carnosus was more efficient in
      reducing enterobacteria populations at 20  degrees C. No significant increase in
      long-chain fatty acid concentration in samples stored at 4  degrees C was
      observed but there was a rapid increase of free fatty acids when stored at 20 
      degrees C.

PMID- 22061011
TI  - Glutathione peroxidase activity, and content of total and soluble selenium in
      five bovine and porcine organs used in meat production.
AB  - Glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) activity, and total and soluble selenium content
      were compared in five bovine and porcine organs. The highest GSHPx activity in
      porcine tissues was found in the liver (35.0 U/g), spleen (29.3 U/g) and kidney
      (27.3 U/g) with much lower values in the heart (1.8 U/g) and diaphragm (0.8 U/g).
      A different pattern with lower inter-organ variation in GSHPx activity was
      observed in cattle: kidney (8.5 U/g), spleen (8.0 U/g), heart (5.8 U/g), liver
      (4.0 U/g) and diaphragm (2.1 U/g). The total selenium content was similar in both
      species with the highest content in the kidney (1764 and 1665 ng/g; pig/bovine),
      followed by liver (533 and 307 ng/g), spleen (370 and 284 ng/g), heart (201 and
      205 ng/g) and diaphragm (144 and 116 ng/g). The percentage of soluble selenium
      varied more among the pig organs (46-94%) than among bovine organs (61-75%). The
      results show a marked variation in the activity of the selenium-containing GSHPx
      among organs and species in spite of a similar rank order of selenium content in
      the two species. Since GSHPx has a role in food stability and the intake of
      selenium is marginal in many European countries, the results add to the
      background information concerning the use of selenium rich organs as human foods.

PMID- 22061012
TI  - The effects of electrical stunning and percussive captive bolt stunning on meat
      quality of cattle processed by Turkish slaughter procedures.
AB  - The effects of electrical and percussive captive bolt stunning both on initial
      and up to 14 days post mortem meat quality of Friesian young bulls were studied.
      The first group (NS; n=10) were slaughtered without stunning under Turkish
      slaughter procedure (these animals were slaughtered under conditions acceptable
      to the appropriate ethics committee) in a modern abattoir. In the second group
      (ES; n=10) animals were electrically stunned. In the third group (PS; n=10)
      animals were stunned with percussive captive bolt. Meat quality was assessed by
      examining muscle glycogen concentration, pH and WHC. Also cooking loss, texture
      parameters and consumer sensory properties were assessed at 24 h, 4, 7 and 14
      days post mortem. Meat colour as L(*), a(*), b(*), C(*), h(*) values were
      evaluated at 0, 48 h, 3, 5, 7, 9 and 14 days post mortem. Pre-slaughter handling
      affected muscle glycogen concentration (P<0.05). Animals in electrical and
      percussive captive bolt stunned groups had higher muscle glycogen concentrations
      compared to animals in the non-stunned group (P<0.05). Although pre-slaughter
      handling did not affect significantly pH(24 h) and WHC, differences were
      significant for cooking loss, colour coordinates and texture parameters at some
      storage times. For all sensory attributes (odour, flavour, tenderness and overall
      acceptability) at all ageing periods (24 h, 4, 7 and 14 days) the percussive
      stunned (PS) group was significantly superior to the non-stunned (NS) group. The
      electrically-stunned (ES) group also tended to be superior to the NS group
      although not all differences were statistically significant. These results
      indicate that percussive captive bolt stunning of cattle improved meat quality
      compared with cattle electrically stunned using head only tongs and those non
      stunned under approved Turkish slaughter procedure.

PMID- 22061013
TI  - Effect of food grade organic acids on inoculated S. aureus, L. monocytogenes, E.
      coli and S. Typhimurium in sheep/goat meat stored at refrigeration temperature.
AB  - Sheep/goat forequarters procured from freshly slaughtered animals were
      decontaminated with hot water and inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria
      monocytogenes, Escherichia coli and Salmonella typhimurium. The forequarters were
      individually spray washed with 2% lactic acid and 1.5% acetic + 1.5% propionic
      acid combination. Total viable count (TVC) of the treated meat samples was
      reduced by about 0.52 and 1.16 log units with marginal changes in colour and
      odour scores. Inoculated organisms were found to be highly sensitive to acid
      combination treatment as compared to lactic acid alone. Shelf-life of acid and
      acid combination treated samples was increased to 8 and 11 days as against 3 days
      in untreated samples. Carcass washing with acid alone or acid combination was
      found to be suitable for extension of shelf-life and improvement in the sensory
      and microbiological quality of meat.

PMID- 22061014
TI  - Microstructural changes in rabbit meat wrapped with Pteridium aquilinum fern
      during postmortem storage.
AB  - This work studied the microstructural degradation of rabbit semimembranosus
      muscle wrapped with Pteridium aquilinum fern fronds, stored at 4  degrees C
      during the first 72 h postmortem. At the microstructural level, practically all
      the perimysial and endomysial connective tissue was destroyed and a small
      degradation of the myofibrils could be observed after the first 24 h postmortem;
      in addition, a degradation of the sarcolemma and the generation of numerous gaps
      were seen. After 32 h postmortem, tissue fibres were broken, cell membranes were
      more strongly degraded, and the connections between the sarcolemma and the
      myofibrils had disappeared. After 72 h postmortem, intercellular connections
      became degraded inside the muscle bundles and intercellular gaps became larger.
      The proteolytic activity is attributed to fern endogenous enzymatic activity in
      addition to the typical endogenous enzymatic activity of meat postmortem.

PMID- 22061015
TI  - The influence of season on quality characteristics of hot-boned beef m.
      longissimus thoracis.
AB  - Samples of m. longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle were randomly collected from 70
      Omani beef cattle 1 h after slaughter between August 2001 and July 2002 in the
      Muscat Municipality central slaughterhouse to investigate the effect of seasonal
      parameters on meat quality during the hot and cool seasons of Oman. The
      collection period (12 months) was divided into two seasons according to ambient
      temperatures and relative humidity and termed: Cool Season (November-March with
      average temperature of 21.2+/-1.40  degrees C and 57.9+/-1.61% relative humidity)
      and Hot Season (April-October with average temperature of 34.3+/-1.67  degrees C
      and 48.8+/-7.57% relative humidity). The season had a significant effect on meat
      quality characteristics of the LT muscle. Muscles collected during the hot season
      had significantly (P<0.001) higher ultimate pH values (6.24) with significantly
      (P<0.001) lower Warner-Bratzler (WB) shear force values (10.12) than those
      collected during the cool season (5.54 and 15.58). In these hot-boned samples,
      there was a linear relationship between ultimate pH and WB shear values. Cooking
      loss was significantly (P<0.001) higher for cool season samples (26.01%) than
      from hot season samples (19.75%). Beef from the hot season group had
      significantly (P<0.001) darker meat than that of the cold season group, based on
      L* (31.45 vs 35.58), a* (18.53 vs 23.19) and b* (4.16 vs 6.40) colour
      measurements. There was a linear relationship between ultimate pH and cooking
      loss, L*, a* and b*. These results indicated that heat stress (>30  degrees C)
      lead to physiological stress in beef cattle, which in turn increased muscle
      ultimate pH and influenced related meat quality characteristics.

PMID- 22061016
TI  - Comparative effect of low levels of dietary cobalt and parenteral injection of
      vitamin B(12) on carcass and meat quality characteristics in Omani goats.
AB  - The effect of low levels of dietary cobalt (Co) on carcass and meat quality
      characteristics were investigated in 36 male goats of three different Omani
      breeds namely Batina, Dhofari and Jabal Akdhar. Goats were randomly divided into
      two groups at 10 weeks of age, control (18 animals) and treated (18 animals).
      Goats from both groups were fed Rhodesgrass hay and a commercially prepared diet
      containing 0.10 and 0.12 mg Co/kg DM, respectively from 10 to 46 weeks of age.
      Animals in the treated group were supplemented with subcutaneous injections of
      2000 MUg of hydroxocobalamin (vitamin B(12)) on week 10 and thereafter for 46
      weeks at 8-week intervals. At 46 weeks of age, the animals were slaughtered and
      their carcass and meat quality characteristics compared. Serum vitamin B(12)
      levels were significantly higher in goats from the treated group from week 16
      till the end of the experiment. The final live and carcass weights were
      significantly higher (P<0.05) for the treated Batina group by 13.4 and 8.3%
      compared with the control group, respectively. Shoulder, rack, loin and leg cut
      weights were also significantly higher (P<0.05) for the Batina treated group
      compared with the control group by 14.7, 16.8, 12.8 and 13.1%, respectively.
      Carcass length, leg length, width behind shoulder, maximum shoulder width and
      longissimus muscle area were significantly higher (P<0.05) for the Batina treated
      breed than for the control group by 6.7, 5.8, 10.1, 10.1 and 28.5%, respectively.
      Four muscles (Mm. longissimus dorsi, biceps femoris, semimembranosus, and
      semitendinosus) from treated and control groups were evaluated for ultimate pH,
      expressed juice, cooking loss%, colour (L*, a* and b*), and Warner-Bratzler shear
      force values. There were significant treatment effects on these muscle quality
      characteristics for the Batina breed only. Muscles from the treated group showed
      significantly lower (P<0.05) shear force values of between 15 and 27% than those
      from the control group. Moreover, the treated Batina goats tended to have
      significantly lower (P<0.05) ultimate pH, expressed juice, L* and higher a*
      values than those from the control group for longissimus dorsi and biceps femoris
      muscles only.

PMID- 22061017
TI  - Chemical and microbiological parameters and sensory attributes of a typical
      Sicilian salami ripened in different conditions.
AB  - A study was carried out on a typical Sicilian salami prepared from meat of the
      local Nero Siciliano pig in order to characterize this typical product. One
      formulation of salami was divided in two batches and ripened in two different
      environments, a traditional sicilian room (TR) and a controlled industrial
      ripening room (RR). Microbiological and physico-chemical analysis were performed
      on raw mixture and after 7 and 90 days of ripening. Sensory analysis was carried
      out on salami at the end of ripening, and flavour compounds were extracted by
      simultaneous distillation-extraction and analysed by gas chromatography/mass
      spectrometry. Commercial salami prepared from meat from white pig were purchased
      locally and used as comparative samples. The experimental salami at the end of
      ripening was characterized by a high level of fat and low level of moisture.
      Fatty acid analysis showed that experimental salami contained a higher percentage
      of oleic acid, vaccenic acid and palmitic acid and a lower percentage of stearic
      acid and linoleic acid, when compared to commercial salami (P<0.05). No
      significant differences were found in fatty acid composition of the experimental
      salami between the two types of ripening. Instrumental analysis of flavour
      volatile compounds in the experimental salami demonstrated that traditionally
      ripened salami contained the most volatiles, especially aldehydes (8217 vs. 3104
      ng g(-1), P<0.05). Sensory analysis showed no significant differences as a
      consequence of different ripening conditions for firmness, saltiness, acidity,
      cohesiveness and elasticity. In contrast, there were significant differences for
      hardness and rancidity, which were higher in TR salami compared with RR and
      commercial salami. Lactic acid bacteria and Micrococcaceae counts were higher in
      controlled ripened salami although the hygienic quality of both products was
      satisfactory. The use of a controlled room for the ripening of this typical
      salami seems to be a potential technological improvement to maintain an all year
      around production of this salami, that otherwise cannot be produced in the summer
      period due to the higher environmental temperatures. However, the non
      traditionally ripened product showed some chemical differences that were not
      evidenced by sensory analysis.

PMID- 22061018
TI  - Effects of housing conditions of slaughter pigs on some post mortem muscle
      metabolites and pork quality characteristics.
AB  - The results of two experiments studying the effects of housing conditions on post
      mortem muscle metabolism and meat quality are presented. In the first experiment
      slaughter pigs (n=71) from two different crossings, were raised at a density of
      0.7 m(2)/animal (10 pigs/pen) either with (enriched) or without (conventional) a
      bedding of daily fresh straw. In the second experiment, animals (n=60) were
      reared under either conventional or free range housing (1.25 m(2)/animal, 30 pigs
      per pen) conditions. Main differences between conventional and enriched housed
      pigs were found in the biceps femoris (BF) muscle, and related to temperature,
      drip loss and colour. Association studies revealed that there were significant
      correlations between early (0-4 h) post mortem muscle pH and glycogen and lactate
      concentrations and between muscle pH measured at 1 h post mortem and muscle
      rigidity, expressed as the rigor value. There were significant differences with
      respect to meat quality and post mortem metabolism of the longissimus lumborum
      (LL), between conventional and free-range pigs. Early post mortem pH (0-4 h) was
      highest in the free-range pigs, due to low lactate concentrations. The relatively
      fast pH decline in the conventionally housed group resulted in increased amounts
      of water exuding from the meat, as measured by the filter paper method. The
      ultimate pH, was lowest in the free-range animals. The differences in ultimate
      pH, however, had no effect on drip or cooking losses. It can be concluded from
      these results that enrichment of the housing system has little effect on the
      course of the post mortem metabolism and meat quality. However, increasing the
      freedom of movement by applying lower stocking densities, affects the post mortem
      muscle metabolism, resulting in reduced water exudation. Correlations up to 0.7
      between energetic parameters are not sufficiently high to be useful to predict
      meat quality of individual carcasses.

PMID- 22061019
TI  - The effect of dietary CLA supplementation on meat and eating quality, and the
      histochemical profile of the m. longissimus dorsi from stress susceptible
      fatteners slaughtered at heavier weights.
AB  - The influence of adding 2% CLA to the morning feed of a group of 20 crossbred
      fatteners from 70 to 130 kg on meat quality, eating quality and dietetic value of
      m. longissimus dorsi was evaluated compared with a group of 20 controls. Addition
      of 2% CLA in feed did not influence fattening and slaughter results and also some
      traits of meat and eating quality. The only significant differences were observed
      in dry matter content, in meat flavour and L(*), b(*), and hue angle value. Meat
      from fatteners from the experimental group had a statistically significant higher
      content of CLA (P?0.01) and lower content of unsaturated fatty acids especially
      C18: 2, C18: 1 and C20: 4, PUFA fatty acids (P?0.01) and a reduction in the ratio
      of n-6: n-3 PUFA (P?0.01). No statistically significant influence of CLA on the
      content of cholesterol was observed. The results of the current histochemical
      study showed that dietary CLA supplementation significantly increased both the
      number and diameter of white fibres, and correspondingly reduced the number and
      diameter of red fibres. The percentage and diameter of intermediate fibres was
      unaffected by CLA.

PMID- 22061020
TI  - Effect of blade tenderization and tumbling time on the processing characteristics
      and tenderness of injected cooked roast beef.
AB  - The combined effect of blade tenderization (T, NT) and tumbling time (0, 2, 16 h)
      on quality characteristics of cooked beef roasts processed with 20 or 40%
      injection level was investigated. Properties of the beef roasts were determined
      by measuring processing and textural characteristics (shear force, texture
      profile analysis). Extended tumbling (to 16 h) favorably affected hydration
      properties and thermal stability, yielding lower cooking loss and purge and
      higher WHC for beef roasts. It also decreased shear force and hardness of beef
      samples by 50-60%, but was unable to increase cohesiveness. Blade tenderization
      prior to injection generally was found to be beneficial for textural
      characteristics, tended to improve cook yield, but did not influence other
      hydration properties. An interaction between tenderization and tumbling was
      observed for shear force. Blade tenderization decreased shear values by 15-20%
      for roasts tumbled for 0 or 2 h, but did not improve tenderness with extended
      tumbling.

PMID- 22061021
TI  - Effect of Duroc content, sex and ageing period on meat and eating quality
      attributes of pork loin.
AB  - This study was conducted to determine the effect of percentage Duroc content of
      entire male and female pigs and ageing period on meat and eating quality
      attributes of pork loin (M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum). A total of 84 pigs
      [entire males (n=42) and female (n=42)] of 0% Duroc (100% Large White), 50% Duroc
      (Duroc*Large White) or 100% Duroc (n=14 pigs per sex*genotype combination) were
      slaughtered at a liveweight of ~100 kg. Steaks from the M. longissimus lumborum
      of female pigs were aged for either 2 or 7 days post-slaughter and evaluated
      using a consumer taste panel. Eating quality attributes of tenderness, flavour
      and overall liking of pork loin steaks from female pigs were not (P>0.05)
      influenced by Duroc content. Pork from 100% Duroc pigs was juicier (P=0.05) and
      had a higher (1.84%, P=0.05) intramuscular fat content than pork from 0 and 50%
      Duroc pigs (1.40 and 1.25%, respectively). Pork from entire male pigs had a lower
      (P<0.001) intramuscular fat content, was darker (P<0.01) in colour and recorded
      higher (P<0.01) Warner Bratzler shear force values compared with pork from female
      carcasses. Ageing pork loin steaks in vacuum bags for 7 days improved tenderness
      (P<0.01), flavour (P<0.05) and overall liking (P<0.05) compared with steaks aged
      for 2 days post-slaughter. Ageing of pork steaks for 7 days post-slaughter
      improved eating quality attributes far more effectively than increasing
      percentage Duroc content of pigs, which only influenced consumer scores for
      juiciness.

PMID- 22061022
TI  - Factors associated with surface iridescence in fresh beef.
AB  - The objective of this study was to investigate factors associated with surface
      iridescence in fresh beef. Eight muscles were evaluated for occurrence of surface
      iridescence: Biceps femoris (BF), Gluteus medius (GM), Longissimus lumborum (LD),
      Psoas major (PM), Rectus femoris (RF), Semimembranosus (SM), Semitendinosus (ST),
      and Tensor fasciae latae (TF). Incidence of surface iridescence was 91% for ST,
      34% for SM, 27% for LD, 20% for GM, 12% for RF, 9% for BF, 8% for TF, and 6% for
      PM (P<0.05). Factors associated with surface iridescence in the ST were further
      examined because iridescence was observed to a much higher degree in the ST as
      compared with other muscles evaluated. Greater ST surface iridescence was
      associated with larger ribeye areas, more youthful lean maturity scores, higher
      L(*), a(*) and b(*) colorimeter values, lower ultimate pH values, and faster
      cooking (P<0.05).

PMID- 22061023
TI  - Prediction of suckling lamb carcass composition from objective and subjective
      carcass measurements.
AB  - Correlations and regression between fatness and carcass conformation measurements
      and carcass tissue composition has been studied for both sexes in suckling lambs,
      with slaughter weights between 9 and 15 kg. Objective fat measurements showed
      higher correlations than subjective fat measurements, mainly with carcass fat.
      Conformation measurements presented greater correlations with tissues weight than
      with tissues proportion (r?0.50). CCW was highly correlated with total muscle in
      the carcass (R(2)=0.961). Two fatness measurements (KKCF proportion and dorsal
      fat thickness) were included for the prediction of the muscle proportion.
      Furthermore, the model included other measurements, such as fore cannon bone
      weight and internal carcass length although they displayed very low correlation
      coefficients. This equation explained 64.1% of the variation of carcass muscle
      proportion (r.s.d.=1.532). CCW was included in the prediction equations of tissue
      weights, although in the fat tissue equation it appeared in the form of the
      carcass compactness index (CCW/L). CCW was a good predictor of the weight of
      carcass tissues in suckling lambs, especially for muscle. Prediction equations
      for tissue composition in grams were more accurate (R(2)?0.91) than those for
      tissue proportion. When gender was included in all models it did not improve
      either accuracy or precision of the prediction.

PMID- 22061024
TI  - Preliminary investigation of the application of Raman spectroscopy to the
      prediction of the sensory quality of beef silverside.
AB  - The potential of Raman spectroscopy for the determination of meat quality
      attributes has been investigated using data from a set of 52 cooked beef samples,
      which were rated by trained taste panels. The Raman spectra, shear force and
      cooking loss were measured and PLS used to correlate the attributes with the
      Raman data. Good correlations and standard errors of prediction were found when
      the Raman data were used to predict the panels' rating of acceptability of
      texture (R(2)=0.71, Residual Mean Standard Error of Prediction (RMSEP)% of the
      mean (MU)=15%), degree of tenderness (R(2)=0.65, RMSEP% of MU=18%), degree of
      juiciness (R(2)=0.62, RMSEP% of MU=16%), and overall acceptability (R(2)=0.67,
      RMSEP% of MU=11%). In contrast, the mechanically determined shear force was
      poorly correlated with tenderness (R(2)=0.15). Tentative interpretation of the
      plots of the regression coefficients suggests that the alpha-helix to beta-sheet
      ratio of the proteins and the hydrophobicity of the myofibrillar environment are
      important factors contributing to the shear force, tenderness, texture and
      overall acceptability of the beef. In summary, this work demonstrates that Raman
      spectroscopy can be used to predict consumer-perceived beef quality. In part,
      this overall success is due to the fact that the Raman method predicts texture
      and tenderness, which are the predominant factors in determining overall
      acceptability in the Western world. Nonetheless, it is clear that Raman
      spectroscopy has considerable potential as a method for non-destructive and rapid
      determination of beef quality parameters.

PMID- 22061025
TI  - Physical changes of significance for early post mortem water distribution in
      porcine M. longissimus.
AB  - The post mortem changes in water mobility and distribution were followed in
      porcine muscle (M. longissimus dorsi) samples using continuous low-field NMR
      relaxation measurements and simultaneous measurement of changes in muscle
      impedance as an indirect measure of membrane integrity as well as muscle
      contraction measurements using a rigormeter instrument. Distributed exponential
      fitting analysis of NMR T(2) relaxation data revealed the presence of three
      distinct water populations (T(20), T(21), T(22)) within the muscle during its
      conversion to meat. Comparison of T(2) relaxation patterns and contraction data
      indicates that rigor development affects the attributes of the T(21) water
      population and thereby contributes to myofibrillar water characteristics post
      mortem, as the T(21) water population is believed to reflect inter/intra
      myofibrillar water. The volume of the water population believed to reflect extra
      cellular water (T(22)) in the living muscle. Early post mortem T(22) decreased
      slightly within the first 2-3 h post mortem followed by an increase and a change
      in its characteristic time constant. This was ascribed to an initial muscle cell
      swelling followed by water being expelled from the cellular space into the extra
      myofibrillar space. Comparison of changes in the T(22) water population and
      impedance characteristics within the muscle during its conversion to meat
      revealed close relationship between progresses in the two attributes. Obtained
      data strongly support that the post mortem reorganization of water is closely
      associated with membrane properties, which moreover was found to affect the final
      water-holding capacity of the meat. Finally, a model for early post mortem events
      leading to changes in the distribution of water within muscles is proposed.

PMID- 22061026
TI  - The effects of slaughter weight, breed type and ageing time on beef meat quality
      using two different texture devices.
AB  - Physical characteristics of meat texture were measured on the M. longissimus
      dorsi of 103 entire yearling bulls in terms of the effect of slaughter weight
      (300 or 550 kg), breed type (double muscle, fast growth, dual purpose and
      unimproved) and ageing time (1, 7 and 21 days). Live weight, breed and ageing
      effects were statistically significant for all the Warner-Bratzler variables
      measured on cooked meat. For compression values (raw meat), live weight had a
      significant effect at higher compression rates, which were higher in the heaviest
      animals, and ageing had a significant effect at lower compression rates, which
      were progressively lower as ageing time increased. Breed effect was significantly
      different for all compression values. At the highest rates of compression,
      unimproved and dual purpose breed types had the highest values. At 20%
      compression, double muscled animals had the lowest values, but only at one day of
      ageing. The differences between breed types tended to decrease or disappear with
      longer periods of ageing.

PMID- 22061027
TI  - Methodology for measuring malonaldehyde as a product of lipid peroxidation in
      muscle tissues: A review.
AB  - The purpose of this review is to summarize concerns regarding the formation and
      quantification of malonaldehyde as a product of lipid peroxidation in muscle
      tissues. The spectrophotometric thiobarbituric acid (TBA) method is the most
      frequently used test for malonaldehyde quantification, especially in muscle
      tissues, as a marker of lipid peroxidation. However, the TBA method has been
      criticized as lacking specificity and adequate sensitivity towards malonaldehyde.
      High performance liquid and gas chromatographic methods offer better specificity
      and sensitivity for malonaldehyde detection. The TBA method, however, may be
      preferred over the chromatographic method because of its simplicity, especially
      when a large number of samples need to be analyzed in a short period of time on a
      daily basis. In addition, the TBA method has been correlated with other objective
      and subjective methods of measuring lipid peroxidation and its specificity can be
      improved with the use of a solid phase extraction C(18) cartridge.

PMID- 22061028
TI  - The effects of antioxidative treatments on mutton flavour/odour intensity and
      species flavour differentiation.
AB  - This study examined the effects of curing and oxygen exclusion on the odour and
      flavour of sheepmeats. One series of experiments examined the effect of curing on
      the ability of panellists to distinguish between the flavours of lean mince from
      various species (mutton, beef, pork, chicken). Other experiments examined the
      effects of curing and of maintaining an anoxic storage/cooking environment on the
      intensity of mutton flavour and odour, particularly adipose tissue odour. Curing
      had no effect on panellists' abilities to distinguish between the flavour of
      mince from different species. Storage and cooking of uncured mutton adipose
      tissue samples under anoxic conditions limited lipid oxidation but enhanced
      mutton odour intensity. Nitride had a pro-oxidant effect on mutton adipose tissue
      stored in air. There was no corresponding effect on mutton odour intensity. These
      findings suggest that lipid oxidation products contribute very little to mutton
      odour from adipose tissue, and possibly also to species flavour differences in
      lean meats.

PMID- 22061029
TI  - Comparisons of the effect of electrical stimulation methods on postmortem pH
      decline in beef muscle.
AB  - Results of four electrical stimulation (ES) studies were summarized to
      demonstrate the impact of different ES parameters on pH decline patterns in
      postmortem M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum. Postmortem pH decline was modeled
      as a non-linear function of time, and estimates of minimum obtainable pH, pH
      decline rates, and time to reach pH 6.0 were compared for each study. The decline
      model for study 4 (AC, 60 Hz, 50 V; 5 min post mortem) had a larger (P < 0.05)
      estimate for decline rate than that for study 1 (AC, 60 Hz, 400 V; 1 h post
      mortem) and the control (non-stimulated) data. The model estimate of time to pH
      6.0 (0.56 h) for study 4 was the shortest (P < 0.05) for all treatments.
      Different ES parameters produce different pH decline patterns post mortem and,
      therefore, may impact product quality and fabrication and chilling protocols
      adopted in fresh beef processing.

PMID- 22061030
TI  - Influence of repeated restraint and isolation stress and electrolyte
      administration on carcass quality and muscle electrolyte content of sheep.
AB  - Crossbred lambs were assigned, within weight blocks, to one of four treatments
      applied in a 2 * 2 factorial design (n = 6 per treatment). Treatment main effects
      included no stress (NS) or three consecutive days of restraint and isolation
      stress (RIS) and treatment with either water (W) or electrolytes (E). The
      experimental design resulted in four treatments, namely NS-lambs given W, NS
      lambs given E, RIS-lambs given W, and RIS-lambs given E. Stress treatment
      consisted of moving each lamb from its home stanchion to a separate location and
      isolation from visual and tactile contact with other lambs for 6 hours daily for
      3 days before slaughter. All lambs received a 320 ml oral drench of either W or E
      on each day after the stress treatment. Stress treatment reduced (P < 0.05)
      semitendinosus (ST) muscle glycogen by 4.8-fold. At 24 h post mortem, muscle pH
      for semimembranosus (SM), biceps femoris (BF) and infraspinatus (IF) was higher
      (P < 0.05) in RIS-lambs that in NS-lambs. Hunter L(*)a(*)b(*) values, measured on
      muscle cross-section, revealed a lighter (P < 0.05) BF; more (P < 0.05) red BF,
      ST, and longissimus dorsi (LD); and more (P < 0.05) yellow ST, SM, BF, and LD for
      NS-than for RIS-lambs. Muscle from RIS-lambs contained less (P < 0.05) potassium
      than that from NS-lambs. Restraint and isolation stress of lambs resulted in a
      reduction in muscle glycogen, but only slight increases in ultimate pH and
      minimal influences on muscle color. Administration of electrolytes had no effect
      on lamb carcass quality.

PMID- 22061031
TI  - A relationship between bovine fat colour and fatty acid composition.
AB  - Subcutaneous adipose tissue was obtained from pasture-grazed (n = 13) and short
      term (70 days) grain-fed (n = 13) cattle. The yellow colour of the adipose tissue
      was assessed by Minolta b(*) value readings and by determination of total
      carotenoids and the two measurements gave a correlation coefficient of 0.79 (P <
      0.01). The fatty acid composition of the samples varied with fat colour. As the
      b(*) value and the carotenoid content of the fat increased, there was a
      significant increase in the total percentage of cis mono-unsaturated fatty acids
      and a decrease in saturated fatty acids (P < 0.01). Consequently, the ratio of
      cis mono-unsaturated to saturated fatty acids was found to be higher in those
      samples exhibiting a greater yellow colour.

PMID- 22061032
TI  - Tenderness of ovine semimembranosus: Is collagen concentration or solubility the
      critical factor?
AB  - The concentration and heat-dependent solubility of collagen were measured in the
      semimembranosus (36 animals) and, for comparison, the gluteus (108) muscles of
      sheep aged 4 months to 5 years. For both muscles, solubility declined with age
      but concentration remained unchanged. Compared to gluteus and other major ovine
      muscles, the semimembranosus had markedly insoluble collagen at a relatively low
      concentration. To assess the relative importance of collagen concentration and
      solubility on tenderness/texture for a muscle with this profile, the
      semimembranosus muscles contralateral to those used for collagen analysis were
      cooked to an endpoint of 75 degrees C and assessed by sensory panel and Warner
      Bratzler shear tests. The panel data showed that collagen concentration was the
      more important determinant of eating quality, whereas shear data were more
      clearly related to solubility. The implications of the sensory results are
      discussed for muscles that contain a different collagen profile.

PMID- 22061033
TI  - Special treatment during slaughtering in Finland of cattle carrying an excessive
      load of dung; Meat hygienic aspects.
AB  - The aim of the study was to evaluate the microbiological consequences of the
      Finnish special hide regulations. These were agreed upon, by a committee
      including members representing meat production, industry and the state, to reduce
      the number of cattle carrying excessive loads of dung. The changes in the number
      of excessively dungy cattle in one beef abattoir have been recorded since the
      adoption of the special rules. The effect of excessive dunginess of the hide on
      microbial contamination of the carcasses was measured in the same abattoir using
      excision sampling technique. From 1983 to 1990 the proportion of excessively
      dungy cattle has decreased 85%, with the majority of them arriving from October
      to March. Excess dunginess resulted in statistically significantly increased
      microbial contamination at both sampling sites. Results indicate that the
      regulations are reasonable from the point of view of meat hygiene and that, for
      commercial-scale slaughtering, the drawbacks caused by the excess dunginess of
      the hide cannot be compensated for by greater care in the work procedures.

PMID- 22061034
TI  - Effects of starter cultures on the biochemical characteristics of French dry
      sausages.
AB  - Bacterial starter cultures, consisting of lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus,
      Pediococcus) and staphylococci (Staphlylococcus carnosus. S. saprophyticus, S.
      warneri), have an important effect on the pH, lactate, acetate and free fatty
      acid contents of sausages. Sausages made with L. sake had the lowest pH whereas
      no change of pH was noticed in the controls and in the sausages inoculated with
      P. acidilactici. Inoculation of S. saprophyticus led to sausages with a high
      acetate content. Lipolysis occurred not only in inoculated samples but also in
      the controls, but it was the highest in the sausages inoculated with S. warneri.

PMID- 22061035
TI  - Effects of biological source on cooking and palatability attributes of beef
      produced for the Japanese market.
AB  - Boneless beef loin samples from five biological sources (Japanese Wagyu, American
      Wagyu (3 4 - 7 8  Wagyu), Angus, Longhorn and US Choice) were evaluated for
      cooking and palatability attributes as shabu-shabu, steaks and roasts. Japanese
      Wagyu beef was superior in palatability compared to Angus, Longhorn and US Choice
      beef when prepared as shabu-shabu or as steaks. Very palatable beef was produced
      for the Japanese market when the Wagyu breed and a controlled, extended feeding
      period were utilized. The results were more equivocal when the beef was prepared
      as roasts, but it is unlikely that a substantial demand for roasts will develop
      in Japan due to high retail costs and traditions in cookery.

PMID- 22061036
TI  - The effect of preheated tendon as a lean meat replacement on the properties of
      fine emulsion sausages.
AB  - Tendon from beef hind leg muscles was used to replace some of the lean in a
      conventional emulsion formulation. The tendon was homogenized and either used raw
      or preheated for 2.5 h at a range of temperatures (50, 60, 70, 80 degrees C)
      before use. Texture analysis and sensory evaluation were performed on cylinders
      of cooked sausage. Texture analysis was carried out on formulations which had 20%
      of meat protein replaced by 20% tendons which were raw or had been preheated to
      50, 60, 70, or 80 degrees C. Fracturability decreased by about 40% with raw
      tendon, but was restored to within 20% of the no-replacement control if the
      tendon had been preheated. Hardness was approximately doubled by replacement with
      raw tendon or tendon heated at 50 degrees C. At temperatures higher than that,
      hardness returned to approximately no-replacement levels. For sensory evaluation
      (0-25% replacement; preheating at 70 degrees C), sausages were assessed by a 12
      member panel for texture, flavour and overall acceptability. All attributes
      decreased with increasing collagen content, the decrease being less marked with
      preheated tendon. Thus more connective tissue could be added for the same panel
      score if the tissue was preheated. Comparison of the texture profile and the
      panel scores for texture at the same lean replacement level suggested that
      reduced fracturability was the texture parameter that panellists objected to when
      heated tendon replaced some of the lean. Other researchers have shown that
      connective tissue preheated to 100 degrees C before addition in emulsion sausages
      results in improved yields and better sensory attributes, but the present results
      show that temperatures as low as 60 degrees C can be effective for beef tendon.

PMID- 22061037
TI  - Effects of fattening on post-mortem pH of beef muscles.
AB  - The pH of beef psoas major (PM) and longissimus dorsi (LD) muscles at 1.0 h after
      slaughter were examined among the following four groups: pithed fattening cattle
      (FP), non-pithed fattening cattle (FN), pithed calves (CP) and non-pithed calves
      (CN). Differences were observed only in PM muscles. The levels of pH were in the
      order of FP<FN<CP<CN, and significant differences were observed between CN and
      FP(P<0.01), and between CP and FP(P<0.05). By two-way cross-classification
      analysis of variance, significant differences were observed between fattening
      cattle and calves (P<0.01) and between pithing and non-pithing (P<0.05). These
      differences may be explained by the different death struggle which was caused by
      different weights between calves and fattening cattle and by whether the pithing
      procedure was used or not. Hence, by 1.0 h after slaughter, nearly ultimate pH
      values (5.60 +/- 0.08) were observed in all PM muscles of the FP group.

PMID- 22061038
TI  - Randomized controlled trial of primary care physician motivational interviewing
      versus brief advice to engage adolescents with an Internet-based depression
      prevention intervention: 6-month outcomes and predictors of improvement.
AB  - We believe that primary care physicians could play a key role in engaging youth
      with a depression prevention intervention. We developed CATCH-IT (Competent
      Adulthood Transition with Cognitive Behavioral and Interpersonal Training), which
      is an adolescent Internet-based behavior change model. We conducted a randomized
      comparison of two approaches in engaging adolescents with the Internet
      intervention: primary care physician (PCP) motivational interview + CATCH-IT
      Internet program (MI) vs PCP brief advice + CATCH-IT Internet program (BA). The
      participants (N = 84) were recruited by screening for risk of depression in 13
      primary care practices. We compared depressive disorder outcomes between groups
      and within groups over 6 months and examined the potential predictors and
      moderators of outcomes across both study arms. Depressive symptom scores declined
      from baseline to 6 weeks with these statistically significant reductions
      sustained at the 6 months follow-up in both groups. No significant interactions
      with treatment condition were found. However, by 6 months, the MI group
      demonstrated significantly fewer depressive episodes and reported less
      hopelessness as compared with the BA group. Hierarchical linear modeling
      regressions showed higher ratings of ease of use of the Internet program
      predicting lower depressive symptom levels over 6 months. In conclusion, a
      primary care/Internet-based intervention model among adolescents demonstrated
      reductions in depressed mood over 6 months and may result in fewer depressive
      episodes.

PMID- 22061039
TI  - Alpha aminobutyric acid, an alternative measure of hepatic injury in sepsis?

PMID- 22061040
TI  - Characterization of alpha-amino-n-butyric acid correlations in sepsis.
AB  - Little information is available on the patterns of changes and significance of
      plasma alpha-amino-n-butyric acid (ABA, MUmol/L) in various conditions,
      particularly in sepsis. This study has been performed to assess the patterns of
      correlation among ABA, other amino acids, and other variables in a group of
      septic patients with various degrees of illness. More than 400 determinations of
      ABA, other amino acids, and simultaneously collected blood variables were
      obtained in 17 patients with sepsis. The distribution of ABA was characterized by
      the clustering of most measurements within the normal range (<41 MUmol/L), with
      the spreading of abnormally increased values up to 151 MUmol/L. Abnormal
      increases in ABA were related directly to alanine, serine, tyrosine, histidine,
      proline, threonine, glycine, glutamine, cysteine, lysine, cystathionine, leucine,
      valine, phenylalanine, arginine, and citrulline (r(2) from 0.86 to 0.32) and
      related inversely to aspartate, taurine, and phosphoethanolamine (r(2) from 0.62
      to 0.50) (P < 0.001 for all). Furthermore, increased ABA was correlated with
      increasing total aminoacidemia, lactate, neutrophil concentration, creatinine,
      ammonia, osmolarity, glucose, and bilirubin and with decreasing AA Fischer ratio
      and peripheral O(2) extraction (r(2) from 0.87 to 0.16) (P < 0.001 for all). High
      ABA was also associated with low cholesterol, taurine, and platelet count, and
      with high 3-methylhistidine (partly anticipating the increase), high blood urea
      nitrogen, and pulmonary shunt (P < 0.001 for all). Finally, high ABA was related
      to the worsening of sepsis-related organ failure assessment score (SOFA score)
      and of most plasma AA clearances (P < 0.001 for all). Abnormally increased ABA
      may signal and partly anticipate the transition to an extreme derangement of
      septic metabolic patterns, characterized by the worsening of protein
      hypercatabolism with hyperaminoacidemia and by signs of impaired hepatic amino
      acid metabolism and oxidative metabolism. Increased ABA may represent an
      additional landmark of transition to extreme illness, compelling the need for the
      aggressive resolution of sepsis.

PMID- 22061041
TI  - Efficient myogenic reprogramming of adult white fat stem cells and bone marrow
      stem cells by freshly isolated skeletal muscle fibers.
AB  - Stem cells that can be directed to differentiate into specific cell types offer
      the prospect of a renewable source of replacement cells to treat diseases. This
      study evaluates the reprogramming of 2 readily available stem cell populations
      into skeletal muscle. We show for the first time that freshly isolated muscle
      fibers reprogram bone marrow or white fat stem cells far more efficiently than
      muscle cell lines. In addition, we show that the ability of muscle fibers to
      reprogram stem cells can be almost doubled through the use of chromatin
      remodeling reagents such as trichostatin A. This novel approach permits the
      generation of myogenic cells that could be used to treat a range of muscle
      wasting diseases.

PMID- 22061042
TI  - Role and clinical significance of lymphocyte mitochondrial dysfunction in type 2
      diabetes mellitus.
AB  - Lymphocyte homeostasis in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with
      increased susceptibility to infections. Mitochondrial oxidative stress is
      implicated primarily in the immune pathophysiology of diabetes; however, the
      molecular underpinnings of lymphocyte mitochondrial dysfunction and ensuing
      downstream cellular effects are hitherto unreported. Both in early diagnosed
      patients and patients with late complications, we observed an inverse correlation
      between mitochondrial DNA content in lymphocytes and hemoglobin A1 (HbA1c)
      levels. This relation established for the first time might serve as a general,
      yet direct, predictor or indicator for mitochondrial dysfunction in T2DM.
      Compared with controls, nuclear DNA damage response was higher (P <= 0.001) in
      diabetic subjects with increased accumulation of phospho-ataxia-telangiectasia
      (ATM), gamma-H2AX, along with active recruitment of repair proteins (Mre11,
      Rad50, and Nbs1). A higher frequency (>2%) of stable chromosomal anomalies with
      loss of telomere integrity was observed in cases with late complications. A
      significant decrease (P <= 0.001) in enzyme activity of complex II, III, and IV
      of mitochondrial respiratory chain was evident in both diabetic groups in
      comparison with healthy controls. Activation in the cascade of nuclear factor
      kappa-beta (NF-kappabeta)-mediated feed-forward proinflammatory cytokine response
      was noted among T2DM subjects. Increased oxidative stress, mitochondrial membrane
      depolarization, activation of caspase-3, and PARP observed in diabetic groups
      indicated bax triggered mitochondrial mediated cellular apoptosis. Our results
      provide the first insights of lymphocyte mitochondrial dysfunction that might be
      helpful in explaining the clinical significance of immunologic perturbation
      observed in type 2 diabetic conditions. Our data also indicate that maneuvering
      through the mitochondrial function might be a viable, indirect method to modulate
      lymphocyte homeostasis in T2DM.

PMID- 22061043
TI  - Patient-specific measures of a biomarker for the generation of individual
      reference intervals: hemoglobin as example.
AB  - Although hemoglobin concentration measurement is among the most commonly
      performed blood tests, the description of global population parameters,
      heterogeneous factors, and within-subject variations in patients with disease
      remains incomplete. As absolute action values are being published in the medical
      literature and by government healthcare agencies, these measures are important to
      define patient-specific ranges of biomarkers. Here, a global clinical trial data
      set composed of 1,537,932 hemoglobin values from 416,374 patients and 372
      clinical indications was generated over 2 years by automated analyzers in a
      global network of 5 laboratories. Within- and between-subject components of
      variance and the effect of factors age, gender, nationality, and clinical
      indication were determined using unbalanced multiway analysis of variance.
      Average within-subject variances differed significantly depending on the clinical
      indication (0.15-1.3 g(2)/dL(2)) but, nevertheless, remained significantly lower
      than between-subject variances. The main sources of between-subject variation
      were clinical indication and gender, followed by age and nationality. An adaptive
      Bayesian approach was then used to generate patient-specific ranges of hemoglobin
      for drug safety and efficacy assessment in clinical trials. The same methodology
      can be applied to the evaluation of any biomarker signal in translational
      medicine.

PMID- 22061044
TI  - Oxidant mechanisms in childhood obesity: the link between inflammation and
      oxidative stress.
AB  - Evidence of obesity-induced oxidative stress in adults has emerged in the past
      several years, and similar evidence has been demonstrated in children more
      recently. The reactive species of oxygen or nitrogen can chemically alter all
      major classes of biomolecules by modifying their structure and function.
      Organisms have developed mechanisms to protect biomolecules from the deleterious
      effects of free radicals. These include the enzymes superoxide dismutase,
      catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, as well as water and lipid-soluble
      antioxidants, such as glutathione, ascorbate (vitamin C), alpha-tocopherol
      (vitamin E), and beta-carotene. Obesity creates oxidant conditions that favor the
      development of comorbid diseases. Energy imbalances lead to the storage of excess
      energy in adipocytes, resulting in both hypertrophy and hyperplasia. These
      processes are associated with abnormalities of adipocyte function, particularly
      mitochondrial stress and disrupted endoplasmic reticulum function. In this sense,
      oxidative stress can also be induced by adipocyte associated inflammatory
      macrophages. There is a close link among obesity, a state of chronic low-level
      inflammation, and oxidative stress. In addition, the dysregulation of
      adipocytokines, which are secreted by adipose tissue and promoted by oxidative
      stress, act synergistically in obesity-related metabolic abnormalities.
      Adipocytokines link the local and systemic inflammation responses in the context
      of obesity. It is thought that the evaluation of oxidative status may allow for
      the identification of patients at an increased risk of complications. Decreasing
      the levels of chronic inflammation and oxidative stress in childhood may decrease
      cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in adulthood.

PMID- 22061045
TI  - Use of dental stem cells in regenerative dentistry: a possible alternative.

PMID- 22061046
TI  - Numerical analysis of micro- and nano-particle deposition in a realistic human
      upper airway.
AB  - A computational model was developed for studying the flow field and particle
      deposition in a human upper airway system, including: nasal cavity, nasopharynx,
      oropharynx, larynx and trachea. A series of coronal CT scan images of a 24 year
      old woman was used to construct the 3D model. The Lagrangian and Eulerian
      approaches were used, respectively, to find the trajectories of micro-particles
      and concentration of nano-particles. The total and regional deposition fractions
      of micro/nanoparticles were evaluated and the major hot spots for the deposition
      of inhaled particles were found.

PMID- 22061047
TI  - Evaluation of bioactive sphingolipids in 4-HPR-resistant leukemia cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: N-(4-hydroxyphenyl)retinamide (4-HPR, fenretinide) is a synthetic
      retinoid with potent pro-apoptotic activity against several types of cancer, but
      little is known regarding mechanisms leading to chemoresistance. Ceramide and,
      more recently, other sphingolipid species (e.g., dihydroceramide and
      dihydrosphingosine) have been implicated in 4-HPR-mediated tumor cell death.
      Because sphingolipid metabolism has been reported to be altered in drug-resistant
      tumor cells, we studied the implication of sphingolipids in acquired resistance
      to 4-HPR based on an acute lymphoblastic leukemia model. METHODS: CCRF-CEM cell
      lines resistant to 4-HPR were obtained by gradual selection. Endogenous
      sphingolipid profiles and in situ enzymatic activities were determined by LC/MS,
      and resistance to 4-HPR or to alternative treatments was measured using the XTT
      viability assay and annexin V-FITC/propidium iodide labeling. RESULTS: No major
      crossresistance was observed against other antitumoral compounds (i.e.
      paclitaxel, cisplatin, doxorubicin hydrochloride) or agents (i.e. ultra violet C,
      hydrogen peroxide) also described as sphingolipid modulators. CCRF-CEM cell lines
      resistant to 4-HPR exhibited a distinctive endogenous sphingolipid profile that
      correlated with inhibition of dihydroceramide desaturase. Cells maintained
      acquired resistance to 4-HPR after the removal of 4-HPR though the sphingolipid
      profile returned to control levels. On the other hand, combined treatment with
      sphingosine kinase inhibitors (unnatural (dihydro)sphingosines ((dh)Sph)) and
      glucosylceramide synthase inhibitor (PPMP) in the presence or absence of 4-HPR
      increased cellular (dh)Sph (but not ceramide) levels and were highly toxic for
      both parental and resistant cells. CONCLUSIONS: In the leukemia model, acquired
      resistance to 4-HPR is selective and persists in the absence of sphingolipid
      profile alteration. Therapeutically, the data demonstrate that alternative
      sphingolipid-modulating antitumoral strategies are suitable for both 4-HPR
      resistant and sensitive leukemia cells. Thus, whereas sphingolipids may not be
      critical for maintaining resistance to 4-HPR, manipulation of cytotoxic
      sphingolipids should be considered a viable approach for overcoming resistance.

PMID- 22061048
TI  - The effects of neuromuscular training on the gait patterns of ACL-deficient men
      and women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anterior cruciate ligament rupture is the most common knee ligament
      injury sustained by active individuals, and the relative injury risk is sex
      specific. Women not only demonstrate an increased risk for injury, but also a
      poorer response following ligament rupture. Perturbation training has shown
      positive results in healthy females, but gender-specific responses to training
      after injury have not been evaluated. The purpose of this investigation was to
      describe the effects of perturbation training on the gait characteristics of male
      and female non-copers. METHODS: Biomechanical data were collected before and
      after training on 12 male and nine female non-copers using standard motion
      analysis techniques. Subjects walked at a consistent, self-selected speed over an
      embedded force plate. Data from both limbs were post-processed and analyzed using
      a mixed model analysis of variance and minimal clinically important differences
      to compare the limb behaviors of men and women. FINDINGS: Prior to training, only
      women demonstrated significant hip joint excursion asymmetry (ES=1.03; P=0.009).
      Minimal clinically important difference values showed that the involved limb of
      the women had reduced hip and knee flexion angles and moments, truncated knee
      excursions, and increased hip excursions when compared to their own uninvolved
      limb and the limbs of the male non-copers. Following training, only knee extensor
      moment values exceeded the minimal clinically important differences in women.
      INTERPRETATION: Female non-copers demonstrated unique movement strategies
      following injury and perturbation training. Women may be a meaningful subgroup of
      non-copers, and future investigations should consider the effects of gender in
      the outcomes of non-copers.

PMID- 22061049
TI  - A Simple, rapid preparative method for isolating and purifying oxymyoglobin.
AB  - A simple and rapid procedure was developed to isolate and purify preparative
      quantities (up to 200 mg) of reduced myoglobin (98% oxy) of high purity (>96%)
      from beef and pork muscles. This method involved fractional precipitation of a
      crude myoglobin extract with ammonium sulfate and purification with a single
      Chromatographic step on a Sephadex G-100 column. The metmyoglobin level of the
      myoglobin preparation was minimised by using muscle from freshly slaughtered
      animals (<48h post-mortem), trimming the muscle immediately before use to remove
      any oxidised myoglobin on the surface and carrying out all procedures at low
      temperature (0-5  degrees C) and alkaline pH (8.0-8.5). The purity of the
      myoglobin preparations was confirmed by ion exchange HPLC and SDS-polyacrylamide
      gel electrophoresis. The method was effective for skeletal muscle of both low
      myoglobin content (pork) and high myoglobin content (beef). The resulting
      purified myoglobin was very stable and there was little change in metmyoglobin
      level or autoxidation rate during 3 months' storage at 0  degrees C.

PMID- 22061050
TI  - Effect of age, diet and sex on muscle energy metabolism and on related
      physicochemical traits in the rabbit.
AB  - Muscle energy metabolism and related physicochemical traits of the meat were
      studied in 84 Provisal hybrid rabbits of both sexes. From weaning (30 days) to 55
      days of age, the rabbits were divided into 4 groups which were given ad libitum
      one of the following diets: H diet with high digestible energy (DE) level, L diet
      with low DE level, F diet with high DE level, obtained by supplementing with
      animal fats, and W diet with moderate DE level. The H, L and F diet were suitable
      for lactating does and weaning rabbits; the W diet for weaned young rabbits. From
      55 days to slaughter age, the rabbits were given a G diet suitable for growing
      and fattening. The rabbits were slaughtered at 55 days (23 rabbits), 80 days (31
      rabbits) or 87 days (30 rabbits) of age. The activity of a representative enzyme
      of the glycolytic (fructose-1,6-diP aldolase) and oxidative (NADP-isocitrate
      dehydrogenase: ICDH) energy metabolism pathways and two related physicochemical
      traits, namely lightness (L (*)) and ultimate pH (pH(u)), were determined in the
      biceps femoris (BF) and longissimus lumborum (LL) muscles. The chemical
      composition of whole longissimus dorsi (LD) and total hindleg (HL) muscles was
      also determined. In BF and LL muscles, the activity of the glycolytic energy
      metabolism increased during the fattening period, as a result of metabolic
      differentiation. The increase stopped earlier in BF than in LL muscle. Variations
      in pH(u) values followed the same trend. The dietary effect on biochemical and
      physicochemical traits was moderate. A slight decrease in muscle pH(u) was
      observed under the less energetic diets. Aldolase activity was significantly
      higher in females. The significant correlations between metabolic and
      physicochemical traits confirmed that as glycolytic energy metabolism increases,
      the protein content increases, whereas pH(u) decreases. Slaughter weight was
      positively correlated to glycolytic energy metabolism.

PMID- 22061051
TI  - Carcass composition and meat quality parameters of entire and castrate farmed
      blackbuck antelope (Antilope cervicapra).
AB  - This is the first report on the meat quality and carcass composition of farmed
      blackbuck antelope (Antilope cervicapra). Seventeen animals comprising entire
      males aged 7-10 months, entire males aged 13-16 months, and castrated males aged
      13-16 months of age were raised on improved pastures, herded (one man plus a dog)
      into yards, transported 63 km and slaughtered in a commercial abattoir. Carcasses
      were Tenderstretched (hung by the pelvis allowing the hind legs to drop).
      Castration reduced liveweight gain but had no effect on carcass weight. All
      carcasses were very lean with mean separable fat ranging from 0.3% in 13-16 month
      entires to 3.5% in castrates of the same age. Primal cuts composition was similar
      for all three groups except that the castrates had a proportionately less
      developed neck and a proportionately heavier brisket than either group of entire
      males. Mean ultimate pH for each of four muscles (aged LD, unaged LD, aged ST,
      aged BF) from each treatment group ranged between 5.47 and 5.75. The meat was
      very tender, with mean Warner Bratzler initial yield values between 1.3 and 3.4
      kg, and mean Warner Bratzler peak force values between 2 and 4.5kg. There was a
      tendency for the meat from 13-16 month entires to be leaner, have higher ultimate
      pH, and be slightly less tender than that of the other two groups. It was
      concluded that farmed blackbuck antelope can produce meat of high objective
      quality and that castration is useful as a management strategy.

PMID- 22061052
TI  - Effect of breed on the muscle glycogen content and dark cutting incidence in
      stressed young bulls.
AB  - Observations have shown relevant differences in the behaviour of Brown Swiss
      bulls and Pirenaico bulls. Because temperament is involved in the development of
      dark cutting beef (DC), the aim of this study was to investigate the influence of
      breed on muscle glycogen content and on the incidence of DC condition. Twenty
      four Brown Swiss bulls and 24 Pirenaico bulls were used. The animals were divided
      into a stressed group (S) and a control group (C). In group S, bulls were mixed
      with unfamiliar animals overnight before slaughter. In group C, bulls were
      slaughtered immediately after arrival at the abattoir. The results show that the
      glycogen concentrations in m. longissimus dorsi and m. sternomandibularis from
      unstressed animals were similar in both the Brown Swiss and the Pirenaico breeds.
      The muscle glycogen concentration was depleted in all stressed bulls,
      nevertheless some low concentrations were insufficient to adversely affect the
      meat ultimate pH value. Finally, there was no influence of breed on the incidence
      of the dark cutting condition.

PMID- 22061053
TI  - Relationship between structural properties of intramuscular connective tissue and
      toughness of various chicken skeletal muscles.
AB  - The shear-force value, the total amount of collagen, heat-solubility of collagen
      and thickness of the perimysium were measured on six kinds of chicken skeletal
      muscle. Toughness of the meat was significantly correlated with both total amount
      of collagen (r(2) = 0.94) and thickness of the perimysium (r(2) = 0.95). Although
      differences in heat-solubility of collagen were observed among the six muscles,
      heat-solubility of collagen was not correlated to the shearforce value. These
      results suggest that the total amount of collagen and structures of the
      perimysium are the major factors determining toughness of chicken.

PMID- 22061054
TI  - Effects of postmortem temperature and time on the water-holding capacity of hot
      boned turkey breast and thigh muscle.
AB  - Turkey breast and thigh muscles were excised immediately after slaughter and held
      from 0.25 to 4 h postmortem at 0, 12 or 30  degrees C to determine postmortem
      time and temperature effect on muscle pH, drip loss, sarcomere length, homogenate
      supernatant weight, salt-soluble protein and cooking yields. Higher temperature
      and longer storage time induced greater drip losses in breast. Longer storage
      time induced greater drip losses but the least drip loss occurred at 12  degrees
      C in thigh muscle. High temperature increased the supernatant weight in breast
      but decreased that in thigh. Storage time increased supernatant weight and
      supernatant salt soluble protein levels in both muscles. Homogenate cooking
      yields of breast containing water, salt and phosphate (HWSP) were higher for 0
      and 12  degrees C compared with 30  degrees C, and increased with storage. The
      low postmortem temperature (0  degrees C) decreased homogenate cooking yields in
      thigh. These findings indicate that lower postmortem temperatures (0 and 12 
      degrees C) and shorter storage time (24 h) produced the greatest water-holding
      capacity in turkey breast muscle, whereas high and low postmortem temperatures
      (30 and 0  degrees C) and longer storage (168 h) produced the least water-holding
      capacity in raw turkey thigh muscle.

PMID- 22061055
TI  - Non-destructive, ultrasonic evaluation of meat quality in live Japanese Black
      steers from coloured images produced by a new ultrasound scanner.
AB  - An improved colour scanning scope was used for evaluating meat quality (marbling)
      of live Japanese Black steers. This equipment consisted of a small size
      ultrasonic probe (2 MHZ) and LCD display. Seventeen fattened Japanese Black
      cattle were scanned at the region of the 7th rib about one week before slaughter.
      A picture of the cross-sectional area of the back was obtained immediately after
      applying the probe and contained 15 colours representing different signal
      strengths. The time for each scan was 2 seconds. The picture signals were fed
      into a computer for rapid estimation of fat percentage of the M. longissimus
      thoracis. After slaughter, the fat content and chemical characteristics were
      determined on the M. longissimus thoracis obtained from the same rib section. The
      range of fat content was 7.0 to 23.7% (average 18.47%). A high correlation
      coefficient (r = 0.90; r.s.d. = 2.01%) was obtained between actual fat percentage
      of the M. longissimus thoracis and colour-scanning scope SR200 estimates based on
      the percentage of the weak blue dot(1) in the echo. Estimates of the subcutaneous
      fat thickness and the cross-sectional area of M. longissimus thoracis from the
      scans were in good agreement with the actual carcass measurements (r = 0.69;
      r.s.d=0.52 cm and r = 0.81; r.s.d. = 4.26 cm(2), respectively). These results
      show that the new colour scanning scope is a useful instrument for estimating
      meat quality (marbling) in live cattle.

PMID- 22061056
TI  - Detection of antimicrobial residues in poultry meat and slaughter cattle in
      Nigeria.
AB  - The European four plate test (FPT) was used to establish whether and where
      antimicrobial residues accumulate in the tissue of commercial poultry and
      slaughter cattle in Nigeria. Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus
      sensitive to different antimicrobials seeded on nutrient agar media at different
      pH levels were employed. Inhibitory residues were detected in the muscles, liver,
      and/or kidney of experimental local chickens, commercial broilers and layers and
      2 of 24 slaughter cattle. The public health hazards of antimicrobial residues in
      developing countries are discussed.

PMID- 22061060
TI  - Microbial growth and biochemical changes on naturally contaminated chilled-beef
      subcutaneous adipose tissue stored aerobically Lasta, J. A., Pensel, N., Masana,
      M., Ricardo Rodriguez, H. & Garcia, P. T. (1995). Meat Sci., 39(1), 149.

PMID- 22061061
TI  - Evolution in the shoulder composition of hairless Mexican pigs throughout the
      curing and drying processes.
AB  - The objective of this study was to analyze the chemical composition changes of
      the shoulders of the Hairless Mexican pigs (HMP) throughout the curing and drying
      processes. Shoulder composition (% of fat, protein and ash) was evaluated for
      moisture, water activity (Aw), pH, nitrates and sodium chloride (NaCl). Results
      from this study were analyzed using a descriptive analysis. Dry-curing
      significantly decreased Aw (raw: 0.97+/-0.01, dry-cured: 0.87+/-0.01), % of
      moisture (raw: 50.75+/-1.16, dry-cured: 31.43+/-1.16), pH (raw: 6.11+/-0.04, dry
      cured: 5.82+/-0.04), nitrates (raw: 54.26+/-3.22, dry-cured: 20.03+/-3.22) and %
      of ashes (raw: 10.00+/-0.41, dry-cured: 8.13+/-0.41) throughout the process.
      Percentage of NaCl (raw: 0.28+/-0.04, dry-cured: 0.72+/-0.04), of fat (raw:
      17.46+/-1.50, dry-cured: 20.53+/-0.11) and protein (raw: 20.63+/-1.34 and dry
      cured: 30.21+/-0.95) increased significantly. The low percentage of salt and
      moisture and the high percentage of fat found on the final HMP shoulders
      suggested that the dry-curing produced a highly palatable product.

PMID- 22061062
TI  - Influence of sensory characteristics on the acceptability of dry-cured ham.
AB  - The influence of different sensory attributes on the acceptability of dry-cured
      Iberian ham was studied. Partial least squares regression analysis showed that
      juiciness and several flavour traits were the major attributes positively
      influencing acceptability of dry-cured Iberian ham, whereas yellowness of the
      fat, dryness and fibrousness showed a negative influence. Using stepwise
      multivariate regression, juiciness and flavour intensity were the two traits that
      better explained the acceptability of dry-cured ham, the linear model obtained
      showing a regression coefficient of 0.526. The regression coefficient of
      acceptability with juiciness and flavour intensity was higher using a piecewise
      linear regression model (R(2)=0.759) showing, therefore, a discontinuous
      relationship between these variables. However, results on product acceptability
      have been obtained using trained panellists and it might be possible that the use
      of a consumer panel would change these conclusions.

PMID- 22061063
TI  - Physiological and structural events post mortem of importance for drip loss in
      pork.
AB  - Early post mortem metabolism and structural changes from 3 to 24 h, together with
      pH, temperature and impedance Py development were investigated in 37
      Duroc*Landrace*Large White (DLY) pigs covering a range of drip loss from 2.2 to
      12.6%. Multivariate statistical analysis was used to assess the impacts of
      different metabolites, pH and temperature, impedance, cytoskeletal protein
      degradation and extracellular cross-sectional area on drip loss. Taken as single
      factors, the concentration of lactate could explain 80% of the variation in drip,
      inosine monophosphate (IMP) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) concentration
      explained 71 and 68%, respectively, whereas inosin and glycogen levels explained
      only 59 and 60%. The extracellular area was found to explain 39% of the variation
      in drip. The area between fibres provided more significant information than did
      the area between fibre bundles. The degradation of the cytoskeletal proteins was
      not related to drip loss. Impedance Py development over 24 h could explain 66% of
      the variation in drip, whereas pH and temperature explained 85 and 87%,
      respectively. A model including all measured variables could explain 83% of the
      variation in drip. However, only pH, temperature, impedance, [ATP](1 h) and
      [lactate](1 h and 2 h) were significant in relation to drip. By reducing the
      variables in the multivariate analysis, 89% of the variation in drip could be
      explained by a model containing only pH(2 h) and temperature(1 min). To explain
      variation in drip loss, pH and temperature measurements at significant time
      points were sufficient. Variation in post-mortem metabolites did, however,
      explain why variation in pH and temperature occurred. Development of drip
      channels was ruled by pH and temperature while impedance development was highly
      correlated to pH. This multi-faceted study shows those parameters, which can best
      be used to indicate or predict WHC, as well as those indicating the basic
      mechanism underlying variations in drip.

PMID- 22061064
TI  - Meat traceability using DNA markers: application to the beef industry.
AB  - Consumer concerns about beef demands instruments to assure its traceability. A
      methodology using DNA markers is proposed for beef identification focussing on a
      Spanish beef certification, Ternera de Navarra (Beef of Navarra). To validate
      this methodology the number of markers used and the implications of population
      structure in individual identification were evaluated. In order to get practical
      implementation, the sampling levels required, depending on the number of markers
      and amount of possible fraud, is also discussed. Using at least eight very
      informative markers the origin of retailed meat is always found independent of
      genetic population structure. The total control of fraud would be very expensive
      using large-scale application of DNA analyses and a strategy based on anonymous
      sampling is proposed.

PMID- 22061065
TI  - The effect of experimental stress on sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) transport and
      meat quality in pig muscle.
AB  - Stress before slaughter affects the meat quality of pigs and a disorder in the
      Ca(2+) transport of the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) results in inferior meat
      quality. The object of this work was to determine the impact of stress on SR
      Ca(2+) transport in pig muscle in animals with no mutation in the Ca(2+) release
      channel. At about 80 kg live weight, pigs were stressed either by running for 4
      min (n=9) or by a 5 min application of a nose snare (n=7). Immediately before and
      after the application of the stress, as well as 4 h after the stress, biopsy
      samples of the longissimus muscle were taken and the Ca(2+) uptake of the
      homogenised muscle samples determined. The nose snare stress reduced the rate of
      Ca(2+) uptake by 9% (P=0.02) and running by 18% (P=0.06). Uptake in samples taken
      4 h after the stress was at initial levels. The pigs were slaughtered at an
      average live weight of 109 kg. Half the pigs were stressed just before slaughter
      for 5 min by the use of a nose snare. Immediately after exsanguination
      longissimus muscle samples were taken, Ca(2+) uptake measured, and later standard
      meat quality parameters were determined. Although the stress reduced the Ca(2+)
      uptake rate (61.3 vs. 46.4 nM/min per mg protein for control and stressed pigs;
      P=0.04), the meat quality was not significantly affected.

PMID- 22061066
TI  - Fatty acid composition of muscle and fat tissues of Omani Jebel Akhdar goats of
      different sexes and weights.
AB  - This paper describes the fatty acid (FA) composition of muscle and fat tissue in
      Omani Jebel Akhdar buck, wether and does slaughtered at 11, 18 or 28 kg body
      weight (BW). The fat percentage in dry matter (DM) of the subcutaneous and kidney
      fats ranged between 85 and 98% and that of muscle ranged between 17 and 21%.
      Subcutaneous fat tended to have lower DM than kidney fat. Palmitic (C16:0),
      stearic (C18:0) and oleic (C18:1) acids comprised the largest proportions of FA
      in the muscle tissue (approximately 80%) with oleic acid being the most abundant.
      Ninety-one percent of the total FA were contributed by the C16 and C18 fatty
      acids being 31.6 and 58.5%, respectively. C19 and C20 were not detected in the
      muscle tissue. The essential FA, C20:2, C20:3 and C20:4 contributing about 1%.
      Muscle tissue of the Jebel Akhdar goat contained an average 51.3% and 48.7% of
      saturated (SFA) and unsaturated fatty acids (UFA), respectively. Polyunsaturated
      FA (PUFA) constituted about 5% and monounsaturated (MFA) 43.5% of the total FA.
      Subcutaneous fat contained more total FA (68.08%) than kidney fat (48.14%) in the
      whole tissue. Kidney fat contained higher percentages of C16 and C18 but less
      C:18:1 than subcutaneous fat. The proportions of SFA to UFA was high in both fat
      depots with the SFA being much higher in the kidney than subcutaneous fats. C16,
      C18 and C:18:1c acids comprised 64.2 and 78% and C16s and C18s made up 81 and 85%
      of total FA in subcutaneous and kidney fats, respectively. In both subcutaneous
      and kidney fats, there was a trend of increasing values of DM and fat percentage
      with intact males having the lowest and females the highest values. Males had
      higher levels of C15, C18:2 and C18:3 but lower levels of C17, C18 and total C16,
      C18 and C18:1 in muscle tissue. Intact males had higher levels of C10, 12, 15 FA
      but lower C16:1 and C16+18+18:1 than others in subcutaneous fat. Intact males had
      a similar trend for C12 and 14 but lower SFA and higher UFA in kidney fat. There
      was a trend of increasing DM and fat% in dry matter with increasing body weight.
      C10, 12 and 14 of the kidney fat decreased with increasing slaughter weight.
      There was a trend of the two C16 FA decreasing and the four C18 increasing with
      BW in the kidney fat. This resulted in proportions of the total C16 and C18 FA
      increasing from 81.8 to 86.8%. These findings confirm those of other studies on
      goat meat quality that, as judged by fatty acid composition it is not inferior to
      that of meats from other farm animals.

PMID- 22061067
TI  - Influence of vitamin E on lipid and protein oxidation induced by H(2)O(2)
      activated MetMb in microsomal membranes from turkey muscle.
AB  - Lipid and protein oxidation generated by metmyoglobin+H(2)O(2) were studied in
      microsomal membranes of turkey muscles. With a basal diet enriched with 6% soya
      oil and supplemented with vitamin E (30 ppm for control and 400 ppm for
      supplemented animals) oxidations were investigated by different methods. Lipid
      oxidation was estimated by TBARS and lipofuscins measurement and protein
      oxidation was measured by an estimation of carbonyl groups and free thiols.
      Supplementation of turkeys with alpha-tocopheryl acetate increased the vitamin E
      content of microsomal membranes and had a protective (and significant) effect on
      lipid oxidation when measured by the two techniques. Vitamin E supplementation
      significantly protected free thiols from oxidation but had only a small effect
      (non significant) on carbonyl group formation. No vitamin E dietary
      supplementation effect was observed on radical formation, as measured by optical
      and ESR spectroscopy.

PMID- 22061068
TI  - Effect of fat level and partial replacement of pork backfat with olive oil on
      processing and quality characteristics of fermented sausages.
AB  - Six formulations of dry fermented sausages were produced in three replications
      with three initial fat levels (30, 20 and 10%) and two levels (0 and 20%) of pork
      backfat replacing olive oil. After 4 weeks of fermentation and ripening the fat
      content of the treatments with 30, 20 and 10% fat level ranged from 38.86 to
      43.60%, 25.56 to 26.86% and 19.01 to 20.14%, respectively. Fat level affected
      (P<0.05) the weight losses, the chemical composition, the Gram -ve bacterial
      count, the lightness, the texture and the appearance of fermented sausages.
      Replacing 20% of pork backfat by olive oil affected (P<0.05) the lightness and
      yellowness of sausages. Fat-reduced sausages without olive oil and low-fat
      sausages with olive oil had the highest score for odour and taste. However, the
      appearance of fat-reduced sausages was just acceptable while that of low-fat
      sausages was unacceptable, because the surface was intensively wrinkled and case
      hardening had developed. Further research is needed to improve the appearance of
      these sausages.

PMID- 22061069
TI  - Chloride salt type/ionic strength, muscle site and refrigeration effects on
      antioxidant enzymes and lipid oxidation in pork.
AB  - The effects of NaCl and KCl at varying ionic strengths on catalase and
      glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities and lipid oxidation in refrigerated
      ground pork muscles from different anatomical locations were studied. Catalase
      and GSH-Px activities were higher in boston butt (BB) than in longissimus dorsi
      (LD), whereas lipid oxidation measured by 2-thiobarbituric acid substances
      (TBARS) content was higher in LD. Catalase activity was stable in both BB and LD
      during 4-day storage; GSH-Px activity decreased in LD. GSH-Px activity decreased
      more with NaCl than KCl, whereas salt type had no consistent effect on catalase
      activity. TBARS content, however, increased more with NaCl than with KCl. NaCl at
      the highest ionic strength decreased GSH-Px activity by 19.2 and 18% in LD and
      BB, respectively, and increased TBARS content by 8- and 3.6-fold. Results
      indicated that pork samples with higher catalase and GSH-Px activities would
      undergo less lipid oxidation, and the accelerated lipid oxidation in salted pork
      may be partly related to a decrease in GSH-Px activity.

PMID- 22061070
TI  - The relationship between post-mortem calcium concentration or pH and indicators
      of proteolysis in ovine muscle.
AB  - The relationship between post-mortem calcium concentration in muscle and
      indicators of proteolysis was examined and compared with pH as a predictor of
      these changes. Muscle samples (m. longissimus et thoracis lumborum; LTL) were
      obtained from the left side of 24 lamb carcasses at pH 6.2 and 6.0 and then at 1
      and 2 days post-mortem (n=96). Alternate carcasses were electrically stimulated
      (low voltage) within 15 min of death. The myofibrillar fragmentation index (MFI)
      was determined on samples taken at pH 6.2 and 1 and 2 days post-mortem (n=72).
      Protein solubility, pH and free calcium concentration were measured on all
      samples (n=96). The post-mortem degradation of myofibrillar proteins was followed
      using SDS electrophoresis on all samples (n=96) from which the relative amounts
      of the 30 kDa fragment and a protein designated M1 were quantified.
      Transformation of data values for each variable (MFI, protein solubility, 30 kDa
      fragment and protein M1) improved the normality of the residuals and increased
      the variance explained by either calcium concentration or pH. pH was a better
      predictor of MFI and the 30-kDa fragment than calcium concentration and this was
      reversed when protein solubility and the protein designated M1 was predicted. Of
      the variables protein solubility could be predicted with the greatest accuracy
      using calcium concentration (R(2)=0.64; R.S.D.=0.81) or pH (R(2)=0.60;
      R.S.D.=0.85). However overall calcium concentration was not superior to pH as a
      predictor of the changes in the different indicators of proteolysis examined in
      this study.

PMID- 22061071
TI  - Changes in immunoelectron microscopic localization of cathepsin D in muscle
      induced by conditioning or high-pressure treatment.
AB  - Changes in the localization of cathepsin D in postmortem and pressurized rabbit
      muscles were investigated by immunoelectron microscopy. The anti-cathepsin D
      monoclonal antibody strongly labeled a large vesicle in a subsarcolemmal part of
      the cell , which strongly suggests that this is the primary lysosome. The
      liberation of the cathepsin D entrapped in the lysosomes in the muscle prepared
      immediately after death proceeded with the progress of the conditioning. The
      release of almost all cathepsin D from the lysosomes and its absorption on the
      myofibrils were observed in the muscle conditioned for 14 days. The accumulation
      of lysosomes having various volumes and shapes accompanied with the disruption of
      myofibrillar structure was also observed. The liberation of cathepsin D from the
      lysosomes can be attributed to the modification of membranes permeability of the
      lysosomes during conditioning. When the muscle was pressurized at 100 MPa, the
      modification of the round shape of the lysosome was observed. With the increase
      of the pressure applied to the muscle, the release of cathepsin D from the
      lysosome due to the disruption of membrane was accelerated, and absorption of the
      released cathepsin D on the myofibrils was observed. From the results obtained,
      it was clear that the changes in the localization of cathepsin D accompanied with
      the modification of lysosomes induced by the brief exposure to high pressure were
      drastic in comparison with that in the muscle during conditioning.

PMID- 22061072
TI  - Effects of pH and temperature on metmyoglobin solubility in a model system.
AB  - From a series of experiments heating metmyoglobin solutions at pH 5.0 through
      7.0, the effects of temperature and pH on the thermal stability of metmyoglobin
      were investigated. The percent metmyoglobin denatured at temperatures from 25 to
      80  degrees C was determined. pHs lower than 6.5 caused metmyoglobin denaturation
      at various temperatures from 25 to 80  degrees C, but it was particularly
      apparent when pH was < 5.6. Thermal stability of metmyoglobin increased as pH
      increased. Metmyoglobin denaturation occurred at 55  degrees C at pH 5, however,
      denaturation did not occur until 60  degrees C at pHs from 5.3 to 7.0. A slower
      heating rate (0.9  degrees C/min) resulted in more metmyoglobin thermal
      denaturation than a faster heating rate (1.3  degrees C/min) when the temperature
      was above 55 to 60  degrees C. The denaturation caused by low pH alone was
      reversible, while that caused by high temperature was not. Techniques which
      increase muscle pH, such as the injection of sodium bicarbonate, could
      effectively improve the color condition of PSE meat.

PMID- 22061073
TI  - Effect of transport time on welfare and meat quality in pigs.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of transport duration on
      some welfare and meat quality parameters. For the study 144 pigs were used. One
      group of 72 animals was subjected to 15 min and the others to 3 h transport time.
      Blood from all animals was analysed in order to detect stress-susceptible pigs
      and assess pre-slaughter stress. Meat quality parameters were analysed from
      Longissimus thoracis and Semimembranosus muscles. It was concluded that under
      normal Spanish commercial conditions, pigs subjected to short transport showed a
      more intense stress response and poorer meat quality than pigs subjected to
      moderately long transport when they were immediately slaughtered on arrival at
      the slaughterhouse. Transport of 3 h might have allowed the animals to adapt to
      transport conditions and then could act as a resting period like a lairage time.
      The effect of transport time on welfare and meat quality parameters was more
      important than genotype and sex. Nevertheless, from the point of view of blood
      enzyme activities, genetically stress susceptible females transported for 3 h
      were more sensitive to muscle damage.

PMID- 22061074
TI  - Characterisation and screening for antimicrobial substances of slaughtered cattle
      in Zaria, Nigeria.
AB  - The occurrence of antimicrobial drug residues in 500 routinely slaughtered cattle
      in Zaria, Nigeria, was determined. A microbial inhibition test with Micrococcus
      luteus ATCC9341 was used to test urine at the time of slaughter for the presence
      of antimicrobial substances. Thirty-seven (7.4%) of the urine samples were
      positive for antimicrobial substances. Positive cases were not distributed
      according to breed (P>0.05), but occurred significantly more in male cattle aged
      3-9 years and in those with good body condition score (P<0.05). Thirty-eight
      cases, in the form of 16 different pathological conditions, were seen from visual
      inspection of carcasses. Lymphadenopathy was seen in 10 (23.7%) carcasses
      including one antimicrobial substances positive carcass. Dermatophilosis and
      emaciation constituted 15.8 and 13.2% of pathological conditions observed,
      respectively.

PMID- 22061075
TI  - Effect of Brussels sprouts and inulin/rape seed cake on the sensory profile of
      pork M. longissimus dorsi.
AB  - The objective of the present study was to evaluate the influence of two diets
      containing either Brussels sprouts or inulin/rape seed cake, compared with a
      standard diet (control) for slaughter pigs on flavour and odour attributes and
      sensory profile of cooked pork. Three weeks prior to slaughter 24 female pigs
      were allocated to three diets: (1) a standard grower-finishing diet (control) for
      slaughter pigs containing barley, wheat and soy-bean meal, (2) the control diet
      containing 11 energy percent Brussels sprouts and (3) a diet containing 25%
      inulin and 55% rape seed cake. The odour and flavour of the cooked meat from
      inulin/rape seed cake-fed pigs differed significantly from the other two diets,
      showing reduced meat odour, increased pig and acrid odour, increased pig flavour,
      reduced fresh flavour and total impression. Meat from the Brussels sprouts-fed
      pigs deviated only slightly from the control-fed pigs.

PMID- 22061076
TI  - Inhibition of Listeria monocytogenes by a bacteriocinogenic Lactobacillus sake
      strain in modified atmosphere-packaged Brazilian sausage.
AB  - Lactobacillus sake 2a is a bacteriocinogenic strain isolated from "linguica
      frescal", a Brazilian sausage. The combined effect of modified-atmosphere (MA)
      packaging (100% CO(2) and 50% CO(2)/50% N(2)) and addition of L. sake 2a on
      inhibition of growth of Listeria monocytogenes was evaluated in "linguica" stored
      at 6  degrees C. By the end of the first week, the inhibition of L. monocytogenes
      due to MA was significant (P?0.05) while the presence of L. sake 2a did not
      influence significantly the growth of the pathogen. After 14 days, a reduction of
      1.3-1.4 log in counts of L. monocytogenes was observed in samples containing L.
      sake 2a only or MA packaged only, while a reduction of 3.5 log was detected in
      those submitted to both treatments. Results indicate that inhibition of L.
      monocytogenes in "linguica frescal" by the bacteriocinogenic L. sake 2a is
      enhanced by the packaging of the product in MA.

PMID- 22061077
TI  - Randomised clinical trial: the efficacy of prucalopride in patients with chronic
      intestinal pseudo-obstruction--a double-blind, placebo-controlled, cross-over,
      multiple n = 1 study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic intestinal pseudo-obstruction is a disabling condition for
      which there are no established drug therapies. The condition is caused by a
      diverse range of intestinal myopathies and neuropathies. AIM: To assess the
      therapeutic efficacy of prucalopride, a selective high-affinity 5-HT(4) receptor
      agonist, we employed a multiple n = 1 study design. Each patient acted as his/her
      own control, each day counting as one treatment episode, allowing comparison of
      168 days on each of active drug and placebo. METHODS: Double-blind, randomised,
      placebo-controlled, cross-over trial of four 12-week treatment periods, with 2-4
      mg prucalopride or placebo daily. In each of the first and second 6 months there
      was a prucalopride and a placebo treatment. Patients with proven chronic
      intestinal pseudo-obstruction, including dilated gut, were included. Evaluation
      was by patient diary and global evaluation. RESULTS: Seven patients participated
      (mean 42 years, five female, median symptom duration 11 years). Three
      discontinued, two due to study length, and one on prucalopride due to unrelated
      malnutrition and bronchopneumonia. Four patients (three visceral myopathy and one
      visceral neuropathy) completed the study; prucalopride significantly improved
      pain in three of four patients, nausea in two, vomiting in one, bloating in four
      and analgesic intake. Bowel function was not changed substantially. CONCLUSIONS:
      n = 1 studies in rare conditions allow drug efficacy assessment. Prucalopride
      relieves symptoms in selected patients with chronic pseudo-obstruction.

PMID- 22061078
TI  - Spatial and temporal variations of urban litter in Mar del Plata, the major
      coastal city of Argentina.
AB  - Urban littering is considered an important environmental and public issue
      globally. This problem is growing considerably within coastal communities of the
      southern region of South America. The goals of this study were to assess (1) the
      abundance and composition of urban litter; (2) the spatial and temporal
      variations of its abundance; and (3) the relationship between the abundance of
      litter and three anthropogenic variables (i.e. abundance of pedestrians, of
      parked vehicles, and of trash bins) in Mar del Plata, the most populated coastal
      city in Argentina. Eighty-eight transects, each covering 1425 m(2), were sampled
      along four sites from April 2008 to March 2009. Results showed 20,336 items (ca.
      14 items per m(2)) of which cigarette butts (33%), papers (31%), and plastics
      (22%) were the most commonly littered items. Higher amounts of litter were found
      in an industrial area (city's harbor), while the abundance of litter appeared
      relatively even throughout the year. Redundancy analysis techniques indicated a
      high abundance of all three anthropogenic variables associated with the central
      business district area of the city and an area in close proximity to a major
      seaside resort, where cigarette butts and papers dominated. This is the first
      study that has examined spatial and temporal variations of urban litter in a high
      density coastal city in Argentina. Our results showed that addressing the
      problems associated with urban litter must include intensive educational and
      advertising campaigns directed at pedestrians and owners of parked vehicles, but
      waste reduction, clean-up operations and law enforcement should be also
      considered.

PMID- 22061079
TI  - Fatty acid composition and eating quality of lamb types derived from four diverse
      breed * production systems.
AB  - Carcass composition, muscle fatty acids and eating quality of loin chops were
      examined in ram lambs from four diverse breed * production system groups: pure
      Welsh Mountain off upland flora, pure Soays off lowland grass, Suffolk crosses
      off lowland grass and Suffolk crosses off concentrates. The two Suffolk groups
      had heavier and better muscled carcasses than the others and Soays were
      particularly lean. Fatty acid composition was different between the groups. The
      forage-fed lambs all had high concentrations of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids
      (PUFA) including 18:3 (alpha-linolenic acid) and 20:5 (eicosapentaenoic acid)
      compared with Suffolks-concentrates which had high concentrations of the n-6 PUFA
      18:2 (linoleic acid) and 20:4 (arachidonic acid). Soays were high in both n-3 and
      n-6 PUFA. Flavour characteristics in grilled chops were similar in Welsh Mountain
      and Suffolks-grass which differed from Soays and Suffolks-concentrates. The
      latter two groups had low scores for lamb flavour and overall liking and high
      scores for abnormal lamb flavour, metallic, bitter, stale, and rancid. Soays had
      the highest score for livery. These results extend previous findings of the
      association between feed, PUFA composition and lamb flavour profile and confirm
      that forage-fed lamb is preferred by UK taste panellists. They also identify a
      specific breed effect on the quality of meat from lambs raised on forage. These
      findings suggest that possibilities exist for the production of meat with
      specific quality characteristics.

PMID- 22061080
TI  - The effects of diet and breed on the volatile compounds of cooked lamb.
AB  - The effect of varying the n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) composition of
      lamb muscle on the formation of aroma volatiles during cooking has been examined.
      The meat was obtained from four groups of Suffolk and Soay lambs fed different
      supplementary fats: a palm-oil based control; bruised whole linseed, which
      increased muscle levels of alpha-linolenic acid (C18:3 n-3); fish oil, which
      increased eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA, C20:5 n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA,
      C22:6 n-3); and equal quantities of linseed and fish oil (fat basis). Higher
      quantities of lipid oxidation products were found in the aroma volatiles of lamb
      muscle from animals fed fish oil, compared to the control. In particular,
      unsaturated aldehydes, unsaturated hydrocarbons and alkylfurans increased up to
      fourfold. These compounds derived from the autoxidation of PUFAs during cooking.
      Although some of these volatiles were increased in meat from animals fed the
      linseed supplement, the effect was not as great as with the fish oil fed lambs.
      Levels of volatiles derived from the Maillard reaction, such as pyrazines and
      sulfur compounds, were up to four times higher in Soays than Suffolks.

PMID- 22061081
TI  - Meat starters have individual requirements for Mn(2+).
AB  - The effect of different Mn(2+) concentrations on sausage fermentation was
      evaluated. A screening experiment was carried out with six lactobacilli starters
      in a sausage model. To further investigate the effects found, two selected
      lactobacilli strains were tested in pilot-scale sausage production. For all
      starters an increased fermentation rate was observed after Mn(2+) addition.
      Differences in the development of microbial, textural and sensory parameters were
      observed in the sausages. For one of the cultures these differences levelled out
      during sausage production yielding identical end products with and without
      Mn(2+), for the other strain the differences due to Mn(2+) addition in the
      sausages remained throughout the production process yielding sausages with
      different properties. Knowing a starter culture's requirements for Mn(2+) will
      allow optimisation of dry fermented sausage production in order to increase
      reliability and reproducibility of production decrease fermentation time and
      ensure microbial safety of the final product.

PMID- 22061082
TI  - Oxidative stability of lipids and cholesterol in salame Milano, coppa and Parma
      ham: dietary supplementation with vitamin E and oleic acid.
AB  - An investigation has been carried out on the effect of dietary supplementation
      with vitamin E and oleic acid on oxidative stability of Italian representative
      pork products. Fatty acid composition of deposited fat was modified in the oil
      supplemented groups with negative effects on fat firmness. Oil supplementation
      significantly increased vitamin E content of muscles, as well. Oxidative
      stability of fat, evaluated by TBARS and cholesterol oxides, has not shown
      significant differences between dietary treatments but, although the differences
      were not significant, the tendency was sufficiently clear, especially in salame
      Milano, towards a lower oxidation level in vitamin E enriched meat. Cholesterol
      oxidation was found to vary in general around 0.1% of total cholesterol and the
      only cholesterol oxides observed were 7beta-hydroxycholesterol, 5,6alpha
      epoxycholesterol and 7-ketocholesterol. Aldehydes content and distribution
      appeared to be linked, firstly, to the specific processing technology of the
      product and, secondly, to the changed fatty acid composition.

PMID- 22061083
TI  - Prediction of water-holding capacity and composition of porcine meat by
      comparative spectroscopy.
AB  - Four spectroscopic instruments, a fibre optical probe (FOP), a visual (VIS) and
      near infrared (NIR) reflectance spectrophotometer, a reflectance
      spectrofluorometer and a low-field (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance (LF-NMR)
      instrument were used to perform measurements on two muscles (longissimus dorsi
      and semitendinosous) from 39 pigs, 18 of which were carriers of the Halothane
      gene. Water-holding capacity (drip loss and filter paper wetness) and chemical
      composition (intramuscular fat and water) of the muscle samples were determined
      for spectroscopic calibration. Prediction models were established by partial
      least squares regression to evaluate the potential of using the spectroscopic
      techniques in an on-line slaughterhouse system. VIS data gave good prediction
      models, indicating that current industrial colour systems can be advanced into
      more specific meat evaluation systems by including the entire visible spectral
      range. The FOP and fluorescence measurements were less successful, and suffered
      from sampling problems since they measure only a small area. The best regression
      models were obtained from LF-NMR data for all reference quality measures and
      yielded a correlation coefficient of 0.75 with drip loss. LF-NMR proved able to
      distinguish between the two muscles and the results for their longitudinal
      relaxation times, T(21), were proportional to their average myofibrillar cross
      sectional areas reported in the literature.

PMID- 22061084
TI  - Genotype with nutrition interaction on fatty acid composition of intramuscular
      fat and the relationship with flavour of pig meat.
AB  - The effects of genotype, diet and the genotype with diet interaction on fatty
      acid composition of neutral lipid and phospholipid of intramuscular fat in pigs
      were examined. Pigs from four selection lines and a control line were fed
      isoenergetic diets, which differed in ileal digestible lysine:digestible energy
      (A: 0.40, C: 0.76 and E: 1.12 g lysine/MJ DE). The selected lines resulted from
      seven generations of selection for high daily food intake (DFI), lean food
      conversion ratio (LFC) and lean growth rate on ad-libitum (LGA) or restricted
      feeding regimes in a Large White population. During performance test, from 30 to
      90 kg, pigs were fed on either ad-libitum or restricted (0.75 g/g ad-libitum
      daily food intake) feeding regimes. A trained sensory panel assessed intensities
      of pork flavour and abnormal flavour and the hedonic characteristics of flavour
      liking and overall acceptability. The proportion of neutral lipid in the LGA line
      was lower (0.64 v 0.75, s.e.d. 0.03) while the polyunsaturated:saturated (P:S)
      ratio of the LFC line (0.53 v 0.41, s.e.d. 0.05) was higher than the control line
      and other selection lines. The DFI line had a higher phospholipid n-6:n-3 ratio
      than other selection lines (14 v 11, s.e.d. 1.0). Diets C and E resulted in lower
      neutral lipid:phospholipid ratio (0.7 v 0.8, s.e.d. 0.01), n-6:n-3 ratios for
      both neutral lipid (5 v 13, s.e.d. 0.8) and phospholipids (7 v 20, s.e.d. 0.6)
      and a higher P:S ratio (0.5 v 0.3, s.e.d. 0.03) for neutral lipid than diet A.
      Neutral lipid fatty acids C18:2 n-6, C18:3 n-3, C20:3 n-6, C20:4 n-6, C20:5 n-3,
      C22:5 n-3 and C22:6 n-3 were negatively correlated with pork flavour (-0.30,
      s.e.d. 0.10), flavour liking (-0.33) and overall acceptability (-0.30). In
      contrast, the fatty acids C16:1, C18:1 omega9 and C18:1 omega11 were positively
      correlated with pork flavour (0.36), flavour liking (0.39) and overall
      acceptability (0.40). However, correlations for fatty acids in the phospholipid
      class were positive for C18:2 n-6, C20:4 n-6 and C22:4 n-6 with pork flavour
      (0.33), flavour liking (0.23) and overall acceptability (0.23). The proportion of
      neutral lipid had non-significant correlations with flavour traits; pork flavour
      (0.01), abnormal flavour (0.08), flavour liking (-0.03) and overall acceptability
      (0.03). The selection lines responded in a similar manner to the different diets,
      such that there was little evidence for genotype with nutrition interactions for
      fatty acid concentrations of neutral lipids and phospholipids. Selection for high
      lean growth will reduce intramuscular fat, but the increased relative amount of
      phospholipid and concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids are unlikely to
      reduce eating quality. Nutritional effects on intramuscular fat characteristics
      were greater than genetic effects, such that nutritional approaches to feeding
      pigs will provide effective methods of reducing the n-6:n-3 fatty acid ratio of
      human dietary fat from pigmeat and improving human health.

PMID- 22061085
TI  - Tenderization of wether lambs meat through pre-rigor infusion of calcium ions.
AB  - A study involving 36 wether lamb carcasses was conducted in order to evaluate the
      effects of 0.3 M CaCl(2) injection on final tenderness in muscle Longissimus
      thoracis et lumborum. Injection of wether lamb carcasses with CaCl(2) accelerated
      the post mortem tenderization process. Both control and distilled water injected
      animals had similar Ca(2+)-dependent proteases (MU-calpain and m-calpain) and
      their inhibitor (calpastatin) activities, whereas these were all significantly
      decreased in CaCl(2) injected animals. The effect of CaCl(2) injection on
      tenderness was recorded by measuring shear force values 2 and 6 days post mortem.
      Tenderness was significantly improved by CaCl(2) injection at both at 2 and 6
      days post mortem. It was concluded that activation of MU-calpain and m-calpain
      was responsible for the observed post mortem proteolysis and tenderization.

PMID- 22061086
TI  - Feeding linseed to increase the n-3 PUFA of pork: fatty acid composition of
      muscle, adipose tissue, liver and sausages.
AB  - Eighty pigs, male and female littermate pairs, were fed a control or a test diet
      from 25 to 95 kg live weight. The diets, as fed, contained 15.5 g/kg linoleic
      acid (18:2) and 1.9 g/kg alpha-linolenic acid (18:3) (control) or 10 g/kg
      linoleic acid and 4 g/kg alpha-linolenic acid (test). The test diet, with added
      linseed, was, therefore, high in the main n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)
      18:3 and low in the main n-6 PUFA 18:2. Making this relatively small change led
      to a 56% increase in the content of 18:3 in muscle and major increases in the
      contents of the beneficial longer chain PUFAs EPA (20:5n-3) (100% increase) and
      DHA (22:6n-3) (35% increase) which are synthesised from 18:3n-3. Levels of EPA
      and DHA in pigmeat adipose tissue were also increased by the test diet. In liver,
      the test diet resulted in an 18:3 level 4* higher than in muscle, with 10* more
      EPA and 20* more DHA. Sausages, analysed after 6 months frozen storage also had
      high n-3 PUFA levels, due to the contribution of these fatty acids from both
      muscle and adipose tissue. From a health perspective these results confirm the
      potential of pigmeat to supply valuable n-3 PUFA to the human diet. The test diet
      produced a PUFA:saturated FA ratio in muscle of 0.4, close to the minimum
      recommended value for the diet as a whole and an n-6:n-3 ratio of 5, a
      significant improvement on the current average for pigmeat (7). It is estimated
      that the test diet would provide 12 g of long chain n-3 PUFA to the human diet
      per annum at current pigmeat consumption levels in the UK, about a third of that
      from oily fish.

PMID- 22061087
TI  - Shelf life and quality of pork and pork products with raised n-3 PUFA.
AB  - Pork chops, liver, bacon and sausages from 80 pigs fed on a control or a linseed
      rich test diet were assessed for their sensory qualities and oxidative stability
      after conditioning and storage, either frozen or under simulated retail display.
      There was no significant effect of diet on lipid oxidation as assessed by the TBA
      test (P>0.05) for pork, liver and sausages, values being less than 0.2 throughout
      the display period, lower than the threshold of 0.5 mg MDA/kg at which consumers
      may detect rancidity. Nor was there any significant effect of diet on colour
      changes of pork chops, sausages and bacon under simulated retail display
      conditions. Grilled loin chops, bacon and sausages from male pigs received
      significantly higher abnormal flavour scores than those from females but
      panellists were unable to discern any major differences between control and test
      diets, even though they could detect this relatively small sex effect. The test
      diet resulted in higher alpha-linolenic acid (18:3) levels, with major increases
      in total n-3 PUFA content, but the concentrations were generally lower than
      reported values that have resulted in stability problems. The n-6 PUFA content
      was also reduced by the test diet. The results demonstrate that the nutritional
      value of pigmeat can be improved by using an 18:3-enriched diet without adversely
      affecting normal eating quality parameters.

PMID- 22061088
TI  - Recovery of proteins from beef bone and the functionality of these proteins in
      sausage batters.
AB  - Four solutions [4% sodium chloride (control), 4% sodium chloride with 0.3% sodium
      tripolyphosphate (STP), 0.3% tetrasodium pyrophosphate (TTP) or 0.05 M sodium
      hydroxide (NaOH)] were used to extract proteins from beef bones. Three bone
      solution ratios (1:1, 1:4 or 1:10), three bone types [vertebra (lumbar), rib (4
      7) and leg (femur)] and two methods of protein recovery from the extraction
      slurries [dialysis against 0.03 M potassium phosphate buffer (pH 5.3) and acid
      precipitation] were evaluated. Solutions containing phosphates or NaOH were more
      effective in extracting protein than sodium chloride alone. Total protein
      recovery was highest from vertebra bones while extraction of proteins from leg
      bones resulted in the lowest recovery. A solution to bone ratio of 1 to 10
      recovered more total protein from vertebra or rib bones than leg bones. Dialysis
      recovered more total protein from extraction solutions when the protein
      concentration was low. Acid precipitation, however, worked best if the protein
      concentration in the extraction solution was high. Extraction procedures resulted
      in some myosin degradation. Proteins extracted from beef bone materials and
      recovered by dialysis, performed equally as well as other commercially available
      proteins when added to a finely comminuted sausage product.

PMID- 22061089
TI  - Effects of animal and muscle characteristics on collagen and consequences for ham
      production.
AB  - The effect of biological and technological factors on ham production were studied
      by analyzing collagen pyridinoline cross-linking and the thermal stability of
      type I collagen. The type of muscle affected hydroxylysylpyridinoline (P>0.01)
      and lysylpyridinoline (P<0.001) cross-linking, total intramuscular collagen
      concentration (P<0.0001), and the slope of type I collagen solubility as a
      function of time. pH (P<0.05) and genetic line (P<0.0001) affected
      lysylpyridinoline cross-linking. In ham production, muscle type, pH(24), nitrite
      salt concentration and pasteurization value affected type I collagen solubility
      (P<0.0001). There was a relationship between pyridinoline cross-linking and
      soluble type I collagen levels and between technological yield and soluble type I
      collagen concentration (P<0.0001). There was also a relationship between collagen
      pyridinoline cross-linking and technological yield if the nitrite salt (1.5%) and
      pH(24) (<5.55) were kept constant. Thus collagen solubility and pyridinoline
      content are two indicators of meat quality in ham production.

PMID- 22061090
TI  - Seasonal effects on Ca(2+) transport of sarcoplasmic reticulum and on meat
      quality of pigs with different malignant hyperthermia status.
AB  - The intracellular Ca(2+) concentration is mainly regulated by the sarcoplasmic
      reticulum (SR). A disturbed regulation leads to an increased metabolism and
      ultimately to inferior meat quality. In this study, pigs with normal and mutated
      calcium release channels (referred to as MHR and MHS, respectively) were used.
      One batch of pigs was slaughtered in winter months and another in summer months.
      The intention was to elucidate the impact of season on the Ca(2+) transport of SR
      and on meat quality in dependence of the MH-status. The results show an impact of
      MH-status and of season on the meat quality with inferior values in summer
      months, and in MHS pigs. Immediately after slaughter the rate of Ca(2+)
      sequestration of the SR with biochemically closed and with opened calcium release
      channels (CRC) was not different between experimental groups. However, with basic
      CRC (not biochemically manipulated) the Ca(2+) uptake rate of MHR muscle of
      summer pigs was significantly reduced and at the level of that of MHS pigs. The
      results indicate an impact of summer season on the ability of SR to regulate
      Ca(2+) concentration properly even in pigs with a normal CRC. This disturbed
      Ca(2+) regulation is correlated with diminished meat quality.

PMID- 22061091
TI  - Prediction of the soluble myoglobin content of cooked burgers.
AB  - The time-temperature profiles for cooking in-house made beef and lamb burgers
      were determined using a thermocouple placed in the centre of the burger. From
      these data the soluble myoglobin remaining in the burger was predicted using
      kinetic data from previously reported model experiments. First order kinetics
      were assumed for the denaturation of the myoglobin. A good correlation between
      observed and predicted data was observed. Thus the "degree of doneness"of
      different meats can be predicted when cooked under specified conditions.

PMID- 22061092
TI  - Processing and nutritional characteristics of value added ostrich products.
AB  - Two types of processed products, chopped hams (0.15% and 0.30% phosphate on final
      yield) and viennas (27 and 32% fat extension) were manufactured from ostrich fan
      fillets (M. iliofibularis) to determine the suitability of ostrich meat for
      processing purposes. Cooking losses differed significantly (P<0.10) between the
      two types of ham-like products (0.15% phosphate=1.59 and 0.30% phosphate=0.78%),
      indicating that an increase in phosphate addition reduced cooking loss. Cooking
      losses did not differ (P>0.10) between the two types of ostrich viennas. Colour
      evaluation (L (*),a (*),b (*)) of the fresh ostrich meat and processed ostrich
      products (chopped hams and viennas) indicated significant differences between the
      different types of viennas. Chemical composition (moisture, ash, protein and fat
      content) of the ostrich meat, processed ostrich products and similar types of
      commercially available products suggested that processed ostrich products can be
      formulated to compete successfully with similar types of products derived from
      other meat species.

PMID- 22061093
TI  - Autoantibodies against apolipoprotein A-1 and phosphorylcholine for diagnosis of
      non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To explore the diagnostic accuracies of anti-apolipoproteinA-1 (anti
      ApoA-1) IgG and anti-phosphorylcholine (anti-PC) IgM alone, expressed as a ratio
      (anti-ApoA-1 IgG/anti-PC IgM), and combined with the Thrombolysis In Myocardial
      Infarction (TIMI) score for non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
      (NSTEMI) (NSTEMI-TIMI score) to create a new diagnostic algorithm - the Clinical
      Autoantibody Ratio (CABR) score - for the diagnosis of NSTEMI and subsequent
      cardiac troponin I (cTnI) elevation in patients with acute chest pain (ACP).
      METHODS: In this single-centre prospective study, 138 patients presented at the
      emergency department with ACP without ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.
      Anti-ApoA-1 IgG and anti-PC IgM were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent
      assay on admission. Post hoc determination of the CABR score cut-off was
      performed by receiver operating characteristics analyses. RESULTS: The
      adjudicated final diagnosis was NSTEMI in 17% (24/138) of patients. Both
      autoantibodies alone were found to be significant predictors of NSTEMI diagnosis,
      but the CABR score had the best diagnostic accuracy [area under the curve (AUC):
      0.88; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.82-0.95]. At the optimal cut-off of 3.3,
      the CABR score negative predictive value (NPV) was 97% (95% CI: 90-99). Logistic
      regression analysis showed that a CABR score >3.3 increased the risk of
      subsequent NSTEMI diagnosis 19-fold (odds ratio: 18.7; 95% CI: 5.2-67.3). For
      subsequent cTnI positivity, only anti-ApoA-1 IgG and CABR score displayed
      adequate predictive accuracies with AUCs of 0.80 (95% CI: 0.68-0.91) and 0.82
      (95% CI: 0.70-0.94), respectively; the NPVs were 95% (95% CI: 90-98) and 99% (95%
      CI: 94-100), respectively. CONCLUSION: The CABR score, derived from adding the
      anti-ApoA-1 IgG/anti-PC IgM ratio to the NSTEMI-TIMI score, could be a useful
      measure to rule out NSTEMI in patients presenting with ACP at the emergency
      department without electrocardiographic changes.

PMID- 22061094
TI  - ESR1 in myocardial infarction.
AB  - Women live longer than men; this can be attributed in part to the function of
      estrogens. In premenopausal women 17beta-estradiol (E2) is produced mainly by the
      ovaries. Extra-ovarian sources of this hormone comprise adipose tissue, breast
      tissue, bone, leukocytes, heart, testes, prostate, adrenal tissues, and some
      brain structures. E2 exerts the majority of its biological functions by
      interacting with the nuclear receptors ERalpha and ERbeta, encoded by the ESR1
      and ESR2 genes, respectively. The genomic mechanism of ER action is the
      regulation of the activity of target genes. In addition, E2 induces rapid
      cellular effects in transcription-independent, non-genomic mechanisms, acting via
      receptors localized in the plasma membrane, in the cytoplasm, and in the
      mitochondria. Notably, ERalpha commonly serves as an extra-nuclear receptor of
      E2. In wild type animal models of cardiac ischemia ERalpha activation reduces
      infarct size, apoptosis of cardiomyocytes, inflammation, and oxidative stress,
      induces vasodilatation and increases neovascularization. The cardioprotective
      role of ERalpha in human is not fully elucidated. An individual with disruptive
      ESR1 mutation had dysfunctional epithelium and suffered from early cardiovascular
      disease. An association of the common ESR1 -397T>C and -351A>G polymorphisms and
      of other polymorphisms with cardiovascular disease and with myocardial infarction
      is still not firmly established.

PMID- 22061095
TI  - Can sharing experiences in groups reduce the burden of living with diabetes,
      regardless of glycaemic control?
AB  - AIMS: To test whether patients with Type 1 diabetes would join support groups and
      benefit by improving psychosocial functioning, regardless of their HbA1c levels.
      METHODS: A pre-post test with follow-up after 6 and 12 months was conducted as a
      concurrent mixed-method study. The convenience sample included patients with Type
      1 diabetes aged >=21 years, having been diagnosed >=1 year earlier. Primary
      outcome was diabetes-related distress (using the Problem Areas in Diabetes
      scale). Secondary outcomes were psychological distress and depressive symptoms
      (Symptom Check List -90-R/Global Severity Index and depression subscale), well
      being (World Health Organization 5) and HbA1c . RESULTS: Equal numbers of
      patients with HbA1c above and below 64 mmol/mol (8%) joined the support groups (n
      = 54). Focus group interviews revealed that major benefits were feeling less
      alone and being intuitively understood among peers. The patients perceived the
      support groups as a safe environment for sharing experiences. Problem Areas in
      Diabetes, Global Severity Index and depression subscale scores were significantly
      reduced post-intervention and maintained at 1-year follow-up. Well-being
      increased insignificantly. HbA1c was unchanged. CONCLUSIONS: Support groups are
      able to reduce diabetes-related and psychological distress 1 year after the
      intervention for patients with both good and poor glycaemic control displaying
      high levels of distress. Although patients with severely high levels of diabetes
      related distress might need more extensive therapeutic interventions to further
      reduce their level of distress. Further, interventions that target specific self
      management problems are needed for patients with poor glycaemic control to help
      them accomplish lower levels of HbA1c. Moreover, healthcare providers must be
      aware that patients with good glycaemic control might have an unacknowledged
      psychosocial burden of living with the illness.

PMID- 22061096
TI  - Lipolytic and oxidative changes in 'Chorizo' during ripening.
AB  - Changes in fats during the ripening of 'chorizo'-a Spanish dry sausage-
      elaborated by traditional and industrial processes have been studied. Total free
      fatty acids (FFA), carbonyls, volatile fatty acids (acetic acid), TBA number and
      individual FFA were determined. A marked increase of total free fatty acids was
      observed, although an increase of rancidity was not detected. Except in one of
      the batches studied in which a rise in carbonyls was reported, these compounds
      remained unchanged during the ripening in the rest of the batches analysed. No
      significant change occurred in the proportions of different free fatty acids
      during ripening in both types of 'chorizo'. There was a marked increase of acetic
      acid during the first days of ripening followed by a slow fall in the ultimate
      stages.

PMID- 22061097
TI  - Carcass physical and chemical composition of three fat-tailed breeds of sheep.
AB  - Physical and chemical compositions of carcasses of 73 intact ram lambs of three
      fat-tailed Iranian breeds; Karakul (K), Mehraban (M) and Baluchi (B) were
      studied. Lambs were 195 days old at slaughter. Weight of wholesale cuts and bone,
      fat trim and trimmed meat of each cut were recorded. Moisture, protein, ether
      extract and ash were determined in each of the deboned cuts. The higher (P <
      0.01) proportion of leg and shoulder in K compared with those in the other two
      breeds was due to a smaller (P < 0.01) tail fat in the former breed. The breeds
      were not different for weight of wholesale cuts as percentage of tail-free
      carcases. Tail-free carcass of K lambs had the highest percentage of bone,
      protein and moisture, and those of M had the highest fat trim and the lowest bone
      as compared with the other breeds. The small-size Baluchi, which is well adapted
      to the sub-desert conditions, was the fattest of the breeds, as assessed by its
      highest ranking for percentage of ether extract in the carcass. On the basis of
      protein content, the values of M and B tail-free carcasses were 93% and 89% as
      high, respectively, as that for K. Differences among the breeds for the physical
      and chemical constituents of wholesale cuts as a percentage of the same component
      in half carcass without tail were small. On the basis of percentage protein, the
      values of shoulder, back and flap + neck were 102, 98 and 85% as high,
      respectively, as that for leg.

PMID- 22061098
TI  - Paris ham processing: Technological yield as affected by residual glycogen
      content of muscle.
AB  - The aim of the present experiment was to study the relationships between pH,
      protein and residual glycogen content of pig muscle on the one hand, and
      technological yield (TY) of Paris ham processing on the other (Paris ham is a
      type of cured cooked ham). Fifty-two pigs were slaughtered at 100 kg liveweight
      in a commercial abattoir, in four slaughter series. Ultimate pH, protein and
      glycogen were determined around 24h post mortem. Two days after slaughter, the
      right hams were processed to Paris ham. Residual glycogen levels varied from 0 to
      78 MUmol/g of fresh tissue. All correlations between TY and the other traits
      under study were significant at the P < 0.05 level. Correlation between glycogen
      and TY was by far the highest one (r = 0t-0.60, P < 0.01). Protein content and
      both pH values gave similar but lower correlations with TY (r around 0.4, P <
      0.01). It is concluded that the results of the present study agree with the
      hypothesis that the residual glycogen content of muscle has a direct effect on
      the technological yield of cooked ham processing.

PMID- 22061099
TI  - Effect of electrical stimulation, hip suspension and ageing on quality of chilled
      pig meat.
AB  - Carcasses from 60 Large white pigs, weighing 62-85 kg, were split and half were
      stimulated (700 V, 12.5 Hz for 90 s) 20 min after slaughter. Half of the
      stimulated (ES) and half of the non-stimulated sides were suspended from the
      Obturator foramen at 40 min after slaughter and resuspended from the Achilles
      tendon after 6 h. The sides were then subjected to one of two chilling
      treatments: (a) air at -15 degrees C until M. longissimus dorsi (LD) in the
      lumbar region was below 10 degrees C (approx. 3 h from slaughter), followed by
      air at 1 degrees C for the remainder of chilling; (b) air at 1 degrees C
      throughout. Rapid chilling increased toughness of LD but not M. semimembranosus
      (Sm). Stimulation improved tenderness in both muscles, increased drip loss in Sm
      and increased paleness in LD which could be reversed by rapid chilling. Pelvic
      suspension reduced drip and improved tenderness with similar magnitude to ES.
      Ageing improved tenderness in all except pelvic suspended sides but ES produced
      the most tender pork at 7 days.

PMID- 22061100
TI  - The measurement of light scattering and electrical conductivity for the
      prediction of PSE pig meat at various times post mortem.
AB  - Measurements of light scattering and electrical conductivity were made in the
      Longissimus dorsi (LD) and Semimembranosus (SM) muscles using the Fibre Optic
      Probe (FOP) and Quality Meter (QM), respectively, to assess their ability to
      estimate pig meat quality, particularly the occurrence of PSE meat. One-hundred
      and-fifty-three gilt carcasses were measured on three occasions post mortem (pm):
      45 min (FOP(45) and QM(45)), 2h (FOP(2) and QM(2) and 24 h (FOP(u) and QM(u)).
      Measurements of pH were taken in the same anatomical position and at the same
      times. At 24 h pm muscle reflectance (GOFO value) and subjective colour
      assessments were made on the cut surface of the LD at the level of the last rib.
      Water-holding capacity (WHC) was estimated in a sample taken from the exposed
      surface of the LD by the solubility of sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar proteins.
      The FOP(45) predicted most accurately the WHC (R(2) = 0.49). Neither of the other
      quality measurements improved the prediction at 45 min pm. However, at 2h, adding
      QM(2) as a second independent variable improved prediction of WHC (R(2) = 0.58).
      At 24 h the combination of FOPu, QMu and GOFO did not improve the prediction of
      WHC (R(2) = 0.58). The best prediction used measurements of FOP(45), QM(2) and
      GOFO (R(2) = 0.62). The best relationship between subjective colour scores and
      the quantitative measurements of meat quality using discriminant analysis was
      obtained with the FOPu with an error-count estimate of 15.1% followed by FOP(2)
      (17%), GOFO value (18.7%), pH(2) (19.7%) and QMu (20.2%). With combination
      measurements of two instruments, pH(2) and FOP(2) had the lowest error-count
      estimate (10.9%). No further precision was obtained with combinations of three
      instruments. These results suggest that FOP and QM can be used to predict PSE and
      normal pig meat at different times pm and can replace traditional pH muscle
      measurements.

PMID- 22061101
TI  - Lipid and fatty acid composition of rabbit meat: Part 1.-Apolar fraction.
AB  - The apolar lipid contents and the fatty acid composition of meat from two rabbit
      breeds (New Zealand white and commercial hybrid HYLA) fed two commercial diets of
      different protein and crude fibre levels have been studied. The total and apolar
      lipid content of meat from both rabbit breeds ranged from 4.9 to 10.5% (wet
      weight). The individual lipid classes of the apolar fraction are described.
      Triglycerides accounted for more than 80% of total apolar lipids. The fat from
      rabbit meat is comparatively richer in palmitic acid (about 40% being always the
      major fatty acid), in linoleic acid and in myristic acid and poorer in stearic
      acid than other meats. Although differences in the fatty acid compositions of
      meat were observed, only clear influences of age, sex, breed, and/or feeding on
      the fatty acids C-16:0, C-18:0 and C-18:2 of total and apolar lipids were found.

PMID- 22061102
TI  - Lipid and fatty acid composition of rabbit meat: Part 2.-Phospholipids.
AB  - The phospholipid contents (and their fatty acid composition) of the meat of two
      rabbit breeds (New Zealand white and the commercial hybrid HYLA) fed with two
      commercial diets of different protein and fibre contents, have been determined.
      The phospholipid contents in the meat of both rabbit breeds ranged from 9% to 19%
      total lipid. In this fraction seven different phospholipid classes were detected
      but phosphatidylcholine (PC) and phosphatididylethanolamine (PE) had average
      percentages of 50 and 20 of the total phospholipids. The major fatty acids of
      both phosphatidylcholine and phosphatidylethanolamine were C-16:0, C-18:0, C-18:1
      and C-18:2, these together representing more than 70% of the total fatty acids.
      In general, the PC had an higher saturated fatty acid content than PE, which had
      a lower percentage of C-16:0 but higher C-20:4. Although differences in the fatty
      acid composition of the phospholipid fractions of the rabbit meat were observed,
      the only clear influences of age, sex, breed, and/or feeding were found with the
      C-16:0, C-18:0 and C-18:2 fatty acids.

PMID- 22061103
TI  - Simple test for differentiation between fresh pork and frozen/thawed pork.
AB  - Enzyme profile of the exudates from fresh and frozen/thawed pork has been assayed
      by using a semi-quantitative method (APIZYM). Only three enzymes (esterase
      lipase, beta-glucuronidase and alpha-glucosidase) showed significant differences
      (P < 0.01) between fresh and frozen/thawed pork. Different storage conditions
      were tested (freezing temperature: -10 to -60 degrees C for 13 days and time of
      storage: 11 to 54 days at -18 degrees C) but no significant differences were
      found among them. The APIZYM system would constitute a simple method for
      detecting frozen/thawed pork.

PMID- 22061104
TI  - Two reading techniques of the filter paper press method for measuring meat water
      holding capacity.
AB  - Two systems of measuring the areas obtained from the filter paper press method
      (Grau & Hamm) on meat (beef) were compared: by planimeter (method A) and by
      optical-electronic system (Video Image Analyzer; method B). Data obtained by
      three operators, measuring 15 samples twice, were utilized to estimate the
      'precision' of the two methods. The general mean area of ring zone resulting from
      method A was 6.69 cm(2). Analysis of variance demonstrated a significant
      influence both for 'operator' factor and for the interaction operator-sample.
      Repeatability and reproducibility were 0.1706 and 0.2580, respectively. By method
      B the general mean area was 6.67 cm(2). The variance among operators was
      significant, but lower than in the method A, and there was no interaction. The
      repeatability and reproducibility were 0.03055 and 0.07234, respectively. It
      would appear, therefore, that the optical-electronic determination is more
      precise than the planimetric method.

PMID- 22061105
TI  - Superiority of extra-pair offspring: maternal but not genetic effects as revealed
      by a mixed cross-fostering design.
AB  - Extra-pair copulations (EPC) are the rule rather than an exception in socially
      monogamous birds, but despite widespread occurrences, the benefits of female
      infidelity remain elusive. Most attention has been paid to the possibility that
      females gain genetic benefits from EPC, and fitness comparisons between maternal
      half-siblings are considered to be a defining test of this hypothesis. Recently,
      it was shown that these comparisons may be confounded by within-brood maternal
      effects where one such effect may be the distribution of half-siblings in the
      laying order. However, this possibility is difficult to study as it would be
      necessary to detect the egg from which each chick hatched. In this study, we used
      a new approach for egg-chick assignment and cross-fostered eggs on an individual
      basis among a set of nests of the collared flycatcher Ficedula albicollis. After
      hatching, chicks were ascribed to mothers and therefore to individual eggs by
      molecular genetic methods. Extra-pair young predominated early in the laying
      order. Under natural conditions, this should give them a competitive advantage
      over their half-siblings, mediated by hatching asynchrony. However, we
      experimentally synchronized hatching, and after this treatment, extra-pair young
      did not outperform within-pair young in any studied trait including survival up
      to recruitment and several indicators of reproductive success and attractiveness.
      We obtained only modest sample sizes for the last two traits and did not test for
      extra-pair success of male offspring. Thus, we cannot exclude the possibility of
      advantages of extra-pair young during the adult phase of life. However, our data
      tentatively suggest that the more likely reason for females' EPCs is the
      insurance against the infertility of a social mate.

PMID- 22061106
TI  - Artificial extracellular matrices composed of collagen I and sulfated hyaluronan
      with adsorbed transforming growth factor beta1 promote collagen synthesis of
      human mesenchymal stromal cells.
AB  - Sulfated glycosaminoglycans (GAG) are multifunctional components of the
      extracellular matrix and are involved in the regulation of adhesion,
      proliferation and differentiation of cells. The effects of GAG are mediated in
      general by their interactions with cations and water, and in particular by their
      binding to growth factors. The aim of this study was to generate artificial
      extracellular matrices (aECM) containing collagen I and hyaluronan sulfate
      (HyaS), which are capable of adsorbing and releasing transforming growth factor
      beta1 (TGF-beta1), and to promote collagen synthesis of cultured human
      mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSC). For the preparation of aECM, monosulfated Hya
      (HyaS1) or trisulfated Hya (HyaS3) were used; the natural chondroitin-4-sulfate
      was used as a control. As applied for the in vitro experiments, the resulting
      matrices were composed of 93-98% collagen I and 2-7% GAG derivative. Adsorption
      of TGF-beta1 to the aECM and release from the aECM was dependent on the degree of
      sulfation of hyaluronan. Collagen synthesis of hMSC was promoted only by aECM
      with adsorbed TGF-beta1; the bare aECM had a slightly inhibitory effect on
      collagen synthesis. The promoting effect did not correlate either to the amount
      of adsorbed TGF-beta1 nor to the release of TGF-beta1, indicating that the
      correct presentation of TGF-beta1 to the cells might be critical. The results
      indicate that sulfated hyaluronan-containing aECM have the potential to control
      both the adsorption and release of TGF-beta1, and thereby promote collagen
      synthesis of hMSC. Thus, these aECM might be a useful tool for different tissue
      engineering applications to enhance bone formation when used for biomaterial
      coating.

PMID- 22061107
TI  - Sustained release of adiponectin improves osteogenesis around hydroxyapatite
      implants by suppressing osteoclast activity in ovariectomized rabbits.
AB  - Lack of estrogen could lead to decreased bone mass and increased risk for
      osteoporosis, which has a negative influence on biomaterial implantation.
      Adiponectin (APN), an adipose-derived hormone, has been shown to increase bone
      density by inhibiting osteoclast formation and promoting the formation of
      osteoblasts. This study was designed to investigate the direct effects of APN
      released from the Matrigel controlled-release system on the activity of rabbit
      mature osteoclasts and osteoclast precursor RAW264.7 cells in vitro, and to
      determine its effects by improving osteogenesis around the hydroxyapatite (HA)
      implant in ovariectomized (OVX) rabbits. APN+Matrigel+HA, APN+HA, Matrigel+HA and
      HA were implanted into mandibular defects of OVX rabbits. At 4 weeks after
      implantation, the mandibles were examined by histology, microcomputed tomography
      and biomechanical testing. The results demonstrated that Matrigel extended the
      length of APN released to achieve long-term persistence. The sustained release of
      APN suppressed the osteoclastic activity both in vitro and in vivo, and improved
      the peri-implant osteogenesis in OVX rabbits, while the short-term APN treatment
      did not. Sustained release of APN may be an effective strategy to improve the
      restoration of bone defects by the use of HA materials under osteoporotic
      conditions in which osteoclasts are highly activated.

PMID- 22061108
TI  - Maleimide-thiol coupling of a bioactive peptide to an elastin-like protein
      polymer.
AB  - Recombinant elastin-like protein (ELP) polymers display several favorable
      characteristics for tissue repair and replacement as well as drug delivery
      applications. However, these materials are derived from peptide sequences that do
      not lend themselves to cell adhesion, migration, or proliferation. This report
      describes the chemoselective ligation of peptide linkers bearing the bioactive
      RGD sequence to the surface of ELP hydrogels. Initially, cystamine is conjugated
      to ELP, followed by the temperature-driven formation of elastomeric ELP
      hydrogels. Cystamine reduction produces reactive thiols that are coupled to the
      RGD peptide linker via a terminal maleimide group. Investigations into the
      behavior of endothelial cells and mesenchymal stem cells on the RGD-modified ELP
      hydrogel surface reveal significantly enhanced attachment, spreading, migration
      and proliferation. Attached endothelial cells display a quiescent phenotype.

PMID- 22061109
TI  - Short-term feeding strategies and pork quality.
AB  - Two experiments were done to determine whether short-term supplementation (5 days
      pre-slaughter) with magnesium acetate, or a combination of magnesium acetate,
      tryptophan, vitamin E and vitamin C would improve pork quality. In the first
      experiment the pigs (Pietrain*Yorkshire, n=96) were fed a standard feed or a
      magnesium supplemented feed for 5 days prior to slaughter. As a possible stress
      factor half of the animals were slaughtered upon arrival at the slaughterplant
      whereas the remaining animals were allowed two hours of rest in lairage before
      slaughter. Magnesium supplementation did not result in an increase in plasma
      magnesium concentration at slaughter. Omission of lairage resulted in higher
      plasma glucose concentrations, but plasma lactate concentrations were not
      affected. Drip loss and ultimate pH were not affected by diet or omission of
      lairage. Omission of lairage resulted in poorer color characteristics. This
      effect was prevented by supplementation with magnesium. In the second experiment
      the pigs (Pietrain*Yorkshire, n=92) were fed a standard feed or this standard
      feed supplemented with magnesium acetate, tryptophan, vitamin E and vitamin C for
      5 days prior to slaughter. Supplementation with vitamin E did not increase muscle
      vitamin E concentration. Inclusion of supplements in the diet failed to improve
      water-holding capacity or color characteristics. These results indicate that
      short-term supplementation with magnesium acetate, tryptophan, vitamin E and
      vitamin C is of little value in improving pork quality when pigs are not stressed
      beyond levels associated with routine slaughter procedures.

PMID- 22061110
TI  - Lemon albedo as a new source of dietary fiber: Application to bologna sausages.
AB  - The aim of this work was to study the effect of the addition of lemon albedo in
      bologna sausages. Two types of albedo (raw and cooked) and five concentrations
      (0%, 2.5%, 5%, 7.5% and 10%) were added to sausages. Chemical, physicochemical
      and sensory analyses were made. The addition of albedo to bologna sausages
      represents an improvement in their nutritional properties and may have beneficial
      effects, possibly due to the presence of active biocompounds which induce a
      decrease in residual nitrite levels. The formulations which gave products with
      sensory properties similar to conventional sausages were sausages with 2.5% and
      5% raw albedo and 2.5%, 5% and 7.5% cooked albedo.

PMID- 22061111
TI  - Lack of effects of hyperkalemia on the metabolism of normoxic or anoxic rabbit
      triceps brachii muscle.
AB  - Rabbit triceps brachii muscle was perfused with bovine red cells medium. Changes
      in phosphorus compounds and intracellular pH were followed using (31)P NMR during
      15 min in the perfused muscle and during 50 min in muscle made anoxic by
      perfusion stop. Potassium levels in perfusate was maintained at 4 mM (normal
      plasma concentration at rest) during all perfusion in one muscle and at 4 mM for
      10 min then 10 mM during 5 min before perfusion stop in the contralateral muscle.
      The intracellular pH and phosphorylated compounds content remained stable in the
      perfused muscle whatever the potassium concentration of the perfusate. Five min
      after perfusion stop a decrease in phosphocreatine (P<0.05) and pH (P<0.01) and
      an increase in sugar-phosphates (P<0.01) were observed independently of potassium
      concentration. The lack of effect of increasing circulating potassium indicates
      that hyperkalemia does not affect, by itself the muscles energetic metabolism.

PMID- 22061112
TI  - N-terminal amino acid sequences of troponin T fragments, including 30 kDa one,
      produced during postmortem aging of bovine longissimus muscle.
AB  - We have determined the amino (N)-terminal amino acid (AA) sequences of five
      troponin T (TnT) fragments produced during postmortem aging of bovine longissimus
      muscle. Western blot analysis showed that 32.1, 28.8, 27, and 25.8 kDa anti-fast
      type TnT (fTnT)-positive fragments and a 31 kDa anti-slow-type TnT (sTnT)
      positive fragment were present at 14 d postmortem. The N-terminal AA sequences of
      the 32.1, 28.8 (conventional 30 kDa), 27, and 25.8 kDa fragments were APPPPAEV,
      EVHEPEEK, EKPRPRLT, and APKIPEGE, respectively, and they were mapped to the N
      terminal region of bovine fTnT isoforms. The N-terminal sequences of the 31 kDa
      fragment, EAPEEPEP, were mapped to the sTnT isoforms. These findings indicate
      that the two isoform types of fTnT predominantly expressed in the longissimus
      muscle are cleaved specifically at Glu(21)-Ala(22) and Glu(15)-Ala(16), His(37)
      Glu(38) and His(31)-Glu(32), Glu(43)-Glu(44) and Glu(37)-Glu(38), and/or Thr(51)
      Ala(52) and Thr(45)-Ala(46), respectively, and that a sTnT isoform is cleaved
      specifically at Glu(23)-Glu(24).

PMID- 22061113
TI  - The use of the MRI technique in the evaluation of water distribution in tumbled
      porcine muscle.
AB  - The non-destructive magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique was used to study
      the spatial distribution of water in meat samples without and with brine and the
      influence of injection curing on water distribution in cured meat. Fresh non
      treated porcine ham muscles (m. biceps femoris) were used; muscles injected with
      curing salt and subjected to half-time tumbling (3 h and 20 min) and full-time
      tumbling (6 h and 40 min) were studied. A "Lutetia" type 4 tumbler of French
      manufacture with a helicoidal paddle and a 2000 kg drum capacity was used.
      Histological examination of fresh non-treated muscles, after brine injection, and
      during and after the completion of tumbling demonstrated considerable
      differences. The use of MRI made it possible to estimate the effect of the
      tumbling procedure on the dynamics of brine migration and binding by muscle
      proteins. The spatial imaging of the proton density distribution confirmed that
      with longer meat tumbling times the binding of brine and its uniform distribution
      in the muscles increased.

PMID- 22061114
TI  - Decreasing variation in the eating quality of beef through homogenous pre- and
      post-slaughter management.
AB  - The objective of this experiment was to determine the effectiveness of current
      "best-practise" management of steers pre- and post-slaughter in reducing
      variation in the eating quality of beef. Steers sired by one Belgian Blue bull
      from Holstein-Friesian cows were managed optimally from birth to slaughter.
      Animals were slaughtered at target body weights and subcutaneous fat scores of
      620 kg and 4L (LH) (n=23) or 720 kg and 4H (HH) (n=24). On each slaughter
      occasion, commercial steers with similar carcass weights and classification
      scores to the homogenous steers were selected from the factory lairage; n=19 for
      light commercial steers (LC) and n=20 for heavy commercial steers (HC). Carcasses
      were hung by the pubic bone at 10  degrees C for 10 h and 2  degrees C until 24 h
      postmortem, when M. longissimus dorsi and M. semimembranosus muscles were
      excised. Following ageing for 2, 7 and/or 14 days postmortem, eating quality was
      assessed. Muscle from HH steers was more variable in terms of tenderness,
      protein, moisture and water-holding capacity compared to muscle from LH steers
      within LD muscle. Muscle from HC steers was more variable in terms of tenderness,
      redness colour, protein and intramuscular fat compared to muscle from LC steers
      within LD muscle. Applying best practice management to the homogenous and
      commercial steers in the present experiment reduced variances in Warner Bratzler
      shear force (25.69 and 23.9, respectively) compared to variance (154.9) of
      previous research carried out by the present authors.

PMID- 22061115
TI  - Fatty acid composition and cholesterol content of muscles as related to genotype
      and vitamin E treatment in crossbred lambs.
AB  - Various factors (weight, sex, diet and breed) influence meat lamb fatty acid
      composition. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the lipid profile in
      two different lamb types. Sixty crossbred lambs (Ile de France*Pagliarola and
      Gentile di Puglia*Sopravissana) were used to determine cholesterol, lipid content
      and fatty acid profile of Longissimus dorsi, Semimembranosus and Gluteobiceps
      muscles. Moreover, the effect of vitamin E treatment in vivo on propensity of the
      lamb meat to lipoperoxidation was assessed. In both crossbreeds total muscle
      lipids ranged between 2.4 and 4.0 mg/100 g. In the Ile de France*Pagliarola lambs
      a lower percentage of saturated fatty acids and a low atherogenic index were
      found. The vitamin E treatment reduced significantly the lipoperoxidation,
      without difference between the two crossbreeds.

PMID- 22061116
TI  - Comparison of modified atmosphere packaging and vacuum packaging for long period
      storage of dry-cured ham: effects on colour, texture and microbiological quality.
AB  - Slices of dry-cured hams (Biceps femoris muscle) were stored during 8 weeks under
      vacuum and modified atmospheres (100% N(2) and a mixture of 20% CO(2) and 80%
      N(2)) in order to study the modifications on colour, texture and microbial counts
      during that period. Lightness was found to be more stable when samples were
      stored with 20% CO(2) and 80% N(2) without statistical differences between vacuum
      and 100% N(2). A slight whiteness was observed in the vacuum packed samples.
      Yellowness increased during time in vacuum packed samples, although no
      differences were found among the three conditions at the end of the study.
      Redness values were not affected by time or by the packaging system. With regard
      to texture, values found for all samples were within the normal range for this
      type of products, although it was observed that modified atmosphere packaging
      preserved samples better from hardening than vacuum packaging. No safety problems
      were detected in relation to the microbial quality in any case. In general, no
      clear differences were found among the three packaging systems for colour,
      texture and microbial quality in the storage conditions studied.

PMID- 22061117
TI  - Effects of interesterified vegetable oils and sugarbeet fiber on the quality of
      frankfurters.
AB  - The effects of interesterified vegetable oils (IVOs) prepared from palm,
      cottonseed and olive oil, respectively, and sugarbeet fiber (SBF) on quality of
      frankfurters have been studied. Beef fat (10%) was replaced by one of the IVOs
      for 60% and 100%. Incorporation of IVOs in frankfurters improved the nutritional
      content of product due to altering the fatty acid composition. The oleic acid
      content of frankfurters increased from 28.76% to 45.57% and 47.15% as the
      interesterified palm oil (IPO) and interesterified olive oil (IOO) contents
      increased from 0% to 10% and 6%, respectively. The linoleic acid contents of 6%
      and 10% interesterified cottonseed oil (ICO) added frankfurters were,
      respectively, 10- and 19.6-fold higher than treatments without ICO. Addition of
      SBF (<425 MUm size and 1% level) significantly increased (p<0.05) the total
      dietary fiber content and water-holding capacity (WHC) of frankfurters.
      Incorporation of IVOs and SBF did not lead to significant changes in appearance,
      colour, texture, flavour or sensory scores. It is concluded that IVOs and SBF may
      be successfully applied as beef fat substitute in frankfurters since this
      combination offset some of the changes brought about by beef fat replacement.

PMID- 22061118
TI  - Colour, composition and eating quality of beef from the progeny of two Charolais
      sires.
AB  - Eating quality and variation within eating quality attributes of beef from young
      bull progeny of a Charolais sire of average conformation heritability (CF44)
      (n=14) and young bull progeny of a Charolais sire of good conformation
      heritability (IC27) (n=16) were examined. The M. longissimus dorsi (up to 12th
      and/or 13th ribs) was excised 24 h post-slaughter and eating quality attributes
      analysed at 2, 7 and 14 days postmortem. While progeny muscularity and carcass
      weight reflected that of each sire, in general no variation was observed in the
      quality attributes. In addition no significant difference in mean values was
      evident between sire progenies for carcass and meat quality attributes examined.
      Significant variation was observed in colour after 2 days ageing, but this was
      not evident after 7 or 14 days ageing. Average sarcomere length did differ
      significantly (p<0.05) between progeny of both sire types (CF44=1.87 MUm and
      IC27=1.77 MUm), but did not appear to impact on tenderness. The similarity
      between the progeny of the average or good conformation sires examined in this
      experiment suggests such sires have no effect on the eating quality of their
      young bull beef progeny.

PMID- 22061119
TI  - Effects of dietary vitamin D(3), vitamin E, and magnesium supplementation on pork
      quality.
AB  - Meat quality traits and palatability characteristics were evaluated on 240
      barrows and gilts subjected to one of eight dietary regimens: (1) control (no
      supplement), (2) vitamin D(3)(D(3)), (3) vitamin E (E), (4) magnesium (Mg), (5)
      vitamins D(3) and E (D(3)/E), (6) vitamin D(3) and magnesium (D(3)/Mg), (7)
      vitamin E and magnesium (E/Mg), and (8) vitamins D(3) and E, and magnesium
      (D(3)/E/Mg). Barrows supplemented with D(3)/E/Mg had the highest (P>0.05)
      ultimate pH. Those supplemented with E had a higher ultimate pH than those
      supplemented with D(3)/Mg or the control. Gilts supplemented with Mg had the
      highest ultimate pH of all of the gilts while those supplemented with D(3) had
      the lowest. Barrows supplemented with Mg or E had more marbling than those
      supplemented with D(3) or D/E. Gilts supplemented with Mg had the most marbling
      when compared to other gilts. At 48 h postmortem, no differences due to dietary
      treatment were observed in L (*), a (*) or b (*) value, drip loss or purge loss.
      At 14 days postmortem, no differences due to diet existed in sensory
      characteristics. Results suggest that supplementation of swine diets with some
      dietary supplement combinations of containing Mg may have some potential benefit
      for increasing ultimate pH.

PMID- 22061120
TI  - Myosin heavy chain isoforms expressed in bovine skeletal muscles.
AB  - Nucleotide sequences including the full coding region for three types of myosin
      heavy chain (MyHC) isoforms were determined from bovine adult skeletal muscles.
      The deduced amino acid sequences were 1940, 1938, and 1935 residues for the MyHC
      2a, -2x, and -slow, respectively. Like other mammalian MyHC isoforms, the bovine
      MyHC isoforms had homologous sequences except for substitutions concentrated on
      the loop 1, loop 2, and light chain binding regions. RT-PCR amplifications showed
      that the adult bovine skeletal muscles expressed the MyHC-2a, -2x, and -slow
      isoforms but no -2b isoform. The absence of the MyHC-2b isoform and substitutions
      on the loop2 region could explain some differences in meat quality between beef
      and pork.

PMID- 22061121
TI  - A Zn-porphyrin complex contributes to bright red color in Parma ham.
AB  - The Italian traditional dry-cured ham (Parma ham) shows a stable bright red color
      that is achieved without the use of nitrite and/or nitrate. In this study we
      examined the pigment spectroscopically, fluoroscopically and by using HPLC and
      ESI-HR-MASS analysis. Porphyrin derivative other than acid hematin were contained
      in the HCl-containing acetone extract from Parma ham. A strong fluorescence peak
      at 588 nm and a weak fluorescence peak at 641 nm were observed. By HPLC analysis
      the acetone extract of Parma ham was observed at the single peak, which eluted at
      the same time as Zn-protoporphyrin IX and emitted fluorescence. The results of
      ESI-HR-MS analysis showed both agreement with the molecular weight of Zn
      protoporphyrin IX and the characteristic isotope pattern caused by Zn isotopes.
      These results suggest that the bright red color in Parma ham is caused by Zn
      protoporphyrin IX.

PMID- 22061122
TI  - Predicting temperature profiles to determine degree of doneness for beef biceps
      femoris and longissimus lumborum steaks.
AB  - The degree of steak doneness is an important factor in providing consumers with a
      satisfying eating experience. Endpoint temperature and cooking rate are the
      determinants of degree of doneness. Our objectives were to predict internal
      temperature profiles and cooking times for longissimus lumborum and biceps
      femoris steaks. Each biceps femoris and longissimus lumborum steak was cooked
      individually in a gas-fired, forced-air-convection oven at 163  degrees C until
      the center temperature of each steak reached 70  degrees C. Temperature profiles
      were recorded by a Doric temperature recorder and the recorded time and
      temperature data were imported into a spreadsheet. A prediction method was then
      implemented to predict cooking times and temperature profiles. No significant
      differences (p<0.05) were found in cooking times between experimental and
      predicted values for either longissimus lumborum or biceps femoris steaks. Good
      agreement was found between experimental and predicted temperature profiles for
      the longissimus lumborum muscle. However, predicted temperature profiles were
      consistently higher (except for the beginning of the cooking cycle) than the
      experimental values up to 65  degrees C in the cooking cycle for biceps femoris
      steaks. A highly positive linear relationship was found between experimental and
      modeled temperature profiles for longissimus lumborum (R(2)=0.99), whereas a high
      quadratic (R(2)=0.99) relationship was found for biceps femoris steaks. Our
      method for predicting temperature profiles of steaks for a specified cooking time
      to attain a given degree of doneness should increase consumer satisfaction by
      reducing variation in meat sensory traits related to an expected degree of
      doneness.

PMID- 22061123
TI  - Industrial application to cattle of a method for the early determination of meat
      ultimate pH.
AB  - A method to measure the approximate glycolytic potential of slaughter animals,
      and thus the ultimate pH, was applied for several months on the slaughter line of
      a cattle abattoir. The patented method (WO 00112844) determines a so-called
      glucose value from the hydrolysis of glycogen in a sample of Longissimus
      lumborum. The value is available before the dressed carcass is weighed and
      graded. The 13,700 cattle tested were pasture-fed bulls and 'prime' animals, the
      latter comprising steers and virgin females. The method was used to sort
      carcasses into two quality grades, table cuts and manufacturing, according to a
      threshold glucose value that in this application corresponded to an ultimate pH
      of 5.70. In frequency distributions the glucose value was roughly normally
      distributed for prime animals but for bulls was lower on average and strongly
      skewed to low values. The distributions showed that 19% of prime and 62% of bulls
      had an ultimate pH below 5.70. The results were consistent with prior survey work
      undertaken in New Zealand with conventional pH measurements made a day after
      slaughter. Error in the method is examined with respect to commercial outcomes.
      For most errors the method 'fails-safe', in that normal pH animals are more
      likely to be classed as high pH than vice versa. In a second phase of the study,
      meteorological and some abattoir data are related to mean daily glucose values
      and their variance. The more bulls slaughtered per day the lower the mean glucose
      value for bulls (r=-0.25, P<0.01), an effect presumably arising from mixing
      unfamiliar groups of bulls. There was a decrease in mean glucose value with
      higher maximum daily temperature (P<0.01). Periods of rainfall in the days
      leading to slaughter were positive for glucose value. For both bulls (especially)
      and prime, the lower the mean glucose value, the greater the percent variance (r=
      0.81 and -0.56, P<0.001) but the cause of this could not be established.

PMID- 22061124
TI  - The roles of the proteasome, and cathepsins B, L, H and D, in ostrich meat
      tenderisation.
AB  - As very little research has been conducted on ostrich meat tenderisation, this
      study aims at investigating the roles of the proteasome and cathepsins B, L, H,
      and D in the tenderisation process. The enzyme activities in meat from eight
      ostriches during a 12-day ageing period and the corresponding physical
      characteristics (e.g. pH, shear force) and myofibril patterns were determined.
      After 12 days, substantial high remaining activities were found, especially of
      the proteasome, thus implicating their possible roles in the tenderisation
      process. The mean shear force values, however, showed no improvement in
      tenderness, but the myofibril patterns showed the appearance of a M(r) 32 K
      component. Myofibril degradation studies of the proteasome, analysed
      electrophoretically, also revealed a possible role of the proteasome, but under
      activating conditions. This study provides further insights into the
      tenderisation process, particularly of ostrich meat, which may ultimately be used
      for the advantageous manipulation of the process.

PMID- 22061125
TI  - The effect of repeat application of electrical stunning on the welfare of pigs.
AB  - Although legislation requires the production of immediate insensibility, implying
      that a stun can be applied only once, the practice of repeat application of
      electrical stunning is common. However, the relative consequences of such repeat
      applications are unknown. This study investigated the effects of repeat
      applications of electrical stunning (200 V, 50 Hz) following different delays of
      15, 60 or 180 s between the initial stun and the repeat applications. The
      parameters examined, following stunning, were the durations of spontaneous
      physical activity, time to return of reflexes and the duration of the
      epileptiform activity in the electrocorticogram. The results showed that repeat
      application of electrical stunning can produce successive epileptic activity and
      therefore an effective stun. The duration of tonic and clonic phase activity
      following repeat application was significantly shorter than after a single stun
      only. There was a tendency for the reflexes to return more quickly following
      repeat application. The use of electrical stunning to re-stun pigs appears to
      raise no welfare concerns and although commonly used, should only be applied out
      of necessity rather than as routine practice.

PMID- 22061126
TI  - Effects of enhancing beef longissimus with phosphate plus salt, or calcium
      lactate plus non-phosphate water binders plus rosemary extract.
AB  - Beef strip loins (n=36) were enhanced with a sodium phosphate plus salt solution
      (PS); or with a calcium lactate solution (Ca) plus 1% or 2% beef broth (Br) plus
      natural flavoring (N) containing rosemary extract; or with 1% or 2% kappa
      carrageenan (Cr) plus N to determine effects of ingredients on color life, water
      binding ability, and palatability traits. Enhancement with PS resulted in higher
      pH, higher pumped yields, greater water-binding ability, and higher tenderness
      and juiciness scores than enhancement with Ca (all p<0.05). Enhancement with Ca
      resulted in less color deterioration, less metmyoglobin discoloration, higher L
      (*), a (*), and b (*) values, higher beef flavor intensity scores and lower off
      flavor scores than enhancement with PS (all p<0.05). Warner-Bratzler shear values
      did not differ among treatments. Steaks enhanced with Br had less color
      deterioration, less metmyoglobin discoloration, and higher L (*) values than
      those enhanced with Cr (all p<0.05). Pumped yields were not different between
      loins enhanced with Br or Cr. The N flavoring containing rosemary extract
      decreased (p<0.05) discoloration. Enhancing beef longissimus with PS increased
      water-binding capacity and sensory tenderness traits, but reduced color stability
      and increased off-flavors, whereas Ca preserved color stability and enhanced
      flavor at the expense of pumped yields. The use of Br or Cr had no influence on
      tenderness or palatability traits.

PMID- 22061127
TI  - Myosin heavy chain isoforms influence myofibrillar ATPase activity under
      simulated postmortem pH, calcium, and temperature conditions.
AB  - The pH and Ca(2+) sensitivity of myofibrillar ATPase activity plays an integral
      role in regulating postmortem muscle ATP utilization and likely paces postmortem
      glycolysis. The objective of this study was to determine the influence of pH and
      Ca(2+) concentration on the ATPase activity of myofibrils from red semitendinosus
      (RST) and white semitendinosus (WST) porcine muscles. Myofibrillar ATPase was
      measured at 39  degrees C over a pH range 5-7.5 and a [Ca(2+)] range pCa 4-9 (10(
      4)-10(-9)M). At maximum Ca(2+)-dependent activation (pCa 4), RST myofibrils had
      lower (p<0.0001) ATPase activity than WST myofibrils. This maximum activity of
      myofibrils from both muscle regions was not influenced from pH 7.5 to 6.5,
      declined between pH 6.5 and 5.75 (Hill coefficient, n(H)=2.7-3.4; pH at half
      maximum activity, pH(50)=5.97) and was near zero at pH 5.5. At pH 7, pCa-activity
      relationships showed that RST required less Ca(2+) for half-maximum activation
      (higher pCa(50); 6.50) than WST myofibrils (pCa(50)=6.35) but had no difference
      in n(H). At pH 7, both RST and WST myofibrils had maximum Ca(2+)-dependent, actin
      activated ATPase activity at pCa ?6 and Ca(2+)-independent myosin ATPase activity
      at pCa ?6.75. pCa-activity relationships at different pH levels indicated that
      pCa(50) decreased with pH from pH 6.5 to 6.125 in both RST and WST myofibrils. At
      pH <5.75, [Ca(2+)] did not influence ATPase activity in RST or WST myofibrils.
      These data show that myofibrils with predominantly fast MyHC (WST) have a higher
      actin-activated myosin ATPase activity than myofibrils with primarily slow MyHC
      isoforms (RST) at Ca(2+) concentrations and pH values characteristic of
      postmortem muscle.

PMID- 22061128
TI  - Isolation and technological properties of coagulase negative staphylococci from
      fermented sausages of Southern Italy.
AB  - The aims of this study were to characterize the population of Micrococcaceae in
      different types of fermented sausages of Southern Italy and to determine the
      technological properties of Staphylococcus strains in order to evaluate the
      suitability of selected strains as starter cultures in the processing of dry
      fermented pork sausages. Ninety-six strains were studied to evaluate nitrate
      reductase, proteolytic, lipolytic and antioxidant activities as well as growth
      ability at different temperatures, pH's and NaCl concentrations. All the strains
      were classified as Staphylococcus except for one isolate assigned to Kocuria spp.
      The species most often isolated were S. saprophyticus, S. xylosus and S. equorum,
      although they were not equally distributed within the different sausages. Other
      species isolated were, in descending order of abundance, S. succinus, S. warneri,
      S. lentus, S. vitulus, S. pasteuri, S. epidermidis, and S. haemolyticus. In
      general, the S. xylosus strains exhibited the best technological properties that
      would make them eligible as good starter cultures for fermented meat products.
      However, strains belonging to other species also showed good technological
      properties. Finally, all strains grew at 10, 15 and 20  degrees C, in the
      presence of 10% and 15% of NaCl and at pH 5.0 and 5.5. The results showed that it
      is possible to formulate a broad variety of staphylococcal starter cultures,
      adaptable to different technological conditions and sausage manufacture
      practices.

PMID- 22061129
TI  - Profile and effects of consumer involvement in fresh meat.
AB  - This study investigates the profile and effects of consumer involvement in fresh
      meat as a product category based on cross-sectional data collected in Belgium.
      Analyses confirm that involvement in meat is a multidimensional construct
      including four facets: pleasure value, symbolic value, risk importance and risk
      probability. Four involvement-based meat consumer segments are identified:
      straightforward, cautious, indifferent, and concerned. Socio-demographic
      differences between the segments relate to gender, age and presence of children.
      The segments differ in terms of extensiveness of the decision-making process,
      impact and trust in information sources, levels of concern, price consciousness,
      claimed meat consumption, consumption intention, and preferred place of purchase.
      The two segments with a strong perception of meat risks constitute two-thirds of
      the market. They can be typified as cautious meat lovers versus concerned meat
      consumers. Efforts aiming at consumer reassurance through quality improvement,
      traceability, labelling or communication may gain effectiveness when targeted
      specifically to these two segments. Whereas straightforward meat lovers focus
      mainly on taste as the decisive criterion, indifferent consumers are strongly
      price oriented.

PMID- 22061130
TI  - Water transfer analysis in pork meat supported by NMR imaging.
AB  - NMR proton density imaging was used to study isothermal and unidirectional drying
      of pork semi membranosus muscle samples at temperatures of 12, 16 and 20  degrees
      C. An independent calibration of the transversal relaxation time T(2) as a
      function of the moisture content was carried out to convert the signal amplitude
      into moisture content. Due to spatial heterogeneity in drying, 2D images were
      needed to assess the evolution of 1D moisture profiles. The relationship between
      the effective water diffusivity (D) was calculated in function of water content
      (X) using the Boltzman transformation which needs no a priori on the relationship
      D=f(X); the effect of lipid content, temperature and fibre direction on this
      relationship were also studied. In all cases a decrease in water content brought
      about a decrease in D. A slight increase in lipid content led to a dramatic
      decrease in D. The fibre direction relative to water movement had a negligible
      effect. No significative differences in D between the three temperatures were
      observed, due to variability in the chemical composition of the samples.

PMID- 22061131
TI  - A research note on radio frequency transponder effects on bloom of beef muscle.
AB  - This study was designed to determine if radio frequency transponders affect the
      bloom of tray-packed beef muscle. A radio frequency identification (RFID) passive
      transponder was applied to the overwrap film of beef strip loin steaks.
      Overwrapped tray packs were vacuum packaged and stored for two days at 4  degrees
      C. Samples were removed from the vacuum package and CIE L(*), a(*), and b(*)
      values were measured through the overwrap until CIE a(*) values stabilized (40
      min). Overwrap was removed and CIE L(*), a(*), and b(*) values were measured
      directly below the RFID and an adjacent control area for 40 min. All CIE L(*),
      a(*), and b(*) values were statistically different (P<0.05) directly below the
      RFID when compared to the adjacent control area. The greatest differences were
      observed in the initial values and may be of consumer concern. After achieving
      full bloom (40 min post-overwrap removal), the difference between these areas
      were negligible.

PMID- 22061132
TI  - Effects of outdoor rearing and sire breed (Duroc or Yorkshire) on carcass
      composition and sensory and technological meat quality.
AB  - The effects of outdoor rearing and sire breed on carcass composition and
      technological and sensory meat quality in pigs were studied in a trial with 102
      crossbred slaughter pigs (Yorkshire, or Yorkshire * Landrace sows and Duroc or
      Yorkshire as terminal sire). Half of each litter were reared conventionally
      indoors, while the remainder were reared outdoors in a 50 000 m(2) area, as a
      single group. All pigs were fed ad libitum. Yorkshire sired pigs had
      significantly leaner carcasses and meat with lower IMF content and marbling
      scores, and higher shear force and water content. The sire breeds did not differ
      regarding pH(u), water-holding capacity, or colour. Meat from the Yorkshire
      crosses was more acid, less tender and gained lower overall acceptance scores in
      the sensory test. The outdoor-reared pigs had lower daily gain values and leaner
      carcasses. They produced meat with lower pH(u), higher drip loss, higher shear
      force values and higher internal reflectances. Their meat contained more lactate
      and crude protein and had a higher glycolytic potential, less IMF and less water.
      Regarding the sensory qualities, outdoor rearing impaired tenderness, juiciness
      and overall acceptance.

PMID- 22061133
TI  - Rapid DNA purification for Hal gene PCR diagnosis in porcine tissues and
      extension to other meat species.
AB  - Two different halothane (Hal) gene polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests were
      applied to genomic DNA extracted from porcine blood, semen, muscle and fat
      tissues by a rapid and simple Chelex-100 based method. One of the PCR procedure
      is designed from the ryanodine receptor coding sequence to produce a 81 base pair
      (bp) fragment, while the other is designed from pig intron sequences to produce a
      659 bp fragment. Oligonucleotide primers derived from the coding sequence were
      also used for other meat species. Amplification products obtained from porcine,
      bovine, ovine, equine and deer genomic DNA were successfully digested with Hha I
      restriction enzyme to produce the same electrophoretic pattern as in the normal
      homozygous (NN) pig. No PCR products could be amplified from chicken and turkey
      DNA.

PMID- 22061134
TI  - Gelatine colour measurement.
AB  - Gelatine colour is of commercial and scientific significance and yet there is no
      nationally accepted method for its measurement. On analysis it was found that
      light scatter due to imperfect filtration and molecular size (Veis, 1964) were
      the sources of interference. Colour measurements using a particular set-up of the
      BYK-Gardner Color-View Spectrophotometer were found to measure the colour of
      molten gelatine solutions from the Bloom strength determination, by reflectance,
      in agreement with visual colour values (r = 0.97), ascribed in accord with Beer's
      law. Type A and Type B gelatines (67), with turbidities of <80 NTU, from a wide
      range of raw materials and manufacturers were assessed.

PMID- 22061135
TI  - The effect of dietary vitamin E supplementation on the quality of fresh and
      frozen lamb meat.
AB  - The effect of dietary alpha-tocopheryl acetate supplementation on the uptake of
      alpha-tocopherol in ewe plasma, lamb plasma, milk, organs and muscles was
      investigated. The oxidative stability and colour in fresh M. longissimus dorsi
      and frozen M. longissimus dorsi, M. psoas major and M. gluteus medius were also
      investigated. Ewes (n = 12) were selected and scanned to assess pregnancy. They
      were divided into two groups (n = 6). The control group was fed a diet containing
      20 mg alpha-tocopheryl acetate/kg feed/day and the supplemented group fed a diet
      containing 1000 mg alpha-tocopheryl acetate/kg feed/day, for 9 weeks ante
      parturition and 3 weeks post-parturition. The lambs were weaned at 3 weeks and
      fed supplemented or basal feed for 10 weeks before slaughter. Plasma alpha
      tocopherol increased significantly (p < 0.01) in ewes in the 9 weeks ante
      parturition, and lamb plasma taken just before slaughter was significantly (p <
      0.01) higher for the supplemented group than the basal group, following 13 weeks
      of supplementation. Milk alpha-tocopherol levels were significantly (p < 0.01)
      higher from ewes fed the supplemented diet at parturition and for the three weeks
      of supplementation post-parturition (p < 0.05). Supplementation increased the
      alpha-tocopherol levels in all tissues sampled. The alpha-tocopherol
      concentrations in M. longissimus dorsi and M. psoas major were also determined
      after frozen storage at -20  degrees C for 34 weeks. Frozen storage resulted in a
      significant (p < 0.01) reduction in mean alpha-tocopherol levels for M.
      longissimus dorsi but not M. psoas major. Dietary supplementation with alpha
      tocopheryl acetate significantly (p < 0.05) increased the oxidative stability of
      lamb muscle. Surface colour (Hunter L, a, b) was found to be negatively
      correlated with metmyoglobin content. Supplementation reduced surface
      discolouration in refrigerated display under fluorescent light over a 6-7 day
      storage period. The effect was more pronounced in frozen displayed muscles than
      in freshly displayed samples.

PMID- 22061136
TI  - Microwave oven application in the extraction of fat from the subcutaneous tissue
      of Iberian pig ham.
AB  - The fat from subcutaneous tissue samples of Iberian pigs was extracted by solvent
      (2:1 chloroform-methanol) and by the action of microwave energy. The samples of
      liquid fat obtained by both extraction techniques were analysed by gas
      chromatography. Paired comparisons showed no significant differences in fatty
      acids in suggesting that the fat obtained by the two techniques was the same and
      that the extraction of fatty acids by microwaves is suitable for quality
      classification of Iberian pig carcasses.

PMID- 22061137
TI  - Sodium hydroxide and sodium tripolyphosphate effects on bind strength and sensory
      characteristics of restructured beef rolls.
AB  - Restructured beef rolls formulated with 1% NaCl (controls) or with 1% NaCl plus
      0.07% NaOH or 0.375% sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP) had different (p < 0.05)
      relative bind strength and cooked yield, as follows: STPP > NaOH > controls.
      Percent cooked yield was inversely affected (p < 0.05) by added water level (5 >
      10 > 20%). Bind values were lower (p < 0.05) in rolls with 20% added water. NaOH
      and STPP rolls had higher pH (p < 0.05) than controls (6.28, 6.22, and 6.07,
      respectively). Panel cohesiveness, juiciness, and acceptability scores were also
      generally higher (p < 0.05) for NaOH and STPP rolls, compared to controls. There
      was a high correlation (0.93) between panel cohesiveness scores and instrumental
      bind values. At 20% added water, STPP rolls were preferred, but at 10% added
      water, STPP and NaOH rolls were similar in overall acceptability. Thus, if added
      water level is not too high, NaOH alone or perhaps with other binding agents may
      be an alternative to phosphates in cooked beef rolls.

PMID- 22061138
TI  - Quality and bacteriological consequences of beef carcass spray-chilling: Effects
      of spray duration and boxed beef storage temperature.
AB  - The effects of water spray-chilling on beef carcass traits and muscle quality,
      bacteriology and retail case life were determined in a research abattoir.
      Chilling treatments were compared using 10 crossbred steer carcasses (280 +/- 4
      kg) at each spray duration (4, 8, 12 and 16 h) and each vacuum storage
      temperature (1, 4, 8 and 12  degrees C). Control sides were air-chilled (1 
      degrees C, 24 h) while spray-chilled sides were sprayed with an intermittent
      water mist at 1  degrees C in four, 60 s cycles/h for the initial 4-16 h of
      chilling. The effects of storage temperature were evaluated using vacuum packaged
      longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle at post-chill intervals of 2, 16, 30 and 44
      days. Chilling treatment effects were similar at all spray-chill durations and LT
      vacuum storage times and temperatures. Carcass spray-chilling did not effect pH,
      lean colour, % moisture, sarcomere length, shear value or weight loss during the
      vacuum storage of LT muscle. Carcass fat colour tended to brighten as spray
      duration was extended up to 12 h, but there was a grey discoloration of fat at
      spray durations beyond 12 h. Chilling treatment had only marginal effects on
      anaerobic bacteria during the vacuum storage of LT muscles, or aerobic bacteria
      during the retail display of rib-eye steaks, and the retail case life of steaks
      was largely unaffected by spray-chilling. A linear relationship between spray
      chill duration and carcass weight loss was determined and carcass shrinkage was
      reduced by 0.08 g/100 g for every hour of spray-chilling. It was estimated that a
      major beef processing abattoir could utilize spray-chilling to save more than
      2000 kg daily in carcass shrinkage, without compromising quality or increasing
      spoilage losses.

PMID- 22061139
TI  - The effect of degree of doneness of beef steaks on consumer acceptability of
      meals in restaurants.
AB  - A total of 3554 consumers, who selected beef steak menu items at nine
      restaurants, were surveyed on their attitudes to beef and their assessment of
      beef steak meals. Consumers were asked to describe the menu item, their
      assessment of steak size and the degree of doneness of the steak, both as they
      ordered it and how they perceived it was delivered. Consumers rated the meal for
      tenderness, taste, overall satisfaction, value for money and intent to
      repurchase, and were also asked their sex, age and attitude to beef. The average
      ordered degree of doneness for all consumers was medium. A total of 30% of
      consumers considered they did not receive their steaks cooked to their ordered
      degree of doneness. The interaction between ordered and delivered degree of
      doneness had a highly significant (P < 0.001) effect on consumer scores for
      tenderness, taste, overall satisfaction, value for money and intent to
      repurchase. The maximum consumer scores were obtained when steaks were cooked to
      their ordered degree of doneness. If steaks were perceived not delivered as
      ordered, there was a decline in all consumer scores (P < 0.001), with a greater
      penalty for over- than under-cooking (P < 0.001). This study showed the dramatic
      penalty in consumer satisfaction for a chef failing to deliver a steak cooked to
      the ordered degree of doneness.

PMID- 22061140
TI  - Effects of brine ingredients and temperature on cook yields and tenderness of pre
      rigor processed roast beef.
AB  - In semimembranosus (SM) muscles removed pre- and post-rigor and injected 10%
      (wt/wt) with brines formulated to give 2% salt, 1.5% glucose, 0.3% phosphate,
      0.15% calcium chloride or 3% sodium lactate in the finished product and cooked
      within 1 h of injection, cook yields were not significantly affected by
      processing pre- or post-rigor. Within treatments, however, brine composition had
      a significant (P < 0.05) effect on cook yields; highest yields were obtained
      using salt (although this was not significantly different from the water injected
      control) and lowest yields with calcium chloride. Adding phosphate resulted in
      lower peak shear force values, and less energy was required to break the sample.
      The most tender roasts from pre-rigor meat were produced using salt, phosphate or
      lactate brines and the least tender using calcium chloride. Brine temperature (0
      12  degrees C) during injection had little effect on cook yields or tenderness of
      the roast beef manufactured pre-rigor. The results indicate that accelerated
      processing of roast beef can result in finished product with acceptable yields
      and tenderness if salt and phosphate brines are used.

PMID- 22061141
TI  - Use of lipase from Rhizomucor miehei in dry fermented sausages elaboration:
      Microbial, chemical and sensory analysis.
AB  - Three different amounts of lipase (0.075, 0.100 and 0.150 LU/g) from Rhizomucor
      miehei (Palatase M 200L Novo Nordisk) were used to determine the correct amount
      to use in dry fermented sausages. Determination of acidity values through
      fourteen days of ripening showed that 0.100 LU/g was the most appropriate. Two
      types of fermented sausages were manufactured, addition of the enzyme being the
      only difference between them. Addition of Palatase did not affect product
      stability (pH and A(w)), and the growth of micro-organisms. In spite of the
      increase in acidity value, no rancidity developed as determined by both chemical
      and sensory analysis. Increases in the liberation of palmitic, palmitoleic,
      stearic, oleic and linoleic acids were found when lipase was used. Juiciness and
      taste were slightly better in the sausages with Palatase than in those without,
      but these differences were not reflected in the overall acceptability.

PMID- 22061142
TI  - The effect of vacuum and modified atmosphere packaging on the shelf-life of lamb
      primals, stored at different temperatures.
AB  - Lamb primals (shoulders) were vacuum packaged or packaged in modified atmospheres
      containing 80% O(2)/20% CO(2), 50% CO(2)/50% N(2) or 100% CO(2), and stored at 5
      or 0  degrees C. They were examined microbiologically at 7 day intervals for
      total counts obtained under (1) aerobic, (2) CO(2) enriched or (3) anaerobic
      conditions; B. thermosphacta; pseudomonad and Enterobacteriaceae counts. Off
      odour assessments were also carried out at these times. In general, there were no
      significant differences between the total counts obtained from the different
      incubation conditions in any of the atmospheres. The only exception was noted in
      80% O(2)/20% CO(2) at 5  degrees C. Significant differences between atmospheres
      for the total counts were observed at 0  degrees C only. In the case of B.
      thermosphacta, the pseudomonads and the Enterobacteriaceae, differences between
      atmospheres were noted at 5 and 0  degrees C. In general, vacuum packs and 80%
      O(2)/20% CO(2), and the two high CO(2) atmospheres fell into distinct groups.
      Storage temperature had a significant effect on all three counts. The
      relationship between bacterial counts and time was modelled using regression
      analysis. Data from total counts gave the equations of best fit. Significant
      differences between atmospheres in terms of off-odour production were observed at
      5  degrees C only. The effect of temperature on off-odour production was
      significant in all atmospheres except 100% CO(2). A scheme was devised based on
      the growth of different groups of organisms which facilitated comparisons between
      studies on packaged meats. The results of the present work and that of others are
      discussed in relation to the different growth patterns which developed with
      packaging treatments and storage temperature.

PMID- 22061143
TI  - Comparison of histochemical properties of different pig breeds.
AB  - The study involved 158 pigs: 51 Hampshire (H), 54 Landrace (L) and 53 Yorkshire
      (Y). The aim of the study was to compare muscle histochemical properties of M.
      longissimus dorsi and adductor between muscles from pigs of purebred Hampshire,
      Landrace and Yorkshire lineages. The following histochemical properties were
      determined: 1) the percentage of type I, IIA and IIB fibers in number (calculated
      on the basis of the number of different fiber types) and area (calculated on the
      basis of the area of different fiber types) as analyzed with the myosin ATPase
      method using an acid preincubation solution of pH 4.6; 2) the cross sectional
      area of each fiber type; 3) the percentage of oxidative fibers on the basis of
      the NADH-TR method; and 4) the capillary density of the muscles. The cross
      sectional area of type IIB fibers was the largest in Landrace. The highest
      capillary density (capillaries per mm(2)), 254 +/- 38, was in longissimus of
      Hampshire. A positive correlation between M. longissimus dorsi and M. adductor
      was found in the percentage of type I, IIA and IIB fibers in number and area,
      cross-sectional area of each fiber type, and capillary density. The differences
      in histochemical properties between breeds were, however, smaller in M. adductor
      than in longissimus dorsi muscle. In addition, the variation in muscle fiber
      composition in pigs within the breeds was larger than the average variation
      between the breeds.

PMID- 22061144
TI  - Rapid prediction of RN phenotype in pigs by means of meat juice.
AB  - The dominant RN(-) allele occuring in the Hampshire pig breed is associated with
      a high glycogen content in glycolytic muscles. To determine the RN phenotype in
      meat, certain alternative rapid methods were studied. Instead of using whole
      muscle, meat juice released from post-mortem longissimus dorsi muscle was used in
      the analyses. Carriers of the RN(-) allele were distinguished from non-carriers
      on the basis of the concentration of glucose + glucose-6-phosphate
      (spectrophotometrically determined), glucose only (determined with a rapid assay
      for blood glucose in diabetic patients) or the osmolality of meat juice. These
      results were compared with a classification based on the glycolytic potential or
      the residual glycogen (sum of [glycogen], [glucose] and [glucose-6-phosphate]) in
      muscle. Higher levels of glucose, of the sum of glucose and glucose-6-phosphate,
      and of osmolality were found in meat juice from animals of the RN phenotype. The
      sum of glucose and glucose-6-phosphate in meat juice seems to be a reliable
      marker for the determination of the RN phenotype in meat. Glucose or the
      osmolality of meat juice can also be used, but more as a preliminary method.

PMID- 22061145
TI  - Effect of surface mobility on the uniformity of a thin film under a bubble.
AB  - The shape of a soap bubble placed on a solid surface is familiar to everyone-a
      thin hemispherical dome that thickens near the solid surface. This structure is
      stabilized by the balance between the film's elasticity, provided by surfactant
      molecules, and the pressure inside the bubble. However, there is also a soap film
      on the flat solid surface that has been mostly ignored in previous studies; its
      thickness is typically assumed to be constant or varying monotonically. In this
      letter, for the first time, we show that the thickness of this film is not always
      monotonic. Depending on the surfactant type, it can exhibit a significant dip,
      similar to marginal pinching. This finding has a significant influence in
      numerous applications in which solid/foam interactions are important, such as oil
      extraction or foam-based drug delivery.

PMID- 22061146
TI  - Effect of sodium phytate, sodium pyrophosphate and sodium tripolyphosphate on
      physico-chemical characteristics of restructured beef.
AB  - The effects of 0.5% sodium phytate (SPT), sodium pyrophosphate (SPP), and sodium
      tripolyphosphate (STPP), along with 1% NaCl, on physico-chemical properties of
      restructured raw and cooked beef were evaluated. In raw beef stored for 1 day at
      4  degrees  C, the SPT, SPP, and STPP increased pH and salt-soluble protein level
      and decreased %MetMb and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS),
      compared to the control with salt alone (p < 0.05). In cooked beef, SPT, SPP, and
      STPP increased bind strength, cook yield, moisture level, and pH, and decreased
      TBARS (p < 0.05). SPP and STPP increased orthophosphate in both raw and cooked
      beef (p < 0.05), compared to the SPT and control. SPT, SPP, and STPP decreased
      the Hunter color L and b values and increased a value in raw beef (p < 0.05) but
      had no effect on the Hunter color values in cooked beef. The binding value of SPP
      and STPP were similar over time, and the time to reach maximum binding strength
      was 10s longer than SPT and 25s longer than the control. These results indicate
      that SPT compares favorably with traditional phosphates for bind strength and
      cooked yield, but SPT was slightly more effective than other phosphates for
      reduction of TBARS 1 day after cooking.

PMID- 22061147
TI  - Impact of natural sources rich in provitamin a on cooking characteristics, color,
      texture and sensory attributes of beef patties.
AB  - Eight ground beef patty formulations, based on replacing meat with a natural
      source rich in provitamin A (i.e.carrot and sweet potato) were prepared. All
      treatments displayed better moisture retention than the controls and hence yield
      was improved. L, a, and b Hunter values increased and Instron texture profile
      analysis indicated lower peak forces, increased springiness, and, in some cases
      cohesiveness (i.e. juicier patties) for formulalions with boiled carrot or sweet
      potato. However, adding these ingredients in a dry form increased hardness,
      springiness and cohesiveness. Improvement in the content of provitamin A was
      achieved by incorporating carrot or sweet potato into the patties. Mixing meat
      with a natural rich source of provitamin A could be a long-term solution for
      combating vitamin A deficiency.

PMID- 22061148
TI  - Oxidation of microsomal fraction in the processing conditions of dry-cured ham.
      The in-vitro effect of brine.
AB  - Throughout the manufacturing process of dry-cured ham intense lipid oxidation
      occurs. Muscle microsomal membranes were used as a model of muscle oxidation in
      three different procedures: (i) enzymic reaction; (ii) nonenzymic reaction and
      (iii) sarcoplasmic proteins and microsomal fraction interaction. Porcine M.
      Biceps femoris from normal and PSE meat qualities treated with 3% NaCl at
      different temperatures was used as a model of the dry-cured ham process. M.
      Biceps femoris from normal porcine meat was used to study the in-vitro effect of
      brine in the oxidative processes. Results showed an important increase of MDA
      concentration in enzymic and nonenzymic reactions and a higher than normal
      oxidation level in PSE meat in samples aged for 6 days at 4  degrees C. The in
      vitro assays showed a high level of nonenzymic lipid oxidation at 3  degrees C
      incubation. On the other hand, the enzymic reaction showed greater values of MDA
      at 20  degrees C incubation. In-vitro NaCl concentrations seemed to have an
      antioxidant effect in these conditions. Sarcoplasmic proteins had little effect
      on the oxidative mechanisms suggesting a lack of interaction of these proteins
      with the microsomal fraction.

PMID- 22061149
TI  - Size and location of ice crystals in pork frozen by high-pressure-assisted
      freezing as compared to classical methods.
AB  - In high-pressure-assisted freezing, samples are cooled under pressure (200 MPa)
      to - 20  degrees C without ice formation then pressure is released (0.1 MPa) and
      the high super-cooling reached (approx. 20  degrees C), promotes uniform and
      rapid ice nucleation. The size and location of ice crystals in large meat pieces
      (Longissimus dorsi pork muscle) as a result of high-pressure-assisted freezing
      were compared to those obtained by air-blast and liquid N(2). Samples from the
      surface and centre of the frozen muscle were histologically analysed using an
      indirect technique (isothermal-freeze fixation). Air-blast and cryogenic fluid
      freezing, having thermal gradients, showed non-uniform ice crystal distributions.
      High-pressure-assisted frozen samples, both at the surface and at the central
      zones, showed similar, small-sized ice crystals. This technique is particularly
      useful for freezing large pieces of food when uniform ice crystal sizes are
      required.

PMID- 22061150
TI  - Production and partial characterization of monoclonal antibodies specific to
      cooked poultry meat.
AB  - Monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) specific to cooked poultry muscle proteins have been
      developed for the detection of poultry adulterants in cooked mammalian meat.
      Saline (0.85% NaCl) extract of heat-treated (100  degrees C, 15min) chicken
      muscle proteins was used to immunize mice for MAb development. The specificity of
      MAbs was tested against chicken antigen and protein extracts from seven other
      meat species (pork, beef, lamb, deer, horse, turkey and duck) by indirect enzyme
      linked immunosorbent immunoassay (ELISA). The immunogenic components in the
      poultry protein extracts were determined by SDS-PAGE followed by immunoblotting.
      A total of six hybridoma cell lines that secrete IgG class MAbs have been
      developed: MAbs 3E12 and 1A5 were able to distinguish between cooked poultry and
      mammalian meats, MAbs 9C6 and 6F7 reacted strongly with cooked chicken only, and
      MAbs, 5D2 and 6G8, reacted with both cooked turkey and chicken but not other
      species. All six MAbs demonstrated a proportional increased ELISA response to
      respective adulterated poultry samples in pork over a 0-100% range of
      aduleration.

PMID- 22061151
TI  - Concentration of free amino acids and dipeptides in porcine skeletal muscles with
      different oxidative patterns.
AB  - Free amino acids and natural dipeptides, have been analyzed in pork muscles
      having different metabolic type (masseter, trapezius, semimembranosus and
      longissimus dorsi). Carnosine and anserine showed significantly higher (p < 0.05)
      concentrations with the glycolytic activity of the muscle while taurine and
      glutamine were significantly higher in the oxidative muscles. Non-essential free
      amino acids also showed significant (p < 0.05) increased content in the oxidative
      muscles.

PMID- 22061152
TI  - A potential mechanism by which alpha-Tocopherol maintains oxymyoglobin pigment
      through cytochrome b(5) mediated reduction.
AB  - The effect of alpha-Tocopherol (alpha-Toc) on the reduction of metmyoglobin
      (MetMb) was investigated using a liver extract containing cytochrome b(5) (LE)
      prepared from bovine liver in a Triton X-100 system at 37  degrees C and at pH
      7.2, 6.2, and 5.6. The combination of alpha-Toc and LE reduced MetMb at pH 5.6
      and pH 6.2 (p < 0.05), but not at pH 7.2. When LE was added, substitution of
      alpha-Toc with glutathione (0.15MUM) resulted in 13% MetMb reduction, a rate
      similar to alpha-Toc plus LE (pH 5.6). The addition of NADH and NADPH with LE at
      pH 5.6 resulted in MetMb reduction of 85% and 25%, respectively, relative to
      controls. alpha-Toc-mediated reduction at pH 5.6 was further investigated using a
      purified bovine liver cytochrome b(5) (Cyt b(5)). alpha-Toc effectively reduced
      Cyt b(5), as indicated by an increased absorbance at 424 nm. The combination of
      alpha-Toc plus purified Cyt b(5) resulted in a 15% reduction in MetMb at pH 5.6
      (p < 0.05) relative to controls. These results suggested a potential reaction
      whereby alpha-Toc maintains OxyMb via enhancement of Cyt b(5) mediated reduction
      of MetMb.

PMID- 22061153
TI  - Amaranthus and buckwheat protein concentrate effects on an emulsion-type meat
      product.
AB  - The utilization of Amaranthus (five genotypes) and buckwheat protein concentrates
      in an emulsion-type meat product comprising beef lean, pork fat, salt and water
      was studied. 15% of the beef protein was replaced with the protein concentrates
      and the resulting meat emulsions were evaluated by thermorheology and thermal
      analysis. The cooking loss and physical properties of the meat gel were
      determined. The use of Amaranthus and buckwheat protein concentrates considerably
      affected both the emulsion and the cooked meat gel properties. The most favorable
      outcome was obtained with the buckwheat protein, which had similar effects to soy
      proteins. The Amaranthus protein concentrates generally did not give favorable
      results, although that derived from genotype K112 showed some positive effects.
      Correlation analysis showed that most of the observed variation in meat product
      properties could be explained by the emulsifying activity of the protein additive
      used.

PMID- 22061154
TI  - Effect of partially replacing dietary barley with 20% carob pulp on post-weaning
      growth, and carcass and meat characteristics of Comisana lambs.
AB  - Sixteen male Comisana lambs were divided into two groups of eight at age 45 days.
      One group received a commercial pelleted diet (control) and the other group
      (carob) received a diet in which 20% carob pulp was used in partial replacement
      of barley. The animals were slaughtered at 100 days. No significant differences
      were observed for live weight, although the carob group ate 14% more dry matter,
      showing a higher conversion index (2.68 and 3.22kg dry matter per kg weight gain
      respectively for control and carob). The dressing percentage was higher (p <
      0.05) for the control group; however, the carcasses showed no differences in the
      European classification system. Lightness (lean colour) was the only meat quality
      parameter (p < 0.05) affected by diet treatment: the carob group lambs had a
      higher L (*) value. This could not be attributed to ultimate pH, which was not
      significantly different between the two groups. In triangle tests, sensory
      panelists were unable to distinguish one diet treatment from the other.
      Instrumental tenderness was also unaffected by diet treatment.

PMID- 22061155
TI  - Cryoprotectants for frozen red meats.
AB  - This present research explores the sensory characteristics of several
      cryoprotectant carbohydrates that could be added to frozen red meat. The
      cryoprotectants were sucrose, dsorbitol, maltodextrin DE 24-38 and synthetic
      polydextrose. The sweetness of aqueous solutions of sorbitol, maltodextrin and
      polydextrose was compared to standard 0.8% sucrose solution. The relationship
      between sweetness and cryoprotectant concentration was determined by a sensory
      panel using the calibration method. The recognition thresholds of cryoprotectants
      were determined in aqueous solutions and in beef and pork meat by the staircase
      method. The time course of the sweetness sensation was evaluated in aqueous
      sucrose, sorbitol, maltodextrin and polydextrose solutions at concentrations
      corresponding to the concentration of equal sweetness. The data suggest that
      polydextrose is the cryoprotectant of choice in red meat. Polydextrose was the
      least sweet; its taste was distinctly suppressed by meat, the duration of
      sweetness was the shortest one and the total flavour impact, i.e. the total area
      under the time-intensity curve, was smallest.

PMID- 22061156
TI  - Effect of dietary alpha-tocopheryl acetate supplementation on alpha-tocopherol
      distribution in raw turkey muscles and its effect on the storage stability of
      cooked turkey meat.
AB  - Day-old turkey chicks (n = 99) were divided at random into three groups (n = 33)
      and fed diets containing 20 (E20), 300 (E300) and 600 (E600) mg all-rac-alpha
      tocopheryl acetate per kg feed per day for 21 weeks prior to slaughter. After
      slaughter, breasts and legs were removed and examined for alpha-tocopherol
      content. Breast muscle from birds fed the three diets was oven cooked, cooled,
      sliced and overwrapped. The oxidative and colour stability of the slices was
      examined. Mean alpha-tocopherol levels in turkey muscle were significantly (p <
      0.05) higher in the E300 and E600 groups compared to the control group fed the
      E20 diet. alpha-Tocopherol levels in the E300 and E600 groups showed that
      concentrations in leg muscle were significantly (p <0.05) higher than in breast
      muscle. alpha-Tocopherol levels in leg and breast muscles from birds fed E20 and
      E600 diets decreased significantly (p < 0.05) during 12 months of frozen (-20 
      degrees C) storage. TBARS numbers for breast slices from all three dietary
      groups, cooked both 24 hr after slaughter and following frozen (-20  degrees C *
      11 months) storage, increased during refrigerated (4  degrees C) display for 10
      days. TBARS numbers for slices produced from meat previously held in frozen
      storage increased more rapidly than those for meat cooked following slaughter. In
      both cases, E300 and E600 diets significantly (p < 0.05) suppressed lipid
      oxidation compared to E20 samples. In general, Hunter a values for meat slices
      from turkeys fed the E300 and E600 diets were higher than those for meat slices
      from turkeys fed the E20 diet.

PMID- 22061157
TI  - Cholesterol content and fatty acid composition of ostrich meat as influenced by
      subspecies.
AB  - Two muscles, the m. gastrocnemius and m. iliofibularis, were excised from the
      left legs of six Red Neck (Struthio camelus massaicus) and six Blue Neck
      (Struthio camelus australis) ostriches and analysed for lipid and cholesterol
      content and fatty acid composition. Total lipid (1.43 g 100g ) and cholesterol
      content (65.63  mg 100g ) did not differ (ps> 0.05) in any muscle between
      subspecies. Although the percentage of some individual fatty acids differed (p <
      0.05), the total percentage of saturated fatty acids and total monounsaturated
      fatty acids was similar (p > 0.05) between subspecies in both muscles. Although
      the percentage total polyunsaturated fatty acids was higher (p < 0.05) in Blue
      Necks (23.78%) than in Red Necks (23.65%) in the m. gastrocnemius, but not (p >
      0.05) in the m, iliofibularis, the difference of 0.13% is probably of no
      practical significance.

PMID- 22061158
TI  - Effect of preslaughter handling on muscle glycogen level and selected meat
      quality traits in beef.
AB  - The ante-mortem and post-mortem glycogen levels in bull muscle were studied to
      determine their influence on the ultimate pH, cooking loss and shear force. Forty
      three bulls (13 Holstein, 12 crosses Holstein * Belgium blue, 9 Slovak Pied and 9
      crosses Slovak Pinzgauer * Piemontese) were tied, housed and divided in control
      (A, n = 30) and stressed (B, n = 13) groups before slaughter. At the institute
      abattoir, the group B animals were mixed and kept overnight. In group A, bulls
      were slaughtered immediately after arrival at the abattoir. The following values
      of muscle were determined: (1) glycogen ante mortem from m. semitendinosus (ST)
      (biopsy technique, Biotech Nitra), (2) glycogen post mortem (1 hr, 3 hr, 48 hr)
      from longissimus dorsi muscle (LD), (3) ultimate pH, cooking loss and shear force
      48 h post mortem. The results show that the glycogen concentrations ante mortem
      (ST) and 1 hr post mortem (LD) from unstressed animals were similar (p > 0.05).
      The ante-mortem and post-mortem (1 hr, 3 hr) muscle glycogen concentration were
      depleted (p < 0.01) in all stressed bulls. Differences between stressed and
      unstressed animals (p < 0.01) were found in ultimate pH, cooking loss and in
      shear force (p < 0.05). Significant correlations (p < 0.01) between ante-mortem
      (ST) and postmortem (LD, 1 hr, 3 hr) muscle glycogen and ultimate pH and cooking
      loss supported the possibility of using an efficient biopsy technique in
      combination with a simple method of glycogen estimation (iodide method) to
      predict metabolic exhaustion (glycogen depletion) and/or dark cutting condition
      of bulls.

PMID- 22061159
TI  - Low flow water quality in rivers; septic tank systems and high-resolution
      phosphorus signals.
AB  - Rural point sources of phosphorus (P), including septic tank systems, provide a
      small part of the overall phosphorus budget to surface waters in agricultural
      catchments but can have a disproportionate impact on the low flow P concentration
      of receiving rivers. This has particular importance as the discharges are
      approximately constant into receiving waters and these have restricted dilution
      capacity during ecologically sensitive summer periods. In this study, a number of
      identified high impact septic systems were replaced with modern sequential batch
      reactors in three rural catchments during a monitoring period of 4 years. Sub
      hourly P monitoring was conducted using bankside-analysers. Results show that
      strategic replacement of defective septic tank systems with modern systems and
      polishing filters decreased the low flow P concentration of one catchment stream
      by 0.032 mg TPL(-1) (0.018 mg TRPL(-1)) over the 4 years. However two of the
      catchment mitigation efforts were offset by continued new-builds that increased
      the density of septic systems from 3.4 km(-2) to 4.6 km(-2) and 13.8 km(-2) to
      17.2 km(-2) and subsequently increased low flow P concentrations. Future
      considerations for septic system mitigation should include catchment carrying
      capacity as well as technology changes.

PMID- 22061160
TI  - The relationship between tenderness, proteolysis, muscle contraction and
      dissociation of actomyosin.
AB  - The right side m. longmissius thoracis et lumborum (LTL) of 18 10-month-old male
      lambs was injected with the protease inhibitor E-64, and the left side was
      injected with isotonic saline within 30 min of stunning. Carcasses were hung
      during chilling by one of three methods; Achilles tendon; pubic symphysis or
      pubic symphysis with 2-kg weights attached to each hindleg. The LTL section was
      divided into three portions and aged for either 1, 3 or 7 days. The tenderness,
      myofibrillar fragmentation and dissociation of extracted actomyosin by
      pyrophosphate were determined for each portion of LTL. The protease inhibitor
      increased shear force values by 57%, with a decrease in shear force in the
      cranial-caudal direction along the LTL. Muscle from Achilles hung carcasses was
      the toughest. For sarcomere length hanging method had the greatest effect, with
      muscle from tenderstretched/weighted carcasses having the longest sarcomeres.
      Injection of an inhibitor caused a significant reduction in myofibrillar
      fragmentation (P< 0.001) and hanging method and ageing period also significantly
      affected this characteristic (P< 0.05). Osmolality of samples aged for 1 day was
      unaffected by any main effect. The amount of actomyosin (mg/g of muscle sample)
      extracted from muscles injected with the inhibitor was significantly less (P<
      0.001) and there was also a significant effect (P< 0.05) of portion on this
      variable. The relationship between pyrophosphate and the percentage of myosin
      dissociated from the actomyosin complex was modelled using an exponential
      function; Y=A - B exp(-kx). Analysis of A, B and k for the 69 samples fitted with
      an exponential function showed that there was no significant effect (P>0.05) on A
      and k of any main effect or their interactions. There was, however, a significant
      effect (P<0.05) of portion on B and also a significant interaction between
      injection and hanging method (P<0.05). It was found that B did not explain any
      additional variance in shear force or myofibrillar fragmentation over the main
      effects and interactions previously found significant. The inhibitor E-64 was
      effective at preventing tenderisation indicating the role of cysteine proteases
      in proteolytic degradation. There was no apparent effect of dissociation on
      tenderness as measured in this experiment and therefore a causal relationship
      cannot be identified.

PMID- 22061161
TI  - Production of mortadella: behavior of Listeria monocytogenes during processing
      and storage conditions.
AB  - The presence of Listeria monocytogenes in ready-to-eat meat products is cause of
      concern to the food industry as well as to health authorities. Studies were
      conducted to evaluate the presence of L. monocytogenes in mortadellas acquired at
      retail stores and to evaluate the fate of two levels of a L. monocytogenes pool
      spiked in two different formulations of the product, cooked under commercial
      conditions and stored at refrigeration (7 degrees C) and room temperature (25
      degrees C). Among the samples collected at different retail stores, 26.7%
      harboured L. monocytogenes. Regarding to the fate of L. monocytogenes in
      mortadella, periodically, samples were taken and the surviving L. monocytogenes
      cells in the spiked products were counted by the MPN procedure. Populations of
      <0.35 MPN/g of L. monocytogenes were found in these samples. It could be
      concluded that the heat treatment was effective to reduce 3-log of L.
      monocytogenes independent of formulation or storage conditions.

PMID- 22061162
TI  - Optical evaluation of factors affecting appearance of bovine fat.
AB  - Factors affecting the appearance of bovine fat were studied with a
      spectrophotometer using surface and transmittance optical probes and halogen and
      mercury lamps. Reflectance minima in the spectra of the fat were mainly derived
      from beta-carotene and hemoglobin. The presence of deoxy- and met-hemoglobin
      darkened the fat color. There were wide differences in the transmittance
      measurements among the white colored fats. The extracted lipid had a lower
      reflectance than the adipose tissue but the grinding fat had higher reflectance.
      With ultraviolet light, the adipose tissue had a higher fluorescence, which
      strengthened the perceived whiteness compared to the extracted lipid. These
      results showed that the appearance of bovine fat is mainly affected by the
      absorbance of carotene and hemoglobin derivatives, the reflectance,
      transmittance, and fluorescence of lipids, and the reflectance and fluorescence
      of non-lipid components (connective tissue and cell membranes).

PMID- 22061163
TI  - Calcium ascorbate as a potential partial substitute for NaCl in dry fermented
      sausages: effect on colour, texture and hygienic quality at different
      concentrations.
AB  - A control product (2.6% NaCl) and different treatments with reduced levels of
      salt (1, 2.3% NaCl; 2, 2.0% NaCl; 3, 1.7% NaCl; 4, 1.4% NaCl) and increased
      amounts of calcium ascorbate with an equivalent ionic strength to that of the
      control were assayed. The percentages of reduction of sodium content in relation
      to the control were 15, 24, 37 and 45% and the supply of calcium was 26, 33, 42
      and 50% of the Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDAs established by NRC, US) for
      treatments 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. Partial substitution of NaCl by calcium
      ascorbate caused higher acidification related with the higher lactic acid
      bacteria development and probably with the presence of calcium. The instrumental
      measurement of colour gave rise to some significant differences especially with
      the highest amount of calcium ascorbate (treatment 4), giving rise to significant
      higher a* and b* values and lower L* values in relation to the control.
      Treatments 2, 3 and 4 lead to products with lower hardness and gumminess values
      than the control. No problems related to the hygienic quality were observed.

PMID- 22061164
TI  - Effect of erythorbic acid on cooked color in ground beef.
AB  - Consumers often use the color of cooked ground beef as an indicator of doneness.
      For safety reasons, it is recommended that the center of ground beef products be
      heated to 71 degrees C. In some instances beef may appear done before reaching 71
      degrees C, a condition termed premature browning (PMB). Ground beef (15% fat),
      with added erythorbic acid (ERY) at 0.04 and 0.06% was formed into patties,
      wrapped in oxygen permeable film, and stored in the dark at 4 degrees C. Patties
      were stored for either 10 h or 58 h and then cooked to internal end point
      temperatures of 60, 66, 71 or 77 degrees C. Internal cooked color L(*), a(*) and
      b(*) values were measured. For beef patties stored 10 h, there was no effect of
      ERY on internal cooked color. After 58 h storage, ground beef with 0.04 and 0.06%
      ERY had higher a(*) values than controls at 60 degrees C (P<0.05). Beef with
      0.04% ERY cooked to an internal temperature of 66 degrees C had higher a(*)
      values than 0.06% ERY and controls (P<0.05). There was no effect of ERY on color
      of beef patties cooked to 71 or 77 degrees C. The presence of 0.04% ERY in ground
      beef patties stored 58 h appeared to maintain red color at internal temperatures
      of 60 and 66 degrees C.

PMID- 22061165
TI  - A PCR-based test for species-specific determination of heat treatment conditions
      of animal meals as an effective prophylactic method for bovine spongiform
      encephalopathy.
AB  - Efficiency of animal waste sterilization prescribed by the European Union and
      Switzerland was verified using a pork-based ELISA and two PCR assays
      (tRNA(Glu)/cytochrome b specific for vertebrates; bovine species-specific
      cytochrome b mitochondrial genome). A total of 204 samples of feedingstuffs were
      analysed including reference materials subjected to known heat treatments. Both
      ELISA and PCR assays were able to detect poorly heat-treated feedingstuffs if
      there was enough pork-based material present. The proposed species-specific PCR
      test, however, showed a higher sensitivity and specificity as it specifically
      detected bovine material. Nevertheless, the PCR assay will not detect bovine
      material in properly heat-treated feeds as the DNA is too fragmented. It is,
      however, very useful as a rapid, sensitive, and specific method for the routine
      screening of animal meals with regard to prophylaxis of BSE.

PMID- 22061166
TI  - Effects of dietary magnesium and duration of refrigerated storage on the quality
      of vacuum-packaged, boneless pork loins.
AB  - Quality data were initially collected on 78 pork loins from crossbred pigs fed
      diets containing 0, 1.25 or 2.5% magnesium mica (MM). Loins were then vacuum
      packaged, and randomly assigned to either 4 or 8 weeks of storage at 2 degrees C.
      Dietary MM had no (P > 0.05) effect on moisture loss/retention or subjective and
      objective color measurements. Purge volume increased (P<0.05) and drip loss
      decreased (P<0.05) as storage time increased. Moreover, longissimus thoracis et
      lumborum (LM) chops became lighter (P<0.05), redder (P<0.05), and more yellow
      (P<0.05) during 8 weeks of storage. Although TBARS values increased linearly
      (P<0.001) during extended storage, LM chops from pigs fed 2.5% MM tended to have
      lower (P<0.07) TBARS values after 4 weeks of storage than chops from pigs fed 0
      and 1.25% MM. After 8 weeks of storage, however, there was a tendency for TBARS
      values of chops from pigs fed 1.25% MM to be lower (P<0.07) than chops from pigs
      fed 2.5% MM. Even though feeding swine diets containing MM did not affect color
      and water-holding capacity of pork loins during storage, the data indicated
      inclusion of MM in swine diets may retard onset of oxidative rancidity in vacuum
      packaged pork loins.

PMID- 22061167
TI  - Aldehyde reactivity with 2-thiobarbituric acid and TBARS in freeze-dried beef
      during accelerated storage.
AB  - When lipid oxidation is evaluated in freeze-dried beef, a yellow 450-nm-absorbing
      pigment develops during the 2-thiobarbituric acid (TBA) assay. TBA analysis and
      high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were applied to measure oxidative
      changes in salted freeze-dried beef patties (15% fat) initially during storage at
      49 degrees C. The TBA pink pigment (lambda(max)=532 nm) was most pronounced in
      unstored salted freeze-dried beef, and yellow pigment (lambda(max)=450 nm)
      predominated in stored samples. An in vitro study of TBA reactivity of different
      aldehydes, known to be secondary lipid oxidation products, showed that alkanals
      and alk-2-enals favored TBARS(450) formation, while alka-2,4-dienals favored
      TBARS(532). Values of TBARS(450) from 95 degrees C TBA incubation were lower than
      those from 25 degrees C incubation (P<0.05), indicating that the yellow
      chromophore from the aldehyde-TBA complex was less thermally stable than the pink
      pigment. 5-Hydroxymethyl-2-furfural, an aldehyde produced from Maillard reaction,
      also produced strong TBARS(450). Propional, butanal and 5-hydroxymethyl-2
      furfural (HMF), were tentatively identified in freeze-dried beef during
      accelerated storage at 49 degrees C, and have the potential to yield TBARS @450.

PMID- 22061168
TI  - Temporal aspects related to the perception of skatole and androstenone, the major
      boar odour compounds.
AB  - Pork fat samples from 50 boars slaughtered at a commercial abattoir were analysed
      for skatole and androstenone concentrations and grouped within a 3*3 matrix
      representing low, medium and high levels of the odour compounds. A 10 member
      sensory panel, screened and trained to recognise and quantify skatole and
      androstenone odour intensities, was used to verify the human perception of boar
      odour in these pork fat samples immediately after heating (+/-65 degrees C) and
      following a cooling period of ten minutes (+/-25 degrees C). Principal component
      analysis revealed that the sensory panel differentiated the pork fat samples
      first and foremost on the basis of the presence or absence of androstenone and/or
      skatole odours and secondly on the character of the androstenone or skatole
      odour. Evidence of adaptation towards the odour of skatole was shown by a
      decreased sensitivity over replicates. Sensory perception of boar odour seems to
      have a temporal character which can be explained by differences in volatilisation
      (involving both odourant release and retention) of skatole and androstenone,
      odour synergism and possibly differences in the properties of the fat matrix of
      different samples. The results suggest that factors influencing volatilisation of
      skatole and androstenone should also be considered when predicting sensory
      responses of boar odour.

PMID- 22061169
TI  - Fatty acid profiles in three stress genotypes of swine and relationships with
      performance, carcass and meat quality traits.
AB  - The objective of this study was to investigate differences in adipose tissue
      fatty acid composition among stress genotypes as well as to determine
      relationships of those fatty acids with performance, carcass and meat quality
      traits. Haplotypic analysis of parents and offspring was employed to assign 48
      pigs to three stress genotypes of swine. Individual fatty acid profiles were
      determined on subcutaneous backfat. Stress genotype had a significant effect on
      the proportions of C14:0 (P<0.05), C16:0 (P<0.10), C16:1 (P<0.05) and C18:0
      (P<0.05) fatty acids. After adjusting for stress and gender, there was a negative
      correlation between backfat thickness and essential fatty acids (linoleic and
      linolenic) (P<0.001). In contrast, the correlation of loin muscle area with C18:2
      (P<0.01) and C18:3 (P<0.001) was positive. The degree of fat firmness was
      negatively correlated to the proportion of total unsaturated fatty acids
      (P<0.01). No significant correlations were observed between fatty acid contents
      and lean meat quality traits.

PMID- 22061170
TI  - Influence of beef carcass stretching and chilling rate on tenderness of m.
      longissimus dorsi.
AB  - Sides of 31 non-stimulated carcasses of young bulls were subjected to the muscle
      stretching methods Tenderstretch (TS) by pelvic bone suspension or Tendercut (TC)
      with two skeletal cuts or served as controls by traditional Achilles tendon
      suspension. The sides were chilled at fast and medium rates, resulting in
      temperatures of 4-5 and 9 degrees C in the m. longissimus dorsi (LD) at 10 h post
      mortem. The LDs were examined for sarcomere length, Warner-Bratzler peak shear
      force and sensory properties after 8 days of ageing at 4 degrees C. At the fast
      chilling rate, TS and TC increased sarcomere lengths, reduced shear force and
      improved sensory tenderness of the LDs compared to the controls (P<0.05). At the
      medium chilling rate, sarcomere lengths increased (P<0.05), but no significant
      differences were found in shear force or sensory tenderness (P>0.05) of the
      muscles due to stretching. However, the medium chilling rate was efficient in
      producing tender LDs without applying muscle stretching methods. TS and TC are
      feasible alternatives for improving overall tenderness and reducing variation in
      tenderness of beef LD at cold shortening chilling conditions.

PMID- 22061171
TI  - Low stress pre-slaughter handling: effect of lairage time on the meat quality of
      pork.
AB  - The effect of lairage time on meat quality was investigated when crossbred pigs
      were subjected to low stress pre-slaughter handling, where pigs were treated in
      mixed groups of 15 from the farm to group CO(2) stunning, and where electric
      goads were not used at any time. Two experiments were carried out, one in spring
      (n=270) using very standardised conditions and one producer, and one in summer
      (n=630) using a representative randomly chosen sample of producers. In the first
      experiment three lairage times were used, less than 30 min (average 26 min), 90
      min (average 83 min) and more than 150 min (average 170 min) and no showering.
      The pH and temperature were measured in the m. longissimus dorsi at various times
      post mortem, and colour (L(*), a(*), b(*)), internal reflectance and drip loss
      the day after slaughter. Sensory evaluation was carried out on 16 randomly chosen
      samples from the shortest and longest lairage time groups. Drip loss,
      pH(ultimate) and internal reflectance were also measured in the m. biceps femoris
      and pH(ultimate) and internal reflectance in the m. semimembranosus. Finally,
      pH(ultimate) was measured in the m. semispinalis capitis. In the second
      experiment only two lairage times were used, less than 30 min (average 17 min)
      and more than 130 min (average 150 min) and with intermittent showering and only
      a subset of the meat quality measurements were made. Lairage time had no effect
      on any of the meat quality parameters measured in experiment 1. In experiment 2
      the shortest lairage time led to a higher temperature in the m. longissimus dorsi
      at 2 min post mortem, a higher drip loss in the m. biceps femoris and higher
      internal reflectance values in both muscles the day after slaughter. The
      differences were, however, very small and may have been an effect of showering.

PMID- 22061172
TI  - Partial purification and characterisation of dipeptidyl peptidase II from porcine
      skeletal muscle.
AB  - The purification and study of biochemical properties of dipeptidyl peptidase II
      (DPP II; EC 3.4.14.2) from porcine skeletal muscle have been carried out in the
      present work. The purification included ammonium sulphate fractionation and two
      HPLC chromatographic separations using a Resource-Q anion exchange column. The
      enzyme was purified 1270 fold, with a 1.6% recovery and was completely separated
      from DPP IV activity. The pure enzyme displayed one main protein band with a Mr
      of 58 kDa on SDS-PAGE. Maximum activity was reached at pH 5.5 and 65 degrees C.
      Those synthetic substrates containing Pro in N-penultimate position were the most
      efficiently hydrolysed, whereas in the case of peptides, DPP II efficiently
      hydrolysed both X-Pro- and X-Ala- peptides. The serine peptidase inhibitors PMSF
      and Pefabloc SC suppressed DPP II activity in a high degree, whereas 3, 4-DCI and
      cysteine peptidase inhibitors exerted little effect. Alkaline metal salts
      inhibited the enzyme activity according to the size of the cation, and among the
      assayed divalent cations, only Cu(2+), Fe(2+) and Hg(2+) showed significant
      inhibition of the activity. This is the first time that porcine muscle DPP II has
      been purified and its biochemical characteristics studied. So, these results
      contribute to improve the knowledge in relation with the proteolytic chain and
      the generation of flavour characteristics in meat products.

PMID- 22061173
TI  - Pro-oxidative effects of NaCl in microbial growth-controlled and uncontrolled
      beef and chicken.
AB  - Ground beef or chicken breast muscle samples - either pretreated (PT) with 60 ppm
      chlortetracycline/0.2% potassium sorbate (to control microbial growth) or not
      pretreated (NPT) - were mixed with 0-5% NaCl and aerobically refrigerated for 0-6
      days. NaCl increased 2-thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) values of
      stored beef and chicken, regardless of pretreatment, with its concentration
      having a quadratic effect on TBARS. After 3 or 6 days, beef samples were much
      higher in TBARS content than chicken samples. At each NaCl level, TBARS content
      increased or tended to increase with storage time for beef (NPT and PT) and PT
      chicken, but not in NPT chicken. Nonheme iron content in stored NPT and PT beef
      and PT chicken tended to increase with NaCl concentration.

PMID- 22061174
TI  - Look over there! Unilateral gaze increases geographical memory of the 50 United
      States.
AB  - Based on their specialized processing abilities, the left and right hemispheres
      of the brain may not contribute equally to recall of general world knowledge. US
      college students recalled the verbal names and spatial locations of the 50 US
      states while sustaining leftward or rightward unilateral gaze, a procedure that
      selectively activates the contralateral hemisphere. Compared to a no-unilateral
      gaze control, right gaze/left hemisphere activation resulted in better recall,
      demonstrating left hemisphere superiority in recall of general world knowledge
      and offering equivocal support for the hemispheric encoding asymmetry model of
      memory. Unilateral gaze- regardless of direction- improved recall of spatial, but
      not verbal, information. Future research could investigate the conditions under
      which unilateral gaze increases recall. Sustained unilateral gaze can be used as
      a simple, inexpensive, means for testing theories of hemispheric specialization
      of cognitive functions. Results support an overall deficit in US geographical
      knowledge in undergraduate college students.

PMID- 22061175
TI  - Vigabatrin 35 years later - from mechanism of action to benefit-risk
      considerations.

PMID- 22061176
TI  - Mechanism of action of vigabatrin: correcting misperceptions.
AB  - Discovered more than three decades ago, vigabatrin is approved in more than 50
      countries as adjunctive therapy for adult patients with refractory complex
      partial seizures who have responded inadequately to several alternative
      treatments and as monotherapy for pediatric patients aged 1 month to 2 years with
      infantile spasms. Contrary to a fairly common misperception, the compound's
      mechanism of action is very well-characterized in animal models and cell
      cultures. gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic synapses comprise approximately
      30% of all synapses within the central nervous system, and therein underlies the
      primary mode of synaptic inhibition. Vigabatrin was rationally designed to have a
      specific effect on brain chemistry by inhibiting the GABA-degrading enzyme, GABA
      transaminase, resulting in a widespread increase in GABA concentrations in the
      brain. The increase in GABA functions as a brake on the excitatory processes that
      can initiate seizure activity. Despite the short half-life of vigabatrin in the
      body (5-7 h) and its relatively low concentration in cerebrospinal fluid (10% of
      the concentration observed in plasma), it has the profound effect of increasing
      GABA concentration in the brain for more than a week after a single dose in
      humans. This effect persists steadily over years of vigabatrin administration and
      results in significant and persistent decreases in seizure activity. Vigabatrin
      can be effective with once-daily dosing. Because of its specificity, vigabatrin
      has helped researchers explore the specific mechanisms within the brain that
      underlie seizure activity.

PMID- 22061177
TI  - Vigabatrin therapy for refractory complex partial seizures: review of major
      European trials.
AB  - Complex partial seizures (CPS) are a form of localization-related seizures
      associated with serious comorbidities and risks. CPS can be difficult to treat
      and may remain refractory to treatment with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs).
      Refractory CPS (rCPS) can be hazardous because of the potential for severe
      dysfunction and bodily harm, sometimes with fatal consequences. Control of
      seizure activity is critical to the clinical management of CPS. Vigabatrin is a
      unique AED approved in both Europe and the United States as adjunctive therapy
      for adult patients with rCPS who have responded inadequately to several
      alternative treatments. This review focuses on appropriately controlled studies
      of vigabatrin conducted in Europe. Several double-blind studies randomized those
      with rCPS to treatment with vigabatrin vs placebo, and two evaluated durability
      of response to long-term, open-label vigabatrin. Endpoints included seizure
      frequency, treatment satisfaction, and adverse events (AEs). Efficacy outcomes
      demonstrated that vigabatrin add-on therapy significantly reduced the frequency
      of seizures. Long-term studies indicated durability of response and tolerability
      of vigabatrin therapy for up to several years. Treatment satisfaction data
      indicated a preference for vigabatrin vs placebo for both physicians and study
      participants. Vigabatrin was well-tolerated with generally mild AEs considered
      common to AEDs. Vision effects were not formally monitored in these studies. In
      European trials, vigabatrin was efficacious as adjunctive therapy for rCPS.

PMID- 22061178
TI  - Vigabatrin therapy for refractory complex partial seizures: review of clinical
      trial experience in the United States.
AB  - Vigabatrin is an antiepileptic drug used in more than 50 countries as adjunctive
      therapy for the treatment of refractory complex partial seizures (rCPS) in
      adults. First approved in the United Kingdom in 1989, vigabatrin was approved for
      use in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration in 2009. Although
      most clinical trials of vigabatrin have been conducted in Europe, three major
      trials, including two pivotal trials, were conducted in the United States. These
      trials have demonstrated efficacy and tolerability findings similar to those
      observed from the European trials. Results of the US trials have demonstrated
      vigabatrin to be an effective and generally well-tolerated therapy for rCPS in
      adults, with an optimal dosage of 3 g/day for most patients, and an onset of
      response generally within 2 weeks. This review focuses on the design and results
      of the three major US trials of vigabatrin in adults with rCPS.

PMID- 22061179
TI  - Vigabatrin therapy for infantile spasms: review of major trials in Europe,
      Canada, and the United States; and recommendations for dosing.
AB  - Infantile spasms (IS) are a unique and severe form of epilepsy associated with
      poor neurologic and developmental outcomes. The refractory spasms and abnormal
      electroencephalogram (EEG) patterns associated with the condition are believed to
      have a progressively detrimental impact. Therefore, rapid and complete control of
      spasms is the primary goal of treatment. Well-controlled clinical trials in
      Europe, Canada, and the United States have demonstrated that vigabatrin is
      efficacious and generally well-tolerated as monotherapy for IS. Several key
      studies, including pivotal trials that led to United States approval of
      vigabatrin in 2009, as well as comparative trials of vigabatrin and hormonal
      treatment, are the focus of this review. All studies assessed spasm cessation -
      usually as the primary endpoint - and adverse events. Vigabatrin dosages
      generally ranging from 100 to 150 mg/kg/day demonstrated efficacy to decrease or
      eradicate spasms and eliminate hypsarrhythmic EEG in patients with newly
      diagnosed IS. Several studies demonstrated long-term sustainability of spasm
      freedom with no negative impact on developmental outcomes. Vigabatrin was
      generally well-tolerated with few severe adverse events. Visual field defects
      cannot be adequately assessed in infants and young children, so this potential
      adverse effect was not evaluated in children with spasms. Notably, the time to
      response with vigabatrin was very rapid, generally occurring within 2 weeks of
      initial treatment. This allows for early treatment modification as needed. For
      infants who respond well to vigabatrin, treatment duration up to 6 months appears
      to be appropriate for realizing spasm freedom while limiting potential risks of
      adverse events and recurrences.

PMID- 22061180
TI  - Primer on visual field testing, electroretinography, and other visual assessments
      for patients treated with vigabatrin.
AB  - Vigabatrin, an irreversible inhibitor of gamma-aminobutyric acid transaminase, is
      an antiepileptic drug indicated in the United States as adjunctive therapy for
      adult patients with refractory complex partial seizures who have responded
      inadequately to several alternative treatments and for monotherapy treatment of
      infantile spasms in patients 1 month to 2 years of age. Approval of vigabatrin in
      the United States was contingent on the implementation of a Risk Evaluation and
      Mitigation Strategy (REMS) to manage the threat of a progressive, permanent
      bilateral concentric peripheral visual field defects (pVFDs) that may occur in
      patients treated with vigabatrin. The REMS is designed to promote compliance with
      evidence-based recommendations for baseline (within 4 weeks of the start of
      treatment) ophthalmologic evaluations and ongoing vision monitoring in all
      patients treated with vigabatrin. In view of the challenges associated with
      visual field testing in patients with epilepsy and in infants, clinicians must
      understand the qualitative (pattern of damage), quantitative (degree of damage),
      electrophysiologic, and adjunctive techniques recommended for monitoring
      vigabatrin-treated patients. The objectives of ongoing research are to
      characterize the onset, progression, and risk of developing vision loss during
      the first year of vigabatrin treatment and to evaluate the potential of
      noninvasive imaging as a method for monitoring retinal changes corresponding to
      the pVFD. This article provides an overview of visual field testing procedures
      and electroretinography, summarizes the clinical characteristics of vigabatrin
      associated pVFDs, and provides recommendations for visual field and visual
      electrophysiology testing relevant to both adult and infant patients treated with
      vigabatrin.

PMID- 22061181
TI  - Understanding and interpreting vision safety issues with vigabatrin therapy.
AB  - Vigabatrin is an irreversible inhibitor of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)
      transaminase. It is effective as adjunctive therapy for adult patients with
      refractory complex partial seizures (rCPS) who have inadequately responded to
      several alternative treatments and as monotherapy for children aged 1 month to 2
      years with infantile spasms. The well-documented safety profile of vigabatrin
      includes risk of retinopathy characterized by irreversible, bilateral, concentric
      peripheral visual field constriction. Thus, monitoring of visual function to
      understand the occurrence and manage the potential consequences of peripheral
      visual field defects (pVFDs) is now required for all patients who receive
      vigabatrin. However, screening for pVFDs for patients with epilepsy was conducted
      only after the association between vigabatrin and pVFDs was established. We
      examined the potential association between pVFDs and epilepsy in vigabatrin-naive
      patients and attempted to identify confounding factors (e.g., concomitant
      medications, method of vision assessment) to more accurately delineate the
      prevalence of pVFDs directly associated with vigabatrin. Results of a prospective
      cohort study as well as several case series and case reports suggest that
      bilateral visual field constriction is not restricted to patients exposed to
      vigabatrin but has also been detected, although much less frequently, in
      vigabatrin-naive patients with epilepsy, including those who received treatment
      with other GABAergic antiepileptic therapy. We also reviewed published data
      suggesting an association between vigabatrin-associated retinal toxicity and
      taurine deficiency, as well as the potential role of taurine in the prevention of
      this retinopathy.

PMID- 22061182
TI  - Non-vision adverse events with vigabatrin therapy.
AB  - Vigabatrin is an effective antiepileptic drug (AED) for the treatment of
      refractory complex partial seizures (rCPS) and infantile spasms (IS). In clinical
      trials, vigabatrin was generally well-tolerated with an adverse event profile
      similar to that of other AEDs. The most common treatment-related adverse events
      were central nervous system effects, including drowsiness, dizziness, headache,
      and fatigue, with adjunctive vigabatrin in adults with rCPS, and sedation,
      somnolence, and irritability with vigabatrin monotherapy in infants with IS.
      Vigabatrin had little effect on cognitive function, mood, or behavior in a
      battery of neuropsychologic tests for rCPS. In placebo-controlled clinical
      trials, the incidence of depression and psychosis, but not other psychiatric
      adverse events, was greater with vigabatrin than placebo. Intramyelinic edema
      (IME) was initially identified in rats and dogs and led to a temporary suspension
      of clinical trials in the United States. IME was subsequently correlated with
      delays in evoked potential (EP) and increased T(2) -weighted signals on magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI). Clinical trials of vigabatrin were allowed to resume
      after IME was not detected by neuropathologic assessments of autopsy and
      neurosurgical specimens or by serial EP or MRI assessments in older children and
      adults receiving vigabatrin. Subsequently, MRI abnormalities characterized by
      increased T(2) intensity and restricted diffusion were identified in infants
      treated with vigabatrin for IS. These abnormalities generally resolved with
      discontinuation of vigabatrin and, in some cases, during continued therapy. The
      benefit of improved seizure control must be balanced against the potential risks
      associated with vigabatrin, including abnormal MRI changes and other vigabatrin
      related safety issues.

PMID- 22061183
TI  - Balancing clinical benefits of vigabatrin with its associated risk of vision
      loss.
AB  - Vigabatrin is an effective and well-tolerated antiepileptic drug (AED) for the
      treatment of refractory complex partial seizures (rCPS) and infantile spasms
      (IS), but its benefits must be evaluated in conjunction with its risk of
      retinopathy with the development of peripheral visual field defects (pVFDs).
      Vigabatrin should be considered for rCPS if a patient has failed appropriate
      trials of other AEDs or is not a suitable candidate for other AEDs, is not an
      optimal surgical candidate, and continues to experience debilitating effects from
      seizures. Vigabatrin is indicated as monotherapy for pediatric patients with IS.
      Its efficacy in achieving improved seizure control should be apparent within 12
      weeks in patients with rCPS and within 2-4 weeks after attaining appropriate
      dosage for patients with IS. Because 12 weeks is well less than the known time of
      onset of visual defects, the risk of developing pVFDs may be minimized by
      discontinuing vigabatrin early during the course of therapy for patients with
      inadequate response. Appropriate vision screening is recommended at baseline,
      every 3 months during continued vigabatrin treatment, and at 3-6 months after
      discontinuation (if therapy has spanned more than a few months). If a pVFD is
      detected at any point and the decision is made to discontinue therapy, the pVFD
      is not likely to progress after discontinuation of vigabatrin. Although some
      patients will be at risk of retinopathy, vigabatrin is an appropriate treatment
      option for patients who achieve substantial clinical benefit, especially given
      the severe consequences of rCPS and uncontrolled IS. While retinopathy with the
      development of pVFDs is a serious adverse event, it is not life-threatening and
      its risk can be effectively managed.

PMID- 22061184
TI  - Anti-amyloidogenic and fibril-destabilizing effects of two manganese-salen
      derivatives against hen egg-white lysozyme aggregation.
AB  - Amyloid depositions of proteins play crucial roles in a wide variety of
      degenerative disorders called amyloidosis. In the present study, we used hen egg
      white lysozyme (HEWL), as an in vitro model system, to induce fibrillation under
      high temperatures and acidic pH conditions, and investigated the inhibitory and
      disruptive effects of two salen-manganese complexes, namely EUK-8 and EUK-134,
      with aromatic structures, against fibrilization. Results of this study showed
      that EUK-8 and EUK-134 in a dose-dependent manner inhibited the HEWL aggregation.
      Similar results were obtained when these compounds were added to pre-formed
      amyloid fibrils. Docking results also demonstrated that the aromatic rings of EUK
      8 and EUK-134 interact with the hydrophobic region of lysozyme via Van der Waals
      interactions. Results of MTT assay indicated that addition of pre-formed fibrils
      treated with EUK-8 and EUK-134 at doses 1:1 and 5:1mM; drug to protein, to SK-N
      MC cells significantly increased the viability of cells, compared to the fibril
      sample alone. Based on these results, it might be concluded that in addition to
      inherent hydrophobicity associated with the ligand section of each of the
      derivatives, electron density around the central metal ion of the derivatives
      contributes to lower lysozyme fibril accumulation.

PMID- 22061185
TI  - Polyunsaturated fat and fish oil in diets for growing-finishing pigs: effects on
      fatty acid composition and meat, fat, and sausage quality.
AB  - Forty-eight crossbred growing-finishing pigs were used to study the effects of
      polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA 31%= low and 50%= high) and fish oil (0, 0.2,
      and 0.4% capelin) diets on fatty acid composition, chemical traits, and sensory
      properties of the longissimus muscle, fat, and sausages. High levels of PUFA,
      independent of the level of fish oil, increased oxidation and rancidity for whole
      muscle (stored at 1 and 8 months at -23  degrees C) and sausages (TBARS 0.6-1.3).
      Fish oil at 0.4% in the diet increased TBA values of loin, but did not affect
      sensory evaluation scores. An interaction between PUFA and fish oil occurred for
      TBARS values and rancid odour in sausage, where the 0.4% fish oil and high PUFA
      level showed highest oxidation (TBARS 1.9). Although fish oil and high PUFA
      levels might contribute to a more healthy meat, their undesirable affects on
      palatability would limit their use.

PMID- 22061186
TI  - Effect of tocopherol concentration on rancidity development during frozen storage
      of a cured and an uncured processed pork product.
AB  - This research evaluated the effect of addition during processing of various
      concentrations of tocopherol (0-1000 mg/kg) on the subsequent lipid oxidation and
      rancidity development during frozen storage of two pork products-a coarsely
      ground cured sausage and an uncured restructured pork roast. The results
      indicated that tocopherol had little effect on lipid oxidation, as measured by
      TBARS values and sensory evaluation during frozen storage at -18  degrees C for
      37 weeks for either product. However, lipid oxidation only occurred to a limited
      extent even in products without tocopherol and was insufficient to cause rancid
      flavour development. It was, therefore, not possible to determine if tocopherol
      added during processing was effective as an antioxidant in preventing lipid
      oxidation in processed pork products during frozen storage.

PMID- 22061187
TI  - Palatability of bison semimembranosus and effects of marination.
AB  - The present study was conducted to investigate the palatability of bison
      semimembranosus muscle (SM) and the effects of injection with sodium chloride and
      sodium tripolyphosphate on cooking yield, colour, shear force and consumer
      acceptability. Twenty paired SM were obtained from 10 intact male bison (aged 24
      30 months); each of these muscles was divided longitudinally into two sections.
      One section was injected to 110% of its original weight to contain 0.5% sodium
      chloride and 0.3% sodium tripolyphosphate, while the other was kept as a non
      injected control. HunterLab a* (redness) and b* (yellowness) values did not
      differ (P>0.05) between injection treatments; however, injected steaks had lower
      L* values (darker) compared to controls. Control samples from bison SM were very
      lean and high in protein but not very tender. Marination by injection was able to
      significantly reduce shear force values of SM; that is, injected steaks/roasts
      had significantly (P<0.001) lower shear force values (63.9 N) compared to control
      samples (102.3 N). Cooking yields for the steaks/roasts from the injected
      sections were significantly (P<0.001) higher compared to those from control non
      injected sections when cooked to either 71 or 77  degrees C. Bison samples cooked
      by moist-heat had significantly (P<0.001) lower cooking losses and shear force
      values compared to those cooked by dry-heat. As expected, steaks/roasts were more
      tender and had higher cooking yields when cooked to a medium level of doneness
      (71  degrees C) compared to an internal temperature of 77  degrees C (well done).
      A panel of 80 consumers preferred injected steaks cooked to 77  degrees C
      endpoint over other combinations, followed by non-injected steaks cooked to 71 
      degrees C, whereas injected steaks cooked to 71  degrees C and non-injected
      steaks cooked to 77  degrees C were equally but least preferred. Hence, injection
      seems to be protecting against moisture loss at high end-point cooking
      temperatures.

PMID- 22061188
TI  - Effects of sodium chloride and lactates on chemical and microbiological changes
      in refrigerated and frozen fresh ground pork.
AB  - Changes in fat oxidation and color of freshly ground pork, 14% fat, during
      storage at 2  degrees C for 15 days and at -20  degrees C for up to 70 days were
      determined. The fresh meat was further treated with NaCl (1 and 2%, by weight),
      sodium or potassium lactate (2%), and combinations of NaCl and lactates. The
      microbial stability of the refrigerated meat was enhanced by the lactates, and
      their combinations with NaCl were more effective than lactates alone in delaying
      the onset of spoilage. Changes in TBARS were seen in the untreated meat only
      after it was judged spoiled when stored at 2  degrees C (day 7), and after 69
      days at -20  degrees C. Among treatments, fat stability was highest in lactate
      treated meat, and TBARS values were generally similar to those in untreated meat.
      NaCl enhanced fat oxidation, and the effects of 2% salt were significantly higher
      than those of 1% (P<0.05). Combinations with lactates reduced the prooxidant
      effects of NaCl at both storage temperatures, and the effects were more
      pronounced in meat with 2% NaCl stored at -20  degrees C. The red color (a*
      value) was enhanced by NaCl and lactates immediately after their addition to the
      meat. However, values for all treatments, including the untreated meat, declined
      rapidly after 4 days at 2  degrees C, and were 50-70% lower than the initial
      values after 8 days. Color stability in the frozen meat was highest in control
      and lactate-treated samples throughout the storage period. It was lowest in
      samples with 2% NaCl, whether alone or in combination with lactates. Sodium or
      potassium lactate (2%) enhanced the microbial stability of refrigerated pork
      without deleterious effects on its color or fat stability. Combinations of
      lactates with NaCl improved the fat stability, particularly during storage at -20
      degrees C, by reducing the prooxidant activity of NaCl.

PMID- 22061189
TI  - Evaluation of shelf life of cured, cooked, sliced turkey fillets and cooked pork
      sausages-'piroski'-stored under vacuum and modified atmospheres at +4 and +10 
      degrees C.
AB  - Evaluation of shelf life was made of cured, cooked, sliced turkey breast fillets
      and a type of cooked pork sausage called 'piroski', stored in vacuum and in six
      different modified atmospheres (MA) at +4 and +10  degrees C. Total viable count,
      lactic acid bacteria, pH changes, colour attributes and the presence of
      pathogenic bacteria (listeriae, staphylococci) were monitored during the storage.
      The results of the study showed that the average shelf life for both products was
      2 and 1 week at 4 and 10  degrees C, respectively. By the end of these periods,
      the bacterial population consisting of only lactic acid bacteria reached 10(8)
      cfu g(-1). Macroscopical (colour, drip loss and slime) and organoleptical changes
      (sour odours) were not related to pH and observed already at pH values >5.5. It
      is concluded that the use of MA packaging in these tests did not extend and not
      reduce the product shelf life in comparison to vacuum packaging.

PMID- 22061190
TI  - Microbiological quality of retail chicken by-products in Spain.
AB  - The microbiological quality of retail chicken parts (legs, wings and giblets) and
      processed chicken products (hamburgers and sausages) in Spain was investigated.
      Mean counts (log(10) cfu/g) ranged from 5.56 to 7.28, 5.96 to 7.87, 3.49 to 5.42,
      2.60 to 4.33 and 2.47 to 3.48 for mesophiles, psychrotrophs, coliforms,
      Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, respectively. Chicken parts were
      generally regarded as being of unacceptable quality, since psychrotrophs, E. coli
      and S. aureus counts were higher than the maximum limits established in the
      guidelines for poultry meat. On the basis of Spanish Microbiological Standards,
      80% of the samples of hamburgers and sausages were also regarded as being of
      unacceptable quality. The main reason for the lack of acceptability was excessive
      counts of mesophiles. The results in this study indicate that chicken by-products
      (especially those made with ground meat) could represent notable hazards to
      humans and are a cause of public health concern.

PMID- 22061191
TI  - Effect of dietary vitamin E, fishmeal and wood and liquid smoke on the oxidative
      stability of bacon during 16 weeks' frozen storage.
AB  - Twelve (Large White*Landrace) gilts were randomly allotted in a 2*2 factorial
      design with the respective factor being dietary vitamin E (10 or 200 mg/kg feed)
      and dietary fishmeal (0 or 5%). Bacon was manufactured from the meat obtained
      from the animals after slaughter using wood smoke only or a combination of liquid
      and wood smoke. The oxidative stability of the bacon was examined over 16 weeks
      of frozen storage. Lipid oxidation in the product was measured by means of
      thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and fluorescence shift. Dietary
      fishmeal supplementation increased lipid oxidation in bacon, while dietary
      vitamin E supplementation reduced lipid oxidation in the product. Lipid oxidation
      in frozen bacon was successfully reduced when bacon was manufactured from pigs
      fed a diet supplemented with or without 200 mg of alpha-tocopherol per kilogram
      of feed and processed with a combination of liquid and wood smoke. It is
      concluded that bacon processed with a combination of liquid and wood smoke was
      significantly less (P<0.001) susceptible to lipid oxidation than bacon processed
      with wood smoke only.

PMID- 22061192
TI  - Quantitative determination of titin and nebulin in poultry meat by SDS-PAGE with
      an internal standard.
AB  - The method of quantitative determination of titin and nebulin in chicken meat by
      SDS-PAGE electrophoresis technique was developed by application of beta
      galactosidase as the internal standard. The method was tested first on marker
      protein samples of known concentrations (myosin, transferrin, glutamic
      dehydrogenase) and then the method was used in the determination of titin and
      nebulin content in chicken meat. The method demonstrated high accuracy, confirmed
      by correlation coefficient 0.91/0.99. Two gel analysis techniques, i.e. scanning
      and densitometry were also compared. By the use of marker proteins as well as
      titin and nebulin, higher accuracy and precision were achieved in scanning than
      in the densitometric technique. Recoveries of three marker proteins were between
      93 and 102% for the technique of the scanning of the gel and between 99 and 116%
      for the densitometry.

PMID- 22061193
TI  - Sensory characteristics of Galician chorizo sausage packed under vacuum and under
      modified atmospheres.
AB  - One of the most widely used methods for conservation of Galician chorizo sausage
      is vacuum packing. Recently, some manufacturers have begun to implement packaging
      under modified atmospheres. We compared the sensory characteristics, over about 7
      months of storage, of chorizos packed under vacuum or under a modified atmosphere
      (100% CO(2), 100% N(2), or 50:50 CO(2)/N(2)). Most of the 29 variables considered
      differed significantly between samples packed under vacuum and samples packed
      under the modified atmospheres. Nineteen of the variables varied significantly
      over the storage period. Parallel studies of gas permeabilities confirmed that
      the aluminum-polyester-polyethylene laminate used for packing under modified
      atmospheres showed very low permeability to both CO(2) and N(2).

PMID- 22061194
TI  - Contents of vitamins B(1), B(2), B(6), and B(12) in pork and meat products.
AB  - The concentration of B vitamins (B(1), B(2), B(6), and B(12)) was determined in
      three pork muscles (Longissimus dorsi, loin; Biceps femoris, ham; and Triceps
      brachii, shoulder) and in pork and other meat products (cooked, pickled, and
      cured), of importance because they are consumed in high quantities. The results
      were compared with values reported by other authors and their contribution to the
      daily intake of these vitamins estimated. This showed that pork provides, on
      average, 97, 25.8, 35/43.7 (men/women), and 37% of the RDA (Recommended Dietary
      Allowances) for vitamins B(1), B(2), B(6), and B(12), respectively.

PMID- 22061195
TI  - Verification of different glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) analyses as
      accurate detectors of central nervous system tissue in advanced meat recovery
      (AMR) products.
AB  - A glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) fluorescent enzyme linked immunosorbant
      assay (ELISA) was compared with an ELISA test kit for GFAP to determine the level
      of central nervous system (CNS) tissue in advanced meat recovery (AMR) products.
      The test kit results were highly correlated (r=0.975) with the fluorescent ELISA.
      Meat cuts and AMR were analyzed on site at 14 meat plants utilizing the test
      kits. In seven of the plants all AMR samples had less than 1 ng GFAP. Seven of
      the plants had greater than 1 ng GFAP in AMR samples. Development of proper
      process controls to eliminate inclusion of spinal cord in AMR materials should
      bring all values to less than 1 ng GFAP, a level slightly above background.

PMID- 22061196
TI  - The microbiological quality of beef tripe using different processing techniques.
AB  - The microbiological quality of routinely processed tripe and rumen pillars were
      compared with those derived after emptying the rumen (paunch) without using water
      (dry dumping)  and after deliberately bursting the paunches before processing.
      Prior to packing the mean log(10) aerobic plate counts (APC) for the routinely
      processed tripe and rumen pillars were 3.55+/-1.08 and 3.28+/-0.87/g
      respectively. The corresponding mean log(10) total coliform counts (TCC) were
      1.27+/-1.28 and 2.08+/-0.87. The mean log(10) APC counts on tripe and rumen
      pillars after dry-dumping were 3.06+/- 0.60 and 3.90+/- 0.75/g, respectively. The
      corresponding mean log(10) TCC were 1.03+/- 0.60/g and 2.75+/- 1.14/g
      respectively. After deliberately bursting the paunches, before processing, the
      mean log(10) APC counts on tripe and rumen pillars were 3.55+/-0.83/g and 3.50+/-
      0.59/g and the mean log(10) TCC were 1.54+/- 0.95/g and 2.66+/- 0.82/g
      respectively. In all cases the prevalence of Salmonella and Campylobacter spp.
      was less than 3%. The results indicate that both tripe and rumen pillars can be
      produced after dry dumping without compromising the quality of tripe and rumen
      pillars. Similarly, incidentally burst paunches that become contaminated with
      ingesta on the serosal surface can be processed without compromising product
      quality.

PMID- 22061197
TI  - Effect of feeding pasture-finished cattle different conserved forages on
      Escherichia coli in the rumen and faeces.
AB  - The effects of eight different pre-slaughter diets on gut microflora, pH and dry
      matter were evaluated in 112 slaughter-weight, pasture-finished heifers. Hide
      dirtiness at slaughter, plasma cortisol, meat pH and stickiness, and liveweight
      loss, were also examined. The pre-slaughter diets were: 48 h of 100% meadow hay,
      lucerne hay, red clover hay, perennial ryegrass hay, haylage, haylage
      supplemented with maize silage, pasture, or 24 h fasting before transport. Fasted
      animals had the highest counts of rumen Escherichia coli and Enterobacteria
      compared to other treatments (P<0.001), while red clover hay and haylage had the
      lowest (P<0.05). Faecal E. coli counts were also highest for fasted animals
      (P<0.05). Rumen E. coli and Enterobacteria counts were positively correlated with
      rumen pH (P<0.001), and negatively correlated with fibre intake (P<0.001). Diet
      significantly affected the pH of both the rumen and faeces (P<0.001), with fasted
      animals having the highest rumen pH and haylage and red-clover hay-fed animals
      the lowest. Dry matter (%) of the rumen contents was also significantly affected
      by diet (P<0.001). The mean carcass weight of fed heifers was 5 kg heavier than
      that of the fasted heifers (P<0.05). A pH/volatile fatty acid (VFA) dependent
      mechanism is suggested as the major mode for E. coli suppression by feeds used in
      the study. Coumarins may have contributed to lower ruminal and faecal E. coli
      counts with E. coli counts negatively correlated with expected coumarin ingestion
      (P<0.01). Feeding pasture-fed cattle conserved herbaceous forages, in preference
      to fasting, before transport for slaughter may prove beneficial in reducing the
      risk of carcass contamination with E. coli and other bacteria of digesta and/or
      faecal origin, and in protecting carcass weight.

PMID- 22061198
TI  - Heating method and final temperature affect processing characteristics of beef
      semimembranosus muscle.
AB  - The effect of thawing and cooking regimes on the processing characteristics and
      colour of cooked roast beef made from frozen beef cap-on inside round
      (semimembranosus, adductor and gracilus muscle) was investigated. After thawing
      in air or water, the cap was removed and the insides were pumped (110%), tumbled
      (30 min continuously) and then cooked in either constant-temperature water baths
      or baths where a 10  degrees C difference was maintained between the roast and
      the water to an internal temperature of 63 or 80  degrees C. Purge was higher for
      insides thawed in air. Insides that were cooked at a constant temperature had
      higher cook yields the same was seen for lower end-point temperatures. Colour of
      raw insides thawed in water was slightly redder than insides thawed in air.
      Thawing and cooking regime did not affect the colour of cooked slices but the
      higher the end temperature, the higher the Hunter L and the lower the Hunter a
      and b values. Data from this research suggests that roast beef manufacturers
      should evaluate thawing and cooking procedures to ensure they optimize their
      process.

PMID- 22061199
TI  - Post mortem energy metabolism and meat quality of porcine M. longissimus dorsi as
      influenced by stunning method - A (31)P NMR spectroscopic study.
AB  - Post mortem changes in phosphorus metabolites and pH were studied in M.
      longissimus dorsi from pigs (n=10) stunned either by CO(2) (n=3), electrical
      (n=2), captive bolt pistol (n=2) or by anesthesia (ketamine) (n=3). (31)P-NMR
      spectroscopy revealed significant effects of stunning method on changes of the
      various phosphorus metabolites in the muscle post mortem, with the effect being
      most pronounced on the degradation of phosphocreatine (PCr). Moreover, the four
      stunning methods gave rise to large differences in the progress of pH as
      determined by (31)P-NMR spectroscopy. Using anesthesia as the reference showed
      that the captive bolt pistol caused the highest rates of post mortem degradation
      of phosphorus metabolites, electrical stunning intermediate, and CO(2)-stunning
      causing the lowest post mortem degradation rates, even though CO(2)-stunning also
      was associated with higher post mortem degradation rates compared with
      anesthesia. Finally, it was demonstrated that the water-holding capacity (WHC) of
      the meat was affected by the applied stunning method, as CO(2)-stunning,
      electrical stunning and captive bolt pistol resulted in mean drip losses of 6.4,
      8.3 and 8.6%, respectively (P=0.02). The result displays the significance of
      induction and progress in post mortem changes on WHC in meat.

PMID- 22061200
TI  - Meat and storage effects on processing characteristics of beef roasts.
AB  - Two experiments were done to determine the effect of storage conditions and meat
      cut on the processing characteristics of beef roasts. The first experiment
      examined the effect of storage condition (fresh/frozen), cap on/off, thawing
      regime and holding time post thawing on purge, brine uptake, cook yield and
      colour of raw and cooked roasts. The second experiment examined the effect of
      meat cut (insides/flats) and chilled storage for up to 8 weeks on processing
      characteristics of roast beef. Purge was greater for insides stored frozen
      without cap and air thawed. Frozen thawed cuts had increased brine retention
      after injection, after tumbling and after cooking. Flats had less purge and
      higher cook yields when manufactured into roast beef. Raw and cooked colour was
      not significantly affected by most factors investigated. Raw meat was more red
      than meat that had been frozen.

PMID- 22061201
TI  - Proteolytic activity of Penicillium chrysogenum and Debaryomyces hansenii during
      controlled ripening of pork loins.
AB  - The role of micro-organisms on the ripening process of dry-cured ham,
      particularly with respect to proteolysis, is not clear. This is partially due to
      the lack of an adequate system to study changes on a sterile control meat product
      for long ripening times. Using a meat system based on sterile pork loins ripened
      under aseptic conditions for 106 days, the contribution to the proteolysis of two
      micro-organisms isolated from dry-cured ham has been established. Changes were
      studied by SDS-PAGE of sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar proteins, capillary zone
      electrophoresis (CZE) of low ionic strength-soluble nitrogen compounds, and HPLC
      of free amino acids. Debaryomyces hansenii Dh345 did not show any significant
      proteolytic activity. However, Penicillium chrysogenum Pg222 showed high
      proteolytic activity on myofibrillar proteins resulting in an increase in soluble
      nitrogen compounds. For this, P. chrysogenum Pg222 should be considered to be
      used as starter culture in meat products made using long ripening times.

PMID- 22061202
TI  - Cell-autonomous and non-cell-autonomous toxicity in polyglutamine diseases.
AB  - Polyglutamine diseases are neurodegenerative disorders caused by expansion of
      polyglutamine tracts in the coding regions of specific genes. One of the most
      important features of polyglutamine diseases is that, despite the widespread and
      in some cases ubiquitous expression of the polyglutamine proteins, specific
      populations of neurons degenerate in each disease. This finding has led to the
      idea that polyglutamine diseases are cell-autonomous diseases, in which selective
      neuronal dysfunction and death result from damage caused by the mutant protein
      within the targeted neuronal population itself. Development of animal models for
      conditional expression of polyglutamine proteins, along with new pharmacologic
      manipulation of polyglutamine protein expression and toxicity, has led to a
      remarkable change of the current view of polyglutamine diseases as cell
      autonomous disorders. It is becoming evident that toxicity in the neighboring non
      neuronal cells contributes to selective neuronal damage. This observation implies
      non-cell-autonomous mechanisms of neurodegeneration in polyglutamine diseases.
      Here, we describe cell-autonomous and non-cell-autonomous mechanisms of
      polyglutamine disease pathogenesis, including toxicity in neurons, skeletal
      muscle, glia, germinal cells, and other cell types.

PMID- 22061203
TI  - Participation in physical play and leisure: developing a theory- and evidence
      based intervention for children with motor impairments.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Children with motor impairments (e.g. difficulties with motor
      control, muscle tone or balance) experience significant difficulties in
      participating in physical play and leisure. Current interventions are often
      poorly defined, lack explicit hypotheses about why or how they might work, and
      have insufficient evidence about effectiveness. This project will identify (i)
      the 'key ingredients' of an effective intervention to increase participation in
      physical play and leisure in children with motor impairments; and (ii) how these
      ingredients can be combined in a feasible and acceptable intervention.
      METHODS/DESIGN: The project draws on the WHO International Classification of
      Functioning, Disability and Health and the UK Medical Research Council guidance
      for developing 'complex interventions'. There will be five steps: 1) identifying
      biomedical, personal and environmental factors proposed to predict children's
      participation in physical play and leisure; 2) developing an explicit model of
      the key predictors; 3) selecting intervention strategies to target the
      predictors, and specifying the pathways to change; 4) operationalising the
      strategies in a feasible and acceptable intervention; and 5) modelling the
      intervention processes and outcomes within single cases. DISCUSSION: The primary
      output from this project will be a detailed protocol for an intervention. The
      intervention, if subsequently found to be effective, will support children with
      motor difficulties to attain life-long well-being and participation in society.
      The project will also be an exemplar of methodology for a systematic development
      of non-drug interventions for children.

PMID- 22061204
TI  - Influence of volatile compounds on the development of off-flavours in pig back
      fat samples classified with boar taint by a test panel.
AB  - Dynamic Head Space methodology was applied to evaluate the possible contribution
      of some volatile compounds to the development of boar taint in pig backfat
      samples with low concentrations of skatole and androstenone, but which had
      previously been classified as tainted by a trained test panel. Volatile compounds
      were collected in a trap of graphited charcoal and analysed by GC-MS in Scan
      mode. Aldehydes and short chain fatty acids, compounds that play a significant
      role in the development of undesirable aromas in food products, were the main
      classes of compounds identified in this study, although the possible contribution
      of other compounds that were detected in a minor proportion - such as alcohols
      and ketones - was evaluated. Styrene and 1,4-dichlorobenzene, compounds that may
      have come from an external contamination, showed a high concentration in the
      samples classified with boar taint, so these compounds could have been
      responsible for the development of some off-flavours in the fat samples studied
      in this work. In the same study, skatole and androstenone were also determined by
      normal phase HPLC and GCMS, respectively.

PMID- 22061205
TI  - Effect of gamma-irradiation on the sensory quality of moist beef biltong.
AB  - Moist beef biltong (mean moisture content=46.7% and a(w)=0.919) was vacuum
      packaged and irradiated to target doses of 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8kGy. Thiobarbituric
      acid reactive substance (TBARS) measurements and sensory difference and hedonic
      tests were performed to determine the effect of gamma-irradiation on the sensory
      quality of the biltong. TBARS values only increased significantly (P<0.05) if
      biltong was irradiated to at least 8kGy, indicating a low degree of lipid
      oxidation. This can be attributed to the low fat content (on average 1.53%) of
      the biltong used in this study, as well as irradiation under vacuum conditions.
      All irradiated samples could be discriminated (P<0.05) from non-irradiated
      biltong, but none was rated as less acceptable. Dissipation of volatiles before
      tasting (by exposing the product to aerobic conditions before consumption), a low
      degree of lipid oxidation and liking of distinct 'irradiation flavours' possibly
      all attributed to the flavour of irradiated biltong not being regarded as
      unacceptable compared to controls. Biltong irradiated at 2 and 4kGy was however
      liked significantly more (P<0.05) than other samples, indicating that slight, non
      oxidative irradiation-induced flavour changes may contribute to flavour
      development in the usually more bland moist beef biltong. Although lean moist
      beef biltong can thus be irradiated to doses up to 8kGy without adversely
      affecting the sensory acceptability, low dose irradiation (?4kGy) is most
      feasible to optimise the sensory quality.

PMID- 22061206
TI  - Changes of alanyl aminopeptidase activity and free amino acid contents in biceps
      femoris during processing of Jinhua ham.
AB  - Sixty experimental Jinhua hams were processed by a traditional method. The
      potential alanyl aminopeptidase (AAP) activity in biceps femoris was determined.
      The effects of temperature, salt content, sodium nitrate content and pH on muscle
      AAP were evaluated using response surface methodology. Porcine muscle was found
      to possess very strong potential AAP activity that decreased gradually during
      processing from 201,635Ug(-1) before salting to 6147Ug(-1) after aging.
      Temperature, pH and salt content had significant exponential effects on AAP
      activity (P<0.001). Both temperature and salt content interacted with pH in their
      effects on AAP activity (P<0.01). However, 0-50mgL(-1) sodium nitrate had no
      detectable effect on AAP activity (P>0.05). The regression model showed muscle
      AAP maintaining its activity all through Jinhua ham processing, indicating that
      muscle AAP may generate free amino acids during the processing and storage of
      Jinhua ham. The concentrations of free amino acids increased significantly
      (P<0.05) during Jinhua ham processing, except for arginine and cystine. The
      concentrations of most free amino acids were 5-20 times higher in the final
      product than in hams before salting. Final concentrations exceeded thresholds for
      sensory detection, thus implicating an important role of free amino acids in the
      determination of Jinhua ham flavor.

PMID- 22061207
TI  - Determination of the sensory attributes of a Spanish dry-cured sausage.
AB  - A lexicon for describing the sensory attributes of a Spanish dry-cured sausage
      (salchichon) was developed in order to characterise this product. A highly
      trained, descriptive sensory panel generated, defined, selected and referenced
      the main sensory characteristic of commercial salchichon elaborated from meat of
      white pig. This language was not only descriptive but also discriminative.
      Panellists initially produced a vocabulary of 108 terms that were later modified
      to 15 attributes: four for appearance (luminance, presence of crust, fat/lean
      connection and exudate); four for odour (black pepper, lactic acid, mould and
      other spices); two for texture (hardness and initial juiciness) and five for
      flavour (black pepper aroma, mould aroma, other spices aroma, acid taste and
      salty taste). The Kruskal-Wallis test showed that all attributes were
      significantly different between samples (p<0.001). Three different groups of
      Salchichones were separated by principal component analyses: group I was
      characterised by strong other spices smell and aroma and higher juiciness than
      the other groups. Salchichones from group II had a high mould smell and aroma, a
      notable fat/lean connection and exhibited a great amount of exudate. Salchichones
      from group III were characterised by an acid and salty taste.

PMID- 22061208
TI  - Genotype and gender differences in carnosine extracts and antioxidant activities
      of chicken breast and thigh meats.
AB  - The aim of this work was to investigate the effects of genotypes and gender of
      chickens on carnosine contents and their antioxidant activities. The carnosine
      content of fresh meat from Thai indigenous and hybrid native chickens differed
      between breeds (p<0.01) and genders (p<0.01). Regardless of these differences,
      breast meat contained 2-4-fold higher carnosine than thigh meat. After water and
      heat extraction at 80 degrees C and ultrafiltration, the carnosine content of
      meat extracts had the same distribution as in fresh meat. No relationship between
      total iron and carnosine content on antioxidant activity of the extract was
      detected. However, when compared in the extracts on the basis of mM carnosine in
      oxidation system, the extracts of chicken meat showed greater antioxidant
      activity than pure carnosine (p<0.05). Furthermore, at equal concentrations,
      thigh meat extract had higher effective inhibiting ability than breast extract.

PMID- 22061209
TI  - Technological activities of Staphylococcus carnosus and Staphylococcus simulans
      strains isolated from fermented sausages.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine the technological properties of 2 strains
      of Staphylococcus simulans (Ssm12, Ssm21) and 4 strains of S. carnosus (SC28,
      SC31, SC54 and SC55) for the selection of a potential starter cultures to employ
      in the processing of dry fermented sausages. The strains were studied to evaluate
      nitrate reductase, proteolytic, lipolytic, decarboxylase and antioxidant
      activities as well as growth ability at different temperatures, pH and NaCl
      concentrations. Nitrate reductase activity was determined at 15, 20 and 30
      degrees C. By spectrophotometric method all the strains were able to reduce
      nitrate to nitrite at the different temperatures but these results were not
      confirmed by the agar plate method. Antioxidant and lipolytic activities were
      evaluated by spectrophotometric assay. All the strains showed antioxidative
      enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase whereas all appeared unable to
      hydrolyse pork fat. Proteolytic activity was determined by agar plate method,
      spectrophotometric assay (OPA) and sodium dodecyl sulphate gel-electrophoresis
      (SDS-PAGE) and all strains appeared to be able to hydrolyse sarcoplasmic proteins
      but not myofibrillar proteins. Finally, all the strains grew at 15 and 20 degrees
      C, in presence of 10%, 15% and 20% of NaCl and at pH 5.0 and 5.5 and were unable
      to produce histamine, cadaverine and putrescine. The results showed that all
      strains studied possess useful technological activities that would make them
      eligible as a good starter cultures for fermented sausages.

PMID- 22061210
TI  - Effect of feeding partially hydrogenated lard on trans-fatty acid content of
      muscle and backfat of heavy pigs.
AB  - The incorporation of fat in diets for heavy pigs may be necessary in order to
      increase their energy intake in the finishing period. Lard may be a good lipid
      source but it contains 10-13% of linoleic acid, which makes the subcutaneous fat
      less suitable for long term curing of raw ham. Partial hydrogenation of lard
      decreases linoleic acid content, but increases trans-fatty acid content. This
      trial involved two groups of pigs of 114kg live weight, fed for the last two
      months before slaughter with diets containing 3% lard (L) or 3% partially
      hydrogenated lard (PHL). The PHL contained about 10% trans-fatty acids and 2.5%
      linoleic acid. Rearing performance and carcass characteristics were unaffected by
      treatment. The group fed PHL showed a lower percentage of linoleic acid in the
      backfat (PHL 12.28% vs. L 13.04%) and a higher percentage of C18:1 trans-fatty
      acids both in backfat (0.5% vs. 0.06%) and in intramuscular fat (0.2% vs. 0.04%).

PMID- 22061211
TI  - Characterisation of a traditional Finnish liver sausage and different types of
      Spanish liver pates: A comparative study.
AB  - The physico-chemical characteristics of a traditional Finnish liver sausage (FLS)
      and different types of Spanish porcine liver pates (commercial, home-made and
      experimental) were studied. The characteristic recipes and different protocols of
      manufacture influenced the chemical composition and oxidative stability of the
      liver products. FLS showed, amongst the liver products, the smallest percentage
      of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) and the highest of polyunsaturated fatty
      acids (PUFAs) acids, including long-chain PUFAs. From a nutritional point of
      view, the FLS showed the smallest n-6/n-3 value whereas the experimental liver
      pate (ELP) presented the smallest ratio between hyper- (lauric, myristic and
      palmitic acids) and hypocholesterolemic fatty acids (oleic and linoleic acids). A
      large variety of volatile compounds were isolated from the liver products
      including lipid-derived volatiles, Strecker aldehydes and alcohols, sulphur and
      nitrogen containing compounds and volatile terpenes, providing information on
      their oxidative stability and aroma characteristics. The FLS presented a balanced
      profile between lipid-derived volatiles and volatile terpenes from spices. The
      presence of potent odorants from added flavourings in the commercial liver pate
      (CLP) could mask undesirable aroma odours from a large variety of lipid-derived
      volatiles. The home-made liver pate (HMLP) also presented large amounts of lipid
      derived volatiles as a likely consequence of strong thermal treatment during
      cooking, the presence of high amounts of iron and the absence of sodium nitrites
      and ascorbate in its composition. The ELP showed the simplest profile due to its
      high oxidative stability and the absence of added spices.

PMID- 22061212
TI  - Lipolysis in intramuscular lipids during processing of traditional Xuanwei ham.
AB  - Lipolysis in intramuscular lipids during the processing of Chinese Xuanwei ham
      has been studied by analyzing the changes of glycerides, phospholipids and free
      fatty acids in biceps femoris muscle. Results showed that the glycerides
      accounted for 73.2% of total lipid content in fresh ham, the phospholipids
      represented 25.3% and the free fatty acids 2.3% of the total lipid content,
      respectively. A rapid lipolysis of phospholipids occurred during the first 4
      months of processing and slowed down during the rest period. A preferential
      hydrolysis for palmitic, linoleic and arachidonic acids in phospholipid fraction
      was observed. Glycerides only changed a little throughout the process, while an
      increase of free fatty acids during processing was observed. The results suggest
      that phospholipids are the main substrate of lipolysis in the intramuscular
      lipids of Chinese Xuanwei ham.

PMID- 22061213
TI  - Prevalence of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in beef.
AB  - Over the past two decades, many human illness outbreaks were attributed to
      consumption of undercooked beef products containing Shiga toxin-producing
      Escherichia coli (STEC). The illnesses included mild or bloody diarrhea,
      hemorrhagic colitis, and the life-threatening hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).
      Tracing these outbreaks to O157 and an increasing number of non-O157 STEC strains
      suggests that beef safety concerns will continue to rise and may negatively
      affect the beef industry. To effectively address these concerns, it is critical
      to evaluate the role of beef in STEC infections. In this review, published
      reports on beef contamination were evaluated to assess prevalence rates and
      health risks of STEC isolates. Global testing of beef showed wide ranges of
      prevalence rates of O157 (from 0.01% to 54.2%) and non-O157 (from 1.7% to 62.5%)
      STEC. Of the 155 STEC serotypes found in beef, 31 and 25 are known to cause HUS
      and/or other illnesses, respectively.

PMID- 22061214
TI  - Preslaughter handling of pigs and the effect on heart rate, meat quality,
      including tenderness, and sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+) transport.
AB  - It is known that stress applied to pigs can be of influence on meat quality
      combined with disturbed regulation of the intracellular Ca(2+) concentration.
      However, the effect on meat tenderness is not sufficiently known. In an
      experiment with pigs two kinds of stress (immobilisation by a nose snare (nose)
      and the use of an electrical goad (goad)) for 5min just before slaughter were
      used and the results compared with minimum stress pigs (control). To quantify the
      level of stress, the heart rate during stress application was determined and it
      was found that the stress effect was highest in the goad pigs and surprisingly
      decreasing during the use of a nose snare. The meat quality did not differ
      between nose and control pigs, but was inferior in the goad group. Also, the goad
      stress significantly reduced the Ca(2+) transport of the sarcoplasmic reticulum.
      The principal hypothesis, that a disturbed Ca(2+) transport will affect the
      tenderness by activating the calpain system, could not be verified. Tenderness
      did not differ between experimental groups using 24 h post-mortem samples,
      neither was there a difference in tenderness after storing the meat samples for 6
      days.

PMID- 22061215
TI  - Effect of modified atmospheres on microbiological, color and sensory properties
      of refrigerated pork.
AB  - Pork loin samples were stored (4 degrees C) in nylon polyethylene plastic bags
      using different modified atmospheres packaging (MAP): vacuum, 100% CO(2) 99%
      CO(2)+1% CO, 100% O(2) or 100% CO followed by vacuum. Throughout the storage
      period Pseudomonas growth was limited in loins packaged in all MAPs evaluated,
      except for 100% O(2). Psychrotrophs reached 10(7)CFUg(-1) after 20 days of
      storage except for the loin samples in 100% O(2) MAP that present count above
      10(8)CFUg(-1). The 1%CO/99%CO(2) atmosphere was best for preserving the desirable
      pork loin color and the L* and a* values remained similar to the fresh meat
      values using this MAP. Pork loins in 99%CO(2)/1%CO MAP obtained the highest
      consumer acceptance scores after 24h of storage. These samples and those treated
      with CO and then vacuum packaged received the greatest acceptance scores even
      after 20 days of storage.

PMID- 22061216
TI  - Turkey breast meat functionality differences among turkeys selected for body
      weight and/or breast yield.
AB  - Functional meat characteristics were studied in three turkey lines, (1) RBC2:
      representing 1960s commercial turkeys, (2) F-line: a line selected for body
      weight (BW) and (3) C-line: a fast growing commercial line with enhanced breast
      muscle yield. The RBC2s Warner-Bratzler shear force values for the Pectoralis
      major (PM) were lower than the F- and C-lines' values (P<0.05). The WHC of the
      breast muscle from the C-line was lower compared with the RBC2 line (P<0.05),
      with the F-line being intermediate between, though not different from either the
      RBC2 or C-lines. A trend was observed, as the thermally induced meat gels from
      the RBC2 line PM had the highest storage modulus (G'), the F-line was
      intermediate and the C-line had the lowest storage modulus (P=0.09). These
      results suggest that selection for increased growth and breast muscle yield may
      be associated with decreased meat functionality in modern commercial turkeys.

PMID- 22061217
TI  - Performances and meat quality of two Italian pig breeds fed diets for commercial
      hybrids.
AB  - The effects of specific diets for commercial hybrids were investigated on 6
      Casertana and 11 Mora Romagnola, two endangered Italian pig breeds. Average daily
      gain (ADG), feed conversion index (FCI), dressing percentage and meat and fat
      quality of animals bred under similar environmental and nutritional conditions
      were compared to define their optimal slaughtering weight. Animals were fed the
      same diets assuming that requirements of Mora Romagnola and Casertana did not
      differ, and changed every 30kg of weight gain. ADG and FCI were calculated every
      15 days. Weight gains, divided into 5 groups based on live weight (LW) of animals
      (?60kg, 60<kg?90, 90<kg?120, 120<kg?160, >160kg), showed higher values for
      Casertana than Mora Romagnola, particularly from 121 to 160kg LW (687g/d).
      Average FCI from 50 to 160kg LW was similar in both breeds (4.2). After 403 days
      of trial, animals were slaughtered at about 195kg LW. Carcass measurements showed
      that Casertana had higher dressing percentage and lean cuts than Mora Romagnola.
      Both breeds showed extraordinary high ultimate pH values of M. longissimus
      thoracis (5.96 and 6.15 for Casertana and Mora Romagnola, respectively) M.
      semimembranosus (6.37 and 6.30), showing an incomplete post mortem glycolysis.
      Colour of M. longissimus thoracis did not differ between breeds and was
      particularly dark. Chemical analysis of Casertana meat showed lower percentage of
      water and fat; the total amount of fatty acids (SFA, MUFA and PUFA) and the
      SFA/UFA ratio did not show significant differences between breeds. Results showed
      that from a growth point of view the optimal slaughtering weight of Casertana and
      Mora Romagnola should not exceed 160kg LW. Both breeds had an uncommon reactivity
      to stress probably due to interactions of genetic, nutritional and management
      factors.

PMID- 22061218
TI  - Changes in fatty acid composition and improved sensory quality of backfat and
      meat of pigs fed bacterial protein meal.
AB  - A total of 48 pigs (11.4 and 107.2 kg initial and final weight) were used to
      evaluate increasing dietary levels of bacterial protein meal (BPM) produced on
      natural gas (0, 50, 100, or 150 g kg(-1)) on fatty acid composition, sensory
      properties, and susceptibility of pork to lipid oxidation. Increasing levels of
      BPM to diets increased the content of C16:1 fatty acids in backfat and muscle and
      total monounsaturated fatty acids in muscle, but decreased the content of
      polyunsaturated fatty acids and iodine value in backfat and muscle. Pigs fed
      diets containing BPM had reduced thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS)
      value in backfat and muscle, reduced intensity of odor and rancid odor and taste
      in pork after short-time storage, and reduced off-odor and off-taste after
      intermediate-time storage. To conclude, adding BPM to diets for pigs changed the
      fatty acid profile, improved the oxidative stability, and sensory quality of
      pork.

PMID- 22061219
TI  - Serine peptidase inhibitors, the best predictor of beef ageing amongst a large
      set of quantitative variables.
AB  - For consumers, tenderness is the most important sensory attribute of beef meat
      and, though to a lesser extent, of pork. Tenderness is therefore by far the most
      common cause of its unacceptability. The major challenge for the beef industry is
      to evaluate the toughness of the meat as soon as possible after death. In this
      context, the aim of the present work was to develop an equation to predict the
      myofibrillar ultimate resistance of raw meat. The study was done on the
      Longissimus muscle from twenty three 19 months-old Charolais bulls grown in the
      same INRA farm. Muscles excised within 1h post-mortem were vacuum packed and
      stored at 15 degrees C during 24h and then transferred to 4 degrees C until used.
      The activities of lactate dehydrogenase, citrate synthase and myofibrillar Mg-Ca
      dependent ATPase, the levels of lactate dehydrogenase enzyme, myoglobin, myosin
      types I, IIa and IIb, cysteine and serine peptidase inhibitors, the pH, the
      osmolarity, the expressible juice, MU-calpain, m-calpain and calpastatin and meat
      toughness were measured. According to the physical method used here, the force
      measured on raw meat represents the resistance of the myofibillar structure.
      Stepwise linear regression was used to determine the best equation (p<0.05) for
      predicting toughness at 6 days post-mortem. A 6-variables predictive equation
      including serine peptidase inhibitors (partial R(2)=0.4), the rate (partial
      R(2)=0.25), and the extent of pH decline (partial R(2)=0.03), the at death LDH
      activity (partial R(2)=0.24), the extent of increase in osmotic pressure (partial
      R(2)=0.13), and the rate of MU-calpain activity loss (partial R(2)=0.09),
      explained 70% of the variability in meat toughness at 6 days post-mortem. This
      equation was developed from 20 animals and the other 3 animals, chosen randomly,
      were used to validate it. The absolute need for a predictive model of meat
      toughness and the nature of the serine peptidase inhibitors together with their
      potential target enzymes are discussed.

PMID- 22061220
TI  - Innovative wholesale carcass fabrication and retail cutting to optimize beef
      value.
AB  - Innovations in beef carcass fabrication to improve subprimal yield, retail cut
      yield, and overall carcass value were evaluated. Alternating sides from 30 beef
      carcasses were assigned to either an innovative or conventional style of
      fabrication. The innovative method resulted in greater (P<0.001) total subprimal
      yield and less (P<0.001) lean trimmings from the forequarter; however,
      hindquarter total subprimal yield and lean trimmings were not affected (P>0.05)
      by fabrication style. Value was greater for the innovative forequarter (P<0.001)
      and hindquarter (P<0.01), and total value was increased by more than US $14 per
      beef carcass compared to the conventional style. Selected subprimals were
      evaluated in retail cutting tests. In general, the innovative retail subprimals
      had yields equal to or greater than the conventional subprimals. Innovative
      carcass fabrication may allow for greater marketing options for beef cuts to
      improve carcass value and to offer greater retail merchandizing opportunities.

PMID- 22061221
TI  - Effects of starter cultures on the formation of flavour compounds in dry sausage.
AB  - The purpose of this work was to study the impact of starter cultures on the
      production of flavour compounds in dry sausages. The effect of six starter
      cultures corresponding to different combinations of lactic acid bacteria
      (Lactobacillus sake L110, Pediococcus acidilactici 725, P. pentosaceus 716) and
      different Staphylococcus species (S. carnosus 833, S. warneri 863, S.
      saprophyticus M31) strains were tested in a total of 30 dry sausages without
      spices. The analysis of flavour compounds using a dynamic headspace apparatus
      coupled to a gas chromatograph and a mass spectrometer enabled us to identify
      about 80 volatile compounds. They were of various origins-lipids oxidation,
      fermentations, amino acid catabolism and animal feedstuffs. The influence of the
      starters and especially the flavouring strains proved to have a major effect on
      the level of volatile compounds in dry sausages. The flavour tests led to more
      accurate determination of the sensory characteristics of important molecules in
      the flavour of dry sausages. The sensory analyses showed that the butter odour of
      dry sausages largely depends on the catabolism of carbohydrates and that curing
      and rancid odours were correlated with some typical compounds of lipid oxidation.

PMID- 22061222
TI  - Comparison of sensory characteristics and fatty acid composition between Wagyu
      crossbred and Angus steers.
AB  - Angus (n = 10) and crossbred (3 4  and 7 8 ) Wagyu (n = 10) steers were fed a
      diet according to typical Japanese standards for 552 days. The steers were fed to
      gain approximately 0.90 kg/head/day. Fatty acid composition was determined for
      subcutaneous and intramuscular adipose tissue, and M. longissimus dorsi muscle.
      Trained sensory evaluation and a consumer triangle test were performed on M.
      longissimus dorsi muscle steaks. For subcutaneous and intramuscular tissue. Wagyu
      adipose tissue possessed higher (P < 0.05) percentages of 14:1, 16:1 and 18:1 and
      a lower (P < 0.05) percentage of 16:0 and 18:0 than corresponding tissues from
      Angus steers. Trained sensory panel analysis revealed no differences (P < 0.05)
      in any of the sensory traits between steaks from Wagyu crossbred and Angus
      steers. However, a consumer triangle test indicated that consumers can detect a
      difference between breeds.

PMID- 22061223
TI  - Maximising the cost-efficiency of assay procedures.
AB  - Cortisol concentrations were measured in cattle plasma and pig muscle juice
      samples obtained from groups of animals slaughtered at different abattoirs.
      Statistically significant (P < 0.001) differences were obtained for between
      abattoir comparisons for both the cattle and pig samples. Cortisol concentrations
      were determined using a radio-immunoassay kit. In accordance with the
      instructions, assays were performed in duplicate. An analysis of variance
      indicated that the use of a single determination on more samples, instead of
      duplicate determinations of fewer samples, would have led to an important
      increase in accuracy for detecting differences between means. It would have been
      more cost-efficient to collect additional samples and perform one assay only on
      each sample.

PMID- 22061224
TI  - Frozen storage conditions and rancid flavour development in lamb.
AB  - Frozen storage of lamb at temperatures of -5 or -10 degrees C before ultimate
      storage at -35 degrees C induced changes that led to rancidity development (as
      assessed by a taste panel) continuing at a more rapid rate at the lower
      temperature. Parallel storage regimes, but with storage at -35 degrees C first,
      then ultimate storage at -5 degrees C or -10 degrees C, led to much less storage
      flavour development. No significant flavour changes occurred even after 40 weeks
      storage at -15 degrees C followed by 20 weeks storage at -35 degrees C. These
      studies emphasise the importance of order of time-temperature holding treatments
      in studies of rancid flavour development and indicate that time-temperature
      effects may not be truly additive.

PMID- 22061225
TI  - Effect of the RN(-) gene on ultrastructure and protein fractions in pig muscle.
AB  - The aim of the present experiment was to study the effect of the RN(-) gene on
      ultrastructure of white fibres and the proportion of the different protein
      fractions in Longissimus lumborum muscle of RN(-) pigs. The ultrastructure of
      muscle was observed in 4 RN(-) carrier pigs and 4 rn(+)rn(+) homozygous pigs by
      mean of electron microscopy. Protein fractionation and quantification were
      performed on muscle from a second group of 4 RN(-) and 4 rn(+) pigs. No change in
      the proportions of the different protein compartments was observed. The
      abnormality of the glycolytic fibres of RN(-) pigs seems to be rather due to an
      increase of the glucid concentration in the sarcoplasm, perhaps secondarily to a
      modified osmolarity in the intracellular medium.

PMID- 22061226
TI  - Potential role of Proteus-Providencia-Morganella species in quality deterioration
      of beef.
AB  - Proteeae Isolation Medium of Hawkey et al. (1986) was effective for isolation and
      enumeration of Proteus-Providencia-Morganella spp. from beef and beef products.
      On this medium colonies were brown, surrounded by a zone of clearing. In an
      examination of retail beef samples packaged and stored in polyvinyl chloride
      (PVC) film, 5% contained these bacteria in a concentration of 10(1)-10(2) cells
      per gram or cm(2). Isolates from retail beef samples included P. vulgaris, P.
      alcalifaciens, P. rettgeri, and M. morganii. None of the retail samples packaged
      and stored in high oxygen barrier (HOB) film contained detectable Proteus
      Providencia-Morganella spp. Steaks inoculated with Proteus-Providencia-Morganella
      spp. and packaged and stored at 4 degrees C in PVC film (15 days) or in HOB film
      (42 days) usually had a reduced count of Proteus-Providencia-Morganella spp.
      during storage. Slight increases in counts occurred on steaks inculated with P.
      vulgaris and P. rettgeri and stored at 4 degrees C for 15 days in PVC film.

PMID- 22061227
TI  - Effect of freezing, thawing and frozen storage on physico-chemical and sensory
      characteristics of buffalo meat.
AB  - A study was conducted on some physico-chemical and sensory characteristics of
      buffalo meat frozen by plate and blast freezing and stored at -15 +/- 3 degrees C
      for a period of 3 months. A marginal increase in pH values and drip losses were
      observed during the storage period. Drip losses were less in blast frozen
      samples. WHC, cooking losses thermal shrinkage and WB Shear values indicated
      inconsistent results, during storage. Similar observations were recorded with
      regard to tyrosine and TBA values. No significant differences in the physico
      chemical characteristics were observed between meat cuts and minced meat. Plate
      frozen meat samples scored higher for texture, juiciness and aroma. Both the
      plate and blast frozen meat samples, however, were similar in overall quality
      according to taste panel results.

PMID- 22061228
TI  - Effects of porcine somatotropin (PST) administration on the fat/lean content and
      processing properties of pork bellies.
AB  - Porcine somatotropin (PST)-supplemented pigs were slaughtered at 109 or 131.8 kg;
      bellies were analyzed for compositional and bacon processing characteristics and
      compared with bellies from controls (slaughtered at 109 kg). Bellies from control
      and 109 kg, PST-treated pigs were significantly lighter (P < 0.01) in weight
      whereas the PST-treated bellies were significantly (P < 0.01) leaner than
      controls regardless of slaughter weight. The leaner bellies resulted in greater
      (P < 0.01) brine pickup, reduced smokehouse yields and bacon with less fat
      regardless of slaughter weight. Frying yield for the bacon from PST-treated pigs
      was significantly (P < 0.01) higher than that of the controls probably because of
      the fat/lean difference. The changes observed in bacon from PST-supplemented pigs
      appear to be due to the compositional change induced by PST administration.

PMID- 22061229
TI  - Effect of antioxidants on the sensory characteristics and storage stability of
      aseptically processed low-fat beef gels.
AB  - Beef gels, formed by heating, targeted to contain 13% protein and 16% fat and
      subjected to one of four antioxidant treatments, including no antioxidant,
      rosemary oleoresin, sodium nitrite, or sodium nitrite and rosemary oleoresin
      combined, were produced, aseptically processed (AP), packaged in a sterile
      container and stored at 3 degrees C. The day after aseptic processing, the four
      AP gels and a no-antioxidant, unprocessed gel were evaluated by a trained sensory
      panel for textural and flavor characteristics. On days 1, 14, 29 and 42 after
      processing, the AP gels were evaluated for shear stress and shear strain using
      torsion fracture analysis, and for oxidative stability using headspace gas
      chromatography. Sensory results indicated significant (P < 0.10) differences in
      hardness, juiciness and metallic flavor between the AP and unprocessed plain
      gels. Among the AP gels, the panel identified differences in oxidized flavor and
      beef flavor due to antioxidant treatment. Differences in shear stress were found
      due to aseptic processing and in shear strain due to storage time. Differences in
      the concentrations of total aldehydes, hydrocarbons and alcohols were found due
      to storage time (increased with time) and antioxidant treatment (decreased with
      antioxidant addition). Total ketones varied due to time only and total
      nonheterocyclic sulfur compounds varied due to antioxidant treatment only. The
      use of antioxidants appears to improve the sensory characteristics and oxidative
      stability of AP beef gels.

PMID- 22061230
TI  - Lipolytic and microbial changes during the natural fermentation and ripening of
      Greek dry sausages.
AB  - The hydrolytic changes in the lipid fraction and the changes in microbial growth
      during the natural fermentation and ripening of Greek dry sausages were studied.
      Two batches were manufactured under industrial conditions, without the addition
      of starter cultures. The results of the microbiological analyses indicated that,
      among the micro-organisms well known for their lipolytic activity, micrococci
      were predominant during the whole fermentation-ripening process. It was shown
      that the fatty acid composition of the hydrolysed lipid fraction did not remain
      constant with time. Analysis of the experimental results indicated that, given
      the length of the aliphatic chain (16 or 18 carbon atoms), the more unsaturated
      fatty acids were hydrolysed in preference to the saturated homologues. On the
      other hand, fatty acids having 16 carbon atoms were hydrolysed in preference to
      the iso-unsaturated ones having 18 carbon atoms.

PMID- 22061231
TI  - Contaminant lactic acid bacteria of dry sausages produce histamine and tyramine.
AB  - Exogenous biogenic amines present a food poisoning hazard in fermented foods
      especially with additional risk factors, e.g. amine oxidase inhibiting drugs,
      alcohol and gastrointestinal diseases. Forty-two lactic acid bacteria (LAB)
      strains were isolated from seven dry sausages during ripening (0 day, 21 day and
      49 day). Their ability to produce histamine and tyramine was studied by HPLC
      detection from broth cultures after 2 days incubation. The tyramine and histamine
      concentrations in sausages increased during fermentation. 10 of 42 LAB strains
      produced 402-1087 ppm tyramine. Four of these 10 contaminant LABs were also
      histamine-positive (725-1083 ppm). Most of the amine positive strains were found
      in sausages at the end of ripening and with highest amine levels. On the basis of
      these results the contaminant LABs play an important role in tyramine and
      histamine formation during the ripening of dry sausages. Therefore it could be
      possible to decrease the levels of amines formed by limiting the initial level
      and growth of these contaminant bacteria.

PMID- 22061232
TI  - Hot water decontamination of beef carcasses for reduction of initial bacterial
      numbers.
AB  - Areas on freshly slaughtered beef carcasses were sprayed with hot (95 degrees C),
      sterilized, distilled water in order to elevate carcass surface temperature to 82
      degrees C. A significant (P < 0.05) reduction in bacterial numbers was observed
      between control (prespray) and hot water treated carcass surfaces. These results
      indicate that microbial decontamination of beef carcasses with hot water will be
      effective if an approprite spraying apparatus is used.

PMID- 22061233
TI  - Listeria monocytogenes: Occurrence in beef and identification of the main
      contamination points in processing plants.
AB  - This study aimed to establish the occurrence of Listeria spp., especially L.
      monocytogenes and its main serotypes, in beef and processing plants. A total of
      443 samples were obtained from equipment, installations and products from 11 meat
      processing establishments from Parana state, Brazil. All samples were analyzed
      using USDA methodology for Listeria spp. detection, followed by species
      identification. The occurrence of Listeria spp. in the samples was 38.1% of which
      51.4% were from equipment, 35.4% from installations and 30.2% from products. The
      identified species were: L. monocytogenes (12.6%), L. innocua (78.4%), L.
      seeligeri (1.2%), L. welshimeri (7.2%) and L. grayi (0.6%). The identified
      serotypes of L. monocytogenes were 1/2a and 4b. The results demonstrate the
      significance of equipment and installations as sources of contamination by
      Listeria spp. and L. monocytogenes in the processing of beef and meat products.

PMID- 22061234
TI  - Performance of Cinta Senese pigs and their crosses with Large White 2. Physical,
      chemical and technological traits of Tuscan dry-cured ham.
AB  - Technological, chemical and physical traits of cured ham from Cinta Senese and
      Large White pigs, and their crosses were investigated. Hams were obtained from 29
      Cinta Senese (CS), 29 Large White*Cinta Senese (LW*CS) and 12 Large White (LW)
      pigs, fed a commercial mixture. Sensory and chemical-physical analysis was
      performed on a sample-slice and on muscles (Biceps femoris - BF; Semimembranosus 
      SM; Semitendinosus - ST) and subcutaneous fat. CS showed the highest trimming
      loss and the lowest salting loss. Hams of CS pigs scored higher for fatness than
      those of LW pigs, LW*CS showing intermediate values. On sample-slice, CS
      exhibited higher firmness, redness and marbling of lean, and greater fat
      extension than LW, with crosses having intermediate scores. Muscle moisture was
      lowest in CS, while both SM and BF from LW had the highest percentage of protein
      and the lowest of ash. CS showed higher intramuscular fat content than LW*CS and
      LW. Shear force of BF was higher in CS than in LW*CS and LW. With respect to LW,
      CS had lower values of L(*) in muscles, and higher values of a(*) in subcutaneous
      fat. Subcutaneous fat of CS contained less SFA and more MUFA than LW*CS and LW.

PMID- 22061235
TI  - Evaluation of the antioxidant potential of grape seed and bearberry extracts in
      raw and cooked pork.
AB  - The effect of grape seed extract (GSE) and bearberry (BB), on lipid oxidation
      (TBARS, mg malondialdehyde (MDA)/kg muscle), colour (CIE 'a' redness value), pH,
      microbial status (log(10)CFU colony forming units/g pork) and sensorial
      properties of cooked pork patties was investigated. GSE (0-1000MUg/g muscle) and
      BB (0-1000MUg/g muscle) were added to raw pork (M. longissimus dorsi) patties
      which were stored in modified atmosphere packs (MAP) (75% O(2):25% CO(2)) for up
      to 12 days at 4 degrees C. Cooked pork patties were stored in MAP (70% N(2):30%
      CO(2)) for up to 4 days at 4 degrees C. Mesophilic plate counts and pork pH were
      unaffected by GSE and BB. GSE and BB addition decreased (P<0.05) lipid oxidation
      (TBARS) in raw pork patties on days 9 and 12 of storage, relative to controls.
      Antioxidant activity of GSE and BB was observed in cooked pork patties
      demonstrating the thermal stability of GSE and BB. The 'a' redness values of raw
      and cooked pork patties marginally increased with increasing GSE concentration.
      The sensory properties of cooked pork patties were unaffected by GSE and BB
      addition. Results obtained demonstrate the potential for using health promoting
      nutraceuticals in meat and meat products.

PMID- 22061236
TI  - High intensity ultrasound effects on meat brining.
AB  - Pork loin (longissimus dorsi) samples of two different geometries, cylinders and
      slabs, were immersed in saturated NaCl brine for 45min under different
      conditions: without brine agitation (STAT), with brine agitation (AG) and with
      ultrasound application (US) at eight levels of ultrasonic intensity. Moisture
      content change and NaCl gain were considered in order to evaluate the difference
      in the brining treatments. No significant differences were found in moisture and
      NaCl content of samples treated under STAT conditions and AG conditions, while
      the influence of ultrasound on the mass transfer process during meat brining
      depended on the intensity applied. There was an ultrasonic intensity threshold
      above which the influence of ultrasound appeared. At the highest level of
      intensity studied, the water content of samples was significantly higher than the
      initial water content of meat. As regards NaCl transfer, once above the intensity
      threshold, the increase in the NaCl content was proportional to the applied
      ultrasonic intensity. Not statistically significant differences were found for
      sample geometry.

PMID- 22061237
TI  - A new region-primitive method for classification of colour meat image texture
      based on size, orientation, and contrast.
AB  - A new structural method was developed to characterise texture of colour meat
      images. Structural primitives or region-primitives were constructed using a
      region-growing method with a global and automatically calculated threshold. A
      total of eight textural features under the consideration of size, orientation,
      and contrast, which are the primary factors of human perception of texture
      pattern, were obtained from the region-primitives. An experiment was set up to
      classify the texture pattern of a set of 60 cooked meat colour images consisting
      of 20 beef images, 20 lamb images, and 20 pork images using texture features
      obtained from the proposed region-primitive method and run-length matrix method,
      respectively. The proposed region-primitive method (error rate: 18.3%) was found
      to perform better than the run-length matrix method (error rate: 35.0%). Results
      also indicated that the texture features obtained by the proposed method carried
      adequate texture information for classification and that the proposed region
      primitive method could be potentially used for the characterisation of irregular
      textural pattern in cooked meat images, which was inapproachable by conventional
      structural texture analysis techniques.

PMID- 22061238
TI  - Quantitative determination of saturated-, monounsaturated- and polyunsaturated
      fatty acids in pork adipose tissue with non-destructive Raman spectroscopy.
AB  - The composition of dietary fat has received increased attention during the recent
      years because it influences human health. Seventy seven samples from pork adipose
      tissue and melted fat from the same tissue were measured with Raman spectroscopy.
      Gas chromatography analysis was conducted as reference. Iodine values (IV) ranged
      from 58.2 to 90.4g iodine added per 100g fat. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA)
      ranged from 7.8% to 31.7% and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) from 35.2% to
      51.5% of total fatty acids. When applied on pre-processed spectra of melted fat,
      partial least square regression (PLSR) with cross-validation gave a correlation
      coefficient (R)=0.98, and root mean square error of cross-validation (RMSECV)=1.4
      for IV, using 3 PLS factors in the model. PUFA gave R=0.98 and RMSECV=1.0% of
      total fatty acids, using 5 PLS factors. MUFA were predicted with R=0.96 and
      RMSECV=1.0% of total fatty acids, using 9 PLS factors. On adipose tissue a model
      with 3 PLS factors gave R=0.97 and RMSECV=1.8 for IV. For PUFA, a model with 3
      PLS factors gave R=0.95 and RMSECV=1.5% of total fatty acids. For MUFA a model
      with 6 PLS factors gave R=0.91 and RMSECV=1.5% of total fatty acids. The results
      indicate the feasibility to use Raman spectroscopy as a rapid and non-destructive
      method to determine IV, PUFA, MUFA and saturated fatty acids (SFA) measured
      directly on pork adipose tissue and in melted fat from the same tissue.

PMID- 22061239
TI  - Consequences of two or four months of finishing feeding of culled dry dairy cows
      on carcass characteristics and technological and sensory meat quality.
AB  - Finishing feeding was evaluated as a way to improve carcass-, meat- and eating
      quality of culled dairy cows. In total, 125 Danish Friesian cows were purchased
      from commercial dairy herds. Cows were culled for various typical reasons at
      different stages of lactation, were non-pregnant and had milk yield at culling
      ranging from 1 to 25kg/d and had LW varying from 330 to 778kg. Cows were housed
      in tie-stalls and had free access to barley straw and water during a 7-d drying
      off period. Cows were allocated to three equal treatment groups based on parity,
      LW, BCS, and culling reason. A control group (C) was slaughtered immediately
      after drying-off (n=43), a group (F2) was finishing-fed for 63 days (n=41), and a
      group (F4) was finishing-fed for 126 days (n=41). In the finishing period, cows
      had free access to a TMR (10.6 MJ ME and 130g CP per kg of DM). Cows on
      treatment, F2 and F4 gained 1.16+/-0.05kg/d in the finishing period. Compared
      with C-cows, F2- and F4-cows had 56 and 97kg higher carcass weight, 10% and 21%
      larger Longissimus muscle area, and 14 and 70% more backfat, respectively, at
      time of slaughter. EUROP conformation scores were 2.2 (C), 3.4 (F2) and 4.4 (F4)
      and EUROP fat scores were 1.9, 3.0 and 3.7. Finishing feeding increased IMF,
      improved meat flavour and colour, and tended to reduce shear force value and
      improve tenderness and juiciness. The F4 cows also had higher fat trim than C-
      and F2-cows. Cows were divided into two parity groups (1st parity and older
      cows). Compared with 1st parity cows, older cows ate 12% more feed, had similar
      daily gain, were heavier, and had higher BCS and fatness including IMF. The
      results show that it is possible to dry-off and finish-feed culled dairy cows
      resulting in larger muscles, increased fatness, improved overall carcass quality
      and better technological as well as sensory quality characteristics.

PMID- 22061240
TI  - PCR identification of meats from chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra), pyrenean ibex
      (Capra pyrenaica), and mouflon (Ovis ammon) targeting specific sequences from the
      mitochondrial D-loop region.
AB  - A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay was developed for the identification of
      meats from chamois (Rupicapra rupicapra), pyrenean ibex (Capra pyrenaica), and
      mouflon (Ovis ammon) by using oligonucleotides targeting mitochondrial D-loop
      sequences. A D-loop region (~700-1000 bp) was firstly amplified and sequenced
      from various game and domestic meat DNAs, and three primer sets were then
      designed on the basis of nucleotide multialignment of the generated D-loop
      sequences. As expected from sequence analysis, PCR amplification of the targeted
      D-loop fragments was successfully achieved from chamois (88 bp), pyrenean ibex
      (178 bp), and mouflon (155 bp) meats, showing adequate specificity and
      reproducibility against a number of game and domestic meats. Mouflon and sheep
      meats were amplified together in accordance to the high nucleotide identity of
      their mt D-loop sequences. In this work, satisfactory amplification was also
      accomplished in the analysis of experimentally pasteurized (72 degrees C for
      30min) and sterilized (121 degrees C for 20min) meats, with a detection limit of
      ~0.1% for each of the targeted species. The proposed PCR assay represents a rapid
      and straightforward method for the detection of possible adulterations in game
      meat products.

PMID- 22061241
TI  - Mould growth on traditional greek sausages and penicillin production by
      Penicillium isolates.
AB  - Visible moulds were isolated and identified from traditional Greek sausages from
      Northern Greece. Penicillium species were isolated from 90.8% of visibly mouldy
      sausages. Penicillium solitum, P. nalgiovense and P. commune species made up
      60.6% of the total number of isolates. The most frequently occurring species was
      P. solitum (26.1%). P. nalgiovense and P. olsonii were found to be positive to
      penicillin production in an agar assay and further examination for antibiotic
      production in liquid culture with complex media designed for penicillin
      production, confirmed their ability for penicillin biosynthesis. Penicillin
      production by P. olsonii is reported for the first time in this study.

PMID- 22061242
TI  - Single nucleotide polymorphism in growth hormone gene exon-4 and exon-5 using PCR
      SSCP in Black Bengal goats - A prolific meat breed of India.
AB  - Single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) showed 7 and 5 haplotypes in
      caprine GH gene exon-4 and exon-5 in Black Bengal, a prolific meat breed from
      India. All haplotypes revealed novel sequences. In exon-4 codons 6, 36 and 54
      were polymorphic. At codon 6, AA arginine (R) changed to histidine (H) and
      proline (P), showing 6RR, 6HH and 6PP genotypes. At codons 36 three genotypes DD,
      VV and DV were observed due to SNP showing changed from aspartic acid (D) to
      valine (V). At codon 54, AA change from arginine to tryptophan (W) and 54RR and
      54WW genotypes were observed. SNPs were also observed at codon 23 (serine to
      threonine) and at 37 (arginine to proline) in 8% of goats. In exon-5 nucleotide
      substitution (G/A) at codon 10 and (A/G) at 14 respectively changed AA from
      glycine (K) to glutamic acid (E). Silent mutations were also observed.

PMID- 22061243
TI  - Species identification and authentication of tissues of animal origin using
      mitochondrial and nuclear markers.
AB  - We evaluated and compared the utility of mitochondrial markers viz. 16S rDNA and
      NADH dehydrogenase subunit 4 (ND4) and a nuclear marker viz. the actin gene to
      identify the specimens of animal origin for forensic identification, food
      regulatory control and to prevent illegal trading, poaching and conservation of
      endangered species. We also tested PCR fingerprinting methods like RAPD and actin
      barcoding to generate species-specific "fingerprints". Our results suggested that
      mitochondrial markers are more efficient than nuclear markers for the purpose of
      species identification and authentication. Among PCR fingerprinting approaches,
      RAPD was proved to be more discriminatory, accurate and efficient than actin
      fingerprinting. Considering the present scenario in trading of vertebrate animal
      tissues like buffalo, cow, pig, goat, chicken, frogs, fishes and snakes etc.,
      mitogenomics based technology proved to be efficient and reliable in resolving
      problems like meat adulteration and smuggling across countries.

PMID- 22061244
TI  - Effect of different stunning systems on meat quality of light lamb.
AB  - The present study was proposed to compare the effect that different types of
      stunning (TS) had on the quality of refrigerated meat from light lambs of the
      Spanish Manchega breed at 24h and 7 days post-mortem. Lambs were electrically
      stunned (ESL; n=10), using CO(2) (GSL; n=10) or slaughtered without previous
      stunning (USL; n=10). Measurements on meat quality were carried out by evaluating
      pH, colour coordinates (L(*), a(*), b(*)), water holding capacity (WHC), cooking
      loss (CL), shear force (SF) and drip loss (DL). At 24h post-mortem, no
      significant differences were found in any of the variables studied. However, at 7
      days post-mortem, meat quality was affected by the different TS: pH, CL and DL
      were lower (P<0.001) in the USL group and GSL obtained the lowest a(*) (redness)
      and b(*) (yellowness) values (P<0.01) than in the other groups. Ageing of meat
      affected SF in the ESL group (P<0.01), although there were no significant
      differences due to treatments at any of the ageing times.

PMID- 22061245
TI  - Characterisation of intramuscular, intermuscular and subcutaneous adipose tissues
      in yearling bulls of different genetic groups.
AB  - Fatty acid (FA) composition of intramuscular (IM, Longissimus thoracis muscle),
      intermuscular (IT) and subcutaneous (SC) fat of one hundred intensively fed
      yearling bulls with different propensities to fatten were studied. Meat samples
      were collected from Asturiana de los Valles bulls with different genotypes with
      respect to the myostatin gene (mh/mh n=24, mh/+ n=26 and +/+ n=25) and from
      Asturiana de la Montana (n=25) bulls lacking the mutation responsible for double
      muscling and characterised by small to medium-frame size adapted to less favoured
      mountain areas. FA profiles were expressed as percentages of total FA (g/100g of
      total FA) and organised into groups (saturated (SFA), branched (BFA),
      monounsaturated (MUFA), C18:1trans, polyunsaturated (PUFA), n-6, n-3, conjugated
      linoleic acids (CLA), unsaturated (UFA)) and ratios (MUFA/SFA (M/S), PUFA/SFA
      (P/S), UFA/SFA (U/S), n-6/n-3). The IT depot was the most saturated and SC depot
      contained the most monounsaturated FAs, while IM fat had the most polyunsaturated
      FAs. IM fat showed the highest P/S ratio and for the n-6/n-3 ratio there were no
      significant differences between adipose tissue depots. In general, genotype
      effects were more pronounced in IM and SC fat profiles compared to the IT depot,
      for which no significant differences between genotypes were found in SFA, PUFA
      (including n-6 and n-3), UFA and most of the ratios. IM fat of mh/mh animals had
      the highest content of PUFA and thus the highest P/S ratio. Accordingly, the
      presence of the gene causing double muscling influenced the tendency to deposit
      carcass fat and its FA composition, mainly in IM fat. In general, when carcass
      fat decreased, SFA content decreased while PUFA and UFA contents increased due to
      the changes in their percentages.

PMID- 22061246
TI  - Modeling transfer of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Staphylococcus aureus during
      slicing of a cooked meat product.
AB  - Cross contamination is one of the most important contributing factors in
      foodborne illnesses originating in household environments. The objective of this
      research was to determine the transfer coefficients between a contaminated
      domestic slicing machine and a cooked meat product, during slicing. The
      microorganisms tested were Staphylococcus aureus (Gram positive) and Escherichia
      coli O157:H7 (Gram negative). The results showed that both microorganisms were
      able to transfer to all slices examined (20 successively sliced) and at different
      inoculum levels on the blade (10(8), 10(6) and 10(4)cfu/blade). The results also
      showed that the number of log cfu transferred per slice, during slicing,
      decreased logarithmically for both microorganisms at inoculum levels of 8 and
      6log cfu/blade. The type of microorganism significantly influenced transfer
      coefficients (p<0.05) and there was an interaction between inoculum level and
      transfer coefficient for S. aureus (p<0.05), but not E. coli O157:H7. Finally, to
      describe bacterial transfer during slicing, two models (log-linear and Weibull)
      were fitted to concentration on slice data for both microorganisms (at 6 and 8
      log cfu/blade), obtaining a good fit to data (R(2)?0.73).

PMID- 22061247
TI  - Pre-selection of potential molecular markers for the geographic origin of dried
      beef by HR-MAS NMR spectroscopy.
AB  - The complexity of meat composition and the requirement of high analytical rates
      to prevent frauds and, in general, to assess food quality are stimuli to find
      analytical methods able to detect appropriate indicators of a given quality. We
      present here an evaluation of 1D (1)H HR-MAS NMR spectroscopy for the selection
      of potential molecular markers of one specific quality, geographic origin. Dried
      beef samples of certified origin were tested, and preliminary results on a
      limited sample set confirmed the good aptitude of this method for rapid food
      analysis, demonstrated earlier on dairy products. Fat content as well as specific
      metabolites, probably linked to feeding system, are shown to be good candidates
      for markers of origin. These results are in agreement with recent studies on the
      relative impact of genetic and dietary conditions on the metabolic profile of
      animal specimens. (1)H HR-MAS is thus an interesting tool for pre-screening
      potential markers, that can complement standard chemical and biochemical
      analysis.

PMID- 22061248
TI  - Sheep carcass composition estimated from Longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle
      volume measured by in vivo real-time ultrasonography.
AB  - The use of Longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle (LM) volume measured in vivo
      by real-time ultrasonography (RTU) to estimate carcass composition was evaluated
      in 47 female sheep. Animals were scanned over six sites (7th, 9th, 11th and 13th
      thoracic vertebrae and 2nd and 4th lumbar vertebrae). After slaughter carcass
      weight (CW) and composition by dissection were determined. RTU volume
      measurements were calculated by multiplying the LM area at each site by the
      vertebra lengths. Equivalent measurements to those taken in vivo were obtained on
      the carcass using a digital camera and image analysis. The correlation between LM
      volume measured by RTU and in the carcass was high for all scans. LM volume was
      better in predicting carcass muscle than carcass fat. Lower determination
      coefficients were obtained between LM volume and carcass tissues expressed in %
      of CW. The best estimates of carcass tissues weights and proportions were
      obtained using the LM volume between the 2nd and the 4th lumbar vertebrae for all
      tissues. Multiple regression equations were fitted using live weight (LW) and LM
      volume to predict carcass composition. For all tissues, the best fit was obtained
      with two, three or four independent variables and the stepwise procedure was
      consistent in selecting LW to establish the prediction equations. Weights and
      proportions of muscle, subcutaneous fat, intermuscular fat and total fat were
      accurately predicted. These results indicate that Longissimus thoracis et
      lumborum muscle volume measured in vivo by RTU can be used to predict sheep
      carcass composition (muscle and fat).

PMID- 22061249
TI  - Lipid oxidation in lamb meat: Effect of the weight, handling previous slaughter
      and modified atmospheres.
AB  - This study examined the effect of pre-slaughter handling (electrical, gas (CO(2))
      or non-stunning) on lipid oxidation (as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances,
      TBARS; in the unit of mg malondialdehyde/kg(-1) of meat) of Spanish Manchega
      breed lamb meat, at 24h and at 7 days post-mortem. Lambs were slaughtered at two
      different weights (light (L), 25kg, vs. suckling (S), 12.8kg). In general gas
      stunned lambs had lower lipid oxidation (P<0.001), and it was higher (P<0.001) in
      light lambs compared to suckling lambs. In both groups (S and L), malondialdehyde
      level increased with time (P<0.001), although this increase was lower (P<0.05) in
      gas-stunned suckling lambs. In addition, we evaluated the effect of stunning
      methods (TS: electrical vs. gas) and the weight (L vs. S) on lipid oxidation
      values in samples packed in different types of modified atmosphere (MA: A:
      70%O(2)+30%CO(2); B: 69.3%N(2)+30%CO(2)+0.7%CO; C: 60%N(2)+40%CO(2)) at 7, 14 and
      21 days post-packing. Values were higher in samples with MA-type A and lower in B
      and C types (P<0.05). A significant interaction (P<0.001) weight*TS was observed
      and the lowest rates of TBARS were found in the samples of light lambs stunned
      with gas and packed under anaerobic conditions (MA-B and C).

PMID- 22061250
TI  - Mitochondrial markers for the detection of four duck species and the specific
      identification of Muscovy duck in meat mixtures using the polymerase chain
      reaction.
AB  - A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay for the qualitative detection of four
      duck species in meat mixtures, and a second PCR assay for the specific
      identification of Muscovy duck, have been developed based on oligonucleotide
      primers targeting the 12S rRNA mitochondrial gene. The specificity of both assays
      was tested against a wide range of animal species. The technique was applied to
      raw and sterilized muscular binary mixtures, with a detection limit that ranged
      from 0.1% to 1.0% (w/w). The short length (less than 100bp) of the DNA fragments
      amplified with these primer pairs was found to be essential for the successful
      amplification in samples with highly degraded DNA, and consequently, it could be
      very useful in inspection programmes to enforce labelling regulation of heat and
      pressure-processed products, for which other methods cannot be applied.

PMID- 22061251
TI  - Moisture transport during cooking of meat: An analysis based on Flory-Rehner
      theory.
AB  - It is proposed that the moisture transport during cooking of meat can be
      described by the Flory-Rehner theory of rubber-elasticity. This theory contains
      the essential physics to describe the transport of liquid moisture due to
      denaturation and shrinkage of the heated protein matrix. The validity of the
      proposition is shown by a numerical model, which comprises a linearisation of the
      Flory-Rehner theory augmented with Darcy's law for porous media flow. The model
      is used to simulate cooking experiments performed with a rectangular piece of
      beef. Reasonable comparison between simulations and experiments is obtained.
      Further analysis of simulations renders insight of yet unexplained phenomena
      observed during cooking of meat.

PMID- 22061252
TI  - Intramuscular fatty acid composition of lambs given a tanniniferous diet with or
      without polyethylene glycol supplementation.
AB  - The aim of this trial was to investigate the effects that dietary tannins have on
      lamb intramuscular fatty acids. Twenty-seven lambs were divided into three
      homogeneous groups: control group, receiving commercial concentrate based on
      maize; tannin group, fed a diet based on carob pulp (45% as fed basis); PEG
      group, receiving the same diet as the latter with addition of 42g/kg of
      polyethylene glycol (PEG, a binding agent that eliminates the effects of
      condensed tannins). The duration of the trial was 45 d. Intramuscular fatty acids
      were measured in the longissimus dorsi muscle. The isomer cis-9 trans-11 of
      linoleic acid (conjugated linoleic acid or CLA) and linolenic acid were higher in
      the longissimus muscle fat from animals fed the control diet compared to the
      other groups (P<0.0005); these fatty acids were higher in the fat from animals
      fed the carob diet supplemented with PEG compared to those fed the same diet
      without PEG (P<0.05). trans-Vaccenic acid (C18:1 trans-11) was found at higher
      concentration in fat from control and PEG lambs compared to tannin lambs
      (P<0.01); the CLA/C18:1 trans-11 ratio was lower in lambs fed control and PEG
      diets than in tannin-fed animals (P<0.05).

PMID- 22061253
TI  - Fatty acids and tocopherol levels in M. Longissimus dorsi of beef cattle in
      Sweden - A comparison between seasonal diets.
AB  - This study investigated the influence of Swedish outdoor feeding systems on the
      fatty acid composition and tocopherol content of M. Longissimus dorsi from beef.
      Dietary effects of pasture (PA), silage, and silage supplemented with grain (SIG)
      were compared. Each dietary group consisted of six animals. Higher levels
      (P<0.05) of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were found in the PA treatment.
      The n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratio of total lipids in the muscle tissue was in the
      range 1.2-1.5. The SIG treatment increased the n-6/n-3 ratio and decreased the
      total PUFA content of muscle tissue. The lipid class composition and the content
      of alpha-tocopherol in the meat showed no differences among treatments.

PMID- 22061254
TI  - Meat quality characteristics of springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis). 1: Physical
      meat attributes as influenced by age, gender and production region.
AB  - Springbok is the most extensively cropped game species in South Africa. The
      effects of age (adult, sub-adult, lamb), gender and production region on the
      physical attributes (pH(24), cooking and drip loss, Warner Bratzler shear force
      and colour) were determined using samples of the M. longissimus dorsi (LD)
      muscles of 166 springbok. Stressed animals had a higher (P<0.05) pH(24) (6.3+/
      0.07), as observed in the meat originating from the Caledon region. This meat had
      lower (P<0.05) cooking loss (27.2+/-0.62%) and drip loss (1.8+/-0.08%) values in
      comparison to meat originating from the other regions. Inverse correlations were
      noted between pH(24) and drip loss (r=-0.26, P<0.01) and cooking loss (r=-0.42,
      P<0.001). Shear force values (kg/1.27cm diameter) correlated positively (r=0.25,
      P<0.01) with pH(24). Age-related effects on tenderness were small in comparison
      with pH(24) effects. CIELab colorimetric values were typical of game meat and
      venison (L(*)<40, high a(*) and low b(*) values). It was noted that pH(24)
      correlated negatively (r=-0.51, P<0.001) and positively (r=0.33, P<0.001) with
      the hue-angle and the chroma value of colour, respectively. Springbok originating
      from Caledon had a significantly (P<0.05) higher a(*) value, indicating meat to
      be more red with higher colour saturation.

PMID- 22061255
TI  - Meat quality characteristics of springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis). 2: Chemical
      composition of springbok meat as influenced by age, gender and production region.
AB  - The effects of age, gender and production region on the chemical, mineral and
      amino acid composition of the M. longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle of springbok were
      investigated. There was a significant gender(*)region interaction for protein
      content - for the four production regions it varied between 18.80 and
      21.16g/100g. The intramuscular fat (IMF) content of the LD muscle varied between
      1.32 and 3.46g/100g. Females (3.13+/-0.28g/100g) had a higher (P<0.05) fat
      content than males (1.35+/-0.08g/100g). The IMF content of the adult (2.45+/
      0.26g/100g) and sub-adult (2.50+/-0.28g/100g) categories was higher (P<0.05) in
      comparison to that of the lambs (1.32+/-0.11g/100g). An inverse correlation was
      noted between the IMF and moisture content (r=-0.49, P<0.001) of the meat. The
      two main amino acids were glutamic and aspartic acid, which contributed 2.47-2.74
      and 2.31-2.54g/100g of dry matter, respectively. Phosphorous was the predominant
      mineral in the LD muscle (122.92-159.78mg/100g of dry matter), followed by
      potassium (119.44-131.25mg/100g of dry matter) and calcium (6.57-145.18mg/100g of
      dry matter). Production region had a significant effect on the mineral and amino
      acid composition of the meat, while the effects of age and gender were found to
      be insignificant.

PMID- 22061256
TI  - Meat quality characteristics of springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis). 3: Fatty acid
      composition as influenced by age, gender and production region.
AB  - The effects of age, gender and production region on the fatty acid composition of
      springbok Musculus longissimus dorsi (LD) were investigated. The major fatty acid
      of the LD muscle was stearic acid (C18:0), which contributed 23.92-27.02%. Oleic
      acid (C18:1) represented the largest component (16.33-20.45%) of the mono
      unsaturated fatty acids (MUFA). The major n-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)
      was C18:2n-6, which formed 18.77-21.62%, whereas C18:3n-3 (3.33-4.00%) was the
      most abundant n-3 PUFA. The n-6:n-3 ratio of the meat varied from 3.02 to 3.35,
      with an average ratio of 3.2. Polyunsaturated to saturated (P:S) ratios varied
      between 0.96 and 1.18 and averaged at 1.06. Total MUFA was found to be higher
      (P<0.05) in males (20.99%) than females (16.67%). The cholesterol content of the
      meat varied from 54.45 to 59.34mg/100g muscle. Linear correlations between the
      fatty acid and the intramuscular fat (IMF) content indicated a significant
      increase in certain saturated and mono-unsaturated fatty acids with increasing
      IMF content of the meat.

PMID- 22061257
TI  - Meat quality characteristics of springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis). 4: Sensory
      meat evaluation as influenced by age, gender and production region.
AB  - The effects of age, gender and production region on the sensory characteristics
      of springbok M. longissimus dorsi (LD) were investigated in 19 springbok, which
      originated from two Nature Reserves in the Free State Province of South Africa
      and were divided into age (adult, sub-adult) and gender categories. The sensory
      characteristics evaluated were game meat aroma, juiciness, residual tissue,
      tenderness and game meat flavour. Age, gender and production region had an effect
      (P<0.05) on different sensory ratings of the meat. Whereas production region
      influenced (P<0.05) the game meat aroma, initial juiciness, sustained juiciness
      and residual tissue ratings of the meat, gender and age had a significant effect
      on only the residual tissue rating of the meat. An interaction (P<0.01) between
      age, gender and production region was observed for the tenderness attribute where
      the males from the Gariep Nature Reserve were the only gender that showed a
      significantly higher tenderness rating in the sub-adult than in the adult
      category. Sensory ratings were linearly correlated with certain physical and
      chemical attributes. Warner-Bratzler shear force (kg/1.27cm diameter) values were
      inversely correlated with the sensory attributes of tenderness (r=-0.70, P<0.01),
      residual tissue (r=-0.68, P<0.01) and sustained juiciness (r=-0.43; P<0.05). Age
      related effects on perceived tenderness were minor in comparison with pH effects.
      As the pH(24) of the meat increased, tenderness (r=-0.46, P<0.05) and sustained
      juiciness (r=-0.54, P<0.05) decreased significantly. No significant linear
      correlations were observed between the intramuscular fat (IMF) content and the
      sustained juiciness ratings of the meat. It can be concluded that production
      region had some influence on sensory characteristics of springbok meat, whilst
      the influence of age and gender were negligible.

PMID- 22061258
TI  - Meat quality of lambs of indigenous dairy Greek breeds as influenced by dietary
      protein and gastrointestinal nematode challenge.
AB  - The effect of dietary protein and gastrointestinal (GI) parasitism on growth and
      meat quality of lambs was assessed using 60 animals. The lambs were randomly
      allocated to one of three treatment groups (n=20): group A, which served as
      control, group B that was regularly treated with albendazole and group C, which
      was given supplementary feeding with dietary protein. The three groups of lambs
      grazed into a pasture (Lolium perenne), which was contaminated with L(3) larvae
      of GI nematodes. Lamb growth and condition score were assessed at 21-day
      intervals. After 126 days grazing all lambs were slaughtered and their carcasses
      were assessed for conformation and fatness and their ultimate pH was measured.
      Four carcasses from each group were randomly selected for meat quality
      measurements including physical analysis as well as colour, moisture, total fat,
      protein content and fatty acid composition. Parasitic challenge was assessed by
      means of faecal egg counts of lambs, pasture larvae and numbers of adult
      nematodes in the GI tract of lambs at slaughter. Growth rate of group B was
      higher (P<0.01) than that of group A and resulted in significantly (P<0.01)
      heavier carcasses. The produced carcasses had similar fatness, but differed
      significantly (P<0.05), in their conformation; carcasses of group C scored higher
      than either those of group B or group A, respectively. There was a significant
      difference in the colour attributes (L(*)) with group A being significantly
      lighter (P<0.05) and in pH (P<0.01); Group B had the highest values. Carcasses of
      group C had the highest (P<0.05) amounts of intermuscular fat compared to those
      of group B and A, respectively. The proportion of C16:1n-7 and C18:2n-6 was
      higher (P<0.05) in subcutaneous fat tissue whereas the proportion of C18:0 was
      higher (P<0.05) in muscle tissue. In conclusion, the present results showed that
      the increased protein content in the diet of growing lambs, grazing on a pasture
      infected with GI nematode larvae, resulted in the production of acceptable
      carcasses.

PMID- 22061259
TI  - Influence of slaughter season and muscle type on fatty acid composition,
      conjugated linoleic acid isomeric distribution and nutritional quality of
      intramuscular fat in Arouquesa-PDO veal.
AB  - The effects of the slaughter season and muscle type on lipid and conjugated
      linoleic acid (CLA) contents, fatty acid composition and isomeric profile of CLA
      in Arouquesa veal, from calves reared according to the specifications of the
      protected designation of origin (PDO), were assessed. Arouquesa purebred calves
      (n=31) were raised in a traditional production system, slaughtered in early
      autumn (October) or late spring (June), and the longissimus dorsi and
      semitendinosus muscles were sampled for analysis. Arouquesa-PDO veal only showed
      seasonal differences in the levels of some minor fatty acids (16:1c9, 17:1c9,
      18:1t, 18:3n-3, 20:0 and 22:4n-6) and CLA isomers (t12,t14, t9,t11 and c11,t13).
      Furthermore, significant interactions between the slaughter season and muscle
      type were obtained for several fatty acids and CLA isomers, total lipids and CLA,
      and the PUFA/SFA ratio. In both seasons, veal-PDO depicts values of pasture-fed
      cattle. From a human nutritional perspective, veal-PDO in both slaughter seasons
      has relatively high CLA contents and percentages of the c9,t11 CLA isomer, which
      is favourable, while the n-6/n-3 ratios are within the recommended values for the
      human diet. In conclusion, the results suggest that intramuscular fat in
      Arouquesa-PDO veal has high nutritional value throughout the year.

PMID- 22061260
TI  - Antilisterial activity of lactic acid bacteria isolated from "Alheiras"
      (traditional Portuguese fermented sausages): In situ assays.
AB  - A total of 226 lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolated from "Alheira", a traditional
      Portuguese fermented sausage, were screened for antagonistic activity against
      some pathogenic microorganisms, including Listeria monocytogenes. The objective
      was to isolate LAB with antibacterial activity from "Alheiras" and to select
      strains that could be used in "Alheira" production. Isolates displaying
      antibacterial activity against Listeria innocua and L. monocytogenes were
      investigated for the nature of the antibacterial compounds active against these
      microorganisms. Results showed that two LAB cultures retained activity in the
      supernatants after neutralization and catalase treatment. These two strains were
      both identified as Pediococcus pentosaceus. The final aim of this work was to
      test the antilisterial activity of these two strains during storage of "Alheira
      mass" (sterilized), at 4 degrees C. The growth of L. innocua population was
      significantly suppressed in the paste of "Alheira" when the samples were co
      inoculated with the LAB strains, in comparison with the paste only inoculated
      with L. innocua or co-inoculated with a bacteriocin negative strain of Ped.
      pentosaceus (ca. 1*10(7)CFU/g after 28 days of incubation).

PMID- 22061261
TI  - Loading 3-deazaneplanocin A into pegylated unilamellar liposomes by forming
      transient phenylboronic acid-drug complex and its pharmacokinetic features in
      Sprague-Dawley rats.
AB  - 3-Deazaneplanocin A (DZNep) is an attractive epigenetic anticancer agent through
      the inhibition of the cellular enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) protein. The
      purpose of this study was to improve the pharmacokinetic characteristics of DZNep
      in vivo through developing a unilamellar pegylated liposomal formulation
      encapsulating DZNep (L-DZNep). A remote-loading method in the presence of
      phenylboronic acid (R-w-PBA) was developed to stably encapsulating DZNep inside
      liposomes (encapsulation efficiency=50.7% at molar ratio of 1:10 of drug to
      lipids) through forming a transient PBA-DZNep complex. The pharmacokinetics of L
      DZNep was investigated in Sprague-Dawley rats. In comparison with free drug,
      encapsulation of the DZNep in pegylated liposomes resulted in 99.3% reduction of
      the plasma clearance, whereas it increased the elimination half-life from 1.1 h
      to 8.0 h and the area under the plasma concentration curve by 138-fold. These
      findings demonstrate a novel approach (R-w-PBA method) through the development of
      L-DZNep, which may be extensively applied for the encapsulation of hydrophilic
      nucleoside analogs containing vicinal hydroxyl groups and protonable amino in the
      pegylated liposomes. Additionally, the pegylated liposomes could effectively
      prolong the retention of DZNep in the systemic circulation and therefore is
      highly likely to increase the DZNep's tumor localization.

PMID- 22061262
TI  - Nanoparticulate lipid dispersions for bromocriptine delivery: characterization
      and in vivo study.
AB  - The physico-chemical properties and in vivo efficacies of two nanoparticulate
      systems delivering the antiparkinsonian drug bromocriptine (BC) were compared in
      the present study. Monoolein Aqueous Dispersions (MADs) and Nanostructured Lipid
      Carriers (NLCs) were produced and characterized. Cryogenic transmission electron
      microscopy (cryo-TEM) and X-ray diffraction revealed the morphology of MAD and
      NLC. Dimensional distribution was determined by Photon Correlation Spectroscopy
      (PCS) and Sedimentation Field Flow Fractionation (SdFFF). In particular, BC was
      shown to be encapsulated with high entrapment efficiency both in MAD and in NLC,
      according to SdFFF combined with HPLC. Two behavioral tests specific for akinesia
      (bar test) or akinesia/bradykinesia (drag test) were used to compare the effects
      of the different BC formulations on motor disabilities in 6-hydroxydopamine
      hemilesioned rats in vivo, a model of Parkinson's disease. Both free BC and BC
      NLC reduced the immobility time in the bar test and enhanced the number of steps
      in the drag test, although the effects of encapsulated BC were longer lasting
      (5h). Conversely, BC-MAD was ineffective in the bar test and improved stepping
      activity in the drag test to a much lower degree than those achieved with the
      other preparations. We conclude that MAD and NLC can encapsulate BC, although
      only NLC provide long-lasting therapeutic effects possibly extending BC half-life
      in vivo.

PMID- 22061263
TI  - A novel small Odorranalectin-bearing cubosomes: preparation, brain delivery and
      pharmacodynamic study on amyloid-beta25-35-treated rats following intranasal
      administration.
AB  - Because of the immunogenicity and toxicity in vivo of large molecules such as
      lectins, the application of these molecules is remarkably restricted in drug
      delivery systems. In this study, to improve the brain drug delivery and reduce
      the immunogenicity of traditional lectin modified delivery system, Odorranalectin
      (OL, 1700 Da), a novel non-immunogenic small peptide, was selected to establish
      an OL-modified cubosomes (Cubs) system. The streptavidin (SA)-conjugated Cubs
      were prepared by incorporating maleimide-PEG-oleate and taking advantage of its
      thiol group binding reactivity to conjugate with 2-iminothiolane thiolated SA;
      mono-biotinylated OL was then coupled with the SA-modified Cubs. The OL-decorated
      Cubs (OL-Cubs) devised via a non-covalent SA-biotin "bridge" made it easy to
      conjugate OL and determine the number of ligands on the surface of the Cubs using
      sensitive chemiluminescent detection. Retention of the bio-recognitive activity
      of OL after covalent coupling was verified by hemagglutination testing. Nose-to
      brain delivery characteristic of OL-Cubs was investigated by in vivo fluorescent
      biodistribution using coumarin-6 as a marker. The relative uptake of coumarin
      carried by OL-Cubs was 1.66- to 3.46-fold in brain tissues compared to that
      incorporated in the Cubs. Besides, Gly14-Humanin (S14G-HN) as a model peptide
      drug was loaded into cubosomes and evaluated for its pharmacodynamics on
      Alzheimer's disease (AD) rats following intranasal administration by Morris water
      maze test and acetylcholinesterase activity determination. The results suggested
      that OL functionalization enhanced the therapeutic effects of S14G-HN-loaded
      cubosomes on AD. Thus, OL-Cubs might offer a novel effective and noninvasive
      system for brain drug delivery, especially for peptides and proteins.

PMID- 22061264
TI  - Mycobacterial disease in a population of 339 cats in Great Britain: II.
      Histopathology of 225 cases, and treatment and outcome of 184 cases.
AB  - This study investigated 339 cases of feline mycobacterial infection, with
      histopathology findings from 225 cases, and treatment and outcome information
      from 184 cases. Tissue samples from cats with cutaneous lesions or suspicious
      masses at exploratory laparotomy were submitted to the Veterinary Laboratories
      Agency for mycobacterial culture over a 4-year period to December 2008. The study
      reviewed the files for information about histopathology, treatment and outcome,
      and blindly reviewed histopathological changes (including staining for acid-fast
      bacteria [AFB]) in a sub-set of 45 cases. When a cat is suspected of having a
      mycobacterial infection, accurate identification of the species involved helps to
      determine possible treatment options and prognosis. The study confirmed that
      histopathology and the presence of AFB are useful tools in the recognition of
      mycobacterial infection. Unfortunately, they did little to help determine the
      species of mycobacteria involved. The study identified a group of cats that were
      negative for AFB at the primary laboratory, but from which mycobacteria could be
      cultured; commonly Mycobacterium bovis or Mycobacterium microti. The study also
      identified a group of cats which where culture negative, despite typical signs of
      mycobacterial infection and positive AFB staining. Many cases responded
      favourably to treatment (56% of the cases where information was available), and
      many cats gained complete remission (42%). However, relapses were common (64%)
      and often followed by pulmonary and/or systemic spread that may have resulted
      from treatment with short courses of single drugs. This study shows that the
      diagnosis and treatment of feline mycobacteriosis is complex and challenging.

PMID- 22061265
TI  - Computational design of high-affinity epitope scaffolds by backbone grafting of a
      linear epitope.
AB  - Computational grafting of functional motifs onto scaffold proteins is a promising
      way to engineer novel proteins with pre-specified functionalities. Typically,
      protein grafting involves the transplantation of protein side chains from a
      functional motif onto structurally homologous regions of scaffold proteins. Using
      this approach, we previously transplanted the human immunodeficiency virus 2F5
      and 4E10 epitopes onto heterologous proteins to design novel "epitope-scaffold"
      antigens. However, side-chain grafting is limited by the availability of
      scaffolds with compatible backbone for a given epitope structure and offers no
      route to modify backbone structure to improve mimicry or binding affinity. To
      address this, we report here a new and more aggressive computational method
      backbone grafting of linear motifs-that transplants the backbone and side chains
      of linear functional motifs onto scaffold proteins. To test this method, we first
      used side-chain grafting to design new 2F5 epitope scaffolds with improved
      biophysical characteristics. We then independently transplanted the 2F5 epitope
      onto three of the same parent scaffolds using the newly developed backbone
      grafting procedure. Crystal structures of side-chain and backbone grafting
      designs showed close agreement with both the computational models and the desired
      epitope structure. In two cases, backbone grafting scaffolds bound antibody 2F5
      with 30- and 9-fold higher affinity than corresponding side-chain grafting
      designs. These results demonstrate that flexible backbone methods for epitope
      grafting can significantly improve binding affinities over those achieved by
      fixed backbone methods alone. Backbone grafting of linear motifs is a general
      method to transplant functional motifs when backbone remodeling of the target
      scaffold is necessary.

PMID- 22061266
TI  - An aptamer beacon responsive to botulinum toxins.
AB  - Sixty candidate DNA aptamers were developed against botulinum neurotoxin (BoNT)
      type A light chain (LC) from ten rounds of selection, resulting in several
      identical sequences. Secondary structures of the identical aptamers were compared
      to structures of previously reported BoNT A DNA aptamers. A series of ten
      candidate loop structures were selected from this comparison as potential binding
      pockets and aptamer beacons. These candidate beacons were synthesized with 5'-TYE
      665 and 3'-Iowa Black quencher labels for comparison of fluorescence levels as a
      function of BoNT A LC concentration. Only three of the ten candidates exhibited
      any fluorescence response to increasing levels of BoNT A LC. However, of the two
      most responsive candidates, one represented a subset loop of the larger more
      intensely fluorescent double-looped structure, designated Beacon 10. This beacon
      yielded a lower limit of detection of 1 ng/mL in buffer using a
      spectrofluorometer and a portable handheld fluorometer, but also responded
      substantially to BoNT A, B, E holotoxins and heavy or light chain components even
      in a dilute soil suspension, but not in 50% human serum. Beacon 10 did not
      respond strongly to a variety of other divergent peptides, suggesting that it is
      relatively specific to the level of botulinum toxins and is only useful for
      environmental testing. Beacon 10 also shared short sequence segments with other
      published BoNT aptamer DNA sequences, suggesting that these may be points of
      physical contact between the aptamers and BoNTs.

PMID- 22061267
TI  - Electrical performance of low cost cathodes prepared by plasma sputtering
      deposition in microbial fuel cells.
AB  - Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) could potentially be utilized for a variety of
      applications in the future from biosensors to wastewater treatment. However, the
      amount of costly platinum (Pt) used as a catalyst should be minimized via
      innovative deposition methods such as sputtering. In addition, alternative and
      low-cost catalysts, such as cobalt (Co), should be sought. In this study, ultra
      low Pt or Co cathodes (0.1 mg cm(-2)) were manufactured by plasma sputtering
      deposition and scanning electron micrographs revealed nano-clusters of metal
      catalyst in a porous structure favorable to the three-phase heterogeneous
      catalytic reaction. When operated in single-chamber air-cathode MFCs, sputtered
      Co cathodes generated on average the same power as sputtered-Pt cathodes (0.27 mW
      cell(-1)) and only 27% less than conventional Pt-ink cathodes with a catalyst
      load 5 times higher (0.5 mg cm(-2)). Finally, microscopy and molecular analyses
      showed evidence of biocatalysis activity on metal-free cathodes.

PMID- 22061268
TI  - Electrical impedance spectroscopy measurements using a four-electrode
      configuration improve on-line monitoring of cell concentration in adherent animal
      cell cultures.
AB  - This paper describes the improvement in the use of electrical impedance
      spectroscopy (EIS) for animal cell concentration monitoring of adherent cultures
      by using a four-electrode configuration instead of the commonly used two
      electrode configuration. This four-electrode configuration prevents cell
      concentration measurements from external masking effects such as the electrode
      covering ratio, the degree of cellular adherence to the electrodes and the
      impedance of the measuring electrodes. Cell concentration was monitored using
      both four-electrode and two-electrode configurations in vero cell and human
      mesenchymal stem cell cultures in order to analyze the attained improvement in
      two cell lines with opposite growth characteristics. The experiments performed
      with vero cell cultures evidenced that the four-electrode configuration enables
      cell concentration measurements along all culture phases, even once the culture
      reached cell confluence (over 2*10(5) cells/cm(2)), confirming that this
      configuration is less effected by all the external influences. The experiments
      performed with human mesenchymal stem cells demonstrated good sensitivity of the
      measurement at very low cell concentrations, as well as a very good robustness
      all over the 12-days experiment. Finally, off-line cell measurements during cell
      cultures proved good accuracy of impedance measurements carried out with a four
      electrode configuration along all cell growth phases, enabling determination of
      relevant cell growth parameters.

PMID- 22061269
TI  - The rs553668 polymorphism of the ADRA2A gene predicts the worsening of fasting
      glucose values in a cohort of subjects without diabetes. A population-based
      study.
AB  - AIMS: Single-nucleotide polymorphisms in the human ADRA2A gene have been
      associated with increased risk of Type 2 diabetes. The associations between the
      rs553668 polymorphism and fasting glucose concentrations both cross-sectionally
      and longitudinally after 6-year follow-up were evaluated in an adult Caucasian
      population-based cohort. METHODS: From a cohort of 1658 individuals, after
      excluding patients with diabetes, those who died and those whose blood samples
      were not available for genotyping, data of 1345 individuals were analysed.
      RESULTS: Subjects homozygous for the A allele showed significantly increased
      baseline fasting glucose values and a significant worsening of fasting glucose
      (beta = 0.48; 95% CI 0.10-0.86) and insulin secretion (beta =-20.75; -32.67 to 
      8.82 for homeostasis model assessment for beta-cell function) at follow-up by
      using generalized estimating equations. Incidence of impaired fasting glucose and
      diabetes was almost twofold higher in subjects homozygous for the A allele
      (respectively: incident impaired fasting glucose 7.6-8.2, 16.1%, incident
      diabetes 1.7-2.3, 3.2% in GG, AG, AA carriers). CONCLUSIONS: Our results
      suggested that the rs553668 polymorphism is associated with glucose worsening in
      subjects without diabetes at baseline.

PMID- 22061270
TI  - Genetic variation in serotonin transporter function affects human fear expression
      indexed by fear-potentiated startle.
AB  - The serotonin transporter (SERT) plays a crucial role in anxiety. Accordingly,
      variance in SERT functioning appears to constitute an important pathway to
      individual differences in anxiety. The current study tested the hypothesis that
      genetic variation in SERT function is associated with variability in the basic
      reflex physiology of defense. Healthy subjects (N=82) were presented with clearly
      instructed cues of shock threat and safety to induce robust anxiety reactions.
      Subjects carrying at least one short allele for the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism showed
      stronger fear-potentiated startle compared to long allele homozygotes. However,
      short allele carriers showed no deficit in the downregulation of fear after the
      offset of threat. These results suggest that natural variation in SERT function
      affects the magnitude of defensive reactions while not affecting the capacity for
      fear regulation.

PMID- 22061271
TI  - Effects of electrical stimulation, boning-temperature and conditioning mode on
      display colour of beef meat.
AB  - The effects of electrical stimulation of hot-boned (ESHB) bovine longissimus
      dorsi muscle, followed by vacuum packaging with different temperature/time
      regimes and storage in aerobic conditions, compared with cold-boned treatment
      (CB), on colour characteristics was assessed. No significant difference in
      haeminic iron content was noted between ESHB and CB meat. The opacity was more
      pronounced in ESHB meat vacuum packaged and incubated at 37 degrees C. This
      treatment (37 degrees  C/4 h) allowed a lighter and brighter red meat colour with
      a higher level of contamination which was always acceptable. The worst results
      for colour characteristics were obtained with ESHB meat conditioned rapidly at 2
      degrees C. No differences were noted between ESHB meat conditioned at 25 degrees
      C and CB meat. To explain these discrepancies between treatments about colour
      characteristics, where muscle translucency is largely involved, differences in
      enzymic reducing activity and denaturation of sarcoplasmic proteins during
      glycolysis must be implicated.

PMID- 22061272
TI  - Effect of electrical stimulation on the rheological properties of rabbit skeletal
      muscle.
AB  - The effect of electrical stimulation on the rheological properties of rabbit
      skeletal muscle after death was investigated. The extensibility of electrically
      stimulated psoas muscles decreased more rapidly than that of non-stimulated
      muscles. For raw non-stimulated longissimus thoracis muscles excised from the
      carcasses immediately after slaughter, the penetration force required was
      greatest 24 h after slaughter and then decreased slightly after 168 h. The
      corresponding force for stimulated longissimus thoracis muscles increased to a
      maximum in 12 h and then decreased to values less than non-stimulated muscles.
      However, in the case of raw longissimus thoracis muscles whichhad been attached
      to the skeleton until measurement, there was no significant difference in
      penetration force between stimulated and non-stimulated muscles. In cooked
      muscles, electrical stimulation resulted in lower penetration forces at 24 h post
      mortem, but on further storage the differences decreased.

PMID- 22061273
TI  - The solubilization of myofibrillar proteins by calcium ions.
AB  - The effect of elevated levels (30 mm) of Ca(2+) and other divalent metals ions on
      rabbit psoas myofibrils was studied to determine whether these caused
      solubilization of structural proteins and if so whether the effect was due to
      salting-in or to proteolytic fragmentation resulting from activation of calpains.
      Incubation of myofibrils in 30 mm CaCl(2) at either pH 5.6 or 7.0 did not cause
      any apparent solubilization of the major Z-disc proteins, but there was an
      immediate ( < 1 min) solubilization of C-protein and troponin I together with
      small amounts of Mr 80 000 protein, troponin T and tropomyosin. Longer
      incubations with CaCl(2) extracted little additional C-protein but there was a
      steady increase with time in the solubilization of proteins with Mr values of 45
      000 and 42 000, troponin T, tropomyosin and troponin I. Another high molecular
      weight protein of Mr 3-400 000 was extracted at pH 7.0 but not at pH 5.6. Similar
      results were obtained on incubation with 30 mm MgCl(2). In contrast to these
      findings, the same concentration of ZnCl(2) caused no detectable solubilization
      of myofibrillar proteins. The inclusion of proteinase inhibitors, E64, leupeptin,
      pepstatin or PMSF did not prevent the immediate solubilization of proteins. This
      showed that the solubilization of the proteins by Ca(2+) ions was due to salting
      in rather than to proteolytic action by calpains.

PMID- 22061274
TI  - Effects of pithing on pH, creatine phosphate and ATP-related compounds of beef
      Psoas major and Longissimus dorsi muscles.
AB  - The effects of pithing at slaughter on meat quality were studied in M.
      longissimus dorsi (LD muscle) and M. psoas major (PM muscle) from steers. Ten
      steers, half of them pithed and the others not pithed at slaughter, were used for
      determining pH values and concentrations of creatine phosphate (CP), adenosine
      triphosphate (ATP) and its breakdown products in the muscles at 2.0 h post
      mortem. CP was not detected in any PM muscles from pithed steers and no
      significant differences were observed between pithed and non-pithed steers on the
      mean values of pH and any compounds, but significant differences were observed in
      the variance of pH value, ATP, (inosine monophosphate IMP) and inosine levels in
      PM muscles and of (adenosine diphosphate ADP) and IMP levels in LD muscles. When
      two steers with excitable temperament were excluded from the pithed group
      significant differences of variance between the treatments were observed only in
      PM muscles. The pithing procedure thus affects the levels of pH and of some of
      the ATP-related compounds in the PM but not in LD muscles.

PMID- 22061275
TI  - Lipid composition of pork muscle in relation to the metabolic type of the fibres.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between lipid
      composition and metabolic type of the muscles in pork. Five muscles (Longissimus
      dorsi, Biceps femoris, Psoas major, Trapezius and Masseter) were chosen in order
      to cover a broad range of metabolic type. The results showed that:

PMID- 22061276
TI  - The estimation of the age of cattle by the measurement of thermal stability of
      tendon collagen.
AB  - Two measures of the thermal stability of tendon collagen (thermal transition
      temperature and isometric tension) have been studied as a function of age of
      cattle. The aim was to assess their potential for estimating the age of an animal
      from which a sample of meat originated. The variation in thermal transition
      temperature between animals was too large for reliable estimation of animal age
      by this method. The maximum isometric force generated during heating of strips of
      tendon from the longissimus dorsi muscle was found to increase linearly with age.
      Measurements of isometric tension at pH 6.0 had the least variation between
      animals from 2 to 16 years of age, but were not suitable for younger animals. At
      pH 7.5, the entire age range could be measured, and although the variation
      between animals was increased, the accuracy of the age determination still
      compared favourably with that of dentition.

PMID- 22061277
TI  - The relationship between animal age and the thermal stability and cross-link
      content of collagen from five goat muscles.
AB  - The thermal stability of intramuscular collagen, as determined using differential
      scanning calorimetry, was measured in five muscles from 75 goats with known birth
      dates ranging in age from one day to 13 years. The collagen cross-link
      pyridinoline, and the collagen-associated, and putative cross-link, Ehrlich
      Chromogen were also measured. Five different muscles were examined and the
      effects of age compared to those found in the tendon of the longissimus dorsi
      muscle. The differences between intramuscular collagen and tendon collagen were
      found to be much greater than those between the intramuscular collagens of
      different muscles. Intramuscular collagen is more thermally stable than tendon
      collagen due to higher levels of heat-stable cross-links. However the increase in
      thermal stability of intramuscular collagen with age could not be explained
      simply in terms of the cross-links measured.

PMID- 22061278
TI  - Cattle at risk for dark-cutting beef have a higher proportion of oxidative muscle
      fibres.
AB  - The aim of this investigation was to compare muscle fibre type characteristics in
      dark-cutting (DFD) and normal beef animals. Three categories of animal were used
      in this investigation: 9 DFD bulls, 10 DFD steers and 10 normal bulls. For each
      animal, frozen sections of longissimus dorsi muscle were stained histochemically.
      The results showed that there were proportionately more slow, oxidative (SO)
      fibres in DFD bulls and DFD steers than in normal bulls. As far as fast,
      glycolytic (FG) fibres were concerned DFD bulls contained fewer of this type than
      DFD steers and normal bulls. When the results on fibre proportions were combined
      with those on mean fibre cross-sectional areas it was found that both DFD groups
      contained a smaller proportion of muscle exhibiting FG characteristics than
      normal bulls. Furthermore, the combination of all oxidative fibres, i.e. SO and
      fast, oxidative, glycolytic (FOG) fibres, showed that, both by numbers and
      relative areas, the two DFD groups (especially DFD bulls) exhibited significantly
      more oxidative metabolism in the longissimus dorsi muscle than the normal
      animals.

PMID- 22061279
TI  - Theoretical strain ranges in raw meat.
AB  - Rheological data obtained in a compression test of raw meat samples are expressed
      on the basis of actual meat length ratio which takes into account pre-rigor
      strains, during contraction or stretching, and post-rigor strains occurring
      during post-rigor contraction or during the compression test. The relationship
      between the deformation of collagenous fibres and that of meat sample gives the
      critical compression ratio at which the collagenous fibres undergo tension. A
      theoretical curve is given to explain the variation in the critical compression
      ratio with initial state of sample. The curve is used to define theoretical
      strain ranges in which predominantly one structure (muscle fibres, elastin fibres
      or collagenous fibres) is involved and consequently can be analysed.

PMID- 22061280
TI  - Ash and calcium as measures of bone in meat and bone mixtures.
AB  - Bone content of mechanically recovered meat is usually controlled by setting
      calcium limits, but these limits may allow more bone in some products because
      calcium content of fresh bone is variable. Studies involving deposition of
      energy, nutrients, and minerals are also dependent on ash or calcium to determine
      bone content of carcasses. However, ash and calcium, which is 37% of bone ash,
      varies by age of animal, presence or absence of tissues such as marrow or
      cartilage that are associated with bone, and state of bone hydration. Literature
      that reports ash content of bone and factors associated with its variability is
      the focus of this review. Based on the literature reviewed, a conversion factor
      of 4.5 for calcium percentage to fresh cortical bone percentage from round bones
      of cows, fed beef, lambs, pigs and hens is recommended. A conversion factor of
      calcium percentage to fresh bone percentage of 5.0 is recommended for all veal
      and broiler bones and for flat bones.

PMID- 22061281
TI  - Effect of electrical stimulation on protease activity and tenderness of M.
      longissimus from cattle with different proportions of Bos indicus content.
AB  - The effect of electrical stimulation on protease activity (at approx. 3 h
      postmortem), sensory tenderness scores and shear force was determined on M.
      longissimus samples from three Bos indicus genotypes (0% Hereford, 50%
      Brahman*Hereford and 100% Brahman). The samples were divided and aged for 1 or 30
      days. Electrical stimulation resulted in a general reduction in calpastatin
      activity suggesting that it accelerated proteolysis. Calpastatin activity
      increased commensurate with increasing Bos indicus content. Several significant
      interactions were shown, the most relevant of these was the interaction between
      Bos indicus content*electrical stimulation. In contrast to the other genotypes,
      calpain I and calpain II activities were shown to increase (significant for
      calpain II only) following stimulation in the purebred Brahmans (100%). There was
      a significant reduction in tenderness with increasing Bos indicus content.
      However, breed differences in shear force were reduced by electrical stimulation.
      The improvement in shear force following ageing was smaller for stimulated
      carcasses compared to the controls. This tends to reinforce the premise that
      electrical stimulation accelerates proteolysis. The results of this study show
      clear genotypic differences in proteolytic activity and tenderness. However,
      electrical stimulation can be employed to reduce breed differences in tenderness
      of the M. longissimus.

PMID- 22061282
TI  - Determination of RN(-) phenotype in pigs at slaughter-line using visual and near
      infrared spectroscopy.
AB  - The specific characteristics of meat from the Hampshire breed of pig, including
      high glycogen content and low ultimate pH and technological yield, have been
      associated with the dominant RN gene. In Sweden, purebred Hampshire or Hampshire
      x Yorkshire is often used as terminal sire in the three-way crosses used for pig
      meat production. For the industry producing cured and cooked hams there is a need
      to detect the RN(-) carriers of the pigs early post mortem in order to select non
      carriers for ham production. In the present study, the possibility of separating
      RN(-) carriers from non-carriers using a combination of visual and near-infrared
      (NIR) spectroscopic measurements in reflectance mode through a fibre-optic probe
      has been studied on commercial pigs in a slaughterhouse. The NIR measurements
      were performed 30 min post-mortem. Sixty-three animals were considered to be
      carriers and 33 animals non-carriers based on their glycolytic potential in M.
      semimembranosus (above 200 MUmol/g for RN(-)rn(+) and below 180 MUmol/g for
      rn(+)rn(+)). By using NIR together with classification with neural networks, RN(
      ) carriers could be separated from non-carriers. None of the carriers and only
      four non-carriers of the RN gene were misclassified as carriers of the RN gene.
      The ultimate pH could be predicted using linear partial least squares regression
      with a correlation coefficient of 0.57 and an accuracy of 0.074 root mean square
      error of prediction.

PMID- 22061283
TI  - Variation of residual glycogen-glucose concentration at ultimate pH values below
      5.75.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between residual
      carbohydrate (glycogen-glucose) concentration and ultimate pH of beef. Ultimate
      pH of longissimus dorsi (LTL), gluteus medius (GM) and semimembranosus (SM)
      muscles was determined from the left side of 133 Ayrshire bull carcasses.
      Corresponding muscle samples (about 3 g) were obtained from the sites of the pH
      measurements. The relationship was curvelinear. At low pH values the total range
      of residual glucose concentration was up to 73 mmol/kg, maximum being 83 and
      minimum 10 mmol/kg. The concept of medium-stress beef, where the combination of
      low ultimate pH and low residual glycogen is an indication of diminished glycogen
      content at the time of slaughter, is introduced. The potential negative effects
      of low residual glycogen concentration on the shelf-life of ground beef is
      discussed.

PMID- 22061284
TI  - Effect of various concentrations of lactic acid and sodium chloride on selected
      physico-chemical meat traits.
AB  - The aim of the research was to determine water binding and holding capacity and
      to measure the force and work of penetration of minced pork and beef cured with
      brine of varying concentrations of sodium chloride and lactic acid and then
      heated. M. biceps femoris was cut out from chilled pork and beef carcasses three
      times from each species. Minced meat was subjected to curing. Each of the 20
      experimental treatments resulted from appropriate combinations of salt (0.0-2.0%)
      and lactic acid (0.0-1.5%). The individual concentrations of these two compounds
      differed by 0.5%. The addition of the curing brine containing only sodium
      chloride or only lactic acid caused an increase of water holding and binding
      capacity. The additions of curing brines containing various concentrations of
      mixtures of salt and acid cause lowering of water holding and binding capacity.
      Higher penetration force and work had to be applied for pork than for beef
      samples. With the increase of salt and lactic acid concentrations applied
      together, after the initial increase of the penetration force and work, their
      values were found to decrease at higher concentrations of mixtures of these
      substances in meat.

PMID- 22061285
TI  - The effect of sodium chloride content and temperature on pork meat isotherms.
AB  - The knowledge of sorption isotherms is essential for understanding the drying
      process. Throughout the dry cured meat process, changes occur in the NaCl content
      and temperature on the surface of meat products. The aim of this study was to
      obtain the desorption isotherms from raw and salted meat at different air
      temperatures and NaCl content. The desorption characteristics were studied in the
      relative humidity range of 11.2 to 94.5 % at storage temperatures of 5, 13 and 26
      degrees C and at 0, 8, 20 and 30% (dm) of added salt (NaCl). The salted meat
      samples isotherms at 26 degrees C shows a breaking point between water activities
      (a(w)) of 0.70 and 0.75. At a(w) lower than 0.70, NaCl content and temperature
      have only a slight effect on water content equilibrium. At a(w) above 0.75, water
      content equilibrium increased with the increase in NaCl content and the decrease
      in temperature. A significant NaCl*Temp interaction was detected at a(W) 0.903
      and 0.946.

PMID- 22061286
TI  - Screening of commercial meat starter cultures at low pH and in the presence of
      bile salts for potential probiotic use.
AB  - The survival of lactic acid bacterial strains from eight meat starter cultures
      under conditions similar to those in the gastrointestinal tract was determined.
      The conditions in stomach were simulated by using pH 1-5 phosphate-buffered
      saline. The conditions in small intestine were simulated by using MRS broth over
      a pH range 4-7 and two bile salt concentrations (0.15% and 0.30%). The survival
      capacity at pH 3 was strain dependent. 0.30% bile salts were critical for
      screening bile salt tolerant strains at pH 6. Strains of Lactobacillus sake
      (RM10) and Pediococcus acidilactici (P2) had the best survival capacities under
      acidic conditions and at the higher concentration of bile salts.

PMID- 22061287
TI  - The effect of cooking temperature on mechanical properties of whole meat, single
      muscle fibres and perimysial connective tissue.
AB  - The structural changes in beef semitendinosus caused by cooking were studied by
      performing tensile tests of the isolated meat components (i.e. single muscle
      fibres and perimysial connective tissue) and related to the toughness of the
      whole meat. Whole meat toughness was found to increase in two separate phases
      upon cooking from 40-50 degrees C, and again from 60 to 80 degrees C with a
      decrease in meat toughness between 50 and 60 degrees C, in agreement with
      previous studies. The changes in whole meat toughness at temperatures below 60
      degrees C were found to correspond to changes in the mechanical properties of the
      perimysial connective tissue, whereas changes of whole meat toughness at
      temperatures above 60 degrees C were found to correspond to increased breaking
      strength of single muscle fibres. The myofibrillar component explained
      approximately 47% of the variation in whole meat toughness upon cooking whereas
      inclusion of the connective tissue component increased the goodness of fit.

PMID- 22061288
TI  - The effect of stunning method on the incidence of PSE meat and haemorrhages in
      pork carcasses.
AB  - Two commercial pig abattoirs (A and B) equipped with a head-only and head-to
      chest electrical stunning systems, and two (C and D) equipped with compact carbon
      dioxide (CO(2)) stunning systems, were visited during 3 days to evaluate the
      effects of the stunning system on meat quality and haemorrhages. Meat quality was
      evaluated by measuring muscle electrical conductivity (PQM) and colour (Minolta
      Chromameter) at 2 and 7 h post mortem (abattoirs A and C, and B and D,
      respectively). PQM and colour were measured in 2486 and 2321 loins respectively.
      Also ultimate pH (pHu) was measured in 2395 loins at 24 h post mortem.
      Haemorrhages were evaluated by recording the incidence of petechiae, ecchymosis
      and haematomas, bone fractures were also recorded. A total of 1980 shoulders,
      3943 loins, and 5438 hams were inspected. In the abattoirs equipped with the
      electrical stunning systems, a higher (P<0.05) incidence of potentially PSE meat
      (PQM>6) was found compared with the abattoirs equipped with CO(2) stunning.
      Likewise, the loins from electrically stunned pigs were paler than those from
      CO(2) stunned pigs (P<0.05). Electrical stunning increased the incidence of
      petechiae in the loin and the ham (P<0.05). No shoulder, loin or ham with bone
      fractures was found in the abattoirs studied. Therefore, CO(2) stunning reduces
      the incidence of PSE meat and of petechiae on muscle fascia of loins and hams,
      compared with electrical stunning. However, petechiae are not of great importance
      because they can be removed from the affected commercial cuts.

PMID- 22061289
TI  - The effect of the sticking method on the welfare of slaughter pigs.
AB  - A project was undertaken to investigate the causes of inadequate sticking
      encountered during a survey of pig abattoirs. The results of the investigation
      identified the length of the sticking (exsanguination) wound as a major
      contributor to the problem. Experimental abattoir trials conducted on slaughter
      pigs comparing two sticking lengths indicated that the rate of bleed out was
      delayed with short sticking wounds. In addition, information about the identity
      of blood vessels severed following sticking was obtained. The results indicate
      that following head-only electrical stunning, a relatively long sticking wound
      should provide better welfare in slaughter pigs. The study has also highlighted
      the health and safety problems for the operatives as well as the welfare concerns
      associated with manual application of electrical stunning.

PMID- 22061290
TI  - Minimum sodium nitrite levels for pinking of various cooked meats as related to
      use of direct or indirect-dried soy isolates in poultry rolls.
AB  - The relationship between sodium nitrite level and pinking was investigated in
      cooked meats, as measured by panel color score, acetone extraction of NO
      hemochrome, and instrumental redness values. Beef was less susceptible than
      poultry breast meat to nitrite-induced pinking. Minimum sodium nitrite level for
      pinking was 14, 4, 2, and 1 ppm for beef round, pork shoulder, turkey breast, and
      chicken breast, respectively. By regression analysis, minimum ppm nitrite for
      pinking=0.092 (ppm total pigment)+0.53 (R(2)=0.99). High levels of nitrate (>250
      ppm as sodium nitrate) and nitrite (>45 ppm as sodium nitrite) were found in
      direct-dried (DD) soy isolates. Chicken breast rolls formulated with >2% DD soy
      were pink, but control rolls with 156 ppm sodium nitrate were not pink. Thus, it
      was concluded that nitrite was the primary pinking agent in DD soy. Indirect
      dried (ID) soy isolates contained <11 ppm sodium nitrite, which was insufficient
      for pinking in poultry rolls.

PMID- 22061291
TI  - Effect of dietary vitamin E supplementation, fat level and packaging on colour
      stability and lipid oxidation in minced beef.
AB  - The effect of addition of vitamin E (2025 IU animal(-1) day(-1)) to the diet of
      beef bulls on the colour stability and lipid oxidation of minced beef was
      studied. Control and enriched diets were provided for the last 136 days before
      slaughter. Batches of freshly minced meat were prepared containing approximately
      1.3 and 22.2 wt% fat, respectively. Half of the samples of minced meat from
      control (CON) and supplemented (SUP) beef were packaged on trays with oxygen
      permeable over wraps and half in modified atmosphere (MA) packs (initial gas
      mixture: O(2)/CO(2)/N(2)=65/25/10). The minced beef was stored for 10 days at 7
      degrees C in an illuminated environment. The SUP meat at both fat levels was
      consistently more resistant to lipid oxidation than was the CON meat. The
      additional vitamin E had a greater anti-oxidant effect for the lean meat product.
      MA packaging in comparison to the oxygen-permeable foil over-wrap did increase
      lipid oxidation, the effect being most pronounced for the CON meat. A sensory
      panel considered the colour of the lean SUP meat during display as more
      attractive than that of lean CON meat, irrespective of packaging. A similar
      effect was observed occasionally for the relatively fat minced meat. These
      subjective findings were confirmed by objective assessment of colour. The
      stability of the colour of the MA packed meat was better than that of the oxygen
      permeable foil-wrapped meat. Microbial growth patterns of enriched and control
      meat were similar. MA packaging retards the multiplication of mesophilic aerobic
      spoilage micro-organisms and Enterobacteriaceae.

PMID- 22061292
TI  - The use of discriminant analysis for the interpretation of the reflectance
      spectra of irradiated porcine M. longissimus dorsi.
AB  - Slices of porcine M. longissimus dorsi were packed in overwrap packs and
      subjected to irradiation (0 and 5 kGy) and then stored for 7 days at 4 degrees C.
      Reflectance spectra were measured on the outside surface and a freshly cut
      surface at 7 days post irradiation. The reflectance spectra were transformed to
      reflex attenuance, k/s and first and second difference spectra and subjected to
      discriminant analysis. Using discriminant analysis it was possible to establish a
      calibration equation to discriminate between the spectra of irradiated and
      unirradiated pork for both the outside and the inside surface. When the
      calibration model was used to predict the classification of new samples a 100%
      correct grouping was obtained for the freshly cut surface, however, for the
      outside surface the classification ranged from 87 to 100% correct depending on
      the mathematical transformation of the reflectance spectra. This shows the
      potential of colour measurements as a possible rapid initial screening test for
      the identification of irradiated pork. Evaluation of the first difference spectra
      to identify peak positions showed significant differences in peak positions
      between irradiated and unirradiated pork. The position of the peaks in the
      irradiated sample is discussed as lending support to the hypothesis of the
      carboxyhaem form as the irradiated pigment.

PMID- 22061293
TI  - The effect of ionising radiation on the colour of beef, pork and lamb.
AB  - The effect of irradiation (0 and 5 kGy) of beef, pork and lamb portions in retail
      overwrap packs and subsequent storage at 4 degrees C was studied in relation to
      colour changes. The colour of the exterior surface of beef and pork was measured
      on the same samples on each day of storage for up to 7 days post irradiation. On
      day 7 the colour of a freshly cut surface was measured. The colour of both the
      exterior and a freshly cut surface of lamb, in similar retail overwrap packs was
      measured at 2, 5 and 7 days, post irradiation, different samples being used on
      each day of measurement. L* values of irradiated beef increased significantly
      with storage and a* values for unirradiated samples decreased significantly with
      storage. For lamb there was a general increase in L* and h(o) values and a
      decrease in a*, b* and C* values with storage. Analyses of the day 7 data showed
      statistically significant effects for species on all CIELAB parameters.
      Irradiation resulted in significantly higher hue angle (h(o)) values and the a*,
      b* and C* values were significantly higher on the exterior than freshly cut
      surface. There were a number of statistically significant 2 factor and 3 factor
      interactions. The role of formation of a carboxyhaem pigment in the colour of
      irradiated meat is discussed. The problem of interpretation of pigment changes
      from CIELAB values is highlighted.

PMID- 22061294
TI  - The effect of ionising radiation on the colour of leg and breast of poultry meat.
AB  - The effect of irradiation (0 and 5 kGy) of chicken, goose and turkey breast and
      leg muscles and subsequent storage at 4 degrees C was studied in relation to
      colour changes. The colour of the outside surface was measured on the breast on
      each day of storage for up to 7 days post irradiation and for breast and leg and
      day 7. The colour of a freshly cut interior surface of both breast and leg was
      measured after 7 days storage. L* values of control and irradiated chicken, goose
      and turkey breast muscles changed little during storage post irradiation. The a*
      values for unirradiated goose breast were significantly higher than irradiated
      goose breast but declined to values similar to irradiated goose breast after 7
      days of storage. The b* values for irradiated turkey breast were significantly
      higher than unirradiated turkey breast at all times post irradiation treatment.
      Analysis of variance was performed on the day 7 CIELAB values of breast muscle
      for the effects of species, surface and irradiation and their interactions. After
      7 days storage a* values of poultry breast were higher on the freshly cut surface
      due to irradiation in all species, with decreases in hue angle due to
      irradiation. The a* values of leg of all species at 7 day post irradiation was
      significantly higher in the irradiated treatment than the controls. The results
      for the turkey leg indicate that this effect may be mainly due to higher a*
      values of the freshly cut surface. The possible role of carboxy form of the haem
      pigments as the irradiated pigment form is discussed.

PMID- 22061295
TI  - A transparent and transportable methodology for evaluating Data Linkage software.
AB  - There has been substantial growth in Data Linkage (DL) activities in recent
      years. This reflects growth in both the demand for, and the supply of, linked or
      linkable data. Increased utilisation of DL "services" has brought with it
      increased need for impartial information about the suitability and performance
      capabilities of DL software programs and packages. Although evaluations of DL
      software exist; most have been restricted to the comparison of two or three
      packages. Evaluations of a large number of packages are rare because of the time
      and resource burden placed on the evaluators and the need for a suitable "gold
      standard" evaluation dataset. In this paper we present an evaluation methodology
      that overcomes a number of these difficulties. Our approach involves the
      generation and use of representative synthetic data; the execution of a series of
      linkages using a pre-defined linkage strategy; and the use of standard linkage
      quality metrics to assess performance. The methodology is both transparent and
      transportable, producing genuinely comparable results. The methodology was used
      by the Centre for Data Linkage (CDL) at Curtin University in an evaluation of ten
      DL software packages. It is also being used to evaluate larger linkage systems
      (not just packages). The methodology provides a unique opportunity to benchmark
      the quality of linkages in different operational environments.

PMID- 22061296
TI  - Low-grade systolic murmurs in healthy middle-aged individuals: innocent or
      clinically significant? A 35-year follow-up study of 2014 Norwegian men.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a low-grade systolic murmur, found at heart
      auscultation, in middle-aged healthy men influences the long-term risk of aortic
      valve replacement (AVR) and death from cardiovascular disease (CVD). Setting and
      subjects.  During 1972-1975, 2014 apparently healthy men aged 40-59 years
      underwent an examination programme including case history, clinical examination,
      blood tests and a symptom-limited exercise ECG test. Heart auscultation was
      performed under standardized conditions, and murmurs were graded on a scale from
      I to VI. No men were found to have grade V/VI murmurs. Participants were followed
      for up to 35 years. RESULTS: A total of 1541 men had no systolic murmur; 441 had
      low-grade murmurs (grade I/II) and 32 had moderate-grade murmurs (grade III/IV).
      Men with low-grade murmurs had a 4.7-fold [95% confidence interval (CI) 2.1-11.1]
      increased age-adjusted risk of AVR, but no increase in risk of CVD death. Men
      with moderate-grade murmurs had an 89.3-fold (95% CI 39.2-211.2) age-adjusted
      risk of AVR and a 1.5-fold (95% CI 0.8-2.5) age-adjusted increased risk of CVD
      death. CONCLUSIONS: Low-grade systolic murmur was detected at heart auscultation
      in 21.9% of apparently healthy middle-aged men. Men with low-grade murmur had an
      increased risk of AVR, but no increase in risk of CVD death. Only 1.6% of men had
      moderate-grade murmur; these men had a very high risk of AVR and a 1.5-fold
      albeit non-significant increase in risk of CVD death.

PMID- 22061297
TI  - Effect of replacing pork backfat with olive oil on processing and quality
      characteristics of fermented sausages.
AB  - Five types of fermented sausages were manufactured by traditional methods as
      follows: (i) one control (C) using 24% beef meat, 43% pork meat and 33% pork
      backfat; (ii) two L treatments by replacing 10% and 20%, respectively of pork
      backfat with liquid olive oil; and (iii) two E treatments by replacing 10% and
      20%, respectively of pork backfat with olive oil incorporated as pre-emulsified
      fat (PEF) with soy protein isolate (SPI). There were no differences (p > 0.05)
      between treatments relating to pH, brine content, lactic acid bacteria and
      micrococci and staphylococci count, redness (a (*)) and chemical composition. The
      L and E treatments had higher lightness and yellowness values than the control.
      The L treatments had lower (p < 0.05) weight losses and higher (p < 0.05) TBA
      values and were softer (p < 0.05) than the control. The E treatments had higher
      (p < 0.05; weight losses, lower (p < 0.05) TBA values and similar hardness to the
      control. The L sausages had an unacceptable appearance. The E sausages had
      equally good appearance as well as firmness and odour and taste as the control.
      It is concluded up to 20% of pork backfat can be replaced with olive oil as PEF
      with SPI. In preliminary experiments, where 30% pork backfat was replaced with
      olive oil as PEF with SPI, the product was unacceptable.

PMID- 22061298
TI  - Comparative study of metabolic differentiation of foetal muscle in normal and
      double-muscled cattle.
AB  - Studies of the contractile differentiation of foetal muscles in normal and double
      muscled cattle have shown that double-muscled foetal muscles display comparative
      delayed contractile differentiation. We compared the metabolic differentiation of
      foetal muscles in normal and double-muscled cattle, for which no data were
      available. The semitendinosus (ST) muscle was excised from normal and double
      muscled cattle foetuses aged 110-260 days. Isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICDH) and
      lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities, respectively representative of aerobic
      oxidative and anaerobic glycolytic metabolism, were assayed. The five LDH
      isozymes were separated by electrophoresis under non-denaturing conditions and
      assayed by densitometry. ICDH activity was weaker in the ST of double-muscled
      foetuses than in that of normal ones throughout gestation, and it increased later
      in the double-muscled foetuses than in normal ones. In contrast, the LDH activity
      increased at 180 days in both. It was greater in the double-muscled beyond that
      time. The proportion of LDH-M subunit was higher at all foetal ages in the double
      muscled. Overall, these results show that: (1) the metabolic differentiation of
      muscle fibre occurs during the last third of foetal growth in both normal and
      double-muscled cattle; and (2) the differentiation of aerobic oxidative
      metabolism is delayed in double-muscled foetuses compared with normal ones.

PMID- 22061299
TI  - The effect of dietary vitamin E supplementation on drip loss of bovine
      Longissimus lumborum, psoas major and Semitendinosus muscles.
AB  - The effect of dietary vitamin E supplementation (2150 IU/head/day) on drip loss
      and related quality traits of bovine M. longissimus lumborum M. psoas major and
      M. semitendinosus was examined. The effect of vitamin E supplementation on drip
      loss seemed to depend on muscle studied. Drip loss of longissimus muscles was not
      significantly influenced, whereas supplemented semitendinosus muscles lost
      significantly less (p < 0.05) and supplemented psoas major muscles significantly
      more (p < 0.05) drip than did control counterparts. In both supplemented and
      control samples, sarcolemma failure occurred. No ultimate pH differences were
      detected between control and supplemented samples regardless of the muscle
      considered. In supplemented semitendinosus muscles, the decrease in drip loss was
      accompanied by an increase of sarcoplasmic protein solubility and sarcomere
      length. It is discussed that both these variables may be related to the stability
      of mitochondria and sarcoplasmic reticulum, as affected by dietary
      supplementation of vitamin E. However, this view deserves further investigation
      and more evidence is needed to establish the mechanism by which vitamin E
      influences drip loss.

PMID- 22061300
TI  - Lipolysis in dry cured sausages as affected by processing conditions.
AB  - Changes of phospholipids and free fatty acids during fermentation and ripening
      steps of the Spanish dry cured sausage ('salchichon') process have been analyzed
      by studying the effects of manufacturing conditions; namely starter addition, pre
      ripening and drying temperature. Phospholipid concentration of all types of
      samples considered (with or without starter, preripened or not) showed no
      important changes during fermentation, but different behaviour was observed
      during ripening in relation to sample type and drying temperature. At 8  degrees
      C concentrations did not change in sausages without starter and suffered a
      moderate decrease in samples with starter. At 16  degrees C the decrease was
      pronounced in samples without starter and much more in those with starter. Pre
      ripening had no effect on phospholipid concentration. Free fatty acids increase
      slightly with pre-ripening, but during fermentation pre-ripened samples showed no
      more variation, whereas in non-preripened samples an important increase was
      observed. These results were similar in samples with and without starter. During
      the ripening step, samples with starter dried at 8  degrees C showed a higher
      increase of free fatty acids than those without starter, with no influence of the
      pre-ripening. At 16  degrees C all samples showed a higher increase than any
      sample dried at 8  degrees C. The maximum was found with non-preripened samples
      without starter and the minimum with pre-ripened ones, also without starter.
      Sausages with starter showed an intermediate increase with no effect of pre
      ripening.

PMID- 22061301
TI  - Diet and growth effects in panel assessment of sheepmeat odour and flavour.
AB  - The effects of sheep age and diet on several odours and flavours are described.
      Ram lambs raised on ewe's milk then a corn-based diet were compared with lambs
      raised on milk and a pasture of grass/clover, six treatments in all. A seventh
      treatment comprised very old ewes maintained on pasture. Fat and lean from
      forequarters was minced and cooked together. Cooked lean was assessed for
      intensity by a sensory panel for 10 flavour attributes. Four showed significant
      (P < 0.01) treatment effects: 'sheepmeat', 'animal', 'liver', and 'poultry'.
      Sheepmeat flavour was highest in the slow-grown pasture-fed lambs. Animal flavour
      the flavour associated with the odour of confined livestock-showed a similar
      pattern with treatment. Liver flavour was highest in ewe meat, and the
      biochemical origin of this flavour is discussed. Eleven related odour attributes
      were assessed on the rendered fat with a novel olfactometer. Five attributes
      showed highly significant treatment effects for intensity (P < 0.001): animal and
      sheepmeat odours showed a similar distribution to the equivalent flavours;
      likewise cabbage and rancid odours were associated with the two slow-grown
      pasture treatments. A comparison of the odour and flavour statistics showed that
      the sense of smell was the more discriminating in sheepmeat assessment, and also
      confirmed that fat was the true source of sheepmeat odour/flavour. In respect of
      sheepmeat production for effective marketing, the data showed that at 90 days, a
      pastoral diet resulted in slightly enhanced odours when compared with a corn
      based diet. By 215 days, however, many undesirable odours were exacerbated. Since
      these older rams were more sexually developed, a sex rather than an age effect
      could not be excluded. Rendered fat from this work was further used in a
      companion study (Yang et al., 1997. Meat Sci., 45, 183-200) in an attempt to link
      individual volatile compounds to odour attributes.

PMID- 22061302
TI  - Fat-borne volatiles and sheepmeat odour.
AB  - The effects of lamb age and diet on volatiles from fat are described. Rendered
      fat from ram lambs raised on ewe's milk then a corn-based diet was compared with
      that from lambs raised on milk and a pasture of grass/clover, six treatments in
      all. An additional treatment comprised very old ewes maintained on pasture.
      Helium-borne volatiles of rendered fat were resolved on a DB5 gas chromatographic
      column and the mass spectra obtained. Long chain alka(e)nes like neophytadiene
      were dominant in pasture treatments especially where the lamb growth rate was
      slow. Branch chain fatty acids (4-methyloctanoic, 4-methylnonanoic and an
      unidentified acid) were also highest in these treatments. Longer chain aldehydes
      like 2-undecenal were good indicators of a grain diet. Hexanal, commonly
      associated with rancid odours, was unaffected by treatment. The diketone 2,3
      octanedione was an excellent indicator of a pasture diet, as was 3-methylindole
      (skatole). Phenols showed complex relationships to treatments, but were generally
      more common in pasture treatments. Benzenethiol (thiophenol) was unaffected by
      treatment. Inspection of principal component analysis plots identified 10
      volatile compounds as contenders for the cause of sheepmeat odour; branch chain
      fatty acids were confirmed as the leading chemical class. There were indications
      that puberty or age caused an increase in the odorous 4-methylnonanoic acid.
      Animal odour-the odour of confined livestock-was clearly causally linked to 3
      methylindole, a rumen breakdown product of tryptophan. 3-Methylindole was also
      responsible for rancid odour, rather than hexanal and its analogues. A hypothesis
      is advanced that links 2,3-octanedione formation to the enzyme lipoxygenase and
      linolenic acid, both abundant in green leafy tissue. Overall, the data confirm
      that sheepmeat odour/flavour is specifically linked to the branch chain fatty
      acids, and is probably exacerbated by pasture-derived 3-methylindole and alkyl
      phenols.

PMID- 22061303
TI  - Effect of stress-induced high post-mortem pH on protease activity and tenderness
      of beef.
AB  - Forty-four Swiss Brown young bulls were stressed by regrouping unfamiliar animals
      before slaughter. M. longissimus thoracis (6-9th ribs) of carcasses were analysed
      for post-mortem pH, protease activities (m- and alpha-calpain, calpastatin and
      cathepsin B + L), Warner-Bratzler shear force and sensory tenderness and
      juiciness. Muscles were classified into three groups, according to ultimate pH
      values: > 6.3, 6.3-5.8 and < 5.8. The most significant difference related to high
      pH was a higher activity of m-calpain at 7th day post mortem. It was also found
      that meat showing the highest pH was significantly more tender and juicy. Sensory
      tenderness was highly correlated with activity of m-calpain at 7th day post
      mortem (r = 0.776) and with ultimate pH (r = 0.708). It is concluded that high
      ultimate pH induced by stress significantly increases m-calpain activity, and
      this results in a greatly enhanced tenderisation of beef meat.

PMID- 22061304
TI  - Meat quality traits in the emu (Dromaius novaehollandiae) as affected by muscle
      type and animal age.
AB  - Meat quality traits were determined in the major muscles of the emu (Dromaius
      novaehollandiae) at different slaughter ages (6, 10, 14, 17 or >=20 months). A
      mean ultimate pH value of 5.5 was reached within around 3 h post mortem, but this
      value was 6.1 in animals that had suffered a preslaughter stress (transportation
      and fasting). The collagen and pigment contents varied widely among the muscles.
      The protein and pigment contents increased with animal age, but this effect was
      perceptible only between 6 and 14 months. The other chemical constituents were
      little affected by muscle type or animal age. The intense red colour of emu meat,
      due to a high pigment content, was very sensitive to oxidation, thus limiting the
      storage of fresh meat under aerobic conditions to short periods of time. Despite
      a rapid post-mortem tenderization (<=24 h), the residual myofibrillar strength
      obtained after extended ageing remained intermediate between those reported for
      chicken and beef. The tenderness of meat, cooked to 60  degrees C, differed
      between muscles and decreased with increasing age, thus reflecting the changes
      occuring in the concentration and in the heat stability of the intramuscular
      connective tissue.

PMID- 22061305
TI  - Sodium lactate and protective culture effects on quality characteristics and
      shelf-life of low-fat frankfurters produced with olive oil.
AB  - Low-fat frankfurters (9% fat, 13% protein) were produced with olive oil and four
      levels of sodium lactate (0, 1, 2, 3%). The level of sodium lactate affected (p <
      0.05) moisture and ash content, processing yield, skin strength and saltiness of
      low-fat frankfurters. Sodium lactate at 2% level appeared to be more beneficial
      for the production of low-fat frankfurters with olive oil. It had the highest
      score for flavour intensity and did not negatively affect skin strength, lextural
      and sensory properties or the colour of frankfurters. Low-fat frankfurters (9%
      fat, 13% protein) with olive oil, produced with 0% and 2% sodium lactate (SL) and
      protective culture (PC) and stored under vacuum at 4  degrees C, were compared
      with high-fat frankfurters (27% all animal fat, 11% protein). Low-fat
      frankfurters with olive oil had higher (p < 0.05) moisture and lower (p < 0.05)
      brine concentration than high-fat frankfurters. PC extended shelf-life of low-fat
      frankfurters with olive oil from 3 to 4 weeks. 2% SL kept the pH of frankfurters
      almost constant and extended shelf-life up to 6 weeks compared with 3 and 4 weeks
      shelf-life for low-fat and high-fat control frankfurters, respectively.

PMID- 22061306
TI  - The relationship between early post-mortem pH and the tenderisation of beef
      muscles.
AB  - The rate of early post-mortem pH fall in bovine muscle was studied to determine
      its influence on the rate and extent of the tenderisation process. The pH of M.
      longissimus dorsi (LD) and M. semimembranosus (SM) muscles of Hereford cross
      Friesian heifers (n = 127) was taken up to 24 h post mortem. Twenty-four LD and
      24 SM muscles were selected according to their rate of pH fall; slow (n = 8),
      intermediate (n = 8) and fast (n = 8) and were sampled at 2, 7 and 14 days post
      mortem for sensory, mechanical, physicochemical and biochemical analysis. Fast
      glycolysing LD muscles were rated more tender in sensory analysis and texture
      assessment whereas slow glycolysing muscles were considered significantly tougher
      (p < 0.001). Fast glycolysing LD had a significantly lower shear force (p <
      0.001) at each stage of ageing. Slow glycolysing LD and SM had the highest shear
      force values. No significant difference was found in intramuscular fat or
      moisture content between the groups. Slow glycolysing LD muscles had shorter
      sarcomere lengths at 2 days post mortem. SDS-PAGE electrophoresis patterns showed
      increased proteolysis, such as the earlier appearance of the 30 kDa fragment,
      which is believed to be a good indicator of tenderness, in fast glycolysing
      muscle. These results suggest that the rate of post-mortem pH fall plays an
      important role in proteolysis and tenderisation.

PMID- 22061307
TI  - Influence of lairage environmental conditions and resting time on meat quality in
      pigs.
AB  - This study investigated the influence of lairage environmental conditions and
      resting time on pig carcasses and meat quality. The experimental material
      consisted of 1001 cross Pietrain-Duroc-Hampshire * Belgium-LR-LW pigs, held in
      lairage for either ~30 min (direct slaughter) or between 2-3 h under 12  degrees
      C/90% relative humidity (RH), 20  degrees C/80% or 90% RH and 35  degrees C/50%
      or 85% RH. Prior to arrival at the lairage plant they were transported for about
      45-60 min and subjected to a fasting period of 36 h before loading. Unloading
      operation and the driving of pigs to the point of stunning were carried out
      according to the practices used in the plant (sticks and electrical goads were
      used). Batches of 20-30 mixed pigs were used in each trial, held at a stocking
      density of approximately 0.55 m(2)/pig (~100 Kg live weight). Lairage
      environmental conditions (LC), significantly affected almost all measurements,
      but not pH(1), in Semi-membranosus (SM) and Longissimus dorsi (LD) muscles and
      the carcass damage score. The influence of resting time (RT) was basically
      exerted on pH(u), deep ham temperature and in pH(1), of SM, the internal muscle
      reflectance being mostly unaffected. There were also significant batch (B)
      effects in a large range of parameters. Factors greatly interacted their
      influence on carcass and meat quality, denoting LC * B, LC * RT * B and LC * RT
      the most significant effects. RT * B only showed two low significant interactions
      for rigor value and pH(1), in SM, suggesting that, conversely to the lairage
      environmental conditions the influence of resting time is practically unaffected
      by the day of slaughter. The increase of lairage temperature decreased the
      frequency of normal carcasses, followed by an expressive higher incidence of PSE
      status. The influence of lairage relative humidity on the PSE/DFD muscle
      incidence depended on the associated temperature, but the most important
      detrimental effects were noticed in experiments carried out at 35  degrees C. In
      respect to lairage resting time, the influence on meat quality is strictly
      related to environmental conditions, mainly the temperature. Nevertheless, and
      excepting the assays at 35  degrees C/85% RH, direct slaughter of pigs (= 30 min
      in pens) generally produced less carcasses of normal quality than resting periods
      up to 2-3 h.

PMID- 22061309
TI  - Corrigendum.

PMID- 22061308
TI  - Influence of finishing diet on fatty acid profiles of intramuscular lipids,
      triglycerides and phospholipids in muscles of the Iberian pig.
AB  - Thirty Iberian * Duroc pigs allotted in groups of ten animals were fed in three
      traditional different management systems ('Montanera' (MO), fed on acorns;
      'Recebo' (RE), fed on acorns and a commercial diet; and 'Cebo' (CE), fed on a
      commercial diet). Masseter muscle was obtained to evaluate the influence of
      management system on fatty acid (FA) composition of lean. The FA composition of
      the intramuscular total lipids, triglyceride (TG) and phospholipid (PL) fractions
      was evaluated. Muscle from MO pigs had greater quantities of monounsaturated
      fatty acids (MUFA) in the total lipids, triglyceride and phospholipid fractions
      than the other feedings. The percentage of saturated fatty acids (SFA) of i.m.
      total lipids and TGs increased (P < .05) with duration of feeding on RE and CE,
      from 35.13-35.10% in MO pigs to 37.47-37.84% in RE pigs and 39.98-41.11% in CE
      pigs. PLs from RE and CE pigs contained more C(18:2) and C(20:4) and less C(18:1)
      than MO pigs.

PMID- 22061310
TI  - A systematic review on the effectiveness of slowly-absorbable versus non
      absorbable sutures for abdominal fascial closure following laparotomy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To systematically analyse the effectiveness of delayed-absorbable
      (Polydioxanone; PDS) versus non-absorbable (Polypropylene; Prolene, and Nylon)
      for abdominal fascial closure in patients undergoing laparotomy. METHODS:
      Randomised trials evaluating PDS versus Prolene/Nylon for abdominal fascial
      closure were selected and analysed by using the statistical tool RevMan where
      summative data was expressed as odds ratio (OR). RESULTS: Eight randomised trials
      encompassing 4261 patients undergoing laparotomy closure with either PDS or
      Prolene/Nylon were retrieved. There was no statistically significant
      heterogeneity among trials. In the fixed effect model PDS was comparable to
      Prolene/Nylon in terms of risk of incisional hernia (OR, 1.10; 95% CI, 0.87,
      1.37; z = 0.79; p = 0.43), wound dehiscence (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 0.67, 1.62; z =
      0.19; p = 0.85), peri-operative complications (OR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.66, 1.33; z =
      0.37; p = 0.71), suture sinus formation (OR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.33, 1.04; z = 1.84;
      p = 0.07) and surgical site infection (OR, 0.98; 95% CI, 0.68, 1.39; z = 0.14; p
      = 0.89). Subgroup analysis separately comparing Prolene and Nylon with PDS
      supported same outcome. CONCLUSION: PDS and Prolene/Nylon are equally effective
      for the closure of abdominal fascia following laparotomy. Given that there are no
      significant differences between two suture materials, further studies may be
      conducted to evaluate their cost-effectiveness and measurement of health-related
      quality of life instead of analysing their effectiveness in laparotomy closure.

PMID- 22061311
TI  - Sepsis, thrombosis and organ dysfunction.
AB  - Sepsis is often associated with haemostatic changes ranging from subclinical
      activation of blood coagulation (hypercoagulability), which may contribute to
      localized venous thromboembolism, to acute disseminated intravascular coagulation
      (DIC), characterized by widespread microvascular thrombosis and subsequent
      consumption of platelets and coagulation proteins, eventually causing bleeding
      manifestations. The key event underlying this life-threatening complication is
      the overwhelming inflammatory host response to the infectious agent leading to
      the overexpression of inflammatory mediators. The latter, along with the micro
      organism and its derivatives are now believed to drive the major changes
      responsible for massive thrombin formation and fibrin deposition, namely 1) the
      aberrant expression of the TF by different cells (especially monocytes
      macrophages), 2) the impairment of physiological anticoagulant pathways,
      orchestrated mainly by dysfunctional endothelial cells (ECs) and 3) the
      suppression of fibrinolysis due to overproduction of plasminogen activator
      inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) by ECs and likely also to thrombin-mediated activation of
      thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI). The ensuing microvascular
      thrombosis and ischemia are thought to contribute to tissue injury and multiple
      organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). Recent evidence indicates that extracellular
      nuclear materials released from activated and especially apoptotic or necrotic
      cells, e.g. High Mobility Group Box-1 (HMGB-1) and histones, are endowed with
      cell toxicity, proinflammatory and clot-promoting properties and thus, during
      sepsis, they may represent late mediators that propagate further inflammation,
      coagulation, cell death and MODS. These insights into the pathogenesis of DIC and
      MODS may have implications for the development of new therapeutic agents
      potentially useful for the management of severe sepsis.

PMID- 22061312
TI  - Influence of feeding vitamin D(3) and aging on the tenderness of four lamb
      muscles.
AB  - In Trial 1, rams (n=26) were fed different levels (0, 250,000, 500,000 or 750,000
      IU) of vitamin D(3) for 4 days to determine the most effective dose to increase
      blood calcium concentrations. Trial 2 consisted of feeding feedlot lambs (n=40)
      different levels (0 or 750,000 IU) of vitamin D(3) for 14 days to determine if
      vitamin D(3) could improve the tenderness of lamb muscles. Lambs were slaughtered
      and the M. longissimus lumborum, M. biceps femoris, M. semitendinosus, and M.
      semimembranosus were removed after chilling, cut into chops, and assigned to an
      aging period (5, 10 or 15 days) for Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBS)
      determination. In Trial 1, feed intake and weight gain were lower for rams
      supplemented with 500,000 IU of vitamin D(3) compared to all other groups. Blood
      calcium concentrations were not different between groups, although the 750,000 IU
      group tended (P<0.10) to have higher blood calcium concentrations on day 5 of the
      trial compared to controls. In Trial 2, blood calcium concentrations were not
      different between the treated and control groups, however, treated lambs had
      higher (P<0.01) calcium concentrations in both the liver and kidneys. Control
      chops from the M. longissimus lumborum had lower (P<0.05) WBS values than chops
      from vitamin D(3) fed lambs, but no other muscles were affected by vitamin D(3)
      feeding. An interaction between treatment and aging was observed for the M.
      biceps femoris, with chops from vitamin D(3) fed lambs having lower WBS values at
      5 days aging, but chops from control lambs having lower WBS values at 15 days
      aging. WBS values decreased for the M. longissimus lumborum, M. semitendinosus,
      and M. semimembranosus with increasing aging time. Vitamin D(3) supplementation
      was not an effective means of improving the tenderness characteristics of lamb
      muscles.

PMID- 22061313
TI  - A note on the total and heme iron contents of ready-to-eat doner kebabs.
AB  - Total and heme iron contents of ready-to-eat beef and chicken doners collected
      from restaurants were determined. Total and heme iron contents of beef and
      chicken doners were 36.70+/-9.85-15.98+/-2.86 and 14.27+/-4.43-4.49+/-1.95 MUg/g,
      respectively. The percent heme iron contents in beef and chicken doners were
      46.06% and 34.36%, respectively.

PMID- 22061314
TI  - Effects of feeding intensity and time on feed on performance, carcass
      characteristics and meat quality of Simmental bulls.
AB  - Seventy two Simmental bulls, weighing 489 kg and approximately 15 months old fed
      extensively or intensively on maize silage and concentrate mixture for 100 or 138
      days, were divided into four groups to assess the effect of time on feed and
      feeding intensity on the performance, carcass and meat quality traits. Bulls
      intensively fed for 138 days before slaughter had higher final body weight (673.7
      kg) compared with the other three groups (610.6 kg, as overall mean). Intensive
      feeding significantly increased the average daily gain (1371 g/day) and improved
      the feed efficiency (6.95 kg DM/kg gain) compared with extensive feeding (943
      g/day and 7.97 kg DM/kg gain). No significant differences were detected by time
      on feed. Hot carcass and kidney fat weights were significantly higher for
      intensively fed bulls compared with extensive ones. Dressing percentage
      significantly increased for 138 day groups compared with 100 day groups. Carcass
      conformation and fatness scores significantly improved by intensive feeding. L
      and b(*) values were not affected by time on feed or feeding intensity.
      Slaughtering after 138 days on feed significantly elevated the meat redness value
      (a(*)). Intensive feeding significantly decreased moisture and increased fat
      content of the longissimus dorsi muscle. Shear force, collagen content,
      juiciness, flavour and sarcomere length did not differ by time on feed or feeding
      intensity, while inconsistent effects were observed on tenderness and solubility
      of collagen.

PMID- 22061315
TI  - Moisture diffusivity in the lean tissue of dry-cured ham at different process
      times.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine the effective moisture diffusivity
      coefficient (D(e)) during dry-cured ham processing in two muscles, an internal
      one (Biceps femoris, BF) and an external one (Semimembranosus, SM), at different
      temperatures. Two adjacent samples, which included both SM and BF muscles, were
      selected after salting (PS), after resting (PR), after 4 months of drying (D1)
      and at the end of the process (D2). One was used to determine the initial
      profiles of moisture and NaCl/moisture and the other to determine D(e) at
      different temperatures (1 and 5 degrees C in PS; 5 and 12 degrees C in PR; 12, 19
      and 26 degrees C in D1; 19 and 33 degrees C in D2). D(e) was higher in the muscle
      with the higher moisture content (BF) except in PS and PR, where a gradient of
      NaCl/moisture ratio was observed in SM muscle. There was a positive effect of
      temperature on D(e), but it decreased during processing of the dry-cured ham. A
      simple diffusive model, with a unique and constant moisture diffusivity
      coefficient or with a coefficient depending only on temperature, does not explain
      the whole drying process correctly. The effects of moisture content and the
      gradient of NaCl/moisture ratio on D(e) have to be considered.

PMID- 22061316
TI  - Histidine dipeptides HPLC-based test for the detection of mammalian origin
      proteins in feeds for ruminants.
AB  - The present work is focused on the use of the relative amounts of carnosine and
      anserine for detecting the presence of proteins of mammalian origin in feeds for
      ruminants. The methodology is cheap and simple and may serve for the rapid
      screening of feeds. Animal protein additions to feeds as low as 0.5% can be
      easily detected based on the cation exchange HPLC determination of the carnosine
      and/or anserine dipeptides. Furthermore, the molar ratio of these dipeptides was
      found to be characteristic of the animal species and could be used to
      discriminate between mammalian and non-mammalian species eventually added to
      feeds. Feeds having carnosine/anserine molar ratios higher than 0.3 were strongly
      suspected of containing banned mammalian proteins. Those suspicious feeds might
      be later confirmed by more specific techniques. The exact source of feeds
      containing mixtures of animal proteins from different species could not be
      identified by this method even though the method was able to detect its mammalian
      origin.

PMID- 22061317
TI  - A rapid method based on front-face fluorescence spectroscopy for the monitoring
      of the texture of meat emulsions and frankfurters.
AB  - In order to investigate the potential of fluorescence spectroscopy to
      characterise meat emulsions and frankfurters, a split-plot design comprising
      three factors at three levels each, i.e. fat/lean ratios (0.25, 0.7 and 1.5),
      chopping speed (1000, 2000 and 3000 rpm) and chopping time (1, 3 and 7 min), was
      considered. Principal component analysis and hierarchical ascendant clustering
      performed on the texture attributes and L(*)a(*)b(*) value data sets for the
      batters and frankfurters showed that a limited number of clusters can be
      discriminated, mainly according to the chopping conditions. From the fluorescence
      spectra of batters and frankfurters, the similarity maps defined by principal
      components 1 and 2 allowed clear discrimination between formulations with a high
      fat content from those of low fat content, whereas formulations with an
      intermediate fat content overlapped. Canonical correlation analysis (CCA) showed
      strong correlations between the batter texture attributes and the batter
      fluorescence spectra since the first pairs of canonical variates exhibited
      squared correlation coefficients of 0.88. Moreover, it was shown by CCA that
      batter fluorescence spectra and frankfurter texture-attributes were highly
      correlated (r(2)=0.91) for the first canonical variates suggesting that it may be
      possible to predict the texture of a frankfurter from a fluorescence spectrum
      recorded on the batter.

PMID- 22061318
TI  - Effects of carbon dioxide on yield, texture and microstructure of cooked ground
      beef.
AB  - The objective of the study was to find the effects of CO(2) gas on cooking loss,
      instrumental hardness and microstructural changes of ground beef heated to 70-83 
      degrees C. In two experiments, ground beef was stored for 4 days in 60%
      CO(2)/39.6% N(2)/0.4% CO and vacuum (1), or in 100% CO(2), 50% CO(2)/50% N(2),
      20% CO(2)/80% N(2), 100% N(2) and vacuum (2). In an additional experiment, slices
      of beef semimembransosus muscles were stored for 10 days in 100% CO(2), 100% N(2)
      and vacuum. Cooking loss of ground beef patties was higher of all CO(2)
      treatments than non-CO(2) treatments (p<0.05). Storage of raw ground beef in
      CO(2) caused a concentration dependent decrease in raw meat pH of up to 0.12
      units in 100% CO(2). In the beef slices, small CO(2) related fissures and pores
      were formed in the cooked meat. These changes in pH and microstructure probably
      contributed to the elevated cooking loss. The hardness of cooked ground beef was
      not affected by CO(2) exposure (p>0.05). Because CO(2) in concentrations of 20
      100% is commonly used in industrial packaging processes for retail meat and meat
      trimmings, a reduction in cooking yield of 1-3% may have sensory and economic
      implications.

PMID- 22061319
TI  - Effect of storage and packaging on fatty acid composition and oxidation in dry
      fermented sausages made with added olive oil and antioxidants.
AB  - Dry fermented sausages produced by a partial substitution of pork backfat with
      pre-emulsified olive oil were manufactured and stored (2 and 5 months) using
      different packaging conditions (aerobic/vacuum piece/vacuum slices) in order to
      evaluate the intensity of the oxidation process. Also the effect of the addition
      of butylhydroxytoluene (BHT) and butylhydroxyanisole (BHA) to one of the modified
      batches was studied. Addition of olive oil, especially with antioxidants, was
      more effective than using vacuum storing methods in avoiding lipid oxidation
      during storage. After 5 months of storage at 4  degrees C, the combination of the
      increase in oleic acid and the preservation of PUFA by the antioxidant activity
      of the olive oil emulsion and antioxidants (when added), lead to better
      MUFA+PUFA/SFA ratios in olive oil containing sausages (1.90-1.98 g/100 g fatty
      acids) and particularly in antioxidants containing sausages (2.02-2.16 g/100 g)
      than in control ones (1.72 g/100 g). Vacuum packaging of the piece was the best
      method to minimise formation of lipid oxidation volatile compounds.

PMID- 22061320
TI  - Effects of rye bran addition on fatty acid composition and quality
      characteristics of low-fat meatballs.
AB  - Rye bran was used as a fat substitute in the production of meatballs. The effect
      of rye bran addition on the fatty acid composition, trans fatty acids, total fat,
      some physico-chemical and sensory properties of the samples was studied.
      Meatballs were produced with four different formulations including 5%, 10%, 15%
      and 20% rye bran addition. Control samples were formulated with 10% fat addition.
      Meatballs containing rye bran had lower concentrations of total fat and total
      trans fatty acids than the control samples. Meatballs made with addition of 20%
      rye bran had the highest protein, ash contents, L value (lightness), b value
      (yellowness), and the lowest moisture, salt content and weight losses and a value
      (redness). There was a significant difference among the meatball samples in
      respect to sensory properties and 5%, 10% rye bran added meatballs and control
      samples had high acceptability.

PMID- 22061321
TI  - The relationship between postmortem urinary catecholamines, meat ultimate pH, and
      shear force in bulls and cows.
AB  - We investigated the relationship between stress responsiveness and meat quality
      in cattle. The cattle were 16-19-month-old Mixed (n=37, 303 kg) or Non-mixed
      (n=23, 279 kg) Friesian bulls and Friesian cull cows (1.5-7 years) that were
      classified Unfinished (n=133, 195 kg) or Finished for 3 months (n=34, 252 kg). A
      portion of m. longissimus lumborum (LL) muscle was obtained from consecutive
      animals for a single days slaughter of 227 cattle processed through a hot boning
      plant. Catecholamines were obtained from bladder urine. Ultimate pH, lactate,
      glycogen, glycolytic potential and representative sarcomere lengths were
      determined from 20-h muscle samples. Shear force measurements were from meat aged
      at 15  degrees C for 20 and 90 h. Urinary noradrenaline was similar between Mixed
      (14.86 ng/MUmol creatinine) and Non-mixed bulls (14.07 ng/MUmol creatinine) and
      Finished cows (15.24 ng/MUmol creatinine) and elevated in the Unfinished cows
      (22.28 ng/MUmol creatinine). Urinary adrenaline was higher in Mixed bulls (9.5
      ng/MUmol creatinine) than Non-mixed bulls (5.7 ng/MUmol creatinine) and higher in
      both Unfinished cows (16.67 ng/MUmol creatinine) and Finished cows (14.19
      ng/MUmol creatinine). For bulls that are growing well on-farm, with a only short
      period of fasting prior to slaughter, pH(u) is a good predictor of meat
      tenderness. In this situation, stressors that lower muscle glycogen pre-slaughter
      can have a significant effect on meat shear force, and individual animals with
      elevated urinary adrenaline were the most susceptible. However, in the case of
      cows, adrenaline responses are not necessarily associated with glycogen depletion
      and pH(u) is less affected than for bulls. Furthermore, the ability of meat to
      tenderise fully, related to reduced proteolytic turnover, is reduced in
      nutritionally compromised animals such as the Unfinished cows.

PMID- 22061322
TI  - The effects of finishing diet and postmortem ageing on the eating quality of the
      M. longissimus thoracis of electrically stimulated Brahman steer carcasses.
AB  - Beef from cattle finished on grass will be of similar quality to that from cattle
      finished on grain when their carcasses are processed using best practice
      protocols. To test this hypothesis, carcasses of twenty Brahman steers, finished
      to 400 kg live weight on either Buffel grass pasture (n=10) or grain (n=10), were
      electrically stimulated with 400 V for 50 s 45 min postmortem, and their beef
      quality assessed 1 and 14 days postmortem. Hot weight, rump subcutaneous fat
      thickness and animal rate of growth in the 205 days preceding slaughter were
      recorded for each carcass as potential influences on beef quality. Quality of the
      M. longissimus thoracis (LT) at 1 and 14 days postmortem was evaluated using peak
      Warner-Bratzler shear force, compression, pH, cooking loss and taste panel
      acceptability, as well as by moisture and crude fat contents measured at 1 day
      postmortem. Results showed that steers finished on pasture grew the slowest and
      had the least subcutaneous fat at the same carcass weight. LT from carcasses of
      steers finished on pasture also had the shortest mean sarcomere lengths,
      suggesting these muscles may have been cold-affected, but there was no effect of
      diet on peak shear force. LT from carcasses of steers finished on pasture had the
      highest mean compression value, possibly because of increased collagen cross
      linking associated with slow growth or increased exercise. Ageing significantly
      decreased LT peak shear force and compression values and increased cooking loss,
      L (*), a (*) and b (*) values. Taste panellists rated the aged, grass-finished
      beef the most tender and the best quality; however, the taste panel in this study
      may have favoured LT from grass-finished steers because it was significantly
      juicier than LT from the grain-finished steer carcasses. These results indicated
      that carcass composition and processing conditions interact to exert a greater
      effect on LT toughness and sensory acceptability than finishing diet. Ageing LT
      from steers finished on grass improved its colour, and thus may enhance its
      consumer acceptability.

PMID- 22061323
TI  - Video image analysis in the Australian meat industry - precision and accuracy of
      predicting lean meat yield in lamb carcasses.
AB  - A wide selection of lamb types of mixed sex (ewes and wethers) were slaughtered
      at a commercial abattoir and during this process images of 360 carcasses were
      obtained online using the VIAScan(r) system developed by Meat and Livestock
      Australia. Soft tissue depth at the GR site (thickness of tissue over the 12th
      rib 110 mm from the midline) was measured by an abattoir employee using the AUS
      MEAT sheep probe (PGR). Another measure of this thickness was taken in the
      chiller using a GR knife (NGR). Each carcass was subsequently broken down to a
      range of trimmed boneless retail cuts and the lean meat yield determined. The
      current industry model for predicting meat yield uses hot carcass weight (HCW)
      and tissue depth at the GR site. A low level of accuracy and precision was found
      when HCW and PGR were used to predict lean meat yield (R(2)=0.19, r.s.d.=2.80%),
      which could be improved markedly when PGR was replaced by NGR (R(2)=0.41,
      r.s.d.=2.39%). If the GR measures were replaced by 8 VIAScan(r) measures then
      greater prediction accuracy could be achieved (R(2)=0.52, r.s.d.=2.17%). A
      similar result was achieved when the model was based on principal components
      (PCs) computed from the 8 VIAScan(r) measures (R(2)=0.52, r.s.d.=2.17%). The use
      of PCs also improved the stability of the model compared to a regression model
      based on HCW and NGR. The transportability of the models was tested by randomly
      dividing the data set and comparing coefficients and the level of accuracy and
      precision. Those models based on PCs were superior to those based on regression.
      It is demonstrated that with the appropriate modeling the VIAScan(r) system
      offers a workable method for predicting lean meat yield automatically.

PMID- 22061324
TI  - Development of breed identification markers derived from AFLP in beef cattle.
AB  - In the meat industry, correct breed information in food labeling is required to
      assure meat quality. Genetic markers provide corroborating evidence to identify
      breed. This paper describes the development of DNA markers to discriminate
      between Japanese Black and F1 (Japanese Black*Holstein) breeds. Amplified
      fragment length polymorphism method was employed to detect candidate markers
      absent in Japanese Black but present in Holstein. The 500 primer combinations
      yielded six selected markers that were converted into single nucleotide
      polymorphisms markers for high-throughput genotyping. The allele frequencies in
      both breeds were investigated for discrimination ability using PCR-RFLP. The
      probability of identifying F1 was 0.882 and probability of misjudgment was
      0.0198. The markers could be useful for discriminating between Japanese Black and
      F1 and would contribute to the elimination of falsified breed labeling of meat.

PMID- 22061325
TI  - Quantification of fresh meat peptides by SDS-PAGE in relation to ageing time and
      taste intensity.
AB  - The extraction and quantification of fresh meat peptides in the molecular weight
      (MW) range between 3 and 17 kDalton (kDa) was examined, as well as their
      evolution during post-mortem ageing and their relation to taste intensity. Using
      a Tricine-sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE)
      method, quantification of fresh meat peptides in this MW range was possible.
      Correlation coefficients higher than 0.98 were found between the absolute amounts
      of peptides loaded on the gel and the measured amounts expressed as cytochrome c
      equivalents. In contrast to the extraction in the presence of SDS, extraction
      with 0.1 N HCl, 3% HClO(4) and 0.9% NaCl only partially recovered peptides
      present in fresh meat samples in both the 3-10 and 10-17 kDa MW range. A
      substantial increase in peptide concentration in the 3-17 kDa MW range with time
      post-mortem in both pork and beef fresh muscle samples was found. For grilled
      beef longissimus lumborum and semimembranosus samples of different origin and
      ripening times, both the concentration of the peptides in the 3-10 kDa MW range
      and the intramuscular fat content were significantly related with taste panel
      intensity scores, while the correlation with the amount of peptides in the 10-17
      kDa MW range was not significant.

PMID- 22061326
TI  - Fatty acid profile, cholesterol content and tenderness of meat from Podolian
      young bulls.
AB  - Fatty acid profile, cholesterol content and sensory properties of meat from
      Podolian young bulls were evaluated. The percentage of saturated fatty acids was
      higher for LD and lower for SM and ST muscles (P<0.001). Oleic and stearic fatty
      acids constituted more than 50% of the total fatty acids in all muscles studied.
      The meat produced by Podolian young bulls showed a favourable percentage content
      of polyunsaturated fatty acids and a beneficial ratio P/S. Conversely, the ratio
      n-6/n-3 exceeded the recommended value in the human diet. Changing the time of
      ageing from 8 to 15 days produced an increment of MDA (P<0.01). The differences
      in MDA content observed between meat samples aged 8 and 15 days were still
      detectable after 4 and 8 months of frozen storage. The extension of the ageing
      period from 8 to 15 days produced an increase in tenderness (P<0.05) and flavour
      intensity (P<0.01).

PMID- 22061327
TI  - Meat quality characteristics in different lines of Iberian pigs.
AB  - Physico-chemical parameters involved in technological meat quality for dry cured
      processing of four different lines (Entrepelado, Lampino, Retinto and Torbiscal)
      of Iberian pigs were studied in the Masseter (MS) and Longissimus dorsi (LD)
      muscles. The line of Iberian pig significantly affected intramuscular fat content
      of MS muscle, animals from the Torbiscal line showing lower values. Proportions
      of several fatty acids of total lipids and polar lipids from the MS muscle were
      also affected. However, fatty acid composition and total lipids, neutral lipids
      and polar lipids of LD muscle and neutral lipids of MS muscle were scarcely
      affected. Lipid oxidation was also unaffected by Iberian pig line, but
      instrumental colour parameters of MS muscle showed significant variations.

PMID- 22061328
TI  - Selection of Lactobacillus strains from fermented sausages for their potential
      use as probiotics.
AB  - A rapid screening method was used to isolate potentially probiotic Lactobacillus
      strains from fermented sausages after enrichment in MRS broth at pH 2.5 followed
      by bile salt stressing (1% bile salts w/v). One hundred and fifty acid- and bile
      resistant strains were selected, avoiding preliminary and time-consuming
      isolation steps. Strains were further characterized for survival at pH 2.5 for 3
      h in phosphate-buffered saline and for growth in the presence of 0.3% bile salts
      with and without pre-exposure at low pH. Twenty-eight strains showed a survival
      >80% at pH 2.5 for 3 h; moreover, most of the strains were able to grow in the
      presence of 0.3% bile salts. Low pH and bile resistance was shown to be dependent
      on both the species, identified by phenotypic and molecular methods, and the
      strain tested. This is the first report on the direct selection of potentially
      probiotic lactobacilli from dry fermented sausages. Technologically interesting
      strains may be used in the future as probiotic starter cultures for novel
      fermented sausage manufacture.

PMID- 22061329
TI  - The effect of dietary supplementation of vitamins C and E on the alpha-tocopherol
      content of muscles, liver and kidney, on the stability of lipids, and on certain
      meat quality parameters of the longissimus dorsi of rabbits.
AB  - The trial was carried out to investigate the effects of adding to the diet of
      rabbits vitamin E (40; 300; 500 ppm) and C (0; 500 ppm), on vitamin E deposition
      in the muscles and organs, on the oxidative stability of muscular lipids, and on
      various meat quality characteristics. The alpha-tocopherol content in muscles and
      organs was roughly doubled by feeding the highest levels of vitamin E; it was
      also increased by giving 500 ppm of vitamin C, but only in those muscles of
      rabbits receiving 40 ppm of vitamin E. The alpha-tocopherol content in tissues
      was negatively correlated with TBARS values of the longissimus dorsi (LD) at days
      6 and 8 post mortem (p.m.). Five hundred parts per million (ppm) of vitamin C
      increased lipid stability of the LD at both 6 and 8 days p.m., though its effect
      was significant only with 40 ppm of vitamin E. Moreover, 500 ppm of vitamin C
      resulted in the lowest L(*) and highest pH values at all p.m. times, when the
      dietary vitamin E was equal to 40 ppm, and in the highest L(*) and lowest pH
      values when the vitamin E was equal to 300 ppm. Conversely, weight losses of the
      LD were the lowest, at days 6 and 8 p.m., in the group fed the highest levels of
      both vitamins.

PMID- 22061330
TI  - Perimysium thickness as an indicator of beef tenderness.
AB  - Eight bovine muscles were evaluated to determine if perimysium thickness (PT)
      differed among muscles and carcasses and was affected by electrical stimulation
      (ES). In addition, the effect of PT on Warner-Bratzler shear (WBS) of steaks
      divided into tenderness groups was evaluated. Muscle and carcass affected
      (P<0.05) PT, but PT was not significantly affected by ES. Correlation
      coefficients revealed that PT would be a poor indicator of WBS when used alone
      (r=0.13). When analyzed within electrical stimulation treatment, PT was
      correlated (P<0.05) to WBS of NES (r=0.21) carcasses and not significantly
      related to WBS of ES carcasses. Within tenderness groups, PT accounted for 4.5%,
      9.5%, 20.0%, and 4.0% of the variation in WBS force at 3, 7, 14, and 21 d,
      respectively. These results indicate that PT can be used in conjunction with
      other myofibrillar components of tenderness to account for some variation in WBS
      values of cooked beef steaks.

PMID- 22061331
TI  - Effects of modified corn gluten meal on quality characteristics of a model
      emulsified meat product.
AB  - The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of soy protein isolate
      (SPI), three forms of native corn gluten meal on sensory, color and textural
      characteristics of an emulsified meat product. The meals included native corn
      gluten meal (CGM) that had been ph-adjusted from 4.4 to 6.6 and particle size
      reduced to either ~38 (MC38) or ~7 MUm (MC7). When judged by a trained sensory
      panel, all CGM-based substances contributed the same degree of CGM off-odor
      intensity, but significantly lowered pork odor intensity when compared to SPI
      containing products and controls. SPI and all CGM-based substances increased
      grain-like odor. Visual off-color was apparent in all meat products containing
      CGM-based substances. Instrumental color evaluation indicated that products
      containing CGM-based substances were lighter, more yellow colored than control
      and SPI-containing products. However, sensory denseness, springiness and
      cohesiveness, and texture profile analyses of meat products were not affected.

PMID- 22061332
TI  - Production of biogenic amines in "Salamini italiani alla cacciatora PDO".
AB  - Various fermented and seasoned foods such as cheese, sauerkraut, wine, beer and
      meat products may contain biogenic amines. The aim of this paper was to describe
      the presence of some biogenic amines (histamine, tyramine, tryptamine, 2
      phenylethylamine) in "Salamini italiani alla cacciatora PDO", a typical fermented
      ripened dry sausage widely consumed in Italy. Total level of biogenic amines in
      commercial samples ranged from 71 to 586 mg kg(-1). The amine recovered in higher
      concentrations was tyramine (372 mg kg(-1)) followed by histamine (165 mg kg(
      1)). The second aim of this work was the quality control of the production in
      order to determine the parameters influencing the presence of biogenic amines in
      ripened salami. Sausages sampled for analysis during production, manipulation and
      ripening showed the presence of tyramine (64.4 mg kg(-1)) only after 15 days of
      fermentation. All investigated biogenic amines were detected in "Salamini" after
      21 days of fermentation. We suggest the control of biogenic as important tool to
      establish the better condition of preservation of "Salamini italiani alla
      cacciatore PDO" during their shelf-life.

PMID- 22061333
TI  - The effect of age on distribution of skatole and indole levels in entire male
      pigs in four breeds: Yorkshire, Landrace, Hampshire and Duroc.
AB  - High skatole and to a lesser degree indole levels in some entire male pigs result
      in occurrence of off-flavor in meat, called boar taint. In this study, plasma
      samples from 117 Yorkshire, 134 Landrace, 184 Hampshire and 75 Duroc entire male
      pigs collected at different ages were analyzed for skatole and slightly fewer
      samples for indole concentrations. For each breed, a distinct age-related
      distribution of plasma skatole levels was observed. Skatole levels were increased
      at approximately 180-200 days of age, reaching very high levels is some
      individuals. Afterwards, the levels decreased; in Yorkshire and Landrace at
      approximately 240-260 and in Hampshire and Duroc at 310-360 days of age. The
      decrease of skatole levels was also observed in samples collected from 15
      Landrace boars at two different ages: 16.8 MUg/L (SD=17.36) vs. 5.9 MUg/L
      (SD=3.48, p=0.016) in samples taken at the mean age of 210 and 314 days,
      respectively. Indole levels showed similar age- and breed-related variations to
      skatole. At the time of increased skatole concentrations (age from 180 to 360
      days, depending on breed) 25.5% of Yorkshire, 31.6% of Landrace, 20.3% of
      Hampshire and 61.1% of Duroc entire male pigs had skatole levels above 12.6 MUg/L
      of plasma, which corresponds to the threshold level of 0.20 MUg/g of fat that is
      used for selecting tainted carcasses. The results indicate that increased levels
      of skatole in entire male pigs are related to puberty and taking skatole
      measurements at that age could be advantageous when considering genetic selection
      to reduce boar taint level in entire male pigs. Breed differences should be also
      taken into account.

PMID- 22061334
TI  - Composition and sensory evaluation of lamb carcasses used for the traditional
      Mexican lamb dish, "barbacoa".
AB  - The objective of this study was to determine the differences in carcass
      characteristics and sensory attributes of "barbacoa" (a traditional Mexican lamb
      dish), both of imported (New Zealand) and domestic lambs in Mexico. A total of 28
      carcasses from Pelibuey, Pelibuey*Suffolk and imported lambs were used. Carcass
      composition was determined by dissection of primal cuts from the left half of
      each carcass. The "barbacoa" from each ovine group was prepared separately in
      order to perform a consumer sensory evaluation for aroma, taste and tenderness.
      Results showed that imported lambs had larger carcasses, greater fatness and had
      better conformation than national lambs. There was no difference between groups
      in terms of lean tissue percentage (muscle+others) or in total carcass fat. The
      sensory attributes of the "barbacoa" did not differ among breeds. Pelibuey lambs
      (rustic, prolific and adaptable to the wide variety of Mexican climates) show
      competitive production performance in relation to specialized breeds.

PMID- 22061335
TI  - The effect of dietary magnesium oxide supplementation on postmortem (31)P NMR
      spectroscopy parameters, rate of Ca(2+) uptake and ATPase activity of M.
      longissimus dorsi and meat quality of heterozygous and normal on malignant
      hyperthermia pigs.
AB  - Twenty four crossbred (Large White, White Meaty, Pietrain, Hampshire) pigs were
      tested by DNA probe for a mutation on the ryanodine receptor RYR1 (malignant
      hyperthermia-MH). An equal number of pigs heterozygote (monomutant-MON) and
      normal on MH (nonmutant-NON) were used in the experiment. The pigs were fed
      finisher feed (control group) or finisher feed supplemented with magnesium (3.6 g
      MgO per pig per day; MgO group) for 5 days prior to slaughter. Pigs fed the diet
      supplemented with MgO had higher plasma Mg concentrations. Phosphorus nuclear
      magnetic resonance ((31)P NMR) measurements on postmortem (15 min) muscle samples
      (longissimus muscle) showed the highest phosphocreatine levels in normal pigs fed
      MgO (P<0.05). The MgO supplementation caused increased Ca(2+) uptake and Ca(2+)
      ATPase activity only in normal (NON) pigs. ATPase activity was lowest (P<0.05) in
      heterozygote control pigs. Pigs fed MgO supplemented diet had higher pH (45 min
      postmortem). A significant lower pH (P<0.05) was obtained in heterozygous (MON)
      control pigs. Also pigs fed with MgO had lower percentage of drip losses and
      significant differences (P<0.05) were obtained between heterozygous (MON) pigs.
      The results indicate that dietary MgO supplementation can improve parameters of
      muscle energetic metabolism, Ca(2+) uptake and meat quality (pH, drip loss).

PMID- 22061336
TI  - Study on the usefulness of high-molecular-weight (HMW)-Adiponectin level check of
      Japanese general population upon health check: comparison of carotid
      ultrasonography measurement.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: High-molecular-weight (HMW)-adiponectin is an active and powerful
      predictor of atherosclerosis. Unfortunately, there is currently no reliable
      epidemiological reference level data available in Japan. The current ELISA method
      for HMW-adiponectin measurement is tedious as it requires several sample pre
      treatment steps. We studied the reference level of HMW-adiponectin measured by a
      simple, fully-automated CLEIA. DESIGN: The study subjects were 858 men and 793
      women who underwent health check-ups at a Japanese Red Cross Medical Center. We
      investigated the relation between HMW-adiponectin and metabolic parameters,
      including carotid ultrasonography. RESULTS: The mean values of HMW-adiponectin
      were 3.11 +/- 1.99 MUg/ml in men, and 5.52 +/- 3.07 MUg/ml in women. There were
      significant differences (p<0.001) in relation to gender and age, where levels
      gradually increased with age. HMW-adiponectin was 3.18 +/- 1.45 MUg/ml in male
      subjects without carotid lesions, and 2.28 +/- 0.90 MUg/ml in male subjects with
      lesions. CONCLUSIONS: HMW-adiponectin measured by simple CLEIA could be useful
      for routine risk assessment.

PMID- 22061337
TI  - Correlation of creatinine with TSH levels in overt hypothyroidism - a requirement
      for monitoring of renal function in hypothyroid patients?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Renal function is influenced by thyroid status. Therefore, this study
      was done to determine the relationship between renal function and different
      degrees of thyroid dysfunction. DESIGN AND METHODS: Thyroid and kidney function
      tests were analyzed in 47 patients with overt (TSH >= 10.0 MUIU/L) and 77
      patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (TSH 6.0-9.9 MUIU/L) in a cross
      sectional study. These were compared with 120 age- and sex-matched euthyroid
      controls. RESULTS: Overt hypothyroid subjects showed significantly raised serum
      urea, creatinine and uric acid levels as compared to controls whereas subclinical
      hypothyroid patients showed significant increased levels of serum urea and
      creatinine levels. TSH showed significant positive correlation with creatinine
      and uric acid values and, fT4 had a negative correlation with uric acid in overt
      hypothyroidism. CONCLUSION: Hypothyroid state is associated with significant
      derangement in biochemical parameters of renal function. Hence the renal function
      should be regularly monitored in hypothyroid patients.

PMID- 22061338
TI  - Identification of possible biomarkers for breast cancer from free fatty acid
      profiles determined by GC-MS and multivariate statistical analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim was to investigate the free fatty acid (FFA) metabolic
      profiles and to identify biomarkers that can be used to distinguish patients with
      breast cancer (BC) from benign (BE) patients or healthy controls. DESIGN AND
      METHODS: A total of 114 subjects were divided into the following three groups: BC
      patients, BE patients and controls. The FFA profiles in three groups were studied
      by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry coupled with multivariate statistical
      analysis. RESULTS: Three saturated fatty acids (C14:0, C16:0 and C18:0) and three
      unsaturated fatty acids (C18:2, C18:3 and C20:5) in BC were significantly
      different than controls. Palmitic acid, stearic acid, linoleic acid and total FFA
      were identified as potential biomarkers distinguished BC from the other groups.
      CONCLUSION: The alterations of FFA could reflect underlying metabolic changes in
      BC patients, and this study has demonstrated that FFA biomarkers might be helpful
      for prevention and characterization of BC patients.

PMID- 22061339
TI  - Substance use in lesbian, gay, and bisexual populations: an update on empirical
      research and implications for treatment.
AB  - Historically, substance use problems were thought to be more prevalent in
      lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) populations, and correcting skewed perceptions
      about substance abuse among LGB individuals is critically important. This review
      provides an update on empirical evidence on LGB substance use patterns and
      treatment outcome, with specific focus on clinical implications of findings.
      Compared to earlier studies, the recent research included in this review has used
      more sophisticated methodologies and more representative samples, and also has
      investigated multiple dimensions of sexual orientation in relation to substance
      use patterns. Findings from recent research suggest that lesbians and bisexual
      women are at greater risk for alcohol and drug use disorders and related
      problems, and that gay and bisexual men are at greater risk for illicit drug use
      and related problems. Several sociocultural factors have emerged as correlates of
      substance use patterns in LGB populations (e.g., affiliation with gay culture,
      HIV status), and several demographic characteristics (e.g., female, older age) do
      not appear to be as robust of protective factors against substance abuse for LGB
      individuals compared to heterosexual populations. Bisexual identity and/or
      behavior in particular seem to be related to increased risk for substance abuse.
      In terms of treatment outcome, limitations of extant research prevent conclusions
      about the relative impact of LGB-specific interventions, and further research
      that includes women and uses more equivalent comparison interventions is needed.
      Clinical implications of research findings are discussed for case identification,
      selection of treatment goals (e.g., moderation vs. abstinence), targets for
      intervention, and specific treatment modalities.

PMID- 22061341
TI  - The bacteriological quality of British beef 2. Frozen minced beef.
AB  - Frozen minced beef was obtained from five commercial wholesale producers, and the
      aerobic plate count, and counts of coliforms, Escherichia coli type 1 and
      Staphylococcus aureus, determined. No E. coli O157:H7 or salmonellas were
      detected. The results were evaluated in relation to: (1) two earlier surveys
      involving fresh mince purchased from retail butchers and supermarkets in the UK
      (Roberts et al., 1980; Hudson et al., 1986); and (2) the standards set out in
      Annex II of the Minced Meat Directive 94/65/EC. In respect to the latter, none of
      the 99 samples of mince examined was unsatisfactory.

PMID- 22061340
TI  - Transitions in first-year college student drinking behaviors: does pre-college
      drinking moderate the effects of parent- and peer-based intervention components?
AB  - This study used Latent Transition Analysis (LTA) to examine a stage-sequential
      model of alcohol use among a sample of high-risk matriculating college students
      (N=1,275). Measures of alcohol use were collected via web-administered surveys
      during the summer before entering college and followed-up during the fall
      semester of college. Seven indicators of alcohol use were used in the LTA models,
      including temporal measures of typical drinking throughout the week. The results
      indicated that four latent statuses characterized patterns of drinking at both
      times, though the proportion of students in each status changed during the
      transition to college: (a) nondrinkers; (b) weekend nonbingers; (c) weekend
      bingers; and (d) heavy drinkers. Heavy drinkers were distinguished by heavy
      episodic drinking (HED), and increased likelihood of drinking throughout the
      week, especially on Thursdays. Covariates were added to the LTA model to examine
      the main and interaction effects of parent- and peer-based intervention
      components. Results indicated that participants in the parent and peer conditions
      were least likely to transition to the heavy drinkers status. Results also
      indicated that the parent condition was most effective at preventing baseline
      nondrinkers from transitioning to heavy drinkers whereas the peer condition was
      most effective at preventing escalation of use among weekend nonbingers. The
      results underscore the value of considering multiple dimensions of alcohol use
      within a person-centered approach. Differential treatment effects were found
      across baseline drinking class, suggesting the benefit for tailored intervention
      programs to reduce high-risk drinking among college students.

PMID- 22061342
TI  - The bacteriological quality of British beef 3. Frozen primal joints.
AB  - The bacteriological status of 286 primal cuts stored frozen in intervention
      stores in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland for between 18 and 216 weeks was
      assessed in two surveys carried out during 1993 (120 cuts) and 1994 (166 cuts).
      Overall the aerobic plate count at 25 degrees C and the presumptive pseudomonad
      counts were <10(5)cm(2) on 269 (94%) and 273 (95.5%) of the cuts, respectively.
      Similarly the coliform and enterococcal counts were <10(3)cm(2) on 98.3% and
      97.9% of the cuts, respectively. These findings suggest that the quality of
      dressing and butchery of the carcasses was of a generally satisfactory standard
      although on occasions there may have been suboptimum hygiene control during
      slaughter and butchery or some delay before freezing. The bacterial numbers were
      higher on average on the cuts obtained from the lower part of the carcass while
      there was a tendency for the number of aerobic spoilage organism to decrease
      slightly with increasing storage time. Evidence was obtained in the second survey
      which indicated differences between microbiological quality of meat coming from
      different boning plants although it was not possible to make a detailed
      evaluation of this point as the number of cuts available for sampling from each
      plant differed in each year.

PMID- 22061343
TI  - Histochemical characteristics in relation to meat quality properties in the
      Longissimus Lumborum of fast and lean growing lines of Large White pigs.
AB  - A selection experiment was carried out to study genetic and physiological factors
      influencing meat quality in lines of Large White pigs selected for lean (L) or
      fast (F) growth. Second and fourth generation pigs were used to determine effects
      on fibre type composition, fibre diameters and capillary density in the
      Longissimus Lumborum (LL). Significant differences in histochemical properties
      were found in the LL between L- and F-pigs, but only in the 4th generation. L
      pigs had significantly less type I and more type IIB myofibres compared to F-pigs
      in both sexes. In both lines lower type I and higher type IIB percentages were
      determined in gilts compared with boars. Significant differences in meat quality
      properties between L- and F-pigs were found in the LL, but only in the 4th
      generation. The a* values were significantly higher in F- versus L-pigs and in
      boars versus gilts. L* values were not significantly different between lines.
      However, L* values were significantly lower in 4th versus 2nd generation pigs and
      in boars versus gilts. In conclusion, genetic selection on lean versus fast
      growth induces differences in fibre type composition of the LL. These differences
      become visible in the 4th generation, when a certain selection effect is
      achieved. Fibre type composition was influenced by the gender of the animal. Meat
      quality showed significant differences between lines in meat colour (a* value),
      but only in the 4th generation. Capillary density and fibre area between L- and F
      lines showed minor differences, which could be explained by the differences in
      weight and age of the pigs of both lines.

PMID- 22061344
TI  - Effect of the dietary supplementation with Vitamin E on colour stability of
      packaged, sliced pasteurized ham.
AB  - The effect of dietary supplementation with vitamin E (200IU kg(-1) feed) on the
      colour stability of pasteurized ham was studied. Pigs were fed on control and
      enriched diets for the last 12 weeks before slaughter. Pasteurized ham was
      manufactured from the hams from 6 barrows and 6 gilts per dietary group. Half of
      the samples of sliced ham from control and supplemented pigs were packaged under
      vacuum (VAC) and half in low-oxygen modified atmosphere packs (FOG, gas mixture:
      CO(2)/N(2)=60/40). Half the packages were kept under constant illumination and
      the other half in the dark, both for 22 days at 7 degrees C. The redness
      component of the VAC-packaged ham prepared from vitamin E-supplemented pigs was
      slightly more stable than that of comparably packaged ham prepared from control
      pigs. The opposite was observed for the FOG-packaged products. Overall, colour
      changes were greater in the ham in FOG-packs than in the ham in VAC-packs. In
      addition, the colour of the FOG-packaged ham was clearly affected by
      illumination, whereas the colour of the VAC-packaged ham appeared more stable. It
      is concluded that dietary supplementation of pigs with vitamin E does not appear
      to offer significant advantages over currently used feeding regimens with regard
      to the quality of the ham produced.

PMID- 22061345
TI  - The effect of handling pre-slaughter and carcass processing rate post-slaughter
      on pork quality.
AB  - Forty-eight male crossbred (Large White-Landrace) pigs were used in a 2*2
      factorial design to determine the effect of pre-slaughter handling (minimal and
      negative handling prior to slaughter) and the rate of carcass processing post
      slaughter [normal rate (45min) and delayed rate (70min) from time of
      exsanguination to carcass entering the chiller] on muscle glycolysis and pork
      quality. Pigs negatively (using an electric goad) handled at the abattoir just
      prior to slaughter had lower muscle glycogen concentrations in the Longissimus
      thoracis (LT) and the Biceps femoris (BF) at all times post-slaughter and lower
      lactic acid at 5, 45 and 70min post-slaughter compared to pigs minimally (no use
      of electric goads) handled prior to slaughter. Negative handling of pigs just
      prior to slaughter also resulted in pork which had higher surface exudate and a
      higher incidence of PSE compared with pigs minimally handled prior to slaughter.
      A prolonged rate of carcass processing resulted in reduced muscle glycogen in the
      LT and BF at all times post-slaughter. Delays in carcass processing rate also
      affected pork quality, as the meat was paler in comparison with pig carcasses
      that were processed without any delays. The results from this experiment have
      indicated that the use of electric goads to move pigs at the abattoir, and delays
      in carcass processing post-slaughter, can have a detrimental influence on
      ultimate pork quality.

PMID- 22061346
TI  - The effect of stocking density in transit on the carcass quality and welfare of
      slaughter pigs: 1. Carcass measurements.
AB  - In a trial involving 2496 pigs, the effect of transport stocking densities of
      201, 241, 281 and 321kg m(-2) on carcass quality and welfare were evaluated. This
      range encompassed the upper level set for 100kg pigs in European Union
      legislation (235kg m(-2)). Four farms and two lorries were involved over 16
      experimental days with an average journey time of 3hr. Stocking density had no
      effect on any variables measured. Source farm had a significant effect on
      ultimate pH, reflectance and electrical conductivity in the m. longissimus dorsi,
      reflectance in the m. adductor and extent of rigor mortis development in the m.
      semimembranosus. Overall, the measurements made produced no evidence that
      transport stocking density had an effect on the carcass quality or welfare of
      95kg pigs on short journeys.

PMID- 22061347
TI  - The effect of stocking density in transit on the carcass quality and welfare of
      slaughter pigs: 2. Results from the analysis of blood and meat samples.
AB  - In a trial involving 2496 pigs, the influences on blood profile and pork quality
      of stocking densities ranging from 201 to 321kg m(-2) were examined. The pigs
      came from four different farms and were killed in 16 weekly batches. They were
      transported for on average 3hr and held in lairage for 1hr. Higher stocking
      densities resulted in more physical stress to the pigs based on the activity of
      the enzyme CPK in the blood. Stocking density did not apparently affect
      psychological stress and high densities did not result in dehydration. The
      colour, water holding capacity and instrumentally-determined texture of the pork
      from the carcasses of the pigs were not affected by stocking density. The
      experimental design and precision of the measurements were sufficient to detect
      numerous differences in blood profile and pork quality between pigs from the four
      source farms. These differences probably related to different degrees of stress
      susceptibility. The results suggest that the highest stocking density examined
      (321kg m(-2)) is unacceptable for the transport of pigs. The second highest
      density (281kg m(-2)) produced relatively little evidence of an adverse effect on
      the welfare of pigs. It may be scientifically acceptable for short journeys
      (<=3hr) but not for longer ones where pigs need more space to lie down.

PMID- 22061348
TI  - Influences of the method of housing bulls on their body composition and muscle
      fibre types.
AB  - The influence of the type of housing (loose or tying-type) was studied in
      relation to body composition and muscular characteristics of bulls. 34 young
      bulls (18 Salers and 16 Limousins) were divided into two groups with equal breed
      representation and equal mean growth rates, to 10 months of age. One group was
      housed in tying-type housing (short stalls 1.8m(2) per animal) and the other in
      loose housing (6.5m(2) per animal). Samples of semitendinosus (ST) and
      longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle were taken at slaughter at 16 months. The
      lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICDH) activities were
      measured. The proportion of isoforms LDH-M and LDH-H were determined for each
      muscle. Total collagen content and solubility were measured for ST alone. Fibres
      were classified by ATPase myofibrillar and succinate dehydrogenase activities
      into SO (slow oxidative), FOG (fast oxidative glycolytic) or FG (fast
      glycolytic), and by immunohistochemistry by reaction with monoclonal antibodies
      specific to slow and fast myosin heavy chain reactions into I, IIC, IIA, IIAB and
      IIB fibres. Compared with animals in tying-type housing, animals in loose housing
      presented the following: fewer carcass adipose deposits (p<0.01); for ST muscle,
      more collagen (p<0.01) and a reduced glycolytic metabolism, as indicated by lower
      LDH activity (p<0.10) and a lower proportion of FG fibres (p<0.10). In both ST
      and LT muscles, loose housing resulted in an increased percentage of IIC fibres
      (p<0.05) but did not alter the proportions of fast fibres. Modifications in ST
      alone were increased percentage of IIA fibres (p<0.10) and IIAB fibres (p<0.01)
      and a lower percentage of IIB fibres (p<0.01). Thus, for a given rate of growth,
      the type of housing (loose or tying-type) influenced contractile characteristics,
      especially in muscles involved in movement.

PMID- 22061349
TI  - Effect of genetic origin, diet and weaning weight on carcass composition, muscle
      physicochemical and histochemical traits in the rabbit.
AB  - Fifty rabbits originating from the crossing of one dam strain with three sire
      strains, Hy+, INRA 9077 and INRA 3889, were studied. The adult body weights of
      the sire strains were 5.1, 4.1 and 3.1kg, respectively. After weaning, the Hy+
      and the INRA 9077 rabbits were fed either an H (11.99MJ DEkgDM(-1)) or L diet
      (9.67MJ DEkg DM(-1)). The INRA 3889 rabbits were fed only the H diet. In each of
      these five blocks, two weaning weights were studied and the rabbits were
      slaughtered when the average body weight of each block reached 2.5kg. Slaughter
      yield, carcass fatness and hindleg meat to bone ratio were determined. Muscular
      tissue was described using (1) physicochemical criteria (ultimate pH,
      L(*)a(*)b(*) colour) of the biceps femoris (BFE), tensor fasciae latae (TFL) and
      semimembranosus accessorius (SMA) muscles and (2) histochemical characteristics
      of the longissimus lumborum muscle (LL) through computerised image analysis
      (fibre type composition, cross-sectional area). At slaughter, the rabbits of INRA
      3889 sire origin, which had the highest degree of maturity (72%), gave the best
      slaughter yield (p<0.01), the heaviest reference carcass weight (p<0.01), and
      highest LL proportion (p<0.01), hindleg meat to bone ratio (p<0.05) and fatness
      (p<0.01); their LL muscle showed the lowest percentage of betaR fibres, while the
      cross-sectional area of their muscular fibres was the highest (p<0.05). When all
      sire * diet combinations were put together, the heavier the weaning weight, the
      lower the daily gain (p<0.01) and the lightness (L*) of thigh muscles (p<0.05).
      The lower the DE content of the diet, the lower the growth rate, the slaughter
      yield, the reference carcass weight (p<0.01) and the cross-sectional area of all
      types of muscle fibres of the rabbits of both Hy+ and INRA 9077 sire origin.

PMID- 22061350
TI  - Inhibition of Lipid Oxidation in Chicken by Carnosine and Dietary alpha
      Tocopherol Supplementation and its Determination by Derivative Spectrophotometry.
AB  - The antioxidant activity of carnosine in chicken meat, and its relationship to
      dietary alpha-tocopherol supplementation, was examined. Broiler chickens were fed
      diets containing 30 (basal) or 200 (supplemental) mg alpha-tocopherol acetate kg(
      1) feed for 6 weeks. Raw and cooked thigh meat patties containing carnosine (0
      1.5%) were prepared. Lipid oxidation, during refrigerated storage under
      fluorescent light, was assessed by monitoring malonaldehyde formation, using the
      TBA assay and single wavelength (conventional) or first derivative
      spectrophotometry. In raw patties, added carnosine improved oxidative stability
      for up to 10 days of refrigerated storage. In cooked patties, the 1.5% carnosine
      level provided the best antioxidant protection during 7 days of storage.
      Carnosine (1.5%) was at least as effective as supplemental alpha-tocopherol in
      improving the oxidative stability of raw and cooked patties. The presence of both
      antioxidants had an additive effect on oxidative stability. Overall, the use of
      derivative spectrophotometry improved the specificity of the TBA assay for
      monitoring MDA formation in refrigerated meats.

PMID- 22061351
TI  - Porcine bone marrow: extraction procedure and characterization by bone type.
AB  - Data on porcine and bovine bone marrow composition indicate high calcium content,
      which may be erroneously elevated owing to the marrow recovery process. A method
      of bone marrow recovery was developed that involved passing marrow extracted from
      bone through a filter-press mechanism to remove very fine bone particles and
      dust, allowing a more accurate analysis of marrow. Calcium values were reduced
      approximately 90% and ash values reduced more than 50% compared to other reported
      data. The new recovery method did not require sawing away the hard bone and it
      removed particulate that may have interfered with analyses. Bone marrow was
      characterized by bone type. Rib bone marrow had higher protein, iron, non-heme
      iron and total pigment than scapula, aitch/hip bone or vertebrae marrow. Fat
      ranged from 17.81 to 26.76% and calcium ranged from 27.25 to 44.33mg 100g(-1)
      among bone types. The pH of bone marrow ranged from 7.14 to 7.53. Bone marrow
      appears to contribute to some of the properties of meat obtained from advanced
      meat recovery systems.

PMID- 22061352
TI  - Sodium Lactate/Sodium Tripolyphosphate Combination Effects on Aerobic Plate
      Counts, pH and Color of Fresh Pork Longissimus Muscle.
AB  - The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of sodium lactate/sodium
      tripolyphosphate pump combinations on the characteristics of pork loins. The
      product was manufactured to simulate fresh pumped pork loins currently available
      in the retail market. Paired fresh pork loins (longissimus muscle), pumped to
      contain 0, 1 or 2% sodium lactate (SL) and/or 0, 0.2 or 0.4% sodium
      tripolyphosphate (STP) were vacuum packaged and stored at 4 degrees C for 28
      days. In pork containing 0.4% STP, samples with 1 or 2% SL had lower pH values
      than those with 0% SL. Pork containing 1 or 2% SL generally had lower aerobic
      plate counts than those with 0% SL. Pork with 0.4% STP was darker (lower L*
      value) and redder (higher a* value) than that with 0 or 0.2% STP. When aerobic
      plate counts and color characteristics are used as the criteria, the optimum
      SL/STP combination for solutions used to pump fresh pork loins that are vacuum
      packaged and held under refrigeration was 1% SL with 0.2% STP.

PMID- 22061353
TI  - The influence of final conditions on meat colour in light lamb carcasses.
AB  - Tristimulus values (X, Y, Z) and CIELAB colourimetric coordinates have been
      measured in m. Longissimus dorsi and m. Triceps braquialis caput longum muscles
      in 86 light carcasses of lambs from different origins. By applying to these data
      different mathematical methods (ANOVA, Discriminant Analysis, Principal
      Components Analysis and Cluster Analysis) we have obtained a good classification
      of these animals in groups, which has been established according to the different
      final conditions (feeding or storage). In this way, the percentage of animals
      accurately classified into their group is 94.2%. Worse results were obtained
      (84.9%) if the animals were grouped taking their breed or/and origin as a
      reference.

PMID- 22061354
TI  - Comparative study of low-field NMR relaxation measurements and two traditional
      methods in the determination of water holding capacity of pork.
AB  - The correlation between transverse relaxation, T(2,) and water holding capacity
      (WHC) determined either by Honikels bag method (Honikel, 1998) or centrifugation
      has been investigated in meat samples from m. longissimus dorsi (LD) 24 h post
      mortem from 74 pigs. Bi-exponential analysis of the transverse relaxation, T(2),
      showed highly significant correlations between both the two NMR time constants
      (T(21),T(22)) and water holding capacity determined by both Honikels bag method
      (r(T(21))=-0.72 and r(T(22))=0.77) and centrifugation (r(T(21))-0.50 and
      r(T(22))=0.75). This shows that transverse relaxation measurement is an efficient
      method for determination of water holding capacity in pork. Significant
      correlations were also found between T(21) and T(22) measured 24 h post mortem
      and pH measured at various time post mortem. This indicates that transverse
      relaxation, T(2), reflects pH-induced structural changes occurring in muscles
      post mortem.

PMID- 22061355
TI  - Characterization of different strains of broiler chicken by carcass measurements,
      chemical and physical parameters and NIRS on breast muscle.
AB  - The aims of the work were: to investigate the effect of chicken strain on
      chemical composition and colour parameters of fresh breast muscle; to evaluate
      the results obtained using different illuminants (A, C and F); to verify the
      possibility of predicting some meat features by near infrared reflectance
      spectroscopy (NIRS) of freeze-dried breast muscle. The trial was carried out on
      39 chicken broilers from three strains, differing in body size, slaughtered at 30
      days of age. Fresh breast samples were different only in ash content (P<0.01).
      Illuminant effect was highly significant for all colour variables, depending on
      the major wavelength characteristics of each illuminant. Significant differences
      among strains were detected in redness values. The NIRS technique was very
      accurate to predict fat content of muscle (R(2)c=0.98, SEC=0.20). These findings
      may have practical importance to improve instrumental procedures for on-line
      evaluation of poultry meat quality.

PMID- 22061356
TI  - Evaluation of electrical stunning methods using alternative frequencies in
      commercial rabbits.
AB  - The stages of recovery and spontaneous physical activity were evaluated using
      five methods of electrical stunning with variable voltage and frequency in an
      experiment with commercial rabbits (n=50). The recovery stages, evaluated by
      video recording, were: the tonic phase; the clonic phase; the corneal reflex; the
      resumption to rhythmic breathing, the response to painful stimuli and the hindleg
      posture. In a second rabbit sample (n=96) the muscular pH of the m. biceps femori
      and the pH of the m. longissimus dorsi were recorded. The levels of stunning were
      acceptable in all rabbits, with small variations among methods, especially with
      respect to the last stage of recovery. The period of insensibility before the
      appearance of the rhythmic breathing was an average of 30.14 +/- 0.5 s long.
      There was no significant effect on meat pH at 24 h.

PMID- 22061357
TI  - Electrical stimulation - when more is less.
AB  - This study was conducted to determine whether electrical stimulation per se can
      be omitted when other electrical inputs to beef carcasses (stunning and
      immobilisation) are used. In addition, we investigated which sample preparation
      method at 1 day post mortem (p.m.), cooked fresh, frozen, or after thawing, had
      the best predictive value for shear force after ageing of the muscle. Beef
      carcasses were electrically immobilized (75 V, 15 Hz) before and during
      exsanguination for 20 or 80 s and meat quality characteristics of the longissimus
      were determined at 1 and 7 days post mortem. Muscles from carcasses receiving the
      higher electrical input were similar in tenderness at 1 day p.m., but tougher at
      7 days p.m. This result could be explained by the effect of muscle shortening and
      post mortem proteolysis on tenderness. These results indicate that even low
      electrical input during immobilization can adequately stimulate carcasses and
      avoid cold shortening. Freezing samples resulted in a considerable improvement in
      tenderness and cooking samples from the frozen state had the highest predictive
      value for tenderness after ageing. In a second experiment it was determined that
      freezing and thawing did not result in appreciable differences in cooking loss or
      proteolysis. The tenderising effect of freezing may be explained by tissue damage
      due to ice formation.

PMID- 22061358
TI  - Diverse lamb genotypes. 3. Eating quality and the relationship between its
      objective measurement and sensory assessment.
AB  - The effect of genotype on eating quality was evaluated on m. Longissimus thoracis
      et lumborum (LTL) muscle of 60 lambs. The lambs were sired by a selection of
      Texel (T), Poll Dorset (PD), Border Leicester (BL) and Merino (M) rams, crossed
      with Border Leicester x Merino (BLM) and Merino (M) ewes giving six genotypes
      (TxBLM, PDxBLM, TxM, PDxM, BLxM and MxM). The relationships between sensory panel
      assessment of eating quality attributes and pH, cooking loss and shear force were
      also investigated. No significant differences were observed between genotypes for
      panel assessment of tenderness, juiciness, aroma liking, aroma strength, flavour
      liking, overall acceptability and rating. MxM lambs had a significantly (P<0.05)
      higher flavour strength than BLxM lambs. pH was a poor indicator of any eating
      quality attributes, except aroma strength (r=0.3, P<0.05). Warner Bratzler shear
      force value (WB) and tenderness showed a significant (P<0.001) negative
      correlation (-0.7). Tenderness, flavour and juiciness were the most important
      sensory attributes, explaining 86.5% of the total variation in overall
      acceptability.

PMID- 22061359
TI  - Quantitative competitive (QC) PCR for quantification of porcine DNA.
AB  - Many meat products nowadays may contain several species in different proportions.
      To protect consumers from fraud and misdeclarations, not only a qualitative but
      also a quantitative monitoring of ingredients of complex food products is
      necessary. DNA based techniques like the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) are
      widely used for identification of species but no answer to the proportional
      amount of a certain species could be given using current techniques. In this
      study we report the development and evaluation of a quantitative competitive
      polymerase chain reaction (QC-PCR) for detection and quantification of porcine
      DNA using a new porcine specific PCR system based on the growth hormone gene of
      sus scrofa. A DNA competitor differing by 30 bp in length from the porcine target
      sequence was constructed and used for PCR together with the target DNA.
      Specificity of the new primers was evaluated with DNA from cattle, sheep, chicken
      and turkey. The competitor concentration was adjusted to porcine DNA contents of
      2 or 20% by coamplification of mixtures containing porcine and corresponding
      amounts of bovine DNA in defined ratios.

PMID- 22061360
TI  - Measuring pork color: effects of bloom time, muscle, pH and relationship to
      instrumental parameters.
AB  - To evaluate factors affecting pork color, the gluteus medius (GM), longissimus
      lumborumetthoracis (LT), semimembranosus (SM), biceps femoris (BF), and triceps
      brachii (TRI) muscles from pork carcasses of varying ultimate pHs were allowed to
      bloom for 30 min. L*, a*, and b* values, hue angle, chroma and visual color were
      determined. Color was evaluated using HunterLab (illuminants A, C, D(65) and F)
      and Minolta (illuminants C and D(65)) Spectrocolorimeters. LT had the highest L*
      value (51.31; TR=39.93) and hue angle (59.36; TR=46.94), and the lowest a* (7.52;
      TR=12.88) value. L* value was unaffected by bloom time; hue angle stabilized
      after 5 min, a* and b* values after 10 min and chroma after 20 min. Using the
      Minolta/illuminant D65, visual color best correlated with b* and L* values (r=
      0.94 and -0.89) of LT. Using the Hunter/illuminant C, visual color correlated
      with L* value of LT, GM, BF and SM (r >-0.90 for each). Overall, the instrumental
      measure that best related to visual color was L* value.

PMID- 22061361
TI  - Assessment of the antioxidant potential of natural food and plant extracts in
      fresh and previously frozen pork patties.
AB  - Antioxidant activities of aloe vera, fenugreek, ginseng, mustard, rosemary, sage,
      soya protein, tea catechins and whey protein concentrate (35% protein) were
      evaluated in pork patties prepared from both fresh and previously frozen (-20
      degrees C) pork. Chemical analysis showed test ingredients to be more effective
      in reducing lipid oxidation in patties made from previously frozen pork. Tea
      catechins, rosemary and sage were identified as being the most effective
      antioxidants with potency decreasing in the following order: tea
      catechins>rosemary>sage. Optimum addition rates of these ingredients suggested
      levels of 0.25, 0.10, 0.05% for tea catechins, rosemary and sage, respectively.
      Soya protein (0.10%) increased meat redness in fresh pork patties producing
      significantly (P<0.05) higher Hunter 'a' values over the controls on days 0, 3
      and 6. However, fenugreek (0.01%) was more effective in increasing Hunter 'a'
      values in patties manufactured from previously frozen pork. No significant
      (P>0.05) differences in Hunter 'L' and 'b' values were found between test and
      control samples on storage. The pH values of tea catechins, sage and soya protein
      fluctuated over time. Fresh pork patties with mustard and ginseng caused an
      initial decrease followed by a subsequent increase in pH values. Fenugreek caused
      an initial increase in pH values followed by a decrease from day 3 onwards.

PMID- 22061362
TI  - Estimation of the carcass composition of yearling bulls of "Asturiana de los
      Valles" breed from the dissection of a rib joint.
AB  - To evaluate different methods of estimating bovine carcass composition, seventy
      yearling bulls of the "Asturiana de los Valles" beef breed were slaughtered and
      their carcass composition estimated by a commercial dissection of the right half
      carcass and by tissular dissection of the 6th and 10th rib of the left half
      carcass. Correlation and regression analyses were used to identify the most
      accurate predictors of carcass composition. In simple regression, the percentage
      of lean in the 10th rib was the most accurate predictor (r=0.88; P<0.001) of the
      lean proportion in the carcass and the percentage of fat in the 6th rib was the
      best predictor (r=0.90; P<0.001) of the carcass fat content. The correlation
      coefficients for estimating the bone percentage in the carcass from the bone
      proportion in the ribs (6th and 10th) were low (r=0.63 and 0.51 respectively),
      although significant (P<0.001) and the coefficient improved when the proportion
      of lean in the ribs was used as predictor (r=0.78 and 0.70 for the 6th and the
      10th rib respectively). In multiple regression, the addition of more regressors
      of the rib composition and carcass traits, such as carcass hot weight, the
      carcass fatness score and the weight of the kidney knob and channel fat, led to
      an improvement (P<0.05) in accuracy for some predictions. The results in general
      show that the accuracy of the predictions for the carcass composition obtained
      from dissection of both the 6th and 10th ribs was similar, although the
      dissection of the 10th rib tended to overestimate the proportion of fat in the
      carcass. Therefore, considering the carcass quartering method for the extraction
      of the ribs, it is proposed that dissection of the 6th rib is more appropriate
      than dissection of the 10th rib so as not to reduce the carcass value and obtain
      a good estimate of the carcass composition.

PMID- 22061363
TI  - Instrumental colour classification of veal carcasses.
AB  - Three experiments, involving over 56 000 veal carcasses, were carried out to
      develop a method for instrumental colour classification of veal carcasses at 45
      min post mortem with the Minolta CR300. The method should produce results similar
      to those of the 10-point colour-system, which is currently in use in The
      Netherlands. In the first experiment, the colour of veal carcasses was visually
      assessed by three observers and instrumentally measured with two Minolta CR300
      devices. The average of the results of the three observers and the two Minolta
      devices were used for discriminant analysis to analyse yield classification
      rules, which allowed to assignment of the carcasses to classes of the 10-point
      colour-system. Identical classifications for Minolta and observer were obtained
      for 63.2% of the carcasses. In the second and third experiment, the
      classification rules with the Minolta CR300 were used to predict the colour
      class. For the new samples, identical classification results were obtained for 50
      55% of the carcasses. In 41-44% of the carcasses the classification results
      differed by less than one class. The results show that the Minolta CR300 is under
      practical conditions able to predict the 10-point colour classes and can be used
      for on-line colour classification in a slaughterhouse.

PMID- 22061364
TI  - Cholesterol oxidation in frozen dark chicken meat: influence of dietary fat
      source, and alpha-tocopherol and ascorbic acid supplementation.
AB  - A factorial design assessed the effect of dietary fat source (beef tallow, fresh
      and oxidized sunflower oils, and linseed oil), and alpha-tocopheryl acetate
      (alpha-TA) and ascorbic acid (AA) supplementation (225 and 110 mg/kg feed,
      respectively) on the cholesterol oxidation product (COP) content and 2
      thiobarbituric acid (TBA) values in raw and cooked dark chicken meat vacuum
      packaged and stored at -20 degrees C for 7 months. COP determination showed good
      linearity, recovery and precision. Dietary alpha-TA was highly effective in
      protecting raw or cooked meat from cholesterol and fatty acid oxidation,
      regardless of its degree of unsaturation. In contrast, AA supplementation was
      ineffective and even promoted oxidation in raw meat from broilers fed unsaturated
      fat diets that had not been supplemented with alpha-TA. Oxidation values (raw or
      cooked meat) from alpha-TA or alpha-TA+AA supplemented diets were not
      statistically different (P>0.05). TBA and COP values were significantly
      correlated in raw samples (r=0.6466, P=0.0001).

PMID- 22061365
TI  - Effect of connective tissue on the shape of reflectance spectra obtained with a
      fibre-optic fat-depth probe in beef.
AB  - A fat-depth probe was fitted with optical fibres to combine depth detection with
      spectrophotometry and fluorometry. Measurements were made through forelimb
      flexor, triceps brachii and longissimus thoracis muscles on 22 beef carcasses in
      a meat cooler. All strong fluorescence peaks had matching strong reflectance
      peaks (presumably connective tissue), but some strong reflectance peaks did not
      have equivalent fluorescence peaks (presumably adipose tissue). When the probe
      stopped at full depth and a complete reflectance spectrum was obtained, no effect
      from adipose tissue at the optical window of the probe was detected, whereas
      connective tissue increased reflectance across the visible spectrum (P < 0.005).
      The strongest effect was at 600 nm. Thus, spuriously high reflectance readings
      obtained with a fibre-optic meat probe are more likely to originate from
      connective tissue than from intramuscular adipose tissue.

PMID- 22061366
TI  - Changes in biogenic amine and polyamine contents in slightly fermented sausages
      manufactured with and without sugar.
AB  - The effect of sugar omission on biogenic amine contents of slightly fermented
      sausages during ripening and storage was evaluated. Two batches of spontaneously
      fermented sausages were produced with and without sugars in two different trials
      at pilot-plant scale. Ripened sausages were stored at 4 and 19 degrees C for a
      further 20 days. Tyramine and cadaverine were the main amines formed during
      ripening, their contents being significantly higher in batches without sugar.
      High counts of LAB and Enterobacteriaceae could be associated with the production
      of tyramine and cadaverine, respectively. The occurrence of putrescine depended
      on the trial and batch. Sausages without sugar contained more putrescine than
      those with sugar in trial 1, but this was not repeated in trial 2, in which a
      high production of agmatine occurred. Tryptamine and phenylethylamine were only
      detected in the later stages of ripening, their contents also being higher in
      sausages without sugar. Biogenic amine contents generally rose during storage at
      19 degrees C, the increase being especially important for cadaverine and tyramine
      in sausages without sugar. Levels of spermidine and spermine remained constant
      during ripening and decreased slightly during storage. Sugar omission is not
      recommended because it might increase biogenic amine accumulation during the
      manufacture and storage of slightly fermented sausages.

PMID- 22061368
TI  - Effect of feeding system on the growth and carcass characteristics of Iberian
      pigs, and the use of ultrasound to estimate yields of joints.
AB  - Forty three-castrated male Iberian pigs of the Torbiscal line with an average
      initial weight of 102.27kg were used. A group of 22 pigs was fed according to the
      traditional way in free-range conditions with acorn and grass from November to
      January. Another group of 21 animals was fed 3.72kg/day of a conventional feed
      that contained 12.53MJME/kg, 16.21% crude protein, 4.94% fat and 6.64% of crude
      fiber, during the same period. Measurements of backfat thickness and Longissimus
      dorsi muscle area at the last rib were taken by means of a real-time ultrasound
      device (Kretz Technick Inc., 600 V-V2.32, Sonovet, Austria) in all pigs before
      slaughter. After slaughter, carcass, ham and foreleg weights and backfat and
      muscle area measurement from the last rib chop were recorded. The average daily
      gain, carcass yield, fat thickness, loin area, ham weight and proportion of hams
      were significantly higher (P<0.05) in the pigs fed in confinement than in those
      fed extensively (653.36g, 77.97%, 56.46mm, 3031mm(2), 22.26kg and 14.32% vs
      501.48g, 76.94%, 51.74mm, 2673mm(2), 21.52kg and 13.79%, respectively). This
      paper shows the prediction equations for hams, forelegs and total hams and
      forelegs weights and proportions with respect to slaughter weight and live
      ultrasound measurements in pigs fed either extensively or in confinement. The
      ultrasound measurements better predicted the carcass cuts absolute amounts
      (R(2)=0.591-0.875) than the carcass cuts proportions (R(2)=0.23-0.40). The use of
      real-time ultrasound should be used with caution to predict the absolute
      quantities of hams and forelegs from Iberian pigs since the ultrasound
      measurements are only moderately accurate.

PMID- 22061369
TI  - Effect of antioxidants on stabilization of meat products fortified with n-3 fatty
      acids.
AB  - The effects of an n-3 oil emulsion, with and without added antioxidants, on lipid
      oxidation in n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)-fortified meat products were
      studied. An emulsion of n-3 PUFAs was prepared (25% algal oil, 2.5% whey protein
      isolates, 10mM sodium citrate, 0.2% potassium sorbate, 500ppm of 70% mixed
      tocopherols, 100MUM EDTA, pH 3, pasteurized at 75 degrees C for 30min) and
      incorporated into fresh ground turkey, and fresh pork sausage (20% fat) to
      achieve a concentration of 500mg n-3 PUFA/110g meat. An antioxidant combination
      containing rosemary (0.2% w/w; radical quencher), citrate (0.5% w/w; sequestrant)
      and erythorbate (1g/kg product; reductant) was prepared and incorporated into
      ground turkey patties (5cm dia, 1.5cm thick) or fresh pork sausages (5cm dia,
      1.5cm thick). Meat products were stored at 4 degrees C or -18 degrees C and
      analyzed for color (L*, a*, b* values), lipid oxidation (TBARS and lipid
      hydroperoxides) and n-3 PUFA profile. a* Values of refrigerated ground turkey
      patties decreased with storage, and an antioxidant combination effect was
      observed after 4 days (P<0.05). For fresh pork sausages at 4 degrees C,
      control+antioxidant (CON+ANTI), and n-3+antioxidant (n-3+ANTI) groups showed
      greater a* values than controls (CON) indicating that the antioxidant combination
      stabilized meat color. TBARS and lipid hydroperoxides of both n-3 PUFA-enhanced
      meat products increased with storage (P<0.05); there were no significant changes
      in TBARS or lipid hydroperoxides for treatments containing the antioxidant
      combination (P<0.05). The actual level of n-3 PUFA incorporation in both meat
      products was greater than 87%; n-3 PUFA concentrations did not change within any
      treatment during storage (P>0.05). These results provide support for including
      antioxidant protection in n-3 PUFA fortified meat products.

PMID- 22061370
TI  - Functionality of cow beef in coarse and fine ground model systems.
AB  - Patties and sausage batters were made from trimmed brisket, chuck, striploin,
      hindshank, silverside, thick flank and rib trim from grass-fed Friesian cows.
      Functionality of each meat cut was determined from cook yield and true stress and
      strain of cooked sausage batters and cook yield, dimensional changes and peak
      force of cooked patties. Colour of raw and cooked slices from the meat cuts and
      cooked batters was evaluated using a colorimeter and a consumer panel.
      Composition of raw meat from all cuts was similar; chuck and rib trim had higher
      pH values and were more red than meat from other cuts. Cooked batters from
      striploin, chuck and hindshank had higher stress and strain values than gels from
      other cuts. Patties made from thick flank and striploin were the softest and had
      the highest cook yield. Batters and patties made from meat with higher salt
      soluble protein content retained more water and fat on cooking, were more
      cohesive and had higher bind strengths. Manufacturers can use functionality
      characteristics to select meat for specific products.

PMID- 22061371
TI  - Effect of freezing temperature, thawing and cooking rate on water distribution in
      two pork qualities.
AB  - The effects of freezing temperature (-20 versus -80 degrees C) in combination
      with long-term freezer storage (-20 degrees C) on water mobility and distribution
      in pork of two qualities (normal and high ultimate pH) were explored using low
      field NMR T(2) relaxometry. A marked effect of freezing temperature on the
      characteristics of intra- and extramyofibrillar water (T(2) relaxation times) in
      the thawed pork was demonstrated, implying that the freezing temperature in
      combination with prolonged freezer storage affects the distribution and chemical
      physical state of water in the thawed meat. Determination of technological
      properties (thawing and cooking loss) revealed that the observed T(2) variations
      related to water distribution and water properties, which were found to be
      consistent with the degree of structural damage assessed by light microscopy,
      also were reflected in the technological quality of the meat. Low freezing
      temperature in combination with prolonged freezer storage was associated with
      increased thawing and cooking loss. In addition, pH in the fresh meat had a
      pronounced effect on the distribution of myofibrillar water, as a more homogenous
      pore size distribution was evident in meat with high pH compared with normal pH.
      A clear effect of cooking rate on the T(2) relaxation characteristics in the
      cooked pork was also demonstrated, probably reflecting a cooking rate-induced
      effect on the myofibrillar structures. The effect of cooking rate on water
      distribution resulted in a significantly lower cooking loss upon a slow cooking
      rate (0.5 degrees C/min from 25 to 65 degrees C and 0.3 degrees C/min from 65 to
      80 degrees C) compared with a fast cooking rate (1 degrees C/min).

PMID- 22061372
TI  - Prediction of body composition of Iberian pigs by means bioelectrical impedance.
AB  - Twelve barrow Iberian pigs with an average weight at slaughter of 109.2kg were
      used to evaluate bioelectrical impedance procedures to predict the body
      composition of live pigs. Twelve hours before slaughter pigs were weighed, and a
      four-terminal body composition analyser (Model BIA-101, RJL Systems, Detroit, MI)
      was utilized to determine resistance (R(s) in Omega) and reactance (X(c) in
      Omega). The length values (L in cm) were measured between detector electrodes
      with a flexible steel tape. Twenty four hours after slaughter the left side of
      each carcass was separated using a scalpel into fat, lean, bone and skin.
      Multiple regression equations for estimating lean, fat, bone and skin amounts and
      lean, fat, bone and skin proportions with respect to slaughter weight were
      calculated. The live weight (LW) and L independent variables predicted 85.3% and
      64.3% of the variability of the lean amount and lean proportion, respectively.
      The LW, X(c) and L variables accounted for 96% and 91.6% of the variation in fat
      quantity and fat proportion, respectively. The LW and R(s) accounted for 58.9% of
      the variation in bone amount, and the same variables predict 79.1% of the
      variability of bone percentage. The R(s) and L variables explained 68% of the
      variability of skin quantity and LW, R(s) and X(c) predicted 83.1% of the
      variation of skin proportion. Results from this experiment indicate that
      bioelectrical impedance may be of interest for body composition prediction of
      live Iberian pigs.

PMID- 22061373
TI  - Effects of ascorbic acid, rosemary, and OriganoxTM in preventing bone marrow
      discoloration in beef lumbar vertebrae in aerobic and anaerobic packaging
      systems.
AB  - Treatments of 1.25% or 2.5% ascorbic acid (AA); 0.1% or 0.2% rosemary; or a
      combination of 0.15% OriganoxTM+0.3% AA on beef lumbar vertebrae (n=72) were
      evaluated for their effectiveness in preventing bone discoloration in retail
      packages. Vertebrae were held either 6 or 14d postmortem; cut into 2.54-cm
      sections; and packaged into either polyvinyl chloride film overwrap (PVC), high
      oxygen (80% O(2)/20% CO(2)) modified-atmosphere packages (MAP), or ultra-low
      oxygen (70% N(2)/30% CO(2)) MAP. Controls and vertebrae treated with 0.1% or 0.2%
      rosemary discolored significantly, whereas 0.15% OriganoxTM+0.3% AA was effective
      through d 2 of display in PVC and high-oxygen MAP. In both high- and ultra-low
      oxygen MAP, 1.25% AA was as effective as 2.5% AA in preventing bone
      discoloration. Vertebrae treated with AA or packaged in ultra-low-oxygen MAP had
      the largest a* values over display time. Bone discoloration was effectively
      prevented with AA, especially at the 2.5% concentration.

PMID- 22061374
TI  - Effect of a bacteriocin produced by Pediococcus acidilactici against Listeria
      monocytogenes and Clostridium perfringens on Spanish raw meat.
AB  - The inhibitory effect of a bacteriocin, produced by Pediococcus acidilactici,
      against Listeria monocytogenes and Clostridium perfringens on Spanish raw meat
      surface, was evaluated by in situ assays. Samples were incubated with the
      bacteriocin and then with a culture of the pathogenic bacteria. The treatment
      with 500, 1000 or 5000 bacteriocin units/ml (BU/ml) reduced the counts of L.
      monocytogenes after storage at 15 degrees C during 72h by 1, 2 or 3 log cycles
      and with 1000 or 5000 BU/ml after storage at 4 degrees C during 21 days by 2.5 or
      3.5 log cycles, respectively, compared to the control. With C. perfringens a
      bacteriostatic effect could be observed.

PMID- 22061375
TI  - Freezing of meat raw materials affects tyramine and diamine accumulation in
      spontaneously fermented sausages.
AB  - Biogenic amine accumulation was studied in spontaneously fermented sausages
      (Fuet) manufactured from unfrozen-fresh meat (U-sausages) and frozen-thawed meat
      (F-sausages). The aim was to investigate whether the frozen storage of raw
      materials affects the microbial composition and its aminogenic activity during
      sausage fermentation. Tyramine was the major amine in all sausages. Although the
      final levels were similar, tyramine accumulated more rapidly in F-sausages, which
      contained putrescine as the second amine. By contrast, U-sausages accumulated
      much more cadaverine than putrescine. F-sausages showed a slightly lower pH and
      free amino acid content as well as higher counts of technological flora (lactic
      acid and gram positive catalase positive bacteria) and lower counts of
      enterobacteria. Therefore, to freeze the meat raw materials for few days before
      sausage manufacture could be a useful practice, especially for the artisan
      fermented sausages (without starter), because it helps to reduce enterobacteria
      development and cadaverine production.

PMID- 22061376
TI  - The efficacy of a vitamin D(3) metabolite for improving the myofibrillar
      tenderness of meat from Bos indicus cattle.
AB  - The influence of a once only administration of a metabolite of vitamin D(3)
      (HY.D((r))-25-hydroxy vitamin D(3)) on myofibrillar meat tenderness in Australian
      Brahman cattle was studied. Ninety-six Brahman steers of three phenotypes (Indo
      Brazil, US and US/European) and with two previous hormonal growth promotant (HGP)
      histories (implanted or not implanted with Compudose((r))) were fed a standard
      feedlot ration for 70d. Treatment groups of 24 steers were offered daily 10g/head
      HY.D((r)) (125mg 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3)) for 6, 4, or 2d before slaughter. One
      other group of 24 steers was given the basal diet without HY.D((r)). Feed lot
      performance, blood and muscle samples and carcass quality data were collected at
      slaughter. Calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, iron and Vitamin D(3)
      metabolites were measured in plasma and longissimus dorsi muscle. Warner-Bratzler
      (WB) shear force (peak force, initial yield) and other objective meat quality
      measurements were made on the longissimus dorsi muscle of each steer after ageing
      for 1, 7 and 14d post-mortem at 0-2 degrees C. There were no significant effects
      of HY.D((r)) supplements on average daily gain (ADG, 1.28-1.45kg/d) over the
      experimental period. HY.D((r)) supplements given 6d prior to slaughter resulted
      in significantly higher (P<0.05) initial yield values compared to supplements
      given 2d prior to slaughter. Supplementation had no significant effect on meat
      colour, ultimate pH, sarcomere length, cooking loss, instron compression or peak
      force. There was a significant treatment (HY.D((r))) by phenotype/HGP interaction
      for peak force (P=0.028), in which Indo-Brazil steers without previous HGP
      treatment responded positively (increased tenderness) to HY.D((r)) supplements at
      2d when compared with Indo-Brazil steers previously given HGP. There were no
      significant effects of treatment on other phenotypes. HY.D((r)) supplements did
      not affect muscle or plasma concentrations of calcium, potassium or sodium, but
      did significantly decrease plasma magnesium and iron concentrations when given 2d
      before slaughter. There were no detectable amounts of 25-hydroxyvitamin D(3) in
      the blood or muscle of any cattle at slaughter.

PMID- 22061377
TI  - A mapping method for the description of Warner-Bratzler shear force gradients in
      beef Longissimus thoracis et lumborum and Semitendinosus.
AB  - A novel approach to mapping Warner-Bratzler shear of whole muscles was explored.
      The procedure was used on the Longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) and
      Semitendinosus (ST) from six beef cattle by first marking skeletally defined
      anatomical landmarks on the muscle in situ. After removal from the carcass,
      further divisions were made while preserving sample orientation during cooking
      and preparation for shearing. Shear gradients were observed in all planes of the
      LTL, particularly the medial-lateral. The mid-section of the ST had the lowest
      shears while superficial locations of the cross-section had greater values.
      Muscle comparison indicated the ST was more uniform than the LTL. The mapping
      technique was subsequently used to identify localized effects of altered carcass
      suspension on shear values and sarcomere length in the lumbar Longissimus from
      four beef cattle. This mapping method will provide guidance for further intensive
      investigation across the carcass musculature and under varying carcass
      conditions.

PMID- 22061378
TI  - Effects of slaughter weight on carcass composition and meat quality in pigs of
      two different growth rates.
AB  - Three hundred and forty (340) Duroc*(Landrace*Yorkshire) crossbred piglets were
      allotted to a 2*2*3 factorial design experiment. The independent variables were
      the growth rate (fast: around -10 days at 100kg and slow: around +2 days at
      100kg), based on two different EBV's (estimated breeding value) of the sire-line
      for age, the sex (barrows and gilts) and the live weight at slaughter (107, 115
      and 125kg). A sub-population of 119 pigs (10 carcasses per treatment) was
      selected for the carcass and meat quality evaluation trials. As live weight
      increased there were significant increases in hot carcass weight and dressing
      percentage (P<0.05). Lean, fat and bone proportions were not affected by weight.
      Gilts had higher lean proportion (P<0.05) than barrows. Furthermore, carcasses of
      fast growing pigs were fatter (P<0.05) than those of slower growing ones. Loin
      muscle pH, drip loss and reflectance values did not vary significantly with any
      of the treatments. Intramuscular fat was higher in barrows (P<0.05) than in gilts
      and soluble collagen content decreased with increasing weight (P<0.05). Muscle
      protein (%) increased (P<0.05) from 107 to 115kg and gilts had a higher (P<0.05)
      content than castrates. No evidence was found that increasing slaughter weight
      detracts from carcass characteristics or meat quality.

PMID- 22061379
TI  - Fatty acid and sensory characteristics of beef from three biological types of
      cattle grazing cool-season forages supplemented with soyhulls.
AB  - Over two consecutive years, the effects of allocating divergent biological types
      of cattle (n=107) to fescue pasture without supplementation, or fescue or
      orchardgrass pasture with soyhull supplementation on chemical, fatty acid and
      sensory characteristics were investigated. Cattle from the two supplemented
      treatments produced beef that had increased (P<0.05) percentage lipid and
      decreased (P<0.05) polyunsaturated and n-3 fatty acids compared to the control.
      However, the n-6 to n-3 ratio was still less than four in beef from the
      supplemented cattle. Additionally, supplementation did not decrease (P>0.05) the
      CLA present in the longissimus, which can commonly occur when forage-fed cattle
      are supplemented concentrates. Although supplementation did not impact (P>0.05)
      Warner-Bratzler shear force or tenderness, supplementation of soyhulls reduced
      (P<0.05) the grassy flavor intensity of rib steaks when compared to the control.
      Biological type did not have a significant influence on most traits analyzed in
      this study. These results suggest that supplementation of soyhulls to cattle
      grazing forage can reduce grassy flavor intensity without decreasing CLA
      proportions, but can reduce the n-3 fatty acid proportions present in the
      longissimus.

PMID- 22061380
TI  - Characteristics of restructured beef steak with different proportions of walnut
      during frozen storage.
AB  - Physicochemical (thawing loss, cooking loss, surface shrinkage, texture, colour
      and lipid oxidation) and sensory properties of restructured beef steak with
      different levels of added walnut (0%, 10% and 20%) were determined at various
      times during frozen storage up to 128 days. Cooking loss (CL), Kramer shear force
      (KSF) and binding strength (BS) of restructured beef decreased (P<0.05) as the
      proportion of walnut increased. Walnut enhanced (P<0.05) lightness and yellowness
      and reduced (P<0.05) redness. Frozen storage did not affect (P>0.05) CL, KSF and
      BS of restructured beef steak. Redness decreased (P<0.05) over storage for all
      samples. Lipid oxidation of restructured beef steak containing walnut was not a
      limiting factor for frozen stability of meat products. Frozen storage had no
      effect (P>0.05) on the sensory quality of restructured beef steak.

PMID- 22061381
TI  - Activities of calpastatin, MU-calpain and m-calpain are stable during frozen
      storage of meat.
AB  - The stability of MU-calpain, m-calpain and calpastatin activity during frozen
      storage of pork was studied in two experiments. In experiment 1, pork longissimus
      muscle was stored at either -20 or -80 degrees C, and the samples were assayed at
      2-3 weeks interval for calpain activity and calpastatin activity using a m
      calpain stock solution stored at 4 degrees C. No effects on calpain activity at
      either temperature were observed for up to 123 days of storage. Calpastatin
      activity was stable the first few weeks of storage, where after it decreased up
      to 143 days of storage independently of meat storage temperature. At day 143,
      calpastatin activity was also assayed using a newly purified stock solution of m
      calpain giving a calpastatin activity equal to the activity measured day 0 using
      the original m-calpain stock solution. The m-calpain stock solution was unstable
      during storage at 4 degrees C and the activity decreased in a linear manner and
      was highly related to the observed decrease in calpastatin activity during
      storage. In experiment 2, meat was stored as in experiment 1 and was assayed at 2
      3week intervals for calpastatin activity using a m-calpain stock solution stored
      at either 4 or -80 degrees C. As in experiment 1, the measured activity of
      calpastatin decreased during storage using m-calpain stock solution stored at 4
      degrees C and this decrease was highly correlated to the decrease in the activity
      of the m-calpain stock solution. The activity of the m-calpain stock solution
      stored at -80 degrees C was constant during storage period of 153 days and
      likewise was the calpastatin activity measured using this stock solution. The
      relation between measured calpastatin activity and storage time of m-calpain
      stock solution was tested by adding, to a calpastatin assay, up to 10MUL of a
      partly inactivated m-calpain solution. A negative relationship was observed
      between added inactivated m-calpain and measured calpastatin activity which
      suggests that the inactive m-calpain molecules mask some of the binding sites on
      calpastatin and thereby prevent some of the active m-calpain molecules from
      binding to calpastatin. This would underestimate the measured calpastatin
      activity. In conclusion, the calpains as well as calpastatin are stable during
      frozen storage of meat, and the observed decreased in calpastatin activity is due
      to instability of the m-calpain stock solution used in the calpastatin assay.

PMID- 22061382
TI  - Effect of selection for growth rate on the ageing of myofibrils, meat texture
      properties and the muscle proteolytic potential of m. longissimus in rabbits.
AB  - The effect of selection for growth rate on the degradation of the myofibrillar
      proteins and on meat texture properties of rabbit longissimus muscle at two
      ageing times (1 and 7 days) was studied as well as its effect on the proteolytic
      potential of the muscle. Two groups of contemporary animals (20 rabbits per
      group), one selected for growth rate (S) for 14 generations and the other
      unselected control group (C) were compared. The control group was formed from the
      offspring of the embryos belonging to the 7th generation and was compared with
      selected animals belonging to 21st generation. Myofibrillar protein degradation
      was studied by SDS-PAGE electrophoresis (12.5% and 4-15% polyacrylamide gels)
      followed by densitometric analysis of the pherograms. Texture properties were
      evaluated by Warner-Bratzler (WB) test and Texture profile analysis (TPA). The
      activities of proteolytic enzymes calpains and cathepsins and of their inhibitors
      were determined in the muscle at 24h. Densitometric analysis of the pherograms of
      samples aged 7 days showed an extra 30kDa band and the disappearance of a band
      with higher molecular weight than the myosin heavy chain with respect to samples
      aged 24h in both groups of rabbits. TPA results showed that cohesiveness was
      significantly lower in meat at 7 days than at 24h (P<0.0001), whereas springiness
      and chewiness presented a clear tendency to be lower at 7 days than at 24h
      (P=0.0646 and P=0.0764, respectively). Regarding the genetic type, S animals
      presented higher hardness and chewiness than C rabbits. Shear firmness (WB test)
      was significantly (P<0.0001) higher for S group, whereas no significant
      differences in shear force and area were found. No significant effect (P>0.05) of
      ageing time was detected using WB test. Selection for growth rate did not affect
      the activities of proteolytic enzymes or their inhibitors.

PMID- 22061383
TI  - Influence of slaughter season and sex on fatty acid composition, cholesterol and
      alpha-tocopherol contents on different muscles of Barrosa-PDO veal.
AB  - The influence of slaughter season and sex on intramuscular total lipids (ITL)
      neutral lipid (NL) and phospholipid (PL) compositions, cholesterol and alpha
      tocopherol contents were evaluated in Biceps femoris (Bf), Longissimus dorsi (Ld)
      and Supraspinatus (Ss) muscles from 92 Barrosa-PDO (Protected Denomination of
      Origin) calves. ITL content in Bf muscle was affected by slaughter season and sex
      whereas NL content was only affected by slaughter season. Neither sex nor
      slaughter season influenced cholesterol and alpha-tocopherol contents in the
      muscles under study. Concerning NL composition, sex was an important source of
      variation on the proportions of total SFA and MUFA in all muscles. Irrespective
      of the considered muscle, males had higher total SFA but lower total MUFA and
      MUFA/SFA contents than females. Slaughter season influenced C18:2 cis-9 trans-11
      (CLA) content in Bf (P<0.01) and in Ss muscles (P<0.05) with calves slaughtered
      in autumn showing higher values than their counterparts. Total MUFA, n-3 PUFA and
      n-6/n-3 ratio contents in Ld muscle were also affected by slaughter season.
      Regarding PL composition, slaughter season*sex interaction affected total SFA,
      PUFA/SFA and n-6 PUFA contents in Bf and Ss muscles. In addition, this
      interaction influenced total MUFA (P<0.05) in Bf muscle and total PUFA (P<0.01)
      in Ss muscle. CLA content in PL from Ld was influenced by sex (P<0.05) and by
      slaughter season (P<0.01), with females slaughtered in autumn presenting the
      highest content. These results clearly indicate that sex and slaughter season are
      important factors that influence the fatty acid composition of Barrosa-PDO veal.

PMID- 22061384
TI  - Head current during and blood splashes after electrical stunning in relation to
      characteristics of the pig's body.
AB  - In order to evaluate electrical stunning in relation to the incidence of blood
      splashes, meat quality and carcass quality parameters, 2035 pigs, heterozygous
      for the halothane gene, were observed during slaughter at a commercial
      slaughterhouse. The head current during electrical stunning is significantly
      higher (P<0.01) in gilts with a lower live weight (P<0.0001) or cold carcass
      weight (P<0.0001) and a higher lean meat percentage (P<0.0001). Also the
      incidence of blood splashes in the ham is significantly higher in gilts
      (P<0.0001) with a higher lean meat percentage (P=0.0028; odds ratio=1.11), a
      lower live weight (P=0.003; odds ratio=0.98) and a lower type number (P=0.0074;
      odds ratio=0.64). For barrows, no significant parameters were revealed. These
      results suggest that the variability in incidence of blood splashes can be
      explained by the variability of current density depending both on sex and body
      characteristics. Thus, electrical stunning can be improved by providing an energy
      level, based on the body characteristics of the pig.

PMID- 22061385
TI  - Quantification of muscle, subcutaneous fat and intermuscular fat in pig carcasses
      and cuts by magnetic resonance imaging.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine the suitability of magnetic resonance
      imaging (MRI) to predict tissue composition of pig carcasses and cuts. Twenty
      four pig carcasses were cut into the four primary cuts that were analyzed with a
      low field MRI imager before a total dissection. Images were then processed to
      identify and quantify pixels representing muscle, subcutaneous fat and
      intermuscular fat fractions. MRI provided a good prediction of muscle content in
      cuts and carcasses, with R(2) ranging from 0.970 to 0.997. The prediction was
      slightly less accurate for total fat (0.951?R(2)?0.986) or subcutaneous fat
      (0.918?R(2)?0.994). Finally, the prediction of intermuscular fat content in
      considering intermuscular fat classified pixels was acceptable only for the belly
      (R(2)=0.837).

PMID- 22061386
TI  - Improving low fat meatball characteristics by adding whey powder.
AB  - In this study whey powder (WP) at levels of 0%, 2% and 4% was added to beef
      meatballs formulated with 5%, 10% and 20% fat levels. Raw and cooked meatballs
      were analyzed for protein, fat, moisture, ash and pH. Meatballs were evaluated
      for cooking characteristics, juiciness, colour parameters (L*,a*,b*) and sensory
      properties. Addition of WP did not affect fat and protein contents of meatballs.
      Addition of 2% or 4% WP significantly increased cooking yield regardless of the
      fat level. Both fat level and WP level significantly affected fat retention
      values of meatballs. Incorporating WP had no effect on meatball juiciness.
      Addition of WP increased fat and moisture retention of meatballs. Twenty percent
      fat resulted in higher L* and lower a* values. Adding WP resulted in higher L*
      values but WP had no effect on a* and b* values. WP had no detrimental effect on
      sensory properties.

PMID- 22061387
TI  - Investigating the concept of meat quality from the consumers' perspective: The
      case of Greece.
AB  - Recent unfortunate food incidents increased consumers' concern about food and
      especially meat quality. The perception that meat is a hazardous commodity to
      consume resulted in a stabilization of the, so far increasing, meat consumption
      in Greece, as well as in the EU. The present survey aims to identify the general
      trends of meat consumption in Greece, define through factor analysis the way
      consumers perceive the concept of meat quality and explore by means of cluster
      analysis the existence of specific consumer types in relation to meat quality
      perceptions, with clear-cut and statistically solid socio-demographic and
      behavioural profile .The frequency of meat purchasing and consumption is
      particularly high, while meat is present in the everyday plate of Greeks in
      almost any expression of their family and social life. Meat preference is mainly
      evaluated on the basis of pleasure derived from taste, which has to be evaluated
      according to visual quality cues (e.g., colour, leanness, etc.). Different
      consumer types with clear-cut profile are found to evaluate meat quality
      differently, based on different quality dimensions, such as visual quality,
      labels and brand name, nutritional value and microbial or chemical safety.

PMID- 22061388
TI  - A note on the incidences of Salmonella spp., Listeria spp. and Escherichia coli
      O157:H7 serotypes in Turkish sausage (Soudjouck).
AB  - The incidence of Salmonella spp., Listeria monocytogenes and Escherichia coli
      O157:H7 was determined in 100 Turkish sausage (soudjouck) samples collected from
      shops and markets in the Afyon province, Turkey. Salmonella spp. were detected in
      7% of the samples. All of the isolates were S. enterica Paratyphi B. In addition,
      Listeria spp. were detected in 9% of the samples. Its distribution was 7% L.
      monocytogenes and 1% each of L. ivanovii and L. innocua. Serological study of the
      seven L. monocytogenes isolates showed that three of these were 1/2 ab, three
      were 5/6 ab and one was 1 ab. E. coli O157:H7 was not detected in any of the
      samples. The pH values of the samples ranged from 4.8 to 6.5. In conclusion,
      increasing number of listeriosis and salmonellosis cases in Turkey and the
      contamination levels found indicate that risk assessment and improved preventive
      measures are required for these sausages.

PMID- 22061389
TI  - 53rd international congress of meat science and technology, beijing, china, 5
      10th august 2007.

PMID- 22061390
TI  - Stratification of toughness in beef roasts.
AB  - Most meat scientists adopt a reductionist approach to the study of meat
      toughness, taking a few intramuscular cores from one or more muscles to simplify
      the enormous complexity of toughness in all the retail cuts derived from a whole
      carcass. This is a valid approach to a complex problem, but we should also start
      to consider how consumers respond to bulk meat such as steaks and roasts. Probing
      whole roasts reveals a complex internal structure, detectable by both connective
      tissue fluorescence and resistance to penetration. The dorsal aponeurosis of the
      Longissimus thoracis is a major connective tissue stratum in beef rib roasts and
      its properties are correlated with those of adjacent intramuscular connective
      tissues. When the aponeurosis is cooked, its reflectance first increases with
      protein denaturation, then decreases with gelatinisation. Heat-induced
      contraction is concurrent with the increase in reflectance. Gelatinisation is
      reduced if the aponeurosis is mechanically restrained to resist contraction.
      Thus, mechanical restraint interacts with heat penetration in explaining
      stratification of toughness in bulk meat.

PMID- 22061391
TI  - Mechanisms controlling pork quality development: The biochemistry controlling
      postmortem energy metabolism.
AB  - Pale, soft and exudative (PSE) pork represents considerable economic losses for
      the industry due to its limited functionality and undesirable appearance. During
      the past several decades, exhaustive research covering various aspects of the
      food chain has established genotyping procedures, recommended handling practices,
      and quality indicators in order to reduce the incidence of inferior pork quality.
      Despite these efforts, there is still a relatively high occurrence of PSE pork.
      Development of pork quality attributes is largely governed by the rate and extent
      of postmortem pH decline. The combination of high temperature at low pH or
      abnormally low ultimate pH causes denaturation of sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar
      proteins, resulting in paler color and reduced water holding capacity. The pH
      decline is closely related to muscle energy availability and demand at or around
      slaughter. The postmortem degradation of glycogen through glycogenolysis and
      glycolysis provides ATP to help meet energy demand and decreases pH by generating
      lactate and H+. Therefore, the flux of metabolites through glycolysis, the
      involvement of energy signaling pathways that modulate glycolytic activity, and
      the inherent metabolism of different fiber types are critical factors influencing
      pH decline and pork quality. Further, recent work implicates adenosine
      monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) as a major energy sensor for the
      cell, and thus may be involved in the control of postmortem metabolism. The
      intent of this paper is to review the biochemistry controlling postmortem energy
      metabolism in pig muscle and explore new information generated using genetic
      mutations in order to define the fundamental mechanisms controlling the
      transformation of muscle to meat.

PMID- 22061392
TI  - Predictive microbiology: Quantitative science delivering quantifiable benefits to
      the meat industry and other food industries.
AB  - Predictive microbiology is considered in the context of the conference theme
      "chance, innovation and challenge", together with the impact of quantitative
      approaches on food microbiology, generally. The contents of four prominent texts
      on predictive microbiology are analysed and the major contributions of two meat
      microbiologists, Drs. T.A. Roberts and C.O. Gill, to the early development of
      predictive microbiology are highlighted. These provide a segue into R&D trends in
      predictive microbiology, including the Refrigeration Index, an example of science
      based, outcome-focussed food safety regulation. Rapid advances in technologies
      and systems for application of predictive models are indicated and measures to
      judge the impact of predictive microbiology are suggested in terms of research
      outputs and outcomes. The penultimate section considers the future of predictive
      microbiology and advances that will become possible when data on population
      responses are combined with data derived from physiological and molecular studies
      in a systems biology approach. Whilst the emphasis is on science and technology
      for food safety management, it is suggested that decreases in foodborne illness
      will also arise from minimising human error by changing the food safety culture.

PMID- 22061393
TI  - Managing safety and quality through the red meat chain.
AB  - To successfully manage food safety and quality risks in meat production, a
      holistic approach is required. The ideal would be a fully integrated assurance
      system, with effective controls applied at all stages. However, the red meat
      industry is by nature somewhat fragmented, and a truly integrated system is not
      at present achievable in all but a few operations. This paper describes a variety
      of assurance initiatives, and explores how targeted research and development can
      be used to augment assurance programmes by providing underpinning knowledge,
      using the Australian beef and lamb industry as an example.

PMID- 22061394
TI  - Application of genomic technologies to the improvement of meat quality of farm
      animals.
AB  - Meat quality is of economic importance in farm animals. It is controlled by
      multigenes and the environment. During the past few decades, advances in
      molecular genetics have led to the identification of genes, or markers associated
      with genes, that affect meat quality. Work on sequencing farm animal genomes will
      help us to understand how genes function in various organisms and might be
      applied in the field to study the molecular control of meat quality. Candidate
      gene and genome scans are two main strategies to identify loci associated with
      the trait of meat quality. Several genes that influence meat quality have already
      been, or are close to being, identified. Some of them have been applied to the
      breeding of farm animals by marker-assisted selection. This will accelerate
      cumulative and permanent genetic improvement of herds.

PMID- 22061395
TI  - Identification of pork quality parameters by proteomics.
AB  - A major parameter for quality of pork is its waterholding capacity (WHC).
      Prediction of WHC immediately after slaughter would be of benefit both to
      slaughterhouses for reasons of better logistics and/or branding of premium-meat,
      and to consumers for improved quality of meat products such as ham. In our pilot
      study on proteome analysis of porcine muscle by two-dimensional electrophoresis,
      we have identified at least three and possibly eight significantly changed
      proteins that may serve as marker proteins for waterholding capacity. The most
      clearly identified proteins are creatine phospho kinase M-type (CPK), desmin, and
      a transcription activator (SWI/SNF related matrix-associated actin-dependent
      regulator of chromatin subfamily A member1, SNF2L1). A possible mechanism of how
      these proteins may influence WHC is discussed. An optimised protocol for protein
      extraction that provides for sufficient amounts of relatively pure proteins has
      been developed. Further studies are needed to validate and extend our preliminary
      results.

PMID- 22061396
TI  - Microbial ecosystems of traditional fermented meat products: The importance of
      indigenous starters.
AB  - This paper reviews the diversity of microbiota, both in the environment and in
      traditional fermented European sausages. The environments of processing units
      were colonised at variable levels by resident spoilage and technological
      microbiota, with sporadic contamination by pathogenic microbiota. Several
      critical points were identified such as the machines, the tables and the knives -
      knowledge crucial for the improvement of cleaning and disinfecting practices.
      Traditionally fermented sausages generally did not present a sanitary risk. The
      great diversity of lactic acid bacteria and staphylococci was linked to
      manufacturing practices. Development of indigenous starters is very promising
      because it enables sausages to be produced with both high sanitary and sensory
      qualities. Our increasing knowledge of the genomes of technological bacteria will
      allow a better understanding of their physiology in sausages.

PMID- 22061397
TI  - A fresh look at meat flavor.
AB  - Hundreds of compounds contribute to the flavor and aroma of meat. Complex
      interactions between various compounds influence the perception of meat flavor.
      Inherent flavor of a meat product can be influenced by oxidation, lipid content,
      feeding/diet, myoglobin, and pH. Diet plays an important role in both ruminants
      and nonruminants. New research reveals important relationships in flavor among
      multiple muscles within a single animal carcass. This animal effect includes the
      presence of off-flavors. Diets high in polyunsaturated fatty acids may be
      contributing to the appearance of off-flavors in beef. Compounds associated with
      liver-like off-flavor notes in beef have been identified in raw tissue.

PMID- 22061398
TI  - Technologies to shorten the drying period of dry-cured meat products.
AB  - Dry-cured meat products are well-known for their unique sensory characteristics.
      However, the traditional process is very time consuming. The process can be
      shortened especially by accelerating the drying period, which is the most time
      consuming. This paper deals with some technological, safety and sensorial aspects
      for producing fermented sausages and dry-cured hams when the process time is
      shortened. Different techniques, such as temperature increase and thickness
      reduction, and the effects of some ingredients and additives are discussed. A
      Quick-Dry-Slice process based on a continuous system that combines both
      convective and vacuum drying could accelerate the drying of slices after the
      desired pH is reached in fermented sausages. There are safety concerns when
      processes are shortened, but possible additional hurdles, such as the
      introduction of bacteriocin-producing starter cultures and high-pressure
      treatments at the end of the process, could reduce them. Methods to speed up the
      development of typical colour, texture and flavour and their limitations are also
      discussed.

PMID- 22061399
TI  - Interventions to reduce/eliminate Escherichia coli O157:H7 in ground beef.
AB  - The Escherichia coli O157:H7 (E. coli O157:H7) outbreak in the Northwestern
      United States ushered in an era that has dramatically changed the way beef
      processors in the United States convert live cattle into meat. Unprecedented
      cooperation among the beef processors and massive investment in research by the
      US government and the beef industry have resulted in an acceptable level of
      control of E. coli O157:H7 in ground beef. The evidence to support the progress
      in control of E. coli O157:H7 is the CDC data for reduction in human illness as
      well as the dramatic reduction in the number of E. coli O157:H7-positive samples
      in USDA-FSIS ground beef monitoring. This manuscript highlights some of the
      recent findings from our laboratory on the control of E. coli O157:H7 in ground
      beef. We have also summarized the key events/decisions/milestones that have
      contributed to the control of E. coli O157:H7 in ground beef in the United
      States. While there is much to be done to bring E. coli O157:H7 under complete
      control in the beef sector of the food industry, E. coli O157:H7 also is becoming
      a major issue in the fresh vegetable sector, as evidenced by the 2006 outbreaks
      in the United States. We have discussed how the fresh vegetable industry can
      benefit from the beef industry's experience to expedite the control of E. coli
      O157:H7 in their products.

PMID- 22061400
TI  - Application of proteomics to understand the molecular mechanisms behind meat
      quality.
AB  - The proteome is expressed from the genome, influenced by environmental and
      processing conditions, and can be seen as the molecular link between the genome
      and the functional quality characteristics of the meat. In contrast to
      traditional biochemical methods where one protein is studied at a time, several
      hundred proteins can be studied simultaneously. Proteomics is a promising and
      powerful tool in meat science and this is reflected by the increasing number of
      studies emerging in the literature using proteomics as the key tool to unleash
      the molecular mechanisms behind different genetic backgrounds or processing
      techniques of meat. Thus understanding the variations and different components of
      the proteome with regard to a certain meat quality or process parameter will lead
      to knowledge that can be used in optimising the conversion of muscles to meat. At
      present, there has been focus on development of techniques and mapping of
      proteomes according to genotypes and muscle types. In the future, focus should be
      more towards understanding and finding markers for meat quality traits. This
      review will focus on the methods used in the published proteome analyses of meat,
      with emphasis on the challenges related to statistical analysis of proteome data,
      and on the different topics of meat science that are investigated.

PMID- 22061401
TI  - Tenderness and oxidative stability of post-mortem muscles from mature cows of
      various ages.
AB  - Two experiments were conducted to investigate the influence of age of mature cows
      (2-4yr, 6-8yr, and 10-12yr cows; n=6 in each) on beef quality. In Experiment 1,
      Longissimus dorsi (LD) steaks were stored at 3 degrees C for 0-10d. Steaks from
      more mature cows had an increased (P<0.05) Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) and
      a slower troponin-T post-mortem degradation. Storage reduced WBSF in all steak
      samples regardless of animal age. In Experiment 2, Semitendinosus (ST) and
      Semimembranosus (SM) patties were stored at 3 degrees C for 0-7d simulating
      retail display. The rate of lipid oxidation during storage increased with animal
      age (P<0.05) and was greater in ST than in SM patties. However, myoglobin
      oxidation was minimally affected by animal age. Thus, advanced maturation not
      only intensified cow meat toughness but also lowered its oxidative stability.

PMID- 22061402
TI  - Biochemical changes during processing of traditional Jinhua ham.
AB  - Jinhua ham is the most famous traditional meat product of China and one of the
      most famed dry-cured hams in the world. Its processing consists of six stages:
      green ham preparation, salting, washing and sun-drying and shaping, ripening, and
      post-ripening. Intense proteolysis and lipolysis occur during processing period.
      As a result, the content of free amino acids in final ham products is 14-16 times
      that of green ham, and 191 volatile compounds have been identified during
      processing, which make a major contribution to the flavor of Jinhua ham.

PMID- 22061403
TI  - Effects of metabolic modifiers on carcass traits and meat quality.
AB  - Much research has been conducted and published about metabolic modifiers that
      increase growth rate, improve feed efficiency, increase carcass leanness, and
      decrease carcass fatness. Most of these metabolic modifiers have been developed
      to improve efficiency and profitability of livestock production and to improve
      carcass composition, with fewer of them developed and researched specifically to
      improve meat quality. Some of the metabolic modifiers can have negative effects
      on visual and sensory meat quality, especially when not used as recommended. This
      review evaluates the various kinds of metabolic modifiers that have been
      researched for their effects on production efficiency, carcass composition, and
      meat quality. Nutritional composition of meat generally is improved from use of
      most of the metabolic modifiers, visual quality is improved by others, but some
      can have a negative effect on marbling and tenderness. Anabolic steroid implants
      are very cost effective and practical for beef cattle production but aggressive
      implants used within 70 days of slaughter or too frequent use of them will reduce
      tenderness and marbling. Somatatropin and approved beta-agonists are very
      effective in improving growth performance and carcass leanness in pigs, and beta
      agonists are effective in cattle, but improper use of them can have negative
      effects on marbling and tenderness. Feeding supplemental levels of vitamin E is
      quite beneficial for improving meat color and shelf-life of beef, lamb, and pork,
      whereas not supplementing diets with vitamin A has potential for improving
      marbling in cattle. Immunocastration shows promise for capitalizing on the
      efficiency of muscle growth of young boars up to a few weeks before slaughter, at
      which time boar taint is prevented and marbling is improved by immunocastration.
      Potential exists for improving the fatty acid profile of lipids and increasing
      conjugated linoleic acid content in beef through dietary manipulation.
      Supplementing swine diets with conjugated linoleic acid can improve carcass
      composition of swine, but is not yet cost effective to use. Dietary inclusion of
      magnesium, manganese, or chromium in diets of pigs and sheep has potential to
      improve meat color and water-holding capacity. Although, not all of these
      metabolic modifiers are approved in all countries, proper use of the ones that
      are approved offers opportunities for economically improving production
      efficiency and carcass leanness while maintaining acceptable marbling and
      tenderness, while some provide opportunities to enhance meat color and quality.

PMID- 22061404
TI  - Cured meat products without direct addition of nitrate or nitrite: what are the
      issues?
AB  - The growing popularity of food products marketed in the United States as
      "natural" and "organic" has resulted in a proliferation of marketing efforts to
      meet consumer demands for these foods. Because natural and organic foods are not
      permitted to use chemical preservatives, the traditional curing agents used for
      cured meats, nitrate and/or nitrite, cannot be added to natural and organic
      processed meat products. However, alternative processes that utilize ingredients
      with high nitrate content, such as vegetable-based ingredients, and a nitrate
      reducing starter culture can produce processed meats with very typical cured meat
      properties. Because it is not possible to analytically measure the amount of
      nitrite produced by this process, several potential issues deserve consideration.
      Regulations, for example, should permit labeling that accurately reflects the
      process and products, manufacturing procedures must be standardized to achieve
      product consistency, marketing efforts should clearly communicate the nature of
      these products to consumers, product quality must be maintained, and
      microbiological safety must be assured.

PMID- 22061405
TI  - Temperatures and ages of packs of beef displayed at stores in Canada.
AB  - The surface temperatures and ages of 1703 retail packs of chilled, raw beef in
      cut or ground forms on display in a case at each of 41 Canadian retail stores
      were determined. For each case, data were collected from packs at pre-selected
      positions in the case. Data for a position were not collected if a pack of beef
      was not present there. Data were collected at a different time on each of 3 days,
      with each store being visited within l h after opening and l h before closing and
      between 12:00 and 14:00 h, without regard to the operation of the case defrosting
      cycle. The median temperatures of pack surfaces were <4  degrees C, between 4 and
      7  degrees C, and >7  degrees C at 24, 16 and one stores, respectively. The
      maximum temperatures were <4  degrees C, between 4 and 7  degrees C and >7 
      degrees C at 3, 18, and 20 stores, respectively. The median ages were 0 day, 1
      day, and 2 or 3 days at 19, 17 and 5 stores, respectively. The maximum ages were
      ?2 days, between 2 and 4 days, and >4 days at 21, 14 and six stores,
      respectively. Temperatures were generally lower at the backs than at the fronts
      of cases, on upper than on bottom shelves, and within than on the tops of stacks
      of packs. Temperatures were apparently not affected by the positions of packs
      along the lengths of cases, and did not differ at different times of day.

PMID- 22061406
TI  - Metabolic conditions in Porcine longissimus muscle immediately pre-slaughter and
      its influence on peri- and post mortem energy metabolism.
AB  - To clarify the physiological prerequisites for the course of energy metabolism
      post mortem, 80 pigs consisting of four females from each of 20 litters of
      crossbreeds (Duroc as sireline and Danish Landrace*Danish Large White as dam
      line) were within litter allocated to four different treatments (A, B, C and D)
      to provide a large variation in the concentration of the key metabolites
      glycogen, ATP and creatine phosphate at the time of stunning. (A) no stress
      before stunning, (B) physical stress consisting of treadmill running (3.8 km/h
      for 10 min) immediately before stunning, (C) intermediate reduction of glycogen
      at stunning achieved by application of adrenaline (0.2 mg/kg live weight 15-18 h
      before stunning), and (D) maximal reduction of glycogen achieved by application
      of adrenaline (0.3 mg/kg live weight 15-18 h before stunning) and treadmill
      running (3.8 km/h for 5 min). Compared with resting values (measured in samples
      taken in the pen the day before slaughter by needle biopsy), longissimus muscle
      glycogen (16, 13, 57 and 66% for A, B, C and D, respectively), creatine phosphate
      (17, 22, 12 and 9% for A, B, C and D, respectively) and ATP levels (10, 15, 38
      and 31% for A, B, C and D, respectively) measured immediately before stunning
      were all reduced by the treatments. Stunning caused a rather uniform reduction in
      creatine phosphate level in all the models. Glycogen concentrations were also
      further reduced in treatments A, C and D, but not in B, and although ATP levels
      increased in all the models during stunning, this was only significant for the B
      model. Consequently, the effect of CO(2) stunning on glycogen and ATP levels
      depends on pre-slaughter handling. It was also shown that an inverse relationship
      between ultimate pH and glycogen concentration at the time of stunning existed
      only when glycogen levels at stunning were below 53 mmol/kg (r=0.88, P<0.001).
      The validity of this threshold value is discussed. Furthermore, the possibility
      to standardise the physiological prerequisites of the post mortem pH decreases
      represents a potent tool to investigate metabolic causes of variations in meat
      quality characteristics.

PMID- 22061407
TI  - Role of deoxyhemoglobin in lipid oxidation of washed cod muscle mediated by
      trout, poultry and beef hemoglobins.
AB  - Deoxyhemoglobin content was measured in hemoglobins from trout, chicken and
      bovine sources between pH 5.5 and 7.5. With decreasing pH, deoxyhemoglobin
      content of trout was highest, low to intermediate in chicken, and lowest in beef
      hemoglobin. Each type of hemoglobin was added to washed cod muscle and lipid
      oxidation assessed during 2  degrees C storage. The lipid oxidation rate was
      trout >> chicken > beef based on thiobarbituric reactive substances (TBARS) and
      lipid hydroperoxide formation. There was no significant difference in pro
      oxidative activity of chicken compared to turkey hemoglobin. Hemoglobins from
      trout appeared to oxidize more rapidly compared to chicken hemoglobin in the
      washed cod muscle model system, as measured by a decrease in redness (a-value)
      during storage. Loss of red color was slowest in beef samples. These studies
      suggest that deoxyhemoglobin may be a major catalyst of lipid oxidation at post
      mortem pH values found in muscle foods, especially in fish and poultry compared
      to beef.

PMID- 22061408
TI  - Novel combinations of chitosan, carnocin and sulphite for the preservation of
      chilled pork sausages.
AB  - The aim of this study was to develop novel preservation systems for fresh pork
      sausages based on combinations of chitosan (polymeric beta-1,4-N
      acetylglucosamine) carnocin (a bacteriocin produced by Carnobacterium piscicola)
      and low concentrations of sulphite. Two pilot-scale trials showed that 0.6%
      chitosan combined with low sulphite (170 ppm) retarded the growth of spoilage
      organisms more effectively (3-4 log cfu/g) than high levels (340 ppm) of sulphite
      alone at 4  degrees C for up to 24 days. Microbial counts for frozen sausages
      showed that the preservative efficacy of the chitosan/sulphite combination was
      maintained following frozen storage. Carnocin did not protect sausages from
      spoilage but in a challenge trial, it reduced the numbers of Listeria innocua by
      up to 2.0 log cfu/g in the first 5 days of chill-storage. Sulphite was degraded
      rapidly within the first 3 days of storage in all the sausages that contained
      only this preservative but levels decreased less rapidly and persisted for longer
      in the presence of chitosan. Results of Quantitative Descriptive Analysis using
      31 trained panellists reflected the gradual deterioration of all the sausages
      during storage. The batch containing chitosan and sulphite deteriorated less
      rapidly and was judged to be more acceptable for a longer period than all the
      other batches.

PMID- 22061409
TI  - Effect of grass or concentrate feeding systems on lamb carcass and meat quality.
AB  - Thirty-two male Ile de France lambs were divided into four equal groups at age 37
      days. Two groups were allowed to graze a natural pasture in France each at a
      different growth rate (grass high and grass low groups). The other two groups
      were raised in stalls and fed concentrates to achieve the same growth rates
      (stall high and stall low groups, respectively) as from the grass groups. The
      animals were slaughtered when they attained 35 kg and their carcass and meat
      quality were evaluated. Animals from the two high growth rate groups were
      slaughtered at an average age of 129 days while those from the low growth rate
      groups were slaughtered at 163 days. Carcasses from stall-fed lambs were heavier
      than those from grass-fed lambs as the digestive tract percentage was higher in
      the grass lambs. Carcasses from stall lambs had better muscular conformation
      score (P <0.05) and were fattier than those from grass-fed animals. Subcutaneous
      fat was more yellow and harder in grass-fed lambs (P <0.05). Meat from grass-fed
      lambs was darker (P <0.05) in colour (lower L*) than meat from stall animals up
      to 24 h of display. Meat from stall fed animals was more tender and juicier than
      meat from grass-fed animals (P <0.01), as judged by a trained panel of assessors.
      Typical lamb flavour was higher in stall-fed lambs (P <0.01). Meat from grass-fed
      animals had more pronounced liver flavour (P <0.05) and less fatty flavour (P
      <0.01) than stall-fed lambs. Overall the difference in meat quality between the
      two different growth rates was minimal.

PMID- 22061410
TI  - Thermal properties of titin from porcine and bovine muscles.
AB  - The thermal properties of titin isolated from porcine and bovine longissimus
      muscles were investigated by differential scanning calorimetry in the temperature
      range from 20 to 100  degrees C. A single peak with average maximum temperatures
      of 75.6 and 78.4  degrees C characterized porcine and bovine titin denaturation,
      respectively. The peaks were much broader than those from the other major muscle
      proteins. Titin denaturation enthalpy values (1.6-2.6 J/g) were only about half
      those of whole meat and also lower than those previously determined for myosin,
      actin, or collagen. The relatively high titin denaturation temperature suggests
      that it may be partially responsible for meat toughening when muscle tissue is
      heated above 60  degrees C.

PMID- 22061411
TI  - Adaptation of microplate reader for measuring oxidative rancidity in meat
      products.
AB  - A method to measure 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) which was
      capable of processing large numbers of samples, reducing processing time, and
      using smaller amounts of reagents was developed. Ground beef, ground pork and ham
      were analyzed to test the procedure. Acid distillation and aqueous extraction
      methods for measuring TBARS were adapted for use with a cell culture plate reader
      (MR5000 Microplate Reader, Dynatech Technologies, Inc., Chantilly, VA) to measure
      concentration of TBARS. Thiobarbituric acid values obtained by this method are
      comparable to values obtained by aqueous extraction or distillation procedures
      using larger quantities of samples and reagents. The method used microliter
      quantities of reagents and processed a larger quantity of samples than
      traditional techniques within a shorter time frame.

PMID- 22061412
TI  - Fermented pork sausage fortified with commercial or hen eggshell calcium lactate.
AB  - The effects of adding commercial-grade and eggshell calcium lactate on the
      microbiological and physicochemical properties of Nhams (Thai-style fermented
      pork sausage) were studied. The Nham calcium levels were 150, 300 and 450 mg/100
      g. Compared to controls (no added calcium), calcium fortification did not affect
      the number of lactic acid bacteria or the colour value. The shear force of Nhams
      fortified with eggshell calcium lactate decreased (P<0.05) from 32.2 N in the
      controls to 19.5-22.8 N in Nhams fortified with eggshell calcium lactate.
      However, Nhams fortified with commercial calcium lactate had the same shear force
      as the controls. Sensory scores of sour taste, flavour and overall acceptance
      were not different between the control and calcium-fortified Nhams at a calcium
      level of 150 mg/100 g.

PMID- 22061413
TI  - Characterization of proteolysis during the ripening of semi-dry fermented
      sausages.
AB  - The respective contribution of indigenous enzymes and enzymes from starter
      bacteria to proteolysis in fermented sausages were determined by comparing the
      proteolytic changes occurring in sausages resulting from the presence of a
      proteolytic strain of Staphylococcus carnosus, i.e. S. carnosus MC 1 to the
      proteolytic changes occurring in control sausages containing glucono-delta
      lactone (GDL) and an antibiotic mixture. Proteolysis was quantified by assaying
      for non-protein nitrogen (NPN) and free amino acids. Sodium dodecyl sulphate
      polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and reversed phase high performance
      liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) were used to qualitatively assess the proteolytic
      changes in the sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar proteins as ripening progressed. The
      concentration of NPN and free amino acids increased in both sausages initially,
      but subsequently decreased towards the end of ripening in sausages inoculated
      with the starter culture. SDS-PAGE showed a similar pattern of proteolysis of
      sarcoplasmic proteins in both sausages, while of the two sausage types; the S.
      carnosus MC 1 inoculated sausages exhibited the most intense degradation of
      myofibrillar proteins, especially myosin and actin. RP-HPLC profiles of 2%
      trichloroacetic acid (TCA)-soluble peptides for the two sausage types were
      similar, with the production of numerous hydrophilic peptides. N-Terminal amino
      acid sequence analysis and sequence homology with proteins of known primary
      structure showed that six of the TCA-soluble peptides were released from the
      sarcoplasmic (myoglobin and creatine kinase) and myofibrillar (troponin-I,
      troponin-T and myosin light chain-2) proteins. In addition, the initial
      degradation of sarcoplasmic proteins was due to the activity of indigenous
      proteinases, while both indigenous and bacterial enzymes contributed to the
      initial degradation of myofibrillar proteins. Furthermore, indigenous enzymes
      were responsible for the release of TCA-soluble peptides, which, were further
      hydrolysed by bacterial enzymes.

PMID- 22061414
TI  - Antioxidant effects of rosemary extract and whey powder on the oxidative
      stability of wiener sausages during 10 months frozen storage.
AB  - Twelve (Large White*Landrace) gilts were randomly allotted in a 2*2 factorial
      design with the respective factors being dietary vitamin E (10 or 200 mg/kg feed)
      and dietary fishmeal (0 or 5%). Wiener sausages were manufactured with or without
      antioxidants such as rosemary extract and sweet whey powder from meat obtained
      from the animals after slaughter and stored for 5 days at 4  degrees C. The
      oxidative stability of the wieners was examined over ten months of frozen
      storage. Lipid oxidation in the product was measured by means of thiobarbituric
      acid reactive substances (TBARS) and fluorescence shift. Sensory evaluation of
      the product to detect oxidative changes was also carried out. The fluorescence
      shift method was unsatisfactory in the case of wieners containing rosemary
      extract, as it appeared that the extract contained compounds that fluoresced and
      therefore interfered with the method. No lipid oxidation as measured by TBARS,
      fluorescence shift and sensory analysis was observed in wieners stored at -20 
      degrees C for 10 months. The oxidative stability of wieners was unaffected
      (P>0.05) by dietary treatments or by the addition of antioxidants. The high
      oxidative stability of the wieners, even in the absence of antioxidants, could be
      due to sodium erythorbate present in the formulation as an additional
      antioxidant.

PMID- 22061415
TI  - Refractometry of pork muscle and beef connective and adipose tissue.
AB  - Bulk refractive index (RI) was measured with an Abbe refractometer using a red
      laser for transmittance (T) and a green laser for reflectance. The critical
      angle, although obscured by scattering, was detected subjectively at the red
      green boundary. The refractometer also was operated under computer control,
      detecting RI photometrically. Pork longissimus thoracis (n=20) had higher RI than
      biceps femoris (1.357+/-0.004 versus 1.352+/-0.005, respectively, P<0.001).
      Longissimus thoracis also had lower Japanese pork colour scores (JPCS) than
      biceps femoris (2.92+/-0.37 versus 3.87+/-0.48, respectively, P<0.001). In pooled
      samples (n=40), RI was correlated with JPCS, r=-0.55, P<0.001. RI of bovine
      tendon (n=10) was higher than for adipose tissue (1.415+/-0.009 versus 1.343+/
      0.001, P<0.001). Refraction may contribute to the inverse relationship between
      meat pH and paleness, and may affect signals from fibre-optic meat probes.

PMID- 22061416
TI  - Nitric oxide synthase activity in muscle foods.
AB  - Nitric oxide is enzymatically produced in animals by nitric oxide synthase (NOS).
      Nitric oxide reacts with superoxide to form peroxynitrite, which initiates
      oxidative reactions. To assess the potential for nitric oxide formation in
      muscle, NOS activity was determined in fresh muscle (<8 h post-mortem) from
      several species under conditions expected in muscle foods. Fresh muscle from all
      species exhibited NOS activity. NOS activity in muscle was reduced during
      refrigerated storage. Chicken thigh muscle NOS activity was not affected by pH
      over the range of 4.5-7.4, but was inhibited by 1 and 2% NaCl. Chicken thigh
      muscle NOS activity was stimulated at internal cooking temperatures up to 55 
      degrees C but was completely inhibited at higher temperatures. Results of this
      study indicate that post-mortem NOS is only active for the first several days of
      post-mortem storage.

PMID- 22061417
TI  - Bacteriocinogenic activity from starter cultures used in Spanish meat industry.
AB  - Thirty-nine bacterial strains, obtained from commercial starter cultures and
      commonly used by the meat industry in Spain, have been examined for their ability
      to produce bacteriocins. Fourteen (35%) of them showed antagonism against at
      least one of the indicator strains, by the agar spot test. The strains showing an
      inhibitory action against pathogenic indicator strains were identified as
      Pediococcus acidilactici, Lactobacillus curvatus, Lactobacillus pentosus and
      Lactobacillus plantarum, which showed an inhibitory action against a wide range
      of Gram-positive bacteria. The only strain which showed reliable inhibitory
      activity against pathogenic indicator strains, by the well diffusion assay, was
      P. acidilactici. This strain produces an inhibitory compound, which reaches its
      maximum activity at the beginning of the stationary phase of growth. This
      antimicrobial substance (bacteriocin) has a proteinaceous nature, is stable over
      a broad range of pH, resistant to heat and shows a bactericidal action.

PMID- 22061418
TI  - Effects of age on fatty acid composition of the hump and abdomen depot fats of
      the Arabian camel (Camelus dromedarius).
AB  - This study aimed to quantify concentrations of fatty acids in the hump and
      abdomen fats of three different age groups of camel. Hump and abdomen fats were
      extracted from eight each of one-humped camels (Camelus dromedarius) of three age
      groups: group 1 (<1 year old), group 2 (1-3 years old) and group 3 (>3 years
      old). The fatty acid methyl ester concentrations of these fats were determined by
      gas-liquid chromatography (GLC). The percentage of fat in the hump (H) and
      abdomen (A) fats was significantly (P<0.05) lower for group 1 (H 92.0% and A
      94.3%) than for group 2 (H 97.4% and A 97.2%) and group 3 (H 97.6% and A 97.5%),
      on a dry matter basis. Hump and abdomen fats from the three different groups had
      similar fatty acid patterns with more saturated than unsaturated fatty acids. The
      saturated fatty acids in the hump fats accounted for 58.3, 67.6, and 63.0% of the
      total fatty acids for groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively; group 1 had significantly
      (P<0.05) lower saturated and higher unsaturated fatty acid concentrations than
      group 2. The iodine numbers were significantly (P<0.05) higher in group 1 than
      either group 2 or 3. Palmitic acid (C16:0) was the major fatty acid in hump fat
      with 32.06, 32.90 and 34.37%, followed by oleic acid (C18:1) 33.65, 21.66 and
      28.91.0% and stearic acid (C18:0) 18.85, 24.13 and 20.74% for groups 1, 2 and 3,
      respectively. Group 1 had significantly higher (P<0.05) oleic acid and lower
      stearic acid concentrations than group 2. The melting point of both hump and
      abdomen fats varied between the age groups. This study indicated that age has an
      effect on the fatty acid composition and the melting point of hump and abdomen
      fats in one-humped Arabian camels.

PMID- 22061419
TI  - Fatty acid composition and quality characteristics of low-fat cooked sausages
      made with beef and chicken meat, tomato juice and sunflower oil.
AB  - Low-fat (5.9-10.3% fat) cooked sausages were produced with seven different
      formulations. Sausages produced with total replacement of fat with sunflower oil
      had significantly lower oleic acid (C18:1) and higher linoleic (C18:2) and
      behenic (C22:0) fatty acid contents. Their ratio of TUFA/TS was 3.65 compared to
      0.95-1.14 for the other sausages. Also these sausages had the lowest moisture
      content, highest overall palatability and were less firm. Sausages with tomato
      juice had the lowest pH value, total aerobic count and nitrite content, but were
      firmer. Sausages produced with reduced beef contents had lower fat contents,
      lower stearic (C18:0) and higher oleic (C18:1) fatty acid contents than sausages
      of high beef content, their texture was very soft and had the lowest score for
      juiciness. Finally the sausages with chicken meat had the lowest fat and highest
      salt contents, and lower stearic (C18:0) and higher linoleic (C18:3) fatty acid
      contents than those made with beef . Also their colour was lighter, less red and
      more yellow and they had the lowest flavor intensity and overall acceptability.

PMID- 22061420
TI  - The effect of dietary oregano essential oil on lipid oxidation in raw and cooked
      chicken during refrigerated storage.
AB  - The antioxidative effect of dietary supplementation with oregano essential oil on
      susceptibility of raw and cooked breast and thigh muscle meat of chickens to
      lipid oxidation during refrigerated storage for 9 days was investigated. Day-old
      chickens (n=80) were randomly divided into four groups and fed a basal diet
      containing 30 mg alpha-tocopheryl acetate kg(-1) feed as control, or basal diet
      plus 200 mg alpha-tocopheryl acetate kg(-1) feed, or basal diet plus 50 or 100 mg
      oregano essential oil kg(-1) for 38 days prior to slaughter. Lipid oxidation was
      assessed by monitoring malondialdehyde (MDA) formation in raw and cooked meat
      during 0, 3, 6 and 9 days of refrigerated storage, using the thiobarbituric acid
      (TBA) assay and third-order derivative spectrophotometry. Results showed that
      dietary oregano essential oil supplementation exerted antioxidative effects, the
      supplementation being most effective in retarding lipid oxidation in stored raw
      and cooked meat at the 100 mg oregano essential oil kg(-1) feed. However, dietary
      alpha-tocopheryl acetate supplementation at 200 mg kg(-1) feed displayed greater
      antioxidant activity than oregano treatments. Thigh muscle was more susceptible
      to oxidation compared to breast muscle in all treatments, although the former
      tissues contained alpha-tocopherol at markedly higher levels.

PMID- 22061421
TI  - Staphylococcus aureus survival, staphylococcal enterotoxin production and shelf
      stability of country-cured hams manufactured under different processing
      procedures.
AB  - Fresh hams were inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus, cured, equalized, cold
      smoked or non-smoked, and aged. Initial S. aureus populations of 8.57 and 8.12
      Log(10) CFU/cm(2) for salt and salt+NO(2)hams decreased to below the levels of
      detection after the fourth month of aging. S. aureus was detected following
      enrichment for 75% of the inoculated and 62% of the control hams at the end of
      the aging period. Staphylococcal enterotoxin was detected in 40% of the
      inoculated and 50% of the control hams following the aging period. The NaCl
      content of these hams with or without nitrite were 4.45/3.37% and a(w) values
      0.94/0.91. Country-cured ham products obtained from retail stores in Kentucky
      were all negative for S. aureus enterotoxin. These results indicate that higher
      salt content and lower a(w) values on country-cured hams play an important role
      in controlling the growth and toxin production of S. aureus.

PMID- 22061422
TI  - Single particle tracking of acyl carrier protein (ACP)-tagged TrkA receptors in
      PC12nnr5 cells.
AB  - There is a wide interest in studying the membrane mobility of Nerve Growth Factor
      (NGF) tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA) at the single molecule level, in order
      to elucidate its diverse signaling responses related to different receptor
      functions. Here we present an experimental strategy based on the acyl carrier
      protein (ACP) tag in order to study the dynamics of the high-affinity NGF
      receptor TrkA in the membrane of PC12nnr5 cells. We present a single-particle
      tracking (SPT) study using highly photostable semiconductor quantum dots (Qdots)
      conjugated to ACP-tagged TrkA receptors. We demonstrate that ACP-TrkA shows
      biochemical and biological properties identical to those of its unmodified
      counterpart and that single receptor molecules in living cells display distinct
      diffusive regimes and a highly heterogeneous dynamics.

PMID- 22061423
TI  - A functional MRI investigation of the association between childhood aerobic
      fitness and neurocognitive control.
AB  - We used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to examine brain activity of
      higher fit and lower fit children during early and late task blocks of a
      cognitive control flanker paradigm. For congruent trials, all children showed
      increased recruitment of frontal and parietal regions during the early block when
      the task was unfamiliar, followed by a decrease in activity in the later block.
      No within-group changes in congruent accuracy were reported across task blocks,
      despite a decline in performance across all participants, likely due to fatigue.
      During incongruent trials, only higher fit children maintained accuracy across
      blocks, coupled with increased prefrontal and parietal recruitment in the early
      task block and reduced activity in the later block. Lower fit children showed a
      decline in incongruent accuracy across blocks, and no changes in activation. We
      suggest that higher fit children are better at activating and adapting neural
      processes involved in cognitive control to meet and maintain task goals.

PMID- 22061424
TI  - Synapse formation in adult barrel cortex following naturalistic environmental
      enrichment.
AB  - Environmental enrichment paradigms in adult laboratory animals, consisting of
      physical, perceptual, and social stimulation, have been shown to affect synapse
      and cell morphology in sensory cortex and enhance learning ability, whereas
      enrichment, which is in harmony with the animal's natural habitat may have even
      greater implications for plasticity. Previous studies in our laboratory have
      shown that whisker stimulation induced the formation of synapses and spines in
      the corresponding barrel. In the present study adult C57/Bl6J female laboratory
      mice at 6 weeks of age were placed during 2 months in a protected enrichment
      enclosure in a forest clearing at the Chisti Les Biological Station, Tvier,
      Russia. We analyzed neuropil ultrastructure in the C2 barrel using serial-section
      electron microscopy on a total of eight mice (n=4 enriched, n=4 standard cagemate
      controls). Quantitative analyses of volumes of neuropil showed a significant
      increase in excitatory and inhibitory synapses on spines and excitatory synapses
      on dendritic shafts in the C2 barrel in the enriched group compared with standard
      cagemate controls. These results demonstrate that naturalistic experience alters
      the synaptic circuitry in layer IV of the somatosensory cortex, the first
      cortical relay of sensory information, leaving a lasting trace that may guide
      subsequent behavior.

PMID- 22061425
TI  - Early demyelination of primary A-fibers induces a rapid-onset of neuropathic pain
      in rat.
AB  - Some types of peripheral neuropathic pain are associated with damage to myelin
      rather than to axons of primary sensory neurons. It is extremely important to
      develop selective demyelination animal models for understanding neuropathic pain
      caused by demyelination. We induced a rapid-onset and reversible demyelination of
      peripheral A-fibers and neuropathic pain behaviors in adult rats by a single
      injection of cobra venom into the sciatic nerve. The relation between A-fiber
      demyelination and the abnormal pain behaviors was investigated using this model.
      Microfilament recordings revealed that cobra venom selectively blocked A-fibers,
      but not C-fibers. Selective blockade of A-fibers may result from A-fiber
      demyelination at the site of venom injection as demonstrated by microscope
      examination. The axons of the demyelinated A-fibers appeared to be otherwise
      normal. Neuropathic pain behaviors appeared almost immediately after venom
      injection and lasted about 3 weeks. Electrophysiological studies indicated that
      venom injection induced loss of conduction in A-fibers, increased sensitivity of
      C-polymodal nociceptors to innocuous stimuli, and triggered spontaneous activity
      from both peripheral and central terminals of C-fiber nociceptors. Neurogenic
      inflammatory responses were also observed in the affected skin via Evan's Blue
      extravasation experiments. Both antidromic C-fiber spontaneous activity and
      neurogenic inflammation were substantially decreased by continuous A-fiber
      threshold electric stimuli applied proximally to the venom injection site. The
      data suggest that normal activity of peripheral A-fibers may produce inhibitory
      modulation of C-fiber polymodal nociceptors. Removal of inhibition to C-fiber
      polymodal nociceptors following demyelination of A-fibers may result in pain and
      neurogenic inflammation in the affected receptive field.

PMID- 22061426
TI  - The role of androgens in species recognition and sperm production in Atlantic
      mollies (Poecilia mexicana).
AB  - Much is known about the role of hormones in the regulation of vertebrate mating
      behavior, including receptivity, and several components of mate choice. Hormones
      may modulate reproductive behavior in such a way to increase or decrease the
      individual's motivation, and therefore hormones may be important in mediating
      behavior associated with reproductive isolation. The mating complex of the all
      female gynogenetic Amazon mollies, Poecilia formosa, and their parental species
      (sailfin mollies, P. latipinna, and Atlantic mollies, P. mexicana) is a model
      system for studying ultimate mechanisms of species recognition. However,
      proximate mechanisms, such as variation in hormone levels, and the effect of
      hormones on sperm production have not been extensively examined. We predict that
      one or more of the sex steroid hormones in teleost fish (11-ketotestosterone
      (KT), testosterone (T), and estradiol (E)) will play a role in species
      recognition (during mate choice and/or sperm priming) for Atlantic mollies (the
      maternal parental species) that are sympatric with Amazon mollies. We
      sequentially paired male Atlantic mollies with female conspecifics and Amazon
      mollies and obtained water-borne hormone samples before and after mating for all
      fish. We measured circulating KT, T, and E from the water samples. Although we
      did not find an overall KT response to mating with conspecifics as has been found
      previously in sailfin mollies, male Atlantic mollies that mated more with
      conspecific females had lower postmating T levels. Additionally, males attempted
      to mate more with conspecific females that had lower postmating E levels, but
      attempted to mate more with Amazon mollies that had higher postmating KT levels.
      We also examined the effect of KT on sperm priming (a mechanism of premating mate
      choice), and found that KT levels of male Atlantic mollies prior to mating are
      correlated with the sperm priming response when males were paired with
      conspecific females, but this correlation was not found when males were paired
      with Amazon mollies. Our results indicate that male mating behavior is affecting
      or responding to both male and female hormones, but that the hormones alone are
      not playing a role in species recognition. Male Atlantic mollies may not
      discriminate against Amazon mollies as strongly as male sailfin mollies because
      Amazon mollies resemble their maternal parental species more than their paternal
      species.

PMID- 22061427
TI  - The HPA axis modulates the CNS melanocortin control of liver triacylglyceride
      metabolism.
AB  - The central melanocortin system regulates lipid metabolism in peripheral tissues
      such as white adipose tissue. Alterations in the activity of sympathetic nerves
      connecting hypothalamic cells expressing melanocortin 3/4 receptors (MC3/4R) with
      white adipocytes have been shown to partly mediate these effects. Interestingly,
      hypothalamic neurons producing corticotropin-releasing hormone and thyrotropin
      releasing hormone co-express MC4R. Therefore we hypothesized that regulation of
      hypothalamo-pituitary adrenal (HPA) and hypothalamo-pituitary thyroid (HPT) axes
      activity by the central melanocortin system could contribute to its control of
      peripheral lipid metabolism. To test this hypothesis, we chronically infused rats
      intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.) either with an MC3/4R antagonist (SHU9119), an
      MC3/4R agonist (MTII) or saline. Rats had been previously adrenalectomized (ADX)
      and supplemented daily with 1mg/kg corticosterone (s.c.), thyroidectomized (TDX)
      and supplemented daily with 10 MUg/kgL-thyroxin (s.c.), or sham operated (SO).
      Blockade of MC3/4R signaling with SHU9119 increased food intake and body mass,
      irrespective of gland surgery. The increase in body mass was accompanied by
      higher epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT) weight and higher mRNA content of
      lipogenic enzymes in eWAT. SHU9119 infusion increased triglyceride content in the
      liver of SO and TDX rats, but not in those of ADX rats. Concomitantly, mRNA
      expression of lipogenic enzymes in liver was increased in SO and TDX, but not in
      ADX rats. We conclude that the HPA and HPT axes do not play an essential role in
      mediating central melanocortinergic effects on white adipose tissue and liver
      lipid metabolism. However, while basal hepatic lipid metabolism does not depend
      on a functional HPA axis, the induction of hepatic lipogenesis due to central
      melanocortin system blockade does require a functional HPA axis.

PMID- 22061428
TI  - The role of the ventrolateral caudoputamen in predatory hunting.
AB  - The ventrolateral caudoputamen (VLCP) is well known to participate in the control
      of orofacial movements and forepaw usage accompanying feeding behavior. Previous
      studies from our laboratory have shown that insect hunting is associated with a
      distinct Fos up-regulation in the VLCP at intermediate rostro-caudal levels.
      Moreover, using the reversible blockade with lidocaine, we have previously
      suggested that the VLCP implements the stereotyped actions seen during prey
      capture and handling, and may influence the motivational drive to start attacking
      the roaches, as well. However, considering that (1) lidocaine suppresses action
      potentials not only in neurons, but also in fibers-of-passage, rendering the
      observed behavioral effect not specific to the ventrolateral caudoputamen; (2)
      the short lidocaine-induced inactivation period had left a relatively narrow
      window to observe the behavioral changes; and (3) that the restriction stress to
      inject the drug could have also disturbed hunting behavior, in the present study,
      we have examined the role of the VLCP in predatory hunting by placing bilateral
      NMDA lesions three weeks previous to the behavior testing. We were able to
      confirm that the VLCP serves to implement the stereotyped sequence of actions
      seen during prey capture and handling, but the study did not confirm its role in
      influencing the motivational drive to hunt. Together with other studies from our
      group, the present work serves as an important piece of information that helps to
      reveal the neural systems underlying predatory hunting.

PMID- 22061429
TI  - Whole grain rye breakfast - sustained satiety during three weeks of regular
      consumption.
AB  - Whole grain rye products have previously been shown to increase feelings of
      satiety for up to 8h after intake under standardized conditions. This study was
      set out to investigate the sustainability of the satiating effect after regular
      consumption of breakfast meals with whole grain rye porridge or refined wheat
      bread. The study was randomized, cross-over and double-blind. Healthy subjects
      (n=24) were randomly assigned to daily consumption of iso-caloric standardized
      breakfast meals with whole grain rye porridge or refined wheat bread for two 3-wk
      phases, separated by a wash out of 3-4weeks. Each intervention phase had 3
      scheduled visit days (days 1, 8 and 22) when appetite ratings (hunger, satiety
      and desire to eat) were registered for 24h at standardized conditions. Orocecal
      transit time (salicylazosulfapyridine/sulfapyridine method) and breath hydrogen
      as an indicator of colonic fermentation were measured at day 8 of each 3-wk phase
      in a subgroup (n=16). To investigate effects of breakfast on free-living food
      intake, 3-day weighed food diaries were self-registered during both intervention
      phases. Whole grain rye porridge breakfast resulted in higher ratings of satiety
      and lower hunger and desire to eat during 4h post consumption compared to refined
      wheat bread breakfast (p<0.001). This effect was sustained throughout the 3-wk
      study phases. Unlike previous studies, the effects did not persist into the
      afternoon (4-8h). The orocecal transit times after consumption of both breakfasts
      were similar and in the range of 5-6h. The rye porridge resulted in high levels
      of breath hydrogen 4-8h after intake, showing extensive colonic fermentation.
      This was however not related to any changes in appetite during this time-period.
      There were no significant differences in self-reported macronutrient- and energy
      intake between diets. This study shows that the satiating effect of rye persists
      after repeated daily consumption for up to three weeks. Clinicaltrials.gov
      Identifier: NCT01117363.

PMID- 22061430
TI  - The effect of chewing gum on physiological and self-rated measures of alertness
      and daytime sleepiness.
AB  - The proposition that chewing gum can improve alertness was investigated via both
      physiological and self-rated measures. The Pupillographic Sleepiness Test (PST)
      provided a measure of pupillary unrest (PUI); a physiological index of daytime
      sleepiness. Chewing gum reduced the extent of sleepiness as measured by both PUI
      and self-rated sleepiness. Specifically, in comparison with sham chewing and no
      chewing controls, the chewing gum condition significantly limited the increase in
      pupillary unrest following the 11-minute PST within a darkened laboratory: a
      finding indicating moderation of the daytime sleepiness increase for the chewing
      gum condition. In addition, there was some evidence that chewing gum (relative to
      the no-chewing condition only) moderated the increase in a self-rated measure of
      sleepiness (Stanford Sleepiness Scale). However, there was no evidence that
      chewing gum moderated the decrease in self-rated alertness (Bond-Lader Visual
      Analogue Mood Scale). Although the precise mechanism underpinning the effect of
      chewing gum is unclear, the reduction in daytime sleepiness may be underpinned
      via heightened cerebral activity following the chewing of gum or the arousing
      effects of mint flavour.

PMID- 22061432
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 22061431
TI  - Introducing personalised care planning into Newham: outcomes of a pilot project.
AB  - AIM: To explore the feasibility and acceptability of implementing a personalised
      care planning approach for diabetes care in general practice. METHODS: A four
      stage care planning process was introduced for diabetes annual review, involving
      patients (1) being made aware of the new process, (2) attending an appointment to
      gather clinical data, (3) receiving and reviewing their results and (4) attending
      a care planning consultation. The latter is a collaborative discussion with the
      health professional about their response to their results, their goals and
      desired action plan. Health professionals received specialist training in
      personalised care planning, including practice observations and feedback.
      RESULTS: Sixty-six per cent of patients eligible to participate in the project
      attended both appointments and received an annual review. Of these, 89% also
      agreed a personalised care plan. Staff reported greater engagement among patients
      who had read and understood their results. Fourteen per cent of patients reported
      that they had not agreed a care plan but would have liked one. Patients reported
      increased confidence in managing their condition with 75% feeling that their
      ideas and goals were discussed completely. CONCLUSIONS: Introducing personalised
      care planning to general practice diabetes care is possible and well received.
      Our model for implementation of personalised care planning, which includes
      specialist training for practice teams and ongoing support from local colleagues
      and health organizations, can help to meet national recommendations for the
      provision of personalised care plans for people with long-term conditions. When
      implementing personalised care planning, efficient administration is vital and
      behaviour change is necessary for both staff and patients.

PMID- 22061433
TI  - Assay of Cathepsin D activity in fresh pork muscle and dry-cured ham.
AB  - Different assays of cathepsin D activity in both porcine muscle and dry-cured ham
      extracts have been tested in order to find the best conditions for a reliable
      detection of cathepsin D in dry-cured meat products. The enzyme was effectively
      extracted with 0.2% (v/v) of Triton X-100. Nucleases if present were not observed
      to interfere with the assays. The best conditions for a reliable detection of
      cathepsin D in dry-cured ham were found to be the incubation of the enzyme
      extract for 1 h at 45 degrees C in a reaction mixture containing 0.60% (w/v) of
      haemoglobin in 0.2 m sodium citrate buffer, pH = 3.7.

PMID- 22061434
TI  - Fatty acid composition of lipid in Longissimus dorsi muscle of Duroc and British
      Landrace pigs and its relationship with eating quality.
AB  - The fatty acid composition of intramuscular fat from Duroc and halothane negative
      British Landrace pigs was determined and the relationships between fatty acid
      concentrations and aspects of eating quality were estimated from data on 160
      pigs. Boars and gilts from each breed were performance tested on ad libitum or
      restricted feeding regimes with an average slaughter weight of 80 kg. Eating
      quality was assessed by ten experienced taste panelists. Intramuscular fat of
      Duroc pigs had higher concentrations of saturated and mono-unsaturated fatty
      acids and lower concentrations of poly-unsaturated fatty acids than Landrace
      pigs. With increasing intramuscular fat content, concentrations of saturated and
      mono-unsaturated fatty acids increased and concentrations of poly-unsaturated
      fatty acids decreased and the rate of change in fatty acid concentrations was
      greater in Landrace pigs than in Duroc pigs. Eating quality traits were generally
      improved as the concentration of mono-unsaturated fatty acids increased and poly
      unsaturated fatty acids decreased.

PMID- 22061435
TI  - Preservative effect of combinations of acetic acid with lactic or propionic acid
      on buffalo meat stored at refrigeration temperature.
AB  - A silverside of buffalo was cut in 15 equal-sized steaks and divided into five
      groups, each group containing three steaks. The steaks from groups 1,2,3 and 4
      were treated with 1, 2, 3 and 4% acetic:lactic acid combinations, respectively,
      and the fifth group was kept as a control. Similar treatments were also given
      with acetic: propionic acid mixtures. The microbial analysis and changes in
      colour and odour were noted at 0, 24, 72 and 168 h. The bacteriostatic and
      bacteriocidal action of the acid mixtures increased with increasing concentration
      but the effect was reduced as the time advanced. Both acid mixtures had
      pronounced antibacterial effect on gram negative organisms than gram positive
      ones. The 3% acetic: lactic acid combination showed reduction in bacterial
      numbers without affecting the colour and odour of buffalo meat and is recommended
      for decontamination and preservation of meat for up to seven days at
      refrigeration temperature (7 +/- 1 degrees C).

PMID- 22061436
TI  - Stunning and shackling influences on quality of porcine Longissimus dorsi and
      Semimembranosus muscles.
AB  - Seventy-one barrows of three porcine genotypes (nn, Nn and NN genotypes with
      respect to halothane) were electrically stunned on the right side and randomly
      assigned to one of three treatments during the bleeding process (prone, PR;
      shackled left, SL; or shackled right, SR) to investigate the influence of both
      shackling and stunning on ultimate meat quality. PR carcasses had less side-to
      side variation in 40 min pH than either SL or SR carcasses. Shackling contributed
      to a decreased 40 min pH in the semimembranosus (SM) and posterior longissimus
      dorsi (PL). The effects of stunning appeared to be additive when combined with
      shackling, tending to lower pH in the mid-longissimus dorsi (ML; P <- 0.10). The
      'free' side of the shackled carcass also had significantly lower 40 min pH in the
      ML, PL and SM locations when compared to PR sides. Genotype had no influence on
      shackling since there was no treatment by genotype interactions. Despite
      significant effects on post-mortem metabolism (indicated by the differences in 40
      min pH) shackling alone had little influence on overall ultimate meat quality of
      the carcass. Depending on the sampling location, soluble protein and L (*) and b
      (*) values varied among treatments. Shear force and a (*) values were similar
      among treatments, but PR and SL carcasses had significantly lower expressible
      juice and drip loss compared to SR carcasses. These results suggest that,
      although shackling alone has little effect on meat quality, in combination with
      electrical stunning, shackling can lead to a decrease in meat quality.

PMID- 22061437
TI  - Kinetics of hydration properties of meat emulsions containing various fillers
      during smokehouse cooking.
AB  - The cooking kinetics of meat emulsions containing various fillers was determined
      by monitoring changes in hydration properties such as cooking loss and water
      holding capacity during smokehouse cooking. Press juice, consumer cook test and
      emulsion stability of cooked product were also determined. The fillers used were
      buttermilk powder, corn starch, microcrystalline cellulose, modified corn starch,
      modified wheat flour, soy-protein concentrate and whey-protein concentrate. The
      cooking process was modelled using reaction kinetics and Eyring's absolute
      reaction rate theory. Enthalpy and entropy changes of activation were calculated
      for various properties and fillers.

PMID- 22061438
TI  - Kinetics of pH and colour of meat emulsions containing various fillers during
      smokehouse cooking.
AB  - The cooking kinetics of meat emulsions containing various fillers was determined
      by monitoring changes in pH and colour during smokehouse cooking. The fillers
      used were buttermilk powder, corn starch, microcrystallline cellulose, modified
      corn starch, modified wheat flour, soy-protein concentrate and whey-protein
      concentrate. The cooking process was modelled using reaction kinetics and
      Eyring's absolute reaction rate theory. Enthalpy and entropy changes of
      activation were calculated for various properties and fillers.

PMID- 22061439
TI  - Dietary energy and protein effects on partitioning of carcass components in beef
      cattle.
AB  - This study evaluated carcass and wholesale cut composition of 20 Angus steers fed
      two levels of protein (LP = 8% versus HP = 14%) at two levels of energy intake
      (LE = 1.96 versus HE = 2.67 Mcal ME) at 6.35 kg head(-1) d(-1) dry matter intake
      for 238 d using a factorial arrangement (n = 5/diet). The left side of each
      carcass was physically separated into wholesale cuts and each cut was, in turn,
      physically separated into the lean, subcutaneous fat, intermuscular fat, bone
      portions and cavity fat when applicable. Intramuscular fat for the entire side
      was chemically determined using only the separated lean tissue component. Energy
      was the greatest source of variation (P < 0.05) on carcass and wholesale cut
      composition: HE was associated with more total carcass fat (32.4 versus 23.9%)
      and less lean (56.7 versus 60.2%) and bone (17.9 versus 20.1%) than LE. Protein
      by energy level interactions (P < 0.05) were observed for carcass subcutaneous
      fat and carcass lean in addition to brisket subcutaneous fat, round subcutaneous
      fat and bone. The HP:HE group had the least carcass lean and the most
      subcutaneous fat followed by the LP:HE group, LP:LE and then HP:LE. This was also
      the trend for the wholesale cut composition. These results suggest that fat
      deposition in cattle can be significantly and favorably reduced in wholesale cuts
      by adjusting the relative balance of dietary protein and energy.

PMID- 22061440
TI  - Microbial quality, and effect of cooking on survival of Salmonella, in Kokaric.
AB  - A special preparation from the small intestine of lamb, called kokaric, is widely
      consumed in Turkey. In this study, Salmonella was not isolated from raw kokaric.
      Conventional ways of cooking, except precooking, destroyed Salmonella in
      artificially contaminated kokaric. The microbial quality of cooked kokaric bought
      from street sellers was not safe for public health consumption because of
      environmental contamination.

PMID- 22061441
TI  - Superb fluoride and arsenic removal performance of highly ordered mesoporous
      aluminas.
AB  - Highly ordered mesoporous aluminas and calcium-doped aluminas were synthesized
      through a facile and reproducible method. Their fluoride adsorption
      characteristics, including adsorption isotherms, adsorption kinetics, the effect
      of pH and co-existing anions were investigated. These materials exhibited strong
      affinity to fluoride ions and extremely high defluoridation capacities. The
      highest defluoridation capacity value reached 450 mg/g. These materials also
      showed superb arsenic removal ability. 1g of mesoporous alumina was able to treat
      200 kg of arsenic contaminated water with a pH value of 7, reducing the
      concentration of arsenate from 100 ppb to 1 ppb.

PMID- 22061442
TI  - Size distributions and exposure concentrations of nanoparticles associated with
      the emissions of oil mists from fastener manufacturing processes.
AB  - The aims of the present study were set out to measure size distributions and
      estimate workers' exposure concentrations of oil mist nanoparticles in three
      selected workplaces of the forming, threading, and heat treating areas in a
      fastener manufacturing plant by using a modified electrical aerosol detector
      (MEAD). The results were further compared with those simultaneously obtained from
      a nanoparticle surface area monitor (NSAM) and a scanning mobility particle sizer
      (SMPS) for the validation purpose. Results show that oil mist nanoparticles in
      the three selected process areas were formed mainly through the evaporation and
      condensation processes. The measured size distributions of nanoparticles were
      consistently in the form of uni-modal. The estimated fraction of nanoparticles
      deposited on the alveolar (AV) region was consistently much higher than that on
      the head airway (HD) and tracheobronchial (TB) regions in both number and surface
      area concentration bases. However, a significant difference was found in the
      estimated fraction of nanoparticles deposited on each individual region while
      different exposure metrics were used. Comparable results were found between
      results obtained from both NSAM and MEAD. After normalization, no significant
      difference can be found between the results obtained from SMPS and MEAD. It is
      concluded that the obtained MEAD results are suitable for assessing oil mist
      nanoparticle exposures.

PMID- 22061443
TI  - Boroaluminosilicate glasses: novel sorbents for separation of Th and U.
AB  - Boroaluminosilicate glass having a specific composition could be successfully
      used for the selective uptake of thorium from a mixture containing uranium by
      controlling the solution pH only. Single ion uptake studies showed that the
      uptake of uranium and thorium was maximum at pH of 4.5 and 7.5, respectively. But
      uptake studies using mixtures with uranium and thorium showed that irrespective
      of the pH, the uptake of thorium was higher than that of uranium.

PMID- 22061444
TI  - Extractive fermentation for improved production and recovery of lipase derived
      from Burkholderia cepacia using a thermoseparating polymer in aqueous two-phase
      systems.
AB  - An extractive fermentation technique was developed using a thermoseparating
      reagent to form a two-phase system for simultaneous cell cultivation and
      downstream processing of extracellular Burkholderia cepacia lipase. A 10% (w/w)
      solution of ethylene oxide-propylene oxide (EOPO) with a molecular mass of 3900
      g/mol and pH 8.5, a 200 rpm speed, and 30  degrees C were selected as the optimal
      conditions for lipase production (55 U/ml). Repetitive batch fermentation was
      performed by continuous replacement of the top phase every 24h, which resulted in
      an average cell growth mass of 4.7 g/L for 10 extractive batches over 240 h. In
      scaling-up the process, a bench-scale bioreactor was tested under the conditions
      that had been optimized in flasks. The production rate and recovery yield were
      higher in the bioreactor compared to fermentation performed in flasks.

PMID- 22061445
TI  - Cloning of the cDNA, localization, and physiological effects of FGLamide-related
      allatostatins in the blood-gorging bug, Rhodnius prolixus.
AB  - Allatostatins (ASTs) are insect neuropeptides that were first identified as
      inhibitors of juvenile hormone biosynthesis by the corpora allata. There are
      three families of ASTs in insects, defined by their C-terminus conserved regions,
      one of which is FGLamide. Here we determine, for the first time in a hemipteran,
      the complete 1013 bp cDNA sequence encoding the Rhodnius prolixus FGLa/ASTs
      (Rhopr-FGLa/ASTs), and confirm the transcript size using northern blot.
      Phylogenetic analysis suggests that the Rhopr-FGLa/AST prepropeptide is most
      similar to the FGLa/AST precursors identified in Hymenoptera. Reverse
      transcriptase PCR demonstrates that the Rhopr-FGLa/AST transcript is highly
      expressed in the central nervous system (CNS) in unfed fifth-instar R. prolixus,
      and is reduced in expression in CNS dissected from one day old blood-fed insects.
      Fluorescent in situ hybridization shows transcript expression in neurons in each
      ganglion of the CNS, but also in cells located on peripheral nerves. Rhopr
      FGLa/ASTs dose-dependently inhibit contractions of the anterior midgut and
      hindgut, suggesting a role in feeding-related physiological events.

PMID- 22061446
TI  - Performance of longitudinal and volumetric tube current modulation in a 64-slice
      CT with different choices of acquisition and reconstruction parameters.
AB  - Aim of the study was to evaluate the performance of a tube current modulation
      (TCM) system ((SURE)Exposure 3D). On a 64 detector-row CT scanner (Aquilion 64,
      Toshiba), performance of fixed tube current, longitudinal TCM, and volumetric TCM
      acquisitions were assessed. A homogeneous cone-shaped phantom and an
      anthropomorphic phantom were used. Tube current and noise profiles were
      quantitatively analysed by box and whisker plots when phantom size, acquisition,
      and reconstruction parameters were varied. At similar median noise, fixed tube
      current scanning showed a noise range of 16.8-38.3 HU, while longitudinal TCM
      showed a range of 19.4-31.4 HU and volumetric TCM showed an even lower range of
      20.7-28.7 HU. When acquisitions resulting in similar image quality (noise) were
      compared, the use of volumetric compared to longitudinal TCM resulted in a
      variable radiation dose reduction up to 6.6%. In conclusion, (SURE)Exposure 3D
      resulted in more uniform image quality at a lower dose. Volumetric TCM shows
      improved results over longitudinal TCM.

PMID- 22061447
TI  - 38th international congress of meat science & technology August 1992, Clermont
      Ferrand, France.

PMID- 22061448
TI  - Consumer demands: Major problems facing industry in a consumer-driven society.
AB  - Demand is driven by conventional market forces over much of the world among
      consumers with strong positive attitudes to meat as a nutritious, tasty and
      premium food; price in relation to income, availability, quality (including
      leanness) and relevance to life-style remain the dominant forces operating. But
      in the developed world, there are emerging concerns about how meat is produced,
      which are likely to have negative effects on demand, particularly that of the
      current younger generation, and which may well begin to affect Government
      policies towards the meat industry. The industry needs to establish strong
      information and education programmes, but also to examine its procedures to
      provide greater consumer assurance about practises and controls. Also the
      scientists and technologists serving the industry need to help it move towards
      sustainable lower input, less environmentally damaging systems, less reliance on
      drugs, stimulants and additives, sensitive exploitation of the new genetics and
      with more consideration for the animals involved.

PMID- 22061449
TI  - What do we need for a value-based beef marketing system?
AB  - A functioning value-based marketing system is critical to the economic well-being
      of the beef industry. Producers must be paid for producing what the consumers
      demand. Clear signals must come from the consumer to the marketing chain to the
      producer. The US beef industry has agreed upon eight consensus points that need
      to the resolved before a functioning value-based marketing system can become a
      reality. Following the agreement on these consensus points, the US beef industry
      has declared 'War on Fat'. The consensus points and the industry's 'war' plans
      are discussed.

PMID- 22061450
TI  - The future role of molecular genetics in the control of meat production and meat
      quality.
AB  - Current applications of quantitative genetics for genetic improvement of farm
      animals rely on sophisticated statistical procedures applied to failly simple
      genetic models and have been effective in producing large cumulative genetic
      changes in many traits. Recent advances in molecular genetics provide a potential
      for renewed methods in animal breeding. The two main possible fields of
      application of recombinant DNA methologies, i.e. marker-assisted breeding and
      gene transfer, are reviewed. Use of genetic markers as an aid to present breeding
      practice appears to be rather promising, but research effort remains to be done
      before implementation of marker-assisted breeding schemes on a significant scale.
      It is not, at this stage, obvious that transgenesis will be an important way of
      improving meat-producing animals, at least in the near future.

PMID- 22061451
TI  - Preslaughter handling, stunning and slaughter.
AB  - This paper reviews some of the recent developments in scientific research into
      preslaughter handling, transport, stunning and slaughter. Particular emphasis has
      been placed on work published within the past 2 years, and on the welfare and
      meat quality aspects of the subject.

PMID- 22061452
TI  - Consumer attitudes to meat eating.
AB  - This study reports on current meat consumption in the UK and the factors that are
      percieved by the subjects to be influential in their choice of diet. A random
      sample of individuals from the population (n-1018) were questioned on their
      consumption and attitudes towards meat by a postal survey. The study revealed
      that 28.3% of the population considered themselves to be reducing meat
      consumption; attitudes found to be determinant in changes in the consumption of
      meat were healthiness, taste and concerns over additives. Hypothetical future
      events were found to affect people's estimated meat-eating. Knowledge of meat
      related information was investigated with specific reference to the respondents'
      trust in the various sources used; food package labels were found to be an
      influential source of meat-related information.

PMID- 22061453
TI  - Sensory properties and preferences.
AB  - Common mistakes are frequent in sensory evaluation of meats and meat products.
      Conceptual confusion is often observed in triangular tests when add-on questions
      are included in the testing procedures, and when descriptive and hedonic scales
      are mixed in profiling exercises. Similar consumer responses are often recorded
      from trained, and thus biased, panels. Preference for meats seems to be most
      strongly affected by changes in colour/appearance and texture, and to a lesser
      extent by changes in flavour (that is when off-flavours are not present). It is
      difficult to generalise as to whether appearance/colour attributes or texture
      attributes are the most important. A simplified model for texture understanding
      is suggested, where water/fat perception and structure perception (described by
      juiciness and tenderness) are orthogonal phenomena and where most other textural
      attributes can be explained by this structure.

PMID- 22061454
TI  - The flexibility of the collagen compartment of muscle.
AB  - Collagen, the major connective tissue protein, is an integral constituent of
      muscle and, because of its occurrence and characteristics, is a factor
      contributing to the texture of meat. This brief review focuses on aspects of
      collagen biosynthesis and experimental data which indicate the collagens of
      muscle possess remarkable capacity for change. Over 90% of the intramuscular
      collagen of meat is located in the perimysium. This fibrillar collagen is
      comprised predominantly of two collagen phenotypes, types I and III, whose
      proportions vary with animal age, muscle type, gender and probably rate of
      collagen synthesis. Collagen in muscle can differ additionally in crosslinking
      profile. Collagen crosslinks are structures arising from the condensation of
      lysine or hydroxylysine residues and their aldehydes. Crosslinks link two or
      three collagen molecules or (collagen fibrils) together. Both the tensile
      strength of collagen and the toughening of meat due to its connective component
      are related to collagen crosslink type and concentration. With age and maturation
      there is a general and progressive shift in collagen type (toward more type I)
      and an increase in the concentration of mature crosslinks. Such alterations in
      collagen characteristics, rather than significant changes in collagen
      concentrations, are responsible for the toughening of meat as animals age. Data
      also suggest that management practices which alter growth and muscle accretion
      rates can have a profound affect on collagen characteristics. Increasing or
      decreasing plane of nutrition, compensatory growth, testosterone- and
      somatotropin-mediated growth, and exercise alter collagen crosslink and/or type
      proportionally. Such changes can sometimes be associated with increased shear
      force scores for cooked meat. Alterations in muscle collagen characteristics are
      linked directly or indirectly to perturbations in collagen synthesis and turnover
      rates accompanying growth and muscle accretion. The concept that collagen does
      not change once deposited extracellularly or that changes in its characteristics
      are unidirectional does not appear to be valid in muscle tissues. Rather collagen
      appears to be a very flexible component of the extracellular matrix. Potential
      for management practices to alter collagen characteristics therefore exists.

PMID- 22061455
TI  - Muscle proteinases and meat aging.
AB  - The purpose of this manuscript is to review and summarize the results of
      experiments conducted in our laboratory regarding the mechanism of meat
      tenderization during post mortem storage of carcasses at refrigerated
      temperatures. Clearly, the conversion of muscle to meat and the subsequent
      tenderization process are complex phenomena and much remains to be learned.
      However, current experimental data suggest that proteolysis of key myofibrillar
      proteins is the principal reason for improvement in meat tenderness during post
      mortem storage. Speculatively, the weakening and/or degradation of Z-disks and
      degradation of desmin (and probably degradation of titin) are responsible for the
      increased fragility of myofibrils during post mortem storage. There is
      substantial experimental evidence suggesting that the calpain proteolytic system
      is resposible for post mortem proteolysis that results in meat tenderization.
      Calpain is the only proteolytic system that has all of the characteristics that
      are necessary for bringing about post mortem changes that result in meat
      tenderization. Undoubtedly, other factors (such as rate pH and temperature
      decline during rigor development, ionic strength and others) influence the
      process. However, we believe that the rate and extent of post mortem proteolysis
      best explain the observed variation in tenderness at a constant age. Therefore,
      research efforts should be direct toward understanding the regulation of the
      calpain proteolytic system in post mortem muscle.

PMID- 22061456
TI  - Optimisation of tenderisation, ageing and tenderness.
AB  - Tenderness is an important part of meat acceptability and is affected by
      variations in production and processing. The tenderisation process was modelled
      on the activity of calpain proteinases. The extent of tenderisation is
      proportional to the level of calpains which accounts for the toughness of meat
      from beta-adrenergic agonists. The rate of tenderisation increases with higher
      temperature and faster rigor development. These are responsible for the faster
      tenderisation in chicken, in meats following the use of electrical stimulation
      and in meats of high ultimate pH. Knowledge of these mechanisms of tenderisation
      afforded processes for optimisation of tenderness.

PMID- 22061457
TI  - Impact of animal husbandry and slaughter technologies on microbial contamination
      of meat: Monitoring and control.
AB  - The microbial flora transferred to carcasses during slaughter is a reflection of
      the care taken on the slaughter floor and of the types and numbers of
      microorganisms acquired by the animal on the farm or during the period of
      transportation to the slaughter house. These microogranisms may include those
      able to cause illness in the consumer, or microorganisms responsible for spoilage
      of the product. Considerable progress has been made in reducing contamination at
      slaughter and thereby extending the shelf-life of meat. In contrast,
      international statistics still clearly show that meat and meat products are
      responsible for a major proportion of all foodborne infections. This latter
      aspect is not determined by the overall number of microorganisms present but by
      the bacterial composition of the animal's gut flora at slaughter. Preventive
      quality assurance along the whole productions and processing line is therefore
      the only effective means of controlling the microbiological safety and quality of
      meat. This includes hazard analysis techniques to identify critical control
      points and procedures for monitoring the microbiological status of both animals
      and carcasses since most of the critical points cannot be totally controlled. At
      early stages in the production line, colonisation of meat animals with pathogens
      should be prevented. Subsequently, good slaughter practices will ensure carcasses
      of good overall microbiological quality. This paper deals with microbiological
      monitoring systems that can be used at different stages of production and
      processing to control the microbiological quality of poultry and pig meat.

PMID- 22061458
TI  - Starters in the processing of meat products.
AB  - Starter cultures applied in meat technology may contain moulds, yeasts and
      bacteria. Moulds have been selected with the primary intension to exclude any
      potential of mycotoxin production. Their sensory effects and the requirements of
      technology are also criteria for suitable starters. Their genetic potential can
      now be modified by genetic engineering. Yeasts are applied for sensory reasons
      mainly. The species in use are only fermentative and do not enhance nitrate
      reduction. Bacterial components of starters consist of micrococci, staphylococci,
      lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and, with minor importance, Streptomyces griseus or
      Aeromonas sp. For selection of the appropriate organisms and for ensuring optimum
      performance in the fermentation process, their technological, ecological,
      physiological and genetic properties should be well known. Most knowledge is
      available for LAB, which represent the most important group of starter organisms,
      since they are involve in the fermentation of all types of products and
      contribute to each single aim of the fermentation process. The study of the
      properties of the organisms may also contribute to reduction of potential
      hygienic risks not only in the classical fields of starter application but also
      in new fields where they may be employed as protective cultures that inhibit the
      growth of food pathogens or even spoilage organisms. Strains with an improved
      potential to reduce these risks and to exhibit further useful properties can be
      obtained by means of genetic engineering. Examples for successfully modified meat
      specific bacteria are Staphylococcus carnosus and lactobacilli L. curvatus and L.
      sake.

PMID- 22061459
TI  - Oxidative processes in meat and meat products: Quality implications.
AB  - Lipid peroxidation is, in most instances, a free radical chain reaction that can
      be described in terms of initiation, propagation, branching and termination
      processes. With regard to lipid peroxidation, one of the most important questions
      concerns the source of the primary catalysts that initiate peroxidation in situ
      in muscle foods. When cells are injured, such as in muscle foods after
      slaughtering, lipid peroxidation is favored, and traces of O(2) and H(2)O(2),
      indicating lipid peroxides, are formed. The stability of a muscle food product
      will depend on the 'tone' of these peroxides and especially from the involvement
      of metal ions in the process. The cytosol contains not only prooxidants but also
      antioxidants and the tone of both affects the overall oxidation. Lipid
      peroxidation is one of the primary mechanisms of quality deterioration in foods
      and especially in meat products. The changes in quality can be manifested by
      deterioration in flavor, color, texture, nutritive value and the production of
      toxic compounds.

PMID- 22061460
TI  - Objective measurements of carcass and meat quality.
AB  - Lost competitiveness and declining per capita consumption have forced US meat
      industry sectors to become consumer oriented and address issues related to
      quality shortfalls. Because industry goals for value and quality-based marketing
      are becoming a reality, interest in objective carcass evaluation methodology has
      escalated. Even so, no official instrument grading systems are in place. Research
      addressing use of A-mode, B-mode and real-time ultrasound technique indicated
      several distinct advantages: (1) it may be used in live animals; (2) it may be
      used on slaughter floors before hide removal; (3) with development, it may
      accurately predict traits related to palatability; (4) it offers no health
      hazards; (5) it would allow complete automation of grading and remove the element
      of human error; and (6) with development, it offers great compatability with
      integrated artificial neural networking technology. However, other systems are
      now available which may present alternatives. Electrical conductivity (TOBEC)
      effectively predicts pork carcass composition, and is now used commercially.
      Potential exists for similar systems in the beef industry. Other instruments
      (NMR, CAT, PET), with continued development, offer advantages in image resolution
      and accuracy, but are cost prohibitive at this time. Elastography, a new
      technique, offers exciting prospects for the future with its potential to predict
      tenderness.

PMID- 22061461
TI  - Mechanical properties of meat.
AB  - Determination of meat mechanical properties is still usually performed under
      empirical conditions, using tests which have been developed many years ago. This
      paper discusses the limitations of these methods. It also reviews recently
      developed research which has been focused on a more analytical approach to
      mechanical tests performed in closely controlled conditions. The objectives of
      these investigations are on the one hand to obtain specific properties of the
      myofibre and connective tissue structures involved in meat toughness and on the
      other hand to understand the fracture mechanisms involved in the perception of
      texture. Due to the anisotropic and composite nature of meat, attention has been
      focused on the influence of the direction and amplitude of strains to be used for
      the characterisation of myofibres and connective tissue, respectively. These
      strain conditions are linked to the contraction and stretching state of each of
      these structures. Indeed, whatever the type of deformation (shear, compression or
      tension), myofibre resistance can be determined under low strain conditions as
      long as collagen fibres in the connective tissue remain in a more crimped state
      than myofibres, i.e. in raw or slightly cooked meat of normal sarcomere length.
      On the contrary, determination of connective tissue resistance has, up to now,
      only been obtained using large strain tests. Contraction of collagen fibres
      induced by cooking makes the separate analysis of meat structures more difficult,
      but this can partially be overcome by applying mechanical tests in different
      strain directions. However, the role of the spatial distribution of connective
      network on the mechanical properties of meat still remains largely unknown. Image
      analysis and ultrasonic methods, currently developed to study this problem, are
      briefly presented.

PMID- 22061462
TI  - Elastography of beef muscle.
AB  - Elastography, a technique that uses ultrasonic pulses to track the internal
      displacements of small tissue elements in response to an externally applied
      stress, has been applied to beef muscle. Beef longissimus (1 day post mortem) and
      semimembranosus (5 days post mortem) muscles were obtained from A maturity beef
      carcasses. Samples were vacuum-packaged and frozen to -20 degrees C. For
      elastography measurements, muscles were equilibrated to a constant temperature
      (30 degrees  C+/- 0.5) in a water tank. Custom transmitters and receivers were
      used in conjunction with a 2.25 MHz medical transducer. The transducer was driven
      by a 286 PC, and the radio-frequency echoes digitized at 50 MHz and 8 bits. The
      pre- and post- compression echo trains (A-lines) were subjected to cross
      correlation analysis. Visual interpretation of beef elastograms demonstrate
      circular areas of relatively inelastic tissues and smaller, banding areas of
      elastic tissues in the cross-section of beef longissimus muscle. The dark
      inelastic areas from the elastograms may be related to myofibrilar areas from the
      same muscle sections; the light, elastic band areas from the elastograms may be
      related to perimysiaal connective tissue or intramuscular fat. Fatty septa and a
      calcified abscess could be easily identified on the elastogram. These preliminary
      results demonstrate that elastography may have potential as a non-intrusive
      method of visualizing tissue components of beef muscle.

PMID- 22061463
TI  - Physical measurements of meat quality: optical measurements, pros and cons.
AB  - This review describes recent progress in understanding the optical properties of
      meat and considers how optical properties of meat might be used for quality
      control in the meat industry. The birefringence of myofibrils changes with pH so
      that, as the pH decreases towards the isoelectric point, the optical path
      difference increases. Thus, transmittance through muscle fibres is decreased and
      scattering of light in meat is increased. New ways have been found to monitor pH
      related paleness by measuring the light scattered at different wavelengths and
      angles through the meat. A prove for the optical detection of subcutaneous fat
      depth in carcasses has been modified so that now it detects the distribution of
      collagen. UV light is reflected from a dichroic mirror into an optical fibre in
      the probe, andnd the fluorescence of connective tissue passing by the optical
      fibre is detected. Although these and other methods for the optical measurement
      of various aspects of meat quality are technically very promising, there are
      formidable problems to be overcome in developing a commercial application. A
      major industrial commitment to measuring meat quality in individual carcasses is
      required, together with a willingness to invest in the development of new
      technology.

PMID- 22061464
TI  - Low-fat meat products-technological problems with processing.
AB  - Diet and health advice serve as a driving force to redirect the types of foods
      considered to be most beneficial in terms of improved health and quality of life
      for Americans. Although meat cuts have become leaner, products such as ground
      beef, fresh pork sausage, coarse ground sausages and emulsified sausages
      traditionally have higher levels of fat. However, these products offer the
      greatest opportunity for fat reduction by reformulation with fat substitutes. Fat
      replacements should contribute a minimum of calories to a product and should not
      be detrimental to organoleptic qualities. Most substitutes can be categorized as:
      leaner meats, added water, protein-based substitutes, carbohydrate-based
      substitutes and synthetic compounds, Reducing the fat content to ~10% often
      results in cooked ground beef that is bland and dry with a hard, rubbery or mealy
      texture. Reformulation with fat substitutes can cause a reduction in particle
      binding, darker product color, lack of beef flavor, reduced browning reactions
      and shorter microbiological shelf-life. Other problems that occur with low-fat (5
      10%) fresh or cooked/smoked sausages are reduced cook yields, soft mushy
      interiors, rubbery skin formation, excessive purge in vacuum packages, shorter
      shelf-life and changes in sensory qualities after cooking or reheating. However,
      some combinations of fat replacements that mimic the mouthfeel and textural
      characteristics of fat offer potential for development of low-fat meat products.

PMID- 22061465
TI  - Advanced technologies in the meat industry.
AB  - New Zealand has invested heavily in the development of slaughter dressing and
      deboning equipment and machinery for sheep and lamb. In total some thirteen
      machines have been developed to date and all are now commercially available and
      many examples are working within New Zealand and overseas. Significant economic
      savings have been derived from the introduction of these machines. The Australian
      meat industry is funding a major programme in beef slaughter technology
      development. Eleven modules have been developed and at present they are being
      incorporated into a commercial plant at Kilcoy in Queensland, Australia. The
      Netherlands have a programme named Slaughterline 2000 which includes a number of
      pork slaughtering and processing initiations. Stunning, sticking and an automatic
      carcass opener are developments within this programme.

PMID- 22061466
TI  - Effects of fat level, oat fibre and carrageenan on frankfurters formulated with
      5, 12 and 30% fat.
AB  - The effects of fat level (5, 12 and 30%), carrageenan and oat fibre on the
      hydration/binding properties, colour and flavour characteristics of frankfurters
      were investigated. Decreasing the fat content from 30% to 5% significantly
      increased cook loss and decreased water holding capacity and emulsion stability.
      Reduced-fat products were also darker and redder compared with the 30% fat
      controls. Addition of carrageenan or oat fibre reduced cook loss and increased
      both water holding capacity and emulsion stability. Sensory evaluation indicated
      that decreasing fat from 30% to 5% increased the intensity of smokiness,
      spiciness and saltiness and reduced the overall acceptability of the flavour.
      Carrageenan or oat fibre did not alter the colour of the frankfurters and neither
      ingredient had a significant effect on the flavour characteristics assessed. The
      results demonstrate that carrageenan or oat fibre can partially offset some of
      the changes which occur in low-fat frankfurters when added water replaces fat and
      protein level is constant.

PMID- 22061467
TI  - The effects of porcine somatotropin on muscle fibre morphology and meat quality
      of pigs of known stress susceptibility.
AB  - To study the effects of porcine somatotropin (pST) administration on muscle fibre
      characteristics and meat quality, 48 pigs of the Lacombe breed (equal numbers of
      barrows and gilts) of known halothane genotype (NN, Nn or nn) were randomly
      assigned to either a control (excipient buffer) or pST (3.0 mg d(-1)) treatment.
      At a pen average animal weight of 106 kg, pigs were slaughtered and muscle
      samples were collected post mortem for determination of fibre type, glucidic
      metabolites and meat quality. There was a 16% increase in muscle weight of the
      semimembranosus (SM) and psoas major (PM) in pST-treated animals (p <= 0.01).
      However, there was no significant change in fibre type associated with the pST
      treatment in either the SM or PM (p > 0.05). In the PM muscle there was a 65-70%
      increase in fast, oxidative, glycolytic (FOG) and fast, glycolytic (FG) fibre
      areas in pST-treated gilts (p <= 0.05). These cellular changes were manifest in
      meat colour that was lighter and spectrally shifted towards yellow (significantly
      higher L (*) and hue angle values), higher drip loss, lower moisture content and
      a tendency towards higher Kramer-Press shears (p = 0.06) in the PM of pST-treated
      gilts. Although these changes were in the same direction as pale, soft, exudative
      meat, the average values fell within the normal range. Based on the observed
      gender by pST treatment interactions, administration of pST (timing, dosage and
      protein requirements in the feed) may need to be tailored to suit different
      genders and breeds to achieve the maximal response.

PMID- 22061468
TI  - The distribution of dietary vitamin E in the muscles of the porcine carcass.
AB  - The objectives of this study were to determine the effect of dietary vitamin E
      supplementation on tissue alpha-tocopherol levels in muscles in the porcine
      carcass. Pigs (n = 9), were selected at random and divided into three groups (n =
      3) and fed diets containing 0 (basal), 20, 160 mg dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate/kg
      feed for a period of 130 days prior to slaughter. After slaughter carcasses were
      split centrally and chilled at 4  degrees C * 24 h. Muscles (n = 37) were
      identified and removed from the left side of each animal for each dietary group
      and stored at -20  degrees C until required. The mean alpha-tocopherol levels in
      pork muscle tissue were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the high-supplemented
      group (160 mg alpha-tocopheryl acetate/kg of feed) compared with the low
      supplemented (20 mg/kg of feed) and basal groups (unsupplemented). In the
      supplemented samples, the muscles of the thoracic limb (4.8-9.9 mg alpha
      tocopherol/kg of tissue) and neck and thorax (3.7-9.2 mg/kg) contained the
      greatest levels of alpha-tocopherol compared the muscles of the pelvic limb (4
      5.6 mg/kg) and back (2.5-3.5 mg/kg).

PMID- 22061469
TI  - Early post-mortem conditions and the calpain/calpastatin system in relation to
      tenderness of double-muscled beef.
AB  - Early post mortem temperature, pH, sarcomere length, colour, water holding
      capacity, calpain/calpastatin activities and myofibrillar protein concentrations
      (semi-quantative SDS-PAGE), measured at different times post mortem on 153 double
      muscled Belgian Blue White bulls, were related to shear force (SF) measurements.
      The M. longissimus thoracis tenderised up to 8 days post mortem. SF was slightly
      correlated with temperature at 3 h post mortem (r = 0.20, p = 0.015), but not
      with pH early post mortem. Higher ultimate pH values measured at 24 h post mortem
      were related to darker meat, lower cooking losses and shorter sarcomere lengths.
      Sarcomere length was significantly related to SF, even after 12 days of ageing,
      suggesting that proteolytic activity was not able to overcome shortening. Up to
      12 days post mortem, calpastatin and m-calpain activities were significantly
      correlated with SF suggesting a considerable role of calpains in meat
      tenderization of double-muscled Belgian Blue White bulls, although at 24 h post
      mortem, MU-calpain could no longer be detected. Titin, nebulin, filamin and
      troponin-T were degraded during the ageing period. Troponin-T was degraded by 80%
      between day 1 and 8. At 8 days post mortem its concentration was significantly
      correlated with 30 kDa (r = 0.63, p = 0.00), shear force (r = 0.39, p = 0.00),
      calpastatin activity at 1 day post mortem (r = 0.29, p = 0.01) and with the m
      calpain/ calpastatin activity ratio at 1 day post mortem (r = -0.43, p = 0.00).

PMID- 22061470
TI  - Use of linear measurements of m. longissimus to predict the muscle content of
      beef carcasses.
AB  - Five linear measurements associated with the eye muscle (m. longissimus),
      together with hot carcass weight, 10th rib fat thickness, eye muscle area and an
      estimate of eye muscle volume (eye muscle area * a carcass length measurement)
      were made on 53 chilled beef carcasses (hot weight 143-384 kg). The right side of
      each carcass was anatomically dissected into muscle, bone, fat and connective
      tissue. Correlation and regression analyses were used to identify the most
      accurate predictors of weight and percentage of side muscle. In simple
      regression, hot carcass weight and the estimate of eye muscle volume were the
      most accurate predictors of side muscle weight; 10th rib fat thickness and MN, a
      depth measurement of muscle and fat over the loin, were the most accurate
      predictors of percentage side muscle. In multiple regression, the addition of
      either eye muscle volume or eye muscle area to hot carcass weight and 10th rib
      fat thickness gave the most accurate predictions of side muscle weight and
      percentage side muscle, but in the case of each dependent variable, the
      improvement in accuracy was slight compared with that of the two most accurate
      regressors, hot carcass weight and 10th rib fat thickness. Although eye muscle
      volume was a more accurate predictor of side muscle weight than eye muscle area
      in simple regression, their contributions in multiple regression with hot carcass
      weight and 10th rib fat thickness were similar. None of the five linear
      measurements associated with m. longissimus contributed significantly to
      improving the prediction of weight or percentage of side muscle.

PMID- 22061471
TI  - The effect of low-intensity ultrasound treatment on shear properties, color
      stability and shelf-life of vacuum-packaged beef semitendinosus and biceps
      femoris muscles.
AB  - A series of experiments were conducted to assess the impact of low-intensity
      ultrasound treatment on shear properties, color and shelflife of packaged beef
      muscles. For the first experiment, 15 beef semitendinosus muscles were sliced
      (6.4 * 2.5 * 70.2 cm) weighed, vacuum packaged, subjected to a 1.55 W/cm(2)
      intensity ultrasonic field for 8, 16 or 24 min then stored at 3  degrees C for 4
      days; controls were not sonicated. Muscles were then removed from vacuum bags,
      weighed, cooked to 70  degrees C internal temperature in a convection oven and
      evaluated for cooking and shearing properties. For the second experiment, 14 beef
      semitendinosus muscles were sliced (2.5 * 5.1 * 10.2 cm), vacuum packaged and
      allocated to either a simultaneous ultrasound/water-bath-heating treatment or
      water-bath-heating treatment only. Muscles were removed from the water-bath when
      the water temperature reached 70  degrees C, removed from the vacuum bags, cooked
      further to an internal temperature of 70  degrees C in a convection oven and
      evaluated for instrumental shear. For the third experiment, 30 beef biceps
      femoris pieces (1.3 * 7.6 * 10.2 cm) were mixed together to more evenly
      distribute native microflora, vacuum packaged and allocated to either ultrasound
      (1.55 W/cm(2), 3  degrees C, 30 min) treatment or control (no ultrasound
      treatment). Vacuum-packaged muscles were stored in a retail display case (3 
      degrees C) and evaluated at 0, 5, 10, 20 and 30 days for microbial count and
      instrumental color (CIE L (*)a (*)b (*)). Ultrasound had no effect (p > 0.05) on
      storage purge loss, cooking loss, or textural properties (Experiments 1 and 2).
      Microbial levels were initially reduced (p < 0.05) by the ultrasound treatment (0
      days), but differences in microbial numbers between ultrasound-treated samples
      and controls disappeared (p > 0.05) during storage (Experiment 3).

PMID- 22061472
TI  - Muscle protein changes post mortem in relation to pork quality traits.
AB  - The relationship between post-mortem traits of muscle proteins and water loss
      traits was investigated using 84 pork loins representing the four quality traits
      of PSE, RSE (reddishpink, soft, exudative), RFN (reddish-pink, firm, non
      exudative) and DFD. Protein solubility measurements (sarcoplasmic, myofibrillar
      and total) were lower and myosin denaturation (quantified by myofibrillar ATPase
      activity) was higher for PSE samples compared with samples from the other quality
      classes. RSE samples were similar to RFN samples in protein solubility and myosin
      denaturation, although RSE had lower values then DFD samples for protein
      solubility measurements. RFN samples had lower drip, thaw, cook and total water
      loss than RSE samples and all water loss traits were lowest for DFD samples and
      highest for PSE samples. Insoluble phosphorylase was the only characteristic that
      differentiated among PSE, RSE and RFN samples. SDS-PAGE and Western blots
      indicated that in PSE and RSE samples, the myofibrillar protein titin was less
      degraded and nebulin was more degraded compared with RFN and DFD samples. SDS
      PAGE of extracted and unextracted myofibrils showed that the reduced myofibrillar
      solubility of PSE samples was caused by decreased extractability of the myosin
      heavy chain in these samples. In conclusion, although RSE samples have
      unacceptably high water loss, muscle protein denaturation was minimal and did not
      explain the low water-holding capacity.

PMID- 22061473
TI  - Discrimination between fresh and frozen-then-thawed beef m. longissimus dorsi by
      combined visible-near infrared reflectance spectroscopy: A feasibility study.
AB  - Investigations into the classification of meat samples as either fresh or frozen
      then-thawed have been performed using near infrared spectroscopy and two
      chemometric techniques: factorial discriminant analysis and SIMCA. Work was
      performed on meat pieces using a fibre optic probe for spectral acquisition. A
      sample of meat (m. longissimus dorsi) from each of 32 animals of a single species
      (female Hereford-cross) was collected from a commercial abattoir. Using a
      standard freeze-thaw regime, results reported show a significant rate of
      discrimination between fresh and frozen-then-thawed beef for the factorial
      discriminant procedure; SIMCA was less successful.

PMID- 22061474
TI  - Effect of different cooking methods on some lipid and protein components of
      hamburgers.
AB  - The effects of different cooking methods on the lipid and protein fractions of
      hamburger were evaluated. The lipid component was subjected to the following
      analyses: peroxide value; p-anisidine; total and free fatty acids; cholesterol
      and its oxidation products (quantified as 7-ketocholesterol). Lysinoalanine
      (LAL), free amino acids and D-amino acids (D-AA) were also determined in the
      protein fraction. All results were compared with a raw control. No significant
      differences were found among the cooking treatments with respect to D-AA and LAL.
      The degree of proteolysis, lipolysis and lipid oxidation varied depending on the
      treatment conditions. Regarding cholesterol oxidation, the combination of
      roasting and microwave heating caused more oxidation than the other treatments.
      The raw meat, however, showed an advanced degree of oxidation (25.2 ppm of total
      7-ketocholesterol/120 g ground meat).

PMID- 22061475
TI  - Effect of water temperature, pressure and chemical solution on removal of fecal
      material and bacteria from lamb adipose tissue by spray-washing.
AB  - The objectives of this study were to determine the efficacy of various water
      temperatures, pressures and chemical solutions of spray-washing on the removal of
      fecal and bacterial contamination from lamb carcass samples taken from the breast
      area (< 15 min post mortem) and inoculated (6.50 cm(2) area) with an ovine fecal
      paste containing Escherichia coli (ATCC 11370). Inoculated samples were held for
      15 min and then knife-trimmed and/or spraywashed with varying water temperatures
      (16, 35 or 74  degrees C), pressures (2.76, 13.79, 20.68 or 27.58 bar) and
      chemical solutions (12% trisodium phosphate, 2% acetic acid, 5% hydrogen peroxide
      or 0.003% available chlorine) for 18 s. After the respective treatments, samples
      were evaluated visually for presence of fecal material and microbiologically for
      aerobic plate counts (APC). Knife-trimming reduced (p < 0.05) APC of inoculated
      samples, while subsequent spray-washing of knife-trimmed samples reduced APC (p <
      0.05), even compared to uninoculated control samples. Spray-washing with any
      temperature and pressure combination reduced (p < 0.05) visible fecal
      contamination on the samples. Bacterial reductions ranged from 1.48 to 3.83 log
      colony forming units (CFU/cm(2)) at the inoculation site. Use of 74  degrees C
      water was more effective (p < 0.05) in decreasing APC than either 16 or 35 
      degrees C water, while water pressure effects were similar. Use of 2% acetic acid
      reduced the APC more than the use of any other chemical solution tested. APC for
      the areas surrounding the inoculation site were similar to APC at the inoculation
      site; thus indicating that either there was no major spread of bacterial
      contamination to areas above or below the inoculation site or that contamination
      was diluted to levels lower than initial contamination. Overall, acetic acid and
      water temperature were the most important factors in reducing APC and fecal
      contamination on lamb adipose tissue.

PMID- 22061476
TI  - Technology for meat-grinding systems to improve removal of hard particles from
      ground meat.
AB  - With increased consumption of ground meat, especially ground beef, quality issues
      for these products have become more important to industry and consumers alike.
      Ground meats are usually obtained from relatively low-value cuts and trimmings,
      and may on occasion contain undesirable hard particles. Hard particles in coarse
      ground meat products may include bone chips or fragments, cartilage and dense
      connective tissue; all of which are considered undesirable defects and which can
      be reduced by utilizing hard-particle removal systems during grinding operations.
      This review discusses the principles of hard-particle separation from ground
      meat, the factors which influence performance of particle separation and some
      commercially available particle removal systems. Product and processing
      parameters such as initial bone and connective tissue content, fat content,
      temperature, pre-grinding size and grinder knife design are considered important
      for removing hard particles effectively. Pressure gradient on the grinder
      knife/plate interface was found to play a significant role in particle separation
      from soft (fat and lean) tissue. Various commercial systems, which are classified
      as central removal and periphery removal systems, are also discussed. Finally,
      the authors suggest some processing considerations for meat grinding to help
      achieve the best quality ground meat for consumers' satisfaction.

PMID- 22061477
TI  - Analysis of restriction fragment length polymorphism in the bovine growth hormone
      gene related to growth performance and carcass quality of Korean Native Cattle.
AB  - This research was conducted to find restriction fragment length polymorphism
      (RFLP) markers related to growth performance and meat quality of Korean Native
      Cattle. DNA was extracted from the blood of Korean Native Cattle steers and
      Southern blot analysis of genomic DNA digested with restriction enzymes was
      performed using a bovine growth hormone (GH) cDNA probe. The restriction enzyme
      that detected RFLPs most frequently was TaqI. Digested fragments with TaqI
      revealed 6.15, 5.2, 4.5, 4.3, 2.6, 2.4, 1.6, 0.5, 0.3 and 0.2 kb bands. The most
      frequent band was 1.6 kb, which was exhibited in 11 out of 15 animals. In GH-TaqI
      RFLP, the 4.3 kb band was correlated with average daily gain (p = 0.021) and
      carcass weight (p = 0.035). No markers related to meat quality were found.

PMID- 22061478
TI  - Inhibition of metmyoglobin formation in fresh beef by pressure treatment.
AB  - Application of pressures of 80-100 MPa for 20 min improved the colour stability,
      as measured by rate of metmyoglobin formation, of longissimus dorsi and psoas
      major beef muscles exposed to air 2 days post-slaughter. However, pressure
      treatment of these muscles at 7-20 days post-slaughter did not improve their
      colour stability. It is suggested that pressure inhibits, at least partially, the
      mechanism(s) responsible for the low colour stability of very fresh beef.

PMID- 22061479
TI  - Bladder exstrophy and extreme genital anomaly in a patient with pure terminal 1q
      deletion: expansion of phenotypic spectrum.
AB  - We describe a 5 2/12 years old male patient with a de novo deletion 1q43q44 of
      approximately 10.4 Mb in size. The boy presented with the classic features of
      chromosome 1q43q44 deletion syndrome including growth and psychomotor
      retardation, microcephaly, distinct facial features and various midline defects
      as agenesis of corpus callosum, cardiac and urogenital anomalies. Fronto-parietal
      simplified gyral pattern was an additional neuroimaging finding. The urogenital
      anomalies in our patient were remarkable in form of bladder exstrophy and severe
      hypogenitalism with a marked hypoplastic scrotum, small sized retractile testis
      and absent phallus. To the best of our knowledge, bladder exstrophy and absence
      phallus have not been previously reported in terminal deletion 1q43q44 syndrome.
      This report provides further evidence of phenotype-genotype correlation and
      expands the phenotypic spectrum of midline defects described with this syndrome.

PMID- 22061480
TI  - Functional genomics identifies neural stem cell sub-type expression profiles and
      genes regulating neuroblast homeostasis.
AB  - The Drosophila larval central brain contains about 10,000 differentiated neurons
      and 200 scattered neural progenitors (neuroblasts), which can be further
      subdivided into ~95 type I neuroblasts and eight type II neuroblasts per brain
      lobe. Only type II neuroblasts generate self-renewing intermediate neural
      progenitors (INPs), and consequently each contributes more neurons to the brain,
      including much of the central complex. We characterized six different mutant
      genotypes that lead to expansion of neuroblast numbers; some preferentially
      expand type II or type I neuroblasts. Transcriptional profiling of larval brains
      from these mutant genotypes versus wild-type allowed us to identify small
      clusters of transcripts enriched in type II or type I neuroblasts, and we
      validated these clusters by gene expression analysis. Unexpectedly, only a few
      genes were found to be differentially expressed between type I/II neuroblasts,
      suggesting that these genes play a large role in establishing the different cell
      types. We also identified a large group of genes predicted to be expressed in all
      neuroblasts but not in neurons. We performed a neuroblast-specific, RNAi-based
      functional screen and identified 84 genes that are required to maintain proper
      neuroblast numbers; all have conserved mammalian orthologs. These genes are
      excellent candidates for regulating neural progenitor self-renewal in Drosophila
      and mammals.

PMID- 22061481
TI  - Time-lapse imaging reveals stereotypical patterns of Drosophila midline glial
      migration.
AB  - The Drosophila CNS midline glia (MG) are multifunctional cells that ensheath and
      provide trophic support to commissural axons, and direct embryonic development by
      employing a variety of signaling molecules. These glia consist of two
      functionally distinct populations: the anterior MG (AMG) and posterior MG (PMG).
      Only the AMG ensheath axon commissures, whereas the function of the non
      ensheathing PMG is unknown. The Drosophila MG have proven to be an excellent
      system for studying glial proliferation, cell fate, apoptosis, and axon-glial
      interactions. However, insight into how AMG migrate and acquire their specific
      positions within the axon-glial scaffold has been lacking. In this paper, we use
      time-lapse imaging, single-cell analysis, and embryo staining to comprehensively
      describe the proliferation, migration, and apoptosis of the Drosophila MG. We
      identified 3 groups of MG that differed in the trajectories of their initial
      inward migration: AMG that migrate inward and to the anterior before undergoing
      apoptosis, AMG that migrate inward and to the posterior to ensheath commissural
      axons, and PMG that migrate inward and to the anterior to contact the commissural
      axons before undergoing apoptosis. In a second phase of their migration, the
      surviving AMG stereotypically migrated posteriorly to specific positions
      surrounding the commissures, and their final position was correlated with their
      location prior to migration. Most noteworthy are AMG that migrated between the
      commissures from a ventral to a dorsal position. Single-cell analysis indicated
      that individual AMG possessed wide-ranging and elaborate membrane extensions that
      partially ensheathed both commissures. These results provide a strong foundation
      for future genetic experiments to identify mutants affecting MG development,
      particularly in guidance cues that may direct migration. Drosophila MG are
      homologous in structure and function to the glial-like cells that populate the
      vertebrate CNS floorplate, and study of Drosophila MG will provide useful
      insights into floorplate development and function.

PMID- 22061484
TI  - Differing views of children and parents: some cautionary tales!

PMID- 22061485
TI  - Atopic manifestations during childhood and fetal exposure to arachidonic acid.

PMID- 22061487
TI  - Decorated graphene sheets for label-free DNA impedance biosensing.
AB  - An efficient DNA impedance biosensing platform is constructed, in which
      positively charged N,N-bis-(1-aminopropyl-3-propylimidazol salt)-3,4,9,10
      perylene tetracarboxylic acid diimide (PDI) is anchored to graphene sheets. The
      pi-pi stacking and electronic interactions are elucidated by the distinct
      absorption features in UV-vis spectra and by quenching perylene fluorescence in
      contact with graphene. The rational design and tailoring of graphene surface
      invest it with desired properties (dispersive, structural, photoelectrical and
      conductive, etc.) and boost its application. Electrostatic interaction between
      PDI's positively charged imidazole rings and negatively charged phosphate
      backbones of single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) facilitates ssDNA immobilization. This
      manner is different from these mainly based on the attraction between the rings
      in DNA bases and the hexagonal cells of graphene, which is disturbed after
      hybridization and causes the leaving of formed double-stranded DNA from graphene
      surface. The electrostatic ssDNA grafting occupies phosphate backbones and
      particularly leaves the bases available for efficient hybridization. DNA
      immobilization and hybridization lead to PDI/graphene interfacial property
      changes, which are monitored by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and
      adopted as the analytical signal. The conserved sequence of the pol gene of human
      immunodeficiency virus 1 is satisfactorily detected via this PDI/graphene
      platform and shows high reproducibility, selectivity.

PMID- 22061488
TI  - Microfluidic 3D bone tissue model for high-throughput evaluation of wound-healing
      and infection-preventing biomaterials.
AB  - We report the use of a microfluidic 3D bone tissue model, as a high-throughput
      means of evaluating the efficacy of biomaterials aimed at accelerating
      orthopaedic implant-related wound-healing while preventing bacterial infection.
      As an example of such biomaterials, inkjet-printed micropatterns were prepared to
      contain antibiotic and biphasic calcium phosphate (BCP) nanoparticles dispersed
      in a poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic) acid matrix. The micropatterns were integrated
      with a microfluidic device consisting of eight culture chambers. The
      micropatterns immediately and completely killed Staphylococcus epidermidis upon
      inoculation, and enhanced the calcified extracellular matrix production of
      osteoblasts. Without antibiotic elution, bacteria rapidly proliferated to result
      in an acidic microenvironment which was detrimental to osteoblasts. These results
      were used to demonstrate the tissue model's potential in: (i) significantly
      reducing the number of biomaterial samples and culture experiments required to
      assess in vitro efficacy for wound-healing and infection prevention and (ii) in
      situ monitoring of dynamic interactions of biomaterials with bacteria as wells as
      with tissue cells simultaneously.

PMID- 22061489
TI  - Sustained local delivery of siRNA from an injectable scaffold.
AB  - Controlled gene silencing technologies have significant, unrealized potential for
      use in tissue regeneration applications. The design described herein provides a
      means to package and protect siRNA within pH-responsive, endosomolytic micellar
      nanoparticles (si-NPs) that can be incorporated into nontoxic, biodegradable, and
      injectable polyurethane (PUR) tissue scaffolds. The si-NPs were homogeneously
      incorporated throughout the porous PUR scaffolds, and they were shown to be
      released via a diffusion-based mechanism for over three weeks. The siRNA-loaded
      micelles were larger but retained nanoparticulate morphology of approximately 100
      nm diameter following incorporation into and release from the scaffolds. PUR
      scaffold releasate collected in vitro in PBS at 37  degrees C for 1-4 days was
      able to achieve dose-dependent siRNA-mediated silencing with approximately 50%
      silencing achieved of the model gene GAPDH in NIH3T3 mouse fibroblasts. This
      promising platform technology provides both a research tool capable of probing
      the effects of local gene silencing and a potentially high-impact therapeutic
      approach for sustained, local silencing of deleterious genes within tissue
      defects.

PMID- 22061490
TI  - PEGylated dendrimer-entrapped gold nanoparticles for in vivo blood pool and tumor
      imaging by computed tomography.
AB  - We report the synthesis and characterization of dendrimer-entrapped gold
      nanoparticles (Au DENPs) modified by polyethylene glycol (PEG) with enhanced
      biocompatibility for computed tomography (CT) imaging applications. In this
      study, amine-terminated poly(amidoamine) dendrimers of generation 5 (G5.NH(2))
      modified by PEG monomethyl ether (G5.NH(2)-mPEG(20)) were used as templates to
      synthesize Au DENPs, followed by acetylation of the remaining dendrimer terminal
      amines to generate PEGylated Au DENPs. The partial PEGylation modification of
      dendrimer terminal amines allows high loading of Au within the dendrimer
      interior, and consequently by simply varying the Au salt/dendrimer molar ratio,
      the size of the PEGylated Au DENPs can be controlled at a range of 2-4 nm with a
      narrow size distribution. The formed PEGylated Au DENPs are water-dispersible,
      stable in a pH range of 5-8 and a temperature range of 0-50  degrees C, and non
      cytotoxic at a concentration as high as 100 MUm. X-ray absorption coefficient
      measurements show that the attenuation intensity of the PEGylated Au DENPs is
      much higher than that of Omnipaque with iodine concentration similar to Au. With
      the sufficiently long half-decay time demonstrated by pharmacokinetics studies,
      the PEGylated Au DENPs enabled not only X-ray CT blood pool imaging of mice and
      rats after intravenous injection of the particles, but also effective CT imaging
      of a xenograft tumor model in nude mice. These findings suggest that the designed
      PEGylated Au DENPs can be used as a promising contrast agent with enhanced
      biocompatibility for CT imaging of various biological systems, especially in
      cancer diagnosis.

PMID- 22061491
TI  - Multifunctional nanocarrier mediated co-delivery of doxorubicin and siRNA for
      synergistic enhancement of glioma apoptosis in rat.
AB  - As the most fatal malignancy in brain, glioma cannot be effectively treated with
      the conventional chemotherapy and thus techniques which may improve the
      chemotherapeutic effect are of great importance in clinical glioma treatment.
      Based on the folate-targeted multifunctional nanocarrier developed in our lab,
      effective co-delivery of DOX and siRNA into rat C6 glioma cells over-expressing
      folate receptors was achieved. Although cell apoptosis was initiated even at low
      DOX doses such as 0.5 MUg/mL in the DOX-alone treatment mediated by the folate
      targeted nanocarrier, anti-apoptotic response in C6 cells was activated as well,
      as revealed by molecular biological investigations. Delivery of BCL-2 siRNA using
      the folate-targeted nanocarrier can effectively suppress the anti-apoptotic
      response and sensitized C6 cells to DOX treatment both in vitro and in vivo. In
      particular, animal studies using the in situ rat C6 glioma model showed that the
      folate-targeted co-delivery of BCL-2 siRNA and DOX caused not only an obvious
      down-regulation of the anti-apoptotic BCL-2 gene but also a remarkable up
      regulation of the pro-apoptotic Bax gene, resulting in the significantly elevated
      level of caspase-3 activation and remarkable cell apoptosis in tumor tissues. Our
      results strongly demonstrated the synergistic effect of siRNA and DOX in inducing
      glioma C6 cell apoptosis, upon which an excellent therapeutic effect was achieved
      using the folate-targeted co-delivery strategy as indicated by the effective
      tumor growth inhibition and prolonged rat survival time in the animal test.

PMID- 22061492
TI  - Highly dynamic biodegradable micelles capable of lysing Gram-positive and Gram
      negative bacterial membrane.
AB  - The development of biodegradable antimicrobial polymers adds to the toolbox of
      attractive antimicrobial agents against antibiotic-resistant microbes. To this
      end, the potential of polycarbonate polymers as such materials were explored. A
      series of random polycarbonate polymers consisting of monomers MTC-OEt and MTC
      CH(2)CH(3)Cl were designed and synthesized using metal-free organocatalytic ring
      opening polymerization. Random polycarbonate polymers self-assembled in solution
      but appeared highly dynamic; such behaviors are desirable as ready disassembly of
      polymers at the microbial membrane facilitates membrane disruption. Their
      activities against clinically relevant Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus) and
      Gram-negative bacteria (E.coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa) revealed that the
      hydrophobic-hydrophilic composition balance in polymers are important to render
      antimicrobial potency. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) studies indicated
      microbial cell surface damage after treatment with polymers, and confocal
      microscopy studies also showed entry of FITC-dextran dye in Escherichia coli as a
      result of membrane disruption. On the other hand, the polymers exhibited minimal
      toxicity against red blood cells in hemolysis tests. Therefore, these random
      polycarbonate polymers are promising antimicrobial agents against both Gram
      positive and Gram-negative bacteria for various biomedical applications.

PMID- 22061493
TI  - Multifunctional nanoprobes for upconversion fluorescence, MR and CT trimodal
      imaging.
AB  - Early diagnosis probes that combine fluorescence, X-ray computed tomography (CT)
      and magnetic resonance (MR) imagings are anticipated to give three dimensional
      (3D) details of tissues and cells of high resolution and sensitivity. However,
      how to combine these three modalities together within a sub-50 nm sized structure
      is technically challenging. Here we report a trimodal imaging probe of PEGylated
      NaY/GdF(4): Yb, Er, Tm @SiO(2)-Au@PEG(5000) nanopaticles of uniform size of less
      than 50 nm. The as-designed nanoprobes showed (1) strong emissions ranging from
      the visible (Vis) to near infrared (NIR) for fluorescent imaging, (2) T(1)
      weighted MRI by shorting T(1) relaxation time and (3) enhanced HU value as a CT
      contrast agent. The structure was optimized based on a comprehensive
      investigation on the influence of the distance between the NaY/GdF(4): Yb, Er, Tm
      core and Au nanoparticles (NPs) at the surface. The potential of trimodal imaging
      for cancerous cells and lesions was further demonstrated both in vitro and in
      vivo.

PMID- 22061494
TI  - Simultaneous electrochemical detection of multiple analytes based on dual signal
      amplification of single-walled carbon nanotubes and multi-labeled graphene
      sheets.
AB  - In this work, a sandwich-type electrochemical aptasensor for simultaneous
      sensitive detection of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and thrombin is
      fabricated. Reduced graphene oxide sheets (rGS) are used as matrices to
      immobilize the redox probes, which are subsequently coated with platinum
      nanoparticles (PtNPs) to form the PtNPs-redox probes-rGS nanocomposites. With the
      employment of the as prepared nanocomposites, a signal amplification strategy was
      described based on bienzyme (glucose oxidase and horseradish peroxidase) modified
      PtNPs-redox probes-rGS nanocomposites as the tracer labels for secondary aptamers
      (Apt II) through sandwiched assay. Gold nanoparticles functionalized single
      walled carbon nanotubes (AuNPs@SWCNTs) as the biosensor platform enhance the
      surface area to capture a large amount of primary aptamers (Apt I), thus
      amplifying the detection response. The experiment results show that the multi
      labeled PtNPs-redox probes-rGS nanocomposites display satisfying electrochemical
      redox activity and highly electrocatalytic activity of PtNPs and bienzyme, which
      exhibit high sensitivity for detection of proteins. The linear range of PDGF is
      0.01-35 nM with a detection limit of 8 pM, while the linear ranges from 0.02 to
      45 nM and a detection limit of 11 pM for thrombin are obtained.

PMID- 22061496
TI  - Detection of mechanically recovered meat and head meat from cattle in ground beef
      mixtures by multivariate analysis of isoelectric focusing protein profiles.
AB  - The present work investigates the possibility of constructing a multivariate
      calibration model for predicting the composition of ground beef with respect to
      different meat quality types, based on intensity profiles from isoelectric
      focusing of water-soluble proteins. Beef mixtures containing various amounts of
      mechanically recovered meat, head meat and production meat from beef, were
      analysed by isoelectric focusing in immobilised pH-gradients. The gels were
      photographed and the images transferred to a digital format. By simple image
      processing procedures, background colour was virtually eliminated and signal
      strength was improved to a considerable degree. Multivariate analysis of protein
      profiles from the gels gave models explaining 75 to 90% of variance in sample
      composition. Manually deboned meat was explained to the highest degree, and with
      a precision of 7%. Two different qualities of mechanically recovered meat could
      be detected even when treated as one category. The present approach needs further
      refinement, but seems applicable for detecting intentional substitution of high
      quality meat products with low-price raw materials. One advantage of the approach
      is that evaluation of samples is not dependent on specific knowledge on the
      individual components to be analysed, so that such analytical methods are
      relatively easy to implement in any standard laboratory.

PMID- 22061497
TI  - Assessment of meat fat content using dual energy X-ray absorption.
AB  - Fat content is an essential component of meat quality. Fat content and fatty
      tissue content were determined by dual energy X-ray absorption on 3 types of
      meat: pork meat (mixture of longissimus dorsi and fat) and beef meat (longissimus
      dorsi and pectoralis profondus). The measurements were carried out with a medical
      densitometer, the SOPHOS L-XRA usually used for osteodensitometry. The results
      from the dual energy X-ray absorption and the chemical analysis were compared and
      the correlations were good to very good (R(2) values from 0.7 to 0.97). The
      residual standard deviations were in the range 2.75-4.89%. The routine use of
      dual energy X-ray absorption would though suppose a previous calibration.

PMID- 22061498
TI  - Sensory quality and cooking loss of ham muscle (M. biceps femoris) from pigs
      reared indoors and outdoors.
AB  - The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensory characteristics and cooking
      loss of ham from pigs of different genotype and sex and on different rearing
      systems. Half of each litter was reared indoors in a large pen (120 mm(2)), and
      the other half outdoors. Ham muscles (M. biceps femoris) from 48 Hampshire
      crosses (carriers or non-carriers of the RN(-) allele) were subjected to sensory
      evaluation by means of descriptive analysis by a selected and trained nine-member
      panel. Ham from RN(-) carriers scored higher than that from non-carriers with
      regard to smell intensity and meat taste, also it was more tender and tended to
      have a more acidulous taste. Ham from pigs reared indoors had a juicier and more
      acidulous taste than that from pigs reared outdoors. Ham from castrates was more
      tender and more juicy than ham from gilts.

PMID- 22061499
TI  - Effect of calcium chloride marination on bovine Cutaneus trunci muscle.
AB  - The aim of this investigation was to determine the possibility of using calcium
      chloride solution in tough muscles (Cutaneus trunci) to reduce the aging period
      required to increase tenderness, without introducing undesirable flavors. Muscles
      were marinated in 0.25 M CaCl(2) solution for 2 h and after that aged for 0, 1,
      2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 days. Tenderness was evaluated by the myofibrillar fragmentation
      index (MFI), Warner Bratzler shear force (WBS) and sensory panel evaluation. MFI
      values showed significant differences between treated and control samples aged
      for 1, 2 and 3 days (P<0.05). MFI values of treated samples aged 3 days were
      similar to those obtained for the control samples but aged seven days. WBS values
      were not significantly different between samples. Consumer panelists preferred
      treated samples aged 3 days to the control ones aged 7 days. It was concluded
      that calcium chloride treatment can be used in Cutaneus trunci muscle to reduce
      the aging time required to increase tenderness.

PMID- 22061500
TI  - Effect of rate of pH decline on muscle enzyme activities in two pig lines.
AB  - Muscle enzyme activities were measured in m. transversus abdominis (TA) samples
      of two pig lines, differing in stress sensitivity and in breeding objectives.
      Animals of line one were stress sensitive and selected for a high carcass lean
      content (LEAN), those of line two were homozygous stress resistant and selected
      for maximum live weight gain (GROWTH). Muscle samples of 16 pigs per line were
      excised at 1 h and sampled at 3 h post mortem. Boars, gilts and barrows were
      almost equally represented. Pigs of line GROWTH had a higher fat and lean tissue
      gain (P<0.01) and a lower carcass lean content (P<0.001) than those of line LEAN.
      Lower activities of MU-calpain, m-calpain, pyroglutamyl aminopeptidase I, acid
      lipase and neutral phospholipase were measured in TA muscle samples of line LEAN
      compared with line GROWTH (P<0.05). Activities of dipeptidyl peptidase IV and
      acid phospholipase tended to be somewhat lower for line LEAN, whereas activities
      of calpastatin, cathepsin (B+L) and cathepsin D were not different. Sex-class
      effects were analogous to line effects. Significant correlation coefficients
      between activities of several enzymes and pH values 1 h post mortem, both within
      and across lines, suggest that lower enzyme activities are a consequence of a
      more pronounced denaturation due to a faster post mortem pH decline.

PMID- 22061501
TI  - Effects of stress and high voltage electrical stimulation on tenderness of lamb
      m. longissimus.
AB  - This study was conducted to investigate the reported effect of pre-slaughter
      stress on meat tenderness independent from its effect on ultimate pH, and its
      interaction with electrical stimulation. From a group of 80 Coopworth lamb, 40
      were stressed by subjecting the animals to a swim wash 3 h before slaughter and
      the use of dogs to assemble the animals to the access ramp of the abbatoir. Half
      of the carcasses of each group was electrically stimulated within 30 min post
      mortem. Temperature and pH decline of the longissimus was monitored and shear
      force of the cooked muscle was determined at 2 days post mortem and after 6 weeks
      vacuum storage at 1 degrees C. To investigate an effect of stress independent of
      ultimate pH, 10 muscles with an ultimate pH below 5.8 were selected from each
      group for detailed analysis. This analysis consisted of determination of
      calpastatin activity and sarcomere length, and immunoblotting of MU-calpain and
      calpain substrates. The stress treatment led to an increase in the number of
      muscles with an ultimate pH above 5.8 (32.5 vs 15%), and muscles with an ultimate
      pH above 5.8 were significantly tougher than muscles with an ultimate pH below
      5.8 at 2 days post mortem. Electrical stimulation improved tenderness at two days
      post mortem. This effect could be attributed to an effect on muscle contraction,
      but not on post mortem proteolysis of calpain substrates. A large variation in
      tenderness at 2 days post mortem was observed and this was not reduced by
      electrical stimulation. Six weeks of vacuum storage resulted in a 6 kgF drop in
      mean shear force and a uniformly tender product. Despite the fact that the stress
      treatment was similar to those in earlier studies, we failed to observe an effect
      of stress independent of ultimate pH on tenderness. The reason for this is
      unclear, but differences in the response to stress between breeds may be
      responsible. The results of the present study underscore the importance of
      minimizing pre-slaughter stress and adequate post mortem storage for meat
      quality.

PMID- 22061502
TI  - Shelf life of beef from local Spanish cattle breeds stored under modified
      atmosphere.
AB  - Beef steaks from six Spanish cattle breeds (Asturiana de los Valles, Morucha,
      Parda Alpina, Pirenaica, Rubia Gallega and Retinta) were packaged under modified
      atmosphere (60% O(2), 30% CO(2) and 10% N(2)). Water loss, pH, thiobarbituric
      acid values (TBA), aerobic plate counts, lactic acid bacteria and
      Enterobacteriaceae counts, CIE L*a*b* colour values and the sensory properties of
      odour and colour were recorded before packaging (day 0) and after 5, 10 and 15
      days of storage. A significant interaction (P<0.05) between breed and storage
      time was found for all variables, except water loss. Values of pH were between
      5.3 and 5.6; maximum water loss (2.64%) was reached after 10 days of storage;
      aerobic plate counts, lactic acid bacteria and Enterobacteriacea counts were
      lower than 10(7) CFU/g, and L* increased with storage time while a* decreased
      (P<0.05). The maximum shelf life of beef assessed by sensory evaluation
      (regarding colour and odour degradation) was between days 5 and 10 in meat from
      Retinta breed and between days 10 and 15 in meat from the other breeds, shelf
      life was probably limited by lipid oxidation.

PMID- 22061503
TI  - Role of cysteine endopeptidases (EC 3.4.22) in rabbit meat tenderisation and some
      related changes.
AB  - The role of endogenous cysteine endopeptidases (EC 3.4.22; calpains and
      cathepsins B, L and H) in rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus L.) meat tenderisation
      and some related changes (formation of the 30 kDa fragment and myofibrillar
      structure weakening), during ageing (9 days at +4 degrees C), was studied for
      different types of muscle (I, IIB and IID). The results strongly suggest that
      cysteine peptidases, possibly calpains, play a major role in rabbit meat
      tenderisation, myofibrillar structure weakening and formation of the 30 kDa
      fragment in type II muscles. Cathepsins B, L and H appear to have no role in
      these changes during rabbit meat ageing. The results also indicate that
      myofibrillar fragmentation and the contents of the 30 kDa fragment are good
      ageing indices for rabbit meat. Finally, it is suggested that the weakening of
      the myofibrillar structure, unlike the formation of the 30 kDa fragment, might be
      directly involved in rabbit meat tenderisation.

PMID- 22061504
TI  - Survival and growth of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Yersinia enterocolitica and
      Salmonella enteritidis on decontaminated and untreated meat.
AB  - Decontamination of meat or carcasses may have an effect in reducing the number of
      pathogens. Recontamination with other pathogens during cutting or packaging may,
      however, result in higher growth on decontaminated than on untreated meat due to
      the lack of competing non-pathogenic microorganisms. In this study we compared
      the growth of pathogens during storage at 10 degrees C (worst case condition) on
      untreated meat and meat that had been decontaminated by steam vacuuming combined
      with spraying with 0.2 M lactic acid. Salmonella enteritidis inoculated on
      chicken multiplied quickly and reached log 7 cfu per cm(2) after 4 days of
      aerobic storage at 10 degrees C, but growth was not significantly higher on
      decontaminated than on untreated chicken. The number of Yersinia enterocolitica
      inoculated on decontaminated pork skin reached log 9 cfu per cm(2) after 5 days
      of aerobic storage at 10 degrees C. Overall, growth on vacuum-packed
      decontaminated and untreated pork under the same conditions was not significantly
      different, although there tended to be less growth on the untreated samples. The
      number of Escherichia coli O157:H7 on decontaminated beef increased by nearly 3
      log cycles after 5 days of aerobic storage at 10 degrees C compared to only a 1
      log cycle increase on untreated beef. For the vacuum-packed beef, growth of E.
      coli O157:H7 on the fresh meat was very slow, while there was about a 3 log
      increase on the decontaminated beef. A higher average growth on the
      decontaminated beef was also found in an experiment with a very low inoculum (27
      cfu per cm(2)). During storage of vacuum-packed samples there was multiplication
      of E. coli O157:H7 on the decontaminated beef, but virtually none on the
      untreated beef. This study shows that multiplication of S. enteritidis on chicken
      and Y. enterocolitica on pork skin was not significantly higher on decontaminated
      compared to untreated meat. The increased multiplication of E. coli O157:H7 on
      decontaminated beef, especially when vacuum-packed, gives cause for concern.
      Preventive measures might be a strict HACCP approach to the handling of the
      decontaminated meat before packaging or use of a protective culture of lactic
      acid bacteria.

PMID- 22061505
TI  - Two-dimensional visible/near-infrared correlation spectroscopy study of thawing
      behavior of frozen chicken meats without exposure to air.
AB  - The thawing behavior of frozen chicken meats without exposure to air was
      investigated by generalized 2D Vis/NIR correlation spectroscopy. The synchronous
      2D visible correlation analysis revealed that intensities of the 435 and 555 nm
      bands increase, because of the relaxation of DeoxyMb and OxyMb components,
      whereas those of the 475 and 620 nm bands decrease as MetMb and SulfMb decompose
      into small molecules due to specific enzymes. The corresponding asynchronous
      spectra indicated that the decomposition of MetMb and SulfMb species precedes the
      recovery of DeoxyMb and OxyMb, and that the DeoxyMb species recovers faster than
      the OxyMb. Further, the asynchronous 2D NIR spectra suggested that the melting of
      ice crystals and the relaxation and proteolysis of proteins occurs earlier,
      indicating a coordination process for hydrophilic O-H and N-H groups. Moreover,
      strong correlation peaks correlating the bands in the visible and NIR spectral
      regions were observed and discussed.

PMID- 22061506
TI  - Differences in molecular structure among the porcine myosin heavy chain-2a, -2x,
      and -2b isoforms.
AB  - Full coding regions for fast type myosin heavy chain (MyHC) isoforms were
      sequenced from a porcine skeletal muscle to analyze sequence diversity relating
      to the contractile properties of muscle fibers. An approximately 6-kb fragment
      for each MyHC was amplified through RT-PCR using isoform type-specific primers,
      which were designed in the 5' and 3' non-coding regions of the porcine MyHCs. The
      lengths of deduced amino acid sequences were 1939, 1939, and 1937 for the porcine
      MyHC-2a,-2x, and-2b, respectively. The entire amino acid sequences were highly
      conserved among the three MyHCs, except for the 50/20 k junction region (loop 2)
      which would weakly bind actin molecules. The porcine MyHC-2b possessed different
      amino acids from MyHC-2a and-2x, in loop1 and ELC binding region. The sequence
      data suggested the diversity of contractile properties among the porcine MyHC
      isoforms.

PMID- 22061507
TI  - Peptide inhibitors for angiotensin I-converting enzyme from enzymatic
      hydrolysates of porcine skeletal muscle proteins.
AB  - Inhibitors of angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) have been shown to have
      antihypertensive effects and have been utilized for pharmaceuticals and
      physiologically functional foods. In the present study, efforts were directed to
      find ACE inhibitory activities derived from muscle proteins. Porcine skeletal
      muscle proteins were hydrolyzed by eight proteases, and the inhibitory activities
      of the hydrolysates toward ACE were measured. Among the digests of the water
      insoluble protein fraction prepared from muscle, thermolysin digest demonstrated
      the highest activity. Also, among hydrolysates of porcine myosin produced by the
      same enzymes, thermolysin digest showed the most potent inhibitory activity. Two
      ACE inhibitory peptides were purified from thermolysin digest of myosin. The
      sequences of these inhibitory peptides, named myopentapeptides A and B, were Met
      Asn-Pro-Pro-Lys and Ile-Thr-Thr-Asn-Pro. These sequences were found in the
      primary structure of the myosin heavy chain. The concentrations of the peptides
      showing 50% inhibition values (IC(50)) of ACE were 945.5 and 549.0 MUM,
      respectively. Also, six tripeptides, Met-Asn-Pro, Asn-Pro-Pro, Pro-Pro-Lys, Ile
      Thr-Thr, Thr-Thr-Asn, and Thr-Asn-Pro, which have parts of the sequences of the
      myopentapeptides, demonstrated activity. Their IC(50) values were 66.6, 290.5,
      >1000, 678.2, 672.7, and 207.4 MUM, respectively.

PMID- 22061508
TI  - Effect of extraction buffer on estimating calpain and calpastatin activity in
      postmortem ovine muscle.
AB  - The effect of extraction buffer on extractable calpain and calpastatin activity
      in postmortem muscles was examined. Muscles were removed from ovine carcasses 24
      h after slaughter and extracted with three volumes of two extraction buffers
      containing 20 (pH 7.5) and 100 (pH 8.3) mM Tris. There was a significant
      difference in pH of the muscle homogenates, having a pH of 5.84 and 7.58 for 20
      and 100 mM Tris base, respectively. Calpastatin, MU-calpain and m-calpain all had
      significantly reduced activity in extracts made with 20 mM Tris (pH 7.5) buffer
      compared to 100 mM Tris (pH 8.3) buffer, showing a loss of, respectively, 30, 57
      and 37%. These results indicate the impact of choice of buffer on the extractable
      calpains and calpastatin activity from postmortem muscle. To avoid loss of
      calpains due to isoelectric precipitation, the pH of the muscle homogenate (after
      homogenization and prior to the first centrifugation) must be above 6.2.

PMID- 22061509
TI  - Antioxidative effect of dietary tea catechins on lipid oxidation of long-term
      frozen stored chicken meat.
AB  - The antioxidative effect of dietary tea catechins (TC) supplementation at levels
      of 50, 100, 200 and 300 mg kg(-1) feed on susceptibility of chicken breast and
      thigh meat to lipid oxidation during frozen (-20 degrees C) storage for 9 months
      was investigated. Day-old chickens (Cobb 500, n=200) were randomly divided into
      six groups. Chickens were fed a basal diet containing 20 mg alpha-tocopheryl
      acetate kg(-1) feed as control, or a vitamin E supplemented diet (basal diet plus
      200 mg alpha-tocopheryl acetate kg(-1) feed), or TC supplemented diets (basal
      diet plus 50, 100, 200 or 300 mg TC kg(-1) feed) for 6 weeks prior to slaughter.
      Lipid oxidation (TBARS) was assessed after 0 and 10 days of refrigerated display
      (4 degrees C) following 1, 3, 6, and 9 months of frozen (-20 degrees C) storage.
      TC supplementation at all concentrations showed antioxidative effects for both
      breast and thigh chicken meat during the 9 months of frozen storage compared to
      the control sample. TC supplementation at levels of 200 and 300 mg kg(-1) feed
      were more effective (P<0.05) in delaying lipid oxidation in all meat samples
      compared to the control. TC supplementation at a level of 200 mg kg(-1) feed
      showed antioxidant activity equivalent to alpha-tocopheryl acetate fed at the
      same level up to 3 months of frozen storage. For long-term frozen storage up to 9
      months, however, TC supplementation at 300 mg kg(-1) feed was required as a
      replacement for alpha-tocopheryl acetate at a level of 200 mg kg(-1) feed. The
      results obtained showed a long-term antioxidative effect exhibited by dietary tea
      catechins on chicken meat during frozen storage and demonstrated that tea
      catechins are effective alternatives to vitamin E as natural dietary
      antioxidants.

PMID- 22061510
TI  - Absorbance of light by mitochondria in pork muscle fibres differing in myoglobin
      content.
AB  - A scanning microscope photometer was used to map the transmittance (T) of white
      light along short lengths (?1 mm) of muscle fibres in transverse sections of pork
      psoas minor (n=8, Duroc*Yorkshire, hot carcass weight 86.1+/-5.2 kg). Red fibres
      (high myoglobin) were compared with white fibres (low myoglobin; n=16 pairs;
      60.1+/-28.1 h post-mortem). Raster scans across cut ends of fibres were eroded in
      concentric zones to find radial gradients of T. All red fibres had positive
      radial gradients (mean T mm(-1)=5.389+/-3.680) from outer to inner zones, showing
      T was higher (P<0.01) in the axis relative to the periphery. White fibres had
      either positive or negative gradients (mean T mm(-1)=0.394+/-2.546). Gradients in
      red fibres were higher (P<0.001) than in white fibres. Radial gradients matched
      the visible distribution of mitochondria. It was concluded mitochondria dominate
      over myofibrils in giving red fibres lower T than white fibres, adding to other
      effects from myoglobin and pH. Whether or not mitochondrial effects are visible
      in pork displayed for retail sale remains to be determined.

PMID- 22061511
TI  - Quality characteristics of loaves from buffalo meat, liver and vegetables.
AB  - The present investigation explored the possibilities of commercial utilization of
      buffalo liver in comminuted meat products. In this study, the effect of
      incorporating liver with meat and vegetables in loaves was studied. Different
      types of loaves were evaluated: (1) Control meat loaf, (2) liver-meat loaf (20%
      liver) and (3) liver-vegetable loaves (40% liver, 1:1 ratio of carrot and
      potato). The pH's; yield's, emulsion stabilities and proximate compositions were
      not significantly different between meat and liver-meat loaves. However, liver
      vegetable loaves gave significantly (P<0.05) lower yields and different proximate
      compositions. Although, liver-meat and liver-vegetable loaves had acceptable
      sensory scores (above 6), control meat loaves gave significantly (P<0.05) higher
      sensory scores. Instrumental color evaluation suggested significantly (P<0.05)
      higher redness (a(*)) and chroma values in meat loaves and significantly (P<0.05)
      higher values of brightness (L(*)), yellowness (b(*)) and hue values in liver
      meat and liver-vegetable loaves. Texture profile analysis showed that liver-meat
      and liver-vegetable loaves had significantly (P<0.05) lower values of hardness,
      springiness, cohesiveness, gumminess and chewiness than the control meat loaves.
      Among the loaves, liver-vegetable loaves were softer and hence had lower values
      for the textural parameters than liver-meat loaves. During refrigerated storage,
      liver-vegetable loaves had significantly (P<0.05) lower thiobarbituric acid
      reacting substances (TBARS) values than meat and liver-meat loaves. Shelf life
      studies indicated a shelf life of 15 days for meat and liver-meat loaves and 10
      days for liver-vegetable loaves at 4+/-1  degrees C. It was concluded that
      buffalo liver could be commercially utilized for the preparation of acceptable
      comminuted meat products.

PMID- 22061512
TI  - Effect of diet finishing mode (pasture or mixed diet) on antioxidant status of
      Charolais bovine meat.
AB  - The aim of this study was to better understand the effect of diet finishing mode
      (pasture or mixed diet) on the antioxidant status of bovine meat (M. Longissimus
      dorsi). Effects of sex (cow, heifer and steer) and age (only in cows) were also
      studied. Vitamin E content of muscle and activity of antioxidant enzymes, such as
      superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (Cat) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), were
      measured. Total antioxidant status was also estimated by measuring Trolox
      equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) and benzoate hydroxylation. Vitamin E
      content was higher in meat from pasture-finished animals than from mixed diet
      finished animals. Diet had also an important effect on antioxidant enzyme
      activity. Pasture finishing mode increased SOD activity and decreased GPx
      activity in muscle. Effect of diet on catalase activity was less pronounced.
      Total antioxidant status measured by benzoate hydroxylation was higher in the
      mixed diet-group but no effect of diet was observed on TEAC measurement. Effect
      of sex was observed on SOD and catalase activity and also in benzoate
      hydroxylation. Effect of age was only noticed on benzoate hydroxylation.

PMID- 22061513
TI  - The effects of irradiation on quality of injected fresh pork loins.
AB  - A comparison of irradiation effects on injected and uninjected fresh pork loin
      quality was conducted. Sixty pork loins from pigs of similar genetics were
      obtained from a pork harvesting facility immediately prior to processing. Thirty
      loins were injected with a brine composed of 2.17% salt/3.04% phosphate/20.8%
      lactate brine while thirty were not injected. Injected loins were pumped to 13%
      added weight. Ten loins of each group of thirty were not irradiated while an
      additional 10 loins were irradiated at 2.2 kGy and the final ten loins were
      irradiated at 4.4 kGy. Lipid oxidation, color, purge, volatiles, and tenderness
      were measured on sections of the treated loins after 0, 7, 21, and 35 days of
      refrigerated storage. Lipid oxidation was minimal for the 0 and the 2.2 kGy
      treated loins, but was significantly greater (P<0.05) at day 35 for the loins
      treated with 4.4 kGy. Warner-Bratzler shear (WBS) force measurements were
      significantly lower (P<0.05) for the injected loins, but irradiation did not have
      an effect on shear force. Purge was significantly lower for the uninjected loins
      irradiated at 2.2 kGy than for those irradiated at 0 and 4.4 kGy. The injection
      treatment did not alter the effects of irradiation on the quality characteristics
      measured.

PMID- 22061514
TI  - The effect of cooling rate on beef tenderness: The significance of pH at 7 
      degrees C.
AB  - To study the effects of cooling regime on beef tenderness, seven commercial beef
      slaughterhouses with different cooling regimes were selected to obtain different
      carcass cooling rates. The pH values and temperatures of 8 M. longissimus dorsi
      (LD) and M. semimembranosus (SM) muscles from each slaughterhouse were monitored
      for 30 h. The muscles of the monitored carcasses were excised and vacuum packed
      for Allo-Kramer shear force (SF) determinations. Samples were kept at 3-4 
      degrees C for 5 or 21 d. The slaughterhouses were grouped by their average pH
      values of the muscles, prevailing at the moment when the temperature of the
      muscles reached 7  degrees C. The pH groups for LD were (i) low (5.52-5.63), (ii)
      medium (5.84-5.97) and (iii) high (6.16-6.17). The highest shear forces were in
      group (iii), being the toughest: 155-152 N/g, and the lowest in group (i) (the
      most tender): 108-116 N/g, respectively. The regression equation or the shear
      force was SF=-295.4+73.0*(pH at 7  degrees C); (R(2)=87%). There was no
      significant correlation between the cooling rate and tenderness in SM, indicating
      that it is difficult to control the tenderness of all muscles using the same
      cooling regime. The ageing effect was more marked and the variation in the shear
      forces smaller in the slaughterhouses generating carcasses with low pH values at
      7  degrees C than in those generating high ones. It was concluded that a low
      cooling rate, or more specifically, the temperature/pH at the onset of rigor
      mortis, is important for beef tenderness. The pH of LD must fall to values below
      5.7 before/when the temperature reaches 7  degrees C.

PMID- 22061515
TI  - The effects of RN genotype and tumbling on processing yield in cured-smoked pork
      loins.
AB  - The objective was to investigate the effects of RN genotype and tumbling
      treatment on yields throughout the processing of cured-smoked loins. Furthermore,
      the economic outcome was calculated for the different treatments because the
      technological yield is important for the meat industry. The study comprised two
      separate trials, T1 and T2, and included loins from 62 and 32 female pigs
      crossbreed with Hampshire, respectively. All loins in T1 were tumbled, whereas
      half of the loins in T2 were tumbled and the remainder was non-tumbled. Glucose
      and glucose-6-phosphate concentrations in meat juice and drip loss were higher,
      and ultimate pH and technological yield lower in loins of the RN(-) carriers than
      those of non-carriers. Water loss during processing was largest at heating, when
      yield between RN genotypes differed the most for T2. Yield between genotypes
      differed the most at curing for T1. When tumbling was included in the processing
      the technological yield increased, but the RN allele was still negatively
      affected. Salt content in cured-smoked loins was higher in non-carriers than RN(
      ) carriers in T1, whereas salt content in non-tumbled non-carriers was
      significantly lower than in the other cured-smoked loins in T2. Tumbled cured
      smoked loins contained more water than non-tumbled loins. There were moderate to
      high correlations between ultimate pH and processing yields except for curing
      yield. Water content in the cured-smoked loins was positively related to
      technological yield. The differences between the two trials suggest that the
      process design greatly influences the final product.

PMID- 22061516
TI  - Myofibrillar 1-D fingerprints and myosin heavy chain MS analyses of beef loin at
      36 h postmortem correlate with tenderness at 7 days.
AB  - This study investigated the potential for relating changes in electrophoretic
      protein patterns derived from the longissimus dorsi of beef cattle 36 h
      postmortem with tenderness at 7 days. We report finding a significant correlation
      (R(2)=0.82) between electrophoretic l. dorsi myofibrillar fingerprints at 36 h
      postmortem and tenderness at 7 days, as determined by Warner-Bratzler shear
      analysis. In addition, we have used mass spectrometric analyses to identify
      fragments of bovine myosin heavy chain that are significantly correlated with
      tenderness. Furthermore, this method offers the potential to increase our
      understanding of the fundamental cellular mechanisms underlying the proteolytic
      breakdown of muscle proteins during the aging process.

PMID- 22061517
TI  - Changes of the fatty acid composition and malondialdehyde concentration in rabbit
      Longissimus dorsi muscle after regular electrical stimulation.
AB  - The experiment was carried out to investigate, whether in vivo transcutaneous
      electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) affects the fatty acid composition and
      antioxidant status of rabbit Longissimus dorsi muscle. Altogether 20 Pannon White
      meat type rabbits were divided into two groups, from which one was routinely
      exposed to TENS treatment with the following settings: 2 events (each 20 min) a
      day/50 days, 1 channel (2 electrodes)/animal, 30 Hz, 20 MUs impulse length and 10
      mA. The control group was not treated. After slaughtering gas chromatography
      analysis of the muscle showed significantly decreased stearic, arachidonic and
      docosahexaenoic acid proportions, while the estimated activity of the elongase
      enzyme decreased. The malondialdehyde concentration decreased insignificantly in
      the treated group, however, it followed the changes of the total highly
      unsaturated fatty acid amount (three or more double bonds), which decreased from
      9.16% to 7.81%. The adaptation to the in vivo electrical treatment may
      significantly influence the meat fatty acid profile, especially PUFA proportion.

PMID- 22061518
TI  - Up- and down-regulation of longissimus tenderness parallels changes in the
      myofibril-bound calpain 3 protein.
AB  - The objective of this study was to utilize Ca(2+) and Zn(2+) treatments of meat
      to critically explore the possible role of calpain 3 in meat tenderisation.
      Calpains 1 and 2 were also examined for comparative purpose. Control animals plus
      animals infused with CaCl(2), ZnCl(2) or H(2)O were used (six lambs per
      treatment) to determine the temporal changes in muscle calpain 3 protein in the
      Longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) during post-mortem storage. Concurrently,
      the temporal changes of; (1) shear force, (2) sarcomere length, (3) proteolysis
      of titin and nebulin and (4) calpains 1 and 2 proteins were also determined.
      Infusing LTL with Ca(2+) or Zn(2+) caused significant up- and down-regulation of
      LTL tenderisation, respectively, compared to water infusion and the control
      animals. Furthermore, the rate of breakdown of calpain 3, the rate of proteolysis
      of titin and nebulin and the rate of meat tenderisation during post-mortem
      storage of LTL in the various treatments were highly correlated. These studies
      suggest that calpain 3, like calpain 1, may be involved in the tenderisation of
      meat through limited proteolysis of specific muscle structural proteins such as
      titin and nebulin.

PMID- 22061519
TI  - Growth and production of volatiles by Staphylococcus carnosus in dry sausages:
      Influence of inoculation level and ripening time.
AB  - Three sausage batches inoculated with normal inoculation level of Pediococcus
      pentosaceus (5*10(6) CFU/g) and with low, intermediate, and high inoculation
      levels of Staphylococcus carnosus (10(5), 5*10(6), 5*10(7) CFU/g, respectively)
      were produced. Cell counts and formation of volatiles were followed throughout a
      ripening period of three weeks. The staphylococci exhibited the fastest growth in
      sausages with a low inoculation level, whereas growth was only moderate in
      sausages with a high initial level. Analysis of volatiles showed that methyl
      branched aldehydes and acids, phenylacetaldehyde, 2-methyl-1-butanol,
      dimethyldisulphide and dimethyltrisulphide were produced in higher amounts in
      sausages with a high inoculation level of S. carnosus, whereas a low inoculation
      level correlated with high amounts of diacetyl, ethanol and ethyl esters. The
      levels of most compounds increased over time, but the amount of diacetyl was
      negatively correlated to ripening time. A negative interaction effect between
      inoculation level and ripening time was observed for the amounts of methyl
      branched aldehydes.

PMID- 22061520
TI  - Extensively reared Iberian pigs versus intensively reared white pigs for the
      manufacture of liver pate.
AB  - Physico-chemical characteristics and quality traits of the raw ingredients
      (muscle cuadriceps femoris, liver and adipose tissue) and the pates made from
      extensively reared Iberian pigs and intensively reared white pigs, were
      evaluated. The differences found between muscles, livers and adipose tissues from
      Iberian and white pigs influenced the characteristics of the pates. Compared to
      pates from white pigs, pates from Iberian pigs had a higher content of heme iron
      (27.5 MUg/g vs 11.5 MUg/g; p<0.05) and lower content of non-heme iron (27.5 MUg/g
      vs 33.7 MUg/g; p<0.05). Pates from Iberian pigs exhibited a darker colour (L
      (*):18.6  vs 15.9, p<0.05) with less redness (a (*) values: 9.1 vs 11.3; p<0.05)
      and yellowness (b (*) values: 13.1 vs 14.8, p<0.05). Thus, pates from white pigs
      had higher values of chroma (18.6 vs 15.9, p<0.05) and smaller values of hue
      (52.5 vs 55.2, p<0.05) that those from Iberian pigs' pates. In fatty acid
      composition, pates from white pigs had higher proportions of SFA (37.9% vs 32.8%,
      p<0.05) and PUFA (14.4% vs 9.6%, p<0.05) than pates from Iberian pigs and lower
      percentages of oleic (53.4% vs 43.6%, p<0.05) and total of MUFA (57.5% vs 47.6%,
      p<0.05). Pates from Iberian pigs had a lower n-6/n-3 values (13.2 vs 17.2;
      p<0.05).

PMID- 22061521
TI  - Fattening performance, carcass traits and meat quality characteristics of calves
      sired by Charolais, Simmental and Eastern Anatolian Red sires mated to Eastern
      Anatolian Red dams.
AB  - Comparisons were made among calves sired by Charolais (C), Simmental (S) and
      Eastern Anatolian Red (EAR) breeds of bulls for fattening, carcass and meat
      quality traits when mated to EAR dams. C- and S-sired calves had 43.1% and 36.4%
      higher daily weight gain, 44.5% and 43.9% heavier final weight in fattening,
      respectively. Calves produced by C sires had best feed efficiency value (6.51 vs.
      7.44 and 7.22) compared to the S and EAR sire breed groups. Carcasses of C- and S
      sired calves had heavier weight, higher dressing percentage and greater
      Longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle area than those of EAR-sired calves. USDA yield
      grades were lower (P<0.01) for carcasses from C and S sires, and highest for
      carcasses from EAR calves. C-sired calves received higher (P<0.01) ratings for
      panel tenderness score, lower shear force value and number of chews before
      swallow than S- and EAR-sired progeny. Overall results of the study suggested
      that fattening performance, carcass and meat quality characteristics might be
      considerably improved by using C sires in the crossbreeding program as sire
      breed.

PMID- 22061522
TI  - Risk assessment of PSE condition due to pre-slaughter conditions and RYR1 gene in
      pigs.
AB  - A polychotomous logistic regression model was used to identify and assess the
      risk factors for pork meat becoming pale, soft and exudative (PSE). A total of
      116 deliveries, comprising 15,695 commercial pigs delivered from different
      commercial farms to five Spanish pig commercial abattoirs were surveyed. The PSE
      condition was described as an ordinal response variable (normal, prone to PSE and
      PSE) based on measurements of electrical conductivity in the Semimembranosus
      muscle 1-2 h post-mortem. The RYR1 genotype, the abattoir, the season, the
      gender, the floor surface in the lorry, the loading system, and the stocking
      density during transportation influenced the risk of PSE condition, as well as on
      farm fasting time, loading time, transportation and lairage times. The effect of
      the RYR1 gene, determined in a subsample of 1331 pigs, was due to nn stress
      susceptible pigs, in which the risk of PSE meat (PQM>6 MUs) increased fourfold.
      Abattoirs should be especially careful in summer, when the risk of PSE meat was
      found to be double that of winter. The risk of PSE meat decreased with the time
      of transportation, though its effect depended on the stocking density. Thus, our
      results indicate that, for transits longer than 3 h, the risk of PSE increases
      with stocking density during transport, while the opposite occurs for shorter
      transits.

PMID- 22061523
TI  - Effect of feed restriction on rabbit meat quality of the Rex du Poitou((r)).
AB  - Two orylag((r)) rabbit genotypes, Castor and Chinchilla, feed restricted from 8
      to 18 weeks of age at 130 g/d or fed ad libitum, were compared for growth, feed
      efficiency, carcass traits, and meat sensory characteristics. The total body
      electrical conductivity (ToBEC) value was also measured to predict meat quality.
      The feeding level was more restrictive for Castor than for Chinchilla rabbits
      (74% and 90%, respectively). As expected, growth, feed efficiency, carcass yield
      and adiposity were altered in both genotypes with feed restriction. For
      restricted animals, tenderness, juiciness, flavour, flouriness, stickiness and
      fatness were not affected by the genotype. Feed restriction only significantly
      decreased flouriness in the Castor genotype. Correlations between meat
      characteristics and sensory traits were low, and the ToBEC value was not
      correlated with organoleptic quality.

PMID- 22061524
TI  - Development of an n-3 fatty acid and alpha-tocopherol enriched dry fermented
      sausage.
AB  - Five batches of "salchichon", which is a dry fermented Spanish sausage, were
      manufactured using backfat and meat enriched in polyunsaturated n-3 fatty acids
      and alpha-tocopherol. Raw materials were obtained from animals fed on diets of
      the same ingredients with the exception of the oil source [sunflower oil (batch
      control, C), linseed oil (L and LE), 1/1 (w/w) linseed and olive oil (LO and
      LOE)] and alpha-tocopherol quantity [20 mg/kg diet of alpha-tocopherol (C, L and
      LO) or 200 mg/kg diet of alpha-tocopherol (LOE and LE)]. A final product with a
      healthier polyunsaturated fatty acid n-6:n-3 ratio (< 4) was obtained from all
      linseed oil-enriched batches as compared with the control (12). The batches of
      sausages manufactured with backfat and meat from animals fed on diets enriched in
      alpha-tocopherol and linseed, or linseed and olive oil with or without alpha
      tocopherol supplementation show a higher lipid oxidative stability than those of
      diets enriched in linseed oil without alpha-tocopherol supplementation. Sausages
      of dietary treatment C, LE, LO and LOE did not show differences in water,
      protein, fat and ash contents, a(w), pH, texture profile analysis and sensory
      features (odour, colour, texture, juiciness and taste quality). Sausages
      manufactured with material from animals fed on linseed oil-enriched diets and no
      added alpha-tocopherol (L) showed an unfavourable rancidity degree detected by
      both 2-thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARs) index and sensory panel.

PMID- 22061525
TI  - Effect of the fungal protease EPg222 on the sensory characteristics of dry
      fermented sausage "salchichon" ripened with commercial starter cultures.
AB  - The effect of the addition of the fungal protease EPg222 on the sensory
      characteristics of dry fermented sausage "salchichon" ripened with commercial
      starter cultures was investigated. Sausages were prepared with purified EPg222
      and Staphylococcus carnosus, Staphylococcus xylosus, and Lactobacillus sakei as
      starter cultures, ripened for 145 days and compared with a control batch only
      inoculated with the starter cultures. Dry fermented sausages ripened with EPg222
      and starter cultures showed higher amount of NPN and volatile compounds derived
      from amino acid catabolism, than control ripened only with starter cultures.
      Several branched aldehydes, acids and alcohols such as 2- and 3-methylbutanoic
      acid and 2-methylpropanol were detected only in enzyme treated samples. Sensory
      analysis reflected higher values for aroma intensity of sausages treated with
      EPg222 and lower values of hardness than control. The effect of EPg222 may be of
      great interest to improve sensory characteristics of dry fermented sausages
      ripened with starter cultures.

PMID- 22061526
TI  - Ohmic processing: Electrical conductivities of pork cuts.
AB  - Efficacy of ohmic processing can be influenced by the conductivities of
      individual components within the food and their behaviour and interactions during
      the heating process. This study relates to the determination of electrical
      conductivities of a selection of pork meat cuts used in meat processing.
      Conductivity measurements of pork cuts indicated that lean is highly conductive
      compared to fat and addition of fat to lean reduced the overall conductivity but
      the addition of fat over the range (i.e. 0-100%) was non-linear. Light microscopy
      suggested that differences in the conductivities of leg and shoulder lean
      (entire) (0.76 vs. 0.64 Sm(-1), respectively) could be due to the denser muscle
      fibre structure and/or higher intra-muscular fat in shoulder vs. leg. This could
      be of significance for ohmic processing of full muscle products.

PMID- 22061527
TI  - Effect of pasture finishing on the meat characteristics and intramuscular fatty
      acid profile of steers of the Rubia Gallega breed.
AB  - The Rubia Gallega cattle breed is the most important stock for beef production in
      Spain. A study about the influence of feeding systems on beef quality is needed.
      Comparison of the effect of a pasture finishing system and an indoors finishing
      system (maize silage and concentrate) on the meat quality and intramuscular fatty
      acid profile of Rubia Gallega steers (slaughter age 30 months) was determined
      using samples of Longissimus thoracis muscle. There were no differences between
      treatments in meat pH, drip loss, water holding capacity, cooking loss and muscle
      colour. Meat from pasture-fed steers was more tender than meat from indoors
      finished ones at 24 h post-mortem, but differences disappeared at 7 days.
      Subcutaneous fat of grass-fed steers showed higher yellowness at 24 h and 7 days
      post-mortem and lower brightness at 7 days post-mortem than indoors finished
      ones. Intramuscular fat of indoors finished steers presented higher
      concentrations of C18:2 and a less favourable ratio of n-6/n-3 polyunsaturated
      fatty acids than pasture finished steers.

PMID- 22061528
TI  - Fatty acids, antioxidants and oxidation stability of processed reindeer meat.
AB  - The effect of hot smoking and drying on reindeer meat (M. semimembranosus) was
      investigated with regard to vitamin content, fatty acids (FA), lipid oxidation
      and lipolysis. In smoked and dried meat, free fatty acids were found to increase
      (P<0.001), whereas polar lipids, cholesterol and triacylglycerols decreased. Only
      slight changes in FA composition of the smoked meat were found but the
      composition of the dried meat differed significantly from both smoked and fresh
      meat. Fresh and smoked meat were found to have low values (0.11 MUg/g dry matter
      (DM); 0.21 MUg/g DM) of thiobarbituric acid reacting substances but dried meat
      had high values (8.33 MUg/g DM; P<0.001). Retinol was found only in the fresh
      meat and the tocopherol content decreased significantly (P<0.001) as a result of
      the processing. We conclude that the smoking process slightly changed FA
      composition, lipid class composition and vitamin content, whereas drying resulted
      in major changes in all the analysed parameters.

PMID- 22061529
TI  - Histochemical properties of fibre types in muscles of wild and domestic pigs and
      the effect of growth rate on muscle fibre properties.
AB  - This study reports the results of a comparison of the histochemical properties of
      various types of porcine muscles in wild and domestic pigs. In domestic pigs, the
      influence of growth rates on these properties were studied in five muscles:
      longissimus dorsi (LD), semimembranosus (SM), gluteus superficialis (GS), infra
      spinam (IS) and masseter (MAS). The growth rate was expressed as: (i) live weight
      (LW) at 165+/-2 days and (ii) daily LW gain from day 88 to day 165 (DG) on the
      experimental diet. LD, SM, GS and IS of wild pigs were found to contain a higher
      area percentage of oxidative type IIA fibres (type IIA%(area)) and a lower
      percentage area of glycolytic type IIB fibres (type IIB%(area)) than the same
      muscles of domestic pigs. The capillary density in the light muscles (LD, SM, GS)
      of wild pigs was twice that of domestic pigs, indicating higher oxidative
      capacity. In domestic pigs the cross sectional area of type IIB fibres (CSA(IIB))
      was markedly larger than the cross sectional area of type I (CSA(I)) and IIA
      (CSA(IIA)) fibres. The average fibre cross sectional area (CSA(fibre)) was about
      the same in the muscles of wild and domestic pigs except in LD and SM, where the
      average fibre cross sectional area was approximately 25% smaller in wild pigs
      than in domestic pigs. This difference was caused by the large cross sectional
      area of type IIB fibres in the light muscles of domestic pigs. In the light
      muscles of domestic pigs, the cross sectional area of type IIA fibres increased
      most with increasing growth rate. Growth rate influences muscle fibre properties
      only in light muscles, not in dark muscles.

PMID- 22061530
TI  - A comparison of fat composition of Japanese and long-term grain-fed Australian
      steers.
AB  - Subcutaneous and intermuscular fat samples were collected from carcases of four
      major breeds of steers in Japan: Wagyu, Wagyu * Angus, Dairy and Murray Grey. For
      comparison, we also collected subcutaneous fat samples from carcases of long-term
      grain-fed (350-455 days) Angus, Jersey and Angus * Hereford steers, and short
      term grain-fed (70-100 days) Murray Grey steers in Australia. Fatty acid profiles
      were determined on all samples and triacylglycerol composition, thermal
      properties, fat cell size and lipid and connective tissue contents were
      determined on representative samples. Compared with the Japanese samples which
      were soft to very soft when assessed subjectively, samples of Australian fat were
      generally hard and somewhat fibrous in appearance. These tactile and visual
      differences in the hardness of the subcutaneous fat between the Japanese and
      Australian beef were confirmed by the physical and chemical properties
      determined. Markedly different melting patterns were observed for the Australian
      and Japanese fat samples. The Japanese fat had considerably less saturated and
      more unsaturated fatty acids resulting in much higher unsaturated/saturated
      ratios (1.9) compared with the Australian samples (1.0). This resulted primarily
      from the high contents of oleic and palmitoleic acids and the low content of
      stearic acid of the Japanese samples. The triacylglycerols from the Japanese fat
      had considerably less tri-saturated and di-saturated fatty acids and more di
      monounsaturated and tri-monounsaturated fatty acids in their structure.
      Differences were observed when the Japanese subcutaneous fat samples were grouped
      by their meat quality grades. From Grade 5 to Grade 2, there was a significant
      decrease in marbling score (9.3 to 2.5) and in the ratio of palmitoleic to
      stearic acid (1.7 to 1.2) and an increase in the connective tissue content (1.5
      to 2.1%). Compared with subcutaneous fat, intermuscular fat had a higher content
      of saturated and a lower content of unsaturated fatty acids resulting in a lower
      ratio of unsaturated to saturated fatty acids and of palmitoleic to stearic acid.
      It was concluded that the fatty acid composition and the triacylglycerol
      structure of fat plays the predominant role in determining the lustre, texture
      and properties of fat desired by the Japanese market: the soft character of fat
      from Japanese cattle results primarily from its low content of stearic acid and
      consequent lower melting temperatures. Fat cell size and the lipid and connective
      tissue contents of fat appear to be less important.

PMID- 22061531
TI  - Pre-cure freezing affects proteolysis in dry-cured hams.
AB  - Several parameters (sodium chloride, moisture, intramuscular fat, total nitrogen,
      non-protein nitrogen, white precipitates, free tyrosine, L* a* b* values and
      acceptability) related with proteolysis during the curing were compared in dry
      cured hams manufactured from refrigerated and frozen/thawed raw material. Pre
      cure freezing increased the proteolysis levels significantly (p<0.05) in the
      zones of the ham where water losses and absorption of salt is slowest. Frozen
      hams present a high incidence of white precipitates, formed mainly by tyrosine
      crystals. The colour and acceptability scores are similar in frozen and
      refrigerated hams. The previous freezing and thawing process accentuates the
      water losses, salt absorption and proteolysis of the cured meat, although it does
      not significantly affect the sensory quality of the dry-cured ham.

PMID- 22061532
TI  - Effect of content of protein, fat and modified starch on binding textural
      characteristics, and colour of comminuted scalded sausages.
AB  - The effects of modified potato starch addition-distarch phosphate (ranging from
      3.32 to 5.68%) and varying levels of fat and protein (ranging from 11.6 to 28.4%
      and from 7.32 to 10.68%, respectively)-on comminuted scalded sausage quality
      characteristics were investigated. Sausage quality was determined by measuring
      textural, hydration and colour characteristics. Starch addition favourably
      affected WHC and cooking loss and increased hardness of sausages processed. Fat
      reduction resulted in an increase in cohesiveness, gumminess and chewiness
      values, which were not overcome by the added starch. Lower fat contents were also
      accompanied by a significant reduction in the cooking yield and WHC. Protein
      content was the variable that most influenced WHC, hardness, gumminess and
      chewiness. Sausage colour parameters were affected only by varying fat levels
      (L*, a*, b*) and protein content (L*, a*).

PMID- 22061533
TI  - Estimation of chemical carcass composition from 8th rib characteristics with
      Belgian blue double-muscled bulls.
AB  - Characteristics from the 8th rib cut: chemical composition, tissue composition
      after dissection, specific gravity (SG) and m. longissimus thoracis (LT)
      composition, collected on 17 Belgian Blue double-muscled fattening bulls were
      used to generate equations for predicting chemical carcass composition. Carcass
      composition was best predicted from chemical analysis of the 8th rib cut and the
      empty body weight (EBW) of the bull. Carcass chemical fat content (CCF, kg) was
      predicted from the 8th rib cut fat content (ether extract, 8RF, kg) by the
      following regression: CCF=1.94+27.37 8RF (R(2)=0.957, RSD =9.89%). A higher
      coefficient was found for carcass water (CCW, kg) predicted from 8RF and EBW:
      CCW=-2.26+0.28 EBW-34.28 8RF (R(2)=0.997, RSD=1.48%). No parameter was found to
      improve the prediction of CCP from EBW solely: CCP=-0.86+0.08 EBW (R(2) =0.992,
      RSD=2.61%). Prediction equations based solely on LT composition had low R(2)
      values of between 0.38 and 0.67, whereas no significant equations were found
      using SG. However, equations based on EBW had R(2) values between 0.78 and 0.99.
      Chemical components of the 8th rib cut in combination with EBW are most useful in
      predicting the chemical composition of the carcass of Belgian-Blue double-muscled
      bulls.

PMID- 22061534
TI  - Effects of high-intensity high-frequency ultrasound on ageing rate,
      ultrastructure and some physico-chemical properties of beef.
AB  - High-intensity and high-frequency ultrasound was tested for its ability to
      accelerate meat ageing and increase beef tenderness. Samples (~50g) of
      semimembranosus muscles from 8 cull cows were assigned to ultrasonic treatment
      (2.6MHz; 10W/cm(2); 2 *15s) either pre-rigor (day 0, pH 6.2) or post-rigor (day
      1, pH 5.4). When applied pre-rigor, ultrasound induced a slight delay in rigor
      mortis onset, a stretching (12-15%) of the sarcomeres (p<0.05), an
      ultrastructural alteration in the Z-line region and an immediate increase (around
      30%) in the release of calcium in the cytosol (p<0.05). However, no conclusive
      effect on meat ageing rate was observed. Post-rigor ultrasonic treatment did not
      induce any structural modification but slightly improved the ageing index after 6
      days (p<0.05). However, no improvement in the final (day 14) ageing index was
      observed compared to the controls. As ultrasound had also no effect on the
      thermal stability of collagen, at both postmortem times, no improvement in meat
      tenderness can be expected under the conditions used.

PMID- 22061535
TI  - The influence of added whey protein/carrageenan gels and tapioca starch on the
      textural properties of low fat pork sausages.
AB  - Response surface methodology (RSM) was used for simultaneous analysis of the
      effects of added high gelling 35% whey protein concentrate, (0-12%)/carrageenan
      (0-3%) preformed gels with dry addition of tapioca starch (0-3%), on the
      physical, textural and sensory characteristics of low-fat fresh pork sausages.
      Experimental design allowed for evaluation of potential interactive effects
      between these ingredients. Sausages were evaluated for cookloss, water holding
      capacity (WHC), mechanical texture and sensory attributes. Analysis of variance
      of regression models showed that ingredient blends had a significant influence on
      cookloss (p<0.01), WHC (p<0.05), purgeloss (p<0.05), texture (p<0.001) and the
      sensory attributes of flavour intensity (p<0.05), overall flavour (p<0.01) and
      juiciness (p<0.001). Addition of preformed gel and tapioca starch had a
      significant (p<0.01) negative interactive effect on % cook loss, and gave a
      significant (p<0.05) positive linear effect for mechanical textural values.
      Increasing levels of preformed gel blends with tapioca starch resulted in a
      general decrease in flavour intensity and overall flavour scores. Mixed gels
      containing high gelling 35% (protein) whey protein concentrate (8%) and
      carrageenan (1.5%), with dry addition of tapioca starch (3%) produced final low
      fat (<3% fat) pork sausages with similar characteristics to those of full-fat
      (20% fat) controls.

PMID- 22061536
TI  - Sensory characteristics of cooked pork loin as affected by nucleotide content and
      post-mortem meat quality.
AB  - Muscle longissimus dorsi excised at 2hr post mortem was utilised to study the
      effect of post-mortem meat quality, and their content of nucleotide metabolites,
      on the sensory characteristics of cooked loin. Four different post mortem meat
      qualities were defined: pale soft exudative (PSE), red soft exudative (RSE), red
      firm non-exudative (RFN) and dark firm dry (DFD). The DFD meat quality class
      showed low sour and salty tastes and a high sweet taste, low astringency and high
      juiciness and tenderness, giving the best overall quality. On the other hand, the
      RSE quality class produced a meat with a low juiciness and high hardness, and a
      low overall quality although these differences were not significant (p<0.05)
      against RFN and PSE meats. The effect of nucleotide metabolite contents on the
      sensory meat properties were most significant on taste although, the different
      meat qualities were only significantly different (p<0.05) in the content of
      hypoxanthine, guanosine, GDP and IDP.

PMID- 22061537
TI  - Effect of rigor temperature on muscle shortening and tenderisation of restrained
      and unrestrained beef m. longissimus thoracicus et lumborum.
AB  - Pairs of muscularis longissimus thoracicus et lumborum (LTL) from young bulls
      were removed within 1h of slaughter. Small portions of the muscles were placed in
      a rigormeter to continously follow the isometric tension and isotonic shortening
      developed, at constant temperatures of 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 degrees C, as the
      muscle went into rigor. The bulk LTL was placed in water baths at the same
      temperature. One of the bulk pairs was tightly restrained by wrapping, to reduce
      muscle shortening, the other was unrestrained free to shorten. For the bulk
      samples, shear values were measured using a Warner-Bratzler instrument (1, 7 and
      14 days post mortem), and sensory attributes were measured using a sensory panel
      (7 and 14 days post mortem). Minimum tension and shortening occurred at 15
      degrees C. The activation energy for the muscle shortening process was larger
      than for the isometric tension process. This indicates that the isometric tension
      data, collected during rigor, does not solely reflect muscle shortening. Thus, a
      counteracting process that decreases the tension response, most likely ageing is
      simultaneously detected. Meat that went into rigor at 15 degrees C had least
      shortening and was always more tender than meat going into rigor at higher
      temperatures. For meat entering rigor at temperatures higher than 15 degrees C,
      restraining of the muscle by wrapping, significantly (p<0.05) decreased the
      amount of muscle shortening and resulted in an improved meat tenderness
      (p<0.001). It was also observed that at rigor temperatures higher than 15 degrees
      C the meat tenderness is affected negatively by a reduced ageing capacity. It
      therefore appears that muscle shortening and enzyme activity both affect
      tenderness and that both are highly affected by rigor temperature and have the
      greatest beneficial effect at a rigor temperature of 15 degrees C.

PMID- 22061538
TI  - Quality of pig adipose tissue: relationship between solid fat content and lipid
      composition.
AB  - The dependence of solid fat content at 20 degrees C of adipose tissues on their
      fatty acid and triacylglycerol compositions was studied on lipids extracted from
      tissues from 166 pigs. The solid fat content (SFC20) was 20% on average but
      varied widely (9-35%). The SFC20 variability was closely related to the
      proportions of disaturated triacylglycerols and more specifically to palmitoyl
      stearoyl-oleoyl-glycerol (R(2)=0.92). The SFC20 variability was also related to
      the proportions of the saturated fatty acids, palmitic and stearic acids
      (R(2)=0.94). The part of the variance of SFC20 explained by the proportion of
      polyunsaturated fatty acids was lower (R(2)=0.48). The iodine value showed a high
      correlation with SFC20 (R(2)=0.81) but carcass lean content was a poor indicator
      of the solid fat content of adipose tissues (R(2)=0.06).

PMID- 22061539
TI  - Release of major ions during rigor mortis development in kid Longissimus dorsi
      muscle.
AB  - Ionic strength plays an important role in post mortem muscle changes. Its
      increase is due to ion release during the development of rigor mortis. Twelve
      alpine kids were used to study the effects of chilling and meat pH on ion
      release. Free ions were measured in Longissimus dorsi muscle by capillary
      electrophoresis after water extraction. All free ion concentrations increased
      after death, but there were differences between ions. Temperature was not a
      factor affecting ion release in contrast to ultimate pH value. Three release
      mechanisms are believed to coexist: a passive binding to proteins, which stops as
      pH decreases, an active segregation which stops as ATP disappears and the
      production of metabolites due to anaerobic glycolysis.

PMID- 22061540
TI  - Meat quality of wether lambs grazed on either saltbush (Atriplex nummularia) plus
      supplements or lucerne (Medicago sativa).
AB  - The meat quality of 42, 8 month-old cross-bred wether lambs that had been grazed
      on either predominantly saltbush (Atriplex nummularia) and supplemented with
      pasture hay (n=14) or oat grain (n=14) for 68 days was compared to lambs grazed
      predominantly on lucerne (Medicago sativa; n=14). The lambs used in the study
      ranged in un-fasted liveweight from 44.5 to 63.6kg pre-slaughter. There was no
      significant (p>0.05) difference between the treatments for liveweight, but there
      was a significant (p<0.05) treatment effect on hot carcass weight with those from
      the saltbush/hay group (SH) being lighter than those from the lucerne group. When
      the carcass measures of fatness or m. longissimus thoracis et lumborum area were
      adjusted to a common carcass weight of 22.4kg there was no difference between
      groups. There were no significant differences (p>0.05) between groups for pH or
      colour values (where L* indicates relative lightness, a* indicates relative
      redness and b* indicates relative yellowness). There was no significant
      difference (p>0.05) between groups for b(2)* values of subcutaneous fat.
      Treatment had a significant effect on aroma strength (p<0.05), samples from lambs
      in the SH group (n=10) and those in saltbush/grain (SG) group (n=10) having a
      stronger aroma than those from lambs grazed on lucerne (L; n=10). No treatment
      effect for liking of aroma was found. Flavour strength was not significantly
      (p>0.05) stronger for samples from groups SH and SG than for samples from group
      L. There was no effect of treatment on tenderness or juiciness and overall
      panellists ranked the samples similarly for acceptability. Finishing lambs on
      saltbush and either supplemented with hay or grain as used in this experiment did
      not present any apparent meat quality problems compared to lucerne fed lambs.

PMID- 22061541
TI  - On-line NIR analysis of fat, water and protein in industrial scale ground meat
      batches.
AB  - Fat, water and protein contents in industrial scale meat batches were determined
      on-line by near infrared (NIR) reflectance spectroscopy. The NIR instrument was
      mounted at the outlet of a large meat grinder, and the measurements were
      performed in an industrial environment. Beef and pork samples, with chemical
      compositions of 7-26% fat, 58-75% water and 15-21% protein, were processed with
      hole diameters of 13mm in the grinder plate. Calibrations were made both for a
      combined set of beef and pork samples, and for separate sets of beef and pork
      samples. Validations were either done by full cross validation of the calibration
      set, or by bias corrected prediction of a test set. Prediction errors for the two
      sample sets, expressed as root mean square errors of cross validation or standard
      error of prediction, were in the ranges 0.82-1.49% fat, 0.94-1.33% water and 0.35
      0.70% protein, depending of sample set and species of animal. The presented
      application is an improvement to the existing manual meat standardisation
      procedure, and has been implemented for regular use in a Norwegian meat
      manufacturing plant.

PMID- 22061542
TI  - Effect of pH(24), NaCl content and proteolysis index on the relationship between
      water content and texture parameters in biceps femoris and semimembranosus
      muscles in dry-cured ham.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of pH level and NaCl
      content on the relationship between water content and texture parameters in
      semimembranosus and biceps femoris muscles in dry-cured ham. The experiment was
      undertaken using 18 hams, selected in a commercial slaughterhouse. Half of the
      hams had a pH<5.7 and the rest a pH>6.2, measured in the semimembranosus muscle
      at 24-h post mortem (pH(SM24)). The hams were treated with 20, 50 or 80g of NaCl
      per kg of ham. At the end of the aging process nine samples from semimembranosus
      and biceps femoris muscles were dried to different levels of water content
      covering the range from 22.4% to 58.5%. At the end of the drying period, a
      Texture Profile Analysis was used to determine textural parameters. Samples from
      biceps femoris muscle and samples from hams with low pH(SM24) showed a higher
      proteolysis index (100*non-protein nitrogen/total nitrogen) than samples from
      semimembranosus muscle and samples from hams with high pH(SM24), respectively.
      The proteolysis index decreased when the added NaCl amount increased. The
      proteolysis index was the parameter that best explained the modifications in the
      relationship between water content and the texture parameters (hardness,
      cohesiveness and springiness) of dry-cured ham muscles and it would be considered
      in order to predict the texture in dry-cured ham at different drying levels. Dry
      cured hams with a lower proteolysis index were more prone to present harder
      texture at low water contents, which is typical of hams with crustiness problems.

PMID- 22061543
TI  - Sensory and physical characteristics of enhanced vs. non-enhanced meat from
      mature cows.
AB  - Semitendinosus and longissimus muscles were removed from both sides of 10 mature
      Simmental cows ranging from 10 to 13 yrs. After aging for 7 days, one side was
      injected with a commercial salt mixture to a pumped gain of 15%; the other side
      served as control. Muscles were aged for a further 7 days before analysis.
      Injection significantly increased meat pH by 0.3 units in longissimus samples and
      reduced shear force values from about 50N in control samples to 37N for
      longissimus samples and 42N for semitendinosus samples. Injection also increased
      juiciness and tenderness scores by approximately 1unit when assessed by a trained
      sensory panel using 1-8 scales. Beef flavour, however, was more atypical in
      injected samples, which were also more salty. Injected samples were also pinker
      during storage and after cooking.

PMID- 22061544
TI  - Deferment of slaughtering in swine affected by cutaneous erysipelas.
AB  - According to the European Union rules for meat inspection (Regulation (EC) No.
      854/2004 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 29 April 2004, that
      will be enforced in January 2006 in place of Council Directive 91/497/EEC of 29
      July 1991 and Council Directive 91/498/EEC of 29 July 1991), any swine carcase
      affected by erysipelas must be destroyed. When pigs show erysipelas during
      antemortem inspection, the slaughtering must be deferred. Legislation however
      does not specify how long should be this period. In our research, 24 swine
      showing cutaneous erysipelas during antemortem inspection, have been tested: 8 of
      them were slaughtered after 10 days, 8 after 15 days and 8 after 20 days from the
      observation of the disease. Skin with scars of "diamond lesions", spleen, liver,
      kidney, inguinal lymph nodes, tonsils and muscle samples were tested in each
      carcase for the presence of Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae. The results suggest
      that the slaughtering of swine affected by cutaneous erysipelas must be deferred
      for at least 15 days from disappearance of typical lesions, in order to guarantee
      a good level of safety of the meat and to reduce the hazard of occupational
      disease for veterinarians, abattoir workers and meat processors.

PMID- 22061545
TI  - The effects of nitrite on the survival of Clostridium sporogenes and the
      autoxidation properties of the Kavurma.
AB  - Kavurma is a traditional cooked (fried) meat product manufactured to preserve
      meat. Some bacterial genera, e.g., clostridia are important in kavurma. The
      objective of this study was to determine the influence of nitrite and the
      traditional cooking process on the survival and proliferation of Clostridium
      botulinum and the autoxidation properties of the kavurma. For this purpose,
      Clostridium sporogenes having similar characteristics to C. botulinum was used,
      and the samples were inoculated with 10(6) CFU/g C. sporogenes cells before the
      traditional cooking. The final products were packaged and stored under
      refrigeration for 6 months, and then the oxidation parameters (TBA, peroxide and
      free fatty acid values) and C. sporogenes counts of samples were determined. It
      was observed that C. sporogenes could survive during the traditional cooking
      process and storage. However, counts decreased during storage; for example,
      nitrite containing samples initially had 3.21logCFU/g C. sporogenes and
      2.73logCFU/g at the end of storage. While nitrite had a slight antimicrobial
      effect on clostridia, it significantly reduced the TBA, peroxide and FFA values
      of the samples. In conclusion, it is suggested that addition of 100ppm of nitrite
      might be useful in kavurma processing because of its role in limiting oxidation
      as well as its antimicrobial effect.

PMID- 22061546
TI  - Effect of modified atmosphere packaging on structural and physical changes in
      buffalo meat.
AB  - The effect of modified atmosphere packaging of buffalo meat on the structural
      parameters viz., fibre diameter, sarcomere length and myofibrillar fragmentation
      index and physical parameters viz., pH, drip loss and colour scores were studied.
      The buffalo meat was packed under aerobic, vacuum and modified atmosphere (80%
      oxygen+20% carbon dioxide) and stored at 4+/-1 degrees C upto 21 days. The
      results obtained revealed that vacuum-packed buffalo meat had the lowest fibre
      diameter and myofibrillar fragmentation index and the highest sarcomere length,
      vacuum thus appears to enhance ageing. Buffalo meat packed in modified atmosphere
      had a low drip loss and a desirable colour. The modified atmosphere packed and
      vacuum-packed buffalo meat was acceptable for upto 14 days at 4+/-1 degrees C.

PMID- 22061547
TI  - Effects of goat milk or milk replacer diet on meat quality and fat composition of
      suckling goat kids.
AB  - The effects of a diet with goat milk "GM" or milk replacer "MR" on the meat
      quality and fat composition of suckling Murciano-Granadina kids were studied. MR
      consisted of powdered skimmed milk, coconut oil and fat, and cereal products and
      by-products. Raw meat quality (moisture, protein, lipids, ash, collagen,
      cholesterol, haem pigments, CIELab colour, pH and water retention capacity),
      fatty acid "FA" composition and eating quality of cooked meat (odour, flavour and
      texture) were determined. Diet had only a slight effect on raw meat quality but
      had a pronounced effect on fatty acid composition and eating quality of cooked
      meat. MR diet increased the water/protein proportion in the muscle. The
      saturated/unsaturated FA ratio in GM and MR fat was 0.94 and 2.27, respectively.
      The major FA in GM and MR fat were C16:0 and C18:1, respectively. Short-chain C4
      C12 hardly accumulated in the adipose tissue of suckling kid, increasing the
      relative percentages of C14-C20. This effect was more pronounced in MR fat, due
      to the fact that MR contained more short-chain fatty acids than GM. MR diet gave
      cooked meat a more intense characteristic goat meat odour and flavour, more
      tenderness and more juiciness than the natural suckling diet. This fact could be
      related to differences in meat and fat composition.

PMID- 22061548
TI  - The p-nitroaniline test to asses the bacterial microbiota of raw ground meat
      aerobically stored.
AB  - The previously developed p-nitroaniline test for assessing the microbial load of
      meat surfaces has been now adapted to determine the microbial quality of raw
      ground meat. A good correlation (r=0.91) between bacterial count determined by
      the pour plate method and the p-nitroaniline test was obtained. The sensitivity
      of the new method was of the order of magnitude of 10(4)cfu/g. This method allows
      the assay of ground meat in approximately 2.5h, it does not require expensive
      equipment and the results can be interpreted both spectrophotometrically and
      visually. Additionally, it has been proven that the method is useful in
      estimating the microbial quality of raw meat irrespective of the species of Gram
      negative psychrotrophic bacteria prevailing in the meat during refrigerated
      storage.

PMID- 22061549
TI  - Fatty acids of lamb meat from two breeds fed different forage: concentrate ratio.
AB  - Lambs from two Turkish breeds, Kivircik a meat breed and Sakiz a breed used for
      milk and meat production, were fed a diet containing commercial concentrate and
      hay in the ratios of either 75:25 or 25:75. The effects on fatty acid composition
      were studied. After weaning (at about 8 weeks) a total of 40 male lambs (20
      Kivircik, 20 Sakiz) were divided into four groups of 10 animals and fed either
      commercial concentrate or grass hay-based diets. The lambs were group fed indoors
      for 60 days. The mean intramuscular total fatty acid content of longissimus dorsi
      for Sakiz was lower than that for Kivircik lamb. Increasing the dried grass
      percentage in the ration decreased the final live weight of the lambs but
      intramuscular total fatty acid content increased (2088 vs. 1791mg/kg muscle,
      p<0.001). All n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids were higher in muscle from lamb fed
      dried grass-based diets than from lambs fed concentrate-based diets whereas all n
      6 were higher in the latter. Polyunsaturated:saturated ratios were higher in the
      latter animals; 0.26 compared with 0.16 in the lambs fed grass hay. Concentrate
      groups displayed a higher n-6/n-3 ratio in the same muscle, 7.11 compared with
      1.28 in the lambs fed grass. Muscle from Kivircik lambs had higher concentrations
      of C18:2 n-6 and its metabolite C20:4 n-6 (p<0.001) and also C18:3 n-3.

PMID- 22061550
TI  - The use of dielectric properties and other physical analyses for assessing
      protein denaturation in beef biceps femoris muscle during cooking from 5 to 85
      degrees C.
AB  - Dielectric properties of beef biceps femoris muscle were recorded during heating
      (5-85 degrees C) to assess their linkage to phase changes monitored by
      differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and rheology. DSC indicated endotherms
      between 56 and 81 degrees C corresponding to denaturation of actin, collagen and
      myosin. Matching changes in dielectric properties (dielectric constant (epsilon')
      and loss factor (epsilon")) were noted at radio and/or microwave frequencies
      though the nature of the change differed depending upon frequency. The main
      observation in epsilon' was an increase above 65-66 degrees C, most likely due to
      fluid release on collagen denaturation. This fluid plus liquid from myosin
      denaturation most likely solvated ions freed during myosin denaturation which
      manifested as an epsilon" increase. However, it must be noted that meat
      structural protein denaturation is compounded with physical shrinkage which can
      also influence dielectric properties. Rheological parameters of beef muscle
      heated from 5 to 85 degrees C also displayed marked changes relating to
      structural protein denaturation.

PMID- 22061551
TI  - Difference in postmortem degradation pattern among troponin T isoforms expressed
      in bovine longissimus, diaphragm, and masseter muscles.
AB  - The postmortem degradation of troponin T (TnT) in bovine longissimus (LT),
      diaphragm (DP), and masseter (MS) was analyzed. A 28.3kDa (conventional 30kDa)
      fragment of fast-type TnT isoforms showed the highest content in both LT and DP,
      where a 35.4kDa isoform had the highest expression among the other fast isoforms.
      Meanwhile, a 26.0kDa fragment was found to be the most highly produced among the
      fast TnT fragments in MS, where the expression of 36.5 and 32.8kDa isoforms was
      higher than that of 35.4 and 34.8kDa isoforms. Thus, the compositions of both the
      intact TnT isoform proteins and the postmortem fragments differed among the
      muscles examined, indicating that each TnT isoform degrades into a specific
      fragment in each muscle. Among the muscles, the LT muscle showed a high extent of
      TnT degradation and the highest expression of fast TnT isoforms containing a
      taste-related peptide sequence.

PMID- 22061552
TI  - Effect of different Duroc line sires on carcass composition, meat quality and dry
      cured ham acceptability.
AB  - Carcasses of 399 malignant hyperthermia gene free pigs from crosses sired by
      three types of Duroc (Virgen de la Fuente, DU1; Diputacion de Teruel, DU2;
      DanBred, DU3) were analyzed for carcass and meat quality. Carcass leanness and
      fat parameters were measured at the last rib and at the space between the 3rd and
      4th last ribs counting from the last one. Weights, pH, electrical conductivity,
      colour and intramuscular fat were also measured. A sample of 133 legs per cross
      were processed by dry-curing. The ham portion including Biceps femoris,
      Semimembranosus and Semitendinosus muscles was evaluated for instrumental texture
      and colour, biochemical and sensory analyses and acceptability (trained panel and
      consumers). DU3 carcasses were well conformed but lean. DU1 carcasses had a lower
      conformation but higher marbling. DU2 carcasses were intermediate. Dry-cured hams
      from DU1-sired pigs had a higher overall acceptability, although fat content
      influenced a consumers group negatively. Leaner DU3 hams had the lowest
      acceptability.

PMID- 22061553
TI  - Molecular and physiological characterization of natural microbial communities
      isolated from a traditional Southern Italian processed sausage.
AB  - The development of the natural microbial populations during traditional
      processing of the "Salame di Senise", a typical little known sausage produced in
      the South of Italy, was investigated by using molecular and physiological
      techniques for taxonomic identification and technological characterization of
      strains. The application of RAPD-PCR over more than 90 colonies made it possible
      to isolate 18 bacterial and two yeast biotypes identified by partial rDNA
      sequencing as belonging mainly to three species of Bacillus, three species of
      Lactobacillus, three species of Staphylococcus and Debaryomyces hansenii. The
      physiological analyses revealed that the isolates belonging to Lactobacillus
      genus were the most acidifying, whereas Staphylococcus strains did not develop
      significant proteolytic and lipolytic activities. Interestingly, some Bacillus
      strains produced the highest values of proteolytic and lipolytic activities. The
      results for the technological properties of Bacillus strains isolated from this
      Southern Italian sausage, made without a selected starter, suggest that Bacillus
      strains, always present in meat curing, could play a role in the development of
      texture and organoleptic characteristics of the sausages.

PMID- 22061554
TI  - Assessment of the antioxidative potential of dietary supplementation with alpha
      tocopherol in low-nitrite salami-type sausages.
AB  - The objective of this study was to determine the effects of dietary alpha
      tocopherol supplementation to pigs on the lipid stability of nitrite-reduced
      salami-type sausages (custom-produced for this study). Fourteen crossbred pigs
      were divided into two equal groups. The control group (CG) was fed a basal diet
      containing 34ppm alpha-tocopherol, and the experimental group (EG), a diet
      supplemented with 364ppm alpha-tocopherol, both for 35 days. After slaughter,
      salami-type sausages were produced with the addition of different nitrite levels
      in the curing salt (100, 50, 25 and 0ppm), ripened for four weeks, sliced, and
      packaged under a protective atmosphere (80 parts N(2) to 20 parts CO(2)). The
      packed products were stored for eight weeks under simulation of the usual
      conditions in self-service shelves with permanent lighting (9 degrees C, 200
      lux). The sausages were regularly assessed for their oxidative status
      (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, fatty acid pattern) and the amount of
      alpha-tocopherol, and by sensory evaluation. In the EG sausages, alpha-tocopherol
      concentrations were twice as high and TBARS were lower than in the CG sausages.
      The alpha-tocopherol in EG prevented the loss of unsaturated fatty acids during
      storage. Sausages of EG containing 100ppm nitrite had the longest sensory
      stability. However, the biochemical parameters did not indicate that nitrite had
      any effect on the antioxidative potential of the sausages.

PMID- 22061555
TI  - Effect of frozen and dried leek on processing and quality characteristics of
      Greek traditional sausages.
AB  - Blanching of leek at boiling temperature for 1min reduced (p<0.05) the nitrate
      content. Freezing of leek at -18 degrees C and storage for 5 months, with or
      without vacuum, also reduced (p<0.05) the nitrate content, while drying at 85
      degrees C for 2h and storage for 5 months, with or without vacuum, had no effect
      (p>0.05) on nitrate content. Frozen leek as a whole plant was unsuitable for the
      production of traditional sausages. The most appropriate level of dried leek for
      sausage production was 20g/kg of meat mixture. The nitrate content of sausages
      with frozen and dried leek ranged on the 7th day from 24.5+/-14 to 36.3+/-13ppm
      and the nitrite content from 1.4+/-0.4 to 2.6+/-1ppm. Sausages with dried leek
      had better (p<0.05) colour, higher (p<0.05) pH and lower (p<0.05) TBA values.
      Sausages with frozen and dried leek had the same (p>0.05) sensory attributes as
      those produced with fresh leek. Vacuum packaging affected (p<0.05) the odour of
      fresh sausages with frozen and dried leek and the overall acceptability of fresh
      sausages with frozen leek. Sausages with frozen and dried leek stored under
      vacuum had higher scores for sensory attributes, which were not always
      significant.

PMID- 22061556
TI  - Breed and maturity effects on Churra Galega Bragancana and Suffolk lamb carcass
      characteristics: Killing-out proportion and composition.
AB  - The aim of this work was to study the carcass killing-out proportions and carcass
      composition of Churra Galega Bragancana (CGB) and Suffolk sheep at 20%, 25%, 30%
      and 35% of maturity. Forty-eight male lambs were used, 24 CGB and 24 Suffolks
      from the Braganca's School of Agriculture sheep flock. Suffolk lambs had greater
      proportions of leg, shoulder and breast joints, but lower proportions of rib,
      anterior rib and neck joints. Increasing maturity caused a significant decrease
      in leg and shoulder proportions and an increase in chump proportion. Suffolk
      lambs had significantly greater muscle and significantly less subcutaneous fat
      and kidney and pelvic fat percentages than CGB lambs. With the increase of
      maturity, a significant increase in intermuscular fat and a significant decrease
      in bone proportion were observed. It was concluded that, under the management
      conditions of this work, Suffolks were preferred for meat production, since at a
      comparable stage of maturity they had greater proportions of expensive cuts and
      greater carcass lean percentage.

PMID- 22061557
TI  - Automatic measurement of pores and porosity in pork ham and their correlations
      with processing time, water content and texture.
AB  - Pores formed in pork ham have a significant effect on its quality. However, they
      are mostly characterised using manual methods with special devices. In this
      paper, an automatic method for pore characterisation of pork ham was developed
      using computer vision. To segment pores from images of pork ham, three stages of
      image processing algorithm were developed, i.e., ham extraction, image
      enhancement, and pore segmentation. From the segmented pores, the porosity,
      number of pores, pore size, and size distribution were measured. The statistical
      analysis showed that 79.81% of pores have area sizes between 6.73*10(-3) and
      2.02*10(-1)mm(2). Furthermore, it was found that the total number of pore (TNP)
      and porosity highly negatively related to the water content of pork ham (P<0.05),
      and had negative correlations with the cooking and cooling time. However, for
      texture analysis, positive correlations were found between the pore
      characterisations and WBS, hardness, cohesion, and chewiness, respectively, while
      springiness and gumminess were negatively related to TNP and porosity.

PMID- 22061558
TI  - Flavour perception of oxidation in beef.
AB  - Lipid oxidation is a major factor in meat quality. In order to relate human
      perceptions of lipid oxidation, as determined by a trained taste panel, to a
      chemical measurement of oxidation, we studied meat from animals with a wide range
      of potential oxidation through differences in their PUFA composition and by
      displaying the meat in high oxygen modified atmosphere packs for varying lengths
      of time. Meat was obtained from 73 Angus- and Charolais-cross steers from
      different trials that had been raised on 10 different diets: grass silage (high
      in C18:3, n-3), cereal concentrate (high in C18:2, n-6), three diets with 3%
      added fat consisting of three levels of protected lipid supplement (high in
      C18:2, n-6 and C18:3, n-3, ratio 1:1), a control with Megalac((r)) (relatively
      saturated), three diets with three levels of inclusion of protected fish oil
      (high in C20:5 n-3 and C22:6 n-3) plus a constant amount of unprotected fish oil
      and a final diet with an unprotected fish oil control. The longissimus dorsi
      muscle was excised from the left carcass side, aged vacuum packaged for 10-13
      days depending on the projects and frozen for less than eight months. TBARS and
      sensory analyses were performed on steaks displayed for 0, 4 or 9 days under
      simulated retail conditions, exposed to light in modified atmosphere packaging
      (CO(2):O(2); 25:75). Meat oxidation increased throughout display for each of the
      diets, as shown by a rise in TBARS values. This increase was not linear,
      differences between 0 and 4 days of display were smaller than between 4 and 9
      days of display. The lowest TBARS and lowest increment occurred in the two
      control diets and the grass-fed animals, probably due to the more saturated fat
      of meat from animals fed the control diets and the higher content of vitamin E.
      Sensory attributes were also influenced by time of display. Positive attributes,
      such as beef flavour or overall liking, decreased throughout display, whereas
      negative attributes, such as abnormal and rancid flavours, increased. The
      correlations between sensory and analytical attributes were high. TBARS were a
      good predictor of the perception of rancidity (Spearman's rho=0.84). Panellist
      preferences were related to the presence of beef flavour (rho=0.93) and to the
      absence of abnormal (rho=-0.88) and rancid flavours (rho=-0.83). Under the
      experimental conditions used, a TBARS value of around 2 could be considered the
      limiting threshold for the acceptability of oxidised beef.

PMID- 22061559
TI  - Meat molecular traceability: How to choose the best set of microsatellites?
AB  - To set up routine assays for molecular meat traceability along the food chain,
      the availability of a simple and low cost test for the identification of cattle
      carcasses is required. For this purpose, we evaluated 13 microsatellites for
      their ability in the identification of animals belonging to four Italian cattle
      breeds. Here we propose a criterion for a microsatellite-based test with the best
      reliability when reducing the number of loci to be analysed. The method is based
      on the observation that in the same loci breeds can show differences in
      frequencies and number of fixed alleles. This non-uniform distribution of alleles
      between breeds results in differences in the informative content of the same loci
      in different breeds. Taking into account these differences, it is possible to
      perform tests for the allocation of samples to specific animals utilizing a small
      number of microsatellites. The proposed approach allows cost reduction and ease
      in performing the analyses.

PMID- 22061560
TI  - Use of bacterial extracts to enhance amino acid breakdown in dry fermented
      sausages.
AB  - The effect of the intracellular cell-free extracts (ICFEs) of two bacterial
      strains (Lactobacillus sakei GO and Bacillus pumilus) on the amino acid
      catabolism and the sensory properties of dry fermented sausages, was
      investigated. Extracts were added to sausages alone or in combination with a
      protease, papain. Amino acid breakdown was monitored by the changes in free amino
      acids, ammonia and amine content during the ripening process. A 15% decrease in
      the content of free amino acids was observed in sausages added with the ICFE from
      L. sakei GO. Furthermore, the extract of L. sakei GO significantly reduced (54
      68%) the content of the amino acids considered as precursors of the typical
      ripened flavour, i.e., valine, leucine and isoleucine. Chemical changes were not
      reflected in a significant improvement of the sensory quality of sausages added
      with the ICFEs. The potential use of the bacterial ICFEs studied in the present
      work for the manufacture of dry fermented sausages, and its comparison with the
      use of fungal extracts, are discussed.

PMID- 22061561
TI  - Effect of method of cooking on identification of heat processed beef using
      polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique.
AB  - Effects of various cooking methods including boiling, roasting, pressure cooking,
      and pan frying on species determination of beef by PCR was studied. The meat was
      cooked by boiling at 97.5 degrees C for 140, 200 or 230min, by roasting at 200
      degrees C for 80, 120, or 150min or by autoclaving at 120 degrees C for 30, 60,
      or 90min. The beef sample was pan fried until the meat was acceptable for sensory
      attributes (45min, meat temperature 115 degrees C, fat temp 173 degrees C) and
      further cooked until unacceptable. DNA was extracted from samples taken after
      cooking and a 271bp fragment of the mitochondrial DNA was amplified by PCR. The
      results indicated that with the exception of pan frying for 80min, beef was
      determined in all meat samples including the broth and sauce of the roasted meat.

PMID- 22061562
TI  - Effects of sex, weight, diet and hCG administration on levels of skatole and
      indole in the liver and hepatic activities of cytochromes P4502E1 and P4502A6 in
      pigs.
AB  - Cytochromes P4502E1 (CYP2E1) and P4502A6 (CYP2A6) catalyse metabolic reactions of
      skatole and indole metabolism. The objectives of this study were as follows: to
      evaluate whether activities of CYP2E1 and CYP2A6 in pigs of two live weights (LW)
      differ between males and females; to investigate whether activities of CYP2E1 and
      CYP2A6 are affected by hCG stimulation; and to investigate whether the levels of
      skatole and indole in the liver and the activities of CYP2E1 and CYP2A6 are
      affected by raw potato starch (RPS). Female pigs expressed higher CYP2A6 activity
      at 90kg LW, and higher CYP2E1 activity at 115kg LW compared to male pigs. Skatole
      levels in the liver were higher in male pigs than in female pigs at both LW,
      whereas indole levels were higher in males only at 115 kg LW. Neither levels of
      indolic compounds in the liver nor enzyme activities were affected by hCG
      stimulation. The inclusion of RPS in the diet reduced skatole levels in the liver
      in both sexes and increased CYP2A6 activity in female pigs. It was concluded that
      the incidence of boar taint may depend on both skatole amount, which reach the
      liver, and the activities of enzymes involved in skatole metabolism, which may
      vary depending on sex, live weight, and diet.

PMID- 22061563
TI  - Effect of hCG administration on the relationship between testicular steroids and
      indolic compounds in fat and plasma in entire male pigs.
AB  - Our objective was to evaluate pigs injected with human chorionic gonadotropin
      (hCG) as a potential model to study the effect of high testicular steroid levels
      on the variation in indolic compounds. Pre-selection of the sires based on their
      plasma skatole levels was used, to evaluate whether the response to hCG would be
      affected. Out of 34 entire male pigs, 17 pigs were injected with hCG and the
      remaining pigs were injected with sterile saline four days prior to slaughter.
      HCG injection increased the levels of testicular steroids (androstenone,
      testosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, oestrone sulphate and oestrone;
      p<0.001), and indole levels in plasma and fat (p<0.05). Skatole levels in fat
      increased slightly but not significantly (p=0.107), whereas skatole levels in
      plasma were not affected. The correlation coefficients between androstenone and
      skatole levels in fat were 0.54 in the hCG-injected group and non-significant in
      the control group. Skatole levels in fat were not correlated with testicular
      steroids in either hCG-injected pigs or controls. Skatole and indole levels in
      fat were positively correlated in both groups. We concluded that hCG-injected
      pigs might be useful for studying factors responsible for the role of testicular
      steroids in the occurrence of high indole levels. Pre-selection of sires based on
      plasma skatole levels affected both the levels of indolic compounds and
      testicular steroids, especially in fat, which might have suppressed the response
      to hCG. Whether hCG affects skatole or not is therefore not fully elucidated.

PMID- 22061564
TI  - Effectiveness of rosemary essential oil as an inhibitor of lipid and protein
      oxidation: Contradictory effects in different types of frankfurters.
AB  - The effect of increasing levels (150, 300 and 600ppm) of rosemary essential oil
      on lipid and protein oxidation and the increase of non-heme iron (NHI) content
      during refrigeration (+4 degrees C/60 days) of frankfurters produced with tissues
      from Iberian pigs (IF) or white pigs (WF), was studied. Frankfurters with no
      added essential oil were used as controls. Iberian pigs were free-range reared
      and fed on acorns and pasture whereas white pigs (Large-white*Landrance) were
      intensively reared and fed on a mixed diet. Large differences were detected
      between types of frankfurters (Iberian vs white) in terms of fatty acid
      composition and tocopherols content due to the different feeding background of
      the animals. The effect of the addition of rosemary essential oil on the
      oxidative stability of frankfurters depended on the level of added essential oil
      and the characteristic of the frankfurter. The rosemary essential oil
      successfully inhibited the development of lipid and protein oxidation in IF with
      that antioxidant effect being more intense at higher concentrations of essential
      oil. In WF, 150ppm rosemary essential oil showed an antioxidant effect,
      significantly reducing the generation of lipid and protein oxidation products. At
      higher levels (300 and 600ppm) the essential oil had, in general, no effect on
      lipid oxidation while significantly enhanced the oxidation of proteins and the
      release of iron from myoglobin. The presence of certain amounts of tocopherols in
      the frankfurters could have influenced the activity displayed by the added
      essential oil leading to antioxidant or prooxidants effects though the different
      fatty acid composition and oxidative status between frankfurters could also have
      had an effect.

PMID- 22061565
TI  - Extensively reared Iberian pigs versus intensively reared white pigs for the
      manufacture of frankfurters.
AB  - Physico-chemical characteristics and different quality traits of the raw material
      (meat and adipose tissue) and the frankfurters elaborated from extensively reared
      Iberian pigs (IF) and intensively reared white pigs (WF) were evaluated. Hybrid
      frankfurters (HF) made with meat from white pigs and adipose tissue from Iberian
      pigs were also studied. The differences found between muscles and adipose tissues
      from Iberian and white pigs largely influenced the characteristics displayed by
      the frankfurters. Particularly remarkable are the higher amounts of substances
      with proven antioxidant activity such as tocopherols and phenolic compounds in
      tissues from Iberian pigs than in those from white pigs. No significant
      differences were found amongst frankfurters for their proximate composition
      though IF presented a higher iron content than WF and HF. IF exhibited a redder
      and darker colour than WF and HF. The latter were paler and showed higher hue
      values than IF. Concerning their fatty acid composition, IF had higher
      proportions of oleic acid and MUFA and smaller proportions of SFA and PUFA than
      WF. From a nutritional point of view, IF had a lower n-6/n-3 value than WF. The
      addition of adipose tissue from Iberian pigs to the HF modified its fatty acid
      composition compared to that of WF, significantly increasing the percentages of
      MUFA and reducing the proportions of PUFA, SFA and the n-6/n-3 value. Though no
      significant differences were found amongst frankfurters for their texture
      profile, a clear trend was detected, with the HF showing intermediate texture
      characteristics between IF and WF.

PMID- 22061566
TI  - A high dietary iodine increases thyroid iodine stores and iodine concentration in
      blood serum but has little effect on muscle iodine content in pigs.
AB  - There is still iodine deficiency in many populations, which justifies efforts to
      increase this trace element in food such as milk, eggs and meat by fortifying
      compound animal feeds with extra iodine. The iodine requirement of growing pigs
      is in the order of 100-200MUg/kg feed (as a supplement) and the effects of this
      dosage range or higher on pork iodine concentration should be determined
      including the action of relevant iodine antagonists in feed, e.g., rapeseed. In
      three experiments on a total of 208 pigs [Pietrain*(Landrace*Large White)] the
      iodine concentration of meat (m. longissimus) - 71 samples -, blood serum - 100
      samples - and of the thyroid - 100 samples - was analysed by intracoupled plasma
      MS. In Experiment 1, 4*10 pigs received diets without or with rapeseed cake (0
      and 3.2mmol glucosinolates/kg diet) either with 125 or with 250MUg iodine/kg. In
      Experiment 2, the three groups with 46 pigs each were fed high iodine diets
      (1200MUg supplementary iodine/kg) without or with 100 or 150g solvent extracted
      rapeseed meal/kg diet (0; 0.8 and 1.2mmol glucosinolates/kg). In Experiment 3,
      3*10 pigs received either 600MUg iodine/kg feed (1) or the 5-fold dosage
      (600+2400MUg iodine/kg diet) administered 7 days (2) or 18 days (3) before
      slaughtering. The group means of pork iodine content were in the relatively small
      range from 3 to 16MUg/kg, which contrasted to the enormously varying dosage range
      from 125 to 3000MUg iodine/kg diet. There was a certain iodine dosage effect in
      Experiment 3 when - in comparison to the control - a 3-fold higher meat iodine
      concentration resulted from a 5-fold higher diet iodine concentration. In
      Experiment 1 with the low iodine offer, rapeseed cake with glucosinolates
      decreased the serum iodine level whereas in Experiment 2 this did not happen due
      to higher iodine fed and lower glucosinolates exposure. The thyroid iodine
      reflected the dietary iodine better than blood serum iodine and the serum better
      than muscle. However, in Experiment 2, 1200MUg iodine/kg diet produced only half
      the serum iodine concentration than half as much dietary iodine in Experiment 3
      (600MUg iodine/kg diet), which may result from rapid elimination of blood iodine
      and a higher urinary excretion by longer duration of feed withdrawal before blood
      sampling. The muscle of pigs has to be classified as a low iodine food. Thus,
      there are no possibilities to concentrate this trace element reproducibly in
      amounts relevant for human nutrition in pork.

PMID- 22061567
TI  - Assessment of breed type and ageing time effects on beef meat quality using two
      different texture devices.
AB  - Forty-two male yearlings were used to assess the influence of breed type and
      ageing time on beef texture. Samples of the M. longissimus dorsi of four breed
      types [double muscled (DM), dual purpose (Brown Swiss, BS), fast growth (FG) and
      unimproved type (UT)] were aged for 1, 3, 7, 10, 14 or 21 days at 4 degrees C and
      frozen at -18 degrees C until analysed. Cooked samples (to end-point of 70
      degrees C) were assessed using a Warner-Bratzler (WB) device. Raw samples were
      assessed using a compression device in which transverse elongation was prevented.
      There were no significant differences in WB values of cooked meat due to breed
      type, but ageing had a significant (P<0.05) on maximum load. Ageing, but not
      breed type, had a significant effect on the compression values of raw meat at low
      compression rates (P<0.001). Compression values, of raw samples, at 80%
      compression differed significantly (P<0.001) between breed types, but were not
      affected by ageing. Compression values of raw samples, at 80% compression, were
      affected by breed type, probably because of genotype differences in the
      contribution of connective tissue.

PMID- 22061568
TI  - Relationships between meat quality measurements in rabbits fed with three diets
      of different fat type and content.
AB  - Two hundred and eighty-four, genetically similar (a three-way cross), young
      rabbits were fed ad libitum, from weaning, either a commercial diet (group C,
      ether extract 2.6%) or a diet containing vegetable fat (group V, ether extract,
      9.9%) or animal fat (group A, ether extract 11.7%). A principal component (PC)
      analysis was performed with the variables: ultimate pH at 24 h post mortem
      measured in the longissimus dorsi (LD) and in the biceps femoris (BF) muscles,
      colour measured on the surface of the loin, fatty acid composition of perirenal
      fat, meat fat content of the hind leg, water holding capacity and cooking losses
      of the meat, and sensory variables determined by a trained panel test. The four
      first PC explained 62% of the total variation (27, 13, 11 and 11%, respectively).
      The first PC grouped the fatty acids, the second PC grouped the sensorial
      variables, and the third and fourth PCs grouped the pHs and the water holding
      capacity. The projection of the data in the first two PCs showed three separate
      groups of points. Animals fed with diet V were on the left side of the graph,
      where the variable C18:2 lies, whereas animals fed with diets A and C lay on the
      right side of the graph, where the saturated acids were grouped. These were
      slightly separated by the higher content of oleic acid in the animals fed with
      diet A. The second PC, where the sensorial variables were grouped, did not
      separate the animals fed with diets A, V and C. The diets used in this experiment
      had only a slight influence on the organoleptic characteristics of rabbit meat.

PMID- 22061569
TI  - Use of electrical conductivity to predict water-holding capacity in post-rigor
      pork.
AB  - This study was designed to re-examine the interrelationships among ultimate pH
      (pH(u)), electrical conductivity (EC) and water-holding capacity (WHC), and to
      test if EC, using one of two EC instruments, and pH(u) can be used to predict
      WHC. The % drip (PD) was used as measure of WHC. Forty-seven pork loins were
      classified either as PSE (pale, soft, exudative), RSE (reddish-pink, soft,
      exudative), RFN (reddish-pink, firm, non-exudative) or DFD (dark, firm, dry),
      based on L* values, PD and pH(u.) The measurement of EC, conducted using the
      instrument developed at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-EC) was highly
      correlated to PD at 24 h post mortem (CD=66%), but the pH (NWK) measure of EC was
      not as highly related to WHC as UW-EC. The predictive value of pH(u) and EC for
      WHC were similar. When 47 samples were divided into three different groups, such
      as low (< 2% drip), medium (2-6% drip) and high (> 6% drip) drip loss, UW-EC
      alone grouped 80% of the samples correctly. Thus, EC seemed to be an accurate
      predictor of WHC in pork muscle when measured at 24 h post mortem. It is
      conceivable that EC can be used independently, or with even better success in
      combination with pH(u), to classify WHC of pork carcasses.

PMID- 22061570
TI  - Combination of low voltage electrical stimulation and early postmortem
      temperature conditioning on degradation of myofibrillar proteins in Korean native
      cattle (Hanwoo).
AB  - The combination effect of low voltage electrical stimulation (LVES) and early
      postmortem (PM) temperature conditioning (2, 16, and 30 degrees C until 3 h PM)
      on degradation of myofibrillar proteins were determined from Korean native cattle
      (Hanwoo). Myofibrils were removed at 1, 2, 3, 7, and 14 days of PM storage (2
      degrees C) and analyzed for titin, nebulin, desmin, and troponin-T by SDS-PAGE
      and by Western blot analysis. Degradation rate of myofibrillar proteins was
      affected by the combination of LVES and temperature conditioning. LVES-30 degrees
      C treatment resulted in faster degradation of titin, nebulin, desmin, and
      troponin-T during PM storage than the other treatments. Degradation of titin took
      place more slowly than nebulin, desmin or troponin-T.

PMID- 22061571
TI  - Palatability of beef steaks marinated with solutions of calcium chloride,
      phosphate, and (or) beef-flavoring.
AB  - This study evaluated the efficacy of marination for increasing consumer
      acceptability of beef. Top-sirloin steaks from 28 USDA select steers were
      randomly assigned to one of six marination treatments: control (CT), 150 mM
      calcium chloride (CA), 10% solution of beef-flavoring/seasoning mixture (FL), CA
      and FL (CF), 2.5% sodium phosphate and FL (PF), and tap water (TW). Steaks were
      marinated in vacuum pouches, aged for 7 days, cooked to 70 degrees C and
      evaluated by a trained sensory panel. Marination with CA did not affect
      tenderness ratings, but increased (P<0.05) bitter and metallic flavors compared
      to CT or TW treatments. Use of FL, alone or in conjunction with CA or sodium
      phosphate, increased (P<0.05) tenderness and juiciness ratings and reduced
      (P<0.05) bitterness and metallic flavors compared to CT, CA and TW marinades.
      Marination of beef, in vacuum pouches, is an effective method for increasing
      consumer acceptability and value beef.

PMID- 22061572
TI  - Combined effect of modified atmosphere bulk packaging, dietary vitamin E
      supplementation and microbiological contamination on colour stability of Musculus
      gluteus medius.
AB  - Ten Simmentaler type calves were fed diets supplemented with 500 mg vitamin E per
      day and ten fed control diets. After completion of a 100 day feeding period the
      cattle were slaughtered and rump steaks (M. gluteus medius) from each carcass PVC
      overwrapped and subsequently bulk packaged in 100% CO(2) or 20% CO(2): 80% O(2).
      Steaks with low levels of bacteriological contamination were also prepared and
      packaged. Bulk packs were stored at 4 degrees C for 0, 14, 28 and 42 days and the
      PVC-overwrapped samples subsequently displayed for 0, 4 and 7 days at 4 degrees
      C. After display saturation, surface metmyoglobin and oxymyoglobin accumulation
      of the steaks were determined and acceptability of the steaks assessed by sensory
      evaluation using a trained panel. The dietary vitamin E supplemented steaks were
      more acceptable than the steaks from cattle not supplemented with vitamin E.
      Steaks prepared with low levels of bacteriological contamination, supplemented
      with dietary vitamin E, were more acceptable and discoloured less than all the
      other treatments. Beef rump steaks bulk packaged in 20% CO(2): 80% O(2) or 100%
      CO(2) were acceptable and colour stable for up to 14 days bulk storage at 4
      degrees C and a subsequent 2 days retail display at 4 degrees C.

PMID- 22061573
TI  - Beef shelf life in low O(2) and high CO(2) atmospheres containing different low
      CO concentrations.
AB  - The use of atmospheres with low concentrations of CO (0.1 to 1%), in combination
      with O(2) (24%), high CO(2) (50%) and N(2) (25 to 25.9%), for preserving chilled
      beef steaks was investigated. The atmosphere used as reference contained 70%
      O(2)+20% CO(2)+10% N(2). Bacterial counts showed that all atmospheres containing
      CO greatly reduced total aerobic population numbers, including Brochothrix
      thermosphacta. Lactic acid bacteria, however, were not affected. CO
      concentrations of 0.5-0.75% were able to extend shelf life by 5-10 days at 1+/-1
      degrees C, as demonstrated by delayed metmyoglobin formation (less than 40% of
      total myoglobin after 29 days of storage), stabilisation of red colour (no change
      of CIE a* and hue angle after 23 days), maintenance of fresh meat odour (no
      variation of sensory score after 24 days) and significant (P<0.01) slowing of
      oxidative reactions (TBARS).

PMID- 22061574
TI  - Tenderness and collagen composition of beef semitendinosus roasts cooked by
      conventional convective cooking and modeled, multi-stage, convective cooking.
AB  - Beef semitendinosus roasts were cooked in a forced-air convection oven using
      conventional or modeled, multi-stage cooking. Conventional cooking was defined as
      cooking at 163 degrees C to a core endpoint of 65 degrees C. The model method was
      developed using a finite difference heat and mass transfer model optimized for a
      three-stage cooking process that included preheating, holding, and finishing.
      Model cooking resulted in lower (P<0.05) Warner-Bratlzer peak shear force values
      than conventional cooking (3.3 vs 4.7 kg). Collagen total unaltered fraction was
      lower (44 vs 55%, P=0.05) and enzyme labile fraction was higher (56 vs 45%,
      P<0.05) in the model-cooked samples than in conventionally cooked samples. The
      three-stage cooking process results in a more tender product without adversely
      affecting product yield.

PMID- 22061575
TI  - Evaluation of transglutaminase on the quality of low-salt chicken meat-balls.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of different concentrations
      of crude pig plasma transglutaminase (TGase) at 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4 and 1.0%
      on the quality of low-salt chicken meat-balls. Yield, color, gel strength,
      microstructure and sensory evaluation were measured. The results showed that both
      the yield and gel strength of the meat-balls increased as TGase supplement
      increased (P<0.05) without any obvious effect on color. Scanning electron
      microscopy (SEM) indicated firmer and more regular gel structures with increasing
      TGase addition. Texture, juiciness and overall acceptability as judged by sensory
      evaluation were not statistically affected until the level of TGase reached 1.0%
      (P<0.05).

PMID- 22061576
TI  - Microbiological shelf life of bulk-packaged Musculus gluteus medius supplemented
      with dietary vitamin E.
AB  - Five Simmentaler type calves were fed diets supplemented with 500 mg vitamin E
      per day and five fed control diets. Rump steaks from each carcass were PVC
      overwrapped and bulk packaged in 100% CO, or 20% CO(2):80% O(2). Bulk packs were
      stored up to 42 days at 4 degrees C and steaks displayed up to 7 days at 4
      degrees C. Bacterial counts of rump steaks from either packaging treatment were
      not significantly influenced during bulk storage or retail display by
      supplementation with dietary vitamin E. Both packaging treatments delayed
      bacterial growth during bulk storage. Aerobic plate counts of rump steaks stored
      in 100% CO(2) were lower than those of rump steaks stored in 20% CO(2): 80%:
      O(2). This study showed that rump steaks supplemented with dietary vitamin E can
      be bulk packaged in 20% CO(2): 80% O(2) or 100% CO(2) and stored for up to 42
      days with shelf life of 4-7 days.

PMID- 22061577
TI  - Comparison of different magnesium sources on lamb muscle quality.
AB  - Wether lambs (n=20) were used to compare the effect of dietary magnesium oxide
      (MgO), unweathered Magnesium Mica(r) (UMM) and weathered Magnesium Mica(r) (WMM)
      on muscle quality. Lambs were fed a corn-based, control diet (Ctrl), or the Ctrl
      supplemented with either MgO, UMM, or WMM for 95 days before harvest. Following a
      24-h chill, carcasses were fabricated, and L*, a* and b* values were determined
      on the triceps brachii (TB), longissimus thoracis (LT), semimembranosus (SM), and
      semitendinosus (ST) muscles. Supplemental magnesium had no (P > 0.10) effect on
      live and carcass weights, fat thickness, loin eye area, and USDA yield grade.
      Carcasses from lambs supplemented with MgO had higher (P < 0.10) flank streaking
      scores and USDA quality grades than those from lambs fed diets containing UMM.
      Although magnesium-supplementation had no (P > 0.10) effect on marbling scores,
      the LT from Ctrl-fed lambs had more (P < 0.05) intramuscular lipid than lambs fed
      diets containing UMM or WMM. Lambs supplemented with UMM had greater (P < 0.05)
      LT shear force values than lambs fed MgO or WMM. Magnesium-supplementation had no
      (P > 0.10) effect on muscle color; however, supplementing finishing diets with
      UMM may result in less palatable lamb.

PMID- 22061578
TI  - The effect of ionic strength, polyphosphates type, pH, cooking temperature and
      preblending on the functional properties of normal and pale, soft, exudative
      (PSE) pork.
AB  - Compared to processed meat product made from normal pork, products made from pale
      soft exudative (PSE) pork have higher cook loss (CL) and weaker texture. In this
      study interactions between a range of processing conditions (ionic strength,
      polyphosphate addition, polyphosphate chain length, pH, cooking temperature and
      time between preparation and cooking), and their effect on the texture [shear
      stress (SS), true shear strain (TSS)] and CL of gels made from normal and PSE
      pork were examined. Of the processing conditions studied, ionic strength,
      polyphosphate addition and polyphosphate chain length affected the functional
      properties of normal and PSE pork differently. Generally, the functional
      properties of normal pork were superior to PSE pork, with no combination of
      conditions making all the functional properties of PSE pork equal to those of
      normal pork under the same conditions. The combination of conditions that was
      most effective in reducing the difference between normal and PSE pork was high
      ionic strength in the presence of added polyphosphate. Under these conditions
      there was no significant difference in CL between normal and PSE pork, although
      the texture (SS and TSS) of the PSE pork samples was still inferior.

PMID- 22061579
TI  - Effects of fat level and maltodextrin on the functional properties of
      frankfurters formulated with 5, 12 and 30% fat.
AB  - The effects of fat level (5, 12 and 30%) and maltodextrin on emulsion stability,
      cook loss, colour, texture and sensory characteristics of frankfurters were
      investigated. Three fat levels (5, 12 and 30%) were formulated containing added
      maltodextrin. For each fat level a control was prepared without added
      maltodextrin giving a total of 6 treatments (3*2 factorial design). Reducing the
      fat from 30 to 5% increased cook loss and decreased emulsion stability.
      Panellists detected an increase in juiciness and a decrease in overall texture,
      overall acceptability when the fat level was reduced from 30 to 5%. Instron
      texture profile analysis showed a decrease in hardness, chewiness and gumminess
      and an increase in springiness with decreasing fat level. Maltodextrin addition
      caused a significant decrease in cook loss of the frankfurters but also decreased
      the emulsion stability. An interactive effect (P<0.05) occurred between fat level
      and maltodextrin resulting in no significant difference in hardness, gumminess
      and chewiness values when maltodextrin was present in the reduced-fat (5 and 12%)
      frankfurters. Saltiness, overall flavour intensity, overall texture and overall
      acceptability were unaltered (P>0.05) by maltodextrin. The results indicate that
      maltodextrin can be used as a suitable fat replacer since it offset some of the
      changes brought about by fat reduction, decreasing cook loss and maintaining a
      number of textural and sensory characteristics of the frankfurters.

PMID- 22061580
TI  - Effect of trisodium phosphate solutions washing on the sensory evaluation of
      poultry meat.
AB  - The effect of trisodium phosphate (TSP) solutions treatments on the sensory
      evaluation of poultry meat has been explored since TSP was recently approved by
      USDA for its usage in poultry processing to eliminate Salmonella contamination.
      In the present study, fresh chicken thighs were dipped in water (control sample)
      and in 8, 10 and 12% TSP solutions (treated samples) for 15 min. Raw samples'
      color, smell and overall acceptability and cooked thighs' color, smell, flavor,
      texture and overall acceptability were evaluated by consumer panelists. The
      evaluation of raw pieces after treatment or after 7 days storage at 2 degrees C
      revealed that, with the exception of 12% TSP solutions treatment, sensory quality
      was not adversely affected by TSP. The color, smell and overall acceptability
      hedonic scores for the boiled thigh meat were not different between the treated
      samples and the control ones. Only the color, flavor and overall acceptability of
      thighs dipped in 12% TSP were rated significantly lower than the control sample.
      These results suggested that TSP solutions have good potential as dips to
      sanitize chickens carcasses.

PMID- 22061581
TI  - Reduced nitrite levels and dietary alpha-tocopheryl acetate supplementation:
      effects on the colour and oxidative stability of cooked hams.
AB  - The objective of the present study was to determine the effects of dietary
      vitamin E supplementation and reduced nitrite levels on the colour stability of
      cooked hams. Large white * Landrace pigs (male n=6, female n=6) were each
      subdivided into two groups (n=3) and fed an alpha-tocopheryl acetate supplemented
      diet (1000 mg/kg feed) and a basal diet (10 mg/kg feed) for a period of 10 weeks.
      M. semitendinosus were removed from each pig, divided into light and dark
      pigmented fractions, vacuum packed and stored at 4 degrees C for 24 h. Muscles
      were cured with input nitrite levels of 25 and 100 mg/kg meat and were tumbled
      and massaged for 17 h. Samples were cooked, sliced and overwrapped in a high
      oxygen permeable film for a storage period of 10 days. Surface colour of hams was
      measured and expressed as Hunter 'a' values. Concentrations of alpha-tocopherol
      were significantly (P<0.001) greater in supplemented muscles compared to basal
      muscles for both male and female pigs. Hams manufactured from male and female
      supplemented pigs resulted in significantly (P<0.001) higher Hunter 'a' values
      than hams manufactured from male and female pigs receiving the basal diet.
      Muscles cured with 100 mg nitrite/kg meat formed products with significantly
      (P<0.001) higher 'a' values than those cured with the lower (25 mg/kg meat)
      nitrite level. Hams manufactured from supplemented muscles, treated with 25 mg
      nitrite/kg meat showed significantly (P<0.05) higher Hunter 'a' values than hams
      manufactured from basal muscles, treated with 100 mg nitrite/kg meat. Hams
      manufactured from female porcine muscles had significantly (P<0.001) higher 'a'
      values than hams from male muscles during the 10 days of simulated retail
      display. No such gender differences were observed for TBARS values.

PMID- 22061582
TI  - Effects of chemical hurdles on microbiological and oxidative stability of a
      cooked cured emulsion type meat product.
AB  - Two combinations of hurdles, 2.0% lactate+0.5% acetate or 2.0% lactate+0.25 %
      glucono-delta-lactone (GdL), were both found to prevent growth of Listeria
      monocytogenes inoculated onto sliced saveloys manufactured with 60 or 150 ppm
      nitrite. The saveloys were packed in modified atmosphere (80% N(2)/20% CO(2))
      using a film with low oxygen transmission rate (0.45 cm(3)/m(2)/atm/24 h) and
      stored at 5 or 10 degrees C for up to 4 weeks. Changes in red colour (measured as
      Minolta a-values) and lipid oxidation [measured as thiobarbituric acid reactive
      substances (TBARS)] were low during storage at 5 degrees C and unaffected by the
      storage conditions (+/-light). However, 2.0% lactate+0.25% GdL improved oxidative
      stability and led to significantly lower TBARS and significantly higher a-values.
      Levels of nitrosamines were low with values near the detection level. Although
      observed differences were small, members of a trained sensory panel were able to
      distinguish saveloys containing chemical hurdles from saveloys without. Judges
      most often mentioned flavour as being the deviating descriptor.

PMID- 22061583
TI  - Evaluation of a probe for predicting beef tenderness.
AB  - A series of three experiments were conducted to evaluate the performance of the
      MIRINZ (Meat Industry Research Institute of New Zealand) tenderness probe. In the
      first experiment, assessments on raw samples from two different muscles
      (longissimus lumborum and semimembranosus) were obtained using the tension head.
      Results indicated D50 values (torque at 50 degrees  of rotation) were the most
      highly related to both sensory (taste, olfactory, and feeling factors measured by
      a trained sensory panel) and consumer (hedonic ratings provided by untrained
      consumers) properties and were the values of choice, since all probe values were
      essentially measuring the same characteristics. In the second experiment,
      assessments were made using both the tension and shear heads on raw and cooked
      striploin (longissimus lumborum) steaks. Results confirmed probe values were
      essentially measuring the same characteristics, but indicated raw tension head,
      area 2 values (area before 50 degrees  of rotation) were more highly related to
      both sensory and consumer properties than were D50 values. However, probe values
      from raw samples did not account for a sufficient amount of variation in either
      sensory or consumer properties to be useful predictors of these traits, and
      stepwise, linear regression did not improve the predictive value of raw probe
      values, since all probe values were interrelated. Probe values on cooked samples
      indicated the shear head and area 3 values (area under the entire trace) were the
      most related to both sensory and consumer properties and were the values of
      choice. Based upon the amount of variation accounted for in sensory and consumer
      traits, probe area 3 values using the shear head on cooked samples provided
      greater predictive value for both sensory and consumer traits than Warner
      Bratzler shear values obtained from steaks cooked either fresh or after being
      frozen and thawed. In experiment 3, correlations with individual, parametric
      character notes from the texture profiles of two different muscles provided no
      clear indication as to the textural properties being assessed by the probe.
      However, the MIRINZ probe appears to be a quick viable alternative to the Warner
      Bratzler shear for providing an objective measure of cooked meat tenderness.

PMID- 22061584
TI  - The measurement of pH in raw and frozen turkey Pectoralis superficialis muscle.
AB  - The objective of this study was to validate a rapid method for muscle pH
      assessment. Early pH is a good indicator of turkey breast meat quality. The
      stabilisation of pH can be obtained by homogenising fresh muscle in iodoacetate,
      but it is time consuming and not appropriate to the rate of poultry slaughter
      line. To reduce the time required for pH assessment, we compared different
      methods (homogenisation in iodoacetate of fresh (reference method), frozen and
      freeze-dried samples, direct measurement in tissue). Freezing the samples in
      liquid nitrogen before homogenisation in iodoacetate buffer could be substituted
      to the reference method for the measurement of pH at 3 and/or 20 min post mortem.
      For ultimate pH, however, the relationships were not good enough to substitute a
      new procedure to the reference method.

PMID- 22061585
TI  - Microbiological conditions of meats from large game animals and birds.
AB  - Large game animals and birds used for the commercial production of meat include
      deer of various species, wild boar and feral pigs, ostriches, emus and rheas,
      crocodiles and alligators, bison, and kangaroos. Meat from feral pigs and
      kangaroos is obtained from wild animals only, but much or most meat from the
      other game animals or birds is obtained from farmed animals. The microbiological
      conditions of meats from hunted animals can be compromised by poor placement of
      shots, the usual evisceration and sometimes further dressing of carcass in the
      field, and ageing of carcasses at ambient temperatures. However, the general
      microbiological conditions of carcasses from farmed game animals or birds
      slaughtered and dressed at suitable abattoirs can be comparable with or better
      than the microbiological conditions of carcasses from domestic animals or birds.
      The incidences of enteric pathogens on meat from wild or farmed game animals or
      birds can be less than those for meat from intensively reared domestic animals,
      but infection of some game meats with Trichinella or other foodborne parasites
      may occur.

PMID- 22061586
TI  - Development of DNA markers for discrimination between domestic and imported beef.
AB  - In the meat industry, correct breed information in food labeling is required to
      assure meat quality. Genetic markers provide corroborating evidence to identify
      breed. This paper describes the development of DNA markers to discriminate
      between Japanese and Australian beef. Two Bos indicus-specific markers and MC1R
      marker were used as possible candidate markers. Amplified fragment length
      polymorphism method was employed to develop additional candidate markers. The
      1564 primer combinations provided three markers that were converted into single
      nucleotide polymorphisms markers for high-throughput genotyping. In these
      markers, the allele frequencies in cattle from both countries were investigated
      for discrimination ability using PCR-RFLP. The probability of identifying
      Australian beef was 0.933 and probability of misjudgment was 0.017 using six
      selected markers. These markers could be useful for discriminating between
      Japanese and Australian beef and would contribute to the prevention of falsified
      breed labeling of meat.

PMID- 22061587
TI  - Changes in the amounts of water-soluble umami-related substances in porcine
      longissimus and biceps femoris muscles during moist heat cooking.
AB  - Time course changes in amounts of glutamic acid, total free amino acid, inosine
      monophosphate (IMP), and 2%-trichloroacetic acid-soluble oligopeptides in whole,
      muscle only, and cooking juice during wet-heat cooking in pork longissimus and
      biceps femoris muscles were investigated because the movements of umami-relevant
      substances during cooking treatment had not previously been clarified in detail.
      The amounts of glutamic acid, total free amino acid, and IMP significantly
      (P<.05) decreased and increased in muscle and cooking juice during 180min of
      cooking, respectively. The whole amounts of glutamic acid and total free amino
      acid remained unchanged during cooking treatment. The whole amount of IMP,
      however, increased significantly at 10min of cooking (P<.05) and was maintained
      after the 10-min period. The extramuscular oligopeptides amount increased
      significantly in response to the cooking treatment (P<.05). The intramuscular
      amount of oligopeptides decreased at 30min of cooking but increased significantly
      (P<.05) after 60min. The whole meat oligopeptides amount increased significantly
      during a 180-min cooking treatment (P<.05). These results indicate that
      glutamate, total free amino acid, and IMP were released from the muscle during
      cooking, and that IMP levels increased in the initial phase of cooking. In
      addition, oligopeptides increased during wet-heat cooking of pork muscles.

PMID- 22061588
TI  - Effect of total replacement of pork backfat with walnut on the nutritional
      profile of frankfurters.
AB  - The nutritional profile of a frankfurter with walnut (25%) (WF) was compared with
      that of low fat (6%) (LF) and normal fat (16%) (NF) sausages. LF frankfurters did
      not improve the fatty acid profile as compared with NF (p>0.05), or the indices
      of atherogenicity (IA) (0.50) or thrombogenicity (IT) (1.12), indicating that the
      reduction of animal fat produced no cardioprotective effect. However, frankfurter
      with walnut had a healthy polyunsaturated fatty acid profile, a lower omega
      6/omega-3 ratio and lower IA (0.10) and IT (0.15). In addition, WF could be a
      good source of manganese, iron, copper, potassium and magnesium, supplying 39%,
      35%, 34%, 16% and 15% of the respective daily recommended intakes, respectively.
      Also, there were significant amounts of other bioactive components such as alpha
      ,gamma- and delta-tocopherol, total dietary fibre, polyphenols and tannins. The
      amino acid composition of WF indicated a healthier lysine/arginine ratio (0.83)
      than in LF (1.23) and NF (1.19).

PMID- 22061589
TI  - Phenotypic correlations among quality traits of fresh and dry-cured hams.
AB  - In this study, fresh and processing quality traits were collected on a total of
      312 Country Hams. Phenotypic correlations between traits were estimated and
      numerous values were significantly different (P<0.05) from zero. Yield was
      significantly correlated with several fresh pork quality traits measured on the
      fresh hams, including subjective color (0.34) and lipid percentage (0.32). Some
      meat color traits were significantly correlated, including associations between
      the color scores taken on the fresh and cured hams. Correlations between fresh
      pork quality traits were also determined, with results showing significant
      correlations between ultimate pH and other pork quality traits. The results
      indicate that yield can be maximized if hams with good fresh pork quality
      parameters are used for curing. The correlations estimates are helpful for
      understanding of the biological mechanisms behind the production of dry-cured
      hams and can potentially be used to improve the efficiency of the dry-cured ham
      production chain.

PMID- 22061590
TI  - Relationship between water mobility and distribution and sensory attributes in
      pork slaughtered at an age between 90 and 180 days.
AB  - Water mobility and distribution were measured in M. longissimus dorsi from 41
      pigs slaughtered at an age of 90, 140, 161 or 182 days using low-field proton NMR
      relaxometry, and in order to investigate the impact on sensory attributes, a
      sensory evaluation of the pork was performed in parallel. The sensory evaluation
      demonstrated a significant effect of slaughter age on juiciness of the meat, and
      a final juiciness score of 8.4, 7.7, 7.2 and 7.8 was obtained for meat from 90,
      140, 161 and 182-day old pigs, respectively. The NMR measurements revealed that
      the higher juiciness in meat slaughtered at an age of 90 days could be ascribed
      to a longer relaxation time of the extramyofibrillar water, corresponding to more
      mobile water, in the fresh meat of 90-day old pigs compared with the older pigs.
      In the cooked meat the higher juiciness of meat from 90-day old animals could be
      ascribed to a more homogenous distribution of the myofibrillar water compared
      with meat from older pigs. In contrast, the NMR measurements showed no effects
      that could explain the higher juiciness in meat from pigs slaughtered at an age
      of 182 days compared with meat from pigs slaughtered at an age of 140 or 161
      days. Possibly the increase in juiciness when the age at slaughter is increased
      from 161 to 182 days should be ascribed to an increase in intramuscular fat
      content, which was not evident in the NMR measurements.

PMID- 22061591
TI  - Feeding feedlot steers fish oil alters the fatty acid composition of adipose and
      muscle tissue.
AB  - Sixteen steers (441+/-31.7kg initial body weight) consumed two high concentrate
      diets with either 0 or 3% fish oil to determine the impact of fish oil, an omega
      3 fatty acid source, on the fatty acid composition of beef carcasses. Collected
      tissue samples included the Longissimus thoracis from the 6th to 7th rib section,
      ground 10th to 12th rib, liver, subcutaneous adipose tissue adjacent to the 12th
      rib, intramuscular adipose tissue in the 6th to 7th rib sections, perirenal
      adipose tissue, and brisket adipose tissue. Including fish oil in the diet
      increased most of the saturated fatty acids (P<0.01) and proportions of
      polyunsaturated fatty acids (P<0.06), and decreased (P<0.01) proportions of
      monounsaturated fatty acids. Dietary fish oil increased (P<0.01) levels of omega
      3 fatty acids in sampled tissues, resulting in lower (P<0.01) omega-6:omega-3
      ratios. The weight percentages of C20:5 and C22:6 in tissue may provide the
      recommended daily allowance for humans. Fish oil may have a role in beef niche
      marketing if there are no deleterious effects on consumer satisfaction.

PMID- 22061592
TI  - Characterization and technological properties of Staphylococcus xylosus strains
      isolated from a Tunisian traditional salted meat.
AB  - The technological properties of strains of Staphylococcus xylosus were studied to
      select the most suitable for use as starter cultures for the production of dried
      fermented meat products. Strains of S. xylosus were isolated from traditional
      salted Tunisian meat and were identified by biochemical and molecular methods.
      Thirty strains of S. xylosus were studied to evaluate their catalase, nitrate
      reductase, lipolytic, proteolytic and antibacterial activities as well as growth
      ability at different temperatures, pH's and NaCl concentrations. All strains of
      S. xylosus had catalase activity and were able to reduce nitrates to nitrites.
      The nitrate reductase activity increased when the strains were kept under
      anaerobic conditions. Proteolytic activity on milk and on gelatin agar was
      demonstrated for 100% and 83.3% of the S. xylosus isolates, respectively. However
      extracellular proteolytic activity as assessed by the azocasein method was poor
      in all the strains. Lipolytic activity as assessed by the agar method showed that
      76.6% of strains of S. xylosus could hydrolyze Tween 20 against 33.3% that could
      hydrolyze tributyrin. Tween 80 was hydrolyzed by only 10% of strains. Strains of
      S. xylosus hydrolyzed pork fat better than beef and lamb fat. The majority of
      strains had antibacterial activity against Salmonella arizonae, Staphylococcus
      aureus, Pseudomonas aeuroginosa, Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis.

PMID- 22061593
TI  - Evaluating an objective method to measure fresh pork loin firmness.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to develop an objective method for measuring fresh
      pork loin firmness. A total of 42 fresh boneless pork loins were collected from a
      range of subjective firmness scores based on the whole boneless loin to create a
      population suitable for creating a prediction equation. Loins were subjectively
      scored by panelists prior to objectively being measured with a Texture Analyzer.
      An R(2) value of 0.54 was achieved for the prediction equation that was
      generated. A second trial was performed to test the equation resulting in an R(2)
      value of 0.30 concerning subjective and objective values. The results from these
      studies indicate that it is possible to create a standardized protocol in order
      to determine objective firmness that would be useful for future studies and for
      the development of hand held or online firmness measuring devices.

PMID- 22061594
TI  - Development of breast muscle and meat quality in Arbor Acres broilers, Jingxing
      100 crossbred chickens and Beijing fatty chickens.
AB  - The objective of this experiment was to examine development of breast muscle and
      myofiber of M. pectoralis superficialis in three chicken breeds. Commercial
      broiler chickens (Arbor Acres broilers, AA), crossbred chickens (Jingxing 100
      crossbred chickens, JXC) and Chinese native chickens (Beijing fatty chickens,
      BJF) were grown up to 98d to estimate myofiber density, and size (area, and
      diameter of myofibers) in P. superficialis. At 42, 56, 70, 84, and 98d of age,
      Pectoralis muscle was used to evaluate breast muscle weight, breast yield, and
      tenderness (shear force value). Results indicate that commercial broilers have
      higher breast weight, and higher shear force value than crossbred chickens and
      Chinese native chickens, that may be due to an increased myofiber diameter and
      area in Pectoralis muscle. It is suggested that histological properties of
      myofibers play an important role in increasing the shear force value of meat.

PMID- 22061595
TI  - Effect of biotin supplementation on meat quality of F1 Wagyu/Black Angus feedlot
      steers of known genotype.
AB  - Biotin (D-biotin) was supplemented to F1 Wagyu/Black Angus steers fed a wheat
      based ration to evaluate the effect on meat quality. One hundred and eight steers
      of known Wagyu sire lines were assigned to three biotin treatments (0, 10 and
      20mg/head/day) with each treatment replicated four times using an unfasted
      liveweight of 410.5kg (+/-24.42 SD). Biotin supplementation had no effect
      (P>0.05) on beef marbling standard at either the 5/6th or 10/11th rib quartering
      site, 10/11th rib intra-muscular fat percentage, intra-muscular fat fatty acid
      composition or adipose melting points. Wagyu genotype had an effect (P<0.05) on
      beef marbling standard and intra-muscular fat percentage at the 10/11th rib,
      inter-muscular and intra-muscular melting point and fatty acid composition of
      intra-muscular fat. A significant (P<0.001) but poor correlation existed between
      beef marbling standard and intra-muscular fat percentage (R(2)=0.198). Total
      conjugated linoleic acid had a highly significantly (P<0.0001) positive
      correlation to intra-muscular fat percentage (R(2)=0.446).

PMID- 22061596
TI  - Kinetic migration studies from packaging films into meat products.
AB  - One of the main concerns regarding safety of food packaging is the possible
      migration of chemical substances (monomers and other starting substances,
      additives, residues) from food contact materials into foods. To evaluate the
      effect of the fat content and of the temperature of storage on the migration from
      plastics packaging films into meat products as an important class of foodstuffs,
      the kinetic mass transport of a model migrant (diphenylbutadiene) from low
      density polyethylene (LDPE) film in contact with different meat products was
      investigated. From the data, the diffusion coefficients were calculated for the
      applied test conditions, by use of a mathematical model. The results showed that
      migration increased with fat content and storage temperature. Analysis of
      migration data corresponding to minced pork meat containing different amounts of
      fat, stored for 10 days at 25 degrees C, revealed an excellent relationship
      between migration level and fat content. This behaviour was also found for other
      types of meat products (chicken and pork neck). A simplifying mathematical model
      was applied to derive effective diffusion coefficients in the polymer which,
      however, do take kinetic effects in the meat also into account. In the case of
      pork meat contact, the effective diffusion coefficients derived from mathematical
      modelling were ten times higher for storage at 25 degrees C (1.88*10(-9)cm(2)s(
      1)) than for storage at 5 degrees C (1.2*10(-10)cm(2)s(-1)).

PMID- 22061597
TI  - Extensive feeding versus oleic acid and tocopherol enriched mixed diets for the
      production of Iberian dry-cured hams: Effect on chemical composition, oxidative
      status and sensory traits.
AB  - The present study aimed to analyse the chemical composition and oxidative status
      of Iberian dry-cured hams from pigs fed different finishing diets: extensive
      feeding on acorns and pasture in a "Montanera" traditional system (MON), fed in
      confinement with a mixed diet containing high-oleic sunflower oil (115g/kg of
      diet) and supplemented with 250mg/kg alpha-tocopherol (HOVE), and fed in
      confinement control mixed diet (CON) without added tocopherol and oleic acid fat.
      Muscles from MON dry-cured hams contained significantly (p<0.05) higher amounts
      of intramuscular fat (IMF) than those from HOVE and CON hams. The feeding
      background affected the tocopherol levels in dry-cured hams as those from MON and
      HOVE pigs had significantly higher levels of alpha-tocopherol than those from CON
      pigs whereas the extensive feeding provided muscles from MON pigs with
      significantly higher levels of gamma-tocopherol than the experimental diets did
      to CON and HOVE pigs. The HOVE diet significantly increased the levels of oleic
      acid in Iberian dry-cured hams with these levels being similar to the oleic acid
      levels found in MON hams and significantly higher than those in CON hams.
      Compared to dry-cured hams from CON pigs, those from MON and HOVE pigs exhibited
      a higher oxidative stability as a likely result of a most favourable fatty acid
      composition and the presence of higher tocopherol levels. The principal component
      analysis (PCA) successfully discriminated between dry-cured hams from pigs fed
      different finishing diets.

PMID- 22061598
TI  - Titin-cap (TCAP) polymorphisms associated with marbling score of beef.
AB  - Marbling score (MS) is the major qualitative trait that affects carcass quality
      in beef cattle. In this study, we examined the association between genetic
      polymorphisms of the titin-cap gene (TCAP) and carcass traits in Korean native
      cattle (also known as Hanwoo). By direct DNA sequencing in 24 unrelated Korean
      cattle, we identified five sequence variants in 1.2kb of TCAP. Among them, four
      common polymorphic sites were selected for genotyping in the beef cattle (n=437).
      Pair-wise linkage analysis with four polymorphisms showed strong linkage
      disequilibrium (LD), and three major haplotypes (freq.>0.1) were constructed.
      Statistical analysis revealed that polymorphisms in intron1 (g.346G>A) and exon2
      (g.592-597CTGCAG[Leu-Gln]insdel) showed significant association with marbling
      score (P(cor.)=0.003 and 0.02, respectively). One haplotype, ht2[C-G-G-del], also
      showed significant association with MS (P(cor.)=0.0004). Our findings suggest
      that polymorphisms in TCAP might be among the important genetic factors involved
      in carcass quality in beef cattle.

PMID- 22061599
TI  - Effects of dietary supplementation of vitamins D(3) and E on quality
      characteristics of pigs and longissimus muscle antioxidative capacity.
AB  - The effects of addition of vitamin D(3) and vitamin E to pig diets on blood
      plasma calcium concentration, meat quality (longissimus muscle) and antioxidative
      capacity were investigated. Two treatments consisted of supplementation with
      vitamin D(3) (500,000IU/d) for 5 days separately (group D) and a combination of
      vitamin E (500mg alpha-tocopheryl acetate/kg diet) for 30 days and vitamin D(3)
      (500,000IU/d) for 5 days (group D+E) to growing-finishing pigs before slaughter.
      Pigs fed with vitamin D(3) had higher (P<0.01) plasma calcium concentration
      compared with control pigs. Dietary supplementation of vitamin E significantly
      (P<0.05) increased the concentration of alpha-tocopherol in meat (longissimus
      muscle). Vitamin D(3) supplementation resulted in higher (P=0.07) a(*) values of
      loin chops at 5 days of storage. Vitamin D(3) and vitamin E supplementation did
      not affect other meat quality characteristics or tenderness (quantified by Warner
      Bratzler shear force). Antioxidative capacity (measured as MDA production after
      incubation of longissimus muscle homogenates with Fe(2+)/ascorbate) was improved
      by vitamin E and partly by vitamin D(3) supplementation.

PMID- 22061600
TI  - Changes in the content of biologically active polyamines during storage and
      cooking of pig liver.
AB  - Dietary polyamines putrescine (PUT), spermidine (SPD) and spermine (SPM)
      participate in numerous human physiological processes, including tumour growth.
      Eight experiments with pig liver were carried out. In two, livers were stored at 
      18 degrees C for 168 days, in four, livers were stored aerobically (AE), vacuum
      packaged (VP) and packaged in a modified atmosphere (MO; 70% N(2) and 30% CO(2),
      v/v) at +2 degrees C for 9, 21 and 21 days, respectively, and in two, the effects
      of four cooking treatments were tested. Polyamines were determined as dansyl
      derivatives using an HPLC method. Distribution of both SPD and SPM in the four
      main liver lobes was homogenous. The initial SPD and SPM contents in 14 livers
      24h after slaughter were 23.3+/-6.7 and 94.5+/-19.6mgkg(-1), respectively. The
      putrescine content was below the limit of detection. The content of SPD and SPM
      decreased during frozen-storage to about 70% of the initial values. On day-9 of
      storage, mean SPD and SPM contents decreased to about 85% of the initial values
      in livers stored in MO and to about 75-80% in AE and VP at 2 degrees C. The
      decrease continued more extensively in VP than in MO. PUT was detected from day
      15 of VP and MO storage. There was a significant decrease in SPD and SPM, to
      about 70-60% of the initial content during cooking.

PMID- 22061601
TI  - Significance of fat supplemented diets on pork quality - Connections between
      specific fatty acids and sensory attributes of pork.
AB  - The influence of two diets with different fatty acid compositions has been
      studied with regard to overall pork quality and significance of specific fatty
      acids on sensory attributes in fried chops and oven roasts. Twenty castrates and
      20 females were in a balanced experimental set-up fed with a standard diet
      supplemented with alpha-tocopherol (200mg/kg feed) where the fat source was
      either 3% of palm oil or 3% rapeseed oil. After slaughter, despite differences in
      lipid composition and sensory attributes, no significant difference in overall
      meat quality parameters and flavour precursors was found. Comparison of the two
      diets showed that supplementation with rapeseed oil resulted in a significantly
      higher content of C18:3n-3 (polar lipid (PL), neutral lipid (NL)), C18:2n-6c (NL)
      and C20:2 (NL) in LD and C18:1n-9c, C18:2n-6c, C18:3n-3, C20:3n-3, C22:5n-3 in
      backfat, while supplementation with palm oil resulted in a higher content of
      C16:0 (NL), C16:1 (PL), C18:1n-9t (NL) in LD and C16:0, C17:0, C18:0, C16:1,
      C20:4n-6 in backfat. A positive and significant correlation between the contents
      of C18:2n-6c, C20:3n-6 in the PL fraction and the sensory attributes fried meat
      odour and sweet odour were found in fried pork chops from female pigs. Likewise,
      positive correlations were seen between the content of C18:1n-9c in the PL
      fraction and sensory attributes such as sourish odour, piggy odour and piggy
      flavour in whole oven roasts. These data substantiate the view that specific
      fatty acids in the PL fraction influences flavour attributes in pork.

PMID- 22061602
TI  - Biogenic amine content during the manufacture of dry-cured lacon, a Spanish
      traditional meat product: Effect of some additives.
AB  - The content of nine biogenic amines (agmatine, tryptamine, 2-phenylethylamine,
      putrescine, cadaverine, histamine, tyramine, spermidine and spermine) was
      determined throughout the manufacture of dry-cured lacon, a traditional dry
      salted and ripened meat product made in the north-west of Spain from the fore leg
      of the pig following a similar process to that of dry-cured ham. The effect of
      the use of additives (glucose, sodium nitrite, sodium nitrate, sodium ascorbate
      and sodium citrate) on the biogenic amine content during manufacture was also
      studied. Tryptamine and spermine were the main biogenic amines in fresh meat,
      while tryptamine and cadaverine were the most abundant at the end of the
      manufacturing process. During ripening the total amine content increased
      significantly (P<0.05) in the batches made both without and with additives. The
      use of additives significantly (P<0.05) increased the total amine content and the
      content of tryptamine, tyramine and histamine. The total biogenic amine content
      at the end of the manufacturing process was low as expected for a product in
      which there is little active microbial metabolism during manufacture.

PMID- 22061603
TI  - Forty-eighth International Congress of Meat Science and Technology-Rome 25-30
      August 2002 Meat, nutrition, development.

PMID- 22061604
TI  - Use of irradiation for microbial decontamination of meat: situation and
      perspectives.

PMID- 22061605
TI  - Current and future technologies for the decontamination of carcasses and fresh
      meat.
AB  - The objective of this review is to describe current methods and technologies used
      to decontaminate food animal carcasses in the United States and describe new
      technologies and methods that are under development. Bacterial reduction during
      the conversion of muscle to meat has always been an important challenge for the
      meat processing industry due to the impact on product safety and quality. More
      intense microbiological testing and improved microbiological methods have led to
      a greater awareness by industry and government about the levels of pathogenic
      bacteria on meat carcasses and in meat products. This increased awareness has
      spurred research and development on new technologies implemented sequentially in
      the process, aimed at reducing and eliminating bacteria on carcasses and meat
      products.

PMID- 22061606
TI  - Managing meat tenderness.
AB  - This paper discusses the management of meat tenderness using a carcass grading
      scheme which utilizes the concept of total quality management of those factors
      which impact on beef palatability. The scheme called Meat Standards Australia
      (MSA) has identified the Critical Control Points (CCPs) from the production, pre
      slaughter, processing and value adding sectors of the beef supply chain and
      quantified their relative importance using large-scale consumer testing. These
      CCPs have been used to manage beef palatability in two ways. Firstly, CCPs from
      the pre-slaughter and processing sectors have been used as mandatory criteria for
      carcasses to be graded. Secondly, other CCPs from the production and processing
      sectors have been incorporated into a model to predict palatability for
      individual muscles. The evidence for the importance of CCPs from the production
      (breed, growth path and HGP implants), pre-slaughter and processing
      (pH/temperature window, alternative carcass suspension, marbling and ageing)
      sectors are reviewed and the accuracy of the model to predict palatability for
      specific muscle*cooking techniques is presented.

PMID- 22061607
TI  - Lipids in muscles and adipose tissues, changes during processing and sensory
      properties of meat products.
AB  - Dry-cured meat products represent a large part of the meat products on the
      European market. The technologies develop for these products lead to the
      production of a large scale of meat products with typical sensory traits.
      Numerous studies have been devoted to optimise the quality traits of these
      products which are considered as traditional products by the consumer and provide
      a high added value to the producer. Among the components of the raw material,
      lipids play a key role in the final quality of these products. Many sensory
      traits of dry-cured meat products depend on lipid traits of muscle and adipose
      tissues of fresh meat and on their degradation through a complex set of lipolytic
      and oxidative reactions during processing. Lipid traits of both muscle and
      adipose tissues of fresh meat are strongly related to pig rearing conditions,
      mainly genotype and feeding strategy. During processing, lipids undergo intense
      lipid hydrolysis controlled by both lipases and phospholipases, which remain
      active all along the process. Lipids are also subjected to oxidation, which
      generates numerous volatile compounds. These volatiles contribute to some typical
      aroma notes of dry-cured meat products such as rancid, aged ham and dry-cured
      odours. This paper reviews the recent knowledge on the influence of lipid traits
      of fresh meat, lipid hydrolysis and oxidation on the development of sensory
      traits of dry-cured meat products.

PMID- 22061608
TI  - Validation of manufacturing process to control pathogenic bacteria in typical dry
      fermented products.
AB  - Safety is the prime consideration and food manufacturers must ensure that
      products pose a minimum hazard to the consumer. The required safety must be
      achieved by preventing growth of pathogens during production and by reducing the
      remaining contamination to the lowest possible level. Dry and semi-dry fermented
      sausages are generally regarded as one of the most shelf-stable and safest meat
      products; they have rarely been implicated in food poisoning but sausage makers
      must ensure that their products do not harbour any pathogen bacteria. To ensure
      that processing is sufficient to eliminate any biological hazard present in the
      product, procedures must be validated to demonstrate that they are able to
      achieve a specified reduction in terms of pathogenic bacteria.

PMID- 22061609
TI  - Muscle traits for long matured dried meats.
AB  - The distinctive flavour of aged pork products is a complex mix of taste, smell
      and even touch. To meet increasing consumer's preference for ethnic foods or
      foods addressing linkage with specified geographic origin or complying with
      traditional manufacturing and breeding guidelines, efforts should be made to
      encourage selection of processing techniques and raw materials targeting desired
      end product qualities. Thanks to research carried out with sensory analysis and
      chemical and physical characterisation of raw and matured pork, as well as
      breeding and genetics, improved knowledge is now available relating dried meat
      properties to raw matter or manufacturing. The achievement of the distinctive
      taste and texture properties of aged products through genetics (animal selection
      for the enhancement or the removal of some muscle traits), breeding (effect of
      diet and slaughtering age on pork properties) with reference to current findings
      about this type of products is discussed.

PMID- 22061610
TI  - Meat tenderness and muscle growth: is there any relationship?
AB  - Our objectives for this manuscript are to review the mechanisms of muscle growth,
      the biological basis of meat tenderness, and the relationship between these two
      processes. Muscle growth is determined by hyperplasia and hypertrophy. Muscle
      cell size is determined by the balance between the amount of muscle protein
      synthesized and the amount of muscle protein degraded. Current evidence suggests
      that the calpain proteolytic system is a major regulator of muscle protein
      degradation. Sarcomere length, connective tissue content, and proteolysis of
      myofibrils and associated proteins account for most, if not all, of the
      explainable variation in tenderness of meat after postmortem storage. The
      relative contribution of each of the above components is muscle dependent. The
      calpain proteolytic system is a key regulator of postmortem proteolysis. While
      changes in muscle protein degradation affect meat tenderization/tenderness,
      changes in muscle protein synthesis are not expected to affect meat
      tenderization/tenderness.

PMID- 22061611
TI  - Welfare of animal production in intensive and organic systems with special
      reference to Danish organic pig production.
AB  - Although organic meat production is only a small proportion of the total meat
      production in the EU, it is increasing in size to take the demands of certain
      market segments into account. Organic production standards vary according to
      organisation within countries but all must as a minimum fulfil EU legislative
      requirements. There is a greater potential for optimal welfare in organic systems
      compared to intensive systems, as the management of farm animals must take into
      account their physiological, social and behavioural needs. However, demands on
      management are greater in organic systems, particularly if these are free range,
      and concern has been expressed regarding animal health. Vaccinations, antibiotics
      and antihelmintics may only be used in a limited way in organic production and
      the use of natural and homeopathic products, whose efficacy has not been
      scientifically documented, must take precedence over veterinary medical products.
      Legislative requirements regarding the pre-slaughter handling of organic
      slaughter animals are essentially the same as for all other animals. In Denmark,
      ethical audits for documenting pig welfare during collection at the farm, during
      transport and at the abattoir have been proposed and tested on the initiative of
      the Pig Committee under the Association of Organic Meat Producers in Denmark. It
      is the hope of the Committee that these audits will be used within the EU to
      ensure optimal welfare for organic pigs in the pre-slaughter period.

PMID- 22061612
TI  - New mild technologies in meat processing: high pressure as a model technology.
AB  - As a consequence of market globalization, the production and manufacture of meat
      products is at a stage of innovative dynamics. Consumers demand high quality and
      convenient meat products, with natural flavour and taste, and very much
      appreciate the fresh appearance of minimally processed food. To harmonize or to
      blend all these demands without compromising safety, it is necessary to implement
      new preservation technologies in the meat industry and in the food industry in
      general. High hydrostatic pressure (HHP) represents an attractive non-thermal
      process for meat products to avoid post-processing contamination. When combined
      with antimicrobials, like bacteriocins, the death rate may be increased because
      of sublethal injuries to living cells. HPP is a powerful tool to control risks
      associated with Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes in raw or marinated
      meats. The HPP treatment could extend the shelf life of the marinated beef loin
      by controlling the growth of both spoilage and pathogenic bacteria. As a general
      conclusion it can be stated that from both a physico-chemical and microbiological
      point of view, cooked pork ham, dry cured pork ham and marinated beef loin,
      vacuum-packed and high pressure treated at 600 MPa for 10 min at 30  degrees C,
      are substantially equivalent to the same untreated products.

PMID- 22061613
TI  - Antimicrobial food packaging in meat industry.
AB  - Antimicrobial packaging, an active packaging concept, can be considered an
      extremely challenging technology that could have a significant impact on shelf
      life extension and food safety of meat and meat products. Use of antimicrobial
      substances can control the microbial population and target specific
      microorganisms to provide higher safety and quality products. Many classes of
      antimicrobial compounds have been evaluated in film structures, both synthetic
      polymers and edible films: organic acids and their salts, enzymes, bacteriocins,
      and miscellaneous compounds such as triclosan, silver zeolites, and fungicides.
      The characteristics of some antimicrobial packaging systems are reviewed in this
      article. The regulatory status of antimicrobial packaging in EU is also examined.

PMID- 22061614
TI  - Bacteriological safety issues in red meat and ready-to-eat meat products, as well
      as control measures.
AB  - The importance of Eschericha coli O157, Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella
      typhimurium DT104 as meat-borne pathogens is well established. Pathogenic
      bacteria such as Aeromonas spp., Arcobacter spp., psychrotrophic Bacillus cereus,
      Campylobacter spp., Clostridium botulinum and non-invasive Listeria monocytogenes
      can be regarded as rookies, but not yet firmly associated with today's production
      of red meat and meat products. The development of PCR and other DNA-based
      techniques will shed new light on so called emerging pathogens. Important safety
      issues in meat production, such as insufficient cleaning and disinfection
      (including the stable/lairage, processing environment), carcass decontamination
      and chilling, and cross contamination are discussed. Furthermore, probability
      modelling of survival and growth is identified as an important way to achieve a
      better understanding of how to deal with the complexity of further processing,
      including heat treatment and storage.

PMID- 22061615
TI  - Single nucleotide polymorphism in the promoter region of the CD209 gene is
      associated with human predisposition to severe forms of tick-borne encephalitis.
AB  - Tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) is a neurotropic, positive-sense RNA virus
      of the genus Flavivirus (family Flaviviridae) which can cause a variety of
      clinical manifestations in humans. Previously the severity and outcome of dengue
      fever and hepatitis C (diseases caused by viruses from the family Flaviviridae)
      were associated with the rs4804803 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located
      in the promoter region of the human CD209 gene. This gene encodes dendritic cell
      specific ICAM3-grabbing nonintegrin (DC-SIGN), a C-type lectin pathogen
      recognition receptor expressed on the surface of dendritic cells and some types
      of macrophages. In the current study, a possible association between two SNPs in
      the promoter region of the CD209 gene (rs4804803 and rs2287886) and
      predisposition to severe forms of TBEV-induced disease was investigated. The
      genotypic, allelic and haplotypic frequencies of these SNPs were analyzed in 136
      non-immunized Russian patients with different clinical manifestations of tick
      borne encephalitis (TBE) and in a control group. An increase in the frequency of
      the rs2287886 SNP AA homozygotes and the A allele was detected among patients
      with severe central nervous system disease compared with the group of patients
      with meningitis (P=0.003 and 0.019), or a combined group of patients with mild
      forms (fever and meningitis) (P=0.003 and 0.026), or the control group (P=0.007
      and 0.035). Thus, our results suggest that the CD209 gene promoter region
      rs2287886 SNP is associated with predisposition to severe forms of TBE in the
      Russian population.

PMID- 22061616
TI  - Precore/core promoter mutations and hepatitis B virus genotype in hepatitis B and
      C dually infected patients treated with interferon-based therapy.
AB  - We studied the prevalence and distribution of precore/basal core promoter (BCP)
      mutations and hepatitis B virus (HBV) genotypes in HBV/hepatitis C virus (HCV)
      dually-infected patients, and evaluated their impact on long-term HBV response of
      interferon (IFN)-based therapy. The HBV genotypes and sequences of the
      precore/BCP regions were determined in 180 HBV/HCV dually-infected patients and
      were compared with 90 age, sex and hepatitis B e antigen-matched chronic
      hepatitis B controls. Serum HBV DNA and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) were
      assessed every 3-6 months after therapy with IFN or pegylated-IFN plus ribavirin
      in 135 dually-infected patients with active hepatitis C. Dually-infected patients
      had a higher prevalence of genotype C HBV (P=0.022) and a lower frequency of
      G1896A mutation (P=0.004) as compared with controls. Among dually-infected
      patients, genotype C was associated with a higher frequency of A1762T/G1764A
      mutation (P<0.001), but with lower HBV DNA (P<0.001) and a lower frequency of
      A1752T/G (P=0.008), C1799G (P<0.001) and G1896A mutation (P<0.001) than genotype
      B. Based on Cox proportional hazards model, young age (hazard ratio (HR)=0.952,
      P=0.001), sustained virological response to HCV (HR=4.638, P=0.044), C1766T
      mutation (HR=5.216, P=0.003) and A1846T mutation (HR=2.332, P=0.031) correlated
      with HBV DNA reactivation (?2000IU/ml) after therapy. Age (HR=1.068, P=0.020),
      G1896A mutation (HR=0.140, P=0.01) and A1846T mutation (HR=0.086, P=0.018) were
      associated with HBsAg seroclearance independently. In conclusion, specific
      mutations in the precore/BCP regions could be useful in predicting long-term HBV
      response in HBV/HCV dually-infected patients treated with IFN-based therapy.

PMID- 22061617
TI  - Genotypic characterization of herpes simplex virus DNA polymerase UL42
      processivity factor.
AB  - The herpes simplex virus (HSV) DNA polymerase is composed of the UL30 catalytic
      subunit and the UL42 processivity factor. The UL42 subunit increases the
      processivity of the polymerase along the DNA template during replication. The
      molecular mechanisms of HSV resistance to drugs interfering with viral DNA
      synthesis reported so far mainly rely on modifications of the viral thymidine
      kinase and DNA polymerase. We aimed to extensively describe the genetic
      variations of HSV UL42 processivity factor and to evaluate its potential
      involvement in resistance to antivirals. The full-length UL42 gene sequence of
      HSV was investigated among two laboratory strains (KOS and gHSV-2), 94 drug
      sensitive clinical isolates and 25 phenotypically ACV-resistant clinical
      isolates. This work provided extensive data about natural variability of UL42
      processivity factor among both HSV-1 and HSV-2 strains and showed that this viral
      protein is highly conserved among HSV strains, with a weaker variability for HSV
      2. The analysis of 25 HSV clinical isolates exhibiting ACV-resistance documented
      most of the previously reported mutations related to UL42 natural polymorphism in
      addition to some unpreviously described polymorphisms. Surprisingly, a single
      base deletion in UL42 gene sequence leading to a frameshift in the C-terminal
      region was identified among 3 HSV clinical isolates. From this preliminary study,
      UL42 processivity factor did not seem to be likely involved in HSV resistance to
      antivirals.

PMID- 22061618
TI  - Rapid conversion of spirostans into furostan skeletons at room temperature.
AB  - We report a facile protocol to obtain 22-substituted furostans and
      pseudosapogenins in high yields from (25R)- and (25S)-sapogenins. This method
      involves the treatment of the sapogenin with acetic-trifluoroacetic mixed
      anhydride and BF(3).OEt(2) at room temperature, followed by the addition of a
      nucleophile (H(2)O, MeOH or KSeCN). In the case of 22-hydroxyfurostans, they can
      be transformed to pseudosapogenins by treatment with p-toluensulfonic acid.

PMID- 22061620
TI  - Impact of endocrine-disrupting compounds (EDCs) on female reproductive health.
AB  - Evidence is accumulating that environmental chemicals (ECs) including endocrine
      disrupting compounds (EDCs) can alter female reproductive development, fertility
      and onset of menopause. While not as clearly defined as in the male, this set of
      abnormalities may constitute an Ovarian Dysgenesis Syndrome with at least some
      origins of the syndrome arising during foetal development. ECs/EDCs have been
      shown to affect trophoblast and placental function, the female hypothalamo
      pituitary-gonadal axis, onset of puberty and adult ovarian function. The effects
      of ECs/EDCs are complex, not least because it is emerging that low-level, 'real
      life' mixtures of ECs/EDCs may carry significant biological potency. In addition,
      there is evidence that ECs/EDCs can alter the epigenome in a sexually dimorphic
      manner, which may lead to changes in the germ line and perhaps even to
      transgenerational effects. This review summarises the evidence for EC, including
      EDC, involvement in female reproductive dysfunction, it highlights potential
      mechanisms of EC action in the female and emphasises the need for further
      research into EC effects on female development and reproductive function.

PMID- 22061619
TI  - Regulation of TRPM8 channel activity.
AB  - Transient Receptor Potential Melastatin 8 (TRPM8) is a Ca(2+) permeable non
      selective cation channel directly activated by cold temperatures and chemical
      agonists such as menthol. It is a well established sensor of environmental cold
      temperatures, found in peripheral sensory neurons, where its activation evokes
      depolarization and action potentials. The activity of TRPM8 is regulated by a
      number of cellular signaling pathways, most notably by phosphoinositides and the
      activation of phospholipase C. This review will summarize current knowledge on
      the physiological and pathophysiological roles of TRPM8 and its regulation by
      various intracellular messenger molecules and signaling pathways.

PMID- 22061621
TI  - Discovery of a novel enzyme mediating glucocorticoid catabolism in fish: 20beta
      hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2.
AB  - Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases (HSDs) are involved in metabolism and pre-receptor
      regulation of steroid hormones. While 17beta-HSDs and 11beta-HSDs are extensively
      studied in mammals, only few orthologs are characterized in fish. We discovered a
      novel zebrafish HSD candidate closely related to 17beta-HSD types 3 and 12, which
      has orthologs in other species. The enzyme catalyzes the conversion of cortisone
      to 20beta-hydroxycortisone identified by LC-MS/MS. We named the new enzyme 20beta
      HSD type 2. All 20beta-HSD type 2 orthologs localize in the endoplasmic
      reticulum. Zebrafish 20beta-HSD type 2 is expressed during embryonic development
      showing the same expression pattern as 11beta-HSD type 2 known to oxidize
      cortisol to cortisone. In adult tissues 20beta-HSD type 2 shows a ubiquitous
      expression pattern with some minor sex-specific differences. In contrast to other
      enzymes metabolizing C21-steroids and being mostly involved in reproduction we
      propose that novel type 2 20beta-HSDs in teleost fish are important enzymes in
      cortisol catabolism.

PMID- 22061622
TI  - Does the aromatic L-amino acid decarboxylase contribute to thyronamine
      biosynthesis?
AB  - Thyronamines (TAM), recently described endogenous signaling molecules, exert
      metabolic and pharmacological actions partly opposing those of the thyromimetic
      hormone T(3). TAM biosynthesis from thyroid hormone (TH) precursors requires
      decarboxylation of the L-alanine side chain and several deiodination steps to
      convert e.g. L-thyroxine (T(4)) into the most potent 3-T(1)AM. Aromatic L-amino
      acid decarboxylase (AADC) was proposed to mediate TAM biosynthesis via
      decarboxylation of TH. This hypothesis was tested by incubating recombinant human
      AADC, which actively catalyzes dopamine production from DOPA, with several TH.
      Under all reaction conditions tested, AADC failed to catalyze TH decarboxylation,
      thus challenging the initial hypothesis. These in vitro observations are
      supported by detection of 3-T(1)AM in plasma of patients with AADC-deficiency at
      levels (46 +/- 18 nM, n=4) similar to those of healthy controls. Therefore, we
      propose that the enzymatic decarboxylation needed to form TAM from TH is
      catalyzed by another unique, perhaps TH-specific, decarboxylase.

PMID- 22061623
TI  - Gene-environment interactions: the potential role of contaminants in somatic
      growth and the development of the reproductive system of the American alligator.
AB  - Developing organisms interpret and integrate environmental signals to produce
      adaptive phenotypes that are prospectively suited for probable demands in later
      life. This plasticity can be disrupted when embryos are impacted by exogenous
      contaminants, such as environmental pollutants, producing potentially deleterious
      and long-lasting mismatches between phenotype and the future environment. We
      investigated the ability for in ovo environmental contaminant exposure to alter
      the growth trajectory and ovarian function of alligators at five months after
      hatching. Alligators collected as eggs from polluted Lake Apopka, FL, hatched
      with smaller body masses but grew faster during the first five months after
      hatching, as compared to reference-site alligators. Further, ovaries from Lake
      Apopka alligators displayed lower basal expression levels of inhibin beta A mRNA
      as well as decreased responsiveness of aromatase and follistatin mRNA expression
      levels to treatment with follicle stimulating hormone. We posit that these
      differences predispose these animals to increased risks of disease and
      reproductive dysfunction at adulthood.

PMID- 22061624
TI  - Rapamycin inhibiting Jurkat T cells viability through changing mRNA expression of
      serine/threonine protein phosphatase 2A.
AB  - AIMS: In this study, we analyzed the mRNA expression of serine/threonine
      (Ser/Thr) protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) in the human leukemic T-cell line Jurkat
      cells treated with rapamycin, to determine whether rapamycin inhibiting cell
      viability is accompanied with the change of mRNA expression of PP2A. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: Jurkat cells were incubated with various concentrations of rapamycin and
      cultured for different hours. Cell viability was assessed by MTT assay. The mRNA
      expressions of PP2A subunits were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase
      chain reaction (PCR). We found that rapamycin had an inhibitory effect on cell
      viability. IC50 was 343.3 nM at 48 h.We also found rapamycin had a dose and time
      dependent effect on the gene expression of PP2A. When setting the concentration
      of rapamycin 500 nM, the mRNA expressions of PP2A subunits (Aa, Abeta, PR55a,
      PR55delta, PR61gamma, PR70, Ca and Cbeta) were declined significantly at 48 h.
      When treated with various concentrations of rapamycin for 48 h, the mRNA
      expressions of PP2A subunits were down-regulated in the range from 10 nM to 500
      nM. CONCLUSIONS: Rapamycin inhibiting Jurkat T cells viability may be related to
      the reduction of PP2A mRNA expressions.

PMID- 22061625
TI  - Centralised bulk pre-packaging of fresh pork retail cuts in various gas
      atmospheres.
AB  - A centralised bulk pre-packaging technique (laboratory method), utilising various
      gas mixtures (c. 100% CO(2); c. 75% CO(2):25% N(2); c. 80% O(2): 20% CO(2) and c.
      25% CO(2):50% N(2):25% O(2)), was evaluated in terms of quality attributes such
      as microbiology, colour, odour and consumer acceptability. According to the
      bacterial counts recorded, all four packaging treatments were successful in
      prolonging the storage life (21 days c. 0 degrees C) of centralised bulk pre
      packaged pork retail cuts, while still ensuring a subsequent shelf life of at
      least 3 days (c. 0 degrees C). The gas mixture comprising c. 25% CO(2):50%
      N(2):25% O(2) was the most successful treatment in terms of acceptability and
      colour scores.

PMID- 22061626
TI  - Cholesterol oxidation in muscle tissue.
AB  - Three model systems were designed to monitor the oxidative stability of
      cholesterol in different lipid environments. The cholesterol moiety of
      cholesteryl linoleate oxidized to a greater extent than that of cholesteryl
      stearate and free cholesterol. Cholesterol oxidized when dispersed with either
      phosphatidyl choline or adipose tissue, further demonstrating that cholesterol
      oxidation is affected by the surrounding lipid environment. Oxidation of
      cholesterol in muscle tissue was also affected by the membrane environment.
      Vitamin E supplementation of veal calves improved the oxidative stability of
      muscle lipids and cholesterol. Comparison was made of the oxidative stability of
      retail beef lipids, including cholesterol, with the oxidative stability of veal
      lipids and cholesterol. The results supported the hypothesis that if initiation
      of lipid oxidation occurs in the muscle membranes, the fat content of the meat
      should not influence the stability of the lipids to initial oxidation.

PMID- 22061627
TI  - Effects of exogenous porcine somatotropin on the development of fat cells and
      fatty acid composition in backfat of live finishing pigs.
AB  - The effects of long-term application of recombinant porcine somatotropin (pST) to
      Landrace pigs on the development of backfat thickness, fat cells and fatty acid
      composition were investigated from about the 116th to the 186th day of life.
      Biopsy samples from the backfat of 56 castrates were taken at the beginning of
      treatment and after 5 and 10 weeks. The daily injection of 2 or 4 mg of pST
      induced a considerable decrease in backfat growth compared to untreated controls.
      This was attributed to a decreased size (about 18-20%) and number (about 13-25%)
      of fat cells. The higher dose of 4 mg pST/day induced a greater restriction of
      fat growth. This was obviously based on differences in fat cell number.
      Furthermore, pST treatment delayed the normal decrease of unsaturated fatty acids
      (C 18:2; C 18:3) during the period of growth examined. Therefore, the percentages
      of unsaturated fatty acids increased, indicating changes in fat cell metabolism
      of pST treated pigs.

PMID- 22061628
TI  - Quantitative determination of type I myosin heavy chain in bovine muscle with
      anti myosin monoclonal antibodies.
AB  - Bovine type I muscle fibers were characterized by enzyme-linked immunosorbent
      assay (ELISA) with a monoclonal antibody specific for slow myosin heavy chains
      (MHC 1). Two bovine muscles, the Masseter and Cutaneus trunci, were analyzed by
      different complementary techniques: electrophoresis, immunoblotting and
      immunohistiology. The results showed that the two muscles have extreme
      characteristics. The Masseter contains only slow MHC and the Cutaneus trunci is
      composed solely of rapid MHC (MHC 2a and 2b). A standard for this ELISA was
      obtained by mixing the two muscles and was used as a reference in the
      determination of the percentage of MHC 1 in a given muscle. In this study, the
      Longissimus thoracis of 27 Charolais cattle were examined. The different
      conditions under which assays were carried out were described and the accuracy of
      the measurement was calculated. In view of the results, ELISA was chosen for the
      analysis of muscle fiber types in large numbers of animal specimens. This
      technique could be used in several research projects to study the muscle
      characteristics that determine beef quality.

PMID- 22061629
TI  - The influence of high post-mortem temperature and differing ultimate pH on the
      course of rigor and ageing in pig Longissimus dorsi muscle.
AB  - This study was performed in order to assess the effect of temperature and
      differing ultimate pH (pH(u), 24 h post mortem) on the development of rigor
      mortis in pig Longissimus dorsi muscle. The rigor development (isometric tension
      and shortening) was measured continuously during the first 24 h post mortem,
      using an apparatus wherein muscle strips were held at constant temperatures of 12
      or 35 degrees C. pH(u) was manipulated by adrenaline injections preslaughter. The
      rates of pH fall, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and creatine phosphate (CP)
      breakdown were markedly increased at 35 degrees C compared to 12 degrees C. For
      both temperatures, no delay phase was observed with regard to the development of
      shortening. Rigor resulted in higher maximum isometric tension and shortening and
      in shorter time needed to reach maximum values at 35 degrees C than at 12 degrees
      C. The results are discussed in connection with pH, ATP and CP data. The extent
      of ageing from 2 to 4 days post mortem, estimated through myofibrillar length
      determinations, was higher for 12 degrees C than for 35 degrees C. pH(u) affected
      significantly most of the traits under study, but its effect depended in some
      cases upon the rigor temperature. At 12 degrees C, the traits related to the
      kinetics of rigor development were significantly affected by pH(u), but this was
      not the case at 35 degrees C. Maximum isometric tension was significantly related
      to pH(u) at 35 degrees C (r = 0.86, P < 0.001), but such a relationship was not
      found at 12 degrees C. Myofibrillar lengths were significantly affected by pH(u),
      but in an opposite manner from one temperature to another. A positive
      relationship was found at 12 degrees C and a negative one at 35 degrees C. These
      results illustrate the importance of the interaction between the extent of pH
      fall and temperature with regard to post-mortem changes in pig muscle.

PMID- 22061630
TI  - A traditional intermediate moisture meat: Beef cecina.
AB  - Cecina is an intermediate moisture meat produced and consumed to a large extent
      in Mexico. Four samples of cecina coming from different States of this country,
      were tested for water activity, colour, texture, fat, protein, moisture and
      chloride content. Sensory and microbiological analyses were also performed.
      Different fabrication methods for producing cecina were identified, involving
      large variations in the formulation of the product. There was a significant
      difference (P < 0.05) among samples regarding fat and chloride content, colour
      and texture. Differences in colour and saltiness were recorded through sensory
      analysis. Microbiological analysis showed higher counts than those recommended in
      the Mexican Official Standard for chopped and raw meat, due to poor sanitary
      conditions during production and marketing.

PMID- 22061631
TI  - Improvement of shelf-life and wholesomeness of ground beef by irradiation-2.
      Chemical analysis and sensory evaluation.
AB  - Lean ground beef was exposed to three dose levels of gamma radiations (Cobalt-60)
      (1.0, 2.5 and 5.0 kGy). Chemical indices monitored throughout the storage period
      (16 days, 4 degrees C) included pH, free fatty acids and peroxides. Irradiation
      clearly contributed to a diminution of the pH and an increase of the peroxides.
      Free fatty acids were not affected. The 10 non-expert panellists indicated a
      noticeable effect of irradiation on the odour and colour of the raw product. The
      odour and flavour of the irradiated cooked ground beef was slightly disliked
      while no difference was perceived in the colour and texture of the cooked
      irradiated ground beef. Following these considerations, it is recommended that
      ground beef be treated with a low dose (such as 1 kGy).

PMID- 22061632
TI  - The effective product life of vacuum-packaged beef imported into Saudi Arabia by
      sea, as assessed by chemical, microbiological and organoleptic criteria.
AB  - Five transport and storage trials were conducted on commercial shipments of
      vacuum-packaged beef half striploins imported into Saudi Arabia by sea from
      Australia, New Zealand and the Republic of Ireland. The cold chains, from
      packaging to the end of chilled storage in Saudi Arabia, were monitored using
      miniature electronic data loggers placed in cartons of striploins. Development of
      spoilage microfloras was followed from packaging to trial end using a
      differential aerobic plate count technique. Changes in meat pH, total volatile
      nitrogen (TVN) and free fatty acid (FFA) content were determined over the storage
      period. Sensory evaluations to identify spoilage conditions and to determine
      consumer acceptability were also conducted over the course of storage in Saudi
      Arabia. Results indicated that aerobic plate counts, TVN and FFA were all
      unsuitable as indicators of the fitness, or acceptability of vacuum-packaged beef
      for human consumption. Under good but commercially realistic conditions (i.e.
      normal ultimate pH beef, initial microbial contamination at packaging of less
      than 10(3)/cm(2), packaging, film oxygen transmission rate less than 40
      ml/m(2)/24 h/atm at 23 degrees C and 90% R.H., and mean product temperature
      during transport and storage of 0 degrees C), vacuum-packaged beef transported by
      sea has an anticipated product life of at least 90 days measured from the date of
      slaughter. Under the conditions just stated, deterioration of meat texture
      resulting from excessive aging rather than the onset of overt microbial spoilage
      will limit the effective product life of vacuum-packaged beef.

PMID- 22061633
TI  - Oxymyoglobin formation in meat and poultry.
AB  - The rate of oxymyoglobin formation (blooming) was estimated, by reflectance
      spectrophotometry and depth of oxygen penetration, of beef and pork 1. dorsi and
      chicken breast muscles of normal ultimate pH. Although beef bloomed very rapidly
      when exposed to air, even at 23 degrees C, pork muscle exhibited little evidence
      of oxymyoglobin formation at this temperature and no chicken muscle produced
      oxymyoglobin at 23 degrees C. Even after 48 h at 5 degrees C there was little
      evidence of oxymyoglobin formation in the chicken muscles although formation was
      evident in the pork samples. After only 24 h storage at 5 degrees C it was
      apparent that both the chicken and pork muscles oxidised to produce some
      metmyoglobin at their surface, though the amount produced was apparently more in
      the chicken than the pork samples. In most chicken samples held in air at 5
      degrees C the predominant pigments were the purple reduced myoglobin and brown
      metmyoglobin. The implication of these observations in relation to the packaging
      of chicken portions is discussed.

PMID- 22061634
TI  - Molecular forces involved in the formation and stabilization of heat-induced
      actomyosin gels.
AB  - Increasing concentrations of KCl, KF and NaCl from 0.2 to 1.0 m increased the
      compressive strength and cohesiveness of heat-induced actomyosin gels (0.6 m KCl
      pH 6.0). On the other hand, KBr, KSCN, KI, NH(4)Cl, MgCl(2) and CaCl(2) decreased
      gel strength and cohesiveness. Gel compressive strength increased with increasing
      urea concentration (0.4-2.4 m). Addition of the sulphydryl blocking agent N
      ethylmaleimide and the reducing agents dithiothreitol and cysteine decreased the
      compressive strength and cohesiveness of actomyosin gels. Overall, the results
      indicate that hydrophobic interactions, disulphide and hydrogen bonding
      contribute to the formation and stabilization of actomyosin gels.

PMID- 22061635
TI  - Analysis of meat pigments with tissue spectrophotometer TS-200.
AB  - The colour of meat and rice flour pastes containing known amounts of myoglobin
      and the colour of intact beef and pork samples were analyzed with tissue
      spectrophotometer TS-200. The differences in the spectra of myoglobin among three
      types of derivatives were successfully distinguished with this instrument. In
      addition, there is a close relationship between I(HB) value, a parameter for
      estimating the content of pigments in animal tissues, and myoglobin content in
      model systems (rice flour paste and meat paste). Especially, the I(HB) value is
      proportional to myoglobin content in intact beef and pork meat whose myoglobin is
      mostly in the state of oxymyoglobin and/or deoxymyoglobin: y = 208.26 x + 6.72,
      where y is the I(HB) value, x is the myoglobin content (%) and r = 0.94.

PMID- 22061636
TI  - Rabbit growth, feed efficiency and body composition: Effects of recombinant
      porcine somatotropin.
AB  - The effects of recombinant porcine somatotropin (rpST) were studied on rabbits
      from INRA 1077 strain, between the ages of 70 and 90 days. Ten rabbits received a
      daily intramuscular rpST injection (100 mg per day per kg of live weight) and
      were compared with ten control rabbits. Growth rate and feed efficiency were not
      affected by treatment. Perirenal fat deposits were smaller in rpST-treated than
      in the control rabbits (2.01 vs 2.72%) as were reference carcass lipid content
      (9.4 vs 10.8) and energy value (0.84 vs 0.88 MJ /100 g). The ratio between
      polyunsaturated fatty acids (FA) and saturated and monounsaturated FA was higher
      (0.32 vs 0.28). Reference carcass protein content was increased (20.5 vs 19.9%),
      as was the percentage of skin in slaughter weight (14.3 vs 13.4%). Muscular
      ultimate pH (24 h post mortem) was lower in the semimembranosus accessorius (5.67
      vs 5.78) and in the biceps femmoris (5.65 vs 5.74) of treated rabbits. In
      conclusion, rpST, as a heterologous hormone, develops protein-rich tissues whilst
      lowering fat content and appears to affect the balance of muscular energy
      metabolism.

PMID- 22061638
TI  - Efficient synthesis of a novel m-phenylene derivative as a selective EP4 agonist
      inducing follicular growth and maturation in the ovary.
AB  - An efficient and straightforward synthesis of a novel m-phenylene derivative has
      been developed. The optically pure dibromo compound was selected as a starting
      material. Through a protocol involving the Prins reaction and two steps of the
      Horner-Wadsworth-Emmons reaction, the basic skeleton was constructed with
      appropriate alpha and omega side chains. The compound proved to be a highly
      selective EP(4) agonist and a possible drug candidate for maturation of the
      uterine cervix.

PMID- 22061639
TI  - Discovery, optimisation and in vivo evaluation of novel GPR119 agonists.
AB  - GPR119 is increasingly seen as an attractive target for the treatment of type II
      diabetes and other elements of the metabolic syndrome. During a programme aimed
      at developing agonists of the GPR119 receptor, we identified compounds that were
      potent with reduced hERG liabilities, that had good pharmacokinetic properties
      and that displayed excellent glucose-lowering effects in vivo. However, further
      profiling in a GPR119 knock-out (KO) mouse model revealed that the biological
      effects were not exclusively due to GPR119 agonism, highlighting the value of
      transgenic animals in drug discovery programs.

PMID- 22061640
TI  - Discovery of 4-aminomethylphenylacetic acids as gamma-secretase modulators via a
      scaffold design approach.
AB  - Starting from literature examples of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
      (NSAIDs)-type carboxylic acid gamma-secretase modulators (GSMs) and using a
      scaffold design approach, we identified 4-aminomethylphenylacetic acid 4 with a
      desirable gamma-secretase modulation profile. Scaffold optimization led to the
      discovery of a novel chemical series, represented by 6b, having improved brain
      penetration. Further SAR studies provided analog 6q that exhibited a good
      pharmacological profile. Oral administration of 6q significantly reduced brain
      Abeta42 levels in mice and rats.

PMID- 22061641
TI  - The discovery of novel cyclohexylamide CCR2 antagonists.
AB  - As a result of further SAR studies on a piperidinyl piperidine scaffold, we
      report the discovery of compound 44, a potent, orally bioavailable CCR2
      antagonist. While having some in vitro hERG activity, this molecule was clean in
      an in vivo model of QT prolongation. In addition, it showed excellent efficacy
      when dosed orally in a transgenic murine model of acute inflammation.

PMID- 22061642
TI  - Efficient synthesis and in vitro antitubercular activity of 1,2,3-triazoles as
      inhibitors of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
AB  - Efficient and rapid synthesis of 1,2,3-triazole derivatives has been achieved via
      Huisgen's 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition between alkyl/arylazides and diethyl/dimethyl
      acetylenedicarboxylate in excellent yields under solvent-free conditions. The
      environmentally friendly solvent-free protocol overcomes the limitations
      associated with the prevailing time-consuming solution phase protocols and
      affords the triazoles just in 1-3 min. In vitro antitubercular activity of these
      triazoles was screened against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H(37)Rv strain. Four of
      the compounds showed MIC in the range of 1.56-3.13 MUg/mL proving their potential
      activity.

PMID- 22061643
TI  - Synthesis and antihepatotoxic activity of 5-(2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxane-6-yl)-3
      substituted-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole derivatives.
AB  - In continuance of our search for newer antihepatotoxic agents some novel
      pyrazoline derivatives containing 1,4-dioxane ring system were synthesized
      starting from 3-(2,3-dihydro-1,4-benzodioxane-6-yl)-1-substituted-phenylprop-2-en
      1-one. Some of the synthesized compounds were evaluated for antihepatotoxic
      activity against CCl(4)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Among them some compounds
      have shown significant antihepatotoxic activity comparable to standard drug
      silymarin.

PMID- 22061644
TI  - Investigation of the diastereomerism of dihydrobenzoxathiin SERMs for ER alpha by
      molecular modeling.
AB  - Molecular dynamics simulations were performed to investigate the distinct uterine
      activity of ten dihydrobenzoxathiin diastereomers against human estrogen receptor
      (ER) alpha. These diastereomers share similar binding mode to ER alpha ligand
      binding domain (LBD). Dihydrobenzoxathiin diastereomers with full antagonistic
      activity form more stable hydrogen bonds with Glu353 and His524 of ER alpha LBD
      than corresponding diastereomers. The molecular mechanics based generalized born
      surface area (MM-GBSA) analysis revealed that van der Waals interactions are
      predominant to the binding of dihydrobenzoxathiin diastereomers to ER alpha LBD.
      The per-residue free energy decomposition analysis revealed that the uterine
      activity difference is contributed mainly by electrostatic interactions. Our
      study provides mechanistic insights into the difference of uterine activity for
      dihydrobenzoxathiin diastereomers.

PMID- 22061645
TI  - Pyrazolone-based anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) inhibitors: control of
      selectivity by a benzyloxy group.
AB  - Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) is transmembrane receptor tyrosine kinase, with
      oncogenic variants that have been implicated in ALCL, NSCLC and other cancers.
      Screening of a VEGFR2-biased kinase library resulted in identification of 1 which
      showed cross-reactivity with ALK. SAR on the indole segment of 1 showed that a
      subtle structural modification (the ethoxy group of 1 changed to a benzyloxy to
      generate 5a) enhanced potency (ALK), selectivity for VEGFR2 and IR along with
      improvement in metabolic stability. From docking studies of ALK versus VEGFR2
      kinase, we postulated that the loss of entropy of the VEGFR2 in the bound form
      with 5a might be the origin of the reduced activity against that protein.
      Modification of the heterocyclic segment showed that thiazole-bearing pyrazolones
      preserved enzyme potency, and enhanced inhibition of NPM-ALK autophosphorylation
      in ALK-positive ALCL cells (Karpas-299). SAR of the benzyloxy group resulted in
      compounds which demonstrated good cellular potency in Karpas-299 cells. Compound
      8 showed best overall profile for the series with broad kinome selectivity and
      liver micorsome stability. Compound 8 showed reasonable iv PK in rat, but with
      little oral exposure.

PMID- 22061646
TI  - The effect of conditioning on the strength of perimysial connective tissue
      dissected from cooked meat.
AB  - Tensile tests were carried out on ribbons of perimysial connective tissue
      dissected from slices of bovine semitendinosus muscles that had been conditioned
      or not conditioned and then cooked to a range of temperatures. A consistent
      reduction in the strength of the perimysia was seen in the conditioned samples,
      both in the raw meat and meat cooked to 50 degrees C. At higher cooking
      temperatures (60-80 degrees C), no effect of conditioning was seen. The content
      of collagen or total protein of mechanically extracted perimysia and the collagen
      content of the test pieces from conditioned and unconditioned muscles was not
      significantly different. It was concluded that conditioning decreases the
      breaking strength of the perimysial connective tissue in raw meat or in meat
      which is subsequently cooked to 50 degrees C, but not in meat cooked to the
      temperatures normally employed by consumers. The tenderization observed in
      conditioned meat cooked to 60 degrees C and above is, therefore, due to the
      weakening of muscle fibres within the fibre bundles.

PMID- 22061647
TI  - Studies on the return of physical reflexes in pigs following electrical stunning.
AB  - In order to obtain quantitative information on the duration of insensibility in
      pigs (60-80 kg) following electrical stunning, experiments were carried out using
      50 Hz alternating current for 3 and 7 s current durations at different voltages.
      The following features were examined: the mean current received by each pig, the
      period of loss of reflexes and the time to return of spontaneous activity, and
      cranial nerve reflexes. In particular the return of breathing was used as a first
      sign of recovery, and the response to a nose prick and presence of the righting
      reflex were used as indicators of overt consciousness. A minimum current in
      excess of 406 mA was required to effectively stun these pigs with sufficient
      duration of loss of reflexes. At least 150 V for 3 s current duration should be
      used and a maximum stunning to exsanguination interval of 15 s is considered
      sufficient to ensure pigs of this size do not regain consciousness following the
      stun.

PMID- 22061648
TI  - Monoclonal antibody sandwich ELISA for the potential detection of chicken meat in
      mixtures of raw beef and pork.
AB  - A sandwich ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) has been developed
      successfully for the detection of defined amounts of chicken meat (1-100%) in
      beef and pork meat mixtures. The assay uses a monoclonal antibody (BC9) specific
      to a chicken muscle soluble protein to capture this protein from complex meat
      mixtures. Further immunorecognition of the captured protein was attained with
      rabbit polyclonal antibodies against chicken muscle proteins (anti-CHSP). A
      commercial goat anti-rabbit immunoglobulin conjugated to peroxidase was used to
      detect the anti-CHSP antibodies bound to the chicken protein. Subsequent enzymic
      conversion of substrate gave clear optical density differences when assaying
      mixtures of beef and pork meats containing variable amounts of chicken meat.

PMID- 22061649
TI  - Serum skatole detection using gas chromatography and high performance liquid
      chromatography.
AB  - Skatole-spiked boar serum was used to evaluate the degradation of skatole during
      frozen storage and to evaluate gas chromatography (GC) and high performance
      liquid chromatography (HPLC) for measuring serum skatole. Tubes of serum spiked
      with 1 ppm skatole which had been stored in a freezer (-15 degrees C) for 4
      months and tubes of fresh spiked serum (1 ppm skatole) were utilized. No
      differences (P > 0.05) between GC and HPLC determination in sensitivity and
      skatole recovery were observed. Measurements of skatole by GC and HPLC were
      highly correlated (r = 0.93). Both GC and HPLC revealed no difference (P > 0.05)
      between fresh spiked serum and stored spiked serum samples.

PMID- 22061650
TI  - Growth characteristics of meat starter cultures.
AB  - The Australian Code of Practice for manufacture of dry and semi-dry sausage
      (salami) states that fermentation temperatures must not exceed 25 degrees C and
      that a pH of 5.2 must be achieved in the product within 48 h. In order to select
      the most appropriate starter cultures for fermentation, Lactobacillus plantarum,
      Pediococcus pentosaceus and Staphylococcus carnosus were characterised with
      respect to growth and acid production determined at constant pH (4.7, 5.5 and
      6.3). L. plantarum and P. pentosaceus showed similar characteristics over the pH
      range studied while S. carnosus was sensitive to lower pH. Also, P. pentosaceus
      showed greater psychrotrophic growth without pH control than L. plantarum or S.
      carnosus. Salami made with P. pentosaceus maintained higher viable numbers in the
      product over 8 days than did L. plantarum. Growth of S. carnosus in salami could
      not be detected in the presence of the more pH-tolerant organisms. The growth of
      L. plantarum and P. pentosaceus did not prevent the development of high levels of
      non-starter flora, a factor that can be important in determining salami quality.
      However, the more psychrotrophic P. pentosaceus ensured a greater dominance of
      starter over non-starter flora.

PMID- 22061651
TI  - Effect of cooking temperature on the percentage colour formation, nitrite
      decomposition and sarcoplasmic protein denaturation in processed meat products.
AB  - The effect of cooking temperature and time on the percentage colour formation,
      nitrite decomposition and denaturation of sarcoplasmic proteins in processed meat
      products was investigated in detail. The colour forming percentage increased with
      a rise in temperature of heating, especially at 50-60 degrees C (P < 0.05). The
      percentage nitrite decomposition was promoted by the retention time of cooking
      rather than by the cooking temperature (P < 0.05). The percentage of sarcoplasmic
      proteins denatured was enhanced by heating temperature in the range 50-80 degrees
      C (especially at 50-60 degrees C) (P < 0.05). The relationship between the
      percentage colour formation and the percentage of sarcoplasmic proteins denatured
      is discussed. The SDS-PAGE patterns of the heat-treated samples revealed the
      components of the sarcoplasmic proteins which had been denatured.

PMID- 22061652
TI  - Acceptability of low-fat frankfurters as influenced by the feeding of elevated
      levels of monounsaturated fats to growing-finishing swine.
AB  - The effects of high levels of oleic acid in the diet on the physical, chemical
      and sensory traits of frankfurters were examined. Frankfurters were formulated at
      three fat levels (10, 20 and 25%) from pork trimmings from each dietary
      treatment. The control frankfurters were the most springy, firm, flavorful and
      palatable and had the most intense flavor (P < 0.05). However, low-fat
      frankfurters produced from the high-oleate treatments were comparable to the
      control in all sensory characteristics (P > 0.05). The 10 and 25% fat
      frankfurters were rated highest and lowest, respectively, for juiciness,
      springiness, firmness, flavor, flavor intensity and overall palatability (P <
      0.05). Sensory panelists detected off-flavors in the 25% fat frankfurters more
      frequently than in the 10% fat frankfurters (P < 0.05). 2-Thiobarbituric acid
      values were not affected by treatment and were acceptable after storage at 2
      degrees C for 24 weeks (P < 0.05).

PMID- 22061653
TI  - Eating quality of meat from pigs given the beta-adrenergic agonist salbutamol.
AB  - Meat from pigs given the beta-adrenergic agonist Salbutamol was assessed by a
      trained taste panel. Overall, there were no significant effects of Salbutamol on
      panel scores for pork flavour, foreign flavour or overall acceptability. Although
      the differences were also not significant, meat from treated pigs was rated
      slightly tougher (P = 0.10) but more juicy (P = 0.14) than that from untreated
      animals. This concurred with higher instrumental values for toughness although
      the correlation between taste panel and instrumental texture measurements was low
      (r = 0.36, P < 0.001).

PMID- 22061654
TI  - An objective measure of muscularity: Changes with animal growth and differences
      between Genetic lines of southdown sheep.
AB  - A measure of muscularity, based on objective measurements, and expressed in terms
      of muscle depth relative to skeletal dimensions, is proposed and investigated
      using a simulation model. Average muscle depth is assessed as the square root of
      the muscle weight per unit length of a bone adjacent to the muscle. Muscularity
      is then defined as average muscle depth divided by bone length. Evidence based on
      a theoretical model, results from the literature and data from backfat selection
      lines of Southdown sheep is used to illustrate how muscularity defined in this
      way changes with growth, and the extent to which it parallels changes in muscle
      to bone ratio. It is concluded that although these two characteristics often
      change together there are situations where differences in muscularity are not
      accompanied by differences in muscle to bone ratio and vice versa.

PMID- 22061659
TI  - Enzyme-assistant extraction (EAE) of bioactive components: a useful approach for
      recovery of industrially important metabolites from seaweeds: a review.
AB  - Over the years, the biological activities of seaweeds could have gained a
      considerable research interest because of their specific functional compounds,
      which may not be available in land plants. Thus, efforts at discovery of novel
      metabolites from seaweeds over the past years have yielded a considerable amount
      of new active compounds. In addition, studies about the extraction of active
      compounds from natural products have attracted special attention in the last
      recent years. Potent biologically active compounds of seaweeds have been
      demonstrated to play a significant role in prevention of certain degenerative
      diseases such as cancer, inflammation, arthritis, diabetes and hypertension.
      Therefore, seaweed derived active components, whose immense biochemical diversity
      looks like to become a rich source of novel chemical entities for the use as
      functional ingredients in many industrial applications such as functional foods,
      pharmaceuticals and cosmeceuticals. Thus, the interest in the extraction of
      active compounds from seaweeds is obvious. However, the physical and chemical
      barriers of the plant material become the key drawbacks of such extraction
      process. Therefore, enhanced release and recovery of active compounds attached to
      the cells have been addressed. Taken together, the aim of this communication is
      to discuss the potential use of enzyme treatment as a tool to improve the
      extraction efficiency of bioactive compounds from seaweeds.

PMID- 22061660
TI  - Ginsenoside Rd stimulates the differentiation and mineralization of osteoblastic
      MC3T3-E1 cells by activating AMP-activated protein kinase via the BMP-2 signaling
      pathway.
AB  - As part of our search for biologically active anti-osteoporotic agents that
      enhance the differentiation and mineralization of osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells, we
      identified the ginsenoside Rd as the most active compound among ginsenosides. In
      this study, we showed that Rd stimulates osteoblastic differentiation and
      mineralization, manifested by the up-regulation of differentiation markers
      (alkaline phosphatase and osteogenic genes) and von Kossa/Alizarin Red staining,
      respectively. Rd induces the mRNA expression of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP
      2) and the secretion of the corresponding protein into media in a concentration
      dependent manner. The mRNA expression and enzyme activity of alkaline phosphatase
      (ALP) were suppressed when MC3T3-E1 cells were exposed to noggin, a BMP-2
      antagonist. The level of phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (pAMPK)
      protein was also up-regulated by Rd in a time- and concentration-dependent
      manner. Rd-induced ALP activity, mineralization, and BMP-2 production were all
      inhibited by either Ara-A (AMPK inhibitor) or siRNA targeting AMPK. In addition,
      we investigated whether Rd-induced BMP-2 transduces signals through the Smad
      signaling pathways. Rd induced a significant level of phosphorylation of Smad1/5,
      and this effect was blocked when the cells were transfected with siRNA targeting
      Smad4, indicating that Smad1/5 must form complex with Smad4 to translocate into
      the nucleus and regulate the transcription of osteogenic genes. In summary, these
      results indicate that Rd induces the differentiation and mineralization of MC3T3
      E1 cells through the activation of the AMPK/BMP-2/Smad signaling pathways. These
      findings provide a molecular basis for the osteogenic effect of Rd in MC3T3-E1
      cells.

PMID- 22061661
TI  - A new 9-nor-atractylodin from Atractylodes lancea and the antibacterial activity
      of the atractylodin derivatives.
AB  - A new compound, namely, 9-nor-atractylodin (1) and one known atractylodin (2)
      were isolated from the rhizomes of Atractylodes lancea. The structural
      modifications of atractylodin were carried out and a series of atractylodin
      derivatives (3-10) were obtained. The antibacterial activities of 1-10 were
      examined against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis and
      Candida albicans. Compounds 4 and 8, which contained the alpha, beta-unsaturated
      carbonyl fragment, were found to be active against E. coli and S. aureus.

PMID- 22061662
TI  - Polyketides with antimicrobial activity from the solid culture of an endolichenic
      fungus Ulocladium sp.
AB  - Two new polyketides, 7-hydroxy-3, 5-dimethyl-isochromen-1-one (1) and 6-hydroxy-8
      methoxy-3a-methyl-3a,9b-dihydro-3H-furo[3,2-c]isochromene-2,5-dione (2), along
      with eleven known compounds, 5'-methoxy-6-methyl-biphenyl-3,4,3'-triol (3), 7
      hydroxy-3-(2-hydroxy-propyl)-5-methyl-isochromen-1-one (4), rubralactone (5),
      isoaltenuene (6), altenuene (7), dihydroaltenuenes A (8), altenusin (9),
      alterlactone (10), 6-O-methylnorlichexanthone (11), norlichexanthone (12), and
      griseoxanthone C (13) were isolated from the culture of the endolichenic fungus
      Ulocladium sp. Compound 2 was obtained as a racemate with an unprecedented
      chemical skeleton. The NMR data assignments for 3 and 4 were achieved for the
      first time. Compounds 1-13 were screened for their antimicrobial and radical
      scavenging activities. Compound 1 showed some antifungal activity against Candida
      albicans SC 5314 with IC(50) of 97.93 +/- 1.12 MUM. Compounds 11-13 showed strong
      activity against Bacillus subtilis with IC(50) in the range of 1-5 MUM. Compound
      12 significantly inhibited the growth of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus
      aureus with IC(50) of 20.95 +/- 1.56 MUM. Compounds 9 and 10 showed strong
      radical scavenging activity in comparison with vitamin C. The plausible
      biosynthetic pathways for compounds 1, 2, and 4-8 were discussed.

PMID- 22061663
TI  - Proteomics advances in the last decade: What is next?

PMID- 22061664
TI  - A comparison of subcutaneous adipose tissue proteomes in juvenile piglets with a
      contrasted adiposity underscored similarities with human obesity.
AB  - Subcutaneous fat tissues from an indigenous fat-type breed and an intensively
      lean selected breed were studied in juvenile pigs. Combining DIGE with
      bioinformatics and target analyses of key genes, enzymes or terminal routes, this
      study identifies metabolic and homeostatic processes, response to organic
      substances, and acute-phase responses as the main pathways whose proteins were
      regulated in association with adiposity. Breed-related differences in abundance
      and activities of malic enzyme and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase NADPH
      supplying enzymes suggested up-regulation of the lipogenic pathway to dispose for
      a greater adiposity. Over-abundance in the lipolytic protein carboxylesterase-1
      was revealed in fat-type piglets. A panel of pro- and anti-inflammatory proteins
      such as serpins, had an altered abundance in the fat-type piglets, suggesting
      adverse consequences of fat accumulation even in early post-weaning stages.
      Propensity to low-grade inflammation in fat pigs was reinforced by the up
      regulation of genes encoding pro-inflammatory cytokines IL6 and TNF-alpha in
      these piglets. Differential abundance in annexin-A5 and pericentrin suggested a
      positive regulation of cell apoptosis in lean piglets. Our results are relevant
      in the context of data linking the accretion of body lipids to the physiology and
      pathology of adipose tissue in models other than rodents for a better control of
      human health and nutrition.

PMID- 22061665
TI  - Cell surface hydrophobicity and attachment of pathogenic and spoilage bacteria to
      meat surfaces.
AB  - Cell surface hydrophobicity of several pathogenic and spoilage bacteria was
      determined by hydrocarbon adherence, adhesion to nitrocellulose filter, salt
      aggregation and adherence to phenyl-sepharose beads. Hydrophobicity of each
      bacterium was dependent on the method of measurement. Hydrophobicity was compared
      with the strength of attachment (Sr) of the bacteria to beef muscle surfaces.
      Bacterial cell surface hydrophobicity, as determined by the bacterial adherence
      to xylene correlated well with attachment strength (r = 0.800, P < 0.05).
      Staphylococcus aureus, Clostridium perfringens and Yersinia enterocolitica showed
      the highest values of attachment strength.

PMID- 22061666
TI  - Chilled storage life of hot-boned, pre-rigor, salted minced beef.
AB  - Pre-rigor beef mince with 2% added salt was stored under CO(2) at -1.5  degrees C
      (A). The same mince with 100 ppm sodium nitrite was stored under CO(2) at 5 
      degrees C (B) and -1.5  degrees C (C), and under vacuum at -1.5  degrees C (D).
      Microbiological and sensory analyses were carried out for up to 21 weeks.
      Indicative storage life was taken as the time for microbial numbers to reach
      10(7) colony forming units per g. Mince stored under regimes B or D attained
      these numbers by 6 and 14 weeks, respectively; mince stored under regimes A and C
      had not attained these numbers by the end of the storage trial. Mince stored at 5
      degrees C developed storage flavours of sufficient intensity to be detectable by
      consumers by 9 weeks storage. In general, the other minces did not develop
      unacceptable levels of storage or off flavours. Over 90% of the added sodium
      nitrite had disappeared after 10 weeks of storage, partly through conversion to
      sodium nitrate. Mince pH was not affected by the storage conditions and remained
      at about 6.0. The water holding capacity of the pre-rigor mince deteriorated
      during prolonged storage.

PMID- 22061667
TI  - Differences in composition, muscularity, muscle:bone ratio and cut dimensions
      between six lamb genotypes.
AB  - Carcass measurements and composition data were obtained for 198 lambs
      representing two sexes (104 cryptorchids, 94 ewes). Dorsal images of 166 of the
      carcasses were obtained on the slaughter chain using a video camera. The lambs
      were sired by a selection of Poll Dorset (PD), Texel (T), Border Leicester (BL)
      and Merino (M) rams, born to Border Leicester * Merino (BLM) and Merino (M) ewes
      giving 6 genotypes (PD * BLM, T * BLM, PD * M, T * M, BL * M, M * M). From the
      right hindleg and chump, the following muscles were dissected and weighed:
      semimembranosus, adductor femoris, semitendinosus, biceps femoris, and quadriceps
      femoris. The femur was weighed, the length measured and a muscularity value
      calculated as described by Purchas, et al. (1991, Meat Sci., 30, 181). Merino
      cryptorchid lambs were significantly (P < 0.05) leaner, as measured by GR tissue
      depth (for explanation, see MATERIALS AND METHODS) adjusted to a mean carcass
      weight of 24.2 kg, than BL * M lambs, but there was no difference between
      genotypes within the ewe group (mean carcass weight of 17.1 kg). Genotype
      differences were found for conformation using the EUROP scoring system. Merino
      lambs had a greater proportion (P < 0.001) of poorer scores, particularly
      compared to PD * BLM and T * BLM carcasses. The BL * M carcasses had a
      significantly (P < 0.05) smaller m. longissimus thoracis et lumborum area than
      other genotypes with no difference between carcasses of T and PD sires.
      Muscularity values for the BL * M and M lambs were significantly (P < 0.05) lower
      than the other crosses but not different from each other. Carcasses from T sires
      had significantly (P < 0.05) higher muscularity values than those from PD sires.
      A negative association (r = -0.56) was found between EUROP scores and muscularity
      when carcass differences were adjusted for, but significant differences between
      genotypes for muscularity were not necessarily carried through to differences in
      EUROP conformation score. BL * M carcasses had the lowest muscle:bone ratio and T
      * M the highest with M carcasses having similar ratios to carcasses from PD-sired
      lambs. Only small differences were found between genotypes for composition of the
      hindleg, the exception being BL * M carcasses of both sexes which were
      significantly (P < 0.05) fatter than T * BLM, T * M and PD * M carcasses.
      Carcasses from T sires had significantly (P < 0.05) more muscle in the hindleg
      than carcasses from PD sires, with the differences being greater in the heavier
      cryptorchids (1.8%) than the ewes (1.1%). There was no consistent effect of
      genotype on the cross-sectional areas of the round and topside cuts within either
      sex. Differences between genotypes for the proportion of the carcass attributed
      to the round were small and only for BL * M ewe carcasses was this cut
      significantly lighter (P < 0.05) than from all other genotypes, except the PD *
      BLM carcasses. This trend was similar for the topside and silverside cuts. A
      moderate correlation (r = 0.46; P < 0.001) was found between muscularity values
      determined by dissection and those predicted using the equations of Hopkins et
      al. (1996, Proc. Aust. Soc. Anim. Prod., 21, 181) based on carcass width
      measurements taken from video images.

PMID- 22061668
TI  - Proteasome from rabbit skeletal muscle: Some properties and effects on muscle
      proteins.
AB  - Rabbit proteasome, likely to be a 20S proteasome, was purified and its properties
      were investigated to clarify its contribution to proteolysis during meat
      conditioning. The purified enzyme migrated as a single band on non-denaturing
      polyacrylamide gel and dissociated to a number of subunits (20000-29000 Da) under
      denaturing conditions. The molecular mass of this enzyme was found to be 580 000
      800 000 Da by Sephacryl S-300 column chromatography. The isoelectric point of
      this enzyme was 5.5. The optimum pH for hydrolysis of succinyl-Leu-Leu-Val-Tyr-(4
      methylcoumaryl-7-amide) (Suc-LLVY-MCA) was 8. This enzyme was almost stable in
      the range of pH 5-9 and up to 60  degrees C at pH 7.2. The enzyme activity was
      inhibited by diisopropyl fluorophosphate (DFP) and chymostatin, but was not
      affected by EDTA, leupeptin, E-64, bestatin, monoiodoacetic acid or pepstatin.
      The enzyme was activated about 8-fold by 0.01% sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS), but
      was not by ATP or CaCl(2). Remarkably, SDS increased the V(max) value of the
      enzyme. Rabbit proteasome was shown to degrade myosin heavy chain, alpha-actinin,
      actin, tropomyosin, troponins and myosin light chains in the presence of SDS. In
      the absence of SDS, no change in myofibrillar proteins was observed. This enzyme
      did not degrade any sarcoplasmic proteins regardless of the presence of SDS.

PMID- 22061669
TI  - Effect of pH at time of salting on the functional properties of pre-rigor beef.
AB  - The functional properties of thawed pre-rigor beef that had been minced and
      salted or not salted when its pH value reached 6.8, 6.6, 6.4, 6.2 and 6.0, then
      immediately frozen, were determined. The mince samples were used to manufacture a
      finely comminuted sausage batter. Presalting before frozen storage resulted in
      higher (p < 0.05) thawed mince pH, and batter cook yield and shear strain, and
      lower (p < 0.05) mince salt soluble proteins, thaw drip and Hunter L(*) and b(*)
      values and batter shear stress than unsalted controls. The pre-rigor pH at time
      of salting/mincing affected (p < 0.05) thaw drip (unsalted mince only), Hunter
      L(*) and b(*) values and shear stress. Shear stress tended to increase (p < 0.01)
      and Hunter L(*) (p < 0.05) and b(*) (p < 0.01) values tended to decrease with
      fall in pre-rigor salting pH. No interaction (p > 0.05) between salting and pre
      rigor pH at time of salting was observed.

PMID- 22061670
TI  - Assessment of the role of meat cut on the Fe, Zn, Cu, Ca and Mg content and their
      in vitro availability in homogenised weaning foods.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to compare the Fe, Zn, Cu, Ca and Mg contents
      and their in vitro availability in three meat-based weaning foods as a function
      of the meat cuts used in their formulation. The three meat cuts were yearling cow
      flank (YCF), mature cow flank(MCF) and mature cow mixed (MCM) cuts. The highest
      level of Fe (1.14 +/- 0.31 mg/100 g) was obtained in MCM weaning food, whereas
      the highest content of Zn (0.96 +/- 0.05 mg/100 g) was detected in YCF weaning
      food, depending significantly on the meat cut used (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001,
      respectively). Cu, Ca and Mg contents were similar in the three weaning foods
      analysed. Amounts of dialysed minerals were higher in flankbased weaning foods
      YCF and MCF, with the exception of Ca which was higher in MCM. In addition, it is
      important to emphasise the high percentage of available Fe observed in MCF
      weaning food (8.57%) compared with the other two, 6.37% for YCF and 4.90% for
      MCM.

PMID- 22061671
TI  - Simultaneous detection of a sex-specific sequence and the Ryr1 point mutation in
      porcine genomic DNA.
AB  - The advantages are becoming increasingly apparent of designing livestock breeding
      programmes around the detection of specific sequences in genomic DNA using
      amplification by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Furthermore, by subjecting
      the products of such reactions to restriction enzyme digestion, important
      information conveyed by single-base substitutions can be retrieved and used in
      marker-assisted selection. The potential for the rapid diagnosis of several DNA
      markers simultaneously would seem to offer particular benefits in the field of in
      vitro fertilisation and embryo transfer, where only a few cells constitute the
      source of the DNA, and where keeping the duration of the tests to a minimum is
      imperative. However, where the markers to be detected fall into different
      categories, different kinds of amplification reactions may need to be combined.
      The present study with porcine DNA combines a one-step multiplex PCR test for sex
      determination with a specialised PCR reaction designed to diagnose the Ryrl or
      'halothane' genotype. A total of seven primers have been utilised to amplify by,
      firstly, a control sequence related to the Zfx/y genes present in both sexes,
      secondly to amplify a Y chromosome sex-specific sequence related to the Sry gene
      and lastly, to detect either allele of the Ryr1 mutation associated with porcine
      stress syndrome and pale, soft exudative meat. The presence of PCR products of
      characteristic size on agarose gel electrophoresis gives a visual read-out of
      animal sex and halothane genotype. Although primarily a model system, the test
      may have direct applications in the context of embryo transfer, sperm separation
      technology and also in the characterisation of pork samples undergoing sensory
      evaluation by meat scientists.

PMID- 22061672
TI  - Effects of dietary alpha-tocopheryl acetate supplementation on alpha-tocopherol
      deposition in porcine m. psoas major and m. longissimus dorsi and on drip loss,
      colour stability and oxidative stability of pork meat.
AB  - The effect of feeding supra-nutritional levels of alpha-tocopheryl acetate on its
      deposition in two porcine muscles of different metabolic rates (m. longissimus
      dorsi and m. psoas major) and the effect on meat quality (lipid oxidation, colour
      stability and drip loss) was studied. Pigs were fed a standard diet supplemented
      with three levels: 100, 200 and 700 mg/kg of alpha-tocopheryl acetate from the
      time of weaning to slaughter at 90kg live weight. Muscle alpha-tocopherol levels
      were linearly related to the logarithm of dietary alpha-tocopheryl acetate
      supplementation and the linear relationship was estimated for the two muscles.
      The levels of alpha-tocopherol in the two muscles differed by a parallel
      displacement with consistently higher alpha-tocopherol levels in m. psoas major
      compared to m. longissimus dorsi. Dietary alpha-tocopheryl acetate
      supplementation significantly reduced lipid oxidation as measured by
      thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in both raw and cooked meat
      during storage at 4  degrees C for 6 days. Drip loss and colour stability of raw
      muscles were not affected by dietary alpha-tocopheryl acetate levels, 100mg alpha
      tocopheryl acetate/ kg feed resulted in sufficient alpha-tocopherol levels in
      muscles to ensure minimum drip loss and optimum colour stability.

PMID- 22061673
TI  - Responses of two genotypes of chicken to the diets and stocking densities typical
      of UK and 'Label Rouge' production systems: I. Performance, behaviour and carcass
      composition.
AB  - 'Label Rouge' (LR) chickens are reputed to possess improved sensory
      characteristics compared with birds reared under intensive conditions. The
      effects on body weight, food utilisation, behaviour and carcass composition, of
      genotype (Ross I vs ISA '657'), diet (conventional UK broiler vs LR) and stocking
      density (17.0 birds m(-2),vs 4.25 birds m(-2)) were evaluated in a 2 * 2 * 2
      experiment. ISA birds were grown to 83 days, and compared with Ross birds grown
      to 48 days; additionally ad libitum and control-fed Ross birds were grown to 83
      days. Performance and behaviour parameters were assessed empirically. The effects
      on carcass composition were evaluated using standardised carcass dissection
      techniques and analysed by analysis of variance. ISA birds grown under LR
      conditions to 83 days had similar body weights to Ross birds grown under UK
      broiler conditions to 48 days, but LR birds consumed more food, and converted
      food into meat less efficiently. LR birds had no mortality, whilst UK broiler
      mortality was 11.3%. Under similar conditions, Ross birds had a faster body
      weight gain, a larger food intake, but more efficient food conversion ratio and
      higher incidence of mortality. Birds stocked 17.0 m(-2) had lower body weights,
      consumed less food and, when fed UK diets, converted food less efficiently than
      birds stocked 4.25 m(-2). Both genotypes had a faster growth rate on UK diets,
      similar food intakes, and, as a result, better food conversion than birds given
      LR diets. LR and UK broiler birds had similar carcass component weights, breast
      meat yields, and total meat yield, but LR birds had less meat on the frame,
      larger drumsticks and more meat on the wings. Under similar conditions, ISA birds
      had a larger percentage of wing and total bone, but a smaller percentage of
      breast meat and total meat yields. When Ross birds had controlled growth, total
      meat, bone and skin yields were similar to those of ISA birds. Birds stocked 4.25
      m(-2) had more breast meat and larger frames than, but similar meat, bone and
      skin yields to, birds stocked 17.0 m(-2). Most carcass components were heavier in
      birds fed UK broiler diets, but, on a percentage basis, these birds had larger
      thighs, but smaller drumsticks.

PMID- 22061674
TI  - The effects of Ca ions, EGTA and storage time on myofibrillar protein
      degradation, levels of Ca(2+)-dependent proteases and cathepsins B, H, L and D of
      ostrich skeletal muscle.
AB  - The effect of Ca ions and ethylene glycol-bis(beta-aminoethyl ether)-N,N,N',N'
      tetraacetic acid (EGTA) on myofibrillar protein degradation showed that when
      ostrich iliotibialis lateralis muscle was incubated with 10 mM EGTA at 2-4 
      degrees C for 24 hr, the activity of extracted cathepsin H was unchanged compared
      with a buffer-incubated sample. Ca(++) had no effect on extracted cathepsin H
      activity, while that of Ca(2+)-dependent protease (CDP) decreased significantly
      (p < 0.05). Ca(2+)-treatment enhanced post-mortem changes observed in
      myofibrillar protein patterns (production of fragments around 30 K) that were not
      observed in EGTA-incubated myofibrils. The effect of storage time on shear force,
      CDP activity, cathepsin B, D, H and L activities and the SDS-PAGE pattern of
      myofibrils showed a time-dependent reduction in CDP activity. Of the cathepsins
      studied only cathepsin H showed a reduction (40%) in activity. The most prominent
      component appearing on storage at 2-4  degrees C had a M(r) of 27 K. The
      incubation of myofibrils with CDP mimicked the post-mortem changes. CDP may be
      responsible for some of the post-mortem changes observed, although shear force
      measurements suggest these changes do not lead to significant tenderisation.

PMID- 22061675
TI  - Improving the flavor of calcium chloride and lactic acid injected mature beef top
      round steaks.
AB  - The effect of added commercial beef flavoring on the physical and sensory
      characteristics of CaCl(2) and lactic acid injected cow meat was investigated. A
      10% injection of 0.3 M CaCl(2) and 0.3 M lactic acid into hot-boned top rounds
      (m. semimembranosus) decreased shear forces over traditional top round steaks.
      The addition of commercial beef flavoring (4% solution) to the CaCl(2) and lactic
      acid injection did not alter the resulting pH, cook loss or total aerobic plate
      count (APC) of injected steaks. However, beef flavoring did increase the
      beef/brothy and oniony aromatics and salt taste, and decreased the soured and
      medicinal aromatics and bitter tastes of hot-boned, CaCl(2) and lactic acid
      injected top round steaks.

PMID- 22061676
TI  - Colour parameters of Turkish-type fermented sausage during fermentation and
      ripening.
AB  - Colour parameters of Turkish-type fermented sausage during fermentation and
      ripening were evaluated. CIE x y, L(*) a(*) b(*), C(*) h degrees , pigment
      nitrosation (NI) and pigment discoloration (RSI) were measured. Sausage
      processing had four stages consisting of first and second fermentation steps and
      then two consecutive ripening steps. Variations of colour parameters with
      processing indicated that Turkish-type fermented sausage processing might be
      divided into two well defined phases from the colour point of view. Optimum
      colour was obtained at the end of the first ripening step.

PMID- 22061677
TI  - Characteristics of chicken-seal salami.
AB  - Mechanically separated seal meat (MSSM) at 10% (SM-10) and 20% (SM-20) or seal
      protein hydrolysate (SPH) at 1% (SPH-1) and 2% (SPH-2) prepared from MSSM were
      used to replace mechanically separated chicken meat (MSCM) in salami
      formulations. Cured products containing 10 or 20% MSSM had a deeper red colour
      than those of the controls as noted by Hunter L and a values. Samples containing
      20% MSSM had a softer texture as determined by sensory and Kramer shear
      compression test studies, which was supported by scanning electron micrographs.
      All samples were equally acceptable as determined by sensory evaluation, except
      for SM-20 salamis which were less favoured.

PMID- 22061678
TI  - Review: The evolving placenta: different developmental paths to a hemochorial
      relationship.
AB  - The way in which maternal blood is associated with trophoblast prior to the
      formation of the different types of hemochorial placenta may be conveniently
      grouped into four main patterns: a transitory endotheliochorial condition;
      maternal blood released into a mass of trophoblast; maternal blood confined to
      lacunae; and fetal villi entering preexisting maternal blood sinuses. Although it
      might be considered logical that developing placentas would pass through an
      endotheliochorial stage to become hemochorial, this developmental pattern is seen
      only as a transient stage in several species of bats and sciuromorph rodents.
      More commonly a mass of trophoblast at the junction with the endometrium serves
      as a meshwork through which maternal blood passes, with subsequent organization
      of a labyrinth when the fetal vascular component is organized. The initial
      trophoblast meshwork may be cellular or syncytial, often leading to a similar
      relationship in the spongy zone and labyrinth. Old World monkeys, apes and humans
      have a lacunar stage prior to establishing a villous hemochorial condition. New
      World monkeys lack a true lacunar stage, retaining portions of maternal vessels
      for some time and initially forming a trabecular arrangement similar to though
      differently arrived at than that in the tarsier. In armadillos, preexisting
      maternal venous sinuses are converted into an intervillous blood space by
      intruding fetal villi. Variations from the major patterns of development also
      occur. The way in which the definitive placental form is achieved developmentally
      should be considered when using placental structure to extrapolate evolution of
      placentation.

PMID- 22061679
TI  - High-profile CPR: embrace the superiority of mechanical resuscitation.

PMID- 22061680
TI  - No comment: silence may be your worst enemy with the media.

PMID- 22061681
TI  - Bring a sling: humble Hoyer deserves an EMS look.

PMID- 22061682
TI  - Mechanical matters: consistent chest compressions help save patient.

PMID- 22061683
TI  - Most dangerous job: study raises awareness about the many hazards of EMS.

PMID- 22061684
TI  - International exchange: virtual association creates worldwide forum for EMS
      dialogue.

PMID- 22061685
TI  - Distinguishing diabetes: differentiate between type 1 & type 2 DM.

PMID- 22061686
TI  - Carbamazepine potentiates morphine analgesia on postoperative pain in morphine
      dependent rats.
AB  - Postoperative pain and its control remain one of the most important issues in the
      field of surgery and health care systems. Morphine is a potent and effective
      analgesic, but substance abuse patients can manifest cross-tolerance to it,
      making it difficult to satisfy their analgesic/anesthetic requirements. As
      carbamazepine has shown antinociceptive properties in a variety of experimental
      and clinical settings, in the present study, we evaluated its potential
      antiallodynic effects on postoperative pain in naive and morphine-dependent rats.
      Male rats were assigned to morphine-dependent and naive groups and received
      intraperitoneally drug vehicles as control group, 3mg/kg morphine, 5, 10 or 15
      mg/kg carbamazepine or 5mg/kg carbamazepine plus 3mg/kg morphine as a combination
      therapy 2 and 24h after surgery. Morphine-dependency was induced with multiple
      doses of morphine administered i.p. and plantar incision was made on the hind paw
      to simulate the postoperative pain. Paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) was obtained
      by von Frey filaments every 30 min after drug injection for up to 180 min.
      Morphine at 3mg/kg exerted antiallodynic effects in naive rats and a decreased
      antinociception was observed in morphine-dependent rats. In contrast, 5mg/kg
      carbamazepine did not significantly alter PWT in naives but it was effective in
      dependent rats. 10 and 15 mg/kg carbamazepine attenuated allodynia following
      surgery in both groups. Co-administration of 5mg/kg carbamazepine with 3mg/kg
      morphine produced higher analgesia in morphine-dependent incised rats and
      prolonged antinociception as compared to morphine alone (P<0.05). Thus
      carbamazepine may potentiate the analgesic effect of chronically administered
      morphine on postoperative pain model in morphine-dependent rats.

PMID- 22061687
TI  - The antinociceptive effect of intrathecal escin in the rat formalin test.
AB  - This study investigated the antinociceptive effect of intrathecal escin and
      examined its effect on the formalin-induced activation of c-Fos and
      phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p-p38 MAPK) in the rat
      spinal cord. Rats were chronically implanted with lumbar intrathecal catheters,
      and the ability of intrathecal escin to alter nociceptive behaviours in the rat
      formalin test was examined. The expression of c-Fos and p-p38 MAPK in the dorsal
      horn of the spinal cord was detected in the control and escin (40MUg) groups
      using immunohistochemical techniques. Intrathecal escin produced a dose-dependent
      reduction in formalin-evoked flinching behaviour in rats during the second phase;
      however, no effect was observed in the first phase. In addition,
      immunohistochemical experiments showed that the expression of c-Fos and p-p38
      MAPK in the spinal cord dorsal horn increased after an injection of formalin into
      the paw. Interestingly, the 40MUg dose of intrathecal escin, which was the larger
      of the two doses that blocked formalin-induced hyperalgaesia, attenuated the
      formalin-induced increases in c-Fos and p-p38 MAPK in the dorsal horn of the
      spinal cord. The decrease in pain-related behaviours and c-Fos expression
      indicated that escin produced antinociceptive effects in the rat formalin test.
      Although the specific mechanisms of these effects were not investigated, the
      reduction in p-p38 MAPK in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord may be involved.

PMID- 22061688
TI  - From origami to software development: a review of studies on judgment-based
      predictions of performance time.
AB  - This article provides an integrative review of the literature on judgment-based
      predictions of performance time, often described as task duration predictions in
      psychology and as expert-based effort estimation in engineering and management
      science. We summarize results on the characteristics of performance time
      predictions, processes and strategies, the influence of task characteristics and
      contextual factors, and the relations between estimates and characteristics of
      the estimator. Although dependent on the type of study and the level of analysis,
      underestimation was more frequently reported than overestimation in studies from
      the engineering and management literature. However, this was not the case in
      studies from the psychology literature. Our summaries challenge earlier results
      regarding the effects of factors such as complexity/difficulty and experience. We
      also question the recurrent finding that small tasks are overestimated and large
      tasks are underestimated, as this to some extent can be a statistical artifact
      caused by random error. Several other influences on predictions are identified
      and discussed. These include various types of anchoring effects, performance and
      accuracy incentives, task decomposition, request formats, group estimation,
      revisions of initial ideal or incomplete estimates, level of abstraction, and
      superficial cues. We summarize similarities and differences between performance
      time predictions (e.g., number of work hours) and completion time predictions
      (e.g., delivery dates) because many studies fail to distinguish between these 2
      types of predictions. Finally, we discuss methodological issues in time
      prediction research and implications for research and application.

PMID- 22061689
TI  - The own-age bias in face recognition: a meta-analytic and theoretical review.
AB  - A large number of studies have examined the finding that recognition memory for
      faces of one's own age group is often superior to memory for faces of another age
      group. We examined this own-age bias (OAB) in the meta-analyses reported. These
      data showed that hits were reliably greater for same-age relative to other-age
      faces (g = 0.23) and that false alarms were reliably less likely for same-age
      compared with other-age faces (g = -0.23). Further meta-analyses of measures of
      signal detection demonstrated that, although no difference in response criterion
      was evident (g = -0.01), discriminability was reliably better for same-age
      compared with other-age faces (g = 0.37). As well, children, younger adults, and
      older adults exhibited superior discriminability for same-age compared with other
      age age faces. Thus, the OAB appears to be a robust effect that influences the
      accuracy of face recognition. Theoretical accounts of the OAB have generally
      suggested that it reflects more extensive, recent experiences with one's own age
      group relative to other-age groups. Additional analyses were supportive of this
      account as the OAB was present even for groups (e.g., older adults) that had
      prior experiences as members of another age group. However, the most
      comprehensive account of the OAB will also likely invoke mechanisms suggested by
      social-cognitive theories.

PMID- 22061690
TI  - Dyadic interracial interactions: a meta-analysis.
AB  - This meta-analysis examined over 40 years of research on interracial interactions
      by exploring 4 types of outcomes: explicit attitudes toward interaction partners,
      participants' self-reports of their own emotional state, nonverbal or observed
      behavior, and objective measures of performance. Data were collected from 108
      samples (N = 12,463) comparing dyadic interracial and same-race interactions,
      predominantly featuring Black and White Americans. Effect sizes were small:
      Participants in same-race dyads tended to express marginally more positive
      attitudes about their partners (r = .07), reported feeling less negative affect
      (r = .10), showed more friendly nonverbal behavior (r = .09), and scored higher
      on performance measures (r = .07) than those in interracial dyads. Effect sizes
      also showed substantial heterogeneity, and further analyses indicated that
      intersectional, contextual, and relational factors moderated these outcomes. For
      example, when members of a dyad were the same sex, differences between
      interracial and same-race dyads in negative affect were reduced. Structured
      interactions led to more egalitarian performance outcomes than did free-form
      interactions, but the effects of interaction structure on nonverbal behavior
      depended on participant gender. Furthermore, benefits of intergroup contact were
      apparent: Differences in emotional state across dyadic racial composition
      disappeared in longer term interactions, and racial minorities, who often have
      greater experience with intergroup contact, experienced less negative affect in
      interracial interactions than did majority group members. Finally, there was a
      significant historical trend toward more egalitarian outcomes across dyadic
      racial composition for explicit attitudes and for nonverbal behavior; however,
      participants' emotional responses and performance have remained consistent.

PMID- 22061691
TI  - Integrating the study of conformity and culture in humans and nonhuman animals.
AB  - Conformity--defined here by the fact that an individual displays a particular
      behavior because it is the most frequent the individual witnessed in others--has
      long been recognized by social psychologists as one of the main categories of
      social influence. Surprisingly, it is only recently that conformity has become an
      active topic in animal and comparative biology. As in any new and rapidly growing
      field, however, definitions, hypotheses, and protocols are diverse, not easy to
      organize in a coherent way, and sometimes seriously in conflict with one another.
      Here we pursue greater coherence by reviewing the newer literature on conformity
      in behavioral ecology and evolutionary biology in light of the foundational work
      in social psychology. We suggest that the knowledge accumulated in social
      psychology can be exploited by behavioral ecologists and evolutionary biologists
      to bring conceptual clarity to the field, avoid some experimental pitfalls, and
      help design new and challenging experiments. In particular, we propose that the
      notions of informational and normative conformity that, until now, have been
      little recognized in recent literature can resolve some important controversies.
      In turn, research on animal culture should be of great interest to social
      scientists, because understanding human culture and human uniqueness requires an
      evolutionary analysis of our cognitive capacities and their evolutionary origins.
      Our review suggests excellent opportunities for social and natural scientists to
      join forces in building an interdisciplinary and integrative approach to the
      pervasive phenomenon of conformity.

PMID- 22061692
TI  - On the adequacy of current empirical evaluations of formal models of
      categorization.
AB  - Categorization is one of the fundamental building blocks of cognition, and the
      study of categorization is notable for the extent to which formal modeling has
      been a central and influential component of research. However, the field has seen
      a proliferation of noncomplementary models with little consensus on the relative
      adequacy of these accounts. Progress in assessing the relative adequacy of formal
      categorization models has, to date, been limited because (a) formal model
      comparisons are narrow in the number of models and phenomena considered and (b)
      models do not often clearly define their explanatory scope. Progress is further
      hampered by the practice of fitting models with arbitrarily variable parameters
      to each data set independently. Reviewing examples of good practice in the
      literature, we conclude that model comparisons are most fruitful when relative
      adequacy is assessed by comparing well-defined models on the basis of the number
      and proportion of irreversible, ordinal, penetrable successes (principles of
      minimal flexibility, breadth, good-enough precision, maximal simplicity, and
      psychological focus).

PMID- 22061693
TI  - Effect of fat level and storage conditions on quality characteristics of
      traditional Greek sausages.
AB  - Traditionally-processed Greek sausages were produced with three different fat
      levels (10, 20 and 30% fat). Some sausages were air dried (23-28 degrees C, 64
      76% RH) for 2h and stored at 3-7 degrees C and 65-75% RH. The rest were
      immediately stored in a ripening room at 13-15 degrees C, 85-95% RH and 0.1m(-1)s
      air velocity. Fat level affected the composition of the sausages, their weight
      loss, brine concentration, water activity, colour and sensory attributes.
      Sausages with 20% fat had the highest scores for all sensory attributes. Sausages
      with 30% fat were very light, yellow, soft and too fatty when grilled, whereas
      those with 10% fat were dark and very hard after grilling. Storage conditions
      affected the microflora, pH, weight losses and water activity, but had no effect
      on composition, colour and sensory attributes. Sausages stored in the ripening
      room had a rapid increase in lactic acid bacteria count and lower pH than those
      in cold storage. Storage of traditional sausages for up to 7 days in a ripening
      room, similar to that used for fermented sausages, is considered beneficial. (c)

PMID- 22061694
TI  - Considerations of critical microorganisms and indicator enzymes in connection
      with the pasteurization of meat products.
AB  - The first part of the work gives a general survey on critical microorganisms with
      regard to the pasteurization of meat products. Comparison of heat resistance of
      two microorganisms, under isothermal conditions, is not problematic when both
      survivor curves follow first-order or nth order inactivation kinetics provided
      that reaction orders are the same. If not so or, when survivor curves follow
      different types of inactivation kinetics, a more complex situation arises. It is
      obvious that, when z-values of the microrganisms to be compared differ
      considerably, z(A)?z(B), the order of size of their heat resistance may be
      temperature dependent. The equivalent pasteurization time (EPT) is analogous with
      the sterilizing (F) value, but the chosen reference temperature is below 100
      degrees C. In the present work, z and D values of various non-sporeforming
      microorganisms were collected from the literature, 12D values were calculated for
      60, 70 (=T(ref)) and 80 degrees C and compared with those of 'Str. faecalis-D'
      selected for basis of comparison. Results demonstrated that, depending on
      temperature, Lb. viridescens, Moraxella-Acinetobacter and some members of
      Lancefield D group of streptococci appear somewhat more heat resistant than 'Str.
      faecalis-D'. Problems of applicability of the acid phosphatase in meat as a
      potential indicator enzyme when its z-value is not identical with the z value of
      the critical ('target') microorganism, are also discussed. The EPT value of the
      entire heat processing curve, measured in the centre of the product, was
      calculated by the well known Bigelow's 'general method' and the above-mentioned
      considerations were extended to non-isothermal heating conditions.

PMID- 22061695
TI  - Lipolytic and oxidative changes in two Spanish pork loin products: dry-cured loin
      and pickled-cured loin.
AB  - Lipolytic and oxidative changes were studied in two typical meat products from
      pork loin, dry-cured loin (DCL) and pickled-cured loin (PCL). Neither product
      registered changes in the percentages of the main lipid fractions: non polar
      lipids, phospholipids and cholesterol. However, in dry cured loin an important
      decrease was recorded in the main phospholipid classes, phosphatidyl choline and
      phosphatidyl ethanolamine. Muscle lipolytic enzymes were active in both products,
      and were accompanied by a significant increase in free fatty acids, from 0.580%
      (of total lipid) in fresh loin to 5.65 in DCL and 2.95% in PCL. With respect to
      oxidative changes, the peroxide value decreased in both products, and the TBA
      number only increased in PCL.

PMID- 22061696
TI  - Changes in intramuscular lipids during ripening of Iberian dry-cured ham.
AB  - Thirty-one thighs were obtained from Iberian pigs fattened with acorns and were
      processed during 22 months in the traditional dry-curing process. Lipolysis
      affecting intramuscular fat during the processing of Iberian dry-cured ham has
      been analyzed by studying the changes of glycerides, phospholipids and free fatty
      acids in lipids from Biceps femoris muscle. Little change affected the fatty acid
      composition of glycerides during processing. A double-phased increase in the
      acidity values and a decrease in the quantity of fatty acids of phospholipids
      during the processing were observed. There seems to be a relationship between the
      extension of the lipolysis taking place during the maturing and the processing
      conditions and raw material used.

PMID- 22061697
TI  - The influence of a period of ageing on the relationship between ultimate pH and
      shear values of beef m. longissimus thoracis.
AB  - Previous studies have shown that, provided cold-shortening conditions are
      avoided, increases in ultimate pH from a normal of about 5.5 for beef M.
      longissimus thoracis (LT) are associated with increased cooked meat shear forces
      to an intermediate pHu of about 6 and then decreases in shear force with further
      increases to 7. The current study with LT samples from 156 cattle (40 steers, 116
      bulls) investigated this relationship following 1 and 20 days ageing at 1-2
      degrees C. The patterns of change in shear values with increasing pHu were
      similar for both ageing times with a peak at just under 6, but the difference
      between 20 and 1 day samples (1-20 days) varied so that the relationship between
      pHu and this difference also showed a peak at intermediate pHu values. In
      contrast to some previous studies, sarcomere length did not decrease as pHu
      increased from 5.5 to 6, indicating that it is not necessarily an important
      determinant of toughening over this pHu range. A myofibrillar fragmentation index
      (MFI) increased from 1 to 20 day ageing, but the extent of the change was similar
      as pHu increased from 5.5 to 6.2. Over the wider range in pHu from 5.5 to 7 MFI
      at 1 day remained essentially constant while that at 20 days, and consequently
      the increase from 1 to 20 days, increased. These results do not provide evidence
      that any one factor is responsible for the greater toughness of beef with an
      intermediate pH, and suggest that factors other than degree of muscle fibre
      contraction and extent of myofibrillar protein breakdown may be involved.

PMID- 22061698
TI  - A quick and simple method for the identification of meat species and meat
      products by PCR assay.
AB  - The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was applied to identify six meats (cattle,
      pig, chicken, sheep, goat and horse) as raw materials for products. By mixing
      seven primers in appropriate ratios, species-specific DNA fragments could be
      identified by only one multiplex PCR. A forward primer was designed on a
      conserved DNA sequence in the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene, and reverse
      primers on species-specific DNA sequences for each species. PCR primers were
      designed to give different length fragments from the six meats. The products
      showed species-specific DNA fragments of 157, 227, 274, 331, 398 and 439 bp from
      goat, chicken, cattle, sheep, pig and horse meats, respectively. Identification
      is possible by electrophoresis of PCR products. Cattle, pig, chicken, sheep and
      goat fragments were amplified from cooked meat heated at 100 or 120 degrees C for
      30 min, but horse DNA fragments could not be detected from the 120 degrees C
      sample. Detection limits of the DNA samples were 0.25 ng for all meats.

PMID- 22061699
TI  - The effect of proteasome on myofibrillar structures in bovine skeletal muscle.
AB  - When bovine myofibrils are incubated with the 20S proteasome their structure is
      rapidly damaged with loss of material, particularly from the Z discs and I bands.
      After 24 hr of incubation the myofibrils rupture and debris appears. Certain
      myofibrillar proteins, including nebulin, myosin, actin and tropomyosin, are
      hydrolysed during the incubation; others are solubilised (alpha-actinin). The 20S
      proteasome completely and rapidly hydrolyses purified myofibrillar proteins in an
      energy-independent manner. This shows that the 20S proteasome probably plays a
      role in the postmortem transformation of muscle and more generally in the
      hydrolysis of cellular proteins.(1).

PMID- 22061700
TI  - Metmyoglobin reductase activity in porcine m. longissimus dorsi muscle.
AB  - Reduction of metmyoglobin by metmyoglobin reductase extracted from porcine m.
      longissimus dorsi was found to depend on the presence of NADH and to a lesser
      degree on the presence of an electron transfer mediator (ferrocyanide). The
      porcine metmyoglobin reductase was found to reduce equine metmyoglobin and
      metmyoglobin isolated from pigs hearts using a method described for bovine
      metmyoglobin. A linear increase in the rate of reduction as a function of amount
      of enzyme extract was observed, while the rate as a function of NADH
      concentration increased to a saturation level. In the pH range 6.0-7.1, the rate
      of reduction of porcine metmyoglobin by porcine metmyoglobin reductase increased
      at decreasing assay pH, apparently approaching a maximal rate around pH 6. From
      the temperature dependence of the maximal rate of the enzyme catalyzed reduction
      of porcine metmyoglobin an apparent activation energy of 33 kJ mol(-1) was
      calculated. Porcine metmyoglobin was also reduced by NADH in a non-enzymatic
      reaction, with a rather similar activation energy showing (i) that porcine
      metmyoglobin is more closely associated with the reductase complex than bovine
      metmyoglobin and not so easily separated, or (ii) that porcine metmyoglobin
      reduction is more facile as a non-enzymatic reaction and less dependent on
      electron transfer mediators compared to bovine metmyoglobin reduction.

PMID- 22061701
TI  - Effect of initial mild curing, with additives, of hog and sheep sausage casings
      on their microbial quality and mechanical properties after storage at difference
      temperatures.
AB  - Sausage containers, derived from animal intestines, are usually preserved by
      salting and/or drying. Adequately salted final products are microbiologically
      fully acceptable. However casings, even those packed in dry salt, sometimes
      deteriorate in quality. Experiments were performed to improve salting procedures
      by adding food-grade additives to the salt to improve the microbiological and
      mechanical properties of the casings. Before storage, casings were cured by slush
      or dry-salting with or without additives for 3 weeks, and after that the rinsed
      and re-salted (dry- or slush-salting) casings were stored for 6 months at
      different temperatures (10, 20, and 40 degrees C). During storage, growth of
      halophylic bacteria was observed in control casings (salted, no additives) but
      not in casings cured with citric or lactic acid and their relative sodium salts.
      The casings cured with citric acid/Na(3)-citrate had good mechanical properties
      and filling characteristics when assessed after prolonged storage at 10 degrees
      C.

PMID- 22061702
TI  - Volatile compounds of commercial Milano salami.
AB  - The relationship between extracted volatiles of Milano salami, one of the main
      dry-cured sausages produced in Italy, and their olfactory properties was studied.
      Volatile compounds were extracted by a purge-and-trap method, quantified using a
      flame ionisation detector and identified by mass spectrometry. Olfactory analysis
      was performed by sniffing the gas chromatographic effluent. Nearly 80 compounds
      were identified and quantified: most came from spices (60.5%), 18.9% from lipid
      oxidation, 11.8% from amino acid catabolism and 4.9% from fermentation processes.
      Panellists detected 19 odours by sniffing. These odours were associated with
      spices, lipid oxidation or fermentation and were in agreement with the
      contributions of each reaction to the overall aroma of the product.

PMID- 22061703
TI  - Effects of the terminal sire type and sex on pork muscle cathepsins (B, B+L and
      H), cysteine proteinase inhibitors and lipolytic enzyme activities.
AB  - Pork muscle cathepsins (B, B+L, and H), cysteine proteinase inhibitors and
      lipolytic enzyme activities were measured in the offspring of five different
      genetic sire types: Danish Duroc (DU), Dutch Large White (LW(D)), English Large
      White (LW(E)), Belgian Landrace * Landrace (BL*LR) and Belgian Landrace (BL).
      Cathepsin B and B+L activities were higher for LW(E) and LW(D) sires than for
      BL*LR and BL. Cathepsin H activity showed an opposite evolution, being higher for
      BL and BL*LR sires than for DU, LW(D) and LW(E). Cysteine proteinase inhibitor
      activity was higher for LW(E) sires than for DU and BL. In lipolytic enzymes, BL
      sires had a lower acid lipase activity than DU and LW(E) sires and also a lower
      neutral esterase activity than LW(E) and LW(D) sires. Significant differences
      between sexes were found for cathepsin H activity only, being higher for females.

PMID- 22061704
TI  - Procedure for determination of glycolytic potential in porcine m. longissimus
      dorsi.
AB  - The aim of this work was primarily to work out a procedure for removal of samples
      from LD for determination of glycolytic potential in connection with experiments
      at commercial abattoirs and secondly to determine the correlation between
      glycolytic potential and ultimate-pH in Danish pigs. Samples of LD were taken
      immediately after exsanguination and 30 h post mortem. All samples were analysed
      for the content of glycogen, glucose, glucose-6-phosphate and lactate to be able
      to calculate the glycolytic potential. The results showed no difference in
      glycolytic potential in LD irrespective of sampling time. Samples removed after
      exsanguination contained a higher amount of glycogen and less lactate than
      samples removed the day after slaughter, where most of the glycogen had been
      transformed into lactate. These results show that samples for determination of
      glycolytic potential in LD can be removed the day after slaughter in the chilling
      room instead of being removed immediately after sticking at the slaughter line,
      which is less practical and hygienic. There was a significant correlation (-0.61)
      between glycolytic potential in LD and ultimate pH in LD.

PMID- 22061705
TI  - Classification of tough and tender beef by image texture analysis.
AB  - Texture features of fresh-beef images were extracted and used to classify steaks
      into tough and tender groups in terms of cooked-beef tenderness. Crossbred steers
      varying in quality were processed in a commercial plant and two short loin steaks
      were sampled from each carcass. One sample was used for imaging and the other was
      broiled for sensory evaluation of tenderness by a trained panel. The samples were
      segregated into tough and tender groups according to the sensory scores. A
      wavelet-based decomposition method was used to extract texture features of fresh
      beef images. The texture feature data for 90 sample images were used to train and
      test sample calssifiers in a rotational leave-one-out scheme. A correct
      classification rate of 83.3% was obtained in cross validations. While texture
      features alone may not be sufficient to segregate beef products into many levels
      of tenderness, they can be significant members in a set of indicators that will
      lead to adequate tenderness prediction.

PMID- 22061706
TI  - Tenderization of beef by lactic acid injected at different times post mortem.
AB  - The potential to tenderize beef muscles by the injection of lactic acid (0.5 M,
      10% w/w) was studied using the pectoralis profundus muscle from cull cows. The
      injection was performed either 1 h (pre rigor) or 24 h (post rigor) post mortem,
      and the meat was stored for 2 or 14 days post mortem. Both treatments caused a
      rapid pH drop to around 5.0 within 4 h of injection. Other effects were: (1) an
      accelerated release of lysosomal enzymes into the cytosol; (2) a greater
      degradation of myosin heavy chains; (3) ultrastructural alterations of the
      myofibrils which included a general weakening or rupture in the M-lines and, to a
      lesser extent, in the I-bands; (4) a decreased heat stability of perimysial
      collagen indicated by a lower insoluble collagen content, lower differential
      scanning calorimetry transition temperature, and lower transition temperatures in
      isometric tension tests on muscle strips. The lactic acid injections improved
      significantly the textural traits of the meat (shear value, tensile strength,
      sensory scores) at 2 days post mortem with little further improvement when
      storage was extended to 14 days post mortem. Changes in texture were of similar
      amplitude at both post mortem injection times. The tenderization mechanisms of
      lactic acid injection are discussed.

PMID- 22061707
TI  - Consumer preferences for beef color and packaging did not affect eating
      satisfaction.
AB  - We investigated whether consumer preferences for beef colors (red, purple, and
      brown) or for beef packaging systems (modified atmosphere, MAP; vacuum skin pack,
      VSP; or overwrap with polyvinyl chloride, PVC) influenced taste scores of beef
      steaks and patties. To test beef color effects, boneless beef top loin steaks
      (choice) and ground beef patties (20% fat) were packaged in different atmospheres
      to promote development of red, purple, and brown color. To test effects of
      package type, steaks and patties were pre-treated with carbon monoxide in MAP to
      promote development of red color, and some meat was repackaged using VSP or PVC
      overwrap. The differently colored and packaged meats were separately displayed
      for members of four consumer panels who evaluated appearance and indicated their
      likelihood to purchase similar meat. Next, the panelists tasted meat samples from
      what they had been told were the packaging treatments just observed. However, the
      meat samples actually served were from a single untreated steak or patty. Thus,
      any difference in taste scores should reflect expectations established during the
      visual evaluation. The same ballot and sample coding were used for both the
      visual and taste evaluations. Color and packaging influenced (P<0.001) appearance
      scores and likelihood to purchase. Appearance scores were rated red>purple >brown
      and PVC >VSP>MAP. Appearance scores and likelihood to purchase were correlated
      (r=0.9). However, color or packaging did not affect (P>0.5) taste scores. Thus,
      consumer preferences for beef color and packaging influenced likelihood to
      purchase, but did not bias eating satisfaction.

PMID- 22061708
TI  - Composition assessment of raw meat mixtures using ultrasonics.
AB  - The use of ultrasonic velocity measurements to determine the composition of dry
      fermented sausages was assessed. Mixtures of ground lean and fatty tissues were
      prepared to cover a wide range of fat (2-90 wt.%), moisture (7-76 wt.%), and
      protein (2-21 wt.%) contents. The ultrasonic velocity in fat decreased on average
      5.6 ms(-1) per  degrees C increase in temperature, due to the negative
      temperature coefficient for fat and the fat melting, which is observed in (DSC)
      differential scanning calorimetry analysis. The ultrasonic velocity temperature
      dependence allowed the determining of the fat, moisture and protein+others
      content, by measuring the ultrasonic velocity in the mixtures at 4 and 25 degrees
      C and using a semi-empirical equation. The explained variance was 99.6% for fat,
      98.7% for moisture and 85.4% for protein+others. The results obtained show the
      feasibility of using ultrasonic velocity measurement to assess the composition of
      meat products such as dry fermented sausages, rapidly and non-destructively.

PMID- 22061709
TI  - n-Alkane content of intramuscular lipids of Iberian fresh ham from different
      feeding systems and crossbreeding.
AB  - n-Alkane content of intramuscular lipids (Biceps femoris muscle) of the Iberian
      pig have been determined. Thirty-four pigs, divided into four groups, based in
      the feeding system (Montanera, fed on acorns and pasture; and Pienso, fed on a
      concentrate feed) and in the genotype (Iberian pure pigs; and Iberian crossbred
      with Duroc 50%) were studied. n-Alkane content of intramuscular lipids has not
      been affected by neither crossbreeding nor feeding, although the analysis of
      feeds administered to the pigs showed greater n-alkane values in pasture
      (consumed by animals in montanera), than in acorns and concentrate feed.

PMID- 22061710
TI  - The eating quality of meat of steers fed grass and/or concentrates.
AB  - The objective was to determine, relative to animals expressing their full
      potential for carcass growth, the impact on meat quality of increasing carcass
      growth of grazing steers by supplementing with concentrates or by increasing
      grass supply. Sixty-six continental (Limousin and Charolais) crossbred steers
      (567 kg) were assigned to one of six diets: (1) 18 kg grass dry matter (DM); (2)
      18 kg grass DM grass and 2.5 kg concentrate; (3) 18 kg grass DM and 5 kg
      concentrate; (4) 6 kg grass DM and 5 kg concentrate; (5) 12 kg grass DM and 2.5
      kg concentrate; or (6) concentrates daily. Animals were slaughtered after an
      average of 95 days. Samples of the M. longissmus dorsi (LD) were collected at the
      8-9th rib interface and subjected to sensory analysis and to other assessments of
      quality following 2, 7, or 14 days aging. Carcass weight gain averaged 360, 631,
      727, 617, 551 and 809 g/day for treatments 1 to 6, respectively. There was no
      difference between diets for colour, Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) or any
      sensory attribute of the LD. WBSF was negatively correlated with (P<0.05) carcass
      growth rate (-0.31) but only a small proportion of the variation in meat quality
      between animals could be attributed to diet pre-slaughter or carcass fatness. It
      is concluded that high carcass growth can be achieved on a grass-based diet
      without a deleterious effect on meat quality.

PMID- 22061711
TI  - Inulin as fat substitute in low fat, dry fermented sausages.
AB  - Low fat, dry fermented sausages were prepared with a fat content close to 50% and
      25% of the original amount. The batch with the smallest proportion of fat was
      less tender, less springy and was gummier than the batch with the highest
      proportion. However, it was still considered acceptable by the panel of judges.
      The 25% batch was supplemented with different amounts of soluble dietetic fibre
      (inulin) as both a powder and in aqueous solution. Ripening was followed by
      physico-chemical and microbiological analysis. Sensory analysis and texture
      profile analysis were performed to evaluate the effect of the inulin addition.
      Results obtained indicated an overall improvement in the sensory properties due
      to a softer texture and tenderness, springiness and adhesiveness similar to the
      conventional high fat sausage. Thus, with the addition of inulin a low calorie
      product (30% of the original), enriched with soluble dietetic fibre (10%
      approximatively) can be obtained.

PMID- 22061712
TI  - Evolution of hydrophobic polypeptides during the ageing of exudative and non
      exudative pork meat.
AB  - Thirty-six carcasses from 6-month-old pigs were classified in different exudative
      groups based on measurements of pH(2h), pH(24h), the colour parameter L(*) and
      drip loss. A fraction containing polypeptides between 66 and 21 kDa was analysed
      by reverse phase chromatography at 2-h post-mortem and the evolution of 8
      polypeptide fractions followed during ageing and related to meat quality. Three
      polypeptide (fractions P2, P3 and P4) at 2-h post-mortem showed significant
      lowest area values in the dark firm and dry class. During ageing, the higher
      content of P4 in exudative meats at 8-h post-mortem could be due to activation of
      the cathepsin system. On the other hand, P3 and P4 increased in DFD meats during
      the first 96-h post-mortem probably due to higher calpain activity. Few
      differences in polypeptides were related to meat qualities although they are
      important as precursors of small peptides and free amino acids.

PMID- 22061713
TI  - Blast chilling and low voltage electrical stimulation influences on bison (Bison
      bison bison) meat quality.
AB  - Conventional carcass chilling is a lengthy and energy expensive process. Blast
      chilling (BL) can reduce cooling time and associated shrink loss, although its
      application may compromise meat quality, particularly in lean carcasses or those
      with localized finish such as bison. Low voltage electrical stimulation (LVES)
      can reduce the risk of decreased meat quality by inducing rapid rigor onset prior
      to exposure of the musculature to extreme cold temperature. BL (-20 degrees C, 3
      m.s(-1) air velocity, 2 h) accelerated temperature decline of bison Longissimus
      lumborum (LL) and significantly reduced cooler shrink loss versus conventional
      chilling (CONV: 0-2 degrees C, 24 h). While BL tended to produce darker meat,
      this effect was tempered by the application of LVES, and samples from the
      combined treatment were significantly lighter than CONV. BL resulted in reduced
      tenderness in the LL, as assessed by shear force measurement, in part due to
      significantly shorter sarcomere length in BL samples. Taste panelists, however,
      were unable to detect a significant or detrimental BL effect. Where LVES was
      incorporated, there was an improved tenderness response with ageing. The combined
      LVES/BL treatment of bison carcasses is recommended for rapid processing without
      compromising meat quality.

PMID- 22061714
TI  - Effect of irradiation and packaging conditions after cooking on the formation of
      cholesterol and lipid oxidation products in meats during storage.
AB  - The effect of irradiation and packaging conditions on the content of cholesterol
      oxidation products (COPs) and lipid oxidation in cooked turkey, beef, and pork
      during storage was studied. Ground turkey leg, beef, and pork were cooked,
      packaged either in oxygen-permeable or oxygen-impermeable bags, and irradiated at
      0 or 4.5 kGy. Lipid oxidation and COPs were determined after 0 and 7 days of
      storage at 4 degrees C. Packaging of cooked meat was more important than
      irradiation in developing COPs and lipid oxidation in cooked meats during
      storage. 7alpha-Hydroxycholesterol, 7beta-hydroxycholesterol, beta-epoxide, and 7
      ketocholesterol were among the major COPs formed in cooked turkey, beef, and pork
      after storage, and their amounts increased dramatically during the 7-day storage
      in aerobic conditions. Irradiation had no significant effect on the amounts of
      any of the COPs found in cooked turkey and beef, but increased (P<0.05) the
      amounts of alpha- plus 7beta-hydroxycholesterol, beta-epoxide, 7-ketocholesterol,
      and total COPs in aerobically packaged cooked pork. The amounts of COPs and lipid
      oxidation products (TBARS) closely related to the proportion of polyunsaturated
      fatty acids in meat. The results indicated that the composition of fats in meat
      is important on the oxidation rates of lipids and cholesterol, and packaging is
      far more important than irradiation in the formation of COPs and lipid oxidation
      in cooked meat.

PMID- 22061715
TI  - Volatile production in irradiated normal, pale soft exudative (PSE) and dark firm
      dry (DFD) pork under different packaging and storage conditions.
AB  - Normal, pale soft exudative (PSE) and dark firm dry (DFD) pork Longissimus dorsi
      muscles were vacuum packaged, irradiated at 0 or 4.5 kGy and stored at 4 degrees
      C for 10 days. Volatile production from pork loins was determined at Day 0 and
      Day 10 of storage at 4 degrees C. With both aerobic and vacuum packaging,
      irradiation increased the production of sulfur-containing volatiles (carbon
      disulfide, mercaptomethane, dimethyl sulfide, methyl thioacetate and dimethyl
      disulfide) in all three pork conditions at Day 0 but did not increase hexanal -
      the major indicator volatile of lipid oxidation. The PSE pork produced the lowest
      amount of total sulfur-containing volatiles in both aerobically and vacuum
      packaged pork at Day 0. The majority of sulfur-containing volatiles produced in
      meat by irradiation disappeared during the 10-day storage period under aerobic
      packaging conditions. With vacuum packaging, however, all the volatiles produced
      by irradiation remained in the packaging bag during storage. Irradiation had no
      relationship with lipid oxidation-related volatiles (e.g. hexanal) in both
      aerobic and vacuum-packaged raw pork. The DFD muscle was very stable and
      resistant to oxidative changes in both irradiated and nonirradiated pork during
      storage, suggesting that irradiation can significantly increase the utilization
      of raw DFD pork and greatly benefit the pork industry.

PMID- 22061716
TI  - Metmyoglobin reducing activity and colour stability of ovine longissimus muscle.
AB  - Characteristics of metmyoglobin reducing activity in ovine longissimus were
      determined, and its effect on colour and colour stability of muscle was
      investigated in two experiments. In the first experiment vacuum packed ovine
      longissimus samples were incubated at 5-35 degrees C during the first 16 h post
      mortem (n=8 per treatment). Metmyoglobin reducing activity was negatively
      affected by incubation temperatures above 30 degrees C, but colour and colour
      stability were little affected at 24 h post mortem and after 2 weeks of vacuum
      storage at 2 degrees C. In the second experiment the effects of pre-slaughter
      stress and electrical stimulation on metmyoglobin reducing activity, colour and
      colour stability of ovine longissimus (n=40) with an ultimate pH below 5.8 were
      investigated. Neither of the treatments had an effect on metmyoglobin reducing
      activity or colour parameters. The relatively large variation in metmyoglobin
      activity and colour parameters allowed correlation analysis. Metmyoglobin
      reducing activity was not correlated to colour or the colour stability
      parameters. The results of the present study indicate that metmyoglobin reducing
      activity is not the primary determinant of colour or colour stability of ovine
      longissimus muscle.

PMID- 22061717
TI  - Soy protein isolate added to vacuum-packaged chorizos: effect on drip loss,
      quality characteristics and stability during refrigerated storage.
AB  - Chorizo is a raw sausage, which is manufactured with beef, pork meat and pork
      fat, additives and spices. In Argentina, the expenditure of chorizo is through
      butchery and supermarkets where the product can be found packaged in both
      polyethylene films and vacuum sealed pouches. In the latter type of packaging an
      appearance problem has been detected in relation to drip loss. The aim of the
      work was to solve such problem through the incorporation of soy protein isolate
      (SPI). The sensory, microbiological and chemical stability of the product and its
      drip loss during a storage period of 14 days were studied. By adding a 2.5% SPI,
      the drip loss was prevented without introducing any change in the flavour, aroma
      and juiciness characteristics of the product. These sensory attributes were kept
      stable during the storage period studied. Chemical composition, oxidative and
      microbiological stability were not affected by the addition of SPI during the
      storage period, being similar for added and non-added SPI samples. Finally, SPI
      can be used in chorizos to improve their overall appearance during refrigerated
      storage while the product quality characteristics are not altered.

PMID- 22061718
TI  - Magnesium involvement in pain.

PMID- 22061720
TI  - Quality and shelf life evaluation of emulsion and restructured buffalo meat
      nuggets at cold storage (4+/-1 degrees C).
AB  - The study was aimed at comparing the physico-chemical characteristics and texture
      profile of emulsion and restructured buffalo meat nuggets (BMN) and assessing
      their shelf life at refrigeration temperature (4+/-1 degrees C). The stability of
      restructured batter was significantly lower than that of the emulsion form.
      Emulsion nuggets (EN) had significantly higher product yield, fat content and
      calories while restructured nuggets (RN) had significantly higher moisture and
      protein contents. Texture profile analysis revealed that RN had significantly
      higher cohesiveness, gumminess, chewiness and shear force values. Differences in
      TBARS values for emulsion and restructured nuggets were not significant at any
      particular storage time. Throughout storage, counts for mesophilic,
      psychrotrophic and coliforms did not exceed log(10)3.09 and 3.44cfu/g,
      log(10)2.23 and 2.11cfu/g, log(10)1.30 and 1.30cfu/g for emulsion and
      restructured buffalo meat nuggets, respectively. In spite of a higher overall
      acceptance for EN initially, panelists rated them considerably lower compared to
      RN during subsequent storage. Buffalo meat nuggets were acceptable for at least
      20 days in cold storage (4+/-1 degrees C) under aerobic conditions in
      polypropylene bags.

PMID- 22061721
TI  - The effect of enhancement with salt, phosphate and milk proteins on the physical
      and sensory properties of pork loin.
AB  - Pork loins were pumped to 110% of original weight with solutions containing 5.5%
      salt and 3.3% sodium tripolyphosphate, 5.5% salt and 3.3% beta-lactoglobulin
      (beta-lg) enriched fraction or 5.5% salt and 3.3% whey protein concentrate 80%
      (WPC80) for comparison with non-enhanced control loins. The enhancement of pork
      loins significantly increased (p<0.001) the tenderness and juiciness. Warner
      Bratzler shear force values were lower (p<0.001) in enhanced then in non-enhanced
      control chops. The enhanced pork chops had a slightly higher overall flavour and
      overall acceptability to the control pork chops. Sensory analysis showed that
      beta-lg enriched fraction and WPC80 can be used as replacement ingredients to
      reduce the amount of phosphate used in enhancement solutions, as they were
      comparable to salt/sodium tripolyphosphate (salt/STPP) enhancement solution.
      Consumers rated the tenderness, juiciness and taste of the enhanced chops
      significantly (p<0.001) higher then the control chops.

PMID- 22061722
TI  - Optimizing palm oil and palm stearin utilization for sensory and textural
      properties of chicken frankfurters.
AB  - This study was designed to explore the potential of refined, bleached and
      deodorized (RBD) palm oil (PO) and palm stearin (POs) utilization in chicken
      frankfurters. A 10 points augmented simplex-centroid design was used to study the
      effect of chicken fat (CF), PO and POs as well as the interaction of these fats
      on the emulsion, textural and sensory properties of chicken frankfurters. All
      frankfurters were formulated to contain approx 25% fat, 52% moisture and 10%
      protein. No significant difference was found in end chopping temperatures of all
      meat batters even though the temperature of PO and POs upon incorporation into
      meat batters was 50 degrees C higher than CF. Strong emulsions were formed as no
      fluid losses were observed in all the meat batters tested after heating. Texture
      profiles of the frankfurters containing PO and/or CF were quite similar, but
      increment of POs raised hardness, chewiness, and shear hardness of the
      frankfurters. Acceptability of the frankfurters was evaluated using hedonic test.
      Panelists found no difference in hardness preference between frankfurters made
      from totally CF and PO, while frankfurters made from POs were rated as hard and
      brittle. CF was important in determining acceptability of the frankfurters, as
      reduction of CF in formulation resulted in lower scores in chicken flavor,
      juiciness, oiliness and overall acceptance of the frankfurters. Frankfurters with
      sensory acceptability comparable to a commercial one were found to comprise of
      more than 17% CF, and less than 67% PO and 17% POs of the fat blend.

PMID- 22061723
TI  - Combination of NMR and MRI quantitation of moisture and structure changes for
      convection cooking of fresh chicken meat.
AB  - This study demonstrates that a combination of bulk NMR and magnetic resonance
      imaging measurements of the T(2)-values of water protons can be used to determine
      the heat-induced changes in the structure and moisture content of fresh chicken
      meat which had been cooked in a convection oven at 200 degrees C for a range of
      times. The gravimetric moisture content was also determined for both the raw and
      cooked meat. Multi-exponential fitting of the bulk NMR T(2) relaxation time data
      demonstrated three distinct water populations T(21) (39-43ms), T(22) (82-99ms)
      and T(23) (2-3ms) for raw meat which changed to 18-31ms (T(21)), 61-208ms (T(22))
      and 3-7ms (T(23)) after the meat had been cooked. The T(1) and T(2) values
      obtained by MRI for cooked meat decreased progressively with increased heating
      time. There are highly significant correlations between the T(2) values from MRI
      and the T(21) values from bulk NMR measurements of cooked meat (r=0.986; p<0.01),
      and also between the normalised M(0) values from MRI and the gravimetric moisture
      content (r=0.953; p<0.01).

PMID- 22061724
TI  - Enhancement with varying phosphate types, concentrations, and pump rates, without
      sodium chloride on beef biceps femoris quality and sensory characteristics.
AB  - Beef biceps femoris muscles (n=45) were used to evaluate the effect of
      enhancement with solutions containing sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP), sodium
      tripolyphosphate (STPP), or tetrasodium pyrophosphate (TSPP) at either 0.2% or
      0.4% of product weight, without sodium chloride. All solutions were injected into
      muscle samples at either 112% (12% pump) or 118% (18% pump) of raw product
      weight. Muscles enhanced with STPP or TSPP had a higher (P<0.05) pH than SHMP or
      untreated muscles (CNT), whereas there was no difference (P>0.05) in pH between
      SHMP and CNT. Muscles enhanced with STPP had less (P<0.05) free water than CNT,
      whereas SHMP and TSPP did not differ from CNT. However, direct comparison of
      phosphate types revealed no difference (P>0.05) in free water. Steaks enhanced
      with SHMP had greater (P<0.05) cooking losses than CNT, whereas steaks treated
      with STPP or TSPP did not differ (P>0.05) from CNT. Phosphate inclusion at 0.2%
      allowed for greater (P<0.05) cooking losses than CNT, whereas 0.4% phosphate
      inclusion exhibited similar (P>0.05) cooking losses as CNT. Although there were
      no differences (P>0.05) in cooking loss between pump rates, steaks enhanced at an
      18% pump rate had greater (P<0.05) cooking losses than CNT, whereas those
      enhanced at 12% had similar (P>0.05) cooking losses as CNT. Enhancement with any
      of the three phosphate types or either concentration did not improve (P>0.05)
      sensory tenderness or juiciness characteristics compared to CNT, but enhancement
      at an 18% pump rate allowed for improved (P<0.05) overall tenderness, compared to
      a 12% pump rate. These results suggest that while phosphate enhancement
      independent of sodium chloride generally did not improve water retention, cooked
      yields and palatability compared to untreated samples, utilizing higher phosphate
      concentrations or utilizing STPP or TSPP effectively retained the additional
      water associated with solution enhancement, allowing for similar free water and
      cook yields as untreated samples.

PMID- 22061725
TI  - Effect of forage to concentrate ratio on growth performance, and on carcass and
      meat quality of Podolian young bulls.
AB  - The effect of forage to concentrate ratio: 60-40 [high concentrate group (HC) and
      70-30 [low concentrate group (LC)] on growth, slaughtering performance and meat
      quality were evaluated in twenty organically farmed Podolian young bulls. Meat
      quality characteristics were measured on three different muscles [Longissimus
      dorsi (LD), Semimembranosus (SM) Semitendinosus (ST)], vacuum-packaged and
      chilled stored at 2-4 degrees C for 15 days. The animals in the HC group had
      higher weight gain than those in the LC group (P<0.05). Slaughter data were not
      influenced by ration composition. The higher forage to concentrate ratio produced
      an improvement in fatty acid composition of the three muscles, with a higher
      polyunsaturated to saturated ratio (P<0.001). Vitamin E and malondialdehyde (MDA)
      contents were not affected by the feeding treatment. Panel scores for tenderness
      and flavour (P<0.01) and Warner-Bratzler Shear force (P<0.001) were significantly
      affected by muscle, the LD muscle being the most tender and the richest in
      flavour but they not affected by dietary treatment.

PMID- 22061726
TI  - Fatty acid composition, conjugated linoleic acid isomers and cholesterol in beef
      from crossbred bullocks intensively produced and from Alentejana purebred
      bullocks reared according to Carnalentejana-PDO specifications.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to characterise and compare the nutritional value
      of Portuguese Carnalentejana-PDO beef, obtained from Alentejana purebred bullocks
      reared in a semi-extensive system, with the meat from Alentejana*Charolais
      crossbred bullocks produced in a conventional intensive concentrate-based system.
      In addition, seasonal changes in Carnalentejana-PDO beef quality were assessed,
      by analysing meat samples from animals slaughtered in early autumn and late
      spring. The results showed that beef-PDO has different intramuscular fat
      characteristics in comparison with meat from crossbred bullocks fed intensively
      with concentrate. However, the finishing period of Alentejana purebred bullocks
      with concentrate seems to attenuate most of the typical grass-fed characteristics
      of meat fat. Nevertheless, from a human nutrition perspective, Carnalentejana-PDO
      beef seems to be healthier than that from intensively reared animals since it has
      a lower n-6/n-3 ratio, although always above the recommended guidelines for human
      diet, and higher proportions of c9,t11 conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomer and
      total CLA relative to saturated fatty acids plus total cholesterol (CLA/SFA+CHR).
      Furthermore, no seasonal variation in the nutritional quality of beef-PDO was
      apparent. Taken together, the data indicate that Carnalentejana-PDO beef is of
      greater nutritional value than intensively produced beef from crossbred bullocks
      throughout the year.

PMID- 22061727
TI  - Identification of lactic acid bacteria isolated from kimchi and studies on their
      suitability for application as starter culture in the production of fermented
      sausages.
AB  - The aim of the investigation was to identify strains of lactobacilli coming from
      kimchi with properties suitable for use as starter cultures in sausage
      fermentation. A total of 31 strains of lactobacilli were isolated from kimchi on
      the 4-6th day of fermentation at 20 degrees C using MRS agar plates and
      identified on the basis of morphological, biochemical, and physiological
      characteristics. The isolates were identified as Leuconostoc mes.mes./dent
      (12.9%), Lactobacillus curvatus (9.7%), Lactobacillus brevis (35.5%),
      Lactobacillus sake (25.8%), and Lactobacillus plantarum (16.1%). Thus, 51.6% of
      the isolates were homo-fermentative or facultative hetero-fermentative bacteria
      and the rest (48.4%) were hetero-fermentative bacteria. Among them L. brevis, L.
      curvatus, L. plantarum, and L. sake were investigated for their growth profile
      and metabolism characteristics in the fluid (submerged) model-medium modified
      according to the special conditions of fermented sausages. Relatively good growth
      properties were found for L. brevis, L. plantarum, and L. sake with maximum
      numbers of 8.18, 8.51 and 8.17cfu/ml, respectively, whereas L. curvatus could not
      adapt to the special environmental conditions. Regarding souring properties, L.
      brevis showed little ability to decrease pH, whereas L. curvatus, L. plantarum,
      and L. sake showed relatively good acidifying properties. According to the
      results of glucose fermentation and its products, only L. plantarum exhibited
      homo-fermentative characteristics. As a result only L. plantarum among the
      isolates from kimchi had an ability to adapt to the complex environment of
      fermented sausage, which will thereby allow them to act as starter cultures and
      natural preservatives in sausage production.

PMID- 22061728
TI  - The antioxidative properties of Holy basil and Galangal in cooked ground pork.
AB  - The ethanolic extracts from Holy basil and Galangal were examined for their
      extraction yield, total phenolic content, antioxidant activity against a beta
      carotene-linoleic acid emulsion system, DPPH scavenging activity and reducing
      power. Ethanolic extracts of Holy basil exhibited higher extraction yield, total
      phenolic content, antioxidant activity, DPPH scavenging activity and reducing
      power than ethanolic extracts of Galangal. Antioxidative efficiency to inhibit
      lipid oxidation of dried Holy basil and dried Galangal powder, ethanolic extracts
      of Galangal and Holy basil and commercial antioxidant mixture in cooked ground
      pork was investigated during refrigerated storage at 5 degrees C for 14 days. The
      quantitative measurements of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS),
      conjugated diene, peroxide value (POV) and hexanal content were used as
      indicators of lipid oxidation. Increased levels of TBARS value, POV and hexanal
      content were noticed in all meat samples during storage, however most marked in
      cooked ground pork without antioxidants, whereas conjugated diene tended to
      decrease with increasing storage time. Ranking of the treatment in order of their
      antioxidant effectiveness showed that commercial antioxidant mixture (0.3% citric
      acid+0.5% ascorbic acid+0.02% alpha-tocopherol)>dried Galangal powder>dried Holy
      basil powder>ethanolic extracts of Galangal>ethanolic extracts of Holy
      basil>control. Furthermore, in cooked ground pork samples a high correlation
      between TBARS value and hexanal contents was obtained.

PMID- 22061729
TI  - Sensory improvement of dry-fermented sausages by the addition of cell-free
      extracts from Debaryomyces hansenii and Lactobacillus sakei.
AB  - The effects of the addition of a combined cell-free extract from Lactobacillus
      sakei and Debaryomyces hansenii (D+L) or just a D. hansenii cell-free extract (D)
      to the initial formulation of a dry-fermented sausage were evaluated. The
      differences found among batches in the main microbial populations, pH, moisture
      content and global proteolytic and lipolytic indexes (total free amino acids, non
      protein nitrogen, acidity and tiobarbituric acid index) were not significant.
      Only, the acidity value of batch D was significantly higher (p<0.05) than that of
      batch D+L. Thus, cell-free extract from D. hansenii accelerated the lipolysis.
      Moreover, there were some significant differences (p<0.05) in the amino acid
      profile and, especially, in the aroma profile. The combination D+L and D promoted
      the generation of volatile compounds derived from lipid oxidation and
      carbohydrate fermentation. In batch D, the production of volatile compounds
      derived from amino acid catabolism and microbial fermentation was also enhanced.
      The overall quality was improved by both treatments (D+L, D) and also the aroma
      by addition of the combination of extracts (D+L). It is concluded that the
      addition of cell-free extracts from D. hansenii and, particularly, D. hansenii
      plus L. sakei could be useful to improve the final quality of fermented sausages.

PMID- 22061730
TI  - Radio frequency heating of beef rolls from biceps femoris muscle.
AB  - Chemical, physical and sensory aspects of quality were compared on encased rolls
      (1kg) prepared from single muscle beef (biceps femoris) cooked in a steam oven
      (80 degrees C) or by radio frequency (RF) heating (500W, 27.12MHz) under
      recirculating water at 80 degrees C. The RF protocol reduced cooking times to 23
      and 31% of steam cooking times, respectively, in non-injected meat (PG1) and in
      rolls prepared with curing brines possessing similar dielectric properties (PG2
      4). Compared to steam heating, cooking yields were significantly higher (P<0.05)
      and instrumental texture measurements related to toughness significantly lower
      (P<0.05) for RF cooked PG1 rolls and for meat injected with brines containing
      water binding dielectrically inactive additives (PG4) but not for brined rolls
      lacking the latter ingredients (PG2 and PG3). Participants in a 50 member
      untrained sensory panel were unable to detect texture differences which had been
      indicated by instrumental analysis for PG1 and PG4.

PMID- 22061731
TI  - Intramuscular and subcutaneous lipid fatty acid profile composition in male and
      female foals.
AB  - This study characterised the lipid classes of Longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle and
      the fatty acid profiles of the LD intramuscular fat and subcutaneous (SC) adipose
      tissue of male and female foal mixed populations. Two animal groups were studied
      based on slaughter ages of 16 and 24 months. The sex of the animals had no
      statistical significance in the lipid fractions of the LD muscle or in the
      intramuscular fatty acids (p?0.05). In contrast, there was a significant effect
      of sex on the fatty acid profile of the SC adipose tissue. Furthermore, the
      livestock production system showed difference in both lipid class and fatty acid
      profiles from the LD and SC adipose tissues. The LD of 24-month old foals had
      lower phospholipids content (p?0.001), displayed little difference in saturated
      fatty acids (SFA) (p?0.1), exhibited higher levels of monounsaturated fatty acids
      (MUFA) (p?0.05) and lower levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (p?0.05)
      compared with that of the 16-month old foals. Furthermore, the fatty acid profile
      of the SC adipose tissue of the 24-month old foals had higher SFA (p?0.05) and
      PUFA (p?0.01) with lower amounts of MUFA (p?0.001) relative to the 16-month old
      foals.

PMID- 22061732
TI  - The influence of breed and mh-genotype on carcass conformation, meat physico
      chemical characteristics, and the fatty acid profile of muscle from yearling
      bulls.
AB  - The influence of breed and mh-genotype on carcass conformation, meat physico
      chemical characteristics and the fatty acid profile of muscle were studied.
      Samples from 16 yearling bulls from "Asturiana de los Valles" (AV, n=12) and
      "Asturiana de la Montana" (AM, n=4) were collected. AV animals were classified
      into three groups according to the presence of the gene causing double-muscling
      (AV double-muscled (mh/mh), n=4; AV heterozygous (mh/+), n=4; AV normal (+/+),
      n=4). Double-muscled animals displayed better carcass traits, lower total fat
      (comprised of subcutaneous (SC), intermuscular (IT) and intramuscular (IM)
      deposits), higher lean, moisture and drip loss, and lighter meat than AV normal
      animals. Heterozygous animals showed intermediate characteristics. AM animals,
      being a more rustic and smaller breed, showed lower conformation, higher total
      fat (SC, IT and IM), lower moisture and darker meat. According to the
      intramuscular fatty acid profile, mh/mh animals showed a lower proportion of SFA
      and MUFA, and a higher proportion of PUFA with an equal proportion of CLA in
      total fatty acid content. The P/S ratio increased with increasing number of mh
      alleles (or double-muscling character), while no differences between animal
      groups were found for the n-6/n-3 ratio.

PMID- 22061733
TI  - Carcass merit between and among family groups of Bos indicus crossbred steers and
      heifers.
AB  - Differences in live and carcass traits attributable to increasing Bos indicus
      breed influence were compared to the differences between families with similar
      proportions of B. indicus influence. Families of offspring from 1/2 Angus*1/2 B.
      indicus mated to Angus, B. indicus, and 1/2 Angus*1/2 B.indicus were raised under
      similar conditions. Average daily gain, slaughter weight, and dressing percentage
      were measured in addition to USDA yield and quality grade factors. Breed type did
      not affect average daily gain, slaughter weight, dressing percentage, carcass
      weight, adjusted 12th-rib fat thickness, estimated percentage kidney, pelvic, and
      heart fat, or carcass maturity. Predominately (3/4) Angus progeny produced
      greater (P<0.05) longissimus muscle areas than 3/4 B. indicus animals.
      Predominately Angus cattle also had greater (P<0.05) marbling scores and USDA
      quality grades than predominately B. indicus cattle. Families within breed types
      differed (P<0.05) with regard to all traits measured. This is interesting in
      light of the lack of differences between breeds for most traits. In some
      instances, the differences in marbling score and longissimus muscle area between
      families within a given breed type were similar or greater in magnitude than the
      differences observed between predominately Angus and predominately B. indicus
      breed types. Whereas growth and carcass traits varied between levels of B.
      indicus breeding, the opportunity does exists to improve these traits by
      selecting within specific family lines.

PMID- 22061734
TI  - Effects of enhancement with differing phosphate types, concentrations, and pump
      rates, without sodium chloride, on beef biceps femoris instrumental color
      characteristics.
AB  - Enhancement of beef biceps femoris muscles (n=45) with solutions comprising
      sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP), sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP), or tetrasodium
      pyrophosphate (TSPP) at either 0.2% or 0.4% of product weight, with the exclusion
      of sodium chloride, was performed to observe the independent phosphate effects on
      instrumental color during simulated retail display. All solutions were injected
      into muscle samples at either 112% (12% pump) or 118% (18% pump) of raw product
      weight. All three phosphate types maintained higher (P<0.05) L* values than
      untreated steaks (CNT) through 5 days-of-display, and SHMP had higher (P<0.05) L*
      values than STPP and TSPP through 7 days-of-display. Additionally, steaks with
      0.2% phosphate inclusion were lighter (L*; P<0.05) than CNT throughout display,
      and were lighter (P<0.05) than steaks enhanced with 0.4% phosphates through 7
      days of display. Steaks enhanced with TSPP had higher (P<0.05) a* values than CNT
      on days 5 and 7 of display, whereas SHMP- or STPP-enhanced steaks generally had
      similar (P>0.05) a* values as CNT after 3d of display. Direct comparison of
      phosphate concentrations revealed no differences (P>0.05) in a* values. Only
      steaks enhanced with TSPP were more vivid (P<0.05) and had higher (P<0.05)
      proportions of oxymyoglobin than CNT on days 5 and 7 of display. However, direct
      comparison of phosphate types indicated that TSPP- and STPP-enhanced steaks had
      similar (P>0.05) oxymyoglobin proportions during display. Phosphate inclusion at
      0.4% maintained higher (P<0.05) oxymyoglobin proportions than 0.2% phosphate
      inclusion through 5 days-of-display. These results indicate that while 0.2%
      phosphate concentrations maintain lighter color, 0.4% concentrations can more
      effectively retain oxymyoglobin during display. Additionally, only steaks
      enhanced with TSPP were redder, more vivid, and had higher oxymyoglobin
      proportions than untreated steaks during the latter stages of display.

PMID- 22061735
TI  - Effects of enhancement procedures on whole and re-formed beef forequarter
      muscles.
AB  - Beef Supraspinatus and Triceps brachii muscles were subjected to three
      enhancement and/or re-forming treatments: (i) injected whole @ 15%w/w with salt
      phosphate solution; (ii) injected and re-formed; (iii) injected with added
      flavouring and re-formed. The treated muscles were compared to whole uninjected
      controls. All injection treatments reduced shear force values of cooked samples
      and in most cases these reductions were reflected in sensory panel tenderness and
      chewiness ratings. For example, shear values for Supraspinatus were 83N/g in
      control samples and 50 in whole injected samples, while corresponding sensory
      panel tenderness ratings were 3.6 and 5.2. Enhanced samples did not differ from
      controls in sliceability or in colour and binding ratings, indicating that
      enhancement combined with re-forming can give an acceptable roast beef product.
      There were no differences in drip loss and very few differences in colour L*, a*
      and b* values for raw samples between any of the treatments. Addition of beef
      stock did not result in higher flavour ratings by sensory panels. Whole injected
      samples scored higher for flavour than both control (p<0.01) and injected+re
      formed (p<0.05) samples.

PMID- 22061736
TI  - Association between body composition of growing pigs determined by magnetic
      resonance imaging, deuterium dilution technique, and chemical analysis.
AB  - Development of body composition of 440 growing pigs from a three generation full
      sib design to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) was determined by three
      different methods. Firstly, the non-invasive method deuterium dilution technique
      (DT), was applied to all pigs in the experiment at six weights 20, 30, 60, 90,
      120 and 140kg. Secondly, at each weight class, eight pigs were slaughtered and
      their entire body chemically analysed (CA). Thirdly, magnetic resonance imaging
      (MRI) was applied on 16 live pigs at different weights. For the entire empty body
      (without content of the gastrointestinal tract and bladder), allometric
      prediction equations to predict body composition from empty body water content
      measured by DT were derived from chemically analysed serial slaughtered pigs.
      These equations showed high correlations of 0.92, 0.90 and 0.85 for the contents
      of body water, fat-free substance as well as protein in fat-free substance,
      respectively. For the soft tissue (empty body without bones and viscera),
      allometric prediction equation of body composition based on DT and CA showed
      correlations of 0.91, 0.88 and 0.82 for water content, fat-free substance, and
      protein content of fat free substance, respectively. Fat tissue content, fat
      tissue mass, and lean tissue mass measured by MRI showed allometric relationships
      to lipid content, lipid mass, and protein mass determined by DT with correlations
      of 0.98, 0.87, and 0.98, respectively. Lean (measured by MRI) and protein
      (determined by DT) content of soft tissue was best fitted by a linear-quadratic
      polynomial and resulted in a correlation of 0.86. Allometric coefficients for
      change of percentages of chemical components, water (b=-0.036) and protein
      (b=0.106) in fat-free substance of empty body during growth were similar to those
      in the literature indicating the consistency of accretion rates of chemical
      components of the fat-free substance in different studies. Means for protein- and
      lipid-deposition rates (determined by DT) as well as lean tissue- and fat tissue
      deposition rates (measured by MRI) ranged from 95 to 154, 147 to 328, 373 to 420
      and 129 to 254g in the different weight ranges. Variation between animals in
      protein (lean tissue) and lipid (fat tissue) deposition rate was large which can
      be exploited in order to identify QTL of these traits.

PMID- 22061737
TI  - The significance of the activity of glycogen debranching enzyme in glycolysis in
      porcine and bovine muscles.
AB  - The purpose of the study was to examine the activity of glycogen debranching
      enzyme, GDE, in porcine and bovine muscles differing in rate of contraction and
      oxidative capacity. The activity of GDE, the activity of phosphorylase, total
      glucose content, lactate content and pH were measured from meat samples taken
      35min post-mortem and ultimate pH 24 or 48h post-mortem. Both GDE and
      phosphorylase are needed for the complete degradation of glycogen. In porcine
      muscles the activities of these glycogen degrading enzymes were higher than in
      bovine muscles. The activities were increasing with the increasing fast twitch
      and glycolytic character of a muscle of a given species. However, the increase in
      the activity of phosphorylase was greater than the increase in the activity of
      GDE. It was concluded that the GDE may restrict the rate of glycolysis in fast
      twitch muscles.

PMID- 22061738
TI  - Association of the polymorphism in the 5'-noncoding region of the bovine growth
      hormone receptor gene with meat production traits in Polish Black-and-White
      cattle.
AB  - Single and combined effects of polymorphisms in the 5'-noncoding region of the
      bovine growth hormone receptor (GHR) gene on the traits related to meat
      production were examined in Polish Black-and-White (BW; Friesian) cattle. Four
      single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) located in the P1 promoter region were
      analysed. One-hundred and fifty young bulls were included in the study. The
      traits analysed were daily weight gain, feed intake and conversion, and carcass
      parameters. Individual SNPs had no effect on growth rates, feed consumption and
      conversion but showed marked effect on carcass composition traits. The (-/-)
      genotype at RFLP-AluI appeared favorable for weight of carcass, carcass dressing
      percentage, and weight of lean in valuable cuts. Animals with the RFLP-NsiI (+/+)
      genotype seemed better for most of the carcass parameters. In addition,
      statistically significant associations were found between combined GHR genotypes
      and feed consumption, carcass weight and dimensions.

PMID- 22061739
TI  - Acceptability of lamb meat from different producing systems and ageing time to
      German, Spanish and British consumers.
AB  - In the present study German (DE), Spanish (ES) and British (UK) consumers'
      acceptance of lamb from their own country compared to lamb from Uruguay (UY) was
      evaluated. Two-hundred consumers in each country evaluated tenderness, flavour
      and overall acceptability of four types of lamb, two from UY (light and heavy
      lambs aged 20 d) and 2 local (with two ageing times, 7 and 20 d). In each country
      1.5cm-thick slices of lamb were evaluated by previously selected consumers in
      controlled conditions. DE and UK consumers showed significantly (P<0.05)
      different acceptability scores between samples, the lamb from heavier animals and
      aged 20 d being the most appreciated. On the other hand the majority of the ES
      consumers significantly (P<0.05) preferred the meat from lighter lambs.
      Production systems, cultural aspects and consumption habits seem to affect the
      acceptability of the lamb to the consumers.

PMID- 22061740
TI  - Pelvic suspension improves quality characteristics in M. semimembranosus from
      Swedish dual purpose young bulls.
AB  - To study whether pelvic suspension would improve tenderness in comparison with
      normal hanging from the achilles tendon, carcasses from 34 Swedish red and white
      young bulls were randomly selected at the slaughter line. The left sides of the
      carcasses were re-hanged by the pelvic bone before cooling whereas the right
      sides remained hanging from the achilles tendon. Quality characteristics and
      length and weight were studied for M. semimembranosus. Tenderness was measured by
      the Warner-Bratzler shear force method. Purge and cooking loss were determined
      and sarcomere length was measured. Pelvic suspension considerably affected the
      shape of M. semimembranosus; the length increased by 38% in comparison with
      achilles suspension. The elongation of the muscle was parallel with an increase
      in sarcomere length from 1.6 to 2.9MUm. The water-holding capacity was improved
      because both purge and cooking loss were lower for pelvic suspended carcasses.
      Tenderness was improved and the coefficient of variation between animals for
      Warner-Bratzler shear force was reduced from 26% for achilles tendon suspension
      to 12% for pelvic suspension. Likewise, the within-animal variation for shear
      force decreased significantly from 13.3% to 10.0%. Therefore, pelvic suspension
      seems to be a reliable method to reduce texture variability in M. semimembranosus
      from young bulls.

PMID- 22061741
TI  - Estimation of the genetic admixture composition of Iberian dry-cured ham samples
      using DNA multilocus genotypes.
AB  - Under current Spanish regulations, the pigs that provide the raw material for the
      preparation of the country's most appreciated meat-derived product, dry-cured
      Iberian ham, must be of a specific genetic composition. Only the Duroc breed is
      accepted for crossing with Iberian pigs, and a maximum of 50% of the Duroc genome
      is permitted in the animals used to make this ham. This paper describes a set of
      statistical procedures for detecting the 'breed composition' of Iberian ham via
      the use of multilocus genotypes obtained by the amplification of 25
      microsatellite markers. The proposed procedure detected up to 20% of ham samples
      with a genetic composition incompatible with present legislation - either because
      the Duroc genome was present in a percentage greater than that permitted, or
      because of the significant presence (>25%) of white coat pig genomes. The
      probability of finding an illegal cured ham was greater in restaurants than in
      retail grocery stores, and in medium-low category restaurants or stores than in
      higher category establishments.

PMID- 22061742
TI  - Citric acid and sodium citrate effects on pink color development of cooked ground
      turkey irradiated pre- and post-cooking.
AB  - The effects of citric acid (0.15%, 0.3%) and sodium citrate (0.5%, 1.0%) on pink
      color development in ground turkey following irradiation (0, 2.5, 5.0kGy) were
      examined. Citric acid and sodium citrate had little effect on pink color when
      samples were irradiated prior to cooking. In contrast, when samples were cooked
      prior to irradiation, citric acid (0.3%) and sodium citrate (1.0%) reduced
      redness as indicated by eliminating a reflectance minimum at approximately 571nm,
      lessening greater reflectance in the red wavelength region, and preventing
      greater reducing conditions caused by irradiation. Citric acid significantly
      reduced pH and yields whereas sodium citrate reduced pH and yields to a lesser
      extent. Both citric acid and sodium citrate are potential ingredients that can be
      added during processing to prevent undesirable pink color in precooked irradiated
      ground turkey and therefore can result in greater acceptance of irradiated
      products by consumers.

PMID- 22061743
TI  - Sorting for beef tenderness using high performance liquid chromatography and
      capillary electrophoresis: A research note.
AB  - This study utilized two sampling methods to examine changes in sarcoplasmic
      proteins during aging of beef and their relation to tenderness. Water-soluble
      proteins either obtained by manually expressing exudates from the meat (drip) or
      by an extraction procedure using homogenization and centrifugation (ext) were
      analyzed for longissimus lumborum muscle using HPLC and capillary electrophoresis
      (CE) on days 2, 7, 10 and 14 postmortem. A peak that consistently increased with
      aging was identified using HPLC. Among nine peaks detected in the CE analysis,
      peak 9 (100kDa) that increased and peak 4 (30kDa) that decreased with aging were
      correlated (P<0.05) to tenderness as determined by Warner-Bratzler shear force
      (WBSF). For pooled data of all aging periods, drip sample explained the most
      variability (49%) in shear force compared to ext sample (25%) using HPLC
      analyses. At 2 days postmortem, a multiple linear regression model explained 83%
      of the variation in WBSF using CE-ext or HPLC-drip samples. Sixty percent of the
      variability in shear force was explained by CE-ext samples for day 7 data. The
      variability in shear force as explained by either drip or ext sample was less
      than 51 percent for 10 and 14 days postmortem data. The drip samples were
      comparable to ext samples in predicting WBSF values for both tough (>46N WBSF on
      day 2) and tender (<46N WBSF on day 2) strip loins using CE and HPLC procedure.
      Results suggest that a simple drip sampling may have a potential for use with
      either HPLC or CE analyses on day 2 postmortem for sorting carcasses into
      tenderness groups.

PMID- 22061744
TI  - Myofibrillar protein extracts from spent hen meat to improve whole muscle
      processed meats.
AB  - Myofibrillar protein (MP) from spent hen meat was used as an ingredient for
      chicken breasts and pork hams. Cooking loss (CL) and texture of both products
      were evaluated. Salt-soluble MP was extracted following centrifugation. A brine
      with 6% MP or a brine without MP were injected into meat to 20% of the original
      meat weight. CL was reduced in pork hams treated with 6% MP (P<0.05). Chicken
      breasts with 6% MP had greater hardness and gumminess than those without MP
      (P<0.05). Pork hams with 6% MP had greater hardness, gumminess and chewiness than
      those without MP (P<0.05). It was concluded MP from spent hen meat may be used to
      improve the functional properties of whole-muscle meat products.

PMID- 22061745
TI  - The effect of nutritional supplements on growth rate, stress responsiveness,
      muscle glycogen and meat tenderness in pastoral lambs.
AB  - Nutritional supplements and a magnesium bolus and were used in lambs in a 2*2
      factorial design to investigate the effect on growth, preslaughter stress
      measurements, muscle glycogen, and meat quality. In total, 64 Perendale lambs
      were used (32.7+/-0.53 kg, mean+/-SEM). Feed supplemented animals received 150 g
      feed pellets day(-1) in addition to pasture grazing, and this increased growth
      from 183 to 207 g day(-1). Mean delivery of Mg from the boluses was 0.17 g day(
      1) for 28 days, with no effect on growth rates, or any other of the variables
      measured. Urinary noradrenaline, adrenaline and cortisol did not differ between
      groups in the immediate pre-slaughter period. The meat ultimate pH was not
      different between groups and had a mean range of 5.47-5.53. Muscle residual
      glycogen did not differ between groups and had a mean range of 42-43 mmol kg(-1).
      Finally there were no differences in shear force values at all ageing times. The
      final shear force value of 2.5 kg F after 72 h ageing at 15  degrees C was a low
      value representing tender meat. These studies indicate that if nutrition is
      adequate and stress levels are low, there are no differences in meat tenderness
      of pasture fed lambs compared with those having feed supplements to increase
      growth rate.

PMID- 22061746
TI  - Processing characteristics of beef roasts made from high and normal pH bull
      inside rounds.
AB  - The processing characteristics of roasts manufactured from either high or normal
      pH bull inside rounds (semimembranosus and adductor muscles), which had been
      stored chilled or frozen, were investigated. Roasts were injected with a
      salt/phosphate brine and cooked to an internal temperature of 63  degrees C in a
      70  degrees C water bath. High-pH meat that had been frozen had less purge than
      normal pH meat. However, pH did not affect purge from chilled meat. Meat pH and
      storage conditions did not affect retention of pumped brine. Cook yields were
      significantly (P<0.05) higher for roasts made from high pH meat (103.8 vs 98.8%).
      Raw and cooked meat colour was affected by meat pH but not storage condition.
      Cooking reduced the effect of pH on meat colour but cooked roasts manufactured
      from high pH meat were redder than roasts manufactured from normal pH meat.

PMID- 22061747
TI  - Monoclonal antibodies against troponin I for the detection of rendered muscle
      tissues in animal feedstuffs.
AB  - Regulatory controls to prevent the spread of BSE have prohibited the use of
      certain animal proteins in feed in several countries. Accurate analytical methods
      for detecting prohibited material in feedstuffs are needed to ensure compliance
      with the new regulations. Six IgG class monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against
      troponin I (TnI), a thermostable marker protein, have been developed for the
      detection and differentiation of rendered muscle tissue in animal feed. MAbs 1F9,
      2G3 and 7F7 reacted to TnI of all species, including mammalian, poultry and fish,
      while MAbs 7A12 and 8A12 recognized only mammalian TnI (porcine, bovine, ovine,
      equine, and deer). MAb 2A8 was able to differentiate TnI of ruminant origin
      (bovine, ovine and deer) from other species. Three indirect enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) employing these MAbs were developed for the
      determination of animal muscle, mammalian muscle or ruminant muscle in animal
      feeds.

PMID- 22061748
TI  - The effect of food deprivation prior to slaughter on performance, behaviour and
      meat quality.
AB  - The effects of repeated food deprivation, prior to slaughter, on performance,
      feeding behaviour and meat quality of pigs was examined. Three experimental
      treatments were compared. In treatment 1 pigs had ad libitum access to feed up to
      the point of loading on the day of slaughter. Treatment 2 involved a 12-h fast
      prior to slaughter and treatment 3 involved a 20-h fast prior to slaughter. Pigs
      were slaughtered on a weight basis therefore each pen was emptied over a period
      of weeks. This meant some pigs experienced repeated food deprivation. The feeding
      pattern of pigs which were deprived of food for 12 h was very similar to that
      observed before feed restriction. Pigs which were deprived of food for 20 h spent
      significantly more time at the feeder post fasting. This was particularly marked
      during the first 2-3 h when access to feed was restored. Feed deprivation for 12
      h prior to slaughter did not adversely affect performance, carcass weight, meat
      quality or welfare in the present study. Fasting for 20 h reduced carcass weight
      by 1 kg, which was not statistically significant but could result in financial
      losses related to carcass weight. The negative effects on meat quality, of
      repeated feed deprivation, resulted from slower growth rates rather than feed
      deprivation per se.

PMID- 22061749
TI  - Processing and sensory characteristics of cooked roast beef: effect of breed,
      age, gender and storage conditions.
AB  - Two separate experiments investigated the effect of breed (Bos indicus, Bos
      indicus*and Bos taurus), gender/age and chilled and frozen storage on the
      processing characteristics of roasts made from inside rounds (semimembranosus,
      adductor and gracilis muscles). Roasts were injected with a salt/phosphate brine
      and cooked to an internal temperature of 63  degrees C. Freezing the meat
      increased purge lost from the raw meat. Country of origin had no significant
      effect on cook yield. Sensory evaluations with a US consumer panel indicated only
      slight sensory differences due to country of origin and breed but a significant
      effect from storage regime. Tenderness comparisons between breeds were confounded
      by country of origin and indicated that roast beef from inside rounds from
      Brahman cattle had lower WBS values than roast beef made from inside rounds from
      British cattle. Although breed and age/gender often significantly affected
      processing characteristics of the roasts, differences were small and would have
      little practical or economic importance for selecting the type of meat for this
      market sector.

PMID- 22061750
TI  - Effects of halothane genotype and pre-slaughter treatment on pig meat quality.
      Part 1. Post mortem metabolism, meat quality indicators and sensory traits of m.
      Longissimus lumborum.
AB  - Forty-eight castrated F(2) offspring of Pietrain and Large White pigs were
      allocated to a 3 * 2 factorial design in order to study the interactive effect of
      halothane genotype (NN, Nn and nn) and pre-slaughter treatment [referred to as
      'Experimental' (EXP) and 'Commercial-like' (COL) conditions; the latter combining
      short transportation, mixing unfamiliar pigs and slaughtering shortly after
      transport] on muscle post mortem changes and meat quality. The pigs were
      slaughtered over 4 days. Pre-slaughter glycogen depletion in M. longissimus
      lumborum (LL) was greater in the nn pigs, compared with the two other genotypes.
      Lactate accumulation post mortem in LL muscle was greater and the pH value at 40
      min post mortem was lower in nn compared with NN pigs. Nn pigs were close to nn
      pigs for lactate accumulation and showed intermediate pH values in the LL muscle.
      In the M. semimembranosus (SM), NN and Nn pigs showed the same rate of post
      mortem changes, as evidenced by similar glycogen, lactate, creatine phosphate and
      ATP levels, and pH values at 40 min post mortem. Pre-slaughter treatment did not
      affect the rate of post mortem changes in both muscles and no interactive effect
      with halothane genotype was found. The pigs slaughtered under the 'COL'
      conditions had a significantly higher ultimate pH in the LL and SM muscles than
      those slaughtered under the 'EXP' conditions. The LL muscle from nn pigs was
      paler (higher L*) than that of NN and Nn pigs. In SM muscle, Nn pigs showed a
      significantly higher L* value than NN pigs. Drip loss of the LL muscle was
      significantly higher in nn compared with NN pigs, the heterozygous pigs being
      intermediate. Sensory evaluation of the LL muscle showed that nn pigs had a lower
      colour intensity and colour homogeneity of raw meat than NN and Nn pigs.
      Tenderness was significantly lower in nn compared with NN pigs, the Nn pigs being
      intermediate. Pre-slaughter treatment significantly increased ultimate pH in both
      muscles (LL and SM) but did not affect significantly the rate of pH fall
      (pH(40)). It did not affect any of the meat quality traits and no interactive
      effect with halothane genotype was found. These results confirmed the influence
      of the halothane gene on the kinetics of muscle post mortem changes and related
      meat quality traits. They also confirmed the intermediate position of
      heterozygous pigs in terms of meat quality.

PMID- 22061751
TI  - Effects of halothane genotype and pre-slaughter treatment on pig meat quality.
      Part 2. Physico-chemical traits of cured-cooked ham and sensory traits of cured
      cooked and dry-cured hams.
AB  - Forty-eight castrated F(2) offspring of Pietrain and Large White pigs were
      allocated to a 3*2 factorial design in order to study the interactive effect of
      halothane genotype (NN, Nn and nn) and pre-slaughter treatment (referred to as
      'Experimental' (EXP) and 'Commercial-like' (COL) conditions; the latter involving
      short transportation, mixing unfamiliar pigs and slaughtering shortly after
      transport) on the qualities of cured-cooked and dry-cured hams. At 24 h post
      mortem, the hams were collected and assigned to cured-cooked (right ham) and dry
      cured (left ham) ham processing. A sample of M. semimembranosus (SM) was
      collected before cooked ham processing, was used for chemical composition
      analysis, cured and then cooked at various temperatures. Cooking losses and
      compression tests were carried out after cooking on these SM samples. The water
      and collagen content of SM muscle was significantly higher in nn pigs compared
      with the two other genotypes. At all cooking temperatures (60, 65 and 70  degrees
      C), SM muscles from nn pigs showed higher cooking losses and instrumentally
      assessed toughness than the other genotypes, the heterozygous pigs being
      intermediate. The technological yield of cured-cooked ham processing was lower in
      nn, compared with NN and Nn animals. Cooked hams from nn pigs were drier,
      tougher, stringier and less smooth than NN and Nn pigs. The heterozygous pigs
      were similar to normal pigs for all texture characteristics with the exception of
      toughness for which they got a significantly higher score than NN pigs. The pigs
      slaughtered under the COL conditions had a better slice cohesiveness and a
      significantly lower dryness, than pigs slaughtered under the EXP conditions. The
      effect of HAL genotype on slice cohesiveness was significant only when pigs were
      slaughtered under the EXP conditions. Dry-cured hams from nn pigs showed
      significantly more visual defects, but were less tough, smoother and more fondant
      (softer) than NN and Nn pigs. The dry-cured hams from pigs slaughtered under the
      COL conditions had a better cohesiveness between muscles and a more intense
      yellow colour of fat than those from pigs slaughtered under the EXP conditions.
      COL pigs were also judged significantly less tough, smoother and more fondant
      than EXP ones. Overall, the effects of pre-slaughter treatment were small
      compared with those of the HAL genotype. The effects of HAL genotype on the
      sensory traits of cured-cooked ham were similar to those reported for fresh meat.
      However, the good textural characteristics of dry-cured ham processed from HAL
      positive pigs are somewhat surprising and need to be confirmed.

PMID- 22061752
TI  - Influence of outdoor rearing and indoor temperature on growth performance,
      carcass, adipose tissue and muscle traits in pigs, and on the technological and
      eating quality of dry-cured hams.
AB  - The effects of restricted outdoor rearing during winter (W) or summer (S), and
      the influence of indoor ambient temperature [17  degrees C (I17) vs. 24  degrees
      C (I24), the latter being considered as control] on pig growth performance,
      carcass, muscular and adipose tissue traits, and technological and eating quality
      of dry-cured hams were evaluated. I17 pigs exhibited higher, whereas W had
      similar and S lower growth rates than the controls (P<0.001). Carcass traits were
      not different between groups, except in lower back fat weights of S and W pigs
      (P<0.01). Decrease in environmental temperature affected the fatty acid
      composition of the back fat leading to higher MUFA and lower SFA and PUFA
      contents (P<0.001) in I17 and W pigs, whereas S pigs exhibited higher PUFA levels
      (P<0.001) and fat firmness (P<0.01) than the controls. Rearing system did not
      significantly influence the intramuscular fat content of Semimembranosus
      (P=0.08), and had no effect on ultimate pH. In the Longissimus lumborum,
      percentage and relative area of alphaR fibers increased in W pigs (P<0.05), but
      citrate synthase activity did not differ between groups. I17 and W hams exhibited
      higher processing yields of dry-cured hams than controls (P<0.05). Sensory
      analyses showed that pig rearing conditions influenced the product appearance,
      the I17 and W hams exhibiting lower homogeneity (P<0.01) and intensity (P<0.05)
      of colour, and higher marbling scores (P<0.01) than I24 hams, but had no
      influence on texture or flavour.

PMID- 22061753
TI  - Effects of alpha-tocopherol level in raw venison on lipid oxidation and volatiles
      during storage.
AB  - Relationships between alpha-tocopherol concentration in the muscle and
      development of lipid oxidation or volatiles in raw venison were studied. Fourteen
      Japanese Shika Deer (Cervus nippon) were fed various amounts (0-3.0 g of alpha
      tocopheryl acetate per animal) during the different periods (0-37 days) and then
      M. longissimus thoracium et lumborum (LD muscles) with a range of alpha
      tocopherol concentrations (4.1-15.1 mg/kg tissue) were obtained. For stabilizing
      the lipid during storage for 11 days under air, over ca. 9 mg of alpha-tocopherol
      per kg tissue were required based on levels of 2-thiobarbituric acid reacting
      substances (TBARS) numbers. Nine compounds were identified in headspace
      volatiles, and one of the volatiles was hexanal which has been recognized as off
      flavour component. For depressing the hexanal evolution, at least ca. 9 mg of
      alpha-tocopherol per kg tissue were also required for 11 days' storage. This
      value was much higher than other species. The reasons for higher requirement of
      alpha-tocopherol were possibly due to the higher concentration of unsaturated
      fatty acid and myoglobin in venison.

PMID- 22061754
TI  - Effects of halothane gene and pre-slaughter treatment on meat quality and welfare
      from two pig crosses.
AB  - Pigs from crosses of a Pietrain (Pi) and a Large White*Pietrain (LwPi)
      heterozygous (Nn) boar lines with Landrace*Large White homozygous negative (NN)
      sows, were used to study the effect of halothane gene and pre-slaughter treatment
      on animal welfare and meat quality. A total of 83 gilts (47 NN and 36 Nn) were
      assigned to a long treatment (3 h 15 min transport and 12 h lairage) and 73 (39
      NN and 34 Nn) to a short treatment (30 min transport and 2 h lairage). Heart rate
      was recorded throughout loading and transport. Blood samples were collected
      before loading, after transport, and at exsanguination to measure cortisol,
      creatine phospho-kinase (CPK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Carcasses were
      classified and commercial cutting was carried out. Meat quality was assessed on
      the Longissimus thoracis muscle by measuring electrical conductivity (PQM),
      colour (Minolta CR 200 and Japanese scale) and ultimate pH. Loin drip losses were
      assessed at 24 h. Halothane carriers showed a higher increase in cortisol levels
      after transport and exsanguination in the long treatment (P<0.05) as well as in
      LDH and CPK after exsanguination in the short treatment (P<0.05). In this
      treatment, halothane-free pigs recovered during lairage when comparing LDH and
      CPK increases after exsanguination to their increases after transport. No effect
      of the halothane gene on heart rate was observed. Pi sired pigs were leaner and
      had higher yields of leg and loin compared with LwPi sired pigs (P<0.001), but no
      differences in meat quality were observed between crosses. Halothane carriers had
      a higher estimated lean content (P<0.01) and shoulder and leg yields (P<0.01),
      but poorer meat quality than non-carriers (i.e. higher incidence of PSE meat,
      P<0.001). Although pre-slaughter treatment and halothane genotype did not
      significantly affect pHu, significantly higher L*, a* and b* values found in the
      short treatment and Nn individuals indicated paler meat. These results suggest
      that for improving meat quality and welfare the halothane gene should be removed
      from breeding schemes.

PMID- 22061755
TI  - Substitution of nitrite by sorbate and the effect on properties of mortadella.
AB  - Investigation of substitution of nitrite by sorbate in mortadella involved
      preparation of the product with nitrite-sorbate combinations and controls of
      nitrite and sorbate alone. The results revealed that mortadella samples made with
      sorbate alone were not sensorily acceptable and had the highest TBA values.
      Mortadella prepared with nitrite alone was acceptable in all respects but showed
      the highest percentage of nitrite losses during storage. Nitrite-sorbate
      combinations were not significantly different with regard to color, flavor, and
      overall acceptability, compared to nitrite alone. These combinations showed lower
      TBA values. The study also demonstrated the importance of refrigerated storage
      for mortadella. Overall, the results indicated that complete nitrite replacement
      by sorbate is not possible in mortadella, but partial replacement with sorbate is
      acceptable.

PMID- 22061756
TI  - Inhibition of mutagenic N-nitroso compound formation in sausage samples by using
      l-ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol.
AB  - In this study 24 samples of sausage with different amounts of nitrite, l-ascorbic
      acid and alpha-tocopherol were prepared in order to determine the inhibitory
      effects of l-ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol as reductants against formation
      of mutagenic N-nitroso compounds that form in cured meat products. These
      mutagenic N-nitroso compounds were extracted by phosphate buffer and
      ethylacetate. The mutagenicity of extracts were investigated by
      salmonella/microsome assay. The number of revertants indicated the N-nitroso
      compounds content. Among the Salmonella typhimurium strains tested, the
      revertants of S. typhimurium TA100 were significantly reduced (P<0.5) by 60% when
      reductants were added to the samples.

PMID- 22061757
TI  - Manipulation of critical quality indicators and attributes in pork through
      vitamin E supplementation, muscle glycogen reducing finishing feeding and pre
      slaughter stress.
AB  - The combination of a muscle glycogen reducing diet or a standard diet (control
      group) with normal (80 mg/kg) and high vitamin E levels (500 mg/kg) and exercise
      immediately prior to slaughter was used on 56 pigs to investigate the influence
      on meat quality indicators (pH and temperature) and attributes (drip loss, colour
      and Warner-Bratzler shear force). The drip loss was reduced in M. longissimus
      dorsi, M. biceps femoris and M. semimembranosus in pigs given the muscle glycogen
      reducing diet compared with the control groups, the greatest effect was seen in
      exercised pigs. These results can be explained by an early post mortem reduction
      in glycometabolism in pigs fed muscle glycogen reducing diets rather than by an
      increase in ultimate pH. Noticeably, high dietary vitamin E level increased
      muscle glycogen stores by about 10% on the day prior to slaughter but not on the
      day of slaughter in both dietary groups compared with the low dietary vitamin E
      level, which in fact reduced rather than improved the water-holding capacity,
      especially in pigs fed the standard diet.

PMID- 22061758
TI  - The calibration temperature of pH-glass electrodes: significance for meat quality
      classification.
AB  - In this short communication we show important factors concerning pH measurements
      in pork. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of the
      calibration temperature of pH-buffer and of the pH-electrode on pH measured 1-120
      min post mortem in pork, and to evaluate its significance for prediction of meat
      quality. The calibration temperature of pH-electrodes as well as the sample
      temperature is essential for pH measurements, as pH measurements are highly
      temperature-dependent. This is especially important when using pH measurement for
      prediction of meat quality or when different experiments are compared. We have
      used two calibration temperatures of 15  degrees C (normal) and 35  degrees C
      (modified) in the present investigation. Based on our findings, we therefore
      recommend a buffer and electrode temperature of 35  degrees C as a standard
      procedure for measuring pH early post mortem. As a minimum the pH should be
      presented along with the measuring and calibrating temperatures.

PMID- 22061761
TI  - "Strategic finishing feeding as a tool in the control of pork quality" by K.
      Rosenvold, H.N. Laerke, S.K. Jensen, A.K. Karlsson, K. Lundstrom, H.J. Andersen,
      Meat Science 59, 397-406.

PMID- 22061759
TI  - Influence of meat quality and NaCl percentage on glutathione peroxidase activity
      and values for acid-reactive substances of raw and dry-cured Longissimus dorsi.
AB  - Fresh and dry-cured porcine loins (Longissimus dorsi) were analysed for
      glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) activity and acid reactive substances (TBARS) in
      order to assess the influence of meat quality and salt (NaCl) concentration on
      oxidative stability. The results showed lower GSHPx activity and higher TBA
      levels in normal meat than in PSE meat indicating a higher oxidative stress in
      normal meat quality. GSHPx remained active at the end of the curing process.
      Higher salt concentration led to lower enzyme activity and TBARS values prompted
      the thought of a double role of NaCl as an enzyme inhibitor and as an antioxidant
      molecule.

PMID- 22061763
TI  - Activity of cathepsin B, D, H and L in Spanish dry-cured ham of normal and
      defective texture.
AB  - Thirty-six specimens of Spanish dry-cured ham from 18 different batches were
      studied to determine the influence of endogenous enzymes on the textural quality
      of the end product. It was shown that, the residual enzyme activity of cathepsins
      B+L is a reliable indicator of textural defects associated with strong
      proteolysis in Spanish dry-cured ham. In contrast, the activity of cathepsin B,
      which varied widely among samples, was less influential. Salt levels can have a
      moderate effect on the residual enzyme activities. Other compositional parameters
      also influence the properties of the end product; the amount of protein in
      semimembranosus muscle was found to be less and the moisture greater in
      texturally defective specimens. Also, the efficiency of the drying-curing process
      was less in hams yielding poor textures.

PMID- 22061764
TI  - Determination of the buffering capacity of postrigor meat.
AB  - Since 1938, several studies on buffering capacity of postrigor meat have been
      presented. As the methods used have varied considerably it is important to know
      how to compare the results. The method of titration, mainly the amount of
      dilution used, has a significant effect on the shape of the obtained buffering
      capacity curve. When a dilute solution is used, the curve has distinct maximum
      and minimum points. With less dilution, the buffering capacity curve approaches a
      shape with no distinct minimum and maximum points in pH range 5.5-7.0. However,
      it seems possible to estimate the buffering capacity of meat from data based on
      titrations made with different dilutions. A mean value for buffering capacity
      valid in pH range 5.5-7.0 can be estimated from titrations made with dilution
      ratios 1:10 and 1:1. The mean buffering capacity values in pH range 5.5-7.0 were
      for beef m. longissimus muscle 51 mmol H(+)/(pH*kg), for pork m. longissimus 52
      mmol H(+)/(pH*kg), for beef m. triceps brachii 48 mmol H(+)/(pH*kg) and for pork
      m. triceps brachii 45 mmol H(+)/(pH*kg). For broiler breast and broiler leg-thigh
      muscles the corresponding values were 58 and 41 mmol H(+)/(pH*kg).

PMID- 22061765
TI  - Differentiation of the species ostrich (Struthio camelus) and emu (Dromaius
      novaehollandiae) by polymerase chain reaction using an ostrich-specific primer
      pair.
AB  - Through polymerase chain reaction a zone of the gene for the cytochrome b of
      ostrich (Struthio camelus) mitochondrial DNA was amplified using a primer pair
      which permits to identify the ostrich and differentiate it from the emu (Dromaius
      novaehollandiae), thus giving different size fragment; in the ostrich of about
      543 bp and in the emu of about 229 bp. This has been obtained without adopting
      other techniques such as, e.g., the fragment digestion by means of suitable
      restriction enzymes or single strand conformational polymorphism (SSCP).

PMID- 22061766
TI  - A research note on factors affecting the determination of myofibrillar
      fragmentation.
AB  - The myofibrillar fragmentation index (MFI) was determined for a section of ovine
      Longissimus muscle, aged for either 1 or 3 days and processed from either the
      fresh or frozen state. Additionally samples were homogenized at one of three
      speeds (5000, 10,000 or 15,000 rpm). Speed of homogenisation and 'state' of the
      sample both had a significant effect (P < 0.001) on MFI values as did the
      interaction between speed and state (P < 0.001), with other interactions terms
      not being significant. Age of the sample had no significant (P > 0.05) effect on
      MFI values with least square means (s.e.) for Day 1 and Day 3 being 92 and 93
      (1.16), respectively. As homogenisation speed increased, the difference between
      values for fresh and frozen samples was diminished, such that at 15,000 rpm there
      was no effect of 'state' on values. Overall the 'state' and the speed of
      homogenisation have a large impact on values and there was more variation between
      samples at the slowest speed (5000 rpm). At the slowest speed myofibrils consist
      of more sarcomeres and can be observed to still exhibit intermyofibril linkages.
      The results suggest a homogenisation speed of 15,000 rpm was preferable when
      determining MFI values.

PMID- 22061767
TI  - Sire variation in fatty acid composition of crossbred Wagyu steers and heifers.
AB  - Effects of sires on lipid composition of subcutaneous adipose tissue and
      longissimus dorsi muscle were studied using 113 F(1) heifer and steer calves
      sired by eight Wagyu bulls out of three different cow herds. Wagyu sires were
      used and grouped as Old (n=6) and New (n =2) sires, respectively, based on the
      chronological order in which they were imported into the US. Animals were fed a
      backgrounding diet for 112 days consisting of an 80:20 ratio of
      roughage:concentrate, then grazed on orchard grass and bluegrass for 84 days, and
      finished on a 10:90 ratio of roughage:concentrate diet for 231 days in a feedlot.
      For longissimus dorsi muscle, progeny from Old sires had higher (P<0.05)
      monounsaturated to saturated fatty acid ratios (MUFA:SFA) than progeny of New
      sires. There were also differences (P<0.05) among individual sires for
      polyunsaturated to saturated fatty acid ratio (PUFA:SFA) (0.05-0.08) and MUFA:SFA
      (1.03-1.21). Progeny of Angus cows at Washington State University (WSU) had lower
      (P<0.05) MUFA:SFA and lower SFA than progeny of WSU crossbred and commercial
      cows. Steers had lower (P<0.05) MUFA:SFA and higher (P<0.05) SFA than heifers.
      For subcutaneous fat, heifers had higher levels (P<0.05) of linoleic acid (C18:2)
      and PUFA:SFA than the steers. Means for ether extractable fat in longissimus
      dorsi muscle differed among sires (P<0.05) and ranged from 7.58 to 13.13%.
      Progeny from WSU Angus cows had higher (P<0.05) ether extractable fat than WSU
      crossbred and commercial cows. Cholesterol content of longissimus dorsi muscle
      was not influenced by sire, cow herd or sex (P>0.05).

PMID- 22061768
TI  - Protein quality and microbiological changes in aerobically- or vacuum-packaged,
      irradiated fresh pork loins.
AB  - The effect of gamma-irradiation on the physicochemical, organoleptic and
      microbiological properties of pork was studied, during 43 days of storage at 4+/
      1 degrees C. Irradiation treatments were carried out under air or vacuum
      packaging on fresh pork loins at a dose of 6 kGy, at two different dose rates: 2
      kGy/h and 20 kGy/h. The loins were evaluated for protein sulphydryl content and
      emulsifying capacity, surface hydrophobicity of proteins and sensorial
      evaluation. Regardless of the type of packaging and dose rate of irradiation, all
      irradiated pork samples were effectively prevented from bacterial spoilage for at
      least 43 days. Meat redness and texture of irradiated loins were relatively well
      preserved during the storage period, especially when samples were stored under
      vacuum. Overall, the physicochemical and organoleptic changes in pork loins
      appeared to be relatively little affected by the 6 kGy dose. No marked changes in
      emulsifying capacity and protein sulphydryl content of proteins were noted
      throughout the storage period. However, the hydrophobicity was reduced (P?0.05)
      by the faster dose rate of irradiation and by longer storage.

PMID- 22061769
TI  - Relationship between fat depots in carcasses of beef bulls and effect on meat
      colour and tenderness.
AB  - Four hundred and thirty-three double-muscled and two hundred and two non-double
      muscled Belgian Blue bulls, with mean cold carcass weights of 470+/-27 and 414+/
      33 kg, respectively, were studied to investigate the relationships between the
      SEUROP fat grade, the anatomical fat content in the carcass (adipose tissue) and
      the chemical fat content in the Longissimus thoracis. The relationships between
      the shear force value and the lightness of the meat and fat characteristics were
      also studied. A moderate correlation was found between the fat characteristics
      within each data set with correlation coefficients, ranging from 0.4 to 0.6. The
      correlation coefficients increased to 0.70-0.85 when the data sets were pooled.
      Fat characteristics of the carcass and meat showed only limited predictive power
      (R(2)<0.15) for meat tenderness and colour. This study also shows that double
      muscled animals belong to a sub-population of the Belgian Blue breed rather than
      deviants from the non-double-muscled animal.

PMID- 22061770
TI  - Relationship between RN(-) genotype and drip loss in meat from Danish pigs.
AB  - The presence of the RN(-)-gene determined in 72 halothane negative Danish pigs,
      either by a direct genotyping or the glycolytic potential of the meat, in
      relation to drip loss, was investigated. The drip loss in the M. longissimus
      dorsi from RN-carriers (n=26), as determined by genotyping was 9.9% compared to
      8.6% in non-carriers (n=46) (P=0.07). When a glycolytic potential of >230 MUmol
      lactate/g meat was used to differentiate between carriers and non carriers of the
      RN(-)-gene, the drip loss in carriers was 10.6% (n=17) compared to 8.7% in non
      carriers (n=55) (P<0.01). These results suggest that the presence of the RN(-)
      gene in Danish slaughter pigs only partially explains the large variation in drip
      loss observed in Danish pork.

PMID- 22061771
TI  - Evaluation of pork color by using computer vision.
AB  - The objective of this study was to determine the potential of computer vision
      technology for evaluating fresh pork loin color. Software was developed to
      segment pork loin images into background, muscle and fat. Color image features
      were then extracted from segmented images. Features used in this study included
      mean and standard deviation of red, green, and blue bands of the segmented muscle
      area. Sensory scores were obtained for the color characteristics of the lean meat
      from a trained panel using a 5-point color scale. The scores were based on visual
      perception and ranged from 1 to 5. Both statistical and neural network models
      were employed to predict the color scores by using the image features as inputs.
      The statistical model used partial least squares technique to derive latent
      variables. The latent variables were subsequently used in a multiple linear
      regression. The neural network used a back-propagation learning algorithm.
      Correlation coefficients between predicted and original sensory scores were 0.75
      and 0.52 for neural network and statistical models, respectively. Prediction
      error was the difference between average sensory score and the predicted color
      score. An error of 0.6 or lower was considered negligible from a practical
      viewpoint. For 93.2% of the 44 pork loin samples, prediction error was lower than
      0.6 in neural network modeling. In addition, 84.1% of the samples gave an error
      lower than 0.6 in the statistical predictions. Results of this study showed that
      an image processing system in conjunction with a neural network is an effective
      tool for evaluating fresh pork color.

PMID- 22061772
TI  - The effects of dietary alpha-tocopheryl acetate supplementation and modified
      atmosphere packaging (MAP) on the quality of lamb patties.
AB  - The effects of dietary alpha-tocopheryl acetate supplementation and/or packaging
      on the quality of lamb patties were investigated. Ewes (n=12) were selected and
      scanned to assess pregnancy. They were divided into two groups (n=6). The control
      group was fed a non-supplemented diet of 20 mg alpha-tocopheryl acetate/kg
      feed/day for 9 weeks ante-parturition and 3 weeks post-parturition. The lambs
      were weaned at 3 weeks and fed either the non-supplemented or supplemented diet
      for 10 weeks prior to slaughter. The M. longissimus dorsi from each carcass from
      each dietary group was stored at -20 degrees C for 7 months. Patties were formed
      from supplemented or control minced m. longissimus dorsi and held in either
      modified atmosphere packs (MAP) under atmospheres of 70:30, 80:20 or 90:10
      CO(2):O(2), under vacuum or in overwrapped trays. All packs were held under
      refrigerated (4 degrees C, 616 lux) display for a period of 10 days. Patties were
      assessed for oxidative and colour stability on days 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10. With
      each type of pack, dietary alpha-tocopheryl acetate supplementation significantly
      increased oxidative and colour stability compared to control patties. As oxygen
      concentrations increased in MAP packs, colour stability was enhanced but the rate
      of lipid oxidation increased. Vacuum packaged patties had significantly (P<0.05)
      higher Hunter 'a' values, lower proportions of metmyoglobin and lower TBARS
      numbers than those held under all other forms of packaging. Aerobically packaged
      patties had lower Hunter 'a' values, higher proportions of metmyoglobin and lower
      TBARS numbers compared to MAP patties.

PMID- 22061773
TI  - Effects of three preservative agents on the shelf life of vacuum packaged Chinese
      style sausage stored at 20 degrees C.
AB  - The influence of 3% sorbitol, 3% sodium lactate and 100 mg/kg nisin on the shelf
      life of vacuum packaged Chinese-style sausage stored at 20 degrees C was studied.
      Growth of microbiological populations (aerobe, anaerobe, lactic acid bacteria,
      leuconostocs) and slime formation on the sausage were not retarded during storage
      by addition of nisin. Sorbitol lowered the initial water activity of the sausage,
      however, microbiological spoilage accompanied with pH decline, increase in
      volatile basic nitrogen compounds and a sour odour defect were observed after 10
      days storage. Sodium lactate was bacteriostatic as it inhibited microbial as well
      as chemical changes during storage so that the shelf life was 25 days at 20
      degrees C. The dextran content of the vacuum packaged Chinese-style sausage
      indicated the spoilage 2-3 days earlier than that seen by other chemical assays
      or sensory evaluation.

PMID- 22061774
TI  - Effect of dietary energy and protein levels on fatty acid composition of
      intramuscular fat in double-muscled Belgian Blue bulls.
AB  - Seventy six Belgian Blue (BB) bulls, with double-muscled conformation, were
      randomly allocated to six dietary treatments in a 2 * 3 factorial experiment. The
      treatments included low (N(L)=127 g CP/kg DM), medium (N(M)=153 g CP/kg DM) and
      high (N(H)=172 g CP/kg DM) levels of dietary protein in combination with low
      (E(L)=7.38 MJ ME/kg DM) and high (E(H)=8.03 MJ ME/kg DM) levels of dietary
      energy. Fatty acid composition was determined on total lipid samples of the M.
      longissimus thoracis of all animals and on the separated triacylglycerol and
      polar lipid fatty acid fractions of the medium-protein group. Dietary energy and
      protein levels influenced the carcass characteristics of BB bulls but the effects
      were small. Carcass fat cover score, carcass fat content and intramuscular fat
      content were slightly but significantly higher in the animals on the high versus
      the low energy diets. The overall intramuscular fat content was very low (<1%)
      and the overall polyunsaturated:saturated fatty acid ratio (0.39) high compared
      to normal figures for beef. The high versus the low dietary energy level
      increased the monounsaturated (P<0.001) and decreased the polyunsaturated
      (P<0.001) fatty acid proportion with no change in the saturated fatty acid
      proportion. This may have been due in part to the addition of beef tallow to
      increase the energy level of the diet. Concomitant shifts in the individual fatty
      acids included increased proportions of C14:0 (P<0.001), C16:0 (P<0.03), C16:1
      (P<0.01), C18:1 (P<0.001) and decreased proportions of C18:2 (P<0.001) and C20:4
      (P<0.001). Increasing dietary protein levels had inconsistent effects on the
      fatty acid profiles. The proportion of polar lipid fatty acids in the total fatty
      acids was 0.34 and 0.25 for the E(L) and E(H) group, respectively, in the Nm
      treatment group. Changes in fatty acid proportions of the triacylglycerol fatty
      acid fraction were similar to those seen in the total lipid fatty acids when
      related to dietary energy level, but no significant changes in the polar lipid
      fatty acid proportions were observed. Significant linear relationships were found
      between measures of carcass and muscle fatness and fatty acid proportions. With
      increasing muscle total fatty acid content, saturated and monounsaturated fatty
      acid proportions increased (r=0.38 and r=0.55, respectively, P<0.01) and the
      polyunsaturated fatty acid proportion decreased (r=-0.73, P<0.01). The diet had
      some effects but the relatively unsaturated intramuscular fatty acid composition
      was mainly related to the low total fat content of the BB animals.

PMID- 22061775
TI  - Optimization of salt, olive oil and pectin level for low-fat frankfurters
      produced by replacing pork backfat with olive oil.
AB  - Response surface methodology was used to determine the optimum salt level (1.3
      2.1%) and pectin level (0.25-1.0%) when olive oil replaced pork backfat (0-100%)
      for the production of highly acceptable low-fat frankfurters (9% fat, 13%
      protein). The test ingredients significantly affected (P<0.05) jelly separation
      of the batter, skin strength, hardness, saltiness, odour and taste and the
      overall acceptability of the low-fat frankfurters. Batters with high pectin
      levels recorded the highest (P<0.05) jelly separation. Low-fat frankfurters with
      high salt levels tended to have very hard skins and increased (P<0.05) saltiness
      while those with a high pectin level were very soft, tasted like cream and had
      the lowest (P<0.05) score for odour and taste. The low-fat frankfurters with 1.8
      2.1% salt, 0-35% olive oil and 0.25-0.45% pectin had the highest overall
      acceptability. However, low-fat frankfurters produced with 1.3% salt, 0.25-0.30%
      pectin and 80-100% olive oil were also acceptable. Such low-fat frankfurters,
      compared to commercial products, have a 48% lower salt content (from 2.5 to 1.3%)
      and 66.6% lower fat content (from 30 to 10%), in which 80-100% of the added fat
      is olive oil. Further research is needed to improve the acceptability of these
      frankfurters.

PMID- 22061776
TI  - Carcass and meat quality in light lambs from different fat classes in the EU
      carcass classification system.
AB  - Ninety commercial lamb carcasses were analysed according to the four different
      fat classes in the light lamb European classification system. Shoulder fat
      increased 3%, muscle decreased 2% and bone decreased 1% for each class increase.
      No significant differences were found among fat classes regarding pH, WHC,
      cooking losses, juiciness, myoglobin content, meat colour measured immediately
      after cutting (L*, a*, b*), odour intensity or flavour quality. Some differences
      were found in colour evolution through ageing. Shear force decreased and
      tenderness and flavour intensity increased with fat class but this effect was
      only significant in the leanest animals.

PMID- 22061777
TI  - Influence of direct and delayed chilling of excised female buffalo muscles on
      their textural quality.
AB  - The excised muscles from the left half of 6 carcasses of old female buffaloes (4
      5 years of age) were held, soon after slaughter, at the temperature of 2-3
      degrees C for 24 h (direct chilling) and those from the right half at ambient
      temperature (26+/-2 degrees C) up to 6 h postmortem followed by chilling at 2-3
      degrees C for 18 h (delayed chilling) in order to study the improvement in the
      texture quality of muscles. During the delayed chilling, the muscle pH decreased
      to 6.0 (from the initial value of 6.5) in 3 h whereas it took 5-6 h in direct
      chilling. Reduction in Instron firmness values was 10.3-33.6% and that in
      cohesiveness values was 13.2-22.2% in delayed chilled muscles compared to direct
      chilled ones when cooked muscles were sheared along or across the muscle fibres.
      These observations were statistically significant (P? 0.001) indicating a
      definite improvement in the texture quality of muscles subjected to delayed
      chilling. However, no definite trend was observed in the values of elasticity,
      cooking loss and water holding capacity of muscles due to direct or delayed
      chilling.

PMID- 22061778
TI  - Animal Welfare and Meat Science N.G.Gregory, 1998, Wallingford: CABI Publishing.

PMID- 22061779
TI  - Erratum to "Effect of dietary vitamin E supplementation on the colour and lipid
      stability of fresh, frozen and vacuum-packaged beef" [Meat Science, 52(1) (1999),
      95].

PMID- 22061781
TI  - High-oxygen packaging atmosphere influences protein oxidation and tenderness of
      porcine longissimus dorsi during chill storage.
AB  - The effect of modified atmosphere packaging (70% O(2)/30% CO(2)) and skin
      packaging (no oxygen) on protein oxidation and texture of longissimus dorsi was
      investigated during storage for 14 days at 4 degrees C. High oxygen atmosphere
      resulted in reduced tenderness and juiciness and SDS-PAGE revealed cross-linking
      of myosin heavy chain through disulfide bonding, and the content of protein
      thiols was reduced indicating protein oxidation. Myofibril fragmentation was
      reduced in meat stored in high oxygen atmosphere indicating less proteolysis
      and/or cross-linking of proteins. Protein carbonyl content was not affected by
      the packaging atmospheres. This study shows that packaging in modified atmosphere
      containing a high level of oxygen can result in protein cross-linking and reduced
      tenderness and juiciness of the meat.

PMID- 22061780
TI  - Inhibition of prolyl hydroxylases by dimethyloxaloylglycine after stroke reduces
      ischemic brain injury and requires hypoxia inducible factor-1alpha.
AB  - Pathological oxygen deprivation inhibits prolyl hydroxylase (PHD) activity and
      stimulates a protective cellular oxygen-sensing response in part through the
      stabilization and activation of the Hypoxia Inducible Factor (HIF) 1alpha
      transcription factor. The present investigation tested the therapeutic potential
      of enhanced activation of oxygen-sensing pathways by competitive pharmacologic
      PHD inhibition after stroke, hypothesizing that post-ischemic PHD inhibition
      would reduce neuronal cell death and require the activation of HIF-1alpha. The
      PHD inhibitor dimethyloxaloylglycine (DMOG, 100 MUM) reduced cell death by oxygen
      glucose deprivation (OGD), an in vitro model of ischemia, and the protection
      required HIF-1alpha. In vivo, DMOG (50 mg/kg, i.p.) administered 30 or 60 min
      after distal occlusion of the middle cerebral artery (MCA) in mice enhanced the
      activation of HIF-1alpha protein, enhanced transcription of the HIF-regulated
      genes vascular endothelial growth factor, erythropoietin, endothelial nitric
      oxide synthase, and pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase-1, reduced ischemic infarct
      volume and activation of the pro-apoptotic caspase-3 protein, reduced behavioral
      deficits after stroke, and reduced the loss of local blood flow in the MCA
      territory after stroke. Inhibition of HIF-1alpha in vivo by Digoxin or
      Acriflavine abrogated the infarct sparing properties of DMOG. These data suggest
      that supplemental activation of oxygen-sensing pathways after stroke may provide
      a clinically applicable intervention for the promotion of neurovascular cell
      survival after ischemia.

PMID- 22061782
TI  - Composition and physicochemical characteristics of restructured beef steaks
      containing walnuts as affected by cooking method.
AB  - The study was conducted to determine the influence of various cooking methods -
      conventional oven, microwave oven, electric grill and pan-frying on the
      composition and physicochemical characteristics of restructured beef steaks
      formulated as low fat (L, 2.0% fat), medium fat (M, 13.0% fat) and 20% added
      walnut (W, 12.6% fat). Composition, retention coefficients for different
      compounds, cooking loss (CL) and texture were affected by both formulation and
      cooking. There was considerable retention of moisture, fat and minerals (as ash)
      in W samples after cooking. CL was highest (P<0.05) in M sample and lowest
      (P<0.05) in W samples. Microwaved restructured steaks had higher (P<0.05) kramer
      shear force (KSF) and bind strength (BS), while pan-fried and conventionally oven
      cooked steaks had lower (P<0.05) KSF. The thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances
      (TBARS) content was low in all restructured steaks but was affected by both
      cooking and formulation. Although cooking can change the proximal composition of
      steaks, lipid retention (>90%) was greatest in the case of the W sample, thus
      assuring that the ultimate objective of these restructured meats, namely to
      provide a source of walnut and walnut fat, would be successful.

PMID- 22061783
TI  - Development of a modified dry curing process for beef.
AB  - The development of a dry curing process using physical treatments to promote the
      diffusion of the cure ingredients was studied. Vacuum pulsing with and without
      tumbling, continuous vacuum, and tumbling only treatments were compared with a
      conventional static dry cure control method on beef M. supraspinatus. Vacuum
      tumble and tumble only treatments gave highest core salt content after 7 days
      conditioning (3.3% and 3.1%, respectively). All test treatments resulted in
      higher colour uniformity and lower % cook loss in comparison to control
      (P<0.001). The control and vacuum pulsed samples were tougher (P<0.001). Vacuum
      tumble and tumble only treatments gave higher acceptability (P<0.001). Based on
      these findings for M. supraspinatus, indicating that the vacuum tumble treatments
      gave the best results, further testing of this method was conducted using the M.
      biceps femoris in addition to the M. supraspinatus. Cured beef slices were stored
      in modified atmosphere packs (MAP) (80%N(2):20%CO(2)) for up to 28 day at 4
      degrees C. Redness (a(*), P<0.001) decreased over storage time in M. biceps
      femoris. Vacuum tumble treatment increased (P<0.05) redness in M. supraspinatus.
      Results obtained demonstrate the benefits of vacuum tumbling over the other
      physical treatments as a method for accelerating the dry curing process,
      producing dry cured beef products with enhanced organoleptic quality and
      increased yields.

PMID- 22061784
TI  - Preference and juiciness of Iberian dry-cured loin as affected by intramuscular
      fat content, crossbreeding and rearing system.
AB  - Preference ranking tests for juiciness and overall liking of dry cured loins from
      Iberian pigs with different genetic backgrounds (pure Iberian or crossbred
      Iberian*Duroc pigs), reared under different productive systems (outdoors on
      acorns and grass or indoors with mixed diets) and with different intramuscular
      fat (IMF) content, were conducted. IMF showed a positive influence on preference
      for juiciness and liking in subjects over 25 years of age, while younger
      consumers showed a similar trend for juiciness but not for preference. Loins from
      pure Iberian pigs showed significantly better ranking for juiciness and overall
      liking than those from crossbred pigs, even when the IMF content was similar. Dry
      cured loins from pigs reared outdoors and fed on acorns and pasture were ranked
      significantly better than those from animals fed indoors on concentrates, even
      though the mixed diets used were enriched in monounsaturated fatty acids and
      vitamin E in order to obtain meat with similar features to that of pigs reared
      outdoors, and despite very similar IMF contents. In conclusion, dry cured loins
      with high IMF content, from pure Iberian pigs and reared outdoors on acorns and
      grass attain the highest consumer preference.

PMID- 22061785
TI  - Breaking strength of dry fermented sausages and their correlation with texture
      profile analysis (TPA) and physico-chemical characteristics.
AB  - In order to assess its usefulness for monitoring textural properties of dry
      fermented sausages (chorizo, salchichon, salami, fuet and mini-fuet) the
      determination of breaking strength (BS) was evaluated. Texture profile analysis
      (TPA) and physico-chemical measurements (pH, aw, dry matter, fat content) were
      also performed. The BS determined by tensile test and TPA analysis produced
      complementary information that allowed these meat products to be grouped
      according to four different textural profiles. These profiles were characterized
      (p<0.05) by the values of BS, hardness, adhesiveness, cohesiveness and
      springiness. Multivariate analysis confirmed that BS and TPA parameters were
      correlated significantly (p<0.00005). On basis of these results, TPA parameters
      could be used to construct regression models to predict BS and therefore, to
      obtain a more complete textural property description of the dry fermented
      sausages. The resulting regression model was BS=-0.777+0.728*adhesiveness
      16881*cohesiveness+1884.61*springiness+0.042*hardness (R(2)=0.634, p<0.00005).

PMID- 22061786
TI  - The crossbreeding of different Duroc lines with the Iberian pig affects colour
      and oxidative stability of meat during storage.
AB  - Colour and oxidative stability of Longissimus dorsi (LD) and Biceps femoris (BF)
      muscles from 3 different Iberian*Duroc genotypes (GEN1: ? Iberian*? Duroc1, GEN2:
      ? Duroc1*? Iberian; GEN3: ? Duroc2*? Iberian) were analysed during 10days of
      refrigerated storage. GEN1 and GEN2 are reciprocal crosses, while the difference
      between GEN2 and GEN3 is the Duroc sire line. The genotype Duroc1 was selected
      for the manufacture of dry-cured-meat products while the genotype Duroc2 was
      selected for meat production. BF showed more intense colour and oxidative changes
      during storage than LD, which is in accordance with their different metabolic
      pattern, since BF is an intermediate oxidative muscle whereas LD is a glycolytic
      one. Important differences were found between crosses due to the genotype of the
      Duroc sire line; however, reciprocal crosses (GEN1 and GEN2) showed a similar
      pattern. The lowest post-mortem pH of GEN3 could be a deciding factor of the
      oxidative and colour stability during storage as GEN3 had higher drip and cook
      loss as well as higher susceptibility to iron-ascorbate-induced oxidation. In
      addition, chops from GEN3 were paler (lower L(*)) and showed a higher
      discolouration (higher decrease of a(*)) besides higher lipid (TBA-RS) and
      protein oxidation (carbonyl content) after the storage.

PMID- 22061787
TI  - Modeling and predicting spoilage of cooked, cured meat products by multivariate
      analysis.
AB  - A cooked, cured meat product is a perishable product spoiled mainly by lactic
      acid bacteria (LAB). LAB cause discoloration, slime formation, off-odors and off
      flavors as the result of their metabolic activity producing various products.
      These microbial products in conjunction with the microbial population could be
      used to assess the degree of spoilage of this type of product. The spoilage
      evaluation was achieved by following a multivariate approach. Cluster analysis,
      principal component analysis and partial least square regression were employed to
      associate spoilage with microbiological and physicochemical parameters. The
      developed model was capable of giving accurate predictions of spoilage describing
      the spoilage associations. The study might contribute to the improvement of
      quality assurance systems of meat enterprises.

PMID- 22061788
TI  - National beef tenderness survey - 2006: Assessment of Warner-Bratzler shear and
      sensory panel ratings for beef from US retail and foodservice establishments.
AB  - Beef from retail and foodservice establishments in 11 US cities was evaluated
      using Warner-Bratzler shear (WBS) and consumer evaluation panels. Postmortem
      aging times ranged from 3 to 83d for retail and 7 to 136d for foodservice with
      mean aging times of 22.6d and 30.1d, respectively. For retail, the three cuts
      from the round - top round, bottom round, and eye of round - had the highest
      (P<0.05) WBS values compared to cuts from the chuck, rib, and loin. Top loin
      steaks had the lowest (P<0.05) WBS value compared to ribeye and top sirloin
      foodservice steaks. Retail bone-in top loin, top loin, ribeye, T-bone, and
      porterhouse received the highest (P<0.05) ratings by consumers for overall like
      and like tenderness. Quality grade had little or no effect on foodservice sensory
      evaluations. Improvements in round tenderness are needed to increase consumer
      acceptability.

PMID- 22061789
TI  - Biogenic amine production in Spanish dry-cured "chorizo" sausage treated with
      high-pressure and kept in chilled storage.
AB  - Biogenic amine formation and microbiota evolution were assessed in Spanish dry
      cured "chorizo" sausage treated with high-pressure (HP) and kept at 2 degrees C.
      High-pressures did not affect (p<0.05) pH or water activity (a(w)). However, HP
      treatment did significantly reduce the level of lactic acid bacteria, by <1
      logarithmic unit. Microorganism levels remained low throughout storage and the
      only significant reduction was in the HP treated lot at 160 days. The HP
      treatment caused a reduction (p<0.05) of tyramine, putrescine, and cadaverine
      levels, while there was a significant increase in spermidine. Amine levels
      increased (p<0.05) in the course of storage, although unrelated to increased
      microorganism levels, possibly because decarboxylase activity continued in the
      substrate during storage. HP seems to be effective for reducing the formation of
      biogenic amines in this kind of product.

PMID- 22061790
TI  - Variation in the response to manipulation of post-mortem glycolysis in beef
      muscles by low-voltage electrical stimulation and conditioning temperature.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate how manipulation of glycolytic rate by
      post-mortem processing conditions influences quality of aged beef of two bovine
      muscles of different physiological character, longissimus dorsi (LD) and adductor
      (AD). Post-mortem glycolysis was manipulated by low-voltage electrical
      stimulation (LV-ES) of half carcasses and by chilling rate of the muscles.
      Multivariate statistical analysis was used to visualise the data, while ANOVA was
      used to identify significant effects and interactions. As expected there was a
      significant effect of LV-ES on the pH decline in the first hours post-mortem in
      both muscles. Moreover, significant effects of LV-ES on WB shear force measured 2
      and 8 days after slaughter were observed for LD at both chilling temperatures,
      while for AD no effect on WB shear force was observed. Furthermore, the results
      revealed a large individual variation in the response of LV-ES on both pH decline
      and WB shear force, and this variation did not always correlate for the two
      responses. Some animals showed no response of LV-ES on pH decline, but still had
      an improved WB shear force, and vice versa. The results from this study indicate
      that there probably are other mechanisms than accelerated pH decline and
      prevention of cold-shortening, by which LV-ES can affect meat tenderness.

PMID- 22061791
TI  - Sex determination in beef by melting curve analysis of PCR amplicons from the
      amelogenin locus.
AB  - Sex determination of beef is important to meet the rules of the Commission
      Regulation (EC) 765/2002 that qualify for export refunds. A SYBR Green sex
      identification assay based on melting curve analysis of PCR amplicons from the
      amelogenin locus (AMELX and AMELY) was developed. The PCR amplicons of 130/130
      and 130/67 base pairs produced from female and male beef, respectively, are
      easily distinguished by both melting curve analysis and gel electrophoresis.
      Results from the melting curve analysis of amplicons are ready in less than three
      minutes, and requires no additional work in addition to the PCR setup.
      Applicability of the sex determination assay was studied by analysis of 12
      unknown beef samples and the results were compared to an accredited method based
      on gel electrophoresis. In addition, six different cattle breeds were examined.
      All test results were correct in respect to sex.

PMID- 22061792
TI  - Protease activity higher in postmortem water buffalo meat than Brahman beef.
AB  - We previously demonstrated that postmortem water buffalo meat had higher
      tenderness than Brahman beef. In order to explain this difference in tenderness,
      the objective of the current study was to investigate the protease activity in
      these two meats. Five female crossbred water buffalo (Philippine
      Carabao*Bulgarian Murrah) and five female crossbred cattle (Brahman*Philippine
      Native) were slaughtered at 30months of age, followed by immediate sampling of
      Longissimus thoracis muscle for measurement of protease activity. Results showed
      that buffalo meat had significantly higher protease activity compared to beef
      (P<0.05). Furthermore, calpain inhibitor 1, a specific inhibitor of calpains 1
      and 2, was the most effective inhibitor of protease activity. There was no
      difference in calpastatin activity, and no major differences were observed in
      calpains 1, 2, and calpastatin expression by Western blotting. This study
      suggests that higher calpain activity in early postmortem buffalo meat was
      responsible for the increased tenderness of water buffalo meat compared to beef.

PMID- 22061793
TI  - Relationships between carcass quality parameters and genetic types.
AB  - It is important for the meat industry, including pig farmers and breeding
      companies, to know the composition of the carcass including the proportions of
      the different commercial cuts when making decisions on the type of pigs to be
      produced and marketed. Carcass composition is influenced significantly by the
      genotype of the animals. The aim of this work was to characterise carcasses from
      five different pig genotypes, by means of the quantification and comparison of
      their physical composition. Carcasses from 500 gilts from five different genetic
      types were studied. These lines were based on the following breeds: Large White,
      Landrace, Duroc, Pietrain and a Meishan synthetic population developed from a
      cross with a Large White based line. Measurements were taken in the carcasses
      directly with a ruler and with the Fat-O-Meat'er. The carcasses were cut
      following the European reference method and the four main joints were dissected.
      Carcasses from the Pietrain based line, which was halothane negative, presented
      the highest killing-out (83.34%) and were the shortest (81.81cm). The Pietrain
      based line was also the leanest and the Meishan based line the fattest. The
      highest proportion of ham (270.9g/kg) and the lowest proportion of belly
      (97.97g/kg) were found in the Pietrain line. The proportion of lean in all of the
      dissected cuts was higher in carcasses from this line while the Meishan line
      presented the highest proportions of intermuscular fat in all of the pieces.
      Carcasses came from the Pietrain line received the highest conformation scores
      and they were leaner and with better ham yield.

PMID- 22061794
TI  - Production of salami from beef, horse, mutton, Blesbok (Damaliscus dorcas
      phillipsi) and Springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis) with bacteriocinogenic strains
      of Lactobacillus plantarum and Lactobacillus curvatus.
AB  - Lactobacillus plantarum 423, producer of bacteriocin 423, Lactobacillus curvatus
      DF38, producer of curvacin DF38, and a bacteriocin-negative mutant of L.
      plantarum 423 (423m) were evaluated as starter cultures in the production of
      salami from beef, horse, mutton, Blesbok (Damaliscus dorcas phillipsi) and
      Springbok (Antidorcas marsupialis). Growth of L. plantarum 423 and L. curvatus
      DF38 was best supported in Blesbok salami, as revealed by the highest growth rate
      during sweating, cold smoking and maturation, and final cell numbers after 70
      days (1*10(8) and 5*10(7)cfu/g, respectively). Growth of Listeria innocua was the
      best suppressed in Blesbok salami fermented with L. plantarum 423 and L. curvatus
      DF38. Growth of L. innocua in horse salami was best suppressed when fermented
      with L. curvatus DF38. The final pH of salami fermented with L. plantarum 423 and
      L. plantarum 423m was slightly lower (4.4) compared to the pH of salami produced
      with L. curvatus DF38 (pH 4.7). No significant differences (P>0.05) were recorded
      by a trained sensory taste panel amongst the three starter cultures regarding
      colour and venison like aroma. Horse, Blesbok and Springbok salami were rated
      significantly higher (P?0.05) in salami flavour than mutton salami, which was
      rated the lowest for this attribute. Blesbok salami was rated the highest for
      sour meat aroma, while beef salami was rated the lowest. Springbok salami was
      rated the highest in terms of oily mouth feel. Beef salami had the most compact
      structure and horse salami the softest structure of all meat types fermented. In
      general, salami produced with L. plantarum 423 yielded the best sour meat aroma,
      colour, texture, venison like flavour, sour meat flavour and oily mouthfeel and
      is considered superior to the L. plantarum mutant (strain 423m) and L. curvatus
      DF38.

PMID- 22061795
TI  - Investigation of the microbial ecology of Ciauscolo, a traditional Italian
      salami, by culture-dependent techniques and PCR-DGGE.
AB  - The microbial ecology of 22 samples of commercially available Ciauscolo salami
      were investigated using a polyphasic approach, based on culture-dependent and 
      independent techniques. The viable counts of pathogen and hygiene indicator
      microorganisms highlighted the adequate application of good manufacturing
      practices, while the viable counts of the lactic acid bacteria, coagulase
      negative cocci, and yeasts showed dominance of the first of these microbial
      groups. Bacterial and fungal DNA were extracted directly from the salami and
      amplified by PCR, using two primer sets targeting the 16S and 28S rRNA genes,
      respectively. Denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) and sequencing of
      selected bands were used to investigate the microbial ecology of these Ciauscolo
      salami. The most frequently found bacterial species were Lactobacillus sakei and
      Lb. curvatus, while Debaryomyces hansenii was the prevalent yeast species
      detected. Cluster analysis of the DGGE profiles and calculation of biodiversity
      indices allowed the degree of microbial similarity across these salami to be
      determined.

PMID- 22061796
TI  - Effects of starter cultures and nitrite levels on formation of biogenic amines in
      sucuk.
AB  - The effects of starter cultures, starter A (Lactobacillus sakei+Staphylococcus
      carnosus) and starter B (Pediococcus acidilactici+Staphylococcus
      xylosus+Lactobacillus curvatus), nitrite levels (0, 75, and 150ppm) and ripening
      period on biogenic amine production were investigated in sucuk (Turkish dry
      fermented sausage) production. Changes in biogenic amines, pH, water activity,
      moisture, non-protein nitrogen, nitrite and counts of lactic acid bacteria,
      Micrococcus/Staphylococcus, Enterobacteriaceae, and moulds-yeasts were
      determined. Ripening period had a very significant effect (P<0.01) on the all
      biogenic amines. Sausages produced by fermentation with starter cultures, as
      compared to natural fermentation (control), had lower amounts of putrescine,
      cadaverine and tyramine (P<0.05). Starter cultures A and B were found to have
      almost the same effect on the formation of biogenic amines. Use of nitrite in
      sucuk production affected the formation of biogenic amines except for spermidine
      and spermine (P<0.01). Lactic acid bacteria counts in the control group were
      lower than that of starter culture groups. Lactic acid bacteria,
      Micrococcus/Staphylococcus, and moulds-yeasts counts increased during ripening
      period while levels of species of Enterobacteriaceae decreased, which was also
      found to be under the detectable level (<100cfug(-1)), by day 3 of ripening.

PMID- 22061797
TI  - Effect of information about animal welfare, expressed in terms of rearing
      conditions, on lamb acceptability.
AB  - The present study was aimed to assess the effect of information about the farming
      system and welfare of artificially (AR) and ewe-reared lambs (ER) on meat
      acceptability. An 84-consumer panel was asked to give three types of evaluation
      for both products: tasting without information (perceived liking); information
      without tasting (expected liking); tasting with information (actual liking). For
      both products, the expected liking was significantly different from the perceived
      liking (P<0.001), thus indicating that a disconfirmation occurred. The consumers
      found ER meat worse than expected (negative disconfirmation) and AR meat better
      than expected (positive disconfirmation). No significant difference between
      perceived and actual liking was observed for ER lamb (P>0.05), whereas, for the
      meat produced by AR lambs actual liking was lower than perceived liking
      (P<0.001). However, consumers did not completely assimilate their liking in the
      direction of expectations, as indicated by the fact that expectancy for AR lamb
      was significantly lower than actual acceptability (P<0.001). Mean scores of
      perceived liking were higher for the meat produced by AR animals as compared to
      ER lambs (P<0.05). Conversely, expected and actual liking scores were higher for
      meat from ER lambs than for meat from AR animals (P<0.001 and P<0.05,
      respectively). These results show that information about animal welfare,
      expressed in terms of rearing conditions, can be a major determinant of animal
      based food acceptability, thus providing a potential tool for meat
      differentiation.

PMID- 22061798
TI  - Long-term effects of neonatal stress on adult conditioned place preference (CPP)
      and hippocampal neurogenesis.
AB  - Critically ill preterm infants are often exposed to stressors that may affect
      neurodevelopment and behavior. We reported that exposure of neonatal mice to
      stressors or morphine produced impairment of adult morphine-rewarded conditioned
      place preference (CPP) and altered hippocampal gene expression. We now further
      this line of inquiry by examining both short- and long-term effects of neonatal
      stress and morphine treatment. Neonatal C57BL/6 mice were treated twice daily
      from postnatal day (P) 5 to P9 using different combinations of factors. Subsets
      received saline or morphine injections (2mg/kgs.c.) or were exposed to our
      neonatal stress protocol (maternal separation 8h/d * 5d+gavage feedings +/-
      hypoxia/hyperoxia). Short-term measures examined on P9 were neuronal fluorojade B
      and bromodeoxyuridine staining, along with urine corticosterone concentrations.
      Long-term measures examined in adult mice (>P60) included CPP learning to cocaine
      reward (+/- the kappa opioid receptor (KOR) agonist U50,488 injection), and adult
      hippocampal neurogenesis (PCNA immunolabeling). Neonatal stress (but not
      morphine) decreased the cocaine-CPP response and this effect was reversed by KOR
      stimulation. Both neonatal stress or morphine treatment increased hippocampal
      neurogenesis in adult mice. We conclude that reduced learning and increased
      hippocampal neurogenesis are both indicators that neonatal stress desensitized
      mice and reduced their arousal and stress responsiveness during adult CPP
      testing. Reconciled with other findings, these data collectively support the
      stress inoculation hypothesis whereby early life stressors prepare animals to
      tolerate future stress.

PMID- 22061799
TI  - Dissociable roles of the medial prefrontal cortex, the anterior cingulate cortex,
      and the hippocampus in behavioural flexibility revealed by serial reversal of
      three-choice discrimination in rats.
AB  - Contributions of different limbic cortical areas to mediation of behavioural
      flexibility were examined using repeated acquisition of three-choice
      discrimination in operant chambers. Rats were trained on a series of positional
      discrimination tasks with three levers, where position of the correct lever
      remained the same within a task but shifted across tasks. Ibotenic acid lesions
      of the medial prefrontal cortex impaired acquisition of each discrimination task
      by increasing errors specifically in the early phase of each task. These errors
      were characterised by perseveration to the previously correct lever. By contrast,
      lesions of the anterior cingulate cortex resulted in the impairment of
      discrimination in general without inducing perseveration; the impairment was
      instead characterised by disruption of general error-correction processes.
      Hippocampal lesions severely impaired learning by increasing perseverative
      tendencies that were present throughout the learning stages in each task. These
      results extend our understanding of the contributions of the different nodes of
      the limbic cortico-striatal circuit to different aspects of behavioural
      flexibility.

PMID- 22061800
TI  - Dexamethasone and Abeta25-35 accelerate learning and memory impairments due to
      elevate amyloid precursor protein expression and neuronal apoptosis in 12-month
      male rats.
AB  - Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder of the
      elderly characterized by learning and memory impairment. Stress level
      glucocorticoids (GCs) and beta-amyloid (Abeta) peptides deposition are found to
      be correlated with dementia progression in patients with AD. However, little is
      known about the simultaneous effects of glucocorticoids and Abeta on learning and
      memory impairment and its mechanism. In this study, 12-month-old male rats were
      chronically treated with Abeta(25-35) (10 MUg/rat, hippocampal CA1 injection) and
      dexamethasone (DEX, 1.5mg/kg) for 14 days to investigate the effects of DEX and
      Abeta(25-35) treatment on learning and memory impairments, pathological changes,
      neuronal ultrastructure, amyloid precursor protein (APP) processing and neuronal
      cell apoptosis. Our results showed that DEX or Abeta(25-35) treatment alone for
      14 days had caused slight damage on learning and memory impairments and
      hippocampal neurons, but damages were significantly increased with DEX+Abeta(25
      35) treatment. And the mRNA levels of the APP, beta-secretase and caspase 3 were
      significantly increased after DEX+Abeta(25-35) treatment. The
      immunohistochemistry demonstrated that APP, Abeta(1-40), caspase 3 and cytochrome
      c in hippocampus CA1 were significantly increased. Furthermore, Hoechst 33258
      staining and Abeta(1-40) ELISA results showed that DEX+Abeta(25-35) treatment
      induced hippocampus CA1 neuron apoptosis and increased the level of Abeta(1-40).
      The results suggest that the simultaneous effects of GCs and Abeta may have
      important roles in the etiopathogenesis of AD, and demonstrate that stressful
      life events and GC therapy may increase the toxicity of Abeta and have cumulative
      impacts on the course of AD development and progression.

PMID- 22061801
TI  - Antidepressive and anxiolytic activity of selective estrogen receptor modulators
      in ovariectomized mice submitted to chronic unpredictable stress.
AB  - Estradiol has antidepressive and anxiolytic actions. However, its therapeutic use
      is limited by its peripheral effects. Selective estrogen receptor modulators may
      represent an alternative to estradiol for the treatment of depressive symptoms.
      Here we report that tamoxifen and raloxifene decrease immobility time in the
      forced swim test and increases the time spent in open arms in the elevated plus
      maze in ovariectomized mice submitted to chronic unpredictable stress.

PMID- 22061802
TI  - Use of irradiation to control foodborne pathogens and extend the refrigerated
      market life of rabbit meat.
AB  - This study set out to evaluate the microbiological status of rabbit meat and the
      possibility of using irradiation to control foodborne pathogenic bacteria and
      extend the refrigerated storage life of meat. Rabbit meat samples were gamma
      irradiated at doses of 0, 1.5 and 3 kGy. The samples were stored at refrigeration
      temperature, then the effects of irradiation and storage on their
      microbiological, chemical and sensory properties were studied. Irradiation at 1.5
      kGy significantly reduced the counts of Staphylococcus aureus, Listeria
      monocytogenes, Enterococcus faecalis and enterobacteriaceae but was not enough
      for complete elimination of Salmonella. However, 3 kGy dose reduced the counts of
      S. aureus, L. monocytogenes, E. faecalis and enterobacteriaceae by more than 3,
      3, 1.4 and 4 log units, respectively, while Salmonella was not detected. On the
      other hand, irradiation at 1.5 and 3 kGy significantly reduced the counts of
      aerobic mesophilic bacteria, psychrophilic bacteria and molds and yeasts and
      prolonged the refrigerated shelf-life of samples to 12 and 21 days, respectively,
      compared to 6 days for non-irradiated controls. Irradiation of samples
      significantly increased their amounts of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances
      (TBARS) but had no significant effects on their total volatile nitrogen (TVN)
      contents, while storage significantly increased the TBARS and TVN for irradiated
      and non-irradiated samples. gamma irradiation showed no significant effects on
      the sensory properties of raw meat. Moreover, fried burgers prepared from
      irradiated rabbit meat showed high sensory acceptability similar to those
      prepared from non-irradiated meat.

PMID- 22061803
TI  - Characterisation of a lard cured with spices and aromatic herbs.
AB  - The study considered the proximate composition, pH, free acidity, MDA and
      peroxide values of a cured and ripened lard covered with spices and aromatic
      herbs, these latter parameters, due to lipolytic endoenzymatic phenomena, tended
      to increase until the end of the salting period. Throughout the production phases
      the bacterial load was very low. The final vacuum-packed product had a shelf-life
      of about 90 days and its fatty acid and cholesterol composition was typical of
      lard. A GC/MS study of the spices/herbs in the lard highlighted which components
      came from the spices/aromatic herbs and which came from phenomena due to
      lipolytic endoenzymatic processes.

PMID- 22061804
TI  - Effect of a commercial freeze/tempering process on the viability of
      Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts on lean and fat beef trimmings.
AB  - Lean and fat beef trimmings (25 cm(-2)) were inoculated with approximately
      250,000 Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts, placed in commercial packages (28 kg
      boxes) and subjected to normal commercial processes i.e. blast frozen (to -20 
      degrees C within 60 h), stored (-20  degrees C, 21 days), tempered (48 h at -3 
      degrees C), and held at 0  degrees C for 10 h. Inoculated areas were then
      excised, pulsified (30 s in 50 ml PBST), and centrifuged (2500*g, 15 min). The
      resultant pellet was resuspended in 10 ml water and subjected to immunomagnetic
      separation and viability dye assay. Following the commercial freeze/tempering
      process the viability of the oocysts had decreased from 90.6% viable in the
      working stock suspension to 7.17% and 9.46% viable on lean and fat trimmings,
      respectively. The results of this study indicate that if C. parvum oocysts were
      present on beef trimmings their viability would be substantially reduced as a
      result of the freeze/tempering process.

PMID- 22061805
TI  - Gastrointestinal outbreaks associated with fermented meats.
AB  - Fermented meats, including salami, various types of fermented sauages and snack
      sticks have seen a revival in their popularity in recent years. The production of
      such foodstuffs generally lies in traditional techniques, however, both the
      quality and in particular the safety of such products intrinsically rests with
      the microbiology of the fermentation processes. Simultaneously, there has been
      increased concern over the safety of such products following the increased
      incidence of outbreaks of Salmonella and verocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli food
      poisoning related to these products. This update reviews the prevalence of
      fermented meat associated food-poisoning outbreaks (n=13) and the proposed
      microbiological specifications used to assess the safety of such foodstuffs.

PMID- 22061806
TI  - Relationships between skatole and androstenone accumulation, and cytochrome
      P4502E1 expression in Meishan*Large White pigs.
AB  - The effects of age, castration and diet on accumulation of skatole and
      androstenone in the backfat of 50% Meishan male pigs, was studied in relation to
      boar taint. Skatole and androstenone deposition in backfat of entire males was
      increased with age (114, 144 and 174 days). Castration significantly decreased
      skatole and androstenone levels in all age groups. The level of cytochrome
      P4502E1, the initial enzyme involved in hepatic skatole metabolism, was increased
      by castration at all ages. These results suggest that the decrease in
      androstenone levels following castration affects the regulation of cytochrome
      P4502E1 expression, and as a consequence, results in a decrease in skatole
      levels. The use of sugar beet feed in the diet decreased the level of skatole and
      increased that of cytochrome P4502E1 expression, but did not affect androstenone
      levels. It is suggested that skatole accumulation is reduced both by castration
      and by diet via induction of cytochrome P4502E1. However, the mechanism of
      induction of cytochrome P4502E1 by diet is different from that involved in its
      induction by castration.

PMID- 22061807
TI  - Effects of body weight and sex on carcass tissue distribution in goats.
AB  - Distribution of fat, muscle and bone tissues was studied in bucks, wethers and
      doe Jebel Akhdar (JA) Omani goats raised under intensive management and
      slaughtered at 11, 18 or 28 kg body weight (BW). Weight of individual tissues was
      expressed as percentage of total respective tissue weight in the half carcass.
      Weight of total body fat in the empty body weight (EBW) ranged between 7.6% in
      bucks at 11 kg BW and 23.5% in does at 28 kg BW. At 18 kg BW, JA goats had higher
      TBF, carcass and non-carcass fat than those slaughtered at 12 kg BW (P<0.001).
      Does and wethers had a faster rate of deposition of carcass and non-carcass fat
      relative to EBW. Therefore, they had higher fat content (P<0.001) than bucks at
      28 kg BW. The highest proportion of fat in the body was deposited intermusculary
      whereas the omentum constituted the highest non-carcass fat proportion. About 55%
      of the musculature in JA goat carcasses was found in muscle groups of the
      proximal hind leg, around the vertebral column and in the proximal forelimb
      (expensive muscle groups). Bucks had higher proportions of musculature in the
      forequarter (P<0.001) and intrinsic muscles of the neck but lower proportions of
      muscles at the proximal hind limb (P<0.001) than does and wethers. About 51% of
      the total skeleton was found in the axial skeleton, 22-23% in the forelimb and 22
      23% in the hind limb of JA goats. There were few sex or slaughter weight effects
      on proportions of bone weight in the skeleton. In general, slaughter weight and
      sex effects on tissue distribution were more pronounced in the fat tissue. The
      magnitude of these effects on muscle and bone tissues was small and is unlikely
      to have economic impact on meat production from goats.

PMID- 22061808
TI  - The buffering capacity of porcine muscles.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the buffering capacity (BC) of five
      porcine muscles. The pH of muscles with zero lactate was also estimated. The BC
      was calculated on the basis of the amount of lactate accumulating in the muscle
      between two sampling times and the simultaneous pH decline. Two muscle samples
      were obtained from each muscle (n=13-36): one as soon as possible after slaughter
      and the other 24 h post-mortem. The BCs (mmol lactate/(pHkg)) were in the light
      gluteus superficialis, longissimus dorsi and semimembranosus muscles 48.3+/-8.8,
      48.6+/-9.2 and 46.8+/-13.0, and in the dark infraspinatus and masseter muscles
      45.3+/-13.1 and 32.0+/-11.5, respectively. The dark masseter muscle differed
      significantly from the other muscles studied (p<0.01). The estimated pH values of
      muscles with zero lactate were in the gluteus, longissimus dorsi, semimembranosus
      muscles 7.14+/-0.06; 7.18+/-0.06; 7.38+/-0.08, and in the infraspinatus and
      masseter muscles 6.87+/-0.07; 7.03+/-0.08, respectively. It was suggested since
      lactate is continuously formed in the muscles, the resting pH of living light and
      dark muscles may, however, be the same. The approach used in this study to
      determine the BC resulted in values which are close to values previously reported
      in the literature (measured by using titration curves).

PMID- 22061809
TI  - Carcass and meat quality of light lambs using principal component analysis.
AB  - Eighty-six male light lambs of Manchego breed were used in this study. Principal
      component (PC) analysis was performed to study the relationship between carcass
      quality variables (n=22) and between meat quality measures (n=21). The carcass
      quality was assessed using objective and subjective measurements of conformation
      and fatness besides the joints proportion and tissues proportion of the leg. The
      measurements used to evaluate meat quality were pH in longissimus dorsi and
      semitendinosus muscles, the colour, moisture, water holding capacity, cooking
      losses, texture and sensorial analysis on longissimus dorsi. The five first PCs
      explained about 77% of the total variability for carcass measures whereas for
      meat quality the 74% of the total variability was explained for the eight first
      PCs. All the carcass measurements showed similar weight to define the first PC,
      whereas the muscle and bone proportion as well as muscle:bone ratio of the leg
      were useful to define the second PC. The meat quality measures that were more
      effective to define the first PC were the meat colour measurements, whereas the
      sensorial variables defined the second PC. The projection of the carcass quality
      data in the first two PCs allowed to distinguish clearly between heavier
      carcasses (higher than 6.5 kg) and lighter carcasses (lower than 5.5 kg). The
      carcasses with a weight higher than 6.5 kg were on the left side of the figure,
      where the variables of conformation and fatness lie. The group of medium carcass
      weight were placed between the two previous groups. The projection of the meat
      quality data in the first two PCs did not differ between hot carcass weights,
      although there was a trend, the lighter carcasses lay on the left side of the
      graph, which implies small differences between meat quality in this range of
      carcass weight.

PMID- 22061810
TI  - Effect of starter culture, spice mix and storage time and temperature on biogenic
      amine content of dry fermented sausages.
AB  - Two types of dry fermented sausage differing in spicing mixture and the diameter
      (low content of red pepper+diameter 80 mm, H-sausage; high content of red
      pepper+diameter 55 mm, P-sausage, respectively) were produced in parallel with
      two different starter cultures (Pediococcus pentosaceus+Staphylococcus carnosus,
      B-samples and S. carnosus+Staphylococcus xylosus+Lactobacillus farciminis, F
      samples, respectively). The sausages were ripened 21 days and subsequently stored
      91 days at the room temperature. Concentration of both most abundant amines,
      putrescine and tyramine (y; mg/kg DM) increased significantly (P<0.01) in HB
      sausage during ripening (x; days): y=2.5+18.13x-0.3144x(2) (R(2)=0.99) and
      y=0.7+8.17x-0.1130x(2) (R(2)=0.99), and also during storage: y=127.3+5.123x
      (R(2)=0.79) and y=26.0+3.211x (R(2)=0.74), respectively. At the end of ripening,
      putrescine (247 mg/kg DM) and tyramine (123 mg/kg DM) content in the HB-sausage
      was higher (P<0.05) than in the PB-sausage (12 and 9 mg/kg DM, respectively),
      concentration of either of these amines was negligible (1 mg/kg DM) in either
      type of F-inoculated sausage. Both starter culture and sausage type influenced
      significantly (P<0.001) both putrescine and tyramine content in the sausage;
      starter accounted for 57% and 55% of total variability in putrescine and tyramine
      content, respectively. Due to the significant (P<0.05) increase of total aerobic
      counts in the HB-sausage between the end of ripening and the 7th day of storage,
      followed by the significant (P<0.01) increase of the sum of total biogenic amines
      between the end of ripening (425 mg/kg DM) and the end of storage (1029 mg/kg
      DM), the storage of the dry fermented sausages at the room temperature should not
      be recommended.

PMID- 22061811
TI  - Effect of selection for growth rate on biochemical, quality and texture
      characteristics of meat from rabbits.
AB  - Biochemical characteristics, including myosin heavy chain I (MHC-I) percentage,
      isocitrate dehydrogenase and aldolase activities, meat quality traits and
      instrumental texture properties of rabbits selected for different growth rates
      were studied. The animals of the control (C) group (7th generation; n=60) were
      raised in parallel with those of selection (S) group (21st generation; n=60).
      Carcass weights (1230.1+/-19.8 and 1348.3+/-20.1 g, for C and S, respectively)
      and perirenal and scapular fat content differed significantly (P<0.01) between
      the two groups. Water holding capacity was expressed as the percentage of
      pressure released water and was significantly different (P<0.05) between groups C
      and S (33.29% and 35.57%). MHC-I percentage and aldolase activity also differed
      significantly (P<0.05) between groups, group C showing higher oxidative traits
      than group S (MHC-I: 12.5% and 9.8%; aldolase: 597.11 and 636.83 UI/g muscle).
      Texture properties from the Warner-Bratzler test showed higher (P<0.001) shear
      firmness for loin in the S group (1.69 kg/s cm(2)) than in the C group (1.34 kg/s
      cm(2)). In addition, the texture profile analysis indicated that chewiness,
      gumminess and hardness were also higher in the S group (P<0.01). In conclusion,
      the results confirmed a positive effect of the selection on productive traits and
      a negative effect on instrumental texture properties and on the water holding
      capacity of the meat.

PMID- 22061812
TI  - Relationship between pH before salting and dry-cured ham quality.
AB  - The effect of pH before salting on pork quality was studied in two sets of
      experiments: 904 hams, set A; and 104 hams, set B; the latter was used to verify
      the results from A. After pH measurements, the hams were subjected to the
      traditional process for producing Spanish dry-cured ham and then evaluated by an
      expert panel to correlate the sensory characteristics to the pH measurement
      before salting. The parameters evaluated were pastiness, softness, anomalous cut
      colour, crusting and white spots. Moisture, non-protein nitrogen, salt, protein,
      nitrate and nitrite were determined in samples from both experiments. The results
      obtained in experiment A showed that pastiness is closely related to the pH
      before salting (p<0.001), but not softness. From the receiver operating
      characteristics curve, a cut-off point of pH of 5.55 was selected to classify the
      raw material in two groups: normal-pH and low-pH hams. The pH before salting can
      also be correlated with the appearance of anomalous cut colour and crusting in
      hams. White spots were absent in both pH groups. Regarding compositional
      parameters, there were significant differences in moisture (p<0.001), salt
      (p<0.001), protein (p<0.001), non-protein nitrogen (p<0.001) and nitrate (p<0.05)
      contents between low-pH and normal-pH hams. The results from experiment B,
      confirmed the relationship between pH before salting and the appearance of
      defective texture and colour in the final product. Also results from experiment B
      confirmed the compositional parameters found in experiment A. Thus, the pH before
      salting is a good predictor for meat quality allowing the classification of the
      raw material in the first stage of manufacture. After classification, some
      modifications to the processing can improve the final characteristics of dry
      cured hams.

PMID- 22061813
TI  - Evaluation of the physico-chemical, rheological and sensory characteristics of
      commercially available Frankfurters in Spain and consumer preferences.
AB  - The physico-chemical, rheological and sensory characteristics of different
      commercially available Frankfurters were studied. Samples presented values of
      A(w) and pH from 0.954 to 0.972 and 5.88 to 6.43, respectively. Greater
      differences were observed in parameters such as fat and salt content, with values
      ranging from 10.83% to 21.92% and 1.85% to 3.01%, respectively. With regard to
      total nitrogen, all samples presented values close to 2%. Free-choice profiling
      and generalised procrustes analysis of the sensory data permitted differentiation
      between samples and provided information about the attributes responsible for the
      observed differences. All the frankfurters scored in the moderate range for
      overall acceptability. Consumers identified reasons for purchasing frankfurters
      when evaluating the product's packaging. The most important criterion for
      consumers when purchasing frankfurters was the appetising aspect of the product
      in the packaging's illustration.

PMID- 22061814
TI  - Temperature abuse affects the quality of irradiated pork loins.
AB  - The influence of temperature abuse on the quality of irradiated pork loins was
      investigated. Pork loins were obtained directly from a local packing plant,
      sliced and vacuum-packaged. Pork loins were randomly separated into 3 groups,
      sliced, and assigned to receive 0, 1.5, or 2.5 kGy electron-beam irradiation.
      Then, each chop was further cut into three equal pieces and assigned to three
      temperature treatments: Trt I was placed in a refrigerator directly after
      irradiation; Trt II was left at room temperature for 3 h before refrigeration;
      and Trt III was exposed at room temperature for 1 h three consecutive days with
      intermittent storage at 4  degrees C between exposures. Before irradiation, each
      loin pieces were vacuum-packaged. Color, 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive
      substances (TBARS), and volatiles were measured after 0, 14, 28 and 42 days of
      storage, and water-holding capacity and sensory characteristics of the loins were
      measured after 0, 14 and 28 days of storage. Temperature abuse had no significant
      effect on color, oxidation, and volatiles of irradiated pork loins. However,
      temperature abuse improved water-holding capacity of meat, which could be caused
      by the accelerated hydrolysis of muscle proteins at higher temperature.
      Irradiation increased redness, sulfur contents in volatiles and off-odor of pork
      loin. Off-odor and redness induced by irradiation sustained during storage. Among
      sulfur compounds, the content of dimethyl disulfide decreased gradually while the
      level of thiourea remained relatively constant. Irradiation also increased water
      loss, which might be related to the structural damage in membrane during
      irradiation. This study shows that temperature abuse has little effect on the
      quality of irradiated pork.

PMID- 22061815
TI  - Effects of breed, diet and muscle on fat deposition and eating quality in pigs.
AB  - A study in 192 entire male pigs examined the effects of breed, diet and muscle on
      growth, fatness, sensory traits and fatty acid composition. There were four
      breeds: two modern breeds, Duroc and Large White and two traditional breeds,
      Berkshire and Tamworth. The diets differed in energy:protein ratio, being
      conventional (C) and low protein (LP) diets, respectively. Muscles investigated
      were the 'white' longissimus dorsi (LD) and the 'red' psoas major (PS). Breed
      influenced growth rate and fatness, the modern breeds being faster-growing with
      leaner carcasses. However, the concentrations of neutral lipid fatty acids and
      marbling fat (neutral lipid+phosopholipid fatty acids) were higher in Berkshire
      and Duroc, in both LD and PS. Relationships between marbling fat and P2 fat
      thickness showed clear breed effects, with Duroc having high marbling fat at low
      P2 and Tamworth low marbling fat at high P2. Breed effects on sensory scores
      given by the trained taste panel to griddled LD and PS steaks were relatively
      small. Breed affected the fatty acid composition of intramuscular neutral lipid,
      with high % values for the saturated fatty acids, 14:0 and 16:0 in Berkshire and
      Tamworth (fat carcasses) and high values for polyunsaturated fatty acids in Duroc
      and Large White (lean carcasses). Duroc had particularly high concentrations of
      the long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, 20:5n-3 and 22:6n-3 in phospholipid
      of both muscles. Diet influenced growth rate and fatness, the LP diet slowing
      growth and producing fatter meat, more so in the two modern breeds, and
      particularly in intramuscular rather than subcutaneous fat. This diet produced
      more tender and juicy meat, although pork flavour and flavour liking were
      reduced. The PS muscle had higher tenderness, juiciness, pork flavour, flavour
      liking and overall liking scores than LD. The concentration of phospholipid fatty
      acids was higher in PS than LD but neutral lipid fatty acid content and marbling
      fat were higher in LD.

PMID- 22061816
TI  - Quality characteristics of doner kebab made from sucuk dough which is a dry
      fermented Turkish sausage.
AB  - The objective of this study was to determine certain quality characteristics of
      the raw and cooked doner kebabs made from beef and sucuk dough which is a
      traditional fermented sausage. The doners were divided into two groups;
      traditional beef doners and sucuk dough groups, and all the samples were frozen
      and stored at (-30 +/-1  degrees C) for 60 days to monitor their quality
      characteristics. All of the raw and cooked doner samples were subjected to
      chemical and microbiological analysis while only the cooked doners were evaluated
      organoleptically at 0th, 30th and 60th days of storage. In the chemical analysis;
      proximate composition (% moisture, % protein, % fat, and % ash), pH and TBA
      values were determined. The samples were examined for total aerobic plate count
      (APC), total anaerobes, psychrotrophic bacteria, total coliforms, total
      staphylococcus/micrococcus count, mould and yeast to observe the hygienic quality
      of the doner samples. The results of chemical analysis, in general, showed that
      sucuk doners had higher ash content, pH and TBA values, and all of the doners had
      higher APC, psychrotrophic bacteria and coliform counts at the beginning compared
      to 30th and 60th days of storage not only in the raw condition but also in cooked
      counterparts. The sensory evaluation results indicated that sucuk doners received
      favorable preferences, therefore, traditional sausage (sucuk) dough application
      in doner production could be possible without posing any acceptability problems
      in terms of quality factors compared to traditional beef doners.

PMID- 22061817
TI  - Positional distribution of fatty acids in triacylglycerols from subcutaneous
      adipose tissue of pigs fed diets enriched with conjugated linoleic acid, corn
      oil, or beef tallow.
AB  - This study was conducted to determine the effects of dietary beef tallow, corn
      oil, and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on the distribution of fatty acids among
      positions within triacylglycerols. Crossbred barrows (n=6 per treatment group)
      received diets containing 1.5% beef tallow, 1.5% corn oil, or 1.5% CLA for 5
      weeks. Subcutaneous adipose tissue samples were obtained immediately postmortem.
      The fatty acid composition was determined for the sn-2 positions of the
      triacylglycerols by digestion with Rhizopus arrhizus lipase. Fatty acids in the
      sn-1/3 position were calculated from these data. Feeding CLA increased (P<0.05)
      the concentration of total saturated fatty acids (SFA, especially 16:0) and
      isomers of CLA in adipose tissue lipids, but reduced (P<0.05) the concentration
      of total monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA, especially 18:1n-9). Dietary CLA
      caused an accumulation of total SFA in the sn-1/3 position, with a proportional
      decrease in total MUFA and 18:2n-6 in the outer positions. Correspondingly,
      lipids extracted from CLA-fed pigs had slip points that were 10  degrees C higher
      (P<0.05) than those from corn oil- or tallow-fed pigs. These data suggest that
      dietary CLA increases the melting point of lipids in porcine adipose tissue by
      increasing the proportion of SFA at the sn-1/3 position of lipids.

PMID- 22061818
TI  - Evaluation of three 2-thiobarbituric acid methods for the measurement of lipid
      oxidation in various meats and meat products.
AB  - The aim of this work was to study the influence of different conditions on the 2
      thiobarbituric acid (TBA) number, determined by the extraction and distillation
      method, as a measure of lipid oxidation in various meats and meat products.
      Different extracting agents (trichloroacetic acid and perchloric acid), different
      reaction times (20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 min) and the effect of sulfanilamide
      additions were evaluated. Significant differences with respect to reaction times
      were found. The best results were generally obtained with 40 min at 80+/-2 
      degrees C. Different values were found between samples with and without the
      addition of sulfanilamide.

PMID- 22061819
TI  - Proteome changes during pork meat ageing following use of two different pre
      slaughter handling procedures.
AB  - The influence of postmortem storage time and pre-slaughter conditions (transport
      the day before slaughter or immediately before slaughter) on proteome changes of
      pork meat was investigated over a 72 h ageing period. Intensities of 37 spots
      varied significantly (p<0.05) with ageing time. Changes indicated proteolysis of
      troponin T, actin, alpha-crystallin, myokinase, creatine kinase and mitochondrial
      ATPase, but also of proteins constitutive of the Z-lines, namely cypher proteins
      and myozenin. Other modifications were the intensity increase of a full-length
      protein of the sarcoplasmic reticulum, which may be linked to its increased
      extractibility after membrane disruption, and a gradual shift in pHi towards
      alkaline values of some forms of myosin light chains (MLC) 2 and 3. The pre
      slaughter conditions affected significantly (p<0.05) 8 spots. Mitochondrial
      ATPase was over-expressed in the group transported immediately before slaughter,
      also characterised by a faster pH fall, and the shift in pHi of MLC 2 was more
      pronounced. The pre-slaughter conditions had no significant effect on the above
      proteolytic events.

PMID- 22061820
TI  - Sodium chloride as a preferred protein extractant for pork lean meat.
AB  - The protein extractability of sodium chloride (NaCl), potassium chloride (KCl)
      and lithium chloride (LiCl) under a range of molarity with in the physiological
      pH range (pH 6.0-8.0) was assessed to determine the best protein extractant for
      pork lean meat. The individual proteins in the extracts were identified by
      electrophoresis. The highest protein extractabilities at pH 7.0 for NaCl, KCl and
      LiCl were observed at 1.2, 1.1, and 1.1 M, respectively. There was no significant
      difference in protein extractability for KCl and LiCl within physiological pH
      range. NaCl had a significant increase of its protein extractability as pH
      increased from 6.0 to 6.5 followed by a relatively constant extractability. The
      NaCl had the highest protein extractability followed by LiCl and KCl. The maximum
      number of proteins (26 bands) was found at the optimum concentration of each
      salt. However, resolution and clarity of bands were better in NaCl extracts. The
      pH variation does not affect the number and the intensity of the bands.

PMID- 22061821
TI  - The impact of homogenizer type and speed on the determination of myofibrillar
      fragmentation.
AB  - The myofibrillar fragmentation index (MFI) was determined by the turbidity method
      on five samples of ovine Longissimus muscle, aged for either 1 or 5 days and
      processed from the frozen state over 3 weeks. These samples were homogenized at
      one of four speeds (11,000, 16,000, 19,000 or 22,000 rpm) with a shaft type
      homogenizer (Ystral) and at 15,000 rpm with a blade type homogenizer (Omni
      mixer). At all speeds except 15,000 or 22,000 rpm samples were homogenized for
      either one or two bursts of 30 s giving a total of eight different treatments.
      There was a significant interaction between ageing and treatment (P<0.05) and
      ageing and muscle sample (P<0.001). Regarding the Omni mixer result as a
      reference standard, the closest result from the Ystral homogenizer was obtained
      at 19,000 rpm after two bursts of 30 s. These two treatments gave similar mean
      values for samples aged 5 days. Repeatability between duplicates did not differ
      significantly for the various treatments (r=0.55). A large difference was found
      between samples aged for 1 and 5 days and the difference was greater for the
      Ystral homogenizer than the Omni mixer. The Omni mixer values for 1 day aged
      samples were 38 units less than for samples aged for 5 days while this difference
      for the Ystral homogenizer was 63 units. As speed of homogenization increased
      with the Ystral homogenizer the overall mean values increased and the values were
      always greater after two bursts of 30 s compared to one burst of 30 s. The
      results suggest that the Ystral homogenizer may be better for detecting
      differences between treatments than the Omni mixer. At the slower speeds
      myofibrils consist of more sarcomeres and intermyofibril linkages could still be
      observed. This contrast was also seen between samples aged for 1 or 5 days with
      much greater degradation visually observed in the latter samples. This was
      supported by the quantitative data.

PMID- 22061822
TI  - Addition of alpha-ketoglutarate enhances formation of volatiles by Staphylococcus
      carnosus during sausage fermentation.
AB  - The effect of leucine and alpha-ketoglutarate addition on transamination of
      branched-chain amino acids was studied in model minces inoculated with
      Pediococcus pentosaceus and Staphylococcus carnosus. Leucine addition changed the
      ratio of volatile breakdown products of leucine, isoleucine and valine but not
      the total amount of the volatiles and it was concluded that the amount of free
      amino acids does not limit transamination of amino acids. The addition of alpha
      ketoglutarate resulted in increased levels of methyl-branched aldehydes and
      insignificant positive changes in methyl-branched acid production. The results
      were verified in real fermented sausages with no, low (0.09% w/w) and high (0.36%
      w/w) addition of added alpha-ketoglutarate since the levels of the flavour
      intensive methyl-branched aldehydes and acids were drastically increased in
      sausages added alpha-ketoglutarate. The catabolism of phenylalanine was also
      induced by alpha-ketoglutarate and there were further indications of increased
      transamination of aspartate. A triangular test showed that the flavour of
      sausages with no and low addition of alpha-ketoglutarate could be clearly
      distinguished from one another. Altogether the results presented in this paper
      point to glutamate dehydrogenase, the enzyme catalyzing regeneration of alpha
      ketoglutarate, as a key enzyme in catabolism of amino acids and thereby also in
      aroma formation during sausage processing.

PMID- 22061823
TI  - Capturing of the free cysteine residue in the ligand-binding site by affinity
      labeling of the ORL1 nociceptin receptor.
AB  - All of the delta, MU, and kappa opioid receptors have a free thiol group of the
      Cys residue in the ligand-binding site, although its functional role is not yet
      known. In order to examine whether or not a similar Cys is also present in the
      ORL1 nociceptin receptor, we attempted to identify it by affinity labeling using
      a specific antagonist peptide. We first treated ORL1-expressing COS-7 cell
      membrane preparations with the thiol-alkylation reagent N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) to
      perform a binding assay using [(3)H]nociceptin as a tracer and nociceptin, an
      ORL1 agonist, or Ac-Arg-Tyr-Tyr-Arg-Ile-Lys-NH(2), a nociceptin/ORL1 antagonist,
      as a competitor. It was suggested that ORL1 has a free Cys in its ligand-binding
      site, since the NEM treatment reduced the population of ligand-binding sites.
      This was further confirmed by affinity labeling using Cys(Npys)-Arg-Tyr-Tyr-Arg
      Ile-Lys-NH(2) with the SNpys group that can react with a free thiol group,
      resulting in the formation of a disulfide bond. This affinity labeling was
      approximately 23 times more specific than NEM alkylation. The results revealed
      that the ORL1 nociceptin receptor does contain a free Cys residue in the ligand
      binding site.

PMID- 22061824
TI  - A specific protein disorder catalyzer of HIV-1 Nef.
AB  - The HIV-1 auxiliary protein Nef is required for the onset and progression of AIDS
      in HIV-1-infected persons. Here, we have deciphered the mode of action of a
      second-generation inhibitor of Nef, DLC27-14, presenting a competitive IC(50) of
      ~16 MUM measured by MALDI-TOF experiments. Thermal protein denaturation
      experiments revealed a negative effect on stability of Nef in the presence of a
      saturating concentration of the inhibitor. The destabilizing action of DLC27-14
      was confirmed by a HIV protease-based experiment, in which the protease
      sensitivity of DLC27-14-bound Nef was three times as high as that of apo Nef. The
      only compatible docking modes of action for DLC27-14 suggest that DLC27-14
      promotes an opening of two alpha-helices that would destabilize the Nef core
      domain. DLC27-14 thus acts as a specific protein disorder catalyzer that
      destabilizes the folded conformation of the protein. Our results open novel
      avenues toward the development of next-generation Nef inhibitors.

PMID- 22061825
TI  - Bis(oxyphenylene)benzimidazoles: a novel class of anti-Plasmodium falciparum
      agents.
AB  - A small library of 26 2,2'-[alkane-alpha,omega-diylbis(oxyphenylene)]bis-1H
      benzimidazoles has been prepared and evaluated against Giardia intestinalis,
      Entamoeba histolytica, Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense, Trypanosoma cruzi,
      Leishmania donovani, and Plasmodium falciparum. Among the tested compounds, eight
      derivatives (17, 19, 20, 24, 27, 30, 32 and 35) exhibited an anti-Plasmodium
      falciparum activity characterized by IC(50) values in the range of 180-410 nM
      (0.11-0.21 MUg/mL) and selectivity indexes (IC(50) rat skeletal myoblasts L6
      cells vs IC(50)P. falciparum K1 strain) varying between 92 and more than 450. Two
      of the eight novel drug leads, namely compounds 19 and 32, were also active
      against G. intestinalis and L. donovani with selectivity indexes of 122 and >164
      respectively.

PMID- 22061826
TI  - Synthesis and inhibitory activity of thymidine analogues targeting Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis thymidine monophosphate kinase.
AB  - We report on Mycobacterium tuberculosis thymidine monophosphate kinase (TMPKmt)
      inhibitory activities of a series of new 3'- and 5'-modified thymidine analogues
      including alpha- and beta-derivatives. In addition, several analogues were
      synthesized in which the 4-oxygen was replaced by a more lipophilic sulfur atom
      to probe the influence of this modification on TMPKmt inhibitory activity.
      Several compounds showed an inhibitory potency in the low micromolar range, with
      the 5'-arylthiourea 4-thio-alpha-thymidine analogue being the most active one
      (K(i)=0.17 MUM). This compound was capable of inhibiting mycobacteria growth at a
      concentration of 25 MUg/mL.

PMID- 22061828
TI  - Integrated transcriptomic and proteomic evaluation of gentamicin nephrotoxicity
      in rats.
AB  - Gentamicin is an aminoglycoside antibiotic, which induces renal tubular necrosis
      in rats. In the context of the European InnoMed PredTox project, transcriptomic
      and proteomic studies were performed to provide new insights into the molecular
      mechanisms of gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity. Male Wistar rats were treated
      with 25 and 75 mg/kg/day subcutaneously for 1, 3 and 14 days. Histopathology
      observations showed mild tubular degeneration/necrosis and regeneration and
      moderate mononuclear cell infiltrate after long-term treatment. Transcriptomic
      data indicated a strong treatment-related gene expression modulation in kidney
      and blood cells at the high dose after 14 days of treatment, with the regulation
      of 463 and 3241 genes, respectively. Of note, the induction of NF-kappa B pathway
      via the p38 MAPK cascade in the kidney, together with the activation of T-cell
      receptor signaling in blood cells were suggestive of inflammatory processes in
      relation with the recruitment of mononuclear cells in the kidney. Proteomic
      results showed a regulation of 163 proteins in kidney at the high dose after 14
      days of treatment. These protein modulations were suggestive of a mitochondrial
      dysfunction with impairment of cellular energy production, induction of oxidative
      stress, an effect on protein biosynthesis and on cellular assembly and
      organization. Proteomic results also provided clues for potential nephrotoxicity
      biomarkers such as AGAT and PRBP4 which were strongly modulated in the kidney.
      Transcriptomic and proteomic data turned out to be complementary and their
      integration gave a more comprehensive insight into the putative mode of
      nephrotoxicity of gentamicin which was in accordance with histopathological
      findings.

PMID- 22061827
TI  - Ovarian expressed microsomal epoxide hydrolase: role in detoxification of 4
      vinylcyclohexene diepoxide and regulation by phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase
      signaling.
AB  - 4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide (VCD) is a metabolite of 4-vinylcyclohexene (VCH)
      which has the potential to be formed in the ovary through CYP2E1 activity. VCD
      specifically destroys primordial and small primary follicles in the rodent ovary.
      Mouse ovaries exposed to VCD demonstrate increased mRNA and protein expression of
      microsomal epoxide hydrolase (mEH), and an inactive tetrol metabolite (4-(1,2
      dihydroxy)ethyl-1,2-dihydroxycyclohexane) can be formed in mouse ovarian
      follicles, potentially through detoxification action of mEH. In contrast, mEH can
      bioactivate another ovotoxic chemical, 7,12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA) to a
      more toxic compound, DMBA-3,4-diol-1,2-epoxide. Thus, the present study evaluated
      a functional role for mEH during detoxification of VCD. Additionally, because
      inhibition of the phosphatidyinositol-3 kinase (PI3K) signaling pathway in a
      previous study protected primordial follicles from VCD-induced destruction, but
      accelerated DMBA-induced ovotoxicity, a role for PI3K in ovarian mEH regulation
      was evaluated. Using a post-natal day (PND) 4 Fischer 344 rat whole ovary culture
      system inhibition of mEH using cyclohexene oxide during VCD exposure resulted in
      a greater (P<0.05) loss of primordial and small primary follicles relative to VCD
      treated ovaries. Also, relative to controls, meh mRNA was increased (P<0.05) on
      day 4 of VCD (30 MUM) exposure, followed by increased (P<0.05) mEH protein after
      6 days. Furthermore, inhibition of PI3K signaling increased mEH mRNA and protein
      expression. Thus, these results support a functional role for mEH in the rat
      ovary, and demonstrate the involvement of PI3K signaling in regulation of ovarian
      xenobiotic metabolism by mEH.

PMID- 22061829
TI  - The usefulness of muscle color and pH for segregating beef carcasses into
      tenderness groups.
AB  - A total of 3435 beef carcasses from animals 11 to 14 months of age (472 bulls,
      978 heifers, 1985 steers) were evaluated over a ten year period to determine the
      usefulness of measurements of muscle color and pH for segregating carcasses into
      tenderness groups. All carcasses were aged for 6 days at 2 degrees C. Color and
      pH measurements were obtained on the longissimus? muscle. A loin steak from the
      eleventh-twelfth thoracic vertebrae interface was microwaved to approximately 70
      degrees C to determine shear force values. Steers had the lowest ultimate pH and
      shear force values and bulls had the highest (P=0.0001). Steers also had lighter
      colored lean (P=0.0001) than bulls and heifers (i.e. higher mean colorimeter
      readings). Arbitrary segregation of carcasses into tenderness groups based on
      shear force values (?6.0 tender; >6.0 tough) resulted in the tender group having
      higher colorimeter readings (17.40 versus 16.76, P=0.0001) and ultimate pH values
      (5.70 versus 5.69, P=0.02) and lower shear force values (4.89 versus 7.65,
      P<0.0001). Year and breed effects were observed in all three traits (P=0.0001).
      However, time trends were not detected and the range in shear force values among
      breeds was relatively narrow (6.02-6.74). Subjective color scores, colorimeter
      readings, and ultimate pH values accounted for 48% or less of the variation in
      shear force values in all sex, year, and breed groups indicating that generally
      none of these traits were highly related to tenderness in a linear fashion.
      Arbitrary segregation of carcasses into tenderness groups based upon shear force
      value resulted in consistently higher shear force values for the toughh group
      (SV>6.0) and lower values for the tender group (SV?6.0) (P<0.05) than the overall
      mean shear force value in all sex groups. Plotting of colorimeter readings and
      ultimate pH values against shear force values resulted in peaks within the range
      of colorimeter readings 8.5-16.5 and pH values 5.8-6.19. Segregation of carcasses
      with colorimeter readings within the range 8.5-16.5 was effective in segregating
      the tough ess steer and heifer carcasses and the tender bull carcasses, while
      segregation based upon pH values between 5.8 and 6.19 was effective in
      segregating the tough carcasses in all sex groups. Segregation based on both
      color and pH appeared to offer little advantage over the use of pH alone.
      Segregation of beef carcasses with ultimate longissimus pH values between 5.8 and
      6.19 appears to be an easy, nondestructive, practical means to effectively remove
      the majority of tough carcasses (shear value >6.0) in all three sex groups,
      regardless of breed.

PMID- 22061830
TI  - Changes in phospholipids of buffalo meat during processing and storage.
AB  - Effect of broiling and pressure cooking as well as alterations during
      refrigerated (4 degrees C) and frozen (-10 degrees C) storage on the
      phospholipids of adult male buffalo muscles viz. Triceps brachii (TB),
      Longissimus dorsi (LD) and Biceps femoris (BF), i.e. from three different
      locations were studied. Muscles differed significatly in their total lipid and
      phospholipid content. Cooking methods significantly altered the total
      phospholipid content and its fractions. Storage period did not show any
      significant effect on total phospholipids during refrigerated and frozen storage,
      whereas certain phospholipid classes viz. lysophosphatidyl choline and
      lysophosphatidyl ethanolamine + sphingomyelin increased significantly and major
      phospholipid classes viz. phosphatidyl choline and phosphatidyl ethanolamine
      decreased significantly. The changes in phospholipid classes were similar both in
      refrigerated and frozen samples but relatively more pronounced in the former.
      Palmitic, stearic, oleic and linoleic acids were the four predominant fatty acids
      in the phospholipids of buffalo meat. The effects associated with the location of
      muscles were evident. Differences in fatty acid composition of individual muscles
      in response to heat processing were observed. Heat processing significantly
      increased the total saturates in TB and LD muscles while it decreased in BF. The
      total monounsaturated and total polyunsaturated fatty acids of phospholipids
      decreased during refrigerated and frozen storage indicated by a significant
      decreass in oleic, linoleic and arachidonic acids.

PMID- 22061831
TI  - The effects of electrical stimulation, thawing, ageing and packaging on the
      colour and display life of lamb chops.
AB  - Electrical stimulation, freezing and thawing, ageing and type of packaging used
      during ageing are factors which could influence the final colour of meat. The
      experiment reported here determined the individual and additive effects of these
      factors in displayed lamb. Initial panel scores for colour of chops were
      increased by electrical stimulation and decreased by thawing and by ageing for up
      to six weeks. Chops from loins which had been aged in vacuum pack had higher
      initial scores than those aged in oxygen-permeable film. Hunter colour values for
      chops from stimulated carcasses were much less variable than those for chops from
      unstimulated carcasses. Stimulation, therefore, produced a more uniform product.
      Hunter L, a and b values all declined during display, the greatest decline being
      in a (redness). Hunter values were not good predictors of initial panel scores
      but Hunter a and hue (a b ) both declined with panel scores. With no ageing, the
      display life of stimulated chilled lamb was longer than that of unstimulated
      lamb, but this advantage disappeared after ageing for 2 weeks in a vacuum pack.
      The display life of thawed unstimulated lamb was only slightly inferior to that
      of chilled unstimulated lamb when both were vacuum-packed, but thawed stimulated
      lamb resulted in a much reduced display life. Ageing of loins in oxygen-permeable
      film adversely affected display life of chops. Total drip loss from rigor to the
      end of display was significantly affected by all treatments except stimulation.
      The dominant cause of drip loss was the freeze-thaw treatment. In chilled and
      thawed lamb, ageing increased drip. Packaging had a lesser effect on drip.

PMID- 22061832
TI  - Use of the Tecpro Pork Quality Meter for assessing meat quality on the
      slaughterline.
AB  - Conductivity measurements made with the Tecpro Pork Quality Meter at either 45
      min or about 20 h post mortem on 224 pig cacassees which exhibited a wide range
      of raw meat quality were moderately correlated with initial pH (pH(45); r = 0.54
      and 0.62) but less well correlated with reflectance (r = 0.32 and 0.37), drip
      loss (r = 0.34 and 0.47 and other objective measures of meat quality in the M.
      Longissimus dorsi. Measurements did not allow differentiation between normal and
      dark, firm, dry (DFD) meat but were of some value in identifying carcasses
      producing potentially pole, soft, exudative (PSE) meat. In the UK they would be
      more useful for monitoring meat quality in large groups or populations of pigs,
      than for categorising individual carcasses for grading on technological purposes.

PMID- 22061833
TI  - Modelling of the formation of pale, soft and exudative meat: Effects of chilling
      regime and rate and extent of glycolysis.
AB  - The high drip losses and softness of pale, soft and exudative meat are caused by
      denaturation of myosin before rigor. A simple predictive model is described based
      on calculations of the time-course of myosin denaturation in carcasses using the
      known dependence of the rate of denaturation of isolated myosin on temperature
      and pH (Penny, 1967a). The fraction of myosin denatured increases with the rate
      of pH fall, then reaches a maximum at a rate of pH fall that depends on the
      chilling conditions, and finally decreases. The relationship between drip loss
      and pH(45) value (Warris & Brown, 1987) is well explained by the calculations.
      The fraction denatured also increases as the final pH decreases, particularly at
      higher rates of pH fall. Increasing the chilling rate causes a marked reduction
      in the fraction denatured at low rates of pH fall but is only slightly effective
      if the rate of glycolysis is very high.

PMID- 22061834
TI  - Effect of citric acid and citrate on the shelf stability of canned liver paste
      processed at reduced F(0) values.
AB  - Citric acid and the combination of citric acid and citrate, in a few cases
      enriched with potassium sorbate, were tested for their stabilizing effect in a
      canned liver paste processed at reduced F(0) values. pH values of the rest
      products ranged from 5.24 to 5.76; a(w) values varied from 0.950 to 0.972. F(0)
      values of 0.05, 0.30 and 0.85 were applied. Before sterilization, the paste
      doughs were contaminated with mixtures of bacterial spores. Heated packages were
      challenged by incubation at 30 and 55 degrees C for up to about 2 years.
      Incubated packages with the standard formulation at an F(0) of 0.05 showed the
      first blown cans at 30 degrees C after 24 days. Starting from this point, at this
      F(0) value products with a variable, but increased, bacteriological stability
      were observed. At an F(0) of 0.30 a perfectly stable product at 30 degrees C was
      observed after addition of 0.14% w/w citric acid only (product pH 5.69).
      Moreover, all tested combinations of additives at F(0) values of 0.30 and 0.85
      yielded stable products at this incubation temperature. At the higher F(0) value
      a clear effect with respect to delaying thermophilic spoilage was observed. The
      effect of the application of potassium sorbate-in combination with both other
      additives-at F(0) values of 0.30 and 0.85 proved to be negligible.

PMID- 22061835
TI  - Sex differences in the effects of perinatal anoxia on dopamine function in rats.
AB  - Birth complications involving reduced oxygen to the fetus pose risks for
      neurodevelopmental disorders like schizophrenia and ADHD, which involve central
      dopamine (DA) dysfunction and also show gender differences in incidence or
      severity. Here, we examine possible sex differences in the long-term consequences
      of perinatal anoxia in the rat, on central DA systems and DA-mediated behaviour.
      As adults, sensorimotor gating (prepulse inhibition, PPI) was differentially
      affected by anoxia in males and females, tending to be impaired only in males.
      Apomorphine-induced suppression of PPI was especially pronounced in males. Anoxia
      caused increases in amygdala DA levels in both sexes. However, sex-specific
      changes in DA and metabolite levels in prefrontal cortex and nucleus accumbens
      were found, suggesting a possible basis for some of the observed gender biases in
      certain neurodevelopmental disorders, sensitive to birth hypoxia.

PMID- 22061836
TI  - Prostaglandin E2 receptor expression in the rat trigeminal-vascular system and
      other brain structures involved in pain.
AB  - Prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)) is considered to be a key mediator in migraine
      pathophysiology. PGE(2) acts via four receptors (EP(1)-EP(4)) but their
      distribution in the brain districts implicated in migraine has yet to be
      delineated. We quantified amount of mRNA and protein expression for the EP
      receptors in both peripheral and central structures involved in pain transmission
      and perception in migraine: dura mater, cerebral arteries, trigeminal ganglion,
      trigeminal nucleus caudalis, periaqueductal grey, thalamus, hypothalamus, cortex,
      pituitary gland, hippocampus and cerebellum. In the trigeminal-vascular system
      (TVS) we found highest expression of EP(1) and EP(2) protein in the trigeminal
      nucleus caudalis. EP(3) and EP(4) mRNA expression were highest in the trigeminal
      ganglion. Within intracranial structures EP(1) mRNA and protein expression were
      significantly higher in pituitary gland and cerebellum than in dorsal root
      ganglia (peripheral control), whereas the EP(2) mRNA and protein were highly
      abundant in the pituitary gland. EP(3) mRNA was mainly found in thalamus and
      hypothalamus. The most robust mRNA and protein expression for EP(4) receptor was
      seen in the dorsal root ganglion. In conclusion, all four receptors are located
      in areas implicated in migraine supporting the possible involvement of PGE(2) in
      this disease.

PMID- 22061837
TI  - Whole body vibration training reduces plantar foot sensitivity but improves
      balance control of healthy subjects.
AB  - The goal of this study was to investigate the effects of short-time whole body
      vibration (WBV) training on foot vibration sensitivity of healthy subjects.
      Furthermore, the effects of WBV on a balance task (one-leg stand) were also
      evaluated. 30 young healthy subjects participated in the study. Vibration
      perception thresholds and balance were measured prior and after a single session
      of a 4-min WBV training (27Hz, 2mm horizontal amplitude). Thresholds were
      measured at 200Hz at three anatomical locations of the plantar foot area (first
      and fifth metatarsal heads and heel). Body balance was quantified using the
      length as well as the area described by the center of pressure (COP) at quiet,
      one-leg standing. Whereas vibration thresholds significantly increased after WBV
      training at all measured locations, there was a significant decrease in the
      balance related parameters after WBV exercise. The results indicate that the
      above-threshold, sinusoidal vibration used during WBV training is not an adequate
      strategy to stimulate/improve vibration sensitivity. The improvements seen in
      balance after WBV are likely to have neuromuscular mechanisms as their main
      component rather than increased foot sensitivity.

PMID- 22061838
TI  - Blocking of acquisition of a taste aversion by a context experienced prior to the
      taste.
AB  - This experiment tested the proposal that events taking place before a rat has
      access to a taste can proactively interfere with acquisition of an aversion to
      the taste when this has been followed by lithium chloride injection. Rats were
      initially given context discrimination whereby placement in one distinctive
      context (target) was followed by lithium injection, while placement in a second
      context (safe) was followed by saline injection. In the subsequent 1-trial taste
      conditioning session, rats were first placed in either their target context
      (Blocking group), their safe context (Control-Safe group) or a neutral context
      (Control-Neutral group), then given access to sucrose and 30 min later were
      injected with lithium. Subsequent tests of sucrose intakes revealed a blocking
      effect. These results indicate that proactive interference with taste aversion
      learning by a context can occur that is unlikely to be based on generalization
      decrement.

PMID- 22061839
TI  - An overview: in vitro models of HCV replication in different cell cultures.
AB  - Although much of productive research has been conducted in the field of molecular
      virology of Hepatitis C virus (HCV) regarding its genes, gene functions and
      proteins, development of an efficient cell culture model for its replication
      remained a focused area. Focus has been directed to establish HCV in vitro
      replication system. This replication system should mimic its intrahepatic
      pathogenesis so that antivirals should be screened and in vitro gene profiling of
      HCV induced pathogenesis should be worked out. Since 1990 various experimental
      approaches and strategies have been utilized in phase of development of a robust
      replication model for HCV, and success has been reported for a few genotypes.
      Still the work is going on to have more success in availing such robust
      replication models for all the genotypes. This will help to have a common
      antiviral strategy against HCV induced pathogenesis involving any genotype or
      subtype.

PMID- 22061840
TI  - The effect of simulated transport of fresh meats on their water-holding capacity
      as assessed by various methods.
AB  - This study was designed to establish the effects of transport vibrations on the
      water-holding capacity of fresh non-stimulated veal and pork and electrically-
      and non-stimulated beef. Furthermore, drip production was followed during storage
      by various methods which were compared for their suitability in industrial
      practice and scientific research. During storage, the amount of drip increased,
      whilst the rate of drip formation decreased. Filter paper wetness measured at 1
      day post mortem was positively correlated with drip lost over a period of 2 weeks
      of refrigerated storage in poly-ethylene bags (method 1) and poly-propylene
      containers (method 2). This suggests that the filter paper wetness test may be
      useful to predict drip loss of stored meat. Simulated transport did not result in
      higher drip losses, although a significant increase in filter paper wetness from
      the fresh cut surface of veal and pork was found, suggesting that transport
      affects the initial rate of drip production, but not the total amount of drip. In
      beef, transport simulation resulted in an increase in filter paper wetness from
      the surface of electrically-stimulated meat, stored for 1 or 2 weeks, indicating
      that fluid loss was elevated due to transport vibrations. However, this effect
      seemed to be related to the intrinsic water-holding capacity of the sample: meat
      with a low intrinsic water-holding capacity seemed to be more sensitive to
      transport vibrations than meat with a high intrinsic water-holding capacity.

PMID- 22061841
TI  - Influence of dietary fat and vitamin E supplementation on alpha-tocopherol levels
      and fatty acid profiles in chicken muscle membranal fractions and on
      susceptibility to lipid peroxidation.
AB  - Broiler chickens were fed a basal feed supplemented with 10% tallow or olive oil
      and varying levels of vitamin E (20 and 200 mg vitamin E/kg feed). The
      concentration of alpha-tocopherol in the membranes of breast and thigh muscles
      was significantly influenced by the alpha-tocopherol level in the feed (p <
      0.001). Deposition of vitamin E was not influenced by the type of oil in the
      feed, except in the mitochondrial fraction of breast where the vitamin E
      concentration was higher in those fed olive oil than in those fed tallow (p <
      0.05). Dietary oil influenced the fatty acid composition of the muscle membranal
      fractions (p < 0.001). The oxidative stability of the membranal fractions tended
      to increase with increasing concentrations of alpha-tocopherol in the membranal
      fractions. In conclusion, the supplementation of vitamin E appeared to enhance
      the stability of muscle to oxidation. Thus, incorporation of alpha-tocopherol
      into the membranes via dietary manipulation helped in stabilizing the membrane
      bound lipids.

PMID- 22061842
TI  - Direct transesterification of total fatty acids of adipose tissue, and of freeze
      dried muscle and liver with boron-trifluoride in methanol.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to demonstrate direct transesterification of fatty
      acids of tissue total lipids with boron-trifluoride in methanol. Adipose tissue,
      muscle, and liver samples obtained from market-weight lambs, were transesterified
      with 14% boron-trifluoride in methanol at 80  degrees C. Total lipids of
      additional samples were first solvent-extracted and then transesterified with 14%
      boron-trifluoride in methanol. Thin layer Chromatographic evaluation revealed
      quantitative conversion of triacylglycerol- and polar lipid-fatty acids to fatty
      acid methyl esters using direct transesterification. No differences in fatty acid
      composition were observed for adipose tissue (p > 0.05); however, for muscle,
      20:4 was greater (p = 0.01) with direct transesterification. For liver, greater
      concentrations of fatty acids were observed for the direct transesterification
      method (p < 0.02). Weight percentages of adipose and muscle fatty acids were
      unchanged from 15 to 180min of direct transesterification; however, 120 and 90
      min of direct transesterification were required for adipose tissue and muscle,
      respectively, for complete transesterification. It was concluded that for
      analysis of total fatty acids, one-step direct transesterification with boron
      trifluoride in methanol is a useful and acceptable procedure.

PMID- 22061843
TI  - Proteolysis and tenderisation in reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus L.) bull
      longissimus thoracis muscle of varying ultimate pH.
AB  - Proteolysis and tenderisation in reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus L.) M.
      Longissimus Thoracis were studied. Mm. Longissimus ( the part cut out between
      vertebrae thoracales 6-7 and vertebrae lumbales 5-6) from 12 reindeer bulls (age
      1 1 2  years) were, after ultimate pH and temperature measurements, excised and
      then sampled at various times post mortem for determination of sarcomere length,
      Warner-Bratzler shear force, calpain and calpastatin activities, cathepsins B + L
      activities, active site titration of cystatin-like inhibitors, myofibrillar
      protein degradation, collagen content and heat solubility. Upon measurement of
      ultimate pH, the carcasses were divided into two pH groups; normal pH (5.65 <= pH
      <= 5.79) and high pH (pH >= 5.80). Temperature and pH fall were relatively rapid
      in all reindeer carcasses. Sarcomere lengths tended to be shorter in the
      carcasses of the high pH group. In the three carcasses with the highest ultimate
      pH values (6.11, 6.34 and 6.38), sarcomere lengths were around or below 40% of
      resting length (1.37MUm, 1.25MUm and 1.25MUm, respectively) which is likely
      associated with the occurrence of heat shortening. Total collagen content was
      higher and heat solubility lower in the high pH group, which could have masked
      differences in tenderness. However, all reindeer longissimus muscle samples were
      found to be extremely tender regardless of ultimate pH. By 3 days post mortem
      Warner-Bratzler shear force values were varying between 2.1-4.9 kg cm(2). There
      was a significantly higher activity of MU-calpain in the high pH group at 1 day
      post mortem. No differences in shear force, myofibrillar protein degradation as
      observed by SDS-PAGE, m-calpain and calpastatin activities, calhepsins B+ L
      activities or the levels of cystatin-like inhibitors were found between the two
      pH groups.

PMID- 22061844
TI  - The problem of taint in pork: 1. Detection thresholds and odour profiles of
      androstenone and skatole in a model system.
AB  - Detection thresholds of androstenone and skatole were established using a trained
      10-member sensory panel. Odour profiles for these compounds were also developed
      using a model system comprising a lipid base spiked with synthetic androstenone
      and skatole. A total of 2160 presentations were used for the determination of
      sensory thresholds which were obtained using the Ascending Method of Limits with
      a 3-AFC (Alternate Forced Choice) mode of presentation. Preliminary odour
      profiles were obtained by three consensus-profiling sessions. Character notes
      developed were then validated by profiling four classes of model samples
      containing androstenone, skatole, a mixture of skatole plus androstenone and a
      mixture of skatole plus androstenone plus indole. Individual sensory thresholds
      for the ten panel members varied between 0.2 to 1.0 MUg g(-1) for androstenone
      and 0.008 to 0.06 MUg g(-1) for skatole, leading to group thresholds of 0.426 MUg
      g(-1) and 0.026 MUg g(-1) for androstenone and skatole, respectively. The
      important descriptors for the odour of androstenone included; sweaty, ammonia,
      dirty, parsnip, silage, nosefeel and acrid. Among these, only the sweaty note was
      found to be a significant (p < 0.05) basis for separating pure samples of
      androstenone from pure samples of skatole by the panel. The important descriptors
      for the odour of skatole were; mothball, musty and body reaction. Both the
      mothball and musty notes were a significant (p < 0.001 to p < 0.05) basis for
      distinguishing between either pure samples of skatole or mixtures containing
      skatole from pure samples of androstenone. The results show that androstenone and
      skatole are synergistic, but only in relation to the descriptors defining
      intensity of the odours, and not in those defining the character of their
      individual odours.

PMID- 22061845
TI  - Acceptability and functional properties of restructured roast from frozen pre
      rigor injected beef.
AB  - Restructured beef roasts, made to a standardized formulation, were prepared using
      the following types of meat that had been stored at - 18  degrees C for 5 or 10
      weeks: grass-fed bull beef pre-rigor injected with a salt/phosphate brine;
      uninjected grass-fed bull beef; uninjected grain-fed beef; a 50:50 blend of pre
      rigor injected grass-fed bull beef and grain-fed beef; and a 50:50 blend of
      uninjected grass-fed bull beef and grain-fed beef. After frozen storage, pre
      rigor injected beef had a higher (p < 0.05) ultimate pH than uninjected beef .
      Grain-fed beef had the lowest ultimate pH. Roasts made from pre-rigor injected
      beef were redder (higher Hunter a(*) values) than roasts made with uninjected
      beef (p < 0.05). Roasts made from grain-fed beef were lighter and looked more
      cooked (higher L(*) and lower a(*) values respectively) than those made with
      grass-fed beef. Extending frozen storage to 10 weeks decreased the cook yield (p
      < 0.05), peak force (p < 0.001) and extensibility (p < 0.05). Consumer panellists
      preferred (p < 0.05) roasts made from pre-rigor injected beef for tenderness,
      juiciness and overall acceptability compared with roasts made from uninjected
      beef.

PMID- 22061846
TI  - The hygienic and organoleptic qualities of ground beef prepared from
      manufacturing beef pasteurized by immersion in hot water.
AB  - Groups of 24 lots of manufacturing beef were untreated or treated by immersion in
      water of 85  degrees C for 15 s or 1 min. Each lot was ground, and total counts,
      coliforms and Escherichia coli were enumerated in samples from each ground lot.
      Each ground lot was divided into two portions, and their appearances were
      assessed by a panel 2, 24 and 48 hr after the treatment of the beef. Treatment
      for 15 s reduced the numbers of non-thermotolerant bacteria, including coliforms
      and E. coli, by about one order of magnitude. Treatment for 1 min reduced the
      numbers of non-thermotolerant bacteria by about two orders of magnitude, with
      reduction of the numbers of coliforms and E. coli in all samples to below the
      detection level of 1 CFUg(-1). Ground beef prepared from treated product tended
      to appear lighter in colour and duller than ground beef from untreated product,
      and to be more discoloured after 24 hr. However, the changes in the appearances
      of ground beef resulting from the treatment of manufacturing beef were small, and
      seemingly would not render the ground meat unacceptable for retail display. In a
      triangle taste test, there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) in the
      flavour of hamburger patties prepared from untreated beef or from beef treated
      for 1 min at 85  degrees C. The findings suggest that pasteurization of
      manufacturing beef could be a commercially useful technique for reducing the risk
      of infection with enteric bacteria to consumers of mass produced hamburger
      patties.

PMID- 22061847
TI  - The effects of hot water pasteurizing treatments on the appearances of pork and
      beef.
AB  - Portions of post- and pre-rigor pork and beef were treated by immersion in water
      of 75 or 85  degrees C for 5, 10, 15 or 20 s. The appearances of untreated and
      treated cut muscle, fat, membrane covered and cut bone surfaces, and the overall
      appearances of treated and untreated meat pieces, were assessed by a 5-member
      panel 2 hr and 24 hr after each treatment. At those times, CIE L(*)a(*)b(*)
      values were obtained for cut-muscle surfaces. The appearances of surfaces covered
      by membrane, of fat and cut bone surfaces of pre-rigor pork and beef, and of fat
      and cut bone surfaces of post-rigor pork, were not persistently degraded by any
      treatment. However, the appearances of fat and cut bone surfaces of post-rigor
      beef were persistently degraded by the harsher treatments, apparently because of
      pre-treatment staining of fat and changes in the bone marrow. Panel scores for
      the overall appearance and for the appearance of cut muscle surfaces were
      generally the same for each meat piece. All treatments caused patchy bleaching of
      cut muscle. The degraded appearances of pre- and post-rigor pork and post-rigor
      beef muscle persisted at 24 hr, but the appearances of beef muscle treated pre
      rigor improved between 2 and 24 hr. Most treated muscle gave increased CIE L(*)
      values and decreased a(*) and b(*) values as compared with untreated portions
      from the same primal cut. However, CIE b(*) values for pre-rigor beef muscle were
      higher than for untreated muscle 2hr after treatment, but lower than for
      untreated muscle 24 hr after treatment. It appears that pasteurizing treatments
      cannot be applied to meat without some degradation of the appearances of cut
      muscle surfaces, which will persist in pork treated pre- or post-rigor and in
      beef treated post-rigor, but which will partially resolve during the storage of
      beef treated pre-rigor.

PMID- 22061848
TI  - Effects of high intensity ultrasound treatment, storage time and cooking method
      on shear, sensory, instrumental color and cooking properties of packaged and
      unpackaged beef pectoralis muscle.
AB  - Beef pectoralis muscles were removed at 24 h post mortem from nine steers, and
      samples were vacuum packaged and exposed to high-intensity ultrasound (20 kHz, 22
      W/cm(2)) for 0, 5 or 10 min, then aged for 1, 6 or 10 days before evaluation of
      purge and cooking losses, instrumental shear and color and sensory traits
      (Experiment 1). For Experiment 2, unpackaged beef pectoralis muscle samples from
      eight steers were subjected to ultrasonic cooking, boiling, convection cooking or
      ultrasound treatment for 5 or 10 min followed by cooking in a convection oven.
      Neither duration of sonication nor storage of packaged pectoralis muscles
      affected (p > 0.05) storage purge or cooking losses, shear properties or sensory
      characteristics (Experiment 1). However, muscles receiving ultrasonic treatment
      showed tendencies for reduced peak force and total work to shear. Increased
      length of storage caused pectoralis muscles to become more vivid red-orange
      colored (p < 0.05), whereas ultrasonic treatment caused muscles to become less
      vivid, less red and more orange colored (p < 0.05). Ultrasonically cooked
      pectoralis muscles (Experiment 2) had lower (p < 0.05) cooking losses than
      muscles cooked by other methods. Both ultrasonic cooking and boiling were faster
      than convection cooking only and ultrasound exposure followed by convection
      cooking. Additional studies are needed to verify the ability of ultrasound to
      promote improved cooking, sensory and shear properties of muscle.

PMID- 22061849
TI  - Dried sausages fermented with staphylococcus xylosus at different temperatures
      and with different ingredient levels. Part IV. Amino acid profile.
AB  - Sausages with added Staphylococcus xylosus were fermented at different
      temperatures and with different added levels of salt, glucose, nitrite, nitrate
      and Pediococcus pentosaceus in accordance with a six-factor fractional design.
      The amounts of individual amino acids were measured and the effects of
      temperature and different ingredients on the amino acid profile were tested using
      multiple linear regression and analysis of variance. Also, the amino acid profile
      was correlated to the level of volatile compounds by partial least squares
      analysis. The study showed that the level of free amino acids was significantly
      affected by the different factors. High fermentation temperature and nitrite
      content increased the amount, while high contents of salt, nitrate, glucose and
      P. pentosaceus lowered the amount of free amino acids. In general, temperature
      and nitrate had the greatest influence. It was shown that the amounts of the
      volatile compounds, 2-methyl propanal, 2- and 3-methyl butanal, were inversely
      correlated with the amounts of valine, isoleucine and leucine, respectively,
      indicating that those volatiles were degradation products of the latter.

PMID- 22061850
TI  - Proteolysis in dry fermented sausages: The effect of selected exogenous
      proteases.
AB  - The effect of three commercial proteases (pronase E from Streptomyces griseus,
      aspartyl proteinase from Aspergillus oryzae and papain) on protein breakdown and
      the sensory characteristics of dry fermented sausages was investigated. Water
      soluble, non-protein, 5% phosphotungstic acid soluble, 5% sulphosalicylic acid
      soluble and total volatile basic nitrogen contents increased during fermentation,
      stabilizing later until the end of ripening (26th day). Nitrogen values were
      always greater in the aspartyl proteinase added batch in comparison with the
      other protease added batches. Total free amino acid changes showed a similar
      pattern to those observed for the 5% sulphosalicylic acid soluble nitrogen. The
      electrophoretic studies demonstrated that proteolysis of high molecular weight
      myofibrillar and sarcoplasmic proteins was more prominent in protease added
      batches. It was especially intensive in papain one. The dominant amino acids at
      the end of ripening were similar in all batches. Tyramine and histamine increased
      throughout ripening. No significant differences in sensory properties were found
      between control and pronase E and papain added batches, but they were
      significantly different (p < 0.01) from the sausages containing aspartyl
      proteinase, due to an excessive softening. The effect of exogenous enzyme
      addition on the flavour potentiation of dry fermented sausage is discussed.

PMID- 22061851
TI  - Contribution to improving the meat water holding capacity test by the filter
      paper press method. A comparison of three methods for measuring areas.
AB  - Tests of meat water holding capacity (WHC) by the filter paper press method in
      bovine muscles were assayed. Two rapid methods to evaluate the liquid
      impregnation areas on the filter paper were used in opposition to the classic
      planimetric method. A special "reticular filter paper" for direct measurement of
      spot areas was designed. Data from 1113 meat WHC tests of Longissimus dorsi,
      Semitendinosus, Semimembranosus, Biceps femoris and Adductor muscles were
      assayed. It was verified that the reticular method has a good precision with
      coefficient of variation, CV%, between 4.04 and 2.64% for meat 'M' and total 'T'
      areas, respectively. The accuracy of the reticular method was also very high,
      with R(2) = 99.54% for 'T' and 97.06% for 'M'. The caliper rule method showed an
      acceptable accuracy, with values R(2) = 98.05 and 90.76% for 'T' and 'M',
      respectively. Their precision, however was somewhat smaller than reticular
      measures, with CV% between 5.51 and 7.37% for 'T' and 'M', respectively.

PMID- 22061852
TI  - Composition, solubility and gel properties of salt soluble proteins from two
      bovine muscle types.
AB  - The composition, pH solubility profile and thermal gelation behavior of two
      bovine muscles, vastus intermedius (VI, predominately red fibers) and
      semimembranosus (SM, predominantly white fibers) were compared. VI had a higher
      fat content and pH and lower protein content than SM. Between pH 5.2 and 5.8, the
      salt soluble proteins (SSP) from SM were more soluble than those from VI at the
      same pH, whereas solubilities above pH 6.0 were similar. Properties of SSP gels
      were measured at pH 5.5 and 6.1, the ultimate pH for SM and VI, respectively.
      Water lost from the VI gels due to syneresis was about 3 times greater than that
      lost from SM gels. VI gels prepared at pH 5.5 were firmer (p<0.05) than at pH
      6.1, whereas deformability of SM gels at pH 6.1 were greater (p<0.05) than at pH
      5.5. No differences (p>0.05) were observed between the firmness or deformability
      of VI or SM gels when compared at the same pH. Results suggest that ultimate
      muscle pH and fiber type do influence the properties of bovine SSP gels, although
      the effect is not as great as that previously reported for poultry muscle
      proteins.

PMID- 22061853
TI  - Bone marrow measurements for mechanically recovered products from machines that
      press bones.
AB  - Meat from Advanced Meat Recovery (AMR) systems is being used in increasing
      amounts in meat products, but authenticity issues resulting from the incidental
      inclusion of bone marrow when meat is pressed from the bones have arisen.
      Unfortunately, no widely accepted method for determining amount of marrow in meat
      from AMR systems is available. Past attempts to detect and quantify the amount of
      marrow in mechanically recovered products is the focus of this review. Methods
      for quantifying red marrow include those based on the heme pigments and on iron
      contained in these pigments. An immunological procedure in which antibodies are
      raised to bone marrow proteins and the pH method can also be used as qualitative
      and quantitative tests, respectively, for red marrow presence. Fatty marrow,
      associated with the term marrow by the public, is found in the medullary cavity
      of the shaft of long bones. These bones are not recommended for use in meat
      recovery systems, so methods for detection of fatty marrow are not addressed.

PMID- 22061854
TI  - Free amino acids and dipeptides in porcine muscles: differences between 'red' and
      'white' muscles.
AB  - Three porcine muscles (m. longissimus dorsi, masseter and trapezius), chosen to
      represent the three main metabolic types, from 18 carcasses had their free amino
      acids and dipeptides quantified by reverse-phase high performance liquid
      chromatography (HPLC) in aqueous extracts derivatized with phenyl isothiocyanate.
      Of the 25 measured compounds, four amino acids and the dipeptide carnosine were
      closely related to the metabolic type of the three muscles. Masseter, a red
      oxidative muscle, had the highest contents of aspartic acid, glutamine and
      taurine. Longissimus dorsi, a white glycolytic muscle was characterised by the
      highest contents of beta-alanine and carnosine. Trapezius, an intermediate
      muscle, had intermediate contents. These results show that free amino acid and
      dipeptide contents could partly explain differences in taste of muscles from the
      same species.

PMID- 22061855
TI  - Comparison of different dietary magnesium supplements on pork quality.
AB  - Forty-eight crossbred (Large White*Landrace) boars were used to compare the
      effect of dietary magnesium aspartate (MgAsp), magnesium sulphate (MgSO(4)) and
      magnesium chloride (MgCl(2)) on muscle glycogenolysis and pork quality. The pigs
      were fed finisher feed supplemented with either MgAsp, MgSO(4) and MgCl(2) for 5
      days prior to slaughter. At the abattoir, all pigs received 15 electric shocks
      from an electric goad 5min prior to slaughter. Pigs fed the diet supplemented
      with MgSO(4) had the highest plasma Mg concentrations at slaughter in comparison
      with pigs fed the MgAsp and MgCl(2) supplemented diets. There were no differences
      in plasma adrenaline and noradrenaline concentrations at slaughter between the
      different diets. Pigs fed the Mg diets had higher muscle glycogen concentrations
      in the Longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle at 5min and at 40min (except MgCl(2))
      post-slaughter compared to pigs fed the control diet. Also pigs fed the Mg diets
      had lower muscle lactic acid concentrations in the LT at 5min post-slaughter and
      lower drip loss at 24hr post-slaughter compared to pigs fed the control diet.
      These results indicate that cheaper magnesium sources, MgSO(4) and MgCl(2), are
      as efficacious as MgAsp in reducing drip loss and improving pork quality.

PMID- 22061856
TI  - Influence of dietary alpha-tocopheryl acetate supplementation of pigs on
      oxidative deterioration and weight loss in sliced dry-cured ham.
AB  - The effect of feeding high levels of alpha-tocopherol to pigs on the
      susceptibility to oxidative deterioration and weight loss in dry cured hams was
      investigated. The alpha-tocopherol concentration in thigh muscle from pigs fed
      the basal and the supplemented diet (200 mg kg(-1) alpha-tocopheryl acetate) in
      unprocessed thighs was 8.69 and 16.87, MUg g(-1) dry matter, not including ash,
      respectively (p-value=0.015), while the concentration was 6.65 and 14.28 MUg g(
      1), respectively, in the final products (p-value=0.011). Hams from pigs fed the
      basal diet oxidized more during storage (p-value=0.015) as measured by formation
      in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and had a higher rate of weight loss
      (p-value=0.0001). The total loss in red color after 4 days of storage was similar
      in all treatments. However, the rate of discoloration was more pronounced during
      the first 2 days of storage in hams from pigs fed the basal diet (p-value=0.016).
      This result indicates that high dietary level of alpha-tocopheryl acetate to pigs
      increases the oxidative stability in dry cured hams manufactured on the basis of
      such pigs.

PMID- 22061857
TI  - Establishment and application of a polymerase chain reaction for the
      identification of beef.
AB  - A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based method for the identification of beef by
      amplification of bovine 1.709 satellite DNA was established. The method not only
      was able to amplify raw beef DNA, but also cooked or autoclaved meat DNA. The
      sequence selected for amplification consisted of a 218 bp DNA fragment lying in
      the 1.709 satellite DNA of bovine. A pair of synthetic oligonucleotides flanking
      this sequence were used as printers, and genomic DNA extracted from beef samples
      employed as templates. Each batch of reaction mix contained Taq DNA polymerase, a
      buffer component, deoxynucleotide triphosphates, genomic DNA template and a pair
      of bovine oligodeoxynucleotide primers in a final volume of 50 MUl. The
      amplification of bovine DNA was performed by using 33 cycles of denaturation at
      94 degrees C (40 s), annealing at 53.5 degrees C (50 s) and extension at 72
      degrees C (60 s), with a 7 min extension at 72 degrees C in the last cycles. The
      amplified products were subjected to rapid electrophoresis in 3% agarose gel and
      visualized under ultraviolet illumination after ethidium bromide staining. A Hae
      SH restriction endonuclease test was done to verify the specificity of the PCR
      amplification, and the expected DNA fragments were produced. The specificity test
      demonstrated that this method was positive for bovine, buffalo and yak meat DNA,
      but negative for equine, sheep, goat, camel, swine, deer and mouse meat DNA, etc.
      At least 33.6 fg of DNA from raw beef samples and 0.32 pg of DNA from cooked or
      autoclaved beef samples were detected, respectively, by PCR. We tested 103 beef
      samples by PCR and obtained 100% correct identification. The method needed only 6
      h for detection of meat products of all kinds. The results showed that the PCR
      method was sensitive, specific, convenient and rapid, so it may be suitable for
      rapid identification of beef.

PMID- 22061858
TI  - Changes in texture, cooking losses, and myofibrillar structure of bovine M.
      semitendinosus during heating.
AB  - Vacuum-packed slices of bovine semitendinosus (ST) muscle were retorted to
      internal temperatures of 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, and 121 degrees C. Changes in
      texture of the meat were evaluated by measurements of Texture Profile Analysis
      (TPA) parameters. Changes in microstructure were evaluated using a Scanning
      Electron Microscope (SEM) and measuring fibre diameter and sarcomere length.
      Cooking losses were also estimated. During heating the TPA parameters changed
      independently of each other. They reached a maxima at different endpoint
      temperatures of the meat and then decreased. A decrease in fibre diameter was
      observed in samples heated to 60 and 121 degrees C. Sarcomere length decreased
      continuously in the range 50-121 degrees C. Cooking losses increased with
      increased heating temperature. Relationships between changes in sarcomere length
      and cooking losses and between springiness and fibre diameter were found.

PMID- 22061859
TI  - A comparison of carnosine and ascorbic acid on color and lipid stability in a
      ground beef pattie model system.
AB  - Ascorbic acid (0.1%) significantly inhibited metmyoglobin formation on the
      surface of ground beef but not in the bulk of the product where oxygen tension
      was lower. Carnosine (1.0%), however, significantly inhibited metmyoglobin
      formation and brown color development throughout the product. The combinations of
      carnosine and ascorbic acid were also very effective on inhibition of
      metmyoglobin formation and brown color development. Carnosine increased meat pH,
      cook yield and salt-soluble protein, but ascorbic acid had no effect on cook
      yield, and decreased meat pH and salt-soluble protein. Carnosine was more
      effective on inhibition of lipid peroxidation than ascorbic acid. Carnosine
      inhibited copper(II)-catalyzed ascorbate oxidation in a dose-dependent manner in
      model systems. Carnosine in conjunction with ascorbic acid may be useful as a
      meat additive for increasing shelf-life as well as stabilizing color of meat
      products.

PMID- 22061860
TI  - Postmortem meat quality and sex affect textural properties and protein breakdown
      of dry-cured ham.
AB  - Texture measurements by instrumental texture profile analysis (TPA) and protein
      degradation analysis by sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel
      electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) were performed on 30 dry-cured hams resulting from
      four different post-mortem meat qualities categories (PSE, RSE, RFN and DFD). The
      main differences were observed in dry-cured hams from PSE and RFN meat qualities.
      Penetration force (80%), hardness, springiness, cohesiveness and chewiness, were
      significantly lower (P<0.05) in PSE than in RFN quality classes. The rate of the
      ripening process was affected as a higher proteolysis and absence of fragments at
      150 and 85 KDa in PSE in relation to RFN classes, and with an intermediate
      proteolysis of RSE and DFD classes. The effect of sex was observed as a
      significant (P<0.05) low hardness in the hams obtained from female pigs. The
      duration of the ripening, for a better uniformity in dry-cured ham production,
      should be adapted to the initial pH and to drip loss parameters of the raw
      material.

PMID- 22061861
TI  - Slicing frozen meat with an oscillating knife.
AB  - The forces, and hence fracture energies, required to cut frozen meat are
      presented in this paper and the merits of applying vibrations to a cutting blade
      are considered. A knife oscillating in a slicing action was used to cut horse M.
      semimembranosus and loin muscle M. longissimus dorsi over a range of temperatures
      (-1.5 degrees C to -30 degrees C) and vibration frequencies (0-1000 Hz). The
      blade required less force to cut when slicing than when not slicing; the decrease
      in force was proportional to the velocity of the slicing motion. If the average
      relative slicing velocity of the blade with respect to the meat was greater than
      164 mm/s then the cutting force reduced significantly. The reduction was due to a
      lower requirement for energy to produce the new material surface (up to 80%
      reduction) and also a reduction in the plastic energy required to deform the off
      cut by the blade (up to 30% reduction). The surface energy was reduced because
      the fracture mechanism was altered by the slicing action. The plastic energy was
      reduced because the slicing blade fractured the meat fibres with less strain (and
      hence less material deformation around the process zone) than a blade pressed
      directly into the meat. Vibration frequencies of 10-100 Hz were required to
      generate the required slicing motion with the equipment available. A vibrating
      cutting blade could have a combination of chopping and slicing motions
      superimposed upon it. These would reduce both the friction between the knife
      blade and the meat, as well as the surface and plastic energy required to cut the
      meat.

PMID- 22061862
TI  - Chemometric model for describing Greek traditional sausages.
AB  - Chemical, physical, microbiological and sensory analyses were performed on 31
      samples of Greek traditional sausages. The following attributes were recorded:
      fat 15.49-56.86%, moisture 21.92-65.40%, protein 14.73-26.74%, sodium chloride
      2.36-4.13%, nitrites 0.0-3.26 ppm, mean nitrates 38.19 ppm, TBA value 0.42-5.33
      mg malonaldehyde/kg, pH 4.74-6.74, water activity (a(w)) 0.88-0.97, firmness 0-64
      Zwick units, lightness (L(*)) 25.03-35.37, redness (a(*)) 2.55-11.42, yellowness
      4.42-12.96, aerobic plate count 5.48-9.32 cfu/g, lactic acid bacteria (LAB) 5.26
      9.08 cfu/g, micrococci/staphylococci 4.11-6.91 cfu/g and Gram (-) bacteria 1.78
      6.15 cfu/g. Mean sensory scores ranged from 3.14 to 3.54 on a 5-point hedonic
      scale. Two statistical analysis programmes (Praxitele and SPSS) were used for
      characterising and assessing the properties of sausages. The first two principal
      components (PC1-2) derived by SPSS (50.5% variance) describe more satisfactorily
      the variance than the corresponding PC1-2, PC1-3 obtained by Praxitele (40.4%
      variance). High consumer preference was strongly related to satisfactory
      appearance and strong taste, high LAB count, medium fat content, medium firmness
      and lightness (L(*)(surface)). Extreme attribute values (high or low) for
      firmness, moisture and fat content, low salt content and low taste were related
      to low consumer preference.

PMID- 22061863
TI  - A novel splicing mutation in FKBP10 causing osteogenesis imperfecta with a
      possible mineralization defect.
AB  - Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is a group of hereditary disorders characterized by
      bone fragility and osteopenia, with a broad spectrum of clinical severity. The
      majority of cases are dominantly inherited and due to mutations in type I
      collagen genes, whereas recessive forms are less frequent and attributable to
      mutations in different genes involved in collagen I post translational
      modifications and folding (prolyl-3-hydroxylase complex, SERPINH1, FKBP10). We
      report the case of a patient with an initially mild and then progressively severe
      form of osteogenesis imperfecta due to a novel homozygous splicing mutation in
      FKBP10 (intron 8 c.1399+1G>A), which results in aberrant mRNA processing and
      consequent lack of FKBP65 chaperone. Although this mutation does not affect
      collagen type I post translational modifications in dermal fibroblasts, the
      histomorphometric pattern of our patient's bone sample showed a mineralization
      defect possibly due to the mutation in FKBP10.

PMID- 22061864
TI  - Bisphosphonates and glucocorticoid osteoporosis in men: results of a randomized
      controlled trial comparing zoledronic acid with risedronate.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We studied 265 men (mean age 56.4 years; range 18-83 years), among
      patients enrolled in two arms of a double-blind, 1-year study comparing the
      effects of zoledronic acid (ZOL) with risedronate (RIS) in patients either
      commencing (prednisolone 7.5 mg/day or equivalent) (prevention arm, n=88) or
      continuing glucocorticoid therapy (treatment arm, n=177). METHODS: Patients
      received either a single ZOL 5 mg infusion or RIS 5 mg oral daily at
      randomization, along with calcium (1000 mg) and vitamin D (400-1200 IU). Primary
      endpoint: difference in percentage change from baseline in bone mineral density
      (BMD) at the lumbar spine (LS) at 12 months. Secondary endpoints: percentage
      changes in BMD at total hip (TH) and femoral neck (FN), relative changes in bone
      turnover markers (beta-CTx and P1NP), and overall safety. FINDINGS: In the
      treatment subpopulation, ZOL increased LS BMD by 4.7% vs. 3.3% for RIS and at TH
      the percentage changes were 1.8% vs. 0.2%, respectively. In the prevention
      subpopulation, bone loss was prevented by both treatments. At LS the percentage
      changes were 2.5% vs. -0.2% for ZOL vs. RIS and at TH the percentage changes were
      1.1% vs. -0.4%, respectively. ZOL significantly increased lumbar spine BMD more
      than RIS at Month 12 in both the prevention population (p=0.0024) and the
      treatment subpopulation (p=0.0232) in men. In the treatment subpopulation, ZOL
      demonstrated a significantly greater reduction in serum beta-CTx and P1NP
      relative to RIS at all time-points. In the prevention subpopulation, ZOL
      significantly reduced beta-CTx at all time-points, and P1NP at Month 3 (p=0.0297)
      only. Both treatments were well tolerated in men, albeit with a higher incidence
      of influenza-like illness and pyrexia events post-infusion with ZOL.
      INTERPRETATION: Once-yearly ZOL preserves or increases BMD within 1 year to a
      greater extent than daily RIS in men receiving glucocorticoid therapy.

PMID- 22061866
TI  - Changes of the vasculature and innervation in the anterior segment of the RCS rat
      eye.
AB  - Investigating the anterior eye segment vasculature and innervation of dystrophic
      RCS rats, two major unique findings were observed: in the iris, young adult
      animals with retinal dystrophy showed an increase in substance P nerve fibres and
      a dilation of arterioles and capillaries. This finding continued during ageing.
      In the pars plana region, the surface covered by venules decreased continuously
      with age. In older animals, this decrease was parallelled by a local decrease of
      sympathetic TH-positive nerve fibres supplying these venules. For both
      conditions, no comparable data exists so far in the literature. They might point
      to a unique situation in the anterior eye segment of the dystrophic RCS rat.

PMID- 22061867
TI  - Treatment differences in the therapeutic relationship and introject during a 2
      year randomized controlled trial of dialectical behavior therapy versus
      nonbehavioral psychotherapy experts for borderline personality disorder.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The present study explored the role of the therapeutic relationship
      and introject during the course of dialectical behavior therapy (DBT; Linehan,
      1993) for the treatment of borderline personality disorder. METHOD: Women meeting
      DSM-IV criteria for borderline personality disorder (N = 101) were randomized to
      receive DBT or community treatment by experts. The Structural Analysis of Social
      Behavior (Benjamin, 1974) was used to measure both the therapeutic relationship
      and introject. RESULTS: Relative to community treatment by experts, DBT
      participants reported the development of a more positive introject, including
      significantly greater self-affirmation, self-love, self-protection, and less self
      attack, during the course of treatment and 1-year follow-up. The therapeutic
      relationship did not have an independent effect on intrapsychic or symptomatic
      outcome but did interact with treatment. DBT participants who perceived their
      therapist as affirming and protecting reported less frequent occurrences of
      nonsuicidal self-injury. CONCLUSIONS: The study showed positive intrapsychic
      change during DBT and emphasized the importance of affirmation and control in the
      therapeutic relationship. Results are discussed in the context of understanding
      the mechanisms of change in DBT.

PMID- 22061868
TI  - Investigation of mechanisms by which sodium citrate reduces the pink color defect
      in cooked ground turkey.
AB  - The principal mechanism by which sodium citrate reduces the pink color defect in
      cooked ground turkey was investigated. Sodium citrate (SC; 0, 0.125, 0.25, 0.5,
      1.0, 2.0M), sodium nitrite (0.01, 0.1M), and nicotinamide (0.5, 0.75M) were
      combined in solutions of bovine hemin to determine SCs ability to bind heme iron
      and competitively inhibit pink-color-generating ligands from binding.
      Additionally, the effects of sodium erythorbate (0, 275, 550ppm), ferrous iron
      chloride (0, 0.3, 3.0, 30ppm), and ferric iron chloride (0, 0.3, 3.0, 30ppm) on
      SCs ability to reduce pink cooked color was examined. Absorbance curves of
      hemin+nitrite and hemin+nicotinamide were relatively unaffected by SC, therefore
      whether or not SC bound heme iron, that did not appear to be a mechanism for
      inhibiting the pink color defect. Both ferrous and ferric iron chloride had
      minimal effects on color values, possibly due to sodium tripolyphosphate
      chelation ability in the meat system and thus their presence did not enhance SCs
      ability to reduce the pink color defect. However, sodium erythorbate, a reducing
      agent, inhibited SCs ability to decrease the pink color defect in samples induced
      pink with sodium nitrite and nicotinamide. Therefore, it appears SC requires the
      presence of oxygen and may participate in oxidative processes to reduce the pink
      color defect.

PMID- 22061869
TI  - Instrumental evaluation of pH effects on ability of pork chops to bloom.
AB  - Color plays an important role in consumer purchase decisions of pork. For this
      reason, the objective of this study was to determine the usefulness of
      instrumental measures of bloom and bloom as a function of pH. Color was measured
      with two instruments on pork chops of varied ultimate pH (5.1-6.1) in a vacuum
      package and again after blooming. During bloom, Hunter a* increased while Minolta
      a values changed little. Bloom had no effect on either measure of lightness (L*
      or L). With bloom, Hunter Hue Angle decreased indicating an increase in red
      color, while Minolta Hue Angle measurement increased with bloom, implying a
      decrease in true red color. Although lightness was unaffected by bloom, pH had a
      significant effect on Hunter L* and Minolta L values. Increasing pH resulted in
      an increase of Hunter a*, but not Minolta a, in both unbloomed and bloomed chops.
      Hunter Hue Angle was consistently higher than Minolta Hue Angle regardless of
      bloom status or pH.

PMID- 22061870
TI  - Significance of storage time on degree of blooming and colour stability of pork
      loin from different crossbreeds.
AB  - The objective was to investigate the effect of ageing time (1 day vs. 8 days
      postmortem) and sire breed used in the crossbreed (Duroc sired vs. Landrace sired
      pigs) on blooming ability and colour stability of pork M. longissimus dorsi (LD).
      The colour was measured during blooming (0, 10, 30, 60, 90min and 24h after
      cutting) and during subsequent display (1, 2, 3 and 6 days) at 3 degrees C. The
      contents of deoxymyoglobin (Mb), oxymyoglobin (MbO(2)) and metmyoglobin (MetMb)
      were calculated. Ageing improved the blooming of LD from both crossbreeds with
      increased content of MbO(2) and decreased content of Mb, resulting in increased
      lightness, redness and yellowness. Ageing had smaller effect on colour stability
      with slightly lower MetMb in aged meat. Crossbreed affected both blooming and
      colour stability. LD from Landrace-sired pigs bloomed more than LD from Duroc
      sired pigs, but more MetMb was formed during subsequent storage, although at a
      low level in both crossbreeds. The present data show superior colour
      characteristics of fresh pork aged for 8 days.

PMID- 22061871
TI  - Significance of early postmortem temperature and pH decline on colour
      characteristics of pork loin from different crossbreeds.
AB  - The significance of early postmortem (pm) temperature and pH decline and the
      level of the muscle metabolites creatine phosphate (CP) and adenosine
      triphosphate (ATP) on the colour of porcine M. longissimus dorsi was studied in a
      factorially designed experiment. Two stress levels peri mortem (minimal stress vs
      treadmill exercise and electrical stunning of the pigs) and four genotypes (Duroc
      boars crossed with Landrace-Yorkshire sows vs. Hampshire-Duroc boars crossed with
      Landrace-Yorkshire sows, including carriers and non-carriers of the halothane and
      RN(-) genes, respectively) were included. Early pm muscle temperature and the
      accompanying pH decline had a significant influence on the pork colour
      independent of genotype. The combination of high temperature and low pH early pm
      increased lightness and yellowness, which is ascribed to inactivation of oxygen
      consuming enzymes and protein denaturation. The effect of early pm temperature
      and pH on pork redness was more complex. It appears to be closely related to the
      extent of heat generation, CP and ATP levels and pH immediately pm in the muscle,
      which influence the activity of oxygen-consuming enzymes.

PMID- 22061872
TI  - Influence of dietary creatine monohydrate and carcass cooling rate on colour
      characteristics of pork loin from different pure breeds.
AB  - Increased creatine content in the muscle may delay postmortem (pm) lactate
      formation and postpone pH decline, hence potentially affect the colour of pork.
      The influence of dietary supplementation with 0 or 50g creatine monohydrate
      (CMH)/d for 5 days prior to slaughter and two cooling rates of pig carcasses on
      the colour characteristics of pork loin from purebred Duroc and Landrace pigs was
      investigated. CMH increased the content of creatine phosphate in pork loin
      measured immediately following bleeding, delayed early pm pH decline and gave
      rise to less red and yellow colour, probably due to induction of a more
      pronounced oxidative muscle metabolism. A faster cooling rate pm induced darker
      and less yellow colour in loins from Duroc and Landrace pigs, while only loins
      from Landrace became less red. Loins from Duroc pigs were darker, less red and
      less yellow than loins from Landrace pigs, due to slower pH decline and a higher
      ultimate pH in these loins. Colour stability of pork loin during chill storage,
      measured as oxidation to metmyoglobin, was not affected by dietary CMH, cooling
      rate or pig breed. Consequently, the registered differences in colour between
      treatments during storage were merely due to the degree of initial blooming, and
      more attention to factors of importance for the degree of blooming should be in
      focus in future studies of factors of importance for meat colour.

PMID- 22061873
TI  - Effects of early maternal separation of lambs and rearing with minimal and
      maximal human contact on meat quality.
AB  - The present study aims to assess the effect of gentling on behaviour and meat
      quality of lambs. Thirty-two Comisana lambs were divided into four groups of
      eight animals: ER (ewe reared), AR (artificially reared) and the corresponding
      gentled groups ERG and ARG. The provision of human contacts stimulated gentled
      subjects to explore, whereas the proportion of idling subjects was reduced
      (P<0.10). At increasing age the number of subjects contacting the person
      increased in the gentled groups (P<0.05). Lambs left with their dams showed
      higher warm and cold carcass yields compared to artificially reared animals,
      although animals benefiting from both maternal care and gentling, had the highest
      dressing percentage (P<0.05). Values of pH declined more rapidly in meat from
      gentled animals than from ungentled subjects (P<0.05), b* and h values were
      higher in ARG than in AR group (P<0.05), whereas Warner-Bratzler shear force and
      hardness tended to be lower in gentled lambs (P<0.15). We conclude that human
      animal relationship can play an important role in affecting welfare, productive
      performances and meat quality of lambs, in particular when young subjects are
      prematurely separated from mothers.

PMID- 22061874
TI  - The effect of journey time and stocking density during transport on carcass and
      meat quality in rabbits.
AB  - Four hundred and fifty hybrid commercial rabbits (half males and half females) at
      the end of their productive cycle (82 days old) were transported in cages
      (98*52*24cm, length*width*height) at high or low density (75.5 or 49.0kg/m(2) -
      15 or 10 animals per cage) on an uncovered truck for 1, 2 or 4h. Live weight
      before and after transport as well as slaughter data were recorded for each
      rabbit. A subset of 180 carcasses were evaluated for meat quality on the basis of
      meat pH, colour (CIELab system), cooking loss, drip loss and shear force. As a
      representative of the whole carcass muscle/bone ratio, the left hind leg was
      separated, dissected and its meat analysed in order to determine its water,
      protein, ash and lipid content. It was found that a longer journey significantly
      increases the live weight losses (3.3% vs. 2.0% vs. 1.6% for 4, 2 or 1h,
      respectively; P<0.001), as a result not only of urine and fecal losses, but also
      of a decrease in carcass weight (P<0.01) during transport. Ultimate pH (pH(u))
      was higher and pH drop lower in rabbits transported for 4h compared to those
      transported for 2h (P<0.05). Moreover, the meat from animals that had undergone
      the longest journey was more purple-red (P<0.05), darker (P<0.0001), and firmer
      when raw and showed less cooking loss than meat from those that underwent shorter
      journeys. Transport density did not influence any of the considered parameters
      and there was no interaction between transport time and density.

PMID- 22061875
TI  - Protein and lipid oxidation in Longissimus dorsi and dry cured loin from Iberian
      pigs as affected by crossbreeding and diet.
AB  - Lipid and protein oxidation in Longissimus dorsi (LD) and dry-cured loins from
      pigs with different genetic (pure Iberian (IBP), Iberian female*Duroc male (IB*D)
      and Duroc female*Iberian male (D*IB)) and feeding backgrounds (free rearing on
      acorn and pasture (MON), concentrates high in oleic acid and supplemented with
      250ppm of vitamin E(HOVE) and control concentrates (CON)) were investigated. Diet
      influenced the fatty acids profile from PL and alpha- and gamma-tocopherol
      contents of LD. IBP-MON pigs showed the lowest malonaldehyde (MDA) values at
      200min of iron induced muscle oxidation. Dry-cured loins from IBP-HOVE pigs had
      significantly (p<0.05) higher values of TBARS than those from the other batches.
      Neither the diet nor crossbreeding affected hexanal counts in dry-cured loins.
      Protein carbonyl content showed a similar trend to that observed for MDA values
      in LD, suggesting a protective role of tocopherol against lipid and protein
      oxidation. The positive and significant correlations between iron induced lipid
      oxidation in LD (200 min) and carbonyl content in LD and dry-cured loin (R(2):
      0.55 and R(2): 0.52, respectively, p<0.01) support the relationship between lipid
      and protein oxidation.

PMID- 22061876
TI  - Central nervous system tissue detection in meat from advanced meat recovery
      systems.
AB  - Three hundred meat samples, recovered from beef neck- and breast-bones using a
      conventional advanced meat recovery (AMR) system, the de-sinewed minced meat
      (DMM10) technology, and hand-boning, were collected and tested for presence of
      central nervous system tissue (CNST) in meat using an ELISA-based test. Samples
      were collected at two processing facilities (Est. A and B). Sternum meat was the
      non-CNST reference (control) - it is distant from brain and spinal cord locations
      on a carcass, with low likelihood of contamination with CNST. Neckbone meat was
      recovered from bones obtained from carcasses where the spinal cord was removed
      manually, Est. B, or using a Jarvis circular hydraulic cord remover saw, Est. A.
      All samples from AMR, DMM, and hand methods showed lower calculated levels of
      "risk material" than the stated limit of detection (0.1%) of ELISA kit. There was
      no apparent difference among these, and use of the Jarvis saw had no perceptible
      advantage.

PMID- 22061877
TI  - Eating quality of commercially processed hot boned sheep meat.
AB  - The aim of this work was to establish consumer perceptions of the eating quality
      of commercially processed hot boned sheep meat. The eating quality scores for
      tenderness, flavour, juiciness, and overall liking of grilled m. longissimus
      thoracis et lumborum (LL) were derived from untrained consumers. The animals used
      in this experiment were sourced from three different properties and were of
      various ages, breed, and sex, and had been on various quality pastures. All
      carcases were subjected to immobilisation, spinal discharge and high voltage
      electrical stimulation and boned within 2h of slaughter. All LL samples were
      frozen after boning according to the system applied at the abattoir and samples
      kept for consumer assessment and measurement of meat quality. The results showed,
      on average carcases entered rigor at high temperatures with a pH of 5.95 at 29.3
      degrees C. With an average sarcomere length of 1.68MUm, some shortening was
      evident and there was a significant difference between lots in sarcomere length
      (P<0.05). A large percentage (82%) of samples had a pH greater than 5.8 at the
      time of freezing. All samples taken for shear force analysis exceeded a
      recommended threshold for acceptable table meat of 49N and there was no
      significant difference between lots (P>0.05). Only 13.5% of the samples met the
      'good everyday' requirement following sensory assessment and there were
      significant differences between lots for eating quality traits (P<0.05). This
      work clearly shows that the application of effective electrical stimulation is
      not sufficient to ensure that hot boned sheep meat will be suitable as a table
      meat. These findings highlight the need for the inclusion of other intervention
      techniques.

PMID- 22061878
TI  - Prediction of intramuscular fat by impedance spectroscopy.
AB  - Multiple multi-frequency impedance measurements during the computer controlled
      passage of a probe through the M. longissimus dorsi in pork and beef were
      applied. It was expected that the variability in impedance would correlate with
      the intramuscular fat (IMF) due to the inhomogeneous distribution of electrolytes
      and fat. We conducted our experiments in pig carcasses at different, well defined
      times post-mortem in varying directions of puncture (Experiment 1) and predicted
      the intramuscular fat in pork and beef by regression (Experiment 2). The highest
      correlations were obtained in experiment 1 for parameters characterising the
      variability of the impedance 24h post-mortem and insertion of the probe through
      the back fat and muscle towards the body cavity (r=0.54-0.79, P<0.001). Both of
      these were chosen for the measurements in experiment 2. Regression for the
      prediction of IMF in pork and beef in experiment 2 resulted in R(2) values of
      0.12 and 0.48, respectively; and in RMSE values of 0.67 and 0.64, respectively.
      The correlation between the predicted and the IMF analysed by n-hexane extraction
      or Near Infrared Transmission varied from 0.28 to 0.69 (P<0.001) depending on
      species and breed. A selection of the carcasses for high IMF (above a certain
      threshold) using the impedance measurements agreed poorly with the analysed IMF.
      Depending on the level of IMF within a breed, low IMF contents were often over
      predicted (3.4-92.7%) or high IMF contents were estimated as too low (0-80.9%).
      Breed specific regression equations could improve the accuracy. These data
      indicate that the selectivity of the impedance method in the configuration
      presented here is not yet sufficient for practical use.

PMID- 22061879
TI  - Zn-porphyrin formation in cured meat products: Effect of added salt and nitrite.
AB  - Zn-porphyrin (Zn-pp) was quantified by fluorescence spectroscopy in the cured and
      dry cured meat products: Parma ham, Iberian ham, dry-cured ham with added
      nitrite, cooked ham with added nitrite, raw ham meat, raw bacon and Karree-Speck.
      The highest amount of Zn-pp was found in dry-cured Parma ham and Iberian ham,
      while the use of nitrite as curing agent was found to inhibit completely the
      formation of Zn-pp in meat products. A positive correlation between both Zn
      content and Fe content and the logarithmic transformed Zn-pp content (measured as
      fluorescence intensity I(fl)) was found for the different cured and dry cured
      meat products, with correlation coefficients of 0.79 (p<0.001) and 0.71 (p<0.01),
      respectively. Log I(fl) correlates best with the Zn content, indicating that the
      formation of Zn-pp is proportional to the Zn content. A model system with vacuum
      packed pork in brine with different added levels of sodium chloride with or
      without nitrite and Zn acetate was investigated in order to further elucidate the
      mechanism of Zn-pp formation. Zn-pp increased with time (up to 42 days
      investigated) in non-cured meat and for meat cured solely with NaCl lower than
      9%. Addition of nitrite or Zn(II) in the curing brine was found to inhibit
      formation of Zn-pp confirming the observations from the various cured meat
      products. It is suggested that a chloride anion assisted dissociation of iron
      from myoglobin could be rate-determining for Zn-pp formation in meat products.

PMID- 22061880
TI  - Drip loss of case-ready meat and of premium cuts and their associations with
      earlier measured sample drip loss, meat quality and carcass traits in pigs.
AB  - Drip loss of 374 samples taken from porcine M. longissimus dorsi and M.
      semimembranosus was measured by using the "bag method" (BM), EZ-DripLoss (EZ-DL)
      from premium cuts (PC) and in retail tray (case-ready meat; CRM). This provided a
      comparison between these methods and their relationships to other meat quality
      and carcass traits. Samples were prepared at 24h post-mortem (pm) and were
      measured 24 and 48h after preparation (at 48 and 72h pm) using the BM and after
      48h (at 72h pm) with the EZ-DL and PC. Drip loss of meat kept in retail trays was
      measured after 7 days (CRM(7)) and daily within a week (CRM(1-7)). Average drip
      loss was 1.80% and 3.10% using the BM after 24 and 48h, respectively. EZ-DL and
      CRM(7) showed higher drip losses of 4.71% and 4.00%. Daily loss of CRM(1-7)
      showed a concavely shaped curve and increased from 1.57% to 5.64% after 7 days.
      High correlations were obtained between drip loss of CRM(7) and BM (r=0.88) or
      the EZ-DL (r=0.91). The development of drip loss in case-ready meat fitted by
      linear-quadratic regression (y=0.439+1.245x-0.072x(2)) showed that high drip loss
      measured earlier by bag and EZ-DripLoss methods was highly associated with a high
      intercept (r=0.63-0.72), a high linear increase (r=0.77-0.81), but larger
      decrease in increments (r=-0.82 to -0.86) during weekly stored meat in retail
      trays as supplied at consumer level. Because the positive linear regression
      coefficient was substantially higher than the negative quadratic regression
      coefficient, the development of drip loss is mainly dependent on the initial drip
      loss. Therefore, animals with high drip loss within 72h post-mortem also showed
      undesirable high drip loss curves over the entire retail period. Relationships
      between drip loss and other meat quality traits were similar for BM, EZ-DL and
      CRM(7). Of these the correlation between pH(24) and drip loss was highest with r=
      0.54, -0.49 and -0.47 for BM, EZ-DL and CRMH(7), respectively. Interestingly, a
      correlation of r=-0.35 between blood pH value and CRML(7) was obtained. Carcass
      traits such as loin, ham, shoulder, belly weight or loin eye area showed only
      marginal correlations to drip loss. In conclusion, EZ-DL was the most appropriate
      method to predict drip loss of case-ready meat in retail trays and its
      development during a 7 day storage period.

PMID- 22061881
TI  - Effect of meat appearance on consumer preferences for pork chops in Greece and
      Cyprus.
AB  - The effect of meat appearance on consumers' preferences for pork chops was
      assessed using images manipulated for appearance characteristics. Data were
      collected from 412 consumers in Greece and Cyprus. Consumers were asked for their
      preference for pork chops from a book of computer-modified images and then
      completed a questionnaire of socio-demographic information, including eating and
      purchasing behaviour. Consumers under the age of 35 years showed preferences for
      dark red, lean pork, while consumers aged 35 years and older preferred either
      dark or light red pork. Gender appeared to be an important selection factor as
      men showed an increased preference for dark red pork while women preferred the
      light red. Consumers who stated that they like pork for its taste (91%) preferred
      either dark or light red pork chops while those who like pork for reasons other
      than taste preferred dark red, lean pork. Urban consumers preferred light red,
      fatty pork chops while the rural consumers preferred the dark red pork chops.

PMID- 22061882
TI  - Influence of muscle type on rheological properties of porcine myofibrillar
      protein during heat-induced gelation.
AB  - The gelation characteristics of myofibrillar proteins are indicative of meat
      product texture. Defining the performance of myofibrillar proteins during
      gelation is beneficial in maintaining quality and developing processed meat
      products and processes. This study investigates the impact of pH on viscoelastic
      properties of porcine myofibrillar proteins prepared from different muscles
      (semimembranosus (SM), longissimus dorsi (LD) and psoas major (PM)) during heat
      induced gelation. Dynamic rheological properties were measured while heating at 1
      degrees C/min from 20 to 85 degrees C, followed by a holding phase at 85 degrees
      C for 3min and a cooling phase from 85 to 5 degrees C at a rate of 5 degrees
      C/min. Storage modulus (G', the elastic response of the gelling material)
      increased as gel formation occurred, but decreased after reaching the temperature
      of myosin denaturation (52 degrees C) until approximately 60 degrees C when the
      gel strength increased again. This resulted in a peak and depression in the
      thermogram. Following 60 degrees C, the treatments maintained observed trends in
      gel strength, showing SM myofibrils produced the strongest gels. Myofibrillar
      protein from SM and PM formed stronger gels at pH 6.0 than at pH 6.5. Differences
      may be attributed to subtle variations in their protein profile related to muscle
      type or postmortem metabolism. Significant correlations were determined between
      G' at 57, 72, 85 and 5 degrees C, indicating that changes affecting gel strength
      took effect prior to 57 degrees C. Muscle type was found to influence water
      holding capacity to a greater degree than pH.

PMID- 22061883
TI  - Impact of muscle type and sodium chloride concentration on the quality, sensory,
      and instrumental color characteristics of solution enhanced whole-muscle beef.
AB  - Beef biceps femoris (n=10; muscle sections, n=20; BF), infraspinatus (n=10;
      muscle sections, n=20; IS), and longissimus (n=10; muscle sections, n=20; LM)
      muscles were utilized to evaluate the effect of enhancement with phosphate and
      varying levels of sodium chloride in beef muscles differing in composition and
      palatability. Muscles were untreated or solution enhanced to 112% of raw product
      weight with sodium tripolyphosphate at 0.4% of product weight (STPP), or STPP and
      sodium chloride (NaCl) at 0.5%, 1.0% or 1.5% of product weight. There was a
      quadratic relationship (P=0.04) for percent free water to decrease and a linear
      relationship (P<0.01) for cook yield to increase as the level of NaCl increased.
      The IS steaks required less (P<0.05) shear force than either the BF or LM, with
      the BF and LM having similar (P>0.05) shear force values. There was a linear
      relationship (P<0.01) for shear force values to decrease with increasing salt
      concentration. Steaks from all four enhancement treatments had lower (P<0.05)
      shear force values than untreated steaks. Sensory overall tenderness ratings
      revealed that the IS and LM were similar (P>0.05) and superior (P<0.05) to the BF
      in tenderness. Steaks enhanced with STPP and 0.5%, 1.0%, or 1.5% NaCl all were
      rated more tender (P<0.05) than untreated or STPP-only treated steaks. The BF
      exhibited the lowest (P<0.05) L* (lightness) and a* (redness) values, as well as
      decreased (P<0.05) vividness. The LM generally exhibited superior color to the
      other two muscle types. There was a linear relationship (P<0.01) for L*, a*, b*
      (yellowness) values, and vividness to decline with increasing salt concentration,
      but steaks enhanced with STPP and 0.5% NaCl were similar (P>0.05) in a* values
      and vividness to untreated steaks. These results suggest that across three
      different muscles varying in composition and palatability, enhancement with 0.4%
      STPP and 0.5% NaCl allowed for improvements in palatability while minimizing the
      color deterioration associated with phosphate/salt enhancement.

PMID- 22061884
TI  - Antioxidant and modified atmosphere packaging prevention of discoloration in pork
      bones during retail display.
AB  - The objective of this study was to evaluate the ability of antioxidants to
      prevent discoloration in pork rib bones. Pork rib bones were removed from
      carcasses, frozen (-20 degrees C, 24h), split lengthwise, exposed to antioxidant
      solutions (ascorbic acid, citric acid, propyl gallate or ascorbic/EDTA mix),
      packaged (modified atmosphere [80% O(2) and 20% CO(2)] or air), then displayed in
      a retail case at 4 degrees C for 8days. Dark pigment formation was visually
      evaluated during the display period. Instrumental color was determined at the end
      of the 8-day display period. Visual bone discoloration increased over time for
      all treatments. After 2days of display, samples treated with propyl gallate were
      visually redder, less discolored and less green/black than samples treated with
      other antioxidants. After 8days of display, propyl gallate-treated samples had
      higher a* and b* values, as well as chroma (intensity). However, this difference
      was no longer large enough to be visually detected.

PMID- 22061885
TI  - Effects of feeding strategy during a short finishing period on performance,
      carcass and meat quality in previously-grazed young bulls.
AB  - Twenty-one Brown Swiss*Limousin young bulls reared on pasture were housed for a
      short finishing period (60 days). CA group (concentrate-ad libitum group)
      received concentrate and straw ad libitum for the whole finishing period. CR
      group (concentrate-restricted group) received 4kg of concentrate/animal per day
      and ad libitum alfalfa hay throughout the 60days. CRA group (concentrate
      restricted/ad libitum group) received the same diet as CR group for the first
      30days and the same diet as CA group for the last 30days. CA and CRA groups
      presented higher fatness values. Myoglobin concentration in muscle was highest in
      CA group (P<0.05) and carotene content in subcutaneous fat was highest in CR
      group (P<0.01), while Warner-Bratzler shear force and sensory traits were
      unaffected (P>0.05). It is concluded that, in this type of young animal, 4kg
      concentrate plus ad libitum alfalfa hay for a 60-day finishing period, despite
      lower fatness, provides carcasses and meat with acceptable quality
      characteristics, similar to those obtained from ad libitum fed animals for the
      same period.

PMID- 22061886
TI  - Nutritional and sensory properties of dry fermented sausages enriched with n-3
      PUFAs.
AB  - Enrichment of dry fermented sausages with n-3 fatty acids through a partial
      substitution of pork backfat by deodorised fish oil resulted in improved
      nutritional properties with regard to conventional sausages, without affecting
      sensory properties and oxidation status. The developed products supplied 0.64g
      EPA/100g and 0.46g DHA/100g product, and showed PUFA+MUFA/SFA ratio of 1.76 and n
      6/n-3 ratio of 2.97. No signs of oxidation were found in any type of sausages,
      control and modified. None of the dienals and trienals reported as secondary
      lipid oxidation products and typical for fish oil were detected in the modified
      sausages. Instrumental colour differences were detected, however, without
      relevance in the sensory analysis. The sensory evaluation panel did not find
      differences in general acceptability. The modified dry fermented sausages can be
      considered a technologically viable functional food.

PMID- 22061887
TI  - Sensory properties of hot-deboned ostrich (Struthio camelus var. domesticus)
      Muscularis gastrocnemius, pars interna.
AB  - Cold-deboning is currently practiced in South African ostrich abattoirs. However,
      the advantages of hot-deboning include the reduction of costs and time, but there
      is always the risk of cold-shortening. The effects of hot-deboning of ostrich M.
      gastrocnemius, pars interna on meat sensory attributes were investigated. The
      data showed that the hot-deboned muscles' pH(48) (6.57+/-0.18) was significantly
      negatively correlated (r=-0.7813; P<0.038) to the mean Warner-Bratzler shear
      force values (71.28+/-18.62N, 12.7mm(-1) diameter) and positively correlated
      (r=0.789; P<0.035) to the mean scores for taste panel tenderness (66.39+/-15.45).
      After storage for 48h post-mortem, the hot-deboned muscles were found to be less
      juicy (P<0.004) and, according to both sensory tenderness scores and Warner
      Bratzler shear force values, tougher (P<0.0001) than the cold-deboned muscles.

PMID- 22061888
TI  - Pump rate and cooked temperature effects on pork loin instrumental, sensory
      descriptive and consumer-rated characteristics.
AB  - Fresh pork loins (n=15; muscle sections, n=30) were utilized to evaluate the
      effects of pump rate (0%, 6%, or 12%) with a solution of sodium tripolyphosphate
      and sodium chloride (0.4% and 1.0% targeted final product concentrations,
      respectively), and cooked endpoint internal temperature (71 or 82 degrees C) on
      instrumental texture, descriptive sensory profiles and consumer acceptance. Loins
      enhanced at a 12% pump rate had a higher (P<0.05) pH than untreated loins. While
      there were no differences in Warner-Bratzler shear force due to cooked endpoint
      temperature, chops enhanced at a 12% pump rate had lower (P<0.05) shear force
      values than untreated chops. Additionally, chops enhanced at 6% or 12% pump rates
      had lower (P<0.05) razor shear force values than untreated chops. Descriptive
      sensory analyses revealed that chops cooked to 71 degrees C had a more intense
      (P<0.05) blood serum flavor than chops cooked to 82 degrees C. Consumers found
      chops cooked to 82 degrees C to have a more acceptable overall flavor than chops
      cooked to 71 degrees C. Untreated chops had less intense (P<0.05) pork fat
      flavor, and more intense (P<0.05) blood serum, livery, and cardboard or oxidized
      flavor characteristics than chops enhanced at 6% or 12% pump rates. Additionally,
      sensory panelists reported chops enhanced at 6% or 12% pump rates to generally be
      more tender than untreated chops. Consumers reported a higher (P<0.05) overall
      acceptability for chops enhanced at 6% or 12% pump rates. Furthermore, both
      sensory panelists and consumers reported chops enhanced at 6% or 12% pump rates
      to be similar (P>0.05) in juiciness, regardless of endpoint temperature. However,
      untreated chops cooked to 82 degrees C were less juicy (P<0.05) than untreated
      chops cooked to 71 degrees C, suggesting retained palatability when enhanced
      chops are cooked to more abusive temperatures.

PMID- 22061889
TI  - Thermal inactivation of the frozen thawed traditional meat starter culture,
      Pediococcus pentosaceus, in a meat model system.
AB  - The equation, y((t))=y((0))e(kt), was fitted (R=0.9281, 0.9220 and 0.9117,
      respectively) to thermal inactivation data (55, 60 and 65 degrees C) of the
      traditional meat starter culture Pediococcus pentosaceus (10(7)cfu/ml) in a meat
      model system. The population reduction constant ('k') increased (about 2.5- and 3
      fold) with an increase in the treatment temperature (from 55 to 60 degrees C and
      from 60 to 65 degrees C, respectively). The Q(10) (55-65 degrees C) for 'k' was
      7.63. Thermal treatments of 19.1, 9.0 and 3.1min (55, 60 and 65 degrees C,
      respectively) reduced the population of P. pentosaceus by 2.0 logs. The value of
      'k' and the duration of the thermal treatment played an important role in the
      extent of the inactivation of the culture. The "zero inactivation" temperature
      (T(0)) for P. pentosaceus was 49.9 degrees C. About 5 logs of the culture would
      be destroyed at 63 and 68 degrees C within about 15.5 and 6.5min, respectively.

PMID- 22061890
TI  - Accelerated processing of dry-cured ham. Part I. Viability of the use of brine
      thawing/salting operation.
AB  - In a previous study, the brine thawing/salting operation using frozen hams as raw
      material was proposed in order to obtain accelerated processing of dry-cured
      hams. The time needed to reach the same NaCl concentration on a dry weight basis
      and the same NaCl concentration in the ham liquid phase for the deeper areas at
      the end of the post-salting stage were determined. The aim of this work was to
      study the influence of the brine thawing/salting operation on the whole dry-cured
      ham manufacturing process, using the traditional thawing and salting methods as
      control. The obtained results indicate that although a strong reduction in the
      thawing, salting and post-salting stages is obtained by using brine
      thawing/salting, the time needed in the dry-curing and maturing phases increases
      compared to those traditionally processed, probably due to the absence of pile
      salting and thus the reduction in the thickness of the ham piece as a consequence
      of the ham pressing. From the composition and microbiological point of view, no
      significant differences were observed among the hams processed by the different
      treatments.

PMID- 22061891
TI  - Accelerated processing of dry-cured ham. Part 2. Influence of brine
      thawing/salting operation on proteolysis and sensory acceptability.
AB  - In a previous study, the brine thawing/salting operation using frozen hams as raw
      material was studied as a valid alternative for the accelerated processing of dry
      cured hams. But no information was available on how this treatment could affect
      some important biochemical mechanisms and the sensory quality of hams. The aim of
      this work was to study the influence of the simultaneous brine thawing/salting
      operation on proteolysis and sensory acceptability of the produced dry-cured
      hams. The results confirm that dry-cured hams can be produced by using brine
      thawing/salting with a substantial reduction in the thawing and salting time
      needed. This accelerated process resulted in similar or even better sensory
      preferences than hams produced through the traditional method. However, the
      preference of consumers based on the appearance was lower for most of the hams
      than when using the traditional method, probably due to a wider slice section of
      the brined hams that can be corrected by adequate pressure during the salting.
      Thus, this treatment can be used without affecting the quality of dry-cured hams.

PMID- 22061892
TI  - Effects of transport time and season on aspects of rabbit meat quality.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine whether transport times of up to 7h can
      have a significant effect on instrumental meat quality traits in rabbits. Spain
      has very hot summers and cold winters; therefore, we performed replicates in two
      seasons. To evaluate the effect of transport time and season on rabbit meat
      quality, we assessed four meat quality parameters: pH, water holding capacity
      (WHC), texture (compression and Warner-Bratzler analyses), and colour
      (CIEL*a*b*). We also considered the effect of the position of the animals on the
      transport vehicle. After slaughter, we analysed steaks of Longissimus dorsi from
      all transported animals (n=216). Average pH at 24h and WHC did not differ
      significantly between transport time treatments. Position on the vehicle did not
      influence the measures of meat quality. Transport time had a significant effect
      on all the meat texture parameters measured by compression, but did not affect
      shear force or toughness. Transport time influenced a* but not L* or b*.
      Transport time had much less of an effect on meat quality than time of year;
      therefore the effect of season appeared to be independent of transport time.
      Position on the vehicle had no effect on meat quality. Based on our results, we
      conclude that the transport process can affect instrumental meat quality.

PMID- 22061893
TI  - Fatty acids, cholesterol and protein content of nutria (Myocastor coypus) meat
      from an intensive production system in Uruguay.
AB  - This study describes the total lipids, protein and fatty acids in the meat,
      liver, brain and adipose tissue of five male and five female nutria (Myocastor
      coypus). The animals were reared on a specialized farm in Uruguay. Total lipid
      content was between 1.41% and 1.84% in males and females. Total cholesterol
      content was between 70.1mg and 72.7mg/100g of wet tissue. The protein content was
      between 19.56% and 22.34% in males and females. No significant differences
      (P>0.05) were detected between males and females for total lipid, cholesterol or
      protein. Total, saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acid values
      were higher (P<0.001) in female than in male thigh muscle. Pectoral muscle had
      more (P<0.05) saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids in females than in males.
      Subcutaneous adipose tissue from females had the highest (P<0.01) total,
      saturated and monounsaturated but not polyunsaturated fatty acids while abdominal
      adipose tissue from males had more polyunsaturated fatty.

PMID- 22061894
TI  - Physicochemical and sensory properties of chicken nuggets with washed
      mechanically deboned chicken meat: Research note.
AB  - The effects of different proportions (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%) of washed
      mechanically deboned chicken meat (WM) as a substitute for hand deboned chicken
      meat, on the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of chicken nuggets were
      evaluated. The addition of WM increased fat content, but it was only significant
      (P<0.05) when 40% of WM was added, whereas the protein content was significantly
      (P<0.05) reduced as from 20%. Significant differences (P<0.05) were found in
      L(*), a(*) and b(*) values with different proportions of WM, however, these
      differences were evidently not discerned as shown by the no significant
      differences (P>0.05) in DeltaE(*) color scores. The addition of WM did not affect
      (P>0.05) sensory attributes of chicken nuggets. From a technical viewpoint, up to
      40% WM could be incorporated into nugget formulation instead of hand deboned
      chicken meat without affecting sensory attributes of the product. Minor changes
      in composition were observed but they were probably not detrimental to the
      product.

PMID- 22061895
TI  - Differential scanning calorimetry of porcine adipose tissues.
AB  - Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was used for the direct analysis of
      melting properties in porcine subcutaneous, intermuscular, and kidney leaf
      adipose tissue by heating at a constant ratio of +5 degrees C/min from 4 to 90
      degrees C. Melting curves for adipose tissues as well as fat extracted from the
      associated tissues by chloroform-methanol were generated using DSC. Major peaks
      in DSC curves were similar among types of adipose tissue but the temperatures of
      the melting peak and conclusion point differed among types of adipose tissues.
      From the visual appearance of fat samples it appeared that the major DSC peak
      corresponded to phase transition of the fat. The direct DSC analysis of porcine
      adipose tissues may be useful to determine melting properties.

PMID- 22061896
TI  - Sodium nitroprusside may modulate Escherichia coli antioxidant enzyme expression
      by interacting with the ferric uptake regulator.
AB  - Efforts to explore possible relationships between nitric oxide (NO) and
      antioxidant enzymes in an Escherichia coli model have uncovered a possible
      interaction between sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a potent, NO-donating drug, and
      the ferric uptake regulator (Fur), an iron(II)--dependent regulator of
      antioxidant and iron acquisition proteins present in Gram-negative bacteria. The
      enzymatic profiles of superoxide dismutase and hydroperoxidase during logarithmic
      phase of growth were studied via non-denaturing polyacrylamide gel
      electrophoresis and activity staining specific to each enzyme. Though NO is known
      to induce transcription of the manganese-bearing isozyme of SOD (MnSOD),
      treatment with SNP paradoxically suppressed MnSOD expression and greatly enhanced
      the activity of the iron-containing equivalent (FeSOD). Fur, one of six global
      regulators of MnSOD transcription, is uniquely capable of suppressing MnSOD while
      enhancing FeSOD expression through distinct mechanisms. We thus hypothesize that
      Fur is complacent in causing this behaviour and that the iron(II) component of
      SNP is activating Fur. E. coli was also treated with the SNP structural
      analogues, potassium ferricyanide (PFi) and potassium ferrocyanide (PFo).
      Remarkably, the ferrous PFo was capable of mimicking the SNP-related pattern,
      whereas the ferric PFi was not. As Fur depends upon ferrous iron for activation,
      we submit this observation of redox-specificity as preliminary supporting
      evidence for the hypothesized Fur-SNP interaction. Iron is an essential metal
      that the human innate immune system sequesters to prevent its use by invading
      pathogens. As NO is known to inhibit iron-bound Fur, and as activated Fur
      regulates iron uptake through feedback inhibition, we speculate that the
      administration of this drug may disrupt this strategic management of iron in
      favour of residing Gram-negative species by providing a source of iron in an
      otherwise iron-scarce environment capable of encouraging its own uptake. However,
      these gains may be counteracted by the oxidative consequences of iron and NO, as
      the former can catalyse the formation of toxic free radical species while the
      latter can inhibit enzymes and contribute to the formation of other toxic
      compounds. The potential consequences of SNP on microbial growth warrant future
      investigation.

PMID- 22061897
TI  - Utilization of microbes to process and preserve meat.
AB  - This paper discusses how, and to what extent, the addition of microorganisms to
      meats helps to meet the needs of consumers and industry. Lactic acid bacteria
      adapted to meats improve the safety of fermented sausages by means of acid
      formation. Using selected strains, the safety of certain non-fermented,
      perishable meat products may be improved without affecting their shelf life.
      Certain bacteriocin-forming cultures may reduce the levels of Listeria
      monocytogenes in some meat products significantly, but their effect on the
      overall safety of meats is limited by the resistance of Gram-negative bacteria.
      Data on the effect of microorganisms on the sensory properties of fermented meats
      are summarized. For bacteria to have a probiotic effect, they need to attain high
      numbers during fermentation and/or storage of meats. Genetic engineering of
      cultures may improve certain properties of the strains but benefits to consumers
      and industry are too small to make them acceptable by consumers and regulatory
      bodies in the near future.

PMID- 22061898
TI  - Castration and slaughter age effects on panel assessment and aroma compounds of
      the "mestico" goat meat.
AB  - Cooked meat from castrated male and intact "mestico" goats slaughtered at 175,
      220, 265 and 310 days of age, were analysed by panellists and GC-MS. Slaughter
      age had a (P<0.05) effect on organoleptic qualities of goat meat. Scores for
      sensorial attributes were not different (P<0.05) for intact and castrated goats.
      A total of 87 compounds were identified and a further 21 were partially
      characterized by GC-MS. Hydrocarbons were presented in the highest relative
      amounts and all aroma isolates were dominated by products of lipid degradation.
      Total relative abundance of volatiles was identified at higher levels in the
      cooked meat from castrated goats than from entires. Meat from goats slaughtered
      at first age (175 days) was preferred by panellists and was found to have the
      lowest number of volatiles and total relative abundance.

PMID- 22061899
TI  - Effect of pelvic suspension on three major leg muscles in the pig carcass and
      implications for ham manufacture.
AB  - Thirty-two female pigs were slaughtered and their left sides suspended
      conventionally by the Achilles tendon whilst right sides were suspended from the
      pelvic bone. The first 16 pigs were used to measure suspension effects on the
      characteristics of three major leg muscles (m. gluteobiceps, m. semimembranosus
      and m. rectus femoris) and to assess their suitability for ham manufacture. The
      remaining pigs were used for the production of hams, made from tunnel- boned
      whole legs injected to a target 10% weight gain, then tumbled and cooked.
      Compared with conventional hanging, pelvic suspension resulted in significantly
      (P<0.01) lower weight loss from the sides during chilling (2.8 and 2.5%). There
      were major changes in the shape of all three muscles, with pelvic suspension
      producing marked increases in the width of the m. gluteobiceps (24%) and length
      of the m. semimembranosus (34%), and a small reduction in the length of the m.
      rectus femoris (2%). It also resulted in the two former muscles having a
      relatively higher brine retention, lower drip losses after storage and lower
      instrumental texture values (Volodkevitch shear force). Cooking loss was reduced
      in the pelvic-suspended m. semimembranosus. Similarly, whole gammon hams made
      from pelvic-suspended sides had greater injection gains than hams from
      conventionally-hung sides (13.6 and 12.3%), with lower cooking losses (16.7 and
      19.0%). Instrumental texture values (punch and die peak force) made on the
      individual muscles in 3-mm thick slices were lower for the m. gluteobiceps (5914
      and 9085 g) and m. semimembranosus (6163 and 7600 g) as a result of pelvic
      suspension. There were minor but significant effects on some colour parameters
      which probably have little commercial impact. The results demonstrate the
      advantages of pelvic suspension in terms of brine uptake and retention, and hence
      increased yield, as well as reduced toughness, for at least two of the major leg
      muscles, m. gluteobiceps and m. semimembranosus, with no disadvantage for the m.
      rectus femoris. Together, these three muscles constitute about half of the
      trimmed leg weight.

PMID- 22061900
TI  - In vivo assessment of the quantity of breast muscle by sonography in broilers.
AB  - Two experiments were conducted to estimate the amount and yield of breast meat in
      living chickens by sonography. Results from the first experiment showed that the
      use of some cross-sectional areas (CSAs) of the breast muscles (Pectoralis major
      and Pectoralis minor, PM) in combination with the body weight (BW) value could be
      used to predict breast muscle and yield. Values of the coefficient of
      determination (r(2)) were near 0.90 and 0.65 for the amount and yield of breast
      meat respectively. Accurate results were obtained by the combination of three
      chosen (among more than 40) CSAs of the PM muscle. In the second experiment, the
      use of the CSAs was limited to the three most explicative ones defined in the
      first experiment. This experiment was conducted with a larger number of animals
      and confirms that it is possible to predict in vivo the amount and yield of
      breast meat with a good accuracy in chickens.

PMID- 22061901
TI  - Initial chilling rate of pre-rigor beef muscles as an indicator of colour of
      thawed meat.
AB  - The effect of three rigor temperatures and two muscles of different fibre
      composition on the colour of thawed meat were determined. Within 45 min post
      mortem, m. semitendinosus (ST) and m. biceps femoris (BF) from unstimulated
      heifer sides were held at 0, 10 and 35 degrees C until they entered rigor. The
      rate of pH fall was higher at 35 degrees C than at 0 and 10 degrees C; and the pH
      values were lower (first 12 h post mortem) in the ST than the BF. Hunter L*, a*
      and b* and the hue angle increased with increasing rigor temperature (P<0.001).
      The ST was lighter and yellower and had greater hue angle than the BF. Colour
      parameters were plotted against the rate of muscle cooling in the first hour post
      mortem and linear regression lines were fitted to the data and equations were
      derived that gave a good indication of the colour and colour stability of the
      muscles as meat.

PMID- 22061902
TI  - Microbiological contamination of raw beef trimmings and ground beef.
AB  - To survey the microbiological quality of beef trimmings and final-ground beef,
      samples were collected from eight commercial grinding facilities, including
      trimmings from fed-cattle, culled-beef cows, culled-dairy cows, imported-beef
      trimmings and finished-ground products. Trim samples (core and purge) and ground
      product samples (n=586) were evaluated for aerobic plate (APC), total coliform
      (TCC), Escherichia coli (ECC) and Staphylococcus aureus counts and the presence
      of Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes. As fat content in the trimmings
      increased, APC also increased. Trimmings from fed-cattle had higher (P<0.05) APC
      and TCC than trimmings from culled-beef cows, culled-dairy cows and imported
      trimmings. Purge samples produced higher (P<0.05) APC, TCC and ECC than core
      samples, but there were no difference (P>0.05) across fat percentages in APC,
      TCC, ECC or S. aureus counts. Final-ground beef samples had a 13.6 and 1.5 %
      incidence of L. monocytogenes and Salmonella spp., respectively. The results of
      this study indicate specific areas of potential that ground beef processors could
      capitalize upon to further improve the microbiological quality of their finished
      product. Ground beef processors should focus their efforts on reducing the
      microbial counts on incoming raw materials, especially those containing large
      proportions of subcutaneous fat, and processors should no longer incorporate the
      purge component of raw materials into ground beef. From this study, it is also
      apparent that ground beef processors should implement sanitation and
      manufacturing procedures that address L. monocytogenes contamination.

PMID- 22061903
TI  - Estimation of poultry breastmeat yield: magnetic resonance imaging as a tool to
      improve the positioning of ultrasonic scanners.
AB  - Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was used to reconstruct three-dimensional breast
      muscle volume of 30 broilers and to locate the most suitable cross-sections to
      estimate breast muscle yield by ultrasonic scanner. The high accuracy of the
      determination of the breast muscle yield (R(2)=0.92) from the volume calculated
      by the sum of 6 mm-spaced MRI transverse images justified the choice of MRI as a
      reference method. Treatment of the images showed that it was possible to obtain
      acceptable breast meat yield prediction by MRI from a combination of two or three
      muscle transverse cross-section area measurements. It also showed that the need
      to find interfaces reflecting ultrasound is a considerable handicap for
      optimizing the ultrasonic technique. The oblique echotomographic plane crossing
      the coracoid bone lengthwise and the fore part of the breast bone appears to be
      the most appropriate to improve significantly the determination provided by the
      transverse image situated at the fore part of the breast bone.

PMID- 22061904
TI  - In situ transesterification of fatty acids from Iberian pig subcutaneous adipose
      tissue.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to optimize a rapid method for fatty acid analysis
      in Iberian pig subcutaneous adipose tissue. An in situ transesterification method
      was used to avoid the lengthy lipid extraction step. Samples were in situ
      transesterified with 5% HCl/methanol at 70 degrees C, and toluene was used to
      help dissolve lipids. The method had advantages over other in situ methods since
      only 45 min were required to completely transesterify the fatty acids, and 10 min
      to obtain the fatty acid profile. A sample size of 25 mg of adipose tissue was
      suitable. The in situ transesterification gave higher fatty acid concentrations
      than conventional lipid extraction and transesterification, the differences being
      significant for all the fatty acids. Relative fatty acid contents were similar to
      those found by the conventional method.

PMID- 22061905
TI  - Proteolytic specificity of cathepsin D on bovine F-actin.
AB  - Proteolysis of bovine F-actin by cathepsin D (E.C. 3.4.23.5) in 50 mM Na acetate
      buffer, pH 5.5, at 37 degrees C was investigated using sodium dodecyl sulphate
      polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) and reverse-phase high performance
      liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). Actin was hydrolyzed by cathepsin D during
      incubation to peptides detectable by RP-HPLC, although no degradation products
      were detected by SDS-PAGE. Peptides (2% trichloroacetic acid-soluble) from the
      hydrolyzate were isolated by RP-HPLC on a C(18) column using an
      acetonitrile/water gradient and identified from their N-terminal sequence and
      mass. Cathepsin D cleavage sites were identified at Cys(12)-Asp(13), Gly(22)
      Phe(23), Arg(30)-Ala(31), Thr(79)-Asn(80), Ile(87)-Trp(88), Thr(91)-Phe(92),
      Phe(92)-Tyr(93), Arg(97)-Val(98), His(103)-Pro(104), Leu(107)-Thr(108), Thr(108)
      Glu(109), Lys(120)-Met(121), Leu(144)-Tyr(145), Ile(153)-Val(154), Leu(155)
      Asp(156), Ile(167)-Tyr(168), Leu(180)-Asp(181), Met(192)-Lys(193), Leu(195)
      Thr(196), Arg(208)-Glu(209), Arg(212)-Asp(213), Leu(223)-Asp(224), Lys(240)
      Ser(241), Thr(262)-Leu(263), Trp(342)-Ile(343), Arg(349)-Ser(350), Trp(358)
      Ile(359), and Lys(375)-Cys(376). In general, cathepsin D preferentially cleaved
      bonds containing at least one hydrophobic amino acid residue. The results of this
      study showed that actin was degraded extensively by cathepsin D with peptides
      released from numerous locations in the protein molecule.

PMID- 22061906
TI  - Meat quality of steers finished on autumn grass, grass silage or concentrate
      based diets.
AB  - The objective of this experiment was to determine the effect of varying the
      proportions of autumn grass and concentrates and grass silage and concentrates on
      the quality of meat from cattle with similar rates of carcass growth. Fifty
      continental crossbred steers were assigned to five treatments. The experimental
      diets offered were (1) grass silage ad libitum plus 4 kg concentrate (SC), (2) 1
      kg hay plus 8 kg concentrate (CO), (3) 6 kg grass dry matter (DM) plus 5 kg
      concentrate (CG), (4) 12 kg grass DM plus 2.5 kg concentrate (GC) and (5) 22 kg
      grass DM (GO). The experiment lasted 85 days after which all animals were
      slaughtered. The right side m. longissmus dorsi was excised from all animals 24 h
      post slaughter for assessment of meat quality. Treatments SC and CO resulted in
      animals with whiter (P<0.05) subcutaneous and kidney/channel fat than all other
      treatments. There was an interaction (P<0.05) between ageing time and treatment
      with treatment GC having higher (P<0.05) tenderness, texture and acceptability
      values after 2 days ageing, but not after 7 or 14 days ageing. It is concluded
      that supplementing grass with low levels of concentrate produced the most tender
      and acceptable meat at 2 days post mortem, but that further ageing eliminated all
      treatment effects on eating quality of beef.

PMID- 22061907
TI  - Effect of fat content and soy protein/carrageenan mix on the quality
      characteristics of comminuted, scalded sausages.
AB  - The effects of soy protein concentrate and kappa-carrageenan mix (GELPRO, 3:1
      ratio) (ranging from 0 to 3%) and varying levels of collar fat (ranging from 20
      to 40%) on comminuted scalded sausage quality characteristics were investigated.
      Sausage quality was determined by measuring textural, hydration and colour
      characteristics. GELPRO preparate addition favourably affected WHC and thermal
      stability of sausages processed regardless of the fat content. Use of an additive
      affects the sausage texture, but the effect depends on the amount of the additive
      used. Fat reduction resulted in a decrease in hardness, gumminess and chewiness
      of final products. Lower fat contents were also accompanied by a significant
      reduction in the cooking yield and WHC. Sausage colour parameters were affected
      only by varying fat levels (L*, b*).

PMID- 22061908
TI  - Hamburger meat identification by dot-ELISA.
AB  - The use of low cost meats to adulterate meats and meat products has been
      reported. Appropriate methods of analysis then are needed in order to detect this
      practice. The dot-ELISA method was used to identify the meat of different animal
      species and to detect adulteration of hamburgers. Antisera to bovine, chicken,
      swine and horse albumin were produced and they could detect the meat extract of
      the homologous species at concentrations as low as 0.6%. Thus, the anti-albumin
      antisera could identify bovine, chicken, swine and horse meat with adequate
      specificity and sensitivity both in isolation and when added to hamburger.
      Commercial samples of bovine, chicken and swine hamburgers showed no adulteration
      with bovine, chicken, swine or horse meats. Our expectation of hamburger
      adulteration was not confirmed.

PMID- 22061909
TI  - A potential index for assessing the tenderness of hydrodynamic pressure (HDP)
      treated beef strip loins.
AB  - The objective of this research was to obtain physicochemical data that might
      prove useful in understanding the effect of hydrodynamic pressure (HDP), shock
      wave treatment on the structural and functional properties of the HDP-treated
      beef strip loins. A homogenization protocol that was sufficiently harsh to break
      up the tissue yet sufficiently gentle to maintain the integrity of the remaining
      subcellular structures was therefore developed for HDP-treated beef strip loins.
      Physicochemical changes resulting from HDP-treatment revealed a relationship
      between shear resistance value (tenderness level) and protein distribution. The
      10,800*g pellet of homogenized HDP-treated strip loins showed a decrease in the
      protein content associated with a decrease in shear resistance values (increased
      tenderness). Conversely, the soluble-fraction (post 48,200*g) showed an increase
      in protein content as the shear resistance value decreased (tenderness increased)
      from ~11 to 6 kg. The data presented herein indicate that there is a relationship
      between the tenderness of hydrodynamic pressure (HDP) treated meat and the
      protein distribution in the HDP-treated samples.

PMID- 22061910
TI  - Quality characteristics of pork patties irradiated and stored in different
      packaging and storage conditions.
AB  - Patties were made from pork loin, individually vacuum- or aerobic-packaged and
      stored either at 4 or -40 degrees C. Refrigerated patties were irradiated at 0,
      1.5, 3.0 or 4.5 kGy absorbed dose, and frozen ones were irradiated at 0, 2.5,
      5.0, or 7.5 kGy. Samples were analyzed for lipid oxidation, volatile production
      and odor characteristics. Refrigerated samples were analyzed at 0, 1 and 2 weeks,
      and frozen ones after 0, 1.5 and 3 months of storage. With vacuum packaging, the
      lipid oxidation (TBARS) of both refrigerated and frozen patties was not
      influenced by irradiation and storage time except for the patties irradiated and
      refrigerated at 7.5 kGy. With refrigerated storage, panelists could detect
      irradiation odor at day 0, but not after 1 week at 4 degrees C. With frozen
      storage, however, irradiation odor was detected even after 3 months of storage.
      With aerobic packaging, the TBARS of refrigerated pork patties increased with
      storage time. The TBARS of pork patties increased as irradiation dose increased
      at day 0, but the effect disappeared after 1 week at 4 degrees C. Nonirradiated
      patties were preferred to the irradiated ones at day 0 because of the significant
      irradiation odor in the irradiated ones, but the off-odor disappeared after 1
      week at 4 degrees C. With frozen storage, patties irradiated at 7.5 kGy had
      higher TBARS than those irradiated at lower doses. Nonirradiated patties had
      higher preference scores than the irradiated ones for 1.5 months in frozen
      storage. Sulfur-containing compounds were responsible for most of the irradiation
      off-odor, but these volatilized quickly during storage under aerobic conditions.
      Overall, vacuum packaging was better than aerobic packaging for irradiation and
      subsequent storage of meat because it minimized oxidative changes in patties and
      produced minimal amounts of volatile compounds that might be responsible for
      irradiation off-odor during storage.

PMID- 22061911
TI  - Distribution of alpha-tocopherol in beef muscles following dietary alpha
      tocopheryl acetate supplementation.
AB  - The objective of this study was to determine the effect of dietary vitamin E
      supplementation on the distribution and concentration of alpha-tocopherol in beef
      muscles. Crossbred cattle (n=8) were selected and divided into two groups and fed
      diets containing 20 (basal) and 3000 mg (supplemented) alpha-tocopheryl
      acetate/head/day for 135 days prior to slaughter. Carcasses were split centrally
      and chilled at 4 degrees C for 10 days. Muscles (n=16) were identified and
      removed from the left side of each animal and stored at -20 degrees C until
      required. Mean alpha-tocopherol levels in muscles were significantly (P<0.05)
      higher in all supplemented muscles with the exception of m. infraspinatis and m.
      deltoidous compared to controls. Mean alpha-tocopherol levels in muscles from the
      supplemented group decreased in the order m. supraspinatis > m. psoas major > m.
      trapezius > m. gluteus medius > m. triceps caput brachii lumborum > m.
      rhomboidous > m. seratus ventralis > m. gluteobiceps > m. semitendinosus > m.
      semimembranosus > m. infraspinatis > m. subscapularis > m.
      tricepscaputbrachiilaterale > m. deltoidous > m. longissimus thorasis > m.
      longissimus lumborum. Significant (P<0.05) differences in alpha-tocopherol
      distribution within muscles were observed for supplemented m. psoas major and
      control m. seratus ventralis (highest levels in posterior ends and lowest in
      anterior ends) only. However, trends showed definite distribution patterns for
      other muscles. Levels of alpha-tocopherol were found to be highest in oxidative
      muscles (m. psoas major and m. gluteus medius) and lowest in glycolytic muscles
      (m. longissimus thoracis and m. longissimus lumborum) while moderate levels of
      alpha-tocopherol occurred in intermediate muscles (m. semimembranosus).

PMID- 22061912
TI  - Combined effects of NaCl and raw meat pH on water-holding in cooked sausage with
      and without added phosphate.
AB  - The intake of sodium in diets is of concern in many industrialized countries.
      Attempts have been made to lower sodium intake via meat products. The keeping
      quality, taste and water-holding/firmness of meat products have usually been
      impaired. The water-holding in cooked sausage was determined by a laboratory
      sausage method. Beef and pork with varying natural post-rigor pH-values (range:
      pork 5.50-6.12 and beef 5.60-6.48) were used as mixtures, and 0.5-2.5 % NaCl was
      used with or without added commercial sausage phosphate (2,5 g/kg determined as
      P(2)O(5)). The pH-values of raw batter increased to a level 0.0-0.7 units higher
      than the pH-values of the respective meat mixtures. The increase was higher in
      lower pH-values, with higher salt levels and with added phosphate. The cooking
      caused an additional increase of about 0.0-0.2 units, and the increase was again
      higher at lower pH-values. Maximum in water-holding was reached in 2.5% NaCl in
      all pH-values, both with and without added phosphate. The pH-value of meat raw
      materials for the maximum water-holding was ca. 6.3. The combined effect of salt
      and pH is important in high salt contents and low pH-values. By 2.5% NaCl , where
      the maximum in water-holding was obtained, raw meat pH has the largest effect,
      but in low NaCl contents, below 1.0%, only a minor effect in pH-values below 5.9,
      and above that, almost no effect. Approximately the same water-holding as with
      2.5% NaCl in pH 5.7 can be reached with 1.5% NaCl in pH 6.1 and above. The
      effects of the variables were similar with pork and beef. It was concluded that
      when lowering the salt content in cooked sausages, the pH of the batter should be
      increased by using high-pH meat mixtures and/or pH-raising phosphates in order to
      reach a high enough level of water-holding.

PMID- 22061913
TI  - Primal joints and hind-leg cuts of entire and castrated Javan rusa (Cervus
      timorensis russa) stags.
AB  - The effects of castration on the primal joints and the cuts of the leg joint of
      Javan rusa (Cervus timorensis russa) stag carcases was investigated at three
      slaughter ages (13, 19 and 25 months). Castration reduced the weights of some
      primal joints in the 19- and 25-months age groups, but not at 13 months. At 19
      months, the neck, and neck plus chuck, were heavier by 35 and 17% respectively in
      entires (P<0.05), and at 25 months entires had heavier carcases, shoulder,
      forequarter and hindquarter (P<0.05). The leg and saddle joints were
      approximately 39 and 18% of the side, respectively, for both treatments and all
      ages. The proportions of the neck, and neck plus chuck, were higher (P<0.05) in
      19-month old entires than castrates. There were few significant differences
      between treatments in the weight or proportion of the hind leg cuts at any
      slaughter age, but in the 25-months group the silverside was 8% (P<0.05) heavier
      in entires. In both castrates and entires, there appeared to be an increase in
      the percentage of the rump as the animals grew from 13 to 19 months of age.

PMID- 22061914
TI  - The effect of ageing on the water-holding capacity of pork: role of cytoskeletal
      proteins.
AB  - The water-holding capacity (WHC) of pork decreases post-mortem but has been shown
      to increase during subsequent ageing. In order to test a hypothesis that water
      holding capacity increases during ageing due to degradation of the cytoskeleton,
      WHC was followed 10 days post-mortem and related to the extent of proteolysis of
      cytoskeletal proteins. A fast method for measuring WHC in small meat samples was
      developed by the use of centrifugation. The WHC of fresh pork decreases in the
      first part of post-mortem storage after which it increases to the level of 1 day
      PM. No changes in total water content of the meat were observed which could
      explain changes in WHC during ageing. Vinculin and desmin degrade gradually
      during ageing while talin degrades rapidly. These observations are consistent
      with the hypothesis that degradation of the cytoskeleton slowly removes the
      linkage between lateral shrinkage of myofibrils and shrinkage of entire muscle
      fibres, so removing the force that causes flow into the extracellular space.
      Inflow of previously expelled water is then possible, so increasing WHC as
      observed in later periods of storage.

PMID- 22061915
TI  - Differentiation of dietary regimene of Iberian swine by means of isotopic
      analysis of carbon and sulphur in hepatic tissue.
AB  - The aim of this work was to differentiate the feed received by Iberian swine
      during fattening (acorns, feed) and their breed (Iberian or White) using analysis
      of the stable isotopes of carbon (delta(13)C) and sulphur (delta(34)S) in liver
      tissue samples. The results obtained in the determination of delta(34)S, using a
      procedure in which organic and inorganic sulphur are converted into BaSO(4) and
      the procedure that measures delta(34)S in samples of dried ground liver tissue
      were compared. Joint analysis of carbon (delta(13)C) and sulphur (delta(34)S)
      permits the differentiation of swine of different breeds receiving different
      diets (acorns or feed).

PMID- 22061916
TI  - Detection of mechanically recovered chicken meat using capillary gel
      electrophoresis.
AB  - This study investigated the use of capillary gel electrophoresis (CGE) as a
      method for differentiating between raw mechanically recovered chicken meat (MRM)
      and hand deboned chicken breast meat (HDM). Twenty samples of MRM were obtained
      and twenty samples of HDM were prepared in the laboratory. They were extracted
      and analysed using ProsortTM SDS-protein analysis reagent. There were obvious
      differences in the relative peak areas within the profiles obtained which
      distinguished raw MRM from raw HDM; specifically, that of haemoglobin was higher
      in MRM. Using the peak area of haemoglobin and its ratio to other peaks, the
      technique was tested using composite MRM-HDM mixtures. The results suggest that
      it is possible to differentiate mixtures containing 7.5% MRM from that of 0% MRM
      using the CGE method.

PMID- 22061917
TI  - Application of an exponential model to early postmortem bovine muscle pH decline.
AB  - An exponential decay equation was used to describe the decline of pH in bovine M.
      longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) muscle postmortem. Goodness of fit of the
      equation was tested by convergence of model criterion and contrasting predicted
      against expected pH values of LTL muscles from 24 Bos taurus steer carcasses
      measured 40, 60, 80, 120, 185 and 1440 min after stunning. The model was fitted
      to pH values measured, as well as to the measured pH values adjusted to arbitrary
      constant temperatures of 10, 20 or 30 degrees C. The model failed to converge for
      46% of the muscles sampled in the data sets with measured pH. The model converged
      for 100% of the muscles with pH values adjusted to 10, 20 or 30 degrees C. Limits
      of agreement, heteroscedasticity and intraclass correlation analyses showed
      little difference in the fit of the model to pH values adjusted to either 10, 20
      or 30 degrees C. Fitting this model to pH data adjusted to 20 degrees C will
      enable comparison of rates of pH decline between muscles of different
      temperatures postmortem or laboratory homogenates and facilitate relation of pH
      decline rate to aspects of beef quality.

PMID- 22061918
TI  - Evaluation of the antioxidant potential of natural food/plant extracts as
      compared with synthetic antioxidants and vitamin E in raw and cooked pork
      patties.
AB  - Antioxidant potential for previously identified optimum levels of aloe vera (AV),
      fenugreek (FGK), ginseng (G), mustard (M), rosemary (R), sage (S), soya protein
      (SPI), tea catechins (TC) and whey protein concentrate (WPC) were evaluated in
      raw and cooked patties manufactured from frozen pork. The optimum levels
      determined were: AV (0.25%), FGK (0.01%), G (0.25%), M (0.10%), R (0.10%), S
      (0.05%), SPI (0.10%), TC (0.25%) and WPC (4%). Test ingredients were evaluated
      against synthetic antioxidants butylated hydroxyanisole/butylated hydroxytoluene
      (BHA/BHT) (0.01%) and a supplemented meat containing natural antioxidant, alpha
      tocopherol (1000 mg alpha-tocopheryl acetate/kg feed). Ranking the decreasing
      antioxidant effectiveness of added ingredients in raw patties on day 9 showed
      that: Control>G>SPI>FGK>AV>M>WPC>S>alpha-tocopherol>R>TC>BHA/BHT. Cooking
      resulted in a four-fold increase in TBARS values over raw patties with TC being
      the most effective antioxidant having significantly (P<0.001) lower TBARS values
      than the cooked control on days 3, 6 and 9. Ranking of decreasing antioxidant
      effectiveness of added ingredients showed that: M>SPI>G>FGK>alpha
      tocopherol>AV>control>S>BHA/BHT>R>WPC>TC. BHA/BHT had the most beneficial effect
      on cooked meat redness with Hunter 'a' values being significantly (P<0.05) higher
      than the control on days 3, 6 and 9. Ranking of Hunter 'a' values for added test
      ingredients showed that FGK>WPC>control>R>BHA/BHT>alpha
      tocopherol>TC>AV>SPI>M>G>S on day 9. Hunter 'L' and 'b' values showed no
      significant trend over the storage period in either raw or cooked patties. The pH
      values of both raw and cooked pork control patties and products containing added
      test antioxidants were variable and while a number of trends were observed, no
      significant differences were recorded between samples.

PMID- 22061919
TI  - Assessment of cooked alpaca and llama meats from the statistical analysis of data
      collected using an 'electronic nose'.
AB  - As part of an EU-funded project to assist in developing the production chain of
      meat from camelids in South America we have investigated the possibility of using
      an electronic nose to distinguish between the different types of meat of
      commercial interest. On-site monitoring of freshly cooked camelid meat using a
      Bloodhound electronic nose has been carried out in Peru and Bolivia. Sampling was
      carried out using inert, collapsible plastic bags. Linear discriminant analysis
      of data generated by the electronic nose classified the samples of meat. Some
      problems experienced in analysing the data relating to sample size are discussed.

PMID- 22061920
TI  - A novel polymerase chain reaction (PCR) - denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis
      (DGGE) for the identification of Micrococcaceae strains involved in meat
      fermentations. Its application to naturally fermented Italian sausages.
AB  - A new molecular method consisting of polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
      amplification and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) of a small
      fragment from the 16S rRNA gene identified the Micrococcaceae strains isolated
      from natural fermented Italian sausages. Lactic acid bacteria, total aerobic
      mesophilic flora, Enterobacteriaceae and faecal enterococci were also monitored.
      Micrococcaceaea control strains from international collections were used to
      optimise the method and 90 strains, isolated from fermented sausages, were
      identified by biochemical tests and PCR-DGGE. No differences were observed
      between the methods used. The results reported in this paper prove that
      Staphylococcus xylosus is the main bacterium involved in fermented sausage
      production, representing, from the tenth day of ripening, the only
      Micrococcaceaea species isolated.

PMID- 22061921
TI  - Effect of air relative humidity on ham rind and subcutaneous salted fat during
      the resting period.
AB  - This study evaluated the effect of different air relative humidities (RH) on the
      nature and structure of the rind of dry-cured ham and of salted subcutaneous fat.
      After salting 16 hams were stored for 40 days at 4 degrees C, and at two
      different RHs (50-55 and 80-85%). Salted subcutaneous fat samples were stored for
      30 days at 15 degrees C and at different RH (57.7, 70.8, 75.3 and 80.0%). Storage
      of hams at 50-55% RH after salting produced a whiteness on some parts of the
      rind, due to precipitation of salt inside the rind. Fat samples stored at 80.0%
      RH showed no oil drip and the fat cells observed microscopically were similar to
      non-salted cells. In contrast, fat samples stored at 57.7 and 70.8% RH showed oil
      drip and the fat cells from the external layer showed a wrinkled aspect in the
      optical microscope. Samples stored at 75.3% RH showed only a slight oil drip at
      the edges.

PMID- 22061922
TI  - Beef colour evolution as a function of ultimate pH.
AB  - Colour in CIELAB space was assessed in 31 yearling entire male cattle from their
      reflectance spectra (400-700 nm) at six different times (0 min, 15 min, 5 h, 48
      h, 6 days and 9 days). Cluster analysis applied to all the colour co-ordinates
      divided the samples into two groups according to their ultimate pH (pHu): pH<6.1
      and pH?6.1. pH ranged between 5.17 and 7.10. Colour development in pH?6.1 group
      was less visually appreciable than in pH<6.1 group. This difference was also
      observed in the reflectance spectra. The application of discriminant analysis to
      these groups established that b* and h* CIELAB co-ordinates are the most
      discriminant variables. Meat pigment evolution was assessed by the
      spectrophotometric indexes. R (infinity)(632)- R (infinity)(614); K S (614)- K S
      (632) and the K S (630)- K S (580) indexes were found to be the most significant
      to represent the difference between the two groups.

PMID- 22061923
TI  - Factors affecting the pH decline in lamb after slaughter.
AB  - Early postmortem pH has been linked to meat tenderness, especially in electrical
      stimulation and/or rapid chilling applications. In order to evaluate factors that
      affect pH, a trial was carried out in which 96 lambs were slaughtered over a
      period of 12 months. Carcass traits including age, sex and weight were recorded
      and the pH of M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum was measured at 0.5, 1.5, 4 and
      24 h postmortem. Significant differences in pH were present over the 12 months
      but these differences could not be attributed to seasonal or age factors. The sex
      of the animal had no effect on early pH (0.5 h, 1.5 h) or final pH (24 h), but
      the 4 h pH of female lambs was lower than that of male lambs (P<0.001).
      Regression analysis, using 0.5 h pH and other measured traits, showed that
      individual male and female prediction models were better (R(2)=0.80 and RSD=0.10)
      for predicting 4 h pH than a combined model (R(2)=0.74 and RSD=0.11).

PMID- 22061924
TI  - Subcutaneous and intermuscular fat characterisation of dry-cured Iberian hams.
AB  - The fatty acid composition of the triacylglycerols and free fatty acids of
      subcutaneous (internal and superficial layers) and intermuscular fat and the
      contribution of these fatty acids to the formation of volatile compounds were
      determined in dry-cured Iberian ham. The profile of the fatty acids and volatile
      compounds showed that lipolytic and oxidative processes occur more intensively in
      subcutaneous than intermuscular fat, however, few differences were found compared
      to those found in ham lean.

PMID- 22061925
TI  - Volatile compounds released during ripening in Italian dried sausage.
AB  - A commercial production was analysed at six stages during ripening. Water
      content, pH and bacterial counts were followed, and volatile compounds from
      sausages were extracted by dynamic headspace sampling and analysed by gas
      chromatography/mass spectrometry. Total concentrations of all classes increased
      during ripening. Pepper compound concentrations peaked in the middle of the
      ripening period. Lipid oxidation products increased especially towards the end of
      ripening, in particular, the compounds 2-heptanol, 1-octen-3-ol, 2-heptanone and
      2-nonanone. Surface moulds probably caused 4-heptanone to appear late in the
      processing. Benzeneacetaldehyde was absent in fresh mince, but increased to
      become one of the most abundant volatiles. Compounds from carbohydrate catabolism
      disappeared during the processing.

PMID- 22061926
TI  - Physicochemical and sensory properties of Galician chorizo sausage preserved by
      refrigeration, freezing, oil-immersion, or vacuum-packing.
AB  - Galician chorizo sausage is a traditional cured meat product from northwest
      Spain. We monitored changes in the physicochemical and sensory properties of
      Galician chorizo sausage conserved by four different methods, namely
      refrigeration, freezing, immersion in sunflower oil, and vacuum-packing.
      Refrigeration was the least effective method tested, with rapid deterioration of
      sensory properties, and oxidative spoilage evident from week 4 onward. Oil
      immersion and vacuum-packing gave reasonable conservation of sensory properties
      (despite some masking of aromas by the oil). Freezing gave acceptable
      conservation of sensory properties, and by week 6 there was still no evidence of
      oxidative spoilage.

PMID- 22061927
TI  - Genetic traceability of livestock products: A review.
AB  - Traceability is the ability to maintain the identification of animal, or animal
      products, all along the production chain. It represents an essential tool to
      safeguard public and animal health and to valorize typical production systems.
      European food legislation is particularly strict and traceability systems, based
      on product labeling, have become mandatory in all European countries. However,
      the implementation of this system does not ensure consumers against fraud. Paper
      documents can be counterfeit so researchers have focused on the study of genetic
      traceability systems based on products identification through DNA analysis. In
      fact DNA is inalterable, detectable in every cell, resistant to heat treatments,
      and allows for individual, breed or species identification. Even if results are
      promising, these techniques are too expensive to be converted in routine tests
      but they could be a trusted tool for verification of suspected fraud. The present
      review proposes a synthesis of the major advances made in individual, breed, and
      species genetic identification in the last years, focusing on advantages and
      disadvantages and on their real future applications for animal productions.

PMID- 22061928
TI  - Effects of vitamin A supplementation on growth performance, carcass
      characteristics and meat quality in Limosin*Luxi crossbreed steers fed a wheat
      straw-based diet.
AB  - Three experiments were conducted to examine the effects of dietary vitamin A
      supplementation on performance and carcass parameters in Limosin*Luxi crossbreed
      finishing steers fed a wheat straw-based diet. Sixteen 12-month old (301+/-22kg)
      steers, 16 12-month old (309+/-15kg) steers and 16 24-month old (411+/-20kg)
      steers were used in experiment 1 for 6 months feeding period, in experiment 2 for
      three months feeding period and in experiment 3 for three months feeding period,
      respectively. Sixteen steers of each experiment were randomly divided into the
      four groups of four animals. Treatments consisted of four vitamin A
      supplementation levels (0, 1100, 2200 and 4400IU/kg DM). The growth rate was
      affected by dietary vitamin A level in experiment 1 and 2, revealing that the
      suitable amount of vitamin A supplementation increased the growth rate; excessive
      vitamin A in the ration decreased the growth rate of 12-month-old finishing
      steers. The marbling deposition decreased with the increment of vitamin A
      supplementation level, but possibly associated with vitamin A supplementing
      duration. Furthermore, the suitable dietary vitamin A level probably decreased
      lipid and pigment oxidation, and increased the tenderness of beef meat. Vitamin A
      supplementation had no significant effect on chemical composition of gluteus
      medius muscle and longissimus dorsi muscle.

PMID- 22061929
TI  - Muscle and meat quality characteristics of Holstein and Salers cull cows.
AB  - Muscle characteristics and sensory rating of meat were determined in M.
      longissimus thoracis (LT), M. semimembranosus (SM), M. semitendinosus (ST) and M.
      triceps brachii (TB) from seven Holstein (HO, dairy breed) and six Salers (SA,
      beef breed) cull cows slaughtered at 6-7 years of age at the same fat score.
      Significant differences (P<0.001) among muscle types were observed: ST was the
      more glycolytic and TB the more oxidative; total collagen: ST>SM=TB>LT; initial
      and overall tenderness: LT>TB=SM>ST, juiciness: TB>LT=SM>ST. Flavour differed
      only between breeds: HO>SA (P<0.01). Three tenderness classes (high,
      intermediate, low) were determined from scores for sensory overall tenderness for
      all 52 meats: the lower total and insoluble collagen contents, the more oxidative
      metabolism, the more tender was the meat. Muscle type, and not breed explained
      most of the variability of meat quality from dairy and beef cull cows slaughtered
      at the same age and fat score.

PMID- 22061930
TI  - The production and microbiological status of skin-on sheep carcasses.
AB  - There is a demand by certain ethnic consumer groups in the United Kingdom for
      skin-on, singed carcasses, primarily from older sheep, but their production is
      illegal under current EU legislation. The aim of this study was to devise a
      protocol to produce carcasses having the desired 'smoked' colour and odour and an
      acceptable microbiology. A successful result could form the basis of a case to
      revise the legislation. Three key steps in the selected procedure were carcass
      singeing using specially designed gas burner equipment, pressure washing to clean
      the carcass and then evisceration. It was shown that a second heat application,
      termed 'toasting', if applied after evisceration, significantly (P<0.001) reduced
      Enterobacteriaceae and TVC counts on carcasses before chilling. Microbiological
      quality was also improved when toasting was the final step, following carcass
      splitting and inspection. Carcasses produced in this way had significantly
      (P<0.001) lower Enterobacteriaceae and TVC counts before chilling than
      conventionally dressed sheep carcasses produced in the same abattoir.

PMID- 22061931
TI  - Changes in carcass composition and meat quality when selecting rabbits for growth
      rate.
AB  - Sixty rabbits from the 23rd generation (group S) of a line selected for growth
      rate were compared to sixty rabbits from the 7th generation of the same line
      (group C) to study possible relevant changes in carcass composition and meat
      quality due to the selection and the consequent decrease in degree of maturity at
      slaughter weight (2000g). The only relevant changes in carcass composition were
      an increase in kidneys, liver and dissectible fat percentages and a decrease in
      meat to bone ratio of the hind leg. In m. Longissimus, group S had lower
      yellowness of the carcass and higher redness and yellowness of the meat. ICDH
      activity increased and the aldolase:ICDH ratio decreased. In the hind leg, group
      S had higher values of PUFA, PUFA/SFA ratio and n-3 fatty acids.

PMID- 22061932
TI  - Effect of fiber type on postmortem proteolysis in longissimus muscle of Landrace
      and Korean native black pigs.
AB  - The current study was conducted to characterize objective meat quality, fiber
      type and their relations to postmortem proteolysis in longissimus muscle of
      Landrace and Korean native black (KNP) pigs. Longissimus muscles from each 10
      market-weighted male pigs were removed after conventional slaughtering and
      chilling procedures, and aged for 1 or 7 days at 4 degrees C to determine WB
      shear force, objective meat color, proportion of myosin heavy chain I (MyHC I),
      intramuscular fat content and rate of proteolysis by a proteomics approach. KNP
      had a significantly (p<0.05) higher content of MyHC I, and that concurred with
      greatly (p<0.05) higher intramuscular fat content and Hunter a(*) value, and
      significantly (p<0.05) lower drip loss than those seen in Landrace. One-dimension
      SDS-PAGE indicated that GAPDH, troponin I and creatine kinase were prominent
      proteolytic products during chiller ageing. By applying a gel-based proteome
      analysis, 26 proteins were identified, which showed different degradation
      properties during ageing between the breeds. Biopsied sample revealed that myosin
      regulatory light chain 2, myosin light chain isotype v/sb, fatty acid-binding
      protein and albumin were expressed at a greatly higher level for KNP, but their
      relation to fiber type (or genetic background) is unclear. It was particular
      noticeable that different actin isoforms showed various degradation behavior
      during ageing time.

PMID- 22061933
TI  - Calcium chloride and tricalcium phosphate effects on the pink color defect in
      cooked ground and intact turkey breast.
AB  - Calcium chloride (250, 500ppm) was examined for its ability to reduce the pink
      color defect induced by sodium nitrite (10ppm) and nicotinamide (1.0%) in cooked
      ground turkey in the presence and absence of sodium tripolyphosphate (0.25, 0.5%)
      and sodium citrate (0.5, 1.0%). The ability of tricalcium phosphate (0.1-0.5%) to
      reduce pink cooked color also was evaluated in ground turkey and both calcium
      chloride and tricalcium phosphate were tested for their effects on pink cooked
      color in whole breast muscle. The combination of calcium chloride and sodium
      tripolyphosphate, not calcium chloride alone, was necessary for a reduction in
      pink cooked color induced by nicotinamide. Subsequently, in the presence of
      phosphate, both calcium chloride and sodium citrate reduced pink cooked color and
      were most effective in combination. Tricalcium phosphate also was capable of
      reducing pink cooked color in ground turkey, however substituting tricalcium
      phosphate for sodium tripolyphosphate resulted in lower pH and cooking yields.
      Neither calcium chloride nor tricalcium phosphate was capable of reducing pink
      cooked color in whole turkey breast. Currently, a combination of sodium
      tripolyphosphate, calcium chloride, and sodium citrate represents the most
      suitable means for reducing or preventing the pink color defect in uncured ground
      turkey.

PMID- 22061934
TI  - Depth of concussion in cattle shot by penetrating captive bolt.
AB  - The prevalence of shallow depth of concussion following captive bolt shooting was
      assessed in 1608 cattle at an abattoir. Depth of concussion was determined in
      each animal from physical collapse, presence or absence of corneal reflex, normal
      rhythmic breathing, eyeball rotation, and whether the animal was re-shot. The
      presence of nystagmus and the absence of tongue protrusion were also monitored as
      potential indicators of a shallow depth of concussion, and simultaneous noise
      measurements assessed whether loudness of gun discharge was linked to concussion
      depth. The prevalence of a shallow depth of concussion was 8% for all cattle and
      15% for young bulls. Nystagmus was associated with other indicators of a shallow
      depth of concussion. Absence of tongue protrusion was not associated with depth
      of concussion, but could serve as a useful indicator of jaw relaxation and
      insensibility following exsanguination. Soft-sounding shots (?111dB) when using
      4.5 gr cartridges were associated with shallow depth of concussion.

PMID- 22061935
TI  - Suitability of three commercially produced pig breeds in Germany for a meat
      quality program with emphasis on drip loss and eating quality.
AB  - This study aimed at characterising 606 crossbred pigs of three commercially
      available breed types in terms of their carcass and meat quality. Breed G and H
      were German Large White (LW)*German Landrace (LR) sows sired with Pietrain (PI)
      boars, i.e. PI*(LW*LR). Breed S was 25% Duroc (DU), i.e. PI*(DU*LR). Most of the
      parameters were affected by breed and/or date of slaughter. The meat of crossbred
      pigs with 25% Duroc proportion appeared most favourable because of higher
      intramuscular fat content, lower drip loss and higher sensory liking scores.
      Conductivity is closely related to drip loss while the data suggests that the
      relationship is dependent on breed and carcass weight. The application of
      conductivity and lean meat yield thresholds to select carcasses with uniform and
      superior meat quality effectively decreased drip loss and increased intramuscular
      fat content as well as sensory liking scores. The variation of meat quality
      traits remains high, though.

PMID- 22061936
TI  - Dielectric behavior of beef meat in the 1-1500kHz range: Simulation with the
      Fricke/Cole-Cole model.
AB  - The electrical properties of biological tissues have been researched for many
      years. Impedance measurements observed with increasing frequencies are mainly
      attributed to changes in membrane conductivity and ion and charged-molecule
      mobility (mainly Na(+), K(+), CL(-) ions). Equivalent circuits with passive
      electrical components are frequently used as a support model for presentation and
      analyses of the behavior of tissues submitted to electrical fields. Fricke
      proposed an electrical model where the elements are resistive and capacitive. The
      model is composed of a resistive element (Rp) representing extracellular fluids
      (ECF) placed in parallel with a capacitive element (Cs) representing insulating
      membranes in series and a resistive element (Rs) representing intracellular
      fluids (ICF). This model is able to describe impedance measurements: at lower
      frequencies, most of the current flows around the cells without being able to
      penetrate them, while at higher frequencies the membranes lose their insulating
      properties and the current flows through both the extracellular and intracellular
      compartments. Since meat ageing induces structural change, particularly in
      membrane integrity, the insulating properties of membranes decrease, and
      intracellular and extracellular electrolytes mix, thus driving changes in their
      electrical properties. We report a method combining the Fricke and Cole-Cole
      models that was developed to monitor and explain tissues conductivity changes in
      preferential directions during beef meat ageing.

PMID- 22061937
TI  - Effect of carbon monoxide in modified atmosphere packaging, storage time and
      endpoint cooking temperature on the internal color of enhanced pork.
AB  - The objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of gas atmosphere,
      refrigerated storage time, and endpoint temperature on internal cooked color of
      injection-enhanced pork chops. Enhanced chops were packaged in 0.36% CO/20.34%
      CO(2) (CO-MAP), 80% O(2)/20% CO(2) (HO-MAP), or PVC-overwrapped (PVC-OW;
      controls), stored at 4 degrees C for 0, 12, 19 or 26 days, displayed for 2 days
      then cooked to six endpoint temperatures (54, 60, 63, 71, 77, and 82 degrees C).
      L(*), a(*), and b(*) values, hue angle and chroma were determined on the internal
      cut surface of cooked chops. Chops packaged in CO-MAP had the highest a(*)
      values; a(*) value began increasing on day 14. The lowest hue angles occurred in
      chops cooked to lower endpoint temperatures. Chops in CO-MAP had lower hue angles
      and higher chroma than those in HO-MAP and PVC-OW. Above 71 degrees C, hue angle
      and chroma increased. Overall, CO-MAP packaged chops stored for longer time
      periods then cooked to lower endpoint temperatures appeared reddest. HO-MAP
      packaged chops were less red, did not change over time, and appeared more well
      done at lower endpoint temperatures than those in other gas atmospheres. CO-MAP
      packaged chops retained redness even after cooking at 82 degrees C.

PMID- 22061938
TI  - Identifying constituents of whey protein concentrates that reduce the pink color
      defect in cooked ground turkey.
AB  - Whey protein concentrate constituents were tested for their ability to reduce
      naturally occurring pink color defect and pink cooked color induced by sodium
      nitrite (10ppm) and nicotinamide (1.0%) in ground turkey. beta-lactoglobulin
      (1.8%), alpha-lactalbumin (0.8%), bovine serum albumin (0.15-0.3%), lactose (1.0
      3.0%), potassium chloride (500-1500ppm), and ferrous iron chloride (0.3-30ppm)
      had no effects on cooked pink color. Lactoferrin (30-5000ppm) increased or
      decreased pink color depending on its concentration in samples without added
      sodium nitrite or nicotinamide. Annatto (0.1-1.0ppm) reduced pink color whereas
      the higher concentration of magnesium chloride (22-88ppm) and ferric iron
      chloride (0.3-30ppm) increased pink color in samples with added nicotinamide.
      Calcium chloride (160-480ppm) was the only tested constituent that consistently
      reduced pink cooked color in samples with and without added nitrite and
      nicotinamide. Due to the variability of whey protein concentrates and the number
      of constituents that do not reduce pink cooked color, the addition of calcium
      alone or dried milk minerals containing calcium, phosphate, and citrate,
      represents a better means to regularly prevent the pink color defect in cooked
      ground turkey.

PMID- 22061939
TI  - Grape seed extract inhibits lipid oxidation in muscle from different species
      during refrigerated and frozen storage and oxidation catalyzed by peroxynitrite
      and iron/ascorbate in a pyrogallol red model system.
AB  - The antioxidant effect of grape seed extract (GSE) was determined by assessing
      the bleaching of pyrogallol red (PGR) by peroxynitrite or iron/ascorbate, and the
      formation of lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH) and thiobarbituric acid substances
      (TBARS) in raw or cooked ground muscle during refrigerated or frozen storage. In
      PGR models, GSE was more effective than gallic acid in inhibiting oxidation. The
      formation of LOOH and TBARS was inhibited by GSE (0.1% and 1.0%) compared to
      untreated controls and samples treated with sodium tripolyphosphate.
      Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA), alone or in combination with GSE, had
      no effect on LOOH or TBARS, which provides clues about the possible mechanism of
      action of GSE. These results show that GSE at concentrations as low as 0.1% is a
      very effective inhibitor of primary and secondary oxidation products in various
      muscle systems and has potential as a natural antioxidant in raw and cooked meat
      systems.

PMID- 22061940
TI  - Effect of dietary oil source on the flavour and the colour and lipid stability of
      lamb meat.
AB  - This study investigated the influence of five sources of dietary oil (linseed oil
      (LO), fish oil (FO), a protected lipid supplement (PLS, 18:2 to 18:3 ratio 3:1),
      fish oil/marine algae (FOMA) and PLSMA) on the colour and lipid stability of lamb
      muscle and the flavour of grilled loin chops. LO produced the highest proportion
      of 18:3n-3 in muscle phospholipid, the highest ratings for lamb flavour intensity
      and overall liking and the lowest ratings for abnormal flavour intensity. PLS
      increased the proportion of 18:2n-6 which reduced lamb flavour intensity and
      increased abnormal lamb flavour intensity. Diets containing FO or MA increased
      proportions of the longer chain n-3 fatty acids and similar reduced ratings for
      lamb flavour as the PLS diet. FO-containing diets increased fishy flavour notes,
      especially when in combination with MA. 'Putty' and 'fish oil' odours were
      recognised as being present more frequently in cooked subcutaneous lamb fat from
      lambs fed FO and FOMA than other diets. Lambs fed MA, FO and the combination of
      the two produced meat that was oxidatively less stable and had a reduced colour
      and lipid oxidative shelf-life, which was at least partially due to the lower
      vitamin E content of the muscle. These results have significant implications for
      the formulation of diets that may improve nutritional ratios in lamb meat but
      which adversely affect flavour and meat stability.

PMID- 22061941
TI  - Screening of biogenic amine production by coagulase-negative staphylococci
      isolated during industrial Spanish dry-cured ham processes.
AB  - The potential to produce biogenic amines was investigated for 56 coagulase
      negative staphylococci isolated during industrial Spanish dry-cured ham
      processes. The presence of biogenic amines from bacterial cultures was determined
      by thin-layer chromatography. The percentage of strains that decarboxylated amino
      acids was very low (3.6%). The only staphylococci with aminogenic capacity were
      an histamine-producing Staphylococcus capitis strain, and a Staphylococcus
      lugdunensis strain that simultaneously produced putrescine and cadaverine. In
      both strains, PCR was used to confirm the presence of the genes encoding the
      amino acid decarboxylases responsible for the synthesis of these amines. This
      study reveals that production of biogenic amines is not a widely distributed
      property among the staphylococci isolated from Spanish dry-cured hams.

PMID- 22061942
TI  - Frozen storage stability of antioxidant-treated raw restructured beef steaks made
      from mature cows.
AB  - Previous research has shown that beef quality decreased with the age of cattle.
      In this study, beef trimmings from nine mature cows (n=9), equally representing
      three animal age groups (2-4, 6-8, and 10-12yr), were restructured into steaks
      formulated with propyl gallate, alone or in combination with a beefy flavoring
      agent, to enhance palatability and stability during 6months of frozen storage at 
      29 degrees C. Lipid oxidation, rancidity, and loss of beefy flavor in
      restructured steaks during extended storage were reduced by propyl gallate. The
      beefy flavoring agent inclusion masked mature, forage-fed beef off-flavors,
      intensified beefy flavor, and improved steak tenderness, juiciness and cooking
      yield. Thus, the combination of propyl gallate and beefy flavoring offers an
      effective means to enhance the palatability and storage stability of restructured
      beef prepared from mature cows.

PMID- 22061943
TI  - Traditional dry fermented sausages produced in small-scale processing units in
      Mediterranean countries and Slovakia. 1: Microbial ecosystems of processing
      environments.
AB  - Microbial ecosystems were surveyed in 314 environmental samples from 54 Southern
      and Eastern European small-scale processing units (PUs) manufacturing traditional
      dry fermented sausages. The residual microflora contaminating the surfaces and
      the equipment were analysed after cleaning and disinfection procedures. All the
      PU environments were colonised at various levels by spoilage and technological
      microflora with excessive contamination levels in some of the PUs. Sporadic
      contamination by pathogenic microflora was recorded. Salmonella and Listeria
      monocytogenes were detected in 4.8% and 6.7% of the samples, respectively, and
      Staphylococcus aureus was enumerated in 6.1% of the samples. Several critical
      points were identified, such as the machines for S. aureus and the tables and the
      knives for L. monocytogenes; this knowledge is crucial for the improvement of
      hygiene control systems in small and traditional meat processing industries. The
      variability of the residual contamination emphasized the different cleaning,
      disinfecting and manufacturing practices routinely followed by these small-scale
      processing units.

PMID- 22061944
TI  - Zn protoporphyrin IX is formed not from heme but from protoporphyrin IX.
AB  - We examined the effects of exogenous myoglobin, a bivalent chelator, and nitrite
      on Zn protoporphyrin IX (ZPP) formation by using model systems. ZPP was formed in
      a model solution without addition of exogenous myoglobin. After incubation, the
      amount of ZPP in a model solution was increased but that of heme was not
      decreased compared with the amounts before incubation. Protoporphyrin IX (PPIX)
      instead of ZPP also accumulated in a model solution with addition of EDTA, but
      the amount of heme was not reduced. These results suggested that ZPP was not
      formed by the Fe-Zn substitution in heme but was formed by the insertion of Zn
      into PPIX, which was formed independently. The fact that the effects of various
      factors in model systems with/without addition of a bivalent chelator were
      similar suggested that ZPP formation was strongly affected by PPIX formation.
      Inhibition of PPIX formation by nitrite might be the reason for the low levels of
      ZPP in cured meats.

PMID- 22061945
TI  - Temperature shows greater impact on bovine Longissimus dorsi muscle glycogen
      debranching enzyme activity than does salt concentration.
AB  - The degradation of glycogen progresses by the co-operation of two enzymes:
      glycogen phosphorylase (phosphorylase) and glycogen debranching enzyme (GDE). We
      studied the effect of temperature (4-42 degrees C) and salt concentration (0-3%
      NaCl) on bovine M. longissimus dorsi GDE activity. GDE activity (n=4) decreased
      significantly with decreasing temperature from about 40-4 degrees C. GDE
      exhibited 52% activity at 25 degrees C and 11% at 4 degrees C compared to its
      optimum activity measured at 39 degrees C. In rapidly chilled meat, the reduction
      in GDE activity may substantially delay the rate of glycolysis. However, residual
      GDE activity at 4 degrees C seems sufficient to enable the attainment of normal
      ultimate pH if the available time is long enough. An increase in salt
      concentration from 0% to 2% and to 3% induced a significant (P<0.001) increase in
      the ultimate pH of ground bovine meat (n=6), but showed no effect on GDE
      activity.

PMID- 22061946
TI  - Production of cured meat color in nitrite-free Harbin red sausage by
      Lactobacillus fermentum fermentation.
AB  - Lactobacillus fermentum was substituted for nitrite to produce cured pink color
      in a Chinese-style sausage. Treatments included inoculations (10(4), 10(6), and
      10(8)CFU/g meat) followed by fermentation at 30 degrees C for 8h and then at 4
      degrees C for 16h. Control sausage (with sodium nitrite, 60mg/kg meat) was cured
      at 4 degrees C for 24h without L. fermentum. The UV-Vis spectra of pigment
      extract from L. fermentum-treated sausage were identical to that of
      nitrosylmyoglobin (NO-Mb) formed in nitrite-treated control. The NO-Mb
      concentration and the colorimetric a(*) value of sausage treated with 10(8)CFU/g
      meat of L. fermentum essentially replicated those in nitrite-cured meat. Free
      amino acid content in sausage treated with L. fermentum was greater and the pH
      slightly lower compared with the nitrite-cured control sample. This study showed
      that L. fermentum has the potential to substitute for nitrite in the sausage
      production.

PMID- 22061947
TI  - Tenderness evaluation and mineral levels of llama (Lama glama) and alpaca (Lama
      pacos) meat.
AB  - Tenderness and mineral levels were determined in the Longissimus thoracis taken
      from 20 llama and 30 alpaca males reared in Peru and slaughtered at 25 months of
      age. Mineral contents were determined using an inductively coupled plasma
      emission spectrometer. Tenderness evaluation was determined two and seven days
      post slaughter using a Warner-Bratzler shear force device. Potassium is the
      mineral with the highest content, with a significant difference (P<0.05) between
      the two species of camelids. The other mineral contents were, in decreasing
      order, phosphorus, sodium, magnesium and calcium, in addition to smaller
      percentages of zinc and iron. Shear force values determined seven days post
      slaughter were significantly (P<0.01) lower in both the species compared with the
      results obtained two days post slaughter.

PMID- 22061948
TI  - A comparison in the composition of recovered meat produced from beef neckbones
      processed using hand boning, a traditional Advanced Meat Recovery (AMR) system,
      and a Desinewated Minced Meat system.
AB  - Beef neckbones were processed through a traditional Advanced Meat Recovery system
      (TAMR), a Desinewated Minced Meat machine with/without prior use of Jarvis saw
      for removal of spinal cord (DMMJ/DMMNJ), or hand boned with/without Jarvis saw
      (HJ/HNJ). This study investigated the composition of meat recovered by these five
      methods. Ranking from the most to least total fat percentage was TAMR (22.02%),
      HNJ (18.37%), HJ (14.69%), DMMNJ (11.14%), and DMMJ (9.76%); higher fat was
      related to less moisture. Protein was most for HJ (18.32%) and least for TAMR
      (15.79%). TAMR and HJ were similar (P>0.05) in ash content. Calcium was most in
      DMMJ (79.81mg); the least was found in the hand boned (HJ, 20.86mg/100g and HNJ,
      23.66mg) lean. All samples contained calcium below the required limits set by
      USDA-FSIS. Total iron was the highest in TAMR (5.28mg of iron/100g), followed by
      DMMJ (3.65mg), DMMNJ (3.46mg), HJ (2.77mg), and HNJ (2.18mg).

PMID- 22061949
TI  - Chemical, instrumental and sensory characteristics of cooked pork ham.
AB  - Instrumental, chemical and sensory parameters of cooked pork ham were evaluated.
      Principal component analysis was carried out on the basis of the instrumental
      variables related to colour and texture. The four PCs account for almost 94% of
      the total variance in the data set. The PCA only separated 3 hams with a(*)>10.
      Hardness was correlated with non-collagen muscle protein (P?0.01), gumminess
      (P?0.01) and ash (P?0.05). Sensory evaluated tenderness showed positive
      significant correlation with L(*) (P?0.01). The most important colour parameter
      seems to be a(*), which was negatively correlated with sensory evaluated
      parameter colour (P?0.01). The PCA performed on all parameters (sensory, chemical
      and textural) discriminated two groups of hams differing in non-collagen muscle
      protein content and hardness.

PMID- 22061950
TI  - Conventional freezing plus high pressure-low temperature treatment: Physical
      properties, microbial quality and storage stability of beef meat.
AB  - Meat high-hydrostatic pressure treatment causes severe decolouration, preventing
      its commercialisation due to consumer rejection. Novel procedures involving
      product freezing plus low-temperature pressure processing are here investigated.
      Room temperature (20 degrees C) pressurisation (650MPa/10min) and air blast
      freezing (-30 degrees C) are compared to air blast freezing plus high pressure at
      subzero temperature (-35 degrees C) in terms of drip loss, expressible moisture,
      shear force, colour, microbial quality and storage stability of fresh and salt
      added beef samples (Longissimus dorsi muscle). The latter treatment induced solid
      water transitions among ice phases. Fresh beef high pressure treatment (650MPa/20
      degrees C/10min) increased significantly expressible moisture while it decreased
      in pressurised (650MPa/-35 degrees C/10min) frozen beef. Salt addition reduced
      high pressure-induced water loss. Treatments studied did not change fresh or salt
      added samples shear force. Frozen beef pressurised at low temperature showed L, a
      and b values after thawing close to fresh samples. However, these samples in
      frozen state, presented chromatic parameters similar to unfrozen beef pressurised
      at room temperature. Apparently, freezing protects meat against pressure colour
      deterioration, fresh colour being recovered after thawing. High pressure
      processing (20 degrees C or -35 degrees C) was very effective reducing aerobic
      total (2-log(10) cycles) and lactic acid bacteria counts (2.4-log(10) cycles), in
      fresh and salt-added samples. Frozen+pressurised beef stored at -18 degrees C
      during 45 days recovered its original colour after thawing, similarly to just
      treated samples while their counts remain below detection limits during storage.

PMID- 22061951
TI  - Ascorbate, green tea and grape seed extracts increase the shelf life of low
      sulphite beef patties.
AB  - Green tea (GTE) and grape seed (GSE) extracts are proposed as preservatives for
      increasing the shelf life of low sulphite raw beef patties. The antioxidant and
      antimicrobial activities of both extracts were compared with ascorbate. Five
      groups were established for the patties: Control (with no additives), S (100
      SO(2)), SA (100 SO(2)+400 sodium ascorbate), ST (100 SO(2)+300 GTE) and SG (100
      SO(2)+300 GSE) (mg per kg of meat). Patties were stored at 4 degrees C in aerobic
      packaging for 0, 3, 6 or 9 days under retail display conditions. Meat spoilage
      (total viable and coliform counts, pH, lightness, chroma, hue angle, metmyoglobin
      and TBARS) was determined. The sensory contribution of the extracts to cooked
      patties was evaluated (colour, odour, flavour and texture). The results pointed
      to the possibility of using low SO(2)-vegetable extract combinations to preserve
      raw meat products. ST, SG and SA delayed microbial spoilage, redness loss and
      lipid oxidation, thus increasing the shelf life of the raw sulphite beef patties
      by 3 days. ST, SG and SA also delayed the onset of rancid flavours in cooked
      patties. No anomalous sensory traits were caused by either extract. Ascorbate,
      GTE and GSE improved the preservative effects of SO(2) on beef patties,
      especially against meat oxidation. This suggested that the quantity of SO(2)
      added can be reduced to obtain healthier raw meat products.

PMID- 22061952
TI  - Lipid and colour stability of beef from grazing heifers supplemented with
      sunflower oil alone or with fish oil.
AB  - The effect of sunflower and fish oil supplementation of grazing heifers on lipid
      oxidation and colour stability in beef was investigated. For 150 days, heifers
      were assigned unsupplemented grazing (G) or restricted grazing with 2.5kg
      concentrates containing 1250I.U. alpha-tocopheryl acetate and 290g sunflower oil
      (S1), 415g sunflower oil (S2), 290g sunflower+85g fish oil (FS1) or 415g
      sunflower+85g fish oil (FS2). Longissimus dorsi muscle was excised 24h post
      mortem and stored at -30 degrees C prior to analysis. Muscle alpha-tocopherol in
      the oil-supplemented groups was higher (P<0.05) than the G group. Lipid oxidation
      in refrigerated, minced raw or cooked beef was not significantly affected by diet
      but metmyoglobin was higher (P<0.05) in raw beef from oil-supplemented groups
      compared to the G group. Lipid oxidation and metmyoglobin formation increased
      (P<0.001) during refrigerated storage. Vitamin E supplementation together with
      pasture grazing appeared to offset any potential deleterious effect of oil
      supplementation on lipid and colour stability.

PMID- 22061953
TI  - Sorption isotherms of salted minced pork and of lean surface of dry-cured hams at
      the end of the resting period using KCl as substitute for NaCl.
AB  - The effect of KCl on sorption isotherms was determined on salted minced meat
      (with 0%, 30% and 100% molar substitution of NaCl by KCl) at 5 degrees C and 25
      degrees C and meat from a 3mm thick slice from the surface of dry-cured hams
      (with 0% and 35% molar substitution of NaCl by KCl) held at 70-75%, 75-80% and 80
      85% air relative humidity during the resting period. The sorption isotherms were
      determined gravimetrically by exposing the meat samples to several atmospheres of
      known relative humidity controlled by different saturated salts according to the
      COST90 method. The sorption equipment consisted of a chamber containing 11
      containers, covering the water activity (a(w)) range from 0.112 to 0.946 at 25
      degrees C. The hermetically closed sorption containers filled with KCl and minced
      meat samples were irradiated at 3kGrey (gamma irradiation (60)Co). The water
      content at equilibrium was higher in minced meat with NaCl than in minced meat
      with KCl (100% molar substitution of NaCl by KCl) at 5 degrees C within the range
      of 0.4313 and 0.7565 a(w). However, when substitution was 30% in minced meat and
      35% in hams the isotherms were similar to isotherm without substitution.

PMID- 22061954
TI  - PCR assay for the identification of animal species in cooked sausages.
AB  - A species-specific PCR assay was developed for the detection of low levels of
      pork, horse and donkey meat in cooked sausages. Oligonucleotid primers were
      designed for amplification of species-specific mitochondrial DNA sequences of
      each species and detected the presence of 0.01ng of template DNA in water. When
      applying the assay to DNA extracts from sausages samples that were prepared from
      binary meat mixtures, it was possible to detect each species when spiked in any
      other species at the 0.1% level. In conclusion, it can be suggested that this
      assay can be used to determine mislabelled and/or fraudulent species substitution
      in comminuted meat products.

PMID- 22061955
TI  - Live weight and sex effects on carcass and meat quality of "Borrego terrincho
      PDO" suckling lambs.
AB  - Fifty seven suckling lambs (28 males and 29 females) of the Churra da Terra
      Quente breed were used to evaluate the effects of live weight and sex on carcass
      composition and meat quality traits. Lambs were slaughtered at three weight
      classes (<8kg, 8-11kg and >11kg) according to "Borrego Terrincho-PDO"
      specifications. The left sides of the carcasses were totally dissected. The
      longissimus thoracis and lumborum muscle was used for meat quality determination.
      Dressing proportion and carcass fatness were not affected by weight class or sex.
      Muscle proportion was similar in all carcass joints for the three weight classes.
      The percentage of bone decreased at the higher weight class, while that of
      subcutaneous and intermuscular fat increased. Female lambs had higher muscle
      proportions and greater muscle/bone ratios in the carcass side than males. Muscle
      pH, colour, cooking losses and tenderness were not affected by gender and weight
      class. Female lambs and weight classes 8-11kg and >11kg had higher proportions of
      intramuscular fat.

PMID- 22061956
TI  - Softness in dry-cured porcine biceps femoris muscles in relation to meat quality
      characteristics and processing conditions.
AB  - The aim of the study was to quantify the effect of meat quality characteristics
      and some processing conditions on the softness of dry-cured biceps femoris (BF)
      muscles. The BF muscles were dissected from forty hams and classified according
      to their pH(BF) into three groups: LpH (pH<5.66), MpH (5.66?pH?6.00) and HpH
      (pH>6.00). BF muscles within each pH(BF) group were distributed into three
      different Salting levels (1%, 2% or 4% of added NaCl). Muscles were salted,
      vacuum-packed and stored at 3 degrees C for 30 days. The post-salting BF muscles
      were classified into two intramuscular fat (IMF) levels: Low (IMF<4%) and High
      (IMF?4%). Thereafter, the muscles were divided into two pieces and dried at two
      of the three different Drying levels (1.5, 2 and 2.5g H(2)O/g desalted dry
      matter). Then, each piece was divided into two samples that were packed in N(2)
      and stored at 5 degrees C or 30 degrees C for 1 month. Stress Relaxation was used
      to evaluate texture. Dry-cured BF muscles with initial pH>6.0, with IMF>4% or
      with added NaCl levels less than 2% were more prone to show soft texture.
      Softness in dry-cured muscles can be reduced by applying an ageing temperature of
      30 degrees C for 30 days, despite increasing proteolysis. The softness reduction
      by ageing at 30 degrees C compared with 5 degrees C is expected to be higher when
      applied to drier samples, which show a smaller increase in proteolysis.

PMID- 22061957
TI  - Humidification of unwrapped chilled meat on retail display using an ultrasonic
      fogging system.
AB  - The effects of an ultrasonic humidification system on unwrapped meat in a chilled
      retail display cabinet were assessed. Humidification raised the relative humidity
      of the cabinet air from a mean of 76.7% to just below saturation at 98.8%. This
      reduced the mean evaporative weight loss from whole samples of meat after 14h
      from 1.68% to 0.62% of their initial weight. The rate of deterioration in the
      appearance of the meat due to dehydration was reduced to the extent that while
      the unhumidified trial was terminated after 14h because all samples were judged
      to be unacceptable, the humidified trial was continued for 24h without any major
      changes in appearance. Levels of presumptive pseudomonas bacteria were relatively
      high in water samples taken from the humidification system and defrost water
      during the humidified trial, but Legionella spp. were not isolated. Significant
      increases in the numbers of bacteria on the meat during either trial were only
      found in one case, that of humidified minced beef. However, some of the samples
      had high counts even before display, and this may have masked any effect due to
      humidification. Differences in levels of air-borne contamination were small and
      inconsistent. Air temperatures were raised by humidification by between 1 and 2
      degrees C and this was reflected in similarly raised product temperatures.
      Temperatures of air leaving the evaporator indicated that this was due to icing
      of the evaporator in the periods leading up to defrosts.

PMID- 22061958
TI  - Effect of level of linseed on fatty acid composition of muscles and adipose
      tissues of lambs with emphasis on trans fatty acids.
AB  - The effects of linseed content in concentrates on the fatty acid (FA) composition
      of adipose tissues and muscles of lambs were studied in a 2*4 design: males (M)
      vs. females (F) and linseed content (0%, L0, 3%, L3, 6%, L6, 9%, L9). FA
      proportions were determined both on a DB-wax and on a CP-Sil column in perirenal
      (PR), dorsal subcutaneous (SC) adipose tissue and in longissusmus dorsi muscle
      (IM). No effects of linseed contents in the diet on growth performances either in
      male or female lambs were observed. Linseed supplementation tended to decrease
      the fatness score. The proportion of linolenic acid increased linearly with the
      linseed content in the diet, from: 0.6, 0.5, and 0.5% for L0 to 1.9, 1.6, and
      1.3% for L9, in PR, SC and IM, respectively. The increase in n-3 PUFA and in
      total PUFA was similar to that of linolenic acid. The n-6:n-3 ratio decreased
      from 5.7, 5.3 and 5.8 for L0 to 1.8, 1.7 and 2.7 for L9, in PR, SC and IM,
      respectively. There was no change in the proportion of docosahexaenoic acid with
      linseed supplementation. The proportions of C18:1trans-10 and C18:1trans-11 did
      not vary in PR, SC and IM with linseed supplementation. The total proportion of
      trans-octadecenoic acid was high in each tissue type and group of lambs.
      C18:1trans-10 represented about half of the total trans-octadecenoic isomers.
      With an increase in linolenic acid, most cis- and trans-octadecenoic isomers also
      increased, but trans-10 and trans-11 isomers did not and cis-9 and cis-11 isomers
      decreased. With linseed supplementation there was a decrease in the Delta9
      desaturase indices in SC.

PMID- 22061959
TI  - Irradiation effect on fatty acid composition and conjugated linoleic acid isomers
      in frozen lamb meat.
AB  - The effect of gamma radiation processing on the lipid content, fatty acid
      composition and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) profile in frozen lamb meat was
      investigated. Samples of longissimus thoracis muscle from lambs fed lucerne basal
      diets either unsupplemented or supplemented with polyunsaturated vegetable oils
      were irradiated (7kGy) and analysed. CLA contents in lamb meat did not affect
      (P>0.05) the levels of lipid oxidation induced by the irradiation. No significant
      differences (P>0.05) were observed for fatty acid composition, related
      nutritional indexes (n-6/n-3 and PUFA/SFA), as well as for total lipid and CLA
      contents, between non-irradiated (control) and irradiated meat samples. In
      contrast, meat irradiation affected the relative proportions of total trans,trans
      and cis/trans CLA isomers (P<0.001), in addition to the percentage of some minor
      individual CLA isomers (t11,t13 and t9,t11, with P<0.05 and P<0.001,
      respectively). The percentage of total cis/trans CLA isomers slightly decreased
      in irradiated samples, while the relative proportion of total trans,trans isomers
      slightly increased. This observation may be explained by the higher
      susceptibility to autoxidation of the cis double bond relative to the trans
      configuration.

PMID- 22061960
TI  - Effects of the inclusion of sodium bicarbonate and sugar beet pulp in the
      concentrate for fattening lambs on acid-base status and meat characteristics.
AB  - Thirty-six young Merino lambs (15.3kg live weight) were allocated into four equal
      groups to study the effects of the inclusion of sodium bicarbonate ('Bic', 0 vs.
      2%) and sugar beet pulp ('SBP', 0 vs. 12%) in the concentrate on meat
      characteristics. Lambs were fed barley straw and concentrate ad libitum. When
      they reached 25kg a blood sample was taken and the animal slaughtered. After 24h
      meat characteristics (pH, colour, water holding capacity, Warner-Bratzler shear
      force, chemical and fatty acid - 'FA' - composition) were measured on M.
      longissimus thoracis et lumborum. SBP replacing 24% of the barley in the
      concentrate caused an increase in shear force (P<0.05) and saturated FA (P<0.05),
      decreasing meat unsaturated FA (P<0.05). SB increased blood base excess (P<0.05)
      and meat yellowness (P<0.05) and decreased meat pH (P<0.05), without altering any
      other meat characteristics.

PMID- 22061961
TI  - Evaluation of antioxidative properties of Geranium macrorrhizum and Potentilla
      fruticosa extracts in Dutch style fermented sausages.
AB  - Antioxidative properties of Geranium macrorrhizum, Potentilla fruticosa and
      Rosmarinus officinalis (as a reference) extracts were evaluated in Dutch style
      fermented sausages. Extracts were incorporated into sausages during preparation.
      The sausages were subsequently fermented, tested and compared to a standard
      spices mix, traditionally used for the production of such sausages. Formation of
      the primary oxidation products - peroxides, and secondary - TBARS and hexanal was
      monitored. The polar extracts from Potentilla showed some antioxidant activity,
      especially in combination with ascorbate, however the activity was low compared
      to the standard spices mix. Polar extracts from Geranium showed only negligible
      antioxidant activity.

PMID- 22061962
TI  - Ralston andrew lawrie (1924-2007): an appreciation.

PMID- 22061963
TI  - Human ether-a-go-go gene potassium channels are regulated by EGFR tyrosine
      kinase.
AB  - Human ether a-go-go gene potassium channels (hEAG1 or Kv10.1) are expressed in
      brain and various human cancers and play a role in neuronal excitement and tumor
      progression. However, the functional regulation of hEAG channels by signal
      transduction is not fully understood. The present study was therefore designed to
      investigate whether hEAG1 channels are regulated by protein tyrosine kinases
      (PTKs) in HEK 293 cells stably expressing hEAG1 gene using whole-cell patch
      voltage-clamp, immunoprecipitation, Western blot, and mutagenesis approaches. We
      found that the selective epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) kinase inhibitor
      AG556 (10 MUM), but not the platelet growth factor receptor (PDGFR) kinase
      inhibitor AG1295 (10 MUM) or the Src-family inhibitor PP2 (10 MUM), can inhibit
      hEAG1 current, and the inhibitory effect can be reversed by the protein tyrosine
      phosphatase (PTP) inhibitor orthovanadate. Immunoprecipitation and Western blot
      analysis revealed that tyrosine phosphorylation level of hEAG1 channels was
      reduced by AG556, and the reduction was significantly countered by orthovanadate.
      The hEAG1 mutants Y90A, Y344A and Y485A, but not Y376A and Y479A, exhibited
      reduced response to AG556. Interestingly, the inhibition effect of AG556 was lost
      in triple mutant hEAG1 channels at Y90, Y344, and Y485 with alanine. These
      results demonstrate for the first time that hEAG1 channel activity is regulated
      by EGFR kinase at the tyrosine residues Tyr90, Try344, and Try485. This effect is
      likely involved in regulating neuronal activity and/or tumor growth.

PMID- 22061964
TI  - PP2A phosphatase suppresses function of the mesenchymal invasion regulator NEDD9.
AB  - The mesenchymal mode of cancer cell invasion characterized by active adhesion
      turnover and a polarized actin cytoskeleton, is critically regulated by the
      adaptor protein NEDD9/HEF1/Cas-L. While it is known that NEDD9 is subject to
      extensive phosphorylation modification, the molecules that determine NEDD9
      phosphorylation to stimulate adhesion turnover and mesenchymal cell morphologies
      are currently unknown. Earlier studies have suggested that the serine/threonine
      phosphatase PP2A regulates interconversion between a low molecular mass NEDD9
      phosphoform and higher molecular mass phosphoforms. However, previous studies
      have used chemical inhibitors to block PP2A activity. In the present study we
      therefore aimed to specifically inhibit PP2A activity via siRNA and dominant
      negative approaches to investigate the effect of PP2A on interconversion between
      115 kDa and 105 kDa NEDD9 and determine the functional consequence of PP2A
      activity for NEDD9 function. Strikingly, we find that while the phosphatase
      inhibitor Calyculin A indeed abrogates detachment-induced dephosphorylation of
      the 115 kDa NEDD9 phosphoform, PP2A depletion does not inhibit 115 kDa to 105 kDa
      interconversion. Our data suggest instead that PP2A targets discrete NEDD9
      phosphorylation modifications separate to the events that mediate interconversion
      between the two forms. Functionally, PP2A depletion increases NEDD9 mediated cell
      spreading and mutation of S369 in the serine-rich region of NEDD9 to aspartate
      mimics this effect. Importantly, mutation of S369 to alanine abrogates the
      ability of dominant negative PP2A to increase NEDD9-mediated cell spreading.
      Collectively, our data reveal that the tumour suppressor PP2A may act via S369 to
      regulated NEDD9-mediated cell spreading.

PMID- 22061965
TI  - Cloacal exstrophy variant with intravesical phallus: further description of
      anatomy and implications for gender reassignment.
AB  - Variant presentations of cloacal exstrophy are exceedingly rare. Historically,
      genetic males with cloacal extrophy were re-assigned to the female gender due to
      phallic inadequacy. Early recognition of intravesical phallic structures in
      cloacal exstrophy cases may impact gender reassignment discussions and long-term
      gender outcomes. We report the case of a male infant with cloacal exstrophy
      presenting with an intravesical phallus, review and compare the presenting
      anatomical features of the three previously reported cases, and discuss the
      potential impact of these findings on gender reassignment in these complex
      children.

PMID- 22061966
TI  - A systems biology approach to nutritional immunology - focus on innate immunity.
AB  - Innate immunity and nutrient metabolism are complex biological systems that must
      work in concert to sustain and preserve life. The effector cells of the innate
      immune system rely on essential nutrients to generate energy, produce metabolic
      precursors for macromolecule biosynthesis and tune their responses to infectious
      agents. Thus disruptions to nutritional status have a substantial impact on
      immune competence and can result in increased susceptibility to infection in the
      case of nutrient deficiency, or chronic inflammation in the case of over
      nutrition. The traditional, reductionist methods used in the study of nutritional
      immunology are incapable of exploring the extremely complex interactions between
      nutrient metabolism and innate immunity. Here, we review a relatively new
      analytical approach, systems biology, and highlight how it can be applied to
      nutritional immunology to provide a comprehensive view of the mechanisms behind
      nutritional regulation of the innate immune system.

PMID- 22061967
TI  - MARK2/Par-1 guides the directionality of neuroblasts migrating to the olfactory
      bulb.
AB  - In rodents and most other mammals studied, neuronal precursors generated in the
      subventricular zone (SVZ) migrate to the adult olfactory bulb (OB) to
      differentiate into interneurons called granule and periglomerular cells. How the
      newborn cells navigate in the postnatal forebrain to reach precisely their target
      area is largely unknown. However, it is often thought that postnatal neurogenesis
      recapitulates the neuronal development occurring during embryogenesis. During
      brain development, intracellular kinases are key elements for controlling cell
      polarization as well as the coupling between polarization and cellular movement.
      We show here that the polarity kinase MARK2 maintains its expression in the
      postnatal SVZ-OB system. We therefore investigated the potential role of this
      kinase in adjusting postnatal neuroblast migration. We employed mouse brain
      slices maintained in culture, in combination with lentiviral vector injections
      designed to label neuronal precursors with GFP and to diminish the expression of
      MARK2. Time-lapse video microscopy was used to monitor neuroblast migration in
      the postnatal forebrain from SVZ precursors to cells populating the OB. We found
      that reduced MARK2 expression resulted in altered migratory patterns and stalled
      neuroblasts in the rostral migratory stream (RMS). In agreement with the observed
      migratory defects, we report a diminution of the proportion of cells reaching the
      OB layers. Our study reveals the involvement of MARK2 in the maintenance of the
      migratory direction in postnatally-generated neuroblasts and consequently on the
      control of the number of newly-generated neurons reaching and integrating the
      appropriate target circuits.

PMID- 22061968
TI  - Rac1b regulates NT3-stimulated Mek-Erk signaling, directing marrow-isolated adult
      multilineage inducible (MIAMI) cells toward an early neuronal phenotype.
AB  - Due to the limitations of neural stem cells to repair neuronal damage in the
      human brain, alternative approaches of repair using autologous adult stem cells
      have been examined for direct cell-replacement, or paracrine mediated
      neuroprotective effects. Human bone marrow-derived stromal cells (hMSCs) are a
      heterogeneous adult stem cell population with diverse immunomodulatory properties
      and the potential to differentiate into cells characteristic of all three germ
      layers. hMSCs are a renewable source of progenitor cells suitable for cell-based
      tissue repair. The marrow isolated adult multilineage inducible (MIAMI) cells
      developed by our laboratory are a developmentally immature homogeneous
      subpopulation of hMSCs that maintain self-renewal potential during ex vivo
      expansion, efficient differentiation capacity into neuron-like cells in vitro, as
      well as direct in vivo neuroprotection and functional recovery in animal models
      of neurological diseases. We now address the early signaling mechanisms
      regulating the neuron-like differentiation of MIAMI cells in vitro, in response
      to activation of the neurotrophic tyrosine-kinase receptor, type 3 (NTRK3) via
      neurotrophin 3 (NT3). We molecularly characterize a novel role for Rac1b
      mediating the neurogenic potential of MIAMI cells. Rac1b had an overall negative
      modulatory effect on the NT3-stimulated Mek1/2-Erk1/2 signaling pathway,
      proneuronal gene expression and neurite-like extensions. Rac1b was required for
      NT3-stimulated cell proliferation of MIAMI cells, yet was found to repress CCND1
      and CCNB1 mRNA expression independent of NT3 stimulation, suggesting a dual
      neurotrophin dependent/independent function. Differential levels of Rac1b
      activity in hMSCs may explain the apparent contradictory reports regarding their
      neurogenic potential. These findings demonstrate the in vitro neurogenic
      potential of hMSCs as governed by Rac1b during NT3 stimulation.

PMID- 22061969
TI  - Quality of beef loin steaks as influenced by animal age, electrical stimulation
      and ageing.
AB  - The tenderness of beef M. longissimus dorsi muscles from cattle about 1 8 months
      (0-2 tooth) and 54 months (8 tooth) old at the time of slaughter was
      investigated. The influence of electrical stimulation on the mechanical and
      sensory panel assessments obtained for loin steaks was examined at 24 h post
      slaughter and also after ageing three weeks. Effective electrical stimulation of
      the carcasses produced, at 24 h from slaughter, steaks from both age groups which
      were uniform, acceptable and predictable in tenderness. The colour of loin steaks
      from the younger animals was lighter than loin steaks from older animals, while
      the weep in the vacuum packages was less for meat from the older animals than
      that from the younger ones.

PMID- 22061970
TI  - Gelation characteristics of muscle proteins from pale, soft, exudative (PSE)
      pork.
AB  - Thermally induced protein gels were made by using extracted salt-soluble proteins
      from normal pigs and stress-susceptible pigs determined to have pale, soft,
      exudative (PSE) muscle. Effects of heating rates (17,39 and 93 degrees  C/h) at
      various protein concentrations (23, 34, 48 and 54 mg/ml) were evaluated. Gel
      strength of PSE extracts was 45% of the controls at equivalent protein
      concentration. Gel strength of normal and PSE-muscle protein gels from the first
      compression curve increased with increasing protein concentrations at all heating
      rates; however, gel strength was greater for slow heating rates than for fast
      heating rates in both PSE and normal samples. Percent water loss was greater for
      PSE extracts than for controls at the same protein concentration. Losses of 47%
      and 36% for PSE and controls, respectively, were observed at a a protein level of
      54 mg/ml protein. There was no heating rate effect on water losses in either
      case. Protein loss was less, for both PSE and control, at low protein
      concentrations than at high protein content in the range studied. Slow heating
      rates resulted in less protein loss, for both PSE and control, whereas faster
      heating rates gave greater protein losses in the exuded water.

PMID- 22061971
TI  - Species differentiation of heated meat products by DNA hybridization.
AB  - A method for quantitation of pork in heat-treated meat products is described. The
      procedure involves isolation of DNA from meat samples followed by a determination
      of the average size of DNA fragments by agarose gel electrophoresis. The DNA is
      then immobilized on nylon membranes and hybridized with a (32)P-labelled probe
      made from genomic porcine DNA. The signal intensity from filter-bound DNA probe
      is determined by laser densitometry of the autoradiographs. Functional
      relationships between the signal intensity and the fragment size of the DNA as
      well as signal intensity and the amount of pork DNA have been established. Pork
      DNA can therefore be quantified using DNA standards with the same fragment size
      as the actual sample DNA. Samples of known composition and heat treatment have
      been investigated. The detection limit has been determined to approximately 0.1%
      pork in beef whereas for heat-treated samples the detection limit has been
      determined to approximately 0.5% pork in beef. Examples are given in which the
      present method has been applied on commercial canned and cold-stored foods. The
      results of the investigation indicate that the DNA-hybridization technique
      applying (32)P-labelled probes can be used for quantitative determinations in
      quality control of heat-treated meat products.

PMID- 22061972
TI  - Effect of light on colour and reaction of nitrite in sliced pork bologna under
      different chilled storage temperatures.
AB  - The effect of different lighting conditions (darkness and exposure to 1900 +/-
      100 lux) on colour stability, conversion of added nitrite (residual nitrite,
      nitrite converted to nitrate, nitroso heme pigments, and protein-bound nitrite)
      and oxidative rancidity (2-thiobarbituric acid index) in sliced, vacuum-packaged
      pork bologna as a function of storage temperature (0 +/- 1 degrees C and 7 +/- 1
      degrees C) was studied. Colour (redness) losses over the storage period were more
      dependent upon photochemical processes than on thermal processes, and the action
      of temperature on colour was attributable to its effect on microbial growth,
      which in turn also affects oxygen availability. Conversion of nitrite into the
      different fractions studied was chiefly temperature-dependent, but exposure to
      light lowered the residual nitrite content. Nevertheless, the effect of
      illumination on the constant rate of residual nitrite depletion was dependent on
      the storage temperature. Recovery of the added nitrite, i.e. the total of the
      nitrite in all the fractions combined, was highly dependent upon fluctuations in
      the residual nitrite levels and varied over the storage period. Under the
      conditions of the experiment, photo-oxidation did not appear to be a determining
      factor in lipid oxidation.

PMID- 22061973
TI  - Estimation of lamb carcass composition from measurements of the speed of
      ultrasound in the soft tissues of live animals and carcasses.
AB  - The application of the velocity of sound (VOS) technique to lamb carcasses in a
      previous study (Fisher & Page, 1986) measured composition at a hind limb and neck
      site but was not as precise as fat scores in predicting lean proportion. This
      study examines VOS measurements made at sites in the hind limbs and along the
      vertebral column in live sheep and carcasses. A group (A) comprising five breeds
      of males and females (n = 61) and a sub-group (B) of Scottish Blackface castrated
      males (n = 34) were studied, and the reciprocal velocity of ultrasound (RV) was
      measured on the live sheep immediately behind the shoulder and over the last rib
      using a fixed-distance transducer assembly operating at 5 MHz, and in the hind
      limbs at 2.25 MHz using the apparatus described by Miles et al. (1984).
      Corresponding measurements were made on the carcasses which were classified by a
      Meat and Livestock Commission fatstock officer and then dissected. Standard
      deviations of lean proportion were 4.48% (A) and 3.39% (B). The residual standard
      deviations (rsds) for groups A and B respectively were obtained using the
      following predictors: live mass (LM) 4.27% and 2.96%; LM + breed (B) 3.08% (group
      A only); LM + mean RV 2.36% and 2.07%; LM + B + mean RV 1.99% (group A only).
      Using carcass measurements: carcass mass (CM) 4.25% and 2.90%; CM + MLC fat score
      2.99% and 2.12%; CM + RV last rib 2.89% and 2.02%. These data show that VOS
      measurements through dorsal sites of live sheep provide encouragingly precise
      estimates of carcass lean proportion. For carcasses, dorsal sites provide a less
      precise estimate of carcass lean but when carcass mass is included in multiple
      regression the precision of the correlation is comparable with that of multiple
      regression of fat score with carcass mass.

PMID- 22061974
TI  - A study on the possibilities of using 3-methylhistidine to quantify skeletal
      proteins in meat trimmings.
AB  - The aim of the study was to ascertain whether the amino acid 3-methylhistidine
      can be used to quantify skeletal meat protein in meat trimmings. 3-Methyhistidine
      from different carcass trimmings was quantified by a fluorescent HPLC method.
      Four trimmings with three subsamples each were examined. The subsamples were
      analysed in duplicate. The results showed high analytical variations between
      duplicates and subsamples. The average concentration of 3-methylhistidine in the
      four trimmings was 135 MUg/g fat-free and connective tissue-free meat. Compared
      to earlier studies this value is high. Because of the rather high analytical
      variation, further research must be done to evaluate the use of 3-methylhistidine
      as an indicator for skeletal meat proteins in whole carcass trimmings.

PMID- 22061975
TI  - Effect of recombinant porcine somatotropin on body composition and meat quality
      in growing pigs; Interactions with genotype, sex and slaughter weight.
AB  - Body composition in 96 pigs and meat quality in 36 pigs treated with porcine
      somatotropin (rpST) were investigated. Animals included both barrows and gilts
      from Pietrain, F(1) (Dutch Yorkshire * Dutch Landrace) and Duroc and were
      slaughtered at either 100 or 140 kg live weight. Treatment consisted of either 14
      mg rpST or placebo twice weekly and started at 60 kg. Treatment with rpST
      enhanced the proportion of lean parts (on average +2.8% at 100 kg and + 5.5% at
      140 kg) and reduced the proportion of fatty parts (-10.1% and -12.9%
      respectively). The latter tended to be more apparent in fatter animals (Duroc 
      14.5% and -13.3%, barrows -12.0% and -13.7%). Most organs increased in weight,
      especially kidneys (+14.8% at 100 kg and +17.6% at 140 kg). Meat quality
      parameters appeared to be not significantly affected, though intramuscular fat
      percentage was slightly decreased. Administration of rpST led to less fat and
      more uniformity in carcasses and meat quality among genotypes and sexes. No
      serious adverse effects were detected.

PMID- 22061976
TI  - Phosphates and antioxidants as cryoprotectants in meat batters.
AB  - The gelation and rheological properties of minced beef frozen and stored at -18
      degrees C for 6 months without additives, with salt (1.5% NaCl), tripolyphosphate
      (TPP 0.5%), sodium acid pyrophosphate (SAPP 0.5%) and an antioxidant mix (BHA +
      BHT, 200 ppm) were studied. The relationships between shear rate and shear stress
      for the different treatments were nonlinear and resembled the Bingham
      pseudoplastic behaviour. Continuous evaluation of the modulus of rigidity (G)
      during cooking (0.5 degrees C/min) revealed higher G values for the unfrozen
      phosphate treatments. Salt addition resulted in significantly lower G values of
      the stored meat compared to the control. Antioxidant addition retarded some of
      these effects. Among the phosphates, TPP was the best in maintaining the same G
      values as the control. Water-holding capacity (after salt addition) was increased
      after phosphate addition in the unfrozen meat and did not change after storage.
      The control, NaCl and antioxidant treatments showed an increase in WHC during
      storage.

PMID- 22061977
TI  - Use of antioxidants to reduce lipid oxidation and off-odor volatiles of
      irradiated pork homogenates and patties.
AB  - Pork homogenates and patties treated with antioxidants (200 MUM, final) were
      irradiated with an electron beam. Lipid oxidation of the pork homogenates and
      patties were determined at day 0 and 5 and volatile compounds were analyzed soon
      after irradiation. Ionizing radiation accelerated lipid oxidation and produced S
      containing volatiles in pork homogenates and patties. Addition of an antioxidant
      (sesamol, gallate, Trolox, or alpha-tocopherol) and their combinations decreased,
      but carnosine did not affect the production of off-odor volatiles and lipid
      oxidation of pork homogenates and patties by irradiation. Antioxidant
      combinations showed distinct beneficial reduction in lipid oxidation of
      aerobically packaged irradiated pork patties. The effect of antioxidant
      combinations in reducing sulfur volatiles of irradiated pork patties was clearer
      under vacuum than aerobic conditions.

PMID- 22061978
TI  - Physical and sensory properties of low-salt phosphate-free frankfurters composed
      with various ingredients.
AB  - The physical properties and sensory attributes of phosphate-free frankfurters
      were examined using response surface methodology by varying the amounts of five
      compositional variables: salt, modified tapioca starch-, sodium citrate (NaC)-
      and wheat bran and fat in the batter. Altogether, 20 different types of
      frankfurters were prepared. When the frankfurters were made without phosphate,
      additional non-meat ingredients were needed at salt contents of less than 1.5%.
      Modified tapioca starch and sodium citrate decreased frying loss, with the former
      also improving water and fat binding.

PMID- 22061979
TI  - Pork quality variation is not explained by glycolytic enzyme capacity.
AB  - Our objective was to determine if increased glycolytic enzyme capacity
      accommodates rapid glycolysis, which leads to inferior pork color and water
      holding capacity. Progeny from HAL-1843 free Duroc (n=16) or Pietrain (n=16)
      sires were harvested over a 2-week period. Coupled enzyme assays were used to
      quantify total capacity of pyruvate kinase (PK) and phosphofructokinase (PFK) in
      the sarcoplasmic fractions and crude homogenates of longissimus muscle (LM),
      respectively. Capacity of PK was not correlated with LM pH (20, 45, 180 min or 24
      h), purge, drip loss, or CIE L* (P > 0.2). However, PFK capacity was inversely
      related to fluid loss (P<0.05). This finding was unexpected, but may result from
      PFK becoming partially denatured and inactivated by 20 min postmortem in samples
      that undergo a rapid pH decline. These data indicate that lighter pork color and
      reduced water-holding capacity are not associated with an increase in the
      capacity of enzymes that catalyze regulated steps of glycolysis.

PMID- 22061980
TI  - Antioxidant and antimicrobial effects of four garlic-derived organosulfur
      compounds in ground beef.
AB  - The antioxidant and antimicrobial protection of diallyl sulfide (DAS), diallyl
      disulfide (DADS), s-ethyl cysteine (SEC), n-acetyl cysteine (NAC) in ground beef
      against discoloration, lipid oxidation and microbial contamination were studied.
      The exogenous addition of these garlic-derived organosulfur compounds
      significantly delayed both oxymyoglobin and lipid oxidations (P<0.05). The
      antioxidant protection from these organosulfur compounds was dose-dependent
      (P<0.05), and showed significantly greater antioxidant activity than alpha
      tocopherol (P<0.05). The presence of DAS and DADS in ground beef significantly
      reduced total aerobes and inhibited the growth of five inoculated pathogenic
      bacteria, Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria
      monocytogenes, Staphyllococcus aureus and Campylobacter jejuni (P<0.05). These
      results suggested the application of these organosulfur compounds in meat or
      other food systems could enhance color, lipid and microbial safety.

PMID- 22061981
TI  - NaCl content and temperature effects on moisture diffusivity in the Gluteus
      medius muscle of pork ham.
AB  - Dry-cured meat products are salted with different amounts of NaCl and then dried
      under different conditions (temperature and relative humidity) in order to
      stabilize the product. The effective moisture diffusivity values (D(e)) in
      Gluteus medius muscles, unsalted or soaked in different salting solutions (0.02,
      0.05 and 0.08 kg NaCl/kg H(2)O), and dried at different temperatures (5, 13, 19
      and 26  degrees C) and 80% of air relative humidity were determined. Water
      diffusion was only allowed parallel to meat fibre direction. The D(e) values were
      determined by applying Fick's second law. As temperature increased or NaCl
      content decreased, the D(e) increased. At low temperatures, the D(e) was less
      dependent on NaCl content than at higher ones. The energy of activation, obtained
      from the Arrhenius equation, is lower for unsalted compared with salted samples.
      Therefore, the effective moisture diffusivity of salted meat products is more
      sensitive to temperature variations than that of unsalted meat.

PMID- 22061982
TI  - Effect of electrical stunning on meat and carcass quality in lambs.
AB  - The effect on meat quality and the presence of haemorrhages were assessed in head
      only electrically stunned and non-stunned lambs. Colour (L*, a*, b*), muscle
      ultimate pH (pHu), chilling losses and carcass weight at 45 min and 24 h were not
      significantly different between treatments. However, the amount of blood lost
      relative to live body weight and the killing-out were significantly higher
      (P<0.05) in electrically stunned lambs compared with non-stunned lambs. No
      carcasses with petechiae, ecchymosis, haematomas and bone fractures were found in
      either treatment. On the other hand, the incidence of hearts with petechiae was
      significantly (P<0.05) higher in electrically stunned lambs compared with lambs
      slaughtered without prior stunning. It is concluded that meat quality and the
      incidence of haemorrhages are unaffected by head-only electrical stunning for 3 s
      at a constant voltage of 250 V.

PMID- 22061983
TI  - Effect of dietary beta-carotene supplementation on beef color stability during
      display of two muscles from Japanese Black steers.
AB  - Effect of dietary beta-carotene supplementation (7500 mg/head/day) for 28 days
      prior to slaughter on beef color stability during display of M. semimembranosus
      (SM) and M. longissimus lumborum (LL) from Japanese Black steers was studied.
      Steak samples from two muscles were over-wrapped with PVC film and displayed
      under fluorescent lights at 4 degrees C for 12 days. Metmyoglobin percentages of
      steak samples were determined at days 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12. The beta-carotene
      concentration in both muscles was increased (P<0.001) by dietary beta-carotene
      supplementation. Color display-life of muscles was calculated by the metmyoglobin
      threshold method based on a threshold value of 20% metmyoglobin. Color display
      lives of SM and LL were extended 1.5 and 3 days by dietary beta-carotene
      supplementation, respectively.

PMID- 22061984
TI  - Oxidative stability of fermented goat meat sausage with different levels of
      natural antioxidant.
AB  - Goat meat was used for fermented sausage processing. The oxidative stability of
      the fermented goat meat sausage, containing two different levels of natural
      antioxidant (rosemary-Rosmarinus officinalis), at room temperature, was evaluated
      by way of periodical analyses for thiobarbituric reactive substances (TBARS),
      overall acceptance and descriptive sensory profile, for 90 days. The initial
      values for TBARS indicated that lipid oxidation occurred during the processing of
      the fermented sausages. Significant correlations were not found between the TBARS
      values and the sensory analysis, except for an oxidized aroma in the control
      sample and the overall acceptance after 75 days of storage. Formulations
      containing 0.05% rosemary showed the best characteristics in relation to
      oxidative stability, with the lowest initial values for TBARS, the greatest sum
      for the overall acceptance sensory, highest values for red color and lowest
      scores for oxidized aroma and flavor, when compared with the sample containing
      0.025% rosemary.

PMID- 22061985
TI  - Effects of vitamin E supplementation on performance and meat quality traits of
      Morkaraman male lambs.
AB  - This research was carried out to determine the effects of vitamin E
      supplementation on meat quality traits of approximate 8 months of age Morkaraman
      male lambs. The lambs were divided into two groups-control (CG, n=7) and
      experimental (VG, n=6)-at the beginning of fattening period. The diet given to
      the CG and VG consisted of concentrate and grass hay. In addition, the VG
      received a supplement of 45 mg vitamin E per lamb in a day during a 75-day
      fattening period. At the end of the study, average daily weight gain and feed
      conversion efficiency values as to feed basis were found to be 208 g and 6.3 for
      CG and 223 g and 6.0 for VG groups, respectively. Vitamin E supplementation
      resulted in 8.8% improvement in feed conversion efficiency. In the same way,
      vitamin E supplementation resulted in 6.7% increase in daily weight gain.
      Slaughter and carcass characteristics of lambs were also determined, but
      fattening performance, slaughter and carcass characteristics were not
      significantly different between groups. The effects of vitamin E on meat
      characteristics, meat colour (L*, a* and b*), thiobarbituric acid reactive
      substances content (TBARS), drip loss and pH were determined using m. longissimus
      dorsi (LD) muscles obtained from CG and VG. Though the effect of vitamin E
      supplementation on most of the meat quality traits was not statistically
      significant (P>0.05), L* and a* values in LD muscle from VG were preserved for a
      period of 12 days of maturation. In addition, a* (redness) tended to increase
      slightly. TBARS values in samples from CG were found to be higher than those of
      vitamin E treatment group. In this study, it was also concluded that drip loss
      was relatively preserved by vitamin E supplementation. In conclusion, vitamin E
      supplementation of Morkaraman male lambs at an inclusion rate over the amount of
      nutritional recommendations, significantly reduced lipid oxidation, drip loss and
      tended to maintain meat redness.

PMID- 22061986
TI  - Identification and significance of the N-terminal part of swine pyruvate kinase
      in aged Parma hams.
AB  - Within a project aimed at studying the peptide fraction in dry-cured Parma hams,
      a peptide was purified by means of reversed phase-high performance liquid
      chromatography (RP-HPLC) and identified by its molecular mass and amino acid
      sequence analysis. The peptide showed a very high degree of homology with the N
      terminal part of different mammalian pyruvate kinases reported in databases and
      was accordingly identified as the N-terminal part of swine pyruvate kinase, whose
      sequence had never been reported before. The peptide was determined
      quantitatively by comparison with a suitable internal standard (Phe-Phe) in
      commercial ham samples with different age degrees. The peptide was found to be
      ubiquitous in Parma ham and its amount to increase during ageing even if a large
      variability was found within each assayed maturing time. The correlation found
      with the ham proteolysis degree (P<0.01) suggests that this peptide is related to
      the endopeptidasic activity. The peptide did not show a significant relationship
      with bitterness perception in assayed dry-cured ham, in agreement with the
      hypothesis that this taste is more related to free amino acids and low molecular
      weight peptides.

PMID- 22061987
TI  - Mobility of solutes in frozen pork studied by electron spin resonance
      spectroscopy evidence for two phase transition temperatures.
AB  - The mobility of solutes in frozen pork (longissimus dorsi) was studied by X band
      electron spin resonance spectroscopy (ESR) using the three water soluble spin
      probes TEMPOL (4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl), CAT 1 (4
      trimethylammonium-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl) and TEMPO choline (4-(N,N
      dimethyl-N-(2-hydroxyethyl))ammonium-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl). The
      mobility was quantified as the observed hyperfine coupling constant A'(zz). The
      three spin probes, of which only the neutral TEMPOL may penetrate membranes, gave
      very similar values of A'(zz) as a function of the temperature. A'(zz) was
      constant at temperatures below -55  degrees C, whereas A'(zz) decreased as the
      temperature was increased above -55  degrees C. This behavior has been
      interpreted as an increase in the amplitude of the rotational oscillations of the
      spin probes (and other solutes) with temperature. Above -13  degrees C the spin
      probes gave isotropic ESR spectra indicating free rotational mobility in a molten
      liquid phase. These results are discussed in relation to glass transitions in
      frozen pork.

PMID- 22061988
TI  - Early postmortem electrical stimulation simulates PSE pork development.
AB  - Carcasses from 64 gilts were subjected to electrical stimulation (ES) at 3, 15,
      25, 35, 45, and 55 min postmortem or were untreated (NS). Temperature and pH of
      longissimus muscles were recorded at 1, 7, 14, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 min, and 24
      h postmortem. Muscle samples were collected at 1, 30 and 60 min, and 24 h for
      determining glycolytic metabolite concentrations. ES at 3, 15, and 25 min
      resulted in lower (P<0.05) muscle pH, but stimulation after 25 min had no effect
      on muscle pH. Likewise, ES prior to 25 min resulted in greater (P<0.05) muscle
      temperatures. Muscle lactate concentrations were greater (P<0.05) in carcasses
      stimulated before 45 min postmortem. Glucose 6-phosphate concentration decreased
      (P<0.05) during the first hr postmortem and increased (P<0.05) thereafter. ES of
      carcasses at 45 and 55 min resulted in higher (P<0.05) concentrations of muscle
      glucose 6-phosphate at 24 h compared with NS and early-stimulated carcasses.
      Muscle glycogen concentrations at 30 min in carcasses stimulated at 3, 15 and 25
      min were lower (P<0.05) than NS carcasses. Carcasses stimulated at 3 and 15 min
      exhibited lower (P<0.05) concentrations of muscle glycogen at 60 min than NS
      carcasses. Carcasses stimulated at 3 and 15 min postmortem exhibited lower
      (P<0.05) color and firmness scores, while ES at 3 and 25 min postmortem resulted
      in lower (P<0.05) water holding capacity. ES had no significant effect on CIE
      L(*), a(*), b(*), or 24 h muscle pH. These data show that ES of pork carcasses
      during the first 25 min postmortem creates PSE-like quality characteristics and
      suggest that ES is a potential model for studying pork quality development.

PMID- 22061989
TI  - The potential impact of current animal research on the meat industry and consumer
      attitudes towards meat.
AB  - Progress in animal nutrition, reproduction, quantitative genetics, and the
      development of molecular genetics, proteomics, and functional genomics open new
      perspectives for the meat sector. The most promising developments include a wider
      utilisation of molecular markers, the possibilities of semen sexing and the
      targeted use of nutrition to modify the composition of meat. The increased use of
      biotechnology will have a considerable impact on the economics of production of
      meat and further processed products. New technologies will increase the
      possibilities for product differentiation and improve homogeneity of live
      animals. The consumer and society in general will influence the direction of
      these developments. This review will focus on the long-term impact of new
      technologies for the meat production chain.

PMID- 22061990
TI  - Chemical composition of pig meat from the genetic type 'Casertana' and its
      crossbreeds.
AB  - The meat quality of the autochthonous genetic type Casertana (Ca) and its
      crossbreeds was evaluated for the production of pork for fresh consumption and/or
      processing. The chemical composition of the fresh meat was determined on eight
      muscles of 143 pigs of six genetic types, of both sexes and slaughtered at three
      different live weights. The most important results of fixed analysis of variance
      showed that the first order interactions are statistically important in
      determining most of the analytical data considered; muscle is an important factor
      for ash content. On average, the dry matter percentage is higher in the
      Casertana; the opposite is observed in the Ca * [Landrace (L) * Large White
      (LW)]. The protein content, in relation to dry matter, is lower in the Casertana
      and higher in Ca * (L * LW) and L * (L * LW). The opposite results were observed
      for lipid contents and energy value. The ash content ranges from 4.8% in Ca to
      5.3% in Ca * Duroc (Du). However, the above trends vary in relation to sex, live
      weight at slaughter and muscle. Females, compared with males, supply meat with
      high lipid contents and energy values. The protein content, by contrast, is
      higher in males. As the live weight at slaughter increases from 80-90 to 120-130
      kg, the protein content rises, while the ash value decreases. In meat obtained
      from females no significant differences are observed in the analytical data from
      80-90 to 120-130 kg, while in that from males the protein content increases, and
      the lipid content and energy value decrease. The Longissimus dorsi muscle (both
      at thoracic and lumbar level) has the highest content of dry matter, while the
      Supraspinatus and the Rectus femoris have the lowest. The Rectus femoris has the
      highest protein content and Semitendinosus the lowest. The opposite holds for
      lipid content and energy value; such results confirm the histochemical
      individuality of the muscle. The dry matter content of the 'bacon' cut is higher
      in the Casertana pigs and lower in L * (L * LW), which is due, in part, to the
      higher lipid content and lower protein content found in the former.

PMID- 22061991
TI  - Effect of dietary vitamin E supplementation on the shelf life of cured pork
      sausage.
AB  - This study examined the shelf life of cured sausage under different packaging
      conditions from vitamin E supplemented pigs. One group (n=6) of crossbred pigs
      received a normal fattening diet containing 20 ppm alpha-tocopherol for 39 days
      before slaughter. Another group was fed a diet containing 410 ppm alpha
      tocopherol during the same period. After slaughter, cured sausages were produced,
      packaged under three different atmospheric conditions, ripened for 4 weeks and
      then stored for 8 weeks (9  degrees C; 200 lux). The alpha-tocopherol content was
      recorded in the fat, liver, muscles and the sausage. TBARS, L*, a*, b* values and
      antioxidative capacity were evaluated in the sausage during storage. The results
      showed a transfer of vitamin E into tissues and sausage but no detectable effect
      on TBARS and colour stability. However, antioxidative effects of vitamin E were
      seen by provocation. Probably the effect of vitamin E in the sausage was masked
      by nitrite in the curing salt. The oxygen content of the packs had an influence
      on TBARS and colour stability.

PMID- 22061992
TI  - Carcass classification in suckling lambs. Discrimination ability of the European
      Union scale.
AB  - Forty-nine Manchega suckling lambs were used in this trial. Lambs were
      slaughtered at 10, 12 and 14 kg liveweight (cold carcass weight lower than 13
      kg). The degree of fatness was assessed by three assessors on colour photographs
      of the carcasses, using the European Union scale for light lambs (EU), and
      another new scale developed in our laboratory (Suckling Lamb scale, SL). Carcass
      degree of fatness was reassessed using the same scales divided into 0.25 point
      intervals (EUI, SLI). Carcasses were allocated into four groups by means of a
      tree classification algorithm (cluster analysis), according to 27 variates,
      namely muscle percentage, whole fat percentage, subcutaneous fat, intermuscular
      fat, kidney knob and channel fat percentage and muscle percentage, both in the
      carcass and in three joints (leg, best end neck plus loin, and shoulder). SL
      scale groups showed a higher number of variates well correlated to assessors'
      scoring than EU scale groups. Nevertheless, the EU scale showed significant
      between-groups differences in a higher number of variates (P<0.01). Using 0.25
      points interval scales, EUI scale scoring was the best correlated to tissue
      composition. However, most variates were better correlated to dorsal fat
      thickness measurement (4 cm back from last rib and 4 cm from the carcass midline)
      than to assessors' scoring. All four groups in the tree classification were
      statistically different from one another, but assessors only were able to detect
      differences between whole fat percentage in group 1 and the rest. These results
      suggest that it is possible to improve the photographic standards of the EU
      method by using a 0.25 points interval scale. In abattoir conditions, the new SL
      method (1.0 point intervals) proved to be better. Measure of dorsal fat thickness
      proved to be a very good predictor of carcass tissue composition, but it is a
      more expensive measure.

PMID- 22061993
TI  - Evaluation of pork colour sensory colour assessment using trained and untrained
      sensory panellists.
AB  - M. longissimus dorsi and M. psoas major minced pork patties from three dietary
      treatment groups of DLY (Duroc/Landrace/Yorkshire) cross bred pigs were packaged
      in polythene bags and placed in a retail refrigerated display cabinet at 5+/-1 
      degrees C, under fluorescent light (1000 lux) for up to 5 days. Each dietary
      treatment group consisted of pigs (n=7) fed either a low vitamin E diet (80 mg dl
      alpha-tocopheryl acetate/kg of feed), supplemental iron [7 g iron (II)
      sulphate/kg feed] or supplemental vitamin E (200mg dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate/kg
      of feed)+supplemental iron. Samples were subjected to visual colour evaluation by
      a trained sensory panel (n=8) and an untrained panel (n=8) on days 0, 1, 3 and 5
      of display. The signal to noise (S/N) ratios for assessors and replicates for the
      trained assessor group were higher than those of the untrained assessor group
      indicating greater reliability in the trained assessor results. The trained
      assessor group produced relatively normal percentile distributions for sensory
      terms in the assessment of both M. longissimus dorsi and M. psoas major muscles.
      The untrained assessor group displayed more skewed or non-symmetric distributions
      for M. longissimus dorsi, but produced a normal distribution for M. psoas major.
      Quantitative and qualitative analysis of the sensory profiling by both the
      trained and untrained groups of test subjects showed that in general sensory
      training contributed to a more effective visual sensory evaluation of M.
      longissimus dorsi in terms of metmyoglobin development. However, this is not the
      case for M. psoas major where both groups of assessors produced comparable
      results. Use of uniploar scaling did not improve the discriminative ability of
      assessors, both trained and untrained, in assessment of blue and yellow. The
      untrained group of assessors were even less effective in the use of these scales.
      It appeared that the sensory visual assessment of meat products can be performed
      effectively without training when the product colour is familiar to the
      assessors. However, training of panellists becomes relevant when a more
      unfamiliar product of unfamiliar colour is to be assessed and the unintuitive
      aspect of discrimination may play a greater role in the objective sensory colour
      assessment of meat.

PMID- 22061994
TI  - Phenotypic variations of muscle fibre and intramuscular fat traits in Longissimus
      muscle of F(2) population Duroc*Berlin Miniature Pig and relationships to meat
      quality.
AB  - In Longissimus muscle from a F(2) population of Duroc*Berlin Miniature Pigs,
      micro-structural fibre traits and fatty acid composition were investigated to
      calculate correlation coefficients between these traits and meat quality. The
      animals of the F(2) population exhibited low carcass weight (55.7+/-11.2 kg), low
      meat percentage (35.0+/-8.4%) but a relatively high intramuscular fat content
      (3.52+/-1.44%) compared to pure bred animals (F(0)). No unacceptable meat quality
      was observed. The variation coefficients of carcass composition, muscle fibre
      traits, and fat traits were high enough to allow the analysis of candidate genes
      which influence the growth of muscle fibres, fat cells, and meat quality.
      Phenotypic correlation coefficients between muscle fibre characteristics and meat
      quality traits were low whereas fatty acid composition and meat quality were more
      closely related. The correlation coefficients between muscle fibre traits and
      fatty acid composition ranged from 0.10 to 0.40. The relationship between a low
      quotient of n-6/n-3 fatty acids in muscle and greater fibre sizes, higher
      percentages of the oxidative fibre type and higher capillary density was
      noteworthy indicating good conditions for muscle growth and meat quality.

PMID- 22061996
TI  - Possible improvement of CBCT scan.

PMID- 22061997
TI  - Analysis of calcium signaling pathways in plants.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Calcium serves as a versatile messenger in many adaptation and
      developmental processes in plants. Ca2+ signals are represented by stimulus
      specific spatially and temporally defined Ca2+ signatures. These Ca2+ signatures
      are detected, decoded and transmitted to downstream responses by a complex
      toolkit of Ca2+ binding proteins that function as Ca2+ sensors. SCOPE OF REVIEW:
      This review will reflect on advancements in monitoring Ca2+ dynamics in plants.
      Moreover, it will provide insights in the extensive and complex toolkit of plant
      Ca2+ sensor proteins that relay the information presented in the Ca2+ signatures
      into phosphorylation events, changes in protein-protein interaction or regulation
      of gene expression. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS: Plants' response to signals is encoded by
      different Ca2+ signatures. The plant decoding Ca2+ toolkit encompasses different
      families of Ca2+ sensors like Calmodulins (CaM), Calmodulin-like proteins (CMLs),
      Ca2+-dependent protein kinases (CDPKs), Calcineurin B-like proteins (CBLs) and
      their interacting kinases (CIPKs). These Ca2+ sensors are encoded by complex gene
      families and form intricate signaling networks in plants that enable specific,
      robust and flexible information processing. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE: This review
      provides new insights about the biochemical regulation, physiological functions
      and of newly identified target proteins of the major plant Ca2+ sensor families.
      This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Biochemical, biophysical and
      genetic approaches to intracellular calcium signaling.

PMID- 22061998
TI  - Alg14 organizes the formation of a multiglycosyltransferase complex involved in
      initiation of lipid-linked oligosaccharide biosynthesis.
AB  - Protein N-glycosylation begins with the assembly of a lipid-linked
      oligosaccharide (LLO) on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane. The first two
      steps of LLO biosynthesis are catalyzed by a functional multienzyme complex
      comprised of the Alg7 GlcNAc phosphotransferase and the heterodimeric Alg13/Alg14
      UDP-GlcNAc transferase on the cytosolic face of the ER. In the Alg13/14
      glycosyltransferase, Alg14 recruits cytosolic Alg13 to the ER membrane through
      interaction between their C-termini. Bioinformatic analysis revealed that
      eukaryotic Alg14 contains an evolved N-terminal region that is missing in
      bacterial orthologs. Here, we show that this N-terminal region of Saccharomyces
      cerevisiae Alg14 localize its green fluorescent protein fusion to the ER
      membrane. Deletion of this region causes defective growth at 38.5 degrees C that
      can be partially complemented by overexpression of Alg7. Coimmunoprecipitation
      demonstrated that the N-terminal region of Alg14 is required for direct
      interaction with Alg7. Our data also show that Alg14 lacking the N-terminal
      region remains on the ER membrane through a nonperipheral association, suggesting
      the existence of another membrane-binding site. Mutational studies guided by the
      3D structure of Alg14 identified a conserved alpha-helix involved in the second
      membrane association site that contributes to an integral interaction and protein
      stability. We propose a model in which the N- and C-termini of Alg14 coordinate
      recruitment of catalytic Alg7 and Alg13 to the ER membrane for initiating LLO
      biosynthesis.

PMID- 22061999
TI  - Production of active human glucocerebrosidase in seeds of Arabidopsis thaliana
      complex-glycan-deficient (cgl) plants.
AB  - There is a clear need for efficient methods to produce protein therapeutics
      requiring mannose-termination for therapeutic efficacy. Here we report on a
      unique system for production of active human lysosomal acid beta-glucosidase
      (glucocerebrosidase, GCase, EC 3.2.1.45) using seeds of the Arabidopsis thaliana
      complex-glycan-deficient (cgl) mutant, which are deficient in the activity of N
      acetylglucosaminyl transferase I (EC 2.4.1.101). Gaucher disease is a prevalent
      lysosomal storage disease in which affected individuals inherit mutations in the
      gene (GBA1) encoding GCase. A gene cassette optimized for seed expression was
      used to generate the human enzyme in seeds of the cgl (C5) mutant, and the
      recombinant GCase was mainly accumulated in the apoplast. Importantly, the
      enzymatic properties including kinetic parameters, half-maximal inhibitory
      concentration of isofagomine and thermal stability of the cgl-derived GCase were
      comparable with those of imiglucerase, a commercially available recombinant human
      GCase used for enzyme replacement therapy in Gaucher patients. N-glycan
      structural analyses of recombinant cgl-GCase showed that the majority of the N
      glycans (97%) were mannose terminated. Additional purification was required to
      remove ~15% of the plant-derived recombinant GCase that possessed potentially
      immunogenic (xylose- and/or fucose-containing) N-glycans. Uptake of cgl-derived
      GCase by mouse macrophages was similar to that of imiglucerase. The cgl seed
      system requires no addition of foreign (non-native) amino acids to the mature
      recombinant GCase protein, and the dry transgenic seeds represent a stable
      repository of the therapeutic protein. Other strategies that may completely
      prevent plant-like complex N-glycans are discussed, including the use of a null
      cgl mutant.

PMID- 22062000
TI  - Functional roles of effectors of plant-parasitic nematodes.
AB  - Plant pathogens have evolved a variety of different strategies that allow them to
      successfully infect their hosts. Plant-parasitic nematodes secrete numerous
      proteins into their hosts. These proteins, called effectors, have various
      functions in the plant cell. The most studied effectors to date are the plant
      cell wall degrading enzymes, which have an interesting evolutionary history since
      they are believed to have been acquired from bacteria or fungi by horizontal gene
      transfer. Extensive genome, transcriptome and proteome studies have shown that
      plant-parasitic nematodes secrete many additional effectors. The function of many
      of these is less clear although during the last decade, several research groups
      have determined the function of some of these effectors. Even though many
      effectors remain to be investigated, it has already become clear that they can
      have very diverse functions. Some are involved in suppression of plant defences,
      while others can specifically interact with plant signalling or hormone pathways
      to promote the formation of nematode feeding sites. In this review, the most
      recent progress in the understanding of the function of plant-parasitic nematode
      effectors is discussed.

PMID- 22062001
TI  - Molecular cloning and functional characterization of the porcine extracellular
      domain of Receptor Activator of NF-kappaB Ligand (sRANKL).
AB  - Receptor Activator of NF-kappaB Ligand (RANKL) plays a pivotal role as a
      regulator of osteoclast activity and is involved in osteoporosis. Here, we report
      the cloning and functional characterization of the complete extracellular domain
      of the porcine RANKL gene (sRANKL). The porcine sRANKL cDNA has an ORF of 744
      nucleotides and shares 87%, 80% and 80% identity with human, rat and mouse RANKL
      coding sequences, respectively. The protein consists of 247 amino acids with 90%,
      81% and 80% sequences similarities compared to human, mouse and rat RANKL,
      respectively. Over-expression of porcine sRANKL led to osteoclast formation. The
      osteoclasts showed a characteristic morphology, expressed the carbonic anhydrase
      type 2, were TRACP positive and exhibited a bone-resorbing activity. In
      conclusion, we first describe the molecular cloning and functional
      characterization of porcine sRANKL, which will help to understand the function of
      a RANKL gene in large animal models.

PMID- 22062002
TI  - Irradiation effects on meat color - a review.
AB  - Color changes in irradiated fresh meat occur because of the susceptibility of the
      myoglobin molecule, especially the iron, to alterations in the chemical
      environment and to energy input. The potential for iron electrons to exist in
      various states makes the environment adjacent to the iron atom particularly
      vulnerable to the presence of electron-donating compounds and high energy inputs
      (irradiation). Initial condition of the myoglobin (Fe(++)?O(2), Fe(+++)),
      modification of oxidation-reduction potential of the tissue, and generation of
      ligand-forming compounds (CO) from endogenous organic compounds and water are
      enhanced or suppressed depending on the gas atmosphere, temperature, pH and
      myoglobin concentration of the system. Generation of stable red pigments or brown
      pigments which become red over time appears to be due to binding of irradiation
      generated reactive oxygen species (()O(2)(-)) or gasses (CO) which become ligands
      bound by iron under altered reducing conditions. Rapid generation of large
      amounts of metmyoglobin when irradiation is conducted in an oxygen-containing
      environment appears to be an acceleration of the normal process by which
      myoglobin undergoes oxidation. Generation of green pigments appears to be due to
      breakdown of the porphyrin integrity and/or formation of sulfmyoglobin.
      Maintenance of ideal meat color during irradiation can be enhanced by various
      combinations of pre-slaughter feeding of antioxidants to livestock, optimizing
      the condition of the meat prior to irradiation, addition of antioxidants, gas
      atmosphere (MAP), packaging, and temperature control.

PMID- 22062003
TI  - Effect of vitamin E, low dose irradiation, and display time on the quality of
      pork.
AB  - A 4*2*3 factorial experiment was designed to investigate the effect of
      supplemental vitamin E (0, 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg feed), irradiation and days in
      display on quality characteristics of aerobically packaged ground pork and vacuum
      packaged loin chops. Color, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS),
      olfactory and sensory characteristics were evaluated. Samples held in display for
      3 d were used for sensory evaluation. In the ground pork, irradiation (1.9 kGy)
      increased "wetdog" flavor, increased a(*) (redness) and decreased L(*)
      (lightness) and b(*) (yellowness) values but had no effect on TBARS. However, as
      display time (0, 4, and 8 days) increased; the differences in a(*) values
      diminished and putrefying and fishy odors were higher in non-irradiated samples
      than irradiated. Supplemented vitamin E had no effect on TBARS, odor, and color
      measures; but increased the juiciness of ground pork regardless of irradiation.
      Similarly, in the loin chops, irradiation (1.5 kGy) increased a(*) value and
      "wetdog" flavor; but decreased b(*) value regardless of vitamin E
      supplementation. Also, irradiation reduced putrefying, and fishy odors during
      longer display times. TBARS increased with increased display time but was not
      affected by vitamin E supplementation. These results indicate that in aerobically
      packaged ground pork and vacuum packaged loin chops, radiolytic odors and color
      changes cannot be mediated with vitamin E supplementation. Display time and
      irradiation are significant in determining color and odor changes.

PMID- 22062004
TI  - A comparison of the aroma volatiles and fatty acid compositions of grilled beef
      muscle from Aberdeen Angus and Holstein-Friesian steers fed diets based on silage
      or concentrates.
AB  - This paper compares the volatile compound and fatty acid compositions of grilled
      beef from Aberdeen Angus and Holstein-Friesian steers slaughtered at 14 months,
      each breed fed from 6 months on either cereal-based concentrates or grass silage.
      Linoleic acid levels were higher in the muscle of concentrates-fed animals, which
      in the cooked meat resulted in increased levels of several compounds formed from
      linoleic acid decomposition. Levels of alpha-linolenic acid, and hence some
      volatile compounds derived from this fatty acid, were higher in the meat from the
      silage-fed steers. 1-Octen-3-ol, hexanal, 2-pentylfuran, trimethylamine, cis- and
      trans-2-octene and 4,5-dimethyl-2-pentyl-3-oxazoline were over 3 times higher in
      the steaks from the concentrates-fed steers, while grass-derived 1-phytene was
      present at much higher levels in the beef from the silage-fed steers. Only slight
      effects of breed were observed.

PMID- 22062005
TI  - Effect of vitamin C addition to ground beef from grass-fed or grain-fed sources
      on color and lipid stability, and prediction of fatty acid composition by near
      infrared reflectance analysis.
AB  - Research was conducted to determine the effect of postmortem vitamin C addition
      (VITC) versus no VITC (CONTROL) to ground beef from grass-fed (GRASS) or grain
      fed (GRAIN) sources on color and lipid stability during 8 days of illuminated
      display at 4  degrees C. The use of near-infrared reflectance (NIR) spectroscopy
      to predict the fatty acid composition of ground beef and its potential to
      discriminate samples from different nutritional backgrounds were also evaluated.
      Total lipid content of ground beef was 53% lower (P<0.05) for GRASS than GRAIN.
      Ground beef from GRASS had greater (P<0.01) percentages of saturated (SFA) and
      polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acids, and lower (P<0.01) percentages of
      monounsaturated (MUFA) fatty acids than GRAIN. For GRAIN, VITC reduced (P<0.01)
      lipid oxidation, and resulted in darker (P<0.01) and redder (P<0.01) color of the
      ground beef from 2 to 8 days of display compared to CONTROL. For GRASS, lipid
      oxidation did not differ (P>0.05) for VITC and CONTROL. VITC improved (P<0.01)
      color stability by prolonging more red color in GRASS during 8 days of display.
      Results from partial least squares modeling showed accurate predictions using NIR
      for total saturated [standard error of performance (SEP=1.16%), coefficient of
      determination on the validation set (r(2)=0.87)] and unsaturated (SEP=1.18% and
      r(2)=0.90) fatty acid contents of ground beef, as well as the composition of
      stearic, oleic, and linolenic (SEP=1.2%, 1.27%, and 0.07%; r(2)=0.91, 0.92, and
      0.93, respectively). However, the composition of other individual fatty acids was
      poorly predicted. VITC was effective in retarding pigment oxidation in ground
      beef from both GRAIN and GRASS; however, VITC reduced lipid oxidation in GRAIN
      samples only, despite higher PUFA percentages in GRASS. NIR can be used to
      predict accurately the content of total saturated and unsaturated, and stearic,
      oleic, and linolenic fatty acids in ground beef. NIR showed potential to
      discriminate meat samples originating from different feeding production systems.

PMID- 22062006
TI  - Sensory characteristics of Iberian ham: Influence of salt content and processing
      conditions.
AB  - Sensory characteristics of Semimembranosus and Biceps femoris muscles from 24 dry
      cured Iberian hams were assessed. Hams were salted with different amounts of salt
      (6% and 3% w/w) and then ripened at different temperature conditions (traditional
      processing vs. modified processing). Hams manufactured using modified processing
      showed higher scores for dryness (P<0.05), hardness (P<0.05) and rancid flavour
      (P<0.001) in the Semimembranosus muscle than those processed in a traditional
      way. The Biceps femoris muscle of hams salted with 6% of salt was drier (P<0.05),
      harder (P<0.05) and more fibrous (P<0.01) than in hams salted with 3% salt. Salty
      taste was more intense in the Semimembranosus and Biceps femoris from hams with a
      higher level of salt (P<0.01 and P<0.001, respectively). A more intense rancidity
      in hams ripened in modified processing could affect the overall aroma. A decrease
      in salt content produces less salty hams, but the changes in texture traits
      should be also considered.

PMID- 22062007
TI  - Influence of dietary lysine level, pre-slaughter fasting, and rendement napole
      genotype on fresh pork quality.
AB  - Sixty-four gilts from a commercial hybrid line were selected based on rendement
      napole (RN) genotype and live weight to evaluate the effects of feeding a lysine
      deficient diet and feed withdrawal prior to slaughter on fresh pork quality.
      Glycolytic potential was measured and the bimodal distribution was utilized to
      predict RN genotype. Diets containing 4.8 (deficient) or 6.4 g/kg lysine were fed
      for the last six weeks prior to slaughter. Feed withdrawal treatments were
      imposed 12 or 36 h prior to slaughter. The lysine-deficient diet increased
      intramuscular fat content; however, feed withdrawal did not consistently impact
      fresh pork quality. Pork from RN carriers had a lower ultimate pH and Hunter
      L(*). Results from this study suggest that feeding a lysine-deficient diet can
      increase the intramuscular fat content of both RN genotypes, but feed withdrawal
      did not impact pork quality.

PMID- 22062008
TI  - Reducing toughness of beef from Bos indicus draught steers by injection of
      calcium chloride: Effect of concentration and time postmortem.
AB  - Calcium chloride (CaCl(2)) solution in concentrations of 0, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4 M
      was injected at 10% (wt/wt) either 45 min or 24 h postmortem into longissimus
      dorsi muscles of eight draught steers discharged from work and >4 years of age.
      Shear force, after 7 days of aging, declined by CaCl(2) injection by up to 50% of
      control, depending on CaCl(2) concentration. Prerigor treatment was twice as
      efficient as postrigor injection. Collagen content and solubility were less
      clearly affected. Sensory tenderness scores were higher by 50% with all CaCl(2)
      concentrations, but only with prerigor treatment. A bitter taste was noted only
      with the highest concentration of CaCl(2), but overall acceptance did not
      increase with CaCl(2) concentration. CaCl(2) enhanced electrical conductivity,
      reduced redness and luminosity, and increased drip and thawing loss, but not
      boiling loss, of longissiumus dorsi. Results indicate a high potential of CaCl(2)
      treatment in extraordinarily tough meat.

PMID- 22062009
TI  - Fatty acids and triacylglycerols profiles from different types of Iberian dry
      cured hams.
AB  - Thirty hams were allotted into four groups according to fattening diet
      ("Montanera" - acorns and pasture; and "Pienso" - concentrated diet) and genotype
      of pigs (Iberian and Iberian*Duroc pigs). Total lipids, triacylglycerol
      composition and fatty acids from neutral lipids fraction were measured in biceps
      femoris muscle. Fattening diet largely affected lipid composition of hams. Total
      intramuscular lipids and triacylglycerols content were higher in Montanera hams
      than in Pienso hams. In Montanera hams, triacylglycerols contained more oleic
      acid (C18:1) and less stearic (C18:0) and palmitic (C16:0) acids (p<0.001) and
      accordingly less PSO, PPL, PPO, PPS, SSO (p<0.001) and more OLL, OOL, OOO
      triacylglycerols compared to Pienso hams (p<0.001). Genotype of pigs has an
      important effect in triacylglycerols composition but only a limited effect on
      their fatty acids composition. So, Iberian hams contained more of PLLn, PLL, POLn
      and POL+SLL compared to Iberian*Duroc hams (p<0.001) and POO and SOO were present
      in a higher quantity in Iberian*Duroc hams (p<0.01).

PMID- 22062010
TI  - Physicochemical, functional and microbiological quality of buffalo liver.
AB  - Buffalo liver is an important edible meat byproduct. However, in developing
      countries including India, it has a low commercial value and is underutilized.
      The present investigation was conducted to provide basic information on
      physicochemical, functional and microbiological quality of buffalo liver.
      Proximate composition was: moisture - 71.92%, protein - 18.44%, fat - 5.60%,
      carbohydrate - 2.72%, total ash - 1.32% and total energy - 135 kcal. Mineral
      concentrations (mg%) in liver were: Na - 60.04, K - 274, Ca - 5.60, Mg - 6.20, Fe
      - 20.86 and Cu - 5.60. Mean glycogen (mg/g), total liver pigments (mg/g) and
      cholesterol (mg%) were 7.07,8.49 and 283.88, respectively. The mean pH values of
      buffalo liver was 6.42, WHC - 38 ml per 100 g and cooking yield was 73.15%.
      Protein extractability studies indicated that liver contains higher amounts of
      water-soluble proteins (20-40%) than salt soluble proteins (7-15%) and presence
      of high molecular weight proteins in salt soluble protein fractions. The average
      microbial counts (log(10) cfu/g) for different organisms were APC - 6.10;
      psychrotrophs - 4.30; enterobacteriaceae counts - 4.97; staphylococcal counts
      2.50 and total coliforms - 2.82.

PMID- 22062011
TI  - The effect of fructooligosaccharides on the sensory characteristics of cooked
      sausages.
AB  - The effect of a short chain fructooligosaccharide on the sensory properties of
      conventional and reduced-fat cooked meat sausages has been studied in products in
      which a fat reduction of close to 40% was obtained. The fibre assayed was used in
      sufficient amounts to constitute between 2% and 12% of the final product. The
      energy value reduction of the final products was close to 35%. Instrumental
      measurements of colour and texture were performed. Sensory properties were
      estimated by a hedonic test. A correlation principal component analysis was
      performed. The results showed that the sensory and textural properties and the
      overall acceptability were very good, which indicated that this fibre can be
      considered a good fat replacer in meat products. Thus, with its addition, a
      reduced calorie product enriched with soluble dietetic fibre is obtained.

PMID- 22062012
TI  - Colour of subcutaneous adipose tissue and M. longissimus dorsi of high index
      dairy and beef*dairy cattle slaughtered at two liveweights as bulls and steers.
AB  - The objectives of this study were (a) to compare muscle and adipose tissue colour
      of male progeny of two strains of high genetic merit Friesian cows (New Zealand
      [NZF] and Irish [DAF]) with those of beef (Belgian Blue)*dairy (Holstein
      Friesian) [BBHF] male progeny; (b) to compare bulls and steers (gender) of these
      genotypes and (c) to examine the effects of slaughter weight (SW) on these
      quality traits. Bulls (n=48) and steers (n=48) of the three genotypes were grown
      to nominal target liveweights of 550 kg (light) and 630 kg (heavy). Adipose
      tissue from the NZF genotype was more yellow (P<0.05) than from DAF or BBHF,
      regardless of gender or SW. For longissimus dorsi (LD) pH, bulls and heavy
      animals had higher pH (P<0.05) than steers or light animals, respectively, while
      NZF and BBHF bulls had higher pH than steers. LD muscle from the BBHF genotype
      had lighter colour (P<0.05) and lower haem pigments (P<0.01) than NZF or DAF
      progeny. There was no difference in muscle 'L' value between light bulls and
      steers but heavy bulls had darker muscle than heavy steers. There was an
      interaction between genotype, gender and SW for LD redness. Thus, NZF animals
      were most red when slaughtered as light or heavy bulls, but there were no
      differences between genotypes slaughtered as light or heavy steers. These data
      demonstrate differences in colour of beef, especially from progeny of NZF, which
      produced the most yellow adipose tissue and the most red muscle tissue.

PMID- 22062013
TI  - Quantification of salt concentrations in cured pork by computed tomography.
AB  - Eight pork loin samples were mounted in Plexiglas cylinders and cured for five
      days. Samples were scanned by computed tomography (CT) once every 24 h. At the
      end of the experiment, the cylinders were cut in 1 cm sections and analyzed for
      chloride. From image analysis of the CT images, concentration profiles were
      extracted and fitted to a diffusion model which included a term to account for a
      non-negligible mass transfer coefficient. It was found that CT provides accurate
      estimates of salt gradients in meat and it was suggested that this analytical
      method could be valuable in scientific research and product development.

PMID- 22062014
TI  - Shelf life characteristics of enhanced modified atmosphere packaged pork.
AB  - The objective of these studies was to identify a chemical indicator for
      predicting performance of enhanced pork during storage, then select raw materials
      with the potential for color and shelf life instability and enhance them with
      antimicrobial solutions in an attempt to overcome their initial deficits. The
      purpose of Study 1 was to evaluate the use of pH, glycolytic potential, and
      glucose levels in the drip to assess shelf life characteristics of modified
      atmosphere packaged (MAP), enhanced pork loin chops during display. Chops from
      higher pH carcasses had higher color scores and aerobic plate counts, and less
      discoloration. Study 2 evaluated shelf life characteristics of chops derived from
      high pH (>5.75) raw materials enhanced with solutions containing salt and
      phosphate, and/or lactate and/or acetate. Overall, pH was the best indicator of
      color and microbiological stability. Raw materials with high ultimate pH were
      least stable. MAP chops derived from high pH raw materials and enhanced with a
      sodium acetate-containing solutions had better color and microbiological shelf
      life than those enhanced with other solutions.

PMID- 22062015
TI  - A note on histamine levels in Turkish style fermented sausages.
AB  - The histamine contents of Turkish style fermented sausages were determined on 46
      samples of five different brands obtained from retail stores in Van in Turkey.
      Histamine was found in all samples in the range 19.64-87.47 mg/kg (mean 32.13
      mg/kg). Histamine levels in the brands differed significantly (P<0.01). The
      results suggest that the histamine levels in the sausages were not hazardous in
      terms of public health although they may be a potential risk to sensitive
      individuals.

PMID- 22062016
TI  - Analytical limits of total and insoluble collagen content measurements and of
      type I and III collagen analysis by electrophoresis in bovine muscles.
AB  - Three to 16 animals were necessary to detect a difference of 50-20% in total
      collagen contents in Longissimus thoracis muscle, between two experimental groups
      of cattle, using the facilities available in our laboratory. The inter-assay
      variability was higher for insoluble collagen content than for total collagen
      content. Consequently differences between two groups are determined less
      accurately for insoluble collagen content than for total collagen content. This
      may be partly compensated by repeated measurements (minimum 4) to detect a
      difference of 40% or even higher. The low reproducibility of type I and type III
      collagen contents determined by electrophoretic analysis is due to uncontrollable
      technical parameters. Normalisation of the results is thus necessary for accurate
      quantification. The recommended procedure is to use total protein content
      detected and quantified on the gels as a covariable in the statistical model.
      This procedure induces a 15% reduction in intra-subject variability, and hence in
      sample size required to detect significant differences.

PMID- 22062017
TI  - A sensory map of the meat universe. Sensory profile of meat from 15 species.
AB  - The aim of the study was to investigate if meat from different species could be
      described and related to each other by sensory analysis. Muscle meat from 15
      different species commercially available in Norway was assessed by a 22 sensory
      attribute profile and analysed by multivariate analysis. The different species
      were significantly different on attributes that gave adequate descriptions of all
      species. Sixty-eight percent of the sensory variation was contained in the first
      component, which was dominated by colour attributes. In a model where colour was
      removed, odour and flavour were the most important attributes accounting for 66%
      and texture attributes, which accounted for only 13%.

PMID- 22062018
TI  - Methods to increase tenderness of individual muscles from beef rounds when cooked
      with dry or moist heat.
AB  - Muscles (n=9) from beef rounds (n=40) were subjected to one of the four
      tenderization strategies: control, blade tenderization, enzymatic tenderization
      or salt/phosphate injection. Treated muscles were aged, cut into steaks, cooked
      using one of the two cooking methods (dry-heat or moist-heat), and Warner
      Bratzler shear (WBS) force values were determined. For dry-heat cookery,
      injection with a salt and phosphate solution resulted in the lowest WBS values,
      however, WBS values for blade tenderization and enzymatic tenderization were
      comparable in the M. adductor, M. vastus lateralis, M. rectus femoris, and M.
      semimembranosus (cranial and caudal aspects). The M. gluteobiceps (cranial and
      caudal aspects, and ischiatic head) and M. semitendinosus showed little
      improvement in WBS values with any of the tenderization treatments. For moist
      heat cookery, only the M. rectus femoris and M. semimembranosus, caudal aspect,
      showed significant decreases in WBS values, and those improvements were only
      associated with salt and phosphate injection and enzymatic tenderization. Within
      each cooking method and tenderization treatment, the M. rectus femoris, M.
      semimembranosus, cranial aspect had the lowest WBS values, whereas the M.
      gluteobiceps, ischiatic head and M. semimembranosus typically had the highest WBS
      values. All tenderization strategies increased the frequency of muscles being
      rated as "very tender" (WBS<31.4 N) and "tender" (31.4 N<WBS<38.2 N), with salt
      and phosphate injection being the most effective treatment for both dry- and
      moist-heat cookery.

PMID- 22062019
TI  - Engineered peptides with enzymatically cleavable domains for controlling the
      release of model protein drug from "soft" nanoparticles.
AB  - Matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) is an endopeptidase that has been shown to be
      present in high concentrations during most tissue remodeling events, including
      disease states like active tumor sites, thus making it an attractive molecule for
      use in effecting local delivery of therapeutic molecules. Moreover, the use of
      non-toxic and biodegradable nanoparticles for controlled drug delivery is highly
      sought after. To this end, bovine serum albumin (BSA) nanoparticles (NPs) were
      stabilized with coatings formed using domains of varying sensitivity to MMP-2,
      viz. K6GPQG/IASQK6 and K6HPVG/LLARK6, lysine residues being used to facilitate
      peptide immobilization to the BSA NPs via electrostatic interactions, and peptide
      domains that have a high (HPVG/LLAR) and low (GPQG/IASQ) MMP-2 cleavage rate. The
      MMP-2-induced cleavage rates of these two domains (the position of action being
      noted with a "/") have differing kinetics that can be used to provide a novel
      mechanism for facilitating the controlled release of molecules where local
      concentrations of MMP-2 are high. It was found that both surface concentration
      and cleavage domain type influenced the release of the model drug (BSA) from
      these NPs. This stratagem may provide a novel pathway for developing multi
      functional coatings for controlling the local delivery of therapeutics at sites
      where the presence of various enzymes exist as a function of tissue state.

PMID- 22062020
TI  - Microbial spoilage of meats offered for retail sale in Mexico City.
AB  - Causes of the food borne epidemics in Mexico City have usually been ascribed to
      poor handling and preparation of foods. In this work, presence of microorganisms
      indicative of contamination were analysed in meat sold in Mexico City's retail
      outlets. Enterobacteriaceae, psycorothrophs, mould and yeast, and mesophile
      counts, were evaluated in meat from five animal species (beef, sheep, chicken,
      rabbit and horse). pH, recorded as spoilage indicator, was not significantly
      different among days of storage nor animal species, conversely, water holding
      capacity was significantly higher for horse meat. Mesophiles, psychrothrophs and
      Enterobacteriaceae counts were above legal limits in beef after 5 days of storage
      at 4 degrees C. This was not observed in rabbit nor chicken meat. Mould and yeast
      populations remained constant until day 4. Moulds are seldom a problem, whereas
      yeasts play an important role in the alteration of flavour characteristics. In
      general, horse had the highest initial microbial counts.

PMID- 22062021
TI  - Muscle composition and fatty acid profile in lambs fattened in drylot or pasture.
AB  - The effects of two fattening systems on muscle composition and fatty acid profile
      were determined in an experiment using samples of the longissimus dorsi (LD)
      muscle of 24 ram lambs (slaughter weight 29-31kg). The fattening systems were:
      (i) drylot (a mixture of maize, soybean, wheat and minerals) and (ii) grazing
      (Cynodon dactylon). The lambs fattened in the drylot system presented higher fat
      levels (p<0.01), but lower concentrations of moisture (p<0.01) and cholesterol
      (p<0.05). The lipid content presented a negative correlation with moisture and
      protein. In lambs fattened in the drylot system increasing levels of fatness of
      LD muscle were associated with a decrease (p<0.05) in myristic and palmitic
      acids, but myristic, palmitic and linoleic acids increased (p<0.05) as the
      cholesterol levels of the muscles increased.

PMID- 22062022
TI  - Comparison of sensory properties of hamburgers cooked by conventional and
      carcinogen reducing 'safe grill' equipment.
AB  - Hamburger patties (80g) were cooked on a commercially available control charcoal
      grill (Sunbeam Model 20701) and 'Safe Grill' (US Patent 5331, 886 dated 26 July
      1994) to center temperatures of 72 and 82 degrees C at low, medium and high fuel
      levels. Twelve trained panelists evaluated 19 flavor and texture attributes of
      the grilled patties. The trained panel found significant differences (p?0.05)
      between the grill treatments for the following attributes: beefy/meaty flavor,
      char/grilled flavor, tenderness, moistness, oily mouth coating, chewiness and
      residual particles. Patties cooked on the 'Safe Grill' were higher in moistness
      and oily mouth coating. Patties cooked using the patented 'Safe Grill' method for
      reducing carcinogens in grilled meat products were more (p?0.10) acceptable to
      consumers than patties cooked with the same fuel level on the control grill.

PMID- 22062023
TI  - Textural assessment of clenbuterol treatment in beef.
AB  - Eight Charolais heifers (ca. 300 kg) were fed a diet containing either 0
      (control) or 1 ppm clenbuterol during 5 weeks. Daily live weight gain was higher
      (p<0.01), by about 34%, in treated animals. They were slaughtered after a week of
      withdrawal. Activity of MU-calpain of meat from clenbuterol-fed heifers was lower
      (p<0.01) immediately post mortem, while activity of calpastatin was higher
      (p<0.05) than in meat from controls. According to sensory and instrumental data,
      meat from clenbuterol-fed heifers did not tenderise during aging, and was tougher
      (p<0.05) than control meat at 8th day post mortem. Both principal component
      analysis and multivariate discriminant analysis of a pool of data of the textural
      profile showed differences due to clenbuterol treatment at 24 h. The slope after
      yield (calculated from the Warner-Bratzler shearing force-deformation curve), was
      the only textural parameter affected (p<0.05) at 24 h by the treatment.

PMID- 22062024
TI  - Relationship between biogenic amine contents and the size of dry fermented
      sausages.
AB  - Three trials were carried out to study the influence of the diameter on biogenic
      amine contents and related parameters (pH, humidity and proteolysis) in fermented
      sausages. The first trial was done on three groups of Spanish dry fermented
      sausages with different diameter. In the second, two sections (centre and edge)
      of salchichon sausages were examined. The last trial consisted in the study of
      the ripening of two batches of sausages fermented under the same conditions but
      with two different diameters. Biogenic amine contents varied among the different
      type of products as well as among the same type of samples. Generally, amine
      levels in the biggest diameter sausages were higher than in the thinnest
      sausages. Amine contents were higher in the central part of the sausages than in
      the edge. During the ripening, larger tyramine amounts were formed in sausages
      with the biggest diameter. Statistical correlations were found among the
      diameter, the pH, the proteolysis and some amines. The results of the three
      trials agree with the hypothesis that the diameter is a factor that may affect
      the formation of biogenic amines during sausage fermentation.

PMID- 22062025
TI  - Comparison of different methods for measuring water holding capacity and
      juiciness of pork versus on-line screening methods.
AB  - The extent to which water holding capacity (WHC) techniques: filter paper press
      method, drip loss and filter paper method, are related to the sensory juiciness
      appreciation of pork was studied. Additionally four on-line methods: pH1, FOP1
      (light scattering), PQM1 (conductivity) and DDLT (Double Density Light
      Transmission), were evaluated for their ability to predict WHC and juiciness
      scores. One-hundred and twenty samples of m. longissimus thoracis et lumborum,
      from animals of different genotypes, were involved in this study. Only WHC
      results, determined by the filter paper press method, were significantly
      correlated with juiciness scores (r=-0.24). The results of the filter paper
      method, either by weighing or visual judging, could not be predicted by the on
      line methods. The results of the filter paper press method (F.p.p.-RZ) and drip
      loss were slightly better correlated with DDLT (respectively, r=0.56 and 0.45)
      than with PQM1 (r=0.51 and 0.36), FOP1 (r=0.48 and 0.34) and pH1 (r=0.41 and
      0.34), although the standard error of estimate of the linear regressions was
      similar for the four on-line methods. Unfortunately, the on-line techniques
      incorrectly predicted several WHCs. Juiciness was slightly or not related to the
      on-line methods. The DDLT technique, which is analogous to the CGM (Capteur
      Gras/Maigre), an officially accepted carcass grading apparatus in France and
      Belgium, is as good or better than the classical on-line instruments: pH, FOP and
      PQM, in predicting WHC.

PMID- 22062026
TI  - Cholesterol and fat contents of Spanish commercial pork cuts.
AB  - A study was carried out to determine the fat and cholesterol contents of several
      commercial pork cuts as function of sex. Fat and cholesterol content ranged from
      2.7% and 57 mg/100 g in loin to 30.3% and 116 mg/100 g in dewlap. The higher the
      fat content the higher was the cholesterol content. Sex did not influence fat
      content and the fat/cholesterol ratio, but cholesterol content was higher in
      females than in males.

PMID- 22062027
TI  - A simple and inexpensive DNA purification for malignant hyperthermia PCR
      detection in porcine hair roots.
AB  - We isolated DNA from porcine hair roots by silica matrix. Purified DNA is
      suitable for PCR analysis of malignant hyperthermia in the pig breeds. The using
      of hair roots as a source of DNA provides noninvasivity and it is also convenient
      for breeders. We compared amplification of DNA purified by silica matrix and Prep
      A-gene kit. DNA purification by silica is as effective as Prep-A-gene
      purification and it is advantageous because of the low price.

PMID- 22062028
TI  - The effect of meat quality, salt and ageing time on biochemical parameters of dry
      cured Longissimus dorsi muscle.
AB  - Pieces of Longissimus muscle were used as models of dry-cured ham to study the
      effect of NaCl concentration, meat quality and ageing time on the biochemical
      parameters related to the ham curing process. Higher amounts of added salt did
      not result in an increase in the protein extractibility. The activity of the
      lysosomal enzymes cathepsins D and B showed dependence on the ageing time,
      whereas cathepsin B and cathepsin B+L activities depended on meat quality.
      Cathepsin B+L activity increased with the addition of salt. Meat quality had an
      influence on all the parameters studied except on MFI, on cathepsin D activity
      and on the inhibitory activity on cathepsin B. Two protein bands likely to
      correspond to titin and nebulin were detected in the pherograms of myofibrillar
      proteins of muscle even those aged for as much as 48 h and irrespective of meat
      quality. Titin was also found in the sarcoplasmic protein fraction of salted
      samples from N and DFD meat, but not from PSE meat.

PMID- 22062029
TI  - Effectiveness of morphometric measurements for improvement of the prediction
      accuracy of beef carcass composition.
AB  - Investigations were conducted into the effectiveness of morphometric measurements
      (MM) of beef carcass for the prediction of weights and percentages of muscle and
      fat using 237 carcasses of two pure and five cross-bred breed types. In addition
      to the MM, side weight (CW) and cross-sectional (SM) measurements were used for
      prediction by multiple regression analysis, singly or in combinations of these
      measurements. The cross-sectional measurements were made on three sections of a
      rib joint named R6, R9 and R12 which were cut at the anterior position of the
      6th, 9th and 12th thoracic vertebrae. For the prediction of weights and
      percentages of muscle and fat, the MM group was the best predictor. The CW was
      effective only for the improvement of tissue weight prediction. The CW+MM+
      SM(R12) and the MM+SM(R12) combinations were best for the tissue weight and the
      percentage prediction, respectively. A synergistic effect was observed between MM
      and SM for the improvement of tissue percentage prediction accuracy. Regrouping
      the data to three breed types by morphological differences and analyzing it by a
      principal component analysis improved the prediction accuracy. Carcass weight
      range which caused differences in carcass fat content did not affect the
      prediction accuracy of muscle and fat percentages in the carcass when MM were
      used.

PMID- 22062030
TI  - Physicochemical and microbiological changes in irradiated fresh pork loins.
AB  - The effect of gamma-irradiation on the physicochemical and microbiological
      properties of fresh pork was studied. Radiation treatments were carried out under
      air on fresh pork loins at doses of 2, 4 and 8 kGy and the loins were evaluated
      for deamidation, solubility, sulphydryl content and surface hydrophobicity.
      Deamidation was significantly (p?0.05) affected by the treatment with 98%
      deamidation at a dose of 8 kGy. No significant changes (p>0.05) were noted in
      sulphydryl content under the same conditions. The increase in deamidation
      resulted in a decrease in hydrophobicity and an increase in protein solubility.
      gamma-irradiation also reduced the number of microorganisms in the meat.
      Mesophiles were more resistant to the irradiation treatment than psychrotrophs
      and Pseudomonas. All irradiated pork samples (1 or 3 kGy) had a bacterial count
      lower that 10(7) CFU/g after 15 days of storage. A minimal dose of 1 kGy was
      sufficient to increase the shelf life of fresh pork loins although variations in
      initial pork contamination was found to be the determining factor accounting for
      the effectiveness of the treatment.

PMID- 22062031
TI  - Lipid oxidation, color changes and volatiles production in irradiated pork
      sausage with different fat content and packaging during storage.
AB  - Effects of irradiation on lipid oxidation, color and volatiles production in pork
      sausages with different fat content and packaging were determined. Sausages (with
      4.7, 10.5 and 15.8% fat content) were sliced and vacuum-packaged either in oxygen
      permeable or impermeable bags, irradiated (0 or 4.5 kGy) and stored at 4 degrees
      C for 7 days. Lipid oxidation, color and volatiles productions were analyzed at
      0, 3 and 7 days of storage. TBARS (2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances)
      values of cooked pork sausages increased with the increase of fat content
      regardless of storage, irradiation or packaging types. Irradiated samples had
      higher TBARS than nonirradiated at 0 day but the difference disappeared during
      storage in both packaging types. Lightness of sausages (Hunter L-value) increased
      with the increase of fat content and storage time but was not affected by
      irradiation. In aerobic packaging, irradiation reduced Hunter a-values of pork
      sausages at 0 day but irradiation effect on a-value disappeared during storage.
      In vacuum packaging, however, irradiated samples had higher Hunter a-values than
      nonirradiated samples. Irradiation increased 1-heptene and total volatiles, but
      the amount of 1-heptene was not associated well with TBARS values of pork
      sausages. In both irradiated and nonirradiated pork sausages, aerobic packaging
      produced more volatiles than vacuum packaging during storage. It was concluded
      that irradiation and fat content had significant effects on lipid oxidation,
      color and volatiles production of cooked pork sausages during storage but that
      oxygen availability had a stronger effect than irradiation and fat content.

PMID- 22062032
TI  - Textural effect of chilling hot Longissimus dorsi muscle with solid CO(2).
AB  - This paper covers the work carried out on the textural effects of chilling hot
      boned meat using solid carbon dioxide (CO(2)). The purpose was to measure the
      texture of beef Longissimus dorsi (LD) chilled in boxes with solid CO(2) and to
      compare this with conventionally chilled meat. The results showed that CO(2)
      chilled meat were tougher than the controls. Shear force (SF) and work done (WD)
      results indicated that 63% of the CO(2) chilled meat were above 50N compared to
      32% of the controls, taste panel would judge this as slightly tough. 22% of the
      CO(2) chilled meat was SF>100N which overall would be judged as extremely tough
      as compared to 2% of the controls. The work also showed that the laser
      diffraction technique was unable to distinguish between active and passive
      shortening giving only an average or overall length for the area viewed.

PMID- 22062033
TI  - Injection of water and polyphosphate into pork to improve juiciness and
      tenderness after cooking.
AB  - Two injection levels (5 and 10%) and three concentrations of polyphosphate (0, 3
      and 5%) were used in 64 pork loin portions to assess the influence of
      polyphosphate injection on eating quality of pork steaks cooked by grilling to a
      centre temperature of 72.5 or 80 degrees C and assessed by a trained ten member
      sensory panel. Polyphosphate improved water holding, and generally produced more
      tender and more juicy meat than control steaks, although pork flavour intensity
      was reduced and abnormal flavour intensity increased. Raising the centre
      temperature from 72.5 to 80 degrees C increased the cooking loss from 35 to 42%,
      reduced tenderness, juiciness and abnormal flavours and increased pork flavour
      intensity. Steaks containing 5% polyphosphate and cooked to 80 degrees C were
      more tender and as juicy as steaks without polyphosphate cooked to the lower
      centre temperature. These effects were generally larger than those that can be
      achieved 'naturally' by, for example, changing diets and breeds but whether the
      technology will be utilised in an increasingly 'additive free' climate is
      debatable.

PMID- 22062034
TI  - Sodium chloride levels in comminuted chicken muscle in relation to processing
      characteristics and Fresnel reflectance detected with a polarimetric probe.
AB  - Increasing NaCl from 0 to 2% in comminuted samples of chicken breast meat
      increased the resistance to compression of cooked samples (r=0.98, p<0.001),
      increased water-holding capacity (r=0.95, p<0.001), decreased cooking losses (r=
      0.97, p<0.001) and decreased paleness (L(*)) before and after cooking (r = -0.96
      and r=-0.99, respectively, p<0.001). The decrease in paleness caused by NaCl was
      associated with an increase in the relative amount of reflected light maintaining
      its original plane of polarisation, so that NaCl% was correlated with an
      extinction coefficient for polarised light, r=0.91, p<0.001. A possible
      explanation is that myofibrillar proteins may have been dissolved at high levels
      of NaCl, thus reducing light scattering by myofibrils and allowing more Fresnel
      reflectance to be detected.

PMID- 22062035
TI  - Breed type and ageing time effects on sensory characteristics of beef strip loin
      steaks.
AB  - Forty-two yearling males from seven European beef breeds were used to study breed
      type and ageing time effects on meat sensory quality. Breeds were grouped
      according to their double muscled condition (DM), dual-purpose condition (Brown
      Swiss, BS), fast growth rate (FG) and rustic characteristics (RT). Vacuum
      packaged loin chops were aged for 1, 3, 7, 10, 14 and 21 days at 4 degrees C and
      evaluated by a trained taste panel. Ageing time had the main influence in all the
      studied sensorial descriptors. Breed type did not affect juiciness, fibrosity or
      overall flavour intensity. Interactions between breed type and ageing appeared in
      global odour intensity, tenderness (p<0.05) and acid flavour intensity (p<0.01).
      All breed types showed higher tenderness scores as ageing period increased but,
      comparatively, those with higher scores at an early postmortem period (DM, FG)
      showed lower scores at a late postmortem time. A possible faster, but shorter and
      less intensive meat tenderisation rate in animals with double muscled condition,
      and its particular collagen characteristics, in relation to BS and RT groups,
      could explain our findings.

PMID- 22062036
TI  - Influence of loading method and stocking density during transport on meat and dry
      cured ham quality in pigs with different halothane genotypes.
AB  - The effect of loading method and stocking density in transit on meat and dry
      cured ham quality was investigated in pigs with different halothane genotypes. A
      total of 507 Italian heavy pigs, supplied by two farms, were loaded by ramp or
      lift and transported unmixed for 35-55 min to the abattoir at a stocking density
      of either <0.4 or >0.6m(2) per 100 kg pigs. After overnight lairage in separate
      pens with free access to water, the pigs were slaughtered. Halothane genotype was
      assessed post mortem. Four hundred and thirty-nine pigs had a homozygous dominant
      (NN) genotype and 68 pigs were heterozygous (Nn). Carcass skin damage, meat
      quality traits and ham curing parameters were evaluated. Loading method and
      stocking density showed a negligible effect on meat and dry-cured ham quality
      while the predominant factor affecting these was the halothane genotype. Nn pigs
      produced meat with a faster rate of pH fall and lower water holding capacity as
      well as ham with higher weight losses in salting and greater incidence of defects
      in the dry-cured product. There were insignificant interactions between halothane
      genotype and loading method or stocking density. Overall, irrespective of pre
      slaughter treatment, the Nn pigs were less suitable for the production of high
      quality products such as dry-cured ham.

PMID- 22062037
TI  - Furosine as an index of heat treatment intensity in meat products: Its
      application to cooked ham.
AB  - Furosine, a product of acid hydrolysis of Amadori compounds, has been proposed as
      an index of the heat treament intensity in various food products. In this paper
      we suggest furosine as an index of heat treatment in pork-meat products as well.
      Furosine is not detectable in fresh raw pork muscle and in injected tumbled pork
      muscle, the latter being used for the production of cooked ham. Activation energy
      of furosine formation in raw muscle and tumbled muscle, in the temperature range
      of 70  degrees -90  degrees C, was 79.2 kJ/mole and 81.7 kJ/mole, respectively.
      Furosine concentration was assessed in cooked hams whose time-temperature
      profiles, with reference to the cooking and cooling processes, were well known,
      thus enabling the verification of the feasibility of its use in the evaluation of
      heat damage. The good correlation between the values found during this
      investigation and the values foreseen by kinetic calculation confirms that
      furosine can be used as an index of heat treatment intensity in the production of
      cooked ham.

PMID- 22062038
TI  - Investigations into the accuracy of prediction of beef carcass composition using
      subcutaneous fat thickness and carcass weight I. Identifying problems.
AB  - Investigations were conducted into the accuracy of prediction of the percentages
      of fat and muscle in 69 steer carcasses using subcutaneous fat thickness and
      carcass weight. The carcasses were arbitrarily divided into low and high fat
      thickness, and light and heavy weight categories. Relationships between fat
      thickness and the percentages of fat and muscle were modified by breed and weight
      group (or their interactive effects), or by breed and fat group (or their
      interactive effects). General equations ignoring breed should not, therefore, be
      used for prediction. The equations were modified by using low and high fat
      thickness or light and heavy carcass weight groups. Because of the absence of
      breed differences in the lighter weight and lower fat thickness groups, a single
      breed-ignored regression equation could be used in each case to predict the
      carcass components. In the fatter and heavier groups of carcass significant breed
      differences occurred and breed specific regression equations should be used.

PMID- 22062039
TI  - Investigations into the accuracy of prediction of beef carcass composition using
      subcutaneous fat thickness and carcass weight II. Improving the accuracy of
      prediction.
AB  - Attempts were made to improve the accuracy of prediction of carcass components in
      68 steer carcasses using a subcutaneous fat thickness measurement (FTP(8)) and
      hot side weight as the principal or sole predictors. When carcasses were divided
      into two weight ranges, prediction of the percentages of carcass fat (fat %) and
      muscle (muscle %) in the lighter group, using FTP(8), were almost as accurate
      (fat %: RSD, 1.83; R(2), 0.73; muscle %: RSD, 1.70; R(2), 0.47) as those given by
      multiple regression measurements made by advanced technologies. Prediction in the
      heavier weight group was unsatisfactory, featuring high RSDs and a low R(2).
      Because breed differences in prediction did not occur in the lighter group, a
      single prediction equation could be used for each carcass component. The use of
      fat thickness groups gave a similar result to that of weight groups. Once weight
      groups were used, curvilinear analysis did not improve the accuracy of
      prediction. In the lighter carcasses, the addition of hot side weight, eye muscle
      area and muscle score, singly or in combination, did not improve the accuracy of
      percentage predictions. In the heavier carcasses, the addition of hot side weight
      and eye muscle area was necessary to give prediction of a modest level of
      accuracy. For the prediction of the weights of carcass components, the addition
      of hot side weight to FTP(8) gave the most accurate prediction in light carcasses
      (fat weight: RSD, 1.60; R(2), 0.92; muscle weight: RSD, 2.08; R(2), 0.97). In the
      heavy carcasses, hot side weight and eye muscle area added to FTP(8) gave the
      most accurate prediction (fat weight: RSD, 4.40; R(2), 0.69; muscle weight: RSD,
      3.73; R(2), 0.88). Because of the high level of variance explained, it is
      recommended that weights of carcass components be predicted, particularly in
      heavy carcasses.

PMID- 22062040
TI  - Influence of slaughter weight and stress gene genotype on the water-holding
      capacity and protein gel characteristics of three porcine muscles.
AB  - The longissimus lumborum, gluteus medius, and the triceps brachii muscles from 40
      animals were used to evaluate the effect of stress gene genotype (non-mutant, NN
      and mono-mutant, Nn) and live weight at slaughter (110 kg and 140 kg) on the
      processing quality of fresh pork. The 45 minute and ultimate pH measurements did
      not differ between genotypes. Total percent protein was not different between
      samples taken from NN or Nn pigs, nor were there any differences in salt-soluble
      protein. The M. longissimus lumborum from Nn pigs possessed lower water-holding
      capacity values and lost greater amounts of water upon cooking. In addition, Nn
      pigs had lower subjective color and firmness scores which suggest a higher
      incidence of pale, soft and exudative pork. Slaughter weight did not affect total
      protein, salt-soluble protein, Minolta L(*), a(*) and b(*) values or subjective
      color, firmness and marbling scores. Back fat thickness and loineye area
      increased as slaughter weight increased. Overall, this study suggested that Nn
      pigs have reduced water retention properties which may result in lower yields in
      processed meat items. Slaughter weight had limited effects on the processing
      quality of meat from NN or Nn pigs. There were no interactions of significance
      between stress gene genotype and slaughter weight, suggesting that the
      differences in muscle quality and functional properties between NN and Nn pigs
      are maintained over the slaughter weights used in this study.

PMID- 22062041
TI  - Lipid oxidation induced by oxymyoglobin and metmyoglobin with involvement of
      H(2)O(2) and superoxide anion.
AB  - The role of oxymyoglobin oxidation in lipid oxidation was studied in a myoglobin
      liposome system. The pro-oxidant effect of oxymyoglobin towards lipid oxidation
      was concentration-dependent. At equimolar concentrations, oxymyoglobin showed
      higher pro-oxidative activity towards lipid than metmyoglobin (p < 0.05). These
      results suggested that the process of oxymyoglobin oxidation is involved in
      catalyzing lipid oxidation. The addition of catalase into the oxymyoglobin
      liposome system resulted in significantly decreased oxidation of oxymyoglobin and
      lipid (p < 0.05) suggesting a role for H(2)O(2) in the interaction between
      oxymyoglobin and lipid. The addition of Superoxide dismutase was without effect
      (p > 0.05) suggesting that Superoxide anion was not directly involved in
      mediating oxidation of oxymyoglobin and lipid. Albumin was added as a control for
      a non-specific protein antioxidant; it did not affect oxymyoglobin or lipid
      oxidation (p > 0.05). Our in vitro results support the hypothesis that the actual
      process of oxymyoglobin oxidation is a catalyst of lipid oxidation with H(2)O(2)
      a major factor.

PMID- 22062042
TI  - Oxidation in pre-cooked minced pork as influenced by chill storage of raw muscle.
AB  - During storage for four days at 4  degrees C of pre-cooked minced pork, lipid
      oxidation measured as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and as
      hexanal by solid phase microextraction was found to depend on the level of lipid
      hydroperoxides rather than on the TBARS in the raw muscle (M. Longissimus dorsi).
      Storage for up to six days at 4  degrees C, prior to mincing and cooking,
      resulted in a decrease in lipid hydroperoxides measured as conjugated dienes and
      in increasing TBARS-value in the raw muscle, and in a pre-cooked product with
      better oxidative stability. The correlation coefficient between accumulation of
      TBARS and hexanal in the pre-cooked meat was 0.98, indicating that the new
      technique using solid phase microextraction with subsequent GC-analysis for
      determination of hexanal can be used as an alternative technique to describe
      lipid oxidation in pre-cooked meat.

PMID- 22062043
TI  - Inhibitory effect of sulfur-containing amino acids on burnt off-flavours in
      canned liver sausages.
AB  - The sensory quality of canned liver sausages is limited by a negative burnt high
      temperature-heated flavour, caused by Maillard reaction products between amino
      acids and sugars. In experiments with liver sausage, reduced glutathione in
      concentrations of 0.01-0.30% had no positive effect on taste and color. N-acetyl
      L-cysteine, an acylated derivative of the amino acid L-cysteine, was tested in
      concentrations between 0.03-0.50%; a concentration of 0.15% was optimal for the
      inhibition of the burnt flavour. An acid taste caused by lower pH was corrected
      by the addition of 0.25% diphosphate. When 0.15% N-acetyl-L-cysteine and 0.25%
      diphosphate were added to the sausage preparations, the heat-induced changes in
      amino acids and glucose were the same as in the control. Moreover, under
      different sterilization conditions, the additive mixture was shown to be an
      excellent inhibitor of the burnt flavour.

PMID- 22062045
TI  - The role of mitogen activated protein kinase signaling in microglia and neurons
      in the initiation and maintenance of chronic pain.
AB  - Effective treatments for patients suffering from chronic pain remain an area of
      intense focus within the pharmaceutical industry, as the development of novel
      therapies would help to treat an area of significant unmet medical need. The
      successful development of pharmacological agents to treat inflammatory and
      neuropathic pain conditions relies on a thorough understanding of the mechanisms
      that underlie the development and maintenance of chronic pain states. The goal of
      this review is to highlight recent discoveries regarding the intracellular
      signaling mechanisms that appear to play a critical role in persistent
      inflammatory and neuropathic pain. The review will focus on the mitogen activated
      protein kinase family of enzymes and the data suggesting that treatments designed
      to inhibit the activation of these enzymes may lead to significant advancements
      in the treatment of chronic pain. The review will also highlight the important
      interplay between neurons and non-neuronal cells (i.e., microglia and astrocytes)
      within the dorsal horn of the spinal cord in the generation and maintenance of
      chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain.

PMID- 22062047
TI  - Molecular genotyping of Echinococcus granulosus in animal and human isolates from
      Egypt.
AB  - Despite, Egypt is started to be considered as an emerging endemic area for cystic
      echinococcosis (CE), no enough data in the literature about the exact status of
      the genotype in both animals and humans. Therefore, the present study aims to
      characterize the underlying genotypes that could be responsible for the
      transmission cycle and for the growing infectivity. Animal isolates were
      collected from 47 camels and 6 pigs. Human isolates are 31 CE cases including; 21
      of hepatic cases, 5 of pulmonary cases and 5 multiple-organ affection cases. Hot
      Start specific PCR followed by DNA sequencing for mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene,
      revealed G1 genotype in one (3.2%) of 31 human isolate only. G6 genotype was
      detected in all the 53 (100%) animal isolates and in 30 out of 31 (96.8%) human
      isolate. The Egyptian G6 strain nucleotide sequence revealed 100% homology with
      an Argentinean reference strain 99% homology with the Kenyan G6 strain. It was
      concluded that G6 genotype is the predominant genotype in Egypt.

PMID- 22062046
TI  - The search for endogenous siRNAs in the mammalian brain.
AB  - A decade ago, RNA interference was proposed to serve as a physiologic means of
      regulating long-term gene expression in the mammalian brain. However, during the
      intervening years, this hypothesis appeared to be contradicted by both
      experimental data and theoretical considerations. More recently, the advent of
      deep sequencing technology has permitted a re-assessment of this issue. As
      reviewed here, a large population of small RNAs having features characteristic of
      endogenous siRNAs are detected within adult mouse hippocampus, which derive from
      genes involved in synaptic structure and signaling, and which show a significant,
      though modest (16-22%) up-regulation during olfactory discrimination training.
      Small RNAs derived from abundant cellular noncoding RNAs are also detected; in
      particular, a subpopulation of RNAs 25-30 nt. in length shows very large (>100
      fold) up-regulation during olfactory discrimination training. Preliminary data
      suggest that the 25-30 nt. RNAs may associate with MIWI rather than Argonaute 1-4
      homologues. I conclude that, despite their apparent low abundance, endogenous
      siRNAs and noncoding RNA-derived small RNAs are likely to play an important role
      in regulating synaptic plasticity.

PMID- 22062048
TI  - Biologically active polyamines in beef, pork and meat products: A review.
AB  - Dietary polyamines (PAs) putrescine (PUT), spermidine (SPD) and spermine (SPM)
      participate in an array of roles in human metabolism. Nevertheless, under some
      physiological conditions they can be undesirable. Meat and meat products are
      among important sources of PAs in human nutrition, mainly of SPM. The usual
      contents of PUT, SPD and SPM in fresh beef and pork are <2, <5 and 20-40mgkg(-1),
      respectively. Current information on changes of PAs during meat storage
      corresponds with PUT formation by bacterial activity mainly of pseudomonads and
      Enterobacteriaceae. However, data on SPD and SPM changes during meat chill
      storage have been inconsistent. Culinary processing of meat probably does not
      change SPD and SPM levels. PUT can be formed in different meat products in
      relation to the microbial population of the raw materials used and the hygienic
      level of manufacturing process. SPD and SPM contents seem to remain stable during
      processing of non-fermented meat products or decrease during dry-cured ham
      ripening. PUT contents increase commonly to 60-140mgkg(-1) in dry spontaneously
      fermented sausages, however, contents up to several hundreds mgkg(-1) are not
      extraordinary. Starter cultures are usually able to decrease PUT formation
      considerably. SPD and SPM contents in dry fermented sausages are comparable with
      levels typical for fresh meat. Data on SPD and SPM changes during ripening and
      storage are inconsistent. A decrease of the both polyamines during a storage
      period has been usually reported.

PMID- 22062049
TI  - Effect of low-temperature preservation on the quality of vacuum-packaged dry
      cured ham: Refrigerated boneless ham and frozen ham cuts.
AB  - The effect of storage on dry-cured ham quality was studied. Sixteen vacuum
      packaged boneless dry-cured hams and sixteen vacuum-packaged dry-cured ham cuts
      were stored in darkness under refrigeration (4+/-2 degrees C; 8 months) or
      freezing (-18+/-1 degrees C; 24 months), respectively. Instrumental colour and
      texture, physico-chemical and biochemical parameters, sensory profile and
      consumer acceptability and purchase satisfaction were measured throughout
      storage. The overall quality of refrigerated boneless dry-cured hams and frozen
      dry-cured ham cuts showed only limited changes throughout long-term storage.
      Significant changes involved loss of odour and flavour, increased adhesiveness
      and modification of hardness, the Semimembranosus muscle became tender while
      Biceps femoris became harder, leading to a higher textural homogeneity. In
      agreement with those changes, the overall acceptability assessed by a trained
      panel decreased throughout storage, though this was significant regarding only
      frozen hams. However, consumer evaluation of acceptability, as well as
      satisfaction with hypothetical purchasing, did not vary significantly throughout
      storage.

PMID- 22062050
TI  - The estimated accuracy of the EU reference dissection method for pig carcass
      classification.
AB  - This experiment was designed to describe the accuracy of the EU-reference
      dissection method, and to describe the types of factors influencing the accuracy
      and assess their size. The experiment was conducted in four different European
      countries at two abattoirs within each country. A total of 128 carcasses was
      selected according to carcass weight, fat class and sex, and 8 butchers from
      different countries dissected the carcasses. Due to the experimental design of
      the experiment a variation in pig type was found between countries. The accuracy
      was expressed by the repeatability and reproducibility standard deviation, which
      were found to be 0.87 and 1.10, respectively, and by the reliability, found to be
      0.87. This indicates a high accuracy, although a significant effect was found on
      the estimation of lean meat percentage (LMP) of butcher, and also that jointing
      of the carcass was of overall importance to the accuracy of the EU-reference
      dissection method.

PMID- 22062051
TI  - Conjugated linoleic acid in meat and meat products: A review.
AB  - Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) consists of a group of geometric and positional
      isomers of linoleic acid to which anticancerogenic, antidiabetic, and
      antiatherogenic effects, as well as effects on immune system, bone metabolism,
      and body composition are attributed. CLA is found predominantly in milk and meat
      of ruminants due to the importance of rumen micro-organism in the formation of
      CLA and its precursors. This review attempts to give an overview of the available
      data on intramuscular CLA concentrations in meat and meat products originating
      from different animal species. The factors influencing these concentrations are
      discussed and the estimated human daily intakes as well as the percentage
      provided by meat are reported.

PMID- 22062052
TI  - Association of MC4R gene variants with growth, fatness, carcass composition and
      meat and fat quality traits in heavy pigs.
AB  - The melanocortin receptor 4 (MC4R) gene is implicated in the regulation of
      feeding behaviour and body weight in humans and mice. A missense mutation
      (Asp298Asn) located in a highly conserved region of this gene has clearly been
      associated with backfat depth, feed intake and growth rate in different porcine
      lines. In this work the complete coding region of the gene was sequenced in
      samples from six pigs of a commercial hybrid line and two polymorphisms were
      detected at positions 709 (C/T) and 1426 (G/A). The last one corresponds to the
      missense mutation, and has been genotyped in 333 animals with phenotypic records
      and 68 out of their 81 parents. An association study of these genotypes with
      several performance and quality traits was performed within the statistical
      animal model framework. The results confirmed the effect of the missense mutation
      on growth and fat deposition traits (live weight at 140d and backfat depth), and
      supported new effects on carcass composition (loin and shoulder weights) and
      traits related to fat and meat quality (profile of fatty acids; muscle Minolta
      L(*), a(*) and H(o) colour parameters). A transmission-disequilibrium test
      provided no evidence of spurious association due to population stratification.

PMID- 22062053
TI  - Physical, chemical, and histological characteristics of 18 lamb muscles.
AB  - Muscles (n=18) were dissected from each side of 20 lamb carcasses to characterize
      physical, chemical, and histological traits. Muscles from the right sides were
      used to measure color values, expressible moisture, pH, total collagen content,
      and sarcomere length. Muscles from the left sides were aged for 7d and used to
      determine Warner-Bratzler shear (WBS) force values. The M. adductor and M.
      semimembranosus had the darkest colored lean (lowest L(*) values), whereas the M.
      latissimus dorsi and M. tensor fasciae latae had the lightest colored lean
      (highest L(*) values). The M. triceps brachii, M. pectoralis profundus, and M.
      latissimus dorsi had among the lowest numerical expressible moistures whereas the
      M. adductor and the M. longissimus lumborum had among the highest. The M.
      infraspinatus was found to have the highest collagen content (9.0mg/g) and the M.
      psoas major had the longest sarcomere length (3.1MUm). Of the muscles sampled,
      the M. serratus ventralis had one the lowest WBS values (21.8N) and the M.
      semimembranosus the highest (42.6N). On average, the largest muscles identified
      were the M. gluteobiceps, M. gluteus medius, M. longissimus lumborum, M.
      longissimus thoracis, and M. semimembranosus, which would likely be suitable in
      terms of physical dimensions for used in a variety of individual muscle
      applications. Other muscles, however, such as the M. teres major and M. tensor
      fasciae latae, may be too small in size and dimension to be used for individual
      application.

PMID- 22062054
TI  - Fatty acid composition of lambs of indigenous dairy Greek breeds of sheep as
      affected by post-weaning nutritional management and weight at slaughter.
AB  - The objective was to assess the effect of breed, sex, post-weaning nutrition and
      weight at slaughter on the fatty acids (FA) composition in carcass fat of lambs
      of indigenous Greek dairy breeds of sheep, the Boutsko (B), Serres (S) and
      Karagouniko (K) breed. The lambs (weaned at approximately 42 days) had been
      reared under different conditions of housing and feeding in three consecutive
      experiments (Experiment). In Experiment 1, lambs (n=120) were individually penned
      and fed ad libitum on a concentrate feed (11.3MJ metabolisable energy (ME)/kg DM
      and 192g crude protein (CP)/kg DM) together with 100g/day of Lucerne hay (8.3MJ
      ME/kg DM and 182g CP/kg DM). In Experiment 2, lambs (n=108) were fed the same
      concentrate on 3 different levels: High (H), Medium (M) and Low (L) and ad
      libitum on Lucerne hay. In Experiment 3, lambs (n=108) were initially group fed
      indoors for 63 days on 3 different levels of concentrate (H, M and L) together
      with ad libitum Lucerne hay. Thereafter they were finished on irrigated, sown
      pasture. Lambs were slaughtered at one of 5 standard proportions of mature weight
      (PMW) for each breed in Experiment 1 (i.e. 0.20, 0.30, 0.45, 0.60 and 0.90); at 3
      fixed live weights in Experiment 2 (TSLW; i.e. 23, 28 and 33kg) and at 3 fixed
      PMW in Experiment 3 (PMW; i.e. 0.20, 0.48 and 0.54). The right hand side of their
      carcasses was minced and a random sample, around 200g, was taken. It was freeze
      dried and then grounded to obtain a quantity of 2g for lipid extraction and
      preparation of fatty acid methyl esters, which were assayed by gas-liquid
      chromatography to identify. Results were analysed separately for each experiment
      by analysis of variance. In Experiment 1, breed of lambs had significant effects
      (P<0.001) on C14:0, C16:0, C17:0, C18:2, C18:3 and C18:1 (P<0.05), whereas sex
      affected only the percentage of C15:0, C16:1 (P<0.001), C18:0 (P<0.01) and C18:2
      (P<0.05). Live weight of lambs at slaughter had significant effects (P<0.05
      0.001) on all the fatty acids. In Experiment 2, with the exception of C18:0 and
      C20:0, all other fatty acids were significantly affected by Breed (P<0.05-0.001).
      However, only C17:0, C18:0, C18:1 and C18:2 were significantly (P<0.001) affected
      by the level of concentrates in the diet. The major finding in Experiment 3 was
      the trend for saturated fatty acids to be lower; possibly due to the fact that
      lambs finished at pasture. It is concluded that there are possibilities of
      modifying FA composition in carcass fat of lambs by manipulation of post-weaning
      nutrition and slaughtering them at a wide range of live weights.

PMID- 22062055
TI  - Feeding Iberian pigs with acorns and grass in either free-range or confinement
      affects the carcass characteristics and fatty acids and tocopherols accumulation
      in Longissimus dorsi muscle and backfat.
AB  - The experiment was undertaken to provide information on the influence of grass
      intake in a high fat diet based on acorns, in either free-range or confinement,
      on the carcass yield and characteristics, and on the accumulation of fatty acids
      and tocopherols. Groups raised free-range or with acorns and grass in confinement
      had the highest total backfat. Grass addition to the feed did not significantly
      modify the carcass weight and cut yield. However, outdoor raising produced lower
      carcass weights and yield, Longissimus dorsi muscle and ham weights than those
      fed the formulated diet or acorns and grass in confinement. Neither grass intake
      nor outdoor rearing did modify significantly the proportion of saturated fatty
      acids of the backfat. However, a lower proportion of saturated fatty acids was
      found in the intramuscular neutral lipids from pigs fed outdoors. Pigs reared
      free-range had significantly (P=0.0001) higher proportions of C18:1n-9 in the
      inner layer and in the intramuscular neutral lipids than the other groups. The
      grass intake significantly (P=0.0001) increased the proportion of C18:3n-3 in the
      inner and outer fat layers and intramuscular neutral lipids, while the outdoor
      rearing system not only affected on the proportion of linolenic acid but also
      C22:5 and C22:6 of the inner backfat layer and intramuscular polar lipids. These
      results suggest that the outdoor rearing allows a higher accumulation of n-3
      fatty acids maybe due to an increased activity of the desaturase and elongase
      enzymes. On the other hand, the accumulation of tocopherols was not significantly
      modified neither by the grass intake nor the outdoor rearing, while differences
      were detected by the type of feeding (diet vs. acorns/acorns and grass). It is
      concluded, that the outdoor rearing system affects the nutritional value of meat,
      mainly by improving the fatty acid composition.

PMID- 22062056
TI  - Inhibitory effect of organic acid salts on spoilage flora in culture medium and
      cured cooked meat products under commercial manufacturing conditions.
AB  - Lactobacillus curvatus, isolated from a spoiled vacuum-packaged 'pariza' type
      meat product, was used to inoculate modified MRS broth containing sodium lactate,
      sodium acetate and potassium sorbate in different concentrations, alone or in
      inter se combinations. Two commercial preparations (MIX 1 and MIX 2) were also
      used containing combinations of the above antimicrobials. Results from the
      preservatives addition to the culture medium showed highest antimicrobial
      activity in the case of the sodium lactate (2%, 3% or 4%), sodium acetate (0.5%)
      and potassium sorbate (0.15%) combination. Results from the preservatives
      addition to two types of thermally processed meats showed that sodium lactate and
      the combination of sodium lactate, sodium acetate and potassium sorbate were the
      most effective; extending the products shelf life an additional 10 days. Finally,
      MIX 1 and MIX 2 suppressed the lactic acid bacteria (LAB) growth in the culture
      medium but not in the final product.

PMID- 22062057
TI  - Carcass characteristics of suckling lambs protected by the PGI "Lechazo de
      Castilla y Leon" European quality label: Effect of breed, sex and carcass weight.
AB  - In the Region of "Castilla y Leon" (Spain), as in other Mediterranean areas,
      fresh suckling lamb meat is regarded as having a high edible quality. The EU
      granted this product a Protected Geographical Indication (PGI) "Lechazo de
      Castilla y Leon" in 1999. In this study, several carcass characteristics of
      suckling lambs protected by this PGI were determined, while the effects of breed,
      sex, and carcass weight were studied. Some differences in carcass characteristics
      within the three PGI authorized breeds have been detected. Neither carcass weight
      nor conformation measurements were good predictors of the composition of the PGI
      protected suckling lamb carcasses. The best predictors were fatness and
      composition of the leg and loin tissues, although dissection of these joints is
      not feasible on a daily basis. Lastly, some differences, due to sex and weight
      were identified in conformation, fat percentage, jointing and joint composition.
      Differences were, however, rather small, due to the lambs' young age and low
      variation in carcass weight.

PMID- 22062058
TI  - Potential probiotic Lactobacillus strains from fermented sausages: Further
      investigations on their probiotic properties.
AB  - A rational selection of probiotic microorganisms is an important challenge and
      requires the definition of fundamental information about the physiology and
      genetics of candidate strains. In this study, selected Lactobacillus (Lact.)
      strains already characterized in a previous study for their capability to resist
      low pH and to grow in conditions simulating the intestinal environment, were
      further investigated to explore their probiotic properties, such as the adhesion
      capability to intestinal human Caco-2 cell lines and their growth behaviour in
      the presence of various prebiotic carbohydrates. At first 25 Lactobacillus
      strains were characterized by pulsed field gel electrophoresis using the
      endonuclease NotI. Among them, 13 strains belonging to the Lact. plantarum-group
      were identified at species level by a multiplex PCR assay. Subsequently 11
      Lactobacillus strains showing different PFGE restriction pattern and the best
      acid- and bile-resistances, were chosen to investigate their in vitro adhesion
      capability to human intestinal epithelial cells and their fermentation properties
      of five prebiotic substances (FOS, Inulin, IMO, GOS and lactulose) at a
      concentration of 2%. The 11 strains analysed in this study possessed good
      adhesion capability to Caco-2 cell layers and, in particular, the eight strains
      belonging to the Lact. plantarum-group showed the higher final number of viable
      adhering cells. Moreover a species-related fermentative behaviour was pointed out
      and the strain Lact. paracasei EL7 was the only one able to grow in the presence
      of all prebiotics tested. In conclusion the strains of Lactobacillus studied in
      this research could be further investigated to assess possible in vivo human
      health benefits.

PMID- 22062059
TI  - Effect of weaning status and storage time under vacuum upon physical
      characteristics of meat of the Rubia Gallega breed.
AB  - Seven to nine months old calves are the typical production of Rubia Gallega,
      which is the most important beef breed in Spain. A study about the influence of
      weaning status and vacuum storage time on veal quality characteristics is needed.
      The muscle longissimus thoracis from 22 non-weaned (NW) and 21 weaned (W) calves
      at 1day post-slaughter, and vacuum packaged for 7 and 14 days were analysed. NW
      showed higher yellowness and hue values than W but lower pigment concentration.
      The differences disappeared at longer storage times. The redness, yellowness, hue
      and chroma increased with aging, but the pigment concentration, expressible juice
      and toughness decreased with aging. Principal component analysis showed that
      colour variables were the most determinant characteristics in quality variation.
      The canonical discriminant analysis separated the samples in three groups: 1 day
      post-slaughter W, 1day post-slaughter NW, and vacuum packaged W and NW.

PMID- 22062060
TI  - Using machine learning procedures to ascertain the influence of beef carcass
      profiles on carcass conformation scores.
AB  - In this study, a total of 163 young-bull carcasses belonging to seven Spanish
      native beef cattle breeds showing substantial carcass variation were photographed
      in order to obtain digital assessments of carcass dimensions and profiles. This
      dataset was then analysed using machine learning (ML) methodologies to ascertain
      the influence of carcass profiles on the grade obtained using the SEUROP system.
      To achieve this goal, carcasses were obtained using the same standard feeding
      regime and classified homogeneous conditions in order to avoid non-linear
      behaviour in grading performance. Carcass weight affects grading to a large
      extent and the classification error obtained when this attribute was included in
      the training sets was consistently lower than when it was not. However, carcass
      profile information was considered non-relevant by the ML algorithm in earlier
      stages of the analysis. Furthermore, when carcass weight was taken into account,
      the ML algorithm used only easy-to-measure attributes to clone the classifiers
      decisions. Here we confirm the possibility of designing a more objective and easy
      to-interpret system to classify the most common types of carcass in the territory
      of the EU using only a few single attributes that are easily obtained in an
      industrial environment.

PMID- 22062061
TI  - Retail cutting characteristics for US Choice and US Select beef subprimals.
AB  - US Choice (Ch) and US Select (Se) beef subprimals from the rib, chuck, plate,
      loin, and round were obtained to conduct retail cutting tests. Subprimals were
      merchandised into bone-in or boneless retail cuts and associated components by
      experienced retail meat merchandisers. These Se subprimals had less (P<0.05)
      trimmable fat than their Ch counterparts: ball tip, top sirloin, outside round,
      inside round, and ribeye. Se inside rounds, outside rounds, eye of rounds,
      boneless striploins, and ball tips had greater (P<0.05) purge losses than the
      same cuts from Ch. The only subprimals where grade impacted total saleable yield
      were the top (inside) rounds (Ch=80.13%, Se=87.34%; P=0.004) and outside rounds
      cut into roasts, steaks, and cubed steaks (Ch=87.61%, Se=90.28%; P=0.05). Methods
      to increase retail yields from beef subprimals should consider minimizing purge
      and increasing cutting efficiencies in addition to reducing fat trim.

PMID- 22062062
TI  - An assessment of dietary supplementation with tea catechins and rosemary extract
      on the quality of fresh beef.
AB  - The effect of supplementation of beef cattle diets with tea catechins (TC)
      (1000mg/animal/day) and rosemary extract (RE) (1000mg/animal/day), for 103 days
      preceding slaughter, on the oxidative stability of M. longissimus dorsi (LD)
      steaks was evaluated. Dietary supplementation with TC and RE did not increase
      plasma total antioxidant status (TAS), LD alpha-tocopherol concentrations or pH.
      In LD steaks stored aerobically or in modified atmosphere packs (80% O(2):20%
      CO(2)) (MAP) for up to 8 days at 4 degrees C, surface redness (CIE 'a' redness
      value) and lipid stability (TBARS, mg MDA (malondialdehyde)/kg muscle) were not
      significantly improved as a result of supplementation with TC and RE. Similarly
      no improvement in the sensory properties and lipid stability of cooked LD slices,
      stored aerobically or in 30% CO(2):70% N(2) for up to 11 days at 4 degrees C, was
      observed. An in vitro fermentation study demonstrated that TC and RE were not
      fermented to any great extent under simulated rumen conditions. Direct addition
      of TC (1000ppm) and RE (1000ppm) significantly (P<0.05) improved the colour and
      lipid stability in LD patties stored in 80% O(2):20% CO(2) for up to 8 days at 4
      degrees C, thus, demonstrating the antioxidant potential of TC and RE supplements
      employed in the present study.

PMID- 22062063
TI  - Allelic incidence in several pig breeds of a missense variant of pig melanocortin
      4 receptor (MC4R) gene associated with carcass and productive traits; its
      relation to IGF2 genotype.
AB  - MC4R, melanocortin-4 receptor, is involved in feed intake regulation. A mutation
      in a single base of MC4R, a G/A substitution in position 1426, has been linked to
      enhanced backfat thickness, average daily gain and daily feed intake. We present
      in this work a method to diagnose this mutation using real time PCR (RT-PCR)
      which allows rapid, cheap and reliable analysis of hundreds of samples in just 2h
      after DNA extraction. We have used this RT-PCR based assay to study the incidence
      of the mutation in several pig breeds or crosses (Iberian, Duroc, Pietrain, Large
      White, Large White*Pietrain) and wild boars. IGF2, insuline like growth factor 2,
      a gene with well demonstrated effects on carcass composition, of all these
      animals has also been analyzed and we show, using linkage disequilibrium analysis
      that both genes are independent. The implications of our results for pig
      selection toward fatty or lean carcasses are discussed.

PMID- 22062064
TI  - Manipulation of the pre-rigor glycolytic behaviour of bovine M. longissimus dorsi
      in order to identify causes of inconsistencies in tenderness.
AB  - The aim of this study was to monitor the effects of the alteration of the pre
      rigor environment of the bovine LD muscle using controlled temperature regimes in
      order to gain an insight into the early post-mortem pH/temperature/time
      interactions which are important from the point of view of tenderness and to
      identify possible reasons for inconsistencies in beef tenderness. LD muscles
      (n=12) were hot-boned within 90min post-slaughter, cut into three pieces which
      were randomly placed in polyethylene bags and submerged in water baths pre-set at
      the following temperatures; 0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 degrees C for 8 h post-mortem
      then stored at 2 degrees C for up to 14-days post-mortem. The rate of pH decline
      increased with increasing temperature. Muscles incubated at 0 and 5 degrees C
      were cold shortened however not all of these muscles were tough as indicated by
      Warner Bratzler shear force values (WBSF). A pH range of 5.9-6.2 at 3 h post
      mortem (pH(3)) produced consistently tender beef where cold-shortening was
      avoided. Cold shortened muscles showed the greatest variation in tenderness at 14
      days post-mortem and underwent the greatest amount of tenderisation (DeltaWBSF)
      and proteolysis between days 2 and 14 post-mortem. Proteolysis of cold shortened
      muscle may induce variation in tenderness in these muscles.

PMID- 22062065
TI  - Influence of dietary oils and protein level on pork quality. 1. Effects on muscle
      fatty acid composition, carcass, meat and eating quality.
AB  - This study evaluated the effects of three dietary oils - palm kernel (PKO), palm
      (PO) and soyabean (SBO) - and two protein levels - high (HP) and low (LP) in a
      3*2 factorial design involving 60 pigs on growth performance, muscle fatty acid
      composition and content, carcass, meat and eating qualities. Oil type did not
      have a significant effect on growth and carcass quality. PKO significantly
      reduced the polyunsaturated (PUFA) to saturated (SFA) fatty acid (P:S) ratio in
      longissimus muscle (P<0.001). PKO increased the concentrations of lauric (12:0),
      myristic (14:0), palmitic (16:0) and stearic (18:0) fatty acids and decreased
      linoleic acid (18:2). The LP diet increased intramuscular fat (IMF) from
      1.7g/100g muscle in HP to 2.9g/100g (P<0.001), increased tenderness by 0.6 units
      (P<0.01) and juiciness by 0.5 units (P<0.01) on the 1-8 scale, but at the expense
      of lower daily weight gain (P<0.01), lower feed conversion efficiency (P<0.01),
      reduced P:S ratio (P<0.001) and increased lipid oxidation (P<0.01). The results
      suggest that PKO and PO could be used in tropical developing countries as cheaper
      alternatives to SBO for the production of good quality and healthy pork, but
      their limits of inclusion need to be determined.

PMID- 22062066
TI  - Influence of dietary oils and protein level on pork quality. 2. Effects on
      properties of fat and processing characteristics of bacon and frankfurter-style
      sausages.
AB  - Palm kernel oil (PKO) and palm oil (PO) are used in tropical countries as cheaper
      substitutes for conventional feed sources such as soya bean oil (SBO) but little
      is known about their effects on meat quality. This study, therefore, evaluated
      the effects of these three dietary oils on the fatty acid composition (FA) of
      pork fat and the qualities of belly bacon and frankfurter sausage. The 3*2
      factorial design also included high and low dietary protein. Total cooking loss,
      water loss and fat losses were determined in frankfurter sausages at chopping
      temperatures from 2 to 24 degrees C. PKO resulted in a poor P:S ratio (0.34) and
      a relatively hard fat (slip point 32.8 degrees C), but resulted in bacon with a
      higher tensile cohesive force and more high quality slices, judged subjectively.
      PO had a fatty acid composition closer to the SBO control, a better P:S ratio
      than PKO (0.48) and softer fat. There was a trend for total cooking losses and
      fat losses to be higher in PKO compared with PO and SBO at all chopping
      temperatures, suggesting that the firmest, most saturated fat (PKO) was least
      suitable for frankfurter production. The low protein diet increased the
      concentration of saturated fatty acids and increased fat firmness but its effect
      on fatty acid composition and other properties were less marked than those of oil
      type.

PMID- 22062067
TI  - Behaviour of the constitutive biota of two types of Spanish dry-sausages ripened
      in a pilot-scale chamber.
AB  - The behaviour of the constitutive biota in eighty four samples belonging to two
      different types of Spanish dry-cured sausages during the ripening process in a
      pilot-scale chamber was investigated. Samples were analyzed in three stages
      during production: fresh product, first drying stage and finished product. Lactic
      acid bacteria (LAB) and Coagulase-negative cocci (CNC) were identified by the API
      system. In general, evolution of LAB and CNC during the ripening process of
      Spanish dry-cured sausages increased during the first days after which numbers of
      these organisms remained stable. Pediococcus pentosaceus and Staphylococcus
      xylosus, were the dominant species. Lactobacillus plantarum, Staphylococcus
      saprophyticus Staphylococcus simulans and Kocuria varians were also present. The
      results obtained show that the ripening process in a pilot-scale chamber under
      controlled conditions contributes to a more homogeneous behaviour of the
      constitutive biota, in comparison with commercial production standards.

PMID- 22062068
TI  - Prediction of pork quality using visible/near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy.
AB  - Near-infrared spectroscopy is a rapid screening technique that may be used to
      determine meat quality traits. While several calibrations on meat quality
      parameters have been published, the accuracy and robustness of a calibration has
      rarely been validated with independent samples. In this study, in 207 loin
      muscles from three independent batches of pigs of different breeds drip loss,
      colour values, pH and intramuscular fat were determined. Calibrations were made
      from each combination of two batches and validated with the third batch.
      Validations of pH, intramuscular fat, drip loss, and L(*), a(*), and b(*) colour
      values had on average 1.27 times the accuracy of the calibration. Breed did not
      influence the accuracy of the calibration. Intramuscular fat can be determined
      with good accuracy. Muscle pH and colour values are reasonably well predicted.
      Drip loss can not be determined quantitatively with sufficient accuracy, but
      classification of quality groups is possible.

PMID- 22062069
TI  - Paper by Zamora et al. (2005), Serine peptidase inhibitors, the best predictor of
      beef ageing amongst a large set of quantitative variables, Meat Science, 71, 730
      742.

PMID- 22062070
TI  - Zamora et al. (2005). Serine peptidase inhibitors, the best predictor of beef
      ageing amongst a large set of quantitative variables, Meat Science, 71, 730-742.

PMID- 22062071
TI  - Effect of nisin and its combination with sodium chloride on the survival of
      Listeria monocytogenes added to raw buffalo meat mince.
AB  - Antilisterial activity of nisin (Nisaplin), alone at concentrations of 400 and
      800 IU/g and in combination with 2% sodium chloride was incorporated in raw
      buffalo meat mince. Samples of the raw meat mince were inoculated with 10(3)
      colony forming units (cfu)/g of L. monocytogenes and stored at 4 degrees C for 16
      days and at 37 degrees C for 36 h. Initial estimates of pH, extract release
      volume, mesophilic and psychrophilic counts were found to be 5.74, 48 ml,
      3.5*10(5) and 1.0*10(5) cfu/g of meat, respectively. The growth of L.
      monocytogenes in the treated groups was significantly (P<0.05) inhibited compared
      to the control group. The degree of inhibition increased with increasing
      concentration of nisin and decreasing storage temperature. Addition of 2% sodium
      chloride in combination with nisin increased the efficacy of nisin at both
      storage temperatures. The pH in the treated groups remained significantly lower
      (P<0.01) than in the control groups at both 4 and 37 degrees C.

PMID- 22062072
TI  - Warmed-over flavour analysis in low temperature-long time processed meat by an
      "electronic nose".
AB  - The ability of an electronic nose, comprising 32 conducting polymer sensors, to
      identify and classify warmed-over flavour (WOF) aroma in bovine semitendinosus
      muscle, processed by vacuum cook-in-bag/tray technology (VCT) and storage under
      refrigerated conditions, was evaluated. The VCT process employed low temperature
      long time (50 degrees C-390 min) thermal treatments. Multivariate analysis showed
      that VCT processed beef aroma profiles were sorted into two groups, one included
      samples stored for up to 20 days and the other included samples with 34 to 45
      days of storage. WOF odour standard samples were recognised to have similar aroma
      as samples of the second group. Lipid oxidation results, measured by
      thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, showed an increment in oxidation level
      for samples stored for 34 days or more (P<0.05). This study shows that electronic
      nose technology can be applied to WOF odour identification and classification in
      VCT beef meat, complementing chemical and sensory techniques used in this field.

PMID- 22062073
TI  - Effects of growth-promoting implants on morphology of Longissimus and
      Semitendinosus muscles in finishing steers.
AB  - Growth-promoting implants lead to increased muscle accretion in ruminants. To
      elucidate the effects at a cellular level, muscle fiber distribution and cross
      sectional area (CSA) of longissimus (LM) and semitendinosus (ST) muscles were
      compared in implanted and control steers. Sixty-four Charolais steers were
      assigned to one of four treatments (16 steers/treatment): (1) no implant, (2)
      Synovex-S(r) (estradiol benzoate+progesterone), (3) Ralgro(r) (zeranol) or (4)
      Revalor-S(r) (trenbolone acetate+estradiol-17beta). The experiment was carried
      out using four slaughter groups (SGRP). Sixteen steers each were slaughtered
      after 48, 104, 160 and 175 days (four steers/treatment) on trial. Steers on an
      implant treatment were first implanted at 15 months of age (day 0) and re
      implanted at 56 and 112 days. Muscle fibers in the LM and ST (for both live
      biopsy and post-mortem samples) were characterized as either slow-twitch
      oxidative (SO), fast-twitch oxidative-glycolytic (FOG) and fast-twitch glycolytic
      (FG) fibers. Fiber distribution was minimally affected by SGRP in these
      physiologically mature steers. Implantation with Synovex did not alter fiber
      distribution in either muscle compared with control steers. Both Synovex
      implanted and control steers showed a decrease of FG and an increase of FOG
      fibers in the LM from day 0 to SGRP 2 followed by an increase of FG and a
      decrease of FOG fibers. Ralgro- and Revalor-implanted steers had an almost
      constant fiber distribution in the LM throughout the experiment resulting in
      higher precentages of FG fibers in SGRP 2 (P<0.05) than SYN or CON steers. Biopsy
      samples of the LM muscle which were excised 51 days (SGRP 1-3) or 65 days (SGRP
      4) before slaughter proved to be suitable for the determination of fiber
      distribution in live animals. Fiber area increased in post-mortem samples of both
      muscles from SGRP 1-3 in all treatment groups followed by a plateau. Implantation
      with Revalor led to an additional increase in fiber area from SGRP 3 and 4
      (P<0.05). Synovex did not affect fiber area compared with control steers whereas
      Ralgro and Revalor implants led to larger fibers in SGRP 3 and 4, respectively.
      It can be concluded that some growth-promoting implants result in noticeable
      differences in muscle hypertrophic responses which coincide with their different
      effectiveness to enhance lean mass accretion.

PMID- 22062074
TI  - Changes in lysosomal enzyme activities and shear values of high pressure treated
      meat during ageing.
AB  - The effects of pressure treatment (520 MPa for 260 s at 10 degrees C) on
      lysosomal enzyme activities, Warner-Bratzler (WB) shear values and physico
      chemical parameters of post-rigor (day 2) beef (Biceps femoris and Longissimus
      dorsi muscles) were investigated immediately after treatment and during ageing.
      Activities of cathepsin D and acid phosphatase in pressurised meat samples were
      higher than in controls at 2 days post-mortem and throughout storage. This
      increase in activities was related to the breakdown of the lysosomal membrane
      and/or to enzyme activation. The WB peak forces were higher for pressurised
      samples of both muscles at 2 days than in the control and remained higher
      throughout ageing. The WB shear force deformation curves from pressurised samples
      showed that the increase in toughness was due to the increase in shear force of
      the myofibrillar component and not the collagen component. Pressurised muscle led
      to a significant decrease in sarcomere length and higher cooking loss. Post-rigor
      application of high pressure induced higher catheptic activity but no conclusive
      effect on the post-mortem rate of tenderization or tenderness of meat was
      observed.

PMID- 22062075
TI  - Purification and characterization of a soluble methionyl aminopeptidase from
      porcine skeletal muscle.
AB  - A soluble aminopeptidase was purified from porcine skeletal muscle by ammonium
      sulfate fractionation and two successive anion exchange chromatographic
      procedures. The enzyme eluted at 0.17 M NaCl, had a relative molecular mass of 53
      KDa (by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis) and was activated by sulfydryl
      compounds. Activity was optimal at pH 7.5 and 40 degrees C and showed broad
      aminopeptidase and low endopeptidase activities. The aminopeptidase exhibited
      maximal activity against Met-, Lys-, Ala-, and Leu-7-amido-4-methyl-coumarin (
      AMC), while Pro-AMC was not hydrolyzed. Inhibition of enzyme activity was
      observed in the presence of sulfydryl reagents, iodoacetic acid, puromycin,
      leupeptin and amastatin, but it was not affected by serin and aspartic protease
      inhibitors, EDTA and bestatin. The enzyme activity was not inhibited by sodium
      chloride and, therefore, the enzyme has potential for contributing to the
      generation of free amino acids in cured pork meat products.

PMID- 22062076
TI  - The use of principal component analysis (PCA) to characterize beef.
AB  - Principal component analysis was performed to study the relationships between
      chemical, physical and sensory variables (n=18) measured on longissimus thoracis
      et lumborum of 79 young bulls from the following ethnic groups: hypertrophied
      Piemontese, normal Piemontese, Friesian, crossbred hypertrophied
      Piemontese*Friesian, Belgian Blue and White. The first three PCs explained about
      63% of total variability. Sensory characteristics, protein content, shear force
      and cooking losses resulted the most effective variables for the PC1, while
      hydroxyproline and ether extract content, as well as hue and lightness were
      useful to define the PC2. The distribution of the objects on the axes of the
      first two PCs allowed the identification of two groups, the first one including
      meats of the hypertrophied animals (Piemontese and Belgian Blue and White) the
      second one including normal Piemontese and Friesian. However, a considerable
      variability within groups was noted. The crossbreds were placed between the two
      previous groups. In conclusion, PCA proved to be a very effective procedure to
      obtain a synthetic judgement of meat quality.

PMID- 22062077
TI  - Quantification of myosin heavy chain isoform in porcine muscle using an enzyme
      linked immunosorbent assay.
AB  - The objective of this study was to develop an indirect enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to quantify the relative abundance of the myosin
      heavy chain (MyHC) isoforms in porcine muscle. Longissimus muscle samples were
      taken from halothane positive (HAL+) and negative (HAL-) pigs and subjected to
      ELISA using newly generated and commercially available myosin monclonal
      antibodies (mAbs). Muscle of HAL+ pigs possessed less type I (P <0.01) and IIA
      (P<0.1), and more type IIB MyHC (P <0.01) than muscle of HAL- pigs. Abundance of
      IIX MyHC content was negatively correlated (P < 0.0001) to the amount of IIB MyHC
      in porcine muscle. These data show indirect ELISA can be used to detect genotype
      differences in muscle MyHC content, and it provides a rapid, sensitive method for
      determining muscle fiber type in porcine skeletal muscle. Furthermore, these data
      suggest that the proportion of glycolytic muscle fibers increases at the expense
      of oxidative fibers.

PMID- 22062078
TI  - Effect of rapid and conventional cooling methods on the quality of cooked ham
      joints.
AB  - Three cooling regimes, vacuum (VC), blast (BC) and slow cooling (SC), were
      compared for their effect on cooling rate, weight loss and quality of large
      cooked ham joints. Vacuum cooling reduced the cooling rate (70-4 degrees C)
      significantly (P<0.05) in comparison to the other methods; mean cooling times for
      cooked hams (5-6 kg) were 1.9 h for VC, 11.7 for BC and 14.3 for SC. However, VC
      gave an increased chill loss (P<0.05) of ca. 11% compared to ca. 4% for the other
      methods due to evaporative moisture loss. Sensory panels found that VC hams were
      tougher and less juicy (P<0.05). Shear force measurements and texture profile
      analysis also showed the vacuum cooling to have a toughening effect on the cooked
      ham. While vacuum cooling had an adverse effect on quality and yield, it was the
      only one that conformed to recent safety guidelines for cooked meat joints of a
      reduction in temperature to 5 degrees C inside 10 h. The cooling conditions used
      do not reproduce full-scale industrial practice, however, the effects found serve
      as an indicator of the potential benefits and drawbacks of vacuum cooling for
      cooked meat joints.

PMID- 22062079
TI  - The influence of elevated temperature conditioning on bison (Bison bison bison)
      meat quality.
AB  - Elevated temperature conditioning (ETC: 10 degrees C until 10 h post mortem) was
      effectively employed as a means of cooling bison carcasses in order to avoid the
      cold-induced meat quality defects that are a risk with conventional bison carcass
      chilling (0-2 degrees C for 24 h). The ETC treatment maintained internal M.
      Longissimus lumborum and M. Semimembranosus temperature above 10 degrees C within
      the first 10 h post mortem. The time/temperature combination did not result in
      significant evaporative loss, although loss of weight during carcass cooling can
      represent a practical economic loss. ETC accelerated post-mortem glycolysis and
      pH decline, and resulted in samples of lighter, more intense red colour than
      those conventionally chilled. Significant improvement in both initial tenderness
      and tenderization during ageing was realized with the use of ETC.

PMID- 22062080
TI  - Dietary tea catechins and iron-induced lipid oxidation in chicken meat, liver and
      heart.
AB  - The effects of dietary tea catechins (TC) supplementation at levels of 50 (TC
      50), 100 (TC 100), 200 (TC 200), and 300 (TC 300) mg kg(-1) feed on
      susceptibility of chicken breast meat, thigh meat, liver and heart to iron
      induced lipid oxidation were investigated. Day old chicks (n=200) were randomly
      divided into six groups. Chicks were fed diets containing either basal (C), or
      alpha-tocopheryl acetate supplementation at a level of 200 mg kg(-1) feed (VE
      200), or TC supplementation for 6 weeks prior to slaughter. Lipid oxidation was
      assessed by monitoring malondialdehyde formation with 2-thiobarbituric acid (TBA)
      assay. TC supplementation at all levels exerted antioxidative effects for all
      tissues with the exception of 50 mg kg(-1) feed for breast meat. TC
      supplementation at levels of 200 and 300 mg kg(-1) feed were found to be
      significantly (P<0.05) more effective in retarding lipid oxidation in all
      tissues, compared to the control. TC supplementation at a level of 300 mg kg(-1)
      feed was also found to be significantly (P<0.05) superior to vitamin E
      supplementation at a level of 200 mg kg(-1) feed (VE 200) for oxidative stability
      in chicken thigh meat, but it was inferior to VE 200 in chicken liver and heart.
      TC supplementation at a level of 50 mg kg(-1) feed was found to be pro-oxidative
      in breast meat, but this did not occur in chicken thigh meat, liver and heart.
      The variation of TC antioxidative properties in different tissues may be
      explained by the uneven distribution of lipid, iron and TC accumulation in
      tissues.

PMID- 22062081
TI  - Halothane genotype, pre-slaughter handling and stunning method all influence pork
      quality.
AB  - Seventy-six Landrace and four Large White * Landrace pigs (n=80) of 90-134 kg
      liveweight were randomly allocated to a 2*2*2 factorial experiment to determine
      the effect of halothane genotype [heterozygous for the halothane gene (Nn) and
      homozygous dominant (NN)], pre-slaughter handling (minimal and negative) and
      stunning method (CO(2) stunning and electrical) on pork quality. The rate of
      muscle pH decline post-slaughter of the m. longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL)
      muscle was faster in Nn pigs compared with NN pigs (0.86 and 0.30 pH units/h,
      respectively). Pork from Nn pigs was also paler in colour, had higher percentage
      drip loss and purge and lower sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar protein solubility
      compared with NN pigs. Pork from CO(2) stunned pigs had a lower drip loss
      compared to pork from electrically stunned pigs (5.80 and 7.28%, respectively -
      means of both genotypes combined). Tenderness of pork assessed at 24 h post
      slaughter was not influenced by genotype, pre-slaughter handling or stunning
      method. However, pork from Nn pigs aged for 5 days post-slaughter was less tender
      than NN pigs (5.84 and 4.84 kg, respectively). Pale, soft and exudative pork was
      produced in all negatively handled Nn pigs, regardless of stunning method. The
      average amount of ecchymosis-affected muscle trimmed from carcasses of
      electrically stunned pigs was higher compared to pigs stunned with CO(2) (65 and
      0.7 g, respectively). These data indicate that although halothane status was the
      most important factor influencing pork quality, pre-slaughter handling and
      stunning method also influenced meat and carcass quality.

PMID- 22062082
TI  - Effect of ion fluid injection on beef tenderness in association with calpain
      activity.
AB  - Sodium pyrophosphate plus sodium chloride (PPi) was injected into pre-rigor, hot
      boned biceps femoris (BF) and semimembranosus (SM) muscle from 12 heifer
      carcasses. The PPi injection caused higher pH values between 10 and 48 h post
      mortem than found in the controls for both muscles (P<0.05). PPi injection
      resulted in faster decreases in the activities of MU-calpain and calpastatin than
      in the control for both muscles with time post-mortem (P<0.05). There were
      significant differences between treatments in both the BF and SM (P<0.05). There
      was evidence that PPi-injection elevated pH, and accelerated activation of
      calpains, resulting in improved tenderness. The rates of degradation of titin and
      troponin-T as well as the appearance of 95 and 30 kDa peptides were faster in the
      PPi-injected muscles than the controls. PPi-injection elevated muscle pH, which
      was attributed to acceleration of the calpain activation. It is concluded that
      PPi-injection improved beef tenderness by accelerating activation of calpain.

PMID- 22062083
TI  - Meat tenderization by proteolytic enzymes after osmotic dehydration.
AB  - The treatment of proteolytic enzymes is one of the popular methods for meat
      tenderization. In this case, it is very important how to introduce the enzymes
      into the meat cut. This paper describes meat tenderization by dipping the meat
      cut in a solution containing proteolytic enzymes after contact-osmotic
      dehydration. After the dehydration of each piece of meat from culled cow for 18 h
      by contact-dehydration sheet, each sample was dipped for 3 h in a solution
      containing papain or proteinases from Aspergillus traditionally used for soysauce
      production in Japan. It was stored at 3~4 degrees C for 24, 48 and 168 h, and
      subjected to texture measurement, sensory evaluations, biochemical analysis and
      histological observations. The penetration efficiency of the enzyme solution (of
      around 80%) after the contact-osmotic dehydration seemed to be sufficient. A
      marked decrease in hardness by texture measurements was observed in the meats
      treated with proteolytic enzymes and higher sensory scores for tenderness were
      observed in the meats treated with enzymes as compared with the untreated meat.
      The papain-treated meat received the highest score in tenderness, but the scores
      given to juiciness and taste were lower than that of the control. The rapid
      increases of the fragmentation of myofibrils from the enzyme-treated meat were
      observed at first 24 h of storage as compared with that of the control.
      Remarkable degradation of myosin molecule in the myofibrils from the enzyme
      treated meats was observed on SDS-PAGE profiles. Considerable degradation of
      myofibrilar structure especially due to proteolytic removal of Z-lines, was
      observed among the myofibrils from enzyme-treated meats by electronmicroscopy.
      The remarkable deformation and disruption of honeycomb-like structure of
      endomysium were also observed in the meats treated with enzymes. From these
      results, it was shown that treatment after osmotic dehydration, was effective in
      tenderizing.

PMID- 22062084
TI  - Meat Science: An Introductory Text. P.D. Warriss (L25, US $ 45). CABI Publishing.

PMID- 22062085
TI  - Combination treatment with pioglitazone and fenofibrate attenuates pioglitazone
      mediated acceleration of bone loss in ovariectomized rats.
AB  - Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) gamma agonists, such as
      pioglitazone (Pio), improve glycemia and lipid profile but are associated with
      bone loss and fracture risk. Data regarding bone effects of PPARalpha agonists
      (including fenofibrate (Feno)) are limited, although animal studies suggest that
      Feno may increase bone mass. This study investigated the effects of a 13-week
      oral combination treatment with Pio (10 mg/kg per day)+Feno (25 mg/kg per day) on
      body composition and bone mass parameters compared with Pio or Feno alone in
      adult ovariectomized (OVX) rats, with a 4-week bone depletion period, followed by
      a 6-week treatment-free period. Treatment of OVX rats with Pio+Feno resulted in
      ~50% lower fat mass gain compared with Pio treatment alone. Combination treatment
      with Pio+Feno partially prevented Pio-induced loss of bone mineral content (~45%)
      and bone mineral density (BMD; ~60%) at the lumbar spine. Similar effects of
      treatments were observed at the femur, most notably at sites rich in trabecular
      bone. At the proximal tibial metaphysis, concomitant treatment with Pio+Feno
      prevented Pio exacerbation of ovariectomy-induced loss of trabecular bone,
      resulting in BMD values in the Pio+Feno group comparable to OVX controls.
      Discontinuation of Pio or Feno treatment of OVX rats was associated with partial
      reversal of effects on bone loss or bone mass gain, respectively, while values in
      the Pio+Feno group remained comparable to OVX controls. These data suggest that
      concurrent/dual agonism of PPARgamma and PPARalpha may reduce the negative
      effects of PPARgamma agonism on bone mass.

PMID- 22062086
TI  - Rapid detection by multiplex PCR of Genomic Islands, prophages and Integrative
      Conjugative Elements in V. cholerae 7th pandemic variants.
AB  - Vibrio cholerae poses a threat to human health, and new epidemic variants have
      been reported so far. Seventh pandemic V. cholerae strains are characterized by
      highly related genomic sequences but can be discriminated by a large set of
      Genomic Islands, phages and Integrative Conjugative Elements. Classical
      serotyping and biotyping methods do not easily discriminate among new variants
      arising worldwide, therefore the establishment of new methods for their
      identification is required. We developed a multiplex PCR assay for the rapid
      detection of the major 7th pandemic variants of V. cholerae O1 and O139. Three
      specific genomic islands (GI-12, GI-14 and GI-15), two phages (Kappa and TLC),
      Vibrio Seventh Pandemic Island 2 (VSP-II), and the ICEs of the SXT/R391 family
      were selected as targets of our multiplex PCR based on a comparative genomic
      approach. The optimization and specificity of the multiplex PCR was assessed on 5
      V. cholerae 7th pandemic reference strains, and other 34 V. cholerae strains from
      various epidemic events were analyzed to validate the reliability of our method.
      This assay had sufficient specificity to identify twelve different V. cholerae
      genetic profiles, and therefore has the potential to be used as a rapid screening
      method.

PMID- 22062087
TI  - Kinetic anomalies in the interactions of Nile red with microalgae.
AB  - Nile red (NR) is a popular fluorescent indicator to visualize lipid bodies in
      intact cells and has been extensively utilized to monitor triglyceride
      accumulation in microalgae. Typically, addition of NR to algae results in a rapid
      fluorescence enhancement followed by fluorescence quenching. NR fluorescence rise
      can be resolved into two kinetic phases: a fast phase (P1, sec), monitored at 525
      nm/630 nm, followed by a slower phase (P2, min), monitored at 488 nm/575 nm.
      Studies with isolated plasma membrane (PM) and lipid globule (LG) preparations,
      suggest that P1 and P2 represent entry to the PM and transfer to LG,
      respectively. High NaCl slows down the interactions of NR with algae and with
      lipid globules. The onset of NR fluorescence quenching varies in different algae
      species between 5 min to 1h, and is observed in intact cells and in isolated LG.
      NR fluorescence quenching depends on NR concentration and is almost eliminated at
      low NR/cell ratios, indicating that it results from self-interactions of LG
      associated dye. Glycerol has a dual effect on NR fluorescence: it eliminates
      kinetic anomalies resulting from limited solubility and self-interactions, but it
      also quenches NR fluorescence. NR fluorescence quenching by glycerol, as well as
      NR fluorescence enhancement by iodide anions, was observed only at high NR/LG
      ratios. These findings suggest that lipid-associated NR is more exposed to
      hydrophilic quenchers at high than at low NR concentrations. The results
      emphasize the importance of defining the optimal time window and NR
      concentrations for monitoring lipid accumulation in microalgae by NR fluorescence
      and clarify the origin of spectral anomalies resulting from self-interactions of
      dye molecules.

PMID- 22062088
TI  - MALDI-typing of infectious algae of the genus Prototheca using SOM portraits.
AB  - BACKGROUND: MALDI-typing has become a frequently used approach for the
      identification of microorganisms and recently also of invertebrates. Similarity
      comparisons are usually based on single-spectral data. We apply self-organizing
      maps (SOM) to portray the MS-spectral data with individual resolution and to
      improve the typing of Prototheca algae by using meta-spectra representing
      prototypes of groups of similar-behaving single spectra. RESULTS: The MALDI-TOF
      peaklists of more than 300 algae extracts referring to five Prototheca species
      were transformed into colored mosaic images serving as molecular portraits of the
      individual samples. The portraits visualize the algae-specific distribution of
      high- and low-amplitude peaks in two dimensions. Species-specific pattern of MS
      intensities were readily discernable in terms of unique single spots of high
      amplitude MS-peaks which collect characteristic fingerprint spectra. The spot
      patterns allow the visual identification of groups of samples referring to
      different species, genotypes or isolates. The use of meta-peaks instead of single
      peaks reduces the dimension of the data and leads to an increased discriminating
      power in downstream analysis. CONCLUSIONS: We expect that our SOM portray method
      improves MS-based classifications and feature selection in upcoming applications
      of MALDI-typing based species identifications especially of closely related
      species.

PMID- 22062089
TI  - Symposium on meat safety: From abattoir to consumer.

PMID- 22062090
TI  - Challenges to meat safety in the 21st century.
AB  - The safety of meat has been at the forefront of societal concerns in recent
      years, and indications exist that challenges to meat safety will continue in the
      future. Major meat safety issues and related challenges include the need to
      control traditional as well as "new," "emerging," or "evolving" pathogenic
      microorganisms, which may be of increased virulence and low infectious doses, or
      of resistance to antibiotics or food related stresses. Other microbial pathogen
      related concerns include cross-contamination of other foods and water with
      enteric pathogens of animal origin, meat animal manure treatment and disposal
      issues, foodborne illness surveillance and food attribution activities, and
      potential use of food safety programs at the farm. Other issues and challenges
      include food additives and chemical residues, animal identification and
      traceability issues, the safety and quality of organic and natural products, the
      need for and development of improved and rapid testing and pathogen detection
      methodologies for laboratory and field use, regulatory and inspection
      harmonization issues at the national and international level, determination of
      responsibilities for zoonotic diseases between animal health and regulatory
      public health agencies, establishment of risk assessment based food safety
      objectives, and complete and routine implementation of HACCP at the production
      and processing level on the basis of food handler training and consumer
      education. Viral pathogens will continue to be of concern at food service,
      bacterial pathogens such as Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella and
      Campylobacter will continue affecting the safety of raw meat and poultry, while
      Listeria monocytogenes will be of concern in ready-to-eat processed products.
      These challenges become more important due to changes in animal production,
      product processing and distribution; increased international trade; changing
      consumer needs and increased preference for minimally processed products;
      increased worldwide meat consumption; higher numbers of consumers at-risk for
      infection; and, increased interest, awareness and scrutiny by consumers, news
      media, and consumer activist groups. Issues such as bovine sponginform
      encephalopathy will continue to be of interest mostly as a target for
      eradication, while viral agents affecting food animals, such as avian influenza,
      will always need attention for prevention or containment.

PMID- 22062091
TI  - Microbial safety of meat in the European Union.
AB  - The two most frequently reported zoonotic diseases in humans in the EU in 2005
      were Campylobacter and Salmonella infections with incidences of 51.6 and 38.2
      cases per 100,000 population, respectively. Reported human infections caused by
      Yersinia spp., Verocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli, and Listeria monocytogenes had
      comparably lower incidences of 2.6, 1.2 and 0.3 cases per 100,000 population,
      respectively. Meat and meat products are important sources for these infections
      but knowledge on exactly how important they are compared with other types of
      food, drinking water and environmental exposure is quite limited. Occurrences of
      zoonotic pathogens in raw meat are variable, although most often are between 1%
      and 10%, depending on the organism, geographical factors, farming and/or meat
      production practices, etc. Zoonotic pathogens in meat have to be controlled
      through a complete, continuous farm-to-fork system. It is of utmost importance to
      control faecal contamination of carcasses through efficient HACCP-based process
      hygiene management systems.

PMID- 22062092
TI  - Normative and pre-normative aspects for the management of actual and perspective
      POPs in meat and meat products.
AB  - With the acronym POPs we intend a group of persistent organic pollutants framed
      within the Stockholm Convention [Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic
      Convention (POPs) (2004). Available from http://www.pops.int/]. POPs are a
      subgroup of the wide family of the aforesaid chemicals present in the
      environment, that are primarily of industrial origin. According to their physical
      chemical properties, bioaccumulative behaviour in lipid tissues, and possible
      toxicological effects, they represent a relevant and growing concern for human
      beings. Foodstuffs of animal origin represent the main source of exposure.
      Monitoring data from national residue plans report only few non-compliances with
      respect to regulatory limits. However, the estimated intake, as in the case of
      polychloro-p-dibenzodioxins (PCDD), polychlorodibenzofurans (PCDF) and dioxin
      like polychlorobyphenils (DL-PCBs) may result close to the correspondent safety
      guidance value (i.e., the Tolerable Daily Intake), thus indicating the need to
      reduce the overall exposure. In animal productions, the sources of contamination
      may be the commercial feedingstuffs as well as the contact with contaminated soil
      and bedding materials and the overall quality of the environment where animal
      productions are carried out. In this light, a number of safety challenges are
      envisaged to produce meat, such as: (a) characterization of the environment, (b)
      identification of the animal-based risk factors, (c) model-based approaches, able
      to predict bioaccumulation, and (d) teaching and training of stockmen.

PMID- 22062093
TI  - Tracking emerging zoonotic pathogens from farm to fork.
AB  - A combination of factors including changes in the agri-food chain, social
      changes, advances in detection and reporting systems coupled with bacterial
      adaptation and evolution have in recent years lead to the emergence of a number
      of zoonotic microorganisms in the food and water chain. These include multi
      antibiotic resistant bacteria, verocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli, parasites such
      as Cyclospora on fruit, and Cyrptosporidium and Giardia in water, Enterobacter
      sakazakii in infant milk formula, and emergent species of Campylobacteraceae. In
      this paper, Enterohaemorrhagic E. coli and Campylobacteraceae are taken as
      examples of emergent pathogens in the meat chain. Specific factors which may have
      lead to their emergence are deliberated, in addition to an overview of tools for
      their detection and tracking, and their epidemiology and survival
      characteristics. Approaches to managing and controlling emergent pathogens in the
      agri-food chain are also discussed.

PMID- 22062094
TI  - Pros and cons of carcass decontamination: The role of the European Food Safety
      Authority.
AB  - Various intervention strategies to control foodborne pathogens have been
      identified and applied through the whole food chain. Physical, chemical,
      biological treatments applied alone or in combination have been studied and
      proved to reduce the number and the prevalence of bacterial contamination of meat
      surfaces such as carcasses. The various treatments have their own advantages and
      disadvantages. In EU, chemical decontamination was not permitted until the recent
      revision of European food hygiene legislation which allows the use of substances
      other than water for the removal of meat surface bacterial contamination. The
      European Commission will authorise the use of such substances after the European
      Food Safety Authority (EFSA) has provided a chemical and a microbiological risk
      assessment. For this purpose, EFSA issued a guidance document which points out
      the major components and prerequisites that a study/dossier should contain in
      order to prove that the substance intended to be used for the removal of
      microbial surface contamination of foods of animal origin (i) would not pose any
      appreciable risk to the public health (safety or chemical assessment) and (ii)
      would result in a significant reduction of the prevalence and the numbers of
      pathogenic target bacteria when compared to the control and when this reduction
      is at the same time of relevance to human health (efficacy or microbiological
      risk assessment). The current paper deals only with microbiological safety
      issues.

PMID- 22062095
TI  - Inhibition of Salmonella sp. Listeria monocytogenes and Staphylococcus aureus in
      cooked ham by combining antimicrobials, high hydrostatic pressure and
      refrigeration.
AB  - Recontamination of ready-to-eat products such as cooked ham during post
      processing may be the cause of outbreaks of food-borne disease. The effectiveness
      of the combination of high pressure processing (HPP) at 600MPa with the natural
      antimicrobials nisin and potassium lactate has been evaluated in sliced cooked
      ham spiked with 4LogCFU/g of Salmonella sp., Listeria monocytogenes and
      Staphylococcus aureus after 3-months of storage at 1 and 6 degrees C. In non-HPP
      sliced cooked ham, the addition of nisin plus lactate inhibited the growth of L.
      monocytogenes during the entire storage period while the refrigerated storage
      inhibited the growth of Salmonella sp. and S. aureus. The application of an HPP
      reduced the levels of Salmonella and L. monocytogenes to levels below 10CFU/g.
      These levels continued until the end of storage at both 1 and 6 degrees C. HPP
      produced a reduction of less than 1LogCFU/g to S. aureus. The combination of HPP,
      nisin and refrigeration at 6 degrees C was necessary to decrease the levels of S.
      aureus by 2.4LogCFU/g after 3-months of storage.

PMID- 22062096
TI  - Veterinary drug residues in meat: Concerns and rapid methods for detection.
AB  - The use of substances having hormonal or thyreostatic action as well as beta
      agonists is banned in the European Union. However, sometimes forbidden drugs may
      be added to feeds for illegal administration to farm animals for promoting
      increased muscle development or increased water retention and thus obtain an
      economical benefit. The result is a fraudulent overweight of meat but, what is
      worse, residues of these substances may remain in meat and may pose a real threat
      to the consumer either through exposure to the residues, transfer of antibiotic
      resistance or allergy risk. This has exerted a great concern among European
      consumers. The control of the absence of these forbidden substances in animal
      foods and feeds is regulated in the European Union by Directive96/23/EC on
      measures to monitor certain substances and residues in live animals and animal
      products. Analytical methodology, including criteria for identification and
      confirmation, for the monitoring of compliance was also given in Decisions
      93/256/EEC and 93/257/EEC. More recently, Decision 2002/657/EC provided rules for
      the analytical methods to be used in testing of official samples. A crucial step
      is the screening of veterinary drug residues in live animals, feeds and animal
      products in view of the remarkable number of samples and large variety of
      residues to be analysed. In recent years, different rapid methods having easy
      performance, high sensitivity and high throughput have been proposed and are
      being extensively used. These methods as well as other new methods are reviewed
      in this manuscript.

PMID- 22062097
TI  - The use and control of nitrate and nitrite for the processing of meat products.
AB  - Nitrate and nitrite are used for the purpose of curing meat products. In most
      countries the use of both substances, usually added as potassium or sodium salts,
      is limited. Either the ingoing or the residual amounts are regulated by laws. The
      effective substance is nitrite acting primarily as an inhibitor for some
      microorganisms. Nitrite added to a batter of meat is partially oxidized to
      nitrate by sequestering oxygen - thus it acts as an antioxidant - a part of
      nitrite is bound to myoglobin, forming the heat stable NO-myoglobin, a part is
      bound to proteins or other substances in meat. Nitrate may be reduced to nitrite
      in raw meat products by microorganisms. As oxidation and reduction may occur the
      concentrations of nitrite plus nitrate in a product has to be controlled and
      measured especially if the residual amounts are regulated. This sum of both
      compounds is important for the human body. Intake of nitrate with food leads to
      its absorption over the digestive tract into the blood. In the oral cavity
      nitrate appears again where it is reduced to nitrite. With the saliva the nitrite
      is mixed with food, having the same effect as nitrite in a batter (inhibiting
      growth of some pathogenic microorganisms) and swallowed. In the stomach nitrite
      can eventually form carcinogenic nitrosamines in the acidic environment.

PMID- 22062098
TI  - Meat spoilage during distribution.
AB  - Meat spoilage during distribution can be considered as an ecological phenomenon
      that encompasses the changes of the available substrata (e.g., low molecular
      compounds), during the prevailing of a particular microbial association, the so
      called specific spoilage organisms (SSO). In fact, spoilage of meat depends on an
      even smaller fraction of SSO, called ephemeral spoilage organisms (ESO). These
      ESO are the consequence of factors that dynamically persist or imposed during,
      e.g., processing, transportation and storage in the market. Meanwhile spoilage is
      a subjective judgment by the consumer, which may be influenced by cultural and
      economic considerations and background as well as by the sensory acuity of the
      individual and the intensity of the change. Indeed, when spoilage progresses,
      most consumers would agree that gross discoloration, strong off-odors, and the
      development of slime would constitute the main qualitative criteria for meat
      rejection. On the other hand, meat industry needs rapid analytical methods or
      tools for quantification of these indicators to determine the type of processing
      needed for their raw material and to predict remaining shelf life of their
      products. The need of an objective evaluation of meat spoilage is of great
      importance. The use of metabolomics as a potential tool for the evaluation of
      meat spoilage can be of great importance. The microbial association of meat
      should be monitored in parallel with the estimation of changes occurring in the
      production and/or assimilation of certain compounds would allow us to evaluate
      spoilage found or produced during the storage of meat under different
      temperatures as well as packaging conditions.

PMID- 22062099
TI  - Bioactive packaging technologies for extended shelf life of meat-based products.
AB  - To prevent the development and spread of spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms
      via meat foodstuffs, antimicrobial packaging materials could be a potential
      alternative solution. Instead of mixing antimicrobial compounds directly with
      food, incorporating them in films allows the functional effect at the food
      surface - where the microbial growth is mostly found - to be localized.
      Antimicrobial packagings include systems such as adding a sachet into the
      package, dispersing bioactive agents in the packaging, coating bioactive agents
      on the surface of the packaging material, or utilizing antimicrobial
      macromolecules with film forming properties or edible matrices. The potential of
      these technologies are evaluated for the preservation of meat and meat products.

PMID- 22062100
TI  - Meat products in the past, today and in the future.
AB  - An illustrative overview is given of the history of meat products, emphasizing
      the present situation. Three different consecutive and complementary periods can
      be defined in terms of realisations, threats and opportunities. The "Quality"
      period started about 15 years ago and was characterised by the introduction of
      the ISO Quality Systems Standards. A trend from product control towards system
      control for guaranteeing Food Safety and Quality was obvious. The "Food Safety"
      Period started with the introduction of HACCP. Pushed by Food Safety scandals
      this period is characterised by a growing influence of authorities and
      legislation besides an increase in distribution requirements. The "Nutrition and
      Health" period has only just started. Global health problems related to food and
      the (potential) answers of the meat industry are highlighted. For meat products
      the energy (fat) level, the sodium level and fat quality in terms of fatty acid
      composition are the main priorities.

PMID- 22062101
TI  - Decontamination technologies for meat products.
AB  - Consumers demand high quality, natural, nutritious, fresh appearance and
      convenient meat products with natural flavour and taste and an extended shelf
      life. To match all these demands without compromising safety, in the last decades
      alternative non-thermal preservation technologies such as HHP, irradiation, light
      pulses, natural biopreservatives together with active packaging have been
      proposed and further investigated. They are efficient to inactivate the
      vegetative microorganisms, most commonly related to food-borne diseases, but not
      spores. The combination of several non-thermal and thermal preservation
      technologies under the so-called hurdle concept has also been investigated in
      order to increase their efficiency. Quick thermal technologies such as microwave
      and radiofrequency tunnels or steam pasteurization bring new possibilities to the
      pasteurization of meat products especially in ready to eat meals. Their
      application after final packaging will prevent further cross-contamination during
      post-processing handling. The benefits of these new technologies and their
      limitations in an industrial application will be presented and discussed.

PMID- 22062102
TI  - Molecular tracking of Listeria monocytogenes in an Iberian pig abattoir and
      processing plant.
AB  - The environment and products from an Iberian pig abattoir and processing plant
      were sampled to investigate the prevalence and genetic diversity of Listeria
      monocytogenes. The organism was not detected in the pig carcasses prior to
      processing. Fresh and dry-cured pork did show detectable levels, always ranging
      below 100CFU per gram. A total of 163 L. monocytogenes isolates collected during
      one year were characterized by PCR-based serotyping and pulsed-field gel
      electrophoresis (PFGE) restriction analysis. Three predominant PFGE types or
      pulsotypes seemed to persist in the plant. The pulsotype S1 (serotype group 1/2a,
      53% of the isolates) was mostly recovered from whole pieces of meat and
      environmental sites, while pulsotypes S2 (1/2a, 17%) and S4 (1/2b, 21%) were more
      frequently associated with ground pork products. The pulsotype S4 was also found
      in a grinding machine, suggesting a possible association of this machine with the
      contamination of the ground meat products.

PMID- 22062103
TI  - Microbiology and physico-chemical changes of dry-cured ham during the post
      salting stage as affected by partial replacement of NaCl by other salts.
AB  - Dry-cured ham consumption is restricted by hypertensive consumers due to its high
      sodium content. This constitutes an important matter for this industry, being
      relevant due to the current trends in consumption. In order to prevent the
      problems related to the high sodium intake, one of the possibilities is the total
      or partial replacement of sodium by other ions, such as potassium, calcium and
      magnesium. The aim of this study was to characterise the post-salting stage in
      Spanish cured ham production with the results obtained after salting with low
      sodium salt content. The results showed that lower sodium hams needed more time
      of post-salting to reach similar water activity values than those achieved by
      hams salted with 100% NaCl. Nevertheless, no differences in microbial counts were
      observed among the studied batches, although a sharp decrease in microbiota was
      observed when the, post-salting time was prolonged in the lower sodium hams.

PMID- 22062104
TI  - Effect of packaging conditions on shelf-life of ostrich steaks.
AB  - This study was conducted to establish the shelf-life of ostrich steaks stored in
      four different packaging types: (i) air exposure, (ii) vacuum, and two different
      modified atmospheres packages (iii) MAP: 80% CO(2)+20% N(2,) and (iv) MAP+CO: 30%
      CO(2)+69.8% argon+0.2% CO. Shelf-life evaluation was based on colour, lipid and
      hemopigments oxidation, microbial counts and sensory assessment of odour and
      colour. Samples stored under air exposure showed the highest lipid and
      hemopigments oxidation rate. Based on aerobic bacteria counts, the shelf life of
      ostrich steaks stored under aerobic conditions would be 8 d at most, whereas
      under vacuum, MAP or MAP+CO it would be 12 d. The presence of CO extends the
      shelf life of ostrich steaks by stabilisation of red colour measured by
      instrumental and sensory techniques, and maintenance of fresh meat odour by
      slowing down off-odour perception.

PMID- 22062105
TI  - Flavour profiles of dry sausages fermented by selected novel meat starter
      cultures.
AB  - Probiotic or bioprotective Lactobacillus rhamnosus strains GG, LC-705 and E-97800
      as well as Pediococcus pentosaceus E-90390 and Lactobacillus plantarum E-98098
      were studied for their ability to act as main fermenting organisms in the
      manufacturing process of dry sausages. In the preliminary tests, their abilities
      to produce lactic acid and biogenic amines, histamine or tyramine, were studied
      in MRS broth and analysed by high-performance liquid chromatography. The strains
      produced higher or equal amounts of lactic acid compared to control and were
      amine negative. During the actual fermentation process of dry sausages the
      numbers of inoculated bacteria increased from the level 6.5-7.0 log cfu/g to 8.0
      9.0 log cfu/g. The most fast growing strains were P. pentosaceus E-90390 and the
      control while the growth of L. plantarum E-98098 and L. rhamnosus LC-705 were the
      slowest. The pH value of the sausages decreased from 5.6 to 4.9-5.0. The presence
      of these experimental strains as major organisms in the sausages after
      fermentation and ripening was confirmed on the bases of their genetic
      fingerprints. The flavour profiles of the experimental sausages produced by these
      probiotic or protective strains were similar with that produced by the commercial
      meat starter culture and commercial North European dry sausage recipe.

PMID- 22062106
TI  - Antioxidative effects of cottonseed meals as evaluated in cooked meat.
AB  - Cottonseed meal samples were collected from nine cottonseed oil mills in the USA.
      The meal samples contained 230-1,820 ppm free gossypol and 8,300-16,480 ppm total
      gossypol. Finely ground meals were incorporated into ground beef with 15% fat or
      ground lean meats (beef semimembranosus muscle and goat lean composite), at 0-3%
      of the final meat mixture weight. The meat mixtures were cooked to an internal
      temperature of 77 degrees C, aerobically refrigerated for 3 days, and analyzed
      for lipid oxidation using a distillation 2-thiobarbituric acid-reactive
      substances (TBARS) assay method. All the cottonseed meals were highly effective
      antioxidants in cooked meats, decreasing day-3 TBARS values by 77-91% with 3%
      addition. Estimated gossypol levels in the meat samples with 3% cottonseed meal
      were 7-55 ppm free gossypol (vs. the 450 ppm maximum limit set by the United
      States Food and Drug Administration for human food products) and 249-494 ppm
      total gossypol (vs. the 12,000 ppm maximum limit by the UN Food and Agriculture
      and World Health Organizations for food products). There was no significant
      correlation between the antioxidative efficacy of the meals and free or total
      gossypol levels.

PMID- 22062107
TI  - Lipid and protein oxidation in microsomal fraction from turkeys: influence of
      dietary fat and vitamin E supplementation.
AB  - The objectives of this study were to investigate the effects of dietary fats (6%
      soya oil or rapeseed oil or tallow) and alpha-tocopheryl acetate supplementation
      (30 ppm for control and 200 ppm for supplemented animals), on lipid and protein
      oxidation, induced by Fe(3+)/ascorbate, of microsomal fraction in turkey muscles
      (M. pectoralis major and M. sartorius). Supplementation of turkeys with alpha
      tocopheryl acetate increased the vitamin E content of microsomal membranes.
      Vitamin E supplementation strongly decreased lipid oxidation in membranal
      fractions when animals were fed rapeseed oil or tallow; this effect was less
      pronounced in animals fed soya oil. Vitamin E supplementation induced a slight
      decrease in protein carbonyl content, especially in animals fed soya oil. Level
      of protein free thiols was considerably enhanced in diet enriched with soya oil.
      Vitamin E supplementation had a stabilizing effect on glucose-6-phosphatase
      activity of microsomes when oxidized by Fe(3+)/ascorbate. No muscle effect was
      detected on the level of lipid and protein oxidation in membranal fractions even
      if M. sartorius is known to be more oxidative than M. pectoralis major.

PMID- 22062108
TI  - The effect of time and type of electrical stimulation on the calpain system and
      meat tenderness in beef longissimus dorsi muscle.
AB  - Effects of type and time of electrical stimulation on the calpain system, sensory
      and objective meat quality in the M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum from 38
      pasture-fed carcasses, were investigated under conventional chilling conditions.
      High voltage stimulation was applied to whole carcasses at 3 min post-mortem (pm)
      and to sides at either 40 or 60 min pm, whilst low voltage stimulation was
      applied to whole carcasses at 3 min pm and to sides at 40 min pm. Unstimulated
      sides served as controls. The levels of extractable MU-calpain and calpastatin
      decreased during stimulation by 28-44% and 8-17%, respectively. Shear force and
      adjusted tenderness score showed that stimulation at 3 min, irrespective of type
      of stimulation, resulted in significantly tougher meat (P<0.05) which was
      associated with an rapid rate of pH decline, compared to stimulation at 40 min.
      Higher calpastatin levels soon after stimulation at 3 min (P < 0.05) and lower MU
      calpain level at 24 h pm for high voltage stimulation at 3 min (P<0.05) coincided
      with the tougher meat. On the other hand, high voltage stimulation at 40 and 60
      min resulted in similar tenderness and levels of MU-calpain and calpastatin post
      stimulation and 24 h pm. Significantly tougher meat from the control sides, with
      a higher MU-calpain levels at 24 h pm and similar sarcomere length, compared to
      those from low voltage stimulation at 40 min (P<0.001), appeared to be linked to
      the later activation of the calpain system. Results from the current study
      suggest that early application of stimulation may be associated with a very rapid
      decline in pH and consequently a reduction in meat quality.

PMID- 22062109
TI  - Determination of meat pH - temperature relationship using ISFET and glass
      electrode instruments.
AB  - pH measurements of beef, pork and lamb were made over the range 0-35 degrees C in
      order to establish the dependence of pH on temperature (DeltapH/DeltaT).
      Measurements were made using a newly developed ISFET pH probe and a conventional
      glass probe. The results indicated values of DeltapH/DeltaT in the range of 
      0.006 to -0.007 pH units/ degrees C, and are compared to the few other values of
      DeltapH/DeltaT reported for meat and to values generally reported in
      physiological studies of animal tissue. It is suggested that in meat studies and
      in industrial monitoring of pH, greater attention be given to potential sources
      of error that can arise from unrecognised temperature-related pH effects. It is
      also suggested that consideration be given by the industry to establishing an
      agreed temperature at which meat pH is reported so that valid comparisons of
      different pH measurements may be made.

PMID- 22062110
TI  - Comparison of the color stability and lipid oxidative stability of fresh and
      vacuum packaged lamb muscle containing elevated omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acid
      levels from dietary manipulation.
AB  - A series of three experiments were conducted with second cross ([Merino*Border
      Leicester]*Poll Dorset) wether lambs to evaluate the effects of dietary
      treatments on manipulation of muscle long-chain (LC) omega-3 fatty acids (FA) on
      the color stability and oxidative stability of fresh and vacuum packaged lamb. At
      the end of 7-, 6- and 6-week experimental periods for experiments (Exp.) 1-3
      respectively, lambs were slaughtered at a commercial abattoir. At 24 h post
      mortem, muscle longissimus lumborum (LL) and longissimus thoracis (LT) were
      removed and evaluated for color and lipid oxidative stability under specified
      commercial storage and display condition. Of the dietary supplements used, fish
      meal and fish oil moderately (P<0.01) and markedly (P<0.001) increased muscle
      omega-3 FA content, while both protected canola seed (P<0.001) and protected
      sunflower meal protein significantly (P<0.02) increased muscle omega-6 FA content
      or ratio of omega-6/omega-3 of the longissimus muscle. In all experiments, the
      substantial increase (P<0.001) in muscle LC omega-3 and omega-6 FA had no
      consistent significant effect on color values (redness (a*), yellowness (b*) and
      lightness (L*)) for fresh and vacuum packaged lamb over a 6-day display period.
      Lipid oxidation, determined by the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive
      substances (TBARS) indicated the enrichment of muscle polyunsaturated fatty acid
      (PUFA) levels in lambs did not produce significant differences resulting either
      from main treatment effects or for treatment*day*type interactions (where type
      was fresh and vacuum packaged). Present results demonstrated the color and lipid
      oxidative stability of lamb longissimus muscle during refrigerated display was
      not affected by enhanced levels of omega-3 and omega-6 FA due to dietary
      treatments.

PMID- 22062111
TI  - Biogenic amines produced by Enterobacteriaceae isolated from meat products.
AB  - Biogenic amines in ground meat and processed meat products are one of the
      indicators to determine the poor quality raw material. Major histamine forming
      bacterium was Escherichia coli (strain EC04 with 65.88 mg/100 ml in Brain Heart
      Infusion medium), followed by the microorganisms Morganella morganii (strain MM4
      with 8.40 mg/100 ml and strain MM7 with 8.28 mg/100 ml) and Proteus mirabilis
      (strain PM02 with 8.76 mg/100 ml), respectively. The highest putrescine
      production level was found in Citrobacter freundii and Enterobacter spp. strains,
      followed by Serratia grimesii, Proteus alcalifaciens, E. coli, Escherichia
      fergusonii, Morganella morganii, Proteus mirabilis, Proteus penneri and Hafnia
      alvei, respectively. The most important cadaverine producer was E. coli EC03 with
      a production level of 45.48 mg/100 ml, and of the strains Escherichia vulnaris
      EV01, Escherichia fergusonii EF06 produced 37.92 mg/100ml and 35.40 mg/100 ml,
      respectively. On the basis of our results, it can be concluded that the major
      biogenic amines produced by Enterobacteriaceae are putrescine, cadaverine,
      tyramine and histamine, both in culture medium and meat products.

PMID- 22062112
TI  - The interaction between pH and temperature decline early postmortem on the
      calpain system and objective tenderness in electrically stimulated beef
      longissimus dorsi muscle.
AB  - The study investigated the effects of pH and temperature decline early postmortem
      (pm) on calpains and calpastatin activities and objective tenderness in M.
      longissimus thoracis et lumborum. A total of 40 sides were used to generate a
      range of pH and temperature declines, by different stimulation treatments (i.e.
      low voltage stimulation applied for either 10 or 40 s 3 min pm), and chilling
      treatments (fast or slow). Both rapid glycolysis, or a slow chilling regime
      significantly reduced MU-calpain level at 4 h pm (P< 0.001 and P< 0.05,
      respectively). There were significant interactions between pH and temperature at
      1.5 h pm on MU-calpain and calpastatin activities at 24 h pm (P< 0.05). Rapid
      glycolysis resulted in lower shear force and compression measurements at day 1,
      although because of low ageing rates, an intermediate pH decline (i.e. pH 5.9-6.2
      at 1.5 h pm) resulted in the most tender meat after 14 days ageing. Higher shear
      forces in the slow glycolysing sides appeared to be associated with the later
      activation of tenderising process, as well as physical shortening. The optimum pH
      decline early pm varied with days ageing, with an intermediate pH decline
      resulting in the lower shear forces for meat aged for 14 days.

PMID- 22062113
TI  - Study of the branched hydrocarbon fraction of intramuscular lipids from Iberian
      fresh ham.
AB  - Branched hydrocarbons from the unsaponifiable lipid fraction of the Biceps
      femoris muscle of Iberian pigs were analyzed. Fifty-five Iberian pigs were
      distributed to seven groups according to management system (short Montanera and
      long Montanera, i.e. fed on acorn and pasture for 55 and 75 days prior to
      slaughter, respectively, and Pienso, fed on a concentrate diet), and genetic
      type. A branched hydrocarbon, neophytadiene, was identified only in samples from
      the pigs fed on the extensive system, with higher levels being found in pigs from
      the long Montanera group, than in those from the short Montanera group; this
      compound was not found in the Pienso group. Genotype did not affect the level of
      branched hydrocarbons found.

PMID- 22062114
TI  - The effect of breed-production systems on the myosin heavy chain 1, the
      biochemical characteristics and the colour variables of Longissimus thoracis from
      seven Spanish beef cattle breeds.
AB  - The effect of breed-production system on the myosin heavy chain 1 (MHC-I), the
      biochemical characteristics and the colour variables of longissimus thoracis (LT)
      from seven beef breeds was studied: Asturiana de la Montana (AM), Asturiana de
      los Valles (AV), Avilena-Negra Iberica (A-NI), Bruna dels Pirineus (BP), Morucha
      (MO), Pirenaica (PI) and Retinta (RE) (Age at slaughter between 368 and 541 days;
      carcass weight between 249 and 334 kg). Significant differences between breed
      production systems were found for all traits evaluated. LT from the MO, a rustic
      type breed, was the most oxidative (MHC-I, 39.3%; isocitrate dehydrogenase
      activity, 52 nmol min(-1) mg(-1); pigment content, 188.4 MUg acid haematin g(-1))
      and showed a low L* value (32.6) and high a* and C* values (24 and 27.2,
      respectively). In terms of meat colour (L* and a*) the canonical discriminant
      analysis separated the breeds into two groups, the AV, the PI and the A-NI (the
      lightest ones) from the AM and the MO breeds (the reddest and darkest) whereas
      the BP showed an intermediate position. The RE and the A-NI were distinguished
      from the others by their high intramuscular fat content. Meat colour was affected
      by the muscle biochemical traits in the breed-production systems studied.

PMID- 22062115
TI  - Improvement of the physicochemical properties of pale soft and exudative (PSE)
      pork meat products with an extract from mechanically deboned turkey meat (MDTM).
AB  - Loss of protein functionality of pale soft and exudative (PSE) meat and a surplus
      of mechanically deboned turkey meat (MDTM) has negative economic impacts on the
      meat industry. The objective of this research was to add functional proteins from
      an extract of MDTM to PSE meat to create a value-added pork sausage product.
      Sausages manufactured from PSE incorporating an MDTM extract exhibited a 30%
      increase in rigidity (P<0.05) compared to those manufactured using brine alone.
      Sausages made from PSE and normal pork with the MDTM extract demonstrated little
      difference in water holding capacity (P>0.05), and reductions of 4.1 and 3.1% in
      cooking loss (P<0.05), respectively, compared to sausages made employing brine
      alone. Introducing functional proteins derived from MDTM to processed meat made
      with PSE pork has the potential to enhance the economic value to both of these
      low value raw materials.

PMID- 22062116
TI  - Pork meat quality affects peptide and amino acid profiles during the ageing
      process.
AB  - Twenty pork carcasses were classified in different pork meat qualities: red, firm
      and non-exudative (RFN), pale, soft and exudative (PSE), red, soft and exudative
      (RSE) and dark, firm and dry (DFD) meat. The content of peptides and free amino
      acids during the ageing process was analysed and compared within quality classes.
      Four peptide fractions were isolated through cation-exchange and reverse-phase
      chromatography. The main significant differences among qualities were obtained
      for peptide fractions 3 and 4. Peptide fraction 3 at 4 days and peptide fraction
      4 at 2 h postmortem were higher in the ideal pork quality (RFN) than in the other
      quality classes. The ageing of pork meats produced a general increase in all free
      amino acid concentrations for the studied quality classes except for Gln, beta
      Ala, Taurine and Orn and the dipeptides carnosine and anserine. The DFD class
      showed higher increases in Lys, Ala and Met probably due to the activation of
      neutral aminopeptidases.

PMID- 22062117
TI  - Diverse lamb genotypes 4. Predicting the yield of saleable meat and high value
      trimmed cuts from carcass measurements.
AB  - To determine how current predictors of carcass and cut yield perform in the
      Australian lamb industry a large study was undertaken using diverse genotypes.
      Carcass measurements and yield data were obtained for 591 lambs representing two
      sexes (cryptorchids, ewes). The lambs were sired by a selection of Texel (T),
      Poll Dorset (PD), Border Leicester (BL) and Merino (M) rams crossed with Border
      Leicester*Merino (BLM) and Merino (M) ewes giving six genotypes (T*BLM, PD*BLM,
      T*M, PD*M, BL*M, M*M). The percentage yield of saleable meat, hindquarter, loin
      and a range of trimmed cuts were predicted using models based on hot carcass
      weight, EUROP conformation score, m. longissimus thoracis et lumborum area (LL
      area) in combination with three different measures of carcass fatness: (1) the
      depth of muscle and fat tissue from the surface of the carcass to the lateral
      surface of 12th rib, 110 mm from the midline (GR); (2) fat depth over the LL at
      the deepest part of the muscle (FATC); and (3) fat depth at the 5th rib, 110 mm
      from the midline (FAT5). FAT5 was identified as the most accurate and robust
      (stable) fat measurement for the prediction of saleable meat yield in a
      production system based on diverse genotypes. Using GR as a fatness measurement
      led to overestimation of fatness level and underestimation of yield in T sired
      lambs. Conformation score after carcass weight and any of the fat measurements
      improved (P<0.01) the prediction of the yield of saleable meat, hindquarter, loin
      and all trimmed lamb cuts with the exception of the ribloin (rack). LL area added
      significantly (P<0.01) to the prediction of the yield of saleable meat,
      hindquarter and trimmed lamb cuts, but not for the midloin and neck fillet at a
      constant carcass weight and fatness. Large proportions of the variation in all
      yields were unaccounted for, even after the inclusion of either conformation or
      LL area. Predictions based on carcass weight and any of the three different fat
      measurements were not very accurate. Although the addition of LL area as a
      predictor significantly (P<0.01) increased the accuracy of the predictions the
      results suggest that the current description system for lamb carcases in
      Australia needs to be re-examined.

PMID- 22062118
TI  - Erratum.

PMID- 22062119
TI  - Immobilization of lipase on cotton cloth using the layer-by-layer self-assembly
      technique.
AB  - Lipase from Thermomyces lanuginosus was assembled into multiple layers on
      polyethylenimine treated cotton flannel cloth, utilising the enzymes property of
      forming bimolecular aggregates via layer-by-layer (LBL) immobilization technique.
      An increase in lipase activity with increasing enzyme layers confirmed lipase
      aggregation. A study to compare the activity of enzyme bound by classical LBL
      technique, containing alternate layers of polyethylenimine and lipase and the
      modified approach indicated above, showed that more enzyme was bound to cloth in
      the modified approach. A total of 13 U/cm(2) of enzyme were bound to cloth till
      the fifth layer whereas only 10.2 U/cm(2) were bound till the fifth bilayer in
      the classical approach. The successful assembly of lipase molecules has shown
      that this modified technique is a promising approach to immobilize enzymes that
      aggregate through hydrophobic interactions as nano-films on cloth.

PMID- 22062120
TI  - Interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogel microspheres for oral controlled
      release application.
AB  - Interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) hydrogel microspheres of sodium
      carboxymethyl cellulose (NaCMC) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) were prepared by
      water-in-oil (w/o) emulsion crosslinking method for oral controlled release
      delivery of a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, diclofenac sodium (DS). The
      microspheres were prepared with various ratios of NaCMC to PVA, % drug loading
      and extent of crosslinking density at a fixed polymer weight. The prepared
      microspheres with loose and rigid surfaces were evidenced by scanning electron
      microscope (SEM). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and X-ray
      diffraction (XRD) analysis confirmed the IPN formation. Differential scanning
      calorimetry (DSC) study was performed to understand the dispersion nature of drug
      after encapsulation. The in vitro drug release study was extensively evaluated
      depending on the process variables in both acid and alkaline media. All the
      formulations exhibited satisfactory physicochemical and in vitro release
      characteristics. Release data indicated a non-Fickian trend of drug release from
      the formulations. Based on the results of this study suggest that DS loaded IPN
      microspheres were suitable for oral controlled release application.

PMID- 22062121
TI  - The effect of corn distiller's dried grains with solubles, ractopamine, and
      conjugated linoleic acid on the carcass performance, meat quality, and shelf-life
      characteristics of fresh pork following three different storage methods.
AB  - The objective of this study was to evaluate dietary corn distiller's dried grains
      with solubles (DDGS), ractopamine hydrochloride (RAC), and conjugated linoleic
      acid (CLA) on growth performance, carcass and fat quality, and shelf-life of
      fresh pork from finishing pigs. Barrows (n=72) were fed one of eight treatments
      consisting of two diet sources (corn-soy and corn-soy+20% DDGS), two levels of
      RAC (0 and 7.4ppm), and two levels of CLA (0 and 0.6%) for 28days. Loins were
      portioned (n=3) into one of three storage conditions (fresh, cold, frozen); each
      followed with seven days of retail display. Feeding RAC improved ADG and G:F
      (P<0.05), whereas DDGS decreased belly fat firmness (P<0.05). Dietary DDGS
      increased total polyunsaturated fatty acids in jowl and belly samples and
      increased Iodine Value (IV) (P<0.05), but addition of CLA decreased IV. Dietary
      DDGS, RAC, or CLA had minimal impact on pork quality following varied storage
      methods.

PMID- 22062122
TI  - Molecular characterization and expression analysis of interferon regulatory
      factor 5 (IRF-5) in turbot, Scophthalmus maximus.
AB  - Interferon regulatory factor 5 (IRF-5) plays a role both in the antiviral and
      inflammatory responses. In this study, we described the structure, mRNA tissue
      distribution and regulation of an IRF-5 gene from turbot, Scophthalmus maximus
      (SmIRF-5). The gene sequence of SmIRF-5 is 4275 bp long, composed of 9 exons and
      8 introns similar to known IRF-5 genes of vertebrates, and encodes a peptide of
      487 amino acids. The deduced protein sequence shares the highest identity of ~60
      70% with fish IRF-5 and possesses a DNA-binding domain (DBD), a middle region
      (MR), an IRF association domain (IAD) and a virus activated domain (VAD) known to
      be important for the functions of IRF-5 in mammals. Phylogenetic analysis grouped
      SmIRF-5 with other IRF-5s of vertebrates. SmIRF-5 transcripts were detectable in
      a wide range of tissue types of healthy fish with higher levels observed in the
      head kidney, kidney and spleen. The SmIRF-5 was transcriptionally up-regulated by
      turbot reddish body iridovirus (TRBIV) but not by polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid
      (poly I:C) in the gills, head kidney, spleen and muscle. Both the highest
      inducibility and earliest induction of SmIRF-5 expression were observed in the
      spleen where it reached a maximum level at day 1 after infection, prior to that
      of turbot Mx. These findings may help to better understand the roles of SmIRF-5
      in antiviral response.

PMID- 22062123
TI  - Effects of high pressure on meat: A review.
AB  - Extensive investigations in the last decade have revealed the potential benefits
      of high pressure processing (100-800 MPa) for the preservation and modification
      of foods. Simultaneously, a few pressurised foods have become commercially
      available in Japan, Europe and the USA. In the present review, the basic
      principles underlying the effects of high pressure on food constituents and
      quality attributes are first presented. Recent data concerning the following
      specific effects of high pressure on muscle and meat products are then reported
      and discussed: changes in muscle enzymes and meat proteolysis; modifications in
      muscle ultrastructure; effects on myofibrillar proteins; meat texture and
      pressureassisted tenderisation processes; pressure-induced gelation and
      restructuring of minced meat; changes in myoglobin and meat colour; influence of
      pressure on lipid oxidation in muscle; high pressure-inactivation of pathogenic
      and spoilage micro-organisms in meat; combined high pressure-moderate temperature
      'pasteurisation' of meat products.

PMID- 22062124
TI  - Quality improvement of ground buffalo meat by preblending with sodium ascorbate.
AB  - Ground buffalo meat (GBM) was preblended with sodium ascorbate (SA) at 0, 300,
      400, 500 and 600 ppm level and was examined for its quality changes during
      refrigerated storage at 4+/-1  degrees C. It was observed that GBM containing 500
      ppm SA had significantly higher pH, visual colour and odour, lovibond tintometer
      red colour units (LTCU 'R') and chroma; lower cooking loss, metmyoglobin content
      and TBARS number as compared with other levels of SA. TBARS number was highly
      correlated with metmyoglobin and inversely with odour score; visual colour was
      negatively correlated with metmyoglobin, aerobic mesophiles count and
      psychrotrophs plate count. SA at 500 ppm is found to be optimum level for
      preblending which extended the shelf life of GBM from 4 to 8 days under
      refrigerated storage.

PMID- 22062125
TI  - Acute phase response in emergency slaughtered dairy cows.
AB  - The acute phase response and the diagnostic value of two serum acute phase
      proteins, haptoglobin and alpha(1)-acid glycoprotein, were studied in eighty
      emergency slaughtered Ayrshire or Friesian dairy cows. The results were compared
      with plasma proteins and enzymes and with the meat inspection data of the
      slaughtered cows. Cows with minor injuries, such as teat lesions, had low
      haptoglobin and alpha(1)-acid glycoprotein serum concentrations, the means being
      0.01 and 0.54 gl(-1). The other emergency slaughtered animals exhibited acute
      phase response: the means for haptoglobin and alpha(1)-acid glycoprotein were
      0.67 and 0.96 gl(-1), respectively. Serum gammaglobulin was also increased in
      these animals, and had a mean concentration of 22 gl(-1). These results indicate
      that acute phase proteins could be used for detecting diseased animals from the
      normal slaughterhouse material. Haptoglobin and alpha(1)-acid glycoprotein did
      not quantitatively predict the meat inspection result of the emergency
      slaughtered dairy cows. Serum gamma-globulin concentration was more effective in
      this respect, being significantly higher (p < 0.05) in totally condemned
      carcases. Muscle traumas were the most frequent pathological finding in meat
      inspection. They also induced an acute phase response detectable by serum
      haptoglobin and alpha(1)-acid glycoprotein. Alpha(1)-acid glycoprotein correlated
      positively with the quantity of muscle trauma, the correlation coefficient being
      0.54 (p < 0.01). The respective correlations for muscle specific enzymes serum
      aspartate aminotransferase and creatine kinase were 0.62 and 0.63 (p < 0.01).

PMID- 22062126
TI  - Muscle metabolic traits, post mortem-pH-decline and meat quality in pigs
      subjected to regular physical training and spontaneous activity.
AB  - Ninety-six female and male pigs were assigned to one of three treatments,
      'confined' (C),'trained'(T) or 'free' (F) allowing for different levels of
      physical activity during the growth interval from 30 to 100kg. Treatment C
      consisted of individual housing in pens of 2.5 m(2); treatment T of individual
      housing and regular treadmill training and treatment F of housing in pens of 36
      m(2) (40 pigs/pen). In m. biceps femoris (BF), the activity of lactate
      dehydrogenase (LDH) was decreased between 9 and 12% by training (treatment T vs
      C). Likewise, in BF from female pigs, training increased the activity of citrate
      synthase (CS) and of 3-OH-acyl-CoA-dehydrogenase (HAD) by 18 and 21%,
      respectively. Spontaneous activity (treatment F) reduced the activity of LDH for
      five muscles between 10 and 16% when compared with treatment C. Around the time
      of slaughter, glycogenolysis of BF was less for treatment F (6-17%) than for C
      and T (33-38%). Moreover, in BF from female pigs in treatment F, the initial but
      not the ultimate pH was increased when compared with treatment C. In comparison
      to C and T, treatment F improved juiciness in BF from male pigs and increased the
      amount of salt soluble protein in m. longissimus dorsi.

PMID- 22062127
TI  - Dry fermented sausages elaborated with Lactobacillus plantarum-staphylococcus
      carnosus. Part II: Effect of partial replacement of NaCl with KCl on the
      proteolytic and insolubilization processes.
AB  - The effect of partial replacement of NaCl with KCl (3% NaCl by 1.5% NaCl + 1%
      KCl) on the proteolytic and insolubilization processes that affect the nitrogen
      fractions of dry fermented sausages produced with L. plantarum-S. carnosus as
      starter culture was analysed. The percentage of solubility was significantly
      lower in the modified product, which is consistent with its significantly higher
      percentage of insoluble fraction observed from the beginning of the process. The
      myofibrillar fraction was more affected by the proposed modification than the
      sarcoplasmic fraction: the loss of solubility for the modified and control
      products were 33.6 and 27.6% for myofibrillar fraction and 9.9 and 9.3% for the
      sarcoplasmic fraction, respectively. Also a higher intensity of the proteolytic
      process was observed. The modified product was found to be slightly less hard but
      had a better salted taste.

PMID- 22062128
TI  - Mechanical and structural characteristics of single muscle fibres and fibre
      groups from raw and cooked pork longissimus muscle.
AB  - The aim of this study was to analyse the mechanisms that determine why small
      groups of muscle fibres may have different mechanical properties than single
      muscle fibres. The method used combined light microscopy and tensile testing on
      single fibres and small groups of fibres from raw and cooked (80  degrees C)
      meat, from both conditioned and unconditioned porcine longissimus muscle. The
      results showed that small groups of fibres had different breaking properties than
      constituent single fibres in raw muscle, but that these differences diminished on
      cooking. Raw groups of fibres showed a more uniform lengthening along their
      entire length and a higher extension to rupture than single fibres. Conditioning
      increased maximum strains in both single fibres and small fibre groups. In
      unconditioned cooked meat, single fibres and fibre groups showed comparable
      breaking stresses and extensions. Conditioning resulted in a lower strength in
      fibre groups than in single fibres. These results show that (endomysial)
      connective tissue linkages between adjacent muscle fibres in a small group
      significantly alter the breaking behaviour of single fibres. The effects of these
      connective tissue linkages are not reduced by conditioning alone, but are largely
      diminished by cooking to 80  degrees C.

PMID- 22062129
TI  - The extraction and properties of superoxide dismutase from porcine blood.
AB  - Crude Superoxide dismutase (SOD) was prepared by extraction with chloroform
      ethanol, centrifugation and acetone precipitation. The specific activity of the
      SOD was 1570 units mg(-1), and an unusual ultraviolet spectrum with maximum
      absorbance at 256.4 nm was observed. When the SOD was kept at 40, 50 and 60 
      degrees C for 10 min, it showed little loss of stability but it retained only 95,
      69, 45 and 2.5% of its original activity after holding at 60, 70, 75, and 80 
      degrees C for 5 min., respectively. When cupric ions were added, the
      thermostability of SOD was enhanced. When the extracted SOD was kept at -23, 4,
      25 and 30  degrees C for 20 weeks, the relative activity retained was 76, 67, 26
      and 16%, respectively. Using the sensitive test with cyanide and hydrogen
      peroxide, the acrylamide gel of the SOD showed this enzyme was of the Cu Zn 
      type. The molecular weights of the holoenzyme and its subunits, estimated by SDS
      polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, were approximately 31 and 15 kD,
      respectively.

PMID- 22062130
TI  - Role of neutrophils in acrylonitrile-induced gastric mucosal damage.
AB  - Acrylonitrile (ACN) is a widely used intermediate in the manufacture of plastics,
      acrylic fibers, synthetic rubbers and resins that are used in a variety of
      products including food containers and medical devices. ACN is a possible human
      carcinogen and a documented animal carcinogen, with the stomach being an
      important target of its toxicity. ACN has been previously reported to require
      metabolic activation to reactive intermediates and finally to cyanide (CN-). The
      current study aimed at exploring the potential role of neutrophils in ACN-induced
      gastric damage in rats. Experimental neutropenia was attained by injecting rats
      with methotrexate. This significantly ameliorated gastric mucosal injury induced
      by ACN. This is evidenced by protection against the increase in gastric ulcer
      index, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and CN- level. Also, neutropenia guarded
      against the decrease in prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), induction of oxidative stress
      and reduction of total nitrites and alleviated histopathological alterations in
      rat stomachs. These data indicate that neutrophil infiltration is, at least
      partly, involved in ACN-induced gastric damage in rats.

PMID- 22062131
TI  - Potential estrogenic activity of triclosan in the uterus of immature rats and rat
      pituitary GH3 cells.
AB  - Triclosan (5-chloro-2-(2,4-dichlorophenoxy)phenol; TCS) is used as an
      antimicrobial agent in personal care, pharmaceutical, industrial, and household
      products. In this study, we established an in vivo model for screening estrogenic
      activity of TCS in the uteri of immature rats. In addition, we employed
      temporarily transfected cells with plasmids containing estrogen response element
      (ERE) and progesterone (P4) response element (PRE) sequences. We found that
      uterine weight was significantly increased by 17alpha-ethinylestradiol (EE) as a
      positive control and TCS at doses of 7.5, 37.4, and 187.5 mg/kg. In addition, the
      expressions of calbindin-D(9k) (CaBP-9k) and complement C3 (C3) were
      significantly induced by EE and TCS in the uteri of immature rats, indicating
      that TCS can induce their expression mediated by estrogenic activity. Co
      treatment with steroid antagonists ICI 182,780 (ICI) and RU 486 in conjunction
      with TCS (37.5 mg/kg) reversed TCS-induced uterine weight and CaBP-9k mRNA and
      protein expression increases in immature rats. Moreover, ERE and PRE luciferase
      activity was evaluated in GH3 cells following treatment with TCS. Concentrations
      of TCS at increasing doses (10-9, 10-7, and 10-5 M) resulted in a significant
      increase in ERE luciferase activity compared to control; however, no difference
      was observed in PRE luciferase activity following TCS treatment. To confirm that
      ER signaling is involved in TCS-induced CaBP-9k expression, we treated GH3 cells
      with the anti-estrogen ICI, which can block TCS-induced up-regulation of CaBP-9k
      in these cells. Taken together, these results indicate that TCS has an estrogen
      like property, which may be mediated through an ER-involved signaling pathway in
      both in vivo and in vitro models.

PMID- 22062132
TI  - Evidence of a suffocation alarm system within the periaqueductal gray matter of
      the rat.
AB  - Dyspnea, hunger for air, and urge to flee are the cardinal symptoms of panic
      attacks. Patients also show baseline respiratory abnormalities and a higher rate
      of comorbid and antecedent respiratory diseases. Panic attacks are also
      precipitated by infusion of sodium lactate and inhalation of 5% CO2 in
      predisposed patients but not in healthy volunteers or patients without panic
      disorder. Accordingly, Klein [Klein (1993) Arch Gen Psychiatry 50:306-317]
      suggested that clinical panic is the misfiring of an as-yet-unidentified
      suffocation alarm system. In rats, selective anoxia of chemoreceptor cells by
      potassium cyanide (KCN) and electrical and chemical stimulations of
      periaqueductal gray matter (PAG) produce defensive behaviors, which resemble
      panic attacks. Thus, here we examined the effects of single or combined
      administrations of CO2 (8% and 13%) and KCN (10-80 MUg, i.v.) on spontaneous and
      PAG-evoked behaviors of rats either intact or bearing electrolytic lesions of
      PAG. Exposure to CO2 alone reduced grooming while increased exophthalmus,
      suggesting an arousal response to non-visual cues of environment. Unexpectedly,
      however, CO2 attenuated PAG-evoked immobility, trotting, and galloping while
      facilitated defecation and micturition. Conversely, KCN produced all defensive
      behaviors of the rat and facilitated PAG-evoked trotting, galloping, and
      defecation. There were also facilitatory trends in PAG-evoked exophthalmus,
      immobility, and jumping. Moreover, whereas the KCN-evoked defensive behaviors
      were attenuated or even suppressed by discrete lesions of PAG, they were markedly
      facilitated by CO2. Authors suggest that the PAG harbors an anoxia-sensitive
      suffocation alarm system which activation precipitates panic attacks and
      potentiates the subject responses to hypercapnia.

PMID- 22062134
TI  - Changes in hippocampal synapses and learning-memory abilities in a streptozotocin
      treated rat model and intervention by using fasudil hydrochloride.
AB  - Fasudil hydrochloride (FH), a Rho kinase inhibitor, is used to treat neurological
      diseases. This study aims to elucidate the anti-dementia role of FH in
      Alzheimer's disease. Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into
      four groups: (1) sham-operated group (control), (2) sham-operated followed by FH
      administration group (sham+FH), (3) streptozotocin (STZ)-treated group (STZ), and
      (4) STZ treatment followed by FH administration group (STZ+FH). Rats in the STZ
      and STZ+FH groups received two divided doses of STZ (1.5 mg/kg)
      intracerebroventricularly on days 1 and 3, whereas control and sham+FH group rats
      were given citric acid/sodium citrate buffer. Rats in the sham+FH and STZ+FH
      groups were then treated intraperitoneally with FH (10 mg/kg) for 4 weeks, and
      rats in the STZ and control groups were treated with saline. Learning and memory
      were measured using the Morris water maze test. The synaptic ultrastructure in
      the CA1 region of the hippocampus was observed using electronic microscopy. The
      expression of synaptophysin (SYP) was measured using real-time polymerase chain
      reaction and western blot analyses; the expression of p-LIMK2 and p-cofilin were
      also detected using western blot analysis. The results indicate that STZ induced
      deficit in learning/memory, decrease in SYP expression, degeneration in synaptic
      structures, and increase in the expressions of p-LIMK2 and p-cofilin. These
      changes were reversed by the administration of FH, suggesting that FH has anti
      dementia properties that protect synaptic structure and function. FH induced
      dephosphorylation (inactivation) of LIMK2 and subsequent dephosphorylation
      (activation) of cofilin, which may be responsible for the amelioration of
      neuronal synaptic structure and function.

PMID- 22062133
TI  - Microglial stress inducible protein 1 promotes proliferation and migration in
      human glioblastoma cells.
AB  - Microglial activation is a key event in the progression and infiltration of
      tumors. We have previously demonstrated that the co-chaperone stress inducible
      protein 1 (STI1), a cellular prion protein (PrP(C)) ligand, promotes glioblastoma
      (GBM) proliferation. In the present study, we examined the influence of
      microglial STI1 in the growth and invasion of the human glioblastoma cell line
      GBM95. We demonstrated that soluble factors secreted by microglia into the
      culture medium (microglia conditioned medium; MG CM) caused a two-fold increase
      in the proliferation of GBM95 cells. This effect was reversed when STI1 was
      removed from the MG CM. In this context, we have shown that microglial cells
      synthesize and secrete STI1. Interestingly, no difference was observed in
      proliferation rates when GBM cells were maintained in MG CM or MG CM containing
      an anti-PrP(C) neutralizing antibody. Moreover, rec STI1 and rec STI1(Delta230
      245), which lack the PrP(C) binding site, both promoted similar levels of GBM95
      proliferation. In the migration assays, MG CM favored the migration of GBM95
      cells, but migration failed when STI1 was removed from the MG CM. We detected
      metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) activity in the MG CM, and when cultured microglia
      were treated with an anti-STI1 antibody, MMP-9 activity decreased. Our results
      suggest that STI1 is secreted by microglia and favors tumor growth and invasion
      through the participation of MMP-9 in a PrP(C)-independent manner.

PMID- 22062135
TI  - New insights into opioid regulatory pathways: influence of opioids on Wnt1
      expression in zebrafish embryos.
AB  - Opioids are the most potent analgesics known today, but their prolonged
      administration produces severe adverse effects such as constipation, bradycardia,
      besides addiction, a concept not fully understood at present, which represents
      one of the most important challenges of modern bioscience. Wnts constitute an
      important family of vertebrate genes that encode secreted signaling proteins
      implicated in various developmental processes (patterning of the neural tube,
      neuronal differentiation), and are extensively conserved through evolution. In
      this study we have focused on Wnt1, an essential signal in axis polarity, as well
      as in proliferation and the development and differentiation of the CNS, roles
      shared by opioid receptors. Our previous studies in zebrafish show that morphine,
      the most potent analgesic known today, increases cell proliferation and induces
      neuronal protection and dopaminergic differentiation by activating the opioid
      receptors. The aim of the present study is to determine whether these effects are
      a consequence of an interaction between Wnt1 and the endogenous opioid system,
      which may act as a transcription regulator of Wnt1. Hence, we have exposed
      embryos to morphine, the endogenous delta opioid agonist Met-Enkephalin-Glu-Tyr
      (MEGY) (it binds with high affinity to both zebrafish delta opioid receptors,
      ZfDORs), and SNC80, a highly specific delta agonist, which displays low affinity
      towards the ZfDORs. Although at earlier stages, all opioids reduced the
      expression level of Wnt1, further on development, mainly during the
      differentiation of the CNS (24-48 h post fertilization (hpf)), morphine and MEGY
      increased Wnt1 expression. Our results point to the possibility that opioid
      signaling controls the transcription of Wnt1 and that through Wnt1, the opioid
      system regulates cell proliferation and neuronal differentiation. The present
      work opens a door to the discovery of new mechanisms that regulate opioid
      activity and its adverse effects, and hence, it might provide a good target to
      design new drugs that prevent or avoid these effects.

PMID- 22062136
TI  - Differential protection of neuromuscular sensory and motor axons and their
      endings in Wld(S) mutant mice.
AB  - Orthograde Wallerian degeneration normally brings about fragmentation of
      peripheral nerve axons and their sensory or motor endings within 24-48 h in mice.
      However, neuronal expression of the chimaeric, Wld(S) gene mutation extends
      survival of functioning axons and their distal endings for up to 3 weeks after
      nerve section. Here we studied the pattern and rate of degeneration of sensory
      axons and their annulospiral endings in deep lumbrical muscles of Wld(S) mice,
      and compared these with motor axons and their terminals, using neurone-specific
      transgenic expression of the fluorescent proteins yellow fluorescent protein
      (YFP) or cyan fluorescent protein (CFP) as morphological reporters. Surprisingly,
      sensory endings were preserved for up to 20 days, at least twice as long as the
      most resilient motor nerve terminals. Protection of sensory endings and axons was
      also much less sensitive to Wld(S) gene-copy number or age than motor axons and
      their endings. Protection of gamma-motor axons and their terminals innervating
      the juxtaequatorial and polar regions of the spindles was less than sensory axons
      but greater than alpha-motor axons. The differences between sensory and motor
      axon protection persisted in electrically silent, organotypic nerve-explant
      cultures suggesting that residual axonal activity does not contribute to the
      sensory-motor axon differences in vivo. Quantitative, Wld(S)-specific
      immunostaining of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurones and motor neurones in
      homozygous Wld(S) mice suggested that the nuclei of large DRG neurones contain
      about 2.4 times as much Wld(S) protein as motor neurones. By contrast, nuclear
      fluorescence of DRG neurones in homozygotes was only 1.5 times brighter than in
      heterozygotes stained under identical conditions. Thus, differences in axonal or
      synaptic protection within the same Wld(S) mouse may most simply be explained by
      differences in expression level of Wld(S) protein between neurones. Mimicry of
      Wld(S)-induced protection may also have applications in treatment of
      neurotoxicity or peripheral neuropathies in which the integrity of sensory
      endings may be especially implicated.

PMID- 22062137
TI  - Combined effects of chilling rate, low voltage electrical stimulation and
      freezing on sensory properties of bovine M. longissimus dorsi.
AB  - The single and combined effects of low voltage electrical stimulation (LVES),
      chilling rate after slaughter, and freezing/thawing during ageing on the
      tenderness of bovine M. longissimus dorsi were studied. Of 27 young bulls, 14
      were exposed to LVES (90 V, 32 s, 15 Hz) immediately after stunning. Four
      different treatments regarding chilling rate and freezing/thawing were randomly
      assigned to each of the 27 young bulls. Samples were aged for 7 days at 4 degrees
      C and analyzed after freezing and thawing. The experimental design allowed direct
      comparison of different treatment effects and an assessment whether these were
      additive or not. As expected chilling rate after slaughter had highly significant
      effects on final tenderness, based on results from a trained sensory panel and
      Warner Bratzler (WB) shear press analysis. The effect of LVES on final tenderness
      was not statistically significant. The introduction of a freezing/thawing step
      during ageing did not significantly affect tenderness. The effects of individual
      treatments depended on the tenderness level and were relatively larger at high WB
      shear press values (7-8 kg/cm(2)) than at low values (4-5 kg/cm(2)). The results
      indicate that the treatment effects were not additive, but that the treatments
      are alternatives to tenderize beef.

PMID- 22062138
TI  - Hind-limb protein metabolism and calpain system activity influence post-mortem
      change in meat quality in lamb.
AB  - This study is concerned with the rate of protein turnover in the hind limb muscle
      bed of intact lambs, the activity of calpain proteolytic system in the M. biceps
      femoris, and subsequent rates of myofibre breakdown and tenderisation in the M.
      longissimus dorsi. Feed restriction increased protein degradation in hind-limb
      muscle of lambs (p<0.1), with a concominant decrease in the extractable activity
      of calpastatin (p<0.01), the endogenous inhibitor of calpain. IGF-1 analog
      treatment decreased both protein degradation and assayed MU-calpain activity
      (p<0.05) with no effect on the activity of calpastatin. beta-Agonist treatment
      increased hind-limb protein synthesis (p<0.01), calpastatin activity (p<0.1) and
      decreased (p<0.01) MU-calpain activity, but did not effect protein degradation.
      Significant correlations were observed between Myofibril Fragmentation Index
      (MFI) values during post-mortem storage and initial post-slaughter calpastatin
      activity at days 3 (r=-0.34, p<0.1), 5 (r=-0.58, p<0.01) and 9 (r=-0.58, p<0.1),
      and MU-calpain activity at days 5 (r=0.35, p<0.1) and 9 (r=0.41, p<0.05).
      However, stronger correlations were observed between the ratio of MU-calpain to
      calpastatin, an estimate of potential MU-calpain proteolytic activity, and the
      rate of myofibril fragmentation (r=0.75, p<0.001) and tenderisation (r=-0.64,
      p<0.01) during aging. These results are consistent with the calpain system being
      the major proteolytic system involved in myofibril fragmentation and hence aging
      related tenderisation of meat.

PMID- 22062139
TI  - Volatile compounds of dry-cured Iberian ham as affected by the length of the
      curing process.
AB  - Volatile compounds from 10 dry-cured Iberian hams ripened for two different
      processing times, a prolonged traditional one (600 days) and a shortened process
      (420 days), were analysed by purge and trap coupled to gas chromatography-mass
      spectroscopy. Eighty-three compounds were identified which agreed with the major
      classes found in other ham types. The amount of methyl branched alkanes was much
      higher than in other dry-cured ham types, probably due to the feeding regime. The
      percentages of 2- and 3-methylbutanal were higher (p<0.0001 and p<0.0003,
      respectively) in the longer aged hams, whereas the amounts of some compounds from
      lipid oxidation decreased from 420 to 600 days aging. In agreement with these
      observations, 600-day hams had higher scores for those odour and flavour traits
      usually considered to be positive attributes and lower scores for rancidity. A
      positive and significant correlation between 2-methyl butanal and cured flavour
      was found.

PMID- 22062140
TI  - Knife and impact cutting of lamb bone.
AB  - The forces and hence fracture energies required to cut bone are presented in this
      paper and the merits of cutting with a high speed blade are considered. A plain
      knife blade was used to cut cancellous and compact lamb bone using three
      different methods. A microtome was used to produce a range of cut thicknesses
      which enabled the fracture energy to be separated into friction, surface fracture
      and plastic deformation energies. A tensile test machine was used to produce
      thicker off-cuts so that the energy required to cut through full sections of bone
      could be determined. A high speed rail gun was used to cut at speeds up to 130
      m/s. The energy required to cut bone did not change with blade speed. However,
      the energies measured during the cutting varied over a wide range. In situations
      in which the surface of the cut bone exhibited a very uneven surface high energy
      was required, whereas when the resulting cut surface was planar the cutting
      energy was low. A light weight blade which impacts the bone at high speed will
      transmit a small impulse to the carcass which may be absorbed without
      transmitting strain to the muscle/connective tissue. This may allow the
      development of a high speed knife which will cut bone without excessively
      damaging the meat surrounding the cut.

PMID- 22062141
TI  - Effect of a high linoleic acid diet on lipogenic enzyme activities and on the
      composition of the lipid fraction of fat and lean tissues in the pig.
AB  - The aim of this study was to examine the influence of a high linoleic acid diet
      on lipogenic enzyme activities in pig tissues and on the dietetic quality of
      these tissues (subcutaneous adipose tissue, Semimembranosus and Diaphragma
      muscles). Pigs were fed diet M containing 4% of maize oil or diet T containing 4%
      of tallow from 40 to 100 kg live weight. We did not observe any differences in
      growth or slaughter performances that could be attributed to diet. Lipogenic
      enzyme activities were higher in the adipose tissue of pigs fed diet M. However,
      diet had no effect on lipogenesis in the muscles. The lipid, linoleic acid, and
      cholesterol contents were higher in the adipose tissue of pigs fed diet M whereas
      the oleic acid concentration of the adipose tissue was lower. No significant
      increase in the lipid content of either muscle was however observed in pigs fed
      diet M. The linoleic acid and cholesterol contents were higher in both muscles of
      pigs fed diet M than in muscles of pigs fed diet T.

PMID- 22062142
TI  - Effects of rigor attainment temperature on meat blooming and colour on display.
AB  - This paper describes the colour properties of seven hot-boned, unstimulated beef
      striploins during rigor attainment at 9, 14 and 24 degrees C, during blooming at
      4 degrees C, and after storage at -1 degrees C for 0, 2 and 8 weeks. Immediately
      after rigor attainment (0 weeks of storage) full blooming, as judged by L* and
      chroma, took at least 12 h. After 2 and 8 weeks storage, blooming was complete
      within about 4 h. The exponential equations describing blooming were different
      for 0 weeks compared with 2 and 8 weeks. This difference can be explained in
      terms of oxygen consumption by meat freshly in rigor. At 0 weeks, meat that
      entered rigor at 24 degrees C had the best bloomed colour, whereas at 2 and 8
      weeks the 9 degrees C treatment had the best and the 24 degrees C the worst. The
      data set, which spanned a range of ultimate pH values and three rigor attainment
      temperatures, was used to estimate the value of early colour measurements (first
      24 h post-rigor) in predicting colour during display several weeks later. As
      judged by correlation coefficients, early measurements of hue were the only ones
      useful. L* and chroma were poor predictors. This result, together with the
      knowledge that blooming is slow in the first 24 h post-rigor, casts doubt on the
      value of subjective or objective colour assessments made in chillers. Temperature
      of rigor attainment between 9 and 24 degrees C did not affect the time of
      browning onset, nor the rate of browning. It was confirmed that meat with lower
      pH had higher chroma before and after blooming.

PMID- 22062143
TI  - The effect of RN gene on yields and quality of extended cooked cured hams.
AB  - The effect of RN(-) allele on minimally processed hams as manufactured in France
      is now well established. In the present study, meat from 35 rn(+) and 51 RN(-)
      pigs on the basis of their glycolytic potential (GP) was used to assess the
      effect of the RN(-) allele on a model system and on yields and quality of cooked
      hams cured with a 40% brine addition containing the most common meat processing
      ingredients. Quality parameters were also measured on the fresh loins and a
      glucose assay was carried out on meat juice from both hams and longissimus dorsi
      (LD) muscles. With respect to GP, glucose content of LD juice gave the best
      prediction of RN status with 10% misclassified samples in comparison with 20% as
      determined from ham juice. Lower pH and higher drip loss and L* values were
      measured on the LD from RN(-) pigs (p?0.001). Technological yields obtained on
      the model system and on extended cooked cured hams were lower in meat from RN(-)
      pigs (p?0.001). However, pH value was more influential on the yield of the model
      system while protein content and particularly the amount of extractable
      sarcoplasmic proteins were more determinative on cured hams probably due to the
      effect of tumbling. All other quality traits were lower in hams from RN(-) pigs
      (p?0.001). Meat from RN(-) pigs can be used for the manufacture of extended cured
      products, but under similar processing technologies, quality and yield will
      remain inferior to what would provide pork of normal quality.

PMID- 22062144
TI  - Tyramine production by a strain of Carnobacterium divergens inoculated in meat
      fat mixture.
AB  - This study determined if a strain of Carnobacterium divergens producing tyramine
      in laboratory medium is able to produce this amine in meat. Thus the strain was
      inoculated into a sterile meat-fat mixture of initial pH 5.3 or 4.9 and incubated
      at 15 degrees C or 25 degrees C. Amine production in these samples was measured
      at 12 days and compared to that in non-inoculated samples. Non-inoculated samples
      and those inoculated with C. divergens had the same low content of tryptamine,
      putrescine, cadaverine, histamine, spermine and spermine. Maximum tyramine and
      phenylethylamine production was observed in sample of initial pH 5.3 inoculated
      with C. divergens and incubated at 25 degrees C. The amount of tyramine produced
      correlated with the growth of the strain, and the amount of lactate and acetate
      produced.

PMID- 22062145
TI  - Calpain-calpastatin and toughness in M. longissimus from electrically stimulated
      lamb and beef carcasses.
AB  - Shear strength, pH, temperature, MU-calpain, m-calpain and calpastatin levels
      were measured over a two-week post-slaughter period in Longissimus lumborum et
      thoracis (LD) from six lamb and six beef carcasses. All carcasses were subjected
      to high voltage electrical stimulation. The toughness of the beef LD determined
      by a MIRINZ tenderometer at 24 h post-slaughter showed a strong correlation
      (r=0.91) with pH of the LD at 3 h. Beef LD toughness at 14 days was correlated
      (r=0.84) with initial m-calpain levels. In both lamb and beef, LD toughness at 4
      and 14 days respectively was also correlated with initial levels of calpastatin
      (r=0.85, 0.83, respectively). The strong correlation between calpastatin and the
      rate of tenderisation indicates that the calpain system is closely linked to the
      proteolytic breakdown of myofibrillar proteins. There is also evidence of an
      interaction between pH and MU-calpain activity. The MU-calpain, m-calpain,
      calpastatin, pH and temperature kinetic changes which occurred during the post
      mortem ageing of beef and lamb LD were applied to a computer program which
      predicted rate of meat tenderisation by calculating in situ calpain activity. The
      closeness of fit between the predicted rate of meat tenderisation and the
      observed tenderness values of beef and lamb LD indicates that the post-mortem
      activity of MU-calpain is the major determinant of variations in tenderness.
      However, application of the meat tenderisation predictive program to LD from
      individual animals revealed that the program was not sufficiently robust for this
      use.

PMID- 22062146
TI  - Myoglobin inhibition of most protease activities measured with fluorescent
      substrates is an artifact!
AB  - Myoglobin has been suggested to be a potential inhibitor of endogenous muscle
      proteases as different as cathepsin B, cathepsin L, cathepsin H and calpains all
      being supposed to be important in post-mortem muscle. The present work aimed at
      verifying the ability of myoglobin and its prosthetic group, hemin, to inhibit a
      series of endopeptidases including papain, cathepsin B, trypsin, calpains as well
      as two activities of the 20S proteasome. The conclusion of the present work was
      that inhibition of proteolytic activities of endopeptidases by myoglobin is an
      artifact. This was based on the following evidences: (1) a similar extent of
      inhibition was observed for all proteases tested whether myoglobin or hemin were
      added before starting the reaction or after having stopped it; (2) a quenching of
      the probes fluorescence by myoglobin and hemin; (3) no inhibition of calpains
      were found when assayed with non labeled casein as substrate and the activity
      expressed as the increase in the absorbency at 280 nm of the TCA soluble protein
      fragments.(1).

PMID- 22062147
TI  - Effect of carnosine, salt and dietary vitamin E on the oxidative stability of
      chicken meat.
AB  - The effect of carnosine on lipid and cholesterol oxidation in salted chicken
      thigh meat and its relationship to dietary alpha-tocopherol supplementation was
      examined. Broilers (Cobb 500) were fed diets with a basal (30 mg kg(-1)) or
      supplemental (200 mg kg(-1)) level of alpha-tocopheryl acetate for 6 weeks. Thigh
      meat patties were prepared with carnosine (1.5%), salt (1%) or salt plus
      carnosine. Salt accelerated lipid and cholesterol oxidation following cooking and
      refrigerated storage. However, carnosine inhibited lipid and cholesterol
      oxidation in salted patties. Dietary alpha-tocopherol supplementation also
      reduced the extent of lipid and cholesterol oxidation in salted patties. The
      combination of carnosine and dietary alpha-tocopherol resulted in the greatest
      lipid and cholesterol stability in salted meat.

PMID- 22062148
TI  - Effect of dietary vitamin E supplementation on the colour and lipid stability of
      fresh, frozen and vacuum-packaged beef.
AB  - The effects of dietary vitamin E supplementation on tissue alpha-tocopherol
      (alpha-Toc) levels and on the susceptibility of fresh, frozen and vacuum-packaged
      beef to lipid oxidation and colour deterioration were investigated. Friesian
      cattle were fed diets containing 20 (basal, n=5) or 2000 (supplemented, n=5) IU
      (alpha-tocopheryl acetate/kg feed/day for approximately 50 days prior to
      slaughter. alpha-Toc levels were higher (p<0.05) in muscles from supplemented
      animals than from those on a basal diet. Significant differences in alpha-Toc
      levels were also observed between muscles from different treatment groups, the
      order of the supplemented group was: M. psoas major (PM)>M. longissimus dorsi
      (LD)>M. gluteus medius (GM) (p<0.05), and in the basal group the order was:
      PM>GM>LD (p<0.05). Supplemented fresh, frozen and vacuum packed beef showed
      greater colour and lipid oxidative stability than meat from the basal group after
      7 days retail display at 4 degrees C (p<0.05). Thus, dietary (alpha-Toc
      supplementation appeared to retard metmyoglobin and TBARS formation in LD, GM and
      PM and increased the colour shelf life of these muscles.

PMID- 22062149
TI  - Antioxidant activity of mechanically separated pork extracts.
AB  - Utilization of synthetic carnosine as a food additive is limited by both
      regulatory and economic hurdles. Therefore, the potential of producing carnosine
      containing antioxidant extracts from an underutilized skeletal muscle source,
      mechanically separated pork (MSP), was investigated. Carnosine-containing MSP
      extracts were capable of inhibiting lipid oxidation both in vitro and in salted
      ground pork. Heating (60-80 degrees C) the MSP extract removed iron and increased
      in vitro antioxidant activity. Isolation of a low molecular weight fraction of
      the MSP extract by ultrafiltration was effective at decreasing iron but did not
      substantially increase in vitro antioxidant activity. Freeze dried extracts
      (untreated, 80 degrees C, ultrafiltration permeate) were capable of inhibiting
      both TBARS and lipid peroxide formation in ground, salted pork stored at -15
      degrees C. While MSP extracts were capable of inhibiting lipid oxidation both in
      vitro and in salted, ground pork, their antioxidant activity was low suggesting
      that their use as a food additive would be impractical.

PMID- 22062150
TI  - Effects of muscle alpha-tocopherol level and surface microbiological
      contamination on retail caselife of fresh beef from the US, Japan and Australia.
AB  - This study evaluated effects of dietary supplementation of vitamin E (1000 IU
      vitamin E/daily for 100 days prior to harvest) to fed cattle on retail caselife
      performance of fresh US beef in an export market (Japan). Economic performance
      (monetary losses associated with color deterioration) for US beef from vitamin E
      supplemented cattle vs beef from non-vitamin E supplemented cattle was
      contrasted. An additional, controlled study was performed to compare muscle alpha
      tocopherol concentrations, color changes and microbiological growth for fresh
      beef derived from vitamin E supplemented US cattle and fresh beef from cattle
      with an unknown history, but from other countries. Australian strip loin steaks
      had the highest muscle alpha-tocopherol concentrations (4.6 MUg/g tissue),
      followed by US strip loin steaks derived from vitamin E supplemented cattle (3.4
      MUg/g tissue) and Japanese strip loin steaks (2.8 or 2.5 MUg/g tissue). US strip
      loin steaks from non-vitamin E supplemented cattle had the lowest (p<0.05) alpha
      tocopherol levels (1.7 MUg/g tissue). Aerobic plate counts and total coliform
      counts were generally low at 0 days of retail display, and they changed similarly
      among treatments over 6 days of display, regardless of the country of origin of
      the beef. Vitamin E supplementation of US cattle reduced total Japanese retail
      store losses due to discoloration of US beef, in yen, by 5.2 percentage points
      (p<0.05), saving Japanese retailers US $0.24/kg. Data suggest that US beef
      normally perceived, in Japan, to discolor more quickly in the retail display case
      than beef from Australia-would compete more favorably, in shelf-life, with beef
      from other countries if it was derived from cattle that had been fed supplemental
      vitamin E.

PMID- 22062151
TI  - Concentration-response concept in ecotoxicoproteomics: effects of different
      phenanthrene concentrations to the zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo proteome.
AB  - Concentration-response experiments, based on the testing of less replicates in
      favour of more exposure concentrations, represent the typical design of choice
      applied in toxicological and ecotoxicological effect assessment studies using
      traditional endpoints such as lethality. However, to our knowledge this concept
      has not found implementation in the increasingly applied OMICS techniques
      studying thousands of molecular endpoints at the same time. The present study is
      among the first applying the concentration-response concept for an
      ecotoxicoproteomics study. The effects of six different concentrations in the low
      effect range (<LC20) of the PAH phenanthrene to the proteome of the
      ecotoxicological vertebrate model zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo were
      investigated (two replicates per concentration) after 5 days exposure. Proteomics
      analyses were performed on organism extracts using 2-DE DIGE. Protein abundance
      profiles of around 713 protein spots were studied. About one-third of the protein
      signals could be detected to show robust reactions correlating with stressor
      concentration. Within this group, 65 protein signals showed significant changes
      compared to controls already at 1% lethal concentration (LC01). Interestingly, 28
      proteins significantly reacted at very low concentrations (<LC01) and showed an
      exposure concentration dependent regulation status. Characteristic protein spots
      were identified by mass spectrometry. With the results of the present study the
      utility and several benefits using a concentration-response approach in
      proteomics studies could be shown. These included (i) knowledge about and the
      ability to model concentration dependent dynamics of molecular endpoints, (ii) to
      gain information about sensitivity of the molecular response in comparison to
      traditional endpoints and (iii) to help selecting the most promising protein
      spots for further investigations such as protein identification and biomarker
      studies. Using this experimental design based on testing of several exposure
      concentrations and less replicates might provide a step forward in getting
      increased output from toxicoproteomics studies.

PMID- 22062152
TI  - Concentration levels of metals in vegetables grown in soils irrigated with river
      water in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
AB  - Samples of vegetables, water and soil were collected from four vegetable farms in
      Addis Ababa to evaluate the extent and trend of metal accumulation in these
      systems and health risk concerns to consumers. Vegetable samples were digested in
      HNO(3) and HClO(4), soil samples in Aqua Regia and water samples were pre
      concentrated with methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK) using the chelating agent
      ammonium pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (APDC). All the samples were analyzed for
      Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Zn, Cd and Pb with flame atomic absorption spectrophotometer.
      The concentrations of Cd (0.12-1.13 mg kg(-1)) and Pb (0.11-0.89 mg kg(-1)) in
      the vegetables surpassed the maximum recommended levels. The total metal
      concentrations in soils were (mg kg(-1)): Cr, 9.9-22.8; Co, 28.0-47.3; Cu, 25.1
      51.4, Mn, 1000-1054; Ni, 16.4-55.8; Zn, 146-149; Cd, 1.4-1.8 and Pb, 22.0-50.7.
      The trace metals Cd, Co, Cu, Mn and Ni in most of the water samples collected
      from Goffa, Kera and Akaki farms also surpassed irrigation water guideline
      limits, which might be a case for high accumulation of metals in the soils.
      However, the soil pH (6.5-7.6) and high cation exchange capacity (CEC), 38.41
      50.18, coupled with high clay content, 37-51%, of the soil seemed to limit metal
      uptake by the vegetables. The physical parameters, pH (7.43-7.89) and electrical
      conductivity (0.33-1.54 dS/m) of irrigation waters measured at 25 degrees C were
      found within the acceptable range.

PMID- 22062153
TI  - The Bacillus anthracis arylamine N-acetyltransferase ((BACAN)NAT1) that
      inactivates sulfamethoxazole, reveals unusual structural features compared with
      the other NAT isoenzymes.
AB  - Arylamine N-acetyltransferases (NATs) are xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes that
      biotransform arylamine drugs. The Bacillus anthracis (BACAN)NAT1 enzyme affords
      increased resistance to the antibiotic sulfamethoxazole through its acetylation.
      We report the structure of (BACAN)NAT1. Unexpectedly, endogenous coenzymeA was
      present in the active site. The structure suggests that, contrary to the other
      prokaryotic NATs, (BACAN)NAT1 possesses a 14-residue insertion equivalent to the
      "mammalian insertion", a structural feature considered unique to mammalian NATs.
      Moreover, (BACAN)NAT1 structure shows marked differences in the mode of binding
      and location of coenzymeA when compared to the other NATs. This suggests that the
      mechanisms of cofactor recognition by NATs is more diverse than expected and
      supports the cofactor-binding site as being a unique subsite to target in drug
      design against bacterial NATs.

PMID- 22062154
TI  - 6-Thioguanine damages mitochondrial DNA and causes mitochondrial dysfunction in
      human cells.
AB  - The anticancer and immunosuppressant thiopurines cause 6-thioguanine (6-TG) to
      accumulate in nuclear DNA. We report that 6-TG is also readily incorporated into
      mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) where it is rapidly oxidized. The oxidized forms of
      mtDNA 6-TG inhibit replication by DNA Pol-gamma. Accumulation of oxidized 6-TG is
      associated with reduced mtDNA transcription, a decline in mitochondrial protein
      levels, and loss of mitochondrial function. Ultraviolet A radiation (UVA) also
      oxidizes mtDNA 6-TG. Cells without mtDNA are less sensitive to killing by a
      combination of 6-TG and UVA than their mtDNA-containing counterparts, indicating
      that photochemical mtDNA 6-TG oxidation contributes to 6-TG-mediated UVA
      photosensitization.

PMID- 22062155
TI  - 2-oxoglutarate enhances NtcA binding activity to promoter regions of the
      microcystin synthesis gene cluster.
AB  - The binding affinity of NtcA towards promoter regions of the microcystin gene
      cluster from Microcystis aeruginosa PCC 7806 has been analyzed by band-shift
      assay (EMSA). The key nitrogen transcriptional regulator exhibits affinity for
      two fragments of the bidirectional mcyDA promoter, as well as for promoter
      regions of mcyE and mcyH. The presence of 2-oxoglutarate increased by 2.5 fold
      the affinity of NtcA for the mcyA promoter region. The 2-oxoglutarate effect
      peaked at 0.8 mM, a physiological concentration for this compound under nitrogen
      limiting conditions. The results suggest that the 2-oxoglutarate level, as a
      signal of the C to N balance of the cells, regulates the microcystin gene
      cluster.

PMID- 22062156
TI  - Structural and functional characterization of Helicobacter pylori DsbG.
AB  - Dsb proteins play important roles in bacterial pathogenicity. To better
      understand the role of Dsb proteins in Helicobacter pylori, we have structurally
      and functionally characterized H. pylori DsbG (HP0231). The monomer consists of
      two domains connected by a helical linker. Two monomers associate to form a V
      shaped dimer. The monomeric and dimeric structures of H. pylori DsbG show
      significant differences compared to Escherichia coli DsbG. Two polyethylene
      glycol molecules are bound in the cleft of the V-shaped dimer, suggesting a
      possible role as a chaperone. Furthermore, we show that H. pylori DsbG functions
      as a reductase against HP0518, a putative L,D-transpeptidase with a catalytic
      cysteine residue.

PMID- 22062157
TI  - Arabidopsis calcium-binding mitochondrial carrier proteins as potential
      facilitators of mitochondrial ATP-import and plastid SAM-import.
AB  - Chloroplasts and mitochondria are central to crucial cellular processes in plants
      and contribute to a whole range of metabolic pathways. The use of calcium ions as
      a secondary messenger in and around organelles is increasingly appreciated as an
      important mediator of plant cell signaling, enabling plants to develop or to
      acclimatize to changing environmental conditions. Here, we have studied the four
      calcium-dependent mitochondrial carriers that are encoded in the Arabidopsis
      genome. An unknown substrate carrier, which was previously found to localize to
      chloroplasts, is proposed to present a calcium-dependent S-adenosyl methionine
      carrier. For three predicted ATP/phosphate carriers, we present experimental
      evidence that they can function as mitochondrial ATP-importers.

PMID- 22062158
TI  - The starch granule associated proteomes of commercially purified starch reference
      materials from rice and maize.
AB  - Commercially available reference materials are integral components of many
      experimental protocols, as it is critical to compare one's results to those
      derived from well-characterized standards. Most reference materials are well
      defined, with all their components being cataloged. However, certain reference
      materials, such as commercially prepared starch samples, can have undefined
      components, potentially limiting their usefulness as standards. The proteome of
      commercially prepared starch has not been documented, and to that end, we
      initiated a mass spectrometry-based survey of the proteins associated with starch
      granules in commercially prepared rice and maize starch samples. We performed
      direct trypsin treatments of starch samples and sequenced both the water-soluble
      peptides liberated into the aqueous supernatant and the peptides released from
      the starch granule surface by isopropanol solvent washing. We discovered that the
      majority of proteins, in both rice and maize samples, were involved in either
      carbohydrate metabolism or storage. We also documented proteins that are markers
      for seed maturity and for starch mobilization.

PMID- 22062159
TI  - Proteomic analysis of colony morphology variants of Burkholderia pseudomallei
      defines a role for the arginine deiminase system in bacterial survival.
AB  - Colony morphology variation of Burkholderia pseudomallei is a notable feature of
      a proportion of primary clinical cultures from patients with melioidosis. Here,
      we examined the hypothesis that colony morphology switching results in phenotypic
      changes associated with enhanced survival under adverse conditions. We generated
      isogenic colony morphology types II and III from B. pseudomallei strain 153 type
      I, and compared their protein expression profiles using 2D gel electrophoresis.
      Numerous proteins were differentially expressed, the most prominent of which were
      flagellin, arginine deiminase (AD) and carbamate kinase (CK), which were over
      expressed in isogenic types II and III compared with parental type I. AD and CK
      (encoded by arcA and arcC) are components of the arginine deiminase system (ADS)
      which facilitates acid tolerance. Reverse transcriptase PCR of arcA and arcC mRNA
      expression confirmed the proteomic results. Transcripts of parental type I strain
      153 arcA and arcC were increased in the presence of arginine, in a low oxygen
      concentration and in acid. Comparison of wild type with arcA and arcC defective
      mutants demonstrated that the B. pseudomallei ADS was associated with survival in
      acid, but did not appear to play a role in intracellular survival or replication
      within the mouse macrophage cell line J774A.1. These data provide novel insights
      into proteomic alterations that occur during the complex process of morphotype
      switching, and lend support to the idea that this is associated with a fitness
      advantage in vivo.

PMID- 22062160
TI  - Proteomic analysis and protein carbonylation profile in trained and untrained rat
      muscles.
AB  - Understanding the relationship between physical exercise, reactive oxygen species
      and skeletal muscle modification is important in order to better identify the
      benefits or the damages that appropriate or inappropriate exercise can induce.
      Unbalanced ROS levels can lead to oxidation of cellular macromolecules and a
      major class of protein oxidative modification is carbonylation. The aim of this
      investigation was to study muscle protein expression and carbonylation patterns
      in trained and untrained animal models. We analyzed two muscles characterized by
      different metabolisms: tibialis anterior and soleus. Whilst tibialis anterior is
      mostly composed of fast-twitch fibers, the soleus muscle is mostly composed of
      slow-twitch fibers. By a proteomic approach we identified 15 protein spots whose
      expression is influenced by training. Among them in tibialis anterior we observed
      a down-regulation of several glycolitic enzymes. Concerning carbonylation, we
      observed the existence of a high basal level of protein carbonylation. Although
      this level shows some variation among individual animals, several proteins
      (mostly involved in energy metabolism, muscle contraction, and stress response)
      appear carbonylated in all animals and in both types of skeletal muscle. Moreover
      we identified 13 spots whose carbonylation increases after training.

PMID- 22062161
TI  - Microbial succession during ripening of Naples-type salami, a southern Italian
      fermented sausage.
AB  - Studies were carried out on the microbiological and physico-chemical changes
      which occurred during the ripening of five batches of Naples-type salami,
      manufactured without starter cultures. Salami were sampled internally and
      externally, and the following microbial groups were studied: lactic acid
      bacteria, Micrococcaceae and yeasts. The results obtained indicated that
      lactobacilli constituted the predominant flora, both on the surface and in the
      interior of the pieces throughout the ripening period. Micrococcaceae and yeasts
      were also found in considerable number in both locations. Characterisation of 191
      lactic isolates indicated that the salami microflora was dominated by
      homofermentative lactobacilli; approximately 63% of them could be identified as
      Lactobacillus sake; 40% showing the traits of a racemase negative variant of this
      species, once referred to Lactobacillus bavaricus. Yeast population mainly
      comprised Debaryomyces strains. All the colonies grown on mannitol salt and
      Kranep agar were catalase-positive cocci; novobiocin-resistant staphylococci were
      the only Micrococcaceae found. The API Staph identification system did not prove
      to be reliable: 82% of the isolates remained unidentified. To achieve improved
      characterisation, cluster analysis was subsequently performed on this group,
      corroborating the existence of a fairly homogeneous group representing an
      intermediate variety between Staphylococcus xylosus and Staphylococcus
      saprophyticus that was isolated during the whole ripening process.

PMID- 22062162
TI  - A note on Escherichia coli O157:H7 serotype in Turkish meat products.
AB  - 255 minced beef, 101 soudjouk and 50 uncooked hamburger samples were analyzed for
      the presence of Escherichia coli O157:H7 serotype. m-EC and LST broths were used
      as selective enrichment media and SMAC agar was used as a selective isolation
      medium. A total of 3 E. coli O157 were isolated by conventional culture
      techniques; one from each of minced beef, uncooked hamburger and soudjouk but
      none were identified as the H7 serotype. For determination of selective media
      growing cohabitant bacteria, 2645 isolates were obtained from SMAC agar. Results
      showed that E. coli type 1, Hafnia alvei and Citrobacter freundii were dominant
      competitive flora. As selective enrichment broth-growing cohabitant microflora
      existed at higher levels, it was too difficult to isolate E. coli O157 from these
      mixed flora. Therefore, conventional methods are not suitable for these types of
      products, because of isolation difficulties and failure to confirm.

PMID- 22062163
TI  - Occurrence of giant myofibres according to muscle type, pre- or post-rigor state
      and genetic background in turkeys.
AB  - Forty-five male turkeys were bred to 15 weeks of age. At this age, the birds
      weighed 4, 6 and 8 kg depending on their genetic origin. At 3 min and 24 h post
      mortem samples from the pectoralis major (PM) and iliotibialis lateralis (ITL)
      muscles were excised for biochemical and histochemical measurements. At 3 min
      post mortem, except in the size of the myofibres, no differences in types, shapes
      or luminance due to glycogen was seen between the three lines in the respective
      muscles. Birds from the fast growing line had bigger muscle fibres than the two
      other lines, but the muscles did not present more glycolytic or oxidative enzyme
      activities. No muscle abnormalities were noticed at this stage. At 24 h post
      mortem, the presence of giant fibres (GF) was seen which differed proportions
      according to muscle and in genetic background. The GF were found both in the fast
      (PM) or mixed type (ITL) muscles. In this latter muscle they were more prevalent
      in the slow contracting muscle fibres than the other fiber types. It was
      concluded that the occurrence of the GF is independent of the genetic background
      of the birds or the type of muscle, but is dependent on the biochemical events
      occurring during rigor mortis.

PMID- 22062164
TI  - Effect of electrical stunning on meat quality of lamb.
AB  - The effects of stunning on both initial and up to 2 weeks post mortem storage
      meat quality of Spanish Manchega breed lamb were studied. Twenty-four lambs were
      distributed into two groups. The first group (US; n =12) were slaughtered without
      previous stunning. In the second group (ES; n =12) animals were electrically
      stunned. Meat quality was assessed by examining pH, colour as L*, a*, b* values,
      water holding capacity (WHC) and shear force (SF). Stunning did not affect any
      parameter studied in the first 24 h post mortem. There were increasing
      differences between groups in pH (P<0.001) from 5 days onwards. In general
      stunning did not have an effect on WHC, SF and colour parameters. Ageing of meat
      affected SF in the ES group but not in the US one; however, there were no
      significant differences between treatments at any of the ageing times.

PMID- 22062165
TI  - Effect of method of analysis on iron content of beef from advanced meat recovery
      systems.
AB  - A field survey was conducted by the USDA, Food Safety Inspection Service (FSIS)
      to provide analytical data on meat obtained from beef cervical vertebrae
      processed by advanced meat recovery (AMR) systems. As a result, an added iron
      performance standard was proposed to limit the amount of marrow in AMR products.
      The performance standard was based on iron content of hand boned lean compared to
      AMR lean. Iron content was determined by a hydrochloric wet ash digestion method.
      The same samples were then analyzed using dry ash digestion. The objectives of
      the study were to determine differences in iron content of the survey samples due
      to the digestion method and the impact of this difference on the added iron
      performance standard. Iron values by the dry ash method were approximately double
      those of the wet ash method. The difference was a result of incomplete
      volatilization of the organic matrix by hydrochloric acid in the wet ash
      procedure. The performance standards developed from the wet and dry ash methods
      were 1.8 and 3.2 mg added iron 100(-1) g, respectively. Added iron levels from
      the dry ash method greater than 3.2 mg 100(-1) g were present in 60% of the AMR
      lean indicating that some marrow was present or that factors other than amount of
      iron in hand boned lean should be considered before a performance standard is
      established.

PMID- 22062166
TI  - The influence of Debaryomyces hansenii and Candida utilis on the aroma formation
      in garlic spiced fermented sausages and model minces.
AB  - The influence of the yeast starter cultures Debaryomyces hansenii and Candida
      utilis on fermented meat aroma was studied in model minces and in commercial-type
      fermented sausages. Volatile compounds from model minces and sausages were
      collected using diffusive and dynamic headspace sampling respectively and were
      identified by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS). A triangle test was
      carried out on the sausages to detect whether the yeast influenced the sausage
      odour. C. utilis demonstrated high metabolic activity in the model minces,
      producing several volatile compounds, in particularly esters. C. utilis also
      seemed to ferment the amino acids valine, isoleucine and leucine into compounds
      important for the aroma of sausages. D. hansenii on the contrary, had very little
      effect on the production of volatile compounds in the model minces. In the
      sausage experiment both yeast cultures died out before the ripening process ended
      and the sensory analysis showed only a slight difference between the sausages. A
      fungistatic test of the garlic powder added to the sausages indicated that garlic
      inhibits the growth of the yeast starter cultures.

PMID- 22062167
TI  - Elucidation of a basic protein, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase, as a
      contributing factor to raise Mg-ATPase activity of myofibrils during meat
      conditioning.
AB  - We investigated the factor which increased the maximum value of the Mg-ATPase
      activity of myofibrils existing at low KCl concentrations during meat
      conditioning. On the treatment of myofibrils with the solution extracted with the
      buffer of pH 7.2 from muscle, the Mg-ATPase activity in the presence of 0-0.15 M
      KCl increased time-dependently. This change was most remarkable in the range of
      pH 5.6-7.0. Trypsin treatment of the extract abolished such effect, suggesting
      that the responsible factors were proteins. The fractionation of the extract with
      isoelectric focusing demonstrated that the factors were basic proteins (pI 8.3
      9.6). The treatment of myofibrils with those basic proteins under various
      conditions suggested that the time-dependent adhesion of those basic proteins,
      through a denaturation at around pH 5.5, to myofibrils was assumed to raise the
      Mg-ATPase activity. Analysis of myofibrils prepared from rabbit muscles stored at
      0 degrees C for 12 days postmortem showed the appearance of the 35,000 Da
      protein, accompanied the increase in the Mg-ATPase activity. Therefore, the
      adhesion of this protein to myofibrils in situ probably caused the increase in
      the Mg-ATPase activity. Successive treatment with the basic protein and the crude
      cathepsin increased the dependency of the Mg-ATPase activity on KCl
      concentrations and the maximum value of the Mg-ATPase activity. Therefore, the
      coordinate action of a basic 35,000 Da protein and cathepsins was presumed to
      induce the changes in the Mg-ATPase activity of myofibrils during meat
      conditioning. The basic protein was concluded to be glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate
      dehydrogenase (its subunit molecular mass: 35,000 Da), since the incubation of
      myofibrils with its commercial preparation raised the Mg-ATPase activity of
      myofibrils.

PMID- 22062168
TI  - Sensitivity of pig genotypes to short-term manipulation of plasma fatty acids by
      feeding linseed.
AB  - The sensitivity of pigs selected for high daily food intake (DFI), low lean food
      conversion (LFC) and high lean growth rate (LGS) to dietary change of plasma
      fatty acids was assessed. The difference between the two diets was effectively a
      substitution of palmitic (C16:0), oleic (C18:1 n-9) and linoleic (C18:2 n-6) with
      linolenic (C18:3 n-3) fatty acids. Fatty acid compositions of plasma free fatty
      acids, neutral lipids and phospholipids were measured in 90 kg animals fed a base
      or high linolenic (C18:3 n-3) fatty acid diet, based on whole linseed, for four
      days. There were 24 animals from each selection line and 24 animals from an
      unselected control line, with boars and gilts represented equally in each line.
      Half of the selection line animals were fed the base diet and half were fed the
      high C18:3 diet, but all control animals were fed the base diet. Prior to
      slaughter, animals were fasted for 18 h. The fatty acids primarily affected by
      dietary change were C18:3 n-3 and its products, C20:5 n-3 (EPA) and C22:6 n-3
      (DHA). The sensitivity of a selection line to dietary change was parameterised by
      the relative shift in fatty acid composition through changing from the base diet
      to the high C18:3 diet. In neutral lipids, the sensitivities of C18:3 n-3 in the
      DFI and LFC lines were similar but greater than in the LGS line (3.0 v. 1.8,
      S.E.D. 0.15), while, for phospholipid and free fatty acids, the sensitivity of
      the DFI line was greater than in the LFC and LGS lines (2.3 v. 1.8 and 2.0 v.
      1.4, respectively). For C20:5 n-3 and C22:6 n-3, the DFI and LFC lines were more
      sensitive to dietary change than the LGS line (total lipid : 2.3 v. 1.9 and 1.5
      v. 1.2). In general, the DFI line was most sensitive to dietary change and the
      LGS line was the least sensitive. The difference in sensitivities of the lipid
      classes to the high C18:3 diet between the selection lines could result from
      differences in body fat content and may explain the general lack of genotype with
      nutrition interactions in post-1990 genotypes in comparison with fatter circa
      1970 genotypes.

PMID- 22062169
TI  - Influence of dietary conjugated linoleic acid on volatile profiles, color and
      lipid oxidation of irradiated raw chicken meat.
AB  - Forty-eight, 27-week-old White Leghorn hens were fed a diet containing 0, 1.25,
      2.5 or 5.0% conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) for 12 weeks. At the end of the 12
      week feeding trial, hens were slaughtered, and boneless, skinless breast and leg
      meats were separated from carcasses. Meats were ground through 9 and 3-mm plates,
      and patties were prepared. Patties prepared from each dietary treatment were
      divided into two groups and either vacuum- or aerobic-packaged. Patties were
      irradiated at 0 or 3.0 kGy using a linear accelerator and stored at 4 degrees C.
      Samples were analyzed for thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, volatile
      profiles, color and odor characteristics at 0 and 7 days of storage. Dietary CLA
      reduced the degree of lipid oxidation in raw chicken meat during storage. The
      content of hexanal and pentanal in raw chicken meat significantly decreased as
      dietary CLA level increased. Irradiation accelerated lipid oxidation in meat with
      aerobic packaging, but irradiation effect was not as significant as that of the
      packaging. Dietary CLA treatment improved the color stability of chicken patties.
      Color a*-value of irradiated raw chicken meat was higher than that of the
      nonirradiated meat. Dietary CLA decreased the content of polyunsaturated fatty
      acid and increased CLA in chicken muscles, which improved lipid and color
      stability and reduced volatile production in irradiated and nonirradiated raw
      chicken meat during storage.

PMID- 22062170
TI  - Fibre area and capillary supply in broiler breast muscle in relation to
      productivity and ascites.
AB  - The objective in this study was to examine the capillary supply in the broiler
      breast muscle in relation to productivity and the incidence of ascites. Muscle
      samples (pectoralis superficialis) were collected from 24 pairs of broilers of a
      commercial paternal strain. The pairs consisted of full sib broilers (brothers
      and sisters). Of each pair one broiler had a high arterial pressure index, as an
      indication of ascites, and the other was a healthy chick of the same sex. Data
      collected were, among others, body weight, arterial pressure index, haematocrit
      and weight of breast muscle and lungs. Pectoral muscle samples were
      histologically analysed with respect to capillary density, fibre area and number
      of capillaries per fibre. Ascitic chickens (measured as high values for heart
      hypertrophy) had a lower number of capillaries per fibre and tended to have
      reduced fibre area, although they had a similar capillary density in the pectoral
      muscle in comparison with healthy chickens. The expected increase in capillary
      density was not observed. Normally capillary densities decrease in proportion to
      the increase in fibre size. So ascites has unfavourable relations with capillary
      traits. Fast growth was not significantly associated with capillary density.
      However, chickens with a higher percentage breast muscle had a lower capillary
      density. This implies that high muscularity might be a risk for a diminished
      oxygen supply to the breast muscle.

PMID- 22062171
TI  - Improvement in the quality of ground chevon during refrigerated storage by
      tocopherol acetate preblending.
AB  - A study was conducted on alpha-tocopherol acetate (TA) preblending at 0, 6, 8,
      10, 12 and 14 ppm levels with ground chevon (GC) obtained from adult male
      Beetal*Black Bengal goat carcasses, to identify the optimum level of TA required
      for improving the quality of the meat during refrigerated storage. It was
      observed that the GC samples preblended with 10 ppm TA had significantly (P<0.05)
      higher WHC%, colour score, odour score and lower metmyoglobin (MMb) per cent,
      TBARS number, peroxide value, free fatty acids per cent and psychrotrophic plate
      count as compared to other TA levels. All the quality parameters studied showed a
      highly significant (P<0.01) correlation (r-value) between each other. A strong
      relationship was observed between TBARS number and MMb% during refrigerated
      storage. A regression equation (Y=0.2800+0.0055X, where Y=TBARS number, X=MMb%)
      was established. It was concluded that 10 ppm TA was the optimum level for
      preblending with ground chevon, which extends the shelf life of the meat up to 7
      days as compared to 3 days in the control samples during refrigerated storage.

PMID- 22062172
TI  - [Not Available].

PMID- 22062173
TI  - Rate of carcass components gain, carcass characteristics, and muscle longissimus
      tenderness in lambs fed dietary protein sources with a low quality roughage diet.
AB  - An experiment was conducted to examine the effects of infrequently fed
      (twice/week) protein supplements on rate of carcass components gain, carcass
      traits and tenderness of meat in lambs. Forty-three Dorset Horn*Merino wether
      lambs (aged 4 months) were assigned by stratified randomization (live weight
      basis) to five dietary treatments to compare the results with lambs fed very low
      quality (5.1 MJME/day) roughage diet. Lambs on control diet (BAS; treatment 1)
      and all other dietary treatment groups were offered ad libitum amounts of a mixed
      roughage diet (oat hay:lucerne hay) at the ratio of 85:15 throughout the 10-week
      experimental study. Supplements of barley grain with added urea and sulphate
      (USB, 226 g DM/day; treatment 2); lupins (LUP, 231 g DM/day; treatment 3);
      cottonseed meal (CSM, 152 g DM/day; treatment 4); fish meal (FM, 97 g DM/day;
      treatment 5) were offered at isonitrogenous amounts. Final live weight (FLW) and
      empty body weight (EBW) were greater (P<0.01) with FM, LUP, USB and CSM when
      compared with BAS. Rates of gain of carcass components observed during the
      experimental period resulted in lower carcass fatness (P<0.05) and greater muscle
      content (P<0.01) with FM; and higher (P<0.05) level of fat and muscle in the
      carcass with LUP compared to those on BAS diet. Other diets (USB and CSM) had
      less marked effects, but higher rate of daily fat gain in the carcass with LUP
      and CSM was indicated by greater carcass fat depth (P<0.05; the total tissue
      depth of muscle and fat at the twelfth rib, 110 mm from the midline; GR) and
      content of intramuscular fat (P<0.05), respectively. Energy gained as fat in the
      carcass was lowest with FM (P<0.05), highest with BAS and intermediate with all
      other treatments. The increase in carcass leanness and reduction in fatness with
      FM and USB compared to BAS and other treatments affected neither (P>0.1) meat
      tenderness (Warner-Bratzler shear force) nor sarcomere length of longissimus
      thoracis muscle. Feeding small amounts of protein supplements to lambs on very
      low quality forage diets during dry seasons may be a viable path to improve the
      carcass weight and leanness in lambs without changing the meat tenderness.

PMID- 22062174
TI  - Effect of pre-slaughter physiological conditions on the oxidative stability of
      colour and lipid during chill storage of sliced, retail packed roast ham.
AB  - Pre-slaughter physiological conditions (A serving as control, B subjected to
      treadmill exercise immediately prior to stunning, C epinephrine injection 15 h
      prior to slaughter, and D epinephrine injection 15 h prior to slaughter and
      subjected to treadmill exercise immediately before stunning) were found to
      significantly affect colour and lipid oxidation of sliced, retail packed roast
      ham, produced from nitrite-cured (78 ppm nitrite) M. Longissimus dorsi. The pre
      slaughter treatment resulted in variations in the level of glycogen, lactate, ATP
      and IMP and pH development as monitored in Longissimus dorsi muscles, with the
      lowest ultimate pH (pH(u)) in muscles from non-epinephrine treated pigs
      (treatments A and B). The initial tristimulus L(*)-value and the L(*)-value
      during chill storage of sliced roast ham packed in laminates with low or with
      very low oxygen transmission rate (OTR=40 and <0.5 cm(3)/m(2)/atm/24 h,
      respectively) were significantly affected by treatment, although the effect of
      the treatments was different during storage for 28 days (interaction between
      treatment and storage time). Roast ham from treatments A and B generally had a
      paler appearance (higher L(*)-values) than from treatments C and D. No
      differences in the initial tristimulus a(*)-values (redness) were found. During
      chill storage, a pronounced colour fading (decrease in a(*)-values) was seen for
      laminate with low OTR, with a tendency of better colour stability for treatment C
      than A, but with no differences for the other treatments. For laminates with very
      low OTR, the cured meat pigment was stable with no decreases in a(*)-values
      during storage. Lipid oxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, TBARS)
      in products in laminates with low OTR increased during storage and was
      significantly higher for roast ham from non-epinephrine treated pigs (A and B)
      than for ham from epinephrine-treated pigs (C and D). Statistical analysis
      relating pH and the level of glycogen, lactate, creatine phosphate, ATP and IMP
      in the individual pigs to the product quality parameters revealed that the
      ultimate level of lactate was the most important single parameter affecting
      product quality. After 28 days of chill storage, roast ham from pigs subjected to
      treatments C and D were more likely to support bacterial growth than from
      treatments A and B. In conclusion, the results show that pre-slaughter
      physiological conditions are of importance for chemical as well as for
      microbiological changes in retail stored roast ham.

PMID- 22062175
TI  - The tenderisation of shin beef using a citrus juice marinade.
AB  - The effectiveness of organic acids (acetic, citric, lactic) and a citrus juice
      marinade as tenderising agents in shin beef muscle was investigated. At 0.2 M,
      citric acid was more effective as a tenderising agent than acetic or lactic acid.
      Immersion of shin beef strips in citric acid (0-0.05 M) showed that a significant
      tenderising effect was obtained above a concentration of 0.013 M. When shin beef
      strips were immersed in the citrus juice marinade (31% orange juice, 31% lemon
      juice, 38% distilled water) mean pH decreased from 5.7 to 3.1 and mean sample
      weight increased by ~65%. The mean Warner-Bratzler shear force value decreased
      from 178 to 44 N cm(-2) following marination while mean sensory analysis scores
      for tenderness and juiciness increased following marination. A mean total
      collagen content of 1.4 g/100 g was recorded in shin beef of which 9% was soluble
      in unmarinated samples and 29% was soluble in marinated samples. The results
      indicated that the tenderisation of beef samples using a citrus juice marinade
      could be attributed to marinade uptake by muscle proteins and also to
      solubilisation of collagen.

PMID- 22062176
TI  - Optimisation of colour stability of cured ham during packaging and retail display
      by a multifactorial design.
AB  - A multifactorial design, including (1) percent residual oxygen, (2) oxygen
      transmission rate of packaging film (OTR), (3) product to headspace volume ratio,
      (4) illuminance level and (5) nitrite level during curing, was established to
      investigate factors affecting light-induced oxidative discoloration of cured ham
      (packaged in modified atmosphere of 20% carbon dioxide and balanced with
      nitrogen) during 14 days of chill storage. Univariate statistical analysis found
      significant effects of all main factors on the redness (tristimulus a-value) of
      the ham. Subsequently, Response Surface Modelling of the data further proved that
      the interactions between packaging and storage conditions are important when
      optimising colour stability. The measured content of oxygen in the headspace was
      incorporated in the model and the interaction between measured oxygen content in
      the headspace and the product to headspace volume ratio was found to be crucial.
      Thus, it is not enough to keep the headspace oxygen level low, if the headspace
      volume at the same time is large, there will still be sufficient oxygen for
      colour deteriorating processes to take place.

PMID- 22062177
TI  - Addition effects of bovine blood globin and sodium caseinate on the quality
      characteristics of raw and cooked ham pate.
AB  - The incorporation of 3% globin bovine extracted by the acidified acetone (AG) and
      carboxymethylcellulose (CG) methods as replacer for sodium caseinate (CA) in ham
      pate was evaluated. The raw pate batter was evaluated for salt-soluble protein
      content (SSP), water holding capacity (WHC) and raw batter stability (RBS). The
      results of CG were similar to those of CA, having both improved two of the three
      paramaters studied, and AG was the most deleterious, having decreased SSP, WHC
      and RBS. Only the AG incorporation had unfavorable effects on the cooked ham
      pate, decreasing the pH and increasing the thiobarbituric acid reactive
      substances (TBARS) over the storage period (0-45 days). The results suggest CG as
      the best replacer for CA as the emulsifying agent for ham pate.

PMID- 22062178
TI  - Physical characteristics of pig fat and their relation to fatty acid composition.
AB  - One hundred and five samples of pig backfat were assessed for appearance (colour
      and translucency) and hardness. The fatty acid profile of a selected subset of 50
      samples was determined. Increased yellow colour was associated with increased
      linoleic and alpha-linolenic acid percentages. Increased translucency and fat
      softness were associated with decreased percentages of palmitic and stearic and
      oleic acid and a concurrent increase in the proportions of linoleic and alpha
      linolenic acid. Oleic acid was found to be the single highest component (33.0
      45.4%) and linoleic to show the greatest variation in range (9.8-28.4%).

PMID- 22062179
TI  - Soybean and milk proteins modified by transglutaminase improves chicken sausage
      texture even at reduced levels of phosphate.
AB  - Consumer demands for poultry processed meats have increased due to low fat
      content. In this experiment, chicken sausages were manufactured with various
      biopolymers prepared from soybean protein, casein, whey protein isolate (WPI),
      mixtures of soybean protein and casein, and soybean protein and WPI. The extent
      of various biopolymer formations was determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate
      polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and high performance liquid chromatography.
      Cross-linking soybean protein and casein or WPI by transglutaminase provided
      biopolymers with improved heat stability and emulsifying property. Shear force of
      chicken sausages were measured to evaluate the addition of biopolymer on the
      hardness in the presence of 0.05 or 0.2% sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP). The
      texture of chicken sausages was improved by the addition of such biopolymers even
      in the presence of 0.05% STPP. These results suggested that chicken sausage
      texture was improved by the formation of network structures that contribute to
      hardness of sausage gels with the addition of biopolymers. Thus, addition of
      biopolymers in the manufacture of chicken sausages may permit reduction in
      phosphate content without loss in texture.

PMID- 22062180
TI  - The significance of pre-slaughter stress and diet on colour and colour stability
      of pork.
AB  - The influence of pre-slaughter stress and a diet known to affect post mortem
      muscle metabolism or a standard diet (control pigs) on colour and colour
      stability of m. longissimus dorsi, m. biceps femoris and m. semimembranosus from
      112 female pigs, free of the Halothane gene, was investigated. Pre-slaughter
      stress increased the early post mortem temperature in the three muscles, as well
      as the pH decline in control pigs, but not in pigs fed the experimental diet.
      Colour was measured on sliced samples after 0, 2 and 5 days retail display (1, 3
      and 6 days post mortem, respectively) from the three muscles aged 1 day before
      cutting as well as on sliced m. longissimus dorsi samples aged 8 days before
      cutting (8, 10 and 13 days post mortem, respectively). Early post mortem pH was
      not a main determinant of the colour and colour stability, while the degree of
      pre-slaughter stress and especially its influence on temperature early post
      mortem was crucial in relation to colour development and colour stability. The
      discoloration rate was enhanced in m. longissimus dorsi aged for 8 days prior to
      retail display compared with samples aged for 1 day. However, the extent of the
      discoloration after 5 days of retail display was not inferior in muscle samples
      aged for 8 days due to a higher degree of blooming. Finally, present data
      indicate that 3-4 days ageing of pork prior to retail display results in the
      optimal colour stability.

PMID- 22062181
TI  - Descriptive sensory profiling and physical/chemical analyses of warmed-over
      flavour in pork patties from carriers and non-carriers of the RN(-) allele.
AB  - Descriptive sensory profiling was carried out to evaluate warmed-over flavour
      (WOF) development in cooked, chill-stored and reheated pork patties derived from
      the meat (Musculus longissimus dorsi) of carriers (RN(-)/rn(+)) and non-carriers
      (rn(+)/rn(+)) of the RN(-) gene. Patties were oven-cooked at 150 and 170  degrees
      C and chill-stored for up to 5 days to facilitate warmed-over flavour (WOF)
      development. In addition, thawing losses, cooking losses, pH and TBARS were
      measured in the cooked pork patties. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to
      investigate changes in the physical/chemical measurements due to the experimental
      design variables (storage days, cooking temperature and genotype) and
      multivariate ANOVA-partial least squares regression (APLSR) was used to determine
      relationships between the design variables and the sensory and physical/chemical
      data. WOF was found to involve the development of lipid oxidation derived nuance
      off-flavour and odour notes, e.g. rancid-like flavour and linseed oil-like odour,
      in association with a concurrent decrease in 'meatiness' as described by, e.g.
      cooked pork meat-like flavour. Cooking temperature was described by roasted-like
      and caramel-like odours and samples from carriers of the RN(-) gene were
      described as more 'sour' and 'metallic'. Thawing and cooking losses were found to
      be significantly (P <0.05) higher in meat from carriers of the RN(-) gene versus
      non-carriers. pH was negatively related to samples from carriers of the RN(-)
      gene. However, the measured pH in RN(-) carriers could not be significantly
      ascribed as lower in non-carriers in the freshly cooked meat samples. TBARS were
      found to be significant (P <0.05) predictors of the sensory terms related to the
      lipid oxidation aspect of WOF. Moreover, TBARS were significantly (P <0.05)
      higher in meat from RN(-) gene carriers but, significantly (P <0.05) lower in
      meat cooked at high oven temperatures (170  degrees C). The former effect was
      postulated as related to pH and the latter as related to the antioxidant effects
      of Maillard reaction products developed at higher cooking temperatures. Overall,
      WOF, cooking temperature and genotype were differentiated as individual
      dimensions through sensory profiling of the meat samples and each source of
      variation was characterised by specific groups of sensory descriptors. Moreover,
      the predictive nature of thawing losses, cooking losses and TBARS was established
      for the effects of RN(-) gene, cooking temperature and WOF, respectively.

PMID- 22062182
TI  - Effects of massaging time on texture, rheological properties, and structure of
      three pork ham muscles.
AB  - Changes in texture parameters (hardness, cohesiveness, chewiness), rheological
      properties (elastic and viscous moduli), and structural elements (fibre cross
      sectional area and thickness of peri- and endomysium) of three pork ham muscles:
      Biceps femoris (BF), Semimembranosus (SM), and Quadriceps femoris (QM), subjected
      to effective massaging for 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 h were followed. BF, with its
      higher fibre cross-sectional area thicker peri- and endomysium, compared with QF
      and SM, was harder, more elastic, and more viscous than the other two muscles.
      Massaging resulted in an increase in the mean fibre cross-sectional area, changes
      in thickness of the peri- and endomysium, and a reduction in hardness and
      chewiness as well as in elastic and viscous moduli of the muscles studied. The
      lower were the initial values of textural and structural parameters and
      rheological properties of a muscle, the shorter massage time was necessary. To
      arrive at comparable values of textural parameters, rheological properties, and a
      similar sensory acceptance, BF, SM, and QF had to be effectively massaged for 12,
      6, and 4 h, respectively.

PMID- 22062183
TI  - Fractionation and characterization of edible sheep tail fat.
AB  - Edible sheep tail fat was effectively fractionated by an acetone crystallization.
      Each of the fractions and filtrates were analyzed for melting point, refractive
      index, iodine value, fatty acid composition, and characterized by differential
      scanning calorimetry. Fatty acid analysis indicated that as the fractionation
      temperature decreased, the concentration of unsaturated fatty acids in the
      fractions increased. The liquid fraction had a differential scanning calorimetry
      melting curve similar to commercial salad oil and the curve of one of the
      filtrates resembled that of cocoa butter.

PMID- 22062184
TI  - Porcine oxymyoglobin and lipid oxidation in vitro.
AB  - The present study was carried out to investigate the effect of dietary alpha
      tocopherol supplementation on porcine oxymyoglobin (OxyMb) and lipid oxidation
      (TBARS) in model lipid systems, and to determine the influence of 4
      hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), a secondary product of lipid oxidation, on porcine OxyMb
      stability. Porcine metmyoglobin (MetMb) formation was greater in the presence of
      4-HNE than the control (P<0.05). Western blot analyses confirmed the covalent
      modification of myoglobin (Mb) histidine residues by 4-HNE. When combined with
      microsomes, both equine and porcine OxyMb oxidation increased with time of
      incubation, and was greater at 37 than at 25  degrees C (P<0.05). Lower TBARS
      values were observed in microsomes prepared from vitamin E-supplemented than
      control pork livers (P<0.05). alpha-Tocopherol concentration did not affect OxyMb
      oxidation in microsomes at 25 or 37  degrees C (P>0.05). These results differ
      from those observed with beef muscle microsomes where both OxyMb and lipid
      oxidation were delayed with elevated alpha-tocopherol levels. These results
      suggest that the factors affecting Mb and lipid oxidation interactions may be
      species-dependent.

PMID- 22062185
TI  - Quality characteristics of irradiated chicken breast rolls from broilers fed
      different levels of conjugated linoleic acid.
AB  - Dietary conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) treatment reduced color a*- and b*-values
      of cooked chicken breast rolls. Sensory panels rated the color of cooked chicken
      rolls with CLA treatments darker than the control. The production of carbon
      monoxide (CO) in cooked chicken rolls increased dramatically after irradiation
      and was correlated with the increased redness of cooked chicken rolls after
      irradiation. Consumer test indicated that the color of cooked chicken rolls after
      irradiation was preferred to the nonirradiated, but no preference for the color
      among the three CLA treatments was found. Irradiation greatly increased volatile
      production and induced a metallic off-flavor in chicken rolls. Sensory evaluation
      indicated that the hardness of chicken rolls increased and juiciness decreased as
      the dietary level of CLA increased.

PMID- 22062186
TI  - Carcass and meat quality characteristics of the progeny of two swine sire lines
      reared under differing environmental conditions.
AB  - The objective of this study was to compare the carcass and meat quality of pigs
      of two sire lines (A vs B) reared in either a spacious or crowded environment. A
      total of 128 pigs (barrows and gilts) were used in the study. Animals were
      slaughtered at 120 kg live weight. Dressing percentage was greater for line A in
      the spacious but not the crowded environment and line A had a greater loin eye
      area than line B. Compared to line B, the longissimus from line A had lower pH,
      higher L* and b* values, and was judged to be paler and softer with a lower
      marbling fat content. Longissimus L* values were lower for pigs reared in the
      crowded compared to the spacious environment. Longissimus drip loss was greater
      for line A compared to line B in the spacious but not the crowded environment.
      This study highlights genetic differences in pork quality and suggests rearing
      environment effects that warrant further study.

PMID- 22062187
TI  - Prediction of pork carcass composition based on cross-sectional region analysis
      of dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans.
AB  - Dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used to measure pork carcass
      composition by performing a total scan of the right half of 262 pork carcasses
      (42.7+/-5.2 kg). The DXA scans were analyzed for percentage fat in the entire
      half-carcass as well as the shoulder, ham, loin, and side regions. In addition, a
      total of 14 cross-sections (57.6 mm wide) were analyzed: six in the
      shoulder/thoracic region, three in the loin region, and five in the ham region.
      Relative to the DXA measurement of total fat content, the coefficient of
      determination (R(2)) for a single cross-sectional slice ranged from 0.908 to
      0.976. Relative to chemical analysis, a single slice from the ham region
      predicted the percentage of fat or lean in the half-carcass with an R(2) of 0.81
      and a standard error of the estimate of 2.04. Prediction equations were used to
      analyze a separate group of 65 half-carcasses. These results indicate that
      carcass fat and lean percentages can be measured by performing a single-pass
      cross-sectional scan that would be compatible with on-line processing.

PMID- 22062188
TI  - Effect of gamma irradiation on the texture and microstructure of chicken breast
      meat.
AB  - This study investigated the textural and microstructural properties of chicken
      breast meat exposed to gamma irradiation ((60)Cobalt) and stored at 4  degrees C.
      Textural properties of the irradiated (n=27) and unirradiated chicken breasts
      (control) were determined by measuring shear force and cooking loss at day 0 and
      at 2-day intervals for a 14-day refrigerated storage period. In addition,
      microstructural changes of the irradiated and unirradiated chicken breasts were
      compared. Irradiated chicken breasts had more cooking loss and higher (P<0.0001)
      shear force than unirradiated chicken breasts. Transmission electron microscopy
      showed significant differences (P<0.0001) in size of myofibril units (sarcomeres)
      between irradiated and unirradiated breast. Shrinkage in sarcomere width
      (myofibril diameter) and disruption of myofibrils in irradiated breast meat were
      also noticed when compared with unirradiated breast meat.

PMID- 22062190
TI  - Task-dependent activations of human auditory cortex during spatial discrimination
      and spatial memory tasks.
AB  - In the present study, we applied high-resolution functional magnetic resonance
      imaging (fMRI) of the human auditory cortex (AC) and adjacent areas to compare
      activations during spatial discrimination and spatial n-back memory tasks that
      were varied parametrically in difficulty. We found that activations in the
      anterior superior temporal gyrus (STG) were stronger during spatial
      discrimination than during spatial memory, while spatial memory was associated
      with stronger activations in the inferior parietal lobule (IPL). We also found
      that wide AC areas were strongly deactivated during the spatial memory tasks. The
      present AC activation patterns associated with spatial discrimination and spatial
      memory tasks were highly similar to those obtained in our previous study
      comparing AC activations during pitch discrimination and pitch memory (Rinne et
      al., 2009). Together our previous and present results indicate that
      discrimination and memory tasks activate anterior and posterior AC areas
      differently and that this anterior-posterior division is present both when these
      tasks are performed on spatially invariant (pitch discrimination vs. memory) or
      spatially varying (spatial discrimination vs. memory) sounds. These results also
      further strengthen the view that activations of human AC cannot be explained only
      by stimulus-level parameters (e.g., spatial vs. nonspatial stimuli) but that the
      activations observed with fMRI are strongly dependent on the characteristics of
      the behavioral task. Thus, our results suggest that in order to understand the
      functional structure of AC a more systematic investigation of task-related
      factors affecting AC activations is needed.

PMID- 22062191
TI  - Autism spectrum traits predict the neural response to eye gaze in typical
      individuals.
AB  - Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders characterised by
      impaired social interaction and communication, restricted interests and
      repetitive behaviours. The severity of these characteristics are posited to lie
      on a continuum extending into the typical population, and typical adults'
      performance on behavioural tasks that are impaired in ASD is correlated with the
      extent to which they display autistic traits (as measured by Autism Spectrum
      Quotient, AQ). Individuals with ASD also show structural and functional
      differences in brain regions involved in social perception. Here we show that
      variation in AQ in typically developing individuals is associated with altered
      brain activity in the neural circuit for social attention perception while
      viewing others' eye gaze. In an fMRI experiment, participants viewed faces
      looking at variable or constant directions. In control conditions, only the eye
      region was presented or the heads were shown with eyes closed but oriented at
      variable or constant directions. The response to faces with variable vs. constant
      eye gaze direction was associated with AQ scores in a number of regions
      (posterior superior temporal sulcus, intraparietal sulcus, temporoparietal
      junction, amygdala, and MT/V5) of the brain network for social attention
      perception. No such effect was observed for heads with eyes closed or when only
      the eyes were presented. The results demonstrate a relationship between
      neurophysiology and autism spectrum traits in the typical (non-ASD) population
      and suggest that changes in the functioning of the neural circuit for social
      attention perception is associated with an extended autism spectrum in the
      typical population.

PMID- 22062192
TI  - Cortical cartography and Caret software.
AB  - Caret software is widely used for analyzing and visualizing many types of fMRI
      data, often in conjunction with experimental data from other modalities. This
      article places Caret's development in a historical context that spans three
      decades of brain mapping--from the early days of manually generated flat maps to
      the nascent field of human connectomics. It also highlights some of Caret's
      distinctive capabilities. This includes the ease of visualizing data on surfaces
      and/or volumes and on atlases as well as individual subjects. Caret can display
      many types of experimental data using various combinations of overlays (e.g.,
      fMRI activation maps, cortical parcellations, areal boundaries), and it has other
      features that facilitate the analysis and visualization of complex neuroimaging
      datasets.

PMID- 22062193
TI  - Race modulates neural activity during imitation.
AB  - Imitation plays a central role in the acquisition of culture. People
      preferentially imitate others who are self-similar, prestigious or successful.
      Because race can indicate a person's self-similarity or status, race influences
      whom people imitate. Prior studies of the neural underpinnings of imitation have
      not considered the effects of race. Here we measured neural activity with fMRI
      while European American participants imitated meaningless gestures performed by
      actors of their own race, and two racial outgroups, African American, and Chinese
      American. Participants also passively observed the actions of these actors and
      their portraits. Frontal, parietal and occipital areas were differentially
      activated while participants imitated actors of different races. More activity
      was present when imitating African Americans than the other racial groups,
      perhaps reflecting participants' reported lack of experience with and negative
      attitudes towards this group, or the group's lower perceived social status. This
      pattern of neural activity was not found when participants passively observed the
      gestures of the actors or simply looked at their faces. Instead, during face
      viewing neural responses were overall greater for own-race individuals,
      consistent with prior race perception studies not involving imitation. Our
      findings represent a first step in elucidating neural mechanisms involved in
      cultural learning, a process that influences almost every aspect of our lives but
      has thus far received little neuroscientific study.

PMID- 22062194
TI  - Multiple white matter tract abnormalities underlie cognitive impairment in RRMS.
AB  - Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is a sensitive tool for detecting microstructural
      tissue damage in vivo. In this study, we investigated DTI abnormalities in
      individuals with relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) and examined the
      relations between imaging-based measures of white matter injury and cognitive
      impairment. DTI-derived metrics using tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) were
      compared between 37 individuals with RRMS and 20 healthy controls. Cognitive
      impairment was assessed with three standard tests: the Symbol Digit Modalities
      Test (SDMT), which measures cognitive processing speed and visual working memory,
      the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test (RAVLT), which examines verbal memory, and
      the Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT), which assesses sustained
      attention and working memory. Correlations between DTI-metrics and cognition were
      explored in regions demonstrating significant differences between the RRMS
      patients and the control group. Lower fractional anisotropy (FA) was found in
      RRMS participants compared to controls across the tract skeleton (0.40 +/- 0.03
      vs. 0.43 +/- 0.01, p<0.01). In areas of reduced FA, mean diffusivity was
      increased and was dominated by increased radial diffusivity with no significant
      change in axial diffusivity, an indication of the role of damage to CNS myelin in
      MS pathology. In the RRMS group, voxelwise correlations were found between FA
      reduction and cognitive impairment in cognitively-relevant tracts, predominantly
      in the posterior thalamic radiation, the sagittal stratum, and the corpus
      callosum; the strongest correlations were with SDMT measures, with contributions
      to these associations from both lesion and normal-appearing white matter.
      Moreover, results using threshold-free cluster enhancement (TFCE) showed more
      widespread white matter involvement compared to cluster-based thresholding. These
      findings indicate the important role for DTI in delineating mechanisms underlying
      MS-associated cognitive impairment and suggest that DTI could play a critical
      role in monitoring the clinical and cognitive effects of the disease.

PMID- 22062195
TI  - Natural history of end-stage LV dysfunction: has it improved from the classic
      Franciosa and Cohn Graph?
AB  - The pathophysiology of heart failure is complex, and downstream effects cause
      decline in multiple systems. Medical therapies intended to slow or reverse
      disease progression have been shown to improve prognosis in prospective trials.
      Improvement in prognosis has also been observed in large cohorts across time
      strata. However, near-term mortality for those with advanced disease remains
      unacceptably high. Prognosis in advanced heart failure may be assessed with the
      appropriate use of clinical prediction tools. Optimal timing of evaluation for
      heart transplantation and/or mechanical circulatory support depends on an
      understanding of these issues.

PMID- 22062196
TI  - Editorial comment on "Natural history of end-stage LV Dysfunction: has it
      improved from the classic Franciosa and Cohn Graph?".

PMID- 22062197
TI  - Current technology: devices available for destination therapy.
AB  - Left ventricular assist device therapy as a destination therapy for end-stage
      heart failure has made a large leap with continuous flow devices. Continuous flow
      does not seem to have a detrimental effect on end-organ function, at least in the
      midterm. Various expected and unexpected complications have been reported
      associated with this technology. More experience and research are warranted.

PMID- 22062198
TI  - Editorial comments on "Current technology-devices available for 'destination'
      therapy".

PMID- 22062199
TI  - Avoiding technical pitfalls in left ventricular assist device placement.
AB  - Left ventricular assist device (LVAD) placement is a serious surgical procedure.
      At our center, we accumulated a very large experience with the Novacor LVAD from
      the very first clinical trial, as well as from more recent experiences with the
      Jarvik 2000 and the HeartMate II. This article discusses technical issues that
      are common to all durable LVAD devices, with special emphasis on strategy and
      technical considerations aimed at avoiding surgical pitfalls.

PMID- 22062200
TI  - Left ventricular assist device driveline infections.
AB  - This article reviews some important aspects of driveline infection in patients
      under left ventricular assist device (LVAD) support, including epidemiology,
      causes, diagnosis, and treatment options, both medical and surgical. Focus is
      placed on prevention along every aspect of the process of LVAD therapy, as the
      authors believe this is the most efficient measure to fight driveline infections.
      Once driveline infection is present, early recognition and adequate treatment,
      including surgical measures, play a central role management, and are key to
      achieving the goals of LVAD support.

PMID- 22062201
TI  - Editorial comments on "left-ventricular assist device driveline infections".

PMID- 22062202
TI  - Bridge to recovery: what remains to be discovered?
AB  - The use of left ventricular assist devices to induce substantial myocardial
      recovery with explantation of the device, bridge to recovery (BTR), is an
      exciting but currently grossly underused application. Recently acquired knowledge
      relating to BTR and its mechanisms offers unprecedented opportunities to
      streamline its use and unravel some of the secrets of heart failure with much
      wider implications. This article reviews the status, challenges, and future of
      cardiac recovery.

PMID- 22062203
TI  - Editorial comment on "bridge to recovery: what remains to be discovered?".

PMID- 22062204
TI  - Tips on tuning each device: technical pearls.
AB  - Although the basic technique is relatively similar among the currently available
      left ventricular assist devices (LVAD), there are many subtle potential technical
      pitfalls for each device that could result in grave adverse events. In this
      article, the technical perils of the principal implantation technique and LVAD
      related concomitant surgical procedures as well as of the implantation technique
      specific to currently available implantable LVADs, including HeartMate XVE,
      HeartMate II, HeartWare, and DuraHeart, are described.

PMID- 22062205
TI  - Editorial comments on "tips on 'tuning' each device-technical pearls".

PMID- 22062207
TI  - Editorial comments on "the future of adult cardiac assist devices: novel systems
      and mechanical circulatory support strategies".

PMID- 22062206
TI  - The future of adult cardiac assist devices: novel systems and mechanical
      circulatory support strategies.
AB  - The recent, widespread success of mechanical circulatory support has prompted the
      development of numerous implantable devices to treat advanced heart failure. It
      is important to raise awareness of novel device systems, the mechanisms by which
      they function, and implications for patient management. This article discusses
      devices that are being developed or are in clinical trials. Devices are
      categorized as standard full support, less-invasive full support, partial
      support: rotary pumps, partial support: counterpulsation devices, right
      ventricular assist device, and total artificial heart. Implantation strategy,
      mechanism of action, durability, efficacy, hemocompatibility, and human factors
      are considered. The feasibility of novel strategies for unloading the failing
      heart is examined.

PMID- 22062208
TI  - Transplant or VAD?
AB  - Major advances in vascular assist device (VAD) technology and the clinical
      acceptance of destination therapy for patients with contraindications to
      transplant raise the questions of what patient benefit is necessary to recommend
      VAD implant for long-term support in patients who are transplant candidates. What
      are the appropriate indications for use and timing considerations for long-term
      VAD therapy in patients who qualify for transplant but are unlikely to obtain a
      donor? The authors suggest that VAD implantation for the indication of
      "maintenance therapy" where patients must remain on the VAD for two years before
      becoming transplant eligible, would constitute an appropriate clinical avenue to
      study these issues.

PMID- 22062209
TI  - Editorial comments on "VAD or transplant".

PMID- 22062210
TI  - Who needs an RVAD in addition to an LVAD?
AB  - Mechanical circulatory support using left ventricular assist devices (LVAD) has
      become an accepted mode of therapy for both bridging patients with end-stage
      heart failure to transplant and as a destination therapy. Right ventricular (RV)
      dysfunction is common after LVAD insertion and is a significant source of
      morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing LVAD placement. Several studies
      have identified clinical, laboratory, hemodynamic, and echocardiographic
      parameters that may serve as risk factors for RV dysfunction after LVAD
      placement. Furthermore, scoring systems have been established to help
      quantitatively predict the potential need for RV support after LVAD placement.

PMID- 22062211
TI  - Editorial comments on "who needs an RVAD in addition to an LVAD?".

PMID- 22062212
TI  - Toward total implantability using free-range resonant electrical energy delivery
      system: achieving untethered ventricular assist device operation over large
      distances.
AB  - Heart failure is a terminal disease with a very poor prognosis. Although the gold
      standard of treatment remains heart transplant, only a minority of patients can
      benefit from transplants. Another promising alternative is mechanical circulatory
      assistance using ventricular assist devices. The authors envision a completely
      implantable cardiac assist system affording tether-free mobility in an
      unrestricted space powered wirelessly by the innovative Free-Range Resonant
      Electrical Energy Device (FREE-D) system. Patients will have no power drivelines
      traversing the skin, and this system will allow power to be delivered over room
      distances and will eliminate trouble-prone wirings, bulky consoles, and
      replaceable batteries.

PMID- 22062213
TI  - Editorial comments on "towards total implantability using FREE-D system:
      achieving un-tethered VAD operation over large distances".

PMID- 22062214
TI  - Right ventricular dysfunction in patients undergoing left ventricular assist
      device implantation: predictors, management, and device utilization.
AB  - Nonreversible failure of the right ventricle is seen in 0.04% to 0.1% of
      postcardiotomy cases. The incidence of right ventricular dysfunction after left
      ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation that fails to resolve in the
      operating room is reported to be as frequent as 20% to 50% and imposes a
      considerable burden in terms of postoperative morbidity and mortality. Should
      this syndrome supervene, the mortality of an LVAD operation increases from 19% to
      43%. Although most patients can be maintained with prolonged inotropic support,
      10% to 15% may require implantation of a separate right ventricular support
      device.

PMID- 22062215
TI  - Editors' comments on "right ventricular dysfunction in patients undergoing left
      ventricular assist device implantation: predictors, management and device
      utilization".

PMID- 22062216
TI  - Can the occurrence of gastrointestinal bleeding in nonpulsatile left ventricular
      assist device patients provide clues for the reversal of arteriosclerosis?
AB  - This article is written not only to explore the deleterious effects of
      nonpulsatile flow (namely, gastrointestinal [GI] bleeding), but also to propose
      the novel concept that deliberate induction of nonpulsatile flow might be
      harnessed to produce beneficial remodeling in arteriosclerotic arteries.
      Continuous-flow left ventricular assist devices have proven their efficacy in the
      treatment of end-stage heart disease. They are a reliable option in bridge-to
      transplant and destination therapy. An enigmatic consequence of this therapy has
      been occult GI bleeding.

PMID- 22062217
TI  - Editorial comment on "can the occurrence of gi bleeding in non-pulsatile LVAD
      patients provide clues for the reversal of arteriosclerosis?".

PMID- 22062219
TI  - Left ventricular assist devices. Preface.

PMID- 22062220
TI  - TLR4 activity is required in the resolution of pulmonary inflammation and
      fibrosis after acute and chronic lung injury.
AB  - Pulmonary fibrosis is an inflammation-driven lung disease with a poor prognosis
      and no cure. Here we report that basal toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) activity is
      critical for the resolution of acute and chronic inflammation and pulmonary
      fibrosis in mouse models of lung injury. We found that genetic or pharmacologic
      inhibition of TLR4 exacerbates bleomycin-induced pulmonary inflammation,
      fibrosis, dysfunction, and animal death through promoting formation of an
      immunosuppressive tissue microenvironment and attenuating autophagy-associated
      degradation of collagen and cell death in the fibrotic lung tissues. In contrast,
      pharmacologic activation of TLR4 resulted in a quick resolution of acute
      inflammation, reversed the established pulmonary fibrosis, improved lung
      function, and rescued mice from death. Similarly, blocking TLR4 impaired the
      resolution of silica-induced chronic inflammation and fibrosis. Importantly,
      altering autophagic activity could reverse the TLR4-regulated lung inflammation,
      fibrosis, dysfunction, and animal death. Rapamycin, an autophagy activator,
      reversed the effects of TLR4 antagonism. In contrast, inhibition of autophagy by
      3-methyladenine reversed the proresolving and antifibrotic roles of TLR4 agonists
      and increased animal death. These results not only highlight a pivotal role for
      TLR4-mediated basal immunity, particularly autophagic activity, in the
      proresolution of inflammation and fibrosis after chemical-induced lung injury but
      also provide proof for the concept for activating TLR4 signaling, particularly
      TLR4-mediated autophagy, as a novel therapeutic strategy against chronic
      fibroproliferative diseases that are unresponsive to current therapy.

PMID- 22062221
TI  - Notch-induced hIL-6 production facilitates the maintenance of self-renewal of
      hCD34+ cord blood cells through the activation of Jak-PI3K-STAT3 pathway.
AB  - Ex vivo expansion of CD34(+) stem cells in contact culture between hCD34(+)CD38(
      )Lin(-) cord blood stem cells and human delta-like-expressing AFT024 feeder cells
      revealed increased amounts of stemness-related proteins such as HoxB4, GATA2, Bmi
      1, and p21 and anti-apoptotic proteins such as Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, Mcl-1, and phospho
      Bad, when compared with control or noncontact culture. Production of human IL-6
      (hIL-6) was markedly elevated in the culture, but was profoundly inhibited by
      treatment with gamma-secretase inhibitor. In addition, Notch-induced activation
      of STAT3 was directly involved in gene expression of hIL-6 and soluble hIL
      6Ralpha, indicating the close linkage between Notch signaling and hIL-6
      production. Furthermore, depletion of soluble hIL-6 (with hIL-6-specific
      antibodies) and inhibition of IL-6-mediated signals (with a Jak1 inhibitor and
      wortmannin) severely affected the maintenance of self-renewal of hCD34(+) cord
      blood cells. It was also observed that the ex vivo expanded CD34(+) cord blood
      cells were induced to reconstitute human immune cells in nonobese diabetic mice
      with severe combined immunodeficiency when compared with freshly isolated CD34(+)
      cord blood cells. Together, these results strongly demonstrate that Notch
      signaling in the "cell-to-cell contact" between hCD34(+) cord blood and delta
      like-expressing AFT024 feeder cells facilitates maintenance of self-renewal of
      hCD34(+) cord blood cells through direct regulation of hIL-6 production.

PMID- 22062222
TI  - Blockade of interleukin-6 receptor alleviates disease in mouse model of
      scleroderma.
AB  - Activation of fibroblasts by interleukin-6 (IL-6) is implicated in the
      pathogenesis of scleroderma, suggesting that the inhibition of fibroblast
      activation may be a promising scleroderma treatment. In this study, we used an IL
      6 blocking antibody (Ab) and Il-6 knockout (Il-6KO) mice to examine the role of
      IL-6 in the bleomycin (BLM)-induced mouse model of scleroderma. BLM was
      administered to C57BL/6 and Il-6KO mice to induce dermal sclerosis. BLM-treated
      and control phosphate-buffered saline-treated mice were treated with anti-mouse
      IL-6 receptor monoclonal Ab (MR16-1). Disease severity was evaluated by measuring
      dermal thickness and skin hardness, by counting the numbers of alpha-smooth
      muscle actin-positive cells and mast cells, and by examining the cutaneous
      draining lymph nodes. C57BL/6 mice with BLM induced scleroderma had elevated
      serum IL-6 levels and more severe dermal sclerosis than Il-6KO mice. Weekly
      administration of MR16-1, but not control Ab, prevented and improved dermal
      sclerosis, and also attenuated swelling of the draining lymph nodes. MR16-1
      suppressed alpha-smooth muscle actin induction in IL-6-stimulated Il-6KO
      fibroblasts. Our results indicate that IL-6 contributes to BLM induced dermal
      sclerosis and that IL-6 receptor-specific monoclonal Ab may improve the symptoms
      of scleroderma by suppressing fibroblast activation.

PMID- 22062223
TI  - Characteristics of generalized anxiety disorder in patients with dementia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Overlap of cognitive and anxiety symptoms (i.e., difficulty
      concentrating, fatigue, restlessness) contributes to inconsistent, complicated
      assessment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) in persons with dementia.
      METHODS: Anxious dementia patients completed a psychiatric interview, the Penn
      State Worry Questionnaire-Abbreviated, and the Rating for Anxiety in Dementia
      scale. Analyses to describe the 43 patients with and without GAD included the
      Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney two-sample test, Fisher's exact test. Predictors of GAD
      diagnosis were identified using logistic regression. RESULTS: Those with GAD were
      more likely to be male, have less severe dementia and endorsed more worry, and
      anxiety compared to patients without GAD. Gender, muscle tension and fatigue
      differentiated those with GAD from those without GAD. CONCLUSIONS: Although this
      study is limited by a small sample, it describes clinical characteristics of GAD
      in dementia, highlighting the importance of muscle tension and fatigue in
      recognizing GAD in persons with dementia.

PMID- 22062224
TI  - Effect of dietary tocopherols and tocotrienols on the antioxidant status and
      lipid stability of chicken.
AB  - We determined the effect of dietary tocopherols and tocotrienols on the lipid
      stability of pre-cooked chicken breast and thigh. The birds were supplemented
      with one of two doses of a commercial mixture of tocopherols and tocotrienols
      (Oryza1, Oryza2) or one of two doses of all-rac alpha-tocopherol acetate (Toc1,
      Toc2). Diets were formulated so that Oryza1 and Toc1 and Oryza2 and Toc2
      contained similar tocopherol concentrations. No quantifiable amounts of
      tocotrienols were found in either breast or thigh muscles. Tocotrienols present
      in the diet reduced muscle alpha-tocopherol concentration. The effect of Oryza1
      on the tocopherol content in muscle and on its lipid stability was not
      significant. The Oryza2, Toc1 and Toc2 diets increased the alpha- and gamma
      tocopherol in breast and thigh muscles and enhanced their lipid stability. This
      improvement was only due to the antioxidant action of the tocopherols. Lipid
      stability of pre-cooked chicken was not enhanced by adding tocotrienols to a
      tocopherol supplement.

PMID- 22062225
TI  - Effect of leek and onion on processing and quality characteristics of Greek
      traditional sausages.
AB  - The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of leek and onion on
      processing and quality characteristics of sausages and select the most
      appropriate, to determine the optimum level of selected vegetable and to improve
      its effectiveness on quality characteristics of sausages, in comparison to the
      addition of nitrites (100 ppm), by using a starter culture of Staphylococcus
      carnosus and ascorbate. The nitrate content of leek ranged from 213 to 255 ppm
      and that of onion was 79 ppm. Sausages produced with leek had higher (p<0.05)
      nitrite content (1.3-2.1 ppm) and a (*)(+) values and higher scores for sensory
      attributes than sausages with onion. Sausages made with the total leek plant had
      the highest score for overall acceptability. The higher the leek level the higher
      the nitrate and nitrite content of sausages and the lower the redness, a (*)(+).
      Sausages with 240 g of leek/kg had the highest (p<0.05) overall acceptability.
      Sausages with higher leek level had an intensive wrinkling on the surface and
      also an intensive and undesirable green colour. Sausages produced with 240 g of
      leek/kg had the same low level of nitrate and nitrite content, higher weight
      losses and lower pH values after the 3rd day of storage, compared to sausages
      produced with the addition of sodium nitrite. The addition of starter culture and
      ascorbic acid improved the redness (a (*)) of sausages and reduced the 2
      thiobarbituric acid value. Sausages with leek, starter culture and ascorbic acid
      had the highest score for odour and taste and overall acceptability.

PMID- 22062226
TI  - Dielectric and thermophysical properties of meat batters over a temperature range
      of 5-85  degrees C.
AB  - Dielectric (dielectric constant (epsilon(')) and loss factor (epsilon")) and
      thermal (heat capacity (c), thermal conductivity (k) and thermal diffusivity
      (alpha))) properties of two meat batters (pork luncheon roll (PLR) and white
      pudding (WP)) were measured between 5 and 85  degrees C. Radio frequency (RF) and
      microwave (MW) epsilon" values varied across 5-85  degrees C (P<0.05). MW
      epsilon(') and epsilon" values for WP tended to peak at 45  degrees C and
      decrease thereafter, whereas for PLR, epsilon(') and epsilon" peaked at 65 
      degrees C which appeared to match potato starch gelatinisation within this
      product. WP and PLR had significantly higher c values at 25  degrees C, which
      corresponded to the MP of pork fat. For PLR, an additional c peak was noted at 65
      degrees C, which appeared to correspond to potato starch gelatinisation. At 85 
      degrees C, k values were higher (P<0.05) than at 5, 25 and 45  degrees C but were
      not higher than values at 65  degrees C. alpha values increased with temperature
      (P<0.05).

PMID- 22062227
TI  - Oxidative stability of frozen pork patties: Effect of fluctuating temperature on
      lipid oxidation.
AB  - The mobility of solutes in fat from pork belly, in lean pork belly and in lean
      pork longissimus dorsi, containing 1% NaCl was characterized by the ESR spin
      probe technique using the nitroxyl spin probes TEMPO and TEMPOL. The mobility of
      TEMPO in fat increased for temperature above -60  degrees C and the mobility of
      TEMPOL in lean meat increased for temperature above -40  degrees C. Temperatures
      for studying the effect of fluctuating temperatures during frozen storage of meat
      were selected based on the ESR characterization of the mobility of solutes. The
      oxidative stability of pork patties during frozen storage was measured as
      thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), during storage at -10, -23 and 
      40  degrees C and with fluctuations between these temperatures, of pork patties
      made from pork loin (low fat 1.8%) or pork belly (high fat 22.7%). Lower storage
      temperatures resulted in less lipid oxidation, and temperature fluctuations
      between -40 and -23  degrees C and fluctuations between -23 and -10  degrees C
      resulted in oxidation intermediate to oxidation in samples stored at constant low
      or high temperatures of the fluctuation interval. The level of alpha-tocopherol
      was unaffected by the extent of oxidation in the frozen samples, an observation
      which is discussed in relation to differences in molecular mobility between
      oxygen and alpha-tocopherol.

PMID- 22062228
TI  - Effect of ascorbate, nitrate and nitrite on the amount of flavour compounds
      produced from leucine by Staphylococcus xylosus and Staphylococcus carnosus.
AB  - Resting cells of Staphylococcus xylosus and S. carnosus were incubated with
      ascorbate, nitrate and nitrite in defined reaction medium and their degradation
      of (3)H-labelled leucine into methyl-branched catabolites were studied using
      HPLC/radiometric detection. The experiments were carried out with and without
      addition of alpha-ketoglutarate. The main catabolic product of leucine
      degradation was 3-methylbutanoic acid but also small amounts of alpha-hydroxy
      isocaproic acid were produced. Nitrite addition lowered the concentration of 3
      methylbutanoic acid for both Staphylococcus species and this effect was strongly
      amplified by ascorbate for S. xylosus but not for S. carnosus. For both species
      ascorbate alone had little if any effect. Also nitrate lowered the concentration
      of 3-methylbutanoic acid for S. xylosus. The concentration of alpha-hydroxy
      isocaproic acid was, however, increased by addition of nitrite and nitrate for S.
      xylosus. Addition of alpha-ketoglutarate generally increased the concentration of
      3-methylbutanoic acid for both S. xylosus and S. carnosus.

PMID- 22062229
TI  - Cooking temperature effects on the forms of iron and levels of several other
      compounds in beef semitendinosus muscle.
AB  - The influence of final cooked temperature on the form of iron present and on the
      concentration of taurine, carnosine, coenzyme Q(10) and creatine was investigated
      in surface and inner parts of 30-mm thick steaks from beef semitendinosus muscle
      (n=6). The use of a fast, dry-heat cooking method with a Silex clam cooker (set
      at 200  degrees C) led to cooking times ranging from 5.6 to 8.6 min for final
      internal temperatures of 60 and 85  degrees C, respectively. The proportion of
      iron as soluble haem iron decreased from 65% in uncooked meat to 22% when cooked
      to 60  degrees C and then decreased more gradually with increases in final cooked
      temperature. The proportion of insoluble haem iron increased in a reciprocal
      manner, while changes in the proportions of soluble and insoluble non-haem iron
      were relatively small, but increases in the percentage of insoluble non-haem iron
      with increasing final temperature were significant (P<0.01). Changes in the forms
      of iron with cooking generally took place more rapidly in surface samples than
      inner samples. On a dry-matter basis, concentrations of taurine, carnosine,
      coenzyme Q(10), and creatine all decreased with cooking, but the decreases were
      greatest for taurine and creatine. Losses of creatine were at least partly due to
      conversion to creatinine, and, along with the other compounds, probably included
      some loss in cooking juices. It is concluded that despite these changes with
      cooking, beef semitendinosus muscle remains a good source of iron and a useful
      source of the potentially bioactive compounds taurine, carnosine, coenzyme Q(10)
      and creatine.

PMID- 22062230
TI  - Accelerated chilling and modified atmosphere packaging affect colour and colour
      stability of injection-enhanced beef round muscles.
AB  - Beef knuckles were partially hot-boned within 1.5 h postmortem. Biceps femoris
      (BF), semimembranosus (SM), vastus lateralis (VL), and rectus femoris (RF)
      muscles were injection enhanced at 6% (experiment 1) or 10% (experiment 2) of non
      injected weight and packaged in a high- (HiOx; 80% oxygen and 20% carbon dioxide)
      or ultra-low oxygen (LoOx; 80% nitrogen and 20% carbon dioxide) modified
      atmosphere. Hot boning accelerated chilling in all beef round muscles
      investigated. This resulted in a darker initial beef colour and darker visual
      colour during display for the BF, RF, and VL, as well as more uniform BF and
      knuckle steak colour. RF and VL, in experiments 1 and 2, respectively, had the
      most improved colour and colour stability. Steaks in HiOx MAP had longer colour
      life in display than steaks that had been in LoOx. Partially removing the beef
      knuckle early postmortem is a practical process that will improve colour and
      colour stability of beef round muscles.

PMID- 22062231
TI  - Evaluation of low-fat sausage containing desinewed lamb and konjac gel.
AB  - Ground (GR) or desinewed (DS) lamb trimmings were combined with a konjac flour
      (KF) gel (0%, 10% or 20%) to produce a low-fat (8%) cured sausage.
      Physiochemical, sensory and shelf-life analyses were performed to determine the
      efficacy of the fat mimetic. Desinewing reduced collagen content (2.3 mg/g
      tissue) and cook yield (0.6%) when compared to GR trimmings. Grinding increased
      aerobic plate counts (APCs) ~0.4log(10)/cm(2) more than DS, but APCs were not
      affected by inclusion of KF. Sausages with 20% KF lowered cook yield ~1% and
      slightly reduced sensory panel and texture profile analysis texture values. KF
      gel incorporated at 10% had similar properties to a control low-fat desinewed
      lamb sausage, while KF at 20% could reduce "toughening" in low-fat sausage
      products. Use of konjac gel as a fat mimetic could reduce total caloric energy by
      replacing a portion of the meat in a sausage formulation.

PMID- 22062232
TI  - Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry of the pig: Protocol development and evaluation.
AB  - As part of a prospective study in bone mineralisation in adult pigs it was
      necessary to establish guidelines and to define sites for bone mineral
      measurements. Particular requirements were that, the protocol should be suitable
      for a mass screening programme in both postmortem specimens and in live animals,
      and should deliver results of known reliability. Estimates of bone mineral
      content (BMC) and bone mineral density (BMD) in areas within the 4th metacarpal
      bone yielded coefficients of variation (CV) in the order of 7% for both regions
      and estimates in regions which included the entire metacarpal-phalangeal area
      yielded CV values in the order of 0.7% and 0.6% for BMC and BMD, respectively. A
      region of interest taken from the coccygeal vertebrae yielded coefficient of
      variation values of 3% and 2% for BMC and BMD, respectively. Accuracy of dual
      energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was estimated using a standard curve derived
      from BMC determined by ashing. There was a high correlation between mineral
      content determined by DXA and by ashing (R(2)=0.99, p<0.0001). The results
      suggest that the regions used in this study are suitable for use in large, mass
      screening, prospective studies.

PMID- 22062233
TI  - Beef longissimus lumborum, biceps femoris, and deep pectoralis Warner-Bratzler
      shear force is affected differently by endpoint temperature, cooking method, and
      USDA quality grade.
AB  - Effects of endpoint temperature, cooking method, and quality grade on Warner
      Bratzler shear force (WBSF) of beef longissimus lumborum (LL), biceps femoris
      (BF), and deep pectoralis (DP) muscles were evaluated. Eighteen of all three
      subprimals were selected from USDA Select and 18 from USDA Choice (Certified
      Angus Beef) carcasses for the respective muscles. Muscles were vacuum packaged
      and held at 1  degrees C for 14 days, frozen (-29  degrees C), sawed into 2.54-cm
      thick steaks, vacuum packaged, and stored frozen until cooking. Thawed steaks
      were cooked by either a Magikitch'n((r)) electric belt-grill (BG) at 93  degrees
      C, or a water-bath at 93  degrees C, to one of nine endpoint temperatures: 40,
      45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, or 80  degrees C. Belt-grill cooking was much faster
      and resulted in distinctly less cooking loss than water-bath cooking. Water-bath
      cooking resulted in higher (P<0.0001) Instron((r)) WBSF (31.92 N) than BG (28.25
      N) for LL. The combination of Select quality grade and higher endpoint
      temperatures resulted in higher (P<0.05) WBSF for LL. Two distinct phases of
      tenderization/toughening occurred for BF. Between 40 and 60  degrees C, WBSF
      decreased from 43.95 to 38.16 N (P<0.01), whereas between 60 and 70  degrees C,
      WBSF increased from 38.16 N to 44.44 N (P<0.05). Water-bath cooling resulted in
      higher (P=0.0001) DP WBSF (71.12 N) than BG (59.25 N). The DP had a distinct
      (P<0.0001) decline in WBSF between 45 and 65  degrees C, irrespective of the
      cooking method, followed by an increase between 65 and 80  degrees C (P<0.01).

PMID- 22062234
TI  - Functionality of myofibrillar proteins as affected by pH, ionic strength and heat
      treatment - a low-field NMR study.
AB  - Myofibrills were extracted from porcine muscle, and their water properties were
      characterized using low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) T(2) relaxometry.
      A T(2) relaxation pattern very similar to the pattern observed in intact meat and
      water contents comparable to the water content in meat were observed, implying
      that the myofibrillar structures are responsible for retaining the majority of
      water in meat. The effect of pH and ionic strength in the samples was
      investigated as pH was adjusted to 5.4, 6.2, and 7.0 and ionic strength to 0.29,
      0.46 and 0.71 M, respectively. Even though there were interactions between pH and
      ionic strength, the water content in the samples increased significantly with
      increasing pH and ionic strength. Moreover, mean T(2) relaxation times likewise
      increased with increasing pH and ionic strength, which reveals that the increased
      water retention could be ascribed to a swelling of the myofibrils and thereby
      increased spacing between filaments. The present study demonstrates that NMR T(2)
      relaxometry is a potential tool to explore how processing factors such as pH and
      ionic strength affect the microstructure of meat.

PMID- 22062235
TI  - Effect of radio frequency cooking on the texture, colour and sensory properties
      of a large diameter comminuted meat product.
AB  - Radio frequency (RF) cooking is a form of dielectric heating similar to microwave
      heating. In this study an optimised cooking protocol was developed for
      pasteurising 1 kg cased meat emulsion samples, which were immersed in 80  degrees
      C circulating water during cooking. Subsequently, selected quality attributes of
      RF pasteurised samples were compared to steam pasteurised samples, by
      instrumental and sensory methods. Instrumental assessments show that RF heated
      meat batters had a greater ability to hold water, were significantly harder,
      chewier and gummier (P<0.001), while having less cook colour development than
      their steam cooked counterparts. Differences were also detected by sensory
      methods. In conclusion, while differences were detected, it is possible that
      these could be eliminated by adjusting the cooking protocol to produce similar
      cook values in RF samples to those in products cooked by steam.

PMID- 22062236
TI  - Citrus pulp as an ingredient in ostrich diet: effects on meat quality.
AB  - The purpose of this trial was to study the effects of citrus pulp inclusion in
      ostrich diets on meat quality, evaluated on iliofibularis and gastrocnemius
      muscles. M. iliofibularis had a lower ultimate pH (P<0.05) and was lighter in
      colour (P<0.05) than M. gastrocnemius. The latter had higher moisture (P<0.05)
      and lower crude protein contents (P<0.05) as compared to M. iliofibularis. M.
      gastrocnemius had a lower proportion of C14:0 (P<0.05), C16:0 (P<0.05) and C16:1
      (P<0.05) and a higher percentage of C18:0 (P<0.05), C20:2omega6 (P<0.05),
      C20:4omega6 (P<0.05) and C20:5omega3 (P<0.05) than M. iliofibularis. Citrus pulp
      diet increased (P<0.05) meat ultimate pH and reduced cooking losses (P<0.05) as
      compared to the control diet. Meat from animals given citrus pulp had lower crude
      fat (P<0.05) and ash percentages (P<0.05) in comparison to that from the control
      group. The proportions of intramuscular saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids
      were lower (P<0.05) in the citrus pulp group as compared to the control one. Meat
      from the citrus pulp treatment group had a higher (P<0.05) percentage of
      polyunsaturated fatty acids than meat from the control treatment. In particular,
      meat from ostriches given citrus pulp diet exhibited higher C18:2omega6 (P<0.05)
      and C20:4omega6 (P<0.05) contents that accounted for a higher omega6/omega3 ratio
      (P<0.05) as compared to the control group. Overall, the use of a citrus pulp
      included diet in ostrich feeding did not adversely affect meat quality and,
      therefore, citrus pulp seems to be a possible ingredient to reduce feeding costs.

PMID- 22062237
TI  - Water, sodium chloride and acidified sodium chlorite effects on Escherichia coli
      O157:H7 and Staphylococcus aureus on beef briskets.
AB  - Effectiveness of spray application of potable water wash (WW), 25% (w/v) sodium
      chloride (NaCl), and 0.1% (v/v) acidified sodium chlorite (ASC) was evaluated
      against Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Staphylococcus aureus inoculated onto beef
      briskets. The purpose was to identify antimicrobial treatments which may be
      applied to beef carcasses and more specifically in kosher meat facilities.
      Treatments were applied for 10-60 s at pressure of 419 kPa. Water wash, NaCl, and
      ASC significantly reduced E. coli O157:H7 as compared with the control, although,
      only ASC resulted in improved removal with increased exposure time. Water wash
      did not significantly reduce S. aureus counts throughout exposure and NaCl was
      only effective after 60 s of exposure, while ASC reduced counts throughout
      exposure. E. coli O157:H7 was twice as sensitive to WW and NaCl as S. aureus in
      terms of percent reduction in cell count.

PMID- 22062238
TI  - Growth and carcass characteristics of pasture fed LHRH immunocastrated, castrated
      and intact Bos indicus bulls.
AB  - The effectiveness of a luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) fusion
      protein vaccine or surgical castration, at two years of age, on growth and
      carcass characteristics of Bos indicus bulls was evaluated. Seventy Nelore-cross
      bulls were divided into three groups: (1) immunized, (2) castrated and (3) intact
      control. At slaughter (three years of age), intact bulls had higher body weights,
      ADG, carcass weights, and muscle percentage compared to immunized and surgically
      castrated animals. Both castrated and immunized animals had greater marbling and
      percent carcass fat than the intact bulls. Average tenderness scores were
      inferior for intact bulls compared to immunized and castrated animals, but these
      differences were not significant (P>0.05). Juiciness, flavor, thawing, nor
      cooking losses differed significantly among the three groups. Immunocastration
      was effective in producing carcass traits similar to that of surgical castration.
      Therefore, immunization with LHRH fusion proteins appears to have practical
      utility in the management and castration of grazing bulls.

PMID- 22062239
TI  - Effects of fat level (5%, 10%, 20%) and corn flour (0%, 2%, 4%) on some
      properties of Turkish type meatballs (koefte).
AB  - In this study the effects of fat level (5%, 10% and 20%) and corn flour (CF 0%,
      2% and 4%) on chemical composition, cooking characteristics and sensory
      properties of Turkish type meatballs were evaluated. Cooking characteristics were
      evaluated by measuring cooking yield, fat retention, moisture retention,
      reduction in diameter and thickness and shrinkage. At each fat level,
      incorporation of CF significantly increased protein content but had no
      significant effect on fat content of cooked meatballs. Decreasing the fat content
      from 20% to 5% significantly increased cooking yield and fat retention. Meatballs
      formulated with 20% fat had the highest reduction in diameter. CF had no effect
      on reduction in diameter. CF reduced shrinkage in meatballs formulated with 5% or
      10% fat and increased moisture retention in treatments formulated with 5% or 10%
      fat. Sensory evaluation indicated that decreasing fat level resulted in lower
      texture and overall palatability scores. CF had no detrimental effect on sensory
      properties except appearance.

PMID- 22062240
TI  - Carcass and beef color characteristics of three biological types of cattle
      grazing cool-season forages supplemented with soyhulls.
AB  - Soyhull supplementation to divergent biological types of cattle on forage-based
      systems was studied to determine the impact on carcass and color characteristics.
      Weaned calves (n=107) biologically classified as large-, medium-, or small-framed
      and intermediate rate of maturing were allocated to three cool-season grazing
      systems consisting of either orchardgrass pasture or fescue pasture, each with
      soyhull supplementation, or fescue pasture with no supplementation as a control.
      Supplementing cattle with soyhulls allowed for heavier (P<0.05) live and carcass
      weights, larger (P<0.05) longissimus muscle area, increased (P<0.05) backfat,
      kidney, pelvic and heart fat (KPH), and yield grades, and improved (P<0.05)
      marbling scores and quality grades. Utilizing cattle biologically classified as
      large- or medium-framed allowed for heavier (P<0.05) carcass weights without
      reducing (P<0.05) marbling scores or quality grades when compared to small-framed
      cattle. Instrumental color analysis of lean and adipose tissue revealed improved
      (P<0.05) lightness (L (*)) in lean color for supplemented carcasses as compared
      to the control. There were no differences (P<0.05) between dietary treatments for
      L (*), a (*) or b (*) values of adipose tissue. These results indicate that
      supplementing forage-grazing cattle with soyhulls can improve carcass merit, and
      utilizing large- or medium-framed cattle can allow for increased carcass weights
      without decreasing carcass quality.

PMID- 22062241
TI  - Injection of salt, tripolyphosphate and bicarbonate marinade solutions to improve
      the yield and tenderness of cooked pork loin.
AB  - Several marinade solutions were tested for their effects on pork tenderness.
      Paired loins were removed from eight Large White crossbred pigs. Each pair was
      cut to give eight pieces and injected to a target of 110% of original weight with
      one of the following eight solutions (g/100 g water): uninjected (A, control), 5%
      salt (B), 5% sodium tripolyphosphate (C), 3% sodium bicarbonate (D), 5% salt and
      5% sodium tripolyphosphate 5% (E), 5% salt and 3% sodium bicarbonate (F), 5%
      sodium tripolyphosphate and 3% sodium bicarbonate (G), 5% salt, 5% sodium
      tripolyphosphate and 3% sodium bicarbonate (H). Samples were left overnight to
      equilibrate, cooked and assessed for tenderness using a Volodkevich shear force
      method. Mean pHs for meat injected with phosphate and/or bicarbonate (C-H) ranged
      from 5.75 to 5.97, compared to 5.45 for the control. All injected loins, had a
      significantly higher yield than the control (p<0.05), except salt alone which,
      though higher, did not differ significantly (p>0.05) from the control. Treatment
      H increased the yield from 70% (control) to 85%. All marinades significantly
      reduced the shear force (p<0.05), some treatments (D and F) by up to a half
      compared to the control (5150 g). Individual animal results suggest that
      marination could be used to good effect even in the toughest samples, whilst
      improving tender samples still further. Samples treated with bicarbonate had an
      usual porous structure, probably due to carbon dioxide produced during cooking
      which may have contributed to the reduced toughness.

PMID- 22062242
TI  - Establishment of a model experiment system to elucidate the mechanism by which Zn
      protoporphyrin IX is formed in nitrite-free dry-cured ham.
AB  - The aim of this study was to establish a model experiment system to elucidate the
      mechanism by which Zn-protoporphyrin IX (ZPP) is formed in Parma ham. The
      established model consisted of myoglobin, meat and antibiotics, and incubation
      under anaerobic conditions resulted in a greater yield of ZPP. Formation of ZPP
      was observed even in the presence of various antiseptics. The amount of ZPP
      formed increased as the period of incubation increased. ZPP formation was
      inhibited by heating meat homogenate depending on the heating temperature. Our
      results show that anaerobic conditions are suitable for the formation of ZPP in
      meat products without nitrate or nitrite and that endogenous enzymes as well as
      microorganisms may be involved in ZPP formation.

PMID- 22062243
TI  - Effect of Debaryomyces spp. on the proteolysis of dry-fermented sausages.
AB  - The effect of the addition of Debaryomyces spp. on the microbial, chemical
      properties and degradation of meat proteins in dry fermented sausages was
      investigated. The manufacture of dry fermented sausages with Debaryomyces spp.
      produced a slow decline in pH during early drying stage. However, the final
      product had lower ammonia, and higher acetic and d-lactic acids without producing
      any effect on the final pH. Sarcoplasmic proteins were not affected by
      Debaryomyces spp. but the degradation of myofibrillar proteins was accelerated at
      the beginning of the drying stage even though the final sausage, inoculated with
      Debaryomyces spp., had lower myofibrillar proteolysis. The content of free amino
      acids was similar at the beginning of the drying stage for all the studied
      batches. However, the high differences in the content of free amino acids at the
      end of the process could be attributed to the Debaryomyces spp. activity. The
      addition of a higher amount of Debaryomyces spp. did not contribute to a major
      proteolysis degree.

PMID- 22062244
TI  - Effectiveness of transdermal, needle-free injections for reducing pork carcass
      defects.
AB  - A needle-free, transdermal injection device was evaluated for effectiveness of
      vaccine delivery and for injection site lesions in swine. A total of 130 pigs
      were vaccinated for pseudorabies virus (PRV) and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae (M.
      hyopneumoniae). Pigs were divided into three groups; one group served as
      unvaccinated controls, the second group was vaccinated with conventional
      hypodermic needles and the third group was vaccinated with a needle-free,
      airpowered transdermal injection device. Blood samples collected for up to 36
      days post-injection showed that both injection methods produced similar
      serological responses that were significantly greater than for unvaccinated
      controls. Injection sites, collected at slaughter from each carcass, showed
      minimal development of lesions and no carcass defects. The results show the
      needle-free, transdermal injection system to be effective and safe. Elimination
      of needles will prevent residual needle fragments in carcasses and associated
      carcass defects that develop from needle-induced injection-site lesions.

PMID- 22062245
TI  - Microbiological conditions of air knives before and after maintenance at a beef
      packing plant.
AB  - Microbiological samples were obtained from air knives i.e., hand-held tools
      powered by compressed air, which were used during beef carcass skinning, and from
      equipment used for their maintenance. Bacteria from samples were enumerated by
      hydrophobic grid membrane filtration procedures. Knives presented for maintenance
      yielded aerobes at log mean numbers about 6 log cfu/knife, and coliforms,
      Escherichia coli and aeromonads at log total numbers about 4 log cfu/25 knives.
      After degreasing and at all subsequent stages of maintenance, the numbers of each
      group of bacteria were about 2 log units less. The numbers of bacteria recovered
      from the blade polishing machine were similar to the numbers recovered from
      knives presented for maintenance, but fewer bacteria were recovered from the
      blade sharpening machine. The findings suggest that it is possible for meat to be
      contaminated with hazardous bacteria derived from populations that persist on
      powered tools used for carcass dressing and on maintenance equipment.

PMID- 22062246
TI  - Single-trial event-related potentials and autonomic measures of the orienting
      reflex.
AB  - We aimed to clarify the event-related potentials (ERPs) associated with
      elicitation and habituation of the basic Orienting Reflex (OR). Participants were
      presented with 16 innocuous tones, alternating in intensity, at long variable
      inter-stimulus intervals, with no task. This allowed us to examine stimulus
      novelty and intensity effects in the absence of stimulus-related task demands.
      Single-trial ERPs were extracted to obtain estimates of the early N1 and the late
      positive complex (LPC) to each stimulus. Electrodermal responses showed
      substantial main effects of trials and intensity, supporting their functionality
      as an OR index. Cardiac deceleration showed no systematic change with intensity
      or trials, suggesting that it marks the transient onset of each stimulus, early
      in the stimulus-processing sequence. Respiratory pause showed a substantial main
      effect of trials but no intensity effect, suggesting that it reflects an
      intermediate processing stage. A main effect of intensity, but no simple trial
      effect, was apparent in the N1, suggesting that it reflects a different
      intermediate processing stage. The subsequent LPC showed only a topographic
      interaction with trials and intensity, failing to support any substantive role in
      OR processing. These different stimulus-response profiles are discussed in the
      context of a sequential processing model of the OR.

PMID- 22062247
TI  - beta-1,3-Glucan recognition protein (betaGRP) is essential for resistance against
      fungal pathogen and opportunistic pathogenic gut bacteria in Locusta migratoria
      manilensis.
AB  - Pattern recognition proteins, which form part of the innate immune system,
      initiate host defense reactions in response to pathogen surface molecules. The
      pattern recognition protein beta-1,3-glucan recognition protein (betaGRP) binds
      to beta-1,3-glucan on fungal surfaces to mediate melanization via the
      prophenoloxidase (PPO)-activating cascade. In this study, cDNA encoding a 53-kDa
      betaGRP (LmbetaGRP) was cloned from Locusta migratoria manilensis. LmbetaGRP mRNA
      shown to be constitutively expressed specifically in hemocytes and was highly
      upregulated following fungal infection. LmbetaGRP-silenced (LmbetaGRP-RNAi)
      mutant locusts exhibited significantly reduced survival rate following fungal
      infection (Metarhizium acridum) compared with the wild-type. Furthermore,
      LmbetaGRP-RNAi mutants exhibited abnormally loose stools indicative of a gut
      defect. 16S rRNA gene analysis detected the opportunistic pathogenic bacterium,
      Vibrio vulnificus in LmbetaGRP mutant but not wild-type locusts, suggesting
      changes in the composition of gut bacterial communities. These results indicate
      that LmbetaGRP is essential to gut immunity in L. migratoria manilensis.

PMID- 22062248
TI  - Response to Letter to the Editor: Advantages of electrical stimulation.

PMID- 22062249
TI  - Effect of rearing system on muscle lipids of gilts and castrated male pigs.
AB  - The objective of this study was to investigate the polar and neutral lipid fatty
      acid composition of pig muscle as influenced by rearing conditions and sex. A
      total of 120 Hampshire crossbreeds were divided in two groups, one reared free
      range in a strip grazing fashion and one reared indoors in a large pen (120
      m(2)). Free-range rearing produced a more unsaturated fatty acid composition (M.
      biceps femoris) in the neutral lipids, although the effect was small. In the
      polar lipids the effect of rearing condition was sex dependent. In the muscle of
      free-range gilts, there was a higher level of C18:2 n-6, compared with indoor
      gilts, indoor castrates, and free-range castrates. Moreover, muscle of gilts
      irrespective of rearing condition, had a higher level of the C?20 polyunsaturated
      fatty acids in the polar lipids (16.75 and 14.60, respectively). Thus, we suggest
      that the difference between castrates and gilts with respect to fatty acid
      composition in the polar lipids, might be affected by rearing condition.

PMID- 22062250
TI  - Effect of low voltage electrical stimulation and temperature conditioning on
      postmortem changes in glycolysis and calpains activities of Korean native cattle
      (Hanwoo).
AB  - The combined effects of low voltage electrical stimulation (LVES) and temperature
      conditioning during early postmortem (PM) ageing on glycolytic rates and calpains
      activities of Korean native cattle (Hanwoo) were determined. M. longissimus was
      taken after splitting course, divided into three pieces and temperature
      conditioned at 2, 16, and 30 degrees C for 3 h PM. The PM glycolytic rates,
      calpains and calpastatin activities were measured at 1, 3, 9, and 24 h PM.
      Although both LVES and the 30 degrees C treatment accelerated glycolytic rates
      and resulted in improved enzyme activities, LVES was more effective for the
      improvement of enzyme activities than the 30 degrees C treatment. Among tested
      Rigor-values (R-value; R(248), R(250), and R(258)), R(258) showed the highest
      correlation with pH (r=0.814, P<0.01), glycogen content (r=0.784, P<0.01) and MU
      calpain (r=0.838, P<0.01) and selected as a suitable parameter to predict
      glycolytic rate. The high correlation coefficients between MU-calpain activity
      and metabolic rate parameters suggest that the change in the enzyme activity is
      closely related to glycolytic rates. The LVES in combination with the 30 degrees
      C treatment until 3 h PM was the best treatment to accelerate the glycolytic rate
      and to improve the calpains activities in Hanwoo tissue.

PMID- 22062251
TI  - Evaluation of electric belt grill, forced-air convection oven, and electric
      broiler cookery methods for beef tenderness research.
AB  - Five muscles from USDA Select beef carcasses were cooked on an electric belt
      grill at three temperatures (93, 117, and 163 degrees C), in a forced-air
      convection oven, and on an electric broiler to determine effects of cooking
      treatment and muscle on Warner-Bratzler shear force values, cooking traits
      (cooking loss, cooking time, and endpoint temperature), and repeatability of
      duplicate measurements. All cooking treatments allowed shear force differences to
      be detected (P<0.05) among the five muscles, although the differences were
      inconsistent. Neither longissimus lumborum nor semitendinosus shear values
      differed among the five cooking treatments; however, shear values for biceps
      femoris, deep pectoralis, and gluteus medius differed (P<0.05) among cooking
      treatments. Belt grill cooking resulted in the highest shear force repeatability
      (R=0.70 to 0.89) for the longissimus lumborum. All cooking methods provided
      acceptable repeatability (R?0.60) of shear values for the biceps femoris and
      semitendinosus. The electric broiler was the only cooking treatment that resulted
      in acceptable repeatability of shear force measurements for all five muscles. It
      is not recommended to use the gluteus medius to test treatment effects on shear
      force values. Belt grill or electric broiler cooking are recommended for shear
      force evaluations.

PMID- 22062252
TI  - The preference of the consumer for pork from homozygous or heterozygous halothane
      negative animals.
AB  - To evaluate the taste preference of the consumer for meat from homozygous (NN)
      halothane negative pigs or heterozygous (Nn) halothane negative pigs, a consumer
      test was conducted at the "Agriflora" exhibition, concerning Flemish agriculture
      and horticulture, held from 8 to 10 January 1999 in Ghent, Belgium. The carcass
      quality of both tested genotypes was similar, while acidity, colour and drip loss
      were inferior and cooking loss and Warner-Bratzler shear force superior for the
      Nn pigs compared with the NN pigs. One hundred and seventy-one visitors completed
      the test correctly. No significant difference was found between NN- and Nn-meat
      for the tastiness scores. These results do suggest that elimination of the
      halothane gene from the pig population does not guarantee a better eating quality
      of the meat.

PMID- 22062253
TI  - Presensitization of microorganisms by acid treatments to low dose gamma
      irradiation with special reference to Bacillus cereus.
AB  - Effect of acid presensitization to low dose gamma irradiation on Bacillus cereus
      in sheep/goat meat stored at refrigeration temperature was assessed. Food grade
      organic acids (viz. propionic, lactic and acetic acids) were used as
      presensitizers followed by treatment with 1, 2 and 3 kGy irradiation doses
      (Co(60)). Two percent acetic acid plus 3 kGy irradiation elicited most effective
      to lower the total viable count and B. cereus count. Combination of treatments
      availed to reduce the dose required for elimination of radioresistant B. cereus
      and also masked the irradiation odour developed due to radiolysis. The study also
      revealed substantial increase in shelf life of mutton after combination treatment
      than single treatment without any adverse effect on acceptability of meat.

PMID- 22062254
TI  - The use of multivariate analysis for evaluating relationships among fat depots in
      heavy pigs of different genotypes.
AB  - The aim of the present work was to study distribution and reciprocal
      relationships of fat depots in heavy pigs of several genetic types. On 161
      barrows and gilts belonging to four genetic types (Large White and relative
      crosses with Italian Landrace, Belgian Landrace and Duroc), slaughtered from 125
      to 180 kg l.w., thickness, colour (C.I.E, L*, a*, b*) and weight of backfat and
      of kidney fat were determined. Subcutaneous and intermuscular fat of ham were
      weighed. On biceps femoris, semimembranosus and semitendinosus muscles ether
      extract content was determined. Allometric analysis showed that body growth did
      not particularly increase the intramuscular fat content of the ham. Principal
      component analysis indicated that PC1 (0.43% of variation) represented the
      overall fatness, associated all the depots in a similar manner, and was linked to
      body weight and sex. PC2 (0.22% of variation), linked to genotypes and body
      weight, expressed the opposition between intramuscular fat deposition and
      subcutaneous and internal fat accumulation. Using measurements easily recorded on
      the side (backfat thickness and colour, percent kidney fat), only the estimate of
      subcutaneous fat, among ham depots, showed good accuracy (R(2)=0.65).

PMID- 22062255
TI  - Free range rearing of pigs with access to pasture grazing - effect on fatty acid
      composition and lipid oxidation products.
AB  - The influence of free-range rearing, RN genotype and sex on different pig meat
      quality traits, including intramuscular fatty acid composition and levels of
      lipid oxidation products, were studied. A total of 60 Hampshire crossbred pigs
      were reared outdoors for two months with access to green feed, while 60 others
      were kept indoors, in a 120-m(2)-large pen, throughout the rearing period. From
      these 120 animals a subsample of 44 animals was chosen for meat quality analysis.
      Of the three factors studied, the RN genotype had the largest influence on basic
      technological meat quality traits, whereas the rearing conditions and sex had
      limited effects. However, outdoor rearing resulted in higher levels of
      polyunsaturated fatty acids in the intramuscular fat (P=0.026) and in an
      increased level of vitamin E (P=0.030) compared with the pigs that had been
      reared indoors. The sex and RN genotype of the animals also had an effect on the
      fatty acid profile: females had higher levels of unsaturated fatty acids
      (P=0.003) as well as lower levels of saturated fatty acids (P=0.011) than
      castrated males. Carriers of the RN(-) allele expressed a higher sum of omega-3
      fatty acids (P=0.047) and C22:5 (P=0.012) than did the non-carriers. In a storage
      study where meat from free-range and indoor reared pigs was stored for 3 months
      at-20 degrees C, it was shown that the lipid oxidation product malondialdehyde
      was formed at increased levels in animals that had a higher lean meat percentage
      than others, i.e. females that were carriers of the RN(-) gene and that were
      reared outdoors.

PMID- 22062256
TI  - Effect of suckling on growth and quantitative and qualitative carcass traits of
      once-calved heifers.
AB  - Heifers (n=72) from four breed-types were used to evaluate the effect of breed
      type and parity/weaning age on growth performance and carcass characteristics of
      the heifers. Breed-types studied were Japanese Black (B), B*Holstein (BHo), B*BHo
      (BBHo), and Japanese Shorthorn (S)*B (SB); whereas parity/weaning age treatments
      included maiden heifers and two once-calved heifer groups in which calves weaned
      at either 7 or 105 days. Growth performance of the once-calved heifers was
      inversely proportional to the milking ability of the heifers. Differences of
      carcass quality were significant (P<0.05) among breed-types, but not significant
      (P>0.05) among parity/weaning age groups by finishing for 180 days after weaning
      the calves.

PMID- 22062257
TI  - Tenderization of chicken and turkey breasts with electrically produced
      hydrodynamic shockwaves.
AB  - Eighty early deboned (45 min, post mortem) postrigor chicken breasts were exposed
      (24 h post mortem) to two levels (number of pulse firing networks, PFN; 45%
      energy) of electrically produced hydrodynamic shockwaves (HSW). In addition, 21
      turkey breasts (72 h post mortem) were HSW treated (two PFN, 72% energy). Samples
      were water cooked in bags (78 degrees C internal). Two PFN's were required to
      decrease (P<0.05) chicken Warner-Bratzler shear (WBS) force by 22% from the
      control (4.67 kg). WBS force of the HSW treated turkey breast decreased (P<0.05)
      by 12% from the control (3.20 kg). Cooking loss was higher (P<0.05) in the turkey
      breast portions but not in the chicken breasts. The electrically produced
      shockwave process has the potential to provide chicken processors with the
      ability to early debone and produce tender breasts and to provide turkey
      processors with tenderness-enhanced fillets.

PMID- 22062258
TI  - Hydrodynamic shockwave tenderization effects using a cylinder processor on early
      deboned broiler breasts.
AB  - In separate experiments, chicken broiler breasts were deboned (45 min postmortem,
      52 min, respectively) and either exposed to high pressure hydrodynamic shockwaves
      (HSW) 25 min after deboning (77 min postmortem) or after 24 h of storage (4
      degrees C) respectively, and compared to companion control breasts. HSW were
      produced in a cylindrical HSW processor with 40-g explosive. Warner-Bratzler
      shear (WBS) values of the HSW breasts treated at 77 min postmortem were not
      different than the controls. HSW treatment decreased (P<0.05) the WBS values of
      the stored and cooked breasts by 42.0% as compared to non-treated controls.
      Cooking losses were not affected by HSW. In general, raw and cooked color
      characteristics (CIE L*a*b*) were not affected by the HSW. HSW treatment at 25
      min after deboning (77 min postmortem) may require a higher pressure front or
      delayed treatment after postmortem aging to improve tenderness.

PMID- 22062259
TI  - Fatty acid composition of M. longissimus lumborum, ultimate muscle pH values and
      carcass parameters in reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus L) grazed on natural
      pasture or fed a commercial feed mixture.
AB  - The effects of feeding regimen on the fatty acid composition of M. longissimus,
      ultimate pH values in three muscles (Mm. longissimus, triceps brachii and biceps
      femoris) and carcass quality were studied in15 reindeer bulls. Nine animals came
      from natural pasture and six had been fed a pelleted commercial feed mixture for
      two months prior to slaughter. The pellet fed reindeer had significantly better
      carcass grading scores (EUROP conformation), higher trim fat content, more
      intramuscular fat and lower ultimate pH values in all three muscles than the
      group from pasture. The polar and neutral lipid fatty acid composition of the
      meat was analysed separately. Meat from pasture fed reindeer showed a high
      content of the fatty acid 18:3 n-3 in the polar lipid fraction. In the same lipid
      fraction, the fatty acid 18:2 n-6 was dominant in meat from the pellet fed
      animals. Similar differences in the neutral lipid fraction were found when
      comparing fatty acid composition between treatment groups, however the abundance
      of these fatty acids was much less. The present results confirm previous findings
      that reindeer fed typical pelleted commercial feed mixtures generally have an
      improved nutritional status.

PMID- 22062260
TI  - Determination of fatty acid composition of pork fat by Fourier transform infrared
      spectroscopy.
AB  - The fatty acid composition of pork fat determines its processing quality. FTIR
      spectroscopic methods were evaluated on pork back and breast fat, directly on fat
      slices and on the fat extracts. Near infrared transmission and middle infrared
      using an ATR method were developed to determine the fatty acid content in the fat
      extracts. The results obtained with 80 back and 80 breast samples showed the
      validity of infrared spectroscopy to estimate SFA (saturated fatty acids), MUFA
      (monounsaturated fatty acids), PUFA (polyunsaturated fatty acids), C16:0, C18:0,
      C18:1 and C18:2 contents in fat extracts. Correlation coefficients (R(2)) were
      around 0.91 and 0.98 for MIR (ATR) and around 0.85 and 0.96 for NIR
      (transmission). Direct measurements on fat slices by NIR predicted SFA, PUFA,
      C18:1 and C18:2, although the coefficient correlations were less good; 0.69-0.79.
      This method though, is easier and faster than other techniques and is accurate
      enough to discriminate fat samples separated by standard visual and texture
      classification. Measurements could be made in 1 min.

PMID- 22062261
TI  - Evaluation of the electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) equipment for ham meat
      quality selection.
AB  - The objective of this study was to evaluate the electrical impedance spectroscopy
      (EIS) prototype, to select the hams on the basis of meat quality characteristics
      in commercial conditions. Measurements of meat quality were made on 95 commercial
      hams (11.10+/-0.76 kg) to evaluate quality characteristics [ham weight,
      conformation (H), fat thickness in the rump (FTR), visual fatness (VF), pH(45),
      electrical conductivity (QM(45)) and ultimate pH (pH(24,) pH(36)) in the
      semimembranosus muscle]. The electrical parameters, Ro, Rinf, Ratio (Rinf/Ro), Fc
      and alpha, were obtained with the EIS equipment and was applied in five different
      regions of the ham (M, SM, M1, M2 and AD) at 36 h post-mortem. Principal
      component (PC) analysis has been used to describe the relationships between meat
      quality and electrical parameters in the ham meat. Two regions were selected, SM
      and M, showing the best correlations with pH(45) and fat characteristics in
      relation to electrical parameters Rinf and Ratio, respectively. Multiple
      regression analysis of the data confirmed that electrical variables, Ratio, alpha
      and Fc contributed to predict pH(45) (R(2)=0.50). In order to better predict
      visual fatness (VF), conformation and ham weight were included in the multiple
      regression. A R(2) of 0.59 was obtained with H, Rinf, ham weight and alpha. In
      conclusion, the results of this study have demonstrated that ratio in the SM
      region may classify with 88.46% accuracy the technologically normal meat (pH(45)
      > 6.10) from the PSE meat. In relation to visual fatness of the ham 84.21% of the
      samples with a Rinf in the M region > 56 had a score of > 2.5.

PMID- 22062262
TI  - Effects of the stunning procedure and the halothane genotype on meat quality and
      incidence of haemorrhages in pigs.
AB  - A total of 313 pigs (127 halothane-free, NN, and 186 heterozygous halothane, Nn)
      were slaughtered in four batches at two commercial abattoirs with two different
      stunning systems, an automatically head-only followed by head-to-chest electrical
      stunner and a compact carbon dioxide (CO(2)) stunning unit. Meat quality on the
      loin muscle was assessed by measuring electrical conductivity (PQM) and colour
      (Minolta CR 200) at 7 h post mortem, and ultimate pH. Loins showing PQM >6.0 MUs
      were classified as clearly pale, soft and exudative (PSE) meat. The incidence of
      petechiae, ecchymosis and haematomas in the shoulders, loins and hams was also
      evaluated. In the abattoir equipped with the electrical stunning system, a higher
      incidence of potentially PSE meat was found compared with the abattoir equipped
      with CO(2) stunning (35.6 vs. 4.5%). Likewise, electrical stunning increased
      significatively the incidence of petechiae in the loins, shoulders and hams, and
      ecchymosis in the loins and hams. Also, the incidence of PSE meat was higher in
      the Nn pigs compared with NN pigs (24.7 vs. 7.9%). It is suggested that for
      improving meat quality and reducing incidence of haemorrhages electrical stunning
      should be avoided. Further improvements in meat quality can be achieved by
      eliminating the halothane gene specially in CO(2)-stunned pigs.

PMID- 22062263
TI  - Fatty acid composition, cooking loss and texture of beef patties from meat of
      bulls fed different fats.
AB  - The effect of fatty acid composition on the properties of patties standardised to
      contain 15% fat was studied. Patties were made of beef from 36 Brown Swiss bulls
      fed on six different diets with five of them containing additional fats to
      achieve a high variability in body lipid composition. When the feed contained
      fullfat oilseeds (rapeseed, sunflower seed, linseed), the proportions of some
      nutritionally favourable fatty acids were increased in the patties. Patties made
      from the meat of bulls fed linseed and coconut oil could be distinguished in a
      sensory triangle test from most other groups. Cooking loss and instrumental
      texture properties showed no relation to fatty acid composition of patties.
      Cooking only slightly decreased the proportion of saturated fatty acids in favour
      of polyunsaturated fatty acids. In conclusion, widely differing dietary fats can
      be fed to bulls without risking major effects on texture of beef patties.

PMID- 22062264
TI  - Superficial contamination of bovine carcasses by Escherichia coli O157:H7 in a
      slaughterhouse in Normandy (France).
AB  - In 1997, analyses were carried out on 255 bovine carcasses to determine the
      extent of superficial contamination by E. coli O157. A 50-cm(2) meat sample taken
      from all carcasses was collected and tested using immunomagnetic separation
      method to detect E. coli O157. One strain of E. coli O157 bacterium was isolated
      and sent to the reference national center (Institut Pasteur, Paris). The strain
      was confirmed as E. coli O157:H7 and found to contain two out of the three
      pathogenicity genes (eae and EHEC-hlyA) necessary for enteropathogenicity. Shiga
      toxin genes were not detected. Superficial contamination of E. coli O157:H7 was
      established, but at low level (0.4%).

PMID- 22062265
TI  - Relationship between beef consumer tenderness perception and Warner-Bratzler
      shear force.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine consumer ability to discern different
      levels of beef tenderness established by Warner-Bratzler shear (WBs). A panel of
      220 people evaluated 60 samples of longissimus thoracis using a 5-point intensity
      scale (1: very tough; 5: very tender). Samples differed for commercial category,
      breed of animals and ageing length of meat. Shear force was measured by Instron
      equipped with a Warner-Bratzler device on 1.27cm diameter cores. Correlation
      coefficient of WBs measurements with tenderness sensory ratings was -0.72. WBs
      value corresponding to class 3 of the sensory tenderness was 47.77N. From this
      value, the range of WBs (22.96-72.59N) was split into five categories to which
      connect the five classes of sensory tenderness. The results suggest consumers'
      difficulty in discriminating category 1 (WBs>62.59N) from category 2 (WBs: 52.78
      62.59N) and a greater inclination to distinguish category 5 (WBs<32.96N). As WBs
      category boundaries were probably too restrictive for the panel's selective
      ability, WBs scale was reduced to 3 categories by joining the two extreme
      categories (i.e. category 2 with 1 and category 4 with 5). In this case, 55.6% of
      consumers significantly discriminated tough from intermediate and tender meat and
      62.3% distinguished tender from intermediate and tough meat (P<0.01). Hence, WBs
      values >52.68N and <42.87N allow classification of tough and tender beef in a
      sufficiently reliable way.

PMID- 22062266
TI  - Fatty acid composition of M. Longissimus dorsi from Holstein-Friesian steers of
      New Zealand and European/American descent and from Belgian Blue*Holstein-Friesian
      steers, slaughtered at two weights/ages.
AB  - Our objective was to determine the effect of breed (B) and slaughter age/weight
      on the fatty acid composition, particularly the conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
      concentration of beef. Two strains of a dairy breed [Holstein-Friesian (HF) (n=16
      steers/strain)] and a late-maturing breed [Belgian Blue*Holstein-Friesian (BB)
      (n=16 steers)] were used. The HF strains were either of New Zealand (NZ) or
      European-American (EU) descent (selected in a grazed grass or a high concentrate
      nutritional environment, respectively). Animals were grown from calves to either
      a light (L; 560kg) or heavy (H; 630kg) target slaughter weight. Samples of M.
      longissimus dorsi were collected post-slaughter, lipids were separated into
      neutral (NL) and polar (PL) fractions, and fatty acid composition determined by
      gas-chromatography. The total fatty acid concentration and the concentrations of
      cis9, trans11 CLA, total CLA, MUFA and SFA in total intramuscular lipids were
      lower and the P:S ratio higher for BB than NZ or EU which did not differ. These
      differences largely reflected the changes in NL. The C18 desaturase index was
      higher for NZ than EU but EU did not differ from BB. Increasing slaughter
      weight/age increased the total fatty acid concentration and the concentrations
      cis9, trans11 CLA (P=0.06), total CLA (P=0.06), trans11 C18:1, MUFA and SFA and
      the C18 desaturase index and decreased the P:S ratio. The n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio was
      similar at the lighter slaughter weight/age for the three breeds/strains but
      increased for NZ and EU with increasing slaughter weight/age but was not affected
      in BB. It is concluded that the CLA concentration largely reflected muscle
      fatness but that increasing slaughter weight/age differentially affected the n
      6:n-3 PUFA ratio of beef from early and late-maturing cattle.

PMID- 22062267
TI  - A second look at the influence of birth weight on carcass and meat quality in
      pigs.
AB  - To re-examine the relationship of birth weight with carcass and meat quality of
      pigs at market weight, offspring (n=378) of 63 sows were assigned to three birth
      weight groups; 25% low weight (LW), 50% middle weight (MW), and 25% heavy weight
      (HW), with runts (<800g) being excluded. LW pigs exhibited the lowest postnatal
      growth performance, the lowest lean mass and the greatest degree of fatness in
      terms of perirenal fat compared with MW and HW pigs. Only in females, but not in
      male castrates, the lean percentage was highest in HW pigs. Characteristics of
      longissimus muscle technological quality declined either in LW (pH, drip loss) or
      HW (conductivity, lightness) compared with MW pigs. In contrast, intramuscular
      fat percentage (IMF) was highest in LW pigs. The results suggest that the most
      desirable carcass composition is obtained with HW pigs, whereas optimum
      technological pork quality, except for IMF, is achieved with MW pigs.

PMID- 22062268
TI  - A comparison of organic and conventionally-produced lamb purchased from three
      major UK supermarkets: Price, eating quality and fatty acid composition.
AB  - Organic and conventional lamb loin chops, labelled as British lamb, were bought
      from three major UK supermarket chains (designated A, B and C) in the Bristol
      area on 10 occasions over a six week period. Samples (n=360) were from unknown
      production systems but representative of what is available to UK consumers. The
      nutritional quality of muscle was assessed in terms of its fatty acid composition
      and eating quality was assessed by a trained sensory panel. Lamb prices varied
      between L9 and L12.50 per kg, with a relatively modest price differential between
      organic and conventional lamb chops of L1.10, L1.88 and L1.16 L/kg for
      supermarkets A, B and C, respectively. On average, organic chops were 20g heavier
      than conventional chops. Chops were relatively lean, having just 14% of
      subcutaneous fat, approximately half that of a similar survey 10 years ago.
      Organic lamb had a better eating quality than conventional lamb in terms of
      juiciness (p<0.05), flavour (p<0.05) and overall liking (p<0.05) thus providing
      some evidence for the perception among consumers that organic products 'taste
      better'. Differences in juiciness were attributed to the higher intramuscular fat
      content of organic meat whilst differences in flavour were attributed to
      differences in fatty acid composition, in particular, the higher level of
      linolenic acid (18:3) and total n-3 PUFA in organic chops. Conventional chops had
      a higher percentage of linoleic acid (18:2). Chops from both productions systems
      had a favourable n-6:n-3 ratio. The most important difference between the three
      supermarkets was that lamb flavour was significantly lower in chops from
      supermarket A, probably due to differences in their 'display until' dates. Chops
      from supermarket A were also the cheapest.

PMID- 22062269
TI  - Carcass composition and yield of Alaskan reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus)
      steers and effects of electrical stimulation applied during field slaughter on
      meat quality.
AB  - Twenty six adult reindeer steers (>3 years old) were used in a study to evaluate
      the effect of electrical stimulation (ES) on the quality of hot-boned, rapidly
      frozen shoulder meat and of the striploin (M. longissimus, LD) from carcasses
      held at +3 degrees C for 48h. Carcass yield and composition was determined from
      the left carcass half from which the shoulder meat was not removed. The shoulder
      meat was processed frozen into cubed, sliced or ground products. Proximate
      composition of the LD, meat color and water-holding capacity were very similar
      for the ES (n=15) and non-electrical stimulation (NES; n=11) groups. Ultimate pH
      and shear force values were significantly lower in the ES meat (LD), however a
      trained sensory panel could not detect differences between the two groups in any
      of the measured sensory attributes. Consumer preference tests demonstrated that
      ES increased tenderness in the cubed and sliced products made from field
      slaughtered reindeer shoulder meat. ES in combination with hot boning and
      processing of boneless frozen meat can be used in field slaughter systems for
      reindeer to improve meat quality and to increase the potential value of the
      carcass.

PMID- 22062270
TI  - Use of gamma-irradiation to reduce Clostridium perfringens on ready-to-eat bovine
      tripe.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine the effect of gamma irradiation at a
      target dose of 9kGy and storage at 5 and 15 degrees C on the safety of ready-to
      eat (RTE) tripe with respect to Clostridium perfringens count (CC) and aerobic
      plate count (APC), and to determine the effect of boiling (1h) and irradiation
      (9kGy) on Cl. perfringens ATCC 13124 spore structure. Irradiation significantly
      reduced APC stored at 5 and 15 degrees C for 7 days. However, 0kGy control
      samples increased in their APC to >7log(10) cfu/g throughout 7 days of storage.
      Irradiation eliminated the inoculated Cl. perfringens ATCC 13124 spores on RTE
      tripe throughout storage at 5 and 15 degrees C. Transmission electron microscopy
      of Cl. perfringens ATCC 13124 spores showed that boiling caused a reduction in
      spore material, irradiation caused elongation of the Cl. perfringens ATCC 13124
      spores, and boiling in combination with gamma irradiation caused loss of spore
      material. Therefore, irradiation at 9kGy, together with storage at 5 degrees C,
      can assure the microbiological safety of RTE bovine tripe, with respect to Cl.
      perfringens spores for at least 7 days at 5 and 15 degrees C.

PMID- 22062271
TI  - Effect of glycogen concentration and form on the response to electrical
      stimulation and rate of post-mortem glycolysis in ovine muscle.
AB  - The associations between the muscle glycogen concentration and form and the rate
      of post-mortem glycolysis in ovine muscle were investigated. Twenty-two merino
      wethers (18-24 months) were allocated to either roughage or concentrate pelleted
      diets for 34 days prior to slaughter. An exercise depletion/repletion model was
      applied four days prior to slaughter to generate differences in muscle glycogen
      levels at slaughter. Muscle biopsies were taken from the m. semimembranosus (SM)
      and m. semitendinosus (ST) prior to and immediately after exercise for muscle
      glycogen determination. At slaughter, one side was electrically stimulated and
      both sides were conventionally chilled for 24h. The pH response to electrical
      stimulation (DeltapH) and the rate of pH decline adjusted to a constant
      temperature of 38 degrees C over the initial 6h post-mortem period was determined
      in three muscles (m. longissimus thoracis et lumborum LTL, SM and ST). In
      addition, the concentrations of glycogen, proglycogen (PG), macroglycogen (MG)
      and lactate in the three muscles immediately after slaughter were determined. The
      glycogen loss due to exercise was influenced by diet (P<0.01; concentrate 63% and
      roughage 73%) but did not differ between muscles. The rates of repletion
      significantly varied between muscles (SM>ST) and diet (concentrate>roughage). The
      available glycogen (glycogen(A)) and MG concentrations at slaughter varied
      significantly depending on the diet (P<0.01) and muscle (P<0.001). The percentage
      of MG relative to MG+PG varied between muscles (46%, 50% and 57% for the ST, LTL
      and SM). The concentration and form of available glycogen at slaughter did not
      influence the response to electrical stimulation after adjusting for pre
      stimulation pH (P<0.01). The DeltapH varied significantly between muscles (0.39+/
      0.03, 0.26+/-0.02 and 0.20+/-0.03 for the ST, LTL and SM) after adjusting for pre
      stimulation pH. Differences in the temperature adjusted rate of pH decline were
      observed between the muscles (LTL>SM>ST). Importantly, a positive linear
      association (P=0.05) was found between muscle glycogen(A) concentration at
      slaughter and the rate of pH decline (temperature adjusted).

PMID- 22062272
TI  - Utilization of interesterified oil blends in the production of frankfurters.
AB  - Ten treatments of frankfurters were produced with interesterified oil and oil
      blends (palm oil, palm stearin, cottonseed oil, hazelnut oil and their mixtures)
      and were compared to control, produced with all animal fat. Addition of
      interesterified oil and oil blends affected (p<0.05) the moisture and fat content
      and pH values of frankfurters. According to the colour measurements, the
      brightness value (L(*)) of most of the samples with interesterified oil and oil
      blends were higher (p<0.05) than the control. The fatty acid composition of
      frankfurters was modified. The PUFA/SFA values of frankfurters were increased due
      to the presence of interesterified oil and oil blends in the formulation.
      Frankfurters with 100% interesterified cottonseed oil or with interesterified oil
      blends with 66.6% and 83.4% cottonseed oil had PUFA/SFA ratio higher than 0.4 and
      are considered better than all others from the health point of view. Frankfurters
      produced with 100% interesterified cottonseed and hazelnut oil or with
      interesterified hazelnut oil blends had the same (p>0.05) scores for sensory
      attributes with the control, while all other treatments were also acceptable.

PMID- 22062273
TI  - The use of visible and near infrared reflectance spectroscopy to predict beef M.
      longissimus thoracis et lumborum quality attributes.
AB  - Visible and near infrared reflectance spectroscopy was used to predict pH at 24h
      (pH24) post-mortem, sarcomere length (SL), cooking loss (CL), Warner-Bratzler
      Shear Force (WBSF) and colour parameters (L(*), a(*), b(*)) in beef cattle
      samples. Samples from M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum from 30 bulls were aged
      at 4 degrees C for 1, 3, 7 and 14 days and analysed for pH, SL, CL, WBSF and
      colour. NIRS calibrations for pH24, luminosity at 0 (L(*)t0) and 60min (L(*)t60)
      showed good predictability (R(2)=0.97, 0.85 and 0.82; SECV=0.10, 1.16, 1.36,
      respectively), whereas those related to the rest of the parameters were poorer.

PMID- 22062274
TI  - Microbiological contamination of pig and cattle carcasses in different small
      scale Swiss abattoirs.
AB  - A total of 750 pig carcasses and 535 cattle carcasses from 17 small-scale
      abattoirs were sampled by excision at four sites (pig: neck, belly, back, ham;
      cattle: neck, brisket, flank, rump). Samples were examined for total viable
      counts (TVC) and Enterobacteriaceae. Mean TVCs ranged from 2.4 to 4.2
      log(10)CFUcm(-2) on pig carcasses and from 2.7 to 3.8 log(10)CFUcm(-2) on cattle
      carcasses. With regard to EU Regulation (EC) No 2073/2005, TVCs were mainly
      considered satisfactory (pig: 81.3%; cattle: 71.4%). Amongst sites, the back
      (pigs) and neck (cattle) tended to yield higher TVCs. Enterobacteriaceae were
      detected in low counts on 23.9% of pig carcasses and 21.7% of cattle carcasses.
      Amongst abattoirs, Enterobacteriaceae prevalence on pig and cattle carcasses
      ranged from 2.0% to 56.0% and from 0.0% to 55.0%, respectively. Consequently,
      criteria of the EU Regulation proved to be a suitable tool for the appraisal of
      microbiological results (TVCs) from pig and cattle carcasses from small-scale
      abattoirs. Because the occurrence of Enterobacteriaceae on carcasses was too
      infrequent to ensure log normality, frequencies should be compared for these
      organisms.

PMID- 22062275
TI  - Association between animal, transportation, slaughterhouse practices, and meat pH
      in beef.
AB  - The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of factors related to
      animal, farm, transportation, and animal handling at the slaughterhouse, as well
      as their interactions, on pH of beef meat. A total of 5494 cattle (343+/-45d of
      age) from 181 different Spanish farms were surveyed during three seasons (spring,
      summer, and winter) and a total of 25 pre-slaughter variables were recorded. Meat
      pH was measured at the Longissimus dorsi 24h post-mortem (pH(24)). After a
      variable selection procedure, a mixed-effects logistic regression model was
      conducted with 5 variables (1 random and 4 fixed) to identify the main factors,
      and their interactions, affecting meat pH(24). Average incidences of meat pH(24)
      greater than 5.8 and 6.0 were 13.89% and 4.02%, respectively. The variability of
      meat pH(24) explained with studied factors and their interactions was only 4.9%,
      a value too low to allow making technical decisions to improve meat pH(24) in the
      Spanish market considering the variables studied.

PMID- 22062276
TI  - Effect of dietary rosemary and alpha-tocopheryl acetate on the oxidative
      stability of raw and cooked pork following oxidized linseed oil administration.
AB  - The effect of a 2% dietary administration to pigs of oxidized linseed oil
      (targeted level of 150mEq.O(2)/kg oil after heating at 50 degrees C and exposure
      to air for 3-4 days following addition of 10ppm CuSO(4)), either or not in
      combination with antioxidants, on the oxidative stability of raw and cooked pork
      during illuminated chill storage was assessed. The antioxidant treatments were:
      40ppm alpha-tocopheryl acetate, 40ppm rosemary extract, 40ppm rosemary
      extract+2ppm gallic acid, and 40ppm alpha-tocopheryl acetate+40ppm rosemary
      extract. A total of 20ppm of alpha-tocopheryl acetate (ATA) was added to all
      diets in order to meet the physiological requirement of the animals. The
      antioxidant treatments did not exert any effect on colour and protein oxidation.
      Lipid oxidation was only decreased by dietary ATA when comparing the ATA
      supplemented groups combined versus a control treatment group for raw but not for
      cooked meat. This was due to a higher content of alpha-tocopherol in the meat and
      subcutaneous fat. The lipid oxidation results suggested a lack of antioxidant
      effect for the rosemary extract. No evidence for a synergistic effect of the
      antioxidant combinations was observed.

PMID- 22062277
TI  - Prediction of the fatty acid composition of beef by near infrared transmittance
      spectroscopy.
AB  - The intramuscular fat content and composition influence consumer selection of
      meat products. A study predicting the fatty acid (FA) profile of ground beef from
      the Longissimus thoracis of yearling bulls (n=100) using near infrared
      transmittance spectroscopy (NIT) was conducted. The samples were scanned using an
      Infratec 1265 Meat Analyzer which operates in transmittance mode from 850 to
      1050nm. NIT technology was able to accurately predict (R(CV)(2) over 0.76) some
      prominent FAs such as C14:0, C16:0, C16:1cis9, C17:0, C18:1cis9 and C18:1cis11,
      and minor FAs like C13:0, C15:0, C17:1cis9 and C18:1cis13. When studying FA
      groups, NIT spectra were able to accurately predict saturated (R(CV)(2)=0.837),
      branched (R(CV)(2)=0.701) and monounsaturated (R(CV)(2)=0.852) FAs. In addition,
      NIT spectra provided useful information on the contents of conjugated linoleic
      acids (CLA) in beef. These results show the potential of NIT technique as a rapid
      and easy tool to predict the major FAs in beef, especially those located in
      triglycerides.

PMID- 22062278
TI  - Effects of breed and a concentrate or grass silage diet on beef quality in cattle
      of 3 ages. I: Animal performance, carcass quality and muscle fatty acid
      composition.
AB  - An increase in the intake of the n-3 series polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) is
      recommended by nutritionists for the human diet and beef is a significant source
      of these fatty acids. Enhancing the n-3 PUFA content of beef is important in view
      of the generally saturated nature of fatty acids in ruminant meats and the
      potentially negative effect this can have on human health. This study examined
      the effects of breed and diet on the fatty acid composition of beef M.
      longissimus. Ninety-six steers were used, 48 Aberdeen Angus cross (AA) and 48
      Holstein-Friesian (HF). At 6months of age, 3 groups were identified, to be
      slaughtered at 14, 19 and 24months, respectively. Each group consisted of eight
      steers of each breed fed on a concentrate or a grass silage diet, rich in n-6 and
      n-3 PUFA, respectively. The intake of the concentrate diet was restricted so that
      steers of each breed grew at a similar rate on each diet. The early maturing AA
      produced heavier, fatter carcasses with better conformation. Animals fed grass
      silage had higher carcass fatness and conformation scores and higher levels of
      neutral lipid and total lipid in muscle than those fed concentrate. When all
      animals were pooled, a decline in PUFA% as total muscle lipid increased was
      evident. Feeding a grass silage diet rich in alpha-linolenic acid (18:3n-3)
      increased levels of this fatty acid in muscle neutral lipid by a factor of about
      3.0 compared with the concentrate diet, as well as enhancing the synthesis of the
      n-3 series long-chain C20-22 PUFA in the phospholipid fraction, including
      docosahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3). In contrast, both levels and proportions of
      linoleic acid (18:2n-6) and the n-6 series C20-22 PUFA were higher in animals fed
      the concentrate diet. The proportions of 18:1trans and conjugated linoleic acid
      (CLA) in muscle neutral lipid were higher in animals fed concentrate compared
      with silage in all 3 groups. This was partly due to increased consumption of
      18:2n-6. The ratio of PUFA to saturated fatty acids (P:S) in muscle was reduced
      by feeding grass silage, partly as the result of increased fat deposition.
      However, the increase in levels of n-3 series fatty acids with silage-feeding
      resulted in beneficially low n-6:n-3 ratios in muscle in all age groups
      (approximately 1.2 compared with 12.0 in the concentrate diet). Subtle breed
      differences in PUFA amounts and proportions were noted. Holstein-Friesians had
      higher proportions of PUFA and higher P:S ratios compared with AA, partly due to
      a higher proportion of phospholipid in total lipid. In phospholipid itself, HF in
      the 19 and 24months groups had higher proportions of most n-3 PUFA. In all age
      groups the ratio of DHA to its precursor, 18:3n-3 was higher in HF.

PMID- 22062279
TI  - Effects of breed and a concentrate or grass silage diet on beef quality in cattle
      of 3 ages. II: Meat stability and flavour.
AB  - This study examined the effect of breed and diet on meat quality, defined as
      lipid stability, colour shelf life and sensory quality. Ninety-six steers were
      used, half Aberdeen Angus (AA) cross and half Holstein-Friesian (HF). They were
      reared from 6 months of age on a standard concentrate diet or grass silage and
      slaughtered at 14, 19 or 24 months of age. Breed had small effects on quality
      with lower lipid stability in muscle of 24 month-old HF (P<0.05). Sensory scores
      were similar between the breeds, the few differences being in favour of AA. Diet
      had the biggest effects on meat quality, in all 3 age groups. The grass silage
      diet produced higher plasma and muscle levels of vitamin E, lower lipid oxidation
      in loin steaks measured at 4 and 7 days of retail display and better colour
      stability (saturation) during shelf life in MAP (O(2):CO(2); 75:25) (all
      P<0.001). The high values for lipid oxidation in the concentrate-fed steers were
      linked to high muscle PUFA concentrations and low levels of vitamin E.

PMID- 22062280
TI  - Effect of stunning systems on meat quality of Manchego suckling lamb packed under
      modified atmospheres.
AB  - The effects of the type of stunning (TS) [electrically vs. gas] and packing in
      modified atmospheres (MA) [MA-A: 30% CO(2)/70% O(2); MA-B: 30% CO(2)/69.3%
      N(2)/0.7% CO; MA-C: 40% CO(2)/60% N(2)] on meat quality (pH), drip losses (DL),
      water holding capacity (WHC), shear force (SF) and instrumental colour (L(*), and
      C(*)chroma) of suckling lamb of the Spanish Manchego breed at 7, 14 and 21d post
      packing was studied. Acceptance of meat samples (on the basis of colour and
      odour) was determined. In general neither the TS nor the MA affected the pH
      values. Meat from the gas stunned lambs had the lowest DL (P<0.001 at 14d post
      packing), but lower WHC (more water expelled; P<0.01 at 14 and 21d post-packing),
      was more tender (P<0.01) and had higher L(*) (P<0.001 at 14d post-packing) and
      C(*) values (P<0.001) than the electrically stunned group. Similar values of WHC
      and SF were observed for all MA types but the use of CO in the packs (MA-B)
      caused less DL, gave the highest C(*) values, acceptability and colour stability
      with time of storage.

PMID- 22062281
TI  - Effects of Urtica dioica and Hibiscus sabdariffa on the quality and safety of
      sucuk (Turkish dry-fermented sausage).
AB  - In this study, the effect of Urtica dioica, Hibiscus sabdariffa
      butylatedhydroxytoluene (BHT) and nitrite/nitrate on the quality (pH, Hunter L-,
      a- and b-value and sensory attributes) and safety [2-thiobarbituric acid reactive
      substances (TBARS) value and biogenic amine] were investigated during the
      ripening periods of sucuk (Turkish dry-fermented sausage). During the first 2
      days of ripening, pH values decreased (P<0.05) rapidly from 5.78 to about 4.49.
      pH values of batters were not significantly (P<0.05) affected by the addition of
      nitrite/nitrate, BHT, U. dioica, H. sabdariffa. TBARS values increased from 0.52
      to about 0.95mg/kg significantly (P<0.05) during the first 4 days in control, and
      H. sabdariffa added batters. The highest (P<0.05) histamine concentration was
      determined in the control batter prepared without antioxidant. U. dioica was more
      effective (P<0.05) on decreasing histamine and putrescine concentration than the
      other antioxidants. Putrescine concentration in batters increased (P<0.05) from
      1.13 to about 15.34mg/kg during the first 4 days. Tyramine concentration
      increased significantly (P<0.05) during the ripening period from 5.55 to
      103.93mg/kg. The control batter had the highest (P<0.05) tyramine concentration
      about 50.21mg/kg. Hunter L-values were not affected (P>0.05) from ripening time
      and addition of antioxidants into batter. The Hunter a-value increased (P<0.05)
      during the ripening periods, however, b-values decreased (P<0.05) from 12.58 to
      about 10.53. Overall sensory quality evaluated from color, flavor and ease of
      cutting scores increased (P<0.05) from 3.25 to about 9.00.

PMID- 22062282
TI  - Muscle proteome and meat eating qualities of Longissimus thoracis of "Blonde
      d'Aquitaine" young bulls: A central role of HSP27 isoforms.
AB  - Longissimus thoracis (LT) of 10 Blonde d'Aquitaine young bulls were sampled at
      slaughter. Protein composition of fresh muscle and of meat aged for 14 days was
      investigated by two-dimensional electrophoresis. Cooked meat properties were also
      evaluated by sensory analysis. When searching for early predictors of tenderness,
      abundance of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) was the best common predictor of
      initial and overall tenderness, explaining 65.6% and 57.8% of variation of these
      palatability traits. Study of the evolution of the protein content during ageing
      allowed to identify targets of postmortem proteolysis. They were mainly
      structural (actin, MyBPH) and chaperone (HSP27, alpha-crystallin) proteins.
      Furthermore, in a regression analysis modelling sensory tenderness, levels of
      HSP27 in fresh muscle and levels of HSP27 fragments in aged meat explained up to
      91% of variation in sensory scores. Data suggest the existence of an underlying
      HSP27-related cellular mechanism, with consequences on tenderness development.

PMID- 22062283
TI  - Determination of phospholipid molecular species in pork meat by high performance
      liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and evaporative light scattering
      detection.
AB  - Normal phase high performance liquid chromatography has been optimized for both
      evaporative light scattering detection and tandem mass spectrometry in order to
      characterize the natural phospholipids (PL) (classes and molecular species) of
      raw and cooked pork meat. The PL fraction included phosphatidylcholine (PC)
      (42.9%+/-4.5 for raw vs 42.6%+/-8.0 for cooked meat), plasmalogen
      phosphatidylethanolamine (pPE) and phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) (26.7%+/-3.1 vs
      28.5%+/-2.3), cardiolipin (CL) (8.3%+/-2.9 vs 6.3%+/-0.7), sphingomyelin (Sph)
      (7.5%+/-0.9 vs 8.3%+/-2.1), phosphatidylinositol (PI) (6.8%+/-0.7 vs 6.5%+/-2.1)
      phosphatidylserine (PS) (4.9%+/-0.5 vs 4.6%+/-1.4) and lysophosphatidylcholine
      (LPC) (2.9%+/-1.3 vs 3.3%+/-2.6). Arachidonic acid (absent in Sph) was mainly
      present in pPE and PI and formed molecular species with a saturated fatty acid,
      such as stearic (as in PI, PS, PE and PC) or palmitic acid (as in PE and PC), or
      the respective vinyl ethers in pPE (p18:0 and p16:0); however, in PC, arachidonic
      acid also formed combinations with oleic and linoleic acid. Palmitic acid formed
      the most abundant molecular species in PC, but not in CL, PE, PI and PS.
      Unexpectedly, the cooked pork meat showed an increased content of the molecular
      species of PI and LPC with more unsaturated fatty acids (18:0/20:4 and 18:2,
      respectively) with respect to raw meat.

PMID- 22062284
TI  - Differentiation of European wild boar (Sus scrofa scrofa) and domestic swine (Sus
      scrofa domestica) meats by PCR analysis targeting the mitochondrial D-loop and
      the nuclear melanocortin receptor 1 (MC1R) genes.
AB  - This work describes the differentiation of European wild boar (Sus scrofa scrofa)
      and domestic swine (Sus scrofa domestica) meats by PCR targeting sequences from
      two molecular markers: the mitochondrial displacement loop (D-loop) region and
      the nuclear melanocortin receptor 1 (MC1R) gene. A polymorphic D-loop fragment
      (~270bp) was amplified and sequenced in a number of wild and domestic Sus scrofa
      meat samples, to find a nucleotide region suitable for PCR-RFLP analysis.
      Sequence data showed the presence of only a few point mutations across Sus scrofa
      D-loop sequences, not allowing direct discrimination between wild boar and
      domestic swine meats. Later, the MC1R gene was targeted and Sus scrofa-specific
      primers designed to amplify a 795bp MC1R fragment. Subsequent RFLP analysis of
      the MC1R swine-specific amplicons allowed selection of BspHI and BstUI
      endonucleases to carry out intraspecific Sus scrofa differentiation. Digestion of
      MC1R amplicons with the chosen enzymes generated characteristic PCR-RFLP profiles
      that allowed discrimination among meats from wild and domestic swine specimens.
      The technique also enabled the detection of samples that yielded heterozygous
      profiles, suggesting hybrids resulting from wild boar and domestic pig breeding.
      The PCR-RFLP reported here, targeting the MC1R gene may be routinely applied to
      verify the correct labelling of game products.

PMID- 22062285
TI  - Compound C, an inhibitor of AMP-activated protein kinase, inhibits glycolysis in
      mouse longissimus dorsi postmortem.
AB  - Pale, soft, and exudative (PSE) meat has been recognized for decades and causes
      huge economic loss to the meat industry due to its inferior quality. Although it
      has been well established that fast and excessive glycolysis combined with high
      temperature in muscle early postmortem is the cause of PSE meat, the molecular
      mechanisms associated with this abnormal glycolysis remain poorly defined. Our
      previous studies with mice and pigs suggest that AMPK regulates muscle glycolysis
      postmortem. To confirm further the role of AMPK in the regulation of postmortem
      glycolysis, we investigated the effects of intraperitoneal injection of compound
      C, a specific AMPK inhibitor, on AMPK activation and glycolysis in postmortem
      longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle of mice. Data showed that intraperitoneal injection
      of compound C inhibited AMPK activation in postmortem mouse LD muscle.
      Simultaneously, injection of compound C inhibited glycolysis and increased muscle
      pH corroborating of our previous observations that postmortem glycolysis is
      inhibited in AMPK knockout mice. This study firmly supports that AMPK regulates
      glycolysis in postmortem skeletal muscle and suggests that AMPK can be a target
      to control postmortem glycolysis, preventing incidence of PSE meat.

PMID- 22062286
TI  - Changes in l-carnitine content of fish and meat during domestic cooking.
AB  - Human adults store around 20g of l-carnitine. In the human body, l-carnitine is
      not metabolized but excreted through the kidney. Lost l-carnitine has to be
      replenished either by a biosynthetic mechanism or by the consumption of foods
      containing l-carnitine. Today, there is no "official" recommended daily allowance
      for l-carnitine but the daily need for l-carnitine intake has been estimated in
      the wide range of 2-12MUmol/day/kg body weight for an adult human. In this study
      we evaluated the effect of freezing and of different cooking methods on the l
      carnitine content of red meat and fish. l-carnitine was abundantly present in all
      beef products analyzed. The amounts in the various cuts were similar and our data
      showed that freezing or cooking did not modify l-carnitine content. Salmon
      contained about 12 times less l-carnitine than beef but except in smoked salmon,
      cooking or freezing did not alter l-carnitine content. This study confirms the
      important role that meet products play for providing adequate amount of l
      carnitine to the human body.

PMID- 22062287
TI  - Quantification of zinc-porphyrin in dry-cured ham products by spectroscopic
      methods Comparison of absorption, fluorescence and X-ray fluorescence
      spectroscopy.
AB  - Zinc-protoporphyrin (Zn-pp), which has been identified as the major pigment in
      certain dry-cured meat products, was extracted with acetone/water (75%) and
      isolated from the following meat products: Parma ham, Iberian ham and dry-cured
      ham with added nitrite. The quantification of Zn-pp by electron absorption,
      fluorescence and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy was compared
      (concentration range used [Zn-pp]=0.8-9.7MUM). All three hams were found to
      contain Zn-pp, and the results show no significant difference among the content
      of Zn-pp quantified by fluorescence, absorbance and X-ray fluorescence
      spectroscopy for Parma ham and Iberian ham. All three methods can be used for
      quantification of Zn-pp in acetone/water extracts of different ham types if the
      content is higher than 1.0ppm. For dry-cured ham with added nitrite, XRF was not
      applicable due to the low content of Zn-pp (<0.1ppm). In addition, XRF
      spectroscopy provides further information regarding other trace elements and can
      therefore be advantageous in this aspect. This study also focused on XRF
      determination of Fe in the extracts and as no detectable Fe was found in the
      three types of ham extracts investigated (limit of detection; Fe?1.8ppm), it
      allows the conclusion that iron containing pigments, e.g., heme, do not
      contribute to the noticeable red colour observed in some of the extracts.

PMID- 22062288
TI  - Effect of breed and ageing time on meat quality and sensory attributes of veal
      calves of the "Ternera de Aliste" Quality Label.
AB  - The effect of breed, sex and ageing time on carcass, meat and eating quality were
      examined in 32 calves of the "Ternera de Aliste" Spanish Quality Label. Swiss
      Brown*Alistano-Sanabresa heifers were mated with Charolais or Limousin bulls in
      order to study the effect of breed. Bull and heifer calves were slaughtered when
      they were 6-7 months old. Samples of the M. longissimus dorsi were aged for 3, 5
      or 7 days and chemical and sensory analyses were done. The results showed no
      differences due to sex but Charolais sires produced meat which was more tender,
      juicier and had more odour intensity with a darker colour than meat of the
      Limousin sired animals. Ageing influenced both sensory and instrumental hardness,
      colour and odour intensity. After seven days of maturation the meat from such
      young animals achieved a high quality.

PMID- 22062289
TI  - Effects of electrical stimulation, chilling temperature and hot-boning on the
      tenderness of bovine muscles.
AB  - The objective of this study was to determine the effects of hot-boning, low
      voltage electrical stimulation (ES) and chilling temperature on the tenderness of
      bovine M. longissimus dorsi (LD) and M. semimembranosus (SM) muscles. LD (n=32)
      and SM (n=32) muscles were subjected to different post-mortem treatments; hot
      boning (before 90min post-mortem), cold-boning (at 48h post-mortem), low voltage
      ES and rapid or slow chilling. Hot-boned muscles which were not electrically
      stimulated (NES) had higher Warner Bratzler shear force (WBSF) values (P<0.001)
      and shorter sarcomeres (P<0.001) than cold-boned muscles. Hot-boned muscles
      subjected to ES had lower pH values (P<0.001) post-stimulation and up to 8h post
      mortem than NES muscles. At both chilling temperatures WBSF values were lower in
      ES hot-boned LD and SM muscles at days 2, 7 and 14 post-mortem than NES muscles.
      Hot-boned muscles subjected to slow chilling had longer sarcomeres (P<0.001) than
      those subjected to fast chilling. In hot-boned SM muscles, ES resulted in longer
      sarcomere lengths (P<0.001). However, ES did not have a significant effect on the
      sarcomere length of LD muscles. As indicated by WBSF values all muscles
      tenderised during ageing, including muscles which were 'cold shortened'.
      Proteolysis was not the main reason for differences in WBSF values between ES and
      NES muscles as judged by qualitative sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel
      electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). A combination of slow chilling and ES had a positive
      effect on hot-boned muscles with respect to WBSF values.

PMID- 22062290
TI  - Manipulation of the pre-rigor phase to investigate the significance of
      proteolysis and sarcomere length in determining the tenderness of bovine M.
      longissimus dorsi.
AB  - The objective of this study was to evaluate the importance of proteolysis and
      sarcomere length in determining the tenderness of bovine M. longissimus dorsi
      (LD) muscle over a 21-day period. This was done by altering the pre-rigor
      glycolytic behaviour of hot-boned LD muscles using different early post-mortem
      temperature regimes. Hot-boned LD muscles (n=8) were cut in two, randomised,
      placed in polythene bags and submerged in a water bath set at 5 degrees C
      (rapidly chilled) and 15 degrees C (slowly chilled) for 8h post-mortem. All
      muscles were then stored at 2 degrees C for up to 21 days post-mortem. The
      temperature regimes altered the glycolytic behaviour of the muscles in the pre
      rigor period. The slowly chilled muscles exhibited a faster (P<0.01) pH fall than
      rapidly chilled muscles. Cold shortening was induced in rapidly chilled muscles
      as they had shorter (P<0.01) sarcomere lengths than slowly chilled muscles up to
      day 21 post-mortem. Warner Bratzler shear force values (WBSF) deemed cold
      shortened muscles as tougher than noncold shortened up to day 14 post-mortem.
      Both cold-shortened and noncold-shortened muscles tenderised over time to an
      extent where there was no significant difference in WBSF values by day 21 post
      mortem. SDS-PAGE protein profiles indicated that the rate of proteolysis was
      faster in slowly chilled muscles when compared to rapidly chilled muscles.
      However by day 21 post-mortem it appeared that rapidly and slowly chilled muscles
      underwent proteolysis to the same extent.

PMID- 22062291
TI  - Nutritional characteristics of veal from weaned and unweaned calves:
      Discriminatory ability of the fat profile.
AB  - The chemical and nutritional composition of the Longissimus thoracis muscle from
      58 'Rubia Gallega' breed animals was measured to differentiate veal of weaned
      from unweaned calves. Fat, protein, ash, and moisture contents of muscle were
      determined by near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) and the fatty acid
      (FA) profiles were determined by gas chromatography. Calves suckled their mothers
      at pasture followed by an indoor period. The weaned group was finished on
      concentrates indoors, whereas the unweaned group was continued suckling with a
      complementary concentrate diet, also indoors. The unweaned group had higher total
      FA (p<0.001), monounsaturated (MUFA) (p<0.05) and polyunsaturated (PUFA) (p<0.05)
      FA contents, lower saturated FA (SFA) (p<0.01) concentration, and a higher
      PUFA:SFA ratio (p<0.05) than the weaned group. A multivariate step discriminant
      procedure selected nine variables out of 38 tested from the FA profile. The SFA
      fraction lower than C11 followed by the margaric FA and the n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio
      were the most discriminating variables for separating the weaning classes,
      regardless of the gender. Calibration and cross-validation misclassification
      errors were 0% and 1.67%, respectively. A more powerful discriminant function was
      estimated for males only, where the SFA fraction lower than C11 followed by
      tricosanoic, and margaric FA were the most discriminant, with zero
      misclassification errors.

PMID- 22062292
TI  - Ruminant fat volatiles as affected by diet. A review.
AB  - Volatile compounds in meat have been widely studied for their favourable or
      undesirable effects on meat flavour, or for their potential use in tracing the
      animal feeding system. To date, the chemical mechanisms causing the appearance of
      volatile compounds in meat have been largely understood. Several variables are
      involved in the accumulation of volatiles in animal tissues and among them animal
      diet plays a key role. The purpose of the present review is to highlight the
      effects of different dietary regimes (concentrate, green grass and fat-enriched
      diets) on the appearance of fat volatile compounds in ruminant meat. Grain-based
      diets induce greater accumulations in meat of branched-chain fatty acids, some
      aldehydes, and lactones while meat fat from grazing animals contains high levels
      of phenols, terpenes, indoles and sulphur compounds. Fat-enriched diets exert
      their effect mainly on those volatiles which originate from polyunsaturated fatty
      acids. Cooking procedures have been considered for their contribution to fat
      volatiles in meat by reactions induced by high temperatures.

PMID- 22062293
TI  - The effect of spineless cactus (Opuntia ficus-indica f. inermis) supplementation
      on growth, carcass, meat quality and fatty acid composition of male goat kids.
AB  - The objective of this study was to determine the effects of grain compared to
      spineless cactus feeding on goat kids growth, carcass characteristics and FA
      profile. For this purpose, 21 kids were used and allocated to 3 groups receiving
      a low quantity (200g) of oat hay. The control group received ad libitum a
      concentrate containing 130g crude protein (CP) per kg of dry matter (C130). The
      second group received half of that contained consumed by the control one but its
      CP content was 260g/kg DM and spineless cactus ad libitum (C260-Cac). In the
      third group, concentrate intake was limited to soya bean at a quantity that
      provided the same CP quantity as the two other groups and also cached spineless
      cactus was distributed ad libitum (Soya-Cac). Animals of all groups had free
      access to water. At the end of the growth trial which lasted for 74 days, all
      kids were slaughtered. Samples of longissimus dorsi muscle were used for meat
      quality and FA composition study. Animals in the control group and those in the
      C260-Cac had higher growth rate than Soya-Cac diet animals. Muscle and adipose
      tissue mean weights were higher in the first groups while the bone weight was
      similar in all treatments. Animals given Soya-Cac diet had relatively less fat
      (10.5%) than those fed other diets (p<0.001). Carcass fat content tended to be
      lower (p=0.07) in C260-Cac goats (13.5%) than in those of the C130 group (15.8%).
      The ultimate pH ranged between 6.18 and 6.48; it was higher in meat from control
      goats (C130) than in animals receiving cactus. Dietary treatment had no
      significant effect (p>0.05) on meat moisture, ash, crude fat and protein
      contents. The intra muscular lipid composition in fatty acids showed differences
      between the control group and those receiving cactus. Cactus in the diet was
      associated with more C18:2 and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) as well as a higher
      proportion of PUFA and PUFA:SFA ratio than control ones. In conclusion, this
      study showed that cactus feeding of goat kids maximises the proportion of CLA,
      PUFA and PUFA:SFA ratio.

PMID- 22062294
TI  - Antimicrobial effects of selected plant essential oils on the growth of a
      Pseudomonas putida strain isolated from meat.
AB  - The inhibitory effect of 60 different essential oils was evaluated on a
      Pseudomonas putida strain of meat origin, associated with meat spoilage.
      Essential oils were tested at concentrations from 0.003 to 0.8% (wt/vol) to
      determine minimum inhibitory and maximal tolerated concentrations (MIC and MTC,
      respectively) using an agar medium culture. Of the 60 samples tested,
      Corydothymus capitatus essential oil was the most active showing a MIC of 0.025%
      and a MTC of 0.06%. Seven essential oils (Cinnamomum cassia, Origanum compactum,
      Origanum heracleoticum, Satureja hortensis, Satureja montana, Thymus vulgaris
      carvacroliferum, Thymus vulgaris thymoliferum) have shown a strong antimicrobial
      activity against P. putida with a MIC of 0.05% and a MTC ranging from 0.013% to
      0.025%. Ten other oils (Cinnamomum verum (leaf and bark), Eugenia caryophyllus,
      Cymbopogon martinii var. motia, Cymbopogon nardus, Melaleuca linariifolia,
      Origanum majorana, Pimenta dioica, Thymus satureoides, Thymus serpyllum) showed a
      high antimicrobial activity showing a MIC ranging from 0.1% to 0.4%, while the
      remaining were less active showing a MIC?0.8%.

PMID- 22062295
TI  - Beef hide antimicrobial interventions as a means of reducing bacterial
      contamination.
AB  - This project was designed to evaluate interventions capable of reducing bacterial
      counts on the hide prior to opening. In Trial I, fresh beef hides (n=12) were cut
      into sections and assigned to serve as either clipped (hair trimmed) or non
      clipped sections. Sections were inoculated with a bovine fecal slurry and sampled
      following a water wash. Treatments (distilled water, isopropyl alcohol, 3%
      hydrogen peroxide, 2% l-lactic acid, 10% povidone-iodine, and 1% cetylpyridinium
      chloride (CPC)) were then applied to each section and the sections were sampled
      for enumeration of aerobic plate counts (APCs), coliforms, and Escherichia coli.
      Within clipped samples, 1% CPC and 3% hydrogen peroxide caused the greatest
      reductions in APCs (4.6 and 4.4 log(10)CFU/100-cm(2), respectively), and 1% CPC,
      2% l-lactic acid, and 3% hydrogen peroxide caused the greatest reductions in
      coliform counts (4.5, 4.1, and 3.9 log(10)CFU/100-cm(2), respectively). In Trial
      II, beef carcasses with hides on were sampled initially and clipped, and then 2%
      l-lactic acid, 3% hydrogen peroxide, or 1% CPC were applied before sampling. For
      APCs, 1% CPC produced the greatest reduction on the hide surface (3.8
      log(10)CFU/100-cm(2)). Selective application of these antimicrobials to clipped
      hide opening sites reduced bacterial counts on hide surfaces, and therefore could
      reduce final carcass counts in these areas by decreasing the bacterial load
      before opening.

PMID- 22062296
TI  - The use of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry to estimate the dissected composition
      of lamb carcasses.
AB  - A total of 140 male and female Dorset and Suffolk lambs were slaughtered
      according to four live weight classes (36-39kg, 41-44kg, 46-49kg and 51-54kg).
      Total tissue, fat and lean masses, and bone mineral content measured by dual
      energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) were used to predict dissected tissue weights.
      The DXA total weights accurately predict half-carcasses and primal cuts weights
      (shoulder, leg, loin and flank) (R(2)>0.99, CVe<1.3%). The prediction of the half
      carcass dissected fat percentage is weaker (R(2)=0.77, CVe=10.4%). Fatness
      prediction accuracy is equivalent for the shoulder, leg and loin (R(2) between
      0.68 and 0.78, CVe between 10% and 13%). The R(2) obtained when predicting
      dissected lean content from DXA variables is 0.93 for the half-carcass and higher
      than 0.83 for all cuts other than flank (CVe are between 3.5% and 6.5%, except
      for the flank, which is 9.1%). The prediction of bone weight using the bone
      mineral content is not very accurate for the half-carcass, shoulder and leg
      (R(2): 0.48, 0.47 and 0.43; CVe: 10.2%, 12.0% and 11.6%, respectively). The
      situation improves, however, for the loin (R(2)=0.70, CVe=10.7%). In conclusion,
      DXA is an effective technology for predicting total weight and the amount of lean
      and fat in lamb carcasses and their primal cuts.

PMID- 22062297
TI  - Factors influencing proportion and composition of CLA in beef.
AB  - Bovine meat is criticised for the bad nutritional image of its lipids and fatty
      acids. However, with dairy products, beef is the major source of conjugated
      linoleic acid (CLA) which could have several human health benefits. The present
      study compared, from data of five nutritional experiments on bovine animals
      performed by the laboratory, the impact of factors linked to the animals (breed,
      age, sex, type of muscle) and to feeding conditions (basal diet, lipid
      supplements) on the CLA proportion and composition in muscles. Among these
      factors, linseed supplementation was an efficient way to increase CLA proportion
      in beef (+22% to +36%) but was highly modulated by the nature of the basal diet,
      and by intrinsic factors (breed, age/sex, type of muscle) since these ones could
      modulate CLA proportion in beef from 24% to 47%. Moreover, these factors modified
      also the proportion of cis,trans-CLA, related to cis,cis- and trans,trans
      isomers. Specific biological properties of these latter isomers should be
      determine to understand the consequences of intramuscular CLA isomer variations
      for the health of consumers.

PMID- 22062298
TI  - Stability of linseed oil and antioxidants containing dry fermented sausages: A
      study of the lipid fraction during different storage conditions.
AB  - Different packaging conditions (aerobic, vacuum and modified atmosphere) were
      evaluated in order to study the stability of the lipid fraction of dry fermented
      sausages manufactured with a partial substitution of pork backfat by linseed oil
      and antioxidants. After 5 months of storage, alpha-linolenic acid was better
      preserved by vacuum and MAP (7.32 and 7.74g/100g fatty acids, respectively) than
      in aerobic conditions (6.15g/100g fatty acids), without significant differences
      to values obtained after 2 months of storage for this acid. At the end of the
      storage, (n-6)/(n-3) fraction in sausages with linseed oil was in all cases lower
      than 3, in contrast to values obtained for control products that were all higher
      than 15. Better PUFA/SFA ratios were also observed in modified sausages (0.6
      0.7g/100g fatty acids) than control ones (0.3-0.4g/100g fatty acids). No signs of
      lipid oxidation measured by TBARs and peroxides were detected for modified
      sausages regardless the packaging system used (TBARs values lower than 0.25ppm
      and peroxides lower than 4meq O(2)/kg), pointing at a high effectiveness of the
      antioxidants. Furthermore, vacuum and MAP prevented 2,4-decadienal formation.
      Nutritional benefits of linseed oil and antioxidants containing products were
      maintained after 5 months of storage.

PMID- 22062299
TI  - Effects of peanut skin extract on quality and storage stability of beef products.
AB  - Peanut skins are a low-value byproduct of peanut processing operations. They have
      been found to contain significant levels of natural antioxidants, but their
      antioxidant activity in muscle foods is unknown. The effects of peanut skin
      extracts on oxidation (TBARS) and color (CIE L(*)a(*)b(*)) was studied in ground
      beef and ground beef with added salt, phosphate (STP) and nitrite/erythorbate.
      Cooking loss, microbial growth, aroma acceptability and texture were also
      examined. The most significant reduction in oxidation was in ground beef or
      samples with salt, followed by phosphate (STP) or nitrite/erythorbate. Because of
      their low effective concentrations (200ppm), the extracts did not cause color
      change (P>0.05) of the products indicated by CIE L(*)a(*)b(*) value. The extracts
      had no effect (P>0.05) on sensory aroma. The phenolic extract from peanut skin
      had no effect (P>0.05) on the cooking loss of the ground beef as well as the
      cured and uncured formulated products. The microbial growth in fresh ground beef
      was not affected (P<0.05) by the phenolic extract.

PMID- 22062300
TI  - Preserving pre-rigor meat functionality for beef patty production.
AB  - Three methods were examined for preserving pre-rigor meat functionality in beef
      patties. Hot-boned semimembranosus muscles were processed as follows: (1) pre
      rigor ground, salted, patties immediately cooked; (2) pre-rigor ground, salted
      and stored overnight; (3) pre-rigor injected with brine; and (4) post-rigor
      ground and salted. Raw patties contained 60% lean beef, 19.7% beef fat trim, 1.7%
      NaCl, 3.6% starch, and 15% water. Pre-rigor processing occurred at 3-3.5h
      postmortem. Patties made from pre-rigor ground meat had higher pH values; greater
      protein solubility; firmer, more cohesive, and chewier texture; and substantially
      lower cooking losses than the other treatments. Addition of salt was sufficient
      to reduce the rate and extent of glycolysis. Brine injection of intact pre-rigor
      muscles resulted in some preservation of the functional properties but not as
      pronounced as with salt addition to pre-rigor ground meat.

PMID- 22062301
TI  - Quality characteristics of ostrich (Struthio camelus) burgers.
AB  - Quality characteristics and storage stability of three types of burgers prepared
      with ostrich meat (alone or mixed with pork or beef meat) were evaluated. Burger
      evaluation was based on chemical, microbiological, textural, colour, sensory and
      oxidation characteristics. All of the assayed formulas showed acceptable general
      quality scores in the sensory evaluation, but the burgers formulated with 100%
      ostrich meat or mixing ostrich and beef meat had the highest scores. Only TBA
      values and redness were influenced by storage time. Burgers formulated with
      ostrich and pork meat had a faster oxidation rate and became more oxidized than
      the others. Microbial counts indicated that, at the end of the refrigerated
      storage (9days), all of the preparations were spoiled.

PMID- 22062302
TI  - Pre-slaughter stress arising from on-farm handling and its interactions with
      electrical stimulation on tenderness of lambs.
AB  - The effect of electrical stimulation of lamb carcasses (n=269) or its absence
      (n=257) on shear force of m. longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LT) was monitored
      during ageing in pasture-fed merino lambs (n=526). The lambs were slaughtered on
      four different days allowing durations of between one to 10 days of recovery from
      pre-slaughter handling (yarding, weighing and crutching) that affected ultimate
      pH (pH(u)). The right LT was removed 20-40min post-slaughter, tightly-wrapped in
      cling film (prevents the muscle cross-section increasing and thus minimising
      shortening) and rapidly cooled to 15 degrees C to enter rigor mortis and age. At
      0, 4, 24 and 72h post-slaughter, pH measurements and samples for shear force
      measurement were taken. Pre-slaughter handling had a significant negative effect
      on pH(u) and several days recovery were required for pH(u) to reach values
      associated with optimal meat quality as reflected by pH(u). Lambs with one and
      three days recovery (no significant difference between them) had a pH(u)>5.7 in
      50% of the muscles and 19.4%>pH(u) 5.8. Whereas, in lambs with 8-10 days recovery
      (no significant difference between them), only 8% had a pH(u)>5.7 and 3.1%>pH(u)
      5.8. Within each slaughter day electrically stimulated lambs were always more
      tender than non-stimulated lambs. For non-stimulated muscles at 72h, shear force
      values >40N occurred for 11.2% of the muscles: for electrically stimulated
      muscles at 72h, shear force values >40N occurred for 1.9% of the muscles. The
      rates of tenderisation were slower for intermediate pH(u) values resulting in
      higher shear force values at all ageing durations. With ageing at 72h for
      intermediate pH(u), non-stimulated muscles (n=38) 17.64% were >40N and for
      stimulated muscles (n=34), 7.9% were >40N.

PMID- 22062303
TI  - Lamb meat quality as affected by a natural or artificial milk feeding regime.
AB  - Fourteen Barbaresca lambs were divided into two groups of seven at 24h from birth
      and reared exclusively on natural milk (NR) or on artificial milk (AR). Lambs
      were slaughtered at 40 days of age. The NR group tended (P<0.10) to grow faster,
      thus resulting in a higher (P<0.10) carcass weight as compared to the AR group.
      AR meat was darker (P<0.05), leaner (P<0.001) and with a higher moisture (P<0.10)
      and ash (P<0.05) content than its counterpart. The proportion of polyunsaturated
      fatty acids was higher (P<0.01), while that of saturated lower (P<0.01) in meat
      from the AR group, resulting in a higher (P<0.01) polyunsaturated/saturated
      ratio. Linoleic acid content (P<0.001) and its n-6 series derivatives, except 9
      12 trans C18:2 n-6 (P<0.001), increased more in the AR group meat than in the NR
      group. On the other hand, alpha-linolenic (P<0.001) and other n-3 series fatty
      acids were higher in meat from the NR group than in the AR group, leading to a
      lower (P<0.001) n-6/n-3 ratio. Furthermore, 9 cis 11 trans CLA was higher
      (P<0.001) in NR meat compared to AR meat. Finally, a milk-feeding regime
      exclusively based on artificial milk adversely affected the dietetic value of
      lamb meat compared to a natural rearing system, reducing the level of desirable
      fatty acids such as n-3 series and CLA.

PMID- 22062304
TI  - Composition, sensory and shelf life stability analyses of Longissimus dorsi
      muscle from steers reared under organic and conventional production systems.
AB  - In recent years the demand for organically grown food has increased. In this
      study, organic (O, n=6) and conventionally (C, n=6) reared steers aged between 18
      and 24 months were slaughtered during the month of September 2002. Four days post
      slaughter, the Longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle was excised from the left side of
      each carcass. All muscles were vacuum packed and aged in a chill for a further
      seven days. Steaks were cut from each sample, and from these, lean meat was
      removed, blended and compositional analysis was carried out. O samples were
      significantly higher (P>0.05) in fat content and therefore were significantly
      (P>0.05) lower in moisture content than C samples. No significant differences
      were observed between C and O samples for protein, ash, beta-carotene, alpha
      tocopherol or retinol. There was also no significant difference in fatty acid
      content between C and O samples. Colour stability and fat oxidative stability of
      samples were also measured, while stored under retail conditions. Samples were
      packed using both modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) and by overwrapping with
      cling film. MAP C samples had the best colour stability while overwrapped C
      samples had the best lipid stability. Therefore, colour and lipid stability of
      beef samples were influenced by sample composition and packaging format used,
      which resulted in C samples outperforming O samples with respect to shelf life
      stability.

PMID- 22062305
TI  - Composition and estimation of intramuscular and subcutaneous fatty acid
      composition in Spanish young bulls.
AB  - Sixty Pirenaica yearling intact bulls were raised and slaughtered at 519+/-50kg
      live weight and 371+/-18 days of age. Fatty acid composition of intramuscular
      lipids in longissimus dorsi muscle and subcutaneous fat were determined by
      capillary gas chromatography. Carcass conformation and fatness, carcass weight,
      ether extractable intramuscular fat percentage, marbling, dorsal fat thickness,
      and ultrasonic parameters were recorded to study the relationship between these
      traits and fatty acid profile. Lipids of subcutaneous adipose tissue had higher
      monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) percentage (49% vs. 33%) but lower saturated
      fatty acids (SFA) (51% vs. 46%) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (16% vs.
      5%) percentages than intramuscular fat depots (p<0.001). Fatter carcasses had
      higher MUFA percentage and lower PUFA percentage (p<0.01) in intramuscular fat.
      Carcass weight and conformation would contribute to explain the fatty acid
      profile of subcutaneous fat (p<0.05). Ultrasound readings reflected the effect of
      fatness on fat composition.

PMID- 22062306
TI  - Changes in proteolytic enzyme mRNAs relevant for meat quality during myogenesis
      of primary porcine satellite cells.
AB  - The objective was to study the regulation of proteolytic enzyme mRNA's in porcine
      satellite cells during proliferation and differentiation. Beyond 80% confluence,
      cells were grown in absence or presence of 1MUM insulin. The temporal changes in
      transcription of micro molar-, milli molar- and muscle specific calpains (p94),
      calpastatin and caspase 3 in response to insulin was evaluated and myogenin
      transcription and creatine kinase activity was determined to indicate
      differentiation. The housekeeping genes (GAPDH and beta-actin) were slightly
      affected by developmental stage and transiently by the insulin treatment but this
      did not affect the conclusions. The mRNA abundance of micro molar calpain, p94
      and calpastatin increased from proliferation to differentiation. Milli molar
      calpain- and caspase 3-transcriptions were up-regulated in two steps, suggesting
      these two enzymes are involved in two distinct processes. Insulin stimulated
      differentiation as indicated by elevated creatine kinase activity but did not
      affect myogenin transcription. Insulin down-regulated milli molar calpain and
      calpastatin transcription and tended to down-regulate caspase 3 transcription but
      did not affect p94 or micro molar calpain. In conclusion, proteolytic enzymes
      relevant for post-mortem tenderisation are regulated at the gene level during
      myogenesis, indicating they are involved in muscle cell and muscle fibre
      development. Thus, a porcine satellite cell culture may be a model system to
      study regulation and relative contribution to proteolysis by the calpains.

PMID- 22062307
TI  - Colour and textural attributes of sucuk during ripening.
AB  - The sensory (flavour, colour, and ease of cutting scores), colour (Hunter L, a,
      b, YI, total colour difference, hue angle, chroma, and browning index values) and
      textural (hardness, adhesiveness, springiness, cohesiveness, gumminess,
      chewiness, and resilience) attributes of sucuk were followed during the ripening
      period. Colour scores increased (P<0.05) from score 4 to 6 during the first 3
      days of the ripening period and then decreased (P<0.05). The lightness (L
      values), yellowness (b), and hue angle of sucuk decreased (P<0.05) during the
      ripening period. The major colour changes occurred between the 5th and 9th days
      of the ripening period. Pearson correlation test indicates that a positive
      relationship (P<0.01) exists between a-values and sensory colour scores. The
      overall sensory scores changed (P<0.05) in parallel to the flavour scores.
      Hardness, gumminess, and chewiness of sucuk increased (P<0.05) during the
      ripening period. Strong relationships (P<0.01) were found between hardness and
      cutting scores. Adhesiveness values of sucuk decreased significantly (P<0.05)
      about 10 times from -9.3 to -92.6 during the ripening period. Springiness and
      cohesiveness values decreased during the ripening period, but not significantly
      (P>0.05). Cutting scores were related (P<0.01) to gumminess (0.921) and chewiness
      (0.922) values but not to resilience (P>0.05). It was observed that most
      instrumental colour and textural attributes were in agreement with sensory
      attributes. These results indicated that instrumental methods could be easily
      adapted and can be used for evaluation of quality attributes of sucuk during the
      ripening period.

PMID- 22062308
TI  - Quality of retail beef from two grass-based production systems in comparison with
      conventional beef.
AB  - Seventy beef strip loins (Longissimus dorsi) were sampled, originating from
      labels prescribing pasturing (PS, suckler beef; PF, finished steers or heifers),
      from conventional production (CH, heifers; CB, young bulls), and from a label
      producing intensively fattened young bulls (LB) and prescribing specific
      husbandry conditions but not grazing. Samples were purchased in autumn and spring
      (1:1) from 33 retail stores in northeastern Switzerland. Colour was lightest in
      LB beef, while PS displayed the least intensive red. Shear force was low in
      pasture beef, with PF showing the lowest variability. Pasture beef was richer in
      n-3 fatty acids than beef of all other origins. The n-6/n-3 ratio was
      consistently below 2 in pasture beef, while it ranged above 5 in LB, and also in
      CH and CB when purchased in spring. Prescribing year-round feeding of grass
      products and the use of steers or heifers therefore guarantees n-3 enriched beef,
      which can be at least as tender as conventional beef.

PMID- 22062309
TI  - Influence of different dietary vitamin C levels on vitamin E and C content and
      oxidative stability in various tissues and stored m. longissimus dorsi of growing
      pigs.
AB  - Both vitamin E and C have antioxidative properties and may act synergistically.
      To examine a possible interaction between vitamin E, C and oxidative stability in
      various tissues, 40 barrows (25-105kg body weight) were allocated to four cereal
      based diets (13.4MJ digestible energy/kg, 168g crude protein/kg, 140mg dietary dl
      alpha-tocopheryl acetate) which were supplemented with 0 (B), 150 (C100), 300
      (C200) or 600 (C400)mg/kg crystalline ascorbic acid. The influence of storage
      time on these factors in m. longissimus dorsi samples (LD) was investigated.
      Samples of liver (LI), heart (HT), spleen (SP), backfat outer layer (BF) and LD
      were obtained. Dry matter, vitamin E, vitamin C and thiobarbituric acid reactive
      substances (TBARS) were analyzed in all investigated tissues and in addition
      color (L(*), a(*), b(*) values) and drip loss measurements in LD at day 0, 1, 2,
      3, 4 and 8 were collected. The treatments did not influence growth performance
      and slaughter data of the pigs. Neither the vitamin E nor the vitamin C content
      of investigated tissues showed differences due to feeding treatments. There was
      also a lack of response to the amount in TBARS. Parameters in LD samples were
      only affected by storage time and not by diets. The results show that dietary use
      of both vitamins simultaneously did not further improve qualitative
      characteristics of the investigated pork tissues.

PMID- 22062310
TI  - Design of a new cooked meat sausage enriched with calcium.
AB  - The effect of calcium lactate, calcium gluconate and calcium citrate addition on
      the sensory properties of cooked meat sausages has been studied. Conventional and
      reduced-fat products (approx. 40%) were manufactured. The calcium salts studied
      were added in sufficient amounts to 100g of final product to give 20% and 25% of
      calcium RDA (1200mg). The energy value reduction in the final products was close
      to 30%. The instrumental measurement of colour and texture was performed. The
      presence of calcium salts only slightly decrease the lightness of the sausage and
      few changes were observed in relation to the texture. These were mainly related
      to increased hardness, observed at levels of calcium at 25% RDA. Sensory
      properties were estimated by a hedonic test. In general terms, they were very
      acceptable, which indicated that it is possible to manufacture conventional and
      reduced-fat cooked meat products enriched with calcium as a new healthier meat
      product.

PMID- 22062311
TI  - The effect of a muscle-glycogen-reducing finishing diet on porcine meat and fat
      colour.
AB  - The objective of the present study was to elucidate the significance of a muscle
      glycogen-reducing finishing diet containing a high ratio of rapeseed and grass
      meal on fat colour and pork colour compared with a control diet. Pork colour was
      determined as the extent of blooming of M. longissimus dorsi (LD) and M.
      semimembranosus (SM) after 1, 2, 4, 8 and 15 days of aging, while fat colour was
      measured on back fat and stripped bacon the day after slaughter. The muscle
      glycogen-reducing diet significantly decreased the glycogen content measured 1min
      after slaughter in LD. This was reflected as decrease in early post-mortem
      temperature, as well as a tendency to higher initial pH in both muscles. Moreover
      ultimate pH was significantly higher in LD from strategically fed pigs compared
      to the control group and the same tendency was found in SM. Independent of muscle
      and time of aging, the colour of bloomed pork from pigs fed the control diet had
      higher chroma and L(*), a(*) and b(*) values compared with pork from the pigs fed
      the muscle-glycogen-reducing diet with the effect being most pronounced in LD.
      This can be explained by the slightly higher pH(45min) in the muscles from the
      pigs fed the muscle-glycogen-reducing finishing diet, which sustain the
      metmyoglobin reductase activity and the oxygen consumption potential in the
      muscle and hereby minimise the degree of blooming. The more pronounced influence
      of the experimental diet on the degree of blooming in LD compared to SM may be
      explained by the lower T(45min) in LD, which minimise denaturation of the
      enzymatic processes. This clearly shows that the diet composition can be used to
      control the extent of blooming in pork. Finally, despite the high content of
      grass meal in the muscle-glycogen-reducing finishing diet, this diet had
      negligible influence on the colour of the back fat and stripped bacon fat.

PMID- 22062312
TI  - Preservation of porcine blood quality by means of lactic acid bacteria.
AB  - The capacity of 12 lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strains to preserve porcine blood
      during storage was evaluated. A general ability of LAB to prevent blood's
      hemolysis and to maintain the functional properties of plasma was observed. Two
      strains, PS99 (Enterococcus raffinosus) and TA43 (Lactobacillus reuteri), were
      selected for studies at 5 degrees C according to their antibacterial activity in
      blood stored at 15 degrees C. After 144h at 5 degrees C, lower counts of
      coliforms, Pseudomonas spp., proteolytic and hemolytic bacteria were obtained in
      blood containing either PS99 or TA43 as compared to the non-inoculated blood.
      When inulin (2%) was added to blood, higher inhibition values were obtained and
      Enterococcus raffinosus (PS99) showed the best abilities for blood preservation.
      On the basis of these results it seems worthwhile to supplement blood with inulin
      and to inoculate it with an active LAB strain to avoid undesirable changes during
      chill storage, especially useful to prevent the effects of a cold-chain
      breakdown.

PMID- 22062313
TI  - Experimental infection by capillary tube feeding of Rhipicephalus sanguineus with
      Bartonella vinsonii subspecies berkhoffii.
AB  - It has been speculated that ticks may serve as vectors of Bartonella species.
      Circumstantial, clinical, epidemiological and serological evidence suggest that
      B. vinsonii subspecies berkhoffii (B. v. berkhoffii) might be transmitted by
      Rhipicephalus sanguineus. The purpose of the present study was to determine
      whether adult R. sanguineus ticks can be infected with a B. v. berkhoffii
      genotype II isolate via capillary tube feeding and whether the infection can then
      be transmitted from adult females to their eggs via trans-ovarial transmission.
      Furthermore, tick fecal material was also collected and screened as a possible
      source of infectious inoculum for canine infections. B. v. berkhoffii DNA was
      detected in 50% (7 of 14) of females that did not oviposit and in 14.3% (2 of 14)
      of female ticks that laid eggs, but not detected in egg clutches (100
      eggs/female). DNA was also detected in tick feces collected on days 2 through 6
      post-capillary tube feeding, however, dogs (n=3) did not become bacteremic or
      seroconvert when inoculated with tick fecal material. Therefore, trans-ovarial
      transmission of B. v. berkhoffii by R. sanguineus is unlikely, but further
      studies are needed to determine if tick fecal material can serve as a source of
      infection to canines.

PMID- 22062314
TI  - Colour evaluation of chorizo de Pamplona, a Spanish dry fermented sausage:
      Comparison between the CIE L(*)a(*)b(*) and the Hunter lab systems with
      illuminants D65 and C.
AB  - Objective colour evaluation was determined for 33 samples of "chorizo de
      Pamplona" using the CIE L(*)a(*)b(*) and the Hunter system with two illuminants
      (D65 and C). Highly significant differences between the measures obtained with
      the two illuminants were found for the three colour co-ordinates (L(*)a(*)b(*)
      and Lab) in both systems. The highest coefficient of variation in b was with the
      Hunter system and in a was with the CIE L(*)a(*)b(*) system, suggesting that the
      CIE system is better for separating samples according to yellowness, while the
      Hunter system is better for separating samples according to redness. Correlations
      with sensory evaluation were similar for both systems and illuminants, the lowest
      values being for yellowness.

PMID- 22062315
TI  - Causes for variation in pork quality.
AB  - Research was carried out on 260 pigs that were slaughtered in 12 batches in the
      slaughter facilities of ID-DLO at Zeist. The practical circumstances were highly
      standardized. The 'animals' meat quality was good with only little variation; 46
      animals showed a 'slightly' aberrant quality and 6 'slight' DFD. Carcasses within
      the quality categories 'PSE' and 'slight' PSE did not occur. Statistically
      significant effects on meat quality could be shown for the duration of the
      resting period before slaughter and the muscular contractions occurring while
      stunning, shackling and exsanguination, despite the minor variation in pork
      quality under standardization. A longer resting period before slaughter induced
      significantly lower temperatures in the m.semimembranosus and the loin at 45 min
      post mortem and a slightly higher ultimate pH, accompanied by a somewhat darker
      colour (24hr post mortem). A connection between the animal's behaviour at the
      fattening station and ultimate pork quality could not be shown. The same counts
      for fighting in the resting pen of the slaughter house and the pig's behaviour in
      the stunning area. Muscular contractions during and after stunning had a negative
      effect on pork quality, causing a more rapid drop in pH, a faster development of
      rigor mortis and a reduced water holding capacity. An imperfect electrical
      stunning procedure caused an increase in muscular contractions.

PMID- 22062316
TI  - Effect of NaCl, polydextrose, and storage conditions on the functional
      characteristics and microbial quality of pre- and post-rigor salted beef.
AB  - The functionality and microbial storage life of pre-rigor beef mince stored at 
      1.5  degrees C under vacuum or a saturated carbon dioxide atmosphere, or at -18 
      degrees C in polyethylene bags, was investigated. Salt (2% w w ) or salt plus the
      cryoprotectant Polydextrose((r)) (2%/2.6% w w ) was added pre-rigor to some
      samples. Chilled storage decreased salt soluble protein (SSP) by 13-18% (P <
      0.01); frozen storage decreased SSP content by 20%. Pre-rigor salted mince in
      saturated carbon dioxide packs had a satisfactory microbial quality after 12
      weeks storage. The cook yield of finely comminuted sausage batters made from that
      mince and from fresh pre-rigor mince were similar, although batter stress and
      strain decreased with chilled storage. Adding Polydextrose((r)) to salted mince
      improved batter strain compared with the non-additive and salt-only samples and
      improved batter stress compared with the salt-only samples. The microbial storage
      life of chilled vacuumpacked unsalted mince was less than 6 weeks; pre-rigor
      salting increased its storage life.

PMID- 22062317
TI  - Sarcomere shortening and contraction nodes in stretched-restrained ovine
      myofibres during post mortem storage.
AB  - Myofibres of muscles removed from the carcass shorten during rigor mortis.
      Whether myofibres of stretched and restrained muscle tissues shorten during post
      mortem storage was examined. Muscle strips removed from the semimembranosus
      muscle of sheep before rigor onset were stretched and restrained. The muscle
      strips were fixed separately in formalin solution from 1.5 hr to 12 days post
      mortem, and embedded in paraffin. Sections were stained with Mallory-azan. Some
      myofibres in the pre-rigor-excised and stretched-restrained muscle strips had
      contraction nodes at 1 day post mortem. The contraction node did not increase in
      frequency hereafter. Two to several successive sarcomeres shortened regularly to
      form the nodes parallel to the Z-line. In addition, several successive sarcomeres
      shortened partly and successively from one side to the other side to form the
      nodes oblique to the Z-line. Oblique and irregular contraction nodes appear to
      cause kinks or bends of myofibres. Sarcomere lengths were not always uniform in
      individual myofibres. Formation of contraction nodes and shortening of partial
      sarcomeres in the stretched-restrained myofibres indicate that the myofibres
      shorten individually during rigor mortis and vary in shortening states as in
      muscles left on the carcass.

PMID- 22062318
TI  - Influence of sodium chloride on antioxidant enzyme activity and lipid oxidation
      in frozen ground pork.
AB  - Ground pork containing 0-2.0% NaCl was stored at -15  degrees C for 10 weeks.
      During storage both thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and lipid
      peroxides increased with increasing NaCl concentrations. The activity of catalase
      (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and Superoxide dismutase (SOD) decreased
      8, 32 and 27%, respectively, after 10 weeks of storage. CAT and SOD activity
      decreased primarily during the first week while GSH-Px activity decreased for up
      to 4 weeks. To determine if NaCl influenced enzyme inactivation rates, the
      activity of the antioxidant enzymes from stored, salted (0.5-2.0%) ground pork
      were determined at equal ionic strengths. Under these conditions, NaCl was not
      observed to accelerate CAT, SOD and GSH-Px inactivation in ground muscle during
      storage. However, altering ionic strength (0.5-2.0% NaCl) in the enzymes assays
      decreased the activity of muscle-extracted CAT, SOD and GSH-Px suggesting that
      NaCl could alter the activity of these enzymes in salted pork. The ability of
      NaCl to reduce the activity of the antioxidant enzymes could be partially
      responsible for the lower oxidative stability of salted muscle foods.

PMID- 22062319
TI  - Breed effect on carcase and meat quality of suckling lambs.
AB  - The influence of breed on carcase and meat quality traits was studied in 48
      suckling lambs (approximately 1 month old) from the Churra, Castellana and
      Manchega Spanish breeds and Awassi crosses. Carcase quality traits were
      determined by visual assessment and objective measurements. Meat quality was
      assessed by instrumental and sensory analysis. Breed effect was significant for
      fatness, carcase conformation and fat colour (visual indicators); dressing %,
      carcase weight, carcase length, buttock and chest measurements, and lean and fat
      proportions in the left half of the carcase. A significant breed effect was
      observed for some instrumental measurements of meat quality (meat colour and
      cooking losses), and for some sensorial attributes (tenderness and juiciness).
      These results suggest that there is a measurable effect of breed on both carcase
      and meat quality traits in this type of young suckling lamb, owing to differences
      in precocity and inherent productive capabilities.

PMID- 22062320
TI  - Bos indicus-cross feedlot cattle with excitable temperaments have tougher meat
      and a higher incidence of borderline dark cutters.
AB  - Temperament ratings based on a numerical scale (chute score) were assessed during
      weighing and handling of cattle at a feedlot. Breeds studied included Braford,
      Red Brangus and Simbrah. Cattle were fed to a constant fat thickness of 9 to 13
      mm (target = 11 mm) over the 12th rib as determined by periodic ultrasound
      measurements. Cattle were slaughtered in a commercial slaughter plant and stunned
      by captive bolt. Temperament rating had a significant effect on the incidence of
      borderline dark cutters which were downgraded by a USDA grader (P = 0.01).
      Temperament score also had a significant effect on tenderness (P < 0.001) as
      evaluated by Warner-Bratzler Shear (WBS) force at day 14 post mortem. The calmest
      animals which stood still when restrained in a hydraulic squeeze chute had a mean
      WBS force of 2.86 +/- 11 kg and cattle which became highly agitated and struggled
      violently during restraint averaged 3.63 +/- 19 kg. Forty percent of these cattle
      had WBS force values which were over 3.9 kg which is a threshold value for
      acceptability in food service establishments. These data show that cattle with
      the most excitable temperament ratings produce carcasses with tougher meat and a
      higher incidence of borderline dark cutters than cattle with calm temperament
      ratings.

PMID- 22062321
TI  - Changes in proteins during the ripening of Spanish dried beef 'Cecina'.
AB  - Changes in the solubility of sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar proteins were tracked
      in Semitendinosus and Rectus femoris muscles during the ripening process of
      Spanish 'Cecina'. The extractability of both types of proteins decreased during
      the ripening. This phenomenon was more marked in the initial stages of
      processing. Electrophoretic studies of the myofibrillar proteins showed the
      virtual disappearance of the myosin heavy chain, troponin C and myosin light
      chain 2 from the smoking phase onward and the appearance of three components of
      molecular weight of about 65, 70 and 75 kda during ripening. The remaining
      proteins did not suffer appreciable changes.

PMID- 22062322
TI  - Fracture energy during slicing of frozen meat by a vibrating knife.
AB  - The force, and hence fracture energy, required to cut horse quadriceps muscle,
      using a knife which was vibrated in the direction of material feed, were measured
      over a range of temperatures (-1.5 to -32.5  degrees C), vibration frequencies
      (no vibration and 1 to 1000 Hz), accelerations (0.073 to 75 m s(-2)), thicknesses
      (0 to 40 MUm off-cut), and direction to the muscle grain. High vibration
      accelerations (75 m s(-2)) resulted in reduction of the cutting force; the
      reduction was independent of the off-cut thicknesses and resulted from lowering
      the coefficient of friction between the vibrating blade and the frozen meat. Rows
      of ice formed by the blade showed that pressure melting of the ice around the
      cutting region occurred during cutting and suggested that a hydrodynamic
      lubricating layer of water reduced the friction of the vibrating blade.

PMID- 22062323
TI  - Evaluation of cathepsin B levels in fresh thighs selected for cured raw ham
      production.
AB  - Excessive meat tenderization in cured raw Parma ham has recently been correlated
      with abnormal levels of cathepsin B in freshly slaughtered thigh meat. We have
      developed a visual assay employing the substrate Z-Arg-Arg-NNapOMe for the
      quantitative detection of active cathepsin B levels in pork thigh muscle
      homogenates. The work was based on a kinetic characterization, in steady state
      condition, of pig muscle cathepsin B with several peptidyl chromophoric substrate
      analogs. This assay can easily and safely be performed by non-specialized
      personnel directly in the slaughterhouse or in the factory, for an early quality
      evaluation of thighs selected for Parma ham production. Our characterization has
      further indicated that the catalytic properties of porcine muscle cathepsin B and
      those of isoforms from other animal and plant species are practically identical.
      This is particularly evident in the commercially available bovine spleen isoform,
      which was employed as a model enzyme in most of the experiments.

PMID- 22062324
TI  - Robust control of speed and temperature in a power plant gas turbine.
AB  - In this paper, an H(infinity) robust controller has been designed for an
      identified model of MONTAZER GHAEM power plant gas turbine (GE9001E). In design
      phase, a linear model (ARX model) which is obtained using real data has been
      applied. Since the turbine has been used in a combined cycle power plant, its
      speed and also the exhaust gas temperature should be adjusted simultaneously by
      controlling fuel signals and compressor inlet guide vane (IGV) position.
      Considering the limitations on the system inputs, the aim of the control is to
      maintain the turbine speed and the exhaust gas temperature within desired
      interval under uncertainties and load demand disturbances. Simulation results of
      applying the proposed robust controller on the nonlinear model of the system
      (NARX model), fairly fulfilled the predefined aims. Simulations also show the
      improvement in the performance compared to MPC and PID controllers for the same
      conditions.

PMID- 22062325
TI  - Partial stabilization of uncertain nonlinear systems.
AB  - In this paper, the problem of robust partial stabilization is considered and two
      approaches for partial stabilization of uncertain nonlinear systems are
      presented. In these approaches, the nonlinear dynamical system is divided into
      two subsystems, which are called the first and the second subsystems. This
      division is done based on the required stability properties of the system's
      states. The reduced input vector (the vector that includes components of the
      input vector appearing in the first subsystem) is designed to asymptotically
      stabilize the first subsystem. In the first approach, a new partial stabilization
      technique, based on the first order sliding mode control idea is proposed. In the
      proposed method, hereafter called the partial sliding mode, a sliding surface is
      designed such that restricting the motion on this surface guarantees the
      stability of only the first part of the system's state. In the second approach, a
      Lyapunov-based controller is proposed for partial stabilization and then an
      additional feedback control is designed so that the overall feedback law
      guarantees a robust manner in the presence of uncertainties.

PMID- 22062326
TI  - Treatment of classic porokeratosis of Mibelli with Q-switched ruby laser.

PMID- 22062327
TI  - Finding meaning in meaningful use: understanding the health information
      technology for economic and clinical health act and its impact on nursing
      practice.

PMID- 22062328
TI  - Leading change: a patient services division's journey through the computerization
      and reorganization of their policies, procedures, and guidelines.

PMID- 22062329
TI  - Safety and mobility of vulnerable road users: pedestrians, bicyclists, and
      motorcyclists.
AB  - Traffic safety has improved greatly over the past few decades, but the progress
      in the safe mobility of vulnerable road users (VRUs) - especially motorcycle
      riders - has not been as consistent. The changing trends towards healthier and
      eco-friendlier lifestyle, coupled with the rising costs of fuel have increased
      the exposure and injury risk of pedestrians, motorcyclists, and bicyclists,
      especially in urban areas. To address the safe mobility issues of VRUs, Israel's
      National Road Safety Authority organized an international conference on the
      topic. This special issue contains the papers of the three plenary talks related
      to the safe mobility of each of the VRUs, and 18 more papers of the over 100
      papers presented at the conference that were accepted for publication in AAP
      following the Journal's review process.

PMID- 22062330
TI  - Pedestrian crash trends and potential countermeasures from around the world.
AB  - As automobile transportation continues to increase around the world, bicyclists,
      pedestrians, and motorcyclists, also known as vulnerable road users (VRUs), will
      become more susceptible to traffic crashes, especially in countries where traffic
      laws are poorly enforced. Many countries, however, are employing innovative
      strategies to ensure that road users can more safely navigate the urban
      landscape. While bicyclists and motorcyclists are important road users, this
      paper will focus on pedestrian crash problems and solutions. Pedestrians are most
      at risk in urban areas due in part to the large amount of pedestrian and vehicle
      activity in urban areas. With this in mind, designing safe, accessible, and
      comprehensive facilities for pedestrians is vital to reducing pedestrian crashes.
      This paper will provide some insight into the magnitude of the pedestrian crash
      problem around the world, and will offer some lessons learned from several
      countries, particularly in Europe and the U.S., for improving pedestrian safety.
      Beginning with pedestrian safety statistics at the global, regional, and national
      levels, this paper will address potential countermeasures and strategies for
      improving pedestrian safety from an international perspective.

PMID- 22062331
TI  - Powered two wheelers in a changing world-challenges and opportunities.
AB  - Powered two wheelers (PTWs) come in diverse forms and are used for a range of
      purposes in very different parts of the world. In many parts of the world, the
      forms and uses of PTWs are changing, influenced by social, economic and
      demographic changes. Most of the challenges associated with PTWs relate to
      safety, while the majority of the opportunities relate to mobility. The
      challenges for improving safety relate to the PTW user, other road users, the
      road environment, the vehicle, data and research, and socio-political dimensions.
      The relative importance of particular challenges varies between developed and
      developing countries, and among developing countries according to whether PTWs
      are largely used for recreation or for transport. PTWs present a range of
      psychological, transport, economic and environmental opportunities to individuals
      and societies. The fun and excitement of riding PTWs is a major motivator for
      their purchase and use for recreational purposes, both off-road and on-road. The
      transport and economic advantages to the individual also need to be considered.
      At a societal level, research has examined the potential for increasing PTW
      volumes to reduce fossil fuel use and traffic congestion in busy cities. The
      future of PTWs may differ greatly between countries and environmental and
      technological changes are leading to an evolution in the form of PTWs to
      encompass new modes of personal transportation.

PMID- 22062332
TI  - How to make more cycling good for road safety?
AB  - This paper discusses the current level of the road safety problems of cycling and
      cyclists, why cyclists run relatively high risks, and why cyclists may be
      considered as 'vulnerable road users'. This paper is based on peer-reviewed
      research which give some idea how to reduce the number of cyclist casualties.
      However, this research is rather limited and the results cannot (easily) be
      transferred from one setting or country to another: generalization of results
      should only be done with the utmost care, if it is to be done at all.
      Interventions to reduce cyclist casualties worldwide seem to be of an incidental
      nature; that is to say, they are implemented in a rather isolated way. In a Safe
      System approach, such as the Dutch Sustainable Safety vision, the inherent risks
      of traffic are dealt with in a systematic, proactive way. We illustrate how this
      approach is especially effective for vulnerable road users, such as cyclists.
      Finally, the paper addresses the question of whether it is possible to make more
      cycling good for road safety. We conclude that when the number of cyclists
      increases, the number of fatalities may increase, but will not necessarily do so,
      and the outcome is dependent on specific conditions. There is strong evidence
      that well-designed bicycle facilities-physically separated networks-reduce risks
      for cyclists, and therefore have an impact on the net safety result, for example
      if car-kilometres are substituted by bicycle kilometres. Policies to support
      cycling should incorporate these findings in order to make more cycling good for
      road safety.

PMID- 22062333
TI  - Pedestrians' behaviour in cross walks: the effects of fear of falling and age.
AB  - Pedestrians are exposed to risks when crossing roads in urban areas. The crossing
      behaviour of pedestrians was studied as a factor contributing to their exposure
      to risks on the road and to their involvement in road accidents. This work
      explores two specific aspects of crossing behaviour: crossing speed and head
      pitches-the proportion of time pedestrians point their heads down (rather than
      towards the traffic) when crossing a road. The last one is used as an indicator
      of the (lack of) attention to cross-traffic. We also explored the possible effect
      of fear of falling (FOF) among pedestrians, as it might be associated with slow
      walking, less attention to cross traffic, and more attention to the pavement and
      their footsteps. This paper reports on a field study that combined an observatory
      technique with short survey. 203 pedestrians in two sites (signalised and
      unsignalised crosswalks) were video recorded while crossing the road. The FOF of
      pedestrians and other measures of pedestrian behaviour at crosswalks were
      revealed by means of questionnaire. Age and gender had the most significant
      effects on crossing speed, and FOF had a significant effect on the proportion of
      downward head pitches during crossing.

PMID- 22062334
TI  - Advance yield markings and drivers' performance in response to multiple-threat
      scenarios at mid-block crosswalks.
AB  - This study compares, on a simulator, drivers' performance (eye fixations and
      yielding behavior) at marked mid-block crosswalks in multi-threat scenarios when
      the crosswalks have advance yield markings and pedestrian crosswalk prompt signs
      versus their performance in such scenarios when the crosswalks have standard
      markings. Advance yield markings and prompt signs in multi-threat scenarios lead
      to changes in drivers' behaviors which are likely to reduce pedestrian-vehicle
      conflicts, including increases in the likelihood that the driver glances towards
      the pedestrian, increases in the distance at which the first glance towards the
      pedestrian is taken, and increases the likelihood of yielding to the pedestrian.

PMID- 22062335
TI  - Age-related differences in street-crossing safety before and after training of
      older pedestrians.
AB  - International accident statistics indicate that elderly pedestrians make up an
      extremely vulnerable road-user group. Past research has shown that older adults
      make many unsafe street-crossing decisions and adopt insufficient safety margins,
      especially when vehicles are approaching at high speed. Apart from studies on
      road design and speed-limit countermeasures, there is surprisingly no road-safety
      research on behavior-based measures to improve older pedestrians' safety. In this
      line, the present study was aimed at (i) assessing the effectiveness of a
      training program for older pedestrians that combined behavioral and educational
      interventions, and (ii) examining whether and to what extent age-related
      differences in street-crossing safety could be reduced after training older
      adults. Twenty seniors were enrolled in a training program. Before, immediately
      after, and six months after training, street-crossing behavior was assessed using
      a simulated street-crossing task. Twenty younger participants performed the same
      simulated task to obtain a baseline measure. The results showed that the training
      produced significant short- and long-term benefits, due to a shifting of the
      decision criteria among the older participants towards more conservative
      judgments. When compared with the younger group, the older participants improved
      their behavior considerably so that significant differences in the mean safety
      related indicators were no longer observed. However, the older participants'
      ability to take the oncoming car's speed into account did not improve. Even after
      training, and contrary to younger adults, older participants were found to make
      more and more unsafe decisions as the car's speed increased, putting them at a
      higher risk at high speeds. This finding may reflect age-related perceptual and
      cognitive difficulties that cannot be remedied by a behavioral or educational
      training method. The present findings underline that high speed is an important
      risk factor for elderly pedestrians that should be handled by effective speed
      reduction measures (i.e. speed ramps, road narrowing).

PMID- 22062336
TI  - The perception of pedestrians from the perspective of elderly experienced and
      experienced drivers.
AB  - We examined hazard perception (HP) abilities among elderly experienced and
      experienced drivers, with regard to the presence of pedestrians in residential
      areas. Two evaluation methods were used: (a) observation of traffic scene videos
      and pressing a button when a hazardous situation was identified, and (b) driving
      in a driving simulator. The results of the video observation method showed that
      elderly drivers had a longer response time for hazard detection. In addition,
      four of the eight pedestrian-related events were difficult for elderly drivers to
      perceive when compared to experienced drivers. Elderly drivers, shown to have
      limited useful field of view, may also be limited in their ability to detect
      hazards, particularly when located away from the center of the screen. Results
      from the simulator drive showed that elderly drivers drove about 20% slower than
      experienced drivers, possibly being aware of their deficiencies in detecting
      hazards and slower responses. Authorities should be aware of these limitations
      and increase elderly drivers' awareness to pedestrians by posting traffic signs
      or dedicated lane marks that inform them of potential upcoming hazards.

PMID- 22062337
TI  - Mapping patterns of pedestrian fatal accidents in Israel.
AB  - This study intends to provide insight into pedestrian accidents by uncovering
      their patterns in order to design preventive measures and to allocate resources
      for identified problems. Kohonen neural networks are applied to a database of
      pedestrian fatal accidents occurred during the four-year period between 2003 and
      2006. Results show the existence of five pedestrian accident patterns: (i)
      elderly pedestrians crossing on crosswalks mostly far from intersections in
      metropolitan areas; (ii) pedestrians crossing suddenly or from hidden places and
      colliding with two-wheel vehicles on urban road sections; (iii) male pedestrians
      crossing at night and being hit by four-wheel vehicles on rural road sections;
      (iv) young male pedestrians crossing at night wide road sections in both urban
      and rural areas; (v) children and teenagers crossing road sections in small rural
      communities. From the perspective of preventive measures, results suggest the
      necessity of designing education and information campaigns for road users as well
      as allocating resources for infrastructural interventions and law enforcement in
      order to address the identified major problems.

PMID- 22062338
TI  - Characterization of pedestrian accidents and an examination of infrastructure
      measures to improve pedestrian safety in Israel.
AB  - The high share of pedestrian fatalities in Israel provided the impetus for this
      study which looked for infrastructure solutions to improve pedestrian safety.
      First, a detailed analysis of pedestrian accidents in 2006-2007, with an emphasis
      on the infrastructure characteristics involved, was performed; it found that 75%
      of the fatalities and 95% of the injuries occurred in urban areas, the majority
      of cases occurring on road sections (not at junctions). About 80% of the
      accidents took place when a pedestrian crossed the road, the majority of them at
      non-crosswalk locations or at non-signalized crosswalks. International
      comparisons showed that the characteristics of fatal pedestrian accidents in
      Israel were similar to the average pedestrian accident in Europe in terms of
      accident location, time, and the demographic characteristics of the victims. A
      typology of pedestrian fatalities in Israel was built for the years 2003-2006; it
      demonstrated a high share of accidents at these locations: in Jewish or mixed
      population towns-not at pedestrian crossings on urban street sections, and both
      at pedestrian crossings and not at pedestrian crossings at urban junctions; in
      Arab towns; and on dual-carriageway rural roads. Second, based on a literature
      study, a summary of about 60 pedestrian-safety-related measures was developed.
      Third, to diagnose the infrastructure characteristics and deficiencies associated
      with pedestrian accidents, detailed field studies were carried out at 95 urban
      locations. A major finding revealed that more than 80% of the sites with a high
      concentration of pedestrian-vehicle accidents in Israel were situated on arterial
      multi-lane streets belonging to city centers, where on a micro-level there were
      no indications of major deficiencies in the basic design elements of most sites.
      Finally, cross-checking of the safety problems identified and the infrastructure
      solutions available provided lists of measures recommended for application at
      various types of sites. It was concluded that in order to generate a significant
      change in the state of pedestrian injury in Israel, a move from spot treatment to
      a systemic treatment of the problem is required. A systemic inquiry and the
      transformation of the urban road network should be performed in order to diminish
      the areas of vehicle-pedestrian conflicts and to significantly reduce vehicle
      speeds in areas of pedestrian presence and activity.

PMID- 22062339
TI  - Perspectives for motorcycle stability control systems.
AB  - On a global scale, motorcyclists are typically over-represented in crash
      statistics. This trend is increasing as although total road crashes and
      fatalities have decreased over the last fifteen years, motorcycle crash volumes
      have not. This paper describes the potential of stability control systems to help
      save motorcyclists' lives. It summarizes safety research conducted and
      commissioned by the Federal Highway Research Institute (Bundesanstalt fur
      Strabetaenwesen, BASt) during the last twenty-five years, with particular focus
      on the authors' own work in the last five years, and the state of the art in
      motorcycle control systems. The conclusion is that further investigation and
      improvement of these systems should be encouraged. Unfortunately, active
      stabilization of motorcycles is not presently possible and may not be possible in
      the future. Therefore, further development, evolution and optimization of Anti
      Lock Brake Systems (ABSs) and Traction Control Systems (TCS) should be
      undertaken, and Anti-Lock Brake Systems (ABSs) should be mandatory on powered two
      wheelers. These steps will make the powered two-wheeler a safer urban
      transportation system.

PMID- 22062340
TI  - Recognisability of different configurations of front lights on motorcycles.
AB  - One often discussed reason for motorcyclists' high risk of accidents is that they
      are less conspicuous to other road users than are other motorised vehicles. The
      present paper aims to identify a front signal pattern created by additional light
      sources that would make motorcycles clearly and quickly distinguishable from
      other vehicles, and that would therefore facilitate localisation and
      identification of motorcycles. Results of a laboratory experiment have shown that
      motorcycles with a T-shaped light configuration are more quickly identified,
      particularly when the motorcycles are in visual competition with other motorised
      road users. Furthermore, analysis of gaze behavior showed that they were faster
      fixated by the subjects in the experiment, and the mean duration of fixations was
      shorter. The practical implications of this experiment and the need for further
      research are discussed.

PMID- 22062341
TI  - Why do car drivers fail to give way to motorcycles at t-junctions?
AB  - Studies of accident statistics suggest that motorcyclists are particularly
      vulnerable to collisions with other vehicles which pull out of side roads onto a
      main carriageway, failing to give way to the approaching motorcycle. Why might
      this happen? The typical response of the car driver is that they looked in the
      appropriate direction but simply failed to see the motorcycle. To assess the
      visual skills of drivers in such scenarios we compared the behaviour of novice
      and experienced drivers to a group of dual drivers (with both car and motorcycle
      experience). Participants watched a series of video clips, displayed across three
      screens, depicting the approach to various t-junctions. On reaching the junction,
      participants had to decide when it was safe to pull out. Responses and eye
      movements were measured. The results confirmed that dual drivers had the safest
      responses at junctions, especially in the presence of conflicting motorcycles. On
      a range of visual measures both novice and experienced drivers appeared inferior
      to dual drivers, though for potentially different reasons. There were however no
      differences in the time it took all drivers to first fixate approaching
      motorcycles. Instead the differences appeared to be due to the amount of time
      spent looking at the approaching motorcycle. The experienced drivers had shorter
      gazes on motorcycles than cars, suggesting that they either process less salient
      motorcycles faster than cars, or that they terminated the gaze prematurely
      perhaps because they did not realise they were fixating a motorcycle. We argue
      that this is potential evidence for an oculomotor basis for Look But Fail To See
      errors.

PMID- 22062342
TI  - Attention and search conspicuity of motorcycles as a function of their visual
      context.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Over the years, PTWs' number of accidents have increased dramatically
      and have accounted for a high percentage of the total traffic fatalities. The
      majority of those accidents occur in daylight, clear weather, and at light to
      moderate traffic conditions. The current study included two experiments. The
      first experiment evaluated the influence of PTW attention conspicuity on the
      ability of un-alerted viewers to detect it, whereas the second experiment
      evaluated the PTWs search conspicuity to alerted viewers. The independent
      variables in both experiments included driving scenarios (urban and inter-urban),
      PTW rider's outfit (black, white, and reflective) and PTW distance from the
      viewer. METHOD: 66 students participated in experiment 1. Every participant was
      presented with a series of pictures and was asked to report all the vehicle types
      present in each picture. Experiment 2 included 64 participants and incorporated
      the same pictures as experiment 1. However, in this experiment the participants
      were instructed to search the pictures for a PTW and to report its presence or
      absence as soon as they reach a decision. RESULTS: In experiment 1 the detection
      of a PTW depended on the interaction between its distance from the viewer, the
      driving scenario and PTW rider's outfit. For an un-alerted viewer when the PTW
      was distant the different outfit conditions affected its' attention conspicuity.
      In urban roads, where the background surrounding the PTW was more complex and
      multi-colored, the reflective and white outfits increased its attention
      conspicuity compared to the black outfit condition. In contrast, in inter-urban
      roads, where the background was solely a bright sky, the black outfit provided an
      advantage for the PTW detectability. In experiment 2, the average PTW detection
      rate of the alerted viewers was very high and the average reaction time to
      identify the presence of a PTW was the shortest in the inter-urban environment.
      Similar to the results of experiment 1, in urban environments the reflective and
      white clothing provided an advantage to the detection of the PTW, while in the
      inter-urban environment the black outfit presented an advantage. Comparing the
      results of the two experiments revealed that at the farthest distance, the
      increased awareness in the search conspicuity detection rates were three times
      higher than in the attention conspicuity. CONCLUSIONS: The conspicuity of a PTW
      can be increased by using an appropriate rider's outfit that distinguishes
      him/her from the background scenery. Thus, PTW riders can actively increase their
      conspicuity by taking into account the driving route (crowded urban/inter urban),
      eventually increasing the probability of being detected by the other road users.
      In addition, increasing the alertness and expectancy of drivers to the presence
      of PTWs can increase their search conspicuity.

PMID- 22062343
TI  - Attending overtaking cars and motorcycles through the mirrors before changing
      lanes.
AB  - Right of way violation crashes are the most common type of accidents that
      motorcyclists face. This study assessed right of way decisions in scenarios which
      require noticing whether there is traffic from behind that is about to overtake.
      A test was created which presents participants clips with a wide field of vision
      (from a driver's perspective in a moving vehicle), with mirror information inset
      that allows either cars or motorcycles that are about to overtake, to be
      attended. Novice and experienced car drivers, and dual drivers (with both car and
      motorcycle experience), watched these clips while their eye movements were
      monitored. The results indicated that in the rear-view and the right-side
      mirrors, and in the right hand lane, conflicting motorcycles garnered more
      attention than conflicting cars. This pattern however was particularly driven by
      the dual drivers group. Additionally, novice drivers and dual drivers made more
      use of the right side mirror than the experienced drivers. Dual drivers also made
      more use of the rear view mirror than experienced drivers. Finally, significant
      positive correlations that were found between percentages of safe manoeuvres and
      measures of visual search provide direct evidence demonstrating that the
      frequency of risky manoeuvres was indeed larger in those cases where less time
      was spent gazing at the mirrors, indicating that the additional attention devoted
      to process conflicting vehicles contributes to reduce risky manoeuvres. The
      general pattern of results also provides some indirect support that non
      motorcyclists drivers are more likely to have Look But Fail To See errors with
      conflicting motorcycles than motorcyclist drivers.

PMID- 22062344
TI  - Motorcycle riders' perception of helmet use: complaints and dissatisfaction.
AB  - In accidents which involve two-wheeled vehicles the helmet plays a life-saving
      role, but very little is known about the motorcycle rider's perception of the
      helmet. We evaluated the relationships between having been involved in an
      accident and dissatisfaction with the helmet, and between the perception of
      motorcycle riders and the objective features of the helmet. This was a case
      control study: riders of motorized two-wheelers who had been involved in
      accidents (accident cases) were compared against a similarly interviewed sample
      of riders that had not been in accidents (control cases). Information about the
      driver, the vehicle and the helmet was collected in all interviews. To evaluate
      the relationships, logistic regressions were carried out. The majority of drivers
      were dissatisfied with their helmets, but no evidence was found to link this
      dissatisfaction with having been involved in an accident. The two most common
      complaints related to noisiness, followed by the helmet visor. Complaints did not
      seem to be statistically associated with physical features of the helmet.

PMID- 22062345
TI  - Comparison of two warning concepts of an intelligent Curve Warning system for
      motorcyclists in a simulator study.
AB  - Curve crashes are a particular matter of concern regarding motorcycle riding
      safety. For this reason, an intelligent Curve Warning system has been designed
      that gives the riders support when negotiating a curve. The system has been
      tested in a simulator study carried out with 20 test riders. The subjects
      performed three rides: one without the system (baseline) and two experimental
      rides using a version of the Curve Warning system, one providing the warnings by
      a force feedback throttle and one by a haptic glove. The effects of the two
      system versions were evaluated both in terms of the simulated riding performance
      and the subjective assessment by the riders. A descriptive analysis of the
      riders' reactions to the warnings shows that the warnings provided by both system
      versions provoke an earlier and stronger adaptation of the motorcycle dynamics to
      the curve than when the riders do not use the system. Riding with the Curve
      Warning system with the haptic glove furthermore leads to a reduction of critical
      curve events. The riders' subjective workload level was not affected by the
      system use, whereas the Curve Warning system with the force feedback throttle
      required an increased attention. The comparison of the riders' opinions about the
      system reveals a preference of the Curve Warning system with the haptic glove.
      The better acceptance of this system version suggests a higher potential in the
      enhancement of riding safety.

PMID- 22062346
TI  - Evaluation of bike boxes at signalized intersections.
AB  - This paper presents a before-after study of bike boxes at 10 signalized
      intersections in Portland, Oregon. The bike boxes, also known as advanced stop
      lines or advanced stop boxes, were installed to increase visibility of cyclists
      and reduce conflicts between motor vehicles and cyclists, particularly in
      potential "right-hook" situations. Before and after video were analyzed for seven
      intersections with green bike boxes, three intersections with uncolored bike
      boxes, and two control intersections. User perceptions were measured through
      surveys of cyclists passing through five of the bike box intersections and of
      motorists working downtown, where the boxes were concentrated. Both the
      observations and survey of motorists found a high rate of compliance and
      understanding of the markings. Overall, 73% of the stopping motor vehicles did
      not encroach at all into the bike box. Both motor vehicle and bicycle
      encroachment in the pedestrian crosswalk fell significantly at the bike box
      locations compared to the control intersections. The bike boxes had mixed effects
      on the motorists' encroachment in the bicycle lane. The number of observed
      conflicts at the bike box locations decreased, while the total number of cyclists
      and motor vehicles turning right increased. Negative-binomial models based upon
      the data predict fewer conflicts with the boxes, particularly as right-turning
      motor vehicle volumes increase. Observations of yielding behavior at two bike box
      and one control intersection found an improvement in motorists yielding to
      cyclists at the bike box locations. Differences in the traffic volumes and
      location contexts make firm conclusions about the effects of green coloring of
      the boxes difficult. Higher shares of surveyed motorists felt that the bike boxes
      made driving safer rather than more dangerous, even when the sample was narrowed
      to respondents who were not also cyclists. Over three-quarters of the surveyed
      cyclists thought that the boxes made the intersection safer.

PMID- 22062347
TI  - Bicycle injuries: a matter of mechanism and age.
AB  - Bicycle riding is a popular form of recreation with positive health and
      environmental effects. These road users are vulnerable to serious injuries,
      especially when motor vehicles are involved. The goal of this study was to
      characterize cyclist-related injuries according to motor vehicle involvement for
      adults versus children. A retrospective study was carried out using data from 11
      trauma centers in the Israeli National Trauma Registry (2001-2007). Injuries were
      classified according to whether a motor vehicle was involved, and differences in
      injury characteristics were assessed for adults (18+ years) versus children (1-17
      years). A total of 5529 patients were hospitalized for bicycle injuries, of whom
      1765 were adults and 3764 were children. Thirty percent (n=1662) of all bicycle
      injuries involved motor vehicles, although the rate of injuries resulting in
      hospitalization was 37% among adults and 27% among children. Injury
      characteristics and hospital resource utilization differed substantially by age
      group. Cyclists struck by a motor vehicle presented with more severe injuries
      requiring more hospital resources and resulting in poorer outcomes than those not
      involved with motor vehicles. The interaction effect between motor vehicle
      involvement and age was significant for torso injuries and need for medical
      imaging. We found that injury characteristics, hospital resource utilization and
      health-related outcomes for bicycle injuries are highly dependent on patient's
      age and mechanism of injury. Effect modification of motor vehicle involvement by
      age may in part reflect physicians' attitudes toward pediatric imaging. The risks
      identified in this study should be used for preparedness and management of trauma
      hospitalizations from bicycle injuries.

PMID- 22062348
TI  - Sustainable road safety: a new (?) neighbourhood road pattern that saves VRU
      lives.
AB  - Both the UN (2007) and World Health Organizations (2004) have declared the
      enormous social and economic burden imposed on society by injuries due to road
      collisions as a major global problem. While the road safety problem is not new,
      this prominent global declaration sends an important signal of frustration
      regarding progress to date on reducing road collisions. It is clear that
      governments, communities, businesses and the public must discover ways of
      reducing this burden, especially as it relates to vulnerable road users (VRUs),
      typically meaning pedestrian and bicyclist road users. Recent comparisons of
      global VRU collisions statistics suggest that, in addition to mixed land use
      density, the layout of neighbourhood roads plays a vital role in the
      encouragement of walkable, safe and quiet, yet accessible and sustainable
      communities. The purpose of this paper was to: The Dutch Sustainable Road Safety
      (SRS) Program has produced a number of innovative land use and transportation
      initiatives for vehicular road users as well as non-vehicular VRUs. Following
      from the Dutch initiatives, these new 3-way offset, and fused grid neighbourhood
      patterns appear to not only have positive effects in encouraging mode split (i.e.
      increasing walking and bicycling, and transit), slowing traffic, and reducing
      energy consumption and GHG emissions; but also, to hold potential to improve road
      safety. To test the road safety hypothesis, UBCO researchers evaluated the level
      of road safety relative to five neighbourhood patterns - grid, culs-de-sac, and
      Dutch Sustainable Road Safety (SRS) (or limited access), 3-way offset, and fused
      grid networks. Analysis using standard transportation planning methodology
      revealed that they would maintain both mobility and accessibility. Analysis using
      standard road safety analysis methodology further revealed that these 3-way
      offset, and fused grid patterns would significantly improve road safety levels by
      as much as 60% compared to prevalent patterns (i.e. grid and culs-de-sac). It is
      important to note that these results ignore the road safety effects of providing
      convenient off-road trails along trip desire lines to shift mode choice from auto
      to non-auto VRU modes. Subject to further research, it is intuitive that shifting
      trips from auto to pedestrian/bike modes will lead to reduced auto collisions.
      Hence, these initial results should be considered as conservative estimates,
      subject to further research. In before and after studies to date, researchers
      have shown that increasing bicycle use does not lead to a commensurate increase
      in bicycle collisions, but no predictive relationship has been found in the
      literature. Therefore, the next steps in this research are to develop collision
      prediction models that provide insight on VRU mode split and overall road safety.

PMID- 22062349
TI  - Injury protection and accident causation parameters for vulnerable road users
      based on German In-Depth Accident Study GIDAS.
AB  - Within a study of accident data from GIDAS (German In-Depth Accident Study),
      vulnerable road users are investigated regarding injury risk in traffic
      accidents. GIDAS is the largest in-depth accident study in Germany. Due to a well
      defined sampling plan, representativeness with respect to the federal statistics
      is also guaranteed. A hierarchical system ACASS (Accident Causation Analysis with
      Seven Steps) was developed in GIDAS, describing the human causation factors in a
      chronological sequence. The accordingly classified causation factors - derived
      from the systematic of the analysis of human accident causes ("7 steps") - can be
      used to describe the influence of accident causes on the injury outcome. The
      bases of the study are accident documentations over ten years from 1999 to 2008
      with 8204 vulnerable road users (VRU), of which 3 different groups were selected
      as pedestrians n=2041, motorcyclists n=2199 and bicyclists n=3964, and analyzed
      on collisions with cars and trucks as well as vulnerable road users alone. The
      paper will give a description of the injury pattern and injury mechanisms of
      accidents. The injury frequencies and severities are pointed out considering
      different types of VRU and protective measures of helmet and clothes of the human
      body. The impact points are demonstrated on the car, following to conclusion of
      protective measures on the vehicle. Existing standards of protection devices as
      well as interdisciplinary research, including accident and injury statistics, are
      described. With this paper, a summarization of the existing possibilities on
      protective measures for pedestrians, bicyclists and motorcyclists is given and
      discussed by comparison of all three groups of vulnerable road users. Also the
      relevance of special impact situations and accident causes mainly responsible for
      severe injuries are pointed out, given the new orientation of research for the
      avoidance and reduction of accident patterns.

PMID- 22062350
TI  - Optimism about safety and group-serving interpretations of safety among
      pedestrians and cyclists in relation to road use in general and under low light
      conditions.
AB  - Drivers are known to be optimistic about their risk of crash involvement,
      believing that they are less likely to be involved in a crash than other drivers.
      However, little comparative research has been conducted among other road users.
      In addition, optimism about crash risk is conceptualised as applying only to an
      individual's assessment of his or her personal risk of crash involvement. The
      possibility that the self-serving nature of optimism about safety might be
      generalised to the group-level as a cyclist or a pedestrian, i.e., becoming group
      serving rather than self-serving, has been overlooked in relation to road safety.
      This study analysed a subset of data collected as part of a larger research
      project on the visibility of pedestrians, cyclists and road workers, focusing on
      a set of questionnaire items administered to 406 pedestrians, 838 cyclists and
      622 drivers. The items related to safety in various scenarios involving drivers,
      pedestrians and cyclists, allowing predictions to be derived about group
      differences in agreement with items based on the assumption that the results
      would exhibit group-serving bias. Analysis of the responses indicated that
      specific hypotheses about group-serving interpretations of safety and
      responsibility were supported in 22 of the 26 comparisons. When the nine
      comparisons relevant to low lighting conditions were considered separately, seven
      were found to be supported. The findings of the research have implications for
      public education and for the likely acceptance of messages which are inconsistent
      with current assumptions and expectations of pedestrians and cyclists. They also
      suggest that research into group-serving interpretations of safety, even for
      temporary roles rather than enduring groups, could be fruitful. Further, there is
      an implication that gains in safety can be made by better educating road users
      about the limitations of their visibility and the ramifications of this for their
      own road safety, particularly in low light.

PMID- 22062351
TI  - Drivers' perception of vulnerable road users: a hazard perception approach.
AB  - The present study examined how experienced and young-inexperienced drivers
      (either trained in hazard perception or not) respond to and identify pedestrians
      when they appear in residential roads within populated neighborhoods and in urban
      roads located outside neighborhoods and usually less populated. As part of a
      hazard perception test, participants were connected to an eye tracking system and
      were asked to observe 58 traffic scene movies and press a response button each
      time they detected a hazardous situation. Analyzing all pedestrian-related events
      revealed that, regardless of driving experience or training, drivers detect
      pedestrians less often when they appear in urban areas and more often when they
      appear in residential areas. Moreover, experienced drivers processed information
      more efficiently than young-inexperienced drivers (both trained and untrained)
      when pedestrians were identified. Visual search patterns in urban and residential
      traffic environments are discussed.

PMID- 22062353
TI  - Influence of influenza A infection on capsaicin-induced responses in murine
      airways.
AB  - The principal aim of the study was to determine the influence of influenza A
      virus infection on capsaicin-induced relaxation responses in mouse isolated
      tracheal segments and clarify the underlying mechanisms. Anesthetized mice were
      intranasally inoculated with influenza A/PR-8/34 virus (VIRUS) or vehicle (SHAM),
      and 4 days later tracheal segments were harvested for isometric tension recording
      and biochemical and histologic analyses. Capsaicin induced dose-dependent
      relaxation responses in carbachol-contracted SHAM trachea (e.g., 10 MUM capsaicin
      produced 66 +/- 4% relaxation; n = 11), which were significantly inhibited by
      capsazepine [transient receptor potential vanilloid type 1 (TRPV1) antagonist],
      (2S,3S)-3-{[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]methoxy}-2-phenylpiperidine
      hydrochloride (L-733,060) [neurokinin 1 (NK1) receptor antagonist], indomethacin
      [cyclooxygenase (COX) inhibitor], and the combination of 6-isopropoxy-9
      oxoxanthene-2-carboxylic acid (AH6809) and 7-[5alpha-([1S,1alpha(Z)-biphenyl]-4
      ylmethoxy)-2beta-(4-morpholinyl)-3-oxocyclopentyl]-4-heptenoic acid, calcium
      salt, hydrate (AH23848) [E-prostanoid (EP)2 and EP4 receptor antagonists,
      respectively], indicating that capsaicin-induced relaxation involved the TRPV1
      mediated release of substance P (SP), activation of epithelial NK1 receptors, and
      production of COX products capable of activating relaxant EP2/EP4 receptors.
      Consistent with this postulate, capsaicin-induced relaxation was associated with
      the significant release of SP and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) from mouse tracheal
      segments. As expected, influenza A virus infection was associated with widespread
      disruption of the tracheal epithelium. Tracheal segments from VIRUS mice
      responded weakly to capsaicin (7 +/- 3% relaxation) and were 25-fold less
      responsive to SP than tracheas from SHAM mice. In contrast, relaxation responses
      to exogenous PGE2 and the beta-adrenoceptor agonist isoprenaline were not
      inhibited in VIRUS trachea. Virus infection was associated with impaired
      capsaicin-induced release of PGE2, but the release of SP was not affected. In
      summary, influenza A virus infection profoundly inhibits capsaicin- and SP
      induced relaxation responses, most likely by inhibiting the production of PGE2.

PMID- 22062352
TI  - Chronic methadone treatment shows a better cost/benefit ratio than chronic
      morphine in mice.
AB  - Chronic treatment of pain with opiate drugs can lead to analgesic tolerance and
      drug dependence. Although all opiate drugs can promote tolerance and dependence
      in practice, the severity of those unwanted side effects differs depending on the
      drug used. Although each opiate drug has its own unique set of pharmacological
      profiles, methadone is the only clinically used opioid drug that produces
      substantial receptor endocytosis at analgesic doses. Here, we examined whether
      moderate doses of methadone carry any benefits over chronic use of equianalgesic
      morphine, the prototypical opioid. Our data show that chronic administration of
      methadone produces significantly less analgesic tolerance than morphine.
      Furthermore, we found significantly reduced precipitated withdrawal symptoms
      after chronic methadone treatment than after chronic morphine treatment. Finally,
      using a novel animal model with a degrading MU-opioid receptor we showed that,
      although endocytosis seems to protect against tolerance development, endocytosis
      followed by receptor degradation produces a rapid onset of analgesic tolerance to
      methadone. Together, these data indicated that opioid drugs that promote receptor
      endocytosis and recycling, such as methadone, may be a better choice for chronic
      pain treatment than morphine and its derivatives that do not.

PMID- 22062354
TI  - Chemical constituents of Stereospermum acuminatissimum and their urease and alpha
      chymotrypsin inhibitions.
AB  - Phytochemical investigation of the stem bark of Stereospermum acuminatissimum K.
      Schum. resulted in the isolation of 21 compounds, including two new guanine
      derivatives, 1,3,7-trimethylguanin-1/3-ium (1) and 3,7-dimethylguanin-1/3-ium
      (2), and one new phenolic long chain ester, 2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)ethyl
      hentriacontanoate (3). The known compounds were identified as sterequinones A, F,
      and H (4, 5, and 6), zenkequinones A-B (7-8), p-coumaric acid (9), methyl
      caffeate (10), caffeic acid (11), psilalic acid (12), syringaldehyde (13),
      norviburtinal (14), specioside (15), verminoside (16), tyrosol (17), eutigoside A
      (18), ellagic acid (19), atranorin (20), and ursolic acid (21). The metabolites
      were screened for their potential against urease and alpha-chymotrypsin enzymes,
      as urease is targeted in peptic ulcer while alpha-chymotrypsin is used to remove
      protein debris in ulcer. Compound 20 was found to be excellent urease inhibitor
      with IC(50) value of 18.2 +/- 0.03 MUM. Compounds 13 and 18-20 are reported for
      the first time from the genus Stereospermum. The chemotaxonomic significance of
      the isolated compounds was also described.

PMID- 22062355
TI  - Zonal differences in meniscus matrix turnover and cytokine response.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the mechanisms of meniscal degeneration and whether this
      varied zonally and from articular cartilage. DESIGN: Normal ovine menisci were
      dissected into inner and outer zones and along with cartilage cultured +/-IL
      1alpha and TNFalpha. Glycosaminoglycan (GAG) and collagen release, and gene
      expression were quantified. Aggrecan proteolysis was analysed by Western blotting
      with neoepitope-specific antibodies. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)2, MMP9 and
      MMP13 activity was evaluated by gelatin zymography or fluorogenic assay. RESULTS:
      Inner meniscus was more cartilaginous containing more GAG and expressing more
      ACAN and COL2A1 than outer zones. Higher expression of VCAN and ADAMTS4 in medial
      outer and both zones of the lateral meniscus reflected their embryologic origin
      from cells outside the cartilage anlagen. All meniscal regions released a greater
      % GAG in response to cytokines; only outer zones had cytokine-stimulated
      collagenolysis. Cytokine-induced aggrecanolysis was primarily due to increased
      ADAMTS cleavage in cartilage and inner menisci but MMPs in the outer menisci.
      Outer menisci always released more active MMP2 than other tissues and more active
      MMP13 in basal and TNF-stimulated cultures. Expression of ACAN, COL1A1 and COL2A1
      was decreased by both cytokines in all tissues, while VCAN was increased by IL
      1alpha in cartilage and inner menisci. Metalloproteinase expression was
      differentially regulated by IL-1alpha and TNFalpha: ADAMTS4, MMP1, MMP3 were
      upregulated more by IL-1alpha in inner zones whereas ADAMTS5, MMP13 and MMP9 were
      more upregulated by TNFalpha in outer zones. CONCLUSIONS: Meniscal degeneration
      mechanisms are zonally-dependent, and may contribute to the enzymatic burden in
      the joint.

PMID- 22062356
TI  - Smoking increases the risk for colorectal adenomas in patients with Lynch
      syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Individuals with Lynch syndrome have a high risk of developing
      colorectal carcinomas and adenomas at a young age, due to inherited mutations in
      mismatch repair genes. We investigated whether modifiable lifestyle factors, such
      as smoking and alcohol intake, increase this risk. METHODS: Using data from the
      GeoLynch cohort study, a prospective analysis of 386 subjects with Lynch
      syndrome, we calculated hazard ratios for the association between smoking and
      alcohol intake and development of colorectal adenoma. We used robust variance
      estimates in the calculation of 95% confidence intervals to account for
      dependency within families and adjusted for confounding by age, sex, smoking (in
      the analyses of alcohol intake), number of colonoscopies during the follow-up,
      colonic resection, and body mass index. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 10
      months, 58 subjects developed a histologically confirmed colorectal adenoma. The
      hazard ratio for current smokers was 6.13 (95% confidence interval, 2.84-13.22)
      and for former smokers was 3.03 (95% confidence interval, 1.49-6.16) compared
      with never smokers. Among ever smokers, a higher number of pack-years was
      associated with an increased risk for colorectal adenoma (P for trend = .03).
      There was a trend of alcohol intake increasing the risk of colorectal adenomas,
      although this was not statistically significant; the hazard ratio for the highest
      tertile of intake (median, 22 g/day) vs the lowest tertile (median, 0.4 g/day)
      was 1.56 (95% confidence interval, 0.71-3.43). CONCLUSIONS: Among people with
      Lynch syndrome, current smokers have an increased risk of colorectal adenomas.
      Former smokers have a lower risk than current smokers, but greater risk than
      never smokers. Individuals with Lynch syndrome should be encouraged to avoid
      smoking.

PMID- 22062357
TI  - Next-generation stool DNA test accurately detects colorectal cancer and large
      adenomas.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Technical advances have led to stool DNA (sDNA) tests that
      might accurately detect neoplasms on both sides of the colorectum. We assessed
      colorectal neoplasm detection by a next-generation sDNA test and effects of
      covariates on test performance. METHODS: We performed a blinded, multicenter,
      case-control study using archived stool samples collected in preservative buffer
      from 252 patients with colorectal cancer (CRC), 133 with adenomas >= 1 cm, and
      293 individuals with normal colonoscopy results (controls); two-thirds were
      randomly assigned to a training set and one-third to a test set. The sDNA test
      detects 4 methylated genes, a mutant form of KRAS, and the alpha-actin gene (as a
      reference value) using quantitative, allele-specific, real-time target and signal
      amplification; it also quantifies hemoglobin. We used a logistical model to
      analyze data. RESULTS: The sDNA test identified 85% of patients with CRC and 54%
      of patients with adenomas >=1 cm with 90% specificity. The test had a high rate
      of detection for all nonmetastatic stages of CRC (aggregate 87% detection rate
      for CRC stages I-III). Detection rates increased with adenoma size: 54% >= 1 cm,
      63% >1 cm, 77% >2 cm, 86% >3 cm, and 92% >4 cm (P < .0001). Based on receiver
      operating characteristic analysis, the rate of CRC detection was slightly greater
      for the training than the test set (P = .04), whereas the rate of adenoma
      detection was comparable between sets. Sensitivities for detection of CRC and
      adenoma did not differ with lesion site. CONCLUSIONS: Early-stage CRC and large
      adenomas can be detected throughout the colorectum and with high levels of
      accuracy by the sDNA test. Neoplasm size, but not anatomical site, affected
      detection rates. Further studies are needed to validate the findings in a larger
      population and optimize the sDNA test.

PMID- 22062358
TI  - Adalimumab induces and maintains clinical remission in patients with moderate-to
      severe ulcerative colitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Adalimumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody that binds
      tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha. Its efficacy as maintenance therapy for
      patients with ulcerative colitis has not been studied in a controlled, double
      blind trial. METHODS: Ulcerative colitis long-term remission and maintenance with
      adalimumab 2 (ULTRA 2) was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial
      to evaluate the efficacy of adalimumab in induction and maintenance of clinical
      remission in 494 patients with moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis who received
      concurrent treatment with oral corticosteroids or immunosuppressants. Patients
      were stratified based on prior exposure to TNF-alpha antagonists (either had or
      had not been previously treated with anti-TNF-alpha) and randomly assigned to
      groups given adalimumab 160 mg at week 0, 80 mg at week 2, and then 40 mg every
      other week or placebo. Primary end points were remission at weeks 8 and 52.
      RESULTS: Overall rates of clinical remission at week 8 were 16.5% on adalimumab
      and 9.3% on placebo (P = .019); corresponding values for week 52 were 17.3% and
      8.5% (P = .004). Among anti-TNF-alpha naive patients, rates of remission at week
      8 were 21.3% on adalimumab and 11% on placebo (P = .017); corresponding values
      for week 52 were 22% and 12.4% (P = .029). Among patients who had previously
      received anti-TNF agents, rates of remission at week 8 were 9.2% on adalimumab
      and 6.9% on placebo (P = .559); corresponding values for week 52 were 10.2% and
      3% (P = .039). Serious adverse events occurred in 12% of patients given
      adalimumab or placebo. Serious infections developed in 1.6% of patients given
      adalimumab and 1.9% given placebo. In the group given adalimumab, 1 patient
      developed squamous cell carcinoma and 1 developed gastric cancer. CONCLUSIONS:
      Adalimumab was safe and more effective than placebo in inducing and maintaining
      clinical remission in patients with moderate-to-severe ulcerative colitis who did
      not have an adequate response to conventional therapy with steroids or
      immunosuppressants.

PMID- 22062359
TI  - Tobacco smoking increases the risk of high-grade dysplasia and cancer among
      patients with Barrett's esophagus.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Esophageal adenocarcinoma arises from Barrett's esophagus
      (BE); patients with this cancer have a poor prognosis. Identification of
      modifiable lifestyle factors that affect the risk of progression from BE to
      esophageal adenocarcinoma might prevent its development. We investigated
      associations among body size, smoking, and alcohol use with progression of BE to
      neoplasia. METHODS: We analyzed data from patients with BE identified from the
      population-based Northern Ireland BE register, diagnosed between 1993 and 2005
      with specialized intestinal metaplasia (n = 3167). Data on clinical, demographic,
      and lifestyle factors related to diagnosis of BE were collected from hospital
      case notes. We used the Northern Ireland Cancer Registry to identify which of
      these patients later developed esophageal adenocarcinoma, adenocarcinomas of the
      gastric cardia, or esophageal high-grade dysplasia. Cox proportional hazards
      models were used to associate lifestyle factors with risk of progression.
      RESULTS: By December 31, 2008, 117 of the patients with BE developed esophageal
      high-grade dysplasia or adenocarcinomas of the esophagus or gastric cardia.
      Current tobacco smoking was significantly associated with an increased risk of
      progression (hazard ratio = 2.03; 95% confidence interval, 1.29-3.17) compared
      with never smoking, and across all strata of smoking intensity. Alcohol
      consumption was not related to risk of progression. Measures of body size were
      infrequently reported in endoscopy reports, and body size was not associated with
      risk of progression. CONCLUSIONS: Smoking tobacco increases the risk of
      progression to cancer or high-grade dysplasia 2-fold among patients with BE,
      compared with patients with BE that have never smoked. Smoking cessation
      strategies should be considered for patients with BE.

PMID- 22062360
TI  - A high-fiber diet does not protect against asymptomatic diverticulosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: The complications of diverticulosis cause considerable
      morbidity in the United States; health care expenditures for this disorder are
      estimated to be $2.5 billion per year. Many physicians and patients believe that
      a high-fiber diet and frequent bowel movements prevent the development of
      diverticulosis. Evidence for these associations is poor. We sought to determine
      whether low-fiber or high-fat diets, diets that include large quantities of red
      meat, constipation, or physical inactivity increase risk for asymptomatic
      diverticulosis. METHODS: We performed a cross-sectional study of 2104
      participants, 30-80 years old, who underwent outpatient colonoscopy from 1998 to
      2010. Diet and physical activity were assessed in interviews using validated
      instruments. RESULTS: The prevalence of diverticulosis increased with age, as
      expected. High intake of fiber did not reduce the prevalence of diverticulosis.
      Instead, the quartile with the highest fiber intake had a greater prevalence of
      diverticulosis than the lowest (prevalence ratio = 1.30; 95% confidence interval,
      1.13-1.50). Risk increased when calculated based on intake of total fiber, fiber
      from grains, soluble fiber, and insoluble fiber. Constipation was not a risk
      factor. Compared to individuals with <7 bowel movements per week, individuals
      with >15 bowel movements per week had a 70% greater risk for diverticulosis
      (prevalence ratio = 1.70; 95% confidence interval, 1.24-2.34). Neither physical
      inactivity nor intake of fat or red meat was associated with diverticulosis.
      CONCLUSIONS: A high-fiber diet and increased frequency of bowel movements are
      associated with greater, rather than lower, prevalence of diverticulosis.
      Hypotheses regarding risk factors for asymptomatic diverticulosis should be
      reconsidered.

PMID- 22062362
TI  - Castration and slaughter age effects on nutritive value of the "mestico" goat
      meat.
AB  - Groups of castrated male and intact "mestico" goats were slaughtered at 175, 220,
      265 and 310 days of age. After slaughter the carcasses were chilled for 24 h at 2
      degrees C, and pH, Aw, Ca, Fe, P, moisture, ash, protein and fat were determined
      on the total lean. Slaughter age had a significant (p<0.01) effect on moisture,
      protein, iron, calcium and pH. Calcium content was influenced by castration and
      the slaughter age*castration interaction was significant (p<0.01) for iron
      content. Meat from castrated males contained less moisture and protein and more
      fat, ash, iron and calcium than did meat from intact males. The fat, protein and
      iron content increased with increasing slaughter age, while moisture decreased.
      Composite results indicate slaughtering "mestico" goats at 310 days exert
      favourable effects on the parameters investigated. (c)

PMID- 22062361
TI  - Helicobacter pylori infection recruits bone marrow-derived cells that participate
      in gastric preneoplasia in mice.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Studies in animal models have shown that bone marrow-derived
      cells (BMDC) could be involved in the formation of carcinomas of the upper
      gastrointestinal tract, including gastric carcinoma. Most gastric carcinomas in
      humans have been associated with chronic infection with Helicobacter pylori; we
      investigated the bacteria's potential to induce premalignant lesions in mice and
      studied the kinetics of BMDC settlement in the gastric epithelium. METHODS:
      C57BL/6J female chimeric mice with BMDCs from male donors that express green
      fluorescent protein were infected with human-derived and mouse-adapted strains of
      H pylori and followed. We assessed development of pathologic features and
      recruitment of BMDC to the gastric mucosa using immunohistochemistry and
      fluorescent in situ hybridization analyses of gastric tissue sections. RESULTS:
      Infection of mice with different strains of H pylori led to the development of
      chronic inflammation, hyperplasia, and mucinous metaplasia, and, later in life,
      of pseudointestinal metaplasia and dysplasia. After 1 year, gastric glands that
      contained green fluorescent protein-positive male cells were detected in 50%-90%
      of female chimeric mice infected with H pylori strains; the presence of these
      glands correlated with the development of pseudointestinal metaplasia. Twenty-two
      percent of H pylori-induced dysplastic lesions were composed of glands that
      contained epithelial BMDCs. CONCLUSIONS: H pylori infection leads to development
      of chronic inflammation, hyperplasia, metaplasia, and dysplasia, as well as the
      recruitment and accumulation of BMDC in the gastric epithelial mucosa. Nearly 25%
      of dysplastic lesions include cells that originate from the BM.

PMID- 22062363
TI  - Expanded extrudates from corn starch-lamb blends: process optimization using
      response surface methodology.
AB  - A central composite second-order design was used to study the effects of feed
      (raw material blend) moisture, process temperature, and screw speed on expansion
      ratio (ER) and shear-force (SF) of extrudates from blends of corn starch and lean
      lamb. Quadratic polynomial equations were obtained by multiple regression
      analysis using response surface methodology. The predicted models were adequate
      when tested by the lack of fit and coefficient of determination. The validity of
      the models was also confirmed by experimental data. Regression analysis predicted
      an optimal (minimal) SF to be attained with 26.5% feed moisture, 148 degrees C
      process temperature, and 134 rpm screw speed. This process condition was used in
      a companion study to produce and compare extrudates from blends of corn starch
      and lamb or mutton with similar extrudates produced with other meats. (c)

PMID- 22062364
TI  - Composition, storage stability and sensory properties of expanded extrudates from
      blends of corn starch and goat meat, lamb, mutton, spent fowl meat, or beef.
AB  - Blends of corn starch (81.72-84.86%) and ground meat (goat meat, lamb, mutton,
      spent hen meat, beef 15.14-18.28%) were prepared for a target moisture level of
      26.5% (with no added water) and cooked-puffed using a single-screw extruder. All
      extrudates were well expanded and low in fat (< 1.5%), a(w) (< 0.12), bulk
      density, and shear-force. Trained panel sensory scores indicated all products
      were bland, with no differences found in flavor attributes among products. The
      dominant flavor notes were "rice" and "dried grassy" (mean scores of 2.23-2.29
      and 1.81-2.15, respectively, on a 0-15 scale). Most panelists did not perceive
      "meat" note or species-related meat flavor. Total polyunsaturated fatty acid
      percentage was similar for extrudates with beef, lamb and mutton and highest for
      those with chicken. When extrudates were stored aerobically at 37 degrees C for
      up to 120 days, lipid oxidation (as measured in meq. peroxides/kg fat) was lower
      for products containing goat meat, lamb, or mutton than for those with beef or
      chicken. The degree of polyunsaturation or unsaturation of their fat only partly
      accounted for the lipid oxidation differences. (c)

PMID- 22062365
TI  - Effects of high pressure treatments on intramuscular connective tissue.
AB  - The changes in the morphological structure and proteoglycan (PGs) extractability
      of the intramuscular connective tissues from bovine skeletal muscle exposed to
      high pressure (100~400 MPa) were investigated and compared to those in muscle
      during ageing. SDS-PAGE profiles of the PGs were also studied. During ageing,
      structural changes in the endomysium and perimysium occured, and disruption of
      the honeycomb-like structure of endomysium was observed. In the pressurized
      muscle, deformation of the honeycomb-like structure of endomysium was accelerated
      with increase of pressure applied to the muscle, and disruption of endomysium was
      observed in several places in the muscle pressurized at 400 MPa. Changes in the
      extractability of PGs were not observed in the pressurized muscle, whereas the
      extractability of PGs decreased with ageing. Changes in the density of the main
      component in the PGs with molecular mass of more than 3000 kDa on the SDS-PAGE
      were not observed in the PGs from the pressurized muscle, whereas the density of
      this band gradually decreased during the ageing. The decrease in the amounts of
      PGs extracted from the aged muscle seems to be due to degradation of the PGs into
      small dialysable molecules. From the results, it seems that high pressure
      treatment has some different effects on intramuscular connective tissue to
      ageing. (c)

PMID- 22062366
TI  - Effect of time of deboning and sample size on drip loss of pork.
AB  - The effects of time of deboning and sample size on drip loss of pork samples (m.
      longissimus) was studied in relation to the weight loss of the carcass sides or
      joints using two groups of 16 carcasses. One side of each carcass was cut and
      sampled at 1 day post mortem and served as a control. The other carcass sides
      were sampled for meat quality measurements after storage for another 5 days,
      either without cutting (group 1, n=16) or after cutting into primal joints (group
      2, n=16). It was found that weight loss of carcass sides and joints increased
      with time, but at a decreasing rate. Drip loss largely decreased when meat
      samples were taken at a later time post mortem. The 48 h drip loss of the meat
      samples taken at 6 days post mortem was approximately 6% lower than in samples
      taken at 1 day post mortem. This reduction in drip loss was of the same magnitude
      as the weight loss of the carcass sides or the joints during 5 days storage. It
      is suggested that 'leaking out' explains most of the reduction in drip loss when
      sampling at a later time post mortem, and is not due to an improvement of water
      holding capacity of the meat. It was also found that standardising the sample
      size increased drip loss. The effect of sample size is discussed in relation to
      the carcass lean content. Storage had little or no effect on other meat quality
      traits. (c)

PMID- 22062367
TI  - The storage life of beef and pork packaged in an atmosphere with low carbon
      monoxide and high carbon dioxide.
AB  - Ground beef, beef loin steaks and pork chops were packaged in modified
      atmospheres of 0.4% CO/60% CO(2)/40% N(2) and 70% O(2)/30% CO(2). In addition
      ground beef was packaged in clipped chub packs, beef loin steaks were vacuum
      packaged, and pork chops were packaged in an atmosphere of 60% CO(2)/40% N(2)
      with each pack containing an O(2) absorber. The packs were stored in the dark at
      4 or 8 degrees C for up to 21 days. Meat in 0.4% CO/60% CO(2)/40% N(2) had a
      stable bright red colour that lasted beyond the time of spoilage. The storage
      lives in this gas mixture at 4 degrees C, as limited by off-odours, were 11, 14
      and 21 days for ground beef, beef loin steaks and pork chops, respectively. The
      70% O(2)/30% CO(2) atmosphere resulted in an initially bright red to red colour
      of the meat, but the colour was unstable and off-odours developed rapidly. The
      off-odours probably were caused by Brochothrix thermosphacta, which grew in all
      meat types, or by pseudomonads in ground beef. Meat stored in chub packs, vacuum
      packs or 60% CO(2)/40% N(2) with an O(2) absorber developed off-odours and
      microflora similar to those of meat in 0.4% CO/60% CO(2)/40% N(2), but with less
      acceptable appearances. These results show that a low CO/high CO(2) atmosphere is
      effective for preserving retail-ready meat. (c)

PMID- 22062368
TI  - Oxidative and lipolytic changes during ripening of Iberian hams as affected by
      feeding regime: extensive feeding and alpha-tocopheryl acetate supplementation.
AB  - The effect of pig feeding in an extensive system based on acorn and pasture or in
      confinement with a control diet containing 5 mg alpha-tocopheryl acetate kg(-1)
      of feed and a 100 mg alpha-tocopheryl acetate kg(-1) enriched diet on evolution
      of lipid changes throughout ripening of dry-cured hams was investigated. Feeding
      regime significantly affected TBA-RS, peroxide value and hexanal content of
      Biceps femoris and Semimembranosus muscles. Muscles from pigs fed supplemented
      diet with alpha-tocopherol or fed extensively on acorn and grass showed
      significant lower (p<0.05) TBA-RS and peroxide value than ham muscles from pigs
      fed the basal diet at 210 days of processing. Both feedings reduced significantly
      (p<0.05) hexanal content at day 210 and day 700. Muscle slices from pigs fed on
      acorn showed significant higher scores (p<0.05) in aroma and flavour intensity,
      cured flavour and numerically lower rancid scores than those from control diet
      hams. (c)

PMID- 22062369
TI  - Partial least squares (PLS) regression for the analysis of instrument
      measurements and sensory meat quality data.
AB  - The partial least squares (PLS) regression technique was used to examine meat
      quality data derived from instruments (including Warner-Bratzler shear force and
      Instron Compression) and sensory panels. The data related to beef longissimus
      dorsi muscles collected during trials to study the effect of hot boning on meat
      quality. The univariate analysis of tenderness showed that over 60% of the
      variation in sensory tenderness, and almost 60% of the variation in sensory
      acceptability, could be explained from instrument variables and a consideration
      of boning and ageing time. Graphical displays from the analysis indicated that
      hot boning (either at 1 or 4 h) had little effect on meat quality. Graphical
      displays demonstrated a possible important effect of vacuum-pack ageing on
      acceptability. For this data set, it appears that samples of approximately
      equivalent tenderness differ in acceptability, depending on whether the samples
      have been aged for 1 or 4 weeks. This finding may have practical importance in
      attempts to predict eating quality (acceptability) from instrument measurements.
      Separate equations are necessary for products aged for different periods. (c)

PMID- 22062370
TI  - Electrical stimulation of pigs-effect on pH fall, meat quality and Cathepsin B+L
      activity.
AB  - This work was performed to evaluate the effect of electrical stimulation (ES) on
      pH fall and meat quality of LD and BF in Danish halothane free pigs stunned with
      CO(2). ES resulted in a significant drop in pH of 0.3 units in both LD and BF and
      3 h lairage resulted in 0.1 units lower pH at 20 min post mortem. Lairage time
      did not affect and did not interact with the effect of ES on any of the measured
      meat quality parameters. ES did not affect the ultimate pH in LD, BF, SM and SC
      or internal reflection value in LD. However, ES caused higher internal reflection
      and drip loss in BF and increased the PSE frequency in LD (2 to 7%) and in BF (2
      to 49%). The frequency of PSE areas in the centre of SM was 70% for ES pigs
      compared to 9% for control pigs. ES and ageing improved the tenderness and
      reduced the hardness in LD as well as shear force of unaged BF. The effect of ES
      on tenderness and hardness was approximately half the effect of ageing, but the
      effect of ES and ageing were additive. ES significantly increased the activities
      of cathepsin B+L in the myofibrillar fraction, but there were no differences in
      proteolytic activity in the other fractions. It is concluded that ES improves
      tenderness in LD and BF, but has a negative effect on the quality of BF and SM.
      Therefore ES is not an economically attractive alternative for improvement of
      tenderness in LD compared to ageing in Danish pigs. (c)

PMID- 22062371
TI  - Effect of muscle type, salt and pH on cooked meat haemoprotein formation in lamb
      and beef.
AB  - The rate of cooked meat haemoprotein formation, measured as the rate of loss of
      myoglobin solubility, in lamb was dependent on the muscles anatomical location
      and temperature. Lamb longissimus dorsi musle at 55 to 70 degrees C formed cooked
      meat haemoprotein more rapidly than the muscles in the shoulder and leg. The
      formation in lamb was more rapid than in beef. The rate in high pH beef (7.25) l.
      dorsi was lower than found in beef l. dorsi of normal pH but in low pH lamb
      (5.38) l. dorsi the rate was, at most temperatures, also slower than found in
      this muscle from lamb of normal pH. In the presence of NaCl the rate of cooked
      meat haemoprotein formation was faster (almost doubled at 2g/100g meat) than
      found in the corresponding salt free lamb and beef samples. Other additives
      commonly added to meat products (mechanically recovered meat, oil,
      polyphosphates, soya, whey and caseinate) had little effect on the rate of cooked
      meat haemoprotein formation, at the levels normally used in meat products. It is
      concluded that for lamb products little if any myoglobin will remain soluble, and
      the products will look cooked before the recommended thermal treatment to
      inactivate Escherichia coli O157:H7 has been achieved. (c)

PMID- 22062372
TI  - Effect of slaughter weight and/or age on histological characteristics of pig
      longissimus dorsi muscle as related to meat quality.
AB  - The effect of increasing both weight and age or age alone through feed
      restriction on muscle longissimus dorsi histological characteristics were studied
      in relation to fresh and cooked meat quality. Starting at 83 days (32 kg) 80
      crossbred Duroc * (Large White*Landrace) barrows were allotted within litter to 4
      experimental groups (A100, R100, A130, R130). Pigs were fed either ad libitum (A)
      or were restricted 30% (R) and slaughtered either at 100 kg or 130 kg. Muscle
      fibres were classified as betaR, alphaR or alphaW according to Ashmore and Doerr
      (1971)(Ashmore, C.R., & Doerr, L. (1971). Comparative aspects of muscle fibre
      types in different species. Experimental Neurology, 31, 408-418.). Percentages
      (PC), cross-sectional areas (CSA) and relative areas (RA) of each fibre type were
      evaluated. Phenotypic correlations between histological traits showed that RA of
      a particular fibre type depends essentially on its numerical abundance.
      Increasing weight together with age led to enlargement of betaR and alphaW muscle
      fibres, without changing muscle histochemical profile. When age was increased at
      the same weight (restriction), higher RA of betaR fibres was observed. Low, but
      significant correlation between loin eye area and CSA was observed, but not
      within experimental group. The phenotypic correlations between histological and
      meat quality traits were generally low. This material showed some significant
      correlations suggesting that increasing PC or CSA of overall alphaW fibres can be
      beneficial for water holding capacity of fresh meat and juiciness of cooked meat.
      (c)

PMID- 22062373
TI  - The effect of increasing carcass weight of finishing boars and gilts on joint
      composition and meat quality.
AB  - Two hundred and eighty-eight crossbred (3/4 Landrace * 1/4 Large White) pigs,
      comprising equal numbers of boars and gilts, were housed in single sex groups
      from 50 kg liveweight to slaughter at liveweights of 92, 105, 118 and 131 kg
      (carcass weights of 70, 80, 90 and 100 kg). Sample joints from the left
      longissimus dorsi muscle were obtained at slaughter for dissection and meat
      quality assessment. As carcass weight increased there were significant (p<0.001)
      increases in eye muscle area and subcutaneous fat content. Lean content decreased
      (p<0.001) with increasing carcass weight while intermuscular fat content was not
      affected. There was a significant interaction between carcass weight and gender
      with % drip loss in pork from gilts at 100 kg having a higher drip loss than
      boars and gilts at all other weights. There were small but significant (p<0.01)
      reductions in ultimate pH with increasing carcass weight. Cooking loss was also
      reduced (p<0.001) at the heavier weights. There was no effect of carcass weight
      on shear force or on intramuscular fat. Dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP)
      contents of m. L. dorsi increased (p<0.001) at heavier weights while sarcomere
      length decreased (p=0.001). Compared with boars, gilts had greater eye muscle
      area (p<0.05), more subcutaneous fat (p<0.001). Meat from gilts in comparison
      with boars had higher % DM and % CP contents (p<0.001), higher intramuscular fat
      content and shear force (p<0.05). It is concluded that meat quality may be
      improved when carcass weight is increased from 70 to 100 kg. (c)

PMID- 22062374
TI  - Membrane lipid oxidation and proteolytic activity in thigh muscles from broilers
      fed different diets.
AB  - The effects of diets differing in their level of unsaturation and their contents
      of natural antioxidants and prooxidants on lipid oxidation was measured in
      microsomal membranes of the thigh muscles of broilers by three processes:
      enzymatic, nonenzymatic and sarcoplasmic protein oxidation. Lysosomal cysteine
      proteinase activities were determined to assess the influence of the different
      diets on the enzymatic proteolysis of meat. Statistically significant differences
      were found in the enzymatic reaction for 72 h of incubation at 4 degrees C in
      relation to the effect of both diet and antioxidant supplementation. Meat from
      animals fed an unsaturated diet containing sunflower oil gave the highest level
      of oxidation. Broilers fed supplemental antioxidants, especially alpha
      tocopherol, had lower degrees of oxidation than those fed the basal diet. An
      unexpected result of the prooxidant diet study was a higher degree of oxidation
      in samples from animals deprived of iron and copper. Cysteine proteinase
      activities were favoured by vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) supplementation and the
      absence of copper. (c)

PMID- 22062375
TI  - Influence of sex and slaughter weight on carcass and meat quality in light and
      medium weight lambs produced in intensive systems.
AB  - Effects of slaughter weight and sex on carcass characteristics and lamb meat
      quality of Manchega Spanish breed were analysed. Forty-five lambs were divided
      into two slaughter weight groups: light (LW=21.7+/-0.16 kg; n=24) and medium
      (MW=27.8+/-0.16 kg; n=21). Dressing proportion and conformation were
      significantly different between groups and sex. There were also differences
      between light and medium group in fatness but not between males and females.
      Water holding capacity decreased with increasing slaughter weight (p<0.05) and
      was lower in females than in males (p<0.001). The increase in weight was
      associated with a decrease in L* (p<0.01), while a* showed an increase which
      failed to reach statistical significance. Slaughter weight and sex affected
      neither pH and its decrease post-slaughter nor meat toughness. (c)

PMID- 22062376
TI  - Optimization of the still-marinating process of chicken parts.
AB  - The still-marinating process is a simplified technology used to tenderize and to
      improve the flavor and succulence of meat to satisfy consumer demand. The
      objective of this study was to obtain still-marinated chicken breast meat and
      legs of good quality. To attain this aim, the effects of salt concentration,
      polyphosphates concentration and marinating time were optimized to increase
      weight gain, reduce loss of weight during storage and reduce cooking loss, making
      use of the surface response methodology. The results of this study indicate that
      marinating times ranging from 8-12 hours, salt concentrations ranging from 3-4%
      and polyphosphates concentration ranging from 2-3% are recommended for the still
      marinating process of chicken breast meat. In additon, marinating times ranging
      from 4-8 hours, salt concentration ranging from 3-4% and polyphosphates
      concentration of about 2% can be suggested for the still-marinating process of
      chicken legs. (c)

PMID- 22062377
TI  - Stable and convenient spatial registration of stand-alone NIRS data through
      anchor-based probabilistic registration.
AB  - For functional neuroimaging with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), we recently
      introduced a probabilistic registration method that uses a reference magnetic
      resonance image (MRI) database instead of the subject's own MRI, and
      probabilistically registers the NIRS optode or channel positions onto a canonical
      brain template in the standard stereotactic brain coordinate systems. As an
      alternative method, we devised an anchor-based registration method utilizing
      roughly obtained anchor positions on the scalp instead of strictly defined
      landmarks such as 10/20 landmarks. This method uses a spherical coordinate system
      to seek a position in the reference MRI database that corresponds to the anchor
      position, and eventually presents NIRS optode and channel positions in the
      standard stereotactic brain coordinate system. For comparison against
      conventional probabilistic registration, we simulated NIRS optode holder
      placement on 100 synthesized virtual heads, and found holistic tendencies for
      probe position estimations were similar between the two methods. Comparison among
      anchor-based probabilistic registration, conventional probabilistic registration,
      and SPM-based registration via co-registration to a subject's own MRI revealed
      that intra-method variability was comparable to a small inter-method variability.
      Thus, anchor-based registration is a practical alternative, especially to avoid
      burdening a subject and to reduce experimental time.

PMID- 22062378
TI  - Effect of pre-slaughter rations of forage and/or concentrates on the composition
      and quality of retail packaged beef.
AB  - Continental Limousin and Charolais crossbred steers (n=66) were assigned to one
      of six diets: (1) high herbage allowance (18 kg grass dry matter), zero
      concentrate (HH0C), (2) high herbage allowance and 2.5 kg concentrate (HHLC), (3)
      high herbage allowance and 5 kg concentrate (HHHC), (4) low herbage allowance (6
      kg grass DM) and 5 kg concentrate (LHHC), (5) medium herbage allowance (12 kg
      grass DM) and 2.5 kg concentrate (MHLC) or (6) concentrates ad-libitum+1 kg straw
      (CON). Colour was assessed in steaks (n=5) chosen at random from each dietary
      group and held in overwrapped and/or modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) (80
      O(2):20 CO(2)) under simulated retail display conditions for 17 days. When the
      HH0C and the CON groups were compared, there was no significant difference in
      colour under overwrapped conditions, however under MAP, surface redness was
      significantly (P<0.01) higher (greatest Hunter "a" values) in the HH0C group.
      When the other four diets were compared to the HH0C and CON groups, there was no
      significant difference in colour under both forms of packaging. Lipid oxidation
      was highest for the dietary group CON compared to all other dietary groups
      examined. There was no significant difference in vitamin E levels between the six
      dietary groups, levels ranged from 1.7 to 2.5 MUg/g meat.

PMID- 22062379
TI  - Optimization of instrumental colour analysis in dry-cured ham.
AB  - Colour of dry cured ham was measured by instrumental techniques in order to
      determine the optimum measurement index. Five different colour systems were used:
      CIE L(*)a(*)b(*), Hunter Lab, CIE L(*)u(*)v(*), xyY and XYZ, each with
      illuminants D65, C and A, and with both 10 and 2 degrees  observer angles.
      Measurements were taken in both Semimembranosus (SM) and Biceps femoris (BF)
      muscles. Hunter Lab system with illuminant A gave the most reproducible results
      within muscles for the three colour parameters evaluated. A further comparison of
      results obtained with 10 and 2 degrees  observer angles of Hunter Lab with
      illuminant A showed there were no significant differences between the angles.
      Significant differences between results from SM and BF muscles were found in all
      the hams, the BF always showing higher values than SM for every colour parameter.

PMID- 22062380
TI  - Variation of the sensory quality within the m. longissimus thoracis et lumborum
      of PSE and normal pork.
AB  - This study evaluated the variation in instrumental and sensory meat quality
      within the m. longissimus thoracis et lumborum of carcasses with normal and PSE
      meat. Out of 80 slaughtered pigs, respectively, 9 and 7 carcasses were selected
      with a pH30 value > or=5.80 (normal pork) and a pH30 value <5.80 (PSE pork).
      Instrumental and sensory meat quality measurements were performed at three
      locations on these carcasses: longissimus thoracis (LT), longissimus thoracis et
      lumborum: (LTL-mid-loin) and longissimus lumborum (LL). Meat of the thoracis site
      (LT) was paler, but more favourable for pH45, cooking loss, juiciness, tenderness
      and preference scores than meat of the mid-loin part. The lumborum site (LL) was
      more or less in between the other two locations for meat quality, but closer to
      the LTL than the LT site. The meat quality variation within the m. longissimus
      thoracis et lumborum followed a similar pattern for normal and PSE carcasses. It
      can be concluded that the mid-loin part is best suited as a reference place for
      meat quality assessment, if one wants to eliminate carcasses with unacceptable
      meat.

PMID- 22062381
TI  - Changes in structure and color characteristics of irradiated chicken breasts as a
      function of dosage and storage time.
AB  - Structural change and color characteristics of chicken breasts as a function of
      irradiation dose and subsequent storage process were investigated by visible
      spectroscopy and HunterLab measurement. Ratios of R(1)=A(485 nm)/A(560 nm) and
      R(2)=A(635 nm)/A(560 nm,) which are related to absorbances of the visible bands
      at 485 nm (metmyoglobin), 560 nm (oxymyoglobin), and 635 nm (sulfmyoglobin),
      suggested that relative amount of oxymyoglobin either increases as a result of
      irradiation, or decreases with the storage process. The plot of R(1) and R(2)
      versus storage time showed that the increments of both R(1) and R(2) are dose
      dependent and that the relative amount of oxymyoglobin species in irradiated
      meats begins to decompose 7-12 days later than raw meats. In addition, R(1) and
      R(2) values were correlated with color index E(*) of chicken breasts.

PMID- 22062382
TI  - Effect of breed-type on performance and carcass traits of intensively managed
      hair sheep.
AB  - The objectives of this study were to evaluate growth performance and carcass
      characteristics of intensively managed purebred and crossbred hair sheep, and
      determine the value of the Dorper breed as a terminal sire on St.Croix and St.
      Croix-cross dams. Animals used were Dorper*St. Croix (DS), and Dorper*Romanov*St.
      Croix (DX), Katahdin (KA), St. Croix (SC), and 3/4 St. Croix-1 4  Romanov (SX)
      wether lambs. From birth to weaning, daily gains (ADG) were greater (P<0.01) for
      DS and KA lambs than SC and SX lambs; yet, from weaning to harvest, ADG was
      greatest (P<0.01) for DS, followed by DX, SC, SX, and KA lambs. Carcass weights
      were heavier (P<0.01) for DS than all other breeds and DS, DX, KA, and SX
      carcasses had greater (P<0.01) fat thickness measurements than SC carcasses. The
      longissimus thoracic (LT) area was largest (P<0.01) for DS and DX carcasses and
      smallest (P<0.01) for SC and SX carcasses. Skeletal, lean, and overall maturities
      were similar (P>0.10) among the breed types; however, carcasses from SC lambs
      received lower (P<0.02) flank streaking scores than DS, KA, and SX lambs.
      Conformation scores and quality grades were greater (P<0.01) for DS and DX than
      SC or SX carcasses. Although L* values of the LT were similar (P>0.10), the LT
      from DX lambs was redder (P<0.01) and more yellow (P<0.01) than that of DS and SC
      lambs. The shear force values of the LT chops from KA lambs were greater (P<0.01)
      than all other breed types. Results indicate that improvements in live animal
      performance, carcass muscularity, and quality can be achieved by using Dorper
      sires on purebred and crossbred St. Croix dams.

PMID- 22062383
TI  - Binding and textural properties of beef gels processed with kappa-carrageenan,
      egg albumin and microbial transglutaminase.
AB  - The combined influence of kappa-carrageenan (kappa-CGN, 0.5%) and egg albumin
      (EA, 2%) on quality characteristics of beef gels processed without or with 0.5%
      microbial transglutaminase (MTG) was investigated. Beef gel properties were
      determined by measuring textural, hydration and colour characteristics. kappa
      Carrageenan favourably affected hydration properties and thermal stability,
      yielding lower cooking loss, purge and expressible moisture. It also increased
      hardness and fracturability of beef gels, but was unable to improve springiness
      or cohesiveness. Egg albumin either alone or in combination with MTG generally
      has been found to be inferior to kappa-carrageenan for functionality in
      comminuted meat systems. Addition of EA produced an increase in lightness and
      yellowness, and a decrease in redness of beef gels, while the presence of kappa
      carrageenan resulted in lower L(*) and b(*), and higher a(*) values. No
      significant influence of MTG on gel colour parameters was observed.

PMID- 22062384
TI  - Measuring the effects of phenotype and mechanical restraint on proteolytic
      degradation and rigor shortening in callipyge lamb longissimus dorsi muscle
      during extended aging.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to determine if tenderness of callipyge (CLPG)
      longissimus dorsi muscle (LM) could be improved by: (1) extending the aging
      period to 48 days postmortem or (2) preventing rigor shortening by clamping. In
      CLPG and normal (NML) chops respectively, initial Warner-Bratzler shear values
      (WBS) were lower (P<0.05) in clamped (CL) (5.5 and 3.6 kg) compared to unclamped
      (UCL) (7.4 and 4.9 kg) LM. In CLPG, an acceptable WBS (3.6 kg) was reached at 48
      days PM, whereas, NML lambs reached an acceptable level (3.8 kg) by 3 days PM.
      Sarcomere lengths (SL) of CL (1.68 MUm) were longer (P <0.05) than for UCL (1.44
      MUm) and were negatively correlated with WBS (r=-0.55; P<0.1). The appearance of
      Troponin-T (TNT) degradation product coincided with tender WBS values; 3 days
      postmortem in NML UCL and 48 days postmortem in CLPG. In conclusion, clamping
      reduced WBS possibly by reducing rigor shortening. Extended aging resulted in
      CLPG LM with acceptable WBS values, concurrent with the appearance of TNT
      degradation products.

PMID- 22062385
TI  - Sensory and functional meat quality characteristics of pork derived from three
      halothane genotypes.
AB  - The effect of the halothane gene in pigs on the meat and sensory qualities
      thereof were determined. Meat derived from 60 Landrace*Large White pigs of three
      halothane genotypes was used. The sensory qualities, cooking loss, colour, shear
      value and proximate analysis of the cooked pork loin roasts were determined. The
      three genotypes did not differ significantly (P>0.05) with regard to the colour
      of the cooked meat, percentage cooking loss and percentage moisture. There were
      significant differences (P<0.05) between the genotypes in the percentage protein,
      ash and fat. Meat from the three genotypes also differed significantly (P<0.05)
      in juiciness, an analytical sensory panel scored the juiciness of meat from the
      NN-genotype the highest with a value of 71.3 when using a structured line scale.
      Meat from the nn-genotype had the lowest score for juiciness (62.8). Meat from
      the three genotypes did not differ significantly (P>0.05) with regard to
      tenderness, pork flavour and no mealiness. Correlation values showed a positive
      correlation (r=0.46, P<0.05) between juiciness and tenderness. These results
      indicate that the inclusion of the halothane gene in pig production programmes
      results in meat with an inferior quality and it can be recommended to exclude the
      halothane positive genotype from any pig production system where fresh pork
      quality is considered a primary goal.

PMID- 22062386
TI  - Chemical sprays as a method for improvement in microbiological quality and shelf
      life of fresh sheep and goat meats during refrigeration storage (5-7 degrees C).
AB  - The shelf-life of meats from freshly slaughtered sheep and goat carcasses at 5-7 
      degrees C was extended after spraying (pressure 3 kg/cm(2)) the carcasses with
      solution 'B' containing potassium sorbate, sodium acetate, sodium citrate, sodium
      lactate each at 2.5% and sodium chloride at 5% (prepared w/v in potable water),
      when compared with solution 'A' (without potassium sorbate). Solution B treatment
      inhibited Bacillus spp. to minimum and were not detected up to sixth day. It
      extended the lag phase of all organisms including psychrotrophes (pseudomonads)
      and reduction of differential counts in sheep and goat meat were noted throughout
      the refrigerated storage. On sixth day (control) and seventh day (solution "A
      treated") meat samples developed off odour and discoloration with total viable
      count (TVC)>10(7) cfu/g. Solution B treated meat samples showed no spoilage at
      seventh or eighth day, indicating an extended shelf-life of 3 and 2 days when
      compared with control and solution A treated meat, respectively.

PMID- 22062387
TI  - Carcass and meat quality in double-muscled Belgian Blue bulls and cows.
AB  - Carcass and meat quality of 37 bulls and 91 cows of the Belgian Blue breed
      (double-muscled type) were compared. Age at slaughter averaged 648+/-73 and
      1820+/-689 days, respectively. Both groups of cattle were finished on maize
      silage supplemented with concentrate, and were slaughtered at about 750 kg live
      weight. Females had a lower (P=0.004) cold carcass weight (469.7 kg) in
      comparison with bulls (500.8 kg), due to a reduced dressing percentage (63.8 vs.
      66.6; P <0.001). SEUROP conformation was better for bulls. SEUROP fat covering
      (P=0.007) and fat content in the carcass (16.4 vs. 12.9%; P <0.001) and in the M.
      longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle (2.3 vs. 1.1%; P <0.001) were higher for females
      than for males. The LT of cows was darker (lower L* and higher a*-value; P
      <0.001), had a better waterholding capacity (P?0.063) and was slightly more
      tender (P=0.120) than the LT of bulls. Increasing parity reduced dressing
      percentage and increased LT lightness (L*-value) in cows. Several carcass (SEUROP
      grading, composition, LT-area) and meat quality traits (protein and fat contents,
      drip and cooking losses, a*-value) were better correlated with carcass weight
      than parity. It is concluded that meat quality of the aged LT of cows is not
      negatively affected by age, while some carcass quality traits decreased with
      advancing age. Carcass quality traits adjusted for age at slaughter were better
      for bulls, but LT meat quality characteristics were at least as good for females
      as for males.

PMID- 22062388
TI  - Effect of transport time on sensorial aspects of beef meat quality.
AB  - Forty-eight slaughter bulls were transported by road in groups of eight for
      approximately 30 min, 3 h and 6 h in two replicates. After slaughter and an
      ageing time of 7 days, steaks from the longissimus dorsi thoracis were tasted by
      a trained sensory panel in terms of odour, tenderness, residue, juiciness,
      flavour intensity, flavour quality, and overall liking. Transport time had a
      significant effect (P<0.05) on meat tenderness and overall liking. The panel
      preferred meat from animals given the 3-h journey as opposed to the 30 min or 6-h
      journey and found it was more tender and had a better overall liking.

PMID- 22062389
TI  - Estimation of Canadian and European lean yields and composition of pig carcasses
      by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.
AB  - Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) was used on 110 pig carcasses to estimate
      fat, lean, bone mineral content and total tissue masses of the major primal cuts
      and overall carcasses. The DEXA estimations were compared and used to predict the
      dissected lean, fat (including skin), bone and weight of primal cuts and
      carcasses, as well as to predict the Canadian and the European lean yields. The
      best relationships were obtained when predicting the weight of ham (R(2)=0.99),
      loin (R(2)=0.99), shoulder (R(2)=0.96), belly (R(2)=0.93), half carcass
      (R(2)=0.98), ham lean (R(2)=0.89), loin lean (R(2)=0.89), shoulder lean
      (R(2)=0.87), and the meat weight used in the estimation of the Canadian
      (R(2)=0.92) and the European lean yield (R(2)=0.82). While the weight of fat in
      the carcass and primal cuts was accurately estimated by DEXA (R(2)>0.72), DEXA
      carcass composition estimations were less accurate when predicting dissected bone
      weights (R(2)<0.54).

PMID- 22062390
TI  - Modelling the effect of fatty acids in odour development of cooked meat in vitro:
      part I-sensory perception.
AB  - We have investigated the contribution of muscle components to the development of
      cooked meat odour in an aqueous model system using trained taste panels. Reaction
      mixtures were prepared with oleic, linoleic and linolenic acids with or without
      cysteine and ribose in a buffer with or without ferrous sulphate. Odour profiles
      were assessed and triangular tests were used to determine the ability of
      panellists to discriminate between mixtures. The presence of sugar and amino acid
      was highly detectable by panellists independently of the fatty acid considered
      (P<0.001). However, the presence of C18:3 made differences more obvious between
      mixtures than the presence of C18:1 or C18:2. 'Meaty' notes were only associated
      with cysteine and ribose. 'Fishy' notes were only apparent in C18:3 mixtures with
      or without sugar and amino acid, although the presence of cysteine and ribose
      decreased the perception. The addition of Fe(++), a pro-oxidant present in the
      muscle, produced a reduction in the score of the attributes although the pattern
      was the same as when Fe was not used in the mixtures. Only 'fishy' notes that
      were exclusively perceived in C18:3 mixtures showed a higher score in the
      presence of iron. Iron also produced a better discrimination in C18:3 mixtures,
      which were closely related to 'grassy' notes in the presence of cysteine and
      ribose.

PMID- 22062391
TI  - Lipid peroxidation-derived cytotoxic aldehyde, 4-hydroxy-2-nonenal in smoked
      pork.
AB  - The contents of 4-Hydroxy-2-nonenal (HNE), cytotoxic aldehyde, in smoked meat
      products (ham, bacon and sausage) were analyzed. All the samples analyzed
      contained HNE, although large differences in the contents between the different
      samples were observed. In one lot of ham (H1) and wiener sausage (WS1) a high
      level in HNE was observed. The changes of HNE contents of pork meats containing
      0, 0.1, 0.5 and 1% Sugi wood vinegar (SWV) stored at 0  degrees C were also
      analyzed for 7 days. As an index of lipid peroxidation level, malonaldehyde (MA)
      contents were also analyzed in these samples. After 7 days of storage, HNE was
      detected only in pork meats containing 1% SWV and the level was similar to those
      of H1 and WS1. Judging from MA contents, SWV may act as a pro-oxidant in pork
      meats and HNE may accumulate in pork in which lipid peroxidation is in progress.

PMID- 22062392
TI  - A comparative study of boar taint in cooked and dry-cured meat.
AB  - A comparative study of boar taint in cooked and dry-cured pig meat products was
      performed. Forty-eight cooked loins and 48 dry-cured hams from entire males and
      castrates were studied. The samples were classified according to the androstenone
      (AN) and skatole (SK) fat content determined using HPLC. A trained sensory panel
      evaluated taste, aroma, boar odour, boar flavour, juiciness, tenderness and
      fatness in cooked and dry-cured samples. Threshold levels of AN and SK to
      separate (P<0.05) entire and castrate samples according to their boar odour and
      flavour were determined. The effects of castration and processing on the eating
      quality were studied. Finally, the relationships among boar taint and other
      sensory attributes in cooked and dry-cured meat were compared. Results from these
      studies show that the eating quality of processed meat was affected negatively by
      boar taint. Threshold values were higher in dry-cured ham (2 MUg g(-1) AN and
      0.12 SK) than cooked loin (0.5 AN and 0.1 SK). AN and SK had a synergistic effect
      on boar odour and flavour in both products. AN had a greater influence than SK on
      the aroma and taste, especially in cooked meat. Boar odour was perceived more
      intensely than boar flavour in both of the products studied. Castration favoured
      fatness and improved the aroma and taste of cooked and dry-cured meat. The loss
      of aroma and taste due to boar taint was more noticeable in cooking than drying
      and curing. In dry-cured meat boar taint was associated with less aroma, taste,
      juiciness and tenderness. However, in cooked meat, boar taint affected the aroma
      and taste more strongly, but was not related with juiciness and tenderness,
      probably because these attributes are influenced by cooking.

PMID- 22062393
TI  - Combination of aerobic and vacuum packaging to control lipid oxidation and off
      odor volatiles of irradiated raw turkey breast.
AB  - Effects of the combination of aerobic and anaerobic packaging on color, lipid
      oxidation, and volatile production were determined to establish a modified
      packaging method to control quality changes in irradiated raw turkey meat. Lipid
      oxidation was the major problem with aerobically packaged irradiated turkey
      breast, while retaining characteristic irradiation off-odor volatiles such as
      dimethyl sulfide, dimethyl disulfide, and dimethyl trisulfide was the concern for
      vacuum-packaged breast during the 10-day refrigerated storage. Vacuum packaging
      of aerobically packaged irradiated turkey breast meat at 1 or 3 days of storage
      lowered the amounts of S-volatiles and lipid oxidation products compared with
      vacuum- and aerobically packaged meats, respectively. Irradiation increased the a
      value of raw turkey breast, but exposing the irradiated meat to aerobic
      conditions alleviated the intensity of redness.

PMID- 22062394
TI  - Effects of quality grade on the chemical, physical and sensory characteristics of
      Hanwoo (Korean native cattle) beef.
AB  - The effects of quality grade (which reflects relative marbling) on the chemical,
      physical and sensory properties was investigated using Korean native cattle
      (Hanwoo) beef. Thirty-six Hanwoo cows were slaughtered and the carcasses were
      graded at 24h postmortem according to the Korean carcass grading system. The
      quality grade 1 (high quality), grade 2 and grade 3 (low quality) were based on
      the marbling score of longissimus dorsi (LD) muscles. The effects of quality
      grade on the meat quality parameters of beef LD muscle were assessed during
      aging. Loin-eye area, fat thickness and yield grade were all similar for the
      three quality groups. Mean lean color, fat color and maturity scores did not
      differ among quality grade groups (P>0.05). pH, Sarcomere length, WHC, collagen
      content, cooking loss, shear force and MFI were not affected by quality grade
      groups. Drip loss for grade 1 group was significantly lower than that for grade 3
      groups (P<0.05). At initial tenderness evaluation of steaks, no differences among
      the three grades were observed; however, with additional days of storage, grade 1
      steaks had higher tenderness score than grade 3 steaks (P<0.05). Increased
      postmortem aging time improved tenderness attributes regardless of quality
      groups. No significant differences were found among the quality grade groups for
      flavor (P>0.05). The grade 1 group had the highest juiciness score, and grade 3
      groups had the lowest score (P<0.05), but postmortem aging did not influence
      flavor and juiciness. The quality grades were more strongly related to juiciness
      than tenderness or flavor.

PMID- 22062395
TI  - Effect of citric acid on the radiation resistance of Listeria monocytogenes and
      frankfurter quality factors.
AB  - Listeria monocytogenes is a common contaminant of ready-to-eat meat products,
      including frankfurters. Ionizing (gamma) radiation can eliminate L. monocytogenes
      from frankfurters. Citric acid (CA) is an antioxidant synergist and anti
      microbial agent that can be applied to the surfaces of cured meat products prior
      to packaging. The effect of CA on the radiation resistance of L. monocytogenes
      that was surface-inoculated onto frankfurters was determined. The D(10) values,
      the radiation doses required to inactivate 90% of viable L. monocytogenes, were
      0.61, 0.60, 0.54, and 0.53 kGy, on frankfurters dipped in 0, 1, 5 or 10% CA
      solution, respectively. CA, although an antioxidant synergist, did not increase
      antioxidant activity (AA) on frankfurter surfaces as determined by the ferric
      reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. Lipid oxidation, as determined by the
      Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) assay, was not affected by CA or
      ionizing radiation. Color of frankfurters, determined by Hunter L, a, b,
      indicated that ionizing radiation induced a small, but visually imperceptible,
      loss of redness (a-value). Frankfurter firmness, as measured by maximum shear
      force, was not affected by ionizing radiation or CA. CA enhanced the lethality of
      ionizing radiation without negatively impacting frankfurter color, lipid
      oxidation, firmness, or antioxidant activity.

PMID- 22062396
TI  - Effect of microbial transglutaminase and sodium caseinate on quality of chicken
      doner kebab.
AB  - The effect of microbial transglutaminase (MTGase) and sodium caseinate on the
      quality of chicken doner kebab was investigated. Yield, color, pH, SDS
      polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), texture, and sensory evaluations
      were measured. The results of SDS-PAGE showed that addition of MTGase with or
      without sodium caseinate created cross-linking between meat proteins. Texture
      measurements indicated that the effect of the enzyme on binding properties of
      chicken meat is more effective if it is used with sodium caseinate (P<0.05).
      Sensory evaluation was not significantly different statistically among
      treatments.

PMID- 22062397
TI  - Effect of Carnobacterium piscicola on aroma formation in sausage mince.
AB  - The metabolites from leucine degradation play a key role in sausage aroma.
      Leucine catabolism is particularly important in Carnobacterium piscicola. The
      purpose of the study was to determine the effect of C. piscicola inoculation on
      the aroma of a sausage model and on leucine catabolism. Sensory analysis and
      implantation of Carnobacterium were performed. Aromatic compound production from
      (3)H leucine added to the sausage model was measured by high-performance liquid
      chromatography. After 18 days of ripening, the level of Carnobacterium species
      was 10-fold higher in sausages inoculated with C. piscicola than in the control
      sausages. Addition of C. piscicola enhanced the development of sausage aroma. The
      leucine was 10% more degraded in the models inoculated with C. piscicola. 3
      Methyl butanoic acid was the main metabolite detected and the highest production
      of alpha-ketoisocaproic acid and hydroxy alpha-ketoisocaproic acid were detected
      in the sausage model inoculated with C. piscicola.

PMID- 22062399
TI  - Retropharyngeal hematoma from parathyroid hemorrhage in a hemodialysis patient.
AB  - A case of a spontaneous retropharyngeal hematoma in a patient on chronic
      hemodialysis is described. A 75-year-old man presented with a 5-day history of
      throat discomfort and neck swelling. He had been on hemodialysis for chronic
      renal failure with secondary hyperparathyroidism. Examination showed a massively
      enlarged neck and bruising on his left neck and anterior chest. Flexible
      nasopharyngoscopy revealed bluish bulging of the posterior pharyngeal wall, and
      CT showed widening of prevertebral soft tissue. Hemodialysis reduced the swelling
      of the posterior pharyngeal wall, and conservative management including steroids
      and antibiotics was adequate for managing the airway and hematoma.
      Retropharyngeal swelling of this patient seemed to be derived not only from the
      hematoma itself, but also from the lymphatic and venous congestion. Follow-up CT
      and MRI indicated that the enlarged left parathyroid was the bleeding source. To
      the best of our knowledge, this is the second report of a retropharyngeal
      hematoma from parathyroid hyperplasia in a chronic hemodialysis patient.
      Physicians should be aware that rare parathyroid hemorrhage in chronic
      hemodialysis patients could lead to airway obstruction by retropharyngeal
      swelling.

PMID- 22062400
TI  - Neurally mediated syncope presenting with paroxysmal positional vertigo and
      tinnitus.
AB  - A 72-year-old man with positional vertigo and tinnitus was referred to us. He did
      not want to perform provoking test except once due to his fear. No positional
      nystagmus was provoked. He found that his attacks usually occurred when he lay on
      his right ear. From his clinical history, benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
      was suspected. Conventional pharmacotherapy as well as non-specific physical
      therapy did not have significant effect. His feeling of positional vertigo with
      pyrosis was actually presyncope. We suspected cardiovascular disorders, and
      referred him to a cardiologist. Portable cardiogram monitoring revealed
      paroxysmal bradycardia. He was diagnosed with neurally mediated syncope, and a
      pacemaker was implanted. His paroxysmal dizziness soon disappeared. It is
      important to study the clinical history of the patients in detail, as they are
      not always able to accurately explain their symptoms. We should carefully rule
      out cardiovascular disorders, especially when we see the patients with suspected
      BPPV without the characteristic positional nystagmus.

PMID- 22062401
TI  - Ascorbic acid minimizes lumbar vertebrae discoloration.
AB  - Ascorbic acid was evaluated as a way of preventing bone discoloration. In
      experiment 1, beef bone-in t-bone steaks (lumbar vertebrae and longissimus) were
      treated with 0%, 0.05%, 0.1%, 0.5%, 1.0%, or 1.5% ascorbic acid (n=10). Vertebrae
      and muscle color (L(*)a(*)b(*)) were evaluated initially and after 24 h in 80%
      O(2)/20% CO(2). Vertebrae treated with 0%, 0.05%, or 0.1% ascorbic acid
      significantly discolored while the longissimus maintained a bright-red
      appearance. Ascorbic acid treatments 0.5%, 1.0%, and 1.5% significantly minimized
      vertebrae discoloration and neither induced nor prevented longissimus
      discoloration. In experiment 2, lumbar vertebrae were treated with 0%, 0.05%,
      1.5%, or 2.5% ascorbic acid (n=15), packaged in 80% O(2)/20% CO(2), and displayed
      for five days (1  degrees C). Visual color was evaluated daily by a trained
      panel. Ascorbic acid treatment at 1.5% or 2.5% minimized lumbar vertebrae surface
      discoloration. Through a five-day display at 1  degrees C, lumbar vertebrae with
      2.5% ascorbic acid had the least bone discoloration.

PMID- 22062402
TI  - High pressure/thermal treatment effects on the texture of beef muscle.
AB  - The effects of high pressure (to 800 MPa) applied at different temperatures (20
      70  degrees C) for 20 min on beef post-rigor longissimus dorsi texture were
      studied. Texture profile analysis showed that when heated at ambient pressure
      there was the expected increase in hardness with increasing temperature and when
      pressure was applied at room temperature there was again the expected increase in
      hardness with increasing pressure. Similar results to those found at ambient
      temperature were found when pressure was applied at 40  degrees C. However, at
      higher temperatures, 60 and 70  degrees C it was found that pressures of 200 MPa
      caused large and significant decreases in hardness. The results found for
      hardness were mirrored by those for gumminess and chewiness. To further
      understand the changes in texture observed, intact beef longissimus dorsi samples
      and extracted myofibrils were both subjected to differential scanning calorimetry
      after being subjected to the same pressure/temperature regimes. As expected
      collagen was reasonably inert to pressure and only at temperatures of 60-70 
      degrees C was it denatured/unfolded. However, myosin was relatively easily
      unfolded by both pressure and temperature and when pressure denatured a new and
      modified structure was formed of low thermal stability. Although this new
      structure had low thermal stability at ambient pressure it still formed in both
      the meat and myofibrils when pressure was applied at 60  degrees C. It seems
      unlikely that structurally induced changes can be a major cause of the
      significant loss of hardness observed when beef is treated at high temperature
      (60-70  degrees C) and 200 MPa and it is suggested that accelerated proteolysis
      under these conditions is the major cause.

PMID- 22062403
TI  - Species and muscle differences in L-carnitine levels in skeletal muscles based on
      a new simple assay.
AB  - We have adapted the enzymatic method [Biochemical and Biophysical Research
      Communications 176 (3) (1991) 1617] for the safe and rapid assay of L-carnitine
      (L-CA) in skeletal muscle using a microplate reader. The concentration of L-CA in
      fresh semitendinosus muscle from broiler chicken, pig, beef cattle, deer, horse
      and goat muscle were 0.69, 1.09, 1.86-3.57, 4.57, 4.95 and 11.36 MUmol/g wet
      weight, respectively. The animals which had higher concentration of L-CA, also
      had the highest amounts of myoglobin as an index to the redness of the muscle.
      Furthermore, we investigated this relationship between white muscle, M.
      pectoralis profundus, and red muscle, M. soleus, in laying hens. The L-CA and
      myoglobin concentration in red muscle were significantly higher than those in
      white muscle (p<0.01). These findings suggest that L-CA concentration in muscle
      is related to oxygen metabolism and to myofiber types.

PMID- 22062404
TI  - Tenderization of buffalo meat using plant proteases from Cucumis trigonus Roxb
      (Kachri) and Zingiber officinale roscoe (Ginger rhizome).
AB  - This study was conducted to develop a method for improving tenderness and overall
      qualities of tough buffalo meat using plant proteolytic enzymes from Cucumis
      trigonus Roxb (Kachri) and Zingiber officinale roscoe (Ginger rhizome). Their
      tenderizing efficacy was compared with the most popular enzyme papain. 3*3*3 cm
      chunks from Biceps femoris muscles of spent Murrah buffaloes (4-5 years age) were
      marinated with distilled water (control), 2% (w/w) powdered cucumis extract, 5%
      (w/v) ginger extract or 0.2% (w/w) papain for 48 h at 4  degrees C and subjected
      to various physico-chemical, histological and sensory evaluations. An increase
      (p<0.01) in collagen solubility, sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar protein
      solubility, and reduction (p<0.01) in shear force values were observed in all
      enzyme-treated samples compared to control. Electrophoretic pattern of muscle
      proteins also revealed extensive proteolysis and reduction in number of protein
      bands in all treated samples. Improvement (p<0.01) in flavor, juiciness,
      tenderness and overall acceptability scores were observed in all enzyme-treated
      samples compared to controls. Ginger extract-treated meat samples received better
      scores for appearance, flavor, tenderness and overall acceptability. From these
      results, it is shown that ginger and cucumis can be used as an effective
      alternative to papain.

PMID- 22062405
TI  - Development of optimal protocol for visible and near-infrared reflectance
      spectroscopic evaluation of meat quality.
AB  - The present experiments were conducted to develop an optimal protocol for visible
      and near-infrared reflectance spectroscopic evaluation of meat quality. It was
      determined that spectra were more repeatable using a 35 mm-diameter high
      intensity reflectance probe rather than a 3 mm-diameter reflectance probe. Using
      the high-intensity reflectance probe, spectra were generally very repeatable
      (e.g., repeatability at 1080 nm ranged from 0.94 to 0.99) regardless of the
      number (50, 40, 30, 20, or 10) of spectra averaged per observation. At each
      wavelength (350-2500 nm), the highest repeatability was obtained when 20 spectra
      were averaged. It was determined that spectra were greatly different when the
      length of time that the muscle was exposed to air (bloomed) before spectroscopy
      was increased from 2 to 60 min. However, regardless of bloom time, the
      repeatability of reflectance values was >0.90 at each wavelength between 462 and
      1371 nm. The protocol developed in this experiment should facilitate future
      experiments to determine if visible and near-infrared spectroscopy can be used to
      accurately predict meat quality.

PMID- 22062406
TI  - Effect of locust bean/xanthan gum addition and replacement of pork fat with olive
      oil on the quality characteristics of low-fat frankfurters.
AB  - The effects of reducing fat level from 20% to 12% and 9%, substituting pork fat
      with olive oil and adding locust bean/xanthan gum (0.5% and 0.6%) on emulsion
      stability, jelly and fat separation, processing yield, cook loss, texture and
      sensory characteristics of frankfurters were investigated and compared with
      control samples. Addition of locust bean/xanthan gum produced a significant
      increase in hydration/binding properties, characterised by lower cook losses,
      increasing yield, better emulsion stability and lower jelly and fat separation.
      The substitution of pork fat by olive oil did not affect these parameters.
      Indeed, results showed that reducing fat levels together with increasing moisture
      and locust bean/xanthan gum addition do not affect the sensory or textural
      properties, but olive oil addition produces a decrease in hardness and an
      increase in adhesiveness, however the overall acceptability was not affected.

PMID- 22062407
TI  - Volatile compounds in Iberian dry-cured loin.
AB  - The volatile profile of Iberian dry-cured loin from four different Iberian pig
      lines (Entrepelado, Lampino, Retinto and Torbiscal) and two feeding systems (OUT 
      fed on acorn and grass-vs.-IND - fed on high oleic acid concentrate) was studied
      using solid phase microextraction (SPME). 133 volatile compounds were identified
      and assigned to 16 chemical families. Alcohols were the major group, ethanol
      being the main compound. The high number of esters detected and the levels of
      ethanol and acetic acid found, points to an important role of microorganism
      activity in the formation of volatile compounds in Iberian dry-cured loin.
      Sulphur compounds, coming mostly from garlic, constituted an important group,
      with 14 compounds. Significant differences were found among loins from pigs
      reared in different feeding systems but not among Iberian pig lines. Dry-cured
      loins from OUT pigs showed higher levels of many compounds derived from lipid
      oxidation, such as octanoic acid (P=0.000), decanoic acid (P=0.018) or hexanal
      (P=0.014).

PMID- 22062408
TI  - Comparison of different methods for determination of drip loss and their
      relationships to meat quality and carcass characteristics in pigs.
AB  - Samples of the M. longissimus dorsi of 776 pigs from three commercial lines were
      used to compare two methods for measuring drip loss, referred to as the EZ
      DripLoss and bag methods. Furthermore, relationships between drip loss and other
      meat quality and carcass traits were analysed. The bag method used a slice of M.
      longissimus dorsi of approximately 120 g hung in an airtight container whereas
      the EZ-DripLoss method used two samples of approximately 10 g placed in drip loss
      containers. In the bag method, samples taken at 24 h post-mortem were measured 24
      and 48 h after sampling and average drip loss was 1.94% and 3.33% at 24 and 48 h,
      respectively. Correlation between these consecutive measurements was high
      (r=0.98). Using the EZ-DripLoss method, drip loss of samples taken at 24 h post
      mortem was measured 48 h after sampling and showed an average value of 4.97%.
      Correlation between the drip loss obtained using EZ-DripLoss and bag methods was
      high (r=0.86). Relationships between drip loss and other meat quality traits were
      similar for both methods. Highest correlations were observed between drip loss
      and pH(45) (r=-0.52 and -0.48 using EZ-DripLoss method(48) and bag method(48),
      respectively) and the lowest to Minolta a (*) value (r=0.11 and 0.09,
      respectively). Correlations among several carcass traits, such as lean content,
      and drip loss were low or not significant. Low associations between loin eye area
      (cm(2)) and drip loss were obtained regardless of the method used to determine
      drip loss (r=0.21 and 0.18 using EZ-DripLoss method(48) and bag method(48),
      respectively). For routine measurements, the EZ-DripLoss method is recommended
      because it showed a high correlation with the bag method but is easier to perform
      and is more standardised.

PMID- 22062409
TI  - Effects of culinary treatment (desalting and boiling) on chemical and lipid
      composition of dry-cured pork forelegs.
AB  - In the northwest of Spain, dry-cured pork forelegs are eaten after a process in
      which they are desalted and boiled. The effects of this culinary practice on the
      composition (mainly in relation to the lipids) of the external and internal
      muscles of dry-cured forelegs were studied. The dry-cured pork forelegs after
      culinary treatment showed a dry matter content of 46-47%, in both internal and
      external muscles. The culinary treatment caused decrease of ash, NaCl and
      cholesterol contents and increase of lipid and protein contents. Nitrates and
      nitrites decreased only in external muscles. No significant changes were observed
      in the TBA values. The culinary treatment caused significant decreases in
      phospholipids and significant increases in free fatty acids. The free fatty acids
      of boiled desalted dry-cured forelegs showed higher PUFA proportions than dry
      cured forelegs, mainly in external muscles.

PMID- 22062410
TI  - Interactions between meat proteins and barley (Hordeum spp.) beta-glucan within a
      reduced-fat breakfast sausage system.
AB  - Barley beta-glucan, a soluble fibre component with health benefits, has the
      potential to be used as a fat replacer in meat systems. Interactions between meat
      proteins and beta-glucan gum were examined in reduced-fat (12%, w/w) sausages
      formulated with beta-glucan at 0.3% (w/w) (0.3beta-gl) and 0.8% (w/w) (0.8beta
      gl) levels, as well as high- and reduced-fat controls. Cooking loss results
      indicated that beta-glucan gum held more water in cooked sausages than control
      gum (carboxymethyl cellulose), due to its ability to form a tighter network
      within the protein matrix, as shown by scanning electron microscopy. In a raw
      system, beta-glucan gum was not as effective at retaining moisture as a stable
      protein network, formed by heating. Differential scanning calorimetry results
      showed that sausages with a higher gum to protein ratio required additional
      energy for protein denaturation to occur. Findings indicate that beta-glucan gum
      increases the amount of moisture held in a cooked meat protein system, due to the
      physical entrapment of water, when compared to the high-fat control, but is
      similar to the reduced-fat formulation with added water.

PMID- 22062411
TI  - Detection of meat species using TaqMan real-time PCR assays.
AB  - Species-specific real-time PCR (TaqMan) assays were developed for detection of
      beef, pork, lamb, chicken and turkey. Assays were developed around small
      (amplicons <150 base pairs) regions of the mitochondrial cytochrome b (cytb)
      gene. Speciation was achieved using species-specific primers. For detection
      purposes, two TaqMan probes were developed; the first was specific to the
      mammalian species (beef, lamb and pork), the second to the poultry species
      (chicken and turkey). Normal end-point TaqMan PCR conditions were applied;
      however, PCR was limited to 30 cycles. Applying the assays to DNA extracts from
      raw meat admixtures, it was possible to detect each species when spiked in any
      other species at a 0.5% level. The absolute level of detection, for each species,
      was not determined; however, experimentally determined limits for beef, lamb and
      turkey were below 0.1%.

PMID- 22062412
TI  - Effect of Debaryomyces spp. on aroma formation and sensory quality of dry
      fermented sausages.
AB  - The effect of Debaryomyces spp. used in combination with starter cultures (lactic
      acid bacteria and staphylococci) was studied in the development of dry-fermented
      sausage aroma and final sensory quality. Volatile compounds were extracted by
      solid-phase micro extraction and analysed by gas chromatography-mass
      spectrometry. A paired comparison test was done to determine which sausage was
      preferred. Debaryomyces spp. showed an important effect on volatile generation
      during ripening by inhibiting the generation of lipid oxidation products and
      promoting the generation of ethyl esters that contribute to proper sausage aroma.
      However, the amount of Debaryomyces spp. used is important because larger amounts
      produced high generation of acids that mask the positive effect.

PMID- 22062413
TI  - Cleavage of desmin by cysteine proteases: Calpains and cathepsin B.
AB  - The intermediate filament protein, desmin, was purified from pork longissimus
      dorsi and incubated with either MU-calpain, m-calpain or cathepsin B. Proteolysis
      of desmin was followed using SDS-PAGE and Western blotting. After incubation of
      desmin with the proteases, cleavage sites on the desmin molecule were identified
      by N-terminal sequencing of the different proteolytic fragments. Desmin incubated
      with either m-calpain or MU-calpain was primarily cleaved in the head and tail
      region leaving the rod domain relatively intact even after prolonged incubation.
      Incubation with cathepsin B produces a sequential C-terminal degradation pattern
      characteristic of this dipeptylpeptidase. The substrate primary structure was not
      found to be essential for regulation of the proteolytic activity of the cysteine
      peptidases studied. However, the degradation patterns obtained imply that
      calpains are involved in degradation of desmin early post-mortem, targeting the
      non-helical region of the desmin molecule and resulting in depolymerisation and
      initial disorganisation of the intermediate filament structures of the muscle
      cell.

PMID- 22062414
TI  - Effect of muscle source on premature browning in ground beef.
AB  - Premature browning (PMB) describes cooked beef that may appear done before
      reaching 71  degrees C. Ground beef from paired Longissimus lumborum (LL) and
      Psoas major (PM) muscles was formed into patties. Patties were cooked
      immediately, and after 48 and 96 h storage at 4  degrees C. Total reducing
      activity (TRA) and external color were measured immediately prior to cooking.
      Patties were cooked to internal end point temperatures of 60, 66, 71 or 77 
      degrees C and internal cooked color (L(*), a(*) and b(*) values) was measured.
      Raw PM patties had greater L(*) values and lesser a(*) values than those from LL
      (P<0.05). For LL and PM, raw a(*) and b(*) values decreased with storage from 0 h
      to 96 h (P<0.05). At 0 and 48 h storage, cooked patties prepared from PM had
      greater a(*) values than those prepared from LL at all internal endpoint
      temperatures (P<0.05). Internal cooked a(*) values of patties from PM decreased
      with storage of raw patties, whereas it was stable for LL patties (P<0.05).

PMID- 22062415
TI  - Comparison of electrolyzed oxidizing water with other antimicrobial interventions
      to reduce pathogens on fresh pork.
AB  - To date, the effectiveness of electrolyzed oxidizing (EO) water against bacteria
      associated with fresh pork has not been determined. Using a hand-held, food-grade
      garden sprayer, distilled water (W), chlorinated water (CL; 25 ppm), 2% lactic
      acid (LA), acidic EO water (EOA), or "aged" acidic EO water (AEOA; stored at 4 
      degrees C for 24 h) was sprayed (15 s) onto pork bellies inoculated with feces
      containing Listeria monocytogenes (LM), Salmonella typhimurium (ST), and
      Campylobacter coli (CC). Remaining bacterial populations were determined
      immediately following treatment, after 2 days of aerobic storage, and again after
      5 days of vacuum-packaged, refrigerated storage (day 7). While LA and EOA
      significantly reduced (p<0.05) populations of CC at days 0 and 7, there was no
      significant difference (p>0.05) between antimicrobial treatments when applied to
      pork inoculated with ST or LM. This study demonstrates that a 15-s spray with EOA
      has the ability to reduce CC associated with fresh pork surfaces. However, longer
      contact times may be necessary to reduce other microbial contaminants.

PMID- 22062416
TI  - The effect of exercise stress, adrenaline injection and electrical stimulation on
      changes in quality attributes and proteins in Semimembranosus muscle of lamb.
AB  - Exercise pre-slaughter has previously been shown to increase drip loss and
      tenderness in the longissimus muscle of lambs. The mechanism causing higher water
      loss in post-mortem muscle of lambs is not well understood. This experiment
      examines the effects of exercise stress, adrenaline injection and electrical
      stimulation (ES) on meat tenderness and water holding capacity. Forty crossbred
      lambs (20+/-2 kg live weight) were used in this study. Meat quality measurements
      were carried out on the Semimembranosus muscle (SM). The ultimate pH was higher
      with exercise stress (pH 5.93) compared to controls (pH 5.55; P<0.01). As
      expected the glycogen levels 30 min and 24 h post-mortem in the exercise stressed
      (P<0.01) muscle were lower. Lactate concentration at 30 min post-mortem in the
      electrical stimulation (ES: P<0.05) treated muscle was higher than all other
      treatment combinations. Myofibrillar protein denaturation, measured by protein
      solubility, was higher (P<0.05) and the rate of proteolysis of muscle proteins
      titin and troponin-T, as observed with western blots, increased with exercise
      stress. However, there were no treatment effects on Warner-Braztler shear force
      (WBSF). Exercise stress and an interaction with adrenaline caused increased drip
      loss (P<0.05) and purge (P<0.01) from the muscle. Muscle drip from the exercise
      stress treatment group had lower Mg(2+) (P<0.01) and K(+) (P<0.01) than controls.
      The main findings were that exercise stress pre-slaughter increased water loss
      and the rate of titin breakdown but had no effect on tenderness measured by WBSF.
      Together the different rates of proteolysis, protein denaturation and ionic
      conditions may have caused the reduced capacity of the muscle proteins to hold
      water, despite their relatively high ultimate pH.

PMID- 22062417
TI  - Oxidative stability of chilled pork chops following long term freeze storage.
AB  - Colour stability and development of lipid oxidation were followed during chill
      storage for 6 days of chops from M. Longissimus dorsi produced from pigs with
      high (6.3) and low (5.5) ultimate pH (pH(u)). The chops from the same individual
      pigs were either chill stored at 2 days post-mortem or after frozen storage for
      30 months (pre-frozen). Initial redness, measured as tristimulus parameter a(*),
      was lower for pre-frozen chops than for fresh chops. Chops with the high pH(u)
      had a stable a(*)-value during chill storage, while chops with the low pH(u)
      showed a rapidly decreasing a(*)-value both for fresh and pre-frozen chops. In
      contrast, initial lipid oxidation, measured as TBARS, was similar for pre-frozen
      and fresh chops prior to chill storage for both the high and the low pH(u) meat
      but developed most significantly in pre-frozen, low pH(u) meat. Individual
      differences in colour stability and development of lipid oxidation between pigs
      were notable for pre-frozen low pH(u) meat and need to be considered in quality
      control since meat from single pigs otherwise might give problems.

PMID- 22062418
TI  - The antioxidative activity of plant extracts in cooked pork patties as evaluated
      by descriptive sensory profiling and chemical analysis.
AB  - Antioxidative efficiency of extracts of rosemary, green tea, coffee and grape
      skin in precooked pork patties was investigated during storage under retail
      conditions (10 days, 4  degrees C, atmospheric air), using descriptive sensory
      profiling following reheating and quantitative measurements of hexanal,
      thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and vitamin E as indicators of
      lipid oxidation. The initial oxidative status of pork patties (evaluated by
      ANOVA) showed a significant lower level of secondary oxidation products and
      higher levels of vitamin E in patties with extracts incorporated, indicating that
      the extracts retarded lipid oxidation during processing of the meat. Data
      analysis for the storage study was based on qualitative overview of
      sensory/chemical variation by principal component analysis (PCA) and quantitative
      ANOVA-PLSR for determination of the relationship between design variables (days
      of chill-storage, extract treatment) versus sensory-chemical variables and PLSR
      for elucidating the predictive ability of the chemical methods for sensory terms.
      Lipid oxidation was seen to involve a decrease in perception of meat
      flavour/odour and a concomitant increase in the off-flavour/odours linseed,
      rancid. TBARS, hexanal and vitamin E were all significant predictive indices
      (P<0.05) for the majority of the sensory terms, while vitamin E through negative
      correlation with TBARS and hexanal displayed its antioxidative effect and thus,
      its ability to preserve sensory fresh meat flavour/odour. The effect of the
      various extracts incorporated in the product was clearly related to the degree of
      lipid oxidation and an overall ranking of the antioxidative efficiency of
      extracts in declining order became apparent: Rosemary>Grape
      skin>Tea>Coffee>Reference. Furthermore, the relation between extracts and vitamin
      E indicated that the extracts, to some extent, interacted with the vitamin and
      prevented it from degrading. In conclusion, the rosemary extract displayed
      potential for maintaining sensory eating quality in processed pork products.

PMID- 22062419
TI  - Effects of muscle shortening and proteolysis on Warner-Bratzler shear force in
      beef longissimus and semitendinosus.
AB  - Interactions between muscle shortening and proteolysis and their effects on
      Warner-Bratzler (WB) shear force were investigated in beef m. longissimus (LD)
      and m. semitendinosus (ST). Muscles were taken within 30 post-mortem from eight
      Hanwoo steers, divided into three portions, and incubated at 5, 15, or 36 
      degrees C for 24 h, during which time rigor mortis developed. ST at 36  degrees C
      had a significantly (P<0.05) lower pH at 3 h than LD incubated at the same
      temperature. However, pH values became similar after 3 h. Both muscles at 5 and
      15  degrees C had almost similar pH during rigor development, with significantly
      (P<0.05) lower pH for ST. Sarcomere length and WB-shear force did not differ
      significantly between muscles incubated at the same temperature. For both muscles
      at 5, 15, and 36  degrees C, sarcomere length was 1.52, 1.76 and 1.44 MUm, and WB
      shear force was 93.2, 55.9 and 45.1 N. The rates of MU-calpain autolysis and
      Troponin-T degradation were in the order of 36  degrees C>15  degrees C?5 
      degrees C, with a tendency for ST to have a slightly faster rate than LD muscle.
      Thus, the effect of sarcomere length on shear force may depend on the extent of
      proteolysis and the potential of endogenous proteolysis may supersede toughness
      caused by short sarcomeres. The toughness of cold shortened meat may depend more
      on endogenous enzymatic tenderization than shortened sarcomere length per se.

PMID- 22062420
TI  - Saturation with cholesterol increases vertical order and smoothes the surface of
      the phosphatidylcholine bilayer: a molecular simulation study.
AB  - Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of a mono-cis-unsaturated 1-palmitoyl-2
      oleoyl-phosphatidylcholine (POPC) bilayer and a POPC bilayer containing 50mol%
      cholesterol (POPC-Chol50) were carried out for 200ns to compare the spatial
      organizations of the pure POPC bilayer and the POPC bilayer saturated with Chol.
      The results presented here indicate that saturation with Chol significantly
      narrows the distribution of vertical positions of the center-of-mass of POPC
      molecules and POPC atoms in the bilayer. In the POPC-Chol50 bilayer, the same
      moieties of the lipid molecules are better aligned at a given bilayer depth,
      forming the following clearly separated membrane regions: the polar headgroup,
      the rigid core consisting of steroid rings and upper fragments of the acyl
      chains, and the fluid hydrocarbon core consisting of Chol chains and the lower
      fragments of POPC chains. The membrane surface of the POPC-Chol50 bilayer is
      smooth. The results have biological significance because the POPC-Chol50 bilayer
      models the bulk phospholipid portion of the fiber-cell membrane in the eye lens.
      It is hypothesized that in the eye lens cholesterol-induced smoothing of the
      membrane surface decreases light-scattering and helps to maintain lens
      transparency.

PMID- 22062422
TI  - Addition of synthetic and natural antioxidants to alpha-tocopheryl acetate
      supplemented beef patties: effects of antioxidants and packaging on lipid
      oxidation.
AB  - Friesian steers (n=5), aged 26-27 months, were fed a diet containing 2000
      (supplemented) IU alpha-tocopheryl acetate/head/day for approximately 50 days
      prior to slaughter. Muscularis semimembranosus muscles from supplemented cattle
      were held in frozen storage (-20 degrees C*12 weeks) following which they were
      minced and divided into five batches. The batches contained: (1) control,
      containing only vitamin E supplemented beef (C); (2) vitamin E supplemented beef
      with 4% soya oil (S); (3) vitamin E supplemented beef mixed with 0.2% Duralox NMC
      dissolved in 4% soya oil (R1); (4) vitamin E supplemented beef mixed with 0.25%
      Herbalox type 25 (containing 25 natural antioxidant extracts of rosemary)
      dissolved in 4% soya oil (R2); and (5) vitamin E supplemented beef mixed with a
      1:1 mixture of 0.01% (w/w) BHA and 0.01% (w/w) BHT dissolved in 4% soya oil (B).
      The meat was then aerobically packaged (A) or packaged under the following
      modified atmospheres (MAP); 30:70 (M(1)); 70:30 (M(2)) or 80:20 (M(3))
      (O(2):CO(2)). Oxidative stability (TBARS) and Hunter 'a' values (redness) were
      determined in all beef patties over 8 days of refrigerated (4 degrees C) storage.
      Under MAP or aerobic packaging conditions, elevated oxygen levels brought about
      increased (P<0.05) TBARS numbers during refrigerated storage. However, the
      addition of rosemary extracts or BHA/BHT significantly (P<0.05) improved the
      oxidative stability of dietary alpha-tocopheryl acetate supplemented beef.
      Rosemary extracts were as effective in reducing TBARS as the combination of
      synthetic antioxidants, BHA/BHT.

PMID- 22062421
TI  - The role of VDAC in cell death: friend or foe?
AB  - As the voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) forms the interface between
      mitochondria and the cytosol, its importance in metabolism is well understood.
      However, research on VDAC's role in cell death is a rapidly growing field,
      unfortunately with much confusing and contradictory results. The fact that VDAC
      plays a role in outer mitochondrial membrane permeabilization is undeniable,
      however, the mechanisms behind this remain very poorly understood. In this
      review, we will summarize the studies that show evidence of VDAC playing a role
      in cell death. To begin, we will discuss the evidence for and against VDAC's
      involvement in mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) and attempt to clarify
      that VDAC is not an essential component of the MPT pore (MPTP). Next, we will
      evaluate the remaining literature on VDAC in cell death which can be divided into
      three models: proapoptotic agents escaping through VDAC, VDAC homo- or hetero
      oligomerization, or VDAC closure resulting in outer mitochondrial membrane
      permeabilization through an unknown pathway. We will then discuss the growing
      list of modulators of VDAC activity that have been associated with
      induction/protection against cell death. This article is part of a Special Issue
      entitled: VDAC structure, function, and regulation of mitochondrial metabolism.

PMID- 22062423
TI  - Occurrence of Escherichia coli O157:H7, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella and
      Campylobacter spp. on beef carcasses in Northern Ireland.
AB  - A survey of beef carcasses was conducted in all 10 European community approved
      abattoirs in Northern Ireland to determine the incidence of Escherichia coli
      O157:H7. Analyses were based on excised samples of neck meat taken less than 48 h
      post-kill. Overall, 780 carcasses were sampled and all were negative for E. coli
      O157:H7. A sub-set of samples was analysed for the presence of Listeria
      monocytogenes (n=200), Salmonella (n=200) and Campylobacter spp.(n=100). L.
      monocytogenes was not detected but Listeria innocua was found on five carcasses
      and Listeria seeligeri on one. Three carcasses carried salmonellas; Salmonella
      Mbandaka was found on two and Salmonella Thompson on one. Campylobacter spp. were
      not detected on any carcasses. The results indicate that very few beef carcasses
      in Northern Ireland appear to carry any of the four pathogens sought, and this
      may help explain the low incidence of E. coli O157:H7 in the Northern Ireland
      human population, relative to the rest of the UK.

PMID- 22062424
TI  - Effect of pre-slaughter physiological conditions on the oxidative stability of
      colour and lipid during chill storage of pork.
AB  - The physiological condition of the live animal was found to significantly affect
      colour, lipid oxidation and water holding capacity of chill stored pork chops (M.
      Longissimus dorsi) in a study, where various pre-slaughter conditions were
      achieved by the following four treatments: (A) control; (B) subjected to
      treadmill exercise immediately prior to stunning; (C) given epinephrine injection
      15 h prior to slaughter; and (D) given epinephrine injection 15 h before
      slaughter and further subjected to treadmill exercise immediately before
      stunning. The treatments resulted in variations in energy metabolites (glycogen,
      lactate, creatine phosphate, ATP) and ultimate pH (pH(u)), with the lowest pH(u)
      in chops from treatments A and B, and in significantly different tristimulus
      colour L(*)-, a(*)- and b(*)-parameters, although the effect of treatment on
      colour was not consistent during the chill storage period of 6 days. Overall,
      chops from treatments A and B had significantly higher L(*)- and b(*)-values
      (were paler and less blue) than chops from C and D during storage under
      conditions typical for retail trade. The initial a(*)-values were higher (redder)
      in chops from treatments A and B, but the colour, as judged by the a(*)-values,
      was less stable in meat from these treatments compared with treatments C and D.
      Lipid oxidation, evaluated by thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in
      the fresh meat, and drip loss, measured after 6 days of storage, were both
      significantly higher in chops from treatments A and B compared to chops obtained
      from treatments C and D. Statistical analysis relating the pH and the level of
      various energy metabolites post-mortem in the individual animals to the measured
      quality parameters, revealed that pH(u) was the most important factor affecting
      product quality. In conclusion, over all product quality depends on obtaining a
      pH(u) in the narrow range where both meat quality parameters such as colour,
      lipid oxidation and drip loss as well as microbiological aspects have to be
      considered.

PMID- 22062425
TI  - Productivity and carcass characteristics of pure and crossbred Chinese Yellow
      Cattle.
AB  - The carcass characteristics of 334 Chinese Yellow Cattle, and their Simmental and
      Limousin crosses, were investigated in abattoirs in Hebei and Sandong provinces
      of China. The overall slaughter age was 4.8+/-2.2 years at a mean liveweight of
      527.28+/-77.0 kg. Mean ages and liveweights for Yellow Cattle and its crosses
      were, respectively, 5.29+/-2.03 and 2.85+/-1.71 years and 519.43+/-78.7 and
      563.13+/-56.8 kg. Carcass weights varied considerably and, consequently, so did
      subcutaneous fat depths and dressing percentages. Overall, mean carcass weights,
      subcutaneous fat depths and, dressing percentages and eyemuscle areas were
      283.9+/-64.1 kg, 14.0+/-8.0 mm, 54.0+/-4.0%, and 62.7 +/-13.3 cm(2),
      respectively. Compared with pure Yellow Cattle, the crosses were slaughtered at
      younger age, and had larger live and carcass weights, higher dressing
      percentages, less subcutaneous fat depth and bigger eyemuscle areas. It is
      concluded that crossbreeding can significantly improve Yellow Cattle' meat
      productivity, however feeding systems need to be improved and an appropriate
      grading system developed to improve beef production and quality in China.

PMID- 22062426
TI  - Post-mortem evolution of non-protein nitrogen and its peptide composition in
      growing lamb muscles.
AB  - Twenty-two 4-month-old lambs were used in two experiments to assess the effects
      of growth rate, induced by different feeding levels, and ageing (21 days, 4
      degrees C) on non-protein nitrogen (NPN) contents and their peptide composition.
      Muscle (Longissimus dorsi, Semimembranosus) and sex (male, female) effects were
      also studied. During ageing, NPN contents increased (15-20%). This variation
      represented 1.6-2.8% of total nitrogen. Peptides extracted from fresh muscles
      were in the range of molecular weight (MW) up to 12 kDa, the majority being less
      than 2.4 kDa (45-48%). During ageing, peptide average MW decreased (11.5-27.6%).
      High growth rate increased NPN contents at slaughter (+6-14%) and during ageing.
      Peptide average MW and post-mortem proteolysis rate as with to NPN variations
      were also higher. Differences between sex were observed at the end of the ageing
      period. Muscle effects were observed on the peptide class from 6.8 to 3.4 kDa.

PMID- 22062427
TI  - Use of calcium lactate with salt-phosphate and alginate-calcium gels in
      restructured pork rolls.
AB  - The study was carried out to evaluate restructured pork rolls (RPR) prepared by
      using salt-phosphate and alginate-calcium gels with or without calcium lactate.
      Five types of RPR were prepared with: (1) 1.75% sodium chloride+0.3 phosphate
      (SP); (2) 1.75% sodium chloride+0.3% phosphate+0.3% calcium lactate (SPL); (3)
      0.7% sodium alginate+0.125% calcium carbonate (AC); (4) 0.7% sodium alginate+0.3%
      calcium lactate (AL); and (5) 0.7% sodium alginate+0.125% calcium carbonate+0.3%
      calcium lactate (ACL). Cooking yield and cooked binding strength were
      significantly (P<0.05) higher in RPR containing salt and phosphate whereas pH and
      raw binding strength were significantly (P<0.05) higher in RPR containing
      alginate and calcium. Texture profile analysis indicated significantly (P<0.05)
      higher firmness and cohesiveness in RPR containing SPL and ACL. Sensory scores
      were significantly (P<0.05) higher in SP, SPL and ACL than AC and AL treatments.
      Results of storage studies indicated significant (P<0.05) increases in pH, TBARS
      numbers, metmyoglobin and microbial counts with storage in all the treatments.
      The results suggest that quality characteristics of raw product were better when
      RPR were prepared with alginate-calcium whereas quality characteristics of cooked
      product were better when rolls were prepared with salt-phosphate. Further,
      addition of calcium lactate improved sensory characteristics and shelf life of
      both alginate-calcium and salt-phosphate restructured pork rolls.

PMID- 22062428
TI  - Carcass traits, muscle characteristics, and palatability attributes of lambs
      expressing the callipyge phenotype.
AB  - Dorset*Suffolk crossbred wethers expressing a normal phenotype (normal, n=10) and
      callipyge phenotype (CLPG, n=9) were fed individually and slaughtered upon
      reaching maximum growth potential. Carcass weight did not differ (P>0.05), but
      fat thickness was lower (0.30 vs. 0.56 cm), ribeye area was greater (24.4 vs.
      16.6 cm(2)), and USDA yield grade was improved (1.6 vs. 2.6) for CLPG carcasses
      (P < 0.05). Carcasses from CLPG demonstrated higher cutability and a more
      desirable muscle to bone ratio, with less fat and more lean as a percentage of
      total side weight (P<0.05). Biceps femoris (BF), semitendinosus (ST),
      semimembranosus (SM), longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL), and triceps brachii
      (TB) were used to compare muscle characteristics of both phenotypes. Muscle from
      normal lambs had lower calpastatin activity, higher fat percentages and lower
      moisture percentages (P<0.05). Total amount and solubility of collagen were not
      affected by phenotype nor was sarcomere length. Shear force and trained sensory
      attributes were evaluated for BF and LTL only. Shear force values did not differ
      between normal and CLPG BF while CLPG LTL had higher (P< 0.05) shear force values
      than normal LTL. Biceps femoris did not differ between phenotypes in trained
      sensory panel ratings. However, CLPG LTL received the lowest sensory ratings for
      connective tissue amount and myofibrillar and overall tenderness (6.11, 4.97, and
      4.95, respectively) and the normal LTL received the highest ratings (P < 0.05;
      7.10, 7.00, and 6.90, respectively). The CLPG phenotype had a positive influence
      on carcass characteristics but had a negative influence on tenderness of some
      muscles, possibly through the myofibrillar component of the muscle.

PMID- 22062429
TI  - Effect of dietary alpha-tocopherol supplementation on color and lipid stability
      in pork.
AB  - Myoglobin and lipid oxidation are major causes of quality deterioration in fresh
      pork. A process to enhance color and lipid stability would prove valuable to the
      pork industry given the current trend of centralized packaging and distribution
      to retail markets. Our objective was to determine the effects of dietary alpha
      tocopherol (alpha-Toc) supplementation on color and lipid stability in ground
      pork, and loin chops stored in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP). Yorkshire
      crossbred pigs (n=20) were randomized into two groups and fed diets containing 48
      (CON) or 170 mg alpha-Toc acetate/kg feed (VIT-E) for 6 weeks before slaughter.
      Plasma alpha-Toc concentration was measured weekly. Post-slaughter, Boston butt
      shoulders were ground, formed into patties with or without 1.5% salt, and stored
      fresh at 4 degrees C for 0, 2, 4, or 6 days, and frozen at -20 degrees C for 45
      or 90 days. Pork loin chops were packaged aerobically and stored at 4 degrees C
      for 0, 2, 4 or 6 days, or in MAP at 4 degrees C for 7, 10 or 13 days prior to
      Hunter L*,a*,b* and TBARS analyses. alpha-Toc concentration of longissimus dorsi,
      psoas major, biceps femoris, semimembranosus and semitendinosus muscles was
      determined. Plasma alpha-Toc was greater (P<0.05) in VIT-E animals compared with
      CON and alpha-Toc concentrations were greater (P<0.05) in all VIT-E muscles
      compared with CON. TBARS values of both fresh and salted patties were less in VIT
      E than in CON meat following 6 days at 4 degrees C; VIT-E TBARS of salted patties
      were less (P<0.05) after 45 days at -20 degrees C compared with CON. alpha-Toc
      supplementation did not influence (P>0.05) color of aerobically packaged or MAP
      chops, or of fresh or salted pork patties. alpha-Toc supplementation reduced
      TBARS formation in fresh and salted pork but had no significant impact on color.

PMID- 22062430
TI  - Analysis of visible reflectance spectra of stored, cooked and diseased chicken
      meats.
AB  - Visible spectra of cold stored, cooked, and diseased chicken meats were
      collected. Changes in ratios of R(1)=A(485 nm)/A(560 nm) and R(2)=A(635 nm)/A(560
      nm,) which are related to absorbances of the bands at 485 (metmyoglobin), 560
      (oxymyoglobin), and 635 nm (sulfmyoglobin), were observed to be useful for
      studying the variation of meat color under the conditions of cold storage and
      cooking process. Such a strategy was also applied to classify fresh-raw wholesome
      and unwholesome meats into respective classes, and the result was compared with
      that produced from a chemometric model. The strategy might be used as a simple
      methodology for monitoring the color variation of meats where the development of
      the chemometric model is either impractical or not desirable.

PMID- 22062431
TI  - Effects of dietary vitamin E supplementation and packaging on the colour
      stability of sliced pasteurized beef ham.
AB  - The effect of supplementation of vitamin E (2025 IU animal(-1) day(-1)) in the
      diet of beef bulls on the colour stability of pasteurized beef ham was studied.
      Control and enriched diets were provided for the last 136 days before slaughter.
      Pasteurized hams were manufactured from Mm. semitendinosus from eight animals per
      dietary group. Half of the samples of sliced ham from control (CON) and
      supplemented (SUP) bulls were packaged under vacuum (VAC) and half in low-oxygen
      modified atmosphere packs (FOG, gas mixture: CO(2)/N(2)=50/50). The packages were
      kept under constant illumination for 28 days at 8 degrees C. During storage, the
      number of colony-forming units (CFU) reached a maximum of 5x10(7) g(-1). The
      microflora was dominated by lactic acid bacteria. The supplementation with
      vitamin E showed no effect on microbial growth. Lipid oxidation was stable during
      storage. A significant difference between both dietary groups was detected for
      the decrease in the redness values during storage. Redness values of CON vacuum
      packaged samples decreased (P < 0.01) with time, whereas those for the SUP
      products only tended to decrease. The redness values of FOG-packed ham were
      higher than those of VAC-packed ham at the end of the display period,
      irrespective of the dietary group. Overall, colour appeared to be more stable in
      the FOG-packed products than in the VAC-packed products. It can be concluded that
      dietary supplementation of bulls with vitamin E appears to offer only a minor
      improvement in colour stability over current feeding regimens when the Mm.
      semitendinosus are used to make cured, pasteurized ham-type products.

PMID- 22062432
TI  - Effect of substituting pork backfat with rind on quality characteristics of pork
      sausage.
AB  - A study was conducted in which pork backfat in pork sausage was replaced with
      rind at 0, 33, 66 and 100% levels. The high moisture and high protein content of
      rind consequently influenced the moisture and protein content of the final
      products. The fat level decreased with increase in the level of rind in the
      sausage. The lowest fat content of 7.99% was recorded on batch 4 sausage with
      100% rind replacement level. Replacement of pork backfat with rind decreased
      refrigeration and cooking weight losses. The values obtained for sensory
      properties decreased with increase in the level of rind in the sausage. Up to 66%
      pork backfat can be replaced with rind in pork sausage without adverse effect on
      processing yield.

PMID- 22062433
TI  - Influence of weak organic acids and salts on the denaturation characteristics of
      intramuscular connective tissue. A differential scanning calorimetry study.
AB  - Intramuscular connective tissue obtained from Longissimus dorsi muscle of a 4
      year-old beef carcass was treated with NaCl solutions of 2, 4, and 6% (w/v), and
      CaCl(2) solutions of 50, 100, and 150 mM, and citric and lactic acid solutions of
      0.5, 1.0, and 1.5% for three different marinating periods (24, 46, and 72 h).
      Changes in denaturation characteristics were investigated using differential
      scanning calorimetry and it was found that the denaturation onset temperature
      (T(o)) and the denaturation peak temperature (T(p)) increased as the NaCl
      concentration increased but decreased as the CaCl(2) concentration increased,
      irrespective of marinating time. Lactic and citric acid decreased T(o) to about
      39 degrees C, from over 60 degrees C breaking the structure of fibrils.

PMID- 22062434
TI  - The effects of ascorbic acid, taurine, carnosine and rosemary powder on colour
      and lipid stability of beef patties packaged in modified atmosphere.
AB  - This research was aimed at evaluating the inhibition of oxidative changes of beef
      patties packaged in modified atmosphere (70% O(2)+20% CO(2)+10% N(2)) by natural
      antioxidants: ascorbic acid (500 ppm), taurine (50 mM), carnosine (50 mM),
      rosemary powder (1000 ppm) and their combinations with the first. Beef patties
      stored at 2+/-1 degrees C for 20 days were evaluated for colour (L*, a*, b*, C*
      and H*), TBARS, metmyoglobin formation (% of total myoglobin), psychrotrophic
      microbial counts and sensory odour and discolouration. Rosemary, either alone or
      with ascorbic acid, was highly effective in inhibiting both metmyoglobin
      formation and lipid oxidation; sensory analysis was in agreement with these
      results. Ascorbic acid, ascorbic acid+taurine and ascorbic acid+carnosine
      treatments showed a limited inhibitory effect of myoglobin oxidation, while
      carnosine and carnosine+ascorbic acid were effective in inhibiting lipid
      oxidation. Taurine alone failed to exert any antioxidant effect. Principal
      components analysis confirmed these results.

PMID- 22062435
TI  - Cholesterol oxidation products in irradiated raw meat with different packaging
      and storage time.
AB  - The effect of irradiation and packaging conditions on the formation of
      cholesterol oxidation products (COPs) as well as lipid oxidation products was
      determined in raw turkey leg, beef, and pork loin meat during 7 days of storage.
      Ground turkey leg, beef, and pork loin muscles were prepared as patties. The
      patties were individually packaged either in oxygen-permeable or impermeable
      bags, irradiated at 0 or 4.5 kGy using a Linear Accelerator, and stored at 4
      degrees C. The COPs such as 7alpha-hydroxycholesterol, 7beta-hydroxycholesterol,
      and 7-ketocholesterol were detected in fresh raw meats at 0 day at the level of
      10.9 to 49.2 MUg/g lipid. After 7 days of storage, other COPs such as epoxides,
      20alpha-hyroxycholesterol, and choletanetriol were formed in mainly aerobically
      packaged and irradiated raw meats. Packaging effect was more crucial on the
      cholesterol and lipid oxidation than irradiation. In aerobically packaged and
      irradiated meats, turkey leg muscles had higher COPs value than beef or pork did.
      COPs and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) values had a strongly
      positive correlation in turkey leg and pork. But, cholesterol oxidation in beef
      proceeded in irradiated and aerobically stored samples despite of its low level
      of TBARS value.

PMID- 22062437
TI  - Theories and mechanisms of aging.
AB  - This article discusses various theories of aging and their relative plausibility
      related to the human aging process. Structural and physiologic changes of aging
      are discussed in detail by organ system. Each of the organ systems is discussed
      when applicable to the various theories of aging. Normal versus abnormal aging is
      discussed in the context of specific aging processes, with atypical presentations
      of disease and general links to life expectancy. Life expectancy and lifespan are
      discussed in the context of advances in medical science and the potential
      ultimate link to human life span.

PMID- 22062438
TI  - State of the art in anti-aging trends.
AB  - This chapter is an effort to provide a cursory overview of current paradigms in
      the realm of anti-aging medicine. This subject will be evaluated according to
      current philosophic, clinical and scientific perspectives which are predominant
      in the field at this time.

PMID- 22062439
TI  - Aging and disease prevention.
AB  - This article reviews evidence-based recommendations for geriatric prevention
      disciplines and topics including health behaviors (e.g., smoking cessation,
      physical activity), metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases, cancers,
      immunizations, depression, the promotion of independence,and polypharmacy.
      Recommendations for both the one-on-one, clinic-based setting and for community
      wide initiatives are covered for each topic, as appropriate.

PMID- 22062440
TI  - Hormone replacement therapy in the geriatric patient: current state of the
      evidence and questions for the future. Estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and
      thyroid hormone augmentation in geriatric clinical practice: part 1.
AB  - This article presents an up-to-date review of the literature on hormone
      augmentation in the elderly to help primary care physicians better evaluate and
      utilize hormone replacement and optimization strategies to benefit their
      patients. The scientific literature suggests that hormone supplementation with
      estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, growth hormone, and thyroid hormone has the
      potential to improve quality of life and to prevent, or reverse, the many
      symptoms and conditions associated with aging, including fatigue, depression,
      weight gain,frailty, osteoporosis, loss of libido, and heart disease. Possible
      long-term side effects are also considered.

PMID- 22062441
TI  - Hormone replacement therapy in the geriatric patient: current state of the
      evidence and questions for the future--estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, and
      thyroid hormone augmentation in geriatric clinical practice: part 2.
AB  - The data reviewed herein show that hormone replacement therapies improve some
      conditions associated with aging. Additionally, some of the long-held fears of
      significant side effects associated with hormone supplementation may be
      overstated, especially when providing patients with individualized care and
      optimal monitoring. We encourage clinicians to consider such interventions based
      on the evidence presented.More long-term studies are needed to further quantify
      and substantiate the risks and benefits associated with the use of such
      therapies.

PMID- 22062442
TI  - Diets for successful aging.
AB  - The effects of different dietary patterns on specific age-related illness and
      overall longevity are discussed.

PMID- 22062443
TI  - Aging and the effects of vitamins and supplements.
AB  - Vitamin supplements are commonly consumed by elderly patients. This article
      reviews the evidence behind vitamin supplementation in preventing disease states
      common in older age, with an emphasis on randomized controlled trials. In
      addition to vitamins, some commonly used supplements, such as ginkgo, DHEA, and
      omega-3 fatty acids, are also discussed.

PMID- 22062444
TI  - Aging and toxins.
AB  - This article addresses physiologic organ system and cellular mechanisms of common
      toxic exposure in the elderly population. Air pollution, tobacco, alcohol, heat,
      cold, water pollution, medications, herbals,radiation, and other chemicals are
      discussed.

PMID- 22062445
TI  - The aging brain and neurodegenerative diseases.
AB  - This article reviews the current thoughts on the effects of aging on the brain.
      Mechanisms of neurodegeneration are discussed, particularly those associated with
      Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. Strategies of early detection of
      presymptomatic disease and potential future treatments are explored. Modification
      of risk factors and lifestyles for disease prevention is discussed.

PMID- 22062446
TI  - Psychosocial factors in aging.
AB  - Many psychosocial factors have been associated with successful aging. The impact
      of social relationships, personality factors, self-perceptions,and
      religiosity/spirituality is reviewed in this article and recommendations for
      enhancing psychological aging are provided.

PMID- 22062447
TI  - Aging and exercise.
AB  - In older adults, regular exercise provides numerous health benefits that include
      improvements in blood pressure, coronary artery disease,diabetes, lipid profile,
      osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, mood,neurocognitive function, and overall morbidity
      and mortality. This article discusses the benefits of exercise in the elderly and
      how physicians can help such patients overcome barriers to exercise (eg,sedentary
      lifestyle, lack of education, coexisting morbidities), and offers some practical
      exercise prescriptions for both healthy and compromised elderly patients.

PMID- 22062448
TI  - Fatigue and chronic fatigue in the elderly: definitions, diagnoses, and
      treatments.
AB  - Because fatigue is so prevalent in the elderly population, it is important that
      physicians be well versed in the evaluation and management of this complaint.
      This article discusses the clinical manifestations and predisposing factors for
      the three major categories of fatigue: recent, prolonged, and chronic. The CDC
      classification of chronic fatigue syndrome is included. Patient dissatisfaction
      with the care for their fatigue is a common problem. Several pharmaceutical
      treatment methods are presented. Non-pharmacologic options, such as use of
      vitamins, exercise, behavior modification,and diet are also discussed.

PMID- 22062449
TI  - Toward a comprehensive differential diagnosis and clinical approach to fatigue in
      the elderly.
AB  - This article provides primary care physicians with an encompassing approach to
      fatigue to help generate a comprehensive differential diagnosis. Two-thirds of
      patients with fatigue will have an identifiable cause that can be elucidated with
      a careful history and appropriate laboratory tests. Accordingly, a wide range of
      differential diagnoses is presented.

PMID- 22062450
TI  - The rapidly changing field of "aging optimization medicine.".

PMID- 22062451
TI  - The human brain in 1700 pieces: design and development of a three-dimensional,
      interactive and reference atlas.
AB  - As the human brain is the most complex living organ, constructing its detailed
      model with exploration capabilities in a form of an atlas is a challenge. Our
      overall goal is to construct an advanced, detailed, parcellated, labeled,
      accurate, interactive, three-dimensional (3D), and scalable whole human brain
      atlas of structure, vasculature, tracts and systems. The objectives of this work
      are three-fold; to present: (1) method of atlas design and development including
      design principles, accuracy requirements, atlas content, architecture,
      functionality, user interface, and customized tools; (2) creation of an atlas of
      structure and systems including its modeling method and validation; and (3)
      integration of this atlas with the cerebrovasculature and tracts created earlier.
      The atlas is created from multiple in vivo 3/7 T scans. Its design based on
      "pyramidal principle" enables scalability while preserving design principles and
      exploits interaction paradigm "from blocks to brain". The atlas contains (1)
      navigator with modules for system/object/object state management, interaction,
      user interfacing, and rendering; and (2) brain model with cerebrum, cerebellum,
      brainstem, spinal cord, white matter, deep structures, systems, ventricles,
      arteries, veins, sinuses, and tracts. The brain model is parcellated, labeled,
      consistent, realistic, of high resolution, polygonal/volumetric, dissectible,
      extendable, and deformable. It has over 1700 3D components. The atlas has sub
      voxel accuracy of 0.1mm and the smallest vessels of 80 MUm. Brain exploration
      includes dynamic scene composition, manipulation-independent 3D labeling,
      interaction combined with animation, meta-labeling, and quantification. This
      atlas is useful in education, research, and clinical applications. It can
      potentially be foundation for a multi-level molecular-cellular-anatomical
      physiological-behavioral platform.

PMID- 22062452
TI  - Fat deposition, fatty acid composition and meat quality: A review.
AB  - This paper reviews the factors affecting the fatty acid composition of adipose
      tissue and muscle in pigs, sheep and cattle and shows that a major factor is the
      total amount of fat. The effects of fatty acid composition on meat quality are
      also reviewed. Pigs have high levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA),
      including the long chain (C20-22) PUFA in adipose tissue and muscle. The full
      range of PUFA are also found in sheep adipose tissue and muscle whereas cattle
      'conserve' long chain PUFA in muscle phospholipid. Linoleic acid (18:2n-6) is a
      major ingredient of feeds for all species. Its incorporation into adipose tissue
      and muscle in relation to the amount in the diet is greater than for other fatty
      acids. It is deposited in muscle phospholipid at a high level where it and its
      long chain products eg aracidonic acid (20:4n-6) compete well for insertion into
      phospholipid molecules. Its proportion in pig adipose tissue declines as fat
      deposition proceeds and is an index of fatness. The same inverse relationships
      are not seen in ruminant adipose tissue but in all species the proportion of
      18:2n-6 declines in muscle as fat deposition increases. The main reason is that
      phospholipid, where 18:2n-6 is located, declines as a proportion of muscle lipid
      and the proportion of neutral lipid, with its higher content of saturated and
      monounsaturated fatty acids, increases. Oleic acid (18:1cis-9), formed from
      stearic acid (18:0) by the enzyme stearoyl Co-A desaturase, is a major component
      of neutral lipid and in ruminants the same enzyme forms conjugated linoleic acid
      (CLA), an important nutrient in human nutrition. Like 18:2n-6, alpha-linolenic
      acid (18:3n-3) is an essential fatty acid and is important to ruminants since it
      is the major fatty acid in grass. However it does not compete well for insertion
      into phospholipid compared with 18:2n-6 and its incorporation into adipose tissue
      and muscle is less efficient. Greater biohydrogenation of 18:3n-3 and a long
      rumen transit time for forage diets also limits the amount available for tissue
      uptake compared with 18:2n-6 from concentrate diets. A positive feature of grass
      feeding is that levels of the nutritionally important long chain n-3 PUFA are
      increased ie EPA (20:5n-3) and DHA (22:6n-3). Future research should focus on
      increasing n-3 PUFA proportions in lean carcasses and the use of biodiverse
      pastures and conservation processes which retain the benefits of fresh leafy
      grass offer opportunities to achieve this. The varying fatty acid compositions of
      adipose tissue and muscle have profound effects on meat quality. Fatty acid
      composition determines the firmness/oiliness of adipose tissue and the oxidative
      stability of muscle, which in turn affects flavour and muscle colour. Vitamin E
      is an essential nutrient, which stabilises PUFA and has a central role in meat
      quality, particularly in ruminants.

PMID- 22062453
TI  - Improving ground beef safety and stabilizing color during irradiation using
      antioxidants, reductants or TSP.
AB  - The objective of this research was to extend ground beef retail display life
      using antioxidants, reductants, and/or TSP treatments combined with electron beam
      irradiation. Ground beef was produced with added butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)
      plus butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) with the following combinations; (1)
      ascorbate; (2) trisodium phosphate(buffer); (3) erythorbate; (1) and (2); (1) and
      (3); (1), (2), and (3); and an untreated control, C. Half of the treated samples
      were irradiated (I) at 2.0kGy-absorbed dose under a nitrogen atmosphere, half
      remained non-irradiated (N). Samples were displayed under atmospheric oxygen and
      evaluated for total aerobic plate count (TPC), thiobarbituric acid reactive
      substances (TBARS) and instrumental color during 9d of simulated retail display
      (SRD). Controls had the highest (P<0.05) TBARS value and the lowest (P<0.05)
      redness (CIE a*), proportion of oxymyoglobin and vividness. Treated irradiated
      samples were just as red and vivid on SRD day 9 as the non-irradiated untreated
      control at day 0. Treatments stabilized color and lipids of ground beef after
      irradiation and during SRD.

PMID- 22062454
TI  - Effect of muscle location, fiber direction, and slice thickness on the processing
      characteristics and tenderness of beef stir-fry strips from the round and chuck.
AB  - The objective was to assess different beef muscles for use as stir-fry. Inside
      round, outside round, eye of round, knuckle, chuck clod, and chuck tender were
      obtained from six beef carcasses. Different slice thickness (2, 4, or 8mm) and
      muscle fiber direction were evaluated. Slices were cooked from frozen on a flat
      grill and then cut into strips for shear and sensory testing. While meat cut had
      little effect on shear values of these thin slices, increasing slice thickness
      greatly affected tenderness and cook yield. The sensory panel found that strips
      from the knuckle were more tender and juicy, with less connective tissue and with
      a better flavor than that of slices from the eye of round and outside round.
      Increasing slice thickness resulted in detection of greater amounts of connective
      tissue but did not result in a significant difference in the perception of
      tenderness. Fiber direction was also of importance. Slices removed perpendicular
      to the fiber direction had shear values up to 50% lower than slices removed
      parallel.

PMID- 22062455
TI  - Changes in collagen, texture and sensory properties of meat when selecting
      rabbits for growth rate.
AB  - The consequences of selection for growth rate and the associated decrease of
      maturity at slaughter in rabbits on collagen content, collagen solubility, meat
      texture (Warner-Bratzler shear device) and the sensory properties of the m.
      Longissimus were studied. Sixty rabbits from the 7th generation of a line
      selected for growth rate (group C) were compared to 60 rabbits from the 23rd
      generation of the same line (group S). Both groups were contemporarily reared and
      slaughtered at 2000g. No changes on collagen content were found, but group S had
      a higher (5%) collagen solubility. Shear force, shear firmness and area or total
      work needed to cut the sample were not different between groups, and hardness
      evaluated in the panel test was not relevantly changed. Most of the sensory
      properties studied did not differ relevantly between groups. Group S had 8% less
      aniseed odour and 10% more juiciness.

PMID- 22062456
TI  - Use of starter cultures of dairy origin in the production of Salame nostrano, an
      Italian dry-cured sausage.
AB  - The aim of this study was the evaluation of the use of selected lactic acid
      bacteria (LAB) starter culture of dairy origin in the production of low-acid
      fermented sausages (Salame nostrano) produced in a small-scale plant in Umbria
      (Italy), and their effect on microbiological, physico-chemical and sensorial
      properties of the products. Salame nostrano was obtained with two different
      technological processes: with and without the addition of selected LAB starter
      cultures. Microbial counts of safety indicators were lower in salami made with
      the addition of starter cultures. Pathogens after the first week of ripening were
      only detected from salami made without the addition of starter cultures. Control
      salami were rated as paler and harder, whereas those made with the addition of
      starter cultures as slightly saltier, juicier and in general more acceptable.
      Selected dairy-origin starter (SDS) cultures did prevent the growth of safety
      indicators, greatly reduced the rate of isolation of pathogens and increased the
      acceptability of full-ripened salami.

PMID- 22062457
TI  - Quantitative analysis of pork dry-cured sausages to quality control by NIR
      spectroscopy.
AB  - Near infrared spectroscopy technology (diode array instrument) was used to study
      the feasibility of applying quality controls to typical Spanish sausages by
      performing a proximate analysis (fat, moisture and protein) on the finished
      product (intact and homogenized). This could be used to provide quality controls
      at various stages once the finished product was obtained: finished product,
      storage, distribution and marketing. The selected models were calibrated and
      evaluated by cross and external validation. For intact products, coefficients of
      determination for calibration (R(2)) for fat, moisture and protein were 0.98,
      0.93 and 0.97, respectively. These values for homogenised products were 0.99,
      0.98 and 0.97, respectively. The standard errors of prediction (SEP) for external
      validation in intact products were 1.47%, 0.97% and 1.08% for fat, moisture and
      protein, respectively. In homogenised products, these values were lower: 0.71%,
      0.41% and 0.95%, respectively.

PMID- 22062458
TI  - Predicting the composition of lamb carcases using alternative fat and muscle
      depth measures.
AB  - Hot carcase weight (HCW) and the GR tissue depth (total tissue depth over the
      12th rib, 110mm from the midline) were measured on 312 crossbred (Poll
      Dorset*Merino) lambs with a mean live weight of 47kg. At a position 30mm distal
      to the lumbar-sacral junction, the depth (RMD) of the rump muscles was measured
      along with subcutaneous fat depth overlaying the m. gluteus medius (RFD). The
      subcutaneous fat depth over the m. longissimus (loin) at the 12th rib was
      measured (Fat C), as was the depth and width of the loin cross section (EMD and
      EMW, respectively). The right side of each carcase was scanned by a dual energy X
      ray bone densitometer and fat and lean weight determined and the percentage of
      lean and fat content in the carcases calculated. HCW alone accounted for 26% of
      the variation in percentage lean content (LC), with GR measurement being the
      single best predictor of LC (R(2)=48.1; r.s.d.=1.89). RFD provided a less
      accurate and precise estimate of LC (R(2)=37.3; r.s.d.=2.07) than either GR or
      Fat C (R(2)=46.5; r.s.d.=1.92). Inclusion of HCW with either GR or Fat C provided
      a small improvement in the amount of variation in LC which could be explained.
      The measurement of breeding animals by ultrasound includes the terms weight, Fat
      C and EMD. These predictors when combined explained 49% of the variation in LC
      whereas by comparison measures of weight, RFD and RMD only explained 42% of the
      variation in LC. The current method of measuring fat depth over the 12th/13th rib
      is practical and measurement over the rump does not present an advantage based on
      the results of this study.

PMID- 22062459
TI  - Low-fat sodium-reduced sausages: Effect of the interaction between locust bean
      gum, potato starch and kappa-carrageenan by a mixture design approach.
AB  - A mixture design approach was used to evaluate interactions between potato
      starch, locust bean gum and kappa-carrageenan and their effect on cooking yield,
      expressible moisture, texture and color in low-fat sodium-reduced sausages
      formulated with potassium and calcium chloride. Starch had a notable influence on
      cooking yield and texture, increasing product hardness and resilience as starch
      proportion increased. The added salt did not allow complete starch granule
      gelatinization and swelling, which negatively affected water retention,
      cohesiveness and lightness. Locust bean gum and kappa-carrageenan improved
      cooking yield and reduced expressible moisture in formulations containing higher
      proportions of potato starch. The presence of other ions could have enhanced
      kappa-carrageenan functionality and its synergistic interaction with locust bean
      gum, improving texture and water retention, with only minor effects on sausage
      color. At the lower tested proportions starch can be used as an extender in low
      fat cooked meat products if kappa-carrageenan and locust bean gum are included in
      similar proportions.

PMID- 22062460
TI  - Microbiological quality of freshly shot game in Germany.
AB  - In the framework of a project on the hygiene status of freshly shot game 289
      samples were microbiologically analysed: 127 samples from wild boars, 95 from roe
      deer and 67 from red deer. The microbiological parameters evaluated were the
      mesophilic aerobic count (APC), which showed mean log10-counts of 2.6cfu/cm(2)
      for roe deer, 2.9cfu/cm(2) for red deer and 3.2cfu/cm(2) for wild boars and the
      numbers of Enterobacteriaceae, which gave mean log10-values of 2.1cfu/cm(2) for
      all three species with differing ranges. The concentrations of coagulase positive
      staphylococci were >2.0 log10cfu/cm(2) between 3.2 and 6.3%, according to
      species. Listeria was found in 14 samples and three samples gave a positive
      result for Campylobacter. Salmonella was not found in any of the samples
      analysed.

PMID- 22062461
TI  - Influence of sex and terminal sire line on performance and carcass and meat
      quality of Iberian pigs reared under intensive production systems.
AB  - A trial was conducted to study the effects of sex (castrated males; females) and
      terminal sire line (DD, Danish Duroc; SD, Spanish Duroc; RIB, Retinto Iberian) on
      performance and carcass and meat quality of pigs slaughtered at 145kg body
      weight. The female line was pure Iberian in all cases. Each treatment was
      replicated five times (six pigs). Females were more efficient, had less carcass
      and inter- and intramuscular fat and more trimmed primal cuts yield than
      castrated males. Duroc sired pigs grew faster and had better feed conversion and
      carcass quality than RIB sired pigs. Crossbreeds from SD had less carcass yield
      than crossbreeds from DD or RIB. We conclude that productive performance and
      primal cuts yield were higher for females than for castrated males. Danish Duroc
      sires are an alternative to Spanish Duroc and Retinto Iberian sires for
      production of heavy pigs destined for the dry cured industry.

PMID- 22062462
TI  - The influence of cooking rate and holding time on beef chuck and round flavor.
AB  - Steaks from seven muscles from 10 beef carcasses were cooked quickly or slowly
      and held 0 or 1h to explore the influence of cooking rate and holding time on
      beef flavor. Moisture, ash, pH, and heme-iron concentration were determined for
      each muscle. Trained sensory panels evaluated the steaks for tenderness,
      juiciness, connective tissue, and off-flavor intensity in addition to identifying
      specific off-flavors. Off-flavor intensity was lowest when beef was cooked slowly
      (on a 149 degrees C gas grill instead of a 249 degrees C grill) and when it was
      held for 1h prior to sensory evaluation. The M. infraspinatus had the least
      intense off-flavor and the M. vastus intermedius had the most intense off-flavor.
      Slow cooking or holding for 1h prior to consumption reduced the intensity of off
      flavor in value cuts from the beef chuck and round while chemical characteristics
      did not contribute to off-flavor in this study.

PMID- 22062463
TI  - Addition of grape seed extract and bearberry to porcine diets: Influence on
      quality attributes of raw and cooked pork.
AB  - The effect of supplementation of pig diets with grape seed extract (GSE) (100,
      300, 700mg/kg feed) and bearberry (BB) (100, 300, 700mg/kg feed) for 56 days pre
      slaughter, on the oxidative stability and quality of raw and cooked M.
      longissimus dorsi (LD) was examined. Susceptibility of porcine liver, kidney and
      heart tissue homogenates to iron-induced (1mM FeSO(4)) lipid oxidation was also
      investigated. In raw LD steaks, stored in modified atmosphere packs (75% O(2):25%
      CO(2)) (MAP) for up to 16 days at 4 degrees C, surface lightness (CIE 'L' value),
      redness (CIE 'a' value), lipid stability (TBARS, mg MDA (malondialdehyde)/kg
      muscle) and pH were not significantly affected by supplemental GSE or BB.
      Similarly, the oxidative stability and sensory properties of cooked LD steaks,
      stored in MAP (70% N(2):30% CO(2)), for up to 28 days at 4 degrees C, were not
      enhanced by dietary GSE or BB. Iron-induced lipid oxidation increased in liver,
      kidney and heart tissue homogenates over the 24h storage period and
      susceptibility to oxidation followed the order: liver>heart>kidney. Dietary GSE
      or BB did not significantly reduce lipid oxidation in tissue homogenates.
      Potential reasons for the lack of efficacy of supplemental GSE and BB on pork
      quality were explored.

PMID- 22062464
TI  - Effect of replacing beef fat with hazelnut oil on quality characteristics of
      sucuk - A Turkish fermented sausage.
AB  - Turkish fermented sausages (sucuk) were produced by replacing 15, 30 and 50% of
      beef fat with hazelnut oil incorporated as pre-emulsified with simplesse((r)) 100
      (whey protein powder) Each treatment was formulated to contain 20% total fat and
      beef fat was the only fat material used in the control (C) group. After 12 days
      of fermentation and ripening, all sucuk samples had TBA values within acceptable
      limits (<1.0). Increasing levels of hazelnut oil in sucuk formulation increased
      penetrometer values (softer texture) and moisture content. Hazelnut oil
      replacement had a significant effect on redness values of the samples.
      Cholesterol content decreased progressively as the percentage of hazelnut oil
      increased in the formulation. Replacement of 50% beef fat with 50% hazelnut oil
      significantly increased MUFA, PUFA and MUFA+PUFA/SFA ratios. The use of hazelnut
      oil resulted in significant decreases in the slice appearance, texture and taste
      scores. However there was no significant difference in the overall acceptability
      score of samples, except those in which hazelnut oil replaced 15% beef fat, which
      had the highest score.

PMID- 22062465
TI  - Comparisons of longissimus muscle metabolic enzymes and muscle fiber types in
      Korean and western pig breeds.
AB  - We compared differentially expressed genes and muscle fiber types in the
      longissimus muscles of Korean native pigs (KNP) and the western meat-producing
      breeds Landrace and Yorkshire. The KNP breed exhibited a higher muscle fat
      content and more red meat color as determined by the a(*) (redness) value
      (P<0.01) and b(*) (yellowness) value (P<0.05) compared to the western breeds.
      Using differential display RT-PCR, we detected two genes that were differentially
      expressed in skeletal muscle among the pig breeds. These genes were identified as
      NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 and ATPase subunit 6 by cloning and sequencing
      analysis. Both of these genes are involved oxidative phosphorylation and
      therefore energy metabolism. The genes were more highly expressed in the KNP
      breed than in the other breeds, indicating that KNPs exhibit more oxidative
      metabolism than do the western breeds. We also analyzed the mRNA levels of myosin
      heavy-chain isoforms such as type I (oxidative), type IIb (glycolytic), and types
      IIa and IIx (intermediate) fibers using real-time RT-PCR. The mRNA levels of
      oxidative and intermediate fibers were elevated in the KNP breed, whereas the
      glycolytic fibers were more highly expressed in the Landrace and Yorkshire pigs.
      These results suggest that the elevated expression of the oxidation-related
      metabolism genes NADH dehydrogenase and ATPase is related to meat quality as
      indicated by a higher content of oxidative fibers and muscle fat, as well as
      redder meat color.

PMID- 22062466
TI  - Antioxidant effect of Cassia essential oil on deep-fried beef during the frying
      process.
AB  - The object of the research was to determine the antioxidant effect of cassia
      essential oil on deep-fried beef during the frying process. The rules and optimum
      processing conditions of deep-fried beef with addition of cassia essential oil
      were discussed through an orthogonal experiment and some single factor
      experiments (frying time, frying temperature, oil types and concentration of
      essential oil). The antioxidant effect was evaluated by peroxide and TBA value.
      Results showed that the antioxidant effect of cassia oil during the frying
      process was optimum under the conditions of 30MUL cassia oil/250mL palm oil,
      1.5min at 150 degrees C. The main compositions of cassia oil were analysed by GC
      MS method.

PMID- 22062467
TI  - Effect of silk flower hay (Calotropis procera Sw) feeding on the physical and
      chemical quality of Longissimus dorsi muscle of Santa Inez lambs.
AB  - The effect of different levels of silk flower hay (Calotropis procera Sw) in the
      diet of confined lambs by the substitution of the commonly used foraging broom
      corn hay (Sorghum bicolor L) was investigated to evaluate its possible effects on
      the growth and quality of the lamb meat. Twenty-four male Santa Inez lambs were
      divided in equal numbers into four treatment groups and fed diets containing 0%,
      16.7%, 33.3% and 50% of silk flower hay (SFH). Growth rate, feed intake and meat
      quality were investigated. Mean daily gains of lambs were 170g for control,
      180.5g for 16.7% SFH, 96.8g for 33.3% SFH and 22.9g for 50% SFH. The use of silk
      flower hay in the diet of Santa Inez lambs affected health of the animals and
      meat pH when the substitution of the forage was high, up to 50%; however, the
      general meat quality was not affected. Meat from animals fed with levels up to
      50% SFH had physical (Aw, a(*), b(*) and L(*)) and chemical (moisture, ash,
      lipid, phosphorus, iron, phospholipid and fatty-acid profile) parameters
      comparable to the control group (0% SFH). Among the various levels of
      substitution (16.7%, 33.3% and 50%) of silk flower hay in the diet tried in this
      work, the use of 16.7% was found to be an attractive and technically viable
      option for the Northeast region of Brazil.

PMID- 22062468
TI  - Characterisation of microbial deep spoilage in Iberian dry-cured ham.
AB  - The purpose of this work was to investigate the micro-organisms involved in
      overlooked "bone taint" spoilage of dry-cured Iberian hams. The physico-chemical
      characteristics of spoiled hams with 12 and 24 months of ripening, showing
      initial signs of alteration, were analyzed and their correlations with microbial
      counts studied. The spoilage potential of different microbial groups was assessed
      by the relationship between the microbial counts and the proteolysis level of
      spoilage as observed in the degradation of myofribrillar and sarcoplasmic protein
      fractions and in the changes in free amino acids. Non-enteric gram-negative
      bacteria (NEGN) were the dominant microbial group, showing a positive correlation
      with the moisture of spoiled hams. The Catalase-positive cocci (GPCP) growth was
      favoured by high NaCl concentrations in the spoiled hams, whereas the counts of
      Enterobacteriaceae were negatively affected by high NaCl concentration. The
      highest proteolytic microorganisms were the Gram-negative microbial groups
      playing Enterobacteriaceae a major role in the undesirable changes of the texture
      properties of the spoiled hams. With respect to the sensorial analysis, a synergy
      between NEGN and GPCP was observed in most of the strongly spoiled samples.

PMID- 22062469
TI  - Effect of genetic rabbit lines on lipid content, lipolytic activities and fatty
      acid composition of hind leg meat and perirenal fat.
AB  - The influence of genetic origin on lipid content, lipolytic activities and fatty
      acid composition of rabbit leg meat and perirenal fat was studied and changes in
      free fatty acids and oxidative parameters during refrigerated storage evaluated.
      Three rabbits lines were used, line R selected for growth rate and lines V and A
      selected for litter size at weaning. Line R had higher fat contents and higher
      lipolytic activities in the meat of the hind leg than lines A and V. Differences
      between lines were found in the fatty acids of the meat and perirenal fat. Lower
      SFA and higher PUFA percentages were found in line A. Free fatty acids and
      oxidative parameters were little influenced by rabbit line. Animals were measured
      at the same stage of maturity, thus it can be considered that differences found
      between lines are genetic differences and not differences due to the degree of
      maturity.

PMID- 22062470
TI  - Colour formation in fermented sausages by meat-associated staphylococci with
      different nitrite- and nitrate-reductase activities.
AB  - Three Staphylococcus strains, S. carnosus, S. simulans and S. saprophyticus,
      selected due to their varying nitrite and/or nitrate-reductase activities, were
      used to initiate colour formation during sausage fermentation. During
      fermentation of sausages with either nitrite or nitrate added, colour was
      followed by L(*)a(*)b measurements and the content of nitrosylmyoglobin
      (MbFe(II)NO) quantified by electron spin resonance (ESR). MbFe(II)NO was rapidly
      formed in sausages with added nitrite independent of the presence of nitrite
      reducing bacteria, whereas the rate of MbFe(II)NO formation in sausages with
      added nitrate depended on the specific Staphylococcus strain. Strains with high
      nitrate-reductase activity showed a significantly faster rate of pigment
      formation, but other factors were of influence as well. Product stability for the
      sliced, packaged sausage was evaluated as surface colour and oxidation by
      autofluorescence and hexanal content, respectively. No significant direct effect
      of the Staphylococcus addition was observed, however, there was a clear
      correspondence between high initial amount of MbFe(II)NO in the different
      sausages and the colour stability during storage. Autofluorescence data
      correlated well with hexanal content, and may be used as predictive tools.
      Overall, nitrite- and nitrate-reductase activities of Staphylococcus strains in
      nitrite-cured sausages were of limited importance regarding colour development,
      while in nitrate-cured sausages strains with higher nitrate reductase activity
      were crucial for ensuring optimal colour formation during initial fermentation
      stages.

PMID- 22062471
TI  - Muscle fiber and fatty acid profiles of Mertolenga-PDO meat.
AB  - The influence of phenotype and muscle type on intramuscular total lipids (ITL)
      neutral lipid (NL) and phospholipid (PL) compositions, cholesterol, alpha
      tocopherol and haem iron contents were evaluated in Semitendinosus (St),
      Longissimus dorsi (Ld) and Supraspinatus (Ss) muscles from 39 Mertolenga young
      bulls. The results showed that lipid, alpha-tocopherol, cholesterol and haemic
      iron contents were not influenced by phenotype. Furthermore, the individual
      effect of phenotype was not a significant source of variation on ITL, NL and PL
      fatty acid composition. Muscle histological traits from Unicolor phenotype (n=13)
      showed that Ss and Ld muscles exhibited higher proportion of type I (P<0.001) and
      oxidative fibers (P<0.001) and lower percentages of IIB fibers (P<0.001) than St.
      The Ss muscle, with higher relative area occupied by oxidative fibers (P<0.05
      0.001) than Ld and St, had higher ITL (P<0.001), NL (P<0.001), PL (P<0.05-0.01),
      alpha-tocopherol (P<0.001), cholesterol (P<0.01) and haem iron (P<0.001) contents
      than its counterparts. Muscle type notably affected ITL, as a result of its
      influence on NL rather than in PL composition.

PMID- 22062472
TI  - Screening for anti-listerial bacteriocin-producing lactic acid bacteria from
      "Gueddid" a traditionally Tunisian fermented meat.
AB  - Forty eight lactic acid bacteria strains isolated from "Gueddid", a traditionally
      Tunisian fermented meat, were screened for bacteriocin production. Four strains
      named MMZ 04, 09, 13, and 17 showed antimicrobial activity and were identified as
      Enterococcus faecium by molecular methods based on the 16S-23S rDNA ISR, PCR-RFLP
      analysis of the 16S-23S rDNA ISR and species-specific primers. The four
      antimicrobial compounds were heat stable (121 degrees C for 15min), active over a
      wide pH range (3-9) and the antimicrobial activity was lost after treatment with
      trypsin, alpha-chymotrypsin and proteinase K but not by lysozyme and lipase. The
      mode of action of enterocin MMZ17 was identified as bactericidal. The MMZ17
      bacteriocin was partially purified by ammonium sulphate precipitation and C(18)
      Sep-Pack chromatography. The apparent molecular size of enterocin MMZ17 as
      indicated by activity detection after SDS-PAGE was lower than 6.5 KDa. According
      to these assays, enterocin MMZ17 can be classified as a small, heat-stable
      Listeria-active peptide, presumably belonging to class IIa bacteriocins.

PMID- 22062473
TI  - Effect of processing on functional properties of animal blood plasma.
AB  - A number of functional and physical properties such as solubility, foam capacity,
      emulsifying stability and interfacial tension were compared for standard plasma,
      plasma decationed by ion exchange and plasma deionized by ultrafiltration (UF).
      The changes in functional properties can determine the use of a protein as an
      additive to a food product or invalidate its use. All samples had good functional
      properties and hence could be used in the formulation of food products. Results
      showed that ion exchange and UF improved emulsifying capacity while having little
      effect on the other functional properties.

PMID- 22062474
TI  - Sodium lactate influences myoglobin redox stability in vitro.
AB  - Injection-enhancement of beef with lactate improves color stability; however, the
      mechanism is unclear. Thus, our objectives were to assess the effects of sodium
      lactate on equine myoglobin redox stability in vitro. Oxymyoglobin at pH 5.6
      (50mM sodium citrate) and pH 7.4 (50mM sodium phosphate) was incubated at 4
      degrees C with lactate (0, 5, 10, 100, or 200mM) and myoglobin redox form was
      determined using absorbance spectra. Metmyoglobin formation at pH 5.6 and 7.4 was
      significantly (P<0.05) decreased by lactate at concentrations of 100 and 200mM.
      In general, increasing lactate concentration from 100 to 200mM increased (P<0.05)
      oxymyoglobin redox stability. This effect of lactate on myoglobin redox stability
      could be partially responsible for the improved color stability associated with
      lactate injection-enhanced beef products. Further work should determine the
      effect of lactate on beef myoglobin.

PMID- 22062475
TI  - Dissection of the functional domains of an archaeal Holliday junction helicase.
AB  - Helicases and nucleases form complexes that play very important roles in DNA
      repair pathways some of which interact with each other at Holliday junctions. In
      this study, we present in vitro and in vivo analysis of Hjm and its interaction
      with Hjc in Sulfolobus. In vitro studies employed Hjm from the hyperthermophilic
      archaeon Sulfolobus tokodaii (StoHjm) and its truncated derivatives, and
      characterization of the StoHjm proteins revealed that the N-terminal module
      (residues 1-431) alone was capable of ATP hydrolysis and DNA binding, while the C
      terminal one (residues 415-704) was responsible for regulating the helicase
      activity. The region involved in StoHjm-StoHjc (Hjc from S. tokodaii) interaction
      was identified as part of domain II, domain III (Winged Helix motif), and domain
      IV (residues 366-645) for StoHjm. We present evidence supporting that StoHjc
      regulates the helicase activity of StoHjm by inducing conformation change of the
      enzyme. Furthermore, StoHjm is able to prevent the formation of Hjc/HJ high
      complex, suggesting a regulation mechanism of Hjm to the activity of Hjc. We show
      that Hjm is essential for cell viability using recently developed genetic system
      and mutant propagation assay, suggesting that Hjm/Hjc mediated resolution of
      stalled replication forks is of crucial importance in archaea. A tentative
      pathway with which Hjm/Hjc interaction could have occurred at stalled replication
      forks is discussed.

PMID- 22062476
TI  - Changes in concentration of sarcoplasmic free calcium during post-mortem ageing
      of meat.
AB  - We studied post-mortem changes in the concentrations of sarcoplasmic free calcium
      in various meats to clarify the tenderisation mechanism of meat, taking
      sufficient care to prevent contamination with calcium ions other than those in
      meat. When minced meats were homogenised and concentrations of soluble calcium
      ions were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, it was found that
      the concentration of free calcium increased, the rate of increase varying
      depending on the species, and reached a narrow range of 210-230MUM regardless of
      the anatomical class of skeletal muscle, chronological ageing or animal and fowl
      species. The calcium concentration was 100nM immediately post-mortem when
      homogenisation was performed in the presence of 2 mM ATP. Phospholipids were
      liberated from the sarcoplasmic reticulum during ageing of meat. It is likely
      that calcium ions leak into the sarcoplasm through channels formed by
      phospholipid liberation.

PMID- 22062477
TI  - Effects of mid-summer transport duration on pre- and post-slaughter performance
      and pork quality in Mexico.
AB  - Seven hundred and fourteen pigs were monitored from transport to slaughter in
      July in three treatments: 8, 16 and 24 transport hours; lairage time for the
      three groups was of 8h. Transport duration significantly (P<0.05) affected live
      weight gain during the rest period. Weight gain percentages at lairage were
      0.05%, 0.78% and 1.15% for treatments 1, 2 and 3, respectively. Transport to
      slaughter loss percentage was 2.7%, 4.3% and 6.8% for each of the treatments.
      Short transport periods significantly increased carcass pH below normal values.
      Animals transported under acute stress (8h) showed pale carcasses (high
      possibilities of transforming into PSE meat). On the contrary, pigs transported
      for 24h had more dark red carcasses. Transport from farm to the slaughterhouse
      should take no more than 16h in order to improve carcass quality and animals'
      welfare.

PMID- 22062478
TI  - The pre- and post-grinding application of rosemary and its effects on lipid
      oxidation and color during storage of ground beef.
AB  - The timing of the application of rosemary extract was evaluated as one-way of
      minimizing myoglobin and lipid oxidation in ground beef. In experiment 1,
      rosemary extract was added to beef at four different stages namely trim, cube,
      coarse, and fine ground beef. The beef was evaluated for color and TBARS values
      during 144h of storage (4 degrees C). Results showed that when rosemary was added
      to the pre-grinding treatments of trim and cube, ground beef had the highest a(*)
      values (redness), oxymyoglobin content, and lowest TBARS values at 144h. In
      experiment 2, the effect of rosemary extract was evaluated on the color quality
      of case ready ground beef inoculated with 10(7)CFU/g Escherichia coli. Microbial
      counts, color, and TBARS values were measured during 144h of simulated storage.
      The results showed that both the rosemary treated samples that were inoculated
      and uninoculated remained redder longer and had lower TBARS values than the
      untreated inoculated and uninoculated controls. There was no significant
      inhibition of E. coli by the rosemary extract.

PMID- 22062479
TI  - Mechanical properties of type I and type IIB single porcine muscle fibres.
AB  - Single muscle fibres were isolated from longissimus dorsi (LD) and vastus
      intermedius muscles at 1 or 8 days post-mortem. Fibres were classified as type I
      or IIB and their mechanical properties determined. In LD day 1, individual type
      IIB fibres fractured at higher (P<0.001) loads and lower (P<0.001) stress values
      than type I fibres. The strength of type I fibres did not differ between muscles.
      Storage for 8 days decreased (P<0.001) breaking stress of type I fibres, whereas
      the breaking stress of type IIB fibres did not change. In conclusion, type IIB
      fibres were weaker per cross-sectional area than type I fibres in LD. The
      mechanical properties of type I fibres did not differ between muscles and the
      change in strength with post-mortem storage were more marked in type I than in
      type IIB fibres.

PMID- 22062480
TI  - Comparison of the relative expression of caspase isoforms in different porcine
      skeletal muscles.
AB  - The present study investigated the relationship between muscle type and
      components of the caspase protease system in porcine trapezius (TZ), psoas (PS),
      longissimus dorsi (LD) and semitendinosus (ST) muscles. Muscles were classified
      according to slow and fast myosin heavy chain (MHC) content determined by western
      blotting. MHC slow, but not MHC fast protein expression was significantly
      different between muscles (p<0.001). Protein levels of caspases 3, 8 and 12 and
      the caspase inhibitor apoptosis repressor with caspase recruitment domain (ARC)
      were determined. In addition the level of caspase 3 mRNA and activity levels of
      caspase 3/7 were determined. There was a significant difference in protein levels
      and activity between muscles (p<0.01), although no difference was observed in
      mRNA abundance. The data show that multiple components of the caspase system are
      expressed in porcine skeletal muscle and that their levels are variable, but
      there is not a distinct association of expression with a particular muscle.

PMID- 22062481
TI  - Lipid characteristics of subcutaneous adipose tissue and M. longissimus thoracis
      of Angus and Wagyu steers fed to US and Japanese endpoints.
AB  - We hypothesized that the concentrations of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and
      cholesterol of adipose tissue and M. longissimus thoracis would not differ
      between Angus and American Wagyu steers when fed to a typical US live weight, but
      would diverge when fed to a Japanese live weight. To test this, 8 steers of each
      breed type were assigned to a high-energy, corn-based diet, and another 8 steers
      of each breed type were fed coastal bermuda grass hay diet, supplemented with the
      corn-based diet to achieve a daily gain of 0.9kg/d. Targeted final body weights
      were 525kg for steers fed for 8 or 12mo the corn- or hay-based diets,
      respectively, and were 650kg for steers fed for 16 or 20mo the corn- or hay-based
      diets. Digesta concentrations of stearic (18:0) and trans-vaccenic acid
      decreased, whereas linoleic acid (18:2n-6) increased between the US and Japanese
      endpoints (all P?0.03). alpha-Linolenic acid (18:3n-3) increased in digesta only
      in the hay-fed steers during this time. Plasma concentrations of palmitic (16:0)
      and palmitoleic acid (16:1n-7), and the 16:1:18:0 ratio, were higher in Angus
      steers than in Wagyu steers. Also, the plasma 16:1:18:0 ratio was decreased by
      hay feeding in Angus steers, but increased in Wagyu steers, when fed to the
      Japanese endpoint. Concentrations of oleic (18:1n-9), linoleic, alpha-linolenic,
      and 18:2trans-10,cis-12 conjugated linoleic acid all were higher in Wagyu than in
      Angus subcutaneous (s.c.) adipose tissue, whereas myristic (14:0) and palmitic
      acid were higher in Angus s.c. adipose tissue (P?0.05). All MUFA increased, and
      saturated fatty acids decreased, between the US and Japanese endpoints. Slip
      points of lipids in s.c. adipose tissue were over 10 degrees C lower (P=0.01) in
      Japanese-endpoint steers than in US endpoint steers, consistent with the overall
      increase in MUFA with time on feed. The concentration of cholesterol in the M.
      longissimus thoracis increased with time, which may have been related to the
      increase in oleic acid. Because the breed*endpoint interaction was not
      significant for cholesterol or any of the adipose tissue fatty acids, we conclude
      that our original hypothesis was incorrect. Of the three factors tested (breed
      type, diet, and slaughter age endpoint), endpoint had the greatest effect on
      adipose tissue lipid composition.

PMID- 22062482
TI  - Utilization of natural antioxidants: Green tea extract and Thymbra spicata oil in
      Turkish dry-fermented sausage.
AB  - Effect of natural (green tea extract, Thymbra spicata oil) and synthetic
      antioxidants (buthylatedhydroxytoluene, BHT) on the safety (biogenic amine and
      TBARS values) and quality (pH, colour and sensory attributes) of sucuk (Turkish
      dry-fermented sausage) were investigated during the ripening periods. Addition of
      antioxidants decreased (P<0.05) the TBARS values. It was found that natural
      antioxidants decreased TBARS formation more than BHT. Antioxidants reduced
      (P<0.05) putrescine formation in the following order: green tea extract>green tea
      extract-T. spicata oil>T. spicata oil>BHT, and their mean values were 70.45,
      76.05, 83.13, and 95.97mg/kg, respectively. The highest tyramine concentration
      was observed in control sucuk prepared without any antioxidants, while the lowest
      was in the recipe with green tea extract as their mean values were about 99.42
      and 64.31mg/kg, respectively. The pH, L, b, and overall sensory quality were not
      significantly different (P>0.05) with the addition of green tea extract, T.
      spicata oil, green tea extract-T. spicata oil. These results indicated that the
      most effective antioxidant was found to be green tea extract. This study pointed
      out that natural antioxidants were more effective than synthetic antioxidants, so
      they could be easily utilized in sucuk to enhance quality and provide safer
      products.

PMID- 22062483
TI  - Influence of maturation and cooking treatments on the nutritional value of bovine
      meats: Water losses and vitamin B12.
AB  - The aim of the study was to determine the influence of maturation and of cooking
      processes on water losses and on the vitamin B12 content of meat. Three types of
      muscle (Longissimus lumborum, Longissimus thoracis and Triceps brachii) were
      sampled from a total of 16 animals, representative of animals raised for meat
      production in France. Three durations of maturation were compared: 1, 3 and 14
      days. Different cooking processes were applied: Longissimus lumborum was deep-fat
      fried or roasted, Longissimus thoracis was pan fried or grilled and Triceps
      brachii was braised. The cooking yield averaged 55-56% for Triceps brachii, 73
      77% for Longissimus lumborum and 85-87% for Longissimus thoracis. Vitamin B12
      concentration in raw meat was significantly higher in Triceps brachii than in
      Longissimus lumborum and Longissimus thoracis (20.86, 11.53 and 9.21ng/g wet
      tissue, in the same respective order). When expressed on a wet weight basis, all
      concentrations were significantly increased by cooking. When expressed on a lipid
      free dry basis, significant losses in vitamin B12 were measured only in the
      braised Triceps brachii (-25%) and in the deep-fat fried Longissimus lumborum (
      5.5%) as a result of long duration and high temperature of cooking, respectively.
      Maturation did not affect the vitamin B12 content of meat, whether raw or cooked.

PMID- 22062484
TI  - Functional properties of pre-rigor, pre-salted ground beef chilled with solid
      carbon dioxide.
AB  - Ground, pre-salted, pre-rigor semimembranosus muscles of beef were subjected to
      three treatments A=rapid carbon dioxide (CO(2)) chilling, B=slow CO(2) chilling
      and C=air chilling, and compared to a control D=slow air chilling of muscles,
      which were subsequently ground and salted post-rigor. Meat of the pre-rigor
      treatments A, B and C had higher pH values during processing, lower cooking loss,
      firmer texture and a lighter yellowish external colour of cooked patties than the
      post-rigor control D (p<0.05). The two CO(2) chilling regimes A and B had no
      detrimental effects on the functional properties of the pre-rigor meat. Sarcomere
      lengths did not differ in meat of the four treatments (p>0.05), indicating that
      early pre-salting protected the meat from cold shortening during rapid
      temperature decline. A process combination of grinding, followed by immediate pre
      salting and CO(2) chilling within 312h post-mortem of non-stimulated beef muscles
      is likely to yield superior binding properties of cooked patties and similar
      ground beef products.

PMID- 22062485
TI  - Meat cooking shrinkage: Measurement of a new meat quality parameter.
AB  - A parameter, meat cooking shrinkage (MCS), has been introduced based on
      investigations carried out on meat shrinkage caused by heat during cooking. MCS
      is the difference between the raw and cooked areas of the meat sample, expressed
      as a percentage of the raw area. The method uses a disk of meat (10mm thick and
      55mm wide) measured before and after cooking in a hot air oven at 165 degrees C
      for 10min, the meat having reached an internal temperature of 70 degrees C. Video
      image analysis was used to measure the meat sample area. The proposed MCS
      protocol permits us to measure cooking loss and to reduce cost and variability,
      moreover it could be improved to obtain color and marbling measurements by
      developing the image analysis software. Analysing two or more parameters on the
      same sample, the correlations among them should improve analysis efficacy. A
      detailed description of the measurement protocol of MCS is reported as well as
      its application to beef and pork.

PMID- 22062486
TI  - Factors influencing the variation in tenderness of seven major beef muscles from
      three Angus and Brahman breed crosses.
AB  - Beef carcasses (n=30) from 3/4 Angus (A)*1/4 Brahman (B), 1/4A*3/4B, and
      1/2A*1/2B F(1) crosses were used to evaluate breed type, electrical stimulation,
      and postmortem aging on the M. semimembranosus (SM), M. semitendinosus (ST), M.
      biceps femoris (BF), M. vastus lateralis (VL), M. gluteus medius (GM), M.
      longissimus dorsi lumborum (LD), and M. triceps brachii (TB). Shear force values
      decreased with increased postmortem aging to a greater extent in steaks from
      3/4A*1/4B than steaks from the other breed types. Shear force values for steaks
      from the round (SM, ST, BF, VL) were higher than steaks from the loin (LD, GM)
      and chuck (TB) for both electrically stimulated and non-electrically stimulated
      muscles. In the LD muscle, calpastatin activities were similar among breed types.
      Muscle type played the greatest role in determining tenderness.

PMID- 22062487
TI  - Consumer attitude towards sodium reduction in meat products and acceptability of
      fermented sausages with reduced sodium content.
AB  - Lowering salt content in meat products is possible from a technological and
      sensorial point of view, although little information is available about the
      consumers' attitude and acceptance of these products. Attitude towards low salt
      meat products, following the Theory of Planned Behaviour (TPB) proposed by Ajzen,
      was evaluated by 392 consumers. Acceptability of small calibre fermented sausages
      with 50% molar substitution of NaCl by six different mixtures of KCl (0-50%) and
      K-lactate (0-50%) and the control (22g NaCl/kg) was determined by 98 consumers.
      The preference of the previous best two treatments was compared to the batch
      control by 279 consumers. In general consumers had a positive attitude towards
      low salt meat products, being higher for women than for men. Women showed
      stronger ideas and higher Perceived Control on the Behaviour towards reduced
      sodium meat products than men. Smokers showed lower intense beliefs than non
      smokers. Consumers with a basic level of education were more affected by what
      other people important for them thought they should do. The final model obtained
      using the Theory of Planned Behaviour showed a good predictive capacity
      (R(2)=0.60) and a good internal consistency. Regarding the acceptability study,
      batches with substitution levels of 50% and 40% by K-lactate, showed lower
      overall acceptance than the control batch. Significant differences in
      acceptability were found regarding the gender and place of residence of the
      consumers. The preference study showed no differences between the batch control
      and batches with 50% KCl and 40% KCl + 10% of K-lactate substitution levels.
      According to these results and from a sensorial point of view, it is possible to
      reduce NaCl content in small calibre fermented sausages by 50% and obtain a
      product acceptable for consumers.

PMID- 22062488
TI  - Determination and evaluation of the parameters affecting the choice of veal meat
      of the "Ternera de Aliste" quality appellation.
AB  - The aim of the present work was to determine and assess the parameters affecting
      the choice of veal under the "Ternera de Aliste" quality appellation. The
      parameters affecting the choice proved to be colour, taste, odour, hardness and
      juiciness. Using these parameters, sensory evaluation, both analytical (with
      trained judges, QDA) and affective (with consumers, the home-use test) was
      carried out on four veal types, and the relative preferences for the samples
      assessed. Colour, hardness and losses due to cooking were also analysed
      instrumentally. The results revealed that the methodology is important for
      discriminating small differences between samples. The same trend was observed for
      the results of the panel of judges, consumers, and instrumental analyses
      regarding both hardness and juiciness. Regarding the determinant parameters in
      the choice of veal, in raw meat consumers prefer light colours but when
      expressing their general relative preferences for samples, juiciness, taste and
      hardness of the cooked meat had the greatest weight.

PMID- 22062489
TI  - Effects of temperature, oxygen exclusion, and storage on the microbial loads and
      pH of packed ostrich steaks.
AB  - Ostrich steaks (96) were packed (air or vacuum) and stored at 4 degrees C or 10
      degrees C. Microbiological loads (total viable counts - TVC, psychrotrophic,
      Enterobacteriaceae, lactic acid bacteria - LAB, Pseudomonas and fluorescent
      Pseudomonas) and pH values were determined at 0, 3, 6 and 9 days. High counts
      (8.0-10.2 log(10)cfu TVC/g) were observed at day 9, possibly as a consequence of
      the initial high microbial load (range 4.9-5.4 log(10)cfu TVC/g) and pH (average
      6.7). Temperature and sampling day significantly influenced all microbial counts.
      Gas atmosphere had a small or negligible influence on levels of
      Enterobacteriaceae and LAB. For most microbial groups temperature significantly
      influenced bacterial levels up to day 6 of storage, while gas atmosphere had a
      significant effect at days 6 and 9. Both effects (temperature and gas atmosphere)
      were significant factors from day 0 for fluorescent Pseudomonas. Samples vacuum
      packed and stored at 4 degrees C showed the lowest microbial loads at day 9. Only
      for these samples was no sensory rejection observed at the end of the experiment.

PMID- 22062490
TI  - Effects of packaging atmospheres on shelf-life quality of ground ostrich meat.
AB  - Fresh ground ostrich meat was packaged under high oxygen (O2), high nitrogen
      (N2), vacuum (VAC) and ambient air (AIR) atmospheres, stored at 4+/-1 degrees C
      and displayed under 1700+/-100lux of fluorescent lighting for 9 days. The meat
      was evaluated for changes in typical shelf-life characteristics consisting of pH,
      color properties (CIE L(*), a(*), b(*), and total color difference, DeltaE),
      oxidative changes (thiobarbituric acid value and hexanal content) and bacterial
      counts (total viable cell, coliform, lactic acid bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae,
      Pseudomonas spp.) Initial meat pH was 6.16 and declined slightly during storage.
      TBA values and hexanal content were highest in O2 and lowest (P?0.05) in VAC and
      N2 atmospheres. Surface lightness (L(*)) and redness (a(*)) were highest in O2
      packaging initially, decreasing (P?0.05) by day 9. DeltaE of the ground ostrich
      increased during storage in only O(2) and AIR packaging. All packaging methods
      had generally similar effects on microbial outgrowth. Total aerobic bacteria
      attained >10(6) CFU/g meat between day 3 and day 6. Ground ostrich meat was below
      saleable quality in less than 6 days based on all of the meat attributes. For O2
      packaging however, quality based on lipid oxidation and color properties
      indicated a shelf-life of less than 3 days. Oxidation is likely the limiting
      factor for shelf-life of ground ostrich meat.

PMID- 22062491
TI  - Measurement of lipid oxidation and porphyrins in high oxygen modified atmosphere
      and vacuum-packed minced turkey and pork meat by fluorescence spectra and images.
AB  - This paper illustrates that fluorescence spectroscopy and imaging can be used to
      measure the extent and distribution of lipid oxidation in meat. Minced turkey
      thighs and pork semimembranosus muscles were stored for 7 and 12 days at 4
      degrees C in high oxygen (O(2)) modified atmosphere packages and vacuum. Turkey
      meat packed in high O(2) atmosphere was oxidised already after 7 days of storage.
      The sensory rancid odour score was 4.7 (on a scale from 1 to 9) and the TBARS
      value was 1.86mg MDA/kg. There was also an increase in fluorescence emission
      intensity in the 410-550nm region, which arises from lipid oxidation products.
      The combination of unsaturated fatty acids and access to O(2) resulted in lipid
      oxidation gradients in the turkey meat samples, and these gradients were clearly
      visualised by fluorescence images. In comparison, pork meat was more stable
      against lipid oxidation, with TBARS values <0.2mg MDA/kg and no development of
      fluorescent lipid oxidation products was detected. The fluorescence spectra
      measured in the present experiment suggest that turkey thighs and pork
      semimembranosus muscle in addition to protoporphyrin also have a natural content
      of Zn protoporphyrin. The porphyrin content was higher in pork meat than in
      turkey meat. It increased during storage time when the meat was packed in vacuum,
      and it decreased with O(2) availability. The distribution of porphyrins in the
      meat was visualised by fluorescence imaging.

PMID- 22062492
TI  - Interlaboratory evaluation of dry-cured hams (from France and Spain) by assessors
      from two different nationalities.
AB  - Two panels of assessors from France and Spain assessed 41 dry-cured hams from
      diverse geographical origins, pig breedings and feedings. Univariate (Kolmogorov
      Smirnov test and t-test) and multivariate (canonical correlation and principal
      component analysis) statistical procedures have been used to explain the
      agreement and disagreement between panels evaluating similar and dissimilar
      sensory attributes quantified with a 9-points structure scale. The results
      pointed out that there were basic agreements between panels, although some
      disagreements were detected in mould, acorn and crust attributes. The
      classification of Iberian and white dry-cured hams and the sensory attributes
      that characterise them are also displayed.

PMID- 22062493
TI  - Effect of replacing soybean meal by extruded chickpeas in the diets of growing
      finishing pigs on meat quality.
AB  - The main objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the replacement of
      soybean meal by extruded chickpeas in diets of growing-finishing pigs on meat
      quality. In a 17wk study 48 growing-finishing crossbred pigs were fed ad libitum.
      The experimental design included four treatments, each one of 12 pigs; the ECKP0
      treatment was fed with diet containing soybean meal and no chickpeas (control),
      while treatments ECKP100, ECKP200 and ECKP300 were fed with diets containing 100,
      200 and 300kg/t of extruded chickpeas, respectively. The lean meat quality of the
      longissimus lumborum et thoracis muscle was evaluated by chemical analysis
      (moisture, protein, fat and ash), fatty acid profile, pH measurement, cooking
      loss, color evaluation, and sensory evaluation. Odor and taste, tenderness,
      juiciness, and overall acceptability were scored on 1-10 scales by a group of 10
      experienced assessors after a standard cooking regime. Small differences were
      observed between control and experimental groups in chemical composition
      (P>0.05). Fatty acid profiles, pH measurements and color evaluation did not
      differ among treatments (P>0.05), while cooking loss was significantly lower in
      the control group (P<0.05). The taste panel gave slightly higher scores for the
      tenderness and juiciness for the control group compared with the chickpea
      treatments (P<0.05). No differences were observed between control and
      experimental groups in taste scores (P>0.05). It is concluded that the
      replacement of soybean meal by extruded chickpeas, when substituted
      isonitrogenously and isoenergetically at inclusion levels up to 300kg/t of pig,
      does not influence significantly meat quality.

PMID- 22062494
TI  - Chemical oxidation decreases proteolytic susceptibility of skeletal muscle
      myofibrillar proteins.
AB  - The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of chemical oxidation
      on proteolysis susceptibility of myofibrillar proteins. Myofibrils were prepared
      from pig M. longissimus dorsi and oxidised by a hydroxyl radical generating
      system. Protein oxidation level was measured by the carbonyl content, free thiol
      group content and bityrosine formation. Oxidised or non-oxidised myofibrillar
      proteins were exposed to papain and proteolysis was estimated by fluorescence
      using fluorescamine. Oxidation of myofibrillar proteins was dependent upon the
      oxidising agent concentration. Disulfide bridge and bityrosine formation
      indicated that oxidation by OH degrees  can induce protein polymerization.
      Electrophoretic study showed that myosin was the protein most sensitive to
      oxidation. Results showed a direct and quantitative relationship between protein
      damages by hydroxyl radical and decreased proteolytic susceptibility.
      Electrophoretic observations suggest that polymerization and aggregation may
      explain in part decreased susceptibility of myofibrillar proteins to proteolysis.

PMID- 22062495
TI  - Adherence with the pre-hospital triage protocol in the transport of injured
      patients in an urban setting.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pre-hospital triage protocols are an important component in the
      treatment of injured patients. The aim was to determine the level of, and factors
      associated with, adherence to the pre-hospital trauma triage criteria for urban
      patients transported in New South Wales, Australia. METHOD: This retrospective
      study included patients injured in urban areas who were transported by road for
      the treatment of traumatic injuries in the period 1 July 2006 to 30 June 2007.
      RESULTS: Of the 57,775 transported to hospital due to traumatic injury, 9344
      (16%) met one or more of the pre-hospital triage criteria. Of these, 74% were
      transported to a protocol adherent major or regional trauma centre. Adherence
      rates differed by triage criteria met and was lowest for patients meeting
      physiologic-only criteria (63.5%) and highest for patients meeting all three
      triage criteria of physiology, mechanism and injury (85.4%). Female gender,
      increasing patient age, patients classified as having had a fall, the
      qualification level of treating officer and patients transported between midday
      to 18:00 (relative to those transported between midnight to 06:00) were factors
      associated with significantly lower levels of protocol adherence with respect to
      hospital destination. Minimal time differences were evident between patients
      transported to protocol adherent and non-adherent destinations. CONCLUSION: Based
      on the post hoc evaluation of triage status, adherence to the triage protocol was
      74%. Analysis of patient destinations for protocol non-adherence appears to
      indicate that paramedic interpretation and discretion played a role in
      determining hospital choice. There was a marginal time difference between those
      transported to protocol adherent and non-adherent destinations. Future research
      needs to determine whether deviations from protocol are associated with
      differential mortality.

PMID- 22062496
TI  - New pets and allergies.
AB  - This review focuses on the various symptoms of allergy induced by new pets, the
      new pets themselves, and some of the identified allergens.

PMID- 22062497
TI  - Interleukin-6 trans-signaling in the senescent mouse brain is involved in
      infection-related deficits in contextual fear conditioning.
AB  - Excessive production of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the senescent brain in
      response to peripheral immune stimulation is thought to induce behavioral
      pathology, however, few studies have examined if the increase in pro-inflammatory
      cytokines is accompanied by an increase in cytokine signaling. Here, we focused
      on IL-6 as a prototypic pro-inflammatory cytokine and used phosphorylated STAT3
      as a marker of IL-6 signaling. In an initial study, IL-6 mRNA and the magnitude
      and duration of STAT3 activation were increased in the hippocampus of senescent
      mice compared to adults after i.p. injection of LPS. The LPS-induced increase in
      STAT3 activity was ablated in aged IL-6(-/-) mice, suggesting IL-6 is a key
      driver of STAT3 activity in the aged brain. To determine if IL-6 activated the
      classical or trans-signaling pathway, before receiving LPS i.p., aged mice were
      injected ICV with sgp130, an antagonist of the trans-signaling pathway.
      Importantly, the LPS-induced increases in both IL-6 and STAT3 activity in the
      hippocampus were inhibited by sgp130. To assess hippocampal function, aged mice
      were injected ICV with sgp130 and i.p. with LPS immediately after the acquisition
      phase of contextual fear conditioning, and immobility was assessed in the
      retention phase 48h later. LPS reduced immobility in aged mice, indicating immune
      activation interfered with memory consolidation. However, sgp130 blocked the
      deficits in contextual fear conditioning caused by LPS. Taken together, the
      results suggest IL-6 trans-signaling is increased in the senescent brain
      following peripheral LPS challenge and that sgp130 may protect against infection
      related neuroinflammation and cognitive dysfunction in the aged.

PMID- 22062498
TI  - Vulnerability, distress, and immune response to vaccination in older adults.
AB  - Psychological distress and biobehavioral vulnerability (e.g., arising from being
      older or sedentary) have independently predicted immune responses to influenza
      vaccination in older adults. Recent research examining basal inflammatory markers
      suggests that, rather than having additive effects, distress and vulnerability
      interact with each other. The present study tested the interactions between
      distress and age, sex, education, BMI, sleep quality, and physical activity over
      up to 8 years in older adults (N=134; M age=74 years) who received annual
      influenza vaccinations. Measured vaccination responses were changes from baseline
      in antibody to the three vaccine components, interleukin (IL)-6, and beta2
      microglobulin. As predicted, the most robust effects were interactions between
      distress and vulnerability. BMI interacted with stable individual differences in
      distress to predict antibody response (t(132)=3.09, p<0.003), such that only the
      combination of low BMI and low distress was associated with a more robust
      antibody response. Likewise, changes in physical activity over time interacted
      with changes in distress (t(156)=2.96, p<0.004), such that only the combination
      of increased physical activity and decreased distress was associated with a more
      robust antibody response. Finally, there was a smaller tendency for age to
      interact with stable individual differences in distress (t(130)=2.46, p<0.015),
      such that distress was more strongly associated with post-vaccination IL-6 at
      older ages. The synergistic effects of distress and other forms of vulnerability
      are an important direction for future research and a target for interventions to
      improve immunological health in older adults.

PMID- 22062499
TI  - Twenty-five years of "Meat Science".

PMID- 22062500
TI  - Healthier meat and meat products: their role as functional foods.
AB  - This review deals with the implications of meat and meat products for human
      health. It analyses the effect of the presence or absence of various factors:
      fat, fatty acid composition, cholesterol, calorific value, salt, nitrite or lipid
      oxidation products that can cause health problems. Bearing in mind these
      considerations, it then describes the strategies used in animal production,
      treatment of meat raw material and reformulation of meat products to obtain
      healthier meat and meat products. Functional ingredients are responsible for
      making functional foods work, and this review therefore discusses the scope of
      current meat technology to favour the presence of various active-food components,
      and provide an additional physiological benefit beyond that of meeting basic
      nutritional needs.

PMID- 22062501
TI  - Lipolytic and proteolytic properties of dry-cured boneless hams ripened in
      modified atmospheres.
AB  - We studied proteolytic and lipolytic properties of dry-cured boneless ham
      (porcine quadriceps femoris) made with chilled (10 degrees C, 48 h) or
      frozen/thawed meat (frozen at -20 degrees C frozen for 90 days and followed by
      thawing at 10 degrees C for 48 h) were determined. Dry-cured meats were stored in
      modified atmosphere packages (100% N(2) and a mixture of 75% N(2)+25% CO(2)) at
      15 degrees C with the intention of reducing ripening space. Results showed that
      dry-cured hams made with frozen/thawed raw meat had more salt, volatile fatty
      acids and free fatty acid content after salting and smoking. Whereas, samples
      prepared with chilled meats contained more nitrogenous compounds (water-soluble
      nitrogen, non-protein nitrogen, and free amino acids). Volatile and free fatty
      acid contents in all samples significantly increased with storage. Acetic acid
      was the predominant volatile fatty acid. To confirm lipolytic activity in dry
      cured ham stored in modified atmospheres, we calculated the lipolytic
      coefficient. The lipolytic coefficients of all samples were positive values and
      significantly (P<0.05) increased with storage indicating lipolysis in samples
      were still active. Furthermore, nitrogenous compounds in dry-cured ham
      significantly (P<0.05) increased with storage indicating proteolysis in samples
      were not affected by modified atmosphere storage. Aerobic, anaerobic and lactic
      acid bacteria counts in dry-cured meats were stable to modified atmospheres
      storage for 20 weeks at 15 degrees C. Flavor, texture and color score in sensory
      evaluation for dry-cured ham made with chilled meat were significantly higher
      than that made with frozen/thawed meat. All samples had high overall acceptance
      scores in sensory evaluation. Results in this study suggested that dry-cured
      boneless ham stored in modified atmospheres for 20 weeks at 15 degrees C was
      another feasibility to ripen the meat without affecting lipolysis, proteolysis,
      microbiology and sensory quality.

PMID- 22062502
TI  - Colour of beef heated to different temperatures as related to meat ageing.
AB  - The effects of ageing (10-12 days at +5 degrees C), thermal treatment (internal
      temperature, T(i): 45, 60, 75 degrees C) and oxygenation on the colour and some
      colour related physical and biochemical parameters of beef longissimus dorsi (LD)
      muscle were studied. The colour components (L(*), a(*) and b(*) values) for the
      raw and heated LD, both before and after ageing and oxygenation, were
      instrumentally and sensorily evaluated. Ageing influenced colour components
      (except b(*) value), specific activity of cytochrome c oxidase (SACCO) and amount
      of oxygen consumed (AOC). An increase in internal temperature was usually
      accompanied by a lower SACCO, AOC and total native muscle pigment concentration,
      as well as a change in all colour parameters. Oxygenation of the raw and heated
      slices (except T(i)=75 degrees C) led to a less of black colour and a higher of
      red colour, a(*) and b(*) values.

PMID- 22062503
TI  - Very fast chilling of beef: effects on meat quality.
AB  - The effect of very fast chilling (VFC) of beef on several meat quality parameters
      was studied in semitendinous samples of three young bulls of the Belgian Blue
      breed. Left carcass sides were chilled conventionally. The semitendinosus of the
      right carcass sides were hot boned at approximately 50 min post mortem and cut
      longitudinally in two equal pieces. Packed in plastic bags, one piece was chilled
      very fast using a brine solution (3.4% NaCl, -2 degrees C), whereas the other was
      chilled in a freezer (-20/-25 degrees C, 3 m/s). The very fast chilling
      treatments lasted until 5 h post mortem. Samples were further chilled in a
      refrigerator (2 degrees C) until 24 h post mortem. Sub-samples for meat quality
      measurements were taken and frozen at -18 degrees C after an ageing period of 1,
      4 and 11 days at 2 degrees C. In three of the six cases, a core temperature of 0
      degrees C was achieved within 5 h post mortem [VFC condition; In the other cases,
      the VFC condition was nearly met. The brine chilling treatment in this study
      resulted in a higher cooling rate compared with the freezer treatment, and
      concomitantly in more pronounced effects. VFC resulted in increased
      concentrations of water extractable calcium and higher pH values at 5 h post
      mortem. These factors could be expected to activate the calpains and to
      accelerate proteolysis. This could not be confirmed by our results. Cold
      shortening occurred and sarcomere lengths were reduced by more than 30% in the
      VFC treatment compared with conventional chilling. This was reflected in much
      higher shear force values for the VFC samples.

PMID- 22062504
TI  - Oxidative stability and fatty acid composition of pig muscles as affected by
      rearing system, crossbreeding and metabolic type of muscle fibre.
AB  - Muscle fibre type, fatty acid composition of phospholipids (PLs) and
      triacylglycerols (TGs) and susceptibility of muscle to lipid oxidation were
      studied in Biceps femoris (BF) and Tibialis cranialis (TC) muscles from Iberian
      and Iberian*Duroc pigs reared indoors and outdoors. Fatty acid composition of TGs
      was not affected by muscle fibre type and crossbreeding, but was strongly
      influenced by rearing system. In PLs crossbreeding slightly affected
      monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) and polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content
      in BF muscle, whereas rearing system showed a great influence on fatty acid
      composition of PLs. Oxidative fibres showed a positive relationship with
      saturated fatty acid (SFA) and MUFA contents and a negative one with PUFA content
      of PLs. Susceptibility of muscle to lipid oxidation was strongly influenced by
      diet, animals reared indoors and fed on concentrates showing higher levels of 2
      thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Iberian*Duroc pigs tended to
      show slightly higher values of lipid oxidation than pure Iberian pigs. With
      regards to muscle fibre type, BF had lower TBARS values than TC, although within
      muscle no relationship was found between muscle fibre type and lipid oxidation.

PMID- 22062505
TI  - Relationships between muscle characteristics and meat quality traits of young
      Charolais bulls.
AB  - Charolais bull calves (106) were used to study the variability in meat quality
      attributes in relation to the variability in muscle characteristics in the
      Longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle. The variability in traits was adjusted either
      to constant age or constant weight at slaughter and thus originated only from
      differences between animals born, reared and fattened in the same location. The
      following meat quality attributes were measured: the strength of the myofibrillar
      resistance to a 20% compression strain measured on the raw meat 2, 7 and 21 days
      post mortem; and taste panel scores of tenderness (initial and overall), flavour
      and juiciness of steaks grilled to a 55 degrees C core temperature 6 or 15 days
      post-mortem. The following muscle characteristics were measured 24 h after
      slaughter: pH, dry matter, protein, lipid, heme iron and collagen contents,
      collagen solubility, LDH and ICDH activity, the proportion of slow twitch myosin
      heavy chain, the mean muscle fibre area and the mean sarcomere length. One fourth
      to one third of the variability of 2 day mechanical strength and 15 day
      tenderness or flavour scores were related to the variability in muscle
      characteristics. Tenderness and strength measurements were predominantly related
      to the muscle fibre area, collagen characteristics and energetic metabolic
      activity. Dry matter content was the principal muscle characteristic related to
      flavour.

PMID- 22062506
TI  - Characterization of peptides released from rabbit skeletal muscle troponin-T by
      MU-calpain under conditions of low temperature and high ionic strength.
AB  - Rabbit skeletal muscle troponin-T (200 MUg ml(-1)) was incubated with MU-calpain
      (2 MUl ml(-1)) under conditions of low temperature and high ionic strength for
      180 min at 4 degrees C and the peptides released analyzed by sodium dodecyl
      sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Troponin-T was hydrolyzed
      rapidly with the simultaneous appearance of eight peptides with masses of less
      than 14 up to 26 kDa. Two peptides produced by 10 min of incubation were
      electroblotted and analysis of these peptides by N-terminal sequencing and mass
      spectrometry showed that the principal cleavage sites of MU-calpain on troponin-T
      were at Thr(45)-Ala(46), Leu(69)-Met(70), Glu(220)-Lys(221) and Asn(231)
      Val(232). The peptides present in insufficient quantity for electroblotting were
      isolated by reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC).
      Cleavage sites were also identified at Met(151)-Gly(152), Asn(188)-Ile(189),
      Lys(223)-Arg(224), Arg(233)-Ala(234) and Ala(240)-Lys(241). In general, MU
      calpain cleaved bonds containing one hydrophobic amino acid residue and mainly
      towards the C-terminus of troponin-T.

PMID- 22062507
TI  - Quality changes and shelf life of imported vacuum-packaged beef chuck during
      storage at 0 degrees C.
AB  - Twenty-four beef chucks obtained from US steer carcasses were placed in cartons
      after vacuum packaging in gas tight film. These were then transported by
      refrigerated ship to Korea. After arrival at laboratory (37 days after
      packaging), the cuts were stored at 0 degrees C additionally for 39 days and
      analyzed. After 52 days of storage total aerobic counts exceeded 7
      log(10)CFU/cm(2), however, Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas showed growth
      retardation. Brochothrix thermosphacta was not found at the level of 2
      log(10)CFU/cm(2) over the storage time. Among the biogenic amines, the
      concentration of spermine was notably increased initially from 8.5 to 25 ppm
      after 76 days. At day 76 of storage, the colour deterioration with respects to a
      and hue values was pronounced after opening the vacuum pack. Off-odour was
      detected after 66 days of storage.

PMID- 22062508
TI  - Inhibition of the proliferation of myeloma cells by the meat origin strain
      Enterococcus faecium CH3.
AB  - Ten lactic acid bacteria strains were isolated from a dry fermented sausage and
      tested for stimulation or inhibition of the proliferation of Vero and myeloma
      cells by MTT assay. None of the strains significantly affected the proliferation
      of Vero cells. However, one isolate (CH3) showed a strong inhibition of myeloma
      cells proliferation. Isolate CH3 was submitted to a characterisation scheme and
      identified as Enterococcus faecium by SDS-PAGE protein profiling and DNA
      sequencing of 16S rRNA PCR products.

PMID- 22062509
TI  - Microbial and physico-chemical changes during the ripening of dry fermented
      sausages superficially inoculated with or having added an intracellular cell-free
      extract of Penicillium aurantiogriseum.
AB  - The effect of inoculation of the "salchichon" (dry fermented sausage) surface
      with an atoxygenic, proteolytic and lipolytic strain of Penicillium
      aurantiogriseum and/or the addition of an intracellular cell-free-extract (ICFE)
      of the same mould on the ripening process was studied. Four batches of salchichon
      were manufactured: control, superficially inoculated, added with the
      intracellular cell free extract and combination of both treatments. Superficial
      mould modified Micrococcaceae counts, pH, free amino acids, lipid fractions,
      TBARS and some organic acids. The ICFE degraded free amino acids, producing a
      rise in ammonia. Both treatments combined accelerate the proteolysis and
      lipolysis of the sausages and also the further amino acid degradation.

PMID- 22062510
TI  - The contribution of Penicillium aurantiogriseum to the volatile composition and
      sensory quality of dry fermented sausages.
AB  - An atoxygenic, proteolytic and lipolytic strain of Penicillium aurantiogriseum
      was tested for its ability to accelerate the production of volatile compounds and
      to improve the sensory properties of dry fermented sausages. The following
      batches of sausages were prepared: control; superficially inoculated with a spore
      suspension; added with an intracellular cell free extract; and superficially
      inoculated and added with the intracellular cell free extract. Higher levels of
      lipid oxidation products were found in the aroma extracts of sausages without a
      mould cover. In contrast, branched aldehydes and alcohols presented higher
      concentrations in superficially inoculated and extract added sausages, while
      esters only showed higher concentration in the first ones. The sensory analysis
      showed that sausages prepared with both treatments received the highest scores in
      all the properties evaluated, which demonstrated both the potential of this mould
      as producer of volatile compounds and the effectiveness of combining both
      treatments.

PMID- 22062511
TI  - Effects of urea denatureation and pH on the ability of porcine myoglobin to
      undergo reduction.
AB  - To determine the effects of globin moiety denaturation and pH on the ability of
      metmyoglobin (MetMb) to undergo reduction, MetMb isolated from porcine hearts was
      denatured in 8.5M urea. Both native and denatured MetMb solutions were serially
      reduced with Na(2)S(2)O(4) (0, 7.5, 15, 18.75, 22.5, 26.25, 30, 30.75, and 45
      umol). Reduction was conducted at pH 5, 5.2, 5.4, 5.6, 6, 6.2, 6.4, 6.6, and 7.
      After reduction, absorbance was determined at 635 nm and the percent of the
      original MetMb which was reduced was calculated. The average percent MetMb
      reduced from the native and denatured forms was 35 and 25%, respectively. pH
      significantly influenced the percentage of MetMb reduced, especially when pH was
      <6. If the MetMb was denatured prior to reduction, the influence of pH on its
      ability to undergo reduction was slight. The percentage of denatured MetMb
      reduced was higher at pH 7 than at all other pHs. High pH enhanced the ability of
      MetMb to undergo reduction; while low pH decreases it. Low pH may have denatured
      the native globin moiety.

PMID- 22062512
TI  - Combined effects of irradiation and the use of natural antioxidants on the shelf
      life stability of overwrapped minced beef.
AB  - Five batches of aerobically packaged minced beef from Friesian cattle were
      irradiated at 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4 kGy using a (60)Co irradiation source. The five
      batches were as follows: non-supplemented (C), dietary alpha-tocopheryl acetate
      supplemented (S), alpha-tocopheryl acetate supplemented with water soluble
      rosemary extract added after mincing (Rw), alpha-tocopheryl acetate supplemented
      with oil soluble rosemary extract added after mincing (Ro) and alpha-tocopheryl
      acetate supplemented with water and oil soluble rosemary extracts added after
      mincing (R). Incorporation of antioxidants resulted in better retention of
      colour. Irradiation at 4 kGy increased Hunter 'a' values up to day 4 with alpha
      tocopheryl acetate supplementation and up to day 6 when rosemary extracts were
      added. Irradiation at 4 kGy increased Hunter 'b' values on days 4, 6 and 8 in the
      control samples. Antioxidants decreased metmyoglobin values on day 0 and day 2
      for non-irradiated (0 kGy) samples and for the entire display period for
      irradiated samples. Antioxidants increased the oxymyoglobin values up to day 4
      for the 1, 2 and 3 kGy beef samples and over the entire display period for the 4
      kGy samples. TBARS values for each treatment group increased with increasing
      irradiation dose. alpha-Tocopheryl acetate supplemented samples had lower TBARS
      values than control samples at all irradiation doses. The levels of alpha
      tocopherol in samples on day 0 decreased with increasing irradiation dose for the
      (C) and (S) samples. However, levels of alpha-tocopherol in samples on day 0
      increased with increasing irradiation dose for Ro, Rw and R samples. All
      antioxidant treatments were effective at inhibiting lipid peroxidation even at
      the highest irradiation dose applied. Irradiation caused a significant reduction
      in the polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) content, mainly in C18:2 after storage
      at 40 degrees C under fluorescent light for 8 days.

PMID- 22062513
TI  - Chemical and discriminant analysis of bovine meat by near infrared reflectance
      spectroscopy (NIRS).
AB  - Near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) was evaluated as a tool to
      segregate different types of bovine meat and predict several chemical fractions
      on samples from two breeds, three muscles and six grading (Chilean system)
      categories. Samples previously minced, frozen and thawed, were scanned (400-2500
      nm) and then analyzed for dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, total ash and
      collagen content, after freeze drying. Discriminant analysis using a partial
      least squares regression technique and cross validation, correctly identified
      breed and muscle type for most samples, but carcass grades, with the exception of
      samples from calves, were not successfully predicted. Best calibrations for
      chemical composition tested by cross-validation, showed R(2) and standard errors
      of cross validation of 0.77 and 0.58% (dry matter), 0.82 and 0.48% (crude
      protein), 0.82 and 0.44% (ether extract). Calibrations for total ash showed a
      poor, and for collagen, a very poor prediction ability.

PMID- 22062514
TI  - A novel approach to grading pork carcasses: computer vision and ultrasound.
AB  - A Computer Vision System prototype for grading pork carcasses was developed at
      the Lacombe Research System. The system consists of two components: ultrasound
      imaging to scan a cross-section of the loin muscle and video imaging to capture
      two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) images of the carcass. For each
      of the 241 carcasses (114 barrows and 127 gilts), salable meat yield was
      determined from a full cutout. Linear, two- and three-dimensional, angular and
      curvature measurements and carcass volume were derived from each image. Muscle
      area and fat thickness (7 cm off the mid-line) measured by ultrasound at the next
      to last rib site, together with 2D and 3D measurements provided the most accurate
      model for estimating salable meat yield (R(2)=0.82 and RSD=1.68). Models
      incorporating fat thickness and muscle depth measured at the Canadian grading
      site (3/4 last rib, 7 cm off the mid-line) with the Destron PG-100 probe, had the
      lowest R(2) and highest residual standard deviation (RSD) values (R(2)=0.66 and
      RSD=2.15). Cross-validation demonstrated the reliability and stability of the
      models; hence conferring them good industry applicability. The Lacombe Computer
      Vision System prototype appears to offer a marked improvement over probes
      currently used by the Canadian pork industry.

PMID- 22062515
TI  - Ellipsometry across isolated muscle fibres indicates a refractive contribution to
      paleness in pork.
AB  - Muscle fibres isolated from pork were mounted in a microscope chamber and pH was
      controlled with 0.2 M phosphate buffer. Optical path differences between ordinary
      and extraordinary rays were measured by ellipsometry while a scanning stage moved
      the fibre across the optical axis of the microscope. The depth of fibre in the
      optical axis was estimated from the lateral diameter of fibres. Path differences
      increased as fibre depth increased. Static ellipsometry of unmounted fibre
      fragments showed maximum path differences at pH 5.5 were higher than at pH 7.0,
      but variance was high and the difference was not significant (64.4+/-15.1 nm at
      pH 5.5 versus 58.9+/-15.2 nm at pH 7.0, P>0.05, n=40). However, the mean depth of
      fibre fragments at pH 5.5 was less than at pH 7.0 (53.9+/-15.1 MUm at pH 5.5
      versus 70.6+/-16.1 MUm at pH 7.0, P<0.005, n=40). Thus, path differences per
      micrometre of fibre depth were greater at pH 5.5 than at pH 7.0 (1.25+/-0.37 nm(
      1 MUm) at pH 5.5 versus 0.87+/-0.31 nm(-1 MUm) at pH 7.0, P<0.0005, n=40). As pH
      decreases, therefore, muscle fibre diameter decreases while birefringence
      increases. Refraction through muscle fibres may contribute to pork paleness.

PMID- 22062516
TI  - Drip loss sampling in porcine m. longissimus dorsi.
AB  - The effect of the sampling position is investigated when measuring drip loss in
      porcine longissimus dorsi muscle. Measuring in biological tissue often includes
      an assumption of homogeneity of the muscle under investigation, an assumption
      that only applies to a certain extent. However, this assumption is particularly
      critical when measuring drip loss. In the present experiment two different
      methods for measuring drip loss were applied. The two methods use a considerably
      different sample size and thus a difference in sensitivity to the heterogeneity
      of the object to be measured may be expected. In other words, when measuring drip
      loss a large sample size may blur information about biological variations in the
      parameter under investigation. The influence of the sampling position on the drip
      loss measurement 34 pigs were selected from a random group of 204 pigs. The right
      and the left longissimus dorsi were excised and used as objects for measuring
      drip loss with two different methods. Each longissimus dorsi muscle was sliced in
      11-15 slices of 2.5 cm thickness. The left longissimus dorsi was sampled in three
      positions for each slice and the drip loss was measured in each position applying
      the EZ-DripLoss method. The longissimus dorsi from the right side of the
      carcasses was measured with the bag method. Our measurements showed a substantial
      variation in the influence of the sampling position on the result of
      determination of drip loss. The influence is calculated as the standard deviation
      (SD) between measurements performed in different positions in transverse and
      longitudinal direction along the longissimus dorsi muscle. Our work showed that
      the optimum position of sampling for drip loss determination was 5 cm cranial to
      the start of the fourth lumbar vertebra, where we found a SD between neighbouring
      sampling positions of less than 0.74%. We found a high correlation (0.85) between
      the methods applied even though this value included differences between the right
      and the left side of the carcass. From one single measurement of drip loss
      performed on the left longissimus dorsi with the EZ-DripLoss method, we were able
      to predict the average drip loss of the right longissimus dorsi with a very high
      correlation (>0.9). We are still searching for an explanation for the 1.2% offset
      between the two methods employed in this experiment.

PMID- 22062517
TI  - Behaviour of Listeria monocytogenes in raw sausages (merguez) in presence of a
      bacteriocin-producing lactococcal strain as a protective culture.
AB  - The effectiveness of a bacteriocin produced by Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis M
      in reducing population level and growth of Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 7644 in
      fermented merguez sausage was examined. Two different formulas (with or without
      added nitrites) were assayed and predetermined numbers of Listeria (ca 10(6) cfu
      g(-1)) were added to sausage mixture. The effect of in situ production of the
      bacteriocin by Lactococcus lactis M on Listeria monocytogenes ATCC 7644 during
      fermentation and storage of merguez sausages at room (ca 22  degrees C) or at
      refrigeration (ca 7  degrees C) temperature was tested. Results indicated that
      counts of Listeria monocytogenes were decreased during fermentation of merguez
      samples fermented with either the bacteriocin-producing Lactococcus lactis M
      (Bac(+)) or a nonbacteriocin-producing Lactococcus lactis J (Bac(-)). However,
      reduction in Listeria cfu's was greater in samples fermented with the Bac(+) than
      in those fermented with the Bac(-) starter. In merguez sausage made without
      nitrites addition, the Bac(+) starter induced further decrease in Listeria counts
      by 1.5 log cycles compared with that induced by the Bac(-) starter. While in
      merguez samples with added nitrites (0.4%), the effect of the bacteriocin
      produced in situ was less important than in those made without nitrites addition.

PMID- 22062518
TI  - Cured products from different animal species.
AB  - An assessment was made of the proximate composition, pH and a(W) of raw beef,
      horsemeat and the meat of wild boar, deer and goat. The same assessment, together
      with one of fatty acids, cholesterol and free amino acids, was made of the same
      meats as cured products. The raw meat of the different animal species was found
      to have a reduced lipid, but high protein content. The cured meat of the horse
      and wild boar had low saturated fatty acid levels; the wild boar, goatmeat and
      beef were quantitatively similar with regard to monounsaturated fatty acids
      (MUFA) while in the horsemeat the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) were more
      raised, at an intermediate level in deer and extremely reduced in the beef final
      product. The cholesterol content in the cured product was markedly reduced in the
      horsemeat. The free amino acids content in the cured deer, wild boar and goat
      meat was more elevated, than in beef and horse cured meat.

PMID- 22062519
TI  - Meat quality of Angus, Simmental, Charolais and Limousin steers compared at the
      same intramuscular fat content.
AB  - Meat quality and marbling properties of Angus, Simmental, Charolais and Limousin
      steers (4*16) were compared at an average intramuscular fat content (IMF) of
      3.25% in the M. longissimus dorsi. The steers were fattened on a forage-based
      diet until the desired, ultrasonically estimated IMF content was reached which
      resulted in considerably different growth and carcass characteristics. The Angus
      group showed a growth rate similar to Simmental and Charolais while Limousin grew
      slower, became oldest and provided the heaviest carcasses and best conformation.
      Angus carcasses showed the lowest weight but the highest fatness score. Marbling
      was equal for all breeds. Angus and Charolais provided pale meat with low haem
      iron content. Angus and Limousin beef was more tender on sensory assessment than
      Simmental beef, corresponding to differences found in shear force (non
      significant) and myofibrillar fragmentation index measured at 48 h post mortem.
      Flavour was similar among breed groups while juiciness was highest for Limousin
      and lowest for Angus. The juicier beef simultaneously showed the highest drip but
      the lowest cooking losses. In conclusion, clear differences in meat quality were
      observed between breeds despite similar IMF contents.

PMID- 22062520
TI  - Effects of lactic and acetic acid salts on quality characteristics of enhanced
      pork during retail display.
AB  - The objective of this study was to evaluate the sensory and physical
      characteristics of pork chops from loins enhanced to 110% of original weight with
      either (1) potassium lactate, potassium diacetate, phosphate and salt, (2) sodium
      lactate, phosphate and salt, (3) potassium lactate, phosphate and salt, (4)
      sodium acetate, phosphate and salt, or (5) phosphate and salt. A trained sensory
      panel evaluated pork flavor, saltiness, bitterness, soapy flavor, acid flavor,
      juiciness and tenderness of cooked chops. Visual color of raw chops was also
      evaluated. After 96 h in display, chops enhanced with lactate/diacetate had
      significantly lower (P<0.01) aerobic plate counts than control (unpumped) chops,
      or those pumped with other solutions. Lactate/diacetate-enhanced chops maintained
      higher a* and b* values during display, and had less visual discoloration after
      96 h display. Chops pumped with lactate, acetate or the lactate/diacetate mixture
      were more tender and juicy, and had more pork flavor than controls or those
      pumped with phosphate/salt only. There appears to be a significant advantage to
      using a lactate/diacetate enhancement solution over either lactate or acetate
      alone.

PMID- 22062521
TI  - Effect of season on color of Hanwoo (Korean native cattle) beef.
AB  - A total of 1278 head of Hanwoo (Korean native cattle) slaughtered over four
      seasons were used to evaluate the effect of season on color characteristics of
      beef longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle. CIE L(*), a(*), b(*), C(*) values and hue
      angle were significantly lower (P<0.05) in cattle slaughtered in the winter
      season. Meat color was darker in the winter than in the spring and autumn
      seasons. The L(*) values among three average daily temperature (T(a)) categories
      were different (P<0.05) in order of: [5  degrees C?T(a)<25  degrees C] > [T(a)?25
      degrees C] > [T(a)<5  degrees C], indicating that the meat color of cattle
      slaughtered at T(a)<5  degrees C was darker. The a(*), b(*), C(*) values and hue
      angle were significantly lower (P<0.05) in cattle slaughtered at T(a)<5  degrees
      C. Season at slaughter is of great importance for meat color. Namely, meat color
      of Hanwoo beef was influenced by environmental temperature. Overall, cattle
      slaughtered in the winter season of T(a)<5  degrees C produced beef with more
      undesirable meat color properties.

PMID- 22062522
TI  - On-line prediction of chemical composition of semi-frozen ground beef by non
      invasive NIR spectroscopy.
AB  - The chemical composition of industrial scale batches of frozen beef was measured
      on-line during grinding by near infrared (NIR) reflectance spectroscopy. The
      MM55E filter based non-contact NIR instrument was mounted at the outlet of a meat
      grinder, and the fat, moisture and protein contents determined from the average
      of each filter reading throughout the grinding of the batch. The filters were
      selected from full spectra measurements to be as insensitive to water
      crystallization as possible. For on-line calibration and prediction, 55 beef
      batches of 400-800 kg in the range of 7.66-22.91% fat, 59.36-71.48% moisture, and
      17.04-20.76% protein, were ground through 4 or 13 mm hole plates. The regression
      results, presented as root mean square error of cross validation (RMSECV) were
      between 0.48 and 1.11% for fat, 0.43 and 0.97% for moisture and 0.41 and 0.47%
      for protein.

PMID- 22062523
TI  - Maintaining muscles at a high post-mortem temperature induces PSE-like meat in
      turkey.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to validate an experimental model which surely
      generates pale, soft, exudative (PSE) turkey meat. Immediately after
      exsanguination, Pectoralis major (n=15) were kept at various temperatures (4, 20
      or 40  degrees C) for 6 h. All the muscles were then stored at 4  degrees C for 9
      days. They had the same rate of pH fall. L(*) values were higher in the 40 
      degrees C treatment muscles than in the two other treatment muscles between 1 and
      9 h. Drip loss of the 40  degrees C treatment muscles was higher than in the two
      other treatment muscles. However, thawing and cook loss were not significantly
      different between treatments. Cooked meat from the 40  degrees C treatment muscle
      was tougher than the two other treatment muscles. Napole yield was lower for
      these muscles. Myofibrillar protein extractability was lower in the 40  degrees C
      treatment muscle whatever the considered time. We showed that the 40  degrees C
      treatment muscles were similar to PSE muscles.

PMID- 22062524
TI  - Physicochemical characteristics of three muscles from free-range reared Iberian
      pigs slaughtered at 90 kg live weight.
AB  - Three muscles from free-range reared pigs with different metabolic pattern were
      studied. m. Masseter (M), m. Longissimus dorsi (LD) and m. Serratus ventralis
      (SV) the first having an oxidative metabolism and the other two an intermediate
      and glycolytic metabolism. m. Masseter contained the highest content of myoglobin
      (M: 6.65 mg/g, LD: 3.00 mg/g and SV: 3.64 mg/g; P<0.001) and exhibited the
      highest CIE a* (M:17.10, LD: 14.83, SV:15.34, P<0.001) and C* (M: 17.95, LD:
      15.61, SV: 15.54, P<0.001) values. m. L. dorsi and S. ventralis contained a
      higher intramuscular fat content than m. Masseter (M: 2.26 g/100 g muscle, LD:
      4.79 g/100 g muscle, SV: 3.52 g/100 g muscle, P=0.001) and lower amounts of
      phospholipids (M: 0.33 g/g imf, LD: 0.12 g/g imf, SV: 0.19 g/g imf; P<0.001).
      Fatty acid profiles from total intramuscular fat and lipid fractions, neutral
      lipids and polar lipids, significantly differed among muscles, there being a
      higher content of unsaturated fats (especially in the C18:2 and C20:4
      percentages) in the m. Masseter than in the other two muscles analysed.
      Comparatively, muscles from 90 kg live weight Iberian pigs contained more fat and
      heme pigments and were redder than those from the commercial pig crosses usually
      produced.

PMID- 22062526
TI  - Color evaluation of carbon monoxide treated porcine blood.
AB  - The stability of liquid porcine blood, treated with carbon monoxide (CO) at
      different pH values (7.40, 6.70, and 6.00) up to its complete saturation, was
      studied. Lowering the pH from 7.40 to 6.70 resulted in a decrease in the amount
      of CO necessary to obtain 100% carboxyhemoglobin. Further pH lowering to 6.00 did
      not result in additional reduction in the amount of gas. During 4 days of
      refrigerated storage CO treated liquid blood maintained, at every pH, a more
      stable and attractive red color than fresh blood, which was a result of an
      increase (P<0.05) of a(*) (redness) and b(*) (yellowness) values and no variation
      (P>0.05) on L(*) (lightness) value. Hue (h(*)) and chroma (C(*)) decreased in the
      untreated blood but not in the CO-treated blood. The results indicate that blood
      saturation with CO yields a product having greater potential for use in meat
      products without compromising its visual appearance.

PMID- 22062527
TI  - Identification of myofibrillar substrates for MU-calpain.
AB  - To identify myofibrillar substrates of MU-calpain under post-mortem conditions, a
      combination of SDS-PAGE, two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DE) and matrix
      assisted laser desorption/ionisation time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF
      MS) was used. Purified myofibrils were incubated with MU-calpain under post
      mortem-simulated conditions for two or four days at 4  degrees C. The resulting
      protein changes were analyzed by SDS-PAGE and 2DE. The MU-calpain-mediated
      protein changes were identified by peptide-mass mapping using MALDI-TOF MS and
      revealed that desmin, actin, myosin heavy chain, myosin light chain I, troponin
      T, tropomyosin alpha1, tropomyosin alpha4, thioredoxin and CapZ are all degraded
      in vitro by MU-calpain. The findings that actin and myosin heavy chain are
      substrates of MU-calpain were rather surprising, as it has previously been
      reported that these proteins are resistant to MU-calpain degradation. However,
      both actin and myosin heavy chain are poor substrates compared with desmin.

PMID- 22062528
TI  - Comparison of the performances of Nero Siciliano pigs reared indoors and
      outdoors: 2. Joints composition, meat and fat traits.
AB  - A study on the effect of rearing system on tissue composition of principal joints
      and chemical-physical traits of meat and subcutaneous fat, was carried out on a
      local pig breed. A total of 78 Nero Siciliano pigs was used; 41 pigs were reared
      in woods, 37 pigs were reared in pens and fed a commercial diet. Weight at
      slaughter was 101.9 and 88.2 kg for indoor and outdoor pigs, respectively. Means
      were estimated at 77 kg of live weight. At ham dissection outdoor-pigs showed
      higher percentages of lean (58% vs. 55%) and lower subcutaneous fat (31% vs.
      34%). In Longissimus lumborum outdoor-pigs showed a higher intramuscular fat
      percentage (4.3% vs. 3.3%), a lower protein content (22.2% vs. 23.4%), and higher
      free water (9.6 vs. 7.9 cm(2)). Outdoor pigs produced more light (L(*)=50 vs.
      46.7) and more yellow (b(*)=5.84 vs. 4.88) meat. Subcutaneous fat of outdoor pigs
      showed higher percentages of MUFA (53.3% vs. 47.2%) and lower percentages of PUFA
      (10.85% vs. 14.45%), no differences were found for n-3 PUFA. Outdoor-pigs had
      lower atherogenicity (0.48 vs. 0.53) and thrombogenicity (1.03 vs. 1.21) indices.

PMID- 22062529
TI  - High voltage electrical stimulation enhances muscle tenderness, increases aging
      response, and improves muscle color from cabrito carcasses.
AB  - Our study examined high and low voltage electrical stimulation and postmortem
      storage as strategies to improve tenderness and lean color in cabrito carcasses.
      Boer cross (n=60) kids were assigned to either high (550 V), low (20 V), or no
      electrical stimulation treatments. No differences in muscle temperature were
      observed between treatments at any time measured. Muscle pH declined fastest in
      high voltage treated carcasses. High voltage electrical stimulation slightly
      increased (P<0.05) b (*) and a (*) in the M. gluteus medius and tended to
      increase L (*) and b (*) (P=0.06 and 0.11, respectively) values in the M.
      longissimus thoracis. Electrical stimulation had no effect on myofibril
      fragmentation at 1-, 3-, or 14-d postmortem or sarcomere length. High voltage
      electrical stimulation increased (P<0.05) tenderness at 1- and 3-d postmortem,
      but not at 14-d postmortem. Aging for 3 d did not affect tenderness regardless of
      stimulation treatment, but aging time for 14 d improved (P<0.05) tenderness.
      These data indicate that high voltage electrical stimulation and 14 d aging were
      effective in improving the tenderness of meat from cabrito carcasses.

PMID- 22062530
TI  - Evaluation of three ultrasound instruments, CVT-2, UltraFom 300 and AutoFom for
      predicting salable meat yield and weight of lean in the primals of pork
      carcasses.
AB  - Three commercially available ultrasound instruments were evaluated using pigs
      representative of the Canadian pig population: CVT-2, UltraFom 300 and AutoFom.
      The reflectance probe HGP2 was utilized as the baseline instrument. Sampling was
      stratified by fat thickness. The original data set (n=236) was divided randomly
      into a calibration set (n=194 [85 barrows and 109 gilts]) to calibrate the
      instruments and a validation set (n=72[32 barrows and 40 gilts]) for validating
      the calibration models. For salable meat yield, RMSE values for the calibration
      models were: HGP2, 1.56; CVT-2, 1.57; UltraFom, 1.70; and AutoFom, 1.68. For lean
      (kg) in butt, picnic, loin and ham, and weight (kg) of the skinless, trimmed
      belly, RMSE for the calibration models was similar for all four instruments:
      respectively, 0.19-0.21, 0.21-0.23, 0.31-0.37, 0.35-0.40 and 0.35-0.36 kg.
      Validation results for predicting salable meat yield show that the improvement in
      precision and/or accuracy associated with the UltraFom 300 or AutoFom, over the
      baseline reflectance probe HGP2, was negligible whereas a definite advantage was
      observed for the CVT-2. However, validation results for predicting kg of lean in
      the primals did not show any clear advantage for the three commerciallly
      available ultrasound instruments over the baseline reflectance probe HGP2.
      Calibration and validation procedures showed that, if one was to base the
      assessment of these three ultrsound instruments uniquely on the precision and
      accuracy for predicting salable meat yield and/or kg of lean in the primals, any
      amelioration over the baseline reflectance probe HGP2 would have to be viewed as
      rather negligible; particularly for the UltraFom 300 or AutoFom.

PMID- 22062531
TI  - Lipid and protein oxidation, release of iron from heme molecule and colour
      deterioration during refrigerated storage of liver pate.
AB  - In the present work, lipid and protein oxidation, increase of non-heme iron (NHI)
      content and colour changes occurring during refrigerated storage (90 days/4 
      degrees C) of liver pates from Iberian and white pigs were studied. Iberian pigs
      were reared outdoors and fed on natural resources (grass, acorns) while white
      pigs were intensively reared and fed on a mixed diet. Lipid and protein oxidation
      were, respectively, measured by determining TBA reactive substances (TBARS) and
      protein carbonyl groups. Pates from Iberian pigs had better oxidative stability
      at all stages of storage, having lower amounts of TBARS and carbonyls compared to
      those from white pigs (p<0.05). NHI increased during refrigerated storage of
      liver pates, with those from white pigs having a higher amount of NHI at all
      stages of storage (p<0.05). During refrigerated storage, L(*)-values tended to
      increase while the evolution of a(*) and b(*) depended on the group and did not
      seem to be related to the oxidative processes.

PMID- 22062532
TI  - The role of integrin degradation in post-mortem drip loss in pork.
AB  - Cell membranes are attached to the cell body by two major types of adhesion
      complexes, integrin-containing focal adhesions and the dystrophin/dystroglycan
      complex of proteins. In this study, we used samples with known and varying rates
      of drip channel formation to determine whether the time frame of formation of the
      channels correlated with the rate of cell/membrane adhesion protein degradation.
      Our results indicate that the degradation of the beta1-chain of integrin, the
      portion of the protein involved in adhesion of the cell membrane to the
      cytoskeleton, temporally correlates to the opening of drip channels in pork,
      while dystrophin degradation does not. Additionally, this degradation may be due
      to activation of calpains at the site of adhesion plaques. Previous work has
      indicated that calpains can degrade the beta-chain of integrins in vitro. We find
      that m-calpain is co-localized with beta1-integrin at the cytoplasmic surface of
      the cell membrane in plaque-like structures and is active in these regions post
      mortem. Inhibition of calpains not only results in inhibition of integrin
      degradation, but blocks the opening of drip channels. Therefore, the opening of
      drip channels in pork may well be due to the degradation of integrin proteins on
      the cell surface by calpains.

PMID- 22062533
TI  - Effect of muscular hypertrophy on physico-chemical, biochemical and texture
      traits of meat from yearling bulls.
AB  - The effect of the presence of the double-muscling gene either homozygous (mh/mh)
      or heterozygous (mh/+) on the physico-chemical, biochemical and texture traits of
      Longissimus thoracis muscle of yearling bulls of the Asturiana de los Valles (AV)
      breed was studied. Meat of mh/mh bulls had lower amount of intramuscular fat
      (p<0.001) and also lower total (p<0.01) and insoluble collagen (p<0.05), although
      the double-muscling genotype did not affect collagen solubility. Homozygous
      animals had lower pigment content (p<0.05) and a lighter meat, showing lower
      water holding capacity, estimated as expressible juice under pressure (p<0.001).
      Genotype affected significantly the metabolic traits of muscle, with mh/mh
      animals having higher muscle glycolytic metabolism, assessed by a higher
      (p<0.001) lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity and lower (p<0.001) oxidative
      activity of the isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICDH). The percentage of myosin heavy
      chain I in muscle was lower, although not significantly, for mh/mh bulls compared
      to mh/+ bulls. Texture measurements performed on raw material showed that meat of
      mh/mh bulls had lower resistance to total and 80% compression, which means lower
      background or collagen toughness. However, there were no differences between
      genotypes on shear force of cooked meat. Therefore, the physico-chemical,
      biochemical and texture traits of meat from mh/mh and mh/+ bull are in general
      significantly different, which could affect the sensorial quality of meat and
      hence the consumer acceptance.

PMID- 22062534
TI  - Optimizing colour quality of modified atmosphere packed sliced meat products by
      control of critical packaging parameters.
AB  - To study the influence of different packaging and storage parameters on the
      colour stability of modified atmosphere packed, cured, cooked ham, a
      multiplicative analysis of variance model (GEMANOVA) was developed. The critical
      parameters investigated were % residual-O(2), product to headspace volume ratio
      (P/H volume ratio), temperature, light intensity and oxygen transmission rate
      (OTR). The model illustrated that all the investigated parameters interacted, but
      especially % residual-O(2) and P/H volume ratio - i.e., the absolute O(2)
      content, influenced the degree of discoloration. The complex interactions of the
      parameters justified the selected model, as it emphasised the necessity of
      evaluating the parameters simultaneously instead of considering them
      individually. The importance of absolute O(2) content was further validated
      through an industrial experiment including three different kinds of sliced meat
      products.

PMID- 22062535
TI  - Influence of myosin heavy chain isoform expression and postmortem metabolism on
      the ATPase activity of muscle fibers.
AB  - The objective of this study was to determine the effects of postmortem muscle pH
      and temperature declines on the actomyosin ATPase activity of muscle fibers
      expressing different MyHC isoforms. Using a quantitative histochemical procedure
      to determine ATPase activity, the maximum actomyosin ATPase activity was
      determined on individual fibers classified by MyHC expression. Samples were
      collected from the red (RST) and white (WST) semitendinosus muscles at 3 min and
      24 h postmortem from electrically stimulated (ES) and control (NS) pork
      carcasses. In samples taken at 3 min postmortem, type I fibers had the lowest
      ATPase activity staining and type 2X and 2B had the highest activity staining,
      with type 2A fibers intermediate. Postmortem time and carcass treatment did not
      influence the ATPase activity staining of type I muscle fibers. ATPase activity
      staining of 2A fibers was lower (p<0.001) in 24 h samples than in 3 min samples
      from ES carcasses. In 3 min and NS-24 h samples, RST type 2A fibers had lower
      (p<0.05) activities than type 2A fibers from the WST. In type 2X fibers, ATPase
      activity staining decreased (p<0.01) from 3 min to 24 h postmortem in ES
      carcasses. This decrease was more severe in WST 2X fibers compared to RST 2X
      fibers. ATPase activity staining in type 2B fibers did not decrease from 3 min to
      24 h postmortem in NS carcasses. In ES carcasses, activity staining of 2B fibers
      decreased (p<0.0001) with time postmortem. The results of the experiment indicate
      that fibers expressing fast MyHC isoforms have a higher ATPase activity early
      postmortem than slow muscle fibers but are more prone to inactivation by a rapid
      pH decline.

PMID- 22062536
TI  - Influence of cattle breed and ageing time on textural meat quality.
AB  - An experiment was carried out using 7 month old male calves from four different
      breeds: 10 Spanish Holstein (dairy), 10 Old Brown Swiss (dual purpose), 10
      Limousin (fast growth) and 10 Blonde d'Aquitaine (high muscularity). They were
      all fed concentrate and cereal straw ad libitum. Animals were slaughtered at
      usual commercial weights for the Spanish market depending on the growth and
      precocity of each breed (500 kg liveweight at slaughter for Holstein, 550 kg for
      Old Brown Swiss, 560 kg for Limousin and 620 kg for Blonde d'Aquitaine, with an
      age between 13 and 15 months). There were significant differences (P<0.001) among
      breeds in the quantity of total and insoluble collagen in the Longissimus
      thoracis and lumborum muscle, but collagen solubility was similar (41-44%),
      except for muscle from the Old Brown Swiss (33%; P<0.001). Overall, breeds
      specialized for beef production (Limousin and Blonde d'Aquitaine) had lower
      values for compression and WB in raw and heated meat, respectively, for ageing
      periods of less than a week. Ageing had a larger effect on myofibrillar
      tenderness than breed and tended to eliminate the breed effect on textural
      variables, as well as individual differences within each breed.

PMID- 22062537
TI  - Predicting the amount of carbon dioxide absorbed in meat.
AB  - Carbon dioxide is commonly used in modified atmosphere packaging of meat and the
      gas is highly soluble in meat. Both intrinsic (pH, water and fat content) and
      extrinsic (CO(2) partial pressure, headspace to meat volume ratio and storage
      temperature) factors affect the amount of CO(2) absorbed in meat. A multi
      factorial packaging experiment using minced pork was carried out in order to
      evaluate the effect of such factors under realistic conditions and to develop
      models for prediction of the amount of absorbed CO(2). For most practical
      applications CO(2) partial pressure and headspace to meat volume ratio are the
      key factors determining CO(2) absorption in meat. For volume ratios of more than
      2 L gas/kg meat, knowledge of the partial pressure of CO(2) was sufficient to
      predict the amount of absorbed CO(2).

PMID- 22062538
TI  - Sensory and instrumental analysis of longitudinal and transverse textural
      variation in pork longissimus dorsi.
AB  - In the present study sensory and instrumental analysis of the textural properties
      of pork longissimus dorsi were performed and analysed using multivariate data
      analytical methodologies. The aims were to determine how textural properties of
      musculus longissimus dorsi varied transversely, longitudinally, between left and
      right muscles, and as a function of ageing. By training the panel in the
      descriptive texture profile method the panellists were able to clearly detect,
      discriminate and describe the textural variation in the samples, except for the
      transverse variation. Sensory evaluation revealed a non-significant trend
      (P>0.05) of decreasing tenderness from dorsal (nearest the spinal column) to
      medial sampling position. When analysed instrumentally, using a modified Warner
      Bratzler shear force apparatus, the transverse muscle variation was found to
      increase in force (N) required for deformation from dorsal to lateral sampling
      position. Overall, these two methods agreed in that the dorsal position was the
      more tender of the three positions investigated. Lengthwise muscle variation was
      highly defined when assessed using sensory analysis, whereas instrumental
      analysis was unable to detect this variation. The sensory analysis revealed that
      tenderness decreased and hardness increased as the sample position approached the
      caudal end of the muscle. Additionally, sensory analysis revealed a major
      turnover point in textural properties at the end of the ribcage area in that
      tenderness showed a marked decrease in this area and hardness and juiciness
      increased correspondingly in the same area. Both sensory and instrumental
      analysis showed that muscles from left and right side of the carcass differed
      significantly (P<0.05) in their textural properties. The right side muscle was
      clearly defined into stages more so than the left side muscle. In addition, the
      right loin was found to be harder per se than the left loin, which was postulated
      to be caused by a greater amount of work performed by right muscles compared to
      left muscles. Significant differences (P<0.05) in sensory textural attributes
      were observed overall with increased ageing. The variation within muscles, which
      contributed to the overall change in texture with ageing, was found to be due to
      changes in the longitudinal variation, in that the individual chop variation
      observed at the cranial end became less pronounced when the meat was aged.
      Differences observed between the cranial and caudal end remained, regardless of
      ageing for 4 or 7 days. No changes could be seen in the transverse texture during
      ageing. In general, sensory and instrumental analyses were found largely to be
      predictive indexes of each other. However, these two methods could not be said to
      be causally predictive in that they did not measure the same physical properties
      of the meat. For instance sensory determined tenderness is a result of the type
      and rate of deformation and the heterogeneity of the sample assessed, whereas
      instrumental measurement is a result of resistance to shearing. The present study
      showed significant variation between longitudinal locations and this variation is
      critical when designing sensory texture profiling experiments of meat from loins.
      Moreover, the textural differences between left and right loin muscles must be
      considered when texture prediction is the objective if an applicable conclusion
      is to be drawn.

PMID- 22062539
TI  - Testing for bias between the Kjeldahl and Dumas methods for the determination of
      nitrogen in meat mixtures, by using data from a designed interlaboratory
      experiment.
AB  - Bias between the Dumas and the Kjeldahl methods for the determination of protein
      nitrogen in food was studied by conducting an interlaboratory study involving 40
      laboratories and 20 different test materials. Biases were found to be small and
      statistically significant only for the chicken test materials, where a bias of
      0.020+/-0.004% m/m was detected.

PMID- 22062540
TI  - Factors regulating lamb longissimus tenderness are affected by age at slaughter.
AB  - The objective of this experiment was to determine age-related changes in collagen
      concentration, sarcomere length, calpain (MU- and m-) and calpastatin activities,
      postmortem proteolysis and Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) in ovine
      longissimus thoracis et lumborum. Rambouillet lambs were slaughtered at 2, 4, 6,
      8 and 10 months of age and samples of longissimus were collected at 0, 2 and 10
      days postmortem. Collagen concentration and sarcomere lengths were determined
      from the cores used for WBSF measurements and reflected changes in the background
      toughness. Longissimus collagen concentration did not change (P>0.05) due to lamb
      age. Sarcomere lengths also showed age-related changes, increasing (P<0.05) from
      1.35 MUm at 6 months to 1.48 and 1.55 MUm at 8 and 10 months, respectively. The
      extent of calpain mediated proteolysis determines the improvement in meat
      tenderness with postmortem storage. The most notable change in the calpain
      proteolytic system was the decline (P<0.05) in calpastatin activity from 4.18 to
      1.91 U/g muscle between 2 and 10 months. The activity of MU-calpain showed a 16%
      increase (P<0.05) from 4 to 6 months, before it dropped again at 8 and 10 months.
      There was a gradual decline (P<0.05) in m-calpain activity with age, and by 10
      months m-calpain activity had reduced to 80% of 2 months levels. The ratio of MU
      calpain to calpastatin activities increased (P<0.05) from 2 to 6 months (from
      0.31 to 0.56) with no further changes (P>0.05) at 8 or 10 months. There were no
      age-related changes (P>0.05) in desmin degradation at day 2, however, examination
      of day 10 samples showed increased (P<0.05) degradation from 2 to 6 months. Thus,
      the changes observed in the ratio of MU-calpain to calpastatin activities are
      reflected in the extent of postmortem proteolysis. Meat tenderness was measured
      using WBSF at 2 and 10 days postmortem. Because little proteolysis had taken
      place at 2 days postmortem, the decline in day 2 WBSF from 6 to 8 months could be
      explained by changes in sarcomere length. However, at 10 days postmortem, where
      WBSF was shown to decrease from 2 to 8 months, the improvement in tenderness
      could be explained by the amount of postmortem proteolysis. The data presented in
      this paper show evidence that sarcomere length is the main determinant of
      background toughness in ovine longissimus, and that postmortem proteolysis,
      resulting from MU-calpain activity regulated by calpastatin, is the main
      determinant of ovine longissimus tenderization during aging. Thus, lamb
      longissimus tenderness after refrigerated storage is determined by postmortem
      proteolysis and its interaction with sarcomere length.

PMID- 22062541
TI  - Colour changes and consumer acceptability of bulk packaged pork retail cuts
      stored under O(2), CO(2) and N(2).
AB  - A centralised bulk packaging technique, utilising various gas mixtures, c. 100%
      CO(2)+oxygen scavenger, c. 80% O(2):20% CO(2) and c. 25% CO(2):50% N(2):25% O(2),
      was evaluated in terms of consumer acceptability and colour. The inclusion of an
      oxygen scavenger ensured that pork retail chops bulk packaged in a 100% CO(2)
      were as acceptable after 0, and 14 days bulk storage and subsequent retail
      display than chops stored in oxygen-enriched atmospheres. The study also
      indicated that a saturation level of 10 and higher indicated that the appearance
      of the pork chop was acceptable to the consumer panel. From the results of this
      study it is apparent that consumers find pork retail packs, bulk packaged in
      oxygen depleted atmospheres, as acceptable as pork chops stored in oxygen
      enriched atmospheres.

PMID- 22062542
TI  - Display life of sheep meats retail packaged under atmospheres of various volumes
      and compositions.
AB  - Longissmus dorsi loins were removed from Suffolk cross-breed lambs (4-9 months)
      and hoggets (15-20 months). The effect of package gas composition was
      investigated by packaging loins with gas mixtures containing 80:20:0, 60:20:20
      and 60:40:0/O(2):CO(2):N(2) with a 2:1 headspace to meat volume ratio. The most
      effective gas mixture for prolonging shelf-life was used to study the effect of
      different headspace to meat volume ratios. Loins were packaged with a headspace
      to meat volume ratio of 2:1, 1.5:1 or 1:1. All modified atmosphere (MA) packs
      were held under refrigerated display conditions (4  degrees C, 616 lx) for 12
      days. Loins were assessed for microbial, oxidative and colour stability and
      headspace composition every 3 days. The 80:20:0/O(2):CO(2):N(2) gas composition
      and the 2:1 headspace to meat volume ratio was the most effective packaging
      combination at maintaining and prolonging the attractive red colour of MA
      packaged lamb and hogget meat. 80:20:0/O(2):CO(2):N(2) resulted in significantly
      (p<0.01) higher Hunter a values in lamb. The 2:1 ratio gave higher visual
      assessment values in lamb and higher Hunter 'a' values for hogget meat throughout
      the trial. The 2:1 ratio was the most effective at decreasing Pseudomonas and
      increasing the numbers of lactic acid bacteria in the total microbial load in
      both lamb and hogget meat. Lipid oxidation in lamb and hogget meat occurred at a
      slower comparative rate than discolouration or microbial growth and was not the
      major determinant of shelf-life. The 2:1 headspace to meat volume ratio was most
      effective at maintaining the initial gas mix in both lamb and hogget MA packs.

PMID- 22062543
TI  - Fatty acid composition and tocopherol concentrations in muscle of entire male,
      castrated male and female pigs, reared in an indoor or outdoor housing system.
AB  - The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of outdoor rearing on
      the fatty acid (FA) composition and contents of tocopherols of M. longissimus
      dorsi polar (PL) and neutral lipids (NL) in entire males, castrated males and
      female pigs. Fat content did not differ between genders or rearing conditions. In
      PL of the indoor pig muscle the level of n-6 highly unsaturated fatty acids
      (HUFA) was higher in females and entire males compared with castrated males. The
      outdoor environment resulted in a slightly higher level of n-3 polyunsaturated FA
      (PUFA) in muscle PL and NL of entire males compared with females and castrated
      males. We also found an increased level of 18:2 n-6 in the muscle PL of outdoor
      reared females compared with the indoor females. The higher levels of PUFA in the
      entire male muscle, in both PL and NL, were not accompanied by a higher level of
      vitamin E.

PMID- 22062544
TI  - Visualization of drip channels in meat using NMR microimaging.
AB  - The progressive changes in the water distribution within rabbit muscles were
      studied by nuclear magnetic resonance microscopy during the first 24 h
      postmortem. T(2) images revealed development of interspersed lines with higher
      signal intensities in the muscle, reflecting formation of channels containing
      mobile water. The appearance of the interspersed lines progressed throughout the
      measuring period and became increasingly evident. After about 3 h postmortem the
      signal intensity also increased in areas near the surface of the samples, which
      reflects migration of the mobile water to the sample surface. Proton density
      images showed the presence of a chemical shift artifact in the interspersed
      lines, implying that the intrinsic development of water channels progressed in
      close proximity to the connective tissue.

PMID- 22062545
TI  - Growth of Listeria monocytogenes on vacuum-packaged horsemeat for human
      consumption.
AB  - In order to investigate the likelihood of Listeria monocytogenes (serotype 4b,
      ATCC 19115) growth on vacuum-packaged horsemeat at refrigeration temperature,
      fourteen horsemeat surface/volume homogeneous 150 g weight pieces were
      superficially inoculated with serotype 4b L. monocytogenes and vacuum packaged.
      The samples were stored at 4+/-1  degrees C. Two pieces (one for pH determination
      and one for L. monocytogenes counts) were examined at days 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35
      and 42. Surface pH did not show significant variations during the experiment. The
      average L. monocytogenes initial contamination level was 1.77log(10) CFU/g. A lag
      phase of 7 days was recorded. The exponential growth rate between day 7 to day 35
      was 0.125log(10) CFU/day, corresponding to 3.51log(10) CFU/g in 28 days. At the
      end of the experiment the mean L. monocytogenes log(10) CFU/g was 5.78.

PMID- 22062546
TI  - Comparison of human papillomavirus testing and cytology for cervical cancer
      screening in a primary health care setting in the Democratic Republic of the
      Congo.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We compared the screening performance of conventional Pap cytology
      and two human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA assays, the original Hybrid Capture 2
      (HC2) and an expanded version that tests for 4 additional HPV types (HC2+4;
      Qiagen Corporation), in the detection of cervical neoplasia among unscreened
      women in a primary care setting in a suburb of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of
      the Congo. METHODS: All women 30 years or older residing in the area were invited
      to participate, and 1528 were evaluated by Pap cytology and the two HPV assays,
      conducted at a European and US reference laboratory, respectively, followed by
      colposcopy. Cervical biopsies were obtained from all women with abnormal
      colposcopy and from 290 randomly chosen women with normal colposcopy (to correct
      for verification bias). RESULTS: Using a relative light unit of 1 as the cutoff
      for positivity, 169 and 168 (11%) women tested positive using HC2 and HC2+4,
      respectively. HC2 and HC2+4 were in agreement in 98.6% of cases (Kappa=0.94; 95%
      confidence interval: 0.91-0.96). Both assays were sensitive (~83%) and specific
      (~91%) for the detection of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia-2 or worse
      disease. Irrespective of the cutoff point used to define positivity, Pap cytology
      was both less sensitive and more specific than HC2 or HC2+4. For instance,
      cytology was 63% sensitive and 97% specific when a cutoff point of low-grade
      squamous intraepithelial lesions or worse was used. CONCLUSIONS: Among unscreened
      women, HC2 and HC2+4 had similar screening accuracy for cervical neoplasia, and
      both were more sensitive but less specific than Pap cytology.

PMID- 22062547
TI  - Discounting of sequences of delayed rewards of different amounts.
AB  - The main purpose of this study was to determine whether the magnitude effect is
      present in cases where delayed sequences of rewards are discounted. The magnitude
      effect refers to the inverse relationship between the amount of a reward and the
      steepness of temporal discounting. This study was conducted with a computer
      program to estimate the indifference points, which served as indicators of the
      present subjective value of delayed sequences of small and large rewards. In the
      indifference point the subjective value of a single, immediate reward was equal
      to the subjective value of the delayed sequence (or to the value of a single
      delayed reward). As a control condition, we added an experimental task involving
      choices between single immediate and single delayed rewards. The experiment
      showed that the sequences of large rewards are discounted less steeply than are
      the sequences of small rewards. This finding suggests that the magnitude effect
      is present within the delayed sequences of rewards. In addition, when outcomes
      are relatively large, the results suggest that a single reward is discounted less
      steeply than the sequence of a total nominal value equal to this single reward.
      However, for relatively small rewards, the difference is not statistically
      significant. The less steep discounting of sequences of large rewards may explain
      the reward-bundling effect, which refers to less steep discounting of longer
      sequences than of shorter ones: longer sequences usually have greater overall
      nominal value. The present study was conducted on hypothetical rewards, and the
      results should be validated using real rewards.

PMID- 22062548
TI  - The hsa-miR-5787 represses cellular growth by targeting eukaryotic translation
      initiation factor 5 (eIF5) in fibroblasts.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that regulate diverse biological
      processes. We cloned novel small RNA from human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs)
      and termed microRNA-5787 (hsa-miR-5787) that met the criteria for a miRNA. The
      level of miR-5787 was elevated in senescent fibroblasts. Based on the target
      prediction algorithm and results that were obtained, we find that eukaryotic
      translation initiation factor 5 (eIF5) is a target of miR-5787. Similar to the
      over-expression of miR-5787, we showed that repression of eIF5 in fibroblasts
      negatively affected cell growth. Therefore, we propose that the miR-5787
      represses cell growth, in part, by targeting eIF5.

PMID- 22062549
TI  - Impact of host responses on control of hepatitis C virus infection in Chinese
      blood donors.
AB  - A study was undertaken to explore the molecular mechanisms underlying control of
      HCV infection in blood donors in China. Factors including clinical information,
      anti-HCV reactivity (S/CO), IFN-alpha and IFN-gamma, viral loads and genotypes
      were correlated with 160 index plasma samples at three statuses of 45 recovered,
      76 chronic or 39 false positive anti-HCV reactive blood donors. The spontaneous
      recovery rate was 37.2%. Viral loads of 76 HCV plasmas ranged between 59.8 IU/ml
      and 2.43 * 10(6)IU/ml (median 3.67 * 10(4)IU/ml). Genotypes 1, 2, 3 and 6 of 63
      HCV strains were identified phylogenetically. Recovered donors were significantly
      younger (p=0.002) and had lower level IFN-gamma (p=0.001) than chronically HCV
      infected donors. Circulating levels of IFN-alpha and IFN-gamma were higher in
      those with low viral load and were low in middle or high viral load samples. The
      ratio of IFN-alpha to IFN-gamma (IFN-alpha/gamma) was significantly positively
      correlated with viral load (p=0.037), and viral load was inversely correlated
      with IFN-gamma in chronic HCV infection regardless of genotype. The study
      revealed clearly different relationships between IFN-alpha and IFN-gamma in
      relation to viral load in HCV. A novel measure of IFN-alpha/gamma ratio could be
      a new approach to evaluate long term outcome of HCV infection.

PMID- 22062550
TI  - The effect of air temperature, velocity and visual lean (VL) composition on the
      tempering times of frozen boneless beef blocks.
AB  - Beef blocks of two compositions, 100% and 50% visual lean (VL), in standard
      commercial packaging with nominal dimensions of 510*390*150mm were tempered from 
      18 degrees C to -3 degrees C using air at temperatures from 3 degrees C to -3
      degrees C and velocities of 0.5 and 5ms(-1). These conditions were then modelled
      using a finite difference mathematical model and the accuracy of the model
      assessed by comparison with the experimental results. An extended range of
      conditions (including an intermediate air velocity of 2ms(-1) and an intermediate
      composition of 75% VL) was then modelled to produce data that can be used to
      design tempering processes. The results show that single stage air tempering of
      even single blocks within their cartons needs to be a long process. In air at 3
      degrees C and 5ms(-1), blocks of 50% VL rose to deep temperatures of -10 degrees
      C and -3 degrees C after 4.0 and 22.5h, respectively, while with 100% VL 4.6 and
      27.3h were required. Under these conditions, the surface layers of the meat would
      have spent many hours in a thawed condition that would be detrimental to both
      drip and optimal processing. Using lower temperatures avoids thawing and at the
      same time produces an optimum temperature difference for subsequent processing.
      However, tempering times are substantially extended. For example, times to the
      above temperatures using air at -1 degrees C and 5ms(-1) were 4.8 and 37.5h for
      50% VL and 5.1 and 44.5h for 100% VL.

PMID- 22062551
TI  - Influence of season, distance and mixed loads on the physical and carcass
      integrity of pigs transported to slaughter.
AB  - To determine the influences of season, distance and multiple-farm loads on pigs
      transported to slaughter under Spanish commercial conditions, 496 journeys,
      involving 90,366 pigs, were analysed. Mortality, liveweight loss, transport
      yield, killing out percentage, carcass yield after overnight chilling and
      percentage of condemned and trimmed carcasses were recorded. Season significantly
      affected killing out percentage and trimmed carcasses, with the lowest values
      found in autumn and summer, respectively. Distance significantly affected
      liveweight loss and transport yield. Loads composed of pigs from a number of
      farms had more deaths and carcass problems. It can be concluded that, under
      Spanish climatic conditions, if journey planning and handling at loading are
      adequately performed, season and distance do not impair the welfare of slaughter
      pigs. On the other hand, loading at a number of farms, alone, or interacting with
      distance, can compromise pig welfare.

PMID- 22062552
TI  - Characterization of Staphylococcus xylosus and Staphylococcus carnosus isolated
      from Slovak meat products.
AB  - The aims of this study were to isolate, identify and characterize the population
      of coagulase-negative staphylococci in different types of Slovak traditional
      sausages and to determine the metabolic properties of selected Staphylococcus
      xylosus and S. carnosus strains for the selection of potential starter cultures
      to use in the processing of sausages. The strains were tested for lactic acid
      production, survival in the presence of bile and sensitivity to antibiotics.
      Bacteriocin production, adhesion ability as well as biogenic amine (BA)
      production by isolates were also analysed. Most of the isolates were identified
      as S. xylosus and S. carnosus. Lactic acid values ranged from 0.40 to 1.03mmol/l
      and strains survived in the presence of 1% bile. Most of the strains studied were
      sensitive to all antibiotics. Two strains, S. xylosus SO3/1M/1/2 and S. carnosus
      SO2/F/2/5 inhibited Listeria innocua and Pseudomonas sp. S. xylosus strains did
      not produce any BA, while S. carnosus SO2/F/2/5 did. S. xylosus SO3/1M/1/2 and S.
      carnosus SO2/F/2/5 appeared as the most adhesive strains. S. xylosus SO3/1M/1/2
      with antimicrobial activity against Enterococcus avium EA5, L. innocua LMG13568
      and Pseudomonas sp. SO1/1M/1/4, adhesion ability and free BA production could be
      used as starter culture in sausage manufacture.

PMID- 22062553
TI  - The colour of the adductor muscle as a predictor of pork quality in the loin.
AB  - The relation between measurements of colour made in the m. adductor (AD) at 45min
      or 20 h post mortem and the quality, assessed subjectively in terms of colour and
      waterholding capacity, of the m. longissimus (LD) in the loin was examined. The
      study used data from 100 pig carcasses exhibiting a wide range of meat quality
      from extreme PSE (pale, soft and exudative) to extreme DFD (dark, firm and dry).
      The subjective assessments were confirmed by objective measures of paleness
      (reflectance) and waterholding capacity (drip loss in storage) in the LD.
      Lightness (L(*)) measured at 20h post mortem in the AD was the best potential
      predictor of loin muscle quality, explaining 59% of the variation in subjective
      and objective quality measures. Comparable measurements at 45min post mortem
      explained between 21% and 44% of the variation. The equation that described the
      relation between AD Lightness (L(*)) and subjectively assessed LD quality was
      derived. This could be used to transpose the AD L(*) values from a population of
      slaughtered pigs into nominal subjective scores for the LD, allowing the
      frequency of the five subjective quality groups (extremely DFD, slightly DFD,
      normal, slightly PSE, and extremely PSE) in the population of carcasses to be
      defined.

PMID- 22062554
TI  - Chemical and microbiological characterization of alheira: A typical Portuguese
      fermented sausage with particular reference to factors relating to food safety.
AB  - Alheiras are traditional smoked naturally fermented meat sausages produced in the
      north of Portugal. They have not previously been characterized as to their
      chemical and microbiological status. pH and salt levels are insufficient to
      assure microbiological safety, there is ample opportunity for post-cooking
      contamination; the products require chill storage and cooking before consumption.
      Heavy metals and biogenic amines were, in general, within accepted limits for
      meat products. Lactic acid bacteria comprised the major microflora (ca. 7
      8logcfu/g) with substantial counts of micrococci and enterococci (up to
      7logcfu/g). Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Listeria spp. were
      detected in several samples.

PMID- 22062555
TI  - Quantification and kinetics of the residual brine generation during ham and
      shoulder pile salting.
AB  - Salting is one of the most important stages of the traditional process of cured
      ham manufacturing. During pile salting a saturated brine is formed and drips
      through the orifices located at the bottom of the salting containers. The
      objective of the present work was to quantify the released brine in the ham
      manufacturing industry in Spain and to relate the brine generation with the salt
      gained by hams in the process. The total released brine during ham and shoulder
      salting in Spain was determined theoretically and from the experimental values
      obtained from the industry (around 38,000 metric tons in 2002). In addition to
      that, an easy method for the estimation of the NaCl gained by hams and shoulders
      was developed by using the measurements of the released brine (the estimated NaCl
      gained differed 3.5% from the experimental data).

PMID- 22062556
TI  - Dry-cured ham quality and acceptability as affected by the preservation system
      used for retail sale.
AB  - Dry-cured ham cuts and slices were stored at 4+/-2 degrees C for 8 months under
      vacuum and modified atmosphere (20% CO(2)+80% N(2)), respectively. Instrumental
      colour and texture, pH, non-protein nitrogen, total volatile basic nitrogen,
      acidity, lipid oxidation, sensory profile and consumer acceptability and purchase
      satisfaction were measured throughout storage. The overall quality of vacuum
      packaged dry-cured ham cuts showed limited changes. Significant changes of
      sensory attributes involved only loss of flavour. The overall acceptability
      assessed by both trained and consumer panels did not decrease significantly
      throughout storage and the willingness to purchase remained above 50%.
      Conversely, modified-atmosphere-packaged ham slices had intense and extensive
      changes affecting sensory quality, particularly in visual appearance, flavour
      loss, off-flavour formation, saltiness and rancidity. Some of these changes were
      related to oxidation caused by low pH due to the presence of carbon dioxide in
      the protective atmosphere. Acceptability was significantly lower from the 4th
      month of storage and willingness to purchase fell below 50% at the same time.

PMID- 22062557
TI  - Augmented postmortem glycolysis does not occur early postmortem in AMPKgamma3
      mutated porcine muscle of halothane positive pigs.
AB  - The objective of this study was to determine the effects of the halothane (HAL)
      and Rendement Napole (RN) genes on the rate-limiting reactions of glycolysis and
      their relationship to pork quality development. Samples were collected from the
      longissimus muscle at 0, 30, 60, and 120min and 24h postmortem from homozygous
      HAL and RN pigs (NN/rn(+)rn(+), NN/RN(-)RN(-), nn/rn(+)rn(+), nn/RN(-)RN(-)).
      Muscle pH was recorded at 0, 15, and 45min, and 24h postmortem. HAL mutants,
      compared with HAL normal, had lower (P<0.05) ATP concentrations at 0 and 30min,
      lower (P<0.05) pH at 45min, and hastened glycogen degradation and lactate
      accumulation in the first 120min postmortem (HAL*time, P<0.0001). RN mutants had
      greater (P<0.0001) glycolytic potentials than RN normal, and lower (P<0.05) 24h
      pH compared with the normal genotype, but not the HAL mutant genotype. The HAL
      mutation negatively affected (P<0.05) L*, b* and color scores whereas both HAL
      and RN mutations independently decreased (P<0.05) firmness, marbling and water
      holding capacity. RN mutant genotypes had higher (P<0.0001) phosphocreatine
      concentrations than other genotypes at 0min. Compared with HAL normal, HAL
      mutants had elevated (P<0.05) muscle glucose concentrations at 30, 60, and
      120min, and 24h. RN mutants had higher (P<0.05) glucose levels than RN normal
      after 60min. Glucose-6-phosphate (G6P) concentrations decreased (P<0.05) during
      the first hour postmortem except in HAL/RN mutants, which had higher (P<0.01) G6P
      concentrations than all other genotypes at 30min. From 60min to 24h postmortem,
      G6P increased (P<0.05) in HAL normal genotypes. Altogether, these data show that
      elevated muscle glycogen content does not further aggravate rapid early
      postmortem metabolism.

PMID- 22062558
TI  - Effect of dietary ractopamine on tenderness and postmortem protein degradation of
      pork muscle.
AB  - Twenty-four finishing pigs with a mean starting weight of 82kg were assigned to
      two dietary regimens: (1) a corn-soybean meal basal diet (control; n=12), and (2)
      the basal diet supplemented with 20ppm ractopamine HCl (RAC; n=12). After 28-30
      days on the feeding trial, pigs were slaughtered, and the growth and carcass
      characteristics were measured. Furthermore, the 3rd-13th rib section of
      longissimus muscle was excised at 48h postmortem, sliced into 19-mm thick chops,
      vacuum packaged, stored at 2 degrees C, and subjected to Warner-Bratzler shear
      force (WBSF) and electrophoretic tests after 2, 4, 7, 10, 14, and 21 days
      (postmortem). RAC feeding increased (P<0.01) pig carcass weight and percent lean,
      but it also increased the day-2 muscle WBSF by 20% (P<0.01). The shear force
      difference between control and RAC pig muscles gradually decreased and vanished
      by day 10 (P>0.05) when both muscle groups became more tender. The muscle from
      RAC-fed pigs exhibited a slower protein degradation rate than muscle from the
      control animals, notably for proteins in the 15-45kDa range. The results
      suggested that the tenderness difference between ractopamine-treated and control
      pig muscles was related to the proteolysis rate, and could be diminished with
      adequate postmortem ageing.

PMID- 22062559
TI  - The effect of modified atmosphere packaging with carbon monoxide on the storage
      quality of master-packaged fresh pork.
AB  - Modified atmosphere packaging with carbon dioxide is effective for prolonging
      shelf-life of fresh meat. Addition of carbon monoxide to the system provides the
      advantage of enhancing meat colour. The study objective was to determine the
      effect of CO(2)-MAP+0.4% CO, vs. 100% CO(2)-MAP, on the bacteriology and colour
      of retail-ready fresh pork stored for 8 weeks in a master-package system. Total
      plate counts were not affected and listeria was present on meat from both
      treatments. Colour was enhanced with the inclusion of CO, while no effect on
      lipid oxidation was observed. Use of CO in MAP provides sufficient storage life
      and product colour quality to permit shipment of fresh pork to distant markets.
      However, given the stable fresh colour of CO-treated meat and the lack of
      inhibition of pathogen growth by CO, there is concern that CO-MAP under certain
      conditions may pose a food safety risk.

PMID- 22062560
TI  - Optimization of emulsion characteristics of beef, chicken and turkey meat
      mixtures in model system using mixture design.
AB  - Emulsion pH (pHe), emulsion capacity (EC), emulsion stability (ES), emulsion
      density (ED) and apparent yield stress of emulsion (raw emulsion, AYSe) and
      emulsion gel (cooked emulsion, AYSg) of beef, chicken and turkey meats and their
      mixtures were studied using a model system. Turkey meat homogenate was found to
      have higher protein concentration than chicken or beef homogenates. The highest
      pHe, EC and ES values and the lowest ED and AYSe values were found in chicken
      meat. However, the highest AYSg value was found in chicken-turkey meat mixture.
      Generally, the increasing amount of chicken meat in mixtures increased EC and ES,
      and decreased ED and AYSe values. Also, chicken-turkey meat mixtures had lower ES
      values than the mixtures containing only chicken or only turkey meat. With beef,
      the addition of chicken and turkey meats improved emulsion characteristics
      significantly. Optimum levels of beef, chicken and turkey meats were found to be
      0-23%, 9-30% and 53-91% respectively.

PMID- 22062561
TI  - Effects of age on composition and quality of muscle Longissimus thoracis of the
      Omani Arabian camel (Camelus dromedaries).
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine the effects of age on chemical composition
      and quality characteristics of the Arabian one-humped camel's meat. Samples of
      longissimus thoracis (between the 10th and the 13th rib of the left side) were
      randomly collected from 21 Omani intact male camels of three different age
      groups: group 1 (1-3 years), group 2 (3-5 years) and group 3 (6-8 years). Samples
      were chilled (1-3 degrees C) for 48h. Moisture, crude protein, fat and ash were
      determined on freeze dried ground muscle. Mineral contents were determined using
      an Inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometer (ICP). Meat quality including
      ultimate muscle pH, Warner-Bratzler shear force, sarcomere length, myofibrillar
      fragmentation index, expressed juice, cooking loss percent, and colour L(*),
      a(*), b(*) were measured using standard methods. The moisture, protein, fat and
      ash ranged from 64.4% to 76.7%; 18.6% to 25.0%, 1.1% to 10.5% and 1.0% to 1.4% on
      dry matter basis, respectively. The Ca, Mg, Na, K, P, Cad, Cr, Ni, Pb, Co, Mo, Be
      and V ranged from, 9.2 to 46.6, 24.7 to 57.3, 104.7 to 257.0, 471.4 to 1053.0,
      249.9 to 584.0, 0.005 to 0.024, 0.020 to 0.410, 0.016 to 0.187, 0.010 to 0.299,
      0.010 to 0.018, 0.050 to 0.470, 0.005 to 0.030 and 0.013 to 0.141mg/100g on dry
      matter basis, respectively. The percentage of protein decreased and that of fat
      increased with increasing camel age. The ultimate pH, shear force, sarcomere
      length, fragmentation index, expressed juice, cooking loss, lightness (L(*)),
      redness (a(*)) and yellowness (b(*)) ranged from 5.46 to 6.64, 4.25 to 17.82,
      0.96 to 2.50, 55.91 to 94.81,19.50 to 33.63, 13.18 to 29.88, 27.86 to 43.21,
      10.46 to 22.81, and 4.63 to 10.11, respectively. Muscles of younger camels (group
      1) had significantly (P<0.05) lower shear force value, ultimate pH and higher
      sarcomere length, fragmentation index, expressed juice, cooking loss, and
      lightness color (L(*)) by 48%, 3.4%, 43%, 25%, 28%, 14%, and 16% than those
      collected from older camels (group 3), respectively. Values of middle age camels
      (group 2) camels were in-between. This study confirmed that camel meat is healthy
      and nutritious as it contains low fat as well as being a good source of minerals.
      Age is an important factor in determining meat quality and composition.

PMID- 22062562
TI  - Effects of transportation at high ambient temperatures on physiological
      responses, carcass and meat quality characteristics of three breeds of Omani
      goats.
AB  - The experiment was designed to determine the effects of short road transportation
      in an open truck during the hot season on live weight shrink, physiological
      responses, carcass, and meat quality characteristics in three breeds of Omani
      goats. Forty-two male goats (12months of age) representing equally three breeds
      of Omani goats (Batina, Dhofari, and Jabal Akhdar) were divided into two groups:
      2h transportation stress (TS) or not transported (NT). The NT group remained
      unstressed in holding pens with feed and water provided ad libitum prior to
      slaughter, while the TS group was transported on the day of slaughter 100km in an
      open truck. The average temperature during transportation was 37 degrees C. All
      animals were blood-sampled before loading and prior to slaughter via jugular
      venipuncture. Animals were weighed just before loading onto a truck and after
      transport to assess shrinkage. Muscle shear force, sarcomere length, pH,
      expressed juice, color, and cooking loss were measured on samples from Mm
      longissimus dorsi (LD), biceps femoris (BF), and semitendinosus (ST) muscles
      collected at 24h postmortem at 1-3 degrees C. Live weight shrinkage losses were
      between 1.07 and 1.28kg. The TS goats had higher plasma cortisol (P<0.01),
      adrenaline, nor-adrenaline, and dopamine concentrations (P<0.05) than NS goats.
      Blood serum from Batina goats had significantly (P<0.05) higher cortisol,
      adrenaline and dopamine and nor-adrenaline concentrations than those from Jabal
      Akdhar goats. Transportation stress had a significant (P<0.05) effect on meat
      quality characteristics of the LD, BF, and ST muscles. Meat from TS goats had
      significantly higher ultimate pH, expressed juice, cooking loss percentage, shear
      force, but significantly lower sarcomere length, L(*), a(*), and b(*) values. LD
      muscles of Batina goats had significantly higher ultimate pH values and lower
      L(*) values than Dhofari and Jabal Akdhar goats. These results indicated that
      subjecting goats to the 2-hour road transportation with high ambient temperatures
      can generate major physiological and muscle metabolism responses.

PMID- 22062563
TI  - Mineral analysis in rabbit meat from Galicia (NW Spain).
AB  - A total of 54 rabbits 50, 70 and 90 days old, were taken from farms in Galicia
      (NW Spain); 18 rabbits of each age were sampled. The minerals in the muscle meat
      from the back legs of the rabbits were analysed, and the following average
      concentrations were found: ash 1.21/100g, potassium 388mg/100g; phosphorus
      237mg/100g; sodium 60mg/100g; magnesium 27mg/100g; calcium 8.7mg/100g; zinc
      10.9mg/kg; iron 5.56mg/kg; copper 0.78mg/kg; and manganese 0.33mg/kg. The high
      potassium and low sodium concentration may make rabbit meat particularly
      recommended for hypertension diets. Rabbit meat is rich in phosphorus, and 100g
      provides approximately 30% of the recommended daily intake. However, rabbit meat
      provides less zinc and iron than meats of other species. The Galician rabbit meat
      analysed in this study, shows higher copper and manganese, and lower calcium
      contents than those found in the literature for rabbit meat of other origins.

PMID- 22062564
TI  - Content of biologically active polyamines in livers of cattle, pigs and chickens
      after animal slaughter.
AB  - Dietary polyamines putrescine (PUT), spermidine (SPD) and spermine (SPM)
      participate in an array of important human physiological roles, including tumour
      growth. Physicians and dieticians thus need reliable information on polyamine
      contents in foods. However, data for livers are lacking. We determined therefore
      the content of these polyamines 24h after slaughter in livers of young bulls,
      cows, pigs and chicken in 58, 19, 36 and 38 samples, respectively. Polyamines
      were determined as N-benzamides by micellar electrokinetic capillary
      chromatography. Mean PUT contents about 25mgkg(-1) were found in cattle livers,
      while very low or negligible contents were determined in livers of the other
      animals. Extremely high mean SPD contents of 122 and 161mgkg(-1) were found in
      livers of bulls and cows, respectively and mean levels of 32 and 57mgkg(-1) in
      livers of pigs and chicken. An opposite relation was observed for SPM. Its mean
      contents were 43, 35, 115 and 120mgkg(-1) for bulls, cows, pigs and chicken
      livers, respectively. Thus, livers of the tested animal species belong among
      foods with the highest polyamine contents. However, the contents ranged very
      widely, that makes application of the results for the control of human nutrition
      rather difficult. Polyamine contents in bovine blood were found to be below the
      detection limits of 2.1, 1.0 and 1.4mgkg(-1) for PUT, SPD and SPM, respectively.
      Thus, the blood content did not contribute to the substantial polyamine contents
      in bovine liver found in this study.

PMID- 22062565
TI  - Comparison of carcass and meat characteristics of three rabbit lines selected for
      litter size or growth rate.
AB  - Rabbits from three synthetic lines were compared. Line V and A were selected for
      litter size at weaning and line R was selected for growth rate between weaning
      and slaughter time. Forty animals of each line were slaughtered at 9week of age.
      Comparisons between lines were made using Bayesian statistical techniques. Line R
      had a higher meat/bone ratio, higher loin percentage and higher ultimate pH of M.
      Longissimus lumborum (LL) than A and V, but lower dressing out and lower hind
      part percentages. Some differences between lines in carcass and meat colour were
      found. No differences were found for percentage of released water of LL and for
      the activity of energy metabolic enzymes. At present, rabbit carcasses are not
      costed according to their retail cuts or meat/bone ratio, but dressing out
      percentage is taken into account, thus breeding companies should be concerned
      about lower carcass yield of lines selected by growth rate.

PMID- 22062566
TI  - Quality traits in muscle biceps femoris and back-fat from purebred Iberian and
      reciprocal Iberian*Duroc crossbred pigs.
AB  - The present study evaluated the physico-chemical characteristics of muscle biceps
      femoris and back-fat from purebred Iberian (PBI) pigs and reciprocal crossbred
      Iberian*Duroc pigs (IB*D pigs: Iberian dams*Duroc sires; D*IB pigs: Duroc
      dams*Iberian sires). Muscles from PBI pigs contained significantly higher amounts
      of IMF, heme pigments and iron than those from crossbred pigs. In addition,
      muscles from PBI pigs were darker (lower L(*)-values) and redder (higher a(*)
      values) and exhibited a more intense colour (higher chroma value) which was
      closer to the true red axis (lower hue value) than muscles from crossbred pigs.
      Back-fat from PBI pigs had significantly higher percentages of monounsaturated
      fatty acids (MUFA) and significantly smaller percentages of polyunsaturated fatty
      acids (PUFA) than those from crossbred pigs. Regarding the fatty acid profiles of
      the muscle lipid fractions, the genetic background particularly affected the
      composition of the polar lipid (PL) fraction. PL in muscles from PBI pigs
      contained significantly higher proportions of oleic acid and total MUFA and
      significantly lower amounts of arachidonic acid, certain long-chain PUFA (omega-6
      and omega-3 fatty acids) and total amount of PUFA than PL in muscles from
      crossbred pigs. The results obtained indicate that tissues from PBI pigs would be
      more suitable for the production of dry-cured meats than those from cross-bred
      pigs. The position of the dam or the sire in reciprocal Iberian*Duroc crosses had
      no clear effects on meat quality.

PMID- 22062567
TI  - The influence of nitrite and nitrate on microbial, chemical and sensory
      parameters of slow dry fermented sausage.
AB  - Nitrate and/or nitrite are used in the manufacture of dry-fermented sausages.
      However, research has mainly been focusing on nitrite and its effect on flavour
      development whereas little attention has been paid to nitrate. The aim of the
      present work was to study the effect of nitrate and nitrite as curing salts on
      the quality of a slow fermentation process. Two different batches containing
      nitrate or nitrite were manufactured. Microbial and chemical parameters were
      monitored during ripening and after vacuum packed storage, as well as their fatty
      acid composition and their profile of volatile compounds. The oxidation, measured
      as TBARS (Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances), was greater in the samples
      with added nitrite than in the samples with added nitrate. FFA (free fatty acids)
      release was higher in the samples containing nitrite throughout the process.
      Volatile compounds arising from amino acid degradation and carbohydrate
      fermentation were generated at higher levels in the samples with added nitrate,
      probably due to the higher population of microorganisms in these samples and the
      effect of nitrate on their metabolism.

PMID- 22062568
TI  - Dry aging of beef in a bag highly permeable to water vapour.
AB  - The objective of this experiment was to compare traditional dry aging of beef
      with a novel technique of dry aging in a highly moisture-permeable bag. Four
      equal-sized sections from paired beef strip loins were dry aged traditionally,
      unpackaged, or packaged in the experimental bag for 14 or 21d at 3 degrees C. No
      differences (P>0.05) were noted for pH, moisture, fat, total plate counts, cook
      loss, shear force, or any measured sensory attribute between the two aging
      treatments after either aging period. After 21d, however, dry aging in the bag
      (versus traditional dry aging) decreased (P<0.05) weight loss during aging, trim
      loss after aging, and yeast counts on lean tissue and increased lactic acid
      bacteria counts (P<0.05) on adipose and lean tissue. Dry aging in a highly
      moisture-permeable bag is feasible, will positively impact yields and reduce
      microbial spoilage, and will have no negative impact on product quality.

PMID- 22062569
TI  - Effects of total iron, myoglobin, hemoglobin, and lipid oxidation of uncooked
      muscles on livery flavor development and volatiles of cooked beef steaks.
AB  - Infraspinatus (IN), gluteus medius (GM), and psoas major (PM) steaks were
      obtained from A- and B-maturity carcasses with either high (?6.0) or normal
      (?5.7) pH, and either Slight or Small marbling. Steaks were vacuum aged either 7,
      14, 21, or 35d postmortem, and were broiled and served to a highly trained,
      flavor-profile sensory panel. Steaks with livery flavor were analyzed by gas
      chromatography/mass spectrometry for flavor compounds. Steaks aged 7 or 35d
      postmortem were analyzed for myoglobin (Mb) and hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations
      and for total iron (Fe) (35 d steaks only). The IN had greater Fe (P<0.05) than
      did the GM or PM. Livery flavor increased (P<0.05) and beef flavor identification
      decreased (P<0.05) in the GM as Fe increased. The PM had the lowest (P<0.05)
      Mb/Fe ratios and highest (P<0.05) Hb/Fe ratios. Several statistically
      significant, but relatively low correlations between 16-, 17-, and 18-carbon
      chain fatty acids and livery flavor resulted. Thirteen volatile compounds had
      higher concentrations in steaks with livery flavor than in those without livery
      flavor. Livery flavor development is a complex trait that can be affected by
      concentrations of total Fe, Mb, and fatty acids, but the relationships are
      relatively low.

PMID- 22062570
TI  - Comparison of texture and biochemical characteristics of three rabbit lines
      selected for litter size or growth rate.
AB  - Meat texture and some biochemical characteristics that could influence meat
      tenderness were studied in rabbit loins. Rabbits from three synthetic lines were
      compared, lines V and A selected for litter size at weaning and line R selected
      for growth rate between weaning and slaughter time. The activities of cathepsins,
      collagen content and textural properties measured by Warner-Bratzler (WB) shear
      device and by the texture profile analyses (TPA) test were measured. Line R was
      more tender than line V and line A had an intermediate tenderness, Rabbit meat
      from line R had higher activity of cathepsins B and B+L, lower total collagen
      content and lower cohesiveness, springiness and chewiness, shear force and total
      work (area under the curve obtained with WB device) than line V. Line A had an
      intermediate texture between lines R and V. Our results show evidence of genetic
      variation between lines in rabbit meat tenderness.

PMID- 22062571
TI  - Body composition of lambs receiving 30 or 60 days of exercise training and (or)
      fenoterol treatment.
AB  - The interaction between exercise and the beta-adrenergic agonist, fenoterol, on
      body composition and muscle protein turnover was studied in this investigation.
      Forty young Hampshire*Rambouillet lambs were assigned to control (CON), exercised
      (EX), fenoterol-treated (5 ppm) (FEN), or fenoterol-treated and exercised (FENEX)
      groups. Lambs assigned to the exercise treatments were trained to run on a 10
      degrees  inclined treadmill. The lambs were slaughtered after 30 or 60 days of
      treatment. Average daily gain tended (p=0.09) to be greater, and feed:gain was
      significantly lower (p=0.03) in the EX group than in the FENEX group by 30 days
      of treatment. By 60 days of treatment, kidney and pelvic fat and bodywall
      thickness were least in the EX group. Leg weights increased significantly with
      time only in the FEN and FENEX groups, whereas shoulder weights increased with
      time in all but the EX group. The latter effect was due to a cessation of adipose
      tissue growth in the EX lambs. There were significant time*treatment effects for
      the M. biceps femoris, M. gluteus medius, M. quadriceps femoris, M.
      semimembranosus, M. semitendinosus, M. infraspinatus, and M. pectoralis
      profundus. In every case, the time*treatment interaction was caused by
      nonsignificant growth of muscles in the CON group between 30 and 60 days. For the
      M. biceps femoris, M. quadriceps femoris, and M. gluteus medius, muscle mass
      increased with time only in the FENEX lambs. There was no increase in leg
      subcutaneous or intermuscular adipose tissue mass between 30 and 60 days in the
      EX lambs, although 50-70% increases in adipose tissue mass were observed over
      time in the other groups. Calpain and calpastatin activities in M. biceps femoris
      were not affected by treadmill exercise, fenoterol administration, or
      time*treatment (p>0.72 for all effects). Myosin light chain-1 gene expression in
      the FENEX lambs was depressed by 60 d, suggesting that the rate of M. biceps
      femoris growth in this treatment group was slowing by this time.

PMID- 22062572
TI  - Characterisation of low-fat high-dietary fibre frankfurters.
AB  - Two different peach dietary fibre (DF) suspensions (17 and 29%) were used to
      obtain low-fat high-DF frankfurters (20-5% fat) which were compared to an all
      meat control (25% fat). The viscosity of the meat batters increased with DF
      content. The protein (11.5+/-0.6%) and collagen (1.4+/-0.1%) contents of
      frankfurters were not affected by DF addition, and the higher the DF content, the
      lower the pH (6.4 to 5.8) due to the fibre solution acidity. The DF was effective
      in retaining added water in low-fat frankfurters since their cooking losses were
      similar to those of the controls (5.5+/-0.1%). Low-fat frankfurters were darker
      and browner than the controls and only high fibre addition significantly
      decreased the textural parameters. Sensory evaluation indicated that low fat-high
      DF frankfurters (20, 15 and 10% fat) were as acceptable as the all-meat
      frankfurters.

PMID- 22062573
TI  - Effect of natural colourants and nitrites on colour attributes of frankfurters.
AB  - The colour attributes in a control and six more treatments of frankfurters (18%
      fat) produced with natural colourants and two levels of NaNO(2) (0 and 150 mg/kg)
      were studied. The following natural colourants, permitted by the EU 94/36
      guideline, were used: E 100 curcumin (CU), E 120 carminic acid (CA), E 150a
      caramel (CR), E 160a beta-carotene (BC), E 160g paprika-extract (PE) and E162
      betanin (B). CA, B, BC and PE significantly increased the redness of batter,
      while BC, PE and CU increased (p<0.05) the yellowness. NaNO(2) decreased (p<0.05)
      the redness of batters in all treatments. Frankfurters with CA had the highest a*
      value followed by those with BC, PE and B. BC, PE and B increased the yellowness
      of frankfurters. NaNO(2) increased (p<0.05) the redness of frankfurters in all
      treatments. The storage of frankfurters for 4 weeks had no effect on redness and
      yellowness of frankfurters. Exposure either for 2 h in sunlight or for 4 h in
      artificial light had no significant effect on redness and yellowness of
      frankfurters from all treatments. Canned frankfurters (117 degrees ) with B had
      the greatest decrease in redness while those with BC the greatest increase in
      yellowness. Frankfurters with B were the most acceptable from the consumers
      according to their colour followed by those with PE. Frankfurters with B had also
      the highest score for overall acceptability, followed by those with CA and
      nitrites. By employing discriminant analysis on the data, equations were derived
      for the identification of the natural colourant used in the production of
      frankfurters. Results from frankfurters, produced with 0, 3.6, 14.4 and 28.8 mg
      of pure B kg and 100 and 150 mg/kg NaNO(2), have shown that the level of NaNO(2)
      can be reduced from 150 to 100 mg/kg with appropriate increase in B level and
      frankfurters with 14.4 mg B/kg were the most acceptable from the consumers
      according to their colour.

PMID- 22062574
TI  - The influence of meat pH on mechanical and sensory textural properties of dry
      cured ham.
AB  - The texture of dry-cured ham is one of the most important factors in consumer
      quality perception of the product. In this study the texture and mechanical
      properties of normal and Dark, Firm and Dry (DFD) dry-cured hams were studied as
      well as the relationship between them. DFD hams were softer, pastier, more
      crumbly and more adhesive than normal ones despite having lower non-protein
      nitrogen (p<0.05). One of the reasons for the texture characteristics of DFD hams
      could be the higher level of moisture observed in the Biceps femoris muscle and
      the high pH value. The mechanical parameters studied also showed clear
      differences between the two groups of hams, specially in the inner part which was
      less affected by the drying process. In general the correlation coefficients
      between sensorial and mechanical parameters were not very high (0.23-0.62). The
      use of a non-destructive mechanical test, compressing the ham with a spherical
      probe, makes it possible for DFD hams to be detected in the earlier stages of the
      manufacturing process and means that technological changes can be made in order
      to reduce the problematic texture obtained from this kind of meat.

PMID- 22062575
TI  - Freezing rate simulation as an aid to reducing crystallization damage in foods.
AB  - In food freezing processes the presence of large ice crystals is a serious
      drawback when a good final quality of the product is desired. To study the size
      and distribution of those crystals, a large piece of pork muscle has been frozen
      by liquid nitrogen evaporation. A mathematical model to simulate different
      cooling rates at the surface of the product was solved using a finite element
      method; this model satisfactorily fitted experimental data and predicted local
      freezing rates at different locations in the meat tissue. The model was applied
      to find the freezing rates that led to a good quality product, related to an
      optimum distribution of small ice crystals located inside and outside the tissue
      fibres.

PMID- 22062576
TI  - Refrigerated shelf life of vacuum-packaged, previously frozen ostrich meat.
AB  - Previously frozen ostrich meat was evaluated over 28 days to determine the
      refrigerated shelf life. Intact steaks and ground meat from three ostrich
      carcasses were vacuum-packaged, frozen to -40 degrees C for 5 days, and stored in
      a 0 degrees C walk-in cooler. Instrumental analysis of CIE L*a*b* values
      indicated that ostrich meat was very dark in color, initially and over time.
      Microbial growth stayed slightly below 1.0 * 10(7) CFU/g for up to 21 days of
      refrigerated storage. Sensorially evaluated color showed an increase (p <0.05) in
      darkness over time. Percentage of browning increased (p<0.05) over time from 1%
      initially to 55% for intact steaks and 75% for ground meat by 28 days. Sensory
      aroma scores significantly (p<0.05) changed over time, with unacceptable aroma
      occurring by 14 days. Previously frozen, vacuum-packaged ostrich meat stored
      under refrigerated conditions should be used within 10 days.

PMID- 22062577
TI  - Improvement of color and lipid stability of rabbit meat by dietary
      supplementation with vitamin E.
AB  - The effects of vitamin E (all-rac-alpha-tocopheryl acetate) supplementation on
      meat color and oxidative stability of muscle lipids in New Zealand White rabbits
      was determined. Twenty animals received pelleted diet (containing 60 mg/kg alpha
      tocopheryl acetate) and 10 of these (treatment group) received drinking water
      containing 100 mg alpha-tocopheryl acetate/L for 15 days before slaughter. The
      alpha-tocopherol content of the longissimus lumborum muscle (LL) was higher (5.66
      vs 1.65 MUg/g) in the supplemented group than the control group (p<0.001). The
      surface redness (a*) of the muscle showed a significant time*treatment effect
      (p<0.001), decreasing more in the control group over 11 days of storage in the
      dark at +2.5 degrees C. The lightness (L*) showed a tendency (p=0.06) for a
      treatment*time effect. No effect of vitamin supplementation was observed on
      yellowness (b*). Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in muscle, an
      index of oxidative stability, were lower in the treated than control group
      throughout storage (p<0.01 for treatment effect). Vitamin E supplementation
      appears to be an effective way to improve the color and lipid stability of rabbit
      meat.

PMID- 22062578
TI  - The relationship of sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar protein solubility to colour
      and water-holding capacity in porcine longissimus muscle.
AB  - In order to investigate the relationship of sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar protein
      solubility to colour and water-holding capacity (WHC) in pork, 60 loins were
      selected to represent the quality classes: PSE (pale, soft, exudative), RSE
      (reddish-pink, soft, exudative), RFN (reddish-pink, firm, non-exudative) and DFD
      (dark, firm, dry). PSE samples exhibited lower (p<0.05) protein solubility
      (sarcoplasmic, myofibrillar and total) compared to the other quality classes. RSE
      samples exhibited lower (p<0.05) sarcoplasmic protein solubility compared to DFD
      samples. RSE, RFN and DFD samples had similar myofibrillar and total protein
      solubilities. Sarcoplasmic protein solubility explained 71% of the variation in
      lightness with a linear decrease in L* value. Sodium dodecyl sulphate
      polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) gels of the sarcoplasmic and
      myofibrillar samples distinctly showed the association of some sarcoplasmic
      proteins with the myofibrillar protein fractions in PSE and RSE samples. The
      sarcoplasmic proteins which precipitated were phosphorylase, creatine kinase,
      triose phosphate isomerase and myokinase for PSE and phosphorylase for RSE
      samples. Pork colour is highly correlated with precipitation of sarcoplasmic
      proteins while WHC is affected by denaturation of myofibrillar proteins (PSE
      samples) and lower ultimate pH (PSE and RSE samples).

PMID- 22062579
TI  - Consequences of packaging on bacterial growth. Meat is an ecological niche.
AB  - Meat is a good support for bacterial growth and particularly for bacteria which
      are specific of meat and meat products. Little is known about the physiological
      and biochemical factors which could explain why some bacterial species are only
      isolated from meat. This review tentatively points out, from an ecological point
      of view, some of these factors in Gram negative and Gram positive micro-organisms
      influencing storage life.

PMID- 22062580
TI  - Determination of lean meat in pig carcasses with the Autofom classification
      system.
AB  - A fully automatic classification equipment called Autofom for use at pig
      abattoirs has been developed and tested. It measures fat- and meat depth in
      carcasses by use of ultrasound. Measurement with Autofom is very fast (measuring
      up to 1250 carcasses per hour). It is non-invasive and low maintenance costs can
      be expected due to lack of moving parts. The repeatability and reproducibility
      have been estimated. An equation for calculating lean meat percentage on the
      basis of Autofom measurements has been calculated. The accuracy of the equation,
      expressed by residual mean square error and by standard error of prediction, is
      1.84 and 1.95, respectively. A functionality test shows that, when installed on
      line at the abattoir, 99% of the carcasses can be classified by Autofom. The
      equipment will be a suitable alternative to automatic on-line determination of
      lean meat percentage in pig carcasses.

PMID- 22062581
TI  - Development of meat and carcass quality characteristics in Iberian pigs reared
      outdoors.
AB  - A study of age-related changes in carcass traits and meat quality characteristics
      of Longissimus dorsi (LD) and Biceps femoris (BF) of free-ranged Iberian pigs was
      carried out to check whether the slaughter age used in the traditional management
      system of Iberian pigs is adequate. There was a great increase in live and
      carcass weight during fattening, principally due to an increase in fat
      deposition, as could be deduced from the percentage of dissectible fat and the
      backfat thickness. However, intramuscular fat in LD and BF showed only slight
      changes during the fattening. Myoglobin content tended to increase throughout
      lifetime in both muscles, whereas water-holding capacity decreased in
      intermediate ages and showed the highest values in the oldest animals. Total
      collagen content did not vary during lifetime; on the other hand, insoluble
      collagen increased from 7 to 77% of total collagen. It can be concluded that the
      traditional management system of Iberian pigs can be improved by fattening the
      pigs at a younger age, without negative consequences on the meat quality.

PMID- 22062582
TI  - Influence of aromatic components from pig manure on odour and flavour of cooked
      chicken meat.
AB  - An experiment with 96 broilers distributed across six treatments was carried out.
      Each treatment consisted of four cages each with four broilers. The six
      treatments were: the control (treatment 1), broilers placed in cages with a
      welded wire bottom hanging over smelling pig manure (treatment 2), or placed on a
      pig manure mat (treatment 3), combined with two intervals, i.e. 1 week (group a)
      and 2 weeks (group b) before slaughter. The content of skatole in the abdominal
      fat was measured, and the odour and flavour impressions after cooking were
      evaluated by a taste panel. The treatments were compared with two control
      treatments: broilers produced traditionally in cages either without (treatment
      1a) or with (treatment 1b) contact with their own manure for a fortnight. A
      higher skatole level in abdominal fat of broilers in physical contact with pig
      manure (treatment 3) was measured, compared with broilers without physical
      contact with pig manure for at least 1 week (treatments 1 and 2) (p<0.05). The
      consumer taste panel evaluation was not affected by the fact that the broilers
      had been lying on pig manure. However, the evaluation of the odour of the cooked
      meat, when opening the cooking bag, was to some extent negatively affected by the
      experimental treatments of broilers, which had physical contact with the pig
      manure (p<0.05). Furthermore, physical contact with the manure, regardless of
      whether it was broiler or pig manure, proved to affect the odour of the meat
      (p<0.01). For broilers placed in cages without physical contact with the pig
      manure (treatments 2a and 2), the smell had no negative influence on either the
      odour or on the flavour of the meat, and the content of skatole was not different
      from that of the broilers on the control treatment. A taste panel evaluation
      performed on four broilers of the treatments 1a, 2b, and 3b showed no flavour
      differences among treatments. Whether the broilers had been exposed to a given
      treatment for 1 or 2 weeks made no difference, either to the skatole
      concentration or to the odour or flavour impression of the newly cooked chicken
      meat.

PMID- 22062583
TI  - Effects of electrical and mechanical stunning methods on meat quality in
      ostriches.
AB  - The effect of electrical and captive needle air pressure stunning methods on some
      meat quality parameters was examined in ostriches under practical conditions. One
      hundred and fifteen ostriches were used in three experiments. The ostriches were
      stunned either electrically (head only) or by using a captive needle with air
      pressure. In the first experiment the ostriches were stunned at 90 V
      (~effectively 52 V), 200 V and by captive needle using air pressure. In the
      second experiment voltages of 175 and 200 V were applied and a captive needle
      stunning method using air pressure. In the third experiment the birds were
      stunned at 175 V with a short stun/stick interval. Experiments 2 and 3 were
      performed in a different slaughterhouse from experiment 1. Meat quality was
      assessed by measuring the pH, temperature and colour at 45 min and 18 h post
      mortem and by determining water binding capacity and haemorrhage score at 18 h
      post mortem in the big drum, tender loin and triangular filet muscles. The
      measured stunning parameters in the first experiment were 204+/-96 mA (~52 V)
      during 11+/-1 s and 556+/-85 mA (~200 V) during 6+/-0 s. The stun/stick interval
      was 136+/-38 s. The rigor mortis value in the tender loin and both pH(1) and
      pH(2) in the big drum, tender loin and triangular filet muscles were (p<0.05)
      lower when stunned with air pressure compared with electrical stunning. Moreover
      internal light scattering remained higher. The measured currents in the second
      experiment were 561+/-226 mA (~173 V) during 6+/-2 s and 518+/-120 mA (~200 V)
      during 6 s. The stun/stick interval was 39+/-12 s. The pH at 45 min and 18 h
      differed (p<0.05) in the tender loin and triangular filet muscles as did the
      temperature at 45 min in the three muscles between the different stunning groups.
      The stunning in the third experiment was carried out with 548+/-180 mA during 6+/
      2 s. The stun/stick interval was 5+/-2 s. After the short stun/stick interval the
      pH(2) was lower (p<0.05) for the tender loin and triangular filet muscles and the
      wetness of the filter paper of the big drum was (p<0.05) lower compared with the
      other groups. Our experiments showed that stunning methods affected several meat
      quality parameters. Using a high electrical stunning current, captive needle
      stunning or a short stun/stick interval may positively affect some parameters.
      More research is necessary to examine effects of pre slaughter handling on meat
      quality.

PMID- 22062584
TI  - Reduction in cadmium exposure in the United States population, 1988-2008: the
      contribution of declining smoking rates.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Public health policies such as tobacco control, air pollution
      reduction, and hazardous waste remediation may have reduced cadmium exposure
      among U.S. adults. However, trends in urine cadmium, a marker of cumulative
      cadmium exposure, have not been evaluated. OBJECTIVES: We estimated the trends in
      urine cadmium concentrations in U.S. adults using data from the National Health
      and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) from 1988 to 2008. We also evaluated
      the impact of changes in the distribution of available cadmium determinants (age,
      sex, race, education, body mass index, smoking, and occupation) at the population
      level to explain cadmium trends. METHODS: The study population included 19,759
      adults >= 20 years of age with measures of urine cadmium and cadmium
      determinants. RESULTS: Age-adjusted geometric means of urine cadmium
      concentrations were 0.36, 0.35, 0.27, 0.27, 0.28, 0.25, and 0.26 ug/g creatinine
      in 1988-1991, 1991-1994, 1999-2000, 2001-2002, 2003-2004, 2005-2006, and 2007
      2008, respectively. The age, sex, and race/ethnicity-adjusted percent reduction
      in urine cadmium geometric means comparing 1999-2002 and 2003-2008 with 1988-1994
      were 27.8% (95% confidence interval: 22.3%, 32.9%) and 34.3% (29.9%, 38.4%),
      respectively (p-trend < 0.001), with reductions in all participant subgroups
      investigated. In never smokers, reductions in serum cotinine accounted for 15.6%
      of the observed reduction. In ever smokers, changes in smoking cessation, and
      cumulative and recent dose accounted for 17.1% of the observed reduction.
      CONCLUSIONS: Urine cadmium concentrations decreased markedly between 1988 and
      2008. Declining smoking rates and changes in exposure to tobacco smoke may have
      played an important role in the decline of urine cadmium concentrations,
      benefiting both smokers and nonsmokers. Cadmium has been associated to several
      health outcomes in NHANES 1999-2008. Consequently, despite the observed decline,
      further reduction in cadmium exposure is needed.

PMID- 22062585
TI  - Expression, purification, and characterization of recombinant NOD1 (NLRC1): A NLR
      family member.
AB  - NOD1 (NLRC1) is a member of the NLR family of innate immunity proteins, which are
      important cellular sensors of various pathogens. Deregulated NOD1 signaling is
      involved in various autoimmune, inflammatory, and allergic diseases, making it a
      potential target for drug discovery. However, to date, the successful high-yield
      purification NOD1 protein has not been reported. Here we describe the large-scale
      expression of recombinant NOD1 protein in non-adherent mammalian cells. One-step
      immunoaffinity purification was carried out, yielding highly pure protein with
      excellent yields. Gel-sieve chromatography studies showed that the purified NOD1
      protein eluted almost exclusively as a monomer. Addition of the NOD1 ligand
      (gamma-Tri-DAP) stimulated NOD1 protein oligomerization. Using purified NOD1
      protein for nucleotide binding studies by the Fluorescence Polarization Assay
      (FPA) method, we determined that NOD1 binds preferentially to ATP over ADP and
      AMP or dATP. We also documented that purified NOD1 protein binds directly to
      purified pro-apoptotic protein Bid, thus extending recent data that have
      identified Bid as an enhancer of NOD1 signaling. This expression and purification
      strategy will enable a wide variety of biochemical studies of mechanisms of NOD1
      regulation, as well as laying a foundation for future attempts at drug discovery.

PMID- 22062586
TI  - Feasibility of flowcytometric quantitation of immune effector cell subsets in the
      sentinel lymph node of the breast after cryopreservation.
AB  - The sentinel lymph node (SLN) is an emerging focus for immunological research in
      breast cancer. Cryopreservation of SLN single-cell suspensions allows for
      simultaneous phenotypic multi-parameter analyses and minimizes operator dependent
      variability. This is of particular importance for immunomonitoring of large
      multicenter trials. However, little data are available regarding the influence of
      cryopreservation on phenotypic characteristics of lymph node dendritic cells and
      T cells. In this study we assessed the feasibility of cryopreservation of viable
      SLN cell samples for flowcytometric analysis, by comparing quantitative analyses
      of SLN cell samples after freeze-thawing with direct analysis of fresh SLN cell
      samples. SLN were collected from nine breast cancer patients. From each SLN cell
      sample, half was used for immediate analysis and half was analyzed after
      cryopreservation and thawing. Conventional dendritic cell (cDC) and T cell
      subsets were quantified and phenotypically characterized by flow cytometry. The
      observed frequencies of both CD1a(+) and CD1a(-)CD11c(+)CD14(-) cDC subsets
      showed significant correlation between the fresh and frozen-thawed samples.
      Similar high correlations were found for CD83 and CD86 expression markers on the
      more frequent (>0.2%) CD1a(+) and CD1a(-)CD11c(+)CD14(-) cDC subset, but not on
      the low-frequency (<0.2%) CD1a(+)CD11c(+)CD14(+) cDC subset. CD4/CD8 T cell
      ratios were comparable and were significantly correlated pre- and post-freezing.
      Regulatory CD4(+)CD25(hi) T cell frequencies and their FoxP3 expression levels
      were significantly higher after freezing-thawing than in the freshly analyzed
      samples. Nevertheless, a highly significant correlation was found for both
      parameters pre- and post-freezing. Cryopreservation and thawing seems a valid and
      practical alternative to direct analysis of fresh viable lymph node cells,
      without introducing cryo-dependent variance between SLN samples. However,
      enumeration of low-frequency cell populations and assessment of their marker
      expression levels are less reliable after cryopreservation and should be assessed
      and considered in the design of each clinical trial.

PMID- 22062587
TI  - Development and implementation of a three-choice serial reaction time task for
      zebrafish (Danio rerio).
AB  - Zebrafish are an established and widely utilized developmental genetic model
      system, but limitations in developed behavioral assays have meant that their
      potential as a model in behavioral neuroscience has yet to be fully realized.
      Here, we describe the development of a novel operant behavioral assay to examine
      a variety of aspects of stimulus control in zebrafish using a 3 choice serial
      reaction time task (3 CSRTT). Fish were briefly exposed to three spatially
      distinct, but perceptually identical stimuli, presented in a random order after a
      fixed-time inter-trial interval (ITI). Entries to the correct response aperture
      either during the stimulus presentation, or within a brief limited hold period
      following presentation, were reinforced with illumination of the magazine light
      and delivery of a small food reward. Following training, premature responding was
      probed with a long-ITI session three times; once at baseline, once following a
      saline injection and once following an injection of a low dose of amphetamine
      (AMPH; 0.025 mg/kg). We predicted that if premature responding was related to
      impulsivity (as in rodents) it would be reduced following the AMPH injection.
      Results confirmed that zebrafish could learn to perform a complex operant task
      similar to tasks developed for rodents which are used to probe sustained
      attention and impulsivity, but the results from the AMPH trials were
      inconclusive. This study provides the foundations for development and further
      validation of this species as a model for some aspects of human attentional and
      impulse control disorders, such as substance abuse disorder.

PMID- 22062588
TI  - Local delivery of IL-2 reduces atherosclerosis via expansion of regulatory T
      cells.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Recent studies indicate that regulatory T cells (Tregs) attenuate
      murine atherosclerosis. Since interleukin (IL)-2 induces Tregs proliferation, we
      tested the impact of L19-IL2, a fusion antibody specific to extra-domain B of
      fibronectin (ED-B) containing an active human IL-2 molecule, in experimental
      atherosclerosis. METHODS AND RESULTS: L19-IL2 or appropriate controls were given
      intravenously to 6 month old Western diet-fed apoE(-/-) mice on day 1, 3, and 5.
      Human IL-2 was detected on day 7 within atherosclerotic plaques of L19-IL2
      treated mice, and magnetic resonance imaging of the plaques showed a significant
      adventitial gadolinium enhancement on day 7 and 13, suggesting microvascular
      leakage as a result of the pharmacodynamic activity of L19-IL2. Treatment with
      L19-IL2 significantly reduced the size of pre-established atherosclerotic plaques
      at the thoracic aorta (Sudan III stained area) and in the aortic root area
      (microscopic, morphometric analysis) on day 7 as compared to controls (L19, D1.3
      IL2, NaCl) as well as compared to baseline (day 0). Tregs markers Foxp3 and CTLA4
      were highly increased in plaques after L19-IL2 treatment compared to controls
      (p<0.01), whereas the macrophage marker Mac3 was significantly reduced (p<0.03).
      Co-treatment with IL-2-receptor blocking antibody PC61 abrogated L19-IL2-induced
      plaque reduction compared with IgG control (p<0.03). CONCLUSION: L19-IL2 delivers
      functional IL-2 to pre-established atherosclerotic plaques of WD-fed apoE(-/-)
      mice resulting in significant plaque size reduction mediated by local Tregs.

PMID- 22062589
TI  - HDL-cholesterol and prediction of coronary heart disease: modified by physical
      fitness? A 28-year follow-up of apparently healthy men.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) and physical fitness (PF)
      have both been shown to predict cardiovascular disease (CVD), particularly
      coronary heart disease (CHD). Increased PF is associated with increased HDL and
      may partly explain the benefit of HDL. We tested the hypothesis that PF
      influences the prognostic impact of HDL for CHD and also for CHD-, CVD- and all
      cause death. METHODS: HDL was measured 1979-1982 in 1357 healthy men aged 44-69
      years followed up to 28 years. PF was measured using bicycle exercise test.
      Hazard ratios (HRs) adjusted for age, smoking, systolic blood pressure, and total
      cholesterol and further for PF between HDL quartiles were calculated using Cox
      proportional survival model. RESULTS: The highest HDL quartile was associated
      with lower risk of CHD (HR: 0.57, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.43-0.74), fatal
      CHD (HR: 0.56, CI: 0.36-0.86), fatal CVD (HR: 0.64, CI: 0.46-0.88) and all-cause
      death (HR: 0.80, CI: 0.65-0.99) compared to the lowest quartile. Adjustments for
      PF or changes in PF over 8.6 years did not change the results except for all
      cause death, which was not significantly different between HDL quartiles. We
      found no interaction between HDL and PF. CONCLUSIONS: HDL is a strong predictor
      of long term risk of CHD, fatal CHD and fatal CVD in healthy middle-aged men.
      Physical fitness or its changes had no impact on the ability of HDL to predict
      CHD.

PMID- 22062590
TI  - Immune-modulation by polyclonal IgM treatment reduces atherosclerosis in
      hypercholesterolemic apoE-/- mice.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Gamma-globulin treatment reduces experimental atherosclerosis by
      modulating immune function; however the effect of IgM on atherosclerosis is not
      known. We investigated the effect of serum-derived, non-immune polyclonal IgM
      (Poly-IgM) on atherosclerosis in mice with advanced disease and also assessed its
      immune-modulatory effects. METHODS AND RESULTS: Aortic atherosclerosis was
      assessed in apoE-/- mice fed atherogenic diet starting at 6 weeks of age. In
      addition, mice were also subjected to perivascular cuff injury to the carotid
      artery at 25 weeks of age to induce accelerated atherosclerosis. At the time of
      injury, the mice were treated weekly with a commercially available Poly-IgM
      (0.4mg/mouse) or PBS for 4 weeks and euthanized at 29 weeks of age. Poly-IgM
      reduced aortic atherosclerosis, and reduced lesion size in the aortic sinus and
      injured carotid artery, without significant changes in serum cholesterol levels.
      Poly-IgM treatment was associated with increased anti-oxLDL IgG titers and a
      reduction in the % splenic CD4(+) T cells compared to controls. The splenic
      CD4(+) T cell cultured from the Poly-IgM treated mice had reduced proliferation
      in vitro compared with controls. CONCLUSION: Poly-IgM treatment reduced aortic
      and accelerated carotid atherosclerosis in apoE-/- mice in association with
      increased anti-oxLDL IgG titers, and reduced number and proliferative function of
      splenic CD4(+) T cells. Our study identifies a novel athero-protective and
      immunomodulatory role for non-immune polyclonal IgM.

PMID- 22062591
TI  - Isolated troponin increase after percutaneous coronary interventions: does it
      have prognostic relevance?
AB  - Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is often "associated" with myocardial
      injury. This event has been considered in the past as an acceptable trade-off for
      an optimal stent deployment. More recently, in the Universal Definition of
      myocardial infarction (MI), an increase of either cardiac troponins or creatine
      kinase-MB >3 times the upper reference limit (URL) has been defined as MI.
      Although there is no doubt on the accuracy of cardiac troponins in the diagnosis
      of spontaneous MI, existing data do not support the hypothesis that an isolated
      elevation of cardiac troponins over such threshold is associated with an adverse
      prognosis after PCI.

PMID- 22062592
TI  - Development of shelf stable pork sausages using hurdle technology and their
      quality at ambient temperature (37+/-1 degrees C) storage.
AB  - Shelf stable pork sausages were developed using hurdle technology and their
      quality was evaluated during ambient temperature (37+/-1 degrees C) storage.
      Hurdles incorporated were low pH, low water activity, vacuum packaging and post
      package reheating. Dipping in potassium sorbate solution prior to vacuum
      packaging was also studied. Reheating increased the pH of the sausages by
      0.17units as against 0.11units in controls. Incorporation of hurdles
      significantly decreased emulsion stability, cooking yield, moisture and fat
      percent, yellowness and hardness, while increasing the protein percent and
      redness. Hurdle treatment reduced quality deterioration during storage as
      indicated by pH, TBARS and tyrosine values. About 1 log reduction in total plate
      count was observed with the different hurdles as were reductions in the coliform,
      anaerobic, lactobacilli and Staphylococcus aureus counts. pH, a(w) and reheating
      hurdles inhibited yeast and mold growth up to day 3, while additional dipping in
      1% potassium sorbate solution inhibited their growth throughout the 9 days
      storage. Despite low initial sensory appeal, the hurdle treated sausages had an
      overall acceptability in the range 'very good' to 'good' up to day 6.

PMID- 22062593
TI  - Effect of enhancement and ageing on flavor and volatile compounds in various beef
      muscles.
AB  - To identify and quantify selected flavor-active volatile compounds and relate
      them to sensory characteristics, the gluteus medius (round), rectus femoris
      (round), vastus lateralis (round), vatsus medialis (round), teres major (chuck),
      infraspinatus (chuck), complexus (chuck), serratus ventralis (chuck), psoas major
      (loin) and longissimus dorsi (loin) were removed from heifer carcasses, enhanced,
      vacuum packaged, aged for 7 or 14days, steaks were cut, vacuum packaged and
      frozen (48h). Flavor-active volatiles affected by enhancement and ageing in the
      various muscles included nonanal, 2,3-octanedione, pentanal, 3-hydroxy-2
      butanone, 2-pentyl furan, 1-octen-3-ol, butanoic acid, pentanal and hexanoic
      acid, compounds often associated with lipid oxidation. Enhancement decreased
      hexanal and hexanoic acid. Ageing decreased butanoic acid. Pentanal content
      varied among muscles depending on enhancement and ageing. Livery off-flavor was
      positively correlated with pentanal, hexanal, 3-hydroxy-2-butanone and hexanoic
      acid. Rancid off-flavor was correlated with pentanal and with 2-pentyl furan but
      not with hexanal.

PMID- 22062594
TI  - Meat quality of Nguni, Bonsmara and Aberdeen Angus steers raised on natural
      pasture in the Eastern Cape, South Africa.
AB  - The current study compared meat quality of Nguni, Bonsmara and Angus steers
      raised on natural pasture. Fifteen seven-month-old weaners of each breed were
      kept at the University of Fort Hare Farm for 12 months till slaughter. Monthly
      weights of the steers were recorded. Carcasses were electrically stimulated. The
      m. longissimus thoracis et lumborum was sampled for the measurement of meat
      colour, pH, drip loss, sarcomere length, myofibrillar fragmentation length and
      Warner Bratzler (WB) shear force. The Nguni had the highest (P<0.05) average
      daily gain. Bonsmara and Angus steers had higher (P<0.05) carcass weight and
      dressing percentage than the Nguni steers. Meat quality characteristics were
      similar among all the breeds except that Nguni meat was darker (L(*)) (P<0.05)
      than meat from the other two breeds. The respective L(*) values for Nguni,
      Bonsmara and Angus steers were 36.5, 38.6 and 39.9. There were significant
      (P<0.05) correlations among some meat quality traits. There were significant
      (P<0.05) correlations between WB values of meat aged for 2 and 21 days in Nguni
      and Bonsmara, but not in Angus. Meat quality from Nguni compares favourably with
      that from established breeds, when raised on natural pasture.

PMID- 22062595
TI  - Effect of the inoculation of a starter culture and vacuum packaging (during
      resting stage) on the appearance and some microbiological and physicochemical
      parameters of dry-cured ham.
AB  - The effect of the inoculation of a starter culture and vacuum packaging (during
      the resting stage) on dry-cured ham appearance, microbiological and
      physicochemical parameters was studied. Half of the 36 processed hams were
      inoculated, after salting, with a commercial starter culture containing lactic
      acid bacteria, Gram-positive catalase-positive cocci and yeasts. 18 hams per
      group (inoculated and non-inoculated) remained vacuum packaged during resting.
      Microbiological analyses were carried out on the lean surface during processing,
      on subcutaneous fat tissue at the drying stage and on lean tissue in the finished
      product. Appearance was evaluated during processing. Physicochemical analyses
      (NaCl, H(2)O, proteolysis index, a(w)) were done on Semimembranosus and Biceps
      femoris in the final product. Inoculation caused a reduction of mould growth and
      oil drip. Vacuum packaging induced increased proteolysis and increases in all
      microbial counts and a reduction of oil drip, mould growth and weight loss during
      processing.

PMID- 22062596
TI  - Proteolysis in biceps femoris during Jinhua ham processing.
AB  - Sixty experimental Jinhua hams were processed by a traditional method. The
      nitrogen fractions and free amino acids in biceps femoris were analyzed. Intense
      proteolysis was found in ham muscle and totally more than 10% of muscle proteins
      were degraded during the course of Jinhua ham processing. The proteolytic index
      of Jinhua ham was between 14 and 20. Both insoluble and soluble proteins were
      degraded to some degree and the later showed more intense degradation. In the
      soluble fraction, the percentage of non-protein nitrogen (NPN) increased
      gradually whereas that of protein nitrogen decreased during processing (P<0.05).
      However, very small amount of peptides larger than 1kDa was accumulated during
      the whole course of processing, which proved that intense degradation reactions
      were also happened to them, especially at the post ripening stage when dramatic
      decrease of nitrogen fraction from all the peptides larger than 1kDa was found.
      As a result, more than 90% of the NPN products from muscle proteolysis were free
      amino acids and peptides of MW less than 1kDa that might make important
      contribution to Jinhua ham taste and provide precursors for the generation of
      volatile flavor compounds in ham muscle. The pattern of muscle proteolysis
      coincided with the reported changes of muscle proteolytic enzymes during
      processing, seemingly indicating that the enzymes could have played important
      roles in ham muscle proteolysis.

PMID- 22062597
TI  - Progress in reducing the pale, soft and exudative (PSE) problem in pork and
      poultry meat.
AB  - Research in the area of the pale, soft and exudative (PSE) pork and poultry meat
      is reviewed in this article with an emphasis on genetic, biochemical and
      metabolic factors contributing to the problem. Over the past five decades, there
      has been much more work in the pork meat area where a few genetic markers have
      been identified, and are currently used to remove susceptible animals from the
      herd. Some of the markers are linked to aberrant calcium regulation in the early
      postmortem muscle. The poultry industry is still not at the point of using
      genetic marker(s); however, some recent work has revealed several potential
      markers. The review also discusses environmental factors such as antemortem
      stress and early postmortem processing practices (e.g. chilling rate) that can
      influence the development and severity of the PSE phenomenon. Some of these
      factors are known to cause protein denaturation at the early stage of postmortem
      and directly contribute to poor water-holding capacity and inferior texture in
      fresh meat and later in processed products. A newer hypothesis suggesting that
      variation in protein oxidation, in response to antemortem stress and early
      postmortem tissue environment, can contribute to development of PSE pork is also
      discussed. Finally, a few recommendations for future work are proposed.

PMID- 22062598
TI  - Effects of temperature conditioning on postmortem changes in physico-chemical
      properties in Korean native cattle (Hanwoo).
AB  - The objective of this study was to examine the changes in physico-chemical
      properties that occur after adjusting postmortem chilling temperatures in Hanwoo
      beef. The right sides of beef carcasses were chilled for 4h at 2 degrees C, 4h at
      12 degrees C and 16h at 2 degrees C. The left sides were used as controls,
      chilled for 24h at 2 degrees C. It took 8h for the control carcasses to cool down
      to <10 degrees C and 10h 20min for the treatment. Adjusting the chilling
      temperature could be effective in lowering the postmortem pH and glycogen
      content. Treatment muscles at least 8h postmortem had longer sarcomeres than the
      control (P<0.05). The shear force in treatment carcasses at day 1 was similar to
      that of the control at day 6. Alternate chilling temperature had no detrimental
      effect on drip, cooking, total loss or color. Total numbers of aerobic plate
      counts were not significantly different between the control and treatment.

PMID- 22062599
TI  - Effect of exercise on skeletal muscle proteolytic enzyme activity and meat
      quality characteristics in Iberian pigs.
AB  - The effects of physical activity on performance, carcass traits, Psoas major
      lysosomal and exoprotease acitivies and meat quality were studied in 24 castrated
      male Iberian pigs during the last fattening period (from 111.1+/-SD: 5.2kg). Pigs
      were randomly distributed in three groups. Two groups receiving the same diet
      were reared in confinement, one housed in individual pens of 8m(2) (sedentary
      group) and the other was housed outdoor with daily (up to 2km) forced walking
      (exercise group). And one group was reared under the traditional production
      system walking daily several km and fed mostly with acorn from Quercus ilex and
      Quercus rotundifolia and grass (free-range group). No differences were found in
      performance and carcass traits. In exercised pigs a lower activity of cathepsin
      B+L and total cathepsins (P<0.05) was observed. Exercise induced the inhibition
      of dipeptidyl peptidases II and III and arginyl aminopeptidase and the activation
      of dipeptidyl peptidases IV and leucyl aminopeptidase (P<0.05). Although no
      effects on total free amino acids in Psoas major muscle were observed the
      concentration of branched chain amino acids decreased in the free-range pig group
      probably related to an increase in physical activity. Exercise had no effects in
      Psoas major postmortem tenderness and water holding capacity.

PMID- 22062600
TI  - In vitro study to evaluate the degradation of bovine muscle proteins post-mortem
      by proteasome and MU-calpain.
AB  - The degradation of bovine muscle proteins by proteasome and ubiquitous calpains
      was explored via 2D gel proteome analysis by inhibition of the physiological
      level of the proteases by specific inhibitors. The inhibition of the proteasome
      chymotrypsin- and trypsin-like activity results in the lack of degradation of
      several fragments of structural proteins such as actin, troponin T, myosin light
      chain and nebulin. In addition the degradation of several sarcoplasmatic proteins
      was eliminated when proteasome was inhibited. The inhibition of the ubiquitous
      calpain only resulted in minor changes in the degradation pattern, which might
      indicate that p94, which is not inhibited by calpastatin, is involved in the
      degradation post-mortem. The results of the present study indicate a sequential
      degradation of the structural proteins post-mortem, where calpain initiates the
      disruption and destabilisation of the myofibrillar structure, and thereby allows
      the proteasome to act.

PMID- 22062601
TI  - Energy supply patterns for finishing steers: Feed conversion efficiency,
      components of bodyweight gain and meat quality.
AB  - The objective was to determine the effect of pre-slaughter growth rate on feed
      efficiency, components of body growth and on the tenderness of longissimus muscle
      from steers reared to a common age and carcass weight. Sixty Friesian steers were
      group-housed and offered grass silage ad libitum and 3.5kg concentrates per
      animal daily for 5 months and then 5kg concentrates and 1kg grass hay for 1month
      before the experiment began. The animals were then weighed and in a randomised
      block were assigned to one of 5 groups, for slaughter at the beginning of the
      experiment or to be offered concentrates and hay (900 and 100g/kg total diet,
      respectively) to achieve target growths of: 0.72kg/day continuously for 17 weeks,
      0.36kg/day for the first 8 weeks and 1.08kg/day for the final 8 weeks (low-high),
      1.08kg/day for the first 8 weeks and 0.36 for the final 8 weeks (high-low) or
      0.36kg/day for the first 2 weeks, 0.72kg/day during weeks 4 and 14 and 1.08kg/day
      for the final 2 weeks (pulse). One week was allowed for transition to the
      different dietary allowances within each energy supply pattern. The mean age at
      the beginning and end of the study was 18 and 22.5 months, respectively. After
      slaughter, the weight of the carcass and kidney+channel fat depot were recorded,
      the pistola hind quarter was dissected into fat, lean and bone and the tenderness
      of the m. longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTM) muscle was measured
      instrumentally and using a trained taste panel after 2, 7 or 14 days ageing. The
      pattern of energy supply did not affect carcass weight, fat score or
      kidney+channel fat weight. The pistola hind quarter from animals offered the low
      high energy pattern had a similar composition to the continuously-fed animals but
      contained more muscle than that from animals offered high-low or pulse energy
      patterns. After 14 days ageing, LTM from the continuously-fed animals was more
      tender than that from animals offered the other energy supply patterns but shear
      force did not differ between supply patterns. The data do not support the
      hypothesis that pre-slaughter growth rate increases tenderness but suggest that
      energy supply pattern can influence body composition of finishing cattle.

PMID- 22062602
TI  - Eating quality of young bulls from three Spanish beef breed-production systems
      and its relationships with chemical and instrumental meat quality.
AB  - Sensory characteristics of longissimus thoracis muscle from three local Spanish
      beef breed-production systems and their relationships with chemical and
      instrumental meat quality traits were studied. Young bulls of Bruna dels Pirineus
      (BP; n=69), Avilena-Negra Iberica (A-NI; n=70) and Morucha (MO; n=70) breeds were
      reared in their own production systems. MO breed showed the highest water holding
      capacity and also the highest thawing loss and haem pigment content (P<0.001). No
      differences in moisture and protein contents were found among breeds. A-NI showed
      the highest intramuscular fat (IMF, P<0.05) and total collagen (P<0.001)
      contents, whereas BP showed the lowest IMF content (P<0.05) and the highest
      collagen solubility (P<0.001). Beef flavour, tenderness and juiciness accounted
      for the eating quality differences among the three breed-production systems. Meat
      from A-NI was rated significantly higher (P<0.01) for beef flavour and tenderness
      than that from BP and MO animals. Furthermore, MO showed the lowest juiciness
      (P<0.001) which could be due to its higher thawing loss. Within the three breeds,
      thawing loss was negatively correlated with juiciness and, likewise cooking loss
      with juiciness and tenderness (P<0.05). The canonical discriminant analysis
      showed that the three breeds were significantly different (P<0.05) from each
      other according to sensory attributes, which justifies their involvement in
      different protected geographical indications (PGI).

PMID- 22062603
TI  - Muscularity and eating quality of lambs: Effects of breed, sex and selection of
      sires using muscularity measurements by computed tomography.
AB  - Differences in muscularity of the hind leg (HL) and lumbar region (LR) were
      investigated between sexes (ram vs ewe lambs), breeds (Scottish Blackface, SBF vs
      Texel, TEX) and progeny of high- and low-muscularity sires (HM, LM) (n=471). The
      influence of these factors on meat eating quality (MEQ) was also examined
      (n=229). TEX lambs had 16% greater muscularity than SBF in both regions, whilst
      differences between sire groups were 4%. Ewe lambs had slightly higher values of
      muscularity for the HL than rams, but values were similar for the LR. Meat from
      SBF lambs had higher tenderness, stronger lamb flavour and higher overall liking
      than TEX meat. Sex had a weak influence with ram lambs having a stronger abnormal
      flavour and lower overall liking in the LR only. No significant differences in
      MEQ were found between HM- and LM-sired lambs, suggesting that improvements in
      muscularity would not have unfavourable effects on MEQ.

PMID- 22062604
TI  - Muslim consumer trust in halal meat status and control in Belgium.
AB  - This paper focuses on public trust of Belgian Muslims in information sources of
      halal meat and their confidence in key actors and institutions for monitoring and
      controlling the halal meat chain. Cross-sectional consumer data were collected
      through a survey with 367 Muslims during the summer of 2006 in Belgium. Findings
      reveal that Islamic institutions and especially the Islamic butcher receive in
      general most confidence for monitoring and controlling the halal status of meat,
      and for communicating about halal meat. However, based on Muslims' confidence,
      four distinct market segments were identified: indifferent (29.1%), concerned
      (9.7%), confident (33.1%) and Islamic idealist (26.7%). These segments differ
      significantly with respect to trust in information sources and institutions,
      health and safety perception of halal meat, perceived halal meat consumption
      barriers, behavioural variables (halal meat consumption frequency and place of
      purchase), and socio-cultural (acculturation and self-identity) and individual
      characteristics. Indifferent consumers are rather undecided about who should
      monitor the halal status of meat, and they are most open to purchasing halal meat
      in the supermarket. Concerned Muslim consumers display higher confidence in
      Belgian than in Islamic institutions, which associates with perceiving a lack of
      information, poor hygiene and safety concern as barriers to purchasing halal
      meat. Confident consumers display a clear preference for Islamic institutions to
      monitor and communicate about halal. Islamic idealists, who are typified by
      younger age, second generation and high Muslim self-identity, differ from the
      confident consumers through their very low confidence in local Belgian sources
      and institutions.

PMID- 22062605
TI  - Water-soluble precursors of beef flavour: I. Effect of diet and breed.
AB  - The effects of diet and breed on the concentration of water-soluble flavour
      precursors, namely sugars, free amino acids, ribonucleotides, creatinine,
      carnosine and creatine, were studied in beef longissimus lumborum muscle. Diet
      had a significant effect on the concentration of free amino acids, with animals
      fed on grass silage having higher free amino acid levels than animals fed on a
      concentrate diet, whereas animals fed concentrates had a higher total reducing
      sugar content. Differences between a beef breed (Aberdeen Angus*Holstein
      Friesian) and a dairy breed (Holstein-Friesian) were generally small.

PMID- 22062606
TI  - A comparison of the physicochemical and sensory characteristics of alheira
      samples from different-sized producers.
AB  - Alheira is a traditional Portuguese meat product made from boiled meat, usually
      pork and/or poultry, and bread. The physicochemical and sensory properties of
      alheira were analyzed to determine the relationships between them and to evaluate
      how they are affected by the product's origin i.e. if is produced on a small or
      industrial scale. The most important variables used to characterize alheira are:
      color, visual evaluation of the amount of meat and bread, paprika aroma,
      clamminess and fibrousness, water activity, moisture, fat, carbohydrate content,
      hardness and color parameters (L(*),a(*), and b(*)). Principal component analysis
      demonstrated that drying has a major effect on these characteristics, as it plays
      a part in the product's physical make-up. Using these parameters it was possible
      to ascertain that industrial products enjoyed higher levels of consumer
      acceptability, given that they contain a higher proportion of meat and undergo a
      shorter drying process.

PMID- 22062607
TI  - Development and validation of a probabilistic second-order exposure assessment
      model for Escherichia coli O157:H7 contamination of beef trimmings from Irish
      meat plants.
AB  - A second-order quantitative Monte Carlo simulation model was developed for
      Escherichia coli O157:H7 contamination of beef trimmings in Irish abattoirs. The
      assessment considers initial contamination levels, cross-contamination and
      decontamination events during the cattle slaughter process. The mean simulated
      prevalence of E. coli O157:H7 on trimmings was 2.36% and the mean simulated
      counts of E. coli O157:H7 on contaminated trimmings was -2.69log(10)CFU/g. A
      parallel validation survey provided some confidence in the model predictions. An
      uncertainty analysis indicated that microbial test sensitivity is a significant
      factor contributing to model uncertainty and requires further investigation while
      also indicating that risk reduction measures should be directed towards reducing
      the hide to carcass transfer (correlation coefficient 0.25) during dehiding and
      reducing the initial prevalence and counts on bovine hides (correlation
      coefficients 0.19 and 0.16, respectively). A characterisation of uncertainty and
      variability indicating that further research is required to reduce parameter
      uncertainty and to achieve better understanding of microbial transfer in meat
      plants. The model developed in this study highlights the need for further
      development of quantitative risk assessments in the food industry.

PMID- 22062608
TI  - Biomechanical and microbiological changes in natural hog casings treated with
      ozone.
AB  - The objective of this study was to determine the biomechanical and
      microbiological effects of exposing natural hog casings to ozonated water ~7mg/l
      for 0, 2 or 4h at 16 degrees C. A total of 450 casing segments representing 10
      hanks were used over five testing days and arranged in a randomized block split
      plot design. For each treatment, pH, temperature, actual ozone concentration,
      bursting strength, maximum rupture force, and L(*), a(*) and b(*) color space
      values were determined. The bursting strength and the maximum rupture force
      values suggested that casings can be treated by ozone up to 2h without
      deterioration. After ozone treatments, changes in L(*), a(*) and b(*) color space
      values made the casings appear lighter than the control samples. Microbiological
      studies showed that 1 and 2h ozonation reduced counts of Escherichia coli biotype
      I, which expressed green fluorescent protein, by 0.4 and 0.6log(10)CFU/25.4cm
      casing, respectively.

PMID- 22062609
TI  - The effects of broiler catching method on breast meat quality.
AB  - Mechanical and hand catching of broilers (n=24 per treatment for each trial) were
      performed to determine if differences existed in breast meat quality among
      catching methods. Two trials (summer and winter 2005) were conducted, and it was
      determined that there was greater variation in meat quality in the summer in
      comparison to the winter within treatments in both catching methods. Neither
      catching method yielded breast meat with significant quality issues. Therefore,
      either catching method should be acceptable for catching broilers in respect to
      meat quality. However, mechanical catching and crating for 2h yielded slightly
      better (P<0.05) quality meat than hand catching in respect to averages and
      individual quality problems. These slight improvements in meat quality included
      higher (P<0.05) 15min pH, lower (P<0.05) drip loss, and lower (P<0.05) incidence
      of pale meat with a rapid pH decline in the summer.

PMID- 22062610
TI  - Analysis of volatile compounds of Iberian dry-cured loins with different
      intramuscular fat contents using SPME-DED.
AB  - In order to study the effect of both, ripening time and IMF content on the
      volatile profile of Iberian dry-cured loin, volatile compounds from the headspace
      of 10 Iberian dry-cured loins with different intramuscular fat contents (IMF),
      low (average IMF content of 2.3%) and high (average IMF content of 6.7%), at days
      40 and 55 of the ripening process were analysed using SPME coupled to a direct
      extraction device (DED) and subsequent gas chromatography/mass spectrometry
      (GC/MS). Chromatographic areas of the main chemical families detected
      (hydrocarbons, aldehydes, alcohols, ketones and acids) increased with ripening
      time. A higher total chromatographic area was detected in the headspace of high
      IMF loins compared to low IMF ones. Several volatile compounds derived from lipid
      oxidative reactions, such as hexanol, octanal, (E,E)-2,4-heptadienal or (E)-2
      decenal, and others from the degradation of certain amino acids, such as
      dimethylsulfide, 3-methylbutanal or phenylacetaldehyde, showed higher
      chromatographic areas in the headspace of high IMF loins than in low IMF ones.
      Thus, IMF content could influence both the generation of volatile compounds and
      the transfer of such compounds from the product matrix to the headspace.

PMID- 22062611
TI  - Distributions of brine and bacteria in beef primal cuts injected with brine
      without, or before or after mechanical tenderizing.
AB  - Eye of round primal cuts of beef were injected with brines containing a dye and
      Listeria innocua. The amounts of brine in portions of meat were determined from
      the concentrations of dye in the tissues, and the numbers of L. innocua in the
      tissues were determined from the numbers of colonies recovered on hydrophobic
      grid membrane filters incubated on a selective agar. Portions of meat from
      primals injected with brine after extensive mechanical tenderizing yielded L.
      innocua at numbers that would be expected from the amounts of brine in the meat.
      However, portions of meat from primals injected with brine without or before
      mechanical tenderizing yielded only about 10% of the expected numbers of L.
      innocua. The numbers of L. innocua recovered from injected meat that was not
      tenderized, relative to the amount of brine retained by the meat, declined with
      decreasing brine pressure and increasing strokes per minute of the needle head.
      When brine was injected at about 5% with low brine pressure and high head speed,
      the numbers of L. innocua retained in the meat were <1% of the expected numbers.
      When injected meat was examined microscopically, L. innocua were observed only
      between the muscle fibres in meat that was not tenderized before injection, but
      between fibres and in lacunae in tissue damaged by mechanical tenderizing before
      injection. The distributions of brine and bacteria in injected primals apparently
      did not alter substantially during storage in vacuum packs, at 2 degrees C, for 2
      weeks.

PMID- 22062612
TI  - Effect of carrageenan level and packaging during ripening on processing and
      quality characteristics of low-fat fermented sausages produced with olive oil.
AB  - Eight low-fat fermented sausages were produced with partial replacement of pork
      backfat with olive oil. The total fat content of the sausages was 10% of which 8%
      was animal fat and 2% was olive oil. The sausages were produced with two types of
      carrageenan (iota- and kappa-) in four levels (0%, 1%, 2% and 3%). iota
      Carrageenan had a better effect (p<0.05) than kappa-carrageenan on such
      characteristics as pH, weight loss and lipid oxidation of the sausages, as well
      as, on sensory attributes. Low-fat fermented sausages with kappa-carrageenan had
      the same (p>0.05) firmness as high-fat commercial sausages (control). The
      carrageenan level of 3% negatively affected the firmness of the sausages. In a
      2nd experiment, a high-fat control (30% total fat) and three low-fat fermented
      sausages (10% total fat) with olive oil were produced with three levels of iota
      carrageenan (0%, 1% and 2%). Low-fat sausages were vacuum packed for the last two
      weeks of ripening. iota-Carrageenan added at levels up to 2% had a positive
      effect (p<0.05) on the physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of the
      low-fat fermented sausages. The application of vacuum packaging over last two
      weeks of ripening improved the physicochemical and microbiological
      characteristics of the sausages and resulted in sensory attributes equal to or
      better than the high-fat controls.

PMID- 22062613
TI  - Discrimination of adult steers (oxen) and young cattle ground meat samples by
      near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS).
AB  - Near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) was used to discriminate different
      types of ground beef samples. Fifty-three and sixty-seven samples of longissimus
      thoracis muscle corresponding to adult castrated steers (over 4 years old) and
      young cattle (under 14 months old), respectively, were homogenized and scanned
      over the NIR range (1100-2500nm). The results showed that NIRS could successfully
      discriminate 100% of ground beef samples depending on the sort of animal,
      probably as a consequence of differences in the intramuscular fat and water
      contents. Thus, NIRS is a fast, inexpensive, and non-destructive method that can
      be used to discriminate these beef products.

PMID- 22062614
TI  - The influence of storage and display conditions on the color stability of display
      ready pork loin roasts.
AB  - A total of 216 pork loin samples were utilized to examine the color stability of
      master-packed, display-ready pork cuts stored in three different atmospheres
      (100% CO(2), 100% N(2) and 70% O(2) and 30% CO(2)) at three storage temperatures
      (-1.5, 2, and 5  degrees C) for four day intervals up to 28 days, and then
      subsequently displayed aerobically for up to 30 hr. The composite results clearly
      indicated color stability was progressively lost during both chilled storage and
      subsequent aerobic display. However, retention of color stability was maximized
      by storage at -1.5  degrees C. In addition, storage in 100% CO(2) tended to
      maximize retention of color stability, despite the fact samples stored in 70%
      O(2) and 30% CO(2) were brighter and redder following storage and prior to
      subsequent aerobic display.

PMID- 22062615
TI  - The influence of storage and display conditions on the retail properties and case
      life of display-ready pork loin roasts.
AB  - A total of 216 pork loin subsections were utilized to investigate the effects of
      storage atmosphere (100% N(2); 100% CO(2); or 70% O(2) and 30% CO(2)), storage
      temperature (-1.5, 2 or 5  degrees C) and duration of chilled storage (<=28 days)
      and subsequent aerobic display (<=30 hr) on the retail properties and storage
      life of display-ready pork cuts. Composite results clearly emphasize the
      importance of subzero storage to the retail properties, and storage life of pork
      for all the types of storage atmosphere utilized. However, in the present study,
      controlled atmospheres of 70% O(2) and 30% CO(2) possessed the greatest
      preservative properties for masterpacked display-ready pork loin subsections
      (roasts) during chilled storage for up to 24 days, based upon visual and
      olfactory criteria. A decrease in retail appearance, attributable to a
      progressive increase in surface discoloration during both chilled storage and
      subsequent, aerobic display, resulted in a increase in the incidence of
      unacceptable packages, during both chilled storage and subsequent, aerobic
      display, which restricted chilled storage life to 20 days or less. Storage time
      consistently exerted the greatest influence on retail properties and generally
      accounted for 80% or more of the variation in most attributes evaluated. In
      addition, off-odors developed progressively during both chilled storage and
      subsequent, aerobic display, which further restricted chilled storage life to 12
      days. Consequently, based upon previous cited results, for distribution of
      display-ready pork cuts to be successful, the hygienic quality of the commercial
      product must be improved.

PMID- 22062616
TI  - Chemical and structural changes in dry-cured hams (Bayonne hams) during
      processing and effects of the dehairing technique.
AB  - Pigs of similar genetic backgrounds and feeding regimes were slaughtered in two
      abattoirs, one carrying out dehairing by scalding and the other by singeing. One
      ham from each of 80 carcasses was retained. Sixteen fresh hams (8 from each
      dehairing technique) were used for analysis while 64 hams were processed into dry
      cured ham. Sixteen hams (8 from each dehairing technique) were taken for analysis
      at end of salting (day 14), end of rest (day 78), mid-processing (day 127) and
      end of processing (day 251). During processing, the water content of all muscles
      decreased while the salt content increased. The salt concentration in muscle
      water tended to equalize in all muscles. The nitrogen content of desalted dry
      matter (i.e. dry muscle tissue) decreased in both Biceps femoris and
      Semimembranosus. The content of every free amino acid increased with time, except
      for taurine and glutamine. Electrophoresis of the low ionic strength-soluble
      fractions showed all protein bands decreased during processing. Electrophoresis
      of the myofibrillar fractions indicated changes in all bands except actin
      (42kDa). These changes were more marked in the Semimembranosus than the Biceps
      femoris in the earlier processing steps. Ultrastructural changes were more marked
      in Semimembranosus than Biceps femoris. Hardness and chewiness increased in both
      muscles during the first half of processing then returned to values close to the
      initial ones in Semimembranosus but changed little in Biceps femoris. The scalded
      hams lost more weight than the singed ones during processing. The salt content
      was higher in scalded hams. Water-soluble nitrogen and NPN were higher in singed
      hams at the end of processing. The scalded hams were saltier and pungent. They
      had more pronounced aromas of dry ham, rancidity and hazelnut, and less aroma of
      fresh meat. Their texture was drier and less mellow.

PMID- 22062617
TI  - The problem of taint in pork-II. The influence of skatole, androstenone and
      indole, Presented individually and in combination in a model lipid base, on odour
      perception.
AB  - Responses to varying concentrations of androstenone and skatole in a neutral
      lipid base were studied using a trained 10-member panel. Concentrations for
      skatole and androstenone ranged between 0-1.32 and 0-6.0 MUg g(-1), respectively.
      Odour, androstenone and skatole intensities were assessed by the line scaling
      method. Triangular tests showed that the panel significantly distinguished indole
      from androstenone, p <= 0.01, but not from skatole nor mixtures of androstenone
      and skatole. Regression analyses showed linear relationships between skatole and
      androstenone concentrations and odour intensity but with a significant (p <=
      0.01) androstenone-assessor interaction. Correlation coefficients with odour
      intensity were 0.64 and 0.63 for androstenone and skatole concentrations,
      respectively. Response surface curves showed that odour intensity depended on the
      linear terms of skatole, androstenone and on the quadratic term of androstenone.
      Androstenone and skatole intensity ratings revealed that the effect of skatole
      was enhanced by the presence of androstenone, but not the reverse. It was
      concluded that whilst both androstenone and skatole may be important for the
      sorting (classification) of pork, the importance of androstenone lies in its
      detection threshold whilst for skatole, the acceptability threshold may be a
      suitable criterion for quality control purposes.

PMID- 22062618
TI  - The problem of taint in pork-III. Odour profile of pork fat and the
      interrelationships between androstenone, skatole and indole concentrations.
AB  - Samples from 100 Large White * Meishan crossbred pigs (50 males, 50 females) with
      androstenone, skatole and indole concentrations ranging between 0-2.68, 0.004
      1.43 and 0.007-1.57 MUg g(-1), respectively, were assessed by a trained 10-member
      sensory panel. The intensities of pork odour, abnormal odour, androstenone,
      skatole and odour pleasantness were assessed using line scaling. The descriptors
      mothball and musty associated with skatole and sweaty, dirty, silage and parsnips
      associated with androstenone all significantly (p < 0.05) characterised taint in
      pork. Regression analyses showed that pork odour depended on the linear terms of
      androstenone and indole, whilst abnormal odour depended on the linear terms of
      androstenone, skatole, indole and the quadratic terms of skatole and indole (r(2)
      = 0.76). Responses to different combinations of androstenone and skatole were
      sometimes similar. This implies that instrumentation for on-line sorting
      (classification) of pigs should be based on a response criterion instead of on
      concentrations. The equations derived in this study could be tested to form the
      basis for a reliable calibration system.

PMID- 22062619
TI  - Responses of two genotypes of chicken to the diets and stocking densities of
      conventional UK and Label Rouge production systems-II. Sensory attributes.
AB  - French Label Rouge quality chickens are reputed to possess improved sensory
      characteristics compared with birds reared under intensive conditions. The
      effects of genotype, diet, stocking density and age on eating quality were
      evaluated in a 2 * 2 * 2 experiment. The results suggest that genotype, diet, age
      and, to a lesser extent, stocking density can influence eating quality. The most
      pronounced sensory differences between the two genotypes were in the appearance
      and texture of the cooked meat. In particular, scores for toughness were higher
      for breast meat from Ross than ISA birds, though the opposite effect was observed
      for the thigh meat. Diet and age also affected texture, with the breast meat from
      chickens on the Label Rouge diet, or from older birds, having lower scores for
      toughness. Effects on odour and flavour were generally small and subject to
      genotype * diet interactions. The odour and flavour intensity of breast meat
      increased with age, while the odour intensity of thigh meat was higher in birds
      reared at low stocking density.

PMID- 22062620
TI  - The effect of fat-enriched diets on the perirenal fat quality and sensory
      characteristics of meat from rabbits.
AB  - Two hundred and eighty four medium sized young rabbits were fed ad libitum with
      two fat-enriched experimental diets (V: vegetable fat, A: animal fat) and a
      control diet (C). Diet had a significant effect on the ultimate pH (pHu) of the
      Longissimus dorsi muscle and on the colour, weight and fatty acid composition of
      the perirenal fat. The carcasses from diet C had significantly less perirenal fat
      (14.2 g) compared to the carcasses from group A and V (24.4 and 23.0 g) using
      carcass weight and age of the animals as covariables. Supplementing the diet with
      animal fat produced perirenal fat which was richer in oleic acid (41%) than in
      groups V (20.9%) and C (27.9%). The P:S ratio was higher in group V (2.45)
      compared with groups A and C (0.53 and 0.42). Diet also affected the organoleptic
      quality of the loin meat. The meat from groups V and C was considered to have a
      more aniseed flavour than that from group A. In contrast the loin meat from group
      A had more liver flavour. Both groups V and A were considered juicier than group
      C. No differences were found in hardness, chewiness and fibrousness. These
      results suggest than from a human health point of view, the use of a diet
      supplemented with animal fat is useful on the basis of the nutritional index, P:S
      of the perirenal fat. However the amount of fat added in the diets V and A should
      be less than used in this study if the carcass is sold whole in order to avoid
      excessive perirenal fat. From an organoleptic point of view, the greater aniseed
      and grass flavour of group V compared to group A may give meat of better sensory
      quality.

PMID- 22062621
TI  - Heating rate effects on high-fat and low-fat frankfurters with a high content of
      added water.
AB  - A study was made of the effect of heating rate (0.55, 1.10 and 1.90  degrees C
      min(-1)) on binding properties (cooking and purge losses) and texture
      (compression test) of high-fat (23%) and low-fat (9%) high added-water (19.8%)
      frankfurters during chilled storage (2  degrees C). Low-fat samples exhibited
      poorer (p < 0.05) binding properties; they were less hard and chewy (p < 0.05)
      but more cohesive and springy (p < 0.05) than high-fat frankfurters. Heating rate
      had little effect on binding properties. Hardness, cohesiveness, springiness and
      chewiness were greater (p < 0.05) at the slowest heating rate than at the other
      rates, behaviour being similar at the two higher rates.

PMID- 22062622
TI  - Composition analysis of beef rib sections by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.
AB  - Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) was used as a non-invasive method to
      measure composition of 9, 10,11 - rib sections obtained from 80 beef carcasses.
      The weights of the rib sections ranged from 2986 g to 6394 g. Each rib section
      was scanned twice by DXA, once in a horizontal or standing rib position (DXA-1)
      and once in a vertical position (DXA-2). After scanning, each rib section was
      dissected into fat, muscle and bone. The intramuscular fat content of the
      longissimus muscle was measured chemically. Dissected lean and fat values were
      adjusted for the amount of intramuscular fat. DXA lean values were adjusted for
      amount of bone (less bone mineral content). Both DXA measurements consistently
      overestimated the amount of fat relative to dissection. The DXA-1 scan position
      measured more lean and less fat than did DXA-2. The correlation (r) between the
      amount of dissected lean and DXA-1 and DXA-2 lean was 0.91 and 0.85, respectively
      and between the amount of dissected fat and DXA-1 and DXA-2 fat was 0.94 and
      0.92, respectively. The high correlations between DXA and dissection results
      indicate that DXA could be used as a non-destructive method for evaluating
      composition of cuts of beef; however, attention must be given to orientation of
      the cut during the DXA scan.

PMID- 22062623
TI  - The design of pig stunning tong electrodes-A review.
AB  - The effectiveness of current electrical stunning systems for pigs is discussed
      and the need for improvements in the design and construction of stunning tongs
      and electrodes are explored. A review of existing stunning tong electrodes for
      use with free standing or restrained pig is discussed. The potential problems
      with existing systems are highlighted as: (1) the profile of the pigs head
      precludes the application of existing electrodes in the correct position; (2) the
      small area of contact enhances carbon build-up which increases electrical
      impedance; (3) the electrodes are easily tarnished with few cleaning tools
      provided. Good tong positions that span the brain are described as between the
      eye and ear on each side of the head, below the ear on each side of the head or,
      diagonal application between the top and bottom of the head. The notional contact
      impedance is the major component of resistance to current flow within the
      stunning system. The proposed use of different electrode designs and
      constructional material is investigated. The effect of the introduction of the
      fail-safe device would be to heighten the interest in contact impedance within
      the plant and that could ensure that the investigation of different electrodes is
      explored at least at plant level.

PMID- 22062624
TI  - Post-mortem calpain-system kinetics in lamb: Effects of clenbuterol and
      preslaughter exercise.
AB  - The effect of dietary supplementation with clenbuterol for either 8 days or 55
      days in lambs was studied. The 55-day treatment was combined with an immediate
      preslaughter exercise regime. The effect of these treatments on post-mortem
      calpain system activities, meat ageing and meat quality was studied. Neither
      short-nor long-term supplementation had an effect on the rate of pH fall post
      mortem. Short-term supplementation had no effect on the initial nor the final
      shear force values but these were higher at intermediate times. In contrast,
      prolonged supplementation increased shear force values at all times post mortem.
      Preslaughter exercise, while influencing the rate of pH decrease in both control
      and supplemented groups, did not affect meat tenderness. After short-term
      clenbuterol-supplementation, the in-vitro MU-calpain activity was significantly
      lower in the supplemented group at 6 and 24 hr post mortem, while m-calpain and
      calpastatin activities were largely unaffected. In contrast, 55-day clenbuterol
      supplementation resulted in significantly higher levels of calpastatin activity
      at all times post mortem. These data imply that clenbuterol results in toughened
      meat due to alterations in the calpain/calpastatin system, the mechanisms of
      which are dependent upon the duration of supplementation.

PMID- 22062625
TI  - Effects of modified atmosphere storage on colour and microbiological shelf life
      of normal and pale, soft and exudative pork.
AB  - Pale, soft and exudative (PSE) and normal pork loins (n = 9 of each) were
      deboned, divided and packaged in modified atmospheres (MA) of 100% carbon dioxide
      containing 0, 0.5 and 1.0% residual oxygen (O(2)). The meat was stored at 3 
      degrees C, first in MA for 21 days, followed by 5 additional days under retail
      display conditions with access to air. Before packaging, PSE loins were more
      light and less red than those of normal meat. The drip loss after MA storage was
      twice as high from PSE meat as from normal meat. PSE meat was not more
      discoloured after MA storage than normal meat. The level of residual O(2) in the
      MA had a significant impact on the colour of the two types of meat. Discoloration
      was observed on both PSE and normal meat with 0.5% O(2) and even more clearly
      with 1.0% O(2), as demonstrated by instrumental and visual colour analyses. After
      MA storage, the microbiological shelf life and flora were not affected by the
      type of meat, or level of residual O(2).

PMID- 22062626
TI  - Thermal gelation of chicken, pork and hake (Merluccius merluccius, L) actomyosin.
AB  - Response surface methodology compared the effects of protein concentration (PC, 5
      15 mg mL(-1)), ionic strength (NaCl concentration, IS, 0.1-0.7 M) and pH (5.2
      7.5) on the gelation properties (penetration test) of natural actomyosin (NAM)
      from chicken, pork and hake muscle. Results indicated that, for Ln work of
      penetration (Ln WP), models had r(2) of 0.705 (p < 0.01) for NAM from pork, 0.813
      (< 0.001) for NAM from chicken and 0.264 from hake (p > 0.05). The maximum work
      of penetration did not differ widely among the three samples, regardless of the
      fact that pH, NaCl level and protein concentration were different in each case.
      It was found that hake NAM only formed gels within a very narrow range of PC, pH
      and IS compared with chicken and pork NAM. In the latter two, maximum WP levels
      were found in gels formed within a pH range of 5.5-6.0 and ionic strength of 0.1
      0.2 (NaCl, M). This suggests that hake protein is more sensitive to changes in
      environmental factors than that from pork or chicken.

PMID- 22062627
TI  - Comparative evaluation of some antioxidants in salame Milano and mortadella
      production.
AB  - Six formulations of salame Milano and mortadella were produced, one without
      antioxidants, two with sodium ascorbate (0.05-0.1 and O.2%), one with catechin,
      one with phytic acid, and one with sesamol. The products were studied for
      oxidation levels (peroxide value, TBARS, cholesterol oxides) and colour
      stability. The evaluation of the latter took place in conditions simulating
      commercial types of packaging (vacuum and modified atmosphere) and display. A
      significant difference emerged in colour stability. With the exception of salame
      Milano packed under modified atmosphere, in all cases salame and mortadella
      produced without Na ascorbate had significantly lower colour stability. Both in
      salame and mortadella, peroxide values and TBARS determination gave indications
      of a possible pro-oxidant effect of ascorbate 0.2% compared with an effective
      antioxidant activity of the other compounds tested. Cholesterol oxidation in
      salame appeared to be inhibited by sesamol and ascorbate while catechin was much
      less effective. In mortadella the prooxidant effect of Na ascorbate was
      confirmed. All lipid oxidation parameters, though, showed low oxidation values so
      that no quality nor health deficiencies could be envisaged with any of the
      formulations adopted. Lower colour stability scores, though, would create
      commercial problems.

PMID- 22062628
TI  - Overexpression of autophagy-related beclin-1 in advanced malignant melanoma and
      its low expression in melanoma-in-situ.

PMID- 22062629
TI  - Manganese superoxide dismutase inhibits neointima formation through attenuation
      of migration and proliferation of vascular smooth muscle cells.
AB  - Superoxide anion is elevated during neointima development and is essential for
      neointimal vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation. However, little is
      known about the role of manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD, SOD2) in the
      neointima formation following vascular injury. SOD2 in the mitochondria plays an
      important role in cellular defense against oxidative damage. Because of its
      subcellular localization, SOD2 is considered the first line of defense against
      oxidative stress and plays a central role in metabolizing superoxide. Because
      mitochondria are the most important sources of superoxide anion, we speculated
      that SOD2 may have therapeutic benefits in preventing vascular remodeling. In
      this study, we used a rat carotid artery balloon-injury model and an adenoviral
      gene delivery approach to test the hypothesis that SOD2 suppresses vascular
      lesion formation. SOD2 was activated along with the progression of neointima
      formation in balloon-injured rat carotid arteries. Depletion of SOD2 by RNA
      interference markedly promoted the lesion formation, whereas SOD2 overexpression
      suppressed the injury-induced neointima formation via attenuation of migration
      and proliferation of VSMCs. SOD2 exerts its inhibitory effect on VSMC migration
      induced by angiotensin II by scavenging superoxide anion and suppressing the
      phosphorylation of Akt. Our data indicate that SOD2 is a negative modulator of
      vascular lesion formation after injury. Therefore, SOD2 augmentation may be a
      promising therapeutic strategy for the prevention of lesion formation in
      proliferative vascular diseases such as restenosis.

PMID- 22062630
TI  - The C-terminal proteolytic processing of extracellular superoxide dismutase is
      redox regulated.
AB  - The antioxidant protein extracellular superoxide dismutase (EC-SOD) encompasses a
      C-terminal region that mediates interactions with a number of ligands in the
      extracellular matrix (ECM). This ECM-binding region can be removed by limited
      proteolysis before secretion, thus supporting the formation of EC-SOD tetramers
      with variable binding capacity. The ECM-binding region contains a cysteine
      residue (Cys219) that is known to be involved in an intersubunit disulfide
      bridge. We have determined the redox potential of this disulfide bridge and show
      that both EC-SOD dimers and EC-SOD monomers are present within the intracellular
      space. The proteolytic processing of the ECM-binding region in vitro was
      modulated by the redox status of Cys219, allowing cleavage under reducing
      conditions only. When wild-type EC-SOD or the monomeric variant Cys219Ser was
      expressed in mammalian cells proteolysis did not occur. However, when cells were
      exposed to oxidative stress conditions, proteolytic processing was observed for
      wild-type EC-SOD but not for the Cys219Ser variant. Although the cellular
      response to oxidative stress is complex, our data suggest that proteolytic
      removal of the ECM-binding region is regulated by the intracellular generation of
      an EC-SOD monomer and that Cys219 plays an important role as a redox switch
      allowing the cellular machinery to secrete cleaved EC-SOD.

PMID- 22062631
TI  - Frequency distribution of PRNP polymorphisms in the Pakistani population.
AB  - Prion diseases are neurodegenerative conditions caused by misfolding of a normal
      host-encoded prion protein (PrPC) into pathogenic scrapie prion protein (PrPSc).
      In human prion diseases, the M129V prion protein polymorphism is known to confer
      susceptibility to the disease, determines PrPSc conformation and alters
      clinicopathological phenotypes. To date, all clinicopathologically confirmed
      cases of a variant form of Cruetzfeldt-Jacob disease (vCJD) have been 129MM
      homozygotes. There is also predominance of 129MM homozygotes in sporadic CJD
      (sCJD). No information regarding prion disorders is available from Pakistan.
      Although only invasive procedures like brain biopsy can confirm the diagnosis of
      prion disorders, testing a corresponding human population for variation in the
      prion protein gene (PRNP) may provide some insights into the presence of these
      disorders in a locality. The current study therefore aimed at exploring the
      genetic susceptibility of Pakistani population to CJD. A total of 909 unrelated
      individuals including 221 hemophiliacs representing all 4 major provinces of
      Pakistan were screened for M129V polymorphism and insertions or deletions of
      octapeptide repeats (OPRIs/OPRDs) using Polymerase Chain Reaction coupled with
      Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Concordance of the results
      of some PCR-RFLP reactions was also confirmed by dideoxy automated Sanger
      sequencing. The frequencies of M129V alleles (129M and 129V) and genotypes
      (129MM, 129MV and 129VV) were found in all 909 individuals to be 0.7101, 0.2899,
      0.5270, 0.3663 and 0.1067, respectively. Deletion of 1 octapeptide repeat (1
      OPRD) was detected in heterozygous state in PRNP of 10 individuals and in
      homozygous state in 1 individual. An insertion of 3 octapeptide repeats (3-OPRI)
      was found in 1 individual and an insertion of 1 octapeptide repeat (1-OPRI) in
      two individuals. Both 3-OPRI and 1-OPRI were present in heterozygous state and
      were linked to 129M allele. There were no significant chi2 differences between
      M129V allelic and genotypic frequencies of healthy individuals and hemophiliacs.
      However, M129V allelic and genotypic frequencies differed significantly between
      Pakistani population and East Asian and Western populations. Non-significant chi2
      differences between M129V frequencies of healthy individuals and hemophiliacs
      suggest that individuals manifesting single gene disorders may provide naturally
      randomized samples for studies aiming at surveying the genetic variation. The
      combined excess of 129MM and 129VV homozygosity and the presence of 3-OPRI in 1
      individual imply that Pakistani population is susceptible to prion disorders.
      Cases of prion disorders may exist in Pakistan, albeit at lower annual prevalence
      than other countries where life expectancy is greater than 65 years.

PMID- 22062632
TI  - Contribution of SNP arrays in diagnosis of deletion 2p11.2-p12.
AB  - Deletions of the short arm of chromosome 2 are exceedingly rare, having been
      reported in few patients. Furthermore most cases with deletion in 2p11.2-p12 have
      been studied using standard karyotype and so it is not possible to delineate the
      precise size of deletions. Here, we describe a 9-year-old girl with a 9.4 Mb de
      novo interstitial deletion of region 2p11.2-p12 identified by SNP array analysis.
      The deleted region encompasses over 40 known genes, including LRRTM1, CTNNA2 and
      REEP1, haploinsufficiency of which could explain some clinical features of this
      patient such as mental retardation, speech delay and gait abnormalities. A
      comparison of our case with previously reported patients who present deletions in
      2p11.2-p12 was carried out. Our case adds new information to the deletion of
      2p11.2-p12, improving the knowledge on this rearrangement.

PMID- 22062633
TI  - Interrelationships amongst carcass and meat quality characteristics of sheep.
AB  - The relationships between various carcass and meat quality characteristics of
      sheep were studied. Relationships were determined by regression, using data
      obtained from sheep belonging to a wide range of breeds, sex types and slaughter
      weight (32-62 kg). The chilling rate of the M. longissimus dorsi (LD) post-mortem
      was negatively correlated with carcass weight (r=-0.42, P<0.01), back fat
      thickness (r=-0.54, P<0.001) and the cooking loss of the M. infraspinatus (IS)
      muscle (r=-0.44, P<0.001). Correlation between chilling rate and shear force of
      the IS muscle was not significant, which was also the case between chilling rate
      and the cooking loss and shear force of the LD and M. triceps brachii muscles. A
      positive relationship was observed between total collagen and cooking loss
      (r=0.34, P<0.05) and between heat-insoluble collagen and cooking loss of the LD
      muscle (r=0.37, P<0.01). Generally collagen content was positively correlated
      with lean content and negatively with fat content. Carcass weight was
      significantly (P<0.001) correlated with intramuscular fat (r=0.61), moisture (r=
      0.76), cooking loss (r=-0.49), shear force (r=-0.41) and hue angle (r=-0.41).
      Shear force was positively associated with cooking loss (r=0.42, P<0.001), but
      negatively with intramuscular fat content (r=-0.55, P<0.001). Cooking loss was
      positively correlated with moisture content (r=0.55, P<0.001).

PMID- 22062634
TI  - Salt distribution in dry-cured ham measured by computed tomography and image
      analysis.
AB  - Forty-seven hams were scanned four times by computed tomography (CT) while being
      manufactured into dry-cured hams. An image-processing algorithm measured CT
      values in the lean part of the hams and provided line profiles reflecting the
      magnitude and spatial location of salt gradients. At the end of manufacturing,
      seven entire hams were dissected and the salt content of the lean part
      determined. Likewise, in the remaining 40 hams, the lean meat of the slices
      corresponding to the CT images was dissected, analyzed chemically for NaCl and
      compared to the CT value. The salt content of entire dry-cured hams correlated
      well (r(2)=0.94) to the CT value of a 10 mm section located at the center of
      femur bone, perpendicular to the length axis of the hams. In the same position,
      significant correlations between the CT values before (r(2)=0.71) and after
      (r(2)=0.80) the ageing period and actual chemical analysis of the same section
      were demonstrated. Line profiles illustrating the combined salt distribution and
      dehydration within a ham related to the physical characteristics of the ham as
      well as to the manufacturing process. These findings reveal that the effects of
      altered manufacturing practices can be followed non-invasively, while hams are
      still in production. Computed tomography combined with appropriate image analysis
      offers advantages as a non-invasive tool in both research and product
      development.

PMID- 22062635
TI  - The relationship between slow and fast myosin heavy chain content, calpastatin
      and meat tenderness in different ovine skeletal muscles.
AB  - The present study investigated the relationship between fibre type distribution
      and slow (MHC-s) and fast (MHC-f) myosin heavy chain content on calpastatin and
      meat tenderness in longissimus dorsi (LD), tensor fasciae latae (TFL),
      semitendinosus (ST), trapezius (TZ) and supraspinatus (SS) muscles from six
      Mule*Charolais rams. Samples taken at slaughter were frozen either in liquid N(2)
      for analysis of MHC-s and MHC-f by immunoblotting, or in cooled isopentane for
      histochemical fibre typing. Calpastatin activity and an immunoreactive 135 kDa
      calpastatin band were analysed in samples taken 24 h postmortem. Shear force was
      determined on muscle chops taken at 24 h postmortem and conditioned until day 14.
      The intensity of MHC-s and MHC-f immunopositive bands correlated with %Type I and
      %Type II fibres identified histochemically (r(2)=0.612 and 0.366, respectively,
      p<0.001). Muscle specific differences were observed in MHC-s and MHC-f
      immunoreactivity, fibre type distribution, calpastatin activity, calpastatin 135
      kDa immunoreactivity and shear force. MHC-s correlated positively with
      calpastatin activity (r(2)=0.725, p<0.001) and 135 kDa calpastatin (r(2)=0.228,
      p<0.01) across all muscle types. The data show that detection of MHC-s can be
      used to identify fibre type differences between ovine muscles and that this
      correlates with differences in calpastatin content and inhibitory activity, but
      not tenderness.

PMID- 22062636
TI  - Influence of different gas compositions on the short-term storage stability of
      mother-packaged retail-ready lamb packs.
AB  - Longissmus dorsi muscles were removed from Suffolk cross-breed lambs (aged 4-9
      months) and cut into steaks. Lamb steaks were over-wrapped on trays and placed in
      vacuum pack bags. Bags were divided into 3 groups and flushed with gas mixtures
      containing 100:0, 90:10 or 80:20/CO(2):N(2). Mother packed lamb bags were stored
      for 4 days (T2) and 7 days (T3), respectively, in darkness at 4  degrees C, prior
      to retail display. The effect of aerobic packaging alone on lamb meat quality was
      used as the control (T1). Under retail display, all over-wrapped trays were held
      under refrigerated conditions (4  degrees C, 616 lx) for up to 8 days. Steaks
      were assessed for microbial growth, oxidative and colour stability as well as pH
      every 2 days. Mother-packing in 100:0/CO(2):N(2) was the most effective way of
      extending the storage life of retail ready lamb prior to display, particularly
      over longer storage periods. TVCs for T3 lamb meat using all gas compositions
      remained below 2.0*10(6) CFUs/g meat up until day 6 compared to day 4 in both T1
      and T2 lamb. Lipid oxidation in lamb mother-packed for 7 days occurred at a
      faster comparative rate than discolouration and microbial growth and was the
      major determinant of shelf-life. However, under simulated retail display in
      aerobic packages, TBARS values did not increase significantly. There was no
      significant difference between Hunter 'a' values for T3 lamb meat and the
      control, but T3 meat mother-packed in 100:0/CO(2):N(2) had higher 'a' values than
      those of the control and T3 meat packed in other gas compositions. Lamb steaks in
      T3 previously mother-packed in 100:0/CO(2):N(2) were also significantly (p<0.05)
      higher than those of T2 on day 0. T3 meat also maintained initial colour values
      over those of the control.

PMID- 22062637
TI  - Autofluorescence quantifies collagen in sausage batters with a large variation in
      myoglobin content.
AB  - In order to clarify the potential of the method of autofluorescence for
      determining the collagen content in meat batter, an experimental design was used
      where the emission originating from collagen was unrelated to the effect of
      myoglobin absorbance on the emission spectra. Muscles like beef Masseter, beef
      Latissimus dorsi and pork Glutens medius assured a large variation in myoglobin
      content, and made absorbance from myoglobin account for 65-84% of the variation
      in the emission spectra at wavelengths normally thought interesting for collagen
      quantification. Collagen (range 1.3-4.0%) accounted for 7-18% of the variation in
      the autofluorescence emission spectra. Collagen content could be predicted from
      the emission spectra provided multivariate regression techniques were used. Pre
      processing of spectra reduced the prediction error for collagen by 0.03-0.12%,
      depending on method used; the lowest prediction error obtained being 0.48%. The
      method of autofluorescence gave lower prediction errors for collagen content than
      did the method of near infrared reflectance when applied to the same batters.

PMID- 22062638
TI  - Analysis of raw meats and fats of pigs using polymerase chain reaction for Halal
      authentication.
AB  - A method for species identification from pork and lard samples using polymerase
      chain reaction (PCR) analysis of a conserved region in the mitochondrial (mt)
      cytochrome b (cyt b) gene has been developed. Genomic DNA of pork and lard were
      extracted using Qiagen DNeasy((r)) Tissue Kits and subjected to PCR amplification
      targeting the mt cyt b gene. The genomic DNA from lard was found to be of good
      quality and produced clear PCR products on the amplification of the mt cyt b gene
      of approximately 360 base pairs. To distinguish between species, the amplified
      PCR products were cut with restriction enzyme BsaJI resulting in porcine-specific
      restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP). The cyt b PCR-RFLP species
      identification assay yielded excellent results for identification of pig species.
      It is a potentially reliable technique for detection of pig meat and fat from
      other animals for Halal authentication.

PMID- 22062639
TI  - Reducing the sodium content in meat products: The effect of the formulation in
      low-sodium ground meat patties.
AB  - This study investigated the effect of formulation on quality characteristics of
      low-sodium ground meat patties. The variation in sodium content was achieved by
      varying the NaCl content. The formulation variables studied were sodium and fat
      content and the use of phosphate. The patties were made using 50% or 60% meat in
      the formulations. Formulation affected the perceived saltiness of ground meat
      patties. Fat and lean meat content affected perceived saltiness, but their
      effects were opposite. When the fat content was increased the perceived saltiness
      increased, but when the meat content increased the perceived saltiness decreased.
      However, the effect of fat content on perceived saltiness was less than the
      effect of meat content. The use of phosphate effectively decreased cooking loss,
      particularly of high-fat-low-sodium patties. The same firmness could be reached
      with lower sodium content when phosphate was used.

PMID- 22062640
TI  - Consumer choice and suggested price for pork as influenced by its appearance,
      taste and information concerning country of origin and organic pig production.
AB  - Reactions of consumers to the appearance and taste of pork with and without
      information concerning outdoor production of pigs were tested in France, Denmark,
      Sweden and UK. Consumers in all four countries focussed on colour and fatness
      rather than marbling and drip to make their choice. Almost half of the British
      and Danish preferred the paler and the French the darker pork. Most people
      preferred the leaner pork. When information was provided in the form of labels,
      the vast majority of consumers preferred the pork labelled as originating from
      their own country as opposed to 'imported' and that labelled as pork from pigs
      'raised outside' as opposed to 'inside'. There was no difference in the taste of
      grilled pork from indoor and outdoor production systems but pork labelled 'home
      produced' or 'outdoor' were more appreciated. Consumers' willingness to pay
      varied widely and was higher for those consumers who found more of the
      characteristics they sought. Consumers offered about 5% more for 'home country'
      and 'raised outside' labels.

PMID- 22062641
TI  - Effect of carbon dioxide on autoxidation and photooxidation of nitrosylmyoglobin.
AB  - Autoxidation and photooxidation of nitrosylmyoglobin, MbFe(II)NO, the pigment of
      nitrite-cured meat, was investigated in aqueous solution saturated with gas
      mixtures containing varying levels of CO(2) (0%, 20% and 90%) in the presence of
      either 1.5 or 10% O(2) and balanced with N(2) in order to mimic modified
      atmosphere (MA) packaging of meat products. Quantum yields for photooxidation at
      1.5% O(2) for monochromatic UV-light (366 nm) were slightly higher than for
      visible light (436 nm) in agreement with previous findings, while the quantum
      yields showed no dependence on the CO(2) levels. Autoxidation of MbFe(II)NO was
      evaluated by global analysis of spectral data applying a kinetic model with two
      consecutive reaction steps, and the second rate constant was significantly
      reduced at the highest CO(2) level investigated, while the rate constant of the
      initial reaction step was found independent of the CO(2) levels. The varying
      dependence observed for autoxidation and photooxidation of MbFe(II)NO in relation
      to CO(2) level confirms the differing reaction mechanisms for the two types of
      MbFe(II)NO degradation. Photooxidation of nitrite-cured meat products packed in
      MA is accordingly expected to be independent of the presence of varying CO(2)
      levels, while thermal oxidation (autoxidation) of MbFe(II)NO is reduced at
      elevated levels of CO(2), which may be of some relevance during product storage
      and retail display.

PMID- 22062642
TI  - Assessment of postmortem proteolysis by gel-based proteome analysis and its
      relationship to meat quality traits in pig longissimus.
AB  - This study was conducted to assess postmortem proteolysis using a proteomics
      approach, and to determine the relationship of proteolysis to WB-shear force,
      drip loss, and hunter L(*) value during chiller ageing in pig longissimus muscle.
      To generate various meat qualities, 20 male landraces were assigned into 2*2
      factorial (10 pigs fasted for 18 h and 10 pigs fed until the morning of
      slaughter*20 sides placed at -3  degrees C and 20 sides at 6  degrees C). An
      interaction between muscle temperature at pH 6.2 (TpH6.2) and ageing for both WB
      shear force and drip loss showed that a high TpH6.2 produced meat with a lower
      shear force, but the advantage was gradually eroded by extended ageing (i.e., 1,
      3 and 7 d). On the other hand, the detrimental effect of a high TpH6.2 on drip
      loss became more apparent as ageing time increased (i.e., 3 and 7 d). Changes in
      the objective quality traits and semi-quantitative spot density for 27 out of 133
      identified proteins coincided during ageing. The proteins included myosin light
      chain 1, desmin, troponin T, cofilin 2, F-actin capping protein beta subunit, ATP
      synthase, carbonate dehydratase, triosephosphate isomerase, actin and its
      relevant peptides, peroxiredoxin 2, alpha-b crystalline and heat shock protein 27
      kDa.

PMID- 22062643
TI  - Occurrence of conjugated linoleic acid in longissimus dorsi muscle of water
      buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) and zebu-type cattle raised under savannah conditions.
AB  - Lipid extracts from longissimus dorsi muscles of 64 water buffaloes and 68 zebu
      type cattle were used to quantify the amount (mg/g of lipids) of total conjugated
      linoleic acid (CLA), CLA isomers c9, t11 and t10, c12 and linoleic acid (LA),
      according to species (buffaloes and cattle), age (slaughter groups at 7, 17, 19
      or 24 months of age) and gender (bulls and steers). The effects of gender and age
      were significant (P<0.05) but marginal. Comparisons of lipid extracts from
      buffaloes vs. cattle showed that total CLA (1.83 vs. 1.47 mg/g), CLA c9, t11
      (1.27 vs. 1.01 mg/g) and CLA t10, c12 (0.56 vs. 0.47 mg/g) isomers as well as the
      CLA/LA ratio (0.10 vs. 0.07) were higher (P<0.05) in buffalo lipids. Considering
      the sparingly low lipid concentrations (<2 g/100 g of fresh muscle) none of the
      meat species should be considered a significant source of CLA.

PMID- 22062644
TI  - The mineral composition and microscopic changes in thoracic buttons of Chinese
      Yellow steer with age.
AB  - Tips of sacral, lumbar and thoracic vertebrae were sampled from 67 Chinese Yellow
      steer carcasses to determine relationships of the mineral composition in tips of
      vertebrae to the ossification degree as well as the dental age. Thoracic buttons
      were taken from another 11 Chinese Yellow steer carcasses to study their
      microscopic changes with age. Percentages of ash, calcium and phosphorus in
      thoracic buttons, on a fresh weight basis, increased with increasing ossification
      degree (R(2)=0.9815, 0.9743, 0.9817, respectively) and dental age (R(2)=0.9496,
      0.9455, 0.9209, respectively), but those in tips of lumbar and sacral vertebrae
      varied little (P>0.05). Based on the same levels of ash percent in thoracic
      buttons, a corresponding relationship between the ossification degree and the
      dental age was observed: thoracic buttons did not ossify when the dental age was
      under 24 months; and 10%, 30%, and 40% of thoracic buttons ossified at the
      dentition-based age of 36, 50, and 60 months. Observations by scanning electron
      microscopy indicated that cartilages of Chinese Yellow steer thoracic buttons
      began to ossify at approximately 24 months and ossified completely at 84 months.
      The present study could be useful to improve the accuracy of age estimation for
      Chinese Yellow steers in the Chinese beef grading system.

PMID- 22062645
TI  - Influence of genetic type, live weight at slaughter and carcass fatness on fatty
      acid composition of subcutaneous adipose tissue of raw ham in the heavy pig.
AB  - The study aimed to assess some quality traits of the subcutaneous adipose tissue
      of raw ham for Parma production, obtained from 56 "traditional" Landrace*Large
      White (L*LW) and 56 Cotswold commercial hybrid (CH) pigs reared in the same
      conditions and slaughtered at an average live weight (l.w.) of about 165 kg.
      Further, the relationships between lipid composition, l.w. and carcass fatness
      were studied. Compared to the CH, the fatty tissue of L*LW pigs showed a lower
      water (6.33% vs. 7.35%, P<0.01) and a higher lipid (91.18% vs. 90.18%, P<0.01)
      content. CH lipids had higher polyunsaturated fatty acids (16.53% vs. 13.75%,
      P<0.01), and smaller saturated fatty acids (38.20% vs. 40.26%, P<0.01) content
      and a higher iodine value (69.69 vs. 65.22, P<0.01). An increased slaughter
      weight was associated with a lower degree of lipid unsaturation, but only the
      lowest weight class (<160 kg) showed a significant difference compared to the
      other two classes (?160<170 and ?170 kg). Regardless of genetic type or l.w.
      class, an increase in backfat thickness is associated with an increase in
      saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids and a remarkable reduction in
      polyunsaturated content.

PMID- 22062646
TI  - The use of Bayesian statistics in meat quality analyses: a review.
AB  - A Bayesian approach to meat quality analyses is discussed and compared with the
      classical statistical approach. Inferences from means, medians and modes of
      marginal posterior distributions are presented, and a variety of probability
      inferences and confidence intervals are presented and discussed. Classical and
      Bayesian theories of hypothesis testing are compared and their advantages and
      disadvantages are discussed. Fundamentals of Bayesian inference and Monte-Carlo
      Markov Chain (MCMC) techniques are presented and discussed. The great flexibility
      for inferences introduced by MCMC techniques is stressed. Practical examples of
      meat quality analyses are given, with references to available free software to
      analyze a large variety of models.

PMID- 22062647
TI  - A Bayesian approach to the effect of selection for growth rate on sensory meat
      quality of rabbit.
AB  - The effect of selection for growth rate on the sensory characteristics of rabbit
      meat was assessed by comparing a selected and a control population of rabbits.
      Embryos belonging to generation 7th were frozen, thawed and implanted in does in
      order to produce the control group. The control group was formed from the
      offspring of the embryos belonging to the 7th generation. Selected animals
      belonging to 21st generation (S) were compared with animals of the control group
      (C), both were contemporary. Forty animals per group were slaughtered at 9-weeks
      old. The sensory analysis was carried out on samples of the Longissimus dorsi
      muscle. The parameters evaluated were: intensity of rabbit flavour (IRF), aniseed
      odour (AO), aniseed flavour (AF), liver flavour (LF), tenderness (T), juiciness
      (J), fibrousness (F). A Bayesian analysis was performed. The ratio of the
      selection and control effects was analysed. There was a difference between the
      selected and control groups for IRF, AO, AF and LF. Conversely, no differences
      were found in T, J and F between groups. Selected group had 3% and 23% higher
      values of IRF and LF, respectively, than the control group. A relevant effect of
      selection on AO and AF appeared (probability of relevance P(r)=1), with lower
      values for selected animals. There was a difference between male and female
      groups for IRF, but this was not relevant. No differences between sexes were
      found for the rest of the characteristics evaluated. Selection for growth rate
      did not affect the main sensory characteristics of meat, like T and J but, it had
      a negative effect on some flavour characteristics.

PMID- 22062648
TI  - Study of the branched hydrocarbon fraction of intramuscular lipids from Iberian
      dry-cured ham.
AB  - Branched hydrocarbons from the unsaponifiable lipid fraction of intramuscular fat
      from Iberian dry-cured hams were analyzed. Thirty-four hams were distributed into
      four groups according to the feed system of the pigs (extensive system
      "Montanera" and intensive system "Pienso") and genotype (Iberian and
      Iberian*Duroc). A total of 35 different hydrocarbons were identified in this
      study. Some differences were found in the levels of branched, cyclical and
      unsaturated hydrocarbons as a function of the diet of the pigs (3-hexyl-1,1
      dimethyl cyclopentane, p<0.05; 3-octadecene, p<0.01; neophytadiene, p<0.001; 1
      ethylundecyl benzene, p<0.01; cyclohexadecane, p<0.001; cyclotriacontane,
      p<0.05). However, the genotype had a limited effect in the level of branched
      hydrocarbons found. The study of branched hydrocarbons in intramuscular fat from
      dry-cured Iberian ham allows differentiation between the pigs management systems.

PMID- 22062649
TI  - Effect of processing conditions on the quality of naturally fermented Turkish
      sausages (sucuks).
AB  - Effects of temperature and different fat levels on the quality of Turkish
      sausages (sucuks) were studied during the ripening period. Sausage batters
      prepared at 10%, 20% and 30% fat levels were processed at 20-22 and 24-26 
      degrees C. A high ripening temperature and low fat level caused fast dehydration.
      Fat level affected water activity, colour, total viable and lactic acid bacteria
      counts of the sausages. Increasing fat content and ripening temperature resulted
      in high lightness (L*) and yellowness (b*) and low redness (a*) at the end of
      ripening. The sausages with 10% fat resulted in higher redness values. Growth of
      total viable and micrococci-staphylococci bacteria was affected by ripening
      temperature. Sausages ripened at 24-26  degrees C had a rapid increase in
      micrococci-staphylococci counts.

PMID- 22062650
TI  - Activity of porcine muscle glycogen debranching enzyme in relation to pH and
      temperature.
AB  - The activity of glycogen debranching enzyme (GDE) was studied in relation to pH
      value and temperature in porcine masseter and longissimus dorsi muscles. A
      glycogen limit dextrin was used as the substrate for GDE, and the enzyme was
      derived from raw meat extracts. In both muscles, the pH only weakly affected the
      activity of GDE at the pH values found in carcasses post-slaughter. However, the
      activity of GDE decreased strongly (P<0.001) when the temperature decreased from
      values of 39 and 42  degrees C, found just after slaughter to values of 4 and 15 
      degrees C. In both muscles the activity of GDE began to fall at temperatures
      below 39  degrees C and was almost zero when the temperature decreased to below
      15  degrees C. Thus, the activity of GDE may control the rate of glycogenolysis
      and glycolysis, but does not block rapid glycolysis and pH decrease when the
      temperature is high. This may be important in PSE meat, where the pH decreases
      rapidly at high temperatures, but rapid cooling could limit the activity of GDE
      and thus glycogenolysis. As expected, GDE was more active in the light
      longissimus dorsi muscle than in the dark masseter muscle.

PMID- 22062651
TI  - Effects of feeding in free-range conditions or in confinement with different
      dietary MUFA/PUFA ratios and alpha-tocopheryl acetate, on antioxidants
      accumulation and oxidative stability in Iberian pigs.
AB  - The experiment was undertaken to provide information of the influence of feeding
      either free-range or in confinement with different dietary MUFA/PUFA ratios and
      alpha-tocopheryl acetate supplementation (40 vs. 200 mg/kg) on tocopherol content
      and susceptibility to lipid oxidation of muscle and microsomes in Iberian pigs.
      The grass provided to the pigs had a similar alpha-tocopherol concentration to
      that observed for diets supplemented with 200 mg/kg alpha-tocopheryl acetate, and
      acorns supplied fourfold higher content of gamma-tocopherol than the experimental
      diets. The alpha- and gamma-tocopherol contents of muscle reflected the
      tocopherol concentration of the diets. Mono and Medium diets produced a similar
      MUFA/PUFA ratio in neutral and polar lipids of pig muscle to those fed outdoors.
      The lowest TBARS numbers were found in muscle samples from pigs fed a MUFA
      enriched diet in confinement. No significant influence of free-range feeding or
      dietary fat on drip loss was found. However, alpha-tocopheryl acetate
      supplementation reduced (P<0.05) drip loss. Dietary vitamin E supplementation
      decreased the membrane lipid oxidation by 18% after 120 min. However, free-range
      feeding decreased the extent of microsome oxidation by 20%, 56% and 82% after 120
      min when compared with those groups fed in confinement with high, medium and low
      MUFA/PUFA ratios, respectively. The hexanal concentration of muscle showed a
      similar trend to that observed for microsome induced-oxidation, suggesting, that
      hexanal determination is a more accurate method to measure lipid oxidation in
      iberian pig muscle than the thiobarbituric acid test.

PMID- 22062652
TI  - Studies on time-related changes of dipeptidyl peptidase during processing of
      Jinhua ham using response surface methodology.
AB  - Sixty experimental Jinhua hams were processed by traditional methods using green
      hams from local cross-bred pigs of Lanxi, Zhejiang province, PR China. Biceps
      femoris was sampled from five hams randomly taken after each processing stage.
      Potential activities of DPP I and IV in addition to the changes of some enzyme
      influencing factors were determined. The effects of temperature, sodium chloride
      content, sodium nitrate content and pH value on the activities of muscle DPP I
      and IV were evaluated using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and the actual
      activities of muscle DPP I and IV during Jinhua ham processing were estimated.
      The results showed that potential activity of muscle DPP I decreased gradually
      from 8608.23 to 1842.06 Ug(-1) before loft-aging and then increased gradually
      from 1842.06 to 12196.60 Ug(-1) at the end, while that of muscle DPP IV decreased
      continuously and about 11% of the initial potential activity was left at the end
      of processing. Most of the chemical components analyzed in Biceps femoris as well
      as physical parameters changed greatly during processing. Temperature, sodium
      chloride concentration and pH value influenced DPP I and IV activities
      significantly. However, nitrate concentration from 0 to 50 mgkg(-1) showed little
      effect. By regression analysis, two quadratic regression equation models were
      built. The models showed that DPP I could have strong activity during Jinhua ham
      processing, whereas the activity of DPP IV was always very weak despite its
      strong potential for activity. In conclusion, muscle DPP I may be a key enzyme
      responsible for the generation of dipeptides in Jinhua ham processing while the
      effect of DPP IV was possibly very limited.

PMID- 22062653
TI  - Effect of finishing mode (pasture- or mixed-diet) on lipid composition, colour
      stability and lipid oxidation in meat from Charolais cattle.
AB  - Effects of pasture- or mixed-diet finishing mode on colour and lipid stability
      were measured in meat from Charolais steers, heifers and cows of different ages
      after refrigerated storage. Meats from pasture- and mixed-diet finished cattle
      have more or less significant differences in lipid composition which will
      influence the colour and lipid stability. The mixed-diet finished cattle have
      about the same proportions of saturated and monounsaturated lipids as pasture
      diet finished animals; on the contrary, cattle fed on grass have higher
      proportions of n-3 PUFA, and to a less extent, of n-6. Finishing diet had an
      important effect on lipid stability, meat from pasture-finished animals showing
      significantly lower TBA-RS level than meat from mixed-diet finished animals.
      Effect of diet was also significant on myoglobin content with a higher content of
      haeminic iron in mixed-diet finished animals. Effect of diet on colour stability
      was slight with a beneficial effect of pasture finishing mode, significant only
      in heifers, and after a meat storage of six days in air.

PMID- 22062654
TI  - Absolute immunoquantification of the expression of ABC transporters P
      glycoprotein, breast cancer resistance protein and multidrug resistance
      associated protein 2 in human liver and duodenum.
AB  - The ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transporters breast cancer resistance protein
      (BCRP), multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (MRP2), and P-glycoprotein
      (Pgp) are important in the distribution and elimination of many drugs and
      endogenous metabolites. Due to their membrane location and hydrophobicity it is
      difficult to generate purified protein standards to quantify these transporters
      in human tissues. The present study generated transporter proteins fused with the
      S-peptide of ribonuclease for use as standards in immunoquantification in human
      liver and small intestine. Quantification of the S*tagTM, a 15 amino acid
      peptide, is based on the formation of a functional ribonuclease activity upon its
      high affinity reconstitution with ribonuclease S-protein. S-tagged transporters
      were used as full-length protein standards in the immunoquantification of
      endogenous BCRP, MRP2, and Pgp levels in 14 duodenum and 13 liver human tissue
      samples. Expression levels in the duodenum were 305+/-248 (BCRP), 66+/-70 (MRP2),
      and 275+/-205 (Pgp) fmoles per cm(2). Hepatic levels were 2.6+/-0.9 (BCRP),
      19.8+/-10.5 (MRP2), and 26.1+/-10.1 (total Pgp) pmoles per g of liver. The mean
      hepatic scaling factor was 35.8mg crude membrane per g of liver, and the mean
      duodenal scaling factor was 1.3mg crude membrane per cm(2) mucosal lining.
      Interindividual variability was greater in duodenal samples than liver samples.
      It is hoped that this innovative method of quantifying these transporters (and
      other membrane proteins) will improve in vivo-in vitro extrapolation and in
      silico prediction of drug absorption and elimination, thus supporting drug
      development.

PMID- 22062655
TI  - Effects of vitamin E supplementation on fattening performance, non-carcass
      components and retail cut percentages, and meat quality traits of Awassi lambs.
AB  - This experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of vitamin E
      supplementation on growth, non-carcass components and retail cut percentages, and
      meat quality traits of Awassi male lambs at approximately 8 months of age. The
      lambs were divided into two groups as control (CG, n=12) and experimental (VG,
      n=12) at the beginning of the fattening period. The CG and VG lambs were fed with
      a concentrate and grass hay close to ad-libitum by biweekly adjustment of the
      amount offered. In addition, the VG received a supplement of 45 mg vitamin E per
      lamb per day during a 75-day fattening period. Inital weight, final weight, daily
      weight gain and feed conversion efficiency were 31.8+/-1.40 kg, 45.5+/-1.37 kg,
      183+/-13 g and 7.6 for CG, 32.5+/-1.45 kg, 46.7+/-1.42 kg, 189+/-15 g and 7.0 for
      VG, respectively. Vitamin E supplementation did not have a statistically
      significant effect on animal performance traits, non-carcass components and
      retail cut percentages, but produced an 8.1% improvement in feed conversion
      efficiency. After slaughter, carcasses were chilled at 4  degrees C for 24 h.
      Then, the carcasses were dissected into wholesale cuts, and m. longissimus dorsi
      (LD) muscles excised. The samples of muscle were subjected to moisture, protein,
      ether extract and ash analyses. Samples were cooked for shear test and cooking
      yield measurements. There were no significant differences between CG and VG lamb
      groups in chemical composition of meat samples from the LD muscles. Though the
      influence of vitamin E supplementation on color parameters (L*, a*, b*) was not
      statistically significant, the mean a* (redness) values decreased on days 2 and 4
      and increased on days 7 and 12 of the storage period. However, the a* values of
      muscles from the VG were higher than those grouping CG. L* and a* values in LD
      muscle from vitamin E-treated lamb groups were also preserved for a period of 12
      days of maturation. In this study, drip loss was relatively preserved by vitamin
      E supplementation to the diet of animals. The results showed that vitamin E
      supplementation to the diet of Awassi male lambs at an inclusion rate over the
      amount of nutritional recommendations relatively reduced lipid oxidation, drip
      loss and tended to maintain meat redness.

PMID- 22062656
TI  - Lipolysis and lipid oxidation during chilled storage of meat from Large White and
      Pietrain pigs.
AB  - The day after slaughter, six chops of Longissimus lumborum from each of 10 Large
      White pigs and six Pietrain pigs were packed individually under vacuum and kept
      at 3-4  degrees C in the dark. At 1, 5 and 9 days after slaughter, two chops were
      used for analysis of lipids, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS),
      sarcoplasmic Ca(2+) and sarcoplasm and mitochondria phospholipase A(2) activity.
      Free fatty acid content was higher in Pietrains than in Large Whites and
      increased with keeping time. Total lipids of Large White pigs contained more
      saturated fatty acid (SFA) and monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) and less
      polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA). Large Whites had less dioleoyl-linoleyl
      glycerol (OOL) and Palmitoyl-oleoyl-linoleyl-glycerol (POL) and more Palmitoyl
      oleoyl-stearyl-glycerol (POS) than Pietrains. The percentages of SFA and MUFA
      decreased and the percentage of PUFA increased with time in FFA of Large White
      pigs. In Pietrains, similar changes were observed between days 1 and 5, but later
      the percentages of SFA increased and the percentage of PUFA decreased again.
      TBARS tended to increase with time particularly in Pietrains. Sarcoplasmic
      phospholipase A(2) decreased between days 5 and 9 in both breeds. Sarcoplasmic
      calcium was markedly higher at day 1 in Pietrains than in Large Whites then the
      difference decreased. These breed differences in lipid composition differences
      and lipid changes during storage are considered too small to be of practical
      importance, for instance in influencing the choice of a breed for pork
      production.

PMID- 22062657
TI  - Functional properties of raw and cooked pork patties with added irradiated,
      freeze-dried green tea leaf extract powder during storage at 4  degrees C.
AB  - Functional and sensory properties of raw and cooked pork patties with added
      irradiated freeze-dried green tea leaf extract powder were studied. Components of
      green tea were extracted by 70% ethanol, and the extract was irradiated to obtain
      a bright color. The irradiated green tea extract was freeze-dried and the
      powdered sample (0.1%) was added to the pork patties (Trt C). Pork patties
      without any ingredient (Trt A) and with nonirradiated, freeze-dried green tea
      extract powder (Trt B) were also prepared for comparison. Lipid oxidation,
      radical scavenging effect, color, and sensory properties of pork patties with
      treatments were analyzed at 5-day intervals for 15 days with storage at 4 
      degrees C. The lipid oxidation had a lower (P<0.05) and radical scavenging effect
      was greater (P<0.05) in the raw and cooked pork patties with added Trt B and Trt
      C, than those of Trt A (control). The pork patties with Trt B and Trt C had a
      higher Hunter color a*-value and less cooking loss than that of Trt A. Sensory
      panelists preferred the odor of the raw pork patties and color of the cooked pork
      patties of Trt C (P<0.05). Generally, no significant difference between Trt B and
      Trt C was found. Therefore, irradiated, freeze-dried green tea extract powder can
      be used for producing functionally-improved meat products.

PMID- 22062658
TI  - Lipid oxidation of pressurized and cooked chicken: role of sodium chloride and
      mechanical processing on TBARS and hexanal values.
AB  - Lipid oxidation of pressurized (300 and 500 MPa for 30 min at 20  degrees C) or
      cooked (90  degrees C for 15 min) minced chicken breast and slurries was
      evaluated. Mechanical processing, before and after pressurization and cooking,
      and addition of sodium chloride were also tested as prooxidant factors. At 1, 3,
      6 and 9 days of storage at 4  degrees C, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances
      (TBARS) and hexanal were quantified by means of the TBARS test and solid phase
      microextraction, respectively. In general, pressurized samples presented less
      oxidation compounds than cooked samples. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances
      and hexanal values tended to rise with increasing storage time. Both parameters
      showed similar patterns throughout the experiment. Salt and mechanical processing
      had greater prooxidant effect on pressurized samples. Pre-treatment slurries
      presented more oxidation than post-treatment slurries.

PMID- 22062659
TI  - Using ActivaTM TG-RM to bind beef muscles after removal of excessive seam fat
      between the m. longissimus thoracis and m. spinalis dorsi and heavy connective
      tissue from within the m. infraspinatus.
AB  - Binding beef muscles together after removing excess seam fat and heavy connective
      tissue was studied. Ribeye rolls and top blade roasts were fabricated from
      corresponding sides of 24 beef carcasses with cuts from one side serving as
      treated (bonded) and cuts from the other side serving as controls. For the ribeye
      rolls, the bonded treatment consisted of removing the kernel fat that lies
      between the m. spinalis dorsi and the m. longissimus thoracis. For the top blade
      roasts, the bonded treatment consisted of removing the heavy connective tissue
      sheath after the m. infraspinatus was cut open lengthwise. To bind muscles
      together after removal of fat or connective tissue, a dry-sprinkle mixture of
      ActivaTM TG-RM (featuring the enzyme, transglutaminase) along with 5% sodium
      caseinate by weight was applied to the surfaces to be bonded (approximately 0.25%
      by weight was used). Steaks were cut for raw and cooked proximate analysis and
      energy assessment and for in-home and simulated retail case consumers studies.
      Bonded steaks were higher in dissectible lean, lower in energy from fat and total
      energy for all cuts, and higher in protein for the raw top blade, raw ribeye, and
      cooked ribeye steaks. Bonded ribeye steaks were lower in chemical and dissectible
      fat and higher in moisture. Consumers rated bonded ribeye steaks higher than
      control steaks for leanness and bonded top blade steaks higher for all raw
      appearance and cooked palatability traits. When asked to purchase bonded or
      control steaks from a simulated retail case, consumers purchased bonded ribeye
      steaks because of leanness and bonded top blade steaks because of perceived
      greater marbling compared to control steaks. Modifying subprimals to remove
      excessive seam fat and connective tissue resulted in improved physical and
      chemical composition of steaks and improved many visual and eating quality
      characteristics.

PMID- 22062660
TI  - Meat quality comparison of Berkshire, Duroc and crossbred pigs sired by Berkshire
      and Duroc.
AB  - The object of this study is to specify features determining meat quality of
      Berkshire and Duroc and influence of these purebreds on meat quality of crossbred
      pigs. In total, 37 purebred pigs (Berkshire and Duroc: originating from line
      breeding in Kagoshima Prefecture and Miyagi Prefecture, respectively) and two
      crossbreeds (LDB and LDD: produced by crossing Berkshire and Duroc boars to Duroc
      Landrace sows) were used. Berkshire accumulated more subcutaneous and abdominal
      fat and had small loin eye muscle area, but accumulated less intramuscular fat
      than Duroc. There were no differences in meat colour and tenderness between the
      two purebreds. But Berkshire was less than Duroc in drip loss. As for fatty acid
      of inner and outer subcutaneous fat, Berkshire contained significantly higher
      concentration of saturated fatty acids, but had lower concentration of
      unsaturated fatty acid than Duroc. As a result, the melting point of inner and
      outer subcutaneous fat and perirenal fat of Berkshire was significantly higher
      than that of Duroc. Furthermore, though there was no breed difference in
      concentration of saturated fatty acids of intramuscular fat, Duroc had more oleic
      acid (C18:1) than Berkshire. Fatty acid concentrations of inner and outer
      subcutaneous fat and intramuscular fat as well as melting points of both
      subcutaneous fat layers and perirenal fat were the same in Berkshire and LDB and
      in Duroc and LDD. These results suggest that there were remarkable differences
      between Berkshire and Duroc in fat quality traits; also, both breeds as terminal
      sires influenced crossbred pigs' fat accumulation and fat quality traits.

PMID- 22062661
TI  - Relationship among collagen amount, distribution and architecture in the M.
      longissimus thoracis and M. pectoralis profundus from pigs.
AB  - The relative distribution of types I and III collagens and collagen fibre
      architecture in the perimysium and endomysium were compared to the longissimus
      thoracis (LT) and pectoralis profundus (PP) muscles in pigs. The LT muscle was
      composed of type I myofibres 16.8%, IIA 12.9% and IIB 70.2%, and the PP muscle
      was 25.4, 23.1 and 51.5%, respectively. The total collagen amount differed
      significantly between the LT (2.66 mg/g) and PP (4.13 mg/g) muscle (P<0.001). On
      image analysis of the immunohistochemical preparations for types I and III
      collagens, the percentage area of the perimysium to the total collagen area
      showed significant differences between the muscles, where perimysial type I
      collagen occupied 25.4% of the total area in the LT muscle and 45.7% in the PP
      and perimysial type III 37.6 and 54.5%, respectively (P<0.001). In scanning
      electron microscopic photographs of the macerated preparation, very thick
      collagen layers composed of several fibre bands were observed in the perimysia of
      the PP muscle and appeared differently from the thinner perimysia with a few
      bands in the LT. Similar architecture of endomysial collagen fibres were observed
      around every myofibre type in the PP muscle and also in the LT. The fine surface
      cover of reticular collagen fibres around an adipocyte was shown as a global
      cast. These results suggested that the total collagen amount of the PP muscle was
      related mainly to the well developed perimysia composed of several collagen
      bands, indicating tougher meat compared with the LT muscle.

PMID- 22062662
TI  - Development and evaluation of a fermented cabrito snack stick product.
AB  - In order for the meat goat producer to survive, new avenues for marketing goats
      must be created. Currently, the live animal is sold directly to consumers, or to
      brokers who in turn sell the animal directly to consumers or retail stores that
      cater to various ethnic groups. The production of value-added products with
      appeal to North American consumers, as well as current ethnic consumers, should
      result in increased profitability of the meat goat. The objectives of this study
      were to develop a value added product, cabrito snack sticks, using goat meat as
      the sole meat ingredient; evaluate soy protein concentrate (SPC) at various
      levels in an effort to reduce the cost of the product; determine consumer
      acceptability of the product; and conduct a cost analysis to determine the
      approximate market price for the product. Three fermented cabrito snack stick
      products were manufactured containing either 0, 1.75 or 3.50% SPC and stored at
      2+/-1 degrees C until evaluated. The snack sticks were evaluated for sensory
      characteristics, proximate analysis, pH, water activity and smokehouse yields.
      Trained panelists detected no significant flavor differences (P>0.05) between the
      products. As a result of these findings, snack sticks formulated with 0 and 3.50%
      SPC were compared in a consumer sensory evaluation. Consumer panelists detected
      no significant differences (P>0.05) in flavor, texture and overall acceptance
      between the snack stick products, and approximately 61% of the panelists
      commented that they would purchase them. Cabrito snack sticks formulated with
      3.50% SPC had lower fat (P<0.05) and higher ash contents when compared with the
      control (0% SPC) sticks. Moisture, protein, water activity and smokehouse yields
      were similar (P>0.05) for both products. Moisture: protein ratio and pH values
      were higher (P<0.05) for snack sticks formulated with 3.5% SPC when compared with
      the control sticks. The addition of SPC resulted in a 4.60% reduction in the
      price of snack sticks formulated with 3.50% SPC when compared with control
      sticks.

PMID- 22062663
TI  - Evaluation of the antioxidant ability of hydrazine-purified and untreated
      commercial carnosine in beef patties.
AB  - The aim of this research was to reevaluate the inhibition of oxidative changes in
      beef patties packaged in modified atmosphere (70% O(2)+20% CO(2)+10% N(2)) by
      carnosine (50 mM). The need for reevaluation was because it had been postulated
      that hydrazine present as contaminant in commercial carnosine could contribute to
      the antioxidant activity. Beef patties with either commercial or purified
      hydrazine-free carnosine were stored at 2+/-1  degrees C for 20 days and
      evaluated for colour (a* and H*), TBARS, metmyoglobin formation (% of total
      surface myoglobin), psychrotrophic microbial counts and sensory odour. Results
      indicated that both forms of carnosine effectively inhibited lipid oxidation and
      color changes in beef patties throughout storage, showing no significant
      differences (P>0.05) between them. It was concluded that the antioxidant effect
      was brought about by the carnosine molecule and not by hydrazine.

PMID- 22062664
TI  - Changes of myofibrillar and centrifugal drip proteins and shear force of psoas
      major and minor and semitendinosus muscles from calves, heifers and cows during
      post-mortem ageing.
AB  - Changes in myofibrillar protein content and centrifugal drip proteins of psoas
      major and minor (PM) and semitendinosus (ST) muscles of calves, heifers and cows
      taken from carcasses on the 1st, 6th and 12th day of post-mortem cold storage
      were estimated. Washed myofibrils and centrifugal drip from muscles were analysed
      using SDS-PAGE 10 and 12% polyacrylamide gels. No significant changes were
      observed in content of contractile proteins, alpha-actinin and regulatory
      proteins (except for TN-T). There were no significant differences between muscles
      from investigated groups and between muscles aged in chilled conditions. The
      levels of titin T1 during ageing varied slightly. The 30 kDa-fraction appearance
      was fastest in calf, slower in heifer and slowest in cow muscles. More pronounced
      differences in the level of protein degradation with regards to muscle type, age
      of animals and time of storage were found in the centrifugal drip of meat. In the
      drip, the level of high molecular weight proteins was higher in muscles from
      young animals and in the muscles stored longer. The opposite was observed in case
      of 26-28 kDa proteins. Their amount in muscle drip decreased with increased
      storage time. The rate of proteolysis and release of cytoskeletal proteins during
      cold storage of muscles were related to change in shear values of roasted meat.
      The highest rate of protein degradation was observed in PM calf muscle and the
      lowest rate in ST cow muscle. The fastest tenderization process was registered in
      calves muscles and the slowest tenderization in cows.

PMID- 22062665
TI  - Changes in structure of psoas major and minor and semitendinosus muscles of
      calves, heifers and cows during post-mortem ageing.
AB  - Changes occurring during post-mortem ageing in structure of psoas major and minor
      (PM) and semitendinosus (ST) muscles of calves, heifers and cows were observed.
      Samples from muscles taken 3 h after slaughter and after 6 and 12 days of storage
      at the temperature of 4  degrees C were analysed using light and transmission
      electron microscopy. Three hours after slaughter muscle fibres were close to each
      other and sarcomeres showed normal structure of A- and I-bands, M-lines and Z
      disks. The space between myofibrils and sarcolemma and also between single
      myofibrils in muscle fibres increased during storage. Structure of sarcomeres
      underwent continuous degradation, length of sarcomeres increased due to
      enlargement of I-bands accompanied by Z-disk degradation. During ageing
      structural changes in myofibrils took place faster, were more intensive in
      muscles of younger animals and were more extensive and faster in PM than in ST
      muscles.

PMID- 22062666
TI  - Shear values of raw samples of 14 bovine muscles and their relation to muscle
      collagen characteristics.
AB  - Raw samples of 14 muscles: Mm. biceps femoris (BF), quadriceps femoris (CF),
      diaphragm (DI), flexor digitorum (FD), gluteus medius (GM), infraspinatus (IE),
      longissimus lumborum (LL), longissimus thoracis (LT), psoas major (PM),
      pectoralis profundus (PP), semimembranosus (SM), semitendinosus (ST),
      sternomandibularis (STER) and triceps brachii (TB) from four Swiss Brown (485+/
      15 days old) young bull carcasses and weighing approximately 300 kg were
      evaluated for some chemical and physical properties. PM (2.11 kg) and DI (2.24
      kg) were the muscles which had the lowest Warner-Bratzler shear force values,
      while PP (6.66 kg) had the greatest shear force (P<0.05). FD and IE muscles had
      the highest concentration of total collagen content while PM and DI had the
      lowest (P<0.05) contents, TB and IE muscles presented the highest insoluble
      collagen concentration while PM and LT had the lowest (P<0.05) contents. High
      positive correlation between total collagen content and Warner-Bratzler shear
      force of raw samples was found (r=0.723; P<0.01) and between insoluble collagen
      content and Warner-Bratzler shear force was (r=0.661; P<0.01). Significant
      differences (P<0.05) were observed among muscles for differential scanning
      calorimetry, sarcomere length, pH and colour parameters.

PMID- 22062667
TI  - Relationships of myosin heavy chain fibre types to meat quality traits in
      traditional and modern pigs.
AB  - Porcine skeletal muscle fibres were molecularly classified, using in situ
      hybridisation and immunocytochemistry, into four types, according to the isoform
      of myosin heavy chain (MyHC) that was present in each fibre (MyHC slow/I, MyHC
      2a, MyHC 2x and MyHC 2b). The relationship between MyHC fibre types and meat
      quality traits between two phenotypically divergent muscles [longissimus dorsi
      (LD) and psoas], and between the same muscles of different breeds (traditional
      Berkshire and Tamworth, and modern Duroc-based and Large White-based) were
      examined. We found that the greater abundance of fast oxidative-glycolytic MyHC
      2a and 2x fibres in the psoas was associated with superior meat quality traits,
      and that the greater presence of fast glycolytic MyHC 2b fibres in the LD could
      account for less favourable quality traits, both in terms of pH, drip loss,
      grain, colour, yield force and work done. Although significant correlations were
      found between specific fibre types and quality traits, within either the psoas or
      LD muscle of some breeds, no consistent correlation was found across both muscles
      and all breeds. This finding was in line with the view that a given fibre type
      could have considerable differences in phenotype between breeds, and between
      muscles. The observed inverse compositional and functional-meat quality
      relationship between MyHC 2b and 2x fibres, and MyHC 2b and 2a fibres could form
      a basis of fibre type manipulation to improve meat quality.

PMID- 22062669
TI  - Reduction of Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus stearothermophilus and Streptococcus
      faecalis in meat batters by temperature-high hydrostatic pressure pasteurization.
AB  - People have a growing preference for fresh, healthy, palatable and nutritious
      meals and drinks. However, as food deterioration is a constant threat along the
      entire food chain, food preservation remains as necessary now as in the past.
      High pressure processing is one of the emerging technologies being studied as an
      alternative to the classical pasteurization and sterilization treatments of food.
      Samples of fried minced pork meat were inoculated with strains of Streptococcus
      faecalis and with sporulating microorganisms like Bacillus subtilis and
      stearothermophilus. The samples were subjected to several combined temperature
      high pressure treatments predicted by the mathematical model applied in Response
      Surface Methodology. Using the "Box-Behnken" concept, the number of tests for a
      whole area of pressure-temperature-time-combinations (pressure variation: 50-400
      MPa, temperature variation 20-80 degrees C, time variation 1-60 min) could be
      limited to 15. In the center point of the model, the experimental combination was
      performed in triple to estimate the experimental variance. All the tests were
      executed in a randomized order to exclude the disturbing effect of environmental
      factors. Microbial analysis revealed for each microorganism an important
      reduction in total plate count, demonstrating a superior pressure resistance of
      the sporulating microorganisms in comparison with the most pressure resistant
      vegetative species Streptococcus faecalis. The effect of the medium composition
      could be neglected, showing little protective effect of, e.g. the fat fraction as
      seen in heat preservation techniques.

PMID- 22062670
TI  - The effect of stress during lairage and stunning on muscle metabolism and drip
      loss in Danish pork.
AB  - The effect on meat quality of a low stress handling system (LSS) compared with a
      traditional handling system (TS) was investigated in Duroc*(Landrace*Yorkshire;
      n=117) and (Hampshire*Duroc)*(Landrace*Yorkshire) pigs (n=110) under commercial
      conditions. In the low-stress handling system the pigs were kept in groups of 15
      during lairage and movement up to the stunner. Before the stunner the groups were
      divided into three groups of five pigs for the CO(2)-stunning in a specially
      designed set-up. The pH and temperature were determined in m. longissimus dorsi
      (LD) and m. biceps femoris (BF) at various times post mortem. Immediately after
      exsanguination a biopsy was taken from the LD and analysed for the concentration
      of glycogen, lactate and creatine phosphate. The day after slaughter the pH was
      determined in the LD, BF, m. semimembranosus (SM) and m. semispinalis capitis
      (SC). The temperature was determined in the LD and BF, the internal reflectance
      was determined in the LD, SM and BF, the colour was determined in LD, the drip
      loss was determined in LD and BF, and the amount of blood splashing/bruising was
      evaluated in LD. There was a tendency for a higher concentration of creatine
      phosphate in the LSS-group (P=0.06). The pH in both the LD and BF on the day of
      slaughter decreased more slowly from 5 min post mortem to 40 min post mortem in
      the LSS-group than in the TS-group (P<0.001). From 40 min to 6 h post mortem the
      rate of the pH decline was similar in the two groups producing the lowest pH
      level in the TS group. The day after slaughter the pH was similar in the two
      groups in the LD and SC, whereas in the BF and SM it was lower in the LSS-group
      than in the TS-group. The drip loss was lower in the LSS-group in both LD
      (P<0.01) and BF (P<0.05) whereas the internal reflectance was only different in
      LD with the lowest value in the LSS-group (P<0.001). The lightness (L*) was
      higher in the LSS-group (P<0.05). There was no effect of stunning system on the
      amount of blood splashing/bruishing in the LD. The study showed that by using a
      low stress stunning system it is possible to decrease drip loss, possibly by
      increasing the concentration of creatine phosphate and thereby delaying the
      acceleration of pH fall in muscles after death.

PMID- 22062671
TI  - Effect of a dietary vitamin E supplementation on colour stability and lipid
      oxidation of air- and modified atmosphere-packaged beef.
AB  - The effects of dietary vitamin E supplementation on tissue alpha-tocopherol level
      and on the susceptibility of fresh and modified atmosphere-packaged beef on
      myoglobin and lipid oxidation were investigated. Charolais cattle, aged 32-44
      months, were fed diets containing 75 (control, n=8) or 1000 mg (supplemented,
      n=8) alpha-tocopheryl acetate/kg feed/day for 111 days prior to slaughter.
      Following vacuum packaging, M. Longissimus lumborum and M. triceps brachii were
      aerobically packaged and held under refrigerated display (3 degrees C) for 9 days
      or packaged under modified atmosphere (MAP; 20% CO(2): 80%O(2)) and held under
      refrigerated display (8 degrees C) for 13 days under fluorescent light. alpha
      tocopherol concentrations were significantly higher (P<0.05) in meat from the
      supplemented group than from the basal one. Whatever the measured colour
      characteristics (a*, R(630)-R(580),% MetMb), the vitamin E supplementation had a
      positive but non-significant effect on the rate of discoloration. But by visual
      assessment, essentially with MAP, a significant and positive effect of vitamin E
      supplementation was noted to lower discoloration (P<0.05). TBARS values were
      significantly lowered (essentially at the end of storage time for the two
      packaged modes) after an alpha-tocopheryl acetate-supplementation.

PMID- 22062672
TI  - Contribution of pigment content, myoglobin forms and internal reflectance to the
      colour of pork loin and ham from pure breed pigs.
AB  - The colour of loin, M. longissimus dorsi (LD), and ham, M. biceps femoris (BF),
      from pure breed Hampshire, Swedish Landrace and Swedish Yorkshire pigs was
      studied. The contribution of the pigment content, the myoglobin forms
      deoxymyoglobin (Mb), oxymyoglobin (MbO) and metmyoglobin (MetMb) and the internal
      reflectance to the colour of pork of normal meat quality was evaluated using
      partial least squares regression (PLS). The colour of LD and BF from the
      Hampshire breed was more red and yellow and more saturated than the colour of the
      same muscles from the Swedish Landrace and the Swedish Yorkshire breeds.
      Furthermore, BF from Hampshire was darker than BF from the other two breeds.
      These differences in colour were related to the lower pH in Hampshire, resulting
      in more blooming and in higher internal reflectance, and to the higher pigment
      content. The colour of BF was darker and more red than the colour of LD within
      each breed. No colour difference was found between gilts and castrates within
      each breed. Most of the variation (86-90%) in lightness (L* value), redness (a*
      value) and yellowness (b* value), chroma (saturation) and hue angle of pork of
      normal meat quality was explained by the pigment content, myoglobin forms and
      internal reflectance. The L* value, a* value, chroma and hue angle were
      influenced by both the pigment content and by the myoglobin forms to almost the
      same extent, while the internal reflectance was of no significance to these
      colour parameters. The b* value was influenced most by the myoglobin forms, less
      by the internal reflectance and almost not at all by the pigment content.

PMID- 22062673
TI  - Marbling effects on quality characteristics of pork loin chops: consumer purchase
      intent, visual and sensory characteristics.
AB  - These studies evaluated whether consumers detect differences among pork loin
      chops with low (1.05% fat), medium (2.33%) and high (3.46%) amounts of marbling
      when visually evaluated, when prepared under controlled conditions, and when
      prepared at home. Highly marbled chops appeared lighter colored, less lean, had
      less acceptable appearance, and were less likely to be purchased than leaner
      chops; they were juicier, more tender, oily and flavorful than leaner chops.
      These results indicate a disparity between purchase intent based on visual
      evaluation, and quality attributes of the cooked product. When evaluated at home,
      consumers rated the chops they chose (40% low, 40% medium marbled) as more
      tender, juicy and flavorful than chops they evaluated "blind" on-site suggesting
      that additional factors have a significant impact on stated purchase intent.

PMID- 22062674
TI  - Comparison of destructively and rinsing gained samples to determine TVC of pig
      carcasses by bioluminescence.
AB  - A rinsing-technique with a spraying gun in combination with the ATP
      bioluminescence for determining the microbial load was investigated. In each case
      3.8-cm(2) pig-rind was rinsed with buffered peptone water using a modified
      sprinkle-bottle. The sample-suspensions were gathered in a one-way syringe and
      sent through a filter cascade consisting of a coarse filter in order to remove
      bigger particles and a sensitive filter to attach the micro-organisms as well as
      somatic cells. This procedure was followed by an extraction of the ATP from the
      sensitive filter with CellSolver FBC-solution. The destructively gained samples
      were determined on their TVC by the conventional method. Results of the carcass
      surface spray test combined with bioluminescence compared to the conventional
      destructive method followed by plate-count showed a correlation r=0.93 with a
      detection limit down to 10(4) cfu/cm(2).

PMID- 22062675
TI  - Arcobacter spp. enumeration in poultry meat using a combined PCR-ELISA assay.
AB  - A rapid assay for enumeration of Arcobacter spp. in chicken meat was developed by
      using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) coupled to an enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Following a short selective enrichment of poultry
      samples, bacterial DNA was extracted and amplified using digoxigenin-labelled
      primers specific for 16S rRNA sequences of Arcobacter spp. Amplified fragments
      were heat denatured before being quantified by an ELISA. In this technique, a
      biotinylated probe immobilized onto streptavidin-coated microplates was used to
      capture the digoxigenin-PCR products. A peroxidase antidigoxigenin conjugate was
      added to the plate and, in the presence of substrate, PCR products were
      quantitated based on an optical density reading. Distinct absorbance differences
      were obtained when assaying poultry samples containing Arcobacter spp. in the
      range 10-10(4) CFU/g.

PMID- 22062676
TI  - Inhibition of protease activity. Part 1. The effect on tenderness and indicators
      of proteolysis in ovine muscle.
AB  - To examine the effect of particular enzyme groups on tenderness specific cysteine
      protease inhibitors were injected into muscle early post-mortem. The protease
      enzyme inhibitor E-64 was injected into the m. longissimus thoracis et lumborum
      (LTL) on the right side of 12 lamb carcasses within 15 min of death and in
      another 12 carcasses with the protease inhibitor Z-Phe-Ala-CHN(2). The left LTL
      (control) was injected with saline (0.25 M NaCl). To create variation in the rate
      of pH decline alternate carcasses were electrically stimulated (low voltage). The
      LTL was divided into cranial and caudal portions and aged for 1 or 2 days. Muscle
      samples at 1 day post-mortem were used for measurement of osmolality and
      sarcomere length (n=48), and others at 1 and 2 days post-mortem for shear force
      determination (n=96). The myofibrillar fragmentation index (MFI) was determined
      on samples taken at pH 6.2 and 1 and 2 days post-mortem (n=144). Other muscle
      samples were obtained at death, pH 6.2 and 6.0 and then at 1 and 2 days post
      mortem (n=215). These samples were used for determination of protein solubility
      and the concentration of free amino acids. Stimulation caused a faster (P<0.05)
      decline in pH. There was no effect of stimulation (P>0.05) on shear force values,
      but injection of inhibitor and ageing both had effects (P<0.001). The inhibitor E
      64 prevented any improvement in tenderness with ageing, whereas the inhibitor Z
      Phe-Ala-CHN(2) and the control samples showed a similar ageing response. In the
      latter two treatments there was an average reduction of 1 kg in shear between 1
      and 2 days post-mortem, whilst the inhibitor E-64 maintained shear force on
      average 2 kg higher than control samples. Injection and ageing had an effect on
      MFI (P<0.001) and there was an interaction (P<0.05) between stimulation and
      ageing for MFI, such that as stimulated muscle aged the rate of change of MFI was
      greater. There was an interaction between injection and ageing (P<0.05) for
      protein solubility such that samples treated with E-64 showed a minimal increase
      in protein solubility with ageing, whereas in samples treated with Z-Phe-Ala
      CHN(2) and the control samples there was a significant increase. There was also
      an interaction between stimulation and ageing such that between sampling at pH
      6.0 and 2 days post-mortem, stimulated muscle exhibited greater solubility
      (P<0.05). There were no effects (P>0.05) on the concentration of free amino
      acids. The evidence indicated that the cysteine proteases were responsible for
      post-mortem proteolysis and tenderisation, in particular the calpains, whereas
      the cathepsins (B and L) were unlikely to contribute to proteolysis and
      subsequent tenderisation in meat.

PMID- 22062677
TI  - Effect of illumination source on the appearance of fresh meat cuts.
AB  - The effects of incandescent (INC), fluorescent (FL), and metal halide (MH) light
      sources on the appearance of fresh beef, pork and chicken meat were investigated.
      The color of all meats was more desired (P<0.05) when presented under an INC
      light source. The color used to describe beef meat presented under INC light was
      red, but dark brown or dark red under FL and MH. Relative luminance data,
      collected with a fiber optic probe connected to a photo diode array, demonstrated
      the reason to be a lack of redness in the commonly used FL and MH light sources.
      This difference was more pronounced in dark red beef cuts than in lighter pork
      and chicken cuts.

PMID- 22062678
TI  - Pressure-induced changes in the connectin/titin localization in the myofibrils
      revealed by immunoelectron microscopy.
AB  - Changes in the connectin/titin localization in post-mortem and pressurized
      chicken muscles were investigated by immunoelectron microscopy. The anti
      connectin monoclonal antibody, 1D11, strongly labeled the sides of thick
      filaments near the H-zone and weakly labeled the sides of Z-line in the sarcomere
      prepared immediately after death. With the development of the muscle contraction,
      the shortening of the sarcomere and the dispersion of the connectin epitope near
      the H-zone were observed. With the gradual increase of the sarcomere length
      during further storage, the apparent increase of the width of the epitope in the
      A-band region stained by the antibody was observed, but the distance from the
      epitope to M-line remained almost the same length. In the case of high pressure
      treatment, significant changes in the labeling pattern of the antibody were
      observed with the increase of the pressure applied. The increase of the distance
      from the epitope to M-line and dispersion of the epitope were observed in the
      fiber pressurized at 100 MPa. These phenomena were accelerated with the increase
      of the pressure applied. The discontinuous dense materials labeled by the
      antibody at the thick filament near the H-zone were observed in the fiber bundles
      pressurized at 200 MPa or more. This is probably due to the accumulation of
      connectin molecule from ordinary location in the sarcomere, because of the
      pressure-induced destruction of the thick and connectin filaments. In the fiber
      bundles pressurized at 300 MPa, a significant increase in the distance from the
      epitope to M-line accompanied with the increase of the sarcomere length was
      observed. From the results obtained, it was clear that the changes in the
      location of the connectin epitope induced by the brief exposure to high pressure
      were drastic in comparison with that in the sarcomere during post-mortem storage.

PMID- 22062679
TI  - Inhibition of protease activity 2. Degradation of myofibrillar proteins,
      myofibril examination and determination of free calcium levels.
AB  - The structure of muscle injected with specific cysteine protease inhibitors was
      examined to determine whether inhibitors cause denaturation and the degradation
      post-mortem of myofibrillar proteins was followed using SDS electrophoresis.
      Given the central role of calcium in theories of tenderisation the level of free
      calcium was measured during the early post-mortem period. The protease enzyme
      inhibitor E-64 was injected into the m. longissimus et thoracis lumborum (LTL) on
      the right side of 12 lamb carcasses within 15 min of death and in another 12
      carcasses with the protease inhibitor Z-Phe-Ala-CHN(2). The left LTL (control)
      was injected with saline (0.25 M NaCl). Muscle samples were obtained at death, pH
      6.2 and 6.0 and then at 1 and 2 days post-mortem (n=215). Muscle samples were
      selected from eight portions of the LTL (1-day post-mortem, from six different
      carcasses) for examination by transmission electron microscopy. Matching light
      images of myofibrils were obtained after determination of myofibrillar
      fragmentation. Free calcium concentration was determined for all samples (n=191)
      using an ion selective electrode excluding those 'at death'. Light images of
      myofibrils from treated samples showed normal striations and no evidence of
      denaturation or aggregation compared to control samples. This also applied to the
      samples processed for examination by electron microscopy. Appearance of the 30
      kDa subunit increased with time (P<0.001) post-mortem. The interaction between
      ageing and stimulation had an effect (P<0.001) on the amount of a protein
      designated M1. The amount of M1 measured pre-rigor was greater for stimulated
      muscle, but the rate of decline was also greater through to day 2 post-mortem.
      Proteolysis was very rapid in the first 24 h post-mortem in ovine muscle. Ageing
      had an effect (P<0.001) on the free calcium concentration, which increased as
      muscle aged. As a covariate pH also had an effect (P< 0.05). Based on a non
      linear model when the concentration of free calcium reached a plateau (~110 MUM)
      the predicted pH was 5.5 (ultimate). From the qualitative observation of images
      and the levels of free calcium in injected muscle there is no support for the
      view that the inhibitors bind to sarcomere proteins, occupying sites to which
      calcium might bind. The levels of free calcium do not provide support for the
      view that m-calpain has a role in post-mortem tenderisation, but do suggest along
      with results of protein degradation that activation of MU-calpain is likely to
      occur before the pH drops to 6.2-6.1.

PMID- 22062680
TI  - Electrical stimulation of red deer (Cervus elaphus) carcasses - effects on rate
      of pH-decline, meat tenderness, colour stability and water-holding capacity.
AB  - A total of 14 female red deer were included in a study on the effects of low
      voltage carcass electrical stimulation on meat tenderness, colour stability and
      water-holding capacity. Carcasses were randomly allocated to either electrical
      stimulation treatment (ES; 90-95 V unipolar pulses, 7.5 ms duration, 15 Hz for a
      duration of 55 s) or no electrical stimulation (non-ES) (n=7 in each group).
      Temperature and pH decline was recorded in M.m. triceps brachii, longissimus
      dorsi et lumborum (at the last rib; LD) and biceps femoris, at intervals from 0.5
      to 20 h post-mortem. At 24 h post-mortem, LD from the left side were excised,
      vacuum packaged and refrigerated at -1.5 degrees C. Glycogen concentrations,
      measured at 30 min post-mortem, and ultimate pH did not differ between groups.
      Compared to controls, ES increased the rate of muscle pH decline and produced
      lower shear forces at 1 day, 1 week and 3 weeks post-mortem, but these
      differences disappeared by 6 and 12 weeks post-mortem. Sarcomere lengths at 24 h
      post-mortem were unchanged by ES. After 1 week of refrigerated storage, ES
      significantly reduced display life (hours of Minolta a* value ? 12), but this
      difference disappeared at 3, 6 and 12 weeks of ageing. ES did not affect drip at
      any ageing time point. The present results demonstrate that the benefits of ES on
      tenderness are not permanent, and the procedure is not necessary for a long-term,
      chilled product. This study showed no detrimental effects of using electrical
      stimulation on meat colour stability or drip loss.

PMID- 22062681
TI  - Tailoring bystander CPR--a step too far?

PMID- 22062682
TI  - Cerebral oximetry - the holy grail of non-invasive cerebral perfusion monitoring
      in cardiac arrest or just a false dawn?

PMID- 22062683
TI  - Percutaneous cardiopulmonary support in pulmonary embolism with cardiac arrest.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the role of percutaneous cardiopulmonary support (PCPS) for
      the resuscitation of patients with massive pulmonary embolism (PE) with
      circulatory collapse. We also compared outcomes for PCPS between patients with
      massive PE with circulatory collapse and patients with AMI with cardiogenic
      shock. BACKGROUND: The effectiveness of PCPS for acute myocardial infarction
      (AMI) complicated with cardiogenic shock has been reported, but there are few
      reports on the use of PCPS for massive PE with circulatory collapse. METHOD: We
      studied 12 consecutive patients with massive PE and 16 patients with AMI, who
      required PCPS for resuscitation either during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR)
      or after successful CPR. RESULTS: Twelve patients with PE and 16 patients with
      AMI were identified. There were no differences in age, the Acute Physiology, Age
      and Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE II) score at admission, rate of cardiac
      arrest on arrival, and time from first circulatory collapse to PCPS between the
      two groups. However, the proportion of men with PE (33%) was smaller than those
      with AMI (87%, p<0.05). The duration of PCPS was shorter in PE (38 h) compared
      with AMI (83 h, p=0.051) patients. The proportion of patients successfully weaned
      from PCPS (100% vs. 37.5%, p<0.01), survival rate at discharge (83.3% vs. 12.5%,
      p<0.001) and good neurological outcome (58.3% vs. 6.3%, p=0.004) was
      significantly higher for PE compared to AMI patients. CONCLUSION: In our small
      case series, percutaneous cardiopulmonary support (PCPS) had a life saving role
      in patients with massive PE and cardiac arrest. PCPS was also more effective in
      patients with massive PE with cardiac arrest than in patients with AMI and
      cardiac arrest.

PMID- 22062684
TI  - Origin of Epilachnapaenulata defensive alkaloids: incorporation of [1-13C]-sodium
      acetate and [methyl-2H3]-stearic acid.
AB  - Ladybird beetles produce a large number of defensive alkaloids. Previous studies
      suggest that the structural diversity of these endogenous alkaloids can be traced
      to a common biosynthetic route based on the condensation of several acetate
      units. In this study, adults of Epilachna paenulata, a phytophagous neotropical
      species, were fed on diet enriched with potential precursors (sodium acetate,
      fatty acids and the amino acids lysine and ornithine) labeled with stable
      isotopes ((13)C, (2)H and (15)N). Labeled acetate was incorporated into the
      structurally related homotropane and piperidine alkaloids. The later also showed
      incorporation of [methyl-(2)H3] stearic acid. Our results hence support a fatty
      acid pathway for the biosynthesis of E. paenulata alkaloids. To our knowledge,
      this is the first report on the incorporation of a labeled fatty acid into a
      defensive piperidine alkaloid in insects.

PMID- 22062685
TI  - Reverse stridulatory wing motion produces highly resonant calls in a neotropical
      katydid (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Pseudophyllinae).
AB  - This paper describes the biomechanics of an unusual form of wing stridulation in
      katydids, termed here 'reverse stridulation'. Male crickets and katydids produced
      sound to attract females by rubbing their forewings together. One of the wings
      bears a vein ventrally modified with teeth (a file), while the other harbours a
      scraper on its anal edge. The wings open and close in rhythmic cycles, but sound
      is usually produced during the closing phase as the scraper moves along the file.
      Scraper-tooth strikes create vibrations that are subsequently amplified by wing
      cells specialised in sound radiation. The sound produced is either resonant (pure
      tone) or non-resonant (broadband); these two forms vary across species, but
      resonant requires complex wing mechanics. Using a sensitive optical diode and
      high-speed video to examine wing motion, and Laser Doppler Vibrometry (LDV) to
      study wing resonances, I describe the mechanics of stridulation used by males of
      the neotropical katydid Ischnomela gracilis (Pseudophyllinae). Males sing with a
      pure tone at ca.15 kHz and, in contrast to most Ensifera using wing stridulation,
      produce sound during the opening phase of the wings. The stridulatory file
      exhibits evident adaptations for such reverse scraper motion. LDV recordings show
      that the wing cells resonate sharply at ca. 15 kHz. Recordings of wing motion
      suggest that during the opening phase, the scraper strikes nearly 15,000 teeth/s.
      Therefore, the song of this species is produced by resonance. The implications of
      such adaptations (reverse motion, file morphology, and wing resonance) are
      discussed.

PMID- 22062687
TI  - The mechanism of dynein motility: insight from crystal structures of the motor
      domain.
AB  - Dynein is a large cytoskeletal motor protein that belongs to the AAA+ (ATPases
      associated with diverse cellular activities) superfamily. While dynein has had a
      rich history of cellular research, its molecular mechanism of motility remains
      poorly understood. Here we describe recent X-ray crystallographic studies that
      reveal the architecture of dynein's catalytic ring, mechanical linker element,
      and microtubule binding domain. This structural information has given rise to new
      hypotheses on how the dynein motor domain might change its conformation in order
      to produce motility along microtubules.

PMID- 22062686
TI  - Advances in the clinical development of heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) inhibitors
      in cancers.
AB  - Hsp90 is an ATP dependent molecular chaperone protein which integrates multiple
      oncogenic pathways. As such, Hsp90 inhibition is a promising anti-cancer
      strategy. Several inhibitors that act on Hsp90 by binding to its N-terminal ATP
      pocket have entered clinical evaluation. Robust pre-clinical data suggested anti
      tumor activity in multiple cancer types. Clinically, encouraging results have
      been demonstrated in melanoma, acute myeloid leukemia, castrate refractory
      prostate cancer, non-small cell lung carcinoma and multiple myeloma. In breast
      cancer, proof-of-concept was demonstrated by first generation Hsp90 inhibitors in
      combination with trastuzumab mainly in human epidermal growth factor receptor 2
      (HER2)+metastatic breast cancer. There are a multitude of second generation Hsp90
      inhibitors currently under investigation. To date, however, there is no FDA
      approved Hsp90 inhibitor nor standardized assay to ascertain Hsp90 inhibition.
      This review summarizes the current status of both first and second generation
      Hsp90 inhibitors based on their chemical classification and stage of clinical
      development. It also discusses the pharmacodynamic assays currently implemented
      in clinic as well as other novel strategies aimed at enhancing the effectiveness
      of Hsp90 inhibitors. Ultimately, these efforts will aid in maximizing the full
      potential of this class of agents. This article is part of a Special Issue
      entitled: Heat Shock Protein 90 (HSP90).

PMID- 22062688
TI  - Durable Lotus-effect surfaces with hierarchical structure using micro- and
      nanosized hydrophobic silica particles.
AB  - Surfaces with a very high apparent water contact angle (CA) and low water contact
      angle hysteresis (CAH) exhibit many useful characteristics, among them extreme
      water repellency, low drag for fluid flow, and a self-cleaning effect. The leaf
      of the Lotus plant (Nelumbo nucifera) achieves these properties using a
      hierarchical structure with roughness on both the micro- and nanoscale. It is of
      great interest to create durable surfaces with the so-called "Lotus effect" for
      many important applications. In this study, hierarchically structured surfaces
      with Lotus-effect properties were fabricated using micro- and nanosized
      hydrophobic silica particles and a simple spray method. In addition,
      hierarchically structured surfaces were prepared by spraying a nanoparticulate
      coating over a micropatterned surface. To examine the similarities between
      surfaces using microparticles versus a uniform micropattern as the
      microstructure, CA and CAH were compared across a range of pitch values for the
      two types of microstructures. Wear experiments were performed using an atomic
      force microscope (AFM), a ball-on-flat tribometer, and a water jet apparatus to
      verify multiscale wear resistance. These surfaces have potential uses in
      engineering applications requiring Lotus-effect properties and high durability.

PMID- 22062689
TI  - Rapid tumoritropic accumulation of systemically injected plateloid particles and
      their biodistribution.
AB  - Nanoparticles for cancer therapy and imaging are designed to accumulate in the
      diseased tissue by exploiting the Enhanced Permeability and Retention (EPR)
      effect. This limits their size to about 100nm. Here, using intravital microscopy
      and elemental analysis, we compare the in vivo localization of particles with
      different geometries and demonstrate that plateloid particles preferentially
      accumulate within the tumor vasculature at unprecedented levels, independent of
      the EPR effect. In melanoma-bearing mice, 1000*400nm plateloid particles adhered
      to the tumor vasculature at about 5% and 10% of the injected dose per gram organ
      (ID/g) for untargeted and RGD-targeted particles respectively, and exhibited the
      highest tumor-to-liver accumulation ratios (0.22 and 0.35). Smaller and larger
      plateloid particles, as well as cylindroid particles, were more extensively
      sequestered by the liver, spleen, and lungs. Plateloid particles appeared well
      suited for taking advantage of hydrodynamic forces and interfacial interactions
      required for efficient tumoritropic accumulation, even without using specific
      targeting ligands.

PMID- 22062690
TI  - EphA2 targeting peptide tethered bioreducible poly(cystamine bisacrylamide
      diamino hexane) for the delivery of therapeutic pCMV-RAE-1gamma to pancreatic
      islets.
AB  - The pathogenesis of type-1 diabetes is complicated, and a clear, single mechanism
      has yet to be identified. Reports have indicated that the activating receptor
      NKG2D plays an important role in the development of disease. Exploiting a natural
      phenomenon observed in tumors, plasmid DNA encoding for a soluble ligand to NKG2D
      (sRAE-1gamma) was isolated and engineered into a plasmid expression system. A
      polymeric gene delivery system was developed to deliver the soluble RAE-1 plasmid
      locally to the pancreatic islets for the prevention of type-1 diabetes. The
      bioreducible cationic polymer poly(cystamine bisacrylamide-diamino hexane) (p(CBA
      DAH)) was modified with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and the targeting peptide
      CHVLWSTRC, known to target the EphA2 and EphA4 receptors. The PEG serves to
      improve stability and tissue selectivity, while the peptide will target EphA2 and
      A4, overexpressed in the pancreatic microvasculature. The targeting polymer Eph
      PEG-p(CBA-DAH) shows selective uptake by the target cell line, indicative of the
      targeting properties that will be seen in systemic administration. Using the
      delivery system, the therapeutic plasmid can be delivered to the pancreas, reduce
      interactions between the beta-cells and infiltrating NKG2D positive lymphocytes,
      and effectively protect beta-cells from autoimmune destruction and prevent type 1
      diabetes.

PMID- 22062691
TI  - Fluorescent penetration enhancers for transdermal applications.
AB  - Chemical penetration enhancers are often used to enhance transdermal drug
      delivery. However, the fundamental mechanisms that govern the interactions
      between penetration enhancers and skin are not fully understood. Therefore, the
      goal of this work was to identify naturally fluorescent penetration enhancers
      (FPEs) in order to utilize well-established fluorescence techniques to directly
      study the behavior of FPEs within skin. In this study, 12 fluorescent molecules
      with amphiphilic characteristics were evaluated as skin penetration enhancers.
      Eight of the molecules exhibited significant activity as skin penetration
      enhancers, determined using skin current enhancement ratios. In addition, to
      illustrate the novel, direct, and non-invasive visualization of the behavior of
      FPEs within skin, three case studies involving the use of two-photon fluorescence
      microscopy (TPM) are presented, including visualizing glycerol-mitigated and
      ultrasound-enhanced FPE skin penetration. Previous TPM studies have indirectly
      visualized the effect of penetration enhancers on the skin by using a fluorescent
      dye to probe the transdermal pathways of the enhancer. These effects can now be
      directly visualized and investigated using FPEs. Finally, future studies are
      proposed for generating FPE design principles. The combination of FPEs with
      fluorescence techniques represents a useful novel approach for obtaining physical
      insights on the behavior of penetration enhancers within the skin.

PMID- 22062692
TI  - Critical factors in the development of tumor-targeted anti-inflammatory
      nanomedicines.
AB  - Tumors are complex and dynamic assemblies of different cell types within an
      atypical/abnormal architecture. Tumor-associated macrophages, mast cells,
      dendritic cells, eosinophils, fibroblasts are present in and around tumors and
      contribute to an abundant, deregulated and long lasting chronic inflammation, a
      permissive microenvironment for tumor proliferation. The fact that tumor
      initiated inflammation overrides protective immunity and supports tumor
      development, combined with the successful strategy of liposomal drug targeting to
      tumor tissues, gave rise to a novel attractive antitumor therapeutic strategy:
      targeting anti-inflammatory drugs to tumors. As many natural bioactive compounds
      have anti-inflammatory properties and act by targeting multiple signaling
      pathways, their medicinal application involves the treatment of cancer. The
      nanoformulation into liposomes circumvents solubility, stability, bioavailability
      issues associated with these compounds, while promoting tumor drug accumulation.
      Liposomal formulations of resveratrol, carvacrol phosphate, pterostilbene
      phosphate, N-(3-oxo-dodecanoyl)-l-Homoserine lactone, caffeic acid and caffeic
      acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) were prepared and characterized. In vivo, B16F10
      melanoma bearing mice seem not to be responsive to liposomal treatments of
      natural compounds. The specific combination of tumor model, drug delivery system
      and drug potency are crucial factors that should be considered in the development
      and evaluation of new nanomedicines for cancer-inflammation therapy, especially
      when translating from preclinical models.

PMID- 22062693
TI  - Erythropoietin gene delivery using an arginine-grafted bioreducible polymer
      system.
AB  - Erythropoietin (EPO) plays a key regulatory role in the formation of new red
      blood cells (RBCs). Erythropoietin may also have a role as a therapeutic agent to
      counteract ischemic injury in neural, cardiac and endothelial cells. One of the
      limitations preventing the therapeutic application of EPO is its short half-life.
      The goal of this study was to develop a gene delivery system for the prolonged
      and controlled release of EPO. The arginine grafted bioreducible polymer (ABP)
      and its PEGylated version, ABP-PEG10, were utilized to study the expression
      efficiency and therapeutic effectiveness of this erythropoietin gene delivery
      system in vitro. Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) modification of the ABP was employed
      to inhibit the particle aggregation resulting from the interactions between
      cationic polyplexes and the negatively charged proteins typically present in
      serum. Both the ABP and the ABP-PEG10 carriers demonstrated efficient
      transfection and long-term production of EPO in a variety of cell types. The
      expressed EPO protein stimulated hematopoietic progenitor cells to form
      significant numbers of cell colonies in vitro. These data confirm that this EPO
      gene delivery system using a bioreducible polymeric carrier, either ABP or ABP
      PEG 10, merits further testing as a potential therapeutic modality for a variety
      of clinically important disease states.

PMID- 22062694
TI  - Some neural and behavioural aspects of electrical and mechanical stunning in
      ostriches.
AB  - Different electrical and mechanical stunning procedures were studied in ostriches
      to determine the effectiveness of the method. Fifty-eight South-African Black
      ostriches were equipped with EEG electrodes and stunned with three different
      electrical head-only methods and with a new captive needle pistol, using air
      pressure. The first stunning procedure consists of two trials. In the first trial
      a total of 45 ostriches were stunned with a voltage of 200V (spiked electrodes)
      during 1s. Unfortunately, in 10 animals the electrodes were disconnected. A
      general epileptiform insult on the EEG followed by recovery was observed in 20
      ostriches. Another eight animals died after recovery and five showed an iso
      electric line and were dead. The total duration of the insult was 25+/-10s. The
      measured current was 463+/-120mA. In the second trial a constant current of 400mA
      was administered to 13 ostriches. In one animal the electrodes were disconnected.
      Eight out of 12 animals showed a general epileptiform insult, two of them showed
      an iso-electric line and two did not show the characteristics of a general
      epileptiform insult. The total duration of the insult on the EEG was 21+/-8s. The
      measured current was 365+/-91mA and the voltage 191+/-27V. During the second
      stunning procedure four and seven ostriches were stunned with 200V (spiked
      electrodes) and 48V (blunt electrodes), respectively, during approx. 6s. They all
      died. In addition, a group of 20 ostriches stunned with captive needle pistol
      using air pressure showed unconsciousness after stunning by the appearance of
      theta and delta waves tending to an iso-electric line on the EEG trace. It is
      recommended to use at least 500mA to stun ostriches effectively and to use a
      short stun-stick interval or to kill them by a long stunning duration. The
      captive needle pistol, using air pressure, can be an alternative for electrical
      head-only stunning.

PMID- 22062695
TI  - Measurement and prediction of pork colour.
AB  - The extent to which instrumental colour determinations by FOPu (light
      scattering), Gofo (reflectance) and Labscan II (CIE L*, CIE a* and CIE b*, hue
      and chroma) are related to the Japanese colour grades was studied. Additionally,
      four on-line methods: pH1, FOP1, PQM1 (conductivity) and DDLT (Double Density
      Light Transmission, analogous to Capteur Gras/Maigre), were evaluated for their
      ability to predict subjectively and objectively colour. One hundred and twenty
      samples of m. longissimus thoracis et lumborum, from animals of different
      genotypes, were analysed. Of the instrumental colour determinations, CIE L* (r=
      0.82), FOPu (r=-0.70) and Gofo (r=0.70) were best correlated with the Japanese
      colour scores. The Japanese colour grades could be predicted by the on-line
      instruments, pH1, FOP1, PQM1 and DDLT, with determination coefficients between 15
      and 28%. Ultimate meat colour, determined by Japanese colour standards, FOPu,
      Gofo and CIE L*, was better predicted by DDLT than by the classic on-line
      instruments: FOP1, pH1 and PQM1, although the standard error of the estimate was
      similar for all instruments. This means that DDLT, although originally designed
      for estimating lean meat percentage, can additionally give information about meat
      quality, in particular colour. However, it must be stressed that the colour
      estimate by DDLT refers to a population of animals, rather than to individual
      pigs, because of the number of erroneously assigned samples.

PMID- 22062696
TI  - The influence of goat genotype on the production of Capretto and Chevon
      carcasses. 1. Growth and carcass characteristics.
AB  - Fifty buck kids from five goat genotypes, Boer * Angora (BA), Boer * Saanen (BS),
      Feral * Feral (FF), Saanen * Angora (SA) and Saanen * Feral (SF) were compared
      for production of Capretto and Chevon carcasses. BS and SF kids had significantly
      better average daily gain compared to other genotypes and took less time to reach
      the required liveweight for Capretto and Chevon production. The development of
      visceral organs was not influenced by genotype. Kids from dairy breeds (SA in
      case of Capretto and SF in case of the Chevon group) deposited more internal fat
      in comparison to other genotypes. Dressing percentage (based on empty body
      weight) of kids ranged from 50-55%. At the same liveweight, dressing percentage
      and eye muscle dimensions did not vary between genotypes. However, BS and SF kids
      produced longer carcasses. Subcutaneous fat thickness was significantly greater
      in Chevon carcasses from BA compared to other genotypes. A high correlation was
      found between fat thickness measured by ultrasound on the live animal and ruler
      measurement on the carcass at the 12/13th rib position. Based on growth and
      carcass characteristics BS and SF kids performed better than kids from other
      genotypes used in the present study.

PMID- 22062697
TI  - The influence of goat genotype on the production of Capretto and Chevon
      carcasses. 2. Meat quality.
AB  - The effect of five goat genotypes, Boer*Angora (BA), Boer*Saanen (BS),
      Feral*Feral (FF), Saanen x Angora (SA) and Saanen x Feral (SF) on the meat
      quality of Capretto and Chevon carcasses obtained from 50 buck kids, was
      assessed. Genotype had an influence on cooking loss and longissimus thoracis
      muscle colour coordinates (CIE L(*), a(*), b(*) values). BS kids from the
      Capretto group had paler muscle colour compared to other genotypes; pale muscle
      colour being required for Capretto carcasses. Total pigment concentration, fat
      colour, shear force values and sensory scores for flavour, tenderness, juiciness
      and overall acceptability did not differ significantly between genotypes. Muscle
      colour became darker and fat colour became more yellow with increasing animal
      age. Tenderness decreased with animal age as indicated by higher shear force
      values. Age had no significant influence on cooking loss and sensory scores.

PMID- 22062698
TI  - The influence of goat genotype on the production of Capretto and Chevon
      carcasses. 3. Dissected carcass composition.
AB  - The dissected composition from left sides of the carcasses obtained from 50 buck
      kids from five goat genotypes (10 kids/genotype), Boer x Angora (BA), Boer x
      Saanen (BS), Feral x Feral (FF), Saanen x Angora (SA) and Saanen x Feral (SF),
      was compared at two age groups. The muscle content of various primal cuts varied
      between 53 and 73% for Capretto and Chevon groups, with minor differences between
      genotypes. SA kids had significantly higher separable carcass fat compared to BS
      and SF for the Capretto group, while Chevon carcasses from BA and SF deposited
      more carcass fat than FF. The bone content (19-21%) of the carcass side did not
      differ significantly between genotypes for the Chevon group. The dissected
      carcass components (muscle, fat and bone) were significantly correlated with
      those components of most of the individual cuts. The percentage carcass muscle
      and fat increased and bone content decreased significantly with age.

PMID- 22062699
TI  - The influence of goat genotype on the production of Capretto and Chevon
      carcasses. 4. Chemical composition of muscle and fatty acid profiles of adipose
      tissue.
AB  - The chemical composition of muscle and the fatty acid composition of adipose
      tissue from the carcasses obtained from 50 buck kids from five genotypes (10
      kids/genotype), Boer x Angora (BA), Boer x Saanen (BS), Feral x Feral (FF),
      Saanen x Angora (SA) and Saanen x Feral (SF) reared for Capretto and Chevon
      production, were compared. Genotype did not influence the chemical composition of
      muscle except for muscle from BA carcasses, which had significantly higher
      extractable fat content. The proportions of individual fatty acids differed
      significantly between genotypes for the Capretto kids. Adipose tissue from the
      Capretto group had a higher concentration of palmitic acid (31-34%), while the
      proportion of oleic acid (37-40%) was greater in the Chevon group. With an
      increase in age and resultant change in diet, the saturated fatty acid
      concentration decreased and the unsaturated fatty acid concentration increased.

PMID- 22062700
TI  - Effect on the cholesterol content of fresh lamb of supplementing the feed of
      Awassi ewes and lambs with Lactobacillus acidophilus.
AB  - Lactating ewes and their lambs were provided daily with two enteric capsules of a
      freeze-dried culture of selected strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus (1*10(9)
      colony-forming-units/dose), along with their normal diets, for a period of 120
      days. Initially, the supplementation had a significant effect on the serum
      cholesterol levels of the suckling lambs, but the benefit was reduced after
      weaning. On slaughter at 120 days, the mean cholesterol concentrations in three
      cuts of lamb meat were reduced by over 20%, and that in the liver by ~18%. In the
      Middle East where the consumption of lamb is high, this reduction could be
      beneficial for the consumer, and it is suggested that the potential value of
      probiotic cultures in ruminant nutrition merits further attention.

PMID- 22062701
TI  - High voltage electrical stimulation: its effect on microbial contamination of
      lamb carcases in a commercial abattoir.
AB  - This study was designed to establish the effect of an abattoir's commercial high
      voltage electrical stimulator on lamb carcase microbial contamination, including
      TVC, coliform and Campylobacter colony counts. Over eight visits, batches of six
      lamb carcases were sampled using the wet and dry swab technique both before and
      after passage through a high voltage electrical stimulator. On each visit three
      of the carcases were sent through the electrical stimulator while it was
      operational (the treatment group) and three carcases were sent through when the
      electrical stimulator had its power turned off (the control group). The swabs
      were placed into maximum recovery diluent, transported 'on-ice' and held at 0
      degrees C overnight before dilutions and plating out the following day. Too few
      coliform colonies were recovered for a meaningful analysis and no campylobacters
      were recovered. The total viable counts of the electrically stimulated and the
      control carcases were found not to be significantly different.

PMID- 22062702
TI  - Methodological approach to evaluate the effects of age at slaughter and storage
      temperature and time on sensory profile of lamb meat.
AB  - A methodological approach, that requires the use of an experimental design, the
      definition of a sensory profile and an appropriate statistic validation of
      sensory data, was developed, in order to evaluate the effects of some process
      variables, such as age at slaughter and storage time and temperature, on sensory
      characteristics of lamb meat. In this study factorial design (2(3)) was used. The
      first step was the definition of descriptive terms for determining the sensory
      profile of meat. A vocabulary of 10 descriptive terms of odour, flavour and
      texture was developed. Therefore, after an appropriate and rigorous training, a
      panel of 8 assessors evaluated the lamb products in triplicate using a 100 mm
      unstructured scale. The following step was the statistic validation of data.
      Sensory data for each attribute were submitted to a fixed analysis of variance.
      Results showed that even though the panel was trained, judgements differed among
      assessors, as demonstrated by the significant assessor x sample interaction which
      was found for most attributes. In order to minimise this effect, the sensory data
      were submitted to a mixed analysis of variance that allows the determination of
      panel performance and selection of significant attributes for sample
      discrimination. Eight attributes were selected. Finally, analysis of variance
      with age, frozen temperature and storage time as main effects, was performed on
      mean values of selected attributes. Meaty odour and flavour, cohesiveness and
      stringiness were negatively influenced by age, whereas tenderness and juiciness
      were positively influenced by age. Lamb odour and flavour were positively
      influenced by frozen temperature. At increasing storage time, meaty odour and
      flavour and juiciness increased. The descriptive analysis allowed an objective
      description of the products in terms of perceived sensory attributes. The fixed
      and mixed models of analysis of variance produced different results. A mixed
      model appeared to be suitable for validation of panel performances and selection
      of significant attributes for meat samples discrimination.

PMID- 22062703
TI  - Lipid and cholesterol oxidation products in dry-cured ham.
AB  - An investigation was carried out on oxidative processes in dry-cured hams.
      Sixteen hams of various ageing times were divided into lean and fat parts,
      simulating typical consumer habits. All samples underwent analysis of peroxide
      value (PV), rancidity index (TBARs), 5 cholesterol oxidation products (COPs) and,
      in the lean samples, proximate composition. While the lean part was rather
      unaffected by oxidation, the external fat contained some of COPs, TBARs and PV.
      Comparison of hams at different ageing times revealed that lipid oxidation was
      substantially unaffected by the time of processing. It is concluded that good
      manufacturing practice will generally prevent oxidative damage in the edible part
      of dried hams, even if very long ageing times are used.

PMID- 22062704
TI  - Dry fermented sausages made with a protease from Aspergillus oryzae and/or a
      starter culture.
AB  - Sausages with a starter culture (Lactobacillus plantarum + Staphylococcus
      carnosus), a protease (Fungal Protease from Solvay Enzymes) and both
      enzyme/starter were produced from the same raw matter under the same conditions
      for 15 days of ripening. The lowest pH values were found in Fungal/starter
      sausages. Significantly higher amounts of free amino acids (FAA) were seen in
      sausages containing enzyme from the 3rd day of ripening, whereas amino acids from
      peptides (PAA) were significantly higher only after 15 days of ripening. Enzyme
      addition gave rise to changes in 10 of the 15 FAA analyzed. Histidine was the
      main amino acid from the peptide fraction that increased in both sausages
      containing added enzyme. Although trained panelists detected some sensorial
      benefits in the sausages with added enzyme, the effects were not as marked as
      might have been expected.

PMID- 22062705
TI  - The influence of manufacturing and drying conditions on the survival and
      toxinogenesis of Staphylococcus aureus in two Spanish dry sausages (chorizo and
      salchichon).
AB  - The effects of formulation, starter culture and fermentation temperature on
      growth and synthesis of toxin A (SEA) and TNase by Staphylococcus aureus during
      fermentation and drying of Spanish chorizo were investigated. Inhibitory factors
      able to inhibit SEA synthesis in culture media were unable to prevent SEA
      production in chorizo fermented at 20 and 30 degrees C, though a lower
      temperature and starter culture SP318 (Lactobacillus sake, Pediococcus
      pentosaceous and Staphylococcus xylosus) decreased staphylococcal growth and SEA
      formation. Reduction and even disappearance of the SEA during ripening was
      observed. In most batches, TNase was a reliable indicator of staphylococcal
      growth and SEA production. Dextrose added to the salchichon formulation repressed
      S. aureus growth during drying. Lactobacillus curvatus in combination with
      dextrose was an effective anti-staphylococcal agent during fermentation.

PMID- 22062706
TI  - Effect of lupin seed proteins on quality characteristics of fermented sausages.
AB  - Lupin seed flours (LSF) and lupin seed protein isolates (LSPI) from a sweet (S)
      variety of Lupinus albus and a bitter (B) variety of Lupinus albus ssp. Graecus
      were used in the manufacture of fermented sausages at 2% level, based on the
      weight of meat and pork back fat, and hydrated to a protein/water ratio 1/4, to
      replace beef and pork meat on a protein to protein basis. LSF and LSPI had no
      effect (p>0.05) on the microbial counts, the pH, the moisture content and weight
      losses, the instrumentally measured colour numbers (L*, a*, b*), the firmness,
      the appearance and the sensory evaluated colour of fermented sausages. Fermented
      sausages produced with LSPI from the bitter variety had similar (p>0.05) sensory
      attributes to the control and lower (p<0.05) TBA values after the 28th day of
      storage. Fermented sausages produced with LSPI from the sweet variety had
      acceptable sensory attributes but TBA values higher than 1 mg of
      malonaldehyde/kg. LSF from both varieties had a high pro-oxidant effect and
      affected negatively the odour and taste of fermented sausages.

PMID- 22062707
TI  - Thermal gelation properties of surimi-like material made fromsheep meat.
AB  - Thermal gelation properties of surimi-like material made from sheep meat were
      investigated. The sheep meat was ground, washed 3 times at a meat to water ratio
      of 1:5 and dewatered by centrifugation. The effects of washing on the
      composition, functional properties and colour of the mince, were studied. The
      washing method resulted in a sharp reduction of the fat content and an increase
      of the water content and pH of the mince. Lightness (L*) and yellowness (b*) of
      the mince were improved by washing. A significant reduction (p<0.001) of a*
      (redness) value and a decrease in the a*/b* ratios and saturation index value of
      the washed mince were recorded. Gels were prepared from washed and unwashed mince
      after being blended with 2% NaCl and heated at 75 degrees C for 20 min. The
      washed mince produced excellent gels as measured by the fold test, elasticity
      modulus and the percentage recovery. The gels made of washed mince had lower
      expressible fluid compared to that of unwashed mince. A fibrous protein network
      structure was evidenced in the gel made from washed mince while observed under a
      transmission electron microscope.

PMID- 22062708
TI  - Use of isotope analysis to characterize meat fromIberian-breed swine.
AB  - We describe a method based on isotope analysis (delta(13)C) for characterization
      and differentiation of Iberian pork meat as a function of the diet of the animal.
      Using adipose tissue, it is possible to classify unknown samples in group of
      animals designated "acorn-fed", "recebo=mixed-fed" and "feed raised" according
      the delta(13)C value obtained, from the calibration straight line of y=-22.12
      0.35x, with a correlation coefficient r=0.982 and s=0.10/00; where y=delta(13)C
      and x=arrobas of acorn and range forage received by the animals during the
      fattening period. Stress should be placed on the economic and industrial
      importance of Iberian-breed swine because the market prices of Iberian swine
      products depends on the classification of the animals according to the type of
      feeding regimen which they are subjected to.

PMID- 22062709
TI  - Cooking rate, pH and final endpoint temperature effects on color and cook loss of
      a lean ground beef model system.
AB  - To assess the effects of pH, heating rate and endpoint temperature on
      instrumental and visual color of ground beef, pH was adjusted to 5.2-6.4, samples
      were heated at 0.7 degrees C or 3 degrees C/min to 55, 60, 65, 70, 75 or 80
      degrees C in a water bath. Cooking rate had no effect on cook loss, instrumental
      or visual color. Regression equations for linear, quadratic and/or cubic effects
      of pH and/or endpoint temperature were significant for most color indices. Amount
      of variance explained by the model and R(2) was increased by adding the
      calculated percentages of metmyoglobin and/or deoxymyoglobin to the regression
      models. The predicted sensory brownness score (0=very pink, 7.5=intermediate
      pink/brown, 15=intense brown) for samples with pH 5.75 cooked to 70 degrees C was
      9.75. Samples with a pH of 5.5 achieved this brownness score at 67 degrees C.
      Samples with a pH of 5.2 achieved this brownness at 58 degrees C.

PMID- 22062710
TI  - Influence of ultimate pH on bovine meat tenderness during ageing.
AB  - The aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of ultimate pH and ageing at
      2+/-2 degrees C on the tenderness of beef. The m.longissimus thoracis et lumborum
      from 23 young bulls excised at 28 h post mortem were grouped into: Normal (pH 5.5
      to 5.8) moderate DFD (mod DFD) (5.8<pH<6.2) and DFD (pH 6.2 to 6.7). The
      toughness as measured by Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) and sensory
      evaluation, was significantly (p<0.05) lower in the DFD group than in the Normal
      one and a significant (p<0.001) linear relationship was found between ultimate pH
      and tenderness as evaluated by both methods. The myofibrillar protein solubility
      (MPS) at pH 7.0 was significantly higher in the DFD group at all post mortem
      times whereas for myofibrillar fragmentation index (MFI) higher values (p<0.05)
      were only found in the DFD group at day 1. In all three groups toughness
      decreased (p<0.05) from 1 to 6 days, with no further decrease to 13 days. This
      decrease in toughness was associated with an increase of MFI in all pH groups.
      Collagen solubility in all three groups was not affected by ageing. No
      significant (p>0.05) differences in soluble collagen and myofibrillar protein
      solubility (MPS) at pH 5.5 were found between the pH groups at any time. The
      tenderness evaluated by both methods was significantly (p<0.05) related to MFI,
      MPS at pH 7.0, cooking loss and juiciness. Total and soluble collagen, sarcomere
      length, intramuscular fat and MPS at pH 5.5 were not significantly (p>0.05)
      related with tenderness.

PMID- 22062711
TI  - 52nd International Congress of Meat Science and Technology (52nd ICoMST), Dublin,
      Ireland, 13-18 August 2006.

PMID- 22062712
TI  - Understanding meat quality through the application of genomic and proteomic
      approaches.
AB  - During the past few decades, advances in molecular genetics have led to the
      identification of multiple genes or genetic markers associated with genes that
      affect traits of interest in livestock, including single genes of large effect
      and QTL (genomic regions that affect quantitative traits). Transcriptomics
      enables analysis of the complete set of RNA transcripts produced by the genome at
      a given time and provides a dynamic link between the genome, the proteome and the
      cellular phenotype. Through a functional genomics approach to understanding the
      molecular basis of meat quality, we can gain further insight into the complex
      interplay of gene expression events involved in the development of meat quality.
      Proteomics permits visualisation of the protein content of the cell under varying
      conditions, combining powerful separation techniques with highly sensitive
      analytical mass spectrometry. To date, both the human and bovine genome projects
      have advanced our understanding of gene expression and helped elucidate the
      function of large portions of the genome. Advantages from this research have
      permeated through to a broader spectrum of research including that of meat
      science. Meat quality is manifested through a complexity of events in the muscle
      and their interactions with many environmental stimuli in both the live animal
      and during the post-mortem period. A lot of progress has been made in our
      understanding of the biological processes that contribute to the delivery of
      consistent quality meat. Through the application of tools of genomics and
      proteomics we are gaining a deeper insight into these processes and their
      interaction with environmental factors. Knowledge gained from these approaches
      can be beneficial in defining and optimising management systems for quality,
      providing assurance of meat quality and in tailoring quality to suit market
      needs.

PMID- 22062713
TI  - Innovations in beef production systems that enhance the nutritional and health
      value of beef lipids and their relationship with meat quality.
AB  - Consumers are becoming more aware of the relationships between diet and health
      and this has increased consumer interest in the nutritional value of foods. This
      is impacting on the demand for foods which contain functional components that
      play important roles in health maintenance and disease prevention. For beef, much
      attention has been given to lipids. This paper reviews strategies for increasing
      the content of beneficial omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and
      conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and reducing saturated fatty acids (SFA) in beef.
      Particular attention is given to intramuscular fat (IMF) and the relationships
      between fatty acid composition and key meat quality parameters including colour
      shelf life and sensory attributes. Despite the high levels of ruminal
      biohydrogenation of dietary PUFA, nutrition is the major route for increasing the
      content of beneficial fatty acids in beef. Feeding grass or concentrates
      containing linseed (rich in alpha-linolenic acid, 18:3n-3) in the diet increases
      the content of 18:3n-3 and its longer chain derivative eicosapentaenoic acid
      (EPA, 20:5n-3) in beef muscle and adipose tissue, resulting in a lower n-6:n-3
      ratio. Grass feeding also increases docasahexaenoic acid (DHA, 22:6n-3). Feeding
      PUFA rich lipids which are protected from ruminal biohydrogenation result in
      further enhancement of the PUFA in meat with concomitant beneficial improvements
      in the ratio of polyunsaturated:saturated fatty acids (P:S ratio) and n-6:n-3
      ratio. The main CLA isomer in beef is CLA cis-9, trans-11 and it is mainly
      associated with the triacylglycerol lipid fraction and therefore is positively
      correlated with level of fatness. The level of CLA cis-9, trans-11 in beef is
      related to (1) the amount of this isomer produced in the rumen and (2) synthesis
      in the tissue, by delta-9 desaturase, from ruminally produced trans vaccenic acid
      (18:1 trans-11; TVA). Feeding PUFA-rich diets increases the content of CLA cis-9,
      trans-11 in beef. Trans-fatty acids in foods are of rising importance and
      knowledge of the differential effects of the individual trans isomers is
      increasing. TVA is the major trans 18:1 isomer in beef and as the precursor for
      tissue CLA in both animals and man should be considered as a neutral or
      beneficial trans-isomer. Increasing the content of n-3 PUFA in beef can influence
      colour shelf life and sensory attributes of the meat. As the content of n-3 PUFA
      increases then sensory attributes such as "greasy" and "fishy" score higher and
      colour shelf life may be reduced. Under these situations, high levels of vitamin
      E are necessary to help stabilise the effects of incorporating high levels of
      long chain PUFA into meat. However, grass feeding not only increases n-3 PUFA and
      CLA but, due to its high content of vitamin E, colour shelf life is improved. It
      is evident that opportunities exist to enhance the content of health promoting
      fatty acids in beef and beef products offering opportunities to add value and
      contribute to market differentiation. However, it is imperative that these
      approaches to deliver "functional" attributes do not compromise on the health
      value (lipoperoxidation) or the taste of beef products.

PMID- 22062714
TI  - Contribution of postmortem muscle biochemistry to the delivery of consistent meat
      quality with particular focus on the calpain system.
AB  - Tenderness has been repeatedly reported as the most important quality aspect of
      meat. However, a number of studies have shown that a significant portion of
      retail meat can be considered tough. As a consequence, a significant consumer
      segment is willing to pay a premium for guaranteed tender meat. However, apart
      from measuring the shear force, there is no reliable method to predict
      tenderness. Most of the branded meat programs therefore attempt to ensure eating
      quality by controlling some of the factors that affect tenderness. Meat
      tenderness is determined by the amount and solubility of connective tissue,
      sarcomere shortening during rigor development, and postmortem proteolysis of
      myofibrillar and myofibrillar-associated proteins. Given the effect of postmortem
      proteolysis on the muscle ultrastructure, titin and desmin are likely key
      substrates that determine meat tenderness. A large number of studies have shown
      that the calpain proteolytic system plays a central role in postmortem
      proteolysis and tenderization. In skeletal muscle, the calpain system consists of
      at least three proteases, MU-calpain, m-calpain and calpain 3, and an inhibitor
      of MU- and m-calpain, calpastatin. When activated by calcium, the calpains not
      only degrade subtrates, but also autolyze, leading to loss of activity. m-Calpain
      does not autolyze in postmortem muscle and is therefore not involved in
      postmortem tenderization. Results from a number of studies, including a study on
      calpain 3 knockout mice, have shown that calpain 3 is also not involved in
      postmortem proteolysis. However, a large number of studies, including a study on
      MU-calpain knockout mice, have shown that MU-calpain is largely, if not solely,
      responsible for postmortem tenderization. Research efforts in this area should,
      therefore, focus on elucidation of regulation of MU-calpain activity in
      postmortem muscle. Discovering the mechanisms of MU-calpain activity regulation
      and methods to promote MU-calpain activity should have a dramatic effect on the
      ability of researchers to develop reliable methods to predict meat tenderness and
      on the meat industry to produce a consistently tender product.

PMID- 22062715
TI  - Revisiting the conversion of muscle into meat and the underlying mechanisms.
AB  - The conversion of muscle into meat is a complex process in which all mechanisms
      responsible for the development of meat qualities are very likely interdependent.
      Colour and flavour are thus both dependent on oxidative mechanisms. Oxidation and
      proteolysis are probably two processes involved in the development of meat
      tenderness. This paper reviewed the consequences of programmed cell death or
      apoptosis on muscle cells structure and biochemistry and on meat qualities as
      well. We therefore look at different new hypothesis susceptible to highlight the
      meat science field and provide new supports for a more dynamic meat research. One
      of them which would have appeared evident for our purpose since a decade, deals
      with the fact that, after animal bleeding, muscle cells have no other alternative
      to only enter the programmed cell death procedure or apoptosis. If we introduce
      an early phase corresponding to apoptosis, taking place before the rigor onset
      and overlapping it, we will see that the known consequences of that process bring
      forward possible answers to still unexplained observations. After an overview of
      the actual state-of-the-art in meat science, we will introduce the programmed
      cell death and its underlying mechanisms. We then described the strong analogies
      between the known consequences of apoptosis and the postmortem changes affecting
      a set of different muscle characteristics.

PMID- 22062716
TI  - Genetic and environmental effects on the muscle structure response post-mortem.
AB  - This paper reviewed the mechanisms by which glycolytic rate and pre-rigor
      stretching of muscle impact on meat quality. If muscle is free to shorten during
      the rigor process extremes in glycolytic rate can impact negatively on meat
      quality by inducing either cold or rigor shortening. Factors that contribute to
      variation in glycolytic rate include the glycogen concentration at slaughter and
      fibre type of the muscle. Glycolysis is highly sensitive to temperature, which is
      an important factor in heavy grain fed carcasses. An alternative solution to
      controlling glycolysis is to stretch the muscle pre-rigor so that it cannot
      shorten, thus providing an insurance against extremes in processing conditions.
      Results are presented which show a large reduction in variance (both additive and
      phenotypic) in tenderness caused by pre-rigor stretching. Whilst this did not
      impact on the heritability of shear force, it did reduce genotype differences.
      The implications of these results on the magnitude of genotype effects on
      tenderness is discussed.

PMID- 22062717
TI  - Role of quantitative risk assessment and food safety objectives in managing
      Listeria monocytogenes on ready-to-eat meats.
AB  - Listeria monocytogenes may be found on ready-to-eat (RTE) meats, posing a public
      health risk. To minimize the public health impact, an appropriate level of
      protection (ALOP) can be established for a population with respect to L.
      monocytogenes, and ideally should be based on a scientific assessment of the
      risk, as well as societal and economic factors. Food safety systems can be based
      on meeting the ALOP. Food safety objectives (FSO) provide a link between the ALOP
      and performance objectives that are established to control a foodborne hazard. An
      FSO can be used as a risk management tool for L. monocytogenes in RTE meats, as
      the FSO establishes the stringency of the measures being used to control the
      hazard, by specifying the frequency and/or cell number of the pathogen in the
      food that should not be exceeded at the time of consumption. Typically, this
      requires setting performance objectives or performance criteria at an earlier
      point in the food chain, to ensure that the product will meet the FSO.
      Establishing an FSO requires an assessment of the risk of the hazard to the
      population of interest. Risk management strategies such as use of HACCP systems
      and Good Manufacturing Practices can then be used to ensure that the FSO is met.

PMID- 22062718
TI  - A review of quantitative microbial risk assessment in the management of
      Escherichia coli O157:H7 on beef.
AB  - Since Escherichia coli O157:H7 first emerged as a food borne pathogen in the mid
      1980s, it has been linked to many cases of food poisoning across the world. While
      multiple sources and routes of transmission for this pathogen are now recognised,
      beef and beef products remain an important vehicle of the pathogen and continue
      to be linked to outbreaks across the developed world. Much research has been
      directed at E. coli O157:H7 transmission, survival and control in the beef chain
      and this paper presents an overview of current knowledge on this pathogen in the
      beef chain from primary production through slaughter, processing, distribution,
      final preparation and cooking. In order to strategically manage E. coli O157:H7
      and to devise approaches to reduce the public health risk posed, many national
      and international groups have applied quantitative risk assessment techniques to
      model the risk posed by E. coli O157:H7 in beef, particularly in ground/minced
      beef which is most often linked with infection. This paper reviews these
      quantitative risk assessments and their application in managing the risk posed by
      E. coli O157:H7 in beef.

PMID- 22062719
TI  - Pathogens on meat and infection in animals - Establishing a relationship using
      campylobacter and salmonella as examples.
AB  - A high proportion of human campylobacter and salmonella infections is likely to
      originate from farm animals, usually directly from the consumption of
      contaminated meat or milk. Surveillance shows that campylobacter and salmonella
      genotypes are shared between human case isolates, farm animals and foods,
      although with the latter there can be marked differences between infection
      frequency in live animals and contamination rates in raw foods. This is supported
      by a variety of data from around the world, using a range of different methods.
      In this paper the evidence for farm animals being the reservoir of human
      salmonella and campylobacter infection is presented. However, a note of caution
      is sounded about the complex nature of zoonotic diseases caused by these two
      pathogens. Thus, many salmonellas and campylobacter types found routinely in food
      animals do not appear to cause human infections. Is this and artefact of the
      surveillance and/or microbiological methods used or are some strains of these
      bacteria genuinely non-pathogenic in man?

PMID- 22062720
TI  - Emerging microbiological food safety issues related to meat.
AB  - Avian influenza viruses and antibiotic-resistant pathogens have become topics of
      current public health interest. This paper will focus on the significance of
      these pathogens to the meat industry as well as other emerging microbiological
      food safety topics likely to impact the meat industry. These include surveillance
      of foodborne pathogens, microbial source tracking, risk assessment, and human
      populations at increased risk of infection by foodborne microbes. These emerging
      issues will likely lead to even greater challenges to producing microbiologically
      safe meat products than the industry has ever experienced. However, accompanying
      such challenges will be innovative solutions that provide even greater public
      health protection to meat-containing foods.

PMID- 22062721
TI  - Past, current and potential utilisation of active and intelligent packaging
      systems for meat and muscle-based products: A review.
AB  - Interest in the use of active and intelligent packaging systems for meat and meat
      products has increased in recent years. Active packaging refers to the
      incorporation of additives into packaging systems with the aim of maintaining or
      extending meat product quality and shelf-life. Active packaging systems discussed
      include oxygen scavengers, carbon dioxide scavengers and emitters, moisture
      control agents and anti-microbial packaging technologies. Intelligent packaging
      systems are those that monitor the condition of packaged foods to give
      information regarding the quality of the packaged food during transport and
      storage. The potential of sensor technologies, indicators (including integrity,
      freshness and time-temperature (TTI) indicators) and radio frequency
      identification (RFID) are evaluated for potential use in meat and meat products.
      Recognition of the benefits of active and intelligent packaging technologies by
      the food industry, development of economically viable packaging systems and
      increased consumer acceptance is necessary for commercial realisation of these
      packaging technologies.

PMID- 22062722
TI  - Opportunities for bio-based packaging technologies to improve the quality and
      safety of fresh and further processed muscle foods.
AB  - It has been well documented that vacuum or modified atmosphere packaging
      materials, made from polyethylene- or other plastic-based materials, have been
      found to improve the stability and safety of raw or further processed muscle
      foods. However, recent research developments have demonstrated the feasibility,
      utilization, and commercial application of a variety of bio-based polymers or bio
      polymers made from a variety of materials, including renewable/sustainable
      agricultural commodities, and applied to muscle foods. A variety of these bio
      based materials have been shown to prevent moisture loss, drip, reduce lipid
      oxidation and improve flavor attributes, as well as enhancing the handling
      properties, color retention, and microbial stability of foods. With consumers
      demanding more environmentally friendly packaging and a desire for more natural
      products, bio-based films or bio-polymers will continue to play an important role
      in the food industry by improving the quality of many products, including fresh
      or further processed muscle foods.

PMID- 22062723
TI  - Industrial packaging developments for the global meat market.
AB  - Packaging companies must carefully monitor retail and consumer trends to best
      utilize, direct, or prioritize their research dollars in developing packaging and
      packaging systems to meet these demands. This paper reviews packaging
      developments that are resulting from numerous trends taking place in the meat
      industry and in the retail sector. Current case ready packaging solutions that
      meet the needs of retailers to reduce labor in the back of the retail stores, and
      the consumer needs for a fresh product with excellent quality and palatability
      are also discussed. It will also review the current packaging options that are
      being developed to help consumers battle their "time crunch" with ready meal
      solutions. Finally, the necessity to increase food safety or eliminate pathogens
      while producing a high quality product continues to drive packaging development.
      Current systems and packaging available for post packaging pasteurization will be
      discussed.

PMID- 22062724
TI  - Future trends and consumer lifestyles with regard to meat consumption.
AB  - Using the food-related lifestyle model as a conceptual framework, one possible
      trend each is discussed for the following four components of food-related
      lifestyle: quality aspects, ways of shopping, cooking methods, and purchase
      motives. These trends refer to the increasing use of extrinsic cues in quality
      perception, shopping fast and easy vs. shopping in specialized outlets, the role
      of convenience and meat avoidance in cooking, and the role of concerns about the
      meat production process in purchasing. Indicators for each of these trends are
      discussed.

PMID- 22062725
TI  - Pathways to increase consumer trust in meat as a safe and wholesome food.
AB  - This paper focuses on the effect of information about meat safety and
      wholesomeness on consumer trust based on several studies with data collected in
      Belgium. The research is grounded in the observation that despite the abundant
      rise of information through labelling, traceability systems and quality assurance
      schemes, the effect on consumer trust in meat as a safe and wholesome product is
      only limited. The overload and complexity of information on food products results
      in misunderstanding and misinterpretation. Functional traceability attributes
      such as organisational efficiency and chain monitoring are considered to be
      highly important but not as a basis for market segmentation. However, process
      traceability attributes such as origin and production method are of interest for
      particular market segments as a response to meat quality concerns. Quality
      assurance schemes and associated labels have a poor impact on consumers'
      perception. It is argued that the high interest of retailers in such schemes is
      driven by procurement management efficiency rather than safety or overall
      quality. Future research could concentrate on the distribution of costs and
      benefits associated with meat quality initiatives among the chain participants.

PMID- 22062726
TI  - Integrated technologies to enhance meat quality - An Australasian perspective.
AB  - Ensuring meat quality attributes meet the requirements of the diverse range of
      markets is a critical component for the continued success of the New Zealand and
      Australian meat industries. Developing cost-effective and flexible technologies
      to help meet this requirement is a central objective of a current Meat and Wool
      New Zealand and Meat and Livestock Australia funded programme. This initiative
      was developed three years ago; it is a collaborative programme that involves meat
      scientists, electrical engineers and commercial meat processors. To ensure this
      programme successfully delivers technologies and knowledge to the Australasian
      meat industry, the following strategies have been developed: measurement of meat
      quality attributes 'on-line' during processing; development of 'expert systems'
      that can integrate and interpret on-line measurements and development of quality
      related feedback systems from the market that can be fed back to producers; and,
      development of methods to manipulate structural and biochemical events in meat to
      create new commercial opportunities for both producers and processors. This paper
      gives an overview of some of the new technologies that have developed from this
      programme that are being used commercially or, are undergoing the final stages of
      commercial validation.

PMID- 22062727
TI  - Implementing a palatability assured critical control point (PACCP) approach to
      satisfy consumer demands.
AB  - A 5-year commercial trial was run to test a new retail-to-farm trading model
      focused on beef eating quality as assessed by consumers. Retail description and
      pricing was based on cooked eating quality outcomes, dispensing with conventional
      anatomical cut description. Eating quality prediction was obtained by extensive
      use of the Meat Standards Australia (MSA) prediction model, which assigns a
      palatability score for each muscle from a given carcass when cooked by various
      methods. Pricing from the retail store to the boning and fabrication operation
      and from there to the supplying farmer was based on a % of retail value basis,
      thereby providing a direct incentive for the entire chain to focus on consumer
      satisfaction. Extensive yield and quality recording was conducted, providing
      detailed data to all participants and highlighting the magnitude of true value
      differences between carcasses, often of very similar type and appearance. The
      trial was successful in that sales continued to increase throughout the period
      and it has continued as an expanding commercial venture. The novel offer of fresh
      beef and cooked beef meals resulted in balanced carcass disposal and enhanced
      value to consumers. Systems were successfully developed to manage the process
      through each segment of the supply chain. It is believed that the principles
      demonstrated have broader industry relevance and provide the potential to
      stimulate substantial innovation and to reposition beef as a more contemporary
      food category. There are challenges in adopting this philosophy however due to
      required changes in technical procedures, in educating consumers regarding a new
      product offer and, more particularly, in changing industry culture.

PMID- 22062728
TI  - Reducing salt: A challenge for the meat industry.
AB  - Intake of dietary sodium has been linked to hypertension and consequently
      increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). The estimated cost of CVD to both
      the EU and US economies is ?169B and $403B, respectively. Currently the daily
      sodium adult intake is approximately three times the recommended daily allowance
      (Ireland and UK) and therefore public health and regulatory authorities are
      recommending reducing dietary intake of sodium to 2.4g (6g salt) per day.
      Processed meat products comprise one of the major sources of sodium in the form
      of sodium chloride (salt). Salt has an essential function in meat products in
      terms of flavour, texture and shelf-life. Apart from lowering the level of salt
      added to products there are a number of approaches to reduce the sodium content
      in processed foods including the use of salt substitutes, in particular,
      potassium chloride (KCl) in combination with masking agents, the use of flavour
      enhancers which enhance the saltiness of products when used with salt and finally
      optimising the physical form of salt so that it becomes more functional and taste
      bioavailable. The ultimate goal of ingredient suppliers and meat processors is to
      produce reduced sodium meat products that consumers can enjoy as part of an
      ongoing healthier diet and lifestyle. This article reviews some of the
      technological aspects of reduced salt meat products and how the meat and food
      ingredient industries are responding to this current health issue.

PMID- 22062729
TI  - Game and venison - meat for the modern consumer.
AB  - This review focuses on how game meat from southern Africa and venison that are
      increasingly being imported into Europe and the US addresses consumer issues as
      pertaining to production (wild, free range or intensive production) and
      harvesting methods, healthiness (chemical composition, particularly fatty acid
      composition), and traceability. Although African game meat species are farmed
      extensively, deer species are farmed using extensive to intensive production
      systems. However, the increasingly intensive production of the cervids and the
      accompanying practices associated with this (castration, velvetting, feeding of
      balanced diets, etc.) may have a negative impact in the near future on the
      consumer's perception of these animals. These alternative meat species are all
      harvested in a sustainable manner using acceptable methods. All these species
      have very low muscle fat contents consisting predominantly of structural lipid
      components (phospholipid and cholesterol) that have high proportions of
      polyunsaturated fatty acids. This results in the meat having desirable
      polyunsaturated:saturated and n-6:n-3 fatty acid ratios. The South African
      traceability system is discussed briefly as an example on how these exporting
      countries are able to address the requirements pertaining to the import of meat
      as stipulated by the European Economic Community.

PMID- 22062730
TI  - The role of meat as a source of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in the human
      diet.
AB  - It is considered that consumption of very long chain (VLC, carbon chain length
      ?20) n-3 PUFAs in most Western populations is sub-optimal and benefits in
      relation to chronic disease would be gained from increased consumption. This
      review examines the current contribution that meat makes to dietary intake of VLC
      n-3 PUFA and given its current low contribution, how ruminant meat may be
      enriched. Enrichment both directly with VLC n-3 fatty acids and indirectly by
      increasing intake by the animals of alpha-linolenic acid (ALNA; C18:3 n-3) are
      considered. Since it now appears that dietary ALNA is a very limited source of
      VLC n-3 PUFA in humans, the indirect route is controversial but since some
      forages are rich sources of ALNA this route has many sustainability and
      environmental attractions. Consideration is also given to the increased
      concentrations of trans and conjugated fatty acids that will arise from enriching
      ruminant meat with PUFA.

PMID- 22062731
TI  - Strategies for designing novel functional meat products.
AB  - In recent years, much attention has been paid to physiological functions of foods
      due to increasing concerns for health. Although there has been limited
      information of physiological functions of meat until recently, several attractive
      meat-based bioactive compounds, such as carnosine, anserine, l-carnitine,
      conjugated linoleic acid, have been studied. Emphasizing these activities is one
      possible approach for improving the health image of meat and developing
      functional meat products. This article provides potential benefits of
      representative meat-based bioactive compounds on human health and an overview of
      meat-based functional products. Strategies for designing novel functional meat
      products utilizing bioactive peptides and/or probiotic bacteria, is also
      discussed. This article focuses particularly on the possibility of meat protein
      derived bioactive peptides, such as antihypertensive peptides. There are still
      some hurdles in developing and marketing novel functional meat products since
      such products are unconventional and consumers in many countries recognize meat
      and meat products to be bad for health. Along with accumulation of scientific
      data, there is an urgent need to inform consumers of the exact functional value
      of meat and meat products including novel functional foods.

PMID- 22062732
TI  - Crossbreeding dual-purpose cattle for beef production in tropical regions.
AB  - Six breed types groups of six steer calves each were used to observe differences
      in growth and carcass traits: F1 Brown Swiss (F1BS), F1 Holstein (F1HO), F2
      Brahman (F2BR), F2 Criollo Rio Limon (F2CRL), purebred Criollo Rio Limon (CRL),
      and Perija Mosaic (PMO). After 404 days of grazing, the heaviest F1BS and F2BR
      steers were different from F1HO and CRL counterparts (p < 0.05) in slaughter
      weight. F2BR dressed higher and had better muscle conformation scores than F1BS,
      F1HO, F2CRL and CRL (p < 0.05). F1BS had the thickest backfat (0.5 cm) but only
      differed (p < 0.05) from F1HO (0.3 cm). Rib eye area, marbling score, carcass
      maturity, quality or yield grade, boneless cut percentages, bone percentage or
      percent trimmable fat did not vary among breed types. All steers were within the
      A maturity level and graded Standard. Results indicate the importance of feeding
      dual-purpose steers to heavier weights to please industry preferences.

PMID- 22062733
TI  - The role of endogenous proteases in the tenderisation of fast glycolysing muscle.
AB  - The activities of lysosomal cathepsins and the calpain-calpastatin system were
      measured to determine their involvement in the more rapid tenderisation of fast
      glycolysing muscle. The rate of pH fall of M. longissimus dorsi (LD) of Hereford
      cross Friesian heifers (n = 52, Experiment 1; n = 36, Experiment 2) was measured.
      Muscles were selected according to their rate of glycolysis; slow and fast (n =
      16, Experiment 1; n = 10, Experiment 2). Fast glycolysing muscles were rated more
      tender in sensory analysis and had a lower shear force than slow glycolysing
      muscles. Slow glycolysing muscles had shorter sarcomere lengths. Low pH
      conditions in fast glycolysing muscle correlated with the enhanced release of
      cathepsins B and L from lysosomes. Calpain I activity was higher and calpastatin
      activity was lower in fast glycolysing muscle early post mortem. SDS-PAGE
      electrophoresis patterns showed increased proteolysis, such as the earlier
      appearance of the 30 kDa fragment in fast glycolysing muscle. Transmission
      Electron Microscopy (TEM) results showed a greater degree of ultrastructural
      breakdown early post mortem in fast glycolysing muscle. The results suggest that
      the increase in tenderness in muscles that undergo fast glycolysis early post
      mortem may be caused by proteolysis by released lysosomal cathepsins and calpain
      I uninhibited by calpastatin.

PMID- 22062734
TI  - Influence of the oxidative quality of dietary oil on broiler meat storage
      stability.
AB  - Broilers were fed a high fat diet containing 11% oil (9% rapeseed oil, 2% soya
      bean oil) and the oil was given either as fresh (peroxide value of 1 meqv.
      O(2)kg(-1) oil) or as highly oxidised (peroxide value of 156 meqv. O(2)kg(-1)
      oil). Diets were supplemented with 46 mg all-rac-alpha-tocopheryl acetate kg(-1)
      diet, resulting in a tocopherol content of 80.8 mg alpha-tocopherol and 58.6 mg
      gamma-tocopherol per kg diet in the fresh oil diet and of 44.0 mg alpha
      tocopherol and 18.3 mg gamma-tocopherol per kg diet in the oxidised oil diet,
      respectively, reflecting the degradation of the natural occurring tocopherols in
      the oxidised diet. Only minor differences were seen with respect to fatty acid
      composition in muscles from birds fed the two diets. The oxidation of the dietary
      oil lowered lipid stability significantly (p < 0.01) in both raw and precooked
      meats during chill storage, whereas only minor effects on the stability of frozen
      meat were seen. Tocopherol levels were significantly lower (p < 0.01) in muscles
      from birds fed the oxidised oil diet, explaining the decreased lipid stability of
      meat from these birds. Thigh meat was more susceptible to lipid oxidation during
      storage than breast meat, regardless of dietary treatment, although thigh meat
      had markedly higher tocopherol levels than breast meat. The molar ratio of PUFA >
      18:2 (polyunsaturated fatty acids with three or more double bonds) to alpha
      tocopherol was significantly (p < 0.01) higher in thigh meat compared with breast
      meat, explaining the lower stability of the former during storage.

PMID- 22062735
TI  - Effect of natural antioxidants and vacuum packaging on the quality of buffalo
      meat nuggets during refrigerated storage.
AB  - Buffalo meat nuggets (BMN) were incorporated with 500 ppm sodium ascorbate, 10
      ppm alpha-tocopherol acetate and 0.5% sodium tripolyphosphate while processing.
      There were three experimental groups of BMN, namely control aerobic packaged
      (CAP), treated aerobic packaged (TAP) and treated vacuum packaged (TVP),
      refrigerated and stored at 4  degrees C. It was observed that the treated samples
      (TAP and TVP) had significantly (p < 0.05) higher pH, W-B shear force, moisture
      and protein contents, sensory attributes and lower free fatty acids content in
      comparison to CAP samples. Vacuum packed nuggets (TVP) had significantly (p <
      0.05) lower free fatty acid content, higher lactobacilli and total anaerobe
      counts and markedly higher scores for flavour and overall palatability, even at
      the 25th day of storage. Product quality reduced as storage time increased. Use
      of natural antioxidants and vacuum packaging extended the shelf life of BMN from
      10 to 30 days under refrigerated storage.

PMID- 22062736
TI  - Effect of lactococcus lactis var. lactis biovar diacetylactis on bacterial
      counts, pH and total acidity of minced goat meat during refrigerated storage.
AB  - The mesophillic aerobic and psychrotrophic plate counts, pH and total acidity
      were determined in minced goat meat treated with Lactococcus lactis var. lactis
      biovar diacetylactis and stored at 4  degrees C. The inhibitory effect was
      pronounced when the initial contamination of the meat, particularly with
      psychrotrophs was low. Of pH and total acidity, pH was better correlated with
      microbial inhibition. There was development of odour (non-putrefactive) from the
      4th day of storage reducing acceptability.

PMID- 22062737
TI  - Pig muscle fibre characteristics as a source of variation in eating quality.
AB  - Despite the application of the MLC Blueprint specifications there is still
      unacceptable variation in meat eating quality. Evidence from the literature
      suggests that the intrinsic characteristics of the muscle may be an important
      source of variation, but there is no indication as to what extent these
      characteristics may explain the residual variation in eating quality. The purpose
      of the present study was to quantify the role of muscle fibre characteristics in
      accounting for eating quality variability. In the study, evaluation of samples
      from 125 pigs from eight breeding company populations indicated that fibre
      characteristics, particularly the diameter of the fast twitch oxidative
      glycolytic fibres, contributed to variation in instrumental texture of meat. In
      addition, the data suggest that there are genetic differences in fibre type
      distribution which can be used to segregate populations.

PMID- 22062738
TI  - Role of amino acids and glucose in development of burnt off-flavours in liver
      sausage during heat processing.
AB  - The effect of amino acids and glucose on the development of burnt off-flavours
      was investigated in meat model systems for liver sausage. At a constant glucose
      concentration, the burnt flavour was intensified by addition of an amino acid
      mixture. In a batter without liver, the development of burnt off-flavours,
      similar to those in liver sausage, could be induced through addition of exogenous
      amino acids and glucose. The endogenous amino acids from liver reacted more
      intensely than the exogenous amino acids in the formation of the burnt flavour
      components. After heating batches with added exogenous amino acids and glucose
      the free amino acid contents (73-89% of initial content) were higher than in
      batches to which liver was added (42-53% of initial content). The differences in
      the free amino acid content of glycine, glutamic acid and threonine were linearly
      related to the intensity of burnt flavour. Results indicate that burnt flavour is
      due to the Maillard reaction.

PMID- 22062739
TI  - Technological suitability of mutton for meat cured products.
AB  - A comparative study on the technological suitability of mutton and pork for meat
      cured products was carried out. One type of cured dry sausages was made of mutton
      and the other of pork, using the same formulation and technological conditions.
      Thus, the evolution of physico-chemical and microbiological parameters, as well
      as colour and texture were measured at three different stages of the process:
      after mincing, after fermentation and after drying. The sensory parameters were
      assessed in the final product. Both mutton and pork had a similar technological
      aptitude during processing of cured dry sausages, with a similar evolution of the
      pH value, a(w) and Lactobacilli counts. The main differences between both types
      of sausage were observed in texture, colour and in the organoleptic
      characteristics, having mutton sausages greater cohesivity and more stable and
      redder colour than pork sausages. Besides, mutton sausages showed an aroma,
      flavour and texture that were not desirable for the panellists.

PMID- 22062740
TI  - Decontamination of carcasses by vacuum-hot water cleaning and steam pasteurizing
      during routine operations at a beef packing plant.
AB  - The microbiological effects of three operations for cleaning areas on dressed
      beef carcasses with vacuuming equipment which also applies hot water to the
      carcass, and of an operation for pasteurizing beef carcass sides with steam, were
      assessed. All four operations were routine in a commercial carcass dressing
      process. For each operation, swab samples were obtained from randomly selected
      carcasses, with a single sample being collected from each carcass, from a site
      selected at random from those affected by the operation. For the cleaning
      operations, 25 samples were obtained before and 25 after each operation. For the
      pasteurizing operation, 50 samples were obtained before and 50 after the
      operation. In addition, 50 samples were obtained from beef sides after the
      carcass cooling process which followed the pasteurizing operation. Total aerobic
      counts, coliforms and Escherichia coli from each sample were enumerated. The
      cleaning operations generally reduced the log mean numbers of bacteria on treated
      areas by <= 0.5 and had no discernible effect on the overall microbiological
      condition of the carcasses emerging from the process. The pasteurizing operation
      reduced the log mean numbers of total aerobic bacteria on carcasses by about 1,
      and the log mean numbers of coliforms and E. coli by > 2. The cooling process had
      no affect on the total counts, but further reduced the log mean numbers of
      coliforms and E. coli, apparently by about 1, to give beef sides from which E.
      coli were not recovered.

PMID- 22062741
TI  - Meat quality assessed Ante- and Post mortem by different ryanodine receptor gene
      status of pigs.
AB  - Different breeds and crossbreeds (total 63) of pigs with defined genotype (DNA
      based test on RYR 1 gene status) were divided in normal (non mutant),
      heterozygotes (carriers, monomutant) and homozygote positive (dimutant) animals.
      Muscle biopsy samples were taken at approximately 80 kg live weight using an
      efficient non-stress spring-loaded biopsy instrument. After incubation of muscle
      samples (39  degrees C, 1 hr) analyses pH, WHC (fluid), R value (ITP:ATP) were
      performed. After slaughter, meat quality values (pH(1), pH(24), R value, colour,
      drip loss) were also carried out. Heterozygotes were intermediate and between
      both homozygote pig groups in most meat quality values analysed. Using WHC (fluid
      volume) values (0.45 and 0.48 respectively) it was possible to divide
      heterozygotes into two groups, each closer to homozygotes. The values of pH, WHC
      (fluid), as measured at definite times on the biopsies, were correlated with the
      pH(1) post-mortem value (r approx 0.6-0.7). The results support previous findings
      on the possibility of differentiating pigs within DNA test-defined groups.
      Introducing the gene into a pig population could be useful, in improving leanness
      and muscling: but meat quality is certain to deteriorate. Further experiments are
      needed to support the possibility of identifying PSE-prone pigs from among normal
      non mutant pigs.

PMID- 22062742
TI  - Optimisation of calcium-dependent protease and cathepsin D assays in ostrich
      muscle and the effect of chemical and physical dry-curing parameters.
AB  - The best conditions for the assay of cathepsin D and Ca(2+)-dependent pro tease
      (CDP) activity in ostrich muscle was established in order to have a simple, rapid
      and reliable method for its determination. Measurements of A(280nm) of TCA
      soluble peptides and amino acid digests of casein and haemoglobin were used for
      measuring proteolytic activity in muscle extracts. The best conditions for the
      reliable determination of cathepsin D activity were found to be the incubation of
      an enzyme extract for 1 hr at 55  degrees C in a reaction mixture containing 0.9%
      (w v ) haemoglobin in 50 mM sodium formate buffer, pH 3.7. Characterization of
      the assay system for CDPs, obtained after phenyl-Sepharose chromatography,
      indicated that proteolytic degradation of casein by CDPs was linear with time up
      to 30 min at 30  degrees C and up to 0.1 units of activity. The effect of NaCl,
      KCl, nitrate, ascorbic acid, phosphate, glucose and sucrose on ostrich muscle CDP
      and cathepsin D activities has been studied. Salt (NaCl and KCl) acts as a strong
      inhibitor of proteolytic activity. Sodium and potassium nitrates (in the range 0
      1000 mg l(-1)) affected activity to varying degrees. CDP activity was enhanced by
      sodium nitrate concentrations below 700 mg l(-1) and unchanged by potassium
      nitrate. Cathepsin D activity was inhibited to some extent by sodium nitrate
      above 200 mg l(-1) and completely by potassium nitrate. Results showed that
      phosphate is an inhibitor of both activities. High concentrations of ascorbic
      acid (above 6 g l(-1)) inhibited cathepsin D activity. Glucose (up to 2g l(-1))
      activated cathepsin D activity and inhibited CDP activity (up to 1 g l(-1)).
      Sucrose activated enzyme activities at very low concentrations (1 * 10(-3) M) and
      inhibited activities above 1 * 10(-3) M.

PMID- 22062743
TI  - Supranutritional vitamin E supplementation in pigs: Influence on subcellular
      deposition of alpha-tocopherol and on oxidative stability by conventional and
      derivative spectrophotometry.
AB  - The influence of three levels of vitamin E (30, 200 and 1000mg kg(-1)) in the
      diet of pigs on the subcellular deposition of alpha-tocopherol in muscle and on
      the oxidative stability determined by conventional and first derivative
      Spectrophotometry was studied. The content of alpha-tocopherol in m. gluteo
      biceps and in mitochondrial and microsomal fractions of the muscle significantly
      increased (p < 0.01) with increasing levels of dietary vitamin E. Concentrations
      of alpha-tocopherol in muscle, mitochondria and microsomes of pigs fed diet
      supplemented with 1000 mg kg(-1) alpha-tocopheryl acetate were 3.2-, 6.1- and 5.6
      fold greater, respectively, than those in their counterparts from the control
      animals. These differences in alpha-tocopherol concentration in the subcellular
      fractions and intact muscle resulted in enhanced stability of the membranes and
      the tissue when exposed to iron-ascorbate induced peroxidation. When lipid
      oxidation in the same samples was further measured by the first derivative
      method, the resultant MDA-TBA values were 59-69% lower in tissue samples, 16-19%
      lower in mitochondria and 6-9% lower in microsomes than the conventional TBARS
      values.

PMID- 22062744
TI  - Histo- and biochemical characteristics of the Longissimus dorsi muscle in pigs
      and their relationships to performance and meat quality.
AB  - Histo- and biochemical characteristics of the longissimus dorsi muscle at 65-70
      kg body weight and their relationships to performance and meat quality at 100 kg
      were examined in Danish Landrace and Danish Large White female and castrated male
      pigs. Breed differences were observed for feed conversion rate, and a number of
      histochemical and biochemical traits. The organoleptic traits, flavour (13%),
      tenderness (15%) and overall acceptability (13%) were rated higher in Large White
      pigs. Significant correlations between histological and biochemical traits of the
      live muscle on the one side and performance, meat quality and organoleptic traits
      on the other side, could be demonstrated. However, these correlations were
      generally low (r < 0.35), and can thus only explain a small part of the variation
      in the measured quality traits. Consequently live muscle traits measured at 65-70
      kg are poor predictors of meat quality characteristics after slaughter at 100 kg.

PMID- 22062745
TI  - Variation in post-mortem rate of glycolyis does not necessarily affect drip loss
      of non-stimulated veal.
AB  - In this study the effect of the rate of post mortem pH fall on the water-holding
      capacity of meat from moderately chilled veal carcasses was investigated. Also
      the relationship between muscle protein denaturation and drip loss of veal was
      examined. Three groups of 10 Friesian Holstein male veal calves each were
      selected on the basis of their pH in M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) at
      3 hr post mortem (pH(3)): (1) fast pH-fall, pH(3) < 6.2; (2) intermediate pH
      fall, 6.5 < pH(3) < 6.6; (3) slow pH-fall, pH(3) > 6.7. After 48 hr of chilling
      the LTL was excised from the carcass and sampled for determination of drip loss,
      filter paper wetness, sarcomere length, protein solubility and transmission
      value. Differences in pH(3) were not associated with differences in drip loss,
      filter paper wetness or differences in protein denaturation. It is suggested that
      at the relatively high veal carcass chilling rate the effect of rate of pH-fall
      on protein denaturation and thus on drip loss is negligible. Drip loss of veal
      was highly correlated with both solubility of sarcoplasmic (r = -0.67; p < 0.001)
      and total muscle protein (r = -0.54; p < 0.01) and with transmission values (r =
      0.66; p < 0.001). These results indicate that protein denaturation measurements
      may be a good predictor for drip loss of veal.

PMID- 22062746
TI  - Chemical attributes characterizing sticky post-mortem ageing in beef.
AB  - Reports in literature on post-mortem sticky ageing are rare and data about
      chemical metabolites that occur particularly during sticky ageing are partly
      contradictory. In the present study different chemicals (pH, NH(3), TVB-N, H(2)S,
      R value, IMP, pyruvate and various volatile acids such as lactic acid, acetic
      acid, butyric acid, uric acid and pyroglutamic acid) were tested for their
      suitability to serve as parameters to characterize sticky post-mortem ageing in
      beef muscle samples. Results show that a high butyric acid concentration (0.46
      MUMol g(-1)) seems to be typical for sticky post-mortem ageing in beef. A
      distinction from onset of spoilage is possible due to the high butyric acid
      concentration, a low ammonia content (10.5 mg 100 g(-1)) and a low pH value. From
      meat with normal ageing it can be differentiated by sensory, colour, smell,
      consistency, a high butyric and pyroglutamic acid content and a low IMP
      concentration (0.04 MUMol g(-1)).

PMID- 22062747
TI  - Estimation of factors influencing fatty acid profiles in light lambs.
AB  - Fatty acid composition of intramuscular, intermuscular, subcutaneous, omental and
      kidney knob fat depots of eighty male light lambs (+/-21kg live weight) from five
      Spanish sheep breeds was analysed. Fat depot, anatomical depot location
      (internal, external and intramuscular), breed (Spanish Merino, Grazalema Merino,
      Churra Lebrijana, Segurena and Montesina), weaning type (weaning at 45 days after
      birth or no weaning) and subcutaneous fat thickness factors were analyzed using a
      statistical model to quantify their contribution to the variation of each fatty
      acid. Production system was the main factor to explain variations in overall
      fatty acid profiles (34.68%). However, for several fatty acids and indices
      (arachidonic, linoleic, PUFA, n-3/n-6) anatomical depot location was the most
      significant factor. Feeding system explained 65.49% of CLA variance, indicating a
      strong influence of suckling period length on CLA deposition in lambs' fat.
      Moreover, due to the lack of interaction between anatomical depot location or
      depot and breed type or weaning system for total CLA, for future research only
      one depot would be enough to study the effect of those factors on CLA levels.

PMID- 22062748
TI  - The influence of early post-mortem enhancement and accelerated chilling on pork
      quality.
AB  - To improve pork quality, the effectiveness of early post-mortem enhancement and
      accelerated chilling were investigated. The four treatments evaluated were:
      Enhancement with Accelerated Chilling (ENAC), Accelerated Chilling Only (ACO),
      Enhancement with Conventional Chilling (ENCC), and Conventional Chilling Only
      (CCO). ENAC had a higher (P<0.05) pH than all other treatments. CCO resulted in
      the highest (lightest; P<0.05) L(*), while ENAC had the lowest L(*) value
      (darkest; P<0.05). Subjective color and striping did not differ (P>0.05) between
      ENAC and ENCC, although ENAC was numerically higher for both parameters. Sensory
      analysis for juiciness and tenderness were not different (P>0.05) between ENAC
      and ENCC, but both were higher (P<0.05) than ACO and CCO. Enhancement early post
      mortem coupled with accelerated chilling may be used to improve instrumental
      color and pH over conventional processing methods.

PMID- 22062749
TI  - Effect of dietary oregano oil supplementation on lamb meat characteristics.
AB  - The effect of dietary oregano essential oil supplementation on lamb meat
      characteristics was investigated. Eight male and eight female Chios lambs were
      divided into two equal groups. The first group was fed with the control diet
      consisting of concentrated feed and alfalfa hay, whereas the second group
      consumed the same diet, the only difference being that the concentrated feed was
      uniformly sprayed with oregano essential oil (1ml/kg). Duration of the
      experimental period was two months. No differences were observed after oregano
      essential oil supplementation in final body weight (kg), body weight gain (g) and
      carcass yield (%). Tenderness of longissimus thoracis muscle, expressed as
      sarcomere length and shear force value, was not influenced by the treatment,
      whereas pH and colour parameters (yellowness-redness) appeared to increase
      (P<0.05). Moreover, results showed that dietary incorporation of oregano
      essential oil exerted strong antioxidant effects retarding lipid oxidation (MDA
      formation) in meat during refrigerated and long-term frozen storage (P<0.001).

PMID- 22062750
TI  - Comparison of the compositional, microbiological, biochemical and volatile
      profile characteristics of three Italian PDO fermented sausages.
AB  - Three Italian PDO fermented sausages, Varzi, Brianza and Piacentino, were
      compared for compositional, microbiological, biochemical and volatile profile
      characteristics. Mean values for the gross composition varied especially due to
      moisture, fat, total protein and nitrate concentration which reflected
      differences in the ingredients and some technological parameters. Cell numbers of
      the major microbial groups were almost similar among sausages. The major
      differences were found for Brochothrix thermosphacta, enterococci and moulds.
      Apart from their use as starters, Lactobacillus sakei and Lactobacillus curvatus
      were the dominant lactic acid bacteria and, as well as Staphylococcus xylosus,
      dominated the population of coagulase-negative staphylococci. Sausages differed
      for the hydrolysis of myofibrillar proteins and secondary proteolysis. Varzi, the
      sausage subjected to prolonged fermentation at 23-25 degrees C for 10 days before
      ripening, showed the highest degree of secondary proteolysis. Varzi and Brianza,
      the two fermented sausages manufactured by using microbial starters, showed the
      highest concentration and similar profiles of free amino acids. The peptidase
      activities contained in the aqueous extracts agreed with the above findings. A
      total of 52 volatile components, mainly alcohols, aldehydes and terpenes, were
      identified by solid-phase micro-extraction coupled with gas chromatography-mass
      spectrometry analysis. The volatile profiles of the three Italian PDO fermented
      sausages differed in part and, except for terpenes, the highest levels of the
      other chemical classes were found in Varzi and Brianza sausages. The composition
      of free fatty acids of the three Italian PDO sausages was rather similar.
      Monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) were found at the highest relative percentage
      followed by saturated (SFA) and polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acids. Oleic,
      palmitic, linoleic and stearic were the main free fatty acids found in all
      fermented sausages.

PMID- 22062751
TI  - Effect of glucono-delta-lactone and kappa-carrageenan combined with high pressure
      treatment on the physico-chemical properties of restructured pork.
AB  - In this study, response surface methodology (RSM) was used to evaluate the
      combined effects of NaCl, glucono-delta-lactone (GdL), and kappa-carrageenan
      concentration (0.25%, 0.5%, and 0.75%) on the binding properties of restructured
      pork under hydrostatic pressure. All the generated RSM models showed no lack-of
      fit and significance at the 0.001 level. The addition of both NaCl and GdL had a
      significant effect on color. A significant decrease in pH was shown when the GdL
      level increased, and subsequently led to a decrease in WHC. However, increasing
      the GdL level increased the binding strength. Therefore, the results indicate
      that a reduction in the NaCl level during meat restructuring, under pressure
      treatment, can be achieved by using GdL; and even a low GdL concentration allows
      for palatable binding properties in meat restructuring when kappa-carrageenan is
      added.

PMID- 22062752
TI  - Effects of data expression, sample location, and oxygen partial pressure on
      initial nitric oxide metmyoglobin formation and metmyoglobin-reducing-activity
      measurement in beef muscle.
AB  - Methodology for measuring surface and subsurface metmyoglobin-reducing activity
      (MRA) of beef longissimus lumborum, semimembranosus, and psoas major was
      evaluated by submerging samples from the upper one half of 2.54cm thick steaks in
      0.3% NO(2)(-), vacuum packaging, and incubating at 30 degrees C for 2h to promote
      pigment reduction. Initial metmyoglobin formation (IMF) and post-reduction
      metmyoglobin (PRM) were measured and used to calculate relative and absolute MRA
      values. The subsurface of all muscles maintained more (P<0.05) reducing capacity
      after 6d of display than the surface. Subsurface MRA was not significantly
      (P>0.05) correlated with surface colour stability whereas IMF was most correlated
      with colour stability (|r|>0.77; P<0.05). Longissimus steaks packaged in 20% O(2)
      had more (P<0.05) surface MRA than steaks packaged in 80% O(2) although
      measurement of MRA for steaks packaged in high-oxygen with this methodology is
      questioned. Determination of IMF is a better indicator of MRA for steaks exposed
      to atmospheric O(2) than more traditional measurements based on the amount of
      pigment reduced over time.

PMID- 22062753
TI  - A sensory description of boar taint and the effects of crude and dried chicory
      roots (Cichorium intybus L.) and inulin feeding in male and female pork.
AB  - Sensory profiling studies were carried out to evaluate the effects of chicory
      root (Cichorium intybus L.) and inulin bioactive feeding with respect to reducing
      the 'off-flavour' boar taint in intact male and female pork Longissimus dorsi and
      Psoas major. Feeding treatments significantly reduced perceived sensory boar
      taint in the cooked pork meat of intact males in both muscles. There were also
      indications that crude chicory was also effective in taint descriptor reduction
      in female pork, however not to the same systematic level as in male animals.
      Chemical measurements for skatole and androstenone were highly predictive of
      specific sensory descriptors of boar taint reduction. Feeding of crude, dried
      chicory and inulin were also determined not to impart negative sensory
      characteristics upon boar taint reduction. Chicory feeding therefore must be
      considered to have the potential for utilisation as part of a strategy for boar
      taint reduction in intact male pork.

PMID- 22062754
TI  - Water-soluble precursors of beef flavour. Part II: Effect of post-mortem
      conditioning.
AB  - Changes in glycolytic metabolites, nucleotide degradation products, free amino
      acids and other amino compounds were monitored in beef muscle (M. longissimus
      lumborum), stored for 21days at 4 degrees C, in order to evaluate how post-mortem
      conditioning may affect flavour formation in beef. The major effects observed in
      sugar-related substances were the dephosphorylation of the phosphates of glucose,
      fructose and mannose, to yield their free sugars, as well as the breakdown of
      inosine 5'-monophosphate, to give a sixfold increase in ribose. Total reducing
      sugars increased by only 15% during conditioning, while glycogen levels remained
      unchanged from 2days post-slaughter. Free amino acids increased during
      conditioning, particularly between days 7 and 14. Phenylalanine, methionine,
      lysine, leucine and isoleucine were the amino acids showing the greatest increase
      with conditioning time, with methionine, in particular, showing a sevenfold
      increase during the conditioning period. The effects of these precursor changes
      on cooked beef flavour are discussed.

PMID- 22062755
TI  - The effects of transglutaminase on the functional properties of the myofibrillar
      protein concentrate obtained from beef heart.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of bacterial
      transglutaminase on the functional properties of the myofibrillar protein
      concentrate from beef heart. The degrees of hydration and aggregation and
      emulsifying properties were studied. The degree of polymerization of the
      myofibrillar proteins depended on the enzyme concentration and setting time; the
      best results in terms of functional properties were obtained with 0.3g
      transglutaminase/100g protein with 60min setting at 35 degrees C. This
      investigation confirms that transglutaminase may be used for the production of
      myofibrillar protein aggregates with enhanced functional properties.

PMID- 22062756
TI  - False aneurysms in carotid arteries of cattle and water buffalo during shechita
      and halal slaughter.
AB  - It has previously been shown that the cattle brain is supplied with blood via a
      basi-occipital plexus, in addition to branches from the carotid and basilar
      arteries. In addition it has been shown during conventional stunning and
      slaughter that the carotid arteries in cattle can develop false aneurysms at
      their severed ends and this can curtail exsanguination. This investigation
      examined whether false aneurysms can occur during religious slaughter, and during
      bleeding following electrical stunning that simultaneously induced a cardiac
      arrest. The prevalence of large (>3cm outer diameter) false aneurysms in cattle
      carotid arteries was 10% for both shechita and halal slaughter. The prevalence of
      animals with bilateral false aneurysms (at least 2cm in one artery and at least
      3cm diameter in the opposite artery) was 7% and 8% for shechita and halal
      slaughter, respectively. No false aneurysms occurred during bleeding in cattle
      that were electrically stunned and simultaneously developed a cardiac arrest. The
      combination of false aneurysms and collateral routes to the brain present a risk
      of sustained consciousness during religious slaughter in cattle.

PMID- 22062757
TI  - Real-time PCR for detection and quantification of red deer (Cervus elaphus),
      fallow deer (Dama dama), and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) in meat mixtures.
AB  - A rapid real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique using SYBR Green
      detection system, has been developed for the quantification of red deer, fallow
      deer, and roe deer DNAs in meat mixtures. The method combines the use of cervid
      specific primers that amplify a 134, 169, and 120bp of the 12S rRNA gene fragment
      of red deer, fallow deer and roe deer, respectively, and universal primers that
      amplify a 140bp fragment on the nuclear 18S rRNA gene from eukaryotic DNA. The
      C(t) (threshold cycle) values obtained with the 18S rRNA primers are used to
      normalize those obtained from each of the cervid-specific systems, serving as
      endogenous control for the total content of PCR-amplifiable DNA in the sample.
      Analysis of experimental raw and heat treated binary mixtures of red deer, fallow
      deer or roe deer meat in a swine meat matrix demonstrated the suitability of the
      assay for the detection and quantification of the target cervid DNAs in the range
      0.1-0.8%, depending on the species and treatment of the meat samples analyzed.

PMID- 22062758
TI  - The protective effect of electrical stimulation and wrapping on beef tenderness
      at high pre rigor temperatures.
AB  - A three factorial experimental design involving electrical stimulation (ES/NES),
      wrapping (wrapped/unwrapped) and pre rigor temperature (15 degrees C or 35
      degrees C) was applied to 70 beef M. longissimus lumborum muscles to obtain a
      wide variation in shear force and drip loss. The shear force of all treatment
      groups decreased during ageing. As anticipated, wrapping and electrical
      stimulation had positive effects on shear force. However, high pre rigor
      temperature (35 degrees C) did not result in higher shear force values if the
      muscles were electrically stimulated, wrapped or both. The results suggested that
      electrical stimulation protects against the negative effects of high pre rigor
      temperatures. The drip loss of all treatment groups increased during ageing in a
      manner that was unrelated to treatment but was correlated to tenderness
      (r(2)=0.70; p<0.0001). It was concluded that the application of electrical
      stimulation, whatever the pre rigor temperature, protects beef from toughening
      through the prevention of rigor shortening and the avoidance of inhibition of
      ageing enzymes.

PMID- 22062759
TI  - Influences of dietary conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and total lysine content on
      growth, carcass characteristics and meat quality of heavy pigs.
AB  - To assess the effects of dietary CLA, lysine and sex on performance, blood
      metabolites, carcass characteristics, meat quality and skeletal development,
      seventy-two pigs (initially 105.3+/-6.6kg live weight) barrows and gilts, were
      assigned to one of four diets in a 2*2*2 factorial arrangement. The diets
      contained 0% or 0.75% CLA, and 0% or 0.16% of l-lysine-HCl. All pigs were
      slaughtered at an average weight of 153.4+/-11.0kg. Neither CLA nor lysine
      supplementation influenced growth, blood metabolites or carcass characteristics.
      CLA reduced (P<0.05) pH(24) and increased (P<0.01) yellowness (b(*)) of the
      Longissimus muscle. Lysine increased (P<0.01) pH(24) and reduced (P<0.01) muscle
      ash content. CLA reduced (P<0.05) collagen synthesis, and lysine increased
      (P<0.05) collagen synthesis in Longissimus muscle, but no influence on
      intramuscular collagen maturity or muscle hydroxylysylpyridinoline crosslink
      concentration were observed. In addition, metacarpal bone diameter was reduced
      (P<0.05) by CLA. Barrows had higher ADG, final weight (P<0.01), carcass weight,
      lean percentage (P<0.05), serum cholesterol (P<0.05) and triacylglycerol
      (P<0.001) than gilts. Metatarsal diameter was larger in gilts than barrows
      (P<0.05).

PMID- 22062760
TI  - The impact of lactic acid concentration and sodium chloride on pH, water-holding
      capacity, and cooked color of injection-enhanced dark-cutting beef.
AB  - The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of enhancement with
      0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5%, or 2.0% lactic acid (LA), with or without 0.5% salt (NaCl), on
      pH, water-holding capacity, and resultant cooked color of dark-cutting (DC) beef.
      The pH of DC sections treated with LA decreased (P<0.05), whereas water-holding
      capacity (WHC) increased (P<0.05) with increasing concentrations of LA. Sensory
      panelists noted an increase (P<0.05) in the degree of doneness (less pink
      internal color), whereas, a(*) and chroma values were lower (P<0.05), and hue
      angles were greater (P<0.05), indicating the internal color of LA-treated DC
      sections was less red and appeared more well-done. Also, 630:580nm reflectance
      ratios were similar (P>0.05) among DC steaks treated with 0.5% and 1.0% LA and
      normal pH (NDC) steaks, likely caused by an increase (P<0.05) in myoglobin
      denaturation in LA-enhanced DC steaks. These results indicate that the use of LA
      can reduce postmortem muscle pH and alter the cooked color of DC beef, ultimately
      resulting in a deletion of the persistent pinking condition.

PMID- 22062761
TI  - Biologically active polyamines in pig kidneys and spleen: Content after slaughter
      and changes during cold storage and cooking.
AB  - Polyamines putrescine, spermidine (SPD) and spermine (SPM) were determined as
      dansyl derivatives using an HPLC method. Distribution of SPD and SPM in pair
      kidneys was homogenous. The mean SPD and SPM contents in pig kidneys 24h after
      slaughter were 9.39+/-3.35 and 53.1+/-14.0mgkg(-1), respectively with no
      significant differences between barrows and gilts. Putrescine content was below
      the detection limit of 1.2mgkg(-1). In kidneys stored aerobically or vacuum
      packaged at 2-3 degrees C for 7 and 21 days, respectively, SPD and SPM decreased
      significantly. Stewing decreased both polyamines more extensively in kidneys
      processed on day-1 after slaughter than on day-7 after storage at 2-3 degrees C.
      The mean SPD and SPM in 10 spleens 24h after slaughter were 36.7+/-5.70 and
      34.0+/-7.64mgkg(-1), respectively. Thus, both pork kidney and spleen are foods
      with a high level of SPM and SPD.

PMID- 22062762
TI  - Influence of various preservatives on the quality of minced beef under modified
      atmosphere at chilled storage.
AB  - The effect of preservatives on microbial quality, pH, drip-loss, roasting-loss,
      colour, and sensorial properties of modified atmosphere packaged (70% O(2) and
      30% CO(2)) minced beef (M. semimembranosus) stored at (2+/-0.5 degrees C) for
      12days was investigated. Beef cubes (approx. 20*20*20mm size) were immersed in
      solutions of 2% and 5% lactic acid, 2% lactic acid combined with 0.5% sodium
      ascorbate, 20% potassium lactate and 20% potassium sorbate before mincing.
      Addition of lactic acid was associated with pH drop, which increased drip-loss
      and roasting-loss. Application of all additives inhibited aerobic micro-organisms
      (10(3)-10(4)CFUg(-1) on day 12) compared to reference sample (9*10(5)CFUg(-1) on
      day 12). Lactic acid discoloured samples, while sodium ascorbate seemed to
      improve colour stability. Despite good visual colour characteristics, potassium
      sorbate treated samples were organoleptically unacceptable with massive off
      flavour.

PMID- 22062763
TI  - The effect of grazing saltbush with a barley supplement on the carcass and eating
      quality of sheepmeat.
AB  - The carcass and eating quality of sheep grazing a saltbush dominant saline
      pasture system or on a 'control' dry pasture, stubble plot both supplemented with
      barley for 14 weeks was investigated (Experiment 1, 50 (2*25) 6 month merino lamb
      wethers and Experiment 2, 50 (2*25) 18 month old merino hogget wethers).
      Treatment had no significant effect on eating quality attributes (P>0.05).
      Saltbush grazed sheep in both experiments had a significantly (P<0.01) lower
      carcass fat and significantly higher lean (P<0.01) content than the control
      grazed sheep. This is a positive finding as fat denudation is a significant cost
      to processors. The long term consumption of saltbush and barley prior to
      slaughter did increase muscle fluid content (P<0.05) but did not result in a
      decreased carcass weight loss at slaughter due to confounding changes in body
      composition. Grazing saltbush resulted in increased urine weight (P<0.001) and
      decreased urine concentration (P<0.05) at slaughter indicating an improved
      hydration status at slaughter. However both experiments demonstrated sub-optimal
      liveweight gains indicating that saltbush with a barley supplement can still be
      effectively used as a maintenance ration without compromising carcass and eating
      quality.

PMID- 22062764
TI  - Effect of concentrate feeding pattern in a grass silage/concentrate beef
      finishing system on performance, selected carcass and meat quality
      characteristics.
AB  - Steers were offered grass silage ad libitum and 6.4 kg concentrates daily for 126
      days or silage ad libitum for 35 days, followed by concentrates ad libitum
      (Experiment 1). Steers were offered grass silage ad libitum and 6 kg concentrates
      daily for 154 days, concentrates ad libitum or grass silage ad libitum for 112
      days followed by concentrates ad libitum (Experiment 2). All treatments received
      the same total concentrate allowance. In Experiment 1, there was no difference in
      any measurement of meat quality. In Experiment 2, ad libitum concentrate feeding
      per se, decreased redness and increased shear force of muscle at 2 days post
      mortem. Delaying concentrate feeding decreased fat yellowness, decreased shear
      force at 7 and 14 days post-mortem and increased muscle redness at 14 days post
      mortem. Modifications of the beef production system examined had minor effects on
      beef quality which are unlikely to be of commercial significance.

PMID- 22062765
TI  - Physical and sensory meat quality of South African Black ostriches (Struthio
      camelus var. domesticus), Zimbabwean Blue ostriches (Struthio camelus australis)
      and their hybrid.
AB  - Meat derived from three genotypes of ostrich, resulting from breeding South
      African Black (Black) ostriches and Zimbabwean Blue (Blue) ostriches as well as
      their hybrid, was analysed for physical and sensory quality. Ostriches of a
      commercially standard slaughter age of 14 months, raised under the same
      environment were used. The pH(24) was the highest in the pure Blue genotype and
      therefore meat from this genotype was the darkest and the percentage drip loss
      and cooking loss the lowest. When comparing the pure Blue genotype to the pure
      Black genotype, 70% of the muscles had a higher pH(24), 50% of the muscles were
      redder and significantly less saturated in colour, 67% of the muscles had a lower
      percentage drip loss and 50% of the muscles had a lower percentage cooking loss.
      No significant genotypic differences were found regarding the instrumental
      toughness, nor the sensory attributes of the meat.

PMID- 22062766
TI  - The genetic relationship between enzymatic activity of cathepsin B and firmness
      of dry-cured hams.
AB  - This study aimed to investigate the genetic relationship between enzymatic
      activity of raw hams and firmness of dry-cured hams. Instrumental firmness and
      sensory panel firmness scores were obtained from 2058 and 3275 dry-cured hams,
      respectively. On a sub-sample of 988 raw hams for dry-curing, enzymatic activity
      of cathepsin B was determined through a fluorimetric analytical method. A
      multiple-trait animal model was used to estimate heritability and genetic
      correlations of these traits. Estimates of heritability were moderate, ranging
      from 0.11 for sensory panel firmness scores to 0.25 for cathepsin B activity.
      Genetic correlations between firmness measures on dry-cured hams and enzymatic
      activity of raw hams were low. The efficiency of a selection program aimed to
      reduce the incidence of excessive softness in dry-cured hams on the basis of
      enzymatic activity of cathepsin B of raw hams is expected to be very limited.

PMID- 22062767
TI  - Effect of days on concentrate feed on sensory off-flavor score, off-flavor
      descriptor and fatty acid profiles for selected muscles from cull beef cows.
AB  - The effects of short-term realimentation (0, 42 or 84 days) of cull beef cows
      (n=24) and post-mortem aging (10 or 20 days) of selected muscles on sensory off
      flavor score, off-flavor descriptors of m. Gluteus medius (GLM), m. Longissimus
      lumborum (LOL), m. Triceps brachii-long head (LON) and m. Rectus femoris (REF)
      and fatty acid profiles (GLM, LOL and LON) were researched. Post-mortem aging did
      not affect sensory off-flavor detection or the interaction with muscle or
      treatment (P?0.65). Sensory off-flavor scores were lower (P<0.01) for steaks that
      were derived from cull cows fed a concentrate diet for at least 42days. As well,
      the number of samples that had detectable off-flavors decreased (P<0.01) when
      cull cows were fed for 42days. Realimentation did have an effect on fatty acid
      profiles (P<0.05). However, regression analysis showed changes in sensory off
      flavor score were not influenced (P>0.05) by alterations in fatty acid profiles.

PMID- 22062768
TI  - AMP-activated protein kinase is negatively associated with intramuscular fat
      content in longissimus dorsi muscle of beef cattle.
AB  - Marbling, or intramuscular fat, is an important factor in meat quality. As a key
      regulator of lipid metabolism, AMP activated protein kinase (AMPK) may be
      associated with intramuscular fat accumulation. Our objective was to evaluate the
      relationship among AMPK and its associated signaling mediators, with marbling and
      lean growth in beef cattle. Steers with high intramuscular fat content (High IMF,
      5.71+/-0.36%, n=5) and low intramuscular fat content (Low IMF, 2.09+/-0.19%, n=5)
      were selected. High IMF was associated with increased tenderness (P<0.05) and
      backfat thickness (P<0.01). Muscle weights were higher in Low compared to High
      IMF (P<0.05). High IMF steers had a reduced AMPK activity (P<0.01), reduced
      acetyl-CoA carboxylase phosphorylation (P<0.05), and reduced total mTOR (P=0.02)
      content. Data provide evidence that AMPK is involved in IMF deposition in beef
      cattle.

PMID- 22062769
TI  - Allelic polymorphism of the caprine calpastatin (CAST) gene identified by PCR
      SSCP.
AB  - Calpastatin (CAST) specifically inhibits calpains and there is evidence that it
      plays a role in meat tenderization and myogenesis. Although the CAST gene has
      been extensively investigated in sheep and cattle, no studies have been reported
      in goats. In this study, a fragment of caprine CAST was analyzed using PCR-SSCP
      analysis. Seven novel SSCP patterns, representing seven different nucleotide
      sequences, were identified. All the sequences shared high homology with the
      published ovine and bovine CAST sequences. Sequence analysis revealed non
      synonymous amino acid variation in exon 6, which would result in a Ser/Arg
      substitution in domain L of the protein. Considerable variation was detected in
      an intron region close to the acceptor splice site, with both sequence variation
      and length variation being observed in this region. Variation detected here might
      have an impact on both the function and expression of caprine CAST.

PMID- 22062770
TI  - Genomic imbalances in endometrial adenocarcinomas - comparison of DNA ploidy,
      karyotyping and comparative genomic hybridization.
AB  - DNA ploidy analysis is useful for prognostication in cancer patients, but the
      genomic details underlying ploidy changes are not fully understood. To improve
      this understanding, we compared DNA ploidy status with karyotypic and comparative
      genomic hybridization data on 51 endometrial adenocarcinomas. Out of 34 DNA
      diploid tumors evaluated by CGH, 16 (47%) showed imbalances, though only two had
      more than four copy number changes. Ten (29%) had aberrations involving
      chromosome 1, seven (21%) involving chromosome 10, while one tumor had a
      chromosome 8 aberration. Four of the seven DNA tetraploid tumors (57%) had
      imbalances detected by CGH with two (29%) having more than four. Six out of eight
      DNA aneuploid tumors showed imbalances by CGH, with five (63%) having more than
      four. The aberrations were observed on chromosomes 1 and 8 in five/eight (63%)
      cases while four imbalances (50%) involved chromosomes 5, 7 and X. Not
      surprisingly, we observed a significant correlation between increasing DNA ploidy
      complexity and increasing number of copy alterations. Gains of material from
      chromosomes 8 and 7 might be specifically correlated to DNA aneuploidy in
      endometrial adenocarcinomas since 63% and 50% of the aneuploid compared to 3% of
      the diploid tumors showed imbalances involving these chromosomes.

PMID- 22062771
TI  - Increased efficiency of the GABAA and GABAB receptor-mediated neurotransmission
      in the Ts65Dn mouse model of Down syndrome.
AB  - Cognitive impairment in Down syndrome (DS) involves the hippocampus. In the
      Ts65Dn mouse model of DS, deficits in hippocampus-dependent learning and synaptic
      plasticity were linked to enhanced inhibition. However, the mechanistic basis of
      changes in inhibitory efficiency remains largely unexplored, and efficiency of
      the GABAergic synaptic neurotransmission has not yet been investigated in direct
      electrophysiological experiments. To investigate this important feature of
      neurobiology of DS, we examined synaptic and molecular properties of the
      GABAergic system in the dentate gyrus (DG) of adult Ts65Dn mice. Both GABAA and
      GABAB receptor-mediated components of evoked inhibitory postsynaptic currents
      (IPSCs) were significantly increased in Ts65Dn vs. control (2N) DG granule cells.
      These changes were unaccompanied by alterations in hippocampal levels of GABAA
      (alpha1, alpha2, alpha3, alpha5 and gamma2) or GABAB (Gbr1a and Gbr1b) receptor
      subunits. Immunoreactivity for GAD65, a marker for GABAergic terminals, was also
      unchanged. In contrast, there was a marked change in functional parameters of
      GABAergic synapses. Paired stimulations showed reduced paired-pulse ratios of
      both GABAA and GABAB receptor-mediated IPSC components (IPSC2/IPSC1), suggesting
      an increase in presynaptic release of GABA. Consistent with increased gene dose,
      the level of the Kir3.2 subunit of potassium channels, effectors for postsynaptic
      GABAB receptors, was increased. This change was associated with enhanced
      postsynaptic GABAB/Kir3.2 signaling following application of the GABAB receptor
      agonist baclofen. Thus, both GABAA and GABAB receptor-mediated synaptic
      efficiency is increased in the Ts65Dn DG, thus likely contributing to deficient
      synaptic plasticity and poor learning in DS.

PMID- 22062772
TI  - Synaptic dysfunction in progranulin-deficient mice.
AB  - Progranulin haploinsufficiency is a common cause of familial frontotemporal
      dementia (FTD), but the role of progranulin in the brain is poorly understood. To
      investigate the role of murine progranulin (Grn) in the CNS in vivo, we generated
      mice targeted at the progranulin locus (Grn) using a gene-trap vector.
      Constitutive progranulin knockout mice (GrnKO) show moderate abnormalities in
      anxiety-related behaviors, social interactions, motor coordination, and novel
      object recognition at 8months of age, many of which differ between males and
      females. Analysis of synaptic transmission in 10-12 month old GrnKO male mice
      indicates altered synaptic connectivity and impaired synaptic plasticity.
      Additionally, apical dendrites in pyramidal cells in the CA1 region of the
      hippocampus in GrnKO males display an altered morphology and have significantly
      decreased spine density compared to wild-type (WT) mice. The observed changes in
      behavior, synaptic transmission, and neuronal morphology in GrnKO mice occur
      prior to neuropathological abnormalities, most of which are apparent at 18 but
      not at 8 months of age. We conclude that progranulin deficiency leads to reduced
      synaptic connectivity and impaired plasticity, which may contribute to FTD
      pathology in human patients.

PMID- 22062773
TI  - CD8-positive primary cutaneous peripheral T-cell lymphoma, unspecified.

PMID- 22062774
TI  - Informed consent for cataract surgery: patient understanding of verbal, written,
      and videotaped information.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the effectiveness of verbal, written, and videotaped
      descriptions of cataract surgery on patients' understanding of the risks,
      benefits, and treatment alternatives. SETTING: Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare
      System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA. DESIGN: Randomized prospective study.
      METHODS: Patients eligible for cataract surgery were randomized into 1 of 4 arms
      of the informed consent process as follows: Group 1, conventional verbal
      information; Group 2, conventional verbal information plus second-grade reading
      level brochure; Group 3, conventional verbal information plus eighth-grade
      reading level brochure; Group 4, conventional verbal information plus American
      Academy of Ophthalmology DVD Understanding Cataract Surgery: Patient Education
      DVD Featuring an Aid to Informed Consent. After the informed consent process,
      patients in each group completed a 12-question questionnaire discussing the
      surgical procedure, its benefits, its foreseeable and unforeseeable risks, and
      the alternatives to cataract surgery. Scores in each group were calculated as the
      number of correct responses out of 12 questions. RESULTS: Patients in Group 2
      (mean score 10.8 +/- 1.29 [SD]) and Group 4 (mean score 10.56 +/- 1.44) scored
      significantly higher than patients in Group 1 (mean score 7.68 +/- 2.80) or Group
      3 (mean score 9.08 +/- 1.60). Previous cataract surgery and education level had
      no significant influence on recall of the informed-consent process. CONCLUSIONS:
      Concise informed consent information sheets at lower reading grade levels and
      videotape presentation optimized patient understanding of the risks, benefits,
      and treatment alternatives to cataract surgery. The cost-benefit of these results
      is important because better patient understanding has the potential to decrease
      the risk for indemnity payments awarded because of inadequate informed consent.

PMID- 22062775
TI  - Triplets, radical cations and neutral semiquinone radicals of lumiflavin and
      riboflavin: an overhaul of previous pump-probe data and new multichannel absolute
      absorption spectra.
AB  - Though long-lived transient photoproducts of flavins have received much attention
      over the last five decades, their spectroscopic characterization remains
      rudimentary and altogether inconclusive. Lumiflavin and riboflavin have therefore
      been reexamined, using nanosecond laser photolysis and multichannel detection
      over a wide spectral range (230-900 nm); differential absorption spectra of
      flavin solutions in aqueous buffer at neutral pH have been recorded; radical
      cations and semiquinone radicals were generated by quenching the triplets with C
      (NO(2))(4) (electron acceptor) and NO(2)(-) (electron donor), respectively. The
      problem of estimating the extent of ground state depletion after a single flash
      has been solved by developing a new strategy that provides reliable lower and
      upper bounds for the depletion (and for the molar absorption coefficients of the
      transient species of interest). The spectra of the neutral radicals and triplets
      of the two flavins are almost identical, but those of the two cations are not.

PMID- 22062776
TI  - Far infrared ray irradiation attenuates apoptosis and cell death of cultured
      keratinocytes stressed by dehydration.
AB  - Far infrared (FIR) irradiation has been widely applied in health promotion. The
      aims of this study were to investigate the protective effect of FIR irradiation
      on stressed keratinocytes and the signaling pathways involved. HaCaT was
      subjected to sorbitol dehydration with or without 40min pretreatment with FIR
      radiation 4h earlier. Western blots of cell lysates were analyzed for caspase-3,
      HO-1, BCL2, Bax, ERK, and Akt. The incidence of apoptosis was also assessed by
      TUNEL staining. Evaluation of cell viability was determined using MTT. mRNAs were
      extracted and compared using Illumina Human Ref-8 v2 BeadChips. Hyperosomotic
      injury of HaCaT cells caused by sorbitol resulted in increased cleaved caspase-3
      expression and this effect was decreased by FIR pretreatment; these findings were
      confirmed by TUNEL staining and MTT tests. Pre-treatment with FIR irradiation
      before sorbitol-induced dehydration significantly upregulated phosphorylated Akt
      (p-Akt) levels and A6730, an Akt kinase inhibitor (5MUM), attenuated the
      protective effect of FIR irradiation. A microarray study showed FIR irradiation
      had far less effect at the transcriptional level. FIR pretreatment attenuates
      apoptosis and cell death in dehydration-stressed cultured keratinocytes through
      the PI-3K/Akt pathway, this protective effect of FIR irradiation is not at the
      transcriptional level.

PMID- 22062777
TI  - Quality properties of sausage made with gamma-irradiated natural pork and lamb
      casing.
AB  - Quality properties in emulsion-type sausage stuffed into irradiated natural
      casing were studied. Fresh salted and semidried natural pork and lamb casing was
      washed and irradiated at 0, 3, and 5 kGy by gamma-ray and emulsion-type pork
      sausage (Brattella Weiss Wurst) was manufactured. The sausage was stored in a 4
      degrees C refrigerator. The numbers of total aerobic bacteria, Enterococcus and
      coliform bacteria in the irradiated natural casing or sausage prepared from
      irradiated casing were significantly decreased or eliminated compared to those of
      the nonirradiated control. The D(10) values of total aerobic bacteria of the pork
      and lamb casing were 0.87 and 0.92 kGy, respectively. The vacuum-packaged
      sausages made with irradiated casings had a higher 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive
      substances value than that of the nonirradiated controls only at 5-day with pork
      casing and at 10-day with lamb casing. The total working force for shear of the
      sausages was decreased in both irradiated casings but the sensory evaluation
      showed no difference. Therefore, the gamma irradiation was a useful technique to
      sanitize the natural pork and lamb casings and to extend shelf-life, primarily
      microbial quality, of the sausage made with natural casings.

PMID- 22062778
TI  - Sensory and chemical analysis of cooked porcine meat patties in relation to
      warmed-over flavour and pre-slaughter stress.
AB  - Two independent sensory profiles were carried out to evaluate warmed-over flavour
      (WOF) development in cooked, chill-stored and reheated pork patties. The patties
      were derived from the Musculus semimembranosus of animals subjected to different
      pre-slaughter stress treatments. All patties were stored in oxygen permeable bags
      at 4 degrees C for 0, 1, 2, 3 and 5 days to facilitate WOF development. In
      addition, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), conjugated dienes, pH,
      water content, total lipids and the fatty acid compositions of phosphatidyl
      choline (PC), phosphatidyl ethanolamine (PE) and total lipids, were measured in
      the cooked meat patties. A data analytical strategy involving Analysis of
      Variance-Partial Least Squares Regression (ANOVA-PLSR), to determine
      relationships between the design variables (WOF and pre-slaughter stress) and the
      sensory-chemical data, and PLSR to elucidate predictive links between the sensory
      and chemical data was utilised. WOF was found to involve the development of lipid
      oxidation derived nuance off-flavour and odour notes, e.g. rancid-like flavour
      and linseed oil-like odour, in association with a concurrent decrease in cooked
      pork meat-like flavour. The reduction in "meatiness", over the initial days, 0-2
      of WOF development was attributed to the degradation of both, unstable sulfur
      containing amino acids in meat proteins and sulfur-containing "meaty" aroma
      compounds. Whereas, at the later days, 3-5 of WOF development the "meaty" loss
      was ascribed to perceptual masking by lipid oxidation products. TBARS and
      conjugated dienes were found to be significant (P<0.05) predictors of the sensory
      terms related to the lipid oxidation aspect of WOF. Whilst the polyunsaturated
      fatty acid (PUFAs) contents of PE, PC and the total lipids were found to decrease
      with WOF development, reflecting their loss in lipid oxidation reactions. The
      sensory variation related to pre-slaughter stress appeared to be distinct from
      WOF variation and was described by a sour to sweet taste continuum. However,
      interactions were noted that indicated increasing pre-slaughter stress resulted
      in a decreased sensory perception of WOF. Moreover, pH and water content were
      found to significantly (P<0.05) predict the sensory effects resulting from pre
      slaughter stress.

PMID- 22062779
TI  - Effect of replacing pork backfat with pre-emulsified olive oil on lipid fraction
      and sensory quality of Chorizo de Pamplona - a traditional Spanish fermented
      sausage.
AB  - Six treatments of Chorizo de Pamplona, traditional Spanish fermented sausage,
      were manufactured under usual commercial conditions by replacing 0, 10, 15, 20,
      25 and 30% of pork backfat by pre-emulsified olive oil with soy protein isolate.
      Sausages with 20-30% replacing level had higher (P<0.05) protein content than
      control as a result of the addition of soy protein isolate. The oleic acid
      increased (P<0.05) in sausages with 15-30% replacing level, and linoleic acid
      increased in sausages with 10-25%. Sausages with 10-25% of substitution had lower
      total SFA-stearic and higher (P<0.05) total MUFA, total PUFA, (MUFA+PUFA)/(SFA
      stearic), and PUFA/(SFA-stearic). Cholesterol content showed reduction about 12
      13% in sausages with 20-25% replacing level, and up to 22% in sausages with 30%
      replacing level. Sausages with 10-25% of substitution were acceptable from the
      sensorial point of view. The texture and colour instrumental measures were
      comparable with that of commercial products. No increments in hexanal content
      were observed. It is concluded that up to 25% of pork backfat can be replaced
      with pre-emulsified olive oil in the production of Chorizo de Pamplona fermented
      sausages. Higher replacing levels of pork backfat did not show nutritional
      advantages in relation to the fatty acid profile and were unacceptable due to
      considerable dripping of fat during ripening.

PMID- 22062780
TI  - Meat cut and injection level affects the tenderness and cook yield of processed
      roast beef.
AB  - The effect of muscle cut used and brine injection level on the processing
      characteristics of small pre-cooked roast beef was determined. Meat cuts (inside,
      outside, eye of round, knuckle, clod, chuck roll and brisket) were cut into small
      roasts (750 g) and injected at three levels (110, 125 and 150% over raw roast
      weight) with a non-injected control. Muscle cuts from the chuck can be used to
      successfully manufacture cooked mini roast beef. However, the use of small roasts
      resulted in cook yields that are considerably less than what was expected with
      large intact muscle roasts. Some variation in tenderness between the muscles was
      seen, but when muscles were injected there was a significant increase in
      tenderness and a reduction in the variability in tenderness within the muscle.
      Roasts injected to 125% above green weight resulted in the highest cook yields.

PMID- 22062781
TI  - Effect of starter culture and storage temperature on the content of biogenic
      amines in dry fermented sausage polican.
AB  - Water activity, pH, microbial counts (total counts/TCM/, coliforms, Enterobacter,
      Proteus, Pseudomonas, Escherichia and Lactobacillus spp., respectively), and
      seven biogenic amines (BA) were determined in dry fermented sausage 'polican'
      produced using starter culture A (Lactobacillus sakei, Staphylococcus carnosus,
      S. xylosus) or B (L. sakei, S. carnosus, Pediococcus pentosaceus), ripened 42
      days, and subsequently stored at 8 or 22 degrees C 60 days. Counts of
      lactobacilli were higher and TCM lower in the A-sausage when ripening was
      finished. Tyramine (quantitatively most important BA) content was not different
      (P>0.05) in A- (90 mg/kg of dry matter, DM) or B-sausage (91 mg/kg DM) at the end
      of ripening. The effect of the storage temperature on BA content was not
      significant (P>0.05) in the case of either tyramine or any other tested BA. The
      increase of total BA content during ripening was not different (P>0.05) between A
      and B-sausages (final value 190 and 222 mg/kg DM, respectively). However, sum of
      BA was significantly higher (P<0.05) in B-sausage as compared with A-sausage at
      the end of either refrigerated storage (304 and 236 mg/kg DM) or room temperature
      storage (468 and 206 mg/kg DM, respectively). It is concluded that legislative
      limits should be established for tyramine and total BA content in dry fermented
      meat products.

PMID- 22062782
TI  - Meat quality of mixed sex lambs grazing pasture and supplemented with, roughage,
      oats or oats and sunflower meal.
AB  - The meat quality of 8-9-month-old cryptorchid, wether and ewe lambs (Poll
      Dorset*Border Leicester*Merino) was assessed. These lambs were grazed over summer
      and autumn from weaning (November) on lucerne (Medicago sativa) or
      ryegrass/clover (Lolium rigidum/trifolium subterranean) pasture at two locations
      (A or B). After 72 days lambs grazed on lucerne were supplemented with either ad
      lib clover hay or clover silage. Those grazed on the ryegrass/clover pasture were
      supplemented from weaning with either oat grain (400-600 g/h day and clover hay
      ad lib) or oat grain (200-400 g/h day) plus sunflower seed meal (200 g/h day) and
      clover hay ad lib. Lambs were slaughtered in April and May after they reached 48
      kg liveweight. Lambs supplemented solely with roughage produced muscle (m.
      longissimus thoracis et lumborum; LTL) with a higher (P<0.05) pH, but there was
      no effect of nutrition or sex on meat colour or tenderness. Slaughter day
      affected tenderness of the topside (m. semimembranosus). Assessment of aroma,
      flavour and acceptability was undertaken on the m. biceps femoris from wether and
      cryptorchid lambs using an experienced taste panel. There was no clear effect of
      sex or nutrition on the assessment of the sensory attributes. However, panellists
      considered meat from cryptorchid lambs fed the oats/sunflower supplement and
      grazed at location B, to have a stronger aroma and flavour (P<0.05) and in some
      cases to be less acceptable than meat from other combinations of sex, diet and
      location. The most acceptable meat came from lambs supplemented with oats,
      irrespective of sex or location. As such, these effects could not be attributed
      solely to either the diet or sex, but suggest there are conditions where meat
      from cryptorchids can be less acceptable.

PMID- 22062783
TI  - Skatole and indole concentrations in Longissimus dorsi and fat samples of pigs.
AB  - A HPLC-NP (normal phase-high performance liquid chromatography) method for
      determining the concentration of skatole and indole in Longissimus dorsi samples
      is described. Lipids containing skatole and indole were extracted in
      chloroform:methanol (2:1) at room temperature and dehydrated by liquid-liquid
      extraction with an aqueous solution saturated with 10% of sodium chloride. The
      organic phase was evaporated to dryness and redissolved in 10 ml of hexane:2
      propanol (92:8). Indolic compounds were separated on a Hypersil aminopropylsilica
      column (5 MUm) (250*4.6 mm i.d.). The mobile phase was hexane:2-propanol (92:8)
      and detection was by fluorescence (excitation at 280 nm and emission at 360 nm).
      Linearity was found in the range of 0.05-0.4 MUg/g and the coefficient of
      correlation was above 0.99 for both compounds. The within day (n=5) variation was
      at 0.05, 0.2 and 0.4 MUg/g and the CV (coefficient of variation) values for
      relative areas determined at these concentrations were less than 13%. This method
      was used to compare the concentrations of skatole and indole in different
      samples: L. dorsi muscle, the fat covering the L. dorsi and subcutaneous fat. A
      correlation was observed between the concentration of indole and skatole in the
      back fat and fat covering the L. dorsi samples (P<0.001, r=0.99). No significant
      correlation was obtained in L. dorsi samples, between skatole and indole levels.
      In spite of the correlation shown between skatole and indole concentrations in
      the back fat and L. dorsi samples, the mean concentrations of these compounds
      were significantly higher (P<0.05) in the back fat samples.

PMID- 22062784
TI  - The effect of ultra-rapid chilling and subsequent ageing on the
      calpain/calpastatin system and myofibrillar degradation in lamb M. longissimus
      thoracis et lumborum.
AB  - The effect of ultra-rapid chilling (-20 degrees C) on the proteolytic degradation
      of myofibrillar proteins during ageing, by the calpain/calpastatin system in lamb
      was investigated. Carcasses (36) were ultra-rapidly chilled (-20 degrees C for
      3.5 h followed by 20.5 h at +4 degrees C) or chilling at +4 degrees C for 24 h.
      After chilling all carcasses were stored at +4 degrees C for a further 4 days.
      Samples of M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum were taken for Warner-Bratzler
      shear force measurement, sarcomere length, SDS-PAGE and enzyme activity analysis.
      Ultra-rapid chilling (-20 degrees C) had no effect on the proteolytic degradation
      of myofibrillar proteins by the calpain/calpastatin system compared to
      conventional chilling (+4 degrees C). However, no difference in tenderness was
      found between the two chilling regimes at 1 or 5 days postmortem so differences
      in myofibrillar degradation or enzyme activity would not be expected.

PMID- 22062785
TI  - Impact of introducing specifications on the tenderness of retail meat.
AB  - Over a 3-year period (1997-1999), the shear force of 4371 retail beef, lamb and
      pork midloin samples collected from 363 retail outlets were tested using a MIRINZ
      tenderometer. Information about aging time, processor and retail chain was
      recorded. Consumers (n=2313) were also surveyed on their perception of the
      tenderness of beef and lamb midloin samples with known shear force. The results
      validated that shear force, as measured by the MIRINZ tenderometer, could be used
      to create instrumental tenderness categories which reflected consumer perceptions
      of tenderness. Over the 3-year sampling period, the shear force of beef and lamb
      decreased by 21.9 and 17.2%, respectively, and there was a consistent decrease in
      the number of 'tough' samples. The improvement in tenderness coincided with the
      introduction of a Quality Mark program in 1997 for beef and lamb and 3 years of
      implementation by auditing. The Quality Mark program sets specifications for the
      quality of retail meat in New Zealand and guidelines to achieve these
      specifications. In comparison to retail beef and lamb, the shear force of retail
      pork decreased marginally by 7.9%. Furthermore, the decrease in the number of
      'tough' pork samples was not consistent over the testing period. Analysis of
      these data showed that for all three meats a considerable improvement in
      tenderness can be achieved by adopting a minimum post-slaughter aging time and
      optimizing the processing conditions.

PMID- 22062786
TI  - Evaluation of carbon monoxide treatment in modified atmosphere packaging or
      vacuum packaging to increase color stability of fresh beef.
AB  - Our goal was to obtain > 21 days red color stability for carbon monoxide (CO)
      treated beef steaks in vacuum packaging (VP). In preliminary tests, pretreatment
      for 24 h in a 5% CO modified atmosphere package (MAP) was needed to maintain
      redness after re-packaging in VP. Pressure pretreatment with 5% CO for 2 h
      developed redness, but was impractical for large-scale application. Color
      stability and microbial load were then compared after treatment of steaks in 5%
      CO-MAP for 24 h, then VP; 100% CO-MAP for 1 h, then VP; steaks and ground beef in
      0.5% CO-MAP; and steaks and ground beef in polyvinyl chloride (PVC) wrap. Steaks
      remained red for 5, 6, 8 and <1-week storage at 2 degrees C, respectively. Steaks
      microbial load exceeded spoilage levels (>10(6)cfu/cm(2)) at 5, 6, 7 and <2
      weeks, respectively. Thus, extended color stability in VP was achieved by
      pretreatment with 5% CO for 24 h or 100% CO for 1 h.

PMID- 22062787
TI  - Fatty acid composition of adipose depots of suckling lambs raised under different
      production systems.
AB  - Forty-nine male Talaverana-breed suckling lambs slaughtered at 14 kg live weight
      were used to study the fatty acid composition of adipose depots of lambs raised
      under different management systems (pasture or drylot) and diets (maternal milk
      with or without a concentrate supplement). Drylot lambs displayed a higher
      fatness score, in addition to greater dorsal fat thickness; these parameters
      corresponded with a greater percentage of total fat at dissection. Addition of
      concentrate to the diet did not modify carcass fatness. Drylot lambs presented
      higher proportions of oleic acid (C18:1) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA)
      and lower linolenic acid (C18:3) values in subcutaneous and intramuscular fat
      (muscle longissimus thoracis). The subcutaneous fat of these lambs thus displayed
      a higher n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio (C18:2/C18:3) than that of pasture-raised ones.
      Concentrate in the diet of both pasture and drylot lambs resulted in higher
      linoleic fatty acid (C18:2) and PUFA values and a greater PUFA/SFA ratio in
      intramuscular fat than the corresponding values of lambs which consumed maternal
      milk alone. Loin displayed a higher percentage of subcutaneous and intramuscular
      chemical fat than leg. Compared with intramuscular leg fat (muscle quadriceps
      femoris), intramuscular loin fat (muscle longissimus thoracis) had lower oleic
      acid (C18:1) and MUFA values, higher PUFA values and a higher PUFA/SFA ratio, due
      to greater linolenic acid (C18:3) levels.

PMID- 22062788
TI  - Comparison of meat quality characteristics between young and old ostriches.
AB  - Comparison of CIELAB colour values of the m. iliofibularis derived from 14 month
      old and 8 year old ostriches have indicated that an increase in age is
      accompanied with a significant (P<0.001) reduction in reflectance (L*) and a
      signiffcant increase in both a* (P<0.001) and b* (P<0.05) values, the meat thus
      becoming darker and redder with increased age. Comparison with results found in
      scientific literature suggest that, similar to other species, toughness also
      increases with age. Warner Bratzler values of the older ostriches were also
      higher than published results of 14 month old birds (4.44 kg/1.27 cm dia vs. 5.26
      kg/1.27 cm dia). Intramuscular fatty acid composition and content of the older
      ostriches did not suggest any large variations compared with published results
      for younger (14 month old) ostriches.

PMID- 22062790
TI  - From the Editor's Perspective.... Suggestions to regain a healthy work-life
      balance.

PMID- 22062791
TI  - Portal vein aneurysm: a rare occurrence.
AB  - Portal vein aneurysms (PVA) are a rare vascular anomaly of the portal system,
      representing fewer than 3% of all venous aneurysms, with only 150 known cases
      since first reported in l956 by Barzilai and Kleckner. PVA can be divided into 2
      categories: extrahepatic and intrahepatic with acquired and congenital
      etiologies. Bimodal treatment includes medical and surgical approaches. With
      increased use of noninvasive radiological imaging, PVA will be increasingly
      recognized in the practice of vascular surgery.

PMID- 22062792
TI  - Misdiagnosing aortic dissection: a fatal mistake.
AB  - Acute aortic dissection is one of the most fatal cardiovascular disorders that
      can challenge the most experienced practitioner. Despite recent progress in
      diagnostic tools, this vascular catastrophe is often misdiagnosed or undetected
      which can result in a 1%-3% mortality risk per hour. Many patients die before
      presenting to the hospital or prior to diagnosis. Therefore, a high index of
      clinical suspicion is critical to reach the correct diagnosis, if proper
      management is to be achieved. Clinical predictors for aortic dissection include
      abrupt chest pain or back pain, pulse and blood pressure differentials, and a
      radiographic widening of the mediastinum. A clear understanding of the
      pathophysiology and risk factors associated with aortic dissection is the
      cornerstone of prompt diagnosis and treatment. This paper will provide an
      overview of the etiology, pathology, clinical presentation, diagnosis and
      treatment of this condition.

PMID- 22062793
TI  - Peripheral arterial disease: application of the chronic care model.
AB  - Management of chronic diseases is one of the greatest challenges facing health
      care professionals globally. With the aging population increasing worldwide, the
      number of patients afflicted with chronic diseases will increase. Peripheral
      Arterial Disease (PAD) is a common, chronic atherosclerotic vascular disease that
      is associated with a high risk of stroke, myocardial infarction and
      cardiovascular death. The objective of this study was to determine if a
      multidisciplinary Vascular Risk Management Clinic (VRMC) would improve risk
      factor management and health outcomes for patients with PAD with poorly
      controlled risk factors. A multidisciplinary VRMC was established utilizing a
      novel application of the Chronic Care Model to meet the needs of PAD patients.
      Interventions included optimization of medical therapy, investigations for
      undiagnosed atherosclerosis in other vascular distributions, smoking cessation
      therapy, dietary assessment and counseling, and active involvement of patients in
      evaluating progress towards their risk factor target goals. Assessment of risk
      factor control was done at each clinic visit and included measures of symptom
      severity, blood pressure, fasting blood sugar (FBS), lipid profile, body mass
      index (BMI), and smoking status. Analysis of risk factors was performed for the
      first 103 patients followed in the clinic. Average follow-up time was 528 days,
      and statistically significant improvements were seen in blood pressure, LDL, HDL,
      total cholesterol (TC), and TC/HDL ratio, while BMI, FBS, and triglycerides
      remained stable. Participation in a specialized vascular risk management clinic
      resulted in significant improvement in risk factors for disease progression
      compared to baseline status.

PMID- 22062794
TI  - Got PAD? Hidden dangers revealed with ABI.
AB  - Peripheral artery disease (PAD), a result of atherosclerotic vascular changes to
      the endothelial lining of blood vessels, affects 8-12 million Americans and
      increases the risk of mortality as much as 50% from heart attacks and strokes.
      Early diagnosis and treatment of PAD along with early risk-reduction strategies
      have the potential to decrease societal health costs, as well as morbidity and
      mortality. PAD through screening with ankle brachial index (ABI), versus relying
      on existing physical exam and screening questionnaires, can increase the number
      of participants correctly diagnosed with PAD and lead to earlier treatment
      options. ABI screening was implemented in a primary care practice setting;
      outcomes were compared with historical rates and outcomes for participants at
      risk who declined ABI. Authors concluded that the participants who had ABI
      screenings that included arterial waveform analysis had a 78% rate of PAD
      diagnosis, whereas only 13% of the participants who did not elect ABI screening
      were diagnosed with PAD based on their symptoms and physical exam. Use of ABI
      screening led to increased frequency and awareness of PAD diagnosis and the
      opportunity for early intervention.

PMID- 22062795
TI  - Prevalence, characteristics, and predictors of pulmonary vein narrowing after
      isolation using the pulmonary vein ablation catheter.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The risk of pulmonary vein narrowing (PVN) after pulmonary vein
      isolation, using a novel multi-electrode ablation catheter, is unknown. METHODS
      AND RESULTS: Left atrial volume and PV diameters were compared by computed
      tomography (CT) before and 3 months after pulmonary vein isolation using duty
      cycled phased radio frequency energy (2:1 or 4:1 bipolar/unipolar ratio) in 50
      patients. Pulmonary vein diameter was measured in a coronal and axial view at 3
      levels (A, ostium; B, 1 cm more distal; C, 2 cm more distal). Moderate PVN was
      defined as a pulmonary vein diameter reduction of 25 to 50%, and severe PVN as
      >50%. Left atrial volume decreased by 12+/-12% (P<0.01). Axial pulmonary vein
      diameter shortened by a median of 16% (interquartile range [IQR] 28 to 5%), 13%
      (IQR 25 to 5%), and 9% (IQR 21 to -3%) at level A, B, and C, respectively (P<0.01
      for all); coronal pulmonary vein diameter decreased by a median of 16% (IQR 24 to
      7%), 11% (IQR 21 to 4%), and 8% (IQR 18 to -2%; P<0.01 for all). Moderate PVN
      occurred in 30% of the PVs, in 78% of the patients; severe PVN occurred in 4% of
      the PVs, in 15% of the patients. PV diameter reduction was not related to changes
      in left atrial volume. CONCLUSIONS: Isolation of the pulmonary veins using a
      multielectrode ablation catheter and duty cycled phased radiofrequency energy
      delivery results in a consistent moderate reduction of the PV diameters
      predominantly at the ostium. Severe PVN in 15% of patients raises concerns about
      the risk for clinical PV stenosis.

PMID- 22062796
TI  - Endocardial left ventricular pacing improves cardiac resynchronization therapy in
      chronic asynchronous infarction and heart failure models.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Studies in canine hearts with acute left bundle branch block (LBBB)
      showed that endocardial left ventricular (LV) pacing improves the efficacy of
      cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) compared with conventional epicardial LV
      pacing. The present study explores the efficacy of endocardial CRT in more
      compromised hearts and the mechanisms of such beneficial effects. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: Measurements were performed in 22 dogs, 9 with acute LBBB, 7 with
      chronic LBBB combined with infarction (embolization; LBBB plus myocardial
      infarction, and concentric remodeling), and 6 with chronic LBBB and heart failure
      (rapid pacing, LBBB+HF, and eccentric remodeling). A head-to-head comparison was
      performed of the effects of endocardial and epicardial LV pacing at 8 sites. LV
      activation times were measured using ~100 endocardial and epicardial electrodes
      and noncontact mapping. Pump function was assessed from right ventricular and LV
      pressures. Endocardial CRT resulted in better electric resynchronization than
      epicardial CRT in all models, although the benefit was larger in concentrically
      remodeled LBBB plus myocardial infarction than in eccentrically remodeled LBBB+HF
      hearts (19% versus 10%). In LBBB and LBBB+HF animals, endocardial conduction was
      ~50% faster than epicardial conduction; in all models, transmural impulse
      conduction was ~25% faster when pacing from the endocardium than from the
      epicardium. Hemodynamic effects were congruent with electric effects.
      CONCLUSIONS: Endocardial CRT improves electric synchrony of activation and LV
      pump function compared with conventional epicardial CRT in compromised canine
      LBBB hearts. This benefit can be explained by a shorter path length along the
      endocardium and by faster circumferential and transmural impulse conduction
      during endocardial LV pacing.

PMID- 22062797
TI  - Remote-controlled magnetic navigation and ablation with 3D image integration as
      an alternative approach in patients with intra-atrial baffle anatomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Improvement in outcome of infants born with congenital heart defects
      has been accompanied by an increasing frequency of late arrhythmias. Ablation is
      difficult because of multiple tachycardias in the presence of complex anatomy
      with limited accessibility. We report on remote-controlled ablation using
      magnetic navigation in conjunction with 3D image integration in patients with
      previous intra-atrial baffle procedures. METHODS AND RESULTS: Thirteen patients
      (8 male; age, 30.5+/-8 years) with supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) underwent
      catheter ablation. Group A had a medical history of a Mustard or Senning
      operation, whereas group B had undergone total cavopulmonary connection. A total
      of 26 tachycardias were treated in 17 procedures (median cycle length of 280 ms).
      Group A patients had more inducible SVTs than group B, and all index SVTs were
      located in the remainder of the morphological right atrium in all but 1 patient.
      Retrograde access through the aorta was performed and led to successful ablation,
      using magnetic navigation with a very low total radiation exposure (median of 3.8
      minutes in group A versus 5.9 minutes in group B). Only 1 of 13 patients
      continued to have short-lasting SVTs despite 3 ablation procedures during a
      median follow-up time of >200 days. CONCLUSIONS: Remote-controlled catheter
      ablation by magnetic navigation in combination with accurate 3D image integration
      allowed safe and successful elimination of SVTs, using an exclusively retrograde
      approach, resulting in low radiation exposure for patients after intra-atrial
      baffle procedures (Mustard, Senning, or total cavopulmonary connection).

PMID- 22062798
TI  - Effect of culture density and antioxidants on naupliar production and gene
      expression of the cyclopoid copepod, Paracyclopina nana.
AB  - Although attempts have been made to use mass cultures of marine copepods as live
      foods in marine aquaculture, some limitations such as low density culture still
      exist. The brackish water cyclopoid copepod, Paracyclopina nana has the potential
      for mass culturing as live food. In this study, we not only investigated the
      effect of culture density on the naupliar production and specific gene
      expressions of P. nana, but also the effect of several antioxidants under the
      conditions of a high density culture. The naupliar production of the copepod
      decreased with increasing culture density. The expression of glutathione
      reductase (GR), selenium-dependent glutathione peroxidase (SeGPx), glutathione S
      transferase kappa (GST kappa), heat shock protein 40 (Hsp40), and Hsp70 genes of
      P. nana increased in the high density treatment but vitellogenin genes (Vg1 and
      Vg2) showed downregulation. In the condition with 20 inds./mL, vitamin C had a
      significant decrease but sodium selenite induced the naupliar production of P.
      nana greatly. The expressions of GR, SeGPx, Hsp70, and Vg genes increased with
      the vitamin C treatment. Sodium selenite caused a decrease of SeGPx and Hsp40 but
      GST kappa increased in the treatment with 20 inds./mL. These results suggest that
      sodium selenite is a positive antioxidant which can increase the culture
      efficiency of the copepod.

PMID- 22062799
TI  - Effect of starvation and refeeding on digestive enzyme activities in juvenile
      roach, Rutilus rutilus caspicus.
AB  - We evaluated the effects of starvation and refeeding on digestive enzyme
      activities in juvenile roach, Rutilus rutilus caspicus. Fish were divided into
      four feeding groups (mean mass 1.68 +/- 0.12 g). The control group was fed to
      satiation twice a day throughout the experiment with formulated diet (SFK). The
      other three groups were deprived of feed for 1(S1), 2(S2), and 3(S3) weeks,
      respectively, and then fed to satiation during the refeeding period. The results
      showed that trypsin specific activity was not affected significantly either by
      starvation or refeeding, in all experimental groups. Chymotrypsin specific
      activity did not change significantly in S1 fish during the experimental period.
      In S2 and S3 fish no significant changes were observed during the starvation
      period. Upon refeeding, the activity increased in S2 fish, while it decreased in
      S3 fish. Amylase specific activity decreased significantly during the starvation
      period in all experimental groups. Upon refeeding, the activity increased.
      Alkaline phosphatase specific activity did not change significantly during the
      experiment period in S3 fish, while it showed significant changes during the
      starvation and refeeding period in the S1 and S2 fish. Starvation also had a
      significant effect on the structure of the intestine.

PMID- 22062800
TI  - The physiological ecology of the supratidal amphipod Talorchestia longicornis.
AB  - Physiology, behavior, habitat, and morphology are used to determine the degree of
      adaptation to life on land for amphipod species and systemization within the four
      functional groups of the family talitridae. Talorchestia longicornis is a semi
      terrestrial amphipod found in the supratidal zone of estuaries. The present study
      investigates the physiological adaptations of this species to life on land
      through measurements of osmoregulation and respiration. Over the salinity range
      of 1-400/00, T. longicornis regulated its hemolymph hyperosmotically at low
      salinities and hypoosmotically at high salinities. The isosmotic point was about
      270/00. Analogously, hemolymph chloride levels were well regulated being
      hyperionic at low salinities and hypoionic at high salinities. This species is
      capable of respiration in both air and water. Slopes (b values) of the
      relationship between weight and oxygen uptake rates ranged from 0.316 to 0.590.
      Oxygen uptake rates were higher in air than water and at night versus day. Q(10)
      values were slightly below 2.0 for respiration in air for amphipods, irrespective
      of weight. These physiological adaptations, along with its behaviors, habitat,
      and morphology, place T. longicornis within the Group III sandhoppers of the
      Talitridae.

PMID- 22062801
TI  - Relationship of race/ethnicity and survival after single umbilical cord blood
      transplantation for adults and children with leukemia and myelodysplastic
      syndromes.
AB  - The relationship of race/ethnicity with outcomes of umbilical cord blood
      transplantation (UCBT) is not well known. We analyzed the association between
      race/ethnicity and outcomes of unrelated single UCBT for leukemia and
      myelodysplastic syndromes. Our retrospective cohort study consisted of 885 adults
      and children (612 whites, 145 blacks, and 128 Hispanics) who received unrelated
      single UCBT for leukemia and myelodysplastic syndromes between 1995 and 2006 and
      were reported to the Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant
      Research. A 5-6/6 HLA-matched unit with a total nucleated cell count infused of
      >=2.5 * 10(7)/kg was given to 40% white and 42% Hispanic, but only 21% black
      patients. Overall survival at 2 years was 44% for whites, 34% for blacks, and 46%
      for Hispanics (P = .008). In multivariate analysis adjusting for patient,
      disease, and treatment factors (including HLA match and cell dose), blacks had
      inferior overall survival (relative risk of death, 1.31; P = .02), whereas
      overall survival of Hispanics was similar (relative risk, 1.03; P = .81) to that
      of whites. For all patients, younger age, early-stage disease, use of units with
      higher cell dose, and performance status >=80 were independent predictors of
      improved survival. Black patients and white patients infused with well-matched
      cords had comparable survival; similarly, black and white patients receiving
      units with adequate cell dose had similar survival. These results suggest that
      blacks have inferior survival to whites after single UCBT, but outcomes are
      improved when units with a higher cell dose are used.

PMID- 22062802
TI  - Risk factors for progression from cytomegalovirus viremia to cytomegalovirus
      disease after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
AB  - Cytomegalovirus (CMV) disease is a major cause of infectious complications in
      allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Although patients
      undergoing allo-HSCT receive prophylactic and preemptive treatment for CMV, a
      subset of patients experience clinically significant CMV disease. This study
      investigated the risk factors for progression from CMV viremia to CMV disease
      during or after preemptive therapy in patients undergoing allo-HSCT. Between
      January 2006 and August 2010, 43 patients received preemptive therapy for CMV
      viremia after allo-HSCT. These patients experienced 74 episodes of CMV viremia.
      Nine of the patients (21%) and 12 of the episodes (16%) progressed to CMV
      disease. Univariate analysis identified several risk factors for progression to
      CMV disease, including high initial viral load (P = .020), leukopenia (P = .012),
      and neutropenia (P = .033) at the time of detection of CMV viremia. On
      multivariate analysis, leukopenia remained an independent predictor (hazard
      ratio, 4.347; P = .045). The rate of failure to clear CMV viremia after 1 cycle
      of preemptive therapy was higher in the leukopenia group than in the non
      leukopenia group (60.0% versus 16.9%; P = .002). This indicates that leukopenia
      initially documented with CMV viremia is related to lower viral response to
      preemptive therapy and is a notable risk factor for progression from CMV viremia
      to CMV disease.

PMID- 22062803
TI  - CD3+/Tregs ratio in donor grafts is linked to acute graft-versus-host disease and
      immunologic recovery after allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell transplantation.
AB  - Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), mediated by mature T cells present in the donor
      graft, remains a major complication after allogeneic peripheral blood stem cell
      transplantation (PBSCT). Regulatory T cells (Tregs) (CD4(+)CD25(high)Foxp3(+))
      are believed to maintain tolerance and to inhibit GVHD after allogeneic PBSCT
      (allo-PBSCT). In this study, we analyzed the graft CD3(+)/Tregs ratio (gCD3/Tregs
      R) and evaluated its impact on acute GVHD (aGVHD) and immunologic recovery after
      myeloablative allo-PBSCT. We analyzed 65 consecutive patients who underwent
      transplantation with unmanipulated peripheral blood stem cells from an HLA
      identical related donor (n = 45) or an HLA-identical unrelated donor (n = 20).
      The median CD3(+) and Tregs doses administered were 256 * 10(6)/kg of body weight
      (range, 67-550 * 10(6)/kg) and 12 * 10(6)/kg (range, 2-21 * 10(6)/kg),
      respectively; the median gCD3/Tregs R value was 18 (range, 8-250). Patients were
      subdivided into a high gCD3/Tregs R (>=36) group (HR; n = 26) and a low
      gCD3/Tregs R (<36) group (LR; n = 39). The incidence of aGVHD (grade II-IV) was
      lower in the LR group compared with the HR group (8/39 [20%] versus 22/26 [84%];
      P < .001). Median cytomegalovirus-specific CD8(+) T lymphocytes were
      significantly higher in the LR group than in the HR group at 1 month (2 cells/MUL
      versus 0 cells/MUL; P < .001), 2 months (6 cells/MUL versus 1 cell/MUL; P <
      .001), and 3 months (15 cells/MUL versus 3 cells/MUL; P < .001) months. Moreover,
      cytomegalovirus infection/disease was observed in 15% of patients in the LR group
      versus 69% of patients in the HR group (P < .001). At multivariate logistic
      regression, gCD3/Tregs R was correlated both with aGVHD (odds ratio, 2.50; 95%
      confidence interval, 1.30-4.50; P = .05) and with cytomegalovirus
      infection/disease (odds ratio, 2.35; 95% confidence interval, 0.9-5.00; P = .05).
      Taken together, our data may suggest that the balance in favor of graft Tregs
      content is able to mediate protective effects against aGVHD and to maintain an
      optimal microenviroment for the reconstitution of functional immunity.

PMID- 22062804
TI  - Second autologous stem cell transplantation as salvage therapy for multiple
      myeloma: impact on progression-free and overall survival.
AB  - The role of a second autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT) as salvage therapy is
      unclear, particularly with the availability of novel agents to treat progressive
      multiple myeloma (MM). We retrospectively reviewed all MM patients who received a
      second ASCT as salvage therapy at our center from March 1992 to December 2009.
      Eighty-one MM patients received a second ASCT for relapsed MM. The median time to
      relapse after first transplant was 39 months (9.83-100). All patients received
      reinduction therapy before the second ASCT. The high-dose regimen given before
      the second ASCT consisted of melphalan (MEL) alone in the majority. Complete
      response, very good partial response, and partial response were seen in 7.7%,
      39.7%, and 50%, respectively, at day 100 post-ASCT; the median time to relapse
      after the second ASCT was 19 months. Early deaths occurred in 2.6%. Median
      progression-free survival (PFS) based on the time to myeloma relapse after first
      ASCT was 9.83 months (relapse <= 24 months) and 17.3 months (relapse >= 24
      months) (P < .05). Median overall survival (OS) was 28.47 months (relapse <= 24
      months) and 71.3 months (relapse >24 months) (P = .006). Second ASCT is a
      feasible and safe option for salvage therapy in MM. The best outcome was observed
      in patients whose time to progression was >24 months after first ASCT, as these
      patients had a subsequent PFS lasting over 1 year and an OS of almost 6 years.

PMID- 22062805
TI  - In situ detection of HY-specific T cells in acute graft-versus-host disease
      affected male skin after sex-mismatched stem cell transplantation.
AB  - HY-specific T cells are presumed to play a role in acute graft-versus-host
      disease (aGVHD) after female-to-male stem cell transplantation (SCT). However,
      infiltrates of these T cells in aGVHD-affected tissues have not yet been
      reported. We evaluated the application of HLA-A2/HY dextramers for the in situ
      detection of HY-specific T cells in cryopreserved skin biopsy specimens. We
      applied the HLA-A2/HY dextramers on cryopreserved skin biopsy specimens from
      seven male HLA-A2(+) pediatric patients who underwent stem cell transplantation
      with confirmed aGVHD involving the skin. The dextramers demonstrated the presence
      of HY-specific T cells. In skin biopsy specimens of three male recipients of
      female grafts, 68% to 78% of all skin-infiltrating CD8(+) T cells were HY
      specific, whereas these cells were absent in biopsy specimens collected from sex
      matched patient-donor pairs. Although this study involved a small and
      heterogeneous patient group, our results strongly support the hypothesis that HY
      specific T cells are actively involved in the pathophysiology of aGVHD after sex
      mismatched stem cell transplantation.

PMID- 22062806
TI  - Ginsenoside Rg2 induces orphan nuclear receptor SHP gene expression and
      inactivates GSK3beta via AMP-activated protein kinase to inhibit hepatic glucose
      production in HepG2 cells.
AB  - Panax ginseng is known to have anti-diabetic activity, but the active ingredients
      have not been fully explored yet. Here, we test whether ginsenoside Rg2 has an
      inhibitory effect on hepatic glucose production and determine its mechanism of
      action. Rg2 significantly inhibits hepatic glucose production and induces
      phosphorylations of liver kinase B1 (LKB1), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)
      and glycogen synthase kinase 3beta (GSK3beta) in time- and concentration
      dependent manners in human HepG2 hepatoma cells, and these effects were abolished
      in the presence of compound C, a selective AMPK inhibitor. In addition,
      phosphorylated form of cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB), a key
      transcription factor for hepatic gluconeogenesis, was decreased in time- and
      concentration-dependent manners. Next, gene expression of orphan nuclear receptor
      small heterodimer partner (SHP) was also examined. Rg2 markedly enhanced the gene
      expression of SHP and its direct interaction with CREB, which results in
      disruption of CREB.CRTC2 complex. Consequently, expressions of relevant genes
      such as peroxisome proliferation-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1alpha (PGC
      1alpha), phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and glucose-6-phosphatase
      (G6Pase) were all significantly suppressed and these effects were also reversed
      in the presence of compound C. In conclusion, our results propose that
      ginsenoside Rg2 suppresses the hepatic glucose production via AMPK-induced
      phosphorylation of GSK3beta and induction of SHP gene expression. Further studies
      are warranted to elucidate a therapeutic potential of Rg2 for type 2 diabetic
      patients.

PMID- 22062807
TI  - Occurrence and prevalence of seven bee viruses in Apis mellifera and Apis cerana
      apiaries in China.
AB  - Populations of Apis mellifera and Apis cerana in China were surveyed for seven
      bee viruses: acute bee paralysis virus (ABPV), black queen cell virus (BQCV),
      chronic bee paralysis virus (CBPV), deformed wing virus (DWV), Kashmir bee virus
      (KBV), sacbrood virus (SBV), and Isreal acute paralysis virus (IAPV). No KBV was
      detected from any samples of the two species. In A. mellifera, DWV was the most
      prevalent virus, but in A. cerana, SBV was the dominant. Simultaneous multiple
      infections of viruses were common in both species. This is the first report of
      detection of IAPV and CBPV in A. cerana.

PMID- 22062808
TI  - Non-destructive estimation of the intramuscular fat content of the longissimus
      muscle of pigs by means of spectral analysis of ultrasound echo signals.
AB  - The eating quality of porcine meat is supposed to increase with increasing
      intramuscular fat content (IMF). The aim of this study was to investigate the use
      of acoustic parameters obtained by spectral analysis of ultrasound echo signals
      to non-destructively predict intramuscular fat content of porcine longissimus
      muscle. Ultrasound is regarded as a promising non-destructive technique to
      characterize tissue. Ultrasound data acquisition was performed at slaughter with
      a clinical B-mode device equipped with a 3.5 MHz center-frequency transducer on
      115 warm carcasses about 45 min postmortem. Acoustic parameters quantifying
      attenuation, backscattering and cepstral structure were calculated off-line from
      the recorded primary raw ultrasound echo signals. Their relationship to IMF
      content was investigated. IMF level significantly influenced powerspectrum
      amplitudes and backscatter parameters. With partial least-squares regression
      (PLS), the IMF content could be predicted with root mean standard error of
      prediction RMSEP of 0.36% IMF. The ultrasound parameters were able to correctly
      classify nearly 80% of the carcasses into HIGH and LOW level class, respectively.
      Results indicate the potential use of ultrasound spectral analysis for non
      destructive evaluation (NDE) of pig carcasses in order to estimate the IMF
      content.

PMID- 22062809
TI  - Post-salting studies in Spanish cured ham manufacturing. Time reduction by using
      brine thawing-salting.
AB  - The use of the simultaneous brine thawing/salting on frozen raw material was
      compared in a previous work with the traditional pile salting method. The aim of
      this study was to characterise and compare the post-salting stage in Spanish
      cured ham production by processing fresh and thawed raw material with the
      traditional pile salting method (which can be considered as the reference
      method), with the results obtained using the brine thawing/salting method, with
      and without applying vacuum impregnation. The obtained results show that the
      thawed salted hams exhibited a higher NaCl diffusion than the fresh ones,
      implying a shorter post-salting period. Post-salting stage could be reduced from
      the 50 days employed in the traditional fresh raw material salting, to 25 days
      when using frozen hams brine thawed/salted. No influence of the use of vacuum
      impregnation during the salting stage was observed on the post-salting period.

PMID- 22062810
TI  - Effect of trisodium phosphate on slip and textural properties of hog and sheep
      natural sausage casings.
AB  - The defective gliding of certain natural casings during the stuffing of sausages
      is an important problem in the meat processing industry. The gliding behaviour of
      (defective) hog and sheep casings was assessed with a newly developed instrument,
      and by a technologist during the stuffing of sausages. Casings were treated with
      0.01 M trisodium phosphate; control casings were untreated. Cooked and smoked
      sausages were made in hog casings treated or untreated with phosphate and
      subjected to compression tests. In all cases the treatment with phosphate clearly
      facilitated the gliding of the casings over the test pipes, as compared to the
      control casings. The instrument to measure the casing gliding properties did not
      provide reliable information about the actual stuffing of sausages. The phosphate
      treated casings had a lower shear force than the control casings after being used
      as skins for cooked and smoked sausages. If confirmed, the finding that mild
      phosphate treatment can diminish the force required to shear a casing will be of
      interest to the sausage industry because the toughness of certain hog casings is
      considered a problem.

PMID- 22062811
TI  - The influence of biochemical differences on the variation in tenderness of M.
      longissimus dorsi of Belgian Blue steers managed homogenously pre and post
      slaughter.
AB  - The objective of this experiment was to determine the contribution of some
      biochemical processes of postmortem muscle to the variation in tenderness of beef
      from Belgian Blue bull cross Holstein-Friesian steers (n=10). These animals were
      managed optimally from conception to consumption with the aim of reducing
      tenderness variation. The M. longissimus dorsi (LD) from the left hand side (LHS)
      and the right hand side (RHS) were analysed for variation in tenderness using
      Bartletts test. The quality measurements included pH, temperature, Warner
      Bratzler shear force, sensory tenderness, chemical composition and sarcomere
      length. Biochemical measurements included myofibrilar proteolysis, glycolytic
      potential, adenine/inosine ratio and collagen content. No difference for
      variances or means were observed between LHS and RHS for chemical, quality or
      biochemical attributes. Biochemical variation was greater than the variation
      observed in most of the quality attributes measured. Proteolysis was the main
      biochemical contributor to the variation in shear force tenderness after 2 and 7
      as postmortem, but not sensory tenderness. Glycolysis levels and adenine/inosine
      ratio explained much of the variation in sensory tenderness, but not WBSF.
      Collagen content in the LD muscles did not explain variation in shear force or
      sensory tenderness. This would suggest biochemical variation is one of the main
      contributors to variation in tenderness of beef managed optimally pre- and post
      slaughter.

PMID- 22062812
TI  - High hydrostatic pressure inactivation of vegetative microorganisms, aerobic and
      anaerobic spores in pork Marengo, a low acidic particulate food product.
AB  - To prolong the shelf-life of particulate food products, high pressure processing
      is one of the emerging technologies to be studied as an alternative to classical
      pasteurization and sterilization by heat. Pork Marengo (a low acidic, partially
      prepared stew of pieces pork, carrots and peas) was inoculated with several
      strains of sporulating and vegetative microorganisms. The microbial spoilage of
      the product was evaluated after a high pressure treatment of 400 MPa during 30
      min at, respectively, 20 and 50  degrees C. Several Clostridium spp. and Bacillus
      spp. survived the treatment, and the Gram-positive cocci Enterococcus faecalis
      and Staphylococcus aureus were revealed to be more pressure resistant than
      Saccharomyces cerevisiae and the Gram-negative bacteria Pseudomonas fluorescens
      and Escherichia coli. The high pressure treatment at 20  degrees C demonstrated
      that high pressure processing (HPP) of neutral-pH foods cannot rely on pressure
      alone as a pasteurization/sterilization process. Another physical agent like heat
      is needed. High pressure treatment at 50  degrees C demonstrated that heat
      transfer limitations in particulate food products still can trouble their
      successful pasteurization/sterilization.

PMID- 22062813
TI  - Dietary manipulation of fatty acid composition in lamb meat and its effect on the
      volatile aroma compounds of grilled lamb.
AB  - The effect on lamb muscle of five dietary supplements high in polyunsaturated
      fatty acids (PUFA) was measured. The supplements were linseed oil, fish oil,
      protected lipid (high in linoleic acid (C18:2 n-6) and alpha-linolenic acid
      (C18:3 n-3)), fish oil/marine algae (1:1), and protected lipid/marine algae
      (1:1). Eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5 n-3) and docosahexaenoic acid (C22:6 n-3)
      were found in the highest amounts in the meat from lambs fed diets containing
      algae. Meat from lambs fed protected lipid had the highest levels of C18:2 n-6
      and C18:3 n-3, due to the effectiveness of the protection system. In grilled meat
      from these animals, volatile compounds derived from n-3 fatty acids were highest
      in the meat from the lambs fed the fish oil/algae diet, whereas compounds derived
      from n-6 fatty acids were highest in the meat from the lambs fed the protected
      lipid diet.

PMID- 22062814
TI  - On-line determination of fatty acid composition in intramuscular fat of Iberian
      pork loin by NIRs with a remote reflectance fibre optic probe.
AB  - A near infrared spectrometer equipped with a standard 210/210 bundle remote
      reflectance fibre-optic probe, with a 5*5 cm quartz window type, was used for the
      determination of fatty acids in the Longissimus dorsi muscle of Iberian breed
      swine. The fatty acids C14:0, C16:0, C16:1, C17:0, C17:1, C18:0, C18:1, C18:2,
      C18:3, Sigmapolyunsaturated, Sigmamonounsaturated and Sigmasaturated were
      determined in samples of intramuscular fat from Iberian breed swine by direct
      application of the fibre-optic probe onto the loin sample, with no treatment or
      manipulation of the sample. The regression method employed was modified partial
      least squares. The calibration results using the fibre-optic probe for 74 loin
      samples had multiple correlation coefficients (RSQ) for C14:0, C16:0, C16:1,
      C17:0, C17:1, C18:0, C18:1, C18:2, C18:3, Sigmapolyunsaturated,
      Sigmamonounsaturated and Sigmasaturated acid of 0.785, 0.798, 0.788, 0.825,
      0.762, 0.765, 0.696, 0.859, 0.878, 0.807, 0.943, 0.858, respectively, and
      standard errors of prediction corrected for the same fatty acids (%) of 0.08,
      0.63, 0.26, 0.02, 0.02, 0.51, 0,77, 0.64, 0.05, 1.06, 0.34, 0.70, respectively.
      The robustness of the method was checked by applying the fibre-optic probe to
      unknown samples of Iberian breed pork loin in a slaughterhouse, using 15 samples
      for the external validation.

PMID- 22062815
TI  - Texture parameters of dry-cured ham m. biceps femoris samples dried at different
      levels as a function of water activity and water content.
AB  - Instrumental texture parameters of m. biceps femoris (BF) samples from six
      commercial dry-cured hams, dried to a different degree, were related to water
      activity and water content. Samples were carved into cubes and Texture Profile
      Analysis (compression 50%, 10 mm high samples), water activity (a(w) 25  degrees
      C) and water content analyses were performed. A negative non-linear relationship
      between hardness and water content and water activity was observed. From this
      relationship, critical X and a(w) values, below which there is a dramatic
      increase in hardness, can be found (around 0.55 kg H(2)O/kg dry matter and around
      0.70, respectively). Cohesiveness and springiness showed a positive linear
      relationship with water content and water activity.

PMID- 22062816
TI  - Prediction of the chemical composition of freeze dried ostrich meat with near
      infrared reflectance spectroscopy.
AB  - Near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) was used to predict the chemical
      composition of freeze-dried ostrich meat samples. Tenderloin (M. ambiens), big
      drum (M. iliofibularis) and fan fillet (M. gastrocnemius) samples (n=160) were
      included in the study. Samples were minced, freeze-dried and analysed according
      to standard laboratory procedures for ash, dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP)
      and fat content. Samples were scanned (1100-2500 nm) and partial least-square
      regression (PLSR) was used to predict the chemical composition. Multiple
      correlation coefficients (r) and standard errors of calibration (SEC) for the
      chemical analysis of freeze-dried ostrich meat were: ash (0.72; 0.29%); DM (0.72;
      1.01%); CP (0.98; 0.55%); and fat (0.99; 0.29%). The r values for the validation
      set and the standard error of performance (SEP) for the different constituents
      were: ash (0.71; 0.23%); DM (0.84; 0.72%); CP (0.97; 0.64%); and fat (0.99;
      0.18%). Calibrations were accurate for CP and fat.

PMID- 22062817
TI  - An evaluation of selected methods for the decontamination of cattle hides prior
      to skinning.
AB  - The effectiveness of different decontamination treatments in reducing microbial
      loads on cattle hides was assessed. The 10-s hide treatments were conducted using
      a wet-and-dry vacuum cleaner filled with one of the liquids (heated to 50 
      degrees C) indicated below, followed or not by 10-min drying in the air. Also,
      the hide was clipped, followed or not by 10-s singeing using a hand-held
      blowtorch. Before and after each decontamination treatment, the hide was sampled
      (100 cm(2) areas) by a sponge-swabbing method to compare the total viable counts
      of bacteria (TVC). The largest bacterial reduction (P<0.001; 2.31log(10)
      cfu/cm(2)) was achieved by singeing of previously clipped hide. Treatment of hide
      with a food industry sanitizer solution (10% Betane Plus) resulted in significant
      reductions of 1.80 (P<0.001) and 1.98log(10) cfu/cm(2) (P<0.001) without and with
      subsequent drying, respectively. Treatment of hide with a food industry
      disinfectant (P3-Topactive DES) significantly reduced TVC by 0.97 (P<0.001) and
      1.18log(10) cfu/cm(2) (P<0.001) without and with subsequent drying, respectively.
      Treatments of hide with water alone or with a food-safe detergent solution
      (Formula 963B), or hide clipping alone, did not produce significant
      decontamination effects. Since hide contamination is associated with microbial
      contamination of the carcasses, the results indicate that post-killing/pre
      skinning hide decontamination (used alone, or in combination with carcass
      decontamination) has a potential to improve microbial meat safety. Nevertheless,
      further research is required to optimise the efficacy of these treatments in the
      reduction of specific pathogens under commercial conditions.

PMID- 22062818
TI  - Effect of radiation processing on the quality of chilled meat products.
AB  - Effect of radiation processing on the shelf-life and safety of some ethnic Indian
      meat products like chicken chilly, mutton shammi kababs and pork salami during
      chilled storage was investigated. Radiation processing resulted in dose dependent
      reduction in microbial counts. A dose of 3 kGy was found to be optimal for the
      shelf-life extension. In all the three irradiated (3 kGy) meat products the shelf
      life was extended by more than 2 weeks at 0-3  degrees C compared to the
      corresponding non-irradiated samples. Staphylococcus spp. were completely
      eliminated by irradiation at a dose of 2 kGy. Some increase in lipid peroxidation
      on irradiation was observed as measured by TBA assay but it did not affect the
      sensory attributes of the product.

PMID- 22062819
TI  - Characteristics of impala (Aepyceros melampus) skeletal muscles.
AB  - The aim of this study was to determine citrate synthase (CS), phosphofructokinase
      (PFK) activities and myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoform contents in four muscle
      groups (semimembranosus (S), deltoideus (D), longissimus lumborum (LL), and psoas
      major (PM)) of impala (n=6). All four muscle groups expressed predominantly MHC
      IIa (means of 55+/-22-93+/-12%). MHC IIx was only expressed in D. In D, positive
      correlations were found between MHC I and age (r=0.93; P<0.05) and the weight of
      the animals (r=0.94; P<0.01). PFK (means of 175+/-179-374+/-181), CS (means of
      100+/-23-126+/-38 MUmol/min/gdw) and MHC content indicated that energy provision
      in the impala is produced to a large extent via oxidative pathways and fibre
      types vary with animal characteristics.

PMID- 22062820
TI  - Variations in product-related parameters during the standardised manufacture of a
      semi-dry fermented sausage.
AB  - In the industry there is a tendency to shorten production processes of semi-dry
      fermented sausages (SFDS). Emerging problems then are generally related to
      product flavour and texture. Five batches of the same product were produced under
      pilot-plant conditions, following strictly standardised procedures. At pre
      determined time intervals in the early ripening stage weight loss, pH and a(w)
      values were recorded and Uniaxial compression tests were performed on cylindrical
      axial product samples. Uniaxial compression was introduced as a potential new
      methodology for determining the consistency of fermented sausages. The
      compression data were used to calculate stress and strain at fracture and Young's
      modulus. Despite careful standardisation of both the product formulation and the
      manufacturing process, the various parameters showed considerable variation. As
      anticipated, there was significant product weight loss, and decrease in pH and
      a(w) during the manufacturing process. Analyses of variance showed that neither
      stress, strain nor Young's modulus changed significantly over the period from 2-9
      days. However, the averages of the Young's modulus tended to increase with time.
      These results suggest that the Young's modulus may become an important production
      parameter, in addition to the already applied product pH, a(w) and weight loss.

PMID- 22062821
TI  - Comparison of a natural rosemary extract and BHA/BHT for relative antioxidant
      effectiveness in pork sausage.
AB  - A commercial rosemary extract was evaluated for antioxidant effectiveness at
      concentrations of 1500 and 2500 ppm in frozen and precooked-frozen pork sausage,
      and from 500 to 3000 ppm in refrigerated, fresh pork sausage. Thiobarbituric acid
      reactive substances (TBARS), objective color values and sensory panel scores,
      were assessed. For refrigerated sausage, the rosemary extract at 2500 ppm was
      equally effective as butylated hydroxy anisole (BHA)/butylated hydroxy toluene
      (BHT). Similarly, the rosemary extract was equally effective as BHA/BHT in
      maintaining low TBARS values of precooked-frozen sausage. However, the rosemary
      extract was more effective than BHA/BHT for preventing increased TBARS values or
      loss of red color in raw frozen sausage.

PMID- 22062822
TI  - The eating quality of Canadian pork and its relationship with intramuscular fat.
AB  - This study was undertaken to assess the effect of various levels of intramuscular
      fat (IMF: <1%, 1.0-1.49%, 1.5-1.99%, 2.0-2.49% and 2.5-3.0%) produced from
      Canadian pigs on the eating attributes of pork loin. Sensory and instrumental
      eating attributes were determined on 85 pork loins (m. longissimus lumborum and
      thoracis). The following correlations were found between IMF and eating
      attributes: softness, -0.32 (P<0.01); initial tenderness, -0.31 (P<0.01);
      chewiness, -0.27 (P<0.01); rate of breakdown, -0.20 (P=0.07); juiciness, 0.17
      (P>0.05); flavour intensity, 0.24 (P=0.02); off-flavour, 0.13 (P>0.05); mouth
      coating, 0.13 (P>0.05); amount of perceptible connective tissue, -0.02 (P>0.05),
      and instrumental tenderness (Warner-Bratzler shear force), -0.41 (P<0.001). As
      tenderness is considered the most important attribute that determines overall
      acceptance of pork, the threshold level of IMF for ensuring a positive eating
      experience was identified as a function of the attributes describing tenderness.
      Increasing the level of IMF past 1.5% did not change (P<0.05) the panelists
      scores for softness and initial tenderness. Average shear force, an instrumental
      measure of tenderness, was higher (P<0.05) at less than 1% IMF but did not change
      past 1.0% IMF (P>0.05). It is proposed that the threshold level of IMF that will
      ensure a pleasing eating experience is 1.5% IMF.

PMID- 22062823
TI  - Characterization of the microbial flora from a traditional Greek fermented
      sausage.
AB  - The microbial flora of naturally fermented sausages was studied. Lactic acid
      bacteria were the dominant species at the end of fermentation in all 3 batches
      (ca. 10(8) cfu g(-1)). Enterobacteria, Pseudomonas, yeasts and aerobic spore
      formers decreased during fermentation and the ripening process and were below the
      detection limit in the end product. Enterococci exceeded 10(4)-10(5) cfu g(-1)
      during fermentation and remained constant at this level during ripening. Gram
      positive, catalase-positive cocci exceeded 10(5) cfu g(-1), except for batch 1,
      during the first days of fermentation and then decreased until the end of
      ripening (10(2)-10(4) cfu g(-1)). No pathogenic staphylococci, sulfite reducing
      clostridia or Salmonella spp. were detected. Listeria spp. occurred in the first
      days of fermentation but were eliminated by the end of whole process in all
      batches. Identification showed that the majority of lactobacilli isolated from
      MRS agar strains were assigned to the species of Lactobacillus plantarum and Lb.
      plantarum/pentosus. All the isolated strains from the mannitol salt agar belonged
      to the genus of Staphylococcus. The predominant species were Staphylococcus
      saprophyticus, Staphylococcus xylosus and Staphylococcus simulans. The tests used
      to characterize the lactic acid bacteria and staphylococci as well as their
      distribution on the three batches were also discussed.

PMID- 22062824
TI  - PSE-like turkey breast enhancement through adjunct incorporation in a chunked and
      formed deli roll.
AB  - A randomized complete block design with five treatments (100% pale, soft, and
      exudative-like (PSE-like), 100% PSE-like+1.5% collagen, 100% PSE-like+0.30% kappa
      /iota-carrageenan, 100% PSE-like+1.5% soy protein concentrate, and 100% Normal)
      and six replications was utilized to test the effects of meat raw material,
      turkey collagen (TC), soy protein concentrate (SPC), and carrageenan (CG) on
      protein functionality in the formulation of chunked and formed turkey breast.
      Addition of 1.5% SPC and 1.5% TC both decreased (P<0.05) cooking loss and
      increased (P<0.005) the protein bind of treatments formulated with 100% PSE-like
      raw material. Purge loss decreased (P<0.05) in PSE-like raw material when 1.5%
      TC, 1.5% SPC, or 0.30% CG were utilized, and no differences (P>0.05) existed in
      consumer acceptability among treatments. This research demonstrates the potential
      to increase the water holding capacity and improve the texture of deli rolls from
      PSE-like raw material through the incorporation of collagen, soy protein, or
      carrageenan.

PMID- 22062825
TI  - Breed, slaughter weight and ageing time effects on physico-chemical
      characteristics of lamb meat.
AB  - The effects of breed, slaughter weight and ageing time on the meat quality of the
      three most important Spanish breeds were considered. Two hundred and twenty-five
      lambs of Rasa Aragonesa-local meat breed-, Churra-local dairy breed- and Spanish
      Merino were used. Animals (75 of each breed) were slaughtered at three different
      live weights (10-12, 20-22 or 30-32 kg), and the meat was aged for 1, 2, 4, 8 or
      16 days. The meat pH, colour, amount of haem pigments, intramuscular fat,
      moisture, hydroxyproline content and sarcomere length were measured at 24 h post
      mortem. Meat texture was measured by compression after each ageing time. The pH
      of the samples ranged from 5.50 to 5.58. Meat colour varied with breed and
      slaughter weight (P?0.01), the M. longissimus thoracis was lighter in the
      youngest animals and in the Churra breed and redder in Merinos. Intramuscular fat
      increased and moisture decreased for heavier lambs. Differences in collagen were
      associated with breed (P?0.01); total and insoluble collagen contents were higher
      in the Churra breed. Sarcomere length was only slightly affected by slaughter
      weight. Meat from the Churra breed had the highest values at high levels of
      compression. Suckling lambs (10-12 kg) had greater myofibrillar toughness than
      heavier lambs and ageing strongly influenced myofibrillar tenderness.

PMID- 22062826
TI  - Performance and meat quality of organically versus conventionally fed and housed
      pigs from weaning till slaughtering.
AB  - The effects of organic nutrition on growth performance, meat and carcass traits
      in either a conventional or an organic housing unit from weaning till
      slaughtering were evaluated in terminal crossbreeds of a paternal line and a
      maternal 3-way crossbreed of Seghers hybrid. All pigs were reared in a
      conventional way from birth till weaning (4 weeks). One week after weaning they
      were moved to either a conventional or an organic barn. Eight pens of 4 pigs (2
      barrows and 2 gilts) were held in both housing types. The study started when the
      pigs reached the age of 10 weeks. Half of the groups in each barn received a
      conventional diet, and the other half received an organic diet. Both feeds were
      isocaloric, neither of them contained antibiotic growth promoters. Three-phase
      feeding was applied. The organic housing led to a higher feed intake throughout
      the experiment (P<0.001), which resulted in a faster growth (P<0.001) but a lower
      meat percentage (P<0.05). Organic nutrition did not affect growth performance and
      carcass quality. Neither organic nutrition nor housing led to relevant
      differences in meat quality traits.

PMID- 22062827
TI  - Role of intrinsic search cues in the formation of consumer preferences and choice
      for pork chops.
AB  - This study investigates the role of drip, colour, marbling and fat cover as
      intrinsic search cues in the formation of pork chop preferences and individual
      determinants. Data are collected from a sample of 443 pork consumers in Belgium
      through using repeated selection of chops from randomised photobooks and
      questionnaires including socio-demographic, attitudinal and behavioural
      variables. Data analysis includes mixture regression analysis, bivariate
      descriptive statistics and the estimation of multivariate probit models.
      Consumers sampled in this study prefer pork chops without fat cover. Preference
      for fat cover is stronger among male, 35+ aged consumers with lower levels of
      awareness of the relation between food and health and who like pork for other
      reasons than taste and nutritional value (all p<0.05). Preference for colour is
      equally consistent within an individual, though fifty-fifty light-dark, with dark
      chops being more preferred by 35+ aged consumers (p<0.05). Preferences for
      marbling and drip are not consistent and not determined by joint socio
      demographic, attitudinal and behavioural factors. Preferences for cue levels are
      not correlated, except a weak relation between preference for dark chops without
      drip (r=0.116). Preferences are apparently formed by deductions with the use of
      single cues as key information, mainly based on fat cover or colour, and random
      choice on marbling and drip.

PMID- 22062828
TI  - Influence of minced pork and rind ratios on physico-chemical and sensory quality
      of Nham - a Thai fermented pork sausage.
AB  - The effects of incorporating varying levels of minced pork and rind on physico
      chemical and sensory quality of Nham were studied. An increase in cooked pork
      rind resulted in higher moisture, lipid, and initial pH values of Nham (P<0.05).
      However, no significant effects were observed on fermentation characteristics of
      Nham (P>0.05). At the end of fermentation, Nham with a higher meat component
      exhibited higher texture profile analysis force, hardness, and cohesiveness
      (P<0.05). The results suggested the importance of meat on the restructuring
      effect, which contributes to the texture formation of Nham. Incorporation of a
      higher amount of cooked pork rind improved water-binding properties, leading to
      decreased weight loss and released water. Based on the results of sensory
      evaluation, up to 43% pork rind can be used in the formulation with no adverse
      effect on texture and overall liking of Nham. However, the ratio of 5:5 was the
      most appropriate for minimising the cost of production.

PMID- 22062829
TI  - Effect of erythorbate, storage and high-oxygen packaging on premature browning in
      ground beef.
AB  - Premature browning (PMB) was investigated in ground beef patties with (0.04%,
      w/w) and without erythorbate. In Experiment 1, patties were stored at 4  degrees
      C for 48 h; at -18  degrees C for 21 days; or at -18  degrees C for 21 days,
      thawed at 4  degrees C for 24 h; and cooked. Bulk ground beef was stored at -18 
      degrees C for 24 days, thawed for 24 h at 4  degrees C, and patties prepared and
      cooked immediately. In Experiment 2, fresh patties were overwrapped with oxygen
      permeable film or packaged in 80% O(2)/20% N(2) (MAP), and stored for 48 h at 4 
      degrees C, or at -18  degrees C for 21 days, and cooked. Total reducing activity
      and color (L*, a* and b* values) were measured immediately prior to cooking.
      Patties were cooked to internal temperatures of 60, 66, 71 and 77  degrees C and
      internal cooked color was measured. Total reducing activity was higher for the
      erythorbate treatment than controls for all storage conditions (P<0.05). a*
      Values of cooked patties were higher for erythorbate than control treatments
      under all storage and packaging conditions at 60 and 66  degrees C (P<0.05). The
      presence of erythorbate in ground beef patties appeared to maintain red color at
      cooked internal temperatures of 60 and 66  degrees C. Frozen bulk storage
      appeared to increase the susceptibility of ground beef to PMB when compared to
      fresh and frozen patties. Patties cooked directly from frozen state appeared less
      susceptible to PMB than frozen-thawed and bulk storage. Ground beef appeared
      predisposed to PMB when stored in high-oxygen MAP at 4  degrees C for 48 h.

PMID- 22062830
TI  - Changes in colour characteristics and pigmentation of subcutaneous adipose tissue
      and M. longissimus dorsi of heifers fed grass, grass silage or concentrate-based
      diets.
AB  - The objective of this experiment was to determine the effect of dietary
      composition and duration of feeding on subcutaneous (s.c.) adipose tissue and M.
      longissimus dorsi (LD) colour and pigment concentrations of heifers. Fifteen
      heifers were permanently housed and fed a concentrate diet (PH-CON). Fifty-four
      heifers were grazed on pasture (PAS) for 90d, housed and offered concentrates
      (PAS-CON), 200g grass silage (GS)/kg dry matter (DM) (PAS-GS20), 500g GS/kgDM
      (PAS-GS50) or zero-grazed grass (PAS-GRA). To facilitate assessment of the
      temporal pattern of tissue colour, 3 heifers/treatment were slaughtered at
      housing (following 7d adjustment to diets) and 28, 56, 91 and 120 days
      thereafter. Yellowness ('b' value) of s.c. adipose tissue and lightness ('L'
      value) and redness ('a' value) of LD were recorded 48h post-mortem. beta-Carotene
      and lutein contents of s.c. adipose tissue and total LD haem pigments were
      determined. At housing, s.c. adipose tissue 'b' values of the PAS group
      (mean=13.47) were higher (P<0.01) than those of the PH-CON group (mean=10.35) but
      there was no difference in beta-carotene or lutein concentrations. The change in
      s.c. adipose tissue 'b' for each diet following housing was best described by the
      following equations: PH-CON: y=-0.087 (SE 0.0347) X+0.0005 (SE 0.00029)
      X(2)+10.06 (SE 0.600), MSE 1.94, R(2) 0.57, P<0.01. PAS-CON: y=-0.102 (SE 0.0286)
      X+0.0006 (SE 0.00024) X(2)+13.32 (SE 0.598), MSE 2.30, R(2) 0.62, P<0.001. PAS
      GS20: y=-0.106 (SE 0.0296) X+0.0008 (SE 0.00025) X(2)+13.10 (SE 0.618), MSE 2.46,
      R(2) 0.47, P<0.01. PAS-GS50: y=-0.077 (SE 0.0269) X+0.0006 (SE 0.00023)
      X(2)+13.29 (SE 0.552) MSE 1.95, R(2) 0.38, P<0.05. PAS-GRA: y=-0.018 (SE 0.0079)
      X+13.77 (SE 0.528), MSE 2.28, R(2) 0.24, P<0.05, where y='b' value, x=days post
      housing (d96-d216) and MSE=mean square error. Treatment had a significant effect
      on s.c. adipose tissue beta-carotene and lutein (both P<0.001) with PAS-GRA and
      PH-CON tending to have the highest and lowest concentrations, respectively. PH
      CON heifers tended (P=0.058) to have lower LD haem pigments and lighter LD than
      other heifers. It is concluded that, while concentrate feeding led to the
      greatest decrease in s.c. adipose tissue yellowness relative to PAS-GRA, choice
      of dietary ingredients and duration of feeding will depend on the stringency of
      the colour criteria in particular markets.

PMID- 22062831
TI  - Fatty acid profile, and chemical composition of Longissimus muscle of bovine
      steers and bulls finished in pasture system.
AB  - The objective of this work was to evaluate the conjugated linoleic acid content
      (CLA), the fatty acid profile, and the chemical composition of the Longissimus
      muscle (LM) of steers and bulls finished in pasture systems. Fourteen 1/2
      Nelore*1/2 Aberdeen Angus cattle were studied. The animals were slaughtered at
      approximately 20 months of age, with an approximate final liveweight of 480kg.
      Moisture, ash, fat, crude protein, cholesterol, and fatty acid contents of
      Longissimus muscle were determined. Steer muscle had a higher lipid content
      (3.38%) than that of bulls (1.71%). Total n-3 fatty acids were higher in bulls.
      The amounts of CLA in steer and bull fat were similar, but the CLA content in
      steer muscle was higher (47.99mg100g(-1) in LM) than that in bull muscle
      (23.24mg100g(-1) in LM).

PMID- 22062832
TI  - Effect of vacuum-packaging storage on the quality level of ripened sausages.
AB  - To investigate the influence of vacuum-packaging on both the sensory properties
      and the degradation level of their lipid fraction, some ripened sausages (30
      days) were further stored for 40 days under vacuum-packaging and compared to
      sausages kept unpackaged for the same period of time. The same kind of sausages
      was used in both the trials. As for the sensory properties, after storage the
      unpackaged sausages showed significantly higher mean scores of red intensity and
      global flavour than vacuum-packed ones (p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively)
      indicating a brighter red colour of meat and a greater overall appreciation by
      the panelists. Regarding the degradation of the lipid fraction, significantly
      higher values (p<0.01) of the free fatty acids were detected in the vacuum-packed
      samples, indicating a greater hydrolytic degradation of their lipid fraction as
      compared to the sausages stored unpackaged. The oxidative degradation of the
      fatty fraction, measured by the combined use of conventional (determination of
      peroxide value and TBA test) and non-conventional techniques (HPSEC analysis of
      the polar compounds of the lipid fraction) showed significant increases during
      storage for both the storage conditions considered but no significant differences
      were found between packaged and unpackaged sausages.

PMID- 22062833
TI  - Comparative study of trace elements in certain fish, meat and meat products.
AB  - Selenium, copper, nickel, zinc, cadmium, manganese, iron, copper and lead
      contents of certain fish, meat and meat products consumed in Turkey were
      determined using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP
      OES). The order of the elements in the meat, meat products and fish samples and
      their concentration ranges in MUg100g(-1) was Fe (57.7-156.4)>Zn (20-159)>Ni (8.2
      24)>Pb (11.5-13.5)>Cr (8.44-9.51)>Cu (7.18-10.01)>Cd (0.77-1.04)>Mn (3.98-10)>Se
      (1.32-4.6). The elemental concentrations of fish studied seemed to be close to
      the international standards. The highest trace element concentrations were
      obtained from pastirma, meat and sausage while the lowest value was observed in
      Trachurus trachurus (saurel). Iron concentrations in all samples were higher than
      the recommended values.

PMID- 22062834
TI  - Microbiological quality of Australian sheep meat in 2004.
AB  - The third national baseline microbiological survey of Australian sheep carcases
      and frozen boneless sheep meat was conducted in 2004. Carcases (n=1117) sampled
      at 20 slaughter establishments were found to have a mean log total viable count
      (TVC, 25 degrees C) of 2.28 cfu/cm(2) and Escherichia coli was isolated from
      43.0% carcases with a mean log 0.03cfu/cm(2) on positive samples. In samples from
      10 boning (fabrication) plants (n=560) the mean log TVC for frozen boneless sheep
      meat was 1.85cfu/g and the mean log count for the 8.2% of samples with detectable
      E. coli was 1.39cfu/g. E. coli O157:H7 was isolated from 6/1117 carcases and from
      1/560 boneless samples. Salmonella was isolated from 0/1117 carcases and from
      3/560 samples of boneless product. Campylobacter sp. were isolated from 4/1117
      carcases and from 1/560 boneless samples. Coagulase positive staphylococci were
      isolated from 23.4% to 32.7% of carcases and boneless sheep meat samples,
      respectively, with positive samples having a mean log count of 0.93cfu/cm(2) and
      1.14cfu/g, respectively. The low level of bacteria described here is consistent
      with a very low risk to human health due to bacterial hazards in Australian sheep
      meat.

PMID- 22062835
TI  - Effects of ascorbic acid and OriganoxTM in different packaging systems to prevent
      pork lumbar vertebrae discoloration.
AB  - Darkening of bone marrow in packaged fresh pork is problematic and may be caused
      by pro-oxidative iron and (or) a pro-oxidative atmosphere. We evaluated the
      effects of ascorbic acid (AA) and OriganoxTM (OG) in different packaging systems
      to prevent pork lumbar vertebrae marrow discoloration. Concentrations of 1.25%,
      1.875%, or 2.5% AA; 0.15% OG+0.30% AA; and 0.225% OG+0.45% AA were applied in 0.5
      ml aliquots to 2.54-cm-thick pork lumbar vertebrae sections (n=288). Three
      packaging systems were used: high-oxygen (HiOx) modified atmosphere packaging
      (MAP), ultra-low-oxygen (ULOx) MAP, and polyvinyl chloride film (PVC). Vertebrae
      in HiOx MAP treated with 1.875% or 2.50% AA had superior (P<0.05) visual color to
      HiOx and PVC control by d 8. Antioxidant-treated vertebrae in HiOx had the
      highest (P<0.05) d 8 a(*) values. Vertebrae treated with 1.875% or 2.50% AA in
      ULOx MAP had the least (P<0.05) discoloration as assessed by a(*)/b(*) by d 8.
      Topical antioxidant application was very beneficial in preventing vertebrae
      discoloration in PVC and HiOx packaging systems.

PMID- 22062836
TI  - In-home consumer evaluations of individual muscles from beef rounds subjected to
      tenderization treatments.
AB  - In-home evaluations of the M. vastus lateralis, M. rectus femoris, M.
      semimembranosus, and M. adductor (n=266) muscles that were either blade
      tenderized, enhanced with a salt and phosphate solution, or served as a control
      (no tenderization or enhancement treatment) were conducted. Consumers (n=261)
      cooked these steaks and were asked to document cooking method and degree of
      doneness, and provide palatability ratings for each steak. Enhancing round
      muscles with a salt and phosphate solution improved most palatability traits
      compared to blade tenderized or control steaks. For M. semimembranosus and M.
      vastus lateralis, the enhanced steaks received higher (P<0.05) ratings for all
      palatability traits. Cooking method and degree of doneness had little influence
      on consumer palatability ratings, and where differences occurred, they were
      muscle specific. This may allow limited recommendations for the most appropriate
      cooking method and degree of doneness for specific beef round muscles.

PMID- 22062837
TI  - Molecular and technological characterization of Staphylococcus xylosus isolated
      from naturally fermented Italian sausages by RAPD, Rep-PCR and Sau-PCR analysis.
AB  - Coagulase-negative cocci (CNC) are important microorganisms in fermented sausages
      because they release lipases and proteases that are able to free short-chain
      fatty acids and peptides and aminoacids, respectively, that are responsible for
      the aroma of fermented sausage. The purpose of this study was to characterize
      Staphylococcus xylosus strains isolated from naturally fermented sausages,
      produced in three different processing plants in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region
      in the Northeast of Italy. Two hundred and forty-nine strains of S. xylosus were
      identified by species-specific PCR and subjected to molecular and technological
      characterization. RAPD-PCR with primer M13, Rep-PCR using primer (GTG)(5) and Sau
      PCR with primer SAG(1) were used for the molecular analysis, while the capability
      of the strains to grow at different temperatures and in the presence of NaCl and
      their lipolytic and proteolytic activity were tested in order to define the
      technological characteristics. The results obtained allowed us to differentiate
      strains coming from different plants, thereby admitting the presence of strains
      that are plant-specific.

PMID- 22062838
TI  - In vivo estimation of lamb carcass composition by real-time ultrasonography.
AB  - The objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of ultrasonography to
      measure fat thickness in live lambs and predict carcass composition to find a
      system that can assess carcass composition easily and accurately, without damage
      to the product and can improve carcass classification. Fat thickness (FTh)
      between the 12th and 13th ribs and between the 3rd and 4th lumbar vertebrae, was
      measured in vivo using real-time ultrasound, in 67 Churra Galega Bragancana males
      (mean weight 36.0kg, range 21.5-47.0kg), using an ALOKA SSD-500V equipped with
      two probes (5 and 7.5MHz) in order to predict carcass composition. The most
      satisfactory correlation between carcass and ultrasound measurements was between
      the 3rd and 4th lumbar vertebrae fat thickness (FTh). The first variable admitted
      in the models to predict carcass composition (live weight, LW) explained between
      63% and 96% of the total variation of the weight of the components of the
      carcass. In fact, 96% of the variation in total amount of muscle was accounted
      for by live weight. The inclusion of the ultrasound measures with the 7.5MHz
      probe improved, in all prediction equations, the coefficient of determination
      (R(2)) with a substantial reduction in the residual standard deviation (RSD). In
      relation to the subcutaneous fat of the carcass, 85% of the variation was
      explained by live weight and the FTh 12-13 7.5 measurement. In the prediction
      model for total carcass fat weight, live weight and ultrasound fat thickness
      measurement explained 88% of the variation. The results indicate that in vivo
      ultrasound fat thickness measures in association with live weight can be used to
      predict carcass composition in Churra Galega Bragancana lambs.

PMID- 22062839
TI  - Classification of some heat-treated liver pastes according to container type,
      using heavy metals content and manufacturer's data, by principal components
      analysis and potential curves.
AB  - A total of 115 pork liver pastes were randomly collected in local markets from
      different brands, countries and containers. The concentrations of nine heavy
      metals (Cu, Ni, Cd, Fe, Mn, Pb, Cr, Co and Zn), determined by atomic absorption
      spectrometry, and some qualitative variables described on the labelling
      constituted the data set. Chemometrics analysis was performed combining principal
      components analysis (PCA), factor analysis (FA) and typical classification
      techniques, such as linear discriminant analysis (LDA) and potential curves
      (PoCu) to classify pork liver pastes. Origin of the sample, manufacturer and
      effect of manufacturing process were taken into account to verify traceability,
      which is an important issue in food safety policies.

PMID- 22062840
TI  - Effect of irradiation of frozen meat/fat trimmings on microbiological and
      physicochemical quality attributes of dry fermented sausages.
AB  - Changes in microbiological and physicochemical quality attributes resulting from
      the use of irradiation in the production of Greek dry fermented sausage were
      investigated as a function of fermentation/ripening time. Results showed that
      irradiating meat/fat trimmings at 2 or 4kGy prior to sausage production
      eliminated natural contamination with Listeria spp., and reduced pseudomonads,
      enterococci and pathogenic staphylococci, and enterobacteria, to less than 2 and
      1logcfug(-1), respectively. Pseudomonads were very sensitive (>3.4 log reduction)
      to either radiation dose. Yeasts were the most resistant followed by inherent
      lactic acid bacteria; their reductions on the trimmings were radiation dose
      dependent. Residual effects of irradiation were noted against enterococci, but
      not against gram-negatives which died off fast during fermentation even in non
      irradiated samples. Growth of the starter bacteria, Lactobacillus pentosus and
      Staphylococcus carnosus, inoculated in the sausage batters post-irradiation was
      unaffected by the 2 or 4kGy pre-treatment of the trimmings. Irradiation had
      little or no effect at the end of ripening period (28 days) on pH, moisture
      content and color (parameters L(*), a(*), and b(*)). Changes in TBA values were
      small but statistically significant with irradiated samples having higher TBA
      values than control samples.

PMID- 22062841
TI  - Effects of potassium lactate, sodium chloride, sodium tripolyphosphate, and
      sodium acetate on colour, colour stability, and oxidative properties of injection
      enhanced beef rib steaks.
AB  - This study determined the effects of potassium lactate (KL), sodium chloride,
      sodium tripolyphosphate, and sodium acetate on colour, colour stability, and
      oxidative properties of injection-enhanced beef rib steaks. Enhancement solutions
      (8.5% pump) contained combinations of KL (0% or 1.5%), sodium chloride (0.3% or
      0.6%), sodium tripolyphosphate (0% or 0.3%), and sodium acetate (0% or 0.1%).
      Steaks were packaged in a high-oxygen modified atmosphere (80% O(2)/20% CO(2)).
      Steaks with KL or KL and sodium acetate were darker but more colour stable
      (P<0.05) than control steaks. Steaks had less glossy surfaces when they contained
      acetate (P<0.05) and KL (P<0.11). Increasing sodium chloride content resulted in
      darker, less colour-stable steaks (P<0.05). Removing phosphate had little impact
      on colour (P>0.05). Both KL and sodium acetate improved visual appearance of
      injection-enhanced beef rib steaks, whereas the greater salt level were
      detrimental.

PMID- 22062842
TI  - Effects of potassium lactate, sodium chloride, and sodium acetate on surface
      shininess/gloss and sensory properties of injection-enhanced beef strip-loin
      steaks.
AB  - The objective was to determine the effects of potassium lactate (0% or 1.5%; KL),
      sodium chloride (0.3% or 0.6%), and sodium acetate (0% or 0.1%) on injection
      enhanced (8.5% pump), beef strip-loin steaks. All treatments contained 0.3%
      phosphate and 0.058% rosemary. Steaks were packaged in a high-oxygen modified
      atmosphere (80% O(2)/20% CO(2)) and were evaluated on d 2, 9, and 14 for surface
      shininess/gloss, shear force, and descriptive sensory attributes. As time in MAP
      progressed, oxidized, stale, and rancid flavours increased (P<0.05) and surface
      shininess/gloss decreased (P<0.05). Brown-roasted and beef flavours were most
      intense (P<0.05) on d 9. Using KL increased (P<0.05) brown-roasted and beef
      flavours and limited rancid flavour. Sodium acetate decreased (P<0.05) shear
      force. Adding more salt increased salty and rancid flavours (P<0.05). Sodium
      acetate and KL both improve sensory attributes of injection-enhanced beef.

PMID- 22062843
TI  - Bovine muscle 20S proteasome: I. Simple purification procedure and enzymatic
      characterization in relation with postmortem conditions.
AB  - Over the last decade, several sets of evidence support a possible contribution of
      the 20S proteasome to the meat tenderizing process. This assumption was
      emphasized by recent investigations demonstrating that the 20S proteasome was
      active in the absence of activators and exhibited endo- and exoproteolytic
      activities, a status often strongly debated before. In the present work, we
      developed a new rapid and simple purification procedure for muscle 20S proteasome
      and revisited the physicochemical properties of this complex in relation with the
      postmortem muscle environmental conditions, i.e. temperature, pH, osmolarity,
      etc. From a crude extract obtained from freshly excised muscle tissue, reasonable
      amounts of highly pure proteasome were prepared within a maximum of 4 days using
      only three chromatography steps. This purified proteasome was used to investigate
      the effect of pH, temperature, ionic strength and sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS)
      on the major hydrolytic activities of this complex, i.e. trypsin-like (TL),
      chymotrypsin-like (CL) and peptidylglutamyl peptide hydrolase (PGPH) activities.
      Taken together, the data obtained suggest that the 20S proteasome constitutes a
      high hydrolytic potential in postmortem muscle conditions. To attest this
      finding, the 20S proteasome was further quantified by ELISA in at death and
      postmortem muscles including Longissimus, Rectus abdominis, Diaphragma pedialis
      and Tensor fascia latae bovine muscles. The primary conclusion was that time
      course changes in proteasome concentrations were not dependent on the kinetics of
      the pH fall. Secondly, the proteasome concentration in conditioned meat was in
      good agreement with previously reported proteolytic activity. Furthermore, the
      decrease in the muscle proteasome concentration can be considered as slow and
      this is particularly true in type 1 muscles for which the decrease in the amount
      of this complex did not exceed 7% during the first three days postmortem. This
      would suggest that the 20S proteasome was relatively stable during meat
      conditioning, a feature supporting a potential role in the meat tenderizing
      process.

PMID- 22062844
TI  - Bovine muscle 20S proteasome. II: Contribution of the 20S proteasome to meat
      tenderization as revealed by an ultrastructural approach.
AB  - The role of the 20S proteasome proteolytic effects was revisited using an
      ultrastructural approach with the aim to explain some particular structural
      changes identified in type I muscles and in high pH meat. In both types of meat,
      major changes observed after ageing are an increase in the thickness of the Z
      line followed by the appearance of an amorphous protein structure spreading out
      over the I-band. This was followed by a total degradation of this amorphous
      structure and of the Z-line. Partial transversal fragmentation of the myofibrils
      within the I-band can also be detected. The data reported clearly demonstrate
      that the 20S proteasome was able to mimic these sequential structural changes, a
      feature never obtained with either calpains or cathepsins. It is the first time
      that a direct implication of this complex in postmortem muscle is postulated.

PMID- 22062845
TI  - Bovine muscle 20S proteasome. III: Quantification in tissue crude extracts using
      ELISA and radial immunodiffusion techniques and practical applications.
AB  - The 20S proteasome is a large complex (700kDa) that exhibits endo- and exo
      peptidase activities with wide specificity. In postmortem muscles, several sets
      of evidence suggest a possible significant contribution of proteasome to meat
      tenderisation. Hence, an accurate and rapid quantification procedure is needed to
      attest that new function during the ageing of meat. In the present work, we
      developed an ELISA test enabling the quantification of nM concentrations of the
      20S proteasome. We further tested the radial immunodiffusion (RID) technique
      described as a more simple method that can quantitatively determine the
      concentration of an antigen in a complex mixture. The ELISA test allowed us to
      quantify the 20S protesome in tissue homogenates and fluids with a recovery of
      100%, a coefficient of variation lower than 5% and a detection limit of 9ng/ml.
      Quantification of the 20S proteasome in various bovine tissue by ELISA showed the
      highest concentration in liver followed by spleen and kidney, with muscles
      exhibiting the lowest concentrations. In addition, measurement of the proteasome
      concentration in eight different bovine muscles with various metabolic profiles
      led to the conclusion that the relationship between muscle metabolic properties
      and proteasome concentration is rather complex. Nevertheless, heart muscle
      exhibited the highest proteasome content (331MUg/g wet tissue) whereas the lowest
      values were found for M. Tensor Fascia Latae (213MUg/g wet tissue), a fast twitch
      white muscle, M. Supraspinatus (209MUg/g wet tissue), a slow twitch red muscle
      and M. Pectoralis profondus (203MUg/g wet tissue), an intermediate muscle. As
      compared to other endogenous peptidases, muscle tissue contains relatively high
      amounts of proteasome. Hence this complex can be quantified using the RID, which
      allows quantification of protein in the MUg range. Plotting the concentration
      values determined with both methods for all bovine tissues tested gave a straight
      line with a correlation coefficient of 0.99.

PMID- 22062846
TI  - Sensitivity of three pathogenic bacteria to Turkish cemen paste and its
      ingredients.
AB  - Pastirma is a dry cured meat product which is pasted with cemen. This paste is
      prepared from ground fenugreek, garlic and red hot pepper (RHPP). In this study,
      the cemen mix/paste and all its ingredients were tested for their inhibitory
      effects on Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Yersinia enterocolitica.
      All samples had a varying inhibitory effect against all the bacteria tested
      during 4 days of storage. Complete cemen paste showed the strongest inhibitory
      effect on the three pathogens compared to ingredients alone. Fenugreek and RHPP
      had a bacteriostatic effect while the cemen paste and garlic had a bactericidal
      effect. S. aureus was the most sensitive bacterium while Y. enterocolitica was
      the most resistant. The results of this study confirmed the protective effect of
      cemen paste and garlic in food preservation especially against E. coli, S. aureus
      and Y. enterocolitica proving safety for public health. Hence it might be
      concluded that cemen paste is the first hurdle to prevent bacterial
      contamination, and a low pH (~4.83) value would also add an additional barrier to
      secure safety of the product. Finally, it can be suggested that similar studies
      should be conducted on actual meat systems to confirm these findings.

PMID- 22062847
TI  - Myosin heavy chain fibre types and fibre sizes in nuliparous and primiparous
      ovariectomized Iberian sows: Interaction with two alternative rearing systems
      during the fattening period.
AB  - To investigate the effects of the reproductive background
      (nuliparous/primiparous) on skeletal muscle phenotype and their interaction with
      two alternative finishing systems (indoors/outdoors) in Iberian sows, 32
      contemporary piglets were assigned to four different groups: indoors-nuliparous,
      indoors-primiparous, outdoors-nuliparous and outdoors-primiparous. Nuliparous
      sows were ovariectomized at 4 months of age, whereas primiparous were castrated
      at 14 months of age, after their first lactation. Indoors sows were fattened (2
      months prior to slaughter) intensively, whereas outdoors sows were finished in an
      extensive land with natural resources. Muscle samples (semimembranosus,
      gluteobiceps) were analyzed for myosin fibre types and fibre sizes. Sows finished
      out-of-doors had more type I and IIA fibres and smaller fibres than indoor
      fattened pigs. Primiparous reared indoors had a significantly lower IIX:IIB fibre
      ratio and showed a clear tendency for having larger fibres than nuliparous reared
      indoors. Reproductive background effect interacted with rearing condition effect
      inducing relevant muscular adaptations. Thus, the influence of reproductive
      background on muscle characteristics was not significant in sows reared out-of
      doors but highly significant in sows finished intensively. This interaction
      resulted in muscular traits less favourable for meat quality in primiparous vs.
      nuliparous reared indoors.

PMID- 22062848
TI  - Changes in Zn-porphyrin and proteinous pigments in italian dry-cured ham during
      processing and maturation.
AB  - Substitution of iron with zinc in myoglobin during maturation of Parma ham to
      yield zinc porphyrin extractable by 75% vol/vol acetone/water solution and
      detectable by fluorescence spectroscopy, was found to occur concomitant with
      protein modification in myoglobin. The content of zinc porphyrin increases
      throughout the whole processing and maturation of Parma ham, from I(fl) 0.1+/
      0.06 for green ham to I(fl) 84.4+/-48.8 for fully matured Parma ham. In an
      aqueous extract of Parma ham with pH 6.0 protein alteration in myoglobin, as
      detected by size-exclusion chromatography, is initiated during the resting period
      following salting and seems to precede formation of zinc porphyrin. During
      maturation the results indicate that the modified myoglobin could undergo
      polymerization, and it is suggested that initial protein denaturation or
      degradation facilitates substitution of iron with zinc. The pigment
      polymerization may be a result of non-covalent protein association to zinc
      porphyrin in denatured or partly degraded myoglobin.

PMID- 22062849
TI  - Influence of rosemary-tocopherol/packaging combination on meat quality and the
      survival of pathogens in restructured irradiated pork loins.
AB  - Irradiated restructured pork loins treated with rosemary-tocopherol/double
      packaging had lower TBARS values than vacuum-packaged control after 10 days of
      refrigerated storage. The rosemary-tocopherol combination, however, had no effect
      on the production of sulfur volatiles responsible for the irradiation off-odor,
      and color changes in irradiated pork. V7/A3 double-packaging was effective in
      reducing the sulfur volatiles significantly. Rosemary-tocopherol combination was
      highly effective in reducing the volatile hexanal in irradiated restructure pork.
      Irradiation was effective in reducing Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella
      typhimurium inoculated on the surface of restructured pork loin in dose-dependent
      manner. The irradiation D(10) values for L. monocytogenes and S. typhimurium were
      0.58 and 0.55kGy, respectively. During the 20 days of refrigerated storage, L.
      monocytogenes in both nonirradiated and irradiated samples grew gradually, but
      the number of S. typhimurium decreased. The added rosemary-tocopherol, however,
      showed little bacteriocidal effects to L. monocytogenes and S. typhimurium.

PMID- 22062850
TI  - Pre-slaughter transport, AMP-activated protein kinase, glycolysis, and quality of
      pork loin.
AB  - Numerous studies have revealed that pre-slaughter stress, like transport,
      increases the occurrence of pale, soft, and exudative (PSE) pork meat. The
      molecular mechanism underlying this phenomenon, however, is poorly defined. In
      this study, we investigated the effects of pre-slaughter transport and subsequent
      rest on energy metabolism, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation, and
      glycolysis in postmortem pork loin. Results indicated that pre-slaughter
      transport accelerated ATP depletion, which led to lower energy status in
      postmortem muscle immediately post-exsanguination when compared with control. The
      lower energy status led to AMPK activation within 1h postmortem, subsequently
      increasing glycolysis, leading to rapid glycolysis and high incidence of PSE
      meat. Allowing pigs to rest after transport restored energy status in muscle ante
      mortem. Higher energy status then prevented premature and rapid AMPK activation
      in postmortem muscle and lessened the negative effects of pre-slaughter transport
      on meat quality. AMPK regulated glycolysis in postmortem muscle, at least
      partially, through phosphorylation and activation of phosphofructose kinase-2,
      since fructose-2,6-diphosphate content, an allosteric activator of
      phosphofructose kinase-1, was well correlated with AMPK activation and glycolytic
      rate. This suggests that AMPK is a potential molecular target for the control of
      PSE incidence in pork.

PMID- 22062851
TI  - Effect of natural and synthetic antioxidants on protein oxidation and colour and
      texture changes in refrigerated stored porcine liver pate.
AB  - The antioxidant effect of two plant essential oils (sage and rosemary) and one
      synthetic antioxidant (BHT) on refrigerated stored porcine liver pate (4 degrees
      C/90 days) was evaluated. Pates with no added antioxidants were used as controls.
      Liver pates were analysed for protein oxidation, modification of heme (HI) and
      non-heme iron (NHI) concentrations, and colour and texture characteristics at
      days 0, 30, 60 and 90 of refrigerated storage. The amount of carbonyls from
      protein oxidation significantly (p<0.05) increased during refrigerated storage,
      and this increase was significantly higher in the control pates than in their
      treated counterparts. Antioxidants successfully protected heme molecules from
      degradation and significantly inhibited the increase of NHI in refrigerated
      stored liver pates. Colour changes seemed not to be directly related to oxidative
      processes since pates with added antioxidants suffered greater colour
      modifications than the controls. The addition of rosemary essential oil
      significantly reduced hardness of liver pates. Sage and rosemary essential oils
      exhibited similar antioxidant properties to BHT denoting their suitability as
      alternatives to synthetic antioxidants.

PMID- 22062852
TI  - Effect of starch type and its modifications on physicochemical properties of
      bologna-type sausage produced with sheep tail fat.
AB  - Gelatinized, solubilized/dispersed and retrograded starches were produced from
      normal (unmodified) corn and potato starches, and were used with sheep tail fat
      for sausage batters. Emulsion stability, jelly and fat separation, water holding
      capacity (WHC), emulsion viscosity and batter pH were determined. Penetrometer
      reading after cooking of the batters, and tenderness of the end-product were
      determined. Modified starches statistically (p<0.01) affected emulsion stability
      and emulsion viscosity. The modification process was not significant for pH, WHC,
      jelly and fat separation and penetrometer values (p>0.05). While type of used
      starch had a significant effect on jelly and fat separation (p<0.05), for the
      other measurements it was not significant (p>0.05).

PMID- 22062853
TI  - Improvement of shelf-life of buffalo meat using lactic acid, clove oil and
      vitamin C during retail display.
AB  - Buffalo meat steaks dipped in either (1) distilled water (control), (2) lactic
      acid (LA), (3) LA+clove oil (clove), or (4) LA+clove+vitamin C (Vit C) were
      displayed at 4+/-1 degrees C, illuminated by a standard fluorescent lamp. The pH,
      2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), instrumental colour (CIE L(*),
      a(*), b(*)), aerobic plate counts (APC), psychrotrophic counts (PPC), coliform
      counts and sensory colour and odour were determined up to 12th day of display at
      3 days interval. Results showed that, all the treatments have significantly
      (P<0.05) reduced the TBARS values compared to control. Among treatments, use of
      LA+clove has exhibited significantly (P<0.05) lowest TBARS values throughout
      display period than others. Buffalo meat steaks treated with either LA+clove or
      LA+clove+Vit C had significantly (P<0.05) lower APC, PPC and coliform counts than
      control or LA treated samples. LA+clove+Vit C treated samples maintained
      significantly (P<0.05) higher a(*) and b(*) values during display as well as
      improvement in sensory colour and odour than others. Treatment with either
      LA+clove or LA+clove+Vit C extended the display life of buffalo meat steaks at
      4+/-1 degrees C. There appears to be a significant advantage to using LA+clove or
      LA+clove+Vit C over LA alone.

PMID- 22062854
TI  - In vivo prediction of carcass composition and muscularity in purebred Texel
      lambs.
AB  - A subjective assessment of the shape of the hind limb of purebred Texel lambs was
      evaluated as an in vivo predictor of carcass composition and muscularity. Lambs
      were taken from two flocks that were managed in a common environment, but which
      had either been selected for lean tissue growth rate or for improved
      conformation. Lambs were slaughtered at a mean age of 139 days at the end of an
      11 week performance test in which they were reared indoors on a concentrate diet.
      Pre-slaughter measurements of live weight and ultrasonic muscle (UMD) and fat
      (UFD) depths at the position of the third lumbar vertebra, body length (L) and a
      subjective leg shape score were recorded. After slaughter, measurements were
      recorded for carcass side length (SL), leg length (T) and the maximum width (A)
      and depth (B) of the longissimus thoracis and lumborum (LTL) muscle. The side was
      fully dissected and various muscle weights and skeletal dimensions were used to
      calculate indices of muscularity as ?(muscle weight/length) per unit length or as
      UMD/L, A/SL or B/SL. The leg shape score was positively correlated with lean
      weight (0.23) and proportion (0.24), lean:bone ratio (0.25), measures of LTL
      dimensions (0.27-0.38) and muscularity traits (0.27-0.57) but was not
      significantly (P>0.05) correlated with fat weights or proportions in the carcass.
      Live weight was the best single predictor of lean weight (RSD=0.403) and the
      addition of leg shape score (RSD=0.381) to prediction equations was less
      effective than the inclusion of UMD and UFD in combination (RSD=0.357). The
      addition of leg shape score to equations that included ultrasonic traits gave a
      significant (P<0.05) but marginal improvement in prediction (RSD=0.347). The leg
      shape score was the most useful in vivo predictor of carcass muscularity traits
      and, with R(2) in the range 0.30-0.50, had comparable predictive power to a leg
      muscularity score derived from muscle weight and femur length. It is concluded
      that the leg shape score showed potential as a predictor of carcass muscularity
      that was largely independent of live weight and fatness at a fixed age and was
      marginally associated with superior lean yield and lean:bone ratio.

PMID- 22062855
TI  - Influence of the time of year on the incidence of PSE and DFD in Irish pigmeat.
AB  - The conditions of PSE (pale, soft, exudative) and DFD (dark, firm, and dry) are
      significant causes for downgrading of pigmeat resulting in financial loss to the
      slaughter plant. The objective of this study was to document the variation in
      quality of pigmeat from one slaughter plant over a 15-month period, based on
      colour, appearance and pH. During 4 days of most weeks, 30 pigs were randomly
      selected from the slaughter line, resulting in a total number of 4560 pigs.
      Muscle pH between the third and fourth rib was measured 45 min, 90 min and 24 h
      after slaughter. Using a Minolta colorimeter (Hunter L, a, b scale), colour of
      the longissimus dorsi muscle was measured 24 h after slaughter. Muscle colour was
      also visually scored on a scale of 1-6. Carcass pH at 24 h post-mortem varied
      significantly with month of slaughter (P<0.04) as did colour (Hunter L, P<0.001;
      Hunter a, P<0.001; Hunter b, P<0.001). It was concluded that meat quality as
      measured by 24 h pH and colour was poorest during the months of November and
      December. While this may be at least partly related to weather, it is probable
      that the increased slaughtering rates at this time and variable resting period
      before slaughter had the biggest impact.

PMID- 22062856
TI  - Effects of PSE on the quality of cooked hams.
AB  - Meat quality comparisons were carried out on hams produced from pork legs showing
      evidence of PSE and normal pork legs. Quality measurements included drip loss,
      sliceability, cooking loss, TBARS analysis and colour evaluation (Hunter L, a,
      b). A total of 40 pork legs were selected from a commercial slaughtering plant,
      20 from carcasses showing PSE and 20 from normal carcasses based on L, a, b, and
      pH values. Carcass pH taken between the third/fourth rib was measured 45 min, 90
      min, and 24 h after slaughter. Using a Minolta colorimeter (Hunter L, a, b,),
      colour of the Longissimus dorsi muscle was measured 24 h after slaughter. PSE had
      an adverse effect on cooked hams in comparison to normal cooked hams with respect
      to driploss (P<0.01), cooking loss (P<0.01), sliceability (P<0.01), colour
      (P<0.05) and lipid oxidation (P<0.05). Cooked hams manufactured from severe PSE
      pork in this study had an estimated financial loss of 50% (IRLL4.90) in
      comparison to those manufactured from normal pork (IRLL9.80).

PMID- 22062857
TI  - Development and evaluation of a cabrito smoked sausage product.
AB  - In order for the meat goat producer to survive, new avenues for marketing goats
      must be created. Currently, the live animal is sold directly to consumers, or to
      brokers who in turn sell the animal directly to consumers or retail stores that
      cater to various ethnic groups. The production of value-added products with
      appeal to North American consumers, as well as current ethnic consumers, should
      result in increased profitability of the meat goat. The objectives of this study
      were to develop a value added product, cabrito smoked sausage, using goat meat as
      the sole meat ingredient; evaluate soy protein concentrate (SPC) at various
      levels in an effort to reduce product cost; determine consumer acceptability; and
      conduct a cost analysis to determine the approximate market price for the
      product. Three fermented cabrito smoked sausage products were manufactured
      containing 0, 1.75 or 3.50% SPC and stored at 2+/-1 degrees C until evaluated.
      The sausages were evaluated for sensory characteristics, proximate analysis, pH,
      water activity and smokehouse yields. Trained panelists detected no significant
      flavor differences (P > 0.05) between the products. As a result of these
      findings, sausages formulated with 0 and 3.50% SPC were compared in a consumer
      sensory evaluation. Consumer panelists detected no significant differences (P >
      0.05) in flavor, texture and overall acceptance between the snack sticks.
      Approximately 65% of the panelists commented that they would purchase the value
      added products. Proximates, pH, water activity and smokehouse yields were similar
      (P > 0.05) for the sausages formulated with 0 and 3.50% SPC. The addition of SPC
      resulted in an 8.79% reduction in the price of the 3.50% SPC formulation when
      compared to the sausage formulated with no SPC.

PMID- 22062858
TI  - Effect of processing plant on pork quality.
AB  - The impact of processing plant on pork quality was studied by assessing pork
      quality in three commercial plants (A, B, C). Plants differed in the layout of
      the races, stunning systems (A and B: electrical, C: CO(2) stunning) and chilling
      systems (A: rapid chilling, B and C: conventional). Factors not related to the
      processing plants (e.g. genetic background of animals, transport, lairage) were
      standardized. In total, nine batches of about 150 pigs each were processed. Each
      batch was purchased at a commercial farm and randomly divided into three groups
      for delivery to the three processing plants. Meat quality was evaluated by
      measuring early post-mortem muscle pH and temperature as well as ultimate pH,
      meat colour (Minolta Chroma Meter and Japanese colour scale), filter paper score
      (FPS), electrical conductivity (EC) and drip loss. Plant C produced an inferior
      quality compared to plants A and B: meat was paler (C: 2.8 vs. A: 2.9 and B: 3.0
      on the Japanese colour scale) and had higher drip losses (C: 5.2 vs. A: 4.8 and
      B: 4.9%). Meat colour hardly differed between plants A and B but waterholding
      properties were best at plant A as indicated by FPS (A: 2.4 vs. B: 2.8 vs. C:
      3.3) and EC (A: 5.4 vs. B: 6.4 vs. C: 7.4 mS). It is concluded that processing
      plant may influence meat quality. Correlations between early post-mortem
      measurements and meat quality traits were low. Nevertheless, high carcass
      temperatures and low pH values early post-mortem were shown to lead to inferior
      meat quality.

PMID- 22062859
TI  - Relationships between dietary fatty acid composition and either melting point or
      fatty acid profile of adipose tissue in broilers.
AB  - Data on the fatty acid composition of the diet and that of the adipose tissue in
      broilers were collected from the literature. The linear regression between the
      dietary and the adipose tissue unsaturated to saturated fatty acids ratio (U/S
      ratio) was calculated because the U/S ratio of adipose tissue fat determines its
      melting point, which is an indicator of the consistency of poultry fat. For 54
      data points from three different experiments, the linear correlation coefficient
      of the relationship between dietary and adipose tissue U/S ratio was 0.77. The
      regression equation for linoleic acid in adipose tissue as a function of dietary
      linoleic acid was calculated. The linoleic acid content of adipose tissue was
      expressed as weight percentage of total fatty acids. Intake was expressed as
      either weight percentage of total fatty acids or as energy percentage of total
      dietary metabolizable energy. The linear correlation coefficients were 0.68 and
      0.78 as based on 116 or 91 data points from 15 or 12 different experiments.
      Significant correlations were also found for alpha-linolenic acid. The linoleic
      acid content of adipose tissue was found to be correlated (r=0.87) for 25 data
      points with that in consumable broiler meat, which may affect serum cholesterol
      concentrations in humans. With the help of the regression formulas presented it
      may be possible to formulate broiler diets in relation to consumer health and
      product quality.

PMID- 22062860
TI  - Batch accuracy of on-line fat determination.
AB  - A new method for determination of the fat content of large meat batches without
      sampling is presented. It is based on dual-energy X-ray (DXR) scanning of meat
      trimmings prior to mixing, in order to determine the exact fat content of the
      resulting meat batch. Twenty-seven samples of three types of pork trimmings with
      a fat content ranging from 24 to 63% were collected and combined into batch sizes
      of 27-241 kg. At small batch sizes (27 kg) the nature of the measurement error is
      mainly random, resulting in a prediction error (root mean square error of
      prediction) of 0.57% against the reference method. At a batch size of 241 kg the
      error was reduced to 0.34%. The DXR method determines the fat content of all meat
      in a batch without any sampling required, thus reducing the sampling error to a
      minimum. This is essential, as the results show that the sampling error is large:
      when 27-kg samples were homogenized and measured by the reference method, the
      standard deviation of high-fat samples was 4.7%.

PMID- 22062861
TI  - Degradation of gamma- and alpha-tocopherol and formation of 5-nitro-gamma
      tocopherol induced by peroxynitrite in liposomes and skeletal muscle.
AB  - Peroxynitrite, formed from the reaction between nitric oxide and superoxide, can
      participate in free radical-mediated reactions with cellular components in muscle
      to (1) initiate lipid oxidation via the production of lipid hydroperoxides, and
      (2) produce novel nitrated products. 5-Nitro-gamma-tocopherol (NGT) is formed by
      the electrophilic substitution reaction between peroxynitrite and gamma
      tocopherol. The objective of this research was to examine the utility of NGT as a
      lipid-phase, peroxynitrite-specific biomarker in muscle foods. NGT was detected
      when exogenous peroxynitrite was added to liposomes containing gamma-tocopherol
      and homogenates from chicken dark and turkey light muscle with added gamma
      tocopherol. Detectable levels of NGT were not observed in either minced turkey
      light muscle stored at -20  degrees C or chicken dark muscle stored at 4  degrees
      C. These results suggest that NGT is not a suitable biomarker to confirm the
      presence of endogenously produced peroxynitrite in muscle foods.

PMID- 22062862
TI  - Reflectance at 610 nanometers estimates oxymyoglobin content on the surface of
      ground beef.
AB  - This research evaluated the utility of direct (K/S 610/K/S 525) and indirect
      (100%-% deoxymyoglobin+% metmyoglobin) methods for estimation of oxymyoglobin
      (OMb) on the surface of ground beef. Direct estimation was highly correlated to
      visual color scores (r=-0.93), indirect determination of OMb (r=0.98), and %
      metmyoglobin (r=-0.98). Since indirect OMb was based partially on %
      deoxymyoglobin, which was poorly correlated to visual color scores, the accuracy
      of the subtraction method may be limited. Both direct and indirect methods
      produced similar variability when estimating OMb. All calculations for pigment
      forms produced outliers, which were adjusted to 0 and 100% to more precisely
      represent surface pigment concentrations. This work suggests that the K/S 610/K/S
      525 method is accurate and repeatable and can be used to quantify surface OMb
      concentration and discoloration of ground beef.

PMID- 22062863
TI  - Purification and characterization of a novel glutamyl aminopeptidase from chicken
      meat.
AB  - A novel glutamyl aminopeptidase (aminopeptidase A, EC 3.4.11.7) was purified from
      chicken meat by ammonium sulfate fractionation, ethanol fractionation, heat
      treatment, and successive column chromatographies of DEAE-Sepharose CL-6B and
      Sephadex G-200. The purified enzyme migrated as a single band on SDS-PAGE. The
      molecular weight of this enzyme was found to be 55,000 and 550,000 by SDS-PAGE
      and Sephadex G-200 column chromatographies, respectively. This enzyme hydrolyzed
      Glu- and Asp-, but not Leu-, Arg-, and Ala-2-naphthylamide (-2NA) at all. The
      optimum pH and temperature for hydrolysis of Glu-2NA was 7.5. and 70 degrees C,
      respectively. Reducing agents such as cysteine and dithiothreitol inhibited the
      activity of this enzyme at concentrations of 1 mM. However, the activation by
      Ca(2+) and the inhibition by amastatin were not observed.

PMID- 22062864
TI  - Growth parameters and meat quality of finishing hogs supplemented with creatine
      monohydrate and a high glycemic carbohydrate for the last 30 days of production.
AB  - The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth and meat quality of hogs
      supplemented with creatine monohydrate (CMH) and (or) a simple carbohydrate
      (dextrose) for the last 30 days of production. Crossbred market barrows (n=32; 75
      kg) were blocked by weight and randomly allotted to one of eight pens with four
      animals per pen. Dietary treatments were a control (normal corn and soybean meal
      diet), CMH (control diet supplemented with 0.55% CMH), DEXT (control diet
      supplemented with 2.1% dextrose), and COMBO (control diet supplemented with CMH
      and DEXT). Average daily gain on test, fat depth, hot carcass weight, and LMA
      (postmortem dot grid measurement) were not affected by dietary treatment.
      However, a nonsignificant trend (P=0.07) was observed for 10th rib loin muscle
      area (LMA) gain on test as determined by real-time ultrasound comparisons over
      the course of the 30 days feeding duration (COMBO=4.24 cm(2) increase vs.
      control=1.0 cm(2) increase). No significant differences in pork quality were
      noted across treatment groups.

PMID- 22062865
TI  - Sensory and chemical assessment of pork supplemented with iron and vitamin E.
AB  - Pork muscle samples (M. longissimus dorsi and M. psoas major) were obtained from
      pigs given one of four dietary treatments, (1) control diet, (2) supplemental
      iron (7g iron (II) sulphate/kg feed), (3) supplemental vitamin E (200 mg dl-alpha
      tocopheryl acetate/kg of feed) and (4) supplemental vitamin E+supplemental iron.
      Vitamin C was supplemented to all dietary treatments to facilitate iron uptake.
      Vitamin E and iron tissue levels were determined for each treatment. Warmed-over
      flavour (WOF) was evaluated by a trained sensory panel (n=8) for the four
      treatments which were cooked and refrigerated at 4  degrees C for up to 5 days.
      Thawing loss, driploss and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were
      also determined. Vitamin E muscle tissue levels were greatest in the Iron/vitamin
      E-treated group followed by the vitamin E group, control and iron treated groups,
      respectively for M. longissimus dorsi. Whereas, for M. psoas major vitamin E
      tissue levels were in order of magnitude, vitamin E>iron/vitamin E>iron>control
      group. Iron tissue levels were in the order vitamin E>iron/vitamin E>control>iron
      for M. longissimus dorsi and iron>vitamin E>control>iron/vitamin E for M. psoas
      major. Thus, vitamin E and vitamin C promoted non-supplemental iron absorption in
      the vitamin E-treated group for M. longissimus dorsi and to a lesser extent for
      M. psoas major. M. psoas major was more susceptible to warmed-over flavour
      development than M. longissimus dorsi for all treatments as determined by sensory
      profiling, due to higher tissue iron levels. From sensory profiling, WOF
      development in M. longissimus dorsi and M. psoas major was highest in the iron
      supplemented groups followed by the control and vitamin E-supplemented groups.

PMID- 22062866
TI  - The influence of post-mortem ageing and roasting on the microstructure, texture
      and collagen solubility of bovine semitendinosus muscle.
AB  - Bovine semitendinosus (ST) muscles aged for 5 and 12 days at 4  degrees C were
      roasted at 170  degrees C to internal temperatures of 50, 60, 70, 80 and 90 
      degrees C. Microstructural changes in meat were evaluated using a scanning
      electron microscope (SEM). Texture profile analysis (TPA) and measurements of the
      shear force values of samples were conducted using a texture analyser. The
      cooking losses and quantity of total and soluble collagen were also estimated.
      The structure of intramuscular connective tissue and myofibrillar structure of
      meat after 5 days of ageing was very regular. In 12-day-aged samples fibrous and
      myofibrillar structures were less distinct, damages of endomysium tubes appeared
      and fibres of perimysium were swelled. Ageing of ST muscle for 12 days caused a
      two-fold increase in the quantity of soluble collagen and a two-fold decrease in
      the value of TPA parameters-hardness and chewiness, as compared to 5-day-aged
      samples. The decrease in fibre diameter and sarcomere length during roasting
      started at 60  degrees C in 5-day-aged meat and at 50  degrees C in 12-day-aged
      samples. The shear force values measured after roasting were lower for 12-day
      aged meat than for 5-day-aged samples. The quantity of soluble collagen in
      roasted meat increased at an internal temperature of 80  degrees C. At a higher
      temperature of meat this variable depended on the degree of meat ageing. The
      cooking losses during roasting of meat were about 3% lower for 12-day-aged than
      for 5-day-aged samples. In the examined range of internal temperature of meat the
      cooking losses and the sarcomere length were negatively correlated.

PMID- 22062867
TI  - The effects of carrageenan and pectin on some quality characteristics of low-fat
      beef frankfurters.
AB  - Effects of carrageenan (0.3, 0.5, or 0.7%) and carrageenan (0.3, 0.5, or 0.7%)
      with a pectin gel (20%) on some quality characteristics of low-fat beef
      frankfurters were evaluated in comparison to a high-fat control (HFC) and a low
      fat control (LFC). While low-fat frankfurters had <3.0% fat, 73-76% moisture, 13
      14% protein, HFC had 17% fat, 59% moisture, and 14% protein. A reduction of 50
      59% in cholesterol was determined in low fat beef frankfurters as compared to HFC
      (P<0.05). Better process yield and emulsion stability, and less purge were
      observed with increasing carrageenan concentration. Treatment groups showed
      higher water holding capacity (WHC) than LFC, and lower WHC than HFC (P<0.05).
      With increasing carrageenan concentration, WHC increased and penetrometer value
      decreased in low-fat frankfurters.

PMID- 22062868
TI  - Storage stability of low-fat beef frankfurters formulated with carrageenan or
      carrageenan with pectin.
AB  - Storage stability of low-fat frankfurters (<3.0 fat content) formulated with
      carrageenan (0.3, 0.5, and 0.7%) or carrageenan with a pectin gel (PG) (20%) was
      examined during 49-day refrigerated storage. Low fat frankfurters had higher
      bacterial growth than high-fat control (HFC) over the refrigerated storage due to
      higher water activity resulting from extra water addition. While there was no
      change in the pH of low-fat frankfurters initially due to carrageenan or PG
      incorporation, the most noticeable pH decline was observed in PG-added
      frankfurters followed by only carrageenan added ones over the storage period. HFC
      had the highest (P<0.05) TBA value and the lowest redness index (a(*)/b(*)) all
      the time as compared with carrageenan or carrageenan and PG added low-fat
      frankfurters. Low-fat frankfurters formulated with either carrageenan or
      carrageenan with PG had acceptable sensory scores.

PMID- 22062869
TI  - Effect of castration on meat quality in Piemontese cattle.
AB  - The effect of early (5 month) or late castration (13 month) on meat quality of
      hypertrophied Piemontese cattle was investigated. Twenty four animals, equally
      divided into three groups (early castrated, EC; late castrated, LC; intact males,
      IM) were reared under the same experimental conditions and slaughtered at the
      same age. Twenty four hours after slaughter the pH was measured on the
      longissimus thoracis of the right side. After 11 days of ageing the following
      analyses were performed on the longissimus thoracis et lumborum: water, protein
      and ether extract contents, hydroxyproline content and collagen solubility,
      colour (L, a(L), b(L), hue and chroma), drip and cooking losses, Warner-Bratzler
      shear values and sensory analysis (appearance of the raw meat and eating
      qualities of the cooked meat). Compared with intact males, the castrates had
      lower water and hydroxyproline contents and higher contents of protein and ether
      extract. No significant differences were observed between early and late
      castration, except for cooking losses.

PMID- 22062871
TI  - Comparison of Infant Car Seat grip orientations and lift strategies.
AB  - The rear-facing Infant Car Seat (ICS) is designed to meet federal requirements
      for transporting children less than 1 year old. Typical use includes transfer in
      and out of a vehicle, which is shown to be a difficult lift. Despite the
      frequency of this lift, manufacturers provide little guidance for users. Review
      of relevant literature suggested an ICS featuring an angled handle, promoting a
      neutral wrist posture, would increase grip stability and decrease lifting effort.
      Popular press suggested a foot-in-car stance for the ICS lift would do the same.
      An experiment was conducted in which wrist deviations from neutral posture were
      recorded along with lifting muscle activation levels (multiple flexor muscles and
      biceps brachii) and overall perceived exertion for straight versus a new bent
      handle design and conventional stance versus foot-in-car. Foot position was
      examined to test the recommendations in the popular press. Surprisingly, wrist
      deviation was not significantly affected by the new bent handle design (due to
      compensatory behavior with the straight handle) but was related to foot placement
      (p=0.04). Results revealed the bent handle to significantly reduce flexor
      activation compared with the straight handle (p=0.0003); however, the level of
      biceps activation increased. Biceps activation also significantly increased for
      foot-in-car stance (p=0.035) but not flexor activation. In general, the bent
      handle enabled the user to lift the ICS with a steadier grip and less effort.

PMID- 22062872
TI  - Relationship of prepulse inhibition to temperament and character in healthy
      Japanese subjects.
AB  - Prepulse inhibition (PPI) of acoustic startle reflex (ASR) and personality, such
      as temperament and character, are considered candidate endophenotypes of
      schizophrenia. Gene polymorphism studies have provided evidence that both PPI and
      self-transcendence (ST) are polygenetic traits that involve several
      neurotransmitters, including the serotonin and dopamine signaling pathways.
      However, the relationship between PPI and temperament/character has not been
      properly addressed to date. Here, we investigated the link between PPI and
      temperament/character in 169 healthy Japanese subjects. A human startle response
      monitoring system was used to deliver acoustic startle stimuli and to record and
      score the electromyographic activity of the orbicularis oculi muscle. PPI was
      evaluated at signal-to-noise ratios (SnRs: intensity difference between
      background noise and prepulse) of +12, +16, and +20 dB. The lead interval (from
      prepulse onset to pulse onset) was 120 ms, and Temperament and Character
      Inventory was used in both groups. Significant correlations at SnR of +16 and +20
      dB to ST were identified. Our results suggest that impaired sensorimotor gating,
      evaluated as lower PPI of ASR, of healthy subjects is correlated with self
      transcendence, the character which is closely related with schizophrenia and
      schizotypy.

PMID- 22062873
TI  - Cholesterol oxides in processed chicken muscle as influenced by dietary alpha
      tocopherol supplementation.
AB  - The effect of dietary alpha-tocopheryl acetate supplementation on the formation
      of cholesterol oxidation products (COPs) in chicken muscle during storage was
      investigated. Broiler chicks (Cobb 500 strain) were fed diets supplemented with
      20, 200 or 800 mg alpha-tocopheryl acetate kg(-1) feed. Cooked breast and thigh
      muscle patties were prepared and stored at 4  degrees C for up to 12 days.
      Dietary supplementation significantly (p < 0.05) increased alpha-tocophenol
      concentrations in cooked muscle and decreased thiobarbituric acid-reacting
      substances (TBARS) during storage. COPs increased during storage. Total COPs
      ranged from 0.17-3.48 and 2.49-5.79 MUg g(-1) in breast and thigh meat,
      respectively. TBARS and total COPs were linearly correlated in breast (r = 0.68,
      p < 0.001,) and thigh patties (r = 0.75, p < 0.05). Dietary alpha-tocopheryl
      acetate supplementation significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the formation of COPs
      during storage. Total COPs formed after 12 days were reduced by 42 and 75% in
      breast, and 50 and 72% in thigh, at supplementation levels of 200 and 800 mg kg(
      1) feed, respectively.

PMID- 22062874
TI  - Oxidation of controlled low-temperature vacuum dehydrated and freeze-dried beef
      and pork.
AB  - Processes of freeze-drying and controlled low-temperature vacuum dehydration were
      used for drying beef and pork. The drying-time of controlled low-temperature
      vacuum dehydration was less than that of freeze-drying. Monolayer moisture
      contents and surface areas of freeze-dried products were higher than those of
      products dried by controlled lowtemperature vacuum dehydration. The contents of
      myoglobin decreased and lipid oxidation increased during storage, and more marked
      effects were seen at higher storage temperatures. Myoglobin degradation in freeze
      dried beef and pork was greater than in samples dried by controlled low
      temperature vacuum dehydration.

PMID- 22062875
TI  - Electrical stunning in commercial rabbits: Effective currents, spontaneous
      physical activity and reflex behaviour.
AB  - Electrical stunning was evaluated in commercial slaughter rabbits. Different
      voltage applications with varying current duration were tested in recovery
      experiments in 71 animals. Stunning parameters and duration of insensibility were
      measured and analysed for assessing stunning effectiveness. A minimum stunning
      current of 140 mA which can be achieved with application of 100 V was
      recommended.

PMID- 22062876
TI  - Lipid and cholesterol oxidation in frozen stored pork, salame Milano and
      mortadella.
AB  - An investigation has been carried out on oxidative processes of fresh and stored
      frozen pork and of two pork products (salame Milano and mortadella). Wholesale
      pork cuts (shoulder, ham trimmings, belly and backfat) were checked fresh and
      after frozen storage (1, 3 and 6 months). The streaky bacon was studied fresh and
      after scalding at 80  degrees C. Salame Milano and mortadella were produced with
      fresh and frozen raw materials and a few commercial samples were also part of the
      study. No real differences have been observed between commercial and
      experimentally produced salame and mortadella. Peroxide and TBARS values were low
      in all cases. Among the cholesterol oxides determined (7beta-hydroxycholesterol,
      5,6alpha-epoxycholesterol, 7-ketocholesterol and 25-hydroxycholesterol) those
      dangerous for human health were either absent or their concentration was below
      toxic levels. The results are discussed on the light of literature reports and
      Italian pork products technologies.

PMID- 22062877
TI  - Ultrasonic scanning measurements of the longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle
      to predict carcass muscle content in sheep.
AB  - Nineteen Omani sheep (average 26 kg body weight) were scanned over the 6th rib,
      12th rib and the second-last lumbar vertebra, to determine the maximum depth (B),
      circumference, area of the cross-section and volume of the longissimus thoracis
      et lumborum (LD) muscle. The volume of the muscle was estimated by multiplying
      the average area of its cross-section obtained at the three sites by its length.
      After slaughter, the LD muscle was dissected out, frozen, and its maximum depth,
      circumference, length, weight and volume were determined. Correlation and
      regression analyses were carried out to evaluate relationships between scanning
      and real measurements and between scanning measurements and carcass total muscle
      content. Generally there were positive correlations (r = 0.43-0.66) between the
      LD scanning measurements made at the 12th rib and the corresponding measurements
      made on the dissected muscle. The volume of the LD muscle estimated from scanning
      was positively correlated (r = 0.59) with its real volume which was correlated
      with its weight (r = 0.51) and consequently with the total carcass muscle content
      (r = 0.69). Ultrasonic scanning can be used to predict the circumference and
      volume of the LD muscle. These may be used for prediction of total carcass muscle
      content in sheep in addition to traditional measurements of the muscle (the
      maximum depth B) and area.

PMID- 22062878
TI  - Determination of endpoint temperatures in previously heat treated beef using
      reflectance spectroscopy.
AB  - Heat processing endpoint temperature affects several quality parameters of meat.
      The present paper focuses on using near-infrared and visual light reflectance
      spectroscopy at 400-2500 nm to determine the endpoint temperature in previously
      heated ground beef. Glass fibre filters with beef juice centrifuged from m.
      longissimus lumborum were used as samples for the technique Dry Extract
      Spectroscopy by Infrared Reflection (DESIR). Combined with multivariate analysis,
      this method gave prediction errors down to +/- 0.74  degrees C in the temperature
      range 65.6-75.6  degrees C, showing that DESIR is a potential screening method.
      The dominant part of the predictive information was in the visual part of the
      spectra.

PMID- 22062879
TI  - Effect of growth path on the tenderness of the semitendinosus muscle of Brahman
      cross steers.
AB  - The growth paths of 36, nine-month-old Brahman-cross steers were modified to
      determine the effect of their growth history on tenderness of the semitendinosus
      (ST) muscle. Steers were assigned to one of three treatment groups. One group of
      steers (uninterrupted group) was grazed on improved tropical pasture for 257 days
      and had an average weight gain of 0.6 kg day(-1). The other two groups were fed a
      restricted diet of low-quality grass hay and lost on average ~ 13% of their
      initial live weight over 100 days. These groups were then regrown for 157 days on
      either pasture (pasture finished) with the uninterrupted group, or on a grain
      based feedlot diet (grain finished). Growth rates of the previously restricted
      groups during the regrowth phase were indicative of compensatory growth and were
      significantly different (p < 0.05) at 0.76 (sem 0.03) kg day(-1) and 1.22 (0.05)
      kg day(-1), pasture and grain finished groups, respectively. Growth rates for
      both restricted groups were significantly different (p < 0.05) from the
      uninterrupted group [0.55 (0.02) kg day(-1)]. At slaughter, the grain finished
      group had heavier carcases, higher dressing percentages and more fat coverage,
      than either the uninterrupted or pasture finished groups, the latter being
      significantly lighter than the uninterrupted group. Tenderness was assessed by
      shear, compression (C) and adhesion (ADH) measurements. Shear peak force (PF)
      values of cooked ST samples did not differ significantly between groups. However,
      PF values of pressure-heat treated ST samples from the grain finished group were
      significantly less (p < 0.05) than comparable values from the uninterrupted group
      suggesting a reduced contribution of connective tissue to toughness. The pasture
      finished group mean PF value was not significantly different from either the
      uninterrupted group or grain finished group means. C and ADH values were
      significantly less (p < 0.05) in the grain finished group compared to the pasture
      finished groups values, again indicating a reduced connective tissue contribution
      to toughness. We conclude that the physical properties of the connective tissue
      component of the ST muscle may be altered by rapid compensatory growth after a
      weight loss phase and reduce the connective tissue contribution to toughness
      which may enhance meat tenderness.

PMID- 22062880
TI  - Shelf-life extension and colour stabilisation of beef packaged in a low O(2)
      atmosphere containing CO: Loin steaks and ground meat.
AB  - A combination of low O(2), high CO(2) and very low CO was investigated for
      packaging fresh beef steaks and ground meat. The following atmospheres were used:
      70% O(2) + 20% CO(2) + 10% N(2) (CMA); 70% O(2) + 20% CO(2) + 9% N(2) + 1% CO
      (HO?CO) and 24% O(2) + 50% CO(2) + 25% N(2) + 1% CO (LO?CO). Bacterial counts
      showed that LO?CO atmosphere greatly reduced psychrotrophic population, so that
      log cfu cm(-2) was under 7.5 at 29 days of storage at 1  degrees C. All the
      objective measurements related to meat colour (a(*), hue, Chroma and metmyoglobin
      concentration) revealed that the bright-red colour was more stable in both HO?CO
      and LO?CO atmospheres, reaching 29 days of storage without appreciable signs of
      oxidation. Sensory analysis confirmed these results.

PMID- 22062881
TI  - Measurement of nitric oxide and the effect of enhancing or inhibiting it on
      tenderness changes of meat.
AB  - Possible roles of the cellular messenger nitric oxide (NO) in post-mortem meat
      ageing were investigated in bull m. longissimus lumborum. Both enhancement and
      inhibition of NO activity had positive and negative effects, respectively, on
      early rates of ageing. These also correlated with direct measurements of NO in
      the meat samples. However, by 8 days of storage, the tenderness was not
      significantly different to non treated meat samples.

PMID- 22062882
TI  - Assessment of commercial lamb meat quality by British and Spanish taste panels.
AB  - Trained sensory panels in Britain and Spain assessed loin meat from commercial
      lambs purchased in Spain, which included Welsh lamb (imported from Britain) and
      two Spanish breeds (Merino and Rasa Aragonesa). The British panel also assessed
      British lamb purchased in local butcher shops and supermarkets. Sensory panels,
      in each country, received meat from the same lambs and used their local methods
      of cooking and assessment. Spanish panels used unstructured line scales to
      measure lamb odour intensity, tenderness, juiciness, lamb flavour intensity and
      two hedonic scales of flavour liking and overall liking. The British panel used 8
      point category scales with the same attributes. Results from both panels in
      objective parameters were in agreement, hence showing that different trained
      sensory panels may arrive at the same conclusion. However, when panellists were
      allowed to make hedonic judgements (preference), the British panel preferred
      British lamb and the Spanish panel preferred Spanish lamb. This finding has
      important consequences for lamb producers who export their lambs and demonstrates
      that the underlying reasons for different preferences should be investigated.
      Production variables are discussed in relation to their influence on lamb eating
      quality and as a way to tailor lamb eating quality attributes familiar to
      consumers in the importing country.

PMID- 22062883
TI  - Influence of processing on adherence of a highly extended ham to its cooking bag.
AB  - Highly extended cook-in-the-bag hams (65% brine/meat), representative of the
      products currently manufactured in Canada for mass distribution, were prepared
      using standard industrial equipment. Adherence between the cooked product and its
      packaging film was evaluated by measuring the force required to peel an excised
      band of film from the product surface. Overall, film-product adherence did not
      change after two weeks of refrigerated storage and was not affected by the extent
      of tumbling (from 360 to 4500 total turns) or by the cooking cycle (constant
      temperature of 74  degrees C, constant temperature of 84  degrees C, or stepwise
      temperature increase, until core temperature reaches 69  degrees C). Adherence
      was considerably reduced, however, when the extended muscles were finely
      homogenized prior to stuffing. A more detailed analysis of the results suggested
      that the occasional lack of proper film-product adherence observed in industry
      during the manufacture of highly extended hams cannot be due to mere deviations
      from the regular tumbling or cooking cycles. In addition, results point to the
      necessity of seeking alternative methods to quantify adherence between meat
      products and their cooking bags.

PMID- 22062884
TI  - Sensory and technological meat quality in carriers and non-carriers of the RN(-)
      allele in Hampshire crosses and in purebred Yorkshire pigs.
AB  - The effect of the dominant RN(-) allele on technological and sensory meat quality
      of loin and ham from pigs, crossbred from Landrace * Yorkshire sows and one
      Hampshire sire heterozygous for the RN(-) allele was studied. The non-carriers of
      the RN(-) allele and the purebred Yorkshire pigs were similar regarding most of
      the technological traits. In comparison with the RN(-) carriers, they had higher
      values for pH(u), Napole yield, dry matter and protein content, but lower values
      for drip loss, filter paper wetness, cooking loss, internal reflectance, residual
      glycogen and glycolytic potential. The three groups did not differ concerning
      lactate content, intramuscular fat or ash content. Shear-force values did not
      differ between the two RN genotypes, but both genotypes had lower shear-force
      values than the purebred Yorkshire pigs. Non-carriers had higher processing yield
      for cured cooked ham than RN(-) carriers. The RN(-) allele had little effect on
      the sensory attributes, as assessed by a trained panel using a descriptive test,
      but there was a tendency to lower chewing time for meat from the crossbreds
      compared to the purebred Swedish Yorkshire. RN(-) carriers produced more acidic
      fresh loin than non-carriers and purebred Yorkshire pigs, and juicier cured
      cooked ham than non-carriers.

PMID- 22062885
TI  - Effect of calcium chloride marination on calpain and quality characteristics of
      meat from chicken, horse, cattle and rabbit.
AB  - Differences in the quality of meat obtained from four animal species (beef,
      horse, rabbit and chicken) treated with two concentrations of calcium chloride
      (75 or 150 mM) were evaluated by a sensory panel. Physicochemical variables
      analysed were water holding capacity, instrumental colour and pH. Sensory
      analysis was by recognition index (R-index) by untrained and trained panels.
      CaCl(2) led to an increase in enzymatic activity, although it was not
      significantly different in treated compared to untreated samples. Lightness was
      higher (paler) in treated meat for all species studied. R-index showed that
      treatment of raw beef with 75mM CaCl(2) had negligible effect on odour compared
      to fresh, untreated beef. More juicy meat resulted from marination. Treatments
      with 150 mM CaCl(2) caused a more tender meat. The best combinations of cooking
      method and CaCl(2) concentration to obtain the most acceptable meat varied from
      attribute to attribute. The best odour was obtained when beef was treated with
      150 mM CaCl(2) and cooked in a convection oven, whereas juiciness was improved if
      beef was treated with 150 mM CaCl(2) and cooked in a microwave oven. The highest
      scores for tenderness were for 75 mM CaCl(2)-treated samples regardless of
      cooking method. Flavour profile showed that the most marked feature in marinated
      beef is the predominance of a bitter flavour and after taste, which probably
      masks other flavour attributes. It is concluded that, in accordance with other
      authors, marination has no adverse effects on beef odour and improves texture,
      producing more tender material. However, marination at the CaCl(2) levels tested
      caused a bitter after taste and flavour.

PMID- 22062886
TI  - Heat-induced gelation properties of chicken breast muscle salt soluble proteins
      when mixed with beta-lactoglobulin or an alpha-lactalbumin enriched protein
      fraction.
AB  - The heat-induced gelation properties of mixed protein systems containing chicken
      breast muscle salt-soluble proteins (SSP) and beta-lactoglobulin (beta-lg) or SSP
      and an alpha-lactalbumin-enriched fraction (alpha-la) in 0.6 M NaCl, pH 6.5, were
      investigated using dynamic rheology. At 70  degrees C, SSP had greater storage
      modulus (G') values than mixtures containing SSP/alpha-lg. However, at 90 
      degrees C, mixtures containing 80:20 and 60:40 SSP: beta-lg had higher G' values
      than SSP alone, indicating that denaturation of beta-lg directly or indirectly
      facilitates the formation of a more rigid gel structure. On subsequent cooling to
      20  degrees C, the extent of structure formation, as reflected by G' values, was
      greater for SSP than for mixtures containing SSP/beta-lg, which suggests that the
      denatured beta-lg is unable to interact with the SSP during cooling. Mixtures
      containing SSP and an alpha-la-enriched fraction had lower G' values than SSP at
      90  degrees C and on subsequent cooling to 20  degrees C, which reflects the poor
      gelling properties of alpha-la. A fibrous network was observed when the
      microstructure of the SSP and 40:60 SSP: alpha-la gels were examined using
      scanning electron microscopy, while aggregated networks were seen in the beta-lg
      and 40:60 SSP: beta-lg gels. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed
      between the water holding capacity (WHC) of SSP and SSP/beta-lg gels. Gels formed
      from a mixture of SSP and the alpha-la-enriched fraction had lower WHC than the
      SSP gels. The myosin heavy chain was a major contributor to gel structure
      formation in all mixed gel systems.

PMID- 22062887
TI  - Reduction in microbial load on buffalo meat by hot water dip treatment.
AB  - Buffalo meat cuts from shoulder and leg portions were subjected to hot water
      treatment (70 and 80  degrees C for 30 and 60 s). Meat cuts dipped in water at
      ambient temperature served as control. The surface samples were analysed for
      microbial load, visual score for colour and numerical values of colour parameters
      (a(*), b(*), L(*), W). Control samples of shoulder and leg meat had a mean total
      plate count (TPC) of 4.15 log CFU cm(-2) and 3.81 log CFU cm(-2) and
      enterobacteriaceae counts of 2.33 log CFU cm(-2) and 2.26 log CFU cm(-2),
      respectively. Treatment of meat cuts with hot water reduced the TPC significantly
      (p < 0.001)with a highest reduction of 1.60 log in leg meat and 1.80 log in
      shoulder meat at 80  degrees C. Hot water treatment of meat eliminated
      enterobacteriaceae. Although, there was discolouration of meat by hot water
      treatment, the colour regained during storage of meat at refrigerated temperature
      (4 +/-1  degrees C). Hot water treatment of meat resulted in loss of redness
      (a(*)), increase in lightness (L(*)) and whiteness (W). After storage, a(*)
      increased and L(*) and W decreased. The results suggested that the dip treatment
      with hot water reduces the initial bacterial load substantially and improves the
      microbiological quality of buffalo meat without causing any permanent
      discolouration.

PMID- 22062888
TI  - Influence of vitamin A on the quality of beef from the Tajima strain of Japanese
      Black cattle.
AB  - Influence of vitamin A on the beef quality of the Tajima strain of Japanese Black
      cattle was studied. Marbling scores were correlated with serum vitamin A
      concentrations just before slaughter (r = -0.38). The mean marbling score of the
      low vitamin A group that were not supplemented with vitamin A after 15 months of
      age was significantly higher than that of the group supplemented with high
      vitamin A. However, there was no significant difference in the marbling scores
      between the group that were not given vitamin A after 23 months of age and the
      high vitamin A supplemented group. These results suggest that vitamin A
      supplementation affects carcass marbling only if given before 23 months of age,
      in these cattle.

PMID- 22062889
TI  - Effects of fat level, tapioca starch and whey protein on frankfurters formulated
      with 5% and 12% fat.
AB  - The effects of fat level (5% and 12%), tapioca starch and whey protein on the
      hydration/ binding properties, colour, textural and sensory characteristics of
      frankfurters were investigated. Decreasing the fat content increased cook loss
      and decreased emulsion stability and product lightness. Fat reduction increased
      smoke, spice and salt intensities and increased overall flavour intensity and
      juiciness. Texture profile analysis (TPA) indicated that fat reduction decreased
      gumminess and cohesiveness but the other parameters measured were unaffected.
      Addition of tapioca starch or whey protein reduced cook loss and increased
      emulsion stability. Whey protein did not effect the sensory characteristics but
      tapioca starch increased overall flavour intensity. Both ingredients increased
      hardness, adhesiveness, gumminess and chewiness as measured by TPA. Two-factor
      interactions between fat level and ingredient were observed for several
      parameters. The results indicate that both ingredients can partially offset some
      of the changes which occur in low-fat frankfurters when fat is replaced with
      added water and protein level is constant.

PMID- 22062890
TI  - Effect of age at slaughter on chemical traits and sensory quality of Longissimus
      lumborum muscle in the rabbit.
AB  - The effect of age on chemical composition and sensory quality of longissimus
      lumborum muscle was investigated in rabbits slaughtered at 11 weeks or 18 weeks
      of age. Intramuscular fat (IMF) content increased from 1.3 to 2.2%, crude protein
      content ranged from 23.4-26.9%, whereas water content declined from 74.0 to
      69.3%, as the age increased. The sensory quality was assessed by a 10-member
      experienced sensory panel. The age was found to affect meat tenderness, whereas
      juiciness and flavour did not differ significantly between ages. A positive trend
      was observed between tenderness and IMF content, both within age and between
      ages. Therefore, differences in sensory quality of rabbit meat were at least
      partly related to IMF content.

PMID- 22062891
TI  - Activation of the innate immune response and interferon signalling in myotonic
      dystrophy type 1 and type 2 cataracts.
AB  - Myotonic dystrophy (DM) is caused by a triplet repeat expansion in the non-coding
      region of either the DMPK (DM1) or CNBP (DM2) gene. Transcription of the expanded
      region causes accumulation of double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) in DM cells. We sought
      to determine how expression of triplet repeat RNA causes the varied phenotype
      typical of DM. Global transcription was measured in DM and non-DM cataract
      samples using Illumina Bead Arrays. DM samples were compared with non-DM samples
      and lists of differentially expressed genes (P<= 0.05) were prepared. Gene set
      enrichment analysis and the Interferome database were used to search for
      significant patterns of gene expression in DM cells. Expression of individual
      genes was measured using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. DMPK
      and CNBP expression was confirmed in native lens cells showing that a toxic RNA
      gain of function mechanism could exist in lens. A high proportion, 83% in DM1 and
      75% in DM2, of the significantly disregulated genes were shared by both forms of
      the disease, suggesting a common mechanism. The upregulated genes in DM1 and DM2
      were highly enriched in both interferon-regulated genes (IRGs) and genes
      associated with the response to dsRNA and the innate immune response. The
      characteristic fingerprint of IRGs and the signalling pathways identified in lens
      cells support a role for dsRNA activation of the innate immune response in the
      pathology of DM. This new evidence forms the basis for a novel hypothesis to
      explain the complex mechanism of DM.

PMID- 22062892
TI  - Comparison between zotarolimus-eluting stents and first generation drug-eluting
      stents in the treatment of patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial
      infarction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare the two year efficacy and
      safety of zotarolimus-eluting stents (ZES) and first-generation DES, sirolimus-
      (SES) and paclitaxel-eluting stents (PES), in an all-comer registry receiving
      primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) for acute ST-segment elevation
      myocardial infarction (STEMI). METHODS: A total of 711 consecutive STEMI patients
      (ZES: 135, SES: 427, and PES: 149), who underwent primary PCI between January
      2005 and June 2008 were enrolled from three centers. In our study, the efficacy
      analysis endpoint was target vessel failure (cardiac death, target vessel related
      myocardial infarction, and ischemia-driven target vessel revascularization) at 2
      years. The safety analysis endpoint was a composite of all cause death, non-fatal
      myocardial infarction, and stent thrombosis within 2 years. RESULTS: At 2 years,
      the rates of target vessel failure in the ZES, SES, and PES groups were 14.8%,
      12.9%, and 19.5%, respectively (p=0.141). The rates of composite safety endpoints
      at 2 years were not different among the three groups (ZES 8.1% vs. SES 13.1% vs.
      PES 16.8%, p=0.102). However, when comparing the two groups, ZES was safer than
      PES (adjusted HR 0.48, 95% CI 0.24-0.98, p=0.046). There was also a non
      significant trend in favor of ZES in the rate of stent thrombosis (ZES 1.5% vs.
      SES 2.3% vs. PES 4.7%, p=0.186). CONCLUSION: In the treatment of STEMI patients,
      ZES showed similar and acceptable efficacy compared to first-generation DES (SES
      and PES) up to 2 years. In addition, ZES seems to be more favorable than PES in
      terms of safety.

PMID- 22062894
TI  - Cardiopulmonary exercise testing for the assessment of exercise capacity in
      patients with cardiac syndrome X.

PMID- 22062893
TI  - Mononuclear cell adenosine deaminase and CD26/dipeptidylpeptidase-IV activities
      are sensitive markers of reperfusion during percutaneous transluminal
      angioplasty.
AB  - During ischaemia, the extracellular level of adenosine increases, which has
      cytotoxic effects. In endothelium, cell surface adenosine deaminase (ADA)
      complexing CD26 is coordinately induced during ischaemia as part of an adaptative
      response by eliminating adenosine. We examined whether a similar mechanism exists
      for mononuclear cells. We studied mononuclear cell surface ADA (MCADA) and
      dipeptidyl-peptidase IV activity (DPPIV) of membrane CD26 during percutaneous
      transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) as a model of ischaemia-reperfusion.
      Enzymatic activities were compared with levels of ischaemia-modified albumin
      (IMA), a marker of ischaemia-reperfusion. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients (15 men
      and 5 women) with non-ST segment elevation acute coronary syndrome related to a
      stenosis of proximal left anterior descending artery were prospectively included
      before revascularization. MCADA, DPPIV and IMA were measured before PTCA (T0)
      then 15 (T15) and 120 (T120) minutes after reperfusion. Fifteen healthy control
      subjects were enrolled. At T0, MCADA and IMA levels were higher in patients than
      in controls. MCADA decreased at T15 (median, IQR: 8.2 [7.6-9.8] IU) relative to
      T0 (11.25 [10-13.5] IU, p<0.01) and remained low at T120. DPPIV decreased at T15
      (0.9 [0.7-1.1] AU) relative to T0 (1.05 [0.99-1.48] AU; p<0.01) and remained low
      at T120. IMA level increased only at T120. MCADA and DPPIV were correlated. Our
      findings are that MCADA and DPPIV decreased rapidly after angioplasty, suggesting
      that both catalysts are early markers of reperfusion. CONCLUSION: MCADA and DPPIV
      are sensitive and early markers of ischaemia-reperfusion process during PTCA.

PMID- 22062895
TI  - Ambulatory blood pressure is associated with subclinical atherosclerosis in
      spinal cord injury subjects.

PMID- 22062896
TI  - Night shift and impaired endothelial function: circadian out-of-synch may play a
      role.

PMID- 22062897
TI  - Improving in-hospital mortality in elderly patients after acute coronary syndrome
      -a nationwide analysis of 97,220 patients in Taiwan during 2004-2008.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Elderly patients seem to have especially poor outcomes after
      acquiring acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We conducted this study to examine the
      in-hospital mortality by utilization of invasive coronary therapies and age in a
      nationwide population in Taiwan. METHODS: This observational study was conducted
      on a retrospective cohort from January 2004 to December 2008. Epidemiological
      features, including incidence rate and clinical characteristics of ACS in a
      Chinese population were investigated. Risk factors of in-hospital mortality,
      including myocardial infarction, shock, previous history of stroke, chronic
      kidney disease, diabetes mellitus, congestive heart failure, pneumonia, chronic
      obstructive pulmonary disease, dementia, peripheral arterial occlusive disease,
      septicemia and the use of invasive coronary procedures, were explored using a
      logistic regression model. RESULTS: A total of 97,220 patients were enrolled, and
      53.6% of them were elderly. A significant decrease in the utilization rate of
      invasive coronary therapies (diagnostic coronary angiography and PCI) and
      increased in-hospital mortality (p<0.001) were observed as patient age increased.
      Adjusted multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the impact of
      PCI in reducing in-hospital mortality is consistent across age groups, including
      those older than 75 years old. CONCLUSIONS: Our nationwide study provides
      evidence that PCI is associated with significant improvement of in-hospital
      mortality in patients with ACS. Even the very elderly patients could benefit from
      PCI. However, currently the utilization rate of PCI in the aging population still
      does not present enough. A prospective study is indicated to corroborate the
      findings of this study.

PMID- 22062898
TI  - Short-term effects of enhanced external counterpulsation on transthoracic
      coronary flow velocity and reserve in patients with coronary slow flow.

PMID- 22062899
TI  - Is a deceptive role of IGF-1 in Sirt1-PARP1 interactions the primary step of
      postnatal regression of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in infants of diabetic
      mothers?

PMID- 22062900
TI  - Meat research in Argentina.

PMID- 22062901
TI  - Nutritional and eating quality of Argentinean beef: A review.
AB  - This review deals with distinctive aspects of quality of Argentinean beef in
      terms of tenderness, flavour, colour, juiciness, taste, acceptability, lipid
      content and composition and its resultant nutraceutical characteristics.
      Differences are due to beef production systems based on temperate or tropical
      grasslands aimed at shortening the fattening phase as far as possible, with
      limited or null use of concentrates. However, the effect of limited supplemental
      feeding is also discussed as well as the responses arising from the use of beef
      cattle genotypes, including British, Continental, Dairy, Zebu breeds and their
      crosses, adapted to the various environments and systems found in the country.

PMID- 22062902
TI  - A review of natural antioxidants and their effects on oxidative status, odor and
      quality of fresh beef produced in Argentina.
AB  - Meat derived from pasture feeding, is associated with a high level of
      antioxidants. Antioxidants are incorporated within cell membranes and protect
      tissues against oxidation from reactive oxygen species. This maintains the
      overall quality of meat and secondary products. This paper reviews the
      implications of incorporating natural antioxidants into fresh beef, focusing on
      the benefits of feeding cattle good quality pasture. Pasture samples typically
      have higher levels of alpha-tocopherol, beta-carotene, ascorbic acid and
      glutathione than feedlot samples. These compounds retard lipid and protein
      oxidation in fresh and stored meat, and preserve the color and odor quality of
      beef. The significance of antioxidant enzymes is variable, because their behavior
      depends on individual redox status before slaughter. Understanding total
      antioxidant activity requires information on antioxidant and pro-oxidant status.
      With an abundance of pasture, Argentina has a natural advantage in producing meat
      with a high antioxidant value.

PMID- 22062903
TI  - Meat quality of Argentinean "Camperos" chicken enhanced in omega-3 and omega-9
      fatty acids.
AB  - Five diets were assessed with the aim of increasing oleic fatty acid and omega-3
      polyunsaturated fatty acid content in 'campero' poultry meat and evaluating their
      influence on sensory attributes. Animals from treatment 1 (T1) were confined and
      fed with corn/soybean diet; in T2, animals were fed with a corn/soybean mix with
      free access to pasture; T3 diet had high oleic sunflower seeds (HOSS) and
      linseeds with access to pasture; T4 diet was similar to T2 with free access to
      chicory instead of pasture and T5 diet was similar to T3 with free access to
      chicory instead of pasture. Linseeds and HOSS supplementation significantly
      increased the fatty acids profile, regardless of forage supply. T3 MUFA content
      was significantly higher than in the other treatments. Due to the high presence
      of omega-3 PUFA in linseeds and HOSS treatments (T3 and T5), meat omega-6/omega-3
      ratio decreased from 9 to 4. The presence of off-flavours was not influenced by
      diets but there was an interaction between portion and storage conditions.
      'Poultry meat' aroma was only influenced by the storage conditions, being slight
      after 4 months of freezing, while presence of off-aromas was affected by diets.
      We conclude that it is possible to produce 'campero' poultry meat with enhanced
      omega-3 and omega-9 content and a low omega-6/omega-3 ratio using diets based on
      linseed and HOSS, without any important change in sensory properties.

PMID- 22062904
TI  - Oxidative stability and its relationship with natural antioxidants during
      refrigerated retail display of beef produced in Argentina.
AB  - The objective of this study was to determine if pasture or grain diets affect
      oxidative/antioxidative status and the color stability of beef during retail
      display. Ten crossbreed steers were fed on pasture. Five of them were randomly
      assigned to remain on this diet, and the other five were finished on feedlot
      system (grain diet) during 110days until slaughter. Slices of Psoas major steaks
      were randomly distributed among retail display times (1, 3, 5, 7 and 9days).
      Lipid and protein oxidation were higher in Psoas major steaks from grain diet
      than in pasture diet (P<0.05). After 3days of display, lipid oxidation increased
      in meat from grain diet, whereas in meat from pasture diet the first evidence was
      after 7days (P<0.05). Protein oxidation was higher in meat from grain diet than
      in meat from pasture diet at day 9 of display (1.15+/-0.92 vs. 1.91+/-0.70MUg/g,
      respectively; P<0.05). Antioxidant vitamins, alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene
      were higher at time=0 in pasture Psoas major steaks (P<0.05) and were
      differentially reduced throughout storage. While alpha-tocopherol decreased 41%
      and 57% for pasture and grain beef respectively (P<0.05), beta-carotene levels
      remained practically unaffected in grain beef. After 7days of display "a" value
      was higher for Psoas major steaks from pasture diet (P<0.05). Besides, "L"
      parameter showed higher values for samples from grain diets but it was no
      affected by display time. No differences were observed between both treatments
      for "b" value, but a significant decrease (P<0.05) was observed along storage.
      Superoxide dismutase and catalase activity was stable throughout storage, while
      glutathione peroxidase activity decreased significantly (P<0.05). The results in
      this study demonstrated that the higher initial level and synergistic action
      (under light and air) of alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene found in pasture
      finished animals improved the oxidative and color stability of beef, as showed by
      a better retention of redness at the end of retail display.

PMID- 22062905
TI  - Carcass characteristics of Neuquen Criollo kids in Patagonia region, Argentina.
AB  - Carcass characteristics of 336 kids from the Neuquen Criollo breed were
      evaluated. Two categories were taken into account: three months and 5 to 7 months
      kids. Live weight, carcass weights, measurement and indexes of 304 kids were
      calculated in a study done in a commercial slaughterhouse located in Chos Malal
      town. Thirty two carcass left sides were dissected into the major components:
      muscle, bone, fat and remaining tissues. Three months kids were compared with 5
      to 7 months kids. The slaughter live weight of the former was 16.3kg and the
      latter was 22.4kg. Cold carcass weight and dressing percentage differed
      significantly (p<0.001) between age categories. Three months kids had a higher
      percentage of bones (26.8 vs. 21.7%; p<0.001) and a lower percentage of fat (10.8
      vs. 15%; p<0.01) than those at 5-7 months, but both had similar percentages of
      muscle (56.4 vs. 57%; p=NS). There were significant differences in the
      percentages of primal carcass cuts: hind leg (32 vs. 34%; p<0.001), shoulder (22
      vs. 20%; p<0.001) and neck, (10 vs. 8%; p<0.01) for three months vs. 5-7 months
      old kids, respectively.

PMID- 22062906
TI  - Meat quality traits of commercial hybrid pigs in Argentina.
AB  - This report describes the meat quality of two INTA hybrids (hybrid females) sired
      by Duroc (D) or Yorkshire (Y) boars and a third one from PIC (S), a cross of
      females C22 to 412 boars. Starting at 30kg live weight, 18 barrows and 18 gilts
      of each genotype were kept in identical conditions until slaughtered at 110kg.
      Longissimus dorsi muscles were analyzed. Means differed significantly (P<0.05)
      for drip loss (higher in S); tenderness (more tender in D), water holding
      capacity (higher in Y); cooking loss (higher in Y); colour parameter L(*) (lower
      in D) and b(*) (higher in S) and intramuscular fat content (higher in D). As a
      result of sensory analysis, it was found that D was the most tender and juicy.
      There were few sex effects and no genotype-sex interactions. Distinct differences
      in meat quality between hybrids do exist, with D superior, S the worst, and Y
      intermediate.

PMID- 22062907
TI  - Diet and genotype effects on the quality index of beef produced in the Argentine
      Pampeana region.
AB  - Steers of varying genotypes (Aberdeen Angus, Charolais x AA and Argentine
      Holstein) in four feeding systems were evaluated. Feeding systems were: S1=a diet
      based on pastures only; S2=a similar forage base as S1 plus a daily
      supplementation with cracked corn, at 0.7% of l.w./head/day; S3=a similar forage
      base as S1 plus a daily supplementation with cracked corn, at 1.0% of
      l.w./head/day; and S4=a regular feedlot diet. Tenderness and marbling were not
      affected by the feeding system. Feedlot meat showed an n-6/n-3 ratio
      significantly higher than meat produced with the diets based on pastures (S1=2.1;
      S2=3.1; S3=4.5; S4=14.2) (P<0.05), whereas CLA content had an inverse behavior,
      showing S1 (0.67%) and S2 (0.64%) higher concentrations than S3 (0.55%) and S4
      (0.28%) (P<0.05). Diet based on pastures plus a low level of supplementation
      produced meat with better nutritional characteristics than other productive
      alternatives, without significant effects of the biotypes.

PMID- 22062908
TI  - Effect of salt addition on sous vide cooked whole beef muscles from Argentina.
AB  - Sodium chloride (NaCl, 0-1.4%) and sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP, 0-0.5%) were
      added to Semitendinosus muscles and submitted to sous vide cooking at different
      temperatures (55-75 degrees C). The effects of these three factors on pH, cooking
      loss, instrumental colour parameters, protein solubilization and distribution,
      and micro- and ultra-structure were evaluated. Quadratic surface responses
      equations were obtained from data (pH, cooking loss and colour parameters) as a
      function of the salts concentrations and cooking temperature. Both salts - alone
      or in combination - successfully reduced cooking loss. The best results were
      obtained for the combinations 0.25%STPP+1.20%NaCl and 0.25%STPP+0.70%NaCl, and
      temperatures between 60 and 65 degrees C. Under these conditions, cooking loss
      was reduced close to 0%. pH was only dependent on STPP concentration, with a
      threshold concentration value of 0.25%. Temperature increment and NaCl addition
      produced a redness reduction. STPP incorporation recovered partially this
      parameter in comparison to non-added samples. Microscopy and SDS-PAGE results
      support the effect of the selected combinations of factors, suggesting that both
      salts together induced protein solubilization and gelation upon heating.

PMID- 22062909
TI  - A review of bacteriocinogenic lactic acid bacteria used as bioprotective cultures
      in fresh meat produced in Argentina.
AB  - Several lactic acid bacteria (LAB) associated with meat products are important
      natural bacteriocin producers. Bacteriocins are proteinaceous antagonistic
      substances that are important in the control of spoilage and pathogenic
      microorganisms. The use of LAB as bioprotective cultures to extend the shelf life
      of fresh meat can improve microbial stability and safety in commercial meat
      preservation. Lactobacillus curvatus CRL705 used as a protective culture in fresh
      beef is effective in inhibiting Listeria innocua and Brochothrix thermosphacta as
      well as the indigenous contaminant LAB, retaining its inhibitory effect at low
      temperatures and having a negligible effect on meat pH. In addition to the hurdle
      represented by low temperature and vacuum-packaging, the use of live cells of Lb.
      curvatus CRL705 seems more feasible from an economic point of view - and without
      legal restrictions - compared to the addition of purified bacteriocins. A
      description of meat-borne bacteriocins and their application in meat to extend
      shelf life is discussed.

PMID- 22062910
TI  - Beef lipids in relation to animal breed and nutrition in Argentina.
AB  - Fatty acid (FA) composition of intramuscular fat (IMF) in M. Longissimus dorsi
      (LD) was measured in 72 steers from Angus (A), Charolais*Angus (CHA*A) and
      Holstein Argentine (HA) breeds. The steers were allotted to four dietary
      treatments of six animals each: T1, steers grazed on pasture; T2, steers
      supplemented with cracked corn grain (0.7% of live-weight) daily and free access
      to pasture; T3, steers supplemented with cracked corn grain (1% of live-weight)
      daily and free access to pasture; and T4, feedlot (concentrate based on corn,
      alfalfa hay and soybean meal without access to pasture). At slaughter weight,
      samples of LD at the 11th rib were used for intramuscular lipid analysis. The
      diet was shown to be more important than breed in determining FA composition.
      Pasture beef had higher percentages of saturated fatty acids (SFA), n-3
      polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and lower
      percentages of IMF, monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), n-6 PUFA and n-6/n-3
      ratios than feedlot beef. HA beef presented lower percentages of SFA and more
      MUFA with a higher n-6/n-3 ratio than A and CHA*A. Comparing grass and feedlot
      beef the amounts of FA in muscle (mg/100g) were, respectively 18:3 n-3 (44 vs.
      11mg), CLA (20 vs. 12mg), 20:5 n-3 (20 vs. 11mg), 22:5 n-5 (20 vs. 11mg), 22:6 n
      3 (12 vs. 6mg) and n-3 PUFA (84 vs. 32mg). Feedlot beef has more SFA (1372 vs.
      1081mg), MUFA (1574 vs. 1078mg), PUFA (350 vs. 227mg) and n-6 PUFA (318
      vs.143mg).

PMID- 22062911
TI  - Mathematical modelling of microbial growth in ground beef from Argentina. Effect
      of lactic acid addition, temperature and packaging film.
AB  - The effects of: (i) storage temperature (0, 4 and 10 degrees C), (ii) gaseous
      permeability of the packaging film (polyethylene and EVA SARAN EVA for vacuum
      packaging), and (iii) natural beef pH (5.6, 5.8 and 6.1) on the growth of
      different bacteria isolated from beef muscle were examined. The bacteria were
      Klebsiella, Pseudomonas sp. and Escherichia coli. Microbial growth was modelled
      using Gompertz and linear equations. The effects of temperature on microbial
      growth rate (MU) and on lag phase duration were modelled using an Arrhenius type
      equation. In polyethylene, E. coli was the microorganism, that showed the highest
      MU values and also the greatest effect of pH on MU, especially in samples stored
      at 4 and 10 degrees C. In the case of Klebsiella sp., neither pH nor temperature
      had marked effects on MU and on LPD. In ESE film, MU of all the microorganisms
      were less affected by pH and temperature than in polyethylene. In ESE film E.
      coli showed the highest effect of pH on MU, at 4 and 10 degrees C. LPD increased
      significantly with respect to the values in polyethylene, with Klebsiella sp.,
      showing the highest values of LPD, followed by E. coli. Experiments in ground
      beef with added lactic acid producing a decrease of the original muscle pH from
      6.1 to 5.6 showed that the kinetic parameters of the microbial flora did not
      differ significantly from those of beef samples in which the original pH was 5.6.

PMID- 22062912
TI  - Animal performance and meat quality in cull cows with early weaned calves in
      Argentina.
AB  - Early weaning of calves (60 days old) is adopted in cow-calf operations for its
      high reproductive response. The objective of this research work was to find how
      age classes are related to beef quality in early weaning cull cows. Twenty four
      cows were grouped in four different age classes (teeth and number of calves
      produced) from two teeth and no calf produced, up to 12 years and 7 calves
      produced. All cows grazed a perennial pasture based on alfalfa and fescue. There
      were differences (P<0.05) in final weight (younger cows being lighter) but no
      other differences could be found during field conditions or in abattoir data
      (carcass weight and yield, top value hindquarter cuts weight and carcass
      percent). No differences (P>0.05) could be found in meat quality attributes
      except for moisture, protein and fat yellowness. Differences (P<0.05) in sensory
      attributes could only be found in connective tissue.

PMID- 22062913
TI  - Effect of aging on the characteristics of meat from water buffalo grown in the
      Delta del Parana region of Argentina.
AB  - Fifteen crossbreed water buffalos were selected from a farm in Delta del Parana,
      Entre Rios Province, Argentina. Animals were castrated males 20-24 months old
      reaching final live weights of 400-420kg. They were predominantly of
      Mediterranean and Murrah breeds and were feed in naturally grown pastures.
      Tenderness and chewiness increased with postmortem aging (p<0.05). Aging did not
      affect flavour and odour scores, even though certain off-flavours and off-odours
      were reported. Changes in colour with aging were similar to those seen in beef.

PMID- 22062914
TI  - The source and market development of a premium product - Beef from the Argentine
      Pampas.
AB  - The two main features of beef from the Argentine Pampas are its quality and
      geographical origin. In addition to the normal aspects of meat quality detected
      by sensory panels or measured by scientific instruments, the quality of Pampean
      beef includes the powerful symbolic quality of pampas life - the immensity of the
      green grasslands and the culture of the gaucho, living on horseback or sipping
      mate while making an asado (barbecue). This review defines the qualities and
      geographical origin of Pampean beef, and explains their interrelationships in
      terms of animal breed, nutrition and production systems. The objective is to help
      secure Pampean beef against unfair encroachment from competing products which
      lack the true authenticity of beef from the Argentine Pampas.

PMID- 22062915
TI  - Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and polyunsaturated fatty acids in muscle lipids
      of lambs from the Patagonian area of Argentina.
AB  - The concentrations of fatty acids were measured in total lipids, triacyglycerol
      and phospholipid fractions of intramuscular fat (IMF) from the Longissimus dorsi
      (LD) muscle of 10 lambs reared to approximately 30kg live weight on natural
      pasture with their dams. Fatty acid composition was also measured in 25 (five of
      each) Semitendinosus (ST), Semimembranosus (SM), Rectus femoris (RF), Gluteus
      (GLU) and Tensor fascia latea (TFL) muscles. Intramuscular fat percentages were
      similar for all muscles. Aspects of the fatty-acid patterns of relevance to human
      nutrition tended to favor the leg muscles with lower saturated fatty acids (SFA
      %), n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratios (p<0.01) and higher concentrations of the
      conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) (p<0.05). The estimated fatty acid concentrations
      (mg/100g of meat) showed higher contribution of arachidonic (C20:4 n-6),
      eicosapentanoic (C20:5 n-3), docosapentanoic (C22:5 n-3) and docosahexanoic
      (C22:6 n-3) acids in leg compared to LD lipids.

PMID- 22062916
TI  - Effect of salt addition on the thermal behavior of proteins of bovine meat from
      Argentina.
AB  - Research was undertaken to investigate how the addition of sodium chloride (NaCl)
      and/or sodium tripolyphosphate (TPP) to sous vide cooked meat pieces produces an
      increase in water holding capacity (WHC). Semitendinosus muscles were injected to
      obtain tissue final concentrations of 0.70% NaCl, 0.25% TPP, 0.70% NaCl+0.25%
      TPP, and 1.20% NaCl+0.25% TPP. SDS-PAGE analysis showed increased protein
      solubilization in those treatments which included NaCl. Thermal analysis of whole
      muscles and isolated myofibrils showed the destabilizing effect of NaCl and a
      global stabilizing effect of TPP. Both salts together induced a destabilizing
      global effect, where TPP assisted NaCl in breaking the meat structure. It is
      suggested that the WHC increments are related to conformational changes in
      myofibrillar proteins and to the weakening of myofibrillar structure by the
      removal of myofibrillar proteins.

PMID- 22062917
TI  - Optimization of whey protein concentrate and sodium chloride concentrations and
      cooking temperature of sous vide cooked whole-muscle beef from Argentina.
AB  - Response surface methodology was used to optimize the effect of cooking
      temperature (CT: 65-75 degrees C) and the incorporation of whey protein
      concentrate (WPC: 0-3.5%) and sodium chloride (NaCl: 0-2.5%) on technological,
      physical and sensory characteristics of cooked whole-muscle beef. Post-injection
      weight loss diminished when NaCl concentration increased. Moreover, the increment
      of both additives produced a reduction of cooking loss. An opposite effect was
      observed with the increment of CT. As it was expected, a total yield improvement
      was achieved by increasing both ingredients and diminishing CT. Equivalent yields
      are achieved complementing both ingredients, meaning that if one ingredient
      concentration is reduced the other has to be increased. Shear force values were
      not affected by the studied factors. Instead, lightness was reduced by their
      increment. At 65 degrees C, injected muscles had lower flavour and odour scores
      than control. At all CT analyzed, the incorporated brines improved juiciness and
      tenderness-related attributes. Present results recommend the use of a CT of 70
      degrees C and maxima WPC and NaCl concentrations of 2.6% and 1.9%, respectively.

PMID- 22062918
TI  - Effect of whey protein concentrate and sodium chloride concentrations on the
      odour profile of sous vide cooked whole-muscle beef from Argentina.
AB  - Semitendinosus muscles added with whey protein concentrate (WPC) and sodium
      chloride (NaCl) were submitted to sous vide cooking. Four enhancement treatments
      and a control were tested: 0.875% WPC (w/w)+0.625% NaCl, 2.625% WPC+0.625% NaCl,
      0.875% WPC+1.875% NaCl, 2.625% WPC+1.875% NaCl, and control (non-injected
      muscles). Odour analyses were carried out with an electronic nose (EN) system. EN
      data were evaluated applying Principal Component Analysis, Linear Discriminant
      Analysis and Partial Least Squares algorithm. EN was able to discriminate the
      odour profiles of cooked enhanced beef as a function of the amount of WPC added.
      No significant differences in odour profiles were observed regarding NaCl
      concentration. These results agreed with those obtained when odour profiles were
      analysed in WPC dispersions. The reported results support the applicability of EN
      methodology for analysing the impact of processing parameters on beef odour
      profiles.

PMID- 22062919
TI  - Meat quality of lambs produced in the Mesopotamia region of Argentina finished on
      different diets.
AB  - The meat quality of Corriedale lambs (40kg live weight) produced in the
      Mesopotamia region (Argentina) was assessed. These lambs had different finishing
      diets: only native grass pasture, ground alfalfa and alfalfa-linseed pellet
      (70/30). Carcass yield, longissimus dorsi area, backfat thickness, marbling, pH,
      meat and subcutaneous fat color, cooking loss, Warner-Bratzler shear force, fat,
      protein and moisture content were determined. Lambs finished on alfalfa-linseed
      pellet had the highest carcasses yield and backfat thickness and their meat had a
      lighter color (higher L(*) value), higher marbling and tenderness than meat from
      lambs reared on native grass pasture. Grass-based finishing can lead to the
      production of leaner meat, with a more reddish color (higher a(*) value). The
      ground alfalfa finishing diet seems to be intermediate between native grass
      pasture and alfalfa-linseed pellet with respect to carcass yield, backfat and
      meat color. In addition, the animals fed on ground alfalfa showed the highest
      muscle area.

PMID- 22062920
TI  - Antioxidant consumption and development of oxidation during ageing of buffalo
      meat produced in Argentina.
AB  - Buffalo meat production is increasing in Argentina. Information on meat quality
      and nutritional value will be useful in marketing. This work describes the
      oxidative stability of the Longissimus dorsi (LD) in relation to consumption of
      antioxidant vitamins, fatty acid composition and color deterioration during
      ageing. Vitamins levels found in fresh beef were 4.22+/-0.93; 0.24+/-0.05 and
      0.25+/-0.06MUg/g for alpha- and gamma-tocopherol, and beta-carotene,
      respectively. Vitamin loss was almost 90% throughout an ageing period of 25 days
      at 2 degrees C. Concomitantly, TBARS levels increased from 0.076+/-0.018 to 0.14
      6+/-0.032mg MDA/kg beef. Hexanal and pentanal levels were low and no correlations
      with oxidation were detected (P>0.05). The predominant color changes in aged beef
      were reduced redness and yellowness with an increase in lightness (P<0.05).
      Vitamin levels and TBARS were used to develop a prediction equation for post
      mortem aging.

PMID- 22062921
TI  - Stress relaxation characteristics of low-fat chicken sausages made in Argentina.
AB  - Low-fat sausages were prepared with fresh chicken breast meat and formulated with
      different levels of added fat, whey protein concentrate, and hydrocolloids
      (xanthan and guar gums) to study the effect of composition on the stress
      relaxation behavior of the products. Stress relaxation experiments were conducted
      on precooked sausages at 25 degrees C. Generalized Maxwell and empirical Peleg
      models were used to predict the stress relaxation behavior of the material. A
      model with seven maxwellian elements in parallel with a pure elastic element
      showed a very good agreement with experimental data. Results show that the
      proposed model satisfactorily fits the experimental data better than Peleg's
      model or Maxwell models with less elements. The relaxation time distribution
      functions were obtained. The characteristic relaxation time was shorter (2500s)
      for the formulations with no added fat which produced a less elastic product
      while the sausages with added fat showed longer characteristic relaxation time
      (5000s). The stress relaxation experiment differentiated the viscoelastic nature
      of different formulations due to reduction of fat content.

PMID- 22062922
TI  - Modeling heat transfer and inactivation of Escherichia coli O157:H7 in precooked
      meat products in Argentina using the finite element method.
AB  - The presence of Escherichia coli is linked with sanitary deficiencies and
      undercooking of meat products. Recent studies have detected E. coli O157:H7 in
      black blood sausages. Minimum time-temperature specifications to kill the
      bacteria were obtained by numerical simulations of the microscopic heat
      conduction equation using the finite element method, and calculating the
      temperature profile of the sausage and the population of E. coli at the coldest
      point during heating. The model was validated by heating sausages in a water
      bath. The effects of heat transfer coefficients and water temperatures on the
      required time to achieve an inactivation value (IV) of 12(log) are reported.
      Macroscopic heat balances were simultaneously solved to consider the temperature
      drop in the water batch as a function of the ratio between the mass of thermally
      treated sausage and the heat capacity of the system.

PMID- 22062923
TI  - Lactobacillus role during conditioning of refrigerated and vacuum-packaged
      Argentinean meat.
AB  - The role of Lactobacillus strains with bioprotective and technological potential
      on raw beef during 15days of storage under vacuum at 7 degrees C was
      investigated. The assayed strains were able to grow on the meat, Lactobacillus
      curvatus CRL705 and Lactobacillus sakei 23K showing the highest competitiveness.
      A net increase of amino acids was determined in inoculated samples when compared
      to the control, this being maximal for Lactobacillus plantarum CRL681. Although
      an important endogenous activity of meat sarcoplasmic proteins was observed, the
      disappearance of protein bands and the generation of a new one were detected as a
      consequence of Lactobacillus growth. A synergistic effect of Lactobacillus in
      combination with the muscle proteolytic enzyme complex can be suggested. From the
      studied strains, the bacteriocin producer L. curvatus CRL705 may be considered as
      a good candidate to contribute to meat ageing by means of small peptides and free
      amino acids generation while improving shelf life.

PMID- 22062924
TI  - Prediction of lean meat content in pork carcasses using the Hennessy Grading
      Probe and the Fat-O-Meater in Argentina.
AB  - Rapid evolution of pork production in Argentina requires new calibrations for
      predicting carcass lean meat percentage with the Fat-O-Meater (FOM) and Hennessy
      Grading Probe (HGP), first adopted in 1995. The second objective was to unify the
      lean percentage units with those applied by the European Union. Carcasses of 59
      gilts and 56 barrows from different environments and breeds were tested. Carcass
      weights were from 65 to 117kg, and lean content was from 38% to 62%. Predicting
      lean content by multiple regression equations, the coefficients of determination
      R(2) were 0.801 and 0.794 for the FOM and HGP equations, and the residual
      standard deviations (RSD) were 2.40% and 2.45%, respectively. Both instruments
      had the same precision and were accurate enough to be adopted in national carcass
      grading classification. Hot carcass weight was not selected as a significant
      variable. The same prediction equations could be used for gilts and barrows.
      Quadratic terms did not improve predictions.

PMID- 22062925
TI  - Functional imaging in predicting response to antineoplastic agents and molecular
      targeted therapies in lung cancer: a review of existing evidence.
AB  - The increasing use of FDG-PET ((18)F-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose positron emission
      tomography) imaging in the staging of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) may
      result in a significant shift in stage distribution, with an increased percentage
      of patients staged as having metastatic disease and consequently a higher
      percentage of patients treated with systemic therapy. The amount of FDG-PET
      uptake in primary lung lesions has been shown to be correlated with tumour growth
      rate. Data suggest that tumours with increased glucose uptake are presumably more
      metabolically active and more biologically aggressive, and standardized uptake
      value (SUV) at PET may be regarded as a prognostic factor. Growing evidence
      suggests that PET may be used as a predictive marker to assess the activity of
      antineoplastic agents, allowing close monitoring of the efficacy of the treatment
      in order to be able to switch earlier to alternative therapies according to the
      individual chemosensitivity of the tumour. Currently the value of FDG-PET for
      monitoring response is complicated by the heterogeneity of the published data on
      the methods used for FDG quantification and the selection of the primary targets
      and clinical endpoints. As a result, objective validation of proposed thresholds
      of responsiveness is lacking. This article discusses the assessment of treatment
      response in NSCLC patients using functional imaging, and emphasizes advantages
      and limitations in clinical management.

PMID- 22062926
TI  - Electrophoretic separation of bovine muscle myosin heavy chain isoforms.
AB  - This study concerns the definition of the optimum conditions for separation of
      adult and developmental myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoforms in bovine muscle. The
      various techniques published do not result in good separation of the MHC in this
      species. The trials carried out concerned the concentration of acrylamide and N,
      N'-methylene-bis-acrylamide, and more particularly the concentration of Tris in
      the separating gel. The finding was that analysis of adult isoforms and
      developmental isoforms require different conditions. A acrylamide gradient of 3.5
      10% with 200 mM Tris pH 8.8 gives good resolution for adult isoforms. Under these
      conditions 3 fast adult isoforms are revealed. However, study of MHC isoforms
      throughout foetal life in bovines is complex, and requires the combined use of
      more than one gel (gradient 3.5-10% at 200 mM Tris and gradient 3.5-10% at 250 mM
      Tris).

PMID- 22062927
TI  - Structural and functional characteristics of muscle fibres in pigs with different
      malignant hyperthermia susceptibility (MHS) and different meat quality.
AB  - In pigs, intensive growth of the musculature is often accompanied by malignant
      hyperthermia susceptibility (MHS; n gene) and poorer meat quality. Using
      histological and histochemical methods, different fibre characteristics in the
      Longissimus muscle were found in Pietrain*German Landrace pigs with this gene
      defect. Compared to MHS homozygous negative pigs, groups with the n gene had
      increased diameters of the mean fibre types and increased glycolytic metabolic
      potential, as shown by a higher frequency of the fast twitch glycolytic type and
      a lower frequency of the slow twitch oxidative fibre type. Differences between
      the groups were also found in the number of angular and giant fibre types.
      Furthermore, a positive correlation was found between the frequency of oxidative
      fibres and the relative enzyme activity of NADH tetrazolium reductase. The
      changes correlated with lower pH and higher drip loss in meat from the MHS
      homozygous positive group. In conclusion, the different muscle fibre
      characteristics can be interpreted as endogenous factors which influence the
      physiological condition in the muscle of the live animal and meat quality post
      mortem.

PMID- 22062928
TI  - Image texture features as indicators of beef tenderness.
AB  - Image processing techniques were developed to predict cooked-beef tenderness from
      fresh-beef image characteristics. Cattle from different finishing treatments were
      processed in a commercial plant. Two short loin steaks were sampled from each
      carcass; one used for sensory evaluation and the other for imaging. The samples
      varied significantly in both US quality grades and sensory tenderness scores.
      Color, marbling and texture features were extracted from the beef images.
      Statistical and neural network analyses were performed to relate the image
      features to sensory tenderness scores. Image texture features were found to be
      useful indicators of beef tenderness. Partial least squares and neural network
      models were able to predict beef tenderness from color, marbling and image
      texture features to R(2)-values up to 0.70.

PMID- 22062929
TI  - Sodium lactate and storage temperature effects on shelf life of vacuum packaged
      beef top rounds.
AB  - Cooked, vacuum-packaged beef top rounds containing up to 4% sodium lactate (NaL)
      in the final product were stored at 0, 4, 10 or 16 degrees C for 1, 7, 14 or 21
      days. Aerobic plate counts (APCs) were lower for roasts containing 3 or 4% NaL
      and stored at 10 degrees C for 7 days. At higher temperatures and longer storage
      times, only those treated with 4% NaL were lower than controls. Lipid oxidation,
      Hunter L* and b* values decreased and Hunter a* values, cooked yields and Ph
      increased with NaL addition. Beefy odor decreased with storage but was higher in
      roasts containing NaL. Roasts with added NaL had lower rancid odor scores.

PMID- 22062930
TI  - The use of elastography to measure quality characteristics of pork
      semimembranosus muscle.
AB  - The objectives of this study were to determine if ultrasonic strain image
      analysis could estimate pork eating quality parameters (such as fresh color, drip
      loss, and Warner/Bratzler shear). Intact semimembranosus (SM) muscles (cap off)
      were analyzed for ultimate pH (pH(ult)). Forty-five SM muscles were selected from
      the larger allotment of fresh hams over a 3-week period. The SM muscles were
      selected based on high and low pH(ult) in an attempt to represent a wide range of
      pork quality. Ultrasonic strain images were obtained perpendicular to the SM
      muscle fibers of an 8-cm cube. Radio-frequency data from each SM were obtained
      from a field-of-view (FOV) of 40*30 mm(2) and digitized for each compression
      step. Tissue displacements were computed for each compression step. Tissue
      strains were computed from displacement data located in the FOV representing
      areas of harder and softer muscle tissue and converted to gray scale images at
      256 levels. Tissue irregularity of hardness and softness was measured using
      Fractal dimension and Haralicks parameters. Twenty-one Fractal dimension (FR)
      parameters, at two neighborhood distances (N), from each strain image and nine
      Haralick's (HAR) textural parameters (inter-pixel distance=1) were analyzed for
      each image. The variable FR4N4 had a -0.279 correlation with SM ultimate pH
      (p<0.10); FR6N8 correlated to WB shear force at 0.325 (p<0.05); and FR21N8 had a
      correlation coefficient of 0.364 with intramuscular fat (p<0.01). Linear
      regression equations generated from FRN and HAR parameters for intramuscular fat
      (R(2)=0.468), Warner/Bratzler shear (R(2)=0.360), and 30 h drip loss
      (R(2)=0.208). Although elastographic measurement was significantly correlated to
      shear (p<0.05), a better understanding of physical meat texture is necessary
      before elastography can be used to identify superior quality pork.

PMID- 22062931
TI  - Hot processing and grind size affect properties of cooked beef patties.
AB  - This study was conducted to further understand the role that hot processing and
      grind size exert on cooked beef patty tenderness and other properties. Low-fat
      (10%) hot-processed (HP) and cold-processed (CP) beef were ground either through
      a 0.32 or 0.40 cm plate. A 20% fat CP product was also manufactured through a
      0.32 cm plate. HP patties had higher pH, shorter sarcomere lengths, higher
      tenderness scores (including greater number of smaller particles during chewing)
      lower shear force values, higher flavor scores, less well-done cooked color,
      longer cooking times and higher cooking yields than CP patties (p<0.01). The use
      of a 0.32 cm rather than a 0.40 cm plate improved tenderness properties,
      especially for HP patties. Other properties were not greatly influenced by grind
      size. Sensory evaluation and scanning imagery of patties suggested that the
      greater tenderness of hot processed patties may be due to the presence of smaller
      meat particles. Highly contracted muscle, providing resistance to grinding, could
      be responsible for the small meat particles.

PMID- 22062932
TI  - Utilization of soy protein isolate and konjac blends in a low-fat bologna (model
      system).
AB  - Low-fat bologna formulations (LFBMS, <2.0% fat) were manufactured in a model
      system with two levels (0.5 or 1%) of two konjac blends (KB; KSS=konjac
      flour/starch and KNC=konjac flour/carrageenan/starch), and three levels (0, 2.2,
      4.4%, DWB) of prehydrated soy protein isolate (SPI) to replace 0, 2 and 4% of the
      meat protein, respectively. Compared to 0.5% KB, the 1% level reduced (p<0.05)
      protein solubility (PS), vacuum purge (VP, %) and texture profile analysis (TPA)
      hardness. LFBMS containing KNC had higher (p<0.05) cooking yields, TPA
      fracturability and shear stress, but lower (p<0.05) expressible moisture (EM), VP
      values and TPA cohesiveness than KSS. Replacement of 4% meat protein with SPI
      increased (p<0.05) pH and yellowness (b*), but decreased (p<0.05) redness (a*),
      PS, EM and most textural characteristics, whereas no differences (p>0.05) were
      observed between 0 and 2% of meat protein replacements with SPI for most
      characteristics.

PMID- 22062933
TI  - Influence of intramuscular fat content on the quality of pig meat - 1.
      Composition of the lipid fraction and sensory characteristics of m. longissimus
      lumborum.
AB  - The present study is part of a project which aimed to examine the influence of
      intramuscular fat (IMF) content on the sensory attributes and consumer
      acceptability of pork. Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the influence
      of IMF level on the composition of the lipid fraction and on the sensory
      qualities of muscle longissimus lumborum (LL). Each of these experiments used 32
      castrated male pigs selected after slaughter either from 125 Duroc*Landrace
      (Experiment 1) or 102 Tia Meslan*Landrace (Experiment 2) crossbred animals, and
      showing large variability in LL IMF content: from <1.5 to >3.5% in Experiment 1
      and from 1.25 to 3.25% in Experiment 2. Results from lipid analyses indicate that
      in both experiments, an increase in IMF content is almost entirely reflected by
      an increase in the triglycerides content of the muscle. In Experiment 2, higher
      IMF content was associated with higher free fatty acids. Marbling score was
      significantly affected by IMF level in Experiment 1 but not in Experiment 2. In
      Experiment 1, a trend towards a favourable effect of high IMF levels on flavour
      (p=0.09) and tenderness (p=0.055) was observed. In experiment 2, increased IMF
      level was associated with significantly higher juiciness and flavour scores. The
      results from the present study indicate that the variability in IMF level of LL
      muscle was almost entirely due to the variability in triglyceride contents.
      Favourable effects of increased IMF levels on the sensory attributes of pork were
      demonstrated in both experiments using different types of animals, but the nature
      and the magnitude of these effects depended on the experiment considered.

PMID- 22062934
TI  - Influence of intramuscular fat content on the quality of pig meat - 2. Consumer
      acceptability of m. longissimus lumborum.
AB  - The present study is part of a project which aimed to examine the influence of
      intramuscular fat (IMF) content on sensory attributes and consumer acceptability
      of pork. Two experiments were conducted to evaluate consumer acceptability of
      pork chops with varying IMF level in muscle Longissimus lumborum (LL). Each
      experiment used 32 castrated male pigs selected after slaughter either from 125
      Duroc * Landrace (Experiment 1) or 102 Tia Meslan * Landrace (Experiment 2)
      crossbred animals, and showing large variability in LL IMF content: from <1.5 to
      >3.5% in Experiment 1 and from 1.25 to 3.25% in Experiment 2. A group of 56
      consumers evaluated various items on rib-eye (LL muscle trimmed of backfat)
      (Experiment 1) and on entire chops trimmed of backfat (Experiment 2). Data from
      Experiment 1 indicate that an increase in IMF level is associated with an
      increase in visual perception of fat and a corresponding decrease in the
      willingness to eat and purchase the meat, when expressed before tasting. The
      latter effect disappeared after the consumers had tasted the meat, probably due
      to a positive effect of increase IMF, up to 3.5%, on the perception of texture
      and taste. In Experiment 2, where entire chops were evaluated, the perception of
      visible fat was not affected by IMF level, probably due to the lack of variation
      in the level of intermuscular fat between the four IMF groups. The willingness to
      eat and purchase the meat were unaffected by IMF level, whereas the perception of
      texture and taste was enhanced with increased IMF levels up to 3.25%. The present
      data suggest that the acceptability of pork may be improved by increasing IMF
      level but: (1) this effect disappeared for IMF levels higher than 3.5%, which are
      associated with a high risk of meat rejection due to visible fat and (2) the
      positive effect of increased IMF probably holds true as long as it is not
      associated with an increase in the level of intermuscular fat.

PMID- 22062935
TI  - A case of turtleback liver.

PMID- 22062936
TI  - Fatigue in cirrhosis: is transplant the answer?

PMID- 22062937
TI  - Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided core biopsy diagnosis of giant adrenal
      myelolipoma.

PMID- 22062938
TI  - Accountable care organizations.

PMID- 22062939
TI  - Intractable childhood epilepsy: choosing between the treatments.
AB  - Intractable epilepsy is a significant problem affecting approximately 1 in 10
      children with seizures. This is traditionally defined as a failure to respond to
      at least 2 anticonvulsant drugs tried at reasonable doses for several weeks.
      Although involving a minority of those with epilepsy, these children typically
      have significant morbidity, detrimental effects on quality of life, and often
      require hours of time from a child neurologist in their care. In this review and
      special issue, a practical approach to management options for children who have
      refractory epilepsy will be presented from experts in the field.

PMID- 22062940
TI  - The evaluation of treatment-resistant epilepsy.
AB  - An estimated 10% to 40% of children with epilepsy have treatment-resistant
      epilepsy. Persistent seizures have negative psychosocial, behavioral, cognitive,
      and financial consequences and are associated with an increased mortality rate.
      Accurate syndromic and etiologic diagnoses are of vital importance because they
      may guide medical and/or surgical decision making. Revisitation of the history to
      confirm the diagnosis of epilepsy and the appropriateness of medication trials to
      date is vital. Routine imaging should include structural magnetic resonance
      imaging (MRI) with an established epilepsy protocol. In the setting of a normal
      previous MRI, repeat imaging may be indicated and may be supplemented with other
      imaging modalities. The admission for prolonged inpatient video-encephalographic
      monitoring may lead to a revision of a pre-existing diagnosis. Laboratory
      evaluations should include genetic, metabolic, and infectious/inflammatory
      studies when indicated. In this review, we discuss the implication of seizure
      semiology and syndrome classification when searching for an underlying diagnosis
      in treatment-resistant epilepsy, and will review both basic and more advanced
      procedures/studies that may aid diagnosis.

PMID- 22062941
TI  - Pharmacologic treatment of intractable epilepsy in children: a syndrome-based
      approach.
AB  - The successful pharmacologic treatment of intractable childhood epilepsy is
      predicated upon an accurate classification of the epilepsy syndrome. The
      selection of an antiepileptic drug is facilitated by the knowledge of syndrome
      specific efficacy, the anticipation of potential side effects, and a careful risk
      benefit assessment tailored to each patient. As such, the identification of
      comorbidities and careful monitoring for treatment-emergent adverse events,
      especially cognitive and behavioral effects, is of utmost importance. Especially
      in refractory cases, polypharmacy may increase the likelihood of side effects,
      but carefully chosen combinations can result in synergistic benefit. For most
      epilepsy syndromes, newer antiepileptic drugs typically yield equivalent efficacy
      and superior tolerability. Nevertheless, continued research is needed to further
      contrast the syndrome-specific efficacy and tolerability of available drugs and
      to foster the development of new agents with superior efficacy and side effect
      profiles.

PMID- 22062942
TI  - Metabolic treatments for intractable epilepsy.
AB  - When a child on anticonvulsant medications continues to have seizures, what other
      options should be considered? Over the past 100 years, dietary therapies for the
      treatment of intractable epilepsy have become more widely recognized, and their
      use has continued to expand throughout the world. An increasing number of studies
      has shown efficacy of these metabolic treatments in improving seizure control.
      Currently, 4 types of dietary therapy are available in the clinic: the classic
      long chain fatty acid "ketogenic" diet, the medium chain triglyceride diet, the
      modified Atkins diet, and the low glycemic index treatment. These therapies
      should be considered earlier in the treatment of intractable epilepsy because
      they offer a different approach to treatment that has proven efficacious,
      tolerable, and cost-effective.

PMID- 22062943
TI  - Neurostimulation: vagus nerve stimulation and beyond.
AB  - Patients with medically intractable epilepsy who are not candidates for epilepsy
      surgery could benefit from neurostimulation. At this time, vagus nerve
      stimulation (VNS) therapy is the only Food and Drug Administation-approved
      neurostimulation modality; it has been shown to be efficacious and just as well
      tolerated in children and adolescents as in adults. Notwithstanding the initial
      cost of the device and implantation, VNS therapy has been shown to be a cost
      effective treatment, reducing direct medical costs and improving health-related
      quality of life measures. Deep brain stimulation of various brain regions,
      especially the anterior nucleus of the thalamus and responsive neurostimulation,
      also appear effective but are not yet approved for clinical use. Repetitive
      transcranial magnetic stimulation, which is also in early clinical development,
      is promising and could become available in the not too distant future.

PMID- 22062944
TI  - Surgical management of intractable childhood epilepsy: curative and palliative
      procedures.
AB  - Epilepsy surgery is increasingly used to treat intractable childhood-onset
      epilepsy although it remains an underused treatment option. Advances in
      technology allowing more accurate identification of the epileptogenic zone along
      with a better understanding of the benefits of both curative and palliative
      epilepsy surgery have resulted in an increase of potential candidates. This
      review covers factors contributing to medical intractability and then details the
      evaluation of potential surgical candidates. We discuss pre-, peri-, and
      postoperative variables that lead to curative procedures and highlight the role
      of palliative epilepsy surgery in cases in which seizure freedom is unlikely.

PMID- 22062945
TI  - Herbs in epilepsy: evidence for efficacy, toxicity, and interactions.
AB  - Herbs and dietary supplements enjoy widespread use in the treatment of epilepsy
      although supportive data yielding efficacy and safety are lacking. Ten specific
      products, American hellebore, betony, blue cohosh, kava, mistletoe, mugwort,
      pipsissiwa, skullcap, valerian, and melatonin, have either multiple-cited
      recommendations for use in epilepsy or a rationale for antiepileptic action and
      are discussed in detail. These items paradoxically often have a proconvulsant
      effect in addition to potentially serious adverse effects. Herb-drug interactions
      also occur at the level of the P450 hepatic enzyme system of drug catabolism and
      the P-glycoprotein transport system regulating the entry of exogenous compounds
      into the vasculature or blood-brain barrier. Thus, significant pharmacokinetic
      interactions may occur, in addition to pharmacodynamic interactions and
      proconvulsant effects of alternative medications themselves. Patients should be
      inquired as to the nature of any alternative medicine products they are using,
      with the view that these products may be reasonable if traditional antiepileptic
      drug therapy is continued, potential adverse effects of the alternative agents
      are monitored, and the alternative and traditional agents do not conflict.

PMID- 22062946
TI  - Counseling of parents of a child with uncontrollable seizures.
AB  - This review deals with the problem of counseling parents of children with
      intractable epilepsy. The previous topics address the complexity of the
      pathophysiology and the treatment options available both mainstream and
      alternative. However, knowing the reasons for intractability or the reasons for
      treatment failure may be insufficient to guide the health care professional in
      trying to help families deal with this problem on a day-to-day basis. There is no
      greater challenge for the epilepsy professional than caring for this group of
      patients. How do we help the parents of children we cannot help? Although we may
      not be able to eliminate seizures, we can be accessible and listen openly. We can
      try and help families develop strategies, skills, and resources that empower them
      to manage their situation more effectively.

PMID- 22062947
TI  - Activation of VEGFR-2 signaling in response to moderate dose of ultraviolet B
      promotes survival of normal human keratinocytes.
AB  - Mounting evidence indicates that signaling via VEGF receptors (VEGFRs) extends
      beyond blood vessel formation. Recently, VEGFRs are also found to be
      constitutively expressed in keratinocytes and epidermal appendages. Here, we show
      that the expression of VEGFRs (including VEGFR-1, VEGFR-2, and NRP-1) was
      significantly enhanced by moderate dose of ultraviolet B (UVB) in normal human
      keratinocytes and epidermis. The elevated expression of VEGFRs by UVB was
      independent of autocrine stimulation by their natural ligand, VEGF, but mainly
      mediated through hypoxia and oxidative stress. Moderate dose UVB also promoted
      tyrosine phosphorylation of VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2, this effect was again VEGF
      independent. Both alpha and delta isoforms of protein kinase C (PKC) were
      required for UVB-induced phosphorylation of VEGFR-1, but only the delta isoform
      was required for VEGFR-2 phosphorylation. The phosphorylation of VEGFRs or
      isoforms of PKC was completely inhibited by PP2, a specific inhibitor for Src
      family kinases (SFKs), indicating that SFKs are upstream of PKC and VEGFRs.
      Moderate dose UVB-induced VEGF exerted an anti-apoptotic effect for
      keratinocytes, whereas high dose UVB-induced VEGF played as an inflammatory
      factor. Of note, neutralization of VEGFR-2 but not VEGFR-1 exacerbated UVB
      induced cell death and reduced survival of keratinocytes. Furthermore, VEGFR-2
      neutralization inhibited the activation of ERK1/2 and Akt by UVB, suggesting that
      VEGFR-2 signaling was involved in the pro-survival mechanism via ERK1/2 and PI3
      K/Akt pathway. Taken together, we demonstrate for the first time that VEGFR-2
      signaling is activated and promotes survival of keratinocytes under moderate dose
      of UVB irradiation.

PMID- 22062948
TI  - RhoA and Rho kinase mediate cyclosporine A and sirolimus-induced barrier
      tightening in renal proximal tubular cells.
AB  - The regulation and maintenance of the paracellular transport in renal tubular
      epithelia is vital for kidney functions. Combination of the immunosuppressant
      drugs cyclosporine A (CsA) and sirolimus (SRL) exerts powerful immunosuppression,
      but also causes nephrotoxicity. We have previously shown that CsA and SRL elevate
      transepithelial resistance (TER) in kidney tubular cells partly through
      MEK/ERK1/2. In this work we examined the hypothesis that the RhoA pathway may
      also be mediating effects of CsA and SRL. We show that CsA and the CsA/SRL
      combination activated RhoA, induced cofilin phosphorylation and promoted stress
      fiber generation. The Rho kinase (ROK) inhibitor, Y27632, prevented CsA and
      CsA/SRL-induced cofilin phosphorylation and actin remodelling, reduced the TER
      increase and prevented the rise in claudin-7 levels caused by the drugs.
      Expression of the exchange factor GEF-H1/lfc was elevated in cells treated with
      CsA and CsA/SRL. GEF-H1 silencing inhibited RhoA activation by ~50%, and potently
      reduced cofilin phosphorylation and stress fiber formation induced by CsA and
      CsA/SRL. However, GEF-H1 downregulation did not prevent the TER change. Thus the
      Rho/Rho kinase pathway was involved in mediating CsA and CsA/SRL-induced
      cytoskeleton rearrangement and TER changes via claudin-7 expression. Our data
      however point to differential regulation of Rho activation involved in central
      cytoskeleton remodelling, that is GEF-H1-dependent and junctional permeability
      that does not require GEF-H1.

PMID- 22062949
TI  - Omega-3 fatty acids enhance mitochondrial superoxide dismutase activity in rat
      organs during post-natal development.
AB  - The protection of the developing organism from oxidative damage is ensured by
      antioxidant defense systems to cope with reactive oxygen species (ROS), which in
      turn can be influenced by dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs). PUFAs in
      membrane phospholipids are substrates for ROS-induced peroxidation reactions. We
      investigated the effects of dietary supplementation with omega-3 PUFAs on lipid
      peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme activities in rat cerebrum, liver and uterus.
      Pups born from dams fed a diet low in omega-3 PUFAs were fed at weaning a diet
      supplying low alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), adequate ALA or enriched with
      eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) plus docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Malondialdehyde
      (MDA), a biomarker of lipid peroxidation, and the activities of superoxide
      dismutase 1 (SOD1), SOD2, catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) were
      determined in the three target organs. Compared to low ALA feeding,
      supplementation with adequate ALA or with EPA+DHA did not affect the cerebrum MDA
      content but increased MDA content in liver. Uterine MDA was increased by the
      EPA+DHA diet. Supplementation with adequate ALA or EPA+DHA increased SOD2
      activity in the liver and uterus, while only the DHA diet increased SOD2 activity
      in the cerebrum. SOD1, CAT and GPX activities were not altered by ALA or EPA+DHA
      supplementation. Our data suggest that increased SOD2 activity in organs of the
      growing female rats is a critical determinant in the tolerance to oxidative
      stress induced by feeding a diet supplemented with omega-3 PUFAs. This is may be
      a specific cellular antioxidant response to ROS production within the
      mitochondria.

PMID- 22062950
TI  - MicroRNA212/132 family: molecular transducer of neuronal function and plasticity.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that mediate post-transcriptional
      gene silencing. It is increasingly clear that miRNAs are key regulatory factors
      for a tight gene expression control. MiRNAs are involved in many aspects of
      organism development and function, in physiological and pathological conditions.
      MiRNA expression varies with cell type, tissue and developmental stages. The
      microRNA212/132 family is one of the most studied miRNA family due to the
      involvement of miR132 and miR212 in important cellular processes, especially in
      the brain. MiR132 and miR212 have been implicated in tissue development and in
      the formation and plasticity of neuronal connections. The main aim of this review
      is to highlight recent discoveries about miR212/132 family functions and its
      possible involvement in pathological processes.

PMID- 22062951
TI  - Characterization of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase as a novel
      transferrin receptor.
AB  - A majority of cells obtain of transferrin (Tf) bound iron via transferrin
      receptor 1 (TfR1) or by transferrin receptor 2 (TfR2) in hepatocytes. Our study
      establishes that cells are capable of acquiring transferrin iron by an alternate
      pathway via GAPDH. These findings demonstrate that upon iron depletion, GAPDH
      functions as a preferred receptor for transferrin rather than TfR1 in some but
      not all cell types. We utilized CHO-TRVb cells that do not express TfR1 or TfR2
      as a model system. A knockdown of GAPDH in these cells resulted in a decrease of
      not only transferrin binding but also associated iron uptake. The current study
      also demonstrates that, unlike TfR1 and TfR2 which are localized to a specific
      membrane fraction, GAPDH is located in both the detergent soluble and lipid raft
      fractions of the cell membrane. Further, transferrin uptake by GAPDH occurs by
      more than one mechanism namely clathrin mediated endocytosis, lipid raft
      endocytosis and macropinocytosis. By determining the kinetics of this pathway it
      appears that GAPDH-Tf uptake is a low affinity, high capacity, recycling pathway
      wherein transferrin is catabolised. Our findings provide an explanation for the
      detailed role of GAPDH mediated transferrin uptake as an alternate route by which
      cells acquire iron.

PMID- 22062952
TI  - A new c.1845A->T of oncostatin M receptor-beta mutation and slightly enhanced
      oncostatin M receptor-beta expression in a Chinese family with primary localized
      cutaneous amyloidosis.
AB  - Primary localized cutaneous amyloidosis (PLCA) is a chronic itching skin disease
      with amyloid material deposited in the upper dermis. PLCA is more common in
      Southeast Asia and South America, where up to 10% of cases may be familial.
      Mutations of OSMR or IL31RA have been identified in PLCA. Here we detected a new
      OSMR mutation in a lichenoid PLCA family from north China. This is the first
      report of PLCA with gene mutation on the Chinese mainland. A heterozygous 1845A
      >T was found in exon 13 of the proband, causing p.Lys615Asn substitution, which
      was not found in screening 100 ethnically matched healthy controls. The
      particular mutated amino acid is well conserved throughout various evolutionary
      lineages, located within the second fibronectin III-like domain of oncostatin M
      receptor beta subunit (OSMRbeta), and in close vicinity to a previously reported
      mutation, p.Gly618Ala. Immunohistochemistry showed slightly enhanced OSMRbeta
      expression in the lesion of the proband. This study extends the knowledge of PLCA
      gene mutation and further supports the pathogenic role of OSMRbeta in PLCA.

PMID- 22062953
TI  - Quaero muneris: exploring microRNA function in cardiovascular disease.

PMID- 22062954
TI  - MicroRNA profiling predicts a variance in the proliferative potential of cardiac
      progenitor cells derived from neonatal and adult murine hearts.
AB  - Cardiac progenitor cells (CPCs) are multipotent cells that may offer tremendous
      potentials for the regeneration of injured myocardium. To expand the limited
      number of CPCs for effective clinical regeneration of myocardium, it is important
      to understand their proliferative potentials. Single-cell based assays were
      utilized to purify c-kit(pos) CPCs from human and mouse hearts. MicroRNA
      profiling identified eight differentially expressed microRNAs in CPCs from
      neonatal and adult hearts. Notably, the predicted protein targets were
      predominantly involved in cellular proliferation-related pathways. To directly
      test this phenotypic prediction, the developmental variance in the proliferation
      of CPCs was tested. Ki67 protein expression and DNA kinetics were tested in human
      and mouse in vivo CPCs, and doubling times were tested in primary culture of
      mouse CPCs. The human embryonic and mouse neonatal CPCs showed a six-fold
      increase in Ki67 expressing cells, a two-fold increase in the number of cells in
      S/G2-M phases of cell cycle, and a seven-fold increase in the doubling time in
      culture when compared to the corresponding adult CPCs. The over-expression of miR
      17-92 increased the proliferation in adult CPCs in vivo by two-fold. In addition,
      the level of retinoblastoma-like 2 (Rbl2/p130) protein was two-fold higher in
      adult compared to neonatal-mouse CPCs. In conclusion, we demonstrate a
      differentially regulated cohort of microRNAs that predicts differences in
      cellular proliferation in CPCs during postnatal development and target microRNAs
      that are involved in this transition. Our study provides new insights that may
      enhance the utilization of adult CPCs for regenerative therapy of the injured
      myocardium.

PMID- 22062955
TI  - Erythropoietin induces positive inotropic and lusitropic effects in murine and
      human myocardium.
AB  - Initial clinical studies indicate a potential beneficial effect of erythropoietin
      (EPO) in patients with anemia and heart failure. Here, we investigate the direct
      contractile effects of erythropoietin on myocardial tissue. Treatment with EPO
      (50U/mL) using excitable murine and human left ventricular muscle preparations
      resulted in a 37% and 62% increase in twitch tension, respectively (P<0.05).
      Isolated murine cardiomyocytes exposed to EPO demonstrated a 41% increase in peak
      sarcomere shortening (P=0.012). Using compounds that specifically stimulate a non
      erythropoietic EPO receptor yielded similar increases in contractile dynamics.
      Cardiomyocyte Ca(2+)dynamics showed an 18% increase in peak calcium in EPO
      treated cardiomyocytes over controls (P=0.03). Studies in muscle strips skinned
      after EPO treatment demonstrated a phosphorylation dependant increase in the
      viscous modulus as well as an increase in oscillatory work. The EPO mediated
      increase in peak sarcomere shortening was abrogated by PI3-K blockade via
      wortmannin and by non-isozyme specific PKC blockade by chelerythrine. Finally,
      EPO treatment resulted in an increase in PKCepsilon in the particulate cellular
      fraction, indicating activation of this isoform. EPO exhibits direct positive
      inotropic and lusitropic effects in cardiomyocytes and ventricular muscle
      preparation. These effects are mediated through PI3-K and PKCepsilon isoform
      signaling to directly affect both calcium release dynamics and myofilament
      function.

PMID- 22062956
TI  - Mapping protein receptor-ligand interactions via in vivo chemical crosslinking,
      affinity purification, and differential mass spectrometry.
AB  - Protein receptor-ligand interactions play important roles in mediating enzyme
      catalysis, signal transduction, and other protein functions. Immunoaffinity
      purification followed by mass spectrometry analysis is a common method for
      identifying protein receptor-ligand complexes. However, it is difficult to
      distinguish between specific protein binding partners and non-specifically bound
      proteins that co-purify with the complex. In addition, weakly interacting binding
      partners may dissociate from the protein receptor-ligand complexes during
      immunoaffinity purification. The combination of chemical crosslinking, affinity
      purification, and differential mass spectrometry analysis provides a direct
      method for capturing stable, weak, and transient protein interactions that occur
      in vivo and in vitro. This approach enables the identification of functional
      receptor-ligand binding partners with high confidence. Herein, we describe a
      differential mass spectrometry approach coupled with in situ chemical
      crosslinking and immunoaffinity purification for identifying receptor-ligand
      binding partners. In particular, we identified a functional, counter-ligand
      structure of the natural killer cell p30-related protein.

PMID- 22062957
TI  - Development of an immunopredictor for the evaluation of the risk of
      cardiovascular diseases based on the level of soluble P-selectin.
AB  - Due to its physiologic role in modulating adhesive interactions between blood
      cells and the endothelium during inflammatory processes or at injury sites, the
      adhesion molecule P-selectin is of great interest. The level of soluble P
      selectin in plasma or serum can be detected and used as a clinical predictor for
      adverse cardiovascular events, leading to the presumption that it is secreted,
      shed or cleaved from the cell membrane during the process of diseases. Increased
      levels of soluble P-selectin in the plasma have been shown to be associated with
      a range of cardiovascular disorders, including coronary artery disease,
      hypertension and atrial fibrillation. Therefore, it is of huge significance to
      develop simple, rapid and sensitive methods for the detection of such
      pathological predictors, not only for facilitating the surveillance of
      cardiovascular mortality/sudden cardiac death, but also for effectively
      monitoring the drug potency on platelets based on measurement of P-selectin
      performed on fixed blood samples following platelet stimulation in whole blood in
      a remote setting. We herein developed a simple, yet novel and sensitive
      electrochemical sandwich immunosensor for the detection of P-selectin; it
      operates through covalent linkage of anti-P-selectin antibody on CNT@GNB
      nanocomposites-modified disposable screen-printed electrode as the detection
      platform, with the potassium ferrocyanide-encapsulated, anti-P-selectin-tagged
      liposomal biolabels as the electrochemical signal probes. The immunorecognition
      of the sample P-selectin by the liposomal biolabels occurred on the surface of
      the electrodes; the release of potassium ferrocyanide from the bound liposomal
      biolabels extensively contributed to the increase in electrochemical signal,
      which was acquired in HCl solution at +0.32V in square wave voltammetry mode. The
      resulting sigmoidally shaped dose-response curves possessed a linear dynamic
      working range from 1*10(-13) to 1*10(-5)g/mL. This liposome-based electrochemical
      immunoassay provides an amplification approach for detecting P-selectin at trace
      levels, leading to a detection limit as low as 4.3fg (equivalent to 5MUL of
      0.85pg/mL solution). A commercially available ELISA kit was used as a reference
      method to validate the newly-developed assay through the analysis of mouse serum
      samples. A strong correlation was observed between the two data sets as the R
      squared value of 0.997 from the linear regression line. This electrochemical
      immunosensor will be useful for the detection of P-selectin in biological fluids
      and tissue extracts.

PMID- 22062958
TI  - Quality characteristics of reduced-fat Chinese-style sausage as related to
      chitosan's molecular weight.
AB  - Microbiological and physicochemical characteristics of reduced-fat (approximately
      22%) Chinese-style sausages containing 0.1% chitosan (in 1% lactic acid solution)
      with three different molecular weights [low molecular weight chitosan (CHL), MW=
      150 kDa; medium molecular weight chitosan (CHM), MW=600 kDa; high molecular
      weight chitosan (CHH), MW=1250 kDa] were demonstrated. Sausages were also subject
      to oven heating or deep-fat frying for sensory evaluation. Treatments containing
      chitosan were lower in pH at any storage periods than the control (CONT).
      Generally speaking, total plate counts and lactic acid bacteria counts of all
      treatments slightly increased, with CHL being the lowest. However, all bacterial
      counts were lower than 7 [log colony forming unit (CFU)/g] at the end of storage.
      Results from sensory evaluation showed that deep-fat fried sausages from
      treatments CHL and CHM were higher in overall acceptability. This study
      demonstrated that the addition of chitosan to reduced-fat Chinese-style sausage
      resulted in no detrimental effect on textural properties.

PMID- 22062959
TI  - Reaction to boar odour by different South African consumer groups.
AB  - A consumer sensory study of South African pork consumers (n=300) including equal
      numbers of males and females and consumers from three ethnic groupings (black,
      white and coloured consumers) was conducted to determine the effects of gender
      and ethnicity on consumer reactions towards boar odour compounds. Samples
      consisted of boar fat with varying concentrations of skatole and androstenone.
      Each consumer evaluated the odour of seven fat samples. Consumers' liking of pork
      meat in general had a significant effect on the hedonic rating of the boar odour.
      The majority of consumers represented in this study would be dissatisfied with
      pork meat exhibiting detectable levels of skatole. In general, more females
      compared with males, will also respond more negatively towards samples with
      detectable levels of androstenone. An apparent liking for samples with medium
      levels of androstenone (0.5-1 MUg/g) was found for some consumers, especially
      males, and can be partly attributed to the inability of some consumers to smell
      this compound at these levels or a genuine liking for the odour of androstenone.
      Significant differences in the sensitivity of consumers from different ethnic
      groups were found with white females responding more negatively than white males
      and blacks. Although it was not possible to compare responses directly with the
      white and black groups, it was found that a higher percentage of coloureds
      responded negatively to boar odour compounds. Coloured males responded
      particularly negatively towards samples with detectable skatole, while black
      males, in general, were found to be more critical than black females. Based on
      these results it is predicted that the majority of consumers would be less
      willing to consume pork meat exhibiting detectable levels of boar odour.

PMID- 22062960
TI  - Free amino acids and other non-volatile compounds formed during processing of
      Iberian ham.
AB  - Fifty-five legs from Iberian pigs were traditionally processed into dry cured
      hams. Free amino acids and other non-volatile compounds in the water-soluble
      fraction from the biceps femoris muscle were analyzed by HPLC. At the drying
      stage and in the last months in the cellar the largest increases in these water
      soluble compounds took place. There was a clear influence on free amino acid
      formation of salt content and on the formation of peptides of the temperature at
      each processing stage. As the amount of non-volatile compounds in the water
      soluble fraction increases with processing time, their determination could
      provide a maturation index for Iberian ham.

PMID- 22062961
TI  - Quality properties of pork sausage prepared with water-soluble chitosan oligomer.
AB  - Emulsion type sausage was prepared with the addition of a chitosan oligomer
      (molecular weight 5000, 0.2%) and compared to a control. Sausages were aerobic-
      or vacuum-packaged and stored in a 4 degrees C refrigerator for 3 weeks.
      Difference of microbial growth between the sample with added chitosan oligomer or
      control was not observed (P>0.05). Lipid oxidation was lower in the sausage with
      chitosan oligomer at 3 weeks in aerobic packaging (P<0.05) than in the control
      sausage. The surface color of the sausage with chitosan oligomer had higher
      Hunter color L*- and b*-value. Hunter color a*-values were lower in the chitosan
      oligomer-added sausage and the a*-value increased during storage regardless of
      packaging (P<0.05). Sensory panels did not detect any difference in color,
      flavor, texture, and overall acceptance, and mechanical texture analysis also
      showed no difference. Therefore, the quality of the sausage with added chitosan
      oligomer (0.2%) was acceptable.

PMID- 22062962
TI  - Characterization of traditional processing of pork meat into boucane.
AB  - Boucane is a traditional meat product from Reunion that is obtained by salting,
      drying and hot smoking pork belly. One-step unit operations give rise to a stable
      product with remarkable colour and flavour qualities. Smoking the product
      directly over embers, however, leads to benzo(a)pyrene contamination. Mass
      transfers (salt gain, water loss) stabilize the end product, which has a 28.5%
      water content and 5.6% salt content. Lipid oxidation and Maillard reactions are
      the main mechanisms involved in the boucane production process. The molecules
      derived from these two reactions are - along with smoke compounds - responsible
      for the flavour and colour of the end product.

PMID- 22062963
TI  - Biogenic amine accumulation in ripened sausages affected by the addition of
      sodium sulphite.
AB  - The effect of two concentrations of sodium sulphite on biogenic amine
      accumulation during the ripening of slightly fermented sausages was examined.
      Three batches of sausages were manufactured: one without sulphite (control), one
      with 500 mg/kg and one with 1000 mg/kg of sodium sulphite. Considerable tyramine
      production (75-140 mg/kg dry matter [dm]) was observed in all batches. Sausages
      with sulphite, especially those with 500 mg/kg, accumulated higher amounts of
      tyramine than those without sulphite. Cadaverine was observed in the batch
      without sulphite (38 mg/kg dm), but its production was markedly inhibited by the
      presence of sulphite. A small amount of putrescine (4-12 mg/kg dm) was found
      during ripening and its final content was slightly higher in sausages with 1000
      mg/kg of sulphite. No production of histamine, phenylethylamine or tryptamine was
      observed. Agmatine and spermine levels decreased during ripening, whereas
      spermidine levels remained constant. Although sausages with sulphite showed lower
      microbial counts, only cadaverine production was lower than in sausages without
      sulphite. In contrast, tyramine and putrescine production seemed to be stimulated
      by the presence of sodium sulphite.

PMID- 22062964
TI  - Strategic finishing feeding as a tool in the control of pork quality.
AB  - A standard diet and two finishing feeding strategies known to reduce muscle
      glycogen stores were investigated in combination with exercise immediately prior
      to slaughter in pigs. The objective was to determine the influence of muscle
      glycogen at slaughter on temperature and pH in post-mortem muscle, the colour,
      drip loss and Warner-Bratzler shear force of the meat. The muscle glycogen stores
      were reduced by strategic finishing feeding. In general, pH(45 min) was higher in
      muscles from strategically fed pigs compared with control pigs. Exercise also
      resulted in higher pH(45 min) in control pigs compared to non-exercised control
      pigs, while the opposite was seen in muscles from strategically fed pigs.
      Exercise resulted in higher muscle temperatures in the carcasses irrespective of
      feeding strategy. pH(24 h) were higher in M. biceps femoris and M.
      semimembranosus from exercised, strategically fed pigs compared with the
      corresponding controls. In contrast, irrespective of feeding strategy no
      difference in pH(24 h) was registered in the meat of non-exercised pigs. Drip
      loss was lower in meat of strategically fed pigs compared with meat of control
      pigs. Moreover the drip loss was lowest in the meat of non-exercised pigs. The
      present study shows that strategic finishing feeding has high potential for the
      control of pork quality.

PMID- 22062965
TI  - Relationship between lipid peroxidation and fat content in Japanese Black beef
      Longissimus muscle during storage.
AB  - We examined the relationship of crude fat content to lipid peroxidation of beef
      during storage. Longissimus muscle samples (fat content; 6.5-39.4%) from 27
      Japanese Black beef steers were stored for 1, 4, 7 and 10 days, and
      thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH)
      were determined. TBARS values increased significantly (P<0.05), but LOOH did not
      change during the 10- day storage period. TBARS values were negatively correlated
      (P<0.05) with fat content in samples stored for 1, 4, 7 and 10 days. LOOH values,
      however, were not significantly correlated with fat content except on day 1.
      Phospholipid contents were correlated (P< 0.01) with LOOH values on each
      measurement day, but not significantly correlated with TBARS values except on day
      1. These findings indicated that: (1) high-fat beef had high preservative
      properties, and that; (2) TBARS formation was correlated with LOOH derived from
      phospholipid oxidation in the initial period of storage, and was correlated
      directly with fat content in a later period.

PMID- 22062966
TI  - Chromatographic analysis of cadaverine to detect incipient spoilage in mutton.
AB  - Suitability of measuring cadaverine for rapid assessment of bacterial quality of
      fresh and stale mutton (showing signs of incipient spoilage) was examined. HPTLC
      for rapid screening and detection and HPLC for accurate quantification was
      employed. Analysis of over 150 samples of varying degrees of freshness and
      postmortem age showed that in more than 90% of the samples, no cadaverine was
      detectable when meat was deemed acceptable with <10(6) orgs/g. However, when meat
      showed incipient spoilage, as judged by off odour and dull colour, cadaverine was
      detected in the range of 1-5 ppm. Such meat samples had a bacterial load of 10(7)
      orgs / g or more. HPTLC analysis allowed the simultaneous analysis of 5-6 samples
      and the total time including extraction was 1.5-2 h. As only easily available
      chemicals and equipment were required, it was a simple, rapid and inexpensive
      technique. HPTLC detection of cadaverine can therefore be recommended for the
      rapid assessment of bacterial quality of mutton and HPLC can be used for accurate
      quantification.

PMID- 22062967
TI  - Evidence against the non-enzymatic calcium theory of tenderization.
AB  - The objective of the present study was to determine whether variation in the
      tenderization of lamb longissimus could be attributed to variations in the rise
      in free calcium postmortem and sarcomere lengthening post rigor. The longissimus
      muscle of 10 crossbred lambs (Romney*Coopworth) was sampled at 1 and 7 days
      postmortem for determination of MIRINZ shear force, myofibrillar fragmentation
      index (MFI), sarcomere length, free calcium, and proteolysis of troponin-T.
      Despite considerable variation in tenderness and tenderization of the muscles,
      sarcomere lengthening was not observed. The concentration of free calcium at 7
      days postmortem correlated significantly with the MFI (r=0.640; P<0.05) and
      tended to correlate with the shear force (r=-0.596; P<0.1) and degradation of
      troponin-T (r=0.625; P<0.1). Degradation of troponin-T was significantly
      correlated with tenderization (r=0.664; P<0.05). Troponin-T is a calpain
      substrate, but reportedly is not degraded through a direct effect from calcium.
      The present results, therefore, suggest that the variation in free calcium in
      postmortem muscle affects tenderization through an effect on the calpain system
      and not through a direct effect of calcium on myofibrillar proteins.
      Consequently, the results of this study do not support the (calcium) theory that
      calcium directly affects tenderization.

PMID- 22062968
TI  - Factors affecting the composition and amount of 'white exudate' from cooked
      bacon.
AB  - Bacon sometimes produces a white, unsightly fluid that exudes from the surfaces
      during cooking -a phenomenon that has resulted in frequent consumer complaints.
      The quantity of exudate from bacon of known history was assessed subjectively, by
      ranking photographs following 'dry-frying', and objectively, by collecting
      exudate in an ice cooled tray after grilling. Trained assessors ranked samples in
      order of visible exudate as follows: dry cured<Wiltshire cured<rapid cured bacon.
      Bacon that had been tempered prior to slicing produced more exudate that
      untempered bacon. Wiltshire cured bacon - made over a wide range of brine
      injection gains (9, 13 and 18%) and brine NaCl levels (6, 16 and 26%) and
      assessed 1, 2, 4 or 6 weeks after production - all produced some exudate, the
      amount of fluid released being positively related to bacon salt content. The
      highest losses were at 6 weeks. Cooked pork, sliced to 4 mm, also produced
      exudate, similar in composition and amount to that from bacon. The exudate
      contained 76-88% water, 80-130 mg/g protein and 2-6% NaCl, depending on the type
      of bacon and method of cooking. SDS-PAGE patterns of bacon exudate were similar
      to those of pork drip, suggesting it consists mainly of sarcoplasmic proteins.
      Traces of actin and myosin were detected but in much smaller quantities than
      expected.

PMID- 22062969
TI  - Antagonistic effect on Listeria monocytogenes and L. innocua of a bacteriocin
      like metabolite produced by lactic acid bacteria isolated from sucuk.
AB  - Two Lactobacilli and four Pediococci strains producing bacteriocin-like
      metabolities isolated from sucuk were tested with agar spot tests and well
      diffusion assays for their inhibitory activity against 16 Listeria strains, also
      isolated from sucuk. The production of organic acids and hydrogen peroxide
      limited, L. sake Lb 706 (used as a bacteriocin producer strain) and the isolated
      lactic acid bacteria (LAB) showed inhibitory activity against all of the Listeria
      strains, while L. sake Lb 706-A (used as a bacteriocin non-producer mutant) had
      the same effects against only two Listeria monocytogenes strains (51, 52) in agar
      spot tests. In the well diffusion assays, while L sake Lb 706 and four Pediococci
      isolates (413, 416, 419, 446) exhibited inhibitory activity against all of the
      Listeria strains tested, L. sake Lb 706-A and two of the Lactobacilli isolates
      (77, 116) showed no effect on the Listeria strains tested.

PMID- 22062970
TI  - Characterization of three kindreds with familial combined hypolipidemia caused by
      loss-of-function mutations of ANGPTL3.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Angiopoietin-like protein 3 (ANGPTL3) affects lipid metabolism by
      inhibiting the activity of lipoprotein and endothelial lipases. Angptl3 knockout
      mice have marked hypolipidemia, and heterozygous carriers of ANGPLT3, loss-of
      function mutations were found among individuals in the lowest quartile of plasma
      triglycerides in population studies. Recently, 4 related individuals with primary
      hypolipidemia were found to be compound heterozygotes for ANGPTL3 loss-of
      function mutations. METHODS AND RESULTS: We resequenced ANGPTL3 in 4 members of 3
      kindreds originally identified for very low levels of low-density lipoprotein
      cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (0.97+/-0.16 and 0.56+/-0.20
      mmol/L, respectively) in whom no mutations of known candidate genes for monogenic
      hypobetalipoproteinemia and hypoalphalipoproteinemia had been detected. These
      subjects were found to be homozygous or compound heterozygous for ANGPTL3 loss-of
      function mutations (p.G400VfsX5, p.I19LfsX22/p.N147X) associated with the absence
      of ANGPTL3 in plasma. They had reduced plasma levels of triglyceride-containing
      lipoproteins and of HDL particles that contained only apolipoprotein A-I and pre
      beta-high-density lipoprotein. In addition, their apolipoprotein B-depleted sera
      had a reduced capacity to promote cell cholesterol efflux through the various
      pathways (ABCA1-, SR-BI-, and ABCG1-mediated efflux); however, these subjects had
      no clinical evidence of accelerated atherosclerosis. Heterozygous carriers of the
      ANGPTL3 mutations had low plasma ANGPTL3 and moderately reduced low-density
      lipoprotein cholesterol (2.52+/-0.38 mmol/L) but normal plasma high-density
      lipoprotein cholesterol. CONCLUSIONS: Complete ANGPTL3 deficiency caused by loss
      of-function mutations of ANGPTL3 is associated with a recessive hypolipidemia
      characterized by a reduction of apolipoprotein B and apolipoprotein A-I
      containing lipoproteins, changes in subclasses of high-density lipoprotein, and
      reduced cholesterol efflux potential of serum. Partial ANGPTL3 deficiency is
      associated only with a moderate reduction of low-density lipoprotein.

PMID- 22062971
TI  - Binding and antioxidant properties of therapeutically important plant flavonoids
      in biomembranes: insights from spectroscopic and quantum chemical studies.
AB  - Plant flavonoids are emerging as novel therapeutic drugs for free radical
      mediated diseases, for which cell membranes mainly serve as targets for lipid
      peroxidation and related deleterious effects. Screening and characterization of
      these ubiquitous, therapeutically potent polyphenolic compounds require a clear
      understanding regarding their binding and possible locations in membranes, as
      well as quantitative estimates of relevant parameters such as partition
      coefficients, antioxidant and radical scavenging capacities. In this article we
      present perspectives emphasizing novel uses of the exquisitely sensitive 'two
      color' intrinsic fluorescence of plant flavonoids (which arise due to highly
      efficient photoinduced excited state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT)
      reactions) to explore their binding to model biomembranes consisting of
      phosphatidylcholine liposomes. Extension of such studies to natural biomembranes
      of relevant interest is also exemplified. Spectrophotometric assays reveal that
      typical mono- as well as poly-hydroxy substituted flavonoids have remarkable
      inhibitory actions on lipid peroxidation, and are significantly more potent
      antioxidants (2.5-4 times higher) compared to the reference compound Trolox (an
      water soluble derivative of vitamin E). The structure-activity relationships
      emerging from such studies are consistent with theoretical predictions based on
      quantum chemical computations.

PMID- 22062972
TI  - Bilateral breast reduction surgery in elderly women--a retrospective review of
      outcomes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Breast reduction surgery is successful in improving symptoms
      associated with breast hypertrophy. We sought to substantiate this in the elderly
      patient and ascertain how they regarded the outcome. METHODS: The WHO defines
      elderly as 60 and over. All elderly patients undergoing BBR for breast
      hypertrophy over a ten-year period at a single institution were identified.
      Retrospective review of medical records was conducted and patients asked to
      complete a postal questionnaire. RESULTS: 25/29 (86%) patients responded. 88%
      felt surgery improved appearance and symptoms. A statistically significant
      improvement in symptoms, appearance and confidence was demonstrated. 54% of
      patients voiced negative concerns regarding their surgery. One third were unhappy
      with final appearance. 2/24 regretted surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Although studies
      showing positive outcomes for breast reduction in breast hypertrophy are many,
      none have specifically looked at elderly patients. Most patients seek relief of
      functional symptoms. Cosmesis seems to be less an issue. That they achieve
      improvement in symptoms is reassuring, despite longevity of symptoms and possible
      concomitant musculoskeletal degeneration. However despite satisfaction with
      relief of symptoms, much dissatisfaction can be felt over less than perfect
      cosmesis. We feel attention to detail is key, even in the elderly undergoing
      functional procedures.

PMID- 22062973
TI  - Circumferential superficial fascia lift of the lower trunk: surgical technique
      and retrospective review of 50 cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The superficial fascia of the lower trunk has been described in its
      functional importance as a lifting layer by Lockwood in the early 1990s.
      Preparation more superficially is supposed to reduce the rate of seroma formation
      in abdominoplasty procedures. Using the superficial fascia in circumferential
      bodycontouring procedures of the lower trunk is assumed to combine these
      benefits. METHODS: Between November 2008 and April 2010, 50 patients were
      scheduled for circumferential superficial fascia lifting of the lower trunk at
      our department. Nine men and 41 women underwent a central or lower bodylifting
      procedure. The ultrasonically activated scalpel was used for preparation.
      RESULTS: Only one major complication (secondary bleeding) needing revision
      occurred. There were few minor complications such as seroma formation (8%) and
      superficial wound dehiscences <2 cm in extension (16%). No other complications
      occurred. CONCLUSION: The superficial fascia is an ideal layer for preparation
      and tissue lifting in circumferential bodycontouring of the lower trunk.

PMID- 22062974
TI  - Antioxidant and antibacterial activities of natural extracts: application in beef
      meatballs.
AB  - The antioxidant and antibacterial effect of rosemary, orange and lemon extracts
      was investigated in cooked Swedish-style meatballs. Activity in a lard system was
      established for all the extracts and further determination of the development of
      rancidity as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances consistently showed that
      about 50% of the rancidity can be controlled by the citrus preparations. Two of
      the rosemary extracts (water soluble and oil soluble) were more effective with
      practically complete elimination of rancidity (TBA values) after a period of 12
      days. Rosemary extract activity against lactic acid bacteria and Listeria but not
      Brochothrix thermosphacta was demonstrated in an agar diffusion test, but in the
      product only lactic acid bacteria counts were slightly reduced. Sensory analysis
      results, particularly aroma and acceptability scores, indicated the significant
      advantages in using rosemary and citrus extracts in rancidity-susceptible meat
      products.

PMID- 22062975
TI  - Characterisation of naturally fermented sausages produced in the North East of
      Italy.
AB  - In the Friuli Venezia Giulia region, in the North East of Italy, a traditional
      fermented sausage is produced without the use of microbial starters. It is
      characterized at the end of the ripening period by accentuated acidity, slight
      sourness and elastic, semi-hard consistency. In this study, three fermentations,
      carried out in different seasons (winter, spring and summer) were followed
      analyzing the microbiological, physicochemical and sensory aspects of this
      product. The sausages were characterized by an important microbial activity of
      lactic acid bacteria and micro/staphylococci that resulted in a product with a
      final pH of about 5.6-5.7. An interesting aspect was the high number of fecal
      enterococci that can play an important role in the definition of the organoleptic
      profile of the final product. No Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella spp. and
      Staphylococcus aureus were ever isolated from the raw materials or the fermented
      sausages during the maturation, underlining the safety of this product. The final
      water activity of the product was 0.91-0.92. One hundred and fifty lactic acid
      bacteria were isolated and identified by molecular methods to understand which
      species were more predominant in the product. Lactobacillus curvatus and
      Lactobacillus sakei were the most numerous (54 and 64 strains isolated,
      respectively) and they were the only species common to all three fermentations. A
      cluster analysis of the profiles obtained from these strains after RAPD-PCR
      highlighted a population distribution that was fermentation-specific.

PMID- 22062976
TI  - Influence of dietary conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and age at slaughtering on
      performance, slaughter- and meat quality, lipoproteins, and tissue deposition of
      CLA in barrows.
AB  - To assess the effects of dietary conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on performance,
      slaughter and meat quality, 100 Danish barrows were fed diets containing 0.5%
      sunflower oil (control) and 0.5% CLA from 40 kg live weight until slaughter at
      either 100 or 130 kg live weight. Plasma total cholesterol (P=0.006) and HDL
      cholesterol (P=0.021) was reduced, and plasma FFA-concentration increased
      (P=0.06) in pigs fed CLA. CLA supplementation improved (P=0.01) the feed
      utilisation by 4.7% and 4.3% for pigs slaughtered at 100 and 130 kg,
      respectively. Daily gain tended (P=0.06) to increase with the CLA-treatment
      (1.236 versus 1.194 kg for CLA- and control, respectively). Dietary treatments
      had no effects on slaughter- (meat percentage and backfat thickness) and meat
      quality responses (pH, temperature and water holding capacity). CLA tended
      (P=0.09) to reduce the intramuscular cholesterol, but had no influence on the
      total content of intramuscular fat.

PMID- 22062977
TI  - Evaluation of peroxyacetic acid as a post-chilling intervention for control of
      Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella Typhimurium on beef carcass surfaces.
AB  - Four experiments were conducted to test the efficacy of peroxyacetic acid as a
      microbial intervention on beef carcass surfaces. In these experiments, beef
      carcass surfaces were inoculated with fecal material (no pathogens) or fecal
      material containing rifampicin-resistant Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella
      Typhimurium. Inoculated surfaces were subjected to a simulated carcass wash with
      and without 2% l-lactic acid treatment before chilling. In Experiments 1 and 2,
      the chilled carcass surfaces were sprayed with peroxyacetic acid (200 ppm; 43
      degrees ) for 15 s. Peroxyacetic acid had no effect on microbial counts of any
      organism measured on these carcass surfaces. However, lactic acid reduced counts
      of E. coli Type I (1.9log(10) CFU/cm(2)), coliforms (3.0log(10) CFU/cm(2)), E.
      coli O157:H7 (2.7log(10) CFU/cm(2)), and S. Typhimurium (2.8log(10) CFU/cm(2))
      entering the chilling cooler and prevented growth during the chilling period. In
      Experiment 3, peroxyacetic acid at different concentrations (200, 600, and 1000
      ppm) and application temperatures (45 and 55  degrees C) were used to investigate
      its effectiveness in killing E. coli O157:H7 and S. Typhimurium compared to 4% l
      lactic acid (55  degrees C). Application temperature did not affect the counts of
      either microorganism. Peroxyacetic acid concentrations up to 600 ppm had no
      effect on these microorganisms. Concentrations of 1000 ppm reduced E. coli
      O157:H7 and S. Typhimurium by up to 1.7 and 1.3log(10) CFU/cm(2), respectively.
      However, 4% lactic acid reduced these organisms by 2.7 and 3.4log(10) CFU/cm(2),
      respectively. In Experiment 4, peroxyacetic acid (200 ppm; 43  degrees C) was
      applied to hot carcass surfaces. This treatment caused a 0.7log(10) CFU/cm(2)
      reduction in both E. coli O157:H7 and S. Typhimurium. The collective results from
      these experiments indicate that peroxyacetic acid was not an effective
      intervention when applied to chilled inoculated carcass piece surfaces.

PMID- 22062978
TI  - On-line classification of US Select beef carcasses for longissimus tenderness
      using visible and near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy.
AB  - The current experiment was conducted to evaluate the on-line application of
      visible and near-infrared spectroscopy (VISNIR) to US Select carcasses during
      commercial beef carcass grading procedures to predict tenderness of longissimus
      steaks after 14 days of refrigerated storage. A regression model was calibrated
      using 146 carcasses and tested against an additional 146 carcasses. Carcasses
      were segregated into VISNIR-based tenderness classes based on whether their
      VISNIR-predicted slice shear force value was less than (tender) or greater than
      (tough) the median predicted slice shear force value. Carcasses classified as
      tender by VISNIR had a lower mean SSF value, were less likely to have slice shear
      force values greater than 245 N, had higher trained sensory panel tenderness
      ratings, and were less likely to have trained sensory panel tenderness ratings
      below slightly tender than were carcasses classified as tough (P<0.001). This
      technology might be useful for identification of US Select carcasses that excel
      in longissimus tenderness.

PMID- 22062979
TI  - Perspective of NIRS measurements early post mortem for prediction of pork
      quality.
AB  - The potential of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) measurements early post mortem
      was investigated to predict ultimate drip loss, colour, tenderness and intra
      muscular fat of pork. Three locations (M. longissimus thoracis, M. longissimus
      lumborum and M. semimembranosus) in 102 pig carcasses were tested at the end of
      the slaughter line. A priori variation in pork quality was introduced using an
      experimental design covering: genotype, lairage time, pre-slaughter handling and
      day of slaughter. At 1 h post mortem a diode array VIS/NIR instrument (Zeiss MCS
      511/522, 380-1700 nm) equipped with a surface fibre optic probe was used and at 1
      day post mortem ultimate pH, drip loss, colour and shear force was measured on
      similar locations. Results indicated that it was possible to predict intra
      muscular fat content (correlation (R(2) of 0.35 with multiple linear regression),
      standard error of prediction (SEP)=3.6 g/kg), but the configuration has to be
      refined for on-line application (bigger aperture). For drip loss no correlation
      was achieved with the PLS method. Even extremes (low drip loss (<2.5%) or high
      drip loss (>4.5%)) in drip loss were not discriminated. Predicting drip loss with
      NIRS early post mortem is not successful, although NIRS in the slaughter line has
      potential as a fast predictor of intra-muscular fat. Possibilities for using the
      NIRS technique to get to know more about muscle metabolism and post mortem
      changes are promising.

PMID- 22062980
TI  - Effect of pelvic suspension and cooking method on the processing and sensory
      properties of hams prepared from two pork muscles.
AB  - The effect of two hanging methods (Achilles and aitch-bone) and two cooking
      methods (normal and Delta-T (DeltaT)) on the quality of cooked hams produced from
      two muscles, M. semimembranosus (topside) and M. biceps femoris (silverside) was
      examined. Pork sides were hung by the Achilles tendon (conventional) or the aitch
      bone (pelvic suspension) 1 h post-slaughter and chilled for 24 h at 1  degrees C.
      The hams were steam-cooked using a 'normal' cooking cycle (cooked at 85  degrees
      C to a core temperature of 72  degrees C) or a 'DeltaT' cycle (maintaining a
      constant difference, of 35  degrees C, between oven and core temperatures until
      the oven reaches 85  degrees C, whereupon the core is allowed to come up to 72 
      degrees C). Pelvic suspension increased (P?0.01) the brine uptake of silverside
      hams, by 2.6%, but not of topside. The DeltaT cooking method had a significant
      effect (P?0.05) for both muscles, reducing cook losses by 2.3% units in the
      topside hams and 3.3% in the silverside hams, compared to the normal continuous
      cook. Pelvic suspension resulted in slightly (P?0.05) more tender and juicy hams
      from silverside but not from topside. Both hanging method (Achilles and Aitch
      bone) and cooking method (normal and DeltaT) affected silverside ham more than
      topside ham. The overall result was that a combination of pelvic suspension and
      DeltaT cooking had a positive effect on the quality of cooked hams, particularly
      hams produced from the silverside.

PMID- 22062981
TI  - Determination of C22:5 and C22:6 marine fatty acids in pork fat with Fourier
      transform mid-infrared spectroscopy.
AB  - Fatty acids in samples (n=74) of pork adipose tissue were measured with a Fourier
      transform mid-infrared (FT-MIR) spectrometer and by gas chromatography. The
      measured absorption spectra provided information to estimate partial least
      squares regression models for fatty acid groups, the iodine value and several
      fatty acids. The iodine values were predicted with correlation coefficient
      R=0.996 and root mean square error of cross-validation RMSECV=0.658. The sum of
      the two marine fatty acids of main interest, C22:5n3+C22:6n3, were predicted with
      R=0.982 and RMSECV=0.062. The K nearest neighbours procedure successfully
      classified the samples in three classes, depending on their proportions of marine
      fatty acids. Application of fat and absorption measurements were rapid, requiring
      less than 5 min of labour per sample. The results reported in this paper
      demonstrate that FT-MIR measurements can serve as a rapid method to determine
      marine fatty acids in pork fat.

PMID- 22062982
TI  - Color and thiobarbituric acid values of cooked top sirloin steaks packaged in
      modified atmospheres of 80% oxygen, or 0.4% carbon monoxide, or vacuum.
AB  - Case-ready fresh beef is typically packaged in a modified-atmosphere with
      approximately 80% oxygen and 20% carbon dioxide. Recently, USDA approved
      distribution of fresh meats in a master bag system using 0.4% carbon monoxide
      (CO). This study compared effects of packaging system (vacuum, 80% oxygen, 0.4%
      carbon monoxide), fresh meat storage time (7-21 days) and cooking temperature (49
      79  degrees C) on extent of myoglobin denaturation, color and rancidity in cooked
      top sirloin steaks. Steaks packaged in 80% oxygen or CO retained desirable red
      color for 14 and 21 days storage, respectively. Steaks stored in 80% oxygen
      exhibited the greatest TBA values and myoglobin denaturation at all storage times
      and cooking temperatures. Steaks stored in high oxygen developed brown interior
      color at internal temperatures as low as 57  degrees C, the premature browning
      effect. Premature browning and rancidity associated with steaks packaged in 80%
      oxygen was prevented by packaging in 0.4% CO or vacuum.

PMID- 22062983
TI  - Associations between two gene markers and indicator traits affecting fresh and
      dry-cured ham processing quality.
AB  - The study objective was to evaluate the effects of mutations in two genes, PRKAG3
      and CAST, on fresh and dry-cured processing characteristics. Processing and
      curing followed normal commercial procedures. A 100 g sample of the
      semimembranosus was excised and frozen for later DNA harvest. Genotypes for CAST,
      and PRKAG3 were determined after DNA extraction from the frozen samples. The
      PRKAG3 marker had no affect on dry-cured ham processing characteristics. The CAST
      gene marker was a significant source (P<0.05) of variation for cured ham moisture
      content and tended to be a significant source (P<0.10) for yield, ham weight
      loss, salt content and Minolta color change. The data demonstrate that the CAST
      11 genotype is associated with greater processing yields. Alternatively,
      selection or sorting for the CAST 22 genotype should produce cured hams that
      exhibit more efficient moisture loss and, as a result, require less processing
      time and contain greater salt content.

PMID- 22062984
TI  - Performance of Cinta Senese pigs reared outdoors and indoors. 1. Meat and
      subcutaneous fat characteristics.
AB  - The effects of rearing system on tissue composition of a sample joint and on
      chemical-physical traits of meat and subcutaneous fat were studied in an Italian
      local pig breed. Forty-six Cinta Senese pigs were used; 17 pigs were reared on
      wood pasture, 29 pigs were reared in pens and fed commercial mixtures. Weight at
      slaughter was 136.2 and 127.7 kg for indoor and outdoor-pigs respectively. For
      sample joint composition outdoor-pigs showed a lower percentage of Longissimus
      lumborum (Ll) (46% vs. 48%) and higher percentages of intermuscular fat (7.2% vs.
      4.7%) and bone (20.9% vs. 19.2%). In Ll outdoor-pigs showed higher percentages of
      intramuscular fat (4.04% vs. 3.29%) and crude protein (23.5% vs. 22.8%), lower
      drip and cooking losses by oven (0.66% vs. 2.14% and 28.6% vs. 32.3%
      respectively) and higher cooking loss by water-bath (30.3% vs. 26.6%). Lower
      values of L* (45.8 vs. 50.1) and higher values of a* (14.9 vs. 11.8) and chroma
      (15.9 vs. 12.8) were recorded on Ll of outdoor-pigs. Subcutaneous fat of outdoor
      pigs showed higher percentages of MUFA (55.1% vs. 53.3%) and PUFA (13.2% vs.
      10.4%). Outdoor-pigs had higher PUFA/SFA ratio (0.43 vs. 0.29).

PMID- 22062985
TI  - Composition and quality of Mexican and imported retail beef in Mexico.
AB  - Randomly selected New York steaks from domestic and imported beef were purchased
      in three major Mexican cities, comparing Mexican beef (from northern, central,
      and southern regions of the country) and American beef (USDA-Choice and ungraded
      No Roll). The meat was analyzed for chemical composition, Warner-Bratzler shear
      force (WBSF), cooking loss, color and consumer acceptability. All sources of
      Mexican beef and No Roll US beef had similar chemical composition. USDA-Choice
      beef had a higher fat content and a lower moisture and total collagen content.
      Mexican beef from the northern region and USDA-Choice beef had lower WBSF and
      redness values than the other beef sources. Overall desirability was high
      regarding all Mexican beef sources, and USDA-Choice beef. No Roll US beef had the
      lowest overall desirability score. Results indicate Mexican beef is in an
      advantageous position when competing with imports in the current open market.

PMID- 22062986
TI  - Meat quality in suckling lambs: effect of pre-slaughter handling.
AB  - Thirty-three suckling lambs of the Manchega breed were used to compare the
      effects of pre-slaughter handling (PSH) on initial meat quality and at 7 days
      post-mortem. Lambs were distributed into three groups: electrically stunned (ESL;
      n=15), stunned using CO(2) (GSL; n=10) and slaughtered without previous stunning
      (USL; n=8). Meat quality was evaluated by examining pH, colour (L*, a*, b*
      values), water holding capacity (WHC), cooking loss (CL), shear force (SF) and
      drip loss (DL). At 24 h post-mortem, the highest pH corresponded to the USL group
      (P<0.05) whereas the lowest pH decline (pH(0)-pH(24)) corresponded to the GSL
      group (P<0.05). Differences in pH among groups disappeared after 7 days post
      mortem. In general, PSH did not affect values of WHC, CL and colour parameters.
      After 7 days post-mortem, there were significant differences between groups in
      DL, this being lowest (P<0.05) in stunned animals. GSL resulted in more tender
      meat (lower SF value) than ESL and USL (P<0.05). Moreover, there was no blood
      splash in any of the carcasses of the GSL group.

PMID- 22062987
TI  - Proteomic analysis of water soluble and myofibrillar protein changes occurring in
      dry-cured hams.
AB  - The myofibrillar fraction of raw ham muscles and dry-cured hams with different
      ripening times was extracted in denaturing and reducing conditions and subjected
      to two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. The two-dimensional maps gave overall
      pictures of the already noted progressive disappearance of actin, tropomyosin and
      myosin light chains during ripening. In addition, two fragments from Myosin Heavy
      Chain proteolysis, marked as myosin chain fragments MCF1 and MCF2, were
      identified by immunodetection and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization
      time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). Furthermore, a new form of actin
      on two-dimensional gel was identified by MALDI-TOF peptide mapping. In 12-month
      old dry-cured ham, most myofibrillar proteins were completely hydrolyzed. At this
      stage of ripening, in fact, in some Parma and S. Daniele dry-cured ham samples,
      myosin heavy chain fragments and other unidentified neo-formed spots were found.
      Some of the sarcoplasmic proteins in water extracts from pork meat markedly
      decreased in amount or disappeared totally, during ripening. Surprisingly, two
      dimensional gel electrophoresis maps of the water soluble protein fraction from
      dry-cured ham showed the presence of two spots identified as tropomyosin alpha-
      and beta-chain. This result suggests that some of the saline soluble myofibrillar
      proteins can disappear from this fraction because of salt solubilization and not
      due to complete enzyme action. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DGE) has
      proved a powerful tool to evaluate the enzymatic susceptibility of meat proteins
      and the evolution of protein map fragmentation throughout ripening process as
      well as a means of obtaining a standard fingerprinting map characterizing the
      final product.

PMID- 22062988
TI  - Exclusion of oxygen from modified atmosphere packages limits beef rib and lumbar
      vertebrae marrow discoloration during display and storage.
AB  - Visual and instrumental color (L*a*b* and reflectance from 400 to 700 nm) were
      used to evaluate packaging atmosphere as a way of minimizing beef marrow
      discoloration. In experiment 1, rib ends (n=24) packaged in 80% O(2)/20% CO(2)
      discolored more than ribs packaged in 100% N(2), which resulted in a relatively
      stable purplish marrow color through a 7-day display at 1  degrees C. In
      experiment 2, lumbar vertebrae (n=10) packaged in 80% O(2)/20% CO(2) had a rapid
      and significant discoloration within 24 h after packaging, likely because of the
      formation of methemoglobin. Conversely, vertebrae packaged in 80% N(2)/20% CO(2)
      and 0.4% CO/30% CO(2)/69.6% N(2) remained color stable during 2 and 6 weeks of
      storage at 4  degrees C, respectively. Exclusion of oxygen from MAP packages and
      the addition of low concentrations of CO minimized beef rib and lumbar vertebrae
      discoloration compared with high-oxygen MAP.

PMID- 22062989
TI  - Microbiological condition of horse meat prepared at a North American packing
      plant, and control of the temperatures of product air freighted to Europe.
AB  - To obtain information about the microbiological quality of horse meat exported
      from North America, the microbiological conditions of hot or cold boned primal
      cuts and carcass quarters from horse carcasses processed at a North American
      packing plant were examined. In addition, temperature histories were obtained
      from boxes of hot boned meat during cooling, and from horse carcass quarters air
      freighted to Europe. The log mean numbers of aerobes recovered from horse
      carcasses after dressing were >2 logcfu/cm(2). Log total numbers of coliforms and
      Escherichia coli recovered from 25 samples from such carcasses were >2 log and <2
      logcfu/2500 cm(2), respectively. Numbers of bacteria generally similar to those
      were recovered from cooled carcasses or hot or cold boned cuts. The cooling
      process for hot boned meat met with standards for hot boned beef cooling
      processes based on calculated growth of E. coli at box centres. The deep tissues
      of carcass quarters cooled and the temperatures of their surfaces rose during air
      freighting, but surface temperatures mostly remained below 7  degrees C. The
      microbiological condition of horse carcass quarters delivered to plants in Europe
      would likely be comparable with the microbiological conditions of hanging beef
      delivered from packing plants to distant customers within North America.

PMID- 22062990
TI  - Conjugated linoleic acid concentration in M. Longissimus dorsi from heifers
      offered sunflower oil-based concentrates and conserved forages.
AB  - Dietary inclusion of polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA)-rich plant oils is one
      approach to improving the fatty acid profile of ruminant meat and meat products
      from a human health perspective. Whole crop wheat silages represent a possible
      alternative forage to grass silage for beef production, however, they may
      adversely impact the fatty acid profile of ruminant muscle since grass silage is
      rich in C18:3n-3. The first objective of this experiment was to investigate the
      relationship between an increase in the dietary supply of C18:2n-6 from sunflower
      oil (SFO) and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) concentration in the muscle tissue
      of beef cattle. The second objective was to investigate the effect of the basal
      forage type on the muscle fatty acid composition and its response to increasing
      inclusion of SFO. One hundred and five heifers were blocked according to initial
      bodyweight and assigned to one of seven silage treatments. The silage treatments
      were: (1) grass silage (GS), (2) whole crop wheat silage with 38% dry matter (DM)
      (W1), (3) GS and W1 at a ratio of 1:2 (DM basis) (W1GS) (4) GS and W1 at a ratio
      of 2:1 (DM basis) (GSW1), (5) whole crop wheat silage with 52% DM (W2), (6) GS
      and W2 at a ratio of 1:2 (DM basis) (W2GS), (7) GS and W2 at a ratio of 2:1 (DM
      basis) (GSW2). Within each silage treatment, 5 animals were assigned to one of
      three concentrate rations, differing in the content of SFO. The levels of
      inclusion of SFO in the concentrate were 0, 55, 110 g/kg concentrate. Inclusion
      of SFO in the diet led to an increase in the n-6:n-3 fatty acid ratio in muscle.
      In animals fed grass silage or mixed silages the n-6:n-3 ratio was lower in
      muscle compared with those fed whole crop wheat silages, with the exception of
      animals fed 55 g SFO/kg, for which feeding W1GS led to a higher ratio than W1.
      Other than the n-6:n-3 ratio there were no significant interactions between the
      effect of type of silage and the level of SFO on the concentration of fatty acids
      in intramuscular fat. Increasing the inclusion of SFO led to a linear increase in
      the CLAcis-9,trans-11 and PUFA concentration in intramuscular fat (P<0.001). This
      study confirmed the potential for modification, and improvement from a human
      health perspective, of the fatty acid composition of beef muscle by dietary
      manipulation.

PMID- 22062991
TI  - Profiles of water content, water activity and texture in crusted dry-cured loin
      and in non-crusted dry-cured loin.
AB  - This study compares the profiles of water activity (a(w)), water content (X) and
      texture in loin with crusted surface versus those profiles in loin without crust,
      and establishes a mathematical model able to describe hardness based on a(w)
      and/or X. Two loins (m. longissimus dorsi) were dry-cured, aged and then each one
      was divided into four pieces. Two of them were dried at 15+/-2  degrees C, 50+/
      3% RH (CL treatment) and the other two were dried at 2+/-2  degrees C, 80+/-3% RH
      (NCL treatment). The pieces of CL were dried under more severe conditions in
      order to develop a crust on the surface. Three-millimetre thick slices were taken
      from the most external part towards the inner part. The slices were prepared
      (10*10*3 mm) for texture profile analysis (TPA). Measurements of a(w) and X were
      carried out on each slice. Variance analyses and non-linear regression analyses
      were performed to create a model for loin hardness prediction through X and/or
      a(w) and a linear regression model for cohesiveness and springiness. CL loins
      showed a higher hardness and chewiness and lower cohesiveness at the surface (3
      mm thickness) than the NCL loins. Hardness and chewiness, fitted with a non
      linear model, were better described by X than by a(w). Springiness showed a low
      relationship with X and a(w). The on-line monitoring of X and a(w) at the surface
      of the product would enable an estimation of the profiles of water content, a(w)
      and texture and it could be, therefore, a useful tool to avoid crusting.

PMID- 22062992
TI  - A comparison between two methods (Warner-Bratzler and texture profile analysis)
      for testing either raw meat or cooked meat.
AB  - Two methods for assessing texture characteristics of meat (Warner-Bratzler (WB) -
      and texture profile analysis (TPA)), both performed either on raw or on cooked
      meat, were tested in 96 samples of m. longissimus dorsi muscle of eight heifers
      and eight bulls, aged 1, 3 or 6 days post-mortem. A sensory analysis was also
      performed on 96 samples. Sensory variates were predicted by instrumental variates
      as follows: hardness was better predicted by TPA than by WB; springiness was only
      predicted by WB; juiciness was only significantly predicted by TPA; greasiness
      was always poorly predicted, but the prediction was better with TPA, and the
      number of chewings was also better predicted with TPA. Results suggested the
      convenience of performing a TPA for assessing meat texture as, in cooked meat,
      only TPA furnished highly significant correlations for hardness, for juiciness
      and for the number of chewings. Although WB could predict hardness and
      springiness, only the equation for the prediction of the number of chewings was
      useful (r(2)=0.171, P<0.004). It seems that texture parameters, assessed by a TPA
      and performed on cooked meat, are the best predictors of sensory texture in
      bovine meat.

PMID- 22062993
TI  - Application of computer image analysis to measure pork marbling characteristics.
AB  - Sixty longissimus (L) muscle chops were selected according to marbling score in
      order to develop a technique for the quantitative description of marbling fat by
      means of computer image analysis (CIA) and study its relationship with
      intramuscular fat content and shear force variation in pork. L muscle samples
      were taken from gilts belonging to three genetic lines differing in carcass
      leanness, namely Large White (LW), Meishan-derived dam line (M) and Synthetic
      Genex 3000 (SG). SG gilts had leaner loins (P<0.001) than LW and M. However, the
      SG loins were more marbled (P<0.001) and had higher IMF content. In addition, CIA
      analysis showed that marbling fat was finer and better distributed in the SG
      line. CIA marbling characteristics were significantly correlated with both IMF
      content (P<0.001) and shear force values (P<0.05) demonstrating the reliability
      of this technique to assess the contribution of marbling characteristics to
      variations in pork eating quality.

PMID- 22062994
TI  - Performance of Cinta Senese pigs and their crosses with Large White. 1 Muscle and
      subcutaneous fat characteristics.
AB  - Twenty-nine Cinta Senese (CS), 29 Large WhitexCinta Senese (LWxCS) and 12 Large
      White (LW) pigs were reared indoors and fed a commercial mixture. After slaughter
      (at avg. weight of 136, 139, 155 kg for CS, LWxCS, LW, respectively), a portion
      of the loin (sample cut) was dissected into lean and Longissimus lumborum (LL),
      intermuscular fat and bone. Chemical and physical analyses were conducted on LL.
      Chemical composition and fatty acid profile were determined on the outer layer of
      backfat. CS pigs had the highest percentage of bone and the lowest of lean in the
      sample cut, LWxCS showing intermediate values between parental breeds. In LL, CS
      showed lower moisture (73.23% vs. 74.28%) and higher fat content (3.19% vs.
      0.87%) than LW; pH(24) was higher in CS (5.78) than in LWxCS (5.67) and LW
      (5.50); meat was more red in CS and LWxCS than in LW; CS showed higher water
      holding capacity than LW, with LWxCS at an intermediate position; raw meat was
      tougher in CS than in LW, but differences disappeared after cooking. In backfat
      CS had lower moisture (6.5% vs. 6.9% and 7.8%) and higher lipid content (81.4 vs.
      78.1 and 77.5%) than LWxCS and LW; concerning fatty acid composition, CS showed
      less SFA (saturated fatty acids; 36.2% vs. 37.12% and 37.7%) than the other two
      genotypes, and, together with LWxCS, less PUFA (polyunsaturated fatty acids;
      10.4% and 10.2% vs. 11.1%) and more oleic acid (50.3% and 49.8% vs. 48.5%) than
      LW. Overall, evidence of additive genetic effects was present for most
      qualitative parameters with crosses showing intermediate values between parental
      breeds.

PMID- 22062995
TI  - The effects of region and gender on the fatty acid, amino acid, mineral,
      myoglobin and collagen contents of impala (Aepyceros melampus) meat.
AB  - The effects of sex and region on the fatty acid profile, mineral contents,
      collagen and myoglobin contents of impala (Aepyceros melampus) meat were
      investigated. The study was conducted in the Limpopo Province of South Africa
      where impala were sampled from two separate regions. Female animals at Mara
      showed higher levels (P<0.05) of saturated (SFA), and mono-unsaturated fatty
      acids (MUFA) in their tissues than the male animals. The females at Musina also
      showed a tendency (P<0.10) towards higher levels of SFA and MUFA than the males.
      Males from both regions showed higher levels (P<0.05) of poly-unsaturated fat
      than the females. Myristic, palmitic and stearic acid made up the greatest
      proportion of the SFA component for the males and females from both regions.
      Oleic acid represented the largest component of the MUFA, with the Mara animals
      showing higher levels than the Musina animals. alpha-linoleic, gamma-linoleic,
      and linolenic acid made up the largest proportions of the poly-unsaturated
      component for both of the regions. Neither region nor sex had any influence on
      the amino acid content of the meat. The male animals at Mara had lower (P<0.05)
      myoglobin contents than the females for that region. Region had no effect on the
      myoglobin content of the meat. No significant sex or regional differences were
      found in the hydroxyproline and collagen contents of the meat (P>0.05). Regional
      differences (P<0.05) were found in the amounts of phosphorous and calcium present
      in the meat. The male animals at Mara were found to have higher levels of zinc
      than the females.

PMID- 22062996
TI  - Microbiological contamination of cattle and pig carcasses at five abattoirs
      determined by swab sampling in accordance with EU Decision 2001/471/EC.
AB  - A total of 800 cattle carcasses (abattoir A: n=200; B: n=150; C: n=150; D: n=150,
      E: n=150) and 650 pig carcasses (abattoir A: n=200; B: n=150; C: n=150; D: n=150)
      were examined at five Swiss abattoirs with an annual slaughtering capacity >10
      million kg. Weekly, 10 cattle and 10 pig carcasses were sampled at four sites by
      the wet-dry double swab technique. From each carcass the samples were pooled and
      examined for total viable counts (TVC) and Enterobacteriaceae. At the abattoirs,
      mean log TVCs from cattle carcasses ranged from 2.1 to 3.1 cm(-2) and those from
      pig carcasses from 2.2 to 3.7 cm(-2). Daily TVC mean log values showed
      significant differences between abattoirs (P<0.05), whereas no significant
      differences were detected between animal species. On average, Enterobacteriaceae
      were detected (i) in low counts, (ii) on 31.0% of cattle and on 20.2% of pig
      carcasses, and (iii) more frequently and in higher counts on cattle than on pig
      carcasses (P<0.05). Data from this study indicate that the wet-dry double swab
      technique is suitable to determine microbiological contamination of cattle and
      pig carcasses in accordance with EU Decision 2001/471/EC. For samples obtained by
      the non-destructive technique from cattle and pig carcasses, the following
      microbiological performance criteria are proposed: Daily mean log values are
      acceptable, marginal, and unacceptable for TVC when they are <3.00, 3.00-4.00,
      >4.00 cm(-2), and for Enterobacteriaceae when they are <1.00, 1.00-2.00, and
      >2.00 cm(-2). However, such values have to be seen merely as baselines. It is
      important to implement a monitoring system based on abattoir-specific data and
      criteria as permitted by quality control chart methods.

PMID- 22062997
TI  - Prediction of horse carcass composition using linear measurements.
AB  - An analysis of meat quality performed on 107 horses showed that there are
      significant relationships between some linear measures of carcasses and the
      irrespective tissue contents. Thus, there is some potential for fat quantity
      estimation on the basis of nape fat thickness. The equation for the assessment of
      fat percentage in the carcass contains one variable, i.e., nape fat thickness
      only. However, even in this case the obtained multiple correlation coefficient
      was high, R=0.86 and the estimation error was at the level of 2.5%. As a
      consequence, the estimation of fat deposits in carcasses may be made more
      objective, and the measurement of nape fat thickness may be applied for the
      assessment of fat in the live animal.

PMID- 22062998
TI  - Breed, slaughter weight and ageing time effects on sensory characteristics of
      lamb.
AB  - The longissimus lumborum (right and left) from 180 entire male lambs were tasted
      by a nine-member trained taste panel. The samples were from lambs from three
      Spanish breeds; Rasa Aragonesa (local meat breed), Churra (local dairy breed) and
      Spanish Merino. Within breed, three slaughter live weights were considered (10
      12, 20-22 or 30-32 kg) and meat was aged in a vacuum package for 1, 2, 4, 8 or 16
      days. Panellists assessed a total of eight descriptors. Lamb odour and lamb
      flavour intensities increased with slaughter weight. However, fat flavour
      intensity was significantly influenced by breed, with the highest score for Rasa
      Aragonesa. Off-flavour intensity was influenced by breed and ageing, with higher
      scores for Rasa Aragonesa and longer ageing times. Tenderness and juiciness were
      influenced by all three effects (P?0.001, each) and there was a significant
      interaction between breed and slaughter live weight. Meat was juicier and more
      tender in the lightest Churra lambs, and in the Spanish Merino lambs for the
      heavier weight animals. Tenderness and juiciness increased with ageing. The best
      quality flavour was for the Spanish Merino and the intermediate and heavier
      lambs.

PMID- 22062999
TI  - Calpain system in vitro activity and myofibril fragmentation index in fallow deer
      (Dama dama): effects of age and supplementary feeding.
AB  - Calpain system (MU- and m-calpain, calpastatin) and myofibril fragmentation index
      (MFI) were analysed on muscle longissimus thoracis et lumborum of 16 male fallow
      deer, half 18- and half 30-month-old, slaughtered after a 4-month feeding trial
      on pasture alone or with concentrate supplement. Diet did not produce any
      difference on the measured variables. The muscle of the elder deer had a higher
      calpastatin level 6 h post-mortem (136.0 vs. 99.7 units/50 g, for the 30- and 18
      months-old, respectively), and a lower MFI value, particularly 24 h post-mortem
      (71.1 vs. 89.1). This is in agreement with previous data showing tougher meat
      from 30-month-old animals.

PMID- 22063000
TI  - A research note on predicting the carcass yield of Korean native cattle (Hanwoo).
AB  - This study developed a new equation to predict the carcass yield of Hanwoo
      cattle, as well as re-evaluating a previous prediction equation. Experimental
      animals comprised 79 cows, 79 steers, and 79 bulls. A stepwise model selection
      was performed to determine the most practical carcass traits for predicting the
      yield. Cold carcass weight (CW), backfat thickness (BFT), and ribeye area (REA)
      accounted for 52% variation in yield, and these were determined as the final
      parameters. When the kidney, pelvic, and heart fat were included in the model,
      this increased the percentage variation explained (R(2)) by 4%. To compare the
      newly developed equation (Yield=64.65-0.0198*CW-5.2264*BFT+0.1339*REA) and the
      previously used one, carcass yields of 377,048 industrial animals (145,695 cows,
      225,926 bulls, and 5427 steers) were assessed. For the newly developed equation,
      the mean difference between experimental animals industrial animals differed only
      by 1.99-2.68% for all sex groups. In the case of the previous prediction
      equation, the mean difference ranged from 6.06% for bulls to 11.05% for steers.
      The results demonstrated that the prediction equation should use a mixture of sex
      and market weight groups. The results also support our decision to use the newly
      developed model in predicting the yield of Hanwoo.

PMID- 22063001
TI  - Polypeptide conjugates of D-penicillamine and idarubicin for anticancer therapy.
AB  - We investigated anticancer therapy with a novel combination of D-penicillamine (D
      pen) and Idarubicin (Ida) in a synthetic dual drug conjugate (DDC). D-pen and Ida
      were covalently linked to poly(alpha)-L-glutamic acid (PGA) via reducible
      disulfide and acid-sensitive hydrazone bonds, respectively. The DDCs showed cell
      uptake and sustained release of the bound drugs in conditions mimicking the
      intracellular release media (10mM glutathione and pH 5.2). The in-vitro
      cytotoxicity of DDCs was comparable to unconjugated Ida in several sensitive and
      resistant cancer cell lines and correlated with the rate of cell uptake. In a
      single equivalent-dose pharmacokinetic study, DDCs enhanced the drug exposure by
      7-fold and prolonged the plasma circulation half-life (t(1/2)) by 5-fold over
      unconjugated Ida. The therapeutic index of DDCs was 2-3-fold higher than
      unconjugated drugs. DDCs caused 89% tumor growth inhibition compared to 60% by
      unconjugated Ida alone and led to significant enhancement in the median survival
      (17%) of athymic nu/nu mice bearing NCI-H460 tumor xenografts.

PMID- 22063002
TI  - Polyelectrolyte LbL microcapsules versus PLGA microparticles for immunization
      with a protein antigen.
AB  - The transition from organism-based traditional vaccines to the use of safer
      subunit vaccines has implemented the use of adjuvants to enhance immunogenicity.
      This study compares the potential of two types of polymeric microparticles as
      delivery systems for the model antigen ovalbumin. The delivery systems
      encompassed polyelectrolyte microcapsules, assembled via Layer-by-Layer
      technology, and PLGA microparticles fabricated by spray-drying. Mice were
      immunized subcutaneously either by a single injection or by two injections
      separated by four weeks with an equivalent dose of the OVA-loaded particles. Both
      particulate formulations mediated high, long-term IgG(1) responses whereas the
      IgG(2c) titers remained low. Additionally, Th1 and Th2 phenotype immune responses
      against OVA were assessed by quantifying the production of cytokines in CD4+ T
      cells derived from the spleens of immunized mice at 6 months after the first
      injection. Immunization with particulate formulations led to significantly
      increased IL-2, IL-4, IL-10 and IFN-gamma production by splenic CD4+ T-cells
      compared to control animals. LbL microcapsules and PLGA microparticles generated
      strong immune responses in vivo, characterized by a mixed Th1/Th2 type response
      with predominance of Th2 immunity. Both particulate formulations elicited a
      comparable type of immune response and appear to be promising for antigen
      delivery.

PMID- 22063003
TI  - Photothermal-chemotherapy with doxorubicin-loaded hollow gold nanospheres: A
      platform for near-infrared light-trigged drug release.
AB  - Photothermal ablation (PTA) is an emerging technique that uses near-infrared
      (NIR) laser light-generated heat to destroy tumor cells. However, complete
      eradication of tumor cells with PTA is difficult because of uneven heat
      distribution in the treatment volume. We hypothesized that combining PTA with
      chemotherapy using a single multifunctional nanoconstruct that mediates
      simultaneous photothermal cell killing and drug release (photothermal
      chemotherapy) would result in enhanced antitumor activity and reduced toxicity
      compared to chemotherapy alone. Doxorubicin (DOX) was loaded to hollow gold
      nanospheres (HAuNS) coated with polyethylene glycol (PEG). The pharmacokinetics
      and biodistribution of both DOX and HAuNS in the resulting nanoconstruct, DOX@PEG
      HAuNS having different DOX:PEG:HAuNS ratios, were evaluated using dual isotope
      labeling techniques. The antitumor activity of DOX@PEG-HAuNS with DOX:PEG:HAuNS
      weight ratio of 1:3:1 (NP3) in combination with NIR laser was studied in vitro
      and in vivo using human MDA-MB-231 breast cancer and A2780 ovarian cancer cells.
      In vitro, NP3 mediated PTA of both cancer cells and DOX release upon NIR laser
      treatment. In vivo, NP3 showed slower clearance in blood and greater accumulation
      in tumors than free DOX. NP3-plus-NIR laser demonstrated greater antitumor
      activity than free DOX, NP3, or liposomal DOX. Moreover, NP3 displayed
      significantly decreased systemic toxicity compared to free DOX or liposomal DOX.
      Enhanced antitumor effect with NP3-plus-laser can be attributed to both the
      cytotoxic effect of DOX released from NP3 and the photothermal effect mediated by
      HAuNS. Slow release of DOX from NP3 in normal tissues contributed to reduced
      systemic toxicity. Photothermal-chemotherapy exemplified by a single-agent
      nanoconstruct NP3 is a promising approach to anticancer therapy.

PMID- 22063004
TI  - Rapid kinetics to peak serum antibodies is achieved following influenza
      vaccination by dry-coated densely packed microprojections to skin.
AB  - A rapid time to peak serum antibody response following vaccination is
      particularly important for influenza: the time window between the availability of
      appropriate antigen and the start of the seasonal epidemic is very short. In this
      paper, influenza vaccine was delivered to both the epidermis and dermis of mouse
      skin using densely packed microprojection arrays for vaccination. We found that,
      after vaccination, around 75% and 90% of the delivered influenza vaccine migrated
      away from the ear skin within just 2 days and 1 week - respectively. And the time
      to peak serum antibody response was as early as 2 weeks. This result matches the
      kinetics achieved by intramuscular injection of liquid vaccine to muscle. Thus,
      we demonstrate that skin delivery of small vaccine volumes discretely by
      thousands of densely packed microprojections neither induces delay in kinetics
      nor interferes with the long-lasting antibody response; compared to conventional
      intramuscular injection.

PMID- 22063005
TI  - Biodegradable polymersomes as carriers and release systems for paclitaxel using
      Oregon Green(r) 488 labeled paclitaxel as a model compound.
AB  - Oregon Green(r) 488 labeled paclitaxel (Flutax) loaded biodegradable polymersomes
      (Flutax-Ps) based on methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(d,l-lactide) (mPEG
      PDLLA), methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-b-poly(epsilon-caprolactone) (mPEG-PCL) or
      a mixture of the block copolymers (50:50, w/w) were prepared (abbreviated as
      Flutax-Ps (L), Flutax-Ps (C) and Flutax-Ps (LC), respectively). For the formation
      of the Ps, the corresponding block copolymers and Flutax were dissolved in THF
      and the THF solution was injected into an aqueous phase. Flutax-Ps with a size
      less than 150nm were obtained, which had Flutax entrapment efficiencies higher
      than 55% (polymer concentration: 1mg/ml; Flutax concentration up to 100MUg/ml). A
      sustained and complete release of Flutax was observed for Flutax-Ps (L) over one
      month with no initial burst. Flutax was released much slower from Ps (C) than
      from Ps (L) (49.9% after one month), which is probably due to differences in the
      crystallinity and rate of degradation of the consisting copolymers. The release
      rate of Flutax from Ps (LC) was in between those of Ps (L) and Ps (C). The in
      vitro cytotoxicity of Flutax-Ps (L) using cultured SKBR3 breast cancer cells was
      compared with that of empty Ps (L) and a Cremophor(r) EL/ethanol formulation
      (50:50, v/v) with Flutax (FCE) or without Flutax (CE). At a Flutax concentration
      of 5MUg/ml, about 67% reduction in the viability of SKBR3 cells was observed for
      Flutax-Ps (L) after 3days exposure, while the FCE formulation reduced the cell
      viability for more than 90% under the same conditions. Empty Ps (L) showed a low
      toxicity of about 10% and the CE formulation exhibited a cytotoxicity higher than
      54% without Flutax, indicating that the high reduction in SKBR3 cell viability
      for FCE is associated with the toxicity of the Cremophor(r) EL formulation.

PMID- 22063006
TI  - Characterization of novel spray-dried polymeric particles for controlled
      pulmonary drug delivery.
AB  - Numerous studies have addressed the controlled pulmonary drug delivery properties
      of colloidal particles. However, only scant information on the potential of spray
      drying for submicron particle preparation is available. By exploiting the
      advantages of spray-drying, the characteristics of submicron particles can be
      optimized to meet the requirements necessary for lung application. Submicron
      particles were prepared from organic poly(d,l-lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA)
      solutions, and composite particles were spray-dried from aqueous PLGA
      nanosuspensions. The feed concentration, as well as the spray-mesh diameter
      influenced the resulting particle sizes. Nanoparticles were virtually unaffected
      after spray-drying. The aerodynamic characteristics of both particle species
      revealed aerosol particle sizes suitable for deposition in the deep lungs
      (<=4MUm). While the entrapped drug was released within ~90min from the composite
      particles, extensive drug retardation (~480min) was observed for PLGA particles
      spray-dried from organic solution. These results suggest that nanospray-drying is
      a convenient method to prepare submicron, controlled drug delivery vehicles
      useful for pulmonary application potentially allowing access to alveolar tissue.

PMID- 22063007
TI  - Low temperature fabrication of biodegradable sugar glass microneedles for
      transdermal drug delivery applications.
AB  - Transdermal drug delivery is limited by the barrier properties of the outer skin
      layer. Microneedles (MNs) effectively circumvent the skin barrier to offer this
      route as a potential alternative to oral and parenteral delivery of therapeutics.
      Biodegradable microneedles offer particular advantages however processing
      commonly requires elevated temperatures that may adversely affect heat-labile
      molecules and macromolecules. In this study, solid amorphous sugar glasses
      containing low residual quantities of water were created by dehydration of
      trehalose and sucrose sugar combination solutions. Biodegradable sugar glass MNs
      were fabricated following optimisation of a simple and novel low temperature
      vacuum deposition micromoulding methodology. These had absolute morphological
      fidelity to silicon master structures and demonstrated sufficient structural
      rigidity to efficiently penetrate excised human breast skin. Sugar glass MNs
      incorporating a marker compound dissolved rapidly and completely in situ
      releasing dye into deeper skin layers. The biological activity of a model
      macromolecule was partially retained over extended storage following
      incorporation into sugar glass. This is the first demonstration that MNs created
      from amorphous sugar glasses can be used for incorporating and delivering
      molecules, and potentially biologically active macromolecules, via the
      transdermal route.

PMID- 22063008
TI  - Factors of significance for pork quality-a review.
AB  - This paper reviews current knowledge about factors of importance for pork quality
      with special emphasis on technological quality attributes. It is evident that
      production and slaughter factors can be used to control technological quality
      traits. However, most of the present knowledge is based on studies investigating
      the influence of a single or at the most two factors. This survey reveals that: 
      Most important, an understanding of how production and slaughter factors interact
      in relation to pork quality is a must to give the maximum number of tools to
      control pork quality and hereby meat quality demands of tomorrow. -The existence
      of a new genetic pool (elimination of the halothane and RN(-) genes in the
      commercial pig populations of tomorrow) force the meat science into a
      renaissance, as the influence of production and slaughter factors on pork quality
      may be fundamentally different in this new genetic pool. -A basic understanding
      on how muscle glycogen stores are influenced by genotype and feeding regime and
      the interaction with pre-slaughter handling might be the next major breakthrough
      in controlling technological pork quality. -Introduction of new production
      systems claim parallel studies to prevent unforseen negative effect on quality. 
      A holistic approach is needed to give an overall understanding of the influence
      of production, peri and post mortem factors on pork quality.

PMID- 22063009
TI  - Stable isotope ratio analysis for authentication of lamb meat.
AB  - The effectiveness of the analysis of stable isotope ratios ((13)C/(12)C and
      (15)N/(14)N) in fractions of lamb meat, measured by isotope ratio mass
      spectrometry, was evaluated as a method of feeding and geographical origin
      authentication. Analyses were carried out on meat from 12 lamb types, produced in
      couples in six European countries (country of origin, CO) and divided in three
      groups according to the feeding regime during their finishing period: suckled
      milk only, pasture without any solid supplementation and supplementation
      containing maize grain (feeding regime, FR). These analyses were made on two
      samples of longissimus thoracis muscle, taken from the 13th rib section of the
      left side of two different lambs, randomly chosen between the 120 selected to
      represent each lamb type. delta(13)C values varied significantly in different
      meat fractions, the difference being higher in protein than in fat (average
      difference 5.00/00). However, the pairs delta(13)C values of crude fat and
      protein were highly correlated (r=0.976) and affected by lamb type in a similar
      fashion, mainly reflecting animals' feeding regime. Even delta(15)N values of
      meat protein fraction showed significant differences between lamb types, not
      dependant on the feeding regime. In fact, lambs fed on similar diets, but in
      different countries, gave meat with different (15)N relative abundances. These
      findings provide the possibility of discriminating lamb types within the same
      feeding regime. Canonical discriminant analysis was carried out to evaluate
      whether lamb meat from different CO or FR or CO*FR interaction could be
      mathematically distinguished by its stable isotope ratios. On the basis of CO,
      the corrected empirical allocation of 79.2% of the initial observations and the
      corrected cross-validation of two thirds of the individual meat samples was
      obtained. FR gave better results: 91.7% of the individual meat samples was both
      correctly allocated and cross-validated, indicating the high potential of stable
      isotope ratio analysis as a tool for lamb diet characterisation. The most
      satisfactory classification attained, using K-means clustering technique and
      canonical discriminant analysis, enabled a good resolution of six CO*FR groups of
      lamb types: Icelandic fed on pasture; British and French grazing; Italian;
      suckled and Karagouniko concentrates finished; French Lacaune; Ternasco de
      Aragon. It was concluded that multielement stable isotope analysis may be
      considered promising for the reliable evaluation of lamb meat authenticity, in
      the same way as for wine, fruit juice, honey and dairy products.

PMID- 22063010
TI  - Artificial intelligence techniques point out differences in classification
      performance between light and standard bovine carcasses.
AB  - The validity of the official SEUROP bovine carcass classification to grade light
      carcasses by means of three well reputed Artificial Intelligence algorithms has
      been tested to assess possible differences in the behavior of the classifiers in
      affecting the repeatability of grading. We used two training sets consisting of
      65 and 162 examples respectively of light and standard carcass classifications,
      including up to 28 different attributes describing carcass conformation. We found
      that the behavior of the classifiers is different when they are dealing with a
      light or a standard carcass. Classifiers follow SEUROP rules more rigorously when
      they grade standard carcasses using attributes characterizing carcass profiles
      and muscular development. However, when they grade light carcasses, they include
      attributes characterizing body size or skeletal development. A reconsideration of
      the SEUROP classification system for light carcasses may be recommended to
      clarify and standardize this specific beef market in the European Union. In
      addition, since conformation of light and standard carcasses can be considered
      different traits, this could affect sire evaluation programs to improve carcass
      conformation scores from data from markets presenting a great variety of ages and
      weights of slaughtered animals.

PMID- 22063011
TI  - Whey and soy protein hydrolysates inhibit lipid oxidation in cooked pork patties.
AB  - Pork patties containing 1.5% NaCl and 2% hydrolyzed whey protein isolate (WPI, 1
      h with flavourzyme or 6 h with protamex) or soy protein isolate (SPI, 0.5 h with
      chymotrypsin or flavourzyme) were cooked to 70  degrees C and subsequently stored
      at 4  degrees C up to 7 days. Lipid oxidation in patties during storage was
      analyzed by measuring the concentration of conjugated dienes (CD) and
      thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS). Intact WPI and SPI, and their
      hydrolysates, were all inhibitory of oxidation (P <0.05) in cooked patties, with
      SPI being slightly more effective than WPI. Hydrolysis with protamex augmented
      the antioxidative activity (CD, TBARS) of WPI. Hydrolysis with either
      chymotrypsin or flavourzyme improved the ability of SPI to retard CD formation
      but did not delay the production of TBARS in stored pork patties.

PMID- 22063012
TI  - Influence of pH and temperature on growth and bacteriocin production by
      Leuconostoc mesenteroides L124 and Lactobacillus curvatus L442.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the microbial
      growth, the bacteriocin production and the effect of pH and temperature on the
      occurrence and the concentration of the maximum activity, to optimize the
      bacteriocin synthesis during the growth cycle. Two bacteriocins produced by
      lactic acid strains Leuconostoc mesenteroides L124 and Lactobacillus curvatus
      L442 were studied. A slight increase of the final biomass resulted in the
      improvement of the bacteriocin activity in the growth medium under controlled pH
      (5.0 and 5.5). Temperature and pH had a significant effect on the production of
      the two bacteriocins and was enhanced by the relatively low growth rates. The
      optimum production conditions of the bacteriocins did not coincide with those for
      growth. The optimum pH and temperature values for growth were 6.0-6.5 and 30 
      degrees C and for bacteriocin production were 5.5 and 25  degrees C.

PMID- 22063013
TI  - Injection of sodium chloride, sodium tripolyphosphate, and sodium lactate
      improves Warner-Bratzler shear and sensory characteristics of pre-cooked inside
      round roasts.
AB  - Paired inside rounds (n=30 pairs) were removed from randomly selected USDA Select
      quality grade carcasses to examine the effects of injecting a solution of sodium
      lactate, sodium tripolyphosphate, and sodium chloride on Warner-Bratzler shear
      force, cooking loss, lipid oxidation, and sensory characteristics of pre-cooked
      beef. Injected treatments were more tender (P<0.05) than control products, as
      measured by Warner-Bratzler shear force and consumer sensory panel ratings.
      Injected treatments had lower (P<0.01) cooking and re-heating loss percentages
      when compared to control samples. Lipid oxidation in injected treated samples was
      significantly reduced as compared to control meat samples. Results of lipid
      oxidation also revealed that 14-day samples were less (P<0.01) than 0-day
      samples. Results of this experiment have shown that injection of this solution
      enhanced sensory panel characteristics, and decreased WBS values and cooking
      loss.

PMID- 22063014
TI  - Dietary vitamin E supplementation effects on the color and sensory
      characteristics of enhanced beef steaks.
AB  - The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary vitamin E
      supplementation on characteristics of enhanced beef cuts during retail display.
      Twelve steers were fed either a control (E-) diet or a diet supplemented with dl
      alpha tocopheryl acetate (E+) for 117 days prior to slaughter. Paired strip
      loins, clods, and inside rounds served as the control (C) or were pumped (P) to
      110% of raw weight to contain 0.4% sodium chloride and 0.4% phosphate on a
      finished weight basis. Steaks were cut (2.5 cm) for sensory evaluation and retail
      display. No flavor or texture differences existed in strip steaks due to vitamin
      E. Enhanced steaks were more tender, juicy and salty than controls, however they
      discolored more rapidly than did controls. Steaks from supplemented cattle were
      slightly, but significantly, less discolored, indicating that vitamin E may
      provide some improvements in color stability of enhanced meat products. Vitamin E
      supplementation may improve short term color stability (up to 2 days in display)
      of retail beef enhanced by injection of a salt-phosphate solution.

PMID- 22063015
TI  - Differences in meat quality between organically and conventionally produced pigs.
AB  - This study compared organic pig meat production with conventional production with
      regard to carcass- and meat quality traits. 80 crossbred female and castrated
      male pigs were used [(Swedish Landrace * Swedish Yorkshire) * Hampshire] of which
      40 were raised under organic conditions and the other 40 were raised in a
      conventional production system. The organic pigs were raised outdoors in one
      large group following the regulations for organic standards. The conventionally
      raised animals were kept indoors in groups of eight and were given a conventional
      feed mixture. It was found that meat of organically raised non-carriers of the
      RN(-) allele was of poorer quality (higher drip loss and increased shear force
      values) compared with meat from the other animals. The RN genotype had a
      relatively small effect on carcass and technological traits in this study. The
      sex of the animals affected carcass traits.

PMID- 22063016
TI  - Effects of calcium salts on beef longissimus quality.
AB  - The objective of this research was to evaluate the effects of injection
      marination with calcium salts on beef longissimus quality traits. Strip loins
      were injected (11% by weight) with distilled water or a 0.1, 0.2, or 0.3 M
      solution of calcium ascorbate, calcium chloride, or calcium lactate. Non-injected
      loins served as controls. Visual and instrumental color evaluations indicated
      that calcium ascorbate accelerated myoglobin oxidation, and increasing molar
      concentration of any calcium salt caused faster (P<0.05) discoloration. Aerobic
      microbial plate counts were lower (P<0.05) for treatments containing calcium
      lactate than those with calcium chloride or calcium ascorbate. Calcium ascorbate
      inhibited lipid oxidation whereas calcium lactate and calcium chloride appeared
      to be pro-oxidants of lipid oxidation. No differences for Warner-Bratzler shear
      force or sensory panel tenderness were found among the calcium salts; however,
      0.3 M treatments had lower shear values and were judged more tender than 0.1 M
      treatments. Calcium ascorbate and calcium chloride treatments resulted in less
      (P<0.05) beef flavor and more (P<0.05) off-flavors than calcium lactate
      treatments. In addition, 0.1 M treatments had higher (P<0.05) beef flavor scores
      while 0.3 M treatments had higher (P<0.05) off-flavor scores. Considering the
      effects on color life, microbial inhibition, shear force, and sensory traits, we
      recommend injecting beef longissimus with a 0.1 M solution of calcium lactate to
      enhance both uncooked and cooked quality.

PMID- 22063017
TI  - Fatty acid profile, cholesterol content and tenderness of ostrich meat as
      influenced by age at slaughter and muscle type.
AB  - Ten Blue Neck ostriches were used to study the effect of age at slaughter (10-11
      and 14-15 months) and muscle on fatty acid profile, cholesterol content and
      texture of meat. Fatty acid profile of ostrich meat was significantly affected by
      age at slaughter (P<0.001) and muscles (P<0.001). Different age at slaughter (10
      11 vs. 14-15 months) produced an increase of P/S ratio (P<0.001), total saturated
      (P<0.05) and monounsaturated (P<0.001) fatty acids. The highest percentage of
      saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids were found in M. iliofibularis
      (P<0.001), whereas M. gastrocnemius showed the highest content of polyunsaturated
      fatty acids (P<0.001). Analysis of variance of data on cholesterol content
      (mg/100 g of meat) showed no significant effects of age at slaughter and muscle
      location. No effect of age on shear values was observed, whereas sensory
      panellists scored meat from younger birds as more tender (P<0.001). Both
      instrumental and sensory evaluation indicated that meat from M. iliofibularis was
      more tender (P<0.001).

PMID- 22063018
TI  - Effect of dietary vitamin E supplementation on textural and aroma attributes of
      enhanced beef clod roasts in a cook/hot-hold situation.
AB  - The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of supplementing vitamin
      E into the diets of finishing cattle on quality characteristics of beef pumped
      with a phosphate/salt solution (enhanced) the cooked and held in a simulated
      foodservice situation. Twelve steers were fed either a control (E-) diet or a
      diet supplemented with dl-alpha-tocopheryl-acetate (E+). Paired clod roasts were
      either used as controls (C) or were pumped (P) to 110% of raw weight to contain
      0.4% sodium chloride and 0.4% phosphate in the finished product. Following
      injection, clods were allowed to equilibrate then frozen. A flavor profile panel
      evaluated texture attributes and aroma characteristics of roasts immediately
      after cooking and after 1 and 2 h of hot-holding. Pumping improved taste and
      textural attributes of the hot-held clod roasts. Dietary vitamin E
      supplementation reduced thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) from
      ~0.61 to ~0.42, but over the 2-h time period, did not significantly improve aroma
      quality of beef roasts.

PMID- 22063019
TI  - Partial substitution of pork backfat with extra-virgin olive oil in 'salami'
      products: effects on chemical, physical and sensorial quality.
AB  - The effects on chemical, physical and sensory quality of the partial substitution
      of pork backfat with extra-virgin olive oil were studied in 'salami' products.
      Four 'salami' formulations, with 15% total fat, were prepared, in which 0, 33.5,
      50 and 66.5% of pork backfat was substituted with extra-virgin olive oil. The
      partial pork backfat substitution with extra-virgin olive oil did not
      substantially affect the chemical, physical and sensorial characteristics of
      products, with the exception of water activity and texture. With regard to both
      oxidation and loss of organoleptic quality, the addition of extra-virgin olive
      oil, rich in mono-unsaturated fatty acids, did not decrease the shelf-life. The
      difference between samples with and without extra-virgin olive oil was a piquant
      note detected in the oil-added 'salami'. The formulation with 5% olive oil,
      corresponding to 33.3% substitution of pork backfat with olive oil, was judged
      best of all formulations. The results show that it is possible to produce this
      type of product, of good taste, similar to the traditional one, but with
      healthier features.

PMID- 22063020
TI  - The use of computational approaches in inhaler development.
AB  - Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Discrete Element Modelling (DEM) studies
      relevant to inhaled drug delivery are reviewed. CFD is widely used in device
      design to determine airflow patterns and turbulence levels. CFD is also used to
      simulate particles and droplets, which are subjected to various forces,
      turbulence and wall interactions. These studies can now be performed routinely
      because of the availability of commercial software containing high quality
      turbulence and particle models. DEM allows for the modelling of agglomerate break
      up upon interaction with a wall or due to shear in the flow. However, the
      computational cost is high and the number of particles that can be simulated is
      minimal compared with the number present in typical inhaled formulations.
      Therefore DEM is currently limited to fundamental studies of break-up mechanisms.
      With decreasing computational limitations, simulations combining CFD and DEM that
      can address outstanding issues in agglomerate break-up and dispersion will be
      possible.

PMID- 22063021
TI  - Host factors affecting antiepileptic drug delivery-pharmacokinetic variability.
AB  - Antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are the mainstay in the treatment of epilepsy, one of
      the most common serious chronic neurological disorders. AEDs display extensive
      pharmacological variability between and within patients, and a major determinant
      of differences in response to treatment is pharmacokinetic variability. Host
      factors affecting AED delivery may be defined as the pharmacokinetic
      characteristics that determine the AED delivery to the site of action, the
      epileptic focus. Individual differences may occur in absorption, distribution,
      metabolism and excretion. These differences can be determined by genetic factors
      including gender and ethnicity, but the pharmacokinetics of AEDs can also be
      affected by age, specific physiological states in life, such as pregnancy, or
      pathological conditions including hepatic and renal insufficiency.
      Pharmacokinetic interactions with other drugs are another important source of
      variability in response to AEDs. Pharmacokinetic characteristics of the presently
      available AEDs are discussed in this review as well as their clinical
      implications.

PMID- 22063022
TI  - Physicochemical and textural properties of ultrasound-degraded konjac flour and
      their influences on the quality of low-fat Chinese-style sausage.
AB  - Physical and textural properties of varying molecular-weight konjac gels made by
      ultrasonic degradation were compared and gels were processed into low-fat Chinese
      style sausages for the evaluation of textural and sensory characteristics.
      Results showed that as molecular weights decreased, storage modulus and loss
      modulus of konjac gels of varying molecular weights declined, indicating more
      elastic and viscous konjac gels. Shear values and textural springiness and
      cohesiveness of Chinese sausage were similar among all treatments. All treatments
      were found to have similar juiciness and overall acceptability scores. Results
      indicated that konjac gels with varying molecular weights could be used to
      partially replace pork fat to achieve similar textural properties. Incorporation
      of konjac gels with varying molecular weights at the current levels showed
      similar textural and sensory quality characteristics to the high-fat control, and
      contained less fat than traditional Chinese sausage.

PMID- 22063023
TI  - The intracellular distribution of small heat shock proteins in post-mortem beef
      is determined by ultimate pH.
AB  - This study analysed Longissimus dorsi muscles from 39 Angus or Angus*Limousin
      bulls to determine the small heat shock protein (sHSP) dynamics in beef aged at
      15 degrees C. Using quantitative ELISA we determined that alpha beta-crystallin
      and HSP20 were present at higher levels in muscles from Angus bulls. sHSP levels
      peaked at 0.5 and 3h post-mortem for HSP20 and alpha beta-crystallin
      respectively. Intermediate pH (pH 5.7-6.3) beef had the highest level of alpha
      beta-crystallin expression at 3-6h post-mortem. Low pH (<5.7) meat had no
      detected soluble alpha beta-crystallin and had diminished HSP27 at 22h post
      mortem. The transition of sHSP between a soluble to an insoluble phase was
      demonstrated by pH titration of a sarcoplasmic fraction. The effect of ultimate
      pH upon sHSP distribution in post-mortem muscle may influence final meat quality
      characteristics.

PMID- 22063024
TI  - Dry versus wet aging of beef: Retail cutting yields and consumer palatability
      evaluations of steaks from US Choice and US Select short loins.
AB  - Paired beef short loins from US Choice (n=48) and US Select (n=48) carcasses were
      assigned to be dry or wet aged for 14, 21, 28 or 35d. After aging, short loins
      were processed to determine retail yields and processing times. Upon completion
      of cutting tests, steaks were served to consumers to assess palatability
      characteristics. Retail cutting tests showed that dry-aged short loins had
      reduced yields and increased cutting times when compared to wet-aged short loins.
      Consumers were unable to determine differences between dry- and wet-aged steaks
      and for aging periods; however, USDA quality grade had a significant impact on
      consumer perception of palatability attributes.

PMID- 22063025
TI  - Extraction of proteins from slaughterhouse by-products: Influence of operating
      conditions on functional properties.
AB  - This study investigated the extraction and functional properties of proteins from
      slaughterhouse by-products: pork lungs, beef lungs and mechanically deboned
      chicken meat (MDCM). The extraction yield was investigated as a function of pH,
      temperature and time. Membrane technology was used for purification of proteins
      from pork and beef lungs, while for MDCM a method based on PI was applied. In the
      three cases, yields of protein recovery were between 48 and 55% (w/w). The
      functional properties of the protein concentrates were compared to those of some
      commercial ingredients. Proteins from pork lungs and MDCM exhibited better
      gelling properties than egg white and beef plasma, while beef and pork lungs
      displayed very good emulsifying properties, similar to Na-caseinates. As the
      methods developed are easy to scale-up, the use of by-product proteins at
      industrial scale appears to be an interesting opportunity to obtain added value
      slaughterhouse by-products.

PMID- 22063026
TI  - Effects of oxygen concentration on the sensory evaluation and quality indicators
      of beef muscle packed under modified atmosphere.
AB  - Beef steaks are commonly displayed under high oxygen concentrations in modified
      atmosphere packs (MAP) in order to promote colour stability. Such conditions,
      however, may also cause quality deterioration through lipid oxidation and
      decreased tenderness. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects
      of oxygen concentration (0%, 10%, 20%, 50% and 80%) on the quality of MAP beef
      steaks (M. longissimus dorsi). Steaks were stored at 4 degrees C for 15 days and
      tested for lipid and protein oxidation, heme iron, colour, oxymyoglobin
      concentration, tenderness and sensory acceptability (up to day 12) for the
      resulting cooked meat. Sensory panellists expressed a preference for steaks
      stored in packs containing 50% oxygen, despite detecting oxidised flavours under
      these conditions. This could be the result of adaptation to, or familiarity with,
      oxidised flavours by panellists.

PMID- 22063027
TI  - Finishing steers with diets based on corn, high-tannin sorghum or a mix of both:
      Color and lipid oxidation in beef.
AB  - We tested the hypothesis that feeding high-tannin sorghum (HTS) to steers would
      produce beef more resistant to oxidative deterioration. We observed lower
      thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) in Gluteus medius of steers fed
      HTS before it was displayed (P=0.028), which could be explained by a reduced
      response to stress in these animals. While steers finished with corn and corn+HTS
      had elevated plasma cortisol at the end of the feeding period (P=0.047 and 0.093,
      respectively), animals fed HTS and corn+vitamin E did not. However, feeding HTS
      increased the rate of discoloration and TBARS accumulation after aerobic display
      of Longissimus lumborum and Gluteus medius. Diet did not affect the activity of
      oxidation-related enzymes and fatty acid composition of muscle. The accelerated
      rate of lipid oxidation during display of beef could be partially explained by a
      numerically lower concentration of tocopherols in the tissue.

PMID- 22063028
TI  - Impact of feeding and rearing systems of Iberian pigs on volatile profile and
      sensory characteristics of dry-cured loin.
AB  - The effect of growing pigs on free-range (FR) or in confinement with three
      different diets [acorn (A), acorn and grass (A-G) and formulated diet (FD)] on
      composition, volatile profile and sensory characteristics of dry-cured loin was
      studied. The FR, A and A-G diets, in comparison with FD, induce a higher alpha-
      and gamma-tocopherol concentration, which limits the TBARs values at 24h of air
      exposure. Sixty volatile compounds were identified in the headspace, including 14
      aldehydes, 10 hydrocarbons, eight alcohols, five ketones, four furans, four
      pyrazines, four sulphur compounds, three acids, three esters, three phenols, one
      pyridine and one pyrrole. Volatiles from amino acid catabolism stressed the
      difference among batches FR being the batch with the highest level of these
      compounds. Products from FD showed the lowest fat content and L(*) value. FR
      loins obtained the highest scores for appearance, odour and flavour in the rank
      order test sensory analysis.

PMID- 22063029
TI  - Study of salting and post-salting stages of fresh and thawed Iberian hams.
AB  - Fresh raw material has been traditionally used to obtain dry-cured Iberian ham,
      although the use of thawed raw material is increasing. This type of raw material
      has been previously studied for dry-cured production employing White pigs, where
      the salting time has been reduced to reach similar NaCl concentrations. The aim
      of this work was the analysis of salting and post-salting stages of Iberian hams,
      employing fresh or thawed raw materials. The results showed that fresh Iberian
      hams had higher salt concentrations than thawed Iberian hams for the salting time
      ratio used, a ratio established to reduce the freezing/thawing effect that was
      previously observed working with White ham. This fact shows that the Iberian raw
      material in dry-cured ham manufacturing is less affected, by the freezing/thawing
      process than the White raw material.

PMID- 22063030
TI  - The impact of new generation pre-dressing medium-voltage electrical stimulation
      on tenderness and colour stability in lamb meat.
AB  - Previous work identified that a large number of domestic lamb carcases processed
      in Australia do not meet the recommended pH/temperature window during chilling.
      New medium voltage electrical stimulation technology has been developed to
      alleviate this problem. This study used an optimised setting (800mA with a pulse
      width 0.5ms) to evaluate the effects on meat quality with a focus on tenderness
      and meat colour. In total 40 (electrically stimulated) and 40 (non electrically
      stimulated) lambs from 11 lots killed over 2 days were evaluated. There was a
      significant difference (P<0.05) between stimulation treatments for initial pH,
      rate of pH decline and the predicted temperature at pH 6.0. There was also a
      large difference in the number of carcases that met the recommended window (pH of
      6.0, between 18 and 25 degrees C), with an average 67.5% of stimulated carcases
      and 25% of unstimulated carcases meeting or falling just above the recommended
      window. The stimulation treatment had no significant (P>0.05) effect on sarcomere
      length or myofibrillar fragmentation index (MFI) of the m. longissimus (LL).
      After 1day of ageing LL samples from stimulated carcases had a significantly
      lower (P<0.05) shear force than non stimulated samples, but there was no
      difference between stimulation treatments after 5 days ageing. However, ageing
      period did have a significant effect (P<0.001) on both MFI and shear force, such
      that 5days aged product had higher MFI and lower shear force values. There were
      minimal effects of stimulation on colour stability.

PMID- 22063031
TI  - Ability of near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) to estimate physical
      parameters of adult steers (oxen) and young cattle meat samples.
AB  - The potential of NIRS-based models to predict several physical parameters of oxen
      and young cattle beef protected by a quality mark was evaluated. Fifty-three and
      67 samples of Longissimus thoracis muscle corresponding to oxen and young cattle
      reared in extensive conditions were analyzed for pH, colour (L(*), a(*), b(*)),
      water holding capacity (WHC) and Warner-Braztler shear force (WBSF), according to
      the conventional methods. Several factors which might have jeopardized the
      prediction of pH, a(*), WHC and WBSF by NIRS are considered in the discussion
      section. However, the best NIR calibrations, tested by full cross-validation,
      were for L(*) (R(2)=0.869; SE(CV)=1.56) and b(*) (R(2)=0.901; SE(CV)=1.08) colour
      parameters in meat samples from young cattle. It can be concluded that NIRS could
      be a useful tool for estimating the colour of young cattle meat samples, primary
      consideration for consumers when making purchasing decisions.

PMID- 22063032
TI  - Colour, composition and quality of M. longissimus dorsi and M. extensor carpi
      radialis of steers housed on straw or concrete slats or accommodated outdoors on
      wood-chips.
AB  - Forty-five Charolais crossbred steers were offered a common diet and accommodated
      either outside on wood-chips (OWP, 18m(2)/head) or in a naturally-ventilated
      building in slatted-floor pens (SLA, 2.5m(2)/500kg bodyweight) or in straw-bedded
      pens (STR, 4m(2)/head) for 132 days. Carcass weight averaged 351, 362, and 372
      (sed 6.63)kg (P<0.05), for SLA, STR and OWP, respectively. Accommodation system
      did not affect the colour, drip loss, shear force or composition of Musculus
      longissimus dorsi (LD) or Musculus extensor carpi radialis (ECR) muscles or the
      sensory characteristics of LD. The ultimate pH of ECR was highest (P<0.05) for
      OWP steers, while their LD was darker at 2 days post-mortem than LD from STR
      steers. It is concluded that accommodating cattle on OWP had a minor transient
      effect on beef colour and no impact on beef composition or eating quality.

PMID- 22063033
TI  - Contents of creatine, creatinine and carnosine in porcine muscles of different
      metabolic types.
AB  - Creatine, creatinine and carnosine have been analyzed by hydrophilic interaction
      chromatography (HILIC) in seven different pork muscles of different metabolic
      type (Semimembranosus, Biceps femoris, Gluteus maximus, Longissimus dorsi,
      Gluteus medius, Trapezius and Masseter). As reported in previous literature,
      carnosine contents are related with the type of metabolism, being higher in those
      muscles with glycolytic metabolism. Creatine and creatinine also showed
      significantly higher concentrations in glycolytic muscles such as
      Semimembranosus, Biceps femoris, Gluteus maximus and Longissimus dorsi. Masseter,
      a red oxidative muscle, was characterized by the lowest contents of creatine,
      creatinine and carnosine and, finally, Gluteus medius and Trapezius, both
      intermediate muscles, had also intermediate contents of these studied compounds.
      Finally, a correlation between initial content of creatine and creatinine
      formation after cooking has been verified using pure standards and two different
      metabolic type muscles, Longissimus dorsi and Masseter, obtaining slightly higher
      creatinine amounts in Longissimus dorsi, probably due to its higher initial
      creatine content and its lower pH.

PMID- 22063034
TI  - The use of ultrasound to predict the carcass composition of live Akkaraman lambs.
AB  - The aim of this study was to measure fat thickness, area and depth of the
      longissimus dorsi muscle using ultrasonography, to estimate carcass composition
      in live Akkaraman lambs. Fat thickness, area and depth of the longissimus dorsi
      muscle between the 12th and 13th ribs were measured in vivo and on the carcass
      after slaughter, using real time ultrasound in 40 Akkaraman lambs. To estimate
      the carcass composition, one-half of a carcass was dissected into muscle, fat and
      bone after slaughter. Overall, correlation coefficients between ultrasound and
      carcass longissimus dorsi muscle area, depth and fat thickness were 0.82, 0.60
      and 0.77, respectively. Estimates of carcass composition for Akkaraman lambs
      based on LW explained 78%, 82%, 74%, 52%, 75%, 36% and 72% of the variations for
      muscle, total carcass fat, subcutaneous fat, inter-muscular fat, non-carcass fat,
      tail fat and bone, respectively. The introduction of UFT, ULMA and ULMD as
      independent variables in addition to LW in the multiple linear regression
      equations further improved the variations for total muscle (80%), carcass fat
      (84%) and bone weight (76%) whereas no improvement was observed for subcutaneous,
      intermuscular, non-carcass and tail fat. The results showed that in vivo
      ultrasound fat thickness and measurement of area and depth of the longissimus
      dorsi muscle in association with live weight could be used to estimate muscle,
      total body fat and bone weight in Akkaraman lambs.

PMID- 22063035
TI  - Assessment of the oxidative and hydrolytic degradation of the lipid fraction of
      mortadella by means of HPSEC analyses of polar compounds.
AB  - The aim of this work was to use the HPSEC analysis of polar compounds to assess
      the level of oxidative and hydrolytic degradation of the lipid fraction of
      mortadella. The results indicated high primary oxidative degradation of the lipid
      fraction in the samples, with a mean value for oxidized triacylglycerols of
      1.77%, and low secondary oxidation, with a mean value for triacylglycerol
      oligopolymers of 0.16%. In addition, in some cases, significant hydrolytic
      degradation was found. HPSEC analysis of polar compounds, to evaluate the level
      of oxidative and hydrolytic degradation of the mortadella lipid fraction, could
      be used as an alternative to commonly used techniques, some of which are not
      always reliable.

PMID- 22063036
TI  - Effects of dietary soybean oil on lipid and protein oxidation in pork patties
      during chill storage.
AB  - The effect of dietary soybean oil on lipid and protein oxidation in low and high
      fat pork patties made from quadriceps femoris during chill storage in a high
      oxygen atmosphere packaging (80% O(2)/20% CO(2)) in the dark for 7 days was
      investigated. Pigs were fed either a standard diet or a diet added 2% soybean
      oil. After slaughter high fat pork patties were prepared for both feeding regimes
      by addition of back fat from pigs fed the same diet whereas low fat pork patties
      were prepared without addition of back fat. The 2% soybean diet increased the
      amount of unsaturated fat in the pork. Secondary lipid oxidation products
      determined as thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were found to
      increase in the pork patties with increased unsaturated fat. Increased
      unsaturated fat in the pork patties had no effect on protein oxidation determined
      as free protein thiol content and protein carbonyl content. A small, but
      significant increase in protein oxidation was found in the high fat pork patties
      independent on dietary fat. In conclusion, protein oxidation is unaffected by
      dietary fat in pork patties during chill storage for periods normally used in
      retail trade, and lipid and protein oxidation are not coupled under these
      conditions.

PMID- 22063037
TI  - Instrumental reflectance values of fresh pork are dependant on aperture size.
AB  - The effect of aperture size on instrumental pork color measurements was studied.
      Pork longissimus chops (n=30) were cut, aerobically packaged, and allowed to
      bloom overnight. Chops were measured once with each of four aperture ports (4.45,
      2.54, 1.27, and 0.64cm diameter) on a HunterLab LabScan. Reflectance values
      measured with smaller aperture sizes were reduced (P<0.05) for most visual
      wavelengths (10nm intervals), and the percent reduction was greatest in the range
      of the longer, redder wavelengths. Values for L(*), a(*), b(*), and saturation
      index were reduced (P<0.05) with decreasing aperture size under illuminants A, C,
      and D(65). Using illuminant A, hue angle increased (P<0.05) as aperture size
      decreased. For illuminants C and D(65), hue angles were similar (P>0.05) for the
      three largest aperture sizes, but negative a(*) values found with the smallest
      aperture size skewed the hue angle data.

PMID- 22063038
TI  - Dielectric and thermophysical properties of different beef meat blends over a
      temperature range of -18 to +10 degrees C.
AB  - Dielectric and thermophysical properties of three different beef meat blends
      (lean, fat and 50:50 mixture) were evaluated over a range of temperatures from 
      18 to +10 degrees C. In the region of thawing (-3 to -1 degrees C), dielectric
      constant (epsilon') and dielectric loss factor (epsilon') values for radio
      frequency (RF) and microwave (MW) were significantly higher (P<0.05) than at
      other measured temperatures for the three blends. In the same region, thermal
      conductivity (k), specific heat (c) and thermal diffusivity (alpha) also showed
      significant changes (P<0.05). k and alpha values were significantly lower, while
      c values were significantly higher in this region than at other measured
      temperatures for the three blends. RF (27.12MHz) vs. MW (896 and 2450MHz)
      frequencies had an important effect (P<0.05) on the measured dielectric
      properties of the beef meat blends, with a general tendency towards higher values
      at the RF frequency. Finally, composition significantly influenced (P<0.05) the
      measured dielectric and thermophysical properties at all temperatures used. These
      data are of potential value to food technologists in the context of rapid
      defrosting of meat products.

PMID- 22063039
TI  - Determination of added fat in meat paste using microwave and millimetre wave
      techniques.
AB  - By evaluating the sensitivity of measurement parameters such as dielectric
      constant and microwave loss to fat content, several microwave and millimetre
      methods were compared to identify optimal frequency measurement bands. The
      results showed that the optimum frequency range lay between 8 and 20GHz where
      these parameters vary linearly, by up to a factor of 8, as fat is increased to
      50% volume. A narrowband waveguide sensor cell was designed and constructed for
      this optimum range. The imaginary part (epsilon'') of the complex permittivity
      demonstrated a better measurements resolution for determining fat content than
      the real part (epsilon'). The waveguide method has excellent repeatability as
      indicated by low relative standard deviation (RSD<4.88%). Temperature and sample
      density had minimal impact on the accuracy, repeatability and robustness of the
      final measurement system. A method of mixtures model for complex permittivity was
      shown to be a useful predictor of fat content.

PMID- 22063040
TI  - The effect of mutations in the insulin-like growth factor-II and ryanodine
      receptor-1 genes on biochemical and histochemical muscle fibre characteristics in
      pigs.
AB  - Mutations in IGF-II (insulin-like growth factor-II) and RYR1 (ryanodine receptor
      1) increase lean meat content in pigs but with different effects on meat quality.
      Differences in biochemical and histochemical muscle fibre characteristics between
      the two mutations can thus be suspected. Therefore, the aim of this study was to
      investigate the effect of the IGF-II mutation (Apat vs. Gpat) on biochemical and
      histochemical muscle fibre characteristics in relation to the RYR1 genotype (Nn
      vs. NN). A prenatal effect of the IGF-II mutation could not be excluded but the
      increased leanness in both mutations was clearly related to postnatal muscle
      hypertrophy due to an increase in muscle fibre diameter and a higher
      proliferative capacity in animals carrying the IGF-II mutation. No effect of the
      IGF-II or RYR1 mutation was found on fibre type composition and metabolic enzyme
      activities. Interactions between IGF-II and RYR1 genotypes suggest that the
      mechanism involved in increased leanness due to the impaired RYR1 receptor might
      influence the underlying mechanisms of the IGF-II mutation.

PMID- 22063041
TI  - Influence of different types and proportions of added edible seaweeds on
      characteristics of low-salt gel/emulsion meat systems.
AB  - The effects of three different types of edible seaweeds, Sea Spaghetti
      (Himanthalia elongata), Wakame (Undaria pinnatifida), and Nori (Porphyra
      umbilicalis) added at two concentrations (2.5% and 5% dry matter) on the
      physicochemical and morphological characteristics of gel/emulsion systems were
      evaluated. The addition of seaweeds improved (P<0.05) water- and fat-binding
      properties except in the case of Nori added at 2.5%. Hardness and chewiness of
      the cooked products with added seaweed were higher (P<0.05), and springiness and
      cohesiveness were lower (P<0.05) than in control samples. Colour changes in meat
      systems were affected by the type of seaweed. The morphology of sample differed
      depending on the type of seaweed added, and this is the result of differences in
      physical and chemical characteristic of the seaweed powder used. In general,
      products formulated with the brown seaweeds (Sea Spaghetti and Wakame) exhibited
      similar behaviour, different from that of products made with the red seaweed
      Nori.

PMID- 22063042
TI  - Effect of animal (lamb) diet and meat storage on myofibrillar protein oxidation
      and in vitro digestibility.
AB  - Effect of pasture- or concentrate-diet on myofibrillar protein oxidation and in
      vitro digestibility was measured in lamb meat (M. longissimus dorsi) during a
      refrigerated storage of 7days under gas permeable film. Protein oxidation was
      measured by the carbonyl content determined chemically using 2,4
      dinitrophenylhydrazine (DNPH) and specific targets of oxidation were identified
      by immunoblotting. Carbonyl content significantly increased during storage and
      diet affected protein oxidation where animals fed concentrate showed higher
      carbonyl group levels than animals fed pasture. To evaluate effect of diet and
      storage time on protein digestibility, myofibrillar proteins were exposed to
      proteases of the digestive tract (pepsin, and a mixture of trypsin and alpha
      chymotrypsin) in conditions of pH and temperature which mimic digestive process.
      The myofibrillar protein digestibility was not influenced by the diet. Storage
      time had no significant effect on myofibrillar protein susceptibility to pepsin
      while an important increase in digestibility by trypsin and alpha-chymotrypsin
      was detected during storage.

PMID- 22063043
TI  - Proteolysis in Painho de Portalegre dry fermented sausage in relation to ripening
      time and salt content.
AB  - The effect of salt addition (3% and 6% in the final product) on the shelf-life
      related physicochemical characteristics and proteolysis profile during the
      ripening period of a Portuguese dry fermented sausage "Painho de Portalegre",
      were evaluated. The product with 6% salt concentration had low a(w) and pH values
      at most ripening periods evaluated, due to the influence of NaCl on the water
      binding capacity of the protein structure and to the low ammonia accumulation,
      respectively. Similar changes were observed for total basic volatile nitrogen
      (TBVN), free amino acid nitrogen (FAAN) and non-protein nitrogen (NPN) fractions
      in both products. After a clear increase during the first days of the processing
      phase, all the initial rates slowed down with some fluctuation in FAAN and NPN.
      In relation to small peptides and free amino acid accumulation, the major
      differences between the tested formulations were mainly observed on distinct
      profiles rather than on overall concentrations.

PMID- 22063044
TI  - Explaining and predicting differences in meat quality through stress reactions at
      slaughter: The case of Large White and Duroc pigs.
AB  - Large White and Duroc pigs (n=42) were group-reared on straw. Durocs were more
      active in the home pens and had higher basal urinary cortisol levels. During
      tests, Durocs touched more often an unfamiliar human, but not an unfamiliar
      object, than Large Whites. Pigs were experimentally (low stress) or industrially
      (high stress) slaughtered. Meat (Longissimus lumborum (LL), Biceps femoris (BF),
      Adductor femoris (AF) and Semimembranosus (SM)) was darker, more yellow, had
      higher ultimate pH and better water holding capacity after high, compared to low
      stress slaughter. Large White meat contained less pre-slaughter glycogen, was
      redder and lost more drip. Slaughter conditions influenced ultimate pH of Large
      White more than of Duroc meat. Large Whites, and to a lesser extent Durocs,
      touching the human less often during the test, had faster early post-mortem LL
      and BF muscle metabolism. Pigs exploring the unfamiliar object more often were
      more aggressive during pre-slaughter mixing and had higher AF and SM ultimate pH.

PMID- 22063045
TI  - The significance of diet, slaughter weight and aging time on pork colour and
      colour stability.
AB  - The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of a diet with a
      low content of digestible starch, slaughter weight and subsequent aging time on
      meat colour and colour stability. Pork colour was determined as the extent of
      blooming of M. longissimus thoracis (LT) and M. semimembranosus (SM) after 1, 2,
      4, 8 and 15 days postmortem and as colour stability during a subsequent storage
      period in air for 6 days. Compared to the control diet, the experimental diet
      resulted in a significantly lower postmortem muscle temperature (1 degrees C;
      p<0.0001). Moreover, high slaughter weight (110kg) resulted in a higher
      postmortem temperature in LT (p<0.001) compared to low weight (85kg). Independent
      of feeding strategy and slaughter weight, the extent of blooming decreased during
      the first 2-4 days of aging in LT, however, the effect was more pronounced in
      meat from experimentally fed pigs and pigs with high slaughter weight. This
      effect was not seen in SM, where a gradual increase in blooming took place
      throughout the aging period. The colour stability was found to be superior in
      aged pork from experimentally fed pigs. The discoloration rate was faster in SM
      compared to LT. In conclusion, the present study shows that the diet composition
      can be used as a tool to control meat colour and colour stability in pork.

PMID- 22063046
TI  - Microbial heat resistance of Listeria monocytogenes and the impact on ready-to
      eat meat quality after post-package pasteurization.
AB  - Several methods using bactericides, hydrostatic pressure, and post-package
      pasteurization technologies to control Listeria monocytogenes (LM) in ready-to
      eat meats have been attempted. In addition to controlling LM contamination, any
      newly developed technology must have minimal effects on organoleptic properties.
      The objectives of this study were to: (1) determine the heat resistance of LM in
      two brands (A and B) of bologna differing in formulations, and, (2) evaluate the
      effects of post-package pasteurization on product quality. Fat content did not
      affect LM heat resistance in bologna at 55, 60, and 65 degrees C; however, Brand
      B bologna had a numerically lower inactivation rate. Microbial heat resistance
      differed (P<0.05) with changes in pasteurization temperature. Time and
      temperature affected (P<0.05) cook-loss and L(*) Hunter color value for both
      bologna brands. These data show that post-package pasteurization is effective but
      suggest that meat formulations may need modification to prevent development of
      negative quality characteristics.

PMID- 22063047
TI  - Eating quality of beef, from different production systems, assessed by German,
      Spanish and British consumers.
AB  - The acceptability of beef from Uruguay (UY), based on eating quality, was
      compared with beef produced in different European countries (Germany, DE, Spain,
      ES and United Kingdom, UK). Consumer tests were conducted in DE, ES and UK (each
      comprising 200 consumers) using 'Hall Tests'. In each country four samples were
      evaluated, two from Hereford steers from UY (finished at 2 and 3 years) and two
      from local meat (the same meat sample aged 7 or 20d). Consumers evaluated
      tenderness, flavour and overall acceptability using 8-point category scales.
      Hierarchical cluster analysis, highlighted the existence of different clusters of
      consumers. Two main clusters were identified in DE and UK. The main cluster
      identified in DE, was labelled as Prefer foreign-imported beef (n=128). These
      consumers preferred (P<0.05) the samples from UY_2y in terms of tenderness and
      overall acceptability. The other cluster was labelled as Prefer local beef in
      terms of flavour and overall acceptability (P<0.05) and comprised the majority of
      consumers from ES (n=176) and UK (n=153) and the cluster 2 from DE (n=69). UK,
      cluster 2 (n=33) that did not discriminate between origin and ageing time of
      beef. These results indicate that consumers did not prefer the same type of meat
      within the same country and it is possible that there are individual preferences
      that could lead to the concept of market segmentation being based on taste
      preferences. It would appear that Uruguayan beef would be very acceptable in
      Germany and to a lesser extent in Britain and Spain, although further studies are
      required that include labelling information.

PMID- 22063048
TI  - Changes in the forms of iron and in concentrations of taurine, carnosine,
      coenzyme Q(10), and creatine in beef longissimus muscle with cooking and
      simulated stomach and duodenal digestion.
AB  - Longissimus muscle samples from 31 Angus-cross heifers finished on either a high
      concentrate feedlot diet or pasture were used to evaluate the effects of cooking
      (71 degrees C) on the concentration and forms of iron in the meat, and also on
      concentrations of the bioactive compounds taurine, carnosine, coenzyme Q(10),
      creatine and creatinine. For a sub-sample of 15 the effects of pepsin and
      pancreatin digestion were assessed. For iron, cooking resulted in some overall
      loss together with a major change from soluble haem and non-haem iron to the
      insoluble forms, but solubility was regained to a significant extent following
      digestion. Total haem iron percentage, however, decreased at each step from an
      initial 88% to a final 61% of total iron. For the bioactive compounds, cooking
      led to a reduction in taurine, carnosine, coenzyme Q(10), and creatine. The
      effects of digestion on the bioactive compounds varied. No clear differences were
      shown in the way in which beef from pasture-finished and feedlot-finished cattle
      responded to cooking and digestion.

PMID- 22063049
TI  - Changes of arginyl and leucyl aminopeptidase activities in biceps femoris along
      Jinhua ham processing.
AB  - Sixty experimental Jinhua hams were processed by a traditional method. The
      potential arginyl (RAP) and leucyl (LAP) aminopeptidase activities in biceps
      femoris were determined. The effects of temperature, salt content, sodium nitrate
      content and pH value on muscle RAP and LAP activities were evaluated using
      response surface methodology. Porcine muscle was found to possess very strong
      potential RAP and LAP activities that decreased gradually during processing from
      165,980.97Ug(-1) and 89,201.52Ug(-1) before salting to 3164.70Ug(-1) and
      5373.66Ug(-1) after aging, respectively. Temperature, pH value and salt content
      had significant effects on RAP and LAP activities (P<0.0001). They interacted
      with each other in their effects on RAP activity (P<0.0001) and influenced LAP
      activity in exponential way (P<0.05). However, 0-50mgL(-1) sodium nitrate had no
      detectable effect on either RAP or LAP activity (P>0.05). The regression models
      showed that muscle RAP and LAP maintained their activities all through Jinhua ham
      processing. LAP could display very strong actual activity during aging and post
      aging, indicating that muscle LAP may play the most important role in generating
      free amino acids during the processing of Jinhua ham.

PMID- 22063050
TI  - Effects of transport time and rest period on the quality of electrically
      stimulated male cattle carcasses.
AB  - Forty-five castrated Nelore-breed male cattle, with average age of 37 months,
      were randomly chosen. The cattle were submitted to the combination of two
      transport times (up to 2h and approximately 5h) and five rest periods (0h, 6h,
      12h, 18h and 24h). The carcasses were electrically stimulated. After 24h
      postmortem, the average of the ultimate pH in the M. Longissimus dorsi (LD) was
      considered normal (5.57-5.72) for eight out of nine cattle groups. The shear
      force (SF) was higher for cattle that were not allowed a rest period (0h) on both
      transport times, however it was not significant (p>0.05). This result was
      compatible with the sarcomere length (SL), which were shorter for those
      carcasses. The rest period and transport time had no influence on the L(*)
      (lightness) values, but a(*) (redness) values increased until the 12th hour of
      rest. The b(*) (yellowness) value was negative for the cattle without a rest
      period (0h) and transported for 5h. The cattle transported for up to 2h could be
      allowed a 6-h rest period only, and the cattle transported for 5h could be
      allowed a 12-h rest period without the meat quality being affected significantly.

PMID- 22063051
TI  - The effect of sugar concentration and starter culture on instrumental and sensory
      textural properties of chorizo-Spanish dry-cured sausage.
AB  - In this study, instrumental and sensory textural properties of chorizo with
      different levels of glucose (0.1%, 0.5% and 1.0%) and with different starter
      cultures (Lactobacillus sakei K29, Pediococcus sp. P22 and Pediococcus sp. P208)
      were studied as well as the relationship between them. The ripening process was
      followed by physico-chemical and microbiological analysis. Starter culture and
      concentration of glucose had a highly significant effect on pH, moreover an
      interactive effect of both factors was found; and also of day of ripening and
      both starter culture and concentration of glucose. In general terms, changes of
      pH over time are influenced by the presence of sugar and starter culture even if
      all chorizos showed at first a rapid decrease, a stay or slow decrease, and a
      final rise. Texture profile analysis (TPA) proved that hardness and chewiness
      differ significantly among chorizos with or without starter cultures, except in
      the batch with 0.1% sugar. Furthermore, the highest values in both textural
      parameters were found in batches with 0.5% and 1% sugar. The texture differences
      between chorizos just described were also noticeable in the sensorial evaluation.
      Likewise, instrumental textural attributes showed significant correlations with
      sensorial analysis.

PMID- 22063052
TI  - Effect of dietary antioxidant and fatty acid supply on the oxidative stability of
      fresh and cooked pork.
AB  - The effect of dietary oil (linseed or soybean oil) and antioxidant treatment
      (alpha-tocopheryl acetate (AT; 40ppm) versus a cocktail (AOC; 200ppm): alpha
      tocopheryl acetate+rosemary+citric acid+gallic acid) on colour, lipid and protein
      oxidation of fresh and processed pork was investigated. No effect of oil source
      on different parameters of oxidation was seen. No effect of antioxidant treatment
      on colour stability of fresh longissimus thoracis (LT) or cooked cured ham (CCH)
      was observed. For both antioxidant treatments, lipid oxidation in fresh LT and
      CCH was well controlled during display. However, lipid oxidation increased
      significantly in pre-frozen uncured cooked meat under aerobic conditions. No
      unambiguous effect of antioxidant treatment on protein oxidation was observed.
      There seemed to be no clear link between colour, protein and lipid oxidation. At
      the dose used in this study, no additional or synergistic effects of the extra
      components of the AOC on the different oxidation parameters was found.

PMID- 22063053
TI  - Potential use of near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) for the estimation
      of chemical composition of oxen meat samples.
AB  - Near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS) was evaluated as a tool to estimate
      several chemical parameters of oxen meat protected by a quality mark. Fifty-three
      samples of longissimus thoracis muscle corresponding to oxen reared in extensive
      conditions were homogenized and scanned over the NIR spectral range (1100
      2500nm). Immediately after scanning, the samples were analyzed for crude protein
      (CP), myoglobin, collagen, ether extract (EE), gross energy (GE), dry matter (DM)
      and ash content, according to the official methods. Best NIR calibrations for
      chemical composition tested by cross-validation showed R(2) and SE(CV) of 0.874
      and 20.33gkg(-1) DM (CP), 0.924 and 16.22gkg(-1) DM (EE), 0.941 and 0.293MJkg(-1)
      DM (GE) and 0.874 and 6.75gkg(-1) FM (DM). Calibrations for myoglobin, collagen
      and ash content showed a poor predictability, probably as a consequence of the
      lack of correlation between these parameters and EE content. However, NIRS
      technology could be an useful tool for estimating the main chemical parameters of
      oxen meat samples, thus guaranteeing the standards of quality marks.

PMID- 22063054
TI  - Validation of the EUROP system for lamb classification in Norway; repeatability
      and accuracy of visual assessment and prediction of lamb carcass composition.
AB  - The EUROP classification system is based on visual assessment of carcass
      conformation and fatness. The first objective was to test the EUROP
      classification repeatability and accuracy of the national senior assessors of the
      system in Norway. The second objective was to test the accuracy of the trained
      and certified abattoir EUROP classifiers in Norway relative to EU Commission's
      supervising assessors. The third and final objective was to test the accuracy of
      the EUROP classification system, as assessed by the National senior assessors,
      for prediction of lean meat, fat and bone percentage and lean meat in relation to
      bone ratio. The results showed that the repeatability and accuracy of the
      national senior assessors was good, achieving high correlations both for
      conformation and fatness. For the abattoir assessors, there were some systematic
      differences compared to EU Commission's assessors, but these differences were
      within limits accepted by EU Commission. The relationship between abattoir and
      national senior assessors was good, with only small systematic differences. This
      may suggest that there also is a systematic difference between the national
      senior assessors of the system and EU Commission's assessors. The EUROP system
      predicted lean meat percentage poorly (R(2)=0.407), with a prediction error for
      3.027% lean. For fat and bone percentage, the results showed a fairly good
      prediction of fat percentage, but poorer for bone percentage, R(2)=0.796 and
      R(2)=0.450, respectively. The prediction error for fat and bone percentage was
      2.300% and 2.125%, respectively. Lean: bone ratio was predicted poorly
      (R(2)=0.212), with a prediction error of 0.363 lean: bone ratio.

PMID- 22063055
TI  - The effects of freeze-thaw and sonication on mitochondrial oxygen consumption,
      electron transport chain-linked metmyoglobin reduction, lipid oxidation, and
      oxymyoglobin oxidation.
AB  - Mitochondria potentially influence Mb redox stability in meat by (1) decreasing
      partial oxygen pressure via oxygen consumption, (2) mitochondrial electron
      transport chain (ETC)-linked reduction of MetMb, and/or (3) oxidation of
      mitochondrial membrane lipid. The objective of this study was to investigate the
      effect of freeze-thaw and sonication treatments on mitochondrial oxygen
      consumption, ETC-dependent MetMb reducing activity, lipid oxidation, and Mb redox
      stability. Mitochondria were frozen and thawed (-18 degrees C for 2h and 4
      degrees C for 0.5h) for 3 cycles, or sonicated for 30s with a sonic dismembrator.
      State III oxygen consumption rate (OCR) was decreased by both treatments at pH
      7.2, and by sonication only at pH 5.6 (P<0.05). There was no effect on state IV
      OCR (P>0.05). Respiratory control ratio (RCR) was decreased by freeze-thaw and
      sonication at pH 7.2 and 5.6 (P<0.05). Sonication increased mitochondrial lipid
      oxidation and MetMb formation (P<0.05); a similar effect was observed in
      sonicated samples in the presence of ascorbic acid and ferric chloride (P<0.05).
      Sonication also decreased mitochondrial ETC-dependent MetMb reduction (P<0.05).
      These results suggested that sonication treatment had the potential to affect Mb
      stability via mitochondrial lipid oxidation and/or ETC-mediated MetMb reduction,
      but the effect on myoglobin stability by freeze-thaw treatment was minimal.

PMID- 22063056
TI  - The relationship of physiological maturity and marbling judged according to
      Korean grading system to meat quality traits of Hanwoo beef females.
AB  - Fifty seven carcasses from Hanwoo beef females were randomly selected by official
      meat graders and were sorted into three levels of maturity and marbling. Carcass
      data was collected for back fat thickness, longissimus area, carcass weight, meat
      colour, fat colour, marbling score, yield and quality grades. Mature carcasses
      had more yellow fat, coarser texture, a larger longissimus muscle area and lower
      quality grades and marbling scores (P<0.05). Carcasses with a higher marbling
      score had thicker fat and a higher quality grade. Carcasses with low marbling had
      a higher yield grade and a coarser texture (P<0.05). Higher marbling scores
      corresponded with lower cook and drip loss values for longissimus steaks. As the
      maturity of carcass was increased, the redness and lightness of meat and the
      yellowness of fat all tended to increase. Tenderness, flavour and overall
      acceptability scores for the older maturity group were lower than for younger and
      intermediate groups. Marbling was significantly (P<0.01) correlated with quality
      grade, crude fat content, cook and drip losses, and Warner-Bratzler shear force.
      The maturity level was also significantly (P<0.01) correlated with quality grade,
      fat colour, texture score, number of calves produced and milk teeth, meat redness
      and yellowness, fat yellowness, and Warner-Bratzler shear force. Results indicate
      that a low marbling group and older maturity group based on Korean grading system
      could negatively influence carcass traits and beef qualities of Hanwoo beef
      female.

PMID- 22063057
TI  - Comparison of composition and quality traits of meat from young finishing bulls
      from Belgian Blue, Limousin and Aberdeen Angus breeds.
AB  - Thirty-six young finishing bulls from three breeds (Belgian Blue, Limousin and
      Aberdeen Angus) were fattened over five months with finishing diets based either
      on sugar-beet pulp or on cereals. Nutritional quality traits of meat - fat
      content and fatty acid composition with emphasis on the n-6 and n-3
      polyunsaturated fatty acids - along with some organoleptic quality traits were
      measured. The Belgian Blue bulls had the lowest intramuscular fat content
      associated with lower saturated and monounsaturated fatty acid contents. The
      polyunsaturated fatty acid content did not differ to a large extent between the
      breeds, the Aberdeen Angus bulls showing slightly higher values. Relative to
      energy intake, the overall contribution of meat to the n-3 fatty acid recommended
      intake was small, whatever the breed. By contrast, the contribution of meat to
      daily fat intake was of greater importance, especially for the Aberdeen Angus
      bulls. The quality traits of meat varied also according to the breed: compared to
      the Aberdeen Angus, the Belgian Blue bull meat had the stablest colour, the
      highest drip and the lowest cooking losses. The meat of Limousin bulls had
      intermediate characteristics for all the parameters.

PMID- 22063058
TI  - The sensory acceptability of cooked meat products treated with a protective
      culture depends on glucose content and buffering capacity: A case study with
      Lactobacillus sakei 10A.
AB  - Biopreservation has been proven to be a promising natural preservation technique,
      but the impact of protective cultures on the sensory properties of cooked meat
      products (CMP) is not well documented. This work presents a case study on the
      protective culture Lactobacillus sakei 10A to obtain a clear view on the real
      consequences of using protective cultures on the sensory quality of CMP. A
      preliminary screening study on 13 different CMP and more elaborate application
      trials at 7 degrees C on vacuum packaged pate, cooked ham, cooked sausage and two
      cooked poultry products demonstrated that L. sakei 10A inhibits the endogenous
      LAB-flora, Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Brochothrix thermosphacta and Listeria
      monocytogenes. Despite these promising antagonistic effects, the application of
      L. sakei 10A to CMP was in some cases limited by a significant acidification
      resulting in an acid taste of the product. This was most obvious in pate and
      cooked sausage and less obvious in cooked turkey fillet. From the results a
      hypothesis could be derived that high buffering capacity and low glucose content
      are key elements to avoid sensory deviations when applying protective cultures on
      CMP.

PMID- 22063059
TI  - Influence of animal temperament and stress responsiveness on the carcass quality
      and beef tenderness of feedlot cattle.
AB  - Three groups of steers (A, B, C) were used to study the effect of temperament
      (Calm, Intermediate, and Excitable) on meat quality. Temperament was based on
      exit velocity, pen scores, and chute scores. Temperament traits were consistent
      across evaluations, and values decreased (P<0.05) in magnitude over time.
      Increasing excitability was associated with higher (P<0.05) serum cortisol
      concentrations. Carcasses from cattle with calm temperaments had higher (P<0.05)
      0.5h postmortem pH values than those from Intermediate and Excitable cattle (0.1
      and 0.2 units, respectively). Group C Excitable steers had higher (P<0.05) WBS
      values than the calmer Group C steers. This trend was observed in Group A steers,
      although the values were not statistically different. Correlations were highest
      between temperament values and tenderness after 21d. Temperament influences
      tenderness, although the mechanism is not clear.

PMID- 22063060
TI  - Prevalence of biogenic amines during ripening of a traditional dry fermented pork
      sausage and its relation to the amount of sodium chloride added.
AB  - The presence of biogenic amines (BA) along the processing stages and storage
      period of "Painho de Portalegre" and its relationship with the NaCl concentration
      on their levels were evaluated. Total BA concentration of current "Painho de
      Portalegre" dry fermented sausage increased (P<0.001) with drying/smoking
      processing time, attaining 655mgkg(-1) dry matter (DM) at day 6, a level about
      six times higher than that obtained in seasoned raw material mixtures before
      casing stuffing (115mgkg(-1)DM). Between day 30 and 40 in the drying/smoking
      house, that amount increased 20-fold (2500mgkg(-1) DM) over the initial
      concentration. After one month of storage under vacuum at room temperature, the
      concentration decreased by almost half to 1561mgkg(-1)DM. Excluding tyramine, the
      other BA were already present in the minced raw materials. However the sum of
      cadaverine, putrescine, histamine and tyramine, was well below 5mgkg(-1) proposed
      as BA limit for meat of high hygienic quality. Cadaverine was the most
      concentrated BA at the last stage of the drying/smoking (1430-1254mgkg(-1)DM,
      after 30 and 40 days, respectively), almost double the concentration of
      putrescine (882-779mgkg(-1)DM), followed by tyramine, beta-phenylethylamine and
      spermine (376-311, 24 and 27-23mgkg(-1)DM, respectively). Variation was detected
      among production batches, possibly due to poor control of the processing
      conditions in traditional manufactures and the effects of the prevailing weather
      conditions. A higher salt concentration in the final product, 6% compared to 3%,
      led to a significant reduction in the BA level (P<0.001). This difference was
      particularly relevant in the early stage of the drying/smoking phase, during
      which the greatest microbial development mainly occurred in relation to
      cadaverine, beta-phenylethylamine, putrescine and tyramine levels.

PMID- 22063061
TI  - Application of an electronic nose for measurements of boar taint in entire male
      pigs.
AB  - An electronic nose based on ion mobility spectrometry was used for boar taint
      measurements of entire male pig samples varying in androstenone and skatole
      levels (0.09-0.88MUg/g fat and 0.01-0.26MUg/g fat, respectively). Sensory
      perceptible boar taint (especially boar odour) was found to be more related to
      androstenone than to skatole, whereas a rancid note was determined more related
      to skatole than to androstenone. Multivariate models implementing some generally
      prescribed cut-off limits for androstenone (0.50MUg/g) and skatole (0.21MUg/g)
      indicated that the e-nose could be used for ordering samples with respect to low
      and high levels of androstenone and skatole. Studying the direct relationships
      between e-nose data, sensory data, androstenone and skatole showed better
      predictivity of the chemical compounds (androstenone: r=-0.948, RMSEP=0.309;
      skatole: r=-0.629, RMSEP=0.069) than for single sensory descriptors (boar odour
      r=0.409, RMSEP=0.789). The results thus suggest that the e-nose technology based
      on ion mobility spectrometry as in the MGD-1 may have a potential for future
      rapid sorting of boars at the slaughter line. The study provides new knowledge of
      the applicability of ion mobility spectrometry for measuring boar taint and also
      confirms the challenge of measuring boar taint using chemically determined cut
      off limits for a sensory perceptible phenomenon. Thus, future development should
      be more devoted to developing holistic approaches rather than focusing on the
      influence of single variables on boar taint.

PMID- 22063062
TI  - Contribution of postmortem changes of integrin, desmin and MU-calpain to
      variation in water holding capacity of pork.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between integrin,
      desmin, MU-calpain and water holding capacity in fresh pork. High levels of
      intact integrin at one day postmortem were negatively correlated with day 1
      (P<0.05) and days 1-5 (cumulative) drip loss (P<0.05). High levels of intact
      integrin at five days postmortem were negatively correlated with days 1-7
      (cumulative) purge loss (P<0.05). Intensity of intact desmin at one day
      postmortem was positively correlated with days 1-7 purge loss (P<0.01). There
      were positive correlations between intensity of intact desmin at day 7 and day 1
      (P<0.01), days 1-5 drip loss (P<0.01) and days 1-7 purge loss (P<0.05). Autolysis
      of MU-calpain was associated with the degradation of desmin and drip or purge
      loss postmortem. Our results indicate that low levels of degradation of integrin
      and high levels of desmin degradation were associated with low drip loss values
      in fresh pork.

PMID- 22063063
TI  - Changes in proteins during Teruel dry-cured ham processing.
AB  - The aim of this work was to investigate the degradation of the water-soluble and
      myofibrillar proteins during the production of "PDO Teruel" cured ham using SDS
      PAGE, and measurement of proteolytic activities (cathepsins B+L, cathepsin L,
      cathepsin D), as factors that influence the sensory characteristics of this
      product. This paper contributes to the specific characterisation of a product
      included in the European Union list of special quality products. The results
      showed that water-soluble proteins decrease considerably due to salting out and
      drainage after salting. The degradation of myofibrillar proteins is more
      pronounced during the ripening process, particularly in the last four months when
      the main proteins responsible for the structure of muscular tissue are affected.
      There is an important residual enzymatic activity for cathepsin B, L and D, which
      must be a decisive factor in the proteolysis observed during "PDO Teruel" ham
      processing.

PMID- 22063064
TI  - Observation of the distribution of Zn protoporphyrin IX (ZPP) in Parma ham by
      using purple LED and image analysis.
AB  - We investigated the distribution of Zn protoporphyrin IX (ZPP) in Parma ham by
      using purple LED light and image analysis in order to elucidate the mechanism of
      ZPP formation. Autofluorescence spectra of Parma ham revealed that ZPP was
      present in both lean meat and fat, while red emission other than that of ZPP was
      hardly detected. Although ZPP was found to be distributed widely in Parma ham, it
      was more abundant in intermuscular fat and subcutaneous fat than in lean meat.
      The intensity of red emission was weak in muscles that were exposed during the
      processing. ZPP in both lean meat and subcutaneous fat tended to be more abundant
      in the inner region than in the outer region. It was thought that ZPP is
      transferred from lean meat to fat tissue during the processing, resulting in the
      small amount of ZPP in the lean meat adjacent to subcutaneous fat. Our results
      led to a completely new hypothesis that ZPP is formed in lean meat and
      transferred to fat tissue.

PMID- 22063065
TI  - Plasma leptin in growing lambs as a potential predictor for carcass composition
      and daily gain.
AB  - Leptin is an adipocyte derived hormone and correlates highly to the extent of
      body fat tissue. The aim of this study was to determine if leptin could serve as
      an early predictor for carcass composition and final growth rate in lambs with
      special emphasis on size and cellularity of the different body fat depots. Thirty
      intact male ad libitum fed lambs were blood sampled at 20, 25, 30, 35, and 40kg
      live weight. After slaughtering at 40kg, lean and the visceral, subcutaneous and
      intermuscular fat were measured by dissection. The fat cell diameter was
      determined in subcutaneous and perirenal fat. Average daily gain from birth to
      slaughter correlated to leptin only at 30 and 35kg live weight (r=-0.56 and 
      0.61, P<0.01) and thus leptin cannot be regarded as a suitable early predictor
      for growth rate. That goes for the prediction of subcutaneous and intermuscular
      fat, too; because no relationships were detected between early leptin
      concentrations and the amount of these tissues. Leptin concentrations measured
      just before slaughter were related to all fat tissues except the pelvic and
      intramuscular fat. Among the visceral fat depots, omental fat expressed the
      highest correlations to leptin (r=0.60, P<0.001). Additionally, leptin
      concentrations at 35 and 40kg live weight increased with increasing fat cell
      diameters (r=0.38, P<0.05 to r=0.59, P<0.001). This study indicates that leptin
      concentration measured in the slaughter weight range has the greatest potential
      to assess body fat content, whereas an earlier prediction does not seem to be
      feasible. Further studies should clarify if these results are reproducible for
      other breeds or species.

PMID- 22063066
TI  - Role of the blood service in cellular therapy.
AB  - Cellular therapy is a novel form of medical or surgical treatment using cells in
      place of or in addition to traditional chemical drugs. The preparation of
      cellular products - called advanced therapy medicinal products - ATMP in Europe,
      requires compliance with good manufacturing practices (GMP). Based on long-term
      experience in blood component manufacturing, product traceability and
      hemovigilance, selected blood services may represent ideal settings for the
      development and experimental use of ATMP. International harmonization of the
      protocols and procedures for the preparation of ATMP is of paramount importance
      to facilitate the development of multicenter clinical trials with adequate sample
      size, which are urgently needed to determine the clinical efficacy of ATMP. This
      article describes European regulations on cellular therapy and summarizes the
      activities of the 'Franco Calori' Cell Factory, a GMP unit belonging to the
      department of regenerative medicine of a large public university hospital, which
      acquired a certification for the GMP production of ATMP in 2007 and developed
      nine experimental clinical protocols during 2003-2011.

PMID- 22063067
TI  - The kinetics of cooked meat haemoprotein formation in meat and model systems.
AB  - The rate of cooked meat haemoprotein formation (measured as the rate of loss of
      myoglobin solubility) was found, at least initially, to obey first order kinetics
      in meat, aqueous muscle extracts and mixtures of myoglobin and bovine serum
      albumin. In meat at 60  degrees C the rate was dependent on the species, (the
      pigment was formed significantly faster in lamb m. longissimus dorsi than in beef
      m. longissimus dorsi) and anatomical location (cooked meat haemoprotein was
      formed in beef m. 1. dorsi about twice as rapidly as in both beef shin and chuck
      (shoulder) muscle of similar pH). The rate of formation was similar in aqueous
      muscle extracts to that found in meat and in these systems increased with
      decreasing pH. The activation energies for all beef systems studied were similar
      and typical of those associated with protein denaturation (~300 KJ mol(-1));
      however, that from lamb appeared to be lower (~200 KJ mol(-1)). The problems of
      using colour as an index of temperature reached, either for microbial safety (E.
      Coli 0157:H7 destruction) or quality are discussed in the light of these results.

PMID- 22063068
TI  - Degradation of ubiquitin in beef during storage.
AB  - Sarcoplasmic proteins were prepared from the quadriceps femoris muscle
      immediately after slaughter (2.5 hr) and from stored muscle samples at 10 days
      post mortem for SDS-PAGE analysis and Western blotting. Characterization with
      ubiquitin antiserum (Sigma, St. Louis, MO, USA) showed clear and strong
      recognition of ubiquitin (8.6 kDa) and another minor band (17 kDa) in purified
      ubiquitin (Sigma, St. Louis, MO, USA). Among the sarcoplasmic proteins prepared,
      this antiserum also reacted with the bands corresponding to purified ubiquitin
      (8.6 kDa and 17 kDa) and a small amount of some other higher-molecularmass
      proteins which were considered to be ubiquitin-protein conjugates. However, at 10
      days post mortem, both ubiquitin and the ubiquitin-protein conjugates had almost
      disappeared, suggesting their degradation by proteinases.

PMID- 22063069
TI  - Ostrich meat: Physico-chemical characteristics and comparison with turkey and
      bovine meat.
AB  - In several European countries ostrich breeding has now become quite common. In
      Italy this has also given rise to the need for regulations for the slaughtering
      of Ratites. The present work studies and compares the physico-chemical
      characteristics of the meat from the thigh of the ostrich with the same
      anatomical cuts of turkey and bovine. The ostrich meat muscle of the thigh was
      imported vacuum packed from Israel and France, the muscles considered were m.
      flexor cruris and m. iliofibularis. The turkey thighs were from the domestic
      market (supermarket) and the bovine muscle m. pectineus was from spent milking
      animals from an EEC slaughterhouse. Needless to say that the breeding, the
      feeding and the system of slaughtering could influence some parameters of the
      different kinds of meat; however these factors could not be assessed. Due to its
      tenderness, low fat content and cholesterol levels ostrich meat is, in accordance
      with modern-day nutritional principles, a valid alternative to other kinds of
      meat.

PMID- 22063070
TI  - Development of a quality classification system for lamb carcasses.
AB  - A total of 1660 commercial lambs, with slaughter weights >= 32kg and having no
      more than two permanent incisors, were selected on the basis of age, weight,
      gender, and fatness to be representative of the Canadian market lamb population
      and utilized to develop a quality classification system for lamb carcasses. Based
      upon the findings obtained, lamb should be defined as carcasses from ovines
      weighing 32 kg live or more and with no more than two permanent incisors. Mutton
      should be defined as carcasses from ovines with more than two permanent incisors
      or carcasses from ovines that have lost their third temporary incisor. Milk-fed
      lamb should be defined as carcasses from ovines weighing less than 32kg live.
      Consequently, classification recommendations arising from the present study apply
      only to carcasses from ovines defined as lamb, according to the previous
      definitions. Thus, lamb carcasses so defined can be effectively segregated into
      three quality groups based upon expected consumer acceptance, utilizing simple,
      subjective evaluations of the breakjoints and ribs, as follows: Group 1
      possessing very red and moist breakjoints and round, red ribs, Group 2 possessing
      slightly red to red breakjoints and oval shaped ribs, which are either slightly
      red or have traces of red colour, and Group 3 possessing white, dry breakjoints
      and flat, white ribs. Classification of lamb carcasses on this basis will allow
      compensation to producers based upon carcass merit, reflecting consumer
      acceptance. Although availability and consumer demand will ultimately determine
      price premiums and/or discounts, based upon present findings, Group 1 should
      contain 9% or less of the lamb carcasses being marketed and should receive a
      premium to compensate for a higher degree of consumer acceptance. Group 2 should
      contain 75% or more of the lamb carcasses being marketed and should receive
      prevailing market value. Group 3 should contain 15% or less of the lamb carcasses
      being marketed and should receive a discount to compensate for a lower degree of
      consumer acceptance.

PMID- 22063071
TI  - Fatty acid and aldehyde composition of individual phospholipid classes of rabbit
      skeletal muscles is related to the metabolic type of the fibre.
AB  - The fatty acid composition of individual phospholipid classes as related to
      metabolic type of fibre in the rabbit was studied. The fatty acid composition of
      the individual phospholipid classes of five muscles were compared: two glycolytic
      ones (Longissimus lumborum and Psoas major), two oxidative ones (Soleus and
      Semimembranosus propriosus,) and an intermediate one (Gastrocnemius laterale). It
      was shown that except for phosphatidyl inositol (PI), the fatty acid compositions
      of the main phospholipid classes were strongly related to the metabolic type of
      the fibres; phosphatidyl ethanolamine (PE) of oxidative muscles contains less
      18:2 n-6 and more 18:0 and long chain PUFA of the n-6 and n-3 series than that of
      glycolytic ones; phosphatidyl choline (PC) of oxidative muscles contains more
      18:0 and less 16:0 and 18:2 n-6 than that of glycolytic ones; cardiolipin of the
      oxidative muscles contains less 18:2 n-6 than those of the glycolytic ones. These
      differences in fatty acid composition of PE, PC and cardiolipin explain a large
      part of the differences in fatty acid compositions of the total phospholipids of
      glycolytic and oxidative muscles.

PMID- 22063072
TI  - Effect of different stocking densities during transport on welfare and meat
      quality in Danish slaughter pigs.
AB  - Four stocking densities (0.35, 0.39, 0.42 and 0.50 m(2) per 100 kg pig) were
      investigated under Danish early Autumn conditions (16-24  degrees  C) in a study
      of the effect of transport conditions on pig welfare and meat quality. Two
      transports were carried out for each stocking density, the two producers
      concerned delivering pigs to the upper and lower tiers, respectively, of a
      specialist pig transport vehicle. Total average journey time was 2 hr 39 min and
      total average transport time 1 hr 47 min. After arrival at the factory pigs were
      lairaged in groups of 15 for about 1 1 2 hr and then slaughtered using minimal
      stress with group CO(2)-stunning. Pig behaviour was monitored during transport in
      the front compartment of the lower tier. Blood samples were taken at slaughter
      for analysis of creatine phosphokinase, lactate and cortisol and carcasses were
      evaluated for skin damage and meat quality. Stocking density, as such, had
      relatively little effect on blood profile or meat quality. Creatine phosphokinase
      levels were lowest with a stocking density of 0.50 m(2) and the incidence of
      unacceptable skin damage was generally lowest with a stocking density of 0.35
      m(2) and highest with 0.42 m(2). The main source of variation in this experiment
      was day of transport/slaughter within stocking density so that factors other than
      stocking density have affected the results obtained. Stocking density had a
      direct effect on pig behaviour during transport. Giving pigs more space during
      the short transport did not result in them lying down. On the contrary there was
      continuous disturbance from other pigs and at 0.42 and 0.50 m(2) pigs had
      difficulty maintaining balance, when the vehicle negotiated bends or poor road
      surfaces. Variations in pig behaviour during transport could account for the
      observed differences in skin damage.

PMID- 22063073
TI  - Identification and characterization of pigs prone to producing 'RSE' (reddish
      pink, soft and exudative) meat in normal pigs.
AB  - RSE (reddish-pink, soft and exudative) meat was investigated using pigs of three
      different halothane genotypes. A significantly lower pH(1h), value was observed
      in RSE compared with that of RFN (red, firm and non-exudative) -meat, both of
      which have values higher than 6.0 at 1 hr post-mortem. Drip loss (%) in RSE-meat
      was >=7%, which was twice that of RFN-meat. Normal values for fibre optic probe
      and Minolta L and a were observed for RSE-meat. RSE-meat could be derived from NN
      and Nn pigs, and its formation could be induced from RFN-prone pigs by poor post
      slaughter management. Pigs expected to produce RSE-meat were identified using
      small biopsy samples of M. longissimus dorsi (LD). Predicted RSE-meat in live
      pigs was confirmed by post-mortem assessments of meat quality using LD muscle.
      With NN Landrace-Yorkshire * Duroc pigs, 15.6% were identified to be RSE-prone in
      live pigs, and a further 6.7% RSE was induced after slaughter from RFN pigs. The
      rate of glycolysis determined from biopsy LD samples and at 1 hr post-mortem
      (pH(1h)) were significantly (p < 0.001) faster in RSE than in RFN-prone pigs, but
      significantly slower than those of PSE-prone pigs. Good correlations (p < 0.001)
      were observed between biopsy fluid (F) values, an indicator of water-holding
      capacity (WHC), and drip loss (r = 0.652) from post-mortem LD muscle, and between
      biopsy pH (F), an indicator for the rate of glycolysis, and F (r = -0.828). These
      results show that the skeletal muscle test using biopsy LD muscle could be
      employed to reduce the incidence of RSE-meat.

PMID- 22063074
TI  - A method for identification of frozen meat used for production of cooked ham.
AB  - A simple method to distinguish if the meat used for production of cooked hams was
      frozen or unfrozen was developed. Several analytical parameters of quality in
      meat products (general and colour parameters and protein fraction) were
      determined in two types of cooked hams: one elaborated with refrigerated (R) and
      another with frozen and thawed (F/T) raw hams. Student's t-test was applied to
      compare both groups, but it could not be concluded if R and F/T cooked hams had
      the same quality or not. For this reason two multivariate statistical analyses,
      Factor (FA) and Discriminant Analysis (DA), were applied. The application of FA
      resulted in the separation of the two groups of cooked hams and allowed the
      selection of the parameters which were used in Discriminant Analysis (DA). A
      discriminant function, that is both easy to use and to interpret, was obtained.

PMID- 22063075
TI  - Effect of the dietary supplementation with vitamin E on colour stability and
      lipid oxidation in packaged, minced pork.
AB  - The effect of supplementation of vitamin E (200 W kg(-1) feed) in the diet of
      pigs on colour stability and lipid oxidation in minced pork was studied. Control
      and enriched diets were provided for the last 12 weeks before slaughter. Half of
      the samples of minced shoulder meat from control and supplemented pigs were
      packaged on trays with oxygen-permeable overwraps and half in modified atmosphere
      packs (initial gas mixture: O(2)/CO(2)/N(2) = 66/ 27/7). Meats were stored for 10
      days at 7  degrees C in an illuminated retail display cabinet. The meat from
      vitamin E-supplemented pigs was more resistant to lipid oxidation than was the
      control meat. Gas packaging appeared to increase lipid oxidation in control meat,
      whereas lipid oxidation was stable in meat from vitamin E-supplemented pigs.
      Colour stability for gaspacked meat was comparable for both dietary groups.
      However, oxygen-permeable overwraps had a negative effect on colour stability in
      vitamin E-enriched meat. The reason for this is not known. The shelf-life of
      enriched and control meat was similar. Thus supplementation of pig feeds with
      vitamin E is recommended if an improved stability against lipid oxidation of
      (minced) pork is required.

PMID- 22063076
TI  - Random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) fingerprints for identification of red
      meat animal species.
AB  - The random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) method was used to generate
      fingerprint patterns for 10 meat species: wild boar, pig, horse, buffalo, beef,
      venison, dog, cat, rabbit and kangaroo. A total of 29 10-nucleotide primers, with
      GC contents ranging from 50-80%, were evaluated for their specificity and
      efficiency. The fingerprint patterns that were generated were found in some cases
      to be species-specific, i.e. one species could be differentiated from another.
      The advantages and disadvantages of using RAPD-PCR for the identification of red
      meat species are also discussed.

PMID- 22063077
TI  - Effects of age and/or weight at slaughter on longissimus dorsi muscle:
      Biochemical traits and sensory quality in pigs.
AB  - The effect of increasing either age alone through feed restriction, or both age
      and weight at slaughter, on the quality of the longissimus dorsi muscle (LM) was
      investigated. Starting at 83 days of age and 32 kg, 80 pigs were allotted within
      litter to four experimental groups. All pigs were free of RYR1 mutated gene. Pigs
      were fed either ad libitum (A100, A130) or restricted 30% (R100, R130) and
      slaughtered at either 100 kg (A 100, R100) or 130 kg (A130, R130) body weight.
      Restricting feed intake in order to increase age at the same weight resulted in
      slower growth, better feed efficiency and increased leanness, whereas increasing
      age and weight simultaneously elicited slower growth, reduced feed efficiency and
      fatter carcasses. Intramuscular fat (IMF) and muscle collagen concentration were
      reduced by restricted feeding. Increase in both age and weight of pigs resulted
      in lower water, and higher protein and IMF concentrations. Although pigs were
      free of RYR1 gene, the PSE condition (defined as pH1 <= 5.9) developed in 25
      carcasses, with a higher incidence in restricted pigs. PSE animals were excluded
      from the subsequent analysis of meat quality data. Feed restriction resulted in
      higher drip loss and lower a(*) and c(*) (saturation index) values. Longer
      myofibril fragments in muscle of restricted pigs on day 1 post mortem are
      indicative of slower maturation, while longer fragments on day 4 in heavier pigs,
      suggest that the extent of post mortem tenderisation could be negatively affected
      by the elevation of slaughter weight. Feed restriction had no significant effect
      on meat sensory quality, whereas increase in both age and weight resulted in
      lower tenderness, chewiness and mouth coating scores. Our results indicate that
      increasing age at a given body weight, via feed restriction, reduced IMF and
      collagen concentrations, and the rate of post mortem proteolysis, however, this
      had no significant impact on pork quality assessed after 4 days of ageing. On the
      other hand, increasing both age and weight at slaughter could alter pork texture,
      in spite of elevated IMF concentration.

PMID- 22063079
TI  - Letter to the editor: Initial toughness of meat.

PMID- 22063078
TI  - Effect of dietary fat and vitamin E on colour stability and on lipid and protein
      oxidation in Turkey meat during storage.
AB  - The objectives of the study were to investigate the effects of dietary fat (6%
      soya oil or rapeseed oil or tallow), together with tocopheryl acetate at either a
      basal (30 ppm) or a supplemented (400 ppm) level for 16 weeks on lipid and
      protein oxidation, including myoglobin, during refrigerated storage of turkey
      muscles. When turkeys were fed tallow in particular, vitamin E supplementation
      improved the vitamin E status of the muscles. Vitamin E supplementation
      significantly delayed lipid oxidation measured by TBARS, whatever the dietary
      fat. TBARS were highest in meat from animals fed soya oil. Vitamin E
      supplementation had no positive effect on colour stability of meat during
      refrigerated storage. Feeding soya oil induced significantly higher oxidation of
      proteins (carbonyl content) than rapeseed oil or tallow and vitamin E
      supplementation induced a slight decrease in carbonyl content at day 9 of storage
      for M. sartorius. SH content was significantly higher in vitamin E supplemented
      M. sartorius and M. pectoralis than in controls.

PMID- 22063080
TI  - Systemic thrombolytic therapy in acute ischemic stroke--new experiences in
      spreading network of stroke units in Croatia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aims of this paper are: 1) to present the data of systemic
      thrombolysis for ischemic stroke in five Croatian centers from July 2008 till
      January 2010; 2) to compare the results between centers and; 3) to compare data
      with previously published results from 2006 to 2008 period from our center, and
      with the data from SITS (Safe Implementation of Treatments in Stroke). METHODS:
      We retrospectively reviewed the medical data of thrombolysed patients in
      following hospitals: University Hospital Center Zagreb (91 patients), University
      Hospital Split (25 patients), University Hospital Osijek (22 patients), General
      Hospital Varazdin (21 patient), and General Hospital Zadar (7 patients). RESULTS:
      The "time to door" for all centers was 79.71+/-38.63 min, the "door to needle"
      period was 64.39+/-24.18 min. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures at admission
      were 158.65+/-27.72 and 90.18+/-15.03 mm Hg, respectively. Systolic and diastolic
      blood pressures measured immediately prior to administering rt-PA were 152.19+/
      23.17 and 85.40+/-15.27 mm Hg, respectively. Initial median NIHSS score was 12,
      median NIHSS 2h post thrombolysis was 8, and 7th day after rt-PA treatment 4.
      Intracerebral hemorrhages or secondary hemorrhagic transformations occurred in 21
      (12.65%) patients, among which nine were symptomatic. In a 4.5h time window total
      of 17 patients were thrombolysed. We did not find any differences in outcome
      between this group and group of patients thrombolysed in the 3h time-window. The
      group of patients older than 80 years had a worse outcome. CONCLUSIONS: According
      to our data, treatment with rt-PA is safe, feasible and effective for stroke
      patients in both university as well as regional hospitals having stroke units
      established. Organization of stroke units in regional hospitals, as well as
      systematic education of public health workers and neurologists, leads to the
      possibility for each patient to reach the nearest stroke unit and gets the
      thrombolytic therapy in the therapeutic time window.

PMID- 22063081
TI  - Late onset vanishing white matter disease presenting with learning difficulties.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Vanishing white matter is an inherited leukoencephalopathy with
      typical childhood onset. Late onset forms are rare and may present with an
      extended range of phenotypes. Case report We present a patient born to
      consanguineous parents who developed learning disabilities by the age of 16
      years. At the age of 25 she had a focal motor seizure with subsequent
      hemiparesis. After an extensive investigation she was diagnosed and treated as
      multiple sclerosis. There was progressive memory and planning impairment and, six
      years later, Sjogren syndrome with central nervous system involvement was
      diagnosed. For six months she was treated with cyclophosphamide, without any
      improvement. The next two years she had major clinical deterioration following
      infections. A homozygous mutation was identified in the EIF2B5 gene at the age of
      33, and she died a year later. CONCLUSIONS: VWM leukoencephalopathy is still
      largely recognized as a pediatric disorder, with many adult neurologists being
      unfamiliar with the late onset presentations. We wish to draw attention into
      these forms, avoiding submitting these patients to extensive workup and
      unnecessary treatments.

PMID- 22063082
TI  - Recovery of myocardial tissue from extracted leads.

PMID- 22063083
TI  - The value of in silico chemistry in the safety assessment of chemicals in the
      consumer goods and pharmaceutical industries.
AB  - In silico toxicology prediction is an extremely challenging area because many
      toxicological effects are a result of changes in multiple physiological
      processes. In this article we discuss limitations and strengths of these in
      silico tools. Additionally, we look at different parameters that are necessary to
      make the best use of these tools, and also how to gain acceptance outside the
      modelling community and into the regulatory arena. As a solution, we propose an
      integrated workflow for combined use of data extraction, quantitative structure
      activity relationships and read-across methods. We also discuss how the recent
      advances in this field can enable transition to a new paradigm of the discovery
      process, as exemplified by the Toxicity Testing in the 21st Century initiative.

PMID- 22063084
TI  - Cholesterol content and fatty acid composition of rhea meat.
AB  - The influence of species and muscle on the intramuscular fat content, cholesterol
      content and fatty acid composition of Greater and Lesser Rhea meat were
      evaluated. Muscle has no influence (P>0.05) on any of these characteristics.
      Neither intramuscular fat (1.23%) nor cholesterol content (57 mg/100 g) differed
      (P>0.05) between species. Despite differences (P<0.05) in the percentage of
      individual fatty acids, total saturated fatty acids (33.1%) did not differ
      (P>0.05) between species, while total monounsaturated fatty acids (26.8 vs 32.2%)
      was lower (P<0.05) and total polyunsaturated fatty acids (39.7 vs 33.6%) higher
      (P<0.05) for Greater than Lesser Rhea.

PMID- 22063085
TI  - Consumer perception, facts and possibilities to improve acceptability of health
      and sensory characteristics of pork.
AB  - Changes at consumer level, as well as an image decline of the meat sector,
      resulted in considerable decreases of fresh meat consumption. Consumer
      orientation is considered as a prerequisite to slow down or reverse the adverse
      fresh pork consumption evolution. Consumer perception of pork is taken as the
      starting point of this article. Focus is first on assessing differences between
      facts related to nutritional value and healthiness aspects of pork and their
      perception by Belgian meat consumers. Second, possibilities of improving pork
      characteristics are identified. Pork is perceived worst as compared to beef and
      poultry on the attributes leanness, healthiness, taste and tenderness. Consumer
      oriented response strategies should focus at improving these intrinsic quality
      characteristics, before other elements like traceability, labelling or marketing
      can be implemented successfully. The possibilities to improve nutritional value,
      healthiness and sensory characteristics pertain to selection, pig diet
      composition, transport, slaughter and post-slaughter circumstances. A successful
      adoption of consumer orientation urges for co-operation throughout the entire
      pork production chain. The identified topics are key attention points for
      adequate production and marketing by the pork sector, as well as for consequent
      communication by government and public services.

PMID- 22063086
TI  - The effect of stress, applied immediately before stunning, on pork quality.
AB  - The effect on meat quality characteristics of stress, applied during a short
      period just before stunning, was studied on slaughterpigs (113 boars, 85 gilts).
      Sexes were kept separately and only pigs that had been stunned correctly were
      included. Aggressive behaviour during lairage occurred more frequently in boars
      (about twice) than in gilts. Just before stunning, two animals of the same sex,
      that were lairaged for an equal period at the slaughter facility, were moved as
      quietly as possible to the stunning pen, after which one pig was stunned
      immediately and the other subsequently forced to move through the stunning pen
      over a period of 1 min. Stress resulted in lower pH values and higher
      temperatures in the semimembranosus (SM) and the longissimus lumborum (LL)
      muscles and a higher rigor mortis value of the SM, at 45 min post mortem. Stress
      affected water holding capacity of the LL negatively at 24 h p.m. Statistically
      significant interactions were present for sex*stress for several meat quality
      traits. In general, gilts reacted more strongly to short periods of stress than
      did boars.

PMID- 22063087
TI  - Changes in connective tissue of M. semitendinosus as a response to different
      growth paths in steers.
AB  - The effect of growth path, as opposed to advancing age, on the biophysical and
      biochemical properties of muscle connective tissue was investigated. Nine-month
      old Brahman-cross steers were grown across either an uninterrupted path, or paths
      that incorporated weight-loss and then weight gain on two different diets: one
      group was realimented on pasture, whilst the other was realimented on a grain
      based diet. Biophysical attributes of connective tissue toughness (Compression
      and Adhesion) in the semitendinosus muscle, were significantly reduced by
      treatment (P<0.05): weight loss with grain realimentation being the least tough
      in regard to the connective tissue component. Variance within the biophysical
      attributes was modelled statistically. Statistically significant models included
      terms for the post-slaughter connective tissue content as well as tissue contents
      of the enzymes lactate dehydrogenase and isocitrate dehydrogenase. The data
      suggest that biochemical measurements made up to 100 days prior to slaughter, may
      have value as indicators of final connective tissue toughness.

PMID- 22063088
TI  - Effect of the type of diet on muscle characteristics and meat palatability of
      growing Salers bulls.
AB  - The effect of the type of diet (hay vs grass silage) on body composition and
      characteristics and palatability of semitendinosus (ST) and longissimus thoracis
      (LT) muscles of 16 month old Salers bulls fed at the same energy levels were
      studied. Animals fed hay had a lower daily weight gain and carcass weight and
      were leaner. There were no significant differences in the proportions of fibre
      types in the ST or LT due to diet. ST muscle of hay fed animals had a lower
      oxidative metabolism, but contained similar amounts of total and type I collagen
      and greater amounts, and proportions of soluble collagen and of type III
      collagen, than those of animals fed grass silage. ST muscles of hay-fed animals
      were more tender than those of silage-fed animals.

PMID- 22063089
TI  - Effects of electrical stimulation on early postmortem muscle pH and temperature
      declines in pigs from different genetic lines and halothane genotypes.
AB  - The objective of this study was to determine if electrical stimulation (ES) early
      postmortem is an effective method to generate PSE-like meat. One hundred and
      thirty-eight gilts (85-125 kg) from heavy muscled (HM), normal muscled (NM), and
      light muscled (LM) porcine genetic lines were subjected to one of two treatments:
      ES (26 pulses of 500 V, 60 Hz) at 3 min postmortem or non-stimulated (NS). Pigs
      from HM line were further characterized as halothane (HAL) carriers (Nn) or non
      carriers (NN). ES carcasses had lower (P<0.0001) pH values and higher (P<0.0001)
      temperature than NS carcasses during the first 56 min postmortem. ES carcasses
      had lower (P<0.0001) a*-values, and color and firmness scores, as well as higher
      (P<0.0001) drip loss and L*-values. No significant interactions were found
      between treatment and genetic line or HAL gene status with regard to pH,
      temperature, or quality characteristics. Temperature and pH declines within the
      first hour postmortem were not affected by genetic line, but slight (P<0.01)
      quality differences were observed. Nn and NN did not differ in pH or temperature
      within the first hour postmortem, but Nn carcasses had lower (P<0.01) color and
      firmness scores, and higher (P<0.05) drip loss. These results show that ES early
      postmortem is an effective method for simulating PSE development in pigs of
      different muscling and HAL gene status, and suggest that pH and temperature
      decline alone cannot explain all aspects of pork quality.

PMID- 22063090
TI  - Optical measurements of pH in meat.
AB  - The pH changes occurring in a carcass during the first 24 h after slaughter are
      important for the quality of the final meat or meat products. Protein
      denaturation will occur if pH falls to too low a level or if a relatively low pH
      sets in at a time after slaughter where the carcass temperature is still high.
      This will result in meat with poor water holding capacity and in extreme cases in
      meat that is PSE. pH is measured electrochemically using either glass or solid
      state (IS-FET) electrodes. However, electrochemically based methods are slow to
      use and do not offer good precision on unhomogenized meat. In this work it has
      been investigated whether pH can be measured spectroscopically in reflectance
      using the visual and near infrared spectral regions. On a limited number of pig
      meat samples (46 longissimus dorsi and 46 semimembranosus muscles) correlations
      of 0.85 have been achieved using the fast spectroscopic techniques opposed to
      glass electrode measurements done in duplicate. The prediction errors for the
      spectroscopic techniques are found to be comparable to the precision of the
      reference method.

PMID- 22063091
TI  - Hind-limb protein metabolism and calpain system activity influence post-mortem
      change in meat quality in lamb [Meat Science 52(1) 9-18].

PMID- 22063092
TI  - Bayesian inference in FMRI.
AB  - Bayesian inference has taken FMRI methods research into areas that frequentist
      statistics have struggled to reach. In this article we will consider some of the
      early forays into Bayes and what motivated its use. We shall see the impact that
      Bayes has had on haemodynamic modelling, spatial modelling, group analysis, model
      selection and brain connectivity analysis; and consider how these advancements
      have spun-off into related areas of neuroscience and some of the challenges that
      remain. Bayes has brought to the table inference flexibility, incorporation of
      prior information, adaptive regularisation and model selection. But perhaps more
      important than these things, is the ability of Bayes to empower the methods
      researcher with a mathematically principled framework for inferring on any model.

PMID- 22063093
TI  - The future of ultra-high field MRI and fMRI for study of the human brain.
AB  - MRI and fMRI have been used for about three and two decades respectively and much
      has changed over this time period, both in the quality of the data and in the
      range of applications for studying the brain. Apart from resolution improvements
      from around 4mm in the early days to below 0.5mm with modern technology, novel
      uses of contrast have led to the ability to sensitize images to some of the
      brain's structural properties at the cellular scale as well as study the
      localization and organization of brain function at the level of cortical columns.
      These developments have in part been facilitated by a continuing drive to
      increase the magnetic field strength. Will the next few decades see similar
      improvements? Here we will discuss current state of high field MRI, expected
      further increases in field strength, and improvements expected with these
      increases.

PMID- 22063094
TI  - Greater corticolimbic activation to high-calorie food cues after eating in obese
      vs. normal-weight adults.
AB  - The goal of this research is to identify the neural response to rewarding food
      cues before and after eating in overweight/obese (OB) and normal-weight (NW)
      adults. Based on the previous literature, we expected greater differential
      activation to food cues vs. objects for OB compared to NW participants both prior
      to eating and after consumption of a typical lunch. Twenty-two overweight/obese
      (11 male) and 16 normal-weight (6 male) individuals participated in a functional
      magnetic resonance imaging task examining neural response to visual cues of high-
      and low-calorie foods before and after eating. The OB group demonstrated
      increased neural response to high- and low-calorie foods after eating in
      comparison to the NW participants in frontal, temporal, and limbic regions. In
      addition, greater activation in corticolimbic regions (lateral OFC, caudate,
      anterior cingulate) to high-calorie food cues was evident in OB vs. NW
      participants after eating. These findings suggest that for OB individuals, high
      calorie food cues show sustained response in brain regions implicated in reward
      and addiction even after eating. Moreover, food cues did not elicit similar brain
      response after eating in the NW group suggesting that neural activity in response
      to food cues diminishes with reduced hunger for these individuals.

PMID- 22063095
TI  - Domain flexibility modulates the heterogeneous assembly mechanism of anthrax
      toxin protective antigen.
AB  - The three protein components of anthrax toxin are nontoxic individually, but they
      form active holotoxin complexes upon assembly. The role of the protective antigen
      (PA) component of the toxin is to deliver two other enzyme components, lethal
      factor and edema factor, across the plasma membrane and into the cytoplasm of
      target cells. PA is produced as a proprotein, which must be proteolytically
      activated; generally, cell surface activation is mediated by a furin family
      protease. Activated PA can then assemble into one of two noninterconverting
      oligomers, a homoheptamer and a homooctamer, which have unique properties. Herein
      we describe molecular determinants that influence the stoichiometry of PA in
      toxin complexes. By tethering PA domain 4 (D4) to domain 2 with two different
      length cross-links, we can control the relative proportions of PA heptamers and
      octamers. The longer cross-link favors octamer formation, whereas the shorter one
      favors formation of the heptamer. X-ray crystal structures of PA (up to 1.45 A
      resolution), including these cross-linked PA constructs, reveal that a hinge-like
      movement of D4 correlates with the relative preference for each oligomeric
      architecture. Furthermore, we report the conformation of the flexible loop
      containing the furin cleavage site and show that, for efficient processing, the
      furin site cannot be moved ~5 or 6 residues within the loop. We propose that
      there are different orientations of D4 relative to the main body of PA that favor
      the formation of either the heptamer or the octamer.

PMID- 22063096
TI  - Cross-monomer substrate contacts reposition the Hsp90 N-terminal domain and prime
      the chaperone activity.
AB  - The ubiquitous molecular chaperone Hsp90 plays a critical role in substrate
      protein folding and maintenance, but the functional mechanism has been difficult
      to elucidate. In previous work, a model Hsp90 substrate revealed an activation
      process in which substrate binding accelerates a large open/closed conformational
      change required for ATP hydrolysis by Hsp90. While this could serve as an elegant
      mechanism for conserving ATP usage for productive interactions on the substrate,
      the structural origin of substrate-catalyzed Hsp90 conformational changes is
      unknown. Here, we find that substrate binding affects an intrinsically
      unfavorable rotation of the Hsp90 N-terminal domain (NTD) relative to the middle
      domain (MD) that is required for closure. We identify an MD substrate binding
      region on the interior cleft of the Hsp90 dimer and show that a secondary set of
      substrate contacts drives an NTD orientation change on the opposite monomer.
      These results suggest an Hsp90 activation mechanism in which cross-monomer
      contacts mediated by a partially structured substrate prime the chaperone for its
      functional activity.

PMID- 22063097
TI  - The use of high resolution melting analysis to detect Fabry mutations in
      heterozygous females via dry bloodspots.
AB  - BACKGROUND: As an X-linked genetic disorder, Fabry disease was first thought to
      affect males only, and females were generally considered to be asymptomatic
      carriers. However, recent research suggests that female carriers of Fabry disease
      may still develop vital organ damage causing severe morbidity and mortality. In
      the previous newborn screening, from 299,007 newborns, we identified a total of
      20 different Fabry mutations and 121 newborns with Fabry mutations. However, we
      found that most female carriers are not detected by enzyme assays. METHODS: A
      streamlined method for high resolution melting (HRM) analysis was designed to
      screen for GLA gene mutations using a same PCR and melting program. Primer sets
      were designed to cover the 7 exons and the Chinese common intronic mutation,
      IVS4+919G>A of GLA gene. RESULTS: The HRM analysis was successful in identifying
      heterozygous and hemizygous patients with the 20 surveyed mutations. We were also
      successful in using this method to test dry blood spots of newborns afflicted
      with Fabry mutations without having to determine DNA concentration before PCR
      amplification. CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that HRM could be a
      reliable and sensitive method for use in the rapid screening of females for GLA
      mutations.

PMID- 22063098
TI  - Sarcoid reactions in the skin: 3 cases in association with B-cell lymphomas.

PMID- 22063099
TI  - Effects of dietary fats on meat quality and sensory characteristics of heavy pig
      loins.
AB  - This study examined the influence of dietary fat supplementation to heavy pigs on
      the meat quality and sensory characteristics of loins. The animals were fed diets
      containing tallow (TA), corn oil (CO) or rapeseed oil (RO) from 25 kg up to 160
      kg live weight (LW). The fats were added at 3% as fed from 25 to 110 kg LW, and
      at 2.5% from 110 kg LW to slaughtering. Diets were fed at 9% BW(0.75). We found
      no differences between dietary treatments for loin weight, pH, or color of
      longissimus lumborum (LL) muscle at 45 min and 24 h after slaughtering. No
      significant differences in moisture, total protein or total lipid content of LL
      muscle were found. The linolenic acid content of the total lipid of LL muscle was
      higher in pigs fed RO than those fed TA and CO. The oxidative stability of LL, as
      determined by induced TBARS, was lower in pigs fed CO - after 60 min of forced
      oxidation - and in animals fed CO and RO after 300 min, compared to those fed TA.
      No significant differences in the sensory characteristics of loin were discerned
      by a panel of trained tasters. These results indicate that long-term nutrition
      with added fat at the levels we used has little or no effect on the meat quality
      or sensory characteristics of heavy pig loin.

PMID- 22063100
TI  - Effect of dietary conjugated linoleic acid, irradiation, and packaging conditions
      on the quality characteristics of raw broiler breast fillets.
AB  - Skinless breast fillets were harvested from broilers fed with 0, 0.25, 0.5, or
      1.0% conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) for 3 weeks. Fillets were either vacuum or
      aerobically packaged, then irradiated at 0 or 3.0 kGy using a Linear Accelerator.
      Breast fillets were analyzed for thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS),
      volatile profiles, and color at 0 and 7 days of storage at 4 degrees C. Dietary
      CLA reduced TBARS, but had no effect on volatile profiles and color of breast
      fillets. Color a* value of breast fillets increased after irradiation.
      Irradiation also induced production of many volatiles, mainly alkanes and
      alkenes, which could be the breakdown products of unsaturated fatty acids and
      amino acids. High amount of dimethyl disulfide was detected in the volatiles of
      irradiated fillets. Low level of hexanal and pentanal in volatiles, together with
      low TBARS values, indicated that lipid oxidation of breast fillets after
      irradiation is not a big concern.

PMID- 22063101
TI  - Effects of RN genotype and silage feed on fat content and fatty acid composition
      of fresh and cooked pork loin.
AB  - This study aimed to establish effects of RN genotype and feed (red clover silage)
      on intra muscular fat content (IMF) and fatty acid composition (FA) of fresh and
      cooked pork loin (M. longissimus dorsi). Raw loins from silage-fed pigs compared
      with those from conventionally fed pigs had lower IMF, lower relative levels
      (rel.%) of saturated (SAFA) and monounsaturated (MUFA) fatty acids, and higher
      rel.% of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA, omega6, omega3). Cooked loins, from
      silage-fed pigs compared with those of conventionally fed pigs, had higher rel.%
      of omega3, and lower omega6/omega3 ratios. IMF and cooking influenced FA
      concentrations in a pork portion. The differences in concentrations of SAFA,
      MUFA, PUFA and omega6 between raw loins of silage-fed pigs and conventionally fed
      pigs did not remain in cooked loins. The omega6/omega3 ratio, however, remained
      low, and thus more beneficial in loins from silage-fed pigs after cooking.

PMID- 22063102
TI  - Carbon monoxide-heme pigment is responsible for the pink color in irradiated raw
      turkey breast meat.
AB  - Turkey breast muscles were aerobically or vacuum packaged, irradiated at 0, 2.5,
      or 5.0 kGy using a Linear Accelerator (electron beam), and stored at 4 degrees C.
      The CIE color values, reflectance scan, oxidation-reduction potential (ORP),
      production of gaseous compounds, and lipid oxidation of samples were determined
      at 0, 1, and 2 weeks of storage. Absorption spectra of sample drips were
      determined at 1 week of storage. Irradiation increased the a-value of both
      aerobically and vacuum-packaged turkey breast, but vacuum-packaged meat had
      stronger intensity than the aerobically packaged. The increased redness in vacuum
      packaged meat was stable during the 2 weeks of storage. The production of CO in
      meat, which can bind to myoglobin as a sixth ligand, was proportional to
      irradiation dose. The ORP was decreased by irradiation, but was increased during
      storage. The ORP and lipid oxidation values were lower in vacuum-packaged than
      those in aerobically packaged turkey breast. Therefore, increased a-values in
      irradiated turkey breast should be caused by the decreased ORP and heme pigment
      CO ligand formation. The absorption spectra of meat drip also showed that the
      peak wavelengths of irradiated turkey breast were similar to that of the CO
      myoglobin.

PMID- 22063103
TI  - Effect of vitamin E supplementation on alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene
      concentrations in tissues from pasture- and grain-fed cattle.
AB  - The effects of dietary vitamin E supplementation of grain-fed cattle on lipid
      oxidation and meat colour have been extensively investigated, but little
      attention has been given to pasture-fed cattle where meat is likely to contain
      naturally high amounts of alpha-tocopherol and carotenoids. In the work
      described, we evaluated the effects of pasture-feeding alone and with vitamin E
      supplementation on tissue levels of anti-oxidants and compared the findings with
      those obtained for grain-fed cattle with and without supplementation. Sorghum was
      the major component of the grained-based ration. alpha-Tocopherol concentrations
      in plasma, muscle and fat tissues of pasture-fed cattle were not affected by
      vitamin E supplementation (2500 IU/head/day for 132 days prior to slaughter)
      while those of grain-fed cattle increased significantly. The alpha-tocopherol
      concentrations in the supplemented grain-fed cattle were similar in muscle and
      liver to pasture-fed animals but were lower in their fat (P<0.05). The major
      carotenoid present in all tissues studied from pasture-fed was beta-carotene and
      its contents in plasma, liver, fat and muscles were decreased (P<0.05) by
      supplementation with vitamin E. Carotenoids were essentially absent in grain-fed
      cattle except for small amounts in liver. The implication of this study for the
      meat industry is that cattle grazed on good pasture can achieve concentrations of
      alpha-tocopherol in muscles and other tissues at least as high as those obtained
      by supra-nutritional supplementation of grain-fed cattle with vitamin E. However,
      alpha-tocopherol supplementation of pasture-fed cattle reduced tissue
      concentrations of beta-carotene, which would reduce carcase fat yellowness and
      make pasture-fed cattle more acceptable to some Asian markets.

PMID- 22063104
TI  - Lipid stability and meat colour of beef from pasture- and grain-fed cattle with
      or without vitamin E supplement.
AB  - Meat from pasture-fed cattle can have high contents of alpha-tocopherol and other
      anti-oxidants originating from naturally occurring compounds present in grasses.
      However, meat from pasture-fed cattle may have an increased demand for endogenous
      anti-oxidants because of its high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, which
      in turn, may affect its colour and lipid stability. In the work described, we
      evaluated the effects of pasture-feeding alone and with vitamin E supplementation
      and compared the findings with those obtained for grain-fed cattle (predominantly
      sorghum) with and without supplementation. Within each nutritional background,
      vitamin E supplementation did not alter meat colour or colour stability of fresh
      or 47-day aged muscle during 7-day aerobic storage. However, both control and
      supplemented grain-fed product had better meat colour (more redness) compared
      with meat from grass-fed cattle. These differences in redness between pasture-
      and grain-fed fresh beef were not apparent after ageing. The treatments did not
      affect the lipid stability of fresh meat during aerobic storage; however,
      supplementation reduced (P<0.01) lipid oxidation in grain-fed aged beef compared
      with pasture-fed aged beef, despite both having similar alpha-tocopherol
      contents. Pasture-fed beef had more linolenic acid, less linoleic acid and,
      overall, was more polyunsaturated than grain-fed beef (P<0.05). In summary,
      vitamin E supplementation of pasture-fed cattle did not alter muscle tocopherol
      contents but pasture-fed beef (both control and supplemented) was more
      susceptible to lipid oxidation following ageing than vitamin E supplemented grain
      fed beef.

PMID- 22063105
TI  - Electrical impedance and tenderisation in bovine meat.
AB  - The electrical properties and the muscle fibre mechanical resistance of different
      beef muscles were measured between 1 and 14 days post-mortem. Electrical
      measurements used different electrode types working by contact with or
      penetration of muscle. Measurements from the different electrode types were
      strongly correlated (0.83< r(2) <0.96). Both impedance (Z) and the ratio Z(1
      kHz)/ Z(100 kHz) decrease during ageing. These parameters show an almost linear
      relationship with muscle fibre mechanical resistance. However, the slope of these
      curves for one muscle changed among animals. Therefore, these electrical
      parameters are not useful for the prediction of the state of ageing. Meat
      electrical anisotropy decreases both when frequency increases and with ageing.
      Electrical anisotropy measured at 1 kHz is significantly (r=0.59, N=129 P<0.01)
      correlated to muscle fibre mechanical resistance. The mean anisotropy decreases
      linearly with muscle fibre mechanical resistance in the same way for
      Semimembranosus and Pectoralis Profundus muscles. When meat is fully aged it is
      almost electrically isotropic. Electrical anisotropy is, therefore a potential
      parameter to evaluate meat ageing, but improvements in accuracy are needed before
      it can be used.

PMID- 22063106
TI  - Comparison of CO(2) stunning with manual electrical stunning (50 Hz) of pigs on
      carcass and meat quality.
AB  - The effects of carbon dioxide stunning on carcass and pork quality attributes
      were compared with the effects of manual electrical stunning using either head
      only or head-to-brisket electrodes. A total of 30 Large White*Landrace boars
      (homozygous dominant for the halothane gene) were randomly allocated immediately
      prior to slaughter to one of three stunning treatments: carbon dioxide (90%
      CO(2)), head only (HO; 1.3 A for 4 s at a frequency of 50 Hz) or head to brisket
      (HBR; 1.3 A for 4 s at a frequency of 50 Hz) electrical stunning. The pH of the
      M. longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle measured at two sites [between the fifth and
      sixth thoracic vertebrae (Site 1) and the last thoracic rib (Site 2)] at 40 min
      post-slaughter was lower (P<0.001) in HBR stunned pigs compared with both CO(2)
      and HO stunned pigs. No differences in ultimate pH of the LT at either
      measurement site were found due to stunning method. However, a faster (P<0.05)
      relative rate of pH decline was found in the LT at Site 1 from HBR stunned pigs
      compared with CO(2) stunned pigs. No difference in the relative rate of muscle pH
      decline (P>0.05) between stunning methods was found in the LT muscle at Site 2.
      Pork from HBR stunned pigs was paler (P<0.05) and had a higher (P<0.001)
      percentage drip loss compared with pork from HO and CO(2) stunned pigs. LT
      muscles from HBR stunned pigs had lower (P<0.001) WB shear force values compared
      with pork from HO stunned pigs (6.57 vs. 8.12 kg, S.E.D. 0.49). Carcass quality
      was improved by CO(2) stunning, with less (P<0.05) ecchymosis-affected pork
      trimmed from shoulder primals compared with electrically stunned pigs. These
      results indicate that manual electrical stunning of pigs using HO tongs and CO(2)
      stunning reduced percentage drip loss, reduced muscle lightness and reduced the
      rate of muscle pH decline compared with pigs manually electrically stunned using
      HBR tongs.

PMID- 22063107
TI  - Sexing of beef - a survey of possible methods.
AB  - The beef trade, amounting to several billion Euro per year, is of great
      importance in the European Union. Several measures have been introduced to
      support beef producers, such as intervention buying. However, these payments are
      only effected for male beef, which represents a temptation for fraud.
      Consequently, reliable methods for sexing of beef are required. This report
      summarises existing methods in EU countries as well as possible alternatives
      deduced from the literature. Individual methods are discussed for their
      advantages and disadvantages as well as their general applicability.

PMID- 22063108
TI  - Analysis of raw meat to predict proteolysis in Parma ham.
AB  - Four hundred and thirty-seven pigs (223 purebred Italian Large White, 97 Italian
      Landrace, and 117 Duroc), were studied to examine the effect of breed on meat
      quality and assess the possibility of relating proteolysis of dry-cured hams to
      raw meat quality. The Duroc pigs had intramuscular fat contents and water holding
      capacities (M. Semimembranosus) significantly higher than those of the Large
      White and Landrace. The latter had a significantly higher pH(24h) and cathepsin B
      activities significantly lower than the Duroc breed. The dry-cured hams (M.
      Biceps femoris) from the three breeds were significantly different in proximate
      composition, proteolysis and weight loss at the end of ageing. Data for green
      hams (including salt content) were used to compute a model to fit the proteolysis
      of the corresponding dry-cured hams. The variables included in the model
      (R(2)=0.53 and P<0.01) were cathepsin B activity of raw ham, pH(24h), weight loss
      after the first salting step, and the salt content of the dry-cured ham. The raw
      hams with the highest cathepsin B activities, the lowest pH(24h), and the highest
      weight loss after the first salting were those in which greatest proteolysis
      occured.

PMID- 22063109
TI  - A comparison of biochemical and meat quality variables in red deer (Cervus
      elaphus) following either slaughter at pasture or killing at a deer slaughter
      plant.
AB  - To investigate effects of pre-slaughter handling on blood and muscle biochemistry
      and venison quality, paddock-shot (n=8) and commercially slaughtered red deer
      (n=8) were compared. The deer were kept in two larger groups. One stag per group
      per day was head-shot, exsanguinated, electrically stimulated then transported
      150 m to a deer slaughter premises (DSP) for processing. Prior to each slaughter
      day one of the groups was mustered into a deer yards and six (including two
      experimental) deer were selected for commercial handling and processing
      (including electrical stimulation) at the same DSP. Blood samples taken during
      exsanguination showed higher levels of cortisol, progesterone, glucose, lactate,
      albumin, creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate aminotransferase and
      packed cell volume in the DSP-killed deer compared with the paddock-shot deer
      (P<0.05). Interpretation of these values indicated that pre-slaughter handling
      created moderate stress and high levels of muscular exertion or damage, possibly
      related to antagonism during lairage. However muscle glycogen, pH and meat
      quality measurements showed only minor, muscle-specific differences between
      treatments.

PMID- 22063110
TI  - The effect of genotype, sex and management strategy on the eating quality of
      pork.
AB  - Two hundred and sixteen (Large White*Landrace*Duroc) crossbred pigs were used to
      determine the influence of genotype, sex, and management strategies on pork
      quality. The experiment was a 2*3*3 factorial design with the main treatments
      being genotype (A - 50% and B - <25% Duroc bloodline), sex (females, surgical
      barrows and immunological barrows) and management strategy (control - C, dietary
      conjugated linoleic acid supplementation - CLA, and porcine somatotropin
      administration - pST). Genotype A pigs had less backfat (P2 site), higher
      intramuscular fat percentage, higher muscle ultimate pH (pH(u)) and surface
      exudate, and the pork was tougher and less acceptable compared with Genotype B
      pigs. Female pigs had lower muscle pH(u), higher surface exudate and tougher pork
      compared with both surgical and immunological barrows. Pigs fed the control diet
      had lower muscle pH(u) and higher surface exudate compared with pigs fed the CLA
      supplemented diet or administered pST. Pigs fed the control diet had higher
      consumer likeness scores for flavour, tenderness, juiciness and overall
      acceptability compared with pigs fed the CLA supplemented diet or administered
      pST. The results from this experiment indicate that pork eating quality is
      reliant on a complex interaction between genotype and sex. The results also
      indicate that management strategies such as pST administration and CLA
      supplementation, while being effective in reducing backfat, have the potential to
      have a negative impact on pork quality.

PMID- 22063111
TI  - Determination of the precision of the fatty acid analysis of Iberian pig fat by
      gas chromatography. Results of a mini collaborative study.
AB  - A collaborative study was carried out to determine the repeatability (error in
      each laboratory) and reproducibility (error between the different laboratories)
      of the fatty acid analysis of Iberian pig fat by gas chromatography. To do this,
      a comparison was made, in accordance with the ISO 5725-2 procedure, of the weight
      percentage (%) of the main fatty acids (C16:0, C18:0, C18:1 and C18:2) in 60
      samples, determined by six laboratories. The results obtained for the relative
      standard deviation of the repeatability (0.56, 0.49, 0.29, and 0.69%) and for the
      relative standard deviation of the reproducibility (3.04, 3.54, 1.78 and 2.86%)
      show that the accuracy obtained is adequate for this analysis method, and in the
      same order or even higher than that obtained by other authors in similar samples.
      The differences between the results obtained on using two extraction methods of
      liquid fat from subcutaneous adipose tissue were recorded with no significant
      differences being observed between them.

PMID- 22063112
TI  - Relationship of texture profile analysis and Warner-Bratzler shear force with
      sensory characteristics of beef rib steaks.
AB  - Cyclical texture profile analysis (TPA) parameters measured using a star-shaped
      probe with two cycles of 80% penetration and Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBS)
      were compared as predictors of objective tenderness and subjective sensory
      characteristics of rib steaks from 52 beef loins. The TPA parameters of hardness,
      cohesiveness and chewiness were negatively correlated (P<0.05) with trained panel
      sensory characteristics of initial tenderness (r=-0.64, -0.41, -0.62,
      respectively), amount of connective tissue (r=-0.57, -0.27, -0.55, respectively),
      overall tenderness (r=-0.68, -0.39, -0.64, respectively) and overall palatability
      (r=-0.56, -0.37, -0.53, respectively). These sensory characteristics were also
      negatively correlated (P<0.05) with WBS (r=-0.61, -0.49, -0.60, -0.56,
      respectively). Stepwise regression analysis generated prediction equations that
      included the TPA parameters of hardness and adhesiveness, which accounted for 47,
      36, 51 and 38% of the variation in initial tenderness, amount of connective
      tissue, overall tenderness and overall palatability, respectively. Prediction
      equations using WBS accounted for 37, 24, 36 and 31% of the variation in initial
      tenderness, amount of connective tissue, overall tenderness and overall
      palatability, respectively. Hence, TPA explained more of the variation in
      subjective sensory tenderness of the rib steaks than WBS.

PMID- 22063113
TI  - Possible mechanism for the effect of the RN(-) allele on pork tenderness.
AB  - The effect of the dominant RN(-) allele on rigor development, ageing and
      tenderness was studied in M. longissimus dorsi (LD) from 11 heterozygous carriers
      and five non-carriers of the RN(-) allele. Rigor development was followed by
      measurements of muscle shortening, isometric tension, pH and FOP. During ageing
      the myofibrillar length and Warner-Bratzler shear force were measured in the
      meat. Sensory analysis was performed at 4 days post-mortem using a trained expert
      panel. It was found that the decrease in pH was faster for RN(-) carriers than
      non-carriers during the first 5 h post-mortem, after which the pH-time slope was
      similar for the two groups. This resulted in a significantly lower mean ultimate
      pH in LD from RN(-) carriers than non-carriers. During rigor development the
      isometric tension was lower in RN(-) carriers than in non-carriers, while
      contraction (shortening and sarcomere length) did not differ significantly
      between the two genotypes. The myofibrillar length, which is an indirect measure
      of the proteolytic activity that has occurred in the meat, was shorter for the
      RN(-) carriers than for the non-carriers. The difference in myofibrillar lengths
      between the genotypes was significant at 1 and 4 days post-mortem but not at 7
      days post-mortem, which indicates that the RN(-) carriers have a higher
      proteolytic activity earlier post-mortem. The results from the Warner-Bratzler
      shear force measurements showed that the meat from the RN(-) carriers was
      significantly more tender, 1 and 4 days post-mortem, than the meat from the non
      carriers. The meat from non-carriers needed 7 days to reach the tenderness
      attained by that from the RN(-) carriers 4 days post-mortem. The greater
      tenderness in LD from RN(-) carriers than that from non-carriers was also
      confirmed by a sensory panel at 4 days post-mortem. In conclusion, differences
      observed in the course of rigor and ageing in muscle from carriers and non
      carriers of the RN(-) allele suggest that proteolytic action, as initiated by a
      more rapid fall in pH, is the most important factor governing the variation in
      tenderness of the two genotypes.

PMID- 22063114
TI  - Effect of stunning conditions on occurence of PSE defects in hams of rn+/RN(-)
      pigs.
AB  - Pigs of the same genetic type at the RN and HAL loci, i.e. rn(+)RN(-)/NN were
      reared in similar conditions of feeding and housing. They were slaughtered in two
      abattoirs (referred to as A1 and A2) using a mixture of air (30%) and CO(2)
      (70%), at a rate of 300 pigs per hour per slaughterline. One hundred and thirty
      two pigs from 11 farms were slaughtered in A1 using a corusinga restrainer and
      127 pigs from 5 farms were slaughtered in A2 with the backloading technique. pH
      at 40 min, 2.5 h and 24 h after slaughter and colour (L*, a*, b*) at 24 h after
      slaughter were measured in the semimembranosus muscle. Meat quality of the ham
      was scored as follows: 1, no PSE-zone; 2, doubtful; 3, PSE-zones in the
      semimembranosus and sometimes on the internal flexor muscles; 4, PSE-zones in all
      the flexor muscles. The muscle pH value was higher in A2 than in A1 at 40 min
      post mortem (P<0.01), but not at 2.5 and 24 h. L* (P<0.001) and b* (P<0.05) were
      higher in A1 than in A2. There was a remarkable difference in meat quality
      scores, with 50% of the hams scoring 3 or 4 in A1, vs 13% in A2. Lairage time
      before slaughter affected (P<0.01) the pH value at 2.5 h (5.69 vs 5.93). The
      values of pH1 and pH2.5 decreased with increasing the meat quality score. The
      values of L* and b* increased markedly with the score. The results of the present
      study indicate that the method of bringing the slaughter pigs to the stunning
      device affects the frequency and importance of PSE meat in the ham. The automated
      driving of groups of animals to the stunning machine combined with the
      backloading of a nacelle, compared to a traditional system driving pigs in single
      file using electrical goads and a restrainer was beneficial with respect to both
      meat quality and animal welfare.

PMID- 22063115
TI  - Storage and packaging effects on sensory and color characteristics of ground
      beef.
AB  - Effects of irradiation (2 kGy) of ground beef patties from trimmings stored
      aerobically for 0 or 6 days on lean color, odor, and sensory attributes were
      investigated. Beef trimings were coarse ground and split into 2 groups. Group one
      was fine ground, pattied, and packaged immediately; group-two was stored 6 days
      then fine ground, pattied, and packaged. Irradiated beef patties had greater
      (P<0.05) off-odors, and off-flavors, lower (P<0.05) CIE L(*), a(*) and b(*) and
      saturation indexes values (P<0.05) after four days of storage at 0+/-1  degrees
      C. Irradiation of patties produced from trimmings aged an extra 6 days resulted
      in increased (P<0.05) saturation indexes and b(*) values, but not off-odors when
      compared to non-aged and irradiated patties. Thus, the production of irradiated
      beef patties should utilize beef trimmings with the shortest postmortem aging
      time and a dose of less than 2 kGy to minimize discoloration and off-odors.

PMID- 22063116
TI  - The effect of night transportation on the heart rate and skin temperature of
      ostriches during real transportation.
AB  - Literature has identified a number of stressors that have negative impacts on the
      welfare of ostriches during transportation. In order to maintain or improve the
      welfare of animals it is important to minimise or eliminate the impact of such
      stressors. Literature suggested that ostrich welfare during transit might be
      improved by using darkened vehicles. A preliminary study was carried out which
      measured the response of ostrich heart rate and skin temperature (indicators of
      stress) to transportation. Comparisons were made between transportation during
      the day and at night. Statistical tests suggested that heart rates and skin
      temperatures recorded during the night were lower than those recorded during the
      day. The usual response of ostriches to darkness is to sit, which provides
      greater stability for the bird while the transportation unit is in motion.
      Temperatures inside the transportation unit were significantly lower at night.
      This may also contribute to the lowering of heart rate and skin temperature as it
      reduces effects of heat stress. The conclusion has been drawn that transporting
      ostriches at night is potentially beneficial for the reduction of stress and
      maintenance of welfare.

PMID- 22063117
TI  - Effect of sodium citrate, carboxymethyl cellulose and carrageenan levels on
      quality characteristics of low-salt and low-fat bologna type sausages.
AB  - Quality characteristics of low-salt bologna-type sausage manufactured with sodium
      citrate (NAC), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and carrageenan (CAR) were examined.
      Three levels of salt, NAC, CMC and CAR, and two levels of fat were used. Batter
      and sausage pH values were measured and the frying loss of sausages was analysed
      by frying slices in an electric grill. Firmness, juiciness, saltiness and flavour
      intensity of the sausages were sensorically evaluated. Altogether 20 separate
      sausage batches were prepared. In low-salt sausages containing less than 1.4%
      NaCl, the use of NAC, CAR and CMC decreased frying loss and increased saltiness.
      NAC and CAR also increased flavour intensity, but CMC did not. Furthermore, NAC,
      CAR and CMC increased the firmness of the low-salt sausage, while only NAC
      increased juiciness when the NaCl content was below 1.4%. NAC increases, however,
      the sodium content of the product. Therefore, it can be concluded that in low
      salt sausages no additive alone is suitable. A mixture of NAC and CAR appears to
      be the best combination.

PMID- 22063118
TI  - Physical evaluation of popped cereal snacks with spent hen meat.
AB  - Various blends of spent hen meat and grains (potato starch, corn starch, and rice
      flour) were popped using a popping machine. Lowest bulk density was observed in
      the snack with 1:2 ratio of meat and potato starch. Except for the popped snack
      with meat and rice flour, as the starch content increased, bulk density decreased
      gradually. Popped snacks with grains only were higher in L* value than those with
      meat and grains. The a* and b* values increased with increasing meat content. All
      popped snacks were significantly different (P<0.001) in bulk density, color, and
      breaking force. As the grain content of snacks increased, the size of the air
      cells also increased. Results of scanning electron microscopic and optical
      microscopic observations revealed the popping degree of snack with starch and
      spent hen meat was affected by the presence of meat. The optimum ratios of meat
      to grain for high expansion ratio were determined to be 1:2 and 1:3 of meat to
      corn starch and potato starch.

PMID- 22063119
TI  - Coupling process for plasma protein fractionation using ethanol precipitation and
      ion exchange chromatography.
AB  - Blood is one of the most polluting by-products of the meat industries.
      Technologies have been developed to recover the proteins contained in blood, and
      in this study, a process coupling chemical precipitation with ion exchange
      chromatography was developed to separate and purify the main protein fractions of
      blood plasma. Ethanol was used as the agent for precipitation and Q-HyperD was
      used to purify the proteins by chromatography. To monitor all the steps and
      operations, analytical methods of electrophoresis and HPLC were stablished to
      identify the fractionated proteins. The results show that this process can
      recover the main plasma proteins with a high degree of purity for use in the
      pharmaceutical and food industries.

PMID- 22063120
TI  - Chicken muscle homogenate gelation properties: effect of pH and muscle fiber
      type.
AB  - Gelation properties of chicken breast and thigh muscle homogenates at a protein
      concentration of 4.5% under different pH conditions (5.80-6.60) and those of
      myofibrillar proteins at a protein concentration of 2% were compared to determine
      the influence of muscle fibre types on gelation. The optimal gelling pH for
      breast muscle homogenates (pH 6.30) was slightly higher than that for thigh
      muscle homogenates (pH 5.80-6.30), a similar trend was found for the isolated
      chicken myofibrillar proteins (pH 6.00 for breast and 5.50 for leg). Similarly,
      the pH values at which breast muscle homogenate gels were weaker (pH<6.20) or
      stronger (pH?6.20) than thigh muscle homogenate gels were higher when compared
      with chicken breast and leg myofibrillar protein gels (pH<5.80 and pH>5.90,
      respectively).

PMID- 22063121
TI  - Genetic parameters for meat and fat quality and carcass composition traits in
      Iberian pigs.
AB  - Carcass composition and quality traits were measured in heavy Iberian pigs after
      extensive handling. The weights of trimmed hams, forelegs and loins were recorded
      on 2170-2553 pigs, intramuscular fat content in M. longissimus (IMF) on 1489 and
      percentages of palmitic, stearic, oleic and linoleic acids in the subcutaneous
      fat on 1495 pigs, slaughtered at about 160 kg live weight. For carcass traits the
      heritability estimates ranged from 0.28 to 0.41. Heritability estimate for IMF
      was 0.25 and estimates of heritability for the measured fatty acids ranged from
      0.29 to 0.41. The estimated genetic correlations (rg) suggest antagonism between
      IMF and weights of hams (rg=-0.30) and loins (rg=-0.33) and an unfavourable
      positive association of premium cuts with linoleic acid content (rg: 0.31-0.57).
      The incorporation of meat and fat quality traits to the selection aims of the
      breeding scheme for Iberian pigs seems advisable.

PMID- 22063122
TI  - EU carcass classification system: carcass and meat quality in light lambs.
AB  - Sixty male Apenninica suckling lambs carcasses were studied in order to evaluate
      the relationship between carcass and meat quality of light lambs as evaluated
      according to the EU Mediterranean classification system. Increased carcass weight
      (6-12 kg) was accompanied by greater carcass size and compactness and reduced
      bone percentage. Moreover the meat quality was similar with the increase of
      carcass weight in terms of colour, water holding capacity and suitability for
      domestic storage. No differences for the examined parameters were found between
      carcasses classified in quality 1 and 2. The EU Mediterranean classification
      system appears to be unrelated to the quality of the merchandized meat.

PMID- 22063123
TI  - Extension of the shelf life of beef steaks packaged in a modified atmosphere by
      treatment with rosemary and displayed under UV-free lighting.
AB  - Fresh beef steaks, either sprayed on the surface with a solution of rosemary and
      vitamin C or not sprayed, were packaged in 70%O(2+)20%CO(2+)10%N(2) and displayed
      at 1+/-1  degrees C without illumination or illuminated by a standard fluorescent
      lamp, a low-UV, colour-balanced lamp (Promolux(r)), or the fluorescent lamp with
      a UV filter. Metmyoglobin formation, lipid oxidation (2-thiobarbituric acid
      reactive substances), instrumental colour (CIE L*, a*, b*), psychrotrophic
      bacterial counts (PCA) and sensory discolouration and off-odour were determined.
      Results showed that the use of the antioxidant mixture of rosemary and vitamin C
      together with the absence of UV radiation significantly reduced the rates of
      metmyoglobin formation and lipid oxidation, as well as microbial growth, and
      extended the display life from about 10 to about 20 days.

PMID- 22063124
TI  - Screening test to detect meat adulteration through the determination of
      hemoglobin by cation exchange chromatography with diode array detection.
AB  - A simple sample preparation procedure, consisting of an extraction step with
      Milli-Q water as extraction solvent for hemoglobins from meat samples, followed
      by a filtration step with a cellulose acetate filter, is applied. After cation
      exchange chromatographic separation and diode array detection, different peak
      patterns for extracted hemoglobins of cow, lamb or pork meat are obtained. Other
      heme-group containing proteins like myoglobin or cytochrome C, which could be
      also detected with diode array detection at 416 nm, are chromatographically
      separated from the hemoglobins. By the use of these characteristic peak patterns,
      the species of the meat can be specified permitting the qualitative assessment of
      meat adulteration with the proposed screening method.

PMID- 22063125
TI  - Acceptability of boar meat by consumers depending on their age, gender, culinary
      habits, and sensitivity and appreciation of androstenone odour.
AB  - Sensitivity of the consumers to androstenone, evaluated as the degree of smell
      (strong/weak) perceived by smelling the pure compound, is important in
      determining their acceptability of pork with different levels of androstenone and
      skatole. However, 8% (3.3% women and 16.2% men) of highly sensitive consumers
      like this odour, and 12.7% (9.1% women and 15.9% men) of mildly
      sensitive/insensitive consumers dislike it. The effect of the appreciation
      (like/dislike) of the smell in the acceptability of pork samples has not been
      reported previously. The aim of this paper is to ascertain if this liking for
      androstenone odour affects pork acceptability as well as the gender, age, and
      culinary habits of the consumers. Consumers evaluated the flavour and odour of
      five cooked and reheated samples, and recorded their acceptability on a 7-step
      scale. Results showed that acceptability of pork increases when the frequency of
      cooking and eating fresh pork are higher. The acceptability also differed
      depending on the sensitivity of the consumer within each age group.
      Appreciability of androstenone odour discriminates more than sensitivity in
      consumers' acceptance of pork.

PMID- 22063126
TI  - Quality characteristics of Chinese sausages made from PSE pork.
AB  - Chinese sausages made from normal and different levels of PSE pork (100% Normal,
      50%Normal+50% PSE and 100% PSE) were vacuum-packaged and stored at 4  degrees C
      for 45 days. The composition, processing yield, pH value, thiobarbituric acid
      (TBA) value, water activity, lactic acid bacteria counts and sensory properties
      of the meat products were evaluated. PSE pork loins had lower pH value, water
      holding capacity, moisture, fat and myofibrillar proteins content, but higher
      L(*) value, drip loss and protein content than normal pork. Sausages made from
      100% PSE pork had lower pH value, processing yield, moisture and fat content, but
      higher protein content than those of the 100% Normal and the 50% Normal+50% PSE
      treatments. Water activity was higher in the 100% PSE treatment than in other
      treatments. No differences in lactic acid bacterial counts among these treatments
      were observed. The pH values and water activity of the meat samples decreased,
      while lactic acid bacterial counts increased with storage time. TBA values among
      these treatments were not significantly different; however, the increase% of TBA
      values was higher for the 100% PSE treatment. TBA values of all treatments
      remained relatively low during storage. Chinese sausages made with 50-100% PSE
      pork had lower sensory texture, flavor and overall acceptability scores than the
      control samples, but were of acceptable quality.

PMID- 22063127
TI  - Effect of diet and fat content on the functional properties of thawed beef.
AB  - The effect of animal diet (pasture versus grain) and fat content (1, 15 and 25%)
      on the functional properties and quality of beef stored for 8 months at -20 
      degrees C was determined. After storage, pasture-finished beef had significantly
      (P<0.001) less malondialdehyde than grain-finished. Grain-finished beef had a
      more vivid red colour than pasture-finished (P<0.01). The remaining functional
      properties determined in this study were not affected by diet. Protein
      solubility, emulsion activity index, and cooked batter torsion strain decreased
      and hue angle increased with increasing fat content. The solubility of total and
      sarcoplasmic proteins and cooked batter torsion stress and strain decreased
      (P<0.001) and hue angle increased (P<0.001) with storage time regardless of diet
      and fat content. It is concluded that there is not much difference in the
      functional properties of beef finished on pasture or grain. However, pasture
      finished beef is more stable to lipid oxidation than the grain-finished, and
      hence may be more amenable to further processing.

PMID- 22063128
TI  - The influence of diets containing either conventional corn, conventional corn
      with choice white grease, high oil corn, or high oil high oleic corn on
      belly/bacon quality.
AB  - The objectives of this study were to evaluate diets possessing different fatty
      acid profiles (as influenced by corn type) with regard to fatty acid profile and
      firmness of pork bellies. Crossbred barrows (n=196) were fed one of four corn
      based diets consisting of conventional corn (CONV), CONV with choice white grease
      (CWG), high oil corn (HOC), or high oleic, high oil corn (HOHOC). Following 98
      days on test, two animals representing the average pen weight (118 kg) were
      selected for harvest (n=56). A 50-g fat sample was removed from each belly for
      fatty acid profile analysis. Lateral and vertical flex tests were performed to
      determine belly firmness. Bellies were pumped and cooked according to a
      commercial protocol. Total saturated fatty acids increased (P<0.001) and total
      unsaturated fatty acids decreased (P<0.05) when CWG was added to the CONV diet or
      when HOC or HOHOC were substituted for CONV corn. Pigs fed CONV corn had firmer
      bellies, while those fed HOC were softer. No differences were observed across
      treatment for percentage pump retention, smokehouse yield, or slicing yield
      (P>0.05). Based on the results of this study, corn type influences fatty acid
      profile, and belly firmness, but does not affect pump retention, or slicing
      yields.

PMID- 22063129
TI  - Survey of conditioning indicators for pork loins: changes in myofibrils, proteins
      and peptides during postmortem conditioning of vacuum-packed pork loins for 30
      days.
AB  - This study was performed to examine the changes in myofibrils, proteins and
      peptides during postmortem conditioning of vacuum-packed pork loins at 4  degrees
      C for 30 days. The fragmentation of myofibrils has been observed during
      postmortem aging for 20 days and its ratio increased until 20 days. The 32 kDa
      component derived from troponin T increased during storage for 20 days, while a
      glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) among sarcoplasmic proteins was
      significantly degraded during storage for 15 days. Some oligopeptides increased
      during such storage, two peptides (peptides P1 and P2) significantly increasing
      during storage for 20 days. Their sequences were APPPPAEVHVHEEVH (P1) and
      VPTPNVSVVDLT (P2). Homology analysis showed that peptides P1 and P2 were derived
      from troponin T and GAPDH, respectively. It was concluded that the fragmentation
      of myofibrils, the increases in the 32 kDa component and peptides P1 and P2, and
      the decrease in GAPDH were useful as conditioning indicators of progressive
      degree during the storage of pork loins stored at 4  degrees C.

PMID- 22063130
TI  - Effects of feeding elevated concentrations of monounsaturated fatty acids and
      vitamin E to swine on characteristics of dry cured hams.
AB  - Thirty Large White*Great York gilts were fed six experimental diets containing
      three levels of poly and monounsaturated fatty acids. Within each dietary fat
      treatment, one group was fed a basal level of vitamin E (20 mg alpha-tocopheryl
      acetate/kg diet) and the other group received a supplemented level (200 mg alpha
      tocopheryl acetate/kg diet). Concentration of alpha-tocopherol was significantly
      higher in hams from pigs fed supplemented dietary levels of vitamin E (P<0.0001),
      but no significant effect of dietary fat was observed. Dietary vitamin E
      supplementation reduced the concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive
      substances after 9 days storage of sliced samples (P<0.0001), while dietary fat
      source showed no significant effect. Significantly lower oxidation was observed
      in ham homogenates from pigs fed higher concentrations of monounsaturated fatty
      acids after 120 min of incubation under pro-oxidant conditions (P=0.013). No
      effect of dietary treatment was observed in ham volatile aldehyde profile. No
      significant effect of dietary vitamin E was observed on surface redness during
      storage, but a significant effect was observed for luminosity after 7 days of
      storage (P=0.033). Hams from pigs fed diets enriched in monounsaturated fatty
      acid showed higher 'a' values (P=0.040) in stored sliced samples. Sensory
      evaluation revealed a significant effect of dietary vitamin E on redness of ham
      slices (P<0.001). Dietary supplementation with vitamin E also produced a
      significantly higher odour and flavour intensity (P=0.006 and P=0.01
      respectively). Dry cured ham samples from pigs fed higher amounts of
      monounsaturated fatty acids showed a significantly higher consistency fat than
      those from pigs fed polyunsaturated fatty acids.

PMID- 22063131
TI  - Extraction properties and absorption spectra of dry cured hams made with and
      without nitrate.
AB  - The spectral and extraction properties of nitrate-free dried hams (Parma hams)
      were studied as a function of maturing time and muscle type (semimembranosus and
      biceps femoris muscles). To understand the red colour of the processed meat, a
      three-step extraction using water, acetone and tetrahydrofuran (THF) as solvents
      was employed and the extracts from each step were submitted to spectrophotometric
      (visible) analysis while the corresponding residues underwent instrumental (CIE
      L* a* b*) colour evaluation. Results showed that the drier the meat the more the
      pigment is soluble in organic solvents, THF proving a major extractant in matured
      hams, regardless of muscle type. When Parma hams were compared with hams made
      using nitrate, the former displayed more intense (P<0.05) absorption in the red
      region in the aqueous solution, lower intensities in acetone and higher values in
      THF solution. Major differences in spectral characteristics were found between
      water and organic extracts of Parma hams, with both acetone and THF solutions
      exhibiting a doublet at 544-584 nm, and water extracts displaying two distorted
      peaks at 551 and 595 nm. It is concluded that dry curing of meat without nitrate
      yields a lipophylic stable red pigment whose hydrophobicity increases with
      ageing.

PMID- 22063132
TI  - Patterns of growth and partitioning of fat depots in tropical fat-tailed Menz and
      Horro sheep breeds.
AB  - A total of 147 Menz and Horro lambs of both sexes were serially slaughtered and
      dissected at five different stages of growth to define the pattern of growth and
      partitioning of fat among body depots in indigenous Ethiopian Menz and Horro
      sheep breeds. The GLM procedure of SAS and allometric growth equation were used
      to assess the effects of various factors on the growth of body depots and to
      estimate its growth relative to total carcass fat (TCF) and empty body weight
      (EBW), respectively. Results obtained showed that the growth of carcass fat (CF),
      non-carcass fat (NCF) and tail fat (TF) is significantly affected by the genotype
      (P<0.001) and stages of growth (P<0.001) of lambs. Except for CF, the growth of
      both NCF and TF were also significantly affected (P<0.001 and P<0.05) by the sex
      and the season in which the lambs were born. Of the two breeds, the Menz sheep
      deposited more fat into the carcass and less into the non-carcass depots as
      compared to the Horro sheep and ewe lambs in both breeds deposited more fat intra
      abdominally than the ram lambs. The highest allometric growth coefficient was
      obtained for TF (1.2-2.1 relatively to TCF and EBW) and the lowest for NCF (0.8
      1.3 relative to TCF and EBW) indicating that the former is a late developing
      while the later is an early maturing depot in the tropical fat-tailed Menz and
      Horro sheep breeds.

PMID- 22063133
TI  - Physico-chemical characteristics of M. Longissimus dorsi from three lines of free
      range reared Iberian pigs slaughtered at 90 kg live-weight and commercial pigs: a
      comparative study.
AB  - Longissimus dorsi muscles from three lines of Iberian pig and those from
      commercial pigs were analysed in order to evaluate their quality for fresh
      consumption. Iberian pigs were reared in a natural outdoor production system with
      access to grass, while m. Longissimus dorsi from commercial pigs were procured
      from a local slaughterhouse. Iberian pigs' Longissimus dorsi showed a higher fat
      (P<0.05) and lower phospholipid contents (g PL/g fat; P<0.05) than Longissimus
      dorsi from commercial pigs. Iberian pigs' Longissimus dorsi muscles had a higher
      content of haem iron (P<0.05) than those from commercial pigs and consequently m.
      Longissimus dorsi exhibited a redder colour (higher a*-value) that diverged less
      from the true red axis (lower hue value; P<0.05) than those from commercial pigs
      which resulted paler (higher L*-value; P<0.05). Total fat and neutral lipid fatty
      acid profiles showed higher percentages of palmitic, oleic, total saturated fatty
      acids (SFA) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) m. Longissimus dorsi of
      Iberian pigs than in the commercial ones (P<0.05). m. Longissimus dorsi from the
      commercial pigs contained higher proportions of polyunsaturated fatty acids and a
      higher n-6/n-3 ratio value (P<0.05).

PMID- 22063134
TI  - Warner-Bratzler shear evaluations of 40 bovine muscles.
AB  - Forty muscles from each of 20 beef carcass sides were used to perform Warner
      Bratzler shear (WBS) force determinations for within and among muscle effects.
      The M. triceps brachii differed (P <0.05) in WBS values between the caput longum
      and caput laterale, and the M. gluteobiceps differed (P <0.05) in WBS values
      between the vertebral, cranial, and caudal portions. The M. trapezius did not
      differ between the pars cervicalis and pars thoracica. Larger muscles were
      evaluated for location effects within muscles. The M. pectoralis profundus, M.
      infraspinatus, M. triceps brachii (caput longum), psoas major, and M.
      semimembranosus all had significant location effects. Muscles were allocated into
      "very tender," "tender," "intermediate" or "tough" categories. Those muscles
      considered "very tender" (WBS <3.2 kg) were the diaphragm (outside skirt or wing
      of diaphragm), M. spinalis, M. infraspinatus, M. iliacus, M. psoas major, M.
      serratus ventralis, M. biceps brachii, M. obliquus internus abdominis, and M.
      vastus medius. Muscles considered "tender" (3.2 kg <WBS <3.9 kg) were the M.
      tensor fasciae latae, M. pectorales superficiales, M. teres major, M. longissimus
      lumborum, M. biventer cervicis, M. longissimus thoracis, M. splenius, M.
      subscapularis, M. rectus femoris, M. gluteus medius, M. gracilis, M. complexus,
      M. rectus abdominis, M. rhomboideus, and M. triceps brachii. Muscles classified
      as "intermediate" (3.9 kg <WBS <4.6 kg) were the M. gastrocnemius, M.
      supraspinatus, M. gluteobiceps, M. obliquus externus abdominis, M.
      semitendinosus, M. adductor, M. vastus lateralis, M. deltoideus, M. latissimus
      dorsi, M. transversus abdominis, and M. semimembranosus. Muscles classed as
      "tough" (WBS > 4.6 kg) were the M. extensor carpi radialis, M. trapezius, M.
      brachialis, M. pectoralis profundus, and M. flexor digitorum superficialis (hind
      limb). The diaphragm muscle was the most tender (WBS=2.03 kg), and the M. flexor
      digitorum superficialis was the toughest (WBS=7.74 kg). Tenderness, as measured
      by WBS, varied among and within bovine muscles, and knowledge of this variation
      allows for more appropriate use for specific purposes in the marketplace.

PMID- 22063136
TI  - A survey of the dielectric properties of meats and ingredients used in meat
      product manufacture.
AB  - The objective of the present study was to improve understanding of interactions
      between microwave (MW) and radio frequency (RF) radiation and meat/meat products.
      Dielectric properties at 27.12, 915 and 2450 MHz of lean, fat, aqueous
      solutions/suspensions and meat blends of typical ingredients used in meat product
      manufacture were measured. In addition temperature rises of ingredient/meat
      blends were compared following RF or MW heating. Frequency affected dielectric
      properties as did composition, with fat having lower dielectric activity than
      lean. Dielectric properties at MW frequencies appeared more sensitive to
      composition changes. Ingredients could be subdivided into groups having either
      lower or higher dielectric activity than lean, with concentration influencing
      which group an ingredient fell into. When low and high dielectric activity
      ingredients were incorporated into lean meats dielectric properties did not
      correlate well with temperature rises indicating the importance of other factors
      in addition to dielectric properties in determining temperature rise.

PMID- 22063137
TI  - Simulation of the distribution of current density in the brain of slaughter pigs
      with the finite element method.
AB  - The current density in the brain of a slaughter pig during electric stunning was
      calculated and visualised with an finite element method computer model. The
      anatomic model of the pig's head was constructed with the computer programme
      Ansys. Ansys offers the possibility of calculating the current density between
      electrodes in any position using the mathematical "finite element method" model.
      After calculation the current density distribution can be visualised in planes in
      any direction through the pig's head. Our simulation confirmed the common
      practice of positioning the electrodes for electric stunning either eye to eye or
      eye to ear, because the highest current density through the brain was calculated
      for these positions. Setting the electrodes further caudally reduced the current
      density remarkably and, stunning is therefore not guaranteed. Additionally, this
      model showed for the first time that, due to their lower resistance, the nervus
      opticus and blood vessels conduct the current like wires into the brain.

PMID- 22063138
TI  - Colour and lipid oxidation changes in dry-cured loins from free-range reared and
      intensively reared pigs as affected by ionizing radiation dose level.
AB  - The effect of irradiation (0, 5 and 10 kGy) of vacuum-packaged Iberian dry-cured
      loin slices from pigs fed on concentrate (CON) or free-range reared (FRG) was
      studied in relation to colour changes, TBA-RS and hexanal content. Both, ionizing
      radiation and type of loin had a significant effect on the instrumental colour
      parameters of the samples. Irradiation resulted in significantly higher a*-values
      in both sets of loins, indicating a redder colour. Numerically calculated total
      colour difference (DeltaE) changes were significantly less intense in CON vacuum
      packaged dry-cured loin slices than in FRG samples and changed significantly at
      10 kGy dose levels in both types of samples. TBA-RS numbers were significantly
      affected by irradiation dose and type of loin and increased linearly with dose in
      both types of slices. Increments in TBA-RS numbers in FRG loin slices was dose
      dependent and was closely related to the type of dry-cured loin. Irradiation of
      dry-cured loin slices significantly increased hexanal contents in both groups of
      loins and the increases were dose-dependent and greater in FRG samples than in
      CON samples. Differences in the characteristics of the raw material and initial
      lipid oxidation level could play an important role in the irradiation-induced
      changes in vacuum-packaged dry-cured loin slices.

PMID- 22063139
TI  - Selection of muscles as indicators of tenderness after seven days of ageing.
AB  - The selection of a muscle that could be used as an index muscle for beef
      tenderness was performed using nine commercially important muscles. A total of 50
      bulls, Charolais*Alentejano (n=9), Simmental*Alentejano (n=9) and Alentejano
      (n=32), were slaughtered at two different commercial live weights: crossbred
      animals (sample A) between 500 and 600 kg (carcass weight between 310 and 370 kg)
      and purebred Alentejano (sample B) between 350 and 450 kg (carcass weight between
      185 and 295 kg). Slaughter ages varied between 16 and 24 months in both groups.
      The shear force of nine muscles (Mm. biceps femoris, gastrocnemius, longissimus
      thoracis, longissimus lumborum, quadriceps femoris, semimembranosus,
      semitendinosus, supraspinatus and triceps brachii caput longum) was assessed
      seven days post-mortem. In both samples, the comparison between different muscle
      means and the combined mean of all muscles and the respective correlations showed
      that the Mm. biceps femoris and semimembranosus could be used as index muscles.
      However, the biceps femoris is preferred, because it showed greater stability in
      terms of the coefficient of variation.

PMID- 22063140
TI  - Sensory based quality control utilising an electronic nose and GC-MS analyses to
      predict end-product quality from raw materials.
AB  - The objective of the present study was to investigate if an electronic nose,
      comprising six metal oxide sensors (MOS) could predict the sensory quality of
      porcine meat loaf, based on measuring the volatiles in either the raw materials
      or the meat loaf produced from those raw materials. A multivariate data analysis
      strategy involving analysis of variance partial least squares regression (APLSR)
      and principal component analysis (PCA) was used to determine causal and
      predictive relationships between the raw material and meat loaf samples, sensory
      analysis, electronic nose, and GC-MS measurements. The results showed that the
      six MOS sensors in the Danish odour sensor system (DOSS) could detect the raw
      materials that led to unacceptable products, as determined by sensory profiling
      and in-house sensory quality control (QC), and separate those raw materials from
      each other, based on the volatile composition, as determined by GC-MS. However,
      the electronic nose was unable to detect all the sensory unacceptable meat loaf
      samples themselves due to changes in the volatile composition after cooking.
      Analysis of the GC-MS compounds identified from raw materials and meat loaf
      samples indicate that two MOS sensors mainly responded to alcohols and to a
      lesser degree to aldehydes and alkanes, whereas two other sensors most likely
      responded to low molecular weight sulphur compounds. Thus, the results indicate
      that measuring volatiles with the MOS sensors in the DOSS system, on raw
      materials for processed meat products, may be a feasible strategy in sensory
      based quality control, and may also have potential in predicting the sensory
      quality of the end product.

PMID- 22063141
TI  - Characterization of French and Spanish dry-cured hams: influence of the volatiles
      from the muscles and the subcutaneous fat quantified by SPME-GC.
AB  - The influence of the volatile compounds on the characterization of Spanish and
      French dry-cured hams was studied. Thirty volatiles were quantified in each one
      of four locations (biceps femoris, semimembranosus and semitendinosus muscles and
      subcutaneous fat) of 29 dry-cured hams by solid-phase microextraction gas
      chromatography (SPME-GC). The Brown-Forsythe univariate test allowed
      determination of the volatiles that individually could characterize (p<0.05) the
      samples by their geographical origin (France, Spain) and breed type (Iberian,
      white). Stepwise linear discriminant procedure, under very strict conditions (F
      to-Enter for a F-distribution>0.95), then selected the most remarkable volatile
      compounds. Four compounds from the subcutaneous fat (methyl benzene and octanol)
      and the semitendinosus muscle (2-butanone and 2-octanone) allowed 100% correct
      classifications by geographic origin. On the other hand, only two compounds from
      the subcutaneous fat (octanol) and the biceps femoris muscle (3-methyl 1-butanol)
      correctly classified all the samples by the breed type. The ability of these
      variables to classify the samples was checked by the unsupervised procedure of
      principal components.

PMID- 22063142
TI  - The effect of feed withdrawal during lairage on meat quality characteristics in
      ostriches.
AB  - Commercially reared ostriches (n=84) were randomly allocated to one of two
      groups. The first group (stressed: n=38) was deprived of food for a period of 2.5
      days prior to slaughter, to simulate the stress experienced by slaughter
      ostriches held in holding pens (lairage) at a commercial ostrich abattoir over a
      weekend. The second group (control: n=46) was fed normally until 24 h prior to
      slaughter. Initial live weight as well as hot and cold drumstick weight were
      independent (P>0.05) of treatment. Stressed birds lost on average (+/-SE)
      approximately three times more weight than control birds over the experimental
      period (-3.2+/-0.6 vs. -1.0+/-0.5 kg, respectively). Full stomach and alimentary
      tract weights did not differ between treatments although there was a tendency for
      that derived from stressed birds to have lower stomach contents. The intra
      muscular (Muscularis iliofibularis) pH(f) of stressed birds was 0.22 units higher
      (P<0.01) than that of contemporaries in the control group 1 h post-slaughter
      (6.03+/-0.06 vs. 5.81+/-0.05, respectively). After 26.5 h in a refrigerated room,
      this difference still remained at 0.25 units (6.46+/-0.07 vs. 6.21+/-0.07,
      respectively; P<0.05). Post-slaughter changes in intra-muscular pH followed
      approximately the same trend in stressed and control birds. Intra-muscular
      temperature was largely independent of treatment, although there was a suggestion
      of a slightly higher (P=0.18) temperature in stressed birds immediately post
      slaughter. Cooking loss, drip loss and shearing values were not affected (P>0.05)
      by the withholding of food for 2.5 days. It can thus be concluded that
      withholding feed from ostriches on lairage over a period of 2.5 days does not
      have any negative influence on the meat yield or physical quality traits thereof.

PMID- 22063143
TI  - Purification and identification of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitory
      peptides from beef hydrolysates.
AB  - Sarcoplasmic protein extracts from beef rump (biceps femoris) were hydrolyzed
      (for 0, 4, 8, 12, and 24 h) with three enzymes or their paired combinations.
      Ultrafiltration, gel-filtration, and RP-HPLC were used to separate angiotensin
      converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory peptides from the hydrolysates. The highest
      ACE inhibitory activity of enzyme hydrolysates resulted from 4 h incubation with
      enzymes or their paired combinations. The activities of gel filtrated fractions
      from these hydrolysates were assayed in vitro, demonstrating that the 3rd peak of
      enzyme thermolysin+proteinase A hydrolysate had the highest ACE inhibition
      activity (52.8%). The 3rd peak of this hydrolysate was separated by RP-HPLC into
      five peaks, of which peak 3 showed 30.1% ACE inhibition activity. Its peptide
      sequence was determined to be Val-Leu-Ala-Gln-Tyr-Lys. The results suggested that
      this peptide may be a potent ACE inhibitor which might perhaps be used to develop
      beef with a bioactive peptide to lower blood pressure.

PMID- 22063144
TI  - (23)Na-MRI quantification of sodium and water mobility in pork during brine
      curing.
AB  - A model study on movements of sodium ions in pork loin during brining was carried
      out using (23)Na-magnetic resonance imaging ((23)Na-MRI). Samples of different pH
      and post-mortem age were mounted in Plexiglas((r)) cylinders with built-in
      phantoms and cured in 18.9% and 18.1% NaCl (w/v), respectively. One-dimensional
      (23)Na-MRI and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) profiles were obtained over 5
      days with intervals of 24 h. On day 5 the meat was cut into 1 cm slices and
      analyzed for chloride content. (23)Na-MRI and ADC profiles of meat provided
      detailed non-destructive information about salt and water movements during brine
      curing. Quantification of salt concentration in meat by one-dimensional (23)Na
      MRI profiling proved successful at values above 0.9 g NaCl/100 g sample in the
      meat. (23)Na measurements were calibrated against chemically determined chloride,
      yielding a linear relationship. (23)Na-MRI profiles suggested that the diffusion
      of salt into whole meat cuts cannot be described by simple ordinary Fickian
      diffusion with a constant diffusion coefficient. The diffusion coefficient is
      suggested to be affected by changes in NaCl concentration, swelling and degree of
      dehydration.

PMID- 22063145
TI  - Colour changes after carcasses decontamination by steam and lactic acid.
AB  - The surface decontamination of meat by steaming and by lactic acid prolongs its
      shelf life. Possible changes of colour were evaluated by reflectance
      spectrophotometry and video image analysis (VIA). Reflectance spectra were
      measured using a D(65) source and CIELab values L(*), a(*) and b(*) were
      calculated together with ratios of the different myoglobin forms (red, oxy, met).
      The same samples were evaluated by video image analysis (software LUCIA).
      Steaming and spraying with lactic acid increased slightly the lightness (L(*)) of
      the meat surface. Coordinate a(*) (redness) decreased slightly after the
      decontamination treatment. This was confirmed by VIA; brightness increased and
      red-ratio r decreased. Both methods, i.e. reflectance spectrophotometry and VIA,
      reflect the colour changes in a similar way. The main advantage of reflectance
      spectrophotometry was its higher sensitivity and the possibility of direct
      calculation of the ratio of the haem pigment forms. However, video image analysis
      allows analysing of different particles in the image and this method is therefore
      a suitable tool for monitoring the changes of the surface appearance.

PMID- 22063146
TI  - Chemical, physical and sensory properties of meat from pure and crossbred
      Podolian bulls at different ageing times.
AB  - The present study aimed to investigate the effect of crossbreeding with Limousine
      sires on fatty acid profile, physical and sensory properties of meat produced by
      Podolian young bulls. Polyunsaturated fatty acid content was influenced by
      crossbreeding (P<0.01) with Podolian bulls (P) producing beef characterised by a
      higher level of unsaturation in comparison with crossbred animals (LP). As a
      consequence, P/S ratio was significantly higher in meat produced by P animals
      than LP (P<0.01). P animals had higher linoleic (P<0.05), linolenic (P<0.05), EPA
      (P<0.05) and DHA acids (P<0.001) levels than LP subjects. No breed effect was
      observed for the ratio n-6/n-3 (P>0.05). WBS force of LD was significantly lower
      in meat from crossbred subjects (P<0.05). Both crossbreeding with Limousine and
      extension of ageing from 2 to 7 days improved LD tenderness as assessed by panel
      taste (P<0.001).

PMID- 22063147
TI  - The effect of growth rate during backgrounding and finishing on meat quality
      traits in beef cattle.
AB  - The relationship between growth rate and meat tenderness was investigated in
      ~7000 cattle from temperate and tropically adapted breeds, finished on either
      pasture or in a feedlot to one of three market weights. Growth rate was
      calculated from weaning to the beginning of finishing (backgrounding) and over
      the finishing period, for both contemporary groups and individuals within these
      groups. Shear force and compression of longissimus lumborum (striploin) and
      semitendinosus (eye round) were measured at two days ageing, and palatability of
      the striploin at 14 days ageing. Analyses assessed the importance of growth rate
      during backgrounding and finishing on both a within group and between group
      basis. Where significant in individual animals, increased growth rate resulted in
      more palatable or tender meat, but the results were not consistent between breed
      types, locations, or the two muscles sampled. The most consistent relationship
      was an increase in palatability of the striploin with increased growth rate
      during finishing. Increased growth rate of groups during backgrounding improved
      palatability consistently across breedtypes, finish and location, however most of
      this relationship was accounted for by difference in mean group age at slaughter.

PMID- 22063148
TI  - Stress hormones, carcass composition and meat quality in Large White*Duroc pigs.
AB  - The levels of stress hormones, cortisol and catecholamines (adrenaline and
      noradrenaline), were measured in urine collected after slaughter from the
      bladder, in 309 pigs (females and castrated males) from an F2 intercross between
      the Large White and Duroc breeds to analyze the relationships between stress
      responsive neuroendocrine systems, carcass composition and meat quality.
      Intramuscular fat content was measured from a biopsy sample taken at a live
      weight of 70 kg from the longissimus lumborum muscle, and carcass and meat
      quality traits were also collected. Carcass fat content was higher and estimated
      carcass lean meat content was lower with increasing urinary levels of cortisol
      and adrenaline (that are highly correlated with each other), but was not related
      to the levels of noradrenaline, showing that adrenal hormones favor the accretion
      of fat at the expense of muscle proteins, a typical physiological effect of
      cortisol. On the contrary, intramuscular fat levels were unrelated to either
      hormone level. Finally, muscle pH measured 24 h after death was positively
      correlated with catecholamine levels, an effect related to the catabolism of
      muscle glycogen by catecholamines released by preslaughter stress, which impairs
      post-mortem acidification of meat. These results show the importance of a control
      over stress neuroendocrine systems to increase pork production and product
      quality, and the value of the genetic approach to reach this goal.

PMID- 22063149
TI  - Relationships between sensory perception and water distribution determined by low
      field NMR T(2) relaxation in processed pork - impact of tumbling and RN(-)
      allele.
AB  - The relationships between water distribution, measured with low-field NMR (LF
      NMR) transverse (T(2)) relaxometry and sensory properties in tumbled and non
      tumbled cured-smoked loins from 30 female Hampshire crossbred pigs were
      investigated. Upon distributed analysis of the T(2) relaxation, three populations
      centred at about 2, 40 and 600-800 ms, respectively, were detected. Clear
      differences in the characteristics of the intermediate population (T(21)) were
      observed between loins from carriers and non-carriers of the RN(-) allele, which
      implies differences in water-protein interactions between the two genotypes. PLS
      regressions between NMR T(2) variables and sensory attributes revealed
      significant correlations between NMR T(2) variables and the sensory attributes
      juiciness, acidulous taste and meat taste, which mainly could be ascribed to the
      T(21) time constant. In addition, the number of unappealing pores assessed by the
      sensory panel was highly related to the relative T(2) populations, implying that
      the microstructure is directly reflected in the NMR T(2) populations. However,
      prediction of the processing yield from NMR T(2) variables was poor. The
      correlation improved when RN genotypes and tumbling conditions were included as
      predictors. Thus, other effects of tumbling treatments and RN genotypes unrelated
      to NMR T(2) relaxation were observed.

PMID- 22063150
TI  - Effect of tumbling and RN genotype on sensory perception of cured-smoked pork
      loin.
AB  - Effects of tumbling and RN genotype on sensory perception of cured-smoked loins
      were studied on loins from 32 crossbred female pigs containing Hampshire blood.
      Right-side loins were intermittently tumbled during 4 h, whereas left-side loins
      were left non-tumbled. Tumbled loins were more tender and uniform in cured colour
      as well as less acidulous in taste compared with non-tumbled loins. Further, the
      formation of undesirable pores was lower in tumbled loins. Final juiciness tended
      to be higher and meat taste intensity lower in tumbled loins, whereas initial
      juiciness did not differ. There were no significant interactions between tumbling
      and RN genotype for sensory attributes. RN(-) carriers (RN(-)/rn(+)) were more
      acidulous in taste, had more pronounced meat taste and were saltier than non
      carriers (rn(+) /rn(+)). Moreover, they tended to have higher initial juiciness
      and more undesirable pores, and be less homogeneous in cured pink colour. No
      differences in consumer preference between the four treatments were detected in
      the ranking test, but most persons ranked non-tumbled loins highest regarding
      overall liking. Instrumental tenderness measurements agreed well with sensory
      tenderness scores.

PMID- 22063151
TI  - Evolution and identification of lactic acid bacteria isolated during the ripening
      of Sardinian sausages.
AB  - Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated during the production and the ripening
      of Sardinian sausage, a typical Italian dry fermented sausage. Samples were taken
      at different stages, and 112 strains were isolated. The isolates were
      characterized using the micromethod proposed by Font de Valdez et al. [Font de
      Valdez, G., Savoy de Giori, G., Oliver, G., & De Ruiz Holgado, A. P. (1993).
      Development and optimization of an expensive microsystem for the biochemical
      characterization of lactobacilli. Microbiologie Aliments Nutrition, 11, 215-219].
      Schillinger and Lucke's [Schillinger, U., & Lucke, F. K. (1987). Identification
      of lactobacilli from meat and meat products. Food Microbiology. (4), 199-208]
      scheme and the biochemical patterns given by Bergey's Manual of Systematic
      Bacteriology [Bergey's Manual of Systematic Bacteriology (1986). Baltimore:
      William and Wilkins] were used for preliminary identification. A PCR-based method
      was then used to confirm the results. LAB were the dominant flora during
      ripening. They consisted mainly of homofermentative mesophilic rods.
      Lactobacillus sakei (43,3%), Lactobacillus plantarum (16,6%) and Lactobacillus
      curvatus (13,3%) were the main isolates. The results of the biochemical
      identification methods agreed well with those of PCR-based identification (91%
      agreement).

PMID- 22063152
TI  - The antioxidant properties of baechu-kimchi and freeze-dried kimchi-powder in
      fermented sausages.
AB  - The antioxidant properties of baechu-kimchi in fermented sausages were evaluated
      by investigating its effect on the changes in total free fatty acid content,
      peroxide value, and TBARS during ripening. The conditions for its antioxidant
      effectiveness were optimized in a model system (beaker sausages). For this, the
      conditions of added kimchi - form (kimchi and freeze-dried kimchi-powder),
      fermentation temperature (7 and 20  degrees C) and concentrations (5%, 10% and
      15%) - were varied. The results were compared with that of the control without
      kimchi. According to the evolution of peroxide value and TBARS, the addition of
      5% and 10% kimchi clearly indicated retardation of the development of lipid
      oxidation. However, an increase in the amount of kimchi added caused a prooxidant
      effect. The antioxidant effect of kimchi has been found to be dependant on its
      fermentation temperature as the batches treated with kimchi fermented at 20 
      degrees C displayed better protection against the formation of oxidative products
      than those fermented at 7  degrees C. Kimchi-powder did not show any antioxidant
      properties.

PMID- 22063153
TI  - The effect of different convection cooking methods on the instrumental quality
      and yield of pork Longissimus dorsi.
AB  - The effect of different cooking methods (natural convection, NC, forced
      convection, FC and forced convection/steam combined, FC/S) on selected physical
      properties of cooked pork Longissimus dorsi samples were compared. FC/S treatment
      was significantly faster (~19 min) than NC and FC cooking treatments (~27 min).
      The overall cook values at the center of all samples (calculated taking into
      consideration the cooling phase) were comparable and might explain the similar
      tenderness found among samples that underwent significantly different thermal
      histories. The weight loss of the FC/S samples was significantly higher than in
      the other cooking methods while the color of the surface was paler than the NC
      and FC ones.

PMID- 22063154
TI  - Fatty acid composition and carcass characteristics of growing lambs fed diets
      containing palm oil supplements.
AB  - Thirty 45-day-old male Ojalada lambs were used to investigate the effect of palm
      oil (as such or in the form of calcium soap) on carcass characteristics and fat
      composition. Dietary palm oil did not significantly affect dorsal fat thickness,
      carcass fatness or carcass conformation. The palm oil supplement did not affect
      C16:0 levels in intramuscular and subcutaneous fat, but did increase the
      percentage of C16:0 and reduce PUFA and MUFA content in internal fat depots.
      Supplementation with palm oil in the form of calcium soap did not cause
      significant differences in the composition of intramuscular fat. Subcutaneous and
      perirenal fat of lambs fed treatments including palm oil as such contained higher
      levels of some saturated fatty acids than that of those fed fat in the form of
      calcium soap. Mesenteric fat of lambs that received calcium soap had less % C18:1
      and more % C18:3 than that of those given palm oil.

PMID- 22063155
TI  - Functional stability of frozen normal and high pH beef.
AB  - The functional properties of whole, diced or minced high and normal pH beef were
      determined after 0, 1, 2, 3 and 7 month's storage. There was no interaction
      between pH, degree of comminution and storage time for most of the attributes
      measured. Regardless of storage time or comminution method, high pH meat had
      significantly (P<0.001) higher sarcoplasmic protein solubility, water holding
      capacity, cooked batter torsion stress and strain, yield and emulsion stability
      than normal pH meat. Normal pH meat had significantly (P<0.01) higher
      myofibrillar protein solubility and hue angle than high pH meat. Water holding
      capacity significantly (P<0.01) decreased and hue angle increased with the
      increase in the degree of comminution. Protein solubility in raw meat and the
      cooked batter stress, strain, yield and emulsion stability of both high and
      normal pH meat deteriorated with time. However, this deterioration was faster in
      the normal pH meat compared to high pH meat except for total and myofibrillar
      protein solubility. Within the parameters of the present study, it is concluded
      that frozen high pH meat possesses superior functional attributes compared to
      normal pH meat regardless of the degree of comminution or storage time.

PMID- 22063156
TI  - Addition of tea catechins and vitamin C on sensory evaluation, colour and lipid
      stability during chilled storage in cooked or raw beef and chicken patties.
AB  - The effects of addition of tea catechins (TC) and vitamin C (VC) on sensory
      evaluation, colour and lipid stability in cooked or raw beef and chicken meat
      patties during refrigerated storage were studied. Fresh beef striploin and
      chicken breast muscles were minced, following removal of external fat and
      connective tissue. Following mincing, beef and chicken were assigned to one of
      the following five treatments: control (meat treated with no antioxidant); TC200,
      meat plus 200 mg TC/kg muscle; TC400, meat plus 400 mg TC/kg muscle; VC200, meat
      plus 200 mg VC/kg muscle, VC400, meat plus 400 mg VC/kg muscle. Sodium chloride
      (1%) was added to all samples. Patties (125 g portions), formed from the above
      treated minced meat, were oven cooked, cooled, and packaged in 30% CO(2):70%
      N(2). Fresh raw beef and chicken patties were packaged in 80% O(2):20% CO(2). All
      samples were stored for up to 7 days under fluorescent lighting at 4  degrees C.
      Sensory parameters (colour, flavour, taste, tenderness and overall acceptability)
      were evaluated on cooked beef and chicken patties after 1, 3 and 6 days of
      storage. Surface colour (Hunter L, a and b values), and lipid oxidation (2
      thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) were measured on days 1, 3 and 6 of
      storage for cooked meats and on days 2 and 7 for raw beef and chicken. Tea
      catechins addition (200 or 400 mg/kg) to minced meat caused (P<0.05)
      discolouration in cooked beef and chicken meat patties and significantly reduced
      (P<0.001) lipid oxidation in cooked or raw beef patties compared to the control.
      Beef, either raw or cooked, was more susceptible (P<0.01) to oxidation compared
      to chicken. Raw meat stored in high oxygen conditions was more susceptible to
      lipid oxidation than cooked meat stored in anaerobic conditions. Tea catechins
      treatments (TC200 and TC400) inhibited (P<0.05) lipid oxidation in raw beef to a
      greater extent than vitamin C treatments (VC200 and VC400). These results
      indicate that tea catechins are potent natural antioxidants and exhibit greater
      antioxidant efficacy compared to vitamin C.

PMID- 22063157
TI  - Physicochemical properties of low sodium frankfurter with added walnut: effect of
      transglutaminase combined with caseinate, KCl and dietary fibre as salt
      replacers.
AB  - This study compares the effects of combinations of microbial transglutaminase
      (TGase) and various non-meat ingredients (caseinate, KCl and wheat fibre) used as
      salt replacers, with the effects of NaCl on the physicochemical properties
      (cooking loss, emulsion stability, texture and colour) of frankfurters with added
      walnuts. The combination of TGase with caseinate, KCl or fibre led to harder,
      springier and chewier (P<0.05) frankfurters with better water- and fat-binding
      properties (emulsion stability and cooking loss) (P<0.05) than those made with
      TGase only. Ranking of ingredient efficiency in combination with TGase showed
      that caseinate>KCl>fibre. Frankfurters with caseinate presented the highest
      lightness and the lowest redness values. Frankfurter with NaCl had a harder,
      springier and chewier gel/emulsion network with lower cooking loss than those
      NaCl free.

PMID- 22063158
TI  - Factors affecting acceptability of dry-cured ham throughout extended maturation
      under "bodega" conditions.
AB  - The evolution of biochemical, instrumental colour and texture, sensory parameters
      and consumer acceptability of 12-month dry-cured hams maintained up to 26 months
      under "bodega" conditions (18 degrees C, 75% relative humidity) was assessed, in
      order to investigate the influence of extended ripening on their sensory
      characteristics and acceptability. Results demonstrated that ham acceptability
      showed no significant differences (p>0.05) from 12 to 22 months, while it
      decreased significantly (p<0.05) until 26 months. Principal component analysis of
      all data brought about a comprehensive explanation of the biochemical,
      instrumental and sensory parameters involved in the acceptability decrease. In
      fact, high pastiness and adhesiveness values, as measured by both sensory and
      instrumental methods, appeared to be most related to decreasing acceptability.
      Those attributes were the result of an excessive proteolysis, as revealed by
      biochemical maturation indices.

PMID- 22063159
TI  - Breed, slaughter weight and ageing time effects on consumer appraisal of three
      muscles of lamb.
AB  - Consumers (n=265) tasted semitendinosus (ST), semimembranosus (SM) and gluteo
      biceps (GB) (right and left) from 180 entire male lambs. Muscles were from three
      Spanish breeds: Rasa Aragonesa (local meat breed), Churra (local dairy breed) and
      Spanish Merino. Within breed, three slaughter live weights were considered (10
      12, 20-22 or 30-32 kg). Isolated muscles were aged under vacuum package for 1, 2,
      4, 8 or 16 days. Consumers evaluated tenderness, flavour quality and overall
      acceptability. Globally, the three attributes were significantly influenced by
      breed, slaughter live weight and ageing. Considering breed effect, Churra had the
      lowest scores for tenderness in the heaviest lambs while Spanish Merino was the
      most tender at 20-22 kg but there were no differences between either for 10-12 kg
      lambs. Muscles from the heaviest lambs were considered the toughest and those
      from the 10-12 kg lambs the most tender. Tenderness improved with ageing, but
      more for SM and GB. Flavour was better in the lightest lambs and, in general, it
      was not affected negatively by ageing. Consumers preferred meat from the 10-12 kg
      lambs in all breeds (the most tender and with the best flavour) and aged for
      intermediate to long periods (4-16 days). For the three attributes, the ST muscle
      had the best ratings at short ageing times and GB at long ageing times.

PMID- 22063160
TI  - A note on the incidence and antibiotic resistance of Staphylococcus aureus
      isolated from meat and chicken samples.
AB  - One hundred and fifty samples of raw calf/lamb meat samples (mince and chunks)
      and chicken parts (giblets, carcass) were analysed for the presence of
      Staphylococcus aureus. Eighty S. aureus strains were isolated and identified.
      Resistance of the strains to methicillin and other antibiotics was determined by
      the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion test. The overall methicillin resistance rate for
      S. aureus was 67.5%. Of S. aureus strains, 87.5% were resistant to bacitracin. A
      high prevalence of penicillin G resistance was detected for S. aureus (53.8%).
      Few of the strains were resistant to erythromycin (7.5%). All strains were
      susceptible to vancomycin, sulbactam-ampicillin, ciprofloxacin and cefaperazone
      sulbactam. This study confirmed the presence of S. aureus, especially antibiotic
      resistant strains, in the foods examined, indicating poor sanitary conditions
      during processing which may create a health risk for consumers.

PMID- 22063161
TI  - Microbiological condition of beef mechanically tenderized at a packing plant.
AB  - When striploins were mechanically tenderized at a beef packing plant, the log
      total numbers of aerobes, coliforms, staphylococci/listerias and Escherichia coli
      recovered from surfaces before or after tenderizing were about 2.8, 2.0, 0.6 and
      0.3 log cfu 25 cm(-2), respectively. The numbers of those organisms recovered
      from the deep tissues of the tenderized meat were about 2.0, 1.5 and 1.2 log cfu
      25 g(-1) and none, respectively. The aerobes recovered from the deep tissues were
      unexpectedly numerous in view of the small numbers of bacteria on meat surfaces.
      That suggests deep tissue contamination was affected by factors other than the
      numbers on meat surfaces. After cooking tenderized beef to medium rare or well
      done conditions, with maximum temperatures at steak centres of ?65.4 or ?73.4 
      degrees C, respectively, aerobes were recovered from only 2 of 25 samples cooked
      to each condition, at numbers of one or two per sample. This indicates that such
      cooking can ensure the microbiological safety of mechanically tenderized beef
      prepared under controlled conditions.

PMID- 22063162
TI  - Influence of resveratrol on oxidative damage in genomic DNA and apoptosis induced
      by cisplatin.
AB  - Cisplatin is a potent chemotherapeutic agent that has gained widespread use
      against various malignant tumours in a variety of human malignancies. Like other
      chemotherapeutic agents, cisplatin is genotoxic and apoptogenic in non-tumour
      cells and the formation of reactive oxygen species appears to be responsible for
      these toxicities. The anti-genotoxic and anti-apoptotic effects of resveratrol, a
      polyphenol found in numerous plant species, against cisplatin-induced
      genotoxicity and apoptosis in vivo were evaluated by use of standard techniques
      in somatic and germinal cells of mice. Pre-treatment of mice with resveratrol
      significantly reduced cisplatin-induced genotoxicity and apoptosis and
      effectively suppressed the apoptotic signalling triggered by cisplatin. The
      protective effect of resveratrol was found to be stronger at the higher dose,
      indicating the dose-dependent effect of resveratrol. Cisplatin induced marked
      biochemical alterations characteristic of oxidative DNA stress. Prior
      administration of resveratrol before the cisplatin challenge ameliorated these
      biochemical markers. In conclusion, this study provides evidence for the first
      time that resveratrol has a protective role in the abatement of cisplatin-induced
      genotoxicity and apoptosis in somatic and germinal cells of mice. This activity
      resides, at least in part, in its radical scavenger activity. Therefore,
      resveratrol can be a promising chemoprotective agent to avert secondary
      malignancies and abnormal reproductive outcomes in cured cancer patients exposed
      to cisplatin, without diminishing its anti-neoplastic activity.

PMID- 22063163
TI  - International Congress of Meat Science and Technology - ICoMST 2008.

PMID- 22063164
TI  - Animal welfare at markets and during transport and slaughter.
AB  - This review highlights some recent developments in our understanding of stress
      and physical injuries that occur before and during transport to slaughter, during
      handling at livestock markets, and at the time animals are put-up for slaughter
      within abattoirs. Stress in pigs during transfer to the stunning point within the
      abattoir has important effects on meat quality, and there is growing evidence
      that strenuous exercise or CO(2) stunning can contribute to oxidative rancidity
      in pigs, poultry and fish. In the EU, putting cattle through a crush in order to
      check that their eartag numbers correspond to their passport numbers is imposing
      additional stress, and there are reports that it is leading to greater hide
      contamination with Escherichia coli O157. Recent developments in stunning and
      slaughter include a better understanding of the causes of variation in captive
      bolt gun performance, the effectiveness of poll instead of frontal shooting in
      water buffalo, the prevalence of false aneurysms in carotid arteries during
      shechita and halal slaughter, and the stress effects of CO(2) stunning in fish.
      Stunning pigs with 90% CO(2) leads to less PSE meat than 80% CO(2). There have
      been concerns about the physical activity that cattle show following electrical
      stunning with an electrically induced cardiac arrest, and with electrical
      stunning using DC waveforms in broiler chickens. There is also growing concern
      about the hygiene problems that exist in wet markets, where animals are
      slaughtered alongside meat that is on display to customers.

PMID- 22063165
TI  - Have we underestimated the impact of pre-slaughter stress on meat quality in
      ruminants?
AB  - Stress is the inevitable consequence of the process of transferring animals from
      farm to slaughter. The effects of chronic stress on muscle glycogen depletion and
      the consequent dark cutting condition have been well documented. However, there
      has been little examination of the consequences of acute stress immediately pre
      slaughter on ruminant meat quality. New evidence is emerging to show that non pH
      mediated effects on meat quality can occur through pre-slaughter stress in cattle
      and sheep. This paper reviews the general aspects of pre-slaughter stress in the
      pre-slaughter context. It then examines the impacts of pre-slaughter stressors on
      ruminant carcass and meat quality and considers remedial strategies for
      remediating and preventing pre-slaughter stress. Further quantification of the
      biological costs of pre-slaughter stress and the consequences to meat quality is
      required.

PMID- 22063166
TI  - Changes in the nutrient quality of meat in an obesity context.
AB  - Today, being either overweight or obese is becoming the norm both in developing
      and developed countries. Developing countries often experience a double burden of
      nutrition-related diseases, as both over and undernutrition are experienced, with
      overweight presently exceeding underweight in most developing countries. Global
      diet trends such as moving from a traditional diet to more refined foods and
      increased sugar and saturated fat intake are identified as contributing to excess
      energy intake. The nutritional content of meat is non-homogenous and dynamic and
      meat has changed considerably in fat content, in many countries, during the last
      decade due to consumer demand. Choosing a particular meat cut of a specific
      fatness level, prior to cooking and consuming it without added high energy
      condiments, as well as trimming on the plate, can make a significant contribution
      to decrease energy intake, from a total diet perspective. Prudent portion size is
      also of importance. Meat is recognised as an important source of protein, vitamin
      B(12), Vitamin D and essential Omega 3 fatty acids, as well as bio-available
      minerals such as iron, zinc and selenium.

PMID- 22063167
TI  - The animal fat paradox and meat quality.
AB  - The purpose of this paper is to address some of the paradoxical issues and
      perceptions regarding animal fats and the related effects on meat quality and
      consumer perceptions. Meat scientists have been studying carcass characteristics
      for many years and although the factors that influence the accumulation,
      distribution and composition of carcass fat in livestock have been extensively
      researched, the role, value and perceptions of animal fats in meat quality differ
      significantly in importance between producers, abattoirs, butchers, retailers and
      consumers. Fat and long-chain fatty acids, whether in adipose tissue or muscle,
      contribute to important aspects of meat quality and are central to the
      nutritional and sensory values of meat. In this review the nutritional value of
      fat, as well as the importance of fat in terms of carcass and meat quality will
      be highlighted. The 'quality' of meat depends greatly on the socio-demographic
      backgrounds of the consumer. The aim is to focus on the global importance of fat
      in the carcass to the producer, processor and consumer. There is currently no
      clear cut definition for fat quality because the acceptability and perceived
      quality of fat varies significantly in terms of quantity, colour, consistency and
      chemical composition in different species of livestock around the world. The
      association between animal fats and human health is critical and recommendations
      by health professionals range from excluding fats altogether to a moderate
      consumption of fats due to their essential role in the body. Recently the
      emphasis has shifted away from fat quantity to fat quality. Despite these
      recommendations and years of bad publicity in terms of the adverse affects of
      animal fats in human health, the livestock industry seems reluctant to shift its
      focus to fat quality rather than quantity. This approach may adversely affect
      future meat consumption by consumers who are becoming increasingly critical about
      the food they eat.

PMID- 22063168
TI  - The taste of fat.
AB  - For many years, fat in meats have been considered to convey quality although
      variations in the amounts of fat were often poorly correlated with eating
      qualities. The contribution of fat to taste is equally controversial, because a
      specific 'fat taste' perception had not been characterized. The innate attraction
      for fats may be due to one or more of orosensory, post-ingestive and metabolic
      signals. This literature review suggests that taste of lipids, particularly of
      oxidized PUFAs and their esters, may derive from a specific fatty acid perception
      mechanism in human lingual papillae. Interactions of the CD36 scavenger system
      with the many compounds derived from fats in cooked and processed meats offer an
      explanation for the variety of flavors and off-flavors found in meats. The
      genetic variations in the presence of receptor proteins could be one of the
      factors related to the differences in fat preferences in different countries and
      between genders.

PMID- 22063169
TI  - Where is MAP Going? A review and future potential of modified atmosphere
      packaging for meat.
AB  - Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) is the removal and/or replacement of the
      atmosphere surrounding the product before sealing in vapor-barrier materials.
      While technically different, many forms of MAP are also case-ready packaging,
      where meat is cut and packaged at a centralized location for transport to and
      display at a retail store. Most of the shelf life properties of meat are extended
      by use of MAP, but anoxic forms of MAP without carbon monoxide (CO) do not
      provide bloomed red meat color and MAP with oxygen (O(2)) may promote oxidation
      of lipids and pigments. Advances in plastic materials and equipment have
      propelled advances in MAP, but other technological and logistical considerations
      are needed for successful MAP systems for raw chilled fresh meat. Current MAP
      options of air-permeable overwrapped trays in master packs, low O(2) formats of
      shrunk film vacuum packaging (VP) or MAP with carbon dioxide (CO(2)) and nitrogen
      (N(2)) and their peelable barrier film derivatives, and high O(2) MAP each have
      advantages and disadvantages. Packaging technology innovations and ingenuity will
      continue to provide MAP that is consumer oriented, product enhancing,
      environmentally responsive, and cost effective, but continued research and
      development by the scientific and industry sectors will be needed.

PMID- 22063170
TI  - Post-slaughter traceability.
AB  - Traceability programs can cover the whole of life, or parts of it, for individual
      animals or groups/lots of animals. Of 13 country or community traceability
      programs for cattle/beef, 11 are mandatory (4 encompass, or are scheduled to
      encompass, birth to retail; 7 cover birth to slaughter) while 2 are voluntary and
      encompass birth to slaughter. Of 10 country or community traceability programs
      for swine/pork, 2 are mandatory (1 covers birth to retail; 1 covers birth to
      slaughter) while 8 are voluntary. Of 6 country or community traceability programs
      for sheep/sheep-meat, 3 are mandatory (1 encompasses birth to retail; 2 encompass
      birth to slaughter) while 3 are voluntary. Mandatory birth to retail programs
      that include "post-slaughter individual animal identification (IAID)
      traceability" have been implemented for cattle/beef, swine/pork and sheep/sheep
      meat by the European Union and for cattle/beef by Japan. Many of the voluntary as
      well as mandatory, birth to slaughter traceability programs for all three species
      are presumed (though that is not specified) to include "post-slaughter group/lot
      identification (GLID) traceability" - e.g., those qualifying products for
      shipment to the European Union. "Post-slaughter IAID traceability" can be
      accomplished in very-small, small, medium, large and very-large packing plants
      using single-carcass processing units, tagging and separation/segregation, and/or
      deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fingerprinting technology but all of these approaches
      are time-consuming and costly; and, to-date, in most countries, there has been no
      reason compelling enough to cause industry to adopt such protocols or technology.

PMID- 22063171
TI  - Probiotics in fermented sausages.
AB  - Probiotic foods receive market interest as health-promoting, functional foods.
      They have been introduced in a wide range of food industries. However, commercial
      application of probiotic microorganisms in fermented sausages is not common yet.
      There are both advantages and disadvantages connected to fermented meat matrices.
      They are adequate for the carriage of probiotic bacteria since they are usually
      not or only mildly heated and may promote the survival of probiotic bacteria in
      the gastrointestinal tract. In contrast, bacterial viability may be reduced due
      to the high content in curing salt and the low water activity and pH. Therefore,
      results are expected to be strain-dependent. Up till now, several approaches have
      been followed but most results are too preliminary to be able to evaluate the
      effect of probiotic fermented meats on human health. Candidate probiotic strains
      have been obtained through screening for technological requirements among
      bacteria that are naturally present in the meat or that originate from meat
      starter cultures. Alternatively, existing probiotic bacteria have been applied in
      meat products. Finally, the evaluation of the end-products needs to deal with
      both health effects and technological characteristics, for instance through human
      intervention studies and taste panels, respectively.

PMID- 22063172
TI  - Present and future applications of DNA technologies to improve beef production.
AB  - Substantial improvements in production efficiency and quality of beef and dairy
      products have been made possible through manipulation of bovine genetics. The
      advent of modern breeds in the last two centuries, the institution of phenotypic
      selection practices and quantitative genetics, even the process of domestication
      in the distant past, have all represented means to make use of naturally
      occurring variation in the genome to tailor the animal for a desired outcome. We
      discuss the history of genome research in cattle and recent technological
      advances that promise a leap forward in the use of DNA sequence to facilitate
      selection, in which a detailed genome-level view for individual animals may
      provide comprehensive and relatively accurate assessment of the consequences,
      both desired and unintended, of genetic selection for livestock production.

PMID- 22063173
TI  - Do indigenous Southern African cattle breeds have the right genetics for
      commercial production of quality meat?
AB  - The establishment of cattle breeds which are now indigenous to Africa is believed
      by historians to be very closely associated with man, his development, migration
      and specific behaviour from 6000 years BC. Today these breeds compete with exotic
      breeds in a commercial system driven by global economical principles. Results
      from various trials are discussed to verify if these breeds can adhere to these
      principles and compete in the South African beef market to produce quality beef
      economically. Variation in frame size among indigenous breeds will determine
      their suitability as feedlot cattle depending on the price and feed margins
      driving profit in this industry sector. Meat quality analyses indicate small or
      no differences between indigenous and exotic European/British breeds but with
      potentially superior quality compared to Bos indicus breeds.

PMID- 22063174
TI  - The yield and nutritional value of meat from African ungulates, camelidae,
      rodents, ratites and reptiles.
AB  - The current knowledge of the yield and nutritional (proximate and fatty acid)
      composition of meat derived from African ungulates, camelidae, rodents, ratites
      and reptiles is reviewed. Although most of the species discussed give low
      cholesterol levels consistent with their low meat lipid contents, the tegu lizard
      gives a very low level (18.2mg/100g tissue). The fatty acid profiles of the
      various species all have low saturated fatty acids and high polyunsaturated fatty
      acids resulting in favourable saturated to polyunsaturated fatty acid ratios.
      Although the springbok, camel, ostrich and crocodile are marketed and exported to
      sophisticated markets, the rodents are the species that show most promise in
      becoming large commercial commodities. Not only is their meat desirable and
      nutritional, but they are also highly adaptable to extensive and intensive
      production systems.

PMID- 22063175
TI  - The contribution of chevon from Africa to global meat production.
AB  - Africa's goat population increased by 75% between 1980 and 2005 and constitutes
      30% of the world goat population. Although Africa produces about 20% of the
      world's chevon, its share of world chevon market has been declining. Exports from
      Africa represent less than 5% of the total world trade. Most goats are raised by
      smallholder farmers for subsistence and trading in informal markets. The world
      renowned Boer, Kalahari Red and Savanna goats are meat breeds that were developed
      in South Africa. Information on most African goat breeds is scanty, but there
      seems to be large variations in the breed characteristics, which suggests a
      potential for selective breeding for more and meat breeds. Recommendations for
      enhancing goat production in Africa include, prioritizing research and technology
      transfer on meat goat production, development of more chevon breeds, devising
      methods to enhance the quality of African chevon through pre- and post-harvest
      interventions, and improved support from government institutions and policy.

PMID- 22063176
TI  - Reassessing the principles of electrical stimulation.
AB  - The mechanisms by which electrical stimulation (ES) of carcasses can be used to
      modulate meat quality are reviewed. Evidence to support an effect of ES on
      tenderness (and other meat quality attributes) based solely on changes in the
      pH/temperature profile within carcass muscles are presented. The interactions
      between electrical parameters and the contraction responses of carcass muscles
      are described to provide generalised principles to guide the design of electrical
      stimulation technology. The commercial risks to meat quality of inappropriate use
      of electrical stimulation, particularly excessive stimulation to produce PSE-like
      conditions, are considered.

PMID- 22063177
TI  - Modelling quality variations in commercial Ontario pork production.
AB  - This study explores the interactions of sensory and nutritional environment with
      genotype occurring in current commercial pork production in Ontario, Canada,
      which may interact to result in poor quality meat. The study focussed on
      identifying factors and signalling mechanisms that contribute to poor meat
      quality, in order to develop strategies to reduce the incidence of unacceptable
      product quality. In the first phase of the work reported here, animal behaviour
      and muscle metabolism studies were related to meat colour, tenderness and water
      holding capacity measurements from commercially-produced pigs killed in a
      commercial packing plant. A partial least squares analysis was used to determine
      the most important of the principal production variables, peri-mortem biochemical
      measures and post-mortem carcass condition variables studied, in terms of their
      influence on water-holding, toughness and colour (L*-value). Variations between
      producer and kill day at the slaughterhouse were very strong contributors to
      variability in these three meat quality parameters, followed by pH variations. A
      second phase of the study is currently underway to characterize patterns of gene
      expression related to extremes of end-product quality and to reduce quality
      variations by nutritional and behavioural management strategies.

PMID- 22063178
TI  - Meat quality assessment using biophysical methods related to meat structure.
AB  - This paper overviews the biophysical methods developed to gain access to meat
      structure information. The meat industry needs reliable meat quality information
      throughout the production process in order to guarantee high-quality meat
      products for consumers. Fast and non-invasive sensors will shortly be deployed,
      based on the development of biophysical methods for assessing meat structure.
      Reliable meat quality information (tenderness, flavour, juiciness, colour) can be
      provided by a number of different meat structure assessment either by means of
      mechanical (i.e., Warner-Bratzler shear force), optical (colour measurements,
      fluorescence) electrical probing or using ultrasonic measurements,
      electromagnetic waves, NMR, NIR, and so on. These measurements are often used to
      construct meat structure images that are fusioned and then processed via multi
      image analysis, which needs appropriate processing methods. Quality traits
      related to mechanical properties are often better assessed by methods that take
      into account the natural anisotropy of meat due to its relatively linear
      myofibrillar structure. Biophysical methods of assessment can either measure meat
      component properties directly, or calculate them indirectly by using obvious
      correlations between one or several biophysical measurements and meat component
      properties. Taking these calculations and modelling the main relevant biophysical
      properties involved can help to improve our understanding of meat properties and
      thus of eating quality.

PMID- 22063179
TI  - Lipid composition and lipolytic enzyme activities in porcine skeletal muscles
      with different oxidative pattern.
AB  - Three muscles with different oxidative pattern (m. longissimus dorsi, Ld; m.
      biceps femoris, Bf; m. triceps brachii, Tb) have been analysed for lipid
      composition and lipolytic activities. The results showed a relatively low lipid
      (around 30 g kg(-1)) and cholesterol (around 0.5 g kg(-1)) content being higher
      in the oxidative and intermediate muscles Tb and Bf, respectively, than in Ld.
      Muscle Tb had higher amount of phospholipids and PUFA. Muscle Tb also had the
      higher lipolytic activity (acid and neutral lipase and acid phospholipase
      activities). There were no differences for acid and neutral esterase activities
      between the three muscles studied. The use of principal component (PC) analysis
      might be used to distinguish among the three studied muscles since each one
      showed a different pattern based on the lipid composition and lipolytic
      activities.

PMID- 22063180
TI  - Proteolytic activity of Lactobacillus strains isolated from dryfermented sausages
      on muscle sarcoplasmic proteins.
AB  - The proteolytic activity of seven strains of Lactobacillus from two species
      isolated from dry cured sausages was assayed using a soluble muscle extract as a
      source of proteins, at a temperature of 30  degrees C. The results indicated that
      the strains of Lactobacillus plantarum tested had the more active proteolytic
      system, showing the highest amino acid release in the medium after 72 hr of
      incubation (L. plantarum CRL 681) when the microorganism was in the stationary
      phase of growth. The strains of L. casei showed a continued hydrolytic activity
      with a lower amino acids concentration along the studied period. The SDS-PAGE
      profiles showed that the major changes in sarcoplasmic proteins were produced in
      the 13 kDa and 36-40 kDa molecular weights region.

PMID- 22063181
TI  - Tenderness of normal and callipyge lamb aged fresh or after freezing(*).
AB  - The present experiments were conducted to determine if tenderness differed
      between normal (N) and callipyge (CLPG) lamb during post-mortem aging of: (1)
      longissimus muscle (LM), (2) semimembranosus muscle (SM), and (3) LM after
      freezing for 6 weeks. In the LM, CLPG chops were tougher (p < 0.01) than N at
      every post-mortem age and after 24 h CaCl(2) marination of a day 1 chop. Post
      mortem aging reduced (p < 0.05) shear force of the LM in both N and CLPG;
      however, this reduction proceeded at a slower rate (-0.127 vs -0.341 kg d(-1); p
      = 0.01) and for a longer time period (24 vs 6 days; p < 0.05) in CLPG than N. In
      the SM muscle, shear force values did not differ (p > 0.05). due to phenotype,
      post-mortem age, or the two-way interaction. Freezing prior to aging accelerated
      the rate of post-mortem tenderization in CLPG (-0.130 vs -0.060 kg d(-1); p =
      0.004) while no changes (p > 0.05) were observed for N. Phenotypic expression of
      the CLPG gene increased the toughness of the LM with no change in SM; however,
      freezing prior to aging accelerated the post-mortem tenderization process in CLPG
      LM.

PMID- 22063182
TI  - Effect of muscle type, packaging, and irradiation on lipid oxidation, volatile
      production, and color in raw pork patties.
AB  - Effects of packaging and irradiation combinations on lipid oxidation, off-flavor,
      and color changes of raw patties prepared from three pork muscles were studied.
      Patties were prepared from each of the ground L. dorsi (L. thoracis and
      lumborum), psoas, and R. femoris muscles of pig, packaged either in oxygen
      permeable polyethylene bags or impermeable nylon/polyethylene bags, irradiated
      with an electron beam at 0 or 4.5 kGy dose, and then stored up to two weeks at 4 
      degrees C. Lipid 8 oxidation and color of the patties were determined after 0, 3,
      7, and 14 days of storage, and volatiles 24 hr after irradiation. Irradiation and
      high fat content accelerated the lipid oxidation in raw meat during storage.
      Oxygen availability during storage, however, was more important than irradiation
      on the lipid oxidation and color values of raw patties. Irradiated meat produced
      more volatiles than nonirradiated patties, and the proportion of volatiles varied
      by the packaging-irradiation conditions of patties. Irradiation produced many
      unidentified volatiles that could be responsible for the off-odor in irradiated
      raw meat. No single volatile components but total volatiles, however, could be
      used to predict lipid oxidation status of raw meat.

PMID- 22063183
TI  - Effect of halothane genotype on porcine meat quality and myoglobin autoxidation.
AB  - The objective of this study was to determine effects of light (40-80 kg) or heavy
      (100-130 kg) slaughter weight and halothane status (positive, nn; negative, NN;
      and heterozygous, Nn), on meat quality. Longissimus muscle (LM) pH at 45 min
      (pH(45)) post-exsanguination was 6.25, 6.03, and 5.84 (different at p < 0.01) for
      NN, Nn, and nn genotype, respectively. At heavier weights (100-130 kg), genotype
      correlated (r = -0.71) with LM pH(45), 10th costae LM (TENLM) color score (r = 
      0.55), TENLM Hunter L(*)-value (r = 0.47), water holding capacity (r = 0.42) and
      TENLM subjective firmness-wetness score (r = 0.51). Rate constants for
      metmyoglobin accumulation and oxymyoglobin autoxidation, indicators for fresh
      meat color stability, increased (p < 0.05) with decreasing pH. Color stability
      for NN muscle was more stable than nn muscle (p < 0.05). Electrofocusing of
      myoblobin revealed two bands (MW 17.10(3)) at pI 6.1 and 6.5 across genotypes.
      Because differences were not observed across genotypes, an observed increase (p <
      0.05) in 24 hr myoglobin autoxidation rate constant (associated with increased
      expression of the HAL gene) are presumed dependent upon post-mortem muscle
      changes. These data show that changes in halothane status affect fresh pork
      quality and that lowered meat quality results in further color destruction due to
      altered chemical reactions involving myoglobin oxidation.

PMID- 22063184
TI  - Influence of dietary beta-alanine and histidine on the oxidative stability of
      pork.
AB  - Carnosine (beta-alanine-L-histidine) and anserine (beta-alanine-1-methyl
      histidine) are endogenous antioxidants found in skeletal muscle. The objective of
      this research was to determine if supplementation of swine diets with histidine
      (histidine; 0.40%) and/or beta-alanine (beta-alanine; 0.225%) was an effective
      method to increase carnosine and anserine concentrations and the oxidative
      stability of Longissimus dorsi (LD) and Vastus intermedius (VI) muscles. Dietary
      treatments had no effect on carnosine and anserine concentrations in LD; however,
      histidine + beta-alanine supplementation increased carnosine and anserine in VI
      muscle compared to beta-alanine supplementation. Dietary supplementation had no
      effect on the formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive (TBARS) or lipid
      peroxides in cooked VI and LD. In salted VI and LD muscle, differences in TBARS
      and peroxides were observed; however, these differences did not consistently
      correlate with differences in anserine and carnosine concentrations. Therefore,
      the results of this research suggest that supplementation of swine diets with
      beta-alanine and/or histidine is not an efficient method to increase the
      oxidative stability of pork.

PMID- 22063185
TI  - Effects of anka rice, nitrite, and phosphate on warmed-over flavor and
      palatability characteristics in roast beef.
AB  - Effects of anka rice, nitrite, and phosphate used in surface curing of roast beef
      on chemical analysis, lipid oxidation, sensory evaluation, physical measurements,
      and microbial growth after refrigerated storage were studied. TBA values
      indicated that nitrite retarded lipid oxidation and inhibited development of
      warmed-over flavor; however, anka rice had a flavor masking effect on oxidation;
      and phosphate did not improve physical measurements due to surface curing but
      slightly inhibited oxidation. There was a synergistic effect among anka rice,
      nitrite, and phosphate in some measurements.

PMID- 22063186
TI  - Effects of chopping time, meat source and storage temperature on the colour of
      New Zealand type fresh beef sausages.
AB  - The colour stability of finely chopped fresh sausages made from post-rigor, pre
      rigor salt added (1.5% w/w) or pre-rigor no salt added beef mince was evaluated
      using a Hunter Miniscan (L (*) a (*) b (*)) and sensory colour panel. Batters
      were chopped for various times and sausages stored at -1.5  degrees , + 4.0 
      degrees  and + 8.0  degrees C. Regardless of meat source or chopping time, colour
      stability was greatest at -1.5  degrees C. Panellists found the colour of all
      sausages stored at -1.5  degrees C acceptable for at least six days. Sausages
      made from unsalted pre-rigor mince had markedly better colour stability than
      those made from the other meats, especially when stored at 4  degrees C or 8 
      degrees C.

PMID- 22063187
TI  - Effect of pelvic suspension and cooking temperature on the tenderness of
      electrically stimulated and aged beef, assessed with shear and compression tests.
AB  - Electrically stimulated carcass sides of young bulls were suspended at 1 hr post
      mortem from the aitch bone (pelvic suspension; PS) and Achilles tendon (AT),
      respectively. After an ageing period of 14 days at 3  degrees C, shear force (SF)
      and compression (20 and 80% compression) tests of the Mm. longissimus lumborum et
      thoracis (LO) and semimembranosus (SM) were conducted in raw muscle and after
      heating for 1 hr at 55, 60, 65, 70 and 80  degrees C. Collagen content was higher
      in SM than in LO, while sarcomere length (SL) of raw muscle were 1.75 and 1.78,
      for LO and SM. In comparison with the AT-side, PS increased SL by 21 and 47% and
      cooking loss (at 80  degrees C) by 2 and 6% for LO and SM, respectively. Drip
      loss of whole muscles from the PS-side during the ageing period tended to be
      lower (n.s.). Over the whole cooking temperature range, SF-values were relatively
      high for the SM in comparison with LO. For both muscles from the AT-side, the
      lowest SF-values were observed at 60 and 65  degrees C. The PS-treatment resulted
      in higher SF- values for raw muscle and after cooking at low temperatures (55 and
      60  degrees C), particularly in the SM. In the intermediate temperature range (65
      and 70  degrees C), PS had no significant effect, while in the higher temperature
      range (80  degrees C), SF-values were lower in the PS-side. Similar tendencies
      were observed in the LO, although the lower SF-values for the PS-side were
      observed already at 60  degrees C. In non-destructive compression (20%), there
      was a gradual increase in stress values with increasing cooking temperature. In
      comparison with the AT-side, the PS treatment resulted in the LO in similar or
      higher, and in the SM in lower stress values. With destructive compression (80%),
      PS resulted in SM in higher stress values in raw muscle and at 55  degrees C, in
      accordance with the SF-values. It is suggested that the higher SF- and 80%
      compression values in raw muscle and at low cooking temperatures, are caused by
      an increase in collagen strength due to a change in the direction and spatial
      organisation of the collagen fibres as a result of stretching of the muscle. This
      study demonstrates that the relative contributions of the collagen and
      myofibrillar components to the mechanical assessed toughness, as well as the
      effect of pelvic suspension, is dependent of muscle, cooking temperature and the
      mechanical test applied.

PMID- 22063188
TI  - Effect of calf feeding regimes and diet EDTA on physico-chemical characteristics
      of veal stored under modified atmospheres.
AB  - Physico-chemical characteristics of veal from 30 calves allotted to five
      different rations with respect to iron bioavailability were evaluated at
      packaging and after 2 and 4 weeks of storage under both 100% CO(2) and 100% N(2).
      The five diets were 'Milk', 'Grain', 'Mix' (combination of Milk and Grain) and
      'Mix + EDTA' and 'Grain + EDTA' where 15 mg EDTA were added per mg Fe in the feed
      concentrate. Diet EDTA was generally more influential on veal quality than
      storage treatments. The chelator caused an unexpected pH drop in veal stored four
      weeks irrespective of storage conditions (p <= 0.05). However, the colour,
      texture and flavour of meat from animals fed EDTA in the Grain- and Mix-ration
      was equivalent to that of Milk-fed veal (p <= 0.05). The EDTA treatments also
      improved the appearance of veal under anoxic atmospheres. Upon storage however,
      the chelator increased veal drip losses (p <= 0.05) and also cooking losses from
      Grain-fed calves (p <= 0.05). Packaging under CO(2) decreased pH (p <= 0.05) and
      increased drip losses (p <= 0.05) but did not alter other physico-chemical
      parameters. Dietary treatments had no effect on shear forces (p > 0.05) which
      decreased after two weeks in storage (p <= 0.05) independent of gas atmospheres.
      Overall, the quality characteristics of pale veal were obtained following
      addition of EDTA in Grain- and Mix-fed animals and were maintained in storage.
      This approach looks promising for the veal industry but warrants further
      research.

PMID- 22063189
TI  - Comparison of some physical and chemical properties of selected game meats.
AB  - There were no significant differences in proximate composition of the different
      game meats. Game meats were similar in composition to beef, though beef had lower
      crude fat contents than expected. Myoglobin content was highest in zebra meat and
      lowest in oryx meat and there were significant differences (p < 0.01) between
      zebra and kongoni on one hand and oryx and beef on the other. Leg had higher
      myoglobin contents than loin. Kongoni, oryx and beef lipids consisted mainly of
      saturated fatty acids while those in zebra lipids were predominantly unsaturated.
      Zebra meat was darker than meat from other species due to its high myoglobin
      content. Oryx meat had the highest lightness (L (*)), and chromaticity (a (*) and
      b (*)) values. This gave it a bright appearance compared to the other species,
      though zebra meat had the highest hue angle value and thus redness. However, both
      oryx and kongoni meats showed a tendency to accumulate metmyoglobin at the
      surface. Zebra meat had less cooking loss compared to meat from the other
      species, including beef.

PMID- 22063190
TI  - Calpains and calpastatin from cold-shortened bovine M. longissimus lumborum.
AB  - Sections of beef longissimus lumborum from four animals were held after 1 hr post
      mortem at either 0  degrees  (cold-shortened) or at 15  degrees C (controls).
      After 24 hr, the levels of MU- and m-calpains were the same in both treatments
      and about 30% and 85% of their initial levels respectively. The level of
      calpastatin at 24 h was higher in cold-shortened (100%) than in controls (60% of
      its initial level). During subsequent storage at 4  degrees C, the activities of
      calpains and calpastatin decreased similarly in extracts from both cold-shortened
      and control muscles. The similar levels of MU-calpain during the first 24 hr post
      mortem but at the lower temperature suggest that there is less activity under
      cold-shortening conditions. This, combined with the increased calpastatin levels,
      would produce less proteolysis by the calpain system. Reduced proteolysis is
      therefore a factor which should be considered in an understanding of the
      mechanism of cold-shortening toughness.

PMID- 22063191
TI  - Assessment of polyaromatic hydrocarbon degradation by potentially pathogenic
      environmental Vibrio parahaemolyticus isolates from coastal Louisiana, USA.
AB  - A presumed Vibrio parahaemolyticus isolate from Chesapeake Bay, Maryland, USA was
      previously reported to grow on phenanthrene, a polyaromatic hydrocarbon (PAH)
      found in crude oil. Following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill in the Gulf of
      Mexico, concerns were raised that PAH-degrading V. parahaemolyticus could
      increase in abundance, leading to elevated risks of disease derived from
      shellfish consumption. To assess this possibility, we examined responses to
      naphthalene and phenanthrene of 17 coastal Louisiana environmental V.
      parahaemolyticus isolates representing five distinct genotypes. Isolates were
      obtained immediately after the spill began and after oil had reached the
      Louisiana coast. None of the isolates grew on or oxidized either substrate and a
      naphthalene degradation product, 1-naphthol, substantially inhibited growth of
      some isolates. The use of PAH by V. parahaemolyticus is unusual, and an increase
      in human health risks due to stimulation of V. parahaemolyticus growth by oil
      derived PAH under in situ conditions appears unlikely.

PMID- 22063192
TI  - The association between in utero hyperinsulinemia and adolescent arterial
      stiffness.
AB  - AIM: To determine the relationship between in utero hyperinsulinemia and
      children's arterial stiffness at adolescence. METHODS: Indices of arterial
      stiffness were measured using the SphygmoCor apparatus in 129 adolescents (42
      offsprings of mother with gestational diabetes and 87 offsprings of mother with
      normal glucose tolerance during pregnancy) at 15 years of age. RESULTS:
      Adolescent of mothers with gestational diabetes had similar central aortic blood
      pressure, augmentation pressure (AP), augmentation index (AI), and carotid
      femoral pulse wave velocity (PWV) as that of controls. However, both umbilical
      cord C-peptide and insulin levels correlated positively AI (R=0.28 and 0.24;
      p=0.011 and 0.035, respectively), and umbilical insulin level correlated
      positively with AP (R=0.25; p=0.025). The correlations were significant between
      umbilical cord C-peptide and AP (R=0.24; p=0.035) and AI (R=0.29; p=0.011) after
      adjustment for subjects' age, sex, body weight and height. Adolescents who had
      umbilical cord C-peptide levels at highest quartile (n=25), based on the
      reference ranges of the original cohort, had a significant greater PWV (5.26+/
      0.12 m/s vs 4.98+/-0.12 m/s; p=0.0049) than those with C-peptide levels at the
      lower 3 quartiles (n=57) after adjustment for age, sex, body weight and height.
      CONCLUSIONS: In utero hyperinsulinemia appears to increase the offspring's
      arterial stiffness at early adolescence.

PMID- 22063193
TI  - Suppression of high pacing-induced ANP secretion by antioxidants in isolated rat
      atria.
AB  - Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are formed as a natural by-product of the normal
      metabolism of oxygen and have important roles in cell signaling. The aim of this
      study was to investigate direct effects of ROS on atrial hemodynamics and ANP
      secretion in isolated perfused beating rat atria with antioxidants. When atria
      were paced at 1.2 Hz, N-acetyl cystein (antioxidant, NAC), alpha-lipoic acid
      (antioxidant), tempol (superoxide dismutase mimic), and apocynin (NADPH oxidase
      inhibitor; NOX inhibitor) did not affect ANP secretion and atrial contractility.
      When pacing frequency was increased from 1.2 Hz to 4 Hz, the ANP secretion
      increased and atrial contractility decreased. H(2)O(2) level was increased in
      perfusate obtained from atria stimulated by high pacing frequency. NAC, alpha
      lipoic acid and tempol attenuated high pacing frequency-induced ANP secretion but
      apocynin did not. In contrast, pyrogallol (a superoxide generator) augmented high
      pacing frequency-induced ANP secretion. NOX-4 protein was increased by high
      pacing stimulation and in diabetic rat atria. In diabetic rat atria, high pacing
      frequency caused an increased ANP secretion and a decreased atrial contractility,
      that were markedly attenuated as compared to control rats. NAC and apocynin
      reduced high pacing frequency-induced ANP secretion in diabetic rat atria. These
      results suggest that intracellular ROS formation partly through an increasing NOX
      activity in response to high pacing frequency is associated with an increased ANP
      secretion in rat atria.

PMID- 22063194
TI  - Capillary gel electrophoresis versus SDS PAGE of exudate from fresh pork.
AB  - This investigation compared electrophoretic profiles of exudate from fresh normal
      pork in which the protein separation was undertaken by both sodium dodecyl
      sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis SDS PAGE and capillary gel
      electrophoresis. The profiles obtained using the two techniques were similar and
      in many investigations either method would be suitable. It is suggested that
      capillary gel electrophoresis offers a number of benefits over the traditional
      time consuming and labour intensive gel electrophoresis techniques which involves
      gel preparation, sample application, staining and eventually quantification of
      the zones by densitometry. For separation of proteins in meat-based systems the
      advantages of capillary gel electrophoresis include on-capillary detection,
      instrumental automation, rapid analysis time and low sample volumes while
      providing similar information to that obtained from SDS PAGE.

PMID- 22063195
TI  - Freezing and thawing rate effects on drip loss from samples of pork.
AB  - The effects of six freezing rates, two storage times and three thawing rates on
      the drip loss from small samples (approximately 6 g) of pork were studied. Drip
      was collected by centrifugal extraction. Protein denaturation of the meat sample
      was analysed by differential scanning calorimetry. At fast freezing rates, drip
      losses obtained were not significantly different from that of fresh samples. At
      the slower freezing rates studied, drip losses were greater than that from fresh
      samples. After four weeks storage, drip losses were significantly greater at the
      slow freezing rates compared to the samples without storage. However, for the
      stored samples, there were no differences in drip losses with respect to the
      initial freezing rates. Furthermore, the drip losses from stored samples were not
      significantly different from drip losses of samples at the slow freezing rates
      without storage. No differences in denaturation profiles of the meat samples,
      composition of drip or total protein concentrations in the drip samples were
      observed.

PMID- 22063196
TI  - Freezing rate and frozen storage effects on the ultrastructure of samples of
      pork.
AB  - Cryo-scanning electron microscopy was used to study the ultrastructure of small
      samples (approximately 6 g) of pork. Combinations of six freezing rates, two
      storage times and three thawing rates were used. Cavities created after
      sublimation of the ice crystals were quantitatively analysed using an image
      analysis software package. The cross-sectional areas of cavities of meat samples
      in the frozen state were approximately ten times the areas of the cavities of the
      fresh and thawed samples. The large cavities in the frozen state grossly
      distorted the muscle cell structures. Upon thawing, the meat structure had almost
      completely recovered. No significant freezing rate effects were observed,
      however, trends were evident. Significant storage time effects were observed. In
      the frozen state, at the 90th percentile level, the hole area fraction was
      greater in stored samples for intermediate cavity areas. In thawed samples, hole
      area fractions of stored samples were greater than in samples without storage.

PMID- 22063197
TI  - A preliminary investigation of the effects of frozen storage on samples of pork.
AB  - The effects of combinations of freezing, thawing and frozen storage on the drip
      loss and ultrastructure of small samples (approximately 6 g) of pork were
      studied. Samples were stored for up to 12 weeks at -20 degrees C or for up to 4
      weeks at temperatures fluctuating between -10 and -3 degrees C. Drip was
      collected by centrifugal extraction. Cryo-scanning electron microscopy was used
      to study the ultrastructure of the meat. Sizes of cavities created after
      sublimation of the ice crystals were quantitatively analysed using an image
      analysis software package. Freezing rate by storage time interactions were
      observed in drip loss analyses. No differences were observed in the drip protein
      concentration or electrophoretic patterns. Ultrastructural differences were only
      observed after thawing samples stored at the higher temperatures. The effects
      being investigated were subtle.

PMID- 22063198
TI  - Low voltage electrical stimulation of lamb carcasses: effects on meat quality.
AB  - The effects of an early post mortem low voltage electrical stimulation (28 V, 60
      Hz) on biochemical changes and on final tenderness in muscles Longissimus
      thoracis et lumborum and Semimembranosus from lamb carcasses were studied. It was
      shown that electrical stimulation accelerated the glycolytic process resulting in
      a significant fall in pH during the first 6 h post mortem in both muscles
      examined and in a significant reduction in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content
      in muscle Longissimus thoracis et lumborum. The effect of electrical stimulation
      on tenderness was recorded by measuring shear force values 2 and 7 days post
      mortem. Tenderness was significantly improved by electrical stimulation for the
      Longissimus thoracis et lumborum both at 2 and at 7 days post mortem, while for
      Semimembranosus electrical stimulation significantly increased tenderness just at
      7 days post mortem.

PMID- 22063199
TI  - The effects of a starter culture on the formation of biogenic amines in Turkish
      soudjoucks.
AB  - The effects of starter culture containing Lactobacillus sake, Pediococcus
      pentosaceus, Staphylococcus carnosus plus Staphylococcus xylosus on the formation
      of biogenic amines during ripening of Turkish soudjoucks were investigated.
      Determination of eight different biogenic amines was carried out by reverse-phase
      high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using diode array detection. It was
      found that aerobic plate counts (APC) decreased in the samples with added starter
      culture. Lactic acid bacteria counts increased in both the controls and samples
      with added starter during ripening. Total Enterobacteriaceae (ENT) counts
      decreased on the 30th day for vacuum packed and starter added samples. Yeast
      counts decreased only in vacuum packed and starter added samples on the 30th day.
      No biogenic amines were found in ground meat samples. Putrescine (PU) and
      tyramine (TYR) were determined in all control samples during the storage at 4
      degrees C. Starter addition inhibited formation of PU but not TYR.

PMID- 22063200
TI  - Changes in intramuscular connective tissue and collagen solubility of bovine
      m.semitendinosus during retorting.
AB  - Vacuum-packed slices of bovine m.semitendinosus (ST) muscle were retorted to
      internal temperatures of 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100 and 121 degrees C. Changes in
      the microstructure of the endomysium and perimysium were evaluated using a
      scanning electron microscope (SEM). Changes in solubility of intramuscular
      collagen were also estimated. In samples heated to 50 degrees C changes in
      intramuscular connective tissue were not seen. At 60 degrees C granulation of the
      perimysium and sarcolemma was seen, and on longitudinal sections, as well as
      granulation, fibrous structures of perimysium were observed. At 70 degrees C
      increased granulation was observed. In the range 80-121 degrees C progressive
      compression of the meat structure was seen in the transverse sections. The
      percentage of soluble collagen in the meat changed little up to an internal
      temperature of 60 degrees C, but at 70 degrees C it almost doubled, and in the
      range 80-121 degrees C drastically decreased.

PMID- 22063201
TI  - Post-mortem variation in pH, temperature, and colour profiles of veal carcasses
      in relation to breed, blood haemoglobin content, and carcass characteristics.
AB  - A total of 1764 male calves of the Meuse-Rhine-Yssel (MRY) and Friesian-Holstein
      (FH) breeds were slaughtered at two commercial slaughterhouses to investigate the
      variation in pH, temperature, and colour of Dutch veal carcasses processed
      without electrical stimulation and with a moderate chilling regimen (average
      temperature of the longissimus lumborum muscle at 45 min, 3, 24, and 48 h post
      mortem was 38.4, 23.3, 3.7 and 1.9 degrees C, respectively). Blood haemoglobin
      content was determined 2 weeks before slaughter. The efficacy of captive bolt
      stunning was scored and the carcass movements after shackling registered.
      Temperature and pH measurements were carried out at 45 min, and 3, 24, and 48 h
      after slaughter in the longissimus lumborum muscle (LL). Muscle surface colour
      (CieLAB-values) was measured with a colorimeter at the rectus abdominis muscle at
      the same times post-mortem. Carcass conformation and visual carcass colour
      classification were determined at 45 min post-mortem. Carcasses with a better
      EUROP-conformation score and heavier weight showed a higher rate of pH decline
      and a slower cooling rate. Slight differences in cooling systems between the
      slaughterhouses caused marked differences in pH and temperature profiles.
      Significant differences in carcass weight were observed between the MRY and FH
      breeds, leading to significant differences in pH and temperature profiles.
      Carcass colour of the two breeds was similar. Veal carcass colour in general was
      not related to the observed variation in post-mortem pH and temperature in the
      longissimus lumborum muscle and was shown to be more associated with the blood
      haemoglobin content. Haemoglobin content of the blood in the period before
      slaughter was shown to be related to the visually assessed carcass colour at 45
      min post-mortem (using a 10-colour scale), as well as to the instrumentally
      determined L*-value, with significant correlation coefficients of 0.61 and -0.61,
      respectively. Repeated captive bolt stunning to obtain unconsciousness
      significantly decreased pH at 3 h post-mortem. The degree of carcass movement
      after slaughter did not influence pH, temperature, or colour profiles of the
      carcasses.

PMID- 22063202
TI  - Objective measurement of veal color for classification purposes.
AB  - 2300 veal calves were used to compare the ability of chromameters to measure the
      veal meat color on-line and to develop a relationship between instrumental and
      visual assessments to predict the color score according to the EC-system of
      classification. The meat color was assessed subjectively by 3 trained judges and
      objectively by 2 chromameters CR300 and CR310, 45 min post mortem on the Rectus
      abdominis, on the external side, skin having been removed. R(2) values reached
      0.70 for the CR300 and 0.75 for the CR310. The equations of prediction classified
      correctly up to 87% of carcasses. These data indicate that chromameters (Minolta
      CR310 and CR300) can be used on-line to measure objectively veal meat color at
      the end of the slaughterline.

PMID- 22063203
TI  - Effect of type of suckling and length of lactation period on carcass and meat
      quality in intensive lamb production systems.
AB  - This study examined the effect of the type of suckling and length of lactation
      period on carcass characteristics and lamb meat quality in the Manchega Spanish
      breed. Fifty-eight lambs were divided into three groups differing in their
      management systems from birth to slaughter: The first group (W; n=21) was weaned
      at 35 days old. In the second one (HW; n=18) ewes were subjected to milking
      simultaneously with suckling of lambs ("half milk") from 15 to 45 days old. The
      third group (UW; n=19) remained with their mothers from birth to slaughter. UW
      lambs had higher dressing proportion (48.3%) than the other two groups, a higher
      fatness score (6.1) and larger amounts kidney and pelvic fat (342.63 g).
      Shrinkage losses and carcass conformation score did not differ among groups.
      Among the meat quality traits, UW lambs had higher L* parameter values (50.2). No
      statistical differences were found in the other parameters assessed.

PMID- 22063204
TI  - Feeling the pinch?

PMID- 22063205
TI  - Head trauma in the cat: 1. assessment and management of craniofacial injury.
AB  - PRACTICAL RELEVANCE: Feline trauma is commonly seen in general practice and
      frequently involves damage to the head. CLINICAL CHALLENGES: While craniofacial
      injuries following trauma vary widely in severity, affected cats can often be
      severely compromised in terms of their neurological, respiratory and
      cardiovascular status, and their management can be challenging in both the short
      and long term. They need prompt stabilisation and careful monitoring in the
      initial period to maximise prospects of a successful outcome. Many cats with
      severe facial trauma will require surgery to stabilise skull fractures or address
      injuries to the eyes, with its inherent issues surrounding pain management,
      ensuring adequate nutrition and the necessity for ongoing hospitalisation.
      DIAGNOSTICS: Cats with head trauma benefit from imaging of the injured areas as
      well as thoracic radiography. Imaging the skull can be challenging and is best
      performed under general anaesthesia. In unstable patients this can be delayed to
      prevent any associated morbidity. EVIDENCE BASE: The clinical evidence base
      relating to injury to the feline head is limited, despite its relative frequency
      in general practice. This review focuses on the initial approach to craniofacial
      (in particular, ocular and jaw) trauma, and outlines simple techniques for
      management of soft tissue and bone injuries. Much of the information is based on
      the authors' clinical experience, as there is a paucity of well-described
      clinical case material.

PMID- 22063206
TI  - Head trauma in the cat: 2. assessment and management of traumatic brain injury.
AB  - PRACTICAL RELEVANCE: Feline trauma patients are commonly seen in general practice
      and frequently have sustained some degree of brain injury. CLINICAL CHALLENGES:
      Cats with traumatic brain injuries may have a variety of clinical signs, ranging
      from minor neurological deficits to life-threatening neurological impairment.
      Appropriate management depends on prompt and accurate patient assessment, and an
      understanding of the pathophysiology of brain injury. The most important
      consideration in managing these patients is maintenance of cerebral perfusion and
      oxygenation. For cats with severe head injury requiring decompressive surgery,
      early intervention is critical. EVIDENCE BASE: There is a limited clinical
      evidence base to support the treatment of traumatic brain injury in cats, despite
      its relative frequency in general practice. Appropriate therapy is, therefore,
      controversial in veterinary medicine and mostly based on experimental studies or
      human head trauma studies. This review, which sets out to describe the specific
      approach to diagnosis and management of traumatic brain injury in cats, draws on
      the current evidence, as far as it exists, as well as the authors' clinical
      experience.

PMID- 22063207
TI  - CNS disease in the cat: current knowledge of infectious causes.
AB  - PRACTICAL RELEVANCE: Neurological disease is a relatively common reason for
      referral, constituting approximately 10% of the feline referral caseload. Nearly
      one-third to one-half of these cases may be infectious in origin. As such, an
      awareness of infectious diseases causing central nervous system (CNS) signs in
      cats, and their clinical diagnosis and management, is relevant to anyone dealing
      with cats on a regular basis. GLOBAL IMPORTANCE: Some conditions (eg, rabies) are
      more common in certain countries than others. Conditions such as feline
      infectious peritonitis (FIP) and toxoplasmosis are of global significance.
      PATIENT GROUP: Many infectious diseases may affect any feline population. Some,
      such as FIP, are more common in pedigree households, whereas others such as
      toxoplasmosis, feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) or feline leukaemia virus
      (FeLV) infections, are more likely to affect a single cat with an outdoor
      lifestyle. EQUIPMENT: All patients benefit from thorough history taking and
      clinical, neurological and ophthalmic examinations, which all require minimal
      equipment. Infectious diseases may often be diagnosed on blood samples; however,
      definitive diagnosis may require more extensive investigation involving
      cerebrospinal fluid analysis or advanced imaging necessitating access to computed
      tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. EVIDENCE BASE: The information in this
      review, which summarises current knowledge of infectious diseases affecting the
      CNS, is collated from publications on the infectious diseases comprising previous
      research papers, review articles, case series, case reports and textbooks,
      supplemented by the clinical experience of the authors.

PMID- 22063208
TI  - Neuromuscular disorders in the cat: clinical approach to weakness.
AB  - PRACTICAL RELEVANCE: Weakness is a relatively common clinical presentation in
      feline medicine and can be caused by primary neuromuscular disease or by diseases
      of other body systems affecting the neuromuscular system secondarily. Successful
      work-up relies on a thorough clinical and neurological examination, and logical
      problem solving, based on an understanding of the underlying neuroanatomical and
      pathophysiological mechanisms. CLINICAL CHALLENGES: Feline neuromuscular diseases
      can be a diagnostic challenge. On initial inspection, the presenting signs can
      mimic disorders of other body systems, particularly cardiovascular, pulmonary and
      orthopaedic disease, or may be confused with systemic illnesses. Additionally,
      because many different pathologies of the feline neuromuscular system converge to
      a similar clinical phenotype, further diagnostic steps such as
      electrodiagnostics, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and muscle and nerve biopsies
      must be considered even after neuromuscular dysfunction has been identified.
      AUDIENCE: This review provides a framework for the clinical approach to the weak
      cat and gives a practical summary of neuromuscular diseases for the general
      practitioner and specialist alike. EVIDENCE BASE: Many diseases affecting the
      feline neuromuscular system have been well described in the veterinary
      literature, mostly based on retrospective case reports and series. The evidence
      base for the treatment of feline neuromuscular diseases remains very limited.

PMID- 22063209
TI  - Acute spinal cord injury in the cat: causes, treatment and prognosis.
AB  - PRACTICAL RELEVANCE: Acute spinal conditions are a common emergency presentation
      in general veterinary practice and have the potential to cause devastating spinal
      cord injury (SCI) and consequent severe neurological deficits. SCI can be divided
      into two subgroups: exogenous SCI (vertebral fracture and/or
      luxation/subluxation) and endogenous SCI (intervertebral disc extrusion and
      ischaemic myelopathy). CLINICAL CHALLENGES: The majority of cats with SCI have
      concurrent injuries. The clinician must perform a thorough physical examination
      and prioritise and then stabilise the life-threatening problems before focusing
      on the neurological examination. The possibility of multiple sites of SCI and
      spinal shock can make interpretation of the neurological examination challenging.
      While plain radiographs or myelography are usually diagnostic, they do not give
      direct information about the integrity of the spinal cord parenchyma or the
      severity of any damage. If facilities or experienced staff capable of performing
      the necessary surgery are not available, or advanced imaging is indicated,
      referral to a specialist veterinary institution should be considered. AUDIENCE:
      This review is aimed at clinicians dealing with feline SCI in the emergency
      setting or at first-opinion level, and discusses causes, initial management,
      specific treatment and prognosis. PATIENT GROUP: While any cat may potentially be
      affected by SCI, there is a tendency for exogenous SCI to be more common in
      younger individuals and, in the authors' experience, pure-breed cats are very
      rarely presented. Endogenous SCI can be seen in any breed and is typically a
      condition of adult cats.

PMID- 22063210
TI  - Blindness and behavioural changes in the cat: common neurological causes.
AB  - PRACTICAL RELEVANCE: Blindness and behavioural changes occur relatively commonly
      in cats, either separately or in combination, causing devastating consequences
      for the cat and owner. Blindness can be caused by primary ophthalmic, metabolic
      or intracranial disease. Similarly behavioural changes may be the primary result
      of intracranial or systemic disease, but also occur secondarily to visual
      deficits or changes in interaction with the external environment (ie, non-medical
      problems). The anatomical pathways involved in vision are very close to those
      involved in behavioural regulation. It is, therefore, likely that a brain lesion
      (especially a forebrain lesion) that causes blindness will also cause behavioural
      abnormalities. CLINICAL CHALLENGES: In cases of partial or unilateral blindness,
      obvious visual deficits may not be apparent to the owner or clinician. Rather,
      the visual impairment may manifest more subtly as changes in behaviour,
      reluctance to jump or unwillingness to go outside. Similarly, behavioural
      problems may be episodic and, hence, a cat presenting with behavioural
      disturbances may appear clinically normal on evaluation. Behavioural changes are
      unlikely to be noticed unless marked and associated with bilateral blindness or
      advanced systemic illness. AUDIENCE: This article discusses these two major
      disorders separately, with the aim of highlighting for the clinician some of the
      important aspects of the general clinical and neurological examination that can
      be performed to identify these challenging cases.

PMID- 22063211
TI  - Deslorelin implants - a new choice in feline reproductive medicine.

PMID- 22063213
TI  - Effect of organic pig production systems on performance and meat quality.
AB  - The present study was carried out to establish knowledge of consequence for
      setting up guidelines of importance for production of competitive organic pork of
      high quality. Performance and meat quality characteristics were compared between
      three organic pig production systems based on indoor housing with access to an
      outdoor area and a Danish conventional indoor system including 100% concentrate
      during the finishing feeding stage. The three organic systems used the following
      three feeding regimes: 100% organic concentrate according to Danish
      recommendations, 70% organic concentrate (restricted) plus ad libitum organic
      barley/pea silage and 70% organic concentrate (restricted) plus ad libitum
      organic clover grass silage, respectively. With exception of a slightly lower
      daily gain in organic pigs fed 100% concentrate, no significant difference was
      found in performance and meat quality characteristics compared with results
      obtained in the conventional system. In contrast and independent of roughage
      used, organic pigs raised on 70% concentrate had a significant reduction in daily
      gain (P<0.001) compared with pigs raised on 100% concentrate, despite the fact
      that no difference in feed conversion rate was seen between the tested production
      systems. However, the percentage of leanness increased significantly in meat from
      organic pigs raised on 70% concentrate plus roughage compared with meat from pigs
      given 100% concentrate. This was reflected in higher yield (weight) of lean cuts
      and lower yield of cuts with high fat content from pigs fed 70% concentrate plus
      roughage. In general, organic feeding resulted in a significantly higher content
      of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the back fat (1.8%), which increased further
      when restricted feeding plus roughage (4%) was used. Restricted concentrate
      feeding gave rise to a decrease in tenderness compared with pork from pigs fed
      100% concentrate.

PMID- 22063212
TI  - Cell autonomy of DSCAM function in retinal development.
AB  - Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) provide identifying cues by which neural
      architecture is sculpted. The Down Syndrome Cell Adhesion Molecule (DSCAM) is
      required for many neurodevelopmental processes in different species and also has
      several potential mechanisms of activity, including homophilic adhesion,
      homophilic repulsion and heterophilic interactions. In the mouse retina, Dscam is
      expressed in many, but not all neuronal subtypes. Mutations in Dscam cause the
      fasciculation of dendrites of neighboring homotypic neurons, indicating a role in
      self-avoidance among cells of a given type, a disruption of the non-random
      patterning of their cell bodies, and a decrease in developmental cell death in
      affected cell populations. In order to address how DSCAM facilitates retinal
      pattering, we developed a conditional allele of Dscam to use alongside existing
      Dscam mutant mouse strains. Conditional deletion of Dscam reproduces cell
      spacing, cell number and dendrite arborization defects. Inducible deletion of
      Dscam and retinal ganglion cell depletion in Brn3b mutant retinas both indicate
      that these DSCAM-mediated phenotypes can occur independently. In chimeric
      retinas, in which wild type and Dscam mutant cells are comingled, Dscam mutant
      cells entangle adjacent wild type cells of the same type, as if both cells were
      lacking Dscam, consistent with DSCAM-dependent cell spacing and neurite
      arborization being mediated through homophilic binding cell-to-cell. Deletion of
      Dscam in specific cell types causes cell-type-autonomous cell body spacing
      defects, indicating that DSCAM mediates arborization and spacing by acting within
      given cell types. We also examine the cell autonomy of DSCAM in laminar
      stratification and find that laminar disorganization can be caused in a non-cell
      autonomous fashion. Finally, we find Dscam dosage-dependent defects in
      developmental cell death and amacrine cell spacing, relevant to the increased
      cell death and other disorders observed in Down syndrome mouse models and human
      patients, in which Dscam is present in three copies.

PMID- 22063214
TI  - The effects of subterranean clover phytoestrogens on sheep growth, reproduction
      and carcass characteristics.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a prolonged
      administration of phytoestrogens on sheep growth rate, female reproductive
      response, lamb carcass conformation and meat quality. To investigate these
      effects, two groups of Comisana sheep (24 females and 20 males, initial average
      live weights of 25.0 and 29.9kg, respectively) were fed on subterranean clover
      (SC, phytoestrogen content=0.8mg/g of DM) and Italian ryegrass (C, non
      oestrogenic control diet) for about one year. Feedstuffs were offered ad libitum
      and supplemented with maize grain and sunflower meal to maintain an adequate and
      similar energy and protein intake. The results demonstrated that the prolonged
      administration of the selected subterranean clover cultivars, with low
      formononetin content (lower than 10% of total isoflavones on dry basis), did not
      affect ewe reproduction but induced a significant improvement in animal weigh
      gain and, in males, good carcass and meat characteristics.

PMID- 22063215
TI  - Antilisterial activity of lactic acid bacteria inoculated on cooked ham.
AB  - This study was conducted to evaluate the ability of Lactobacillus sakei 1, a
      bacteriocin-producing (bac(+)) lactic acid bacterium (LAB), isolated from
      Brazilian fresh pork sausage to inhibit two Listeria monocytogenes strains
      (serotypes 4b and 1/2a) on cooked, sliced vacuum-packaged ham. L. sakei ATCC
      15521 was used as a non-bacteriocin producer (bac(-)). L. monocytogenes (ca. 2
      logCFU/mL) and LAB (ca. 6 logCFU/ml) were inoculated on the sterilized ham,
      vacuum-sealed and incubated at 8 degrees C for 10 days. A treatment with the
      bacteriocin Chrisin (UI/ml) was included. Both L. monocytogenes strains were
      significantly inhibited in the presence of either bac(+) and bac(-) LAB in
      comparison to the control (L. monocytogenes alone). Using a bacteriocinogenic
      strain of LAB did not offer an additional barrier to listerial growth in the
      studied meat system. The application of Chrisin did not affect at all the growth
      of L. monocytogenes.

PMID- 22063216
TI  - Effects of a compensatory growth strategy on sensory and physical properties of
      meat from young bulls.
AB  - The objective of the present study was to investigate the sensory properties,
      with special emphasis on tenderness, of meat from strategically fed young bulls
      (13 months of age) slaughtered when a plateau in protein turnover was observed.
      Twelve Holstein Friesian young bulls were divided into two feeding strategies.
      One group of young bulls (n=6) were fed ad libitum throughout the rearing period
      (AD) whereas the second group (n=6) was subjected to a compensatory growth
      feeding strategy (CO). Sensory profiling of beef longissimus dorsi (LD),
      semimembranosus (SM) and supraspinatus (SS) was performed in addition to physical
      measurements (shear force) and content of intramuscular fat of LD. The data was
      analysed using a regression-based multivariate data analytical strategy. In
      relation to predictivity of the various shear force measurement constituents for
      sensory texture, it was determined that a number of the responses collected (e.g.
      max(mm)), in addition to the commonly used max((N)) may be utilised to predict
      subtlety in the sensory texture differences of the samples (e.g. Crumbliness)
      with respect to compensatory feeding. Through profiling LD and SS were found to
      have enhanced texture and flavour properties when the young bulls were fed ad
      libitum during rearing. However, the SM samples were found to improve in
      characteristics regarding texture and appearance when the young bulls had been
      fed compensatorily. Thus, compensatory feeding as a texture improvement strategy
      proved to be highly dependant on muscle type. Of note, LD and SS were found to
      develop an off-flavour designated as 'steer taint' when derived from compensatory
      feeding. This was postulated as potentially not a problem for the consumer, in LD
      as the level was not significant, and in SS due to sensory masking when commonly
      prepared as a stew or casserole. Considering the different preparation methods
      used for meat from LD, SM and SS, compensatory feeding may be considered to have
      improved the texture and elevated the eating quality where it was most relevant,
      namely in SM roasts.

PMID- 22063217
TI  - Aluminium contents in baked meats wrapped in aluminium foil.
AB  - In this investigation, the effect of cooking treatments (60min at 150 degrees C,
      40min at 200 degrees C, and 20min at 250 degrees C) on aluminium contents of
      meats (beef, water buffalo, mutton, chicken and turkey) baked in aluminium foil
      were evaluated. Cooking increased the aluminium concentration of both the white
      and red meats. The increase was 89-378% in red meats and 76-215% in poultry. The
      least increase (76-115%) was observed in the samples baked for 60min at 150
      degrees C, while the highest increase (153-378%) was in samples baked for 20min
      at 250 degrees C. It was determined that the fat content of meat in addition to
      the cooking process affected the migration of aluminium (r(2)=0.83; P<0.01). It
      was also found that raw chicken and turkey breast meat contained higher amounts
      of aluminium than the raw chicken and turkey leg meat, respectively. Regarding
      the suggested provisional tolerable daily intake of 1mg Al/kg body weight per day
      of the FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Food Additives, there are no evident risks to
      the health of the consumer from using aluminium foil to cook meats. However,
      eating meals prepared in aluminium foil may carry a risk to the health by adding
      to other aluminium sources.

PMID- 22063218
TI  - Nutrient profiles in retail cuts of bison meat.
AB  - The objectives were to determine the nutrient composition and variation in eight
      cuts of bison meat in bulls and heifers and identify nutrient relationships in
      the clod and sirloin by principal component analysis. The nutrients analyzed
      were: energy, protein, total fat, saturated fat, monounsaturated fat,
      polyunsaturated fat, transfat, cholesterol, vitamin A, Ca, Fe, Na and moisture.
      Differences were observed in fat components between cuts and bulls had higher
      (P<0.05) amounts of total, saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fat in
      the blade compared to the other cuts. The sirloins had less (P<0.05) cholesterol
      than all the other cuts in bulls and the clod in heifers. Fat varied more than
      protein and moisture in all cuts. Four principal components (PC) accounted for
      63.9% of the total variation of the nutrient composition. Total, monounsaturated
      and saturated fats were in PC1 and cholesterol in PC2 showing that cholesterol is
      independent of other fats. If dietary alterations elicit changes in bison meat
      fatty acid profiles, it may be possible to reduce cholesterol independent of
      total, monounsaturated or saturated fat.

PMID- 22063219
TI  - Prevalence of ballooning of the severed carotid arteries at slaughter in cattle,
      calves and sheep.
AB  - Previous work in calves indicated that ballooning of the severed arteries is a
      potential concern in animals receiving a reversible stun before slaughter, and in
      animals not stunned before slaughter, as it could extend the duration of brain
      function before the animals die. This study determined the prevalence of
      ballooning of the carotid arteries in a total of 987 cattle, calves and lambs at
      slaughter. The severed ends of the carotid arteries were examined by palpation.
      The prevalence of ballooning that was 3cm or more in diameter, was 16%, 25% and
      0% for cattle, calves and lambs, respectively. Artery sections were taken from a
      sample of large cattle and examined histologically. In ballooned arteries there
      was coagulated blood between the outer surface of the artery and the inner aspect
      of the connective tissue sheath surrounding the artery, suggesting the formation
      of a false aneurysm in the ballooning phenomenon.

PMID- 22063220
TI  - Small peptides (<5kDa) found in ready-to-eat beef meat.
AB  - Dietary proteins can have biological properties, many attributed to bioactive
      peptides (2-50 amino acids). Since little is known about peptides in meat, we
      investigated the postmortem occurrence of low molecular weight peptides (<5kDa)
      in bovine Pectoralis profundus muscle, after 14 days storage at 4 degrees C and
      vacuum cooking for 90min at 75 degrees C. The study combined quantitative (amino
      acid analysis) and qualitative approaches (mass spectrometry). Eighty-nine
      percent of peptidic amino acids in fresh muscle corresponded to carnosine,
      anserine and glutathione. Levels of these compounds were lower in cooked meat
      compared to fresh muscle. Concomitantly, numerous larger compounds, most probably
      peptides, were generated in a very reproducible manner during ageing and even
      more during cooking of meat. Seven peptides (fragments of troponin T, nebulin,
      procollagen and cypher proteins) were identified in cooked meat extracts.

PMID- 22063221
TI  - Identifying market segments in beef: Breed, slaughter weight and ageing time
      implications.
AB  - In this paper we propose a method to learn the reasons why groups of consumers
      prefer some beef products to others. We emphasise the role of groups since, from
      a practical point of view, they may represent market segments that demand
      different products. Our method starts representing people's preferences in a
      metric space; there we are able to define a kernel based similarity function that
      allows a clustering algorithm to identify significant groups of consumers with
      homogeneous likes. Finally, in each cluster, we developed, with a support vector
      machine (SVM), a function that explains the preferences of those consumers
      grouped in the cluster. The method was applied to a real case of consumers of
      beef that tasted beef from seven Spanish breeds, slaughtered at two different
      weights and aged for three different ageing periods. Two different clusters of
      consumers were identified for acceptability and tenderness, but not for flavour.
      Those clusters ranked two very different breeds (Asturiana and Retinta) in
      opposite order. In acceptability, ageing period was appreciated in a different
      way. However, in tenderness most consumers preferred long ageing periods and
      heavier to lighter animals.

PMID- 22063222
TI  - A chromatography method for the screening and confirmatory detection of
      dexamethasone.
AB  - Corticosteroids, such as dexamethasone, have been illegally used as growth
      promoting agents to obtain an economical benefit from increased muscle
      development. These substances remain in meat and other animal products and may
      have negative toxic consequences for consumers. A screening and confirmatory
      method for dexamethasone detection in feed and drinking water in livestock has
      been developed and validated. This method is based on immunoaffinity
      chromatography followed by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatrography
      (IAC-HPLC) with diode array detection (DAD) at 242nm. Flumethasone was used as
      internal standard. The method has been validated according to the European Union
      regulation 2002/657/EC for banned substances and, thus, the specificity, decision
      limit, detection capability, recovery and repeatability have been determined. The
      decision limits (CCalpha) were 26ng/mL for water and 190ng/g for feed while
      detection capabilities (CCbeta) were 30ng/mL for water and 217ng/g for feed. The
      method showed good accuracy and precision. The stability of dexamethasone under
      frozen storage has been studied over a 3.5-month period. No losses were observed,
      thus confirming that water samples taken by inspectors can be stored frozen for a
      few weeks until analysis. This method has proved to be relatively simple and
      useful for rapid screening and confirmation of the presence of dexamethasone in
      water and feed used for meat-producing animals.

PMID- 22063223
TI  - Technical note: A simplified procedure for myofibril hydrophobicity
      determination.
AB  - A simple and reliable method for the determination of surface hydrophobicity of
      nonsolubilized myofibrils (from pig M. longissimus dorsi) was developed and
      validated. This method is based on the interaction of the hydrophobic chromophore
      bromophenol blue (BPB) with myofibrillar proteins and the separation of free and
      bound BPB by centrifugation. The titration of bound BPB is performed by
      absorption spectroscopy, and the amount of bound BPB is considered as an index of
      protein hydrophobicity. Heating, which is known to increase protein
      hydrophobicity, was performed in order to validate this method. Fixation of BPB
      to myofibrils increased with heating time and temperature, strongly suggesting
      that it may be closely related to protein hydrophobicity.

PMID- 22063224
TI  - NMR relaxometry and differential scanning calorimetry during meat cooking.
AB  - By combining simultaneous nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) T(2) relaxometry and
      differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) on pork samples heated to nine
      temperature levels between 25 and 75 degrees C, the present study investigates
      the relationship between thermal denaturation of meat proteins and heat-induced
      changes in water characteristics. Principal component analysis (PCA) on the
      distributed (1)H NMR T(2) relaxation data revealed that the major changes in
      water characteristics during heating occur between 40 and 50 degrees C. This is
      probably initiated by denaturation of myosin heads, which however, could not be
      detected in the DSC thermograms obtained directly on the meat. In contrast, the
      DSC thermograms revealed endothermic transitions at 54, 65 and 77 degrees C,
      probably reflecting the denaturation of myosin (rods and light chain),
      sarcoplasmic proteins together with collagen and actin, respectively.
      Simultaneous modelling of DSC and NMR data by partial least squares regression
      (PLSR) revealed a correlation between denaturation of myosin rods and light
      chains at ~53-58 degrees C and heat-induced changes in myofibrillar water (T(2)
      relaxation time ~10-60ms) as well as between actin denaturation at ~80-82 degrees
      C and expulsion of water from the meat. Accordingly, the present study
      demonstrates a direct relationship between thermal denaturation of specific
      proteins/protein structures and heat-induced changes in water mobility during
      heating of pork.

PMID- 22063225
TI  - Modeling of growth and bacteriocin production by Leuconostoc mesenteroides E131.
AB  - Leuconostoc mesenteroides E131, isolated from dry fermented sausages, produces an
      antimicrobial agent, characterized as bacteriocin. The effect of pH and
      temperature on growth and bacteriocin production, using MRS broth as growth
      medium, was studied in a fermentor. The pH value at which the best cell growth
      was observed (6.5) did not coincided with the value at which the maximum
      bacteriocin activity was attained (5.5). In contrast, the maximum bacteriocin
      activity was attained at temperature (25 degrees C) close to the optimum
      temperature for cell growth (25-30 degrees C). Notably, the range of pH and
      temperature for good bacteriocin production was within the range used for sausage
      fermentation. An empirical model was developed to describe the growth and
      bacteriocin production in different pH and temperature conditions. The model was
      able to describe growth and bacteriocin production and it could be used to
      predict the kinetic parameters of growth and bacteriocin production within the pH
      and temperature range examined.

PMID- 22063226
TI  - Effect of feed texture, meal frequency and pre-slaughter fasting on carcass and
      meat quality, and urinary cortisol in pigs.
AB  - Carcass and meat quality traits, and urinary cortisol variation was studied in 96
      barrows assigned to the following treatments: feed texture (FT; mash vs.
      pellets), meal frequency (MF; 2 vs. 5 meals per day) and fasting time (F; 4, 14
      and 24h) according to a 2*2*3 factorial design. Pigs fed mash, receiving feed
      five times a day and fasted for 24h before slaughter had lower carcass dressing
      yield (P<0.001). A higher (P<0.05) bruise score was found on carcasses from pigs
      fasted for 14 and 24h and fed either pelleted or mashed feed five times per day.
      The pH(u) value in the Longissimus muscle increased (P<0.05) with increasing
      fasting time, whereas in the Adductor muscle it was higher (P<0.05) in pigs fed
      with pellets in two meals per day and fasted for 24h. Urinary cortisol tended to
      be higher in pigs fasted for 14h compared to those fasted for 4 (P=0.10) and 24h
      (P=0.06). The results of this study show a significant influence of pellet
      feeding on carcass yield in fasted pigs, while the effects of pre-slaughter
      fasting time on meat quality traits were limited.

PMID- 22063227
TI  - Effect of carbon monoxide and high oxygen modified atmosphere packaging and
      phosphate enhanced, case-ready pork chops.
AB  - The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of CO-MAP compared to
      traditional high oxygen MAP (HiOx-MAP) packaging and enhanced with different
      phosphate on enhanced pork quality. Pork loins were enhanced to 10.5% over
      initial weight to contain 0.3% salt and 0.4% phosphate (either sodium
      tripolyphosphate [STP] or a blend of STP and sodium hexametaphosphate) on a
      finished weight basis. Chops were cut, packaged in atmospheres containing 0.4%
      CO/30.0% CO(2)/69.6% N(2) (CO-MAP) or 80% O(2)/20% CO(2) (HiOx-MAP), aged in the
      dark, then placed in a lighted retail display case for 48h. Chops packaged in CO
      MAP were redder (higher Minolta a(*) values) and darker (lower Minolta b(*)
      values) than chops packaged in HiOx-MAP. Based on sensory scores, the CO-MAP
      chops were pinker than the HiOx chops after cooking. CO-MAP chops also
      experienced less purge loss than chops in HiOx-MAP. Results indicate that CO-MAP
      had no effect on flavor or consumer acceptability and only minimal effects on
      other characteristics.

PMID- 22063228
TI  - Influence of storage period and packaging method on sliced dry cured beef "Cecina
      de Leon": Effects on microbiological, physicochemical and sensory quality.
AB  - Quality aspects of sliced dry-cured beef "Cecina de Leon" preserved in vacuum and
      gas mixtures (20%/80% CO(2)/N(2) and 80%/20% CO(2)/N(2)) were studied. The
      evolution of microbiological, physicochemical and sensory parameters were
      analysed during storage (210 days) at 6 degrees C. Although microbial counts at
      60 days of the gas-packaged samples were lower than the vacuum-packed ones, they
      were never higher than the spoilage limit (7 logufc/g). A slight increase
      (p<0.05) in pH was observed throughout storage of "Cecina de Leon" packaged under
      vacuum and in gas mixtures. However, a decrease (p<0.05) in a(w) was observed
      during storage of "Cecina de Leon" packaged under vacuum but a(w) did not vary
      (p>0.05) during storage in the gas-packaged samples. No changes were observed
      (p>0.05) in lightness (L(*)), redness (a(*)) and yellowness (b(*)) in vacuum and
      gas packaged samples during storage. However, sensorially evaluated colour showed
      lower values in gas packaged samples during 30 days storage. This difference was
      decisive in establishing the shelf-life of "Cecina de Leon" slices preserved in
      gas mixtures (20%/80% CO(2)/N(2) and 80%/20% CO(2)/N(2)). Therefore, from a
      microbiological point of view, gas mixtures are more effective in extending the
      shelf-life of "Cecina de Leon" slices. It is concluded that vacuum packaging
      allows longer storage than gas-packaging as it maintains a good visual appearance
      of "Cecina de Leon", the main parameter in consumers' perception of meat quality.

PMID- 22063229
TI  - Studies on tenderization and preparation of enrobed pork chunks in microwave
      oven.
AB  - This study was conducted to develop technology for tenderization and production
      of enrobed pork chunks in a microwave oven. Meat chunks from shoulder cuts of
      pork were cured in a solution containing salt, sodium tripolyphosphate and sugar
      for 48h at 4+/-1 degrees C, enrobed with cream based batter and cooked in a
      microwave oven at 900MHz. These enrobed chunks (control) were compared with
      tenderized (treated) enrobed chunks, for which 7.5% cucumis extract, 9% ginger
      extract and 0.50% papain powder were incorporated in the standard curing
      solution. Ginger and papain treatments caused significant (P<0.01) increases in
      the moisture content and pH of the cooked products compared to the control and
      cucumis treated samples. Shear force values were significantly (P<0.01) lower and
      overall acceptability scores were significantly (P<0.01) higher in all treated
      samples compared to the control. During storage at 4+/-1 degrees C, the moisture
      contents and sensory qualities decreased, but TBARS values and microbial counts
      increased significantly (P<0.01). Although all products were acceptable up to 15
      days of storage, the ginger treated samples had significantly (P<0.01) lower
      TBARS and microbial loads and higher sensory attributes than the control, cucumis
      and papain treated samples. The magnitude of the storage changes were less and
      acceptability ranking was higher for the ginger treated samples compared with the
      others. The results indicated that microwaves could be used for the preparation
      of enrobed pork chunks. The overall acceptability and shelf life of microwave
      cooked enrobed pork chunk can be further improved using ginger extract in the
      curing solution.

PMID- 22063230
TI  - Effects of pre-rigor injection of sodium citrate or acetate, or post-rigor
      injection of phosphate plus salt on post-mortem glycolysis, pH, and pork quality
      attributes.
AB  - Forty pork carcass sides were assigned to one of four treatments: pre-rigor
      citrate (CIT) or acetate injection (ACE); post-rigor phosphate and salt injection
      (PHOS); and non-injected control (CON). Loins in 20 sides were injected at 50min
      post-mortem with 4% solutions of CIT or ACE to approximately 110% of projected
      loin weights, and 10 loins were injected at 24h post-mortem to 106.6% with a
      solution of 4.4% PHOS and 2.2% salt. Although CIT increased pH (P<0.05), neither
      CIT nor ACE altered (P>0.05) glycolytic metabolite concentrations. The pH
      increase in muscles from the CIT treatment was most likely due to its buffering
      ability rather than to its glycolytic inhibition. Pre-rigor CIT injection
      improved tenderness without the detrimental effects on color or flavor found with
      PHOS, but neither CIT nor ACE altered glycolytic metabolites or improved
      firmness, wetness, or fresh visual color over CON. Poor flavor attributes of the
      ACE treatment will hinder its use as an ingredient for pork enhancement
      solutions.

PMID- 22063231
TI  - Colour and texture characteristics in meat of male and female foals.
AB  - The effect of livestock production system and sex was studied on the colour and
      on the texture profile of the longissimus dorsi muscle (LD) from 16- and 24-month
      old foals aged 4 days. Besides, the effect of ageing time was also studied on the
      texture profile between 4 and 8 days. Females from the 16-months group were
      darker than their counterparts and the 4-day aged steaks of the 24-month-old
      foals were lighter, redder and yellower. LD muscle of the 24-month-old foals was
      tougher after 4 and 8 days ageing than that of the younger foals besides in the
      24-month-old foals the toughness may have been accentuated by lower growth rate
      prior to slaughter. Ageing improved tenderness but the rate of tenderisation was
      different according to age. The colour coordinates a(*) and b(*) could
      differentiate the 4-day aged steaks of the foal samples according to production
      system to a higher degree than did the compression or WBSF values being b(*)
      values the most important colour coordinate which could discriminate the origin
      of the animals.

PMID- 22063232
TI  - Impact of RN genotype and ageing time on colour characteristics of the pork
      muscles longissimus dorsi and semimembranosus.
AB  - The effect of RN genotype on pH decline, ultimate pH, pigment content, blooming
      and colour stability during 6 days of display at 5 degrees C was studied in two
      pig muscles, M. longissimus dorsi (LD) and M. semimembranosus (SM), and
      furthermore the effect of anaerobic storage time (2 days vs. 9 days of ageing) on
      the same parameters was examined. The postmortem pH decline was faster and the
      ultimate pH lower in LD and SM of the RN(-) genotype compared with corresponding
      muscles from the rn(+) genotype. Pork of the RN(-) genotype was initially lighter
      and more red and yellow than pork of the rn(+) genotype due to a higher degree of
      blooming, which might be explained by the faster pH decline and/or lower ultimate
      pH. The level of oxymyoglobin (MbO(2)) was decisive for the redness of both
      muscles during display in air despite a higher presence of metmyoglobin (MetMb).
      Pork of the RN(-) genotype was thus redder than that of the rn(+) genotype
      throughout display in air despite higher oxidation to MetMb. Ageing for 9 days in
      chill improved the blooming potential in pork of both genotypes compared with 2
      days of ageing, resulting in superior meat colour. However, only in pork from the
      RN(-) genotype, the colour was not negatively affected by ageing time upon
      display in air.

PMID- 22063233
TI  - Quality of life in perspective to treatment of postoperative edema after
      peripheral bypass surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To examine the effects of peripheral bypass surgery on patients'
      quality of life (QoL) as well as to compare two treatment modalities to reduce
      postoperative edema with regard to patients' QoL. METHODS: This was a randomized
      controlled trial set in the department of vascular surgery in a nonacademic
      teaching hospital. Ninety-three patients (mean age, 70 years; 33% Rutherford 5
      6), enrolled between August 2006 and September 2009, who underwent peripheral
      bypass surgery (autologous 57, polytetrafluoroethylene 36). Patients were
      assigned to intermittent pneumatic compression (n = 46) or to compression
      stockings (n = 47). The main outcome measure was QoL, measured with the World
      Health Organization Quality of Life assessment instrument (short form: WHOQOL
      BREF). RESULTS: QoL improved on the domain of Physical Health by 7.18 points (P <
      0.001 [range, 0-100]) after 2 weeks and by 10.03 points (P < 0.001) after 3
      months. Patients who received a polytetrafluoroethylene bypass scored 0.45 points
      (P = 0.0008 [range, 1-5]) lower at baseline on Global QoL than patients who
      received an autologous bypass. Type of bypass or edema treatment method did not
      affect the improvements. Edema did not correlate with QoL. CONCLUSION:
      Improvement in QoL on the domain Physical Health following femoropopliteal bypass
      surgery was found as soon as 2 weeks after surgery. Improvement in QoL domains
      was not influenced by the type of bypass reconstruction. No specific effects of
      edema on QoL were detected.

PMID- 22063234
TI  - Tenderness, ageing rate and meat quality of pork M. longissimus thoracis et
      lumborum after accelerated boning.
AB  - The impact of accelerated boning on tenderness, ageing rate and meat quality of
      pork longissimus muscle was investigated. Accelerated boning of eight Large
      White*Landrace pork carcasses at 30 min post-mortem followed by chilling at 0
      degrees C resulted in tougher pork with higher drip loss and a darker surface
      lightness relative to conventional boning at 24 h post-mortem. The increased
      toughness was still observed at 4 days post-mortem, a time by which 80% of ageing
      generally had occurred as seen in experiment 2. The increased toughness could be
      attributed to cold shortening and a reduction in proteolysis.

PMID- 22063235
TI  - Dietary manipulation of muscle long-chain omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and
      sensory properties of lamb meat.
AB  - The effects of dietary manipulation of muscle long-chain omega-3 fatty acids (FA)
      on sensory properties of cooked meat in second cross ([Merino*Border
      Leicester]*Poll Dorset) wether lambs were evaluated. Lambs fed dietary
      supplements of fish meal (FM, Exp. 1) and fish oil (FO, Exp. 2) showed moderately
      (P<0.01) and markedly (P<0.001) increased muscle long-chain omega-3 FA content
      compared with those fed the basal diet of lucerne chaff and oat chaff. Protected
      canola seed (PCS, Exp. 1) significantly (P<0.001) increased omega-6 FA content of
      the longissimus muscle. In each of the 2 experiments (1 and 2), after being fed
      experimental diets for 6 weeks lambs were slaughtered at a commercial abattoir.
      At 24 h post-mortem (PM) the semitendinosus and biceps femoris muscles were
      removed from animals and stored at -20 degrees C until evaluation of sensory
      properties using experienced panel members. The muscle samples were stored for 3
      (Exp. 1) and 12 (Exp. 2) months then removed, thawed and cooked for sensory
      evaluation. The meat samples were cooked under standardized conditions in a
      convection microwave at 180 degrees C (20-25 min) to an internal temperature of
      75 degrees C. Cooked samples were tested for flavour, aroma, juiciness and
      overall palatability. The significant increase in muscle long-chain omega-3 with
      FM (Exp. 1 and 2) and FO (Exp. 2) or omega-6 FA with PCS (Exp. 1) were not
      detrimental to sensory panel evaluations of flavour or aroma of cooked meat when
      compared with the basal diet. However, meat from FM (Exp. 1) had lower juiciness
      and FO (Exp. 2) had lower overall palatability. Protected sunflower meal protein
      with FO (Exp. 2) significantly lowered ratings for flavour, juiciness and overall
      palatability. Lamb meat with increased levels of long-chain omega-3 FA can be
      produced without altering the sensory quality (flavour or aroma) of the cooked
      meat.

PMID- 22063236
TI  - Predicting pork carcass and primal lean content from electromagnetic scans.
AB  - Fifty-four whole, pre-rigor, eviscerated carcasses (74.1+/-kg) were selected over
      a 5-week period to represent carcasses marketed to a Northwest Iowa packing plant
      during the fall season. Carcasses (spanning 40.7-65.2% carcass lean) were
      electromagnetically (EM) scanned before entering the chiller. Carcass right sides
      were fabricated and weights were recorded for each jowl, ham, loin, Boston butt,
      picnic shoulder, neckbone, sparerib, and belly. Each component was skinned and
      dissected into external fat, internal (seam) fat, bone, and lean with
      corresponding weights recorded. Regression equations were derived from points and
      areas taken from the EM scan curve. The best 5-variable equations were developed
      for total carcass lean (R(2)=0.9502; RMSE=1.31 kg), percentage carcass lean
      (R(2)=0.8789; RMSE=1.88%), ham lean (R(2)=0.8475; RMSE=0.755 kg), loin lean
      (R(2)=.8511; RMSE=0.781 kg), Boston butt lean (R(2)=.7251; RMSE=0.505 kg), picnic
      lean (R(2)=0.7387; RMSE=0.464 kg), and commodity, component carcass value
      (R(2)=0.9458; RMSE=$3.24).

PMID- 22063237
TI  - High and low rigor temperature effects on sheep meat tenderness and ageing.
AB  - Immediately after electrical stimulation, the paired m. longissimus thoracis et
      lumborum (LT) of 40 sheep were boned out and wrapped tightly with a polyethylene
      cling film. One of the paired LT's was chilled in 15 degrees C air to reach a
      rigor mortis (rigor) temperature of 18 degrees C and the other side was placed in
      a water bath at 35 degrees C and achieved rigor at this temperature. Wrapping
      reduced rigor shortening and mimicked meat left on the carcass. After rigor, the
      meat was aged at 15 degrees C for 0, 8, 26 and 72 h and then frozen. The frozen
      meat was cooked to 75 degrees C in an 85 degrees C water bath and shear force
      values obtained from a 1*1 cm cross-section. The shear force values of meat for
      18 and 35 degrees C rigor were similar at zero ageing, but as ageing progressed,
      the 18 rigor meat aged faster and became more tender than meat that went into
      rigor at 35 degrees C (P<0.001). The mean sarcomere length values of meat samples
      for 18 and 35 degrees C rigor at each ageing time were significantly different
      (P<0.001), the samples at 35 degrees C being shorter. When the short sarcomere
      length values and corresponding shear force values were removed for further data
      analysis, the shear force values for the 35 degrees C rigor were still
      significantly greater. Thus the toughness of 35 degrees C meat was not a
      consequence of muscle shortening and appears to be due to both a faster rate of
      tenderisation and the meat tenderising to a greater extent at the lower
      temperature. The cook loss at 35 degrees C rigor (30.5%) was greater than that at
      18 degrees C rigor (28.4%) (P<0.01) and the colour Hunter L values were higher at
      35 degrees C (P<0.01) compared with 18 degrees C, but there were no significant
      differences in a or b values.

PMID- 22063238
TI  - Effects of sodium lactate and trisodium phosphate on the physicochemical
      properties and shelf life of low-fat Chinese-style sausage.
AB  - The efficacy of using additives to improve the shelf life of low-fat
      (approximately 18%) Chinese-style sausages was demonstrated. Sausages containing
      3% sodium lactate (SL), 0.2% trisodium phosphate (TSP) or 0.2% potassium sorbate
      (KS) compared with the control (CONT) were manufactured and stored at 4 degrees C
      for 12 weeks. Treatment TSP was the highest in pH during any storage intervals.
      Generally speaking, all microbial counts were lower for SL but higher for TSP;
      nonetheless, all treatments had bacterial counts less than 10(7) CFU/g. Low-fat
      Chinese-style sausage containing 3% sodium lactate resulted in better quality
      regarding physicochemical and microbiological characteristics. Results also
      suggested a potential utilization of sodium lactate as an antimicrobial agent.

PMID- 22063239
TI  - Effect of muscle restraint on sheep meat tenderness with rigor mortis at 18
      degrees C.
AB  - The effect on shear force of skeletal restraint and removing muscles from lamb m.
      longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LT) immediately after slaughter and electrical
      stimulation was undertaken at a rigor temperature of 18 degrees C (n=15). The
      temperature of 18 degrees C was achieved through chilling of electrically
      stimulated sheep carcasses in air at 12 degrees C, air flow 1-1.5 ms(-2). In
      other groups, the muscle was removed at 2.5 h post-mortem and either wrapped or
      left non-wrapped before being placed back on the carcass to follow carcass
      cooling regimes. Following rigor mortis, the meat was aged for 0, 16, 40 and 65 h
      at 15 degrees C and frozen. For the non-stimulated samples, the meat was aged for
      0, 12, 36 and 60 h before being frozen. The frozen meat was cooked to 75 degrees
      C in an 85 degrees C water bath and shear force values obtained from a 1 * 1 cm
      cross-section. Commencement of ageing was considered to take place at rigor
      mortis and this was taken as zero aged meat. There were no significant
      differences in the rate of tenderisation and initial shear force for all
      treatments. The 23% cook loss was similar for all wrapped and non-wrapped
      situations and the values decreased slightly with longer ageing durations.
      Wrapping was shown to mimic meat left intact on the carcass, as it prevented
      significant prerigor shortening. Such techniques allows muscles to be removed and
      placed in a controlled temperature environment to enable precise studies of
      ageing processes.

PMID- 22063240
TI  - Effect of dietary fish oil on fatty acid composition, lipid oxidation and sensory
      property of chicken frankfurters during storage.
AB  - Broilers fed with three levels of fish oil (0, 2 and 4%) for 6 weeks were used in
      the manufacture of chicken frankfurters. The meat samples were vacuum-packed and
      stored at 0 degrees C for 0, 10, 20 and 30 days. Cooking yield, proximate and
      fatty acid composition, lipid oxidation, microbial and sensory properties of the
      meat products were measured. Cooking yield, moisture, fat, protein, ash and
      cholesterol contents of frankfurters were not affected (P>0.05) by levels of
      dietary fish oil. Frankfurters processed from chickens fed diets enriched with 2
      and 4% of supplemental fish oil had a higher (P<0.05) level of n-3 fatty acids
      (eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid), but had a lower level of n-6
      fatty acids (P<0.05) than the controls (0% fish oil). TBA values and pH values of
      meat samples were not affected (P>0.05) by levels of supplemental fish oil in the
      diets, however, pH values of the vacuum-packaged chicken frankfurters decreased
      (P<0.05) as the storage time increased. No differences (P>0.05) in total
      anaerobic plate counts were observed among the fish oil treatments during
      storage. Supplementation of 2 and 4% fish oil in the diets did not increase
      (P>0.05) the intensity of fishy flavor in chicken frankfurters.

PMID- 22063241
TI  - Lipid composition, retention and oxidation in fresh and completely trimmed beef
      muscles as affected by common culinary practices.
AB  - The objective of this study was to determine how and to what extent several
      culinary practices (i.e. household cooking methods), each applied to the beef
      muscle deemed most suitable (boiling to infraspinatus, broiling to longissimus
      lumborum, oven-roasting and microwaving to semitendinosus), could induce
      significant changes in: lipid and cholesterol contents, fatty acid composition
      and contents, their true and apparent retention values, and some indices of lipid
      oxidation. Most nutrients increased their concentration as a consequence of
      moisture loss through cooking, whilst no substantial variation was induced in
      fatty acid composition. Nevertheless, each cooking method had its own distinctive
      heat processing parameters, which interacted with the characteristics peculiar to
      the pertaining muscle, leading to markedly different evaporative and drip losses,
      significantly different true retention values for cholesterol and the sum of
      polyunsaturated fatty acids, distinct responses as to lipid oxidation liability.
      The selected culinary practices seemed to be able to interact with the
      composition of the selected muscles, up to the point that pro-oxidant conditions
      were in some way counteracted by antioxidant effects.

PMID- 22063242
TI  - On attempts to measure the tenderness of Longissimus Dorsi muscles using
      fluorescence emission spectra.
AB  - Autofluorescence spectra have been obtained on beef longissimus dorsi muscles
      (n=151), and the spectra regressed against Warner-Bratzler (WB) peak values. The
      spectra obtained depended on the method used, and it is suggested that the
      difference is related to the use of two different types of Xenon lamps (a pulsed
      versus a continuous light source) and the inherent kinetic differences in the
      collection of the fluorochromes' emitted light. Poor to good (R=0.45-0.84)
      correlations between WB peak values and the emission spectra were obtained. This
      relationship is established using chemical information originating largely from
      collagens. Minor differences in predictability were observed using either
      excitation wavelengths 332 or 380 nm. The emission wavelengths containing the
      most relevant information about WB peak values were between 360 and 500 nm.
      Wavelengths around 375 nm, excitation 332 nm, were in particular important and
      were related to a component in the perimysial tissue, most likely being present
      in collagen I or III. Excitation at 380 nm revealed the wavelength range 460-480
      nm as important presumed due to collagens in the perimysium. An experiment,
      simulating industrial routines, using 45 samples collected at the slaughterhouse
      two days post mortem, was carried out. However, for those samples no model was
      observed between the emission spectra and WB peak values. Only when some samples
      having very low (< 1.45 MUm) sarcomere lengths were removed, could a significant
      model be obtained. It is concluded that with the prevailing early post mortem
      routines in slaughterhouses with, among other things, wide variation in chilling
      rates between muscles and carcasses, the technique of autofluorescence has
      limited industrial potential as a sole, rapid non-destructive method for
      measuring tenderness of the longissimus dorsi muscle (LD).

PMID- 22063243
TI  - Electrical stunning of pigs: the effect of applied voltage on impedance to
      current flow and the operation of a fail-safe device.
AB  - The concept of a 'fail-safe' device to ensure that sufficient current is
      delivered to render a pig immediately unconscious when electrically stunned was
      investigated. For live pigs, no significant correlation could be determined
      between the pre-stun low voltage sensed impedance and the actual, higher voltage
      stun impedance. In contrast, a good correlation was found using heads from pigs
      killed more than 24 h previously. The impedance of a live pig's head was
      predominantly a function of the stunning voltage and decreased non-linearly with
      increasing voltage. The 'difference' between live and dead pigs was attributed to
      an 'ageing effect' which is not significant in the first few hours post mortem.
      No change in phase angle between corresponding stunning current and voltage
      waveforms, indicated that tissue reactance was not a contributing factor. It is
      concluded that 'fail-safe' devices based on low voltage pre-stun sensing are
      unlikely to meet the current legislative requirements (Council Directive
      93/119/EC).

PMID- 22063244
TI  - Effect of dietary vitamin E and irradiation on lipid oxidation, color, and
      volatiles of fresh and previously frozen turkey breast patties.
AB  - Turkey breast meat patties, prepared from the turkeys fed diets containing 0, 50,
      100, or 200 IU of dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate (TA) per kg diet from 84 to 112
      days of age, were aerobically packaged and irradiated at 0, 1.5, or 2.5 kGy. When
      dietary TA was increased from 0 to 200 IU/kg diet, plasma and muscle vitamin E
      levels increased by 5- and 4-fold, respectively. Dietary TA at 100 IU/kg diet
      significantly improved the storage stability of turkey breast, and it was more
      distinct in irradiated than nonirradiated meats. Both irradiation and dietary TA
      increased a*-values of turkey breast meat, but irradiation had a stronger impact.
      The redness of meat decreased during the 7-day storage, but irradiated meat
      maintained redder color than nonirradiated. Irradiated meat produced more sulfur
      volatiles and aldehydes than nonirradiated meats, and dietary TA effectively
      reduced these compounds during storage. The effects of dietary TA on the
      reduction of off-odor volatiles were more distinct in previously frozen-stored
      meats than in fresh meats.

PMID- 22063245
TI  - Comparison of acidic and alkaline catalysts for preparation of fatty acid methyl
      esters from ovine muscle with emphasis on conjugated linoleic acid.
AB  - Methanolic reagents containing acidic catalysts, HCl (0.5 M, 1 h, 80 degrees  C)
      or BF(3) (14%, 1 h, 80 degrees  C), or alkaline catalysts, KOH (0.2 M, 15-60 min,
      50 degrees  C) or NaOCH(3) (0.5 M, 15-60 min, 50 degrees  C), were compared for
      use in preparation of fatty acid methyl esters for GC analysis of total lipids
      from freeze-dried semitendinosus muscle of lambs fed a 3.6% linoleate diet. Lipid
      preparations were in duplicate and included a total lipid extract, as well as
      direct transesterification and direct saponification of freeze-dried muscle. For
      the total lipid extracts, the weight% of 18:2 cis-9, trans-11 (CLA) with BF(3)
      (1.15) was 14.0% lower (P=0.001) than with either KOH (1.32) or NaOCH(3) (1.36);
      however, with HCl (1.25) CLA was intermediate (P=0.02). Concentrations of CLA
      (mg/g tissue) were similar (P ?0.44) within acidic or alkaline catalysts, but
      were 18.1% higher (P ?0.01) with KOH (2.56) and NaOCH(3) (2.52) than with HCl
      (2.01) or BF(3) (2.12). For direct transesterification, weight% of CLA was
      similar (P=0.55) with KOH (1.34) and NaOCH(3) (1.33), but each was 11.9% greater
      (P=0.003) than with HCl (1.18) and 19.1% greater (P=0.005) than with BF(3)
      (1.08). Concentrations of CLA after direct transesterification were greatest (P
      ?0.04) with KOH (3.31), followed by HCl (2.89, P=0.04), BF(3) (2.42, P ?0.004),
      and lowest (P ?0.002) with NaOCH(3) (2.21), indicating differences in efficiency
      of direct transesterification. Weight% of CLA in semitendinosus muscle, ranked
      highest to lowest, was lambs fed 3.6% linoleate (P ?0.003) > lambs fed 3.8%
      oleate (P ?0.01) > lambs fed a non-fat supplemented control diet (P ?0.01) when
      either BF(3) (saponified lipids) or KOH (direct transesterification) was used.
      Thus, dietary treatment effects on muscle CLA were not affected by catalyst. For
      the muscle of high-linoleate, high-oleate, and control lambs, CLA was 20.2, 13.9
      and 0.0% higher, respectively, with KOH than BF(3), indicating that degradation
      of CLA by acidic catalysts decreased with lower starting amounts of CLA.

PMID- 22063246
TI  - Evaluation of sodium lactate as a replacement for conventional chemical
      preservatives in comminuted sausages inoculated with Listeria monocytogenes.
AB  - Sodium lactate (SL) as a potential replacer for potassium sorbate (PS) or sodium
      benzoate (SB) in comminuted sausages was evaluated. Sausages manufactured with
      3.3% SL were compared with a control and 0.05 or 0.1% of PS and SB with regard to
      its influence on changes of chemical composition, physico-chemical and textural
      properties, and the growth of inoculated Listeria monocytogenes (LM) stored at 4 
      degrees C for up to 8 weeks. The sausages contained 62-64% moisture, 15-17% fat
      and 12-14% protein with pH range of 6.10-6.15 and water activity (a(w)) range of
      0.936-0.941. Sausages containing 3.3% SL alone had lower (P<0.05) thiobarbituric
      acid reacting substances (TBARS) values than the control and those of PS (0.05
      0.1%). Lightness values of sausages varied (P<0.05) among preservatives and
      storage times, while yellowness values tended to increase with storage time.
      Textural attributes (springiness and hardness) were reduced after 2 and 6 weeks
      storage, respectively. Sodium lactate at an incorporation level of 3.3% to
      sausage formulation had an antilisterial effect similar to those of 0.05-1.0% of
      PS or SB and delayed the lag phase for the growth of Listeria monocytogenes at
      least 2 weeks, compared with the control.

PMID- 22063247
TI  - Properties of restructured beef steaks from forage- and grain-fed cattle as
      affected by antioxidant and flavoring agents.
AB  - Beef trimmings from cattle finished on forage or grain were restructured into
      steaks to enhance palatability. Steaks were treated with propyl gallate with or
      without a beefy flavoring agent, stored at -29  degrees C, and analyzed after 0,
      1, 3, and 6 months. The strong grassy flavor of forage-finished beef steaks,
      detected by a sensory panel, was masked by the beefy flavoring agent, rendering
      the beef more acceptable by consumers. Propyl gallate retarded lipid oxidation
      and rancidity development in steaks during extended frozen storage. Microbial
      populations decreased while color scores, cooking yield, and binding strength of
      steaks exhibited only minor changes during storage. Thus, the combination of
      antioxidant and flavoring agents with the muscle restructuring technology
      provides an effective means to enhance the palatability and storage stability of
      beef from forage-fed cattle.

PMID- 22063248
TI  - Utilization of pork collagen for functionality improvement of boneless cured ham
      manufactured from pale, soft, and exudative pork.
AB  - This study was designed to determine the effect of raw material and the inclusion
      of pork collagen on the protein functionality of boneless cured pork manufactured
      from 100% pale, soft, and exudative (PSE), 50% PSE, and 0% PSE with either 3 or
      0% collagen. A Randomized Complete Block Design with six replications was
      utilized as the experimental design. Inclusion of collagen decreased (P<0.05)
      expressible moisture and increased (P<0.05) CIE b* value. Differences (P<0.05)
      revealed that collagen inclusion caused the 0% PSE treatments to have a lower
      cooking loss for 100% PSE treatments with and without collagen and a higher
      protein-protein bind value for 100% PSE treatments without collagen. Utilization
      of pork collagen in boneless cured pork that incorporates PSE meat increases
      water holding capacity and has the potential to improve protein functionality
      characteristics of the product.

PMID- 22063249
TI  - Meat quality in male fallow deer (Dama dama): effects of age and supplementary
      feeding.
AB  - Thirty-two male fallow deer, half 18- and half 30-month-old, were slaughtered
      after a 4-month feeding trial on pasture alone or with daily supplement of 500 g
      (dry matter) concentrate/head (eight each 18- and 30-month-old). Neither diet nor
      age produced significant effects on M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LM) and
      on M. semimembranosus (SM) pH and colour. Meat texture properties (Warner
      Bratzler-WB Shear Force and compression), water loss and collagen content were
      unaffected by diet, while the older deer had higher LM WB peak force values (4.15
      vs 4.88 kg) and lower collagen solubility (34.61 vs 22.58%). LM and M.
      semitendinosus (ST) of the supplemented deer had a higher content of fat (pasture
      vs concentrate feeding: 0.56 vs 0.72% in LM; 0.55 vs 0.78% in ST) and provided
      lower PUFA, particularly n-3 PUFA, and higher n-6/n-3 ratio (3.30 vs 4.76 in LM;
      3.39 vs 4.63 in ST). Thirty-month-olds' LM and ST were fatter than 18-month
      olds', and provided lower PUFA, both in the n-6 and n-3 fraction.

PMID- 22063250
TI  - Meat quality of designated South African indigenous goat and sheep breeds.
AB  - Carcass composition, proximate meat composition, fatty acid composition and
      sensory characteristics of two breeds of goats, Indigenous (n=12) and Boer goats
      (n=12), and two breeds of sheep, Damara (n=12) and Dorper (n=12), on extensive
      pasture-grazing, were analysed. The right side of each carcass was processed into
      wholesale cuts and dissected into subcutaneous fat, meat and bone. Meat and fat
      were minced together and sampled for proximate analysis as well as fatty acid
      profiles. The remaining minced meat was formed into meat patties, which were
      cooked for descriptive sensory evaluation of aroma, tenderness, juiciness and
      flavour characteristics by a trained panel. Goat and sheep breeds had different
      meat qualities. The composition and properties of subcutaneous and intramuscular
      fat contributed to the differences in meat quality observed within and between
      the species studied. Goats had proportionally smaller carcasses. Sheep yielded
      more dissectable fat and lean and less bone as a percentage of carcass weight
      than goat breeds, although the proportional lean content per cut of Boer goats
      was comparable to that of sheep. The percentage of bone was highest for
      Indigenous goats. Concentrations of saturated fatty acids were higher in goats
      compared to sheep. Sheep patties were more tender, juicy, greasy and less chewy
      compared to goat patties. The species related goaty and muttony flavour were
      clearly distinguishable. It is recommended that goats should be valued as a
      different species compared to sheep.

PMID- 22063251
TI  - Influence of dietary fat, on fatty acid composition and sensory properties of dry
      cured Parma ham.
AB  - A feeding trial with 27 pigs was performed in order to estimate the effect of
      different dietary fats on the fatty acid composition, flavour and sensory
      properties of dry-cured Parma hams, ripened for 16 months. The animals received a
      pelleted diet supplemented with different fat sources: tallow (TA), corn oil
      (CO), and rapeseed oil (RO). The sensory quality of the hams was evaluated by
      means of sensory analyses and by instrumental procedures such as gas
      chromatography-mass spectrometry of the volatile aroma compounds. A treatment
      effect was detected for linolenic acid in RO vs. CO and TA hams (P<0.01) and for
      MUFA content (P<0.01) that was higher in RO and TA compared with CO. The results
      of panel test showed a significant difference (P<0.05) between TA vs. CO and RO
      hams. Volatile compounds showed limited differences even if in CO group the
      amount of singular compound is higher than TA and RO.

PMID- 22063252
TI  - Early prediction of water-holding capacity in meat by multivariate vibrational
      spectroscopy.
AB  - This study had the dual purpose of (a) investigating the feasibility of measuring
      fundamental vibrational information in fresh porcine meat using infrared (IR)
      absorption and Raman scattering, and (b) investigating if the vibrational spectra
      obtained within 1 h after slaughter contained information about the water-holding
      capacity (WHC) of the meat. Preliminary studies performed at a research
      slaughterhouse revealed a high correlation between WHC and both IR (r=0.89) and
      Raman spectra using Partial Least Squares Regressions (PLSR). The good results
      were confirmed under industrial conditions using FT-IR at-line spectroscopy.
      However, the latter experiment yielded a somewhat lower correlation (r=0.79).
      This result is, however, promising for the purpose of finding a method for
      classification of carcasses with regard to WHC at the slaughter line. The IR
      region 1800-900 cm(-1) contains the best predictive information according to WHC
      of the porcine meat. This region covers functional group frequencies of water,
      protein, fat and glycogen, including the carbonyl and amide groups.

PMID- 22063253
TI  - Fatty acid composition of intramuscular lipids in various muscles of Holstein
      Friesian bulls slaughtered at different ages.
AB  - Holstein-Friesian bulls were slaughtered at 7, 14 and 19 months of age. Samples
      were collected from the psoas major, longissimus and semitendinosus muscles. The
      total lipids (TL) of the samples were extracted and the fatty acid compositions
      were analysed by gas chromatography. Both the slaughtering age and the type of
      muscles had significant effects on the intramuscular TL contents and fatty acid
      compositions. The longissimus muscle had higher intramuscular TL both at 14 and
      19 months than at 7 months of age. As the bulls became older the proportion of
      saturated fatty acids (SFA) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) increased in
      the TL of each muscle tested, whereas that of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA)
      decreased. Among the muscle types, the semitendinosus had the lowest,
      intramuscular TL at each slaughtering age and the psoas major the highest. Except
      for SFA at 7 months of age, the semitendinosus showed lower levels of SFA and
      MUFA and higher proportions of PUFA than the other two muscles.

PMID- 22063254
TI  - Sensitive and semi-quantitative TaqManTM real-time polymerase chain reaction
      systems for the detection of beef (Bos taurus) and the detection of the family
      Mammalia in food and feed.
AB  - Consumers distrust beef or products that could contain beef because of the BSE
      (bovine spongiform encephalopathy) and vCJD (variant Creutzfeld Jacob Disease)
      cases during recent years. Cows could be fed with meat and bone meal-containing
      food. To regain consumer confidence methods are needed that allow the detection
      of smallest amounts of beef in the most different kind of products. Polymerase
      chain reaction (PCR) analysis can be used to detect the smallest amounts of even
      highly degraded DNA. In this work two methods are presented that allow the
      detection of mammal DNA and beef DNA, respectively, even in highly degraded DNA.
      The amplification of fragments as short as 66 and 76 bp, respectively, allow a
      determination of mammal or beef DNA even in meat and bone meal products.

PMID- 22063255
TI  - Evaluation of survival of Staphylococcus aureus and Clostridium botulinum in
      charqui meats.
AB  - Charqui meats were prepared in laboratory conditions in order to carry out
      experiments to observe the possibility of development of enterotoxigenic
      Staphylococcus aureus and Clostridium botulinum proteolytic type B spores and
      their toxins. Results demonstrated that the harsh processing conditions, high
      salt concentration, relative high temperature, a(w) values, inhibited the growth
      of both bacteria. Under our experimental conditions, S. aureus would survive
      throughout the sequence of salting steps i.e. brine followed by rock salting and
      the sunshine drying step. However, at final a(w) value of 0.70-0.75 would create
      conditions to inhibit its development. The other experiment revealed that C.
      botulinum spores germination also was impaired because of these low a(w) values.
      Under these conditions, charqui meats revealed to be safe products in relation to
      toxins from both enterotoxigenic S. aureus and C. botulinum.

PMID- 22063256
TI  - Effect of antimicrobial proteins from porcine leukocytes on Staphylococcus aureus
      and Escherichia coli in comminuted meats.
AB  - Study is aimed to elucidate the effect of porcine leukocyte antimicrobial protein
      on the proliferation of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli inoculated in
      ground meats. The antimicrobial proteins were isolated from porcine blood using
      0.2 M sodium acetate extraction and cation-exchange column chromatography.
      Antimicrobial protein preparation consisted predominantly of 7.5 and 6 kDa
      molecules. Immunoblotting demonstrated that the 7.5 kDa molecule displayed
      defensin immuno-reactivity, a unique blood granulocyte antimicrobial protein.
      Both 7.5 and 6 kDa molecules could decrease apparent proliferation of test
      cultures. Sterilization (121  degrees C, 30 min) and proteolytic enzymes (pepsin,
      trypsin, and chymotrypsin) could significantly decrease bacteriocidal activities
      of antimicrobial protein preparation. Furthermore, antimicrobial protein
      preparation enhanced exposure of intercellular nucleotide of test cultures.
      Antimicrobial protein preparation inhibition of S. aureus and E. coli growth was
      concentration and time dependence. Adding 160 MUg/g antimicrobial protein
      preparation to ground ham meat and sausage mince could significantly (P<0.05)
      hurdle viable colony formation of test cultures at 6 and 12 h, respectively.
      Taken together, porcine leukocyte antimicrobial protein preparation has potential
      to inhibit proliferation of S. aureus and E. coli inoculated in ground meat via
      induction of bacterolysis, suggesting this antimicrobial protein preparation be
      an alternative natural bio-preservation source for ground meat products.

PMID- 22063257
TI  - Effect of crossbreeding and rearing system on sensory characteristics of Iberian
      ham.
AB  - The aim of this work was to study the influence of crossbreeding (Iberian and
      Iberian*Duroc 50% pigs) and rearing system (outdoors and indoors) on the sensory
      characteristics of Iberian ham [using descriptive analysis], and to investigate
      the relationships among sensory data and subcutaneous fat composition.
      Crossbreeding had a slight effect on sensory and fatty acid profile (only the
      bitter taste and some low-content fatty acids were significantly affected), but
      rearing system had a marked effect on subcutaneous fat composition (most fatty
      acids were affected) and sensory characteristics (texture characteristics being
      the most affected together with lean appearance and aroma). Palmitic, stearic and
      oleic acids were closely correlated to some sensory traits, not only lipid
      related characteristics (brightness, fat oiliness) but also to aroma.

PMID- 22063258
TI  - High temperature reduction of metmyoglobin in aqueous muscle extracts.
AB  - Oxymyoglobin in aqueous extracts of fresh beef longissimus dorsi muscles was
      initially oxidised to metmyoglobin during heat treatments at temperatures in the
      range 50-70  degrees C. The metmyoglobin then underwent reduction to a red
      pigment that was shown spectrally to be identical to oxymyoglobin. The formation
      of oxymyoglobin involved a heat induced precipitate that when removed from the
      solution, allowed oxidation to metmyoglobin to occur. However, on re-addition of
      the precipitate further reduction to oxymyoglobin took place. Dialysis of the
      muscle extract prior to heating markedly inhibited the reduction but addition of
      NADH to the dialysate permitted further reduction. The precipitate plus NADH
      caused oxymyoglobin formation in the presence of metmyoglobin but neither the
      precipitate nor NADH alone induced this formation. It is concluded that the
      initial conversion of oxymyoglobin to metmyoglobin on heating fresh beef muscle
      extracts was reversible and that the reverse reaction depended on the presence of
      both NADH and a muscle protein.

PMID- 22063259
TI  - Growth of carcass components and its relation with conformation in pigs of three
      types.
AB  - The growth of carcass tissues and developmental changes in tissue distribution
      were studied in three pig types which were selected to have morphologies that
      could be described as attenuated, blocky and flabby. These were achieved by
      incorporating, respectively, Landrace, Pietrain and Meishan genes to give
      commercial 'types' (designated L, P and M,) exhibiting some of the phenotypic
      qualities of these breeds. Twenty-five female pigs of each type with an average
      start weight of 27.2 kg were fed ad libitum and slaughtered over a (nominal) live
      weight range of 35-115 kg. Relations were quantified using the logarithmic
      transformation of data in the allometric model. Significant type differences in
      relative growth rates (the b coefficient or slope in the logarithmic plot) were
      not common, occurring in 14% of the relationships examined, whereas 61% of
      differences in the constant term (a or intercept in the logarithmic plot) were
      significant. Increase in carcass weight with age was not different between the
      types but in relation to slaughter live weight (dressing percentage) P had the
      highest value, M the lowest. Carcass dimensions showed that, relative to body
      length, P had the widest ham and shoulder over the whole size range whereas M had
      a deep (ventral-dorsal) shoulder and wide belly, attributes of shape that would
      be regarded as undesirable by the meat trade. Relative to carcass weight, L was
      only slightly longer (3 mm) in the body than M at the heavy end of the weight
      range but markedly longer (29 mm) than P. These differences in carcass
      conformation were also evident in the shape of pelvic limb muscles which, at a
      given length, were lightest and narrowest in M and, in some cases, heavier and
      wider in P than in L. Pelvic limb volume relative to limb length was greatest in
      P and least in M. Carcass composition (at a given prepared side weight) of P was
      characterized by low fat and high lean weights, and a high lean to bone ratio.
      Subcutaneous fat b was lowest in P, indicating that P was early maturing, but M
      carcasses had the most subcutaneous and intermuscular fat, also indicative of
      early maturing. There was, thus, no simple relation between maturity
      characteristics and carcass composition. M carcasses also had the greatest weight
      of skin. P had a light hindloin and heavy pelvic limb, M a heavy shoulder,
      hindloin and flank but a light pelvic limb; L had a light shoulder but a heavy
      foreloin. The distribution of individual tissues mirrored these differences in
      joint weights to a varying extent; in most cases the match (relatively
      heavy/light) was with a single tissue. These data, thus, indicated some pig type
      differences in tissue distribution and of particular significance was the
      relatively light lean mass in the pelvic limb of M. The results showed important
      differences in carcass quality between commercially available pig types differing
      in conformation.

PMID- 22063260
TI  - Sensory quality and the incidence of PSE of pork in relation to crossbreed and RN
      phenotype.
AB  - The effects of crossbreed and of RN phenotype on pork and its eating quality were
      evaluated in four different pig crossbreeds [involving Swedish Landrace (L) *
      Yorkshire (Y) sows and Hampshire (H), Duroc (D), Yorkshire (Y) or Hampshire *
      Yorkshire (HY) as the terminal sire]. Pigs from the LYH crossbreed were also
      classified as either carriers or non-carriers of the RN(-) allele. In the
      crossbreeds investigated, M. longissimus dorsi (LD) and M. semimembranosus (SM)
      from LYH were found to have the lowest pH as measured 24h post-mortem (pH(24h)).
      The low pH in the LYH crossbreed was due to the large proportion of RN(-)
      carriers it had (approximately 70%). The non-carriers of the RN(-) allele in the
      LYH crossbreed had a pH(24h) close to that of LYD, LYY and LYHY. In a selected
      group of pigs (N=50), the ultimate pH in the ham muscles M. biceps femoris (BF),
      M. quadriceps femoris (QF), M. gluteus medius (GM) and M. semitendinosus (ST) was
      also found to be lower in RN(-) carriers of LYH than in the other crossbreeds. As
      determined visually, LYD had the highest frequency (2%) of pale, soft and
      exudative meat (PSE), in LD. Ham from RN(-) carriers of LYH had the highest
      frequency (23%) of PSE meat around the femur, indicating that when the pH is low,
      the deep musculature, in which the chilling rate can be slow, is particularly
      sensitive to the development of PSE. According to assessments by members of a
      trained sensory panel, tenderness was significantly greater in LD from carriers
      of the RN(-) allele in LYH than in LD from LYD, LYHY and non-carriers of LYH. The
      tenderness of LD from LYY was rated as intermediate. The intramuscular fat
      content was found to be highest in LD from LYD, no relationship between
      intramuscular fat content and tenderness being found. The RN(-) carriers of LYH
      received the highest ratings in terms of juiciness. In conclusion, the sensory
      ratings demonstrated the great eating quality of LD from carriers of the RN(-)
      allele, indicating that abandoning the Hampshire crossbreed or eliminating the
      RN(-) allele from it, would result in the meat being less tender.

PMID- 22063261
TI  - Prediction of pork quality attributes from near infrared reflectance spectra.
AB  - Near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is one of the most promising techniques for
      large-scale meat quality evaluation. We investigated the potential of NIRS-based
      models to predict drip loss and shear force of pork samples. Near infrared
      reflectance spectra (1000-2500 nm), water-holding capacity, shear force, ultimate
      pH, and colour (L(*), a(*), b(*)-value) of 96 pork longissimus muscles were
      recorded at 2 days post mortem. Stepwise multiple linear regression (SMLR) and
      partial least squares regression (PLSR) analyses were used to formulate models
      for drip loss and shear force. Prediction models for drip loss correlated
      moderately strong with measured drip loss (R=0.71-0.74), which is similar to the
      correlation obtained using a combination of ultimate pH, filter paper test, and
      L(*)-value (R=0.74). The current results indicate that NIRS enables the
      classification of pork longissimus muscles with a superior or inferior water
      holding capacity as having a drip loss lower than 5% or higher than 7%. No useful
      models could be constructed for shear force.

PMID- 22063262
TI  - Meat nitrosamine contamination level depending on animal breeding factors.
AB  - The aim of the work was to answer the question how the species, breeding factors
      and season of the year affect nitrosamine contents in raw meat. The
      concentrations were assessed in raw pork from gilts, sows, hogs and boars, in
      beef from heifers, cows, bullocks and bulls, in veal and in horse, ram and goat
      meat. The studies were conducted in spring, summer, autumn and in winter. Meat
      contents of nitrosamines (dimethylonitrosamine-DMNA and diethylonitrosamine-DENA)
      were assessed by Pancholy's method adapted to nitrosamine determination in meat
      and meat products by Scanlan and Ryes. The levels of DMNA and DENA were
      determined using a Varian 3400 gas chromatograph coupled to a mass spectrometer
      (Finnigan MAT ITD. 800). The volatiles were identified by comparing their mass
      spectra with standards and by comparison of retention times with standards.
      Quantitative and qualitative analysis was conducted by comparison with N
      nitrosamine standard solution chromatograms. The highest nitrosamine (DMNA and
      DENA) concentrations were found in pork and beef, smaller in horseflesh and the
      lowest in ram and goat meat and in veal.

PMID- 22063263
TI  - Recent speciation and limited phylogeographic structure in Mixophyes frogs from
      the Australian Wet Tropics.
AB  - Through a combination of macroecological, paleoecological, and phylogeographical
      analyses, the rainforests of the Australian Wet Tropics (AWT) have emerged as a
      useful model for understanding sensitivity of species to past climatic change
      and, hence, for predicting vulnerability to future change. To extend the
      ecological breadth of comparative phylogeographic analyses, we investigate a
      clade of myobatrachid frogs, Mixophyes, a genus of large, stream-breeding but
      terrestrial frogs, three species of which are endemic to rainforests of the AWT.
      Here we (i) combine mtDNA, allozyme, and morphological data to refine knowledge
      of the geographic and environmental distribution of each taxon, (ii) resolve
      relationships among species, and (iii) use mtDNA phylogeography to infer
      responses of the three taxa to late-Pleistocene and Holocene climatic change.
      Each of the three species (Mixophyes carbinensis, Mixophyes coggeri, and
      Mixophyes schevilli) is effectively diagnosed by mtDNA, with the two small
      bodied, allopatric species (M. carbinensis and M. schevilli) being sister-taxa.
      Mixophyes have a very different history from other AWT amphibians, with more
      recent speciation (net divergences <5%) and much lower and geographically
      unstructured mtDNA diversity within each species. The combination of low
      diversity (theta(Pi)<0.36%) and strong signals of recent population expansion
      (Fu's Fs<0) suggests very high sensitivity to climate-driven rainforest dynamics,
      perhaps due to their large body size, low population density, and their
      requirement for both wet forest-floor litter and streams suitable for breeding.
      The results further emphasize the heterogeneity of species' responses to climate
      change and suggest that species dependent on multiple habitat types could be
      especially vulnerable.

PMID- 22063264
TI  - Next-generation sequencing reveals phylogeographic structure and a species tree
      for recent bird divergences.
AB  - Next generation sequencing (NGS) technologies are revolutionizing many biological
      disciplines but have been slow to take root in phylogeography. This is partly due
      to the difficulty of using NGS to sequence orthologous DNA fragments for many
      individuals at low cost. We explore cases of recent divergence in four
      phylogenetically diverse avian systems using a method for quick and cost
      effective generation of primary DNA sequence data using pyrosequencing. NGS data
      were processed using an analytical pipeline that reduces many reads into two
      called alleles per locus per individual. Using single nucleotide polymorphisms
      (SNPs) mined from the loci, we detected population differentiation in each of the
      four bird systems, including: a case of ecological speciation in rails (Rallus);
      a rapid postglacial radiation in the genus Junco; recent in situ speciation among
      hummingbirds (Trochilus) in Jamaica; and subspecies of white-crowned sparrows
      (Zonotrichia leucophrys) along the Pacific coast. The number of recovered loci
      aligning closely to chromosomal locations on the zebra finch (Taeniopygia
      guttata) genome was highly correlated to the size of the chromosome, suggesting
      that loci are randomly distributed throughout the genome. Using eight loci found
      in Zonotrichia and Junco lineages, we were also able to generate a species tree
      of these sparrow sister genera, demonstrating the potential of this method for
      generating data amenable to coalescent-based analysis. We discuss improvements
      that should enhance the method's utility for primary data generation.

PMID- 22063265
TI  - Association between acrochordons and the components of metabolic syndrome.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between acrochordons
      and the components of metabolic syndrome (MS). A total of 192 patients with at
      least one skin tag and 104 controls having no skin tag seen at an academic
      outpatient dermatology clinic were involved. Body mass index (BMI), waist
      circumference, blood pressure, total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low
      density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol
      (HDL-C) values were measured. Oral glucose tolerance testing was performed.
      Patients with acrochordons were 64.6/35.4% female/male. The number of
      acrochordons was below 10 in 77.1% cases. The most frequent localization was the
      neck (72.4%). Acrochordons were smaller than 3 mm in 64.1% of the cases.
      Hypertension, diabetes and MS were significantly more frequent in patients with
      acrochordons than the control group. The acrochordon group showed significantly
      higher values of BMI, higher levels of TC, TG and LDL-C and significantly lower
      levels of HDL-C when compared with the control group. According to regression
      analysis, the number of acrochordons increased in patients with higher BMI
      values, 2-h plasma glucose, TC and LDL-C levels and lower HDL-C levels. These
      results support the suggestion that acrochordons are associated with the
      components of MS.

PMID- 22063267
TI  - Interaction of fast and slow dynamics in endocrine control systems with an
      application to beta-cell dynamics.
AB  - Endocrine dynamics spans a wide range of time scales, from rapid responses to
      physiological challenges to with slow responses that adapt the system to the
      demands placed on it. We outline a non-linear averaging procedure to extract the
      slower dynamics in a way that accounts properly for the non-linear dynamics of
      the faster time scale and is applicable to a hierarchy of more than two time
      scales, although we restrict our discussion to two scales for the sake of
      clarity. The procedure is exact if the slow time scale is infinitely slow (the
      dimensionless epsilon-quantity is the period of the fast time scale fluctuation
      times an upper bound to the slow time scale rate of change). However, even for an
      imperfect separation of time scales we find that this construction provides an
      excellent approximation for the slow-time dynamics at considerably reduced
      computational cost. Besides the computation advantage, the averaged equation
      provided a qualitative insight into the interaction of the time scales. We
      demonstrate the procedure and its advantages by applying the theory to the model
      described by Tolic et al. [I.M. Tolic, E. Mosekilde, J. Sturis, Modeling the
      insulin-glucose feedback system: the significance of pulsatile insulin secretion,
      J. Theor. Biol. 207 (2000) 361-375.] for ultradian dynamics of the glucose
      insulin homeostasis feedback system, extended to include beta-cell dynamics. We
      find that the dynamics of the beta-cell mass are dependent not only on the
      glycemic load (amount of glucose administered to the system), but also on the way
      this load is applied (i.e. three meals daily versus constant infusion), effects
      that are lost in the inappropriate methods used by the earlier authors.
      Furthermore, we find that the loss of the protection against apoptosis conferred
      by insulin that occurs at elevated levels of insulin has a functional role in
      keeping the beta-cell mass in check without compromising regulatory function. We
      also find that replenishment of beta-cells from a rapidly proliferating pool of
      cells, as opposed to the slow turn-over which characterises fully differentiated
      beta-cells, is essential to the prevention of type 1 diabetes.

PMID- 22063268
TI  - A comprehensive evaluation of a diabetes quality improvement project in privately
      owned primary care practices that serve minority patients.
AB  - The authors conducted a diabetes quality improvement project in 5 privately owned
      primary care practices serving at least 25% minority patients. Interventions
      included group-specific and practice-specific training on an electronic patient
      registry, cultural competency practices and tools, and selected quality
      improvement strategies. The authors conducted a comprehensive evaluation
      involving quantitative and qualitative data to assess project impact. Although
      overall clinical performance did not improve over the 14- to 20-month project
      time frame, other practice structural characteristics and processes did show
      improvement: successful implementation of the registry and clinician reminders in
      all practices, institution of team care and patient reminders in 4 practices, and
      collection of patient race/ethnicity data in 4 practices. These results highlight
      the difficulty of bringing about clinical improvement in this subset of practices
      and also the importance of conducting comprehensive evaluations to fully
      understand and interpret multicomponent quality improvement projects.

PMID- 22063269
TI  - Regulation of triglyceride metabolism by Angiopoietin-like proteins.
AB  - Plasma triglyceride concentrations are determined by the balance between
      production of the triglyceride-rich lipoproteins VLDL and chylomicrons in liver
      and intestine, and their lipoprotein lipase-mediated clearance in peripheral
      tissues. In the last decade, the group of Angiopoietin-like proteins has emerged
      as important regulators of circulating triglyceride (TG) levels. Specifically,
      ANGPTL3 and ANGPTL4 impair TG clearance by inhibiting lipoprotein lipase (LPL).
      Whereas ANGPTL4 irreversibly inactivates LPL by promoting conversion of active
      LPL dimers into inactive monomers, ANGPTL3 reversibly inhibits LPL activity.
      Studies using transgenic or knockout mice have clearly demonstrated the
      stimulatory effect of Angptl3 and Angptl4 on plasma TG, which is further
      supported by human genetic data including genome wide association studies.
      Whereas ANGPTL3 is mainly active in the fed state, ANGPTL4 is elevated by fasting
      and mediates fasting-induced changes in plasma TG and free fatty acid metabolism.
      Both proteins undergo oligomerization and are subject to proteolytic cleavage to
      generate N- and C-terminal fragments with highly divergent biological activities.
      Expression of ANGPTL3 is exclusive to liver and governed by the liver X receptor
      (LXR). In contrast, ANGPTL4 is expressed ubiquitously and under sensitive control
      of the Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) family and fatty acids.
      Induction of ANGPTL4 gene expression by fatty acids and via PPARs is part of a
      feedback mechanism aimed at protecting cells against lipotoxicity. So far there
      is very little evidence that other ANGPTLs directly impact plasma lipoprotein
      metabolism. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Triglyceride
      Metabolism and Disease.

PMID- 22063270
TI  - Endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated inhibition of NSMase2 elevates plasma
      membrane cholesterol and attenuates NO production in endothelial cells.
AB  - Chronic exposure of blood vessels to cardiovascular risk factors such as free
      fatty acids, LDL-cholesterol, homocysteine and hyperglycemia can give rise to
      endothelial dysfunction, partially due to decreased synthesis and bioavailability
      of nitric oxide (NO). Many of these same risk factors have been shown to induce
      endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in endothelial cells. The objective of this
      study was to examine the mechanisms responsible for endothelial dysfunction
      mediated by ER stress. ER stress elevated both intracellular and plasma membrane
      (PM) cholesterols in BAEC by ~3-fold, indicated by epifluorescence and
      cholesterol oxidase methods. Increases in cholesterol levels inversely correlated
      with neutral sphingomyelinase 2 (NSMase2) activity, endothelial nitric oxide
      synthase (eNOS) phospho-activation and NO-production. To confirm that ER stress
      induced effects on PM cholesterol were a direct consequence of decreased NSMase2
      activity, enzyme expression was either enhanced or knocked down in BAEC. NSMase2
      over-expression did not significantly affect cholesterol levels or NO-production,
      but increased eNOS phosphorylation by ~1.7-fold. Molecular knock down of NSMase2
      decreased eNOS phosphorylation and NO-production by 50% and 40%, respectively
      while increasing PM cholesterol by 1.7-fold and intracellular cholesterol by 2.7
      fold. Furthermore, over-expression of NSMase2 in ER-stressed BAEC lowered
      cholesterol levels to within control levels as well as nearly doubled the NO
      production, restoring it to ~74% and 68% of controls using tunicamycin and
      palmitate, respectively. This study establishes NSMase2 as a pivotal enzyme in
      the onset of endothelial ER stress-mediated vascular dysfunction as its
      inactivation leads to the attenuation of NO production and the elevation of
      cellular cholesterol.

PMID- 22063271
TI  - Distinct cellular pools of perilipin 5 point to roles in lipid trafficking.
AB  - The PAT family of lipid storage droplet proteins comprised five members, each of
      which has become an established regulator of cellular neutral lipid metabolism.
      Perilipin 5 (also known as lsdp-5, MLDP, PAT-1, and OXPAT), the most recently
      discovered member of the family, has been shown to localize to two distinct
      intracellular pools: the lipid storage droplet (LD), and a poorly characterized
      cytosolic fraction. We have characterized the denser of these intracellular pools
      and find that a population of perilipin 5 not associated with large LDs resides
      in complexes with a discrete density (~1.15 g/ml) and size (~575 kDa). Using
      immunofluorescence, western blotting of isolated sucrose density fractions,
      native gradient gel electrophoresis, and co-immunoprecipitation, we have shown
      that these small (~15 nm), perilipin 5-encoated structures do not contain the PAT
      protein perilipin 2 (ADRP), but do contain perilipin 3 and several other as of
      yet uncharacterized proteins. The size and density of these particles as well as
      their susceptibility to degradation by lipases suggest that like larger LDs, they
      have a neutral lipid rich core. When treated with oleic acid to promote neutral
      lipid deposition, cells ectopically expressing perilipin 5 experienced a
      reorganization of LDs in the cell, resulting in fewer, larger droplets at the
      expense of smaller ones. Collectively, these data demonstrate that a portion of
      cytosolic perilipin 5 resides in high density lipid droplet complexes that
      participate in cellular neutral lipid accumulation.

PMID- 22063272
TI  - Lipase maturation factor 1: a lipase chaperone involved in lipid metabolism.
AB  - Mutations in lipase maturation factor 1 (LMF1) are associated with severe
      hypertriglyceridemia in mice and human subjects. The underlying cause is impaired
      lipid clearance due to lipase deficiency. LMF1 is a chaperone of the endoplasmic
      reticulum (ER) and it is critically required for the post-translational
      activation of three vascular lipases: lipoprotein lipase (LPL), hepatic lipase
      (HL) and endothelial lipase (EL). As LMF1 is only required for the maturation of
      homodimeric, but not monomeric, lipases, it is likely involved in the assembly of
      inactive lipase subunits into active enzymes and/or the stabilization of active
      dimers. Herein, we provide an overview of current understanding of LMF1 function
      and propose that it may play a regulatory role in lipase activation and lipid
      metabolism. Further studies will be required to test this hypothesis and
      elucidate the full spectrum of phenotypes in combined lipase deficiency. This
      article is part of a Special Issue entitled Triglyceride Metabolism and Disease.

PMID- 22063273
TI  - Rotational and hinge dynamics of discoidal high density lipoproteins probed by
      interchain disulfide bond formation.
AB  - To develop a detailed double belt model for discoidal HDL, we previously scored
      inter-helical salt bridges between all possible registries of two stacked
      antiparallel amphipathic helical rings of apolipoprotein (apo) A-I. The top score
      was the antiparallel apposition of helix 5 with 5 followed closely by appositions
      of helix 5 with 4 and helix 5 with 6. The rationale for the current study is
      that, for each of the optimal scores, a pair of identical residues can be
      identified in juxtaposition directly on the contact edge between the two
      antiparallel helical belts of apoA-I. Further, these residues are always in the
      '9th position' in one of the eighteen 11-mer repeats that make up the lipid
      associating domain of apoA-I. To illustrate our terminology, 129j (LL5/5) refers
      to the juxtaposition of the Calpha atoms of G129 (in a '9th position') in the
      pairwise helix 5 domains. We reasoned that if identical residues in the double
      belt juxtapositions were mutated to a cysteine and kept under reducing conditions
      during disc formation, we would have a precise method for determining
      registration in discoidal HDL by formation of a disulfide-linked apoA-I
      homodimer. Using this approach, we conclude that 129j (LL5/5) is the major
      rotamer orientation for double belt HDL and propose that the small ubiquitous gap
      between the pairwise helix 5 portions of the double belt in larger HDL discoidal
      particles is significantly dynamic to hinge off the disc edge under certain
      conditions, e.g., in smaller particles or perhaps following binding of the enzyme
      LCAT. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled Advances in High Density
      Lipoprotein Formation and Metabolism: A Tribute to John F. Oram (1945-2010).

PMID- 22063274
TI  - Effects of crossbreeding Mexican Pelibuey sheep with Rambouillet and Suffolk on
      carcass traits.
AB  - Fifty nine lambs: Pelibuey (P), Suffolk*Pelibuey (SP) and Rambouillet*Pelibuey
      (RP), were used to evaluate the effect of crossbreeding on carcass
      characteristics and composition. Following carcass evaluation, muscle, bone,
      subcutaneous, seam, internal, total fat and other tissues were dissected. Carcass
      dressing percentage was similar across the three genotypes. The genetic group did
      not influence the percentage of cuts, except for shoulder percentage. Pelibuey
      carcasses had less fat thickness than RP and more kidney, pelvic and heart fat
      than SP. Muscle percentage was lower for RP (51.27+/-0.68) compared to P (54.01+/
      0.61) and SP (53.78+/-0.58) carcasses, respectively. Consequently, the RP group
      showed the highest proportion of total fat (19.66+/-1.00). In general, RP
      carcasses had the lowest meat cutability. In conclusion, carcass yield of
      Pelibuey lambs was not improved by the cross with either Rambouillet or Suffolk
      breeds.

PMID- 22063275
TI  - Growth, carcass and meat characteristics of Karayaka growing rams fed sugar beet
      pulp, partially substituting for grass hay as forage.
AB  - Twenty-one growing male Karayaka sheep were divided into three groups of seven at
      12 months of age. All groups received a commercial feed (60%) and roughage (40%).
      One group received grass hay as roughage (control, C), the other two groups
      received a mixture in which 40 (0.40SBP) or 60% (0.60SBP) sugar beet pulp (SBP)
      was used in partial replacement of grass hay in the C group during 56 days. Dry
      matter (DM) intake and DM conversion index (kg DM per kg weight gain) of the C
      group were higher (P<0.01) than that of the 0.40SBP and 0.60SBP groups. While the
      0.60SBP increased (P<0.05) the L* of meat from the Karayaka young rams, the
      0.40SBP or 0.60SBP decreased the ultimate pH (P<0.05) and cooking loss (P<0.01)
      compared to the C group. Means for redness (a*), yellowness (b*), Hue (H*) and
      Chroma (C*) and sensory characteristics indicated that there were no significant
      differences between dietary treatments. Inclusion of 60% SBP increased the
      palmitic (P<0.02) and linoleic (P<0.01) acid contents of the meat, it decreased
      (P<0.01) stearic, oleic and arachidonic acid contents compared to the C group.
      The 0.40SBP also increased (P<0.01) the linoleic acid content of the meat, but it
      decreased (P<0.01) stearic and arachidonic acid contents compared to the control.
      Although meat from young rams fed 0.60SBP diet had a higher value of lightness
      and linoleic acid, and a lower value of cooking loss than those from animals fed
      the C diet, sensory evaluation did not discriminate the meat from young rams fed
      with control and/or SBP diets. Therefore, grass hay can be replaced by 60% of SBP
      in the growing diet for Karayaka rams without a reduction in meat quality.

PMID- 22063276
TI  - Concentrations of oxysterols in meat and meat products from pigs fed diets
      differing in the type of fat (palm oil or soybean oil) and vitamin E
      concentrations.
AB  - The aim of this study was to find out whether concentrations of oxysterols in pig
      meat are affected by dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids and vitamin E. 48 growth
      finishing pigs were fed diets with either palm oil or soybean oil and vitamin E
      concentrations of 15, 40 or 200 mg/kg. Concentrations of oxysterols were analyzed
      in fresh and heat-processed (180  degrees C, 20 min) meat (M. longissimus dorsi)
      and in boiled sausage prepared from meat and back fat of the animals.
      Concentrations of oxysterols in fresh muscle were below 5 nmol/g dry matter; they
      were independent of the dietary fat type and vitamin E concentration. Heating
      caused a large increase of oxysterol concentration (up to 55 nmol/g dry matter).
      This effect was reduced by increasing dietary vitamin E concentration but was
      independent of the dietary fat. Sausage from pigs fed soybean oil had higher
      concentrations of oxysterols than sausage from pigs fed palm oil; vitamin E
      reduced concentrations of oxysterols in sausage from pigs fed soybean oil, but
      not in sausage from pigs fed palm oil.

PMID- 22063277
TI  - Antioxidant properties of selected Oriental non-culinary/nutraceutical herb
      extracts as evaluated in raw and cooked meat.
AB  - Ethanol extracts of white peony (WP), red peony (RP), sappanwood (SW), Moutan
      peony (MP), rehmania (RE) or angelica (AN) were individually added to ground goat
      meat at 0.5-2.0% (g dry extract/100 g final meat sample), and raw and cooked
      samples were aerobically refrigerated for 0, 3 or 6 days. These extracts and
      rosemary extract (RO) were also individually added to salted or unsalted ground
      beef at 0.01-0.25% and refrigerated as raw or cooked patties. WP, RP, RE, SW and
      MP markedly reduced (P<0.05) lipid oxidation in cooked-stored goat meat. With
      0.25% of WP, RP, SW, MP or RO in beef, lipid oxidation during storage was minimal
      in raw and cooked patties (plain or salted); raw patty redness values at day 6
      were higher (P<0.05) for SW, WP, RP or MP than RO treatment or the control. At
      0.01%, SW was more antioxidative (P<0.05) than the other extracts.

PMID- 22063278
TI  - Influence of pasture or grain-based diets supplemented with vitamin E on
      antioxidant/oxidative balance of Argentine beef.
AB  - Argentine meat has been traditionally produced on pasture. However, to comply
      with some market requirements, grain finishing is becoming more common among
      producers. The main goal of the present work was to study lipid oxidation in
      fresh meat from animals fed different diets in relationship with their
      antioxidant vitamin status. Attributes were evaluated in beef from pasture or
      grain-fed animals with (PE and GE) or without supplementation (P and G) with
      vitamin E (500 UI/head/day). Fresh meat produced on grain (G and GE) had higher
      fat (4.0+/-1.6 and 4.7+/-1.4 g/100 g) and cholesterol content (51.0+/-3.0 and
      52.0+/-4.0 mg/100 g) than meat from pasture (P and PE) fed animals (2.7+/-1.2 to
      2.9+/-1.1 g/100 g and 48.0+/-5.0 to 49.0+/-4.0 mg/100 g of intramuscular fat and
      cholesterol respectively). Fatty acid composition was clearly affected by diet.
      Beef from pasture-fed cattle had higher percentage of linolenic acid, less
      linoleic acid and, overall, higher percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids than
      beef from grain-fed animals (P<0.05). Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances
      number and volatile levels of hexanal, pentanal, heptanal, octanal and 3
      methylbutanal were higher in grain than in pasture samples (P<0.05). P+PE meat
      had higher content of antioxidant vitamins than G+GE samples (P<0.001). Values
      ranged from: 15.92+/-3.48 (G) to 17.39+/-4.29 (GE) and 25.3+/-10.0 (P) to 21.98+/
      5.11 (PE) MUg/g of ascorbic acid; from 1.05+/-0.73 (G) to 1.76+/-0.97 (GE) and
      3.08+/-0.45 to 3.91+/-0.74 MUg/g of alpha-tocopherol; and from 0.06+/-0.03 (G) to
      0.05+/-0.01 (GE) and 0.45+/-0.21 (P) to 0.63+/-0.27 (PE) MUg/g of beta-carotene.
      In addition, principal component analysis clearly separated grain from pasture
      samples regardless of their supplementation with vitamin E. This level of
      supplementation did not improve the antioxidant status of fresh meat (P>0.05). We
      conclude that pasture diet contributes natural antioxidants in sufficient amounts
      and is an efficient way to prevent lipid oxidation in fresh beef.

PMID- 22063279
TI  - The effect of dietary fish oil rich in n-3 fatty acids on the organoleptic, fatty
      acid and physicochemical characteristics of ostrich meat.
AB  - The effect of different levels of unrefined fish oil in the diet on ostrich
      Musculus iliofibularis was evaluated in a completely randomised experimental
      design, where a supplementary energy rich feed, containing 6.7% fish oil, was fed
      at four different levels over a 7-month period. An increase in the amount of fish
      oil consumed was found to have had no significant effect on the sensory
      characteristics of ostrich meat, although there was a tendency towards an
      increase in fishiness, for both aroma and flavour. Increased concentrations of
      fish oil, however, did have a significant effect on the aroma and flavour of the
      abdominal fat pads. The muscle pH(f) and muscle lightness (L*) revealed a
      significant reduction, with increased energy intake. However, the increased
      energy intake had no effect on the chemical composition (moisture, protein, fat,
      and ash content) of the meat. The fatty acid profile of both adipose tissue and
      muscle was altered as a result of the consumption of fish oil. The SFA
      concentration increased, while the PUFA concentration decreased with increasing
      dietary levels. The MUFA concentration remained constant for all four groups.

PMID- 22063280
TI  - Changes in calpain and calpastatin activities of osmotically dehydrated bovine
      muscle during storage after treatment with calcium.
AB  - Calpain and calpastatin activities were investigated in calcium-treated beef
      after osmotic dehydration. Dehydrated beef was soaked in 150 mM calcium chloride
      solution for 3 h, and then stored for 48 h at 3-4  degrees C. The untreated
      sample (control) was soaked in deionized water for 3 h instead of calcium
      chloride solution, after osmotic dehydration. The increase and decrease in the
      relative activity of crude calpain were observed in the untreated and the calcium
      treated meat, respectively, during the storage. When the crude calpains were
      subjected to DEAE-Sephacel column chromatography, it was found that MU-calpain
      activity decreased rapidly during the storage in the untreated meat, whereas
      there was almost no change in the activity of m-calpain during the storage. The
      decrease of calpastatin activity was moderate compared with the decrease of MU
      calpain activity. In the calcium chloride-treated meat, however, no MU-calpain
      nor calpastatin activities was detectable after 48 h at cold-room temperature,
      and m-calpain activity after 48 h had decreased to 6.1% of its activity
      immediately after thawing. It was concluded that 150 mM calcium chloride
      treatment after osmotic dehydration was sufficient to introduce calcium ions into
      the meat. In the presence of sufficient calcium, autolysis of calpains and
      proteolytic degradation of calpastatin, which eventually related to the rate of
      decrease in calpain and calpastatin activities, clearly seem to be related to a
      decrease in meat toughness.

PMID- 22063281
TI  - Effects of dietary olive and linseed oil on lipid composition, meat quality,
      sensory characteristics and muscle structure in pigs.
AB  - The aim of this study was to alter the fatty acid composition of porcine tissue
      by accumulating essential fatty acids without adversely affecting carcass
      composition, muscle structure or meat eating quality. A total of 13 female and 12
      castrated Pietrain*German Landrace pigs were fed a basal concentrate diet
      supplemented with 5% olive oil or 5% linseed oil during the growing-finishing
      period. Carcass composition and meat quality were not affected by the diet.
      Feeding linseed oil to pigs significantly increased the relative content of
      linolenic acid and long chain n-3 fatty acids in lipids of muscle, backfat and
      heart at the expense of arachidonic acid. Oleic acid was accumulated in muscle,
      backfat and heart lipids by feeding olive oil. The overall flavour of combined
      meat/backfat samples from castrates was negatively influenced by linseed oil
      supplementation compared to supplementation with olive oil. The oxidative
      stability of muscle lipids was lower in linseed oil-fed pigs compared to olive
      oil fed pigs. The greater cross section areas of the longissimus muscle of
      females were caused by an increased diameter of red, intermediate and white
      fibres.

PMID- 22063282
TI  - Elucidation of the relationship between cooking temperature, water distribution
      and sensory attributes of pork - a combined NMR and sensory study.
AB  - Low-field NMR T(2) relaxation was measured continuously during cooking of pork
      samples (m. longissimus dorsi) to a final temperature of 75  degrees C.
      Simultaneously the remaining muscle was cooked in an oven to a core temperature
      of either 62 or 75  degrees C and subsequently evaluated by a sensory panel.
      Highly significant effects of final cooking temperature on the sensory attributes
      juiciness (initial and final), hardness, tenderness, crumbliness and chewing time
      were found. Juiciness and tenderness decreased with increasing temperature, while
      hardness, crumbliness and chewing time increased with increasing temperature.
      Distributed T(2) relaxation data revealed marked effects of temperature (62 vs.
      75  degrees C) on the water distribution within the meat. Partial least squares
      (PLS) regressions were used to examine a potential prediction of sensory
      attributes from the distributed T(2) relaxation data, and high correlations were
      obtained. Moreover, loadings from the PLS regressions were analysed to evaluate
      the alterations in the water distribution as a function of temperature that
      contribute to changes in juiciness. This analysis revealed that the reduction in
      juiciness at 75  degrees C can be ascribed to changes in the size of the pores
      confining the myofibrillar water together with an expulsion of water.

PMID- 22063283
TI  - Effect of weight at slaughter on the volatile compounds of cooked beef from
      Spanish cattle breeds.
AB  - The volatile compounds in cooked beef from the local Spanish cattle breeds,
      Asturiana, Avilena, Parda Alpina, Pirenaica, Retinta, Rubia Gallega, and Morucha,
      were studied. Bulls were slaughtered at a live weight of 300 and 550kg and the
      beef was aged for seven days before cooking. Differences in volatile composition
      among the breeds were considerable and may contribute to the perception of
      flavour differences in the cooked beef. Peak area values for dimethyl sulfide,
      which could be related to cauliflower notes, were highest for the meat from the
      Pirenaica breed. Levels of the detected volatiles, especially sulfur compounds,
      in the beef from the Asturiana breed were low-intermediate and were potentially
      related to blood and liver notes and unpleasant flavours. Avilena stood out among
      the rustic breeds because of its high values for 1-octene, methylcyclohexane,
      tetradecane and carbon disulfide, while Retinta displayed high 2,3,4
      trimethylpentane levels. The effect of weight at slaughter was influenced by
      breed, because, except for octane, all the volatile compounds behaved differently
      according to the breed. Ethanol was characteristic of animals with a high
      percentage intramuscular fat content, and carbon disulfide was characteristic of
      animals slaughtered at the lower of the two live weights considered.

PMID- 22063284
TI  - Benchmarking value in the pork supply chain: Processing and consumer
      characteristics of hams manufactured from different quality raw materials.
AB  - Impact of fresh ham quality on finished ham product characteristics was
      evaluated. Bone-in hams destined for spiral-sliced ham manufacturing were sorted
      into two pH groups before processing: pH?5.5 and pH?5.6. For boneless hams, raw
      materials were sorted into groups with different levels of pale, soft, and
      exudative (PSE) product before manufacturing into sliced vacuum packaged hams:
      "Low PSE" (?5% PSE muscle), "Intermediate PSE" (20-30% PSE muscle) or "High PSE"
      (40-60% PSE muscle). Few differences were observed between the pH?5.5 and pH?5.6
      groups in objective color measures and drip loss in bone-in spiral-sliced hams
      stored under refrigeration, however, after frozen storage, hams from the pH?5.5
      group had lower L*- and a*-values and had much higher drip loss than those from
      the pH?5.6 group. Processing yields for bone-in spiral-sliced hams were similar
      through cooking and chilling, however, the pH?5.6 group had higher yields after
      slicing. For boneless hams, defects occurred at a greater frequency in hams
      formulated with a greater percentage of PSE raw materials than those with lower
      amounts of PSE. Differences in objective color measures and purge were minimal
      over the duration of storage time, but hams formulated with greater percentages
      of PSE raw materials were lighter in appearance and had less redness. Consumers
      gave lower color responses for hams formulated with "High PSE" amounts, but did
      not differentiate between hams manufactured with lower quantities of PSE muscle.
      However, when consumers directly compared packages of ham, there was distinct
      discrimination against hams manufactured with greater amounts of PSE. Purchase
      intent showed that consumers favored ham manufactured from fresh ham muscles
      containing low quantities of PSE tissue. Further research is needed to determine
      the optimal ratio of allowable PSE product in formulation that enables processors
      to maximize consumer appeal with the economic realities of sorting out PSE pork.

PMID- 22063285
TI  - Quality of low-fat meatballs containing Legume flours as extenders.
AB  - Meatballs were extended with blackeye bean flour (BBF), chickpea flour (CF),
      lentil flour (LF) and rusk (R) at level of 10%. Raw and cooked meatballs were
      analyzed for moisture, fat, protein and ash content. Cooking properties and
      colour parameters were evaluated. BBF and LF resulted in greater cooking yield,
      fat retention and moisture retention values. Meatballs extended with LF were
      lighter than other samples. Meatballs formulated with BBF had the lowest
      reduction in diameter. Meatballs with BBF and CF had higher water holding
      capacity (WHC) than other treatment groups. All meatballs incorporating legume
      flours were tougher (lower penetration values) than the R treatment. According to
      sensory evaluation results all meatball treatments had high acceptability and
      received high scores (6.8 and above). Meatballs with BBF and CF had lower TBA
      values than meatballs with LF and R at 3rd month of frozen storage at -18 degrees
      C.

PMID- 22063286
TI  - Meat species identification by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment
      length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) of mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene.
AB  - Adulteration of high quality meat and meat products with their inferior/cheaper
      counterparts is a problem in the meat industry. The present study investigated
      the use of polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism
      (PCR-RFLP) of the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene for identification of the origin of
      meats. PCR-RFLP was applied for species identification of beef, buffalo meat,
      mutton and chevon. PCR amplification yielded a 456-bp fragment in each of these
      species. The amplicons were digested with AluI, HhaI, ApoI and BspTI restriction
      enzymes resulting in a pattern that could identify and differentiate each of the
      above species. This technique did not yield satisfactory results with meat
      mixtures/meats. However, consistent results were obtained with both fresh and
      processed meat samples.

PMID- 22063287
TI  - TaqMan real-time PCR for the detection and quantitation of pork in meat mixtures.
AB  - A rapid and highly specific real-time quantitative PCR, based on the
      amplification of a fragment of the mitochondrial 12S ribosomal RNA gene (rRNA),
      has been developed for the quantitation of pork (Sus scrofa) in binary pork/beef
      muscle mixtures. The method combines the use of pork-specific primers, that
      amplify a 411bp fragment from pork DNA, and mammalian-specific primers amplifying
      a 425-428bp fragment from mammalian species DNA, which are used as endogenous
      control. An internal fluorogenic probe (TaqMan), that hybridizes in the "pork
      specific" and also in the "mammalian" DNA fragments is used to monitor the
      amplification of the target gene. A comparison of the cycle number (C(t)) at
      which mammalian and pork-specific PCR products are first detected, in combination
      with the use of reference standards of known pork content, allows the
      determination of the percentage of pork in a mixed sample. Analysis of
      experimental pork/beef muscle binary mixtures demonstrated the specificity and
      sensitivity of the assay for detection and quantitation of pork in the range 0.5
      5%.

PMID- 22063288
TI  - Benchmarking value in the pork supply chain: Processing characteristics and
      consumer evaluations of pork bellies of different thicknesses when manufactured
      into bacon.
AB  - Impact of belly thickness on processing yields and consumer evaluations of
      finished bacon products was measured. Before processing through a commercial
      facility, pork bellies (n=96 per group) were sorted into three target thickness
      groups: "thin" (approximately 2.0cm); "average" (approximately 2.5cm); "thick"
      (approximately 3.0cm). Processing yields at various production points were
      recorded and samples from each thickness group were evaluated by consumers for
      palatability characteristics and visual appearance. Bacon manufactured using
      "thick" bellies had the highest processing yields through the smoking and cooking
      phase. "Thin" bellies had the lowest slicing yields and generated the highest
      percentage of less valuable "#2 slices" (slice profile less than 1.9cm at any
      point) and "ends and pieces." Consumers found that bacon manufactured from
      "average" thickness bellies did not have deficiencies in palatability
      characteristics, but bacon manufactured from "thin" bellies lacked crispiness and
      bacon manufactured from "thick" bellies lacked flavor. Consumers found the lean
      to-fat ratio and the visual appearance of bacon from "thick" bellies was less
      appealing than bacon from "thin" and "thick" bellies. Moreover, consumers showed
      much stronger purchase intent for bacon from "thin" and "average" bellies. Belly
      thickness impacted processing yield and consumer palatability evaluations of
      bacon. Producers need to minimize production of "thin" bellies because of reduced
      processing yields and "thick" bellies because of reduced consumer appeal.

PMID- 22063289
TI  - Effects of pH adjustment with phosphates on attributes and functionalities of
      normal and high pH beef.
AB  - Longissimus dorsi muscles from six normal- and six high-ultimate pH bulls were
      selected for fine mincing and subsequent pH adjustment with acid and alkaline
      pyrophosphate. Four pH treatments were prepared: initially high remains high
      (mean of pH 6.37), high becomes normal (5.62); initially normal remains normal
      (5.65), and normal becomes high (6.21). The addition level of phosphate as
      P(2)O(5) was the same in all replicates. Before pH adjustment, colour and water
      holding capacity (WHC) values were strongly affected by higher (initial) pH in
      expected ways: darker, lower chroma, higher capacity. After pH adjustment, these
      values were affected only by the final pH, not the initial pH (the pH history).
      Total protein solubility was likewise affected by final pH but not initial pH. In
      contrast, the combination high initial pH-high final pH improved sarcoplasmic
      protein solubility by 20% over the combination normal initial pH-high final pH.
      Sarcoplasmic protein solubility is an indicator of strain required to fracture
      cooked batters made from the minced meats; in the event, the rank order of the
      four treatments for strain-to-fracture matched that of sarcoplasmic protein
      solubility. Statistically, sarcoplasmic protein solubility and strain-to-fracture
      were both affected by initial pH (P<0.01) and final pH (P<0.001). However, stress
      required to fracture cooked batters was entirely controlled by initial pH
      (P<0.01). In other words, the stress-to-fracture advantage of initially high pH
      meat was not matched by upward pH adjustment of initially normal pH meat.
      Emulsion stability, which is better with higher pH meat, was affected by initial
      and final pH (both P<0.01). Cook yield, like WHC of pH-adjusted raw meat, was
      more due to final pH than initial pH, similarly cooked batter colour, whereas
      final pH had a significant effect on quality attributes (generally better when
      higher). An initially high pH history conferred an enduring advantage on three
      important batter attributes, stress-to-fracture, strain-to-fracture, and emulsion
      stability. Therefore, prior exposure of beef to normal pH conditions (pH 5.4-5.7)
      renders it less useful as a manufacturing grade product.

PMID- 22063290
TI  - Carcass characteristics and meat quality of male and female foals.
AB  - This research was conducted to characterize the carcass traits and meat quality
      of 16-month and 24-month old foals (33 males and 23 females) reared in two
      different livestock production systems. The carcass parameters assessed were
      conformation, degree of fatness, morphology, weight and carcass meat colour. The
      physicochemical characteristics and sensory profile of the M. longissimus dorsi
      (LD) were determined at 4 days of ageing. The carcass parameters and meat quality
      traits differed little between colts and fillies. There were significant
      differences between production systems. Carcasses were characterized by B
      conformation, 3 of fatness and high dressing percentages (>63%). Foal meat had a
      high myoglobin content and there were differences between the production systems
      in the flavour, juiciness, flourness and greasiness of the LD.

PMID- 22063291
TI  - Quality of ham pate containing bovine globin and plasma as fat replacers.
AB  - The effect of the incorporation of globin (10%), plasma (10%) and both combined
      (5% each) as fat replacers on the quality of ham pate was investigated. The
      chemical composition, the sensorial analysis (color, flavor and consistency) and
      the instrumental analysis of the texture (hardness, adhesiveness, elasticity,
      cohesiveness and tackiness) were evaluated. The results showed an increase of
      moisture and protein contents after the fat replacement, while the fat reduction
      of 25-35% led to the preparation of light products. No change was observed for
      the aroma, taste and the consistency of fat replacing products, but an
      intensification of the cohesivity and a reduction of color, hardness and
      tackiness were detected in some samples.

PMID- 22063292
TI  - Influence of kappa-carrageenan on the thermal gelation of salt-soluble meat
      proteins.
AB  - Cooked ham-based model systems were prepared using salt-soluble meat protein
      isolate, kappa-carrageenan and sodium and potassium chloride. The pH was set to
      6.2 using a 50mM PIPES-buffer. An experimental mixture design was used to study
      the effect of carrageenan on the structure build-up of the gelled meat products.
      In situ gelation experiments were carried out on a controlled-stress rheometer,
      while a texture analyzer was used to determine the large deformation behaviour.
      The water holding capacity was measured by a centrifugal technique and confocal
      scanning laser microscopy was used to visualize the microstructure of the gelled
      meat products. kappa-Carrageenan was found to increase the complex modulus, the
      gel strength and the water holding capacity, although these properties were
      mainly governed by the concentration of meat protein isolate.

PMID- 22063293
TI  - Characterisation of PSE zones in semimembranosus pig muscle.
AB  - Pig semimembranosus muscles, sampled from normal hams or from PSE-zones of
      defective hams, were analysed by histochemistry and electrophoretic techniques.
      PSE zones were characterised by a disorganisation of fibre alignment and a
      significant increase of inter fibre spacing (26.2% vs. 16.9%, p<0.05). Protein
      solubility was significantly lower in defective muscle (55.4 vs. 91.5mg/g,
      p<0.001). SDS-PAGE evidenced in such samples a lower abundance of the 97, 40 and
      26kDa bands in the sarcoplasmic fraction and a higher abundance of the 97, 58,
      34, 31, 15 and 11kDa bands in the myofibrillar fraction. Intensity of the MHC
      band (200kDa) was lower in PSE zone samples. By 2-D electrophoresis, it was shown
      that troponin T, MLC 1 and alpha-crystallin were less proteolysed in defective
      muscles, while creatine kinase fragments were more represented. One form of HSP
      27 was absent from PSE zone samples. Overall, meat from PSE-zones and fast pH
      fall-PSE meat show numerous histological and biochemical similarities,
      particularly in their protein characteristics.

PMID- 22063294
TI  - Effects of diet and live weight at slaughter on kid meat quality.
AB  - Forty male twin kids of the Majorera breed were used in a 2*2 design, in which
      the diet, suckled on dam (SD) or milk replacer (MR) and live weight at slaughter
      (6 or 10kg) were the main variables. Muscle pH and colour (CIE, L*a*b*) were
      determined in the longissimus (LD), semimembranosus (SM) and triceps brachii (TB)
      muscles, immediately after slaughter and chilling (24h). Water-holding capacity,
      shear force, chemical composition (moisture, fat, protein and collagen content
      and solubility) were determined. Muscle fibre populations were also studied. SD
      kid meat was slightly more tender and juicy, and the Chroma value was lower than
      in MR animals. The meat from the kids that were slaughtered at 10kg was
      significantly darker in all muscles tested and slightly less tender 6kg LWS kid
      meat had more moisture and less protein than that of 10kg LWS kids. Muscle fibre
      area was statistically higher in the 10-kg LWS kids. It was concluded that the
      meat quality of the heavier kids was not significantly different from that of the
      lighter kids and that slaughter at the greater weight would result in more meat
      being marketed.

PMID- 22063295
TI  - Presence and characterisation of verotoxin producing E. coli in fresh Italian
      pork sausages, and preparation and use of an antibiotic-resistant strain for
      challenge studies.
AB  - One hundred and twenty six samples of fresh pork sausages were analysed for the
      presence of verocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli (VTEC). Selective enrichment
      followed by DNA extraction and PCR amplification of the stx1 and stx2 genes
      highlighted the occurrence of the above mentioned genes in 20 out of 126 samples
      screened. From the stx positive enriched cultures, isolation was performed on CT
      SMAC agar plates after immuno-magnetic separation of E. coli O157. Fifty three
      non-sorbitol fermenting isolates were obtained and further characterised, along
      with the reference strain E. coli ATCC 35150(T). All the isolates were
      characterised by PCR assays, assessing the presence of stx1, stx2, rfbE(O157:H7),
      eae and hlyA genes. The overall prevalence of VTEC was found to be 16%. VTEC
      strains were also characterised by plasmid profiling and REA-PFGE analysis, which
      allowed strain clustering into 5 and 8 groups, respectively. In addition, an
      antibiotic resistant E. coli O157:H7 strain was selected and used in challenge
      tests of raw pork at 4 degrees C. This strain could be selectively counted in the
      presence of a normal background microflora and it was shown that it could survive
      for 1week at 4 degrees C in the raw food studied.

PMID- 22063296
TI  - Use of ionizing radiation doses of 2 and 4kGy to control Listeria spp. and
      Escherichia coli O157:H7 on frozen meat trimmings used for dry fermented sausage
      production.
AB  - This study evaluated survival of Listeria spp. (four-strain mixture of Listeria
      innocua plus a non-virulent Listeria monocytogenes strain) and Escherichia coli
      O157:H7 strain ATCC 43888 during fermentation and ripening of Greek dry sausages
      formulated from meat and pork fat trimmings previously inoculated with ca.
      6logcfug(-1) of the target bacteria and then irradiated in frozen (-25 degrees C)
      blocks at doses of 0 (control), 2 or 4kGy. Irradiation of the trimmings at 2kGy
      reduced initial contamination of the sausage batter with Listeria and E. coli
      O157:H7 by 1.3 and 2.0 logcfug(-1), respectively, while the corresponding
      reductions at 4kGy were 2.4 and 5.5 logcfug(-1), respectively. In fact, E. coli
      O157:H7 was eliminated by 4kGy at formulation (day 0) as compared to 7 and 21
      days of ripening in samples treated at 2 and 0kGy, respectively. Despite the fact
      that irradiation assisted in faster declines of listeriae during fermentation,
      these bacteria showed a strong tailing during ripening, which was more pronounced
      in sausages irradiated at 4kGy. As a consequence, survival of Listeria in 28-day
      sausages irradiated at 2 or 4kGy was ca. 2 logcfug(-1) and similar (P>0.05) to
      that in non-irradiated samples. Irradiation showed promise for controlling E.
      coli O157:H7 and, to a lesser extent, L. monocytogenes in fermented sausages.

PMID- 22063297
TI  - Evaluation of peroxyacetic acid as a potential pre-grinding treatment for control
      of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella Typhimurium on beef trimmings.
AB  - Peroxyacetic acid was evaluated in four separate trials for ability to reduce
      populations of Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella serotype Typhimurium on
      fresh beef trim. Trial 1 examined the effectiveness of peroxyacetic acid on
      individual pieces of fresh beef trim. Trial 2 evaluated the efficacy of
      peroxyacetic acid at low levels of contamination on batches of fresh beef trim.
      Trial 3 studied a washing effect of water. Lastly, Trial 4 compared the
      effectiveness of peroxyacetic acid to lactic acid. At various inoculation levels,
      peroxyacetic acid reduced populations of both pathogens by approximately
      1.0log(10)CFU/cm(2) on fresh beef trim. Trial 3 showed that approximately half of
      the reductions found in Trials 1 and 2 were due to a washing effect of the water
      dip. In addition, as shown in Trial 1, increases in concentrations (>200ppm) did
      not significantly increase log(10) reductions of both pathogens. Following a
      water dip in Trial 4, peroxyacetic acid caused a reduction of 0.7log(10)CFU/cm(2)
      in E. coli O157:H7 and 1.0log(10)CFU/cm(2) in Salmonella Typhimurium, whereas
      lactic acid caused a reduction of 1.3log(10)CFU/cm(2) in E. coli O157:H7 and
      2.1log(10)CFU/cm(2) in S. Typhimurium following the water dip. These results show
      that peroxyacetic acid was not more effective than 2% l-lactic acid in reducing
      pathogens on fresh beef trim.

PMID- 22063298
TI  - The pulmonary mesenchymal tissue layer is defective in an in vitro recombinant
      model of nitrofen-induced lung hypoplasia.
AB  - Despite modern treatments, congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) remains
      associated with variable survival and significant morbidity. The associated
      pulmonary hypoplasia is a major determinant of outcome. To develop better
      treatments, improved comprehension of the pathogenesis of lung hypoplasia is
      warranted. We developed an in vitro cell recombinant model to mimic pulmonary
      hypoplasia and specifically to investigate epithelial-mesenchymal interactions
      and to decipher which tissue layer is primarily defective in nitrofen-induced CDH
      associated lung hypoplasia. Epithelial cells (E) and fibroblasts (F) were
      isolated from E19 control ((C)) and nitrofen-induced hypoplastic rat lungs ((N)).
      Cells were recombined and cultured as either homotypic [(F(C))(E(C)) and
      (F(N))(E(N))] or heterotypic [(F(C))(E(N)) and (F(N))(E(C))] recombinants.
      Recombinants containing F(N) fibroblasts had a thickened fibroblast tissue layer
      and there were fewer organized alveolar-like epithelial structures compared with
      those in control (F(C))(E(C)) recombinants. These F(N) recombinants exhibited a
      decrease in terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling and
      cleaved caspase-3 positive cells. Cell proliferation was arrested in recombinants
      containing F(N) fibroblasts, which also exhibited increased p27(Kip1) and
      p57(Kip2) expression. In conclusion, fibroblasts, and not epithelial cells,
      appear to be the defective cell type in nitrofen-induced hypoplastic lungs due to
      a decreased ability to undergo apoptosis and maintain overall proliferation. This
      may explain the characteristic pulmonary interstitial thickening and hypoplasia
      observed in both nitrofen-induced hypoplastic lungs as well as human hypoplastic
      CDH lungs.

PMID- 22063299
TI  - Human memory Th17 cells express a functional histamine H4 receptor.
AB  - The histamine H4 receptor is functionally expressed on CD4(+) T cells and in
      particular on human CD4(+) Th2-polarized T cells. Interleukin (IL)-17-producing T
      cells (Th17 cells) represent a newly defined major CD4(+) T-cell subset, having
      been identified in psoriatic plaques and in acute skin lesions of atopic
      dermatitis where histamine is also present in high concentrations. To elucidate
      the role of the histamine H4 receptor (H4R) on these effector T cells, we
      polarized human memory T cells into Th17 cells. Further, we investigated H4R
      expression and assessed its function by real-time PCR, by a cytokine secretion
      assay of IL-17, and by electrophoretic mobility shift assay of activating protein
      1 (AP-1). We show that Th17 cells polarized by IL-1beta together with IL-23
      express the H4R on mRNA and protein level. Additionally, we identified IL-17
      positive cells in psoriatic skin lesions. The IL-17-positive lymphocytes were all
      positive also for functional H4R. Stimulation with histamine or a H4R agonist
      increased the production of IL-17 and induced activating protein-1 in Th17 cells.
      In inflammatory skin diseases with enhanced histamine release, such as psoriasis
      and atopic dermatitis, histamine might foster the immunomodulatory potency of
      skin-infiltrating Th17 cells.

PMID- 22063300
TI  - Rise rate and timing variability of surface electromyographic activity during
      rhythmic drumming movements in the world's fastest drummer.
AB  - The winner of an international contest to find the world's fastest drummer (WFD)
      can perform repetitive wrist tapping movements with one hand using a handheld
      drumstick at 10Hz, much faster than the maximum tapping frequency of 5-7Hz in the
      general population. The muscle activity facilitating this improved performance,
      however, has only recently been explored. The present study investigated the rise
      rate and timing variability of surface electromyographic (EMG) activity of wrist
      flexor/extensor muscles in the WFD, and compared them with those in two control
      groups: non-drummers (NDs) and ordinary drummers (ODs). The WFD showed more rapid
      EMG amplitude rise, earlier decline of EMG activity, and more stable muscle
      activation time than the NDs and ODs. In addition, there was a significant
      correlation between the EMG rise rate and the duration of drum training in the
      group of drummers (i.e., ODs and WFD). These results indicate that the 10-Hz
      performance of the WFD was achieved by a 'sharper' and 'less noisy' burst pattern
      of wrist muscles, and that drum training would have the effect to increase the
      speed of development of muscle tension.

PMID- 22063301
TI  - Tablet preformulations of indomethacin-loaded mesoporous silicon microparticles.
AB  - In this study, indomethacin-loaded thermally oxidized mesoporous silicon
      microparticles (TOPSi-IMC) were formulated into tablets with excipients in order
      to improve the dissolution and permeability properties of the poorly soluble
      drug. Formulations of TOPSi-IMC particles and excipients were prepared at
      different TOPSi-IMC particle ratios (25, 30 and 35%). The formulations were
      compressed by direct compression technique with a single punch tablet machine.
      For comparison, a formulation containing the bulk IMC (indomethacin) and the same
      excipients without thermally oxidized mesoporous silicon microparticles particles
      (TOPSi) was prepared and compressed into tablets. The TOPSi-IMC tablets were
      characterised according to weight, thickness, crushing strength, disintegration
      time and dissolution rate. The results of this study show that TOPSi-IMC
      particles can be compressed to a conventional tablet. The release rate of the
      drug and its permeation across intestinal cells model (Caco-2) from TOPSi-IMC
      tablets was improved compared to the bulk IMC tablets. The dissolution rate and
      permeability of IMC from the tablets decreased with increasing ratio of the TOPSi
      IMC particles in the formulation. The phenomenon is, presumably, a result of the
      loss of unique pore structure of the particles due to deformation of the
      particles under the compression load.

PMID- 22063302
TI  - Obituary dr donald kinsman 20/5/1923-29/1/1998.

PMID- 22063303
TI  - An analysis of data relating to pig carcass quality and indices of stress
      collected in the European union.
AB  - Information from about 5500 pigs killed in five European countries was used to
      examine the relation of different measures of carcass and meat quality to one
      another and their relation to biochemical indices of stress in blood collected at
      slaughter. There were large differences in the prevalence of potentially PSE meat
      in pigs from the five countries and evidence of a wide range of stress
      encountered at slaughter. Relationships between the same measurements made in
      different muscles were generally good and consistent between countries. There
      were no apparent relationships between indices of stress and characteristics
      associated with PSE meat. In contrast, greater stress tended to be reflected in
      more DFD meat. Based on the association between the level of skin blemish and
      increased muscle ultimate pH values a probable factor contributing to this was
      fighting between mixed groups of unfamiliar animals.

PMID- 22063304
TI  - Effects of salt and temperature on proteolysis during ripening of Iberian ham.
AB  - Fifty-five hams from Iberian pigs were processed using two different dry-curing
      techniques, traditional and modern. Salt content, non-protein nitrogen and its
      fractions (peptide, amino acid and volatile basic nitrogen) from Biceps femoris
      muscles were quantified. The existence of an overlapping effect of both
      temperature and salt content on the general non-protein nitrogen production was
      observed. The most intense proteolytic breakdown took place when higher
      temperatures were reached during the drying stage. The difference in salt
      concentration seems to contribute to generating different quantities in the non
      protein nitrogen fractions. The inclusion at the end of the cellar stage of a
      stuffing period would permit increasing the accumulation of free amino acid in
      high salted hams.

PMID- 22063305
TI  - Prediction of the feeding background of Iberian pigs using the fatty acid profile
      of subcutaneous, muscle and hepatic fat.
AB  - Thirty Iberian pigs weighing 95 kg were randomly distributed into three groups of
      10 animals each and fattened in three traditional management systems ['montanera'
      (MO), fed extensively on acorns, 'cebo' (CE) fed on a commercial diet and
      'recebo' (RE), fed on acorns and a commercial diet]. Fatty acids from the
      Masseter muscle, lard and liver were analysed. In the lard, fatty acid profiles
      from MO and RE pigs presented minor differences; however, in the liver, RE pigs
      showed differences to MO pigs in most of the fatty acids studied. This suggests
      that the muscle and especially the liver fatty acid profile reflects the feeding
      regime during the last phase of feeding, while the lard reflects longer term
      differences.

PMID- 22063306
TI  - Effect of dietary vitamin E supplementation for one week before slaughter on
      drip, colour and lipid stability during display in Japanese Black steer beef.
AB  - Effects of dietary vitamin E supplementation for one week on drip, colour and
      lipid stability in raw beef steaks were studied. Four Japanese Black steers were
      fed no supplemental vitamin E and four were supplemented with 5000 mg of dl-alpha
      tocopherol per animal daily for one week before slaughter. Steak samples from
      psoas major and longissimus thoracis muscles were over-wrapped with PVC film and
      displayed under fluorescent lights at 4  degrees C for 10 days. Drip loss
      percentages, L(*), a(*) and b(*) values, metmyoglobin percentages, and 2
      thiobarbituric acid reactive substances values were determined at day 1, 4, 7 and
      10. Dietary vitamin E supplementation increased (p < 0.01) alpha-tocopherol
      concentration in the plasma, liver and muscles. Vitamin E supplementation reduced
      (p < 0.001) drip loss compared to the control. Vitamin E supplementation
      maintained (p < 0.001) redness and retarded (p < 0.01) metmyoglobin formation in
      beef steak from day 4 to day 10 of display compared to the control. Vitamin E
      supplementation delayed (p < 0.001) lipid oxidation during 10 days of display
      compared to the control. The data indicated that dietary vitamin E
      supplementation for one week prior to slaughter improved lipid stability better
      than drip and colour stability in beef steak during 10 days of display.

PMID- 22063307
TI  - The effect of cooking on the chemical composition of meat products with special
      reference to fat loss.
AB  - The chemical composition and energy content of four product categories (sausages,
      restructured steaks, burgers and minced beef) were determined before and after
      cooking. Two cooking methods were used for each product category: sausages and
      burgers were fried or grilled, restructured steaks were grilled or cooked in an
      oven whilst mince was either boiled or lightly fried and then boiled to simulate
      domestic practice. Based on an initial 100 g of product and excluding the low fat
      products included in the survey, the average weights after cooking were 78, 73,
      72 and 70 g for the sausages, restructured steaks, burgers and minced beef,
      respectively; average fat contents before and after cooking were 22 and 17 g for
      the sausages, 17 and 14 g for the restructured steaks, 25 and 16 g for the beef
      burgers, and 19 and 7 g for the mince; and average energy contents before and
      after cooking were 1215 and 1016 kJ for the sausages, 958 and 815 kJ for the
      restructured steaks, 1244 and 906 kJ for the burgers and 1009 and 544 kJ for the
      mince. For a given product type, cooking method was relatively unimportant; the
      cooking loss, fat loss and energy content of the cooked product being more
      dependent on product formulation and manufacturing process. The survey included a
      low fat sausage, a low fat burger, a lean mince and an extra lean mince with fat
      contents of 8.7, 7.5, 12.4 and 5.2%, respectively. Overall weight losses during
      cooking were similar to standard products, though low fat products lost
      proportionally more water and less fat. Frying resulted in a slight gain in fat
      content for the low fat sausages and burgers, based on an initial 100 g of
      product, though fried low fat products still had lower fat and energy contents
      than standard products. It is argued that national consumption figures should
      take into account the losses that occur during cooking to avoid overestimating
      fat and energy intake levels.

PMID- 22063308
TI  - Effects of grilling to 80  degrees C on the chemical composition of pork loin
      chops and some observations on the UK National Food Survey estimate of fat
      consumption.
AB  - The physical and chemical composition of pork loin chops was investigated,
      examining the changes that occurred in (i) the whole chop, (ii) the fat tissue
      and (iii) the lean tissue by grilling to 80  degrees C. Adjacent 25 mm thick
      chops, with backfat and rind attached, were cut from loins of 90 kg live weight
      pigs having a fat thickness (P(2)) of 11 mm, representative of current UK
      production. One chop was analysed fresh by dissection and standard analytical
      techniques and the other after grilling. Weights of chop (including rind) before
      and after cooking were 210 and 136 g, respectively. The average weight loss for
      the whole chop was 35%; the weight loss from fat, 44%, being greater than that
      from lean, 34%, or rind, 27%, the latter accounting for 14% of the whole raw
      chop. When expressed conventionally, on a percentage basis, the fat content of
      the whole rindless chop increased from 22 to 23%, and the fat content of the lean
      increased from 5.5 to 9%. In absolute terms, based on an initial 100 g, the fat
      content in the whole chop reduced from 22 to 15 g, with a slight increase in the
      fat content of the lean, from 5.5 to 6.0 g. It is argued that the National Food
      Survey (NFS) approach of estimating fat consumption on the basis of the fat
      content of the raw product is flawed. The terms 'meat consumption' and 'fat
      consumption' are misleading since they reflect amounts purchased rather than the
      amount of meat and fat actually consumed, making no allowance for fat lost during
      cooking or for subcutaneous fat removed by consumers before consumption. Actual
      fat consumption from cooked meat and meat products, after allowing for a 25% fat
      loss during cooking and trimming of visible fat, is estimated at 10.3 g per
      person per day compared with the NFS estimate of 18.1 g.

PMID- 22063309
TI  - Effect of dietary vitamin E supplementation on pork quality.
AB  - The purpose of this experiment was to examine the effect of dietary vitamin E
      supplementation on pork quality, and in particular on colour stability. Crossbred
      pigs (n = 72) at a mean weight of 44 kg were assigned to one of two treatments.
      One group received, during a period of 84 days prior to slaughter, a tapioca
      based diet, which contained 8 mg vitamin E per kg feed. The other group received
      during this period the same diet, except it was supplemented with 200 mg vitamin
      E per kg feed. Muscle samples of longissimus thoracis and lumborum (LL) and psoas
      (PM) were collected at 24 hr post mortem and meat quality was assessed: pH, drip
      and cooking loss, shear force and intramuscular fat content. Colour stability was
      evaluated in fresh muscle (LL and PM) and after freezing (LL only) by measuring
      redness (a(*)-values) during 6 days of storage at 7  degrees C. TBA-values and
      microbiological counts were also determined during storage. Results showed that
      extra dietary vitamin E had no effect on pig performance (daily gain, feed
      efficiency, lean meat percentage) nor on meat quality traits. The vitamin E
      levels were five times higher in the muscles of the treated group than the
      control group. In comparison with fresh LL muscle, colour stability was lower in
      PM and after freezing. In both muscles, the vitamin E treatment reduced TBA
      values, in particular after frozen storage. No effect was found on
      microbiological counts. Colour stability was improved in LL after 6 days of
      storage, but not in PM. The effect in LL is too late to be of practical
      significance, since pork is usually sold well before that time in The
      Netherlands. It is suggested that variation in feedstuff composition of the diet
      may possibly explain part of the variable results reported in literature for the
      effect of vitamin E supplementation on colour stability of pork.

PMID- 22063310
TI  - Dry fermented sausages manufactured with different amounts of commercial
      proteinases: Evolution of total free alpha-NH(2)-N groups and sensory evaluation
      of the texture.
AB  - Different doses of some commercial proteinases (Neutrase, Alcalase, HT
      Proteolytic and Fungal Protease) were tested in the manufacture of two types of
      dry fermented sausages in order to choose the highest concentration that having
      proteolytic effect did not show texture problems. The different units in which
      their activity was expressed was one of the difficulties found in this work. All
      of them showed proteolytic activity in these products but with different
      intensity, leading in some cases to an excessive softening of the sausages. The
      effect of Fungal Protease became apparent earlier in a 16 mm particle size
      sausage than in a 3 mm particle size sausage. Careful dose selection for every
      proteinase could make it possible to ensure a proteolytic effect that could
      accelerate the maturation without texture defects.

PMID- 22063311
TI  - Liberation of peptides during meat storage and their interaction with proteinase
      activity.
AB  - The content of nitrogenous material extracted in perchloric acid from kid
      longissimus lumborum (LL), semimembranosus (Sm) and triceps brachii (TB) muscles
      increased 30% during storage for three weeks at 4  degrees C. The extract of
      fresh muscle contained a range of molecular sizes up to 13 kDa, the majority less
      than 4 kDa. The amount of the larger polypeptides (> 4 kDa) extracted from meat
      decreased to 50% of its initial level in meat stored for five days and to 20%
      after 25 days. The amount of intermediate sized peptides (1.9 to 4 kDa) remained
      largely constant throughout storage of meat of normal pH, whilst in meat of high
      ultimate pH, they showed a transitory increase during the first two weeks
      storage. Smaller size peptides increased with storage time; increasing more
      slowly in meat of high ultimate pH. This time-dependent pH effect indicates a
      sequential autolysis involving neutral followed by acidic proteolytic and
      peptidic activity. Calpain from beef muscle degraded peptides in the extract and
      the extract acted as a competitor against a synthetic substrate. This implies
      that the in-situ autolysis and tenderisation of meat postmortem could be reduced
      by peptide products.

PMID- 22063312
TI  - Effect of rigor temperature and frozen storage on functional properties of hot
      boned manufacturing beef.
AB  - Within 45 min post-mortem, 10mm thick strips of semitendinosus muscle from both
      unstimulated and high voltage stimulated heifer sides were held at 0, 5, 10, 25
      and 35  degrees C for 24 hr, during which they entered rigor. Half the samples
      were frozen and stored at -20  degrees C for one month. The pH, sarcomere length,
      drip, total (TPS), myofibrillar (MPS) and sarcoplasmic (SPS) protein
      solubilities, and Hunter L (*), a (*) and b (*) values were determined at 24 hr
      and on thawed samples. Electrical stimulation did not significantly affect any of
      the parameters measured. The ultimate pH of samples entering rigor at 10 and 25 
      degrees C was lower (p < 0.001) than that of samples held at the other
      temperatures. Rather surprisingly, there was no significant difference in
      sarcomere length due to rigor temperature. Samples entering rigor at 35  degrees
      C had lower TPS, MPS and SPS values than samples held at 0 to 25  degrees C (p <
      0.001). The MPS increased with rigor temperature up to 25  degrees C (p < 0.001).
      Drip and total moisture losses, and Hunter L (*), a (*) and b (*) values also
      increased with rigor temperature (p < 0.001) whereas SPS decreased and NMR meat
      water spin-lattice relaxation time (T1) shortened with increasing rigor
      temperature (p < 0.001). Hue angle and cook loss decreased with rigor temperature
      in 24 hr samples but increased with rigor temperature in frozen samples. After
      frozen storage, SPS, T1, cook loss and Hunter L (*), a (*), b (*) values
      decreased, but TPS, MPS, drip losses and hue angle increased. There were
      significant (p < 0.05) correlations between SPS, hue angle, drip losses and T1.

PMID- 22063314
TI  - Corrigendum.

PMID- 22063313
TI  - Correlations between successive measurements of myofibrillar resistance of raw
      Longissimus dorsi muscle during ageing.
AB  - The feasibility of meat classification soon after rigor, based on an ageing
      criterion, was investigated with a view to obtain sets of regularly aged meat as
      well as to optimize storage. Muscle fibre resistance was measured on the m.
      longissimus dorsi of 45 heifers on days 1, 2, 8 and 14, and the resistance values
      obtained on different days were correlated. Resistance on day 2 was predictive of
      about 65% of the variation observed on day 8, i.e. when the meat has reached
      approximately 92% of the tenderization recorded between days 1 and 14. In this
      study, the predictions based on day 1 resistance were less accurate because the
      baseline reference was too close to rigor. A class defined at day 2 as the meat
      which has a resistance lower than 20 N cm(-2), will give fully aged meat at day
      8. This class represent 52% of the initial population The various classes of
      meat, which reach full ageing at different times, can be despatched through
      variable length marketing circuits so as to achieve full ageing before getting to
      the consumers.

PMID- 22063315
TI  - A label-free immunosensor by controlled fabrication of monoclonal antibodies and
      gold nanoparticles inside the mesopores.
AB  - A label-free immunosensor for the detection of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is
      proposed based on controlled fabrication of monoclonal antibodies of AFP (anti
      AFP) and gold nanoparticles (GNPs) inside the pores of mesoporous silica (MPS).
      The silanol groups on the internal pore walls were grafted by
      aminopropyltriethoxyl silane, whereas the silanol groups on the external surface
      of MPS were blocked by trimethylchlorosilane (TMCS). Thus, anti-AFP and GNPs
      could be confined inside the mesopores of TMCS-MPS by the covalent linking with
      the amino groups. The prepared anti-AFP/GNPs/TMCS-MPS particles were used to
      modify glassy carbon electrode (GCE) to construct a label-free immunosensor.
      After incubating the sample AFP with the anti-AFP/GNPs/TMCS-MPS/GCE, the
      immunoconjugates were formed on the surface of GCE and the spatial block
      increased. Thus, the peak current decreased with increasing concentrations of
      AFP. GNPs inside the mesopores could promote the electron transportation through
      the pore channel. Under the optimal experimental conditions, the fabricated
      immunosensor could detect AFP in a linear range from 1.0 to 90 ng ml(-1) with a
      detection limit of 0.2 ng ml(-1) (3sigma). It provided a novel alternative method
      for the label-free determination of other antigens.

PMID- 22063317
TI  - Analytical methods for authentication of fresh vs. thawed meat - A review.
AB  - Proper labeling of meat products is important to ensure fair-trading and to
      enable consumers to make informed choices. Different investigations indicate that
      wrong labeling where thawed meat is labeled as fresh meat is present in 8-15% of
      analyzed samples. Enforcement of regulations requires adequate analytical methods
      where enzymatic-, DNA based-, spectroscopic-, bio imaging- and sensory techniques
      constitute the majority of published papers. The molecular changes that these
      techniques detect are described. The capability of both discrimination between
      fresh and thawed meat, and determination of frozen storage time are discussed for
      each of the analytical techniques. The products included in this review are
      primarily whole meat from Bos taurus (cow), Sus scrofus (pig) and Gallus gallus
      (chicken). The best analytical choice in the discrimination of fresh vs. thawed
      meat is concluded to be a combination of analytical methods.

PMID- 22063316
TI  - Antigen-specific prevention of type 1 diabetes in NOD mice is ameliorated by OX40
      agonist treatment.
AB  - Antigen-specific therapies are possibly the safest approach to prevent type 1
      diabetes (T1D). However their clinical translation has yielded poor results and
      greater efforts need to be put into the development of novel strategies to
      ameliorate their clinical outcome. OX40 is a costimulatory molecule expressed by
      T cells after antigen recognition and has been implicated in the control effector
      but also regulatory T cells (Tregs) function in vivo. The activity of OX40 signal
      on Tregs function has been controversial. In this context we investigated whether
      an anti-OX40 agonist antibody treatment can ameliorate antigen-specific immune
      intervention for the prevention of T1D. We show that treatment of non-obese
      diabetic (NOD) mice with an OX40 agonistic antibody (OX86) reduced type 1
      diabetes (T1D) incidence by inducing both CD4(+)CD25(+)Foxp3(+) Tregs and
      CD4(+)Foxp3(-) T cells expressing the latency-associated peptide (LAP). These
      OX86-induced CD4(+)Foxp3(-)LAP(+) T cells also demonstrated suppressive activity
      in vitro. A significant increase in protection was observed when OX86 was
      combined with insulin B9:23 (insB9:23) peptide immunizations. Synergy resulted
      from an expansion of IL-10-expressing insB9:23-reactive Tregs which augmented the
      proportion of CD4(+) T cells with in vivo suppressive activity. Consequently,
      CD4(+) T cells purified from OX86/insB9:23 combination treatment prevented T1D
      development when adoptively transferred into recipient mice. These findings
      suggest that the requirement for OX40 signaling by antigen-induced Tregs can be
      dominant over its well-documented need for effector memory cell function and may
      have potentially important implications for improving the clinical translation of
      antigen-specific prevention of T1D and possibly other autoimmune disorders.

PMID- 22063318
TI  - The antimicrobial effect of thyme essential oil, nisin and their combination
      against Escherichia coli O157:H7 in minced beef during refrigerated storage.
AB  - The antimicrobial effect of thyme essential oil (EO) at supplementation levels of
      0.3%, 0.6% or 0.9%, nisin at 500 or 1000IU/g, and their combination, on
      Escherichia coli O157:H7 was examined in both tryptic soy broth (TSB) and minced
      beef meat. EO at 0.3% possessed a weak antibacterial activity against the
      pathogen in TSB, whereas at 0.9% showed unacceptable organoleptic properties in
      minced meat. Thus, only the level of 0.6% of EO was further examined against the
      pathogens in minced meat. Treatment of minced beef meat with EO at 0.6% showed an
      inhibitory activity against E. coli O157:H7 during storage at 10 degrees C, but
      not at 4 degrees C. Treatment of minced beef meat or TSB with nisin at 500 or
      1000IU/g did not show any antibacterial activity against E. coli O157:H7. The
      combination of EO at 0.6% and nisin at 500 or 1000IU/g showed an additive effect
      against the pathogen, which was higher during storage at 10 degrees C than at 4
      degrees C.

PMID- 22063319
TI  - Dry fermented sausages enriched with lycopene from tomato peel.
AB  - Tomato industries yield a high amount of by-products mainly tomato peel and
      seeds. Since tomato peel is rich in lycopene, the direct addition of peel to food
      products could be a way to use this by-product to obtain a new products enriched
      in lycopene. This work describes experiments performed to develop dry fermented
      sausages (salchichon) containing this carotene. 0%, 0.6%, 0.9% and 1.2% (w/w) of
      dry tomato peel was added to the meat mixture used in sausage manufacture. A
      slight losts of lycopene was detected after 21 days ripening, however, levels
      remained between 0.26 and 0.58mg of lycopene/100g of sausage. The sensory and
      textural properties and overall acceptability of all sausages were good,
      indicating that tomato peel could be added to dry fermented sausages to produce a
      meat product enriched in lycopene.

PMID- 22063320
TI  - Effects of addition of carrot dietary fibre on the ripening process of a dry
      fermented sausage (sobrassada).
AB  - Four formulations of a dry fermented sausage, known as sobrassada, containing
      different percentages of carrot dietary fibre (DF) [3% (S3), 6% (S6), 9% (S9) and
      12% (S12) (w/w)] were analyzed for various physico-chemical and microbiological
      parameters and sensory attributes. The ripening process was monitored throughout
      storage. The pH of DF-supplemented sobrassadas was critically affected during
      ripening by the amount of DF incorporated, the values for sobrassada samples
      containing over 3% of DF suggested that the fermentation process in these samples
      was not successful. In addition, textural parameters, such as hardness and
      compression work, were significantly affected by the addition of over 3% of DF.
      The lipolytic process, one of the major biochemical events, was only affected
      when relatively large percentages of DF concentrate were incorporated. Thus, S3
      and S6 samples exhibited similar free fatty acid profiles to the control
      throughout ripening.

PMID- 22063321
TI  - Effect of pre-emulsified fish oil - as source of PUFA n-3 - on microstructure and
      sensory properties of mortadella, a Spanish bologna-type sausage.
AB  - Conventional and low-fat cooked sausages (cursive) were prepared with fish oil as
      a source of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Fish oil was incorporated pre
      emulsified with caseinates and water. Pre-emulsion was added in sufficient
      amounts to give fish oil levels of 1-6% in the final product. Lipid oxidation was
      determined (TBARs index) and instrumental measures of colour and texture were
      carried out. A sensory analysis was performed in which sensory parameters were
      evaluated by a hedonic test. There were no significant changes in TBAR values of
      final products being similar in both control and fish oil added sausages. In
      general terms, a slight increase in hardness and work of shearing were observed
      at the higher fish oil levels independently of the fat content. Sausages were
      analysed after 90 days of storage under refrigeration and similar results were
      observed. Microstructure of sausages was also studied by scanning electron
      microscopy (SEM) and a more compact structure was observed when the high levels
      were assayed. However, all sausages were well accepted when sensory quality was
      evaluated. Fat composition showed an increase in n-3 PUFA yielding a n-6/n-3
      ratio close to 2, which is considered as healthier. For this, the incorporation
      of fish oil pre-emulsified seems to be a good option to include n-3 PUFA in
      cooked meat products, obtaining sensorially adequate and healthier stable
      sausages.

PMID- 22063322
TI  - Purification and characterization of a bacteriocin produced by Leuconostoc
      mesenteroides E131.
AB  - Leuconostoc mesenteroides E131, isolated from Greek traditional fermented
      sausage, prepared without the addition of starters, produces a bacteriocin which
      is active against the pathogen Listeria monocytogenes. The bacteriocin was
      purified by 50% ammonium sulphate precipitation, cation exchange, and reverse
      phase chromatography. Bacteriocin is active at pH values between 4.0 and 9.0 and
      retains activity after incubation for 1h at 100 degrees C. Proteolytic enzymes
      inactivated the bacteriocin after 1h of incubation, while renin resulted in full
      inactivation only after 24h. Lipase resulted in full inactivation after 4h.
      Applying molecular methods, it was determined that the bacteriocin produced,
      named as mesenterocin E131, was identical to mesenterocin Y105 and was expressed
      during the exponential growth phase.

PMID- 22063323
TI  - Determination of volatile compounds in San Daniele ham using headspace GC-MS.
AB  - The volatile fraction of San Daniele hams was evaluated in barrows and gilts
      belonging to two commercial breeds. A group of 120 pigs, reared under the same
      conditions, were slaughtered, and the right ham seasoned/cured for 12 months, in
      accordance with the San Daniele Consortium protocol. At the end of ripening, 16
      hams (four of each gender and breed) were selected and analysed for volatile
      composition, using a dynamic headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (DHS
      GC-MS) technique. Seventy five compounds belonging to eight different chemical
      groups were identified in the hams. Alcohols were the most abundant constituents
      (41.38%) followed by aldehydes (31.53%). The possibility of classifying hams
      according breed and gender, using volatile compounds as independent variables,
      was analysed by principal component analysis, alcohols were the most suitable
      compounds to discriminate hams. Data from a larger number of samples are required
      to validate the conclusions.

PMID- 22063324
TI  - The influence of seasonal temperatures on meat quality characteristics of hot
      boned, m. psoas major and minor, from goats and sheep.
AB  - Samples of psoas major and minor muscles were randomly collected weekly from 203
      (99 hot and 104 cool seasons) Omani goats, 215 (106 hot and 109 cool seasons)
      Omani sheep, 212 (104 hot and 108 cool seasons) Somali goats, 242 (127 hot and
      115 cool seasons) Somali sheep and 211 (110 hot and 101 cool seasons) Australian
      Merino sheep slaughtered at the Central Slaughterhouse in Oman to investigate the
      effect of season on meat quality. The collection period was during November 2004
      October 2005 and divided into two seasons according to ambient temperatures and
      relative humidity. These were termed: cool season (average temperature of 21
      degrees C and 59% relative humidity and hot season (average temperature of 35
      degrees C and 47% relative humidity). Muscles collected during the hot season had
      significantly (P<0.05) higher ultimate pH values (5.78) than those collected
      during the cool season (5.65). Myofibrillar fragmentation index was significantly
      (P<0.05) higher for hot season samples (86.88%) than for cool season samples
      (85.59%). Expressed juice was significantly (P<0.05) higher for cool season
      samples (36.84) than for hot season samples (35.74). Goat meat from the hot
      seasonal group was significantly (P<0.05) darker than the cold season group based
      on L* (37.6 vs. 39.6), a* (20.0 vs. 23.3) and b* (3.6 vs. 4.2) colour
      measurements. These results indicated that high ambient temperatures had caused
      an increase in muscle ultimate pH leading to significant effects on meat quality.

PMID- 22063325
TI  - Authentication of meat from game and domestic species by SNaPshot minisequencing
      analysis.
AB  - The aim of the present study is to develop an assay for the specific
      identification of meat from Capreolus capreolus, Cervus elaphus, Capra ibex,
      Rupicapra rupicapra, targeting sequences of the cytochrome b (cyt b) gene of
      mitochondrial DNA. The assay is also intended to enable differentiation between
      meat from these wild species as well as Ovis aries, Capra hircus, Bubalus
      bubalis, Bos taurus and Sus scrofa domestic species. The primers used in the
      preliminary PCR were designed in well conserved regions upstream and downstream
      of the diagnosis sites. They successfully amplified a conserved 232bp region from
      the cyt b gene of all the species taken into consideration. The sites of
      diagnosis have been interrogated using a minisequencing reaction and capillary
      electrophoresis. All the results of the multiplex PER (primer extension reaction)
      test were confirmed by fragment sequencing. The assay offers the possibility of
      discriminating nine species at the same time.

PMID- 22063326
TI  - Carcass and meat quality of Assaf milk fed lambs: Effect of rearing system and
      sex.
AB  - The effect of sex and rearing system on growth and carcass and meat
      characteristics of milk fed Assaf lambs was studied. Thirty-six lambs, 18 males
      and 18 females were used. Twelve lambs remained with their mothers throughout the
      experiment (NR). Within 24-36h of birth, the rest were housed individually and
      fed twice a day ad libitum (AAR) or at 70% of ad libitum consumption (RAR) with
      reconstituted cow's milk. Sex did not affect animal performance, yet females
      showed higher carcass and non-carcass fat deposits. NR lambs showed greater BWG
      than AAR fed lambs, and AAR, higher than the RAR. Differences between naturally
      and artificially reared lambs in CCW and killing out percentage were not
      significant. Empty digestive tract and mesenteric fat weights were greater for
      RAR than NR lambs, with the AAR lambs demonstrating intermediate values;
      conversely, omental fat was greater in NR lambs. Carcass ether extract content
      was greater for NR lambs, possibly due to the greater growth. Use of ad libitum
      cow's milk substitute in suckling lambs twice a day resulted in less body weight
      gain but similar killing out percentages compared to naturally raised lambs. A
      70% restricted supply increased the days in suckling and reduced carcass fatness
      and compactness. Except for water loss, which was less in NR than artificially
      fed lambs, no differences were found in meat characteristics.

PMID- 22063327
TI  - Texture changes in dry-cured ham pieces by mild thermal treatments at the end of
      the drying process.
AB  - The present study evaluated the effects of mild thermal treatments at the end of
      the drying process on physicochemical characteristics and instrumental and
      sensory texture in dry-cured ham. Experiment 1: effect of thermal treatments (4
      46 degrees C) for 4h and 24h. Experiment 2: time effect (4-168h) of thermal
      treatments at 30 degrees C and 36 degrees C. Both experiments were done on small
      dry-cured ham dices. Experiment 3: time effect (4-168h) of thermal treatment at
      30 degrees C on both instrumental and sensory texture of 4-cm-thick sections of
      dry-cured ham. The thermal treatment at 30 degrees C for 168h on both dry-cured
      ham muscle dices (20mm*20mm*15mm) and dry-cured ham sections (4cmthick) decreased
      softness, adhesiveness and pastiness in BF muscle, without increasing hardness in
      SM muscle or affecting moisture, a(w) and proteolysis index.

PMID- 22063328
TI  - Meat and fat colour as a tool to trace grass-feeding systems in light lamb
      production.
AB  - Ninety-five lambs were fed as follows: lambs and dams grazing alfalfa (Gr); As Gr
      but lambs had access to concentrate (Gr+S); ewes grazed and lambs received milk
      and concentrate until weaning and thereafter concentrate and straw (Rat-Gr); ewes
      and lambs were stall-fed (Ind). Lambs were slaughtered at 22-24 kg of live-weight
      and fat and M. rectus abdominis colour measured. Visual appraisal scores of Gr
      and Ind were significantly different. The absolute value of the integral of the
      translated spectrum (SUM) was greater in Gr and GR+S. A discriminate analysis was
      able to discriminate between grass-fed and indoor-fed lambs. A logistic
      regression including SUM and b(*) classify correctly 99.1% of carcasses. A
      equation is proposed to calculate the probability of one carcass to do not
      belongs to Gr or Gr+S group (PNA):  [Formula: see text] .

PMID- 22063329
TI  - Flavour formation in pork semimembranosus: Combination of pan-temperature and raw
      meat quality.
AB  - Flavour development and overall eating quality of pork semimembranosus were
      investigated with regard to different raw meat qualities (feeding/fasting
      strategy; control/low glycogen level, gender; castrate/female, slaughter live
      weight; 84kg/110kg) combined with frying temperature (150 degrees C/240 degrees
      C). It was further investigated whether the precursor levels of glycogen, IMP,
      inosine, and hypoxanthine in the raw meat were correlated to the raw meat quality
      and fried/grilled attributes. Pork schnitzels were fried on a pan (155 degrees C)
      or grill-pan (240-250 degrees C) to a core temperature of 70 degrees C. Frying
      temperature was the one factor with greatest influence on the sensory attributes,
      and pan-grilled schnitzels had significantly higher scores in fried/grilled
      attributes regardless of meat quality compared to pan-fried schnitzels. Texture
      was not appreciably influenced by any treatment. There was no correlation between
      precursor levels and raw meat qualities or fried sensory attributes. Gender and
      slaughter live-weight had no pronounced influence on flavour and overall eating
      quality.

PMID- 22063330
TI  - Identifying muscle and processing combinations suitable for use as beef for
      fajitas.
AB  - Four different treatments-control, papain, blade tenderization, and papain+blade
      tenderization-were applied to sixty USDA Choice M. diaphragma pars costalis, M.
      transversus abdominis, M. obliquus abdominis internus, M. rhomboideus, M.
      trapezius, M. latissimus, and M. serratus ventralis. Trained (n=6) and consumer
      (n=81) panelists scored papain samples higher for most sensory traits. Treatment
      tended not to affect the palatability scores of the M. diaphragma pars costalis
      and M. serratus ventralis, which tended to receive higher scores in comparison to
      the other muscles. Consumers were willing to purchase the M. latissimus and M.
      serratus ventralis treated with papain+blade tenderization and papain,
      respectively, and these muscles performed well enough to be considered as
      alternatives in the beef fajita market.

PMID- 22063331
TI  - Biogenic amine production by Gram-positive bacteria isolated from Spanish dry
      cured "chorizo" sausage treated with high pressure and kept in chilled storage.
AB  - We studied the production of biogenic amines by 200 strains of lactic acid
      bacteria and staphylococci isolated during chilled storage from samples of
      Spanish dry-cured "chorizo" sausage treated with high-pressure. The presence of
      biogenic amines in a decarboxylase synthetic broth was confirmed by ion-exchange
      chromatography. beta-phenylethylamine was the biogenic amine more frequently
      produced (22.5%), followed by tyramine (7.5%). In tyramine producer-strains the
      presence of a tyrosine decarboxylase gene was confirmed by PCR. Among lactic acid
      bacteria, the production of tyramine was mainly related to the species
      Lactobacillus curvatus. Most of the L. curvatus strains were also beta
      phenylethylamine-producers. In relation to staphylococci, tyramine-production was
      mainly associated to Staphylococcus carnosus strains. The S. carnosus strains
      analysed in this study produced beta-phenylethylamine or beta-phenylethylamine
      and tyramine simultaneously. RAPD-PCR results indicated that the biogenic amine
      producer S. carnosus population changes along storage independently of the high
      pressure treatment.

PMID- 22063332
TI  - Effects of pork/beef levels and various casings on quality properties of semi
      dried jerky.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of pork/beef levels and the
      casings on the quality properties of semi-dried jerky. The pork/beef levels in
      the four test formulations were as follows: T-1 (pork: beef=100:0), T-2 (95:5), T
      3 (90:10), and T-4 (80:20). After tumbling for 30min with curing solution, the
      cured meats were stuffed into natural sheep casings, collagen casings, or
      cellulose casings, and then dried. The restructured jerky with cellulose casing
      had the lowest water content and the highest protein content, with no significant
      differences between various formulations. There were no significant differences
      among all formulations with regard to pH and total microbial counts, and jerky
      with cellulose casing had the lowest value of water activity. The processing
      yields of jerky made from the T-3 formulation were not significantly different
      with the various casings. The shear force of jerky with cellulose casing was
      lower than with other casings, and the metmyoglobin contents were more than 85%
      in all formulations. With regard to sensory properties, jerky made with the T-3
      formulation and cellulose casings rated most favorable in evaluations than other
      treatments.

PMID- 22063333
TI  - Microbial, physical-chemical and sensory spoilage during the refrigerated storage
      of cooked pork loin processed by the sous vide method.
AB  - The aim was to study spoilage during the refrigerated storage of cooked pork loin
      processed by the sous vide method. Samples were packaged under vacuum into
      polyamide-polypropylene pouches, cooked at an oven temperature/time of 70 degrees
      C/12h, chilled at 3 degrees C and stored at 2 degrees C for 0, 5 or 10 weeks.
      Microbial (psychrotrophs, lactic acid bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae, moulds and
      yeasts), physical-chemical (pH, water activity, TBARS, acidity, L(*)a(*)b(*)
      colour, texture profile analysis and shear force) and sensory (appearance, odour,
      flavour, texture and acceptance) parameters were determined. The results showed
      that sensory spoilage preceded microbiological spoilage of sous vide pork loin.
      Counts bellow 1logcfu/g of psychrotrophs, anaerobic psychrotrophs,
      Enterobacteriaceae and lactic acid bacteria were detected in any control week,
      while moderate counts (2-3logcfu/g) of moulds and yeasts were found. Minor
      changes in water activity, lipid oxidation, CIELab colour, hardness, cohesiveness
      or gumminess were associated with spoilage of pork loin, only decreases of lactic
      acid, springiness and shear force were observed. The pork loin was unacceptable
      after 10 weeks. This loss of acceptance was mainly due to the deterioration of
      meaty flavour and odour, although the loss of appearance, juiciness and firmness
      also contributed. Moderate warmed-over and rancidity were detected. The sensory
      analysis was the most effective method for determining the shelf life of the sous
      vide pork-based dishes.

PMID- 22063334
TI  - Effect of the insulin-like growth factor-II and RYR1 genotype in pigs on carcass
      and meat quality traits.
AB  - Recently, a new QTN (quantitative trait nucleotide), which is located in the
      regulatory sequence of the imprinted IGF-II gene was discovered in the pig and is
      associated with a significant increase in IGF-II mRNA expression in skeletal
      muscle during postnatal growth. The aim of the current study was to investigate
      the effect of the IGF-II paternal allele (Apat and Gpat animals that inherited,
      respectively, the mutant and wild type paternal allele of interest) on carcass
      and meat quality traits in Nn and NN RYR1 genotypes. A total of 141 animals were
      measured, almost equally distributed over the IGF-II and RYR1 genotypes and
      gender. The Apat allele increased carcass lean meat percentage with approximately
      4.5% (P<0.001) as a result of decreased backfat thickness. Average live weight
      daily gain was not affected, hence average daily lean meat gain was significantly
      higher for Apat compared to Gpat animals. The IGF-II mutation had no noticeable
      effect on meat quality in contrast with the RYR1 mutation. No interaction effects
      of both mutations on meat quality were noticed.

PMID- 22063335
TI  - Eating quality of pork from pure breeds and DLY studied by focus group research
      and meat quality analyses.
AB  - The eating quality of pan-fried pork chops from the pure breeds of Duroc,
      Hampshire, Black spotted and Wild pigs, and of the cross-breed of Duroc, Landrace
      and Yorkshire (DLY) was investigated by focus group research in combination with
      analyses of raw meat quality. The three focus groups, all consisting of young
      consumers, generally agreed in their description of the eating quality of the
      five breeds. The focus group methodology was found to be an informative method
      for the sensory evaluation of pork chops. Chemical and physical analyses of raw
      meat quality were performed in parallel with the focus group research, and this
      combination proved useful. The chemical and physical analyses generally supported
      the focus group evaluation, and differences between the breeds could be
      explained. Duroc was the breed with the overall best eating quality, while
      Hampshire had the lowest overall eating quality. DLY, Black spotted, and Wild
      pigs were intermediate, though not similar.

PMID- 22063336
TI  - Relationship between sensory attributes and volatile compounds qualifying dry
      cured hams.
AB  - This work studies the relationship between 45 volatile compounds and 17 sensory
      attributes (13 flavour perceptions) of dry-cured hams. Volatile compounds were
      quantified by SPME-GC while the sensory assessment was carried out by 13
      panellists. GC-sniffing was used to determine the odour impact zones of the
      chromatogram. The odour thresholds of the volatile compounds and their sensory
      characterisation were determined by dilution analysis. Six sensory attributes
      (acorn odour and flavour, rancid odour, rancid taste, fat rancid and fat pungent
      flavours) were explained by regression equations (adjusted -R(2)?0.70) based on
      ten compounds: benzaldehyde, 2-heptanone, hexanal, hexanol, limonene, 3
      methylbutanal, 3-methylbutanol, 2-nonanone, octanol, pentanol. Acorn flavour
      attribute was successfully emulated by mixing the volatile compounds selected by
      the equation. Its odour was evaluated by assessors that gave a sensory
      description that matches with the target. All the procedures performed for the
      elucidation of volatile-attribute relations showed a basic agreement in their
      results.

PMID- 22063337
TI  - Productive performance and meat quality of Mouflon*Sarda and Sarda*Sarda suckling
      lambs.
AB  - The objective of this study was to compare slaughtering performance, carcass
      characteristics, and meat quality in lambs of two different genotypes. Sixteen
      crossbred Mouflon*Sarda (M*S) and sixteen pure Sarda breed (S*S) suckling lambs
      were analysed. Chemical and fatty acid composition were determined on
      semitendinosus and longissimus dorsi muscles and perirenal and pelvic fats.
      Dressing percentage was higher (P<0.01) in M*S group and after histological
      dissection M*S carcasses had more muscle tissue (P<0.01) and less separable fat
      (P<0.05). Muscles of M*S had less cholesterol than the S*S lambs (P<0.01).
      Polyunsaturated/saturated and n-6/n-3 fatty acids ratios of the intramuscular
      lipids were optimal in both groups. Indexes of atherogenicity and of
      thrombogenicity in muscles varied between 0.9 and 1.1. The results indicated
      several good qualities in both the genotypes, but M*S lambs have some traits
      which could provide a higher market price.

PMID- 22063338
TI  - Effects of packaging method and storage time on the chemical, microbiological,
      and sensory properties of Turkish pastirma - A dry cured beef product.
AB  - The effects of packaging method (aerobic packaging (AP), vacuum packaging (VP) or
      modified atmosphere packaging (MAP)), the form of pastirma (sliced or non-sliced)
      and storage time (0, 15, 30, 60, 90 or 120 days) on the chemical, microbiological
      and sensory properties of a Turkish pastirma were investigated. Overall, MAP
      preserved chemical, microbiological and sensory properties of Turkish pastirma
      better than AP or VP. Very high correlation coefficients (almost all >0.90) were
      observed between subjective quality parameters (sensory properties) and objective
      quality parameters (TBARS, hexanal content, L(*), a(*), and b(*)), which suggests
      that sensory panel was able to determine the quality changes over storage time
      precisely. Based on the results of this study, MAP should be the preferred choice
      of packaging in order to preserve overall quality of Turkish pastirma and its
      implication for pastirma packaging may increase pastirma's current share in the
      processed meat product market.

PMID- 22063339
TI  - Effect of processing methods and starter culture (Staphylococcus xylosus and
      Pediococcus pentosaceus) on proteolytic changes in Turkish sausages (sucuk)
      during ripening and storage.
AB  - Proteolytic changes in Turkish sausages (sucuk) produced by two methods (heat
      processing and traditional) were determined during processing and storage for 90
      days. The sausages were produced with or without starter culture in both methods.
      A mixture of Staphylococcus xylosus and Pediococcus pentosaceus was used as
      starter culture for their acidic and proteolytic characteristics. The major
      changes in proteolytic characteristics of sucuk took place during the
      fermentation stage, with an increase in non-protein nitrogen (NPN) and a decrease
      in protein solubility. Proteolytic activity was observed in both starter
      inoculated and non-inoculated (control) sausages during processing. Moreover, a
      slight increase in proteolytic activity was detected during storage in both
      starter-inoculated and control traditional sausages, and also in heat-processed
      sausages due to some heat-resistant proteolytic enzymes. Protein solubility was
      significantly affected by processing time and heat treatment. Sarcoplasmic and
      myofibrillar proteins were also affected by starter addition, fermentation,
      drying and heat processing. During fermentation, starter-inoculated and control
      sausages showed intense proteolysis in both the traditional and heat processing
      methods. After heating, intensive degradation of both sarcoplasmic and
      myofibrillar proteins due to denaturation was observed in heat-processed samples.

PMID- 22063340
TI  - The relation between glycogen, lactate content and muscle fiber type composition,
      and their influence on postmortem glycolytic rate and pork quality.
AB  - This study examined the relation between glycogen, lactate content and muscle
      fiber type composition, and evaluated their influence on postmortem glycolytic
      rate and meat quality. Muscle samples were classified based on their glycogen and
      lactate content at 45min postmortem. Muscles with low glycogen and high lactate
      levels showed low muscle pH(45min) and high R-values. However, muscles with low
      glycogen and lactate levels showed normal rates of postmortem glycolysis and
      normal meat quality. On the other hand, muscles with high glycogen and lactate
      content showed rapid postmortem glycolysis, paler surface color, higher drip
      loss, and higher extents of protein denaturation than muscles with high glycogen
      and low lactate content. These results may be partially explained by muscle fiber
      type composition. Muscles with low glycogen and lactate content at early
      postmortem are composed of significantly higher fiber type I and lower fiber type
      IIB as compared to muscles with high glycogen and lactate content.

PMID- 22063341
TI  - Comparing the histochemical characteristics and meat quality traits of different
      pig breeds.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to compare the muscle histochemical characteristics
      and meat quality traits between Berkshire, Landrace, Yorkshire, and crossbred
      pigs. A total of 594 pigs were evaluated. A clear difference between
      histochemical properties was observed from the results for fiber type
      composition. In Berkshire pigs, the area percentage of type I fibers was higher
      (P<0.001) and that of type IIb fibers was lower (P<0.05) than those of other
      breeds. The muscle pH(45min) and pH(24h) were significantly higher in Berkshire
      pigs. Drip loss and color parameters were significantly different between the
      breeds (P<0.001). The Berkshire pigs, which showed the highest muscle pH and
      lowest drip loss and L(*) values, contained a significantly higher percentage of
      type I fibers than the other breeds. By comparing the fiber type compositions of
      the different breeds, the results imply that the longissimus dorsi muscle of
      Berkshire pigs is more oxidative than that of other breeds. A high pH value in
      Berkshire pigs is due to a high percentage of type I fibers and a low percentage
      of type IIb fibers. Based on these results, we conclude that muscle fiber
      composition can explain in parts the variation of meat quality across and within
      breeds.

PMID- 22063342
TI  - The effects of extended curing on the microbiological, physicochemical and
      sensorial characteristics of Cecina de Leon.
AB  - The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of curing times on the
      characteristics of 7-month dry-cured beef cecina stored for up to 12-months at 16
      degrees C and 65% relative humidity. Microbiological and physicochemical
      parameters, sensorial properties and consumer preferences were analysed at three
      different processing times (210, 270 and 360days). Curing time significantly
      affected (p<0.05) most of the parameters studied. Moisture and a(w) decreased
      (p<0.05) and NaCl content increased from day 210 to day 360, whereas microbial
      counts decreased (p<0.05) from day 210 to day 360. The continued increase of
      amino acid content and free fatty acid (p<0.05) until day 360 contributed to
      modifications in the characteristics of the final product. Thus, cecina with
      longer processing times had higher scores for colour, flavour and aftertaste.
      Consumer preferences indicated that the sensory quality of cecina improved from
      day 210 to day 270 of processing, after which no further changes were noted as
      curing was extended to 360days.

PMID- 22063343
TI  - Functional and quality characteristics of the red blood cell fraction from
      biopreserved porcine blood as influenced by high pressure processing.
AB  - The effects of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) processing, at 400MPa for 15min at
      20 degrees C, on the microbiological and functional characteristics of the red
      blood cell (RBC) fraction obtained from porcine blood, previously preserved by
      means of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) was studied. Biopreservation was achieved by
      incubation of inulin-enriched blood inoculated with a LAB strain (Enterococcus
      raffinosus PS99) for 72h at 5 degrees C. Results showed that incubation of blood
      with added E. raffinosus followed by HHP treatment reduced the levels of
      contaminant coliforms, proteolytic, hemolytic bacteria, and Pseudomonas spp. on
      RCB. Color parameters, protein solubility, foaming and emulsifying properties, as
      well as texture and water holding capacity of heat-induced gels from RBC were not
      seriously damaged by the combined treatments. This is a new approach to process
      and preserve animal blood fractions for the development of functional and/or
      nutritional food ingredients with added value.

PMID- 22063344
TI  - Breed assignment test in four Italian beef cattle breeds.
AB  - The assessment of a method able to assign individuals to the breed of origin is
      needed to certify origin and quality of livestock products. A set of 21
      microsatellites was tested for breed identification in four native Italian beef
      breeds: Chianina, Marchigiana, Romagnola, and Piemontese. Two statistical
      approaches, based on maximum likelihood and on a Bayesian method, were evaluated.
      Different marker sets, chosen in order of the highest gene diversity and F(ST)
      estimates were also tested. The Bayesian method performed better, achieving a
      correct assignment rate of about 90% even with six microsatellites. The marker
      sets with the highest gene diversity were shown to perform best. Considering a
      threshold probability of 90%, only 52.5% of the genotypes were correctly
      allocated. Such results are mainly due to the low genetic differentiation
      estimates among breeds (F(ST)=0.049). These findings suggest that markers with
      high gene diversity and the presence of private alleles should be investigated
      and the Bayesian method used.

PMID- 22063345
TI  - How pH causes paleness or darkness in chicken breast meat.
AB  - Chicken breasts (Pectoralis) at a low-pH (5.91+/-0.12,n=10) were compared with
      breasts at a high-pH (6.36+/-0.25,n=10,P<0.001). Low-pH breasts had the highest
      reflectance (P<0.001 from 400 to 700 nm). High-pH breasts had the greatest
      transmittance into their depth and across individual muscle fibres (P<0.001). The
      differences in refractive index between ordinary and extraordinary rays across
      individual muscle fibres were greater in low-pH than in high-pH breasts
      (P<0.001). Light at low wavelengths had greater reflectance and lower
      transmittance than light at long wavelengths (P<0.001). Myofibrillar refraction
      contributed to differences in light scattering between PSE (pale, soft,
      exudative) and DFD (dark, firm, dry) chicken meat, as it does in pork and beef.

PMID- 22063346
TI  - Rapid determination of collagen in meat-based foods by microwave hydrolysis of
      proteins and HPAEC-PAD analysis of 4-hydroxyproline.
AB  - A rapid microwave procedure for protein hydrolysis coupled with High Performance
      Anion Exchange Chromatography and Pulsed Amperometric Detection (HPAEC-PAD) was
      developed to quantify the amino acid 4-hydroxyproline in meat and meat-based
      products. This innovative approach was successfully applied to determine collagen
      content (4-hydroxyproline*8) as the index quality of meat material employed in
      the preparation of typical meat sausages ("Mortadella di Bologna PGI" and
      "Salamini italiani alla cacciatora PDO") and fresh filled pastas. Microwave
      hydrolysis showed a precision and accuracy similar to traditional hydrolysis
      (RSD% from 0.0 to 6.4; relative error 1.4-10.0%) with a reduction in the
      hydrolysis time from 24h to 20min. HPAEC-PAD allowed detection of 4
      hydroxyproline without pre or post-column derivatization and the use of non-toxic
      eluents.

PMID- 22063347
TI  - Physico-chemical and microbiological profiles of "salchichon" (Spanish dry
      fermented sausage) enriched with orange fiber.
AB  - Spanish dry-fermented sausages with three concentrations (0, 1 and 2%) of orange
      fiber (juice industry by-product) were prepared and studied. Fermentation and dry
      curing processes were followed by physico-chemical (pH and water activity),
      chemical (moisture, lactic acid and residual nitrite level) and microbiological
      (aerobic mesophilic bacteria, lactic acid bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae,
      Micrococcaceae and molds and yeasts counts) analysis. Sensory analyses were
      conducted on the finished products. Only residual nitrite level and counts of
      micrococcus were affected by fiber addition during fermentation. pH, water
      activity, residual nitrite level and counts of Micrococcaceae were affected by
      fiber addition during dry-curing. Orange fiber decreases residual nitrite levels
      and favours micrococcus growth. Both effects have a positive impact on sausage
      safety and quality. The reduction in residual nitrite level decreases the risk of
      nitrosamine formation. For all sensorial attributes evaluated sausages containing
      1% fiber showed similar scores to controls.

PMID- 22063348
TI  - Microbial profiles of frozen trimmings and silver sides prepared at Indian
      buffalo meat packing plants.
AB  - To assess microbiological quality of buffalo meat trimmings (TT=114) and silver
      sides (SS=41), samples were collected from four different Indian meat packing
      plants. The aim of this study was: (i) to evaluate standard plate count (SPC),
      psychrotrophic count (PTC), Enterococcus feacalis count (EFC), Staphylococcus
      aureus count (SAC) and Escherichia coli count (ECC) and the presence of
      Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes; and (ii) also to determine vero toxic
      E. coli (VTEC) by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). TT samples had significantly
      higher (P<0.001) SPC, PTC, EFC, and SAC than SS, while across the meat types
      there was no difference (P>0.05) in ECC. E. coli was recovered from 32.4% TT and
      19.5% SS samples. The prevalence rate of Salmonella spp. and L. monocytogenes in
      TT was 1.75% and 0.87%, respectively. But no SS sample was found to be positive
      for any of these two pathogens. VTEC was found in 2.58% of all the tested
      samples. This finding suggests that TT contain higher microbes but only small
      numbers of pathogens of latent zoonotic importance. The present study confirmed
      the importance of maintaining good process hygiene at meat plants for
      microbiological status of buffalo meat.

PMID- 22063349
TI  - De electricitatis catholici musculari - Concerning the electrical properties of
      muscles, with emphasis on meat quality.
AB  - This study aims to explore the potential of evoked non-invasive surface
      electromyography (SEMG) analysis, in predicting meat quality traits in livestock.
      Evoked SEMG is a system that records, transdermally, electrical signals generated
      in muscle fibres upon external stimulation. These signals are reported as
      compound muscle action potentials (CMAP). CMAP parameters of LD correlated
      negatively and significantly to ultimate pH (pH 24h) at day 61, but not at day
      153 after birth, and a similar albeit positive correlation was observed for
      muscle glycogen content. Muscle glycogen content and pH 24h correlated negatively
      in LD and BF. Negative significant correlations between CMAP parameters and shear
      force were found in LD at day 153 after birth, which might, in the range of the
      recording electrodes, reflect the combined effect of large cross-sectional area
      fibres and reduced perimysium content per unit volume of muscle. The fact that
      correlations between CMAP characteristics and quality traits of both metabolic
      and non metabolic origin could be established, warrants a fuller investigation of
      this method in terms of its potential as a predictive tool for meat quality
      traits in live animals.

PMID- 22063350
TI  - Changes in fatty acids and polar material of restructured low-fat or walnut-added
      steaks pan-fried in olive oil.
AB  - The study aims to determine the influence of pan-frying on the fatty acid
      composition and fat content and alteration of functional restructured beef
      steaks. Low-fat (L, 2% fat), 20% walnut-added (W, 13% fat) and medium fat (M, 13%
      fat) steaks were prepared and fried in extra virgin olive oil. Pan-frying
      increased fat in L and W steaks and decreased it in M ones. Raw L and M steaks
      showed similar fatty acid profiles while W ones contained a lower percentage of
      saturated fatty acids (SFA) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) but a higher
      percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). The fatty acid profile of fried
      steaks was between that of the raw steaks and olive oil. Several fatty acids (g
      fatty acid/100g edible steaks) were affected (p<0.001) by the frying*meat
      formulation interaction. Linoleic and linolenic acid contents did not decrease in
      fried W steaks, but decreased (p<0.05) when data were expressed on a dry matter
      basis. Frying increased SFA, MUFA and omega-6 PUFA contents in L samples while it
      decreased SFA and increased omega-6 PUFA in M steaks. Before and after frying, W
      steaks had atherogenic and thrombogenic indexes at least three times lower than
      their counterparts. Both indexes decreased in fried L samples while only the AI
      in M ones. Polar material content (PM) increased only in L samples. No relevant
      differences were found between PM of the fried steaks and that of their
      corresponding used oils. Results suggest that pan-frying improves the fatty acid
      composition of L and M steaks with minor changes in PM. The high retention of
      lipids observed in the W samples permits consumption of omega-3 PUFA- and omega-6
      PUFA-enriched meat with a very low content of alteration compounds.

PMID- 22063351
TI  - Effect of pre- and post-pubertal castration on Piemontese male cattle. II:
      Carcass measures and meat yield.
AB  - The effect of different castration ages on carcass morphological characteristics,
      meat yield, commercial cuts and bones weight and measures was evaluated on
      Piemontese steers and bulls. Carcasses (24) obtained from early castrated (EC,
      5th month of age), late castrated (LC, 13th month) and intact males (IM, control
      group) of similar age (about 18 months) and fattening degree, were weighed,
      measured and dissected following the local commercial method. Very few
      differences were found in carcass conformation and fatness as in carcass weight
      and measures. After data adjusting, few meat cuts were heavier in IM compared to
      EC and LC, and only one cut measure was different, whereas, almost no differences
      were found in bone measures and weight. IM produced carcasses with more edible
      meat than LC and more forequarter and 2nd quality meat than LC and EC.
      Significant differences were found also between total, hindquarter and
      perinephric fat.

PMID- 22063352
TI  - Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in different types of smoked meat
      products from Serbia.
AB  - The contents of the16 EU priority PAHs in six different meat products from Serbia
      (beef ham, pork ham, bacon without skin, bacon with skin, cajna sausage and
      sremska sausage) were examined during the process of smoking. All these meat
      products from meat industry Zlatiborac, Mackat, Serbia presented in this study,
      have not previously been analysed concerning to their contents of PAH compounds.
      Determination and quantification of PAHs in meat products were performed by a
      Fast GC/HRMS method. The maximum level for benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) of 5MUg/kg in
      smoked meat products was not exceeded in any samples. BaP comprises in general
      4.6% of the total sum of the 16 EU priority PAHs and 15.2% of the total sum of
      the 12 IARC PAH compounds. The suitability of BaP as a marker both for 16 EU
      priority PAHs and 12 IARC probably and possibly carcinogenic PAHs was checked by
      applying correlation analysis.

PMID- 22063353
TI  - Effect of freezing on sensory quality, shear force and water loss in beef M.
      longissimus dorsi.
AB  - The objective of this study was to determine how sensory quality, shear force and
      water loss differ between beef stored either chilled or frozen before cooking.
      Meat tenderness was analysed instrumentally and sensorially using both a consumer
      panel and a semi-trained panel. Both M. longissimus dorsi (LD) from eight young
      Holstein bulls were cut into eight samples, weighed, vacuum packed and aged at 4
      degrees C for 2, 7 or 14 days. After ageing, the frozen samples were kept at -20
      degrees C prior to heat treatment. Water holding capacity was recorded as purge
      or thawing loss and cooking loss or as combined loss. Sensory analyses were
      performed on samples aged 7 days. Peak force values declined with ageing time and
      freezing. Frozen meat aged 2 days had the same peak force values as chilled meat
      aged 7 days. Total energy was the same for both treatments at day 2 and 7,
      whereas at day 14 frozen samples showed significantly higher values than chilled
      samples. The sensory panel experienced the chilled meat to be more tender,
      juicier and having a more intense meat taste than the frozen meat, whereas the
      consumers could not find any significant difference in degree of liking. Water
      holding capacity was lower for the frozen samples. The results indicate that
      conclusions from studies concerning sensory quality of beef will depend on
      whether the meat has been kept chilled or frozen before testing.

PMID- 22063354
TI  - Study of the Lactobacillus sakei protective effect towards spoilage bacteria in
      vacuum packed cooked ham analyzed by PCR-DGGE.
AB  - The effectiveness of Lactobacillus sakei B-2 inoculated as a protective culture
      on the inhibition of spoilage bacteria on sliced vacuum packed cooked ham was
      investigated by using culture-dependent and -independent approaches. Total
      microbial DNA was directly extracted from both control and treatment samples, and
      subjected to a nested PCR protocol, PCR-DGGE analysis was used to identify and
      monitor the dynamic changes in the microbial population, followed by partial 16S
      rDNA sequencing. The DGGE profile demonstrated that the protective culture
      effectively suppressed growth of predominant spoilage bacteria L. sakei,
      Lactobacillus curvatus and Leuconostoc mesenteroides in cooked ham during storage
      at 4 degrees C, however, growth of uncultured Leuconostoc was not inhibited. The
      shelf-life of this product inoculated with L. sakei B-2, at levels of 5.91+/
      0.04log(10)CFUg(-1) was 35 days, compared to 15 days of control samples, when the
      ham was stored at 4 degrees C.

PMID- 22063355
TI  - Composition and quality differences between the longissimus and infraspinatus
      muscles for several groups of pasture-finished cattle.
AB  - Samples of longissimus (LT) and infraspinatus (IS) muscles from five contrasting
      groups of pasture-finished cattle (n=7/group) were assessed for quality and
      composition characteristics in order to determine whether features of pasture
      finished beef reported previously apply across different muscles and different
      classes of cattle. The cattle were not raised together or slaughtered at the same
      time. Wagyu-cross steers had the highest intramuscular fat levels, particularly
      in the LT, followed by Angus steers, Charolais-cross steers and Belgian Blue
      cross steers, with the lowest levels for Friesian bulls. Relative to the LT, the
      IS muscle had longer sarcomeres, higher cooking losses, higher concentrations of
      vitamin E, and lower myofibrillar fragmentation indexes, while its ultimate pH
      was slightly higher but less variable. Beef from Wagyu-cross steers had the
      highest chroma values and the lowest shear values, while Friesian bull beef was
      darkest and least tender. Intramuscular fatty acid composition and concentrations
      of bioactive compounds such as coenzyme Q(10) and carnosine, were similar to
      those reported previously for cattle finished on New Zealand pastures although
      taurine levels were lower. Generally concentrations of bioactive compounds
      differed more between muscles and groups than between cattle finished on pasture
      or grain as reported previously.

PMID- 22063356
TI  - Microbial and physicochemical succession in fermented sausages produced with
      bacteriocinogenic culture of Lactobacillus sakei and semi-purified bacteriocin
      mesenterocin Y.
AB  - The influence of the bacteriocinogenic culture Lactobacillus sakei (10(5)/g) and
      semi-purified bacteriocin mesenterocin Y (2560AU/kg) on the safety and quality of
      traditional Croatian fermented sausages was investigated. The addition of Lb.
      sakei and/or mesenterocin Y reduced microbial counts (P<0.05) in the final
      products. After 28 days of ripening, coagulase-negative cocci decreased 1.5
      2.0log, yeasts 1.2-1.4log and enterococci 1.7-2.7log. In the case of the addition
      of Lb. sakei, the lactic acid bacteria count was significantly (P<0.05) higher at
      day 7 of ripening, and was accompanied by a lower pH and a higher amount of
      lactic acid (P<0.05). In the final product the amount of acetic acid was
      significantly lower. More intensive proteolysis and an increase in ammonia
      content were found at the beginning of fermentation, and in the second phase of
      ripening in the control samples, respectively. The free fatty acid concentration
      was significantly lower during the entire ripening process compared to the
      control (P<0.05). Semi-purified mesenterocin Y did not affect the sensory
      properties of the sausages, whilst the addition of Lb. sakei enhanced them.

PMID- 22063357
TI  - A comparison of conventional and radio frequency tempering of beef meats: Effects
      on product temperature distribution.
AB  - This study aimed to develop radio frequency (RF) pilot-scale protocols for
      tempering beef meat blends (4kg blocks) to achieve average temperatures between 
      2 and -5 degrees C. Post-tempering temperature distribution in these blocks was
      compared to products tempered by conventional methods. The optimum RF power-time
      combination for tempering lean and 50:50 lean:fat mixtures to the target range
      was 500W for 11min which produced respective means of -3.6 degrees C (s.d. 1.1)
      and -3.4 degrees C (s.d. 1.5). In contrast, 400W for 11min was optimum for fat
      (mean -4.9 degrees C, s.d. 2.1). This study shows the principal advantages of RF
      over conventional tempering as an approximate 30 fold tempering time reduction
      and a greater uniformity of end point temperature distribution under the
      conditions employed. Furthermore, power consumption was reduced approximately
      ninefold with RF compared to conventional tempering. More uniform temperature
      distribution was achieved in samples that were comminuted to a greater extent.

PMID- 22063358
TI  - Partial replacement of pork fat by conjugated linoleic acid and/or olive oil in
      liver pates: Effect on physicochemical characteristics and oxidative stability.
AB  - The effect of replacing pork fat in liver pates by an enriched conjugated
      linoleic acid oil (CLA-pate), olive oil (OO-pate), or the combination of both
      type of oils (CLA+OO-pate) on the fatty acid profile, lipid oxidative stability,
      consistency and emulsion stability was studied and compared with a traditional
      liver pate (C-pate). Pates were analyzed at days 1, 6, 21 and 71 of refrigerated
      storage (4 degrees C). A enrichment in CLA was attained in CLA-pate and CLA+OO
      pate. CLA-pates had the highest content in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA)
      (p<0.05) due to their content in CLA. A lower content in saturated fatty acids
      was achieved when using OO or CLA in pates (p<0.05). OO-pates showed the highest
      levels of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) (p<0.05). No changes in the fatty
      acid profile and in lipid oxidation (mg malondialdehyde per kg of sample)
      throughout the storage of the products were found. Lower consistency and emulsion
      stability were obtained when using CLA or OO in the formulation. Consistency
      values (in N/cm(2)) tended to increase and emulsion stability to decrease
      throughout the storage in CLA or OO enriched pates.

PMID- 22063359
TI  - Characteristics of Staphylococcus hyicus strains isolated from pig carcasses in
      two different slaughterhouses.
AB  - In a previous study, we showed that coagulase positive staphylococci, which are
      often used as indicators for Staphylococcus aureus, are frequently found on pig
      carcasses. Further characterization of the strains identified only a minor part
      as S. aureus. Selected non-S. aureus strains were all identified as
      Staphylococcus hyicus, However, two studies described in this species strains
      that produce staphylococcal enterotoxins. The aim of the present study was to
      further characterize such coagulase positive S. hyicus strains isolated from pig
      carcasses and to assess the results for their food safety relevance. A total of
      189 strains from two abattoirs were characterized. Phenotypically, 98.9% showed
      non-pigmented colonies, 99.5% no haemolysis and 67.7% were egg yolk-positive.
      DNase activity was found in all but one isolate. Only five of the 189 strains
      were resistant to the antimicrobials tested. One strain harboured the mecA gene.
      Exfoliative toxin genes were detected in 31 (16.4%), S. aureus enterotoxin genes
      in none of the strains. The PFGE genotyping results show only a limited number of
      clusters. Cluster I included more than 50% of the strains. The fact that similar
      or closely related PFGE patterns of S. hyicus can be found on carcasses after
      bleeding in both abattoirs indicates the occurrence of widespread strains in the
      Swiss pig population. Moreover, the genotyping results revealed a remarkable
      homogeneity in S. hyicus strains isolated from different process stages in
      abattoir B, which could indicate a recontamination problem with persisting
      strains.

PMID- 22063360
TI  - Inhibition of nitric oxide release pre-slaughter increases post-mortem glycolysis
      and improves tenderness in ovine muscles.
AB  - The aim of this experiment was to determine the effect of inhibiting the release
      of nitric oxide (NO) pre-slaughter in lambs on post-slaughter muscle metabolism
      and meat quality. Exercise was used as a positive control as NO is known to be
      released in skeletal muscle during exercise. Forty Border Leicester*Merino lambs
      were assigned to the treatments L-NAME (NO synthase inhibitor) infusion (0mg/kg
      vs. 30mg/kg, 135min pre-slaughter) and exercise (none vs. 15min immediately pre
      slaughter). The inhibition of NO release using L-NAME reduced Warner-Bratzler
      shear force (WBSF) in the longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) after 3days of
      ageing, while the Semimembranosous (SM) was unaffected. Inhibition of NO release
      with L-NAME resulted in altered glucose metabolism as indicated by reduced plasma
      glucose pre-slaughter particularly in exercised lambs, reduced LTL and SM
      glycogen of non-exercised lambs post-slaughter and increased SM lactate in
      exercised lambs post-slaughter. In conclusion, inhibition of NO Synthase with L
      NAME pre-slaughter increases post-mortem glycolysis and improves tenderness in
      the loin muscle.

PMID- 22063361
TI  - Production performance and meat quality characteristics of sheep comprising four
      sex-types over a range of slaughter weights produced following commercial
      practice.
AB  - Eighty four lambs comprising four sex-types (entire rams, castrated rams,
      vasectomised rams and entire ewes) were distributed equally into seven target
      slaughter weights (32, 36, 40, 44, 48, 52 and 56kg). All lambs were born in early
      spring. Dams and lambs were out on pasture until late September when they were
      housed and fed concentrate and hay. At birth, ram lambs were heavier than ewe
      lambs (P<0.01) and gained weight faster (P<0.05). The three male sex-types were
      similar in birth weight, growth rate and dressing out percentage (P>0.05), and
      were significantly lower than ewes in dressing out percentage (P<0.001). The m.
      longissimus dorsi (LD) from all sex-types were similar in initial pH, ultimate pH
      and sarcomere length (P>0.05) but differed in cooking loss and shear force
      (P<0.05). The LD from ewes were lower in cooking loss than those from the male
      sex-types (P<0.05), and recorded smaller shear force values (P<0.05). The average
      a(*) values (redness) of the LD was highest in ewes and differed only from that
      of vasectomised rams (P<0.05). Ewes were also highest in oxymyoglobin proportion
      (P<0.05). Although correlations between most meat quality parameters and
      slaughter weight were highly significant (P<0.001) the correlation coefficients
      (r) were generally small.

PMID- 22063362
TI  - Effect of the Iberian pig line on dry-cured ham characteristics.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to compare the characteristics (chemical
      composition, instrumental colour, sensory characteristics and acceptance) of dry
      cured hams obtained form three genetic lines of Iberian pig (Censyra, Torbiscal
      and Entrepelado). The instrumental colour of fat was affected by the genetic line
      (b(*), p=0.008; and h degrees , p=0.024), the Censyra group having the largest
      values. The genetic line did not affect the chemical composition of the
      subcutaneous fat and lean of the dry-cured hams or the instrumental colour of the
      lean. Data from a descriptive analysis showed that the only characteristic
      significantly affected was the toasted flavour (p=0.004), and juiciness and
      sweetness were slightly affected (p=0.062 and 0.061, respectively). In spite of
      the slight effect on the physical-chemical and sensory characteristics,
      acceptance was significantly different, Torbiscal hams having the highest scores.

PMID- 22063363
TI  - Hydrolyzed wheat gluten suppresses transglutaminase-mediated gelation but
      improves emulsification of pork myofibrillar protein.
AB  - The influence of 15-h chymotrypsin-hydrolyzed wheat gluten (GH) on microbial
      transglutaminase (MTGase)-mediated interaction, gelation and emulsification of
      pork myofibrillar protein isolate (MPI) was investigated at two ionic strengths
      (0M and 0.6M NaCl) and pH 6.5. MTGase treatments in 0M NaCl solution decreased
      the size of myosin heavy chain through deamidation, but this was inhibited by GH
      or in 0.6M NaCl where myosin polymerization dominated. Stabilization of MPI
      (thermal transitions) by the MTGase treatment was also diminished (P<0.05) by the
      presence of GH at both ionic strengths. These GH-induced MPI physicochemical
      changes greatly weakened the ability of MTGase to promote MPI thermal gelation
      (gel storage modulus, P<0.05), especially at 0.6M NaCl, which was shown to result
      from reduced protein aggregation. However, GH improved (P<0.05) emulsifying
      properties of MPI, regardless of MTGase treatment.

PMID- 22063364
TI  - Determination of changes in protein conformation caused by pH and temperature.
AB  - Protein denaturation has a major impact on meat quality parameters such as water
      holding capacity, tenderness and color. Specific information about structural
      changes of the individual muscle proteins post-mortem could help understand the
      factors affecting meat quality. An aromatic dye, 4,4'-dianilino-1,1'-binaphthyl
      5,5'-disulfonic acid (bisANS) that binds to the hydrophobic patches of proteins
      was used to monitor changes in the conformation of individual sarcoplasmic
      proteins caused by pH. The bisANS reagent was covalently linked to the proteins
      with UV-light and the proteins were separated and identified using gel
      electrophoresis and mass spectrometry. The results showed that the sarcoplasmic
      proteins creatine kinase M, aldolase A and lactate dehydrogenase showed increased
      hydrophobicity whereas carbonic anhydrase III showed decreased hydrophobicity
      with increasing pH. Temperature only had a marked effect on the results at around
      40 degrees C, there being no change between 25 and 35 degrees C.

PMID- 22063365
TI  - Effects of growth rate, sex and slaughter weight on fat characteristics of pork
      bellies.
AB  - A total of 119 Duroc*(Landrace*Yorkshire) commercial pigs were used to
      investigate the effect of growth rate (fast vs slow), sex (barrows vs gilts) and
      slaughter liveweight (107, 115 and 125kg) on the fat characteristics of bellies.
      Backfat thickness increased with weight (P<0.01). Fat firmness score was only
      affected by sex (P<0.05), with gilts showing softer bellies than barrows. Fat
      from gilts and slow growing pigs showed a lower proportion of saturated fatty
      acids (SFA; P<0.001 and P<0.01, respectively), a higher proportion of linoleic
      fatty acid (C18:2 n-6; P<0.01), a higher proportion of total polyunsaturated
      fatty acids (PUFA; P<0.001 and P<0.01, respectively), and an increased iodine
      value (P<0.001). Consequently, the fat from these bellies had higher PUFA:SFA
      ratios (P<0.001) and n-6:n-3 ratios (P<0.01 and P<0.001, respectively) than that
      from the bellies of barrows and fast growing pigs. The belly fat from barrows and
      fast growing pigs had higher stearic fatty acid (C18:0; P<0.01) and SFA
      proportions (P<0.001 and P<0.01, respectively) than that from gilts and slow
      growing pigs. The belly fat from gilts and slow growing pigs would better meet
      the health requirements of consumers, but it is more prone to rancidity during
      storage leading to a potentially reduced bacon shelf-life.

PMID- 22063366
TI  - The changes of signal transduction pathways in hippocampal regions and
      postsynaptic densities after chronic cerebral hypoperfusion in rats.
AB  - The mechanisms underlying the cognitive impairment after chronic cerebral
      hypoperfusion (CCH) are not fully clarified. In the present study, we
      investigated the molecular basis for the cognitive deficits under the condition
      of CCH in rats. The ultrastructural changes of postsynaptic densities (PSDs) were
      examined by ethanolic phosphotungstic acid (EPTA) electron microscopy. Various
      protein kinase phosphorylation/dephosphorylation levels of the signal
      transduction pathways in hippocampal regions and postsynaptic densities were
      assessed by Western blotting. On EPTA electron microscopy, we demonstrated that
      proteins were highly aggregated in PSD structures of the hippocampal CA1 areas in
      rats at 3 months after CCH. By Western blotting, the model rats exhibited
      significant decrease in the levels of hippocampal Ca(2+)-calmodulin-dependent
      protein kinase II (CaMKII), phospho-CaMKII (p-CaMKII), phospho-extracellular
      regulated kinase (p-ERK), PSD CaMKII and p-ERK, with no corresponding changes in
      the levels of phosphorylation/dephoosphorylation protein kinase A (PKA) and
      protein kinase C (PKC). These results suggest that both the ultrastructural
      changes of PSDs and aberrant signal transduction may be involved in CCH-induced
      alterations in synaptic transmission underlying the cognitive dysfunction in rats
      of CCH.

PMID- 22063367
TI  - Hospital-associated infections in children: a prospective post-discharge follow
      up survey in three different paediatric hospitals.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Reported viral hospital-associated infection (HAI) frequencies have
      ranged from 1% to 24% between paediatric wards and hospitals. Reasons for this
      variation remain unclear. AIM: To evaluate the rate of viral HAIs and risk
      factors in three different paediatric hospitals. METHODS: Data were collected
      prospectively for two years in one infectious disease ward and three general
      paediatric wards in Finland and Switzerland. Infections were recorded during the
      hospitalization and one week after discharge. Ward-specific risk factors for HAIs
      within each ward were searched by using multivariate logistic regression
      analysis. FINDINGS: Altogether 5119 patients were hospitalized. Total HAI
      frequency was 12.2%, with 2.4% of the patients developing HAI in hospital, most
      often gastroenteritis, and 9.8% [95% confidence interval (CI): 8.9-10.8%] within
      72 h of discharge. HAI rates varied from 5.8% to 17.1% between the wards, the
      highest rate being in a general paediatric ward where shared rooms were common
      and active cohorting according to viral aetiology was not done. Shared room (OR:
      5.45; 95% CI: 2.44-12.2 in a general ward treating infants), longer
      hospitalization (OR: 1.42 per day; 95% CI: 1.20-1.67 in an infectious disease
      ward) and young age (OR: 0.71 per year; 95% CI: 0.51-0.98 in general paediatric
      ward for children aged >1 year) increased risk of HAI in hospital. CONCLUSION:
      Most viral HAIs in paediatric wards become evident after discharge. Single room
      bedding appears to be effective in preventing HAIs, especially the spread of
      respiratory viruses. It also appears that caring for patients with contagious
      diseases in a separate unit is advantageous.

PMID- 22063368
TI  - Defining osteoarthritis: a moving target.

PMID- 22063369
TI  - Global metabolic profiling of human osteoarthritic synovium.
AB  - Osteoarthritis (OA) is a debilitating disease associated with pain and loss of
      function in numerous diarthrodial joints of the body. Assessments of the severity
      and/or progression of OA are commonly based on radiographic stages and pain
      level, which aren't always correlated to severity of disease or joint dysfunction
      and may be confounded by other factors(1). There has been recent interest in
      identifying a biochemical signature of OA(1) that may be detected in serum,
      urine, and/or synovial fluid that would represent repeatable and predictable
      biomarkers of OA onset and/or progression. The objective of this study was to use
      global metabolic profiling to identify a distinct metabolic profile for cultured
      human synovial tissue from patients with end-stage OA compared to patients with
      little or no evidence of disease. While metabolic profiles from cultured tissues
      are not expected to reproduce in vivo profiles, it is expected that perturbations
      in metabolism caused by end-stage disease would result in differences in
      metabolic profiles in vitro compared to tissue with little or no evidence of
      disease. Because metabolomic perturbations often occur prior to alterations in
      the genome or proteome, metabolomic analysis possibly provides an earlier window
      to an altered biochemical profile for OA onset and/or progression, and may
      provide a unique set of potential drug targets. The synovium was targeted because
      it has been implicated in OA as a mediator of disease progression; osteoarthritic
      synovium has been demonstrated to express pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as
      Tumor Necrosis Factor - alpha (TNF-alpha), Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1beta), and IL
      6(2), suggesting that a diseased synovial lining could produce an ideal set of
      biomarkers for diagnosing OA and/or monitoring disease progression. Media from
      the culture of synovial explants dissected from diseased human joints (early or
      end-stage OA) was subjected to global metabolic profiling with a liquid
      chromatography (LC)/and gas chromatography (GC)/mass spectrophotometry (MS)-based
      technology platform. Metabolites were identified by automated comparison of the
      ion features in the experimental samples to a reference library of chemical
      standard entries developed at Metabolon, Inc (Durham, NC). Global metabolic
      profiling resulted in the identification of 105 distinct compounds across all
      sample groups, with 11 compounds showing significantly different relative
      concentrations between end-stage and no/early disease groups. Metabolites
      specific to collagen metabolism, branched-chain amino acid metabolism, energy
      metabolism and tryptophan metabolism were amongst the most significant compounds,
      suggesting an altered metabolic state with disease progression.

PMID- 22063370
TI  - Methadone and morphine during anesthesia induction for cardiac surgery.
      Repercussion in postoperative analgesia and prevalence of nausea and vomiting.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Pain is an aggravating factor in postoperative
      morbidity and mortality especially in large size surgeries. Methods to
      effectively fend pain collide with elevated costs and for this reason they are
      not accessible in every service. The option would be the use of an opioid with
      long half-life, such as methadone. The objective of the present study was to
      compare the requirements of postoperative analgesia in patients who received
      methadone, morphine, or placebo during anesthetic induction, besides the
      prevalence of postoperative nausea and vomiting. METHODS: Fifty-five patients
      scheduled for cardiac surgery were divided into three groups and they received
      during anesthetic induction 20mg of methadone, 20mg of morphine, or placebo. At
      the end of surgery, patients were transferred to the ICU where the following
      parameters were evaluated: duration of anesthesia, time until extubation, time
      until the need of the first analgesic, number of doses required in 24 hours,
      assessment of analgesia by the patient, and prevalence of nausea/vomiting.
      RESULTS: Differences in the duration of anesthesia and time until extubation were
      not observed. The first dose of analgesic in patients who received methadone was
      administered later than in patients in the other two groups. The need of
      analgesics in the methadone group was lower, quality of analgesia was better, and
      prevalence of nausea and vomiting was also lower. CONCLUSIONS: Methadone during
      anesthetic induction was effective for analgesia in large size surgeries. Lower
      incidence of nausea and vomiting was observed in the methadone group and
      therefore it is a low cost option available among us that should be stimulated.

PMID- 22063371
TI  - Citrus aurantium blossom and preoperative anxiety.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Reducing anxiety is very important before operation.
      Preoperative visit and use of premedication are popular methods to achieve this
      goal, but the role of anxiolytic premedication remains unclear and postoperative
      side-effects may result from routine premedication. Citrus aurantium is used as
      an alternative medicine in some countries to treat anxiety, and recently the
      anxiolytic role of this medicinal plant was established in an animal model study.
      The aim of this study was to assess the anxiolytic effect of Citrus aurantium
      blossomon preoperative anxiety. METHODS: We studied 60 ASA I patients undergoing
      minor operation. In a randomized double-blind design, two groups of 30 patients
      received one of the following oral premedication two hours before induction of
      anesthesia: 1) Citrus aurantium blossom distillate 1mL.kg(-1) (C-group); 2)
      Saline solution 1mL.kg(-1) as placebo (P-group). Anxiety was measured before and
      after premedication using the Spielberger state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI
      state) and the Amsterdam preoperative anxiety and information scale (APAIS)
      before operation. RESULTS: After premedication, both the STAI-state and the APAIS
      scales were decreased in C-group (p<0.05); while exhibiting no significant
      changes in P-group. CONCLUSIONS: Citrus aurantium blossom may be effective in
      terms of reduction in preoperative anxiety before minor operation.

PMID- 22063372
TI  - The influence of posture on spirometric values in grade III obese patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The change from the sitting position to supine
      position, general anesthesia, and surgical procedure reduce lung volumes and this
      effect can be greater in obese patients. The objective of the present study was
      to evaluate the influence of the sitting position, 30 dorsal inclination, and
      horizontal dorsal decubitus on spirometry of grade III obese patients. METHODS:
      Twenty-six adult patients in the preoperatory period were selected according to
      the following criteria: BMI>40kg.m(-2), age between 18 years and 60 years, and
      female gender. Variables analyzed included: age, weight, height, BMI, percentage
      of predictive values of FVC, FEV(1), and VEF(1)/FVC in the sitting position (90
      degrees ), 30 degrees  dorsal elevation, and horizontal dorsal decubitus (0
      degrees ). ANOVA, followed or not by Tukey test were used to compare mean
      predicted values on the different positions, considering significant a p value
      lower than 0.05. RESULTS: Percentage values of FVC, FEV(1), and FEV(1)/FVC ratio
      regarding predicted values in the sitting position (90 degrees ), 30 degrees 
      dorsal elevation, and horizontal dorsal decubitus (0 degrees ), and p value of
      the corresponding statistical analysis were, respectively: FVC=92.8%, 88.2%, and
      86.5%, p=0.301 (ANOVA); FEV(1): 93.1%, 83.8%, and 83.3%, p=0.023 (ANOVA), p=0.038
      (Tukey test - 90 degrees *0 degrees ); FEV(1)/FVC: 100,8%, 95.5%, and 96.8%,
      p=0.035 (ANOVA), p=0.035 (Tukey test - 90 degrees *30 degrees ). CONCLUSIONS:
      Changes in position produced changes in spirometry results of patients with grade
      III obesity.

PMID- 22063373
TI  - What do patients know about the work of anesthesiologists?
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Modern international studies portray the lack of
      knowledge of patients regarding the education and role of anesthesiologists.
      There are no current data on this subject in the national scenario. The objective
      of this study was to assess the level of knowledge of patients about the
      education and areas of performance of these specialists. METHODS: This is a
      prospective study undertaken at a tertiary university hospital in Sao Paulo.
      During an 18-month period preoperative patients were interviewed. The data were
      analyzed by the Fisher's exact test, Chi-square test, and Mann-Whitney test
      according to the variable investigated. In the study, an alpha risk<=0.05 of
      making a type I error was considered. RESULTS: Four hundred patients, 203
      (50.75%) males and 197 (49.25%) females, aged between 18 and 89 years were
      included in this study. A total of 207 patients (51.75%) recognized
      anesthesiologists as physicians. Two hundred and eighty-nine (72.25%) patients
      answered that anesthesiologists care for patients during surgeries, while 256
      (64%) did not know that anesthesiologists determine whether patients are fit to
      undergo surgery. A statistical correlation was observed between the level of
      schooling and the presence of prior experience with anesthetic-surgical
      procedures and the correct response to the medical education of
      anesthesiologists. A significant difference was not observed between the group of
      patients who underwent pre-anesthetic evaluation and those that did not undergo
      the evaluation regarding the knowledge of the medical education of
      anesthesiologists. CONCLUSIONS: A large proportion of patients have a limited
      knowledge about the education and role of anesthesiologists. Pre-anesthetic
      evaluation did not increase the proportion of answers that anesthesiologists have
      medical education.

PMID- 22063374
TI  - The efficacy of terlipressin versus adrenaline in swine cardiopulmonary
      resuscitation.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The objective of the present study was to evaluate the
      efficacy of terlipressin (TP) vs. adrenaline (ADR) in increasing coronary
      perfusion pressure (CPP) and return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) in swine
      CPR. METHODS: Under anesthesia with ketamine/thiopental, ventricular fibrillation
      was induced in 44 female immature pigs, remaining unassisted for 10 minutes,
      followed by 2 minutes of manual CPR (100 compression/10 ventilations/min with
      air). Animals were, then, divided into four groups: 1) ADR (45MUg.kg(-1)); 2)
      saline-placebo (10mL); 3) TP 20MUg.kg(-1)); and TP (20MUg.kg(-1)) + ADR
      (45MUg.kg(-1)). Defibrillation was performed after 2 minutes, observing surviving
      animals for a 30-minute period. Electrocardiogram, systemic BP, DBP, and PetCO(2)
      were monitored continuously. RESULTS: Terlipressin did not differ from placebo
      regarding the effects on CPP, with low rates of ROSC in both groups (1/11 vs.
      2/11; p=NS). Adrenaline increased CPP from 13+/-12 to 54+/-15mmHg (p<0.0001),
      similar effect to TP + ADR (from 21+/-10 to 45+/-13mmHg; p<0.0001), with high
      rates of ROSC/survivors in both groups (10/11 vs. 9/11, respectively). Among
      survivors, greater MAP was observed in the TP + ADR group vs. ADR (105+/-19mmHg
      vs. 76+/-21mmHg; p=0.0157) groups. CONCLUSIONS: Adrenaline and TP + ADR were
      effective on maintaining CPP/ROSC in this experimental model, but isolated TP did
      not differ from placebo. However, in surviving animals in the TP + ADR group,
      greater hemodynamic stability was observed after ROSC, suggesting that TP can be
      a useful medication in the management of post-CPR hypotension.

PMID- 22063375
TI  - Assessing the use of 50% enantiomeric excess bupivacaine-loaded microspheres
      after sciatic nerve block in rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To achieve better therapeutic benefits of local
      anesthetics in the control of postoperative pain through controlled-release
      carrier. The objective of this study was to compare the characteristics of
      sensory and motor blockade between microspheres without local anesthetic: racemic
      bupivacaine-loaded microspheres; 50% enantiomeric excess bupivacaine-loaded
      microspheres; and free 50% enantiomeric excess bupivacaine. METHODS: Wistar rats
      were distributed into four groups: A (Microsphere); B (S50-R50 bupivacaine-loaded
      microsphere); C (50% enantiomeric excess bupivacaine-loaded microsphere); and D
      (50% enantiomeric excess bupivacaine). Inhalation anesthesia was performed before
      the sciatic nerve block (2% halothane and 100% O(2)). Sensorial blockade was
      measured by the time required for each rat to withdraw its paw from a hot plate
      at 56 degrees C (positive>4 sec). Motor blockade was measured by the time between
      drug injection until recovery of a motor score of 2 on the established criterion.
      RESULTS: The sensory response was significantly more frequent in groups B, C, and
      D than in group A (p<0.001). There were no statistically significant differences
      in the response to the sensory test in groups B, C, and D (p>0.05). The response
      to the motor test was also significantly more frequent in groups B, C, and D than
      in group A (p=0.02). A tendency to greater positivity in the motor test was more
      frequently found in groups B and D than in group C (p=0.10). CONCLUSIONS:
      Controlled-release of 50% enantiomeric excess bupivacaine-loaded microspheres
      showed similar results regarding analgesia and less motor blockade when compared
      to other anesthetic formulations.

PMID- 22063376
TI  - Myasthenia gravis: two case reports and review of the literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune neurologic
      disease that affects the postsynaptic portion of the neuromuscular junction. It
      represents a challenge for anesthesiologists due to the diversity of disease
      manifestations and possibility of postoperative respiratory complications. The
      objective of this study was to demonstrate the importance of adequate monitoring
      of the neuromuscular blockade (NMB) due to the multiple presentations of MG.
      CONTENTS: In this paper we report two cases of patients with MG. The first
      patient presented with the classical sensitivity to the neuromuscular blocker
      (NMB) and the second had a similar response to that of a normal patient. The
      literature review will be restricted to disease characteristics, while the
      description of its pathophysiology will focus on its reactions to NMB.
      CONCLUSIONS: We suggest that, due to the multiple presentation and treatment of
      MG, neuromuscular transmission monitors are fundamental when using NMB.

PMID- 22063377
TI  - Cephalad angulation of epidural needle insertion may be an important factor for
      safe epidural space approach: a mathematical model.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Epidural approach angle is one of the determining
      factors for needle traveling length to reach the epidural space. Likewise, the
      margin of safety against accidental dural puncture should be affected by epidural
      approach angle because the space available for epidural needle tip movement in
      the epidural space is depending on the inserting angle to the epidural space. The
      purpose of this study is to conjecture the effect of the angle formed with the
      skin and an epidural needle on the margin of safety against accidental dural
      puncture using a mathematical model. CASE REPORT: Suppose that the width of the
      epidural space is A mm and that the force advancing the epidural catheter is Ckgf
      and the diameter of the catheter is D mm. In this situation, assuming that the
      cephalad angle with the midline approach formed with the skin and an epidural
      needle is theta, the following parameters can be determined: the available
      distance for the needle tip in the epidural space = A/sinthetamm; cephalad
      advancing force of catheter = C*costhetakgf; and the pressure at the site of dura
      matter where the epidural catheter is pushing = 400*C*sintheta.piD(-2)kgf.cm(-2).
      The longer the distance available for the needle tip, the larger the margin of
      safety for dura injury by the epidural needle. It is supposed that theta should
      be set smaller to make the margin of safety larger. Likewise, smaller theta could
      decrease the pushing pressure and more effectively create a distinct cephalad
      advancing force. CONCLUSIONS: Acute cephalad angulation should be considered to
      increase the margin of safety for epidural approach and catheterization.

PMID- 22063378
TI  - Anesthesia for surgical correction of coronary artery fistula without
      extracorporeal circulation: case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Described by Krause in 1865 (1), coronary artery
      fistula communicating with cardiac cavities, pulmonary artery, or coronary sinus
      is very rare. It represents 0.2% to 0.4% of congenital cardiopathies and 0.1% and
      0.2% of the adult population undergoing coronary angiography (2). The objective
      of this report is to present the anesthetic management for surgical closure of a
      coronary fistula in an elective procedure, considering its particularities. CASE
      REPORT: This is a 59-year old male patient, whose coronary fistula was diagnosed
      during clinical investigation of progressive thoracic pain and long-standing
      dyspnea. The patient underwent surgical correction of coronary artery fistula
      under general anesthesia without extracorporeal circulation (ECC). The patient
      evolved without intercurrences, being discharged from the hospital with clinical
      improvement 7 days after surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Coronary artery fistula is rare,
      but the anesthesiologist may be faced with this type of patient in distinct
      situations. Understanding its pathophysiology is important for better
      perioperative management of the patient, therefore improving the prognosis.

PMID- 22063379
TI  - Malfunction of the extracorporeal circulation system: case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The introduction of extracorporeal circulation in
      clinical practice was decisive for the development of modern cardiovascular
      surgery. Addition of new procedures and equipment, however, brings inherent risks
      and complications. The objective of this report is to describe a malfunction of
      the oxygenation system and emphasize the importance of the interaction among the
      medical team members to prevent errors and complications. CASE REPORT: During
      valve replacement and IVC correction surgery, we observed a darker shade of red
      in the blood on the exit of the oxygenator. Laboratory tests demonstrated severe
      acidosis and hypoxemia. The entire system was evaluated, but the cause of the
      malfunction was not found. Measures to reduce damage were successfully
      instituted. After the surgery, the whole system underwent technical evaluation.
      CONCLUSIONS: Interaction among the medical team members, early diagnosis, and
      immediate intervention were fundamental for a favorable outcome.

PMID- 22063380
TI  - Importance of pre-anesthetic evaluation: case report of a patient with
      obstructive sleep apnea.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The objective of this report was to show the
      importance of pre-anesthetic assessment in reducing morbidity and mortality of
      surgical patients and alert to problems and anesthetic care associated with
      obstructive sleep apnea. CASE REPORT: This is a 28-year old male patient with
      class II obesity, sleep apnea, hypertension, referred to the pre-anesthetic
      outpatient clinic for evaluation of uvuloplasty under general anesthesia. After
      orientation on sleep apnea, explaining to the patient the risks associated with
      the procedure, and discussing with the surgeon, we decided to review the surgical
      indication and postpone the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: The pre-anesthetic outpatient
      clinic is extremely important in reducing morbidity as well as mortality of
      surgical patients and, especially, in evaluating patients with obstructive sleep
      apnea, showing to be fundamental for the anesthetic-surgical schedule, orienting
      conducts to be followed, and interfering positively on patient prognosis.

PMID- 22063381
TI  - Experimental model of non-controlled hemorrhagic shock in pigs.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: A better understanding of pathophysiologic changes
      associated to trauma and hemorrhagic shock can help the development of therapies
      capable of reducing trauma-related mortality. The objective of this study was to
      describe a model of non-controlled hemorrhagic shock in pigs. METHODS: Animals
      received ketamine and midazolam as pre-anesthetic medications. Anesthesia was
      induced with propofol, and tracheal intubation was performed with the animals on
      spontaneous ventilation. After intubation neuromuscular blockade was performed.
      Animals were maintained in controlled mechanical ventilation and normocapnia.
      Anesthesia was maintained with propofol and fentanyl as needed. Saline was
      infused during the entire preparation period. MONITORING: Cardioscope, pulse
      oximeter, invasive blood pressure, volumetric catheter in the pulmonary artery,
      and urine output by cystostomy were used. Experimental model: after the initial
      recording of hemodynamic, metabolic, and coagulation variables, right subcostal
      incision and left lobe liver biopsy were performed. Anesthetic infusion was
      reduced while the infusion of saline was interrupted. An incision 12cm long 2cm
      deep was performed in the right liver lobe followed by digital divulsion of the
      wound. During the hemorrhagic phase, an aspiration probe was placed close to the
      wound and the volume of aspirated blood was recorded. When mean arterial pressure
      reached 40mmHg and bleeding was above 700mL the intervention phase was initiated
      according to the type of study. CONCLUSION: The development of experimental
      models to reduce high mortality and costs related to trauma is important.

PMID- 22063382
TI  - Cardiac dysrhythmias and anesthesia.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Cardiac dysrhythmias are relatively common in the
      perioperative period and should be adequately diagnosed and treated by the
      anesthesiologist whenever indicated. The objective of this article was to review
      the most relevant aspects of cardiac dysrhythmias, as well as establishing the
      cause-effect relationship between drugs used in the perioperative period and
      dysrhythmias. CONTENTS: The mechanisms of dysrhythmias, drugs that can
      potentially cause dysrhythmias, besides diagnosis and treatment in the
      perioperative period are presented. CONCLUSIONS: Perioperative dysrhythmias
      oftentimes do not require treatment and in others the treatment can generate
      iatrogenicity. Therefore, the knowledge of cardiac dysrhythmias and triggering
      factors allows a better approach of the perioperative period by the
      anesthesiologist avoiding wrong or unnecessary treatment.

PMID- 22063383
TI  - Sex and pain perception and analgesia.
AB  - Sex is an important factor in painful experience modulation. Large volume of
      evidence shows that experience is different for males and females, as well as the
      answer to some classes of analgesics. Laboratory experiments suggest that women
      have a lower pain threshold than men related to pain from noxious stimuli such as
      heat, cold, pressure and electrical stimulation. Pain is a dynamic phenomenon
      under the influence of various mechanisms of excitatory and inhibitory control.
      The differences in pain perception related to sex may be associated with
      hyperalgesia in women, but also to the hypoactivity of the inhibitory system of
      pain in females. The purpose of this review besides showing some relationship for
      gonadal hormones, central nervous system and pain is to provide reference points
      for the discussion of one of the most intriguing aspects of the pathophysiology
      of pain: the differences in the presence of painful stimuli related to gender.

PMID- 22063384
TI  - Sugammadex((r)): new questions on reversion.

PMID- 22063385
TI  - Antigenic distance measurements for seasonal influenza vaccine selection.
AB  - Influenza vaccination is one of the major options to counteract the effects of
      influenza diseases. Selection of an effective vaccine strain is the key to the
      success of an effective vaccination program since vaccine protection can only be
      achieved when the selected influenza vaccine strain matches the antigenic
      variants causing future outbreaks. Identification of an antigenic variant is the
      first step to determine whether vaccine strain needs to be updated. Antigenic
      distance derived from immunological assays, such as hemagglutination inhibition,
      is commonly used to measure the antigenic closeness between circulating strains
      and the current influenza vaccine strain. Thus, consensus on an explicit and
      robust antigenic distance measurement is critical in influenza surveillance.
      Based on the current seasonal influenza surveillance procedure, we propose and
      compare three antigenic distance measurements, including Average antigenic
      distance (A-distance), Mutual antigenic distance (M-distance), and Largest
      antigenic distance (L-distance). With the assistance of influenza antigenic
      cartography, our simulation results demonstrated that M-distance is a robust
      influenza antigenic distance measurement. Experimental results on both simulation
      and seasonal influenza surveillance data demonstrate that M-distance can be
      effectively utilized in influenza vaccine strain selection.

PMID- 22063386
TI  - Antibody persistence and response to 2010-2011 trivalent influenza vaccine one
      year after a single dose of 2009 AS03-adjuvanted pandemic H1N1 vaccine in
      children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In 2009, several countries used the ASO3-adjuvanted pandemic A/H1N1
      vaccine. We assessed the persistence of antibody and the priming induced by a
      single paediatric dose of this vaccine in children. METHODS: Children aged 15-120
      months vaccinated one year before with the ASO3-adjuvanted monovalent pandemic
      vaccine were tested for the presence of antibody against 2010-2011 TIV components
      (A/California/7/2009(H1N1), A/Wisconsin/15/2009 (H3N2 A/Perth/16/2009-like) and
      B/Brisbane/60/2008) before and 21-28 days after each dose of 2010-2011 TIV.
      Hemagglutination-inhibition (HAI) assay was used. Children received one or two
      doses of 2010-2011 TIV at 21-28 days interval in relation with their previous
      immunization status. RESULTS: The results of 128 children were included in the
      ATP analysis. Before the 2010-2011 TIV administration, 46% of children showed
      sero-protection to the A/California/7/2009(H1N1) strain (HAI titre >=40) with
      lower rates of sero-protection to the H3N2A/Perth/16/2009 (37%) and
      B/Brisbane/60/2008 (19%). After the first dose of 2010-2011 TIV, 98%, 75%, and
      57% of vaccinees attained a sero-protective titre to A/California/7/2009(H1N1),
      A/Perth/16/2009(H3N2), and B/Brisbane/60/2008 strain, respectively. The youngest
      age group showed significantly lower antibody response to the influenza B
      component compared to the older age groups after the first dose of vaccine. Among
      vaccinees who received the second dose of TIV, 96% and 87% had a sero-protective
      titre to H3N2A/Perth/16/2009 and B/Brisbane/60/2008, respectively. The 2010-2011
      TIV was well tolerated. CONCLUSIONS: We found substantial persistence of antibody
      to the A/California/7/2009 strain one year after a single paediatric dose of AS03
      adjuvanted pandemic vaccine and a seroprotective level of antibody to this strain
      in virtually all children who received one year later a single dose of the 2010
      2011 TIV. In contrast, two doses of the 2010-2011 TIV were necessary to induce an
      adequate immune response to the A/Perth/16/2009(H3N2) and B/Brisbane/60/2008
      strains in children previously naive to seasonal vaccine.

PMID- 22063387
TI  - Parental perception of influenza in Italy: a web survey.

PMID- 22063388
TI  - Lessons from an online debate about measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) immunization.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To provide strategies for immunization advocates on how best to
      participate in online discussion forums about immunization. METHODS: Content and
      thematic analysis of an online discussion forum held following the national
      screening of a documentary about the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine and
      autism scare. A subsample of branches containing more than 20 posts was analysed.
      Each distinct message (a "post") was coded for the author's manifest position on
      immunization, author type, topic, and evidence presented or sought. RESULTS: From
      103 distinct branches there were 1193 posts sent over a 31/2 h period. We
      selected the 13 longest branches containing 466 posts from 166 individuals. One
      third of these individuals were explicitly critical of MMR immunization and one
      third sought information. The remainder were ambivalent but seeking no
      information (5%), supportive (14%), or unstated (15%). Among five author
      categories, only 4% identified themselves as health professionals. Topics
      included alleged adverse effects of immunization (35%); autism spectrum disorders
      treatment and causes (31%); vaccine ingredients (12%); a conspiracy (9%);
      immunization policies (8%); and measles, mumps or rubella (4%). Scientific
      concepts of evidence failed to compete with lay concepts and personal anecdotes
      prevailed. CONCLUSIONS: Health professionals and other advocates of immunization
      should engage in similar types of post-broadcast online discussion forums in a
      planned and strategic manner that accounts for the decision processes of lay
      people. This involves expanding and diversifying the support base of people
      contributing to the forum; setting the agenda; introducing messages known to
      influence behaviour; not overselling vaccination; and avoiding personal attacks.

PMID- 22063389
TI  - Effect of modified-live porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus
      (PRRSv) vaccine on the shedding of wild-type virus from an infected population of
      growing pigs.
AB  - There are ongoing efforts to eliminate porcine reproductive and respiratory
      syndrome virus (PRRSv) from regions in the United States swine industry. However,
      an important challenge for the accomplishment of those efforts is the re
      infection of pig units due to the area spread of PRRSv. The objective of this
      study was to evaluate the effect of PRRS modified-live virus vaccine (MLV) on
      viral shedding and on dynamics of PRRSv infection in pig populations raised under
      commercial conditions. The study composed of two rooms of 1000 pigs each. Ten
      percent of pigs of each room were inoculated with a field isolate of PRRSv. Rooms
      had separate air spaces and strict scientifically validated biosecurity protocols
      were adopted to avoid movement of pathogens between rooms. At 8 and 36 dpi (days
      post inoculation), all pigs of the challenge-vaccine group were inoculated with a
      MLV vaccine. Pigs of the challenge-control group were placebo-inoculated. Blood
      and oral fluid samples were collected from each room at 0, 8, 36, 70, 96 and 118
      dpi for PRRSv RNA detection using PCR. PRRSv-antibodies were also screened from
      blood serum samples with a commercially available ELISA test. Additionally,
      tonsil scraping samples were collected from both groups at 70, 96 and 118 dpi.
      Moreover, air samples were collected 6 times per week from 0 to 118 dpi and were
      tested for PRRSv RNA using qPCR assay. There was no difference in the PRRSv
      infection dynamics measured as duration and magnitude of viremia and
      seroconversion. Also, there was no difference in the frequency of tonsil scraping
      samples PRRSv-positive by PCR. However, the challenge-vaccine group had
      significantly less PRRSv shed compared to the challenge-control group. The
      challenge-vaccine group had significant less PRRSv-positive oral fluids at 36
      dpi. Moreover, the challenge-vaccine group had significant reduction in the
      cumulative PRRSv shed in the air.

PMID- 22063390
TI  - Progress in newborn hepatitis B vaccination by birth year cohorts-1998-2007, USA.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In 1999, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) and the U.S. Public
      Health Service (USPHS) issued a joint statement on thimerosal in vaccines, which
      advised clinicians to temporarily postpone the first dose of hepatitis B vaccine
      for infants born to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-negative women. In 2005,
      the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) updated the strategy to
      improve prevention of perinatal and early childhood hepatitis B virus (HBV)
      transmission. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the progress in hepatitis B birth dose
      vaccination coverage in birth year cohort from 1998 to 2007 and assess the impact
      of changes in ACIP recommendations on the birth dose coverage. METHODS: Birth
      year cohort study of hepatitis B birth dose vaccination status of 200,865
      children aged 19-35 months in the United States and by selected socio-demographic
      factors; percentage increases of hepatitis B birth dose vaccination coverage
      between two consecutive birth year cohorts from 1998 to 2007. RESULTS: From 1998
      to 1999, hepatitis B birth dose vaccination coverage declined overall in the
      United States and among selected socio-demographic groups (P<0.001). Conversely,
      from 1999 to 2007 hepatitis B birth dose vaccination coverage increased
      significantly by birth year cohort (P<0.001), from approximately 30% in the 1999
      birth year cohort to approximately 60% in the 2007 birth year cohort. The first
      significant increase in hepatitis B birth dose vaccination coverage occurred from
      2000 to 2001 birth year cohort. Coverage increases ranged from 8.4% to 11.9%
      (P<0.001) in the U.S. and across all socio-demographic strata. The second largest
      increase in hepatitis B birth dose vaccination coverage occurred from 2005 to
      2006 birth year cohort in the U.S. and among almost all socio-demographic strata,
      ranging from 5.6% to 8.7% (P<0.001). Forty-one of the 50 states and the District
      of Columbia (80%) in the U.S. had increases in hepatitis B birth dose vaccination
      coverage from 2005 to 2006 birth year cohort. CONCLUSIONS: The United States has
      made substantial progress in increasing hepatitis B birth dose vaccination and
      recovered from coverage declines associated with temporary postponement of the
      birth dose in 1999. The hepatitis B birth dose coverage in the U.S. remains
      substantially below the Healthy People 2020 target of 85%.

PMID- 22063391
TI  - Relationships between sensory and objective measures of meat tenderness of beef
      m. longissimus thoracis from bulls and steers.
AB  - This study assessed whether relationships between sensory and objective measures
      of beef tenderness were different for beef from bulls and steers. Trained
      panelists and instruments were used to measure tenderness of m. longissimus
      thoracis from bulls (n=58) and steers (n=59). Four measures of sensory tenderness
      (hardness, cohesiveness, toughness and chewiness) were closely correlated with
      each other, and moderately correlated with mechanical measures using a Warner
      Bratzler device, a MIRINZ tenderometer and a compression cell in an Instron
      device. With increasing values of objective measures, sensory scores increased at
      a decreasing rate. Use of a general-least-squares model with sensory measures as
      the dependent variable and objective measures as covariates (linear and
      quadratic), showed that, after adjustment to a constant objective measure,
      significant differences between bulls and steers in sensory measures of toughness
      remained (P<0.001). Adjusted sensory measures also decreased with increasing
      ultimate pH in some instances. The bull/steer effects on adjusted sensory
      measures were smaller when regressions were fitted within the two groups. It is
      concluded that when using a common prediction equation to estimate sensory scores
      from objective measures, it can be expected that groups or individual samples
      with higher scores will tend to be under-estimated, and those with lower scores,
      over-estimated.

PMID- 22063392
TI  - Effect of organic production system on broiler carcass and meat quality.
AB  - The effect of organic production on broiler carcass and meat quality was
      assessed. Two hundred and fifty Ross male chickens were assigned to two different
      systems of production: conventional, housing in an indoor pen (0.12 m(2)/bird);
      organic, housing in an indoor pen (0.12 m(2)/bird) with access to a grass paddock
      (4 m(2)/bird). At 56 and 81 days of age, 20 chickens per group were slaughtered
      to evaluate carcass traits and the characteristics of breast and drumstick
      muscles (m. pectoralis major and m. peroneus longus). The organic chickens had
      carcasses with a higher breast and drumstick percentages and lower levels of
      abdominal fat. The muscles had lower pHu and water holding capacity. Instead
      cooking loss, lightness values, shear values, Fe, polyunsaturated fatty acids of
      n-3 series and TBA-RS were higher. The sensory quality of the breast muscle was
      better. Organic production system seems to be a good alternative method, due to
      better welfare conditions and good quality of the carcass and meat. A negative
      aspect was the higher level of TBA-RS in the muscles, probably due to greater
      physical activity.

PMID- 22063393
TI  - Utilization of cereal and fruit fibres in low fat dry fermented sausages.
AB  - The effect of addition of cereal and fruit dietary fibres on the sensory
      properties of reduced-fat, dry fermented sausages was studied. Dry fermented
      sausages with 6 and 10% pork backfat were manufactured, with addition of cereal
      (wheat and oat) and fruit (peach, apple and orange) dietary fibres, at 1.5 and 3%
      concentrations. The energy value reduction of the final products was close to 35%
      and their final fibre contents, after ripening, were 2 and 4%, respectively. The
      ripening process was monitored by physico-chemical and microbiological analysis.
      Sensory properties were analyzed using triangular and hedonic tests and, a
      texture profile analysis was carried out. A correlation principal component
      analysis was performed. The results showed that the sensory and textural
      properties of batches with 3% dietary fibre were the worst, due to their hardness
      and cohesiveness. The best results were obtained with sausages containing 10%
      pork backfat and 1.5% fruit fibre especially those with orange fibre, which gave
      organoleptic characteristics similar to conventional high fat products. Thus,
      reduced fat sausages fortified with dietary fibre can be obtained with an
      acceptable sensory profile.

PMID- 22063394
TI  - Meat tenderization by calcium chloride after osmotic dehydration.
AB  - In this study, meat was tenderized by dipping the meat in a calcium-containing
      solution after osmotic dehydration. Dehydrated meats were dipped in a 150 mM
      calcium chloride solution for 3 h, and after that stored for 24, 48, and 168 h at
      3 ~ 4 degrees C. Then, meat was subjected to texture measurement, sensory
      evaluations, biochemical analysis and histological observations. A gradual
      decrease in the firmness and higher tenderness sensory scores were observed in
      the meat treated with calcium chloride as compared with the untreated meat. Few
      differences were observed in water holding capacity by treatment at any stage of
      storage. A gradual increase in the myofibril fragmentation from the calcium
      chloride-treated meats was observed throughout the storage compared with the
      controls. Broadening of the I band and a disordered Z-line were observed in the
      treated meat. The deformation of the honeycomb-like structure of the endomysium
      was also observed in the treated samples. Therefore, the dipping in 150 mM
      calcium chloride solution after dehydration can be applied to improve meat
      tenderness without detrimental effects on other palatability and quality traits.

PMID- 22063395
TI  - The effects of acetic acid, gluconic acid and trisodium citrate treatment of beef
      trimmings on microbial, color and odor characteristics of ground beef through
      simulated retail display.
AB  - Antimicrobial effects of selected acidulants in a ground beef production system
      were studied. Lean beef trimmings were inoculated with Escherichia coli (EC) and
      Salmonella Typhimurium (ST) then treated with either 5% acetic acid, 5% gluconic
      acid (GA) or 5% trisodium citrate and then compared with an untreated control
      (C). Trimmings were ground, packaged and sampled at 0, 1, 2, 3 and 7 days of
      display for EC, ST, coliforms, aerobic plate counts (APC), sensory color and odor
      as well as instrumental color traits. Acetic acid reduced (P<0.05) all bacterial
      types evaluated, but caused changes (P<0.05) in ground beef color (L*, a* and b*
      values) and odor characteristics. Conversely, although GA reduced (P<0.05) EC and
      APC, it had little effect on color or odor characteristics as compared with C.
      Trisodium citrate did not affect (P>0.05) microbial populations, color or odor
      characteristics of ground beef.

PMID- 22063396
TI  - Sensory colour assessment of fresh meat from pigs supplemented with iron and
      vitamin E.
AB  - Pork muscle samples (M. longissimus dorsi) were obtained from pigs given one of
      four dietary treatments: (1) control diet; (2) supplemental iron [7-g iron (II)
      sulphate/kg feed]; (3) supplemental vitamin E (200-mg dl-alpha-tocopheryl
      acetate/kg of feed); and (4) supplemental vitamin E+supplemental iron. Muscle
      cores were packaged in polythene bags and placed in a retail refrigerated display
      cabinet at 5+/-1 degrees C, under fluorescent light (1000 LUX) for up to 5 days.
      Samples were subjected to visual colour evaluation by a trained sensory panel
      (n=12) at 0, 1, 3 and 5 days. In addition instrumental L*, a* and b* values and
      drip loss were measured on each day of analysis. All samples became less red and
      browner over storage time in the refrigerated display cabinet. The vitamin E
      treated samples were more red and less brown compared with the other samples on
      successive days in the cabinet followed by the control, iron/vitamin E and iron
      treatments. The iron/vitamin E treatment was positioned midway between the
      vitamin E and iron treatments indicating that the vitamin E in the samples was
      effective in reducing the pro-oxidative effect of iron in inducing the brown
      metmyoglobin pigment development. Iron supplementation did not significantly
      (P<0.05) increase M. longissimus dorsi iron tissue levels, but had a detrimental
      effect on the visual sensory properties of the iron and iron/vitamin E treatment
      groups with greater metmyoglobin formation. Vitamin E appears to have promoted
      non-supplemental iron absorption in the vitamin E treated group without the
      detrimental sensory colour characteristics associated with ferrous sulphate
      supplementation. Drip loss increased in all samples during the course of the
      experiment with no significant (P<0.05) differences between the experimental
      groups. The panellists were able to differentiate the four experimental groups on
      each day of the study and were more effective in evaluating the colour quality of
      samples than instrumental assessment, i.e. the Hunter L* a* b* method.

PMID- 22063397
TI  - Purification of transglutaminase and its effects on myosin heavy chain and actin
      of spent hens.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to purify pig plasma transglutaminase (TGase) and
      examine its effects on the myosin heavy chain and actin of the breast muscles
      from spent hens at different temperatures. TGase (0.3 units/mg) was added to
      myofibrillar proteins solution (0.5 ml) at 4 degrees C for 0, 4, 8, 12, 24 and 48
      h; at 25 degrees C for 0, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 24 and 48 h; at 37 degrees C for 0, 5,
      10, 30 and 60 min. The results of sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel
      electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) showed that plasma TGase was composed of units of
      molecular weights approximately 75,000 and 80,000. TGase added to the
      myofibrillar proteins solution indicated that the concentration of the myosin
      heavy chain and actin decreased when incubated at 4 degrees C for 48 h and when
      incubated at 25 degrees C for 2 h. Moreover, the relative intensity determined by
      scanning densitometry of the SDS-PAGE gel indicated that the myosin heavy chain
      and actin concentration decreased to 45 and 64%, respectively. In addition, the
      relative intensity of the myosin heavy chain and actin declined to 7 and 63%,
      respectively, when incubated at 37 degrees C for 5 min. The relative intensity of
      both the myosin heavy chain and actin decreased with time when incubated at 25
      and 37 degrees C.

PMID- 22063398
TI  - The effect of injection level and cooling method on the quality of cooked ham
      joints.
AB  - The effect of cooling method and injection level on cooling rate, weight loss and
      quality of large cooked ham joints was investigated. Two cooling methods, vacuum
      (VC) and conventional (CC) and two injection levels (20 and 30%) were examined.
      VC reduced the cooling rate (70  degrees C to 4  degrees C) significantly in
      comparison to the CC (2.5 h vs. 12.5 h). Under these test conditions, VC
      conformed to recent safety guidelines for cooked meat joints of a reduction in
      temperature to 5  degrees C inside 10 h in comparison to CC. The injection rate
      had no affect on the cooling rate. Increased weight loss due to vacuum cooling
      was off-set by increasing the level of brine injection in pork legs from 20 to
      30% and getting a yield after VC similar to that for CC hams injected at 20%.
      Injection rate had no affect on the sensory attributes but cooling method did; VC
      hams were slightly tougher (P<0.05) and drier (P<0.01) than CC hams. While VC
      hams injected to a 30% rate were less tender and juicy than CC hams injected at a
      20% rate, as indicated by sensory scores and some instrumental texture
      parameters, they were similar in shear value and in overall acceptability.

PMID- 22063399
TI  - Continuous distribution analysis of T(2) relaxation in meat-an approach in the
      determination of water-holding capacity.
AB  - Continuous distribution analysis as well as traditional bi-exponential fitting
      analysis were carried out on NMR T(2) relaxation data measured 24 h post-mortem
      in 74 pork meat samples from M. longissimus dorsi. Areas of relaxation
      populations found by continuous distribution analysis and corresponding time
      constants were determined. Comparison of correlations to water holding capacity
      (WHC), determined by Honikel's bag method [Honikel, K. O. (1998). Reference
      methods for the assessment of physical characteristics of meat. Meat Science, 49,
      447-457], revealed superior performance of continuous distribution analysis (r=
      0.85) compared with traditional bi-exponential fitting analysis (r=-0.77).
      Furthermore, the changes in continuous relaxation time distribution spectra were
      followed during loss of water from meat samples by centrifugation. It was found
      that the area of the slowest relaxation population (T(22)) decreased
      proportionally with the amount of expelled water. A physical explanation for the
      obtained correlation between continuous relaxation time distribution data and WHC
      is given upon the results from these data.

PMID- 22063400
TI  - Temperature and catecholamine effects on metabolism of perfused isolated rabbit
      muscle.
AB  - Biceps brachii muscle was isolated from anaesthetized New Zealand rabbits and
      perfused for 30 min with bovine red cells, while electrically stimulated at 0.1
      Hz, 50 V. Temperature was maintained at 34 (physiological temperature of this
      muscle), 36 or 38  degrees C in the first experiment (Exp 1). In the second
      experiment (Exp 2), temperature was maintained at either 34 or 38  degrees C and
      the muscle was perfused with 2 ng/ml adrenaline and 10 ng/ml noradrenaline for 5
      min during the perfusion. Whatever the temperature, twitch force decreased
      (P<0.01) during perfusion indicating muscular fatigue. Total turnover rate of
      "energy-rich" phosphate was higher at 38  degrees C than at 34  degrees C
      (P<0.05) during the first 30 min after the perfusion was stopped in Exp 1 and
      tended to be higher between 30 and 60 min (P<0.10) in Exp 2. Catecholamine
      perfusion had no effect on contraction and on muscle metabolism whatever the
      temperature. Our results show that an increase in temperature of 4  degrees C
      above the physiological temperature decreases the resistance of oxygenated rabbit
      muscle to fatigue. In anoxic muscle, temperature increase accelerates the
      turnover of "energy-rich" phosphate compounds, which is known to be detrimental
      to meat quality.

PMID- 22063401
TI  - The effect of nitrite and starter culture on microbiological quality of "chorizo"
      a Spanish dry cured sausage.
AB  - The effect of nitrite and starter culture on the survival of Enterobacteriaceae,
      Micrococcaceae, Lactic acid bacteria and other microorganisms was evaluated
      during ripening of "chorizo", a Spanish dry sausage. Sodium nitrite 50 and 150
      ppm and Lactobacillus sake CL35 added to the "chorizo" have a significant
      inhibitory effect on Enterobacteriaceae counts but did not on Micrococcaceae. The
      use of Lact. sake could be an adequate safety factor in this product.

PMID- 22063402
TI  - Microbial, instrumental color and sensory color and odor characteristics of
      ground beef produced from beef trimmings treated with ozone or chlorine dioxide.
AB  - The effects of beef trimming decontamination with ozone and chlorine dioxide on
      ground beef microbial, color and odor characteristics were studied. Beef
      trimmings were inoculated with Escherichia coli (EC) and Salmonella Typhimurium
      (ST), then treated with either 1% ozonated water for 7 min (7O) or 15 min (15O),
      or with 200 ppm chlorine dioxide (CLO) and compared with a control (C). Trimmings
      were ground, packaged and sampled at 0, 1, 2, 3 and 7 days of display for EC, ST,
      coliforms (CO), aerobic plate counts (APC), instrumental color, as well as
      sensory color and odor characteristics. The 15O and CLO treatments reduced
      (P<0.05) all bacterial types evaluated, whereas the 7O treatment reduced (P<0.05)
      APC and ST. All treatments caused ground beef to become lighter (L*) in color
      (P<0.05); however, the 15O treatment was similar (P>0.05) in redness (a*),
      percentage discoloration, beef odor and off odor intensities when compared to C.

PMID- 22063403
TI  - Effect of artificial rearing on lamb welfare and meat quality.
AB  - Twenty male Comisana lambs were equally divided into two groups. Ten subjects
      were artificially reared, 10 others were ewe reared and used as control.
      Unseparated control animals displayed increased cellular immune response to a
      percutaneous injection of phytohemagglutinin (P<0.001). During the open field
      test, ewe-reared lambs showed a higher number of flight attempts (P<0.01).
      Carcass yield were higher for artificially reared animals (P<0.05). Conversely,
      legs of ewe-reared animals had significantly more fat (P<0.05) and a higher
      content of saturated fatty acids (P<0.001). Polyunsaturated fatty acid content
      was higher in artificially reared lamb meat (P<0.01), although the ratio n-6/n-3
      was well above the recommended values. The triangle test showed a significant
      difference in sensory analysis between the two products (P<0.05). Finally, for
      both rearing systems legs without subcutaneous fat showed a higher percentage of
      polyunsaturated fatty acids and a corresponding lower content of saturated fatty
      acids (P<0.001).

PMID- 22063405
TI  - Lipid oxidation in n-3 fatty acid enriched Dutch style fermented sausages.
AB  - Dutch style fermented sausages were manufactured with a substitution of 10%, 15%
      and 20% of pork backfat by flaxseed oil and canola oil, pre-emulsified with soy
      protein isolate. The 15% and 20% substitution were also reached by adding
      encapsulated flaxseed oil and encapsulated fish oil and by adding flaxseed oil,
      pre-emulsified with sodium caseinate, respectively. The products were sliced,
      packaged in an oxygen-enriched atmosphere and stored in the dark for 12 weeks at
      7 degrees C. No differences were detected in moisture, protein and fat content
      between control and modified sausages, with the exception of the formulation with
      sodium caseinate. The PUFA/SFA ratio increased from 0.30 in the control to 0.42
      0.48 in the sausages with canola oil and to 0.49-0.71 in the sausages with
      flaxseed oil. The n-6/n-3 ratio decreased from 11.20 in the control to 6.94-5.12
      in the sausages with canola oil and to 1.93-1.05 in the sausages with flaxseed
      oil. The addition of canola oil and encapsulated flaxseed oil resulted in a
      comparable shelf life as the control in terms of lipid oxidation. In the samples
      with addition of pre-emulsified flaxseed oil, especially with sodium caseinate,
      lipid oxidation clearly increased during storage. Physical and sensory analysis
      showed that the sausages with encapsulated fish oil and flaxseed oil resembled
      the control most.

PMID- 22063406
TI  - High pressure applied to frozen ham at different process stages. 1. Effect on the
      final physicochemical parameters and on the antioxidant and proteolytic enzyme
      activities of dry-cured ham.
AB  - This paper describes the effect of high pressure (400MPa and 600MPa) applied to
      frozen hams at early stages of the dry-cured ham process: green hams (GH) and
      hams at the end of the resting stage (ERS), on some physicochemical parameters
      and on antioxidant and proteolytic enzyme activities in the final product. No
      significant differences were observed among treatments either in the drying
      kinetics or in the physicochemical characteristics. However, when high-pressure
      was applied to frozen GH hams it produced a superficial denaturation that
      affected salt absorption and, consequently, the proteolysis index. The high
      pressure treatment applied during the processing of previously frozen GH and ERS
      hams reduced the antioxidant enzyme activities slightly (superoxide dismutase,
      catalase and glutathione peroxidase) but did not affect the cathepsin B and the
      cathepsin B+L activities.

PMID- 22063407
TI  - High pressure applied to frozen ham at different process stages. 2. Effect on the
      sensory attributes and on the colour characteristics of dry-cured ham.
AB  - This paper describes the effect of high pressure (400MPa and 600MPa) applied to
      frozen hams at early stages of the dry-cured ham process: green hams (GH) and
      hams at the end of the resting stage (ERS), on the appearance, some texture and
      flavour parameters and on the instrumental colour characteristics of dry-cured
      hams. Pressurized hams showed slightly lower visual colour intensity than the
      control ones. In general, pressurization did not have a significant effect on the
      flavour characteristics of the final product. The 600-MPa hams from the ERS
      process showed significantly lower crumbliness and higher fibrousness scores than
      the control and the 400-MPa hams. However, none of these differences were enough
      to affect the overall sensory quality of the hams negatively. Regarding
      instrumental colour characteristics (L(*)a(*)b(*)), an increase in lightness was
      observed in the biceps femoris muscle from GH hams pressurized at 400MPa and
      600MPa but not in the ERS hams.

PMID- 22063408
TI  - On-line measurements in pig carcass classification: Repeatability and variation
      caused by the operator and the copy of instrument.
AB  - For nearly all pigs slaughtered in the EU, the lean meat content is assessed on
      line at the slaughter line. The assessment is made indirectly by an instrument
      performing a number of informative measurements including the thickness of back
      fat as one of the most important and common measurements. Several types of
      instruments are used for making the measurements. The quality of the calibration
      (the prediction ability) has to be approved by the EU Commission. However, the
      maintenance of instruments, training of operators, working conditions and other
      factors influencing the routine are quite as important for the accuracy as the
      calibration. As a part of an EU funded project, partners representing thirteen
      European countries have investigated the instruments used in their countries
      focusing on the precision of indirect measurements. The preconditions have
      differed considerably between the countries resulting in a wide range of
      estimates of the repeatability and the reproducibility (precision) of fat and
      muscle thickness. Totally, there have been three different types of manual
      instruments - invasive probe instruments from three manufacturers, non-invasive
      ultrasound and callipers. Furthermore, the precision of two automatic instruments
      with respect to lean meat content has partly been estimated. Even though neither
      the aim nor the design of the experiments was set for a direct comparison between
      different instruments, none of them seemed to deviate notably from the others
      with respect to the precision of fat thickness. In this study, the only
      investigated influencing factors were the variations in operators and copies of
      instruments. Generally, the variations between operators were more important than
      the variation between copies of the same type of instrument.

PMID- 22063409
TI  - Comparison of ascorbic acid and sodium erythorbate: Effects on the 24h display
      colour of beef lumbar vertebrae and longissimus lumborum packaged in high-oxygen
      modified atmospheres.
AB  - Sodium erythorbate and ascorbic acid were compared as a means to stabilize
      surface colour of bone-in beef steaks in high-oxygen modified atmosphere (80%
      oxygen and 20% carbon dioxide). Bone-in strip loins (n=8) were fabricated into
      1.9-cm thick steaks, of which both the lumbar vertebrae and longissimus lumborum
      were topically treated with either ascorbic acid or sodium erythorbate (0, 0.05,
      0.1, 0.5, 1.0, or 1.5%, wt/wt basis). Colour (L(*)a(*)b(*)) was evaluated before
      treatment and 24h after packaging (display at 1 degrees C). Sodium erythorbate
      was as effective as ascorbic acid for inhibiting vertebrae discolouration
      (P>0.05). Either reducing agent at 0.5, 1.0, or 1.5% improved (P<0.05) vertebrae
      redness (compared with 0%, 0.05% and 0.1%). No detrimental effects on muscle
      colour were observed. When selecting antioxidants intended for bone-in beef
      steaks displayed in high-oxygen packaging, sodium erythorbate may be a cost
      effective substitute for ascorbic acid.

PMID- 22063410
TI  - Effect of slaughter season on fatty acid composition, conjugated linoleic acid
      isomers and nutritional value of intramuscular fat in Barrosa-PDO veal.
AB  - This paper describes the influence of slaughter season on lipid content, fatty
      acid composition, conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomeric profile and nutritional
      value of fat in Barrosa veal from calves reared according to the specifications
      of the Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). Barrosa purebred calves (n=27) were
      raised in a traditional production system and slaughtered in early autumn
      (October) and late spring (June). Barrosa-PDO veal only presented seasonal
      differences in the levels of some minor fatty acids and CLA isomers, as well as
      in the PUFA/SFA ratio. Based on the analysed grass intake indicators, it was
      shown that veal-PDO has similar values to pasture-fed cattle for both slaughter
      seasons. From a human nutrition perspective, intramuscular fat in Barrosa-PDO
      veal has a high nutritional value throughout the year, since CLA contents and the
      percentages of the c9,t11 isomer are relatively high, and the n-6/n-3 ratios are
      within the recommended values for the human diet.

PMID- 22063411
TI  - Post-mortem metmyoglobin reduction in fresh venison.
AB  - The accumulation of metmyoglobin (MetMb) at the surface of meat during storage
      contributes significantly to its discolouration. Under appropriate conditions it
      may be possible to utilise residual meat MetMb reducing activity to maintain
      fresh colour. Venison meat colour stability is poorer compared with other
      species. Hence, we evaluated the capacity of completely discoloured venison (n=12
      animals) to reduce MetMb under anaerobic conditions in order to decipher more
      clearly the role MetMb reducing activity may play. The reducing capacity of
      venison (1 day, 3, and 6 weeks post-mortem), electrical stimulation, surface
      location (top and bottom) and rigor temperature (15 and 35 degrees C) on MetMb
      were evaluated. Surface MetMb decreased (P<0.001) during storage while
      deoxymyoglobin increased (P<0.001) demonstrating MetMb reduction. Metmyoglobin
      reduction was greater (P<0.001) in venison which entered rigor at 15 degrees C,
      the reduction at the bottom surface of the steaks was greater (P<0.001) compared
      with the top surface, and electrical stimulation had no affect (P>0.05). These
      data demonstrate that metmyoglobin reducing activity occurs anaerobically in
      completely discoloured venison following storage display. The practical
      application for this finding needs to be determined.

PMID- 22063412
TI  - Effects of oleoresin-tocopherol combinations on lipid oxidation, off-odor, and
      color of irradiated raw and cooked pork patties.
AB  - Lipid oxidation, color, and volatiles of double-packaged pork loins with various
      oleoresin or oleoresin-tocopherol combinations were determined to establish the
      best oleoresin-tocopherol conditions that can improve the quality of irradiated
      raw and cooked pork loins. Rosemary and alpha-tocopherol combination at 0.05% and
      0.02% of meat weight, respectively, showed the most potent antioxidant effects in
      reducing both TBARS values and the amounts of volatile aldehydes in irradiated
      raw and cooked pork loins. The antioxidant combination, however, did not affect
      the production of sulfur volatiles responsible for irradiation off-odor and
      showed little effects on color changes in irradiated raw and cooked pork loins.
      Exposing double-packaged irradiated pork to aerobic conditions for 3days during
      the 10-day storage was effective in controlling both lipid oxidation and
      irradiation off-odor, regardless of packaging sequences.

PMID- 22063413
TI  - Lipid oxidation and color change of salted pork patties.
AB  - The purposes of this study were to explore the interaction of lipid oxidation and
      pigment oxidation in salted pork patties and to study the mutual relationship
      between lipid and pigment oxidation caused by replacing sodium chloride with
      potassium chloride at low salt levels. For fresh pork patties, a(*) and b(*)
      values decreased with the replacement of sodium chloride by potassium chloride.
      However, there were no significant differences of L(*) values, pH values, total
      pigments and heme irons by replacement of NaCl with KCl; however, the replacement
      reduced 2-thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). The addition of sodium
      tripolyphosphate, ascorbic acid and carnosine did not change a(*) and b(*) values
      of raw pork patties. However, raw pork patties with 0.25% sodium tripolyphosphate
      had significantly higher L(*) value compared to other samples. The pH of raw pork
      patties with 0.5% carnosine was higher than those of other treatments. The pH of
      raw pork patties with 0.25% sodium tripolyphosphate was significantly higher than
      that of the control treatment with no antioxidant. Samples with 550ppm ascorbic
      acid had significantly higher total pigment and heme iron than patties with 0.25%
      sodium tripolyphosphate. Although control treatment with no antioxidant had
      slightly higher TBARS values, these differences were not large enough to be
      significant.

PMID- 22063414
TI  - Characterizing beef muscles with optical scattering and absorption coefficients
      in VIS-NIR region.
AB  - We developed a fiber optical probe to measure spatially resolved diffuse
      reflectance from beef samples in VIS-NIR bandwidth of 450-950nm. The optical
      scattering and absorption coefficients were obtained by fitting the measurements
      with diffuse equation. Beef absorption coefficients are related to the sample
      chemical compositions such as the concentration of myoglobin and its derivatives;
      while scattering coefficients depend on meat structural properties such as
      sarcomere length and collagen concentration. Structural properties are also key
      factors in determining beef tenderness, therefore we hypothesize that a
      correlation exists between optical scattering and cooked Warner-Bratzler shear
      (WBS) force. Thirty-two, unfrozen beef muscle samples obtained from different
      animals were used in the correlation study. We found a higher scattering
      coefficient was associated with a higher cooked WBS. A linear regression analysis
      showed that sample scattering coefficients were significantly (p<0.0001)
      correlated to the corresponding WBS with a coefficient of determination (R(2)) of
      0.59.

PMID- 22063415
TI  - Injection of conjugated linoleic acid into beef strip loins.
AB  - Beef strip loins (IMPS 180; n=15) were sectioned in thirds and sections (n=45)
      were left untreated (CNT) or injected with either a commercial powder conjugated
      linoleic acid (CLA) source (Powder) or a commercial oil CLA source (Oil), whose
      major isomers were 18:2cis-9, trans-11 and 18:2trans-10, cis-12 CLA isomers.
      Fresh Oil steaks had 3.20 and 3.15, Powder steaks had 4.67 and 4.62, and CNT
      steaks had 0.19 and 0.02mg/g muscle tissue (wet basis) of the cis-9, trans-11 and
      trans-10, cis-12 CLA isomers, respectively. TBARS were similar (Oil) and lower
      (Powder), compared to CNT. Powder steaks had similar instrumental color, and beef
      and off flavor characteristics as CNT. Artificial marbling was created with Oil
      steaks having USDA Small(79) and Powder steaks having USDA Modest(86) marbling
      scores, while CNT steaks had USDA Slight(94) marbling scores. Injection of CLA
      can be effective in significantly increasing CLA and potentially creating
      artificial marbling.

PMID- 22063416
TI  - The relationship between different pork carcass lean yield definitions and the
      market carcass value.
AB  - Cutout and dissection data from 265 carcasses were used to study the impact of
      the lean yield definition on their ability to discriminate lean carcasses from
      fat carcasses. The same data were used to evaluate the relationship between the
      various definitions of lean yield, such as the lean yield predicted by the
      Destron optical probe (LYDESTRON), the saleable meat yield (SMY), the Canadian
      lean yield (LY2000) and the lean meat percentage (TVM), and the market carcass
      value. Based on the highest number of carcasses assigned to the extreme grades
      (leaner and fatter), the TVM had the greatest discriminating capability based on
      carcass leanness. The correlation coefficients obtained between market carcass
      value and LYDESTRON, SMY, LY2000 and TVM were 0.14, 0.54, 0.36 and 0.23,
      respectively. These weak correlations demonstrate that lean yield alone does not
      adequately explain the variation in market value between carcasses. Lean yield
      therefore cannot be used to estimate market value independently of the definition
      used.

PMID- 22063417
TI  - Effects of dietary daidzein supplementation of pregnant sows on carcass and meat
      quality and skeletal muscle cellularity of the progeny.
AB  - The effects of dietary daidzein during late gestation on maternal performance,
      neonatal body composition, carcass and meat quality at market weight, and
      skeletal muscle cellularity were studied. Multiparous sows received a soybean
      free diet (n=8, control) or the same diet supplemented with 1mg daidzein/kg body
      weight (n=7) daily from d 85 of gestation to parturition. Litter size, litter
      weight, and birth weight remained unaffected by daidzein feeding. In newborn
      piglets from litters >15, the proportions of muscle tissue and skin tended to be
      decreased (P=0.09) or increased (P=0.03), respectively, after gestational
      daidzein feeding. The body fat percentage was higher in response to maternal
      daidzein (P=0.04). Postnatal growth and carcass composition at 180d of age were
      not affected, however, maternal daidzein supplementation led to increases in
      longissimus muscle pH(45) (P=0.02) and pH(end) (P=0.11) in pigs from large
      litters. The proportion of fast-twitch glycolytic fibres in semitendinosus muscle
      was increased (P=0.06) by maternal daidzein feeding. The results suggest that
      supplemental daidzein in the maternal diet during late gestation marginally
      affects meat quality and skeletal muscle cellularity of the progeny.

PMID- 22063418
TI  - Post-mortem activity of the glycogen debranching enzyme and change in the
      glycogen pools in porcine M. longissimus dorsi from carriers and non-carriers of
      the RN(-) gene.
AB  - Glycogen debranching enzyme (GDE) is together with glycogen phosphorylase
      responsible for the degradation of glycogen. The present study compares the post
      mortem activity of GDE and breakdown of the glycogen pools in M. longissimus
      dorsi of RN(-) carrier pigs and in wild type animals. The activity of GDE (n=14)
      and pH (n=20) was measured 0.5, 3, 5, 24 and 48h post-mortem. The change in pro
      glycogen and in macro-glycogen content (n=20) was followed until 216h post-mortem
      and the transcription level of GDE, glycogenin and glycogen synthase m-RNA (n=19)
      were measured 0.5h post-mortem. Both the activity of GDE and the transcription
      level of GDE were found to be similar in RN(-) carriers and wild type animals
      shortly after slaughter. However, the activity declined faster in wild type
      animals compared with RN(-) carriers with increasing time post-mortem. The
      contents of both pro-glycogen and macro-glycogen were higher in RN(-) carriers
      compared with wild type animals, and further, the proportion of macro-glycogen
      was higher in RN(-) carriers compared with wild type animals. During the post
      mortem period, only degradation of pro-glycogen was observed in both genotypes.
      The decrease in pH was faster and the ultimate pH lower in RN(-) carriers than in
      wild type animals. It was suggested that the higher GDE activity in the late
      phase of the post-mortem period in muscles from RN(-) carriers renders the
      extended pH decrease in these muscles.

PMID- 22063419
TI  - Species-specific PCR for the identification of ruminant species in feedstuffs.
AB  - A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) method based on the nucleotide sequence
      variation in the 12S ribosomal RNA mitochondrial gene has been developed for the
      specific identification of bovine, ovine and caprine DNAs in feedstuffs. The
      primers designed generated specific fragments of 84, 121 and 122pb length for
      bovine, ovine and caprine species, respectively. The specificity of the primers
      designed was tested against 30 animal species including mammals, birds and fish,
      as well as eight plant species. Analysis of experimental feedstuffs demonstrated
      that 0.1% of raw and heated bovine, ovine or caprine tissues can be easily
      detected using the species-specific primers developed. The performance of this
      method is not affected by prolonged heat treatment, and consequently it could be
      very useful to verify the origin of the raw materials in products submitted to
      denaturing technologies, for which other methods cannot be applied.

PMID- 22063420
TI  - Development in myofibrillar water distribution of two pork qualities during 10
      month freezer storage.
AB  - The effects of fresh meat quality (PSE versus DFD), freezing temperature (-20
      degrees C versus -80C degrees ) and duration of freezer storage on changes in
      water mobility and distribution were followed at intervals of 1-2 months during
      10-month freezer storage of pork using low-field NMR T(2) relaxometry. Fresh meat
      quality was found to have a strong significant effect (P<0.0001) on the amount of
      loosely bound water (relaxation time >100ms) also after freezing, which was
      reflected in a significantly lower cooking yield in PSE meat compared with DFD
      meat (P<0.0001). While no significant changes in the cooking yield were observed
      with increasing length of freezer storage, NMR T(2) relaxation measurements
      revealed a significant increase in the amount of loosely bound water in PSE meat
      with increasing length of freezer storage. This finding indicates that NMR T(2)
      relaxation measurements are quite sensitive to freezing-induced changes in the
      meat structure, causing a shift in the distribution of water and possibly capable
      of detecting these before they are reflected in a reduced cooking yield. In
      addition, an interaction between fresh meat quality and effect of length of
      freezer storage on the amount of very mobile water easily lost as drip was
      observed, implying that PSE meat is more susceptible to freezer storage-induced
      deteriorative changes in the meat structure, causing a shift in the distribution
      of water, than DFD meat.

PMID- 22063421
TI  - Efficacy of lactic acid salts and sodium acetate on ground beef colour stability
      and metmyoglobin-reducing activity.
AB  - This study examined two concentrations (0.6 and 1.0mol) of three lactic acid
      salts (calcium lactate, CaL; potassium lactate, KL; and sodium lactate, NaL),
      with and without 0.01mol sodium acetate (n=3 replications), for effects on ground
      beef colour stability and metmyoglobin-reducing activity (MRA). Ground beef with
      CaL was least colour stable (P<0.05). Increasing CaL and NaL concentration
      decreased (P<0.05) colour stability. Ground beef with acetate only was most
      colour stable (P<0.05), but it did not result in more MRA (P>0.05) than control
      ground beef. Including both lactate and acetate was not as effective (P>0.05) in
      increasing colour stability as acetate alone. In general, both KL levels were
      equal (P>0.05) to the lower NaL concentration, and all three were superior in
      colour stability (P<0.05) to CaL and the higher NaL concentration. More MRA was
      generated by including lactates (P<0.05); KL and NaL had more MRA than CaL
      (P<0.05). However, these increases in MRA did not result in improved colour
      stability. Overall, adding KL to ground beef would not increase ground beef
      colour stability over adding nothing, but CaL and high levels of NaL would
      decrease colour stability. Using 0.01mol sodium acetate maximized ground beef
      colour stability.

PMID- 22063422
TI  - The influence of creatine and a high glycemic carbohydrate on the growth
      performance and meat quality of market hogs fed ractopamine hydrochloride.
AB  - Crossbred barrows (n=128; 85+/-0.91kg) were randomly allotted to one of four
      dietary treatments. A pelleted corn-soybean diet containing 5ppm Paylean((r))
      (PAY) was tested against a negative control (NCON) diet formulated to meet or
      exceed the National Research Council's requirements for the growing pig, a
      pelleted corn-soybean diet containing 0.92% creatine and 2.75% dextrose (COMBO),
      and a pelleted corn-soybean diet containing a combination of 5ppm Paylean((r)),
      0.92% creatine, and 2.75% dextrose (PAYPLUS). No treatment differences were noted
      when comparing ADG (P=0.66) and hot carcass weight (P=0.75). Over the 27d test,
      barrows fed PAY and PAYPLUS produced loins with a larger (P<0.01) loin muscle
      area (LMA) than those fed NCON or COMBO diets. Barrows fed the NCON diet were
      fatter at the 10th-rib (P<0.01) than those animals fed the remaining dietary
      treatments. Dietary treatment did not affect the ultimate pH (P=0.87), Japanese
      color score (P=0.25) or Minolta L(*) (P=0.61) and b(*) (P=0.56) values of the
      loin. Loin chops from NCON, COMBO and PAYPLUS tended (P=0.07) to contain a higher
      intramuscular fat content than those from barrows fed PAY. Additionally, loin
      chops from the NCON and COMBO fed animals were more red (higher a(*)-value) than
      those chops coming from animals fed the PAY diet (P<0.01).

PMID- 22063423
TI  - Effects of oral vitamin D(3) supplementation and supplement withdrawal on the
      accumulation of magnesium, calcium, and vitamin D in the serum, liver, and muscle
      tissue and subsequent carcass and meat quality of Bos indicus influenced cattle.
AB  - Bos indicus crossbred cattle (n=79) were fed vitamin D(3) (0 or 3 million
      IU/hd/d) for 5d. Afterwards, half of each group was slaughtered immediately,
      while half was fed, without supplementation, for 7d before processing. Serum
      calcium concentration was increased (P<0.05) in cattle after supplement removal,
      but not immediately following supplementation. This also was observed in the M.
      longissimus lumborum and M. triceps brachii, but not in the M. semitendinosus.
      Liver biopsy vitamin D(3) concentrations were higher (P<0.05) in supplemented
      cattle immediately following supplementation, but were not different from
      controls after supplement removal. Vitamin D(3) did not affect tenderness at
      supplement removal day 0, but increased the tenderness of the M. longissimus
      lumborum and M. semitendinosus at supplement removal day 7. Vitamin D(3)
      supplementation improves muscle tenderness and may be more effective when
      supplementation is ceased 7d before slaughter, with minimum food safety concerns.

PMID- 22063424
TI  - Conjugated linoleic acid content of beef differs by feeding regime and muscle.
AB  - The project objective was to determine the CLA content of three muscles
      (Longissimus lumborum, LD; Semimembranosus, SM; Triceps brachii, TB), in both raw
      and cooked states, in cattle finished on pasture or with grain supplements.
      Cattle were randomly assigned to one of four finishing regimens; pasture (n=11),
      pasture with grain supplement (n=11), pasture with grain supplement containing
      soyoil (n=12), and feedlot (n=12). In the raw state, TB had higher (P<0.05) CLA
      than LD or SM on a mg/g sample basis. Total CLA was higher (P<0.05) in the soyoil
      diet when compared to the other three feeding regimes on a mg/g sample basis and
      when expressed as mg/g fat in both raw and cooked analyses. Pasture inclusion
      produced higher levels (P<0.05) of total CLA than the feedlot diet on a mg/g fat
      basis for cooked samples while maintaining acceptable eating quality.

PMID- 22063425
TI  - Feral goats in Australia: A study on the quality and nutritive value of their
      meat.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to determine the quality of fresh and cooked meat,
      and the nutritive value of this meat from 62 male Australian feral goats. The
      goats were slaughtered at 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 and 70kg liveweights. Half of
      the goats were castrated and half were left as intact animals. The quality
      profiles of meat (e.g. pH, colour, pigment concentrations, cooking loss, shear
      force value and eating quality of cooked meat) from both castrated and intact
      feral goats started to decrease when animals were slaughtered at heavier
      liveweights (e.g. above 40kg). The nutritive value of the meat (chemical
      compositions, fatty acids and total cholesterol concentrations) changed when
      animals were castrated and had heavier slaughter weights. Overall, we recommend
      that 40kg liveweight is the heaviest slaughter weight, since the quality
      characteristics of meat will be lower when feral goats were slaughtered above
      40kg liveweight.

PMID- 22063426
TI  - The application of collagen preparations as carriers of rosemary extract in the
      production of processed meat.
AB  - The application of collagen preparations as carriers of rosemary extract in the
      production of wiener-type and liver sausages has been evaluated. The rosemary
      extract was introduced into the meat products using one of two carriers (collagen
      hydrolyzate or collagen fibre preparation) or directly (i.e. using no carriers).
      The relationship between the methods of extract introduction and its
      antioxidative action was assessed on the basis of the lipid oxidation (i.e.
      determination of peroxide value and TBARS) during cold storage of sausages in air
      or in vacuum. The introduction of rosemary extract to the products via the
      collagen fibre preparation limited lipid oxidation greater than the direct
      addition of the antioxidant to both meat products, irrespective of storage. On
      the contrary, in the case of the application of collagen hydrolyzate as a carrier
      of extract, a masking effect was observed, diminishing the antioxidative impact
      on the tested products.

PMID- 22063428
TI  - The biochemical and physical effects of electrical stimulation on beef and sheep
      meat tenderness.
AB  - Application of electrical stimulation in the sheep and beef processing industry
      has been erratic around the world and this may reflect an incomplete knowledge of
      how to optimise the technology. Although it is well established that stimulation
      increases the rate of post-mortem glycolysis, other biochemical and biophysical
      effects have been implicated with the use of this technology. This review seeks
      to examine the current theories about the effect of stimulation on post-mortem
      muscle. The classical view that stimulation prevents muscle from shortening
      excessively during rigor development has been expanded to include the possibility
      that it also results in physical disruption of muscle structure. The interaction
      of these effects with the acceleration of the rate of proteolysis through
      activation of the calpain protease system has not been comprehensively reviewed
      in the past. Thus there are two mechanisms which could explain the effect of
      stimulation on tenderisation, reduced 'cold-induced' shortening and alteration of
      protein structure. A secondary effect is the enhancement of the rate of
      proteolysis stimulated by release of Ca (2+) at a higher temperature. As a result
      of this review we highlight several areas that may prove fruitful for further
      research. The challenge for further development of electrical stimulation systems
      is optimisation of the activation of the enzyme systems in parallel with
      manipulation of chilling regimes so as to ensure rigor mortis is achieved at
      temperatures which minimise shortening. These optimal temperatures largely
      established at a fixed incubation temperature for detached muscle may be
      different when measured in intact carcasses. The potential of regional
      stimulation of sections of the carcass to achieve this outcome is worthy of study
      given the different fibre composition of muscles and temperature gradients. In
      addition, to ensure that appropriate amounts of energy are applied to individual
      carcasses, development of self-response stimulation units, which are able to
      determine carcass resistance and apply appropriate durations or strengths of
      stimulation is worthy of future research. This would lead to more effective
      electrical stimulation practices.

PMID- 22063429
TI  - Carcass traits of Rambouillet and Merino * Rambouillet lambs and fatty acid
      profiles of muscle and subcutaneous adipose tissues as affected by new sheep
      production system.
AB  - Rambouillet and Merino*Rambouillet lambs were assigned to production systems
      varying in physical environment and diet: RF (raised-floor, open-sided barn/85%
      oat hay-10% wheat-5% molasses), FL (feedlot/high-concentrate), and P
      (pasture/grazing plus supplement). Although treatment duration was varied to
      produce similar final weights, RF lambs were heavier than P lambs, but dressing
      percentages were similar. Backfat thickness was less with P and for Merino cross
      lambs. RF feed was higher in saturated fatty acids (SFA) percentage than FL feed
      and P supplement, but lower compared to pasture plants. For both breed types,
      muscle tissue from RF was higher in SFA and lower in polyunsaturated fatty acids
      (PUFA) percentage than that from FL or P. In adipose tissue, SFA and PUFA tended
      to be higher and monounsaturated fatty acids were lower with RF for Merino cross
      lambs. Nevertheless, 16:0 or 18:1 percentage differences among P, FL and RF lamb
      tissue samples were minor vs. large variations among their respective diets.

PMID- 22063430
TI  - Effects of sheep production systems on oxidative storage stability of lean lamb
      patties.
AB  - Rambouillet lambs were assigned to three production systems varying in physical
      environment and diet: RF (a new, raised-floor feeding structure, with animals fed
      a pelleted mixture of 85% oat hay, 7.5% barley and 7.5% molasses); FL (a feedlot,
      with animals fed high-concentrate rations); and P (a pasture, with animals given
      access to the pasture and a high-concentrate supplement). Lengths of time on feed
      were adjusted to produce similar final shorn weights for each system. Ground meat
      patties were made with knife-separable lean from hind legs and aerobically
      refrigerated. Fat content of patties was not significantly different between RF
      and FL or P, while total unsaturated fatty acid percentage was slightly lower
      (P<0.05) for RF treatment. Patty color (redness) was most stable for RF. Lipid
      oxidation in raw patties also was lower (P<0.05) for RF than FL, but oxidation in
      cooked patties was greater for RF.

PMID- 22063431
TI  - Prediction of technological quality (cooking loss and Napole Yield) of pork based
      on fresh meat characteristics.
AB  - In order to investigate if cooking loss and Napole Yield can be predicted from
      various fresh meat characteristics, pH (1, 15, 30, 60, 120 min and 24 h post
      mortem), temperature (1, 15, 30, 60, 120 min and 24 h post mortem), water-holding
      capacity (Honikel's drip loss method and centrifugation loss), and NMR T2
      relaxation 24 h post mortem were measured in fresh porcine M. longissimus dorsi
      from 102 Hampshire crossbreeds of known RN(-) genotype. Subsequently, cooking
      loss and Napole Yield were determined on cooked and cured, cooked samples,
      respectively, and partial least squares regression (PLS) was carried out to
      investigate possible intercorrelations between the physico-chemical measurements
      performed on the fresh meat and cooking loss/Napole Yield. Significant
      correlations were found between NMR T2 relaxation measured in fresh pork 24 h
      post mortem and the cooking loss (R=0.64) and Napole Yield (R=0.58), whereas no
      correlations were found between traditionally applied methods such as pH
      measurements, Honikel's method and centrifugation, and the cooking loss/Napole
      Yield. Consequently, it is concluded that NMR T2 relaxation characteristics of
      fresh pork in contrast to traditional fresh meat characteristics contain
      information about factors of importance for cooking loss/Napole Yield from cooked
      uncured/cured pork. The result implies that low-field (LF) NMR data from fresh
      meat reflects information about water compartmentalisation and mobility that is
      partly decisive for subsequent heat-induced changes of importance for the
      distribution of water within the cooked meat. In addition, the obtained results
      show that LF NMR data measured on fresh meat also seems to contain information
      about the inherent water of importance for the technological characteristics of
      the meat even when the meat is cured before cooking.

PMID- 22063432
TI  - Determination of fatty acids in the subcutaneous fat of Iberian breed swine by
      near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) with a fibre-optic probe.
AB  - A near infrared spectrometer equipped with a standard 1210/210 bundle remote
      reflectance fibre-optic probe, with a 5*5 cm quartz window, was used for the
      determination of fatty acids in the subcutaneous fat of Iberian pigs. A
      comparative study was made of the determination of fatty acids (C14:0, C16:0,
      C18:0, C18:1, C18:2, C18:3, C20: 1, Sigmapolyunsaturated, Sigmamonounsaturated
      and Sigmasaturated) in samples of subcutaneous fat from Iberian pigs by direct
      application of the fibre-optic probe on samples of whole subcutaneous fat and
      with cam-lock cups, assessing extracts of total lipids with diethyl ether. The
      regression method employed was modified partial least squares (MPLS). Calibration
      of 157 samples, using the fibre optic probe, allowed determination of fatty acids
      in the following ranges: C14:0 (0.78-1.77), C16:0 (15.87-29.74), C18:0 (4.61
      15.90), C18:1 (43.50-61.27), C18:2 (2.03-13.94), C18:3 (0.13-1.14), C20:1 (0.45
      2.32), Sigmapolyunsaturated (2.31-14.82), Sigmamonounsaturated (47.37-65.62),
      Sigmasaturated (22.09-47.31), with corrected standard errors of prediction SEP(C)
      of 0.093, 0.56, 0.67, 0.94, 0.42, 0.10, 0.20, 0.46, 0.94, 0.83, respectively. The
      robustness of the method using the fibre-optic probe was tested in a
      slaughterhouse using 23 samples for external validation, giving multiple
      correlation coefficients (RSQ) for C14:0, C16:0, C18:0, C18:1, C18:2, C18:3
      C20:1, Sigmapolyunsaturated, Sigmamonounsaturated, Sigmasaturated acids of 0.72,
      0.94, 0.72, 0.79, 0.88, 0.55, 0.17, 0.88, 0.74, and 0.90, respectively, and a
      corrected standard error of prediction [SEP(C)] for these acids (%) of 0.11,
      0.60, 0.84, 1.20, 0.77, 0.11, 0.30, 0.76, 1.21, and 1.18, respectively.

PMID- 22063433
TI  - Consumer attitudes towards beef and acceptability of enhanced beef.
AB  - The objective of this study was to evaluate consumer quality characteristics of
      enhanced steaks and roasts derived from cattle supplemented with vitamin E during
      finishing, and to assess the attitudes of these consumers towards beef. Twelve
      steers were fed either a control (E-) diet or a diet supplemented with dl-alpha
      tocopheryl acetate (E+). Paired strip loins and rounds were either used as
      controls (C) or were pumped (P) to 110% of raw weight to contain 0.4% sodium
      chloride and 0.4% sodium tripolyphosphate in the final product. Consumers (n=103)
      evaluated roasts and steaks for juiciness, tenderness, saltiness, and overall
      acceptability on a 9-point hedonic scale. Enhanced steaks and roasts were more
      acceptable than non-enhanced controls; E+ steaks were less acceptable than E-
      steaks. A beef quality questionnaire revealed that color, price, visible fat and
      cut were the most important factors underlying beef steak purchase, while
      tenderness, flavor and juiciness were weighted most heavily with regard to eating
      satisfaction.

PMID- 22063434
TI  - The interaction between calpastatin and RYR1 genes for some pork quality traits.
AB  - This study was performed in order to investigate a relationship between
      polymorphism's of calapastatin gene (CAST) identified with HinfI, MspI and RsaI
      restriction endonucleases in pigs and meat quality characteristics and also
      interactions between CAST and RYR1 genes. Investigations were carried out on
      group of 89 fatteners being crosses of (Polish Large White*Polish
      Landrace)*(Hampshire*Pietrain). Some meat quality characteristics, glycolytic
      potential of LL muscle, yield of curing meat in cooking, the yield of loin in
      curing and smoking processes were determined. Statistically significant influence
      of RYR1 genotype (CC and CT) on investigated traits wasn't affirmed. A
      significant effect of CAST genotype on the value of several meat quality traits
      was noticed. Interactions between RYR1 and CAST genes were statistically
      significant for pH(45) value (CAST/RsaI*RYR1) and for drip loss
      (CAST/HinfI*RYR1). Obtained results showed that glycogen level in LL muscle in 45
      min post mortem depends on CAST/MspI and CAST/RsaI genotypes while glycolytic
      potential depends on CAST/RsaI genotype. Genotyp AA at CAST/RsaI locus and AA
      genotype at CAST/HinfI locus stopped disclose of effect of RYR1 gene mutation for
      pH(45) in LD muscle and for drip loss respectively. Animals heterozygous in RYR1
      locus (CT) being BB homozygotes at CAST/RsaI locus produced meat with highest
      pH(45) value (6,4) and dark meat colour. For technological properties of meat
      most interesting are double heterozygotes at the loci RYR1 and CAST/HinfI with
      significantly lowest (P?0.01) drip loss (4,04%).

PMID- 22063435
TI  - Consumer and sensory investigations in relation to physical/chemical aspects of
      cooked pork in Scandinavia.
AB  - The present study addresses sensory quality and liking for pork (eight samples)
      varying in quality due to adrenaline injection resulting in elevated ultimate pH
      post-slaughter (24h), meat ageing, cooking temperature and warmed-over flavour
      (WOF) among consumers (n=288) in Scandinavia. The consumers preferred meat with
      higher pH (pH(24h)=6.0), cooked to the lowest temperature (65  degrees C versus
      80  degrees C). Consumers least preferred samples with WOF described as metallic,
      acidic and off-flavour by a trained panel. "Elevated pH(24h) meat" cooked to 65 
      degrees C resulted in a more sweet and tender meat. Juiciness, tenderness and the
      absence of off-flavour were the most important characteristics for consumers'
      liking of pork. Consumption frequency and liking of pork were positively related.
      The consumers that were most satisfied with pork quality reported highest
      consumption frequency. Elderly people and males expressed the highest liking
      score and consumption frequency, respectively.

PMID- 22063436
TI  - Konjac/gellan gum mixed gels improve the quality of reduced-fat frankfurters.
AB  - Mixed gels of konjac (1%, 2%) and gellan gum (0.25%, 0.5%) were incorporated into
      reduced-fat (18%) frankfurters and compared with reduced-fat and high-fat (28%)
      controls for physicochemical, textural, sensory properties and storage stability.
      C28 (control at 28% fat) had the highest (P<0.05) lightness (L*) and yellowness
      (b*) values but the lowest redness (a*). C28 had the lowest textural hardness,
      shear force value and sensory firmness but highest juiciness scores. Treatments
      containing konjac/gellan gum mixed gels were not different from C28 in sensory
      overall acceptability, among them K1G5 (1% konjac/0.5% gellan gum) was
      numerically higher. C18 had the highest TPC (~7.8 log CFU/g) after 12 weeks of
      storage, followed by gum-containing treatments. In conclusion, it appears
      feasible to incorporate konjac/gellan gum mixed gel at current levels to reduced
      fat frankfurter for acceptable sensory merits with reasonable shelf life.

PMID- 22063437
TI  - Spinal cord tissue detection in comminuted beef: comparison of two immunological
      methods.
AB  - Two commercial immunological kits for detection of central nervous system (CNS)
      tissue in beef were compared: ScheBo(r) BrainosticTM, based on CNS-specific
      antigen (neuron specific enolase) detection, and Ridascreen(r) Risk Material 10/5
      test, an enzyme immunoassay for glial fibrillary acidic protein. Spinal cord (SC)
      was added to batches of choice, select, and utility grades of ground fresh beef
      shoulder clod to yield 0.0, 0.0125, 0.025, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, and 1.6% SC
      in meat. Sensitivity and specificity in detecting SC in fresh and frozen samples
      were determined. Both BrainosticTM and Ridascreen(r) kits detected SC at claimed
      levels: 0.25% and 0.11%, respectively. The Ridascreen(r) test consistently
      detected SC at 0.025%, below its claimed sensitivity level, expressed for brain
      and SC combined. The Ridascreen(r) test was ~10* more sensitive, easier, faster
      to run and less expensive than the BrainosticTM. Overall, quality grade had no
      influence on SC detection in fresh or frozen meat.

PMID- 22063438
TI  - Isotachophoretic determination of added phosphate in meat products.
AB  - From the phosphate content in meat and meat protein a new ratio of free (non
      protein) phosphate/protein (16+/-2 mg/g) was calculated. From the level of
      soluble phosphate determined by capillary isotachophoresis (CITP), protein
      content determined by Kjeldahl method and with the use of the earlier-mentioned
      ratio the amount of added phosphates could be calculated. The method was compared
      with the spectrophotometric dry-ashing reference method on 34 samples and good
      agreement was found.

PMID- 22063439
TI  - The effect of quantity and timing of brine addition on water binding and textural
      characteristics of cooked beef rolls.
AB  - The combined influence of quantity and timing of water/sodium chloride/phosphate
      addition on quality characteristics of beef rolls processed with 25 or 50% brine
      level was investigated. Properties of beef rolls were determined by measuring
      hydration and textural characteristics. The higher level of brine addition (50%)
      had detrimental effects on product water binding and textural characteristics.
      Late addition of brine/water during tumbling (i.e. during the last hour) resulted
      in rolls which were less hard, chewy and elastic, and had poorer water holding
      properties. Addition of brine in two parts favourably affected hydration
      properties and thermal stability, yielding lower cooking loss and purge and
      higher WHC, irrespective of level of brine addition. It also increased hardness
      and chewiness and improved springiness, cohesiveness and bind of cooked beef
      rolls.

PMID- 22063440
TI  - Conservation of Cervus elaphus meat in modified atmospheres.
AB  - This study examines the effect of three types of modified atmospheres, each with
      a different gas composition (A:40% CO(2)+60% N(2); B:80% CO(2)+20% O(2); C:80%
      CO(2)+20% N(2)), on the development of meat quality of Cervus elaphus in order to
      suggest a gas composition that best preserves this type of meat. Meat quality was
      assessed by examining pH, colour as L(*)a(*)b(*) values, drip loss (DL), cooking
      loss (CL) and shear force (SF). In samples of group A, pH values tended to be
      higher in all storage periods than those packed with 80% CO(2) and significant
      differences (P<0.001) among the groups were found at 16 d of storage. Gas
      composition affected a(*) and b(*) parameters (P<0.001), in samples packed with
      O(2), the b(*) values were higher than in other groups, while the opposite was
      true in a(*) values. Similar values of DL and CL were observed for all treatments
      and both parameters increased over time. SF values decreased with ageing, with
      similar values observed for all treatments.

PMID- 22063441
TI  - Consumer sensory evaluation of plain and seasoned goat meat and beef products.
AB  - Plain meat loaves and chili were prepared with ground goat meat or beef
      containing 15% fat. A consumer sensory panel first rated meat loaf samples for
      acceptability on a 9-point hedonic scale. Then, meat loaf samples, followed by
      chili samples, were each evaluated in triangle test for differentiation between
      goat meat and beef. Acceptability scores were similar for plain goat meat and
      beef loaves when the goat meat product was served before the beef product, but
      were lower for the goat meat with reverse serving order. In triangle tests, goat
      meat was differentiated from beef, whether plain or seasoned products.

PMID- 22063442
TI  - The influence of the rate of pH decline on the rate of ageing for pork. I:
      interaction with method of suspension.
AB  - The influence of the rate of pH decline post slaughter on the rate of ageing of
      pork was investigated. The rate of pH decline on 24 finisher pigs was manipulated
      by altering the method of stunning (carbon dioxide or electrical head to heart)
      and by the use of electrical stimulation (none or low voltage electrical
      stimulation (LVES) at 4 min post slaughter). To investigate the effect of pH
      decline rate on ageing rate independently of the effect on possible muscle
      shortening, sides were suspended by either the pelvis (to minimize shortening) or
      conventionally by the Achilles tendon. The data indicated that the rate of pH
      decline did not influence the rate of ageing but the use of LVES did improve
      tenderness at 1, 2 and 10 days post slaughter due to the prevention of muscle
      shortening. Electrical stunning improved tenderness at 1 and 2 days post
      slaughter but had a detrimental effect on drip loss. Pelvic suspension improved
      tenderness at rigor, 1, 2 and 6 days post slaughter due to prevention of muscle
      shortening. The conditions employed however were not severe enough to induce
      protein denaturation.

PMID- 22063443
TI  - The influence of the rate of pH decline on the rate of ageing for pork. II:
      Interaction with chilling temperature.
AB  - The influence of the rate of pH decline post slaughter on the rate of ageing of
      pork m. longissimus thoracis et lomborum was investigated. The rate of pH decline
      on 24 finisher pigs was manipulated by altering the method of stunning (carbon
      dioxide or electrical head to heart) and by the use of electrical stimulation
      (none or low voltage electrical stimulation (LVES) at 4 min post slaughter for
      either 15 s or 60 s). The rate of temperature decline was altered by chilling at
      2 or 14  degrees C until rigor. The pH and temperature decline rates generated
      were designed to induce cold shortening at one extreme and protein denaturation
      at the other. The research results showed that the rate of pH decline was
      increased by electrical stimulation which in turn reduced cold shortening and
      improved tenderness. Chilling at 14  degrees C reduced the time to reach rigor by
      1.3 h and resulted in a faster aging rate as indicated by a larger percentage
      change in WBSF from rigor to 4 days postmortem relative to carcases chilled at 2 
      degrees C. The greater tenderising effect appeared to be due to a combination of
      prevention of cold shortening and increased proteolysis. However, chilling slowly
      at 14  degrees C or the use of LVES for 60 s or any combination of these
      treatments did not induce protein denaturation.

PMID- 22063444
TI  - The effect of replacing fat with oat bran on fatty acid composition and
      physicochemical properties of meatballs.
AB  - Oat bran was used as a fat substitute in the production of meatballs. The effect
      of oat bran addition on the fatty acid composition, trans fatty acids, total fat,
      some physicochemical and sensory properties of the samples was studied. Meatballs
      were produced with four different formulations; the addition of 5, 10, 15 and 20%
      oat bran. Control samples were formulated with 25% fat addition as in commercial
      production. The major fatty acids were cis-oleic, palmitic and stearic acid in
      all the meatball samples, those with oat bran added as well as the control.
      Meatballs containing oat bran had lower concentrations of total fat and total
      trans fatty acids than the control samples. Meatballs made with 20% oat bran had
      the highest protein, salt and ash contents, L value (lightness), b value
      (yellowness), and the lowest moisture content and a value (redness). There was no
      significant difference among the meatball samples with respect to sensory
      properties, and all samples had high acceptability.

PMID- 22063445
TI  - Comparison of the performances of Nero Siciliano pigs reared indoors and
      outdoors. 1. Growth and carcass composition.
AB  - A total of 78 female and male Nero Siciliano pigs were used. Forty-one pigs were
      reared following the traditional management system, 37 pigs were reared in pens
      with a small outdoor paddock and fed to appetite using commercial rations
      according to the growing period. Both male and female pigs were castrated. All
      pigs were weighed and measured periodically. Body measurements included height at
      withers, chest girth, body length, width at shoulders and at rump. Age and body
      weight at slaughter ranged respectively from 371 to 572 days and from 79 to 113
      kg. The carcasses were weighed and dissected into lean, fat and bone cuts. In the
      early and final stages indoor-pigs grew faster than those reared outdoors. Trends
      in body length were similar for the two rearing systems, for width at shoulders
      and rump, chest girth and height at withers, indoor pigs showed higher values
      than the outdoor ones. Carcasses of similar weight were longer in outdoor than in
      indoor pigs but the latter showed greater subcutaneous fat thickness. Outdoor
      pigs had the lowest dressing percentage and the highest percentage of lean cuts,
      such as shoulder and ham, but not of neck and loin. Sex did not significantly
      affect the analysed characteristics.

PMID- 22063446
TI  - Effect of sodium chloride replacement on some characteristics of fermented
      sausages.
AB  - The reduction of added NaCl in fermented meat products has been proposed to
      decrease the amount of sodium in the diet. The effect of substituting NaCl by
      KCl, potassium lactate (K-lactate) or glycine (0-40%) in some sensory,
      microbiological and physicochemical characteristics of fermented sausages was
      evaluated. The sensory effects of substituting NaCl by mixtures of glycine and
      KCl or glycine and K-lactate was also evaluated. The partial substitution of NaCl
      by KCl, K-lactate and glycine had little effect on microbiological stability.
      However, flavour and/or textural defects were detected by sensory analysis with
      substitution levels of 40% by KCl, 30% with K-lactate and 20% with glycine. The
      partial substitution (above 40%) of NaCl with different mixtures of KCl/glycine
      and K-lactate/glycine showed important flavour and textural defects which did not
      permit an increase in the level of substitution compared to those obtained with
      the individual components.

PMID- 22063447
TI  - Effects of cooking method, reheating, holding time, and holding temperature on
      beef longissimus lumborum and biceps femoris tenderness.
AB  - Effects of cooking method, holding temperature, holding time, and reheating on
      Warner-Bratzler peak shear force (WBPSF); Warner-Bratzler myofibrillar force (WBM
      F), Warner-Bratzler connective tissue force (WBC-F) and cooking loss were
      investigated. Two muscles (longissimus lumborum and biceps femoris) from USDA
      Choice beef carcasses were used. Water-bath cooking resulted in higher WBPSF, WBM
      F, and WBC-F than belt-grill cooking for longissimus lumborum. The biceps femoris
      muscle tenderness improved more with holding time after cooking on a belt than
      the longissimus lumborum due to its higher collagen content. Cooking biceps
      femoris steaks to 54  degrees C by a belt grill and holding them at 57  degrees C
      in a water bath for 15 min and subsequent reheating to 70  degrees C (best
      treatment combination) produced a 25% reduction in WBPSF, a 37% reduction in WBC
      F, and a 12% reduction in WBM-F as compared to the control (cooking steaks
      directly to 70  degrees C without holding). Water-bath cooking resulted in lower
      WBPSF than belt-grill cooking for biceps femoris without any holding time, but
      further tenderization did not occur with holding. Water-bath cooking resulted in
      higher cooking losses than belt-grill cooking for both muscles.

PMID- 22063448
TI  - Effect of level, source, and time of feeding prior to slaughter of supplementary
      dietary magnesium on pork quality.
AB  - A total of 192 pigs were utilized in a 2*3*3 factorial arrangement with an
      additional control treatment. The treatments were: (1) magnesium level (1.6 vs.
      3.2 g of magnesium pig(-1) day(-1)); (2) magnesium source (sulfate vs.
      proprionate vs. proteinate); (3) feeding duration (5 vs. 2 vs. 1 day), and a
      control (no supplementary magnesium). Minolta L(*) values were lower (P?0.05),
      indicating darker muscle color, for pigs supplemented with 1.6 g magnesium pig(
      1) day(-1) compared to the controls while pigs on the 3.2 g magnesium level were
      intermediate between these two treatments. Animals on the 1 day treatment had a
      higher (P?0.05) ultimate pH and lower (P?0.05) Minolta L(*) compared to those on
      the 2 days and control treatments, while 5 days pigs were intermediate and had
      lower L(*) values compared to the controls. The sulfate and proteinate treatments
      produced pork with the lower (P?0.05) Minolta L(*) values compared to the
      controls. Pigs fed the sulfate diet had a lower (P?0.05) drip loss compared to
      those on the control treatment. Results from this study suggest that the lowest
      level (1.6 g magnesium pig(-1) day(-1)) and the shortest time of supplementation
      (1 day) may be effective in improving pork color and water-holding capacity.

PMID- 22063449
TI  - Characterization of lactic acid bacteria isolated from a Greek dry-fermented
      sausage in respect of their technological and probiotic properties.
AB  - A total of 147 lactic acid bacteria was isolated from two types of naturally
      fermented dry sausages at four different stages of the ripening process studied
      in order to select the most suitable strains according to their technological
      characteristics including probiotic properties and antimicrobial activity against
      food-borne pathogens. Identification of the isolates revealed that 90% were
      lactobacilli, 4% enterococci, 3% Pediococcus sp. and sporadic isolates of
      Weissella viridescens, Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides, and Leuconostoc sp. The
      isolated strains of Lactobacillus sakei (49 isolates), Lactobacillus curvatus (24
      isolates) and Lactobacillus plantarum (7 isolates) were further characterized.
      All strains could grow at 15  degrees C, whereas the majority of the strains was
      able to grow in the presence of 6.5% NaCl and on acetate agar. The enzymatic
      potential of the strains was evaluated using the API ZYM system. During in vitro
      investigations all strains exhibited high leucine and valine aminopeptidase
      activities and moderate acid phosphatase and phosphohydrolase activities. Some
      strains showed very weak lipolytic activity. The enzyme profiling is an important
      factor for selection of strains as starter cultures. A large majority of the
      strains tolerated 0.1% bile salts whereas 58% of Lactobacillus curvatus strains
      and all Lactobacillus plantarum strains were resistant to 0.3% bile salts. All
      Lactobacillus sakei strains and the majority of Lactobacillus curvatus and
      Lactobacillus plantarum strains exhibited an anti-listerial activity against
      three Listeria monocytogenes strains. A percentage of 75, 50 and 29% of
      Lactobacillus sakei, L. curvatus and L. plantarum strains, respectively, could
      inhibit two Staphylococcus aureus strains. The contribution of the selected
      strains to a possible inhibition of Listeria monocytogenes and S. aureus in situ
      on fermented meats would be of considerable interest to enhance the hygienic
      quality of these products.

PMID- 22063450
TI  - Quality characteristics of low fat ostrich meat patties formulated with either
      pork lard or modified corn starch, soya isolate and water.
AB  - A trained taste panel could not distinguish (P>0.05) between ostrich meat patties
      containing either 10% pork lard or 10% of a modified starch/protein isolate (fat
      replacer) mixture. The panel could distinguish between the types of ostrich
      muscle/meat cuts used with a significant (P<0.05) number preferring ostrich
      patties made from meat containing a higher collagen content (+/-3% vs <1%). The
      chemical analysis of the patties showed that within the meat classes (Class
      fillet-de-membraned, Class A-very lean off-cuts and Class B-off-cuts containing
      visual connective tissue and some fat), the patties containing the pork fat had a
      +6% higher total fat content than those containing the fat replacer. The fatty
      acid profiles of the various products were in accordance with the meat type and
      fat or fat replacer used. The mineral profile was as expected for lean ostrich
      meat that had spices added. It is concluded that fat replacers can be used
      successfully for the production of low fat ostrich patties without any negative
      quality attributes being perceived.

PMID- 22063451
TI  - Effect of the fungal extracellular protease EPg222 on texture of whole pieces of
      pork loin.
AB  - Proteolytic activity of the fungal protease EPg222 and its effect on texture has
      been investigated in a meat model system based on sterile pieces of pork loins
      incubated for 32 days. SDS-PAGE analysis of treated samples showed intense
      hydrolysis of the myofibrillar proteins H-meromyosin, T-troponin, tropomyosin and
      the proteins bands of 98, 89, 48, 39, 37 and 28 kDa after 17 days of incubation.
      Proteolytic activity of the enzyme led to a higher accumulation of NPN in treated
      than untreated samples. Microstructural analysis of muscle fibres showed loss of
      muscle fibre structure only in treated batch. The texture profile analysis
      reveals lower values in hardness, gumminess and chewiness in treated than control
      batch. This effect may be of great interest in dry-cured meat products to
      counterbalance the increase of hardness reported in these products as consequence
      of protein denaturation.

PMID- 22063452
TI  - Lipid, instrumental color and sensory characteristics of ground beef produced
      using trisodium phosphate, cetylpypiridinium chloride, chlorine dioxide or lactic
      acid as multiple antimicrobial interventions.
AB  - Beef trimmings were treated with 0.5% cetylpyridinium chloride followed by 10%
      trisodium phosphate (CT), 200-ppm chlorine dioxide followed by 0.5%
      cetylpyridinium chloride (CLC), 200-ppm chlorine dioxide followed by 10%
      trisodium phosphate (CLT), or 2% lactic acid followed by 0.5% cetylpyridinium
      chloride (LC). The trimmings were ground, packaged and sampled at 0, 1, 2, 3 and
      7 days of simulated retail display and compared with an untreated control (C) for
      instrumental color, sensory color and odor and TBARS (Thiobarbituric acid
      reactive substances) characteristics. Ground beef from the LC and CLC treatments
      were lighter (P <0.05; L*) than C. The LC and CT ground beef samples were similar
      (P > 0.05) in vividness to C. On day 3, CT was scored redder (P <0.05) than C.
      Therefore, the use of CT, CLT, CLC and LC had little impact on ground beef color
      and CT improved ground beef color shelf life.

PMID- 22063453
TI  - Physicochemical and sensory characterisation of Morcilla de Burgos, a traditional
      Spanish blood sausage.
AB  - Morcilla de Burgos is a popular cooked blood sausage produced in the region
      around Burgos in the north of Spain. Physicochemical and sensory properties of
      this traditional product were investigated in order to support the claim for a
      Protected Geographical Indication. Products from 14 manufacturers were analysed
      for pH, water activity (a(w)), moisture, ether-extractable fat, starch, protein,
      total sugar, ash, iron and sodium contents as well as sensory parameters related
      to visual, olfactory, texture and flavour attributes. Principal component
      analysis confirmed the existence of three varieties of Morcilla de Burgos.
      Morcillas from group I were characterised by a notable blood smell and blood and
      pepper flavour, a high pH, and a(w) and a high protein content. Morcillas from
      group II were characterised by strong cumin smell and flavour and a high
      softness. Morcillas from group III had a high onion odour, high presence of onion
      and high contents of fat, total sugar and fibre.

PMID- 22063454
TI  - Effect of transglutaminase-induced cross-linking on gelation of myofibrillar/soy
      protein mixtures.
AB  - Microbial transglutaminase (MTGase)-catalyzed interaction and gelation of mixed
      myofibrillar (MPI)/soy (SPI) protein isolates were investigated at varying ionic
      strengths and MPI:SPI ratios, with or without SPI being preheated (80  degrees
      C). MTGase treatments in deionized water converted myosin heavy chain and actin
      into lower molecular-weight polypeptides, which gradually diminished as the ionic
      strength increased up to 0.6 M NaCl. A reduced intensity in the electrophoretic
      bands of soy proteins (7S and 11S except the basic subunits) was observed in all
      treatments, suggesting cross-linking with MPI. The enzyme treatment slightly
      increased the thermal transition (denaturation) temperatures of MPI/SPI but
      greatly enhanced (P<0.05) the elasticity of the mixed protein gels when compared
      with untreated samples, independent of incubation time.

PMID- 22063455
TI  - Evaluation of pork colour: prediction of visual sensory quality of meat from
      instrumental and computer vision methods of colour analysis.
AB  - M. longissimus dorsi minced pork patties from three dietary treatment groups of
      DLY (Duroc/Landrace/Yorkshire) cross bred pigs were packaged in polythene bags
      and placed in a retail refrigerated display cabinet at 5  degrees C+/-1  degrees
      C, under fluorescent light (1000 lux) for up to 5 days. Each dietary treatment
      group consisted of pigs (n=7) fed either a low vitamin E diet (80 mg dl-alpha
      tocopheryl acetate/kg of feed), supplemental iron (7 g iron (II) sulphate/kg
      feed) or supplemental vitamin E (200mg dl-alpha-tocopheryl acetate/kg of feed) +
      supplemental iron). Samples were subjected to visual colour evaluation by a
      trained sensory panel (n=8) and an untrained panel (n=8) on days 0, 1, 3 and 5.
      Instrumental Hunter L(*), a(*) and b(*) values were measured on each day of
      analysis using a Minolta colorimeter. In addition RGB (red, green and blue) and
      Hunter L(*), a(*) and b(*) values were measured using a digital camera. The use
      of trained and untrained panellists are both relevant in the visual assessment of
      meat products. In a previous study O'Sullivan, Byrne, and Martens (2003)
      indicated that the untrained panellist is analogous to the consumer and how they
      perceive colour changes in meat. However, the trained panellist is useful in the
      assessment of unfamiliar products and where a greater degree of discrimination is
      required. The order of oxidation of the experimental treatments was Control (low
      vitamin E) <iron/vitamin E<Iron. The presentation and measurement of sensory,
      hedonic and instrumental measurement for a trained and an untrained assessor
      group highlight the differences in discriminative ability and how the respective
      instrumental measurements correlate. In general it appears that the instrumental
      measurements taken with the Digital Camera were more highly correlated to and
      predictive of the sensory terms as determined by both trained and untrained
      sensory panellists, particularly for the red, brown and L value descriptors. This
      was postulated to be due to the fact that the camera took measurements over the
      entire surface of samples and thus a more representative measurement was taken
      compared to the colorimeter.

PMID- 22063456
TI  - Effect of gamma radiation on refrigerated mechanically deboned chicken meat
      quality.
AB  - Samples of mechanically deboned chicken meat (MDCM) were irradiated in the frozen
      form with doses of 0.0, 3.0 and 4.0 kGy, stored at 2+/-1  degrees C and evaluated
      for their sensory characteristics, color, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances
      (TBARS) and total psychrotrophic bacterial count for up to 12 days. The sensory
      analysis showed that volatile compounds associated with the odor irradiation
      produces, were dissipated from the samples of irradiated MDCM during storage and
      that the oxidation odor perceived in the samples irradiated with doses of 3.0 and
      4.0 kGy was more pronounced (P<0.05) than in the non-irradiated samples, as from
      the 8th and 12th day of refrigeration, respectively, in agreement with the TBARS
      values. Irradiated MDCM showed higher values (P<0.05) for a(*) (redness) than the
      non-irradiated samples as from the 4th day under refrigeration. Considering the
      sensory analyses, color, psychrotrophic bacterial counts and TBARS analyses as a
      whole, the MDCM samples irradiated with doses of 0.0, 3.0 and 4.0 kGy were
      acceptable under refrigerated storage for 4, 10 and 6 days, respectively.

PMID- 22063457
TI  - Pork loin color relative to sensory and instrumental tenderness and consumer
      acceptance.
AB  - Pork loin color categories were established with the intent of demonstrating
      differences in eating quality between them. Center-cut boneless pork loins (n=64)
      were divided into three color classifications. Category A included National Pork
      Producers Council color standards 1 and 2; category B, 3 and 4; and category C, 5
      and 6. L* means for categories A, B, and C were 57.00, 50.24, and 45.54,
      respectively. Warner-Bratzler shear force values were not affected by category
      (P>0.05), but were negatively correlated with a* and b* values (P<0.05). The "in
      home" portion of this study consisted of 47 households that prepared and
      evaluated chops randomly distributed by category. Consumers reported differences
      in liking of juiciness and liking of tenderness (P<0.05) due to color category.
      Eighty-nine percent of the households participated in a simulated retail display
      where, 20.8% chose chops from category A, 26.4% from category B, and 52.8% from
      category C. A trained panel evaluated the cooked chops and perceived category C
      to be more tender, more juicy, and less dry than both A and B (P<0.05). Consumers
      responded similarly to the trained panel in their perceptions of tenderness and
      juiciness.

PMID- 22063458
TI  - Self-reported psoriasis severity and quality of life assessment at Comano spa.
AB  - The relationship between quality of life (QoL) and skin lesion improvement due to
      psoriasis treatment has been recently underlined. Our objective was to study the
      self-reported disease severity reduction and QoL during spa treatments and
      identify predictors of psoriasis improvement. Patients were assessed before and
      after spa treatment with a disease-specific QoL questionnaire (Skindex-17) and
      self-administered psoriasis area and severity index (SAPASI). Their correlations
      were tested. Factors predicting a reduction in Skindex-17 or in SAPASI score were
      evaluated through regression analysis. Significant mean overall reductions in
      SAPASI (27%) and Skindex-17 scores (psychosocial: 6%; symptoms: 2%) were
      achieved. However, 51% of patients reporting SAPASI improvement also reported a
      worsened QoL. Pearson's correlation between the SAPASI and Skindex-17 scores was
      poor (r=0.26 for SAPASI-symptoms and r=0.40 for SAPASI-psychosocial). Logistic
      regression analysis identified the age of psoriasis onset before 30 years
      (OR=3.81, 95% CI 1.22-11.95, p=0.02) and a basal Skindex-17 symptoms value
      greater than 5 (OR=3.37, 95% CI 1.12-10.08, p=0.03) as predictive of both SAPASI
      and Skindex-17 score reductions. Age-of-onset-based stratification identifies the
      subset most likely to respond to spa treatment. Combining the Skindex-17 with
      SAPASI provides a more comprehensive patient-centered assessment. We recommend
      this assessment for psoriasis patients undergoing spa treatment.

PMID- 22063459
TI  - Symptom triggered screening for ovarian cancer: a pilot study of feasibility and
      acceptability.
AB  - PURPOSE: Our goal was to determine if symptom-based ovarian cancer screening was
      feasible in a primary care clinic and acceptable to women and practitioners. In
      addition, we wanted to describe the outcomes for a pilot group of screened women.
      METHODS: A prospective study of 2262 women over age 40 with at least one ovary
      participated in symptom-based screening using a symptom index (SI). The first
      1001 were in a non-intervention study arm and 1261 were screened for symptoms and
      referred on to testing with CA125 and transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) if the SI
      result was positive. Patients and practitioners were surveyed about acceptability
      of study procedures. All patients were linked to the Western Washington SEER
      Cancer Registry to determine if ovarian cancer was diagnosed in any women.
      RESULTS: Of the eligible women visiting the clinic, 72.5% were interested in
      participating, and the participation rate was 62.1%. Of the 1261 who participated
      in the screening arm 51 (4%) were SI positive and 47 participated in CA125 (45/47
      normal) and TVS (32/47 normal). Two endometrial biopsies and one hysteroscopy D&C
      were performed secondary to study enrollment (pathology negative). No
      laparotomies or laparoscopies were performed secondary to study involvement. A
      survey of patient acceptability, on a scale of 1-5, revealed a mean score of 4.8
      for the acceptability of SI screening and 4.7 for TVS and CA125 testing among SI
      positive women. Providers also rated the SI procedures highly acceptable with a
      mean score of 4.8. Two participating patients were diagnosed with ovarian cancer;
      one had a true positive SI in the non-intervention arm and one had a false
      negative SI in the screened arm. CONCLUSION: While our pilot study is not large
      enough to assess sensitivity or specificity of a symptom-based screening
      approach, we did find that this type of screening was feasible and acceptable at
      the time of a primary care visit and referred approximately 4% of women for
      additional diagnostic testing. Symptom-based screening also resulted in minimal
      additional procedures.

PMID- 22063460
TI  - Quality of life in cervical cancer survivors: patient and provider perspectives
      on common complications of cervical cancer and treatment.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study's objective was to quantify the impact (utility) of common
      complications of early cervical cancer treatment on quality of life (QOL).
      Utilities assigned by survivors were compared to those assigned by providers.
      METHODS: 30 survivors of early cervical cancer identified from our Tumor Registry
      and 10 gynecologic oncology providers were interviewed. Participants evaluated
      complications (health states) using the standard gamble (SG) and visual analogue
      scale (VAS). Each participant was randomly assigned to rate 5 of 13 health
      states. Mixed-effects linear models were used to generate confidence intervals
      for utility means, and evaluate the effect of group (survivors versus providers).
      Higher utilities indicate the health state is closer to perfect health. RESULTS:
      Survivors and providers mean ages were similar (44 and 40). Mean time from
      diagnosis was 6.7 years. 28 of 30 survivors had no evidence of disease. 56% of
      survivors had complications. Using SG, providers consistently assigned utilities
      7% higher than survivors (p=0.035) for all health states except "ileostomy",
      which survivors rated higher than providers. Survivors assigned the lowest
      utility to small bowel obstruction (SBO) (fixable without an ostomy) and ureteral
      obstruction (UO). Survivors rated SBO 16% and UO 21% lower than providers.
      Personal history of complications or higher stage did not have a consistent
      effect on QOL adjustments. DISCUSSION: Providers assign higher utilities than
      survivors to health states. Providers and survivors diverge on which
      complications impact QOL the most. Data on patient preferences should be
      considered when weighing treatment options with similar survival but different
      associated complications.

PMID- 22063461
TI  - Genetic polymorphisms as predictive and prognostic biomarkers in gynecological
      cancers: a systematic review.
AB  - PURPOSE: Numerous studies have explored the potential role of genetic
      polymorphisms as predictive or prognostic biomarkers in gynecologic malignancies.
      A systematic review for all eligible polymorphisms has not yet been reported. The
      aim of this study was to summarize the current status of the field and provide
      direction for future research. DESIGN: We searched literature databases (MEDLINE,
      EMBASE, Cochrane) from 2006 to April 2011 to identify studies evaluating the
      association between gene polymorphisms and clinical outcome in ovarian,
      endometrial, cervical, or vulvar cancer. The main outcome measures were overall
      survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Studies reporting
      relationships between polymorphisms and toxicity were also included. RESULTS:
      Sixty two studies met the inclusion criteria. The median sample size was 140.
      Most of the included studies (n=50, 81%) were conducted in ovarian cancer
      patients. Almost a third assessed potential predictive associations between gene
      polymorphism and outcome in ovarian cancer. The most commonly evaluated genes
      were ERCC1, VEGF, ABCB1 (MDR), and GSTP1. Most studies (n=44, 71%) were
      observational case-series. Only four studies (6%) included a validation arm and
      patient population ethnicity was explicitly stated only in 27% of included
      studies. CONCLUSION: No consistent association between any gene polymorphism and
      clinical outcome in gynecological cancers has been found across studies. There is
      incomplete adherence to the REMARK guidelines and inadequate methodology
      reporting in most studies. Moving forward, analysis of large trial-based clinical
      samples; adherence to the highest methodological standards, and focus on
      validation analyses are necessary to identify clinically useful pharmacogenomic
      biomarkers of outcome.

PMID- 22063462
TI  - A note on the influence of heat treatment, salting and smoking on the
      acceptability of camel meat products.
AB  - The present study was conducted to assess the effect of selected processing
      operations on the acceptability of camel meat products in Dire Dawa, eastern
      Ethiopia. A total of eight camel meat products were prepared at two levels of
      salting, smoking, frying and cooking. They were evaluated by a sensory panel
      using a preference test. The results showed that the fully fried samples were not
      significantly different in preference to the smoked (2.5% salt, 3 h smoking)
      samples and were more acceptable than the partly fried samples. Nevertheless, the
      smoked (2.5% salt, 3 h smoking) samples were preferred over the others. The fully
      cooked and the salted (3% salt) products were also acceptable.

PMID- 22063463
TI  - Dietary tea reduces the iron content of beef.
AB  - We hypothesized that the lightness of Japanese beef was related to the
      concentration of heme iron. In Experiment 1, six Japanese Black heifers were
      allotted randomly to one of three treatment groups: a basal concentrate ration
      (40% flaked corn) or the same diet and either 2 kg/d wheat bran or 0.5 kg/d green
      tea. After feeding the diets for 174 d, the cattle were slaughtered and the M.
      longissimus thoracis, M. semimembranosus, and M. gluteus medius were sampled for
      meat color, iron, and lipid content. The iron content of the M. semimembranosus
      from the tea-fed cattle was lower than in M. semimembranosus from the control
      cattle, and a* (redness) and ?(a(*2)+b(*2)) (saturation) values were lower in M.
      semimembranosus from bran- and tea-fed cattle than in control cattle. Treatment
      main effects (across muscles) indicated that inclusion of tea in the diet
      increased intramuscular lipid and reduced the muscle iron content. There was a
      significant negative correlation (r(2)=0.79) between muscle iron content and L(*)
      value (lightness). For Experiment 2, the effect of beef breed type on meat color
      and iron content of M. longissimus thoracis was investigated using stored meat
      samples from six breeds from a previous fattening experiment done under a high
      nutritional plane. Muscle iron content was significantly lower in Japanese Black
      cattle than in Japanese Black * Holstein or Japanese Black * Japanese
      Black/Holstein. There was no relationship between muscle iron content and
      intramuscular lipid content (r(2)=0.001). In Experiment 3, samples of M.
      longissimus dorsi were obtained from 17 Wagyu crossbred and 3 Angus crossbred
      cattle fed a corn concentrate diet in the USA for 148 d. Iron content of the M.
      longissimus thoracis from Japanese Black and Japanese Brown * Holstein cattle
      fattened in Japan was significantly less than the iron content of M. longissimus
      dorsi from cattle raised in the USA. Overall, the data indicate that it is
      possible to lower muscle iron, and lighten muscle color, by feeding green tea to
      Japanese cattle; also, there may be a genetic basis for the lower iron, and
      lighter color, of beef produced in Japan.

PMID- 22063464
TI  - An actin gene-related polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for identification of
      chicken in meat mixtures.
AB  - Using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA extracted from muscle, a single
      pair of oligonucleotide primers can yield amplification products from several
      members of the actin multigene family simultaneously. These multiple PCR products
      form species-specific "fingerprints" on gel electrophoresis which may be useful
      for meat authentication. However, for analysis of meat mixtures, the presence of
      a single band unique to a species would have many advantages over a multi
      component fingerprint. A procedure is described in which primers amplify at a
      single actin gene locus, giving a positive band with DNA extracted from chicken
      and turkey, but no reaction with duck, pheasant, porcine, bovine, ovine or equine
      DNA. The chicken signal was clearly detectable with DNA from meat admixtures
      containing 1% chicken/99% lamb and from meat heat-treated at 120 degrees C. For
      further discrimination, the chicken PCR product could be differentiated from
      turkey by restriction enzyme digestion.

PMID- 22063465
TI  - Effects of raw binder system, meat cut and prior freezing on restructured beef.
AB  - The effect of different meat cuts or previously frozen meat on processing
      properties of restructured beef bound with alginate or Fibrimex(TM) was
      investigated. Inside rounds, chuck tenders, chuck clods and tri-tip were used to
      manufacture restructured logs. Steakettes manufactured with alginate had
      significantly (P<0.05) higher particle bind in the raw state but Fibrimex had
      greater bind between meat pieces after cooking. Choice of cut or use of
      previously frozen meat to manufacture restructured steakettes had no effect on
      any of the processing parameters measured. Steakettes made with Fibrimex were
      lighter, redder and yellower than those made with alginate. Redness and
      yellowness of steakettes decreased with retail storage time. However, the change
      in redness and yellowness over time was similar for both binders. Use of
      previously frozen meat resulted in a darker, less red steakette. When alginate
      was used to manufacture steakettes, cut had no affect on the acceptability of
      steakettes. However, when Fibrimex was used steakettes made from clod and tip
      were preferred by a consumer panel to steakettes made from tender and inside
      round.

PMID- 22063466
TI  - Colour stability of beef from different Spanish native cattle breeds stored under
      vacuum and modified atmosphere.
AB  - Beef steaks from five Spanish cattle breeds were submitted to three packaging
      conditions: (a) 15 days under vacuum, (b) 15 days under modified atmosphere (MAP)
      (60% O(2), 30% CO(2) and 10% N(2)), and (c) 10 days under vacuum plus 5 days more
      under MAP. CIE L(*)a(*)b(*) coordinates, chroma (C(*)) and hue (H(*)), relative
      concentration of myoglobin, oxymyoglobin and metmyoglobin at the meat surface and
      sensory evaluation of colour were determined 0, 5, 10 and 15 days after
      packaging. Beef under MAP showed higher lightness (L(*)) and hue (H(*)) and lower
      redness (a(*)) and chroma (C(*)) than beef under vacuum. Colour of beef under MAP
      was not acceptable after 15 days of storage, due to the high metmyoglobin
      concentration. Yellowness (b(*)) was the indicator of differences due to ageing
      and differences in colour between breeds were related to L(*), a(*) and H(*)
      values. Packaging conditions had a greater effect on beef colour than breed, but
      breed differences might change with packaging atmosphere. Both packaging and
      breed are major factors in packaged beef quality.

PMID- 22063467
TI  - Listeria innocua and aerobic mesophiles during chill storage of inoculated
      mechanically recovered poultry meat treated with high hydrostatic pressure.
AB  - Mechanically recovered poultry meat (MRPM) was inoculated with Listeria innocua
      910 CECT at a level of approximately 10(8) CFU g(-1). Vacuum-packaged samples
      were treated by combinations of pressure (350, 400, 450 and 500 MPa), time (5,
      10, 15 and 30 min) and temperature (2, 10 and 20 degrees C) and later stored at 2
      degrees C for 2 months. Counts of L. innocua and aerobic mesophilic bacteria were
      determined 1, 4, 7, 15, 30 and 60 days after pressurisation. For mesophiles, in
      most treatments, pressurization at 2 degrees C gave the significantly best
      results. High pressure caused a marked bactericidal effect on L. innocua:
      reductions higher than 7.5 log units were achieved in several cases. Some cells
      were just sublethally injured by pressure. Samples treated at 500 MPa for 30 min
      at 2 degrees C had counts of only 2.3 log units after 60 days of chill storage.
      Noninoculated pressurised MRPM did not show Listeria growth throughout storage.
      These results suggest that high pressure processing can enhance the
      microbiological quality of MRPM.

PMID- 22063468
TI  - Pork tenderness estimation by taste panel, Warner-Bratzler shear force and on
      line methods.
AB  - The extent to which modification of Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF)
      determinations, relating to storage and preparation of the meat, aperture of the
      V-shaped cutting blade and shearing velocity, improve the relationship with
      sensory tenderness perception of pork was studied. Additionally four on-line
      methods: pH1, FOP1 (light scattering), PQM1 (conductivity) and DDLT (Double
      Density Light Transmission), were evaluated for their ability to predict
      tenderness. Sensory tenderness evaluation was conducted on 120 frozen (at -18
      degrees C for several months) samples of m. longissimus thoracis et lumborum.
      After overnight thawing, the meat was grilled to an internal temperature of 74
      degrees C and scored on an eight-point scale, from extremely tough to extremely
      tender. The standard WBSF procedure (protocol A) consisted of heating fresh meat
      samples (stored for 48 h at 4 degrees C post slaughter) at 75 degrees C for 50
      min, cooling in cold tap water for 40 min, taking cylindrical cores parallel to
      the fibre direction, and shearing at a velocity of 200 mm/min with a blade
      aperture of 60 degrees . For the prediction of sensory tenderness, the WBSF
      standard procedure (protocol A) showed the lowest variance (R(2)=15%) and the
      highest standard error of the estimate (SEE=0.97 N) compared to the other WBSF
      protocols. A decrease in shearing velocity, from 200 to 100 mm/min and, a
      replacement of the cutting blade with an aperture of 60 degrees  by one with an
      aperture of 30 degrees  led to improvements of R(2) (respectively, 19% vs. 13%
      and 47% vs. 23%) and SEE (respectively, 0.93 N vs. 0.97 N and 0.80 N vs. 0.97 N)
      and thus were better predictors of tenderness. A blade aperture of 30 degrees 
      instead of 60 degrees  also led to considerably lower WBSF values (22.1 N vs.
      30.0 N). Freezing, frozen storage and thawing of the meat, prior to WBSF
      measurement, resulted in higher shear force values (32.7 N vs. 28.7 N) and a
      better prediction of tenderness, R(2) (25% vs. 15%) and SEE (0.94 N vs. 1.00 N).
      Furthermore, preparing the frozen stored meat for WBSF determination in the same
      way as for the sensory evaluation, namely grilling instead of boiling, led to
      higher WBSF values (35.5 N vs. 32.7 N) and a further improvement in the
      prediction of tenderness (R(2)=31% vs. 25% and SEE=0.90 N vs. 0.94 N). From the
      on-line instruments: pH, FOP and PQM, pH was best in predicting tenderness.
      Linear regression with tenderness as dependent variable and the on-line
      techniques as independent variables revealed the following R(2): 16, 8, 8 and 10%
      and SEE: 0.96, 1.01, 1.01 and 1.00 N for, respectively, pH1, FOP1, PQM1 and DDLT.
      Thus, the classical instruments and the DDLT technique, which is analogous to the
      CGM (Capteur Gras/Maigre), an officially accepted carcass grading apparatus in
      France and Belgium, are not good predictors of tenderness.

PMID- 22063469
TI  - Bacteriological comparison of parallel and counter flow water chilling of poultry
      meat.
AB  - Parallel flow water chilling and counter flow water chilling of young fattened
      broiler carcasses "Hybro" line were investigated. The samples were taken at 7
      a.m. and 2 p.m. in March and April. The total count of aerobic mesophillic
      bacteria were determined at three stages of processing (evisceration, chilling
      using ether counter flow or parallel flow and final wash), and twice during the
      day (7 a.m. and 2 p.m.). Also, the total count of aerobic mesophilic bacteria was
      determined in samples of cold water (pre-chilling) and samples of ice water
      (chilling) at different times (7 a.m. and 2 p.m.). Significantly lower bacterial
      counts were obtained in carcasses treated with counter flow chilling.

PMID- 22063470
TI  - Uptake of gentamicin by vestibular efferent neurons and superior olivary complex
      after transtympanic administration in guinea pigs.
AB  - Transtympanic administration of gentamicin is a widely accepted and effective
      approach for treating patients with intractable vertigo. Previous studies have
      demonstrated the uptake, distribution and effects of gentamicin in peripheral
      vestibular and cochlear structures after transtympanic injection. However, little
      is known about whether transtympanically administered gentamicin is trafficked
      into more central auditory and vestibular structures and its effect on these
      structures. In this study, we used immunofluorescence to determine the
      distribution of gentamicin within the auditory and vestibular brainstem. We
      observed gentamicin immunolabeling bilaterally in the vestibular efferent
      neurons, and in the superior olivary complex, and ipsilaterally in the cochlear
      nucleus 24h after transtympanic administration of gentamicin, and that the drug
      could still be detected in these locations 30 days after injection. In contrast,
      no gentamicin labeling was detected in the vestibular nuclear complex. In the
      vestibular efferent neurons and superior olivary complex, gentamicin labeling was
      detected in the cytoplasm and cell processes, while in the cochlear nucleus
      gentamicin is mainly localized outside and adjacent to the cell bodies of
      neurons. Nerve fibers in cochlear nucleus, root of eighth nerve, as well as
      descending pathways from the superior olivary complex, are also immunolabeled
      with gentamicin continuously. Based on these data, we hypothesize that retrograde
      axonal transport of gentamicin is responsible for the distribution of gentamicin
      in these efferent nuclei including vestibular efferent neurons and superior
      olivary complex and anterograde axonal transport into the ipsilateral cochlear
      nucleus.

PMID- 22063471
TI  - Changes in inflammatory gene expression induced by hyperbaric oxygen treatment in
      human endothelial cells under chronic wound conditions.
AB  - Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy involves the inhalation of 100% oxygen, whilst
      inside a chamber at greater than atmospheric pressure. It is an effective
      treatment for chronic diabetic wounds, although the molecular mechanisms involved
      remain unclear. We hypothesised that HBO could alter inflammatory gene expression
      in human endothelial cells via a reactive oxygen/nitrogen species-mediated
      pathway. Endothelial cells were exposed to a chronic wound model comprising
      hypoxia (2% O(2) at 1 atmosphere absolute (ATA); PO(2) ~2 kPa) in the presence of
      lipopolysaccharide and TNF-alpha for 24h, then treated with HBO for 90 min (97.5%
      O(2) at 2.4 ATA; PO(2) ~237 kPa). 5h post-HBO, 19 genes involved in adhesion,
      angiogenesis, inflammation and oxidative stress were downregulated. Notably, only
      angiogenin gene expression, which promotes both angiogenesis and nitric oxide
      production (reflected by increased eNOS protein expression in this study), was
      upregulated. This led to a decrease in endothelial IL-8 mRNA and protein, which
      could help alleviate inflammatory processes during chronic wound healing. This
      was no longer evident 22.5h post-HBO, demonstrating the importance of daily
      exposures in HBO treatment protocols. These studies indicate that elevated oxygen
      transiently regulates inflammatory gene expression in endothelial cells, which
      may enhance chronic wound healing.

PMID- 22063472
TI  - A new generation of studies in RLS epidemiology.

PMID- 22063473
TI  - Incidence of restless legs syndrome in two population-based cohort studies in
      Germany.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Prospective data about the new-onset of restless legs syndrome (RLS)
      are lacking. Our aim was to assess the incidence rate of RLS in the general
      population. METHODS: RLS, defined by the minimal diagnostic criteria, was
      assessed twice in two independently conducted prospective population-based cohort
      studies in Germany. The Dortmund Health Study (DHS) had a mean follow-up of 2.2
      years, and included 1312 participants, and the Study of Health in Pomerania
      (SHIP) followed 4308 participants for, on average, 5.2 years. RLS was assessed
      during face-to-face interviews in both studies at baseline and at follow-up in
      SHIP, and with mailed questionnaires at follow-up in DHS. RESULTS: The age
      standardized incidence rate of RLS was 22/1000 person-years (p-y) (cumulative
      incidence over the follow-up: 9.1%) in DHS and 9/1000 p-y (cumulative incidence:
      7.0%) in SHIP. Women had a higher incidence rate than men (DHS: 27/1000 p-y vs.
      17/1000 p-y, p=0.28; SHIP: 12/1000 p-y vs. 7/1000 p-y, p<0.001). There was a
      linear increase in RLS incidence rate with age in both studies. The persistence
      of RLS symptoms from baseline to follow-up was 47.4% in DHS and 41.5% in SHIP.
      CONCLUSION: The incidence rate of RLS is high, while the persistence of RLS over
      time is low, suggesting that RLS symptoms vary considerably. The increased RLS
      incidence rate among women and the elderly is consistent with previous prevalence
      data.

PMID- 22063474
TI  - Disruption of individual nuo-genes leads to the formation of partially assembled
      NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase (complex I) in Escherichia coli.
AB  - The proton-pumping NADH:ubiquinone oxidoreductase, respiratory complex I, couples
      the electron transfer from NADH to ubiquinone with the translocation of protons
      across the membrane. In Escherichia coli the complex is made up of 13 different
      subunits encoded by the so-called nuo-genes. Mutants, in which each of the nuo
      genes was individually disrupted by the insertion of a resistance cartridge were
      unable to assemble a functional complex I. Each disruption resulted in the loss
      of complex I-mediated activity and the failure to extract a structurally intact
      complex. Thus, all nuo-genes are required either for the assembly or the
      stability of a functional E. coli complex I. The three subunits comprising the
      soluble NADH dehydrogenase fragment of the complex were detected in the cytoplasm
      of several nuo-mutants as one distinct band after BN-PAGE. It is discussed that
      the fully assembled NADH dehydrogenase fragment represents an assembly
      intermediate of the E. coli complex I. A partially assembled complex I bound to
      the membrane was detected in the nuoK and nuoL mutants, respectively.
      Overproduction of the DeltaNuoL variant resulted in the accumulation of two
      populations of a partially assembled complex in the cytoplasmic membranes. Both
      populations are devoid of NuoL. One population is enzymatically active, while the
      other is not. The inactive population is missing cluster N2 and is tightly
      associated with the inducible lysine decarboxylase. This article is part of a
      Special Issue entitled: Biogenesis/Assembly of Respiratory Enzyme Complexes.

PMID- 22063475
TI  - Robust decomposition of single-channel intramuscular EMG signals at low force
      levels.
AB  - This paper presents a density-based method to automatically decompose single
      channel intramuscular electromyogram (EMG) signals into their component motor
      unit action potential (MUAP) trains. In contrast to most previous decomposition
      methods, which require pre-setting and (or) tuning of multiple parameters, the
      proposed method takes advantage of the data-dependent strategies in the pattern
      recognition procedures. In this method, outliers (superpositions) are excluded
      prior to classification and MUAP templates are identified by an adaptive density
      based clustering procedure. MUAP trains are then identified by a novel density
      based classifier that incorporates MUAP shape and discharge time information.
      MUAP trains are merged by a fuzzy system that incorporates expert human
      knowledge. Finally, superimpositions are resolved to fill the gaps in the MUAP
      trains. The proposed decomposition algorithm has been experimentally tested on
      signals from low-force (<=30% maximal) isometric contractions of the vastus
      medialis obliquus, vastus lateralis, biceps femoris long-head and tibialis
      anterior muscles. Comparison with expert manual decomposition that had been
      verified using a rigorous statistical analysis showed that the algorithm
      identified 80% of the total 229 motor unit trains with an accuracy greater than
      90%. The algorithm is robust and accurate, and therefore it is a promising new
      tool for decomposing single-channel multi-unit signals.

PMID- 22063476
TI  - Effects of sodium chloride, phosphate type and concentration, and pump rate on
      beef biceps femoris quality and sensory characteristics.
AB  - Beef biceps femoris muscles (n=45) were used to evaluate the effect of
      enhancement with solutions comprising 2.0% sodium chloride and either sodium
      hexametaphosphate (SHMP), sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP), or tetrasodium
      pyrophosphate (TSPP) at either 0.2% or 0.4% of product weight. All solutions were
      injected into muscle samples at either 112% (12% pump) or 118% (18% pump) of raw
      product weight. Muscles treated with all three phosphate types had decreased
      (P<0.05) free water compared to untreated muscles (CNT), and while TSPP-treated
      muscles were able to bind greater (P<0.05) additional water than CNT, STPP- and
      SHMP-treated muscles did not differ (P>0.05) from CNT. Disregarding phosphate
      type, steaks with 0.4% phosphate inclusion bound more (P<0.05) water than those
      with 0.2% phosphate inclusion. Steaks treated with STPP or TSPP had decreased
      (P<0.05) cooking losses than CNT, while SHMP-treated steaks did not differ
      (P>0.05) from CNT. Steaks injected at 18% pump had greater (P<0.05) percent
      moisture, and did not differ (P>0.05) in free water, water binding, or cooking
      losses from steaks injected at 12% pump. Although there were no differences
      (P>0.05) in Warner-Bratzler shear force in this study, steaks with SHMP, STPP,
      and TSPP all were rated more tender, and juicier (P<0.05) by sensory panelists
      than CNT steaks or steaks enhanced only with sodium chloride. Regardless of
      phosphate type, steaks enhanced with 0.4% phosphate and those steaks at 18% pump
      received improved (P<0.05) sensory tenderness ratings compared to 0.2% phosphate
      and 12% pump, respectively. These results suggest that enhancing biceps femoris
      muscles with STPP or TSPP can improve water retention, yield, and palatability
      characteristics. Additionally, enhancement with a phosphate/salt solution at an
      18% pump rate, compared to a 12% pump rate, can allow for improved sensory
      tenderness perceptions without decreasing product yields.

PMID- 22063477
TI  - Effects of pre-harvest supplemental chlorate on beef carcass and meat quality.
AB  - Effects of feeding sodium chlorate on carcass quality, tenderness and color
      stability were evaluated. Heifers (n=64) were fed chlorate at either 0.01% or
      0.05% of body weight (BW) in the last feeding or 0.01% for the last 5d before
      harvest, while control cattle received no chlorate. During the 12h period between
      feed withdrawal and transport to the harvest facility, the cattle were provided
      water containing either no sodium chlorate or sodium chlorate (approximately
      30mM). Feed treatments at 0.01% of BW produced higher marbling scores than
      feeding 0.01% of BW for 5d. However, neither of these treatments produced
      marbling scores that were different from non-treated controls. Water
      supplementation increased tenderness in cattle fed 0.01% of BW for 5d, but
      decreased tenderness in cattle fed 0.05% of BW at the last feeding. Although
      tenderness differences existed, it is not clear whether or not they were caused
      by the feed or water treatments or by pre-existing variation in the cattle.
      Neither feed nor water supplementation affected color stability. These data
      suggest that chlorate preparations could be used to reduce pathogens without
      adversely impacting meat quality or display life. However, further research is
      needed to further substantiate these findings.

PMID- 22063478
TI  - Changes in sensory properties of Galician chorizo sausage preserved by freezing,
      oil-immersion and vacuum-packing.
AB  - Galician chorizo sausage, a dry-cured meat product from northwest Spain, was
      conserved by different methods with the aim of increasing its useful life. We
      studied changes in the sensory properties of this dry-cured meat product
      conserved by freezing, vacuum-packing and a traditional method involving
      immersion in sunflower oil. The reasons for the elimination of the samples
      conserved in sunflower oil at sampling 13 (week 23) was an increase in rancid
      flavor, acid flavor and external odor intensity. In sampling 18 (week 41) the
      samples conserved by vacuum-packing were eliminated because of increases in acid
      flavor, external and internal odor intensity, flavor intensity and after-taste
      persistence. In the frozen sausages the changes in sensory properties happened
      very slowly during storage.

PMID- 22063479
TI  - The relationship between body dimensions of living pigs and their carcass
      composition.
AB  - The performance of a visual image analysis (VIA) system was tested with regards
      to its potential to determine in vivo carcass composition and conformation,
      either alone, or in conjunction with other in vivo measures such as live weight
      and backfat depth. Pigs of both sexes of a commercial type were reared and
      slaughtered at weights ranging from 50 to 120 kg. Feeding was ad libitum on diets
      ranging from 0.14 to 0.19 kgkg(-1) crude protein content to produce animals of a
      range of body condition. Two analyses were carried out: the first analysis
      addressed the relationship between dimensionless carcass and VIA indices; the
      second analysis assessed the relationship between carcass composition and VIA
      body shape using detrended carcass and VIA data, which were produced by removal
      of allometric growth trends. A statistically significant relationship (P<0.05)
      between in vivo VIA body size and shape and carcass muscle dimensions and
      composition was found for most body regions. Adjusted R(2) statistics ranged
      between 0.13 and 0.54 for relative fat weights and between 0.14 and 0.51 for
      relative lean weights. The predictive power of the regression models, indicated
      by R(2)-like statistics for prediction, was approximately 70% of the adjusted
      R(2) values. The descriptive and predictive powers of the corresponding models
      generally strengthened if VIA indices were combined with other in vivo
      measurements. The relationships between in vivo and carcass measures remained
      statistically significant (P<0.05) after removal of the growth trends, although
      adjusted R(2) statistics generally decreased. The predictive power of models
      corresponding to the detrended measures was, however, weak. The results show in
      vivo VIA measurements to be useful in the estimation of muscle size, carcass
      conformation and composition, all of which are of significant importance to the
      pig production, marketing and processing industries.

PMID- 22063480
TI  - Identification and characterisation of halotolerant bacteria in spoiled dry-cured
      hams.
AB  - Twenty bacterial strains isolated from Italian dry-cured hams affected by the so
      called 'vein defect', were Gram positive, catalase and oxidase negative non-spore
      forming rods. Twelve strains were identified by molecular characterisation as
      Marinilactibacillus psychrotolerans. These strains were demonstrated to survive
      at high salt concentrations (up to 25% w/w, with growth up to 12% w/w), low
      temperatures (0-3 degrees C) and a pH range (6-7), which is encountered within
      the leg arterial vein. If strains of Marinilactibacillus are confirmed as
      causative agents of the 'vein defect', new manufacturing guidelines can be
      addressed to ham producers.

PMID- 22063481
TI  - Outdoor rearing of cull sows: Effects on carcass, tissue composition and meat
      quality.
AB  - The objective of this study was to provide some information on the influence of
      outdoor rearing on pasture (O) compared with indoor (I) on carcass and meat
      quality of cull sows. Twelve sows (6 per group) originating from the same
      breeding unit were slaughtered 11days after their last weaning. O sows had
      heavier and fatter carcasses, however lipid content in Longissimus (L) and
      Triceps brachii (TB) muscles was not affected. Grazing of O sows led to a high
      increase in the n-3 fatty acid content, particularly the C18:3 linolenic acid in
      the backfat and L muscle, thus improving the meat nutritional quality. Vitamin E
      content appeared (P=0.13) to be increased in the backfat of O sows, but not in
      the muscles. Lipid oxidation in meat during storage was similar between groups.
      Histological and metabolic observations showed that outdoor rearing increased the
      glycolytic capacity of the L muscle, and the oxidative capacity of the TB.
      Outdoor rearing did not influence meat pH1 and pHu, but decreased colour (a(*)
      and b(*) values) of the TB, and increased the processing yield of loin into cured
      bacon. Outdoor rearing decreased the red colour intensity and homogeneity, but
      improved tenderness of cured loins.

PMID- 22063482
TI  - Use of biodegradable films for fresh cut beef steaks packaging.
AB  - A comparative study on the use of biodegradable films for fresh cut meat
      packaging is presented. Beef steaks were packaged using three different films:
      polyvinyl chloride (PVC), which is actually used to package this food product, a
      biodegradable polymeric film composed of starch and polyester and a biodegradable
      film composed of a mixture of three biodegradable polyesters. The packaged beef
      steaks were stored at 4 and 15  degrees C to simulate actual storage conditions
      and thermal abuse, respectively. Colour, total viable counts as well as spoilage
      microorganism counts were monitored over a period of 6 days. No substantial
      differences were observed among the beef steaks packaged using the three
      investigated films, suggesting that biodegradable films, such as those used in
      this investigation, could be advantageously used to replace PVC films in
      packaging of fresh processed meat, reducing in this way the environmental impact
      of polymeric films.

PMID- 22063483
TI  - Biochemical and transcriptomic analyses of two bovine skeletal muscles in
      Charolais bulls divergently selected for muscle growth.
AB  - This work aimed to investigate the consequences of muscle growth selection on
      muscle characteristics. An oxidative muscle (Rectus abdominis, RA) and a
      glycolytic one (Semitendinosus, ST) were studied in two groups of six extreme
      young Charolais bulls of high or low muscle growth. Mitochondrial activity was
      lower in muscles of bulls with high muscle growth. Transcriptomic studies allowed
      the identification of putatively differentially expressed genes. The differential
      expression between genetic types of two genes in RA (a heat shock protein and a
      thyroid receptor interacting protein) and of seven genes in ST (including LEU5,
      tropomyosin 2, and sarcosin) was confirmed by different statistical approaches or
      Northern blot analysis, as well as the differential expression of five genes
      (including PSMD4 and DPM synthase) between RA and ST. Both biochemical and
      transcriptomic results indicate that selection on muscle growth potential is
      associated with reduced slow-oxidative muscle characteristics. Further studies
      are required to understand the physiological importance of genes whose expression
      is changed by selection.

PMID- 22063484
TI  - The effects of quality grade, aging, and location within muscle on Warner
      Bratzler shear force in beef muscles of locomotion.
AB  - Aging patterns of nine muscles from the chuck and round from two quality
      classifications of beef: USDA Select and upper 2/3 of USDA Choice grade were
      determined. The following muscles were evaluated: infraspinatus, triceps brachii 
      lateral head, triceps brachii - long head, serratus ventralis, complexus,
      splenius, rhomboideus, vastus lateralis and rectus femoris. Muscles were divided
      into four portions, progressing from anterior to posterior or dorsal to ventral
      orientation to the carcass depending on muscle fiber orientation. One steak was
      removed from each portion and aged for 7, 14, 21, or 28 d postmortem, then Warner
      Bratzler shear force (WBSF) analysis was conducted. Consistent aging
      recommendations can be given for all muscles studied, as there was no aging by
      muscle interaction. An aging by USDA grade interaction was noted (P<0.05). The
      upper 2/3 of USDA Choice need not be aged beyond 7 d. USDA Select should be aged
      at least 14 d. Steak location within muscle had an effect (P<0.05) on WBSF values
      in four muscles. These data indicate that fabrication and merchandizing decisions
      should be made on an individual muscle basis.

PMID- 22063485
TI  - Effect of dietary conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) supplementation on CLA isomers
      content and fatty acid composition of dry-cured Parma ham.
AB  - To evaluate the effects of dietary conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) supplementation
      on cis-9, trans-11 and trans-10, cis-12 isomer content and on the fatty acid
      composition of subcutaneous adipose tissue and intramuscular lipids of biceps
      femoris, the lipids of 24 dry cured Parma hams, obtained from Large White pigs
      fed isoenergetic diets supplemented with either 0 (CON) or 0.25% (T1) CLA from 97
      to 172kg live weight, were analysed by Ag(+)-HPLC and capillary GLC. The dietary
      treatment had no influence on lipid content of BF and subcutaneous adipose tissue
      but increased (P<0.01) the content of both isomers, more markedly in the latter
      tissue. CLA supplementation increased (P<0.01) myristic, palmitic, palmitoleic
      and total saturated fatty acids, and decreased oleic and eicosenoic acids in both
      tissues. In adipose tissue, an increase (P<0.05) in stearic acid content was
      observed. Supplementing the finishing diet of heavy pigs with CLA has thus shown
      to be an effective tool for increasing the CLA content in cured ham and, also,
      the saturated:unsaturated ratio of the lipids, a positive effect from a
      technological point of view. From a human nutritional standpoint, the changes
      occurring in fatty acid composition negatively affect the atherogenic and
      thrombogenic indexes, but probably these changes are of no particular concern, as
      they would only partly offset the progressive increase in the degree of
      unsaturation of heavy pig lipids that has occurred in recent years, as a
      consequence of reduced adipose depots in carcasses.

PMID- 22063486
TI  - Influence of pH on rheological properties of porcine myofibrillar protein during
      heat induced gelation.
AB  - Texture of meat products is dependent on the gelation characteristics of
      myofibrillar protein. Gaining an understanding of the gelation mechanism of meat
      gel systems is beneficial for the development of processed meat products as well
      as maintaining quality in meat products. The aim of this study was to investigate
      the impact of pH (5.6, 6.0, 6.5, and 7.0) on heat-induced gelation properties of
      myofibrillar proteins from porcine semimembranosus muscle. Dynamic rheological
      measurements were taken as the temperature increased by 1 degrees C/min from 20
      to 85 degrees C, followed by a holding phase at 85 degrees C for 3min to ensure
      complete gelation and during a subsequent cooling where the temperature dropped
      from 85 to 5 degrees C at a rate of 5 degrees C/min. Storage modulus (G')
      increased as gel formation occurred, but decreased after reaching the temperature
      of myosin denaturation (52 degrees C) until approximately 60 degrees C when the
      gel strength increased again. This resulted in a peak and subsequent depression
      in the data. This depression in the curve was more pronounced with increasing pH.
      Results indicate protein denaturation and gel formation are pH dependent.
      Furthermore, rate of gelation appears to influence water-holding capacity.

PMID- 22063487
TI  - Effect of feed rationing during post-weaning growth on meat quality, muscle
      energy metabolism and fibre properties of Biceps femoris muscle in the rabbit.
AB  - During the weaning period (5 weeks of age), 50 hybrid rabbits were divided at
      random into five groups (or blocks). Animals from the block 1 were immediately
      slaughtered at this age and used as initial reference. The remaining rabbits were
      placed in individual cages and fed the same amount of food until slaughter, but
      differently rationed. From 5 to 8 weeks of age, the rabbits coming from blocks 2
      and 4, and from blocks 3 and 5 received 70% and 90% of the ad libitum ration,
      respectively. Animals of blocks 2 and 3 were slaughtered at 8 weeks of age.
      Between 8 and 11 weeks of age, animals from blocks 4 and 5 were fed,
      respectively, 90% and 70% of the ad libitum ration, prior to sacrifice. At
      slaughter the Biceps femoris (BF) muscles were immediately removed from each
      rabbit and the ultimate pH (pHu) and meat colour L*a*b* parameters were measured.
      Thereafter, one BF was used for aldolase and isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICDH)
      activity determinations, while the other BF muscle was used for fibre
      distribution (% of betaR, alphaR and alphaW) and morphometric trait measurements.
      As expected, at 8 weeks of age, rabbits given for 3 weeks the strictest feed
      rationing (70% of the ad libitum ration) were lighter than rabbits fed the lowest
      feed rationing (90% of the ad libitum ration). At 11 weeks of age, rabbits given
      the 70% ration initially and then switched to 90% ration showed significantly
      higher body weights than rabbits fed the alternative diet (90% ration initially
      and then switched to 70% ration), and the best feed conversion ratio. Fibre type
      distribution, fibre cross-sectional area and compactness, colour and metabolic
      characteristics varied according to slaughter age. The effects of feeding
      treatment were low.

PMID- 22063488
TI  - Effects of restricted feeding and antioxidant supplementation on pig performance
      and quality characteristics of longissimus dorsi muscle from Landrace and Duroc
      pigs.
AB  - The present study was designed to evaluate the effects of compensatory growth
      diets with or without antioxidant inclusion (alpha-tocopheryl acetate (TA) or
      green tea catechins (GTC)) on pig performance and quality characteristics of
      longissimuss dorsi (LD) muscle from Landrace or Duroc pigs. Breed did not
      influence pig performance but had a significant effect on pork quality. Duroc
      muscle had higher intramuscular fat, ash and monounsaturated fatty acid levels
      and lower levels of moisture compared to Landrace. Lipid and pigment oxidation
      levels were higher in meat from Landrace pigs at initial stages of the study.
      Pigs fed restricted diets had reduced growth rates and lower back fat thickness.
      Decreasing the duration of energy restriction or significantly increasing dietary
      energy prior to slaughter resulted in compensatory growth. Supplementing diets
      with alpha-TA increased alpha-tocopherol levels in m. LD. Lipid oxidation levels
      (TBARS values) remained low throughout refrigerated storage. Dietary treatments
      did not affect colour stability or compositional analysis. Overall, lipid
      oxidation was highest in meat from pigs fed diets with greatest energy
      restriction and lowest in meat from pigs fed diets supplemented with alpha-TA or
      GTC.

PMID- 22063489
TI  - Prediction of carcass composition by impedance spectroscopy in lambs of similar
      weight.
AB  - Previous research on impedance measurements for the prediction of carcass
      composition was predominantly carried out on animals that varied widely in body
      weight, breed, or sex. The high accuracy for the estimated lean or fat mass was
      mainly obtained by including the body weight in the regression equations. The
      objective of this study was the prediction of carcass composition in lambs of
      similar weight. We used 70 male German Merino Mutton lambs and 70 male German
      Blackheaded Mutton lambs with 35 and 45kg live weight each. Impedance
      measurements with different electrode placements were carried out in vivo and on
      carcasses 20min and 24h postmortem. The carcass composition was ascertained by
      dissection of the left carcass side into lean, fat, and bone. R(2)-values for
      prediction of lean mass by impedance and body weight ranged between 0.11 and 0.71
      within breeds and weight groups and between 0.84 and 0.89in the total material.
      Lean percentage was estimated with R(2)=0.18-0.48 within breeds and weight
      groups. The corresponding values for the total material varied from 0.23 to 0.37.
      We conclude that the impedance method is not suitable for the prediction of lean
      or fat percentage, neither in lambs of similar weight nor in heterogeneous
      animals.

PMID- 22063490
TI  - Development of an autonomous, wireless pH and temperature sensing system for
      monitoring pig meat quality.
AB  - This paper focuses on the development of a unique wireless pH and temperature
      monitoring system to assess pig meat quality. Pale, soft and exudative (PSE) pig
      meat continues to be a major problem in the pig meat industry today. The PSE
      condition in pork is related to a number of factors including genetics, pre
      slaughter stress and insufficient chilling of pig carcasses, which cause a rapid
      rate of glycolysis post-mortem (<1h). As a result the pH drops to low levels
      while the muscle temperature is still high. A wireless dual channel system that
      monitors pH and temperature simultaneously has been developed to provide pH and
      temperature data of the carcass during the first 24h after slaughter. We have
      demonstrated that this approach can distinguish in real time, pH and temperature
      profiles that are 'non-normal', and identify carcasses that are PSE positive
      quickly and easily.

PMID- 22063491
TI  - Evaluation of microsatellites as a potential tool for product tracing of ground
      beef mixtures.
AB  - Microsatellite genotyping was evaluated as a potential tool for DNA-based tracing
      of ground beef product. DNA from mixtures containing different numbers of
      individuals was analysed with a set of cattle microsatellite markers frequently
      used for parentage testing. As samples contained DNA from several animals, the
      microsatellite markers showed multiple peaks. The method could distinguish
      between mixtures containing equal amounts of meat from three different
      individuals, meat from three individuals mixed in different proportions, ground
      beef mixtures purchased in different cities, and different batches of ground beef
      patties. Limitations occurred when batches contained large numbers of individuals
      (>10) and different batches used meat from the same individuals. We conclude that
      DNA microsatellites may be useful for DNA traceability of ground beef mixtures
      prepared from less than 10 individuals, but where larger numbers of animals
      contribute to a mixture the method is not consistently accurate.

PMID- 22063492
TI  - Factors influencing tenderness in steaks from Brahman cattle.
AB  - The objective of this study was to identify a set of explanatory variables for
      Warner-Bratzler shear force and myofibril fragmentation indices after 7, 14, and
      21d of aging; and sensory tenderness after 14d of aging of steaks from Brahman
      cattle. Insoluble collagen was negatively associated (P<0.001) with all
      tenderness traits across aging periods, and regression coefficients ranged from
      5.69+/-0.49 to 9.12+/-0.29N for Warner-Bratzler shear force. The effect of lean
      color score (P<0.05) in analyses of unadjusted traits was diminished when data
      were adjusted for contemporary group (calves of the same sex, fed in one pen, and
      slaughtered the same day). Insoluble collagen may be of special importance and
      offer a unique opportunity to improve palatability of steaks from purebred
      Brahman cattle.

PMID- 22063493
TI  - Prediction of texture and colour of dry-cured ham by visible and near infrared
      spectroscopy using a fiber optic probe.
AB  - The potential of visible and near infrared spectroscopy to predict texture and
      colour of dry-cured ham samples was investigated. Sensory evaluation was
      performed on 117 boned and cross-sectioned dry-cured ham samples. Slices of
      approximate thickness 4cm were cut, vacuum-packaged and kept under frozen storage
      until spectral analysis. Then, Biceps femoris muscle from the thawed slices was
      taken and scanned (400-2200nm) using a fiber optic probe. The exploratory
      analysis using principal component analysis shows that there are two ham groups
      according to the appearance or not of defects. Then, a K nearest neighbours was
      used to classify dry-cured hams into defective or no defective classes. The
      overall accuracy of the classification as a function of pastiness was 88.5%;
      meanwhile, according to colour was 79.7%. Partial least squares regression was
      used to formulate prediction equations for pastiness and colour. The correlation
      coefficients of calibration and cross-validation were 0.97 and 0.86 for optimal
      equation predicting pastiness, and 0.82 and 0.69 for optimal equation predicting
      colour. The standard error of cross-validation for predicting pastiness and
      colour is between 1 and 2 times the standard deviation of the reference method
      (the error involved in the sensory evaluation by the experts). The magnitude of
      this error demonstrates the good precision of the methods for predicting
      pastiness and colour. Furthermore, the samples were classified into defective or
      no defective classes, with a correct classification of 94.2% according to pasty
      texture evaluation and 75.7% as regard to colour evaluation.

PMID- 22063494
TI  - Meat bolus properties in relation with meat texture and chewing context.
AB  - During chewing the meat sample is fragmented by compressive and shear bite forces
      while saliva is incorporated. At the end of this process meat is transformed into
      a bolus with specific properties, which elicit deglutition. This study aims to
      analyze the mechanical properties of the boli and juice-saliva interactions in
      different chewing contexts. Two groups of subjects with different chewing
      efficiencies participated in the study: healthy dentate (n=9) and denture wearers
      (n=7). Meat boli were obtained from two beef samples exhibiting different
      textures obtained by varying aging time and cooking temperature. Variables linked
      to saliva-food matrix interactions (boli volume and weight, dry matter content)
      were not dependent on muscle fiber disorganization evaluated using shear tests.
      No texture effect was observed from the mechanical properties of the boli,
      whatever the chewing context. Denture wearers swallowed less disorganized boli
      but with a similar water content as dentate. Between subjects variability was the
      highest for saliva-food interactions and the lowest for mechanical properties.
      The variations obtained in meat boli characteristics could have consequences on
      sensory properties perception and on the digestion process.

PMID- 22063495
TI  - The influences of carcass weight and depot on the fatty acid composition of fats
      of suckling Manchego lambs.
AB  - The effects of carcass weight (<5.5 kg, 5.5-6.5 kg, ?6.5 kg) of Manchego suckling
      lambs, type of fat depot of the leg (subcutaneous, intermuscular and
      intramuscular) and muscle (m. longissimus dorsi (LD) or m. quadriceps femoris
      (QF)) on the fatty acid composition were studied. Carcass fatness increased with
      increasing carcass weight. However, few differences in fatty acid proportion were
      observed between the three carcass weight groups. The lightest carcasses had
      lower proportions of myristic (C14:0) and palmitoleic (C16:1) acid and higher
      proportions of stearic (C18:0) acid, desirable fatty acids (DFA) (C18:0+total
      unsaturated fatty acid (TUFA)) and a greater nutritive value
      ((C18:0+C18:1)/C16:0). The fatty acid composition of subcutaneous and
      intermuscular fat depots of the leg were similar, whereas the intramuscular fat
      depot was different from both of these, since it had a lower proportion of
      saturated fatty acids (SFA), a greater proportion of TUFA, higher PUFA/SFA and n
      6/n-3 ratios, and greater DFA and nutritive values. The intramuscular fat of the
      LD was more saturated than QF, higher SFA, and had lower value of PUFA/SFA ratio
      and DFA. These results indicated that the intramuscular fat quality of the leg
      was better than subcutaneous and intermuscular fat depots and also that
      intramuscular fat displayed better attributes of quality (lower SFA, higher TUFA,
      and greater PUFA/SFA ratio and DFA as well) than intramuscular fat of the LD from
      the consumer health standpoint. Despite carcass weight affected carcass fatness,
      it did not seem to influence the proportions of saturated or polyunsaturated
      fatty acids. For this reason, carcass weight probably had little effect on the
      organoleptic characteristics of the meat.

PMID- 22063496
TI  - Time-related changes in cathepsin B and L activities during processing of Jinhua
      ham as a function of pH, salt and temperature.
AB  - Sixty experimental Jinhua hams were processed by traditional methods using green
      hams from local crossbred pigs of Lanxi, Zhejiang province, PR China. Biceps
      femoris was sampled from five hams randomly taken after each processing stage.
      Potential activities of cathepsin B and L were determined. The effects of
      temperature, salt content, pH value and nitrate content on the activities of
      cathepsin B and L were evaluated using response surface methodology (RSM) and the
      actual activities of cathepsin B and L during Jinhua ham processing were
      calculated. The results showed that potential activities of cathepsin B and L
      decreased gradually from 11332.05 to 9955.50 Ug(-1) prior salting to 1055.32
      1359.90 Ug(-1) at the end of post-aging, respectively. After processing, about
      9.31% original potential activity of cathepsin B and 13.66% original potential
      activity of cathepsin L were left. Temperature, pH value and salt content showed
      significant effects on cathepsin B and L activities. By stepwise regression
      analysis, two quadratic regression equation models were built individually for
      estimating cathepsin B and L activities. The models predicted that the actual
      activities of cathepsin B and L were less than 5% of their corresponding
      potential activities most of the time before half of loft-aging and about 15% and
      20% during the rest processing periods. Nevertheless, cathepsin B and L retained
      actual activities throughout processing, especially during loft-aging and post
      aging periods.

PMID- 22063497
TI  - Development of the aerobic spoilage flora of chilled rabbit meat.
AB  - Even though worldwide production of rabbit meat is over 1,000,000ton, little
      information is available on rabbit meat microbiology. This paper reports on the
      microflora developing on chill-stored rabbit carcasses. Four different lots of
      24h post-mortem rabbit carcasses dressed and kept at 0 degrees C in a medium-size
      abattoir were collected and evaluated for sensory, physicochemical and
      microbiological changes during aerobic storage at 3+/-1 degrees C. Mean initial
      pH value (pH(24)), extract-release volume (ERV) and lactate content of Biceps
      femoris muscle, were 6.26+/-0.20, 13.50+/-3.50ml and 0.70+/-0.07%, respectively.
      As with other muscle foods kept chilled in air, pH increased and ERV and lactate
      decreased as storage progressed. Initial levels (logcfu/g) of aerobes (APC),
      psychrotrophic flora, Pseudomonas spp., Brochothrix thermosphacta, lactic acid
      bacteria, Enterobacteriaceae and yeasts were 4.76+/-0.31, 4.81+/-0.81, 3.39+/
      1.12, 2.01+/-0.92, 2.76+/-0.51, 0.49+/-0.45 and 3.46+/-0.32, respectively.
      Pseudomonads, most of them fluorescent, and to a lesser extent B. thermosphacta
      and yeasts grew faster than the remaining microorganisms and became predominant
      at the end of the shelf life. Carcasses spoiled when mean APC, psychrotrophic and
      pseudomonads numbers were ca. 8logcfu/g, their mean shelf life being estimated at
      6.8 days. A lot of DFD-like rabbit carcasses, with higher pH and lower ERV values
      but similar microbial loads to normal meat, developed a strong putrid odour after
      4 days.

PMID- 22063498
TI  - A real time PCR (RT-PCR) alternative assay to detect the T/C mutation in position
      1843 of the ryanodine receptor gene.
AB  - The discovery of the causal mutation of malignant hyperthermia in pigs, a T for C
      substitution in base 1843 of the ryanodine receptor gene, opened the door to
      selection procedures based on the analysis of ryanodine receptor genotype based
      on PCR amplification of the region containing base 1843, subsequent digestion
      with specific restriction enzymes of the amplified DNA fragment, and
      electrophoretic analysis of the resulting bands. In this paper, we describe an
      assay that allows analysis of the three possible genotypes of the ryanodine
      receptor gene using real time PCR to amplify and detect them in a single step.
      Results obtained with the RT-PCR assay described in this work match 100% with
      those obtained using traditional PCR methods. RT-PCR methods are cheaper and
      faster than traditional ones allowing one to genotype up to 384 samples in a
      single run.

PMID- 22063499
TI  - Evaluation method for firmness and stickiness of porcine perirenal fat.
AB  - The firmness and stickiness of chilled porcine fat at 4 degrees C were evaluated
      with an Instron compression tester and compared with fatty acid composition.
      Firmness of cylindrical adipose samples was measured at a force producing a 70%
      deformation. Firmness values were correlated with refractive index data (r=
      0.67), melting point data (r=0.77), and saturated fatty acids concentration data
      (r=0.72) of the extracted lipid, and with sensory scores data (r=0.89). The
      firmness value correlated with the concentration of C18:0 (r=0.73). The
      stickiness of comminuted fat samples was evaluated with the Instron using a fixed
      load at a compression force of 20N and crosshead speed of 1.5mm/s. Single
      regression analyses showed that the stickiness parameters, stretch and
      adhesiveness correlated negatively with the concentration of the saturated fatty
      acids data (r=-0.64, -0.52) but positively and weakly with the monounsaturated
      fatty acids data (r=0.28, 0.34). Multiple regression analysis improved their
      relationships. These results indicate that mechanical evaluation may be used to
      predict porcine fat texture and saturated fatty acids concentration.

PMID- 22063500
TI  - Susceptibility profiles and resistance genes for carbapenems (cfiA) and
      metronidazole (nim) among Bacteroides species in a Turkish University Hospital.
AB  - Sixty-six nonduplicate Bacteroides clinical isolates collected at Marmara
      University Hospital were tested to investigate carbapenem and metronidazole
      resistance profiles and to detect the resistance genes (cfiA and nim) and related
      insertion sequence (IS) elements. The study found that there were no strains
      resistant to metronidazole and nim genes were not detected in any of the strains.
      Five Bacteroides fragilis strains were resistant to meropenem, one of which was
      also resistant to imipenem. The cfiA gene was detected in 27% of strains, 32% of
      strains had the IS1187 element, and five strains harbored both gene cfiA and
      IS1187. These results indicate higher rates of carriage of the cfiA gene and
      IS1187 insertion elements than have been reported in other countries.

PMID- 22063501
TI  - Structural studies of the exopolysaccharide consisting of a nonasaccharide
      repeating unit isolated from Lactobacillus rhamnosus KL37B.
AB  - A novel structure of exopolysaccharide from the lactic acid bacteria (LAB)
      Lactobacillus rhamnosus KL37B, from the human intestinal flora, is described.
      During the structural investigation of the exopolysaccharide it was found that
      the repeating unit is a nonasaccharide, which is the largest repeating unit found
      in LAB exopolysaccharides to date. The polysaccharide material was prepared by
      TCA extraction of a bacterial cell mass, purified by anion-exchange and gel
      permeation chromatography and characterized using chemical and enzymatic methods.
      On the basis of monosaccharide and methylation analysis and also 1D and 2D (1)H
      and (13)C NMR spectroscopy the exopolysaccharide was shown to be composed of the
      following nonasaccharide repeating unit: The physicochemical cell surface study
      and adhesive properties indicated distinct surface properties of Lactobacillus
      rhamnosus strain KL37B with high adhesive abilities to Caco-2 cells,
      hydrophobicity and slime production, in comparison to other Lactobacillus strains
      used as controls.

PMID- 22063502
TI  - Molecular dynamics simulation of the dissolution process of a cellulose
      triacetate-II nano-sized crystal in DMSO.
AB  - An understanding of the dissolution process of cellulose derivatives is important
      not only for basic research but also for industrial purposes. We investigated the
      dissolution process of cellulose triacetate II (CTA II) nano-sized crystal in
      DMSO solvent using molecular dynamics simulations. The nano-sized crystal
      consists of 18 CTA chains. During the 9 ns simulation, it was observed that one
      chain (C01) located at the corner of the lozenge crystal was solvated by the DMSO
      molecules and moved away from the remaining cluster into the DMSO solvent. The
      analysis showed that the breakage of the interaction between the H1, H3, and H5
      hydrogens of the pyranose ring and the acetyl carbonyl oxygen in the C01 and C02
      adjacent chains would be crucial for the dissolution of CTA. The DMSO molecules
      solvating around these atoms would prevent the re-crystallization of the CTA
      molecules and facilitate further dissolution.

PMID- 22063503
TI  - Computational study of mutarotation in erythrose and threose.
AB  - For the first time the mutarotation mechanism of furanose rings has been
      investigated, with and without solvent. The transformations from open-chain
      furanose to D-erythrose and D-threose have been studied at B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p)
      and G3MP2B3 levels, in vacuum and in solution through continuum solvation models.
      We studied the catalytic influence of one, two or three water molecules, as well
      as simplified models of carbohydrates, that is, methanol and 1,2-ethanediol.
      Water molecules significantly reduce the energy barrier of the hemiacetal
      formation occurring between the open-chain and furanose configurations. The
      energy barrier is optimally reduced by two water molecules. Methanol yields a
      smaller transition state barrier than the one obtained with a single water
      molecule. In contrast, 1,2-ethanediol does not provide a lower transition state
      compared to the barrier in the presence of two water molecules.

PMID- 22063504
TI  - Controversial behavior of aminoguanidine in the presence of either reducing
      sugars or soluble glycated bovine serum albumin.
AB  - The elucidation of the controversial inhibitory effect of aminoguanidine (AG) on
      the cross-linking and fluorescent advanced glycation end products (AGEs)
      formation during long-term in vitro glycation of type I collagen with 250 mM
      reducing sugars or 0.5mg/ml soluble glycated bovine serum albumin (AGE-BSA) was
      researched. Chromatographic and SDS-PAGE analyses revealed the formation of
      aggregates during collagen glycation. AG at all concentrations (5-80 mM)
      prevented the cross-linking of collagen peptides with monosaccharides but an
      increase in fluorescence with a maximum value at 10 mM AG was noticed. In the
      presence of AGE-BSA, AG prevented the cross-linking process and decreased the
      fluorescence levels in a concentration-dependent manner. Our results suggest that
      AG is an efficient inhibitor of collagen cross-linking and the highest increase
      in fluorescence due to reducing sugars and AG can be explained by the competition
      between guanidine group of AG and arginine residues of some protein-bound
      dideoxyosones, which could form fluorescent compounds.

PMID- 22063505
TI  - Maria Sklodowska-Curie, analytical chemist.

PMID- 22063506
TI  - 2011--the year of Maria Sklodowska-Curie: a woman for eternity, but a Polish
      woman of her time.

PMID- 22063507
TI  - Solventless and solvent-minimized sample preparation techniques for determining
      currently used pesticides in water samples: a review.
AB  - The intensification of agriculture means that increasing amounts of toxic organic
      and inorganic compounds are entering the environment. The pesticides generally
      applied nowadays are regarded as some of the most dangerous contaminants of the
      environment. Their presence in the environment, especially in water, is hazardous
      because they cause human beings to become more susceptible to disease. For these
      reasons, it is essential to monitor pesticide residues in the environment with
      the aid of all accessible analytical methods. The analysis of samples for the
      presence of pesticides is problematic, because of the laborious and time
      consuming operations involved in preparing samples for analysis, which themselves
      may be a source of additional contaminations and errors. To date, it has been
      standard practice to use large quantities of organic solvents in the sample
      preparation process; but as these solvents are themselves hazardous, solventless
      and solvent-minimized techniques are coming into use. This paper discusses the
      most commonly used over the last 15 years sample preparation techniques for
      monitoring organophosphorus and organonitrogen pesticides residue in water
      samples. Furthermore, a significant trend in sample preparation, in accordance
      with the principles of 'Green Chemistry' is the simplification, miniaturization
      and automation of analytical techniques. In view of this aspect, several novel
      techniques are being developed in order to reduce the analysis step, increase the
      sample throughput and to improve the quality and the sensitivity of analytical
      methods. The paper describes extraction techniques requiring the use of solvents 
      liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) and its modifications, membrane extraction
      techniques, hollow fibre-protected two-phase solvent microextraction, liquid
      phase microextraction based on the solidification of a floating organic drop
      (LPME-SFO), solid-phase extraction (SPE) and single-drop microextraction (SDME) -
      as well as solvent-free techniques - solid phase microextraction (SPME) and stir
      bar sorptive extraction (SBSE). The advantages and drawbacks of these techniques
      are also discussed, and some solutions to their limitations are proposed.

PMID- 22063508
TI  - New trends in quantification of acrylamide in food products.
AB  - Methods applied in acrylamide quantification in foods have been reviewed in this
      paper. Novel analytical techniques like capillary electrophoresis (CE),
      immunoenzymatic test (ELISA) and electrochemical biosensors, which can replace
      traditional methods like high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and gas
      chromatography (GC) were presented. Short time of analysis and high resolution
      power of electrophoretic techniques caused that they became routinely used in
      food analysis apart from high performance liquid chromatography and gas
      chromatography. Application of modern chromatography methods like ultra
      performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) in acrylamide quantification
      considerably shortened the time of analysis and decreased the consumption of
      indispensable reagents. The most promising approaches to acrylamide
      quantification in foods are electrochemical biosensors and immunoenzymatic tests.
      In contrast to chromatography and electrophoretic methods they require neither
      expensive equipment nor time consuming sample preparation and allow for fast
      screening of numerous samples without the usage of sophisticated apparatuses.
      Because of many advantages such as miniaturization, rapid and simple analysis,
      and high sensitivity and selectivity, biosensors are thought to replace
      conventional methods of acrylamide quantification in food.

PMID- 22063509
TI  - Lipophilicity study of some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents and
      cephalosporin antibiotics: a review.
AB  - Lipophilicity properties have long been considered a vital component of drug
      discovery and development, providing insight into the role of molecular
      properties in the biological activity of known and new compounds. An extensive
      survey of the literature published in analytical and pharmaceutical chemistry
      journals has been conducted. Separation, optical, electrochemical and calculation
      methods which were developed and used for determination of lipophilicity non
      steroidal anti-inflammatory agents and cephalosporin antibiotics in drugs and
      biological materials, have been reviewed. This review covers over 100
      miscellaneous methods. Presented review highlighted some recent developments and
      new techniques that have been used in the lipophilicity detection of two
      different kinds of drugs.

PMID- 22063510
TI  - Use of carbon nanotubes and electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry for the
      speciation of very low amounts of arsenic and antimony in waters.
AB  - A procedure for the determination of inorganic arsenic (III, V) and antimony
      (III, V) in water samples by using a miniaturized solid-phase extraction with
      carbon nanotubes followed by electrothermal atomic absorption measurement is
      proposed. The trivalent species are first complexed with ammonium
      pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate, next retained in a mini-column containing nanotubes
      and then eluted by means of a plug of an ammonia solution. The atomizer is
      impregnated with a tungsten salt which acts as an effective chemical modifier
      during the heating cycle. Total inorganic arsenic and antimony are determined
      after the reduction of the pentavalent forms with an ammonium iodide solution.
      Pentavalent arsenic and antimony are calculated by difference. When using 50 mL
      sample solutions, the limits of detection are 0.02 and 0.05 MUg L(-1) for As and
      Sb, respectively, and the enrichment factor is 250. The relative standard
      deviations calculated for five determinations at the 1 MUg L(-1) level are below
      4%.

PMID- 22063511
TI  - Synthesis of molecularly imprinted monolithic fibers for solid-phase
      microextraction of acetaldehyde from head-space of beverages stored in PET
      bottles.
AB  - Molecularly imprinted monolithic fibers were synthesized and evaluated for solid
      phase microextraction (SPME) of acetaldehyde from head-space of beverages stored
      in poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) bottles. The fibers were prepared by co
      polymerization of methacrylic acid and ethylene glycole diethacrylate as
      functional monomer and cross-linker, respectively. Acetaldehyde was used as
      template molecule during polymerization process, in order to leave specific
      cavities after leaching off from the co-polymer. Narrow bore (i.d. 100 MUm) glass
      capillaries as molds were filled with polymerization mixture containing cross
      linker, functional monomer, template molecule, initiator and porogen solvent.
      This mixture is then polymerized to form a continuous porous monolith that
      conforms to the shape of the mold. The resulting monolithic fibers were employed
      by a micro-syringe to extract acetaldehyde from head-space of sample solutions.
      Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was used to analyze adsorbed
      acetaldehyde to the fibers. Parameters influencing adsorption of acetaldehyde
      from head-space of standard solutions to the fiber and subsequently desorption in
      the GC chamber were optimized. The limit of detection (LOD) and the limit of
      quantification (LOQ) were 0.01 and 0.03 MUg mL(-1), respectively. The intra-day
      and inter-day precisions of the peak areas for five replicates were 8 and 15%,
      respectively.

PMID- 22063512
TI  - Colorimetric-solid phase extraction method for trace level determination of
      arsenite in water.
AB  - This paper introduces a method for the determination of inorganic arsenite
      [As(III)] in water at low MUg L(-1) by a sorption-photometric method known as
      colorimetric-solid phase extraction (C-SPE). The method relies on the selective
      extraction and concentration of an analyte on a reagent-impregnated SPE membrane,
      followed by direct detection of the extracted colored complex by a handheld
      diffuse reflectance spectrophotometer (DRS) operating in the visible spectral
      region. The well-established chemistry of the classic redox titrimetric method
      for molecular iodine (I(2)) standardization by arsenious oxide (As(2)O(3)) serves
      as the basis for this analysis. I(2), which is added to the aqueous sample in an
      excess with respect to the analyte, serves as a colorimetric indicator. The
      arsenite-iodine reaction is rapid, allowing an exact volume of analyte solution
      to be immediately passed through an SPE membrane via a syringe after mixing with
      the indicator. An SPE membrane that is impregnated with the complexing agent
      poly(vinyl-pyrrolidone) (PVP) serves to complex and concentrate excess I(2) not
      consumed by the As(III) analyte. The amount of complexed I(2) is determined by a
      DRS reading directly on the membrane surface. The spectrophotometric measurement
      can be made in a few seconds, with a total sample workup and readout time of ~ 1
      2 min. The limit of detection (LOD) for this determination is below 10 MUg L(-1).
      The potential effectiveness of the method for the analysis of spiked tap water
      and surface water is examined, and results from preliminary interference studies
      are described. The work herein also shows that by applying the principles of
      negligible depletion (ND), the analytical procedure could be simplified by
      eliminating the need to pass an exact volume of a sample through the impregnated
      membrane as long as it exceeds the predetermined minimum volume.

PMID- 22063513
TI  - Uncertainty of ozone measurements with the primary standard reference photometer
      (SRP45).
AB  - A comparison of the ozone primary reference standard photometer serial number 45
      (SRP45) against the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
      instruments, serial number 0 (SRP0) and 2 (SRP2), has been performed in order to
      establish the traceability and comparability of ozone measurements made by the
      Chilean atmospheric science community. A complete uncertainty budget was
      developed for SRP45, using a GUM approach. The results of the comparisons allow
      us to conclude that SRP45, SRP0 and SRP2 are comparable according to
      international criteria over an ozone mole fraction range of 0 nmol mol(-1) to at
      least 500 nmol mol(-1). The official result for the validation of SRP45 is
      x(ozone)(SRP45)=[0.013+0.99806x(ozone)(SRP2)] nmol mol(-1) with an expanded
      uncertainty of [Formula in text] from 0 to 500 nmol mol(-1).

PMID- 22063514
TI  - A fast method using a new hydrophilic-lipophilic balanced sorbent in combination
      with ultra-high performance liquid chromatography for quantification of
      significant bioactive metabolites in wines.
AB  - This manuscript describes the development and validation of an ultra-fast,
      efficient, and high throughput analytical method based on ultra-high performance
      liquid chromatography (UHPLC) equipped with a photodiode array (PDA) detection
      system, for the simultaneous analysis of fifteen bioactive metabolites: gallic
      acid, protocatechuic acid, (-)-catechin, gentisic acid, (-)-epicatechin, syringic
      acid, p-coumaric acid, ferulic acid, m-coumaric acid, rutin, trans-resveratrol,
      myricetin, quercetin, cinnamic acid and kaempferol, in wines. A 50-mm column
      packed with 1.7-MUm particles operating at elevated pressure (UHPLC strategy) was
      selected to attain ultra-fast analysis and highly efficient separations. In order
      to reduce the complexity of wine extract and improve the recovery efficiency, a
      reverse-phase solid-phase extraction (SPE) procedure using as sorbent a new
      macroporous copolymer made from a balanced ratio of two monomers, the lipophilic
      divinylbenzene and the hydrophilic N-vinylpyrrolidone (OasisTM HLB), was
      performed prior to UHPLC-PDA analysis. The calibration curves of bioactive
      metabolites showed good linearity within the established range. Limits of
      detection (LOD) and quantification (LOQ) ranged from 0.006 MUg mL(-1) to 0.58 MUg
      mL(-1), and from 0.019 MUg mL(-1) to 1.94 MUg mL(-1), for gallic and gentisic
      acids, respectively. The average recoveries +/- SD for the three levels of
      concentration tested (n=9) in red and white wines were, respectively, 89 +/- 3%
      and 90 +/- 2%. The repeatability expressed as relative standard deviation (RSD)
      was below 10% for all the metabolites assayed. The validated method was then
      applied to red and white wines from different geographical origins (Azores,
      Canary and Madeira Islands). The most abundant component in the analysed red
      wines was (-)-epicatechin followed by (-)-catechin and rutin, whereas in white
      wines syringic and p-coumaric acids were found the major phenolic metabolites.
      The method was completely validated, providing a sensitive analysis for bioactive
      phenolic metabolites detection and showing satisfactory data for all the
      parameters tested. Moreover, was revealed as an ultra-fast approach allowing the
      separation of the fifteen bioactive metabolites investigated with high resolution
      power within 5 min.

PMID- 22063515
TI  - On the lability of dissolved Cu, Pb and Zn in freshwater: optimization and
      application to the Deule (France).
AB  - A procedure to determine lead and zinc by anodic stripping voltammetry and copper
      by cathodic stripping voltammetry in natural river samples was developed and
      validated. Cu determination involves the adsorption of Cu complexes with 8
      hydroxyquinoline (oxine) onto a hanging mercury drop electrode. All samples were
      studied at natural pH and following optimal conditions were found: an
      accumulation step at -1.3 V (all potential values in the paper are given versus
      the Ag/AgCl, [KCl]=3M reference electrode) during 30s for determination of Zn
      contents and at -0.7 V during 60s for determination of Pb contents. Concerning Cu
      analysis, the optimal oxine concentration was found to be 10(-5)M with a
      deposition potential of -1.1 V during 30s followed by an adsorption step at -0.25
      V during 15s. This procedure was afterwards validated by using certified
      reference freshwater and performing an intercalibration exercise. Finally the
      method was successfully applied in the Deule River, highly contaminated by
      dissolved Zn and to a lesser extent by Pb and Cu, due to past and present
      activities of metallurgical plants. Under these optimal conditions, metal
      concentrations measured by our voltammetric procedures in the Deule River were
      found in the range 12.4-23.2 nM for Zn, 1.7-3.2 nM for Pb and 4.9-7.6 nM for Cu.

PMID- 22063516
TI  - Determination of Pu and U isotopes in safeguard swipe sample with extraction
      chromatographic techniques.
AB  - A simple and reliable separation method of plutonium and uranium was developed
      using extraction chromatographic techniques. Using the separation method of
      plutonium and uranium developed in this study, recoveries of plutonium and
      uranium were compared with those by commercial separation methods of Pu and U.
      The redox reactions of hydrogen peroxide with plutonium in a nitric acid medium
      were investigated by UV-vis-NIR absorption spectroscopic techniques. The
      separation method of Pu and U isotopes with the UTEVA resin updated in this study
      could be effective to measure quantitatively nano- and picogram amounts of
      uranium and plutonium in swipe samples using isotope dilution thermal ionization
      mass spectrometry (ID-TIMS).

PMID- 22063517
TI  - An anionic exchange stir rod sorptive extraction based on monolithic material for
      the extraction of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs in environmental aqueous
      samples.
AB  - In this study, a stir rod sorptive extraction (SRSE) adsorbent material was
      prepared by coating poly(4-vinylpyridine-co-ethylene glycol dimethacrylate)
      [poly(VP-co-EDMA)] monolithic polymer on stir rod, and then applied to the
      extraction of three non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in
      environmental aqueous samples. The preparation conditions of monolithic material
      such as the amount of porogen and the ratio of functional monomer to cross-linker
      were investigated. To achieve the best extraction efficiency, several parameters,
      including pH value of sample solution, salt concentration in sample matrix,
      desorption solvent, extraction time, and desorption time, were optimized. By
      combining SRSE and high performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet
      detector, a SRSE-HPLC/UV method for the determination of NSAIDs in environmental
      aqueous samples was proposed successfully. The limits of detection (LODs) of the
      developed method for three NSAIDs ranged between 0.09 and 0.25 ng/mL. Good method
      reproducibility presented as intra- and inter-day precisions were also obtained
      with the relative standard deviations (RSDs) less than 8.7% and 9.8%,
      respectively.

PMID- 22063518
TI  - Electromembrane extraction and HPLC analysis of haloacetic acids and aromatic
      acetic acids in wastewater.
AB  - For the first time, haloacetic acids and aromatic acetic acids were extracted
      from wastewater samples using electromembrane extraction (EME). A thin layer of
      toluene immobilized on the walls of a polypropylene membrane envelope served as
      an artificial supported liquid membrane (SLM). The haloacetic acids (HAAs)
      (chloroacetic acid, dichloroacetic acid, and trifluoroacetic acid) and aromatic
      acetic acids (phenylacetic acid and p-hydroxyphenylacetic acid) were extracted
      through the SLM and into an alkalized aqueous buffer solution. The buffer
      solution was located inside the membrane envelope. The electrical potential
      difference sustained over the membrane acted as the driving force for the
      transport of haloacetic acids into the membrane by electrokinetic migration.
      After extraction, the extracts were analyzed by high-performance liquid
      chromatography-ultraviolet detection. The detection limits were between 0.072 and
      40.3 ng L(-1). The calibration plot linearity was in the range of 5 and 200 MUg
      L(-1) while the correlation coefficients for the analytes ranged from 0.9932 to
      0.9967. Relative recoveries were in the range of 87-106%. The extraction
      efficiency was found to be comparable to that of solid-phase extraction.

PMID- 22063519
TI  - Microwave plasma torch-atomic emission spectrometry for the on-line determination
      of rare earth elements based on flow injection preconcentration by TiO2-graphene
      composite.
AB  - In this work, we synthesized TiO(2)-graphene composite as a novel
      preconcentration material. It was enclosed in a microcolumn in the on-line flow
      injection system to adsorb trace light (La), medium (Tb), and heavy (Ho) rare
      earth elements (REEs) prior to their determinations by microwave plasma torch
      atomic emission spectrometry (MPT-AES). Various experimental parameters, such as
      sample loading time, sample flow rate, sample pH, eluent flow rate, eluent
      concentration, and interfering ions, were investigated systematically. Under the
      optimum conditions, the detection limits (three times of standard deviations of
      blank by 7 reiterations) of La, Tb, and Ho were found to be 2.2, 1.6, and 2.8 MUg
      L(-1), with enrichment factors of 17.1, 11.1, and 10.2, respectively. Relative
      standard deviations for the determination of the target REEs were 3.6%, 1.3%, and
      1.4%, respectively (n=7). The developed method was validated by the analysis of
      La, Tb, and Ho in certified reference material (GBW07313, marine sediment) and
      high purity REE oxide samples.

PMID- 22063520
TI  - Novel monohydrogenphosphate ion-selective polymeric membrane sensor based on
      phenyl urea substituted calix[4]arene.
AB  - A highly selective and sensitive PVC membrane, containing phenylurea substituted
      calix[4]arene was found to be a suitable ionophore for monohydrogen phosphate
      (HPO(4)(2-)) ions that exhibited a Nernstian response (with a slope of -29.4 +/-
      0.3 mV decade(-1)). The working concentration range of the electrode was 6.0 *
      10(-8)-1.0 * 10(-1) mol L(-1) with a detection limit of 2.0 * 10(-8) mol L(-1).
      The response time of the sensor in the whole concentration range is very short
      (<8s), with a considerable lifetime of at least 15 weeks. The sensor possesses
      the advantages of short response time, low detection limit and a high selectivity
      towards a large number of inorganic anions. The developed sensor was used as an
      indicator electrode in potentiometric titration of monohydrogen phosphate ion
      with barium chloride. The proposed sensor was successfully applied for the direct
      determination of monohydrogen phosphate in real life samples.

PMID- 22063521
TI  - An automated solid phase extraction coupled with electrothermal atomic absorption
      spectrometric determination of Pb(II) in high salt content samples.
AB  - A novel Pb(II) analysis in dialysis concentrates and seawater samples has been
      developed with on-line separation and preconcentration system coupled with
      electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometer (FI-ETAAS). Lewatit Monoplus TP207
      imminodiacetat chelating resin was used for separation and preconcentration of
      Pb(II) ions at pH 4.0. The influence of the analytical parameters such as type of
      eluent, flow rate of eluent and sample, eluent volume and matrix ions were
      investigated. W-Rh coated furnace was used as the atomization site. A
      preconcentration factor of 14 and a detection limit (3s/b) of 12 ng L(-1), along
      with the sampling frequency of 21 h(-1) were achieved with a 170 s sample loading
      time and with 2.8 mL sample consumption. The relative standard deviation (RSD)
      was 1.6% for 1 MUg L(-1) Pb(II) level. The developed method was used for Pb(II)
      analysis in dialysis concentrates and seawater samples. The certified reference
      material (CRM403) experimental results are in good agreement with the certified
      value.

PMID- 22063522
TI  - Glucose detection with surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy and molecularly
      imprinted hydrogel coatings.
AB  - Molecularly imprinted hydrogel membranes were developed and evaluated for
      detection of small analytes via surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy.
      Imprinting of glucose phosphate barium salt into a poly(allylamine hydrochloride)
      network covalently bound to gold surfaces yielded a selective sensor for glucose.
      Optimization of relative amounts of chemicals used for preparation of the
      hydrogel was performed to obtain highest sensitivity. Addition of gold
      nanoparticles into the hydrogel matrix significantly amplified its response and
      sensitivity due to the impact of gold nanoparticles on the refractive index of
      the sensing layer. Evaluation of its selectivity showed that the sensor displayed
      preferential recognition to glucose compared to structurally related sugars in
      addition to being unaffected by phosphate as well as compounds containing amine
      groups, like creatinine. The detection limit of glucose in deionized water was
      calculated to be 0.02 mg/mL. The developed sensor was finally exposed to human
      urine spiked with glucose illustrating the coating's ability to re-bind the
      analyte in complex matrices. While the working concentration range in water was
      determined to be suitable for glucose monitoring in diabetic individuals at
      physiological levels, the detection in urine was determined to be 0.12 mg/mL. The
      decreased performance in urine provided an initial perspective on the
      difficulties associated with measurements in complex media.

PMID- 22063523
TI  - Automatic heating and cooling system in a gas purge microsyringe extraction.
AB  - The gas purge microsyringe extraction (GP-MSE) technique offers quantitative and
      simultaneous extraction, and rapid gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric
      determination of volatile and semivolatile chemicals is possible. To simplify the
      application, a new automatic temperature control system was developed here.
      Stable heating and cooling over a wide range of temperatures were achieved using
      a micro-heater and thermoelectric cooler under varying gas flow conditions.
      Temperatures could be accurately controlled in the range 20-350 degrees C
      (heating) and 20 to -4 degrees C (cooling). Temperature effects on the extraction
      performance of the GP-MSE were experimentally investigated by comparing the
      recoveries of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) under various experimental
      conditions. A sample treatment was completed within 3 min, which is much less
      than the time required for chromatographic analysis. The recovery of chemicals
      determined ranged from 81 to 96%. High reproducibility data (RSD <= 5%) were
      obtained for direct extraction of various analytes in spiked complex plant and
      biological samples. The data show that the heating and cooling system has
      potential applications in GP-MSE system for the direct determination of various
      kinds of volatile and semivolatile chemicals from complex matrices without any,
      or only minor, sample pretreatment.

PMID- 22063524
TI  - Development of a simple field test for vehicle exhaust to detect illicit use of
      dyed diesel fuel.
AB  - Tax-free diesel fuel is intended for off-road uses such as agricultural
      operations, but illicit use of this fuel does occur and is a convenient way of
      evading payment of excise taxes. Current enforcement to prevent this practice
      involves visual inspection for the red azo dye added to the fuel to indicate its
      tax-free status. This approach, while very effective, has shortcomings such as
      the invasive nature of the tests and/or various deceptive tactics applied by tax
      evaders. A test designed to detect illicit dyed-fuel use by analyzing the vehicle
      exhaust would circumvent these shortcomings. This paper describes the development
      of a simple color spot test designed to detect the use of tax-free (i.e., dyed)
      fuel by analyzing the engine exhaust. Development efforts first investigated the
      combustion products of C.I. Solvent Red 164 (the azo dye formulation used in the
      United States to tag tax-free fuel). A variety of aryl amines were identified as
      characteristic molecular remnants that appear to survive combustion. A number of
      micro-analytical color tests specific for aryl amines were then investigated. One
      test that detected aryl amines by reacting with 4-(dimethylamino)benzaldehyde
      seemed to be particularly applicable and was used in a proof-of-principle
      experiment. The 4-(dimethylamino)benzaldehyde color spot test was able to clearly
      distinguish between engines that were burning regular fuel and those that were
      burning dyed diesel fuel. Further development will refine this color spot test to
      provide an easy-to-use field test.

PMID- 22063525
TI  - A new method for fabricating a CuO/TiO2 nanotube arrays electrode and its
      application as a sensitive nonenzymatic glucose sensor.
AB  - In this report, we presented a new method to fabricate TiO(2) nanotube (TiO(2)
      NT) arrays modified with cupric oxide (CuO) nanofibers, getting a novel TiO(2) NT
      arrays composition electrode for sensitive nonenzymatic glucose detection. For
      the preparation of CuO nanofibers, Cu nanoparticles were firstly electrodeposited
      onto the TiO(2) NT arrays, and then oxidized to CuO nanofibers followed by
      annealing in air. The CuO nanofibers modified TiO(2) NT (CuO/TiO(2) NT) arrays
      electrode for electrocatalytic detection of glucose was investigated by cyclic
      voltammetry and chronoamperometry in 0.10 M NaOH solution. The linear range of
      detection of glucose extended up to 2.0mM (R=0.997, n=10) at a potential of 0.50
      V (vs. SCE). The sensitivity was 79.79 MUA cm(-2)mM(-1), and the detection limit
      was 1 MUM (S/N=3). Significantly, the poisoning by chloride ion and the
      interferences from ascorbic acid, uric acid, lactose, sucrose, fructose and
      dopamine were negligible. Particularly, the CuO/TiO(2) NT arrays electrode showed
      excellent stability and repeatability over 1 month. The sensor was also
      investigated detecting glucose in human blood serum samples.

PMID- 22063526
TI  - Water-soluble fluorescent conjugated polymer-enzyme hybrid system for the
      determination of both hydroquinone and hydrogen peroxide.
AB  - In this paper, a sensitive and simple detecting system was developed for
      quantitative analysis of both hydroquinone (H(2)Q) and hydrogen peroxide
      (H(2)O(2)), based on the successful combination of horse radish peroxidase (HRP)
      and water-soluble conjugate fluorescence polymers PPESO(3). In the presence of
      HRP and H(2)O(2), H(2)Q could be oxidized to 1,4-benzoquinone (BQ), an
      intermediate, which plays the main role in the enhanced quenching of the
      photoluminescence (PL) intensity of PPESO(3). The quenching PL intensity of
      PPESO(3) (I(0)/I) was proportional to the concentration of H(2)Q and H(2)O(2) in
      the range of 1.0 * 10(-6) to 2.0 * 10(-3)mol/L (R(2)=0.996) and 6.0 * 10(-6) to
      2.0 * 10(-3)mol/L (R(2)=0.999), respectively. The detection limit for H(2)Q and
      H(2)O(2) was 5.0 * 10(-7)mol/L and 1.0 * 10(-6)mol/L, respectively. The present
      fluorescence quenching method was successfully applied for the determination of
      H(2)Q in the lake water, rainwater, tap-water and chemical plant wastewater
      samples. Compared with previous reports, the fluorescence quenching approach
      described in this work is simple and rapid with high sensitivity, which has a
      potential application for detecting various analytes which can be translated into
      quinone.

PMID- 22063527
TI  - Silica coated gold nanoaggregates prepared by reverse microemulsion method: dual
      mode probes for multiplex immunoassay using SERS and fluorescence.
AB  - A kind of fluorescent dye-doped, silica-coated Au aggregates was fabricated using
      reverse microemulsion method, which shows both strong fluorescence and intense
      surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) signals. Such a composite nanoparticle
      is composed of a SERS core as silica-coated Au aggregates and a fluorescent shell
      as dye-doped silica shell. Being prepared through reverse microemulsion method,
      the SERS core exhibits a sphere shape and a uniform size. Compared with a silica
      coated single Au nanoparticle, our presented SERS core shows a greatly increased
      SERS intensity due to the Au aggregates, which is formed by simply mixing the
      SERS reporters and Au nanoparticles. When being excited at different wavelengths
      as 515 nm and 633 nm, the fluorescence and SERS signals can be separately
      generated, which can avoid the disturbance from each other. In addition, the
      potential application of such a dual mode nanoparticle in multiplex immunoassay
      was also demonstrated using a sandwiched structure, where the fluorescence mode
      can be used for indicating the occurrence of an immune reaction, and SERS mode
      can further be employed for distinguishing the specific kind of bio-analyte.

PMID- 22063528
TI  - SPE biosensor for cholesterol in serum samples based on electrochemiluminescent
      luminol copolymer.
AB  - A poly(luminol-3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine) copolymer manufactured by
      electropolymerization on screen-printed gold electrodes greatly improves the
      electrochemiluminescence of hydrogen peroxide. Cholesterol oxidase was
      immobilized on the surface of a poly(luminol-3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine)
      screen-printed cell modified with chitosan to prepare an ECL biosensor for
      cholesterol. Working under the optimized conditions, the linear dynamic range of
      cholesterol was 2.4 * 10(-5)-1.0 * 10(-3)M with a limit of detection of 7.3 * 10(
      6)M and a precision of 10.3% (5.0 * 10(-4)M, n=5) expressed as relative standard
      deviation. This biosensor was applied to the determination of total cholesterol
      in serum samples obtaining satisfactory results with respect to the reference
      procedure. This cholesterol biosensor offers an alternative analytical method
      with low cost and high speed.

PMID- 22063529
TI  - Screening of 4-androstenedione misuse in cattle by LC-MS/MS profiling of
      glucuronide and sulfate steroids in urine.
AB  - The use of anabolic agents in food producing animals is prohibited within the
      European Union since 1988. The illegal use of natural steroid hormones control is
      however still a current challenge, especially regarding the limitations of
      existing screening methods. In this context, the present study aimed to develop a
      new screening approach based on the emerging 'untargeted profiling' concept, but
      with a special emphasis on steroids phase II conjugated metabolites, in the scope
      of revealing potential biomarkers signing a fraudulent administration of 4
      androstenedione. After extraction and separation of the urinary glucuronide and
      sulfate steroid fractions, each one was analyzed separately by UPLC-MS/MS using
      the precursor ion scan acquisition mode. This approach was carried out in order
      to monitor product ion characteristic of sulfate (m/z 97) and glucuronide (m/z
      113) functional groups, and then to fish for any potential conjugated steroid
      leading to these ionic species after fragmentation. After statistical analysis,
      86 metabolites (33 from steroid compounds and 53 from other unknown substances)
      were highlighted as potential biomarkers of 4-androstenedione abuse. After
      application of several robustness criteria, 26 metabolites (whom 5 were
      unambiguously structurally identified), were finally selected to build a
      statistical model which could be used as new diagnostic tool for screening
      purposes.

PMID- 22063530
TI  - Optimization of the analytical extraction of polyamines from milk.
AB  - Polyamines play an important role as growth promoters, in the maturation of the
      intestinal tract of infants and in the modulation of the immune response;
      consequently, the importance of polyamines in the diet of infants and adults is
      well established. However, information on the occurrence and levels of polyamines
      in cow's milk and milk from other species (including human milk) is
      contradictory. Furthermore, the methods used for the extraction of amines from
      these samples vary widely. Therefore, a method for the accurate analysis of
      amines in milk from different species and in milk products is needed. A
      sequential strategy of experimental designs was used to optimize the analytical
      extraction of polyamines from milk. The dependent variables that significantly
      affected the recoveries were screened through a Plackett-Burman design.
      Sulfosalicylic acid (SSA) provided better recoveries compared to trichloroacetic
      acid. Centrifugation time and speed during extraction were independent variables.
      The Central Composite Rotational Design used to optimize the dependent variables
      indicated that the optimal conditions for the extraction of polyamines were 40s
      vortexing, four successive extractions, and an SSA concentration of 1.5%. These
      conditions provided recoveries >= 92.8% and CV <= 5.8%. The experiments confirmed
      the predicted results, indicating that the optimized conditions and models used
      were effective in the determination of amines from milk. Samples of raw milk and
      milk beverages were observed to be poor sources of spermine and spermidine,
      whereas human milk contained both amines.

PMID- 22063531
TI  - Functional magnetic nanoparticle-based trapping and sensing approaches for label
      free fluorescence detection of DNA.
AB  - In this study, a label-free fluorescence detection method for DNA was designed
      using functional magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) as affinity probes. With the
      advantage of magnetic feature, MNP-based affinity probes can be easily
      manipulated for trapping and sensing target species. Two types of MNP-based
      nanoprobes for trapping and detecting target DNAs were fabricated. The basic
      strategy for this approach is the use of trapping probes to concentrate target
      DNAs selectively from complex samples. The detection probes are then used as
      fluorescence reporters to explore the level of the target species. Trapping
      probes were constructed by covalently immobilizing probe DNA molecules
      complementary to the target DNA. Detection nanoprobes were made by linking a
      fluorescent dye, riboflavin-5'-monophosphate (RFMP), onto the surface of the
      core/shell Fe(3)O(4)@Al(2)O(3) MNPs via Al-phosphate chelation. The fluorescence
      derived from RFMP molecules became invisible when molecules were attached onto
      the MNP surface. However, after phosphorylated species (e.g., DNA molecules)
      replaced RFMP from the surface of the RFMP-Fe(3)O(4)@Al(2)O(3) MNPs under
      microwave heating for 15s, the RFMP molecules released from the MNPs enhanced the
      fluorescence intensity in the solution. Based on the measurement of the
      fluorescence intensity, the level of target DNA in the samples was determined.
      The remaining DNA molecules on the RFMP-Fe(3)O(4)@Al(2)O(3) MNPs were
      characterized by using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass
      spectrometry (MALDI MS). The detection limit for DNA was as low as 40 pM using
      this approach.

PMID- 22063532
TI  - Flow-batch miniaturization.
AB  - This study introduces the first micro-flow-batch analyzer (MUFBA). A simple, low
      cost, deep urethane-acrylate photo-resist ultraviolet-lithographic technique was
      used in its development. Details of the microfabrication process are presented
      including; the use of two superimposed photo-masks to improve the micro-channel
      and stop chamber border definition, as well as integration of an
      LED/phototransistor photometric pair, while using an open nylon-thread (fishing
      line) micro-mixing system for solutions homogenization. The system was used for
      photometric determination of Fe(II) in oral solution iron supplements employing
      the well-known 1,10-phenanthroline method, with instantaneously prepared micro
      chamber calibration solutions. All analytical processes were accomplished by
      simply changing the timing parameters in the control software. It must be
      emphasized here that there was no outside preparation of the standard calibration
      solutions; the mixing was all done in-chamber/in-line, with all solutions
      maintained flowing while being proportioned for the measurement processes. The
      MUFBA results were acceptable when compared to the reference method, and
      comparable to normal flow-batch systems. It was possible both to project and
      build a low-cost probe with high sample throughput (about 120 h(-1)), low
      relative standard deviations (about 1.1%), and reduced reagent consumption (30
      times less than the reference method). The MUFBA system based on urethane
      acrylate presented satisfactory physical and chemical properties while keeping
      the flexibility, versatility, robustness, and multi-task characteristics of
      normal flow-batch analyzers. The MUFBA system contributes to the advance of micro
      analytical instrumentation, while realizing the basic principles of "Green
      Chemistry".

PMID- 22063533
TI  - Highly sensitive nonenzymatic glucose sensor based on electrospun copper oxide
      doped nickel oxide composite microfibers.
AB  - An improved nonenzymatic glucose sensor based on copper oxide-doped nickel oxide
      composite microfibers (CuO-NiO-MFs) modified fluorine tin oxide (FTO) electrode
      was prepared by electrospinning and calcination technologies without using any
      immobilization. The results of cyclic voltammetry (CV) and chronoamperometry
      demonstrated that the CuO-NiO-MFs modified electrode displayed much higher
      electrocatalytic activity than the nickel oxide microfibers (NiO-MFs) modified
      electrode toward glucose. The nonenzymatic glucose sensor based on CuO-NiO-MFs
      showed the highest sensitivity of 3165.53 MUA mM(-1)cm(-2) with the lowest
      detection limit of 1 * 10(-9)M (signal/noise ratio (S/N)=3) in the nonenzymatic
      glucose sensors that have been reported in the literature. Additionally, its
      application for detecting glucose concentration of human serum sample showed good
      agreement with the results obtained from automatic biochemical analyzer.

PMID- 22063534
TI  - A sensitive and selective method for the determination of flumorph residues in
      vegetables and fruits by HPLC-ESI-MS/MS.
AB  - A method has been developed and validated for the quantitative determination of
      flumorph residues in vegetables and fruits using dimoxystrobin as internal
      standard (I.S.) by high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass
      spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The conversion rule between flumorph (Z) and flumorph
      (E) has been studied through sunlight photodegradation test of flumorph. Flumorph
      and I.S. were extracted with ethyl acetate and preconcentrated by Oasis HLB
      cartridge. Qualitative and quantitative detection for the analytes were carried
      out under the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) in positive ionization mode
      after chromatography separation on a Symmetry C(18) (150 mm * 2.1 mm * 3.5 MUm)
      column. Studies at fortification level of 0.05-25 MUg kg(-1) gave mean recoveries
      from 77.6 to 92.9% for flumorph, with relative standard deviation (R.S.D.) <=
      8.7%. The limit of quantification (LOQ, S/N=10) was 0.05 MUg kg(-1). The proposed
      method was successfully applied on real samples from different kinds of
      vegetables and fruits. Flumorph residues were detected in 70% of the samples
      analyzed and the highest concentration level was 1.83 MUg kg(-1) in tomato
      sample.

PMID- 22063535
TI  - Electrochemical behavior of azithromycin at graphene and ionic liquid composite
      film modified electrode.
AB  - An electrochemical method has been successfully demonstrated for sensitive
      determination of azithromycin (Azi) with room temperature ionic liquid (IL) of 1
      butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate (BMIMPF(6)) - graphene (Gr)
      composite modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The cyclic voltammetric results
      indicate that Gr/IL/GCE can remarkably enhance electrocatalytic activity towards
      the oxidation of Azi in neutral solutions. Azi produce an anodic peak at about
      0.82 V at this electrode. The electrocatalytic behavior was further exploited as
      a sensitive detection scheme for the Azi determination by differential-pulse
      voltammetry (DPV). Under optimized conditions, the concentration range and
      detection limit were 0.49-28.57 MUg ml(-1) and 0.19 MUg ml(-1) (S/N=3)
      respectively for Azi. The method was successfully applied assay of the drug in
      the pharmaceutical dosage forms.

PMID- 22063536
TI  - Blood matrix effects for male and female Wistar rats, in simultaneous HPLC-UV
      determination of riparin I and III from Aniba riparia (Nees) Mez. (Lauraceae).
AB  - Aniba riparia (Nees) Mez. (Lauraceae) is popularly known as "louro", and is found
      in Amazonia and in the Guianas, its distribution extends to the Andes. Alkamide
      alkaloids were isolated from its green fruit; they were denominated riparin I
      (methyl ether of N-benzoyl tyramine), riparin II (methyl ether of N-2-hydroxy
      benzoyl tyramine) and riparin III (methyl ether of N-2,6-dihydroxy-benzoyl
      tyramine) in tribute to the plant. When administered orally and intraperitoneally
      to mice, riparin I and III are anxiolytic, yet without any sedative or muscle
      relaxing effects. The present study shows that variables such as extraction
      solvent, centrifugation force, and centrifugation time, are important in the
      simultaneous liquid-liquid extraction of riparin I and III from male and female
      Wistar rat blood in HPLC-UV studies. The study confirms matrix influence on
      simultaneous recovery and detection of riparin I and III. The effect of rat blood
      matrix for riparin I was -13.86%, while for riparin III it was -10.94%. The
      recovery for riparin I was 82.14%, while for riparin III it was 87.42%. The
      efficiency of the process was 73.25% for riparin I and 77.81% for riparin III,
      demonstrating an optimal method for simultaneous recovery of riparins I and III
      from the blood of rats. The matrix effect for rat blood showed values of 10.25%
      for riparin I and -83.01% for riparin III. Recovery for riparin I was 113.11%,
      whereas for riparin III it was 13.65%. The process efficiency of this method for
      female rat blood was 125.88% for riparin I and 2.58% for riparin III.
      Simultaneous recovery of riparin I and III from the blood of male and female rats
      using acetonitrile as the precipitating solvent, while centrifuged at 10,000 * g
      for 10 min demonstrated the importance of the parameters chosen for the
      extraction/recovery process of different analytes.

PMID- 22063537
TI  - Performance evaluation of collision-reaction interface and internal
      standardization in quadrupole ICP-MS measurements.
AB  - The combined use of internal standardization with collision and reaction
      interface in an inductively coupled plasma quadrupole mass spectrometer (ICP-QMS
      CRI) was evaluated. The behavior of several elements (Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Li, Mn,
      Mo, Pb, Sb, V and Zn) was studied by introducing H(2) or He through the skimmer
      and sampler cones of the CRI device and by using In, Rh and Sc as internal
      standards. Certified reference material of trace elements in water (NIST 1643e)
      was used to evaluate the performance of the method. A vinegar sample and mixed
      food diet standard reference material were directly introduced into the equipment
      as complex matrices for Cr and V determinations. Improvements in accuracy and
      precision were attained combining both strategies. The introduction of H(2)
      through the skimmer cone was the best way to overcome polyatomic ions formation
      and to improve SBR and BEC values for several elements. The use of Sc as internal
      standard improved the performance of ICP-QMS-CRI.

PMID- 22063538
TI  - Magnetic multi-walled carbon nanotubes assisted dispersive solid phase extraction
      of nerve agents and their markers from muddy water.
AB  - The multi-walled carbon nano-tubes (MWCNT) were magnetized with iron oxide
      nanoparticles and were characterized by SEM and EDX analyses. These magnetized
      MWCNT (Mag-CNT) were used as sorbent in dispersive solid phase extraction (DSPE)
      mode to extract nerve agents and their markers. Mag-CNT were dispersed in water
      and collected with the help of an external magnet. From Mag-CNT, the adsorbed
      analytes were eluted and analyzed by GC-FPD in phosphorus mode. DSPE was found to
      be advantageous over conventional solid phase extraction (SPE) in terms of
      operational simplicity, speed, handling of large sample volume and recoveries.
      Extraction parameters such as eluting solvent, sorbent amount, pH and salinity of
      aqueous samples were optimized. Optimized extraction conditions included 40 mg of
      Mag-CNT as sorbent, chloroform as eluent, pH 3-11 and salinity 20%. Under the
      optimized conditions, recoveries from distilled water ranged from 60 to 96% and
      were comparable in tap and muddy water. Limits of quantification and limits of
      detection of 0.15 ng/ml and 0.05 ng/ml, respectively, were achieved. Superiority
      of Mag-CNT over conventional C(18) SPE was also established.

PMID- 22063539
TI  - Scope of detection and determination of gallium(III) in industrial ground water
      by square wave anodic stripping voltammetry on bismuth film electrode.
AB  - Gallium(III) in ground water may cause human health hazards due to the
      antineoplastic and antimicrobial activities of gallium. However, the exposure
      limit of Ga(III) has not been set. This paper demonstrates the scope of employing
      the square wave anodic stripping voltammetry (SWASV) on bismuth film electrode
      (BiFE) for selective and sensitive detection of Ga(III) as well as its accurate
      and precise determination. The key parameters were optimized and the bismuth film
      morphology was characterized. The performance of BiFE was also compared with that
      of the mercury film electrode (MFE). The performance of BiFE was also studied for
      interferences of Zn(II), Cd(II), Tl(I) and Cu(II) ions. Gaussian peak fitting was
      performed to improve the calibration curve and the fitting process revealed
      almost similar stripping peak heights as obtained from the experimentally
      observed data though slight improvement in calibration was obtained from the peak
      area analysis. A good linear dynamic range (R(2)=0.996) was obtained in the
      concentration range of 20-100 MUg/L with a limit of detection (LOD) of 6.6 MUg/L
      (S/N=3) of Ga(III). A relative standard deviation of 2.9% (n=10) was obtained for
      20 MUg/L of Ga(III) solution. The practical analytical utility of the method was
      verified by the determination of Ga(III) in spiked water samples, where 100-105%
      recovery of Ga(III) was achieved.

PMID- 22063540
TI  - A hydrogen peroxide sensor based on Ag nanoparticles electrodeposited on natural
      nano-structure attapulgite modified glassy carbon electrode.
AB  - A novel strategy to fabricate hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) sensor was developed
      by electrodepositing Ag nanoparticles (NPs) on a glassy carbon electrode modified
      with natural nano-structure attapulgite (ATP). The result of electrochemical
      experiments showed that such constructed sensor had a favorable catalytic ability
      to reduce H(2)O(2). The good catalytic activity of the sensor was ascribed to the
      ATP that facilitated the formation and homogenous distribution of small Ag NPs.
      The resulted sensor achieved 95% of the steady-state current within 2s and had a
      2.4 MUM detection limit of H(2)O(2).

PMID- 22063541
TI  - A novel biosensor based on serum antibody immobilization for rapid detection of
      viral antigens.
AB  - In this paper, we represent a label-free biosensor based on immobilization of
      serum antibodies for rapid detection of viral antigens. Human serum containing
      specific antibodies against Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) was immobilized on
      a silanized surface of an interdigitated sensor via protein A/glutaraldehyde for
      electrical detection of JEV antigens. The effective immobilization of serum
      antibodies on the sensor surface was verified by Fourier transform infrared
      spectrometry and fluorescence microscopy. The signal of the biosensor obtained by
      the differential voltage converted from the change into non-Faradic impedance
      resulting from the specific binding of JEV antigens on the surface of the sensor.
      The detection analyzed indicates that the detection range of this biosensor is 1
      10 MUg/ml JEV antigens, with a detection limit of 0.75 MUg/ml and that stable
      signals are measured in about 20 min. This study presents a useful biosensor with
      a high selectivity for rapid and simple detection of JEV antigens, and it also
      proposes the biosensor as a future diagnostic tool for rapid and direct detection
      of viral antigens in clinical samples for preliminary pathogenic screenings in
      the case of possible outbreaks.

PMID- 22063542
TI  - A combination of single-drop microextraction and open tubular capillary
      electrochromatography with carbon nanotubes as stationary phase for the
      determination of low concentration of illicit drugs in horse urine.
AB  - In this study we developed an interesting alternative to HPLC-mass spectrometry
      for the quantification of seven important drugs of abuse in racehorses. The
      procedure proposed in this work is a combination of single-drop microextraction
      (SDME) and an open tubular capillary electrochromatography (OT-CEC) using multi
      wall carbon nanotubes (MWCTs) immobilized into a fused-silica capillary as a
      stationary phase. The SDME showed to be a powerful tool for
      extraction/preconcentration of the seven drugs analyzed in the study, showing an
      enrichment factor between 38- and 102-fold depending on the drug. We have
      investigated the electrophoretic features of MWCTs immobilized fused-silica
      capillary by covalent modification of the inner surface of the capillary. The
      results show a good run-to-run, day-to-day and capillary-to-capillary
      reproducibility of the method. Compared with the capillary zone electrophoresis
      (CZE), the coating of the capillary allowed the separation of the analytes with
      high resolution, with less band-broadening and without distortion of the
      baseline. The interactions between the analytes and the MWCTs resulted in an
      increased migration time and probably this was the reason of the front tailing
      effect. The results showed a good capillary efficiencies and an improved of the
      electrophoretic separation.

PMID- 22063543
TI  - Rapid and semi-quantitative presumptive tests for opiate drugs.
AB  - Digital image analysis was applied to the products of simple colour presumptive
      tests for opiates. Adobe Photoshop software was used for colour analysis to
      obtain analytical data in the form of a Red Green Blue (RGB) value. Calibration
      curves were developed for morphine, codeine, and diamorphine hydrochloride and
      the developed tests successfully applied to seized heroin samples to demonstrate
      the application of the technique in a forensic case context. Good agreement with
      gas chromatographic quantification results was obtained for the illicit samples
      analysed and a wide linear range and low detection limit for all drugs under test
      facilitated the application to illicit samples. The results show great potential
      for use as a semi-quantitative field test for illicit drug compounds.

PMID- 22063544
TI  - Development of a fast and reliable method for long- and short-term wine age
      prediction.
AB  - Wine age prediction based on its intrinsic characteristics can provide
      significant assistance to oenologists' quality evaluations, concerning wine
      ageing process control and wine quality assurance. Simpler, faster, cheaper and
      affordable analytical procedures would be greatly welcome to establish such a
      practice. In this study, we present a new and reliable strategy to predict wine
      age, in the long and short-term, centered on the use of wine UV-vis absorbance
      data, coupled with proper chemometric techniques. The strategy followed consists
      essentially in first pre-processing the UV-vis data, secondly to carry out
      variable selection over such pre-processed data sets, and finally to use the set
      of selected variables for developing a PLS model focused on wine age prediction.
      We tested different data pre-processing methodologies, namely first and second
      derivatives, multiplicative scatter correction, standard normal variate and
      orthogonal signal correction, as well as different variable selection approaches,
      specifically interval partial least squares, VIPS, genetic algorithms and the
      wavelet transformation combined with a genetic algorithm. In both case studies,
      regarding long and short-term ageing periods, we have found out that it is indeed
      possible to predict wine ages, in our case Madeira wine ages, with an accuracy of
      1.4 years for longer ageing periods, and of 3 months for wines of an age
      comprised in the first two years of ageing. The genetic algorithm revealed to be
      very useful for proper wavelet coefficients selection, leading to the most
      parsimonious model among all those analyzed, which also presents the best
      predictive performance found.

PMID- 22063545
TI  - Using proteolytic enzymes to assess metal bioaccessibility in marine sediments.
AB  - In this work we tested two proteolytic enzymes (trypsin and pepsin) to evaluate
      metal bioaccessibility in marine sediments. Some working conditions were studied,
      in particular incubation time, enzyme concentration and solution/solid ratio, and
      metals release mechanisms were investigated using both untreated and denatured
      enzymes. The results obtained with trypsin and pepsin were compared with each
      other and with results from proteinase K extraction, carried out on the same
      sediment samples, following a procedure reported in the literature. Moreover, a
      comparison with the first step of BCR sequential procedure was made. Metal orders
      of mobility determined with the different enzymes and with acetic acid were
      compared with the one defined by the enrichment factors in the gut fluids of
      deposit-feeder organisms. The overall picture suggests that proteinase K has a
      better capability of reproducing natural phenomena and is therefore more suitable
      to determine metal bioaccessibility in marine sediments, when the target of the
      investigation is deposit-feeder organisms.

PMID- 22063546
TI  - 1H NMR variable selection approaches for classification. A case study: the
      determination of adulterated foodstuffs.
AB  - Whenever dealing with large amount of data as is the case of a NMR spectrum,
      carrying out a variable selection before applying a multivariate technique is
      necessary. This work applies various variable selection techniques to extract
      relevant information from (1)H NMR spectral data. Three approaches have been
      chosen, because each is based on very different foundations. The first method,
      called Xdiff, is based on calculating the normalized differences between the mean
      spectrum of a class considered to be the reference and the spectra of each
      sample. The second approach is the interval Partial Least Squares method (iPLS),
      which investigates the influential zones of the spectra that contains the most
      discriminating predictors calculating local PLS-DA models on narrow intervals.
      The last one is Genetic Algorithms (GAs) which finds the optimal variables from a
      random initial subset of variables by means of an iterative process. The
      performance of each variable selection strategy is determined by the
      classification results obtained when multiclass Partial Least Squares
      Discriminant Analysis is applied. This study has been applied to NMR spectra of
      culinary spices that might be adulterated with banned dyes such as Sudan dyes (I
      IV). The three techniques give neither the same number nor the same selected
      variables, but they do select a common zone from the spectra containing the most
      discriminating variables. All three techniques give satisfactory classification
      and prediction results, being higher than 95% with iPLS and GA and around 89%
      with Xdiff, therefore the three variable selection techniques are suitable to be
      used with NMR data in the determination of food adulteration with Sudan dyes as
      well as the specific type of adulterant used (I-IV).

PMID- 22063547
TI  - Fabrication and characterization of disposable sensors and biosensors for
      detection of formaldehyde.
AB  - Screen-printed carbon electrodes (SPCEs) electrochemically platinised (Pt-SPCEs)
      and screen-printed platinised carbon electrodes (SPC(Pt)Es) have been
      chronoamperometrically characterized for the determination of formaldehyde (FA).
      The oxidation current registered at 600 mV in the FA concentration range from
      0.99 to 9.09 mmol L(-1), led to higher precision values in terms of repeatability
      and reproducibility when using SPC(Pt)Es. SPC(Pt)Es have been also used for
      alcohol oxidase (AOX) cross-linked immobilization in the development of enzymatic
      biosensors for FA. The enzymatic reaction produces hydrogen peroxide, which has
      been chronoamperometrically monitored and related to FA concentration in
      different kinds of samples. Experimental design methodology has been performed to
      optimize the pH and the applied potential. This method has shown a repeatability
      and reproducibility of 3% (n=4) and 6% (n=4) respectively, related to the slopes
      of the calibration curves performed in the range from 60 to 460 MUmol L(-1). The
      use of this kind of biosensor, which has a detection capability of 60 MUmol L(-1)
      for a given probability of false positive and negative equal to 0.05, has been
      probed in the determination of FA in commercial samples for histology.

PMID- 22063548
TI  - Analysis of perfluorinated phosponic acids and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid in
      water, sludge and sediment by LC-MS/MS.
AB  - Residues of perfluorinated phosphonic acids (PFPAs) and perfluorooctane sulfonic
      acid (PFOS) were investigated in various Dutch surface waters, sludge and
      sediments. For this purpose, a liquid chromatographic (LC) method was optimized
      by testing several columns with different mobile phases. Atmospheric pressure
      chemical ionization (APCI) was chosen for the LC tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS)
      analysis. An ion-pair reagent was added to the injection solvent to improve peak
      shape. Different solvents were studied for the extraction from solid samples. For
      clean-up and pre-concentration, weak anion-exchange solid-phase extraction
      cartridges were used. Water samples were extracted using the same cartridges. The
      method was used for screening PFPAs in the Dutch aquatic environment. PFPAs were
      not observed in sediment or sludge samples. PFOPA was found at 1 ng L(-1) in one
      surface water sample. PFOS was found at levels between 0.07 ng g(-1) and 48 ng g(
      1) (dry weight) in sediments and sewage sludge samples. PFOS concentrations in
      surface water ranged from 3.3 ng L(-1) to 25.4 ng L(-1).

PMID- 22063549
TI  - Development of phosphonate modified Fe 1-x MnxFe2O4 mixed ferrite nanoparticles:
      novel peroxidase mimetics in enzyme linked immunosorbent assay.
AB  - A highly facile and feasible strategy on the fabrication of advanced intrinsic
      peroxidase mimetics based on Mn(2+) doped mixed ferrite (Mn(II)(x)Fe(II)(1
      x)Fe(III)(2)O(4)) nanoparticles was demonstrated for the quantitative and
      sensitive detection of mouse IgG (as a model analyte). Mn(2+) doped Fe(1
      x)Mn(x)Fe(2)O(4) nanoparticles were synthesized using varying ratios of
      Mn(2+):Fe(2+) ions and characterized by the well known complementary techniques.
      The increase of Mn(2+) proportion had remarkably enhanced the peroxidase activity
      and magnetism. The catalytic activity of mixed ferrites was found to follow
      Michaelis-Menten kinetics and was noticeably higher than native Fe(3)O(4). The
      calculated K(m) and K(cat) exhibited strong affinity with substrates which were
      remarkably higher than similar sized native magnetite nanoparticles and
      horseradish peroxidase (HRP). These findings stimulated us to develop carboxyl
      modified Fe(1-x)Mn(x)Fe(2)O(4) nanoparticles using phosphonomethyl immunodiacetic
      acid (PMIDA) to engineer PMIDA-Fe(1-x)Mn(x)Fe(2)O(4) fabricated enzyme linked
      immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results of both PMIDA-Fe(1-x)Mn(x)Fe(2)O(4) linked
      ELISA revealed that the enhancements in absorbance during the catalysis of enzyme
      substrate were linearly proportional to the concentration of mouse IgG within the
      range between 0.1 MUg/ml and 2.5 MUg/ml. Further, this detection was ten times
      lower than previous reports and the detection limit of mouse IgG was 0.1 MUg/ml.
      The advantages of our fabricated artificial peroxidase mimetics are combined of
      low cost, easy to prepare, better stability and tunable catalytic activity.
      Moreover, this method provides a new horizon for the development of promising
      analytical tools in the application of biocatalysis, bioassays, and
      bioseparation.

PMID- 22063550
TI  - An improved high performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array detection
      atmospheric pressure chemical ionization-mass spectrometry method for
      determination of chlorophylls and their derivatives in freeze-dried and hot-air
      dried Rhinacanthus nasutus (L.) Kurz.
AB  - Rhinacanthus nasutus (L.) Kurz, a traditional Chinese herb possessing antioxidant
      and anti-cancer activities, has been reported to contain functional components
      like carotenoids and chlorophylls. However, the variety and amount of
      chlorophylls remain uncertain. The objectives of this study were to develop a
      high performance liquid chromatography-photodiode array detection-atmospheric
      pressure chemical ionization-mass spectrometry (HPLC-DAD-APCI-MS) method for
      determination of chlorophylls and their derivatives in hot-air-dried and freeze
      dried R. nasutus. An Agilent Eclipse XDB-C18 column and a gradient mobile phase
      composed of methanol/N,N-dimethylformamide (97:3, v/v), acetonitrile and acetone
      were employed to separate internal standard zinc-phthalocyanine plus 12
      cholorophylls and their derivatives within 21 min, including chlorophyll a,
      chlorophyll a', hydroxychlorophyll a, 15-OH-lactone chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b,
      chlorophyll b', hydroxychlorophyll b, pheophytin a, pheophytin a',
      hydroxypheophytin a, hydroxypheophytin a' and pheophytin b in hot-air-dried R.
      nasutus with flow rate at 1 mL/min and detection at 660 nm. But, in freeze-dried
      R. nasutus, only 4 chlorophylls and their derivatives, including chlorophyll a,
      chlorophyll a', chlorophyll b and pheophytin a were detected. Zinc-phthalocyanine
      was found to be an appropriate internal standard to quantify all the chlorophyll
      compounds. After quantification by HPLC-DAD, both chlorophyll a and pheophytin a
      were the most abundant in hot-air-dried R. nasutus, while in freeze-dried R.
      nasutus, chlorophyll a and chlorophyll b dominated.

PMID- 22063551
TI  - Comparison of headspace solid-phase microextraction with conventional extraction
      for the analysis of the volatile components in Melia azedarach.
AB  - The volatile compositions of Melia azedarach were studied by headspace solid
      phase microextraction (HS-SPME). The result was compared with that obtained by
      soxhlet extraction (SE) and ultrasonic extraction (UAE). 79 compounds were
      identified in this study, among which 64 compounds were first reported. The
      experimental parameters including fiber type (PDMS, PDMS-DVB and CAR-PDMS),
      desorption time, extraction temperature and time were investigated. 37 compounds
      were obtained by HS-SPME, including curcumene (33.25%), alpha-cadinol (11.16%),
      alpha-muurolene (8.72%), copaene (5.04%), beta-bisabolene (3.41%), and alpha
      selinene (2.97%). The result suggested that the HS-SPME method is a powerful
      analytic tool and complementary to traditional methods for the determination of
      the volatile compounds in Chinese herbs.

PMID- 22063552
TI  - Development of a new in vitro method to evaluate the photoprotective sunscreen
      activity of plant extracts against high UV-B radiation.
AB  - Sunscreen efficiency of biomolecules against UV-B radiation was generally
      determined in vitro by cosmetic methods which are not well-adapted for routine
      ecophysiological and bio-guidance studies in plant research laboratories. In this
      article, we propose a new in vitro method to evaluate the sunscreen
      photoprotective activity of plant extracts against high UV-B radiation. Because
      photosynthetic pigments are one of the first targets of UV-B radiation in plants,
      the experimental design is based on the ability of the tested substances to limit
      the degradation of sodium magnesium chlorophyllin (SMC), a derivative compound of
      natural chlorophyll. SMC photodegradation comparatively to natural chlorophyll
      and related to temperature, concentration and sample solvent were analyzed in
      order to optimize the experimental parameters. Then, the method was validated by
      testing nine standard UV filters used in the European cosmetic industry and by
      comparing results of their activity with those of a reference in vitro procedure.
      Finally, the method was applied to coastal and marine crude plant extracts.
      Results have shown that our procedure can be a good alternative to cosmetic
      methods with a rapid, sensitive and reproducible evaluation of the sunscreen
      activity of either pure standards or crude plant extracts in small amounts (30
      mg).

PMID- 22063553
TI  - Optimization of the ion chromatographic quantification of airborne fluoride,
      acetate and formate in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.
AB  - Ion chromatographic (IC) methods have been compared in order to achieve an
      optimal separation of fluoride, acetate and formate under various elution
      conditions on two formerly introduced analytical columns (i and ii) and a novel
      one (iii): (i) an IonPac AS14 (250 mm * 4 mm I.D.), (ii) Allsep A-2 (150 mm *
      4.6mm I.D.), and (iii) an IC SI-50 4E (250 mm (length) * 4mm (internal diameter -
      I.D.)). The IC conditions for the separation of the anions concerned were
      optimized on the IC SI-50 4E column. A near baseline separation of these anions
      was attained on the IonPac AS14, whereas the peaks of fluoride and acetate could
      not be resolved on the Allsep A-2. A baseline separation for the three anions was
      achieved on the IC SI-50 4E column, when applying an eluent mixture of 3.2 mmol/L
      Na(2)CO(3) and 1.0 mmol/L NaHCO(3) with a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min. The highest
      precision of 1.7, 3.0 and 2.8% and the best limits of detection (LODs) of 0.014,
      0.22 and 0.17 mg/L for fluoride, acetate and formate, respectively, were obtained
      with the IC SI-50 4E column. Hence, this column was applied for the determination
      of the acetic and formic acid contents of air samples taken by means of passive
      gaseous sampling at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, USA. Atmospheric
      concentrations of acetic and formic acid up to 1050 and 450 MUg/m(3),
      respectively, were found in non-aerated showcases of the museum. In galleries and
      outdoors, rather low levels of acetic and formic acid were detected with average
      concentrations of 50 and 10 MUg/m(3), respectively. The LOD data of acetate and
      formate on the IC SI-50 4E column correspond to around 0.5 MUg/m(3) for both
      acetic and formic acid in air samples.

PMID- 22063554
TI  - Surface plasmon resonance based immunosensor for the detection of the cancer
      biomarker carcinoembryonic antigen.
AB  - An immunoassay in optimised conditions with a highly sensitive surface plasmon
      resonance (SPR) based biosensor was developed for the detection of the cancer
      biomarker carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA). Different formats of the immunoassay
      were initially investigated on the surface of the gold sensor chip. A self
      assembled monolayer (SAM) was formed on the gold chip using 11-mercaptoundecanoic
      acid (MUDA), before the immobilisation of the antibodies was conducted. The assay
      was then formed in a direct capture and a sandwich assay. In order to increase
      the sensor signal the CEA antigen was incubated with the detection/capture
      antibody before it was injected to the sensor chip surface and the results were
      recorded in real-time using the Biacore 3000 instrument. A detection limit of 3
      ng ml(-1) CEA was obtained with a dynamic detection range from 3 ng ml(-1) to 400
      ng ml(-1) with correlation coefficients of 1.00 and 0.99 for the sandwich and
      rabbit anti-mouse (RAM) capture assay. Kinetic data analysis was performed for
      the standard capture test and subsequently for the developed assays and R(max)
      showed an increase from 215 RU for the standard capture test to 428 RU for the
      RAM-capture assay and 734 RU for the sandwich assay, respectively. The developed
      SPR immunosensor using the sandwich assay format showed high sensitivity and
      reproducibility for CEA detection which makes it a promising procedure for cancer
      biomarker analysis.

PMID- 22063555
TI  - Simultaneous determination of alcohol and carbohydrate content in commercial
      beverages by ultrasound frequency analysis.
AB  - Controlling the composition of commercial beverages is critical for quality
      control. Rapid on-line measurements would allow optimization in real time. We
      have developed a methodology to monitor the volume fraction of ethanol and the
      carbohydrate concentrations in liquid mixtures using ultrasound frequency
      analysis. Characteristic distortion to ultrasound waves propagating through
      liquids is induced by the specific chemical composition of the mixture. The
      distortion induced by the hydrogen bonding between water, ethanol, and sucrose
      can be monitored in the frequency domain using 5 MHz wideband ultrasonic
      transducers. Multilinear regression was used to quantify both ethanol and sucrose
      over a wide range of concentrations with correlation coefficients (r(2)) greater
      than 0.98. Calibrations based on prepared solutions were then used to estimate
      the ethanol volume and carbohydrate concentration in 22 commercial beverages
      ranging from sodas to distilled alcohols. Results indicate that the ethanol and
      carbohydrates could be estimated with a 3.18% and 0.032 g/mL error, respectively.
      Further, by focusing the analysis over a limited range, the error could be
      reduced to 0.81% ethanol. This technique demonstrates a strong potential for
      rapid, in situ monitoring of beverage production, which excludes sample
      extraction and pretreatment.

PMID- 22063556
TI  - A novel electrochemical sensor for assaying of antipsychotic drug quetiapine.
AB  - A novel electrochemical sensor based on poly(2-hydroxy-5-[(4
      sulfophenyl)azo]benzoic acid) film modified glassy carbon electrode for fast and
      simple quantification of trace amount of quetiapine fumarate (QF) was developed.
      It exhibits excellent enhancement effects on the electrooxidation of QF
      facilitating preconcentration of drug molecules on the electrode surface. Based
      on its strong adsorptive activity, the concentration of QF in pharmaceutical
      formulations and biological fluids was determined directly by voltammetry with
      excellent sensitivity and high selectivity. The introduction of carboxylated and
      sulfonated functionalities in polymer film improves the uniform selectivity for
      positively charged target QF molecules. The calibration curve is linear in QF
      concentration range of 8.0 * 10(-8) to 7.5 * 10(-6)M with detection limit 1.9 *
      10(-8) and sensitivity 8.96 * 10(5) MUA M(-1). The presented sensor has long term
      stability and good reproducibility with benefits of fast response time, ease of
      preparation and regeneration of the surface that makes the proposed method useful
      in the determination of QF in real samples.

PMID- 22063557
TI  - Highly sensitive amperometric detection of bilirubin using enzyme and gold
      nanoparticles on sol-gel film modified electrode.
AB  - We describe the development of a simple and highly sensitive electrochemical
      (amperometric) sensing of bilirubin based on bilirubin oxidase (BOx) incorporated
      into the gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). This nanoelectrode platform with self
      assembled enzyme is highly sensitive toward the electrochemical oxidation of
      bilirubin and increased the bilirubin concentration linearly from 1 to 5000 MUM
      with a correlation coefficient of 0.9960, and an apparent Michaelis constant
      (K(M,app)) of 44 +/- 0.4 MUM. Using an amperometric method, the detection limit
      for bilirubin at the enzyme-modified electrode was 1.4 nM (signal-to-noise
      ratio=3). The modified electrode retained a stable response for 2 days while
      losing only ca. 3.4% of its initial sensitivity during a 10 days storage period
      in 0.2M phosphate buffer solution (pH=8.4) at <= 4 degrees C. The practical
      application of the modified electrode was demonstrated by measuring the
      concentration of bilirubin in blood serum sample.

PMID- 22063558
TI  - Dye-functional mesoporous silica material for fluorimetric detection of Cr(III)
      in aqueous solution and biological imaging in living systems.
AB  - A dye-functionalized silica nanomaterial, SBA-RT was prepared by the
      immobilization of the Rhodamine-based chemosensor R6G-TETA within the channels of
      SBA-15. SBA-RT exhibits several different properties compared to the free R6G
      TETA, such as higher selectivity, blue-shift of the UV-vis spectra due to special
      spatial environment in the channels of the mesoporous material. It presents
      Cr(III)-selective fluorimetric and colorimetric responses in aqueous solution.
      The fluorescence responses are reversible by treating with EDTA and do not vary
      over a broad pH range suitable for Cr(III) bioimaging application. Through
      isolating of the metal ions within the mesopores of the silica, SBA-RT can
      extract Cr(III) from the solution with only trace amounts remaining. The
      fluorescence images experiment demonstrated the possibility of further
      application in monitoring Cr(III) in living cells and organisms.

PMID- 22063559
TI  - Steroid hormones analysis with surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass
      spectrometry using catechin-modified titanium dioxide nanoparticles.
AB  - This paper describes the application of catechin-modified titanium dioxide
      nanoparticles (TiO(2) NPs) as matrices to analyze four steroid hormones by
      surface-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (SALDI-MS). The
      catechin-modified TiO(2) NPs have high absorbance at 337 nm and are effective
      SALDI matrices when using a nitrogen laser. Four test steroid hormones-cortisone,
      hydrocortisone, progesterone, and testosterone-were directly analyzed by SALDI
      MS. The limits of detection at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3 for cortisone,
      hydrocortisone, progesterone, and testosterone were 1.62, 0.70, 0.66, and 0.23
      MUM, respectively. This approach provides good quantitative linearity for the
      four analytes (R(2)>0.986) with good reproducibility (the shot-to-shot and batch
      to-batch variations for the four analytes were less than 10% and 15%,
      respectively). We validated the practicality of this approach-considering its
      advantages in sensitivity, repeatability, rapidity, and simplicity-through the
      analysis of testosterone in a urine sample.

PMID- 22063560
TI  - Reflection spectroscopy for the determination of Au nanostructure formation on
      carbon surfaces.
AB  - Au electrodeposition has been performed on carbon electrodes to fabricate Au
      nanostructures on the working electrode of screen-printed carbon chips. The
      amount of Au deposited was characterized using the raw reflection spectra
      obtained by detecting UV-Vis spectrum reflected from the electrode surface. SEM
      images at different deposition time points provided evidence for the growth of Au
      nanostructures. The increase in deposition time led to an increase in the
      intensity of the spectrum obtained for both chips. The acquired optical
      properties of the carbon chips provide a promising platform for simultaneous
      optical and electrochemical measurements.

PMID- 22063561
TI  - Bioaccessibility of essential elements from white cheese, bread, fruit and
      vegetables.
AB  - Bioaccessibility of five essential micronutrients (iron, zinc, copper, manganese
      and molybdenum) from the Lebanese food basket including bread, different
      varieties of white cheese, fruit and vegetables was evaluated using the in vitro
      gastrointestinal digestion model. Only very small fraction of Fe and Zn (ca. 10%)
      was found bioaccessible from bread, squash and cucumber. Iron in apple was not
      bioaccessible either (<10%) but apples were found to be a good source of Zn
      (56%). Most of iron (>50%) in cheese was found to be bioaccessible but only one
      type of cheese, double creme, contained readily bioaccessible zinc. More than 50%
      of copper and molybdenum was found bioaccessible regardless of the investigated
      food. High bioaccessibility (>50%) was also observed for manganese in fruit and
      vegetables whereas that from bread and cheese was fair (25-30%).

PMID- 22063562
TI  - Urea free and more efficient sample preparation method for mass spectrometry
      based protein identification via combining the formic acid-assisted chemical
      cleavage and trypsin digestion.
AB  - A formic acid (FA)-assisted sample preparation method was presented for protein
      identification via mass spectrometry (MS). Detailedly, an aqueous solution
      containing 2% FA and dithiothreitol was selected to perform protein denaturation,
      aspartic acid (D) sites cleavage and disulfide linkages reduction simultaneously
      at 108 degrees C for 2h. Subsequently, FA wiped off via vacuum concentration.
      Finally, iodoacetamide (IAA) alkylation and trypsin digestion could be performed
      ordinally. A series of model proteins (BSA, beta-lactoglobulin and apo
      Transferrin) were treated respectively using such method, followed by matrix
      assisted laser desorption ionization-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF
      MS) analysis. The identified peptide number was increased by ~ 80% in comparison
      with the conventional urea-assisted sample preparation method. Moreover, BSA
      identification was achieved efficiently down to femtomole (25 +/- 0 sequence
      coverage and 16 +/- 1 peptides) via such method. In contrast, there were not
      peptides identified confidently via the urea-assisted method before desalination
      via the C18 zip tip. The absence of urea in this sample preparation method was an
      advantage for the more favorable digestion and MALDI-TOF MS analysis. The
      performances of two methods for the real sample (rat liver proteome) were also
      compared, followed by a nanoflow reversed-phase liquid chromatography with
      electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry system analysis. As a result,
      1335 +/- 43 peptides were identified confidently (false discovery rate <1%) via
      FA-assisted method, corresponding to 295 +/- 12 proteins (of top match=1 and
      requiring 2 unique peptides at least). In contrast, there were only 1107 +/- 16
      peptides (corresponding to 231 +/- 10 proteins) obtained from the conventional
      urea-assisted method. It was serving as a more efficient protein sample
      preparation method for researching specific proteomes better, and providing
      assistance to develop other proteomics analysis methods, such as, peptide
      quantitative analysis.

PMID- 22063563
TI  - A novel direct-injection photometric detector integrated with solenoid pulse-pump
      flow system.
AB  - A novel flow photometric detector based on paired emitter-detector diodes (PEDD),
      coupled with solenoid pulse micro-pumps is presented. The photometric detection
      chamber also plays a role of the reaction chamber. Both solutions, a sample and a
      reagent, are injected by solenoid micro-pumps directly and simultaneously into
      the chamber in countercurrent. This method ensures fast and effective mixing of
      the injected solutions. A good accuracy and precision of the injected volumes
      assure the pulse micro-pumps. This method, in comparison with other flow methods,
      does not require the application of the reaction coil. Thanks to this, the
      dispersion of the sample is minimized. The presented flow network is easy to
      control, miniaturize and exhibits a very low consumption of reagents and the
      sample. Two chemical systems were chosen and presented as models of photometric
      reactions: the first - Fe(III) with thiocyanate, and the second - Cr(VI) with 1,5
      diphenylcarbazide. To obtain the highest repeatability, the total volume of the
      solutions should be smaller than the volume of the reaction-detection chamber. In
      this case, the whole coloured product remains in the chamber. The use of the
      proposed direct-injection PEDD detector considerably simplifies analytical
      procedures. The shape of analytical signals and their potential applications have
      been discussed.

PMID- 22063564
TI  - Ultrasonic energy as a tool to overcome some drawbacks in the determination of
      lead in brain tissue and urine of rats.
AB  - An ultrasonic assisted solid-liquid extraction method was developed to determine
      the level of lead in the brain and urine of rats. Lead was determined by
      electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry with longitudinal-Zeeman background
      correction. Several analytical drawbacks were addressed and overcome, namely
      small brain sample mass and the formation of precipitate in the urine samples.
      Utrasonication provided by an ultrasonic probe succeeded in extracting lead from
      brain samples. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that the formation of a
      precipitate lowered the lead content in the liquid phase of the urine. Lead was
      back extracted from the precipitate to the liquid phase with the aid of
      ultrasonic energy and acidifying the urine with 10% v/v nitric acid. A microwave
      assisted acid digestion protocol was used to check the completeness of the lead
      extraction. The within bath and between bath precision was 5% (n=9) and 7% (n=3)
      respectively. The limit of quantification was 1.05 MUg g(-1) for brain samples
      and 2.1 MUg L(-1) for urine samples. A total of 6 samples of urine and 12 samples
      of brain from control rats and another 6 samples of urine and 12 samples of brain
      from rats fed with tap water rich in lead acetate were used in this research.
      Lead levels in brain and urine from exposed rats ranged from 1.9 +/- 0.2 MUg g(
      1) to 3.5 +/- 0.2 MUg g(-1) and from 752 +/- 56 MUg L(-1) to 60.9 +/- 1.2 mg L(
      1) respectively. Statistically significant differences of levels of lead in brain
      and urine were found between exposed and non exposed rats.

PMID- 22063565
TI  - Determination of dissociation parameters of weak acids in different media
      according to the isohydric method.
AB  - The isohydricity (pH constancy) principle is referred to the pair of solutions:
      weak acid (HL, C(0)mol/L) and strong acid (HB, C mol/L) when mixed e.g.,
      according to titrimetric mode. Such a case takes place if the relation
      C(0)=C+C(2) * 10(pK(1)) is valid, where pK(1)=-log K(1), K(1) - dissociation
      constant for a weak monoprotic acid HL. This principle, outlined and formulated
      in earlier paper (Michalowski et al., Talanta 82 (2010) 1965), is the basis for a
      sensitive method of pK(1) determination, confirmed for a series of weak acids in
      presence of basal electrolytes or in water+organic solvent (dimethyl sulphoxide,
      methanol, isopropanol) media. The results of titrations were elaborated according
      to principles of regression analysis, with use of least squares method. A new
      criterion for precision of the results obtained according to this method is
      formulated. The pK(1) values obtained are comparable with ones found in
      literature.

PMID- 22063566
TI  - Synthesis and enantioseparation characteristics of a novel mono-6-deoxy-(2,4
      dihydroxybenzimide)-beta-cyclodextrin as a chiral stationary phase in high
      performance liquid chromatography.
AB  - A novel chiral selector mono-6-deoxy-(2,4-dihydroxybenzimide)-beta-CD (MDHB-beta
      CD) in which the derivatized group and the cavity of CD is linked by CH(2)-N=C
      group, was successfully prepared, and the structural characteristics were
      determined by FT-IR, (1)H and (13)C NMR, MALDITOF-MS and element analysis. The
      corresponding stationary phase (CSP) was used in HPLC and the enantioseparation
      performance was investigated using chiral 1-phenyl-2-nitroethanol derivatives as
      test samples in the reverse-phase mode composed of methanol/water and
      acetonitrile/TEAA. Better separation abilities and excellent enantioselectivities
      (alpha>1.26, R(S)>1.73) were obtained on MDHB-beta-CD CSP for these chiral
      compounds in the methanol/water mobile phase.

PMID- 22063567
TI  - A review of the growth, and of the carcass and meat quality characteristics of
      the one-humped camel (Camelus dromedaries).
AB  - The dromedary camel is a good source of meat especially in areas where the
      climate adversely affects the performance of other meat animals. This is because
      of its unique physiological characteristics, including a great tolerance to high
      temperatures, solar radiation, water scarcity, rough topography and poor
      vegetation. The average birth weight of camels is about 35kg, but it varies
      widely between regions, breeds and within the same breed. The meat producing
      ability of camels is limited by modest growth rates (500g/day). However, camels
      are mostly produced under traditional extensive systems on poor levels of
      nutrition and are mostly slaughtered at older ages after a career in work, racing
      or milk production. Camels reach live weights of about 650kg at 7-8 years of age,
      and produce carcass weights ranging from 125 to 400kg with dressing-out
      percentage values from 55% to 70%. Camel carcasses contain about 57% muscle, 26%
      bone and 17% fat with fore halves (cranial to rib 13) significantly heavier than
      the hind halves. Camel lean meat contains about 78% water, 19% protein, 3% fat,
      and 1.2% ash with a small amount of intramuscular fat, which renders it a healthy
      food for humans. Camel meat has been described as raspberry red to dark brown in
      colour and the fat of the camel meat is white. Camel meat is similar in taste and
      texture to beef. The amino acid and mineral contents of camel meat are often
      higher than beef, probably due to lower intramuscular fat levels. Recently, camel
      meat has been processed into burgers, patties, sausages and shawarma to add
      value. Future research efforts need to focus on exploiting the potential of the
      camel as a source of meat through multidisplinary research into efficient
      production systems, and improved meat technology and marketing.

PMID- 22063568
TI  - A review of the nutritional content and technological parameters of indigenous
      sources of meat in South America.
AB  - Meat yields, proximate compositions, fatty acids compositions and technological
      parameters are reviewed for species which might be further developed as
      indigenous sources of meat in South America. These include the alpaca (Lama
      pacos), capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris), guanaco (Lama guanicoe), llama
      (Lama glama), nutria (Myocastor coypus), collared peccary (Tayassu tajacu),
      greater rhea (Rhea americana), lesser rhea (Rhea pennata), yacare (Caiman
      crocodilus yacare), tegu lizard (Tupinambis merianae) and green iguana (Iguana
      iguana).

PMID- 22063569
TI  - Effects of aging time and natural antioxidants on the color, lipid oxidation and
      volatiles of irradiated ground beef.
AB  - Beef rounds aged for one, two, or three weeks after slaughtering were ground
      added with 0.05% ascorbic acid+0.01% alpha-tocopherol or 0.05% ascorbic
      acid+0.01% alpha-tocopherol+0.01% sesamol, placed on Styrofoam trays and wrapped
      with oxygen-permeable plastic film, and treated with electron beam irradiation at
      0 or 2.5kGy. The meat samples were displayed under fluorescent light for 7d at 4
      degrees C. Color, lipid oxidation, volatile analysis, oxidation-reduction
      potential (ORP) and carbon monoxide (CO) production were determined at 0, 3, and
      7d of storage. Irradiation increased lipid oxidation of ground beef regardless of
      their aging time and storage period. As aging time increased lipid oxidation
      increased. Adding sesamol increased the effectiveness of ascorbate and tocopherol
      combination in reducing lipid oxidation especially as aging and storage time
      increased. The redness of beef were decreased by irradiation and adding ascorbic
      acid and alpha-tocopherol before irradiation was effective in maintaining the
      redness of irradiated ground beef over the storage period. The combination of
      ascorbic acid+alpha-tocopherol to ground beef was more effective in reducing ORP
      than adding sesamol. Irradiation increased CO production from all ground beef
      regardless of aging time or additives treatments. Volatile sulfur compounds
      produced by irradiation at Day 0 disappeared over the storage period. Alcohol
      greatly increased in all nonirradiated beef, but volatiles aldehydes only in
      irradiated control beef. Antioxidant treatments were effective in reducing
      aldehydes in ground beef during storage.

PMID- 22063570
TI  - Influence of vacuum-aging period on bloom development of the beef gluteus medius
      from top sirloin butts.
AB  - The gluteus medius (GM) from USDA Select beef carcasses was used to test the
      effect of aging period on bloom development. Top sirloin butts (IMPS #184) were
      randomly allocated to 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, and 35d vacuum-aging at 2 degrees C
      (n=10/aging period). Each week, aged top sirloin butts were faced before two 2.5
      cm-thick, non-adjacent steaks were cut and instrumental color (L(*), a(*), and
      b(*)) of the GM was measured at 10-min intervals for 2h after cutting. Steaks
      aged for 7 and 14d were a more vivid (greater chroma values; P<0.05), redder
      (greater a(*) values; P<0.05), and more yellow (greater b(*) values; P<0.05)
      color than steaks from the other aging periods. Change in total color (DeltaE)
      was greater (P<0.05) for steaks from top sirloin butts aged 7, 14, and 21d than
      steaks from top butts aged 28 and 35d, whereas oxymyoglobin percentages for
      steaks from top butts aged 7 and 14 days were greater (P<0.05) than those from
      top sirloin butts aged 28 and 35d. As much as 90% of the total increase (P<0.05)
      in a(*), b(*), and chroma values, as well as hue angles and oxymyoglobin
      percentages, was achieved during the first 60min after cutting.

PMID- 22063571
TI  - Characteristics of meat emulsion systems as influenced by different levels of
      lemon albedo.
AB  - The effect of the addition of lemon albedo on the functional properties of
      emulsions was studied by using a model system. Oil/water (O/W) model emulsion
      systems were prepared by the addition of two types of lemon albedo (raw and
      dehydrated) at five concentrations (0.0%, 2.5%, 5.0%, 7.5% and 10%) to
      mechanically deboned chicken meat. The emulsion capacity, stability, viscosity
      and flow properties of the prepared model emulsions were analyzed. In addition,
      the colour parameters of cooked emulsion gel were determined. The addition of
      lemon albedo increased the emulsion capacity (EC) and the highest EC value was
      reached with 5% of albedo added. However, further increase in the albedo
      concentration caused an inverse trend in the EC values. A similar trend was
      observed in the emulsion stability (ES) values. Dehydrated albedo (DA) addition
      caused higher EC and ES values than did raw albedo (RA). DA increased the L(*),
      a(*) and b(*) values of the cooked emulsion gels. Emulsion viscosity (EV) values
      were positively correlated with an increase in albedo concentration and the
      highest EV value was obtained from the emulsions with 10% albedo. Albedo addition
      did not change the flow properties of the emulsions and, in addition, increased
      the pseudoplasticity. As a consequence, the use of lemon albedo might be a
      potential dietary fiber source to enhance the functional and technological
      properties for frankfurter-type meat products.

PMID- 22063572
TI  - Effect of full-fat soy paste and textured soy granules on quality and shelf-life
      of goat meat nuggets in frozen storage.
AB  - Goat meat nuggets were prepared using commercially available textured soy
      granules and reduced beany flavour full-fat soy paste (FFSP) made by simple
      processing technology to compare the performance of these proteins in a
      comminuted meat system. Addition of soy proteins (soy paste and soy granules) did
      not significantly affect the product yield, pH, moisture and fat percentage
      whereas protein content and water holding capacity (% expressible water) were
      significantly (p>0.05) lower in nuggets with 15% soy paste. Lower force was
      required to compress or shear the sample as hardness, springiness, gumminess and
      chewiness decreased in soy paste incorporated nuggets. Soy proteins either paste
      or granules, did not affect sensory attributes except flavour and overall
      acceptability. Nuggets with soy paste and control ones did not differ
      significantly for flavour and overall acceptability whereas nuggets with soy
      granules were rated significantly (p>0.05) lower. The nuggets remained stable
      with minor changes in physico-chemical, microbiological and sensory quality
      during frozen storage (-18+/-1 degrees C) for 90days. It is concluded from this
      study that FFSP could be successfully incorporated in comminuted meat systems for
      producing quality products similar to commercially available soy granules.

PMID- 22063573
TI  - The effect of heat stress on thyroid hormone response and meat quality in turkeys
      of two genetic lines.
AB  - The current study evaluated the effect of heat stress on thyroid hormone (T(3)
      and T(4)) response and meat quality traits in two turkey lines: a growth-selected
      commercial line and a genetically unimproved control line. Birds were subjected
      to heat stress for different durations before harvest. Commercial line had higher
      pH(15min), and lightness values, but lower cook loss and marinade uptake than
      control line during the heat stress. There was no difference in drip loss between
      the two lines. The T(3) concentration was positively correlated with cook loss
      and was negatively correlated with marinade uptake. The thyroid hormone response
      during heat stress was less stable in the commercial line than in the control
      line and the unstable thyroid hormone response in commercial turkeys caused by
      heat exposure might influence the consistency of meat quality. Results of this
      study may provide an application in selecting turkeys which yield consistent meat
      quality.

PMID- 22063574
TI  - Lipid composition of meat and backfat from Casertana purebred and crossbred pigs
      reared outdoors.
AB  - The study aimed to evaluate, with regard to the human nutrition, the lipid
      profile of meat and backfat from gilts and barrows of the Italian autochthonous
      genotype Casertana and its crossbreed (Casertana*Large White) slaughtered at two
      different live weights. Meat from the Casertana cross was nutritionally
      comparable to that from the purebreed and both would be considered healthy,
      irrespective of sex and weight, due to the relatively low levels of intramuscular
      lipids and cholesterol. Muscle cholesterol was considerably lower in the heavy
      pigs than in the light ones and, as weight increased, cholesterol decreased but
      only in gilts. Females supply meat with higher polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA)
      and slightly lower saturated fatty acids (SFA) respect to barrows and, thus,
      higher PUFA/SFA ratio. Casertana crossbreds can represent a good alternative to
      pure Casertana, mainly in the production of Colonnata lard, due to the better
      fatty acid profile of the subcutaneous adipose tissue. From the nutritional point
      of view, the optimal slaughtering weight was about 150kg for both genotypes.
      Heavy pigs, compared to the light ones, produced loin with lower atherogenic and
      thrombogenic indexes, lower SFA/unsaturated fatty acids ratio, and higher
      PUFA/SFA ratio.

PMID- 22063575
TI  - Role of secondary structures in the gelation of porcine myosin at different pH
      values.
AB  - Secondary structures, gelation properties and their relationships in porcine
      myosin were studied by circular dichroism, dynamic rheological measurement and
      scanning electron microscopy. Gelling of porcine myosin involved a change in
      myosin conformation with protein-protein and protein-water interactions. The
      gelation properties were strongly pH and temperature dependent. Near the pI (pH
      5.5 and 6.0), porcine myosin could spontaneously coagulate at 15 degrees C
      resulting partially from the presence of more beta-sheets. Myosin at pH6.5-9.0
      began to form a gel at temperatures greater than 38 degrees C. Heating caused
      alpha-helices to partially turn into beta-sheets and random coils. Subsequently,
      myosin aggregated and formed a gel network. The gel strength decreased and the
      water-holding capacity (WHC) increased with increasing pH. Correlation analysis
      indicated that both the unfolding of alpha-helices and the formation of beta
      sheets favored the gelation of porcine myosin. A high beta-sheet fraction prior
      to heating resulted in a low WHC of resultant gel. A compact and uniform gel was
      also obtained at pH6.5.

PMID- 22063576
TI  - Enhancing the antilisterial effect of Lactobacillus curvatus CWBI-B28 in pork
      meat and cocultures by limiting bacteriocin degradation.
AB  - This work focused on Listeria monocytogenes growth inhibition and growth rebound
      in raw and cooked pork meat inoculated with Lactobacillus curvatus strains.
      During storage of raw meat homogenates in the presence of the bacteriocin
      producing strain Lactobacillus curvatus CWBI-B28wt, the Listeria monocytogenes
      cfu count was initially reduced to an undetectable level, but a growth rebound
      occurred after two weeks, coinciding with loss of 70% of the bacteriocin activity
      present at the end of week 2. The Listeria growth rebound was suppressed when
      proteolysis of bacteriocin was countered by the absence of proteases (bacteriocin
      addition to cooked meat) or the presence of 1% soy flour (added to provide
      competing substrates). Further experiments confirmed that bacteriocin is
      sensitive to the action of proteolytic enzymes isolated from both Lactobacillus
      curvatus CWBI-B28wt and the meat matrix. Bacteriocin proteolysis thus emerges as
      a cause of Listeria growth rebound.

PMID- 22063577
TI  - Modelling the yield and texture of comminuted pork products using color and
      temperature. Effect of fat/lean ratio and starch.
AB  - Practices to control the processing of finely comminuted meat products are
      proposed. The objective was to test the practical value of both temperature and
      light reflection measurements made during emulsification as potential indicators
      of cooking losses and resulting gel texture in pork sausages emulsified within a
      wide range of temperatures and starch and fat levels. Prior to cooking, pork
      batters were chopped for different times to ensure final emulsion temperatures
      ranging from 5 to 50 degrees C. The effects of the fat/lean ratio (0.25 and 0.67)
      and starch addition (0.8 and 3.2% w:w) on temperature and optical reflection were
      also investigated. The chopping increased the temperature and decreased the light
      reflection of fresh meat emulsion. There was no relevant loss of emulsifying
      capacity at emulsion temperature below 30 degrees C and lightness values over 70
      CIE units. The losses and textural parameters of cooked emulsions could be
      predicted by means of non-linear regression equations based on the temperature
      and color of the raw emulsion. The determination coefficients obtained ranged
      from 0.89 to 0.99. The prediction models needed to be fitted to each batter
      formulation, especially in the presence of reduced levels of gelation agents
      (meat protein and starch). Lightness was a better predictor than chromaticity,
      since it decreased constantly with chopping in the range of final emulsion
      temperatures studied (5-50 degrees C). This confirms previous studies that
      lightness could be used for monitoring emulsion stability in meat batters.

PMID- 22063578
TI  - Rapid differentiation of lactic acid bacteria from autochthonous fermentation of
      Iberian dry-fermented sausages.
AB  - The populations of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in different types of Iberian dry
      fermented sausages from central-west Spain were identified. A simple and rapid
      electrophoretic method of whole-cell protein profiles was evaluated, correlating
      it with 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis and biochemical identification by API 50
      CHL. A total of 96 isolates were identified by SDS-PAGE showing stable profiles
      corresponding to 30-45 polypeptides in the range 95-8kDa that were clearly
      different for the different species and were grouped with those of the 9
      reference strains used in this study. The SDS-PAGE method showed that the
      predominant species were Pediococcus acidilactici (48%) followed by Lactobacillus
      plantarum (23%) and Lactobacillus brevis (18%). The identifications obtained by
      this approach were confirmed by sequencing the V2-V3 region of the 16S rRNA gene
      and by a BLAST search of the GenBank database. However, biochemical
      identifications by API 50 CHL showed different errors at the genus and species
      level. In sum, the SDS-PAGE analysis showed itself to be a rapid and accurate
      differentiation method for the most commonly encountered LAB isolates in dry
      fermented sausages.

PMID- 22063579
TI  - Influence of finishing systems on hydrophilic and lipophilic oxygen radical
      absorbance capacity (ORAC) in beef.
AB  - The aim of this research was to: (1) develop a reliable extraction procedure and
      assay to determine antioxidant activity in meat products, and (2) assess the
      effect of beef finishing system (forage-finished: alfalfa, pearl millet or mixed
      pastures vs. concentrate-finished) on longissimus muscle antioxidant activity.
      The effect of extraction method (ethanol concentration and extraction time),
      protein removal, and sample preparation method (pulverization or freeze drying)
      were first evaluated to develop an antioxidant assay for meat products. Beef
      extracts prepared with low ethanol concentrations (20%) demonstrated higher
      hydrophilic ORAC. Protein removal prior to extraction reduced hydrophilic ORAC
      values. Sample preparation method influenced both hydrophilic and lipophilic
      ORAC, with pulverized samples containing higher hydrophilic and lipophilic ORAC
      values. Beef cattle finishing system (Forage: alfalfa, pearl millet, or natural
      pasture vs. concentrates) had little impact on muscle hydrophilic ORAC, but
      muscle from forage finished beef contained greater lipophilic ORAC. In addition,
      broiling of steaks reduced hydrophilic ORAC.

PMID- 22063580
TI  - Enrichment of dry-cured ham with alpha-linolenic acid and alpha-tocopherol by the
      use of linseed oil and alpha-tocopheryl acetate in pig diets.
AB  - The use of alpha-linolenic acid and alpha-tocopherol enriched pork on the fatty
      acids and the sensory characteristics of Spanish dry-cured hams have been
      studied. Five batches of hams were manufactured using the posterior legs of pigs
      fed on diets with the same ingredients except for the oil source: sunflower (C),
      linseed (L) or linseed and olive (1/1, w/w, LO). Two different alpha-tocopheryl
      acetate concentrations [20 (C, L and LO) or 220 (LOE and LE)mg/kg diet] were
      used. Biceps femoris and Semitendinosus/Semimembranosus muscles from hams with
      low polyunsaturated fatty acid n-6/n-3 ratio (less than 3) were obtained from
      animals fed on linseed and linseed/olive oil enriched diets. However, hams from
      animals fed on diets added with linseed and alpha-tocopheryl acetate (20mg/kg
      diet) (batch L) were rejected by consumers because of less acceptable sensory
      characteristics and higher TBARs. The remaining hams had satisfactory sensory and
      nutritional characteristics.

PMID- 22063581
TI  - Effect of oat's soluble fibre (beta-glucan) as a fat replacer on physical,
      chemical, microbiological and sensory properties of low-fat beef patties.
AB  - This study evaluated the effect of adding oat fibre source of beta-glucan
      (13.45%) on physical, chemical, microbiological and sensory traits of low-fat
      (<10%) beef patties as compared to 20% fat control patties. Significant (p<0.05)
      improvements in cooking yield (74.19%), and retentions of fat (79.74%) and
      moisture (48.41%) of low-fat patties were attributed to the water binding ability
      of beta-glucan. Because of larger water retentions moisture contents of raw and
      cooked low-fat patties were higher (p<0.05) than those of the control patties.
      Cholesterol content was similar across formulations. Low-fat and control beef
      patties remained stable in microbiological quality during 60days frozen storage.
      Low-fat patties were found to be of lower degree of likeness in the taste but
      juicer than control (p<0.05). Besides appearance, tenderness and colour were not
      affected by the addition of oat's soluble fibre. Oat fibre can be used
      successfully as a fat substitute in low-fat beef patties.

PMID- 22063582
TI  - Evaluation of cholesterol and lipid oxidation in raw and cooked minced beef
      stored under oxygen-enriched atmosphere.
AB  - Oxygen-enriched modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) represents an important means
      to stabilize meat colour but may lead to an increase in lipid oxidation,
      influencing the acceptability and safety of the product. In this work, the effect
      on cholesterol and lipid susceptibility to oxidation was investigated in
      commercial minced beef held under MAP (80% O(2)/20% CO(2)). Cholesterol oxidation
      products (COPs), peroxide value (PV) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances
      (TBARS) were determined, before and after pan frying, at 1, 8 and 15 days since
      packaging under refrigerated storage (3-4 degrees C). 7alpha-Hydroxycholesterol,
      7beta-hydroxycholesterol and 7-ketocholesterol were the more abundant COPs
      identified. COPs significantly increased in raw beef during storage: after 1, 8
      and 15 days since packaging COPs were at the levels of 10.4, 30.7 and 60.5MUg/g
      of fat, respectively. Cooking did not affect cholesterol oxidation in freshly
      packaged minced beef but led to a rise in COPs amount with respect to raw muscle
      after 8 and 15 days of storage. The trend in cholesterol oxidation reflected the
      progressive increase in lipid peroxidation rate brought by MAP conditions.

PMID- 22063583
TI  - Relationships of fat-tail dimensions with fat-tail weight and carcass
      characteristics at different slaughter weights of Torki-Ghashghaii sheep.
AB  - The purpose of this research was to investigate the relationship between fat-tail
      and carcass attributes in Torki-Ghashghaii sheep. Thirty ram lambs belonging to
      six weight groups (weighing from 25 to 50kg) were used. Fat-tail measurements
      were recorded on the live animals before slaughter. Hot and cold (after 24h in
      the cold room) carcass weights, and the weights of the tail and internal organs
      were recorded. The carcass was dissected into conventional cuts. Each cut was de
      boned and the physically separable fat was removed from the meat. The bone,
      physical fat and trimmed meat were weighed separately. The weight of trimmed meat
      as a percentage of slaughter weight did not change significantly from 25 to 50kg
      live weights (23.4-25.3%). The weights of physically separated fat and the fat
      tail as a percentage of live weight varied from 6.6% to 15.5% for various weight
      groups. The correlation coefficients between the tail weight and dimensions were
      large, positive, and significant. The highest correlation coefficient was found
      between the tail weight and upper circumference (r=0.88), and the lowest one was
      found between the tail weight and upper thickness (r=0.61). The upper and lower
      circumferences of the tail accounted for 85% of the total variation in the tail
      weight. The tail weight was positively correlated with the meat chemically
      determined fat (ether extract; r=0.43; P<0.05) and with the total body fat
      (r=0.70; P<0.01). Further studies are needed to see whether inclusion of fat-tail
      measurements in breeding programs would result in a decrease in body fat in this
      breed.

PMID- 22063584
TI  - Tensile properties of cooked meat sausages and their correlation with texture
      profile analysis (TPA) parameters and physico-chemical characteristics.
AB  - The possibilities of using breaking strength (BS) and energy to fracture (EF) for
      monitoring textural properties of some cooked meat sausages (chopped, mortadella
      and galantines) were studied. Texture profile analysis (TPA), folding test and
      physico-chemical measurements were also performed. Principal component analysis
      enabled these meat products to be grouped into three textural profiles which
      showed significant (p<0.05) differences mainly for BS, hardness, adhesiveness and
      cohesiveness. Multivariate analysis indicated that BS, EF and TPA parameters were
      correlated (p<0.05) for every individual meat product (chopped, mortadella and
      galantines) and all products together. On the basis of these results, TPA
      parameters could be used for constructing regression models to predict BS. The
      resulting regression model for all cooked meat products was BS=
      0.160+6.600*cohesiveness-1.255*adhesiveness+0.048*hardness-506.31*springiness
      (R(2)=0.745, p<0.00005). Simple linear regression analysis showed significant
      coefficients of determination between BS (R(2)=0.586, p<0.0001) versus folding
      test grade (FG) and EF versus FG (R(2)=0.564, p<0.0001).

PMID- 22063585
TI  - Near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy for predicting chemical, instrumental and
      sensory quality of beef.
AB  - The aim of this study was to assess near-infrared reflectance (NIR) spectroscopy
      as a tool for determining sensory and texture characteristics of beef. Chemical,
      instrumental, texture and sensory characteristics were predicted by near-infrared
      reflectance spectroscopy carried out on longissimus dorsi muscle samples from 190
      young bulls. The use of first derivative gave best predictions together with NIR
      spectra, except for myoglobin and water holding capacity, which had an R(2) of
      prediction of 0.91 and 0.82, respectively, using visible and NIR spectra.
      Tenderness was the best-predicted variable (R(2)=0.98) demonstrating the
      potential of NIR spectroscopy in the prediction of sensory variables. Chemical
      composition variables and Warner-Bratzler shear force were predicted with an R(2)
      of prediction of around 0.7, but protein was not predicted with accuracy.

PMID- 22063586
TI  - Influence of wet-aging on bloom development in the longissimus thoracis.
AB  - The longissimus thoracis (LT) from USDA Select beef carcasses was used to test
      the effect of aging period (0, 7, 14, 21, 28, or 35d) on bloom development
      (n=10/aging period). After aging, two 2.54-cm-thick, non-adjacent steaks were cut
      and instrumental color of the LT was measured at 10-min intervals for 2h. All
      instrumental color parameters increased (P<0.05) over 40% during the first 10min;
      however, asymptotic points indicated that color plateaued sometime after 120min.
      Although aging did not (P?0.05) affect the values where color development
      plateaued, rate of oxymyoglobin formation tended to be the slowest (P=0.06) in LT
      steaks aged 7d compared to steaks aged 0, 14, 28 and 35d. Results indicated that
      as much as 90% of the total increase (P<0.05) in instrumental color and
      oxymyoglobin percentages was achieved during the first 60min after cutting, but
      aging period had no impact on bloom development.

PMID- 22063587
TI  - Effect of kimchi powder level and drying methods on quality characteristics of
      breakfast sausage.
AB  - This study was conducted to determine the effect of the addition of kimchi powder
      on the quality characteristics of meat batter and breakfast sausage. Breakfast
      sausages were supplemented with freeze dried kimchi powder (FKP) or hot air dried
      kimchi powder (HKP) at levels of 1% (FKP-1 and HKP-1) or 2% (FKP-2 and HKP-2).
      The emulsion stability, cooking yield, and apparent viscosity in meat batters
      improved with increments of kimchi powder (p<0.05). Increased levels of kimchi
      powder in breakfast sausage decreased the L(*) value, pH, and springiness, and
      increased the a(*) value, b(*) value, hardness, chewiness, and gumminess
      (p<0.05). Sensory evaluations indicated that a higher overall acceptability was
      attained when the kimchi powder was added to breakfast sausage at a level of 2%.

PMID- 22063588
TI  - Screening of lactic acid bacteria and bifidobacteria for potential probiotic use
      in Iberian dry fermented sausages.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to select lactic acid bacteria and bifibobacteria
      strains as potential probiotic cultures during the processing of Iberian dry
      fermented sausages. A total of 1000 strains were isolated from Iberian dry
      fermented sausages (363), and human (337) and pig faeces (300) in different
      culture media. Around 30% of these strains, mainly isolated from Iberian dry
      fermented sausages in LAMVAB agar, were pre-selected for testing as potential
      probiotics by their ability to grow adequately at the pH values and NaCl
      concentrations of these meat products during the ripening process. Of the in
      vitro investigations used to predict the survival of a strain in conditions
      present in the gastro intestinal tract, exposure to pH 2.5 showed itself to be a
      highly discriminating factor with only 51 out of 312 pre-selected strains
      resisting adequately after 1.5h of exposure. All acid-resistant isolates
      identified as lactobacilli originated from human faeces (Lactobacillus casei and
      Lactobacillus fermentum) and pig faeces (Lactobacillus reuteri, Lactobacillus
      animalis, Lactobacillus murinus, and Lactobacillus vaginalis). Pediococcus
      acidilactici strains were isolated from Iberian dry fermented sausages and pig
      faeces, whereas the greatest number of Enterococcus strains were identified as
      Enterococcus faecium, with this species being isolated from Iberian dry fermented
      sausages, and human and pig faeces. Most of these strains are promising probiotic
      meat culture candidates suitable for Iberian dry fermented sausages.

PMID- 22063589
TI  - Any link between integrin degradation and water-holding capacity in pork?
AB  - In order to investigate a possible relationship between integrin degradation and
      water-holding capacity (WHC), integrin was quantified using western blot, and
      water mobility and distribution was measured by proton NMR T(2) relaxometry at
      24h postmortem in pork (n=30) with a large variation in WHC (drip loss varying
      from 2.8% to 11.3%). Regression analyses revealed correlation coefficients of r=
      0.32 (P=0.08) and r=0.40 (P=0.03) for the correlations between the content of
      integrin determined by western blot analysis and WHC determined as either drip
      loss or by NMR, respectively. Water mobility and distribution was also measured
      in 18 meat samples upon 7 days of aging, which revealed a correlation (r=0.54)
      between integrin content determined by western blot analysis 24h postmortem and
      the mobility of the myofibrillar water (T(21) relaxation time) at day 7. In
      contrast, no correlation could be established between integrin content 24h
      postmortem and WHC at day 7 determined by NMR as the amount of extramyofibrillar
      water (T(22) population) (r=-0.01). In conclusion, both visualisation by CLSM and
      quantification of integrin by western blot analyses of suggested that a strong
      link between integrin degradation and WHC in pork is questionable, whereas
      integrin degradation seems to have impact on the succeeding development in the
      mobility of the myofibrillar water.

PMID- 22063590
TI  - Relationships between sensory descriptors, consumer acceptability and volatile
      flavor compounds of American dry-cured ham.
AB  - The relationships between volatile flavor compounds, sensory descriptors and
      consumer acceptability were determined for eight commercial American dry-cured
      hams using external preference and flavor mapping. The majority of consumers
      preferred (p<0.05) hams that had more intense caramelized, smoky, savory and
      molasses aromas as well as more intense sweet and savory flavors. Sixteen aroma
      impact compounds were identified from the headspace volatiles of dry-cured hams.
      The majority of consumers preferred (p<0.05) hams that were characterized by 4
      methyl-2-methoxyphenol (sweet ham), 4-ethyl-2-methoxyphenol (sweet ham), 2
      methoxyphenol (smoky, cocoa), 2,6-dimethoxyphenol (smoky ham, savory) and 2
      furanmethanol (burnt meat, vitamin). Fourteen percent of consumers preferred
      (p<0.05) two hams that were characterized by methional (baked potato). Consumer
      acceptability scores were lower for hams either characterized by methanethiol
      (sulfur), carbon disulfide (sulfur), 2-butanone (sweet), 3-methylbutanal (malty,
      fermented), 2-heptanone (burnt meat, vitamin), hexanal (cut grass),
      benzeneacetaldehyde (floral), 1-octen-3-ol (mushroom) or characterized by
      benzaldehyde (burnt meat, cooked meat) and limonene (citrus). This study revealed
      how relationships between sensory descriptors, consumer acceptability and
      volatile flavor compounds could be determined using external preference mapping
      and used to comprehend the nature of dry-cured ham flavor as it is perceived by a
      consumer panel.

PMID- 22063591
TI  - Immersion vacuum cooling of cooked beef - Safety and process considerations
      regarding beef joint size.
AB  - Cooked beef samples (1, 2, and 3kg; 4.7, 5.6, and 6.2cm average radius,
      respectively) were cooled from ~72 to 4 degrees C core temperature using either
      air blast (AB), immersion vacuum (IVC) or vacuum (VC) cooling. IVC cooled larger
      samples within 4h and took less than 2.5h between 72 and 10 degrees C. IVC
      cooling times were on average shorter than AB and longer than VC for all sizes.
      Differences increased with size. IVC and AB cooling losses were comparable
      (P>0.05) while lower on average (P<0.05) than VC losses for same size samples.
      Additionally, samples between 1.0 and 4.3kg (4.2-8.7cm average radius) were
      cooled by either IVC or VC. Cooling times were between 2.8 and 5.5h for IVC and
      between 1.1 and 3.2h for VC. There was a significant effect (P<0.01) of sample
      size on IVC cooling times. Cooling profiles of larger samples were tested using
      USDA cooling growth model for Clostridium perfringens in beef broth. According to
      the model, none of the analyzed profiles would support significant growth of the
      bacteria.

PMID- 22063592
TI  - The roles of pH extraction and colloidal protein solubility in the optimization
      of spectrophotometric nitrite determination in meat products via response surface
      methodology.
AB  - The influence of four critical factors such as sample weight/borax reagent ratio
      (B(R) factor), ascorbic acid content (A(R) factor), neutralization with HCl 1N
      (N(R) factor) and stirring extraction time (S(ET) factor), was investigate in
      order to find the best conditions (optimization) to develop the official ISO
      2.918 spectrophotometric method to determine the residual nitrite content in meat
      products, using the response surface methodology (RSM) as optimization tool. The
      factors most strongly affecting nitrite determination in meat products are B(R),
      N(R) and A(R), due to their respective effects on pH extraction parameters and on
      the amount of colloidal protein present in the sample extract. At pH?6, for
      example, the extract - though appearing clear and transparent to the analyst -
      contains a considerable amount of hydrolyzed protein, which will severely
      interfere with measurements, generating false-positive results. The colloidal
      protein present in the extract (?20mg/g, corresponding in these working
      conditions to an OD(340) value of ?0.600) will lead to the recording of nitrite
      values greater than those actually present in the sample. In order to avoid these
      drawbacks, this paper proposes that the amount of borax added (B(R)) varies as a
      function of sample weight (W(S)), using the ratio W(S)/B(R)=1.11. In order to
      monitor the analytical method, it is further recommended that pH be adjusted to 6
      7 (lower protein solubility) and that colloidal protein levels be ?20mg/g, as
      confirmed by an OD(340) value of ?0.600.

PMID- 22063593
TI  - Effects of feeding strategies including different proportion of pasture and
      concentrate, on carcass and meat quality traits in Uruguayan steers.
AB  - Eighty four steers were randomly assigned to three pasture treatments with
      increasing levels of grain (T1: 0%; T2: 0.6%; T3: 1.2% of live weight) and to an
      ad libitum concentrate treatment, T4, to study the effects on carcass and meat
      quality. Animals were slaughtered with 500 kg of average live weight per
      treatment. Average daily gain increased with increasing levels of energy,
      determining different slaughter dates. Intermediate treatments showed higher
      carcass weight than T1. T4 and T3 had a higher weight of valuable cuts than T1
      and T4. Pistolas from T4 had a higher fat proportion and lower bone percentage.
      Increasing levels of energy in diet decreased fat yellowness. After 20 days of
      aging, T4 had the lowest muscle a(*) values and shear force was higher for T4
      than for T1. With pastures finishing strategy, no adverse effects on meat quality
      were detected and tenderness was enhanced.

PMID- 22063594
TI  - Evidence for post-mortem m-calpain autolysis in porcine muscle.
AB  - The objective of the present work was to characterize changes in calpain activity
      in pork post-mortem. Samples from pig M. longissimus dorsi and M. semimembranosus
      were collected three days post-mortem from 75 animals and analyzed with casein
      zymography. The results indicated post-mortem autolysis of m-calpain as two m
      calpain bands were observed on the zymogram gel. Use of M. longissimus dorsi from
      three pigs collected at different times during storage further confirmed post
      mortem autolysis of m-calpain. The activity of the autolyzed form of m-calpain
      was detectable at day 3 and further increased at day 6. The results also showed a
      decrease in the non-autolyzed m-calpain activity during post-mortem storage.
      Collectively, these results suggest that m-calpain is active post-mortem in
      porcine muscles.

PMID- 22063595
TI  - Effect of fat score on the quality of various meat products.
AB  - In the larger Swiss abattoirs the fat score (FS) is determined by default as an
      indicator of fat quality. The FS refers to the iodine number and is related to
      the degree of unsaturation of the outer layer of backfat. In a feeding trial with
      Large White gilts, the FS was determined in 47 carcasses. Meat and fat tissues
      were prepared for the production of salami (SAL), raw-cured bacon (RCB), pork
      hamburger (PHB) and Vienna sausage (VIS). In the different meat products, the FS
      was closely related to the percentage of saturated (SFA: r=-0.49 to -0.79) and
      polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA, r=0.36 to 0.79) for RCB, SAL and PHB (p?0.05),
      but not for VIS. For RCB, significant correlations with FS were seen for the
      meat:fat-ratio (r=0.39), fat firmness (r=-0.31) and one fat oxidation marker (1
      octen-3-ol: r=0.51). The texture (r=-0.60), a(w)-value (r=0.63) and one fat
      oxidation marker (1-octen-3-ol: r=0.46) were significantly correlated with FS in
      SAL. On the whole, only a few variables correlated significantly with FS for SAL
      and RCB and the corresponding relationships were always linear. No significant
      correlation between FS and any of the technological and sensorial parameters were
      found for VIS or PHB.

PMID- 22063596
TI  - Effect of pork lard content on the chemical, microbiological and sensory
      properties of a typical fermented meat product (Pitina) obtained from Alpagota
      sheep.
AB  - The aim was to investigate the physicochemical, microbiological and sensory
      properties of Pitina, a typical fermented meat product and evaluate the effect of
      two levels of pork lard content (Low Fat, LF, 10% vs. High Fat, HF, 30%) on its
      attributes. HF attained lower pH than LF Pitina, which reached lower water
      activity. LAB comprised the major flora with substantial counts of micrococci,
      enterococci and mould and yeast. Gram negative Enterobacteria were recovered as
      coliforms and faecal coliforms. Listeria monocytogenes was also isolated. The
      lard level influenced the count of micrococci and some sensory attributes. LF
      attained higher scores for both hardness and cohesiveness and differed from HF in
      having a more marked odour of ewe and smoke and sweeter taste. HF had a more
      pronounced odour and taste of garlic and mould than LF.

PMID- 22063597
TI  - Investigation of candidate genes for glycolytic potential of porcine skeletal
      muscle: Association with meat quality and production traits in Italian Large
      White pigs.
AB  - The objective of this study was to investigate the association of DNA markers in
      candidate genes for glycolytic potential on meat quality parameters (pH(1),
      pH(u), glycogen and lactate content and glycolytic potential of semimembranosus
      muscle) and estimated breeding values (EBVs) for average daily gain, lean cuts,
      back fat thickness, ham weight, and feed:gain ratio in 272 Italian Large White
      pigs. Three mutations in the PRKAG3 gene (T30N, G52S and I199V) were investigated
      as well as single nucleotide polymorphisms in two other skeletal muscle genes
      (PGAM2 and PKM2) involved in the glycolytic pathway. Association analysis with
      the PRKAG3 markers showed significant results (P<0.05) only for pH(1) (I199V,
      with significant additive effect) and lactate content (T30N), confirming, at
      least in part, the effects of this gene on meat quality traits. Significant
      association (P<0.05) was also observed for PGAM2 and ham weight EBV with
      significant additive and dominance effects. PKM2 was associated with average
      daily gain, lean cuts (P<0.001), back fat thickness and feed:gain ratio (P<0.05),
      with significant additive and/or dominance effects on these traits. PKM2 encodes
      for a key enzyme of the muscle glycolytic pathway and maps on porcine chromosome
      7 where other studies have reported important QTL for the same traits. These data
      might suggest an important function of this gene in the mechanisms that produce
      the observed effects. The results will be important to evaluate the inclusion of
      some of these DNA polymorphisms in marker assisted selection programs.

PMID- 22063598
TI  - Physicochemical characteristics of pork fed palm oil and conjugated linoleic acid
      supplements.
AB  - The experiment was conducted to determine chemical and physical characteristics
      of pork fed palm oil in the diets and with two levels of CLA (0.5% and 1.0%)
      supplementation. Chemical compositions and CLA contents were analyzed from raw
      loins and ham portions. Color and shear force values were measured in raw and
      cooked meats. The pork fed CLA supplements contained higher (P<0.05) moisture,
      less fat, and lower MUFA:SFA, PUFA:SFA and n-6:n-3 ratios. Fatty acid
      compositions were noticeably changed in the loin meats when palm oil was
      supplemented with CLA in the pig diets, but not in the hams. The CLA contents of
      meats increased (P<0.05) with increasing amounts of CLA in the diets, with the
      c9,t11 CLA isomer was the highest concentration. The loins from pigs fed CLA
      supplements had lighter (P<0.05) color while the ham portions showed darker
      color. Cooked loins from pigs fed CLA supplements gave higher (P<0.05) shear
      forces compared with that fed palm oil only, while cooked hams had lower forces
      in spite of higher forces were observed in raw state.

PMID- 22063599
TI  - Dry versus wet aging of beef: Retail cutting yields and consumer sensory
      attribute evaluations of steaks from ribeyes, strip loins, and top sirloins from
      two quality grade groups.
AB  - Top Choice (n=48) and Select (n=48) paired bone-in ribeye rolls, bone-in strip
      loins, and boneless top sirloin butts were assigned randomly to one of two aging
      treatments, dry or wet, and were aged for 14, 21, 28 or 35d. Cutting tests,
      performed to determine retail yields and processing times, showed dry-aged
      subprimals had lower total saleable yield percentages and increased processing
      times compared to wet-aged subprimals. Sensory and Warner-Bratzler shear
      evaluation was conducted to determine palatability characteristics. For the most
      part, aging treatment and aging period did not affect consumer sensory
      attributes. However, ribeye and top loin steaks from the Top Choice quality grade
      group received higher sensory ratings than their Select counterparts. For top
      sirloin steaks, no consumer sensory attributes were affected by aging treatment,
      aging period, or quality grade group.

PMID- 22063600
TI  - Effects of potential antimicrobial ingredients used to control
      Listeriamonocytogenes on quality of natural casing frankfurters.
AB  - Listeriosis concerns have led to increased antimicrobial use; reformulation may
      affect quality. The objective was to determine the effects of potential
      antimicrobials on quality of natural casing frankfurters. Eleven treatments were
      used: no antimicrobials (control); 3.0% sodium lactate and sodium diacetate blend
      (SL+SD); 1.0%, 2.5%, and 3.5% buffered sodium citrate (SC); 1.0%, 2.5%, and 3.5%
      buffered sodium citrate and sodium diacetate blend (SC+SD); and 1.0%, 2.5%, and
      5.0% whey protein peptides (WP). Trained and consumer panelists analyzed sensory
      characteristics. Cooking yield was unaffected by treatment (P>0.05). Addition of
      SC and SC+SD decreased pH (P<0.05). Texture profile analysis was conducted.
      Hunter color values and growth of aerobic bacteria and lactic acid bacteria were
      monitored over 15 weeks of storage. No samples reached spoilage. SL+SD 3% caused
      few changes; WP caused changes perceived as negative; and SC and SC+SD caused
      changes often perceived as positive.

PMID- 22063601
TI  - Sarcomere length determination using front-face fluorescence polarization.
AB  - Tryptophan is the major intrinsic fluorophore in muscle and is a constituent of
      proteins that have two preferential alignments both parallel and perpendicular to
      muscle fibre direction. A simple theoretical model and an experimental method
      based on front-face fluorescence polarization technique for tryptophan
      fluorescence anisotropy measurements were used for the estimation of post-rigor
      sarcomere length in beef in the range 1.6-3.4MUm. Fluorescence anisotropy and
      structure-related model variables displayed changes in cold-shortened samples
      compared with normal and stretched ones. The anisotropy of contracted samples was
      lowered by misalignment of fibres in the sample. This method can therefore be
      used for in-line detection of cold shortening which has meat toughness as a
      consequence.

PMID- 22063602
TI  - Intramuscular fatty acid profile of longissimus dorsi and semitendinosus muscle
      from Pateri goats fed under traditional feeding system of Sindh, Pakistan.
AB  - The present study was undertaken to assess the intramuscular fatty acid
      composition of different muscles taken from male Pateri (n=15) goats, reared on
      naturally grown grasses, leaves and pods of Acacia nilotica and crushed cereal,
      under traditional way of feeding. Goats were slaughtered with an average weight
      of 68+/-7kg and age 12+/-1 month. The samples were taken from longissimus dorsi
      region (between the 12th and 13th rib) and distal region of semitendinosus
      muscle. Results of total fat content and fatty acids composition does not show
      significant (P>0.05) variation among muscles investigated. The fatty acid
      composition of muscles studied were primarily composed of oleic (31.50-33.38%),
      followed by palmitic acid (19.84-22.05%) and stearic acid (22.25-24.91%)
      respectively. Muscle tissue in general contained an average 51.13% of saturated
      fatty acids and 48.87% of unsaturated fatty acids. The mean conjugated linoleic
      acid was found 0.41%, 0.43% and 0.47% in ribeye and loin portion of longissimus
      dorsi muscle and distal region of semitendinosus muscle, respectively.

PMID- 22063603
TI  - Influence of the paprika type on redness loss in red line meat products.
AB  - Paprika, with its high colourant power (measured in ASTA units), imparts higher
      initial redness to fresh red sausage and fresh chorizo (red line meat products).
      This higher degree of redness (measured according to the red-green component, a*,
      and spectrophotometric colour units) is maintained until the end of the products'
      shelf life. However, the pasteurization necessary to reduce the microbial load of
      paprika can cause alterations to its stability. The addition of natural
      antioxidants to pasteurized paprika (rosemary extract) was seen to maintain the
      colour levels of meat products throughout their shelf life. Differences in the
      colour of meat batches elaborated with paprika of different colourant power could
      be detected by consumers in a hedonistic test, who evaluated the colour
      positively.

PMID- 22063604
TI  - Effect of a linseed diet on lipid oxidation, fatty acid composition of muscle,
      perirenal fat, and raw and cooked rabbit meat.
AB  - Forty Californian*New Zealand rabbits (1kg initial body weight) were fed a
      control or a linseed isoenergetic diet containing 30g of extruded linseed/kg.
      Twenty rabbits for each dietary treatment were slaughtered at 11 weeks of age, at
      35 days after the start of the experiment. Feeding the linseed diet increased
      (P<0.005) the content of 18:2n-3 in muscles, perirenal fat, and raw and cooked
      meat. The long chain n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) contents were also
      increased (P<0.01) in the meat. The linseed diet produced a robust decrease in
      the n-6/n-3 ratio. Cooking did not alter n-3 PUFA more than saturated fatty acids
      (SFA) or monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA). However, n-6 PUFA were altered by
      cooking. The oxidative stability of Longissimus dorsi was not affected by the
      linseed diet, even after 300min of forced-oxidation. Inclusion of linseed in
      rabbit diets is a valid method of improving the nutritional value of rabbit meat.

PMID- 22063605
TI  - Relationships between sensory and physicochemical measurements in meat of rabbit
      from three different breeding systems using canonical correlation analysis.
AB  - Meat from rabbits reared either according to a standard (STAND) or a high quality
      norm (LABEL) or a low growth breeding (RUSSE) system were submitted to a sensory
      evaluation and to a large set of physicochemical measurements (weight of retail
      cuts, colour parameters, ultimate pH, femur flexure test, Warner-Bratzler shear
      test, water holding capacities and cooking losses). STAND rabbit meat exhibited
      the most juicy meat in back and in leg (p<0.01). Leg tenderness significantly
      decreased (p<0.001) in the rank order STAND>LABEL>RUSSE. Canonical correlation
      analysis showed strong correlations between physicochemical and sensory variables
      (R(2)=0.73 and 0.68 between the two first pairs of canonical variates).
      Especially, sensory tenderness and WB shear test variables assessed on raw
      longissimus muscle (LL) were correlated. Fibrous attribute in back was correlated
      with cooking loss in LL. When analysed separately only RUSSE rabbits exhibited
      the same relations between variables as those calculated in whole dataset.

PMID- 22063606
TI  - Suitability of Norwegian short-tail lambs, Norwegian dairy goats and Cashmere
      goats for meat production - Carcass, meat, chemical and sensory characteristics.
AB  - Six female Norwegian lambs (29kg body weight, 8 months old), six castrated
      Norwegian goats (27kg body weight, 10 months old) and six castrated Cashmere
      goats (20kg body weight, 8 months old) were used to study the relative potential
      of Norwegian lambs, Norwegian goats and Cashmere goats for meat production.
      Animals were fattened on silage and commercial concentrate before slaughter. Lamb
      meat had 4 % lower (P<0.05) proteins and 13% higher (P<0.05) fat content than
      goat meats. Moreover, m. longissimus dorsi samples from lambs were less red
      (a(*)) (P<0.05) and had lower colour intensity (C) and wider hue angle (H) than
      that from goats. Meat from lambs and Cashmere goats had higher proportions of
      saturated fatty acids (SFA) (P<0.001), especially stearic acid and lower ones for
      total unsaturated fatty acids (TUFA) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) than
      the meat from Norwegian goats. Sensory panellists scored lamb meat fattier,
      juicier and more tender than goat meats. Meat from Cashmere goats scored highest
      (P<0.05) in whiteness, and lowest (P<0.05) in both colour tone and colour
      intensity. It is concluded that, since C18:0 was the main contributor of SFA in
      meat from Norwegian lamb and Cashmere goats, meats from them are nutritionally
      comparable to that from Norwegian goats. However, the higher proportion of SFA in
      Norwegian lambs and Cashmere goats may increase hardness of fat and being easily
      solidified upon cooling, may influence meat palatability.

PMID- 22063607
TI  - Diffusion of NaCl in meat studied by (1)H and (23)Na magnetic resonance imaging.
AB  - The effect of sodium chloride (NaCl) diffusion into meat was investigated. Proton
      and sodium magnetic resonance imaging were used to determine the diffusion
      behaviour of brine (NaCl) in porcine Longissimus dorsi and semitendinosus. NaCl
      diffusion was visualized through images and diffusion coefficients were
      determined to be in the range 3-7*10(-10)m(2)s(-1), which is in agreement with
      values reported in the literature. The diffusion coefficient was found to
      increase during curing, suggesting microstructural changes in the meat. A
      supplementary experiment proved that the diffusion behaviour of sodium chloride
      in regions of meat with connective tissue/fat is distinctive from regions with
      pure myofilament tissue, as anticipated. Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC)
      maps showed that meat microstructures shrunk when cured with 20% (w/w) NaCl
      brine. ADC across (?) the main muscle fiber direction decreased more than ADC
      along (||) the main muscle fiber direction. The greater shrinkage in the
      direction across muscle fibers suggests that the curing induced shrinkage of the
      transverse structures rather than reduction in longitudinal structures.

PMID- 22063608
TI  - Physical and sensory characterization and consumer preference of corn and barley
      fed beef.
AB  - Steaks from corn-fed and barley-fed beef were characterized by a trained panel,
      which rated corn-fed beef higher (p<0.05) for tenderness attributes and overall
      flavor intensity. Canadian consumers preferred (p<0.01) cooked and raw steaks
      from barley-fed beef, while Mexican consumers showed no preference (p>0.05) for
      either type of finished beef. Japanese consumers showed a preference (p<0.05) for
      the appearance of raw barley-fed steaks but a preference for cooked corn-fed
      steaks (p<0.05). No differences (p>0.05) were observed for Warner-Bratzler shear,
      marbling scores, cooking losses or Hunter colorimeter values. There was a trend
      for higher concentrations (p<0.08) of the saturated fatty acids in the barley
      treatment, but no differences (p>0.10) in mono or polyunsaturated fatty acids.

PMID- 22063609
TI  - Cholesterol concentration and fatty acid profile of red deer (Cervus elaphus)
      meat.
AB  - The effects of gender and age on intramuscular fat (IMF) levels, cholesterol
      concentration, and fatty acid composition were investigated in the semitendinosus
      (ST) and triceps brachii (TB) muscles of feral red deer (Cervus elaphus). Six
      stags of >2years of age, four hinds of 1year, and six calves of 6months were shot
      in Slovenia. Generally, all parameters measured were influenced by interaction of
      muscle and treatment group (hinds, stags and calves) at the 5% level or less. In
      ST muscle, the IMF levels were highest for hinds. In the TB muscle, cholesterol
      was lower for stags than for hinds and calves. The saturated fatty acids were the
      highest for stags and the mono-unsaturated fatty acids for hinds. The
      polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) were the highest for calves and lowest for
      hinds. The n-3 PUFAs were the lowest for hinds. In both muscles, the calves had
      higher n-6 PUFAs than stags and hinds. Only the ST muscle of the hinds contained
      >1% (1.44%) of the conjugated linoleic acid isomer 18:2cis-9,trans-11, while in
      the TB of hinds and calves this fatty acid was higher than with stags. We
      conclude that gender and age of feral red deer influence the IMF content, the
      cholesterol concentration, and the fatty acid composition of the meat.

PMID- 22063610
TI  - The influence of ante-mortem treatment on relationship between pH and tenderness
      of beef.
AB  - Longissimus lumborum et thoracis muscles from 150 cattle comprising Czech Pied
      breed bulls and cows were used to investigate the relationship between pH value
      and beef tenderness as influenced by housing before slaughter and by the hanging
      mode of carcasses. The pH value was measured in the loin at the end of the
      slaughter-line (pH(0)) and after cooling of carcasses (pH(24),pH(48)). The
      texture of raw meat was measured 72h post-mortem by the Warner-Bratzler shear
      method; the shear force was related to pH. Curvilinear relationships with
      coefficients of correlation r=0.64 (P<0.05) for bulls individually housed and
      r=0.83 for bulls housed in groups between the shear force and the pH value 24h
      p.m. were found with maximal shear force (the most tough meat) in the range of
      pH(24) from 6.2 to 6.4. Lower correlations (r=0.72 and r=0.54) between pH(24) and
      meat tenderness were found in the case of cows individually housed and housed in
      groups, respectively. No significant relationships were found between texture and
      pH measured at the end of the slaughter-line (r=0.59 for bulls and r=0.65 for
      cows) and 48h post-mortem (r=0.64 for bulls and r=0.50 for cows). The mode of
      housing of cattle before slaughter influenced the properties of beef
      significantly. Meat of bulls housed in groups before slaughter was less tender
      (the shear force was higher) than meat of bulls individually housed. It could be
      explained by higher depletion of glycogen before slaughter and thus insufficient
      pH decline. Generally, the meat of cows was more tender than of bulls
      irrespective of housing. No significant differences were found between the left
      and right halves of carcasses. Thus the mode of hanging had no influence on beef
      tenderness.

PMID- 22063611
TI  - Determination of glass transition temperature of beef and effects of various
      cryoprotective agents on some chemical changes.
AB  - Sucrose (2%), sorbitol (2%), mannitol (2%), gum arabic (0.15%), carrageenan
      (0.15%) and meat stabilizer (0.5%) were blended with ground beef and stored for 6
      months separately at -9 degrees C, -13 degrees C (glass transition temperature
      (T(g)) of beef determined by Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC)) and -18
      degrees C. Total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB-N) and Thiobarbituric acid-reactive
      substances (TBARS) were determined at 1, 3 and 6th months of storage.
      Cryoprotectants and storage period had a significant effect (P<0.05) on the TVB-N
      and TBARS values. Although there were no statistically significant differences
      between storage at -13 degrees C (T(g)) and -18 degrees C, storage at -9 degrees
      C had different effects on TVB-N and TBARS.

PMID- 22063612
TI  - Xenobiotic clenbuterol in food producing male pigs: Various tissue residue
      accumulation on days after withdrawal.
AB  - Using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and liquid chromatography tandem
      mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) the concentrations of clenbuterol (ng/g) were shown
      to be highest in choroid/pigmented retinal epithelium (choroid/PRE) (499.59+/
      26.36ng/g), followed by hair (fair colored) (207.76+/-86.88ng/g), liver (25.06+/
      16.72ng/g) and kidney (6.88+/-3.52ng/g) after 28 days of oral clenbuterol
      administration in a growth-promoting dose (10MUg/kg BW, twice daily) to food
      producing male pigs, with a high correlation coefficient between the two methods
      for all study matrices (r=0.8800-0.9999). In the liver as an alimentary tissue
      and regulatory matrix for the control of clenbuterol abuse, the maximal allowed
      concentration of 0.5ng/g was achieved in liver tissue (0.40+/-0.12ng/g) on day 14
      and in the kidney (0.28+/-0.10ng/g) on day 7 after treatment withdrawal. In
      contrast, the concentration of residual clenbuterol in choroid/PRE (57.49+/
      6.13ng/g) and hair (68.36+/-3.35ng/g) recorded on day 14 of withdrawal was 143-
      and 170-fold that measured in the liver, with a similar ratio persisting on day
      35 of withdrawal (164:1 and 183:1, respectively). These findings indicated a high
      accumulation potential of clenbuterol residues in the hair and choroid/PRE as
      compared with the liver and kidney, pointing to the pig choroid/PRE and hair as
      useful new matrices in the control of clenbuterol abuse as a growth promotant in
      food production, especially after prolonged withdrawal.

PMID- 22063613
TI  - Temperature evolution and mass losses during immersion vacuum cooling of cooked
      beef joints - A finite difference model.
AB  - A finite difference model was developed to describe and predict the temperature
      and mass loss evolution in reconstructed beef joints during immersion vacuum
      cooling. Fast cooling is obtained within beef pores and at beef surface when
      evaporation in the surrounding liquid is high. The cooling rate diminishes as the
      vacuum chamber pressure stabilizes and the liquid temperature reaches its lower
      value. The maximum deviation between measured and calculated temperatures was
      within 5 degrees C for the beef (core and surface) and within 7 degrees C for the
      surrounding liquid (measured at the bottom of the container). Absolute
      differences between predicted and experimental mass losses for the liquid and
      beef sample were around 2% and 1%, respectively. Mass losses are higher during
      the first period when evaporation is the main mode of heat transfer. Mechanical
      agitation in the surrounding liquid is suggested as a way to further reduce
      cooling times and to prevent uneven cooling.

PMID- 22063614
TI  - Comparison of fresh beef and camel meat proteolysis during cold storage.
AB  - The objective of this research was to determine the difference in myofibrillar
      fragmentation of camel meat and beef during postmortem aging. Semitendinosus
      muscle was excised at slaughter and muscle pH was measured at 6, 12, 24, 48, and
      72h postmortem. Myofibril fragmentation index was measured on 1, 3, 5, and 7 days
      postmortem. Also, myofibrils isolated from semitendinosus muscles of camel and
      cattle at 1, 3, 5 and 7 days postmortem storage were analyzed using sodium
      dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Results showed that the
      camel semitendinosus muscle had significantly higher myofibril degradation values
      compared to that in beef which was supported by a difference in troponin-T
      degradation and appearance of a 30kDa band. Postmortem pH decline of camel meat
      was significantly slower than that of beef. This study demonstrated that the
      semitendinosus protease activity of camel meat was superior to that of beef,
      which may have been due to the difference in pH decline.

PMID- 22063615
TI  - Ultrasonic and sensory characterization of dry-cured ham fat from Iberian pigs
      with different genetics and feeding backgrounds.
AB  - The textural and ultrasonic properties of the subcutaneous fat from five batches
      of dry-cured hams from animals with different genetics (Iberian, Iberian*Duroc)
      and type of feeding ("montanera", concentrate feeds with different oleic acid
      content) were studied and related to the sensory traits (oiliness and brightness)
      of their biceps femoris muscle. The different genetics and feeding backgrounds
      found in the batches brought about differences in their ultrasonic velocities
      (average velocity from 4 to 20 degrees C ranged from 1608 to 1650m/s) and
      textural parameters (maximum force at 8 degrees C ranged from 11 to 21N). On
      average, batches with lower textural parameters had lower velocities and higher
      sensory scores. Ultrasonic measurements were used to carry out a discriminant
      analysis which allowed 78.3% of the samples to be correctly classified in the
      batches considered. Therefore, ultrasonic and sensory techniques could be useful
      in the characterization and differentiation of dry-cured hams from Iberian pigs.

PMID- 22063616
TI  - Effect of electron-beam irradiation before and after cooking on the chemical
      properties of beef, pork, and chicken.
AB  - Ground beef, pork, and chicken thigh meats were irradiated at 0 or 5.0kGy before
      and after cooking and then stored at -40 degrees C in oxygen permeable bags. The
      pH, lipid oxidation, volatiles, and carbon monoxide production of the meat were
      determined at 0 and 6months of storage. The pH values of raw meats from different
      animal species were different (5.36-6.25) and were significantly increased by
      cooking, irradiation, and storage (p<0.05). Irradiation had no effect on the
      TBARS values of ground beef and pork, but significantly increased the TBARS of
      chicken thigh meat. Cooking, whether it was done before or after irradiation,
      caused significant increase in TBARS and was most significant in chicken and
      pork. The numbers of volatiles analyzed by GC/MS were higher in irradiated meats
      than the non-irradiated ones regardless of meat source. Sulfur-containing
      compounds were newly produced or increased by irradiation, but dimethyl disulfide
      and dimethyl trisulfide were not detected in the non-irradiated meats regardless
      of cooking treatment. Irradiation time, whether done before or after cooking, had
      little effect on the TBARS, volatiles, and carbon monoxide production in the
      meat.

PMID- 22063617
TI  - Effects of soybean oil and linseed oil on fatty acid compositions of muscle
      lipids and cooked pork flavour.
AB  - This study was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary oil on the fatty
      acid compositions of the longissimus and biceps brachii muscles and its effects
      on cooked muscles flavour. Seventy-two crossbred barrows (Duroc*Landrace*Large
      White), were blocked by weight and randomly assigned to one of three treatments.
      The three dietary treatments were: (a) no oil supplement (CON); (b) 3% soybean
      oil supplement (SO3); (c) 3% linseed oil supplement (LO3). Dietary linseed oil
      and soybean oil significantly increased the contents of C18:3 and C18:2 in the
      neutral lipids and phospholipids in both longissimus muscle and biceps brachii
      muscle, respectively. Aroma compounds analysis indicated only few aroma compounds
      were affected significantly by dietary oil in both cooked longissimus muscle and
      biceps brachii muscle. The flavour attributes of cooked longissimus muscle and
      biceps brachii muscle were not influenced by feeding 3% soybean oil. Feeding 3%
      linseed oil did not deleteriously affect the flavour of cooked longissimus muscle
      but cooked biceps brachii muscle from LO3 had significantly lower pork flavour
      and higher abnormal flavour than CON and SO3.

PMID- 22063618
TI  - Occurrence and growth of yeasts in processed meat products - Implications for
      potential spoilage.
AB  - Spoilage of meat products is in general attributed to bacteria but new processing
      and storage techniques inhibiting growth of bacteria may provide opportunities
      for yeasts to dominate the microflora and cause spoilage of the product. With the
      aim of obtaining a deeper understanding of the potential role of yeast in
      spoilage of five different processed meat products (bacon, ham, salami and two
      different liver pates), yeasts were isolated, enumerated and identified during
      processing, in the final product and in the final product at the end of shelf
      life. Yeasts were isolated along the bacon production line in numbers up to 4.2
      log (CFU/g). Smoking of the bacon reduced the yeast counts to lower than 1.0 log
      (CFU/g) or non-detectable levels. In general, yeasts were only isolated in low
      numbers during the production of salami, cooked ham and liver pate. In the final
      products yeasts were detected in low numbers in a few samples (3 out of 30)
      samples, 1.0-1.3 log (CFU/g). By the end of storage, yeasts were only detected in
      1 out of 25 investigated samples 1.8 log (CFU/g). A combination of phenotypic and
      genotypic methods was used to identify the yeast microflora present during
      production of the processed meat products. The yeast microflora was complex with
      4-12 different species isolated from the different production sites. In general,
      Candida zeylanoides, Debaryomyces hansenii and the newly described Candida
      alimentaria were found to be the dominant yeast species. In addition, three
      putatively previously undescribed yeast species were isolated. Fourteen isolates,
      representing seven different species isolated during the production of the
      processed meat products and one species isolated from spoiled, modified
      atmosphere packed, sliced ham, were screened for their ability to grow in a meat
      model substrate under a low oxygen/high carbon-dioxide atmosphere (0.5% O(2), 20%
      CO(2), 79.5% N(2)) at two different temperatures (5 and 8 degrees C). Eleven out
      of the tested 14 strains were able to grow in the meat model substrate with C.
      zeylanoides, D. hansenii, Pichia guilliermondii and Candida sake reaching levels
      of 10(5)-5*10(6) log (CFU/g), where sensoryical changes appear.

PMID- 22063619
TI  - Relationships between biochemical characteristics and meat quality of Longissimus
      thoracis and Semimembranosus muscles in five porcine lines.
AB  - Five porcine genetic lines which represent a high proportion of European pig
      production were fully characterized for meat quality parameters and muscle
      biochemical characteristics (Longissimus thoracis, LT, and Semimembranosus, SM).
      The line characterisation was based on 100 animals each representing Large White,
      Landrace, Duroc, Pietrain (Halothane negative) and Meishan (a Meishan/Large White
      crossbred line) prevalent genetic backgrounds. Different meat quality parameters
      (pH 45min, pH ultimate, electrical conductivity, and colour measurements), as
      well as muscle water holding capacity, muscle metabolic and contractile traits,
      fibre type, size and frequencies were measured and their relationships studied.
      The main differences in the LT were found between the Meishan and Pietrain
      genetic lines, in relation to the muscle fibre size (larger in Pietrain). The
      Duroc line was characterized by the muscle oxidative traits and the Landrace by
      the high percentage of fast glycolytic fibres. In SM, Duroc and Pietrain were
      distinguished from Landrace and Meishan according to the metabolic and
      contractile characteristics of this muscle. Large White tended to lie between the
      other breeds for many of the traits. The measured muscle characteristics were
      related to differences in drip loss and marbling values and could thereby
      influence the eating quality of pork. Overall the results show differences
      between the genetic lines for a number of muscle traits which could have impact
      on consumer appeal and eating quality. The present findings should serve to
      emphasise the importance of including eating quality as a trait in breed
      selection.

PMID- 22063620
TI  - An improved microtitre enzyme immunoassay to measure the boar taint steroid
      5alpha-androst-16-en-3-one in blood plasma of pigs.
AB  - Androstenone (5alpha-androst-16-en-3-one) is a volatile steroid which is
      synthesized in boar testes and stored in high amounts in fat thus leading to an
      urine-like odor in pork. Whereas microtiter assays (MTA) exist for fat
      determination, measurement in blood with MTA was not yet possible. The system
      reported here is based on a specific antiserum and a horse radish peroxidase
      conjugate as tracer. For coating bovine serum albumin was avoided which otherwise
      would lead to unspecific binding. Blood plasma was extracted with n-hexane,
      solvent was evaporated in a vacuum centrifuge and the extract was taken up in
      buffer with 10% methanol. Assay sensitivity was 2.5pg/well (0.025ng/mL),
      specificity was confirmed by GC-MS (r=0.96; n=50) and inter- and intraassay
      variation were 4.9% and 5.9%, respectively. Thus an assay system is available for
      studies in pig production and in wildlife research due to pheromone activity also
      in other species.

PMID- 22063621
TI  - Simultaneous application of microbial transglutaminase and high hydrostatic
      pressure to improve heat induced gelation of pork plasma.
AB  - The effects of treating porcine plasma with microbial tranglutaminase (MTGase)
      under high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) were studied as a means of improving its
      gel-forming properties when subsequently heated at pH 5.5, near the pH of meats.
      Plasma containing varying levels of commercial MTGase was pressurized (400MPa,
      room temperature, pH 7) for different times, and adjusted to pH 5.5 prior to
      heating to induce gelation. MTGase-treatment under HHP led to greater enhancement
      of heat-induced plasma gel properties as compared to control samples. The
      greatest improvements were achieved by pressurising plasma with 43.3U MTGase/g
      protein for 30min, thereby achieving recoveries of 49% and 63% in fracture force
      (gel strength) and fracture distance (gel deformability) of the subsequently heat
      induced gels, respectively, relative to gel properties obtained by heating
      untreated plasma at physiological conditions (pH 7.5).

PMID- 22063622
TI  - Is authentication of the geographic origin of poultry meat and dried beef
      improved by combining multiple trace element and oxygen isotope analysis?
AB  - Data available on contents of up to 72 different trace elements and the oxygen
      isotope ratio of 78 poultry breast and 74 dried beef samples were analysed to
      determine whether the accuracy of the prediction of the geographic origin is
      improved by combining promising methods. Validation was performed by determining
      the origin of a smaller sub-group using a statistical model established from the
      data of the second, larger, sub-group. As expected, the combined data proved
      useful for the determination of the geographic origin of meat samples. However,
      combining data did not clearly reduce the percentage of incorrectly classified
      individual samples compared to the two approaches applied separately. In poultry,
      cross-validation and validation resulted in 83% and 50% correct classifications,
      respectively. The corresponding values in dried beef were 73% and 43%. In
      conclusion, compared to element signature data alone, combining both methods did
      not improve predictions of origin.

PMID- 22063623
TI  - Electron microscopy of contractile bands in low voltage electrical stimulation
      beef.
AB  - This study was designed to explore the effects of low voltage electrical
      stimulation and delay chilling on the ultrastructure of beef longissimus muscle.
      The results showed that 44.9% of sarcomeres in the ES samples had contractile
      zones, and 16.9% of sarcomeres adjacent to contractile zones were stretched in
      100 views of electron microscopy. The ultrastructures of 60.9% of sarcomeres
      changed when the samples were electrically stimulated and then delay-chilled.
      Contractile bands play an important role in meat tenderization during postmortem
      aging.

PMID- 22063625
TI  - Anion transport by the cochlear motor protein prestin.
AB  - Prestin is a member of the SLC26 solute carrier family and functions as a motor
      protein in cochlear outer hair cells. While other SLC26 homologues were
      demonstrated to transport a wide variety of anions, no electrogenic transport
      activity has been assigned so far to mammalian prestin. We here use heterologous
      expression in mammalian cells, patch clamp recordings and measurements of
      expression levels of individual cells to study anion transport by rat prestin. We
      demonstrated that cells expressing rat prestin exhibit SCN(-) currents that are
      proportional to the number of prestin molecules. Variation of the SCN(-)
      concentration resulted in changes of the current reversal potential that obey the
      Nernst equation indicating that SCN(-) transport is not stoichiometrically
      coupled to other anions. Application of external SCN(-) causes large increases of
      anion currents, but only minor changes in non-linear charge movements suggesting
      that only a very small percentage of prestin molecules function as SCN(-)
      transporters under these conditions. Unitary current amplitudes are below the
      resolution limit of noise analysis and thus much smaller than expected for pore
      mediated anion transport. A comparison with a non-mammalian prestin from D. rerio
      - recently shown to function as Cl(-)/SO(4)(2-) antiporter - and an SLC26 anion
      channel, human SLC26A7, revealed that SCN(-) transport is conserved in these
      distinct members of the SLC26 family. We conclude that mammalian prestin is
      capable of mediating electrogenic anion transport and suggest that SLC26 proteins
      converting membrane voltage oscillations into conformational changes and those
      functioning as channels or transporters share certain transport capabilities.

PMID- 22063626
TI  - Ca2+ transients in myenteric glial cells during the colonic migrating motor
      complex in the isolated murine large intestine.
AB  - Enteric glia cells (EGCs) form a dense network around myenteric neurons in a
      ganglia and are likely to have not only a supportive role but may also regulate
      or be regulated by neural activity. Our aims were to determine if EGCs are
      activated during the colonic migrating motor complex (CMMC) in the isolated
      murine colon. Strips of longitudinal muscle were removed and Ca(2+) imaging (Fluo
      4) used to study activity in EGCs within myenteric ganglia during CMMCs, followed
      by post hoc S100 staining to reveal EGCs. The cell bodies of EGCs and their
      processes formed caps and halos, respectively, around some neighbouring myenteric
      neurons. Some EGCs (36%), which were largely quiescent between CMMCs, exhibited
      prolonged tetrodotoxin (TTX; 1 MUm)-sensitive Ca(2+) transients that peaked ~39 s
      following a mucosal stimulus that generated the CMMC, and often outlasted the
      CMMC (duration ~23 s). Ca(2+) transients in EGCs often varied in duration within
      a ganglion; however, the duration of these transients was closely matched by
      activity in closely apposed nerve varicosities, suggesting EGCs were not only
      innervated but the effective innervation was localized. Furthermore, all EGCs,
      even those that were quiescent, responded with robust Ca(2+) transients to KCl,
      caffeine, nicotine, substance P and GR 64349 (an NK2 agonist), suggesting they
      were adequately loaded with indicator and that some EGCs may be inhibited by
      substances released by neighbouring neurons. Intracellular Ca(2+) waves were
      visualised propagating between closely apposed glia and from glial cell processes
      to the soma (velocity 12 MUm s(-1)) where they produced an accumulative rise in
      Ca(2+), suggesting that the soma acts as an integrator of Ca(2+) activity. In
      conclusion, Ca(2+) transients in EGCs occur secondary to nerve activity; their
      activation is driven by intrinsic excitatory nerve pathways that generate the
      CMMC.

PMID- 22063627
TI  - Human sympathetic outflows to skin and muscle target organs fluctuate
      concordantly over a wide range of time-varying frequencies.
AB  - Frequency-domain analyses of simultaneously recorded skin and muscle sympathetic
      nerve activities may yield unique information on otherwise obscure central
      processes governing human neural outflows. We used wavelet transform and wavelet
      phase coherence methods to analyse integrated skin and muscle sympathetic nerve
      activities and haemodynamic fluctuations, recorded from nine healthy supine young
      men. We tested two null hypotheses: (1) that human skin and muscle sympathetic
      nerve activities oscillate congruently; and (2) that whole-body heating affects
      these neural outflows and their haemodynamic consequences in similar ways.
      Measurements included peroneal nerve skin and tibial nerve muscle sympathetic
      activities; the electrocardiogram; finger photoplethysmographic arterial
      pressure; respiration (controlled at 0.25 Hz, and registered with a nasal
      thermistor); and skin temperature, sweating, and laser-Doppler skin blood flow.
      We made recordings at ~27 degrees C, for ~20 min, and then during room
      temperature increases to ~38 degrees C, over 35 min. We analysed data with a
      wavelet transform, using the Morlet mother wavelet and wavelet phase coherence,
      to determine the frequencies and coherences of oscillations over time. At 27
      degrees C, skin and muscle nerve activities oscillated coherently, at ever
      changing frequencies between 0.01 and the cardiac frequency (~1 Hz). Heating
      significantly augmented oscillations of skin sympathetic nerve activity and skin
      blood flow, arterial pressure, and R-R intervals, over a wide range of low
      frequencies, and modestly reduced coordination between skin and muscle
      sympathetic oscillations. These results suggest that human skin and muscle
      sympathetic motoneurones are similarly entrained by external influences,
      including those of arterial baroreceptors, respiration, and other less well
      defined brainstem oscillators. Our study provides strong support for the
      existence of multiple, time-varying central sympathetic neural oscillators in
      human subjects.

PMID- 22063628
TI  - Diet-induced adaptation of vagal afferent function.
AB  - Afferent signals from the stomach play an important role in inhibition of food
      intake during a meal. The gastric hormone ghrelin can influence gastric satiety
      signalling by altering the sensitivity of gastric vagal afferents. Changes in
      diet, including food restriction and high fat diet (HFD) alter satiety
      signalling. We hypothesised that the function of gastric vagal afferent endings
      are affected by both a period of food restriction and a high fat diet, and that
      the inhibitory effect of ghrelin on vagal afferents is influenced by the
      different feeding conditions. We found that both fasting and HFD reduced the
      responses of gastric vagal tension receptors to distension, but not responses of
      mucosal receptors to mucosal contact. We traced vagal afferents anterogradely to
      their terminals in the mucosa where we found they were in close apposition to
      ghrelin-containing cells. Ghrelin receptor mRNA was expressed in vagal afferent
      cell bodies of the nodose ganglia, and increased in response to caloric
      restriction, but decreased in HFD mice. In control mice, ghrelin decreased the
      sensitivity of tension but not mucosal receptors. After caloric restriction or
      high fat diet, ghrelin inhibited mucosal receptors, and the inhibition of
      mechanosensitive tension receptors was enhanced. Therefore, both caloric
      restriction and HFD decrease mechanosensory vagal afferent signals, and augment
      the inhibitory effect of ghrelin on vagal afferents, but different mechanisms
      mediate the short- and longer-term changes.

PMID- 22063629
TI  - Brain glycogen supercompensation following exhaustive exercise.
AB  - Brain glycogen localized in astrocytes, a critical energy source for neurons,
      decreases during prolonged exhaustive exercise with hypoglycaemia. However, it is
      uncertain whether exhaustive exercise induces glycogen supercompensation in the
      brain as in skeletal muscle. To explore this question, we exercised adult male
      rats to exhaustion at moderate intensity (20 m min(-1)) by treadmill, and
      quantified glycogen levels in several brain loci and skeletal muscles using a
      high-power (10 kW) microwave irradiation method as a gold standard. Skeletal
      muscle glycogen was depleted by 82-90% with exhaustive exercise, and
      supercompensated by 43-46% at 24 h after exercise. Brain glycogen levels
      decreased by 50-64% with exhaustive exercise, and supercompensated by 29-63%
      (whole brain 46%, cortex 60%, hippocampus 33%, hypothalamus 29%, cerebellum 63%
      and brainstem 49%) at 6 h after exercise. The brain glycogen supercompensation
      rates after exercise positively correlated with their decrease rates during
      exercise. We also observed that cortical and hippocampal glycogen
      supercompensation were sustained until 24 h after exercise (long-lasting
      supercompensation), and their basal glycogen levels increased with 4 weeks of
      exercise training (60 min day(-1) at 20 m min(-1)). These results support the
      hypothesis that, like the effect in skeletal muscles, glycogen supercompensation
      also occurs in the brain following exhaustive exercise, and the extent of
      supercompensation is dependent on that of glycogen decrease during exercise
      across brain regions. However, supercompensation in the brain preceded that of
      skeletal muscles. Further, the long-lasting supercompensation of the cortex and
      hippocampus is probably a prerequisite for their training adaptation (increased
      basal levels), probably to meet the increased energy demands of the brain in
      exercising animals.

PMID- 22063630
TI  - Assessment of cortical reorganisation for hand function after stroke.
AB  - Stroke often leads to impairment of hand function. Over the following months a
      variable amount of recovery can be seen. The evidence from animal and human
      studies suggests that reorganization rather than repair is the key. Surviving
      neural networks are important for recovery of function and non-invasive
      techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging allow us to study them
      in humans. For example, initial attempts to move a paretic limb following stroke
      are associated with widespread activity within the distributed motor system in
      both cerebral hemispheres, more so in patients with greater impairment.
      Disruption of activity in premotor areas using transcranial magnetic stimulation
      prior to movement can impair motor performance in stroke patients but not in
      controls suggesting that these new patterns of brain activity can support
      recovered function. In other words, this reorganisation is functionally relevant.
      More recently, research has been directed at understanding how surviving brain
      regions influence one another during movement. This opens the way for functional
      brain imaging to become a clinically useful tool in rehabilitation. Understanding
      the dynamic process of systems level reorganization will allow greater
      understanding of the mechanisms of recovery and potentially improve our ability
      to deliver effective restorative therapy.

PMID- 22063631
TI  - Control of firing patterns through modulation of axon initial segment T-type
      calcium channels.
AB  - Spontaneously active neurons typically fire either in a regular pattern or in
      bursts. While much is known about the subcellular location and biophysical
      properties of conductances that underlie regular spontaneous activity, less is
      known about those that underlie bursts. Here, we show that T-type Ca(2+) channels
      localized to the site of action potential initiation in the axon initial segment
      play a pivotal role in spontaneous burst generation. In auditory brainstem
      interneurons, axon initial segment Ca(2+) influx is selectively downregulated by
      dopaminergic signalling. This regulation has marked effects on spontaneous
      activity, converting the predominant mode of spontaneous activity from bursts to
      regular spiking. Thus, the axon initial segment is a key site, and dopamine a key
      regulator, of spontaneous bursting activity.

PMID- 22063633
TI  - Ultrastructural changes during aging in M. longissimus thoracis from moose and
      reindeer.
AB  - Game meat is commonly consumed in Europe but few studies have examined the
      quality related parameters. In this study we examined the changes in
      ultrastructure at four times postmortem in M. longissimus from moose (Alces
      alces) and reindeer (Rangifer tarandus tarandus). The moose were slaughtered
      during a hunt and reindeer by Swedish standard practices for this semi-domestic
      animal. Ultrastructural changes occurring in all animals included separation of
      the sarcolemma from myofibrils, I band breaks, and cytoskeleton breaks; however
      both I band breaks and cytoskeletal breaks were less common in moose and reindeer
      than values reported for sheep and beef. Fiber area in the longissimus thoracis
      muscle was approximately 3270 MUm(2) for moose and 1170 MUm(2) for reindeer
      indicating that the tenderness of reindeer meat may be largely determined by
      fiber size.

PMID- 22063632
TI  - Modulation of Kv3.4 channel N-type inactivation by protein kinase C shapes the
      action potential in dorsal root ganglion neurons.
AB  - Fast inactivation of heterologously expressed Kv3.4 channels is dramatically
      slowed upon phosphorylation of the channel's N-terminal (N-type) inactivation
      gate by protein kinase C (PKC). However, the presence and physiological
      importance of this exquisite modulation in excitable tissues were unknown. Here,
      we employed minimally invasive cell-attached patch-clamping, single-cell qPCR and
      specific siRNAs to unambiguously demonstrate that fast-inactivating Kv3.4
      channels underlie a robust high voltage-activated A-type K(+) current (I(AHV)) in
      nociceptive dorsal root ganglion neurons from 7-day-old rats. We also show that
      PKC activation with phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu) causes a 4-fold slowing of
      Kv3.4 channel inactivation and, consequently, accelerates the repolarization of
      the action potential (AP) by 22%, which shortens the AP duration by 14%. G
      protein coupled receptor (GPCR) agonists eliminate I(AHV) fast inactivation in a
      membrane-delimited manner, suggesting a Kv3.4 channel signalling complex.
      Preincubation of the neurons with the PKC inhibitor bisindolylmaleimide II
      inhibits the effect of GPCR agonists and PDBu. Furthermore, activation of PKC via
      GPCR agonists recapitulates the effects of PDBu on the AP. Finally, transfection
      of the neurons with Kv3.4 siRNA prolongs the AP by 25% and abolishes the GPCR
      agonist-induced acceleration of the AP repolarization. These results show that
      Kv3.4 channels help shape the repolarization of the nociceptor AP, and that
      modulation of Kv3.4 channel N-type inactivation by PKC regulates AP
      repolarization and duration. We propose that the dramatic modulation of I(AHV)
      fast inactivation by PKC represents a novel mechanism of neural plasticity with
      potentially significant implications in the transition from acute to chronic
      pain.

PMID- 22063634
TI  - Effects of hot water and lactic acid treatment of beef trimmings prior to
      grinding on microbial, instrumental color and sensory properties of ground beef
      during display.
AB  - The impact of 82 degrees C hot water (HW) or 5% lactic acid (LA) applied
      aerobically or by vacuum to beef trimmings prior to grinding on Salmonella
      Typhimurium (ATCC 1769NR; ST), Escherichia coli (ATCC 11775; EC), coliform (CO),
      aerobic plate count (APC), instrumental color and sensory characteristics of
      ground beef through simulated retail display was investigated. For this, beef
      trimmings were inoculated with a mixture (7 log CFU/ml each) of ST and EC, and
      treated either aerobically or under vacuum in a tumbler with HW or LA
      antimicrobials. Trimmings were ground, packaged and sampled on days 0, 1, 2, 3
      and 7 of display for ST, EC, CO, APC, sensory and instrumental color
      characteristics. Vacuum HW or LA application had no additive effect (P>0.05) when
      compared with aerobic application for reducing EC, ST, CO or APC. However, lactic
      acid was effective for reducing (P<0.05) EC, CO and APC, but reduced ground beef
      redness.

PMID- 22063635
TI  - The effect of selected functional additives and heat treatment on nitrosamine
      content in pasteurized pork ham.
AB  - The influence of pasteurization and sodium chloride, sodium ascorbate,
      polyphosphates and sodium nitrite coupled with pasteurization on nitrosamine
      contents in pork was studied. Nitrosamines: dimethylonitrosamine (DMNA) and
      diethylonitrosamine (DENA) were extracted from raw material, distilled, condensed
      in an evaporator under lowered pressure and analyzed chromatographically. An
      inhibitory effect of NaCl and sodium ascorbate on volatile nitrosamines (DMNA and
      DENA) was seen. Adding solutions of polyphosphates to the meat caused a slight
      increase in nitrosamine contents, higher than noted with sodium chloride. The
      effect of these compounds on nitrosamine formation depended on the presence of
      polyphosphates and sodium nitrite in the brine. If the brine contained nitrites,
      the adverse effect of sodium ascorbate and NaCl on nitrosamine formation was
      weaker. Moreover, a strong inhibitory effect of pasteurization on DMNA and DENA
      formation was observed.

PMID- 22063636
TI  - Effects of vascular infusion with a solution of saccharides, sodium chloride, and
      phosphates with or without vitamin C on carcass traits, Warner-Bratzler shear
      force, flavor-profile, and descriptive-attribute characteristics of steaks and
      ground beef from Charolais cattle.
AB  - Two groups of 18 grain-finished steers were utilized. Nine from one group were
      infused via the carotid artery immediately after jugular vein exsanguination with
      an aqueous solution containing saccharides, NaCl, and phosphates (MPSC; MPSC,
      Inc., Eden Prairie, MN, USA). Nine steers served as non-infused controls (CON).
      An additional 18 steers were infused with either MPSC (n=9) or MPSC plus 1000 ppm
      vitamin C (MPSC+C, n=9) solutions. Steers infused with MPSC had higher dressing
      percentages and organ weights than CON steers. Vascular infusion with MPSC had no
      effects on USDA yield or quality grade traits, descriptive-attribute sensory
      panel evaluations, or Warner-Bratzler shear force of longissimus lumborum and
      semitendinosus muscles. Vascular infusion with MPSC resulted in some significant,
      but inconsistent effects on flavor-profile characteristics of cooked beef. The
      addition of vitamin C to the MPSC solution did not provide any benefit.

PMID- 22063637
TI  - Reduction of E. coli, Salmonella typhimurium, coliforms, aerobic bacteria, and
      improvement of ground beef color using trisodium phosphate or cetylpyridinium
      chloride before grinding.
AB  - The impact of 10% trisodium phosphate (TSP) or 0.5% cetylpyridinium chloride
      (CPC) applied to beef trimmings either aerobically or under vacuum before
      grinding on Salmonella typhimurium (ST), Escherichia coli (EC), coliform (CO),
      aerobic plate count (APC), color and sensory attributes of ground beef through
      display was studied. For this, beef trimmings were inoculated with ST and EC then
      treated with either TSP or CPC in vacuum or aerobic conditions. Trimmings were
      ground, packaged, displayed under simulated retail conditions and sampled on days
      0, 1, 2, 3 and 7 for microbial, instrumental color, and sensory color and odor
      characteristics. Aerobic and vacuum antimicrobial application methods were
      equally effective (P>0.05) for reducing microorganisms in ground beef. Trisodium
      phosphate and CPC reduced (P<0.05) all bacterial types monitored. In addition,
      TSP and CPC improved (P>0.05) ground beef redness (a*), oxymyoglobin stability
      (630 nm/580 nm) and sensory overall color throughout display without adversely
      affecting odor characteristics.

PMID- 22063638
TI  - Lipid traits of muscles as related to genotype and fattening diet in Iberian
      pigs: total intramuscular lipids and triacylglycerols.
AB  - Thirty pigs were allotted into four groups according to the fattening diet
      ("Montanera", diet= acorns and pasture; and "Pienso", diet=concentrated diet) and
      genotype (Iberian and Iberian*Duroc pigs). Lipid, fatty acid and triacylglycerol
      compositions,were measured in Biceps femoris muscle. Fattening diet largely
      affected muscle lipid composition. Total intramuscular lipid and triacylglycerol
      contents were higher in Montanera pigs than in Pienso pigs (8.0-8.1% vs 6.0-6.8%
      and 7.4-7.3% vs 6.2-5.4%, respectively). In Montanera pigs, triacylglycerols
      contained more oleic acid (54.7-56.8% vs 53.5-53.8% and less stearic and palmitic
      acids (8.8-8.4% vs 9.4-10.2% and 22.2-23.3 vs 23.7-24.4% respectively) and
      accordingly less PSO and more POL, POO and OOO(?) triacylglycerols compared to
      Pienso pigs (13.1-13.6% vs 16.2-19.2%, 4.4-3.5% vs 3.0-2.7%, 53.1% vs 51.3-51.9%
      and 10.1-12.3% vs 8.3-8.6%, respectively). Genotype had no effect on lipid and
      triacylglycerol contents of muscles and showed only a slight effect on fatty acid
      and triacylglycerol compositions.

PMID- 22063639
TI  - Differentiation of cattle species in beef by PCR-RFLP of mitochondrial and
      satellite DNA.
AB  - Methods currently used for the identification of the species origin of meat or
      tissue samples have not been validated for other bovine species than taurine
      cattle or water buffalo. These methods also do not discriminate between the
      different bovine species that are used as source of beef. Here, we describe two
      complementary methods for detection and differentiation of bovine species, which
      are based on mutations in mitochondrial DNA and centromeric satellite DNA,
      respectively. The analysis of satellite DNA is especially relevant for the
      identification of animals that are of hybrid origin.

PMID- 22063640
TI  - Comparison of shelf life of vacuum-packed pork and beef.
AB  - The relevance of the intrinsic factors of meat to the sensorial shelf life of
      vacuum-packed, cold-stored minced pork and beef was investigated. The intrinsic
      factors studied were the pH and the concentrations of glycogen, glucose, glucose
      6-phosphate, l-lactate and fat. The initial bacterial loading was the same on all
      the meat. High correlations were found between the initial values of pH, fat and
      l-lactate, respectively, and the rate of spoilage. Using partial least square
      regression, it was shown that changes in the pH and the concentrations of l
      lactate and glucose-6-phosphate during storage were able to explain 68% of the
      variation observed in the rate of spoilage. No relationship was found between
      spoilage and the origin of the meat (pork or beef).

PMID- 22063641
TI  - Eating quality of lamb meat: effects of breed, sex, degree of maturity and
      nutritional management.
AB  - The eating quality of lamb meat of three indigenous Greek dairy breeds of sheep,
      reared under different nutritional management conditions, was assessed by Taste
      Panel Tests (TPT). Lean samples from the leg joints of 69 lamb carcasses of the
      Boutsko (B), Serres (S) and Karagouniko (K) breed were used. For the first TPT,
      24 lambs (four males and four females of each breed) were reared in individual
      pens on a concentrate ration fed ad libitum. For the second TPT, 27 individual
      penned male lambs were fed on Lucerne hay ad libitum and on three different
      levels of concentrate: High (H), Medium, (M) and Low (L). For the third TPT, 18
      male lambs were used; initially the groups were fed indoors for 63 days on three
      different levels of concentrate (H, M and L) together with ad libitum Lucerne
      hay, and subsequently finished on irrigated, sown pasture. For TPT 1, leg joints
      were obtained from lambs that had been slaughtered at 30, 45, 60 or 90% of mature
      weight (PMW) for each breed. For TPT 2, lambs were slaughtered at 23, 28 or 33 kg
      target slaughter live weights (TSLW), common for all breeds. For TPT 3, lambs
      were slaughtered at 48 or 55% of PMW for each breed. Panellists assessed warm,
      roasted lean samples of leg joints and rated Flavour, Juiciness, Tenderness and
      Overall Acceptability. In TPT 1, degree of maturity significantly affected
      Flavour, Tenderness and Overall Acceptability whereas sex affected only Flavour.
      In TPT 2, breed and concentrate level significantly affected the quality
      characteristics, but concentrate level had no significant effect in TPT 3.
      Effects associated with slaughter weight were significant for most
      characteristics in all TPT, with decreasing acceptability for older/heavier
      lambs. Significant interactions were found between breed and the other factors in
      TPT 2 and TPT 3 for most quality characteristics. Results from these studies
      suggest changing traditional production systems may enhance the eating quality of
      lamb meat.

PMID- 22063642
TI  - Stunning and slaughter of ostriches.
AB  - A study of the commercial stunning and slaughter of 783 ostriches in a Republic
      of South African abattoir revealed that a simple ostrich handling system,
      combined with a leg clamp applied during stunning current flow and operated by
      experienced ostrich slaughtermen, resulted in a humane, efficient slaughter
      process. It was estimated that an electrical stunning current in excess of 400
      milliamps at 50 Hz AC, applied to the head only, would prevent recovery in more
      than 90% of the ostriches, when bled within 60 s from the start of stunning. The
      identification of rhythmic breathing movements indicate the first stages of
      recovery and is therefore an essential diagnostic 'tool' in recognising the
      effectiveness of the stunning treatment. The identification of rhythmic breathing
      movements in the ostrich after stunning is difficult because spinal reflexes,
      which produce contraction of limb muscles and result in almost rhythmic body
      movements could easily be confused with breathing movements.

PMID- 22063643
TI  - Cooking method and endpoint temperature effects on sensory and color
      characteristics of pumped pork loin chops.
AB  - The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of pumping, cooking
      method and endpoint temperature on quality of fresh pork chops. The longissimus
      was removed from 30 paired pork sides. One side was pumped to 110% of original
      weight (0.4% phosphate, 0.4% salt+added water). Chops were cut (2.5 cm thick)
      then fried or grilled to 70 or 80  degrees C. As endpoint temperature increased
      from 70 to 80  degrees C, pork flavor increased (P<0.05) from 95 to 104 (on a 150
      point scale) for pumped samples but remained constant in unpumped samples.
      Juiciness decreased when unpumped samples cooked to 80  degrees C (62) rather
      than 70  degrees C (78). Warner-Bratzler shear values were lower (P<0.05) in
      pumped chops than in unpumped controls. Pork flavor was higher and off-flavor was
      lower in fried chops. Pumping loins appears to enhance sensory attributes of
      chops even when cooked to abusive endpoint temperatures with limited detrimental
      effects on physical characteristics.

PMID- 22063644
TI  - Temperatures and ages of boxed beef packed and distributed in Canada.
AB  - Boxes of beef were examined when product was packed and when boxes were loaded
      out of five packing plants, when boxes were loaded into and loaded out of seven
      refrigerated warehouses, and when boxes were received and opened at 21 retail
      stores. At each stage of handling at each facility, the boxes to be examined were
      selected at random. For each selected box, the temperature of product at the
      centre of the box was measured, and the date of packing and the plant of origin
      were noted. When cuts were packed, the minimum, median and maximum temperatures
      were about 2, 6 and 18  degrees C, respectively. Temperatures were successively
      lower when boxes were loaded out of packing plants, into warehouses and out of
      warehouses. When loaded out of warehouses, the minimum, median and maximum
      temperatures were about -2, 1 and 8  degrees C, respectively. The ranges of
      temperatures were similar, but the median temperatures were about 2 or 1.5 
      degrees C, respectively, when boxes were received at or were opened at retail
      stores. At packing plants and warehouses, the temperatures of manufacturing and
      ground beef were lower than those of cuts, but at the retail store the
      temperatures of all types of product were similar. When boxes were opened at
      retail stores, the minimum, median and maximum ages of cuts were about 2, 20 and
      130 days, respectively; and the corresponding ages for manufacturing and ground
      beef were 2, 7 and 56 days, respectively. The data indicate that boxed beef is
      generally cooled to and maintained at temperatures within the range sought by the
      meat industry. However, cooling to chiller temperatures of product that is packed
      while warm can take several days; and some product is held for times that are
      excessive in view of the temperatures of boxed beef.

PMID- 22063645
TI  - Muscle lipids, vitamins E and A, and lipid oxidation as affected by diet and RN
      genotype in female and castrated male Hampshire crossbreed pigs.
AB  - The objectives of this study were to investigate the polar and neutral lipid
      fatty acid composition, content of retinol, alpha-tocopherol, gamma-tocopherol
      and level of oxidation of the pig muscle (M. longissimus dorsi). Female and
      castrated male Hampshire crossbreeds were produced in two systems. One group was
      raised indoors with a more polyunsaturated diet and the other raised outdoors
      with a more saturated diet. The level of polyunsaturated fatty acids in muscle
      was higher in the indoor females compared with the outdoor females, indoor
      castrated males and outdoor castrated males. The increased level of
      polyunsaturated fatty acids in the muscle, which was accompanied by a relatively
      low content of alpha-tocopherol, increased the susceptibility to lipid oxidation
      in the form of MDA (malondialdehyde) in the indoor female pigs. Finally, the
      level of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the polar lipids was affected by the RN
      genotype, and this difference was dependent on sex. In conclusion, diet has a
      major effect on the fatty acid composition and oxidation stability in pork
      muscle, but additional factors such as sex and RN genotype might also contribute.

PMID- 22063646
TI  - Photooxidation of nitrosylmyoglobin at low oxygen pressure. Quantum yields and
      reaction stoechiometries.
AB  - Photooxidation of the nitrite-cured meat pigment, nitrosylmyoglobin, in aqueous
      solution saturated with a 20% CO(2)/80% N(2) gas mixture with varying oxygen
      contents (0.1, 0.5 or 1.0%) was found to depend linearly on the oxygen content
      for both visible (436 nm) and UV-light (366 nm). Quantum yields were similar for
      the two wavelengths of excitation in agreement with previous findings at higher
      oxygen pressures. The reaction stoechiometry for photooxidation was different
      from that of thermal oxidation (investigated at the same oxygen pressures) with a
      unity MbFe(II)NO/O(2) ratio in the thermal reaction and a ratio larger than one
      for the photooxidation. For cured meat products packed in modified atmospheres
      light exposure may be even more harmful for the oxidative stability than expected
      from the concentration of residual oxygen.

PMID- 22063647
TI  - Carcass quality in male fallow deer (Dama dama): effects of age and supplementary
      feeding.
AB  - Thirty-two male fallow deer, half 18- and half 30-month-old, were slaughtered
      after a 4-month feeding trial on pasture alone or with daily supplement of 500 g
      (dry matter) concentrate/head (eight each 18- and 30-month-old). The concentrate
      was composed of 40% maize, 25% sugar beet pulp, 20% alfalfa, 13% soy flakes, 2%
      minerals and vitamins. Supplemented deer were heavier (49.9 vs 45.0 kg) and their
      carcasses produced higher dressing proportions (61.5 vs 57.2%) and bigger amounts
      of first quality cuts. Supplemented feeding improved muscle development and fat
      deposition. Thirty-month-olds were heavier than 18-month-olds (53.3 vs 41.6 kg)
      and their carcasses produced higher dressing proportions (60.9 vs 57.7%) and
      bigger amounts of first quality cuts; older deer carcasses showed better
      conformation and bigger amounts of fat deposition.

PMID- 22063648
TI  - Salivary alpha-amylase and cortisol responsiveness following electrical
      stimulation stress in major depressive disorder patients.
AB  - Major depressive disorder (MDD) is often associated with dysregulation of the
      hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis by chronic stress. In comparison,
      psychosocial stress-induced activation of salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) functions
      as a marker of sympathoadrenal medullary system (SAM) activity. However, in
      contrast to salivary cortisol, sAA has been less extensively studied in MDD
      patients. The present study measured sAA and salivary cortisol levels in patients
      with MDD. The authors determined Profile of Mood State (POMS) and State-Trait
      anxiety Inventory (STAI) scores, Heart Rate Variability (HRV), and sAA and
      salivary cortisol levels in 88 patients with MDD and 41 healthy volunteers
      following the application of electrical stimulation stress. Patients with major
      depressive disorder were 8 points or more on Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D)
      scores. Tension-Anxiety, Depression-Dejection, Anger-Hostility, Fatigue, and
      Confusion scores in patients with major depressive disorder were significantly
      increased compared to healthy controls. In contrast, Vigor scores in patients
      with MDD were significantly decreased compared with healthy controls. There was
      no difference in heart rate variability measures between MDD patients and healthy
      controls. The threshold of electrical stimulation applied in MDD patients was
      lower than that in healthy controls. SAA levels in female MDD patients were
      significantly elevated relative to controls both before and after electrical
      stimulation. Finally, there were no differences in salivary cortisol levels
      between major depressive patients and controls. In the present study only three
      time points were explored. Furthermore, the increased secretion of sAA before and
      after stimulation could allude to an increased responsiveness of novel and
      uncontrollable situations in patients with MDD. These preliminary results suggest
      that sAA might be a useful biological marker of MDD.

PMID- 22063649
TI  - Associations of DNA markers with meat quality traits in pigs with emphasis on
      drip loss.
AB  - Phenotypic information on 1155 market pigs for several pig meat quality traits,
      was collected. Genotypes on 12 DNA markers, including RYR1 and PRKAG3 I199V, were
      also obtained on all pigs to investigate the relationship between genetic markers
      and meat quality. The RYR1 gene had the highest impact on meat quality, however,
      several other markers showed significant effects on one or more traits. Animals
      heterozygous at the RYR1 locus were significantly inferior in almost all meat
      quality traits, except ultimate pH value, initial conductivity and redness of the
      meat. Drip loss from case-ready meat (measured from 1 to 7 days post-mortem) was
      43% higher for heterozygotes than animals of the stress resistant genotype. The
      homozygous genotype II at position I199V of the PRKAG3 locus also resulted in
      less drip loss than genotypes IV and VV, regardless of the method and time of
      measurement. Furthermore, the favourable genotype related to higher ultimate pH
      and darker meat. Both loci significantly affected the intercept, linear and
      quadratic terms of fitted drip loss development curves. The favourable genotypes
      showed a lower drip loss after one day of measurement and a slower increase and a
      more linear development over time. Whilst the RYR1 and PRKAG3 markers influenced
      numerous meat quality traits, some of the other markers were also found to have
      significant effects on one or two meat quality traits. Markers at MC4R and HMGA1
      loci significantly affected drip loss, whereas LDHA, CAST (Hpy188I) and ATP2A1
      influenced pH value. In addition, the marker ATP2A1 was associated with variation
      in intramuscular fat content in M. longissimus dorsi. GLUT4 affected temperature
      45min post-mortem and several markers (MC4R, LDHA, GLUT4, HMGA1, CAST (Hpy188I
      and PvuII)) influenced one or two of the different colour measurements. The
      markers at MC4R, CKM, AGRP, PRKAG3, and HMGA1 loci were tested for their
      interactions with RYR1 regarding drip loss. Only AGRP showed a significant
      interaction, but this was based on only a few animals with the homozygous
      genotype for one allele. Our results suggest that genetic markers provide a
      useful tool to improve meat quality in pigs independently from RYR1, especially
      the mutation I199V in the PRKAG3 gene.

PMID- 22063650
TI  - Application and assessment of extruded edible casings manufactured from pectin
      and gelatin/sodium alginate blends for use with breakfast pork sausage.
AB  - Casings formed from pectin (PN) containing 2.5% and 5% corn oil (CO) and olive
      oil (OO) and gelatine/sodium alginate blends (GSAB) containing 2.5% CO and OO
      respectively were used for sausage manufacture. Mechanical properties and water
      content of casings were assessed prior to application. Following sausage
      manufacture, product quality and shelf-life evaluation were assessed in terms of
      sensory attributes, instrumental colour, moisture loss and lipid oxidation. All
      manufactured casings were of good quality and initially produced intact and
      stable sausage products. However, with time, shrinkage of products occurred where
      GSAB casings were used. Sensory analysis of sausages showed that PN casings were
      more preferred to GSAB casings for sausage manufacture. CIE colour analysis
      supported sensory evaluation. Water losses from sausages using GSAB casings were
      lower compared to sausages using PN casings due to GSAB casings having higher
      ability to trap and absorb water compared to PN casings. Lipid oxidation
      developed over time for all sausage products, however, sausages manufactured
      using GSAB casings containing both CO and OO at 2.5% had better oxygen barrier
      properties compared to sausages manufactured using PN containing the same
      concentration of emulsified oils. Sausages manufactured using casings containing
      OO were more prone to lipid oxidation than those using CO. Importantly, sausages
      manufactured using PN casings containing 5.0% CO were extremely stable to lipid
      oxidation over a six day storage period and significantly, were <1 on the TBARS
      numbers scale.

PMID- 22063651
TI  - Mass spectrometric evidence for a zinc-porphyrin complex as the red pigment in
      dry-cured Iberian and Parma ham.
AB  - Extracts containing red pigment complexes from the two types of dry-cured hams,
      Italian Parma and Spanish Iberian ham, were obtained using water and acetone as
      extraction solvents followed by a crude purification with C18 column filtration.
      The purified extracts were then analyzed spectroscopically by recording
      absorption and fluorescence spectra (lambda(ex)=420nm), which both indicate the
      presence of chemically identical red chromophores with properties similar to a
      complex of transition metals and protoporphyrin IX. Electrospray ionization mass
      spectrometry (ESI-MS) in the positive ion mode confirms the presence of identical
      chemical compounds. ESI-MS in the negative ion mode detects a cluster of seven
      isotopologue ions (that of m/z 623.2 as the most intense) with a pattern matching
      that of a Zn protoporphyrin IX complex. Based on mass spectral data it is
      concluded that a Zn-porphyrin complex constitutes a major chromophore in dry
      cured Iberian ham as well as in Parma ham.

PMID- 22063652
TI  - Sensory characteristics of Iberian dry-cured loins: Influence of crossbreeding
      and rearing system.
AB  - The sensory characteristics of Iberian dry-cured loins and the influence of
      crossbreeding (pure Iberian - IB, Iberian female*Duroc male - IB*D and Duroc
      female*Iberian male - D*IB) and rearing system (outdoors fed on acorns and
      pasture - MON, indoors fed on concentrates high in oleic acid sunflower oil and
      supplemented with 250mg/kg of alpha-tocopherol acetate -HOVE- and indoors fed on
      control concentrates - CON) on sensory attributes were studied. Dry-cured loins
      from IB-MON and IB-HOVE pigs, which showed the highest intramuscular fat (IMF)
      content (p<0.01), reached higher scores for brightness, marbling traits
      (intensity, size and shape) and juiciness, and lower for hardness, dryness and
      fibrousness than loins from crossbred pigs (IB*D-HOVE, IB*D-CON and D*IB-HOVE).
      In fact, IMF content was positively linked to juiciness and marbling attributes
      and negatively to dryness, hardness and fibrousness, which was also observed in
      the principal component analysis (PCA). Neither the crossbreeding nor the rearing
      system seemed to influence odour, flavour and taste features. The PCA evidenced
      that dry-cured loins from IB-MON and IB-HOVE batches gathered together and were
      placed near to marbling attributes, juiciness and IMF content.

PMID- 22063653
TI  - An evaluation of simple cleaning methods that may be used in red meat abattoir
      lairages.
AB  - Concrete tiles artificially contaminated with field strains of Escherichia coli
      and Salmonella kedougou, with and without the presence of bovine faecal matter,
      to simulate visually clean and visually dirty surfaces respectively, were cleaned
      using a specially designed mechanical rig. Cleaning was carried out using (1)
      water under mains pressure, (2) water under pressure, (3) water under pressure
      with a proprietary sanitising agent, (4) steam under pressure and combinations of
      (5) mains water followed by steam under pressure or (6) water under pressure
      followed by steam under pressure. Thirty replicates of each of visually clean and
      visually dirty concrete surfaces were cleaned using each method. Where there was
      no faecal matter, the use of a proprietary sanitiser at maximum recommended
      concentration, or the application of steam under pressure gave greater reductions
      in microbial contamination than the use of mains or a pressure wash. Where the
      surface was visually contaminated with the faecal material, the use of a pressure
      wash followed by immediate steam application gave reductions in microbial
      contamination comparable with the use of a proprietary sanitiser at maximum
      recommended concentration. The use of steam alone on a visually dirty surface was
      not an effective means of reducing microbial contamination. A small pilot trial
      under commercial conditions ranked the efficacy of cleaning treatments as
      follows: pressure washing followed immediately by steam application was the best
      method of cleaning a holding pen floor, followed by use of a sanitising agent at
      the greatest concentration recommended by the manufacturer, and then by pressure
      washing alone. Pressure washing followed by a delayed steam application appeared
      to give a poor final result on the surface.

PMID- 22063654
TI  - Chemical and sensory characterisation of pan-fried pork flavour: Interactions
      between raw meat quality, ageing and frying temperature.
AB  - The effect of raw meat quality and cooking temperature on flavour generation in
      pork was investigated. The semimembranosus muscle was varied through genetics
      (carrier (HLY) and non-carrier (DLY) of the RN(-) allele) and ageing at 2 degrees
      C (2, 15, and 22 days), whereas the pan-frying temperatures were 150 degrees C
      and 250 degrees C. HLY gave more pronounced 'fried' and 'burnt' notes than DLY
      after frying. This could partly be explained by a significantly higher
      concentration of glucose and glucose 6-phosphate in HLY after 22 days of ageing.
      HLY was generally perceived as more sour, which correlated well with the measured
      pH of HLY, but not to the l-lactate concentration. HLY was furthermore perceived
      as more tender and juicier than DLY, both attributes increased during ageing.
      Lipid-derived aroma volatiles dominated the samples fried at 150 degrees C, while
      those from Maillard reactions mostly prevailed in the aroma profile at 250
      degrees C.

PMID- 22063655
TI  - Effect of cooking bag and netting packaging on the quality of pork ham during
      water cooking.
AB  - As a preliminary test for combining water cooking with vacuum cooling in soup of
      pork ham, three package treatments were designed to study the effect of cooking
      bag and netting on the quality of water cooked ham, i.e. ham cooked with a
      cooking bag and without a cooking bag (single netting and double netting). For
      treatments without a cooking bag, the results indicated that there was no
      significant superiority of ham cooked with double netting compared with ham
      cooked with single netting on the processing efficiency and quality
      characteristics. Although the hams cooked with a bag performed better in some
      chemical retentions and pigment, the water contents were significantly lower than
      those hams cooked in single netting (P<0.05), and there was a higher shrinkage
      tendency compared with the hams cooked without a bag. For the processing
      characteristics and texture properties of pork ham, there were no significant
      differences observed among the treatments with and without a cooking bag in terms
      of the combined effect of cooking and cooling (P>0.05). By considering the
      safety, convenience, cost, and the recovery effect on the quality changes of ham
      during vacuum cooling in soup, cooking with single netting is a better choice for
      future research.

PMID- 22063656
TI  - Temporal changes in glycogenolytic enzyme mRNAs during myogenesis of primary
      porcine satellite cells.
AB  - The objective was to study the regulation of glycogenolytic enzyme mRNAs in
      porcine satellite cells during proliferation and differentiation. Beyond 80%
      confluence, cells were grown in absence or presence of 1MUM insulin. The observed
      increases in abundance of mRNA for glycogenin, glycogen synthase, phosphorylase
      kinase, phosphorylase and glycogen debranching enzyme, and no alterations of the
      transporter molecule GLUT4, clearly indicate that glycogenolytic enzymes of
      potential importance to meat quality development are regulated at the gene level
      during myogenesis, and are heavily involved in muscle cell and muscle fibre
      development. The genes, however, are not influenced by insulin, and the lack of
      response to insulin of expression of gene-encoding enzymes involved in the
      formation and degradation of glycogen may question the applicability of porcine
      cell culture systems, like the one applied, as a model to study the regulation
      and regulatory mechanism of energy metabolism in muscles.

PMID- 22063657
TI  - Effect of rosemary extract, chitosan and alpha-tocopherol on lipid oxidation and
      colour stability during frozen storage of beef burgers.
AB  - The effect of rosemary extract, chitosan and alpha-tocopherol, added individually
      or in combination, on lipid oxidation and colour stability of frozen (-18 degrees
      C) beef burgers stored for 180 days was investigated. The burgers' lipid
      oxidation and appearance were evaluated through measurement of primary
      (conjugated dienes and peroxide value) and secondary (malondialdehyde) oxidation
      products, together with visual assessment and instrumental measurement of colour.
      Chitosan alone and in combination with either rosemary or alpha-tocopherol had
      the best antioxidative effect (P?0.05) compared to individual use of rosemary or
      alpha-tocopherol, while the best results were obtained with the combination of
      chitosan and rosemary. The differences of antioxidative effects, however, between
      individual use of rosemary or alpha-tocopherol as compared to the controls were
      also significant (P?0.05). Chitosan added individually or in combination with
      either rosemary or alpha-tocopherol had also a noteworthy effect on the burgers'
      appearance as it contributed to red colour retention for a much longer period
      (P?0.05) compared all other treatments and the controls. In conclusion, the best
      antioxidative effects were obtained with the combination of chitosan and rosemary
      extract.

PMID- 22063658
TI  - Effects of a humidity-stabilizing sheet on the color and K value of beef stored
      at cold temperatures.
AB  - The effects of a humidity-stabilizing sheet containing glycerol, on the color and
      K value of beef stored at cold temperatures were investigated in this study. A
      drip-absorbing sheet seems to be effective for the preservation of meat quality,
      while a humidity-stabilizing sheet containing glycerol prevents the increase of
      metmyoglobin in cold stored beef. Maintaining samples wrapped in humidity
      stabilizing sheets containing glycerol at low temperature for 7days was a
      functional method for conserving the concentration of inosine monophosphate. Beef
      samples wrapped in sheets containing glycerol had lower K values than samples
      wrapped in sheets not containing glycerol. When the surface of the meat starts to
      desiccate, the humidity-stabilizing sheet releases moisture that has been
      absorbed from the beef in the early stages of storage. Thus, glycerol could
      potentially play a role as a humidity-stabilizing controller and color
      preservative. This research suggests that a humidity-stabilizing sheet containing
      glycerol is a useful moisture controller and prevents deterioration of meat
      quality, discoloration, and desiccation.

PMID- 22063659
TI  - The effects of shelf-life enhancers on E. coli K12 survival in needle-injected,
      surface contaminated beef strip steaks enhanced using recycled solutions.
AB  - The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of shelf-life enhancers
      (sodium lactate [SL] or sodium lactate+sodium diacetate [SLDA]) on limiting the
      growth of Escherichia coli K12 in needle-injecting surface-contaminated beef
      strip steaks with recycled enhancement solutions. Strip loins were injected to
      10% over initial weight. SLDA was most effective in controlling bacterial growth
      followed by SL alone. The salt/phosphate combination in the enhancement solution
      was ineffective. SL decreased a(*) (less red) and b(*) values (less yellow) of
      the steaks compared to the salt/phosphate control. SLDA decreased L(*) values
      compared to SL alone. SL and SLDA were equally effective in reducing purge loss
      from the steaks. Steaks enhanced with a "fresh" enhancement solution had higher
      a(*) values (more red) and higher E. coli contamination levels than steaks
      enhanced with recycled solutions. Recycling did not affect L(*) value, b(*)
      value, or purge loss.

PMID- 22063660
TI  - Textural and sensory properties of low fat pork sausages with added hydrated
      oatmeal and tofu as texture-modifying agents.
AB  - Low fat sausages were prepared with added hydrated oatmeal or tofu as texture
      modifying agents at levels of 10%, 15%, and 25% (w/w), respectively. The effects
      of the type and level of texture-modifying agents on the physical and sensory
      properties of low fat sausages were investigated. The water-holding capacity in
      sausage products increased by increasing the hydrated oatmeal level, but no
      significant differences was observed by the addition of tofu. The higher level of
      the agents produced a sausage product with less cooking loss and with a softer
      texture. The moisture absorption measurements suggest that the decrease in
      hardness of oatmeal-added sausage products may be due to the higher water
      retention properties of oatmeal in response to heat treatment, while that of tofu
      added sausage products may be associated with a weaker internal structure of tofu
      than the pork loin. The sensory evaluations indicated that the greatest overall
      acceptability in a low fat sausage was attained when the hydrated oatmeal or tofu
      were at their 15% addition level, respectively.

PMID- 22063661
TI  - Effect of different carbon dioxide concentrations and exposure times in stunning
      of slaughter pigs: Impact on animal welfare and meat quality.
AB  - The objective of this study was to determine the impact of different slaughter
      procedures on animal welfare and meat quality. Before slaughter in a dip-lift,
      one-gondola system, 460 pigs were exposed to an atmosphere containing either 80%
      or 90% CO(2) for 70 or 100s, and at the longer exposure time with stun-to-stick
      intervals of either 25-35 or 40-50s. Clinical parameters (reflexes,
      catecholamines and lactate) showed deficiencies in animal welfare after stunning
      with 80% CO(2) for 70 and 100s, with an interval of 40-50s, and with 90% CO(2)
      for 70s. Stunning with 80% CO(2) for 70 or 100s always induced stress, as
      indicated by higher lactate levels, and reduced meat quality as indicated by low
      pH(24) values (5.4 in Musculus longissimus and 5.5 in Musculus semimembranosus)
      and low impedance (Py(24)) values, especially in combination with the longer stun
      to-stick interval (40-50s). Stunning with 80% or 90% CO(2) in a dip-lift system
      was found to be acceptable for animal welfare (percentage of clinical reflexes)
      only in combination with the longer exposure time of 100s and the shorter stun-to
      stick times of 25-35s. When 90% CO(2) was used, the longer stun-to-stick interval
      of 40-50s also gave results acceptable with regard to animal welfare. Generally,
      in comparison to 80% CO(2) stunning meat quality was superior (higher pH(24) and
      Py(24) values) after stunning with 90% CO(2).

PMID- 22063662
TI  - Antioxidant status and odour profile in fresh beef from pasture or grain-fed
      cattle.
AB  - The main goal of the present work was to determine the overall antioxidant status
      in fresh meat from animals fed different diets and to differentiate them through
      their odour profiles. Attributes were evaluated in beef from pasture or grain-fed
      animals with (PE and GE) or without supplementation (P and G) with vitamin E
      (500UI/head/day). Fresh meat produced on pasture (P and PE) had higher total
      ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) levels than meat from grain fed-animals
      (G and GE) (P<0.05). However, no differences were found on their ability to
      reduce ABTS(+) (2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenz-thiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)),
      indicating that total antioxidant activity was preferentially due to the
      reduction potential than to the quenching capacity of tissue homogenates. Two
      fold glutathione (GSH and GSSG are the reduced and oxidised forms, respectively)
      levels were found in the P+PE group respect to G+GE meat (P<0.001). In addition,
      meat from pasture-fed animals presented a higher glutathione redox potential
      compared to grain-fed animals (-156.1+/-6.1 and -158.1+/-6.5 vs. -148.1+/-13 and 
      149.8+/-14.6 for P, PE G and GE, respectively), showing that the antioxidant
      status in fresh meat was affected by diet. Enzymatic activity of catalase and
      glutathione peroxidase were equivalent for all dietary groups. Only superoxide
      dismutase activity was slightly higher (P<0.05) in the P+PE group than in G+GE
      samples. Odour profile analysis was performed in relationship to antioxidant
      parameters. Significant linear correlation coefficients (P<0.05) were found for a
      set of sensors and the FRAP values. E-nose methodology successfully discriminated
      the odour characteristics of samples corresponding to pasture- or grain-based
      diet. Hence, it was possible to describe an analytical relationship between the
      odour profile and the antioxidant power of fresh meat.

PMID- 22063663
TI  - Chemical equilibrium of minced turkey meat in organic acid solutions.
AB  - The distribution of acid (HA), anions (A(-)), free protons (H(3)O(+)) and bound
      protons (H(b)), in homogenized turkey meat was evaluated at various meat/water
      mass ratios of (1/4-1/10) during titration with acetic acid (0.25N) or lactic
      acid (0.2N). H(b) concentration was determined by titration with hydrochloric
      acid (0.075N) and a correlation for [H(b)]=f(pH) was proposed. A procedure was
      used to calculate the fractions of the various species in equilibrium, starting
      from an initial acid concentration in a meat/water system and assuming the
      accuracy of the pK(a) value of the pure weak acids despite the chemical
      complexity of meat. Calculated results were in very good agreement (+/-0.15) with
      experimental pH values, whatever the acid, meat batch or meat/water mass ratios
      used. Less than 1% of the total protons were free (H(3)O(+)) and determined the
      meat pH.

PMID- 22063664
TI  - Lipolytic and oxidative changes in Iberian dry-cured loin.
AB  - This study was conducted using 61 Iberian pigs from four different genetic lines
      fattened under two different rearing systems. Fatty acid composition of neutral
      lipids (NL), polar lipids (PL) and free fatty acids (FFA) of the 61 fresh loins
      and their corresponding dry-cured loins and indices of lipid oxidation (hexanal,
      TBARS and rancid flavour) of the dry-cured loins were analyzed. Although the
      total amount of fatty acids from PL decreased most (89.77%), the fatty acid
      profile of FFA from dry-cured loin was more similar to that of NL from fresh
      loins. Monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) were the most abundant FFA type
      (260mg/100g muscle dry matter) followed by saturated fatty acid (SFA) (256mg/100g
      muscle dry matter) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) (148mg/100g muscle dry
      matter). Neither genetic line nor rearing system showed any significant (P>0.05)
      effect on the decrease of fatty acids in the lipid fractions studied. The
      important decrease in PUFA from NL (43.70%) and PL (89%) was not reflected in
      higher oxidative indices in dry-cured loin. Neither PCA nor Pearson's correlation
      showed any clear relationships between lipolytic changes and oxidative indices.

PMID- 22063665
TI  - Carcass, sensory, fat color, and consumer acceptance characteristics of Angus
      cross steers finished on ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum) forage or on a high
      concentrate diet.
AB  - Fall-born Angus-cross steers (n=30) from 1 of 2 sires, were randomly assigned to
      either an 85% corn, 7.5% cotton-seed hulls, and 7.5% vitamin/mineral/urea
      supplement diet (GRAIN), 100% ryegrass grazing (RG), or ryegrass grazing then the
      GRAIN diet for 94d (RG/GRAIN). USDA Yield Grade of steers finished on either the
      GRAIN or RG/GRAIN regimens were higher (P<0.02) compared to those finished on RG.
      Marbling score and USDA Quality Grade did not differ (P=0.21 and 0.12,
      respectively) among the three finishing regimens. Yellowness (b(*)) values of the
      subcutaneous fat from both strip loins (SL) and ribeye (RE) rolls was lowest
      (P<0.05) in cuts taken from steers finished on GRAIN. Subcutaneous fat of both SL
      and RE had lower L(*) and hue angle values, and higher a(*) and b(*) values
      before trimming than after the fat was trimmed to 0.3cm. Initial and sustained
      tenderness scores of SL from steers finished on GRAIN were higher when compared
      to RG/GRAIN or RG regimens (P<0.05). Flavor intensity and beef flavor scores were
      higher (P<0.05) for SL from GRAIN- or RG/GRAIN-finished steers compared to RG
      finished steers. GRAIN SL had lower (P<0.05) WBSF values than RG, but similar
      (P>0.05) to RG/GRAIN. Trained sensory tenderness and flavor scores and WBSF
      values for RE were not affected by finishing regimen (P>0.05). GRAIN steaks had a
      higher consumer overall acceptability score, average price/kg, and rank (P<0.05).
      While carcass, fat, and sensory disadvantages were present in RG cattle, the
      overall magnitude of the differences compared to GRAIN cattle was fairly small.

PMID- 22063666
TI  - Effect of electrical stimulation on quality of tenderstretched chevon sides.
AB  - Thirty male Black Bengal goats 5-8 years of age, slaughtered at the Kolkata
      slaughter house, India, by the traditional 'halal' method, were used to assess
      the effect of electrical stimulation on tenderstretched sides of chevon
      carcasses. Five groups (T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5) were treated with variable
      voltages of 35, 110, 330, 550, 1100 with fixed 50Hz and 10pulses/s for a duration
      of 3min. Different quality parameters, such as, fibre diameter, sarcomere length,
      water holding capacity (WHC), pH, microbial content and taste panel score were
      studied at 24 and 48h post-stimulation. pH, WHC and fibre diameter decreased
      whereas sarcomere length showed an increasing trend in electrically stimulated
      meat, which was also microbiologically more stable. The non-stimulated control
      meat was tougher than the electrically stimulated chevon as evident through taste
      panel scoring. Treatment 3 (T3), i.e. 330V, 50Hz and 10pulses/s, showed
      superiority over the other four treatments in the majority of the important meat
      quality parameters.

PMID- 22063667
TI  - Evaluation of the oxidation state and metal concentration in the adipose tissue
      of Parma ham.
AB  - The effect of different dietary fat supplements: A, no added fat; B, 3% added
      lard and C, 3% added partially hydrogenated lard (PHL), were evaluated in dry
      cured Parma ham fat by determination of the lipid oxidation indices, R1 and R2,
      on a total of 30 Italian Landrace*Italian Large White pigs. Furthermore,
      correlations between lipid oxidation and calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper
      and nickel concentrations, determined in Parma ham fat, was also investigated.
      Results highlighted a correlation between the oxidative state of Parma ham fat
      and the pigs' diet; in particular the addition of 3% PHL led to a more stable
      depot fat towards lipid oxidation compared to the addition of lard. Finally,
      Parma ham fat from treatment C showed higher concentrations of Ca (p<0.01) and Mg
      (p<0.05) compared to those from control, A, and treatment B groups. On the
      contrary, no significant differences were found for Fe, Zn, Cu and Ni.

PMID- 22063668
TI  - Muscle pH and temperature changes in hot- and cold-deboned ostrich (Struthio
      camelus var. domesticus) Muscularis gastrocnemius, pars interna and Muscularis
      iliofibularis during the first 23h post-mortem.
AB  - Cold-shortening is the response when muscles are exposed to temperatures below 10
      degrees C with a pH>6.20. The course of pH within hot-deboned and intact ostrich
      M. gastrocnemius, pars interna and M. iliofibularis were followed for the first
      23-24h post-mortem to investigate the changes in pH as well as to determine the
      point of minimum pH for ostrich muscles post-mortem. The hot-deboned muscles took
      longer to reach the point of minimum pH than the intact muscles. There was no
      significant (P=0.4508) difference in the minimum pH (5.91+/-0.26) between the hot
      deboned and the intact muscles. It was concluded that both the M. gastrocnemius,
      pars interna and the M. iliofibularis reached a pH<6.20 early post-mortem with
      muscle temperatures above 10 degrees C; and therefore showed no risk of cold
      shortening if these muscles were to be hot-deboned 2-4h post-mortem.

PMID- 22063669
TI  - Preliminary investigation of the effects of low-level dietary inclusion of
      fragrant essential oils and oleoresins on pig performance and pork quality.
AB  - Since the tissue characteristics of monogastric species are readily influenced by
      the composition of the feeds they consume, the objectives of this preliminary
      study were to assess the performance of finisher pigs on diets containing 0.05%
      of essential oils or oleoresins of rosemary, garlic, oregano, or ginger, and to
      determine the effect of these diets on pork quality. The pigs preferred the
      garlic-treated diet, and feed intake and average daily gain were significantly
      increased although no difference in feed efficiency was observed. Carcass and
      meat quality attributes were unchanged by dietary treatment, although a tendency
      towards reduction of lipid oxidation was noted in oregano-fed pork. Sensory
      panelists were unable to detect a flavour/aroma difference between treated and
      control pork. These results indicate that a higher level of dietary
      supplementation may be required in order to effect observable differences in pork
      characteristics.

PMID- 22063670
TI  - Meat fatty acid composition of llama (Lama glama) reared in the Andean highlands.
AB  - This study reports the results of the chemical analysis of the Longissimus
      thoracis and lumborum taken from 20 llama males, reared in the Andean highlands.
      The animals were slaughtered at 25 months and had a mean final body weight of
      63kg. Llama meat shows a low fat (3.51%) and cholesterol content (56.29mg/100g).
      The fatty acid composition in llama meat contains 50.34% saturated fatty acids,
      42.48% monounsaturated fatty acids and 7.18% polyunsaturated fatty acids. Llama
      meat appears to be a healthy alternative red meat choice.

PMID- 22063671
TI  - Contact dermatitis to the combination gel of adapalene 0.1% and benzoyl peroxide
      (PBO) 2.5%.

PMID- 22063672
TI  - Analysis of commercial proanthocyanidins. Part 1: the chemical composition of
      quebracho (Schinopsis lorentzii and Schinopsis balansae) heartwood extract.
AB  - Quebracho (Schinopsis lorentzii and Schinopsis balansae) extract is an important
      source of natural polymers for leather tanning and adhesive manufacturing. We
      combined established phyto- and synthetic chemistry perspectives with
      electrospray mass spectrometry experiments to prove that quebracho
      proanthocyanidin polymers consist of an homologous series of flavan-3-ol based
      oligomers. The starter unit is always catechin which is angularly bonded to
      fisetinidol extender units. By comparison of the MS(2) fragmentation spectra of
      the oligomer with product ion scans of authentic catechin and robinetinidol
      samples, we proved that quebracho extract contains no robinetinidol, as is often
      reported. Quebracho proanthocyanidins have acid resistant interflavanyl bonds,
      due to the absence of 5-OH groups in fisetinidol, and the aDP cannot be
      determined via conventional thiolysis and phloroglucinolysis. We used the MS data
      to estimate a conservative (minimum value) aDP of 3.1.

PMID- 22063673
TI  - Mould starter cultures for dry sausages-selection, application and effects.
AB  - The use of moulds on sausage surfaces can lead to both desirable and undesirable
      effects. The pursued effects are mainly related to successful production or
      consumer appeal. The undesirable effects are usually connected to growth of
      undesirable moulds. Most importantly, moulds may produce highly toxic secondary
      metabolites and beta-lactams. Inoculations of sausages with moulds were
      traditionally done with the indigenous flora of the processing plants, the so
      called houseflora, which was mainly composed of penicillia and aspergilli. The
      gradual shift in sausage production from small local producers to large-scale
      factories and increasing awareness of the risks for consumer safety has paved the
      way for industrialised procution of mould starter cultures. The industrialized
      starter cultures are carefully selected among hundreds of candidates going
      through multi-stage concepts including several analytical and biochemical
      investigations. While the technological aspects of mould inoculations are fairly
      resolved, its influence on prodution of secondary metabolites is yet emerging.
      Moulds produce enzymes for the degredation of lipid- and protein-matter, but
      studies show that the proteolytic and lipolytic capabilities differs
      significantly both between strains and is highly dependent on media, pH and
      temperature. Only few studies have addressed the aroma impact of mould growth on
      sausages, but information from related areas like milk based systems or sausage
      models still gives a quite clear picture of which components are important and
      their possible routes of information. One example is that methyl ketones play
      significant roles in the flavour of Blue cheeses. Here the presence and
      production of methyl ketones is ascribed to the beta-oxidation activities of
      moulds and therefore investigations in sausages flavour have successfully focused
      on confirming this relationship and its aroma influence. Sausage producers are
      interested in using the established knowledge on aroma formation in sausages for
      improving aroma and texture but also for shortening ripening periods or even
      expanding shelf life. Addition of concentrates of enzymes have yielded some
      positive results but it is clear that the use of enzymes as additives in sausages
      production is not straightforward. To ensure optimal consumer safety starter
      cultures should be applied to achieve maximal controll over the mould population.
      Starter strains should under no circumstances show pathogenic or toxigenic signs
      in neither chemical or biological test. Additionally they should not be able to
      produce antibiotics.

PMID- 22063674
TI  - Assessment of palatability attributes of the major beef muscles.
AB  - One kilogram roasts from 33 muscles or muscle groups from 25 Canada AA steer
      carcasses were evaluated for palatability after roasting to 72  degrees C
      internal temperature in an electric convection oven preheated to 177  degrees C.
      Initial tenderness ranged from moderately tough to tender. All butt tender and
      tenderloin samples were tender on the first bite, but less than 10% of the rib
      cap (top and lower portions), deckle point, brisket, and eye of round samples
      were rated tender on the first bite. Overall tenderness also ranged from
      moderately tough to tender. All of the tenderloin, butt tender, rib-eye cap, and
      cross rib samples were rated tender overall, but none of the deckle point samples
      were rated tender overall. Perceptible connective tissue ranged from slight to
      moderately abundant. Juiciness ranged from slightly dry to moderately juicy. All
      of the tenderloin, cross rib cap, rib-eye cap, tri tip, flap meat, short rib, and
      skirt samples were rated juicy, but 40% or less of the shoulder, eye of round,
      and loss side samples were rated juicy. Beef flavor intensity ranged from
      slightly to moderately intense, and flavor desirability ranged from slightly
      undesirable to moderately desirable. All tenderloin, butt tender, striploin, rib
      eye, and cross rib cap samples were rated desirable in overall palatability, but
      25% or less of the rib cap (top and lower portions), shank meat, eye of round,
      brisket, and deckle point samples were rated desirable in overall palatability.
      To the extent desirability to the panel utilized is representative of consumer
      acceptance, only the tenderloin, butt tender, rib-eye cap, cross rib, cross rib
      cap, and rib-eye either met or came close to meeting the Canadian Cattlemen's
      Association's goal of 95% acceptance based upon palatability. Consequently,
      effective postmortem intervention techniques or alternative cooking methods must
      be developed and applied to improve the palatability of most beef muscles, if the
      aforementioned goal is to be achieved.

PMID- 22063675
TI  - Radio frequency cooking of ground, comminuted and muscle meat products.
AB  - The effect of radio frequency (RF) cooking, on the quality (colour, water holding
      capacity, texture), heating rate, and temperature history of three types of meat
      products (ground, comminuted and muscle), was investigated after heating to
      centre temperature of 72  degrees C in a 1.5 kW RF heater operating at 27.12 MHz.
      The results were compared with that obtained from heating in a water bath. RF
      cooking of processed meat products resulted in a decreased cooking time (5.83,
      13.5, and 13.25 min for ground beef, comminuted meat, and muscle, respectively
      compared to 151, 130, and 109 min in water bath), lower juice losses, acceptable
      colour, water holding capacity and texture. The results indicate that when using
      RF, ground beef has the highest power efficiency (60.17%) followed by comminuted
      meat (44.41%), and muscle (43.38%). However, the texture of ground beef was too
      chewy and elastic. The muscle's colour was inferior. The comminuted and muscle
      meat products exhibited average energy efficiency with improved texture. The
      comminuted meat displayed a large cross-sectional temperature differential,
      possible due to uneven salt distribution. The well mixed comminuted and ground
      meat products appeared to be most promising for RF cooking.

PMID- 22063676
TI  - Staged injection marination with calcium lactate, phosphate and salt may improve
      beef water-binding ability and palatability traits.
AB  - Semitendinosus and longissimus muscles from USDA Select carcasses were used to
      investigate the effects of staged injection of calcium lactate followed by
      phosphate and salt (PS) on water-binding ability and palatability traits. Calcium
      lactate (0.2 M) and PS (8.4% and 4.2%, respectively) were sequentially injected
      (5.5% by weight) into muscles with 0, 1, 3, or 5 h holding time between
      injections. Treatments also included a double pump of 0.1 M calcium lactate with
      0 h holding time between injections and a non-marinated control. Injection of
      calcium lactate and PS increased (P<0.05) pumped yield and decreased (P<0.05)
      expressible moisture values compared to calcium lactate injection only. No
      differences in peak force, total energy, or myofibrillar fragmentation index were
      observed among marination treatments for either muscle; however, longissimus
      tenderness was unusually high. Trained-panel evaluation of sensory traits did not
      differ for the semitendinosus muscle. Staged injection of calcium lactate and PS
      improved (P<0.05) myofibrillar and overall sensory tenderness scores of
      longissimus muscle over those of the non-marinated control. However, beef flavor
      intensity scores were lowered (P<0.05) by addition of PS. Holding time between
      injections did not appear to consistently influence water-binding ability or
      palatability traits. These data suggest that separate solutions of calcium
      lactate and PS may be injected into longissimus muscle to improve water-binding
      ability and palatability traits.

PMID- 22063677
TI  - Effect of grind size and fat levels on the physico-chemical and sensory
      characteristics of low-fat ground buffalo meat patties.
AB  - Two experiments were carried out to investigate the influence of grind size (3, 4
      or 6 mm) and fat levels (6, 8, 10 or 20%) on the physico-chemical and sensory
      characteristics of low-fat ground buffalo meat patties prepared using a
      combination of carrageenan (0.5%) and sodium alginate (0.1%). At a constant fat
      level of nearly 8%, there was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the cooking
      yield, pH, proximate composition and dimensional changes of patties prepared at
      different grind sizes. However, shear force value increased significantly
      (P<0.05) with an increase in grind size. The sensory scores were significantly
      (P<0.05) higher for patties prepared using 3 mm grind size as compared to those
      prepared at 4 and 6 mm grind sizes and hence it was adopted as the optimum grind
      size for low-fat ground buffalo meat patties. At a constant grind size of 3mm,
      cooking yield, moisture, protein and gain in height were significantly (P<0.05)
      higher and shear force values were significantly (P<0.05) lower for patties at
      all low-fat levels as compared to the control with 20% fat. Based on its
      significantly higher (P<0.05) sensory scores, 10% fat level was selected as
      optimum for low-fat ground buffalo meat patties, although even at 8% fat level
      sensory rating remained between good to very good.

PMID- 22063678
TI  - The impact of single antimicrobial intervention treatment with cetylpyridinium
      chloride, trisodium phosphate, chlorine dioxide or lactic acid on ground beef
      lipid, instrumental color and sensory characteristics.
AB  - The effects of antimicrobial agents on ground beef were evaluated to determine if
      instrumental color, sensory or odor characteristics were impacted. Trimmings were
      treated with 0.5% cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC), 200-ppm chlorine dioxide (CLO),
      0.5% lactic acid (LA), 10% trisodium phosphate (TSP), or an untreated control
      (C). Ground beef made from trimmings with CLO and TSP were similar (P > 0.05) in
      L(*) values to the control; however, samples were redder (a(*); P<0.05) than the
      control. Likewise, sensory panelists found ground beef from the CPC and TSP
      treatments redder (P<0.05) for worst point color than the control by day 2 of
      display. The CLO, CPC and TSP treatments were similar (P>0.05) to the control in
      beef odor intensity until day 3 of display. Therefore, the use of antimicrobial
      agents on beef trimmings may not adversely affect, and may improve bulk ground
      beef color and odor characteristics.

PMID- 22063679
TI  - Assessment of the chemical and cooking properties of the major beef muscles and
      muscle groups.
AB  - Thirty-three muscles or muscle groups were separated from 25 Canada AA beef
      carcasses. Each of these muscles and muscle groups was subsampled, and the
      contents of moisture, fat, soluble hydroxyproline, insoluble hydroxyproline, and
      total hydroxyproline were determined. In addition, a 1-kg roast from each muscle
      or muscle group was used to determine thaw-drip losses, cooking times, and total
      cooking losses. Cooking times ranged from 51.0 to 111.3 min/kg (S.E.=2.90). Thaw
      drip losses ranged from 1.26 to 10.05% (S.E.=0.40). Total cooking losses ranged
      from 21.51 to 33.26% (S.E.=0.70). Moisture content ranged from 666.4 to 761.8
      mg/g (S.E.=0.23). Fat content ranged from less than 30 to 118.7 mg/g (S.E.=0.25).
      The amount of total hydroxyproline on a dry, defatted basis ranged from 17.8 to
      117.4 MUMol/g (S.E.=2.24). Insoluble hydroxyproline ranged from 15.2 to 101.9
      MUMol/g, (S.E.=1.70), and soluble hydroxyproline ranged from 2.1 to 30.9 MUMol/g
      (S.E.=0.78). Percent soluble hydroxyproline ranged from less than 10 to more than
      30% (S.E.=0.79). Such wide variation in cooking and chemical properties
      undoubtedly has a considerable impact on the palatability attributes and consumer
      acceptance of beef. However, greater understanding of the chemical composition of
      muscle will provide a basis for the development of technologies to enhance the
      palatability of individual muscles and muscles groups.

PMID- 22063680
TI  - Effects of cooking beef muscles from frozen or thawed states on cooking traits
      and palatability.
AB  - Biceps femoris and longissimus lumborum steaks were cooked from either a frozen
      or thawed state on an electric belt grill (TBG-60 MagiKitch'n Inc., Quakertown,
      PA) at 93  degrees C to the endpoint temperature of 70  degrees C. Cooking loss,
      cooking time, Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF), and color (Illuminant A, L(*),
      a(*), b(*)) were evaluated. Trained panelists (n=6) evaluated palatability
      attributes on an eight-point scale for myofibrillar tenderness, juiciness,
      flavor, overall tenderness, and connective tissue amount (1=extremely tough, dry,
      bland, tough, and abundant; 8=extremely tender, juicy, intense, tender, and
      none). L(*), a(*), WBSF, juiciness, flavor, connective tissue amount, and overall
      tenderness did not differ (P>0.05) between steaks cooked from frozen and thawed
      states. However, thawed steaks cooked faster and had lower cooking losses than
      frozen steaks. The biceps femoris had higher WBSF values than the longissimus
      lumborum and was rated less tender by trained panelists. L(*), a(*), or b(*)
      values did not differ (P>0.05) between muscles. The biceps femoris needed more
      time to cook and had greater cooking losses than longissimus lumborum.
      Dimensional changes of steaks cooked to either 60 or 70  degrees C were studied.
      The width of biceps femoris steaks decreased 12.2%, and width of longissimus
      lumborum decreased 6.3%. Longissimus lumborum steaks became shorter (P<0.01) than
      biceps femoris steaks. Thickness of biceps femoris steaks decreased 25.6%, and
      thickness of longissimus lumborum steaks decreased 23.3%. Muscle type had a more
      pronounced effect on dimensional changes of steaks than endpoint temperature.

PMID- 22063681
TI  - Determination of animal skeletal maturity by image processing.
AB  - Color image features were computed to characterize the skeletal maturity of beef
      carcasses based on cartilage ossification in the thoracic vertebrae. A trained
      neural network was tested for predicting USDA beef maturity grades from image
      features of ossification. A feature curve was defined to characterize the color
      variations of an isolated cartilage-bone object. Both RGB and HSL color systems
      were used to derive image features. The maturity grades were assigned by an
      official USDA grader. Two sets of samples were obtained from two different meat
      processing plants. The first set contained samples of only A and B maturity
      grades whereas the second set had all five maturity classifications (A through
      E). The hue value was the most useful color feature. The mean hue values of
      cartilage differed (P<0.05) among the maturity grades and the feature curve based
      on the hue value was used as neural network input for maturity prediction. The
      accuracy of prediction was 75% for the first set of samples and 65.9% for the
      second set of samples. The results data show the potential of computer vision
      techniques for beef maturity assessment.

PMID- 22063682
TI  - Microbiological effects of carcass decontaminating treatments at four beef
      packing plants.
AB  - The effects on the microbiological conditions of carcasses of decontaminating
      treatments at four beef packing plants were examined. Spraying with 2% lactic
      acid, vacuum-hot water cleaning and trimming were generally ineffective. Washing
      reduced numbers of bacteria on carcasses when numbers were relatively high but
      not when they were relatively low. Pasteurizing with steam or hot water was
      consistently effective. The results suggest that the maximum reduction of
      bacteria on carcasses may be obtained by washing and pasteurizing without the
      other decontaminating treatments that are currently applied to carcasses.

PMID- 22063683
TI  - Assessment of the relationship between chemical components and palatability of
      major beef muscles and muscle groups.
AB  - The relationships of chemical components to palatability attributes in 33
      different muscles and muscle groups from 25 Canada AA steer carcasses were
      assessed. Intramuscular fat and moisture accounted for 38.4 and 23.0% of the
      variation in panel juiciness ratings of all 33 muscles or muscle groups.
      Insoluble hydroxyproline content was more closely related with palatability
      attributes than either total or soluble hydroxyproline content, and accounted for
      16.8, 26.0, 34.8, 24.0 and 34.8% of the variation in initial and overall
      tenderness, amount of perceived connective tissue, flavour desirability, and
      overall palatability, respectively, of all muscles. Exclusion of "sheet-like"
      support muscles improved the amount of variation accounted for in palatability
      traits slightly and exclusion of "combination cuts" containing two or more
      muscles improved the amount of variation accounted for in palatability traits
      significantly. Insoluble hydroxyproline not only adversely influenced textural
      properties contributing to tenderness, but also adversely influenced flavour
      desirability. The amount perceived connective tissue provides a reliable
      indication of the amount of insoluble hydroxyproline, and vice versa particularly
      in individual muscles, where the epimysium has been removed.

PMID- 22063684
TI  - The effects of multiple antimicrobial interventions on processing, lipid,
      textural, instrumental color and sensory characteristics when used in a ground
      beef patty production system.
AB  - The impact of multiple antimicrobial interventions on ground beef processing,
      lipid, textural, instrumental color and sensory characteristics were evaluated.
      Beef trimmings were treated with 0.5% cetylpyridinium chloride followed by 10%
      trisodium phosphate (CT), 200-ppm chlorine dioxide followed by 0.5%
      cetylpyridinium chloride (CLC), 200-ppm chlorine dioxide followed by 10%
      trisodium phosphate (CLT), or 2% lactic acid followed by 0.5% cetylpyridinium
      chloride (LC) and compared to an untreated control (C). Sensory panelists found
      LC and CT treatments similar (P>0.05) in grinding ability to C. By day 2 of
      display, CT, CLT and LC patties were redder (a(*); P<0.05) than C. Sensory
      panelists found CT patties redder (P<0.05) than C by day 2 of display. Sensory
      panelists found CT and CLT juicier than C. Therefore, the use of these multiple
      antimicrobial intervention agents on beef trimmings may improve sensory
      characteristics and shelf-life of ground beef patties.

PMID- 22063685
TI  - The effects of castration on the eating quality of dry-cured ham.
AB  - The influence of the castration of entire male pigs on the eating quality of dry
      cured ham was evaluated. Forty-eight dry-cured hams (435-day aged) were studied
      from entire and castrated males of two different crossbreeds. The proximate
      composition of the meat and the androstenone, indole and skatole fat content were
      determined. The entire hams were classified according to the androstenone and
      skatole content. Sensory analysis was carried out by a trained panel, evaluating
      marbling, juiciness, saltiness, graininess, toughness, overall flavour, boar
      odour and boar flavour. Also carried out was a preference and acceptability
      paired test by consumers. Castration increased meat fattening and reduced the
      androstenone and skatole levels of the fat. Significant differences (P<0.05) were
      found between entires and castrates for the average values given in all the
      sensory attributes studied. The dry-cured ham from castrates was scored as more
      flavoured, more marbled and softer. It was also perceived as less grainy, less
      salty and having less boar odour and flavour. The sensory perception of boar
      odour was more intense than that of flavour in dry-cured ham and appears to be
      related to the level of androstenone and skatole in fat. Dry-cured ham from
      castrated males was also more accepted and more preferred by consumers,
      especially women and habitual consumers. Castration of male pigs contributes to
      improve the quality of dry-cured ham. The rejection caused by boar odour and
      flavour is reduced, improving the overall flavour, texture and juiciness. In
      addition, the saltiness is less pronounced in ham from castrates. For this
      reason, the production of high quality dry-cured ham will have to shoulder the
      extra costs associated with processing castrated pigs.

PMID- 22063686
TI  - Effect of dietary linseed oil and alpha-tocopherol on pork tenderloin (Psoas
      major) muscle.
AB  - The effect of linseed oil and alpha-tocopheryl acetate on the fatty acid
      composition and the susceptibility to oxidation of lipid fraction from pork
      tenderloin (Psoas major) muscle has been studied. Muscles were obtained from
      animals fed on diets with the same ingredients excepting the oil source
      [sunflower (C), linseed (L) and linseed and olive (1/1, w/w) (LO)] and alpha
      tocopherol [20 (C, L and LO) or 200 (LOE and LE) mg/kg diet]. The n-6/n-3 ratio
      in pork tenderloin was markedly modified by dietary linseed oil administration,
      which was due to the increase in the C18:3n-3 (and total n-3 fatty acids) and the
      decrease in the C18:2n-6 (and total n-6 fatty acids) contents (P<0.05). The alpha
      tocopherol content of tenderloin from batches LE and LOE was about 2.8 mg/kg of
      muscle, significantly greater (P<0.05) than about 0.7 mg/kg muscle found in
      tenderloin from pigs receiving C, L and LO. Dietary supplementation with alpha
      tocopheryl acetate markedly reduced tenderloin lipid oxidation from animals fed
      diets enriched in n-3 fatty acids (L or LO vs LE or LOE).

PMID- 22063687
TI  - The influence of environment, mode of nutrition and animal species on level of
      nitrosamine contamination in venison.
AB  - The work aimed to research occurrence of nitrosamines in raw venison from
      different game species and mode of nutrition effect on their meat concentrations.
      Samples of venison from male and female elks, male and female red deer, male and
      female roe deer, male and female fallow deer, male and female wild boars, male
      and female brown hares and males and females of wild rabbits shot in Poland
      during the permissible hunting seasons were used for the experiments after their
      jointing and cutting. In the experiments conducted on eight species and 16 genera
      of wild male and female game animals a total of 336 analytical assays were
      conducted. Twenty-one meat samples of 1 kg each (each from a different animal)
      were collected respectively from males and females of eight animal species and
      taken to a laboratory. Meat contents of nitrosamines [dimethylonitrosamine (DMNA)
      and diethylonitrosamine (DENA)] were assessed by Pancholy's method adapted to
      nitrosamine determination in meat and meat products by Scanlan and Ryes. The
      levels of DMNA and DENA were determined using a Varian 3400 gas chromatograph
      coupled to a mass spectrometer (Finnigan MAT ITD. 800). Quantitative and
      qualitative analysis was conducted by comparison with N-nitrosamine standard
      solution chromatograms.

PMID- 22063688
TI  - Effects of chlorine dioxide, cetylpyridinium chloride, lactic acid and trisodium
      phosphate on physical, chemical and sensory properties of ground beef.
AB  - The impact of beef trimmings treated with either 0.5% cetylpyridinium chloride
      (CPC), 200-ppm chlorine dioxide (CLO), 2% lactic acid (LA) or 10% trisodium
      phosphate (TSP) and an untreated control (C) prior to grinding, on instrumental
      color, sensory characteristics, TBARS values, pH and Lee-Kramer shear under
      simulated retail display were evaluated. Trimmings were ground, pattied and
      sampled at 0, 1, 2, 3 and 7 days of display. Patties from LA, CPC and CLO
      treatments were lighter (L*; P<0.05) and TSP patties were redder (a*; P<0.05)
      than C. Panelists found TSP and CPC patties were similar or superior in beef and
      off odor to C on days 3 and 7 of display. Therefore, treatment of beef trimmings
      before grinding with TSP, CPC, CLO or LA may not only improve ground beef safety,
      but maintain or enhance patty shelf life.

PMID- 22063689
TI  - The relationship between pig genetics, myosin heavy chain I, biochemical traits
      and quality of M. longissimus thoracis.
AB  - The relationship between muscle biochemical traits, myosin heavy chain I and meat
      quality of longissimus thoracis was studied using gilts from five divergent
      porcine lines (A to E) (carcass weight: 83.7+/-8.7 kg). Intramuscular fat (IMF)
      and haem pigments content as well as myosin heavy chain 1 (MyHC I) percentage and
      the activity of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and isocitrate dehydrogenase (ICDH)
      were determined. Only group E, a well conformed line of pigs, included the
      halothane positive genotype. The presence of the Hal gene in this line resulted
      in meat of poorer quality in terms of meat of higher exudate compared to line D,
      also a well conformed line of predominantly Pietrain origin but being halothane
      gene free. Line C presented the highest IMF content (2.02%) as well as high
      oxidative characteristics (MyHC I, 10.0%; LDH/ICDH, 1.92 MUmol nmol(-1); ICDH
      activity, 1.78 nmol min(-1) g(-1)) and the lowest drip losses (5.3%). According
      to a principal component analysis including MyHC I, biochemical traits and meat
      quality parameters, line C was characterized by a high IMF content and oxidative
      traits, and line B by a high glycolytic metabolism. Line E was distinguished by
      high drip losses and by low pH(45) and pH(u). In conclusion, several observed
      differences in muscle metabolism between lines free of the halothane gene (A, B,
      C and D) must be caused by other "genetic background" factors.

PMID- 22063690
TI  - Factors influencing intention to purchase beef in the Irish market.
AB  - This paper reports on the findings of a study into consumer perceptions towards
      beef and the influence of these perceptions on consumption. Fishbein and Ajzen's
      [Belief, attitude, intention and behaviour. An introduction to theory and
      research (1995) Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley] Theory of Reasoned Action (TRA)
      provided a useful framework for this analysis. The influence of attitudes and
      important others (subjective norm) on intention to consume beef were explored.
      The findings support the usefulness of this model in understanding behaviour
      towards beef. In this study both attitude and the subjective norm influenced
      intention to consume beef, but it was attitude that was of greater importance.
      Health, eating enjoyment and safety were most important determinants of attitude
      with price, environment and animal welfare less so. An evaluation of the impact
      of the introduction of new information which related to one belief (health) was
      also conducted. Those indicating that they would consider increasing their
      consumption of beef had a more positive attitude towards beef and had more
      positive health and eating enjoyment beliefs about beef than the 'no' group who
      had significantly higher safety concerns.

PMID- 22063691
TI  - Physico-chemical characteristics of carcass and meat Manchego-breed suckling
      lambs slaughtered at different weights.
AB  - Forty-nine Manchego-breed lambs raised exclusively on their dams' milk until
      slaughter were used in this study. The effects of gender and slaughter weight
      (10, 12 and 14 kg) on carcass fatness, meat quality and the fatty acid
      composition of their fat were studied. Fatness, and in particular dorsal-fat
      thickness (P?0.01), increased with live weight. The effect of gender was even
      greater (P?0.001), as female lambs presented the highest fatness values for all
      parameters studied. The smallest drop in m. longissimus pH values was seen in the
      lowest-weight (10 kg) lambs. These same lambs displayed the highest L(*) value
      and thus the lightest colour. Fatty acid composition, which was not influenced by
      live weight, was affected by gender. The subcutaneous fat of female lambs
      contained more linolenic acid (C18:3) (P?0.01) and a greater proportion of
      polyunsaturated fatty acids than that of male lambs (P?0.001). Likewise, the
      intramuscular fat of female lambs displayed a greater proportion of
      monounsaturated fatty acids (P?0.001) than that of male lambs.

PMID- 22063692
TI  - Labelling information demanded by European consumers and relationships with
      purchasing motives, quality and safety of meat.
AB  - Meat labelling can be an important way of informing the consumer on the quality
      attributes of meat. However, the type of information consumers demand is not well
      known and there is a lack of consumer-oriented information. Thus, meat labelling
      requires special attention. The objectives of this paper were: to identify the
      type of information that is most demanded by European consumers on beef and lamb
      labelling; to analyse the relationships between the importance of informational
      cues and other aspects concerning consumer attitudes towards meat consumption and
      meat quality, and socio-demographic characteristics; and to identify groups of
      consumers according to their labelling preferences. The information cues
      considered most important related to the deadline for meat consumption and the
      origin of meat. Other important cues were nutritional information, maturation
      time, name of cut and, especially for beef consumers, information on the system
      of production and on the traceability and the quality control of the meat. Some
      groups or segments of consumers were identified that had significant differences
      in relation to the type of information demanded, purchasing motives, quality
      preferences, sources of information on quality they trusted most and socio
      economic features. They could be briefly profiled as: 'quality/safety
      orientated'; 'traditional'; 'quality unconcerned/ convenience-driven' and 'origin
      motivated' consumers.

PMID- 22063693
TI  - Prediction of color, texture, and sensory characteristics of beef steaks by
      visible and near infrared reflectance spectroscopy. A feasibility study.
AB  - Color, instrumental texture, and sensory attributes of steaks from 24 beef
      carcasses at 2, 4, 8, 14, and 21 days post mortem were predicted by visible/near
      infrared (visible/NIR) reflectance spectroscopy in 400-1080 nm region. Predicting
      the Hunter a, b, and E* yielded the coefficient of determination (R(2)) in
      calibration to be 0.78-0.90, and R(2) was between 0.49 and 0.55 for tenderness,
      Hunter L, sensory chewiness and juiciness. The prediction R(2) for tenderness was
      in the range of 0.22-0.72 when the samples were segregated according to the aging
      days. Based on partial least square (PLS) model predicted tenderness, beef
      samples were classified into tender and tough classes with a correct
      classification of 83%. Soft independent modeling of class analogy of principal
      component analysis (SIMCA/PCA) model of measured tenderness showed great promise
      in the classification of tender and tough meats with over 96% success.

PMID- 22063694
TI  - Rapid detection of chicken and turkey in heated meat products using the
      polymerase chain reaction followed by amplicon visualisation with vistra green.
AB  - A rapid and highly specific assay suitable for the routine detection of turkey
      and chicken in processed meat products has been developed. Based on PCR
      amplification of species-specific amplicons with rapid visualisation using vistra
      green, the assay may be completed within 5 h of receipt of sample. DNA was
      isolated from meat samples by the use of Wizard DNA isolation technology and
      followed by DNA amplification in the polymerase chain reaction using species
      specific primers, chicken forward (CF), chicken reverse (CR), turkey forward (TF)
      and turkey reverse (TR): the production of an amplicon was detected after the end
      of the PCR in less than 5 min using vistra green and a fluorescence plate reader.
      The presence of fluorescence denoted the presence of the target species in the
      sample.

PMID- 22063695
TI  - A comparison of warmed-over flavour in pork by sensory analysis, GC/MS and the
      electronic nose.
AB  - Pork muscle samples (M. longissimus dorsi and M. psoas major) were obtained from
      pigs given one of 4 dietary treatments, (i) control diet, (ii) supplemental iron
      (300 mg iron (II) sulphate/kg feed), (iii) supplemental vitamin E (200 mg dl
      alpha-tocopheryl acetate/kg of feed) and (iv) supplemental vitamin E+supplemental
      iron. Warmed-over flavour (WOF) was evaluated by a trained sensory panel (n=8)
      for the four treatments cooked and refrigerated at 4  degrees C for up to 5 days.
      Gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and Electronic nose analysis was
      performed on a subset of the full design which included samples of M. longissimus
      dorsi, treatments (ii) and (iii) and M. psoas major with treatment (i) for 0 days
      of WOF development. Day 5 of WOF development was included in the subset and
      represented by samples of M. longissimus dorsi, treatment (iv) and M. psoas
      major, treatments (ii) and (iii). Bi-linear modeling was used to determine the
      correlation of GC/MS and electronic nose data to sensory data. Also, the
      reproducibility and reliability of electronic nose data was evaluated by
      repeating the analysis of samples in a different laboratory and with a time
      difference of approximately 11 months. Mean-centring was used to normalise the
      data from these two different electronic noise data sets. GC/MS data correlated
      to sensory data with specific compounds (e.g., pentanal, 2-pentylfuran, octanal,
      nonanal, 1-octen-3-ol and hexanal), proving to be good indices of oxidation in
      cooked samples of M. longissimus dorsi and M. psoas major. Electronic nose data
      correlated to sensory data and separated the sensory variation. The
      reproducibility of this data was high with the second set of samples being
      predictive of the first set.

PMID- 22063696
TI  - Oxidative and colour changes in meat from three lines of free-range reared
      Iberian pigs slaughtered at 90 kg live weight and from industrial pig during
      refrigerated storage.
AB  - The oxidative stability and colour evolution during refrigerated storage (10 days
      at +4  degrees C) of Longissimus dorsi muscle from three lines of Iberian pigs
      and industrial genotype pigs were studied. The Iberian pigs were reared in an
      extensive system and fed on a commercial feed with access to pasture grazing,
      while industrial genotype pigs were reared in an intensive system. Fresh
      Longissimus dorsi of Iberian pig lines showed a more intense and redder colour,
      with a statistically significant higher CIE chroma and a*-value as well as a
      lower L*-value (P<0.05) compared with those of industrial genotype pigs. Pig
      genotype significantly affected the colour and lipid oxidation changes of m.
      Longissimus dorsi during refrigerated storage. The decrease in L*-value during
      the refrigerated storage was more intense in industrial pig's Longissimus dorsi
      than in those from Iberian pig lines. CIE a*-value decrease was more intense in
      'Lampino' Iberian line and industrial Longissimus dorsi than in the other two
      Iberian pig lines, however CIE a*-value was significantly higher in muscles from
      Iberian pig lines than in muscle of industrial genotype (P<0.05) at the end of
      refrigerated storage. The Iberian and industrial pig's Longissimus dorsi did not
      show statistically significant differences in TBA-RS values (mg MDA/kg meat) at
      the end of the refrigerated storage period (P>0.05). To establish relationships
      between parameters measured in fresh meat and oxidation and colour changes during
      refrigerated storage, correlations and multiple regression models were
      calculated. CIE a*-values at day 10 were positively correlated with values of
      fresh muscles for a*, C18:1 percentages and negatively correlated with
      polyunsaturated fatty acids percentages of neutral and polar lipids. Inversely,
      TBA-RS values at day 10 showed a positive correlation with initial values for
      phospholipid content and polyunsaturated fatty acids of neutral and polar lipid
      fractions, while C18:1 percentage were negatively correlated.

PMID- 22063697
TI  - Commercial antioxidants control lipid oxidation in mechanically deboned turkey
      meat.
AB  - Effects of commercial rosemary antioxidants on oxidative stability of
      mechanically deboned turkey meat (MDTM) compared with Trolox C (vitamin E),
      ascorbic acid (vitamin C) and control without antioxidant were investigated.
      Antioxidants were added to meat at three levels. Thiobarbituric acid (TBA) assay
      and dynamic headspace gas chromatography were used to assess the effects of
      commercial antioxidants on lipid stability of MDTM during 7 months of frozen
      storage. Increased levels of TBA-reactive substances (TBARS) and volatile
      carbonyl compounds were noticed in all meat samples during storage, however most
      distinctly in meat without antioxidants. Retarding effect of antioxidants on the
      development of oxidation depended on the level and type antioxidants. Trolox C-a
      water soluble, synthetic derivative of vitamin E possessed the greatest
      antioxidative activity reflected by the lowest values of TBARS and volatile
      compounds. Ascorbic acid was less efficient than Trolox C and Biolox HT-W
      (rosemary), but more potent than most rosemary extracts in suppressing lipid
      oxidation especially in the long term frozen storage MDTM. The DPPH() method
      confirmed that antioxidant activity depends on the concentration of active
      compounds present in the samples available to scavenge the free radicals formed
      during the storage period. Supplementation of MDTM with antioxidants could be an
      alternative method to prevent oxidative degradation of the meat during frozen
      storage when vacuum packaging is not practical.

PMID- 22063698
TI  - Oxidative and lipolytic deterioration of different muscles from free-range reared
      Iberian pigs under refrigerated storage.
AB  - Three different type of muscles, two glicolytic (Serratus ventralis and
      Longissimus dorsi) and one oxidative (Masseter) were displayed under
      refrigeration at +4  degrees C during 10 days to evaluate differences in
      lipolytic and oxidative changes of different muscles with different metabolic
      pattern. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), phospholipid content,
      hexanal content and fatty acid profiles of neutral and polar lipid fractions were
      analysed at day 0 and day 10. Phospholipid content (g phospholipids/g
      intramuscular fat) significantly (P<0.035) decreased from day 0 to day 10 in m.
      Masseter (0.33 vs. 0.25, respectively), but not in m. L. dorsi (0.12 vs. 0.09,
      respectively) and m. S. ventralis (0.19 vs. 0.14, respectively). Changes in fatty
      acid profiles of neutral and polar lipids significantly differed among muscles
      after storage. Slight differences were found in neutral lipids from m. L. dorsi
      and m. S. ventralis, while neutral lipids from m. Masseter were highly altered.
      Great changes affected fatty acid profiles from polar lipids in the three
      muscles. m. Masseter muscle showed significantly higher (P<0.000) TBARS values
      (1.13, 0.65 and 0.60 mg MDA/kg meat, respectively) and hexanal content (689.2,
      241.2 and 355.8 MUg/g meat, respectively) than m. L. dorsi and m. S. ventralis.
      In conclusion, oxidative meat is more prone to oxidative and lipolytic
      deterioration than glycolytic muscles during refrigerated storage and as a
      consequence of that a lower shelf-life.

PMID- 22063699
TI  - The effects of sodium lactate and starter cultures on pH, lactic acid bacteria,
      Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella spp. levels in pure chicken dry fermented
      sausage.
AB  - Two starter cultures (A and B) and seven sodium lactate concentrations were
      evaluated for chicken raw dry-fermented sausage processing. Starter culture B
      contained more lactic acid bacteria and less staphylococci than starter A. Their
      effects on acidification and inhibition of pathogens (Listeria monocytogenes and
      Salmonella spp.) were monitored. Starter culture B grew faster and was less
      inhibited by sodium lactate, thus inducting a faster and more important pH drop
      into the sausages. With lower pH, sausages processed with B starter were less
      contaminated by Listeria monocytogenes. The type of starter was found to
      influence the end-product pH, lactic acid bacteria content and extent of Listeria
      monocytogenes contamination. A 30-member panel did not note differences between
      sausages processed with the different starter cultures when lactate was added.
      Adding sodium lactate to the sausage mix reduced the pH drop in the dry sausage
      product. This acidification inhibiting effect of sodium lactate was greater for
      A. Sodium lactate significantly inhibited lactic acid bacteria development but
      did not reduce Listeria monocytogenes contamination frequency of the batches,
      unlike in many literature data. Sodium lactate may however control the
      acidification of the sausage processed with starter B, in order to obtain
      moderately acidified fermented sausages. A simple kinetic model was applied to
      our data. The sodium lactate content and especially the type of starter culture
      often had a significant effect on the four parameters of this empirical model
      (lag time, acidification time, initial and final pH).

PMID- 22063700
TI  - Detection of Iberian ham aroma by a semiconductor multisensorial system.
AB  - A semiconductor multisensorial system, based on tin oxide, to control the quality
      of dry-cured Iberian hams is described. Two types of ham (submitted to different
      drying temperatures) were selected. Good responses were obtained from the 12
      elements forming the multisensor for different operating temperatures.
      Discrimination between the two types of ham was successfully realised through
      principal component analysis (PCA).

PMID- 22063701
TI  - High pressure processing applied to cooked sausage manufacture: physical
      properties and sensory analysis.
AB  - Vacuum-packaged cooked sausages were treated at 500 MPa for 5 or 15 min at mild
      temperature (65  degrees C). Colour, texture and yield of pressure-treated
      sausages were evaluated, and compared to those of sausages treated with a
      conventional heat pasteurisation (80-85  degrees C for 40 min). Colour attributes
      did not change. Pressurised sausages were more cohesive and less firm than heat
      treated sausages. Pressure treatment induced higher yield than heat treatment.
      Sensory analysis was also carried out. In some cases, the sensory panel did not
      detect differences between both types of sausages; and when there were
      differences, pressurised samples were preferred in more occasions because of
      their better appearance, taste and, especially, texture. High pressure processing
      can replace the second industrial heat treatment of cooked sausages.

PMID- 22063702
TI  - The effects of dietary oregano essential oil and alpha-tocopheryl acetate on
      lipid oxidation in raw and cooked turkey during refrigerated storage.
AB  - The effects of dietary oregano essential oil and alpha-tocopheryl acetate
      supplementation on the susceptibility of raw and cooked turkey breast and thigh
      meat to lipid oxidation during refrigerated storage for 9 days were examined.
      Thirty 12-week-old turkeys were divided into five groups and fed a basal diet
      containing 30 mg alpha-tocopheryl acetate kg(-1) feed as control, or basal diet
      plus 200 mg alpha-tocopheryl acetate kg(-1), or basal diet plus 100 mg oregano
      oil kg(-1), or basal diet plus 200 mg oregano oil kg(-1), or basal diet plus 100
      mg oregano oil and 100 mg alpha-tocopheryl acetate kg(-1), for 4 weeks prior to
      slaughter. Lipid oxidation was assessed by monitoring malondialdehyde formation
      in raw and cooked meat at 0, 3, 6 and 9 days of refrigerated storage, through use
      of a third-order derivative spectrophotometric method. Results showed that all
      dietary treatments significantly (P<0.05) increased the stability of both raw and
      cooked turkey meat to lipid oxidation compared with the control. Oregano oil at
      200 mg kg(-1) was significantly (P<0.05) more effective in delaying lipid
      oxidation compared to the level of 100 mg kg(-1), equivalent to alpha-tocopheryl
      acetate at 200 mg kg(-1), but inferior (P<0.05) to oregano oil plus alpha
      tocopheryl acetate at 100 mg kg(-1) each, which in turn was superior (P<0.05) to
      all dietary treatments, indicating a synergistic effect. Thigh muscle was more
      susceptible to oxidation compared with breast muscle in all treatments, although
      it contained alpha-tocopherol at significantly (P<0.05) higher levels.

PMID- 22063703
TI  - HIV-related stigma among nursing students in Cameroon.

PMID- 22063704
TI  - Toward a critical response to HIV criminalization: remarks on advocacy and social
      justice.

PMID- 22063705
TI  - Determination of an appropriate heat treatment of animal waste using the ELISA
      technique: results of a validation study.
AB  - Effective sterilisation of animal waste is an important prerequisite for the use
      of animal meal as an ingredient of compound feed for non-ruminants. Specific
      conditions for the rendering process aimed at the inactivation of the causative
      agent of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE), and the prevention of other
      pathogens in feedingstuff, are defined by European law. A validation study
      encompassing 21 laboratories from 12 European countries was performed using a
      commercially available test kit based on an enzymelinked immuno sorbent assay
      (ELISA) which allows proof of the appropriate heat treatment of the processed
      animal waste. The evaluation of the results regarding the R-value reveals the
      robustness of the method, a sufficient sensitivity to detect a deviation of the
      processing conditions from the regulation and a low standard deviation of the
      data. Moreover the statistical evaluation of the results allows for the
      estimation of the coefficient of variation which is between 11 and 22% depending
      on the magnitude of the response of the test.

PMID- 22063706
TI  - Application of hurdle technology for the development of Caprine keema and its
      stability at ambient temperature.
AB  - The study was envisaged to develop and extend the shelf life of the highly
      perishable Indian traditional meat product, chevon (capine) keema, through the
      application of hurdle technology.The hurdles used were water activity (a(w)) and
      pH as variable hurdles as well as vacuum packaging, preservatives and heat
      treatment as constant hurdles. The water activity of the product was adjusted to
      2 levels viz., 0.90 and 0.88 by the addition of humectants. The product with 0.90
      was preferred for sensory quality. The pH of the keema was adjusted with lactic
      acid to 3 desired levels viz. 5.50, 5.65 and 5.80. The product with pH 5.8 was
      the most acceptable and with pH 5.50 was the least acceptable. Standardised keema
      with a(w) 0.90 and pH 5.80 was stored at ambient temperature (36.2+/-1.2 degrees
      C) and evaluated for physico-chemical, microbiological and sensory
      characteristics. A gradual increase in moisture, a(w), thiobarbituric acid
      reactive substances (TBARS) number and tyrosine value were observed throughout
      the storage period. There was a decrease in the growth rate of aerobic and
      anaerobic counts and complete inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus. Although
      sensory scores for hurdle treated keema declined upon storage, the product was
      well accepted up to the 3rd day and fairly accepted up to 5th day whereas the
      keema prepared by the traditional method was acceptable only on the first day.
      Hurdle technology significantly improved the shelf life of keema.

PMID- 22063707
TI  - Effect of dietary vitamin E supplementation on beef colour stability.
AB  - The effect of dietary vitamin E upon colour, waterholding capacity, bacterial
      growth and lipid oxidation of beef longissimus thoracis (LT) and psoas major (PM)
      muscle were examined during aerobic display of fresh muscle and after aging in
      vacuum for 26 days. Forty crossbred beef bulls received a whole crop corn silage,
      supplemented with concentrate. Twenty bulls were each supplemented with 2025 mg
      vit E per day (added to the concentrate) for 136 day prior to slaughter and
      compared with non-supplemented control animals (n=20). In fresh LT muscle drip
      loss did not differ between treatment groups, while in PM muscle drip loss was
      significantly higher for the supplemented group. The treatment did not affect
      bacterial growth in fresh and aged muscles. Lipid oxidation during 12 day storage
      of fresh muscle was significantly lower for the supplemented group, as indicated
      by the lower TBA-values. No effect of the vitamin E treatment was observed on a
      (*)-values of both fresh and aged LT muscle during display for 8 and 5 days,
      respectively. In PM muscle, supplemented beef had lower a (*)-values in fresh (at
      day 1) and aged (at days 1 and 2) muscle, due to a lower oxygenation. The reason
      for this lower oxygenation is unclear. After aging, colour stability was
      decreased and more variable than in fresh muscle. Similar results were obtained
      when the difference in reflection values at 630 and 580 nm (R630-580), instead of
      the a (*) value, was used as a parameter for colour stability. The absence of an
      effect of vit. E on the rate of discoloration, might possibly be explained from
      the observation that alpha-tocopherol levels in control muscle were relatively
      high (LT: 2.1 and PM: 3.2 MUg/g muscle), compared with data from literature.
      Analysis of the feed for vit. E suggests that this was due to a relatively high
      natural vit. E uptake from the feed, which was calculated to be approx. 330 mg
      vit. E per animal per day for the control group.

PMID- 22063708
TI  - Postmortem changes in muscle electrical properties of bovine M. longissimus dorsi
      and their relationship to meat quality attributes and pH fall.
AB  - Heifers (n=47) were slaughtered and hung conventionally in an industrial meat
      plant. Electrical impedance (Py) and conductivity (EC) were studied for their
      ability to indicate or predict selected meat quality attributes i.e. Warner
      Bratzler shear force (WBSF), sensory tenderness, texture, flavour and
      acceptability, water holding capacity (WHC) and colour. pH, electrical impedance
      (meat check) and electrical conductivity (pork quality meter) measurements were
      taken at hourly intervals up to 8 h and again at 1 and 2 days postmortem.
      Electrical measurements were taken again at 7 and 14 days postmortem. Freshly cut
      steaks (2.5 cm thick) were taken from the longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle at 2, 7
      and 14 days postmortem, vacuum-packaged in plastic bags and stored at -20 degrees
      C for WBSF and sensory analysis. Freshly cut steaks were used for WHC and colour
      measurements. During the development of rigor and over the ageing period,
      electrical changes occur in muscle tissue. Electrical measurements were found to
      change significantly between 1 and 14 days postmortem and when measured over the
      ageing period (at 2, 7 and 14 days postmortem) were significantly correlated to
      WBSF, sensory tenderness and Hunter 'a' and 'b' values (r=+/-0.56-+/-0.68,
      p<0.001) and weakly to moderately correlated to other sensory attributes (r=+/
      0.31-0.58, p<0.001) measured at the same times postmortem; thus showing potential
      for these rapid physical measurements as indicators of meat quality if both
      electrical measurements and quality attributes are measured at the same times
      postmortem and correlations are calculated over the ageing period. However,
      electrical measurements taken at specific times at the early postmortem period
      (i.e. at 1 or 2 days) showed only a few weak relationships with meat quality
      attributes measured at later times postmortem (i.e. 7 or 14 days) demonstrating
      that early postmortem electrical measurements are not suitable for the prediction
      of ultimate meat quality. Py values taken between 7 h and 7 days postmortem were
      significantly correlated with all pH measurements with the exception of 1 day
      values. Two day Py measurements showed the highest correlations (r=0.45-0.62,
      p<0.01-0.001) with pH. EC was also found to be moderately correlated with pH
      although correlations were slightly lower than those obtained for Py. Highest
      correlations (r=0.47-0.59, p<0.01) were obtained for 7 h values.

PMID- 22063709
TI  - Genomic identification of the breed of an individual or its tissue.
AB  - To elaborate a methodological approach for the assignment of a breed to a carcass
      or other animal tissue, DNA microsatellites were utilized. Four Italian beef
      breeds were studied; examining these breeds is a challenge because they display
      similar morphological and productive characteristics. As comparison 54 Holstein
      Friesian subjects were used. To measure the genetic similarities between animals
      or between groups of animals we used our method (Ciampolini et al, 1995,
      Individual multilocus genotypes using microsatellite polymorphisms to permit the
      analysis of the genetic variability within and between italian beef cattle
      breeds. Journal of Animal science,73, 3259-3268.) based on the consideration of a
      multilocus genotype of each animal, which enabled us to establish breed genomic
      formulae. Although the results are only preliminary, they show that we can
      distinguish easily between Holstein-Friesian subjects and beef animals; moreover
      we can identify, with a high resolution potential, animals from breeds (the four
      Italian white) with very high genetic similarities. However all the Holstein
      Friesian subjects were identified.

PMID- 22063710
TI  - Growth and effect of staphylococci and lactic acid bacteria on unsaturated free
      fatty acids.
AB  - The growth and the effects of four species of staphylococci and six lactic acid
      bacteria (LAB) of the genus Carnobacterium, Lactobacillus and Pediococcus on
      unsaturated free fatty acids were studied. The strains were grown in complex
      medium supplemented either with oleic, linoleic or linolenic acids. Growth was
      followed and oxidation of the substrates measured by TBARS. The strains of
      Staphylococcus xylosus 873, 16, Staphylococcus warneri 863 and Staphylococcus
      saprophyticus grew well on all the substrates. Whereas, the growth of the two
      strains of Staphylococcus carnosus and Staphylococcus xylosus 831 was inhibited
      in the media with linolenic acid. The addition of manganese to this media allowed
      good growth of these strains. All the LAB did not grow well in the media with
      linoleic acid, but their growth was favoured by addition of manganese to the
      media. Under our conditions, only linoleic and linolenic acids were oxidised. All
      the strains had no prooxidant activity. All the staphylococci limited oxidation
      of linoleic acid and had a small effect on linolenic acid. LAB did not limit
      oxidation of linoleic acid. With manganese in the media: the oxidation of the
      sterile controls was delayed for 2 days and then increased; strains of S.
      carnosus and S. xylosus inhibited oxidation of linolenic acid; and Lactobacillus
      plantarum and Pediococcus pentosaceus limited oxidation of linoleic acid. The two
      Carnobacterium, whatever the conditions, had no antioxidant properties.

PMID- 22063711
TI  - Colour stability and lipid oxidation of fresh beef. Development of a response
      surface model for predicting the effects of temperature, storage time, and
      modified atmosphere composition.
AB  - Samples of fresh beef muscles (Longissimus dorsi) were packed under varying
      modified atmosphere conditions (20-80% oxygen) and stored at 2-8 degrees C for 10
      days. At 2 day intervals meat samples were analysed for surface colour and extent
      of lipid oxidation (TBARS). Response surface models for predicting the effects of
      temperature, storage time and modified atmosphere composition on colour stability
      and lipid oxidation were developed. Temperature and time were found to be the
      most important factors for retaining meat colour and minimizing lipid oxidation.
      However, the oxygen content also had a significant effect on both quality
      parameters. A stable interval of maintaining a good meat colour was found between
      55 and 80% O(2). Response surface modelling was found to be very promising for
      modelling of chemical quality changes in meat stored under different conditions,
      but the large biological differences between animals may complicate the
      development of generally valid models.

PMID- 22063712
TI  - Heterogeneous composition of histochemical fibre types in the different parts of
      M. longissimus thoracis from Mishima (Japanese native) steers.
AB  - In Mishima (Japanese native) steers, histochemical properties of m. longissimus
      thoracis were examined at 3 parts: on the level of 6th thoracic (LT I), 11th
      thoracic (LT II) and 5th lumbar vertebra (LT III). Myofibres were categorized
      into Type I, II A and II B. The same fibre type composition (I, 37%, II A, 17%,
      II B, 46%) was observed at LT I and LT III and another (I, 26%, II A, 15%, II B,
      59%) at LT II. At each part apparent regional differences of fibre type
      composition could not be demonstrated except for Type I between medial and
      lateral subpart at LT I and Type II A between central and lateral at LT III
      because of its marked variation among the individual steers. Relative fibre
      diameter of Type I to Type II A in the combined data was large at LT I and LT
      III. Type II B fibres showed larger diameter than Type I only at LT III. From
      these results it was suggested that Mishima steers have maintained another
      histochemical property of the longissimus muscle differing from that of Japanese
      Black steers (Gotoh, Iwamoto, Ono, Nishimura, Matsuo, Nakanishi, Umetsu &
      Takahara, (1994). Comparative study on the regional composition of fiber types in
      M. Longissimus thoracis with different marbling scores for Japanese Black steers.
      Animal Science and Technology, 65, 454-463).

PMID- 22063713
TI  - The characteristics of muscle fiber types of longissimus thoracis muscle and
      their influences on the quantity and quality of meat from Japanese Black steers.
AB  - Forty-four Japanese Black fattening steers from four groups, produced in four
      districts and consisting of differing genetic backgrounds were slaughtered to
      examine the characteristic differences in muscle fiber types at the 6th thoracic
      vertebra of the M. longissimus thoracis (LT). The influence of percentage,
      diameter, and relative area of each muscle fiber type on the carcass
      characteristics and some quantity and quality traits of beef taken from LT, were
      also investigated. Significant differences in the characteristics of the muscle
      fiber types were observed among the four groups, except for muscle fiber diameter
      in the alphaR fiber, and the relative area of each alphaW fiber. For all steers,
      the average percentages and diameters of each muscle fiber type, betaR, alphaR
      and alphaW were 26.8, 18.5 and 54.7% and 51.4, 50.6 and 52.4 MUm, respectively.
      The relative area of each fiber type was similar to those of muscle fiber
      composition. alphaR Fiber content had significant negative correlations with
      marbling score (p<0.05), intramuscular fat content (p<0.05) and ultimate pH value
      (p<0.05). Significant correlations between the diameter of each fiber type, and
      the quantity or quality traits of the meat were not found, with the exception of
      red fiber types (betaR and alphaR) and meat color a(*) values (p<0.05) which were
      positively correlated.

PMID- 22063714
TI  - Multivariate data analysis of Cavourmas - a Greek cooked meat product.
AB  - Physico-chemical and sensory analyses were performed on 48 samples of Cavourmas,
      a Greek traditional cooked meat product, bought directly from 16 known producers.
      The following physico-chemical attributes were determined: moisture, crude
      protein, ether-extractable fat, ash, NaCl, NaNO(2), NaNO(3), pH, TBA value,
      lightness (L (*)), redness (a(*)), and yellowness (b(*)). Principal component
      analysis based on three main axes (PC1, PC2 and PC3) accounting for 56.4% of
      overall variation showed that high consumer acceptability of Cavourmas is related
      to accepted taste and odour and to the presence of meat in pieces with red colour
      and white fat. On the contrary, fatty appearance, excessive melted fat and high
      rancidity were not appealing to the consumer, as confirmed by instrumentally
      determined high TBA values, high fat content, high percentage moisture and
      lightness, and should be kept low in order to enhance product acceptability.

PMID- 22063715
TI  - The effect of paprika, garlic and salt on rancidity in dry sausages.
AB  - Eight batches of ground fat and eight batches of a mixture of meat and fat (70
      and 30%, respectively), were prepared by adding salt, paprika and garlic, in the
      proportions used for making chorizo - a dry fermented sausage - stuffed into
      natural casings and then ripened. The evolution of rancidity in these products
      was evaluated by means of total free fatty acid content, peroxide value and TBARS
      during the ripening period. Spanish paprika and salt showed antioxidant and
      prooxidant properties, respectively. Paprika was even able to inhibit the
      prooxidant effect of salt. Also, four batches of chorizo were made to compare the
      antioxidant effect of the spices (garlic and paprika) with a mixture of nitrate,
      nitrite and ascorbic acid. In this respect, paprika and garlic were as effective
      as the mixture of additives in inhibiting lipid oxidation.

PMID- 22063716
TI  - Warmed-over flavour in porcine meat - a combined spectroscopic, sensory and
      chemometric study.
AB  - The effectiveness of applying rapid spectral techniques in the prediction of meat
      quality in relation to pre-slaughter stress and warmed-over flavour (WOF) was
      investigated. The effect of pre-slaughter stress on the development of WOF is a
      relatively new area of interest in WOF research. The present study investigated
      the relationship between pre-slaughter stress and WOF characteristics (after 0 to
      5 days' storage) in porcine meat as evaluated by chemical, sensory and
      spectroscopic methods. Sensory evaluation, visual reflectance spectroscopy (VIS)
      and low-field (1)H NMR (LF-NMR) proved efficient in describing the different
      stress groups and the storage period, whereas fluorescence spectroscopy and the
      TBARS test were only able to follow WOF during storage. Near Infrared Reflectance
      (NIR) and Raman scatter showed a very weak relationship to pre-slaughter stress
      and levels of WOF during storage. Good correlations (up to r=0.93) of sensory
      terms were achieved with VIS and fluorescence spectroscopy and LF-NMR.

PMID- 22063717
TI  - Brain pattern of histone H3 phosphorylation after acute amphetamine
      administration: its relationship to brain c-fos induction is strongly dependent
      on the particular brain area.
AB  - Recent evidence strongly suggests a critical role of chromatin remodelling in the
      acute and chronic effects of addictive drugs. We reasoned that
      Immunohistochemical detection of certain histone modifications may be a more
      specific tool than induction of immediate early genes (i.e. c-fos) to detect
      brain areas and neurons that are critical for the action of addictive drugs.
      Thus, in the present work we studied in adult male rats the effects of a high
      dose of amphetamine on brain pattern of histone H3 phosphorylation in serine 10
      (pH3S(10)) and c-fos expression. We firstly observed that amphetamine-induced an
      increase in the number of pH3S(10) positive neurons in a restricted number of
      brain areas, with maximum levels at 30 min after the drug administration that
      declined at 90 min in most areas. In a second experiment we studied
      colocalization of pH3S(10) immunoreactivity (pH3S(10)-IR) and c-fos expression.
      Amphetamine increased c-fos expression in medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), dorsal
      striatum, nucleus accumbens (Acb), major Island of Calleja (ICjM), central
      amygdala (CeA), bed nucleus of stria terminalis lateral dorsal (BSTld) and
      paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVN). Whereas no evidence for
      increase in pH3S(10) positive neurons was found in the mPFC and the PVN, in the
      striatum and the Acb basically all pH3S(10) positive neurons showed
      colocalization with c-fos. In ICjM, CeA and BSTld a notable degree of
      colocalization was found, but an important number of neurons expressing c-fos
      were negative for pH3S(10). The present results give support to the hypothesis
      that amphetamine-induced pH3S(10)-IR showed a more restricted pattern than brain
      c-fos induction, being this difference strongly dependent on the particular brain
      area studied. It is likely that those nuclei and neurons showing pH3S(10)-IR are
      more specifically associated to important effects of the drug, including neural
      plasticity. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Post-Traumatic
      Stress Disorder'.

PMID- 22063718
TI  - Cannabinoid facilitation of behavioral and biochemical hedonic taste responses.
AB  - Cannabinoid receptor agonists are known to stimulate feeding in humans and
      animals and this effect is thought to be related to an increase in food
      palatability. On the other hand, highly palatable food stimulates dopamine (DA)
      transmission in the shell of the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and this effect
      undergoes one trial habituation. In order to investigate the relationship between
      the affective properties of tastes and the response of NAc shell DA we studied
      the effect of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on behavioral taste reactivity
      to intraoral infusion of appetitive (sucrose solutions) and aversive (quinine and
      saturated NaCl solutions) tastes and on the response of in vivo DA transmission
      in the NAc shell to intraoral sucrose. Rats were implanted with intraoral
      cannulae and the effect of systemic administration of THC on the behavioral
      reactions to intraoral infusion of sucrose and of quinine or saturated NaCl
      solutions were scored. THC increased the hedonic reactions to sucrose but did not
      affect the aversive reactions to quinine and NaCl. The effects of THC were
      completely blocked by the CB1 receptor inverse agonist/antagonist rimonabant
      given at doses that do not affect taste reactivity to sucrose. In rats implanted
      with microdialysis probes and with intraoral cannulae, THC, made sucrose
      effective in raising dialysate DA in the shell of the NAc. As in the case of
      highly palatable food (Fonzies, sweet chocolate), the stimulatory effect of
      sucrose on shell DA under THC underwent one trial habituation. Altogether, these
      findings demonstrate that stimulation of CB1 receptors specifically increases the
      palatability of hedonic taste without affecting that of aversive tastes.
      Consistent with the ability of THC to increase sucrose palatability is the
      observation that under THC pretreatment sucrose acquires the ability to induce a
      release of DA in the shell of the NAc and this property undergoes adaptation
      after repeated exposure to the taste (habituation). This article is part of a
      Special Issue entitled 'Central Control of Food Intake'.

PMID- 22063719
TI  - Central control of thermogenesis.
AB  - In mammals and birds, conservation of body heat at around 37  degrees C is vital
      to life. Thermogenesis is the production of this heat which can be obligatory, as
      in basal metabolic rate, or it can be facultative such as the response to cold. A
      complex regulatory system has evolved which senses environmental or core
      temperature and integrates this information in hypothalamic regions such as the
      preoptic area and dorsomedial hypothalamus. These areas then send the appropriate
      signals to generate and conserve heat (or dissipate it). In this review, the
      importance of the sympathetic nervous system is discussed in relation to its role
      in basal metabolic rate and adaptive thermogenesis with a particular emphasis to
      human obesity. The efferent sympathetic pathway does not uniformly act on all
      tissues; different tissues can receive different levels of sympathetic drive at
      the same time. This is an important concept in the discussion of the
      pharmacotherapy of obesity. Despite decades of work the medicine chest contains
      only one pill for the long term treatment of obesity, orlistat, a lipase
      inhibitor that prevents the absorption of lipid from the gut and is itself not
      systemically absorbed. The central controlling system for thermogenesis has many
      potential intervention points. Several drugs, previously marketed, awaiting
      approval or in the earlier stages of development may have a thermogenic effect
      via activation of the sympathetic nervous system at some point in the
      thermoregulatory circuit and are discussed in this review. If the balance is
      weighted to the "wrong" side there is the burden of increased cardiovascular risk
      while a shift to the "right" side, if possible, will afford a thermogenic benefit
      that is conducive to weight loss maintenance. This article is part of a Special
      Issue entitled 'Central Control Food Intake'

PMID- 22063720
TI  - StarD7 behaves as a fusogenic protein in model and cell membrane bilayers.
AB  - StarD7 is a surface active protein, structurally related with the START lipid
      transport family. So, the present work was aimed at elucidating a potential
      mechanism of action for StarD7 that could be related to its interaction with a
      lipid-membrane interface. We applied an assay based on the fluorescence de
      quenching of BD-HPC-labeled DMPC-DMPS 4:1 mol/mol SUVs (donor liposomes) induced
      by the dilution with non-labeled DMPC-DMPS 4:1 mol/mol LUVs (acceptor liposomes).
      Recombinant StarD7 accelerated the dilution of BD-HPC in a concentration
      dependent manner. This result could have been explained by either a bilayer
      fusion or monomeric transport of the labeled lipid between donor and acceptor
      liposomes. Further experiments (fluorescence energy transfer between DPH-HPC/BD
      HPC, liposome size distribution analysis by dynamic light scattering, and the
      multinuclear giant cell formation induced by recombinant StarD7) strongly
      indicated that bilayer fusion was the mechanism responsible for the StarD7
      induced lipid dilution. The efficiency of lipid dilution was dependent on StarD7
      electrostatic interactions with the lipid-water interface, as shown by the pH-
      and salt-induced modulation. Moreover, this process was favored by
      phosphatidylethanolamine which is known to stabilize non-lamellar phases
      considered as intermediary in the fusion process. Altogether these findings allow
      postulate StarD7 as a fusogenic protein.

PMID- 22063721
TI  - Opposing roles of connexin43 in glioma progression.
AB  - Despite the tremendous amount of data over the last 40years, lack of gap
      junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) or altered expression of gap
      junction proteins is still a lesser known 'hallmark' of cancer. Expression of
      astrocytic gap junction protein, connexin43 (Cx43), is often reduced in
      astrocytomas, the most common neoplasia of the central nervous system (CNS) in
      adults. Supported by a number of evidences, the global decrease of Cx43
      expression appears to be advantageous for the growth of glioma cells. Although
      the mechanisms by which Cx43 regulates the expression levels of proteins involved
      in cell growth is unclear, there are evidences to suggest that it might be
      independent of their channel forming properties. In this regard, the carboxyl
      tail of Cx43 may have the ability to control the translocation of transcription
      factor regulators into the nucleus. However, this putative tumor suppressor
      effect of Cx43 is counterbalanced by its capacity to enhance the migration of
      glioma cells out of the tumor core through mechanisms that seems to implicate its
      carboxyl tail, possibly by interacting with the actin cytoskeleton. This
      ambivalence between the tumor suppressor effect and promotion of cell migration
      may partly be explained by the heterogeneous expression of Cx43 in the glioma
      core especially at the malignant glioblastoma stage; some tumor cells would be
      expected to migrate (Cx43 expressing cells) and others to proliferate (non
      expressing Cx43 cells). Moreover, the involvement of Cx43 in glioma progression
      seems to be more complex since, in addition, GJIC may increase their resistance
      to apoptosis and Cx43 may also affect cell homeostasis in a paracrine fashion via
      hemichannel action. In conclusion, Cx43 appears to be involved at different
      levels of the glioma progression by acting on cell growth regulation, promotion
      of cell migration and resistance to apoptosis. This article is part of a Special
      Issue entitled: The Communicating junctions, composition, structure and
      characteristics.

PMID- 22063722
TI  - The role of membrane thickness in charged protein-lipid interactions.
AB  - Charged amino acids are known to be important in controlling the actions of
      integral and peripheral membrane proteins and cell disrupting peptides. Atomistic
      molecular dynamics studies have shed much light on the mechanisms of membrane
      binding and translocation of charged protein groups, yet the impact of the full
      diversity of membrane physico-chemical properties and topologies has yet to be
      explored. Here we have performed a systematic study of an arginine (Arg) side
      chain analog moving across saturated phosphatidylcholine (PC) bilayers of
      variable hydrocarbon tail length from 10 to 18 carbons. For all bilayers we
      observe similar ion-induced defects, where Arg draws water molecules and lipid
      head groups into the bilayers to avoid large dehydration energy costs. The free
      energy profiles all exhibit sharp climbs with increasing penetration into the
      hydrocarbon core, with predictable shifts between bilayers of different
      thickness, leading to barrier reduction from 26 kcal/mol for 18 carbons to 6
      kcal/mol for 10 carbons. For lipids of 10 and 12 carbons we observe narrow
      transmembrane pores and corresponding plateaus in the free energy profiles.
      Allowing for movements of the protein and side chain snorkeling, we argue that
      the energetic cost for burying Arg inside a thin bilayer will be small,
      consistent with recent experiments, also leading to a dramatic reduction in pK(a)
      shifts for Arg. We provide evidence that Arg translocation occurs via an ion
      induced defect mechanism, except in thick bilayers (of at least 18 carbons) where
      solubility-diffusion becomes energetically favored. Our findings shed light on
      the mechanisms of ion movement through membranes of varying composition, with
      implications for a range of charged protein-lipid interactions and the actions of
      cell-perturbing peptides. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled:
      Membrane protein structure and function.

PMID- 22063723
TI  - Medicinal plants used in Hmong women's healthcare in northern Thailand.
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: We studied traditional knowledge of medicinal
      plants used for women's healthcare in three Hmong villages in northern Thailand
      and determined how prevalent such knowledge is. We documented traditional medical
      practices and determined which of the species used are culturally important among
      the Hmong. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We interviewed six key informants and 147 non
      specialist informants about their traditional knowledge of medicinal plants used
      in Hmong women's healthcare. We selected nine species that were known in all
      three villages as the domain for questionnaire interviews with 181 additional and
      randomly selected non-specialist informants. We calculated the Cultural
      Importance index (CI) for each species and use category. We tested normality of
      the data, age correlations, and gender correlations with Kolmogorov-Smirnov
      tests, Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Mann
      Whitney tests. RESULTS: We documented traditional knowledge of 79 medicinal
      plants used in women's healthcare. Of these, three species were culturally
      important to the Hmong. Our questionnaire interviews revealed significant
      difference in traditional medicinal plant knowledge between genders and age
      groups. CONCLUSIONS: The Hmong people in northern Thailand possess large amounts
      of traditional knowledge related to women's healthcare and plants used for this
      purpose. However, this knowledge, even for the culturally important species, is
      not possessed by all Hmong and there were signs of knowledge erosion.
      Preservation of the Hmong intellectual heritage related to medicinal plants used
      in women's healthcare requires intensive traditional knowledge dissemination to
      the young Hmong generation.

PMID- 22063724
TI  - Khat (Catha edulis) alters the phenotype and anti-microbial activity of
      peripheral blood mononuclear cells.
AB  - AIMS OF STUDY: The habit of khat chewing has been associated with increased risk
      of systemic and oral disease. Although research has been conducted on the affects
      of khat on oral epithelial cells, little is known about its influence on immune
      cells. This study examined the biological effects of khat on the phenotype and
      function of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      Khat-stimulated PBMCs were examined for signs of cytotoxicity, apoptosis and
      changes in cell surface receptor and cytokine expression. Khat-induced regulation
      of transcription factors and stress-related factors were examined, as was PBMC
      phagocytic activity against oral bacteria. RESULTS: Khat was cytotoxic to PBMC in
      a dose- and time-dependent manner and cell death was mediated by apoptosis. Khat
      treated PBMC showed increased expression of co-stimulatory molecules (CD80, CD86
      and MHC II) and pattern recognition receptors (TLR-2, TLR-4 and TREM-1) but
      secretion of inflammatory cytokines (TNFalpha, IL-6, CCL5, CXCL8) was inhibited.
      In contrast, khat induced an increase in the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 as
      well as IL-2, IFN-gamma, FasL and HSP70. These khat-induced alterations were
      accompanied by increased expression of transcription factors p38 MAPK and HIF
      1alpha, whilst expression of NFkappaB p65 was inhibited. Although the ability of
      PBMC to phagocytose dextran and oral bacteria was inhibited, production of
      reactive oxygen species was increased. CONCLUSION: These data suggest that khat
      may severely influence the effectiveness of immune surveillance and anti
      microbial capacity of PBMCs.

PMID- 22063725
TI  - Identification of hypoglycaemic compounds from berries of Juniperus oxycedrus
      subsp. oxycedrus through bioactivity guided isolation technique.
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Decoction of Juniperus oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus
      L. (Cupressaceae) berries is used internally as tea and pounded fruits are
      consumed to lower blood glucose levels in Turkey. AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate
      hypoglycaemic and antidiabetic activity of J. oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus berries
      and to identify active compounds through bioactivity guided isolation technique.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: Hypoglycaemic effect of J. oxycedrus subsp. oxycedrus
      (Joso) berry extracts on oral administration was studied using in vivo models in
      normal, glucose-hyperglycaemic rats. Streptozotocin induced diabetic rats were
      used to examine antidiabetic activity of Joso extracts, subextracts, fractions,
      subfractions and shikimic acid (SA). RESULTS: Through in vivo bioactivity-guided
      fractionation processes, shikimic acid, 4-O-beta-d-glucopyranosyl ferulic acid
      and oleuropeic acid-8-O-beta-d-glucopyranoside were isolated from the n-butanol
      subextract by silica gel and reverse phase column chromatography as the main
      active ingredient of the active subfraction. After 8 days administration of the
      major compound shikimic acid, blood glucose levels (24%), malondialdehyde levels
      in kidney tissues (63-64%) and liver enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP) of diabetic rats
      were decreased. CONCLUSION: Results indicated that Joso berry extract and its
      active constituents might be beneficial for diabetes and its complications.

PMID- 22063726
TI  - A novel property of propolis (bee glue): anti-pathogenic activity by inhibition
      of N-acyl-homoserine lactone mediated signaling in bacteria.
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: An alternative approach to antibiotics is the
      development of anti-pathogenic agents to control the bacterial virulome. Such
      anti-pathogenic agents could target a phenomena known as quorum sensing (QS).
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six bacterial N-acyl-homoserine lactone (AHL)-dependent
      bioreporter strains were used to evaluate if bee hive glue also known as propolis
      contains constituents capable of inhibiting QS-controlled AHL signaling. In
      addition, the effect of propolis on the QS-dependent swarming motility was
      evaluated with the opportunisitic pathogen, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. RESULTS:
      Differences in the propolis tincture samples were identified by physiochemical
      profiles and absorption spectra. Propolis tinctures at 0.0005% (v/v) that do not
      affect bacteria biosensor growth or the reporter system monitored were exposed to
      biosensors with and without the addition an AHL. No AHL signal mimics were found
      to be present in the propolis tinctures. However, when propolis and an inducer
      AHL signal were together exposed to five Escherichia coli and a Chromobacterium
      violaceum biosensor, propolis disrupted the QS bacterial signaling system in
      liquid- and agar-based bioassays and in C(18) reverse-phase thin-layer plate
      assays. Swarming motility in the opportunistic pathogen, Pseudomonas aeruginosa
      PAO1 and its AHL-dependent LasR- and RhlR-based QS behaviors were also inhibited
      by propolis. CONCLUSIONS: Together, we present evidence that propolis contain
      compounds that suppress QS responses. In this regard, anti-pathogenic compounds
      from bee harvested propolis could be identified and isolated and thus will be
      valuable for the further development of therapeutics to disrupt QS signaling
      systems which regulate the virulome in many pathogenic bacteria.

PMID- 22063727
TI  - Effects of Lecythis pisonis Camb. (Lecythidaceae) in a mouse model of pruritus.
AB  - ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Lecythis pisonis Camb. (Lecythidaceae), is
      popularly known as "Sapucaia". In traditional medicine, leaves are used for the
      treatment of pruritus. AIM OF THE STUDY: The present study is aimed to
      investigate the antipruritic effect of the ethanol extract from leaves of
      Lecythis pisonis (LPEE), fractions (hexane-LPHF, ether-LPEF and ethyl acetate
      LPEAF) and mixture of triterpenes [ursolic and oleanolic acids (MT)] in mice and
      rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The LPEE, LPHF, LPEF, LPEAF and MT were evaluated on
      scratching behavior induced by compound 48/80 in mice. In addition, LPEE, LPEF
      and MT were investigated on rat peritoneal mast cells degranulation induced by
      compound 48/80 (ex vivo study). The anti-inflammatory activity of LPEE and LPEF
      was investigated in rats using carrageenan-induced hind paw edema model. In the
      evaluation of the spontaneous motor activity, the LPEE was studied for its effect
      on spontaneous motor activity in an open-field test in mice. RESULTS: The
      scratching behavior induced by compound 48/80 was significantly inhibited in mice
      pretreated with LPEE, LPHF, LPEF, LPEAF and MT. The suppressive effect of LPEE,
      LPEF and MT was only partially antagonized by naloxone. In addition, the compound
      48/80-elicited degranulation of rat peritoneal mast cells was also markedly
      reduced in animals pretreated with LPEE, LPEF and MT. In the anti-inflammatory
      test, LPEE decreased the paw edema at the third hour after carrageenan (Carr)
      administration. Moreover, LPEF also was able to inhibit the oedematogenic
      response evoked by carr at all analysed time points. In the open-field test, LPEE
      pretreated mice showed no impairment of spontaneous locomotion. Furthermore, the
      LPEE demonstrated no overt toxicity up to an oral dose of 2g/kg in an acute
      toxicity assay. CONCLUSIONS: These results clearly indicate the antipruritic
      effects of Lecythis pisonis leaves and suggest that this effect may be related to
      a stabilizing action on mast cell membrane. Furthermore, these data support the
      traditional use of this plant against cutaneous pruritus.

PMID- 22063728
TI  - A new way to analyze resuscitation quality by reviewing automatic external
      defibrillator data.
AB  - AIMS: High quality cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) plays an important role in
      survival of out-of-hospital cardiac arrests (OHCAs). We have developed an
      algorithm to automatically identify the quality of chest compressions from data
      retrieved from automatic external defibrillators (AEDs). METHODS:
      Electrocardiographic (ECG) signals retrieved from AEDs were analyzed by a newly
      developed algorithm to identify fluctuations in CPR. The algorithm contained
      three steps. First, it decomposed the AED signals into several intrinsic mode
      fluctuations (IMFs) by empirical mode decomposition (EMD). Second, it identified
      the dominant IMFs that carried the chest compression signals and weighted the
      IMFs to both enhance the chest compression oscillations and filter the noise.
      Third, it calculated the autocorrelation function (ACF) of the reconstructed
      signals and tested their periodicity. Using this algorithm, several CPR quality
      indicators were automatically calculated minute-by-minute and compared with those
      derived by audio and visual review of AED data by experienced physicians.
      RESULTS: A total of 77 (29 women, 48 men) OHCA patients were enrolled, and 351
      one-min segments were analyzed. The results showed that the CPR quality
      parameters calculated from the algorithm were highly correlated with those from
      the manual review (all P<0.001). The limits of agreement by Bland-Altman analysis
      were acceptable for chest compression number, total flow time, and no flow time,
      but not for CPR rate. We also demonstrated that only 41.8+/-29.8% of time was
      spent in chest compressions and only 7.5+/-16.8% was spent in adequate chest
      compressions. CONCLUSION: Our results demonstrated that several indicators of CPR
      quality can be precisely and automatically determined by analyzing the ECG
      signals from AEDs using EMD and autocorrelograms.

PMID- 22063730
TI  - Histopathologic patterns of nervous system tumors based on computer vision
      methods and whole slide imaging (WSI).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Making an automatic diagnosis based on virtual slides and whole slide
      imaging or even determining whether a case belongs to a single class,
      representing a specific disease, is a big challenge. In this work we focus on WHO
      Classification of Tumours of the Central Nervous System. We try to design a
      method which allows to automatically distinguish virtual slides which contain
      histopathologic patterns characteristic of glioblastoma--pseudopalisading
      necrosis and discriminate cases with neurinoma (schwannoma), which contain
      similar structures--palisading (Verocay bodies). METHODS: Our method is based on
      computer vision approaches like structural analysis and shape descriptors. We
      start with image segmentation in a virtual slide, find specific patterns and use
      a set of features which can describe pseudopalisading necrosis and distinguish it
      from palisades. Type of structures found in a slide decides about its
      classification. RESULTS: Described method is tested on a set of 49 virtual
      slides, captured using robotic microscope. Results show that 82% of glioblastoma
      cases and 90% of neurinoma cases were correctly identified by the proposed
      algorithm. CONCLUSION: Our method is a promising approach to automatic detection
      of nervous system tumors using virtual slides.

PMID- 22063729
TI  - Passage of low-density lipoproteins through Bruch's membrane and choroid.
AB  - Plasma lipoproteins are thought to transport cholesterol, vitamins and
      carotenoids to the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) for ultimate use by the
      photoreceptors. However, to reach the RPE, these lipoprotein particles must cross
      Bruch's membrane. We examined the reflection coefficient of Bruch's membrane
      (BrM) to low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Bruch's membrane and choroid were removed
      from 47 bovine eyes. Specimens were placed in a Ussing chamber and perfused with
      phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) with (31 specimens) or without (16 specimens)
      fluorescent low-density lipoproteins (DiI-LDL). The hydraulic conductivity of the
      tissue was determined for both calf and cow eyes. In the perfusions with DiI-LDL,
      the fluorescence intensity emitted by DiI-LDL in the efflux was measured and the
      reflection coefficient of BrM/choroid preparations to DiI-LDL determined. Leakage
      tests were done to confirm tissue integrity. Several specimens were examined
      using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to examine tissue integrity before and
      after perfusion. Leak testing confirmed that BrM was intact both before and after
      perfusion. The average hydraulic conductivity of BrM/choroid perfusion of calf
      eyes with PBS alone was 1.42 +/- 0.55 * 10(-9) m/s/Pa (mean +/- SD, n = 11). The
      average hydraulic conductivity of the cow eyes was 4.94 +/- 1.48 * 10(-10) m/s/Pa
      (n = 5), nearly a 3-fold decrease with age. While the flow rate remained constant
      during the PBS perfusions, it decreased as a function of time during perfusion
      with DiI-LDLs. Our major finding was of fluorescence in the effluent collected in
      all perfusions with DiI-LDLs, demonstrating passage of LDL through the tissue.
      The average reflection coefficient of calf BrM/choroid preparations to DiI-LDL
      was 0.58 +/- 0.25 (n = 23); a similar distribution of reflection coefficients was
      seen in tissue from cow eyes (0.51 +/- 0.33, n = 8). Our data suggested that the
      DiI-LDL was modestly hindered and/or captured by the tissue. This might explain
      the progressive decrease of hydraulic conductivity with continued perfusion of
      DiI-LDL.

PMID- 22063731
TI  - An ultra-high speed whole slide image viewing system.
AB  - BACKGROUND: One of the goals for a Whole Slide Imaging (WSI) system is
      implementation in the clinical practice of pathology. One of the unresolved
      problems in accomplishing this goal is the speed of the entire process, i.e.,
      from viewing the slides through making the final diagnosis. Most users are not
      satisfied with the correct viewing speeds of available systems. We have evaluated
      a new WSI viewing station and tool that focuses on speed. METHOD: A prototype WSI
      viewer based on PlayStation(r)3 with wireless controllers was evaluated at the
      Department of Pathology at MGH for the following reasons: 1. For the simulation
      of signing-out cases; 2. Enabling discussion at a consensus conference; and 3.
      Use at slide seminars during a Continuing Medical Education course. RESULTS:
      Pathologists were being able to use the system comfortably after 0-15 min
      training. There were no complaints regarding speed. Most pathologists were
      satisfied with the functionality, usability and speed of the system. The most
      difficult situation was simulating diagnostic sign-out. CONCLUSIONS: The
      preliminary results of adapting the Sony PlayStation(r)3 (PS3(r)) as an ultra
      high speed WSI viewing system were promising. The achieved speed is consistent
      with what would be needed to use WSI in daily practice.

PMID- 22063732
TI  - Contemporary trends in procedural volume for adult facial trauma, 1996-2006.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine how rates of operative facial fractures may have changed
      between 1996 and 2006 and to determine the potential impact of such change on
      otolaryngology residency surgical key indicator cases. STUDY DESIGN: Historical
      cohort study. SETTING: Academic medical center. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The
      National Hospital Discharge Survey (NHDS) and National Survey of Ambulatory
      Surgery (NSAS) 1996 and 2006 cases were reviewed, extracting all cases of adult
      nasal, malar/zygomatic, maxillary, and mandibular fracture reductions in
      inpatient and outpatient settings, respectively. Procedure rates for each facial
      fracture were tabulated and compared between 1996 and 2006. RESULTS: Overall in
      1996, there were an estimated 113,041 +/- 3740 operative facial fracture repairs
      performed. Among the 3 key indicator fracture repairs most relevant to
      otolaryngologists, there were 15,810 +/- 2143 open nasal fracture reductions,
      9360 +/- 1742 open zygomaticomaxillary (ZMC) fracture reductions, and 20,214 +/-
      2585 open mandibular fracture repairs. Overall in 2006, there were 120,463 +/-
      7554 total facial fracture procedures, with 11,613 +/- 2846 open nasal fracture
      reductions, 10,216 +/- 2881 open ZMC fracture reductions, and 17,965 +/- 3171
      open mandibular repairs. Comparing cohorts, there was no significant change in
      number of open nasal, ZMC, or mandibular fracture repairs (P = .24, P = .58, P =
      .80, respectively). CONCLUSION: Facial fracture procedure rates have remained
      largely stable over the past 10 years. These data have implications for
      otolaryngology training programs and could help guide resident education in
      facial trauma.

PMID- 22063733
TI  - Lateral nasal artery pedicled island flap for repair of nasal alar defects.

PMID- 22063734
TI  - Determining the most suitable costal cartilage level for rhinoplasty: an
      experimental study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the biomechanical properties of
      septal cartilage (SC) and costal cartilage (CC) grafts harvested from different
      ribs and to find at which level CC has characteristics closest to SC. STUDY
      DESIGN: Experimental cadaver study. SETTING: Istanbul Training and Research
      Hospital. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Cartilage grafts were harvested from the 6th, 7th,
      and 8th ribs and the SC of 10 fresh cadavers. Shaped cartilage grafts were
      subjected to a bending test. Results were measured, and the force-deflection
      curve was plotted. Flexural strength (sigma(f)) and flexural modulus of
      elasticity (E(f)) were determined. Fractured surfaces were evaluated by scanning
      electron microscopy (SEM). RESULTS: According to F(max), it was determined that
      ribs 6, 7, and 8 have significantly more durability compared with the SC (Ps =
      .030, .004, and .001). With regard to deflection, there was no significant
      difference between the SC and the 6th and 7th ribs and between the 6th and 7th
      ribs (Ps = 1.000, .088, and .306), while a significant difference was found
      between the SC and the 8th rib (P = .001). According to sigma(f), no differences
      were seen between the 6th and 7th rib (P = .782), while difference was detected
      between the 6th and 8th and the 7th and 8th ribs (p = .001). Similar trends were
      established in E(f) values as in sigma(f.) These results were confirmed by SEM
      images. CONCLUSION: The 7th CC can be used as autograft because it shows similar
      properties to SC. However, the 6th CC is preferred if more flexibility is
      desired, and the 8th CC is preferred where more strength is needed.

PMID- 22063735
TI  - Long-term effect of prednisolone on functional blink recovery after transient
      peripheral facial motor paralysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the functional recovery in patients with severe transient
      peripheral facial motor paralysis (Bell palsy). STUDY DESIGN: Prospective
      controlled trial. SETTING: Academic medical center. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Blink
      recovery was studied in 2 groups of severely affected Bell palsy patients during
      a follow-up period of 84 weeks. The patients in one group received prednisolone
      within the first week after the onset of symptoms. No medication was given to the
      other group. A control group of healthy subjects was also included. Simultaneous
      orbicularis oculi muscle activity and eyelid kinematics were recorded by surface
      electromyographic (EMG) recording and eyelid search coils, respectively. RESULTS:
      At the beginning of the paralysis, very little integrated orbicularis oculi
      muscle activity and eyelid movement was measured at the palsied side of the face.
      Thirteen weeks later, the integrated orbicularis oculi EMG and functional blink
      recovery gradually improved until 39 weeks. Beyond, only the integrated
      orbicularis oculi EMG slightly increased. At 84 weeks, the integrated orbicularis
      oculi EMG was significantly larger in the prednisolone group compared with the
      control group. The integrated EMG of the nonmedicated group recovered to normal
      values. Curiously enough, the functional blink recovery at the palsied side
      remained reduced to 64% compared with the healthy controls in the prednisolone
      treated group and to 36% in the nonmedicated group. CONCLUSION: The authors
      demonstrate that prednisolone significantly increased the orbicularis oculi
      muscle activity and significantly improved functional blink recovery in severely
      affected Bell palsy patients. However, the increase of muscle activity was
      insufficient to restore functional blinking to normal values.

PMID- 22063736
TI  - Characteristics of inpatient thyroid surgery at US academic and affiliated
      medical centers.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Describe data from patients undergoing thyroid surgeries for benign
      and malignant disease at US academic medical centers. STUDY DESIGN:
      Retrospective, database search. SETTING: The University Health System (UHC)
      Consortium (Oak Brook, Illinois) data compiled from discharge summaries. SUBJECTS
      AND METHODS: Discharge data were collected from the first quarter of 2002 through
      the fourth quarter of 2009. Searching strategy was based on diagnosis of thyroid
      disease and patients undergoing thyroid surgery across all UHC facilities.
      Demographic information was collected as well as length of stay (LOS) and costs.
      Complications were evaluated in this analysis. RESULTS: During the study period,
      68,014 thyroidectomies were performed, with 27,200 for thyroid cancer. During the
      same period 6365 neck dissections were performed, with 1539 as stand-alone
      procedures. Total thyroidectomy was the procedure of choice for malignant
      disease. More total thyroidectomies and fewer hemithyroidectomies were being
      performed for benign thyroid disease in the inpatient setting. Almost all
      postoperative complications were more frequent after surgery for cancer except
      myocardial infarction and aspiration pneumonia. On average, LOS was longer for
      benign disease, but costs were higher for malignant disease. CONCLUSION: This is
      the largest series reporting inpatient LOS and mortality for thyroid surgery. The
      limitation of this study is that it reports patients whose stays were more than
      23 hours, leaving out a significant number of thyroid surgeries that are
      performed as outpatients. Although the results contribute greatly to
      characterizing inpatient surgery, the results may not reflect current US trends
      for thyroid surgery.

PMID- 22063737
TI  - Anti-inflammatory potential of an ethyl acetate fraction isolated from Justicia
      gendarussa roots through inhibition of iNOS and COX-2 expression via NF-kappaB
      pathway.
AB  - Justicia gendarussa Burm.f. (J. gendarussa) is a plant used as traditional
      medicine in different parts of India and China to treat inflammatory disorders
      like rheumatoid arthritis. But its mechanism of anti-inflammatory action is still
      unclear. Hence in this context, the objective of our study is to reveal the
      mechanism of anti-inflammatory activity of J. gendarussa which would form an
      additional proof to the traditional knowledge of this plant. The anti
      inflammatory function and mechanism(s) of action was studied in an ethyl acetate
      fraction isolated from methanolic extract of J. gendarussa roots (EJG). Anti
      inflammatory studies were conducted on rats using partitioned fractions isolated
      from methanolic extract of J. gendarussa roots. In carrageenan-induced rat paw
      edema, ethyl acetate fraction brought about 80% and 93% edema inhibition at 3rd
      and 5th hour at a dose of 50 mg/kg, when compared to other extracts and Voveran.
      We investigated whether EJG inhibits the release of cycloxygenase (COX), 5
      lipoxygenase (5-LOX), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kappaB)
      in LPS stimulated human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (hPBMCs). Results
      shows that EJG dose dependently inhibited LPS-activated COX, 5-LOX, IL-6, and NF
      kappaB in hPBMCs. EJG also reduced LPS induced levels of iNOS and COX-2 mRNA
      expression in hPBMCs. This study provides an insight into the probable
      mechanism(s) underlying the anti-inflammatory activity of EJG and therefore, we
      report the first confirmation of the anti-inflammatory potential of this
      traditionally employed herbal medicine in vitro.

PMID- 22063739
TI  - 50(th) International Congress of Meat Science and Technology (50th ICoMST)
      Helsinki, Finland, 8-13 August 2004.

PMID- 22063738
TI  - Deficiency in TLR2 but not in TLR4 impairs dendritic cells derived IL-10
      responses to schistosome antigens.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to observe the diverse functions of Toll-like
      receptors (TLRs) in responses to specific schistosome antigens. Bone marrow
      derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) from TLR2-deficient (TLR2(-/-)) or TLR4-deficient
      (TLR4(-/-)) mice were activated with soluble schistosomule antigen (SSA) or
      soluble egg antigen (SEA). TLR2 mRNA expression was significantly increased in B6
      BMDCs following SEA stimulation. TLR2-deficient BMDCs showed enhanced MHCII
      expression following SSA and SEA stimulation. TLR2-deficient but not TLR4
      deficient BMDC failed to produce IL-12p70 and IL-10 in response to schistosome
      antigens. TLR2-deficient BMDCs induced a stronger CD4(+) T cell proliferative
      response. IL-4 and IL-10 expression was inhibited in CD4(+) T cells primed with
      TLR2-deficient BMDCs, while enhanced in TLR4-deficient BMDCs-primed CD4(+) T
      cells. These results suggest that TLR2 is essential for the establishment of the
      DC production of IL-12p70 and IL-10.

PMID- 22063740
TI  - Greetings of the first European meeting of meat research workers.

PMID- 22063741
TI  - Quality pork genes and meat production.
AB  - Functional genomics, including analysis of the transcriptome and proteome,
      provides new opportunities for understanding the molecular processes in muscle
      and how these influence its conversion to meat. The Quality Pork Genes project
      was established to identify genes associated with variation in different aspects
      of raw material (muscle) quality and to then develop genetic tools that could be
      utilized to improve this quality. DNA polymorphisms identified in the porcine
      PRKAG3 and CAST genes illustrate the impact that such tools can have in improving
      meat quality. The resources developed in Quality Pork Genes provide the basis for
      identifying more of these tools.

PMID- 22063742
TI  - Carbohydrate metabolism in meat animals.
AB  - Oxidative energy production is by far dominant in living animal muscles, with the
      exception the short periods of severe stress, where the aerobic capacity is
      exceeded, and formation of large amounts of lactate and protons will take place.
      Energy consumption in muscle cells continues post-mortem with formation of large
      amounts of lactate and protons, because the aerobic processes for energy
      production are not available. Post-mortem, the fall in pH is delayed only by
      buffering capacity of the muscle fibres. In living animals, in addition to
      buffering capacity, both respiration and transport of lactate and protons out of
      the muscle fibres by monocarboxylate transporters participate in the regulation
      of muscle fibre pH which never falls as low as the ultimate pH of the meat.
      Understanding the regulation of pH in muscle is important both for the welfare of
      living animals and from the technological point of view as a factor influencing
      meat quality.

PMID- 22063743
TI  - Intramuscular connective tissue and its role in meat quality.
AB  - The amount, spatial distribution and composition of the connective tissue within
      muscle vary with muscle position in the carcase and with animal age. This has
      long been recognised to influence the tenderness of cooked meat. This paper
      builds upon some historical perspectives with a review of some recent
      clarifications of the biological function of intramuscular connective tissue
      (IMCT) and of its contribution to meat texture, which is clearly multifactorial.
      The perimysial component of IMCT varies most in amount between muscles and is
      also the IMCT structure most involved in defining the mechanical integrity of
      cooked meat. The distribution of perimysium defines muscle fascicle size (muscle
      "grain" size), which is also still regarded as an indicator of tenderness.
      Postmortem conditioning of meat has consistently been shown to reduce the
      strength of intramuscular connective tissue in the raw state, but with equal
      consistency, this has been shown not to affect the toughness of cooked meat.
      Cooking increases IMCT strength in the range 20-50  degrees C and decreases its
      contribution at higher temperatures and longer cooking times. Crosslinking of
      collagen in older animals is generally considered to result in tougher meat,
      although definitive links between mature crosslink content and cooked meat
      toughness have been difficult to prove. In the last quarter-century, IMCT has
      been increasingly viewed as a "background" contributor to meat texture, which is
      difficult to change. However, the large variation in perimysial content of
      muscles in one animal represents an incredible range of expression. This appears
      to be firmly fixed to the functional properties of different muscles. In
      particular, it is hypothesised that definition of muscle fascicle size and shape
      by the bounding perimysium is related to the need for sub-sections of the whole
      muscle to slip past each other in the normal contractile function of the tissue.
      Despite this, the amounts and composition of IMCT can be manipulated by animal
      nutrition and exercise, and factors affecting the turnover of IMCT may especially
      be a future target for manipulation of meat texture.

PMID- 22063744
TI  - The chilling of carcasses.
AB  - Biochemical processes and structural changes that occur in muscle during the
      first 24h postmortem play a great role in the ultimate quality and palatability
      of meat and are influenced by the chilling processes that carcasses are subjected
      to after slaughter. For beef and lamb, employing chilling parameters that
      minimize cold shortening is of greatest importance and can be best addressed by
      ensuring that muscle temperatures are not below 10 degrees C before pH reaches
      6.2. For pork, because of the impact of high muscle temperatures and low pH on
      the development of pale, soft, and exudative (PSE) pork, a more rapid chilling
      process is needed to reduce PSE with the recommended internal muscle temperature
      of 10 degrees C at 12h and 2-4 degrees C at 24h. Spray chilling, a system whereby
      chilled water is applied to carcasses during the early part of postmortem
      cooling, is used to control carcass shrinkage and to improve chilling rates
      through evaporative cooling. Delayed chilling can be used to reduce or prevent
      the negative effects of cold shortening; however, production constraints in high
      volume facilities and food safety concerns make this method less useful in
      commercial settings. Electrical stimulation and alternative carcass suspension
      programs offer processors the opportunity to negate most or all of the effects of
      cold shortening while still using traditional chilling systems. Rapid or blast
      chilling can be an effective method to reduce the incidence of PSE in pork but
      extreme chilling systems may cause quality problems because of the differential
      between the cold temperatures on the outside of the carcass compared to the warm
      muscle temperatures within the carcass (i.e., muscles that are darker in color
      externally and lighter in color internally).

PMID- 22063745
TI  - The safety of pasteurised in-pack chilled meat products with respect to the
      foodborne botulism hazard.
AB  - There has been a substantial increase in sales of pasteurised in-pack chilled
      products over the last decade. It is anticipated that this trend will continue.
      These foods address consumer demand in being of high quality and requiring little
      preparation time. The microbiological safety of these foods commonly depends on a
      combination of a minimal heat treatment, refrigerated storage and a restricted
      shelf-life. The principal microbiological safety hazard for pasteurised in-pack
      meat products is foodborne botulism, as presented by non-proteolytic Clostridium
      botulinum. This review provides a summary of research that has contributed to the
      safe development of these foods without incidence of botulism.

PMID- 22063746
TI  - Microbiological ecology of marinated meat products.
AB  - Marinated meat products are consumed increasingly. In addition to taste,
      marinating has been considered to increase product safety and shelf life. In
      Finland, marinades are complex, spiced sauces. They are acidic water-oil
      emulsions typically containing salt, sugar, sorbate and/or benzoate. Marinated
      products are usually packaged under modified atmospheres. This results in the
      growth of psychrotrophic, anaerobic bacteria like lactic acid bacteria (LAB).
      Marinating did not increase the shelf life of Finnish poultry products and it
      strongly selected novel spoilage LAB. Surprisingly, it neither had inhibitory
      effect on Campylobacter. The buffering capability of meat neutralizes the acidic
      marinade and results in dissociation of the lipophilic acids making their
      antimicrobial effect nonexistent.

PMID- 22063747
TI  - Recent concerns about stunning and slaughter.
AB  - This review summarises information that is relevant to concerns that have
      recently been expressed about stunning and slaughter. It is known that captive
      bolt stunning can result in brain material passing to the lungs via the jugular
      veins. If future studies show that BSE prions pass beyond the lungs to the edible
      carcass, there will be a move away from captive bolt stunning in large cattle
      towards electrical stunning. Greater use of electrical stunning in large cattle
      will increase the importance of blood splash in the beef industry. The
      theoretical causes of blood splash are reviewed to improve our understanding of
      this problem. In some situations it can be due to excessive venous pressure
      causing rupture of a capillary bed some distance from the source of the pressure
      rise, but it is not known whether this applies to electrical stunning. Gas
      stunning is replacing electrical stunning for poultry because it can reduce blood
      spots, which is a similar condition to blood splash. Several gas stunning methods
      are now being used, but it is not clear which of these is the most humane. Anoxic
      stunning leads to carcass convulsions and this causes more carcass damage. In
      fish, recent developments in electrical stunning are showing promise in
      overcoming problems with carcass damage. It is recommended that rock lobsters
      should be chilled or frozen before butchery, to ensure a humane death.

PMID- 22063748
TI  - Effects of heat on meat proteins - Implications on structure and quality of meat
      products.
AB  - Globular and fibrous proteins are compared with regard to structural behaviour on
      heating, where the former expands and the latter contracts. The meat protein
      composition and structure is briefly described. The behaviour of the different
      meat proteins on heating is discussed. Most of the sarcoplasmic proteins
      aggregate between 40 and 60  degrees C, but for some of them the coagulation can
      extend up to 90 degrees C. For myofibrillar proteins in solution unfolding starts
      at 30-32 degrees C, followed by protein-protein association at 36-40 degrees C
      and subsequent gelation at 45-50 degrees C (conc.>0.5% by weight). At
      temperatures between 53 and 63 degrees C the collagen denaturation occurs,
      followed by collagen fibre shrinkage. If the collagen fibres are not stabilised
      by heat-resistant intermolecular bonds, it dissolves and forms gelatine on
      further heating. The structural changes on cooking in whole meat and comminuted
      meat products, and the alterations in water-holding and texture of the meat
      product that it leads to, are then discussed.

PMID- 22063749
TI  - Meat as a component of a healthy diet - are there any risks or benefits if meat
      is avoided in the diet?
AB  - Meat is frequently associated with a "negative" health image due to its "high"
      fat content and in the case of red meat is seen as a cancer-promoting food.
      Therefore, a low meat intake, especially red meat is recommended to avoid the
      risk of cancer, obesity and metabolic syndrome. However, this discussion
      overlooks the fact, that meat is an important source for some of micronutrients
      such as iron, selenium, vitamins A, B12 and folic acid. These micronutrients are
      either not present in plant derived food or have poor bioavailability. In
      addition, meat as a protein rich and carbohydrate "low" product contributes to a
      low glycemic index which is assumed to be "beneficial" with respect to
      overweight, the development of diabetes and cancer (insulin resistance
      hypothesis). Taken together meat is an important nutrient for human health and
      development. As an essential part of a mixed diet, meat ensures adequate delivery
      of essential micronutrients and amino acids and is involved in regulatory
      processes of energy metabolism.

PMID- 22063750
TI  - Meat fats in nutrition.
AB  - This article reviews the fat content and fatty acid composition of meats in the
      human diet and discusses nutritional facts related to meat, meat products and
      other meat-containing foods as sources of dietary fats. Meat is an increasingly
      important source of high-value animal protein worldwide. Meat fat comprises
      mostly monounsaturated and saturated fatty acids, with oleic (C18:1), palmitic
      (C16:0), and stearic acid (C18:0) being the most ubiquitous. Meat and meat
      products are considerable sources of cholesterol in the diet. In most
      industrialized countries, a high meat intake contributes to a higher than
      recommended total and saturated fat and cholesterol intake. Another concern is
      that meat may replace sources of other important nutrients in the diet.
      Therefore, the advice to consumers is to prefer lean meats and low-fat meat
      products and use meat in moderation only.

PMID- 22063751
TI  - Reducing sodium intake from meat products.
AB  - Sodium intake exceeds the nutritional recommendations in many industrialized
      countries. Excessive intake of sodium has been linked to hypertension and
      consequently to increased risk of stroke and premature death from cardiovascular
      diseases. The main source of sodium in the diet is sodium chloride. It has been
      established that the consumption of more than 6g NaCl/day/person is associated
      with an age-increase in blood pressure. Therefore, it has been recommended that
      the total amount of dietary salt should be maintained at about 5-6g/day.
      Genetically salt susceptible individuals and hypertensives would particularly
      benefit from low-sodium diets, the salt content of which should range between 1
      and 3g/day. In industrialized countries, meat products and meat meals at home and
      in catering comprise one of the major sources of sodium, in the form of sodium
      chloride. Sodium chloride affects the flavour, texture and shelf life of meat
      products. The salt intake derived from meat dishes can be lowered by, whenever
      possible, adding the salt, not during preparation, but at the table. In most
      cases, salt contents of over 2% can be markedly lowered without substantial
      sensory deterioration or technological problems causing economical losses. Salt
      contents down to 1.4% NaCl in cooked sausages and 1.75% in lean meat products are
      enough to produce a heat stable gel with acceptable perceived saltiness as well
      as firmness, water-binding and fat retention. A particular problem with low-salt
      meat products is, however, that not only the perceived saltiness, but also the
      intensity of the characteristic flavour decreases. Increased meat protein content
      (i.e. lean meat content) in meat products reduces perceived saltiness. The
      required salt content for acceptable gel strength depends on the formulation of
      the product. When phosphates are added or the fat content is high, lower salt
      additions provide a more stable gel than in non-phosphate and in low-fat
      products. Small differences in salt content at the 2% level do not have marked
      effects on shelf life of the products. By using salt mixtures, usually NaCl/KCl,
      the intake of sodium (NaCl) can be further reduced.

PMID- 22063752
TI  - Feeding and meat quality - a future approach.
AB  - The continuous demand for high standards of quality assurance in the meat
      production of today and tomorrow calls for development of new tools capable of
      meeting such demands. The present paper aims to re-think the traditional way of
      using feeding as a quality control tool in the production of meat and to
      introduce the potential of a nutrigenomic approach as a first step in the
      development of pro-active quality control systems which fulfil future demands
      from industry and consumers. A few chosen examples present how specific feeding
      strategies can manipulate (i) muscle protein turnover and thereby meat tenderness
      as well as the cost and sustainability of the production and (ii) muscle energy
      levels at slaughter and thereby the pH decline, water-holding capacity and the
      sensory characteristics of meats. The examples are discussed in relation to
      exploiting essential and basic understanding of physiological and physical
      processes, which can subsequently be included in a systems biology line of
      thought of importance for development of unique decision support systems in
      future meat production.

PMID- 22063753
TI  - The future of BSE from the global perspective.
AB  - Although, the bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) risk of most countries in
      Europe has been assessed and they have implemented both measures to control BSE
      and extensive surveillance systems, complete and valid data is still not
      consistently available. Globally, data is largely unavailable. Assessments based
      on incomplete or invalid information could lead to false conclusions. The BSE
      risk of countries throughout the world must continue to be assessed, and
      improvements in collection of surveillance data must be made, both in countries
      already reporting BSE cases and worldwide, in order to evaluate the global BSE
      picture and assure that cattle and products can be safely traded.

PMID- 22063754
TI  - Cyclosulfamide-based derivatives as inhibitors of noroviruses.
AB  - An optimization campaign focused on improving pharmacological activity and
      physicochemical properties of a recently-identified class of cyclosulfamide-based
      norovirus inhibitors has been carried out. Dimeric compound 4 was found to be a
      ~10-fold more potent norovirus inhibitor (ED(50) 0.4 MUM) compared to the
      original hit, however, isonipecotic acid ester derivatives 7e and 10a were shown
      to have superior therapeutic indices.

PMID- 22063755
TI  - Anti-AIDS agents 85. Design, synthesis, and evaluation of 1R,2R-dicamphanoyl-3,3
      dimethyldihydropyrano-[2,3-c]xanthen-7(1H)-one (DCX) derivatives as novel anti
      HIV agents.
AB  - In this study, 1R,2R-dicamphanoyl-3,3-dimethydihydropyrano[2,3-c]xanthen-7(1H)
      one (DCX) derivatives were designed and synthesized as novel anti-HIV agents
      against both wild-type and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase (RT) inhibitor
      resistant HIV-1 (RTMDR-1) strains. Twenty-four DCX analogs (6-29) were
      synthesized and evaluated against the non-drug-resistant HIV-1 NL4-3 strain, and
      selected analogs were also screened for their ability to inhibit the RTMDR-1
      strain. Compared with the control 2-ethyl-3',4'-di-O-(-)-camphanoyl-2',2'
      dimethyldihydropyrano[2,3-f]chromone (2-EDCP, 2), one of the best anti-HIV
      coumarin derivatives in our prior study, three DCX compounds (7, 12, and 22)
      showed better activity against both HIV strains with an EC(50) range of 0.062
      0.081 MUM, and five additional compounds (8, 11, 16, 18, and 21) exhibited
      comparable anti-HIV potency. Six DCX analogs (7, 11-12, 18, and 21-22) also
      showed enhanced selectivity index (SI) values in comparison to the control.
      Structure-activity relationship (SAR) information suggested that the extended
      conjugated system of the pyranoxanthone skeleton facilitates the interaction of
      the small DCX molecule within the viral binding pocket, consequently leading to
      enhanced anti-HIV activity and selectivity. Compared to DCP compounds, DCX
      analogs are a more promising new class of anti-HIV agents.

PMID- 22063756
TI  - Treatment of clavicle fractures: current concepts review.
AB  - Clavicle fractures are common in adults and children. Most commonly, these
      fractures occur within the middle third of the clavicle and exhibit some degree
      of displacement. Whereas many midshaft clavicle fractures can be treated
      nonsurgically, recent evidence suggests that more severe fracture types exhibit
      higher rates of symptomatic nonunion or malunion. Although the indications for
      surgical fixation of midshaft clavicle fractures remain controversial, they
      appear to be broadening. Most fractures of the medial or lateral end of the
      clavicle can be treated nonsurgically if fracture fragments remain stable.
      Surgical intervention may be required in cases of neurovascular compromise or
      significant fracture displacement. In children and adolescents, these injuries
      mostly consist of physeal separations, which have a large healing potential and
      can therefore be managed conservatively. Current concepts of clavicle fracture
      management are discussed including surgical indications, techniques, and results.

PMID- 22063757
TI  - Synthesis, characterization and comparison of antimicrobial activity of
      PEG/TritonX-100 capped silver nanoparticles on collagen scaffold.
AB  - Silver nanoparticles have received attention as novel antimicrobial agents. In
      order to study the effects of silver nanoparticles on both Gram positive and
      negative bacteria, the nanoparticles were synthesized via chemical reduction
      method using different concentrations (0.3, 0.6 and 0.9 mM) of poly(ethylene)
      glycol (PEG) and TritonX-100 (TX). Also, mixed PEG/TX systems with equimolar
      concentrations capped silver nanoparticles were synthesized and confirmed by UV
      vis, fluorescence spectroscopy and particle size analysis. These coated silver
      nanoparticles were incorporated into collagen, lyophilized to form scaffolds and
      characterized by SEM, XRD, ATR-FTIR, DSC, TGA and zeta potential. Results on
      mechanical property of all the scaffolds displayed no significant difference in
      the percentage elongation at break. However, the maximum percentage of 46.67% was
      observed with the combinations (0.9 mM PEG+0.9 mM TX). This implies that the
      combinations of surfactants increase the elasticity, which is useful for
      biomedical applications, e.g., heart-valve preparations. Furthermore, the
      antimicrobial activities of these capped silver nanoparticles homogenized with
      collagen were tested against both Gram positive and negative bacteria. Minimum
      inhibitory concentration values obtained for the combination (0.9 mM PEG+0.9 mM
      TX) were found to be better than others and thus provide strong antibacterial
      property to the collagen scaffolds prepared for tissue regeneration applications.

PMID- 22063758
TI  - A novel toxic alkaloid from poison hemlock (Conium maculatum L., Apiaceae):
      identification, synthesis and antinociceptive activity.
AB  - 2-Pentylpiperidine, named conmaculatin, a novel volatile alkaloid related to
      coniine was identified from the renowned toxic weed Conium maculatum L.
      (Apiaceae). The structure of conmaculatin was corroborated by synthesis (8 steps
      starting from cyclohexanol, overall yield 12%). Conmaculatin's strong peripheral
      and central antinociceptive activity in mice was observed in a narrow dose range
      (10-20mg/kg). It was found to be lethal in doses higher than 20mg/kg.

PMID- 22063760
TI  - American Pediatric Society 2011 Presidential Address: Earthquakes, tectonic
      shifts in graduate medical education, and the role of the APS in finding solid
      ground.

PMID- 22063762
TI  - Dissemination of central nervous system tissue from the brain and spinal cord of
      cattle after captive bolt stunning and carcass splitting.
AB  - In the absence of reliable live animal tests for the presence of BSE in cattle, a
      number of measures have been applied to exclude specified risk materials (SRM)
      from the human food chain. However, concerns remain that current practices in the
      stunning and slaughter of cattle may disseminate central nervous system (CNS)
      tissue to meat and meat contact surfaces. The objective of this study was to
      establish the particular risks of CNS tissue dissemination associated with
      captive bolt stunning and carcass splitting. The study applied enzyme linked
      immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) in the detection and quantification of two CNS
      proteins, syntaxin 1b and GFAP. The study observed extensive dispersal of both
      CNS proteins onto equipment, beef hide and personnel. These results demonstrate
      that despite the rigorous application of current SRM control policies, normal
      slaughter practices continue to present significant opportunities for CNS
      material including BSE prion present in the CNS of any sub-clinically infected
      cattle to contaminate meat entering the human food chain.

PMID- 22063763
TI  - Strategies to eliminate atypical flavours and aromas in sow loins. I.
      Optimization of sodium tripolyphosphate, sodium bicarbonate, and injection level.
AB  - Sow meat has been identified to possess objectionable atypical aromas and flavors
      we have termed as "sow taint". The objective of this study was to identify
      optimum concentrations of sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO(3)), sodium tripolyphosphate
      (PO(4)) and percentage marination solution that reduces or eliminates sow taint.
      Sow loins (N=20) with atypical aromas and flavors were treated with solutions
      containing sodium tripolyphosphate and sodium bicarbonate with concentrations
      ranging from 0.25 to 0.50% and 0.35 to 0.70 M, respectively. Injection levels
      (pump) ranged from 5 to 15% (wt./wt.). Marinated loin chops were evaluated for
      flavor and textural attributes by a trained sensory panel. Response surface
      methodology determined four optimum treatment combinations (15% pump, 0.5% PO(4),
      0.70 M NaHCO(3); 15% pump, 0.25% PO(4), 0.70 M NaHCO(3); 15% pump, 0.25% PO(4),
      0.35 M NaHCO(3); and 15% pump, 0.25% PO(4), 0.35 M NaHCO(3)) that reduced
      (P<0.05) metallic aroma, metallic and sour aftertastes, and detectable connective
      tissue while improving (P<0.05) muscle fiber tenderness, juiciness, and overall
      tenderness.

PMID- 22063764
TI  - Strategies to eliminate atypical aromas and flavors in sow loins-part II:
      consumer acceptance of loins marinated with sodium tripolyphosphate and sodium
      bicarbonate.
AB  - An identified challenge in using sow loins as a raw material for value added
      enhanced whole muscle products is to eliminate or minimize objectionable atypical
      aromas and flavors ("sow taint," ST) that may occur in some sow carcasses. The
      objective of this study was to determine consumer acceptance of sow loins
      exhibiting atypical aromas and flavors marinated with a solution of salt, sodium
      tripolyphosphate and sodium bicarbonate. Sow loins (N=34) with atypical aromas
      and flavors and commodity loins (N=6) were fabricated into anterior and posterior
      loin sections and marinated with one of four ST marinade treatment combinations
      (15% pump, 0.5% PO(4), 0.70 M NaHCO(3); 15% pump, 0.25% PO(4), 0.70 M NaHCO(3);
      15% pump, 0.25% PO(4), 0.35 M NaHCO(3); and 15% pump, 0.25% PO(4), 0.35 M
      NaHCO(3)), or a control marinade (0.25% sodium tripolyphosphate, 15% injection
      level) and evaluated by a consumer sensory panel. Sensory ratings determined that
      ST loin chops injected with a 15% solution of sodium tripolyphosphate (0.50%) and
      sodium bicarbonate (0.35 M) were not different (P>0.05) than loin chops from
      marinated commodity control loin sections (N=12) for flavor, texture, juiciness,
      and overall acceptability. These results indicate that a solution containing
      sodium tripolyphosphate and sodium bicarbonate minimized the detection of
      atypical aromas and flavors in sow loins.

PMID- 22063765
TI  - Pore formation in cured-smoked pork determined with image analysis-effects of
      tumbling and RN(-) gene.
AB  - The objective of the present study was to investigate the effects of RN genotype
      (rn(+)/rn(+) or RN(-)/rn(+)) and tumbling condition (tumbled or non-tumbled) on
      the number of undesirable pore formation in cured-smoked loins using image
      analysis. Even when not significant, RN(-)/rn(+) loins contained more pores than
      rn(+)/rn(+) loins. Tumbling clearly decreased the total number of pores, but
      increased the mean area per pore. Tumbled rn(+)/rn(+) loins contained half the
      number of pores compared with tumbled RN(-)/rn(+) loins. Even if RN genotype and
      tumbling influenced the number of pores they did not explain the development of
      pores in processed meat. The high correlations found when comparing the image
      analysis results with data from a trained sensory panel and visually scored
      images indicate that image analysis is a good tool in this type of
      investigations.

PMID- 22063766
TI  - Meat quality, fatty acid composition and flavour analysis in Belgian retail beef.
AB  - The objective of this study was to evaluate the differences in biochemical,
      sensorial and quality characteristics of retail beef in Belgium. Four types of
      beef (Belgian Blue double-muscled, Limousin, Irish and Argentine) and two
      different muscles (longissimus lumborum and semimembranosus) were bought at the
      retail level and compared with regard to colour, shear force, collagen content,
      fatty acid analysis, taste panel evaluation as well as flavour analysis. Belgian
      Blue and Limousin beef had a paler colour, lower collagen and intramuscular fat
      contents. Fatty acid profiles were significantly different between the four
      types, with significantly higher PUFA/SFA and n-6/n-3 ratios for Belgiam Blue and
      Limousin beef compared to Argentine and Irish beef. There were significant
      differences between the meat types for taste panel tenderness and shear force,
      however both measurements did not fully correspond. Flavour analysis by gas
      chromatography-mass spectrometry as well as sensory analysis demonstrated that
      Irish and Argentine beef had a higher flavour intensity related to higher
      contents of volatile compounds. Differences in tenderness and flavour between the
      meat types were probably affected by differences in ageing time, related to
      import vs local production of meat.

PMID- 22063767
TI  - Physico-chemical characteristics of carcass and meat Manchego-breed suckling
      lambs slaughtered at different weights.
AB  - Forty-nine Manchego-breed lambs raised exclusively on their dams' milk until
      slaughter were used in this study. The effects of gender and slaughter weight
      (10, 12 and 14 kg) on carcass fatness, meat quality and the fatty acid
      composition of their fat were studied. Fatness, and in particular dorsal-fat
      thickness (P?0.01), increased with live weight. The effect of gender was even
      greater (P?0.001), as female lambs presented the highest fatness values for all
      parameters studied. The smallest drop in m. longissimus pH values was seen in the
      lowest-weight (10 kg) lambs. These same lambs displayed the highest L* value and
      thus the lightest colour. Fatty acid composition, which was not influenced by
      live weight, was affected by gender. The subcutaneous fat of female lambs
      contained more linolenic acid (C18:3) (P?0.01) and a greater proportion of
      polyunsaturated fatty acids than that of male lambs (P?0.001). Likewise, the
      intramuscular fat of female lambs displayed a greater proportion of
      monounsaturated fatty acids (P?0.001) than that of male lambs.

PMID- 22063768
TI  - Development of a polymerase chain reaction assay for species identification of
      goose and mule duck in foie gras products.
AB  - Polymerase chain reaction amplification of a conserved region of the alpha-actin
      gene has been used for the specific identification of goose (Anser anser) and
      mule duck (Anas platyrhynchos*Cairina moschata) foie gras. Universal primers were
      used for the amplification of a DNA fragment containing three introns and four
      exons of the alpha-actin gene in goose and mule duck. Sequence analysis of the
      amplified fragments was necessary for the design of forward species-specific
      primers in the goose and mule duck alpha-actin genes. The use of species-specific
      forward primers, together with a reverse universal primer, produced amplicons of
      different length, allowing clear identification of goose and mule duck foie gras
      samples. Analysis of experimental mixtures demonstrated that 1% of duck can be
      easily detected in goose foie gras using the PCR method developed here. This
      genetic marker can be very useful for the accurate identification of these two
      species in foie gras products.

PMID- 22063769
TI  - Comparison of six crossbred lamb types: sensory, physical and nutritional meat
      quality characteristics.
AB  - The effect of crossbreeding on lamb meat quality was examined on the M.
      longissimus dorsi and M. semimembranosus of South African lamb breed
      combinations. The lambs were sired by Dormer (D) and Suffolk (S) rams and born to
      Merino (M), Dohne Merino (DM) and SA Mutton Merino (SAMM) ewes to give six breed
      combinations. Ratings of sensory attributes on the M. semimembranosus of the
      different lamb breed combinations were obtained from a trained descriptive panel.
      The moisture, total lipids, protein, ash, mineral content and fatty acid
      composition of the M. semimembranosus were also obtained. Physical parameters
      measured on the M. longissimus dorsi were: pH(48), drip loss, cooking loss and
      Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBS). Breed did not have a significant effect
      (P>0.05) on the sensory quality of lamb, except for D*SAMM lambs which only
      showed a significantly higher (P?0.05) initial juiciness compared to S*M.
      However, breed had a significant effect on pH(48), WBS, protein content and the
      fatty acid and mineral composition.

PMID- 22063770
TI  - Effect of the relative humidity of drying air during the resting period on the
      composition and appearance of dry-cured ham surface.
AB  - This study evaluates the effect of three different relative humidities (RH)
      during the resting period on the composition of the external part of
      Semimembranosus muscle (2 mm thick) and the appearance of the surface of the dry
      cured ham after resting and ageing. Forty-eight hams stored after salting for 40
      days at 4+/-1  degrees C and three different RH (52+/-3, 78+/-3 and 85+/-3%) were
      studied. Half of the hams in each treatment were sampled after the resting period
      and the rest were aged for 8 additional months at the same temperature and RH.
      Storage of hams at 52% RH during resting produced a white appearance in some
      parts of the rind and increased the surface covered with oil drip. Hams stored at
      78% showed a similar composition to those stored at 52%, except for the higher
      moisture content and lower Na/moisture ratio at the end of the resting period,
      and potassium content (on dry matter, dm) at the end of the process. At the end
      of resting no white rind was observed, and at the end of the process the surface
      covered with oil drip was slightly lower than at 52%. Storage of hams at 85% RH
      increased the surface pH, Na2HPO4.12H2O crystallisation, Mg (dm), Mg/moisture, K
      (dm) and NPN/NT at the end of the resting period, and increased the pH and Mg
      (dm), Mg/moisture, Na/moisture, K/moisture, the ash (dm) and ash/moisture
      contents and decreased the a(w) and the surface covered with oil drip at the end
      of the process.

PMID- 22063771
TI  - The significance of cooling rate on water dynamics in porcine muscle from
      heterozygote carriers and non-carriers of the halothane gene-a low-field NMR
      relaxation study.
AB  - The post mortem changes in the chemical/physical state distribution of water were
      followed in pig muscle (M. longissimus dorsi) from heterozygote (n=12) and non
      carriers (n=12) of the halothane gene exposed to two different cooling profiles
      using continuous low-field NMR relaxation measurements. T(2) relaxation data were
      analyzed using distributed exponential fitting analysis. Independent of genotype
      post mortem changes were observed in the two water populations characterizing
      water within the myofibrillar space (T(21)) and the extra-myofibrillar space
      (T(22)), respectively, as a function of chilling regime. The effect was most
      pronounced in samples from heterozygote carriers of the halothane gene. The
      obtained results strongly suggest that improved water-holding capacity of muscles
      upon fast chilling can be ascribed to a reduced accumulation of extra
      myofibrillar water in the meat post mortem, and it is hypothesized that
      differences in the accumulation of extra-myofibrillar water post mortem can be
      ascribed largely to the time at which disruption of cell membrane integrity takes
      place.

PMID- 22063772
TI  - Whey protein concentrates effects on pink color development in a cooked ground
      turkey breast model system.
AB  - The ability of whey protein concentrates (WPCs) to reduce pink color in cooked
      ground turkey was investigated. Ground turkey was formulated with no ligand and
      nitrite and nicotinamide to induce pinking. Five WPCs with 34 or 80% protein were
      tested and turkey samples were cooked to 80 and 85  degrees C and stored for 1
      and 7 days. Three WPCs reduced a* values in turkey without added nitrite or
      nicotinamide and one WPC reduced nitrite induced pinking. In nicotinamide-induced
      pink turkey, two WPCs reduced a* values and two WPCs increased pink color.
      Nitrosylhemochrome was reduced by two WPCs and nicotinamide hemochrome was
      reduced by one WPC and increased by two WPCs. Increased cooking temperatures
      enhanced inhibitory effects or reduced reddening effects of two WPCs. Storage
      time and protein content had minimal effects on pink color. Whey protein
      concentrates have the potential to reduce the pink defect in cooked uncured
      turkey, although the mechanism is unclear.

PMID- 22063773
TI  - The effect of supplementation with expanded sunflower seed on carcass and meat
      quality of lambs raised on pasture.
AB  - The use of conventional concentrates in the supplementation of grass-based fed
      lambs may induce improvements in growth performance and/or carcass quality but
      may be disadvantageous in fatty acid profile of tissues, with a negative impact
      in some nutritional indexes. The objective of this trial was to evaluate the
      effects on growth performance, carcass and meat quality of using unprotected,
      unsaturated fat as a supplement for grass-fed based lambs. Twenty-four Merino
      Branco ram lambs raised on pasture, were supplemented with corn whole grain plus
      sunflower meal or corn whole grain plus expanded sunflower seed, from 20 to 30 kg
      live weight. The supplement had no effects on growth performance, carcass quality
      traits, or meat pH, colour estimates (L(*), a(*), b(*)), water-holding capacity,
      shear force and sensorial attributes. However, lambs supplemented with expanded
      sunflower seed showed higher proportions of cis-9, trans-11 octadecadienoic acid
      and trans-vaccenic acid in intramuscular and subcutaneous fat, showing that the
      inclusion of unprotected lipids in lambs diet was effective in preventing the
      reduction of rumenic acid (C18:2 cis-9, trans-11) that occurs when conventional
      concentrates are used as a supplement.

PMID- 22063774
TI  - Application of constant current, low voltage electrical stimulation systems to
      pig carcasses and its effects on pork quality.
AB  - This study examined the effectiveness of a constant current, low voltage
      electrical stimulation system on improving pork quality when applied to pigs at 2
      min post-exsanguination. A total of 48 female Duroc*Large White/Landrace pigs of
      85-90 kg liveweight were randomly allocated immediately prior to slaughter to one
      of four constant current electrical stimulation treatments: control (no
      electrical stimulation), 50, 200 and 400 mA. Stimulation was applied to pig
      carcasses at 2 min post-exsanguination for 30 s. No differences (P>0.05) in WB
      shear force values, muscle lightness or PSE incidence of pork M. longissimus
      lumborum (LL) was found due to electrical stimulation treatment. Muscle pH of the
      LL muscle was lower (P<0.001) in carcasses in the 200 and 400 mA treatments
      compared to those from carcasses in both the 50 mA and control treatment groups,
      when measured at the various time points from 40 min to 8 h post-slaughter.
      Although carcasses stimulated with 200 and 400 mA had higher percentage drip loss
      (P<0.05) and purge (P<0.001), this was not found to impact WB shear force values,
      muscle lightness or PSE incidence.

PMID- 22063775
TI  - Effect of low voltage electrical stimulation of pig carcasses and ageing on
      sensory attributes of fresh pork.
AB  - The effect of electrically stimulating pig carcasses and ageing on sensory
      attributes of pork was evaluated in this study. A total of 48 female pigs
      [Duroc*Large White/Landrace (A; n=24) and Large White/Landrace (B; n=24)] were
      randomly allocated immediately prior to slaughter to one of two low voltage
      stimulation treatments; no stimulation or 150 mA applied for 30 s at 2 min post
      exsanguination. Each side of the carcass was then randomly allocated to an ageing
      treatment of either 2 or 7 days post-slaughter. Muscle pH of the M. longissimus
      lumborum was lower (P<0.001) in electrically stimulated carcasses when measured
      from 40 min to 8 h post-slaughter compared with non-stimulated carcasses.
      Percentage drip loss, muscle lightness and PSE incidence were not influenced
      (P>0.05) by electrical stimulation. Electrical stimulation of pig carcasses and
      ageing pork for 7 days post-slaughter both improved (P<0.001) consumer scores for
      tenderness, juiciness, overall liking and quality category, however the
      interaction term of electrical stimulation and ageing was not significant for any
      of the sensory attributes. Pork from non-stimulated carcasses that was aged for 2
      day post-slaughter was less tender (P<0.01) compared with pork in all other
      treatments. These results indicate that electrical stimulation (150 mA applied
      for 30 sec at 2 min post-exsanguination) was effective in improving eating
      quality attributes of pork, particularly when pork was aged for only 2 days post
      slaughter, without detrimentally affecting colour or drip loss.

PMID- 22063776
TI  - Effect of stun duration and current level applied during head to back and head
      only electrical stunning of pigs on pork quality compared with pigs stunned with
      CO(2).
AB  - The effect of current, duration and method of application of manual electrical
      stunning on pork carcass and meat quality attributes in comparison with stunning
      pigs with CO(2) was investigated. Two experiments were conducted using a total of
      96 Large White*Landrace boars (homozygous dominant for the halothane gene). In
      Experiment 1, 48 pigs were allocated to one of six stunning treatments: CO(2)
      (90% in air), electrical stunning (ES) using head only (HO) tongs delivering
      current at a frequency of 50 Hz at 1.3 or 2.0 A for 4 s and 0.9, 1.3 or 2.0 A for
      19 s. Higher drip loss occurred in M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL)
      muscles from ES pigs, except those stunned with 0.9 A for 19 s, compared with
      pigs stunned with CO(2). The incidence of pale, soft exudative (PSE) meat was
      higher in ES pigs, except those stunned at 1.3 A for 4 s, compared with CO(2)
      stunned pigs. In Experiment 2, 48 pigs were allocated to one of six stunning
      treatments: ES using a head to back (HB) handpiece delivering current at 1.3 or
      2.0 A for 4 s and 0.9 or 1.3 A for 10 s; HO 1.3 A for 4 s or CO(2). Although
      stunning treatment did not influence ultimate pH, muscle lightness, tenderness or
      cooking loss, drip loss and PSE incidence in LTL muscles from CO(2) stunned pigs
      were lower compared with ES pigs. Overall, ecchymosis and bone fractures were
      more prevalent in ES pigs compared with CO(2) stunned pigs. This research
      identified that stunning pigs with CO(2) compared with manual ES lowered the
      incidence of bone fractures, ecchymosis, PSE and drip loss of pork.

PMID- 22063777
TI  - Effect of transport time and ageing on aspects of beef quality.
AB  - Forty-eight bulls were transported by road in groups of eight for approximately
      30 min, 3 or 6 h in two replicates. After slaughter, steaks from the longissimus
      dorsi thoracis of all transported animals were analysed in terms of pH, water
      holding capacity, myoglobin concentration, texture at 7 and 14 days of ageing
      (compression and Warner-Bratzler analyses) and colour of the same surface of meat
      cut at 24 h post-mortem and allowed to bloom for 24 h and 7 d (L(*)a(*)b(*),
      chroma and hue). The myofibrillar resistance of the meat from animals transported
      30 min was significantly greater at 20% compression (P<0.05). The maximum load
      and a(*)b(*) and chroma were all lower for meat aged 14 days.

PMID- 22063778
TI  - The influence of RN genotype, including the new V199I allele, on the eating
      quality of pork loin.
AB  - The eating quality of M. longissimus dorsi (LD) from RN(-) homozygotes, RN(-)
      heterozygotes and RN(-) non-carriers was investigated in a Swedish
      Hampshire*Finnish Landrace pig population. The recently identified new allele
      (V199I, here denoted rn*) at the RN locus was also detected among the pigs
      selected and included in the sensory evaluation. The number of animals varied
      from 10 to 15 in the five genotype groups; RN(-)/RN(-), RN(-)/rn+, RN(-)/rn*,
      rn+/rn+ and rn+/rn* (in total 59 pigs). In addition, one pig was determined to be
      rn*/rn* but was excluded from the analysis. The three genotypes in which the RN(
      ) allele was represented (RN(-)/RN(-), RN(-)/rn+ and RN(-)/rn*) had higher
      glycogen and lower protein contents as well as lower ultimate pH (measured 48 h
      post-mortem) in LD than the non-carriers (rn+/rn+ and rn+rn*). Of the sensory
      parameters evaluated (tenderness, chewing time, chewing residual, juiciness, meat
      flavour and acidity), the five RN genotypes only affected acidity significantly;
      the RN(-) allele contributing to a more acid taste in LD. The influence of the
      rn* allele resembled that of rn+ on the sensory parameters. When the material was
      divided into three groups (homozygous, heterozygous and non-carriers of the RN(-)
      allele) the juiciness was found to be significantly influenced by RN genotype,
      and LD from animals that were homozygous and heterozygous with respect to the RN(
      ) allele exhibited a higher juiciness than LD from non-carriers. The RN(-) allele
      also tended to contribute to greater tenderness, which was significantly higher
      in LD from heterozygous carriers than from non-carriers of the RN(-) allele. A
      more rapid decline in pH (measured as pH at 45 min and 3 h post-mortem)
      contributed to a greater tenderness in LD (according to a trained panel and
      Warner-Bratzler shear force). In addition to the RN genotype, the decline in pH
      was influenced by carcass weight, which varied between 71 and 97 kg, and by
      stunning procedure, which changed during the course of the study from individual
      to group stunning with CO(2). The individual stunning procedure contributed to a
      lower pH in the initial post-mortem phase (pH(45)), whereas a higher carcass
      weight and the RN(-) allele lowered the pH in the mid-post-mortem region (pH(3h)
      and pH(24h)), significantly (P?0.05). The pH continued to decline after 24 h post
      mortem and the ultimate pH was not reached until 48 h post-mortem. The cooking
      loss, juiciness and acidity were related to the specific characteristics of the
      RN(-) carriers, such as higher glycogen content, lower protein content and lower
      ultimate pH (pH(48h)).

PMID- 22063779
TI  - Effect of phosphate with tumbling on lipid oxidation of precooked roast beef.
AB  - This study was a 4*2*4 factorial experiment, sodium tripolyphosphate (0, 0.25,
      0.4 and 0.5%), tumbling (nontumbled and tumbled), and storage time (day 0, 2, 4
      and 7). Cooking yield was dependent on the level of phosphate and tumbling. For
      thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) values, only sodium
      tripolyphosphate level and storage time had a significant two-way interaction.
      The TBARS value of tumbled roast beef with phosphates was the same as that of
      nontumbled roast beef. For the interaction of phosphate level and storage time,
      roast beef without phosphate had the significantly highest TBARS values compared
      with other phosphate levels at day 4 of storage. At day 7, the addition of 0.5%
      phosphate maintained the oxidative stability of precooked roast beef. The use of
      0.5% sodium tripolyphosphate, an iron chelator, should be an effective strategy
      to reduce the formation of TBARS in precooked roast beef.

PMID- 22063780
TI  - Improvement of nutritional properties of Chorizo de Pamplona by replacement of
      pork backfat with soy oil.
AB  - Dry fermented sausages with a partial substitution of 15, 20 and 25% of pork
      backfat by pre-emulsified soy oil were prepared. No differences were detected in
      the water, protein and fat content between control and modified sausages.
      Cholesterol amount scarcely decreased in the modified sausages (92.96 mg/100 g
      product in control sausages, 87.71 mg/100 g in sausages prepared with 25% of
      substitution). No increase in oxidation was detected through chemical or sensory
      analysis in modified sausages. Saturated fatty acids (SFA) and monounsaturated
      fatty acids (MUFA) in control products were 37.83 and 45.78 g/100 g of total
      fatty acid, respectively, decreasing in the modified formulations, to 32.81 and
      42.09 g/100 g of total fatty acid in the 25% replacement products, respectively.
      Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) increased from 15.22 (control) to 23.96 g/100
      g of total fatty acid (25% product) due to the significant increase in linoleic
      and alpha-linolenic acids when soy oil was added. In relation to texture profile
      analysis (TPA), hardness and springiness did not show significant differences
      among products. The instrumental measured colours were comparable with that of
      commercial products. Sensory evaluation of most of the modified sausages did not
      show significant differences with regard to the control.

PMID- 22063781
TI  - Effect of sex and terminal sire genotype on performance, carcass characteristics,
      and meat quality of pigs slaughtered at 117 kg body weight.
AB  - The effects of gender (barrows; gilts) and terminal sire genotype (DD, Danish
      Duroc; PxLW, Pietrain*Large White) on performance and carcass and meat quality of
      pigs sacrificed at a fixed weight of 117 kg were studied. Barrows ate more feed,
      grew faster, and had poorer feed conversion and less yield of trimmed lean cuts
      than gilts. Castrates were fatter and had more intramuscular fat and more intense
      colour of the meat than females. Crossbreds from DD boars grew faster and had
      better feed conversion than crossbred from P*LW boars. Also, DD sired-pigs had
      smaller dressing percentages but more trimmed lean cuts proportion than P*LW
      sired-pigs. Meat from DD pigs was more tender, had more intramuscular fat, and
      presented lower a* value than meat from P*LW pigs. We conclude that DD boars are
      a good alternative to P*LW boars for production of heavy pigs destined for the
      dry-cured industry.

PMID- 22063782
TI  - Effect of dietary energy content on the intramuscular fat depots and triglyceride
      composition of river buffalo meat.
AB  - The production of river buffalo meat in Italy has long been under discussion due
      to poor acceptance by consumers. In order to understand whether dietary energy
      content may affect the organoleptic characteristics of buffalo meat, two groups
      of river buffalo calves were fed on two diets, with high (H) and low (L) energy
      contents. The animals were slaughtered at 4-monthly intervals starting from 6
      months old (10, 14 and 18 months) and five muscles were dissected on the half
      carcass: Caput longum tricipitis brachii (CloTB), Gluteobiceps (Gb),
      Semitendinosus (St), Semimembranosus (Sm) and Longissimus dorsi (LD). The results
      showed that from 6 to 10 months of age the meat lipid content decreases and
      protein content increases for both diets. The lipid content increases slowly with
      both diets from 10 to 14 months. In the last experimental period (from 14 to 18
      months) an increase in the percentage of lipids with diet H and a decrease with
      diet L was observed. At all slaughtering ages the meat from the animals fed on
      diet H had a higher energy content. The different energy content of the two diets
      did not significantly influence the composition of triglycerides only formed by
      SFA and triglycerides with a higher degree of unsaturation. The triglycerides
      with an unsaturated fatty acid in position sn 2 did not show the same behaviour
      in relation to age and diet. The energy content of the feed did influence the
      unsaturated fatty acid composition: MUFA increased with an increased energy level
      of the diet, while PUFA increased with a reduction in the energy level of the
      diet. The muscle LD showed a significantly higher (P<0.05) content of SFA and
      lower (P<0.05) of MUFA and PUFA than the other muscles. On the basis of our
      results, the better TAG's composition is found in the meat of animals fed on diet
      H and slaughtered at 4 months of age.

PMID- 22063783
TI  - Physicochemical and sensory characteristics of restructured beef steak with added
      walnuts.
AB  - The effects of different proportions (0, 5, 10, 15%) of added walnuts on the
      physicochemical and sensory characteristics of restructured beef steak were
      evaluated. The addition of 10 and 15% walnut reduced (P<0.05) cooking loss.
      Increasing proportions of walnut in the beef steak increased (P<0.05) water
      binding and reduced (P<0.05) fat binding properties. The addition of walnut did
      not affect (P>0.05) textural properties in uncooked restructured beef steak, but
      in cooked products Kramer shear force and bind strength were reduced (P<0.05)
      when 10% or more of walnut was added. Product morphology characteristics suggest
      that walnut interferes with the formation of protein network structures.
      Restructured steaks made with added walnut presented acceptable sensory
      properties. Incorporation of nuts in meat products can be use to confer potential
      heart-healthy benefits (Spanish Patent Application 200300367).

PMID- 22063784
TI  - Mathematical relationships between the intake of n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated
      fatty acids and their contents in adipose tissue of growing pigs.
AB  - To establish the relationships between the fatty acid composition of adipose
      tissue in growing pigs and the intake of fatty acids, we performed a feeding
      trial and did a literature survey. Six groups of pigs were fed diets with
      variable combinations of corn, linseed and fish oil. After 38 days, biopsies of
      adipose tissue were analyzed for their contents of linoleic, alpha-linolenic,
      eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acid. For the four fatty acids, intake data
      and adipose tissue levels were also collected from the literature. Linear
      correlations were computed for the intake of each polyunsaturated fatty acid and
      its level in adipose tissue, the data set consisting of either the original
      results only or combined with literature figures. The observed strong
      correlations between dietary and fat tissue polyunsaturated fatty acids indicate
      that the fatty acid composition of the diet may be used as an index of the fatty
      acid composition of the diet, and vice versa. The regression equations presented
      can be used to steer the fatty acid composition of adipose tissue of growing pigs
      by the fatty acid composition of their diet.

PMID- 22063785
TI  - True retention of nutrients on cooking of Australian retail lamb cuts of
      differing carcass classification characteristics.
AB  - The true retention of nutrients (proximate principles and cholesterol) on cooking
      of three retail cuts from lambs classified by weight, sex and fatness score was
      investigated. Fat retentions of the total cut and of the lean portion of lamb
      legs and mid-loin chops were not affected by carcass fatness, weight and sex or
      their interactions, however, the fat retention of the total cut and of the lean
      portion of forequarter chops was affected by fat score, with forequarter chops
      from fat score 1 retaining more fat than did chops of carcasses of higher fat
      score. Overall, fat was lost by all cuts (total cut) on cooking, with only 70-80%
      of fat being retained, but fat content of lean only increased on cooking
      (retention >100%), indicating the passage of fat into the lean portion from the
      external fat cover during the cooking process. Carcass factors and their
      interactions had little or no effect on the protein, water and ash retentions of
      the total cut or the lean portions of the three cuts. Cholesterol retention by
      the lean portion of three cooked lamb cuts was not affected by any carcass
      factors or their interactions. Cholesterol retentions were ~99% for total cuts
      and tended to be ~102% for the lean portions.

PMID- 22063786
TI  - Lipid composition of Australian retail lamb cuts with differing carcass
      classification characteristics.
AB  - The gross, proximate, fatty acids and cholesterol composition of three raw retail
      cuts from 28 lambs classified by weight, sex and fatness score were investigated.
      For gross composition, cut weight increased significantly with fat score and
      carcass weight. Percentage fat increased significantly from fat score 1-2 but not
      beyond (P<0.05). For nutrient composition the fat contents of the total cut and
      lean only portion of the three cuts increased directly with fat score by 10 g/100
      g and 1.7 g/100 g, respectively. Fat content increased mainly at the expense of
      moisture. Cholesterol content of total cut and lean only portions decreased with
      increased fat score, by 16 and 18 mg/100 g, respectively. For lean only levels of
      myristic and palmitic acids increased significantly (P<0.05) while stearic acid
      decreased significantly, while levels of linoleic and linolenic acids decreased
      significantly with increased fat score.

PMID- 22063787
TI  - Detection of factors influencing nitrite determination in meat.
AB  - A critical assessment was made of the official Spanish method for determining
      nitrite content in meat, using a 2((k-p)) fold-over Plackett-Burman experiment to
      identify influencing factors (IF) affecting the analytical method; these factors
      were drawn from seven apparent critical factors (ACF): sample weight (W(S)),
      extraction temperature (T(E)), stirring extraction time (S(ET)), addition of
      Carrez I reagent (C(I-R)), addition of Carrez II reagent (C(II-R)), addition of
      borax reagent (B(R)) and color development time (D(CT)). In the experimental
      conditions assayed, the analytical method does not require protein precipitation.
      In addition, a negative effect of the Carrez reagent on nitrite determination was
      detected; it is thus proposed that this reagent be eliminated, in accordance with
      AOAC method 973.31. The use of borate improved nitrite extraction, but the
      W(S)/B(R) ratio must be adjusted to determine the best ratio and to eliminate any
      negative effect when the ratio increases.

PMID- 22063788
TI  - P(y)-a parameter for meat quality.
AB  - The P(y) is a parameter which assesses the integrity of the cell membranes. It is
      a direct indicator for the volume fraction of cells surrounded by insulating cell
      membranes. The P(y) has been shown to correlate well with meat quality parameters
      like the drip loss or pH. It is a useful parameter for the discrimination between
      normal suited meat and PSE meat. The measurement is instantaneous and
      nondestructive. Due to aging of meat, P(y) depends on the time post mortem. It
      shows the highest significance between 4 and 24 h p.m.

PMID- 22063789
TI  - Changes in meat quality characteristics of bovine meat during the first 6 days
      post mortem.
AB  - The development of some quality parameters in bovine meat during the first 6 days
      of post mortem ageing was studied in two commercial groups (heifer and bull). In
      the first day bull meat is harder and springier. Meat pH falls during the first
      24 h post mortem in both groups, reaching values around 5.5, and it did not
      change during the next 5 days. Water-holding capacity (expressed as percentage of
      expelled water) increased in heifer meat. Instrumental texture measures (texture
      profile analysis, TPA) showed a decrease in hardness, springiness and chewiness
      in bull raw meat. Sensory analysis showed that assessors perceived a decrease in
      hardness and in springiness in bull meat and a decrease in juiciness and in
      chewiness (number of chewings before swallowing) in heifer meat. Ageing showed no
      effect on assessors' pleasantness either in heifers' or in bulls' meat. During
      the first 3 days, heifer meat was juicier. Heifers' meat produced a greater
      pleasantness on the sixth day. Both meats were not very different for most
      quality parameters studied in this work.

PMID- 22063790
TI  - Impact of Helicobacter pylori infection on severity of psoriasis and response to
      treatment.
AB  - The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of H. pylori
      seropositivity in patients with psoriasis, to evaluate the relationship between
      PASI (Psoriasis Area and Severity Index) scores and H. pylori infection, and to
      assess the impact of H. pylori infection on the response to treatment. A total of
      300 patients with psoriasis and 150 non-psoriatic healthy controls were enrolled
      in the study. Patient PASI scores were recorded and H. pylori stool antigen tests
      performed in both patients and controls. Fifty patients with H. pylori infections
      were randomly assigned to one of two groups, one of which received acitretin with
      H. pylori treatment and the other acitretin alone. Statistical analyses were
      performed using chi-square and logistic regression tests. PASI scores were
      significantly higher in patients with H. pylori infections. Treatment aimed at
      eradicating H. pylori infection enhanced the effectiveness of acitretin therapy
      and shortened response times. Our results suggest that H. pylori infection plays
      a role in the severity of psoriasis, and that eradicating such infections
      enhances the effectiveness of psoriasis treatment.

PMID- 22063791
TI  - Investigation of the physicochemical and sensory homogeneity of traditional
      French dry sausages.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the homogeneity of the traditional dry
      sausages manufactured in small scale facilities from the Massif Central region in
      France by taking into account the diversity of the production in this area. The
      homogeneity was estimated by analysis of the physicochemical parameters of 6
      types of traditional dry sausages chosen as representatives of the production
      diversity. The homogeneity was evaluated (i) within the product, (ii) in the
      production batch and (iii) over 2 different seasons for each type of dry sausage.
      When heterogeneity was detected, sensory analysis was performed in order to check
      if the physicochemical differences found were perceived by a sensory panel. The
      physicochemical results showed that there was no significant heterogeneity within
      the product nor there was in the production batch. Over the 2 seasons studied, 3
      out of the 6 dry sausages were heterogeneous in composition and this feature was
      perceived by the sensory panel. The possible causes of this heterogeneity
      (amounts of ingredients added, type and composition of the raw materials used,
      length of drying) are discussed.

PMID- 22063792
TI  - The effects of shelf-life enhancers on E. coli K12 survival in needle-injected,
      surface contaminated beef strip steaks enhanced using recycled solutions.
AB  - The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of shelf-life enhancers
      (sodium lactate [SL] or sodium lactate + sodium diacetate [SLDA]) on limiting the
      growth of Escherichia coli K12 in needle-injecting surface-contaminated beef
      strip steaks with recycled enhancement solutions. Strip loins were injected to
      10% over initial weight. SLDA was most effective in controlling bacterial growth
      followed by SL alone. The salt/phosphate combination in the enhancement solution
      was ineffective. SL decreased a(*) (less red) and b(*) values (less yellow) of
      the steaks compared to the salt/phosphate control. SLDA decreased L(*) values
      compared to SL alone. SL and SLDA were equally effective in reducing purge loss
      from the steaks. Steaks enhanced with a "fresh" enhancement solution had higher
      a(*) values (more red) and higher E. coli contamination levels than steaks
      enhanced with recycled solutions. Recycling did not affect L(*) value, b(*)
      value, or purge loss.

PMID- 22063793
TI  - A survey of pork quality in relation to pre-slaughter conditions, slaughterhouse
      facilities, and quality assurance.
AB  - A survey at five pigs' slaughterhouses was performed to investigate the effect of
      a quality assurance system, pre-slaughter conditions and slaughterhouse
      facilities on pork quality. Totally, 2246 pigs were included over four transports
      per slaughterhouse, i.e. two transports were produced according to a quality
      assurance system and the other two were conventional pigs. Meat quality was
      measured on 446 pigs. The pH in the longissimus dorsi muscle and the electrical
      conductivity in the semimembranosus muscle were measured 30min post-mortem.
      Twenty-four hours later pH and electrical conductivity in both the longissimus
      dorsi and the semimembranosus muscle were measured. Pigs managed according to a
      chain quality protocol showed an overall higher potential for improved meat
      quality. Differences in meat quality between the different slaughterhouses were
      also found, however they were dependent on muscle type and time of measuring.
      Influencing factors on pork quality seemed to be stocking density during
      transport, the handling during offloading the pigs from the truck, stocking
      density, and air temperature during lairage.

PMID- 22063794
TI  - Carcass composition and meat quality of three different Iberian*Duroc genotype
      pigs.
AB  - Carcass composition and meat quality of Longissimus dorsi (LD) and Biceps femoris
      (BF) muscles from three different Iberian*Duroc genotype pigs were studied: GEN1:
      ? Iberian*? Duroc1; GEN2: ? Duroc1*? Iberian; GEN3: ? Duroc2*? Iberian. Duroc1
      (DU1) were selected for the manufacture of dry-cured meat products while Duroc2
      (DU2) were pigs selected for meat production, with high percentages of meat cuts
      and low carcass fat. Genotype had a significant effect on the differences found
      while sex had not. GEN2 showed the highest weights at days 180 and 238 of weaning
      and the highest slaughter weights (day 316) followed by GEN3, while the lowest
      weights were found in GEN1. GEN3 had well conformed carcasses in comparison with
      GEN1 and GEN2, since GEN3 showed the highest percentages of ham and loin and the
      highest weight of loin as well as the lowest back and ham fat thickness. However,
      the use of DU2 pigs in the cross with Iberian had negative effects on meat
      quality, as GEN3 gave the worst meat quality in both muscles, postmortem pH, cook
      and drip loss, and colour and the lowest percentages of intramuscular fat (IMF).
      In subcutaneous fat (SCF), GEN3 had higher percentages of polyunsaturated fatty
      acids (PUFA) than GEN2, while GEN2 had higher saturated fatty acids (SFA) levels.
      In LD, IMF from GEN3 showed the highest percentage of MUFA and PUFA; while the
      fatty acid profile of GEN2 was more saturated. BF muscle showed similar trends,
      but not significantly so. On the other hand, few differences were found between
      reciprocal crosses (GEN1 vs. GEN2). GEN2 showed higher IMF in LD than GEN1,
      agreeing with their carcass weight. As a result, GEN1 had a fatty acid profile of
      IMF in the LD that was more unsaturated.

PMID- 22063795
TI  - Biogenic amines in pressurized vacuum-packaged cooked sliced ham under different
      chilled storage conditions.
AB  - This work was undertaken to study how storage conditions (at constant
      temperatures of 2+/-1 and 12+/-1 degrees C and temperature fluctuations at 7+/-5
      degrees C) affect microbial development and the production of biogenic amines in
      vacuum-packaged cooked sliced ham subjected to high pressure (400MPa/10min/30
      degrees C). Initially, the product exhibited low levels of contamination.
      Microbiological changes during storage depend on the processing (non-pressure and
      pressure treatment) and the chilled storage conditions. Generally, microbial
      growth in pressurized samples was similar to that in the non-pressurized samples,
      although the total viable count and lactic flora were lower and growth was
      delayed. Processing and storage conditions affected the formation of each amine
      differently. The most important changes were in tyramine, which formed more
      quickly in non-pressurized products stored at 12 degrees C and with temperature
      fluctuations. The formation of biogenic amines in these products can be prevented
      not only by ensuring good manufacturing practices and applying high pressure but
      also by ensuring the right chilled storage conditions.

PMID- 22063796
TI  - Ion distribution and protein proteolysis affect water holding capacity of
      Longissimus thoracis et lumborum in meat of lamb subjected to antemortem
      exercise.
AB  - Exercise has been shown previously to reduce the water holding capacity (WHC) of
      meat in lamb. The consequence of changes in the distribution of ions pre- and
      post-rigor and proteolysis on WHC is relatively unknown. Twelve crossbred lambs
      were used to investigate the effect of exercise on the meat quality traits of the
      Longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) muscle. There were no treatment effects on
      Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF), myofibril and sarcoplasmic protein
      solubility, denaturation or sarcomere length. With exercise the initial pH of the
      muscle was lower and the rate of pH fall to rigor was faster compared to
      controls. Exercise caused increased purge and meat fluid had a lower osmolarity,
      magnesium, potassium and sodium concentration. Proteolysis of desmin occurred
      after day 3 and vinculin on day 7 of ageing with exercise. It was concluded that
      exercise caused changes in the distribution of ions and the proteolysis of muscle
      proteins that reduced the ability of the muscle to bind or hold water.

PMID- 22063797
TI  - Variability in temperature distribution and cooking properties of ground pork
      patties containing different fat level and with/without salt cooked by microwave
      energy.
AB  - This study was carried out to evaluate the cooking effects of fat level (10% and
      20%) with and without NaCl (1.5%) on the microwave cooking pattern and properties
      of ground pork patties. Each patty was cooked from a thawed state to 76.7 degrees
      C in a microwave oven with full power (900W). Cooking rate in patties produced
      without salt was not affected by fat level, but the addition of salt in pork
      patties decreased cooking rate, regardless of fat levels. The temperatures at the
      edges of the patties increased faster than those at the center or the mid-way
      positions. In the patties with NaCl, the temperature of the center position was
      higher than that of the mid-way position. Patties containing salt within the same
      fat level had higher moisture content and lower fat content than those without
      salt, although no significant differences in compositional properties were
      observed between the center, midway, or edge positions. Total cooking loss, drip
      loss, and reduction in diameter and thickness were higher in patties with 20% fat
      compared to those with 10% fat, but the addition of salt resulted in reduction,
      regardless of fat level. Also, the addition of salt increased the redness and
      reduced yellowness of the cooked products.

PMID- 22063798
TI  - Effect of low dose gamma irradiation on beef quality and fatty acid composition
      of beef intramuscular lipid.
AB  - Eight Chinese Yellow Cattle semitendinous muscles were irradiated using a (60)Co
      irradiation source (with the dose of 1.13, 2.09, or 3.17kGy) and stored (0 day or
      10 days at 7 degrees C) to estimate fatty acids change of neutral lipid (NL),
      polar lipid (PL) and total lipid (TL) fractions, and the beef quality change.
      Total saturated fatty acid (SFA) and monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) increased
      with irradiation, ratios of MUFA to SFA did not change in TL. Whilst, total
      polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) reduced with irradiation, which resulted in
      PUFA to SFA ratio decreased in TL (0 day or 10 days). Purge loss and 2
      thiobarbituric acid reactive substances values increased with irradiation (from 0
      to 3.17kGy) at 0 day, but these values were lower with irradiation at 10 days.
      Total bacterial counts decreased proportionally with irradiation dose increasing
      from 0 to 3.17kGy. It can be concluded that fatty acid profiles in beef changed
      with irradiation; however, fatty acid profiles did not change much at 3.17kGy
      compared with 1.13 or 2.09kGy, and the beef quality were most acceptable at the
      dose of 3.17kGy, thus, low dose of about 3kGy gamma irradiation was recommended
      to apply in fresh beef preparation.

PMID- 22063799
TI  - Influence of carbon monoxide in package atmospheres containing oxygen on colour,
      reducing activity, and oxygen consumption of five bovine muscles.
AB  - Steaks from five bovine muscles [psoas major (PM), longissimus lumborum (LL),
      deep semimembranosus (DSM), superficial semimembranosus (SSM), and semitendinosus
      (ST)] were packaged in atmospheres containing 20% or 80% oxygen, with and without
      0.4% carbon monoxide. Steaks were evaluated on d 0, 4, and 7 of retail display
      for instrumental (CIE L(*), a(*), and b(*)) and visual colour, total- and
      metmyoglobin-reducing activity, and oxygen consumption rate. Combining carbon
      monoxide with either oxygen level had no effect (P>0.05) on any measured
      attribute. Using higher oxygen levels increased colour stability and reduced
      variability (P<0.05) among muscles for all measured attributes. In general,
      colour stability and reducing activity for the muscles were LL>ST>SSM>PM>DSM.
      Including 0.4% carbon monoxide with 20% or 80% oxygen may not have impacted
      colour, due to preferential formation of oxymyoglobin, rather than
      carboxymyoglobin, at these oxygen levels.

PMID- 22063800
TI  - Effect of illumination on the display life of fresh pork sausages packaged in
      modified atmosphere. Influence of the addition of rosemary, ascorbic acid and
      black pepper.
AB  - Pork forelegs were used for manufacturing fresh sausages, treated with different
      natural antioxidants (rosemary, ascorbic acid and black pepper), packaged in 80%
      O(2)+20% CO(2) atmosphere and displayed at 2+/-1 degrees C under different
      lightings (darkness, standard fluorescent, low-UV colour-balanced lamp and
      standard fluorescent plus a UV-filter). Two packs for each treatment were opened
      every 4 days for subsequent analysis of colour CIE L(*), a(*), b(*), TBARS,
      microbial psychrotrophic aerobes and sensory discolouration and off-odour.
      Lighting with standard fluorescent was highly deleterious for sausage display
      life, which fell from 12 to 8 days due mainly to early discolouration. Inserting
      a UV-filter extended display life to 12 days, while the use of a low-UV lamp was
      not effective in protecting from discolouration. Addition of rosemary plus
      ascorbic acid, in the absence of black pepper, retarded discolouration only in
      sausages illuminated with the UV-filter, reaching a display life of 16 days,
      equal to that of sausages maintained in the dark.

PMID- 22063801
TI  - Effect of different binders on the quality of enrobed buffalo meat cutlets and
      their shelf life at refrigeration storage (4+/-1 degrees C).
AB  - To enhance the binding and quality of enrobed buffalo meat cutlets (EBMC), a meat
      emulsion at 0%, 15%, 20% and 25% replaced the cooked meat in the formulation.
      Emulsion containing products had significantly higher moisture contents and
      texture scores compared to the control. Emulsion at 20% level could be
      incorporated in enrobed buffalo meat cutlets to enhance their quality. Addition
      of 1% egg white powder improved the quality of EBMC compared to control, while a
      3% level had adverse effect on the sensory attributes despite giving higher
      product yield and lower shrinkage. Cutlets with refined wheat flour had
      significantly higher protein and fat contents. It had also higher acceptability
      followed by corn flour, potato starch and tapioca flour. TBARS of enrobed samples
      remained lower than controls throughout the storage period. Mesophilic count
      remained below log3cfu/g for both samples during storage. Uncoated products and
      enrobed products were acceptable up to 10th and 15th day, respectively. Enrobing
      of buffalo meat cutlets improved their acceptability and shelf life under
      refrigeration storage.

PMID- 22063802
TI  - Aminogenesis control in fermented sausages manufactured with pressurized meat
      batter and starter culture.
AB  - The application of high hydrostatic pressure (200MPa) to meat batter just before
      sausage fermentation and the inoculation of starter culture were studied to
      improve the safety and quality of traditional Spanish fermented sausages (fuet
      and chorizo). Higher amounts of biogenic amines were formed in chorizo than in
      fuet. Without interfering with the ripening performance in terms of
      acidification, drying and proteolysis, hydrostatic pressure prevented
      enterobacteria growth but did not affect Gram-positive bacteria significantly.
      Subsequently, a strong inhibition of diamine (putrescine and cadaverine)
      accumulation was observed, but that of tyramine was not affected. The inoculated
      decarboxylase-negative strains, selected from indigenous bacteria of traditional
      sausages, were resistant to the HHP treatment, being able to lead the
      fermentation process, prevent enterococci development and significantly reduce
      enterobacteria counts. In sausages manufactured with either non-pressurized or
      pressurized meat batter, starter culture was the most protective measure against
      the accumulation of tyramine and both diamines.

PMID- 22063803
TI  - An examination of factors affecting radio frequency heating of an encased meat
      emulsion.
AB  - The potential of radiofrequency (RF) heating for rapid cooking of a cased
      comminuted meat emulsion (white pudding) to a pasteurisation temperature of 73
      degrees C was examined. Immersion of the product in water was essential in order
      to prevent thermal damage to the casings by electrical arcing effects during
      heating. Using a polyethylene heating cell with non-circulating water the applied
      RF power, primary electrode distance as well as the mineral content, temperature
      and volume of the surrounding water all influenced the efficiency of the RF
      heating. Under optimised conditions maximum/minimum temperature gradients
      (DeltaT) across the products in excess of 15 degrees C were observed. These could
      be reduced to around 6 degrees C by heating the white puddings in a cell
      operating with recirculating hot water (80 degrees C). Using an oven power output
      of 450W a 4.3-fold reduction in cooking time compared to conventional steam oven
      cooking could be achieved.

PMID- 22063804
TI  - Effect of thawing rate on distribution of an injected salt and phosphate brine in
      beef.
AB  - Striping or streaking is a problem in moisture enhanced meats which are injected
      to low levels. Research was undertaken to determine brine distribution paths and
      effect of pre-injection thawing rate on brine distribution. Beef rib eyes and eye
      of rounds were vacuum packed and aged 7 days at 3 degrees C, then frozen (-35
      degrees C) for a month, thawed either quickly in water (5h at 12-17 degrees C) or
      slowly in air (48h at 3 degrees C), injected to 108-110% using a conventional
      brine containing blue food colouring, chilled overnight, then cut along four
      planes and photographed for image analysis of % blue, % marbling, and subjective
      evaluation of brine distribution paths. There were no significant differences in
      % blue due to treatment. Brine distribution in both muscles was better parallel
      to fibers than perpendicular to them. A subset of aged rib eyes was injected to
      125%. Although brine was more extensively distributed than at lower injection
      levels, basic patterns remained unchanged.

PMID- 22063805
TI  - Mineral content of longissimus dorsi thoracis from water buffalo and Zebu
      influenced cattle at four comparative ages.
AB  - The longissimus dorsi thoracis (LDT) of 64 water buffalo and 68 Zebu-influenced
      cattle was used to determine the mineral content variation (mg/100g of fresh
      tissue) according to species, age (7, 17, 19 and 24 months-of-age, MOA) and
      gender (steers and bulls). Buffalo LDT had higher concentrations of K, Mn, Fe, Zn
      and Cu at weaning (P<0.05). Phosphorous content was higher (P<0.05) at post
      weaning ages. Mineral profile was affected by age without clear trends; the Na
      and K contents increased at 24 MOA. The age*species, age*gender and
      species*gender interactions affected (P<0.05) Fe content that ranged from 1.74 to
      2.56mg/100g fresh tissue. Meat from both species contributes with more of 25% of
      K, P, Fe and Zn of the daily requirement for an adult.

PMID- 22063806
TI  - Comparison between rabbit lines for sensory meat quality.
AB  - Rabbits from three synthetic lines were used in the experiment. Line R was
      selected for growth for 24 generations. Lines V and A were selected for litter
      size at weaning for 30 and 33 generations, respectively. Sensory analysis was
      carried out on the Longissimus muscle. The parameters evaluated were: juiciness
      (J), hardness (H), fibrousness (F), flouriness (Fl), intensity of rabbit flavour
      (IRF), aniseed odour (AO), aniseed flavour (AF), liver odour (LO) and liver
      flavour (LF). A Bayesian analysis was performed. Line V was only 82% as juicy as
      line R. Line V was 18% harder and 17% more fibrous than line R. Lines A and R had
      the same H and F. No differences in Fl were found. Small effects were found for
      flavour traits. We conclude that line origin has an influence on some sensory
      traits determining rabbit meat tenderness.

PMID- 22063807
TI  - Difference in tenderness and pH decline between water buffalo meat and beef
      during postmortem aging.
AB  - The objective of this research was to determine the difference in tenderness and
      some characteristics of water buffalo meat and beef during postmortem aging. Five
      female crossbred water-buffalo (Philippine Carabao*Bulgarian Murrah) and five
      female crossbred cattle (Brahman*Philippine Native), were finished on the same
      diet for 6 months and slaughtered at 30 months of age. The muscle pH was measured
      at 40min, 3h, 7h, 24h, and 48h postmortem. Longissimus thoracis (LT) and
      semimembranosus (SM) muscles were excised at 2d postmortem, and shear force was
      measured at 2, 4, 7, and 14d postmortem. Glycogen and lactate concentrations were
      determined from 0, 2, and 4d LT samples, and myosin heavy chain type of buffalo
      and cattle LT was determined by ELISA methods. Myofibrillar protein degradation
      was also observed by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting of fast-type troponin T.
      Results showed that the buffalo meat had significantly lower shear force values
      compared to beef for LT and SM muscles, which was supported by a difference in
      troponin T degradation. Postmortem pH decline of buffalo meat was significantly
      slower than that of beef, which was confirmed by lactic acid concentrations, but
      was not explained by glycogen content. In addition, there was no significant
      difference in the ratio of slow to fast type muscle fibers in buffalo and cattle,
      indicating that myosin heavy chain type was not responsible for the difference in
      pH decline and tenderness between the buffalo meat and beef. This study
      demonstrated that the tenderness of water buffalo meat was superior to that of
      Brahman beef, which may have been due to the difference in pH decline and the
      subsequent effect on muscle protease activity.

PMID- 22063808
TI  - Postmortem changes in bovine troponin T isoforms on two-dimensional
      electrophoretic gel analyzed using mass spectrometry and western blotting: The
      limited fragmentation into basic polypeptides.
AB  - To comprehend postmortem changes in troponin T (TnT), whole beef proteins were
      developed on a two-dimensional electrophoretic gel. Multiple TnT-related spots
      were identified by both western blotting and MALDI-TOF MS utilizing bovine TnT
      isoform mRNA sequences. More than 10 TnT fast-type isoform spots (pI 5.7-9.6<)
      and the two slow-type isoform spots (pI 5.6-5.7) were observed at slaughter. All
      the isoforms were degraded exclusively into basic spots (pI 9.6<) at day 14
      postmortem. Some TnT-related phosphorylated spots present at slaughter had
      disappeared by day 14, suggesting that the phosphorylated N-terminal region was
      cut off during beef aging. The intact isoforms and the fragments were identified
      by the MS with sequence coverage of 20.8-62.7%, and two of the fragments included
      the cutting site peptide of a conventional 30kDa or of a slow TnT-derived
      fragment. These results revealed that all of the TnT isoforms are cut exclusively
      in the glutamic acid-rich amino-terminal region during postmortem aging.

PMID- 22063809
TI  - Effect of modified atmosphere packaging on the microbiological and sensory
      quality on a dry cured beef product: "Cecina de leon".
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the shelf-life of commercial "Cecina de
      Leon" (CL) packaged in vacuum (VP) and in CO(2)/N(2) atmospheres (20/80%
      CO(2)/N(2) and 80/20% CO(2)/N(2)). Packaged product was stored at 6 degrees C,
      measuring microbiological, physico-chemical and sensory parameters during 210
      days. The values obtained for mesophilic aerobic, anaerobic and psychrotrophic
      counts did not vary in both the vacuum and the gas packaged samples after 210
      days of storage. Enterobacteria and enterococci were always below the detection
      limit, and in the gas-packaged CL, pseudomonad numbers were significantly
      inhibited. No changes were observed in the counts of the typical microflora of CL
      (Lactic Acid Bacteria, yeasts and moulds and Micrococcaceae) up to 210 days and
      no differences (p>0.05) were found between the counts in the VP and in the gas
      packaged samples. A pronounced initial fading was observed in redness (a(*))
      within the first 15 days in the VP samples and within the second month in the gas
      packaged samples attributed to the presence of white film on surface of CL
      portions. No differences were observed (p>0.05) in texture parameters evaluated
      between packaging methods during storage, and the values found are within the
      range for CL not packaged. The sensory properties of CL stored in 20/80%
      CO(2)/N(2) were slightly less acceptable than the samples packed under vacuum and
      under 80/20% CO(2)/N(2) at 210 days of storage. It is concluded that no clear
      advantage of the gas packaging was observed compared to the VP of "Cecina de
      Leon".

PMID- 22063810
TI  - Construction, management and cleanliness of red meat abattoir lairages in the UK.
AB  - A survey of a large number of UK abattoirs was conducted via a questionnaire
      designed to obtain information on (i) throughput and species slaughtered; (ii)
      construction materials used; (iii) use and type of bedding and (iv) details of
      cleaning/sanitation regimes. A representative group of abattoirs were selected on
      the basis of the responses to the questionnaire, and the lairage at these plants
      investigated through enumeration of Escherichia coli remaining after routine
      cleansing operations. The aim of this study was to enable identification of
      "common lairage practices" and to assess the general status of the lairage
      hygiene and effectiveness of lairage cleaning in commercial UK abattoirs. The
      study shows that microbial contamination often remains in UK lairage holding pens
      after routine cleaning operations. It would appear that there are significant
      differences in the effectiveness of lairage cleaning programmes at commercial
      abattoirs, and that the stun-box-roll-out areas are often cleaned to a better
      standard than the holding areas. As a result of persistence of microbial
      contamination in the lairage, there is a possible risk of foodborne pathogens
      persisting in the environment and potentially contaminating animals and carcasses
      processed on subsequent days.

PMID- 22063811
TI  - Accuracy of in vivo muscularity indices measured by computed tomography and their
      association with carcass quality in lambs.
AB  - Assessments of muscle mass and skeletal dimensions by Computed Tomography (CT)
      enable the development of new muscularity indices for the hind leg (HL) and
      lumbar region (LR) in lambs. Compared to previous CT muscularity indices, the
      accuracy was much higher with the new index in the HL (correlations between CT
      and dissection indices of 0.89 vs 0.51). The accurate measurement of femur length
      by CT used in the calculation of the new HL index made an important contribution
      to the higher accuracy of the index. The improvement in accuracy was smaller for
      the LR (0.55 vs 0.44). The association of CT muscularity indices and carcass
      quality in Texel and Scottish Blackface lambs showed that improved muscularity is
      not phenotypically correlated with detrimental effects on carcass composition. CT
      muscularity indices provide an alternative method to improve carcass conformation
      and leanness, using measurements that at a constant weight are independent of
      fatness.

PMID- 22063812
TI  - Effects of weight at slaughter and sex on the carcass characteristics of Florida
      suckling kids.
AB  - The effect of slaughter weight and sex on some carcass traits of suckling kids of
      the Florida breed was evaluated. A total of 60 kids (30 male and 30 female), fed
      exclusively on milk replacers, were slaughtered at 7-8kg (group 1), 10-11kg
      (group 2) or 14-15kg (group 3) of liveweight (mean weights of 7.6kg, 10.8kg and
      14.4kg, respectively). Higher slaughter weights decreased the percentage of
      subproducts (blood, skin, head, feet) and internal organs (lungs+traquea, heart,
      liver, spleen, thymus) but significantly increased the percentage of intestine
      and fat depots (omental fat and mesenteric fat). Higher slaughter weights also
      increased carcass measures (L 40.5 vs 49.1; F 22.5 vs 25.9; G 10.4 vs 14.2; Wr
      10.1 vs 13.9; Wth 8.0 vs 10.5; Th 16.5 vs 199; B 32.3 vs 42.4; PT 41.5 vs 50.8),
      compactness carcass index (96.6 vs 152.3) and compactness leg index (27.5 vs
      44.1). Sex only significantly affected the percentages of feet, internal organs,
      omental fat, measure L, carcass compactness index and hind limb compactness
      index. The meat colour and fat colour were mainly scored as pale and white
      respectively in the carcasses of the lightest animals, whereas heavier kids were
      scored as pink and cream. Slaughter weight also influenced significantly the
      carcass fatness (score 1 in lightest kids and 2 or 3 in heavier ones). There were
      no significant (p>0.05) differences between slaughter weight group and sex in
      dressing percentages. Percentages corresponding to the long leg, back and neck
      (30-33%, 18-19% and 8-10%, respectively) decreased when the slaughter weight
      increased, whereas the ribs (23-25%) and the flank (10-11%) increased slightly.
      The carcasses comprised 57-58% muscle, 22-25% bone, 5-6% subcutaneous fat and 9
      12% intermuscular fat. The percentage muscle stayed the same with increasing
      slaughter weight, whereas the bone decreased and the fat increased. The carcasses
      of the heavier females contained less lean and more fat than the males. The bone
      percentage was significantly (p<0.05) lower in the females and the carcass fat
      percentage was significantly (p<0.05) higher than in the males.

PMID- 22063813
TI  - Functional recovery after cerebellar damage is related to GAP-43-mediated
      reactive responses of pre-cerebellar and deep cerebellar nuclei.
AB  - Since brain injuries in adulthood are a leading cause of long-term disabilities,
      the development of rehabilitative strategies able to impact on functional
      outcomes requires detailing adaptive neurobiological responses. Functional
      recovery following brain insult is mainly ascribed to brain neuroplastic
      properties although the close linkage between neuronal plasticity and functional
      recovery is not yet fully clarified. The present study analyzed the reactive
      responses of pre-cerebellar (inferior olive, lateral reticular nucleus and
      pontine nuclei) and deep cerebellar nuclei after a hemicerebellectomy,
      considering the great plastic potential of the cerebellar system in physiological
      and pathological conditions. The time course of the plastic reorganization
      following cerebellar lesion was investigated by monitoring the Growth Associated
      Protein-43 (GAP-43) immunoreactivity. The time course of recovery from cerebellar
      symptoms was also assessed to parallel behavioral and neurobiological parameters.
      A key role of GAP-43 in neuronal reactive responses was evidenced. Neurons that
      underwent an axotomy as consequence of the right hemicerebellectomy (neurons of
      left inferior olive, right lateral reticular nucleus and left pontine nuclei)
      exhibited enhanced GAP-43 immunoreactivity and cell death. As for the not
      axotomized neurons, we found enhanced GAP-43 immunoreactivity only in right
      pontine nuclei projecting to the spared (left) hemicerebellum. GAP-43 levels
      augmented also in the three deep cerebellar nuclei of the spared hemicerebellum,
      indicating the ponto-cerebellar circuit as crucially involved in functional
      recovery. Interestingly, each nucleus showed a distinct time course in GAP-43
      immunoreactivity. GAP-43 levels peaked during the first post-operative week in
      the fastigial and interposed nuclei and after one month in the dentate nucleus.
      These results suggest that the earlier plastic events of the fastigial and
      interposed nuclei were driving compensation of the elementary features of posture
      and locomotion, while the later plastic events of the dentate nucleus were
      mediating the recovered ability to flexibly adjust the locomotor plan.

PMID- 22063814
TI  - Language, memory and the temporal lobes.

PMID- 22063815
TI  - Taxonomic and thematic organisation of proper name conceptual knowledge.
AB  - We report the investigation of the organisation of proper names in two aphasic
      patients (NBC and FBI). The performance of both patients on spoken word to
      written word matching tasks was inconsistent, affected by presentation rate and
      semantic relatedness of the competing responses, all hallmarks of a refractory
      semantic access dysphasia. In a series of experiments we explored the semantic
      relatedness effects within their proper name vocabulary, including brand names
      and person names. First we demonstrated the interaction between very fine grain
      organisation and personal experience, with one patient with a special interest in
      the cinema demonstrating higher error rates when identifying the names of actors
      working in a similar film genre (e.g., action movies: Arnold Schwarzenegger,
      Bruce Willis, Sylvester Stallone, Mel Gibson) than those working in different
      genres (e.g., Arnold Schwarzenegger, Gregory Peck, Robin Williams, Gene Kelly).
      Second we compared directly two potential principles of semantic organisation -
      taxonomic and thematic. Furthermore we considered these principles of
      organisation in the context of the individuals' personal knowledge base. We
      selected topics matching the interests and experience of each patient, namely
      cinema and literature (NBC) and naval history (FBI). The stimulus items were
      arranged in taxonomic arrays (e.g., Jane Austen, Emily Bronte, Agatha Christie),
      thematic arrays (e.g., Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice, Mr Darcy), and unrelated
      arrays (e.g., Jane Austen, Wuthering Heights, Hercule Poirot). We documented that
      different patterns of taxonomic and thematic organisation were constrained by
      whether the individual has limited knowledge, moderate knowledge or detailed
      knowledge of a particular vocabulary. It is suggested that moderate proper name
      knowledge is primarily organised by taxonomy whereas extensive experience results
      in a more detailed knowledge base in which theme is a powerful organising
      principle.

PMID- 22063816
TI  - Naming with proper names: the left temporal pole theory.
AB  - Existing empirical data on proper names processing are critically reviewed in
      trying to understand which tasks may involve the left temporal pole, which proper
      name related functions are supported by this structure and eventually offer some
      speculations about why these functions might have developed in this location in
      the course of human evolution. While clinical group studies support the idea that
      proper name processing takes place in the left temporal pole, single case studies
      of selective proper name anomia or sparing, as well as neuroimaging studies,
      suggest the involvement of a larger neural network. Within this network, an
      important role may be played by the ventro-medial prefrontal cortex, including
      areas critical in social interaction. The differentiation in the brain of proper
      name processing from common names processing could in part be due to social
      pressure, favouring a neural system able to more efficiently and unambiguously
      sustain designating categories or designating individual entities. The activation
      of the left temporal pole in proper name processing is shown to increase with
      age. Longer social interaction may thus contribute to convey proper names
      processing toward areas closer to those supporting social cognition.

PMID- 22063817
TI  - The executive control of face memory.
AB  - Patients with frontal lobe damage and cognitively normal elderly individuals
      demonstrate increased susceptibility to false facial recognition. In this paper
      we review neuropsychological evidence consistent with the notion that the common
      functional impairment underlying face memory distortions in both subject
      populations is a context recollection/source monitoring deficit, coupled with
      excessive reliance on relatively preserved facial familiarity signals in
      recognition decisions. In particular, we suggest that due to the breakdown of
      strategic memory retrieval, monitoring, and decision operations, individuals with
      frontal lobe impairment caused by focal damage or age-related functional decline
      do not have a reliable mechanism for attributing the experience of familiarity to
      the correct context or source. Memory illusions are mostly apparent under
      conditions of uncertainty when the face cue does not directly elicit relevant
      identity-specific contextual information, leaving the source of familiarity
      unspecified or ambiguous. Based on these findings, we propose that remembering
      faces is a constructive process that requires dynamic interactions between
      temporal lobe memory systems that operate in an automatic or bottom-up fashion
      and frontal executive systems that provide strategic top-down control of
      recollection. Executive memory control functions implemented by prefrontal cortex
      play a critical role in suppressing false facial recognition and related source
      memory misattributions.

PMID- 22063818
TI  - The causes and consequences of transient epileptic amnesia.
AB  - Transient epileptic amnesia (TEA) is a recently recognised syndrome of epilepsy
      in which the principle manifestation of seizures is recurrent episodes of
      isolated memory loss. In this article, we describe the clinical and cognitive
      profile of this emerging syndrome, and present new data that provide at most weak
      support for its proposed relationship to cerebrovascular disease. TEA is often
      associated with two unusual forms of interictal memory impairment: accelerated
      long-term forgetting and remote memory impairment. We discuss the clinical and
      theoretical implications of these relatively novel cognitive deficits.

PMID- 22063819
TI  - Distorted temporal consciousness and preserved knowing consciousness in
      confabulation: a case study.
AB  - In this study we describe a patient, TA, who developed a chronic amnesic
      confabulatory syndrome, following rupture of a right internal carotid siphon
      aneurysm. Our aim was to elucidate as fully as possible the nature of TA's
      impairment and to test the hypothesis of confabulation as reflecting a
      dysfunction of Temporal Consciousness, i.e., to become aware of something as part
      of a personal past, present or future. TA's confabulations were present in
      answers to questions tapping Temporal Consciousness, i.e., autobiographical
      episodic memory, orientation in time and place, and foresight of personal future.
      In contrast, confabulations were not observed in answers to questions tapping
      Knowing Consciousness, i.e., to become aware of something as a meaning or as an
      element of impersonal knowledge. In fact, he had normal access to semantic
      knowledge, including foresight of impersonal future. TA's brain MRI showed
      lesions involving the right hippocampus, parahippocampal gyrus, fornix,
      mammillary bodies, and thalamus. Moreover TA showed sub-cortical lesions
      involving the caudate and putamen nuclei bilaterally, a lesion site not commonly
      described in amnesic-confabulatory syndrome. We suggest that this pattern of
      results is better accounted for within the framework of the Memory, Consciousness
      and Temporality Theory and reflects a specific distortion of Temporal
      Consciousness.

PMID- 22063820
TI  - Therapy efficacy in chronic aphasia.
AB  - There is good evidence that aphasia therapy is effective if sufficiently
      prolonged or intensive and that chronic aphasic individuals can also benefit from
      therapy, but data on chronic aphasia are scanty. The aim of this retrospective
      study was to investigate whether chronic aphasia benefits from a very intensive
      therapeutic regimen. We revised the files (January 2000 to December 2008) of the
      chronic subjects whom we suggested have periodic sessions in our Unit (generally
      once a week) and 2-3 hours daily of homework with the help of a family member,
      supervised and controlled by the speech-therapist. Treatment would go on as long
      as amelioration is evident. Results for 23 chronic aphasic subjects are reported.
      All subjects had undergone previous therapy and 10 had been dismissed because no
      further recovery was expected. Recovery was significant in oral and written nouns
      and actions naming, oral and written sentence production and Token Test scores.
      Only 4 subjects did not improve. Severity of the disorder did not predict success
      or failure. We conclude that recovery was due to the intense work done. Further,
      we believe such a regimen could be successful in a number of patients for whom a
      less intensive regimen would not be effective.

PMID- 22063822
TI  - Biased mutational pattern and quasispecies hypothesis in H5N1 virus.
AB  - Like other RNA viruses, influenza viruses are subject to high mutation rates.
      Carrying segmented RNA genomes, their genetic variability is even higher. We
      aimed at analyzing the mutational events occurring during the infection of
      chickens by the Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) H5N1 virus. We therefore
      studied the different sequences of two surface proteins, hemagglutinin (HA) and
      neuraminidase (NA), as well as two internal proteins, PB2 and NS. Three organs
      (lung, spleen, brain) were obtained from a chicken, experimentally infected with
      a lethal dose of HPAI H5N1 virus. Cloning these PCR fragments enabled us to
      investigate the mutations undergone by the virus after several replicative
      cycles. The first outcome is the presence of a strong mutational bias, resembling
      host-driven ADAR1 adenosine deamination, which is responsible for 81% of all
      mutations. Whereas the frequency of RNA dependent RNA polymerase-related
      mutations is compatible with the survival of the virus, the ADAR1-like activity
      usually strongly increases the mutation frequency into a level of "error
      catastrophe" in theory incompatible with virus survival. Nevertheless, the virus
      was successfully infective. HPAI H5N1 virus displayed traits in agreement with
      the quasispecies theory. The role of this quasispecies structure in successful
      infection and the superposition with the ADAR1-like response is discussed.

PMID- 22063824
TI  - The World Cancer Research Fund report 2007: A challenge for the meat processing
      industry.
AB  - One of the 10 universal guidelines for healthy nutrition in a report of the World
      Cancer Research Fund released at the end of 2007 is to "limit intake of red meat
      and avoid processed meat", as a result of the "convincing evidence" for an
      association with an increased risk of colorectal cancer development. In the
      present paper, the scientific evidence for the association between processed
      meats intake and colorectal cancer development is explored and the most probable
      hypothesis on the mechanism underlying this relationship formulated. It seems
      that the present state of knowledge is not well understood but relates to a
      combination of haem iron, oxidative stress, formation of N-nitroso compounds and
      related residues in the digestive tract as the causal factors. Although
      criticisms of the inaccurate definition of processed meats and the insufficient
      accounting for the large variability in composition of meat products have been
      expressed, it is clear that the report urges proper action by the meat and
      nutrition research community and the meat industry. Research items that in our
      view should be addressed are discussed. They include: (1) evaluating the health
      risks associated with processed meats intake within the context of the supply of
      beneficial nutrients and other nutrition associated health risks; (2) definition
      of the role of nitrites and nitrates in meat processing; (3) investigating the
      role of red and processed meats on the endogenous formation of N-nitroso
      compounds in the digestive tract; and (4) developing improved processed meats
      using new ingredients.

PMID- 22063825
TI  - Collagen contribution to meat toughness: Theoretical aspects.
AB  - One of the major changes in connective tissues during heating is the
      transformation of the quasi-crystalline structure of collagen into a random-like
      structure. This molecular change induces a shortening of these tissues and gives
      them a rubber-like behaviour. In this state, their mechanical properties are
      dependent on the total number of cross-linked chains present per volume, which
      can be estimated from the number and the functionality of each cross-link present
      in the sample. The number of cross-linked chains per volume of meat explains a
      large amount of the tenderness variation, produced by muscle type, animal age,
      type, and sex in different species. During heating collagen fibres and fibrils
      shortening produces a pressure which is also dependent on the total amount of
      cross-linked chains present per volume, but also on the morphology of endomysial
      and perimysial envelopes. In meat, during heating, collagen fibres and fibrils
      thermal shortening is restricted by muscle fibres and muscle fibre bundles. This
      restriction, which depends on several muscle fibre characteristics, has a strong
      effect on the final elastic modulus of connective tissues, by changing the
      respective amount of crystalline and rubber-like fractions in collagen fibres and
      fibrils after heating. The implications of this phenomenon in tenderness
      variations are discussed.

PMID- 22063826
TI  - Pig Longissimus lumborum proteome: Part I. Effects of genetic background, rearing
      environment and gender.
AB  - A 2*2*2 factorial experiment on Longissimus lumborum of 24 pigs found that
      rearing environment (indoors or outdoors), breed of sire (Duroc or Large White),
      and gender (female or castrated male) influenced 22, 10, and 88 proteins of the
      soluble fraction, respectively, containing 220 matched spots in total. Some
      proteins were influenced by more than one main effect. Outdoor rearing resulted
      in lower levels of enzymes of the glycolytic pathway suggesting a more oxidative
      metabolism. Breed of sire slightly altered the balance of enzymes of the
      glycolytic pathway. Gender had profound effects. In particular, different enzyme
      levels suggest a more lipid oriented energy metabolism, and a higher
      extractability of myofibrillar proteins suggest altered control of the
      contractile apparatus, in castrated males. Differences in extractability did not
      explain the profound gender effects. Glycogen content, ultimate pH, drip and
      thawing losses showed main or interactive effects of the three treatment factors.

PMID- 22063827
TI  - Pig Longissimus lumborum proteome: Part II: Relationships between protein content
      and meat quality.
AB  - Gender, rearing environment and breed of sire influenced 50.5% of the matched
      protein spots of the soluble fraction and some meat quality traits [Kwasiborski,
      A., Sayd, T., Chambon, C., Sante-Lhoutellier, V., Rocha, D., & Terlouw, C.
      (2008). Muscle proteome in pigs: Part I: Effects of genetic background, rearing
      environment and gender. Meat Science]. Multiple regression analyses determined
      that 1 or 2 proteins explained between 24% and 85% of variability in Longissimus
      meat quality. Regression models differed between treatment groups, but
      relationships between proteins and meat quality traits seemed to be related to
      common underlying mechanisms. Thus, proteins retained in models for ultimate pH,
      lightness, drip, thawing and cooking loss were related to the glycolytic pathway,
      phosphate transfer, or fibre type composition. Another model for thawing loss
      retained proteins related to denaturation of myofibrils or lipid content. The
      models for redness involved proteins related to post-mortem oxidative activity.
      Thus, proteins correlated with meat quality traits were related to biochemical
      mechanisms known to be involved in meat quality. Relative contributions of these
      mechanisms may vary according to gender, sire breed or rearing environment.

PMID- 22063828
TI  - Antioxidant properties of plum concentrates and powder in precooked roast beef to
      reduce lipid oxidation.
AB  - Boneless beef roasts (Semimembranosus+Adductor) were injected (20%) with a brine
      containing (1) no plum ingredient (control), (2) 2.5 or 5% fresh plum juice
      concentrate (FP), (3) 2.5 or 5% dried plum juice concentrate (DP), or (4) 2.5 or
      5% spray dried plum powder (PP). Whole roasts were cooked, vacuum-packaged and
      stored at <4.0 degrees C for 10wk. At 2wk intervals, evaluations were performed
      on sliced product to determine vacuum-packaged purge, Allo-Kramer shear force,
      lipid oxidation (TBARS), color space values, and sensory attributes. All plum
      ingredients reduced TBARS values and had minimal effects on tenderness, sensory
      characteristics, color and appearance. Small changes in purge, color values,
      TBARS and some sensory properties were found during storage. These results
      indicate that 2.5% FP or DP could be incorporated into precooked beef roasts to
      reduce lipid oxidation and potentially, warmed-over flavor (WOF).

PMID- 22063829
TI  - Beliefs and attitudes of butchers and consumers towards dry-cured ham.
AB  - The objectives were to evaluate the attitude of butcher and consumer towards soft
      and pasty texture problems in dry-cured ham and to assess the butcher and
      consumer behaviour when selecting and purchasing this product. Ninety-nine
      butchers and 200 consumers were interviewed with 17-question and 20-question
      surveys, respectively. The texture problems (softness and pastiness) were highly
      important for both butchers and consumers. The characteristics most frequently
      considered "important" or "very important" by butchers were processing time,
      smell/aroma and texture as selection criteria and salty taste and aged/matured
      flavour as sensory indicators of dry-cured ham quality. According to butchers'
      opinion, salty taste and their own advice are the factors most frequently
      considered "important" or "very important" as affecting the consumer's decision
      to purchase. For the consumer, the sensory attributes were considered more
      important than extrinsic characteristics when purchasing dry-cured ham.

PMID- 22063830
TI  - Consumers' sensory acceptability of pork from immunocastrated male pigs.
AB  - Boar taint is the off-odour or off flavour of cooked pork. Currently, the most
      common method of controlling boar taint is surgical castration. However,
      immunocastration has been used in some parts of the world as an alternative to
      surgical castration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensory
      acceptability of meat from immunocastrated pigs (IM) compared with meat from
      females (FE), surgically castrated (CM) and entire males (EM). Twenty animals of
      each type were evaluated by 201 consumers in 20 sessions. Longissimus thoracis
      muscle of the different animals was cooked in an oven at 180 degrees C for 10min.
      Consumers scored the odour and the flavour of the meat in a 9-point category
      scale without an intermediate level. There were no significant differences in
      consumer's evaluation of meat from IM, CM, and FE. In contrast, EM meat presented
      a higher percentage of dissatisfied scores and was significantly (P<0.05) less
      accepted than meat from CM, IM and FE. Consumers' acceptability of EM meat was
      always lower, independently of its androstenone levels. However meat with low
      levels of androstenone was more accepted that meat with medium or high levels of
      this substance. It can be concluded that immunocastration produced pork that was
      accepted by the consumers, and was indistinguishable from pork from CM or FE.

PMID- 22063831
TI  - Meat quality of Moxoto and Caninde goats as affected by two levels of feeding.
AB  - The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of reduced feed intake on
      Moxoto and Caninde goat, which are native breeds of semi arid area of Brazil, by
      analyzing the resultant meat quality. Intact male goats of both genotypes (10
      animals each), weighing about 15kg, were allocated to two feeding levels (AL:
      feed ad libitum and FR: feed restricted to 63% of the total feed consumed by AL).
      Water-holding capacity and a(*) color parameter were significantly influenced
      (p<0.05) by genotype. Proximate composition, cholesterol, shear force, pH,
      cooking loss, and sensory scores did not differ significantly (p>0.05) between
      genotypes. The redness of the meat of the Caninde breed was much improved in FR
      goats. Although, feed restriction by 37% did affect the final live weight and
      mean daily gain weight, it had no effect on chemical, physical, and sensory
      quality of Moxoto and Caninde meat.

PMID- 22063832
TI  - Comparison of the thermal characteristics of connective tissue in loose
      structured and normal structured porcine M. semimembranosus.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to characterise the thermal properties of
      connective tissue in loose structured porcine SM muscles in comparison to normal
      looking SM muscles and to see whether the meat quality traits were related to the
      properties of connective tissue. Samples from the muscles with loose structure
      and light colour were selected by visual assessment and normal looking SM muscles
      were used as a control (n=25 loose structured+25 control). The loose structured
      muscles had lower ultimate pH (pH(u)) than the control muscles. The onset and
      peak temperatures of thermal shrinkage of intramuscular connective tissue (T(o)
      and T(p), respectively) in loose structured muscles were similar to those of
      control muscles when the full set of data (25 loose structured+25 control) were
      analysed. When the T(o) and T(p) data from muscles the exhibiting ten lowest and
      ten highest pH(u) values were analysed, the low pH(u) muscles (all classified as
      loose structured) had lower T(o) and T(p) than the high pH(u) muscles (all
      classified as control) (p<0.05). Drip loss of loose structured SM muscles (11.1%)
      was dramatically higher than that of control muscles (3.9%). Collagen content and
      collagen solubility were similar in loose structured and control muscles. It
      seemed that changes in the properties of intramuscular connective tissue were
      more easier found in porcine SM muscles with low pH(u) than in SM muscles with
      high pH(u).

PMID- 22063833
TI  - The assessment of carcass composition of Awassi male lambs by real-time
      ultrasound at two different live weights.
AB  - The accuracy of ultrasonography to measure fat thickness (FT) and longissimus
      dorsi muscle (LM) traits (area, depth and width) in live Awassi male lambs and
      predict carcass FT and LM traits was studied. Twenty six Awassi male lambs were
      randomly divided into light (L) (n=13) and heavy (H) (n=13) finishing lambs.
      Slaughter weight of lambs in L and H groups were 40 and 45kg, respectively. FT
      and LM traits, cross-sectional area between the 12th and 13th rib were measured
      using real-time ultrasound in vivo and on the carcass after slaughter. All
      ultrasound and carcass measurements were the same except live weight (LW)
      (P<0.001), cold carcass weight (CCW) (P<0.001) and carcass LM width (P<0.05).
      Overall, correlation coefficients between ultrasound and carcass FT, LM depth,
      width and area were 0.79, 0.82 (P<0.001); 0.60, 0.58 (P<0.05); 0.48, -0.17
      (P>0.05) and 0.89, 0.87 (P<0.001), respectively, for lambs in L and H groups. The
      introduction of ultrasound FT and ultrasound LM area as independent variables in
      addition to LW in the multiple regression equations further improved the
      variations for carcass FT (84%, 71%), carcass LM area (79%, 79%), CCW (72%, 65%)
      for lambs in light and heavy groups whereas no improvement was observed for
      carcass yield. These results indicate that in vivo ultrasound FT and measurement
      of the LM area in association with LW could be used to estimate carcass FT,
      carcass LM area and CCW in different LW Awassi lambs.

PMID- 22063834
TI  - Feeding strategy for improving tenderness has opposite effects in two different
      muscles.
AB  - Compensatory growth has been shown to affect rate of muscle protein turnover and
      may potentially improve tenderness of beef. Thus, a study of tenderness in
      relation to feeding regime and slaughtering at a time with maximal muscle protein
      degradation was performed. Friesian bull calves (5-month-old) were fed either ad
      libitum (n=6) (AA) or restrictively for 3 months followed by re-alimentation for
      6 weeks (n=6) (RA) before slaughter at 10 months. At slaughter the fractional
      breakdown rate of muscle protein was 2.4% in RA compared with 1.6% in AA
      (P<0.06). Sensory profiling revealed superior texture of M. semimembranosus from
      RA compared with AA, whereas M. longissimus was superior in texture from AA
      compared with RA, with no difference in proteolysis and shear force. In
      conclusion it was clear that different muscles in terms of tenderness responded
      very differently to the nutritional manipulation.

PMID- 22063835
TI  - Enhancement of the nutritional status and quality of fresh pork sausages
      following the addition of linseed oil, fish oil and natural antioxidants.
AB  - Fresh pork sausages (pork shoulder, pork back fat, water, rusk and seasoning)
      were manufactured where 15% of the pork back fat was substituted with linseed oil
      (LO) or fish oil (FO). Green tea catechins (GTC) and green coffee antioxidant
      (GCA) were added to both LO (LGTC 200 and LGCA 200) and FO (FGTC 200 and FGCA
      200) substituted sausages at a level of 200mg/kg. Raw and cooked pork sausages
      were either over-wrapped with oxygen permeable film (aerobic storage) or stored
      in modified atmosphere packages (MAP) containing 80% O(2):20% CO(2) or 70%
      N(2):30% CO(2), respectively for 7 days at 4 degrees C. Effects on fatty acid
      profiles, lipid oxidation, colour and sensorial properties were investigated.
      alpha-Linolenic acid increased from 1.34% (control) to 8.91% (LO) and up to 11.2%
      (LGTC 200 and LGCA 200). Addition of fish oil increased levels of EPA from 0.05%
      (control) to 2.83% (FO), 3.02% (FGTC 200) and 2.87% (FGCA 200) and DHA levels
      increased from 0.04% (control) to a maximum of 1.93% (FGTC 200). Lipid oxidation
      was low in raw and cooked linseed oil containing sausages. GTC (200mg/kg)
      significantly (P<0.05) reduced lipid oxidation in raw fish oil containing
      sausages after 7 days of storage. Colour parameters in raw pork sausages were
      unaffected by the packaging atmosphere. L(*) lightness values were lower (P<0.05)
      in LGTC 200 and a(*) redness values lower (P<0.05) in LGTC 200 and FGTC 200 after
      7 days of storage. Sensory scores of cooked pork sausages were unaffected by
      linseed oil addition. Flavour and overall acceptability scores in cooked fish oil
      containing sausages were improved by GTC addition. Results obtained demonstrate
      potential for the production of nutritionally enhanced fresh pork sausages.

PMID- 22063836
TI  - Sensory and preference testing of selected beef muscles infused with a phosphate
      and lactate blend.
AB  - Consumers expect beef products to be juicy and tender. In the present
      investigation four beef muscles, i.e. Biceps femoris (BF), Longissimus lumborum
      (LL), Rectus femoris (RF) and Semitendinosus (ST), were infused with a blend
      consisting of sodium and potassium salts, di- and triphosphates and lactates. The
      muscles were stored at 4 degrees C for 24h, followed by storage at -18 degrees C
      until the descriptive sensory analysis could be performed on all four muscles. BF
      and LL were also subjected to consumer sensory analysis to determine the overall
      degree of liking. The infused and non-infused samples did not differ
      significantly with regard to aroma and flavour. The infused samples were
      significantly more juicy and tender than the untreated samples. Although the
      infused samples were rated significantly higher in salty taste than the untreated
      samples, both treatments illustrated a relatively low mean value for saltiness.
      Both the infused LL and BF samples illustrated a high degree of liking.
      Therefore, the infusion of beef muscles with a blend containing phosphates and
      lactates could be applied successfully to enhance the sensory attributes of beef.

PMID- 22063837
TI  - Effect of live weight and sex on physico-chemical and sensorial characteristics
      of Merino lamb meat.
AB  - Forty-eight lamb carcasses were divided into four groups (n=12) according to
      slaughter weight (24 and 29kg) and sex (male and female). Colour, pH, moisture,
      and intramuscular fat were not affected (p>0.05) by slaughter weight or sex. With
      respect to fatty acid composition, slaughter weight had significant effects on
      C12:0 (p<0.01), C14:0, C16:0, and C18:1 n-9 (p<0.05) in Longissimus lumborum (LL)
      muscle. The percentage of C12:0 and C14:0 decreased as slaughter weight
      increased, while C16:0 increased. In Semimembranosus (SM) m., only C18:3 n-3 and
      C20:2 n-6 were affected (p<0.001) by slaughter weight. Total PUFA in LL m. was
      greater (p<0.01) in females than in males. Although in general, sensorial quality
      was not significantly affected by slaughter weight or sex, meat from lighter
      lambs (24kg) had greater general acceptability than meat from heavier lambs
      (29kg).

PMID- 22063838
TI  - Proteins in longissimus muscle of Korean native cattle and their relationship to
      meat quality.
AB  - Proteomic profiling by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and mass spectrometry
      of longissimus dorsi muscle tissue from Korean native cattle identified seven
      proteins that are differentially expressed in animals producing low and high
      quality grade beef. The expression level of alpha actin is increased in high
      quality grade beef and the expression levels of T-complex protein 1 (TCP-1), heat
      shock protein beta-1 (HSP27), and inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate receptor type1
      (IP3R1), a new protein to be associated with meat quality, are increased in low
      quality grade beef. In particular, the quantitation of HSP27 and IP3R1 by both
      silver staining and immunoblotting correlated well with intramuscular fat
      content, meat tenderness, and free calcium levels. The data suggest that HSP27
      and IP3R1 are potential meat quality biomarkers and their identification provides
      new insight into the molecular mechanisms and pathways associated with overall
      beef quality.

PMID- 22063839
TI  - Effect of the inoculation of a starter culture and vacuum packaging during the
      resting stage on sensory traits of dry-cured ham.
AB  - The effects of the inoculation of a mixed starter culture and vacuum packaging
      (during resting stage) on odour, appearance, texture and flavour of dry-cured ham
      were studied. After salting, half of the 36 processed hams were inoculated with a
      commercial starter culture containing lactic-acid bacteria, Gram-positive
      catalase-positive cocci and yeasts. Nine hams per group (inoculated and non
      inoculated) remained vacuum-packaged during resting. External odour during the
      process, as well as appearance of the cut surface, texture and flavour on
      semimembranosus and biceps femoris of the final product were assessed. Vacuum
      packaging during resting caused an increase in white film and feedstuff flavour,
      as well as a decrease in aged flavour, hardness, fibrousness and overall liking.
      The use of the starter culture brought about an increase in feedstuff flavour, a
      decrease in sweetness, aged flavour, nutty flavour and overall liking and, only
      in vacuum-packaged hams, the development of a floral flavour, but had no
      significant effect on texture descriptors. The starter culture studied is
      considered inappropriate for the production of traditional Spanish dry-cured ham
      regardless of the type of resting used.

PMID- 22063840
TI  - Application of a radical scavenging activity test to measure the total
      antioxidant activity of poultry meat.
AB  - The antioxidant activity of the hydrophilic and lipophilic fraction of poultry
      meat was determined in terms of 'radical scavenging activity' (RSA) using a
      modified ABTS radical cation decolorization method. The method uses the
      extraction of hydrophilic and lipophilic fractions in water and methanol
      chloroform, respectively. The determination of the RSA of the lipophilic fraction
      was conducted using a chloroform extract and maintaining a constant
      chloroform:ethanol ratio in the solution of analysis. The method was tested on
      nine samples of poultry breasts and thigh meats and permitted to quantify the RSA
      in terms of MUmol Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC) with a mean
      relative standard deviation of less than 5%. The contribution of the hydrophilic
      fraction to the total RSA was much higher than that of the lipid soluble
      fraction. Breast showed a higher RSA than thigh meat due to its lower total
      lipids content. The total RSA value (TEAC=2.4MUmolg(-1)) suggests that poultry
      meat could significantly contribute to the antioxidant activity of the diet.

PMID- 22063841
TI  - Extension of the display life of lamb with an antioxidant active packaging.
AB  - Fresh lamb steaks were treated with three different preparations of natural
      antioxidants: one group was packaged with a rosemary active film, the second
      group was packaged with an oregano active film, and the third group was sprayed
      on the meat surface with a rosemary extract before packaging in a high-oxygen
      atmosphere. Samples were stored under illumination at 1+/-1 degrees C for 13days.
      Metmyoglobin formation, lipid oxidation (TBARS), instrumental colour (CIE a(*)),
      psychrotrophic bacterial counts (PCA), sensory discolouration and off-odour were
      determined. The use of a rosemary extract, a rosemary active film or an oregano
      active film resulted in enhanced oxidative stability of lamb steaks. Active films
      with oregano were significantly more efficient than those with rosemary, exerting
      an effect similar to that of direct addition of the rosemary extract; in fact,
      they extended fresh odour and colour from 8 to 13days compared to the control.

PMID- 22063842
TI  - Beef sausage structure affected by sodium chloride and potassium lactate.
AB  - A histological and ultrastructural study was conducted to characterize changes in
      the muscle fibre structure of three fresh sausage preparations, depending on meat
      composition, sodium chloride (NaCl) and potassium lactate (K-lactate) contents.
      After addition of 0.8% and 1.6% NaCl, 65% and 51%, respectively, of the area
      observed showed well preserved fibres (histological data). The altered regions
      presented a large disorganization of the myofilaments and a solubilization of the
      sarcolemma and of the Z lines. K-lactate addition had no marked effects on meat
      structure. The preparation containing some sheep meat was more sensitive to salt
      than the others containing only bovine meat. The level of alteration was much
      lower than those obtained in pork meat in another study. Technological conditions
      used to modify the internal muscle fibre structure during sausage processing
      depend on the species used. Therefore, the classification of the sausage
      preparation to "meat preparation" or "meat product" under the EU regulation (EC)
      No. 853/2004 (which assign meat preparations to meat if the product has undergone
      a process insufficient to modify the internal muscle fibre structure of the meat)
      must be systematically controlled when changing the meat sausage composition.

PMID- 22063843
TI  - Effects of previous diet and duration of soybean oil supplementation on light
      lambs carcass composition, meat quality and fatty acid composition.
AB  - Forty Merino Branco ram lambs were used to study the effects of initial diet and
      duration of supplementation with a conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) promoting diet,
      on carcass composition, meat quality and fatty acid composition of intramuscular
      fat. The experimental period was 6 weeks. The experimental design involved 2
      initial diets (commercial concentrate (C); dehydrated lucerne (L)), and 2
      finishing periods (2 and 4 weeks) on dehydrated lucerne plus 10% soybean oil (O).
      Data were analysed as a 2*2 factorial arrangement with initial diet and time on
      finishing (CLA promoting) diet as the main factors. The lambs were randomly
      assigned to four groups: CCO; COO; LLO; LOO according to the lamb's diet fed in
      each period. Lambs initially fed with concentrate showed higher hot carcass
      weights (11.2 vs 9.6kg) than lambs fed initially with lucerne. The increase of
      the duration of finishing period reduced the carcass muscle percentage (57.4% vs
      55.5%) and increased the subcutaneous fat percentage (5.67% vs 7.03%). Meat
      colour was affected by initial diet. Lambs initially fed with concentrate showed
      a lower proportion of CLA (18:2cis-9, trans-11 isomer) (0.98% vs 1.38% of total
      fatty acids) and most of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids than lambs initially fed
      with lucerne. Initial diet did not compromise the response to the CLA-promoting
      diet and the proportion of 18:2cis-9, trans-11 in intramuscular fat increased
      with the duration of time on the CLA-promoting diet (1.02% vs 1.34% of total
      fatty acids).

PMID- 22063844
TI  - The effect of interaction between genotype CAST/RsaI (calpastatin) and MYOG/MspI
      (myogenin) on carcass and meat quality in pigs free of RYR1(T) allele.
AB  - The purpose of the studies was to demonstrate to what degree genotypes of
      calpastatin (CAST/RsaI) and myogenin (MYOG) genes as well as the interaction
      between them may affect the carcass and meat quality of pigs. The investigations
      were conducted on 397 stress resistant pigs (free of RYR1(T) allele). It was
      demonstrated that the favourable effect of the variants of CAST and MYOG genes on
      carcass quality traits depends on the cut. The gene variant favourably affecting
      the weight of ham simultaneously had a negative effect on the weight of the loin.
      It was also shown that the interaction between CAST and MYOG genotypes has a
      significant effect on backfat thickness. The effect of a given combination of
      CAST and MYOG genotypes on carcass traits is related to the weight of a
      substantial cut (ham, loin). Genotypes at loci CAST/RsaI and MYOG have a
      significant effect on the value of certain traits and parameters of meat quality
      and its technological value (genotype CAST on pH at 35min and 2, 3, 24, 48, 96,
      144h post-mortem (pH(35), pH(2), pH(3), pH(24), pH(48), pH(96), pH(144),
      respectively), R(1) (IMP/ATP), electrical conductivity at 3 and 4h post-mortem
      (EC(3), EC(4)), technological yield of meat in curing and thermal processing (TY)
      and protein content in the muscle tissue, while genotype MYOG on pH(48), EC(35),
      EC(3), EC(24) and dry matter content).

PMID- 22063845
TI  - Effects on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and the fat and meat
      fatty acid profile of rabbits fed diets with chia (Salvia hispanica L.) seed
      supplements.
AB  - The effects of three levels (0%, 10%, or 15%) of chia (Salvia hispanica L.) seed
      (SHS) included in the diet on the growth performance, some carcass
      characteristics and fatty acid profile of rabbit meat and perirenal fat was
      studied. At the end of the experiment, there were no significant differences
      among the groups in live weight, live weight gain, feed consumption, feed
      efficiency, carcass yield or the percentages of edible organs. The percentage
      values of hind legs, fore legs, loin and abdominal wall, breast and ribs, skin
      and limbs, and head were not affected by the inclusion level of SHS. The
      polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) concentration in the longissimus dorsi muscle
      and perirenal fat was significantly increased with increasing SHS inclusion,
      while the saturated fatty acid (SFA) decreased. The n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio of the
      rabbit meat decreased from 4.55 in the control group, to 1.03 in the 15% SHS
      group.

PMID- 22063846
TI  - Effect of gender and castration of females and slaughter weight on performance
      and carcass and meat quality of Iberian pigs reared under intensive management
      systems.
AB  - A total of 360 Iberian dam*Duroc sire pigs was used to study the influence of
      gender and castration of females (CM, castrated males; CF, castrated females; IF,
      intact females) and slaughter weight (SW; 145 and 156kg body weight, BW) on
      performance and carcass and meat quality. Each treatment was replicated four
      times (15 pigs). Intact females ate less, tended to have better feed conversion
      and had less carcass fat and more primal cuts yield than CM and CF. Pigs
      slaughtered at 156kg BW ate more feed and had worse feed conversion than pigs
      slaughtered at 145 BW. An increase in SW improved carcass yield, but tended to
      decrease trimmed ham yield. Intact females are an alternative to castrated
      females for intensive production of Iberian pigs. Also, the reduction in
      slaughter weight from 156 to 145kg BW is recommended for this type of production.

PMID- 22063847
TI  - Detection of virulence determinants by real time PCR in E. coli isolated from
      mutton.
AB  - Ninety three Escherichia coli isolates belonging to 35 serotypes isolated from
      market mutton were tested to find out the prevalence of virulence determinants,
      Verotoxin 1 (VT1), Verotoxin 2 (VT2), Intimin (eae) genes and enterohemolysin
      production. Real Time PCR based detection was carried out for virulence genes
      using SYBR green format and amplicons were confirmed by melt curve analysis.
      Prevalence of VT1 gene in these isolates was much higher (38.70%) on the other
      hand, that of VT2 gene was nil (0%) while that of eae was very low (3.22%).
      Enterohemolysin production was found in 31.18% isolates when tested on washed
      sheep blood agar supplemented with CaCl(2). All enterohemolysin producing
      isolates were also positive for the VT1 gene.

PMID- 22063848
TI  - The behaviour of the protein complex throughout the technological process in the
      production of cooked cold meats.
AB  - Protein composition was examined in order to find markers that could be useful in
      technology optimization. The behaviour of sarcoplasmic and myofibrillar proteins
      during the processing of roast pork was studied at the various processing steps,
      utilising some electrophoretic (SDS-PAGE, 2DE and IEF) and thermometric (DSC)
      techniques and evaluating the content of amino acids produced. The relevance of
      desmin as a marker of structural modification was emphasised. The extraction of
      myofibrillar proteins by brine, the formation of a protein network at 62 degrees
      C and the evaluation of the exudate produced during cooking are the crucial steps
      that should be monitored when a new industrial process is to be optimised.

PMID- 22063849
TI  - The use of various live animal measurements to predict carcass and meat quality
      in two divergent lamb breeds.
AB  - Live weight, subjective scores of condition and conformation, live animal video
      image analysis (LVIA), ultrasound and X-ray computed tomography (CT) scanning
      were used to investigate the best method or combination of methods for predicting
      carcass and meat quality traits in live Texel and Scottish Blackface lambs.
      Predictors derived from CT alone accounted for a high proportion of the variance
      in dissected fat and muscle weight in Texel lambs (adjusted R(2)=~0.8), as well
      as intra-muscular fat content in the loin (~0.6), but lower proportions in
      Blackface lambs (~0.7 for fat, 0.4-0.5 for muscle and intra-muscular fat), after
      adjusting for sire and fixed effects. Adding traits measured by other in vivo
      methods increased prediction accuracies (adjusted R(2)) by up to 0.26, depending
      on trait and data set. Shear force and ultimate pH could not be accurately
      predicted using the traits considered here (adjusted R(2)<0.4). Although the same
      methods tended to be best for predicting product quality traits between breeds,
      prediction accuracies differed.

PMID- 22063850
TI  - Chitosan effects on quality properties of Greek style fresh pork sausages.
AB  - The effect of chitosan (0.5% and 1%) added individually or in combination with
      nitrites (150ppm) on microbiological (Total Viable Counts, Lactic acid bacteria,
      Pseudomonas spp., Brochothrix thermosphacta, Enterobacteriaceae, yeasts and
      moulds), physicochemical-chemical (pH, chemical composition, lipid oxidation) and
      sensory properties of fresh pork sausages stored at 4 degrees C for 28 days was
      investigated. Chitosan addition resulted in significant (p<0.05) inhibition of
      microbial growth, while nitrites did not seem to protect sausages from microbial
      spoilage. A gradual reduction of nitrites was observed till the end of storage,
      when nitrites were almost depleted in all nitrite containing samples. The rate of
      lipid oxidation in fresh pork sausages was significantly decreased (p<0.05) by
      addition of increasing levels of chitosan, while samples containing both chitosan
      and nitrites showed the lowest malondialdehyde (MDA) values, indicating a
      synergistic antioxidative effect. Consequently, the samples containing the
      combination of nitrites and chitosan at any level deteriorated less rapidly and
      were judged as more acceptable than all the other samples.

PMID- 22063851
TI  - Comparison of visible and near infrared reflectance spectroscopy to discriminate
      between pasture-fed and concentrate-fed lamb carcasses.
AB  - We compared visible and near infrared spectroscopy to distinguish pasture-fed (P)
      from stall concentrate-fed (S) lamb carcasses. A total of 120 P and 139 S lambs
      were used. The reflectance spectrum of perirenal fat was measured at wavelengths
      between 400 and 700nm using a portable spectrophotometer, and at wavelengths
      between 400 and 2500nm using a laboratory monochromator NIRSystem. In method
      W(450-510), the reflectance data were used at wavelengths between 450 and 510nm.
      In methods W(400-700) and W(400-2500), a multivariate analysis was performed over
      the full set of reflectance data, at wavelengths in the range 400-700nm and 400
      2500nm, respectively. The proportion of correctly classified P lambs was 89.1%,
      90.8% and 97.5% for W(450-510), W(400-700) and W(400-2500,)W(400-2500) performing
      best. The proportion of correctly classified S lambs was not significantly
      different between methods (98.6%, 98.6% and 97.8% for W(450-510), W(400-700) and
      W(400-2500), respectively).

PMID- 22063852
TI  - Effect of feeding fermentable fibre-rich feedstuffs on meat quality with emphasis
      on chemical and sensory boar taint in entire male and female pigs.
AB  - Skatole, androstenone and other compounds such as indole cause boar taint in
      entire male pork. However, female pigs also produce skatole and indole. The
      purpose of this experiment was to minimise boar taint and increase overall
      impression of sensory quality by feeding entire male and female pigs with fibre
      rich feedstuffs. The pigs have been fed three organic diets for either 1 or 2
      weeks prior to slaughter of which two diets contained different fermentable fibre
      rich feedstuffs - 10-13.3% dried chicory roots or 25% blue lupines. These two
      treatments were compared with pigs fed with an organic control diet for either 1
      or 2 weeks prior to slaughter. Lupines significantly reduced skatole in blood and
      backfat for both genders after 1 week. Moreover, lupines showed negative impact
      on growth rate and feed conversion whilst chicory showed no significant
      differences in this respect. However, the indole concentration was significantly
      lower in chicory than lupine fed pigs. From a sensory perspective, chicory and
      lupine feeding reduced boar taint since odour and flavour of manure related to
      skatole and urine associated to androstenone were minimised. The level of boar
      taint in the entire male pigs was most effectively reduced after 14 days by both
      fibre-rich feeds while lupine had the largest influence on "boar" taint reduction
      in female pigs.

PMID- 22063853
TI  - Effect of high pressure treatment on colour, microbial and chemical
      characteristics of dry cured loin.
AB  - The effect of high pressure on sliced and vacuum packaged commercial dry-cured
      pork loin was determined by analysing the induced colour changes, the residual
      enzymatic activities of cathepsins, aminopeptidases and dipeptidilpeptidases and
      the changes in the content of free amino acids and also its effect on lipid
      oxidation, as TBARS (Thiobarbituric reactives substances) and volatile flavour
      compounds. High pressure treatments above 300MPa affected the colour of dry cured
      pork loins producing an increase in lightness and decreased redness and these
      differences were detected during all vacuum storage. High pressure produced a
      reduction in the activity of aminopeptidases and dipeptidylpeptidases. The
      untreated samples showed an increase in free amino acid content during vacuum
      storage while the pressurised samples showed no significant increases probably
      due to the reduction in aminopeptidase activity. The oxidative stability of the
      pressurised dry-cured loins was not affected as observed by the absence of
      differences in TBARS values and in the abundance of volatile compounds from the
      lipid oxidation. However, the pressurised treatment produced a reduction of
      several flavour compounds, particularly those derived from Maillard reactions,
      although they are regenerated during vacuum storage. In summary, high pressure
      treatment after the ripening of dry-cured loin affects its quality but the
      differences can be minimised by vacuum storage.

PMID- 22063854
TI  - Effect of the packaging method and the storage time on lipid oxidation and colour
      stability on dry fermented sausage salchichon manufactured with raw material with
      a high level of mono and polyunsaturated fatty acids.
AB  - The effects of fatty acid composition, two packaging methods (vacuum and 20%
      CO(2)/80% N(2)) and storage under refrigeration for 210 days were evaluated on a
      dry fermented sausage (salchichon), manufactured with raw material enriched in
      monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fatty acids. Fatty acid composition was
      determined on sausage mixtures and on ripened sausages and lipid oxidation and
      colour stability was determined on ripened sausage at different times during
      storage. The modification of fatty acid composition of the sausages raised the
      nutritional quality, slightly affecting the colour properties. Dry fermented
      sausages enriched in polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids presented
      higher lipid oxidation values than the control ones. Both packaging methods
      (vacuum and 20% CO(2)/80% N(2)) during 210 days of chilled storage had minor
      effects on the colour and the lipid oxidation stability.

PMID- 22063855
TI  - Effects of rapid chilling of carcasses and time of deboning on weight loss and
      technological quality of pork semimembranosus muscle.
AB  - The effect of rapid air chilling of carcasses in the first 3 h of chilling at -31
      degrees C (then at 2-4 degrees C, till 24 h post-mortem) and the possibility of
      earlier deboning (8 h post-mortem) after rapid air chilling, compared to
      conventional air chilling (at 2-4 degrees C, till 24 h post-mortem) on weight
      loss and technological quality (pH value, tenderness, drip loss, cooking loss and
      colour - L(*)a(*)b(*) values) of pork M. semimembranosus was investigated. Under
      the rapid chilling conditions, weight loss was 0.8% at 8 h post-mortem and
      increased to 1.4% at 24 h post-mortem when weight loss was 2.0% under
      conventional chilling. Carcasses that were rapid chilled had significantly lower
      (P<0.001) internal temperature in the deep leg at 4 (25.7 degrees C), 6 (13.0
      degrees C), 8 (6.2 degrees C) and 24 h (3.8 degrees C) post-mortem compared to
      conventional chill treatment (32.7, 24.2, 19.1 and 5.1 degrees C, respectively).
      Rapid chilling reduced significantly (P<0.05) the rate of pH value decline at 8 h
      (6.02) post-mortem in M. semimembranosus compared to conventional chill treatment
      (5.88). Compared to conventional chilling, in M. semimembranosus deboned in
      different time post-mortem, rapid chilling had a positive significant effect on
      drip loss (P<0.05, muscles deboned 8 h post-mortem), cooking loss (P<0.001) and
      incidence of pale colour (L(*) value). Rapid chilling i.e. rapid chilling and
      earlier deboning had neither positive nor negative significant effects (P>0.05)
      on other investigated technological quality parameters of M. semimembranosus
      (tenderness, a(*) value and b(*) value) compared to conventional chilling.

PMID- 22063856
TI  - Development and quality evaluation of cooked buffalo tripe rolls.
AB  - Cooked buffalo tripe rolls (BTRs) were prepared from a combination of buffalo
      tripe (75%) and buffalo meat (25%) by using mincing (M-BTR) and blade
      tenderization (BT-BTR). They were stored at 4+/-1 degrees C and studied for
      various physico-chemical, sensory and microbial qualities. Significantly (P<0.01)
      higher pH, shear force value, diameter shrinkage and fat percentage were observed
      in M-BTR and BT-BTR than control product (100% minced buffalo meat). The product
      yield and drip loss percentage were significantly (P<0.01) lower in BT-BTR,
      whereas drip loss percentage was significantly higher in M-BTR compared to
      controls and BT-BTR. No significant change was noticed in protein and moisture
      content between the different products. All physico-chemical parameters and
      sensory evaluation scores of M-BTR were comparable with control. Significant
      (P<0.01) increases were noticed in pH, moisture content, thiobarbituric acid and
      tyrosine values with increasing storage period, whereas the extract release
      volume decreased significantly. All microbial counts and sensory evaluation
      scores were within the acceptable limits until 15 days of storage at 4+/-1
      degrees C in low-density polyethylene pouches stored aerobically.

PMID- 22063857
TI  - Carcass and meat quality traits of wild boar (Sus scrofas. L.) with 2n=36
      karyotype compared to those of phenotypically similar crossbreeds (2n=37 and
      2n=38) raised under same farming conditions. 1. Carcass quantity and meat
      dressing.
AB  - The aim of this study was to compare wild boar (chromosomal number 2n=36) to
      phenotypically similar animals of 2n=37 and 2n=38 chromosomes (crossbreeds) with
      respect to live weight, carcass yield, meat yield, fat and weight of inner
      organs. All animals were born and raised on the same farm and slaughtered at 39
      weeks. The final live weight of wild boar 2n=36 was significantly lower (47.2kg)
      as compared to crossbreeds (80.0kg). Animals 2n=36 had more carcass yields
      (65.5%) than 2n=37 karyotype (64.9%) and 2n=38 (64.4%). Wild boar had the highest
      yields for the cuts with bones and boneless cuts compared to crossbreeds.
      Therefore, variations in karyotype are accompanied by differences in some carcass
      quantitative traits, i.e., 2n=36 grow and fatten slower than crossbreeds 2n=37
      and 2n=38.

PMID- 22063858
TI  - Preliminary investigations on the effects of ageing and cooking on the Raman
      spectra of porcine longissimus dorsi.
AB  - The influence of ageing and cooking on the Raman spectrum of porcine longissimus
      dorsi was investigated. The rich information contained in the Raman spectrum was
      highlighted, with numerous changes attributed to changes in the environment and
      conformations of the myofibrillar proteins. Predictions equations for shear force
      and cooking loss were developed from the Raman spectra of both raw and cooked
      pork. Good correlations and standard errors of prediction were obtained for both
      WB shear force and cooking loss, with the raw and the cooked samples showing
      almost identical results R(2)=0.77, root mean standard error of prediction
      (RMSEP)% of mean=12% for shear force; R(2)=0.71, RMSEP% of mean=10% for cooking
      loss. The Raman spectra were also able to predict the extent of cooking that
      occurred within the pork (R(2)(val)=0.94, RMSEP% of range=5.5%). Raman
      spectroscopy has considerable potential as a method for non-destructive and rapid
      determination of pork quality parameters such as tenderness. Raman spectroscopy
      may provide a means of determining changes during cooking and the extent to which
      foods have been cooked.

PMID- 22063859
TI  - Traceability of four European Protected Geographic Indication (PGI) beef products
      using Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNP) and Bayesian statistics.
AB  - The use of SNPs in combination with Bayesian statistics for the geographic
      traceability of cattle was evaluated using a dataset comprising 24 breeds from
      Italy, France, Spain, Denmark, the Netherlands, Switzerland and UK genotyped with
      90 polymorphic markers. The percentage of correct assignment of the individuals
      to their Country of origin was 90%, with an average assignment probability of 93%
      and an average specificity of 92%. The higher value was observed for UK breeds
      (97% of correct assignment) while Swiss animals were the most difficult to
      allocate (77% of correct assignment). Tracing of Protected Geographic Indication
      (PGI) products, the approach correctly assigned 100% of Guaranteed Pure Highland
      Beef; 97% of "Vitellone dell'Appennino Centrale" breeds; 84% of Ternera de
      Navarra, and 80% of Boeuf de Chalosse. Methods to verify Products of Designated
      Origin (PDO) and Protected Geographic Indication (PGI) products will help to
      protect regional foods and promote the economic growth of marginal rural areas by
      encouraging the production of high quality niche market foods.

PMID- 22063860
TI  - Effect of ractopamine level, gender, and duration of ractopamine on belly and
      bacon quality traits.
AB  - The objective was to determine belly and bacon quality traits in pigs fed
      ractopamine (RAC) for various durations during finishing. A 2*3*2 factorial
      arrangement was used with barrows and gilts, fed RAC levels of 0.0, 5.0, or
      7.4ppm, for 21 or 28d prior to harvest. Bellies were fabricated and measured for
      length, thickness, firmness, and processing yields. Once processed, 1.27cm slices
      were removed at 25%, 50%, and 75% the distance from the blade end, packaged and
      digitally imaged using a Chem1 Genius(2) Bio Imaging System. Total slice area
      (TA), total slice length (TL), secondary lean length (SL), secondary lean area
      (SA), and percent lean area (TA - all lean components=LA) were determined by
      tracing images in Adobe Photoshop Elements. A composite sample from the three
      slices was used for proximate analysis to determine moisture and fat composition
      for each belly. Feeding RAC increased belly yield, TA, TL, SA, and LA (P<0.05),
      but did not alter moisture or fat composition (P>0.05). Gilts had decreased
      firmness and higher pump uptakes compared to barrows (P<0.05). Additionally gilts
      had increased TL, SL, and LA with lower fat and higher moisture content (P<0.05).
      RAC feeding duration had no significant effect on belly or bacon quality traits
      (P>0.05), furthermore, no interactions were found to be significant (P>0.05). RAC
      administration during finishing resulted in improved belly and bacon yields with
      no negative effects on the quality traits evaluated.

PMID- 22063861
TI  - Quality of donkey meat and carcass characteristics.
AB  - A study based on 15 entire donkey males was carried out to evaluate carcass
      quality and nutritional characteristics of meat obtained by these animals
      slaughtered at 15 months of age and a mean final body weight of 181kg. The meat
      had a low (2.02g/100g) fat content, an appreciable (22.8g/100g) protein content,
      and cholesterol content was 68.7mg/100g. Glycogen was also determined
      (0.45g/100g) within 12h of sampling. Potassium was the mineral with the highest
      content (343mg/100g), followed by phosphorus (212mg/100g), sodium (52mg/100g) and
      magnesium (24mg/100g). Donkey meat obtained from young animals can be considered
      a good alternative to other red meats and not only for the production salami, or
      other fermented meat products.

PMID- 22063862
TI  - Sensory characterisation and consumer acceptability of small calibre fermented
      sausages with 50% substitution of NaCl by mixtures of KCl and potassium lactate.
AB  - The effect of six mixtures with 50% molar substitution of KCl (0-50%) and
      potassium lactate (0-50%) as NaCl substitutes in small calibre fermented sausages
      on some sensory parameters and on the acceptability was studied. Also, the
      relationship between sensory profile and consumer acceptability using external
      preference mapping was investigated. The results showed that as the K-lactate
      substitution increased, pH, sweetness, crumbliness and pastiness also increased,
      and piquantness, hardness, cohesiveness, ripened flavour, acid taste and
      saltiness decreased. However, the treatments prepared with a high level of salt
      substitution by KCl showed scores of sensory attributes similar to those of the
      control. Consumer segmentation showed differences in acceptability between
      genders, place of residence, educational level and age group. Consumers rejected
      fermented sausages with high K-lactate substitution but not those with a high KCl
      substitution. External preference mapping split consumers up into four clusters
      with different preference patterns. According to these results and from a sensory
      point of view, it is possible to achieve a reduction of 50% of NaCl in small
      calibre fermented sausages and to obtain a product acceptable to most consumers.

PMID- 22063863
TI  - Development of a hybrid image processing algorithm for automatic evaluation of
      intramuscular fat content in beef M. longissimus dorsi.
AB  - An automatic method for estimating the content of intramuscular fat (IMF) in beef
      M. longissimus dorsi (LD) was developed using a sequence of image processing
      algorithm. To extract IMF particles within the LD muscle from structural features
      of intermuscular fat surrounding the muscle, three steps of image processing
      algorithm were developed, i.e. bilateral filter for noise removal, kernel fuzzy c
      means clustering (KFCM) for segmentation, and vector confidence connected and
      flood fill for IMF extraction. The technique of bilateral filtering was firstly
      applied to reduce the noise and enhance the contrast of the beef image. KFCM was
      then used to segment the filtered beef image into lean, fat, and background. The
      IMF was finally extracted from the original beef image by using the techniques of
      vector confidence connected and flood filling. The performance of the algorithm
      developed was verified by correlation analysis between the IMF characteristics
      and the percentage of chemically extractable IMF content (P<0.05). Five IMF
      features are very significantly correlated with the fat content (P<0.001),
      including count densities of middle (CDMiddle) and large (CDLarge) fat particles,
      area densities of middle and large fat particles, and total fat area per unit LD
      area. The highest coefficient is 0.852 for CDLarge.

PMID- 22063864
TI  - Molecular and technological characterization of lactic acid bacteria from
      traditional fermented sausages of Basilicata region (Southern Italy).
AB  - Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from traditional fermented sausages of the Basilicata
      region were investigated by ARDRA-PCR and RAPD-PCR for taxonomic identification
      at species and strain level and characterized on the basis of the growth and
      acidification at different temperatures, incubation times, levels of NaCl and
      KNO(2), hydrolysis of sarcoplasmatic and myofibrillar proteins and antimicrobial,
      peptide/amino acid release and nitrate reductase activities. Lactobacillus sakei
      was the predominant species (67%) followed by Pediococcus pentosaceus (16%),
      Leuconostoc carnosum (8%), Lactobacillus plantarum (4%), Lactobacillus brevis
      (2%) and Leuconostoc pseudomesenteroides (2%). The technological characterization
      revealed that most of the isolates had good acidifying and proteolytic
      properties. Moreover, Lb. sakei strains showed antimicrobial ability, while
      Leuconostoc strains the highest reduction of nitrates. This work was a
      preliminary study in the formulation of autochthonous starter cultures in order
      to standardize the production process of sausages, to preserve their typical
      organoleptic and sensory characteristics and to improve the quality of final
      product.

PMID- 22063865
TI  - Southern Spain lamb types discrimination by using visible spectroscopy and basic
      physicochemical traits.
AB  - The potential for using visible spectroscopy (400-700nm) to classify six types
      (breed*production system) of lamb meat was investigated. Seven wavelengths namely
      400, 410, 420, 450, 510, 610 and 670nm were retained for the discriminant
      analysis. The basic meat physicochemical traits of Longissimus dorsi were also
      studied and a model including that information together with the spectra was
      developed to compare both accuracies. Then, Myoglobin content, water holding
      capacity, pH, a(*), 670 and 610nm wavelengths, protein percentage, L(*), ash
      content, 450 and 420nm wavelengths and moisture percentage were selected as
      variables for the development of the discriminant function. The data analysis
      showed that it was possible to discriminate the lamb types with accuracy around
      83% using visible spectroscopy. However these results improved to 95% when using
      the reflectance together with basic physicochemical traits (12% better than using
      only the spectra).

PMID- 22063866
TI  - Monitoring of warmed-over flavour in pork using the electronic nose - correlation
      to sensory attributes and secondary lipid oxidation products.
AB  - Sensory analysis of meatballs was carried out to monitor the warmed-over flavour
      (WOF) development in cooked, cold-stored (at 4 degrees C for 0, 2 and 4days) and
      reheated meatballs derived from M. longissimus dorsi (LD) and M. semimembranosus
      (SM) of pigs fed a standard diet supplemented with either 3% of rapeseed oil or
      3% of palm oil. This was performed in combination with measurement of volatile
      compounds using a solid-state-based gas sensor array system (electronic nose) and
      gas chromatography/mass spectrometry together with measurement of thiobarbitoric
      acid reactive substances (TBARS). Subsequently, to elucidate the relations and
      predictability between the obtained data, the gas sensor responses were
      correlated with chemical (volatile and non-volatile secondary lipid oxidation
      products) and sensory data (flavour and odour attributes), using partial least
      squares regression modelling (PLSR). The TBARS, hexanal, pentanal, pentanol and
      nonanal all correlated to the sensory attributes associated to WOF formation.
      Moreover, the responses from eight of the MOS (metal oxide semiconductor) sensors
      within the electronic nose proved to be significantly related to WOF
      characteristics detected by both sensory and chemical analysis, while six of the
      MOSFET (metal oxide semiconductor field effect transistor) sensors were related
      to freshly cooked meat attributes determined by sensory analysis. The obtained
      results show the potential of the present gas sensor technology to monitor WOF
      formation in pork.

PMID- 22063867
TI  - Marinating as a technology to shift sensory thresholds in ready-to-eat entire
      male pork meat.
AB  - This study investigated the effect of marinades in improving the eating quality
      in ready-to-eat boar meat. Neck chops with fat content below 18.9%, skatole
      ?1.1ppm (range 0.03-1.1) and androstenone ?5.6ppm (range 0.01-5.6) were used. In
      a screening experiment different marinades were tested for their ability to mask
      boar taint (defined as manure and urine odour and flavour). Liquid smoke and
      oregano extracts appeared to have the best potential for masking, and were
      studied in detail. Results from the study indicated that marinated chops with
      skatole content of approximately 0.4ppm appeared similar to castrates in boar
      taint. Chops with skatole contents above 0.7ppm remained unmasked despite the use
      of strongly flavoured marinades. Unmarinated chops served at 60 degrees C were
      more tainted than those served at 15 degrees C, but scored lower for boar taint
      when reheated, although the concentrations of androstenone and skatole remained
      the same. The fat content of the chops was not well correlated to the perception
      of boar taint. The attributes manure and urine were correlated with the level of
      skatole, but urine attribute was not a good indicator of the androstenone level.

PMID- 22063868
TI  - Prediction of beef eating quality from colour, marbling and wavelet texture
      features.
AB  - Beef longissimus dorsi colour, marbling fat and surface texture are long
      established properties that are used in some countries by expert graders to
      classify beef carcasses, with subjective and inconsistent decision. As a computer
      vision system can deliver objective and consistent decisions rapidly and is
      capable of handling a greater variety of image features, attempts have been made
      to develop computerised predictions of eating quality based on these and other
      properties but have failed to adequately model the variation in eating quality.
      Therefore, in this study, examination of the ribeye at high magnification and
      consideration of a broad range of colour and marbling fat features was used to
      attempt to provide better information on beef eating quality. Wavelets were used
      to describe the image texture of the beef surface at high magnification rather
      than classical methods such as run lengths, difference histograms and co
      occurrence matrices. Sensory panel and Instron analyses were performed on
      duplicate steaks to measure the quality of the beef. Using the classical
      statistical method of partial least squares regression (PLSR) it was possible to
      model a very high proportion of the variation in eating quality (r(2)=0.88 for
      sensory overall acceptability and r(2)=0.85 for 7-day WBS). Addition of non
      linear texture terms to the models gave some improvements.

PMID- 22063869
TI  - Factors that affect and motivate the purchase of quality-labelled beef in Spain.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to identify the factors that affect and motivate
      the purchase of quality-labelled beef in Spain. For this purpose a total of 364
      surveys were carried out on buyers of beef in three Spanish cities. The sample
      was divided into three groups of buyers according to the frequency with which
      they buy beef with a quality label. A logistic regression analysis was used to
      estimate the differences between groups. The results showed the importance of the
      production region as a quality aspect. In general terms, variables such as income
      level and lifestyles would seem to be the variables that enable us to
      discriminate between quality-labelled beef buyers and non-buyers, whereas beef
      purchasing habits, a greater appreciation of production systems and attitudes
      towards quality-labelled beef, are the variables that may explain the differences
      that exist between regular and occasional quality-labelled beef buyers.

PMID- 22063870
TI  - Fluorescence spectroscopy as a novel approach for the assessment of myofibrillar
      protein oxidation in oil-in-water emulsions.
AB  - The oxidation of oil-in-water emulsions (37 degrees C/10 days) containing
      increasing levels of myofibrillar proteins (MP) (0.5%, 1% and 2% on the basis of
      lipid content) was investigated. Protein oxidation was assessed by measuring the
      loss of natural tryptophan fluorescence and the increase in fluorescent protein
      oxidation products (FP) using fluorescence spectroscopy. Lipid oxidation was
      simultaneously analysed by measuring the increase of conjugated dienes (CD) and
      hexanal. The oxidative degradation of tryptophan residues occurred as an early
      event in MP oxidation whereas FP formed later as secondary protein oxidation
      products. The shift of the tryptophan maximum fluorescence emission wavelength
      during oxidation provided information about the location of oxidising tryptophan
      residues. Emulsions with higher concentrations of MP displayed higher tryptophan
      fluorescence and yielded a higher amount of FP. MP acted as inhibitors of lipid
      oxidation because emulsions with higher MP contents contained lower levels of CD
      and hexanal. Significant negative correlations were found between tryptophan
      fluorescence and CD, reflecting the timely interaction between primary lipid
      oxidation products and protein oxidation. Both spectrophotometric techniques were
      useful although the loss of tryptophan fluorescence is more reliable since it is
      a specific measurement which is not affected by the presence of other fluorescent
      protein oxidation products.

PMID- 22063871
TI  - Simulation of giant fibre development in biopsy samples from pig longissimus
      muscle.
AB  - The incidence of hyper-contracted giant fibres in pig postmortem skeletal muscle
      is closely related to poor meat quality in terms of pale, soft, and exudative
      pork. Detection of a predisposition to develop giant fibres in live pigs could
      help to predict pork quality and to exclude affected pigs from genetic selection.
      The abundance and proportion of giant fibres in longissimus muscle were highest
      in Pietrain followed by Landrace, Large White, and Leicoma pigs of market weight.
      The postmortem development of giant fibres could be successfully simulated in
      vitro incubating biopsy samples from longissimus muscle at 37 degrees C for
      60min. For repeated measurements on three samples the intraclass correlation
      coefficient for the number of giant fibres/cm(2) was theta^(3)=0.69 for biopsy
      and theta^(3)=0.87 for carcass samples. "Simulated" giant fibres exhibited
      ultrastructural changes in plasma membrane, myofibrils, mitochondria, and
      sarcoplasmatic reticulum as shown previously for giant fibres in carcass samples.

PMID- 22063872
TI  - Comparative efficacy of pomegranate juice, pomegranate rind powder extract and
      BHT as antioxidants in cooked chicken patties.
AB  - A study was carried out to evaluate the antioxidant potential of pomegranate
      juice (PJ), rind powder extract (RP) and butylated hydroxyl toluene (BHT) in
      cooked chicken patties during refrigerated storage. Freshly minced chicken meats
      were assigned to one of the following four treatments: control (meat treated with
      no antioxidants); 10mg equivalent PJ phenolics per 100g meat; 10mg equivalent RP
      phenolics per 100g meat; 10mg BHT per 100g meat. The patties formed from the
      minced meats were grilled for 20min and stored under aerobically at 4 degrees C
      for 15 days. Total phenolic content (as tannic acid equivalent) significantly
      (P<0.05) increased from 152 in control to 195 and 224MUg/g in PJ and RP patties.
      Addition of PJ or RP did not affect any of the sensory attributes. The TBARS
      values were significantly (P<0.05) reduced from 1.272 in control patties to
      0.896, 0.763 and 0.203mg malonaldehyde per kg samples in BHT, PJ and RP patties,
      respectively. The RP treatment substantially inhibited (P<0.01) lipid oxidation
      in cooked chicken patties to a much greater extent than BHT treatment. The PJ or
      RP at a level of 10mg equivalent phenolics/100g meat would be sufficient to
      protect chicken patties against oxidative rancidity for periods longer than the
      most commonly used synthetic antioxidant like BHT.

PMID- 22063873
TI  - Effect of dietary conjugated linoleic acid in combination with monounsaturated
      fatty acids on the meat composition and quality traits of dry-cured loin.
AB  - Three levels (0%, 1% and 2%) of an enriched conjugated linoleic acid oil (CLA)
      were combined with two levels of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) (low -19%
      average and high -39% average) for pig feeding. Composition, weight losses, lipid
      oxidation (thiobarbituric acid test, TBARs), change in the fatty acid content of
      the lipid fractions and sensory analysis of dry-cured loin as affected by dietary
      CLA, MUFA and CLA*MUFA interaction were studied. CLA and CLA*MUFA did not affect
      moisture and intramuscular fat content of dry-cured loin, weight losses during
      the processing, changes in the content of most fatty acids from lipid fractions
      and sensory traits. CLA and MUFA supplementation led to lower TBARs values (1.3mg
      MDA/kg sample for 0% CLA and 0.9mg MDA/kg sample for 2% CLA; 1.2mg MDA/kg sample
      for low MUFA diets and 0.9mg MDA/kg sample for high MUFA diets), the highest
      TBARs values being detected for 0% CLA-low MUFA diets [1.5mg MDA/kg sample]. The
      combination of dietary CLA with different MUFA levels in pig diets did not affect
      most composition and quality traits of dry-cured loin. Dietary CLA and MUFA
      seemed to lead to lower lipid oxidation in this product.

PMID- 22063874
TI  - Fluorimetric detection of protoporphyrins as an indicator for quality monitoring
      of fresh intact pork meat.
AB  - In fresh meat production fast and non-destructive quality monitoring along the
      distribution chain is a key aspect to guaranteeing high quality and safe products
      for consumption. The applicability of fluorescence spectroscopy using
      protoporphyrins as indicators for meat ageing was investigated. Porcine musculus
      longissimus dorsi (MLD) was stored in slices over 20 days at 5 and 12 degrees C
      and measured every day with an excitation of 420nm and an emission range of 550
      750nm. Additionally, pH, drip loss and colour were examined to assess possible
      correlations. The obtained spectra of the MLD showed an increase in three peaks
      at 592, 638 and 705nm which could be reconstructed using the spectra of standard
      solutions of protoporphyrin IX (PP) and zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPP) or
      magnesium protoporphyrin (MgPP), respectively. Using principal component analysis
      (PCA) on the fluorescence spectral data, the meat slices stored at 5 degrees C
      showed differences in the fluorescence signal after the 10th day and 5th day when
      stored at 12 degrees C. An interrelationship between the additional analyses and
      the fluorescence intensities on these relevant days could not be established. In
      conclusion, the increase of ZnPP fluorescence due to temperature related changes
      of physiological meat properties is capable of serving as a quality indicator
      with regards to inadequate conditioning (e.g. during transportation and/or
      storage) of pork meat.

PMID- 22063875
TI  - Inhibition of lipid oxidation in refrigerated and frozen salted raw minced
      chicken breasts with electron beam irradiated almond skin powder.
AB  - Antioxidant effects of electron beam irradiated almond skin powder (ASP) in raw
      minced chicken breasts (MCB) during refrigerated and frozen storage were studied.
      MCB samples were treated with BHT, non-irradiated ASP (0kGy), irradiated ASP
      (10kGy, 20kGy and 30kGy) and compared to MCB without antioxidants. Colour was
      determined on initial and final day of analysis while conjugated dienes (CD),
      peroxide values (POV), TBARS and hexanal content were evaluated periodically for
      12 days of refrigerated storage and seven months of frozen storage. ASP addition
      lowered L* values compared to MCB without ASP or BHT. During refrigerated
      storage, MCB containing ASP had decreased formation of lipid oxidation products
      ranging from 0 to 66%, 7 to 24%, 0 to 37% and 4 to 71% reduction in POV, CD,
      TBARS and hexanal content, respectively, as compared to MCB without antioxidants
      over duration of study. A 15-65%, 3-25%, 14-50% and 28-82% reduction in POV, CD,
      TBARS and hexanal content, respectively, for frozen MCB was detected.

PMID- 22063876
TI  - Effect of a 10-day ageing at 30 degrees C on the texture of dry-cured hams
      processed at temperatures up to 18 degrees C in relation to raw meat pH and
      salting time.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a 10-day ageing at 30+/-2
      degrees C on the texture of dry-cured hams processed at temperatures up to 18+/-2
      degrees C for 12 months in relation with raw ham pH and salting time. Three pH
      groups (semimembranosus muscle at 24h post-mortem: Low pH<5.7, Medium
      pH=5.7?pH?5.9, and High pH>5.9), three salting times (6d, 10d and 14d) and two
      ageing temperatures (18 degrees C and 30 degrees C) were investigated.
      Physicochemical characteristics, instrumental and sensory texture and product
      sliceability were evaluated on biceps femoris and semimembranosus muscles. Hams
      with pH(SM24)<5.7 should be avoided in order to reduce the incidence of texture
      problems in dry-cured ham elaboration. Texture problems are especially important
      in hams with a reduced salt content that are mechanically sliced (not frozen). A
      10-day ageing at 30 degrees C could be useful for reducing the soft texture
      problems in dry-cured hams processed at temperatures up to 18 degrees C for 12
      months without affecting the product flavour.

PMID- 22063877
TI  - The application of wheat fibre and soy isolate impregnated with iodine salts to
      fortify processed meats.
AB  - The aim was to use wheat dietary fibre and soy protein isolate as carriers of KI
      and KIO(3) for fortification of processed meat with iodine. Products from minced
      pork were prepared with addition of iodised wheat fibre and soy isolate, and
      iodised table salt for comparison and the effects of thermal processing and
      storage on changes in iodine content were determined. It was shown that both
      alternative carriers limited the iodine changes in meat products compared with
      iodised table salt. However, wheat fibre was more effective in limiting iodine
      losses during thermal processing and soy protein during storage of the products.
      The greatest effect of the carriers was found in meat products fortified with the
      less stable KI.

PMID- 22063878
TI  - Evaluation of post mortem stability of porcine skeletal muscle RNA.
AB  - The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of postmortem times on the
      quality of porcine skeletal muscle total RNA in order to consider the possibility
      to use postmortem material for gene expression analysis. Samples of Musculus
      semimembranosus were collected at 20min, 2h, 6h, 24h and 48h postmortem from the
      left legs of four commercial heavy pigs. Total RNA was analysed by agarose gel
      electrophoresis stained with ethidium bromide and by microfluidic capillary
      electrophoresis on an Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer instrument obtaining 28S:18S rRNA
      peak ratios and RIN values. The average RIN values of the analysed samples were
      7.45+/-0.13, 7.43+/-0.15, 7.45+/-0.10, 7.33+/-0.15 and 3.95+/-0.58 for the same
      postmortem times, respectively, indicating that RNA degradation was present at
      48h postmortem. In a similar experiment, carried out by other authors on beef
      cattle muscle total RNA extracted at different postmortem times, RNA was stable
      up to 8days after death as indicated by intact 28S and 18S rRNA bands. Thus,
      differences among species or other environmental factors might affect the level
      of RNA degradation. In the porcine postmortem samples, qualitative assessment of
      GAPDH transcripts by PCR amplification of different cDNA fragments indicated that
      postmortem stages did not affect the possibility of analysing this housekeeping
      gene. Thus, postmortem porcine skeletal muscle can be an useful tissue to obtain
      gene expression based information.

PMID- 22063879
TI  - Growth inhibition of bacterial isolates recovered from two types of Portuguese
      dry smoked sausages (chourico).
AB  - Potassium sorbate (PS), sodium benzoate (SB) and methyl p-hydroxybenzoate (MHB)
      were investigated as surface treatments for their ability to inhibit the growth
      of 18 isolates of spoilage and pathogenic bacteria from two types of Portuguese
      dry smoked sausages (Chourico). MHB significantly inhibited the growth rate of 12
      of the isolates (p<0.05) whereas no effect was observed for four isolates of
      lactic acid bacteria, identified as Enterococcusfaecium, Pediococcusacidilactici
      and Lactobacilluscurvatus, and two isolates identified as
      Clostridiumaminovalericum and Staphylococcusepidermidis. PS and SB had less
      influence on the bacterial growth rates. It was concluded that MHB can be applied
      as surface treatment to improve the stability and safety of the product along
      shelf life period in modified atmosphere package.

PMID- 22063880
TI  - Antigen-specific IFN-gamma and IL-4 production in caprine herpesvirus infected
      goats.
AB  - The analysis of cytokines secreted by antigen-specific lymphocytes is hampered in
      goats by the paucity of species-specific reagents yet it is crucial to study
      immune responses to infections. To overcome this limit, two commercial kits
      designed to measure soluble bovine IL-4 (by ELISA) and frequencies of bovine IFN
      gamma secreting cells (by ELISPOT) were tested for cross-reactivity in goats. In
      addition, an ELISA specific to bovine/ovine IL-4 and employing two monoclonal
      antibodies, clones CC313 and CC314, was tested as well. Concanavalin A-stimulated
      caprine peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) cultures were studied and they
      exhibited high levels of soluble IL-4 and high frequencies of IFN-gamma secreting
      cells. In addition, the two IL-4 ELISAs detected similar amounts of cytokine. To
      start defining the cytokine response triggered by caprine herpesvirus 1 (CpHV-1)
      infection, PBMC cultures were setup from goats naturally or experimentally
      infected with CpHV-1. High frequencies of IFN-gamma producing cells and low, when
      detectable, levels of soluble IL-4 were observed in CpHV-1-specific PBMC cultures
      from both groups of infected goats. Thus, the availability of cross-reactive
      research tools can expand cytokine studies in goats and can implement the
      research on immunity to other caprine infections.

PMID- 22063881
TI  - Determination of the lean meat percentage of pig carcasses using magnetic
      resonance imaging.
AB  - The purpose of Workpackage 3 of the European Eupigclass project was to test
      indirect methods of measuring the lean meat percentage of a carcass that would be
      less costly, at least as accurate and more consistent than dissection. Magnetic
      resonance imaging was one of the three indirect methods tested to measure the
      lean meat weight and the lean meat percentage of pig carcasses, the other methods
      being X-ray CT and vision techniques. One hundred and twenty carcasses from three
      different genotypes and from both sexes were slaughtered. The left parts of the
      carcasses were fully dissected and the right parts were investigated with an
      indirect method using a 1.5T MRI system. The acquisition protocol was chosen to
      give an optimized contrast between fat and muscle tissues. Two different
      approaches, image segmentation and PLS regression, were used to extract
      information from the images. Automatic image segmentation was performed to
      quantify the volume of muscle in the images and gave a standard error of
      prediction using a linear regression with the dissection of the left half
      carcasses of 586g and 1.10% for lean meat weight and lean meat percentage,
      respectively. PLS regression using the signal intensities histograms gave an
      estimation error of 465g for lean meat weight. These results showed that MRI
      could be used in place of full dissection for authorizing and monitoring
      classification equipment of pig carcasses.

PMID- 22063882
TI  - Influence of maternal feed rationing on metabolic and contractile properties of
      Longissimus lumborum muscle fibres in the rabbit offspring.
AB  - Thirty hybrid female rabbits of 15 weeks of age were divided into three groups
      and fed for 8 weeks (until the first parturition) on one of the three following
      diets: "C diet" (DE=11.71MJ/kg DM) fed ad libitum; "R diet" was the C diet fed at
      80% of ad libitum, "F diet" rich in fibre (24.6% vs 18.7% for C diet;
      DE=9.77MJ/kg DM) fed ad libitum. Afterwards, all the does received the C diet ad
      libitum. One pup per litter was slaughtered at birth, one at 35d (weaning) and
      one at 81d of age. At the second parturition, another pup per litter was
      slaughtered at birth. Ten minutes post mortem the Longissimus lumborum (LL)
      muscle was sampled and the mean cross-sectional area, compactness index (CI) and
      sphericity of the fibres of the new-born rabbits were determined; on rabbits of
      35 and 81d of age the fibre type distribution (betaR, alphaR or alphaW) was also
      measured. The two maternal rationed-diets significantly increased the CI of LL
      fibres of new-born rabbits of the first kindling, compared to the C diet. On
      weaning rabbits the greatest effect of maternal feed rationing was observed on
      the percentage of alphaW fibres (P<0.01), which was the highest for the F diet
      (85.2%), intermediate for the C diet (78.0%) and the lowest for the R diet
      (71.8%). At 81d of age, no effect of maternal dietary treatment was found on
      offspring.

PMID- 22063883
TI  - Relationship between water content, NaCl content, pH and texture parameters in
      dry-cured muscles.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to describe the effect of NaCl and pH on the
      relationship between water content and hardness, cohesiveness and springiness in
      dry-cured muscles. The experiment was undertaken using 18 hams, selected in a
      commercial slaughterhouse. Half of the hams had a pH<5.7 and the rest a pH>6.2,
      measured on the semimembranosus muscle at 24-h postmortem. The semimembranosus
      and biceps femoris muscles were cut from hams, cured and individually packaged in
      bags and were laid in trays in a room at 2+/-2 degrees C for 45days. Thereafter
      nine samples from each muscle were shaped like a parallelepiped and dried until
      different levels of drying, ranging from 28.5% to 59.7% water content, were
      attained. The rest of the muscle was ground and packaged until its subsequent
      physicochemical analysis. At the end of the drying period, a Texture Profile
      Analysis was used to determine textural parameters. The results indicated that
      for a range of X (kg H(2)O/kg dry matter) between 0.8 and 1.3 the hardness
      remains practically unchanged while for X<0.6 the hardness increases
      substantially. The samples from hams with low pH(SM) had greater hardness,
      cohesiveness and springiness than those from hams with high pH(SM). Dry-cured
      muscles with lower NaCl content showed lower hardness, cohesiveness and
      springiness, especially in those with pH(SM)>6.2. At X values lower than 0.6 the
      hardness was more influenced by water content than by NaCl content or pH(SM).

PMID- 22063884
TI  - The effect of production system and age on levels of iron, taurine, carnosine,
      coenzyme Q(10), and creatine in beef muscles and liver.
AB  - Samples of longissimus (LL) and triceps brachii (TB) muscles from Angus-cross
      heifers finished either on a high-concentrate ration in Washington, USA, (US
      cattle, n=15) or on pasture in New Zealand (NZ cattle, n=16) were assessed for
      composition characteristics. Half of the NZ cattle were of a similar age to the
      US cattle (NZAge) and half were of a similar weight (NZWt). Iron concentration
      was higher in TB (20.9 vs. 17.5MUgg(-1); P<0.001) and was higher for the NZWt
      group than the NZAge group or the US cattle. The proportion of iron as haem iron
      was highest for the NZWt group (87.3%; P<0.01), but the proportion as soluble
      haem iron was highest for the US cattle. For a sub-group of 10 pasture-finished
      cattle, iron levels in cheek muscle were higher than for LL or TB, and liver
      levels were 66% higher than cheek muscle. The proportion of haem iron, however,
      was lowest in liver (55.3%) and was lower in cheek muscle (78.4%) than LL or TB.
      Relative to LL, TB had higher levels of taurine and coenzyme Q(10), but lower
      levels of carnosine, creatine and creatinine, as expected for a muscle with a
      more aerobic metabolism. These differences were magnified for the even more
      aerobic cheek muscle. Differences between the two NZ groups were small, but
      muscles from the US cattle contained less taurine, carnosine, coenzyme Q(10), and
      creatinine. Reasons for these differences in various meat components for similar
      cattle from different production systems are not clear.

PMID- 22063885
TI  - The effect of production system and age on concentrations of fatty acids in
      intramuscular fat of the longissimus and triceps brachii muscles of Angus-cross
      heifers.
AB  - The concentrations of fatty acids were measured in intramuscular fat from the
      longissimus lumborum (LL) and triceps brachii (TB) muscles of Angus-cross heifers
      finished either on a high-concentrate ration in Washington, USA, (US cattle,
      n=15) or on pasture in New Zealand (NZ cattle, n=16). Half of the NZ cattle were
      of a similar age to the US cattle (NZAge) and half were of a similar weight
      (NZWt). Intramuscular fat levels were higher for the LL muscle and for the US
      cattle but only within the LL muscle (P<0.05). Aspects of the fatty-acid patterns
      that are of relevance to human nutrition tended to favour the pasture-finished NZ
      cattle with lower n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratios (P<0.001), higher concentrations of
      an anticarcinogenic conjugated linoleic acid (C18:2 c9,t11) (P<0.05) and its
      precursor (trans-vaccenic acid, TVA) (P<0.01), and lower levels of the 18-carbon
      trans monounsaturated fatty acids other than TVA (P<0.01). Concentrations of 20
      of the 22 fatty acids analysed differed significantly between the two muscles.
      When values were adjusted to a common intramuscular fat level by covariance, most
      of the group differences remained, but a number of the muscle differences became
      non-significant. For almost half the fatty acids considered, there was a
      significant interaction between treatment group and muscle, which indicates that
      the results for one muscle do not necessarily apply to other muscles, although
      the ranking of the groups was usually the same for both muscles.

PMID- 22063886
TI  - A method for simultaneous fluorometry and rheology of connective tissue in bulk
      meat.
AB  - A probe tipped with optical fibres was mounted on the load cell of a compression
      tester and pushed into well-aged beef rib roasts (Canada Grade AAA, n=6, 33+/
      3.6days post-mortem). Fluorescence (F; excitation 365nm, emission >420nm) and
      reflectance (R; 365nm) were measured through single optical fibres. Diffuse R was
      measured using different fibres for illumination and detection, thus responding
      to tissue between the two fibres. Replication was by a matrix pattern of
      penetrations on single roasts. For example, in a typical roast, F was correlated
      with the force of penetration (mean r=0.86+/-0.06, n=20, all P<0.001). R was less
      (P<0.001) strongly correlated with penetration force (mean r=0.46+/-0.10, n=20,
      all P<0.001). F signals from connective tissue contained less peaks than R
      signals from both connective and adipose tissue (respectively, 2.75+/-0.43 versus
      5.57+/-0.67peakscm(-1), P<0.001, n=20 pairs) and F peaks were wider than R peaks
      (respectively, 3.54+/-0.88 versus 1.38+/-0.19mm, P<0.001, n=20 pairs). For the
      spinales dorsi aponeurosis, the depth at which peak force was reached was
      strongly correlated with the depths at which both peak F and peak R were reached
      (r=0.98, P<0.001, n=20 for both). Diffuse R was only weakly correlated with
      penetration force (mean r=0.29+/-0.12 with only 5/10 correlations significant
      P<0.001). This new method showed the primary resistance to dorso-ventral
      penetrometry of well-aged beef rib roasts originated from connective tissue.

PMID- 22063887
TI  - Effects of rice bran on sensory and physico-chemical properties of emulsified
      pork meatballs.
AB  - Four kinds of bran, which are milled from important rice cultivators in Taiwan,
      have high contents of dietary fiber, fat and protein. The use of rice bran in
      Kung-wan, an emulsified pork meatball, was investigated. It was found that
      protein and fat contents, and white index of meatballs decreased as the amount of
      bran increased. A texture profile analysis (TPA) also indicated the hardness,
      gumminess and chewiness of the Kung-wan decreased. The sensory scores of taste,
      texture and overall acceptability of meatballs with less than 10% added bran
      showed no significant difference from those for meatballs without bran. However,
      the added amount of 15% enriched meatballs resulted in inferior sensory scores.
      The bran's particle size profoundly affected the sensory and physico-chemical
      properties of the meat products. Meatballs enriched with smaller bran particles
      possessed higher TPA indices and sensory scores than those added with larger
      ones. No significant differences in proximate composition, cooking yield, color
      and sensory quality were found among emulsified meatballs enriched with four
      different kinds of bran. Conclusively, the suitable amount of rice bran that
      should be added to emulsified pork meatballs was less than 10% and a smaller
      particle size would result in better quality.

PMID- 22063888
TI  - Postmortem regulation of glycolysis by 6-phosphofructokinase in bovine M.
      Sternocephalicus pars mandibularis.
AB  - This experiment addressed the hypothesis that 6-phosphofructokinase (6-PFK)
      regulates glycolysis in postmortem in M. sternocephalicus pars mandibularis. In
      two separate experiments, muscle samples were excised from randomly-selected
      steers that would typically be found on a commercial slaughter floor. In the
      first experiment, two samples were obtained from each of 6 steers immediately
      post-exsanguination; one sample was immersed immediately in liquid nitrogen and
      the other was stored at 4 degrees C for 4 d, to compare 6-PFK enzyme activity and
      glycolytic intermediate concentrations between fresh and d 4 postmortem samples.
      The greatest activity of 6-PFK was measured in fresh muscle extracts at pH 7.4,
      whereas little activity was detectable at pH 7.0. 6-PFK activity measured at pH
      7.4 in d 4 samples also was barely detectable. Hill coefficient values for 6-PFK
      in fresh samples measured at pH 7.4 or 7.0, and d 4 samples measured at pH 7.4
      were 2.9, 0.8, and 0.7, respectively, indicating loss of cooperativity with both
      lowered pH during assay and with time postmortem. Glycogen concentrations
      decreased 45% from d 0 to d 4, to 39.6MUmol glycogen/g muscle. Muscle
      concentrations of free glucose increased (P<0.001) from 0.84MUmol/g at d 0 to
      6.54MUmol/g at d 4. Fructose-6-phosphate and glucose-6-phosphate increased
      (P<0.001) from d 0 to d 4 (2.8-fold and 4.7-fold, respectively). Lactate began
      accumulating immediately (3.33MUmol/g) and was elevated to 45.9MUmol/g by d 4. In
      the second experiment, conversion of [U-(14)C]glucose to lactate, glycogen, and
      CO(2) was measured in vitro at pH 7.4 and 7.0 in fresh M. sternocephalicus pars
      mandibularis strips from four steers. Total [U-(14)C]glucose was less in muscle
      strips incubated at pH 7.0 than in those incubated at pH 7.4 (55.5 vs. 123nmol
      glucose utilized per 100mg muscle per h; P=0.04), due primarily to a reduction in
      glucose conversion to lactate. The conversion of glucose to glycogen or CO(2) in
      vitro was unaffected by media pH. These results suggest that the postmortem
      decline in pH in M. sternocephalicus pars mandibularis ultimately inactivates 6
      PFK; this occurs prior to the depletion of glycogen reserves.

PMID- 22063889
TI  - Honey inhibits lipid oxidation in ready-to-eat ground beef patties.
AB  - Our objective was to evaluate the antioxidant capabilities of clover (CH) and
      wildflower honeys (WH) in delaying lipid oxidation in cooked and reheated ground
      beef patties stored in refrigerated and frozen states. CH and WH (5%, 10%, or 15%
      w/w) were each mixed separately into ground beef chuck (18% fat) and formed into
      30g patties mixed with 1% salt (w/w). A control (CON) with no honey and a control
      with sodium tripolyphosphate (STP; 0.25% w/w) were used for comparison. Patties
      were cooked to 71 degrees C, overwrapped with oxygen-permeable PVC film and
      either stored refrigerated (4 degrees C) for 12 days or frozen (-18 degrees C)
      for 45 days. Cook yield, pH and water activity were measured on day 0. On
      designated sampling days, patties were reheated to 71 degrees C. Thiobarbituric
      acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH) were measured
      spectrophotometrically to assess lipid oxidation. TBARS and LOOH of ready-to-eat
      (RTE) ground beef patties containing either CH or WH were lower (P<0.01) than CON
      patties following storage; however, STP patties had lower TBARS values than honey
      containing patties (P<0.01). WH and CH at 15% were equally effective in
      suppressing LOOH compared to STP in refrigerated and frozen patties. All honey
      concentrations improved cook yield, with 10% WH being more effective than STP.
      Both CH and WH delayed lipid oxidation in RTE ground beef patties stored at 4
      degrees C and -18 degrees C, with WH decreasing LOOH formation in refrigerated
      patties as effectively as STP. Honey may be a natural alternative to phosphates
      to delay lipid oxidation.

PMID- 22063890
TI  - Meat color stability affected by barley variety fed in finishing diet to beef
      steers.
AB  - Angus crossbred steers were assigned randomly to one of four finishing diets
      based on corn, Chinook, Logan, or H3 barley. Steers were harvested and after a 72
      h chill, carcass quality and yield grade data were collected. Beef ribs were
      removed from 72 carcasses for further analysis. Ribs were aged in vacuum bag at 2
      degrees C for 14 days. After aging three adjacent steaks (3.18cm) were removed to
      determine color stability, tenderness, proximate analysis and pH. Diets fed to
      steers had no effect on quality and yield grade or tenderness of beef steaks.
      Steaks from steers fed Logan barley variety were significantly less red at 10
      days of storage (Hunter a*=24.06) than steaks from steers fed the other barley
      varieties (Chinook a*=26.4; H3 a*=28.05) or corn (a*=26.14). Identification of
      barley varieties that affect color stability could result in designing diets
      specifically for improved color and increase the use of barley as a finishing
      grain.

PMID- 22063891
TI  - Effect of dietary supplementation of vitamin E on characteristics of lamb meat
      packed under modified atmosphere.
AB  - The effect of dietary vitamin E supplementation on modified-atmosphere packed
      lamb meat during storage was studied. Thirty-six weaned male Manchego breed lambs
      were fed diets supplemented with three different vitamin E concentrations (0,
      250, 500 and 1000mg/kg feed) for an average of 37 days, in the 13-26kg live
      weight growth range. Slices of m. longissimus dorsi were packaged under modified
      atmosphere (70% O(2) and 30% CO(2)), stored at 2+/-1 degrees C in darkness for 14
      and 28 days. Meat quality parameters after both storage periods were assessed.
      Dietary vitamin E supplementation significantly increased alpha-tocopherol
      concentration in muscle. Initially, lipid oxidation (TBARS), meat colour and
      bacterial load were similar in all groups. Lipid and colour oxidation of meat
      increased significantly (P<0.001) throughout storage. The increase was greater in
      non-supplemented lambs than in supplemented ones. The bacterial counts after 28
      days of storage reached the limit for microbiological shelf life
      (7log(10)cfu/cm(2)). Dietary vitamin E supplementation increased the shelf life
      of meat packaged under modified atmosphere to 14 days. TBARS, pigment oxidation
      and bacterial load were inside the acceptable limit. The meat maintained its
      quality for 28 days of storage only when lambs were fed with the 1000mg/kg
      dietary supplement, though the bacterial load was at the limit of acceptability.

PMID- 22063892
TI  - Nutritional profile of restructured beef steak with added walnuts.
AB  - Amino acid, fatty acid profile, cholesterol, vitamin E and mineral contents were
      assessed in restructured beef steak with 20% added walnut (20W). Compared with
      control restructured beef steak (0% added walnut), the product with added walnut
      presented a lower (P<0.05) lysine/arginine ratio, larger (P<0.05) quantities
      (mg/100 g product) of monounsaturated (MUFA) and n3 polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty
      acids (mainly alpha-linolenic acid), a lower (P<0.05) n6/n3 PUFA ratio and a
      higher (P<0.05) polyunsaturated/saturated fatty acid ratio. The replacement of
      raw meat material by walnut reduced (P<0.05) the cholesterol content and
      increased (more than 400 times) the amount of gamma-tocopherol. Iron, calcium,
      magnesium and manganese contents of 20W sample were greater (P<0.05) than in the
      control. Some changes induced by added walnut in the nutritional quality of the
      restructured product may present health benefits.

PMID- 22063893
TI  - The accuracy of predicting carcass composition of three different pig genetic
      lines by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry.
AB  - The accuracy of dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) for predicting carcass
      composition was evaluated by applying this technology to 95 half-carcasses of
      gilts from three genetic lines of widely varying composition. The DXA
      measurements of total weight, fat and lean masses and bone mineral content were
      used to predict the dissected lean, fat, bone and weight of the major primal cuts
      and the overall carcass. The study showed that it is not necessary to correct, or
      rather adjust, the prediction equations between genetic lines, given the small
      decrease in the prediction error (less than 1.43%). Except for the prediction for
      loin bone weight, the results showed that incorporating more than one of the
      predictive variables derived from DXA or from direct carcass measurements into
      the regression models was not justified in terms of prediction accuracy. The best
      predictions were those for half-carcass weight and primal cut weights
      (R(2)>0.95). The prediction of dissected lean ranked second in accuracy
      (R(2)>0.85), with the exception of the belly. The equations using DXA
      measurements provide good estimation (R(2)>0.70) of the weight of fat in the
      carcass and primal cuts. However, DXA showed moderate accuracy (R(2)<0.66) in
      predicting bone weight, although greater accuracy was attained for loin bone
      weight using a two-variable prediction model.

PMID- 22063894
TI  - Biochemical and physical factors affecting discoloration characteristics of 19
      bovine muscles.
AB  - Steaks from muscles (n=19 from nine beef carcasses) were evaluated over the
      course of retail display (0-, 1-, 2-, 3-, 4- or 5-d) for objective measures of
      discoloration (metmyoglobin, oxymyoglobin, L*-, a*-, and b*-values), reducing
      ability (metmyoglobin reductase activity (MRA), resistance to induced
      metmyoglobin formation (RIMF), and nitric oxide metmyoglobin reducing ability
      (NORA)), oxygen consumption rate (OCR), oxygen penetration depth, myoglobin
      content, oxidative rancidity, and pH. Muscles were grouped according to objective
      color measures of discoloration. M. longissimus lumborum, M. longissimus
      thoracis, M. semitendinosus, and M. tensor fasciae latae were grouped as "high"
      color stability muscles, M. semimembranosus, M. rectus femoris, and M. vastus
      lateralis were grouped as "moderate" color stability muscles, M. trapezius, M.
      gluteus medius, and M. latissimus dorsi were grouped as "intermediate" color
      stability muscles, M. triceps brachi - long head, M. biceps femoris, M.
      pectoralis profundus, M. adductor, M. triceps brachi - lateral head, and M.
      serratus ventralis were grouped as "low" color stability muscles, and M.
      supraspinatus, M. infraspinatus, and M. psoas major were grouped as "very low"
      color stability muscles. Generally, muscles of high color stability had high
      RIMF, nitric oxide reducing ability, and oxygen penetration depth and possessed
      low OCRs, myoglobin content, and oxidative rancidity. In contrast, muscles of low
      color stability had high MRA, OCRs, myoglobin content, and oxidative rancidity
      and low RIMF, NORA, and oxygen penetration depth. Data indicate that
      discoloration differences between muscles are related to the amount of reducing
      activity relative to the OCR.

PMID- 22063895
TI  - The effects of antioxidant combinations on color and lipid oxidation in n-3 oil
      fortified ground beef patties.
AB  - This study was carried out to determine an effective combination of chelators,
      reductants and free radical scavengers for enhancing color stability and
      minimizing lipid oxidation in muscle foods fortified with n-3 fatty acids.
      Chelators (sodium tripolyphosphate, STPP; sodium citrate, CIT), reductants
      (sodium erythorbate, ERY) and radical scavengers (butylhydroxyanisole, BHA; mixed
      tocopherols from two different sources, 30 or 95TOC; rosemary extract, ROSE) were
      incorporated in various combinations into ground beef (15% fat) with or without n
      3 oil fortification (n=8). Individually, STPP and CIT had no significant effect
      on a* values except day 4, but showed higher a* values when combined with ERY
      (STPP+ERY and CIT+ERY) (P<0.05). CIT had lower hue angle values than STPP on days
      4 and 6, but CIT+ERY showed more discoloration than STPP+ERY (P<0.05). CIT+ERY
      showed less lipid oxidation than CIT alone (P<0.05), whereas there was no
      difference between STPP and STPP+ERY. CIT+ERY+ROSE demonstrated higher a* values
      than CIT+ERY+95TOC on days 4 and 6 (P<0.05); there was no difference between ROSE
      and 95TOC groups when n-3 oil was incorporated into ground beef patties (P>0.05).
      The combination of ROSE and ERY appeared to be effective in slowing the decline
      of a* values. All antioxidant combinations were effective at delaying lipid
      oxidation when compared to CON or n-3. A combination of CIT, ERY and ROSE was
      most effective for stabilizing color and delaying lipid oxidation.

PMID- 22063896
TI  - Application of PLSR in correlating physical and chemical properties of pork ham
      with different cooling methods.
AB  - Partial least squares regression (PLSR) was applied to understand the
      relationship between physical and chemical properties of pork leg ham with
      different cooling treatments, i.e., cold room, air blast and vacuum cooling. The
      results indicated that overall 69.8% variation of physical matrix was explained
      by chemical matrix. For the univariate analysis of physical attributes, the
      results showed that gumminess (88.1%) and hardness (86.5%) were best explained by
      chemical matrix, followed by springiness (78.7%), Warner-Bratzler Shear force
      (61.3%), and a* (60.0%). Graphical display of the regression coefficients
      indicated that different cooling treatments had different effects on the physical
      property of pork ham. Therefore, to predict the physical quality with chemical
      attributes, separate regression formulations should be adopted for different
      cooling methods. These findings have practical importance in attempts to predict
      physical properties from chemical components. In addition, they can also be used
      to control the physical properties by adjusting the components in the meat
      system.

PMID- 22063897
TI  - Effects of breed and marination on the sensory attributes of pork from Large
      White and Hampshire-sired pigs.
AB  - The effects of breed and marination were tested for their effects on meat pH,
      water holding (marinade uptake and losses) and eating quality (tenderness,
      juiciness and flavour). Loins were removed from one side of 20 Large White-sired
      and 20 Hampshire-sired pigs after slaughter, cut into four pieces and injected to
      112% of their initial weight with water, a polyphosphate-containing marinade (pH
      7.7) or a high pH marinade (pH 10.3). An uninjected piece of loin served as
      control. Samples were left overnight and then frozen before being thawed, cooked
      and assessed by a trained ten member sensory panel using 1-8 category scales.
      Hampshires had higher intramuscular fat (0.95%) than Large Whites (0.62%) but
      otherwise the effects of breed were small compared with marination. Both
      marinades significantly increased meat pH from 5.5 (control) by 0.2U,
      significantly reduced the cooking loss and increased the meat yield from about
      80% to 90%. Water-injected samples lost large amounts of added water as drip
      after thawing and had a yield (76%) similar to the control. Marinaded samples
      retained more water post-cooking. Both marinades significantly increased
      tenderness (p<0.001) and juiciness (p<0.001) by about 1.0U compared with the
      control (4.4 for tenderness and 4.2 for juiciness). Pork flavour, however, was
      significantly reduced (p<0.001) and abnormal flavour was significantly increased
      (p<0.001) by marination. Tenderness was positively correlated with pH after
      injection (0.83) and yield (0.75); juiciness was also positively correlated with
      pH after injection (0.78) and yield (0.87). The absence of any significant
      difference in eating quality between control and water-injected samples, and the
      relatively large effects of marination, suggest that retained water (after
      cooking) is crucial in determining perceived tenderness and juiciness in pork.

PMID- 22063898
TI  - Dietary creatine monohydrate affects quality attributes of Duroc but not Landrace
      pork.
AB  - Increased creatine content in the muscle may delay post mortem lactate formation
      and postpone the pH decline, hence potentially improving the water-holding
      capacity (WHC). Duroc and Landrace pigs were supplemented with 0, 12.5, 25 or 50g
      creatine monohydrate (CMH)/d for 5 days prior to slaughter. Meat from Longissimus
      dorsi (LD) of Duroc pigs had a higher WHC and pH at all times, lower colour
      determinants; a* (redness), b* (yellowness), L* (lightness) and was more juicy
      compared to that of Landrace pigs. Furthermore, higher pH(2h), pH(24h) and
      decreased colour determinants were observed in carcass sides exposed to a faster
      cooling profile. Dietary supplementation with CMH increased the body weight gain
      of both breeds. However, only meat from Duroc pigs had higher pH(30min) and
      pH(45min) (at 50g CMH/d) and WHC, but reduced redness (reduced in both breeds)
      and juiciness when supplemented with CMH compared to non-supplemented controls.

PMID- 22063899
TI  - The detection of horse and donkey using real-time PCR.
AB  - We have developed real-time PCR assays specific for horse and donkey, applicable
      to the detection of low levels of horse or donkey meat in commercial products.
      Primers, designed to the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene, were 3' mismatched to
      closely related and other commercial species. Amplification of non-target species
      DNA was prevented by truncation of primers at the 5' position, thereby conferring
      complete specificity. Both assays were highly sensitive and detected the presence
      of 1pg of donkey template DNA or 25pg of horse template DNA when assessed using
      dilutions of DNA in water. Model food samples, spiked with horse or donkey muscle
      and commercial products containing horse, were successfully tested for the
      presence of horse or donkey, demonstrating the applicability of the assays to
      food products.

PMID- 22063900
TI  - Should electrical stimulation be applied when cold shortening is not a risk?
AB  - This experiment was designed to show whether delayed high voltage stimulation
      (ES) is more beneficial than no stimulation (NS) to secure tenderness under
      circumstances where rigor conditions are difficult to control due to variations
      in carcass size, fatness and/or chilling capacity. Ten Charolais carcasses were
      split during slaughter, the left sides were stimulated at 45min post-mortem for
      45s, and the right sides were left unstimulated. The carcass sides were then
      chilled at a medium chilling rate. Sarcomere length measurements confirm that
      there was neither cold nor heat shortening in the M. longissimus (LD). LD from ES
      sides aged for 2 days was more tender than non-stimulated LD (NES), although
      prolonged ageing eroded the advantage of ES to a non-significant advantage after
      14 days. Initial tenderness differences coincided with lower 24h calpain
      activity, suggesting an early onset of proteolysis and ageing (tenderisation). In
      contrast to conventional early ES, delayed ES, appears to be beneficial for the
      early development of tenderness without too much interference with enzyme.
      Myofibril fragment length (MFL) was a good indicator of the development of
      tenderness during prolonged ageing but not for the early post-mortem variation in
      tenderness. No colour (L*, a*, b*) differences, occurred due to stimulation
      treatment, while drip loss was slightly higher at 24h post-mortem for ES meat.

PMID- 22063901
TI  - Effect of salt and transglutaminase (TG) level and processing conditions on
      quality characteristics of phosphate-free, cooked, restructured pork shoulder.
AB  - Six treatments of phosphate-free restructured cooked pork shoulder were produced
      with two salt levels (2% and 1%) and three transglutaminase levels (0%, 0.075%
      and 0.15%) under two processing conditions (72  degrees C/65 min and 78  degrees
      C/65 min). Salt level significantly affected (p<0.05) the chemical composition,
      the cooking losses, the colour, the sensory attributes and the overall
      acceptability of the product. Transglutaminase level affected (p<0.05) only the
      consistency and the overall acceptability. The processing conditions on the
      contrary, affected the moisture and the protein content, the cooking losses, the
      consistency and the juiciness of restructured cooked pork shoulder.
      Transglutaminase can be used at a level of 0.15% with reduced salt level (1%) and
      processing at 72  degrees C/65 min to produce phosphate-free restructured cooked
      pork shoulder with acceptable sensory attributes.

PMID- 22063905
TI  - The mathematical relationship between dishware size and portion size.
AB  - Portion size has increased considerably over the past few decades and one
      influencing factor is dishware size. Using mathematical models we investigated
      how dish size affects the potential energy available in a meal. Two types of
      plate filling - flat and conical - were modelled for a range of plate sizes and
      energy densities, then compared to recommended daily energy requirements from
      Australian guidelines. Bowl filling was also modelled. Results indicate that a
      small increase in dishware size can lead to a substantial increase in energy
      available to be consumed, particularly if food is energy dense. This reinforces
      the need to consider dishware size when developing strategies to prevent over
      consumption.

PMID- 22063904
TI  - Both left and right posterior parietal activations contribute to compensatory
      processes in normal aging.
AB  - Older adults often exhibit greater brain activation in prefrontal cortex compared
      to younger adults, and there is some evidence that this increased activation
      compensates for age-related neural degradation that would otherwise adversely
      affect cognitive performance. Less is known about aging and compensatory
      recruitment in the parietal cortex. In this event-related functional magnetic
      resonance imaging study, we presented healthy young and old participants with two
      Stroop-like tasks (number magnitude and physical size). In young, the number
      magnitude task activated right parietal cortex and the physical size task
      activated left parietal cortex. In older adults, we observed contralateral
      parietal recruitment that depended on the task: in the number magnitude task
      older participants recruited left posterior parietal cortex (in addition to the
      right parietal activity observed in young) while in the physical size task they
      recruited right (in addition to left) posterior parietal cortex. In both cases,
      the additional parietal activity was associated with better performance
      suggesting that it played a compensatory role. Older adults also recruited left
      prefrontal cortex during both tasks and this common activation was also
      associated with better performance. The results provide evidence for task
      specific compensatory recruitment in parietal cortex as well as task-independent
      compensatory recruitment in prefrontal cortex in normal aging.

PMID- 22063906
TI  - Effect of supplemental vitamin E on the color and case-life of top loin steaks
      and ground chuck patties in modified atmosphere case-ready retail packaging
      systems.
AB  - Retail packages (n=384; 24 of each product in each treatment by storage
      combination) of ground chuck patties (GC) and top loin steaks (TL) were used to
      evaluate effects of dietary supplementation of Vitamin E (VITE) to cattle on
      product performance when packaged in a modified atmosphere case-ready packaging
      system (MAP). Products from control (CON) animals and cattle fed 500 IUanimal(
      1)day(-1) for 124 days were evaluated. Color properties, lipid oxidation, and
      alpha-tocopherol concentration were measured. Analysis revealed a higher
      concentration of alpha-tocopherol in VITE samples compared with control samples
      for top loin steaks and ground chuck patties. In comparison to CON cuts, maximum
      display life was improved by 3 and 0.9 days with VITE for top loin steaks and
      ground chuck patties, respectively. This study suggests that VITE supplementation
      would be beneficial in improving lipid and color stability of beef products
      stored in high oxygen MAP packaging systems.

PMID- 22063907
TI  - Lipid and colour stability of Milano-type sausages: effect of packing conditions.
AB  - Lipid and colour oxidative changes in Milano-type fermented sausages were studied
      in relation to packing conditions and extended storage under fluorescent light.
      Matured sausages were sliced and packed under vacuum or in protective atmosphere
      (100% N(2)) and exposed in a display cabinet to mimic commercial conditions of
      light and temperature for 2 months. Lipid oxidation was measured by the
      determination of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and cholesterol
      oxidation products (COP), whereas the oxidation of nitrosylmyoglobin was
      evaluated by a trained sensory panel. Lipid oxidation and discolouration were
      positively related in vacuum-packed sausages: TBARS and COP values increased
      significantly concurrently with increasing brown scores. Protective atmosphere
      came out to be more efficient than vacuum in controlling fatty acid oxidation
      and, to a lesser extent, cholesterol and pigment degradation: TBARS values
      remained constant during the whole storage period whereas cholesterol oxides and
      brown colour scores gradually increased but remained lower than those of vacuum
      packed sausages. Higher residual oxygen in vacuum packing could be responsible
      for the observed differences in oxidative stability.

PMID- 22063908
TI  - Salt and phosphate effects on the gelling process of pressure/heat treated pork
      batters.
AB  - Thermal instability and setting was induced in pork by comminution, and the
      presence of NaCl and a salt mixture. Meat batter production by cooking (70 
      degrees C/30 min) produced almost complete protein denaturation and aggregation,
      mostly by hydrophobic interactions. It led to a firm and elastic gel with high
      water holding capability, these properties being greater in the gel with sodium
      tripolyphosphate. Pressurisation (400 MPa/70  degrees C/30 min) produced partial
      protein denaturation and differential scanning calorimetry and electrophoresis
      showed that both salt-soluble and salt-insoluble proteins remained native-like
      after treatment. The presence of these proteins, stabilised by hydrogen-bonds,
      were responsible for reductions in the mechanical properties but enhancement in
      water holding of the pressurised products. Tripolyphosphate partially
      counteracted the pressure effects in the pressure/heat combination.

PMID- 22063909
TI  - Meat pH and meat fibre direction effects on moisture diffusivity in salted ham
      muscles dried at 5  degrees C.
AB  - The effects of meat pH and meat fibre direction on the effective moisture
      diffusivity coefficient (D(e)) in salted ham muscles dried at 5  degrees C and
      80% of air relative humidity were studied. Parallelepipedic meat samples from
      different muscles in the ham (Gluteus medius, Semimembranosus and Biceps femoris)
      were salted (0.08 kg NaCl/kg d.m.) and drying was only allowed through two faces
      of the sample by covering the other faces with PVC film. D(e) values were
      determined by Fick's 2nd law. D(e) parallel to the meat fibre direction in
      samples of Gluteus medius muscles was not affected by pH in the range 5.3-6.7. No
      significative differences in D(e) between the three muscles were detected (D(e)
      values ranged from 2.03*10(-11) to 2.55*10(-11) m(2)/s). D(e) perpendicular to
      meat fibre direction was 31% lower than D(e) parallel. The fibre direction effect
      was independent of the muscle.

PMID- 22063910
TI  - Factors affecting the level of boar taint in entire male pigs as assessed by
      consumer sensory panel.
AB  - A sensory study was conducted to determine consumer responses to meat from entire
      male pigs in order to evaluate different factors involved in causing boar taint,
      including 16-androstene steroids, skatole, size of accessory sexual glands and
      live weight. Pork chops from 33 entire Yorkshire male pigs were divided into
      three groups according to the levels of 16-androstene steroids in salivary
      glands, high (H; 56-114 MUg/g), medium (M; 35-55 MUg/g) and low (L; 26-6 MUg/g),
      and were distributed among 59 families. Pork chops from gilts were used as
      control (C). The families were asked to rate liking of cooking aroma, flavour and
      texture, and overall liking. Consumer ratings were best related to the size of
      bulbourethral gland and salivary gland, followed by the levels of 16-androstene
      steroids in salivary gland. Meat from the L group received similar ratings to the
      C group, except the ratings for texture and overall liking were better than the C
      group. M samples were liked similarly to C, with the exception of some samples
      that had high fat skatole levels and which were liked less. H samples were liked
      less than C. The samples evaluated at the beginning of the experiment were liked
      more than those evaluated afterwards indicating sensitization of consumers to
      boar taint. The results indicate that levels of 16-androstenes in salivary glands
      can be used to estimate boar taint due to 16-androstenes; however, skatole
      measurements also need to be included. In addition, consumers are sensitive to
      some other maturity-related factors, which need to be considered when estimating
      the levels of boar taint. The effect of sensitization of consumers to boar taint
      requires more study.

PMID- 22063911
TI  - Combined effects of pre-slaughter treatments and lairage time on carcass and meat
      quality in pigs of different halothane genotype.
AB  - The effect of two different lairage times on meat quality was investigated in
      pigs with different halothane genotype previously submitted to controlled pre
      slaughter treatments. One hundred and ninety nine Italian heavy pigs were loaded
      by ramp or lift and transported unmixed for 1 h to the abattoir at a stocking
      density of either <0.4 or >0.6 m(2) per 100 kg pigs. After unloading, an equal
      number of animals within each previous treatment was held in lairage for 2 h or
      overnight (22 h) before slaughter. Carcass and meat quality and incidence of skin
      damage were evaluated. Longer lairage did not negatively affect carcass traits
      and reduced the incidence of PSE meat without increased DFD occurrence. It also
      seriously increased the amount of skin damage due to fighting, resulting in long
      fasting. Pre-slaughter treatments and halothane genotype showed a negligible
      effect on the response to the resting time.

PMID- 22063912
TI  - Raw-meat packaging and storage affect the color and odor of irradiated broiler
      breast fillets after cooking.
AB  - Raw breast fillets were divided into two groups and either vacuum or aerobically
      packaged. The fillets in each group were subdivided equally into two groups and
      then irradiated at 0 or 3 kGy using a Linear Accelerator. After 0, 3 and 7 days
      of storage at 4  degrees C, fillets were cooked in an 85  degrees C water bath
      (cook-in-bag) to an internal temperature of 74  degrees C. Oxidation-reduction
      potential (ORP) of raw fillets was measured before cooking, and color and sensory
      characteristics were analyzed after cooking. Irradiation decreased the ORP of
      meat, but the potential in aerobically packaged fillets increased during storage.
      After cooking, color a*-value of irradiated fillets was higher than that of the
      non-irradiated. Irradiation of raw meat also changed color L* and b* values after
      cooking. Aerobic storage reduced the redness of cooked meat induced by
      irradiation. Irradiated raw broiler fillets stored for 0 day and 3 day under
      aerobic conditions before cooking produced a oxidized chicken-like odor. The
      odor, however, disappeared after 7 days of storage under aerobic conditions
      before cooking. For raw broiler samples stored under vacuum conditions,
      significant differences in color and odor between irradiated and non-irradiated
      fillets remained throughout the 7-day storage period after cooking. Irradiation
      had only a minor influence on lipid oxidation of raw breast fillets as indicated
      by low TBARS values. This study indicates that the effect of irradiation on color
      and odor of broiler breast fillets after cooking can be reduced significantly
      through shelf-display of raw fillets under aerobic conditions. Storage under
      vacuum conditions before cooking is not effective in reducing irradiation-induced
      changes in the color and odor of breast fillet after cooking.

PMID- 22063913
TI  - Porcine troponin I: a thermostable species marker protein.
AB  - In this study, we confirmed our previous hypothesis that the 24 kD thermostable
      skeletal muscle protein (TSMP) recognized by a panel of porcine-specific
      monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) is skeletal troponin I (sTnI). The TSMP and sTnI
      purified from porcine muscle have identical electrophoretic mobilities,
      isoelectric characteristics, and specific antigenicities. The heterogeneity of
      sTnI between porcine and other species, and between porcine sTnI and other
      troponin subunits or cardiac isoforms can be immunologically differentiated by
      the MAbs. Heat treatment of sTnI up to 126  degrees C for 120 min did not
      diminish its solubility and antigenicity. The antigenic specificity and thermal
      stability of sTnI indicate its potential as a thermostable species marker for the
      identification of the origin of meats in severely heated products.

PMID- 22063914
TI  - Fatty acid and triglyceride profiles of intramuscular and subcutaneous fat from
      fresh and dry-cured hams from Hairless Mexican Pigs.
AB  - The study was designed to compare the fatty acid profiles and triglyceride
      composition of subcutaneous and intramuscular fat of raw and cured hams from
      Hairless Mexican Pigs. Curing (180 days) was developed throughout several ordered
      steps: salting, stabilization, drying and ripening. For the salting step, hams
      were rubbed with nitrate salt, and kept on salt 1 day per kilogram at 0-4 
      degrees C and at relative humidity of 80-85%. The rest of the process consisted
      of small increments of temperature (from 0-24  degrees C) and small decrements of
      relative humidity (from 82-68%). The curing process decreased (P<0.05)
      significantly the proportion of unsaturated fatty acids (raw: 59.2+/-0.3% and
      cured: 55.3+/-0.4%) and increased the saturated ones (raw: 34.4+/-0.3% and cured:
      39.4+/-0.5%). Subcutaneous and intramuscular fat had similar (P>0.05) percentages
      of unsaturated (57.60+/-0.3 and 56.88+/-0.4%, respectively) and saturated fatty
      acids (37.5+/-0.33 and 38.3+/-0.4%, respectively). With the exception of the
      monopalmitate, the curing process decreased (P<0.05) the levels of all
      acylglycerols studied.

PMID- 22063915
TI  - Immunohistochemical detection of brain tissue in heated meat products.
AB  - Immunohistochemical methods were used to determine whether brain tissue could be
      detected in test batches of meat products prepared with known levels of this
      tissue (0, 1, 5, 10, or 20% bovine brain tissue or 5% porcine brain tissue). Four
      different, commercially-available antibodies were examined: anti-Neurofilament
      (anti-NF), anti-MyelinBasicProtein (anti-MBP), anti-NeuronSpecificEnolase (anti
      NSE) and anti-GlialFibrillaryAcidicProtein (anti-GFAP). Results obtained with the
      four antibodies differed with the heat treatment applied to the products
      (pasteurisation or sterilisation). The amount of immunoreaction product in the
      raw meat product varied with the antibody, even when the sample contained the
      same amount of brain tissue. The staining pattern also varied with the antibody.
      Overall, the anti-MBP antibody proved to be most useful in detecting brain tissue
      in finely comminuted heated meat products.

PMID- 22063916
TI  - Quality of comminuted sausages formulated from mechanically deboned poultry meat.
AB  - Comminuted sausages formulated with mechanically deboned poultry meat-MDPM
      (turkey or chicken, frame or neck) treated in different ways before production
      (vacuum packed MDPM or air packed skeletons deboned at production) and stored
      frozen for 6 or 18 weeks have been studied using a full-factorial design and
      chemical, physical and sensory analysis. MDPM was obtained from a Beehive
      separator. Comminuted sausages with MDPM from turkey frames, stored at -25 
      degrees C as skeletons, packed in air for 18 weeks developed marked rancid odour
      and flavour which could also be detected by thiobarbituric acid reactive
      substances (TBARS) and the concentration of volatile compounds. Vacuum packed
      mechanically deboned meat irrespective of species and carcass part could be
      stored for up to 18 weeks and used in formulation of sausages without any serious
      changes in their sensory profiles. Instrumental colour differences between
      sausages were mainly due to species. Turkey sausages were darker, redder and less
      yellow than chicken sausages. Moisture and fat contents were influenced by
      carcass part and to a lesser extent depended on species and storage time.
      Principal least squares regression (PLS2) showed close relationships between
      instrumental parameters and sensory attributes. TBARS, hexanal and volatile
      compounds were highly correlated with rancid flavour while redness (a(*)) was
      strongly related to sensory colour hue and colour strength.

PMID- 22063917
TI  - Cooked sausage batter cohesiveness as affected by sarcoplasmic proteins.
AB  - In the first trial, m. semitendinosus and m. biceps femoris were held at 0, 10
      and 35  degrees C until they entered rigor, and in the second trial, minced m.
      semitendinosus was washed in water for 15, 30, 45 or 60 min. The samples from
      both the trials were then used to make a finely comminuted sausage batter.
      Soluble sarcoplasmic protein (SSP) levels decreased with increasing rigor
      temperature (P < 0.05) or washing (P < 0.01). Cooked batter shear stress was not
      affected by SSP level, but batter shear strain decreased with the decreasing SSP
      level associated with an increasing rigor temperature (P < 0.05) or washing (P <
      0.01). Reducing the SSP content lowered the cook yield (P < 0.05) and emulsion
      stability (P < 0.01) of the batter from the washed samples compared to that of
      controls. The results suggest that sarcoplasmic proteins are important in
      determining the strain values (cohesiveness) of cooked sausage batter.

PMID- 22063918
TI  - Perimysial collagen crosslinking and meat tenderness in Belgian Blue double
      muscled cattle.
AB  - The relationship between intramuscular collagen and five collagen crosslink
      concentrations, and the tenderness of meat from Belgian Blue normal, heterozygous
      double-muscled (DM) and homozygous DM cattle was investigated using M.
      semitendinosus (St) and M. gluteobiceps (Gb). The histidinohydroxymerodesmosine
      (HHMD) concentration (per mol collagen) in St was less in DM animals than normal
      animals. Concentrations (per gram of wet meat) of HHMD and Erlich chromogen (EC)
      in Gb, and HHMD, EC, dihydroxylysinorleucine (DHLNL) and hydroxylysinorleucine
      (HLNL) in St were also lower in DM animals than normal animals. Shear force of
      raw meat was significantly greater in normal animals than DM for both muscles;
      cooked meat shear force was greater in the normal animals for the Gb muscles
      only, showing a good correlation with sarcomere length. Most correlations between
      shear force and collagen or crosslink concentrations were not significant and
      those that were highly significant were generally weak.

PMID- 22063919
TI  - Contribution of major structural changes in myofibrils to rabbit meat
      tenderisation during ageing.
AB  - The contribution of major structural (myofibrillar fragmentation upon mechanical
      treatment) and ultra-structural (Z-line degradation, loss of electron density of
      M-line, transversal disruption of sarcomeres at N(2)-line level, longitudinal
      fissure of myofibrils, and loss of transversal alignments of Z- and M-lines)
      changes in myofibrils to rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus L.) meat tenderisation,
      during the ageing period (9 days at +4  degrees C), was studied for different
      types of muscle (type I, semimembranosus proprius; type IIB, semimembranosus
      accessorius; and type IID, psoas major). The results strongly suggest that
      myofibrillar structure weakening at N(2)-line level (evaluated by myofibrillar
      fragmentation upon mechanical homogenisation and observed by transversal
      disruption of sarcomeres), which is very likely mediated by cysteine
      endopeptidases, might be the major structural change responsible for rabbit meat
      tenderisation during ageing. Both myofibrillar fragmentation and transversal
      disruption of sarcomeres are good ageing indices for rabbit meat. The other major
      ultra-structural changes in myofibrils appear to have no major role in rabbit
      meat tenderisation at refrigeration temperatures. Finally, it is proposed that
      meat tenderisation during ageing depends mainly on the specific cleavage of titin
      molecules/filaments and nebulin molecules, at their susceptible sites located at
      or very close to the N(2)-line region (extensible segment and near C-terminus,
      respectively), mediated by cysteine endopeptidases (possibly calpains).

PMID- 22063920
TI  - A novel fused 1,2,4-triazine aryl derivative as antioxidant and nonselective
      antagonist of adenosine A(2A) receptors in ethanol-activated liver stellate
      cells.
AB  - It has been detected that hepatic adenosine A(2A) receptors play an active role
      in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis and suggest a novel therapeutic target in
      the treatment and prevention of hepatic cirrhosis. In this paper we examined if
      our new triazine derivative (IMT) can inhibit ethanol-induced activation of HSCs
      measured as increased alpha-SMA, collagen synthesis and enhanced oxidative stress
      in rat liver stellate cells. We also investigated its influence on cytokines (TGF
      beta, TNF-alpha) synthesis, MMP-2 and TIMP-1 production and ethanol-induced
      intracellular signal transduction. Moreover, with using of known adenosine A(2A)
      receptor agonist (CGS 21680), and antagonist (SCH 58261) we examined if this
      triazine derivative acts on adenosine receptors. We detected a strong
      antagonistic action of new triazine derivative (IMT) on ethanol-induced rat liver
      stellate cells activation, observed as a significant decrease in alpha-SMA,
      collagen synthesis, reactive oxygen species production, TGF-beta, TNF-alpha, MMP
      2 and TIMP-1 production as well as JNK, p38MAPK, NFkappaB, IkappaB, Smad3
      phosphorylation. Moreover, IMT strongly inhibited activation of stellate cells by
      known selective agonist of adenosine A(2A) receptor (CGS 21680). When known A(2A)
      receptor antagonist (SCH 58261) was used together with IMT this effect was not
      spectacular. Additionally, only slight enhancement of inhibition was observed
      when cells were pretreated both IMT with SCH 58261, hence we suppose that IMT
      acts as nonselective antagonist of A(2A) receptors, and, besides its antioxidant
      activity, also by this way inhibited ethanol-induced stellate cell activation.

PMID- 22063921
TI  - Effect of vicanicin and protolichesterinic acid on human prostate cancer cells:
      role of Hsp70 protein.
AB  - With the aim of identifying novel agents with antigrowth and pro-apoptotic
      activity on prostate cancer cells, in the present study, we evaluated the effect
      of five lichen secondary metabolites the depsides atranorin (1), diffrattaic (2)
      and divaricatic (3) acids, the depsidone vicanicin (4) and the protolichesterinic
      acid (5) on cell growth in androgen-sensitive (LNCaP) and androgen-insensitive
      (DU-145) human prostate cancer cells. The cell viability was measured using MTT
      assay. LDH release, a marker of membrane breakdown, was also measured. For the
      detection of apoptosis, the evaluation of DNA fragmentation (COMET assay) and
      caspase-3 activity assay were employed. The expression of Bcl-2, Bax, TRAIL, COX
      2, NOS2 and Hsp70 proteins was detected by western blot analysis. Generation of
      reactive oxygen species was measured by using a fluorescent probe. It was
      observed that atranorin (1), diffrattaic (2) and divaricatic (3) acids showed a
      lower activity inhibiting the prostate cancer cells only at more high
      concentrations (25 and 50MUM). Whereas compounds vicanicin (4) and
      protolichesterinic acid (5) showed a dose-response relationship in the range of
      6.25-50MUM concentrations in DU-145 and LNCaP cells, activating an apoptotic
      process. The novel finding, in the present study, is that apoptosis induced by
      these compounds appears to be mediated, at least in part, via the inhibition of
      Hsp70 expression, that may be correlated with a modulation of redox-sensitive
      mechanisms. The combination of vicanicin (4) and protolichesterinic acid (5) with
      other anti-prostate cancer therapies could be considered a promising strategy
      that warrants further in vivo evaluation.

PMID- 22063922
TI  - Ontogeny of gene expression of group IB phospholipase A2 isoforms in the red sea
      bream, Pagrus (Chrysophrys) major.
AB  - The red sea bream (Pagrus major) was previously found to express mRNAs for two
      group IB phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) isoforms, DE-1 and DE-2, in the digestive
      organs, including the hepatopancreas, pyloric caeca, and intestine. To
      characterize the ontogeny of the digestive function of these PLA(2)s, the present
      study investigated the localization and expression of DE-1 and DE-2 PLA(2) genes
      in red sea bream larvae/juveniles and immature adults, by in situ hybridization.
      In the adults, DE-1 PLA(2) mRNA was expressed in pancreatic acinar cells. By
      contrast, DE-2 PLA(2) mRNA was detected not only in digestive tissues, such as
      pancreatic acinar cells, gastric glands of the stomach, epithelial cells of the
      pyloric caeca, and intestinal epithelial cells, but also in non-digestive ones,
      including cardiac and lateral muscle fibers and the cytoplasm of the oocytes. In
      the larvae, both DE-1 and DE-2 PLA(2) mRNAs first appeared in pancreatic tissues
      at 3 days post-hatching (dph) and in intestinal tissue at 1 dph, and expression
      levels for both gradually increased after this point. In the juvenile stage at 32
      dph, DE-1 PLA(2) mRNA was highly expressed in pancreatic tissue, and DE-2 PLA(2)
      mRNA was detected in almost all digestive tissues, including pancreatic tissue,
      gastric glands, pyloric caeca, and intestine, including the myomere of the
      lateral muscles. In conclusion, both DE-1 and DE-2 PLA(2) mRNAs are already
      expressed in the digestive organs of red sea bream larvae before first feeding,
      and larvae will synthesize both DE-1 and DE-2 PLA(2) proteins.

PMID- 22063923
TI  - JD-30, an active fraction extracted from Danggui-Shaoyao-San, decreases beta
      amyloid content and deposition, improves LTP reduction and prevents spatial
      cognition impairment in SAMP8 mice.
AB  - JD-30 is an active fraction extracted from Danggui-Shaoyao-San (DSS), a
      traditional Chinese medicinal prescription. We previously showed that JD-30 could
      alleviate cognitive dysfunction of the mice induced by intracerebroventricular
      injection of beta-amyloid (Abeta). However, data remain scarce on the effect of
      JD-30 on an Alzheimer's disease (AD) model and the underlying mechanisms are
      unknown. Further detailed studies on the effects of JD-30 on spatial cognition of
      senescence-accelerated mouse prone 8 (SAMP8), a suitable rodent model for
      cognitive impairment of aged subjects were investigated to elucidate the possible
      mechanisms. Long-term treatment with JD-30 significantly decreased the prolonged
      latency of SAMP8 in the Morris water-maze test. It also ameliorated the reduction
      of long-term potentiation (LTP) and reduced the damage of neurons in the
      hippocampus of SAMP8. Finally, JD-30 decreased the content and deposition of
      Abeta in the brain of SAMP8. The results show that JD-30 improves deterioration
      of spatial learning and memory in the SAMP8 mouse model, and by decreasing the
      content and deposition of Abeta, neuronal activity and synaptic plasticity
      improve, suggesting one of the mechanisms involved.

PMID- 22063924
TI  - Hypocapnia-dependent facilitation of augmented breaths: observations in awake vs.
      anesthetized rats.
AB  - We investigated whether commonly used injectable laboratory anesthetics alter the
      regulation of augmented breaths (ABs) in different respiratory backgrounds. Male
      rats were studied on three separate experimental days, receiving one of three
      injections in randomized order: ethyl carbamate ('urethane'; 1.2mgkg(-1)),
      ketamine/xylazine (ket/xyl; 80/10mgkg(-1)), or normal saline. Following each of
      the three interventions, breathing was monitored during 15min exposures to
      normoxia (room air), hypoxia (10% O(2)) and hypoxia+CO(2) (10% O(2), 5% CO(2)).
      Urethane anesthesia completely eliminated ABs from the breathing rhythm in room
      air conditions (p<0.001), and decreased the hypocapnia-dependent component of
      this response (p<0.001). ket/xyl left the normal incidence of ABs in room air
      breathing intact but significantly suppressed the hypoxia-induced facilitation of
      ABs (p=0.0015). These results provide the first clear evidence that laboratory
      anesthesia can profoundly alter the regulation of ABs including the hypocapnia
      dependent component of their facilitation.

PMID- 22063926
TI  - Genomic approaches to economic trait loci and tissue expression profiling:
      application to muscle biochemistry and beef quality.
AB  - Genetic and environmental factors profoundly alter the phenotypes of animals.
      Nowadays, genomics allows large-scale analysis of gene characteristics
      (structural genomics) and expression (functional genomics). Genome mapping,
      comparative genomics and identification of quantitative trait loci and
      polymorphisms are the subject of active investigation to gain a better knowledge
      of the structure and function of genes. Gene expression profiling using DNA
      microarrays and proteomics holds great promise for the study of regulatory events
      which control the final biological functions. Combined with classical genetics
      and muscle biochemistry to form an integrative biology, these new approaches will
      bring a better understanding of complex traits and physiological processes. Major
      applications in meat science could be, for cattle, (1) the identification of new
      predictors of quality traits (for instance, tenderness), (2) the monitoring of
      beef quality (including traceability) through the production systems (nutrition
      level, growth path, grass-feeding), and (3) the improvement of animal selection
      (markers and gene assisted selection) which may also include quality traits.

PMID- 22063925
TI  - Structure-activity relationships in rodent diaphragm muscle fibers vs.
      neuromuscular junctions.
AB  - The diaphragm muscle (DIAm) is a highly active muscle of mixed fiber type
      composition. We hypothesized that consistent with greater activation history and
      proportion of fatigue-resistant fibers, neuromuscular transmission failure is
      lower in the mouse compared to the rat DIAm, and that neuromuscular junction
      (NMJ) morphology will match their different functional demands. Minute
      ventilation and duty cycle were higher in the mouse than in the rat. The
      proportion of fatigue-resistant fibers was similar in the rat and mouse; however
      the contribution of fatigue-resistant fibers to total DIAm mass was higher in the
      mouse. Neuromuscular transmission failure was less in mice than in rats. Motor
      end-plate area differed across fibers in rat but not in mouse DIAm, where NMJs
      displayed greater complexity overall. Thus, differences across species in
      activation history and susceptibility to neuromuscular transmission failure are
      reflected in the relative contribution of fatigue resistant muscle fibers to
      total DIAm mass, but not in type-dependent morphological differences at the NMJ.

PMID- 22063927
TI  - Sensory aspects of consumer choices for meat and meat products.
AB  - The topics discussed in this paper are the changing demand for meat and the
      factors that influence this demand. These factors include increased health
      concerns, change in demographics, the need for convenience, changes in the
      distribution of meat, and price. Finally, the paper covers the meat industry's
      need for understanding the consumer and the measurement methods used to assess
      consumer preferences.

PMID- 22063928
TI  - Effects of fatty acids on meat quality: a review.
AB  - Interest in meat fatty acid composition stems mainly from the need to find ways
      to produce healthier meat, i.e. with a higher ratio of polyunsaturated (PUFA) to
      saturated fatty acids and a more favourable balance between n-6 and n-3 PUFA. In
      pigs, the drive has been to increase n-3 PUFA in meat and this can be achieved by
      feeding sources such as linseed in the diet. Only when concentrations of alpha
      linolenic acid (18:3) approach 3% of neutral lipids or phospholipids are there
      any adverse effects on meat quality, defined in terms of shelf life (lipid and
      myoglobin oxidation) and flavour. Ruminant meats are a relatively good source of
      n-3 PUFA due to the presence of 18:3 in grass. Further increases can be achieved
      with animals fed grain-based diets by including whole linseed or linseed oil,
      especially if this is "protected" from rumen biohydrogenation. Long-chain (C20
      C22) n-3 PUFA are synthesised from 18:3 in the animal although docosahexaenoic
      acid (DHA, 22:6) is not increased when diets are supplemented with 18:3. DHA can
      be increased by feeding sources such as fish oil although too-high levels cause
      adverse flavour and colour changes. Grass-fed beef and lamb have naturally high
      levels of 18:3 and long chain n-3 PUFA. These impact on flavour to produce a
      'grass fed' taste in which other components of grass are also involved. Grazing
      also provides antioxidants including vitamin E which maintain PUFA levels in meat
      and prevent quality deterioration during processing and display. In pork, beef
      and lamb the melting point of lipid and the firmness/hardness of carcass fat is
      closely related to the concentration of stearic acid (18:0).

PMID- 22063929
TI  - Microbiological safety standards and public health goals to reduce foodborne
      disease.
AB  - Even though microbiological standards have been promulgated for many decades,
      their utility has sometimes been questioned, and this is one reason that
      performance standards associated with programs like HACCP in processing plants
      and now in other food industries have been espoused. The public has an increasing
      concern over food safety and perceives a zero tolerance policy (i.e. no pathogens
      in a sample of food) and strict enforcement with punitive consequences for
      failure to comply is the answer to making food safer. At present, there is no
      clear connection between government policy and a reduction in foodborne illness.
      Although national disease statistics may show gradual declines over long periods
      for some pathogens associated with food, other problems, including new pathogens,
      tend to emerge. International bodies and some governments, however, are
      increasingly considering adopting a risk-based approach to managing a food
      supply, with the potential for introducing the Acceptable Level of Protection
      (ALOP) and Food Safety Objectives (FSOs) concepts. These make it possible to see
      a connection between a goal for disease reduction and what industry must do to
      accomplish this with specific objectives through performance standards and
      microbiological testing. However, it may not be easy to apply this approach for
      all types of industries and pathogens and in developing countries.

PMID- 22063930
TI  - Prediction of technological and organoleptic properties of beef Longissimus
      thoracis from near-infrared reflectance and transmission spectra.
AB  - Technological and organoleptic properties of beef cuts were predicted by near
      infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. Spectra were collected on 189 beef Longissimus
      thoracis muscle samples using, transmission (NIRT) and reflectance with a probe.
      Quality assessment and NIR recordings were performed on sliced loin after 2 and 8
      days ageing. Partial least squares regression yielded determination coefficients
      of cross-validation (R(2)(cv)) of 0.12-0.25 for the prediction of Warner-Bratzler
      Peak Shear Force in reflectance and 0.15-0.41 in transmission. Higher R(2)(cv)
      were obtained for L* parameter (0.83-0.85), a* (0.39-0.49) and b* (0.73-0.75)
      with reflectance. Predictions of drip loss and cooking loss were less accurate
      with a R(2)(cv) range of 0.38 to 0.54 and 0.25 to 0.47, respectively. The NIR
      spectra collected on fresh meat show good potential to predict CIE L* and b*
      parameters in reflectance mode.

PMID- 22063931
TI  - Evaluation of fat sources on cholesterol and lipoproteins using pigs selected for
      high or low serum cholesterol.
AB  - At approximately 8 weeks of age, four-way cross (Chester White*Landrace*Large
      White*Yorkshire) pigs (n=24) were selected based on genetically high (H) or low
      (L) serum cholesterol levels-12 from each genetic group-to determine the
      relationship between genetics, fat source, and sex class on plasma cholesterol,
      growth, carcass characteristics, and cholesterol and lipid content of muscle and
      adipose tissues. Boars and gilts, six each from the two genetic groups, were
      assigned randomly to one of three dietary treatments for 46 days. A standard
      grower diet was modified to include beef tallow (T), corn oil (CR) or coconut oil
      (CC), and the pigs were given ad libitum access to feed. Cholesterol was added to
      each diet to ensure the diets contained the same amount of cholesterol. Except
      for the plasma lipids, there were no differences between boars and gilts at the
      initial evaluation or at the end of the treatment; therefore, sex means were
      pooled for statistical analyses. Body weight was unaffected by diet on days 18,
      29 or 46. Blood samples were taken on days 1, 29, and 46 via the anterior vena
      cava. Plasma total cholesterol (TC) and low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL)
      concentrations were greater in the H than L groups (overall TC in H and L
      pigs=150 and 124 mg/dl, respectively, and LDL in H and L pigs=105 and 76 mg/dl,
      respectively). Pigs fed diets containing saturated fats had greater TC and LDL
      than pigs fed unsaturated fats (TC=165, 149, and 126 mg/dl for T, CC, and CR
      diets, respectively, and LDL=108, 88, and 77 mg/dl for T, CC, and CR diets,
      respectively). There were significant time*gene*sex interactions for both TC and
      LDL yielding subtle differences in the response of the sexes from the two genetic
      groups over time. Pigs were slaughtered on day 46, and carcass data were
      collected. There were no differences in fat at the first rib, 10th rib, last rib,
      or last lumbar vertebra, but differences (P <0.05) were found between genetic
      groups for M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) muscle area (H=21.0+/-0.8
      cm(2), L=18.1+/-1.0 cm(2)) and USDA muscle score (H=2.1+/-0.1, L=1.7+/-0.1).
      There were no genetic or diet effects for cholesterol content of pre-rigor or
      post-rigor LTL muscle. Neither genetics nor dietary treatment affected the
      cholesterol content of the adipose tissue. There were no differences in fat
      percentage between genetic groups for muscle or adipose tissue. There were
      differences (P <0.05) in total lipid content among the dietary treatments for the
      pre-rigor (T=6.0+/-0.6%, CC=4.3+/-0.3%, CN=3.9+/-0.5%) and post-rigor (T=6.4+/
      0.9%, CC=4.1+/-0.3%, CN=5.0+/-0.4%) LTL. Cholesterol accretion in muscle and
      adipose tissues of growing pigs was not influenced by source of fat in the diet
      or by their genetic propensity for high or low plasma cholesterol.

PMID- 22063932
TI  - Effect of irradiation on the quality of turkey ham during storage.
AB  - Effect of electron-beam irradiation on the quality of ready-to-eat (RTE) turkey
      ham was studied. Turkey hams were purchased from local stores and sliced into 0.5
      cm-thick pieces and vacuum packaged. The ham samples were randomly separated into
      three groups and irradiated at 0, 1, or 2 kGy, and stored at 4  degrees C for up
      to 14 days. Volatiles, color, TBARS values and sensory characteristics were
      determined to compare the effect of irradiation and storage on the quality of RTE
      turkey ham. Irradiation had little effects on color and TBARS values of RTE
      turkey hams. Sensory analysis indicated that sulfury odor increased as
      irradiation dose increased, and the contents of sulfur compounds in irradiated
      RTE turkey hams were higher (P <0.05) than those in nonirradiated samples.
      Irradiation increased (P <0.05) the production of acetaldehyde, which could be
      related to a metal-like flavor in irradiated hams. However, overall quality
      changes in RTE turkey hams by irradiation up to 2 kGy were minor.

PMID- 22063933
TI  - In situ investigation of the calcium-induced proteolytic and salting-in
      mechanisms causing tenderization in calcium-enhanced muscle.
AB  - The objective of this experiment was to explore the mechanism(s) of calcium
      induced tenderization in calcium-enhanced beef muscle. At 72 h postmortem, beef
      strip loins (n=15) were injected (9% by weight) with 0.0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.2, or 0.4
      M calcium chloride (CaCl(2)) with and without 0.05 M zinc chloride (ZnCl(2)), and
      aged until 15 days postmortem. Warner-Bratzler shear force peak values indicated
      that addition of ZnCl(2) drastically inhibited tenderization; however,
      enhancement with CaCl(2) still tended to reduce shear values (P=0.07; 0.55 kg)
      when ZnCl(2) was present. In the absence of ZnCl(2), the 0.2 and 0.4 M CaCl(2)
      treatments were 18.9 and 32.1% more (P<0.05) tender than the 0.0 M CaCl(2)
      treatment. SDS-PAGE indicated that addition of zinc reduced breakdown of troponin
      T into ~31 and ~28 kDa components. Transmission electron micrographs indicated
      that addition of CaCl(2) without ZnCl(2) caused more frequent Z-line fractures
      and increased lateral spreading of myofibrils. These results suggest that both
      calcium-activated enzymatic activity and a non-enzymatic salting-in effect
      contributed to tenderization of calcium-enhanced muscle. However, the enzymatic
      mechanism reduced toughness 2.9- to 7.5-fold more than the non-enzymatic
      mechanism. Calcium-activated enzymatic degradation appears to be the major
      tenderization mechanism and non-enzymatic salting-in of calcium ions appears to
      be a minor tenderization mechanism, even at high calcium concentrations.

PMID- 22063934
TI  - Effects of micro-perforated film on the quality and shelf life improvements of
      pork loins during chilled storage.
AB  - The effects of micro-perforated film (MPF) packaging method on the quality and
      shelf life of pork loin during chilled storage were investigated, compared with
      non-packaging (control) and non-perforated film (PPF) packaging. Loins were
      removed from five hogs after slaughter and chilling, and each loin was portioned
      into four parts. These samples (40 sections) were allocated to each of five
      intervals (0, 1, 4, 7 and 14 days) to minimize variation among treatments and
      stored for 14 days under 55+/-10% relative humidity and 0+/-1  degrees C. Total
      aerobic counts of control sample were significantly lower than those from MPF or
      PPF loins after 14 days of storage. At 14 days, the counts of Pseudomonas and
      Enterobacteriaceae in the samples from MPF were significantly lower than those
      from PPF. At 7 days, 'L' value for the control and 'a' value for PPF were
      significantly lower, and DeltaE values for the control were significantly higher
      than other samples. During storage time, percentage weight loss was the most in
      the control samples with MPF following and PPF the least. Accordingly, water
      contents decreased highest in the control samples followed by those from MPF and
      PPF. TBA values increased with storage time, however no significant differences
      were observed among treatments. Sensory evaluation analyses showed that MPF
      samples were generally better evaluated in all parameters over the storage time.
      Therefore, it has been concluded that MPF could be used as an effective packaging
      technology since it extends the shelf life of fresh meat by controlling the
      microbial growth and evaporation at a moderate level.

PMID- 22063935
TI  - Comparison of antioxidant effects of milk mineral, butylated hydroxytoluene and
      sodium tripolyphosphate in raw and cooked ground pork.
AB  - The antioxidant effects of 0.5-2.0% milk mineral (MM) was tested in raw and
      cooked ground pork stored at 2  degrees C or -20  degrees C, compared to
      butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) and sodium tripolyphosphate (STP). TBA numbers
      were low and not different between raw meat treatments. TBA numbers were lower
      (P<0.01) for cooked treatments with MM or STP compared to controls or treatments
      with BHT. Experiments were also done to determine acceptability of pork samples
      with various TBA values, and to determine effect of holding time before serving
      on TBA values. Cooked pork patties held at 71  degrees C for 90 or 120 min had
      higher (P<0.05) TBA values than patties held for 0-60 min. Thus patties could be
      warmed for 60 min after cooking without significantly increasing TBA number. For
      paired-preference sensory testing, patties were cooked and stored at 2  degrees C
      for 0, 1, 2 and 3 days to obtain TBA numbers of 0.4, 1.5, 3.4 and 3.9
      respectively. Panelists preferred (P<0.001) patties with TBA number <0.5,
      compared to patties with TBA numbers >1.4.

PMID- 22063936
TI  - Effect of cooking temperature and cooking time on Warner-Bratzler tenderness
      measurement and collagen content in rabbit meat.
AB  - The effects of cooking temperature (50-90  degrees C) and time (10-120 min) on
      Warner-Bratzler (WB) tenderness measurement of longissimus lumborum (LL) muscle
      in 70-day-old rabbits were investigated. Cooking losses, total collagen content
      and collagen solubility of LL muscle were measured in parallel. Increasing
      cooking temperature caused a four-phase effect on WB measurement. Stress and
      total energy were significantly increased between raw meat and cooked meat at 50 
      degrees C, then they dramatically decreased to a minimum observed at 60-65 
      degrees C, and increased again to reach a maximum at 80-90  degrees C. Cooking
      losses exhibited an 83% increase between 50 and 80  degrees C. At 80  degrees C,
      stress and total energy values remained constant after 20 and 40 min
      respectively. LL muscle collagen content was 16.4+/-2.3 mg/g of dried muscle.
      Collagen solubility at 77  degrees C for 1 h was high: 75.3+/-8.1%.

PMID- 22063937
TI  - Influence of dietary conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) and age at slaughtering on
      meat quality and intramuscular collagen in rabbits.
AB  - To assess the effects of dietary conjugated linoleic acids (CLA) on meat
      composition and intramuscular collagen (IMC), 144 New Zealand White rabbits, half
      males half females, 55 days old (1.8 kg LW), were assigned to three weight- and
      sex- balanced groups and given the following dietary supplements: 0.5% sunflower
      oil, (C); 0.25% sunflower oil plus 0.25% CLA (T1); and 0.5% CLA (T2). The CLA was
      prepared from sunflower oil and contained 65% CLA isomers, half cis-9, trans-11
      and half trans-10, cis-12. Six males and six females from each group (total 36)
      were slaughtered at 76, 90 and 104 days of age (corresponding to 2.5, 2.8, and
      3.1 kg BW, respectively). The lean fraction was higher and the water content
      significantly higher in the meat of T2 compared to C and T1 for all ages
      combined. At the third slaughtering (104 days) the meat fat content was
      significantly lower in group T2. For all ages combined, IMC content, IMC
      hydroxylysylpyridinoline (HLP) concentration (index of collagen cross-linking)
      and IMC maturity (HLP/IMC) were significantly lower in the intermediate
      supplementation group (T1) compared to C and T2, and were also lower in animals
      slaughtered at 90 days. CLA supplementation has limited effects on the chemical
      composition of rabbit meat, with positive effects on meat texture and tenderness
      after supplementation up to 35 days at 0.25%, and a significant decrease in fat
      content only at high slaughter weight and high supplementation level (0.5%).

PMID- 22063938
TI  - Effect of added MU-calpain and post-mortem storage on the mechanical properties
      of bovine single muscle fibres extended to fracture.
AB  - The effects of MU-calpain and post-mortem storage on the strength of single
      muscle fibres were investigated. During the 10 min of incubation at pH 7.5, MU
      calpain became evenly distributed throughout the fibre. MU-Calpain-incubation
      resulted in thinner (P <0.001) Z-lines and reduced (P <0.001) the strength of the
      fibres compared to controls. These results demonstrate that MU-calpain is capable
      of mechanically weakening the muscle fibres. Post-mortem storage of meat for 10
      days at 2  degrees C weakened (P <0.001) the muscle fibres compared to 24-h
      fibres. The presence or absence of Ca(2+) affected fibre stiffness. Fibres
      incubated at pH 7.5 in 100 MUM Ca(2+) were less stiff than fibres incubated in
      200 MUM EGTA. Breaking stress and strain were not affected by Ca(2+). We
      hypothesise that Ca(2+) causes conformational changes in some of the load-bearing
      proteins, which alters their initial resistance to extension, but does not affect
      the breaking strength of the fibres.

PMID- 22063939
TI  - Sensory and meat quality traits of pork in relation to post-slaughter treatment
      and RN genotype.
AB  - The effects on eating quality and meat quality of two different forms of post
      slaughter treatment, performed in an abattoir, were studied in carriers and non
      carriers of the RN(-) allele. Carcasses were subjected to rapid and slow
      chilling, and pelvic and Achilles suspension in a factorial experimental design.
      A temperature of 10  degrees C was achieved in the centre of M. longissimus dorsi
      (LD) within 3.5 h in rapidly chilled carcasses and within 8 h in slowly chilled
      carcasses. In deep M. semimembranosus (SM) a temperature of 10  degrees C was
      achieved within 11.5 h in rapidly chilled carcasses and within 14 h in slowly
      chilled carcasses. LD from slowly chilled RN(-) carriers suspended by the pelvis
      exhibited the greatest tenderness, while LD from rapidly chilled non-carriers
      suspended from the Achilles tendon exhibited the lowest tenderness. Pelvic
      suspension or slow chilling of non-carriers produced the same improvement in
      tenderness, and when combined the tenderness increased further. However, the
      tenderness of the RN(-) carriers was already high, and no significant improvement
      was seen following any of the studied post-slaughter treatments. Pelvic
      suspension prevented shortening of muscle fibres, as seen by longer sarcomeres in
      LD from pelvic-suspended sides. However, longer sarcomeres were associated with
      greater tenderness only in LD from non-carriers of the RN(-) allele. The presence
      of the RN(-) allele and a slow chilling regime increased the rate of pH decline
      in LD. Achilles suspension also increased the rate of pH fall in SM, in addition
      to the RN(-) allele and slow chilling. The overall tenderness of LD was mainly
      related to the course of pH decline during rigor; lower pH values between 3 and 7
      h post-mortem contributing to greater tenderness. The myofibrillar length was
      predominantly related to RN genotype and was shorter in RN(-) carriers than in
      non-carriers. The RN(-) allele and slow chilling contributed to higher
      evaporation losses and RN(-) carriers exhibited increased frequency of PSE meat
      in the ham muscles. The use of pelvic suspension appears advantageous over slower
      chilling, since it improved tenderness without any negative influence on drip
      loss, evaporation or cooking loss.

PMID- 22063940
TI  - Consumer perceptions: pork and pig production. Insights from France, England,
      Sweden and Denmark.
AB  - Consumer focus groups in France, England, Sweden and Denmark were used to obtain
      insights into the decision-making involved in the choice of fresh pork and
      attitudes towards today's pig production systems. Many positive perceptions of
      pork meat were evoked. Negative images of the production systems in use today
      were expressed, but rationalised in terms of consumer demands, market competition
      and by comparisons to previous systems of production. Knowledge of production
      systems appeared of little consequence in terms of any meat market potential as
      several groups freely remarked that there was no link between the negative images
      of production methods and their purchase behaviour. The groups were clearly
      confused and mistrusted the limited information available at the point of
      purchase. Careful consideration should be given to meat labelling, in particular
      taking account of the evident consumer ethnocentrism, to assure that such
      information is targeted to enhance consumer confidence.

PMID- 22063941
TI  - Carcass classification in suckling lambs. II. Comparison among subjective carcass
      classification methods: fatness scales and conformation scales with 0.25 point
      intervals.
AB  - Forty-nine Manchega breed suckling lambs were used. Carcass weight was less than
      13 kg, and lambs were slaughtered at 10, 12 and 14 kg liveweight. Carcasses were
      classified by three assessors on colour photographs, by several classification
      methods: the European Union scale for light lambs carcasses (EU), Colomer-Rocher
      methods for fatness (CF) and conformation (CC), and the new scale for suckling
      lambs (SL) developed by our research group. Carcasses were also assessed using
      these scales divided into 0.25 point-intervals (EU-25, CF-25, CC-25 and SL-25). A
      correlation analysis was made between assessors score and tissue composition in
      the carcass and in three joints (leg, best end of neck and loin, and shoulder).
      For all the methods studied 0.25 point scales were best correlated to tissue
      composition than 1.0 points-interval scales. When 1.0 point-interval scales were
      used the SL scale was best correlated to tissue composition. When 0.25 point
      scales were used, the EU scale gave the best correlations. Conformation scale
      (CC) was useful to predict carcass composition, specially kidney knob and channel
      fat content.

PMID- 22063942
TI  - Quality of buffalo meat burger containing legume flours as binders.
AB  - The effect of addition of different decorticated legume flours, viz., soya bean,
      bengal gram, green gram and black gram, on the quality of buffalo meat burger was
      studied. The burgers consisted of optimized quantities of roasted or unroasted
      legume flour, spices and common salt. Inclusion of roasted black gram flour
      registered the highest yield of 95.7%, lowest shrinkage of 5% and lowest fat
      absorption of 26.6% on frying. Protein content of 18-20% was highest in the soya
      flour formulation. Free fatty acid (FFA) values (as% oleic) increased from 14.3
      to 17.3 in freshly prepared samples (before frying) to 16.0-19.4 in 4 m frozen (
      16+/-2  degrees C) stored samples and fried samples had about 25% lower FFA
      values. Formulations with roasted flours registered lower thiobarbituric acid
      (TBA) values (mg malonaldehyde/kg sample) of 0.6-1.5 as against 0.6-2.1 for
      unroasted flours before frying. The burgers prepared with any of these binders
      were organoleptically acceptable even after storage at -16+/-2  degrees C for 4
      months., However, the burger with black gram dhal (dehulled split legume) flour
      had better sensory quality attributes compared to other legumes.

PMID- 22063943
TI  - Use of Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris NCDO 763 and alpha-ketoglutarate to
      improve the sensory quality of dry fermented sausages.
AB  - The aim of the present work was to enhance the degradation of free amino acids in
      dry fermented sausages as precursors of volatile compounds responsible for the
      ripened flavour. For this purpose, Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris NCDO 763,
      its intracellular cell free extract (ICFE) and alpha-ketoglutarate were added to
      sausages. Papain was also used to increase the amount of free amino acids. When
      L. lactis was inoculated in sausages, an increase in the proteolytic phenomena
      was observed. The addition of alpha-ketoglutarate increased transamination
      phenomena in batches where it was added. The enhancement of these phenomena
      determined a noticeable rise in the content of glutamic acid (the main final
      product in transamination reactions) and a decrease, among other amino acids, of
      valine and leucine, with the formation of high amounts of their derivatives 2
      methylpropanal and 3-methylbutanal. These aldehydes are responsible for the
      ripened flavour of dry fermented sausages. Sensory analysis showed an improvement
      of odour and flavour when L. lactis and alpha-ketoglutarate were combined. On the
      other hand, the intracellular cell free extract of L. lactis did not show any
      important activity in relation to amino acid breakdown even when used together
      with alpha-ketoglutarate and/or papain.

PMID- 22063944
TI  - Effects of liquid smoke on quality characteristics of Turkish standard smoked
      beef tongue.
AB  - The purpose of this research was to determine some quality characteristics of
      beef tongues processed with liquid and vaporous (traditional) smoke. The tongues
      were divided into two groups; traditional (vaporous) smoking and liquid smoke
      application groups, and the processed tongues were vacuum packaged and monitored
      for quality during 30 days of storage at 4+/-1  degrees C. All the smoked tongue
      samples were subjected to chemical, microbiological and organoleptic analysis at
      0, 5, 10, 15 and 30 days of storage. The results indicated that despite some
      favorable results attributed to traditional smoking, liquid smoke application of
      beef tongue is also possible without causing any major acceptability problems in
      terms of quality.

PMID- 22063945
TI  - Ultra-fast freezing and low storage temperatures are not necessary to maintain
      the functional properties of manufacturing beef.
AB  - The effects of freezing rates and subsequent storage temperatures on the
      functional properties of meat were assessed. In the first trial, 24
      Semitendinosus muscles were allocated to four freezing treatments to determine
      the effect of freezing rate alone (no frozen storage) on the functional
      properties of thawed muscle proteins. In the second trial, the effect of freezing
      rate, storage temperature and time were determined: 24 semimembranosus muscles
      were assigned to 30 treatment combinations using an incomplete factorial design
      with two freezing rates * three storage temperatures * five storage times. All
      samples individually sealed in water impermeable bags were thawed in water at 10 
      degrees C and then analysed. The rate of freezing alone in both trials and for
      both muscles had no effect on protein solubility; sulphydryl content; surface
      hydrophobicity; emulsion activity index or meat colour. Slowly frozen
      semimembranosus had more drip than fast frozen muscles. Semimembranosus muscle
      sarcoplasmic protein solubility increased and myofibrillar protein solubility
      decreased with storage temperature below -18  degrees C. Storage temperature did
      not affect the other attributes measured. Functional properties were mainly
      affected by storage time and the interaction between storage time and freezing
      rate. It is concluded that the current practice of blast freezing and storage at 
      18 to 20  degrees C is sufficient to maintain the quality of manufacturing beef.

PMID- 22063946
TI  - Effects of pork collagen on thermal and viscoelastic properties of purified
      porcine myofibrillar protein gels.
AB  - The objectives of this study were to examine the thermal, water-binding and
      viscoelastic properties of mixed protein systems containing purified myofibrils
      from porcine semimembranosus (MP) and pork collagen (PC) during gelation and
      subsequent cooling. MP:PC mixtures (100:0, 90:10, 80:20, 70:30, 60:40, 50:50)
      normalized to 4% protein were evaluated. No significant differences in thermal
      characteristics of these mixtures could be detected using differential scanning
      calorimetry. A primary peak was observed near 66  degrees C. Using small-strain
      oscillatory testing, the rheological properties during gelling and cooling were
      quantified. Storage modulus (G') increased upon heating for all treatments, but
      the rate of gel firming and the G' value at 85  degrees C were significantly
      lower (P<0.05) as PC was added to the mixed protein system. Upon cooling, gels
      revealed a significantly lower (P<0.05) rate of gel firming and significantly
      lower (P<0.05) G' value at 5  degrees C in samples with 20% inclusion of PC and
      higher. Addition of PC yielded a significant linear (R(2)=0.65; P<0.01) increase
      in the water-holding capacity (WHC) of the gels, indicating that the matrix
      formed in MP:PC gels had a greater ability to entrap water than that of the
      control MP gels. The inclusion of 10% PC resulted in gels with significantly
      higher (P<0.05) WHC and similar firmness when compared with gels comprised of MP
      as the only protein source.

PMID- 22063947
TI  - Sensory properties and lipid oxidation in aerobically refrigerated cooked ground
      goat meat.
AB  - Plain meat loaf and chili (a seasoned product) prepared with vacuum
      packaged/frozen-and-thawed ground goat meat were aerobically refrigerated for 0,
      3, or 6 days. The 2-thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) content of
      the plain loaf increased ~3200 and ~4200% after 3 and 6 days, respectively, while
      peroxide value (PV) increased 250 and 430%. The corresponding increases for chili
      were much smaller (29 and 79% for TBARS and 90 and 47% for PV), most likely due
      to antioxidative effects of culinary non-meat ingredients used in chili
      preparation. Trained sensory panel evaluations of plain loaf samples showed that
      "cooked goat meat/brothy" aromatic (associated with freshly cooked goat meat)
      intensity decreased (P<0.05) 3% in plain loaf samples stored for 6 days, while
      "cardboard" aromatic (associated with oxidized cooked meat) intensity increased
      (P<0.05) 31%. "Cardboard" scores correlated (P<0.05) with both TBARS and PV, but
      the correlation was higher with TBARS.

PMID- 22063948
TI  - The effect of altered growth rates on the calpain proteolytic system and meat
      tenderness in cattle.
AB  - The present study was conducted to determine the effects of growth pattern on the
      calpain system and meat tenderization. Twenty-four Friesian calves were randomly
      allocated to three treatment groups: FAST (fast growth rate), SLOW (severely
      restricted growth rate) and ALTER (restricted growth for 30 days followed by fast
      growth rate). Four animals from each group were slaughtered on day 32 or 45 after
      altering the growth rates. Samples of M. longissimus dorsi were rapidly frozen at
      slaughter for protein analysis by Western blotting. Restricted growth reduced the
      immunoreactivity of a calpastatin band (135 kDa) measured at 24 h postmortem.
      Immunoreactivity associated with the large subunit of MU- or m-calpain appeared
      to be unaffected by growth patterns. Shear force measurements taken after 14 days
      of conditioning were positively related to 135 kDa calpastatin at 24 h
      postmortem. In this study there was no clear relationship between shear force and
      growth pattern.

PMID- 22063949
TI  - An evaluation of the growth, carcass and meat quality characteristics of Omani
      goat breeds.
AB  - Body weight, growth, carcass and meat quality characteristics were evaluated in
      three breeds of goats (Batina, Dhofari and Jabal Akdhar) in Oman. Fourteen intact
      male goats from each breed were used. Jabal Akdhar goats had significantly
      heavier slaughter, empty body, and carcass weights and higher growth rates than
      Dhofari and Batina goats. Jabal Akdhar goats had significantly heavier internal
      organs than the other two breeds. Dressing-out percent (based on empty body
      weight) of goats ranged between 53 and 57%, with the Dhofari goats having the
      highest value. Longissimus muscle dimensions varied between the three breeds,
      with Jabal Akdhar having a significantly larger area than Batina with Dhofari in
      between. Dhofari goats produced significantly shorter and wider carcasses than
      Batina and Jabal Akhdar goats. Carcass cuts were significantly heavier in Jabal
      Akdhar than the other two breeds. Four muscles (Mm. longissimus dorsi, biceps
      femoris, semitendinosus, and semimembranosus) from both sides of each carcass
      were subjected to two different ageing periods (1 day vs. 6 day) and evaluated
      for ultimate pH, expressed juice, percent cooking loss, colour (L*, a* and b*),
      and Warner-Bratzler shear force. Breed had a significant influence on pH and
      percent cooking loss but not on expressed juice, shear force value and colour
      (CIE L*,a*, b* values). Muscles from the Batina goats had significantly higher
      ultimate pH values and lower percent cooking loss than Dhofari and Jabal Akdhar
      goats. Ageing from 1 to 6 days increased tenderness significantly (27%), but
      decreased cooking loss by 5%.

PMID- 22063950
TI  - A fermented meat model system for studies of microbial aroma formation.
AB  - A fermented meat model system was developed, by which microbial formation of
      volatiles could be examined. The model was evaluated against dry, fermented
      sausages with respect to microbial growth, pH and volatile profiles. Fast and
      slowly acidified sausages and models were produced using the starter cultures
      Pediococcus pentosaceus and Staphylococcus xylosus. Volatiles were collected and
      analysed by dynamic headspace sampling and GC-MS. The analysis was primarily
      focused on volatiles arising from amino acid degradation and a total of 24
      compounds, of which 19 were quantified, were used for multivariate data analysis.
      Growth of lactic acid bacteria was comparable for model and sausages, whereas
      survival of S. xylosus was better in the model. Multivariate analysis of
      volatiles showed that differences between fast and slowly acidified samples were
      identical for model and sausage. For both sausage and model, fast-acidified
      samples had a high content of ketones, sulphides and methyl-branched acids,
      whereas slowly acidified samples had the highest content of methyl-branched
      alcohols, aldehydes, their ethyl esters, phenylacetaldehyde and methional.
      Furthermore, model repeatability with respect to pH, microbial growth and
      volatile profiles was similar to sausage production. Based on these findings, the
      model system was considered valid for studies of aroma formation of meat cultures
      for fermented sausage.

PMID- 22063951
TI  - Effect of retail lights on acceptability of salami.
AB  - The effects of light source on the acceptability of Hungarian, Hot-Hungarian and
      regular salamis were investigated. The color of all salamis was most preferred
      (P<0.05) under incandescent (INC) light, as compared to fluorescent (FL) and
      metal halide (MH). Higher buying response was also evident when INC was used. The
      two Hungarian salamis, which had a high red component (higher a* and chroma
      values), received higher color preference scores under FL compared to MH. Most
      panelists described the color of the Hungarian salami under INC light as red, but
      brown under FL and MH. Relative luminance data, collected with a fiber optic
      probe connected to a photo-diode array, demonstrated the reason to be low red
      color seen in salamis presented under FL and MH lights.

PMID- 22063952
TI  - Comparison of clam-shell cookers and electric broilers and their effects on
      cooking traits and repeatability of Warner-Bratzler shear force values.
AB  - Clam-shell (CS) type cookers were investigated as an alternative cookery method
      for objective tenderness evaluations of beef strip loin steaks. This study was
      conducted in two phases: Phase I determined the most effective clam-shell cooking
      temperature setting (Low, Medium or High) and Phase II compared the
      repeatabilities of cooking traits and Warner-Bratzler shear (WBS) values from
      steaks cooked on electric broilers (EB) to steaks cooked on CS. Data from Phase I
      showed that cooking time was reduced (P<0.05) substantially for steaks cooked on
      CS with the shortest cooking times associated with the highest temperature
      settings. EB steaks had higher cooking losses compared with CS steaks (P<0.05),
      while the CS-Low temperature setting yielded the lowest cooking losses. WBS
      values did not differ except for steaks cooked on the CS-Medium setting, which
      were lower (P<0.05) than EB and CS-Low cooked steaks. CS-High setting was
      determined to be the optimum temperature setting for CS cooking because it
      required the least amount of time to cook and produced WBS values that were not
      different from steaks cooked on EB. Therefore, repeatability of cooking traits
      and WBS values of CS-High and EB were investigated in Phase II. Data from Phase
      II showed similar trends for cooking traits and WBS values between CS and EB
      cooked steaks as were observed in Phase I. Repeatabilities for WBS values were
      higher for steaks cooked on CS (R=0.86) compared with EB (R=0.41). The CS method
      appears to be an acceptable alternative to EB for cooking steaks used in meat
      tenderness research.

PMID- 22063953
TI  - Postmortem changes in myofibrillar-bound calpain 3 revealed by immunofluorescence
      microscopy.
AB  - An immunofluorescence microscopy method for following changes in myofibrillar
      bound calpain 3 was developed. Afterward, proteolytic changes in calpain 3(p94),
      calpain 1, titin, and nebulin were examined in myofibrils prepared from ovine
      longissimusthoracis et lumborum (LTL) stored for 0, 1, 2, and 3 days postmortem.
      Western blot analysis revealed that the levels of intact calpain 3 (expressed as
      percentage of the level immediately postmortem) were 80%, 10% and not detectable
      in myofibrils prepared at 1, 2, and 3 days, respectively. Western blots for
      calpain 1 also indicated conversion of the intact protein (80 kDa) to a 76 kDa
      fragment during the same time period. Thus calpains 1 and 3 appear to be
      activated during postmortem storage. Immunofluorescence microscopy using an IS1
      region specific antibody revealed that calpain 3 staining was most intense at the
      sarcomere Z- and M-lines. The fluorescence intensity declined significantly
      during storage, paralleling changes in the proteolytic breakdown of titin and
      nebulin associated with these structures.

PMID- 22063954
TI  - Intramuscular variation in beef tenderness.
AB  - Intramuscular variation of beef tenderness was investigated in three muscles:
      Semitendinosus (ST), Triceps brachii (TB) and Rectus femoris (RF). The aim of the
      study was to evaluate a French process (called "affranchi") used to improve meat
      tenderness. Two groups of 72 muscles (24 ST, 24 TB and 24 RF) aged 10 and 14 days
      respectively, were assessed for tenderness by sensory analysis and compression
      measurements. For all three muscles, sensory evaluation showed a significant
      intramuscular variation in tenderness with a longitudinal gradient. Compression
      measurements on the raw meat showed similar results but of reduced accuracy. It
      appears that the process "affranchi" which consists in removing a part of the
      muscle, is very useful to improve meat tenderness and could be used by meat
      processors. The low relationship between compression measurements and sensory
      evaluation suggest compression measurements on raw meat are not suitable to
      predict meat tenderness as perceived by consumers.

PMID- 22063955
TI  - Effect of replacing beef fat with olive oil on quality characteristics of Turkish
      soudjouk (sucuk).
AB  - Four formulation of Turkish soudjouks were produced in three replicates by
      traditional methods as follows; one control (C) using 85% beef and 15% beef fat
      and three treatments by replacing 20, 40 and 60% of beef fat with virgin olive
      oil incorporated as pre-emulsified fat (PEF) with soy protein isolate (SPI),
      respectively. It was found that the moisture content and pH decreased while fat
      and ash content increased on the 21st day of fermentation and in the ripening
      period. Cholesterol content decreased depending on the amount of incorporated
      olive oil to the formulation, which shows the addition of olive oil in soudjouks
      reduces the cholesterol content (P<0.05). TBA values were affected by the amount
      of incorporated olive oil and the highest TBA value was found for with the 60%
      olive oil replacement. Oleic and linoleic acid contents were high while other
      fatty acid contents were low for the 40 and 60% olive oil samples compared with
      controls. Sausages with 40% olive oil received high evaluation from the panel for
      appearance and texture but there was no significant difference (P>0.05) between
      samples in the terms of color and general acceptability. It is concluded that
      replacement of beef fat with olive oil had a positive effect on sensory quality
      and on reducing the cholesterol content of soudjouks.

PMID- 22063956
TI  - Irradiation effects on meat flavor: A review.
AB  - Irradiating fresh meat, even at low doses, can result in off-odors and flavors
      which have been described as rotten egg, bloody, fishy, barbecued corn, burnt,
      sulfur, metallic, alcohol or acetic acid. The odors vary with the type of meat,
      temperature during irradiation, oxygen exposure during and/or after the
      irradiation process, packaging and presence of antioxidative substances.
      Irradiation can induce formation of isooctane-soluble carbonyl compounds in the
      lipid fraction and low molecular weight, acid-soluble carbonyls in the protein
      fraction of meat. Increasing irradiation dose increases these compounds however,
      cooking reduces them. Among the volatile components, 1-heptene and 1-nonene are
      influenced most by irradiation dose, and aldehydes (propanal, pentanal, hexanal)
      are influenced most by packaging type (aerobic vs vacuum). Sulfur-containing
      volatiles formed from sulfur-containing compounds (primarily amino acids) also
      contribute to irradiation odor. Dimethyltrisulfide is one of the most potent off
      odor compounds, contributing fishy, putrid odors, followed by
      bismethylthiomethane (sulfurous). Reducing the temperature during the irradiation
      process reduces the effects on odor/flavor because free radical generation and
      dispersion are reduced. Ultimately, radiolysis of water into free radical species
      (OH,H, H(3)0(+), e(aq)(-)) may be the initiators of both lipid oxidation
      breakdown products and sulfur-containing volatiles responsible for irradiation
      odor. Methods to decrease the detrimental effects of irradiation include oxygen
      exclusion (vacuum packaging), replacement with inert gases (nitrogen), addition
      of protective agents (antioxidants), and post-irradiation storage to allow flavor
      to return to near-normal levels (re-packaging or double packaging in oxygen
      permeable film).

PMID- 22063957
TI  - Effects of dietary vitamin A restriction during finishing on color display life,
      lipid oxidation, and sensory traits of longissimus and triceps brachii steaks
      from early and traditionally weaned steers.
AB  - Our objective was to determine the effects of vitamin A restriction during
      finishing on color display life, lipid oxidation, and sensory traits of
      longissimus lumborum (LL) and triceps brachii (TB) steaks from early and
      traditionally weaned steers. Forty-eight steers weaned at either 137+/-26 days
      (EW) or 199+/-26 days (TW) were supplemented with either 15,400IU/kg dry matter
      of vitamin A (HA) or restricted to no supplemental vitamin A (LA) during
      finishing for 210 and 150 days, respectively. Both LL and TB steaks from the HA
      steers had the darkest (P<0.05) color scores after 3 days of retail display in
      PVC packaging at 2 degrees C, and the highest (P<0.05) thiobarbaturic acid
      reactive substances (TBARS) values. Instrumental a*, b*, and saturation index
      values were lowest (P<0.05) in LL steaks from the HA steers. Instrumental L*
      values were lower (P<0.05) on days 4-6 in TB steaks from TW steers fed LA than
      those from EW steers fed HA. No differences were found in Warner-Bratzler shear
      force values or sensory traits in either muscle. No supplemental vitamin A versus
      high levels of vitamin A inclusion in finishing diets has potential to increase
      color display life and reduce lipid oxidation, with no effects on meat
      palatability.

PMID- 22063958
TI  - Incision of the heart during meat inspection of fattening pigs - A risk-profile
      approach.
AB  - Meat inspection in the EU is based on Regulation (EC) 854/2004. Accordingly a
      risk based meat inspection should be implemented. In this paper, the incision of
      the heart in pig meat inspection is discussed with respect to efficacy. The
      incision especially can reveal the presence of endocarditis. Here,
      Erysipelothrixrhusiopathiae (E. rhusiopathiae) and/or Streptococcussuis (S. suis)
      are of particular concern. Both agents are regarded to be zoonotic agents. There
      is some evidence for infection of humans via an alimentary pathway. Hence, the
      occurrence of E. rhusiopathiae and S. suis is a concern of public health (PH) as
      well as veterinary public health (VPH). However, other measures, including on
      farm disease prevention and diagnosis, seem to be more important for food safety.
      It is concluded that the incision and inspection of the heart is not justifiable
      with respect to PH aspects.

PMID- 22063959
TI  - Colour of bovine subcutaneous adipose tissue: A review of contributory factors,
      associations with carcass and meat quality and its potential utility in
      authentication of dietary history.
AB  - The colour of bovine subcutaneous (sc) adipose tissue (carcass fat) depends on
      the age, gender and breed of cattle. Diet is the most important extrinsic factor
      but its influence depends on the duration of feeding. Cattle produced under
      extensive grass-based production systems generally have carcass fat which is more
      yellow than their intensively-reared, concentrate-fed counterparts and this is
      caused by carotenoids from green forage. Although yellow carcass fat is
      negatively regarded in many countries, evidence suggests it may be associated
      with a healthier fatty acid profile and antioxidant content in beef, synonymous
      with grass feeding. Nonetheless, management strategies to reduce fat colour of
      grass-fed cattle are sought after. Current research suggests that yellow colour
      of this tissue is reduced if pasture-fed cattle are converted to a grain-based
      diet, which results in accretion of adipose tissue and dilution of carotenoids.
      Colour changes may depend on the initial yellow colour, the carotene and
      utilisable energy in the finishing diet, the duration of finishing, the amount of
      fat accumulated during finishing and the rate of utilisation of carotene from
      body fat. Differences in nutritional strategies which cause differences in fatty
      acid composition may be reflected by differences in fat colour and carotenoid
      concentration. Fat colour and carotenoids are prominent among a panoply of
      measurements which can aid the authentication of the dietary history and thus to
      some extent, the origin of beef, although this potential utility is complicated
      by the simultaneous rather than discrete use of forages and concentrates in real
      production systems.

PMID- 22063960
TI  - The morphological detection of bone and cartilage particles in mechanically
      separated meat.
AB  - The calcium content of mechanically separated meat (MSM) is a common indicator of
      elevated bone contents due to the separation process, e.g. as applied in EU
      regulations. But a direct morphological proof of bone material is needed,
      especially to identify undeclared MSM additives to meat products. We present a
      new morphological method for the detection of both bone and cartilage particles,
      because elevated cartilage contents may be indicative of MSM additives also. The
      method is based on simultaneous staining with Alizarin Red and Alcian Blue. We
      investigated MSM, commercially produced from breast of veal, for elevated
      particle contents. In addition, we determined the rate of recovery for minced
      pork mixed with 0-5% bone or cartilage. The results show that staining with
      Alizarin Red and Alcian Blue is suited to the efficient and simultaneous
      detection of bone and cartilage material in meat mixtures. The morphological
      staining is simpler than previously applied methods. Preparations can be assessed
      macroscopically, and they can be quantified gravimetrically. Manual sorting and
      weighing of particles appears to underestimate MSM contents if particles are
      ground very finely.

PMID- 22063961
TI  - The Jarvis Beef Stunner: Effects of a prototype chest electrode.
AB  - The Jarvis Beef Stunner electrically induces a stun, cardiac arrest and spinal
      discharge in adult cattle by three consecutive cycles. Concerns over varying
      incidences of cardiac arrest and some meat quality problems prompted this study
      to investigate the effect of replacing the conventional brisket electrode (T1)
      with a prototype chest electrode, with (T2), and without (T3) spinal discharge in
      287 animals in a commercial abattoir. Repositioning the electrode did not
      significantly affect electrical parameters in any of the cycles. All animals
      received a cardiac arrest as assessed by electrocardiogram. Most post-stun/kill
      responses were unaffected. No difference was found in the incidence of a broken
      femur between treatments, but haemorrhages in the sirloin were significantly
      reduced by the prototype electrode (left: 51.1% (T1) vs. 30.3% (T3); right: 57.6%
      (T1) vs. 36.4% (T3)). The chest electrode was therefore efficient at causing
      cardiac arrest, did not significantly affect post-stun/kill responses and reduced
      haemorrhaging in the high-value sirloin.

PMID- 22063962
TI  - Carcass characteristics, fatty acid composition, and meat quality of Criollo
      Argentino and Braford steers raised on forage in a semi-tropical region of
      Argentina.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to characterize and compare the carcass
      characteristics, cholesterol concentration, fatty acid composition of
      intramuscular fat and subcutaneous fat, and meat quality of Criollo Argentino and
      Braford steers reared in an extensive system, without supplementation, and
      slaughtered at approximately 400kg live weight. The Braford steers had greater
      (P<0.05) carcass weight, yield, conformation score, marbling degree, fat
      thickness and fatness score than Criollo Argentino steers. The tissue composition
      of the 10th rib was: 68.1% vs. 63.6% muscle, 23.9% vs. 20.4% bone and 8.2% vs.
      16.3% fat for the Criollo Argentino and Braford breeds, respectively. The meat of
      Longissimus muscle from Braford steers was lighter, redder, yellower and more
      tender than that from Criollo Argentino steers. The meat of Longissimus muscle
      from Braford steers had a higher fat content, similar protein and ash contents
      and a lower (P?0.001) cholesterol concentration than that from Criollo Argentino
      steers. The subcutaneous depot was the most saturated, while the intramuscular
      fat had the most polyunsaturated fatty acids. Intramuscular fat showed the
      highest ?h fatty acids, and PUFA/SFA and n-6/n-3 ratios and for MUFA/SFA,
      16:0/18:0 and h/H ratios were not significantly different between adipose tissue
      depots. The influence of breed on the fatty acid profile varies among adipose
      tissues. In general, both intramuscular fat and subcutaneous fat from Criollo
      steers contained more unsaturated fatty acids and less saturated fatty acids,
      than did fat from Braford steers.

PMID- 22063963
TI  - Comparison of acids on the induction of an Acid Tolerance Response in
      Salmonellatyphimurium, consequences for food safety.
AB  - Salmonellatyphimurium inactivation at pH 3.0 in Brain Heart Infusion (BHI) and
      Meat Extract (ME) was studied using stationary-phase cells grown in non-acidified
      BHI (pH 7.4) and ME (pH 6.6) and acidified BHI and ME at pH values of 6.4, 5.4
      and 4.5 with acetic, ascorbic, citric, lactic, malic and hydrochloric acids.
      Cells grown in buffered BHI (pH 7.0) were used as non-acid adapted control cells.
      Acid adapted S. typhimurium cells obtained in both media (BHI and ME) were more
      resistant to extremely acidic conditions when ME was used as challenge medium,
      although the ability of S. typhimurium to survive extreme pH conditions also
      depended on growth medium and type of acidulant used. Acid adapted cells grown in
      BHI developed a higher Acid Tolerance Response (ATR) than those grown in ME. When
      cells were grown in acidified BHI, no bacterial inactivation was observed after
      three hours of acid challenge in ME. Furthermore, when cells were grown in
      acidified ME at pH values of 6.4 and 5.4, D-values obtained using ME as challenge
      medium were, respectively, 6-9 and 10-15 fold higher than those found when BHI
      was used as challenge medium. In all cases, the order of acids in inducing the
      ATR was citric>acetic>lactic>malic?hydrochloric>ascorbic. These findings
      represent a concern for food safety as the increase in the acid resistance of
      acid adapted cells could allow for S. typhimurium survival in the strong acidic
      environment of the gastrointestinal tract.

PMID- 22063964
TI  - Effect of carbon monoxide packaging and lactate enhancement on the color
      stability of beef steaks stored at 1 degrees C for 9 days.
AB  - Our objective was to assess the effects of lactate enhancement in combination
      with different packaging systems on beef longissimus lumborum and psoas major
      steak color. Strip loins and tenderloins (n=16) were assigned to one of four
      injection treatments (non-injected control, water-injected control, 1.25%, and
      2.5% lactate in the finished product). Steaks were individually packaged in
      either vacuum, high-oxygen (80% O(2)/20% CO(2)), or 0.4% CO (30% CO(2)/69.6%
      N(2)) and stored for either 0, 5, or 9 days at 1 degrees C. The L(*) and a(*)
      values of both the longissimus and psoas responded similarly to lactate, which at
      2.5% darkened steaks (P<0.05) packaged in all atmospheres and improved (P<0.05)
      the redness of steaks packaged in high-oxygen. Packaging steaks in CO did not
      counteract the darkening effects of lactate. Nevertheless, CO improved (P<0.05)
      color stability compared with high-oxygen packaging.

PMID- 22063965
TI  - Changes of physicochemical, microbiological, and textural properties during
      ripening of Italian low-acid sausages. Proteolysis, sensory and volatile
      profiles.
AB  - In this study low-acid sausages were studied to characterize their
      physicochemical, microbiological, and textural properties during ripening. The
      final a(w) was 0.87-0.88, whereas pH values stayed around their initial values
      during processing. Lactic acid bacteria increased very slowly in number and a
      small increase of Micrococcaceae was also noticed. Low-acid sausages showed low
      hardness and cohesiveness, and were easily distinguishable by sensory analysis
      from other industrial and artisan sausages. Under the conditions of the study,
      observed volatile compounds were mainly from spices and wine. The respective
      contribution of muscle and indigenous bacterial enzymes to proteolysis was
      determined by comparing changes in low-acid sausages to those containing an
      antibiotic-antimycotic mixture or sugar. A large part of the degradation of
      myofibrillar proteins appeared due to endogenous enzymes, although bacterial
      proteinases contributed to the degradation of these proteins. The role of
      microorganisms in proteolysis was more evident in the degradation of sarcoplasmic
      proteins.

PMID- 22063966
TI  - Expression of adipogenic transcription factors in adipose tissue of fattening
      Wagyu and Holstein steers.
AB  - In this experiment, we studied the effects of breed differences on the protein
      expression of adipogenic transcription factors, the C/EBP family (C/EBPalpha,
      C/EBPbeta-LAP, C/EBPbeta-LIP and C/EBPdelta) and PPARgamma, in the adipose
      tissues of Japanese Black (Wagyu) and Holstein steers from various anatomical
      sites (subcutaneous, intermuscular, and mesenteric) at different fattening
      periods (19 and 24 months of age). The expression of C/EBPbeta-LAP and C/EBPalpha
      in the mesenteric fat tissue of Wagyu at 19 months of age was significantly
      higher than that of Holstein. The expression of C/EBPdelta in the subcutaneous,
      intermuscular and mesenteric fat tissue of Wagyu at 19 months of age was
      significantly higher than that of Holstein. The plasma insulin concentrations of
      Wagyu steers at 19 months of age tended to be higher than those of Holstein. No
      significant differences in the expression of the adipogenic transcription factors
      and plasma insulin concentration were observed between the breeds at 24 months of
      age. These results suggest the existence of breed difference on the expression of
      the C/EBP family between fattening Wagyu and Holstein steers at 19 months of age,
      whereas breed difference might have disappeared before 24 months of age.

PMID- 22063967
TI  - Effect of grass silage and concentrate based finishing strategies on cull dairy
      cow performance, carcass and meat quality characteristics.
AB  - Sixty-eight spring calving Holstein-Friesian dairy cows on completion of
      lactation were randomly assigned to one of four dietary treatments. The
      experiment commenced on 17th December 2005 and was completed on 27th June 2006.
      Pre-experimental live weight and BCS were 605kg (s.d. 68.9) and 2.7 (s.d 0.28),
      respectively. The four treatments were: ad-lib grass silage (GS), GS+3kg
      concentrate (GS+3), GS+6kg concentrate (GS+6) and GS+9kg concentrate (GS+9). All
      cows were finished to a live weight>620kg and a BCS>3.5. Live animal, carcass and
      meat quality characteristics were measured. Mean (s.d.) total feed utilized was
      similar, at 1.5 (0.05) tonnes DM/cow across all treatments. There was a linear
      (P<0.001) increase in ADG (kg/day) for the first three dietary treatments, GS
      (0.71), GS+3 (0.91), GS+6 (1.14) with no additional response to the final
      increment, GS+9 (1.15). As concentrate proportion in the diet increased there was
      a linear decrease (P<0.001) in days to slaughter. Cows on the GS+9 treatment (84
      days) finished on average 12, 25 and 38 days earlier than those on the GS+6,
      GS+3, and GS treatments. The GS+9 treatment had lower carcass fat yellowness ('b'
      value) than the GS treatment but the GS+3 and GS+6 treatments did not differ from
      either GS or GS+9. There was no effect of treatment (P>0.05) on muscle redness
      ('a' value) following exposure to oxygen. When cull cows are finished to pre
      defined slaughter criteria, similar carcass classifications and carcass quality
      can be achieved with diets ranging from GS to GS+9, however significant
      difference in physical performance and days to slaughter will result.

PMID- 22063968
TI  - Prediction of fat, muscle and value in Norwegian lamb carcasses using EUROP
      classification, carcass shape and length measurements, visible light reflectance
      and computer tomography (CT).
AB  - One hundred and twenty carcasses were sampled to compare different techniques or
      methods for prediction of lamb carcass composition and value. Four methods that
      are used at the Norwegian Meat Research Centre, Animalia, were selected. These
      were the basic EUROP classification, the advanced EUROP classification using
      carcass shape and length measurements, visible light reflectance probing (GP) and
      Computer Tomography (CT). The different technologies were tested using an
      iterative approach, selecting calibration and validation data sets from the 120
      carcasses randomly, where 90 carcasses were used for calibration, and 30 for
      validation. The best prediction models were obtained using CT, with respect to
      prediction error and correlation between predicted and measured value of carcass
      fat and muscle (in kg), and value (in NOK). Due to high cost and low operating
      speeds of CT, optical probing (GP) may be the second best solution of the
      technologies used in this study, combined with a CT dissection reference as an
      alternative to manual dissection.

PMID- 22063969
TI  - Histological characteristics of musculus longissimus dorsi and their correlation
      with restriction fragment length polymorphism of the myogenin gene in
      Jinghua*Pietrain F(2) crossbred pigs.
AB  - PCR-RFLP, periodic acid Schiff (PAS) and myosin heavy chain (MHC)
      immunohistochemistry were employed to survey the relationships between the
      genotypes of the myogenin gene (myog) and the histological characteristics of the
      muscle and other postmortem traits in the Jinghua*Pietrain (JP) F(2) crossbred
      pigs. The muscle fibers were classified into three groups according to their PAS
      reactivity: PAS(-), PAS(+~++), and PAS(+++) and accounted for approximately 16%,
      74% and 10% of the total muscle, respectively. MHC immunohistochemistry was used
      to categorize muscle fibers into either slow or fast fibers; the proportions of
      slow and fast fibers were 6% and 94%, respectively. Two different cleavage
      patterns and three genotypes (AA, AB and BB) were identified and their
      frequencies were 0.4087, 0.4986 and 0.0928, respectively, for the three genotypes
      and 0.6580 and 0.3420, respectively, for cleavage patterns A and B. Different
      genotypes were variably associated with cross-sectional area (p=0.074), water
      holding capacity (p=0.002), pH (p<0.001) and carcass temperature (p<0.001) of the
      loin muscle. Different genotypes showed marked correlation with the L value
      (p<0.001), a value (p=0.002), and b (p<0.001) of the Minolta meat color index.
      The genotypes were also significantly related to the cross-sectional area
      (p<0.001), diameter (p<0.001), aspect ratio (p<0.001) and the density (p<0.001)
      of muscle fibers from the longissimus dorsi muscle. The results also revealed
      that the genotypes showed no significant association with the circularity
      (p=0.132) or the percentage of intramuscular connective tissue (p=0.193).

PMID- 22063970
TI  - Minerals, haem and non-haem iron contents of rhea meat.
AB  - Mineral contents, haem and non-haem iron of rhea (Rhea americana) muscles
      Obturatorius medialis (OM), Iliotibialis lateralis (IL) and Iliofibularis (I)
      were determined. No differences between the three muscles were observed for
      calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and sodium. There is more potassium, zinc and
      copper in IL muscle than in OM and I muscles. For Manganese, OM and IL muscles
      show a higher content in comparison with I muscle. For selenium, IL and I muscles
      show the highest content compared to OM muscle. For total, haem and non-haem
      iron, the IL muscle shows the highest content respect to the other muscles. When
      compared to other meats, the minerals content of rhea meat show an elevated level
      in phosphorus, selenium and total and haem iron. The human health concern due to
      the deficient diet in selenium and iron, and their high contents in rhea meat
      will be of great importance in the promotion of this meat.

PMID- 22063971
TI  - Dietary tannins improve lamb meat colour stability.
AB  - Fourteen male Comisana lambs were divided into two groups at 45days of age: lambs
      fed a concentrate diet (C), or lambs fed the same concentrate with the addition
      of quebracho (Schinopsis lorentzii) tannins (T). Sheep were slaughtered at
      105days of age. Lipid oxidation, colour coordinates, haem pigment concentration,
      and metmyoglobin percentages were measured on minced semimembranosus muscle (SM)
      over 14days of refrigerated storage in a high oxygen modified atmosphere. Tannin
      supplementation increased (P<0.01) a(*) values and reduced (P<0.01) b(*) values
      of the SM when compared to C. Lower hue angles (P<0.001) and metmyoglobin
      formation (P=0.07) were observed in lamb from T-fed compared to C-fed sheep
      during the 14-days storage period. Furthermore, feeding T resulted in greater
      (P<0.001) haem pigment concentrations in the SM during refrigerated storage;
      however, diet had no (P=0.28) effect on lipid oxidation. Therefore, including
      quebracho tannins in sheep diets can improve meat colour stability of fresh lamb
      during extended refrigerated storage.

PMID- 22063972
TI  - Limousin myostatin F94L variant affects semitendinosus tenderness.
AB  - Texture parameters (peak force and compression), muscle myofibre diameter, and
      hydroxyproline were measured in semitendinosus samples from a cattle gene-mapping
      herd. The data were analysed to determine the relationships between these traits.
      The traits were also mapped by genetic linkage analysis to identify quantitative
      trait loci, and hence, candidate genes for these traits. Neither texture
      parameters were affected by the muscle structural traits of myofibre diameter or
      collagen content (as measured by hydroxyproline), despite significant variation
      in these traits between animals. QTL for the texture parameters of peak force and
      compression, as well as collagen content, were found on cattle chromosome 2
      (BTA2) and attributed to the myostatin gene. Within the cattle population used
      for the QTL mapping, a gene variant of myostatin, F94L, has been previously shown
      to increase muscle mass, predominantly in the semitendinosus. It was determined
      herein that the F94L myostatin homozygous animals had more tender meat as
      measured by both peak force and compression. The variant was also responsible for
      a reduction in the collagen/elastin content of muscle. The myostatin F94L variant
      had no effect on muscle myofibre diameter of the semitendinosus, even though the
      variant causes substantial increases in muscle mass. Consequently, the increase
      in muscle mass of the variant must be due to myofibre hyperplasia and not
      hypertrophy. In addition, myostatin effects on tenderness are caused by changes
      in the extracellular matrix rather than muscle myofibre diameter.

PMID- 22063973
TI  - Colour calibration of a laboratory computer vision system for quality evaluation
      of pre-sliced hams.
AB  - Due to the high variability and complex colour distribution in meats and meat
      products, the colour signal calibration of any computer vision system used for
      colour quality evaluations, represents an essential condition for objective and
      consistent analyses. This paper compares two methods for CIE colour
      characterization using a computer vision system (CVS) based on digital
      photography; namely the polynomial transform procedure and the transform proposed
      by the sRGB standard. Also, it presents a procedure for evaluating the colour
      appearance and presence of pores and fat-connective tissue on pre-sliced hams
      made from pork, turkey and chicken. Our results showed high precision, in colour
      matching, for device characterization when the polynomial transform was used to
      match the CIE tristimulus values in comparison with the sRGB standard approach as
      indicated by their DeltaE(ab)(*) values. The [3*20] polynomial transfer matrix
      yielded a modelling accuracy averaging below 2.2 DeltaE(ab)(*) units. Using the
      sRGB transform, high variability was appreciated among the computed DeltaE(ab)(*)
      (8.8+/-4.2). The calibrated laboratory CVS, implemented with a low-cost digital
      camera, exhibited reproducible colour signals in a wide range of colours capable
      of pinpointing regions-of-interest and allowed the extraction of quantitative
      information from the overall ham slice surface with high accuracy. The extracted
      colour and morphological features showed potential for characterizing the
      appearance of ham slice surfaces. CVS is a tool that can objectively specify
      colour and appearance properties of non-uniformly coloured commercial ham slices.

PMID- 22063974
TI  - Meat quality and intramuscular fatty acid composition of Sanfratellano and
      Haflinger foals.
AB  - The goal of the trial was to evaluate meat quality, with an emphasis on
      intramuscular fatty acid composition, of Sanfratellano foals, compared to that
      from Haflinger foals,both slaughtered at 18 months of age. Thirty foals, half of
      Sanfratellano breed and half of Haflinger breed, naturally weaned at 7-8 months,
      were divided into two homogeneous groups at 15 months of age and fed a finishing
      diet based on polyphite hay and concentrate. The finishing period lasted three
      months. Sanfratellano foals showed higher slaughter weight (P<0.05) as well
      carcass weight (P<0.05) compared to Haflinger foals. Meat physical and proximate
      analyses did not discriminate the two groups. Normal pH values (5.6-5.7) measured
      at 4-6 day post mortem were recorded in meat from both groups. Shear force values
      accounted (range 55-58N) for a favourable tenderness in both groups. The
      intramuscular fat level was low in both groups (<2.5%) supporting the healthy
      image of this meat. The proportion of linolenic acid was higher (P<0.01) in
      Haflinger meat than in Sanfratellano one, thus causing a higher (P<0.05) total n
      3 fatty acid content. Overall meat from both groups showed a favourable
      repartition among saturated (36-37% total FAME's), monounsaturated (33% total
      FAME's) and polyunsaturated fatty acids (30-31% total FAME's).

PMID- 22063975
TI  - The influence of cooking and fat trimming on the actual nutrient intake from
      meat.
AB  - The effects of cooking and trimming of visible fatty tissue on the content of
      fat, fatty acids, minerals and vitamins was studied in six meat cuts (beef rib
      eye and brisket, pork neck steak and belly, veal chop and rolled breast) in order
      to improve the estimates of the actual nutrient intake from meat. Cooking
      decreased the absolute fat content by about 17.9-44.4% and therefore
      concomitantly influenced the content of different fatty acids. The trimming of
      visible fatty tissue additionally decreased the fat content by about 23.8-59.1%.
      Calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium and phosphorus decreased during cooking in
      all cuts and cooking processes, while iron and zinc were found to increase in
      beef. All vitamins decreased during cooking, with thiamine showing the highest
      losses, from 73% up to 100%. In conclusion, the cooking and trimming of meat cuts
      considerably affected the nutrients in various ways and to different degrees,
      which should be taken into account when the nutrient intakes of meat are
      estimated.

PMID- 22063976
TI  - Carcass and meat quality of Thai native cattle fattened on Guinea grass (Panicum
      maxima) or Guinea grass-legume (Stylosanthes guianensis) pastures.
AB  - Carcass and meat quality of Thai native cattle, fattened for 2 years on Guinea
      grass (Panicum maxima) and Guinea grass-legume (Stylosanthes guianensis)
      pastures, were investigated in twelve 3-years old males. Groups had similar
      carcass quality except for kidney fat percentage (higher in cattle of the grass
      legume group). This group also had a lighter meat (Longissimus dorsi,
      Infraspinatus) than the grass-only fed cattle. Shear force was generally at the
      borderline to tender meat, and was unaffected by treatment as were other texture
      related properties except muscle fibre diameter. Meat of the grass-legume group
      was perceived less juicy (P<0.05) but more tender (P<0.1). The meat of the grass
      legume-fed cattle also had more intramuscular fat (4.3% vs. 3.4%) and a slightly
      less favourable n-6:n-3 fatty acid ratio (2.2 vs. 2.0). In conclusion, the mostly
      weak differences in carcass and meat quality did not clearly favour one of the
      grazing systems.

PMID- 22063977
TI  - Compensatory growth response as a strategy to enhance tenderness in entire male
      and female pork M. longissimus thoracis.
AB  - The effects of restrictive feeding strategies aimed at promoting a compensatory
      growth response were investigated with respect to tenderness improvement in pork
      M. longissimus thoracis. Compensatory growth response is defined by increased
      weight in pigs fed ad libitum after a period with restricted feeding compared to
      pigs fed ad libitum the entire fattening period. Specifically, the aim was to
      study the sensory textural characteristics after female and entire male pigs have
      been exposed to restrictions in either energy, protein or both in specific growth
      periods. It was found that textural differences were caused by feeding strategies
      and not related to variation in intramuscular fat, which did not vary
      significantly between genders. The female pigs demonstrated compensatory growth
      response and the texture was significantly (P<0.001) improved by low dietary
      level of energy from day 50 to 90 and normal dietary level of protein during the
      entire feeding period. For the entire male pigs, low level of protein in the late
      feeding period significantly (P<0.05) improved the texture. Also, low level of
      protein and normal level of energy in the early feeding period resulted in
      improved tenderness. However, these texture improvements were deemed not to be an
      effect of compensatory growth since the entire male pigs did not compensate for
      the feeding restriction in the early feeding period. The tenderness enhancement
      for the entire male pigs compromised the production results in terms of 7-15%
      lower carcass weight.

PMID- 22063978
TI  - Effectiveness of combined preservation methods to extend the shelf life of
      Morcilla de Burgos.
AB  - Morcilla de Burgos is the most famous blood sausage in Spain. However, while
      producers are interested in extending its shelf life, the consumer is
      increasingly demanding more natural food. This situation has led to the current
      search for new and mild preservation technologies. Two batches of four different
      products: control without any treatment, control with organic acid salts (CnOAS;
      a 3% mixture of potassium/sodium l-lactate), control with high hydrostatic
      pressure processing (CnHPP; 600MPa-10min), and a combination of both treatments
      (OAS+HPP), were carried out to evaluate any synergistic effect that occurs when
      combining OAS and HPP, and the influence of different preservative treatments on
      the spoilage bacterial population and their evolution. HPP (with or without
      addition of OAS) can be considered the most suitable method for preserving
      morcilla de Burgos as it does not produce negative changes in sensory attributes.
      No clear selective effect of different treatments on the composition of the
      spoilage bacteria was seen and similar spoilage patterns were observed
      independently of the preservation treatment used.

PMID- 22063979
TI  - Effectiveness of poll stunning water buffalo with captive bolt guns.
AB  - Practical experience has indicated that shooting water buffalo with a captive
      bolt gun in the front of the head does not always produce an effective stun.
      Slaughtermen have been claiming that the poll position is more reliable, but
      under present EU regulations this shooting position is not allowed for
      domesticated bovines. This study examined the effectiveness of shooting water
      buffalo with captive bolt guns in the poll region. The depth of concussion was
      assessed in 30 water buffalo from physical collapse, presence or absence of
      corneal and palpebral reflexes, normal rhythmic breathing, eyeball rotation,
      nystagmus and whether the animal was re-shot. All except one animal collapsed
      immediately. The one animal that failed to collapse was not breathing. The
      prevalence of a shallow depth of concussion in the poll shot animals was 53%. Two
      had been shot through the spinal cord, and with the exception of those plus one
      other in which the bolt did not penetrate the brain, the other animals were
      considered to be adequately stunned. Post mortem examination of the brain showed
      that 79% of the under thirty month old animals were shot in the midbrain or brain
      stem, but these regions had to be avoided in over thirty month old animals
      because of the risk of damaging the brain stem sample needed for BSE testing. In
      addition, three water buffalo were shot in the crown position and one in the
      front of the head. The frontal position was ineffective as the animal did not
      collapse, and all animals shot in the crown position resumed breathing shortly
      after shooting, indicating a shallow depth of concussion. It is concluded that
      poll shooting can be effective in water buffalo, but it produces a shallow depth
      of concussion compared with frontal shooting in cattle. It requires accurate
      placement of the gun to ensure that buffalo are not shot through the spinal cord
      instead of the brain. Vigilance is needed in ensuring that the animals are stuck
      promptly so that none recover consciousness.

PMID- 22063980
TI  - CT scanning carcases has no detrimental effect on the colour stability of M.
      longissimus dorsi from beef and sheep.
AB  - This study investigated the effect of computerised tomography imaging (CT scan),
      for carcase composition determination, on the oxy/metmyoglobin ratio, hue and
      L(*), a(*) and b(*) scores of M. longissimus dorsi from both beef and lamb. Beef
      and lamb M. longissimus dorsi were divided into four proportions and randomly
      allocated to one of the following treatments; CT 30 day aged; CT fresh; control
      30 day aged; control fresh. Colour measurements were made over a 96h retail
      display period. CT scan had little effect on the colour of both lamb and beef
      across all colour parameters. There was a small negative affect observed in CT
      aged samples (P<0.05) for ratio, hue, a(*) and b(*) values, however these
      differences were so small that they are unlikely to impact upon the commercial
      shelf-life of the product. Other factors such as aging, species and vitamin E
      concentration play a much greater role in colour stability than CT. Aged M.
      longissimus dorsi clearly had a worse colour stability than the fresh packaged
      samples, while beef was a lot more colour stable than lamb. It appears that CT
      scan for the purpose of body composition determination will not have any
      commercially relevant impact on colour stability of both beef and lamb.

PMID- 22063981
TI  - Alternating frequency to increase the response to stimulation from medium voltage
      electrical stimulation and the effect on objective meat quality.
AB  - The use of alternating frequencies during stimulation can increase stimulation
      response of a medium voltage electrical stimulation unit (MVS) by increasing the
      rate of pH decline. Various combinations of frequency modulation were tested in
      experiment 1 to determine the treatment resulting in the greatest stimulation
      response; the lowest initial pH, fastest rate of pH decline, highest temperature
      at pH 6 and the highest number of carcasses with a pH of 6 by 25(o)C and the
      treatment achieving the highest number of carcasses in the pH temp window
      (temperature at pH 6 between 18-25(o)C). The objective meat quality of these
      treatments compared to an unstimulated treatment was tested in experiment 2.
      Modulating the frequency (Hz) across the 6 segmented electrodes of the MVS by 10,
      15, 25, 10, 15, 25Hz (Treatment 6, using a pulse width: 2.5ms, current: 1A)
      resulted in the greatest stimulation response. This treatment may be suitable for
      abattoirs that hot bone sheepmeat and require fast pH declines to ensure minimal
      cold shortening of meat. However, this treatment did not result in the tenderer
      meat despite the higher stimulation response. This treatment may have induced a
      greater number of contractions overall and therefore a greater pH decline
      response but resulted in less myofibrillar disruption compared to the other
      treatments due to a concomitant decreased force of contraction thus reducing
      potential tenderisation. Maintaining a constant frequency of 15Hz (Treatment 1;
      pulse width: 2.5ms, current: 1A) resulted in a higher number of carcasses in the
      pH temp window required (temperature at pH 6 between 18-25(o)C) in part A
      (P<0.05) and in addition to the higher tenderness levels this treatment may be
      more appropriate to satisfy the overall demands of abattoirs using these systems.
      This paper has also demonstrated electrical stimulation results in tenderer meat
      compared to unstimulated meat even after 30d of ageing (2.53+/-0.4 compared to
      2.85+/-0.1 for the loin (M. longissimus thoracis et lumborum) (P<0.01) possibly
      due to a protective benefit of stimulation on meat tenderness. Overall, no
      detrimental effects of modulating frequency were observed on drip loss or retail
      colour display despite a greater rate of colour change observed with the
      modulated frequency treatment and the longer aged product.

PMID- 22063982
TI  - Acceptability of lamb fed on pasture, concentrate or combinations of both systems
      by European consumers.
AB  - It is well known that the eating quality of lamb is highly affected by feeding
      systems. The aim of this study was to ascertain acceptability of Uruguayan lamb
      meat from animals fed on different diets (only pasture-D1, only concentrate-D4
      and two combinations of both systems-D3 and D4) by consumers from different
      European countries (Spain, Germany, United Kingdom and France). One hundred and
      twenty castrated Corriedale lambs were reared to 28.2+/-0.8 kg live weight and
      then thirty lambs were allocated to each diet and reared to 40kg live weight.
      Sections of loin were cooked using contact grills until the internal temperature
      of the muscle reached 72 degrees C (65 degrees C in France), cut and then served
      to consumers. A minimum of 180 consumers per country evaluated overall liking,
      flavour and tenderness acceptability of lamb from the 4 diets in sessions of 10
      consumers using 8-point category scales. Globally consumers preferred lamb fed on
      concentrate or the combination of concentrate and pasture to lamb fed only on
      pasture. However, different segments of consumers were identified in each country
      based on their lamb acceptability. This information contributes to the
      identification of developing different commercial strategies in relation to the
      consumer segments found.

PMID- 22063983
TI  - Technological and safety properties of Lactobacillus plantarum strains isolated
      from a Tunisian traditional salted meat.
AB  - A total of 17 strains of Lactobacillus plantarum, isolated from a Tunisian
      traditional salted meat and identified by biochemical and molecular methods, were
      characterized according to their technological properties including acidifying,
      antimicrobial and enzymatic activities as well as antibiotic resistance in order
      to select the most suitable for use as starter cultures for the production of
      fermented sausages. All the strains studied showed good acidifying activity and
      were able to reduce the pH to less than 4.3 in 72, 48 and 24h at 15, 25 and 37
      degrees C respectively. The majority of strains displayed antimicrobial
      activities against Salmonella arizonae, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas
      aeuroginosa and Escherichia coli, however characterization of the antimicrobial
      substances showed that none of the strains could produce bacteriocins. All the L.
      plantarum strains were able to hydrolyze casein, whereas none of them was found
      to possess lipolytic activity. The majority of strains of L. plantarum were
      resistant to tetracycline, erythromycin, rifampicin, ampicillin and penicillin G.

PMID- 22063984
TI  - Effect of crossbreeding and gender on meat quality and fatty acid composition in
      pork.
AB  - This study considers the effect of crossbreeding and gender (barrows; gilts) on
      meat quality and intramuscular and subcutaneous fatty acid composition in pork.
      The sire lines included Large White (LW), Duroc (D) and Pietrain (P) and the dam
      line was Landrace (LR)*LW, producing LW*(LR*LW), D*(LR*LW) and P*(LR*LW). Pork
      samples were removed from Longissimus dorsi (LD) and Semimembranosus (SM) muscles
      and subcutaneous fat (SCF). There were no important differences in meat quality
      parameters but D*(LR*LW) had the highest percentage of intramuscular fat.
      Castrated males had more intramuscular fat and more intense meat colour than
      female pigs. The Large White and Duroc sire line had saturated fatty acids (SFA)
      in SM, whereas the Pietrain sire line was significantly higher than Duroc sire
      line in the concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), PUFA/SFA (P/S)
      and the n-6/n-3 ratio. The concentrations of SFA and monounsaturated fatty acids
      (MUFA) in SCF were significantly higher in LW*(LR*LW) and P*(LR*LW),
      respectively. No differences were found in the percentage of PUFA, P/S and n-6/n
      3 ratio between D*(LR*LW) and P*(LR*LW). Female pigs had the most polyunsaturated
      intramuscular and subcutaneous fat. The results demonstrate small differences in
      fatty acid compositions among sires.

PMID- 22063985
TI  - Meat quality is associated with muscle metabolic status but not contractile
      myofiber type composition in premature pigs.
AB  - Longissimus muscles were sampled from Erhualian (EHL) and Pietrain (PIE) pigs at
      20kg of body weight. No breed differences were detected in either the proportions
      or the mRNA/protein expression of respective MyHC isoforms, or the mRNA
      expression of PGC-1alpha (all P>0.10). However, meat quality traits were already
      divergent between breeds, and were associated with distinct energy metabolic
      status, as reflected by dramatically lower AMPK activity yet higher CK and LDH
      activities (all P<0.01) in longissimus muscle of EHL pigs. Moreover, mRNA
      expression of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) was found to be higher (P<0.05) in
      longissimus muscle of EHL pigs. These results indicate that the differences in
      meat quality traits occur early in premature pigs, and these are attributed to
      skeletal muscle energy metabolism and not contractile myofiber type composition.
      Breed-specific GR expression in muscle may be related to the pattern of energy
      metabolism and meat quality, yet the mechanism awaits further investigation.

PMID- 22063986
TI  - Cholesterol photosensitised oxidation of beef meat under standard and modified
      atmosphere at retail conditions.
AB  - The effect of the fluorescent light exposure and type of packaging (normal
      atmosphere and oxygen-rich atmosphere) was evaluated on the oxidation parameters
      (peroxides and cholesterol oxidation products) of raw beef slices placed in
      packed vessels and refrigerated. The concentration of COPs in meat treated under
      modified atmosphere ranged from 0.15 to 0.52mg/100g meat (average value of 0.27mg
      COPs/100g meat), which was twice as much as the average COPs content
      (0.14mg/100g) of meat packed under air (0.04-0.27mg COPs/100g meat). The main
      cholesterol oxide was 7k, which represented about one third of the total
      cholesterol oxides, followed by 7beta-OH (20-25% of total COPs), 7alpha-OH (about
      20%) and beta-epoxy (12-18%). In normal atmosphere, photoxidation was a
      superficial process, since an inverse correlation between meat slice weight and
      COPs content on a lipid basis was observed, unlike in a high oxygen (32%)
      atmosphere.

PMID- 22063987
TI  - Detection of genetically modified organisms in processed meat products on the
      Serbian food market.
AB  - The addition of soybean proteins to processed meat products has significantly
      increased in recent years due to the interesting functional and nutritional
      properties of these vegetable proteins. Since the Roundup Ready (RR) soybean is
      the only transgenic soybean line approved for market in EU this work was aimed at
      monitoring its presence in meat products on the Serbian food market. The
      extracted DNA was analyzed using duplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with
      primer pairs aimed at the lectin gene and 35S promoter. Samples positive for the
      presence of GM soybean were subjected to a real-time quantification of the
      percentage of RR soya. The results indicated that out of fifty processed meat
      products examined, twelve gave positive results with 35S promoter and all
      contained RR soya below 0.1%.

PMID- 22063988
TI  - CO(2) stunning may compromise swine welfare compared with electrical stunning.
AB  - The effects of two different stunning methods on critical blood values in
      fattening pigs at a federal inspection slaughtering plant were monitored. A total
      of 658 pigs from the same genetic line and origin, were randomly assigned to 3
      treatments: reference baseline levels (resting pigs; T1), stunning with CO(2)
      (T2) and stunned electrically (T3). Energetic profile, acid imbalance and blood
      gas levels, were monitored. Significant differences (p?0.05) between treatments
      for all variables were found, CO(2) stunned pigs showed hypercapnia,
      hypercalcemia, hyperglucemia, lactic acidemia, and an increase in haematocrit,
      coupled with reduced pH,  [Formula: see text] , and Na; electrically stunned pigs
      had reduced blood pH,  [Formula: see text]  and  [Formula: see text] . The
      remaining indicators were increased in relation to the resting swine. Thus CO(2)
      stunning leads to a major imbalance because of mineral and acid base gaseous
      interchange, compared to electric stunning, thus possibly compromising animal
      welfare.

PMID- 22063989
TI  - Use of pure glycerol in fattening heavy pigs.
AB  - Eighty Italian Duroc*Italian Large White pigs (BW 42.6+/-3.37kg) were used to
      determine the effects of pure glycerol on growth performance and meat quality of
      heavy pigs. Pigs were divided into five groups receiving 0% (control), 5% or 10%
      during the growing and finishing phases (42.6-160kg BW) (G+F5,G+F10) or 5% or 10%
      during the finishing period (100-160kg BW) (FIN5,FIN10) of pure glycerol in
      substitution for maize meal (on a dry matter basis). The pigs were slaughtered at
      approximately 160kg BW. The growth performance of pigs fed 5% glycerol did not
      differ from controls regardless of feeding duration, whereas those fed 10%
      glycerol showed reduced growth and poorer feed:gain ratio. Fat quality and meat
      suitability for raw ham curing were not affected by dietary treatment.
      Differences were not consistent enough to draw any conclusion about the effects
      of feeding glycerol on sensory characteristics.

PMID- 22063990
TI  - Phosphate analysis of natural sausage casings preserved in brines with phosphate
      additives as inactivating agent - Method validation.
AB  - Certain phosphates have been identified as suitable additives for the improvement
      of the microbial and mechanical properties of processed natural sausage casings.
      When mixed with NaCl (sodium chloride) and used under specific treatment and
      storage conditions, these phosphates are found to prevent the spread of foot-and
      mouth disease and classical swine fever via treated casings. The commercially
      available QuantichromTM phosphate assay kit has been evaluated as to whether it
      can serve as a reliable and low-tech method for routine analysis of casings
      treated with phosphate. The outcome of this study indicates that this particular
      assay kit has sufficient sensitivity to qualitatively determine the presence of
      phosphate in treated casings without interference of naturally occurring
      phosphate in salt used for brines in which casings are preserved.

PMID- 22063991
TI  - Effect of low temperatures (-18 to +5 degrees C) on the texture of beef lean.
AB  - The textural properties of beef over the temperature range -18 to +5 degrees C
      were measured using Warner Bratzler (WB) and tensile techniques. In addition, the
      effects of rapid radio frequency (RF) tempering and slower conventional air
      tempering on texture were compared. Temperature showed a significant effect
      (P<0.05) on WB and tensile shear force, with higher values obtained at
      temperatures on or below -5 degrees C. Work to fracture values showed two peaks
      at -15 and -3 degrees C. Sample thickness and muscle fibre direction were also
      important factors affecting shear force, with samples cut across fibres showing
      higher values. Tempering method showed no effect (P?0.05) on the textural
      properties measured. In light of the rapid nature of RF tempering, these findings
      will be of interest to the meat industry.

PMID- 22063992
TI  - Flavour development in pork. Influence of flavour precursor concentrations in
      longissimus dorsi from pigs with different raw meat qualities.
AB  - Flavour development and overall eating quality of pan-fried pork chops of
      longissimus dorsi from eight different raw meat qualities aged for 4 and 15 days
      were assessed by a trained sensory panel. The raw meat qualities were obtained
      through combinations of strategic feeding/fasting (control vs. low glycogen
      concentration), slaughter live-weight (84kg vs. 110kg), and gender (female vs.
      castrate). The flavour development was investigated for possible correlation with
      the concentrations of selected individual flavour precursors present in the raw
      meat: monosaccharides, IMP and degradation products, fatty acids, lactate and
      thiamine. Differences in precursor concentrations between the raw meat qualities
      were observed with feeding/fasting and ageing as the main factors with the
      largest influence of all experimental factors. However, the concentrations of the
      precursors could not explain the differences in sensory perception of the pan
      fried pork chops. Overall, the differences were small.

PMID- 22063993
TI  - New strategies for reducing the pork back-fat content in typical Italian salami.
AB  - In this work the possibility to substitute pork backfat with extra virgin olive
      oil (EVOO), adsorbed on whey protein-based crumb or white bread crumb, in typical
      Italian salami is addressed. Five types of salami were manufactured, under the
      usual commercial conditions, by replacing 0 (Control), 60% and 100% of pork
      backfat with whey protein-based crumb (WP60-WP100) and white pan bread (PB60
      PB100), respectively, soaked in EVOO. Results highlighted that pH, weight loss,
      colour parameters and microbial counts did not show statistically significant
      differences between the Control and the modified salami. On the other hand,
      malonaldehyde was slightly lower in PB100, PB60, WP100 and WP60, compared to the
      Control. Chemical composition was significantly affected by formulations.
      Modified salami presented a better fatty acid profile showing lower saturated and
      higher monounsaturated fatty acids than control. Furthermore in all modified
      salami atherogenic and thrombogenic indices displayed the lowest values. The
      Control showed the highest values for Warner-Bratzler Shear, hardness,
      cohesiveness, gumminess and chewiness. Sensory evaluation of WP60 did not show
      significant differences compared to the Control, whereas PB100 and WP100 were
      unacceptable for taste.

PMID- 22063994
TI  - Compared development of intermuscular and subcutaneous fat in carcass and primal
      cuts of growing pigs from 30 to 140kg body weight.
AB  - A total of twenty two Large White X Landrace castrated males were slaughtered at
      30, 70, 110 or 140kg BW. Carcasses were weighed and cut into four primal cuts
      (belly, ham, loin, and shoulder). Each cut was weighed and dissected into bone,
      muscle, skin, and intermuscular and subcutaneous adipose tissues. Kidney fat was
      also taken and weighed. Kidney fat grew more rapidly than subcutaneous or
      intermuscular fat averaged over all four cuts. In the shoulder and loin, about
      one third of total adipose tissue was in the intermuscular fraction. In the
      belly, there was as much (in 30-110kg BW pigs) or more (in 140kg BW pigs)
      intermuscular than subcutaneous adipose tissue. In the ham, the intermuscular
      fraction of adipose tissue grew more slowly than the subcutaneous one, so that it
      represented less than one fourth of total ham adipose tissue in 140kg BW pigs.
      Intermuscular adipose tissue exhibited a lower lipid content than subcutaneous
      adipose tissue, whatever the body weight, but the differences in lipid content
      between the adipose tissues decreased with increasing weight. These results show
      that the relative development of intermuscular and subcutaneous adipose tissues
      differs according to anatomical location.

PMID- 22063995
TI  - Optimisation of microwave assisted extraction (MAE) for polycyclic aromatic
      hydrocarbon (PAH) determination in smoked meat.
AB  - A rapid extraction method involving microwave assisted extraction (MAE), followed
      by sample clean-up on a silica cartridge, reversed-phase high performance liquid
      chromatography (RP-HPLC) and spectrofluorimetric detection, was optimised for
      polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) determination in smoked meat. Compared to
      solvent extraction assisted by sonication, MAE, carried out with n-hexane on 2g
      of lyophilised sample at 115 degrees C for 15min, allowed to obtain better
      extraction efficiencies. Limits of quantification (LOQ, s/n=10) lower than
      0.2MUg/kg wet weight were found for all PAHs, except for Fl (0.3MUg/kg), P
      (0.6MUg/kg) and IP (0.4MUg/kg). The optimised procedure, that presented good
      analytical performances (with recoveries ranging from 77% to 103%, and precision
      within 10% for most of the PAHs), was applied to determine PAH content in
      different smoked meat products from the Italian market.

PMID- 22063996
TI  - Partial replacement of nitrite by annatto as a colour additive in sausage.
AB  - For decreasing the use of nitrite in sausage in industrial conditions, annatto
      (Bixa orellana L.) powder (1% norbixin) was used in two different formulations of
      sausage (with 55% and 70% of meat) as a replacement for 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and
      100% nitrite. Then the qualitative characteristics of the samples such as colour
      (L(*), a(*) and b(*)), microbial contamination and sensory tests (flavour and
      odour) were compared with the control (without annatto and with 100% nitrite)
      after 2, 10, 20 and 30 days from production and under the refrigerated condition.
      The Statistical comparison showed that in both formulations of sausage, the
      sample containing 60% annatto was the best sample for its colour (for higher a(*)
      and lower b(*)); yet, this sample also did not show any significant differences
      from the control for microbial contamination and sensory properties.

PMID- 22063997
TI  - Dual X-ray absorptiometry accurately predicts carcass composition from live sheep
      and chemical composition of live and dead sheep.
AB  - Fifty merino wethers (liveweight range from 44 to 81kg, average of 58.6kg) were
      lot fed for 42d and scanned through a dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) as both a
      live animal and whole carcass (carcass weight range from 15 to 32kg, average of
      22.9kg) producing measures of total tissue, lean, fat and bone content. The
      carcasses were subsequently boned out into saleable cuts and the weights and
      yield of boned out muscle, fat and bone recorded. The relationship between
      chemical lean (protein+water) was highly correlated with DXA carcass lean
      (r(2)=0.90, RSD=0.674kg) and moderately with DXA live lean (r(2)=0.72,
      RSD=1.05kg). The relationship between the chemical fat was moderately correlated
      with DXA carcass fat (r(2)=0.86, RSD=0.42kg) and DXA live fat (r(2)=0.70,
      RSD=0.71kg). DXA carcass and live animal bone was not well correlated with
      chemical ash (both r(2)=0.38, RSD=0.3). DXA carcass lean was moderately well
      predicted from DXA live lean with the inclusion of bodyweight in the regression
      (r(2)=0.82, RSD=0.87kg). DXA carcass fat was well predicted from DXA live fat
      (r(2)=0.86, RSD=0.54kg). DXA carcass lean and DXA carcass fat with the inclusion
      of carcass weight in the regression significantly predicted boned out muscle
      (r(2)=0.97, RSD=0.32kg) and fat weight, respectively (r(2)=0.92, RSD=0.34kg). The
      use of DXA live lean and DXA live fat with the inclusion of bodyweight to predict
      boned out muscle (r(2)=0.83, RSD=0.75kg) and fat (r(2)=0.86, RSD=0.46kg) weight,
      respectively, was moderate. The use of DXA carcass and live lean and fat to
      predict boned out muscle and fat yield was not correlated as weight. The future
      for the DXA will exist in the determination of body composition in live animals
      and carcasses in research experiments but there is potential for the DXA to be
      used as an online carcass grading system.

PMID- 22063998
TI  - Brown tumour presenting as a soft-tissue mass.

PMID- 22064000
TI  - Myosin heavy chain isoforms account for variation in pork quality.
AB  - The objective of this study was to determine the impact of myosin heavy chain
      (MyHC) isoforms (I, IIB, IIA and IIX) on pork quality traits of halothane (HAL)
      negative (NN) and halothane-carrier (Nn) pigs. Gilts (n=32) were assigned to a
      2*2 factorial of genetic population (GP) and slaughter weight (WT; 120 and 135
      kg). Classical meat quality characteristics were collected and MyHC content was
      determined on muscle samples. Regression equations for pork quality and carcass
      composition traits were determined. Only I/IIB accounted for variation in drip
      loss of NN gilts (R(2)=0.18), while GP related to drip loss in Nn gilts
      (R(2)=0.70). Type I MyHC content explained variation in ultimate (24 h) muscle pH
      of NN gilts (R(2)=0.09), while I/IIB, I/IIX and IIB/IIX were significant for Nn
      gilts (R(2)=0.99). I/IIA, I/IIX, IIB/IIX and GP accounted for variation in Hunter
      Color a (redness) values of NN gilts (R(2)=0.69), while IIB, IIA, IIB/IIA and GP
      were significant for Nn gilts (R(2)=0.97). Overall, fiber type composition
      accounts for a larger proportion of variation in the quality traits of Nn
      compared to NN gilts.

PMID- 22064001
TI  - Sensory and chemical investigations on the effect of oven cooking on warmed-over
      flavour development in chicken meat.
AB  - Descriptive sensory profiling was carried out to evaluate the effect of oven
      cooking temperature (160, 170, 180, 190  degrees C) on warmed-over flavour (WOF)
      development in cooked, chill-stored (at 4  degrees C for 0, 1, 2 and 4 days) and
      reheated chicken patties, derived from M. pectoralis major. In addition, gas
      chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was carried out on a representative sub
      set (160, 180, 190(o)C, stored at 4  degrees C for 0, 1, 4 days) of the meat
      samples used in sensory profiling. The effects of cooking and WOF in the sensory
      and chemical data were analysed using multivariate ANOVA-Partial Least Squares
      Regression (APLSR). Descriptive profiling indicated that WOF development was
      described by an increase of 'rancid' and 'sulphur/rubber' sensory notes and a
      concurrent decrease of chicken 'meaty' characteristics. Increasing cooking
      temperature resulted in meat samples with a more 'roasted', 'toasted' and
      'bitter' sensory nature. Moreover, the 'roasted' character of the meat samples
      was also related to WOF development. Analysis of the volatile compounds from the
      chicken patties showed a rapid development of lipid oxidation derived compounds
      with chill-storage. Such compounds most likely contributed to the 'rancid' aspect
      of WOF development. Moreover, changes in sulphur-containing compounds were also
      related to WOF development and were proposed as additional participants in the
      lipid oxidation reactions. The sensory effects of these compounds were mainly
      described by the 'sulphur/rubber' note associated with WOF development. Overall,
      cooking temperature was found to increase the formation of Maillard-derived
      compounds, however, these did not appear to inhibit WOF development in the
      chicken patties.

PMID- 22064002
TI  - Analysis of biogenic amines in northern and southern European sausages and role
      of flora in amine production.
AB  - The biogenic amine contents, microbial counts and flora producing amines were
      investigated in four types of fermented sausages. Southern type European sausages
      (Italian and Belgian) showed higher tyramine and phenylethylamine values than
      northern type ones (Norwegian and Belgian). The spontaneous non-starter lactic
      acid bacteria could be responsible for the production of these amines in the
      Italian products, and the cocci Gram positive in the Belgian South ones. The
      Norwegian sausages showed the lowest total amine content of those studied. The
      two Belgian types were characterised by the highest putrescine contents,
      associated with high counts of Enterococcus. The production of amines in vitro by
      the starter cultures used in the manufacture of the sausages revealed that none
      of the Lactobacillus species produced any amines and only Kocuria varians and
      Staphylococcus carnosus showed phenylethylamine and tryptamine production. High
      correlations were found between the content of putrescine, histamine and
      cadaverine.

PMID- 22064003
TI  - Effects of starter cultures and additives on the quality of Turkish style sausage
      (sucuk).
AB  - The effects of starter cultures and additives on the quality of Turkish style
      sausage (sucuk) were investigated during ripening and storage. Total aerobic
      plate counts (aerobic bacteria), mould and yeast counts, pH, thiobarbituric acid
      (TBA) value and biogenic amine formation were followed. Aerobic bacteria
      increased (P<0.05) during the first 10 days of ripening to 9.26 log CFU/g and
      they decreased (P<0.05) to 5.70 at the end of the storage. Larger reductions
      (P<0.05) were observed in sausages made with high levels of potassium sorbate,
      nitrite and nitrate than in those containing low levels of additives and those
      without additives at the end of storage. During the first 3 days of ripening, the
      pH values of all sausages decreased (P<0.05) from 5.98 to about 4.53. Later, the
      pH values increased slowly, due to decomposition of acids to an approximately
      constant value of about 5.20. TBA values were higher (P<0.05) in the sausages
      made without additives than in the others. Sausages prepared using high
      concentration of additives had lower (P<0.05) concentrations of biogenic amines
      than the others. Addition of starter culture with high concentration of additives
      (nitrite, nitrate, alpha-tocopherol, ascorbic acid, potassium sorbate, potassium
      pyrophosphate and di-potassium hydrogenphosphate) decreased the formation of
      biogenic amine.

PMID- 22064004
TI  - Differentiation of the raw material of the Iberian pig meat industry based on the
      use of amplified fragment length polymorphism.
AB  - The present study is the first step of the development of a new analytical
      technique to discriminate the genotypes of purebred Iberian and crossbred
      Iberian*Duroc pigs. A DNA test of breed identity has clear advantages for the
      protection of the brand name of high-prized products of purebred Iberian pigs.
      Amplified fragment length polymorphism procedure was used to analyze the genomic
      DNA samples of 77 Duroc and 80 Iberian pigs from the most representative
      populations. Thirteen primer combinations produced 588 amplified fragments. A
      total number of 139 fragments were polymorphic and 14 out of them were detected
      in Duroc and never in Iberian pigs. A panel of the nine most frequent markers
      allows the discrimination between purebred and crossbred animals. The values of
      the probability of exclusion of the pure Iberian origin (P(EC)) were 0.97 and
      0.78, for crossbred individuals with 50 or 25% of Duroc genes, respectively.

PMID- 22064005
TI  - Intron variability in an actin gene can be used to discriminate between chicken
      and turkey DNA.
AB  - A novel one-step method for the differentiation of chicken and turkey DNA is
      described. The technique uses the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and primers
      that exploit intron variability in alpha-cardiac actin to generate single
      products of a characteristic size for each species. No cross-reactivity with
      porcine, ovine or bovine DNA templates is apparent and analysis of chicken/turkey
      admixtures indicates that it is possible to detect 1% turkey in 99% chicken and
      vice versa. Because the test is based on a nuclear gene target, it forms a
      valuable complement to other methods based on mitochondrial DNA sequences.

PMID- 22064006
TI  - Effect of calcium infusion on tenderness and ageing rate of pork m. longissimus
      thoracis et lumborum after accelerated boning.
AB  - The effect of calcium chloride infusion at either 0.5 or 6 h post slaughter on
      tenderness, ageing rate and meat quality of pork longissimus muscle that had been
      boned at rigor or had undergone accelerated processing and conditioning at either
      0  degrees C or 14  degrees C was investigated. The time of calcium infusion had
      no effect on the initial WBSF values or the aging rate. However, calcium infusion
      overall resulted in lower WBSF initially (1-day post-mortem) and also after 6
      days ageing at 2  degrees C regardless of the processing procedures used. Calcium
      infusion did not, however, increase the ageing rate compared to comparable
      treatments that had not been calcium infused. Based on this observation and the
      myofibrillar fragmentation index results, it was concluded that the increased
      tenderness due to calcium infusion was not due to increased proteolysis as has
      been previously postulated, but was due to either a direct effect of calcium on
      tenderness, or an indirect effect of calcium via increased post-mortem glycolysis
      and pH decline rate resulting in reduced cold shortening. Calcium infusion had
      detrimental effects on drip loss and meat colour.

PMID- 22064007
TI  - Consumer acceptability of dark, firm and dry (DFD) and normal pH beef steaks.
AB  - The sensory attributes of dark, firm and dry (DFD) and normal pH beef, both raw
      and fried, were evaluated and compared by a consumer panel (n=64). Consumer
      sensory evaluations indicated that the general appearance (P<0.05), colour
      (P<0.001) and acceptability (P<0.01) of raw normal pH steaks were preferred to
      those of raw DFD steaks. Twice as many panellists preferred the raw normal pH
      than raw DFD steaks because of the more attractive red colour, compared to the
      almost black colour of raw DFD steaks. No significant differences were found
      between the hedonic ratings of the sensory attributes of fried normal pH and
      fried DFD steaks. It was expected but not confirmed that consumers would find the
      tenderness of the DFD steaks more acceptable compared to the normal pH steaks.
      However, when forced to choose, female consumers significantly preferred fried
      normal pH steaks to fried DFD steaks, presumably because of a better flavour and
      more acceptable colour.

PMID- 22064008
TI  - Charqui meats as fermented meat products: role of bacteria for some sensorial
      properties development.
AB  - Jerked beef, a derivative of charqui meat, is a cured, salted and dried meat
      product. The presence of halotolerant bacteria, where Staphylococcus spp. (84.2%)
      were the predominant species, would act eventually as starter cultures and was
      followed throughout processing. Jerked beef prepared separately with exogenous S.
      carnosus and S. xylosus as starter cultures resulted in high proteolysis. Samples
      prepared with S. xylosus had the highest proteolysis and were preferred by the
      sensory panel. This research has suggested that jerked beef (and thus charqui
      meat) prepared under these conditions is a fermented meat product.

PMID- 22064009
TI  - Monitoring androstenone levels in boars by direct immunochemical analysis of
      serum samples.
AB  - The possibility of using blood samples for screening high levels of boar taint
      steroid androstenone (5alpha-androst-16-en-3-one) was studied both in living
      animals at the farm and carcasses at the slaughterhouse. The steroid was measured
      from boar serum and fat samples with a simple time-resolved fluoroimmunoassay.
      Fat samples contained androstenone in the range of 90-7500 ng/g (n=214), and
      74.8% of the samples exhibited fat androstenone levels above 500 ng/g.
      Androstenone concentrations in blood samples were measured by direct serum assay
      and ranged up to 215 ng/ml (n=214). The levels of androstenone were correlated
      (r=0.78-0.88, P<0.001) between the serum and fat samples obtained at slaughter
      and serum samples taken at the farm 7-11 days before slaughter. A direct serum
      analysis seems to give a reliable indication of the androstenone level in fat and
      it can also be used in the screening of living animals.

PMID- 22064010
TI  - Changes in proteasome activity during postmortem aging of bovine muscle.
AB  - Changes in the chymotrypsin-like, trypsin-like, peptidylglutamylpeptide
      hydrolyzing and caseinolytic activities of proteasomes in bovine rectus abdominis
      muscle were measured during the first seven days of postmortem storage. Enzyme
      assays were performed in crude extracts under near-physiological conditions,
      since the activities are likely to be altered by purification. The different
      proteasome activities at cellular pH were stable at different times postmortem,
      and were 40, 76, 50 and 61% of their at-death value after 7 days of storage at 4 
      degrees C. This considerable postmortem stability of proteasome activities,
      despite the marked decrease in pH, allows them to play a role in meat
      tenderization in synergy with other proteolytic systems.

PMID- 22064011
TI  - Tenderness of pork m. longissimus thoracis et lumborum after accelerated boning.
      Part I. Effect of temperature conditioning.
AB  - This research investigated the effect on tenderness and meat quality of
      temperature conditioning at 0, 7, 14 or 21  degrees C of pork longissimus muscle
      after accelerated boning (removal from the carcass within 30 min post slaughter).
      The conditioning temperature had no effect (P>0.05) on tenderness at the end of
      the conditioning period (i.e. at the onset of rigor) but had a significant effect
      (P<0.05) after the muscles were aged for four days at 2  degrees C. After aging,
      the muscles conditioned at 14  degrees C were more tender than muscles
      conditioned at the other three temperatures; the muscles conditioned at 0 
      degrees C were tougher than the muscles conditioned at the higher three
      temperatures. Conditioning at 14  degrees C produced muscles that had lighter
      surface colour and lower drip loss due to prevention of cold toughening which
      occurred at lower temperatures or protein denaturation at the higher
      temperatures.

PMID- 22064012
TI  - Tenderness of pork m. longissimus thoracis et lumborum after accelerated boning.
      Part II. Effect of post-slaughter ageing.
AB  - This research investigated the effect of ageing time (0-10 days) at 2  degrees C
      on tenderness of pork longissimus muscle after either rigor boning (RB) or
      accelerated boning (removal from carcass within 30 min post slaughter) and
      temperature conditioning at either 0 or 14  degrees C. Ageing occurred most
      rapidly in muscles conditioned at 14  degrees C- maximum tenderization occurred
      by 4 days post-mortem. RB muscles and muscles conditioned at 0  degrees C aged
      more slowly and took 8 and 10 days, respectively, to reach a comparable level of
      tenderness. Temperature conditioning at 14  degrees C, produced muscles which had
      lower drip loss and lighter surface colour.

PMID- 22064013
TI  - Assessment for simulation learning outcomes: a comparison of knowledge and self
      reported confidence with observed clinical performance.
AB  - BACKGROUND: With extensive use of simulation in nursing education, researchers
      around the world are evaluating learning outcomes from simulation. Numerous
      studies reported the use of knowledge tests and self-reported measures to
      evaluate simulation outcomes. AIM: To determine whether self-reported confidence
      and knowledge measures are indicators of clinical performance observed in a
      simulation-based assessment. METHOD: Thirty-one third year nursing students were
      randomized into intervention and control group. The intervention group received a
      six hour simulation-based programme in care of a patient with physiological
      deterioration. Pre and post-tests using knowledge test, confidence scale and
      simulation-based assessment were conducted immediately before and after the
      simulation program. RESULTS: The intervention group had a significantly higher
      post-test mean score than the control group for knowledge and clinical
      performances. Both groups demonstrated a significant improvement on post-test
      scores from pre-test scores for self-confidence with no significant differences
      detected among the two groups. Correlation tests indicated no significant
      correlation between self-confidence and clinical performance, and between
      knowledge and clinical performance. CONCLUSION: The study did not provide
      evidence to support the validity of the knowledge test and self-confidence
      measures for predicting clinical performance. Most importantly, it revealed
      potential danger of a simulation-based assessment that could lead toward
      overestimation of self-confidence.

PMID- 22064014
TI  - Arcuate nucleus of hypothalamus is involved in mediating the satiety effect of
      electroacupuncture in obese rats.
AB  - Obesity is a major health problem in the world. Since effective remedies are
      rare, researchers are trying to discover new therapies for obesity, and
      acupuncture is among the most popular alternative approaches. This study
      investigated the anti-obesity mechanisms of EA, using a rat model of diet-induced
      obesity. After feeding with a high-fat diet for 9 weeks, a number of rats who
      gained weight that surpassed the maximal body weight of rats in the chow-fed
      group were considered obese and employed in the study. A 2 Hz EA treatment at the
      acupoints ST36/SP6 with the intensity increasing stepwise from 0.5-1-1.5 mA was
      given once a day for 30 min. Rats treated with EA showed significantly decreased
      food intake and reduced body weight compared with the rats in DIO and restraint
      group. EA treatment increased peptide levels of alpha-MSH and mRNA levels of its
      precursor POMC in the arcuate nuclear of hypothalamus (ARH) neurons. In addition,
      the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) content of alpha-MSH was elevated by EA
      application. ARH lesions by monosodium glutamate abolished the inhibition effect
      of EA on food intake and body weight. A non-acupoint stimulation did not show the
      benefit effect on food intake inhibition and body weight reduction compared with
      restraint and ST36/SP6 EA treatment. We concluded that EA treatment at ST36/SP6
      acted through ARH to significantly inhibit food intake and body weight gain when
      fed a high-fat diet and that the stimulation of alpha-MSH expression and release
      might be involved in the mechanism.

PMID- 22064017
TI  - "Nice guys finish last": influence of mate choice on reproductive success in Long
      Evans rats.
AB  - The present study was designed to determine if male physiology and male
      reproductive behavior predict reproductive success in Long-Evans rats. Mating
      behavior was observed in sexually naive, naturally cycling female rats during
      behavioral estrous that were given the opportunity to mate with two males
      simultaneously. DNA analysis of offspring born following these mating encounters
      was used to identify the paternity of each pup. In order to assess the effect of
      mate choice during these mating encounters on reproductive success, one male rat
      in each pair was categorized as the preferred mate if the female spent more time
      (>50%) with him during the mating test of the present study. Furthermore, each
      male in the pairs was categorized as "attractive" or "non-attractive" by
      computing the number of females that preferred each male across many mating
      tests. Similar to results reported in Lovell et al. (2007), during 76% of these
      mating tests the same male rat in each pair was preferred by different female
      rats. Overall attractiveness of individual male rats predicted reproductive
      success in the present study. Interestingly, "attractive" males sired
      significantly FEWER pups than "non-attractive" males. Neither behavioral (e.g.,
      latency to first sexual stimulation, number of sexual stimulations) nor
      physiological measures (e.g., body weight, urinary testosterone levels) of male
      rats predicted their reproductive success. In conclusion, the present results
      indicate that certain features of some males are more attractive to females, but
      attractive males are at a reproductive disadvantage (as measured by the number of
      pups sired). Although basal urinary testosterone levels did not differ between
      males that sired the majority of pups in a litter and males that sired few or
      none of the pups in a litter, aggression and/or other physiological measures of
      fertility (e.g., penile reflexes) may differ between males that are attractive to
      females and those that have a reproductive advantage.

PMID- 22064018
TI  - Association of polymorphisms in the calpain I, calpain II and growth hormone
      genes with tenderness in bovine M. longissimus dorsi.
AB  - The objective of this study was to determine if there is an association between
      tenderness in bovine M. longisimus dorsi (LD) and polymorphisms in the bovine
      calpain I (exons 9 & 14), calpain II (regulatory subunit) or growth hormone
      (intron 3) genes. Genomic DNA was isolated from bovine LD (n=281) on which
      quality attributes (Warner Bratzler shear force (WBSF), sarcomere length and
      composition) were also characterised. DNA polymorphisms were analysed using
      polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism
      analysis. Association analyses were performed between genotypes at the four
      polymorphic loci and day 14 WBSF values. It was found that the calpain 1 exon 9
      genotypes had an association with WBSF such that animals with the GA genotype
      exhibited decreased WBSF and increased tenderness when compared to animals with
      the GG genotype (P<0.05). This observation concurs with that of earlier studies,
      suggesting that this polymorphism is a functional marker for beef tenderness.

PMID- 22064019
TI  - Muscle type specific expression of tropomyosin isoforms in bovine skeletal
      muscles.
AB  - Nucleotide sequences encoding an entire coding region for bovine tropomyosin
      (TPM) isoforms were determined. Three TPM isoforms, TPM1, TPM2 and TPM3, were
      expressed in bovine skeletal muscles, and exhibited a 93.3%, 99.6% and 100% amino
      acid homology to the human sequence, respectively. Based on the sequences, the
      composition of TPM isoforms was analyzed on cDNA and protein levels from five
      physiologically different muscles (masseter, diaphragm, psoas major, longissimus
      thoracis and semitendinosus) using RT-PCR and proteome analyses. Although the
      content of TPM2 was constantly about 50% of the total TPM in all muscles, the
      contents of TPM1 and TPM3 were different in muscles according to their function
      in muscle contraction. In masseter, the content of TPM3 cDNA was about 50% and
      higher than that of other muscles. In longissimus thoracis and semitendinosus,
      the contents of TPM1 cDNA were 29.6% and 31.7%, respectively, which were
      comparatively higher than that of other muscles. The result suggests that the TPM
      dimer consists of the TPM2 subunit regularly and TPM1 or TPM3 depending on
      whether the muscle is fast or slow type, respectively.

PMID- 22064020
TI  - Effects of rigor temperature and electrical stimulation on venison quality.
AB  - The effects of rigor temperature and electrical stimulation on venison quality
      were assessed using venison longissimus dorsi muscle. In the first trial, effect
      of rigor temperature (0, 15, 25, 30, 35 and 42 degrees C) and time post-mortem
      (at rigor, 3, 7 and 14 days) on drip and cooking losses, % expressible water
      (water holding capacity, WHC), sarcomere length, protein solubility, meat
      tenderness and colour were investigated. In the second trial, the effects of
      rigor temperature (15 and 35 degrees C), electric stimulation (stimulated or not
      stimulated) and time (at rigor, 3 and 6 weeks post-mortem) on tenderness and
      colour were further investigated. Results of the first trial showed no clearly
      established trends of the effect of rigor temperature and time on the cooking and
      drip losses and protein solubility except venison muscles that went into rigor at
      42 degrees C tended to have higher drip loss and lower protein solubilities
      compared to muscles that went into rigor at the other temperatures. Venison water
      holding capacity (WHC) decreased with the increase in rigor temperature (P<0.001)
      and venison became more tender with time post-mortem. Venison colour improved
      with increasing rigor temperature. During display, samples that went into rigor
      at 15, 25 and 35 degrees C had the lowest and those at 0 and 42 degrees C had the
      highest rate of change of redness (a(*)) value with time. In the second trial,
      tenderness was improved by stimulation (P=0.01). Redness (a(*)) values were
      affected by rigor temperature (P<0.01) and post-mortem time (P<0.001) but not by
      electrical stimulation. It is concluded that venison tenderness can be improved
      via the manipulation of rigor temperature to obtain acceptable level of
      tenderness early post-mortem with less damaging effect on colour stability.

PMID- 22064021
TI  - Lateral and longitudinal characterization of color stability, instrumental
      tenderness, and sensory characteristics in the beef semimembranosus.
AB  - The objectives of this study were to evaluate longitudinal and lateral variations
      in color stability and sensory characteristics of the semimembranosus from each
      muscle location (dorsal=D, medial=M, ventral=V), and within each steak
      subsequently divided into four regions (caudal-distal=CaD, cranial-distal=CrD,
      caudal-proximal=CaP, cranial-proximal=CrP). Instrumental color assessment
      indicated that L(*) (lightness) values tended to be lower for the CaD and CrD
      regions of all muscle locations, with higher L(*) values recorded for the CrP
      regions of muscle sections. Instrumental tenderness measurements for Meullenet
      Owens razor and Warner-Bratzler shear force values were generally lower for the
      CaD region of the D section, whereas regions within the V section were tougher
      and required greater shear force. Sensory panelists perceived lower amounts of
      connective tissue in the CaD of the D section, which tended to be more tender,
      whereas higher levels of connective tissue and greater toughness occurred in the
      CaP and CrP regions of the M and V sections. These results provide a detailed
      muscle profile of the quality variation within the semimembranosus, and may be
      used to further enhance the fabrication and marketability of this beef subprimal
      cut.

PMID- 22064022
TI  - Effect of ripening time and rearing system on amino acid-related flavour
      compounds of Iberian ham.
AB  - The evolution of free amino acids and amino acid-derived volatile compounds
      during the ripening of Iberian ham from pigs reared in a Montanera system
      (outdoor-based, with acorn and pasture available) and a Pienso system (indoor
      based, with a high oleic acid concentrate) was studied. Ripening time influenced
      significantly all the free amino acids detected (p<0.05) except for threonine and
      tyrosine. The total free amino acid content increased significantly from day 120
      to day 230 (drying stage) and then the concentration remained almost steady. This
      marked increase in the free amino acid content matched an increase in the amino
      acid-derived volatile compounds. The volatile compounds also increased after day
      230. Conversely, rearing system had a weak effect on the free amino acid content
      and on the amino acid-derived volatile compounds. Only glutamic acid was
      significantly influenced (p=0.027), and a slight effect on proline and aspartic
      acid was found (p=0.051 and p=0.084, respectively), concentrations being larger
      in Montanera hams than in Pienso ones. With regard to the amino acid derived
      volatile compounds, only a significant influence of rearing system on
      acetaldehyde and on the coelution of 2,6-dimethylpyrazine+dihidro-2(3H)furanone
      was found. The small differences caused by rearing system confirm the great
      importance of concentrate formulation.

PMID- 22064023
TI  - Effects of massaging on hardness, rheological properties, and structure of four
      wild boar muscles of different fibre type content and age.
AB  - Histochemistry (percentage number of three type fibres and their cross-sectional
      area) and changes in hardness, rheological properties (elastic and viscous
      moduli), and structural elements (mean fibre cross-sectional area and thickness
      of endomysium) of four wild boar muscles of different ages: biceps femoris (BF),
      semimembranosus (SM), quadriceps femoris (QF), and longissimus (L) subjected to
      effective massaging for 1, 2, 3, and 4h were evaluated. BF, with the high
      percentage of type I fibres, higher mean fibre cross-sectional area, thicker
      endomysium as compared with QF, SM and L, was harder, more elastic, and more
      viscous than the other three muscles. Muscles of older boars were found to
      contain higher percentages of type I fibres, lower percentages of type IIB
      fibres, bigger muscle fibre cross-sectional areas, thicker endomysium and higher
      values of hardness than the same muscles of young boars, whereas the percentage
      of type IIA fibres was about the same in the muscles of both groups. No effect of
      age on rheological properties was found. Muscle massaging resulted in an increase
      in the mean fibre cross-sectional area, changes in thickness of the endomysium,
      reduction in hardness and viscous moduli as well as in the elastic moduli of the
      muscles studied. The lower the initial values of textural and structural
      parameters and percentage of type I fibres of a muscle were, the higher was the
      muscles susceptibility to massage. BF compared to SM, QF and L, of all the older
      boar muscles tested compared to those obtained from young boars were less
      susceptible to mechanical tenderization.

PMID- 22064024
TI  - Quality and shelf life evaluation of fermented sausages of buffalo meat with
      different levels of heart and fat.
AB  - Investigations were carried to study the effect of heart incorporation (0%, 15%
      and 20%) and increasing levels of fat (20% and 25%) on physicochemical (pH,
      moisture content and thiobarbituric acid, TBA number) and microbiological (total
      plate count and yeast and mold count) quality and shelf life of semi dry sausages
      of buffalo meat during refrigerated storage (4 degrees C). Different levels of
      fat significantly (p<0.05) increased the pH of the sausage samples. However
      different levels of heart incorporation did not significantly (p<0.05) affect pH,
      moisture content and TBA number of sausage samples. Fresh samples had pH,
      moisture content and TBA number in the range of 5.15-5.28, 42.4-47.4% and 0.073
      0.134 respectively. Refrigerated storage significantly (p<0.05) increased TBA
      number of control samples while storage did not significantly (p<0.05) increase
      the TBA number of sodium ascorbate (SA) treated samples. Total plate counts of
      twelve sausage samples were f under the TFTC (too few to count) limit at the
      initial stage. Incorporation of different levels of heart and also increasing
      levels of fat did not significantly (p<0.05) increase the log TPC/g values. Yeast
      and molds were not detected in twelve samples of semi dry fermented sausages in
      their fresh condition. Storage revealed that there was a consistent decrease in
      pH, and moisture content. Refrigerated storage significantly (p<0.05) reduced
      both pH and moisture contents. TBA number and total plate counts and yeast and
      mold counts of controls were found to increase significantly (p<0.05) during
      refrigerated storage. However, in SA treated sausage, only TPC and yeast and mold
      count significantly (p<0.05) increased during refrigerated storage. Shelf life of
      the sausages was found to be 60 days under refrigerated storage (4 degrees C).

PMID- 22064025
TI  - Regional variation in the hedonic evaluation of lamb meat from diverse production
      systems by consumers in six European countries.
AB  - This paper describes the responses of consumers in six European countries
      (Greece, Italy, Spain, France, Iceland and United Kingdom) tasting meat from
      twelve different local types of lambs produced in those same six countries.
      Animals represented 10 breeds and crossbreeds, three sexes, several diets
      composed of either milk, concentrates and various forages as main ingredients and
      different slaughter ages, from 1 and 12 months, and carcass weights, from 5.5 to
      30.4kg. Tests were conducted by 36 volunteer families in each of the six
      countries involved in the study. Families were asked to roast the joints using
      their own cooking criteria, evaluating (from "dislike extremely" to "like
      extremely") flavour, tenderness, juiciness and overall liking. Also the cook was
      asked to rate the odour during cooking. Country and lamb type and their
      interaction were statistically significant for all the variables analysed.
      Results suggest a link between the assessments of a given lamb type and the
      consumers' culinary background, showing clear associations between country and
      lamb type preferences. It was possible to separate, independently of the country,
      different groups of families with similar preferences. Five family groups, which
      included 88 families (40.74%), had a clear Mediterranean origin and preferred
      types of lamb fed either milk or mainly concentrate diets. Seven family groups,
      which included 93 families (43.06%) with a clear northern origin, preferred types
      reared on grass or with grass included in the diet. The rest of the groups (four)
      that included 35 families (16.20%) had no clear composition (northern or
      Mediterranean), and they had a wider taste preference. It can clearly be seen
      that there are two categories of consumers of lamb in the analysed European
      market: those who prefer "milk or concentrate taste" and those who prefer "grass
      taste".

PMID- 22064026
TI  - Comparison of stunning methods in the dissemination of central nervous system
      tissue on the beef carcass surface.
AB  - Beef carcasses were examined to explore the effects of stunning methods on
      central nervous system tissue (CNST) dissemination on the surface during the
      slaughtering process. The frequency of occurrence of CNST contamination on four
      defined parts, each on the interior and exterior surfaces of the split carcass,
      and their level of the contamination were measured by an ELISA test. The effect
      of hot carcass weight was also examined. The results showed that the frequency of
      contamination occurrence was not affected by the stunning method. However, the
      penetrating captive bolt stunning method resulted in a higher level of CNST
      contamination than non-penetrating sledge-hammer stunning (P<0.001). The higher
      level of contamination occurred on the interior surface of carcasses along the
      vertebral area. Therefore, the dissemination of CNST on carcasses seemed to be
      affected by the stunning method, carcass splitting, and carcass washing. The
      carcass weight significantly affected the level of CNST contamination on the
      carcass (P<0.01) but there was no interaction with the stunning method.

PMID- 22064027
TI  - Effect of high power ultrasound and ageing on the physical properties of bovine
      Semitendinosus and Longissimus muscles.
AB  - Tenderness is an important meat quality parameters and the use of high power
      ultrasound to disrupt muscle structure may prove effective for reducing both
      myofibrillar and collagenous toughness. The experiment was carried out with
      Longissimus lumborum et thoracis and Semitendinosus muscles from 3 to 4 year old
      steers. Uncooked beef samples (60*40*20mm) were treated with high power
      ultrasound (24kHz, 12W/cm(2)) for up to 240s, and aged for up to 8.5 days before
      evaluation of pH, drip loss, cook losses Warner-Bratzler shear (WBS), compression
      hardness, and colour. Ultrasound treatment significantly reduced WBS force and
      hardness, but significantly increased pH. Ageing significantly reduced hardness
      and WBS force, but there was no significant interaction between ultrasound
      treatment and ageing time. Ultrasound treatment did not affect any of the colour
      parameters (L(*)a(*)b(*), chroma and hue) but the ageing time significantly
      increased the lightness, chroma and hue. There was no significant effect of
      ultrasound treatment on drip loss, but it did significantly reduce the cook and
      total loss. During ageing, cook loss and total losses significantly increased.
      The results suggest that high power ultrasound is capable of reducing objective
      texture measurements of beef without compromising the other quality parameters
      investigated.

PMID- 22064028
TI  - Influence of dietary inclusion level of manganese on pork quality during retail
      display.
AB  - Boneless pork loins (n=112) were used to test the influence of dietary manganese
      (Mn) inclusion level on pork quality traits during retail display. Crossbred
      barrows and gilts were fed diets formulated with 0, 20, 40, 80, 160, or 320ppm Mn
      from Availa((r))Mn (AvMn; a Mn-amino acid complex) from 23.8 to 106.8kg live
      weight. At approximately 48h postmortem, boneless pork loins were fabricated into
      longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LM) chops, which were subsequently placed in
      open-topped, coffin-chest display cases (2.6 degrees C) under continuous warm
      white, fluorescent lighting (1600lx) for 7days. Dietary Mn level had no effect on
      LM pH (P=0.47), purge volume (P=0.60) and loss (P=0.53), or moisture loss
      (P=0.95) during retail display. Chops from pigs fed 80ppm Mn received higher
      (P<0.05) American and Japanese color scores than pigs fed 0 and 40ppm Mn. Even
      though the LM from pigs fed 80, 160, and 320ppm Mn tended to be darker (lower
      L(*) values; P=0.07) than chops from pigs fed 40ppm Mn, a(*) (redness) and b(*)
      (yellowness) values, as well as hue angle and chroma, were not (P?0.19) affected
      by dietary Mn. On days 0 and 1, the reflectance ratio of 630nm/580nm was similar
      (P>0.05) among dietary Mn supplementation levels; yet, by day 4 of retail
      display, chops from pigs fed 80ppm Mn had higher (P<0.05) reflectance ratios than
      chops from pigs fed 0, 20, 40, and 160ppm, whereas LM chops from pigs fed 40ppm
      Mn had lower (P<0.05) reflectance ratios than all other dietary treatments on day
      7 (Mn supplementation level*display day; P=0.04). Although TBARS were greater
      (P<0.001) on day 7 than 0 of retail display, TBARS values did not (P=0.43) differ
      among dietary Mn levels. Results indicate that supplementing swine diets with
      80ppm Mn may improve pork color during retail display without increasing the
      likelihood of lipid oxidation.

PMID- 22064029
TI  - Effect of degree of cutting of leek on physicochemical characteristics of Greek
      traditional sausages.
AB  - Fresh-cut leek is one of the principal ingredients of Greek traditional sausages.
      In this study the effect of the degree of cutting of leek on the physicochemical
      traits of Greek traditional sausages was investigated. Leek was cut to three
      different degrees (coarse, medium and fine), before being mixed with meat, salt
      and seasonings; the mixture was placed in natural casings and stored for six days
      at 15-18 degrees C. Sausages lost about 25% of their initial weight by the end of
      storage. While pH decreased in all treatments, it was significantly more so (to
      pH 4.1) in sausages with fine-cut leek, from as early as the second day of
      storage. During storage all sausages showed a decrease in lightness and a change
      in colour from yellow to red. The internal atmosphere of the sausages with fine
      cut leek showed peak CO(2) concentrations of 30% while those with coarse and
      medium-cut leek showed peak CO(2) concentrations of 20% by day one of storage and
      equibrated to 5%. Ethylene in the internal atmosphere of sausages with fine and
      medium-cut leek peaked by day one at 5.5MUll(-1) but to only 2MUll(-1) for those
      with coarse-cut leek. Sausage nitrate content and antioxidant capacity did not
      show major differences between treatments. Fine-cut leek contributed to sausage
      stability and quality more rapidly than medium or coarse-cut leek.

PMID- 22064030
TI  - The effect of post-mortem ageing and heating on water retention in bovine
      muscles.
AB  - The muscles semitendinosus (ST) and psoas major (PM) were removed from chilled
      young bull carcasses 24h after slaughter and stored at 4 degrees C. At the 1st,
      6th and 12th day of post-mortem ageing the chemical composition (moisture, fat,
      protein, collagen) and contents of free, immobilized and unfreezable water in the
      muscles were estimated. The muscle steaks were boiled at 100 degrees C, roasted
      at 170 degrees C or fried at 160 degrees C to an internal temperature of 75
      degrees C, and the amounts of total, free, immobilized, and unfreezable water in
      heated muscles were evaluated. The unfreezable water was estimated by DSC. In the
      raw muscles immobilized water constituted 74-75%, free water 16.6-17.6% and
      unfreezable water 7-8% of the total water. Independent of time of ageing, PM
      muscle contained significantly more free water than ST muscle. During post-mortem
      ageing, changes in free, immobilized and unfreezable water in muscles were not
      significant. The level of free water was highest in boiled and least in fried
      meat, however the amount of immobilized water was highest in fried and lowest in
      boiled meat. The amount of unfreezable water in muscles heated after 12 days of
      post-mortem ageing decreased.

PMID- 22064031
TI  - Lipolysis, proteolysis, physicochemical and sensory characteristics of different
      types of Spanish ostrich salchichon.
AB  - The objective of this study was to compare three different types of salchichon:
      made of ostrich meat, made of ostrich meat and lean pork, and made of ostrich
      meat and pork belly, from physicochemical and sensory viewpoints. To evaluate the
      intensity of lipolysis and proteolysis produced during the ripening process, the
      profile and content of free fatty acids, the degree of rancidity, the non
      protein, water-soluble and aminoacidic nitrogen content were determined. In
      addition, the composition of the fermented sausages (pH, a(w), moisture, fat,
      protein, ash, sodium chloride and sodium nitrite content) was analysed. From a
      sensory viewpoint, the organoleptic characteristics of the different types of
      salchichon were studied using free choice profiling. The fermented sausages had
      varying characteristics depending on their formulation (ostrich meat or ostrich
      meat plus pork) and all of them were well accepted by the panelists. This study
      helps characterise the different types of ostrich salchichon made in Spain.

PMID- 22064032
TI  - Role of surface-inoculated Debaryomyces hansenii and Yarrowia lipolytica strains
      in dried fermented sausage manufacture. Part 2: Evaluation of their effects on
      sensory quality and biogenic amine content.
AB  - The aim was to study the effects of Debaryomyces hansenii and Yarrowia lipolytica
      strains, used with lactic acid starter cultures (Lactobacillus plantarum), in the
      manufacture of dried fermented sausages in order to understand their effects on
      volatile profile, biogenic amine content and sensory properties. The experimental
      data showed that every yeast strain produced a specific profile of volatile
      metabolic products. The yeasts also gave sausages with distinctive sensory
      properties. The degree of mincing also influenced these properties, but none of
      these factors had significant influence upon the accumulation of biogenic amines.

PMID- 22064033
TI  - Role of surface-inoculated Debaryomyces hansenii and Yarrowia lipolytica strains
      in dried fermented sausage manufacture. Part 1: Evaluation of their effects on
      microbial evolution, lipolytic and proteolytic patterns.
AB  - The aim of this work was to study the effects of Debaryomyces hansenii and
      Yarrowia lipolytica strains, used with lactic acid starter cultures
      (Lactobacillus plantarum), on the manufacture of dried fermented sausages to
      understand their role on sausage microbial evolution, lipolytic and proteolytic
      patterns. The inoculation of the yeast strains did not markedly affect the
      sausage's microbial flora. The sausages with the yeast strains showed more marked
      and earlier water activity (a(w)) reductions. Moreover, the surface inoculation
      of the yeast strains resulted, at the end of ripening, in more pronounced
      proteolysis and lipolysis. The lipolytic patterns of the products were affected
      not only by the yeast strain but also by the level of mincing of the meat mixture
      used.

PMID- 22064034
TI  - Aging-induced changes in microstructure and water distribution in fresh and
      cooked pork in relation to water-holding capacity and cooking loss - A combined
      confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and low-field nuclear magnetic
      resonance relaxation study.
AB  - Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) and low-field nuclear magnetic
      resonance (LF-NMR) relaxometry were combined to characterize microstructural
      changes and water distribution in fresh and cooked pork during an aging period of
      14 days. At day 1 (24h postmortem) a few muscle fibres, which appear swollen,
      were observed in both fresh and cooked meat. An identical microstructure was
      still apparent after 14 days, however, the number of muscle fibres showing
      distinguished characteristics was found to increase throughout the aging period.
      Hence, it was apparent that during aging the individual fibres swell and
      disintegrate at different rates. Development in water-holding capacity (WHC) was
      followed during the aging period using gravimetric methods, and an increase in
      the WHC in the fresh meat was observed, which resembled the amount of
      extramyofibrillar water measured by NMR relaxometry (T(22) population). This was
      consistent with the CLSM images, as a substantial increase in the number of
      myofibrils that appeared swollen, capable of holding more water, was observed
      during aging. In the cooked meat the width of the T(21c) population, reflecting
      the myofibrillar water in the cooked meat, was seen to decrease during the entire
      storage period, which corresponds to the development of a more homogeneous
      structure. In the CLSM data a continuous degradation during the storage period
      was observed, which could resemble a shift to a more homogeneous structure.
      Comparison of CLSM of transverse sections of fresh and cooked pork revealed a
      pronounced shrinkage of muscle fibres upon cooking. This resulted in large gaps
      between the cooked muscle fibres, which also was visible as shrinkage at the
      level of the individual myofibrils. This pattern was also reflected in the NMR
      relaxation data. The cooking-induced shrinkage of the myofibrils occurred
      concomitantly with a decrease in the amount of intermyofibrillar water within the
      individual fibre and an increase in the larger extramyofibrillar spaces between
      fibres, i.e. water is expelled from the myofibrillar matrix upon cooking.
      Accordingly, the present study demonstrated that the use of CLSM together with
      NMR relaxometry can provide further information on the relationship between
      structural characteristics of meat and resultant water distribution.

PMID- 22064035
TI  - Characterization of Micrococcaceae isolated from Iberian dry-cured sausages.
AB  - The populations of Micrococcaceae in different types of Iberian dry-cured
      sausages from central-west Spain were characterized and their technological and
      antimicrobial properties determined in order to evaluate their suitability as
      starter cultures in dry-cured sausage manufacture. Of a total of four hundred
      strains isolated from two manufacturers, one hundred and sixty-six were selected
      to evaluate nitrate reductase, proteolytic, lipolytic, and antimicrobial
      activities, and growth at different values of pH and water activity (a(w)). Most
      of the strains were identified as Staphylococcus except for eight isolates
      assigned to Kocuria spp. The species most often isolated was Staphylococccus
      xylosus. Others were, in descending order of abundance, S. aureus, S.
      lugdunensis, S. saprophyticus, S. sciuri, S. chromogenes, and S. capitis. The
      distributions of the minority Staphylococcus species were different for the two
      manufacturers. All the investigated strains were able to grow at pH and a(w)
      greater than 5.0 and 0.85, respectively, the values usually found in Iberian dry
      cured sausages. Five S. xylosus strains showed antimicrobial activity against
      some indicator strains which were investigated. Seven strains with the best
      properties were pre-selected and tested for their lipolytic and proteolytic
      activities against pork fat and myofibrillar and sarcoplasmic pork proteins,
      respectively, and for their low biogenic amines production. Most of the strains
      showed proteolytic and lipolytic activities, but none produced histamine,
      tyramine, phenylethylamine, or spermine. Three strains, identified as
      Staphylococcus xylosus, possess useful properties which make them candidates for
      testing as starter cultures in pilot processing of Iberian sausages.

PMID- 22064036
TI  - Physical meat quality characteristics of hot-deboned ostrich (Struthio camelus
      var. domesticus) Muscularis gastrocnemius, pars interna during post-mortem aging.
AB  - There is a risk of shortening and toughening with hot-deboning of muscles.
      However, with refrigerated aging this phenomenon may be negated. Vacuum-packed
      hot and cold-deboned ostrich Muscularis gastrocnemius, pars interna were stored
      for 21 d at 4 degrees C to investigate the effects of hot-deboning on quality
      characteristics of ostrich meat during refrigerated storage. Muscle pH did not
      differ (P>0.05) between hot and cold-deboned muscles during storage. Hot-deboning
      caused (P<0.0001) more purge in the vacuum packages of the hot-deboned muscles
      (1.83+/-1.31%) than in the cold-deboned muscles (0.67+/-075%) during the 21-d
      aging period. Hot-deboned muscles were tougher (P<0.05) than cold-deboned muscles
      from 24h up to 5 d. Although hot-deboning caused muscles to be tougher than cold
      deboned muscles, with aging at 4 degrees C beyond 5 d this toughness was found to
      be insignificant.

PMID- 22064037
TI  - Novel method for determination of myofibril fragmentation post-mortem.
AB  - Multi angle light scattering was used to determine the myofibril fragmentation of
      pig longissimus dorsi muscle which was then compared with results from the common
      turbidity method. The method is based on measurement of the myofibril particle
      size distribution with the use of a special optical unit containing several
      individual detectors. The method was able to determine post-mortem changes in a
      pig muscle homogenate without purification of the myofibrils and is therefore
      simpler and much faster than the traditional turbidity method. There was a
      significant correlation (p<0.01) between Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) and
      particle size distribution. The root mean square error of prediction was found to
      be 6.1N (10-15% of the measured WBSF) when multivariate data analysis was used to
      make a prediction model for WBSF. Multi angle light scattering is very useful for
      estimation of myofibril fragmentation since the method is fast and the sample
      preparation is simple.

PMID- 22064038
TI  - Genotype and sex effects on carcass and meat quality of suckling kids protected
      by the PGI "Cabrito de Barroso".
AB  - Carcass composition and meat quality traits were evaluated in 55 suckling kids
      (27 males and 28 females) from Serrana (S), Bravia (B) and Serrana*Bravia (S*B)
      crossbred genotypes. Kids were slaughtered at 8-11kg of live weight according to
      "Cabrito de Barroso-PGI" specifications and carcasses' left sides were totally
      dissected. Dressing percentage (based on ELW) did not vary between genotypes and
      sexes. Genotype B carcasses have better conformation, expressed in higher
      compactness index and muscle/bone ratio. Sex had no effect on the composition of
      dissected carcass but females deposited more internal fat than males. S genotype
      had significantly less muscle content and higher dissectible fat compared to B
      and S*B genotypes, suggesting differences in maturity stages. The carcass' bone
      content (20.4-21.4%) did not differ significantly between genotypes. The
      longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) and gluteobiceps (GB) muscles were used
      for meat quality determinations. Genotype had a significant effect on meat traits
      and fatty acid composition of the analysed muscles: B genotype and LTL muscle
      showed lower final pH, S*B genotype had darker and more red muscles, GB muscle
      had a higher shear force value and lower collagen solubility. Few sex effects
      were observed on meat quality traits as well as on fatty acid composition.
      Average percentage of desirable fatty acids in kids was superior to 60% with male
      S genotype displaying a lower value. Genotypes B and B*S, males and GB muscle had
      more favorable PUFA:SFA ratios.

PMID- 22064039
TI  - Effect of grazing pastures of different botanical composition on antioxidant
      enzyme activities and oxidative stability of lamb meat.
AB  - The aim of this work was to study the influence of different pastures (Intensive
      ryegrass, Botanically diverse and Leguminosa rich pastures) on the antioxidant
      status and oxidative stability of meat from lambs that had been exclusively
      grazing for three months. Lipid, colour and protein oxidation, alpha-tocopherol
      content and activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase
      (Cat) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px)) were measured in Longisimus thoracis
      et lumborum muscle samples taken 1 day after slaughter. Pasture type
      significantly affected protein oxidation and the activity of GSH-Px, but no
      significant differences were found for the alpha-tocopherol content, colour and
      lipid oxidation, and the activities of SOD and Cat. Grazing a Botanically diverse
      pasture induced significantly higher protein oxidation in meat, as measured by
      the free thiol and carbonyl contents, compared to a Leguminosa rich or Intensive
      ryegrass pasture (P<0.05). The GSH-Px activity was significantly higher in meat
      from lambs on the Leguminosa rich pasture compared to the other pasture groups
      (P<0.01).

PMID- 22064040
TI  - Pigmented mammary Paget's disease mimicking melanoma: report of three cases.
AB  - Pigmented mammary Paget's disease (PMPD) is a rare subtype of mammary Paget's
      disease. The differential diagnosis of PMPD and melanoma is difficult clinically
      and sometimes histopathologically. Here we present three cases of PMPD with a
      variable-sized lesion. All cases showed an irregular-shaped black-brown macule,
      one of which was accompanied by nipple retraction. Dermoscopically, all cases
      showed reticular pigmentation with or without irregular black dots, regression
      structures and streaks, which were indistinguishable from those of melanoma. In
      all but one of the cases, preoperative examinations confirmed the presence of a
      subcutaneous mammary lesion. All patients underwent a total mastectomy with the
      histopathological results indicating invasive ductal carcinoma. These cases
      emphasize how difficult it is to distinguish PMPD from melanoma. Dermoscopic
      features also mimic those of melanoma, but the reticular pigmentation seen in all
      cases could be a feature specific to PMPD. For suspicious cases,
      histopathological assessment using immunohistochemistry is highly recommended.

PMID- 22064041
TI  - Conservative management of esophageal perforations during pneumatic dilation for
      idiopathic esophageal achalasia.
AB  - BACKGROUND & AIMS: Esophageal perforation is the most serious adverse event of
      pneumatic dilation (PD) for achalasia; it is usually managed by surgical repair.
      We investigated risk factors for esophageal perforation after PD and evaluated
      safety and long-term outcome of nonsurgical management strategies. METHODS: We
      analyzed medical records of patients with achalasia who were treated with PD from
      1992-2010 at the University Hospital Gasthuisberg in Leuven, Belgium; all
      patients with esophageal perforation were contacted to determine long-term
      outcomes. Achalasia outcomes were assessed by using the Vantrappen criteria.
      RESULTS: Of 830 PD procedures performed on 372 patients with manometry-confirmed
      achalasia (57 +/- 1 years, 51% male), 16 were complicated by transmural
      esophageal perforation (4.3% of patients, 1.9% of dilations). Age >65 years was
      the only significant risk factor for complications (odds ratio, 3.5; 95%
      confidence interval, 1.2-10.2). All patients were treated conservatively with
      broad-spectrum antibiotics and nothing by mouth. In 6 patients (38%) the clinical
      course was further complicated by a pleural effusion, which required a drain in 4
      patients. One patient (6%) died of mediastinal hemorrhage within 12 hours after
      PD. Patients with complications were discharged after 19 +/- 2.3 days, compared
      with 4 +/- 0.2 days for those without complications (P < .0001). Long-term
      outcomes (mean follow-up, 84 +/- 14 months) were determined for 12 patients
      (75%); 11 had excellent or good outcomes (69%), and 1 had a moderate outcome
      (6%). CONCLUSIONS: Age >65 years is a significant risk factor for esophageal
      perforation after PD. Nonsurgical management of transmural esophageal tears is
      feasible, with favorable short-term and long-term outcomes, but is not devoid of
      complications.

PMID- 22064042
TI  - Metachronous multiple clinical presentations in a patient with immunoglobulin G4
      related sclerosing disease.

PMID- 22064043
TI  - Endoscopic examination of the stomach in situs inversus.

PMID- 22064044
TI  - Selective voting in convex-hull ensembles improves classification accuracy.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Classification algorithms can be used to predict risks and responses
      of patients based on genomic and other high-dimensional data. While there is
      optimism for using these algorithms to improve the treatment of diseases, they
      have yet to demonstrate sufficient predictive ability for routine clinical
      practice. They generally classify all patients according to the same criteria,
      under an implicit assumption of population homogeneity. The objective here is to
      allow for population heterogeneity, possibly unrecognized, in order to increase
      classification accuracy and further the goal of tailoring therapies on an
      individualized basis. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A new selective-voting algorithm is
      developed in the context of a classifier ensemble of two-dimensional convex hulls
      of positive and negative training samples. Individual classifiers in the ensemble
      are allowed to vote on test samples only if those samples are located within or
      behind pruned convex hulls of training samples that define the classifiers.
      RESULTS: Validation of the new algorithm's increased accuracy is carried out
      using two publicly available datasets having cancer as the outcome variable and
      expression levels of thousands of genes as predictors. Selective voting leads to
      statistically significant increases in accuracy from 86.0% to 89.8% (p<0.001) and
      63.2% to 67.8% (p<0.003) compared to the original algorithm. CONCLUSION:
      Selective voting by members of convex-hull classifier ensembles significantly
      increases classification accuracy compared to one-size-fits-all approaches.

PMID- 22064045
TI  - Implementation and evaluation of an education program to guide palliative care
      for people with motor neurone disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite a recognized need for a palliative approach to caring for
      people with motor neurone disease (MND), access to palliative care is often
      limited. AIM: This project aimed to improve the knowledge of health professionals
      about a palliative approach to MND care. DESIGN: A three-phase study was
      undertaken to develop, implement and evaluate an education program for health
      professionals that promoted a palliative approach to MND care. This paper
      discusses the second and third phases: the implementation and evaluation of the
      project. Education workshops were held for health professionals. Their knowledge
      of palliative care was measured before and after the workshops and one month
      later. Attitudes to providing MND care were also measured. SETTING: Workshops
      were held in South Australia and Western Australia. Participants were health
      professionals working in the areas of MND care or palliative care. Some aged care
      and generalist health professionals were included if they had a role in providing
      care to people with MND. RESULTS: The participants demonstrated an improvement in
      MND knowledge (chi(2) = 64.13(2), p = 0.000) and palliative care knowledge
      (chi(2) = 17.24(2), p = 0.000); both were sustained at one month. Attitudes to
      providing MND care also improved (chi(2) = 11.85(2), p = 0.003) and were
      maintained at the six-month follow-up. Participants indicated that the knowledge
      gained positively influenced their clinical practice. CONCLUSIONS: A targeted
      education program for health professionals improved understanding about end-of
      life care for people with MND. Health care providers also reported having made
      improvements in the care provided to patients and carers, particularly
      communication, psychosocial care and symptom management.

PMID- 22064046
TI  - Maternal quercetin intake during pregnancy results in an adapted iron homeostasis
      at adulthood.
AB  - The flavonoid quercetin is a powerful iron chelator, capable of oxidizing heme
      iron in hemoglobin from Fe(2+) to Fe(3+). Moreover, quercetin crosses the
      placenta and accumulates in the fetus. Since adaptations made by the fetus to
      cope with inappropriate nutrition may lead to permanent changes, a relative high
      intake of quercetin may have detrimental affects later in life. Therefore, we
      investigated the effects of maternal exposure to quercetin (302 mg/kg feed),
      starting from 3 days before conception until the end of gestation, on
      erythropoiesis and iron homeostasis at embryonic day 14.5 and in 12-week old
      mice. During fetal development, quercetin exposure had no effect on the erythroid
      lineage switch and concomitant globin switch. However, adult mice prenatally
      exposed to quercetin had significant increase iron storage in the liver, by
      upregulating iron-associated cytokine expression (hepcidin, IL-1beta, IL-6 and IL
      10). These long term changes in gene expression could be mediated through
      epigenetic modifications, as prenatal quercetin exposure resulted in a modest
      hypermethylation of repetitive elements. Despite the increased iron levels,
      oxidative stress was significantly decreased in the liver of these animals as
      assessed by 8-oxo-dG levels. These data suggest that prenatal quercetin exposure
      results in increased iron storage, while decreasing oxidative stress induced DNA
      damage together with a shift towards increased expression of inflammation
      associated cytokines in the liver at adult age.

PMID- 22064047
TI  - 51st International Congress of Meat Science and Technology (51st ICoMST)
      Baltimore, USA, 7-12 August 2005.

PMID- 22064048
TI  - Epidemiology, risks and pathogenesis of obesity.
AB  - Obesity is operationally defined using a relationship of height and weight called
      the body mass index. Using this measure, more than 60% of Americans are
      overweight and over 30% are obese. To determine the importance of the body mass
      index, which would also label many athletes "overweight", we also need assessment
      of central fatness, and the medical conditions present in any given person. A
      problem of this magnitude is expensive, costing between 3% and 8% of health
      budgets in various countries. An increasing body weight increases the risk of
      early mortality, and enhances the risk of developing diabetes, gall bladder
      disease, high blood pressure, heart disease, osteoarthritis and certain forms of
      cancer. Although obesity results from an imbalance between what is eaten and what
      the body needs for its daily activities, these relationships are complex, and it
      is the "devil in the details" that is needed to provide clear public health
      strategies to prevent the progression of what some have called an epidemic.

PMID- 22064049
TI  - Effects of dietary factors and other metabolic modifiers on quality and
      nutritional value of meat.
AB  - A number of technologies that increase feed efficiency and lean tissue deposition
      while decreasing fat deposition have been developed in an effort to improve
      profitability of animal production. In general, the mode of action of these
      metabolic modifiers is to increase muscle deposition while often simultaneously
      reducing fat deposition. However, there have been some concerns that the focus on
      increasing production efficiency and lean meat yield has been to the detriment of
      meat quality. The aim of this review is to collate data on the effects of these
      metabolic modifiers on meat quality, and then discuss these overall effects. When
      data from the literature are collated and subject to meta-analyses it appears
      that conservative use of each of these technologies will result in a 5-10% (0.3
      0.5kg) increase in shear force with a similar reduction in perception of
      tenderness. However, it should be borne in mind that the magnitude of these
      increases are similar to those observed with similar increases in carcass
      leanness obtained through other means (e.g. nutritional, genetic selection) and
      may be an inherent consequence of the production of leaner meat. To counter this,
      there are some other metabolic factors and dietary additives that offer some
      potential to improve meat quality (for example immuncastration) and it is
      possible that these can be used on their own or in conjunction with somatotropin,
      approved beta-agonists, anabolic implants and CLA to maintain or improve meat
      quality.

PMID- 22064050
TI  - Muscle profiling: Characterizing the muscles of the beef chuck and round.
AB  - To fully characterize properties of the muscles of the beef chuck and round, and
      to reveal potential opportunities to upgrade the value, 39 different muscles were
      dissected from 142 beef carcasses differing in carcass weight, yield grade, and
      quality grade. Numerous physical and chemical properties of the muscles were
      determined. Muscle effects were observed for all traits (objective color,
      expressible moisture, proximate composition, emulsion capacity, pH, total
      collagen content, total heme-iron concentration, and Warner-Bratzler shear
      force). USDA quality grade generally had the most effect on muscle traits, with
      carcass weight and yield grade having lesser effects. These muscle profile data
      will allow for more informed decisions to be made in the selection of individual
      muscles from the beef chuck and round for the production of value-added products.

PMID- 22064051
TI  - Enhancing palatability traits in beef chuck muscles.
AB  - Thirty-six USDA Select complexus, latissimus dorsi, rhomboideus, serratus
      ventralis (SEV), splenius, subscapularis, supraspinatus (SUS), and triceps
      brachii (TRB) muscles were studied. Muscles were assigned to one of four
      treatments: control, marinated, needle-pumped, and vacuum-tumbled to reach 10%
      brine pick-up after treatment. The solution was formulated to have 0.5% of sodium
      chloride and 0.4% of sodium tripolyphosphate in the end product. Steaks from the
      SEV, SUS, and TRB muscles were cooked on a grill and the other five muscles were
      oven-roasted whole, all of them cooked to an internal temperature of 71 degrees
      C. Sensory evaluations and Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBSF) determinations were
      conducted immediately after cooking (Day-1), and after being cooked and stored
      frozen for 60 days (Day-60). For the Day-60 evaluation, samples were reheated
      using a microwave oven. The needle-pumped treatment reduced WBSF values compared
      to the control in 3 out of 8 muscles (P<0.05). The marinated treatment appeared
      to have the greatest influence on juiciness and was different from the control in
      7 of 8 muscles (P<0.05). Comparing treated muscles to the control, tenderness was
      increased in 4 out of 8 muscles when needle pumped (P<0.05). Brine treatment
      reduced sensory detected connective tissue only in 2 of 8 muscles. More off
      flavors were detected by the panel for marinated samples from six of eight
      muscles. All muscles had lower values for WBSF, less connective tissue and off
      flavors, and higher juiciness, overall tenderness, and beef flavor intensity on
      Day-1 than Day-60. The needle-pumped method was slightly superior to the
      marinated and vacuum-tumbled treatments even though the differences were not
      always consistent. But, regardless of the application method, palatability traits
      were generally enhanced by brine treatments.

PMID- 22064052
TI  - Use of comparative genomics as a tool to assess the clinical and public health
      significance of emerging Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli serotypes.
AB  - Shiga toxin (Stx)-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) cause sporadic or epidemic
      food- or water-borne illness whose clinical spectrum includes diarrhea,
      hemorrhagic colitis, and the potentially fatal hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).
      Over 200 STEC serotypes have now been implicated in human disease. Serotype
      O157:H7 is associated most outbreaks and most cases of HUS. Other serotypes are
      also associated with outbreaks and HUS but less commonly than serotype O157:H7,
      and some cause HUS but are typically non-epidemic. Many STEC serotypes have been
      associated with diarrhea, but not with outbreaks or HUS, while others, isolated
      from cattle, have never been linked to human disease. The only proven virulence
      strategies for STEC are Stx production and, in some strains, a characteristic
      attaching and effacing cytopathology on enterocyte that is mediated by factors
      encoded on a pathogenicity island (PAI) known as the locus of enterocyte
      effacement (LEE). But Stx subtypes and LEE cannot fully explain the apparent
      differences in virulence between STEC subgroups. However, publication of the
      genome sequences of two E. coli O157:H7 strains has revealed new candidate PAIs
      and has stimulated the use of novel approaches for assessing differences in
      virulence potential between groups of strains. This paper highlights the clinico
      pathological features and pathogenesis of STEC infection, new information arising
      from E. coli O157:H7 genome sequences, and progress in the use of of comparative
      genomics for assessing potential differences in virulence and public health
      significance between STEC subgroups.

PMID- 22064053
TI  - Pre-harvest interventions to reduce carriage of E. coli O157 by harvest-ready
      feedlot cattle.
AB  - Escherichia coli O157 is an important cause of food-borne illness. The primary
      reservoir for this organism is cattle and at present the major site of control is
      within abattoirs. Recent data have highlighted the importance of the pathogen
      load entering abattoirs on harvest-ready feedlot cattle. The likelihood for in
      plant intervention failure increases as the proportion of cattle carrying E. coli
      O157 within a pen increases. Pre-harvest reduction of E. coli O157 colonization
      will require targeted intervention strategies and should reduce contamination of
      carcasses thereby enhancing public health. Several pre-harvest interventions show
      substantial promise, such as specific strains of direct-fed microbials, vaccine
      technology, sodium chlorate, and neomycin sulfate, whereas others such as Brown
      Seaweed or chlorination of water have little or no detectable benefit. Selection
      of validated interventions strategies will be important as efforts to control pre
      harvest carriage of E. coli O157 increase.

PMID- 22064054
TI  - Post-harvest interventions to reduce/eliminate pathogens in beef.
AB  - In 1999 the foodborne pathogens Salmonella, Listeria, Campylobacter, and
      Escherichia coli (both O157 and non-O157) were estimated to cause more than 6
      million illnesses and approximately 9000 deaths each year. However, the most
      recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report on the sources and
      incidence of foodborne disease, released in 2004, has shown a dramatic decrease
      in E. coli O157:H7 infections. Since raw beef products are the most frequently
      foodborne sources of these pathogens, the results of this report demonstrate that
      the microbiological quality of raw beef has improved greatly. During the
      intervening years, post-harvest interventions have continually improved, with new
      attention to hide decontamination and innovative treatments of carcasses. In
      addition, a system to hold and test beef trim or ground beef for E. coli O157:H7
      before its release into commerce has provided an even greater level of safety. In
      this paper, we review the latest information on the prevalence of E. coli O157:H7
      and other pathogens on beef, the evidence identifying the hide as the primary
      source of pathogens on beef carcasses, the efficacy of various hide and carcass
      interventions, and other developments that have led or have the potential to lead
      to even greater improvements in the microbial quality of beef.

PMID- 22064055
TI  - Viability of Listeria monocytogenes on commercially-prepared hams surface treated
      with acidic calcium sulfate and lauric arginate and stored at 4 degrees C.
AB  - We demonstrated the effectiveness of delivering an antimicrobial purge/fluid into
      shrink-wrap bags immediately prior to introducing the product and vacuum sealing,
      namely the "Sprayed Lethality In Container" (SLICTM) intervention delivery
      method. The pathogen was Listeria monocytogenes, the antimicrobials were acidic
      calcium sulfate (ACS; calcium sulfate plus lactic acid; 1:1 or 1:2 in dH(2)O) and
      lauric arginate (LAE; Ethyl-N-dodecanoyl-l-arginate hydrochloride; 5% or 10% in
      dH(2)O), and the product was commercially prepared "table brown" ham (ca. 3
      pounds each). Hams were surface inoculated with a five-strain cocktail of L.
      monocytogenes (ca. 7.0 log(10) CFU per ham), added to shrink-wrap bags that
      already contained ACS or LAE, vacuum-sealed, and stored at 4 degrees C for 24h.
      Pathogen levels decreased by 1.2, 1.6, 2.4, and 3.1 log(10) CFU/ham and 0.7, 1.6,
      2.2, and 2.6 log(10) CFU/ham in samples treated with 2, 4, 6, and 8mL of a 1:1
      and 1:2 solution of ACS, respectively. In samples treated with 2, 4, 6, and 8mL
      of a 5% solution of LAE, pathogen levels decreased by 3.3, 6.5, 5.6, and 6.5
      log(10) CFU/ham, whereas when treated with a 10% solution of LAE pathogen levels
      decreased ca. 6.5 log(10) CFU/ham for all application volumes tested. The
      efficacy of ACS and LAE were further evaluated in shelf-life studies wherein hams
      were surface inoculated with either ca. 3.0 or 7.0 log(10) CFU of L.
      monocytogenes, added to shrink-wrap bags that contained 0, 4, 6, or 8mL of either
      a 1:2 solution of ACS or a 5% solution of LAE, vacuum-sealed, and stored at 4
      degrees C for 60 days. For hams inoculated with 7.0 log(10) CFU, L. monocytogenes
      levels decreased by ca.1.2, 1.5, and 2.0 log(10) CFU/ham and 5.1, 5.4, and 5.5
      log(10) CFU/ham within 24h at 4 degrees C in samples treated with 4, 6, and 8mL
      of a 1:2 solution of ACS and a 5% solution of LAE, respectively, compared to
      control hams that were not treated with either antimicrobial. Thereafter,
      pathogen levels remained relatively unchanged (+/-1.0 log(10) CFU/ham ) after 60
      days at 4 degrees C in hams treated with 4, 6, and 8mL of a 1:2 solution of ACS
      and increased by ca. 2.0-5.0 log(10) CFU/ham in samples treated with 4, 6, and
      8mL of a 5% solution of LAE. For hams inoculated with 3.0 log(10) CFU, L.
      monocytogenes levels decreased by 1.3, 1.9, and 1.8 log(10) CFU/ham within 24h at
      4 degrees C in samples treated with 4, 6, and 8mL of a 1:2 solution of ACS,
      respectively, compared to control hams that were not treated. Likewise, levels of
      the pathogen were reduced to below the limit of detection (i.e., 1.48 log(10)
      CFU/ham) in the presence of 4, 6, and 8mL of a 5% solution of LAE within 24h at 4
      degrees C. After 60 days at 4 degrees C, pathogen levels remained relatively
      unchanged (+/-0.3 log(10) CFU/ham) in hams treated with 4, 6, and 8mL of a 1:2
      solution of ACS. However, levels of L. monocytogenes increased by ca. 2.0 log(10)
      CFU/ham in samples treated with 4 and 6mL of a 5% LAE solution within 60 days but
      remained below the detection limit on samples treated with 8mL of this
      antimicrobial. These data confirmed that application via SLICTM of both ACS and
      LAE, at the concentrations and volumes used in this study, appreciably reduced
      levels of L. monocytogenes on the surface of hams within 24h at 4 degrees C and
      showed potential for controlling outgrowth of the pathogen over 60 days of
      refrigerated storage.

PMID- 22064056
TI  - Current research in meat color.
AB  - This review surveyed recent literature focused on factors that affect myoglobin
      chemistry, meat color, pigment redox stability, and methodology used to evaluate
      these properties. The appearance of meat and meat products is a complex topic
      involving animal genetics, ante- and postmortem conditions, fundamental muscle
      chemistry, and many factors related to meat processing, packaging, distribution,
      storage, display, and final preparation for consumption. These factors vary
      globally, but the variables that affect basic pigment chemistry are reasonably
      consistent between countries. Essential for maximizing meat color life is an
      understanding of the combined effects of two fundamental muscle traits, oxygen
      consumption and metmyoglobin reduction. In the antemortem sector of research,
      meat color is being related to genomic quantitative loci, numerous pre-harvest
      nutritional regimens, and housing and harvest environment. Our knowledge of
      postmortem chilling and pH effects, atmospheres used for packaging, antimicrobial
      interventions, and quality and safety of cooked color are now more clearly
      defined. The etiology of bone discoloration is now available. New color
      measurement methodology, especially digital imaging techniques, and improved
      modifications to existing methodology are now available. Nevertheless, unanswered
      questions regarding meat color remain. Meat scientists should continue to develop
      novel ways of improving muscle color and color stability while also focusing on
      the basic principles of myoglobin chemistry.

PMID- 22064057
TI  - New packaging technologies for the 21st century.
AB  - This paper reviews the major influencers that will drive change in meat
      packaging. A review of the current state of fresh-meat packaging in the US has
      shown a continued evolution to case ready packaging, with 60% of the packages
      audited being in the case ready format, versus 49% just two years earlier.
      Additionally, the market is moving to a higher degree of convenience in the meat
      case, and reducing the linear feet devoted to fresh meat (69% fresh meat linear
      feet two years ago, versus 63% in 2004). Additional evidence for the growth of
      convenience items was shown by a 48% growth in shelf stable meal kits between
      1998 and 2003. Packaging innovations have been developed to meet these needs for
      convenience, but have largely been implemented outside of the meat industry.
      These include, but are not limited to, lines of hand-held soups, self-heating
      cans and cartons that are replacing the traditional steel can for retort
      purposes. The recent developments of films that are ovenable in traditional as
      well as microwave ovens are critical to the further advancement of convenience
      meat items. Material costs are also driving the need for packaging innovations.
      Polyethylene costs rose 20% during the second half of 2003, which is largely due
      to increased petroleum costs. As petroleum costs are sustained at the current
      high levels, renewable packaging for food, such as materials based on
      polylactide, will become more feasible. Labor costs and availability at retail
      will continue to drive the demand for case ready packaging innovations. The
      recent regulatory approval of carbon monoxide in fresh meat packaging in the US
      will enable greater usage of low oxygen packaging formats and should provide
      greater retail acceptance of case ready in the US.

PMID- 22064058
TI  - Functional genomics in farm animals - Microarray analysis.
AB  - The rapid progression of farm animal genomics has introduced novel technologies
      capable of presenting global descriptions of biological systems at the level of
      gene and protein expression and protein interaction. To fully benefit from these
      developments, experimental designs have to be adapted to these new technologies,
      and important considerations must be made in the choice of technologies and
      methods of analysis to be used. This paper addresses practical issues in the use
      of microarray based methods for gene-expression analysis in farm animals, and
      provides an overview of different array-platforms as well as a presentation of
      methods and software for the analysis of array data. Experimental design and the
      selection of animals and samples for microarray studies in farm animals present
      novel challenges, which are often overlooked. In particular, the frequent use of
      half sibs and full sibs in animal studies increases the risk of falsely
      identifying genes as being differentially expressed, due to genetic linkage of
      the gene to a QTL or a major gene affecting the trait in question.

PMID- 22064059
TI  - The use of proteomics in meat science.
AB  - Characterising the function of genes is a major challenge in the post-genomic
      era. Post-genomic tools and technologies have dramatically changed the
      experimental approaches by which complex biological systems can be characterised.
      Proteomics is an important cornerstone in functional genome characterisation, and
      like all other functional genomics tools, including transcriptomics and
      metabolomics, the aim of proteome studies is to translate genome information into
      useful biological insight, that will allow scientists to build and test better
      hypotheses, with the ultimate goal to find better solutions to challenges in food
      production, medicine and environmental management. In agricultural sciences as
      well as in all other life sciences, the implementation of proteomics and the
      other post-genomic tools is an important step towards achieving better product
      quality and a more sustainable animal production. The aim of this review is to
      introduce the developing field of proteomics, and to discuss the use of
      proteomics in meat science projects. The most frequently used technologies for
      characterising cellular protein expression patterns will be introduced, and some
      early examples of applying proteomics to meat quality research will be discussed.

PMID- 22064060
TI  - The vital role of science in global policy decision-making: An analysis of past,
      current, and forecasted trends and issues in global red meat trade and policy.
AB  - As global populations and economies change, the dynamics of global trade and
      policy change as well. In analyzing the past trends and projections for global
      populations, economic developments, animal product production and consumption,
      global trade policy, and current issues being faced, one can begin to make some
      predictions or projections as to how the global red meat and poultry
      infrastructure will change and, more importantly, point to areas where a
      proactive approach is necessary to shape these changes to meet the most globally
      beneficial end. Many issues face the global red meat industry, from food safety
      to animal disease, and are becoming more and more complicated as consumer
      knowledge increases and as politics intervene. Internationalized science is key
      and vital in the future of global trade policy as science can address the more
      informed consumer in a manner, which reduces anxiety over unknowns. The role of
      the industry is to provide the information and knowledge to the consumer
      necessary to convey the validity of globally accepted standards, which relate to
      ensuring consumer safety, animal welfare, and provide assurances that these
      standards are being met within the production sector.

PMID- 22064061
TI  - The science of recalls.
AB  - Morbidity due to foodborne illnesses in the US has decreased over the last ten
      years. During the same time period recalls affecting the meat and poultry
      industry have increased from 38 in 1993 to a peak of 128 in 2002. Recalls due to
      L. monocytogenes (LM) and E. coli O157:H7 have accounted for the majority of
      recalls in recent years, while incidence rates for these pathogens have
      decreased. Incidence of Salmonella and E. coli O157:H7 cases since 1996 have
      decreased 17% and 42% respectively while product positives in ready to eat foods
      for LM has decreased from 3% in 1995 to 0.75% in 2003. In response to the
      increasing number of recalls, members of the meat and poultry industry have
      developed recall plans to effectively manage a recall crisis. A detailed recall
      plan which is tested through mock scenarios is essential to reducing the economic
      and negative consumer confidence impact of recalls.

PMID- 22064062
TI  - Traceability from a European perspective.
AB  - At pan-European level there is a need for traceability systems giving information
      on origin, processing, retailing and final destination of foodstuffs. Such
      systems shall enhance consumer confidence in food; enable the regulatory
      authorities to identify and to withdraw health hazardous and non-consumable
      foodstuffs from the market. Animal feeds are an element in this "food-to-farm"
      approach to public health. Such feedstuffs are preliminary elements of some foods
      for human consumption, and hence are an inherent element of the food chain. A
      harmonised pan-European food traceability protocol would greatly assist
      authorities in detecting fraud as well as dangerous substances. The food chain
      comprises a range of sequential and parallel stages bridging the full spectrum
      from agricultural production to the consumable foodstuffs by consumers. EU
      legislation on traceability and the technologies needed to implement this system
      for meat and meat products are the focus of this paper.

PMID- 22064063
TI  - Traceability from a US perspective.
AB  - Traceability of a food consists of development of "an information trail that
      follows the food product's physical trail". Internationally, the US is lagging
      behind many countries in developing traceability systems for food in general and
      especially for livestock, poultry and their products. The US food industry is
      developing, implementing and maintaining traceability systems designed to improve
      food supply management, facilitate traceback for food safety and quality, and
      differentiate and market foods with subtle or undetectable quality attributes.
      Traceability, for livestock, poultry and meat, in its broadest context, can,
      could, or will eventually be used: (1) to ascertain origin and ownership, and to
      deter theft and misrepresentation, of animals and meat; (2) for surveillance,
      control and eradication of foreign animal diseases; (3) for biosecurity
      protection of the national livestock population; (4) for compliance with
      requirements of international customers; (5) for compliance with country-of
      origin labeling requirements; (6) for improvement of supply-side management,
      distribution/delivery systems and inventory controls; (7) to facilitate value
      based marketing; (8) to facilitate value-added marketing; (9) to isolate the
      source and extent of quality-control and food-safety problems; and (10) to
      minimize product recalls and make crisis management protocols more effective.
      Domestically and internationally, it has now become essential that producers,
      packers, processors, wholesalers, exporters and retailers assure that livestock,
      poultry and meat are identified, that record-keeping assures traceability through
      all or parts of the complete life-cycle, and that, in some cases, the source, the
      production-practices and/or the process of generating final products, can be
      verified. At issue, as the US develops traceback capabilities, will be the
      breadth, depth and precision of its specific traceability systems.

PMID- 22064064
TI  - Mechanisms of water-holding capacity of meat: The role of postmortem biochemical
      and structural changes.
AB  - Unacceptable water-holding capacity costs the meat industry millions of dollars
      annually. However, limited progress has been made toward understanding the
      mechanisms that underlie the development of drip or purge. It is clear that early
      postmortem events including rate and extent of pH decline, proteolysis and even
      protein oxidation are key in influencing the ability of meat to retain moisture.
      Much of the water in the muscle is entrapped in structures of the cell, including
      the intra- and extramyofibrillar spaces; therefore, key changes in the
      intracellular architecture of the cell influence the ability of muscle cells to
      retain water. As rigor progresses, the space for water to be held in the
      myofibrils is reduced and fluid can be forced into the extramyofibrillar spaces
      where it is more easily lost as drip. Lateral shrinkage of the myofibrils
      occurring during rigor can be transmitted to the entire cell if proteins that
      link myofibrils together and myofibrils to the cell membrane (such as desmin) are
      not degraded. Limited degradation of cytoskeletal proteins may result in
      increased shrinking of the overall muscle cell, which is ultimately translated
      into drip loss. Recent evidence suggests that degradation of key cytoskeletal
      proteins by calpain proteinases has a role to play in determining water-holding
      capacity. This review will focus on key events in muscle that influence
      structural changes that are associated with water-holding capacity.

PMID- 22064065
TI  - Effects of nitric oxide and oxidation in vivo and postmortem on meat tenderness.
AB  - Metabolic processes in muscle tissue in vivo result in the production of reactive
      oxygen species and oxidative compounds including superoxide anions and nitric
      oxide (NO). Reactive oxygen species can react with both lipids and proteins and
      often have deleterious effects, contributing to the onset of ageing and
      senescence as well as cell death. Nitric oxide (NO) is a free radical that is
      constantly produced or released throughout the body by diverse tissues and is
      known to influence proteolytic activity in human and rodent skeletal muscle as
      well as being involved in regulation of calcium homeostasis in the muscle cell.
      The influence of nitric oxide on development of meat tenderness has been studied
      through postmortem manipulation and also through in vivo studies. The effect of
      NO on meat tenderness is postulated to be via its regulatory effects on the
      proteins calpain, cathepsins, ryanodine receptor channel in the sarcoplasmic
      reticulum (SR) and the sarcoplasmic-endoplasmic release calcium ATPase in the SR.
      NO is an oxidant although the effects of NO on effector proteins can be
      distinguished from a direct oxidation reaction. The onset of oxidation in meat
      postmortem is well known to produce off-odours, discolouration and unacceptable
      flavours associated with rancidity. Oxidation during the immediate postmortem
      period appears to inhibit tenderisation during ageing, probably through an
      inhibitory effect of oxidation on the calpain enzyme. Oxidation of muscle tissue
      occurring as a result of availability of oxygen during modified atmosphere
      packaging may also have deleterious consequences for tenderness development
      during storage of meat prior to retail display. In conclusion, it is proposed
      that postmortem meat tenderisation is influenced by skeletal muscle's release of
      NO pre-slaughter and the oxidation of proteases postmortem. This proposal is
      compatible with the existing tenderness model and will hopefully assist in
      increasing the accuracy of prediction of meat tenderness. Future directions for
      research are discussed.

PMID- 22064067
TI  - The Pseudomonas aeruginosa toxin L-2-amino-4-methoxy-trans-3-butenoic acid
      inhibits growth and induces encystment in Acanthamoeba castellanii.
AB  - L-2-Amino-4-methoxy-trans-3-butenoic acid (AMB) is a toxic antimetabolite
      produced by the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. To evaluate its
      importance as a potential virulence factor, we tested the host response towards
      AMB using an Acanthamoeba castellanii cell model. We found that AMB (at
      concentrations >= 0.5 mM) caused amoebal encystment in salt buffer, while
      inhibiting amoebal growth in rich medium in a dose-dependent manner. However, no
      difference in amoebal plaque formation was observed on bacterial lawns of wild
      type and AMB-negative P. aeruginosa strains. We thereby conclude that AMB may
      eventually act as a virulence factor, but only at relatively high concentrations.

PMID- 22064066
TI  - The role of interleukin-15 in inflammation and immune responses to infection:
      implications for its therapeutic use.
AB  - Interleukin-15 (IL-15) is a pleiotropic cytokine with a broad range of biological
      functions in many diverse cell types. It plays a major role in the development of
      inflammatory and protective immune responses to microbial invaders and parasites
      by modulating immune cells of both the innate and adaptive immune systems. This
      review provides an overview of the mechanisms by which IL-15 modulates the host
      response to infectious agents and its utility as a cytokine adjuvant in vaccines
      against infectious pathogens.

PMID- 22064068
TI  - Laboratory investigation of dysfunctional HDL.
AB  - High-density lipoprotein (HDL) particles are anti-atherosclerotic, by virtue of
      their functions in reverse cholesterol transportation, anti-inflammation and anti
      oxidation. However, recent studies have cast doubt on the cardio-protective role
      of HDL. Structural modification and composition alteration of HDL due to chronic
      inflammation and acute phase responses may result in loss of normal biological
      function and even convert HDL into a pro-inflammatory and pro-oxidative agent.
      Therefore, the assessment of dysfunctional HDL has become a novel target to
      investigate the association between HDL and coronary artery disease risk. This
      review article summarizes the laboratory assessment of dysfunctional HDL.

PMID- 22064069
TI  - Blood folate is associated with asymptomatic or partially symptomatic Alzheimer's
      disease in the Nun study.
AB  - Asymptomatic and partially symptomatic Alzheimer's disease (APSYMAD) are a series
      of cognitive states wherein subjects have substantial Alzheimer's disease (AD)
      pathology (classification B or C by the Consortium to Establish a Registry for AD
      criteria), but have normal or only partially impaired cognitive function; all of
      these subjects are non-demented. These cognitive states may arise from the
      prevention or delay of clinical symptom expression by exposure to certain
      nutritional factors. This study examined blood levels of folate and antioxidants
      (i.e., carotenoids) in relation to APSYMAD, nested in the Nun study, a
      longitudinal study of aging and AD. Sixty elderly female subjects, who had AD on
      the basis of neuropathology exams, were included. Following adjustment for APOE4
      status, education level, and age at blood draw, subjects with the highest blood
      folate levels had a higher likelihood of being in the APSYMAD group as compared
      to the demented (AD) group (odds ratio = 1.09, 95% CI = 1.00-1.18. p < 0.06).
      This association was not significantly influenced by additional adjustment for
      blood concentrations of carotenoids. Restriction of the population to subjects
      with near normal cognition on the cognitive state score (score = 1-3) indicated
      an elevated association with blood folate (odds ratio = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.01-1.25,
      p < 0.04). Blood carotenoids were not associated with APSYMAD. Thus, folate
      status may influence the expression of clinical symptoms of AD disease and aid in
      the delay or prevention of dementia.

PMID- 22064070
TI  - Detection of peri-synaptic amyloid-beta pyroglutamate aggregates in early stages
      of Alzheimer's disease and in AbetaPP transgenic mice using a novel monoclonal
      antibody.
AB  - The neurodegenerative pathology in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) has
      been associated with the progressive accumulation of aggregated and post
      translationally modified amyloid-beta (Abeta) species. Among them, recent studies
      indicate that the pyroglutamate modification of Abeta (pE(3)Abeta) catalyzed by
      glutaminyl cyclase might play an important role in the pathogenesis of AD.
      Although the effects of the pyroglutamate modification on Abeta aggregation and
      toxicity have been investigated, less is known about the distribution of
      pE(3)Abeta across the spectrum of AD and in the brains of amyloid-beta protein
      precursor (AbetaPP) transgenic (tg) animals. For this purpose, we generated a
      novel monoclonal antibody (denominated D129) that specifically recognizes
      pE(3)Abeta and characterized the patterns of distribution in the postmortem brain
      samples from AD patients divided by disease stage (Braak stage) and in AbetaPP tg
      mice. We found that in early stages of AD and young AbetaPP tg mice pE(3)Abeta
      was found in discrete linear and granular aggregates in the neuropil that co
      localized with the pre-synaptic protein synaptophysin and was in close opposition
      to dendrites labeled with MAP2. In later stages of AD and in older AbetaPP tg
      mice, pE(3)Abeta was abundant in diffuse and mature plaques. In conclusion, this
      study suggests that peri-synaptic accumulation of pE(3)Abeta might contribute to
      early cognitive dysfunction in AD.

PMID- 22064071
TI  - Endogenous secretory receptor for advanced glycation end-products inhibits
      amyloid-beta1-42 uptake into mouse brain.
AB  - The cell-surface receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) has been
      implicated in the development of diabetic vascular complications and Alzheimer's
      disease. RAGE has been considered to be involved in amyloid-beta1-42 (Abeta1-42)
      uptake into brain. In the present study, we demonstrate that endogenous secretory
      RAGE (esRAGE), a decoy form of RAGE generated by alternative RNA processing, is
      able to inhibit Abeta1-42 influx into mouse brain. Surface plasmon resonance and
      competitive binding assays revealed that human Abeta1-42 interacted with human
      esRAGE within the immunoglobulin V type region. We next examined the uptake and
      distribution of 125I-labeled human Abeta1-42 in various organs and body fluids of
      newly created mice overexpressing human esRAGE as well as RAGE-null and wild-type
      (WT) mice. The transition of the 125I-labeled Abeta1-42 from circulation to brain
      parenchyma peaked at 30 min after the injection into WT mice, but this was
      significantly blunted in esRAGE-overexpressing and RAGE-null mice. Significant
      reduction in 125I-labeled Abeta1-42-derived photo-stimulated luminescence were
      marked in ventricles, cerebral cortex, hippocampus, especially CA1 and CA3
      regions, putamen, and thalamus. The results thus suggest the potential of esRAGE
      in protection against the development of Alzheimer's disease.

PMID- 22064072
TI  - Independence between GTPase active sites in the Escherichia coli cell division
      protein FtsZ.
AB  - We have analyzed the substrate kinetics of the GTPase activity of FtsZ and the
      effects of two different GTPase inhibitors, GDP and the slowly hydrolyzable GTP
      analogue GMPCPP. In the absence of inhibitors the GTPase activity follows simple
      Michaelis-Menten kinetics, and both GDP and GMPCPP inhibited the activity in a
      competitive manner. These results indicate that the GTPase active sites in FtsZ
      filaments are independent of each other, a feature relevant to elucidate the role
      of GTP hydrolysis in FtsZ function and cell division.

PMID- 22064073
TI  - Structural basis of gammaH2AX recognition by human PTIP BRCT5-BRCT6 domains in
      the DNA damage response pathway.
AB  - Human Pax2 transactivation domain-interacting protein (hPTIP), containing six
      BRCT domains, is an essential protein required for the IR induced DDR process
      with an unclear role. Here we report that the tandem BRCT5-BRCT6 domain of hPTIP
      recognizes the gammaH2AX tail, and this interaction depends on the
      phosphorylation of H2AX Ser139 and binding with the carboxyl ending peptide to
      the aminoacyl ending peptide. The 2.15 A crystal structure of hPTIP BRCT5/6
      gammaH2AX complex and mutation analysis provide molecular evidence for direct
      interactions between PTIP and gammaH2AX. This interaction proffers a new clue to
      identify the role of PTIP in DDR pathways.

PMID- 22064074
TI  - Promiscuous interactions of human septins: the GTP binding domain of SEPT7 forms
      filaments within the crystal.
AB  - We describe the purification, crystallization and structure for the GTP-binding
      domain of human septin 7 (SEPT7G). We show that it forms filaments within the
      crystal lattice which employ both the G and NC interfaces, similar to those seen
      in the hetero-filament of SEPT2/6/7. The NC interface is considered promiscuous
      as it is absent from the hetero-filament. Such promiscuity could provide the
      potential for permuting monomers along a filament in order to generate diversity
      in hetero-polymers. On the other hand, our results suggest that the G and NC
      interfaces may be necessary but insufficient for determining correct hetero
      filament assembly.

PMID- 22064075
TI  - Developmental changes in the mammalian gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH)
      ortholog RFamide-related peptide (RFRP) and its cognate receptor GPR147 in the
      rat hypothalamus.
AB  - The mammalian gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone (GnIH) ortholog RFamide-related
      peptide (RFRP) is considered to act on gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)
      neurons and on the pituitary to inhibit gonadotropin release and synthesis. To
      understand the functional significance of this neuropeptide, we investigated the
      physiological changes in RFRP at mRNA and peptide levels, as well as at the mRNA
      level of its cognate receptor, G protein-coupled receptor 147 (GPR147), in the
      rat hypothalamus during development. We also investigated the effects of gonadal
      steroids on mRNA expression levels of these molecules. In male rats, mRNA
      expressions of both RFRP and GPR147 increased from postnatal days 12 and 16,
      peaking at postnatal days 35 and 42, respectively. However, their expressions
      fell at postnatal day 49. In female rats, mRNA expression of RFRP continued to
      increase throughout development; mRNA expression of GPR147 in female rats
      increased from postnatal day 16, peaking at postnatal day 28, but decreased from
      postnatal day 35. The hypothalamic contents of RFRP on postnatal days 28 and 42
      were significantly higher than on postnatal day 4 in male rats, and those on
      postnatal day 42 were significantly higher than those on postnatal days 4 and 28
      in females. Neither orchidectomy nor ovariectomy influenced mRNA expression
      levels of RFRP or GPR147 in the prepubertal period when endogenous sex steroid
      levels were low in males and females. Administration of estradiol-17beta (E2)
      increased mRNA expression of RFRP in prepubertal females. These results suggest
      that the hypothalamic RFRP system changes during development. An ovarian sex
      steroid, E2, may stimulate mRNA expression of RFRP in the prepubertal period when
      the basal E2 concentration is low.

PMID- 22064076
TI  - Longer Tc-99m-mebrofenin labeling-to-administration time results in scintigraphic
      underestimation of liver function.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Tc-99m-mebrofenin clearance rate is used to estimate hepatocellular
      function. This investigation studied effect of labeling-to-administration (LTA)
      time of Tc-99m-mebrofenin and its liver clearance rate. METHODS: A total of 15
      patients, age 46 +/- 13 (range, 19-69) years, referred for routine gallbladder
      ejection fraction testing, were retrospectively studied. All had tests associated
      to normal liver, and no medical history of liver diseases was observed. Tc-99m
      mebrofenin scintigraphic liver clearance (MSLC) rate was determined by the
      standard technique based on liver uptake rate. The radiopharmaceutical was
      prepared at an off-site central radiopharmacy. Linear regression was used to
      assess relationship of LTA time and MSLC. RESULTS: The LTA was 7.6 +/- 2.0
      (range, 4-12) hours. The labeling efficiency was 99.0% +/- 1.33%. The MSLC rate
      was 11.9%/min +/- 2.7%/min (range, 6.4-18.3). There was an inverse relationship
      of LTA and MSLC, expressed in the following equation: y = -0. 97x + 19.25 (R =
      0.5076, P = 0.0028). The negative correlation with LTA remained when MSLC was
      corrected for body surface area (R = 0.4241, P = 0.0085). CONCLUSION: There is a
      significant underestimation of MSLC with increasing LTA time. If liver function
      assessment is the purpose of a hepatobiliary study, Tc-99m-mebrofenin should be
      administered as close to the time of radiopharmaceutical preparation as possible,
      preferably within 1 hour.

PMID- 22064077
TI  - Renal axis deviation in urinary tract abnormalities of children: the role of
      renal scintigraphy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Urinary tract pathologies are common in children. Previous reports
      suggested a relationship between some renal pathologies and renal anatomic
      variations. This study evaluates the effect of different urinary tract
      abnormalities on scintigraphic renal long axis. METHODS: Children referred to our
      nuclear medicine department for Tc-99m dimercaptosuccinic acid and/or Tc-99m N,N
      ethylenedicysteine renal scintigraphies were entered consecutively. Presence of
      single, ectopic, or fused kidneys, extrarenal pathologies altering renal long
      axis, and history of renal surgery or advanced renal disease were used as
      exclusion criteria. If indicated, patients were assessed for vesicoureteral
      reflux (VUR). Long renal axis of each kidney was drawn with a line passing
      through the kidney's upper and lower poles using posterior image. The angle
      between this axis and patient's longitudinal body axis was defined as "renal
      angle." After defining age-groups, "age-corrected renal angle" was calculated.
      RESULTS: A total of 311 cases (622 kidney units) entered the study (183 females,
      128 males). Mean age was 41.8 months. Mean "renal angle" was 11.7, 11.9, 14.1,
      17.6, 28.5, 16.7, and 19.2 degrees in normal, mild, moderate, and severe VUR,
      high-grade ureteropelvic junction (UPJ) obstruction, nonobstructive pelvic
      dilatation, and ureterovesical junction obstruction, respectively (P = 0.000).
      Applying receiver operating characteristic analysis and using ultrasonography as
      the gold standard, renal angle deviation of 13.75 degrees led to the sensitivity
      of 74.6% and specificity of 70.7% to detect pyelocalyceal system dilatation.
      Using a "renal angle" cutoff value of 18.7 degrees, 85% sensitivity and 85%
      specificity were achieved for the diagnosis of high-grade UPJ obstruction. Using
      "age-corrected renal angle," a cutoff value of 3.9 degrees was consistent with
      60% sensitivity and 73% specificity for the diagnosis of severe VUR. CONCLUSION:
      Considerable renal axis deviation is noted in patients with UPJ obstruction and
      severe VUR in children. Measurement of "renal angle" provides indirect but useful
      clues to the presence of urinary tract pathologies. Renal scintigraphy is a
      useful tool for drawing renal axis and measuring "renal angle," potentially
      making it useful for prediction of urinary tract system abnormalities.

PMID- 22064078
TI  - F-18 FDG in conjunction with 11C-choline PET/CT in the diagnosis of
      hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: F-18 fluorodeoxyglucose (F-18 FDG) positron emission tomography
      (PET)/computed tomography (CT) alone has limited sensitivity for the diagnosis of
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We hoped to improve the diagnostic sensitivity by
      combining F-18 FDG and C-choline PET/CT. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 76
      consecutive patients with HCC were prospectively enrolled. Whole-body F-18 FDG
      PET/CT scan was performed for all patients. In those patients with negative F-18
      FDG scans, a regional C-choline PET/CT scan was also performed. RESULTS: Positive
      F-18 FDG scans were noted in 61.1% (48/76) patients with HCC. Increased F-18 FDG
      uptake correlated with decreased tumor differentiation (P = 0.042). In 28 HCC
      patients with negative F-18 FDG scans, C-choline scan was positive in 71.4%
      patients. C-choline scan did not detect any significant difference between well-
      and moderately differentiated HCC (P = 0.585). Compared with F-18 FDG scan, C
      choline scan showed a trend toward an improved detection of well-differentiated
      HCC (66.7% vs. 35.7%, NS). For detection of moderately differentiated HCC, the
      sensitivity of C-choline and F-18 FDG PET/CT was similar (85.7% vs. 72.0%, P =
      0.648). The dual-tracer modality improved the diagnostic sensitivity of F-18 FDG
      PET/CT alone from 63.1% to 89.5% (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: F-18 FDG in
      conjunction with C-choline increases the sensitivity of PET/CT in detecting HCC.

PMID- 22064079
TI  - Early dynamic versus late static lymphoscintigraphy for the identification of
      sentinel lymph nodes in breast cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is an established method for the
      identification of early breast cancer metastases. SLN lymphoscintigraphy is
      pivotal in many cases, but the diagnostic value of early dynamic versus late
      static imaging procedures remains unclear. The objective of this study was to
      evaluate the diagnostic value of early dynamic versus late static imaging in the
      identification of SLN in breast cancer patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total
      of 104 consecutive female patients who were referred for SLN scintigraphy prior
      to breast cancer surgery were included in this retrospective study. All patients
      underwent both a 20-minute dynamic lymphoscintigraphy and a 2-hour static
      acquisition. The images were independently evaluated for the presence, location,
      and numbers of SLN and echelon nodes in a blinded and random manner by 2 trained
      observers. Any discrepancy was solved by a third party arbitrator. RESULTS: SLN
      was identified in 101 of 104 (97%) patients on the static images versus 41 of 104
      (39%) of the patients based on the dynamic acquisition. The combined use of
      dynamic and static images did not increase the diagnostic performance versus late
      lymphoscintigraphy alone. CONCLUSIONS: Identification of SLN by
      lymphoscintigraphy in breast cancer can be performed using a 2-hour static image
      alone.

PMID- 22064080
TI  - Predictive value of preablation stimulated thyroglobulin and
      thyroglobulin/thyroid-stimulating hormone ratio in differentiated thyroid cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: Recent studies have shown that thyroglobulin (Tg) concentration is a
      useful tumor marker in follow-up of differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) patients
      after thyroidectomy and subsequent radioiodine (I-131) therapy. However, its role
      is controversial after total or near-total thyroidectomy before the first I-131
      ablative treatment. So, we used thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels to
      normalize predictive values of Tg for DTC. METHODS: The study was a retrospective
      analysis. A total of 244 patients with DTC who had undergone a total
      thyroidectomy and subsequent I-131 therapy were included. Exclusion criteria were
      patients with high serum Tg antibody (TgAb) concentration and in whom it was not
      measured. Patients were divided into 2 groups as M1 and M0, according to whether
      the patient present with or without distant metastases. RESULTS: Preablative
      stimulated Tg in group M0 ranged between 0.1 and 348.9 ng/mL and group M1 between
      0.2 and 1000 ng/mL. Tg/TSH ratios ranged 0.000667 to 12.143 ng/IU and 0.002948 to
      12500 ng/IU. Both Tg and Tg/TSH values were significantly different between the 2
      groups (the Wilcoxon rank sum test: Tg P < 0.0001 [z = 8.785]; Tg/TSH P < 0.0001
      [z = 8.850]). The areas under receiver operating characteristic curves for Tg
      concentrations and Tg/TSH ratios were 0.913 and 0.916, respectively. CONCLUSION:
      Both Tg and Tg/TSH ratios might be considered predictive markers for metastases
      of DTC just after total thyroidectomy before the first I-131 ablative therapy.

PMID- 22064081
TI  - Planning and conducting meetings effectively, part I: planning a meeting.
AB  - Meetings are held by leaders for many purposes, including conveying information,
      raising morale, asking for opinions, brain storming, making people part of the
      problem-solving process, building trust, getting to a consensus, and making
      decisions. However, many meetings waste time, some undermine the leader's power,
      and some decrease morale. Part I of this series of articles gives some tips on
      basic planning for decision-making meetings. Part II of this series of articles
      analyzes selected components of decision-making meetings. Part III of this series
      will be on how the chairperson keeps decision-making meetings on track to make
      them efficient and productive.

PMID- 22064082
TI  - When should F-18 FDG PET/CT be used instead of 68Ga-DOTA-peptides to investigate
      metastatic neuroendocrine tumors?

PMID- 22064083
TI  - Asymptomatic rib cavernous hemangioma.

PMID- 22064084
TI  - Atypical sites of bony metastases in a prostate cancer patient.

PMID- 22064085
TI  - Unsuspected perforated Richter hernia in the inguinal canal detected by F-18 FDG
      PET/CT.

PMID- 22064086
TI  - Negative amyloid PET imaging in a patient with probable Alzheimer's disease.

PMID- 22064087
TI  - Polycystic kidney disease: renal cyst infection detected on F-18 FDG PET/CT.

PMID- 22064088
TI  - Rare cerebral and pulmonary metastases from low-grade basal cell adenocarcinoma
      of the parotid gland.

PMID- 22064089
TI  - Ventriculoperitoneal shunt leakage into a breast implant demonstrated by
      radionuclide cisternography.

PMID- 22064090
TI  - Munchhausen syndrome presenting as fever of unknown origin: diagnosis by F-18 FDG
      PET/CT.

PMID- 22064091
TI  - Effect of mobile cell phone ringing on function of gamma camera.

PMID- 22064092
TI  - Ovarian thecoma mimicking carcinoma on F-18 FDG PET in a postmenopausal woman
      with elevated CA-125.

PMID- 22064093
TI  - Predominant IgG4 disease and concurrent early-stage rectal cancer.

PMID- 22064094
TI  - A hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the stomach with liver metastasis mimicking
      hepatocellular carcinoma detected by F-18 FDG PET/CT imaging.

PMID- 22064095
TI  - Unilateral diffusely increased muscle uptake of F-18 FDG in a patient with
      hemiparesis due to stroke.

PMID- 22064096
TI  - Scintigraphic demonstration of ectopic thyroid tissue in a thyroglossal duct cyst
      in the presence of a normal thyroid.

PMID- 22064097
TI  - Detection of a sinus of Valsalva aneurysm by F-18 FDG PET/CT imaging.

PMID- 22064098
TI  - F-18 FDG uptake in focal fatty infiltration of liver mimicking hepatic malignancy
      on PET/CT images.

PMID- 22064099
TI  - Differentiated thyroid cancer with epiphora: detection of nasolacrimal duct
      obstruction on I-131 SPECT/CT.

PMID- 22064100
TI  - Tc-99m-MIBI-negative parathyroid adenoma in primary hyperparathyroidism detected
      by C-11-methionine PET/CT after previous thyroid surgery.

PMID- 22064101
TI  - Diagnosis of cardiac sarcoidosis through mismatched defects seen on N-13 NH3/F-18
      FDG cardiac PET.

PMID- 22064102
TI  - Current readings in nuclear medicine.

PMID- 22064103
TI  - PET/CT imaging of thyroid cancer.
AB  - Positron emission tomography (PET) is a highly sensitive, low invasive technology
      for cancer biology imaging. The role of F-18 FDG PET/CT in differentiated thyroid
      cancer (DTC) is well established, particularly in patients presenting with
      elevated Tg levels and negative radioactive iodine WBS. It has been demonstrated
      that F-18 FDG uptake represents less differentiated thyroid cancer cells or
      dedifferentiated cells and PET positive lesions are more likely to be resistant
      to I treatment. The uptake of F-18 FDG is related to tumor size, thyroid capsule
      invasion and histological variants with a poor prognosis. As in other cancers,
      early detection of recurrences improves outcomes and survival. I PET/CT can also
      be used to image the patients with DTC, similarly to I WBS. Compared with F-18
      FDG PET/CT, its spatial resolution is only slightly degraded but increasing the
      imaging time reduces this difference. In addition, F-18 FDG PET/CT has been found
      helpful in the management of patients with anaplastic and medullary thyroid
      cancer. Other radiopharmaceuticals such as Ga-DOTATOC and F-18 DOPA may provide
      complimentary information to F-18 FDG PET/CT in the detection of recurrent
      thyroid cancer.

PMID- 22064104
TI  - Yttrium-90 time-of-flight PET/CT is superior to Bremsstrahlung SPECT/CT for
      postradioembolization imaging of microsphere biodistribution.

PMID- 22064105
TI  - Impact of F-18 FDG PET-CT for the diagnosis and management of infection in JARVIK
      2000 device.

PMID- 22064106
TI  - Early gastric cancer detected by 2-hour delayed FDG PET with the water gastric
      distention method.

PMID- 22064107
TI  - Lack of concordance between the F-18 fluoromisonidazole PET and the F-18 FDG PET
      in human glioblastoma.

PMID- 22064108
TI  - Simultaneous detection of breast tumor resection margins and radioguided sentinel
      node biopsy using an intraoperative electronically collimated probe with variable
      energy window: a case report.

PMID- 22064109
TI  - Three-phase skeletal scintigraphy in pachydermoperiostosis.

PMID- 22064110
TI  - Preoperative evaluation of possible cross-circulation in conjoined twins by
      hepatobiliary scintigraphy.

PMID- 22064111
TI  - FDG PET/CT detects malignant lymphoma invading the penis.

PMID- 22064112
TI  - Unusual Tc-99m methylene diphosphonate uptake by clinically suspected adrenal
      metastases from hepatocellular carcinoma.

PMID- 22064113
TI  - Primary pulmonary osteosarcoma: PET/CT and SPECT/CT findings.

PMID- 22064114
TI  - Round cell liposarcoma presenting as an FDG-positive primary with an FDG-negative
      retroperitoneal metastasis: a pitfall for F-18 FDG PET/CT imaging.

PMID- 22064115
TI  - Lower neck neurilemmoma can masquerade as lymph node metastasis on FDG PET/CT in
      patient with nasopharyngeal carcinoma.

PMID- 22064116
TI  - Atypical presentation of plasma cell leukemia secondary to multiple myeloma
      detected by F-18 FDG PET/CT.

PMID- 22064117
TI  - Multistage high-dose I-131 treatment for a nonthyroidectomized patient with
      metastatic differentiated thyroid cancer.

PMID- 22064118
TI  - Ectopic kidney mimicking a Meckel's diverticulum on Tc-99m pertechnetate scan.

PMID- 22064119
TI  - F-18 FDG PET/CT imaging of endogenous Cushing syndrome.

PMID- 22064120
TI  - Image gently:  go with the guidelines.

PMID- 22064121
TI  - Binding of the plant hormone kinetin in the active site of Mistletoe Lectin I
      from Viscum album.
AB  - The crystal structure of the ribosome inhibiting protein Mistletoe Lectin I (ML
      I) derived from the European mistletoe, Viscum album, in complex with kinetin has
      been refined at 2.7A resolution. Suitably large crystals of ML-I were obtained
      applying the counter diffusion method using the Gel Tube R Crystallization Kit
      (GT-R) on board the Russian Service Module on the international space station ISS
      within the GCF mission No. 6, arranged by the Japanese aerospace exploration
      agency (JAXA). Hexagonal bi-pyramidal crystals were grown during three months
      under microgravity. Before data collection the crystals were soaked in a
      saturated solution of kinetin and diffraction data to 2.7A were collected using
      synchrotron radiation and cryogenic techniques. The atomic model was refined and
      revealed a single kinetin molecule in the ribosome inactivation site of ML-I. The
      complex demonstrates the feasibility of mistletoe to bind plant hormones out of
      the host regulation system as part of a self protection mechanism.

PMID- 22064122
TI  - Modulation of fibrillation of hIAPP core fragments by chemical modification of
      the peptide backbone.
AB  - The well-ordered cross beta-strand structure found in amyloid aggregates is
      stabilized by many different side chain interactions, including hydrophobic
      interactions, electrostatic charge and the intrinsic propensity to form beta
      sheet structures. In addition to the side chains, backbone interactions are
      important because of the regular hydrogen-bonding pattern. beta-Sheet breaking
      peptide analogs, such as those formed by N-methylation, interfere with the
      repetitive hydrogen bonding pattern of peptide strands. Here we test backbone
      contributions to fibril stability using analogs of the 6-10 residue fibril core
      of human islet amyloid polypeptide, a 37 amino acid peptide involved in the
      pathogenesis of type II diabetes. The Phe-Gly peptide bond has been replaced by a
      hydroxyethylene or a ketomethylene group and the nitrogen-atom has been
      methylated. In addition, we have prepared peptoids where the side chain is
      transferred to the nitrogen atom. The backbone turns out to be extremely
      sensitive to substitution, since only the minimally perturbed ketomethylene
      analog (where only one of the -NH- groups has been replaced by -CH(2)-) can
      elongate wildtype fibrils but cannot fibrillate on its own. The resulting fibrils
      displayed differences in both secondary structure and overall morphology. No
      analog could inhibit the fibrillation of the parent peptide, suggesting an
      inability to bind to existing fibril surfaces. In contrast, side chain mutations
      that left the backbone intact but increased backbone flexibility or removed
      stabilizing side-chain interactions had very small effect on fibrillation
      kinetics. We conclude that fibrillation is very sensitive to even small
      modifications of the peptide backbone.

PMID- 22064123
TI  - A retrospective analysis of lesser metatarsophalangeal joint fusion as a
      treatment option for hammertoe pathology associated with metatarsophalangeal
      joint instability.
AB  - Complex hammer digit deformity is commonly associated with instability of the
      metatarsophalangeal joint. Restoring joint stability is critical for digit
      alignment and function and can be challenging and unpredictable. Lesser
      metatarsophalangeal joint fusion might be an alternative treatment to the current
      soft tissue balancing, repair, and extra-articular osseous procedures used to
      treat joint instability. The present study was a retrospective chart and
      radiographic review of the pooled outcomes of 31 consecutive lesser
      metatarsophalangeal joint fusion procedures performed by 3 independent surgeons
      from May 2004 to September 2009. The clinical and radiographic outcomes were
      analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics. The overall interval to
      radiographic union was 8.69 +/- 1.7 weeks (range 6 to 12 and 95% confidence
      interval 7.9 to 9.4). The overall period to clinical union was 10.25 +/- 4.5
      weeks (range 4 to 22 and 95% confidence interval 8.5 to 11.9). The mean duration
      of non-weight-bearing was 4.71 +/- 1.74 weeks, followed by 5.09 +/- 2.8 weeks of
      guarded weight-bearing with a brace. Complications included nonunion in 4
      (12.90%), hardware breakage in 2 (6.45%), and soft tissue infection in 1 (3.23%).
      Patients demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in pain (p = .035)
      and improved digit alignment after the procedure that enabled full return to
      unrestricted weight-bearing activities without limitations or the need for
      orthoses. These findings support metatarsophalangeal joint fusion as an
      alternative treatment of lesser digit metatarsophalangeal joint instability
      associated with hammer digit deformities that obviate the need for concomitant
      soft tissue procedures such as plantar plate repair or tendon balancing
      procedures.

PMID- 22064124
TI  - Surgical technique for combined Dwyer calcaneal osteotomy and peroneal tendon
      repair for correction of peroneal tendon pathology associated with cavus foot
      deformity.
AB  - Peroneal tendon pathology is commonly seen in patients with underlying pes cavus.
      The Dwyer calcaneal osteotomy is a useful adjunctive procedure to address the
      heel varus component of the cavus foot deformity, especially in the presence of
      concomitant peroneal tendon pathology. The lateralizing heel osteotomy using a
      wedge resection can effectively reduce future stress on the repaired peroneal
      tendons, although technical challenges arise when attempting to perform both
      tendon repair and heel osteotomy through the same incision. Specific principles
      must be followed to achieve adequate exposure of the desired structures, obtain
      desired correction of the deformity, and avoid complications such as sural
      neuritis. In the present report, the surgical principles and technical pearls are
      highlighted in a pictorial demonstration of preoperative planning for calcaneal
      wedge resection, incision placement, osteotomy guide pin technique, fixation
      pearls, and peroneal tendon repair and transfer.

PMID- 22064125
TI  - Chondroblastoma of the talus: a case report and literature review.
AB  - Chondroblastoma is a rare, benign cartilaginous neoplasm that accounts for
      approximately 1% of all bone tumors, and approximately 4% of all chondroblastomas
      arise in the talus. Here we report a case of chondroblastoma in the left talus.
      The 22-year-old male patient presented with a 16-month history of ankle pain.
      Based on radiological and pathological examination, we diagnosed the patient with
      chondroblastoma. A posterolateral approach was used to allow access to the
      lesion. After curettage, the allogenic bone chips were packed into the talar body
      defect. After 2 years' follow-up, we found no recurrence or metastasis of
      chondroblastoma, suggesting our surgery procedure was effective.

PMID- 22064126
TI  - Fungal osteomyelitis of calcaneus due to Candida albicans: a case report.
AB  - Osteomyelitis can be a challenging entity to treat. Because of the emergence of
      risk factors, including broad-spectrum antibiotics, intravenous drug abuse,
      immunocompromised hosts, and other factors, opportunistic pathogens have
      increased in prevalence in bone infections. A review of the published data
      revealed few reported cases of fungal osteomyelitis localized to the foot. In the
      present report, we describe a rare case of fungal osteomyelitis localized to the
      calcaneus in an elderly female patient who was successfully treated with surgical
      debridement and a 6-week course of oral fluconazole.

PMID- 22064127
TI  - Consumer perception of meat quality and implications for product development in
      the meat sector-a review.
AB  - In the first part of the paper, the Total Food Quality Model is used as a frame
      of reference for analysing the way in which consumers perceive meat quality,
      drawing mainly on European studies involving beef and pork. The way in which
      consumers form expectations about quality at the point of purchase, based on
      their own experience and informational cues available in the shopping
      environment, is described, as well as the way in which quality is experienced in
      the home during and after meal preparation. The relationship between quality
      expectations and quality experience and its implications for consumer
      satisfaction and repeat purchase intent is addressed. In the second part of the
      paper, and building on the insights obtained on subjective quality perception,
      possibilities for consumer-oriented product development in the meat sector are
      addressed. Issues dealt with here are branding, differentiation by taste,
      healthiness and convenience, and by process characteristics like organic
      production and animal welfare.

PMID- 22064128
TI  - Prediction of color and pH measurement throughout boneless center-cut pork loins.
AB  - Boneless pork loins (N=95) divided into three groupings based on National Pork
      Producers Council color standards were utilized to characterize changes in color
      and pH throughout the loin. CIE L(*), CIE a(*), CIE b(*), saturation, and hue
      angle differed (P<0.05) for color category and chop position. A color category by
      position interaction (P<0.05) existed only for pH values. These differences in
      color and pH measures throughout the loin indicate that one measurement may not
      characterize the entire boneless loin. For all color and pH measures significant
      orthogonal and polynomial contrasts existed, therefore, separate regression
      equations were developed for each color category to predict position response.
      Multiple regression equations were significant for most objective measures of
      color and pH, but the low R(2) values indicate that these models provide little
      information as to changes in color and pH throughout the boneless pork loin.

PMID- 22064129
TI  - Physicochemical, microbiological and sensory attributes for the characterization
      of Greek traditional sausages.
AB  - Physicochemical, microbiological and sensory analyses were performed on 67
      samples of Greek traditional sausages. The following physicochemical attributes
      were recorded: moisture 49.17%+/-7.05, protein 17.62%+/-2.67, fat 29.74%+/-8.02
      and ash content 2.99%+/-0.55, moisture/protein ratio 2.83+/-0.5. pH value 5.48+/
      0.49, water activity (a(w)) 0.959+/-0.015, total grill losses 12.81%+/-5.27 and
      fat grill losses 9.64%+/-4.36. The microbial counts, expressed as log(10)cfu/g,
      were for aerobic plate count 8.22+/-0.5, lactic acid bacteria 7.45+/-0.66,
      Brochothrix thermosphacta 7.02+/-1.21, pseudomonads 6.88+/-1.33 and yeasts 5.39+/
      1.03. Mean sensory scores, on a five-point hedonic scale, were 4.46+/-0.63 for
      appearance, 4.14+/-0.63 for firmness, 3.80+/-0.97 for flavour and 4.12+/-0.52 for
      overall quality. The discriminant analysis have shown that, based on their pH and
      a(w) values, 74.6% of sausages were classified as easily perishable, 19.4% as
      perishable and 5.9% as shelf-stable. Also, 4.4% of sausages had fat content less
      than 15%, 23.8% from 15 to 25%, 46.2% from 25 to 35% and 25.3% more than 35%.
      Principal component analysis has shown that the first two components (PC1 PC2)
      account for 44.1% of the total variance. PC1 was related to water activity, ash,
      moisture and fat content, flavour, Br. thermosphacta and pseudomonads count, and
      to a lesser extent to cross section quality. PC2 was related to aerobic plate
      count, lactic acid bacteria and moisture content.

PMID- 22064130
TI  - Green hams electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measures and pastiness
      prediction of dry cured hams.
AB  - The objective of this study was to assess the value of electrical impedance
      spectroscopy (EIS) as a predictor of certain dry-cured ham sensory properties in
      green hams of different technological meat qualities and processed commercially.
      Measurements of technological meat quality (weight, ham conformation,
      subcutaneous fat thickness, pH(45) and pH(u)) and some sensory properties
      (adhesiveness, hardness, crumbliness, pastiness, fibrousness and saltiness) were
      carried out on the Biceps femoris (BF) and Semimembranosus (SM) muscles. The
      electrical parameters, R(o), R(inf), ratio (R(inf)/R(o)), F(c) and alpha, were
      obtained with EIS equipment applied to two different regions of the ham at 36 h
      post mortem (BF and SM). Principal component (PC) analysis was used to describe
      the relationship between sensory properties and electrical parameters. For BF
      muscle there were no clear relationships between the electrical parameters and
      the sensory properties. However, for SM muscle, pastiness was correlated
      positively with the ratio and F(c) obtained by EIS. None of the electrical
      parameters obtained by EIS were able to differentiate between groups of hams
      classified according to their level of pastiness in the BF muscle. However, in
      the SM muscle, the origin of the pastiness was related to the use of PSE meat and
      was predicted by the electrical impedance measurements. The EIS prototype
      correctly detected 69.2 and 56.0% (for SM and BF muscles, respectively) of the
      problem hams in terms of pastiness. These results could be of use in the
      selection of the raw material to reduce the incidence of dry-cured hams with
      defective texture.

PMID- 22064131
TI  - Linear hydrocarbons content of intramuscular lipids of dry-cured Iberian ham.
AB  - This study has been carried out to determine the linear hydrocarbons content (n
      alkane and n-alkene) in intramuscular lipids (biceps femoris muscle) of dry-cured
      Iberian ham considering "feeding system" (Montanera: fed on acorns and pasture
      and concentrate feed) and "genotype" (hams from Iberian pure pigs and hams from
      Iberian crossbreed with Duroc in a 50%). The linear hydrocarbons from n-C(14) to
      n-C(32) range were present in the four studied groups. n-Alkenes fraction (60-76
      mg/kg of intramuscular fat) was higher than n-alkanes fraction (34-38 mg/kg). The
      most abundant n-alkane and n-alkene were the shortest chain ones. Feeding and
      genotype did not influence linear hydrocarbons content (neither n-alkanes nor n
      alkenes).

PMID- 22064132
TI  - Water characteristics in cooked beef as influenced by ageing and high-pressure
      treatment-an NMR micro imaging study.
AB  - The water characteristics in cooked pressure-heat treated (45  degrees C for 45
      min prior to pressurisation at 150 MPa for 30 min) and non-pressurised, cooked
      (control) samples of beef Longissimus aged for 1, 3, 8 or 16 days were studied by
      nuclear magnetic resonance microscopy. A multi-echo sequence was used to obtain
      T2 images, and independent of ageing period, the T2 values were found to be lower
      in pressure-heat treated meat revealing alterations in water characteristics of
      pressure-treated, cooked meat compared with cooked meat. With increasing ageing
      duration, the T2 values in both pressure-treated, cooked and cooked meat
      decreased indicating that the water became more tightly trapped in the protein
      network. In addition, independent of length of ageing period the relationship
      between cooking loss in the cooked meat and transverse relaxation differed
      between non-pressurised and pressure-treated meat, which reveals that the
      mechanisms changing the water properties in beef during ageing are different from
      those occuring during pressure-heat treatment of meat.

PMID- 22064133
TI  - Effect of linseed feeding at similar linoleic acid levels on the fatty acid
      composition of double-muscled Belgian Blue young bulls.
AB  - The effect of including linseed [extruded (EL) or crushed (CL)] instead of whole
      soybeans (S) in the finishing diet of double-muscled Belgian Blue young bulls on
      the fatty acid composition of the longissimus thoracis, triceps brachii and
      subcutaneous fat was investigated. The dietary supply of C18:2n-6 was similar in
      the three diets, while in the EL and CL diet the supply of C18:3n-3 was equal. No
      effects of diet on the saturated, monounsaturated and branched chain fatty acids
      were found. Including linseed in place of whole soybeans increased the total
      intramuscular n-3 fatty acid content significantly, mainly as C18:3n-3, while no
      significant effect on the total and individual n-6 fatty acid incorporation was
      observed in the intramuscular fat. As a consequence of the higher n-3 content,
      the n-6/n-3 ratio was decreased by linseed feeding. In contrast with the
      intramuscular fat, the subcutaneous fat showed a significantly increased C18:3n-3
      proportion accompanied by a significantly decreased C18:2n-6 proportion when
      linseed was fed. Diet did not influence the c9t11CLA content in the intramuscular
      or the subcutaneous fat.

PMID- 22064134
TI  - Does the newly discovered calpain 10 play a role in meat tenderization during
      post-mortem storage?
AB  - The objective was to study calpain 10 during meat tenderization. Western assays
      were developed and changes in calpain 10, tenderization level and desmin were
      determined in Longissimui (LTL) during post-mortem storage. A comparison between
      some characteristics of calpains 1, 2 and 10 indicated differences in the pI and
      sub-cellular distribution. Tenderness improved gradually during post-mortem
      storage and was accompanied by a decline in intact desmin level. Western analysis
      indicated that calpain 10 is present in sheep LTL probably as two proteins (MW
      73.6 and 70.7 kDa). Post-mortem storage caused a decline in the level of the 73.6
      and 70.7 kDa proteins in the sarcoplasmic fraction and a concomitant increase in
      these proteins in the myofibrillar fraction. Changes in the myofibrillar calpain
      10 proteins were strongly correlated with the rate of tenderization. To conclude,
      calpain 10 proteins are present in sheep LTL and the sub-cellular distribution is
      dynamic during post-mortem storage.

PMID- 22064135
TI  - A procedure to determine the water-binding capacity of meat trimmings for cooked
      sausage formulation.
AB  - An attempt was made to determine the water-binding capacity of each individual
      trimming in a multicomponent system. Three types of experimental cooked sausages
      (finely chopped luncheon sausage, coarsely chopped sausage and ring sausage with
      potato starch) were made of five different meat trimmings: two pork trimmings and
      two beef trimmings, and one beef trimming used as a replacer. The water-binding
      was determined by the Tuominen-Honkavaara method by stepwise addition of water
      (basic formulation and four water additions) to the formulations and determining
      the firmness by a consistometer. The water-binding of each trimming was obtained
      by replacing the trimming by an additonal trimming. A total of 3 sausage types*5
      meat trimmings*5 water levels giving 75 experimental batches of 5 kg each were
      made. The average water-binding values of the same meat trimming combination in
      each sausage type were practically the same, and therefore the total averages for
      the same meat trimming combinations of each of the three sausage types were used
      for the subsequent calculations. The determination of the water-binding values of
      the meat trimmings were solved by forming five equations with four unknowns each,
      and then solving the unknowns using Microsoft Excel's 'Solver' function. By this
      procedure it was possible to determine the water-binding of individual meat
      trimmings in sausage systems. This procedure can be used for the determination of
      the technological properties of meats for linear programming.

PMID- 22064136
TI  - Microbiological conditions of detained beef carcasses before and after removal of
      visible contamination.
AB  - The microbiological conditions of carcasses detained for the removal of visible
      contamination at four beef packing plants were examined. The numbers of aerobes
      and Escherichia coli recovered from most visibly contaminated sites did not
      exceed numbers generally regarded as acceptable for beef carcasses. The numbers
      of bacteria at visibly contaminated sites were reduced when those sites were
      trimmed, but additional and/or routine decontaminating treatments after trimming
      gave greater reductions in numbers at three of the plants. At each plant, at the
      end of the dressing process, the microbiological condition of the carcasses that
      had been detained was similar or superior to the condition previously determined
      for carcasses routinely produced from the process.

PMID- 22064137
TI  - Prerigor infusion of lamb with sodium chloride, phosphate, and dextrose solutions
      to improve tenderness.
AB  - Combinations of sodium chloride, phosphate, and dextrose solutions were infused
      prerigor into lamb carcasses to evaluate effects on tenderness, palatability,
      color change and microbiological growth during simulated retail display. Each
      carcass (n=48) was randomly assigned to one of the following: (1) deionized water
      (dH(2)O), (2) 2% NaCl (S), (3) 3% dextrose (D), (4) 0.5% tri-polyphosphate (P),
      (5) 2% NaCl and 3% dextrose (SD), (6) 2% NaCl and 0.5% tri-polyphosphate (SP),
      (7) 0.5% tri-polyphosphate and 3% dextrose (PD), and (8) 2% NaCl, 0.5% tri
      polyphosphate, and 3% dextrose (SPD). The right side was pumped to 120% its
      original green weight and the corresponding left side served as the paired
      control in a nested design. The SD, SP and SPD solutions improved (P<0.05) Warner
      Bratzler shear force values (WBS), sensory panel evaluations for tenderness,
      decreased cook loss, and increased ultimate pH when compared with their
      corresponding controls. In addition, no adverse affects on color or
      microbiological growth were observed for any of the treatments.

PMID- 22064138
TI  - Quantifying the extent of variation in the eating quality traits of the M.
      longissimus dorsi and M. semimembranosus of conventionally processed Irish beef.
AB  - The aim of this investigation was to quantify the scale of variation in the
      eating quality of two commercial beef muscles, M. longissimus dorsi (LD) and M.
      semimembranosus (Sm). Both the LD and Sm were excised from steers (n=81) and
      heifers (n=81) (classification grade O4H, O4L, R4H, R4L) within 48 h postmortem,
      vacuum packaged and stored at 4  degrees C until tested for eating quality at 14
      days postmortem. Quality measurements analysed were: pH, Warner Bratzler shear
      force, sensory attributes, sarcomere length, Hunter L a b muscle and subcutaneous
      fat colour and chemical composition. Extent of variation in many eating quality
      measurements, with the exception of most sensory attributes and subcutaneous fat
      colour, depended on gender, classification grade or a combination of both. The LD
      was more variable than the Sm for most quality attributes and heifers were more
      variable than steers. No one carcass grade was more variable over all attributes
      analysed; with different grades causing higher or lower variances within certain
      attributes. Knowledge of the current scale of variation in the eating quality of
      beef is required by the meat industry, and is one that requires further research.

PMID- 22064139
TI  - Effect of proteolytic enzyme activity and heating on the mechanical properties of
      bovine single muscle fibres.
AB  - The effect of proteolysis and heating on the mechanical properties of single
      muscle fibres isolated from bovine M. semitendinosus was investigated. Short
      incubations with MU-calpain (pH 7.5) and cathepsin B (pH 5.6) at room temperature
      reduced (P<0.01) the raw fibre strength by 50%. After subsequent heating, MU
      calpain-incubated fibres were 20% weaker and cathepsin B-incubated fibres 50%
      weaker than heated controls. Fibres were incubated for 8 days at 2  degrees C
      under post-mortem like pH conditions (pH 5.6) or pH conditions optimal for the
      calpains (pH 7.5). At pH 5.6 no significant weakening of the fibres was observed
      when incubations were performed in 0.1, 1 or 10 mM Ca(2+). In contrast,
      incubation in 1 or 10 mM Ca(2+) at pH 7.5 decreased the strength of the fibres.
      Addition of the protease inhibitors E-64 or PD150,606 prevented this weakening,
      suggesting that the weakening is caused by proteolyses and not directly by
      Ca(2+).

PMID- 22064140
TI  - Utilization of response surface modeling to evaluate the effects of non-meat
      adjuncts and combinations of PSE and RFN pork on water holding capacity and
      cooked color in the production of boneless cured pork.
AB  - Boneless cured pork was produced from combinations of pale, soft, and exudative
      (PSE) and red, firm, and non-exudative (RFN) semimembranosus muscle. Response
      Surface Methodology was utilized to determine the effects of soy protein
      concentrate (SPC), sodium caseinate (SC), and modified food starch (MFS) on the
      water holding capacity and cooked color in a chunked and formed product. Fifteen
      ingredient combinations were replicated three times for each PSE and RFN
      combination giving 75 treatments per replication. Utilization of SPC decreased
      (P<0.01) cooking loss and redness while increasing (P<0.01) yellowness. MFS
      decreased (P<0.01) expressible moisture, and both MFS and SC increased (P<0.05)
      cooked redness while decreasing (P<0.01) cooked lightness. Product formulations
      using these adjuncts demonstrate potential to improve the water-holding capacity
      and cooked color in PSE as well as RFN pork. This research also demonstrated that
      diluting RFN pork with no more than 25% PSE pork permits the formation of a high
      quality boneless deli ham roll.

PMID- 22064141
TI  - Carcass and meat quality of selected final hybrids of pigs in the Czech Republic.
AB  - The objective of this work was to compare the quality of carcass and meat in the
      selected crossbred pigs used in the Czech Republic. A total of 200 pigs that
      arose from four crossbreeding was studied; the dam line was in all combination of
      hybrids represented by Czech Large White * Landrace. Sire line included Large
      White * Belgian Landrace (I), Hampshire * Pietrain (II), Duroc * Pietrain (III)
      and Czech meat pig (IV). Influence of crossbreeding on lean meat percentage and
      muscle depth was statistically highly significant (P<0.001), influence on fat
      depth was evident (P<0.05). Differences in pH(1) value among the individual final
      hybrids were not statistically significant but variance of pH(24) value was
      highly notable (P<0.001). All colour parameters (L(*), a(*), b(*) values), drip
      loss and exudate also were influenced by hybrid combination (P<0.001). Influence
      of crossbreeding on intramuscular fat content was not statistically significant
      (P=0.067). Higher content of intramuscular fat was determined in the hybrids with
      Duroc breed in sire line. In the whole group, 8.5% pig with PSE defect was found.
      By comparison of all the various hybridisation, positive influence of Hampshire
      breed on the carcass quality and negative influence on meat quality was
      confirmed. On the other hand, meat quality is positively influenced Duroc and
      Czech meat pig breeds.

PMID- 22064142
TI  - The relationship between meat tenderization, myofibril fragmentation and
      autolysis of calpain 3 during post-mortem aging.
AB  - The objective was to study the potential role of calpain 3 in postmortem
      myofibril breakdown and meat tenderization. We determined the temporal changes in
      calpain 3 protein in the ovine m. longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL, n=4)
      during post-mortem storage. Concurrently, we also determined the kinetics of
      tenderization level, changes in MFI, degradation of nebulin and desmin, and
      autolysis of calpain 1. The autolysis of calpains 1 and 3 were strongly
      correlated with the kinetics of tenderization and changes in MFI. The best
      correlation was between the appearance of the autolyzed calpains 1 and 3 and
      nebulin degradation. Taken together, the results indicated that calpains 1 and/
      or 3 might be playing a key role in post-mortem tenderization of LTL via the
      proteolysis of specific muscle structural proteins such as nebulin. This is the
      first report that relates calpain 3 to myofibrillar protein degradation in post
      mortem skeletal muscle.

PMID- 22064143
TI  - Interrelationships of breed type, USDA quality grade, cooking method, and degree
      of doneness on consumer evaluations of beef in Dallas and San Antonio, Texas,
      USA.
AB  - The objective of this research was to evaluate the consumer controlled factors of
      cooking method and degree of doneness on top loin steaks from different USDA
      quality grades (Low Choice, High Select or Low Select) and breed-types (English,
      Continental European Cross or Brahman Cross). In addition, cities within the same
      region were evaluated for differences in consumer controlled factors and
      palatability responses. The in-home product test was conducted in Dallas and San
      Antonio, Texas, USA. Consumers (n=173) evaluated steaks for overall like (OSAT),
      tenderness (TEND), juiciness (JUIC), and flavor (FLAV) using 23-point hedonic
      scales. Respondents in Dallas cooked their steaks to higher degrees of doneness
      than did those in San Antonio. Outdoor grilling was the most frequently used
      method of cookery for steaks in both cities. Generally, consumers in San Antonio
      gave higher palatability ratings to Choice steaks and Dallas consumers gave
      higher ratings to Select steaks. The interactions of city*cooking method, breed
      type*cooking method, and degree of doneness*cooking method were significant for
      all palatability attributes. In addition, the interaction of cooking
      method*quality grade was significant for TEND, JUIC, and FLAV. Warner-Bratzler
      shear (WBS) force was determined on a steak from each strip loin. Steaks from
      Continental European Cross cattle and Low Choice carcasses had the lowest WBS
      values. Differences in consumer preparation of beef top loin steaks present very
      unique challenges for the beef industry. Consumer information programs may serve
      a valuable role in connecting consumer perceptions with the preparation
      techniques needed to consistently achieve satisfaction.

PMID- 22064144
TI  - Effect of dietary alpha-linolenic acid and vitamin E on the fatty acid
      composition, storage stability and sensory traits of rabbit meat.
AB  - The synergistic effect of dietary linolenic acid and vitamin E on the oxidative
      stability and nutritional and eating characteristics of fresh and stored rabbit
      meat was studied. One-hundred hybrid male rabbits were divided into two
      homogenous groups and fed ad libitum two diets differing in the amount of
      sunflower and flaxseed and in the level of alpha-tocopherol, as follows: control
      diet: 0.08 kg kg(-1) sunflower, 50 mg kg(-1) alpha-tocopheryl-acetate and LNA-VE
      diet: 0.08 kg kg(-1) flaxseed, 200 mg kg(-1) alpha-tocopheryl-acetate. At 85
      days, 20 rabbits per group were slaughtered and the thiobarbituric-acid reactive
      substances (TBA-RS), chemical composition, fatty acid profile and sensory quality
      were assessed on the longissimus dorsi muscles (fresh and stored for 8 days at 4 
      degrees C). The proximate composition of the fresh muscle was not significantly
      affected by the dietary treatment. Rabbits fed the LNA-VE diet showed a good
      capability to elongate and desaturate linolenic acid and this diet enriched the n
      3 PUFA content of the meat without affecting its peroxidative stability. The
      sensory quality of the fresh and stored muscle was slightly affected by the
      dietary treatment, even though final tenderness (fresh meat) and overall
      acceptability (stored meat) of the LNA-VE rabbits showed significantly higher
      scores.

PMID- 22064145
TI  - Lipolysis and lipid oxidation in fermented sausages depending on different
      processing conditions and different antioxidants.
AB  - Lipolysis and lipid oxidation in Mediterranean and North Europe type sausages
      were studied in relation to raw material, processing conditions and additives. In
      particular the effect of ascorbic acid, nitrites and spices was evaluated.
      Lipolysis was measured by the determination of total and free fatty acids of
      fresh minces and matured products and lipid oxidation was evaluated by
      thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and cholesterol oxidation products. The
      increase of free fatty acids during maturation appears to be independent from
      processing conditions and the differences in polyunsaturated fatty acids
      increment found among the formulations appear to be due to inherent variations of
      raw materials. The presence of ascorbic acid and/or nitrite seems important for
      cholesterol protection and, as a consequence, for the safety of fermented meat
      products while spices at doses up to 0.1% do not seem to have a remarkable
      effect. The effect on fatty acid oxidation of the same additives and of the
      different processing technologies is not significantly different and the
      variations linked to raw material may play the greatest role.

PMID- 22064146
TI  - Characterisation of young bulls of the Bruna dels Pirineus cattle breed (selected
      from old Brown Swiss) in relation to carcass, meat quality and biochemical
      traits.
AB  - Seventy-four young bulls of the Bruna dels Pirineus beef cattle breed were reared
      in a typical production system and slaughtered at an average age of 381 days and
      live weight of 541 kg. The animals were evaluated for productive traits, carcass
      quality, meat quality, eating quality and biochemical characteristics of m.
      longissimus thoracis (LT). Biochemical measurements included intramuscular fat
      (IMF) and collagen proportion, haem pigment concentration, lactate dehydrogenase
      and isocitrate dehydrogenase activities and type I (MHC I) fibre percentage
      determined by ELISA. Bruna dels Pirineus bulls achieved high growth rates during
      the fattening period (1.63 kg/day) and showed good carcass quality, with a high
      dressing-out proportion (607 g/kg, hot carcass), a good conformation score (U;
      EUROP) and a moderate fatness score (3;1-5). Carcass composition was estimated
      from the sixth rib joint dissection (682 g/kg lean proportion, 127 g/kg total
      dissectable fat and 163 g/kg bone). IMF (24.3 g/kg) and MHC I (27.9%) showed high
      variabilities (CV>30%). Sensory analysis of LT included beef and livery odour and
      flavour intensity, and overall tenderness and juiciness assessment of loin
      samples (14-day ageing). Beef odour and flavour were slightly positively
      correlated with IMF and carcass fatness score (P<0.05). Fatness, MHC I, insoluble
      collagen and cooking losses tended to affect the livery flavour intensity
      positively. This variable was significantly higher in meat from bulls of lower
      carcass quality (i.e. lower conformation score, lower lean proportion; P<0.05)
      and higher type I fibre percentage. Loin overall tenderness and juiciness were
      not affected by the biochemical traits studied, however, they were negatively
      affected by cooking loss (P<0.05).

PMID- 22064147
TI  - Water properties during cooking of pork studied by low-field NMR relaxation:
      effects of curing and the RN(-)-gene.
AB  - Using low-field NMR transverse relaxation measurements, the physico-chemical
      state of water in meat was followed continuously during cooking of 20 uncured and
      20 cured pork samples from RN-carriers (n=20) and non-carriers (n=20). The
      obtained relaxation data were analysed using (i) distributed exponential fitting,
      and (ii) principal component analysis (PCA). Distributed exponential fitting
      revealed transition from a system with relatively well-separated components to a
      less well-defined system with a wide distribution of relaxation times and merged
      components during cooking. In addition, distributed exponential fitting analysis
      implied changes in relaxation characteristics that are tentatively ascribed to
      denaturation of myosin and subsequent shrinkage of the myofibrillar structures.
      The results are further suggested to reflect formation of new compartments in the
      myofibrillar lattice during the shrinkage of the existing structures with a
      succeeding redistribution of water. Nitrite curing was found to affect the
      distribution of water as well as the progress in the different water populations
      during cooking. PCA revealed two major shifts in relaxation characteristics
      around 43 and 56  degrees C in uncured samples and around 43 and 63  degrees C in
      cured samples, and the shift around 43  degrees C was found to be significantly
      affected by RN-genotype. The strong shift in water properties around 43  degrees
      C is suggested to be a result of myosin denaturation, and thus the results imply
      differences in myosin denaturation in meat from RN-carriers compared with meat
      from non-carriers. The second shift in water properties is suggested to reflect
      the onset of collagen shrinkage causing longitudinal shrinkage of meat, and
      accordingly the shift from 56 to 63  degrees C in the presence of salt points
      towards an effect of curing on structural alterations during cooking.

PMID- 22064148
TI  - Volatiles in a sausage surface model-influence of Penicillium nalgiovense,
      Pediococcus pentosaceus, ascorbate, nitrate and temperature.
AB  - Thirty-two agar sausage models were arranged in a 2((5-1)) fractional factorial
      design to analyse the effects of Penicillium nalgiovense growth, Pediococcus
      pentosaceus starter, sodium ascorbate, sodium nitrate and temperature on 79
      volatiles produced during incubation. The model focused on the outer 10
      millimeters of sausages. Ascorbate addition showed clear antioxidative effects,
      and reduced the amount of more than half of all volatiles but increased
      concentrations of 2-methyl-propanal and 3-methyl-butanal. The effects of P.
      pentosaceus and Micrococcaceae were confounded, but together they had pronounced
      antioxidative effects, lowering the amount of straight chain aldehydes, 2
      alkenals, furanes and ketones. P. pentosaceus and Micrococcaceae growth increased
      the leucine catabolites 3-methyl-butanal and 3-methyl-1-butanol. P. nalgiovense
      decreased the concentrations of 2-heptanone, 2-octanone and 2-nonanone, probably
      because of abnormally high concentration of mycelia. The data indicates that P.
      nalgiovense converts 2,3-butanedione and 3-hydroxy-2-butanone to 2-butanone. P.
      nalgiovense increased the concentrations of 1-octene-3-ol and dimethyl disulfide,
      liberated 2-methyl-furan and 2,4-dimethyl-furan from casing and seemed to
      liberate chloroform and 1,2-dimethyl benzene from meat. Both 2-methyl-1-propanol
      and 2-methyl-1-butanol decreased significantly with increasing temperature-this
      indicated a shift in metabolic pathway. No effects were seen for addition of
      nitrate.

PMID- 22064149
TI  - Effect of different feeds on meat quality and fatty acid composition of lambs
      fattened at pasture.
AB  - Two kinds of feed (commercial concentrate vs whole supplemented barley) were
      compared in unweaned lambs and lambs weaned at 40 days of age, fattened at
      pasture and slaughtered at 28 kg live weight, in order to observe their effects
      on meat quality and fatty acid composition. The weaning status influenced
      fatness; unweaned lambs displayed a greater carcass fatness score and more kidney
      knob and channel fat than weaned lambs. Compared with the unweaned animals,
      weaned lambs exhibited higher pH values at 0 h and 45 min in the m. longissimus
      thoracis (LT) and at 45 min and 24 h in the m. semitendinosus. The redness index
      (a*) of the m. LT of weaned lambs was higher than that of unweaned lambs, and
      lambs fed concentrate displayed a higher yellowness index (b*) and a higher Hue
      value than those given whole barley. Water-holding capacity did not vary with the
      treatments studied. The proportion of saturated fatty acids (SFA) in
      intramuscular fat was higher (P?0.001) in unweaned lambs than in weaned ones
      while, on the other hand, the latter displayed a higher proportion of
      monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and a higher n-6/n-3 ratio in the same tissue.
      As was the case with intramuscular fat, the subcutaneous fat of unweaned lambs
      exhibited higher proportions of medium-chain fatty acids (C12:0, C14:0 y C16:0)
      and lower ones of stearic (C18:0) and oleic (C18:1) fatty acids than that of
      weaned lambs. Higher levels of heptadecenoic acid (C17:1) were found in the
      subcutaneous fat of lambs fed whole barley than in that of lambs given
      concentrate. PUFA/SFA and n-6/n-3 ratios were lower in the m. LT than in the m.
      quadriceps femoris.

PMID- 22064150
TI  - Lipid and protein oxidation in vitro, and antioxidant potential in meat from
      Charolais cows finished on pasture or mixed diet.
AB  - In this work, the effect of finishing diet (pasture- or mixed-diet) on lipid and
      protein oxidation in beef homogenates was evaluated. Oxidation was chemically
      induced by ferrous iron and hydrogen peroxide. Lipid and protein oxidation were
      respectively measured by determining TBA reactive substances (TBA-RS) and protein
      carbonyl groups (DNPH coupling method). Evaluation of the antioxidant status of
      meat was also performed by measuring vitamin E concentration and antioxidant
      enzyme activities: superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and
      catalase. Pasture-finishing mode of animals significantly protected lipids in
      meat from oxidation but diet mode did not affect protein oxidation. Concentration
      of vitamin E was higher in meat from pasture-fed animals. Different diets had
      opposite effects on SOD and GPx activities, pasture-finishing mode of animals
      increasing SOD activity but decreasing GPx activity. No significant effect of
      diet was noted on catalase activity.

PMID- 22064151
TI  - Fat volatiles tracers of grass feeding in sheep.
AB  - Volatile compounds were analysed in subcutaneous fat from lambs raised and
      finished on grass (GG); raised and finished on concentrates (SS); raised on grass
      and finished on concentrates for a long (GS1) or a short (GS2) period. Whereas 3
      methylindole (skatole), a compound that has been described as a good
      discriminator of grass feeding, was unaffected by the diet (P>0.05), 2,3
      octanedione was lower (P<0.01) in the fat from animals that spent a period in
      stall with a concentrate diet than in those finished on grass. Among the 20
      monoterpenes detected, only p-cymene was affected by the treatment, being higher
      (P<0.05) in the fat from animals raised and finished on grass (GG) than in the
      other treatments. Eight among the 13 detected sesquiterpenes were affected by the
      diet treatment. In particular beta-caryophyllene, not detected in the fat from
      animals raised and finished on concentrates (SS group), was at basal levels in
      the animals raised on pasture and finished for different durations on
      concentrates (GS1 and GS2 treatments) and was present at high levels in the
      animals raised and finished on grass (P<0.0005). From a factorial discriminant
      analysis, four of the 33 terpenes detected discriminated perfectly those animals
      raised and finished on pasture (GG) from all the other groups (SS, GS1, GS2).

PMID- 22064152
TI  - Analysis of image-based measurements and USDA characteristics as predictors of
      beef lean yield.
AB  - This paper describes a comprehensive analysis of the 12th rib image measurements,
      USDA yield characteristics and USDA yield grade as predictors of beef lean yield.
      The predictors were used in separate groups to construct three sets of multiple
      linear regression models for the prediction of lean yield of 241 carcasses. Fat
      thickness is traditionally considered the most useful predictor. The analysis
      showed that the percent rib eye area was a more useful single predictor than fat
      thickness, and that the average fat thickness was insignificant when rib eye area
      and fat area were used. While marbling is traditionally considered a predictor of
      quality, the results showed that marbling characteristics were also useful for
      yield prediction. The usually-observed large differences in accuracy between the
      predictions of lean weight and lean percentage were shown to result from the
      variations in carcass weight. Statistical diagnostics confirmed the suitability
      of the models developed. A neural network model was tested and the results
      suggested that the inclusion of nonlinearity in the predictive models did not
      prove beneficial. Important predictors were identified and the advantages of
      computer vision and image processing techniques were further demonstrated.

PMID- 22064153
TI  - A method for early determination of meat ultimate pH.
AB  - A patented method of rapidly determining the ultimate pH from approximate
      glycolytic potential of muscles of slaughtered animals has been devised. The
      method is based on the rapid hydrolysis of muscle glycogen to glucose by the
      enzyme amyloglucosidase and subsequent measurement of the liberated glucose. In
      acetate buffer at pH 4.5, glucose concentration can be determined in 30 s with
      domestic meters for diabetes control. The meter response differed from that of
      glucose in blood, but was linear with concentration. In slurries comprising
      homogenised meat in acetate buffer and added glucose, a similar linear response
      was obtained. Amyloglucosidase was capable of rapidly hydrolysing glycogen to
      glucose in such slurries. In the 24 h following slaughter, a decrease in
      glycogen, as determined by glucose, occurred in parallel with the decline in pH.
      At the same time, lactate progressively accumulated as expected. Values for the
      approximate glycolytic potential and (by calibration) ultimate pH, were obtained
      on prerigor muscle within 7 min of muscle sampling in an industrial environment.
      The method is suitable for on-line application in beef abattoirs particularly
      those employing hot boning where ultimate must be known at the grading point.

PMID- 22064154
TI  - Peroxynitrite induced discoloration of muscle foods.
AB  - The objective of this research was to characterize the ability of peroxynitrite
      to cause the discoloration of meat using an in vitro oxymyoglobin system, a
      soluble fraction of beef muscle and minced muscle. Kinetic studies of the bolus
      addition of peroxynitrite (250 MUM) to solutions of oxymyoglobin in phosphate
      buffer showed that oxidation occurred over the first 10 min producing 180 MUM
      metmyoglobin and then slowed to the oxidation rate of the control. Addition of
      peroxynitrite (100-750 MUM) to the soluble fraction of Longissimus dorsi muscle
      resulted in partial to complete discoloration of samples with 500-750 MUM
      peroxynitrite resulting in 90-100% conversion of oxymyoglobin to metmyoglobin
      after 90 min. In minced L. dorsi samples, kinetic studies indicate that addition
      of 250 MUM peroxynitrite resulted in a longer period of metmyoglobin formation
      than the in vitro experiment, lasting 40 min and resulting in the formation of
      280 MUM metmyoglobin. Antioxidants (ascorbic acid, glutathione, alpha-tocopherol
      and Trolox) were ineffective in preventing peroxynitrite-induced discoloration of
      minced meat, however ascorbic acid was able to partially restore color loss as
      the incubation period continued. The results indicate that peroxynitrite may be
      involved in the discoloration of muscle foods.

PMID- 22064155
TI  - A note on the suitability of an exponential equation to characterize pH decline
      corrected for muscle temperature in bovine muscle early post mortem.
AB  - Identifying rates of pH and temperature decline associated with bovine M.
      longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) tenderness would assist beef carcass
      processors to produce a high quality product. An exponential decay equation was
      used to describe the early post mortem declines of pH values adjusted to 20 
      degrees C and their concomitant temperature data from 371 bovine LTL muscles.
      Approximately 10% of the muscles in the database exhibited non-exponential pH
      decline post mortem and the model did not converge for these muscles. For
      convergent muscles, the model predicted pH values homoscedastically with no
      significant bias. Limits of agreement analysis showed that the model predicted
      the adjusted pH value within 0.14 pH units. Prediction error was evenly
      distributed and the intra-class correlation coefficent was high (r(I)=0.98). When
      applied to the muscle temperature data, the exponential equation predicted
      temperature values heteroscedastically. These results indicated that this
      exponential equation characterised the post mortem pH decline in LTL muscle
      sufficiently well for researchers to use the exponential constant (k) of decay to
      describe this decline with time or muscle temperature. The equation was not
      appropriate for describing the decline of muscle temperature with time post
      mortem in this data set.

PMID- 22064156
TI  - Erratum to: "Comparison of the performances of Nero Siciliano pigs reared indoors
      and outdoors. 1. Growth and carcass composition" Meat Science 65(2) (2003) 825
      831.

PMID- 22064157
TI  - Adipose tissue quantity and composition contribute to adipokine concentrations in
      the subclavian vein and the inferior mesenteric vein.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Adipose tissue dysfunction is associated with inflammation, type 2
      diabetes mellitus and vascular diseases. Visceral adipose tissue (VAT)-derived
      adipokines, which are released in the portal circulation may influence liver
      metabolism. OBJECTIVES: (1) To estimate the contribution of VAT and subcutaneous
      adipose tissue (SAT) on adipokine levels by measuring differences in adipokine
      concentrations between the portal draining inferior mesenteric vein and the
      subclavian vein. (2) To determine the relation of both VAT and SAT quantity and
      composition to mesenteric and systemic concentrations of adipokines. DESIGN:
      Cross-sectional cohort study. SUBJECTS: A total of 32 patients undergoing
      abdominal aortic surgery. MEASUREMENTS: A panel of 18 adipokines was measured in
      perioperatively obtained blood samples from the subclavian vein and the inferior
      mesenteric vein. Adipocyte size, macrophage infiltration and capillary density
      were measured in subcutaneous and mesenteric adipose tissue biopsies; SAT and VAT
      areas were measured on computed tomography images. RESULTS: Serum interferon
      gamma-inducible protein 10 (IP-10) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)
      concentrations were significantly higher in the inferior mesenteric vein vs the
      subclavian vein. SAT area (beta -18; 95% confidence interval (CI) -35 to -2),
      subcutaneous adipocyte size (beta -488; 95% CI -938 to -38) and SAT macrophages
      quantity (beta -1439; 95% CI -2387 to -491) were negatively associated with
      adiponectin levels in the systemic circulation. SAT area was related to systemic
      concentrations of leptin. Mesenteric adiponectin concentrations were related to
      VAT area (beta -20; 95% CI -35 to -5) and visceral adipocyte size (beta -1076;
      95% CI -1624 to -527). VAT area, adipocyte size and capillary density were
      related to systemic adiponectin concentrations. CONCLUSION: SAT and VAT
      quantities as well as morphologic characteristics of both adipose tissue depots
      are related to systemic and mesenteric adipokine concentrations. There were no
      differences in adipokine concentrations between the mesenteric and subclavian
      vein, except for higher IP-10 and HGF concentrations in the inferior mesenteric
      vein, indicating a possible contribution of VAT to IP-10 and HGF levels.

PMID- 22064158
TI  - Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha) activation advances
      locomotor activity and feeding daily rhythms in mice.
AB  - Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are key mediators of energy
      homeostasis, and lipid and glucose metabolism that exhibit circadian expression.
      PPAR activating drugs are used clinically as lipid and glucose-lowering drugs. We
      evaluated the effect of long-term (11 weeks) PPARalpha and PPARgamma activation
      using bezafibrate and rosiglitazone, respectively, on metabolism, locomotor
      activity and feeding rhythms of non-obese mice. We found that bezafibrate, but
      not rosiglitazone, led to no weight gain and a slight weight loss with reduced
      epididymal fat pads. Although rosiglitazone had a minor effect on 24-h food
      intake rhythm, bezafibrate treatment was accompanied by increased amplitude and
      an advanced acrophase of the 24-h feeding rhythm. Similarly, unlike
      rosiglitazone, bezafibrate treatment was accompanied by a significantly advanced
      acrophase of locomotor activity rhythm under constant darkness conditions. As
      disrupted circadian rhythms lead to obesity, PPARalpha activation can serve as a
      clinical target for the modulation of both circadian rhythms and metabolism.

PMID- 22064159
TI  - Is funding source related to study reporting quality in obesity or nutrition
      randomized control trials in top-tier medical journals?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Faithful and complete reporting of trial results is essential to the
      validity of the scientific literature. An earlier systematic study of randomized
      controlled trials (RCTs) found that industry-funded RCTs appeared to be reported
      with greater quality than non-industry-funded RCTs. The aim of this study was to
      examine the association between systematic differences in reporting quality and
      funding status (that is, industry funding vs non-industry funding) among recent
      obesity and nutrition RCTs published in top-tier medical journals. METHODS:
      Thirty-eight obesity or nutrition intervention RCT articles were selected from
      high-profile, general medical journals (The Lancet, Annals of Internal Medicine,
      JAMA and the British Medical Journal) published between 2000 and 2007. Paired
      papers were selected from the same journal published in the same year, one with
      and the other without industry funding. The following identifying information was
      redacted: journal, title, authors, funding source and institution(s). Then three
      raters independently and blindly rated each paper according to the Chalmers
      method, and total reporting quality scores were calculated. FINDINGS: The inter
      rater reliability (Cronbach's alpha) was 0.82 (95% confidence interval = 0.80
      0.84). The total mean (M) and s.d. of Chalmers Index quality score (out of a
      possible 100) for industry-funded studies were M = 84.5, s.d. = 7.04 and for non
      industry-funded studies they were M = 79.4, s.d. = 13.00. A Wilcoxon matched
      pairs signed-ranks test indicates no significant rank difference in the
      distributions of total quality scores between funding sources, Z = -0.966, P =
      0.334 (two tailed). INTERPRETATION: Recently published RCTs on nutrition and
      obesity that appear in top-tier journals seem to be equivalent in quality of
      reporting, regardless of funding source. This may be a result of recent reporting
      of quality statements and efforts of journal editors to raise all papers to a
      common standard.

PMID- 22064160
TI  - Effects of brief perturbations in energy balance on indices of glucose
      homeostasis in healthy lean men.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Little is known about the effects of short-term caloric restriction
      (CR) and overfeeding (OF) on glucose homeostasis in healthy lean individuals. In
      addition, it remains unclear whether the effects of CR and OF are reversed by a
      complementary feeding period. METHODS: Ten healthy men participated in two cycles
      of controlled 7-day periods of CR and refeeding (RF; protocol A), and OF and CR
      (protocol B) at +/-60% energy requirement. At baseline, insulin sensitivity (IS)
      was assessed by euglycemic clamp (M). Before and during each feeding cycle,
      fasting and oral glucose tolerance test-derived indices were used to estimate
      glucose tolerance, IS and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. RESULTS: Clamp
      tests revealed normal IS at baseline (M-values 9.4+/-2.1 mg kg-1  min-1,
      coefficient of variation (CV)(inter) 22%). M-values were significantly correlated
      with indices of IS. In protocol A, CR-induced weight loss (-3.0+/-0.4 kg) was
      associated with an increase in fasting IS. Postprandial IS and glucose-stimulated
      insulin secretion remained unchanged, but glucose tolerance decreased. RF
      decreased fasting and postprandial IS at increased glucose-stimulated insulin
      secretion. In protocol B, OF significantly increased the body weight (+1.6+/-0.9
      kg). Concomitantly, fasting and postprandial IS decreased at increased glucose
      stimulated insulin secretion. Subsequent CR reversed these effects. Inter
      individual variability in indices of glucose metabolism was high with
      coefficients of variation ranging from 9 to 59%. CONCLUSION: Significant changes
      in glucose metabolism are evident within 7-day periods of controlled OF and
      underfeeding. Although IS was impaired at the end of the CR-RF cycle, IS was
      normalized after the OF-CR cycle. At different feeding regimens, homeostatic
      responses of glucose metabolism were highly variable.

PMID- 22064161
TI  - Reward activity in satiated overweight women is decreased during unbiased viewing
      but increased when imagining taste: an event-related fMRI study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study was
      to investigate reward-related brain activity in satiated overweight and healthy
      weight participants in response to high-calorie palatable food pictures, when
      viewing the pictures without prior instructions (called unbiased viewing) versus
      imagining the taste of the shown pictures (called taste imagination). We
      predicted that neural activation in brain reward regions would be greater in
      overweight participants than in healthy-weight ones and that this difference
      between groups would be strongest during unbiased viewing. METHOD: Neural
      activation was measured using fMRI in 14 overweight (mean body mass index (BMI):
      29.8 kg m(-2)) and 15 healthy-weight (mean BMI: 21.1 kg m(-2)) participants who
      were satiated, in response to palatable and unpalatable high-calorie and low
      calorie food pictures, presented in an event-related design during two
      conditions: unbiased viewing (no prior instructions) versus taste imagination.
      RESULTS: A group * condition interaction was found in 14 brain regions involved
      in food reward processing during the presentation of high-calorie palatable food
      stimuli. During the taste imagination condition, neural activation in these
      regions was greater in the overweight participants than in the healthy-weight
      ones. Contrary to our expectations, the opposite pattern was observed during
      unbiased viewing: activation in reward regions in the overweight participants was
      reduced compared with the healthy-weight ones. In all brain reward regions except
      for the left amygdala, the group * condition interaction was specific to high
      calorie palatable food stimuli. CONCLUSION: Greater reward activity in the
      overweight participants compared with the control group when imagining taste may
      represent an increased reward response induced by high-calorie palatable food.
      During unbiased viewing, reduced reward activation in the overweight participants
      compared with those with a healthy weight may reflect avoidance of high-calorie
      palatable food stimuli. Taken together, this pattern of activation may reflect
      ambivalence in the overweight group between desire for (in the taste imagination
      condition) and avoidance of (in the unbiased viewing condition) high-calorie
      palatable food stimuli.

PMID- 22064163
TI  - Sertraline (Zoloft) response in major depressive disorder is not associated with
      three 5-HT1A receptor gene polymorphisms (rs6295, rs10042486, or rs1364043) in
      Chinese-Han patients.

PMID- 22064162
TI  - Genome-wide association study of comorbid depressive syndrome and alcohol
      dependence.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Depression and alcohol dependence (AD) are common psychiatric
      disorders that often co-occur. Both disorders are genetically influenced, with
      heritability estimates in the range of 35-60%. In addition, evidence from twin
      studies suggests that AD and depression are genetically correlated. Herein, we
      report results from a genome-wide association study of a comorbid phenotype, in
      which cases meet the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV
      symptom threshold for major depressive symptomatology and the Diagnostic and
      Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV criteria for AD. METHODS: Samples
      (N=467 cases and N=407 controls) were of European-American descent and were
      genotyped using the Illumina Human 1M BeadChip array. RESULTS: Although no single
      nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) meets genome-wide significance criteria, we
      identified 10 markers with P values less than 1 * 10(-5), seven of which are
      located in known genes, which have not been previously implicated in either
      disorder. Genes harboring SNPs yielding P values less than 1 * 10(-5) are
      functionally enriched for a number of gene ontology categories, notably several
      related to glutamatergic function. Investigation of expression localization using
      online resources suggests that these genes are expressed across a variety of
      tissues, including behaviorally relevant brain regions. Genes that have been
      previously associated with depression, AD, or other addiction-related phenotypes 
      such as CDH13, CSMD2, GRID1, and HTR1B - were implicated by nominally
      significant SNPs. Finally, the degree of overlap of significant SNPs between a
      comorbid phenotype and an AD-only phenotype is modest. CONCLUSION: These results
      underscore the complex genomic influences on psychiatric phenotypes and suggest
      that a comorbid phenotype is partially influenced by genetic variants that do not
      affect AD alone.

PMID- 22064164
TI  - Mental health delivery system in India-a brief report.

PMID- 22064166
TI  - Dietary vitamin A concentration alters fatty acid composition in pigs.
AB  - This experiment was conducted to study the effect of vitamin A concentration in
      the diet on fatty acid composition in pigs. One-hundred and twenty eight Duroc *
      (Large White * Landrace) castrated male pigs were used. Pigs were randomly
      distributed and located in cages of four pigs each to the following treatment:
      vitamin A-enriched diet (100,000IU/kg) (n=16) and control diet with a basal level
      (7500IU/kg) (n=16). The pigs were slaughtered at an average weight of 125.9kg. No
      effect of diet vitamin A level on performance, carcass traits and intramuscular
      fat percentage was observed. The retinol concentration in subcutaneous backfat
      and retinol and retinol palmitate contents in liver were higher in the pigs that
      were given the vitamin A enriched diet than in those receiving the control diet.
      However the vitamin A supplementation did not increase the retinol content in the
      muscle. Pigs receiving the vitamin A enriched diet showed a higher C16:0 and ?SFA
      proportions in the outer layer and C18:0 and ?SFA proportions in the inner layer.
      Moreover, the diet rich in vitamin A led to a reduction of C18:1 n-9 and ?MUFA
      proportions in subcutaneous backfat inner layer. Dietary vitamin A concentration
      had not influence on main fatty acids composition of intramuscular lipids.
      Dietary vitamin A enrichment lead to a higher C16:0, ?SFA concentration in liver
      lipids.

PMID- 22064167
TI  - Influence of transportation stress and animal temperament on fecal shedding of
      Escherichia coli O157:H7 in feedlot cattle.
AB  - To test the influence of transportation stress and temperament on shedding of
      Escherichia coli O157:H7, cattle (n=150) were classified at various stages of
      production as Excitable, Intermediate or Calm based on a variety of disposition
      scores. Presence of E. coli O157:H7 was determined by rectal swabs from live
      animals and from colons collected postmortem. Percentage of cattle shedding E.
      coli O157:H7 at arrival at the feedlot was approximately equal among temperament
      groups. Before shipment to the processing facility, a higher (P=0.03) proportion
      of cattle from the Calm group shed E. coli O157:H7 compared to the other
      temperament groups. When pooled across all sampling periods, cattle from the Calm
      group had a greater percentage test positive for E. coli O157:H7. Neither the
      acute stressor of transportation nor a more excitable temperament led to
      increased shedding of E. coli O157:H7 in cattle.

PMID- 22064168
TI  - The effect of cooking on the fatty acid composition of longissimus muscle from
      beef heifers fed rations designed to increase the concentration of conjugated
      linoleic acid in tissue.
AB  - Longissimus dorsi (LD) muscle from 60 Charolais crossbred heifers, aged for 14
      days was used to investigate the effect of cooking on the content of PUFA and CLA
      fatty acids. Animals were offered a control diet of grass silage and concentrates
      (CO) or rations designed to enhance the concentration of CLA in tissue, i.e.
      unsupplemented grazed pasture (G), sunflower-oil supplemented grazing (SFG) or
      linseed-oil oil supplemented grazing (LSG). The SFG diet was the most effective
      for increasing the concentration of CLA but also caused the highest n-6/n-3 fatty
      acid ratio. There were no changes in the relative distribution of fatty acids
      upon cooking (140 degrees C for 30min) and this procedure can be recommended
      because it preserves the nutritional value of the meat. It is concluded that
      irrespective of the change in the fatty acid composition of LD due to alteration
      in the diet of the cattle, cooking did not cause thermal degradation of PUFA, or
      thermal degradation or oxidative synthesis of CLA.

PMID- 22064169
TI  - Analysis and classification of commercial ham slice images using directional
      fractal dimension features.
AB  - This paper presents a novel and non-destructive approach to the appearance
      characterization and classification of commercial pork, turkey and chicken ham
      slices. Ham slice images were modelled using directional fractal (DF(0 degrees
      ;45 degrees ;90 degrees ;135 degrees )) dimensions and a minimum distance
      classifier was adopted to perform the classification task. Also, the role of
      different colour spaces and the resolution level of the images on DF analysis
      were investigated. This approach was applied to 480 wafer thin ham slices from
      four types of hams (120 slices per type): i.e., pork (cooked and smoked), turkey
      (smoked) and chicken (roasted). DF features were extracted from digitalized
      intensity images in greyscale, and R, G, B, L(*), a(*), b(*), H, S, and V colour
      components for three image resolution levels (100%, 50%, and 25%). Simulation
      results show that in spite of the complexity and high variability in colour and
      texture appearance, the modelling of ham slice images with DF dimensions allows
      the capture of differentiating textural features between the four commercial ham
      types. Independent DF features entail better discrimination than that using the
      average of four directions. However, DF dimensions reveal a high sensitivity to
      colour channel, orientation and image resolution for the fractal analysis. The
      classification accuracy using six DF dimension features (a(90 degrees )(*),a(135
      degrees )(*),H(0 degrees ),H(45 degrees ),S(0 degrees ),H(90 degrees )) was 93.9%
      for training data and 82.2% for testing data.

PMID- 22064170
TI  - Volatile compounds in fresh meats subjected to high pressure processing: Effect
      of the packaging material.
AB  - The effect of high pressure treatment (400MPa, 10min at 12 degrees C) on the
      volatile profile of minced beef and chicken breast, packaged with or without
      aluminum foil in a multilayer polymeric bag, was investigated. The analysis of
      the volatile fraction was carried out by dynamic headspace extraction coupled to
      gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Pressurization produced significant changes
      in the levels of some volatile compounds presumably coming from microbial
      activity. Some alcohols and aldehydes decreased, while other compounds, such as
      2,3-butanedione and 2-butanone, were more abundant in high pressure processed
      meats. A significant migration of compounds from the plastic material was
      observed, mainly branched-chain alkanes and benzene compounds. Two functions
      built by the principal component analysis explained a high percentage of the
      variance and could be used to separate the samples into four distinct groups,
      according to high pressure treatment and packaging material.

PMID- 22064171
TI  - Burdizzo pre-pubertal castration effects on performance, behaviour, carcass
      characteristics, and meat quality of Holstein bulls fed high-concentrate diets.
AB  - The effects of Burdizzo pre-pubertal castration on performance, behaviour,
      carcass, and meat quality of Holstein bulls fed high-concentrate diets were
      evaluated. Two hundred bulls (8.0+/-0.42 months old) were randomly assigned to
      control (CTR) or Burdizzo castration (BURD). After 121d, ADG, BW, and HCW were
      greater in CTR animals than in BURD animals, as well as, the agonistic and sexual
      behaviour. However, carcass fatness and intramuscular LT (longissimus thoracis)
      fat percentage were greater in BURD animals than in CTR animals. Additionally,
      CTR animals showed lower L(*), a(*), and b(*) than BURD. The WBSF was smaller
      (P<0.01) in BURD than in CTR bulls at all ageing days, and in both treatments
      decreased (P<0.01) from 0 to 7d of ageing. Additionally, at day 0 of ageing, meat
      from BURD animals showed similar WBSF to meat from CTR bulls after 7d of ageing.
      However, 23% of BURD animals did not have a complete testicular atrophy,
      suggesting that the method of castration was not completely effective.

PMID- 22064172
TI  - National Beef Market Basket Survey - 2006: External fat thickness measurements
      and separable component determinations for beef from US retail establishments.
AB  - A market basket survey for beef retail cut composition at the retail level (four
      stores each from two chains in each city) was conducted in 11 US cities from
      January to March 2006. Beef cuts (n=17,495) were measured for external fat
      thickness with cuts from the chuck (0.05cm), round (0.05cm), and miscellaneous
      (0.04cm) having less (P<0.05) fat than cuts from the loin (0.11cm) and rib
      (0.11cm). Beef cuts (n=1327) were separated physically into separable components
      with round cuts having more (P<0.05) separable lean (96.63%) than chuck cuts
      (86.81%) and miscellaneous cuts (86.18%), which had more (P<0.05) separable lean
      than loin cuts (84.53%) with rib cuts (69.34%) having the lowest (P<0.05)
      separable lean. Chemical fat from the separable lean differed (P<0.05) between
      each cut category: round cuts (3.71%), miscellaneous cuts (4.99%), loin cuts
      (5.60%), chuck cuts (6.90%), and rib cuts (8.61%). Ground beef samples (n=235),
      with declared lean/fat percentages ranging from 73/27 to 96/4, had overall
      chemical fat values of 13.41% and moisture values of 67.42%. This survey
      documents the current beef retail cut and ground beef composition, which is
      helpful to those who need this information for various dietary and marketing
      purposes.

PMID- 22064173
TI  - Effects of feeding system and nitrogen source on lamb growth, meat
      characteristics and fatty acid composition.
AB  - For this study, 28 lambs were allocated to four groups: two groups were raised in
      stalls and fed a hay-concentrate ration. The two remaining groups were reared on
      dry pasture and received concentrate in stalls. In each feeding system, two iso
      nitrogen concentrates were used, soya bean and soya plus faba bean. At the end of
      the growth trial (77 days), all lambs were slaughtered. Samples of longissimus
      dorsi muscle were used for muscle analysis and fatty acid (FA) composition
      determination. Average daily gain (134g) was similar for all treatments. Stall
      lambs deposited significantly (p<0.001) more fat per day (13 vs 5g) and slightly
      more muscle (41 vs 35g) than pasture grazing ones; the first had more fat tissue
      (5.2kg) than the later (4.6kg). All these parameters were not influenced by
      nitrogen source. FA profile and meat characteristics were similar for all dietary
      treatments. It could be concluded that dry pasture did not affect meat quality
      but lead to the leaner lambs.

PMID- 22064174
TI  - Sodium citrate as a replacement for sodium chloride in a brine solution when
      evaluated in cows of different backfat thickness.
AB  - The objective of this study was to evaluate seven muscles from cow forequarters,
      which were selected based on backfat thickness; an indicator of supplemental feed
      before slaughter: Moderate cover (Moderate ? 0.76cm) and Thin cover (Thin ?
      0.51cm). In addition, enhancement with a brine solution containing either Sodium
      Chloride or Sodium Citrate was evaluated for differences in shelf-life and meat
      quality. Moderate carcasses had increased carcass weight, increased fat cover and
      a lower yield for some of the muscles compared to Thin. However, there were
      minimal differences for palatability and shelf-life compared to Thin. Trained
      panelists detected minimal differences between Citrate and Chloride for
      palatability. Citrate resulted in visually darker steaks, but less discoloration
      during the display period. Results indicate that while selection of cow carcasses
      based upon backfat thickness results in minimal quality differences; compared to
      enhancement with Chloride, Citrate minimally impacts palatability and will extend
      product shelf-life by reducing discoloration.

PMID- 22064175
TI  - The value of in vivo real time ultrasonography in assessing loin muscularity and
      carcass composition of rabbits.
AB  - Sixty nine growing rabbits were scanned over the lumbar region using a real time
      ultrasonography (RTU) machine to estimate loin muscularity and carcass
      composition. Longissimus thoracis et lumborum muscle (LM) depth, width and area
      were taken. Animals were weighed (LW), slaughtered and carcass composition was
      determined. Equivalent measurements to those taken by RTU in vivo were taken on
      the carcass and muscularity indices were calculated on carcass and in vivo.
      Simple correlations between the two types of measurements were determined and
      carcass composition was estimated by simple and multiple regressions. The LW
      varied from 1200 to 3410g. The simple correlations between carcass and in vivo
      RTU LM measurements were high (P<0.001) and the LM area was the trait with the
      highest correlation (r=0.92). Simple correlations between muscularity indices
      measured by RTU and in carcass were significant (P<0.001). In vivo RTU
      measurements explained a large amount of the variation of the carcass meat weight
      (MW) and bone weight (r(2) range from 0.49 to 0.77; P<0.001). Using multiple
      regression equations to estimate carcass composition, the best fit was obtained
      with the LW and one or more in vivo RTU measurement. The LW explained 90.6% of
      the variation of MW in the carcass. In vivo RTU is able to estimate loin
      muscularity and carcass composition of rabbits with accuracy. The usefulness of
      in vivo RTU and LW to predict carcass composition of rabbits using multiple
      regressions was also shown.

PMID- 22064176
TI  - Characterization of striping in fresh, enhanced pork loins.
AB  - To investigate the striping phenomenon in fresh, enhanced pork, a series of
      experiments were undertaken to identify possible causes of the problem. No one
      factor (individual brine components, brine pH, ingredient concentration,
      enhancement pressure, meat and brine pH, or enhancement level) was specifically
      identified, which could be used to reduce the severity of the striping problem.
      Furthermore, tumbling the product for 2h, did not reduce the amount of striping,
      indicating once striping has occurred, it is permanent. Evaluation of the
      striping pattern indicates that the stripes are formed not only at the needle
      injection site, but also follow the muscle fiber orientation. The use of darker
      pork provided more of a contrast when evaluating striping, thus exacerbating the
      perceived level of striping.

PMID- 22064177
TI  - Muscle fibre characteristics of two contrasting sheep breeds: Scottish Blackface
      and Texel.
AB  - This study evaluates the effects of breed and sex, together with those of birth
      weight and litter size, on muscle fibre type characteristics in Texel (TEX) and
      Scottish Blackface sheep (SBF). The M.longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL) of
      TEX had a significantly higher total muscle cross-sectional area (16%), a higher
      total fibre number (20%) and a higher muscle CT density (5%) than the SBF but had
      a similar average muscle fibre size. The frequency of slow fibres in the LTL in
      TEX was lower than in SBF (7.5% vs. 9.6%). Muscle fibre histochemistry similarly
      demonstrated that the oxidative fibre frequency in TEX was 10% lower than in SBF.
      The inter-fibre lipid content in TEX was also significantly lower than in SBF.
      Correspondingly, TEX displayed higher frequency (91.7% vs. 90.9% in SBF) and
      higher relative total area (92.5% vs. 90.4% in SBF) of fast fibres. These breed
      differences in muscle fibre traits indicate underlying genetic variation, and
      future analyses will evaluate the link of these traits to meat quality and assess
      the usefulness of these traits in breeding programmes.

PMID- 22064178
TI  - Comparative study of the histochemical properties, collagen content and
      architecture of the skeletal muscles of wild boar crossbred pigs and commercial
      hybrid pigs.
AB  - The histochemical properties, collagen content and architecture of Musculus
      longissimusthoracis (LT), Musculus pectoralis profundus (PP) and Musculus biceps
      femoris (BF) were compared in F(1) (half blood) and F(2) (quarter blood) wild
      boar crossbred pigs and commercial hybrid pigs, and Japanese wild pigs. F(1) pigs
      showed the lowest growth rate, followed by F(2) pigs. The most rapid growth was
      shown by the commercial pigs. The percentage weights of LT and PP muscle to body
      weight were larger in the wild boar crossbred pigs than commercial pigs. The
      muscles of the crossbred pigs contained type I and IIA myofibers at higher
      frequency and type IIB at lower frequency than the commercial pigs, except for LT
      muscle of F(2) pigs. The myofiber diameter in each type of muscle did not differ
      between pigs except for the smaller type IIA in BF muscle in commercial pigs. The
      total amount of intramuscular collagen was less in LT muscles than the others.
      More intramuscular collagen was found in the wild boar crossbred pigs than the
      commercial pigs in LT and PP muscles. With an increase of collagen content, the
      perimysial collagen architecture developed but not the endomysial architecture.
      Traits characteristic of the crossbred pigs seem to be inherited from the wild
      boar. Our results clarify that cross breeding with wild boar results in pigs with
      distinctive muscle characteristics in terms of histochemical properties, collagen
      content and architecture.

PMID- 22064179
TI  - Polymorphism of the growth hormone gene and its association with growth traits in
      Boer goat bucks.
AB  - In the present study, the polymorphism of growth hormone (GH) gene was analyzed
      as a genetic marker candidate for growth traits in Boer goat bucks. Two single
      nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) - A781G (Ser/Gly35) and A1575G (Leu147), were
      identified by GH gene sequencing and PCR-RFLP (polymerase chain reaction
      restriction fragment length polymorphism) analysis. AA genotype resulted in a
      significant decrease in birth chest girth (P=0.03) and weaning weight (P=0.014)
      comparing to AB genotype, while CC genotype contributed to weaning height
      (P=0.04) greater than CD genotype. When in combination, AACD genotype was
      undesired for lower scores in a series of growth traits including body weight,
      length, height, and chest girth at birth and weaning, as well as the pre-weaning
      daily gain and body weight at age of 11 months. These results indicate that new
      molecular markers associated with caprine growth traits can be used in MAS
      (marker-assisted selection) in Boer goat bucks.

PMID- 22064180
TI  - Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) content of meat from three muscles of Massese
      suckling lambs slaughtered at different weights.
AB  - Eighteen Massese male lambs, fed mainly maternal milk were slaughtered at 11, 14
      and 17kg. Samples of Longissimus Dorsi (LD), Triceps Brachii (TB) and
      Semimembranosus (Sm) muscles were collected. Milk from the lamb's dams was
      sampled weekly. Fatty acid composition of milk and meat was determined. TB was
      the fattest muscle, Sm the leanest one and LD showed an intermediate value of
      total lipids, while the weight at slaughter did not influence total intramuscular
      fat content in any muscle. Although slaughter weight slightly affected overall
      fatty acid composition of muscles, rumenic acid and total CLA content in TB and
      Sm, but not in LD, significantly increased with slaughter weight. As regard milk
      fatty acid composition, the contents of total CLA, RA and others minor CLA
      isomers decreased during the first four weeks after lambing and then increased at
      the last control (five weeks). The animals slaughtered at a live weight of 14 and
      17kg showed a greater SCD enzyme activity (estimated by product/substrate ratio)
      and a higher rumen activity (estimated by means of branched chain and odd chain
      fatty acid content in meat) than animals slaughtered at 11kg. Cis-7, trans-9 CLA
      content significantly increased with the slaughter age in TB and SM, while trans
      7, trans-9 CLA, only increased in TB, and cis-8, cis-10 CLA, only increased in
      SM. Further studies are needed in order to verify weather the different behaviour
      of RA in LD muscle may be due to differences in muscle metabolism or fatty acid
      utilisation.

PMID- 22064181
TI  - Digestion study of proteins from cooked meat using an enzymatic microreactor.
AB  - A semi automatic flow procedure with photometric detection was developed for the
      study of meat protein digestion. This system comprised two independent flow
      pathways, gathered by two compartments. The gastric compartment was simulated by
      an ultrafiltration cell fitted with a 10 KDa cut off membrane and the intestinal
      compartment was simulated by a 1 KDa cut off dialysis membrane. The pathways were
      filled with solutions simulating digestive conditions. The proposed system was
      employed in digestion studies of whole protein extracts from raw and cooked (100
      degrees C) meat. A mathematical modelling for the determination of the digestive
      kinetic constants was established. The results show that meat cooking leads to an
      important decrease of protein digestibility by proteases of the digestive tract.

PMID- 22064182
TI  - Antioxidant effect rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) and oregano (Origanum
      vulgare L.) extracts on TBARS and colour of model raw pork batters.
AB  - Herbs and spices are traditional used as food ingredients as well as for their
      antioxidant properties. The objective of this work was to study the concentration
      of carnosol, rosmarinic and carnosic acids in rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis
      L.) and oregano leaves (Origanum vulgare L.), and their effect on the oxidation
      and colour of model pork batters. Extracts were obtained by maceration with
      ethanol and reflux with chloroform. Rosemary extracts showed higher antioxidant
      activity, even more than the phenol compounds separately. These extracts also
      showed the highest antioxidant capacity, possibly due to the presence of high
      concentrations of carnosic acid and carnosol and unidentified active compounds.
      However, ethanol oregano extracts containing high concentrations of phenols,
      mainly rosmarinic acid, efficiently prevented colour deterioration. The
      antioxidant effect of the studied extracts depends, not only on the concentration
      of phenol compounds (rosmarinic acid, carnosol and carnosic acid), but also on
      the extraction method and solvent.

PMID- 22064183
TI  - Novel association of acid phosphatase locus 1*C allele with systemic lupus
      erythematosus.
AB  - The red cell acid phosphatase (ACP1) gene, which encodes a low-molecular-weight
      phosphotyrosine phosphatase, has been suggested as a common genetic factor of
      autoimmunity. In the present study, we aim to investigate the possible
      association of ACP1 with the susceptibility of systemic lupus erythematosus
      (SLE). A total of 1,546 SLE patients and 1,947 healthy individuals from 4
      Caucasians populations were included in the present study. Four single-nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped in this study: rs10167992, rs11553742,
      rs7576247, and rs3828329. ACP1*A, ACP1*B, and ACP1*C codominant ACP1 alleles were
      determined using 2 of the SNPs and analyzed. After the meta-analysis test was
      performed, a significant association of rs11553742*T was observed (p(pooled) =
      0.005, odds ratios = 1.37 [1.10-1.70]), retaining significance after multiple
      testing was applied (p(FDR) = 0.019). Our data indicate for first time the
      association of rs11553742*T with increased susceptibility in SLE patients.

PMID- 22064185
TI  - Prediction of drip-loss, pH, and color for pork using a hyperspectral imaging
      technique.
AB  - Many subjective grading methods with poor repeatability and tedious procedures
      are still widely used in meat industry. In this study, a hyperspectral-imaging
      based technique was investigated to evaluate its potentials for objective
      determination of pork quality attributes. The system extracted spectral and
      spatial characteristics simultaneously to determinate the quality attributes,
      drip loss, pH, and color, of pork meat. Six feature band images were selected for
      predicting the drip loss (459, 618, 655, 685, 755 and 953nm), pH (494, 571,637,
      669, 703 and 978nm) and color (434, 494, 561, 637, 669 and 703nm), respectively.
      Two intensity indices of the band images were used as inputs to establish neural
      network models to predict the quality attributes. The results showed that with
      the hyperspectral-imaging system, the drip loss, pH, and color of pork meat could
      be predicted with correlation coefficients of 0.77, 0.55 and 0.86, respectively.
      Pork meat could be classified based on their exudative characteristics and color
      successfully.

PMID- 22064186
TI  - Effect of a new emulsifier containing sodium stearoyl-2-lactylate and carrageenan
      on the functionality of meat emulsion systems.
AB  - The emulsion capacity and stability of a new emulsifier containing sodium
      stearoyl lactylate plus iota carrageenan (SSL/iC) in comparison to caseinate and
      soy isolate was analysed. The emulsion capacity and stability of SSL/iC in
      oil/water (O/W) model system emulsions was higher than shown by caseinate and soy
      isolate. However, the O/W emulsion stability was negatively affected by sodium
      chloride addition, but positively affected by an increase in temperature. Meat
      batters were made with caseinate, soy isolate, and SSL/iC at the minimum
      concentration that showed a good performance (>75% stability) in the O/W
      emulsions. The emulsifier SSL/iC produced high cook yields and good stability
      when used in meat batters. However, the cooked meat batters containing SSL/iC
      showed texture characteristics highly detrimental to the sensory analysis. On the
      other hand, the addition of 2% potato starch reduced the differences in texture
      parameters among the samples made with the different emulsifiers.

PMID- 22064187
TI  - Influence of dietary conjugated linoleic acids and vitamin E on meat quality, and
      adipose tissue in rabbits.
AB  - Eighty New Zealand White rabbits, age 55 days, half male and half female, were
      randomly assigned to one of four diets in a 2*2*2 factorial arrangement. The
      diets contained 0% or 0.5% CLA, and 60 or 240mg/kg alpha-Tocopheryl acetate.
      Forty-eight rabbits were slaughtered at age 92 days. Growth performances and
      carcass weight were higher (P<0.05) in 240mg/kg of alpha-tocopheryl acetate-fed
      rabbits. Fat and CLA isomers content of Longissimus Lumborum (LL) muscle was
      higher (P<0.05) in CLA-fed rabbits than control. Fatty acid composition of LL
      muscle was modified (P<0.05) and oxidative stability was increased (P<0.001) by
      both dietary treatments. CLA increased (P<0.05) triglyceride, total cholesterol
      and glucose levels in plasma. Adipocytes in interscapular and perirenal fat in
      the 240mg/kg alpha-tocopheryl acetate and 0.5% CLA groups were larger in size but
      lesser in number than in 60mg/kg alpha-tocopheryl acetate and no CLA rabbit
      (P<0.01).

PMID- 22064188
TI  - Non-haem iron availability from pork meat: Impact of heat treatments and meat
      protein dose.
AB  - Pork meat heated at 60, 80, 100, and 120 degrees C (1h), raw pork meat, BSA,
      casein and haemoglobin were examined for their effects on in vitro iron
      availability measured as Fe(2+)-dialysability, and on iron-reducing capacity
      following in vitro protein digestion (IVPD-dialysis). The pepsin-digested samples
      of meat heated at 80, 100, and 120 degrees C resulted in increased in vitro iron
      availability. Generally, the capacity to reduce Fe(3+) to Fe(2+) was higher in
      the pepsin digests, whereas Fe(2+) decreased significantly after
      pepsin+pancreatin digestion and only part of the Fe(2+) was dialysable.
      Regardless of protein concentration, casein had no effect on in vitro iron
      availability, while pork meat protein treated at 120 degrees C showed dose
      dependency reaching a plateau at 50mg protein/ml. In conclusion, the major
      effects on iron availability in vitro was shown in pepsin digests under
      conditions mimicking those in the duodenal lumen and heat-treatment of meat at
      120 degrees C showed the most pronounced effects.

PMID- 22064189
TI  - Predicting longissimus dorsi texture characteristics in beef based on early post
      mortem colour measurements.
AB  - Sixty young bulls of Pirenaica breed that were representative of the beef
      production and marketing systems in Northern Spain were studied. The following
      parameters were determined with the aim of predicting beef texture
      characteristics of the longissimus dorsi based on the objective measurements
      taken on the carcass at the early post-mortem period: colour measurement (CIE
      L(*)a(*)b(*)) readings were taken on the latissimus dorsi (LTD), rectus abdominis
      (RA), and longissimus dorsi (LD) muscles. In this study, it was observed that
      more information on beef tenderness is obtained with colour measurements taken on
      the carcass LTD and RA, and LD at 24h post-mortem. However, the regression
      analysis showed that beef TI from Pireanica young bulls can be predicted quite
      accurately by C(*) measured on the RA muscle just 45min after slaughter.

PMID- 22064190
TI  - Assessment of high hydrostatic pressure and starter culture on the quality
      properties of low-acid fermented sausages.
AB  - The addition of starter culture and high pressure processing after ripening
      improved the microbial quality of low-acid fermented sausages (fuet and chorizo).
      The use of Lactobacillus sakei CTC6626 and Staphylococcus xylosus CTC6013 as
      starter culture significantly reduced Enterobacteriaceae and Enterococcus levels
      in the finished sausages. Moreover, the addition of starter culture produced
      sausages of similar quality to traditional low-acid fermented sausages. Slightly
      lower pH values and higher cohesiveness were obtained for both fuet and chorizo
      with starter culture. Sensory analysis showed no differences between lots of
      chorizo whereas starter fuet was more acid and gummy. High pressure induced an
      additional reduction of Enterobacteriaceae in non-starter sausages. An increase
      of textural properties was observed after pressurization. No other differences
      were observed between non-treated and pressurized sausages.

PMID- 22064191
TI  - Comparison of the lipid content and fatty acid composition of intermuscular and
      subcutaneous adipose tissues in pig carcasses.
AB  - Lipid contents and compositions were measured in 35 pigs from seven genotype-sex
      groups with large variations in body composition. The animals were slaughtered at
      115kg live weight, and the left side was separated into four primal cuts: belly,
      ham, loin, and shoulder. Samples of adipose tissues were taken from flare fat and
      from subcutaneous and intermuscular adipose tissues in each of the four cuts. In
      the loin, the outer and inner layers of subcutaneous adipose tissue were sampled
      separately. Total lipid content was lower in intermuscular than in subcutaneous
      adipose tissue. It was the highest in flare fat. There was a gradient of
      decreasing unsaturation from the outer layer of subcutaneous adipose tissue, to
      the inner layer, to intermuscular adipose tissue, to flare fat. The
      monounsaturated fatty acid concentrations followed the same pattern. There was a
      statistically positive correlation between the linoleic acid concentration of the
      different adipose tissues and the half carcass muscle content.

PMID- 22064192
TI  - The impact of sensory quality of pork on consumer preference.
AB  - Danish consumers from Roskilde, a town near the Danish capital Copenhagen
      (n=213), and from Holstebro, a provincial town in the north-western part of
      Jutland (n=162), rated nine different samples of pork on an unstructured hedonic
      scale from "do not like at all" to "like very much". The samples represented
      variation in raw meat quality (pH, IMF and carcass weight), muscle (LD and BF),
      origin (Danish/French Pay Basque), cooking method (pan/oven) and end point
      temperature (65 degrees C/75 degrees C). The meat was described by sensory
      profiling and chemical and physical analysis (pH, fat, water, colour, fatty acid
      composition). All the consumers preferred tender, juicy meat with a fried flavour
      and no off-flavours. However, within this description there were differences. The
      consumers from Holstebro put more emphasis on tenderness and the absence of off
      flavours, while the consumers in Roskilde preferred the fried flavour. The young
      consumers put less emphasis on tenderness, compared with consumers aged over 30
      years, but preferred instead some crumbliness in the meat. A segmentation of the
      consumers showed that about 6% of the consumers were only influenced by flavour
      attributes in their preference. In contrast, 12% of the consumers were mainly
      influenced by texture irrespective of flavour attributes other than sour-like
      taste. Most of the consumers were, however, influenced by both flavour and
      texture as well as appearance.

PMID- 22064193
TI  - Influence of hunting-season stage and ripening conditions on nitrogen fractions
      and degradation of myofibrillar proteins in venison (Cervus elaphus) chorizo
      sausages.
AB  - The influence of hunting-season stage (deer hunted at the start versus deer
      hunted at the end of the season) and ripening conditions (natural versus
      controlled drying rooms) on nitrogen fractions and degradation of myofibrillar
      proteins were studied in chorizo sausages made with venison. Variations of
      nitrogen fractions during 21 days of ripening were found. In all batches,
      myofibrillar protein content decreased and proteolysis indices were between 4.6%
      and 14.4% at the end of ripening. However, after 45 days of storage in vacuum
      packs no significant variations in nitrogen fractions contents occurred. Similar
      changes of electrophoretic profiles of myofibrillar proteins in batches processed
      under controlled conditions took place during ripening, however samples of
      batches processed in natural drying rooms did not show the same variation.
      Ripening conditions influenced the relative density of bands corresponding to 45
      (actin), 37 (T-troponin), 35 (tropomyosin), 20 (C-troponin) and 19kDa, after 21
      days of ripening. Hunting season stage influenced the relative density of the
      49kDa band after 21 days of ripening. Changes on proteins profiles were found
      after storage in all four batches.

PMID- 22064194
TI  - Effect of the Iberian*Duroc reciprocal cross on productive parameters, meat
      quality and lipogenic enzyme activities.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the Iberian*Duroc
      reciprocal cross on: (i) productive parameters, (ii) physico-chemical traits of
      three muscles with different oxidative patterns (Longissimus dorsi, Biceps
      femoris and Psoas maior) and (iii) lipogenic enzyme activities (glucose-6
      phosphate dehydrogenase and malic enzyme) in subcutaneous adipose and muscle
      tissues. Fourteen Duroc-sired (Duroc?*Iberian?) and 14 Iberian-sired castrate
      male pigs (Iberian?*Duroc?) were selected at weaning and were reared until 235
      days of age. Iberian-sired pigs had significantly higher weight at slaughter
      (147.7kg vs. 138.8kg, p<0.05) as well as a greater ham and foreleg weight than
      Duroc-sired pigs. The fatty acid composition of subcutaneous adipose tissue of
      Duroc-sired pigs showed a higher percentage of C18:0 (13.21% vs. 14.34%, p<0.05)
      and a lower percentage of monounsaturated fatty acids (47.79% vs. 46.73%, p<0.05)
      compared to that from Iberian-sired pigs. Contrary to productive parameters,
      there were no noticeable differences between reciprocal cross in parameters
      defining meat quality, although there was a clear muscle effect on such
      parameters with this effect being significant for most of the traits. No
      differences were found between reciprocal crosses for glucose-6-phosphate
      dehydrogenase and malic enzymes activities in both muscular and subcutaneous
      adipose tissues. Lipogenic enzyme activities were considerably higher in
      subcutaneous adipose tissue compared to muscles. Glucose-6-phosphate
      dehydrogenase activity did not differ (p>0.05) between muscles, whereas malic
      enzyme activity was higher (p<0.05) in Psoas maior compared to Biceps femoris and
      those were higher than in Longissimus dorsi, which was consistent with the
      positive correlations (p<0.05) found between malic enzyme activity and traits
      defining oxidative metabolic type. On the contrary, negative correlations
      (p<0.05) were found between malic enzyme activity and intramuscular fat content,
      which could suggest that there are differences among muscles in the ability of
      depositing fatty acids from other tissues.

PMID- 22064195
TI  - Effect of dietary fat type on meat quality and fatty acid composition of various
      tissues in growing-finishing swine.
AB  - Thirty-six castrated male growing pigs were used to study the effect of dietary
      beef tallow (BT) versus sunflower oil (SO) on meat quality and fatty acid
      composition of various tissues. The diets used contained either 5% (w/w) of the
      variable fat source. The fat type had no significant effect on carcass traits
      (carcass weight, back-fat thickness, fat-lean ratio) and meat quality (colour,
      pH(1), pH(U), drip losses, cooking losses, shear force, sacromere length, loin
      moisture, loin marbling). The diet with SO instead of BT significantly increased
      the incorporation of polyunsaturated fatty acids in adipose tissues, loin and
      liver at the expense of the sum of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids. In
      erythrocytes, the diet containing SO raised the contents of saturated and
      polyunsaturated fatty acids and lowered that of monounsaturated fatty acids. In
      particular, the SO diet produced an increase in the content of linoleic acid
      (C18:2n-6) in the various tissues. It is concluded that feeding a diet with SO
      instead of BT altered the fatty acid composition of tissues without
      simultaneously affecting various characteristics of meat quality.

PMID- 22064196
TI  - Quality assessment of Iberian pigs through backfat ultrasound characterization
      and fatty acid composition.
AB  - Five batches of Iberian pig backfat of different breeds and with differing
      feeding regimes were analysed as to their fatty acid composition and textural,
      thermal and ultrasonic properties. The feeding regime affected the backfat
      composition more than the breed of the animals. The higher the oleic acid content
      in the feeding regime, the higher the monounsaturated fatty acid content in the
      samples. Ultrasonic velocities ranged from 1609 to 1631m/s. A change in the slope
      of the velocity versus temperature curve was found at 6 degrees C, coincident
      with a change in the melting rate found in the differential scanning calorimetry.
      Discriminant analysis using ultrasonic measurements allowed 94.7% of the samples
      to be correctly classified in the batches considered, while the use of the fatty
      acids composition correctly classified 86.2% of the samples. Therefore,
      ultrasonic techniques could be useful in the characterization and classification
      of backfat samples from Iberian pigs.

PMID- 22064197
TI  - Diversity of microorganisms in the environment and dry fermented sausages of
      small traditional French processing units.
AB  - Naturally fermented sausages produced in nine traditional French processing units
      and their environmental surfaces were characterised by microbial and physico
      chemical analyses. Salmonella and Staphylococcus aureus were not detected in the
      environment whereas Listeria monocytogenes was detected in four samples.
      Staphylococcus/Kocuria, lactic acid bacteria (LAB), Enterobacteriaceae,
      Pseudomonas, yeasts/moulds and enterococci contaminated the surfaces of two
      processing units, indicating insufficient cleaning and disinfection procedures.
      The final sausages did not present any health risk in seven of the processing
      units. In two of the processing units, the final sausages were contaminated with
      S. aureus and L. monocytogenes, respectively, at levels exceeding the maximum
      tolerable limit. Staphylococcus/Kocuria and LAB grew well in the products.
      Biogenic amines were found in the majority of the final products. Their
      occurrence was associated with high numbers of lactic acid bacteria and
      enterococci. The study outlined the processing and microbial diversities of
      French naturally fermented sausages.

PMID- 22064198
TI  - The fate of two Listeria monocytogenes serotypes in "cig kofte" at different
      storage temperatures.
AB  - Cig kofte is a traditional Turkish food prepared from minced beef, bulgur,
      onions, garlic and varieties of spices. It is generally consumed within a few
      hours. However, leftovers can be kept in refrigerator or in room temperature up
      to 24h until they are consumed. In this study, survival and growth of two
      Listeria monocytogenes serotypes were investigated in cig kofte during the
      storage. For this purpose, the prepared samples were separately contaminated with
      serotypes 1/2b or 4b of L. monocytogenes at the level of 10(4)CFU/g and stored at
      4 degrees C and 21 degrees C. L. monocytogenes colonies were counted at the
      beginning, 3rd, 6th, 12th and 24th hours of the storage. At 4 degrees C, L.
      monocytogenes 4b significantly increased (P<0.05) from 4.12 to 5.49log(10)CFU/g
      but L. monocytogenes 1/2b remained constant (P>0.05) during the storage period.
      At 21 degrees C, both L. monocytogenes 1/2b and 4b increased significantly
      (P<0.05) from 4.56 to 5.16log(10)CFU/g and from 4.23 to 5.65log(10)CFU/g,
      respectively. The physicochemical and microbiological characteristics of the cig
      kofte did not inhibit the growths of L. monocytogenes serotypes during the
      storage. These results indicated that L. monocytogenes was able to survive and
      grow in cig kofte at the both storage temperatures of 4 degrees C and 21 degrees
      C and cig kofte seemed to be a suitable medium for this pathogen.

PMID- 22064199
TI  - Study of the shelf life of a dry fermented sausage "salchichon" made from raw
      material enriched in monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids and stored
      under modified atmospheres.
AB  - The microbiological, physico-chemical and sensory properties of salchichon with
      high unsaturated fat content, packed under vacuum and 20/80% CO(2)/N(2) modified
      atmosphere, were evaluated to determine its quality changes during storage under
      refrigeration. These sausages were manufactured with pork meat and pork backfat
      obtained from pigs fed with three different diets (control diet-CO, high oleic
      diet-HO and high linoleic diet-HL). In general, few significant differences were
      found in counts of different groups of microorganism between the three types of
      sausages and no difference between the packaging methods. A reduction in pH
      values was observed during storage and no great differences were determined by
      storage period on water activity (a(w)). Both parameters (pH and a(w)) presented
      similar results to those found in different Spanish sausages and other European
      dry fermented products. The sensory results denoted that sensory quality
      gradually decreased during storage under both packaging conditions (vacuum and
      20/80% CO(2)/N(2)), so it is not advisable to store longer than 150days. On the
      other hand, fermented sausages with high content of unsaturated fatty acids had
      similar sensory properties to those of conventional sausages, and even a
      comparable sensory stability. In conclusion, the results showed healthier
      salchichons (HO and HL) similar to the traditional (CO) one could be manufactured
      and stored under refrigeration after slicing for a reasonable period, but the
      advantage of the gas mixture packaging (20/80% CO(2)/N(2)) versus vacuum
      packaging was not clear.

PMID- 22064200
TI  - Selection criteria for lactic acid bacteria to be used as functional starter
      cultures in dry sausage production: An update.
AB  - Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) have long been used as starter cultures in the
      production of fermented dry sausages and other meat-derived commodities. These
      cultures are generally designed to meet food safety, shelf-life, technological
      effectiveness and economic feasibility criteria. Besides all these traditional
      properties, novel starter cultures should take into account the risks posed by
      the formation of biogenic amines in food, and the development and spreading of
      bacterial resistance to antibiotics. Further, 'functional starters' could protect
      consumers from harmful bacteria either by a rapid acidification or by the
      production of antimicrobials (bacteriocins). Specially-selected cultures may also
      provide probiotic benefits, and, if properly modified, they may even be endorsed
      with nutraceutical traits. The present review discusses the technological and new
      selection criteria that should be taken into account when selecting LAB starter
      cultures for the production of fermented dry sausages.

PMID- 22064201
TI  - A theoretical approach of the relationships between collagen content, collagen
      cross-links and meat tenderness.
AB  - This work concerns the relationship between meat tenderness and the rubber-like
      properties, i.e. pressure and elastic modulus, that endomysium and perimysium
      connective tissues develop when meat has been heated to a temperature above which
      collagen contracts. For rest length meats with similar intramuscular connective
      tissue morphology, and which are at the same ageing state and pH, the elastic
      modulus of the collagenous fraction of connective tissues is approximately
      proportional to the total number of collagen cross-links present per volume of
      meat. Calculations from various published experiments concerned with the effect
      on tenderness of muscle type, animal age, type, and sex from different species
      show that this modulus follows most of the variations of meat toughness.
      Moreover, the proportionality between the increase in this elastic modulus and
      the increase in meat toughness approaches unity in situations where toughness
      mainly depends on connective tissues. This work demonstrates the decisive role of
      rubber-like properties of connective tissues in meat tenderness variations.

PMID- 22064202
TI  - Dietary creatine monohydrate has no effect on pork quality of Danish crossbred
      pigs.
AB  - Creatine content in the muscle may delay postmortem lactate formation and
      postpone the pH decline, hence potentially improving the water-holding capacity
      (WHC) as shown in a previous study including purebred Duroc pigs, although the
      same study did not find any effect on meat from purebred Landrace pigs. In the
      present study Danish D(LY) crossbreeds were supplemented with 0 or 50g creatine
      monohydrate (CMH)/d for five days prior to the slaughter. CMH supplementation had
      no effect on meat quality indicators (pH and temperature), meat quality
      attributes (WHC and colour) or eating quality (juiciness and tenderness) of meat
      from the D(LY) crossbred pigs. As a consequence the D(LY) crossbreed was
      classified as a non-responder to CMH supplementation.

PMID- 22064203
TI  - A comparison of carcass and meat quality characteristics of Creole and Large
      White pigs slaughtered at 90kg BW.
AB  - The effect of breed in combination with sex (gilts or barrows) on carcass
      composition and meat quality characteristics were studied in two replicates
      involving a total of 40 Creole (CR) and 40 Large White (LW). This trial was
      conducted in the experimental facilities of INRA in Guadeloupe (French West
      Indies, 16 degrees  Lat. N. and 61 degrees  Long. W). All the pigs were
      slaughtered at about 90kg BW. No interaction between breeds and sex was found for
      all criteria studied. Carcass dressing weight was higher in CR than in LW (832
      vs. 810g/kg, P<0.001) in connection with their lower internal organs weight (34.0
      vs. 41g/kg; P<0.001). Fat cuts weight (i.e., back and leaf fat) was higher in CR
      than in LW (192 vs. 90g/kg; P<0.001). Creole pigs showed higher intramuscular fat
      percentage (IMF), higher percentage of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and
      lower percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in Longissimus dorsi (LD)
      muscle than LW pigs (4.72% vs. 2.29%, 50.2% vs. 45.0% and 7.9% vs. 13.8%,
      respectively). Whatever the muscle considered the ultimate pH was higher (P<0.05)
      in CR than in LW pigs. The drip and cooking losses of LD muscle were lower in CR
      than in LW (8.2% vs. 9.7% and 28.9% vs. 30.1%, respectively; P<0.05). Whatever
      the breed, the females were leaner than barrows (P<0.01) but the effect of sex
      was significant only on a few parameters.

PMID- 22064204
TI  - Effect of rosemary extract, chitosan and alpha-tocopherol on microbiological
      parameters and lipid oxidation of fresh pork sausages stored at 4 degrees C.
AB  - The effect of rosemary extract, chitosan and alpha-tocopherol, added individually
      or in combination, on microbiological parameters and lipid oxidation of fresh
      pork sausages stored for 20days at 4 degrees C was investigated. Microbiological
      determinations included the enumeration of Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas spp.,
      total viable count, yeasts and moulds and lactic acid bacteria, while pH values
      were also determined. Lipid oxidation was evaluated through measurement of
      primary (peroxide value) and secondary (malondialdehyde concentration) oxidation
      products. Chitosan addition resulted in significant (P?0.05) inhibition of
      microbial growth, while the lowest microbial counts were obtained in the samples
      containing both chitosan and rosemary, indicating a possible synergistic effect.
      Chitosan and its combinations with either alpha-tocopherol or rosemary, and
      especially the latter combination, showed also the most intense antioxidative
      effect (P?0.05), at least when compared to alpha-tocopherol alone or the
      controls, while use of rosemary extract alone had a comparable (P>0.05)
      antioxidative effect with chitosan and its combinations. Shelf life of samples
      containing chitosan was almost doubled compared to the remaining samples. In
      conclusion, the best antimicrobial and antioxidative effects were obtained from
      the combination of chitosan with the rosemary extract.

PMID- 22064205
TI  - The effect of dietary energy and vitamin E administration on performance and
      intramuscular collagen properties of lambs.
AB  - The effect of different dietary energy levels, with or without injections of
      vitamin E, on growth, carcass traits and intramuscular collagen (IMC)
      characteristics of growing lambs was studied. Twenty-four Ile de France ram lambs
      were evaluated in a 2*2 factorial design involving different DL-alpha-tocopheryl
      acetate injections (C, control=0 and V=150IU/wk, i.m. for eight wk) and energy
      level (N, normal=7.61 and L, low=6.47MJ/kg DM). Growth and slaughter performance,
      and IMC characteristics were not influenced by diet. DL-alpha-tocopheryl acetate
      increased ADG during suckling, while it did not affect live weight, carcass
      weight and dressing percentage. Vitamin E injections reduced carcass shrinkage
      but also had a negative effect on pelvic limb percentage. The Longissimus muscle
      pH values were higher in V than in C lambs. DL-alpha-tocopheryl acetate reduced
      IMC maturity and muscle hydroxylysylpyridinoline crosslink concentration, more
      markedly in lambs fed low energy diets.

PMID- 22064206
TI  - Effectiveness of high pressure processing on the hygienic and technological
      quality of porcine plasma from biopreserved blood.
AB  - The effects of a high hydrostatic pressure (HHP) treatment (450MPa, 15min at 20
      degrees C) on both the microbiological quality and the functional properties of
      plasma from biopreserved porcine blood were evaluated. Blood was inoculated with
      Enterococcus raffinosus-PS99 (10(7)ufcmL(-1)) and stored at 5 degrees C. After 72
      h storage, bacterial counts in inoculated samples decreased by 52, 70, 81 and
      more than 99% for coliforms, Pseudomonas spp, hemolytic and proteolytic bacteria,
      respectively. Counts of these bacterial groups were undetectable in the final
      product after pressurization, whereas total lactic acid bacteria were detected at
      levels up to 10(2)ufcmL(-1). Gelling, foaming and emulsifying properties of the
      plasma proteins were not noticeably affected by HHP. The results show that it is
      possible to obtain high-quality and microbiologically stable blood derivatives as
      functional ingredients, by combining biopreservation and HHP.

PMID- 22064207
TI  - Trace elements in fish and meat.

PMID- 22064208
TI  - Effects of duration of treatment and dosage of eicosapentaenoic acid and
      stearidonic acid on red blood cell eicosapentaenoic acid content.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this randomized, controlled, parallel group study was
      to characterize the relationships between dosages of stearidonic acid (SDA) and
      eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and incorporation of EPA into red blood cell (RBC)
      membranes over time. METHODS: Healthy subjects (n=131) received capsules with
      placebo (safflower oil), SDA (0.43, 1.3, 2.6, or 5.2 g/d) or EPA (0.44, 1.3, or
      2.7 g/d) for 12 weeks. RBC fatty acids were analyzed biweekly. RESULTS: RBC %EPA
      increased in all EPA and SDA groups (p<0.02 vs. control) except the 0.43 g/d SDA
      group (p=0.187). For theoretical intakes of EPA of 0.25, 0.5, and 0.89 g/d, the
      amounts of SDA needed to achieve equivalent RBC EPA enrichment were 0.61, 1.89,
      and 5.32 g/d (conversion efficiencies of 41%, 26%, and 17%), respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS: SDA increased RBC %EPA in a dosage and time-dependent manner at
      intakes as low as 1.3 g/d.

PMID- 22064209
TI  - Psychological factors associated with visual impairment.
AB  - An attempt has been made to study the psychological pattern in terms of six
      criteria in the visually handicapped subjects. A total of 75 subjects were
      administered Cornell Medical Index health questionnaire. Twenty-five out of these
      had normal vision, another third had curable ocular disease and the rest were
      permanently handicapped.

PMID- 22064210
TI  - Comparative pharmacophysiology of vernakalant, ranolazine, and d-sotalol in
      canine pulmonary vein sleeve preparations: new flavors or same old taste?

PMID- 22064211
TI  - Developmentally regulated SCN5A splice variant potentiates dysfunction of a novel
      mutation associated with severe fetal arrhythmia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Congenital long-QT syndrome (LQTS) may present during fetal
      development and can be life-threatening. The molecular mechanism for the unusual
      early onset of LQTS during fetal development is unknown. OBJECTIVE: We sought to
      elucidate the molecular basis for severe fetal LQTS presenting at 19 weeks'
      gestation, the earliest known presentation of this disease. METHODS: Fetal
      magnetocardiography was used to demonstrated torsades de pointes and a prolonged
      rate-corrected QT interval. In vitro electrophysiological studies were performed
      to determine functional consequences of a novel SCN5A mutation found in the
      fetus. RESULTS: The fetus presented with episodes of ventricular ectopy
      progressing to incessant ventricular tachycardia and hydrops fetalis. Genetic
      analysis disclosed a novel, de novo heterozygous mutation (L409P) and a
      homozygous common variant (R558 in SCN5A). In vitro electrophysiological studies
      demonstrated that the mutation in combination with R558 caused significant
      depolarized shifts in the voltage dependence of inactivation and activation,
      faster recovery from inactivation, and a 7-fold higher level of persistent
      current. When the mutation was engineered in a fetal-expressed SCN5A splice
      isoform, channel dysfunction was markedly potentiated. Also, R558 alone in the
      fetal splice isoform evoked a large persistent current, and hence both alleles
      were dysfunctional. CONCLUSION: We report the earliest confirmed diagnosis of
      symptomatic LQTS and present evidence that mutant cardiac sodium channel
      dysfunction is potentiated by a developmentally regulated alternative splicing
      event in SCN5A. Our findings provide a plausible mechanism for the unusual
      severity and early onset of cardiac arrhythmia in fetal LQTS.

PMID- 22064212
TI  - The genetics of dilated cardiomyopathy.

PMID- 22064213
TI  - Health care transitions: a peek into the future.

PMID- 22064214
TI  - Hypoglycemia: symptom or diagnosis?

PMID- 22064215
TI  - Entrapment of mycelial fragments in calcium alginate: a general technique for the
      use of immobilized filamentous fungi in biocatalysis.
AB  - Transformation reactions on 3beta,17beta-dihydroxyandrost-5-ene using free fungal
      cells were compared with those carried out by macerated mycelia, immobilized in
      calcium alginate beads. Six fungi were utilized in this study, namely Rhizopus
      oryzae ATCC 11145, Mucor plumbeus ATCC 4740, Cunninghamella echinulata var.
      elegans ATCC 8688a, Aspergillus niger ATCC 9142, Phanerochaete chrysosporium ATCC
      24725 and Whetzelinia sclerotiorum ATCC 18687. The results show, for the first
      time, that encapsulated mycelial fragments essentially carry out the same
      bioconversions as those observed with growing cells. As the immobilized cells
      were "resting", the products formed were free of contamination by natural
      products, and this greatly aided the purification of the metabolites. Conditions
      for bead preparation were optimized. Furthermore, it was noted that the beads
      could be reused, once they had been subjected to a rejuvenation process.

PMID- 22064216
TI  - Brassinosteroids and analogs as neuroprotectors: synthesis and structure-activity
      relationships.
AB  - We have demonstrated previously that the brassinosteroid (BR) 24-epibrassinolide
      exerts neuroprotective effects deriving from its antioxidative properties. In
      this study, we synthesized 2 natural BRs and 5 synthetic analogs and analyzed
      their neuroprotective actions in neuronal PC12 cells, against 1-methyl-4
      phenylpyridinium (MPP(+)), a neurotoxin known to induce oxidative stress and
      degenerescence of dopaminergic neurons characteristic of Parkinsonian brains. We
      also tested the neuroprotective potential of 2 commercially available BRs. Our
      results disclosed that 6 of the 9 BRs and analogs tested protected neuronal PC12
      cells against MPP(+) toxicity. In addition, our structure-activity study suggests
      that the steroid B-ring and lateral chain play an important role for their
      neuroprotective action.

PMID- 22064217
TI  - Synthesis of 21-nitrogen substituted pregna-5,17(20)-dienes from pregnenolone.
AB  - The facile synthesis of six [17(20)Z]- and [17(20)E]-isomeric 3beta-hydroxy
      pregna-5,17(20)-dien-21-oyl amides and three [17(20)E]-3beta-hydroxy-2-[prergna
      5,17(20)-dien-20-yl]-oxazolines from pregnenolone is presented. The synthetic
      scheme consists of transformation of pregnenolone into the known 17alpha-bromo-21
      iodo-3beta-acetoxypregn-5-en-20-one followed by reaction with ethanolamine, 2
      methyl-2-aminopropanol, and (1-aminocyclohexyl)methanol resulted in mixture of
      [17(20)E]- and [17(20)Z]-pregna-5,17(20)-dien-21-(2-hydroxy)-oyl amides;
      separation of [17(20)E]- and [17(20)Z]-isomers; their cyclization into [17(20)E]
      oxazolines under action of POCl(3) in pyridine, and removal of acetate protecting
      groups. Significantly different orientation of nitrogen containing substituents
      in [17(20)Z]- and [17(20)E]-isomers regarding to steroid backbone enables their
      configuration to be easily identified by NMR spectroscopy. All synthesized
      compounds did not exhibit marked toxic effects in three cell lines (MCF-7, Hep
      G2, and LNCaP). In androgen-sensitive LNCaP cells all testing compounds at
      concentrations of 50 nM potently stimulated proliferation.

PMID- 22064218
TI  - Redetermination of despujolsite, Ca(3)Mn(SO(4))(2)(OH)(6).3H(2)O.
AB  - The crystal structure of despujolsite [tricalcium manganese bis-(sulfate)
      hexahydroxide tri-hydrate], the Ca/Mn member of the fleischerite group, ideally
      Ca(3)Mn(4+)(SO(4))(2)(OH)(6).3H(2)O, was previously determined based on X-ray
      diffraction intensity data from photographs, without H-atom positions located
      [Gaudefroy et al. (1968 ?). Bull. Soc. Fr. Mineral. Crystallogr.91, 43-50]. The
      current study redetermines the structure of despujolsite from a natural specimen,
      with all H atoms located and with higher precision. The structure of despujolsite
      is characterized by layers of CaO(8) polyhedra (m.. symmetry) inter-connected by
      Mn(OH)(6) octa-hedra (32. symmetry) and SO(4) tetra-hedra (3.. symmetry) along
      [001]. The average Ca-O, Mn-O and S-O bond lengths are 2.489, 1.915, and 1.472 A,
      respectively. There are two distinct hydrogen bonds that stabilize the structural
      set-up. This work represents the first description of hydrogen bonds in the
      fleischerite group of minerals.

PMID- 22064219
TI  - Colour of muscle from 18-month-old steers given long-term daily exercise.
AB  - Darker beef from pasture-fed compared with grain-fed cattle may result from
      differences in physical activity rather than differences in nutrition. The
      objective was to determine if steers that were exercised produced darker meat
      than non-exercised steers and whether any effect was muscle-related. Exercised
      steers were walked 4.41 km daily in a single bout, six days per week for 18 weeks
      at an average speed of 5.2 kmh(-1). All steers were fed grass silage on an ad
      libitum basis plus 6 kg concentrates. Following slaughter, muscle colour
      coordinates ('L' (lightness), 'a' (redness) and 'b' (yellowness) values) of M.
      longissimus dorsi (LD), M. semimembranosus (SM) and M. extensor carpi radialis
      (ECR) were recorded at 48 h postmortem and redness and yellowness were used to
      calculate muscle hue ('H') and colour intensity/saturation ('C'). The pH of all
      muscles was measured at 1.5, 3, 6, 22 and 48 h postmortem and LD samples were
      recovered (90 min postmortem) for glycolytic potential (GP) assessment. Exercise
      did not affect muscle lightness, yellowness, hue or colour intensity. However, LD
      was the darkest (P<0.001) and SM the most saturated (P<0.001) muscle. Exercise
      affected muscle redness in a muscle-dependent manner (muscle*exercise, P=0.038)
      whereby ECR became more red with exercise but LD and SM were unaffected. There
      were muscle*time (P<0.001) and time*exercise (P=0.045) interactions for muscle
      pH. The ECR muscle had the highest pH at all times. The exercised steers had
      higher (P<0.05) LD muscle pH than control steers at 3 and 6 h postmortem.
      Exercise did not affect myoglobin concentration, which was muscle dependent,
      decreasing in the order: SM (6.72 mg/g)>ECR (6.33 mg/g)>LD (5.48 mg/g), which
      were all different (P<0.001). Exercise had no effect on GP in LD muscle (111 vs.
      99 MUmol/g for control and exercised steers, respectively; SED=6.6 MUmol/g). It
      was concluded that although application of exercise did not affect muscle
      lightness and thus, did not cause 'darker' meat, it did affect muscle redness in
      a muscle-dependent manner.

PMID- 22064220
TI  - Development of a PCR-culture technique for rapid detection of yeast species in
      vacuum packed ham.
AB  - A rapid assay for detection of yeast species in vacuum packed ham has been
      developed based on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) coupled to a 24 h pre
      enrichment at 25  degrees C. DNA was isolated from yeast inoculated ham samples
      and amplified using primers specific for the 18S rRNA gene sequences of yeasts. A
      detection limit of 10(2) CFU/cm(2) was achieved following enrichment of samples
      experimentally inoculated with three yeast species frequently associated with
      meat products spoilage: Debaryomyces hansenii, Yarrowia lipolytica, and
      Kluyveromyces marxianus. Likewise, commercial sliced and vacuum packed ham
      samples were analysed using the PCR-culture technique. The results obtained in
      this work show that PCR amplification of a conserved region of the 18S rRNA gene
      in the yeast species could be potentially used as a rapid tool for detection of
      low levels of viable spoilage yeasts in meat products.

PMID- 22064221
TI  - The effect of whey protein-enriched fractions on the physical and sensory
      properties of frankfurters.
AB  - Four Beta-lactoglobulin (beta-lg) enriched fractions containing different mineral
      contents were prepared and evaluated in frankfurters. Frankfurters were assessed
      for cook loss, water holding capacity (WHC), textural and sensory
      characteristics. The addition of the beta-lg fractions reduced the cook loss
      (p<0.001) in comparison to the control (6.63% vs 3.98%). The fractions (beta-lg 1
      and 2) with the lowest calcium level significantly reduced WHC (p<0.01). The beta
      lg fractions had no detrimental effect on the sensory characteristics (p>0.05).
      All of the fractions increased the TPA value of hardness in comparison to the
      control (p<0.001) while the springiness decreased in the fractions (p<0.001) with
      the lowest mineral level. This study showed that the mineral composition of the
      beta-lactoglobulin fractions affected cook loss, tenderness and hardness (TPA) of
      the frankfurters and the addition of the beta-lactoglobulin enriched fraction did
      not affect the organoleptic quality of frankfurters in comparison to the control.
      This study shows the potential for next generation whey protein fractions and
      their application in meat products.

PMID- 22064222
TI  - Effects of carcass weight and muscle on texture, structure and myofibre
      characteristics of wild boar meat.
AB  - Texture, histology and muscle fibre characteristic of selected muscles: m.
      quadriceps femoris (QF), m. biceps femoris (BF), and m. semimembranosus (SM) of
      wild boars of different carcass weight (20+/-2 and 60+/-3kgSD) were compared.
      Muscle texture (hardness, cohesiveness, springiness, chewiness) was determined
      with the double penetration test performed with the Instron 1140 apparatus.
      Structural elements (muscle fibre cross-section area, perimysium and endomysium
      thickness) and percentage of myofibres of each type: I (slow oxidative), IIA
      (fast oxidative-glycolytic) and IIB (fast glycolytic) per muscle fibre bundle,
      were measured in muscle samples using a computer image analysis program. The
      young wild boar muscles showed significantly lower values for the textural
      parameters (p<0.05). The muscle fibre cross-sectional areas of the juvenile wild
      boar muscles were significantly lower and the perimysium and endomysium thinner
      (p<0.05) than those in the old wild boar meat, while the percentage of type IIB
      fibres was higher. Of all the wild boar muscles tested, the highest hardness and
      chewiness values were found in BF which, at the same time, showed the highest
      fibre cross-sectional area and the thickest perimysium and endomysium. The
      highest percentage of I and IIA fibre types was typical of BF and SM either in
      young or in old wild boars with the lowest percentage of type I and the highest
      percentage of type IIB fibres being found in the QF. The results suggest that a
      higher hardness of wild boar muscles can be connected with a thicker perimysium
      and endomysium, fibres of higher cross-sectional area and probably a higher
      content of red fibres (type I).

PMID- 22064223
TI  - Microbiological and sensory changes in "Morcilla de Burgos" preserved in air,
      vacuum and modified atmosphere packaging.
AB  - "Morcilla de Burgos" is the most popular blood sausage in Spain. Traditionally,
      this product is distributed and sold without packaging in the local market. To
      extend its shelf-life and expand the market, different packaging methods have
      been employed and compared: "morcilla" stored in air (without packaging), in
      vacuum and in modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) using three different CO(2)
      concentrations 30%, 50% and 80% and balanced with N(2). Total viable count (TVC),
      psychrotrophs, lactic acid bacteria (LAB), pseudomonads, enterobacteria, moulds
      and yeasts, enterococci, Staphylococcus aureus, and sulfite reducing clostridia
      were analysed during storage at 4 degrees C. Sulfite-reducing clostridia,
      pathogenic staphylococci, and enterococci were not detected in any sample. In air
      stored "morcilla" a significant increase in all microbial groups was observed
      during storage. Pseudomonads were the predominant microorganisms reaching a
      population higher than 8 log cfu/g after 27 days of storage. On the other hand, a
      decrease in pH was noticed in MAP and in vacuum packaged "morcilla" (pH 4.73)
      during storage. At the same time, LAB becomes the predominant species in all
      these packaged samples. The rest of the microbiota did not grow during storage.
      In "morcilla" packed with 50% and 80% of CO(2), counts of pseudomonads and
      enterobacteria were lower than found in the vacuum packs. Sensory analysis showed
      that shelf-life of "morcilla" stored in air did not exceed 17 days, while samples
      packed under vacuum and with 30% CO(2) were acceptable until 22 days of storage.
      "Morcillas" packaged with 50% and 80% CO(2) were sensorially acceptable for 32
      days.

PMID- 22064224
TI  - Fatty acid composition of meat from typical lamb production systems of Spain,
      United Kingdom, Germany and Uruguay.
AB  - The fatty acid composition of commercial lambs from different production systems
      of Spain, Germany, United Kingdom and of two types of Uruguayan lambs (heavy and
      light) was studied. Concentrate fed lambs, as Spanish lambs, displayed the
      highest proportions of linoleic acid (C18:2), while Uruguayan lambs, reared under
      extensive grazing conditions, showed the highest proportions of linolenic acid
      (C18:3), due to the great concentration of this fatty acid in grass. German and
      British lambs, which were fed grass and concentrate, displayed intermediate
      proportions of linolenic acid (C18:3). Heavy Uruguayan lambs had higher
      intramuscular fat content (5.92%) than German (4.25%) and British (4.32%) lambs,
      and this content was twofold higher than light lambs (Spanish (2.41%) and light
      Uruguayan (3.05%)). Heavy Uruguayan, German and British lambs had a low
      polyunsaturated/saturated (P/S) ratio due to their high saturated fatty acid
      (SFA) content and proportion. Principal component analysis was performed to study
      the relationship between fatty acids. Spanish lambs were clearly separated from
      the other types and were situated close to the proportions of short chain and n-6
      fatty acids and n-6/n-3 ratio in the data plot for fatty acid proportions. Light
      Uruguayan lambs were located close to long chain fatty acids, and heavy Uruguayan
      and British lambs were placed near the antithrombotic potential (ATT), stearic
      acid (C18:0), SFA and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) proportions. German lambs
      were located between Spanish lambs and the other types.

PMID- 22064225
TI  - Effects of enhancement with varying phosphate types and concentrations, at two
      different pump rates on beef biceps femoris instrumental color characteristics.
AB  - The effect of enhancing beef biceps femoris muscles (n=45) with solutions
      comprising 2.0% sodium chloride and either sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP),
      sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP), or tetrasodium pyrophosphate (TSPP) at either
      0.2% or 0.4% of product weight on instrumental color during simulated retail
      display was investigated. All solutions were injected into muscle samples at
      either 112% (12% pump) or 118% (18% pump) of raw product weight. Muscles treated
      with all three phosphate types had lower (P<0.05) L* and b* values compared to
      untreated muscles (CNT). Steaks enhanced with STPP had similar (P>0.05) a* values
      as CNT, whereas SHMP- and TSPP-treated steaks generally had lower a* values than
      CNT. Across phosphate type, excluding day 3 of display, steaks treated with
      phosphate at 0.4% had similar (P>0.05) a* values as CNT, whereas those with 0.2%
      phosphate addition had lower (P<0.05) a* values than CNT. Across five days of
      display, STPP maintained higher (P<0.05) a* values than steaks treated only with
      sodium chloride, whereas SHMP did not differ (P>0.05) from sodium chloride
      treated steaks. While STPP maintained a similar (P>0.05) saturation index as CNT,
      SHMP and TSPP generally had decreased (P<0.05) vividness during display.
      Additionally, excluding day 3 of display, phosphate concentration at 0.4%
      maintained similar vividness as CNT, whereas 0.2% phosphate concentration caused
      decreased (P<0.05) vividness, compared to CNT. The 630/580nm ratio results
      indicated that SHMP had less (P<0.05) oxymyoglobin than CNT throughout display.
      Disregarding day 3 of display, both STPP and TSPP had similar (P>0.05)
      oxymyoglobin proportions as CNT. These results indicate that STPP was the most
      effective phosphate type for maintaining color. Additionally, 0.4% phosphate
      concentrations can maintain color better than 0.2% phosphate concentrations.
      However, none of the phosphate/salt combinations produced superior color,
      compared to untreated steaks.

PMID- 22064226
TI  - The effect of alpha-tocopherol and butylated hydroxyanisole on the colour
      properties and lipid oxidation of kavurma, a cooked meat product.
AB  - Kavurma is a cooked meat product and is consumed sliced. The amount of animal fat
      in kavurma (30-40%) is higher than in other meat products; therefore, lipid
      oxidation and colour defects are a major problem during storage and in the market
      place. To preserve the quality characteristics of kavurma in markets antioxidants
      must be added and the product must be packaged and stored at low temperature. In
      this study, the effects of alpha-tocopherol and butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)
      levels on lipid oxidation and colour deterioration of sliced and vacuum-packaged
      kavurma were investigated. Kavurma was made from beef meat and melted beef fat in
      5 groups: No-added antioxidant, 50mg/kg BHA, 100mg/kg BHA, 50mg/kg alpha
      tocopherol and 100mg/kg alpha-tocopherol. The kavurma produced was sliced (3-4-cm
      thick) and vacuum packed and stored at 4 degrees C for 300 days, and
      thiobarbituric acid reactive substance, pH, moisture, lightness, redness and
      yellowness values of sliced product were determined during storage. The use of
      antioxidants in kavurma production caused a significant (P<0.01) decrease in the
      thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) values. The lipid oxidative
      stability effect of the antioxidants was in following order: 100mg/kg
      BHA>100mg/kg alpha-tocopherol>50mg/kg BHA=50mg/kg alpha-tocopherol>no-added
      antioxidant group. Also, TBARS values did not differ significantly (P>0.05)
      between 0 and 300 days in the 100mg/kg BHA and 100mg/kg alpha-tocopherol groups.
      In addition, the no-added antioxidant group had lower lightness and yellowness
      values than all the antioxidant groups. Sliced and vacuum-packaged kavurma with
      added antioxidant showed greater colour and lipid oxidative stability during
      storage than kavurma to which no antioxidant was added.

PMID- 22064227
TI  - Instrumental colour of Iberian ham subcutaneous fat and lean (biceps femoris):
      Influence of crossbreeding and rearing system.
AB  - The influence of crossbreeding (Iberian vs Iberian*Duroc 50% pigs) and rearing
      system (Montanera vs Pienso) on the instrumental colour of Iberian ham
      (subcutaneous fat and biceps femoris muscle) and the relationships to sensory
      appearance and chemical composition were researched by using a factorial design.
      In subcutaneous fat, a significant effect (p<0.05) of crossbreeding and rearing
      system was found: b* and chroma were larger in hams from Iberian pigs than from
      Iberian*Duroc (50%) pigs, and L*, a* and chroma were larger in Pienso hams than
      in Montanera hams. CIEL*a*b* variables of subcutaneous fat were closely related
      to subcutaneous fatty acid composition, the largest correlationships involving L*
      (L* and 18:0, 0.652, p<0.001; L* and 18:1, -0.616, p<0.001). Instrumental colour
      variables and sensory appearance were also correlated (L* and fat pinkness, 
      0.539, p<0.001). In lean (biceps femoris), instrumental colour data was not
      affected by crossbreeding and rearing system. CIEL*a*b* variables were not
      related to chemical composition (moisture, NaCl, intramuscular fat and pigment
      content), although they were correlated to sensory appearance (L* and marbling,
      0.419, p=0.014).

PMID- 22064228
TI  - Changes in flavor compounds of dry-cured Chinese Jinhua ham during processing.
AB  - Sixty experimental Jinhua hams were processed by a traditional method using green
      hams from local Liangtouwu cross-bred pigs. Samples of Biceps femoris were taken
      from five hams randomly at each of the key stages of production, i.e., green ham,
      end of salting, end of sun-drying, middle of loft-aging, end of loft-aging, post
      aging-1 and post-aging-2. Analysis of flavor compounds showed 89 compounds at the
      green ham stage and at the end of salting, 90 at the end of sun-drying, 91 at the
      middle of loft-aging, 96 at the end of loft-aging, 93 at the post-age-1 and 94 at
      the post-age-2. The flavor compounds could be clustered in the following chemical
      families: alkanes and alkenes, aromatic hydrocarbons, alcohols, aldehydes,
      ketones, carboxylic acids, esters, oxygenous heterocycle compounds, nitrogenous
      compounds, sulphur compounds, chloride compounds, amides, and terpenes. During
      processing, the concentrations of aldehydes and carboxylic acids increased; while
      the concentrations of alcohols, ketones, alkanes, alkenes, aromatic and cyclic
      hydrocarbons decreased. Sulphur compounds and pyrazines were formed and increased
      continuously during processing. In the final Jinhua ham, the contents of
      aldehydes, carboxylic acids, alcohols and ketones were 45.07%, 18.39%, 13.93% and
      9.00% of the total flavor substances, respectively. The first principal component
      was a group dominated by five unbranched aldehydes; the second principal
      component was a group dominated by five branched and unbranched alcohols, two
      branched ketones, toluene, hexane and 4-nitrophthalamide. The two principal
      components explained 90.6% of the total flavor variance in Jinhua ham.

PMID- 22064229
TI  - Quality characteristics of irradiated turkey breast rolls formulated with plum
      extract.
AB  - The effects of adding 1%, 2% and 3% plum extract on the quality characteristics
      of vacuum-packaged, irradiated ready-to-eat turkey breast rolls were determined.
      Turkey breast rolls were sliced, packaged and irradiated at 0 or 3 kGy using a
      Linear Accelerator. Lipid oxidation, volatile profiles, color, texture, proximate
      analysis and sensory characteristics of sliced turkey breast rolls were
      determined at 0 and 7 days of storage. Addition of plum extract had no detectable
      effect on the proximate analysis of turkey breast rolls. Plum extract increased
      a* and b* values, and decreased L* value of turkey breast rolls due to the
      original color of plum extract. Addition of >2% plum extract to turkey breast
      rolls was effective in controlling lipid oxidation of irradiated meat and the
      production of aldehydes (hexanal, heptanal, octanal, and nonanal) in non
      irradiated meat at Day 0. Texture of turkey breast rolls was not influenced, but
      juiciness was increased by plum extract. Therefore, addition of 3% or higher of
      plum extract is recommended to improve mouth-feel and antioxidant effect in
      irradiated turkey breast rolls. However, the color of turkey breast rolls with 3%
      plum extract was dark and might not be appealing to consumers.

PMID- 22064230
TI  - Effects of dietary alpha-lipoic acid on glycolysis of postmortem muscle.
AB  - The effects of dietary alpha-lipoic acid (alpha-LA) on the pH value, AMP
      activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation, and the activities of glycogen
      phosphorylase and pyruvate kinase in postmortem muscle were investigated.
      Eighteen C57BL/6J mice were fed diets containing 0%, 0.5%, and 1.0% alpha-LA. At
      the end of 2-week feeding trial, the mice were killed and longissimus muscles
      were sampled at 0-, 1-, and 24-h postmortem for pH determination and enzyme
      assay. The results showed that dietary alpha-LA treatment significantly slowed
      down the decrease of pH values in postmortem muscle. The ultimate pH values in
      postmortem muscle of mice receiving 0.5% and 1.0% alpha-LA treatments were 6.40
      and 6.63, respectively, significantly higher than that (6.21) of no alpha-LA
      treatment (p<0.05). AMPK was activated at the early postmortem stage. Dietary
      alpha-LA can suppress the activation of AMPK in postmortem muscle. At 1- and 24-h
      postmortem, activities of AMPK were much lower in postmortem muscle of mice
      receiving 0.5% and 1.0% alpha-LA treatments than that with no alpha-LA treatment.
      Between these two dietary alpha-LA treatments, however, no difference in AMPK
      activity was observed, indicating that 0.5% dietary alpha-LA is enough to
      suppress AMPK in postmortem muscle. Similar to AMPK, glycogen phosphorylase
      activity was higher in the treatment without dietary alpha-LA than those with
      0.5% and 1.0% dietary alpha-LA supplements. No difference in the activity of
      glycogen phosphorylase was observed between the 0.5% and 1.0% dietary alpha-LA
      treatments. Dietary alpha-LA had no significant influence on the activity of
      pyruvate kinase in postmortem muscle. All these results indicate that AMPK plays
      a role in glycolysis in postmortem muscle. Dietary alpha-LA supplementation can
      suppress the activation of AMPK in postmortem muscle, down-regulate the activity
      of glycogen phosphorylase, resulting in a higher ultimate pH values in postmortem
      muscle. Therefore, dietary alpha-LA supplementation is a potential way to reduce
      the incidence of pale, soft, exudative (PSE) meat.

PMID- 22064231
TI  - Utilization of hazelnut pellicle in low-fat beef burgers.
AB  - Hazelnut pellicle was used as a dietary fiber in the production of beef burgers.
      The effects of hazelnut pellicle addition on proximate composition, pH, cook
      loss, dimensional changes, color and sensory characteristics of beef burgers were
      evaluated. Hazelnut pellicle addition affected some quality parameters of beef
      burgers. The control samples had the lowest moisture and protein contents
      (P<0.05). The cooking yield and reduction in diameter and thickness of beef
      burgers improved by the addition of hazelnut pellicle. Beef burgers formulated
      with hazelnut pellicle had lower L, a and b values than control samples (P<0.05).
      There were differences among beef burger samples in respect to sensory
      properties, control samples and 1% and 2% pellicle added samples had high
      acceptability. The results indicate that, 1-2% hazelnut pellicle can be used as a
      suitable dietary fiber source in low-fat beef burger production.

PMID- 22064232
TI  - Effect of feeding on fatty acid composition of muscles and adipose tissues in
      young goats raised in the Argan tree forest of Morocco.
AB  - The characteristics of meat from goats raised in the Argan tree forest in the
      south-western part of Morocco were studied in two experiments. Each experiment
      was carried out on three groups of six male goats. They were reared either
      indoors (IC) and fed concentrate or outdoors where they grazed in the Argan tree
      forest and were offered concentrate (OC) or only Argan fruit pulp (OS). Outdoor
      raised goats had a very low growth rate in the first experiment (34 g/d), whereas
      it was relatively high in the second experiment (64 g/d) in which herbaceous
      vegetation availability was higher. In each experiment, omental (OM) and
      perirenal (PR) weights were the lowest in the two groups of goats raised
      outdoors. Lipid and cholesterol contents in muscles were lower in goats raised in
      the Argan tree forest than in those raised indoors. Outdoor-raised goats had
      particularly high proportions of odd-chain fatty acids (FA), branched-chain (FA)
      of the iso and anteiso series in adipose tissues and muscles and higher n-6 and n
      3 polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) proportions and a lower n-6:n-3 PUFA ratio than
      indoor-raised goats. Indoor-raised goats had a higher proportion of palmitic acid
      and a lower proportion of archidic acid than outdoor-raised goats. In indoor
      raised goats, the proportions of Delta9 straight-chain mono-unsaturated fatty
      acids (MUFA) (C(16:1n-7) and cis C(18:1n-9)) were relatively higher than those of
      total MUFA, because of lower percentages of some MUFA, such as C(16:1n-9) and
      other isomers of oleic acid. The low fat content and FA profile of the meat from
      the goats reared in the Argan tree forest conveyed beneficial characteristics to
      this meat in regards to human health. The relatively high contents of branched
      chain FA of iso and anteiso series and PUFA in the meat from goats raised in the
      Argan tree forest could be considered as a sign of typicity.

PMID- 22064233
TI  - Application of electrolyzed oxidizing water to reduce Listeria monocytogenes on
      ready-to-eat meats.
AB  - Experiments were conducted to determine the effectiveness of acidic (EOA) or
      basic electrolyzed oxidizing (EOB) water, alone or in combination, on ready-to
      eat (RTE) meats to reduce Listeria monocytogenes (LM). Frankfurters or ham
      surfaces were experimentally inoculated with LM and subjected to dipping or
      spraying treatments (25 or 4 degrees C for up to 30 min) with EOA, EOB, and other
      food grade compounds. LM was reduced the greatest when frankfurters were treated
      with EOA and dipped at 25 degrees C for 15 min. A combination spray application
      of EOB/EOA also resulted in a slight reduction of LM on frankfurters and ham.
      However, reductions greater than 1log CFU/g were not observed for the duration of
      the study. Even with a prolonged contact time, treatments with EOA or EOB were
      not enough to meet regulatory requirements for control of LM on RTE meats. As
      such, additional studies to identify food grade antimicrobials to control the
      pathogen on RTE meats are warranted.

PMID- 22064234
TI  - Extraction of meat juices for isotopic analysis.
AB  - So far no standard procedure exists to obtain water of meat for isotopic
      (18)O/(16)O-water analysis. Fast extraction via heating the tissues is possible
      when considering certain boundary conditions. A specially designed vessel was
      tested with water and was then used for meat juice extraction. The
      reproducibility (sigma) of delta(18)O-values was 0.120/00. Meat samples of six
      different species were analysed. Water of pork samples was extracted after open
      storage. Here, decreases in meat weight correspond to decreases in extract yield
      and to an increase in the (18)O/(16)O-ratio. The mean water contents in extracts
      was almost constant [93.2+/-0.05 wt% (p>0.05)]. The technique offers an
      opportunity to develop an automatic, mobile extraction device and to obtain
      extracts with no further influences on their quality. This method could also be
      useful for the determination of meat quality attributes as cooking loss or drip
      without evaporative losses.

PMID- 22064235
TI  - Myosin heavy chain isoform composition influences the susceptibility of actin
      activated S1 ATPase and myofibrillar ATPase to pH inactivation.
AB  - The objectives of this study were to determine the influence of pH and MyHC
      isoforms on myofibrillar and actin-activated myosin subfragment 1 (S1) ATPase
      activity and the protective effect of actin. Red (RST) semitendinosus and white
      (WST) semitendinosus myofibrils were incubated at pH 7, 6, or 5.5 with 0 or 2mM
      ATP. RST and WST S1 isolates were incubated at pH 7, 6, or 5.5 in the presence or
      absence of actin. Maximum calcium-activated myofibrillar and actin-activated S1
      ATPase activity were then assayed at pH 7. Incubation of myofibrils with ATP
      caused ATPase activity of myofibrils to decrease (p<0.05) with the pH of the
      incubation. RST myofibrils maintained a higher (p<0.0001) relative activity than
      WST myofibrils after incubation at pH 6 with ATP. Myofibrils incubated without
      ATP exhibited higher (p<0.001) activities than those incubated with ATP following
      pH 5.5 treatments. WST myofibrils had a lower (p<0.05) relative activity than RST
      following incubation at pH 5.5 without ATP. S1 ATPase activities decreased
      (p<0.05) with incubation pH in WST samples, but not in RST samples. WST S1
      activity was higher (p<0.01) in samples exposed to pH 6 and 5.5 with actin bound
      compared to those incubated without actin. RST S1 exhibited a higher (p<0.01)
      relative activity than WST samples following pH 5.5 treatment with bound actin.
      These data show that low pH inactivates myofibrils by altering actin-activated S1
      ATPase. Furthermore, these results suggest that muscles with high proportions of
      fast fibers are more susceptible to pH inactivation of ATPase activity and that
      the protective effect of actin binding to myosin is less in fast fibers.

PMID- 22064236
TI  - The relationship between muscle fiber characteristics, postmortem metabolic rate,
      and meat quality of pig longissimus dorsi muscle.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the histochemical parameters of muscle
      fibers, and to estimate the correlation of muscle fiber characteristic to
      postmortem metabolic rate and meat quality traits in pigs. A total of 231
      crossbred pigs were evaluated. Samples of the longissimus dorsi muscle were taken
      to evaluate the histochemical characteristics, postmortem metabolic rate and meat
      quality. Fiber type composition was mainly related to postmortem metabolic rate
      and meat quality traits among various muscle fiber characteristics. The
      percentage of type IIb fiber was negatively related to pH(45min) (r=-0.33) and
      positively to R-value (r=0.32). Drip loss was negatively related to fiber area
      percentages of type I and IIa (r=-0.25 and -0.26, respectively) and positively
      related to type IIb percentage (r=0.39). A similar tendency was found between
      lightness and fiber area percentage. In conclusion, increasing the percentage of
      type IIb fiber is related to increasing the postmortem metabolic rate, and is
      related to the deterioration of meat quality.

PMID- 22064237
TI  - Correlation of animal diet and fatty acid content in young goat meat by gas
      chromatography and chemometrics.
AB  - The meat fatty acids (FA) profiles of caprines submitted to different dietary
      treatments were determined by gas chromatography. The data were treated by
      Chemometrics to consider all variables together. The contents of saturated FA
      (SFA), monounsaturated FA (MUFA), polyunsaturated FA (PUFA), omega-3 (n-3) FA,
      and omega-6 (n-6) FA in 32 samples were analyzed. PUFA:SFA and n-6:n-3 ratios
      were also considered. The multivariate methods of hierarchical cluster analysis
      (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to analyze the
      experimental results. HCA can group samples according to their basic composition,
      and PCA can explain the relationship among the dietary treatments according to
      the meat fatty acid composition. Treatment 1 presented the highest n-6 FA
      concentration, PUFA:SFA, and n-6:n-3 ratios, and the lowest MUFA and n-3
      concentrations. Opposite results were observed for treatment 4. Treatments 2 and
      3 were highly similar with differences mainly in SFA and MUFA concentrations.

PMID- 22064238
TI  - Heat and ultrafiltration extraction of broiler meat carnosine and its antioxidant
      activity.
AB  - This study examined the effects of extraction and further ultrafiltration on the
      carnosine content, antioxidant activity and total iron content of chicken muscle
      extracts. Fresh breast meat had 7-fold higher carnosine than fresh thigh meat
      (2900 versus 419MUg/g meat, respectively). Carnosine extracts of breast and thigh
      were prepared by heating at 60, 80 and 100 degrees C, and ultrafiltration (UF)
      using a 5000MW cut-off. At increasing temperatures, protein concentrations
      decreased while carnosine, total iron and antioxidant activity increased.
      Antioxidant abilities of the 80 and 100 degrees C-heated extracts were greater
      than that of the 60 degrees C extract (p<0.05). The ultrafiltrate from the 80
      degrees C-heated extract had approximately 20% higher carnosine, but 40% lower
      protein and 10-30% lower iron than the 80 degrees C-heated ultrafiltrate.
      However, compared in terms of carnosine concentration, the meat extracts had
      greater antioxidant activity than pure carnosine (p<0.05).

PMID- 22064239
TI  - Effects of thawing temperature on the physicochemical properties of pre-rigor
      frozen chicken breast and leg muscles.
AB  - The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of thawing temperature on the
      biochemical and physicochemical properties of pre-rigor frozen chicken breast and
      leg muscles. Breast and leg muscles from 24 broiler chickens were excised within
      10min postmortem. Pre-rigor muscles were frozen at -20 degrees C and thawed at 0
      and 18 degrees C, and pH, R-value, sarcomere length, muscle shortening, thaw and
      cook loss, shear force and myofibrillar fragmentation index (MFI) compared with
      those in pre-rigor or 2 degrees C chilled muscles. The ultimate pH of 18 degrees
      C thawed muscle was lower than that of 0 degrees C thawed and 2 degrees C chilled
      muscles. As expected, the shortening of sarcomere length and muscle length of
      thaw rigor muscles were more than those of chilled muscle, but there were no
      significant differences between chilled muscle and 0 degrees C thawed muscle.
      Also, there were no significant differences in R-value (Abs 250/Abs 260) and cook
      loss due to thawing temperature. Samples thawed at 0 degrees C had higher MFI and
      lower shear value than samples thawed at 18 degrees C. Shear force value and MFI
      were not significantly different between chilled muscle and 0 degrees C thawed
      muscle. By thawing at 0 degrees C, thaw shortening was prevented, and tender meat
      comparable to the chilled meat was obtained.

PMID- 22064240
TI  - Carcass composition and meat quality differences between pasture-reared ewe and
      ram lambs.
AB  - Comparisons were made of carcass and meat quality characteristics of pasture
      raised Texel-cross ewe (n=269) and ram (n=275) lambs between 5 and 8 months of
      age with an average carcass weight of 17.2kg. Carcass assessment was based on
      linear dimensions and dissection of a leg into muscle, fat and bone, and meat
      quality measurements were made on M. semimembranosus and M. longissimus. At a set
      carcass weight, ewe lambs had higher dressing percentages (2%), shorter carcasses
      (0.7cm), and heavier leg cuts (35g) (P<0.01) than males. At the same leg weight,
      legs of ewe lambs were fatter than males (subcutaneous plus intermuscular fat;
      11.2% vs 9.6%; P<0.001), whereas legs of ram lambs contained significantly more
      muscle and bone than females (P<0.001). Leg muscle to bone ratio (4.7 vs 4.4) and
      muscularity were higher for females than males (P<0.001). However, the
      relationship between leg muscle to bone ratio and muscularity was not the same
      between the sexes, and for any given muscularity value the muscle to bone ratio
      of ram lambs was lower than females. As a result, if carcass lean meat yield is
      predicted from a measure of carcass shape, such as muscularity, lean meat yields
      will be overestimated for males and underestimated for females. Meat quality was
      lower in ram lambs than in females (P<0.001) as shown by higher Warner-Bratzler
      shear values (peak value 109.8 vs 97.0N for M. Semimembranosus), higher ultimate
      meat pH values, and lower redness (a(*)) and lightness (L(*), for the longissimus
      muscle only) values (P<0.001). It is concluded that significant differences
      between ewe and ram lambs do exist for many carcass and meat quality traits, but
      for most quality traits the differences are small.

PMID- 22064241
TI  - Comparison of flavor changes in cooked-refrigerated beef, pork and chicken meat
      patties.
AB  - Beef and pork longissimus dorsi (LD) and semimembranosus (SM) and chicken breast
      (B) and thigh (T) muscles excised 24 h postmortem were ground by muscle/species
      group, formed into patties, pan-fried, refrigerated for 0, 3 or 6 days, and
      evaluated by a trained sensory panel for intensity of specific flavors. The rate
      of decline in species-specific natural meat flavor intensity and the rate of
      increase in "cardboard" (CBD) flavor intensity during the first half of the 6-day
      storage were fastest for beef, while such decline and increase during the entire
      storage period were slowest for chicken B. Overall trends of natural meat flavor
      and CBD intensity changes for chicken T appeared more like those for the red
      meats than chicken B. It was concluded that, while flavor deterioration can occur
      in cooked-stored meats from all the species, quantitative or the magnitude of
      differences between species would depend on muscle types and sensory terms/method
      used.

PMID- 22064242
TI  - Effects of chemical acidification and microbial fermentation on the rheological
      properties of meat products.
AB  - The gelation patterns of meat batters acidified with lactic acid bacteria (LAB)
      fermentation, liquid lactic acid, encapsulated lactic, citric and gluconic acids
      were studied. LAB provided slow (overnight) acidification that resulted in a
      significantly higher pre-cooking modulus of rigidity (G') value compared to all
      treatments, including a non-acidified control. The LAB heat-gelation pattern was
      also different from all other treatments. Liquid lactic acid caused an immediate
      pH reduction (from 5.6 to 4.6), crumbly texture, moisture release, and an initial
      higher G' value compared to the control, but lower than the LAB. The hydrogenated
      oil encapsulated acids, designed to release acid at 51-55 degrees C, did not
      produce crumbly texture or moisture release. Encapsulated lactic acid showed an
      increase in the initial G', probably because of limited pre-cooking acid release.
      However, citric and gluconic acids showed no such effect. During cooling, LAB
      treatment showed the lowest G' value curve, followed by the control, liquid
      lactic acid, and the encapsulated acids.

PMID- 22064243
TI  - Application of a multiplex PCR for the simultaneous detection of Escherichia coli
      O157:H7, Salmonella and Shigella in raw and ready-to-eat meat products.
AB  - Escherichia coli O157:H7, Salmonella and Shigella might contaminate similar types
      of meat products and cause deadly diseases in humans. Traditional microbiological
      analyses to detect these pathogens are labor-intensive and time-consuming. The
      objective of this study was to apply a multiplex PCR for simultaneous detection
      of the pathogenic bacteria in certain raw and ready-to-eat meat matrices. The
      tested samples had aerobic plate counts ranging from non-detectable, in chicken
      nuggets and salami, to 8.36log(10)CFU/g in ground pork. The pH of homogenates
      spanned from 6.86, in ground beef, to 7.17 in salami. Following a 24-h
      enrichment, the multiplex PCR assay could concurrently detect the three pathogens
      at 0.2log(10)CFU/g in ground beef, roast beef, beef frankfurters, chicken
      nuggets, salami and turkey ham, and 1.2log(10)CFU/g in ground pork. This
      multiplex PCR offers an efficient microbiological tool for presumptive detection
      of E. coli O157:H7, Salmonella and Shigella in meat.

PMID- 22064244
TI  - Exploring sub-lethal effects of exposure to a nucleopolyhedrovirus in the
      speckled wood (Pararge aegeria) butterfly.
AB  - This study investigated the sub-lethal effects of larval exposure to baculovirus
      on host life history and wing morphological traits using a model system, the
      speckled wood butterfly Pararge aegeria (L.) and the virus Autographa californica
      nucleopolyhedrovirus. Males and females showed similar responses to the viral
      infection. Infection significantly reduced larval growth rate, whilst an increase
      in development time allowed the critical mass for pupation to be attained. There
      was no direct effect of viral infection on the wing morphological traits
      examined. There was, however, an indirect effect of resisting infection; larvae
      that took longer to develop had reduced resource investment in adult flight
      muscle mass.

PMID- 22064245
TI  - Endoplasmic reticulum: ER stress regulates mitochondrial bioenergetics.
AB  - Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress activates an adaptive unfolded protein response
      (UPR) that facilitates cellular repair, however, under prolonged ER stress, the
      UPR can ultimately trigger apoptosis thereby terminating damaged cells. The
      molecular mechanisms responsible for execution of the cell death program are
      relatively well characterized, but the metabolic events taking place during the
      adaptive phase of ER stress remain largely undefined. Here we discuss emerging
      evidence regarding the metabolic changes that occur during the onset of ER stress
      and how ER influences mitochondrial function through mechanisms involving calcium
      transfer, thereby facilitating cellular adaptation. Finally, we highlight how
      dysregulation of ER-mitochondrial calcium homeostasis during prolonged ER stress
      is emerging as a novel mechanism implicated in the onset of metabolic disorders.

PMID- 22064246
TI  - Endoplasmic reticulum stress signaling is involved in silver nanoparticles
      induced apoptosis.
AB  - Although silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been reported to exert strong acute
      toxic effects on various cultured cells by inducing oxidative stress, the
      molecular mechanisms by which AgNPs-damaged cells are unknown. Because the
      endoplasmic reticulum (ER) may play an important role in the response to
      oxidative stress-induced damage and is quite sensitive to oxidative damage, we
      hypothesized that AgNPs may exert cytotoxic effects on cells by modulating ER
      stress. In our study, AgNPs resulted in cytotoxicity and apoptotic cell death
      when analyzing cell viability, DNA fragmentation and the apoptotic sub-G(1)
      population. Flow cytometry and confocal microscopy indicated that the cells were
      sensitive to AgNPs with respect to the induction of mitochondrial Ca(2+)
      overloading and enhancement of ER stress. AgNPs induced a number of signature ER
      stress markers, including phosphorylation of RNA-dependent protein kinase-like ER
      kinase (PERK) and its downstream eukaryotic initiation factor 2alpha,
      phosphorylation of inositol-requiring protein 1 (IRE1), splicing of ER stress
      specific X-box transcription factor-1, cleavage of activating transcription
      factor 6 (ATF6) and up-regulation of glucose-regulated protein-78 and
      CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein-homologous protein (CHOP/GADD153). Down-regulation
      of PERK, IRE1 and ATF6 expression using siRNA significantly decreased AgNPs
      induced the enhancement of ER stress. In addition, down-regulation of CHOP
      expression with siRNA CHOP attenuated AgNPs-induced apoptosis. Taken together,
      the present study supports an important role for the ER stress response in
      mediating AgNPs-induced apoptosis.

PMID- 22064247
TI  - Overexpression of polo-like kinase 1 and its clinical significance in human non
      small cell lung cancer.
AB  - Polo-like kinase 1 is a serine/threonine kinase which plays an essential role in
      mitosis and malignant transformation. The aim of this study was to investigate
      the prognostic significance of polo-like kinase 1 expression and determine its
      possibility as a therapeutic target in non-small cell lung cancer. Semi
      quantitative RT-PCR assay was performed to detect polo-like kinase 1 mRNA
      expression in non-small cell lung cancer cells or tissues. Immunohistochemistry
      was performed to detect polo-like kinase 1 protein expression in 100 non-small
      cell lung cancer tissue samples, and the associations of polo-like kinase 1
      expression with clinicopathological factors or prognosis of non-small cell lung
      cancer patients were evaluated. RNA interference was employed to inhibit
      endogenous polo-like kinase 1 expression and analyzed the effects of polo-like
      kinase 1 inhibition on the malignant phenotypes of non-small cell lung cancer
      cells including growth, apoptosis, radio- or chemoresistance. Also, the possible
      molecular mechanisms were also investigated. The levels of polo-like kinase 1
      mRNA expression in non-small cell lung cancer cell lines or tissues were
      significantly higher than those in normal human bronchial epithelial cell line or
      corresponding non-tumor tissues. High polo-like kinase 1 expression was
      significantly correlated with advanced clinical stage, higher tumor
      classification and lymph node metastasis of non-small cell lung cancer patients
      (P=0.001, 0.004 and 0.001, respectively). Meanwhile, high polo-like kinase 1
      protein expression was also an independent prognostic molecular marker for non
      small cell lung cancer patients (hazard ratio: 2.113; 95% confidence interval:
      1.326-3.557; P=0.017). Polo-like kinase 1 inhibition could significantly inhibit
      in vitro and in vivo proliferation, induce cell arrest of G(2)/M phase and
      apoptosis enhancement in non-small cell lung cancer cells, which might be
      activation of the p53 pathway and the Cdc25C/cdc2/cyclin B1 feedback loop.
      Further, inhibition of polo-like kinase 1 could enhance the sensitivity of non
      small cell lung cancer cells to taxanes or irradiation. Thus, polo-like kinase 1
      might be a prognostic marker and a chemo- or radiotherapeutic target for non
      small cell lung cancer.

PMID- 22064248
TI  - Cooperativity between inhibition of cytosolic K+ efflux and AMPK activation
      during suppression of hypoxia-induced cellular apoptosis.
AB  - Cellular potassium homeostasis has recently emerged as a critical regulator of
      apoptosis in response to variety of stimuli. However, functional hierarchy of
      this phenomenon in the apoptotic cascade and therefore, its significance as a
      pathway for intervention is not fully established. Chronic hypoxia, a known
      threat to cell survival, also modulates cellular potassium homeostasis. In this
      study, we tested if hypoxia-induced apoptosis in lymphocytes can be prevented by
      modulating cellular K+ homeostasis. We observed that chronic hypoxia accelerated
      the rate of apoptosis in resting murine splenocytes concomitant with cytosolic K+
      efflux. We tested several modalities including elevated extracellular potassium
      besides various K+ channel inhibitors to curtail hypoxia-induced K+ efflux and
      interestingly, established that the supplementation of KCl in extracellular
      medium was most effective in preventing hypoxia-induced apoptosis in these cells.
      Subsequent mechanistic dissection of pathways underlying this phenomenon revealed
      that besides effectively inhibiting hypoxia-induced efflux of K+ ion and its
      downstream cell-physiological consequences; elevated extracellular KCl modulated
      steady state levels of cellular ATP and culminated in stabilization of AMPKalpha
      with pro-survival consequences. Also, interestingly, global gene expression
      profiling revealed that KCl supplementation down regulated a distinct p53
      regulated cellular sub-network of genes involved in regulation of DNA
      replication. Additionally, we present experimental evidence for the functional
      role of AMPK and p53 activation during suppression of hypoxia-induced apoptosis.
      In conclusion, our study highlights a novel bimodal effect wherein cooperativity
      between restoration of K+ homeostasis and a sustainable 'metabolic quiescence'
      induced by AMPK activation appeared indispensible for curtailing hypoxia-induced
      apoptosis.

PMID- 22064249
TI  - Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma as a sequela of Stevens-Johnson syndrome associated
      with an increased Epstein-Barr virus load.

PMID- 22064250
TI  - Progress in management of typhoid perforation.
AB  - Case fatality rate (CFR) for typhoid perforation (TP) has been on gradual but
      variable decline world wide. This review highlights the progress in management of
      TP from 1960 including the controversies, current principles of management and
      the advances associated with the best results of treatment. This is a review of
      publications on TP from 1960 to 2010 principally from Medline and Ovid databases.
      Main search terms used are typhoid and perforation. The median CFR by decade was
      estimated from studies that reported CFR. With advances in surgery and supportive
      care, median CFR for TP declined from over 50% in 1960 to single digits in the
      last decade in some countries but with West Africa lagging behind at 16%.
      Variations in CFR are attributed to differences in perforation-operation interval
      and quality of care. Opportunities now exist for patients with TP to recover from
      the disease but priority remains with prevention of enteric fever in endemic
      areas.

PMID- 22064251
TI  - Doppler ultrasound in the assessment of suspected intra-uterine growth
      restriction.
AB  - Small fetuses constitute a large heterogenous group that includes healthy small
      fetuses, chromosomally abnormal fetuses and fetuses suffering from utero
      placental insufficiency leading to restriction in fetal growth. This review
      outlines the diagnosis of intra-uterine growth restriction and describes how to
      differentiate this group from the group of healthy small fetuses. This is very
      crucial in the management of small fetuses in order to avoid unnecessary
      intervention in the healthy group, as well as avoid stillbirth and neonatal
      mortality and morbidity.

PMID- 22064252
TI  - Anemia in pregnancy at two levels of health care in Ibadan, south west Nigeria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In Africa, anemia in pregnancy contributes to non-attainment of the
      MDG goals 4 and 5. This study examined the prevalence and some risk factors for
      anemia at two levels of health care in the Ibadan metropolis. METHODS: This was a
      retrospective study of the booking records of pregnant women at the University
      College Hospital (UCH, a profit-making tertiary institution) and Adeoyo Maternity
      Hospital (AMH, a secondary level institution offering free services) in Ibadan,
      September 1, 2008 to December 31, 2008. Eligible women had singleton pregnancies
      and no known chronic illnesses. Anemia was defined as packed cell volume (PCV) <
      30%, and degrees of anemia as mild (PCV 27-29%), moderate (PCV 19-26%), and
      severe (PCV below 19%). Statistical analysis was done by the Chi-square test,
      Fisher exact test, and t-test. A P value of < 0.05 was considered significant.
      RESULTS: Data from 2702 women (384 and 2318 from UCH and AMH, respectively) were
      available for analysis. About 30% of the women were anemic. The patients in UCH
      had higher mean PCV (33.03 +/- 4.32 vs. 31. 04 +/- 4.09, P = 0.00). A higher
      proportion of anemia was seen in patients presenting in Adeoyo (32.4% vs. 16.7%,
      P = 0.00). Factors associated with anemia included young age (P = 0.00), low
      parity (P = 0.00), and hospital type (P = 0.00). Parity and hospital type
      remained significant on logistic regression. CONCLUSION: Lower prevalence of
      anemia at the tertiary hospital maybe attributed to the higher socioeconomic
      status of the clientele. Short-term early antenatal management of anemia and long
      term economic/educational empowerment is advocated.

PMID- 22064253
TI  - Profile and causes of mortality among elderly patients seen in a tertiary care
      hospital in Nigeria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Old age is one of the factors associated with increased risk of dying
      when admitted to hospital. Therefore, aim of this study was to examine causes and
      pattern of death among elderly patients managed in a tertiary care hospital in
      Nigeria with scanty mortality records. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This prospective
      study was on deaths that occurred in patients 60 years and above admitted to
      University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), Ilorin, between January 2005 and
      June 2007. Excluded were all brought-in-dead during the study period. Information
      obtained included demographic data, duration on admission, and diagnosis. Causes
      of death were determined from clinical progress notes and diagnosis. RESULTS: A
      total of 1298 deaths occurred during the study period, of which 297 occurred in
      persons 60 years and above with crude death rate of 22.8%. The mean age at death
      was 68 +/- 9 years (ranged 60-100 years). This consisted of 59% males and 41%
      females. Mean age at death for females was 69.7 +/- 8.7 years and for males 68.1
      +/- 9.8 years (P = 0.05). Mean values of serum chemistry were sodium 137 +/- 8
      mMol/l, potassium 3.6 +/- 1 mMol/l, urea 11 +/- 8 mMol/l, and creatinine 126 +/-
      91 MUmol/l. The value of mean haemogram concentration was 10.5 +/- 3 gm/dl and
      white cell count was 12 +/- 2 * 10(9)/mm3. The three most common diagnoses at
      deaths were stroke (19.8%), sepsis (16.5%), and lower respiratory tract disease
      (8.1%). Infectious diseases accounted for 38.2% of all diagnoses. Collective mean
      length of hospital stay (LOS) at death was 6.8 +/- 8.6 (ranged 15 minutes-60
      days). Close to 27.4% of the deaths occurred within 24 hours and neurological
      disorder had shortest hospital stay (4.6 +/- 6.3 days), followed by endocrine
      disorders (6.8 +/- 8.4 days) and respiratory diseases (8.4 +/- 5.6 days) [P =
      0.001]. CONCLUSION: Hospital mortality is high amongst older people. Stroke and
      infectious diseases are leading causes of death. Efforts should be geared toward
      reducing risk for cardiovascular diseases and improvement on level of personal
      and community hygiene.

PMID- 22064254
TI  - Dyslipidemias in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients in Nnewi South-East Nigeria.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dyslipidemia has been noted to play an integral role in the
      pathogenesis and progression of micro and macrovascular complications in diabetes
      mellitus patients. The complications exemplified by renal vascular and
      cardiovascular disease cause the most morbidity and mortality in this group of
      patients. OBJECTIVE: This study is aimed at understanding the pattern of
      dyslipidemia among type 2 diabetic patients. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of
      108 consenting adult type 2 diabetic patients seen in the medical unit of the
      Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital Nnewi were evaluated in this
      crosssectional study. Their fasting lipid profile, fasting blood glucose, weight,
      height and blood pressure were evaluated. RESULT: The prevalence of dyslipidemia
      (at least one abnormal lipid profile) was 90.7%. The 24.1% had single
      dyslipidemia while 66.6% had combined dyslipidemia. Reduced HDL constituted the
      highest single abnormality (62%) followed by hypertriglyceridemia (56.5%),
      hypercholesterolemia (53.7%) and high LDL in (44.4%). The duration of DM was not
      significantly associated with dyslipidemia (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Dyslipidemia
      is highly prevalent among type 2 diabetic patients in Nigeria with the majority
      of the patients having combined dyslipidemia. We recommend that aggressive
      treatment of lipidemia and hyperglycemia can be instituted to reduce the risk of
      macro and microvascular complications.

PMID- 22064255
TI  - Should non acute and recurrent headaches have neuroimaging before review by a
      Neurologist?--a review in a Southern Nigerian Tertiary Hospital.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Headache is a common complaint in general practice and it is known
      that most headaches are primary and that the yield of neuroimaging like cranial
      computed tomography (CT) in headache is generally low. In this study, we were
      able to demonstrate that the yield of neuroimaging in non-acute and recurrent
      headache could be higher if cases are reviewed first by a specialist Neurologist
      before cranial CT. METHOD: Seventy-four cases that were referred to the
      specialist neurology clinic with complaints of chronic and recurrent headaches
      without focal neurological deficit that had CT scan were reviewed consecutively
      using the short form of the International Classification of Headache Disorders
      second edition (ICHD 2) criteria after their demographics of age, sex were
      captured, to find out the proportion and characteristics of study cases that had
      identifiable cranial lesions on cranial CT scan. All cases were reviewed by a
      specialist Neurologist before CT scan and all CT films were reviewed by a
      specialist Radiologist. Age, sex and the distribution of CT findings were
      described from a frequency table and mean age of study cases with and without
      identifiable lesions on CT were compared with t-test for any significant
      difference and the effect of gender on the presence of identifiable lesions was
      tested with chi square and the agreement between clinical and CT diagnoses were
      tested on kappa statistics. RESULTS: (1) Mean age of cases was 37.55 (22.06)
      years. (2) No significant effect of gender was found on intracranial lesions (P =
      0.345). (3) Intracranial lesions were found in 47.3% of cases and the mean age
      was higher compared to cases with normal findings on cranial CT (P = 0.019). (4)
      Clinical and CT diagnoses agreed in 56.2% of the cases (P = 0.000). CONCLUSION:
      The high yield of intracranial lesions may be accounted for by the method of
      selection of cases for cranial CT.

PMID- 22064256
TI  - Awareness and utilization of protective eye device among welders in a
      southwestern Nigeria community.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the level of awareness and practice of use of protective
      eye devices among welders in Ile-Ife. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional
      descriptive study of 405 consenting welders. A pretested proforma was utilized to
      obtain information on sociodemographic characteristics, as well as awareness and
      use of protective eye device. RESULTS: The age of the respondents ranged from 16
      to 80 years. The mean age was 39 +/- 13 years. A large proportion (315, 78%) of
      the welders was aged between 21 and 50 years. The youngest group aged <= 20 years
      accounted for 15 (4%) of all welders, while the oldest group aged > 60 years
      accounted for 21 (5.2%). 402 were males (99.3%) and three were females (0.7%).
      Three hundred thirty-six (83%) of the welders had practiced for 6 years and
      above. There was a high level of awareness of protective eye devices among the
      welders (367, 90.6%), being higher among arc welders compared with gas welders (P
      < 0.001). Less than half (186, 45.9%) of the welders possessed protective eye
      devices. Of these, only 39 (9.6%) made use of the devices always. Some of the
      reasons for not using the protective eye devices include discomfort and poor
      visibility (56, 13.6%) and inadequate appreciation of the necessity to wear it
      (49, 12.1%). CONCLUSION: The findings of this study suggest that a significant
      proportion of welders in Ile-Ife were not utilizing protective eye device. Health
      education and awareness campaigns about the importance and benefits of utilizing
      protective eye devices are recommended.

PMID- 22064257
TI  - Features and perceptions of menopausal women in Benin City, Nigeria.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: The features of menopause have always been assumed to occur
      only to a minor degree of significance in Nigerian women. Perceptions of
      menopausal symptoms are greatly influenced by social, cultural and economic
      settings and may influence the mode of treatment for menopausal symptoms. The aim
      of this study was to determine the features and perceptions of natural menopause
      among menopausal women in Benin-City, Edo State, Nigeria. METHODS: A descriptive
      cross-sectional study of 533 randomly selected Nigerian women in Benin City, Edo
      State who had experienced at least 24 continuous months of amenorrhea using a
      structured questionnaire. RESULTS: The ages of the women studied ranged between
      47 and 78 years; mean 57.4 +/- 6.3 years. The mean menopausal and menercheal ages
      were 49.8 +/- 2.6 and 15.2 +/- 2.0 years. Most (80.7%) were currently married
      with 63.6% in monogamous relationships. Three hundred and fifty-six women (66.8%)
      have heard of the word menopause and correctly described it. Menopause was
      considered a normal event by 97.4%. Majority (407; 77.6%) adjusted very well to
      the events of menopause with none revealing any serious maladjustment. Three
      hundred and forty-six women (64.9%) were no longer sexually active. Joint pains
      (287; 53.8%), hot flushes (272; 51%) and night sweats (22; 42%) were the most
      common symptoms believed to be related to menopause. Three hundred and two women
      (56.7%) actually suffered at least one of the menopause symptoms. Joint pains
      (52.9%), hot flushes (43.3%) and night sweats (29.8%) were the commonest symptoms
      experienced. Freedom from monthly bleeding (50.7%) was the most commonly reported
      advantage of menopause. Only thirty nine (7.3%) were aware of hormone replacement
      therapy (HRT) and none were on /ever had HRT. CONCLUSION: Although menopause is
      well-tolerated by women in our environment, it needs further investigation.
      Research priorities include the influence of socio-cultural beliefs on sexuality
      at menopause and evaluation of HRT benefits.

PMID- 22064258
TI  - Maternal and fetal outcome in patients with eclampsia at Murtala Muhammad
      specialist Hospital Kano, Nigeria.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: Eclampsia is a major contributor to maternal and perinatal
      mortality worldwide. It is much more common in developing countries like Nigeria
      where presentation is usually late and resources are scarce. The staggering
      figures of maternal death (46%) reported by the Society of Obstetricians and
      Gynaecologists of Nigeria (SOGON) in 2004 moved the Kano State government to
      initiate programs that will reduce maternal mortality in the state. The
      objectives of this report were; 1) to determine the prevalence of eclampsia at
      Murtala Muhammad Specialist hospital (MMSH) Kano between April 2008 and May 2009;
      2) to determine maternal and fetal outcome in eclamptic patients admitted to MMSH
      Kano between April 2008 and May 2009. METHODS: Case records of all patients
      admitted to MMSH between April 2008 and May 2009 were retrieved and analyzed
      using Epi-info version 3.2.2 April 2004 (CDC Atlanta, USA). Information extracted
      includes demographic data, maternal and fetal outcome. A P value of less than
      0.05 was considered significant. RESULTS: There were 688 eclamptic patients
      admitted and 13 943 women delivered during the study period giving a prevalence
      of 5% of total deliveries. One hundred and twenty six women died giving a
      maternal mortality ratio (MMR) of 904/100 000, among them 36 were eclamptics. The
      perinatal mortality rate for the eclamptics was 132/1 000. 81.4% of the women
      were primigravidas and majority (82.2%) were at term. Almost 83.3% presented
      within 12 hours of the onset of the fits and nearly half (44.9%) had their
      convulsion before the onset of labor. CONCLUSION: The incidence of eclampsia is
      5% of total deliveries. Delay in presentation is associated with poor outcome.

PMID- 22064259
TI  - Disseminated Langerhan's cell histiocytosis: a case report and review of the
      literature.
AB  - Langerhan's cell histiocytosis is characterized by the presence of large
      mononucleated cells associated with inflammatory cells. We describe the clinical
      presentation, histopathology and some immunohistochemistry findings, in an eight
      year-old female patient.

PMID- 22064260
TI  - Prognosis of idiopathic intracranial hypertension in Saudi Arabia.

PMID- 22064261
TI  - Referral for assisted reproductive technology: indications and treatment outcome.

PMID- 22064262
TI  - The influence of passive wrist joints on the functionality of prosthetic hands.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The addition of a passive wrist to a single degree of freedom
      prosthesis has an effect on its functionality. The amount of impact is
      undetermined. OBJECTIVES: To measure the grasping function of a commercial single
      degree of freedom hands with and without two forms of passive wrist flexor. STUDY
      DESIGN: Form-board and timed tasks. METHOD: Repeated measures with a single
      subject using a validated assessment tool. The test measured the function of one
      conventional, single axis, powered hand controlled by the same myocontroller
      format. It was used in conjunction with a passive three position wrist flexor, a
      wrist with compliance in the flex/extend and radial/ulnar deviation and compared
      with a hand without these axes. RESULTS: The overall functional score of the hand
      alone was 80 out of 100. The use of a wrist flexion unit resulted in a higher
      score (83) and the compliant wrist achieved a score of 79. The addition of a
      wrist allowed improved performance in Power, Lateral and Tips grips for both
      wrist designs, in addition the Extension grip was improved with the compliant
      wrist. CONCLUSION: Wrist flexion had a positive impact on the functional score.
      It enabled some tasks to be performed quicker and with less difficulty.

PMID- 22064263
TI  - Pf332-C231-reactive antibodies affect growth and development of intra
      erythrocytic Plasmodium falciparum parasites.
AB  - The Plasmodium falciparum antigen 332 (Pf332), is a megadalton parasite protein
      expressed at the surface of infected red cells during later stages of the
      parasite's developmental cycle. Antibodies to different parts of this antigen
      have been shown to inhibit parasite growth and adherence to host cells with or
      without ancillary cells. However, the mechanisms involved in these inhibitions
      remain largely unknown. We further analysed the activities of specific antibodies
      with regard to their specific mechanisms of action. For these analyses, affinity
      purified human antibodies against epitopes in the C-terminal fragment of Pf332
      (Pf332-C231) were employed. All purified antibodies recognized Pf332-C231 both by
      immunofluorescence and ELISA. IgG was the main antibody isotype detected,
      although all sera investigated had varying proportions of IgG and IgM content.
      All the antibodies showed a capacity to inhibit parasite growth in P. falciparum
      cultures to different extents, mainly by acting on the more mature parasite
      stages. Morphological analysis revealed the antibody effects to be characterized
      by the presence of a high proportion of abnormal schizonts (15-30%) and pyknotic
      parasites. There was also an apparent antibody effect on the red cell integrity,
      as many developing parasites (up to 10% of trophozoites and schizonts) were
      extracellular. In some cases, the infected red cells appeared to be
      disintegrating/fading, staining paler than surrounding infected and uninfected
      cells. Antigen reversal of inhibition confirmed that these inhibitions were
      antigen specific. Furthermore, the growth of parasites after 22-42h exposure to
      antibodies was investigated. Following the removal of antibody pressure, a
      decreased growth rate of these parasites was seen compared to that of control
      parasites. The present study confirms the potential of Pf332 as a target antigen
      for parasite neutralizing antibodies, and further indicates that epitopes within
      the C231 region of Pf332 should constitute important tools in the dissection of
      the role of Pf332 in the biology of the malaria parasite, as well as in the
      design of a malaria vaccine.

PMID- 22064264
TI  - HIV-1 and influenza antigens synthetically linked to IgG2a Fc elicit superior
      humoral responses compared to unmodified antigens in mice.
AB  - Using murine IgG subclass molecules (IgG1 or IgG2a) synthetically fused to HIV-1
      or influenza test antigens, we explored the potential for IgG Fc scaffolds to
      augment immunogenicity. Each antigen (Ag) was grafted onto a hinge-Fc scaffold
      containing all critical residues necessary for interaction with effector cells,
      thus retaining effector functions of the native IgG subclass. We hypothesized
      that the differential affinity of FcgammaRs for specific IgG subclasses would
      influence the magnitude of immune responses elicited by immunization with an Ag
      IgG Fc fusion vaccine. We demonstrate here that the antigen-specific humoral
      response elicited by Ag-IgG2a fusion vaccines is at least tenfold greater than
      that elicited by native antigen, that this response is superior to that elicited
      by Ag-IgG1, and that the augmented antigen-specific humoral response elicited is
      Fcgamma receptor-dependent.

PMID- 22064265
TI  - Enhanced memory B-cell immune responses after a second acellular pertussis
      booster vaccination in children 9 years of age.
AB  - Whooping cough has made its comeback and the incidence of pertussis in countries
      with widespread pertussis vaccination is most prominent in individuals above 9
      years of age. To control the burden of infection, several countries already
      introduced acellular pertussis (aP) booster vaccination in adolescents and/or
      adults. However, antibody levels wane rapidly after vaccination even at older
      age. In this longitudinal study we investigated the effect of a second aP booster
      on the pertussis-specific memory B-cell immunity in children 9 years of age that
      have previously been vaccinated according to the national immunization program.
      Longitudinal blood samples were taken before, one month and one year after the
      booster. Purified B-cells were polyclonally stimulated and frequencies of memory
      B-cells were identified by ELISPOT-assays specific for various pertussis
      antigens. In addition, IgG levels and avidity indices were measured with
      fluorescent bead-based multiplex immunoassays. Starting with low pertussis
      specific antibody and memory B-cell levels, a typical booster response was
      measured at one month after vaccination with increased antibody and memory B-cell
      responses. Although these responses declined slightly after one year, they
      substantially exceeded pre-booster levels and the avidity indices of the anti
      pertussis antibodies remained high. Furthermore, high numbers of pertussis
      specific memory B-cells at one-month post-booster correlate quite reliably with
      the corresponding high antibody response at one-year follow-up. In conclusion,
      booster vaccination in children 9 years of age induced an enhanced pertussis
      specific memory immune response that sustained at least for one year. Therefore,
      this study supports the introduction of booster vaccination in older age groups.

PMID- 22064266
TI  - Innocuousness and safety of classical swine fever marker vaccine candidate
      CP7_E2alf in non-target and target species.
AB  - Chimeric pestivirus CP7_E2alf is a promising live marker vaccine candidate
      against classical swine fever. Prior to a possible application in the field,
      several safety aspects have to be addressed. Due to the fact that CP7_E2alf is
      based on a bovine viral diarrhea virus backbone, its behavior in ruminants is of
      particular interest. In the framework of this study, its innocuousness in non
      target species was addressed by inoculation of calves, young goats, lambs, and
      rabbits. To this means, high titres of CP7_E2alf were applied orally to three
      animals of each species. Additional animals were left as unvaccinated contact
      controls. During the study, all animals remained clinically healthy, and neither
      fever nor leukopenia were observed. Virus could not be isolated from purified
      white blood cells or from nasal or faecal excretions. Moreover, none of the
      animals (inoculated or contact control) seroconverted. In the target species,
      innocuousness, shedding and transmission of vaccine virus was addressed in
      different animal trials that were carried out primarily for the purpose of
      efficacy, potency or duration of immunity studies. In all experiments, CP7_E2alf
      proved to be completely safe for the vaccinees and unvaccinated contact controls.
      Furthermore, no shedding or transmission was detected in any of the experiments.
      Even after parental vaccination, vaccine virus genome was barely detectable in
      blood or organ samples of vaccinated animals. Thus, CP7_E2alf can be regarded as
      completely safe for both target and non-target species.

PMID- 22064267
TI  - An open-label, randomized, multi-center study of the immunogenicity and safety of
      DTaP-IPV (KinrixTM) co-administered with MMR vaccine with or without varicella
      vaccine in healthy pre-school age children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the US, it is recommended that 4-6 year old children receive
      diphtheria-tetanus-acellular pertussis (DTaP), inactivated poliovirus (IPV),
      measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), varicella (V), and influenza vaccines. Data relating
      to the concomitant administration of combination DTaP-IPV vaccine (KinrixTM;
      GlaxoSmithKline Biologicals) and influenza or V vaccines are currently limited.
      This study was undertaken to evaluate the immunogenicity and reactogenicity of
      KinrixTM when co-administered with MMR (M-M-RII((r)), Merck & Co.) and VarivaxTM
      (Merck & Co.) in 4-6 year old children. METHODS: Phase IIIb, open-label, non
      inferiority study (NCT00871117). We randomized (1:1) healthy 4-6 year olds to
      receive KinrixTM+MMR+V on day 0 (Group 1), or KinrixTM+MMR on day 0, followed by
      V at month 1 (Group 2). We measured DTaP-IPV immunogenicity before and 1 month
      post-vaccination (prior to V vaccination in Group 2). We collected local and
      general solicited symptoms within 4 days after vaccination and serious adverse
      events (SAEs) through 6 months post-vaccination. RESULTS: We enrolled 478
      subjects. One month post-vaccination, >95% of subjects in both groups had booster
      responses to diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis antigens and all subjects had
      seroprotective anti-poliovirus antibody titers. Immune responses in Group 1 were
      non-inferior to Group 2 for responses to DTaP-IPV antigens according to pre
      specified criteria. Reporting of solicited local events at the DTaP-IPV site
      appeared to be similar between the two vaccine groups, as was reporting of
      solicited general adverse events within 4 days of vaccination; no vaccine related
      SAEs were reported. CONCLUSION: Concomitant administration of varicella vaccine
      with KinrixTM and MMR did not impact the immunogenicity of diphtheria, tetanus,
      pertussis or poliovirus antigens. Both vaccine regimens were well tolerated.
      These results support the co-administration of DTaP-IPV, MMR, and V vaccines in 4
      6-year-old children, providing protection against multiple diseases in a timely
      and efficient manner.

PMID- 22064268
TI  - Antibody response to the influenza vaccine in healthcare workers.
AB  - People vaccinated against influenza develop hemagglutination inhibition (HAI)
      antibodies (Ab) that bind to the virus and neutralize it. Ab titer levels are
      variable depending on factors insufficiently studied, and tend to decrease over
      time. In the present study, we analyzed antibodies responses before and after
      influenza vaccination in nurses working in a hospital, with the aim of: -
      identifying seroconversion rates to trivalent influenza vaccine one month after
      immunization; - evaluating if, six months after vaccination, influenza HAI Ab
      titer fall comparing to one-month post vaccination HAI Ab titer; - studying the
      association between the lack of HAI Ab response (seroconversion) assessed one
      month after immunization and: ? past influenza vaccinations, ? baseline (before
      vaccination) HAI Ab titer, ? baseline (before vaccination) HAI Ab titer >= 40
      (considered as a protection titer). Hemagglutination inhibition reaction was used
      to assess specific HAI Ab titers against influenza A(H(1)N(1)), A(H(3)N(2)) and B
      virus strains included in the influenza vaccine and we used progressive dilutions
      of two times, starting on 1:10 until 1:20.480. Seroconversion rates, one month
      after vaccination, were 66.7% for A(H(1)N(1)) strain, 63.2% for A(H(3)N(2))
      strain and 56.3% for B strain. The most immunogenic strain used in 2007/08
      influenza vaccine was A(H(1)N(1)). Seroconversion rates after one month were
      negatively associated with past influenza vaccinations, baseline HAI Ab titers >=
      40 and baseline HAI Ab titers. Six months after vaccination, 50% of participants
      showed a drop in HAI Ab titers to an half, for each of the considered strains,
      but they remain high enough to protect against the disease.

PMID- 22064269
TI  - MAOS and medicinal chemistry: some important examples from the last years.
AB  - This review aims to highlight microwave-assisted organic synthesis as applied to
      medicinal chemistry in the last years, showing some reactions performed under
      microwave irradiation for the synthesis of distinct structurally molecules of
      biological interest, divided into the following groups: antineoplastics, anti
      inflammatory, antimicrobial agents, antivirals, agents for the treatment of
      neglected diseases and central nervous system-acting prototypes.

PMID- 22064270
TI  - Effect of the lectin of Bauhinia variegata and its recombinant isoform on
      surgically induced skin wounds in a murine model.
AB  - Lectins are a structurally heterogeneous group of highly specific carbohydrate
      binding proteins. Due to their great biotechnological potential, lectins are
      widely used in biomedical research. The purpose of the present study was to
      evaluate the healing potential of the lectin of Bauhinia variegata (nBVL) and its
      recombinant isoform (rBVL-1). Following surgical creation of dorsal skin wounds,
      seven groups of mice were submitted to topical treatment for 12 days with lectin,
      D-galactose, BSA and saline. The animals were anesthetized and euthanized on POD
      2, 7 and 12 in order to evaluate the healing potential of each treatment. The
      parameters considered included wound size, contraction rate, epithelialization
      rate and histopathological findings. Wound closure was fastest in animals treated
      with rBVL-1 (POD 7). nBVL was more effective than the controls. All skin layers
      were reconstructed and keratin deposition increased. Our findings indicate that
      the lectin of Bauhinia variegata possesses pro-healing properties and may be
      employed in the treatment of acute skin wounds.

PMID- 22064271
TI  - Synthesis, characterization, acetylcholinesterase inhibition, molecular modeling
      and antioxidant activities of some novel Schiff bases derived from 1-(2
      ketoiminoethyl)piperazines.
AB  - Some novel Schiff bases derived from 1-(2-ketoiminoethyl)piperazines were
      synthesized and characterized by mass spectroscopy, FTIR, UV-Visible, 1H and 13C
      NMR. The compounds were tested for inhibitory activities on human
      acetylcholinesterase (hAChE), antioxidant activities, acute oral toxicity and
      further studied by molecular modeling techniques. The study identified the
      compound (DHP) to have the highest activity among the series in hAChE inhibition
      and DPPH assay while the compound LP revealed the highest activity in the FRAP
      assay. The hAChE inhibitory activity of DHP is comparable with that of propidium,
      a known AChE inhibitor. This high activity of DHP was checked by molecular
      modeling which showed that DHP could not be considered as a bivalent ligand due
      to its incapability to occupy the esteratic site (ES) region of the 3D crystal
      structure of hAChE. The antioxidant study unveiled varying results in 1,1
      diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP)
      assays. This indicates mechanistic variations of the compounds in the two assays.
      The potential therapeutic applications and safety of these compounds were
      suggested for use as human acetylcholinesterase inhibitors and antioxidants.

PMID- 22064272
TI  - Chemical constituents and biological studies of the leaves of Grevillea robusta.
AB  - Three new compounds: Graviquinone (1), cis-3-hydroxy-5-pentadecylcyclohexanone
      (2), and methyl 5-ethoxy-2-hydroxycinnamate (3), and thirty-eight known compounds
      were isolated and identified from the leaves of Grevillea robusta. The structures
      of these compounds were determined by spectroscopic and chemical transformation
      methods. Graviquinone (1) showed the strongest cytotoxicity against MCF-7, NCI
      H460, and SF-268 cell lines. Methyl 2,5-dihydroxycinnamate (4), graviphane (13),
      and dehydrograviphane (14) exhibited very potent DPPH scavenging activity
      compared with alpha-tocopherol. Methyl 2,5-dihydroxycinnamate (4) and bis
      norstriatol (17) demonstrated strong inhibition of L-DOPA oxidation by mushroom
      tyrosinase compared with kojic acid.

PMID- 22064273
TI  - Consecutive three-component synthesis of 3-(hetero)aryl-1H-pyrazoles with
      propynal diethylacetal as a three-carbon building block.
AB  - A novel consecutive three-component synthesis of 3-(hetero)aryl-1H-pyrazoles via
      room temperature Sonogashira arylation of propynal diethylacetal used as a
      propargyl aldehyde synthetic equivalent has been disclosed. The final acetal
      cleavage-cyclocondensation with hydrazine hydrochloride at 80  degrees C rapidly
      furnishes the title compounds in a one-pot fashion.

PMID- 22064274
TI  - Triprolidinium dipicrate.
AB  - In the tripodinium cation of the title compound {systematic name: 2-[(E)-1-(4
      methyl-phen-yl)-3-(pyrrolidin-1-ium-1-yl)prop-1-en-yl]pyridinium bis-(2,4,6
      trinitro-phenolate)}, C(19)H(24)N(2) (+).2C(6)H(2)N(3)O(7) (-), the N atoms on
      both the pyrrolidine and pyridinium groups are protonated. The pyrrolidine group
      adopts a slightly distorted envelope configuration. Strong N-H?O cation-anion
      hydrogen bonds and weak inter-molecular N-H?O inter-actions link the dication and
      two anions. In both picrate anions, the nitro groups display rotational disorder
      over two orientations in a 0.605 (6):0.395 (6) ratio. The crystal packing also
      features weak inter-molecular pi-pi [centroid-centroid distance = 3.8036 (14) A]
      and C-H?O inter-actions.

PMID- 22064275
TI  - O,O'-2-Iodo-1,3-phenyl-ene bis-(diphenyl-phosphinothio-ate).
AB  - The title compound, C(30)H(23)IO(2)P(2)S(2), was synthesized by the reaction of 2
      iodo-benzene-1,3-diol, chloro-diphenyl-phosphine, Et(3)N and sulfur. The P=S
      bonds project to opposite sides of the central aromatic ring. The O-P-S and C-P-S
      bond angles are significantly larger than the O-P-C and C-P-C bond angles,
      indicating significant distortion of the tetra-hedral geometries of the P atoms.
      The P=S bond lengths of 1.9311 (13) and 1.9302 (12) A in the title compound are
      shorter than that found in Ph(3)P=S [1.950 (3) A] because the replacement of one
      C atom attached the P atom by an O atom increases the effective electronegativity
      of the P atom.

PMID- 22064276
TI  - 10-Hy-droxy-benzo[h]quinolinium tetra-chlorido(2-methyl-quinolin-8-olato
      kappaN,O)stannate(IV) methanol disolvate.
AB  - In the disolvated title salt, (C(13)H(10)NO)[SnCl(4)(C(10)H(8)NO)].2CH(3)OH, the
      Sn(IV) atom is chelated by the N,O-bidentate 2-methyl-quinolin-8-olate ion and is
      further coordinated by four chloride ions, showing a distorted octa-hedral
      SnNOCl(4) geometry. In the crystal, the cation and anion are linked to the
      methanol mol-ecules by O-H?O and N-H?O hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22064277
TI  - Comparison of glucose, glucose 6-phosphate, ribose, and mannose as flavour
      precursors in pork; the effect of monosaccharide addition on flavour generation.
AB  - The effect of glucose, glucose 6-phosphate, mannose and ribose on the generation
      of aroma volatiles in pork was investigated. The monosaccharides were added
      individually to minced pork prior to heat treatment (160 degrees C for 10min) in
      the following concentrations: glucose (27.5MUmol/g), ribose (1.2MUmol/g), mannose
      (8.3MUmol/g) and glucose 6-phosphate (0.5MUmol/g). The natural concentrations of
      the monosaccharides in the pork used were found to be 4.0MUmol/g for glucose,
      0.1MUmol/g for ribose, 0.3MUmol/g for mannose and 2.6MUmol/g for glucose 6
      phosphate. The major aroma compounds identified in the headspace of the heated
      samples were pyrazines, aldehydes (Strecker and lipid-derived), ketones, and
      sulphides. Glucose generated the highest amounts of volatiles followed by glucose
      6-phosphate. However, when related to the added concentration of glucose 6
      phosphate, this phosphorylated monosaccharide showed the highest aroma generating
      potential. The addition of ribose did not increase the concentration of volatiles
      compared with pork without the added monosaccharide. The fates of ribose 5
      phosphate and ribose in pork were studied over time. The concentrations of ribose
      and ribose 5-phosphate clearly decreased during 2h equilibration, which may be
      due to enzymatic activities. These precursors may, therefore, be less important
      pork flavour precursors than glucose and glucose 6-phosphate.

PMID- 22064278
TI  - Dynamic viscoelastic characterisation of ostrich-meat yor (Thai sausage)
      following pressure, temperature and holding time regimes.
AB  - Ostrich-meat yor (Thai sausage) was pressurized at 200, 400 and 600MPa, with 40
      and 50 degrees C for 40 or 60min, subsequently, the products were assessed by
      stress control rheometry. Two types of viscoelastic measurement were made. The
      first was an oscillatory analysis performed at a frequency range of 0.01-10Hz
      using a stress of 30Pa. Secondly, creep and recovery testing was performed with
      an initial load of 30Pa for 300s, unloaded recovery 900s. Finally, the products
      were subjected to sensory evaluation using a 9-point hedonic scale. To support
      the rheological measurement, SDS-PAGE electrophoretic analysis was also applied.
      The viscoelastic characterisation of all treated ostrich-meat yor showed that G'
      was larger than G" with small tan delta values (0.23) and the difference between
      G' and G" of each plot was relatively one log cycle. These indicated solid-like
      behaviour with the predominance of an elastic component. Whereas all creep curves
      of the treated samples were best characterised by a four-element "Burgers" model
      in which the J(0) data and retardation time (lambda(ret)) suggested that
      increasing pressure levels, temperature and holding time significantly affected
      the viscoelastic properties of the samples. The electrophoregrams indicated that
      these structural changes which might be associated with the formation of
      hydrophobic interactions and disulphide bonding. Most sensory attributes of the
      pressure treated products received higher scores than conventionally steamed
      products.

PMID- 22064279
TI  - Relationship of temperament, growth, carcass characteristics and tenderness in
      beef steers.
AB  - Relationships of temperament evaluated at different production stages with
      growth, carcass characteristics and beef tenderness were determined in Bonsmara
      crossbred steers managed under commercial managent. Temperament was evaluated at
      weaning and at initiation of the finishing phase. Steers from a Roswell, NM ranch
      (n=156) and a Cline, TX ranch (n=21) were stratified at fall weaning by weight
      and source and randomly allotted to winter ryegrass at Uvalde or Overton, TX
      followed by feeding in a commercial feedlot near Batesville, TX. Cattle were
      observed for temperament (escape velocity, EV, m/s; pen and chute temperament
      score, PTS and CTS) at weaning and upon entry to the feedlot. Cattle were
      harvested at approximately 7 mm 12th rib fat. Carcass data was taken
      approximately 36 hrs post-mortem and 2.5cm thick steaks were removed from the
      13th rib for Warner-Bratzler shear force (WBS) determination. The only measures
      of temperament significantly related to performance were EV and PTS. Weaning EV
      appeared to be more related to feedlot ADG (r=-0.26, P<0.003), ribeye area (r=
      0.37, P<0.0008), yield grade (r=0.29, P<0.01) and WBS, r=0.27, P<0.005) than did
      the later measures of temperament. However, in-feedlot EV was associated with
      feedlot weights (r=-0.28, P<0.0004). Results of this research suggest
      temperament, particularly at weaning, is related to feedlot performance, carcass
      merit, and beef tenderness at a low to moderate level and evaluation of this
      trait may be a helpful management tool.

PMID- 22064280
TI  - Predicting Longissimusdorsi myoglobin oxidation in aged beef based on early post
      mortem colour measurements on the carcass as a colour stability index.
AB  - Sixty young bulls of the Pirenaica breed, representative of the beef production
      and marketing system in northern Spain, were used. The carcass grading and
      weight, pH at 24h post-mortem, and objective colour measurements (CIE
      L(*)a(*)b(*)) were recorded on the Latissimus dorsi, Rectus abdominis and
      Longissimus dorsi in order to find indicators and predictors of beef colour
      stability (Longissimus dorsi metmyoglobin percentage on ageing for 3, 7 and
      14days) by means of early post-mortem measurements on the carcass. Neither the
      conformation nor the degree of fattening, under the current EU beef carcass
      classification system, displayed any statistically significant relationship with
      colour stability of beef aged 3, 7 and 14days. However, there was a relationship
      between the instrumental colour measured on the carcass and the colour stability
      of the beef. This relationship allowed prediction of colour stability
      (Longissimus dorsi MMb percentage) after 3, 7 and 14days of ageing and 48h
      blooming using colour coordinates measured on the carcass.

PMID- 22064281
TI  - Liberation of actin from actomyosin in meats heated to 65 degrees C.
AB  - This study investigated whether actin liberation from myofibrils occurs during
      the heating of various muscles, as well as squid mantle muscle at temperatures,
      such as 60 degrees C, employed for vacuum cooking of meats. Actin liberation was
      demonstrated in scallop striated adductor muscle, but not in beef, pork, or
      chicken, using the detection method previously employed with squid muscle, in
      which liberated actin was detected with SDS-PAGE, in the supernatant obtained by
      centrifugation of the homogenate of heated muscle in 0.2M KCl at a neutral pH.
      However, actin liberation was demonstrated in beef, pork and chicken by a new
      detection method, in which heated muscle was homogenized in 0.6M KCl or NaCl at a
      slightly alkaline pH and maintained at 4 degrees C for 16h with stirring, after
      which the homogenate was diluted three times with water and centrifuged to obtain
      the supernatant containing the liberated actin. This new method indicated that
      actin liberation in beef, pork, and chicken was marked by heating at 65 degrees
      C, but scarcely induced at 80 degrees C. Thus, the liberation of actin from
      myofibrils may contribute to the greater tenderness of vacuum-cooked meat (meat
      heated at a low temperature for long time), as compared with meat prepared by
      cooking at a higher temperature.

PMID- 22064282
TI  - Irradiated Chinese Rugao ham: Changes in volatile N-nitrosamine, biogenic amine
      and residual nitrite during ripening and post-ripening.
AB  - N-nitrosamines, biogenic amines and residual nitrite are harmful substances and
      often present in cured meat. The effects of gamma-irradiation (gamma-irradiation)
      on these chemicals in dry-cured Chinese Rugao ham during ripening and post
      ripening were investigated. Rugao hams were irradiated at a dose of 5kGy before
      ripening and were then ripened in an aging loft. Although gamma-irradiation
      degraded tyramine, putrescine and spermine, on the other hand, it promoted the
      formation of spermidine, phenylethylamine, cadaverine and tryptamine. Residual
      nitrite was significantly reduced by gamma-irradiation. N-nitrosodimethylamine
      (NDMA), N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) and N-nitrosopyrrolidine (NPYR) were found
      in Chinese Rugao ham during ripening and post-ripening but could be degraded with
      gamma-irradiation. The results suggest that gamma-irradiation may be a potential
      decontamination measure for certain chemical compounds found in dry-cured meat.

PMID- 22064283
TI  - A novel fiber optic sensor to monitor beef meat emulsion stability using visible
      light scattering.
AB  - Accurate control of the meat emulsification process for a consistent product
      quality entails the development of an on-line optical sensor technology to
      determine the optimum chopping end-point yielding minimum cooking loss and a fine
      texture. Previous studies suggested that light backscatter measurements can be
      used to monitor physical-chemical changes during emulsification in comminuted
      meat products if appropriate spacing between the emitting and detecting optical
      fibers is used. Light backscatter intensity from beef emulsions manufactured with
      different fat/lean ratio (0.075, 0.250, and 0.330) and chopping duration (2, 5,
      and 8min) were obtained using a dedicated fiber optic prototype. Optical
      measurements were collected at three radial distances (2, 2.5, and 3mm) from the
      light source using a fiber optic spectrometer (300-1100nm). Light backscatter
      intensity decreased logarithmically with increasing fiber optic spacing. Light
      propagation through the emulsion decreased significantly with increasing chopping
      duration and fat concentration. Cooking loss increased with increasing fat/lean
      ratio and with under- or over-chopping. The maximum emulsion stability was
      observed at 5min of chopping. Several optically derived parameters were found to
      be significantly correlated with fat loss during cooking. Typically, those
      correlations were observed to increase with decreasing fiber distance. Based on
      these findings, an optical configuration is proposed that would compensate for
      the emulsion heterogeneity, maximizing the existing correlation between the
      optical signal and the emulsion quality metrics.

PMID- 22064284
TI  - 4-(1,3-Benzodioxol-5-yl)-2-oxo-1,2,5,6-tetra-hydro-benzo[h]quinoline-3-carbo
      nitrile.
AB  - In the mol-ecule of the title compound, C(21)H(14)N(2)O(3), the tetra-hydro
      benzo[h]quinoline fused-ring system is buckled owing to the ethyl-ene -CH(2)CH(2)
      fragment, the benzene ring and the pyridine ring being twisted by 24.3 (1)
      degrees . The ring of the benzodioxol system is bent away from the pyridine ring
      by 61.4 (1) degrees  in order to avoid crowding the cyanide substituent. Two mol
      ecules are linked by a pair of N-H?O hydrogen bonds to form a centrosymmetric
      dimer.

PMID- 22064286
TI  - Intramuscular lipid and fatty acid profile of sheep comprising four sex-types and
      seven slaughter weights produced following commercial procedure.
AB  - The intramuscular lipid and fatty acid profiles of the m. longissimus dorsi from
      84 sheep comprising four sex-types (enire ram, vasectomised ram, wether and ewe)
      and seven slaughter weights (32, 36, 40, 44, 48 and 52kg) were measured. Animals
      were reared following the commercial practice. Specifically, they were fed
      pasture and a concentrate diet, and age at slaughter ranged from 180 to 390 days.
      Differences between entire and vasectomised rams, and between wethers and ewes in
      intramuscular lipid content were not significant (P>0.05). However, entire and
      vasectomised rams were significantly lower (P<0.05) in intramuscular lipid
      content than ewes and wethers. Sex related differences in 14:0 (myristic acid),
      t18:1, c18:1, t18:2 and c18:2 proportions were not significant (P>0.05). Ewes and
      wethers were similar in 16:0 (palmitic acid) and 18:0 (stearic acid) proportions,
      but ewes contained significantly higher 16:0 and lower 18:0 proportions than
      entire and vasectomised rams (P<0.01). Entire and vasectomised rams recorded the
      highest c18:3 proportions, wethers were intermediate whilst ewes contained the
      lowest proportion (P<0.01). Although neither saturated fatty acid (SFA) nor
      monounsaturated fatty acid (MUFA) proportions varied with sex-type, vasectomised
      rams contained significantly higher polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) proportion
      that the other sex-types (P<0.05). Whilst intramuscular lipid content, and 18:0
      and c18:1 proportions were linearly correlated with slaughter weight (P<0.001),
      14:0 and c18:3 proportions decreased quadratically with increasing slaughter
      weight (P<0.001). The vasectomised ram and the entire ram were similar in fatty
      acid profile, except the significantly higher PUFA proportion recorded by the
      vasectomised ram.

PMID- 22064287
TI  - Influence of oxygen exclusion and temperature on pathogenic bacteria levels and
      sensory characteristics of packed ostrich steaks throughout refrigerated storage.
AB  - Ostrich steaks (290) were obtained from Iliofibularis muscles. For
      microbiological and pH determinations, samples were inoculated with Listeria
      monocytogenes NCTC 11994 (80 steaks) or Escherichia coli ATCC 12806 (80), then
      air- or vacuum-packed and stored at either 4+/-1 degrees C or 10+/-1 degrees C.
      Analyses were carried out on days 0, 3, 6 and 9 of storage. For sensory
      evaluation, samples (130) were air- or vacuum-packed and stored at 4+/-1 degrees
      C or at 10+/-1 degrees C. Sensory attributes (odour, colour, drip loss, texture
      and general acceptability) were scored by six untrained judges using an
      unstructured nine-point hedonic scale on eleven sampling days (0, 3, 6, 9, 12,
      15, 18, 21, 24, 27 and 30). Increases in microbial counts (log(10)cfu/g) were
      observed throughout storage in all groups of samples for both L. monocytogenes
      (from 6.39+/-0.43-6.62+/-0.32 at day 0 to 8.87+/-0.19-9.64+/-0.43 at day 9) and
      E. coli (from 5.57+/-0.15-5.68-0.40 to 7.79+/-0.96-9.64+/-0.17). Gas atmosphere
      influenced microbial counts from day 3 of storage with lower (P<0.05) values
      observed in vacuum- than in air-packed samples at 10 degrees C (L. monocytogenes)
      or at 4 and 10 degrees C (E. coli). Storage temperature significantly influenced
      bacterial counts throughout storage, especially in air-packed samples. Lower pH
      values in vacuum- than in air-packed samples were observed from day 6. Both
      effects (gas atmosphere and temperature) influenced the hedonic scores, with
      higher values assigned to vacuum-packed samples for most attributes (with the
      exception of drip loss) and sampling days. A marked influence of storage
      temperature on sensorial scores was obtained in air-packaged ostrich steaks. The
      shelf-life (time until the average general acceptability score fell below 5) was
      6 (air-packed samples), 9 (vacuum-packed, 10 degrees C), or 12 days (vacuum
      packed, 4 degrees C). The results being reported here suggest the importance of
      both oxygen exclusion and storage at low temperatures to reduce microbiological
      risks and improve the acceptability of ostrich meat. However, the short shelf
      life of this product highlights the need to keep the time between slaughter and
      sale to a minimum.

PMID- 22064288
TI  - Characterisation of fluorescent Schiff bases formed during oxidation of pig
      myofibrils.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the formation of fluorescent Schiff
      bases between proteins and lipid oxidation products in myofibrils. Myofibrils
      were prepared from pig M. longissimus dorsi and oxidized by hydroxyl (OH()) and
      superoxide (O(2)(-)) radical generating systems. Protein oxidation was measured
      by the carbonyl content and lipid oxidation was estimated by measurement of
      thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). To avoid any bias due to their
      low solubility, fluorescent pigments were estimated directly in the solid state
      by a front-face fluorescence technique. Hydroxyl radicals generated high levels
      of lipid and protein oxidation as well as fluorescent pigments, whereas only
      fluorescence was affected by superoxide radicals. The formation of fluorescent
      pigments was linked not only to aldehyde production, but also to the availability
      of the amino groups of the myofibrillar protein side chains. Schiff bases could
      be implicated in protein aggregation with deleterious effect on meat quality.

PMID- 22064289
TI  - Heat-induced gelation of porcine blood plasma proteins as affected by pH.
AB  - Porcine plasma is a by-product of the meat industry that can be used as a food
      ingredient. It is a protein mixture, hence its composition can be modified to
      meet specific functionality requirements. In the present paper, the gelation
      properties of plasma and its two major fractions (serum and albumin) have been
      studied at pH 4.5, 6.0 and 7.5. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE)
      revealed that albumin was the constituent that remained soluble to a larger
      extent during heat-treatments, and that acidic coagulation occurred at pH 4.5,
      making weak interactions the predominating ones between protein aggregates.
      Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and rheological tests showed that both
      the thermal stability and the gelation point of protein solutions were lower as
      pH decreased. The textural properties and water-holding capacities of plasma and
      albumin gels were more pH-dependent than serum. Albumin gels were the weakest and
      those of plasma at pH 7.5, the strongest. It has been determined that
      interactions between protein fractions play a key role in the gelling properties
      due to synergistic effects. This knowledge should be useful in the engineering of
      a plasma derivative product designed for specific food requirements, by
      reformulating its natural composition and enhanced by controlling pH.

PMID- 22064290
TI  - The combined effect of antioxidants and modified atmosphere packaging on protein
      and lipid oxidation in beef patties during chill storage.
AB  - Effect of rosemary extract and ascorbate/citrate (1:1) in combination with
      modified atmosphere packaging (100% N(2), 80% O(2)/20% N(2)) on protein and lipid
      oxidation in minced beef patties during storage in the dark for up to 6 days at 4
      degrees C was investigated. A high level of oxygen in the packaging atmosphere
      was found to increase both lipid and protein oxidation during storage as
      evaluated by TBARS analysis of secondary lipid oxidation products and by 2,4
      dinitrophenylhydrazine derivatization of protein carbonyls. Both antioxidant
      systems tested were found to inhibit lipid oxidation but not protein oxidation.
      In contrast, ascorbate/citrate was found to promote protein oxidation. Rosemary
      extract was found to regenerate or protect alpha-tocopherol whereas the packaging
      atmospheres had no effect on alpha-tocopherol stability. In high oxygen
      atmospheres both antioxidants protected the fresh red meat colour with
      ascorbate/citrate being more efficient than the rosemary extract, whereas no
      effect of antioxidant on meat colour was found in beef patties stored in 100%
      nitrogen.

PMID- 22064291
TI  - Identification of meats from red deer (Cervus elaphus), fallow deer (Dama dama),
      and roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) using polymerase chain reaction targeting
      specific sequences from the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene.
AB  - Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based on oligonucleotide primers targeting the
      mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene was applied to the specific identification of meats
      from red deer (Cervus elaphus), fallow deer (Dama dama), and roe deer (Capreolus
      capreolus). The use of a common reverse primer, together with forward specific
      primers for red deer, fallow deer, and roe deer, allowed the selective
      amplification of the desired cervid sequences. The specificity of each primer
      pair was verified by PCR analysis of DNA from various game and domestic meats.
      The assay can be useful for the accurate identification of meats from cervid
      species, avoiding mislabeling or fraudulent species substitution in meat
      products.

PMID- 22064292
TI  - Indoor fattening of lambs raised on pasture. Part 1: Influence of stall finishing
      duration on lipid classes and fatty acids in the longissimus thoracis muscle.
AB  - Forty male Ile-de-France lambs (10 blocks of 4 homologous lambs) were used to
      study the effects of four feeding systems on muscle fatty acids (FA): raising and
      finishing on cool-season grasses (G), raising on the same grasses and stall
      finishing, indoors, on concentrates and hay, respectively, for 22 (GSS) or 41
      days (GSL), and stall-feeding indoors on concentrates and hay during both growing
      and finishing periods (S). Twenty-four lambs only (6 blocks) were retained for
      comparison of growth performances, lipid content in the longissimus thoracis
      muscle (LT) and their FA composition according to treatment. The 16 other lambs
      (4 blocks) were removed from the comparison, due to a large spread in the growth
      of the lambs towards the end of the trial. No significant effects of treatment
      were seen on the rate of growth (221, 228, 243 and 245+/-SE 8.0g/d, respectively,
      for G, GSS, GSL and S groups), and the lipid contents of the LT (2.22, 2.16, 2.17
      and 2.52+/-SE 0.11g/100g fresh tissue). Grazing, lowered n-6 PUFA
      (polyunsaturated fatty acids), and increased n-3 PUFA and C18:2 c9t11 (conjugated
      linoleic acid cis9, trans11) compared to concentrate feeding. The main effects of
      grazing were not removed by a short period of finish indoors on concentrate (GSS
      group), but C20:4 n-6 and C22:6 n-3 contents achieved the lowest contents in this
      group, with significant differences from the values observed for GSL and S groups
      (C20:4 n-6) or from the three other groups (C22:6 n-3). After a longer period of
      finish on concentrate (GSL group), C18:3 n-3 (linolenic acid), C18:2 c9t11 and
      long chain (LC) n-3 PUFA were brought to the levels observed in the S group. In
      terms of adequacy for human health, the C18:2 n-6/C18:3 n-3 ratios were
      favourably low in the four groups (2.6, 3.6, 4.9 and 5.2+/-SE 0.7, respectively,
      for G, GSS, GSL and S groups), the level observed in the case of G group being
      significantly lower than for the three other groups and the level observed for
      GSS group being significantly lower than for the GSL and S groups.

PMID- 22064293
TI  - Physical and chemical characteristics and acceptability of home style beef jerky.
AB  - Properties of snack foods from comminuted, seasoned beef, dried under laboratory
      conditions at a temperature of 55+/-2 degrees C were analyzed in this study.
      Samples were collected after 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7h of drying. The jerky products were
      evaluated by selected physicochemical and sensory methods. A significant
      influence of thermal treatment on the sample colour (L(*), a(*), b(*)-values) was
      observed. Results of sensory examination of selected attributes of the analyzed
      product performed by a trained panel confirmed that dried snack products obtained
      from beef under non-commercial conditions had the most desirable texture
      attributes, i.e. high chewiness at such a dryness that the moisture-to-protein
      ratio (MPR) was 0.5. At this value tensile work was the largest (757.77N*mm).
      Such a product is an attractive offer for those consumers who are willing to
      accept original, convenience products meeting at the same time their growing
      requirements concerning high organoleptic and nutritive value.

PMID- 22064294
TI  - Sodium diffusion in cured pork determined by (22)Na radiology.
AB  - A (22)Na-radioisotope method was developed as a non-destructive method for
      studying NaCl diffusion in meat. Scanning a well-defined cylindrical geometry
      with diffusion from one end gave reliable sodium diffusion profiles in meat. The
      diffusion coefficients derived from the profiles amounted to 5-7*10(-10)m(2)/s at
      21 degrees C, largely in accordance with the general findings of the literature.
      Subsequent autoradiography carried out on the same samples demonstrated the
      feasibility of this method for validation of different experimental set-ups. The
      diffusion profiles were skewed showing a wall effect which, however, did not
      prevent consistent determination of the diffusion coefficient. The results
      suggest that the diffusion of salt in meat may depend on the individual animal.
      The present study appears to be the first to employ radioactive (22)Na as a
      tracer for NaCl diffusion in meat; it is concluded that the method is promising
      for studying salt diffusion in meat.

PMID- 22064295
TI  - Effect of social dominance on the meat quality of young Friesian bulls.
AB  - This study examined whether social status of the animals influenced the
      productive, morphological, physiological, and meat quality parameters in young
      Friesian bulls. The social dominance index (SDI) was estimated by direct
      observation of the dominance relationships among animals living in a feedlot.
      Thirty young bulls were divided into three groups based on their social status as
      assessed by SDI. The social status of the animals had a small effect on daily
      growth rate, but did not affect carcass or meat quality parameters. Physiological
      measures of stress were also unaffected by the animals' social status.

PMID- 22064296
TI  - Effect of cooking temperature and time on the physico-chemical, histological and
      sensory properties of female carabeef (buffalo) meat.
AB  - The effect of cooking temperature (80-100 degrees C) and time (30-60min) on
      collagen solubility of Semimembranosus muscle in carabeef were investigated. The
      pH, cooking loss, shear force value, collagen content, collagen solubility,
      sensory evaluation and histological observations of water bath cooked and
      pressure cooked Semimembranosus meat samples were measured. Increase in pH,
      cooking loss, collagen solubility and tenderness scores with decrease in shear
      force value and collagen content was observed with increases in cooking
      temperature and time. However, no statistical difference was observed for shear
      force values, collagen solubility values and tenderness scores in pressure cooked
      meat and meat cooked in a water bath at 100 degrees C for 45min, inferring that
      cooking of buffalo meat at 100 degrees C for 45min improved collagen solubility
      and tenderness to the same extent as that due to pressure cooking.

PMID- 22064297
TI  - Influence of myosin heavy- and light chain isoforms on early postmortem
      glycolytic rate and pork quality.
AB  - This study addressed the influence of the content of myosin heavy- (MHC) and
      light chain (MLC) isoforms on early postmortem glycolytic rate and meat quality
      traits in the porcine longissimus muscle. The fast-glycolysing group showed lower
      contents of MHC slow and MLC 1s isoforms (P<0.05), and higher MHC fast isoform
      contents than the normal-glycolysing group (P<0.05). The MHC fast/slow ratio was
      correlated with lactate content (r=0.41) and early postmortem muscle pH (r=
      0.51), and the content of the MLC 1s isoform was negatively correlated with
      lactate content and glycolytic potential (r=-0.38 and -0.36, respectively).
      Hence, both the MHC and MLC isoforms did influence metabolite contents, thus also
      affecting glycolytic rate, and suggested that the myosin isoforms, in particular
      the MHC isoforms, might also have some bearing on the extent of protein
      denaturation and pork quality during the early postmortem period.

PMID- 22064298
TI  - Effects of fattening periods on the expression of adipogenic transcription
      factors in Wagyu beef cattle.
AB  - In this experiment, we studied the effects of fattening periods (at 19, 24, and
      29 months of age) on the expression of the C/EBP family (C/EBPalpha, C/EBPbeta,
      and C/EBPdelta) and PPARgamma protein levels by Western blot analysis from
      different fat depots (subcutaneous, intermuscular, and mesenteric fat tissue) of
      Japanese Black steers. The expressions of C/EBPbeta-liver-enriched activator
      protein (LAP), which activates preadipocyte differentiation, in subcutaneous,
      intermuscular, and mesenteric fat tissue at 29 months of age were significantly
      lower than those at 19 months. On the other hand, the expressions of C/EBPbeta
      liver-enriched inhibitory protein (LIP), which represses preadipocyte
      differentiation, in subcutaneous and intermuscular fat tissue in 29 months of age
      were significantly higher than those at 19 months. The expressions of C/EBPalpha,
      which activates adipocyte terminal differentiation, in intermuscular fat tissue
      at 29 months of age were significantly higher than those at 19 months. No
      significant differences in the C/EBPdelta and PPAR gamma levels were observed in
      the fattening periods for any fat depots. These results suggest that adipogenic
      transcription factors, especially C/EBPbeta and C/EBPalpha, play an important
      role in regulating adipogenesis during the fattening periods of Japanese Black
      cattle.

PMID- 22064299
TI  - Biochemical and sensory characteristics of traditional fermented sausages of
      Vallo di Diano (Southern Italy) as affected by the use of starter cultures.
AB  - In this study, two strains of Staphylococcus xylosus isolated from traditional
      fermented sausages of Vallo di Diano (Southern Italy) were used in combination
      with an acidifying strain of Lactobacillus curvatus as starter culture for the
      production of fermented sausages. Two starter formulation were developed
      combining the proteolytic but not lipolytic (prt(+), lip(-)) S. xylosus CVS11
      with the L. curvatus AVL3 (starter S1) and the S. xylosus FVS21 (prt(-), lip(+))
      with the same strain of L. curvatus (starter S2). Proteolysis and lipolysis were
      observed during ripening by the increase in total free amino acids (FAA) and free
      fatty acids (FFA), respectively. Such activities were observed in both started
      and non started sausages (control). Moreover, the proteolytic and lipolytic
      activities were detected in products started by both formulations irrespective of
      the presence of such activities in the strains used. Therefore, it was not
      possible to conclude whether the effect of proteolysis and lipolysis during
      ripening of the started fermented sausages was due to the activity of the starter
      cultures or to the action of meat endogenous enzymes.

PMID- 22064300
TI  - Improved antioxidant activity of Vitamin E through solubilization in ethanol: A
      model study with ground beef.
AB  - Previous research has demonstrated that vitamin E (tocopherol) applied to muscle
      foods using an oil carrier targets the neutral lipid fraction (NLF:
      triacylglycerols) instead of the polar lipid fraction (PLF: phospholipids) and
      therefore does not act as an effective antioxidant. This paper demonstrates that
      delta-tocopherol (TOH) applied using a polar carrier was effectively incorporated
      into the PLF of ground beef and reduced subsequent TBARs development. TOH was
      incorporated in the PLF at 2820+/-231MUg TOH/g lipid and in the NLF at 167+/
      66.2MUg TOH/g lipid. Cooking ground beef (patties) did not result in loss of
      absolute amount of delta-tocopherol (5020+/-975MUg vs. 6220+/-1510MUg TOH,
      respectively). In addition, the development of thiobarbituric reactive substances
      (TBARs) in cooked product was significantly (p<0.05) lowered by TOH incorporation
      on days 2, 9, 15, and 22.

PMID- 22064301
TI  - Effect of mediterranean forest parasite with Curculio sp. on nutritional value of
      acorn for Iberian pig feeding and fat characteristics.
AB  - Sixteen Iberian barrows of the same age with an average initial live weight of
      100.1kg were randomly distributed in two groups of eight pigs each. One group was
      fed healthy acorns and the other group received acorns infested of Curculio sp.
      The subcutaneous backfat from pigs fed healthy acorns had higher C18:1n-9, MUFA
      and C20:5n-3 and lower C18:0 and SFA proportions than that from the pigs fed
      acorns infested with Curculio. The consumption of acorns infested with Curculio
      sp. led to a reduction of C18:1n-9, MUFA, C18:2n-6, C18:3n-3, C22:5n-3 and PUFA
      proportions in neutral lipids from Longissimus dorsi muscle with respect to
      consumption of healthy acorns, whereas in polar lipids it produced a reduction in
      C18:1n-9, MUFA and C18:4n-3 proportions and an increase in C18:2n-6, C20:4n-6, n
      6 and C20:5n-3 proportions and of n-6/n-3 ratio with respect to the healthy
      acorns consumption. The pigs fed healthy acorns had higher intramuscular fat
      percentage in Longissimus dorsi than pigs fed with acorns infested with Curculio
      (9.95 vs 7.09% SEM=0.60).

PMID- 22064302
TI  - Sonoelasticity to monitor mechanical changes during rigor and ageing.
AB  - We propose the use of sonoelasticity as a non-destructive method to monitor
      changes in the resistance of muscle fibres, unaffected by connective tissue.
      Vibrations were applied at low frequency to induce oscillations in soft tissues
      and an ultrasound transducer was used to detect the motions. The experiments were
      carried out on the M. biceps femoris muscles of three beef cattle. In addition to
      the sonoelasticity measurements, the changes in meat during rigor and ageing were
      followed by measurements of both the mechanical resistance of myofibres and pH.
      The variations of mechanical resistance and pH were compared to those of the
      sonoelastic variables (velocity and attenuation) at two frequencies. The
      relationships between pH and velocity or attenuation and between the velocity or
      attenuation and the stress at 20% deformation were highly correlated. We
      concluded that sonoelasticity is a non-destructive method that can be used to
      monitor mechanical changes in muscle fibers during rigor-mortis and ageing.

PMID- 22064303
TI  - The effect of nisin on L. monocytogenes in Turkish fermented sausages (sucuks).
AB  - Turkish fermented sausage (sucuk) is a traditional, well-known meat product in
      Turkey. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different nisin
      concentrations on Listeria monocytogenes in experimentally contaminated sucuk.
      Analyses were performed on at 0, 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30days for L.
      monocytogenes and other microbiological parameters (Total mesophilic aerobic
      bacteria and lactic acid bacteria) and physico-chemical parameters (pH, a(w) and
      moisture content).The sucuk dough was contaminated with L. monocytogenes ATCC
      7644 at a concentration of 10(6)cfu/g, and the dough was divided into six equal
      groups. Each group was treated separately with different nisin concentrations (0,
      5, 10, 25, 50 and 100MUg/g). No L. monocytogenes surviving cells were detected in
      groups which contained 100MUg/g and 50MUg/g nisin at day 20 and 25, respectively
      (p<0.001). In conclusion, the inhibition of L. monocytogenes in sucuk increases
      with the increasing concentrations of nisin.

PMID- 22064304
TI  - Effect of Iberian*Duroc genotype on dry-cured loin quality.
AB  - Dry-cured loins from three different pig genotypes were studied: GEN1: ?
      Iberian*? Duroc1, GEN2: ? Duroc1*? Iberian; GEN3: ? Duroc2*? Iberian. GEN1 and
      GEN2 are reciprocal crosses, while the difference between GEN2 and GEN3 is the
      Duroc sire line. The genotype of pigs Duroc1 was selected for the manufacture of
      dry-cured meat products, while the genotype Duroc2 was selected for meat
      production. The chemical composition of the dry-cured loins was significantly
      different, especially the intramuscular fat (IMF) content which was highest in
      GEN2. Dry-cured loins from GEN3 showed lower CIE a(*) and chroma values. IMF from
      GEN2 was more saturated whereas GEN3 had higher percentages of PUFA and MUFA.
      Loins from GEN3 had higher TBA-RS values (p>0.05) and hexanal contents. Loins
      from GEN3 had higher Warner-Bratzler shear force (p>0.05) and instrumental
      hardness than those from GEN2, being intermediate in GEN1. Panellists considered
      that loins from GEN2 were more marbled, more odorous, juicier, sweeter and less
      salty than loins from GEN3. Therefore, loins from GEN2 had the best quality,
      followed by GEN1, while GEN3 had the worst quality.

PMID- 22064305
TI  - In vitro and in vivo studies of creatine monohydrate supplementation to Duroc and
      Landrace pigs.
AB  - Duroc and Landrace pigs as well as primary myotubes from these breeds were used
      to investigate mechanisms behind differences in their response to creatine
      monohydrate (CMH). Pigs were supplemented with 0, 12.5, 25 or 50g CMH/d for 5
      days (n=10 per treatment and breed). Plasma levels of creatine increased dose
      dependently in both breeds, while muscle-creatine phosphate content increased
      only in the Duroc pigs. (1)H NMR metabolic profiling showed a tendency towards
      clustering according to CMH supplementation only among Duroc pigs, revealing a
      stronger response compared to Landrace pigs. The abundance of insulin-like growth
      factor I and myostatin mRNA was decreased by CMH supplementation while that of
      type 1 IGF-receptor and creatine transporter was unaffected. Protein synthesis,
      increased in the myotubes from both breeds, indicating protein accretion, but no
      effect was observed on the mRNA abundance of IGF-I, type 1 IGF-receptor,
      myostatin or the creatine transporter in myotubes.

PMID- 22064306
TI  - Some qualitative and chromatic aspects of thawed buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) meat.
AB  - After thawing, the meat of beef calves (Italian Frisian breed) and buffalo calves
      (Mediterranean breed) slaughtered at 4, 8 and 12 months of age was examined. Both
      the pH and the thawing loss confirmed that the meat of buffalo calves is more
      suitable for preservation by freezing. With increased age and time of exposure to
      air the lightness of the non-renewed surface was reduced. The lightness of the
      fresh cut surface remained stable in the various thawing phases though it was
      less in the older animals. The a(*) index increased with animal age but decreased
      during the 4 days post-thawing. The fresh cut surface of buffalo meat from calves
      slaughtered at 4 and 8 months was not darker than beef slaughtered at the same
      age. On the contrary at 12 months of age, the buffalo meat had a lower redness
      index than beef and a higher haematin concentration.

PMID- 22064307
TI  - Rate and extent of pH decline affect proteolysis of cytoskeletal proteins and
      water-holding capacity in pork.
AB  - The objective of this study was to determine the extent to which early postmortem
      (PM) pH decline influences proteolysis of the intermediate filament protein
      desmin, the costameric proteins vinculin and talin and autolysis of MU-calpain in
      the longissimus muscle (LM) of pigs from two genetic lines. Based on the LM 3h pH
      (H=3h pH of LM>6.0; L=3h pH of LM pH<5.7) PM, 10 carcasses per line and pH group
      were selected. The average 3h pH within pH group was 6.23 (H) and 5.44 (L). The
      LM samples were collected 24, 48, 72, and 120h PM and percent drip loss was
      measured after 1, 2, and 4d of storage. Samples collected at 24, 48, 72, and 120h
      PM were used to monitor desmin, vinculin, and talin degradation and samples
      collected at 24h PM were used to determine the extent of MU-calpain autolysis by
      immunoblotting. Higher (P<0.01) pH values at 45min, 6h, and 24h PM and lower
      (P<0.01) drip losses after 1, 2, and 4d of storage were recorded in the H
      compared to the L-group. Abundance of the 76kDa MU-calpain autolysis product was
      greater (P<0.01), proteolysis of talin at all measured time points and
      proteolysis of desmin after 24 and 48h PM was greater (P?0.03) in the H-group
      than in the L-group. The current findings indicate activation rate of MU-calpain
      may be associated with proteolysis of desmin and talin and could play a role in
      the development of drip loss. The rate of early PM pH decline can partly explain
      the variation of desmin and talin degradation by affecting the activation of MU
      calpain.

PMID- 22064308
TI  - Growth, yield of carcass and biochemical composition of meat and fat in nutria
      (Myocastor coypus) reared in an intensive production system.
AB  - Growth, carcass yield and proximate composition were determined in intensively
      reared nutria (Myocastor coypus) fed different levels of protein. Growth, food
      intake and food utilization efficiency were not significantly affected, within
      the same sex, in animals receiving 16%, 19% or 22% of protein in the diet. Males
      consumed the same amount of food as females but had greater live and carcass
      weights at slaughter age than females. Males had the highest meat yield and
      females had the highest fat content. Independent of dietary protein level, the
      pectoral muscles of all animals ranged from 19.2% to 23.6% protein, 1.97% to
      2.47% total lipids, and 70.1 to 72.0mg of cholesterol in 100g of tissue. In the
      thigh muscles, the observed ranges were between 21.4% and 22.9% in proteins,
      1.83% and 2.07 in total lipids and 69.9 and 71.0mg of cholesterol in 100g of
      tissue. The determination of classes of lipids shows more phospholipids contents
      in animals receiving 16% of protein in diet.

PMID- 22064309
TI  - Nutritional and sensory quality of porcine raw meat, cooked ham and dry-cured
      shoulder as affected by dietary enrichment with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and
      alpha-tocopheryl acetate.
AB  - The effects of dietary enrichment of pig diets with DHA from a marine source
      (Algatrium((r))) and alpha-tocopheryl acetate on the nutritional and sensory
      characteristics of pork and pork products were evaluated. Raw and cooked hams,
      and dry-cured shoulders from pigs fed with three diets (control, control
      supplemented with 0.3% DHA plus 50ppm alpha-tocopheryl acetate and control with
      200ppm alpha-tocopheryl acetate) were used. The treatments did not cause any
      significant differences in proteolytic and antioxidant enzyme activities, except
      on catalase (CAT) which increased significantly in raw hams from pigs fed DHA
      supplemented diets. Vitamin E accumulated in samples with alpha-tocopheryl
      acetate supplementation. DHA added to the diet increased the DHA level by 87%
      compared with the control treatment in both raw and dry-cured shoulders, and
      exceeded 82% in cooked hams. In consequence, the incorporation of the n-3 source
      in the diet significantly reduced the n-6/n-3 ratio in all products. The ratio
      reduction ranged from 51% in dry-cured shoulders to 65% in cooked and raw hams.
      No significant differences were found among treatments in the sensory parameters
      evaluated in the cooked hams. Fishy odour and flavour were not detected in any
      sample by the trained panel. However, reduced cured and aged flavours and a
      stronger fishy flavour were found in dry-cured shoulders from pigs on the DHA
      enriched treatment; while, alpha-tocopheryl acetate supplementation had
      negligible influence on flavour.

PMID- 22064310
TI  - Direct demonstration of the presence of zinc in the acetone-extractable red
      pigment from Parma ham.
AB  - We studied the presence of zinc in the red pigment extracted from Parma ham by
      scanning electron microscopy/energy dispersive X-ray microanalysis. The large
      peak of about 8.6keV and the small peaks at about 1.1keV and 9.5keV were derived
      from K(alpha), L(alpha1) and K(beta) X-ray of zinc, respectively. Thus, the
      results suggested that zinc existed in the red pigment extracted from Parma ham.
      In contrast, the K(alpha) X-ray peak of iron (6.4keV) was not detected and the
      K(alpha) X-ray peak of magnesium (1.3keV) was hardly detected. These results
      revealed that the red pigment contained not iron but zinc. In addition to the
      results of mass analysis in previous studies, the red pigment was demonstrated to
      be zinc protoporphyrin IX.

PMID- 22064312
TI  - Comment on: "Characterization of maternal transfer of decabromodiphenyl ether
      (BDE-209) administered to pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats".

PMID- 22064315
TI  - Understanding the potential and challenges of adenoma treatment as a prevention
      opportunity: insights from the BeWEL formative study.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To explore prevention opportunities presented by colorectal adenoma
      diagnosis and inform engagement strategies for the BeWEL study (body weight and
      physical activity lifestyle intervention for colorectal cancer screening
      participants who have undergone adenoma removal). METHODS: Qualitative study
      comprising 4 purposively sampled focus groups conducted in urban and rural areas
      in Tayside, Scotland, with different deprivation levels. Participants were men
      and women (n=17) aged 50-74 with BMI>25 kg/m(2) with removal of adenoma detected
      by colorectal cancer screening. RESULTS: Adenoma diagnosis presents both
      opportunities and challenges for prevention. Some patients perceived adenoma as
      minor and not sufficiently motivating to act as a 'teachable moment'. Patients
      had low awareness of the relationship between adenoma and lifestyle factors, and
      received little information on prevention during screening and treatment.
      Consequently they interpreted post-treatment 'all clear' messages as validation
      of existing lifestyles, and did not see the relevance of prevention advice.
      Receptiveness increased when the association between lifestyle, adenoma
      recurrence and other illness was explained. CONCLUSION: The study illustrates the
      value of exploratory research into patient understanding to improve
      communications and health services. Without unduly worrying patients,
      professionals should explain how to reduce risk of adenoma, cancer and other
      diseases, particularly through diet, physical activity and weight reduction.

PMID- 22064316
TI  - An observational study on socio-economic and ethnic differences in indicators of
      sedentary behavior and physical activity in preschool children.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We studied associations between social disadvantage and indicators of
      sedentary behavior and physical activity at preschool age. METHODS: Data from
      4688 children enrolled in a birth cohort in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, between
      2002 and 2006 were analyzed. Indicators of sedentary behavior (watching
      television >= 2 h/day and sitting in a buggy >= 0.5 h/day) and physical
      inactivity (playing outside < 3 h/day) were measured by a parent-reported
      questionnaire at age 3. Adjustments were made for social circumstances and
      indicators of health behaviors. Logistic regression was used to obtain odds
      ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI). RESULTS: Children with low
      educated mothers (OR: 3.27, 95% CI 2.12-5.05) and non-Dutch children
      (OR(nonWestern): 2.67, 95% CI 2.04-3.49, OR(Western): 2.09, 95% CI 1.42-3.0) were
      more likely to watch television for at least 2 h/day. Similar results were seen
      for sitting in a buggy for at least 0.5h/day. Non western children were more
      likely to play outside for less than 3 h/day (OR: 1.95, 95% CI: 1.39-2.73) than
      native Dutch children, while no differences were seen for other western children
      or children from mothers with a low educational level. CONCLUSIONS: Socio
      economic status and ethnicity are already associated with indicators of sedentary
      lifestyles at preschool age.

PMID- 22064317
TI  - Storytelling to access social context and advance health equity research.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Increased understanding of individual and social determinants of
      health is crucial to moving toward health equity. This essay examines
      storytelling as a vehicle for advancing health equity research. METHOD:
      Contemplative examination of storytelling as a research strategy. RESULTS: An
      overview of story theory is provided. This is followed by an examination of
      storytelling as a tool for increasing understanding about the contexts in which
      people negotiate health, strengthening participation of communities in addressing
      health issues, and building bridges between researchers and target populations.
      CONCLUSION: Storytelling can be a powerful tool for advancing health equity
      research. However, its effective use requires a renegotiation of relationships
      between researchers and target communities, as well as setting aside routine time
      to attend storytelling events and read a variety of stories.

PMID- 22064318
TI  - The function of integrin-linked kinase in normal and activated stellate cells:
      implications for fibrogenesis in wound healing.
AB  - Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) is a multidomain focal adhesion protein implicated
      in signal transduction between integrins and growth factor/extracellular
      receptors. We have previously shown that ILK expression is increased in liver
      fibrosis and that ILK appears to be a key regulator of fibrogenesis in rat
      hepatic stellate cells, effectors of the fibrogenic response. Here we
      hypothesized that the mechanism by which ILK mediates the fibrogenic phenotype is
      by engaging the small GTPase, Rho in a signal transduction pathway linked to
      fibrogenesis. ILK function in quiescent (non-fibrogenic) and activated
      (fibrogenic) stellate cells was examined in cells isolated from rat livers. ILK,
      Rho, and Galpha(12/13) signaling were manipulated using established chemical
      agents or specific adenoviral constructs. ILK activity was minimal in quiescent
      stellate cells, but prominent in activated stellate cells; inhibition of ILK
      activity had no effect in quiescent cells, but had prominent effects in activated
      cells. Overexpression of ILK in activated stellate cells increased Rho activity,
      but had no effect in quiescent cells. Further, endothelin-1 stimulated Rho
      activity in activated stellate cells, but not in quiescent cells. Rho, Rho
      guanine nucleotide exchange factors, and Galpha(12/13) expression were increased
      after stellate cell activation. Inhibition of Galpha(12/13) signaling, by
      expression of the RGS domain of the p115-Rho-specific GEF (p115-RGS) in activated
      stellate cells, significantly inhibited type I collagen and smooth muscle alpha
      actin expression, both classically upregulated after stellate cell activation.
      The data suggest that ILK mediates Rho-dependent functional effects in activated
      stellate cells, and raise the possibility that ILK is important in cross-talk
      with the G-protein-coupled receptor system.

PMID- 22064319
TI  - Histamine stimulates the proliferation of small and large cholangiocytes by
      activation of both IP3/Ca2+ and cAMP-dependent signaling mechanisms.
AB  - Although large cholangiocytes exert their functions by activation of cyclic
      adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP), Ca(2+)-dependent signaling regulates the
      function of small cholangiocytes. Histamine interacts with four receptors, H1
      H4HRs. H1HR acts by Galphaq activating IP(3)/Ca(2+), whereas H2HR activates
      Galpha(s) stimulating cAMP. We hypothesize that histamine increases biliary
      growth by activating H1HR on small and H2HR on large cholangiocytes. The
      expression of H1-H4HRs was evaluated in liver sections, isolated and cultured
      (normal rat intrahepatic cholangiocyte culture (NRIC)) cholangiocytes. In vivo,
      normal rats were treated with histamine or H1-H4HR agonists for 1 week. We
      evaluated: (1) intrahepatic bile duct mass (IBDM); (2) the effects of histamine,
      H1HR or H2HR agonists on NRIC proliferation, IP(3) and cAMP levels and PKCalpha
      and protein kinase A (PKA) phosphorylation; and (3) PKCalpha silencing on H1HR
      stimulated NRIC proliferation. Small and large cholangiocytes express H1-H4HRs.
      Histamine and the H1HR agonist increased small IBDM, whereas histamine and the
      H2HR agonist increased large IBDM. H1HR agonists stimulated IP(3) levels, as well
      as PKCalpha phosphorylation and NRIC proliferation, whereas H2HR agonists
      increased cAMP levels, as well as PKA phosphorylation and NRIC proliferation. The
      H1HR agonist did not increase proliferation in PKCalpha siRNA-transfected NRICs.
      The activation of differential signaling mechanisms targeting small and large
      cholangiocytes is important for repopulation of the biliary epithelium during
      pathologies affecting different-sized bile ducts.

PMID- 22064320
TI  - A novel murine model for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis developed by combination
      of a high-fat diet and oxidized low-density lipoprotein.
AB  - Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the hepatic manifestation of metabolic
      syndrome that is characterized by steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis, and may
      progress to cirrhosis and carcinoma. To investigate its pathogenic processes, we
      established a novel murine model for NASH by combination of a high-fat diet (HFD)
      and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL). Mice that received HFD for 23 weeks
      showed hepatic steatosis, slight fibrosis, and a high level of lipid peroxidation
      compared with a regular diet (RD)-fed mice. Hepatic injury and elevated tumor
      necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha mRNA expression were also detected in these mice.
      Moreover, oxLDL administration to HFD-fed mice during weeks 21-23 not only
      aggravated hepatic steatosis, fibrosis, and lipid metabolism, but also resulted
      in intense inflammation, including severe hepatic injury and inflammatory cell
      infiltration, which are the typical histological features of NASH. Inflammation
      was accompanied by increased gene expression of TNF-alpha and interleukin (IL)-6.
      Additionally, the livers of RD-fed animals treated with oxLDL during weeks 21-23
      were characterized by foamy macrophages and inflammatory cell infiltration along
      with an elevated IL-6 mRNA level. These results suggest that an increased
      oxidative state, including HFD-induced intracellular lipid peroxidation and its
      extracellular source from oxLDL, is the actual trigger for hepatic inflammation
      in which liver injury is mediated by TNF-alpha and inflammatory cell accumulation
      is dependent on IL-6. HFD and oxLDL also induced insulin resistance in mice;
      additionally, oxLDL downregulated insulin secretion. In this model, CD36
      overexpression was observed in the hepatocytes of HFD-fed mice and those treated
      with HFD and oxLDL, and in the hepatic macrophages of RD-fed mice immediately
      after oxLDL treatment. In vitro experiments indicated a rapid and transient
      elevation of CD36 on macrophage plasma membrane in response to oxLDL. Our
      findings demonstrate that CD36 expressed on hepatocytes and hepatic macrophages
      mediates the pathophysiology of NASH.

PMID- 22064321
TI  - ERp29 induces breast cancer cell growth arrest and survival through modulation of
      activation of p38 and upregulation of ER stress protein p58IPK.
AB  - Endoplasmic reticulum protein 29 (ERp29) is an ER luminal protein that has a role
      in protein unfolding and secretion, but its role in cancer is unclear. Recently,
      we reported that overexpression of ERp29 significantly inhibited cell
      proliferation and prevented tumorigenesis in highly proliferative MDA-MB-231
      breast cancer cells. Here, we show that ERp29-induced cancer cell growth arrest
      is modulated by the interplay between the concomitant phosphorylation of p38 and
      upregulation of the inhibitor of the interferon-induced, double-stranded RNA
      activated protein kinase, p58(IPK). In this cell model, ERp29 overexpression
      significantly downregulates modulators of cell proliferation, namely urokinase
      plasminogen activator receptor, beta(1)-integrin and epidermal growth factor
      receptor. Furthermore, ERp29 significantly (P<0.001) increases phosphorylation of
      p38 (p-p38) and reduces matrix metalloproteinase-9 secretion. The role of ERp29
      in upregulating cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors (p15 and p21) and in
      downregulating cyclin D(2) is demonstrated in slowly proliferating ERp29
      overexpressing MDA-MB-231 cells, whereas the opposite response was observed in
      ERp29-knockdown MCF-7 cells. Pharmacological inhibition of p-p38 downregulates
      p15 and p21 and inhibits eIF2alpha phosphorylation, indicating a role for p-p38
      in this process. Furthermore, p58(IPK) expression was increased in ERp29
      overexpressing MDA-MB-231 cells and highly decreased in ERp29-knockdown MCF-7
      cells. This upregulation of p58(IPK) by ERp29 suppresses the activation of p
      p38/p-PERK/p-eIF2alpha by repressing eIF2alpha phosphorylation. In fact,
      reduction of p58(IPK) expression by RNA interference stimulated eIF2alpha
      phosphorylation. The repression of eIF2alpha phosphorylation by p58(IPK) prevents
      ERp29-transfected cells from undergoing ER-dependent apoptosis driven by the
      activation of ATF4/CHOP/caspase-3. Hence, the interplay between p38
      phosphorylation and p58(IPK) upregulation has key roles in modulating ERp29
      induced cell-growth arrest and survival.

PMID- 22064322
TI  - Bis(cyanamide-kappaN)[4-(1H-imidazol-1-yl)phenol-kappaN]bis-(nitrato
      kappaO)copper(II).
AB  - A pair of linear cyanamide (NCNH(2)) ligands, two monodentate 4-(1H-imidazol-1
      yl)phenol (L) ligands and two nitrate anions link the Cu(II) atom into a
      mononuclear unit, [Cu(NO(3))(2)(C(9)H(8)N(2)O)(2)(NCNH(2))(2)]. The coordination
      polyhedron of the Cu atom is an elongated octa-hedron distorted by Jahn-Teller
      effects. Inter-molecular O-H?O, O-H?N, N-H?O and N-H?N hydrogen-bonding inter
      actions link these units into a three-dimensional supra-molecular architecture.

PMID- 22064323
TI  - Estimation of glomerular filtration rate in calves using the contrast medium
      iodixanol.
AB  - To develop a simple procedure for estimating glomerular filtration rate (GFR) in
      calves, a three-sample method using iodixanol was first compared to that using
      the standard agent inulin. Iodixanol and inulin were co-administered
      intravenously to calves at 40 mg I/kg and 40 mg/kg, respectively, and blood was
      collected 30, 60, 120, and 180 min later. Serum iodixanol and inulin
      concentrations were separately determined by high performance liquid
      chromatography and colorimetry. Serum urea nitrogen (UN) and creatinine
      concentrations were also measured. GFR estimated by iodixanol was consistent with
      that using inulin in clinically healthy calves. Based on GFR estimations in
      healthy calves and those renal-loaded with iodixanol, it was found that the serum
      creatinine concentrations became elevated when GFR decreased to 60% of the
      reference value. In contrast, serum UN concentrations fluctuated widely,
      presumably due to extra-renal factors. When GFR was estimated using the three
      sample method and compared with the single-blood-sample method, 62/69 (90%) of
      samples tested were within the agreement plots. The results demonstrated that the
      single-blood-sample method using iodixanol may be useful in monitoring GFR in
      calves.

PMID- 22064324
TI  - Bone morphogenic protein-4 induces endothelial cell apoptosis through oxidative
      stress-dependent p38MAPK and JNK pathway.
AB  - The expression of bone morphogenic protein 4 (BMP4), a new pro-inflammatory
      marker, is increased by disturbed flow in endothelial cells (ECs). BMP4
      stimulates production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and causes endothelial
      cell dysfunction. The present study examined BMP4-induced apoptosis in ECs and
      isolated arteries from rat, mouse, and human, and the signaling pathways
      mediating BMP4-induced apoptosis. Apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry to
      detect Annexin-V positive cells, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP
      nick end (TUNEL) labeling. The superoxide production was measured by
      dihydroethidium fluorescence. BMP4 induced EC apoptosis in human mesenteric
      arteries, mouse aortic endothelium, rat primary ECs, and human ECs. BMP4-induced
      EC apoptosis was mediated through ROS production by activation of NADPH oxidase,
      which led to cleaved caspase-3 expression. BMP4 also induced sequential
      activation of p38 MAPK and JNK which was upstream of caspase 3 activation.
      Knockdown of BMP receptor 1A by lentiviral shRNA or NOX4 siRNA transfection
      inhibited BMP4-induced ROS production, p38 and JNK phosphorylation, and caspase-3
      activation in ECs. JNK siRNA inhibited BMP4-induced JNK phosphorylation and
      caspase-3 activation. The present study delineates that BMP4 causes EC apoptosis
      through activation of caspase-3 in a ROS/p38MAPK/JNK-dependent signaling cascade.

PMID- 22064325
TI  - Cardiomyocyte calcineurin signaling in subcellular domains: from the sarcolemma
      to the nucleus and beyond.
AB  - The serine-threonine phosphatase calcineurin is activated in cardiac myocytes in
      the diseased heart and induces pathological hypertrophy. Calcineurin activity is
      mainly triggered by calcium/calmodulin binding but also through calpain mediated
      cleavage. How controlled calcineurin activation is possible in cardiac myocytes,
      which typically show a 10-fold difference in cytosolic calcium concentration with
      every heartbeat, has remained enigmatic. It is now emerging that calcineurin
      activation and signaling occur in subcellular microdomains, in which it is
      brought together with target proteins and exceedingly high concentrations of
      calcium in order to induce downstream signaling. We review current evidence of
      subcellular calcineurin mainly at the sarcolemma and the nucleus, but also in
      association with the sarcoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria. We also suggest
      that knowledge about subcellular signaling could help to develop inhibitors of
      calcineurin in specific microdomains to avoid side-effects that may arise from
      complete calcineurin inhibition.

PMID- 22064326
TI  - Local signalling in myocytes.

PMID- 22064327
TI  - Methods of assessment of magnesium status in humans: a systematic review.
AB  - To understand humans' requirements for magnesium and the effect of magnesium on
      health, it is important to identify sensitive and population-specific biomarkers
      of magnesium status. Thus, we assessed the effectiveness of different magnesium
      status biomarkers through a systematic review of published magnesium
      supplementation and depletion trials in healthy humans. The methods used in this
      study included a structured search on Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE (Ovid) and Cochrane
      databases up to September 2008, followed by the use of formal inclusion/exclusion
      criteria, data extraction, validity assessment, and meta-analysis. A total of 20
      potential biomarkers of magnesium status were assessed from 21 included
      publications. The majority of studies included were magnesium supplementation
      studies. Fewer magnesium depletion studies were identified. Available data
      analysis suggests that serum/plasma magnesium concentration, red blood cell (RBC)
      concentration and urinary magnesium excretion responded to dietary manipulation.
      For other biomarkers with available data, it was not possible to draw any
      conclusions about their usefulness as magnesium status biomarkers. The lack of
      data prevented detailed subgroup analysis. In conclusion, although limited data
      were available, serum/plasma magnesium concentration, RBC magnesium concentration
      and urinary magnesium excretion appear to be useful biomarkers of magnesium
      status in the general population. Further high-quality studies are needed to
      assess the effectiveness of existing and newly developed biomarkers, especially
      in populations that are vulnerable to magnesium deficiency.

PMID- 22064328
TI  - Specialty outpatient care of diabetic patients in Poland--are we far from
      treatment targets? Rationale, design, and preliminary results of the OPTIMO
      study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: While clinical practice guidelines reflect the best known evidence
      based approach to patient care, it is individual clinicians and patients who make
      decisions and treatment choices, and individual patients who actually achieve (or
      not) the treatment goals. OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to describe the
      population of diabetic patients attending specialty outpatient clinics, to
      characterize the management of patients with different types of diabetes, and to
      assess the accordance of management with the recommendations developed by
      Diabetes Poland. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The OPTIMO observational study was
      conducted from 2006 to 2009 and included patients with diabetes diagnosed
      according to the 1999 World Health Organization criteria who were observed for 1
      to 3 years, with control visits at least every 6 months. Participating physicians
      used pocket PCs equipped with specially developed software to collect patients'
      data and to provide educational reminders to clinicians. RESULTS: The final
      analysis involved 9600 patients for whom valid baseline questionnaires were
      available. Type 2 diabetes was observed in 92% and type 1 diabetes in 6% of the
      patients. Mean age was 60.5 years. Women constituted 54% of the population.
      Coronary heart disease was observed in 32% and arterial hypertension in 76% of
      the patients. At baseline, 23% of the patients had hemoglobin A1c level below
      6.5% and 44% below 7.0. Total cholesterol and triglycerides treatment goals were
      met at baseline by slightly more than half of the patients, while low-density
      lipoprotein cholesterol treatment goal was met only by 33% of the patients.
      Baseline blood pressure below 130/80 mmHg was reported for 11% of the patients.
      CONCLUSIONS: At the beginning of the OPTIMO study, we have observed considerable
      deviations from treatment targets recommended by current clinical practice
      guidelines for diabetic patients, which leaves significant room for improvement
      in the care of diabetic patients.

PMID- 22064329
TI  - Role of base-excision repair in the treatment of childhood acute lymphoblastic
      leukaemia with 6-mercaptopurine and high doses of methotrexate.
AB  - Methotrexate (MTX) and 6-mercaptopurine (6MP) are the most commonly used drugs in
      the therapy of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). The main genotoxic
      effect of MTX resulting from inhibition of thymidylate synthase is mis
      incorporation of uracil into DNA, which is considered essential for the
      effectiveness of the Protocol M in ALL IC BFM 2002/EURO LB 2002 regimens. In this
      study, we investigated the level of basal and induced DNA damage as well as the
      effectiveness of DNA repair in lymphocytes of children with ALL at four time
      points during therapy with MTX and 6MP. To assess DNA damage and the efficacy of
      DNA repair we used the modified alkaline comet assay with uracil DNA glycosylase
      (Udg) and endonuclease III (EndoIII). In addition, we examined the induction of
      apoptosis in the lymphocytes of the patients during treatment. Finally, we
      compared the activity of base-excision repair (BER), involved in removal of both
      uracil and oxidized bases from DNA in lymphocytes of children with ALL and
      lymphocytes of healthy children. BER efficiency was estimated in an in vitro
      assay with cellular extracts and plasmid substrates of heteroduplex DNA with an
      AP-site. Our results indicate that there is a significant decrease in the
      efficacy of DNA repair associated with an increased level of uracil in DNA and
      induction of apoptosis during therapy. Moreover, it was found that the BER
      capacity was decreased in the lymphocytes of ALL patients in contrast to that in
      lymphocytes of healthy children. Thus, we suggest that an impairment of the BER
      pathway may play a role in the pathogenesis and therapy of childhood ALL.

PMID- 22064330
TI  - Treadmill running frequency on anxiety and hippocampal adenosine receptors
      density in adult and middle-aged rats.
AB  - Physical exercise protocols have varied widely across studies raising the
      question of whether there is an optimal intensity, duration and frequency that
      would produce maximal benefits in attenuating symptoms related to anxiety
      disorders. Although physical exercise causes modifications in neurotransmission
      systems, the involvement of neuromodulators such as adenosine has not been
      investigated after chronic exercise training. Anxiety-related behavior was
      assessed in the elevated plus-maze in adult and middle-aged rats submitted to 8
      weeks of treadmill running 1, 3 or 7 days/week. The speed of running was weekly
      adjusted to maintain moderate intensity. The hippocampal adenosine A1 and A2A
      receptors densities were also assessed. Treadmill running protocol was efficient
      in increasing physical exercise capacity in adult and middle-aged rats. All
      frequencies of treadmill running equally decreased the time spent in the open
      arms in adult animals. Middle-aged treadmill control rats presented lower time
      spent in the open arms than adult treadmill control rats. However, treadmill
      running one day/week reversed this age effect. Adenosine A1 receptor was not
      changed between groups, but treadmill running counteracted the age-related
      increase in adenosine A2A receptors. Although treadmill running, independent from
      frequency, triggered anxiety in adult rats and treadmill running one day/week
      reversed the age-related anxiety, no consistent relationship was found with
      hippocampal adenosine receptors densities. Thus, our data suggest that as a
      complementary therapy in the management of mental disturbances, the frequency and
      intensity of physical exercise should be taken into account according to age.
      Besides, this is the first study reporting the modulation of adenosine receptors
      after chronic physical exercise, which could be important to prevent neurological
      disorders associated to increase in adenosine A2A receptors.

PMID- 22064333
TI  - Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and lactose intolerance contribute to
      irritable bowel syndrome symptomatology in Pakistan.
AB  - BACKGROUND /AIM: The symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome resemble those of small
      intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO). The aim of this study was to determine
      the frequency of SIBO and lactose intolerance (LI) occurrence in patients with
      diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D) according to Rome III
      criteria. PATIENTS AND METHODS: In this retrospective case-control study,
      patients over 18 years of age with altered bowel habit, bloating, and patients
      who had lactose Hydrogen breath test (H 2 BT) done were included. The "cases"
      were defined as patients who fulfill Rome III criteria for IBS-D, while
      "controls" were those having chronic nonspecific diarrhea (CNSD) who did not
      fulfill Rome III criteria for IBS-D. Demographic data, predominant bowel habit
      pattern, concurrent use of medications, etc., were noted. RESULTS: Patients with
      IBS-D were 119 (51%) with a mean age of 35 +/- 13 years, while those with CNSD
      were 115 (49%) with mean age 36 +/- 15 years. Patients in both IBS-D and CNSD
      were comparable in gender, with male 87 (74%) and female 77 (64%). SIBO was
      documented by lactose H2BT in 32/234 (14%) cases. It was positive in 22/119 (19%)
      cases with IBS-D, while 10/115 (9%) cases had CNSD (P = 0.03). LI was positive in
      43/234 (18%) cases. Of these, 25/119 (21%) cases had IBS-D and 18/115 (16%) cases
      had CNSD (P = 0.29). CONCLUSION: SIBO was seen in a significant number of our
      patients with IBS-D. There was no significant age or gender difference in
      patients with or without SIBO.

PMID- 22064334
TI  - Metabolic syndrome frequency in inflammatory bowel diseases.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a clinical condition characterized
      by central obesity, elevated triglycerides, low-high density lipoproteins,
      impaired fasting glucose, and hypertension. There is insufficient data on the
      prevalence of MetS in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). This study
      sought to determine the prevalence of MetS in a Turkish cohort of patients with
      IBD and the association between insulin resistance (IR) and the MetS parameters,
      in this population. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A total of 177 patients over 18 years
      of age (62 with Crohn's disease (CD) and 115 with ulcerative colitis (UC)) were
      enrolled in the study. The presence of at least three criteria of the
      International Diabetes Federation (IDF) was accepted for the diagnosis of MetS.
      The Homeostasis Model Assessment (HOMA) was used to determine IR. HOMA values < 1
      were considered normal and values > 2.5 indicated a high probability of IR.
      RESULTS: MetS frequency was higher in patients n=34 (29.5%) with UC than in
      patients n=11 (17.7%) with CD (P < 0.01). MetS was detected in 12 of the 117
      patients (10.3%) with IBD, under 45 years of age, and in 33 of 60 patients (55%)
      over 45 years of age. HOMA value in n=31 patients (27%) with UC was > 2.5. Body
      mass index, insulin (P < 0.001), waist circumference, fasting plasma glucose,
      leukocyte count (P < 0.01), triglycerides, C-reactive protein, and uric acid
      values (P < 0.05) were significantly higher in UC patients with IR than those
      without IR. CONCLUSION: Frequent occurrence of MS with increasing age in IBD,
      particularly in UC, showed the importance of early diagnosis and treatment of
      cardiovascular disease risk factors in the long-term follow-up of these diseases.

PMID- 22064335
TI  - Prevalence of microscopic colitis in patients with chronic diarrhea in Egypt: a
      single-center study.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Microscopic colitis (MC) is diagnosed when a patient with chronic
      watery non-bloody diarrhea (CWND) has an endoscopically normal colon, but colonic
      biopsies show unique inflammatory changes characteristic of lymphocytic or
      collagenous colitis. MC is a disorder of unknown etiology. Studies comparing the
      prevalence of the disease in developing countries as compared to developed
      countries may shed more light on the possibility of a post-infectious etiology.
      Most data on the incidence and prevalence of MC are from developed countries
      where it accounts for 4-13% of cases of CWND. There are only a few reports from
      developing countries. Two studies from Peru and Tunis, with high prevalence of
      infectious gastroenteritis, revealed MC in 40% and 29.3% of cases of CWND,
      respectively. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of MC in
      patients presenting with CWND in Egypt. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 44
      patients with CWND of unexplained etiology who had undergone full colonoscopy
      with no macroscopic abnormalities between January 2000 and January 2010 were
      assessed retrospectively. RESULTS: The histological appearance of MC was
      identified in 22 (50%) patients. Twelve (55%) patients were male and 10 (45%)
      female. Mean age was 40 years (range: 20-65 years). Twenty (91%) of MC cases had
      lymphocytic colitis and 2 (9%) had collagenous colitis. CONCLUSIONS: The
      prevalence of MC in Egyptian patients with CWND is high when compared to that in
      developed countries. MC mainly affects young and middle-aged patients and it is
      more commonly of the lymphocytic type.

PMID- 22064336
TI  - In-hospital mortality among a cohort of cirrhotic patients admitted to a tertiary
      hospital.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: To determine the mortality rate in a cohort of hospitalized
      patients with cirrhosis and examine their resuscitation status at admission.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective chart review was conducted of patients
      with cirrhosis who were admitted to a tertiary care hospital in Riyadh, Saudi
      Arabia, from January 1, 2009, to December 31, 2009. RESULTS: We reviewed 226
      cirrhotic patients during the study period. The hospital mortality rate was 35%.
      A univariate analysis revealed that worse outcomes were seen in patients with
      advanced age or who had worse child-turcotte-pugh (CPT) scores, worse model for
      end-stage liver disease (MELD) scores, low albumin and high serum creatinine.
      Using a multivariate analysis, we found that advanced age (P=0.004) and high MELD
      (P=0.001) scores were independent risk factors for the mortality of cirrhotic
      patients. The end-of-life decision were made in 34% of cirrhotic patients, and
      the majority of deceased patients were "no resuscitation" status (90% vs. 4%,
      P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The relatively high mortality in cirrhotic patients
      admitted for care in a tertiary hospital, Saudi Arabia was comparable to that
      reported in the literature. Furthermore, end-of-life discussions should be
      addressed early in the hospitalization of cirrhotic patients.

PMID- 22064337
TI  - Enterocutaneous fistulae: etiology, treatment, and outcome - a study from South
      India.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Enterocutaneous fistula (ECF) is a difficult condition managed in
      the surgical wards and is associated with significant morbidity and mortality.
      Sepsis, malnutrition, and electrolyte abnormality is the classical triad of
      complications of ECF. Sepsis with malnutrition is the leading cause of death in
      cases of ECF. Although it is a common condition, no recent report in literature
      on the profile of patients with ECF has been documented from the southern part of
      India. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All consecutive patients who developed or presented
      with ECF during the study period were included in the study. The etiology,
      anatomic distribution, fistula output, clinical course, complications, predictive
      factors for spontaneous closure, and outcomes for patients with ECF were studied.
      RESULTS: A total of 41 patients were included in this prospective observational
      study, of which 34 were males and 7 were females. About 95% of ECF were
      postoperative. Ileum was found to be the most common site of ECF. Also, 49% of
      fistulas were high output and 51% were low output. Serum albumin levels
      correlated significantly with fistula healing and mortality. Surgical
      intervention was required in 41% of patients. CONCLUSION: Most of the ECF are
      encountered in the postoperative period. Serum albumin levels can predict fistula
      healing and mortality. Conservative management should be the first line of
      treatment. Mortality in patients with ECF continues to be significant and is
      commonly related to malnutrition and sepsis.

PMID- 22064338
TI  - High frequency of A2143G mutation in clarithromycin-resistant Helicobacter pylori
      isolates recovered from dyspeptic patients in Iran.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: Resistance to clarithromycin in H. pylori isolates is accepted as
      a main cause of treatment failure in developing countries. We aimed to determine
      the prevalence of clarithromycin-resistant strains isolated from dyspeptic
      patients in northern Iran, furthermore we aimed to assess the relationship
      between clinical outcomes of infection with point mutations. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: A total of 147 consecutive patients infected with H. pylori were
      included for determining the status of resistant H. pylori strains. With upper
      gastroscopy, three antral biopsies were taken from each patient, first section
      for rapid urea test, second for pathology and third section was used for
      bacterial culture in microbiologic lab. The antimicrobial susceptibility tests in
      this examination were agar dilution, in accordance with clinical and laboratory
      standards institue guidelines. Restriction fragment length polymorphism-PCR (RFLP
      PCR) method was applied to determine the frequency of point mutations in 23s rRNA
      gene. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software (15.0) (SPSS, Inc.,
      Chicago, Ill). Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were applied to our analysis.
      A P value less than 5% was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: Our
      results showed that there was no point mutation in clarithromycin-susceptible
      strains of H. pylori. CONCLUSION: The important findings in our study indicate
      that A2143G is the most prevalent point mutation (30/32: 93.7%) attributed in
      clarithromycin resistance among the H. pylori strains. The current study
      concluded that clarithromycin could still be involved in the empirical treatment
      of H. pylori infection, although a high frequency of A2143G mutation may increase
      the concerns regarding treatment failure.

PMID- 22064339
TI  - Short-term outcome and quality of life of endoscopically placed gastric balloon
      and laparoscopic adjustable gastric band.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: A prospective longitudinal study was conducted to describe short
      term outcome and quality of life (QOL) of endoscopically placed gastric balloon
      (EPGB) and laparoscopic adjustable gastric band (LAGB). MATERIALS AND METHODS:
      Forty seven consecutive patients with body mass index (BMI) of 42 to 72 kg/m2
      were assigned to undergo EPGB (n=17) or LAGB (n=30) between May 2008 and May
      2010. The main measured outcomes included weight loss, resolution or improvement
      of comorbidities, hospital stay, complications and QOL. RESULTS: Patients were
      followed up for a mean of 14 months. Hospital stay was shorter for EPGB patients
      (one versus two days, P<0.001). Early postoperative complications recorded in
      EPGB were minor including nausea and vomiting. No late complications were
      recorded in the EPGB group. One case of band slippage was reported in the LAGB
      group and fixed laparoscopically. Percent excess weight loss was less in EPGB
      compared to LAGB (26.2% versus 44.0%, P=0.004). Resolution or improvement of
      comorbidities was comparable in both groups. The globally impaired preoperative
      quality of life showed considerable improvement in both groups. CONCLUSION: EPGB
      is a safe and effective approach in short-term management of morbid obesity.
      Weight loss, resolution of comorbidities and improvement in QOL were comparable
      between both groups.

PMID- 22064340
TI  - Sexual dysfunction in males with hepatitis C virus: relevance to histopathologic
      changes and peginterferon treatment.
AB  - BACKGROUND/AIM: The frequency of sexual dysfunction (SD) is not well known in
      patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV). In spite of the fact that
      histological benefits of peginterferon (Peg-IFN)/ribavirin therapy are well
      established, the effects on sexual health are less certain. To assess the
      prevalence of the SD and explore its relevance to histopathologic changes and Peg
      IFN treatment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included 100 HCV males; all the
      patients completed questionnaires to assess their sexual function before and
      during the treatment. RESULTS: Before treatment, SD was reported only by 12
      (19.4%) and 10 (29.4%) patients of early and advanced liver fibrosis,
      respectively. SD during HCV treatment (with Peg-IFN and ribavirin) for liver
      fibrosis was significant, as 24 (70.6%) out of 34 (100%) of HCV patients had
      advanced fibrosis but only 20 (32.3%) out of 62 (100%) patients had early
      fibrosis and were sexually affected (P = 0.01). SD before treatment was found in
      22 (22%) patients; 16 (16%) were > 40 years old and 6 (6%) patients were <= 40
      years old. SD showed highly significant (P = 0.001) difference prior to and
      during treatment. Pre treatment, 78 (78%) patients denied any SD and only 22
      (22%) were sexually affected, while during treatment, the number of patients who
      were sexually affected rose to 44 (44%). The rest of the group [56 (56%)] did not
      report any sexual impairment. CONCLUSION: SD was noticed during Peg-IFN and
      ribavirin treatment in patients with advanced liver fibrosis. Age and advanced
      liver fibrosis were important factors in inducing SD. This is of key importance
      for clinical practice as it modifies the management of HCV patients.

PMID- 22064341
TI  - Coexistent ampullary squamous cell carcinoma with adenocarcinoma of the
      pancreatic duct.
AB  - Primary squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) of ampulla has seldom been reported.
      However, metastatic SCC to ampulla of Vater is well known. We report a case of
      primary SCC of ampulla of Vater coexistent with well-differentiated
      adenocarcinoma of the distal pancreatic duct. A 50-year-old female presented with
      evidence of obstructive jaundice. Endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography
      revealed bulging papilla with ulcero-infiltrative growth at the ampulla of Vater.
      An initial endoscopic biopsy of the ampullary mass showed a well-differentiated
      SCC. The patient underwent Whipple's operation. Thorough sampling of the dilated
      portion of the pancreatic duct showed presence of well-differentiated
      adenocarcinoma of the distal pancreatic duct. Immunohistochemical study with
      synaptophysin and chromogranin was done with negative result, ruling out
      neuroendocrine differentiation. Also, a detailed clinical, endoscopic and
      radiological examination was carried out, that excluded the presence of primary
      SCC elsewhere.

PMID- 22064342
TI  - Ulcerative colitis in infancy.
AB  - Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic idiopathic inflammatory disorder of colon.
      Frequency of UC is gradually increasing over few years worldwide. Prevalence is
      35 to 100/100,000 people in USA, 1% of them are infants. UC develops in a
      genetically predisposed individual with altered intestinal immune response. An
      eight-month-old girl presented with loose bloody stool, growth failure, and
      moderate pallor. The girl was diagnosed as a case of UC by colonoscopy and
      biopsy. Treatment was thereafter started with immunosuppressive drugs. After
      initial induction therapy with parenteral steroid and infliximab, the patient is
      now on remission with azathioprine and mesalamine. UC is rare in Bangladesh,
      especially in children, and it is rarer during infancy. Several conditions like
      infective colitis, allergic colitis, Meckel's diverticulitis, Crohn's disease,
      etc. may mimic the features of UC. So, if a child presents with recurrent bloody
      diarrhea, UC should be considered as differential diagnosis.

PMID- 22064343
TI  - Enterolith with enterocolic fistula: the diagnostic approach.
AB  - An enterolith is a mixed concretion formed in GIT, usually rare in humans.
      Primary enteroliths are formed in small bowel, typically within a diverticulum
      and secondary enteroliths in gallbladder. This case report highlights the
      presence of an enterocolic fistula; probably a postradiotherapy complication; and
      an enterolith without associated small bowel or colonic diverticuli. We have
      discussed the various diagnostic modalities used to reach a preoperative
      diagnosis of this rare condition. Imaging plays an important role in the
      detection and management of acquired gastrointestinal fistulas. The more routine
      use of cross-sectional imaging (especially computed tomography and magnetic
      resonance imaging) has altered the standard sequence of radiologic evaluation for
      possible fistulas, but fluoroscopic studies remain a valuable complement,
      especially for confirming and defining the anomalous communications.

PMID- 22064344
TI  - Unusual cause of rectal bleeding. Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome (KTS).

PMID- 22064345
TI  - Unusual late metastasis from gastric carcinoma.

PMID- 22064346
TI  - Successful application of ankaferd blood stopper in a patient with lower
      gastrointestinal bleeding.

PMID- 22064347
TI  - Helicobacter pylori and insulin resistance association: not just a myth, not yet
      a fact.

PMID- 22064348
TI  - AML1/ETO and POU4F1 synergy drives B-lymphoid gene expression typical of t(8;21)
      acute myeloid leukemia.

PMID- 22064349
TI  - Synergistic induction of p53 mediated apoptosis by valproic acid and nutlin-3 in
      acute myeloid leukemia.
AB  - Although TP53 mutations are rare in acute myeloid leukemia (AML), wild type p53
      function is habitually annulled through overexpression of MDM2 or through various
      mechanisms including epigenetic silencing by histone deacetylases (HDACs). We
      hypothesized that co-inhibition of MDM2 and HDACs, with nutlin-3 and valproic
      acid (VPA) would additively inhibit growth in leukemic cells expressing wild type
      TP53 and induce p53-mediated apoptosis. In vitro studies with the combination
      demonstrated synergistic induction of apoptosis in AML cell lines and patient
      cells. Nutlin-3 and VPA co-treatment resulted in massive induction of p53,
      acetylated p53 and p53 target genes in comparison with either agent alone,
      followed by p53 dependent cell death with autophagic features. In primary AML
      cells, inhibition of proliferation by the combination therapy correlated with the
      CD34 expression level of AML blasts. To evaluate the combination in vivo, we
      developed an orthotopic, NOD/SCID IL2rgamma(null) xenograft model of MOLM-13 (AML
      FAB M5a; wild type TP53) expressing firefly luciferase. Survival analysis and
      bioluminescent imaging demonstrated the superior in vivo efficacy of the dual
      inhibition of MDM2 and HDAC in comparison with controls. Our results suggest the
      concomitant targeting of MDM2-p53 and HDAC inhibition, may be an effective
      therapeutic strategy for the treatment of AML.

PMID- 22064350
TI  - Glucocorticoid-induced TNFR-related protein (GITR) ligand modulates cytokine
      release and NK cell reactivity in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL).
AB  - Natural killer (NK) cells play an important role in the immunosurveillance of
      hematopoietic malignancies. Their reactivity is influenced by activating and
      inhibitory signals mediated by tumor-expressed ligands for NK receptors. Many
      members of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family modulate differentiation,
      proliferation, activation and death of both tumor and immune effector cells. The
      TNF receptor family member glucocorticoid-induced TNFR-related protein (GITR)
      stimulates anti-tumor immunity in mice, but available data indicate that GITR may
      mediate different effects in mice and men and impairs the reactivity of human NK
      cells. Here, we comprehensively studied the expression and function of GITR
      ligand (GITRL) in leukemia. Among the different leukemia entities, pronounced
      expression of GITRL on leukemic cells was observed in chronic lymphocytic
      leukemia (CLL), and the GITR receptor was expressed at significantly higher
      levels on NK cells of CLL patients compared with healthy controls. Upon GITR
      GITRL interaction, signaling via GITRL into the leukemia cells induced the
      release of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-8 and TNF, which act as growth and survival
      factors for CLL cells. In addition, GITRL impaired both direct and Rituximab
      induced degranulation, cytotoxicity and interferon-gamma production of NK cells,
      which could be restored by GITR blocking antibodies. Thus, GITRL may contribute
      to disease pathophysiology and resistance to direct and Rituximab-induced NK
      reactivity in CLL.

PMID- 22064351
TI  - MEK inhibition enhances ABT-737-induced leukemia cell apoptosis via prevention of
      ERK-activated MCL-1 induction and modulation of MCL-1/BIM complex.
AB  - Recently, strategies for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) therapy have been developed
      that target anti-apoptotic BCL2 family members using BH3-mimetic drugs such as
      ABT-737. Though effective against BCL2 and BCL-X(L), ABT-737 poorly inhibits MCL
      1. Here we report that, unexpectedly, ABT-737 induces activation of the
      extracellular receptor activated kinase and induction of MCL-1 in AML cells. MEK
      inhibitors such as PD0325901 and CI-1040 have been used successfully to suppress
      MCL-1. We report that PD0325901 blocked ABT-737-induced MCL-1 expression, and
      when combined with ABT-737 resulted in potent synergistic killing of AML-derived
      cell lines, primary AML blast and CD34+38-123+ progenitor/stem cells. Finally, we
      tested the combination of ABT-737 and CI-1040 in a murine xenograft model using
      MOLM-13 human leukemia cells.Whereas control mice and CI-1040-treated mice
      exhibited progressive leukemia growth, ABT-737, and to a significantly greater
      extent, ABT-737+CI-1040 exerted major anti-leukemia activity. Collectively,
      results demonstrated unexpected anti-apoptotic interaction between the BCL2
      family-targeted BH3-mimetic ABT-737 and mitogen-activated protein kinase
      signaling in AML cells: the BH3 mimetic is not only restrained in its activity by
      MCL-1, but also induces its expression. However, concomitant inhibition by BH3
      mimetics and MEK inhibitors could abrogate this effect and may be developed into
      a novel and effective therapeutic strategy for patients with AML.

PMID- 22064352
TI  - CALM/AF10-positive leukemias show upregulation of genes involved in chromatin
      assembly and DNA repair processes and of genes adjacent to the breakpoint at
      10p12.
AB  - The t(10;11)(p12;q14) is a recurring chromosomal translocation that gives rise to
      the CALM/AF10 fusion gene, which is found in acute myeloid leukemia, acute
      lymphoblastic leukemia and malignant lymphoma. We analyzed the fusion transcripts
      in 20 new cases of CALM/AF10-positive leukemias, and compared the gene expression
      profile of 10 of these to 125 patients with other types of leukemia and 10 normal
      bone marrow samples. Based on gene set enrichment analyses, the CALM/AF10
      positive samples showed significant upregulation of genes involved in chromatin
      assembly and maintenance and DNA repair process, and downregulation of
      angiogenesis and cell communication genes. Interestingly, we observed a striking
      upregulation of four genes located immediately centromeric to the break point of
      the t(10;11)(p12;q14) on 10p12 (COMMD3 (COMM domain containing 3), BMI1 (B
      lymphoma Mo-MLV insertion region 1 homolog), DNAJC1 (DnaJ (Hsp40) homolog
      subfamily C member 1) and SPAG6 (sperm associated antigen 6)). We also conducted
      semiquantitative reverse transcriptase-PCR analysis on leukemic blasts from a
      murine CALM/AF10 transplantation model that does not have the translocation.
      Commd3, Bmi1 and Dnajc1, but not Spag6 were upregulated in these samples. These
      results strongly indicate that the differential regulation of these three genes
      is not due to the break point effect but as a consequence of the CALM/AF10 fusion
      gene expression, though the mechanism of regulation is not well understood.

PMID- 22064353
TI  - SF3B1 mutations in primary myelofibrosis: clinical, histopathology and genetic
      correlates among 155 patients.

PMID- 22064354
TI  - Oral high-dose glucocorticoids and ofatumumab in fludarabine-resistant chronic
      lymphocytic leukemia.

PMID- 22064355
TI  - SF3B1 mutations in myelodysplastic syndromes: clinical associations and
      prognostic implications.

PMID- 22064356
TI  - 4-(3,5-Dimethyl-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)benzene-sulfonamide.
AB  - The two aromatic rings of the title compound, C(11)H(13)N(3)O(2)S, are inclined
      at an angle of 47.81 (4) degrees . The N atom of the amino unit is pyramidally
      coordinated; one H atom inter-acts with the sulfamyl O atom of an adjacent mol
      ecule, forming a centrosymmetric hydrogen-bonded dimer. The dimers are linked by
      N-H?N hydrogen bonds, generating a three-dimensional network.

PMID- 22064357
TI  - 4-(2-Azaniumyl-eth-yl)piperazin-1-ium bis(perchlorate).
AB  - In the title compound, C(6)H(17)N(3) (2+).2ClO(4) (-), the piperazine ring adopts
      a chair conformation with the ethyl-ammonium fragment occupying an equatorial
      position. In the crystal, the dications and perchlorate anions are linked through
      N-H?O hydrogen bonding and weak C-H?O hydrogen bonding into a three-dimensional
      supra-molecular network.

PMID- 22064359
TI  - Muscle and blood redox status after exercise training in severe COPD patients.
AB  - Beneficial effects of exercise training in patients with chronic obstructive
      pulmonary disease (COPD) are acknowledged. However, high-intensity exercise may
      enhance muscle oxidative stress in severe COPD patients. We hypothesized that
      high-intensity exercise training of long duration does not deteriorate muscle
      redox status. In the vastus lateralis and blood of 18 severe COPD patients and 12
      controls, before and after an 8-week training program, protein oxidation and
      nitration, antioxidant systems, and inflammatory cytokines were examined. At
      baseline, COPD patients showed greater muscle oxidative stress and superoxide
      dismutase activity and circulating inflammatory cytokines than controls. Among
      COPD patients, muscle and blood protein carbonylation levels were correlated.
      Both groups showed training-induced increase in VO(2) peak and decreased blood
      lactate levels. After training, among the COPD patients, blood protein nitration
      levels were significantly reduced and muscle protein oxidation and nitration
      levels did not cause impairment. Muscle and blood levels of inflammatory
      cytokines were not modified by training in either patients or controls. We
      conclude that in severe COPD patients, high-intensity exercise training of long
      duration improves exercise capacity while preventing the enhancement of systemic
      and muscle oxidative stress. In addition, in these patients, resting protein
      oxidation levels correlate between skeletal muscle and blood compartments.

PMID- 22064360
TI  - 3',4'-didemethylnobiletin induces phase II detoxification gene expression and
      modulates PI3K/Akt signaling in PC12 cells.
AB  - Oxidative stress is considered a major cause of neurodegenerative disorders. In
      this work, we investigated the cytoprotective effects and mechanisms of the
      citrus flavonoid nobiletin (NOB) and its metabolite, 3',4'-didemethylnobiletin
      (3',4'-dihydroxy-5,6,7,8-tetramethoxyflavone; DTF), in PC12 cells. Both NOB and
      DTF exhibited strong potency in attenuating serum withdrawal- and H(2)O(2)-caused
      cell death and increased intracellular GSH level via upregulation of both
      catalytic and modifier subunits of glutamate-cysteine ligase (GCL). However, only
      DTF suppressed intracellular ROS accumulation in H(2)O(2)-treated cells, induced
      heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression, and enhanced nuclear factor E2-related factor
      2 (Nrf2) binding to the ARE. Nevertheless, DTF-mediated HO-1 upregulation was
      independent of Nrf2 activation because knockdown of Nrf2 expression by siRNA did
      not affect its expression. DTF suppressed NF-kappaB activation, and addition of
      NF-kappaB inhibitor, pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate or Bay 11-7082, synergistically
      enhanced DTF-mediated HO-1 expression, indicating that HO-1 induction is
      associated with NF-kappaB suppression. NOB and DTF also activated the ERK, JNK,
      and Akt pathways in PC12 cells that had undergone serum starvation. Addition of
      pharmacological kinase inhibitors, U0126, SP600125, and LY294002, caused
      cytotoxicity and the last significantly attenuated NOB- and DTF-mediated
      antiapoptotic actions, indicating the involvement of PI3K/Akt signaling in their
      cytoprotective effects. In conclusion, HO-1 and GCL upregulation and intrinsic
      ROS-scavenging activity may contribute to DTF-mediated cytoprotection.
      Furthermore, modulation of PI3K/Akt signaling is involved in channeling the DTF
      stimulus for cell survival against oxidative insults.

PMID- 22064361
TI  - Role of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.
AB  - The worldwide rising prevalence of obesity and insulin resistance is associated
      with a parallel increase in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). NAFLD is
      characterized by excess accumulation of triglyceride in the hepatocyte due to
      increased inflow of free fatty acids and/or de novo lipogenesis caused by various
      drugs and multiple defects in energy metabolism. Accumulation of lipids in the
      hepatocyte impairs the oxidative capacity of the mitochondria, increasing the
      reduced state of the electron transport chain (ETC) complexes and stimulating
      peroxisomal and microsomal pathways of fat oxidation. The consequent increased
      generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive aldehydic derivatives
      causes oxidative stress and cell death, via ATP, NAD, and glutathione depletion
      and DNA, lipid, and protein damage. Oxidative stress also triggers production of
      inflammatory cytokines, causing inflammation and a fibrogenic response. This
      ultimately results in the development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH),
      which can result in end-stage liver disease. The current therapeutic strategies
      for NASH treatment are mostly directed toward correction of the risk factors.
      Stimulation of mitochondrial function may also prevent NASH development,
      protecting the cell against the increased flux of reduced substrates to the ETC
      and ROS generation.

PMID- 22064362
TI  - Reactive oxygen species are produced at low glucose and contribute to the
      activation of AMPK in insulin-secreting cells.
AB  - Excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) production is thought to play a key role in
      the loss of pancreatic beta-cell number and/or function, in response to high
      glucose and/or fatty acids. However, contradictory findings have been reported
      showing that in pancreatic beta cells or insulin-secreting cell lines, ROS are
      produced under conditions of either high or low glucose. Superoxide production
      was measured in attached INS1E cells as a function of glucose concentration, by
      following in real time the oxidation of dihydroethidine. Minimal values of
      superoxide production were measured at glucose concentrations of 5-20 mM, whereas
      superoxide generation was maximal at 0-1 mM glucose. Superoxide generation
      started rapidly (15-30 min) after exposure to low glucose and was suppressed by
      its addition within minutes. Superoxide was totally suppressed by rotenone, but
      not myxothiazol, suggesting a role for complex I in this process. Indirect
      evidence for mitochondrial ROS generation was also provided by a decrease in
      aconitase activity. Activation of AMPK, a cellular metabolic sensor, and its
      downstream target ACC by low glucose concentration was largely inhibited by
      addition of MnTBAP, a MnSOD and catalase mimetic that also totally suppressed
      superoxide production. Taken together, the data show that low glucose activates
      AMPK in a superoxide-dependent, AMP-independent way.

PMID- 22064364
TI  - Small molecule inhibitors of mammalian thioredoxin reductase.
AB  - Mammalian thioredoxin reductases (TrxRs) are a family of NADPH-dependent
      flavoproteins with a penultimate selenocysteine residue at the carboxy-terminus.
      Besides their native substrate thioredoxins (Trx), the enzymes show a broad
      substrate specificity, at least partially, because of the C-terminal redox-active
      site that is easily accessible in the reduced form. TrxRs are ubiquitous in all
      kinds of cells and have a critical role in regulating intracellular redox
      signaling. In recent years, a wealth of evidence has revealed that
      overactivation/dysfunction of TrxRs is closely related to various diseases,
      especially in tumor development, and thus the past decades have witnessed an
      expanding interest in finding TrxRs inhibitors, which might be promising agents
      for cancer chemotherapy. Herein we reviewed the small molecule inhibitors of
      mammalian TrxRs, with an emphasis on those that have potential anticancer
      activity. This review includes the nonpatent references up to 2010 that deal with
      mammalian TrxR inhibitors.

PMID- 22064363
TI  - Peroxidase-mediated dealkylation of tamoxifen, detected by electrospray
      ionization-mass spectrometry, and activation to form DNA adducts.
AB  - Tamoxifen (TAM) is extensively used for the treatment and prevention of breast
      cancer. Associated with TAM treatment is a two- to eightfold increase in risk of
      endometrial cancer. To understand the mechanisms associated with this increased
      risk several pathways for TAM metabolism and DNA adduct formation have been
      studied. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of peroxidase
      enzymes in the metabolism of TAM and its activation to form DNA adducts. Using
      advanced tandem mass spectrometry we have investigated the peroxidase-mediated
      metabolism of TAM. Incubation of TAM with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and
      H(2)O(2) produced multiple metabolites. Electrospray ionization-MS/MS analysis of
      the metabolites demonstrated a peak at 301.3m/z with daughter ions at 183.0,
      166.9, 128.9, and 120.9m/z, which identified the metabolite as metabolite E (ME).
      The levels of ME were significantly inhibited by the addition of ascorbic acid to
      the incubation mixture. Co-incubation of either TAM or ME and DNA with HRP and
      H(2)O(2) produced three DNA adducts with a RAL of 1.97+/-0.01*10(-7) and 8.45+/
      2.7*10(-7). Oxidation of ME with MnO(2) produced metabolite E quinone methide
      (MEQM). Furthermore, incubation of either TAM or ME with HRP and H(2)O(2)
      resulted in formation of MEQM. Reaction of calf thymus DNA with MEQM produced
      three DNA adducts with a RAL of 9.8+/-1.0*10(-7). Rechromatography analyses
      indicated that DNA adducts 1, 2, and 3 formed in the HRP activation of either TAM
      or ME were the same as those formed by the chemical reaction of DNA with MEQM.
      The results of these studies demonstrate that peroxidase enzymes can both
      metabolize TAM to form the primary metabolite ME and activate ME to a quinone
      methide intermediate, which reacts with DNA to form adducts. It is possible that
      peroxidase enzymes or peroxidase-like activity in endometrium could contribute to
      the formation of DNA damage and genotoxic effects in endometrium after TAM
      administration.

PMID- 22064365
TI  - Quantification of hydroxyl radical-derived oxidation products in peptides
      containing glycine, alanine, valine, and proline.
AB  - Proteins are a major target for oxidation due to their abundance and high
      reactivity. Despite extensive investigation over many years, only limited
      quantitative data exist on the contributions of different pathways to the
      oxidation of peptides and proteins. This study was designed to obtain
      quantitative data on the nature and yields of oxidation products (alcohols,
      carbonyls, hydroperoxides, fragment species) formed by a prototypic oxidant
      system (HO(*)/O(2)) on small peptides of limited, but known, amino acid
      composition. Peptides composed of Gly, Ala, Val, and Pro were examined with
      particular emphasis on the peptide Val-Gly-Val-Ala-Pro-Gly, a repeat motif in
      elastin with chemotactic activity and metalloproteinase regulation properties.
      The data obtained indicate that hydroperoxide formation occurs nonrandomly (Pro >
      Val > Ala > Gly) with this inversely related to carbonyl yields (both peptide
      bound and released). Multiple alcohols are generated at both side-chain and
      backbone sites. Backbone fragmentation has been characterized at multiple
      positions, with sites adjacent to Pro residues being of major importance.
      Summation of the product concentrations provides clear evidence for the
      occurrence of chain reactions in peptides exposed to HO(*)/O(2), with the overall
      product yields exceeding that of the initial HO(*) generated.

PMID- 22064366
TI  - 4,4'-Bipyridine-1,1'-diium 2,3,5,6-tetra-bromo-terephthalate dihydrate.
AB  - The title compound, C(10)H(10)N(2) (2+).C(8)Br(4)O(4) (2-).2H(2)O, consists of a
      tetra-bromo-terephthalate dianion, a 4,4'-bipyridinium dication and two solvent
      water mol-ecules. Crystallographic inversion centers are situated at the center
      of the aromatic ring of the dianion as well as at the midpoint of the carbon
      carbon bond connecting the pyridine rings in the dication. In the crystal, inter
      molecular N-H?O hydrogen-bonding inter-actions between tetra-bromo-terephthalate
      dianions and protonated 4,4'-bipyridinium dications result in the formation of a
      chain-like structure. Further O-H?O hydrogen bonds between carboxyl-ate O atoms
      and water mol-ecules lead to the formation of a two-dimensional network in the
      crystal structure.

PMID- 22064367
TI  - Combinatorial support vector machines approach for virtual screening of selective
      multi-target serotonin reuptake inhibitors from large compound libraries.
AB  - Selective multi-target serotonin reuptake inhibitors enhance antidepressant
      efficacy. Their discovery can be facilitated by multiple methods, including in
      silico ones. In this study, we developed and tested an in silico method,
      combinatorial support vector machines (COMBI-SVMs), for virtual screening (VS)
      multi-target serotonin reuptake inhibitors of seven target pairs (serotonin
      transporter paired with noradrenaline transporter, H(3) receptor, 5-HT(1A)
      receptor, 5-HT(1B) receptor, 5-HT(2C) receptor, melanocortin 4 receptor and
      neurokinin 1 receptor respectively) from large compound libraries. COMBI-SVMs
      trained with 917-1951 individual target inhibitors correctly identified 22-83.3%
      (majority >31.1%) of the 6-216 dual inhibitors collected from literature as
      independent testing sets. COMBI-SVMs showed moderate to good target selectivity
      in misclassifying as dual inhibitors 2.2-29.8% (majority <15.4%) of the
      individual target inhibitors of the same target pair and 0.58-7.1% of the other 6
      targets outside the target pair. COMBI-SVMs showed low dual inhibitor false hit
      rates (0.006-0.056%, 0.042-0.21%, 0.2-4%) in screening 17 million PubChem
      compounds, 168,000 MDDR compounds, and 7-8181 MDDR compounds similar to the dual
      inhibitors. Compared with similarity searching, k-NN and PNN methods, COMBI-SVM
      produced comparable dual inhibitor yields, similar target selectivity, and lower
      false hit rate in screening 168,000 MDDR compounds. The annotated classes of many
      COMBI-SVMs identified MDDR virtual hits correlate with the reported effects of
      their predicted targets. COMBI-SVM is potentially useful for searching selective
      multi-target agents without explicit knowledge of these agents.

PMID- 22064368
TI  - Ba(11)La(4)Br(34): a new barium lanthanum bromide.
AB  - The structure of the title compound, barium lanthanum bromide (11/4/34), can be
      derived from the fluorite structure. The asymmetric unit contains two Ba sites
      (one with site symmetry 4/m..), one La site (site symmetry 4..), one mixed
      occupied Ba and La site (ratio 1:1, site symmetry m..) and six Br sites (one with
      site symmetry ?=4.., one with 2.., one with m.., the latter being disordered over
      two positions with a 0.86:0.14 ratio). The fundamental building units of the
      structure are edge-sharing polyhedral clusters made up of Ba and La bromide
      clusters inter-connected to BaBr(8) square prisms and BaBr(10) groups.

PMID- 22064369
TI  - Analysis of the effect of perioperative magnesium sulphate on minimal alveolar
      concentration of desflurane using bispectral index monitoring.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In this study we aimed to analyze the effect of perioperative
      magnesium sulphate (MgSO(4)) on minimal alveolar concentration (MAC) of
      desflurane using bispectral index (BIS) monitoring. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty
      patients undergoing abdominal surgery under general anesthesia were randomized
      into two groups: Mg - receiving perioperative MgSO(4) supplementation and C -
      control. Anesthesia was titrated to maintain the BIS value between 45-55.
      RESULTS: MAC values, tachycardia and hypertension during intubation was found to
      be lower in group Mg compared to group C (p<0.001). Time to extubation, verbal
      cooperation and eye opening was longer in patients receiving infusion of MgSO(4)
      (p<0.001). CONCLUSION: We concluded that perioperative MgSO(4) infusion may be
      used as an adjunct as it decreases MAC of desflurane and suppresses the
      hemodynamic response to intubation.

PMID- 22064370
TI  - A study of prevalence and pattern of hyperactive syndrome in primary school
      children.
AB  - Prevalence of hyperactive syndrome in 2160 primary school children between the
      age of 6-12 years was found to be 4.67%. The ratio of male, female distribution
      of hyperactive syndrome was found to be 4.74: 1. It was significantly associated
      with type of school (only in girls), age (only in boys) and occupation of father
      (only in boys). Hyperkinetic behaviour of children was not significantly
      associated with income of parents. Family structure and dynamics of hyperactive
      children studied did not reveal gross pathology. Some of the hyperactive children
      were found to be impulsive in their cognitive style and others experienced
      difficulties in visuo-spatial perception and visuo-motor coordination.

PMID- 22064371
TI  - catena-Poly[[diaqua-bis-{MU(2)-3,5-bis-[(pyridin-4-yl)methyl-amino]
      benzoato}nickel] monohydrate].
AB  - In the title coordination polymer,
      {[Ni(C(19)H(17)N(4)O(2))(2)(H(2)O)(2)].H(2)O}(n), the Ni(2+) cation is located on
      an inversion center and coordinated by two carboxyl-ate O atoms from two
      different 3,5-bis-(pyridin-4-yl-methyl-amino)-benzoate anions, two O atoms from
      two coordinated water mol-ecules and two N atoms from two different 3,5-bis
      (pyridin-4-yl-methyl-amino)-benzoate anions, displaying a slightly distorted
      NiN(2)O(4) octa-hedral geometry. Each 3,5-bis-(pyridin-4-yl-methyl-amino)
      benzoate anion acts as a MU(2)-bridge, linking different nickel ions into a chain
      along [010]. In the crystal, adjacent chains are further linked through N-H?O, O
      H?O, O-H?N and C-H?O hydrogen bonds into a three-dimensional network. The
      coordinated water mol-ecules and a disordered water mol-ecule of hydration with
      0.50 site occupancy play an important role in the formation of these hydrogen
      bonding inter-actions.

PMID- 22064372
TI  - Intra and extra erythrocyte lithium ion concentration ratios in manic patients.
AB  - In a study RBC-Plasma lithium ratios in manic patients treated with lithium we
      found that lithium responders had higher lithium ratios than lithium non
      responders. There was, however, no cut off value which could differentiate
      lithium responders from non-responders.

PMID- 22064373
TI  - Thromboembolic events are associated with prolonged clot lysis time in patients
      with permanent atrial fibrillation.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with a prothrombotic state.
      OBJECTIVES: We evaluated associations of previous thromboembolic events with
      fibrinolytic parameters in patients with AF. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We studied 62
      consecutive patients with permanent AF (27 men, 35 women, aged 46-89 years
      [median, 78 years]). Patients receiving warfarin or acenocoumarol on a long-term
      basis were eligible. We determined plasma fibrin clot lysis time (CLT),
      plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) antigen, thrombin-activatable
      fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) activity and antigen, plasminogen, alpha2
      antiplasmin (alpha2AP), and soluble thrombomodulin (sTM). RESULTS: There were 19
      subjects (30.6%) with a history of thrombotic events (stroke in 11, myocardial
      infarction in 8, and pulmonary embolism in 3 patients). They had longer CLT (P =
      0.0035 for patients with previous stroke and P = 0.001 for patients with any
      previous thrombotic event), together with higher PAI-1 (P = 0.025 and P = 0.016,
      respectively), TAFI activity (P = 0.002 and P = 0.011, respectively), sTM (P =
      0.0023 and P = 0.012, respectively), and alpha2AP (P = 0.007 and P = 0.0006,
      respectively) than the remaining subjects. AF patients with previous stroke had
      also higher TAFI antigen than the remainder (P = 0.04). CLT (P = 0.024), PAI-1 (P
      = 0.022), TAFI activity (P = 0.048), and sTM (P = 0.032, all P for trend)
      increased with higher CHA2DS2-VASc scores. CLT was not associated with time from
      thrombotic event to enrollment. Patients taking oral anticoagulants (n = 46) had
      only slightly higher sTM levels (3.6 [2.9-6.3] vs. 2.9 [2.2-4.1] ng/ml, P =
      0.049) than the remaining subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Stroke or other thromboembolic
      event in AF patients is associated with impaired lysability of fibrin clots
      combined with elevated PAI-1, TAFI, sTM, and alpha2AP.

PMID- 22064374
TI  - S-Adenosylhomocysteine enhances DNA damage through increased beta-amyloid
      formation and inhibition of the DNA-repair enzyme OGG1b in microglial BV-2 cells.
AB  - S-Adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) is a risk factor for neurodegenerative diseases such
      as Alzheimer's disease, for which beta-Amyliod (Abeta) formation is a major risk
      factor. We recently showed that SAH increases Abeta formation in mouse microglial
      BV2 cells. Here, we show that incubation of BV2 cells with SAH (0-500nM) for 6
      24h sequentially increased Abeta formation, ROS and DNA damage measured as 8-oxo
      deoxyguanosine (8-oxo-dG) levels. Pre-incubation of BV2 cells with 20MUM beta
      secretase inhibitor IV for 30min followed by incubation with SAH (500nM) markedly
      decreased Abeta formation and 8-oxo-dG levels. Treatment with SAH for 24h
      concentration-dependently inhibited DNA methyltransferase (DNMT1) activity and
      inhibited DNMT1 binding to Sp1 site of 8-oxoG-DNA glycosylases I (OGG1) promoter
      and OGG1 protein and mRNA expression at 24h; the latter effect was attributed to
      hypomethylation of the OGG1 gene promoter, because pre-incubation of cells with
      betaine (1.0mM for 30 min) markedly prevented the inhibition of OGG1 protein
      expression induced by SAH. Overall, we demonstrate that SAH increases DNA damage
      in BV-2 cells possible by increased Abeta formation leading to increased
      formation of ROS. Furthermore, the DNA damage is enhanced by SAH through
      inhibition of DNMT1 activity and hypomethylation of OGG1 gene promoter.

PMID- 22064375
TI  - Dibromidooxido[(Z)-N'-(propan-2-yl-idene)benzohydrazidato](triphenyl
      phosphane)rhenium(V).
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title neutral rhenium(V) coordination compound,
      [ReBr(2)(C(10)H(11)N(2)O)O(C(18)H(15)P)], contains two mol-ecules. In each of the
      two molecules the metal atom is octa-hedrally coordinated, the bromido ligands
      being cis-orientated. The chelate ligand is present in its imine-tautomeric form.
      In the crystal, C-H?Br contacts connect the mol-ecules into chains along [101].
      The shortest inter-centroid distance between two aromatic rings was found to be
      3.906 (2) A.

PMID- 22064376
TI  - Efficacy and safety of antidepressant drug treatment in children and adolescents.
AB  - Depression and anxiety are common disorders in youth that can have profound
      influences on functioning and even mortality. In the late 1990s, large controlled
      trials began demonstrating the efficacy of selective serotonin reuptake
      inhibitors for these conditions in the pediatric population. By 2003, regulatory
      agencies began warning the public of unrecognized risk and misrepresented
      benefit. The current review article summarizes a series of published and
      unpublished efficacy and safety data regarding antidepressant use in children and
      adolescents. The resulting complex synthesis suggests that these medications may
      offer mild-to-moderate benefit, with notable exceptions depending on medication
      and indication, but they may also heighten the risk for suicidal ideation and
      parasuicidal behavior. However, reviewed epidemiological data does not
      demonstrate a relationship between newer antidepressant prescription and
      completed suicide in large populations of youth. In conclusion, this breadth of
      mixed research data is applied to clinical decision making.

PMID- 22064377
TI  - African ancestry protects against Alzheimer's disease-related neuropathology.
AB  - Previous studies in dementia epidemiology have reported higher Alzheimer's
      disease rates in African-Americans when compared with White Americans. To
      determine whether genetically determined African ancestry is associated with
      neuropathological changes commonly associated with dementia, we analyzed a
      population-based brain bank in the highly admixed city of Sao Paulo, Brazil.
      African ancestry was estimated through the use of previously described ancestry
      informative markers. Risk of presence of neuritic plaques, neurofibrillary
      tangles, small vessel disease, brain infarcts and Lewy bodies in subjects with
      significant African ancestry versus those without was determined. Results were
      adjusted for multiple environmental risk factors, demographic variables and
      apolipoprotein E genotype. African ancestry was inversely correlated with
      neuritic plaques (P=0.03). Subjects with significant African ancestry (n=112,
      55.4%) showed lower prevalence of neuritic plaques in the univariate analysis
      (odds ratio (OR) 0.72, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.55-0.95, P=0.01) and when
      adjusted for age, sex, APOE genotype and environmental risk factors (OR 0.43, 95%
      CI 0.21-0.89, P=0.02). There were no significant differences for the presence of
      other neuropathological alterations. We show for the first time, using
      genetically determined ancestry, that African ancestry may be highly protective
      of Alzheimer's disease neuropathology, functioning through either genetic
      variants or unknown environmental factors. Epidemiological studies correlating
      African-American race/ethnicity with increased Alzheimer's disease rates should
      not be interpreted as surrogates of genetic ancestry or considered to represent
      African-derived populations from the developing nations such as Brazil.

PMID- 22064379
TI  - Conversion of a murine monoclonal antibody A13 targeting epidermal growth factor
      receptor to a human monoclonal antibody by guided selection.
AB  - Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is an attractive target for tumor therapy
      because it is overexpressed in the majority of solid tumors and the increase in
      receptor expression levels has been linked with a poor clinical prognosis. Also
      it is well established that blocking the interaction of EGFR and the growth
      factors could lead to the arrest of tumor growth and possibly result in tumor
      cell death. A13 is a murine monoclonal antibody (mAb) that specifically binds to
      various sets of EGFR-expressing tumor cells and inhibits EGF-induced EGFR
      phosphorylation. We isolated human immunoglobulin genes by guided selection based
      on the mAb A13. Four different human single chain Fvs (scFvs) were isolated from
      from hybrid scFv libraries containing a human VH repertoire with the VL of mAb
      A13 and a human VL repertoire with the VH of mAb A13. All the 4 scFvs bound to
      EGFR-expressing A431 cells. One scFv (SC414) with the highest affinity was
      converted to IgG1 (ER414). The ER414 exhibited ~17 fold lower affinity compared
      to the A13 mAb. In addition the ER414 inhibited an EGF-induced tyrosine
      phosphorylation of EGFR with much lower efficacy compared to the A13 mAb and
      Cetuximab (Merck KgaA, Germany). We identified that the epitope of A13 mAb is
      retained in ER414. This approach will provide an efficient way of converting a
      murine mAb to a human mAb.

PMID- 22064380
TI  - Reverse transcriptase real-time PCR for detection and quantification of viable
      Campylobacter jejuni directly from poultry faecal samples.
AB  - Campylobacter spp. is the most common cause of bacterial diarrhoea in humans
      worldwide. Therefore, rapid and reliable methods for detection and quantification
      of this pathogen are required. In this study, we have developed a reverse
      transcription quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) for detection and
      quantification of viable Campylobacter jejuni directly from chicken faecal
      samples. The results of this method and a DNA-based quantitative real-time PCR
      (qPCR) method were compared with those of a bacterial culture method. Using
      bacterial culture and RT-qPCR methods, viable C. jejuni cells could be detected
      for up to 5 days in both the C. jejuni spiked and the naturally contaminated
      faecal samples. We found that no RT-qPCR signals were obtained when viable C.
      jejuni cells could not be counted by the culture method. In contrast, using a DNA
      based qPCR method, dead or non-viable Campylobacter cells were detected, and all
      tested samples were positive, even after 20 days of storage. The developed method
      for detection and quantification of viable C. jejuni cells directly from chicken
      faecal samples can be used for further research on the survival of Campylobacter
      in the environment.

PMID- 22064381
TI  - Di-MU-chlorido-bis-{[1,2-bis-(pyridin-2-ylmeth-oxy)benzene
      kappaN,O,O',N']chloridocadmium}.
AB  - In centrosymmetric dinuclear title compound, [Cd(2)Cl(4)(C(18)H(16)N(2)O(2))(2)],
      the Cd(II) atom is seven-coordinated in a penta-gonal-bipyramidal environment
      defined by two N atoms and two O atoms from one ligand and three Cl(-) anions,
      two of which are bridging. A pi-pi inter-action between adjacent pyridine rings
      [centroid-centroid distance = 3.773 (1) A] further stablizes the dimer.

PMID- 22064382
TI  - Bis(1,4,7-trithia-cyclo-nona-ne)nickel(II) bis-(tetra-fluorido-borate) nitro
      methane disolvate.
AB  - The homoleptic thio-ether title complex,
      [Ni(C(6)H(12)S(3))(2)](BF(4))(2).2CH(3)NO(2), shows the expeced hexa-kis-(thio
      ether) octa-hedral environment around the Ni(II) atom. It crystallized as two
      crystallographically independent complex cations, [Ni(9S3)(2)](2+) (9S3 = 1,4,7
      trithia-cyclo-nona-ne), within the unit cell where each Ni(II) lies on an
      inversion center. In addition to the complex cations, there are two
      crystallographically independent BF(4) (-) anions present to balance the charge,
      and each shows disorder along a pseudo-C(3) axis with ratios of 0.53 (2):0.47 (2)
      and 0.55 (2):0.45 (2). Two nitro-methane solvent mol-ecules per complex cation
      are also present in the unit cell.

PMID- 22064383
TI  - Heptamagnesium bis-(phosphate) tetra-kis-(hydrogen phosphate) with strong
      hydrogen bonds: Mg(7)(PO(4))(2)(HPO(4))(4).
AB  - The title compound, Mg(7)(PO(4))(2)(HPO(4))(4), was synthesized by the hydro
      thermal method. The structure is based on a framework of edge- and corner-sharing
      MgO(6) and MgO(4)(OH)(2) octa-hedra, an MgO(5) polyhedron, PO(4) and PO(3)(OH)
      tetra-hedra. All atoms are in general positions except for one Mg atom, which is
      located on a crystallographic inversion centre. The OH groups, bridging Mg-(OH)
      P, are involved in strong hydrogen bonds. Compounds with the general formula
      M(7)(PO(4))(2)(HPO(4))(4) (M = Mg, Mn, Fe and Co) are all isostructural with
      their homologue arsenate Mg(7)(AsO(4))(2)(HAsO(4))(4).

PMID- 22064384
TI  - Flash photolysis of caged compounds in the cilia of olfactory sensory  neurons.
AB  - Photolysis of caged compounds allows the production of rapid and localized
      increases in the concentration of various physiologically active compounds. Caged
      compounds are molecules made physiologically inactive by a chemical cage that can
      be broken by a flash of ultraviolet light. Here, we show how to obtain patch
      clamp recordings combined with photolysis of caged compounds for the study of
      olfactory transduction in dissociated mouse olfactory sensory neurons. The
      process of olfactory transduction (Figure 1) takes place in the cilia of
      olfactory sensory neurons, where odorant binding to receptors leads to the
      increase of cAMP that opens cyclic nucleotide-gated (CNG) channels. Ca entry
      through CNG channels activates Ca-activated Cl channels. We show how to
      dissociate neurons from the mouse olfactory epithelium and how to activate CNG
      channels or Ca-activated Cl channels by photolysis of caged cAMP or caged Ca. We
      use a flash lamp to apply ultraviolet flashes to the ciliary region to uncage
      cAMP or Ca while patch-clamp recordings are taken to measure the current in the
      whole-cell voltage-clamp configuration.

PMID- 22064385
TI  - Interleukin 1beta regulates progesterone metabolism in human cervical
      fibroblasts.
AB  - Progesterone plays a critical role in regulating cervical structure necessary for
      pregnancy maintenance. Preterm labor and early cervical ripening are often
      associated with localized infection. We hypothesized that proinflammatory
      cytokines enhance progesterone metabolism in human cervical fibroblasts (HCFs) in
      vitro, through the regulation of the expression of 20alpha-hydroxysteroid
      dehydrogenases (aldo-keto reductase [AKR]1C1, AKR1C2, or AKR1C3), 5alpha
      reductase type 1 (5alpha-RDT1), and/or 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehyrogenases
      (17beta-HSD) type 1 and 2. The expression of both progesterone receptor (PR) and
      estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha) was also studied. Human cervical fibroblasts
      were found to express AKR1C1, C2, and C3, with AKR1C1 exhibiting the greatest
      expression. These cells also expressed 5alpha-RDT1 and 17beta-HSD1 and 2, albeit
      to a lesser level compared to the aldo-keto reductases. The fibroblasts also
      expressed both PR and ERalpha. Interleukin 1beta (IL-1beta) significantly
      increased the expression of AKR1C1 and C2 but not C3 but did not alter 5alpha
      RDT1 nor 17beta-HSD1 or 2 expression. Interleukin 1beta treatment significantly
      increased progesterone metabolism by these cells. Use of specific inhibitors for
      aldo-keto reductases or 5alpha reductases confirmed that the increased
      progesterone metabolism was a consequence of the increased expression and/or
      activity of AKR1C1/2. Our results indicate that a major proinflammatory cytokine,
      IL-1beta, can facilitate local progesterone metabolism in a cell type critical
      for maintaining cervical structure via regulating expression of AKR1C1 and 2.

PMID- 22064386
TI  - Role of label-retaining cells in estrogen-induced endometrial regeneration.
AB  - Candidate stem/progenitor cells have been identified in mouse endometrium as
      label-retaining cells (LRCs). The role of endometrial stem/progenitor cells in
      initiating estrogen-stimulated endometrial growth in prepubertal and cycling mice
      was investigated following a single 17beta-estradiol (E2) injection in
      bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU)-labeled and -chased (LRC), ovariectomised mice.
      Proliferating (BrdU(+)/Ki-67(+)) and mitotic (BrdU(+)/PH3(+)) epithelial LRCs
      were first detected in prepubertal mice 8 hours following E2 treatment,
      initiating the proliferative response. In contrast, all epithelial LRCs and 16%
      of epithelial cells in cycling mice proliferated within 2 hours. In cycling mice,
      12% of stromal LRCs initiated a proliferative response 8 hours after E2.
      Proliferating epithelial LRCs and most stromal LRCs (85%) lacked estrogen
      receptor-alpha (ESR1). These findings suggest that endometrial epithelial LRCs
      function as stem/progenitor cells by receiving proliferative signals from
      neighboring ESR1(+) niche cells to initiate the growth of the epithelium during
      development, while mature epithelial cells may undergo self-replication in
      cycling endometrium.

PMID- 22064387
TI  - Cyclic changes in the expression of p57(kip2) in human endometrium and its
      regulation by steroid hormones in endometrial stromal cells in vitro.
AB  - We investigated the expressions of p57(kip2) and p27(kip) and its regulation by
      steroids in the normal and abnormal human endometrium. Endometrial p27(kip1) and
      p57(kip2) messenger RNA (mRNA) were markedly increased in the secretory phase.
      P57(kip2) protein was absent in proliferative phase but appeared in glandular
      epithelium together with early- to mid-secretory phase stromal cells. During the
      late secretory phase, strong P57(kip2) protein immunoreactivity was found in the
      stromal cells. In both endometrial hyperplasia and cancer, the expression of
      P57(kip2) protein was low. In cultured human endometrial stromal cells (ESCs),
      p27(kip1) mRNA levels were increased together with the decidual marker prolactin
      (prl), following treatment with 17beta-estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4). At 1
      nmol/L, the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) agonist dexamethasone (DEX) induced prl,
      p57(kip2) , and p27(kip1) mRNA in ESCs. Taken together, upregulation of p57(kip2)
      may play an important role in the decidual differentiation by P4 and growth
      inhibition of malignant cells in human endometrium.

PMID- 22064388
TI  - Risk-takers wanted.

PMID- 22064389
TI  - Preemptive genotyping trialed to prevent adverse drug reactions.

PMID- 22064390
TI  - New mouse models of autism highlight need for standardized tests.

PMID- 22064391
TI  - First drugs found to inhibit elusive cancer target.

PMID- 22064392
TI  - Stanford program gives discoveries a shot at commercialization.

PMID- 22064393
TI  - Massive biobank yields first results--with more to come.

PMID- 22064394
TI  - MS pipeline flowing, but niche remains for neuroprotection.

PMID- 22064395
TI  - Research organizations push back against clinical trials directive.

PMID- 22064396
TI  - Drug shortages may derail careers along with trials.

PMID- 22064397
TI  - Sequencing projects bring age-old wisdom to genomics.

PMID- 22064398
TI  - Malaria vaccine cuts risk in half in late-stage trial.

PMID- 22064400
TI  - Straight talk with... Steve Brown. Interview by Hannah Waters.

PMID- 22064401
TI  - A raw nerve.

PMID- 22064402
TI  - Autism, authenticated.

PMID- 22064403
TI  - Smart resource allocation needed to study 'legal highs'.

PMID- 22064406
TI  - Hepcidin in malaria superinfection: can findings be translated to humans?

PMID- 22064407
TI  - Tissue factor and obesity, a two-way street.

PMID- 22064408
TI  - Targeting osteoclast-osteoblast communication.

PMID- 22064409
TI  - Erythropoiesis lagging? pIgA1 steps in to assist Epo.

PMID- 22064410
TI  - SGK1: a fine balancing act for human pregnancy.

PMID- 22064411
TI  - An unSIRTain role in longevity.

PMID- 22064412
TI  - Unfolding neurodevelopmental disorders: found in translation.

PMID- 22064413
TI  - Unfolding neurodevelopmental disorders: the mystery of developing connections.

PMID- 22064426
TI  - Tumor angiogenesis: molecular pathways and therapeutic targets.
AB  - As angiogenesis is essential for tumor growth and metastasis, controlling tumor
      associated angiogenesis is a promising tactic in limiting cancer progression. The
      tumor microenvironment comprises numerous signaling molecules and pathways that
      influence the angiogenic response. Understanding how these components
      functionally interact as angiogenic stimuli or as repressors and how mechanisms
      of resistance arise is required for the identification of new therapeutic
      strategies. Achieving a durable and efficient antiangiogenic response will
      require approaches to simultaneously or sequentially target multiple aspects of
      the tumor microenvironment.

PMID- 22064427
TI  - The lymphatic vasculature in disease.
AB  - Blood vessels form a closed circulatory system, whereas lymphatic vessels form a
      one-way conduit for tissue fluid and leukocytes. In most vertebrates, the main
      function of lymphatic vessels is to collect excess protein-rich fluid that has
      extravasated from blood vessels and transport it back into the blood circulation.
      Lymphatic vessels have an important immune surveillance function, as they import
      various antigens and activated antigen-presenting cells into the lymph nodes and
      export immune effector cells and humoral response factors into the blood
      circulation. Defects in lymphatic function can lead to lymph accumulation in
      tissues, dampened immune responses, connective tissue and fat accumulation, and
      tissue swelling known as lymphedema. This review highlights the most recent
      developments in lymphatic biology and how the lymphatic system contributes to the
      pathogenesis of various diseases involving immune and inflammatory responses and
      its role in disseminating tumor cells.

PMID- 22064428
TI  - The neutrophil in vascular inflammation.
AB  - Here we focus on how neutrophils have a key regulatory role in vascular
      inflammation. Recent studies using advanced imaging techniques have yielded new
      insights into the mechanisms by which neutrophils contribute to defense against
      bacterial infections and also against sterile injury. In these settings,
      neutrophils are recruited by various mechanisms depending on the situation. We
      also describe how these processes may be disrupted in systemic infections, with a
      particular emphasis on mouse models of sepsis. Neutrophils are often immobilized
      in the lungs and liver during systemic infections, and this immobilization may be
      a mechanism through which bacteria can evade the innate immune response or allow
      neutrophils to form neutrophil extracellular traps that trap and kill bacteria in
      blood. The platelet is also an important player in sepsis, and we describe how it
      collaborates with neutrophils in the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps.

PMID- 22064429
TI  - Ischemia and reperfusion--from mechanism to translation.
AB  - Ischemia and reperfusion-elicited tissue injury contributes to morbidity and
      mortality in a wide range of pathologies, including myocardial infarction,
      ischemic stroke, acute kidney injury, trauma, circulatory arrest, sickle cell
      disease and sleep apnea. Ischemia-reperfusion injury is also a major challenge
      during organ transplantation and cardiothoracic, vascular and general surgery. An
      imbalance in metabolic supply and demand within the ischemic organ results in
      profound tissue hypoxia and microvascular dysfunction. Subsequent reperfusion
      further enhances the activation of innate and adaptive immune responses and cell
      death programs. Recent advances in understanding the molecular and immunological
      consequences of ischemia and reperfusion may lead to innovative therapeutic
      strategies for treating patients with ischemia and reperfusion-associated tissue
      inflammation and organ dysfunction.

PMID- 22064430
TI  - Under pressure: the search for the essential mechanisms of hypertension.
AB  - High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a very common disorder with a
      substantial impact on public health because of its associated complications.
      Despite the high prevalence of essential hypertension and years of research, the
      basic causes remain obscure. Here I review recent advances in understanding the
      pathophysiology of hypertension. I present a general overview of the field and,
      by necessity, use broad strokes to portray recent progress and place it in
      context. For this purpose, I use illustrative examples from the large number of
      important developments in hypertension research over the last five years. The
      intent of this review is to provide a sense of where the field is progressing,
      with an emphasis on work that sheds light on pathogenic mechanisms and that is
      therefore likely to inform new translational advances.

PMID- 22064431
TI  - Atherosclerosis: current pathogenesis and therapeutic options.
AB  - Coronary artery disease (CAD) arising from atherosclerosis is a leading cause of
      death and morbidity worldwide. The underlying pathogenesis involves an imbalanced
      lipid metabolism and a maladaptive immune response entailing a chronic
      inflammation of the arterial wall. The disturbed equilibrium of lipid
      accumulation, immune responses and their clearance is shaped by leukocyte
      trafficking and homeostasis governed by chemokines and their receptors. New pro-
      and anti-inflammatory pathways linking lipid and inflammation biology have been
      discovered, and genetic profiling studies have unveiled variations involved in
      human CAD. The growing understanding of the inflammatory processes and mediators
      has uncovered an intriguing diversity of targetable mechanisms that can be
      exploited to complement lipid-lowering therapies. Here we aim to systematically
      survey recently identified molecular mechanisms, translational developments and
      clinical strategies for targeting lipid-related inflammation in atherosclerosis
      and CAD.

PMID- 22064432
TI  - Arterial thrombosis--insidious, unpredictable and deadly.
AB  - The formation of blood clots--thrombosis--at sites of atherosclerotic plaque
      rupture is a major clinical problem despite ongoing improvements in
      antithrombotic therapy. Progress in identifying the pathogenic mechanisms
      regulating arterial thrombosis has led to the development of newer therapeutics,
      and there is general anticipation that these treatments will have greater
      efficacy and improved safety. However, major advances in this field require the
      identification of specific risk factors for arterial thrombosis in affected
      individuals and a rethink of the 'one size fits all' approach to antithrombotic
      therapy.

PMID- 22064438
TI  - Ferulic acid ethyl ester as a potential therapy in neurodegenerative disorders.
AB  - Oxidative stress is involved in the onset, progression and pathogenesis of a
      number of diseases including neurodegenerative diseases. It is critical to
      develop a pharmacological approach to combat oxidative stress which may reduce
      the risk of diseases and help in promoting healthy life. In an attempt to reduce
      the side effects associated with allopathic medicines a number of studies are now
      focusing on developing treatment regimens from naturally occurring plant
      products. In this review, the protective role of ferulic acid (4-hydroxy-3
      methoxycinnamic acid) (FA), a naturally occurring antioxidant compound found in
      fruit, some vegetables, and grains, and its ethyl ester derivative are discussed
      with respect to neurodegeneration. This article is part of a Special Issue
      entitled: Antioxidants and Antioxidant Treatment in Disease.

PMID- 22064433
TI  - Stem cells and the vasculature.
AB  - Unraveling the contribution of stem and progenitor cells to blood vessel
      formation and, reciprocally, the importance of blood vessels to the production
      and function of stem and progenitor cells, has been a major focus of vascular
      research over the last decade, but has spawned many controversies. Here I review
      how vascular stem and progenitor cells contribute both vascular and nonvascular
      cells during development and in disease, and how nonvascular stem and progenitor
      cells might contribute to vascular lineages. I also discuss the role of the
      vasculature in forming stem and progenitor cell niches. Finally, I highlight the
      potential relevance of these relationships to disease etiology and treatment.

PMID- 22064439
TI  - 4-[Bis(4-fluorophenyl)methyl]piperazin-1-ium picrate.
AB  - The title compound {systematic name: 4-[bis(4-fluorophenyl)methyl]piperazin-1-ium
      2,4,6-tri-nitro-phenolate}, C(17)H(19)F(2)N(2) (+).C(6)H(2)N(3)O(7) (-), is the
      picrate salt of a piperazine-supported amine bearing a benzhydryl substituent on
      one of its N atoms. During co-crystallisation, protonation took place on the N
      atom of the secondary amine functionality. The non-aromatic six-membered
      heterocycle adopts a chair conformation. In the crystal, N-H?O hydrogen bonds as
      well as C-H?O contacts connect the components into a three-dimensional network.

PMID- 22064440
TI  - 2-[(4-Meth-oxy-anilino)meth-yl]phenol.
AB  - In the title compound, C(14)H(15)NO(2), the dihedral angle between the two
      benzene rings is 71.10 (5) degrees . In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by
      inter-molecular N-H?O, and O-H?N hydrogen bonds into a chain running parallel to
      the b axis.

PMID- 22064441
TI  - 3-(1,3-Dithio-lan-2-yl-idene)-1-(4-meth-oxy-phen-yl)pyridine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione.
AB  - In the title compound, C(15)H(13)NO(3)S(2), the dithiol-ane ring adopts a twisted
      conformation. The mol-ecule exhibits a V-shaped conformation, with a dihedral
      angle of 79.05 (7) degrees  between the benzene ring and the pyridine ring. In
      the crystal, C-H?O inter-actions are observed.

PMID- 22064442
TI  - Quantitatively measuring in situ flows using a self-contained underwater
      velocimetry apparatus (SCUVA).
AB  - The ability to directly measure velocity fields in a fluid environment is
      necessary to provide empirical data for studies in fields as diverse as
      oceanography, ecology, biology, and fluid mechanics. Field measurements introduce
      practical challenges such as environmental conditions, animal availability, and
      the need for field-compatible measurement techniques. To avoid these challenges,
      scientists typically use controlled laboratory environments to study animal-fluid
      interactions. However, it is reasonable to question whether one can extrapolate
      natural behavior (i.e., that which occurs in the field) from laboratory
      measurements. Therefore, in situ quantitative flow measurements are needed to
      accurately describe animal swimming in their natural environment. We designed a
      self-contained, portable device that operates independent of any connection to
      the surface, and can provide quantitative measurements of the flow field
      surrounding an animal. This apparatus, a self-contained underwater velocimetry
      apparatus (SCUVA), can be operated by a single scuba diver in depths up to 40 m.
      Due to the added complexity inherent of field conditions, additional
      considerations and preparation are required when compared to laboratory
      measurements. These considerations include, but are not limited to, operator
      motion, predicting position of swimming targets, available natural suspended
      particulate, and orientation of SCUVA relative to the flow of interest. The
      following protocol is intended to address these common field challenges and to
      maximize measurement success.

PMID- 22064443
TI  - ALTered telomeres in response to telomere dysfunction.

PMID- 22064444
TI  - 6-Chloro-N-methyl-5-nitro-N-phenyl-pyrimidin-4-amine.
AB  - In the title compound, C(11)H(9)ClN(4)O(2), the dihedral angle between the
      aromatic rings is 79.67 (8) degrees . pi-pi stacking between centrosymmetrically
      related pairs of pyrimidine rings occurs along [100] [centroid-centroid
      separations = 3.4572 (8) and 3.5433 (7) A].

PMID- 22064447
TI  - Valvular disease: the UK TAVI experience: insights from the 'real world'.

PMID- 22064448
TI  - Device therapy: Public-access AEDs improve neurologically intact survival after
      cardiac arrest.

PMID- 22064450
TI  - Surgery: No benefit of cerebral perfusion over hypothermia in pulmonary
      endarterectomy.

PMID- 22064451
TI  - Synthesis of a novel kind of carbon nanoparticle with large mesopores and
      macropores and its application as an oral vaccine adjuvant.
AB  - The purpose of this study is to develop a novel kind of adjuvant for oral vaccine
      delivery. In order to effectively prevent the degradation of antigens in the
      gastrointestinal tract and optimize the uptake for M cells, a novel kind of
      hydrophobic carbon nanoparticle (C1) with the size of 470nm was synthesized by
      taking silica as a template and sucrose as a carbon source. Notably, there were
      large mesopores and macropores mainly of 40-60nm, which made it to be excellent
      candidate as an antigen carrier. C1 was characterized using SEM, TEM and nitrogen
      adsorption. Following oral immunization with BSA loaded in C1, the IgG titer
      reached to a level almost equal to that of parenteral administration of antigen
      emulsified in Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA). Mucosal IgA was also detected in
      intestinal, salivary and vaginal secretions, suggesting an effective stimulation
      of mucosal immune response. Besides, both T-helper 1 and T-helper 2 (Th1 or Th2)
      mediated responses were induced. We believe that the research will help in the
      design of novel vaccine adjuvant for improvement their potential on modulation of
      immune response.

PMID- 22064452
TI  - All-trans retinoic acid loaded block copolymer nanoparticles efficiently induce
      cellular differentiation in HL-60 cells.
AB  - All-trans retinoic acid (atRA) is used in the differentiation therapy of Acute
      Promyelocytic Leukemia. However, its therapeutic success is limited by the
      appearance of relapse and recalcitrant cases, poor aqueous solubility and high
      degradability. In the current work, we prepared two types of atRA-loaded
      copolymer nanoparticles - PL1RA and PC1RA, based on poly(ethyleneglycol) (PEG)
      poly(l-lactide) and PEG-poly(epsilon-caprolactone), respectively. We then
      evaluated their physico-chemical properties and compared their differentiation
      inducing potential of HL-60 cells with free atRA. These nanoparticles were in the
      size range 100-150nm, possessed moderate colloidal stability and exhibited around
      30% encapsulation efficiencies. In vitro release studies indicated pseudo-zero
      order release of a sustained nature, with PL1RA showing 71% and PC1RA exhibiting
      84% drug release over a period of two weeks. Photostability measurements
      exhibited considerable increase in atRA photostability in the nanoparticle forms:
      25% of the drug in PL1RA and 19% in PC1RA was intact as compared to only 5% for
      free atRA after 8h of light exposure. PL1RA and PC1RA exhibited efficacies
      comparable to free atRA in inducing HL-60 respiratory burst as assessed by
      nitroblue tetrazolium and 2',7'-dichlorodihydro fluorescein diacteate assays. The
      average CD11b expressions for atRA, PL1RA and PC1RA on day 5 of treatment were
      58%, 49% and 60%, respectively. Post-differentiation apoptosis (~40%) and
      reduction in mitochondrial transmembrane potentials (~60-70%) were also
      comparable across all treatment groups. Therefore, our block copolymer
      nanoparticles, PL1RA and PC1RA, are attractive and effective vehicles for atRA
      delivery which maintain its activity and enhance its stability resulting in
      efficient induction of HL-60 differentiation.

PMID- 22064453
TI  - Controlled release of insulin from self-assembling nanofiber hydrogel,
      PuraMatrixTM: application for the subcutaneous injection in rats.
AB  - The concept of this research is, using the acetyl-(Arg-Ala-Asp-Ala)4-CONH2
      peptide hydrosol (PuraMatrixTM, PM), to develop an new injectable formula of
      controlled insulin delivery for subcutaneous injection. PM has sol-gel phase
      transition behavior, and was developed as a scaffold in the field of tissue
      engineering. The aqueous media of the PM including insulin changed from a sol to
      a gel phase with increasing ion strength of phosphate ion and pH in working
      environments in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we examined the in vitro
      insulin dissolution behavior and the in vivo pharmacokinetics and
      pharmacodynamics after subcutaneous administration of PM-insulin sol (PM-Isol).
      In the in vitro release study, after PM-Isol was converted to a gel phase (PM
      Igel), PM concentration-dependent and controlled release of insulin were observed
      at the final concentrations of PM between 0.1% and 2.0% (w/v). The PM-Isol is
      changed to gel form in vivo, and exhibited a sustained-release pharmacokinetics
      of insulin, where PM concentration-dependent prolongation of efficacy was found.
      The plasma glucose level markedly decreased, and the lowest plasma glucose level
      was maintained up to 24h when 2.0% (w/v) PM-Isol was administered subcutaneously
      to rats. The PM-Isol, we developed here, is applicable for the wild-type of
      insulin, and increased the bioavailability and hypoglycemic efficacy of insulin
      after subcutaneous injection. Hence, the PM is a useful inactive ingredient to
      produce various types of control-released system of insulin by making just a few
      changes in PM content of the formulation.

PMID- 22064454
TI  - Targeting epidermal growth factor receptor in tumors: from conventional
      monoclonal antibodies via heavy chain-only antibodies to nanobodies.
AB  - The discovery of naturally occurring heavy chain only antibodies and their
      further development into small recombinant 'nanobodies' offers attractive
      applications in drug targeting. Here, we describe the properties of nanobodies
      that have been developed to target the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)
      and contrast these to the characteristics of heavy chain only antibodies and
      conventional antibodies. EGFR is overexpressed in many tumors and is an
      attractive target for tumor-directed drug targeting.

PMID- 22064455
TI  - 1,1,1-Trifluoro-4-(thio-phen-2-yl)-4-[(2-{[4,4,4-trifluoro-3-oxo-1-(thio-phen-2
      yl)but-1-en-1-yl]amino}-eth-yl)amino]-but-3-en-2-one.
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the diamine compound, C(18)H(14)F(3)N(2)O(2)S(2), consists
      of two mol-ecules; the C=C double bond has a Z configuration in the C(4)H(3)S-C=C
      C(=O)-C segment. The -NH-CH(2)-CH(2)-NH chain adopts a twisted U-shape. The amino
      group is an intra-molecular hydrogen-bond donor to the carbonyl group; the intra
      molecular hydrogen bond generates a six-membered ring. In both mol-ecules, the
      thienyl rings are disordered over two positions; the occupancies of the major
      components are 0.817 (4) and 0.778 (4) in one mol-ecule and 0.960 (4) and 0.665
      (4) in the other. One of the trifluoro-methyl groups is disordered over two
      positions with the major component having 0.637 (8) occupancy.

PMID- 22064456
TI  - Robust generation of hepatocyte-like cells from human embryonic stem cell
      populations.
AB  - Despite progress in modelling human drug toxicity, many compounds fail during
      clinical trials due to unpredicted side effects. The cost of clinical studies are
      substantial, therefore it is essential that more predictive toxicology screens
      are developed and deployed early on in drug development (Greenhough et al 2010).
      Human hepatocytes represent the current gold standard model for evaluating drug
      toxicity, but are a limited resource that exhibit variable function. Therefore,
      the use of immortalised cell lines and animal tissue models are routinely
      employed due to their abundance. While both sources are informative, they are
      limited by poor function, species variability and/or instability in culture
      (Dalgetty et al 2009). Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) are an attractive
      alternative source of human hepatocyte like cells (HLCs) (Medine et al 2010).
      PSCs are capable of self renewal and differentiation to all somatic cell types
      found in the adult and thereby represent a potentially inexhaustible source of
      differentiated cells. We have developed a procedure that is simple, highly
      efficient, amenable to automation and yields functional human HLCs (Hay et al
      2008 ; Fletcher et al 2008 ; Hannoun et al 2010 ; Payne et al 2011 and Hay et al
      2011). We believe our technology will lead to the scalable production of HLCs for
      drug discovery, disease modeling, the construction of extra-corporeal devices and
      possibly cell based transplantation therapies.

PMID- 22064459
TI  - Adaptive clinical trials in oncology.
AB  - Modern oncology drug development faces challenges very different from those of
      the past and it must adapt accordingly. The size and expense of phase III
      clinical trials continue to increase, but the success rate remains unacceptably
      low. Adaptive trial designs can make development more informative, addressing
      whether a drug is safe and effective while showing how it should be delivered and
      to whom. An adaptive design is one in which the accumulating data are used to
      modify the trial's course. Adaptive designs are ideal for addressing many
      questions at once. For example, a single trial might identify the appropriate
      patient population, dose and regimen, and therapeutic combinations, and then
      switch seamlessly into a phase III confirmatory trial. Adaptive designs rely on
      information, including from patients who have not achieved the trial's primary
      end point. Longitudinal models of biomarkers (including tumor burden assessed via
      imaging) enable predictions of primary end points. Taking a Bayesian perspective
      facilitates building an efficient and accurate trial, including using
      longitudinal information. A wholly new paradigm for drug development exemplifying
      personalized medicine is evinced by an adaptive trial called I-SPY2, in which
      drugs from many companies are evaluated in the same trial--a phase II screening
      process.

PMID- 22064460
TI  - Targeted therapies: adjuvant bisphosphonates--an option with low estrogen?

PMID- 22064462
TI  - Immunotherapy: a first for first-line therapy in NSCLC.

PMID- 22064461
TI  - Clinical radioimmunotherapy--the role of radiobiology.
AB  - Conventional external-beam radiation therapy is dedicated to the treatment of
      localized disease, whereas radioimmunotherapy represents an innovative tool for
      the treatment of local or diffuse tumors. Radioimmunotherapy involves the
      administration of radiolabeled monoclonal antibodies that are directed
      specifically against tumor-associated antigens or against the tumor
      microenvironment. Although many tumor-associated antigens have been identified as
      possible targets for radioimmunotherapy of patients with hematological or solid
      tumors, clinical success has so far been achieved mostly with radiolabeled
      antibodies against CD20 ((131)I-tositumomab and (90)Y-ibritumomab tiuxetan) for
      the treatment of lymphoma. In this Review, we provide an update on the current
      challenges aimed to improve the efficacy of radioimmunotherapy and discuss the
      main radiobiological issues associated with clinical radioimmunotherapy.

PMID- 22064463
TI  - (1E,1'E)-4,4'-[1,1'-(Hydrazine-1,2-diyl-idene)bis-(ethan-1-yl-1-yl
      idene)]diphenol dihydrate.
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C(16)H(16)N(2)O(2).2H(2)O, contains
      one half-mol-ecule of diphenol and one water mol-ecule. The complete diphenol mol
      ecule is generated by a crystallographic inversion centre. In the mol-ecule, the
      central C(meth-yl)-C=N-N=C-C(meth-yl) plane makes a dihedral angle of 8.88 (6)
      degrees  with its adjacent benzene ring. In the crystal, the components are
      linked by O-H?N and O-H?O hydrogen bonds into a three-dimensional network. The
      crystal structure is further stabilized by a weak C-H?pi inter-action.

PMID- 22064464
TI  - Ultrasound dye-assisted surgery (USDAS): a promising diagnostic and therapeutic
      tool for the treatment of cancer recurrences in the neck.
AB  - The evolution of new techniques for cancer surgery has led to important changes
      in cancer care in recent years. The endpoint of cancer treatment is now to treat
      the patient with minimum discomfort while respecting quality of life. New
      techniques, such as mini-invasive surgery, must respect the correct oncological
      indications, when technically feasible. The surgery for nodal spread or
      recurrence of disease, after previous surgery on T or T and N for neck cancer,
      can represent a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge, especially in the neck,
      which is characterized by small spaces and noble structures. Often lesions become
      enveloped in scar tissue and can be difficult to visualize during surgery,
      representing a genuine problem for the surgeon. Ultrasound dye-assisted surgery
      is a procedure that combines ultra-sound localization of pathological nodes with
      the use of methylene blue to mark diseased structures to simplify their
      visualization (and thus removal) in the surgical field. The technique is simple
      and can be used in surgically and oncologically experienced hands, even in
      hospitals that do not have sophisticated technology.

PMID- 22064465
TI  - Micromanaging aging with miRNAs: new messages from the nuclear envelope.
AB  - Over the last years, the discovery of microRNAs (miRNAs) has revolutionized the
      classic concepts of gene expression regulation and has introduced a new group of
      molecules that may contribute to the complex changes observed during aging.
      Although several Caenorhabditis elegans miRNAs have been proved to influence the
      nematode life span, the current knowledge about miRNA-mediated regulation of
      mammalian aging is still limited. Recently, we have analyzed the functional
      relevance of miRNAs in accelerate aging by using Zmpste24-/- mice, a murine model
      that phenocopies Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome. These studies have
      revealed that the nuclear abnormalities present in these mice affect the
      expression levels of several miRNAs, including a marked upregulation of miR-1 and
      miR-29. Furthermore, we have found that the altered expression of these miRNAs
      may contribute to the progeroid phenotype of mutant mice by modulating the levels
      of key components of the somatroph axis and DNA damage response pathways. Here,
      we discuss these recent discoveries and summarize the present evidences regarding
      the involvement of aging-associated miRNAs or geromiRs in senescence and
      longevity regulation.

PMID- 22064466
TI  - Dbp5, Gle1-IP6 and Nup159: a working model for mRNP export.
AB  - Gene expression is a stepwise process involving distinct cellular processes
      including transcription, mRNA (mRNA) processing, mRNA export, and translation. As
      mRNAs are being synthesized, proteins associate with the RNA to form messenger
      ribonucleoprotein particles (mRNPs). Previous studies have demonstrated that the
      RNA-binding protein composition of these mRNPs is dynamic, changing as the mRNP
      moves through the different steps of gene expression, and playing a critical role
      in these events. An important step during this maturation process occurs at the
      cytoplasmic face of the nuclear pore complex (NPC) where the export protein Gle1
      bound to inositol hexakisphosphate (IP 6) spatially activates the ATP-hydrolysis
      and mRNP-remodeling activity of the DEAD-box protein Dbp5. Recent work from our
      laboratory and others has provided important insights into the function and
      regulation of Dbp5. These include a more detailed explanation of the mechanism of
      Dbp5 RNP remodeling, the role of Gle1-IP6 in stimulating Dbp5 ATPase activity,
      and the identification of a novel paradigm for regulation of Dbp5 by Nup159.
      Based on in vitro biochemical assays, X-ray crystallography, and corresponding in
      vivo phenotypes, we propose here an updated model of the Dbp5 cycle during mRNP
      export through the NPC. This takes into account all available data and provides a
      platform for future studies.

PMID- 22064467
TI  - Epigenetic stability of repressed states involving the histone variant macroH2A
      revealed by nuclear transfer to Xenopus oocytes.
AB  - How various epigenetic mechanisms restrict chromatin plasticity to determine the
      stability of repressed genes is poorly understood. Nuclear transfer to Xenopus
      oocytes induces the transcriptional reactivation of previously silenced genes.
      Recent work suggests that it can be used to analyze the epigenetic stability of
      repressed states. The notion that the epigenetic state of genes is an important
      determinant of the efficiency of nuclear reprogramming is supported by the
      differential reprogramming of given genes from different starting epigenetic
      configurations. After nuclear transfer, transcription from the inactive X
      chromosome of post-implantation-derived epiblast stem cells is reactivated.
      However, the same chromosome is resistant to reactivation when embryonic
      fibroblasts are used. Here, we discuss different kinds of evidence that link the
      histone variant macroH2A to the increased stability of repressed states. We focus
      on developmentally regulated X chromosome inactivation and repression of
      autosomal pluripotency genes, where macroH2A may help maintain the long-term
      stability of the differentiated state of somatic cells.

PMID- 22064468
TI  - Dare to challenge the silence? Telomeric gene silencing revisited.
AB  - Gene silencing refers to position-dependent and promoter-independent repression
      of genes via the establishment and the maintenance of compacted heterochromatin.
      A very significant part of our knowledge on this phenomenon has been derived from
      studies in the yeasts S. cerevisiae and S. pombe. The gene silencing analyses in
      these species very often include the FOA-sensitivity assay, which detects the
      suppression of a reporter gene (URA3 in S. cerevisiae and URA4 in S. pombe)
      inserted at genomic locations of choice. Two recent studies have contested the
      validity of this assay and have set uneasy silence in the field. We are not
      certain how much of the previously acquired data truly deals with gene silencing.
      The current article comments on this challenge.

PMID- 22064469
TI  - Progeria Research Day at Brunel University.
AB  - Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS) is a severe premature aging syndrome
      that affects children. These children display characteristics associated with
      normal aging and die young usually from cardiovascular problems or stroke.
      Classical HGPS is caused by mutations in the gene encoding the nuclear structural
      protein lamin A. This mutation leads to a novel version of lamin A that retains a
      farnesyl group from its processing. This protein is called Progerin and is toxic
      to cellular function. Pre-lamin A is an immature version of lamin A and also has
      a farnesylation modification, which is cleaved in the maturation process to
      create lamin A.

PMID- 22064470
TI  - SUMO routes ribosome maturation.
AB  - The control of ribosome biogenesis is a critical cellular nodal point, which
      ensures that protein synthesis is coordinated with cell growth and proliferation.
      Prior to their cytoplasmic assembly the 40S and 60S ribosomal subunits pass
      through the nucleolus and the nucleoplasm via a maturation pathway that involves
      a set of non-coding RNAs and non-ribosomal regulatory trans-acting factors. In
      mammalian cells the inventory of the required protein components is still
      fragmentary and it is largely unclear what drives the subcellular transitions and
      the exchange of protein components along the maturation pathway. However, recent
      data indicate that the dynamic post-translational modification by the ubiquitin
      like SUMO modifier is critically involved in these processes. In particular,
      removal of SUMO from trans-acting factors by the SUMO-specific isopeptidase SENP3
      is instrumental in the 60S maturation pathway in mammals. In an attempt to
      pinpoint the relevant targets of SENP3 we identified a novel SENP3-associated
      protein complex comprised of PELP1, TEX10 and WDR18. We demonstrated that this
      complex is involved in the nucleolar steps of 28S rRNA maturation and the
      subsequent nucleoplasmic transit of the 60S ribosomal subunit. Importantly, we
      found that PELP1 is a SENP3-sensitive target of SUMO and observed that lack of
      SENP3-mediated desumoylation prevents the nucleolar partitioning of the PELP1
      TEX10-WDR18 complex. SUMO-dependent subnuclear trafficking may thus assist in
      coordinating the rate of ribosome formation. Here we propose that sumoylation of
      PELP1 serves as a quality control mechanism that restricts pre-mature loading of
      the PELP1-WDR18-TEX10 complex to 60S particles thereby limiting ribosome
      maturation. We further hypothesize that the PELP1-associated AAA-ATPase MDN1 may
      be part of this surveillance pathway.

PMID- 22064471
TI  - Physical breakdown of the nuclear envelope is not necessary for breaking its
      barrier function.
AB  - During mitosis in higher eukaryotic cells, nuclear envelope breakdown (NEBD)
      occurs and leads to the disassembly of the nuclear membrane and nuclear pore
      complexes (NPC). This brings about a mixing of nuclear and cytoplasmic
      macromolecules (open mitosis). On the other hand, in many fungi, mitosis occurs
      without NEBD (closed mitosis). In a recent study, we reported a novel phenomenon
      in a closed mitosis organism, Schizosaccharomyces pombe: mixing of nuclear and
      cytoplasmic proteins occurred in meiosis without breakdown of the nuclear
      membrane or disassembly of nuclear pore complexes. We designated this event
      virtual nuclear envelope breakdown (V-NEBD). The key event in V-NEBD is nuclear
      translocation of Rna1, a RanGAP1 homologue in S. pombe. This leads to collapse of
      the Ran-GTP gradient across the nuclear envelope (NE) and occurs coincidently
      with V-NEBD. Thus, the barrier function of the NE can be abated without its
      physical breakdown through modulation of the Ran-GTP gradient.

PMID- 22064472
TI  - Isolation & characterization of Hoechst(low) CD45(negative) mouse lung
      mesenchymal stem cells.
AB  - Tissue resident mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) are important regulators of tissue
      repair or regeneration, fibrosis, inflammation, angiogenesis and tumor formation.
      Taken together these studies suggest that resident lung MSC play a role during
      pulmonary tissue homeostasis, injury and repair during diseases such as pulmonary
      fibrosis (PF) and arterial hypertension (PAH).  Here we describe a technology to
      define a population of resident lung MSC. The definition of this population in
      vivo pulmonary tissue using a define set of markers facilitates the repeated
      isolation of a well-characterized stem cell population by flow cytometry and the
      study of a specific cell type and function.

PMID- 22064474
TI  - Ambulatory surgery center and general hospital competition: entry decisions and
      strategic choices.
AB  - BACKGROUND: General hospitals are consistently under pressure to control cost and
      improve quality. In addition to mounting payers' demands, hospitals operate under
      evolving market conditions that might threaten their survival. While hospitals
      traditionally were concerned mainly with competition from other hospitals,
      today's reimbursement schemes and entrepreneurial activities encouraged the
      proliferation of outpatient facilities such as ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs)
      that can jeopardize hospitals' survival. PURPOSE: The purpose of this article was
      to examine the relationship between ASCs and general hospitals. More
      specifically, we apply the niche overlap theory to study the impact that
      competition between ASCs and general hospitals has on the survival chances of
      both of these organizational populations. METHODOLOGY: Our analysis examined
      interpopulation competition in models of organizational mortality and market
      demand. We utilized Cox proportional hazard models to evaluate the impact of
      competition from each on ASC and hospital exit while controlling for market
      factors. We relied on two data sets collected and developed by Florida's Agency
      for Health Care Administration: outpatient facility licensure data and inpatient
      and outpatient surgical procedure data. FINDINGS: Although ASCs do tend to exit
      markets in which there are high levels of ASC competition, we found no evidence
      to suggest that ASC exit rates are affected by hospital density. On the other
      hand, hospitals not only tend to exit markets with high levels of hospital
      competition but also experience high exit rates in markets with high ASC density.
      PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: The implications from our study differ for ASCs and
      hospitals. When making decisions about market entry, ASCs should choose their
      markets according to the following: demand for outpatient surgery, number of
      physicians who would practice in the surgery center, and the number of surgery
      centers that already exist in the market. Hospitals, on the other hand, should
      account for competition from ASCs while making market-entry decisions and while
      developing their strategic plans.

PMID- 22064475
TI  - Hospital electronic medical record enterprise application strategies: do they
      matter?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Successful implementations and the ability to reap the benefits of
      electronic medical record (EMR) systems may be correlated with the type of
      enterprise application strategy that an administrator chooses when acquiring an
      EMR system. Moreover, identifying the most optimal enterprise application
      strategy is a task that may have important linkages with hospital performance.
      PURPOSE: This study explored whether hospitals that have adopted differential EMR
      enterprise application strategies concomitantly differ in their overall
      efficiency. Specifically, the study examined whether hospitals with a single
      vendor strategy had a higher likelihood of being efficient than those with a best
      of-breed strategy and whether hospitals with a best-of-suite strategy had a
      higher probability of being efficient than those with best-of-breed or single
      vendor strategies. A conceptual framework was used to formulate testable
      hypotheses. METHODOLOGY: A retrospective cross-sectional approach using data
      envelopment analysis was used to obtain efficiency scores of hospitals by EMR
      enterprise application strategy. A Tobit regression analysis was then used to
      determine the probability of a hospital being inefficient as related to its EMR
      enterprise application strategy, while moderating for the hospital's EMR
      "implementation status" and controlling for hospital and market characteristics.
      FINDINGS: The data envelopment analysis of hospitals suggested that only 32
      hospitals were efficient in the study's sample of 2,171 hospitals. The results
      from the post hoc analysis showed partial support for the hypothesis that
      hospitals with a best-of-suite strategy were more likely to be efficient than
      those with a single-vendor strategy. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: This study
      underscores the importance of understanding the differences between the three
      strategies discussed in this article. On the basis of the findings, hospital
      administrators should consider the efficiency associations that a specific
      strategy may have compared with another prior to moving toward an enterprise
      application strategy.

PMID- 22064476
TI  - A U1-U2 snRNP interaction network during intron definition.
AB  - The assembly of prespliceosomes is responsible for selection of intron sites for
      splicing. U1 and U2 snRNPs recognize 5' splice sites and branch sites,
      respectively; although there is information regarding the composition of these
      complexes, little is known about interaction among the components or between the
      two snRNPs. Here we describe the protein network of interactions linking U1 and
      U2 snRNPs with the ATPase Prp5, important for branch site recognition and
      fidelity during the first steps of the reaction, using fission yeast
      Schizosaccharomyces pombe. The U1 snRNP core protein U1A binds to a novel SR-like
      protein, Rsd1, which has homologs implicated in transcription. Rsd1 also contacts
      S. pombe Prp5 (SpPrp5), mediated by SR-like domains in both proteins. SpPrp5 then
      contacts U2 snRNP through SF3b, mediated by a conserved DPLD motif in Prp5. We
      show that mutations in this motif have consequences not only in vitro (defects in
      prespliceosome formation) but also in vivo, yielding intron retention and exon
      skipping defects in fission yeast and altered intron recognition in budding yeast
      Saccharomyces cerevisiae, indicating that the U1-U2 network provides critical,
      evolutionarily conserved contacts during intron definition.

PMID- 22064477
TI  - The RecQ4 orthologue Hrq1 is critical for DNA interstrand cross-link repair and
      genome stability in fission yeast.
AB  - Of the five human RecQ family helicases, RecQ4, BLM, and WRN suppress distinct
      genome instability-linked diseases with severe phenotypes, often with
      indeterminate etiologies. Here, we functionally define Hrq1, a novel orthologue
      of RecQ4 from fission yeast. Biochemical analysis of Hrq1 reveals a DEAH box- and
      ATP-dependent 3'-5' helicase activity on various DNA substrates, including
      bubbles but not blunt duplexes, characteristic of the RecQ family. Cells lacking
      Hrq1 suffer spontaneous genomic instability and, consequently, require homologous
      recombination repair and the DNA damage checkpoint for viability. Hrq1 supports
      the nucleotide excision repair of DNA damage caused by the chemotherapeutic agent
      cisplatin and, in certain genetic contexts, UV light. Genetic epistasis analyses
      reveal that Hrq1 acts parallel to the PCNA/Ubc13/Mms2-dependent postreplication
      repair (PRR) pathway. Thus, in hrq1Delta cells, lesions are channeled through the
      PRR pathway, yielding hyper-recombinant and mutator phenotypes; analogous defects
      may underlie the genetic instability and diseases associated with RecQ4
      dysfunction.

PMID- 22064478
TI  - Regulation of estrogen receptor alpha N-terminus conformation and function by
      peptidyl prolyl isomerase Pin1.
AB  - Estrogen receptor alpha (ERalpha), a key driver of growth in the majority of
      breast cancers, contains an unstructured transactivation domain (AF1) in its N
      terminus that is a convergence point for growth factor and hormonal activation.
      This domain is controlled by phosphorylation, but how phosphorylation impacts AF1
      structure and function is unclear. We found that serine 118 (S118)
      phosphorylation of the ERalpha AF1 region in response to estrogen (agonist),
      tamoxifen (antagonist), and growth factors results in recruitment of the peptidyl
      prolyl cis/trans isomerase Pin1. Phosphorylation of S118 is critical for Pin1
      binding, and mutation of S118 to alanine prevents this association. Importantly,
      Pin1 isomerizes the serine118-proline119 bond from a cis to trans isomer, with a
      concomitant increase in AF1 transcriptional activity. Pin1 overexpression
      promotes ligand-independent and tamoxifen-inducible activity of ERalpha and
      growth of tamoxifen-resistant breast cancer cells. Pin1 expression correlates
      with proliferation in ERalpha-positive rat mammary tumors. These results
      establish phosphorylation-coupled proline isomerization as a mechanism modulating
      AF1 functional activity and provide insight into the role of a conformational
      switch in the functional regulation of the intrinsically disordered
      transactivation domain of ERalpha.

PMID- 22064479
TI  - TIN2 stability is regulated by the E3 ligase Siah2.
AB  - Telomeres are coated by shelterin, a six-subunit complex that is required for
      protection and replication of chromosome ends. The central subunit TIN2, with
      binding sites to three subunits (TRF1, TRF2, and TPP1), is essential for
      stability and function of the complex. Here we show that TIN2 stability is
      regulated by the E3 ligase Siah2. We demonstrate that TIN2 binds to Siah2 and is
      ubiquitylated in vivo. We show using purified proteins that Siah2 acts as an E3
      ligase to directly ubiquitylate TIN2 in vitro. Depletion of Siah2 led to
      stabilization of TIN2 protein, indicating that Siah2 regulates TIN2 protein
      levels in vivo. Overexpression of Siah2 in human cells led to loss of TIN2 at
      telomeres that was dependent on the presence of the catalytic RING domain of
      Siah2. In contrast to RNAi-mediated depletion of TIN2 that led to loss of TRF1
      and TRF2 at telomeres, Siah2-mediated depletion of TIN2 allowed TRF1 and TRF2 to
      remain on telomeres, indicating a different fate for shelterin subunits when TIN2
      is depleted posttranslationally. TPP1 was lost from telomeres, although its
      protein level was not reduced. We speculate that Siah2-mediated removal of TIN2
      may allow dynamic remodeling of the shelterin complex and its associated factors
      during the cell cycle.

PMID- 22064480
TI  - Selective signaling by Akt1 controls osteoblast differentiation and osteoblast
      mediated osteoclast development.
AB  - Maintaining optimal bone integrity, mass, and strength throughout adult life
      requires ongoing bone remodeling, which involves coordinated activity between
      actions of bone-resorbing osteoclasts and bone forming-osteoblasts. Osteoporosis
      is a disorder of remodeling in which bone resorption outstrips deposition,
      leading to diminished bone mass and an increased risk of fractures. Here we
      identify Akt1 as a unique signaling intermediate in osteoblasts that can control
      both osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation. Targeted knockdown of Akt1 in
      mouse primary bone marrow stromal cells or in a mesenchymal stem cell line or
      genetic knockout of Akt1 stimulated osteoblast differentiation secondary to
      increased expression of the osteogenic transcription factor Runx2. Despite
      enhanced osteoblast differentiation, coupled osteoclastogenesis in Akt1
      deficiency was markedly inhibited, with reduced accumulation of specific
      osteoclast mRNAs and proteins and impaired fusion to form multinucleated
      osteoclasts, defects secondary to diminished production of receptor activator of
      NF-kappaB ligand (RANKL) and macrophage colony-stimulating factor (m-CSF),
      critical osteoblast-derived osteoclast differentiation factors. Delivery of
      recombinant lentiviruses encoding Akt1 but not Akt2 to Akt1-deficient osteoblast
      progenitors reversed the increased osteoblast differentiation and, by boosting
      accumulation of RANKL and m-CSF, restored normal osteoclastogenesis, as did the
      addition of recombinant RANKL to conditioned culture medium from Akt1-deficient
      osteoblasts. Our results support the idea that targeted inhibition of Akt1 could
      lead to therapeutically useful net bone acquisition, and they indicate that
      closely related Akt1 and Akt2 exert distinct effects on cellular differentiation
      pathways.

PMID- 22064481
TI  - Mechanistic basis for RAG discrimination between recombination sites and the off
      target sites of human lymphomas.
AB  - During V(D)J recombination, RAG targeting to correct sites versus off-target
      sites relies on both DNA sequence features and on chromatin marks. Kinetic
      analysis using the first highly active full-length purified RAG1/RAG2 complexes
      has now allowed us to define the important catalytic features of this complex. We
      found that the overall rate of nicking, but not hairpinning, is critical for the
      discrimination between correct (optimal) versus off-target (suboptimal) sites
      used in human T-cell lymphomas, and we show that the C-terminal portion of RAG2
      is required for this. This type of kinetic analysis permits us to analyze only
      the catalytically active RAG complex, in contrast to all other methods, which are
      unavoidably confounded by mixture with inactive RAG complexes. Moreover, we can
      distinguish the two major features of any enzymatic catalysis: the binding
      constant (K(D)) and the catalytic turnover rate, k(cat). Beyond a minimal
      essential threshold of heptamer quality, further suboptimal heptamer deviations
      primarily reduce the catalytic rate constant k(cat) for nicking. Suboptimal
      nonamers reduce not only the binding of the RAG complex to the recombination site
      (K(D)) but also the catalytic rate constant, consistent with a tight interaction
      between the RAG complex and substrate during catalysis. These features explain
      many aspects of RAG physiology and pathophysiology.

PMID- 22064482
TI  - Hypergrowth mTORC1 signals translationally activate the ARF tumor suppressor
      checkpoint.
AB  - The ARF tumor suppressor is a potent sensor of hyperproliferative cues emanating
      from oncogenic signaling. ARF responds to these cues by eliciting a cell cycle
      arrest, effectively abating the tumorigenic potential of these stimuli. Prior
      reports have demonstrated that oncogenic Ras(V12) signaling induces ARF through a
      mechanism mediated by the Dmp1 transcription factor. However, we now show that
      ARF protein is still induced in response to Ras(V12) in the absence of Dmp1
      through the enhanced translation of existing Arf mRNAs. Here, we report that the
      progrowth Ras/tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)/mTORC1 signaling pathway regulates
      ARF protein expression and triggers ARF-mediated tumor suppression through a
      novel translational mechanism. Hyperactivation of mTORC1 through Tsc1 loss
      resulted in a significant increase in ARF expression, activation of the p53
      pathway, and a dramatic cell cycle arrest, which were completely reversed upon
      Arf deletion. ARF protein induced from Ras(V12) in the absence of Dmp1 repressed
      anchorage-independent colony formation in soft agar and tumor burden in an
      allograft model. Taken together, our data demonstrate the ability of the ARF
      tumor suppressor to respond to hypergrowth stimuli to prevent unwarranted tumor
      formation.

PMID- 22064483
TI  - Frat is a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt-regulated determinant of glycogen
      synthase kinase 3beta subcellular localization in pluripotent cells.
AB  - Suppressing the activity of Gsk3beta is critical for maintenance of murine
      pluripotent stem cells. In murine embryonic stem cells (mESCs), Gsk3beta is
      inhibited by multiple mechanisms, including its inhibitory phosphorylation on
      serine 9 by protein kinase B (Akt), a major effector of the canonical
      phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway. A second PI3K/Akt-regulated
      mechanism promotes the nuclear export of Gsk3beta, thereby restricting its access
      to nuclear substrates such as c-myc and beta-catenin. Although Gsk3beta shuttles
      between the nucleus and cytoplasm under self-renewing conditions, its
      localization is primarily cytoplasmic because its rate of nuclear export exceeds
      its rate of nuclear import. In this report, we show that Gsk3beta is exported
      from the nucleus in a complex with Frat. Loss of PI3K/Akt activity results in
      dissociation of this complex and retention of Gsk3beta in the nucleus. Frat
      continues to shuttle between the nucleus and cytoplasm under these conditions and
      remains predominantly in the cytoplasm. These results indicate that Frat carries
      Gsk3beta out of the nucleus under self-renewing conditions and that PI3K
      regulates this by promoting its association with Frat. These findings provide new
      links between PI3K/Akt signaling and regulation of Gsk3beta activity by Frat, an
      oncogene previously shown to cooperate with Myc in tumorigenesis.

PMID- 22064484
TI  - RNF34 is a cold-regulated E3 ubiquitin ligase for PGC-1alpha and modulates brown
      fat cell metabolism.
AB  - The transcriptional coactivator PGC-1alpha is a master regulator of energy
      metabolism and adaptive thermogenesis in the brown fat cell. PGC-1alpha is a
      short-lived protein, and the molecular components that control PGC-1alpha
      turnover and their functional importance in energy metabolism are largely
      unknown. Here we performed a luciferase-based overexpression screen and
      identified a Ring-finger-containing protein, RNF34, as a specific E3 ubiquitin
      ligase for PGC-1alpha. RNF34 is a nuclear protein that interacts with and
      ubiquitinates PGC-1alpha to promote its turnover. Interestingly, RNF34 binds to
      the C-terminal half of PGC-1alpha and targets it for degradation independently of
      the previously identified N-terminal phosphodegron motif. In brown fat cells,
      knockdown of RNF34 increases the endogenous PGC-1alpha protein level, uncoupling
      protein 1 (UCP1) expression, and oxygen consumption, while the opposite effects
      are observed in brown fat cells ectopically expressing wild-type RNF34 but not in
      cells expressing the ligase activity-defective mutant. Moreover, cold exposure
      and beta3-adrenergic receptor signaling, conditions that induce PGC-1alpha
      expression, suppress RNF34 expression in the brown fat cell, indicating a
      physiological relevance of this E3 ligase in thermogenesis. Our results reveal
      that RNF34 is a bona fide E3 ubiquitin ligase for PGC-1alpha and negatively
      regulates brown fat cell metabolism.

PMID- 22064485
TI  - Satb1 ablation alters temporal expression of immediate early genes and reduces
      dendritic spine density during postnatal brain development.
AB  - Complex behaviors, such as learning and memory, are associated with rapid changes
      in gene expression of neurons and subsequent formation of new synaptic
      connections. However, how external signals are processed to drive specific
      changes in gene expression is largely unknown. We found that the genome organizer
      protein Satb1 is highly expressed in mature neurons, primarily in the cerebral
      cortex, dentate hilus, and amygdala. In Satb1-null mice, cortical layer
      morphology was normal. However, in postnatal Satb1-null cortical pyramidal
      neurons, we found a substantial decrease in the density of dendritic spines,
      which play critical roles in synaptic transmission and plasticity. Further, we
      found that in the cerebral cortex, Satb1 binds to genomic loci of multiple
      immediate early genes (IEGs) (Fos, Fosb, Egr1, Egr2, Arc, and Bdnf) and other key
      neuronal genes, many of which have been implicated in synaptic plasticity. Loss
      of Satb1 resulted in greatly alters timing and expression levels of these IEGs
      during early postnatal cerebral cortical development and also upon stimulation in
      cortical organotypic cultures. These data indicate that Satb1 is required for
      proper temporal dynamics of IEG expression. Based on these findings, we propose
      that Satb1 plays a critical role in cortical neurons to facilitate neuronal
      plasticity.

PMID- 22064486
TI  - Drosophila Pumilio protein contains multiple autonomous repression domains that
      regulate mRNAs independently of Nanos and brain tumor.
AB  - Drosophila melanogaster Pumilio is an RNA-binding protein that potently represses
      specific mRNAs. In developing embryos, Pumilio regulates a key morphogen,
      Hunchback, in collaboration with the cofactor Nanos. To investigate repression by
      Pumilio and Nanos, we created cell-based assays and found that Pumilio inhibits
      translation and enhances mRNA decay independent of Nanos. Nanos robustly
      stimulates repression through interactions with the Pumilio RNA-binding domain.
      We programmed Pumilio to recognize a new binding site, which garners repression
      of new target mRNAs. We show that cofactors Brain Tumor and eIF4E Homologous
      Protein are not obligatory for Pumilio and Nanos activity. The conserved RNA
      binding domain of Pumilio was thought to be sufficient for its function. Instead,
      we demonstrate that three unique domains in the N terminus of Pumilio possess the
      major repressive activity and can function autonomously. The N termini of insect
      and vertebrate Pumilio and Fem-3 binding factors (PUFs) are related, and we show
      that corresponding regions of human PUM1 and PUM2 have repressive activity. Other
      PUF proteins lack these repression domains. Our findings suggest that PUF
      proteins have evolved new regulatory functions through protein sequences appended
      to their conserved PUF repeat RNA-binding domains.

PMID- 22064487
TI  - Developmental regulation of microRNA expression in Schwann cells.
AB  - Schwann cell differentiation and subsequent myelination of the peripheral nervous
      system require the action of several transcription factors, including Sox10,
      which is vital at multiple stages of development. The transition from immature to
      myelinating Schwann cell is also regulated posttranscriptionally and depends upon
      Dicer-mediated processing of microRNAs (miRNAs). Although specific miRNA targets
      have begun to be identified, the mechanisms establishing the dynamic regulation
      of miRNA expression have not been elucidated. We performed expression profiling
      studies and identified 225 miRNAs differentially expressed during peripheral
      myelination. A subset of 9 miRNAs is positively regulated by Sox10, including miR
      338 which has been implicated in oligodendrocyte maturation. In vivo chromatin
      immunoprecipitation (ChIP) of sciatic nerve cells revealed a Sox10 binding site
      upstream of an alternate promoter within the Aatk gene, which hosts miR-338.
      Sox10 occupied this site in spinal cord ChIP experiments, suggesting a similar
      regulatory mechanism in oligodendrocytes. Cancer profiling studies have
      identified clusters of miRNAs that regulate proliferation, termed "oncomirs." In
      Schwann cells, the expression of many of these proproliferative miRNAs was
      reduced in the absence of Sox10. Finally, Schwann cells with reduced Sox10 and
      oncomir expression have an increase in the CDK inhibitor p21 and a concomitant
      reduction in cell proliferation.

PMID- 22064488
TI  - Transanal single port surgery: selecting a suitable access port in a porcine
      model.
AB  - Single port surgery of rectal tumors may be associated with a shorter learning
      curve and fewer costs than transanal endoscopic microsurgery. The authors aimed
      to select the most optimal single access port for transanal employment. Four
      single access ports (GelPOINT, TriPort, SSL Access System, and SILS) were tested
      in 2 pigs. Insertion feasibility and intraoperative features of each port were
      assessed. A rectal excision was attempted using the most suitable port. Insertion
      of GelPOINT was impossible. SILS and TriPort were easily inserted; however,
      insufficient stability demanded manual fixation. CO2 leaked through the TriPort
      trocar ports. Insertion of the 2-cm SSL Access System retractor was difficult,
      but pneumorectum and surgical circumstances were favorable. Single port transanal
      surgery may be a promising alternative for transanal endoscopic microsurgery. The
      SSL Access System was found the most suitable for this indication in a porcine
      model.

PMID- 22064489
TI  - Single-port gynecologic surgery with a novel surgical platform.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Laparoendoscopic single-site surgery (LESS) allows better cosmesis
      and decreased pain when compared with traditional laparoscopy (TL). Instrument
      crowding and diminished triangulation are limitations. This study evaluates a
      novel single-port surgical platform (NSP) designed to facilitate the transition
      from TL to LESS (TransEnterix SPIDER, Durham, NC). METHODS: NSP and TL were
      compared using standardized dry lab tasks. Feasibility of NSP in gynecology was
      assessed using the porcine model. RESULTS: Completion times with NSP were longer
      for ring transfer (P = .025) and trended longer for disc cutting (P = .074). Disc
      cutting accuracy was lower with NSP versus TL (P = .008). NSP operative times for
      hysterectomy, pelvic and para-aortic node dissection were 22.3, 13.3, and 26
      minutes, respectively, without complications. Fatigue and lack of integrated
      bipolar cautery were limitations of NSP. CONCLUSION: While application of NSP to
      gynecology appears feasible, lower performance when compared with TL underscores
      the need for caution when applying NSP to humans.

PMID- 22064490
TI  - You can't touch this: touch-free navigation through radiological images.
AB  - Keyboards, mice, and touch screens are a potential source of infection or
      contamination in operating rooms, intensive care units, and autopsy suites. The
      authors present a low-cost prototype of a system, which allows for touch-free
      control of a medical image viewer. This touch-free navigation system consists of
      a computer system (IMac, OS X 10.6 Apple, USA) with a medical image viewer
      (OsiriX, OsiriX foundation, Switzerland) and a depth camera (Kinect, Microsoft,
      USA). They implemented software that translates the data delivered by the camera
      and a voice recognition software into keyboard and mouse commands, which are then
      passed to OsiriX. In this feasibility study, the authors introduced 10 medical
      professionals to the system and asked them to re-create 12 images from a CT data
      set. They evaluated response times and usability of the system compared with
      standard mouse/keyboard control. Users felt comfortable with the system after
      approximately 10 minutes. Response time was 120 ms. Users required 1.4 times more
      time to re-create an image with gesture control. Users with OsiriX experience
      were significantly faster using the mouse/keyboard and faster than users without
      prior experience. They rated the system 3.4 out of 5 for ease of use in
      comparison to the mouse/keyboard. The touch-free, gesture-controlled system
      performs favorably and removes a potential vector for infection, protecting both
      patients and staff. Because the camera can be quickly and easily integrated into
      existing systems, requires no calibration, and is low cost, the barriers to using
      this technology are low.

PMID- 22064492
TI  - Diabetes: tissue bacteria predict diabetes onset.

PMID- 22064493
TI  - The worldwide epidemiology of type 2 diabetes mellitus--present and future
      perspectives.
AB  - Over the past three decades, the number of people with diabetes mellitus has more
      than doubled globally, making it one of the most important public health
      challenges to all nations. Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and prediabetes are
      increasingly observed among children, adolescents and younger adults. The causes
      of the epidemic of T2DM are embedded in a very complex group of genetic and
      epigenetic systems interacting within an equally complex societal framework that
      determines behavior and environmental influences. This complexity is reflected in
      the diverse topics discussed in this Review. In the past few years considerable
      emphasis has been placed on the effect of the intrauterine environment in the
      epidemic of T2DM, particularly in the early onset of T2DM and obesity. Prevention
      of T2DM is a 'whole-of-life' task and requires an integrated approach operating
      from the origin of the disease. Future research is necessary to better understand
      the potential role of remaining factors, such as genetic predisposition and
      maternal environment, to help shape prevention programs. The potential effect on
      global diabetes surveillance of using HbA(1c) rather than glucose values in the
      diagnosis of T2DM is also discussed.

PMID- 22064498
TI  - Surgery: benign thyroid disease-total or subtotal thyroidectomy?

PMID- 22064500
TI  - Reproductive endocrinology: adverse pregnancy outcomes in polycystic ovary
      syndrome.

PMID- 22064502
TI  - Autoimmunity: Celiac disease in T1DM-the need to look long term.
AB  - Does untreated celiac disease associated with type 1 diabetes mellitus worsen
      microvascular outcomes? Previous studies have concluded that a gluten-free diet
      offers no major benefit for glycemic control, whereas Leeds and colleagues
      provide preliminary data to the contrary. The question awaits a long-term
      prospective study or a clinical trial.

PMID- 22064504
TI  - Interpersonal problems associated with multidimensional personality questionnaire
      traits in women during the transition to adulthood.
AB  - Personality traits are known to be associated with a host of important life
      outcomes, including interpersonal dysfunction. The interpersonal circumplex
      offers a comprehensive system for articulating the kinds of interpersonal
      problems associated with personality traits. In the current study, traits as
      measured by the Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire in a sample of 124
      young women were correlated with interpersonal dysfunction as measured by the
      Inventory of Interpersonal Problems-Circumplex. Results suggest that
      Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire traits vary in their associations with
      interpersonal distress and in their coverage of specific kinds of interpersonal
      difficulties among women undergoing the transition to adulthood.

PMID- 22064505
TI  - Experimental generation of carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) from human
      mammary fibroblasts.
AB  - Carcinomas are complex tissues comprised of neoplastic cells and a non-cancerous
      compartment referred to as the 'stroma'. The stroma consists of extracellular
      matrix (ECM) and a variety of mesenchymal cells, including fibroblasts,
      myofibroblasts, endothelial cells, pericytes and leukocytes (1-3). The tumour
      associated stroma is responsive to substantial paracrine signals released by
      neighbouring carcinoma cells. During the disease process, the stroma often
      becomes populated by carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) including large
      numbers of myofibroblasts. These cells have previously been extracted from many
      different types of human carcinomas for their in vitro culture. A subpopulation
      of CAFs is distinguishable through their up-regulation of alpha-smooth muscle
      actin (alpha-SMA) expression(4,5). These cells are a hallmark of 'activated
      fibroblasts' that share similar properties with myofibroblasts commonly observed
      in injured and fibrotic tissues (6). The presence of this myofibroblastic CAF
      subset is highly related to high-grade malignancies and associated with poor
      prognoses in patients. Many laboratories, including our own, have shown that
      CAFs, when injected with carcinoma cells into immunodeficient mice, are capable
      of substantially promoting tumourigenesis (7-10). CAFs prepared from carcinoma
      patients, however, frequently undergo senescence during propagation in culture
      limiting the extensiveness of their use throughout ongoing experimentation. To
      overcome this difficulty, we developed a novel technique to experimentally
      generate immortalised human mammary CAF cell lines (exp-CAFs) from human mammary
      fibroblasts, using a coimplantation breast tumour xenograft model. In order to
      generate exp-CAFs, parental human mammary fibroblasts, obtained from the
      reduction mammoplasty tissue, were first immortalised with hTERT, the catalytic
      subunit of the telomerase holoenzyme, and engineered to express GFP and a
      puromycin resistance gene. These cells were coimplanted with MCF-7 human breast
      carcinoma cells expressing an activated ras oncogene (MCF-7-ras cells) into a
      mouse xenograft. After a period of incubation in vivo, the initially injected
      human mammary fibroblasts were extracted from the tumour xenografts on the basis
      of their puromycin resistance (11). We observed that the resident human mammary
      fibroblasts have differentiated, adopting a myofibroblastic phenotype and
      acquired tumour-promoting properties during the course of tumour progression.
      Importantly, these cells, defined as exp-CAFs, closely mimic the tumour-promoting
      myofibroblastic phenotype of CAFs isolated from breast carcinomas dissected from
      patients. Our tumour xenograft-derived exp-CAFs therefore provide an effective
      model to study the biology of CAFs in human breast carcinomas. The described
      protocol may also be extended for generating and characterising various CAF
      populations derived from other types of human carcinomas.

PMID- 22064506
TI  - 3,3'-Dibenzyl-1,1'-[naphthalene-1,4-diylbis(methyl-ene)]di(1H-imidazol-3-ium) bis
      (hexa-fluoro-phosphate).
AB  - In the title N-heterocyclic carbene compound, C(32)H(30)N(4) (2+).2PF(6) (-), the
      mean plane of the naphthalene ring system makes dihedral angles of 79.15 (15) and
      76.85 (16) with the imidazole rings and 56.15 (19) and 80.56 (16) degrees  with
      the benzene rings. An intra-molecular C-H?N hydrogen bond occurs. The crystal
      structure is stabilized by C-H?F inter-actions. In addition, pi-pi inter-actions
      [centroid-centroid distances = 3.848 (1) and 3.574 (3) A] are observed. The nine
      equatorial F atoms in the two PF(6) (-) anions were disordered over two positions
      with occupancy ratios of 0.545 (10):0.455 (10) and 0.793 (11):0.207 (11) in the
      two anions.

PMID- 22064507
TI  - CDPK-driven changes in the intracellular ROS level and plant secondary
      metabolism.
AB  - Heterologous expression of a constitutively active calcium-dependent protein
      kinase (CDPK) gene was previously shown to increase secondary metabolite
      production in cultured cells of Rubia cordifolia, but the critical question of
      how CDPK activates secondary metabolism remains to be answered. In this article,
      we report that the expression of the Arabidopsis CDPK gene, AtCPK1, in R.
      cordifolia cells caused moderate and stable elevation of intracellular reactive
      oxygen species (ROS) levels. In contrast, the non-active, mutated AtCPK1 gene did
      not cause such an effect. The active AtCPK1 also increased cell size, likely by
      restricting cell division. These results are consistent with the model in which
      constitutive expression of AtCPK1 mimics the effects of elicitors, acting on
      secondary metabolism via the activation of ROS production.

PMID- 22064508
TI  - Online homology modelling as a means of bridging the sequence-structure gap.
AB  - For even the best-studied species, there is a large gap in their representation
      in the protein databank (PDB) compared to within sequence databases. Typically,
      less than 2% of sequences are represented in the PDB. This is partly due to the
      considerable experimental challenge and manual inputs required to solve three
      dimensional structures by methods such as X-ray diffraction and multi-dimensional
      nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy in comparison to high-throughput
      sequencing. This gap is made even wider by the high level of redundancy within
      the PDB and under-representation of some protein categories such as membrane
      associated proteins which comprise approximately 25% of proteins encoded in
      genomes. A traditional route to closing the sequence-structure gap is offered by
      homology modelling whereby the sequence of a target protein is modelled on a
      template represented in the PDB using in silico energy minimisation approaches.
      More recently, online homology servers have become available which automatically
      generate models from proffered sequences. However, many online servers give
      little indication of the structural plausibility of the generated model. In this
      paper, the online homology server Geno3D will be described. This server uses
      similar software to that used in modelling structures during structure
      determination and thus generates data allowing determination of the structural
      plausibility of models. For illustration, modelling of a chemotaxis protein
      (CheY) from Pseudomononas entomophila L48 (accession YP_609298) on a template
      (PDB id. 1mvo), the phosphorylation domain of an outer membrane protein PhoP from
      Bacillus subtilis, will be described.

PMID- 22064509
TI  - 4'-(4-Chlorophenyl)-1'-methyldispiro[indan-2,2'-pyrrolidine-3',2''-indan]-1,3,1''
      trione.
AB  - In the title compound, C(27)H(20)ClNO(3), the two cyclo-pentane rings adopt
      envelope conformations. The pyrrolidine ring also adopts an envelope conformation
      (with the spiro C atom as the flap) and its least-squares plane (fitted to five
      atoms) makes dihedral angles of 66.50 (9), 77.36 (8) and 73.76 (8) degrees  with
      the chloro-benzene ring and the two 2,3-dihydro-1H-indene ring systems,
      respectively. The mol-ecular conformation is stabilized by an intra-molecular C
      H?O hydrogen bond, which generates an S(6) ring motif. In the crystal, mol-ecules
      are linked by C-H?O hydrogen bonds into chains running parallel to the [001]
      direction.

PMID- 22064513
TI  - Identification of isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 as a potential diagnostic and
      prognostic biomarker for non-small cell lung cancer by proteomic analysis.
AB  - Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in the world. To explore
      tumor biomarkers for clinical application, two-dimensional fluorescence
      difference gel electrophoresis and subsequent MALDI-TOF/TOF mass spectrometry
      were performed to identify proteins differentially expressed in 12 pairs of lung
      squamous cell tumors and their corresponding normal tissues. A total of 28
      nonredundant proteins were identified with significant alteration in lung tumors.
      The up-regulation of isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1), superoxide dismutase 2,
      14-3-3epsilon, and receptor of activated protein kinase C1 and the down
      regulation of peroxiredoxin 2 in tumors were validated by RT-PCR and Western blot
      analysis in independent 15 pairs of samples. Increased IDH1 expression was
      further verified by the immunohistochemical study in extended 73 squamous cell
      carcinoma and 64 adenocarcinoma clinical samples. A correlation between IDH1
      expression and poor overall survival of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
      patients was observed. Furthermore, ELISA analysis showed that the plasma level
      of IDH1 was significantly elevated in NSCLC patients compared with benign lung
      disease patients and healthy individuals. In addition, knockdown of IDH1 by RNA
      interference suppressed the proliferation of NSCLC cell line and decreased the
      growth of xenograft tumors in vivo. These observations suggested that IDH1, as a
      protein promoting tumor growth, could be used as a plasma biomarker for diagnosis
      and a histochemical biomarker for prognosis prediction of NSCLC.

PMID- 22064512
TI  - Genetic contributions to behavioural diversity at the gene-environment interface.
AB  - Recent work on behavioural variation within and between species has furthered our
      understanding of the genetic architecture of behavioural traits, the identities
      of relevant genes and the ways in which genetic variants affect neuronal circuits
      to modify behaviour. Here we review our understanding of the genetics of natural
      behavioural variation in non-human animals and highlight the implications of
      these findings for human genetics. We suggest that gene-environment interactions
      are central to natural genetic variation in behaviour and that genes affecting
      neuromodulatory pathways and sensory processing are preferred sites of naturally
      occurring mutations.

PMID- 22064514
TI  - Performing custom microRNA microarray experiments.
AB  - microRNAs (miRNAs) are a large family of ~ 22 nucleotides (nt) long RNA molecules
      that are widely expressed in eukaryotes (1).  Complex genomes encode at least
      hundreds of miRNAs, which primarily inhibit the expression of a vast number of
      target genes post-transcriptionally (2, 3).  miRNAs control a broad range of
      biological processes (1).  In addition, altered miRNA expression has been
      associated with human diseases such as cancers, and miRNAs may serve as
      biomarkers for diseases and prognosis (4, 5).  It is important, therefore, to
      understand the expression and functions of miRNAs under many different
      conditions. Three major approaches have been employed to profile miRNA
      expression: real-time PCR, microarray, and deep sequencing.  The technique of
      miRNA microarray has the advantage of being high-throughput, generally less
      expensive, and most of the experimental and analysis steps can be carried out in
      a molecular biology laboratory at most universities, medical schools and
      associated hospitals.  Here, we describe a method for performing custom miRNA
      microarray experiments.  A miRNA probe set will be printed on glass slides to
      produce miRNA microarrays.  RNA is isolated using a method or reagent that
      preserves small RNA species, and then labeled with a fluorescence dye.  As a
      control, reference DNA oligonucleotides corresponding to a subset of miRNAs are
      also labeled with a different fluorescence dye.  The reference DNA will serve to
      demonstrate the quality of the slide and hybridization and will also be used for
      data normalization.  The RNA and DNA are mixed and hybridized to a microarray
      slide containing probes for most of the miRNAs in the database.  After washing,
      the slide is scanned to obtain images, and intensities of the individual spots
      quantified.  These raw signals will be further processed and analyzed as the
      expression data of the corresponding miRNAs.  Microarray slides can be stripped
      and regenerated to reduce the cost of microarrays and to enhance the consistency
      of microarray experiments.  The same principles and procedures are applicable to
      other types of custom microarray experiments.

PMID- 22064516
TI  - Genetic selection for enhanced serine metabolism in cancer development.

PMID- 22064517
TI  - Nek9, Nek6, Nek7 and the separation of centrosomes.

PMID- 22064518
TI  - Targeted cancer therapy: what if the driver is just a messenger?
AB  - "Shoot the driver" is the paradigm of targeted cancer therapy. However,
      resistance to targeted inhibitors of signaling pathways is a major problem. In
      part the redundancy of signaling networks can bypass targeted inhibitors and
      thereby reduce their biological effect. In this case the driver turns out to be
      one of several potential messengers and is easily replaced. Cocktails of multiple
      targeted inhibitors are an obvious solution. This is limited, however, by the
      lack of potent inhibitors and may also produce increased toxicity. Therefore we
      explored the direct blockade of a key biological activity downstream from
      multiple converging oncogenic signals. Specifically, several oncogenic signaling
      pathways including AKT, MAPK and PIM kinase signals converge on the activation of
      cap-dependent translation. In cancer cells, aberrant activation of cap-dependent
      translation favors the increased expression of short-lived oncoproteins like c
      MYC, MCL1, CYCLIN D1 and the PIM kinases. Intriguingly, cancer cells are
      especially sensitive to even temporary reductions in these proteins. We will
      discuss our findings concerning translational inhibitor therapy in cancer.

PMID- 22064519
TI  - How CD95 stimulates invasion.
AB  - CD95 is best known for its capacity to induce apoptosis, but also activates
      multiple non-apoptotic signalling pathways. In particular, CD95 promotes
      migration and tissue invasion of apoptosis-resistant cell types, and this plays a
      central role in inflammation, neurobiology, and tumor biology. CD95 induces
      invasion by stimulating the expression of extracellular matrix (ECM)-degrading
      proteases, and by stimulating the formation of actin-driven cell protrusions
      through Rac and the cofilin pathway. In this review we discuss how CD95-initiated
      signalling pathways may cooperate to facilitate cell migration and tissue
      invasion.

PMID- 22064520
TI  - The role of mucin in GERD and its complications.
AB  - Acid, pepsin and other noxious material reach the esophageal mucosa and interact
      with the luminal aspect of the squamous epithelium. The first protective barrier
      to these potentially injurious substances is the mucus buffer layer that covers
      the mucosa. In healthy people, the esophagus has a protective surface adherent
      mucus gel barrier. Levels of mucin glycoprotein are considerably increased in
      response to acid and pepsin. A wide spectrum of mucin genes are expressed in
      normal esophageal mucosa, squamous cell carcinoma of the esophagus, Barrett
      epithelium and esophageal adenocarcinoma. The mucins MUC5AC and MUC6 are
      expressed to a similar degree in Barrett metaplasia and gastric mucosa, as is
      MUC2 in Barrett intestinal metaplasia and small bowel mucosa. Increased
      expression of MUC1 is associated with progression from dysplasia to
      adenocarcinoma of the esophagus. Thus, mucins have an important role in the
      defense of esophageal mucosa against the acid, pepsin and bile that are present
      in the refluxate. Changes in the expression of mucins occur in patients with
      GERD, and might lead to the development of new drugs.

PMID- 22064521
TI  - Crohn's disease: Cost-effectiveness of reducing radiation in Crohn's disease.

PMID- 22064522
TI  - Pancreas: Microglial activation key to pain in chronic pancreatitis.

PMID- 22064523
TI  - Metabolic syndrome: Cortisol production and the metabolic syndrome.

PMID- 22064524
TI  - New-generation vaccines against cholera.
AB  - Cholera is a major global health problem, causing approximately 100,000 deaths
      annually, about half of which occur in sub-Saharan Africa. Although early
      generation parenteral cholera vaccines were abandoned as public health tools
      owing to their limited efficacy, newer-generation oral cholera vaccines have
      attractive safety and protection profiles. Both killed and live oral vaccines
      have been licensed, although only killed oral vaccines are currently manufactured
      and available. These killed oral vaccines not only provide direct protection to
      vaccinated individuals, but also confer herd immunity. The combination of direct
      vaccine protection and vaccine herd immunity effects makes these vaccines highly
      cost-effective and, therefore, attractive for use in developing countries.
      Administration of these oral vaccines does not require qualified medical
      personnel, which makes their use practical--even in developing countries.
      Although new-generation oral cholera vaccines should not be considered in
      isolation from other preventive approaches, especially improved water quality and
      sanitation, they represent important tools in the public health armamentarium to
      control both endemic and epidemic cholera.

PMID- 22064526
TI  - Celiac disease: Lack of vitamins D and K affects bone health in celiac disease.

PMID- 22064525
TI  - IBD: a MAST3-regulated gene set in IBD.

PMID- 22064527
TI  - 4-Methyl-N-[(5-nitro-thio-phen-2-yl)methyl-idene]aniline.
AB  - The title compound, C(12)H(10)N(2)O(2)S, is a Schiff base formed from p-toluidine
      and 5-nitro-thio-phene-2-carbaldehyde. The C=N bond adopts an E configuration.
      The benzene and thio-phene rings form a dihedral angle of 9.2 (1) degrees .

PMID- 22064528
TI  - Directed HIV-1 evolution of protease inhibitor resistance by second-generation
      short hairpin RNAs.
AB  - Despite the success of antiretroviral drugs in decreasing AIDS-related mortality,
      a substantial fraction of HIV-infected patients experience therapy failure due to
      the emergence of drug-resistant virus variants. For durable inhibition of HIV-1
      replication, the emergence of such escape viruses must be controlled. In addition
      to antiretroviral drugs, RNA interference (RNAi)-based gene therapy can be used
      to inhibit HIV-1 replication by targeting the viral RNA genome. RNAi is an
      evolutionary conserved gene silencing mechanism that mediates the sequence
      specific breakdown of the targeted mRNA. Here we investigated an alternative
      strategy combining the activity of a protease inhibitor (PI) with second
      generation short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) designed to specifically block the
      emergence of PI-resistant HIV-1 variants. We demonstrate that dominant viral
      escape routes can be effectively blocked by second-generation shRNAs and that
      virus evolution can be redirected toward less-fit variants. These results are of
      importance for a deeper understanding of HIV-1 evolution under combined drug and
      RNAi pressure and may be used to design future therapeutic approaches.

PMID- 22064529
TI  - Low prevalence of heterogeneous vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus
      isolates among Connecticut veterans.
AB  - The Etest glycopeptide resistance detection identified two potential
      heterogeneous vancomycin-intermediate Staphylococcus aureus (hVISA) isolates from
      a screen of 288 methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates from
      patients at a Connecticut Veterans Hospital. However, the two isolates did not
      meet the criteria for hVISA by the population analysis profile-area under the
      curve analysis, arguing against routine screening for hVISA in this low
      prevalence population.

PMID- 22064530
TI  - Zinc acetate/carrageenan gels exhibit potent activity in vivo against high-dose
      herpes simplex virus 2 vaginal and rectal challenge.
AB  - Topical microbicides that block the sexual transmission of HIV and herpes simplex
      virus 2 (HSV-2) are desperately needed to reduce the incidence of HIV infections
      worldwide. Previously we completed phase 3 testing of the carrageenan-based gel
      Carraguard. Although the trial did not show that Carraguard is effective in
      preventing HIV transmission during vaginal sex, it did show that Carraguard is
      safe when used weekly for up to 2 years. Moreover, Carraguard has in vitro
      activity against human papillomavirus (HPV) and HSV-2 and favorable physical and
      rheological properties, which makes it a useful vehicle to deliver antiviral
      agents such as zinc acetate. To that end, we previously reported that a prototype
      zinc acetate carrageenan gel protects macaques against vaginal challenge with
      combined simian-human immunodeficiency virus reverse transcriptase (SHIV-RT).
      Herein, we report the safety and efficacy of a series of zinc acetate and/or
      carrageenan gels. The gels protected mice (75 to 85% survival; P < 0.001) against
      high-dose (10(6)-PFU) HSV-2 vaginal or rectal challenge. In contrast, zinc
      acetate formulated in HEC (hydroxyethylcellulose; or the Universal Placebo)
      failed to protect mice against the high-dose vaginal HSV-2 challenge (similar to
      aqueous zinc acetate solution and the placebo controls). The gels were found to
      be effective spreading gels, exhibited limited toxicity in vitro, caused minimal
      damage to the architecture of the cervicovaginal and rectal mucosae in vivo, and
      induced no increased susceptibility to HSV-2 infection in a mouse model. Our
      results provide a strong rationale to further optimize and evaluate the zinc
      acetate/carrageenan gels for their ability to block the sexual transmission of
      HIV and HSV-2.

PMID- 22064531
TI  - Generic vancomycin enriches resistant subpopulations of Staphylococcus aureus
      after exposure in a neutropenic mouse thigh infection model.
AB  - Previous studies have shown that "bioequivalent" generic products of vancomycin
      are less effective in vivo against Staphylococcus aureus than the innovator
      compound. Considering that suboptimal bactericidal effect has been associated
      with emergence of resistance, we aimed to assess in vivo the impact of exposure
      to innovator and generic products of vancomycin on S. aureus susceptibility. A
      clinical methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) strain from a liver transplant
      patient with persistent bacteremia was used for which MIC, minimum bactericidal
      concentration (MBC), and autolytic properties were determined. Susceptibility was
      also assessed by determining a population analysis profile (PAP) with vancomycin
      concentrations from 0 to 5 mg/liter. ICR neutropenic mice were inoculated in each
      thigh with ~7.0 log(10) CFU. Treatment with the different vancomycin products
      (innovator and three generics; 1,200 mg/kg of body weight/day every 3 h) started
      2 h later while the control group received sterile saline. After 24 h, mice were
      euthanized, and the thigh homogenates were plated. Recovered colonies were
      reinoculated to new groups of animals, and the exposure-recovery process was
      repeated until 12 cycles were completed. The evolution of resistance was assessed
      by PAP after cycles 5, 10, 11, and 12. The initial isolate displayed reduced
      autolysis and higher resistance frequencies than S. aureus ATCC 29213 but without
      vancomycin-intermediate S. aureus (VISA) subpopulations. After 12 cycles,
      innovator vancomycin had significantly reduced resistant subpopulations at 1, 2,
      and 3 mg/liter, while the generic products had enriched them progressively by
      orders of magnitude. The great capacity of generic vancomycin to select for less
      susceptible organisms raises concerns about the role of therapeutic inequivalence
      of any antimicrobial on the epidemiology of resistance worldwide.

PMID- 22064532
TI  - Evolution of nasal carriage of methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative
      staphylococci in a remote population.
AB  - Nasal carriage of methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative staphylococci (MR
      CoNS) is highly prevalent in community subjects, but its dynamic has been little
      investigated. Nasal swabbing was performed in 2006 and 2008 in 154 Amerindians
      living isolated in French Guiana. MR-CoNS strains were identified and
      characterized by non-beta-lactam susceptibility testing and staphylococcal
      cassette chromosome mec element (SCCmec) typing, characterizing the associations
      of ccr and mec gene complex allotypes, and for MR Staphylococcus epidermidis
      (MRSE), multilocus variable number of tandem repeats analysis (MLVA) was used.
      The impact of sociodemographic and medical characteristics on the persistence of
      MR-CoNS carriage was assessed by bivariate analysis. Prevalence of MR-CoNS
      carriage was 50.6% in 2006 and 46.8% in 2008. The 274 MR-CoNS isolates, including
      S. epidermidis (n = 89, 62 MLVA patterns), Staphylococcus haemolyticus (n = 78),
      and Staphylococcus hominis (n = 72), exhibited 41 distinct ccr and mec gene
      complex associations. Persistent carriage (in 2006 and 2008), intermittent
      carriage (either in 2006 or 2008), and noncarriage were documented in 25.3, 47.4,
      and 27.3% of the participants, respectively. Persistent carriage of a given MRSE
      isolate was rarely observed (n = 8 isolates). Furthermore, no epidemiological
      factor, including antibiotic exposure, was associated with persistent carriage.
      The high diversity of MRSE clones and their ccr and mec gene complex associations
      contrasted with the high carriage rates in this isolated community, which might
      reflect the occurrence of SCCmec rearrangement and the generation of new MR-CoNS
      strains.

PMID- 22064533
TI  - Simulated antibiotic exposures in an in vitro hollow-fiber infection model
      influence toxin gene expression and production in community-associated
      methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strain MW2.
AB  - Community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) strain
      MW2 harbors a plethora of toxins to mediate its virulence. However, toxin
      expression and regulation with simulated clinical antimicrobial exposures are
      unclear. This study evaluated these relationships using an in vitro
      pharmacodynamic hollow-fiber infection model. Clinical doses of clindamycin,
      linezolid, minocycline, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (SXT), and vancomycin were
      simulated over 72 h against MW2 in the hollow fiber model. Expression levels of
      lukSF-PV and enterotoxin genes sec4, sek, seq, and sel2 were quantified by real
      time PCR. Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) was quantified by enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and cytotoxicity was determined on polymorphonuclear
      cells (PMNs). Vancomycin produced the maximum MW2 killing (2.53 log(10) CFU/ml)
      after the first dose, but the greatest sustained killing over 72 h occurred with
      linezolid and clindamycin. Vancomycin and minocycline induced gene upregulation
      from 0 to 8 h, followed by downregulation for the remaining simulation period.
      Clindamycin decreased gene expression in the first 24 h, followed by moderate
      increases (2.5-fold) thereafter. Linezolid increased gene expression 11.4- to
      200.4-fold but inhibited PVL production (0.6 +/- 0.3 versus 5.9 +/- 0.2 MUg/ml,
      linezolid versus control at 72 h; P < 0.05). Similar effects on PVL production
      occurred with clindamycin and minocycline. SXT increased PVL production at 48 h
      (2.8-fold) and 72 h (4.9-fold) of treatment (P < 0.05), resulting in increased
      PVL cytotoxicity on PMNs. Linezolid, clindamycin, and minocycline were the most
      effective agents on decreasing the virulence potential in CA-MRSA, notably after
      8 h of treatment. SXT had minimal effects on toxin gene regulation, but it
      increased production and cytotoxicity of PVL toxin in the model and may enhance
      virulence when it is used to treat severe infections.

PMID- 22064534
TI  - Galectin-1-specific inhibitors as a new class of compounds to treat HIV-1
      infection.
AB  - Despite significant improvements, antiretroviral therapies against HIV-1 are
      plagued by a high frequency of therapeutic failures that have been associated
      with acquisition of drug resistance. We recently reported that HIV-1 exploits a
      host glycan binding protein, galectin-1, to increase its attachment to host
      cells, thereby increasing its overall infectivity in susceptible cells. This
      finding suggests that host molecules such as galectin-1 could reduce the expected
      efficiency of HIV-1 drugs targeting early steps of the replicative cycle, such as
      attachment and entry processes. Thus, new classes of drugs that would interfere
      with galectin-1/HIV-1 interactions could benefit the current antiretroviral
      therapy. To further explore this possibility, experiments were conducted to
      discover leading compounds showing specific inhibition of galectin-1 activity in
      a cellular model of HIV-1 infection. Three lactoside compounds were found to
      modestly inhibit the interaction of galectin-1 with primary human CD4(+) T cells.
      Interestingly, these same inhibitors reduced the galectin-1-mediated increase in
      HIV-1 attachment to target cells in a much more efficient manner. More important,
      the tested lactoside derivatives also significantly decreased the galectin-1
      dependent enhancement of HIV-1 infection. These observations deserve further
      attention when considering that the development of new drugs to prevent and treat
      HIV-1 infection remains a priority.

PMID- 22064535
TI  - Virologic escape during danoprevir (ITMN-191/RG7227) monotherapy is hepatitis C
      virus subtype dependent and associated with R155K substitution.
AB  - Danoprevir is a hepatitis C virus (HCV) NS3/4A protease inhibitor that promotes
      multi-log(10) reductions in HCV RNA when administered as a 14-day monotherapy to
      patients with genotype 1 chronic HCV. Of these patients, 14/37 experienced a
      continuous decline in HCV RNA, 13/37 a plateau, and 10/37 a rebound. The rebound
      and continuous-decline groups experienced similar median declines in HCV RNA
      through day 7, but their results diverged notably at day 14. Plateau group
      patients experienced a lesser, but sustained, median HCV RNA decline. Baseline
      danoprevir susceptibility was similar across response groups but was reduced
      significantly at day 14 in the rebound group. Viral rebound in genotype 1b was
      uncommon (found in 2/23 patients). Population-based sequence analysis of NS3 and
      NS4A identified treatment-emergent substitutions at four amino acid positions in
      the protease domain of NS3 (positions 71, 155, 168, and 170), but only two (155
      and 168) were in close proximity to the danoprevir binding site and carried
      substitutions that impacted danoprevir potency. R155K was the predominant route
      to reduced danoprevir susceptibility and was observed in virus isolated from all
      10 rebound, 2/13 plateau, and 1/14 continuous-decline patients. Virus in one
      rebound patient additionally carried partial R155Q and D168E substitutions.
      Treatment-emergent substitutions in plateau patients were less frequently
      observed and more variable. Single-rebound patients carried virus with R155Q,
      D168V, or D168T. Clonal sequence analysis and drug susceptibility testing
      indicated that only a single patient displayed multiple resistance pathways.
      These data indicate the ascendant importance of R155K for viral escape during
      danoprevir treatment and may have implications for the clinical use of this
      agent.

PMID- 22064536
TI  - Distribution of spontaneous gyrA mutations in 97 fluoroquinolone-resistant
      Helicobacter pylori isolates collected in France.
AB  - We determined the prevalence of gyrA mutations conferring fluoroquinolone
      resistance in 97 Helicobacter pylori isolates collected in France from 2007 to
      2010. Ninety-four harbored one or two mutations already found in the quinolone
      resistance determining region (QRDR) of gyrA (for T87I, n = 23; for N87K, n = 32;
      for D91N, n = 30; for D91G, n = 7; for D91Y, n = 6), 2 harbored a mutation never
      previously described (D91H and A88P), and one strain was resistant (ciprofloxacin
      MIC of 8 mg/liter) without a detected mutation conferring this resistance in gyrA
      or gyrB genes.

PMID- 22064537
TI  - The spiFEG locus in Streptococcus infantarius subsp. infantarius BAA-102 confers
      protection against nisin U.
AB  - Nisin U is a member of the extended nisin family of lantibiotics. Here we
      identify the presence of nisin U immunity gene homologues in Streptococcus
      infantarius subsp. infantarius BAA-102. Heterologous expression of these genes in
      Lactococcus lactis subsp. cremoris HP confers protection to nisin U and other
      members of the nisin family, thereby establishing that the recently identified
      phenomenon of resistance through immune mimicry also occurs with respect to
      nisin.

PMID- 22064538
TI  - In vivo comparison of CXA-101 (FR264205) with and without tazobactam versus
      piperacillin-tazobactam using human simulated exposures against phenotypically
      diverse gram-negative organisms.
AB  - CXA-101 is a novel antipseudomonal cephalosporin with enhanced activity against
      Gram-negative organisms displaying various resistance mechanisms. This study
      evaluates the efficacy of exposures approximating human percent free time above
      the MIC (%fT > MIC) of CXA-101 with or without tazobactam and piperacillin
      tazobactam (TZP) against target Gram-negative organisms, including those
      expressing extended-spectrum beta-lactamases (ESBLs). Sixteen clinical Gram
      negative isolates (6 Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates [piperacillin-tazobactam MIC
      range, 8 to 64 MUg/ml], 4 Escherichia coli isolates (2 ESBL and 2 non-ESBL
      expressing), and 4 Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates (3 ESBL and 1 non-ESBL
      expressing) were used in an immunocompetent murine thigh infection model. After
      infection, groups of mice were administered doses of CXA-101 with or without
      tazobactam (2:1) designed to approximate the %fT > MIC observed in humans given 1
      g of CXA-101 with or without tazobactam every 8 h as a 1-h infusion. As a
      comparison, groups of mice were administered piperacillin-tazobactam doses
      designed to approximate the %fT > MIC observed in humans given 4.5 g piperacillin
      tazobactam every 6 h as a 30-min infusion. Predicted piperacillin-tazobactam %fT
      > MIC exposures of greater than 40% resulted in static to >1 log decreases in CFU
      in non-ESBL-expressing organisms with MICs of <=32 MUg/ml after 24 h of therapy.
      Predicted CXA-101 with or without tazobactam %fT > MIC exposures of >=37.5%
      resulted in 1- to 3-log-unit decreases in CFU in non-ESBL-expressing organisms,
      with MICs of <=16 MUg/ml after 24 h of therapy. With regard to the ESBL
      expressing organisms, the inhibitor combinations showed enhanced CFU decreases
      versus CXA-101 alone. Due to enhanced in vitro potency and resultant increased in
      vivo exposure, CXA-101 produced statistically significant reductions in CFU in 9
      isolates compared with piperacillin-tazobactam. The addition of tazobactam to CXA
      101 produced significant reductions in CFU for 7 isolates compared with
      piperacillin-tazobactam. Overall, human simulated exposures of CXA-101 with or
      without tazobactam demonstrated improved efficacy versus piperacillin-tazobactam.

PMID- 22064539
TI  - In vitro phenotypic susceptibility of HIV-2 clinical isolates to CCR5 inhibitors.
AB  - HIV-2 is naturally resistant to nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors,
      to a fusion inhibitor, and to some of the protease inhibitors. Maraviroc is the
      first drug of the new anti-CCR5 drug class and is effective only on CCR5-tropic
      (R5) HIV-1. No previous studies concerning HIV-2 susceptibility to maraviroc have
      been reported yet. We developed a phenotypic maraviroc susceptibility test using
      a peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) model. We analyzed the maraviroc
      susceptibility of 13 R5 HIV-2, 2 X4R5 (dual) HIV-2, and 2 CXCR4-tropic (X4) HIV-2
      clinical isolates. We also tested, with the same protocol, 1 X4 HIV-1 and 4 R5
      HIV-1 clinical isolates. For the R5 HIV-2 clinical isolates, the 50% effective
      concentration (EC(50)) for maraviroc was 0.80 nM (interquartile range [IQR], 0.48
      to 1.39 nM), similar to that observed for the R5 HIV-1 isolates. The median
      maximum percentage of inhibition in the R5 HIV-2 isolates was 93% (IQR, 84 to
      98%), similar to that observed in the R5 HIV-1 isolates. As expected, both X4 HIV
      1 and HIV-2 were highly resistant to maraviroc. Our study showed for the first
      time that maraviroc is active in vitro against R5 HIV-2. The new tools we
      developed will allow identification of HIV-2-infected patients eligible for CCR5
      inhibitor use and management of virological failure when receiving a maraviroc
      based regimen.

PMID- 22064540
TI  - Downregulation of mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 of Leishmania donovani field
      isolates is associated with antimony resistance.
AB  - Emergence of resistance to pentavalent antimonials has become a severe obstacle
      in the treatment of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) on the Indian subcontinent. The
      mechanisms operating in laboratory-generated strains are somewhat known, but the
      determinants of clinical antimony resistance are not well understood. By
      utilizing a DNA microarray expression profiling approach, we identified a gene
      encoding mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1) for the kinetoplast protozoan
      Leishmania donovani (LdMAPK1) that was consistently downregulated in antimony
      resistant field isolates. The expression level of the gene was validated by real
      time PCR. Furthermore, decreased expression of LdMAPK1 was also confirmed at the
      protein level in resistant isolates. Primary structure analysis of LdMAPK1
      revealed the presence of all of the characteristic features of MAPK1. When
      expressed in Escherichia coli, the recombinant enzyme showed kinase activity with
      myelin basic protein as the substrate and was inhibited by staurosporine.
      Interestingly, overexpression of this gene in a drug-sensitive laboratory strain
      and a resistant field isolate resulted in increased the sensitivity of the
      transfectants to potassium antimony tartrate, suggesting that it has a role in
      antimony resistance. Our results demonstrate that downregulation of LdMAPK1 may
      be in part correlated with antimony drug resistance in Indian VL isolates.

PMID- 22064541
TI  - The oligo-acyl lysyl antimicrobial peptide C12K-2beta12 exhibits a dual mechanism
      of action and demonstrates strong in vivo efficacy against Helicobacter pylori.
AB  - Helicobacter pylori has developed antimicrobial resistance to virtually all
      current antibiotics. Thus, there is a pressing need to develop new anti-H. pylori
      therapies. We recently described a novel oligo-acyl-lysyl (OAK) antimicrobial
      peptidomimetic, C(12)K-2beta(12), that shows potent in vitro bactericidal
      activity against H. pylori. Herein, we define the mechanism of action and
      evaluate the in vivo efficacy of C(12)K-2beta(12) against H. pylori after
      experimental infection of Mongolian gerbils. We demonstrate using a 1-N
      phenylnaphthylamine (fluorescent probe) uptake assay and electron microscopy that
      C(12)K-2beta(12) rapidly permeabilizes the bacterial membrane and creates pores
      that cause bacterial cell lysis. Furthermore, using nucleic acid binding assays,
      Western blots, and confocal microscopy, we show that C(12)K-2beta(12) can cross
      the bacterial membranes into the cytoplasm and tightly bind to bacterial DNA,
      RNA, and proteins, a property that may result in inhibition of enzymatic
      activities and macromolecule synthesis. To define the in vivo efficacy of C(12)K
      2beta(12), H. pylori-infected gerbils were orogastrically treated with increasing
      doses and concentrations of C(12)K-2beta(12) 1 day or 1 week postinfection. The
      efficacy of C(12)K-2beta(12) was strongest in animals that received the largest
      number of doses at the highest concentration, indicating dose-dependent activity
      of the peptide (P < 0.001 by analysis of variance [ANOVA]) regardless of the
      timing of the treatment with C(12)K-2beta(12). Overall, our results demonstrate a
      dual mode of action of C(12)K-2beta(12) against the H. pylori membrane and
      cytoplasmic components. Moreover, and consistent with the previously reported in
      vitro efficacy, C(12)K-2beta(12) shows significant in vivo efficacy against H.
      pylori when used as monotherapy. Therefore, OAK peptides may be a valuable
      resource for therapeutic treatment of H. pylori infection.

PMID- 22064542
TI  - Differential effects of linezolid and ciprofloxacin on toxin production by
      Bacillus anthracis in an in vitro pharmacodynamic system.
AB  - Bacillus anthracis causes anthrax. Ciprofloxacin is a gold standard for the
      treatment of anthrax. Previously, using the non-toxin-producing DeltaSterne
      strain of B. anthracis, we demonstrated that linezolid was equivalent to
      ciprofloxacin for reducing the total (vegetative and spore) bacterial population.
      With ciprofloxacin therapy, the total population consisted of spores. With
      linezolid therapy, the population consisted primarily of vegetative bacteria.
      Linezolid is a protein synthesis inhibitor, while ciprofloxacin is not. Since
      toxins are produced only by vegetative B. anthracis, the effect of linezolid and
      ciprofloxacin on toxin production is of interest. The effect of simulated
      clinical regimens of ciprofloxacin and linezolid on the vegetative and spore
      populations and on toxin production was examined in an in vitro pharmacodynamic
      model over 15 days by using the toxin-producing Sterne strain of B. anthracis.
      Ciprofloxacin and linezolid reduced the total Sterne population at similar rates.
      With ciprofloxacin therapy, the total Sterne population consisted of spores. With
      linezolid therapy, >90% of the population was vegetative B. anthracis. With
      ciprofloxacin therapy, toxin was first detectable at 3 h and remained detectable
      for at least 5 h. Toxin was never detected with linezolid therapy. Ciprofloxacin
      and linezolid reduced the total Sterne population at similar rates. However, the
      B. anthracis population was primarily spores with ciprofloxacin therapy and was
      primarily vegetative bacteria with linezolid therapy. Toxin production was
      detected for at least 5 h with ciprofloxacin therapy but was never detected with
      linezolid treatment. Linezolid may have an advantage over ciprofloxacin for the
      treatment of B. anthracis infections.

PMID- 22064543
TI  - Discovery and engineered overproduction of antimicrobial nucleoside antibiotic
      A201A from the deep-sea marine actinomycete Marinactinospora thermotolerans SCSIO
      00652.
AB  - Marinactinospora thermotolerans SCSIO 00652, originating from a deep-sea marine
      sediment of the South China Sea, was discovered to produce antimicrobial
      nucleoside antibiotic A201A. Whole-genome scanning and annotation strategies
      enabled us to localize the genes responsible for A201A biosynthesis and to
      experimentally identify the gene cluster; inactivation of mtdF, an oxidoreductase
      gene within the suspected gene cluster, abolished A201A production.
      Bioinformatics analysis revealed that a gene designated mtdA furthest upstream
      within the A201A biosynthetic gene cluster encodes a GntR family transcriptional
      regulator. To determine the role of MtdA in regulating A201A production, the mtdA
      gene was inactivated in frame and the resulting DeltamtdA mutant was fermented
      alongside the wild-type strain as a control. High-performance liquid
      chromatography (HPLC) analyses of fermentation extracts revealed that the
      DeltamtdA mutant produced A201A in a yield ~25-fold superior to that of the wild
      type strain, thereby demonstrating that MtdA is a negative transcriptional
      regulator governing A201A biosynthesis. By virtue of its high production
      capacity, the DeltamtdA mutant constitutes an ideal host for the efficient large
      scale production of A201A. These results validate M. thermotolerans as an
      emerging source of antibacterial agents and highlight the efficiency of metabolic
      engineering for antibiotic titer improvement.

PMID- 22064544
TI  - Evaluation of ceftobiprole activity against a variety of gram-negative pathogens,
      including Escherichia coli, Haemophilus influenzae (beta-lactamase positive and
      beta-lactamase negative), and Klebsiella pneumoniae, in a rabbit meningitis
      model.
AB  - Ceftobiprole medocaril, a new cephalosporin, is highly active against a broad
      spectrum of Gram-positive and Gram-negative clinical pathogens, including
      methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and penicillin-resistant
      pneumococci. In this study, we tested ceftobiprole against various Gram-negative
      pathogens in a rabbit meningitis model and determined its penetration into the
      cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). In this animal model, ceftobiprole produced an
      antibacterial activity similar to that of cefepime against an Escherichia coli
      strain, a Klebsiella pneumoniae strain, and a beta-lactamase-negative Haemophilus
      influenzae strain. Against a beta-lactamase-positive H. influenzae strain,
      ceftobiprole was significantly superior. The penetration of ceftobiprole through
      inflamed meninges reached about 16% of serum levels compared to about 2% of serum
      levels through uninflamed meninges.

PMID- 22064545
TI  - Population pharmacokinetics of voriconazole in adults.
AB  - Voriconazole is a first-line agent for the treatment of invasive fungal
      infections. The pharmacology of voriconazole is characterized by extensive
      interindividual variability and nonlinear pharmacokinetics. The population
      pharmacokinetics of voriconazole in 64 adults is described. The patient
      population consisted of 21 healthy volunteers, who received a range of
      intravenous (i.v.) and oral voriconazole regimens, and 43 patients with proven or
      probable invasive aspergillosis, who received the currently licensed dosage.
      Voriconazole concentrations were measured using high-performance liquid
      chromatography (HPLC). The pharmacokinetic data were modeled using a
      nonparametric methodology and with a nonlinear pharmacokinetic structural model.
      The extent and consequences of pharmacokinetic variability were explored using
      Monte Carlo simulation. The relationship between drug exposure and clinical
      response was explored using logistic regression. Optimal sampling times were
      identified using D-optimal design. The fit of the nonlinear model was acceptable.
      Data from the healthy volunteers provided robust estimates for K(m) and the
      maximum rate of enzyme activity (V(max)). The Bayesian parameter estimates were
      more variable and statistically different in patients than in volunteers. There
      was a linear relationship between the trough concentration and area under the
      concentration-time curve (AUC(0-12)). There was no relationship between the AUC(0
      12) and clinical response. The original parameter values were readily
      recapitulated using Monte Carlo simulation. Initial i.v. dosing resulted in
      higher AUC(0-12) and trough concentrations compared with oral dosing. Sample
      collection times of 1, 2, 3, 4, 8, and 12 h after an i.v. infusion are maximally
      informative times for future pharmacokinetic studies.

PMID- 22064546
TI  - Pharmacodynamic effects of simulated standard doses of antifungal drugs against
      Aspergillus species in a new in vitro pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model.
AB  - In conventional MUIotaC tests, fungi are exposed to constant drug concentrations,
      whereas in vivo, fungi are exposed to changing drug concentrations. Therefore, we
      developed a new in vitro pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic model where human plasma
      pharmacokinetics of standard doses of 1 mg/kg amphotericin B, 4 mg/kg
      voriconazole, and 1 mg/kg caspofungin were simulated and their pharmacodynamic
      characteristics were determined against three clinical isolates of Aspergillus
      fumigatus, Aspergillus flavus, and Aspergillus terreus with identical MICs (1
      mg/liter for amphotericin B, 0.5 mg/liter for voriconazole) and minimum effective
      concentrations (0.5 mg/liter for caspofungin). This new model consists of an
      internal compartment (a 10-ml dialysis tube made out of a semipermeable cellulose
      membrane allowing the free diffusion of antifungals but not galactomannan)
      inoculated with Aspergillus conidia and placed inside an external compartment (a
      700-ml glass beaker) whose content is diluted after the addition of antifungal
      drugs by a peristaltic pump at the same rate as the clearance of the antifungal
      drugs in human plasma. Fungal growth was assessed by galactomannan production.
      Despite demonstrating the same MICs, amphotericin B completely inhibited (100%)
      A. fumigatus but not A. flavus and A. terreus, whose growth was delayed for 7.53
      and 22.8 h, respectively. Voriconazole partially inhibited A. fumigatus (49.5%)
      and Alpha. flavus (27.9%) but not Alpha. terreus; it delayed their growth by 3.99
      h (A. fumigatus) and 5.37 h (Alpha. terreus). Caspofungin did not alter
      galactomannan production in all of the species but A. terreus. The new model
      simulated human pharmacokinetics of antifungal drugs and revealed important
      pharmacodynamic differences in their activity.

PMID- 22064548
TI  - PCP goes organic.

PMID- 22064549
TI  - Cell polarity: The missing link in skeletal morphogenesis?
AB  - Despite extensive genetic analysis of the dynamic multi-phase process that
      transforms a small population of lateral plate mesoderm into the mature limb
      skeleton, the mechanisms by which signaling pathways regulate cellular behaviors
      to generate morphogenetic forces are not known. Recently, a series of papers have
      offered the intriguing possibility that regulated cell polarity fine-tunes the
      morphogenetic process via orienting cell axes, division planes and cell
      movements. Wnt5a-mediated non-canonical signaling, which may include planar cell
      polarity, has emerged as a common thread in the otherwise distinct signaling
      networks that regulate morphogenesis in each phase of limb development. These
      findings position the limb as a key model to elucidate how global tissue
      patterning pathways direct local differences in cell behavior that, in turn,
      generate growth and form.

PMID- 22064550
TI  - Detection and localization of active gastrointestinal bleeding with multidetector
      row computed tomography angiography: a 5-year prospective study in one medical
      center.
AB  - GOAL: To prospectively assess the utility of multidetector row computed
      tomography angiography (MDCTA) in the diagnosis of active gastrointestinal
      bleeding (GIB). BACKGROUND: MDCTA is a relatively recent advance in CT scanning
      technology enabling excellent vascular visualization and detection of various
      vascular abnormalities. However, there is no prospective study with a large
      population evaluating the role of MDCTA in the diagnosis of active GIB. STUDY:
      From January 2006 to January 2011, 113 consecutive patients with clinical signs
      of active GIB underwent MDCTA (16-slice, 64-slice, or dual-source). The criteria
      for positive CT findings included active extravasation of contrast material
      within bowel lumen, abnormal bowel mucosal enhancement, vascular malformation,
      abnormally enhancing polyp or diverticulum, or tumor. Two radiologists reviewed
      the images and assessed CT findings in consensus. The standards of reference
      included digital subtraction angiography, endoscopy, surgery, or final pathology
      reports. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and
      accuracy of MDCTA for detection of active GIB were evaluated. RESULTS: Positive
      CT findings for active GIB were identified in 80 of 113 patients (70.8%), all of
      which were confirmed by 1 or more reference standard. Negative MDCTA results were
      obtained in 33 patients (29.2%). Of these, 27 patients did not require any
      further intervention and were discharged without incident. The overall
      sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and accuracy
      of MDCTA was 86.0%, 100%, 100%, 60.6%, and 88.5%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS:
      MDCTA is an accurate first-line screening method for detection and localization
      of GIB and can guide triage in patients with active GIB.

PMID- 22064551
TI  - Can percutaneous cholecystostomy be a definitive management for both acute
      calculous and acalculous cholecystitis?

PMID- 22064552
TI  - Endoscopic ampullectomy: techniques and outcomes.
AB  - Advances in endoscopic ampullectomy continue to mitigate concerns regarding
      incomplete removal of ampullary neoplasias, postprocedure complications, and
      insufficient treatment of tumors with undetected malignant foci or intraductal
      invasion. Advanced T staging of these lesions with endoscopic ultrasound and
      intraductal ultrasound, while useful tools for selection of candidates for snare
      polypectomy, should be limited to lesions either greater than 3 cm, bearing the
      macroscopic appearance of malignancy or unamenable to endoscopic therapy.
      Intraductal ultrasound has demonstrated T-staging accuracy superior to endoscopic
      ultrasound. One prospective study of prophylactic pancreatic stent placement and
      a number of retrospective studies have reported reduced complication rates.
      Recent studies continue to propose follow-up endoscopic retrograde
      cholangiopancreatography at 3-month intervals after ampullectomy to evaluate for
      recurrence and ablate residual tissue, with the interval increased to 6 to 12
      months for 5 years on obtaining negative biopsies for adenomatous tissue. The
      development of thermal ablation, notably argon plasma coagulation, for
      fulguration of residual unresectable tumor, biductal sphincterotomy and
      prophylactic pancreatic pancreatic stent placement, and advanced diagnostic
      imaging mitigate the concerns leveled against endoscopic ampullectomy. In
      experienced hands, endoscopic papillectomy of noninvasive, benign ampullary
      lesions is a safe, technically feasible, and effective alternative to surgical
      resection. This study will focus on diagnosis and staging of ampullary adenomas
      and reviews indications for, and outcomes and complications of, endoscopic
      papillectomy.

PMID- 22064553
TI  - Same-day bowel cleansing regimen is superior to a split-dose regimen over 2 days
      for afternoon colonoscopy: results from a large prospective series.
AB  - GOALS AND BACKGROUND: Conventional bowel preparation for afternoon colonoscopy
      requires an oral agent the day before the procedure. Bowel cleansing given only
      on the day of the colonoscopy has never been attempted. The aims of this study
      were to compare the efficacy of bowel cleansing, impact on activities of daily
      living (ADLs), side effects, and patient preference of a same-day regimen with a
      2-day regimen. STUDY: A single-blinded, prospective cohort study. Patients were
      block recruited into 2 groups with the endoscopist blinded to the regimen. Group
      A: 3 sachets of sodium picosulphate given at 12:00 noon and at 05:00 PM the day
      before and at 8:00 AM on the morning of the procedure. Group B: 2 sachets of
      sodium picosulphate on the morning of the procedure at 07:00 and 10:00 AM.
      Patients completed a quality-of-life questionnaire investigating the side
      effects, impact on ADLs, and regimen preference. The main outcome measures were
      mucosal cleansing, impact on ADLs, side effects, and patient preference of the
      regimen. RESULTS: A total of 227 patients underwent screening colonoscopy. There
      were 95 patients in group A and 132 in group B, all of whom were age and sex
      matched. Same-day preparation produced better mucosal cleansing (P = 0.0046) with
      fewer side effects (P = 0.002). Impact on ADLs was less with the same-day regimen
      (P < 0.0001). Significantly more number of patients preferred the same-day
      preparation compared with the 2-day regimen (P = 0.0147). CONCLUSIONS: Same-day
      bowel preparation is feasible, safe, and more effective than a split-dose
      regimen. It has fewer adverse events and is preferred by patients.

PMID- 22064554
TI  - HER-2/neu overexpression is an independent prognostic factor for intestinal-type
      and early-stage gastric cancer patients.
AB  - GOALS: To evaluate the HER-2/neu protein level by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and
      its gene amplification by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) in gastric
      cancer samples, and the relevance to the prognosis of gastric cancer patients.
      STUDY: HER-2/neu overexpression and gene amplification were examined with
      semiquantitative standardized IHC in 775 formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded gastric
      cancer samples, and 252 of these cases were analyzed with FISH. RESULTS: Of the
      775 gastric cancer samples examined by IHC, a total of 88 (11%) cases were
      positive for HER-2/neu overexpression at a score of 3+; another 44 (6%) cases
      were equivocal with a score of 2+; and the rest 643 (83%) cases were negative
      scored as 0/1+. Intestinal-type and early-stage cancers exhibited higher rate of
      HER-2/neu overexpression than those of diffuse/mixed-type and advanced cancers
      (P<0.05). Intestinal-type and early-stage cancers with HER-2/neu overexpression
      also exhibited short 5 year survival rates (21% vs. 47%, P=0.027; 29% vs. 60%,
      P=0.037) than HER-2/neu-negative cases, but not in the diffuse/mixed-type and
      advanced stage cancers. By FISH analysis, it was shown that 70% (60/86) of IHC 3+
      had HER-2/neu gene amplication. In contrast, only 14% (6/43) of IHC 2+ cases, and
      2.5% (3) of the 120 cases with IHC 0/1+ randomly selected showed HER-2/neu gene
      amplification. CONCLUSIONS: HER-2/neu overexpression may be used as an
      independent prognostic factor for intestinal-type and early-stage gastric cancer
      patients. IHC 3+ and 2+ cases should be further detected by FISH to assess HER
      2/neu gene status. Patients with HER-2/neu amplification also might constitute
      potential candidates for targeted therapy with trastuzumab.

PMID- 22064555
TI  - Utility of soluble angiogenic factors as biomarker for disease severity and
      prognosis.

PMID- 22064556
TI  - The intestinal microbiota and obesity.
AB  - Obesity has been and continues to be an epidemic in the United States. Obesity
      has been addressed in multiple health initiatives, including Healthy People 2010,
      with no state meeting the proposed goal of a prevalence of obesity < 15% of the
      adult population. In contrast, obesity rates have continued to increase, with the
      self-reported prevalence of obesity among adults increasing by 1.1% from 2007 to
      the present. Indeed, since 2009, 33 states reported obesity prevalences of 25% or
      more with only 1 state reporting prevalence < 20%. There have been multiple
      approaches for the treatment of obesity, including fad diets, incentive-based
      exercise programs, and gastric bypass surgery; none of which have been optimal.
      In a murine model, it was shown that the majority of the intestinal microbiome
      consists of two bacterial phyla, the Bacteroidetes and the Firmicutes, and that
      the relative abundance of these two phyla differs among lean and obese mice; the
      obese mouse had a higher proportion of Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes (50% greater)
      than the lean mouse. The same results were appreciated in obese humans compared
      to lean subjects. The postulated explanation for this finding is that Firmicutes
      produce more complete metabolism of a given energy source than do Bacteroidetes,
      thus promoting more efficient absorption of calories and subsequent weight gain.
      Researchers were able to demonstrate that colonizing germ-free mice with the
      intestinal microbiome from obese mice led to an increased total body fat in the
      recipient mice despite a lack of change in diet. The converse, that, colonizing
      germ-free obese mice with the intestinal microbiome of thin mice causing a
      decreased total body fat in the recipient mice, has not yet been done. Other
      possible mechanisms by which the intestinal microbiome affects host obesity
      include induction of low-grade inflammation with lipopolysaccharide, regulation
      of host genes responsible for energy expenditure and storage, and hormonal
      communication between the intestinal microbiome and the host. The following
      review discusses the microbiome-obesity relationship and proposed mechanisms by
      which the intestinal microbiota is hypothesized to influence weight gain.

PMID- 22064557
TI  - False-positive tissue transglutaminase antibody levels occur in HIV-positive
      patients: HLA typing is essential.

PMID- 22064558
TI  - rac-8a'-Methyl-3',4',8',8a'-tetra-hydro-2'H-spiro-[[1,3]dioxolane-2,1'
      naphthalen]-6'(7'H)-one.
AB  - The title racemic compound, C(13)H(18)O(3), a common precursor in the total
      synthesis of terpenes, crystallizes with two molecules in the asymmetric unit.
      The crystal structure is made up of triple chains, formed by weak inter-molecular
      C-H?O contacts, propagating in the a-axis direction.

PMID- 22064559
TI  - Bacterial physiology. Stressed bacteria aren't lost without a leader.

PMID- 22064560
TI  - Extreme genome reduction in symbiotic bacteria.
AB  - Since 2006, numerous cases of bacterial symbionts with extraordinarily small
      genomes have been reported. These organisms represent independent lineages from
      diverse bacterial groups. They have diminutive gene sets that rival some
      mitochondria and chloroplasts in terms of gene numbers and lack genes that are
      considered to be essential in other bacteria. These symbionts have numerous
      features in common, such as extraordinarily fast protein evolution and a high
      abundance of chaperones. Together, these features point to highly degenerate
      genomes that retain only the most essential functions, often including a
      considerable fraction of genes that serve the hosts. These discoveries have
      implications for the concept of minimal genomes, the origins of cellular
      organelles, and studies of symbiosis and host-associated microbiota.

PMID- 22064562
TI  - A history of hookworm vaccine development.
AB  - The human hookworms Necator americanus and Ancylostoma duodenale remain among the
      most common infections of humans in areas of rural poverty in the developing
      regions of the world, with an estimated 1 billion people infected with one or
      more of these parasites. Herein, we review the nearly 100 years of research,
      development, animal testing, and fieldwork that have led to our current progress
      in recombinant hookworm vaccines. We begin with the identification of hookworm at
      the start of the 20th century in Southern US, then discuss the progress in
      developed countries to eliminate human hookworm infection, and then the
      industrial development and field use in the 1970s a canine hookworm
      vaccine(Ancylostoma caninum), and finally our progress to date in the development
      and clinical testing of an array of recombinant antigens to prevent human
      hookworm disease from N. americanus infection. Special attention is given to the
      challenges faced in the development of a vaccine against a blood-feeding
      nematode, including the epidemiology of infection (high prevalence of infection),
      pathogenesis (chronic infection that increases with the age of the host), and a
      robust immune response that fails to confer the protection in the host and a
      concomitant absence of correlates of protection by a successful vaccine could be
      developed and tested. Finally, we provide the optimal and acceptable profiles of
      a human hookworm vaccine, including the proposed indication, target population,
      and route of administration, as developed by the Human Hookworm Vaccine
      Initiative, the only group currently working on vaccines targeting this parasite.

PMID- 22064563
TI  - Medication utilization for targeted symptoms in children and adults with fragile
      X syndrome: US survey.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify the most common neurological and behavioral symptoms
      treated by medications in individuals with fragile X syndrome (FXS), factors
      associated with treatment variability, and difficulty in swallowing a pill.
      METHOD: A total of 1019 caregivers provided information about 1064 sons and 299
      daughters with FXS in a US national survey. Caregivers reported (a) current use
      of medications for attention, anxiety, hyperactivity, mood swings, anger,
      depression, seizures, self-injury, or sleep; (b) perceived efficacy; and (c)
      difficulty in swallowing a pill. RESULTS: Sixty-one percent of males and 38% of
      females were currently taking medication for at least 1 symptom. The most common
      symptoms were anxiety, attention, and hyperactivity. Treatments for attention and
      hyperactivity were common in childhood but declined substantially after the age
      of 18 years; anxiety treatment remained high in adults. Children perceived to be
      more impaired and children diagnosed or treated for autism were more likely to be
      taking medications. Caregivers considered most medications somewhat effective,
      but less than one-third rated current medication as "a lot" effective. Many
      children had difficulty swallowing a pill, but only 11% of adult males and 2% of
      adult females had a lot of difficulty. CONCLUSION: Symptom-based medication use
      is common in FXS, although response is incomplete and there is clearly an unmet
      need for medications with improved efficacy. The persistent use of medications to
      treat anxiety, mood, and behavior problems throughout adolescence and into the
      adult years suggests important outcomes when evaluating the efficacy of new
      medications.

PMID- 22064572
TI  - 1-Methyl-3-(4-chloro-benzo-yl)imidazo[1,2-a]pyridin-1-ium-2-olate.
AB  - In the mol-ecule of the title compound, C(15)H(11)ClN(2)O(2), the nine-membered
      heterobicycle is approximately planar [largest deviation from least-squares plane
      = 0.012 (2) A] and forms a dihedral angle of 51.14 (8) degrees  with the plane of
      the 4-chloro-phenyl group. There is a non-classical intra-molecular hydrogen bond
      between the pyridine alpha-H atom and the O atom of the benzoyl group. The
      crystal structure is stabilized by weak C-H?O and C-H?Cl inter-actions involving
      the 'olate' O atom and the Cl atom attached to the benzoyl group as acceptors.

PMID- 22064573
TI  - 3-Ferrocenyl-2-(4-nitro-phen-yl)acrylonitrile.
AB  - In the title compound, [Fe(C(5)H(5))(C(14)H(9)N(2)O(2))], the ferrocenyl rings
      exhibit an eclipsed conformation with a staggering angle of 15.9 degrees , which
      is quite large compared to similar compounds.

PMID- 22064575
TI  - QTc prolongation in the intensive care unit: a review of offending agents.

PMID- 22064577
TI  - Patient- and family-centered care in the neonatal intensive care unit in our own
      words: one family's story.

PMID- 22064578
TI  - Nutritional supplements in critical illness.
AB  - Poor nutritional intake during critical illness can contribute to increased
      morbidity and mortality. Although nutrition strategies for critically ill
      patients attempt to provide essential macronutrients, recent evidence suggests
      that certain micronutrients and supplements may improve wound healing and
      decrease infectious and inflammatory complications. This review will focus on
      mechanism of action, adverse effects and drug interactions reported in the
      literature, and appropriate dosing and outcomes data for specific nutritional
      supplements in various critically ill adult populations.

PMID- 22064580
TI  - Caring for the critically ill patient with cancer.

PMID- 22064581
TI  - Advances in oncology care: targeted therapies.
AB  - The start of the 21st century has produced advances in cancer care that have
      improved both survival rates and quality of life for many persons diagnosed with
      cancer. Targeted therapy has given new hope for controlling cancer as a chronic
      illness. Alone, or in combination with traditional therapies such as surgery,
      radiation, and/or chemotherapy, this new form of therapy targets malignant cells,
      halting tumor growth and the potential metastatic spread of disease. Toxicities
      are limited, but some are serious and may require intensive care. It is
      imperative for the experienced critical care nurse to have an understanding of
      these new treatment options and those on the horizon, as these therapies are the
      future of cancer care. Whereas in previous decades, patients with cancer may not
      have survived an intensive care admission for treatment complications or advanced
      disease, many patients now are recovering from life-threatening events,
      continuing treatment for their disease, and going on to live meaningful, good
      quality lives.

PMID- 22064583
TI  - Oncologic emergencies: new decade, new perspectives.
AB  - The picture of oncologic emergencies in the intensive care unit has changed over
      the past decade. The classic emergencies, that is, superior vena cava syndrome,
      spinal cord compression, tumor lysis syndrome and life-threatening hypercalcemia,
      are now routinely managed on the general oncology unit or in an outpatient
      setting. Vigilant monitoring for early signs of complications, proactive
      interventions to prevent complications, and aggressive management account for
      this change. Currently, emergent conditions that necessitate intensive care unit
      admission or transfer in the patient with cancer include respiratory failure,
      cardiac emergencies, hemorrhagic events and coagulopathies, sepsis, and
      hemodynamic instability. This article will present the current evidence-based
      management of these conditions, a brief summary of classic oncologic emergencies,
      and the role of the critical care nurse in meeting the multidimensional needs of
      the patient and family during the life-threatening episode, based on Ferrell's
      quality of life model.

PMID- 22064584
TI  - Aggressive disease, aggressive treatment: the adult hematopoietic stem cell
      transplant patient in the intensive care unit.
AB  - Hematopoietic stem cell transplant is associated with high morbidity and
      mortality. Transplant is often the only curative therapy for cancers such as
      leukemia, lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. Between 40% and 80% of patients who
      receive transplant become long-term survivors, and intensive care unit (ICU)
      admission rates are between 24% and 44% during the peritransplant period. The
      aggressive nature of hematopoietic stem cell transplant has a drastic impact on
      the physical and emotional state of the patient and family. From the day of
      diagnosis of any blood cancer, patients and families are faced with decisions and
      challenges ranging from quality of life and mortality to insurance coverage and
      financial concerns. The purpose of this article is to provide the experienced ICU
      nurse with background on the hematopoietic stem cell transplant process as a
      basis for interventions that can improve patient- and family-centered care, to
      provide tools that improve the transitions between the transplant and ICU teams,
      and to support communication between nursing teams for patients who survive the
      ICU stay and for those at the end of life. Collaboration between 2 separate
      nursing units can result in exceptional care for this complex patient population.

PMID- 22064585
TI  - Managing cancer-related pain in critical care settings.
AB  - Pain is a common symptom experienced by individuals who are in treatment for
      cancer and becomes more prevalent for those with more advanced stages of
      malignancy. Critical care nurses are essential in the management of cancer
      related pain, which is a challenging problem when individuals who have a cancer
      diagnosis are admitted to the intensive care unit for emergent conditions.
      Regular, thorough, and patient-appropriate assessments by experienced critical
      care nurses guide selection of treatment modalities, including pharmacologic and
      nonpharmacologic techniques. In addition, existential pain necessitates spiritual
      care intervention, and involvement of other appropriate interdisciplinary team
      members can result in improved management of all types of pain experienced by
      critically ill individuals with cancer.

PMID- 22064586
TI  - Providing a "good death" for oncology patients during the final hours of life in
      the intensive care unit.
AB  - Cancer is a leading cause of death in the United States. Aggressiveness of cancer
      care continues to rise in parallel with scientific discoveries in the treatment
      of a variety of malignancies. As a result, patients with cancer often require
      care in intensive care units (ICUs). Although growth in hospice and palliative
      care programs has occurred nationwide, access to these programs varies by
      geographic region and hospital type. Thus, critical care nurses may be caring for
      patients with cancer during the final hours of life in the ICU without the
      support of palliative care experts. This article provides an overview of the
      meaning of the final hours of life for cancer patients and uses principles of a
      "good death" and the tenets of hospice care to organize recommendations for
      critical care nurses for providing high quality end-of-life care to patients with
      cancer in the ICU.

PMID- 22064587
TI  - The meaning of our work: caring for the critically ill patient with cancer.
AB  - The prevalence and survival rates of critically ill patients with cancer in the
      intensive care unit have increased considerably in the past 2 decades; yet, the
      meaning of caring for cancer patients in this setting may fall along a continuum.
      This article addresses the nurse's experience in caring for the critically ill
      patient with cancer by presenting a current profile of these patient in the
      intensive care unit in the context of the historical development and mission of
      critical care and the evolution of cancer as a chronic disease. The moral
      distress that can result when these 2 "cultures" or "realities" collide and the
      meaning of the nurse's work will be examined. Strategies and resources for
      critical care nurses to incorporate into their practice when caring for the
      critically ill patient with cancer, and themselves, will be addressed.

PMID- 22064589
TI  - When and how to evaluate interrater reliability of patient assessment tools.

PMID- 22064590
TI  - Monitor alarms and alarm fatigue.

PMID- 22064591
TI  - Prevalence and significance of alterations in cardiac structure and function in
      patients with heart failure and a preserved ejection fraction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of
      abnormalities in cardiac structure and function present in patients with heart
      failure and a preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF) and to determine whether these
      alterations in structure and function were associated with cardiovascular
      morbidity and mortality. METHODS AND RESULTS: The Irbesartan in HFPEF trial (I
      PRESERVE) enrolled 4128 patients; echocardiographic determination of left
      ventricular (LV) volume, mass, left atrial (LA) size, systolic function, and
      diastolic function were made at baseline in 745 patients. The primary end point
      was death or protocol-specific cardiovascular hospitalization. A secondary end
      point was the composite of heart failure death or heart failure hospitalization.
      Associations between baseline structure and function and patient outcomes were
      examined using univariate and multivariable Cox proportional hazard analyses. In
      this substudy, LV hypertrophy or concentric remodeling was present in 59%, LA
      enlargement was present in 66%, and diastolic dysfunction was present in 69% of
      the patients. Multivariable analyses controlling for 7 clinical variables
      (including log N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide) indicated that
      increased LV mass, mass/volume ratio, and LA size were independently associated
      with an increased risk of both primary and heart failure events (all P<0.05).
      CONCLUSIONS: Left ventricular hypertrophy or concentric remodeling, LA
      enlargement, and diastolic dysfunction were present in the majority of patients
      with HFPEF. Left ventricular mass and LA size were independently associated with
      an increased risk of morbidity and mortality. The presence of structural
      remodeling and diastolic dysfunction may be useful additions to diagnostic
      criteria and provide important prognostic insights in patients with HFPEF.

PMID- 22064592
TI  - Benefit of transferring ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction patients for
      percutaneous coronary intervention compared with administration of onsite
      fibrinolytic declines as delays increase.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although randomized trials suggest that transfer for primary
      percutaneous coronary intervention (X-PCI) in ST-segment-elevation myocardial
      infarction is superior to onsite fibrinolytic therapy (O-FT), the
      generalizability of these findings to routine clinical practice is unclear
      because door-to-balloon (XDB) times are rapid in randomized trials but are
      frequently prolonged in practice. We hypothesized that delays resulting from
      transfer would reduce the survival advantage of X-PCI compared with O-FT. METHODS
      AND RESULTS: ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction patients enrolled in the
      National Registry of Myocardial Infarction (NRMI) within 12 hours of pain onset
      were identified. Propensity matching of patients treated with X-PCI and O-FT was
      performed, and the effect of PCI-related delay on in-hospital mortality was
      assessed. PCI-related delay was calculated by subtracting the XDB from the door
      to-needle time in each matched pair. Conditional logistic regression adjusted for
      patient and hospital variables identified the XDB door-to-needle time at which no
      mortality advantage for X-PCI over O-FT was present. Eighty-one percent of X-PCI
      patients were matched (n=9506) to O-FT patients (n=9506). In the matched cohort,
      X-PCI was performed with delays >90 minutes in 68%. Multivariable analysis found
      no mortality advantage for X-PCI over O-FT when XDB door-to-needle time exceeded
      ~120 minutes. CONCLUSION: PCI-related delays are extensive among patients
      transferred for X-PCI and are associated with poorer outcomes. No differential
      excess in mortality was seen with X-PCI compared with O-FT even with long PCI
      related delays, but as XDB door-to-needle time times increase, the mortality
      advantage for X-PCI over O-FT declines.

PMID- 22064593
TI  - Frailty is independently associated with short-term outcomes for elderly patients
      with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction.
AB  - BACKGROUND: For the large and growing population of elderly patients with
      cardiovascular disease, it is important to identify clinically relevant measures
      of biological age and their contribution to risk. Frailty is an emerging concept
      in medicine denoting increased vulnerability and decreased physiological
      reserves. We analyzed the manner in which the variable frailty predicts short
      term outcomes for elderly non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction
      patients. METHODS AND RESULTS: Patients aged >= 75 years, with diagnosed non-ST
      segment elevation myocardial infarction were included at 3 centers, and clinical
      data including judgment of frailty were collected prospectively. Frailty was
      defined according to the Canadian Study of Health and Aging Clinical Frailty
      Scale. The impact of the comorbid conditions on risk was quantified by the
      coronary artery disease-specific index. Of 307 patients, 149 (48.5%) were
      considered frail. By multiple logistic regression, frailty was found to be
      strongly and independently associated with risk for the primary composite outcome
      (death from any cause, myocardial reinfarction, revascularization due to
      ischemia, hospitalization for any cause, major bleeding, stroke/transient
      ischemic attack, and need for dialysis up to 1 month after inclusion) (odds
      ratio, 2.2; 95% confidence interval, 1.3-3.7), in-hospital mortality (odds ratio,
      4.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.3-16.8), and 1-month mortality (odds ratio, 4.7;
      95% confidence interval, 1.7-13.0). CONCLUSIONS: Frailty is strongly and
      independently associated with in-hospital mortality, 1-month mortality, prolonged
      hospital care, and the primary composite outcome. The combined use of frailty and
      comorbidity may constitute an ultimate risk prediction concept in regard to
      cardiovascular patients with complex needs.

PMID- 22064594
TI  - Mild retinopathy is a risk factor for cardiovascular mortality in Japanese with
      and without hypertension: the Ibaraki Prefectural Health Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It is unclear whether mild hypertensive retinopathy is a risk factor
      for mortality. This study examined whether mild hypertensive retinopathy could be
      a risk factor for cardiovascular mortality in subjects with and without
      hypertension. METHODS AND RESULTS: In this cohort study, 87 890 individuals (29
      917 men and 57 973 women) 40 to 79 years of age in 1993 were followed up until
      2008. Retinal photography was classified as normal, grade 1, or grade 2 based on
      the Keith-Wagener-Barker system. Risk ratios for all-cause and cause-specific
      mortality for each classification were calculated with Cox proportional hazards
      regression models. Covariates included age, systolic blood pressure,
      antihypertensive medication use, and other cardiovascular risk factors.
      Multivariable hazard ratios for total cardiovascular disease mortality were 1.24
      (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12-1.38) and 1.23 (95% CI, 1.03-1.47) for grades
      1 and 2 among men and 1.12 (95% CI, 1.01-1.24) and 1.44 (95% CI, 1.24-1.68) for
      grades 1 and 2 among women, respectively. Hazard ratios for total stroke
      mortality were 1.31 (95% CI, 1.13-1.53) and 1.38 (95% CI, 1.08-1.77) for grades 1
      and 2 among men and 1.30 (95% CI, 1.12-1.50) and 1.70 (95% CI, 1.36-2.11) for
      grades 1 and 2 among women, respectively. For both hypertensive and normotensive
      subjects of each sex, multivariable hazard ratios for all-cause mortality, total
      cardiovascular mortality, and total stroke mortality were significantly higher
      for grade 1 or 2 compared with normal. CONCLUSIONS: Mild hypertensive retinopathy
      is a risk factor for cardiovascular mortality independently of cardiovascular
      risk factors among men and women with and without hypertension.

PMID- 22064595
TI  - Statin use in outpatients with obstructive coronary artery disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clinical trials have shown that statin therapy reduces cardiovascular
      morbidity and mortality in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), even
      among patients with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels <100 mg/dL. We
      sought to determine the extent to which patients with obstructive CAD in routine
      outpatient care are treated with statins, nonstatins, or no lipid-lowering
      therapy. METHODS AND RESULTS: Within the American College of Cardiology's
      Practice Innovation and Clinical Excellence (PINNACLE) outpatient registry, we
      examined rates of treatment with statin and nonstatin medications in 38 775
      outpatients with obstructive CAD (history of myocardial infarction or coronary
      revascularization) and without documented contraindications to statin therapy.
      Among these patients, 30 160 (77.8%) were prescribed statins, 2042 (5.3%) were
      treated only with nonstatin lipid-lowering medications, and 6573 (17.0%) were
      untreated. Lack of medical insurance was associated with no statin treatment, and
      male sex, coexisting hypertension, and a recent coronary revascularization were
      associated with statin treatment. Among those not on any lipid-lowering therapy,
      low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were available for 51.2% (3365/6573).
      Among these untreated patients, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were
      <100 mg/dL in 1794 patients (53.3%) and >= 100 mg/dL in 1571 patients (46.7%).
      CONCLUSIONS: Despite robust clinical trial evidence, a substantial number of
      patients with obstructive CAD remain untreated with statins. A small proportion
      were treated with nonstatin therapy, and 1 in 6 patients was simply untreated;
      half of the untreated patients had low-density lipoprotein cholesterol values
      <100 mg/dL. These findings illustrate important opportunities to improve lipid
      management in outpatients with obstructive CAD.

PMID- 22064596
TI  - Identification of a danger-associated peptide from apolipoprotein B100 (ApoBDS-1)
      that triggers innate proatherogenic responses.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Subendothelial deposited low-density lipoprotein particles are a
      known inflammatory factor in atherosclerosis. However, the causal components
      derived from low-density lipoprotein are still poorly defined. Apolipoprotein
      B100 (ApoB100) is the unexchangeable protein component of low-density
      lipoprotein, and the progression of atherosclerosis is associated with immune
      responses to ApoB100-derived peptides. In this study, we analyzed the
      proinflammatory activity of ApoB100 peptides in atherosclerosis. METHODS AND
      RESULTS: By screening a peptide library of ApoB100, we identified a distinct
      native peptide referred to as ApoB100 danger-associated signal 1 (ApoBDS-1),
      which shows sequence-specific bioactivity in stimulation of interleukin-8, CCL2,
      and interleukin-6. ApoBDS-1 activates mitogen-activated protein kinase and
      calcium signaling, thereby effecting the expression of interleukin-8 in innate
      immune cells. Ex vivo stimulation of carotid plaques with ApoBDS-1 enhances
      interleukin-8 and prostaglandin E2 release. Furthermore, we demonstrated that
      ApoBDS-1-positive peptide fragments are present in atherosclerotic lesions using
      immunoassays and that low-molecular-weight fractions isolated from plaque show
      ApoBDS-1 activity inducing interleukin-8 production. CONCLUSIONS: Our data show
      that ApoBDS-1 is a previously unrecognized peptide with robust proinflammatory
      activity, contributing to the disease-promoting effects of low-density
      lipoprotein in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis.

PMID- 22064597
TI  - m-Calpain induction in vascular endothelial cells on human and mouse atheromas
      and its roles in VE-cadherin disorganization and atherosclerosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although dysfunction of VE-cadherin-mediated adherence junctions in
      vascular endothelial cells (ECs) is thought to be one of the initial steps of
      atherosclerosis, little is known regarding how VE-cadherin is disrupted during
      atherogenic development. This study focused on the role of calpain, an
      intracellular cysteine protease, in the proteolytic disorganization of VE
      cadherin and subsequent progression of atherosclerosis. METHODS AND RESULTS:
      Increased expression of m-calpain was observed in aortic ECs in atherosclerotic
      lesions in humans and low-density lipoprotein receptor-deficient (ldlr(-/-))
      mice. Furthermore, proteolytic disorganization of VE-cadherin was shown in aortic
      ECs in ldlr(-/-) and apolipoprotein E-deficient (apoE(-/-)) mice. Long-term
      administration of calpain inhibitors into these mice attenuated atherosclerotic
      lesion development and proinflammatory responses, as well as VE-cadherin
      disorganization, without normalization of plasma lipid profiles. Furthermore, in
      vivo transfection of m-calpain siRNA to ldlr(-/-) mice prevented disorganization
      of VE-cadherin and proatherogenic hyperpermeability in aortic ECs. Treatment of
      cultured ECs with oxidized LDL, lysophosphatidylcholine, or LDL pretreated with
      secreted phospholipase A(2) led to the induction of m-calpain but not of MU
      calpain, thereby eliciting selective m-calpain overactivation. These data suggest
      that lysophosphatidylcholine-induced m-calpain directly cleaves a juxtamembrane
      region of VE-cadherin, resulting in dissociation of beta-catenin from the VE
      cadherin complex, disorganization of adherence junctions, and hyperpermeability
      in ECs. CONCLUSIONS: Subtype-selective induction of m-calpain in aortic ECs
      during atherosclerotic progression is associated with proteolytic disorganization
      of VE-cadherin and proatherogenic hyperpermeability in cells. Thus, a strategy to
      selectively inhibit m-calpain may be useful for the therapeutic treatment of
      patients with atherosclerosis.

PMID- 22064598
TI  - 2011 ACCF/AHA/SCAI Guideline for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: executive
      summary: a report of the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart
      Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines and the Society for Cardiovascular
      Angiography and Interventions.

PMID- 22064599
TI  - 2011 ACCF/AHA Guideline for Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery: a report of the
      American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association Task Force
      on Practice Guidelines.

PMID- 22064600
TI  - 2011 ACCF/AHA Guideline for Coronary Artery Bypass Graft Surgery: executive
      summary: a report of the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart
      Association Task Force on Practice Guidelines.

PMID- 22064601
TI  - 2011 ACCF/AHA/SCAI Guideline for Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: a report of
      the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association Task
      Force on Practice Guidelines and the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and
      Interventions.

PMID- 22064602
TI  - The 5alpha-androstanedione pathway to dihydrotestosterone in castration-resistant
      prostate cancer.
AB  - The survival and progression of prostate cancer are generally dependent on
      expression of the androgen receptor (AR), as well as the availability of
      endogenous AR agonists. Originating from the gonads, testosterone is released
      into circulation and is converted by steroid-5alpha-reductase in prostate cancer
      to 5alpha-dihydrotestosterone (DHT), potently activating AR and driving tumor
      progression. Advanced prostate cancer is initially treated with gonadal
      testosterone depletion, which suppresses this cascade of events and typically
      leads to a treatment response. Eventually, resistance to testosterone deprivation
      occurs with "castration-resistant" prostate cancer (CRPC) and is driven by the
      intratumoral synthesis of DHT. The generation of DHT occurs in large part from
      adrenal 19-carbon precursor steroids, which are dependent on expression of
      CYP17A1. Although the path from adrenal precursor steroids to DHT was generally
      thought to require 5alpha-reduction of testosterone, recent data suggest that it
      instead involves conversion from Delta-androstenedione by steroid-5alpha
      reductase isoenzyme-1 to 5alpha-androstanedione, followed by subsequent
      conversion to DHT. The 5alpha-androstanedione pathway to DHT therefore bypasses
      testosterone entirely. Abiraterone acetate effectively inhibits CYP17A1, blocks
      the synthesis of androgens, and extends the survival of men with CRPC. Further
      progress in the hormonal treatment of CRPC is dependent on an understanding of
      the mechanisms that underlie CRPC and resistance to abiraterone acetate.

PMID- 22064603
TI  - Angiotensin-converting enzyme DD polymorphism is associated with poor coronary
      collateral circulation in patients with coronary artery disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Although association between angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE)
      insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism and cardiovascular diseases was reported by
      many studies, the relation between ACE I/D polymorphism and coronary collateral
      circulation (CCC) has not been studied yet. The aim of the present study was to
      investigate a possible relationship between ACE I/D polymorphism and CCC.
      METHODS: Patients who were subjected to coronary angiography in the 2006 to 2009
      period and had at least a completely occluded major artery were included in this
      study. To classify collateral circulation, we used the Rentrop classification.
      Patients were classified as having poor CCC (Rentrop grades 0 to 1) or good CCC
      (Rentrop grades 2 to 3). Gene polymorphism was detected through the detailed
      melting curve analysis of polymerase chain reaction products after amplification
      using real-time polymerase chain reaction method and LightCycler 1.5 apparatus.
      RESULTS: We prospectively studied 113 patients who had at least 1 totally
      occluded major epicardial coronary artery. Forty-seven patients had poor CCC and
      67 patients had good CCC. There were no differences among groups in age, sex,
      risk factors, lipid profile, uses of cardiovascular drugs, and number of diseased
      vessels. Plasma ACE levels were significantly higher in poor CCC group (P <
      0.001). The frequency of DD polymorphism was higher in the poor CCC group (P <
      0.001). In allele frequency, we found that the frequency of the D allele was
      higher in poor CCC group than in the good CCC group (95% confidence interval
      [CI], 2.16-7.38; P < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis with CCC development as
      the dependent variable revealed that the presence of total occlusion of the left
      circumflex artery (95% CI, 1.29-6.6; P = 0.001), ACE DD genotype (95% CI, 2.55
      12.79; P = 0.001), presence of diabetes (95% CI, 1.03-3.16; P = 0.005), and pulse
      pressure (95% CI, 1.04-1.56; P = 0.045) were independent determinants of poor
      coronary collateral development. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that ACE DD
      polymorphism is associated with poor CCC. Poor collateral circulation in patients
      carrying the D allele may be associated with endothelial dysfunction and elevated
      blood ACE levels in these patients.

PMID- 22064604
TI  - CD200 expression in B-cell chronic lymphoproliferative disorders.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Flow cytometry immunophenotyping (FCIP) is used for rapid, specific
      diagnosis of B-chronic lymphoproliferative disorders (BCLPDs). However, cases may
      deviate from the typical immunophenotype; therefore, there is a need for adding
      new marker(s) for differentiating BCLPDs.Lately, few researches highlighted CD200
      expression in some BCLPDs. Our aim was to evaluate CD200 expression in different
      BCLPDs and whether adding CD200 to BCLPD-FCIP routine panels could improve the
      ability of their differential diagnosis. METHODS: We evaluated CD200 expression
      in 49 BCLPD patients and 26 age- and sex-matched control subjects. Flow cytometry
      immunophenotyping first panel included CD5, CD19, sIg, CD23, CD22, CD79b, and
      FMC7; for BCLPDs other than chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and mantle cell
      lymphoma, CD11c, CD103, CD25, and CD10 were evaluated. RESULTS: Using tricolor
      FCIP, CD200 showed high bright expression on CD5/19-positive clone in all B-CLL
      patients (100%), with a mean of 94% (SD, 11%); in the 2 cases of hairy cell
      leukemia, CD200 was brightly expressed on 96% and 99% of cells. In all other
      BCLPDs including mantle cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma and splenic marginal
      zone lymphoma, CD200 expression (on CD19/22-positive cells) was less than 20%
      with a mean of 10% (SD, 8%) and a dim pattern. CD200 expression was significantly
      higher in CLL compared with non-Hodgkin lymphoma groups (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS:
      Evaluating CD200 expression has a great impact on accurate BCLPDs diagnosis and
      could be added to the BCLPD routine panels. The high expression of CD200 in B
      cell CLL and hairy cell leukemia could open the option for targeted immune (anti
      CD200) therapy.

PMID- 22064605
TI  - Comorbidities in gouty arthritis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gouty arthritis is increasing in prevalence in men and women,
      particularly in older age groups. METHODS: A PubMed search was conducted to
      identify common comorbidities associated with gouty arthritis, their impact on
      quality of life, and strategies to manage gouty arthritis and its associated
      comorbidities. RESULTS: Gouty arthritis is associated with numerous comorbidities
      that are increasing in prevalence (chronic kidney disease [CKD], hypertension,
      obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular disease) and that
      negatively impact long-term prognosis and quality of life. Therefore, certain
      considerations and precautions are necessary when treating gouty arthritis in
      these patients. For example, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can cause acute
      renal toxicity or worsen CKD and should be avoided in this population. Dosage
      adjustments are recommended when using colchicine and urate-lowering therapy in
      patients with CKD, which may limit efficacy. Febuxostat may be used in patients
      with mild to moderate renal impairment, but insufficient information is available
      for use in patients with creatinine clearance of less than 30 mL/min. Numerous
      drug-drug interactions in patients with gouty arthritis and comorbidities may
      alter serum uric acid levels. Several interleukin 1beta inhibitors, which target
      the underlying inflammatory mechanism of gouty arthritis and many of its
      comorbidities, are in development and may provide an option for patients not
      adequately managed with other treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Gouty arthritis is
      associated with renal, metabolic, and cardiovascular comorbidities that
      negatively impact overall health. The management of gouty arthritis in the
      presence of comorbidities is particularly challenging because of
      contraindications, the need for dosage adjustments, and polypharmacy.

PMID- 22064606
TI  - The safety and efficacy of etanercept on cardiac functions and lipid profile in
      patients with active rheumatoid arthritis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are known to be at increased
      cardiovascular risk. Etanercept is a tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha)
      blocking agent that has been successfully used in the treatment of RA. We sought
      to assess the effects of etanercept on cardiac functions and lipid profile in RA
      patients without overt cardiac disease. METHODS: Sixteen patients with active RA
      were recruited to the study prospectively. Etanercept was administered
      subcutaneously twice a week for 6 months. Clinical and laboratory predictors of
      RA activity and lipid profile were evaluated at baseline and at 6 months. The
      systolic and diastolic function parameters of the left ventricle were obtained by
      echocardiographic examination and included mitral inflow Doppler and tissue
      Doppler imaging. RESULTS: Sixteen patients (13 women; median age, 48 years
      [range, 27-69 years]) completed the study. Patients' 28-item Disease Activity
      Score and Health Assessment Questionnaire scores were significantly reduced by
      treatment (6.35 to 4.45 [P < 0.001] and 2.0 to 0.75 [P = 0.005], respectively).
      Diastolic dysfunction was detected in 6 patients (37.5%) (3 in grade 1 and 3 in
      grade 2) by mitral inflow Doppler and the tissue Doppler parameters before the
      treatment. No significant change in diastolic dysfunction was observed during
      follow-up (6/16 to 5/16, P = 0.164). In addition, there were also no significant
      differences in the left ventricular ejection fraction (65.8-66.9, P = 0.168) and
      lipid profiles after 6 months of etanercept treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Etanercept
      treatment was safe for use as regards cardiac functions and lipid profiles and
      effective on RA parameters during 6-month follow-up in patients with active RA.

PMID- 22064607
TI  - Minimum 10-year follow-up of arthroscopic intra-articular Bankart repair using
      bioabsorbable tacks.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are few long-term studies evaluating functional outcomes and
      rates of arthrosis after arthroscopic Bankart repair with bioabsorbable tacks.
      PURPOSE: We evaluated the clinical and radiographic results of arthroscopic
      Bankart repair using intra-articular bioabsorbable tacks at a minimum of 10
      years' follow-up. STUDY DESIGN: Case series; Level of evidence, 4. METHODS:
      Thirty-two consecutive patients were retrospectively identified. Twenty patients
      (63%) were evaluated at a mean follow-up of 13.5 years (range, 10.75-17.5 years)
      and average age of 43 years (range, 28-73 years). The surgical shoulder (SS) was
      compared with a healthy control shoulder (CS) in 15 of 20 patients. Outcome tools
      included the Western Ontario Shoulder Instability Index (WOSI) and Disabilities
      of the Shoulder, Arm, and Hand (DASH). Blinded, independent evaluators performed
      physical examinations and reviewed radiographs. RESULTS: Thirteen patients (65%)
      had stable shoulders, 5 of 7 (25%) failed by dislocation, and 2 of 7 (10%) failed
      by signs of anterior instability on examination. Three patients underwent
      revision stabilization surgery. Average time to failure was 4.2 years (range,
      0.25-14.7 years). Average WOSI and DASH scores were 80% and 7.3, respectively.
      The CS faired better than SS in WOSI scores (97% vs 83%, respectively; P = .008),
      main DASH scores (0.39 vs 6.79, respectively; P = .024), and the DASH sports
      module (0.00 vs 10.94, respectively; P = .043). Patients lost 5.9 degrees  of
      passive forward flexion (P = .031) and 4.3 degrees  of passive external rotation
      (P = .001). Forty percent returned to their preoperative sports level. Higher
      grades of arthrosis were seen in the SS (20% absent, 40% mild, 25% moderate, and
      15% severe) versus CS (P = .002). CONCLUSION: At long-term follow-up, 65% of
      patients treated with an arthroscopic Bankart repair using bioabsorbable tacks
      had a well-functioning, stable shoulder. Disability scores were greatest with
      sports; however, the majority of patients had well-preserved ranges of motion and
      good functional WOSI scores. Despite this, 40% had evidence of moderate to severe
      glenohumeral arthrosis.

PMID- 22064608
TI  - Retention of movement pattern changes after a lower extremity injury prevention
      program is affected by program duration.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Changes in movement patterns have been repeatedly observed
      immediately after completing a lower extremity injury prevention program.
      However, it is not known if movement pattern changes are maintained after
      discontinuing the training program. HYPOTHESIS: The ability to maintain movement
      pattern changes after training has ceased may be influenced by the program's
      duration. The authors hypothesized that among individuals who completed either a
      3-month or 9-month training program and who demonstrated immediate movement
      pattern changes, only those who completed the 9-month training program would
      maintain movement pattern changes after a 3-month period of no longer performing
      the exercises. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 2. METHODS: A total
      of 140 youth soccer athletes from 15 separate teams volunteered to participate.
      Athletes' movement patterns were assessed using the Landing Error Scoring System
      (LESS) at pretest, posttest, and 3 months after ceasing the program (retention
      test). Eighty-four of the original 140 participants demonstrated improvements in
      their LESS scores between pretest and posttest (change in LESS score >0) and were
      included in the final analyses for this study (n = 84; 20 boys and 64 girls; mean
      age, 14 +/- 2 years; age range, 11-17 years). Teams performed 3-month (short
      duration group) and 9-month (extended-duration group) injury prevention programs.
      The exercises performed were identical for both groups. Teams performed the
      programs as part of their normal warm-up routine. RESULTS: Although both groups
      improved their total LESS scores from pretest to posttest, only the extended
      duration training group retained their improvements 3 months after ceasing the
      injury prevention program (F(2,137) = 3.38; P = .04). CONCLUSION: Results suggest
      that training duration may be an important factor to consider when designing
      injury prevention programs that facilitate long-term changes in movement control.

PMID- 22064609
TI  - Going to the USA--a US headache center from an Italian perspective.
AB  - During a period I spent at the UCSF Headache Center in the USA, I noted striking
      differences between the US health-care system and the Italian one in which I was
      trained. Here, I aim to outline some of these differences from a scientific-and,
      more importantly, from a sociocultural-point of view. Awareness of these aspects
      may help us to better understand different approaches to the diagnosis and
      treatment of various diseases, including headache.

PMID- 22064610
TI  - Advances in understanding and treatment of Tourette syndrome.
AB  - Tourette syndrome is a hereditary, childhood-onset neurodevelopmental disorder
      that was first clearly described in France in 1885. This disorder is
      characterized by sudden, rapid, recurrent, nonrhythmic movements (motor tics) or
      sounds (vocal or phonic tics), often preceded by premonitory sensations or urges.
      Some individuals also have psychiatric comorbidities, notably attention-deficit
      hyperactivity disorder or obsessive-compulsive disorder. Tourette syndrome occurs
      worldwide, in all races and ethnicities, in both sexes and in children as well as
      in adults. Estimates of its prevalence in children vary, with rates of up to 1%
      being reported, but rates of 0.3-0.8% are thought to accurately reflect the
      occurrence of the disorder. Research has led to progress in many aspects of
      Tourette syndrome, although many questions and unmet needs remain. For example,
      except for rare cases, the genetic basis remains elusive. The anatomical and
      neuronal changes in the brain that underlie Tourette syndrome are also unclear,
      although the evidence increasingly implicates alterations in basal ganglia
      function. Treatment is often unnecessary for individuals with mild tics, but for
      those with moderate to severe forms of the syndrome, some drugs are available,
      albeit frequently ineffective. Behavioral and surgical therapies, in particular
      deep brain stimulation, are currently undergoing development and show promising
      results. This Review examines the history of Tourette syndrome and describes its
      clinical presentation. The article also provides an overview of the epidemiology
      and pathophysiology of this disorder. Current treatment strategies and potential
      future therapies are also discussed.

PMID- 22064611
TI  - Depression-a study of 80 cases.
AB  - The present study refers to an analysis of eighty cases of depression. The annual
      incidence in our psychiatric population ranges from 17-20% of all the new
      psychiatric cases. The peak incidence was observed in the age group of 26-45
      years, without any particular affinity to either sex. 83.8% of our sample were
      married and those hailing from nuclear families formed the larger proportion
      (58.75%).Somatic symptoms were the predominant presenting complaint in 61.3% of
      our patients. Another noteworthy observation was significant number of
      depressives harboured guilt feelings (76.3%) and suicidal ideas (73.8%). Other
      findings are also discussed.

PMID- 22064612
TI  - N'-[(1E)-4-Diethyl-amino-2-hy-droxy-benz-idene]benzohydrazide.
AB  - In the title compound, C(18)H(21)N(3)O(2), the dihedral angle between the phenyl
      and benzene rings is 36.85 (10) degrees . The methyl C atom of one of the ethyl
      groups is disordered over two positions with site occupancies of 0.810 (8) and
      0.190 (8). The mol-ecular structure is stabilized by a classical intra-molecular
      O-H?N hydrogen bond. The crystal structure exhibits weak inter-molecular N-H?O, C
      H?O and C-H?pi inter-actions.

PMID- 22064613
TI  - Psychometric properties of the Starkstein Apathy Scale in patients with early
      untreated Parkinson disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: : Although the 14-item Starkstein Apathy Scale (SAS) is recommended
      to screen for and measure the severity of apathetic symptoms in Parkinson disease
      (PD), the psychometric attributes of this scale have not yet been fully
      evaluated. OBJECTIVE: : The authors examined the reliability, factor structure,
      and discriminant validity of the SAS in 194 nondemented patients with early
      untreated PD. DESIGN: : Cross-sectional multicenter population-based study from
      Western and Southern Norway. MEASUREMENTS: : Standardized rating scales for
      parkinsonism and neuropsychiatric symptoms. RESULTS: : The SAS showed fair
      internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.69) and exploratory factor analysis
      identified two factors: the first factor (24.2% of the variance) represented
      cognitive-behavioral aspects of apathy (items 1, 2, and 4-8; Cronbach's alpha =
      0.74) and the second factor (15.0% of the variance) a general apathy dimension
      (items 3 and 9-14; Cronbach's alpha = 0.52). The correlation between these two
      factors was low (Spearman's r = 0.19, N = 194, p = 0.008), indicating clinically
      distinct dimensions, but both factor scores were strongly related to the total
      SAS score (Spearman's r > 0.6, N = 194, p < 0.0005). Item 3 (insight or self
      reflection) showed a negative item-total correlation, and removing this item
      raised the Cronbach's alpha of the second factor to 0.70, but did not
      substantially alter the other results. Both the total score and factor scores of
      SAS showed fair discriminant validity. CONCLUSIONS: : Although the SAS showed
      fairly good psychometric properties and the exploratory factor analysis suggested
      a two-factor solution, the results with this PD sample indicate that item 3 is
      ambiguous and should be considered removed from the scale.

PMID- 22064614
TI  - Poly[[aqua-tris-(MU(4)-benzene-1,2-dicarboxyl-ato)dilanthanum(III)] hemihydrate].
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title coordination polymer,
      {[La(2)(C(8)H(4)O(4))(3)(H(2)O)].0.5H(2)O}(n), contains two independent La(III)
      atoms, one of which is surrounded by eight carboxyl-ate-O atoms from six benzene
      1,2-dicarboxyl-ate (BDC) anions in a bicapped trigonal-prismatic geometry. The
      other La(III) atom is nine-coordinated in a tricapped trigonal-prismatic
      geometry, formed by eight carboxyl-ate-O atoms from six BDC anions and a
      coordinated water mol-ecule. The BDC anions bridge the La(III) atoms, forming a
      two-dimensional polymeric complex parallel to (001). The crystal structure
      contains weak O-H?O and non-classical C-H?O hydrogen bonds. A C-H?pi inter-action
      is also present in the crystal structure. The uncoordinated water molecule shows
      half-occupation.

PMID- 22064617
TI  - Education and psychological test scores.
AB  - Education, a long neglected variable affecting psychological test score, is in
      search of reemphasis. Some evidence for this has accumulated on the psychological
      tests constructed and standardized here at the department of Psychiatry, P.G.I.,
      Chandigarh. Tentative norms prepared education wise on WAIS-Verbal section, PGI
      Memory Scale, Proverb and Similarity Tests, Psychoticism Questionnaire, and PGI
      MQN 2, for adults, in the age range of 16-50, are reported. The results showed
      marked difference in the mean scores of different educational categories and thus
      stressed the need for reporting norms separately for different educational
      levels.

PMID- 22064618
TI  - (R(P),R(P))-Bis[(3-menthyloxy)(phenyl)-phosphino-yl] disulfide.
AB  - The molecule of the title compound, C(32)H(48)O(4)P(2)S(2), has 2 symmetry, the
      mid-point of the S-S bond being located on a twofold rotation axis. The two tetra
      hedral P units are linked by a S-S bond with a P-S-S-P torsion angle is 131.19
      (6) degrees . The dihedral angle between two phenyl rings is 12.66 (13) degrees .
      The cyclo-hexane ring of the menthoxyl group displays a chair conformation. Weak
      inter-molecular C-H?O hydrogen bonding is present in the crystal structure.

PMID- 22064619
TI  - fac-(2-Amido-ethyl-kappaC,O)trichlorido(urea-kappaO)tin(IV).
AB  - The Sn atom in the title compound, [Sn(C(3)H(6)NO)Cl(3)(CH(4)N(2)O)], is octa
      hedrally coordinated within a CCl(3)NO donor set provided by a chelating amido
      ethyl ligand (C and O), a urea-O atom and three facially arranged Cl atoms.
      Systematic variations in the Sn-Cl bond distances are correlated with the
      relative trans influence exerted by the C and carbonyl-O atoms. The three
      dimensional crystal packing is stabilized by N-H?O and N-H?Cl hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22064620
TI  - 4-[(E)-(4-Diethyl-amino-2-hy-droxy-benzyl-idene)amino]-1,5-dimethyl-2-phenyl-1H
      pyrazol-3(2H)-one.
AB  - In the title compound, C(22)H(26)N(4)O(2), the phenyl ring and hy-droxy-benzene
      group are twisted with respect to the central pyrazolone ring, making dihedral
      angles of 54.05 (5) and 21.80 (6) degrees , respectively. One of the ethyl groups
      is disordered over two positions with site occupancies of 0.872 (6) and 0.128
      (6). The mol-ecular structure features short intra-molecular O-H?N and C-H?O
      contacts. The crystal packing exhibits weak inter-molecular C-H?O and C-H?pi
      inter-actions.

PMID- 22064621
TI  - (2,7-Dimeth-oxy-naphthalen-1-yl)(2,4,6-trimethyl-phen-yl)methanone.
AB  - In the title compound, C(22)H(22)O(3), the dihedral angle between the naphthalene
      ring system and the benzene ring is 82.93 (5) degrees . The bridging carbonyl C
      C(=O)-C plane makes dihedral angles of 50.11 (6) and 46.87 (7) degrees ,
      respectively, with the naphthalene ring system and the benzene ring. In the
      crystal, three types of weak inter-molecular C-H?O inter-actions are observed.

PMID- 22064622
TI  - Arterial resection during pancreatectomy for pancreatic cancer: a systematic
      review and meta-analysis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The majority of pancreatic cancers are diagnosed at an advanced
      stage. As surgical resection remains the only hope for cure, more aggressive
      surgical approaches have been advocated to increase resection rates. Institutions
      have begun to release data on their experience with pancreatectomy and
      simultaneous arterial resection (AR), which has traditionally been considered a
      general contraindication to resection. The aim of the present meta-analysis was
      to evaluate the perioperative and long-term outcomes of patients with AR during
      pancreatectomy for pancreatic cancer. METHODS: The Medline, Embase, and Cochrane
      Library and J-East databases were systematically searched to identify studies
      reporting outcome of patients who underwent pancreatectomy with AR for pancreatic
      cancer. Studies that reported perioperative and/or long-term results after
      pancreatectomy with AR were eligible for inclusion. Meta-analyses included
      comparative studies providing data on patients with and without AR and were
      performed using a random effects model. RESULTS: The literature search identified
      26 studies including 366 and 2243 patients who underwent pancreatectomy with and
      without AR. All studies were retrospective cohort studies and the methodological
      quality was moderate to low. Meta-analyses revealed AR to be associated with a
      significantly increased risk for perioperative mortality [Odds ratio (OR) = 5.04;
      95% confidence interval (CI), 2.69-9.45; P < 0.0001; I2 = 24%], poor survival at
      1 year (OR = 0.49; 95% CI, 0.31-0.78; P = 0.002; I2 = 35%) and 3 years (OR =
      0.39; 95% CI, 0.17-0.86; P = 0.02; I2 = 49%) compared with patients without AR.
      The increased perioperative mortality (OR = 8.87; 95% CI, 3.40-23.13; P < 0.0001;
      I2 = 5%) and lower survival rate at 1 year (OR = 0.50; 95% CI, 0.31-0.82; P =
      0.006; I2 = 40%) was confirmed in the comparison to patients undergoing venous
      resection. Despite substantial perioperative mortality, pancreatectomy with AR
      was associated with more favorable survival compared with patients who did not
      undergo resection for locally advanced disease. CONCLUSIONS: AR in patients
      undergoing pancreatectomy for pancreatic cancer is associated with a poor short
      and long-term outcome. Pancreatectomy with AR may, however, be justified in
      highly selected patients owing to the potential survival benefit compared with
      patients without resection. These patients should be treated within the bounds of
      clinical trials to assess outcomes after AR in the era of modern pancreatic
      surgery and multimodal therapy.

PMID- 22064623
TI  - Use of direct observed therapy to confirm compliance in a warfarin clinic.
AB  - Anticoagulation therapy poses multiple risks to patients and contributes to
      thousands of health-care dollars in treating complications. These risks have been
      shown to decrease when patients are monitored in a warfarin clinic. Even in the
      setting of a warfarin clinic, complications can occur, most of which are related
      to patient compliance. Warfarin clinics have limited options for addressing
      issues of compliance. Direct observed therapy is a technique that warfarin
      clinics can use to highlight issue of noncompliance to more safely manage
      patients on warfarin. A short course of direct observed therapy is a feasible
      method to confirm compliance with anticoagulation medication. Direct observed
      therapy allows providers to adjust medication based on real data and not just
      patient statements of compliance. Direct observed therapy also allows providers
      to confront patients with tangible evidence of noncompliance that cannot be
      refuted.

PMID- 22064624
TI  - What stands in the way of technology-mediated patient safety improvements?: a
      study of facilitators and barriers to physicians' use of electronic health
      records.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: For electronic health record (EHR) systems to have a positive impact
      on patient safety, clinicians must be able to use these systems effectively after
      they are made available. This study's objective is to identify and describe
      facilitators and barriers to physicians' use of EHR systems. METHODS: Twenty
      research interviews were conducted with attending physicians who were using EHR
      at 1 of 2 Midwest community hospitals and/or at their respective outpatient
      clinics. RESULTS: Analyses yielded more than 200 perceived facilitators and
      barriers, comprising 19 distinct categories. Categories of facilitators/barriers
      related to user attribute included learning, typing proficiency, understanding
      the EHR system, motivation/initiative, and strategies/workarounds. Categories
      related to system attributes were supporting hardware/software and system speed,
      functionality, and usability. Categories related to support from others were
      formal technical support, formal training, and informal support from colleagues.
      Categories of organizational facilitators/barriers were time allowance and
      interinstitutional integration. Categories of environmental facilitators/barriers
      were physical space, electricity, wireless connectivity, and the social
      environment. CONCLUSIONS: Together, the broad set of discovered facilitators and
      barriers confirms and expands prior research on the facilitators and barriers to
      health information technology use. The depth of reported information on each
      facilitator and barrier made possible by qualitative interview methods
      contributes to the theoretical understanding of facilitators and barriers to EHR
      use. Equally as important, this study provides an information base from which
      relevant policy and design interventions can be launched to improve the use of
      EHR systems and, thus, patient safety.

PMID- 22064625
TI  - Error detection and recovery in dialysis nursing.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Our aim for this study was to evaluate dialysis nurses' ability to
      detect and recover from nursing errors. METHODS: Two clinical cases with a total
      of 12 embedded errors were constructed. The errors were based on real events but
      were modified for the experimental design by an expert dialysis nurse. A total of
      31 registered nurse subjects "talked aloud" as they read through the 2 cases and
      answered a set of predesigned knowledge-based and procedural questions. The talk
      aloud sessions were recorded and transcribed for analysis of errors detected and
      recovered. RESULTS: Performance on procedurally based error detection and
      recovery was significantly higher as a function of expertise (P < 0.05), where
      more-experienced nurses performed better than the less-experienced nurses in
      detecting and recovering procedurally based errors. However, no differences were
      found for knowledge-based errors. CONCLUSIONS: Expert nurses develop a special
      ability to detect and recover from nursing errors, but the nature of these errors
      depends on the nature of the task. Dialysis nursing requires more knowledge of
      procedures rather than conceptual knowledge in their routine work, and thus, the
      nurses develop better procedurally based skills. This raises concern about nurses
      making knowledge-based or conceptual errors, which, if made, are not detected or
      corrected. The need for understanding conceptual knowledge underlying procedures
      and for training in error detection and correction strategies is discussed in the
      context of nursing.

PMID- 22064626
TI  - The nature and causes of unintended events reported at 10 internal medicine
      departments.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to examine the nature and causes of unintended events
      (UEs) at internal medicine departments (IMD). METHODS: An observational study was
      conducted at 10 IMDs in 8 Dutch hospitals. The study period per participating
      department was 5 to 14 weeks. During this period, staff were asked to report all
      UEs concerning patient safety. To identify underlying root causes, experienced
      researchers analyzed the reports using a standardized root cause analysis method
      called PRISMA medical. RESULTS: Hospital staff reported 625 UEs. Medication
      related UEs were the most reported events (42%). Of all reported UEs, 12%
      involved the collaboration between the IMD and other departments within the
      hospital.On the basis of the 625 UEs, 920 root causes were identified. The mean
      (SD) number of root causes per incident was 1.47 (0.68). Human root causes were
      related to 83.2% of the UEs, organizational root causes were related to 15.7%,
      technical root causes were related to 7%, and other root causes were related to
      8.6% of the UEs.More than half of the reported UEs reached the patient (62%),
      with suboptimal care as the most frequently occurring consequence (44.7%).
      Physical injury occurred in 10.3% of the UEs. CONCLUSIONS: Hospital staff
      reporting UEs seems to be a good method for gaining insight into the types of UEs
      that occur at hospital departments. Although many UEs had human causes,
      identifying technical and organizational causes is important for the development
      of successful improvement strategies considering their contribution to human
      error. Important targets for these strategies are the medication process and
      collaboration within the hospital.

PMID- 22064629
TI  - Tetra-kis(diethyl ether)tetra-MU(4)-oxido-octa-kis-(penta-fluoro-phen-yl)octa
      zinc.
AB  - Mol-ecules of the title compound, [Zn(8)(C(6)F(5))(8)O(4)(C(4)H(10)O)(4)], are
      located on a special position of site symmetry [Formula: see text]. As a result,
      there is just one quarter-mol-ecule in the asymmetric unit. The title compound
      features a Zn(4)O(4) cube. Each Zn atom in the cube carries a pentafluorophenyl
      substituent. Each O atom is bonded to a further Zn atom, which is connected to a
      pentafluorophenyl substituent and the O atom of a diethyl ether mol-ecule. All
      ether C atoms are disordered over two sets of sites with a site occupation factor
      of 0.51 (2) for the major occupied site.

PMID- 22064628
TI  - Genetics of susceptibility and treatment response in psoriatic arthritis.
AB  - Psoriatic arthritis (PsA), an inflammatory arthritis associated with psoriasis,
      has a wide spectrum of disease severity. The clinical heterogeneity in PsA
      probably reflects substantial genetic heterogeneity. In recent years, many genes
      that contribute to the pathogenesis of psoriasis and PsA have been identified,
      especially in Western cohorts. Emerging evidence from functional studies of
      candidate genes identified by genome-wide association studies is suggestive of an
      integrated, multi-tiered pathogenic model, comprising distinct signaling networks
      that affect skin barrier function, innate immune responses (involving NFkappaB
      and interferon signaling), and adaptive immune responses (involving CD8(+) T
      cells and type 17 T-helper-cell signaling). Although several genes--and variants
      thereof--within these pathways have been associated with susceptibility to
      psoriasis and PsA, replication in large multiethnic cohorts, fine mapping and
      resequencing efforts, together with functional studies of the variants, are
      warranted to better understand their role in disease susceptibility. With respect
      to pharmacogenetics, several candidate gene polymorphisms have been shown to
      influence responses to both traditional and biologic therapies in psoriasis and
      PsA, but confirmation in large prospective cohorts is required before the
      information can be used in the clinical setting.

PMID- 22064630
TI  - Does VSL#3 really improve symptoms in children with IBS?

PMID- 22064631
TI  - Endocrine and bone metabolic complications in chronic liver disease and after
      liver transplantation in children.
AB  - With improved survival of orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) in children,
      prevention and treatment of pre- and posttransplant complications have become a
      major focus of care. End-stage liver failure can cause endocrine complications
      such as growth failure and hepatic osteodystrophy, and, like other chronic
      illnesses, also pubertal delay, relative adrenal insufficiency, and the sick
      euthyroid syndrome. Drug-induced diabetes mellitus post-OLT affects approximately
      10% of children. Growth failure is found in 60% of children assessed for OLT.
      Despite optimisation of nutrition, rarely can further stunting of growth before
      OLT be prevented. Catch-up growth is usually observed after steroid weaning from
      18 months post-OLT. Whether growth hormone treatment would benefit the 20% of
      children who fail to catch up in height requires testing in randomised controlled
      trials. Hepatic osteodystrophy in children comprises vitamin D deficiency
      rickets, low bone mass, and fractures caused by malnutrition and malabsorption.
      Vitamin D deficiency requires aggressive treatment with ergocalciferol (D2) or
      cholecalciferol (D3). The active vitamin D metabolites alphacalcidol or
      calcitriol increase gut calcium absorption but do not replace vitamin D stores.
      Prevalence of fractures is increased both before OLT (10%-28% of children) and
      after OLT (12%-38%). Most fractures are vertebral, are associated with low spine
      bone mineral density, and frequently occur asymptomatically, but they may also
      cause chronic pain. Fracture prediction in these children is limited. OLT in
      children is also associated with a greater risk of developing avascular bone
      necrosis (4%) and scoliosis (13%-38%). This article reviews the literature on
      endocrine and skeletal complications of liver disease and presents preventive
      screening recommendations and therapeutic strategies.

PMID- 22064632
TI  - Liver, hormones, and bones.

PMID- 22064633
TI  - Serum cystatin C correlates negatively with viral load in treatment-naive
      children with chronic hepatitis C.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a serious health problem that
      causes chronic infection in up to 85% of cases. HCV nonstructural (NS) cysteine
      protease, NS2/3, is required for viral replication in vivo. Cystatin C is a
      naturally occurring cysteine protease inhibitor in human cells. We aimed to
      investigate the relation between serum levels of cystatin C and HCV viremia in
      treatment-naive children with chronic hepatitis C. METHODS: Serum cystatin C
      levels were measured in 27 children with chronic hepatitis C and determined their
      relation with liver functions, histopathological parameters, and hepatitis C
      viral load. Serum cystatin C was compared with that of 25 age- and sex-matched
      healthy controls. RESULTS: Cystatin C was significantly higher in patients than
      in controls (1.4 +/- 0.47 vs 0.99 +/- 0.49; P = 0.006), and in those with low
      viremia than in those with moderate viremia (1.55 +/- 0.41 vs 0.99 +/- 0.43; P =
      0.013). Cystatin C was not correlated with histopathological findings in liver
      biopsy (P > 0.05 for all). In addition, there was no significant difference of
      cystatin C levels in patients with normal versus those with elevated
      transaminases (P > 0.05). Of importance, cystatin C correlated negatively with
      viral load (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Cystatin C levels correlated negatively
      with HCV viremia. This finding may reflect an inhibitory effect of cystatin C on
      HCV replication through inhibiting its NS2/3 and tempting for further studies for
      cystatin C as a possible adjuvant therapy for HCV infection.

PMID- 22064634
TI  - Review of measurement methods and clinical validation studies of noninvasive
      blood pressure monitors:  accuracy requirements and protocol considerations for
      devices that require patient-specific calibration by a secondary method or device
      before use.
AB  - Existing standardized protocols for clinical validation of noninvasive blood
      pressure (BP) monitors do not have specific provisions for monitors that require
      patient-specific calibration by a secondary method or device before use. This
      article seeks to identify accuracy requirements and protocol considerations for
      such monitors. Measurement methods that require patient-specific calibration were
      reviewed to identify their clinical accuracy requirements. Validation studies of
      monitors that use these methods were reviewed to identify limitations in their
      protocols. For a monitor that requires patient-specific calibration, inadequate
      adaptation of existing protocols can fail to validate the accuracy of the monitor
      for its intended use. A protocol for such a monitor must have provisions to
      assess the monitor's accuracy in tracking intrapatient BP changes, from the
      calibrated level, after a calibration or between calibrations. Performing a
      patient-specific calibration with a patient at rest and immediately evaluating
      the monitor against a reference method with the patient also at rest will not
      assess this accuracy, because changes in BP at rest and over a short time are
      generally small compared with those that occur over 24 h. For validation
      purposes, intrapatient BP changes can be achieved by validating the monitor over
      an extended period or induced by means of physical maneuvers or pharmacological
      interventions. The secondary method or device used for the calibration must be
      accurate. The protocol must also have provisions to assess the monitor's ability
      to correct for changes in hydrostatic pressure, reject or correct for motion
      artefacts, and correct for other factors that affect measurement accuracy during
      use. There is a need to establish protocol provisions to ensure that noninvasive
      BP monitors that require patient-specific calibration are properly validated for
      their intended use before they are placed on the market or introduced into
      clinical use.

PMID- 22064640
TI  - Training and outcome monitoring in robotic urologic surgery.
AB  - The use of robot-assisted laparoscopic technology is rapidly expanding, with
      applicability in numerous disciplines of surgery. Training to perform robot
      assisted laparoscopic urological procedures requires a motivated learner, a
      motivated teacher or proctor, a curriculum with stepwise learning objectives, and
      regular access to a training robot. In light of the many constraints that limit
      surgical training, animal models should be utilized to quantifiably improve the
      surgical skills of residents and surgical fellows, before these skills are put
      into practice on patients. A system based on appropriate supervision, graduated
      responsibility, real-time feedback, and objective measure of progress has proven
      to be safe and effective. Surgical team education directed towards cohesion is
      perhaps the most important aspect of training. At present, there are very few
      published guidelines for the safe introduction of robotic urologic surgery at an
      institution. Increasing evidence demonstrates the effects of learning curve and
      surgical volume on oncological and functional outcomes in robotic surgery (RS).
      This necessitates the introduction of mechanisms and guidelines by which trainee
      surgeons can attain a sufficient level of skill, without compromising the safety
      of patients. Guidelines for outcome monitoring following RS should be developed,
      to ensure patient safety and sufficient baseline surgeon skill.

PMID- 22064641
TI  - Image-guided radiation therapy for muscle-invasive bladder cancer.
AB  - Organ preservation protocols that incorporate chemoradiotherapy have shown good
      efficacy in bladder cancer. Owing to changes in rectal filling, urinary inflow
      and subsequent bladder volume with bladder wall deformations, irradiation must
      take into account interfractional and intrafractional internal target motion.
      Growing evidence suggests that image guidance during irradiation is essential in
      order to appropriately treat bladder cancer in this way. We performed a
      literature search on the imaging techniques and margins used for radiation
      therapy planning in the context of whole-bladder and partial-bladder irradiation.
      The most common image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT) method was based on cone
      beam CT using anisotropic margins. The role of cine-MRI for the prediction of
      intraindividual bladder changes, in association with cone-beam CT or
      ultrasonography, is promising. Drinking protocols, diet and laxatives were used
      in most cases to minimize large variations in bladder size and shape. IGRT is
      crucial for avoiding tumor undercoverage and undue toxicity during radiation
      therapy for bladder cancer. IGRT-based adaptive radiation therapy can be
      performed using cone-beam CT or ultrasonography: modeling of bladder changes with
      cine-MRI or other imaging techniques might also be useful for facilitating
      adaptive radiation therapy with personalized margins.

PMID- 22064643
TI  - Pediatrics: AAP recommends reduced imaging after first febrile UTI.

PMID- 22064644
TI  - 4-(4-Bromo-phen-yl)-2-oxo-1,2,5,6-tetra-hydro-benzo[h]quinoline-3-carbonitrile.
AB  - In the mol-ecule of the title compound, C(20)H(13)BrN(2)O, the tetra-hydro
      benzo[h]quinoline fused-ring system is buckled owing to the ethyl-ene -CH(2)CH(2)
      fragment, the benzene ring and the pyridine ring being twisted by 17.7 (1)
      degrees . The 4-substituted aromatic ring is bent away from the pyridine ring by
      82.3 (1) degrees  in order to avoid crowding the cyanide substituent. Two mol
      ecules are linked by a pair of N-H?O hydrogen bonds to form a centrosymmetric
      dimer.

PMID- 22064645
TI  - Dimethyl 4-(4-hy-droxy-phen-yl)-2,6-dimethyl-1,4-dihydro-pyridine-3,5-dicarboxyl
      ate.
AB  - The title mol-ecule, C(17)H(19)NO(5), was prepared by a Hantzsch dihydro-pyridine
      synthesis from 4-hy-droxy-benzaldehyde, methyl acetoacetate and NH(4)HCO(3). In
      the mol-ecular structure of the title compound, the dihydro-pyridine ring adopts
      a flattened boat conformation and the plane of the base of the boat forms a
      dihedral angle of 80.8 (2) degrees  with the aromatic six-membered ring. The
      packing is stabilized by strong inter-molecular N-H?O(carbon-yl), O(hydrox-y)
      H?O(carbon-yl) and weak intra-molecular C-H?O hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22064646
TI  - {N,N-Bis[2-(diphenyl-phosphan-yl)eth-yl]-aniline}(eta-dibenzyl-ideneacetone)
      palladium(0).
AB  - In the title complex, [Pd(C(34)H(33)NP(2))(C(17)H(14)O)], the Pd(0) atom is
      coordinated in a trigonal planar geometry formed by two P atoms of a bis
      [(diphenyl-phosphino)eth-yl]aniline ligand and a C=C (eta(2)) bond involving the
      C atoms that are in the alpha,beta positions relative to the central ketone of
      the dibenzyl-ideneacetone ligand.

PMID- 22064647
TI  - N'-[(E)-1-(4-Bromo-phen-yl)ethyl-idene]-4-hy-droxy-2-methyl-1,1-dioxo-2H-1,2
      benzothia-zine-3-carbohydrazide.
AB  - The six-membered heterocycle in the title compound, C(18)H(16)BrN(3)O(4)S, adopts
      a sofa conformation. Intra-molecular N-H?N and O-H?O hydrogen bonds stabilize the
      mol-ecular conformation by forming a five- and a six-membered ring, respectively.
      The crystal packing is stabilized by inter-molecular C-H?O hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22064648
TI  - MIC-1 (a multifunctional modulator of dendritic cell phenotype and function) is
      produced by decidual stromal cells and trophoblasts.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Macrophage inhibitory cytokine-1 (MIC-1) is a multifunctional
      cytokine produced in high amounts by placental tissue. Inhibiting trophoblast
      invasion and suppressing inflammation through inhibition of macrophage
      activation, MIC-1 is thought to provide pleiotropic functions in the
      establishment and maintenance of pregnancy. So far, little is known about the
      decidual cell subsets producing MIC-1 and the effect of this cytokine on
      dendritic cells (DCs), which are known to play a distinct role in the development
      of pro-fetal tolerance in pregnancy. METHODS: To identify the decidual cell types
      expressing and secreting MIC-1, immunohistochemical staining, PCR experiments,
      western blot analysis and ELISAs were performed. Immature DCs (iDCs) were
      generated from peripheral blood-derived monocytes and differentiated in the
      presence of MIC-1 or dexamethasone (Dex) for control. Migratory and proliferative
      activity of DCs after MIC-1 exposure was investigated by migration and
      proliferation assay. Cytokine secretion after MIC-1 exposure was tested in
      isolated uNK cells, isolated CD14+ monocytes, monocyte-derived iDCs and mature
      DCs. Subsequently, the phenotype of DCs was studied using FACS analysis. To test
      the T-cell stimulatory capacity of pre-incubated DCs, mixed lymphocyte reaction
      was applied. Finally, the expression of the tryptophan-catabolizing enzyme
      indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) after the exposure of MIC-1 to maturing DCs was
      analysed by western blot. RESULTS: Immunohistochemical staining, PCR and western
      blot experiments demonstrated that MIC-1 is mainly expressed by trophoblast cells
      and decidual stromal cells. Analysis of the MIC-1 secretion of decidual cell
      types by ELISA again characterized trophoblast and stromal cells as main
      producers. The migratory activity of iDCs was significantly induced by MIC-1. No
      changes in proliferative activity of DCs were observed after MIC-1 pre
      incubation. The secretion of pro- or anti-inflammatory cytokines was not affected
      significantly by MIC-1. Studying the phenotype of DCs after MIC-1 exposure by
      FACS analysis, we observed that MIC-1 suppresses the expression of typical
      maturation molecules such as CD25 and CD83 as well as of CD86 during cytokine
      induced DC maturation similar to Dex. In addition, T-cell stimulatory capacity of
      DCs was significantly reduced after MIC-1 exposure. MIC-1 was also able to
      increase slightly the expression of IDO (a key immunomodulatory enzyme promoting
      periphereal tolerance) in maturing DCs. CONCLUSIONS: We have identified MIC-1 as
      a novel factor (secreted by decidual cells in early pregnancy) that could promote
      the increase of a tolerogenic subtype of DC in decidua.

PMID- 22064649
TI  - First experiences with hysterosalpingo-foam sonography (HyFoSy) for office tubal
      patency testing.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study was conducted to describe the first experiences with
      hysterosalpingo-foam sonography (HyFoSy) as a first step routine office procedure
      for tubal patency testing. METHODS: A prospective observational cohort study was
      started in a university affiliated teaching hospital. In 2010, 73 patients with
      subfertility and a low risk of tubal pathology were examined. A non-toxic foam
      containing hydroxymethylcellulose and glycerol was applicated through a cervical
      applicator for contrast sonography (HyFoSy). Tubal patency was determined by
      transvaginal ultrasonographic demonstration of echogenic dispersion of foam in
      the Fallopian tube and/or the peritoneal cavity. Only in case patency could not
      be demonstrated, a hysterosalpingography (HSG) was performed as a control.
      RESULTS: In 67 out of 73 (92%) patients, a successful procedure was performed. In
      57 out of 73 (78%) cases, there was no further need for a HSG. In five patients
      (5/73; 7%) tubal occlusion was confirmed by HSG and in five patients (5/73; 7%)
      there was discordance between HyFoSy and HSG. Of 73 patients, 14 (19%) conceived
      within a median of 3 months after the procedure. CONCLUSIONS: HyFoSy is a
      successful procedure to demonstrate tubal patency as a first step office
      procedure.

PMID- 22064650
TI  - The risk of stroke in patients with acute myocardial infarction treated
      invasively.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To assess the incidence, clinical significance, and independent risk
      factors of stroke in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) treated
      invasively. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed 2520 consecutive patients with AMI
      admitted between 2003 and 2007. Data on long-term follow-up were screened to
      identify patients who had stroke. RESULTS: During a median of 25.5 months, 52
      patients (2.07%) had stroke. The cumulative risk of stroke was the highest during
      the first year (1.23%) and particularly within the first month after AMI (0.28%).
      Patients with stroke were at a significantly higher risk of developing major
      adverse cardiovascular events, including repeated AMI (26.9 vs. 14.6%, P<0.05)
      and death (40.4 vs. 13.6%, P<0.001). Previous stroke [hazard ratio (HR) 5.89],
      female sex (HR 2.60), glomerular filtration rate <60 ml/min/1.73 m (HR 1.92), and
      contrast nephropathy (HR 1.87, all P<0.05) were independent predictors of stroke.
      The receiver-operating curve calculated for the Contrast nephropathy, renal
      Insufficiency, Female, prior Stroke (CIFS) risk scale demonstrated a significant
      predictive value of this scale (area under curve 0.73, P<0.001). Patients with
      the lowest, median, and highest risk scores (<4, 4-5, >=6 points, respectively)
      differed significantly with regard to stroke incidence (2.1 vs. 7.9 vs. 14.0%,
      respectively, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The risk of stroke is the highest within the
      first month after AMI. Stroke is a marker of unfavorable outcome in this
      population. Independent risk factors for stroke after invasive treatment of AMI
      are different from those commonly perceived as stroke predictors. A risk scale
      based on sex, stroke history, and renal impairment is useful in risk
      stratification.

PMID- 22064651
TI  - Aortopulmonary fistula in acute dissection: findings at unenhanced and enhanced
      computed tomographic imaging.
AB  - Acquired aortopulmonary fistulas are a rare complication of acute aortic
      dissections. We present a case of an aortopulmonary fistula after a Stanford type
      A dissection, focusing on the imaging findings and etiology of this entity. Early
      recognition can lead to proper surgical planning and increase the chance of
      survival.

PMID- 22064652
TI  - MiR-126 acts as a tumor suppressor in pancreatic cancer cells via the regulation
      of ADAM9.
AB  - The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical step for pancreatic
      cancer cells as an entry of metastatic disease. Wide variety of cytokines and
      signaling pathways are involved in this complex process while the entire picture
      is still cryptic. Recently, miRNA was found to regulate cellular function
      including EMT by targeting multiple mRNAs. We conducted comprehensive analysis of
      miRNA expression profiles in invasive ductal adenocarcinoma (IDA), intraductal
      papillary mucinous adenoma, intraductal papillary mucinous carcinoma, and human
      pancreatic cancer cell line to elucidate essential miRNAs which regulate invasive
      growth of pancreatic cancer cells. Along with higher expression of miR-21 which
      has been shown to be highly expressed in IDA, reduced expression of miR-126 in
      IDA and pancreatic cancer cell line was detected. The miR-126 was found to target
      ADAM9 (disintegrin and metalloproteinase domain-containing protein 9) which is
      highly expressed in pancreatic cancer. The direct interaction between miR-126 and
      ADAM9 mRNA was confirmed by 3' untranslated region assay. Reexpression of miR-126
      and siRNA-based knockdown of ADAM9 in pancreatic cancer cells resulted in reduced
      cellular migration, invasion, and induction of epithelial marker E-cadherin. We
      showed for the first time that the miR-126/ADAM9 axis plays essential role in the
      inhibition of invasive growth of pancreatic cancer cells.

PMID- 22064653
TI  - Silencing of DLC1 upregulates PAI-1 expression and reduces migration in normal
      prostate cells.
AB  - Deleted in liver cancer 1 (DLC1) is a GTPase-activating protein (GAP) domain
      containing tumor suppressor that localizes to focal adhesions. In cancer cells,
      loss of DLC1 is known to enhance cancer cell migration. However, the role of DLC1
      in normal cell migration has not been well studied. Here, we show that silencing
      of DLC1 (shDLC1) in normal prostate epithelial cells reduces cell migration in
      both Transwell and wound-healing assays. This migration defect is mainly due to
      upregulation of plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1). Silencing of PAI-1
      rescues the shDLC1-reduced migration phenotype. Reexpression of DLC1 suppresses
      PAI-1 and restores the migration defect as well. In contrast, DLC1-K714E (GAP
      inactive) mutant neither decreases the PAI-1 level nor rescues the shDLC1
      migration defect. Interestingly, DLC1-Y442F (tensin-binding and focal adhesion
      localizing defective) mutant is able to suppress PAI-1 expression but does not
      restore the migration defect. Furthermore, PAI-1 upregulation in shDLC1 cells is
      EGFR-MEK pathway dependent and is able to promote in vitro angiogenesis.
      Together, our results show that at least the following two new mechanisms are
      involved in DLC1-mediated normal cell migration: (i) DLC1 modulates the
      expression of PAI-1, which is a negative regulator for cell migration, in a GAP
      domain and EGFR-MEK-dependent manner and (ii) Independent of PAI-1, the
      interaction of DLC1 with tensin members positively regulates cell migration.

PMID- 22064654
TI  - Genetic and epigenetic inactivation of extracellular superoxide dismutase
      promotes an invasive phenotype in human lung cancer by disrupting ECM
      homeostasis.
AB  - Extracellular superoxide dismutase (EcSOD) is an important superoxide scavenger
      in the lung in which its loss, sequence variation, or abnormal expression
      contributes to lung diseases; however, the role of EcSOD in lung cancer has yet
      to be studied. We hypothesized that EcSOD loss could affect malignant progression
      in lung, and could be either genetic or epigenetic in nature. To test this, we
      analyzed EcSOD expression, gene copy number, promoter methylation, and chromatin
      accessibility in normal lung and carcinoma cells. We found that normal airway
      epithelial cells expressed abundant EcSOD and had an unmethylated promoter,
      whereas EcSOD-negative lung cancer cells displayed aberrant promoter
      hypermethylation and decreased chromatin accessibility. 5-aza-dC induced EcSOD
      suggesting that cytosine methylation was causal, in part, to silencing. In 48/50
      lung tumors, EcSOD mRNA was significantly lower as early as stage I, and the
      EcSOD promoter was hypermethylated in 8/10 (80%) adenocarcinomas compared with
      0/5 normal lung samples. In addition, 20% of the tumors showed loss of
      heterozygosity (LOH) of EcSOD. Reexpression of EcSOD attenuated the malignant
      phenotype of lung carcinoma cells by significantly decreasing invasion and
      survival. Finally, EcSOD decreased heparanase and syndecan-1 mRNAs in part by
      reducing NF-kappaB. By contrast, MnSOD and CuZnSOD showed no significant changes
      in lung tumors and had no effect on heparanase expression. Taken together, the
      loss of EcSOD expression is unique among the superoxide dismutases in lung cancer
      and is the result of EcSOD promoter methylation and LOH, suggesting that its
      early loss may contribute to ECM remodeling and malignant progression.

PMID- 22064655
TI  - Activation of androgen receptor, lipogenesis, and oxidative stress converged by
      SREBP-1 is responsible for regulating growth and progression of prostate cancer
      cells.
AB  - We previously reported that sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 (SREBP-1)
      is involved in the transcriptional regulation of androgen receptor (AR) and
      formation of fatty acid through altered expression of fatty acid synthase (FASN).
      In this article, we provide a new finding that SREBP-1 induced oxidative stress
      in prostate cancer cells through increased production of reactive oxygen species
      (ROS) and expression of NADPH oxidase 5 (Nox5). We have shown that (i) expression
      of SREBP-1 protein is positively associated with the clinical Gleason grades in
      human prostate cancer; (ii) genetic overexpression or knockdown of SREBP-1 in
      prostate cancer cells resulted in corresponding increased or decreased AR, FASN
      and Nox5 expression, fatty acid and lipid droplet accumulation, and ROS
      generation; and (iii) SREBP-1 induces and promotes the growth, migration,
      invasion, and castration-resistant progression of prostate cancer cells in vitro
      and in vivo. Our data show a novel molecular mechanism by which SREBP-1 promotes
      prostate cancer growth and progression through alterations in the concerted
      intracellular metabolic and signaling networks involving AR, lipogenesis, and ROS
      in prostate cancer cells.

PMID- 22064656
TI  - Fractalkine receptor CX(3)CR1 is expressed in epithelial ovarian carcinoma cells
      and required for motility and adhesion to peritoneal mesothelial cells.
AB  - Epithelial ovarian carcinoma (EOC) is a deadly disease, and little is known about
      the mechanisms underlying its metastatic progression. Using human specimens and
      established cell lines, we determined that the G-protein-coupled seven
      transmembrane fractalkine receptor (CX(3)CR1) is expressed in primary and
      metastatic ovarian carcinoma cells. Ovarian carcinoma cells robustly migrated
      toward CX(3)CL1, a specific ligand of CX(3)CR1, in a CX(3)CR1-dependent manner.
      Silencing of CX(3)CR1 reduced migration toward human ovarian carcinoma ascites
      fluid by approximately 70%. Importantly, adhesion of ovarian carcinoma cells to
      human peritoneal mesothelial cells was dependent on CX(3)CL1/CX(3)CR1 signaling.
      In addition, CX(3)CL1 was able to induce cellular proliferation. Together, our
      data suggest that the fractalkine network may function as a major contributor to
      the progression of EOC, and further attention to its role in the metastasis of
      this deadly malignancy is warranted.

PMID- 22064657
TI  - Regulation of CXCL8/IL-8 expression by zonula occludens-1 in human breast cancer
      cells.
AB  - Accumulating data now suggest that ZO-1, once delocalized from tight junctions,
      could be implicated in the regulation of tumor-promoting genes. Because of their
      major implication in different steps of tumor progression, we investigated here
      the influence of ZO-1 on chemokines expression in breast cancer cells. Using
      GeneArray analysis to compare chemokine mRNA expression in breast tumor cells
      transfected with a siRNA against ZO-1, we identified CXCL-8IL-8 as a major
      potential target of ZO-1 signaling, being strongly downregulated following ZO-1
      siRNA transfection. Examining further the relationship between ZO-1 and
      interleukin-8 (CXCL8/IL-8), we first showed that CXCL8/IL-8 expression correlates
      with a relocalization of ZO-1 in several breast cancer cell lines. Moreover,
      CXCL8/IL-8 is downregulated in invasive BT549 cells transfected with three
      different ZO-1 siRNA and overexpressed in noninvasive BT20 and SKBR3 cells
      transfected with vectors expressing ZO-1. We also provide evidence for an
      activation of the CXCL8/IL-8 promoter by ZO-1. Finally, we show that the
      regulation of CXCL8/IL-8 by ZO-1 is independent of the beta-catenin pathway. Our
      results thus clearly show an implication of ZO-1 in CXCL8/IL-8 regulation.
      Because of the major implications of CXCL8/IL-8 in tumor invasion, such a
      regulation could play an important role in breast cancer progression.

PMID- 22064658
TI  - Lung cancer in mice induced by the jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus envelope protein
      is not maintained by rare cancer stem cells, but tumorigenicity does correlate
      with Wnt pathway activation.
AB  - JSRV, a simple beta-retrovirus, is the etiologic agent of ovine pulmonary
      adenocarcinoma, a form of non-small cell lung cancer in sheep and goats. It has
      been shown that the envelope protein alone is sufficient to induce tumorigenesis
      in the lungs of mice when delivered via an adeno-associated viral vector. Here,
      we tested the hypothesis that JSRV envelope-induced tumors are maintained by a
      small population of tumor-initiating cells, termed cancer stem cells. To test
      this hypothesis, dissociated cancer cells were sorted from envelope-induced
      tumors in mouse lung based on the putative stem cell markers Sca-1, CD34, and
      CD133, the pluripotency-associated transcription factor Oct4, and the level of
      Wnt signaling. No association with increased tumor-initiating capacity was found
      with any of the cell-surface markers. In addition, we were unable to detect any
      evidence of Oct4 expression in tumor-bearing mouse lung. However, tumor cells
      possessing an active Wnt signaling pathway did show a significant correlation
      with increased tumor formation upon transplantation. Limiting dilution transplant
      analysis suggests the existence of a large fraction of cells with the ability to
      propagate tumor growth, with increasing tumor initiation potential correlating
      with activated Wnt signaling.

PMID- 22064660
TI  - MRI in acute and subacute post-traumatic spinal cord injury: pictorial review.
AB  - STUDY DESIGN: Pictorial review. OBJECTIVES: To illustrate MRI signs of acute and
      subacute injury with emphasis on evidence-based links to clinical outcome and
      implications for treatment. METHODS: Description of important aspects of MRI
      techniques and illustration of critical MRI signs important in the assessment of
      spinal cord injury following trauma, in the acute and subacute stages.
      CONCLUSIONS: Familiarity with cord MRI appearances has an important impact on
      planning the management of the acutely spinal cord injured patient and also
      identifying complications in the subacute phase particularly in the presence of
      neurological deterioration.

PMID- 22064661
TI  - The translational dialogue in spinal cord injury research.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although the emphasis in clinical spinal cord injury (SCI) research
      has been directed towards the evaluation of clinical assessments (standards in
      neurological examination) and the appreciation of outcome measures (that is,
      extent and pattern of clinical recovery from SCI), the underlying neurological
      mechanisms for recovery from SCI are not well documented in humans. However, to
      improve the translational research, a meaningful preclinical-clinical dialogue is
      required, with an appreciation for both fundamental neural mechanisms and what
      makes human SCI unique. This holds true both for potential interventions in
      rehabilitation and novel drug or cell-based treatment approaches in acute SCI.
      OBJECTIVES: The gap in translational research that needs to be approached from
      both ends not only includes the appreciation of principal neural mechanisms
      (repair, sprouting, plasticity) and their assumed impact onto outcomes (even
      though humans and non primate animals may rely on slightly different supraspinal
      control for some movements), but also includes an understanding of the spatial
      (location and size of lesion) and temporal (timelines of damage and recovery)
      factors in spinal cord damage that can vary considerably between the different
      species being studied. CONCLUSION: The preclinical-clinical dialogue should be
      encouraged as a venue to improve the appreciation of discoveries in basic
      research, and to power valid discoveries towards a meaningful translation into
      advanced treatments downstream. Similarly, the upstream identification of
      appropriate clinical targets that take into account clinical constraints depends
      on reliable and advanced clinical information being provided to preclinical
      investigators.

PMID- 22064662
TI  - Visualization of DNA replication in the vertebrate model system DT40 using the
      DNA fiber technique.
AB  - Maintenance of replication fork stability is of utmost importance for dividing
      cells to preserve viability and prevent disease. The processes involved not only
      ensure faithful genome duplication in the face of endogenous and exogenous DNA
      damage but also prevent genomic instability, a recognized causative factor in
      tumor development. Here, we describe a simple and cost-effective fluorescence
      microscopy-based method to visualize DNA replication in the avian B-cell line
      DT40. This cell line provides a powerful tool to investigate protein function in
      vivo by reverse genetics in vertebrate cells(1). DNA fiber fluorography in DT40
      cells lacking a specific gene allows one to elucidate the function of this gene
      product in DNA replication and genome stability. Traditional methods to analyze
      replication fork dynamics in vertebrate cells rely on measuring the overall rate
      of DNA synthesis in a population of pulse-labeled cells. This is a quantitative
      approach and does not allow for qualitative analysis of parameters that influence
      DNA synthesis. In contrast, the rate of movement of active forks can be followed
      directly when using the DNA fiber technique(2-4). In this approach, nascent DNA
      is labeled in vivo by incorporation of halogenated nucleotides (Fig 1A).
      Subsequently, individual fibers are stretched onto a microscope slide, and the
      labeled DNA replication tracts are stained with specific antibodies and
      visualized by fluorescence microscopy (Fig 1B). Initiation of replication as well
      as fork directionality is determined by the consecutive use of two differently
      modified analogues. Furthermore, the dual-labeling approach allows for
      quantitative analysis of parameters that influence DNA synthesis during the S
      phase, i.e. replication structures such as ongoing and stalled forks, replication
      origin density as well as fork terminations. Finally, the experimental procedure
      can be accomplished within a day, and requires only general laboratory equipment
      and a fluorescence microscope.

PMID- 22064664
TI  - Cortical systems that process language, as revealed by non-native speech sound
      perception.
AB  - Over the course of language acquisition, the brain becomes specialized in the
      perception of native language speech sounds or phonemes. As a result, adult
      speakers are highly efficient at processing their native language, but may
      struggle to perceive some non-native phonemes. This specialization is thought to
      arise from changes that occur in a person's brain as a result of maturation and
      language experience. In this study, adult native speakers of English were asked
      to discriminate between phonemes of varying degrees of difference from English
      (similar to English: Tagalog /na/-/na/; different from English: Ndebele /k||i/
      /k!i/), as their brain activity was measured using functional near infrared
      spectroscopy imaging. The left inferior frontal region showed activation only
      during the native condition; this finding is discussed in the context of
      developmental and adult neuroimaging work and suggests that the left inferior
      frontal region is critical for perceiving native phoneme contrasts during
      development and in adulthood.

PMID- 22064665
TI  - 3-[4-(2-Chloro-benzyl-idene-amino)-3-methyl-5-sulfanyl-idene-4,5-dihydro-1H-1,2,4
      triazol-1-yl]-1,3-diphenyl-propan-1-one.
AB  - In the title mol-ecule, C(25)H(21)ClN(4)OS, the triazole ring forms dihedral
      angles of 47.9 (2), 84.5 (2) and 3.9 (2) degrees  with the two phenyl rings and
      the chloro-phenyl ring, respectively. The chloro-phenyl ring, the triazole ring
      and the conjugative linker between the two aromatic rings are nearly coplanar
      with an r.m.s. deviation of 0.0483 (2) A and a maximum deviation of 0.0911 (2) A.

PMID- 22064666
TI  - Endothelial nitric oxide synthase genotypes and haplotypes modify the responses
      to sildenafil in patients with erectile dysfunction.
AB  - Erectile dysfunction (ED) is usually treated with sildenafil. Although genetic
      polymorphisms in the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene may impair
      endogenous NO formation, there is little information about how eNOS polymorphisms
      and haplotypes affect the responses to sildenafil. We studied 118 patients; 63
      patients had ED secondary to radical prostatectomy (PED) and 55 had organic,
      clinical ED. eNOS genotypes for three eNOS polymorphisms (T(-786)C, rs2070744; a
      variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) in intron 4; and Glu298Asp, rs1799983)
      were determined, and eNOS haplotypes were estimated using PHASE 2.1. The clinical
      responses to sildenafil were evaluated and the patients were classified as good
      responders (GR) or poor responders (PR) when their changes in five-item version
      of International Index for Erectile Function questionnaire were above or below
      the median value. The TC/CC genotypes and the C allele for the T(-786)C
      polymorphism were more common in GR, compared with PR patients with PED. However,
      the 4b4a/4a4a genotypes and the 4a allele for the VNTR polymorphism in intron 4
      were more common in GR, compared with PR patients with clinical ED. The C-4a-Glu
      haplotype was more common in GR than in PR patients with PED. Conversely, the T
      4b-Asp haplotype was less common in GR than in PR patients with PED. No other
      significant differences were found. Our findings show evidence that eNOS
      polymorphisms affect the responses of PED and clinical ED patients to sildenafil.

PMID- 22064667
TI  - Epidemiology, diagnosis and management of hirsutism: a consensus statement by the
      Androgen Excess and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Society.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hirsutism, defined by the presence of excessive terminal hair in
      androgen-sensitive areas of the female body, is one of the most common disorders
      in women during reproductive age. METHODS: We conducted a systematic review and
      critical assessment of the available evidence pertaining to the epidemiology,
      pathophysiology, diagnosis and management of hirsutism. RESULTS: The prevalence
      of hirsutism is ~10% in most populations, with the important exception of Far
      East Asian women who present hirsutism less frequently. Although usually caused
      by relatively benign functional conditions, with the polycystic ovary syndrome
      leading the list of the most frequent etiologies, hirsutism may be the presenting
      symptom of a life-threatening tumor requiring immediate intervention.
      CONCLUSIONS: Following evidence-based diagnostic and treatment strategies that
      address not only the amelioration of hirsutism but also the treatment of the
      underlying etiology is essential for the proper management of affected women,
      especially considering that hirsutism is, in most cases, a chronic disorder
      needing long-term follow-up. Accordingly, we provide evidence-based guidelines
      for the etiological diagnosis and for the management of this frequent medical
      complaint.

PMID- 22064668
TI  - Thromboxane A2 receptor: biology and function of a peculiar receptor that remains
      resistant for therapeutic targeting.
AB  - While blood platelets express several G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that
      play pivotal roles in their activation, several diseases, for example thrombotic
      disorders, may develop if these receptors are inappropriately activated. Thus,
      these receptors have been the subject of investigations to design therapeutic
      interventions for managing multiple thrombosis-based disease states. One such
      GPCR, the thromboxane A(2) receptor (TPR), remains resistant to such
      interventions. The present review provides a critical examination of the binding,
      structural biology, and signaling of TPRs. The review also provides a rationale
      for using principles of "drug rediscovery" as an alternative/viable approach for
      the therapeutic targeting of TPRs. To this end, it is noteworthy that many US
      Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs have been found to selectively
      (and nonselectively) block TPR-mediated functional responses, for example
      platelet aggregation, as described in this review. Therefore, while none of the
      antagonists, thus far developed for targeting TPRs, have made it into clinical
      use, this peculiar receptor can be antagonized by a large number of drugs used
      for indications unrelated to thrombosis.

PMID- 22064669
TI  - Efficient derivation of human neuronal progenitors and neurons from pluripotent
      human embryonic stem cells with small molecule induction.
AB  - There is a large unfulfilled need for a clinically-suitable human neuronal cell
      source for repair or regeneration of the damaged central nervous system (CNS)
      structure and circuitry in today's healthcare industry. Cell-based therapies hold
      great promise to restore the lost nerve tissue and function for CNS disorders.
      However, cell therapies based on CNS-derived neural stem cells have encountered
      supply restriction and difficulty to use in the clinical setting due to their
      limited expansion ability in culture and failing plasticity after extensive
      passaging(1-3). Despite some beneficial outcomes, the CNS-derived human neural
      stem cells (hNSCs) appear to exert their therapeutic effects primarily by their
      non-neuronal progenies through producing trophic and neuroprotective molecules to
      rescue the endogenous cells(1-3). Alternatively, pluripotent human embryonic stem
      cells (hESCs) proffer cures for a wide range of neurological disorders by
      supplying the diversity of human neuronal cell types in the developing CNS for
      regeneration(1,4-7). However, how to channel the wide differentiation potential
      of pluripotent hESCs efficiently and predictably to a desired phenotype has been
      a major challenge for both developmental study and clinical translation.
      Conventional approaches rely on multi-lineage inclination of pluripotent cells
      through spontaneous germ layer differentiation, resulting in inefficient and
      uncontrollable lineage-commitment that is often followed by phenotypic
      heterogeneity and instability, hence, a high risk of tumorigenicity(7-10). In
      addition, undefined foreign/animal biological supplements and/or feeders that
      have typically been used for the isolation, expansion, and differentiation of
      hESCs may make direct use of such cell-specialized grafts in patients
      problematic(11-13). To overcome these obstacles, we have resolved the elements of
      a defined culture system necessary and sufficient for sustaining the epiblast
      pluripotence of hESCs, serving as a platform for de novo derivation of clinically
      suitable hESCs and effectively directing such hESCs uniformly towards clinically
      relevant lineages by small molecules(14) (please see a schematic in Fig. 1).
      Retinoic acid (RA) does not induce neuronal differentiation of undifferentiated
      hESCs maintained on feeders(1, 14). And unlike mouse ESCs, treating hESC
      differentiated embryoid bodies (EBs) only slightly increases the low yield of
      neurons(1, 14, 15). However, after screening a variety of small molecules and
      growth factors, we found that such defined conditions rendered retinoic acid (RA)
      sufficient to induce the specification of neuroectoderm direct from pluripotent
      hESCs that further progressed to neuroblasts that generated human neuronal
      progenitors and neurons in the developing CNS with high efficiency (Fig. 2). We
      defined conditions for induction of neuroblasts direct from pluripotent hESCs
      without an intervening multi-lineage embryoid body stage, enabling well
      controlled efficient derivation of a large supply of human neuronal cells across
      the spectrum of developmental stages for cell-based therapeutics.

PMID- 22064670
TI  - Dynamic changes in the inner ear function and vestibular neural pathway related
      to the progression of labyrinthine infarction in patient with an anterior
      inferior cerebellar artery infarction.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe changes in the inner ear function and the vestibular
      neural pathway according to the progression of a labyrinthine infarction in a
      patient with an anterior inferior cerebellar artery (AICA) infarction. PATIENT: A
      58-year-old woman with hypertension who presented with isolated inner ear
      symptoms similar to those of endolymphatic hydrops but finally progressed to an
      AICA infarction. INTERVENTION: Serial neurotologic testing according to
      progression to an AICA infarction and antiplatelet therapy. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURES: Radiologic findings and neurotologic parameters, including pure tone
      audiogram thresholds, spontaneous nystagmus, summating potentials/action
      potentials on electrocochleography, interaural amplitude difference on the
      vestibular-evoked myogenic potential test, canal paresis and fixation index on
      the bithermal caloric test, and gain on oculomotor tests. RESULTS: Our patient
      initially presented with sudden hearing loss and was diagnosed with an acute AICA
      infarction on a follow up MRI. Dynamic change in neurotologic testing was
      observed during disease progression. The vertigo and motion intolerance improved
      gradually after antiplatelet therapy. CONCLUSION: Changes in the clinical
      profile, which were documented during a transition from isolated labyrinthine
      ischemia to an AICA infarction, suggest that sensitivity to an ischemic injury is
      variable in different components of the labyrinthine organs in addition to
      providing a new insight into the response of vestibular neural pathway to
      ischemic injury.

PMID- 22064671
TI  - Intracochlear visualization:  comparing established and novel endoscopy
      techniques.
AB  - HYPOTHESIS: Intracochlear visualization is achievable with chip-on-tip endoscopes
      also called (digital) video endoscopy, videoscopy, electronic endoscopy, or
      endoscopy with distal chip/sensor/camera technology. BACKGROUND: Recent advances
      in digital camera sensor sizes have significantly reduced the size of chip-on-tip
      endoscopes to sizes near that of the scala tympani opening up the possibility of
      intracochlear visualization. METHODS: We compared the image quality of chip-on
      tip cameras with commercially available rigid endoscopes (a.k.a. Hopkins rods)
      and commercially available fiber-optic scopes (sialendoscopes). Furthermore, we
      performed a feasibility study to elucidate the spatial constraints that future
      visualization technology must reach to allow intracochlear visualization.
      RESULTS: Image resolution for chip-on-tip endoscopes ranks before fiberscopes and
      after Hopkins rods. The image quality depends further on illumination, which
      remains unresolved for chip-on-tip endoscopes for intracochlear visualization.
      The insertion depth of the currently available cameras allows up to 270 degrees
      of travel from the round window. CONCLUSION: Visual guidance and inspection
      inside scala tympani is possible with a novel, small-sized digital camera
      endoscope. This may find clinical applicability for visual confirmation of
      anatomy during cochlear implantation.

PMID- 22064672
TI  - Investigating the association between polymorphism of follicle-stimulating
      hormone receptor gene and ovarian response in controlled ovarian
      hyperstimulation.
AB  - AIM: The aim of the study was to investigate the association between follicle
      stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) gene polymorphism at Position 680 and the
      outcomes of controlled ovarian hyperstimulation for in vitro fertilization and
      embryo transfer (IVF-ET) in infertile women. MATERIALS AND METHODS: One hundred
      and eight patients under 35 years of age who underwent IVF-ET procedures were
      included in this study. The hormonal profile and treatment of all patients were
      analyzed and FSHR polymorphism was examined by polymerase chain reaction
      restriction fragment length polymorphism. Women from all groups were classified
      based on polymorphisms at Position 680, occupied either by asparagines (Asn) or
      serine (Ser) as Asn/Asn, Asn/Ser, and Ser/Ser genotype. RESULT: Our study showed
      that all patients in the Asn/Asn group were normal responders and in the Asn/Ser
      group 64.8% were normal responders and 21.1% and 14.1% were poor and hyper
      responders respectively. In the Ser/Ser group we did not have normal responders
      and 46.7% of these patients were poor responders and 53.3% were hyper responders.
      CONCLUSION: FSH receptor polymorphism is correlated with response to ovarian
      stimulation.

PMID- 22064673
TI  - Sudden hearing loss in sarcoidosis: otoneurological study and neuroradiological
      correlates.
AB  - Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory multisystem disorder of unknown cause.
      Approximately 5-7% of patients manifest symptoms of central nervous system
      involvement, or neurosarcoidosis. Cranial neuropathy usually entails facial nerve
      palsy and optic neuritis. Sudden hearing loss has been reported in fewer than 20
      cases. Herewith, two new cases of sudden hearing loss due to probable
      neurosarcoidosis are reported, each having a quite different clinical course. In
      one case, unilateral sudden hearing loss and facial palsy were the presenting
      symptoms of systemic sarcoidosis, while in the second, unilateral sudden deafness
      occurred despite ongoing immunosuppressive treatment for systemic sarcoidosis.

PMID- 22064674
TI  - A model for rural psychiatric services-raipur rani experience.
AB  - During the last five years efforts have been directed to understand the needs of
      the mentally ill persons residing in the rural areas. An outcome of our work
      involving 60,000 people living in a geographically defined area in Ambala
      District of Haryana has resulted in a realistic model for wider application in
      the country. The project work has led to the development of a number of research
      instruments and data regarding the prevalence of mental illness in the rural
      areas. A method for identifying mentally ill and to study the community attitudes
      has also been developed. The preparation of the Manual and simple training
      programmes has been a significant contribution. Knowledge regarding the practical
      problems of supervision and support of peripheral health workers in carrying out
      mental health work has been gained. The formation of the Mental Health
      Association by the village leaders has enhanced the community awareness and
      involvement in the ongoing programme of care.It is hoped that the experiences and
      the results of the above research work would act as a stimulant for similar
      experiments and further refining of the needed expertise and data for making
      mental health care a reality at the primary health care in the near future.

PMID- 22064675
TI  - Opipramolium fumarate.
AB  - In the crystal structure of the title salt {systematic name: 4-[3-(5H
      dibenz[b,f]azepin-5-yl)prop-yl]-1-(2-hy-droxy-eth-yl)piperazin-1-ium (2Z)-3-carb
      oxy-prop-2-enoate}, C(23)H(30)N(3)O(+).C(4)H(3)O(4) (-), the piperazine group in
      the opipramol cation is protonated at only one of the N atoms. In the cation, the
      dihedral angle between the two benzene rings is 53.5 (6) degrees . An extensive
      array of inter-molecular O-H?O, O-H?N and N-H?O hydrogen bonds and weak inter
      molecular N-H?O, C-H?O and C-H?pi inter-actions dominate the crystal packing.

PMID- 22064676
TI  - 6,7,6',7'-Tetra-phenyl-2,2'-bi[1,3-dithia-5,8-diaza-cyclo-penta-[b]naphthalenyl
      idene] chloro-form disolvate.
AB  - The title compound, C(42)H(24)N(4)S(4).2CHCl(3), a symmetrical tetra-thia
      fulvalene (TTF) derivative, was prepared by a tri-ethyl-phos-phite-mediated self
      coupling reaction of 6,7-diphenyl-1,3-dithia-5,8-diaza-cyclo-penta-[b]napthalen-2
      one. The asymmetric unit contains two TTF mol-ecules and four chloro-form solvent
      mol-ecules. Cl?Cl inter-actions [contact distances = 3.263 (1)-3.395 (2) A] are
      present between the solvent mol-ecules, resulting in a tape along the bc plane.
      The crystal packing features weak C-H?Cl and C-H?N hydrogen bonds, resulting in
      the formation of a two-dimensional supramolecular network.

PMID- 22064677
TI  - Specificity determinants of allosteric modulation in the neuronal nicotinic
      acetylcholine receptor: a fine line between inhibition and potentiation.
AB  - We are interested in the allosteric modulation of neuronal nicotinic
      acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). We have postulated that the anthelmintic
      morantel (Mor) positively modulates (potentiates) rat alpha3beta2 receptors
      through a site located at the beta(+)/alpha(-) interface that is homologous to
      the canonical agonist site (J Neurosci 29:8734-8742, 2009). On this basis, we
      aimed to determine the site specificity by studying differences in modulation
      between alpha3beta2 and alpha4beta2 receptors. We also compared modulation by Mor
      with that of the related compound oxantel (Oxa). Whereas Mor and Oxa each
      potentiated alpha3beta2 receptors 2-fold at saturating acetylcholine (ACh)
      concentrations, Mor had no effect on alpha4beta2 receptors, and Oxa inhibited ACh
      evoked responses. The inhibition was noncompetitive, but not due to open channel
      block. Furthermore, the nature and extent of modulation did not depend on subunit
      stoichiometry. We studied six positions at the alpha(-) interface that differ
      between alpha3 and alpha4. Two positions (alpha3Ile57 and alpha3Thr115) help
      mediate the effects of the modulators but do not seem to contribute to
      specificity. Mutations in two others (alpha3Leu107 and alpha3Ile117) yielded
      receptors with appreciable alpha4-character; that is, Mor potentiation was
      reduced compared with wild-type alpha3beta2 control and Oxa inhibition was
      evident. A fifth position (alpha3Glu113) was unique in that it discriminated
      between the two compounds, showing no change in Mor potentiation from control but
      substantial Oxa inhibition. Our work has implications for rational drug design
      for nicotinic receptors and sheds light on mechanisms of allosteric modulation in
      nAChRs, especially the subtle differences between potentiation and inhibition.

PMID- 22064678
TI  - Functional selectivity in CB(2) cannabinoid receptor signaling and regulation:
      implications for the therapeutic potential of CB(2) ligands.
AB  - Receptor internalization increases the flexibility and scope of G protein-coupled
      receptor (GPCR) signaling. CB(1) and CB(2) cannabinoid receptors undergo
      internalization after sustained exposure to agonists. However, it is not known
      whether different agonists internalize CB(2) to different extents. Because CB(2)
      is a promising therapeutic target, understanding its trafficking in response to
      different agonists is necessary for a complete understanding of its biology. Here
      we profile a number of cannabinoid receptor ligands and provide evidence for
      marked functional selectivity of cannabinoid receptor internalization. Classic,
      aminoalkylindole, bicyclic, cannabilactone, iminothiazole cannabinoid, and
      endocannabinoid ligands varied greatly in their effects on CB(1) and CB(2)
      trafficking. Our most striking finding was that (R)-(+)-[2,3-dihydro-5-methyl-3
      (4-morpholinylmethyl) pyrrolo-[1,2,3-d,e]-1,4-benzoxazin-6-yl]-1-naphthalenyl
      methanone (WIN55,212-2) (and other aminoalkylindoles) failed to promote CB(2)
      receptor internalization, whereas 5-(1,1-dimethylheptyl)-2-(5-hydroxy-2-(3
      hydroxypropyl)cyclohexyl)phenol (CP55,940) robustly internalized CB(2) receptors.
      Furthermore, WIN55,212-2 competitively antagonized CP55,940-induced CB(2)
      internalization. Despite these differences in internalization, both compounds
      activated CB(2) receptors as measured by extracellular signal-regulated kinase
      1/2 phosphorylation and recruitment of beta-arrestin(2) to the membrane. In
      contrast, whereas CP55,940 inhibited voltage-gated calcium channels via CB(2)
      receptor activation, WIN55,212-2 was ineffective on its own and antagonized the
      effects of CP55,940. On the basis of the differences we found between these two
      ligands, we also tested the effects of other cannabinoids on these signaling
      pathways and found additional evidence for functional selectivity of CB(2)
      ligands. These novel data highlight that WIN55,212-2 and other cannabinoids show
      strong functional selectivity at CB(2) receptors and suggest that different
      classes of CB(2) ligands may produce diverse physiological effects, emphasizing
      that each class needs to be separately evaluated for therapeutic efficacy.

PMID- 22064679
TI  - Zearalenone contamination in barley, corn, silage and wheat bran.
AB  - Zearalenone (ZEN) is a nonsteroidal estrogen mycotoxin produced by Fusarium
      graminearum and other Fusarium species, which are plant pathogenic fungi that
      infect many plants and their products, including corn, barley, fruits and
      vegetables. This study presents the results of a survey for ZEN contamination on
      barley, corn, silage and wheat bran. A total of 54 samples were collected from
      Shahrekord in spring and summer 2010, including 20 barley, 8 corn, 12 silage and
      14 wheat bran and analyzed using direct competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent
      assay. From 54 samples analyzed, ZEN was found in 8 samples (14.8%), with a mean
      level of 142 ng/g. Corn had the highest incidence of ZEN (25.0%), followed by
      barley (20.0%) and silage (16.7%). No ZEN was detected in any wheat bran samples.
      The results of this study show that ZEN-exposed corn, barley, silage and wheat
      bran would not be a health concern in animals.

PMID- 22064680
TI  - Cloning and expression of alkane hydroxylase-1 from Alcanivorax borkumensis in
      Escherichia coli.
AB  - Enzymes with hydroxylating activity on alkanes have potential application as
      biotransformation catalysts in chemical and pharmaceutical industry. Genome of
      Alcanivorax borkumensis, a marine bacterium with hydrocarbon dissimilation
      activity, contains at least two P450 monooxygenases and two nonheme
      monooxygenases, AlkB1 and AlkB2, respectively. Presumably, all these enzymes
      possess alkane hydroxylating activity. Both AlkB1 and AlkB2 are membrane
      proteins. Two accessory proteins, rubredoxin and rubredoxin reductase, supply the
      reducing equivalent from nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate reduced
      (NADPH to hydroxylases. Rubredoxin reductase catalyses the reduction of
      rubredoxin by oxidation of NADPH, and rubredoxin transfers the electrons to the
      alkane hydroxylase to complete the hydroxylation reaction. Here, we sought to
      investigate the expression of alkB1 gene in Escherichia coli. Therefore, we
      amplified alkB1 gene from A. borkumensis genome by polymerase chain reaction and
      cloned it in the expression vector pET26 upstream of His-tag sequence.
      Predisposed BL21 (DE3) cells were transformed by the recombinant vector. At last,
      expression of recombinant enzyme was confirmed by sodium dodecyl sulfate
      polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blotting. Regarding the potential
      ability of this enzyme in hydroxylation of long-chained alkanes, the application
      of it would be studied in petroleum downstream industries.

PMID- 22064681
TI  - A weight of evidence approach for the assessment of the ototoxic potential of
      industrial chemicals.
AB  - There is accumulating epidemiological evidence that exposure to some solvents,
      metals, asphyxiants and other substances in humans is associated with an
      increased risk of acquiring hearing loss. Furthermore, simultaneous and
      successive exposure to certain chemicals along with noise can increase the
      susceptibility to noise-induced hearing loss. There are no regulations that
      require hearing monitoring of workers who are employed at locations in which
      occupational exposure to potentially ototoxic chemicals occurs in the absence of
      noise exposure. This project was undertaken to develop a toxicological database
      allowing the identification of possible ototoxic substances present in the work
      environment alone or in combination with noise exposure. Critical toxicological
      data were compiled for chemical substances included in the Quebec occupational
      health regulation. The data were evaluated only for noise exposure levels that
      can be encountered in the workplace and for realistic exposure concentrations up
      to the short-term exposure limit or ceiling value (CV) or 5 times the 8-h time
      weighted average occupational exposure limit (TWA OEL) for human data and up to
      100 times the 8-h TWA OEL or CV for animal studies. In total, 224 studies (in 150
      articles of which 44 evaluated the combined exposure to noise and a chemical)
      covering 29 substances were evaluated using a weight of evidence approach. For
      the majority of cases where potential ototoxicity was previously proposed, there
      is a paucity of toxicological data in the primary literature. Human and animal
      studies indicate that lead, styrene, toluene and trichloroethylene are ototoxic
      and ethyl benzene, n-hexane and p-xylene are possibly ototoxic at concentrations
      that are relevant to the occupational setting. Carbon monoxide appears to
      exacerbate noise-induced hearing dysfunction. Toluene interacts with noise to
      induce more severe hearing losses than the noise alone.

PMID- 22064682
TI  - Oxidative damage in erythrocytes of adult rats and their suckling pups exposed to
      gibberellic acid.
AB  - Gibberellic acid (GA(3)) is a plant growth regulator used in agriculture
      worldwide. The present study investigated the propensity of GA(3) to induce
      hematological disorders. Pregnant Wistar rats were randomly divided into two
      groups: group I served as controls; group II received orally GA(3) (200 ppm) from
      the 14th day of pregnancy until day 14 after delivery. GA(3) reduced the number
      of red blood cells, hemoglobin concentration, and hematocrit in suckling rats,
      while these parameters remained unchanged in their mothers. White blood cells
      increased in mothers and were unchanged in their pups. Several studies have
      associated these hematological disorders with oxidative stress. In fact, GA(3)
      treatment revealed in erythrocytes a significant increase in malondialdehyde
      levels and a decrease in antioxidant enzyme activities such as superoxide
      dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. Moreover, a significant decline
      was observed in acetylcholinesterase activity, glutathione, nonprotein thiols,
      and vitamin C levels.

PMID- 22064683
TI  - Heterogeneity mapping of protein expression in tumors using quantitative
      immunofluorescence.
AB  - Morphologic heterogeneity within an individual tumor is well-recognized by
      histopathologists in surgical practice. While this often takes the form of areas
      of distinct differentiation into recognized histological subtypes, or different
      pathological grade, often there are more subtle differences in phenotype which
      defy accurate classification (Figure 1). Ultimately, since morphology is dictated
      by the underlying molecular phenotype, areas with visible differences are likely
      to be accompanied by differences in the expression of proteins which orchestrate
      cellular function and behavior, and therefore, appearance. The significance of
      visible and invisible (molecular) heterogeneity for prognosis is unknown, but
      recent evidence suggests that, at least at the genetic level, heterogeneity
      exists in the primary tumor(1,2), and some of these sub-clones give rise to
      metastatic (and therefore lethal) disease.  Moreover, some proteins are measured
      as biomarkers because they are the targets of therapy (for instance ER and HER2
      for tamoxifen and trastuzumab (Herceptin), respectively). If these proteins show
      variable expression within a tumor then therapeutic responses may also be
      variable. The widely used histopathologic scoring schemes for
      immunohistochemistry either ignore, or numerically homogenize the quantification
      of protein expression.  Similarly, in destructive techniques, where the tumor
      samples are homogenized (such as gene expression profiling), quantitative
      information can be elucidated, but spatial information is lost. Genetic
      heterogeneity mapping approaches in pancreatic cancer have relied either on
      generation of a single cell suspension(3), or on macrodissection(4). A recent
      study has used quantum dots in order to map morphologic and molecular
      heterogeneity in prostate cancer tissue(5), providing proof of principle that
      morphology and molecular mapping is feasible, but falling short of quantifying
      the heterogeneity. Since immunohistochemistry is, at best, only semi-quantitative
      and subject to intra- and inter-observer bias, more sensitive and quantitative
      methodologies are required in order to accurately map and quantify tissue
      heterogeneity in situ. We have developed and applied an experimental and
      statistical methodology in order to systematically quantify the heterogeneity of
      protein expression in whole tissue sections of tumors, based on the Automated
      QUantitative Analysis (AQUA) system(6). Tissue sections are labeled with specific
      antibodies directed against cytokeratins and targets of interest, coupled to
      fluorophore-labeled secondary antibodies. Slides are imaged using a whole-slide
      fluorescence scanner. Images are subdivided into hundreds to thousands of tiles,
      and each tile is then assigned an AQUA score which is a measure of protein
      concentration within the epithelial (tumor) component of the tissue. Heatmaps are
      generated to represent tissue expression of the proteins and a heterogeneity
      score assigned, using a statistical measure of heterogeneity originally used in
      ecology, based on  the Simpson's biodiversity index(7). To date there have been
      no attempts to systematically map and quantify this variability in tandem with
      protein expression, in histological preparations. Here, we illustrate the first
      use of the method applied to ER and HER2 biomarker expression in ovarian cancer.
      Using this method paves the way for analyzing heterogeneity as an independent
      variable in studies of biomarker expression in translational studies, in order to
      establish the significance of heterogeneity in prognosis and prediction of
      responses to therapy.

PMID- 22064684
TI  - tert-Butyl-aminium 2-carb-oxy-4,5-dichloro-benzoate.
AB  - In the structure of the title anhydrous salt, C(4)H(12)N(+).C(8)H(3)Cl(2)O(4) (
      ), the 4,5-dichloro-phthalate monoanions have the common 'planar' conformation
      with the carboxyl groups close to coplanar with the benzene ring and with a short
      intra-molecular carb-oxy-lic acid O-H?O hydrogen bond. In the crystal, a two
      dimensional sheet structure is formed through aminium N-H?O(carbox-yl) hydrogen
      bonding associations.

PMID- 22064685
TI  - Imaging odor-evoked activities in the mouse olfactory bulb using optical
      reflectance and autofluorescence signals.
AB  - In the brain, sensory stimulation activates distributed populations of neurons
      among functional modules which participate to the coding of the stimulus.
      Functional optical imaging techniques are advantageous to visualize the
      activation of these modules in sensory cortices with high spatial resolution. In
      this context, endogenous optical signals that arise from molecular mechanisms
      linked to neuroenergetics are valuable sources of contrast to record spatial maps
      of sensory stimuli over wide fields in the rodent brain. Here, we present two
      techniques based on changes of endogenous optical properties of the brain tissue
      during activation. First the intrinsic optical signals (IOS) are produced by a
      local alteration in red light reflectance due to: (i) absorption by changes in
      blood oxygenation level and blood volume (ii) photon scattering. The use of in
      vivo IOS to record spatial maps started in the mid 1980's with the observation of
      optical maps of whisker barrels in the rat and the orientation columns in the cat
      visual cortex(1). IOS imaging of the surface of the rodent main olfactory bulb
      (OB) in response to odorants was later demonstrated by Larry Katz's group(2). The
      second approach relies on flavoprotein autofluorescence signals (FAS) due to
      changes in the redox state of these mitochondrial metabolic intermediates. More
      precisely, the technique is based on the green fluorescence due to oxidized state
      of flavoproteins when the tissue is excited with blue light. Although such
      signals were probably among the first fluorescent molecules recorded for the
      study of brain activity by the pioneer studies of Britton Chances and
      colleagues(3), it was not until recently that they have been used for mapping of
      brain activation in vivo. FAS imaging was first applied to the somatosensory
      cortex in rodents in response to hindpaw stimulation by Katsuei Shibuki's
      group(4). The olfactory system is of central importance for the survival of the
      vast majority of living species because it allows efficient detection and
      identification of chemical substances in the environment (food, predators). The
      OB is the first relay of olfactory information processing in the brain. It
      receives afferent projections from the olfactory primary sensory neurons that
      detect volatile odorant molecules. Each sensory neuron expresses only one type of
      odorant receptor and neurons carrying the same type of receptor send their nerve
      processes to the same well-defined microregions of ~100MUm(3) constituted of
      discrete neuropil, the olfactory glomerulus (Fig. 1). In the last decade, IOS
      imaging has fostered the functional exploration of the OB(5, 6, 7) which has
      become one of the most studied sensory structures. The mapping of OB activity
      with FAS imaging has not been performed yet. Here, we show the successive steps
      of an efficient protocol for IOS and FAS imaging to map odor-evoked activities in
      the mouse OB.

PMID- 22064687
TI  - The potential for central monitoring techniques to replace on-site monitoring:
      findings from an international multi-centre clinical trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Compliance with Good Clinical Practice (GCP) guidelines should ensure
      the safety of trial participants and the reliability of trial results. Over the
      last decade, increasing emphasis has been placed on the role of costly on-site
      monitoring and source data verification as processes to demonstrate that GCP is
      being followed, despite a lack of empirical evidence that these are effective.
      PURPOSE: To assess whether findings from on-site monitoring of a recent
      international multi-centre clinical trial could have been identified using
      central data review and other centralised monitoring techniques. METHODS:
      Findings documented in a sample of site monitoring reports, and Programme
      Management Board Executive (PMBe) reports, from the Microbicides Development
      Programme (MDP) 301 trial - a randomised placebo-controlled trial of a
      microbicide gel to prevent vaginally acquired HIV infection conducted in four
      countries in East and Southern Africa - were extracted and individually assessed
      to determine whether they could have been detected in the trial database or
      through other central means. RESULTS: Four site visit reports contained 268
      monitoring findings from a review of 104 participant files covering 324 study
      visits. Of the 268 findings, 76 (28.4%) were also identified in the study
      database. Central checks, had these been in place (such as central receipt and
      review of back-translated documents, enrolment and testing logs, informed
      consent, and more complex database queries), could have identified a further 179
      (66.8%); 13 (4.9%) other findings (all minor) could have been identified through
      a review of the participant folder at site. The four PMBe reports reviewed
      included six major and three critical findings from a review of over 1000
      participant files: only two of these (both major) were assessed as unlikely to be
      identified using central monitoring techniques. LIMITATIONS: The study data used
      were not collected with this retrospective review in mind. It suggests that
      prospective work is needed to compare monitoring practices in real time.
      CONCLUSIONS: While there may be some categories of findings that it is not
      possible to identify centrally, the very large majority of findings reviewed in
      this analysis could be identified using central monitoring strategies. These data
      suggest that with better central and targeted on-site monitoring, it should be
      possible to identify and address most protocol and procedural compliance issues
      without performing intensive and costly routine on-site data monitoring.

PMID- 22064688
TI  - Single read and paired end mRNA-Seq Illumina libraries from 10 nanograms total
      RNA.
AB  - Whole transcriptome sequencing by mRNA-Seq is now used extensively to perform
      global gene expression, mutation, allele-specific expression and other genome
      wide analyses. mRNA-Seq even opens the gate for gene expression analysis of non
      sequenced genomes. mRNA-Seq offers high sensitivity, a large dynamic range and
      allows measurement of transcript copy numbers in a sample. Illumina's genome
      analyzer performs sequencing of a large number (> 10(7)) of  relatively short
      sequence reads (< 150 bp).The "paired end" approach, wherein a single long read
      is sequenced at both its ends, allows for tracking alternate splice junctions,
      insertions and deletions, and is useful for de novo transcriptome assembly. One
      of the major challenges faced by researchers is a limited amount of starting
      material. For example, in experiments where cells are harvested by laser micro
      dissection, available starting total RNA may measure in nanograms. Preparation of
      mRNA-Seq libraries from such samples have been described(1, 2) but involves
      significant PCR amplification that may introduce bias. Other RNA-Seq library
      construction procedures with minimal PCR amplification have been published(3, 4)
      but require microgram amounts of starting total RNA. Here we describe a protocol
      for the Illumina Genome Analyzer II platform for mRNA-Seq sequencing for library
      preparation that avoids significant PCR amplification and requires only 10
      nanograms of total RNA.  While this protocol has been described previously and
      validated for single-end sequencing(5), where it was shown to produce directional
      libraries without introducing significant amplification bias, here we validate it
      further for use as a paired end protocol. We selectively amplify polyadenylated
      messenger RNAs from starting total RNA using the T7 based Eberwine linear
      amplification method, coined "T7LA" (T7 linear amplification). The amplified poly
      A mRNAs are fragmented, reverse transcribed and adapter ligated to produce the
      final sequencing library. For both single read and paired end runs, sequences are
      mapped to the human transcriptome(6) and normalized so that data from multiple
      runs can be compared. We report the gene expression measurement in units of
      transcripts per million (TPM), which  is a superior measure to RPKM when
      comparing samples(7).

PMID- 22064689
TI  - Bis(1,10-phenanthroline-kappaN,N')(sulfato-O)copper(II) ethane-1,2-diol
      monosolvate.
AB  - In the title compound, [Cu(SO(4))(C(12)H(8)N(2))(2)].C(2)H(6)O(2), the Cu(II) ion
      is five-coordinated in a distorted square-pyramidal manner by four N atoms from
      two chelating 1,10-phenanthroline (phen) ligands and one O atom from a
      monodentate sulfate anion. The four N atoms comprise a square and the one O atom
      the apex of a square pyramid. The two chelating N(2)C(2) groups are oriented at
      71.1 (2) degrees . In the crystal, the components are connected by inter
      molecular O-H?O hydrogen bonding. The presence of pseudosymmetry in the structure
      suggests the higher symmetry space group C2/c, but attempts to refine the
      structure in this space group resulted in an unsatisfactory model.

PMID- 22064686
TI  - Factors influencing enrollment of African Americans in the Look AHEAD trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Many factors have been identified that influence the recruitment of
      African Americans into clinical trials; however, the influence of eligibility
      criteria may not be widely appreciated. We used the experience from the Look
      AHEAD (Action for Health in Diabetes) trial screening process to examine the
      differential impact eligibility criteria had on the enrollment of African
      Americans compared to other volunteers. METHODS: Look AHEAD is a large randomized
      clinical trial to examine whether assignment to an intensive lifestyle
      intervention designed to produce and maintain weight loss reduces the long-term
      risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes. Differences
      in the screening, eligibility, and enrollment rates between African Americans and
      members of other racial/ethnic groups were examined to identify possible reasons.
      RESULTS: Look AHEAD screened 28,735 individuals for enrollment, including 6226
      (21.7%) who were self-identified African Americans. Of these volunteers, 12.9% of
      the African Americans compared to 19.3% of all other screenees ultimately
      enrolled (p < 0.001). African Americans no more often than others were lost to
      follow-up or refused to attend clinic visits to establish eligibility.
      Furthermore, the enrollment rates of individuals with histories of cardiovascular
      disease and diabetes therapy did not markedly differ between the ethnic groups.
      Higher prevalence of adverse levels of blood pressure, heart rate, HbA1c, and
      serum creatinine among African American screenees accounted for the greater
      proportions excluded (all p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Compared to non-African
      Americans, African American were more often ineligible for the Look AHEAD trial
      due to comorbid conditions. Monitoring trial eligibility criteria for
      differential impact, and modifying them when appropriate, may ensure greater
      enrollment yields.

PMID- 22064690
TI  - 2-Bromo-N-(4-chloro-phen-yl)-2-methyl-propanamide.
AB  - In the title mol-ecule, C(10)H(11)BrClNO, there is a twist between the mean plane
      of the amide group and the benzene ring [C(=O)-N-C-C torsion angle = -27.1 (3)
      degrees ]. In the crystal, inter-molecular N-H?O and weak C-H?O hydrogen bonds
      link the mol-ecules into chains along [010].

PMID- 22064691
TI  - Participant modelling: an effective treatment strategy for stammering.
AB  - Six cases of stammering, free from gross organic and psychological abnormality
      were taken up for treatment by participant modelling. All the cases showed
      substantial improvement with this treatment model ty.

PMID- 22064692
TI  - (E)-1-{4-[Bis(4-meth-oxy-phen-yl)meth-yl]piperazin-1-yl}-3-(4-methyl-phen-yl)prop
      2-en-1-one.
AB  - In the title mol-ecule, C(29)H(32)N(2)O(3), the piperazine ring has a chair
      conformation. The amide N atom is almost planar (bond angle sum = 359.5 degrees
      ), whereas the other N atom is clearly pyramidal (bond angle sum = 330.4 degrees
      ). The dihedral angle between the meth-oxy-benzene rings is 81.29 (16) degrees .
      In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by C-H?O hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22064693
TI  - N-(2-Amino-4,6-dihydroxypyrimidin-5-yl)acetamide dihydrate.
AB  - The title compound, C(6)H(8)N(4)O(3).2H(2)O, which crystallized as a dihydrate,
      has two almost planar segments viz. the pyrimidine ring and the C-N-C(=O)-C group
      [maxmum deviations of 0.020 (2) and 0.014 (2) A, respectively], with a dihedral
      angle of 87.45 degrees . In the crystal, the components are linked by O-H?O and N
      H?O hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22064694
TI  - 4-(4-Chloro-phen-yl)-8-methyl-2-oxo-1,2,3,4,4a,5,6,7-octa-hydro-quinoline-3
      carbonitrile.
AB  - The six-membered N-heterocyclic ring of title compound, C(17)H(17)ClN(2)O, is
      fused with a methyl-substituted cyclo-hexene ring. The nitro-gen-bearing ring has
      an envelope conformation with the benzene ring-bearing C atom lying 0.432 (6) A
      out of the plane defined by the other five atoms (r.m.s. deviation 0.011 A); its
      benzene substituent is aligned at 84.7 (1) degrees  to the latter plane. The
      cyclo-hexene ring adopts a half-chair conformation. In the crystal, two mol
      ecules are linked about a center of inversion by pairs of N-H?O hydrogen bonds,
      generating dimers. An ethyl-ene portion is disordered over two orientations in a
      1:1 ratio. The crystal studied was a non-merohedral twin with a 15.3 (1)% minor
      component.

PMID- 22064695
TI  - Isolation and expansion of human glioblastoma multiforme tumor cells using the
      neurosphere assay.
AB  - Stem-like cells have been isolated in tumors such as breast, lung, colon,
      prostate and brain. A critical issue in all these tumors, especially in
      glioblastoma mutliforme (GBM), is to identify and isolate tumor initiating cell
      population(s) to investigate their role in tumor formation, progression, and
      recurrence. Understanding tumor initiating cell populations will provide clues to
      finding effective therapeutic approaches for these tumors. The neurosphere assay
      (NSA) due to its simplicity and reproducibility has been used as the method of
      choice for isolation and propagation of many of this tumor cells. This protocol
      demonstrates the neurosphere culture method to isolate and expand stem-like cells
      in surgically resected human GBM tumor tissue. The procedures include an initial
      chemical digestion and mechanical dissociation of tumor tissue, and subsequently
      plating the resulting single cell suspension in NSA culture. After 7-10 days,
      primary neurospheres of 150-200 MUm in diameter can be observed and are ready for
      further passaging and expansion.

PMID- 22064696
TI  - Coronary artery disease is detectable by multi-slice computed tomography in most
      asymptomatic type 2 diabetic patients at high cardiovascular risk.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Non-invasive testing often does not identify coronary artery disease
      (CAD) in diabetic subjects. This study was designed in order to examine the
      prevalence of CAD in a cohort of asymptomatic type 2 diabetic patients at high
      cardiovascular risk and negative nuclear imaging, using multi-slice computed
      tomography (MSCT) angiography. METHODS: In total, 770 type 2 diabetic patients
      were screened from January 2008 through July 2010. Of these, 132 Caucasians with
      diabetic nephropathy and asymptomatic for angina were eligible for a cross
      sectional study. Patients underwent MSCT after ischaemia was excluded by
      myocardial Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT) at rest and after
      dynamic exercise. When obstructive plaques were found (>= 50% lumen narrowing),
      patients were sent to conventional coronary angiography (CCA). RESULTS: Six
      subjects were not included in the analysis because of motion artefacts. MSCT was
      positive for CAD in 114 patients (90%). Within patients with positive MSCT, 60
      (48% of all) showed one or more obstructive plaques. CCA confirmed significant
      stenosis (>= 50%) in 48 of these 60 patients (80%). Some 21 (35%) showed stenosis
      >= 75% and were submitted to the revascularisation procedure. CONCLUSION: MSCT
      seems to better identify CAD than myocardial SPECT in asymptomatic patients with
      type 2 diabetes and diabetic nephropathy.

PMID- 22064697
TI  - Vascular endothelial growth factor polymorphisms are involved in the late
      vascular complications in Type II diabetic patients.
AB  - AIM: To determine the potential genotype differences in the vascular endothelial
      growth factor (VEGF) gene in diabetic patients, which might explain the
      difference in terms of the development of clinical vascular complications: great
      vessels atherosclerosis vs. retinopathy. METHODS: Genotyping of the VEFG gene
      insertion/deletion -2549, the C-2578A and the G+405C polymorphisms was done in 40
      diabetic patients (26 with peripheral artery disease (PAD) and 14 with diabetic
      retinopathy (DR)). RESULTS: There was a significant increase in the frequency of
      the VEGF -2549 DD genotype in PAD patients compared with the DR group (34.6 vs.
      0; p = 0.016), as well as in the distribution of the VEGF -2549 ID genotype in DR
      compared with PAD patients (85.7 vs. 38.4; p = 0.005). There was a significant
      increase in the frequency of the VEGF -2578 CC genotype in the PAD group compared
      with DR (34.6 vs. 0; p = 0.016), as well as in the VEGF -2578 CA genotype in DR
      patients compared with PAD (85.7 vs. 34.6; p = 0.002). The VEGF +405 genotype was
      not associated with diabetic vascular complications. CONCLUSION: This study
      provides preliminary evidence that VEGF polymorphisms are associated with a
      differential presentation of diabetic vascular complications.

PMID- 22064698
TI  - Shh signaling guides spatial pathfinding of raphespinal tract axons by
      multidirectional repulsion.
AB  - Relatively little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying spatial
      pathfinding in the descending serotonergic raphespinal tract (RST) in the
      developing spinal cord, one of the most important nerve pathways for pain,
      sensory and motor functions. We provide evidence that ventral floor plate
      secreted Sonic hedgehog (Shh) is responsible for the establishment of decreasing
      gradients in both the anterior-to-posterior (A-P) and the medial-to-lateral (M-L)
      directions in the ventral spinal cord during serotonergic RST axon projection.
      Downstream components of the Shh pathway, Patched 1 (Ptch1) and Smoothened (Smo),
      were expressed in the serotonergic caudal raphe nuclei and enriched in the
      descending serotonergic RST axons. Diffusible Shh repulsion of serotonergic RST
      axons was shown to be mediated by Shh-Ptch1 interactions and derepression of Smo.
      Using a co-culture assay, we showed that A-P graded repulsion mediated by Shh
      signaling pushed the serotonergic axons caudally through the ventral spinal cord
      and M-L graded repulsion mediated by Shh signaling simultaneously restricted the
      serotonergic axons to the ventral and ventral-lateral funiculus. Prominent
      pathfinding errors of serotonergic RST axons were observed in various Shh, Ptch1
      and Smo mutants. We conclude that Shh signaling-mediated multidirectional
      repulsion is required to push descending serotonergic RST axons in the A-P
      direction, and to restrict these axons to the ventral and ventral-lateral
      funiculus in the M-L direction. This is the first demonstration that Shh
      signaling-mediated multidirectional repulsion of serotonergic RST axons maintains
      spatial axon pathfinding in the developing spinal cord.

PMID- 22064699
TI  - Highly efficient derivation of ventricular cardiomyocytes from induced
      pluripotent stem cells with a distinct epigenetic signature.
AB  - Cardiomyocytes derived from pluripotent stem cells can be applied in drug
      testing, disease modeling and cell-based therapy. However, without procardiogenic
      growth factors, the efficiency of cardiomyogenesis from pluripotent stem cells is
      usually low and the resulting cardiomyocyte population is heterogeneous. Here, we
      demonstrate that induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be derived from
      murine ventricular myocytes (VMs), and consistent with other reports of iPSCs
      derived from various somatic cell types, VM-derived iPSCs (ViPSCs) exhibit a
      markedly higher propensity to spontaneously differentiate into beating
      cardiomyocytes as compared to genetically matched embryonic stem cells (ESCs) or
      iPSCs derived from tail-tip fibroblasts. Strikingly, the majority of ViPSC
      derived cardiomyocytes display a ventricular phenotype. The enhanced ventricular
      myogenesis in ViPSCs is mediated via increased numbers of cardiovascular
      progenitors at early stages of differentiation. In order to investigate the
      mechanism of enhanced ventricular myogenesis from ViPSCs, we performed global
      gene expression and DNA methylation analysis, which revealed a distinct
      epigenetic signature that may be involved in specifying the VM fate in
      pluripotent stem cells.

PMID- 22064700
TI  - Direct reprogramming of Sertoli cells into multipotent neural stem cells by
      defined factors.
AB  - Multipotent neural stem/progenitor cells hold great promise for cell therapy. The
      reprogramming of fibroblasts to induced pluripotent stem cells as well as mature
      neurons suggests a possibility to convert a terminally differentiated somatic
      cell into a multipotent state without first establishing pluripotency. Here, we
      demonstrate that Sertoli cells derived from mesoderm can be directly converted
      into a multipotent state that possesses neural stem/progenitor cell properties.
      The induced neural stem/progenitor cells (iNSCs) express multiple NSC-specific
      markers, exhibit a global gene-expression profile similar to normal NSCs, and are
      capable of self-renewal and differentiating into glia and electrophysiologically
      functional neurons. iNSC-derived neurons stain positive for tyrosine hydroxylase
      (TH), gamma-aminobutyric acid, and choline acetyltransferase. In addition, iNSCs
      can survive and generate synapses following transplantation into the dentate
      gyrus. Generation of iNSCs may have important implications for disease modeling
      and regenerative medicine.

PMID- 22064701
TI  - The metabolome of induced pluripotent stem cells reveals metabolic changes
      occurring in somatic cell reprogramming.
AB  - Metabolism is vital to every aspect of cell function, yet the metabolome of
      induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) remains largely unexplored. Here we
      report, using an untargeted metabolomics approach, that human iPSCs share a
      pluripotent metabolomic signature with embryonic stem cells (ESCs) that is
      distinct from their parental cells, and that is characterized by changes in
      metabolites involved in cellular respiration. Examination of cellular
      bioenergetics corroborated with our metabolomic analysis, and demonstrated that
      somatic cells convert from an oxidative state to a glycolytic state in
      pluripotency. Interestingly, the bioenergetics of various somatic cells
      correlated with their reprogramming efficiencies. We further identified
      metabolites that differ between iPSCs and ESCs, which revealed novel metabolic
      pathways that play a critical role in regulating somatic cell reprogramming. Our
      findings are the first to globally analyze the metabolome of iPSCs, and provide
      mechanistic insight into a new layer of regulation involved in inducing
      pluripotency, and in evaluating iPSC and ESC equivalence.

PMID- 22064703
TI  - S phase-dependent interaction with DNMT1 dictates the role of UHRF1 but not UHRF2
      in DNA methylation maintenance.
AB  - Recent studies demonstrate that UHRF1 is required for DNA methylation maintenance
      by targeting DNMT1 to DNA replication foci, presumably through its unique hemi
      methylated DNA-binding activity and interaction with DNMT1. UHRF2, another member
      of the UHRF family proteins, is highly similar to UHRF1 in both sequence and
      structure, raising questions about its role in DNA methylation. In this study, we
      demonstrate that, like UHRF1, UHRF2 also binds preferentially to methylated
      histone H3 lysine 9 (H3K9) through its conserved tudor domain and hemi-methylated
      DNA through the SET and Ring associated domain. Like UHRF1, UHRF2 is enriched in
      pericentric heterochromatin. The heterochromatin localization depends to large
      extent on its methylated H3K9-binding activity and to less extent on its
      methylated DNA-binding activity. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments demonstrate
      that both UHRF1 and UHRF2 interact with DNMT1, DNMT3a, DNMT3b and G9a. Despite
      all these conserved functions, we find that UHRF2 is not able to rescue the DNA
      methylation defect in Uhrf1 null mouse embryonic stem cells. This can be
      attributed to the inability for UHRF2 to recruit DNMT1 to replication foci during
      S phase of the cell cycle. Indeed, we find that while UHRF1 interacts with DNMT1
      in an S phase-dependent manner in cells, UHRF2 does not. Thus, our study
      demonstrates that UHRF2 and UHRF1 are not functionally redundant in DNA
      methylation maintenance and reveals the cell-cycle-dependent interaction between
      UHRF1 and DNMT1 as a key regulatory mechanism targeting DNMT1 for DNA
      methylation.

PMID- 22064704
TI  - An atypical component of RNA-directed DNA methylation machinery has both DNA
      methylation-dependent and -independent roles in locus-specific transcriptional
      gene silencing.
AB  - RNA-directed DNA methylation (RdDM) is an important de novo DNA methylation
      pathway in plants. RdDM mediates the transcriptional silencing of many endogenous
      genomic loci, most of which are transposon related. A forward genetics screen
      identified DTF1 (DNA-binding transcription factor 1) as a new component for RdDM
      in Arabidopsis. Loss-of-function mutations in DTF1 release the transcriptional
      silencing of RdDM target loci and reduce the accumulation of 24-nt small
      interfering RNAs (siRNAs) from some of the targets. Interestingly, in the dtf1
      mutant plants, the release of transcriptional gene silencing at solo-LTR is
      accompanied by decreased siRNA accumulation but not by reduced DNA methylation.
      These results suggest that DTF1 is an atypical component of RdDM and has both DNA
      methylation-dependent and -independent roles in transcriptional gene silencing.
      We suggest that besides DNA methylation, siRNAs may cause some other
      uncharacterized epigenetic modifications that lead to transcriptional gene
      silencing.

PMID- 22064705
TI  - 4-(1,3-Benzothia-zol-2-yl)-1,5-dimethyl-2-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-3(2H)-one.
AB  - The central five-membered ring of the title compound, C(18)H(15)N(3)OS, is almost
      planar (r.m.s. deviation = 0.028 A) and the benzothia-zole fused-ring system is
      close to coplanar with this ring [dihedral angle = 6.1 (1) degrees ]. The phenyl
      substituent is twisted by 62.5 (1) degrees .

PMID- 22064706
TI  - Macrophage migration inhibitory factor deficiency protects pancreatic islets from
      palmitic acid-induced apoptosis.
AB  - As a result of chronic exposure to high levels of free fatty acids, glucose and
      inflammatory mediators beta-cell apoptosis occurs at the end stage of obesity
      associated type 2 diabetes (T2D). One potentially deleterious molecule for beta
      cell function associated with T2D and obesity in humans is macrophage migration
      inhibitory factor (MIF). Therefore, the aim of this study was to explore MIF
      expression in vivo during development of obesity and insulin resistance in high
      fat diet (HFD)-fed C57BL/6 mice and whether MIF inhibition could affect beta-cell
      apoptosis and dysfunction induced by palmitic acid (PA) in vitro. Indeed,
      increase in systemic and locally produced MIF correlated well with the weight
      gain, triglyceride upregulation, glucose intolerance and insulin resistance,
      which developed in HFD-fed mice. In in vitro settings PA dose-dependently induced
      MIF secretion before apoptosis development in islets. Further, mif gene deletion,
      mRNA silencing or protein inhibition rescued beta-cells from PA-induced apoptosis
      as measured by MTT assay and histone-DNA enzyme linked immuno sorbent assay.
      Protection from induced apoptosis was mediated by altered activation of caspase
      pathway and correlated with changes in the level of Bcl-2 family members.
      Further, MIF inhibition conveyed a significant resistance to PA-induced
      downregulation of insulin and PDX-1 expression and ATP content. However, beta
      cell function was not entirely preserved in the absence of MIF judging by low
      glucose oxidation and depolarized mitochondrial membrane. In conclusion, the
      observed considerable preservation of beta-cells from nutrient-induced apoptosis
      might implicate MIF as a potential therapeutic target in the later stage of
      obesity-associated T2D.

PMID- 22064708
TI  - Histone deacetylase inhibitors in the generation of the anti-tumour immune
      response.
AB  - Acetylation of lysine residues acts to modify the function of a wide range of
      proteins. In histones, it affects chromatin structure, which can impact gene
      transcription, whereas acetylation of transcription factors and heat-shock
      proteins affect their activity. Deacetylase inhibitors block the dynamic turnover
      of acetylation resulting in hyperacetylation of target proteins. This can affect
      a wide range of cellular functions, and in a wide range of tumour cell types
      promote cytostatic and cytotoxic effects, but has little effect on normal cells.
      The inhibitors are being used clinically as anti-cancer agents. Although direct
      effects of the histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors on cancers are beginning to
      be elucidated, the prospect of concurrent stimulation of the immune response
      raises hopes for immune attack of the tumour as part of the initial anti-cancer
      therapy and long-term immune-surveillance of residual or recurrent tumour. This
      review will examine the evidence for the generation of anti-tumour immunity after
      treatment of cancers with HDAC inhibitors.

PMID- 22064707
TI  - Insights into inflammatory bowel disease using Toxoplasma gondii as an infectious
      trigger.
AB  - Oral infection of certain inbred mouse strains with the protozoan Toxoplasma
      gondii triggers inflammatory pathology resembling lesions seen during human
      inflammatory bowel disease, in particular Crohn's disease (CD). Damage triggered
      by the parasite is largely localized to the distal portion of the small
      intestine, and as such is one of only a few models for ileal inflammation. This
      is important because ileal involvement is a characteristic of CD in over two
      thirds of patients. The disease induced by Toxoplasma is mediated by Th1 cells
      and the cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interferon-gamma. Inflammation
      is dependent upon IL-23, also identified by genome-wide association studies as a
      risk factor in CD. Development of lesions is concomitant with emergence of E.
      coli that display enhanced adhesion to the intestinal epithelium and
      subepithelial translocation. Furthermore, depletion of gut flora renders mice
      resistant to Toxoplasma-triggered ileitis. Recent findings suggest complex CCR2
      dependent interactions between lamina propria T cells and intraepithelial
      lymphocytes in fueling proinflammatory pathology in the intestine. The advantage
      of the Toxoplasma model is that disease develops rapidly (within 7-10 days of
      infection) and can be induced in immunodeficient mice by adoptive transfer of
      mucosal T cells from infected donors. We propose that Toxoplasma acts as a
      trigger setting into motion a series of events culminating in loss of tolerance
      in the intestine and emergence of pathogenic T cell effectors. The Toxoplasma
      trigger model is providing new leaps in our understanding of immunity in the
      intestine.

PMID- 22064710
TI  - 1,8-Bis(4-meth-oxy-3-nitro-phen-yl)naphthalene.
AB  - Mol-ecules of the title compound, C(24)H(18)N(2)O(6), are located on a twofold
      rotation axis passing through through the central C-C bond of the naphthalene
      ring system. The mol-ecular conformation is characterized by a roughly coplanar
      arrangement of the two substituted phenyl rings [dihedral angle 18.53 (5) degrees
      ]. These two aryl rings are each twisted by 65.40 (5) degrees  from the plane of
      the naphthyl unit.

PMID- 22064711
TI  - Two strikingly different signaling pathways are induced by meningococcal type IV
      pili on endothelial and epithelial cells.
AB  - Following adhesion on brain microvasculature, Neisseria meningitidis is able to
      cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) by recruiting the polarity complex and the
      cell junction proteins, thus allowing the opening of the paracellular route. This
      feature is the consequence of the activation by the type IV pili of the beta2
      adrenergic receptor/beta-arrestin signaling pathway. Here, we have extended this
      observation to primary peripheral endothelial cells, and we report that the
      interaction of N. meningitidis with the epithelium is strikingly different. The
      recruitment of the junctional components by N. meningitidis is indeed restricted
      to endothelial cell lines, and no alteration of the cell-cell junctions can be
      seen in epithelial monolayers following meningococcal type IV pilus-mediated
      colonization. Consistently, the beta2-adrenergic receptor/beta-arrestin pathway
      was not hijacked by bacteria adhering on epithelial cells. In addition, we showed
      that the consequences of the bacterial signaling on epithelial cells is different
      from that of endothelial cells, since N. meningitidis-induced signaling which
      protects the microcolonies from shear stress on endothelial cells is unable to do
      so on epithelial cells. Finally, we report that the minor pilin PilV, which has
      been shown to be essential for endothelial cell response, is not a required
      bacterial determinant to induce an epithelial cell response. These data
      demonstrate that even though pilus-mediated signaling induces an apparently
      similar cortical plaque, in epithelial and endothelial cell lineages, the
      signaling pathways are strikingly different in both models.

PMID- 22064712
TI  - Combined roles of human IgG subclass, alternative complement pathway activation,
      and epitope density in the bactericidal activity of antibodies to meningococcal
      factor h binding protein.
AB  - Meningococcal vaccines containing factor H binding protein (fHbp) are in clinical
      development. fHbp binds human fH, which enables the meningococcus to resist
      complement-mediated bacteriolysis. Previously, we found that chimeric human IgG1
      mouse anti-fHbp monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) had human complement-mediated
      bactericidal activity only if the MAb inhibited fH binding. Since IgG subclasses
      differ in their ability to activate complement, we investigated the role of human
      IgG subclasses on antibody functional activity. We constructed chimeric MAbs in
      which three different murine fHbp-specific binding domains were each paired with
      human IgG1, IgG2, or IgG3. Against a wild-type group B isolate, all three IgG3
      MAbs, irrespective of their ability to inhibit fH binding, had bactericidal
      activity that was >5-fold higher than the respective IgG1 MAbs, while the IgG2
      MAbs had the least activity. Against a mutant with increased fHbp expression, the
      anti-fHbp MAbs elicited greater C4b deposition (classical pathway) and greater
      bactericidal activity than against the wild-type strain, and the IgG1 MAbs had
      similar or greater activity than the respective IgG3 MAbs. The bactericidal
      activity against both wild-type and mutant strains also was dependent, in part,
      on activation of the alternative complement pathway. Thus, at lower epitope
      density in the wild-type strain, the IgG3 anti-fHbp MAbs had the greatest
      bactericidal activity. At a higher epitope density in the mutant, the IgG1 MAbs
      had similar or greater bactericidal activity than the IgG3 MAbs, and the activity
      was less dependent on the inhibition of fH binding than at a lower epitope
      density.

PMID- 22064713
TI  - Macrophages are critical for cross-protective immunity conferred by Babesia
      microti against Babesia rodhaini infection in mice.
AB  - Although primary infection of mice with Babesia microti has been shown to protect
      mice against subsequent lethal infection by Babesia rodhaini, the mechanism
      behind the cross-protection is unknown. To unravel this mechanism, we
      investigated the influence of primary infection of mice with nonlethal B. microti
      using different time courses on the outcome of subsequent lethal B. rodhaini
      infection. Simultaneous infections of mice with these parasites resulted in rapid
      increases in parasitemia, with 100% mortality in BALB/c mice, as observed with
      control mice infected with B. rodhaini alone. In contrast, mice with acute,
      resolving, and chronic-phase B. microti infections were completely protected
      against B. rodhaini, resulting in low parasitemia and no mortalities. Mice
      immunized with dead B. microti were not protected from B. rodhaini infection,
      although high antibody responses were induced. Interestingly, the protected mice
      had significantly decreased levels of antibody response, cytokines (including
      gamma interferon [IFN-gamma], interleukin-2 [IL-2], IL-8, IL-10, and IL-12), and
      nitric oxide levels after infection with B. rodhaini. SCID mice and IFN-gamma
      deficient mice with chronic B. microti infections demonstrated protective
      responses comparable to those of immunocompetent mice. Likewise, in vivo NK cell
      depletion did not significantly impair the protective responses. Conversely,
      macrophage depletion resulted in increased susceptibility to B. rodhaini
      infection associated with changes in their antibody and cytokines profiles,
      indicating that macrophages contribute to the protection against this challenge
      infection. We conclude that future development of vaccines against Babesia should
      include a strategy that enhances the appropriate activation of macrophages.

PMID- 22064714
TI  - A protective epitope in type III effector YopE is a major CD8 T cell antigen
      during primary infection with Yersinia pseudotuberculosis.
AB  - Virulence in human-pathogenic Yersinia species is associated with a plasmid
      encoded type III secretion system that translocates a set of Yop effector
      proteins into host cells. One effector, YopE, functions as a Rho GTPase
      activating protein (GAP). In addition to acting as a virulence factor, YopE can
      function as a protective antigen. C57BL/6 mice infected with attenuated Yersinia
      pestis generate a dominant H2-Kb-restricted CD8 T cell response to an epitope in
      the N-terminal domain of YopE (YopE69-77), and intranasal vaccination with the
      YopE69-77 peptide and the mucosal adjuvant cholera toxin (CT) elicits CD8 T cells
      that are protective against lethal pulmonary challenge with Y. pestis. Because
      YopE69-77 is conserved in many Yersinia strains, we sought to determine if YopE
      is a protective antigen for Yersinia pseudotuberculosis and if primary infection
      with this enteric pathogen elicits a CD8 T cell response to this epitope.
      Intranasal immunization with the YopE69-77 peptide and CT elicited a CD8 T cell
      response that was protective against lethal intragastric Y. pseudotuberculosis
      challenge. The YopE69-77 epitope was a major antigen (~30% of splenic CD8 T cells
      were specific for this peptide at the peak of the response) during primary
      infection with Y. pseudotuberculosis, as shown by flow cytometry tetramer
      staining. Results of infections with Y. pseudotuberculosis expressing
      catalytically inactive YopE demonstrated that GAP activity is dispensable for a
      CD8 T cell response to YopE69-77. Determining the features of YopE that are
      important for this response will lead to a better understanding of how protective
      CD8 T cell immunity is generated against Yersinia and other pathogens with type
      III secretion systems.

PMID- 22064715
TI  - Pathophysiology of the rhesus macaque model for inhalational brucellosis.
AB  - The objective of this study was to characterize the rhesus macaque (RM) as a
      model for inhalational brucellosis in support of the U.S. Food and Drug
      Administration's (FDA) Animal Rule. The pathophysiology of chronic Brucella
      melitensis aerosol infection was monitored in two phases that each occurred over
      an 8-week time period; dose escalation (8 RMs; targeted doses of 5.0E+03,
      5.0E+04, or 5.0E+05 CFU/animal or the unchallenged control) and natural history
      (12 RMs; targeted dose of 2.50E+05 CFU/animal or the unchallenged control). RMs
      given an aerosol challenge with B. melitensis developed undulating fevers (6/6
      phase I; 8/9 phase II), positive enriched blood cultures (5/10; phase II), and
      bacterial burdens in tissues starting 14 to 21 days postchallenge (6/6 phase I;
      10/10 phase II). In addition, 80% (8/10; phase II) of infected RMs seroconverted
      14 to 21 days postchallenge. RMs developed elevations in certain liver enzymes
      and had an increased inflammatory response by 3 weeks postchallenge as shown by
      increases in C-reactive protein (6/8) and neopterin (4/8), which correlated with
      the onset of a fever. As early as 14 days postchallenge, positive liver biopsy
      specimens were detected (2/8), and ultrasound imaging showed the development of
      splenomegaly. Finally, histopathologic examination found lesions attributed to
      Brucella infection in the liver, kidney, lung, and/or spleen of all animals. The
      disease progression observed with the RMs in this study is analogous to human
      brucellosis pathophysiology. Thus, the results from this study support the use of
      the RM as an animal model for inhalational brucellosis to evaluate the efficacy
      of novel vaccines and therapeutics against B. melitensis.

PMID- 22064716
TI  - Repeated exposure to Aspergillus fumigatus conidia results in CD4+ T cell
      dependent and -independent pulmonary arterial remodeling in a mixed Th1/Th2/Th17
      microenvironment that requires interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-10.
AB  - Pulmonary arterial remodeling is a pathological process seen in a number of
      clinical disease states, driven by inflammatory cells and mediators in the
      remodeled artery microenvironment. In murine models, Th2 cell-mediated immune
      responses to inhaled antigens, such as purified Aspergillus allergen, have been
      reported to induce remodeling of pulmonary arteries. We have previously shown
      that repeated intranasal exposure of healthy C57BL/6 mice to viable, resting
      Aspergillus fumigatus conidia leads to the development of chronic pulmonary
      inflammation and the coevolution of Th1, Th2, and Th17 responses in the lungs.
      Our objective was to determine whether repeated intranasal exposure to
      Aspergillus conidia would induce pulmonary arterial remodeling in this mixed Th
      inflammatory microenvironment. Using weekly intranasal conidial challenges, mice
      developed robust pulmonary arterial remodeling after eight exposures (but not
      after two or four). The process was partially mediated by CD4+ T cells and by
      interleukin-4 (IL-4) production, did not require eosinophils, and was independent
      of gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) and IL-17. Furthermore, remodeling could occur
      even in the presence of strong Th1 and Th17 responses. Rather than serving an
      anti-inflammatory function, IL-10 was required for the development of the Th2
      response to A. fumigatus conidia. However, in contrast to previous studies of
      pulmonary arterial remodeling driven by the A. fumigatus allergen, viable conidia
      also stimulated pulmonary arterial remodeling in the absence of CD4+ T cells.
      Remodeling was completely abrogated in IL-10-/- mice, suggesting that a second,
      CD4+ T cell-independent, IL-10-dependent pathway was also driving pulmonary
      arterial remodeling in response to repeated conidial exposure.

PMID- 22064717
TI  - Defining the roles of human carcinoembryonic antigen-related cellular adhesion
      molecules during neutrophil responses to Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
AB  - Symptomatic infection of humans with Neisseria gonorrhoeae is characterized by a
      neutrophil-rich cervical or urethral exudate, suggesting that neutrophils are
      important both for the clearance of these bacteria and for the pathogenesis of
      gonorrhea. Neisseria interacts with neutrophils through ligation of human
      carcinoembryonic antigen related-cellular adhesion molecules (CEACAMs) by their
      surface-expressed Opa proteins, resulting in bacterial binding, engulfment, and
      neutrophil activation. Multiple CEACAMs are expressed by human neutrophils, and
      yet their coexpression has precluded understanding of the relative contribution
      of each CEACAM to functional responses of neutrophils during neisserial
      infection. In this work, we directly address the role of each CEACAM during
      infection by introducing individual human CEACAMs into a differentiated murine
      MPRO cell line-derived neutrophil model. Murine neutrophils cannot bind the human
      restricted Neisseria; however, we show that introducing any of the Opa-binding
      CEACAMs of human neutrophils (CEACAM1, CEACAM3, and CEACAM6) allows binding and
      entry of Neisseria into murine neutrophils. While CEACAM1- and CEACAM6-expressing
      neutrophils bind more bacteria, neisserial uptake via these two receptors
      unexpectedly proceeds without appreciable neutrophil activation. In stark
      contrast, neisserial engulfment via CEACAM3 recapitulates the oxidative burst and
      intracellular granule release seen during human neutrophil infection. Finally, by
      coexpressing multiple CEACAMs in our model, we show that the expression of
      CEACAM1 and CEACAM6 potentiate, rather than hinder, CEACAM3-dependent responses
      of neutrophils, exposing a cooperative role for this family of proteins during
      neisserial infection of neutrophils. These observations illustrate a divergence
      in function of CEACAMs in neutrophils and implicate the human-restricted CEACAM3
      in the neutrophil innate response to neisserial infection.

PMID- 22064718
TI  - Injuries to individuals participating in mountain and wilderness sports:  a
      review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review is to summarize evidence on injuries
      occurring in individuals participating in mountain and wilderness sports. DATA
      SOURCES: Scopus, ISI Web of Knowledge, SPORTDiscus, Ovid Safety and Health, Index
      to Theses, COPAC, and sportscotland e-library. The search terms were (mountain*
      or wilderness or adventure or climb* or (hill walk*)) and (accident* or injur* or
      rescue*) and (epidemiolog* or statistic* or pattern* or survey*). The search
      period was from 1987 to 2010. STUDY SELECTION: A total of 2034 articles were
      identified. The full text of 137 articles was retrieved. Fifty articles met
      inclusion criteria-mountain and wilderness; nonmotorized, leisure time, outdoor
      activities; and nonfatal injury. Skiing and snowboarding articles were excluded.
      DATA EXTRACTION: Study design was classified using the "STOX" hierarchy of
      evidence. Study quality was rated independently by 2 reviewers. DATA SYNTHESIS:
      All studies were observational. Twenty-one (42%) were longitudinal, 20 (40%) were
      cross-sectional surveys, and 9 were cohort studies. A majority of casualties were
      aged 20 to 39 years. There was a clear male majority, 70% to 89% in most studies.
      The percentage of casualties who sustained severe injuries ranged from 5% to 10%-
      less than 10% were admitted to hospital. Casualties sustained an average of 1.2
      to 2.8 injuries (most >1.6), which mainly affected the soft tissues; between 2%
      and 38% were fractures. Up to 90% of injuries were to the extremities.
      CONCLUSIONS: The majority of mountain and wilderness sports injuries are minor to
      moderate. However, some casualties have life-threatening medical problems, which
      may have long-term implications for return to sport and general well-being.

PMID- 22064719
TI  - Severe physical exertion, oxidative stress, and acute lung injury.
AB  - We report the case of a 27-year-old male athlete presenting with severe dyspnoea
      24 hours after completing an "Ironman Triathlon." Subsequent chest radiology
      excluded pulmonary embolus but confirmed an acute lung injury (ALI).
      Echocardiography corroborated a normal brain natriuretic peptide level by
      demonstrating good biventricular systolic function with no regional wall motion
      abnormalities. He recovered well, without requiring ventilatory support, on
      supplemental oxygen therapy and empirical antibiotics. To date, ALI following
      severe physical exertion has never been described. Exercise is a form of
      physiological stress resulting in oxidative stress through generation of reactive
      oxygen/nitrogen species. In its extreme form, there is potential for an excessive
      oxidative stress response--one that overwhelms the body's protective antioxidant
      mechanisms. As our case demonstrated, oxidative stress secondary to severe
      physical exertion was the most likely factor in the pathogenesis of ALI. Further
      studies are necessary to explore the pathological consequences of exercise
      induced oxidative stress. Although unproven as of yet, further research may be
      needed to demonstrate if antioxidant therapy can prevent or ameliorate potential
      life-threatening complications in the acute setting.

PMID- 22064720
TI  - Topical nitroglycerin decreases pain intensity in daily activities:  a review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To review the evidence for the effectiveness of topical nitroglycerin
      in treating acute and chronic tendinopathies among adults. DATA SOURCES: The
      investigators searched 27 databases for experimental studies, published from
      January 1990 to March 2009 in any language, on nitroglycerin application for
      tendon injuries. Further studies were sought from the reference lists of relevant
      articles. STUDY SELECTION: Selection criteria were randomized controlled trials
      (RCTs) and other clinical controlled trials that compared topical nitroglycerin
      with placebo, an alternative intervention, or a standard treatment for acute (<2
      weeks), subacute (2-6 weeks), or chronic (>6 weeks) tendinopathy; adult
      participants; and reduction of pain as an outcome measure. The search identified
      163 published articles, of which 7 RCTs were included. DATA EXTRACTION: Details
      of the study design, participants, interventions, and outcomes (primarily pain,
      and secondarily range of motion and strength of the involved musculotendinous
      units) were extracted. Quality was evaluated by the Standard Quality Assessment
      Criteria for Evaluating Research Papers (14 points, scored 2 for "yes" and 1 for
      "partial"). Data assessment was done by 2 independent reviewers. MAIN RESULTS:
      Glyceryl trinitrate was compared with placebo in 5 studies, 1 study compared
      nitroglycerin with local corticosteroid/anesthetic solution, and 1 study compared
      nitroglycerin and tendon rehabilitation with tendon rehabilitation alone. Dosage
      of transdermal nitroglycerin varied from 0.72 to 5 mg per day for a period of 3
      days to 24 weeks. In the acute phase of tendinopathy, 2 studies reported
      conflicting evidence for pain relief, with the comparison between nitroglycerin
      and corticosteroid infiltration favoring the latter. In 2 studies, there was
      limited evidence for the effectiveness of nitroglycerin in improving joint
      mobility. In the chronic phase, 5 studies assessed pain intensity at rest, with
      activity, and/or at night. Meta-analysis of the results of 3 of the studies
      favored nitroglycerin over control for decreasing pain on activities of daily
      living [odds ratio (OR) 4.44; 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.34-8.40]. When
      results from the acute studies were included, the positive effects of
      nitroglycerin on pain intensity remained (OR, 4.86; 95% CI, 2.62-9.02). In
      chronic tendinopathies, evidence for decreasing pain at rest and during the night
      was conflicting. Pain duration and sleep-hour duration were not improved. There
      was limited evidence of improvement effected by transdermal nitroglycerin in
      range of motion and in local tenderness. Evidence from 3 studies showed an
      increase in peak muscle force after 24 weeks. All 7 studies reported headache as
      an adverse event, which resulted in 1 to 9 discontinuations of the intervention.
      Data from 4 studies found an increase in the incidence of headache with
      nitroglycerin (OR, 1.73; 95% CI, 1.01-2.97). Data from 3 studies showed no
      difference in the occurrence of contact dermatitis between nitroglycerin and
      placebo. Study quality was good (mean score, 23.71/28 points). Most of the
      studies passed the criteria pertaining to randomization, comparison of baseline
      characteristics, and appropriate methods of outcome evaluation and analysis.
      Blinding was infrequent or inadequate. CONCLUSIONS: Topical nitroglycerin
      relieved pain intensity in activities of daily living among patients with chronic
      or acute tendinopathies. There was little evidence for effectiveness on other
      outcomes. The incidence of headache was increased by nitroglycerin.

PMID- 22064721
TI  - Corticosteroid and other injections in the management of tendinopathies:  a
      review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy and risk of adverse effects of peritendinous
      corticosteroid and other injections in the management of tendinopathy. DATA
      SOURCES: In March 2010, using terms describing common tendinopathies and
      injections, including steroids, local anesthetics, sclerosing solutions,
      aprotinin, platelet-rich plasma, botulinum toxins, and glycosaminoglycans, 8
      databases were searched without language, publication, or date restrictions.
      Reference lists were scanned for additional articles. STUDY SELECTION: Criteria
      for inclusion were randomized controlled trials that compared >=1 peritendinous
      injection with placebo or other nonsurgical intervention. Study methods were
      independently assessed by 2 reviewers (reliability, kappa = 0.85) on a modified
      PEDro scale, and scores were required to be >=50% for inclusion. Studies with a
      high proportion of patients with adhesive capsulitis, full-thickness rotator cuff
      tears, or rheumatologic disease were excluded. Of 2954 studies screened, 174 full
      text articles were evaluated for inclusion by 1 investigator and confirmed by a
      second. Of 64 studies that were initially included, the 41 that scored >50% on
      the PEDro scale were retained. DATA EXTRACTION: Information about injection type
      and comparison treatments, site of the tendinopathy, duration of follow-up (short
      term, <12 weeks; long term, >=52 weeks), outcomes (pain, function, and patient
      rated overall improvement), and frequency of adverse events was extracted. Study
      results were pooled when the data were sufficiently homogeneous. MAIN RESULTS:
      Clinically diagnosed lateral epicondylalgia: In 3 trials that compared
      corticosteroid injections with no intervention, corticosteroid injections were
      effective in the short term in pain reduction [standard mean difference (SMD),
      1.44; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.17-1.71], in improving function (SMD, 1.50;
      95% CI, 1.22-1.77), and in overall improvement [relative risk (RR), 3.47; 95% CI,
      2.11-5.69]. In the intermediate and long term, corticosteroid injections were
      less effective than no intervention. In comparison with placebo injection (4
      studies), there was limited evidence for the effectiveness of corticosteroid
      injection in relieving pain. In comparison with physiotherapy (4 studies),
      corticosteroid injection was more effective in the short term for improving
      function (SMD, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.03-1.55) and in overall improvement (RR, 2.37; 95%
      CI, 1.75-3.21), and there was strong evidence among heterogeneous studies for
      reducing pain. Intermediate and long-term results were worse in pain and function
      for the corticosteroid injection intervention. Corticosteroid injections were
      more effective than orthotic devices for the wrist or elbow for overall
      improvement in the short term but not in the long term (2 studies). Effectiveness
      did not differ in comparisons of high- versus low-corticosteroid dosage, and
      between triamcinolone and hydrocortisone. Pain and function improved more with
      corticosteroid than with platelet-rich plasma injection in the short term but
      were worse in the long term. Rotator cuff tendinopathy: In the short term,
      corticosteroid injection improved pain (SMD, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.35-1.01) and
      function (SMD, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.29-0.95) more than placebo (3 studies). In
      comparisons with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and with NSAIDs
      plus placebo injection, no differences in pain or function were found (3 studies)
      or when NSAIDs were administered in addition to corticosteroid and placebo
      injections (4 studies). Corticosteroid injection and physiotherapy did not differ
      in effectiveness (2 studies), although 1 study found short-term greater overall
      improvement and function after corticosteroid injection. Adverse effects were
      reported in 82% of corticosteroid injection trials. In comparison with placebo
      injections, corticosteroid injections were associated with an increased risk of
      atrophy for Achilles and patellar tendons but not elbow tendons. In trials of
      injections of sclerosant, platelet-rich plasma, proteinase, glycosaminoglycan
      polysulfate, sodium hyaluronate, prolotherapy, and botulinum toxin compared with
      placebo injection or other therapies, only sodium hyaluronate compared with
      placebo showed consistently better results in the short and long term in overall
      improvement and pain reduction of lateral epicondylalgia (1 study). Adverse
      effects were reported for all these injections except sclerosant and platelet
      rich plasma. CONCLUSIONS: Corticosteroid injection is beneficial in the short
      term for the treatment of tendinopathies but may be worse than other treatments
      in the intermediate and long terms. No clear evidence of benefit of other
      injections was shown, except for sodium hyaluronate in the short and long term.

PMID- 22064722
TI  - Ice slurry ingestion increases running time in the heat.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the effect of drinking an ice slurry (slushy) compared with
      cold water on prolonged submaximal exercise performed in the heat and on
      thermoregulatory responses. DESIGN: Crossover trial, with the 2 conditions
      counterbalanced and in random order. Results were adjusted for multiple
      comparisons by the method of Bonferroni. SETTING: Exercise laboratory study;
      Edith Cowan University, Western Australia. PARTICIPANTS: Moderately active male
      volunteers (n = 10; mean age, 28 years) who participated in recreational sport
      and who had no injuries or history of heat illness were included. INTERVENTION:
      Five to 14 days before the trials, the participants were familiarized with the
      procedure by a progressive treadmill run to volitional exhaustion at their
      previously determined first ventilatory threshold running speed, in the same hot
      environment as the trials (34 degrees C, 55% relative humidity). The 2
      experimental trials were completed at the same time of day, 5 to 20 days apart.
      During the first 15 minutes, the participants rested while baseline measurements
      were taken. Over the next 30 minutes, they drank either a 7.5 g/kg flavored ice
      slurry (-1 degrees C) or the same volume of flavored cold water (4 degrees C) and
      then commenced the treadmill run. Participants were instructed to keep their
      normal lifestyle habits stable. In the 24 hours preceding the trials, they were
      asked to avoid strenuous exercise and to consume a specified amount of
      carbohydrate and fluid but no alcohol, caffeine, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory
      drugs, or nutritional supplements. Urine and blood samples were taken, and
      respiratory variables, heart rate, and rectal and skin temperatures were
      continuously monitored. Heat storage was calculated from temperature and
      anthropomorphic measurements. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome measures
      were comparisons of run time to exhaustion, perceived exhaustion, heat storage
      capacity, and changes in rectal and skin body temperatures during the 2 trials.
      MAIN RESULTS: All 10 participants took longer to fatigue (range, 2.4-14.2
      minutes) after ice slurry (mean, 50.2 minutes; SD, 8.5 minutes) than after cold
      water (mean, 40.7 minutes; SD, 7.2 minutes) ingestion (relative mean increase,
      19%; SD, 6%; P = 0.001). Mean rectal temperature during the rest period did not
      differ between conditions but was 0.32 degrees C lower after drinking the ice
      slurry than after cold water ingestion before the start of exercise (P = 0.001).
      During the treadmill runs, rectal temperature rose for both conditions but
      remained lower for the ice slurry condition for the first 30 minutes of exercise
      (P = 0.001). After exercise to exhaustion, mean rectal temperature was higher for
      the ice slurry condition than for the cold water condition (39.36 degrees ; SD,
      0.41 degrees  vs 39.05 degrees ; SD, 0.37 degrees ; P = 0.001). Mean skin
      temperature showed a similar pattern to rectal temperature except that the
      conditions did not differ during or after exercise. During the prerun period,
      heat storage was lower after ice slurry than after cold water ingestion (-18.28
      W/m vs -7.84 W/m; P = 0.001), but during exercise, heat storage was greater after
      ice slurry than after cold water ingestion (100.10 W/m vs 78.93 W/m; P = 0.005),
      although the mean rates of heat storage were similar between conditions. During
      exercise, participant ratings of thermal sensation and perceived exertion were
      lower after ice slurry than after cold water ingestion, except at exhaustion,
      when the ratings were similar. CONCLUSIONS: Ice slurry (slushy) compared with
      cold water ingestion prolonged running time to exhaustion in hot and humid
      conditions, reduced rectal temperature during exercise, and allowed rectal
      temperature to rise higher before the runner reached exhaustion.

PMID- 22064723
TI  - Promoting cycling:  a review of interventions.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine which approaches promote cycling, the size of the
      effects, and whether there are associated benefits on physical activity or
      anthropometric measures, by means of a systematic review. DATA SOURCES:
      Intervention studies with a cycling outcome measure were identified from searches
      of 13 databases, previous systematic reviews, Web sites, and reference lists of
      selected articles. International experts were asked to identify further relevant
      published or unpublished studies. The search was completed in January 2010. STUDY
      SELECTION: The selection criteria were controlled trials and "before and after"
      studies of the effect of any intervention on cycling behavior; studies had to
      include a minimal or no intervention comparison group or a similar population;
      and a specific measure of cycling before and after the intervention was required.
      Studies using stationary bicycles were excluded. Of 32,916 records retrieved, 118
      full-text articles were assessed, and 25 were included in the quantitative
      analysis. Each step in the selection process was independently reviewed by a
      second reviewer, and disagreements were resolved. DATA EXTRACTION: Details of the
      study setting, objective, intervention, sample, duration, outcome measures, and
      results were extracted and checked by 2 reviewers, who also assessed validity
      (evaluated in summary as yes/no on randomization, representativeness,
      comparability, measurement, and use of statistical test). Disagreements were
      resolved by discussion. Outcomes were summarized as absolute changes in cycling
      after adjustment for changes in the control group. Meta-analysis was not possible
      because of heterogeneity and statistical inadequacies in the studies. MAIN
      RESULTS: Six studies [2 randomized controlled trials (RCTs), 1 cohort study, and
      3 controlled repeat cross-sectional studies, all meeting >=3 validity criteria]
      included interventions primarily intended to promote cycling. An RCT using
      individual counseling and incentives as interventions found that Swedish women
      with abdominal obesity in the intervention group were more likely to report
      cycling >2 km per day after 18 months than the control group [odds ratio, 7.8;
      95% confidence interval (CI), 4.0-15.0]. Increase in cycling was not associated
      with greater reductions in waist circumference in women in the intervention group
      than in the control group. A cluster RCT (Bike-Texas Safe Routes to School) using
      combined educational and promotional activities as interventions found no
      difference after 1 semester in cycling to school among fourth and fifth graders
      and their parents compared with control schools, but the prevalence of
      recreational cycling increased (net increase + 2.54 days per week; P = 0.02). In
      a controlled repeat cross-sectional study in the Netherlands, improving the
      connectivity of 1 area of Delft was associated with an increase from 40% to 43%
      in household cycle trips after 3 years, compared with a change from 38% to 39% in
      an unimproved area. In Odense, Denmark, promotion and improved infrastructure
      were associated, after 3 years, with a 3.4% net increase in bicycle trips
      (adjusted for regional trends). In a cohort study in Australia, residents in 1
      area were encouraged by a wide-ranging promotional program, including cycle
      training and free bike hire, to use existing cycle paths. After 2 years,
      residents of the intervention area reported more use of the cycle paths than the
      comparison group (net change in prevalence, +5.1%; P < 0.01), and bicycle
      counters also showed greater cycle path use in the intervention area (net
      increase, 7.9%), but no increase in the prevalence of cycling in the population
      occurred. In English towns, media campaigns, services for cyclists, and
      improvements to infrastructure were associated with increased proportions of
      residents who reported cycling more frequently (net increase in proportions
      cycling >=12 times per month in 2 areas, 0.97% and 1.65%, and net increase in
      proportions cycling for >=30 minutes once per month, 2.78% and 1.89%) compared
      with control towns. There was a reduction in the proportion of residents in
      intervention areas who were classified as inactive (-2.6%; 95% CI, -3.7% to 
      1.5%), but no increase in the proportion who were more than moderately active.
      The effects of individualized marketing of walking, cycling, and public transit
      use as an alternative to car use were investigated in 16 studies (2 cohort
      studies and 14 controlled repeat cross-sectional studies; 13 studies met 2
      validity criteria). Most studies included individualized information and
      incentives to households interested in changing their travel behavior and were
      associated with modest but generally consistent increases in self-reported
      cycling trip frequency (median, +8 trips per person per year; range, 0 to +21).
      CONCLUSIONS: Individual and community intervention programs, improving
      infrastructure, and marketing to households all increased cycling (usually self
      reported) to a small extent. Environmental changes combined with advice and
      support may be needed to increase cycling substantially and in a sustainable way
      in the population.

PMID- 22064724
TI  - In response to: SCUBA diving and portal vein thrombosis: a case report.

PMID- 22064725
TI  - In response to: Seventy-five percent of National Football League teams use
      pregame hyperhydration with intravenous fluid.

PMID- 22064727
TI  - Bupropion hydro-bromide propanol hemisolvate.
AB  - The title compound {systematic name: N-[1-(3-chloro-phen-yl)-1-oxopropan-2-yl]
      tert-butanaminium bromide propanol hemisolvate}, C(13)H(19)ClNO(+).Br(
      ).0.5C(3)H(8)O, crystallizes with two independent bupropion hydro-bromide ion
      pairs and a solvent 1-propanol mol-ecule in the asymmetric unit. In both mol
      ecules, the expected proton transfer from HBr to the amino group of the bupropion
      mol-ecule is observed, and intra- and inter-molecular N-H?Br hydrogen-bond inter
      actions are formed. These inter-actions link the mol-ecules into hydrogen-bond
      dimers. The side chains of the two cations have slightly different orientations.
      The 1-propanol solvent mol-ecule is linked to a bromide ion by an O-H?Br hydrogen
      bond.

PMID- 22064728
TI  - Bilateral hand malformations with absence of carpal bones with fusion of proximal
      metacarpals.
AB  - A 14-year-old boy presented with a deformity of his left hand since birth. His
      parents were nonconsanguineous and his early history was uneventful. The mother
      was not exposed to any teratogenic drugs during pregnancy. His other siblings are
      normal. The parents noticed the hand deformity at birth but he had not come to
      medical attention until he complained of restricted movement of the left hand at
      the wrist. On examination he did not have any pain on movement of the wrist nor
      tenderness over the wrist joint. Palmar flexion was restricted completely and
      active dorsiflexion was restricted in the last 30 degrees . Further passive
      dorsiflexion was exaggerated and the middle finger could touch the dorsal aspect
      of the forearm. The hand was deviated to the ulnar side. The patient was of
      normal stature and had no dysmorphic features. The index finger of the right hand
      was noted to be small. His feet were normal

PMID- 22064729
TI  - Pollicisation of the index finger without interosseous muscle or extensor tendon
      repositioning in isolated thumb hypoplasia/aplasia.
AB  - As a part of the pollicisation procedure, previous authors describe interosseous
      muscle and/or extensor tendon repositioning. The benefit of these tendon
      transfers has never been investigated despite the fact that other authors have
      used different techniques or do not perform some of these transfers routinely. In
      this paper, 16 children (17 hands) with isolated aplasia/hypoplasia of the thumb
      underwent the pollicisation procedure without any intrinsic tendon transfers.
      Surgery was performed at a mean age of 22 months and the mean follow-up time was
      5 years. No early operative complications were seen. At final follow-up, the
      overall function and appearance of the hand was satisfactory in all patients. The
      results of our retrospective study warrant further investigation of these tendon
      transfers in a prospective comparative long-term study.

PMID- 22064730
TI  - Arthroscopic synovectomy of idiopathic synovitis of the distal radial ulnar
      joint.

PMID- 22064731
TI  - Accuracy of the skyline view for detecting dorsal cortical penetration during
      volar distal radius fixation.
AB  - Fractures of the distal radius are commonly treated using volar locking plates.
      Several complications have been associated with this procedure, including
      extensor tendon irritation and rupture. It has been suggested that prominence of
      screws past the dorsal cortex may contribute to this complication. This study
      aimed to determine the ability of the skyline view to demonstrate screws
      penetrating the dorsal cortex. A volar locking plate was applied to a synthetic
      forearm model. Lateral, oblique, and skyline views were obtained, with the distal
      screws both beneath and 1 mm beyond the dorsal cortex. The images were shown to
      orthopaedic trainees who were asked to decide if screws penetrated the dorsal
      cortex. Subjects were correct in 83% of cases using the skyline view compared
      with 77% (p = 0.05, lateral) and 50% (p < 0.01, oblique). This study demonstrates
      the skyline view of the distal radius could be a useful and accurate addition to
      routine intraoperative fluoroscopy views.

PMID- 22064732
TI  - (E)-4-Hy-droxy-N'-(3-hy-droxy-4-meth-oxy-benzyl-idene)benzohydrazide.
AB  - The mol-ecule of the title benzohydrazide derivative, C(15)H(14)N(2)O(4), exists
      in a trans conformation with respect to the C=N double bond and is twisted, the
      dihedral angle between the two benzene rings being 24.17 (6) degrees . The meth
      oxy group is almost co-planar with respect to the attached benzene ring [C(m)-O-C
      C (m = meth-yl) = -1.45 (17) degrees ]. In the crystal, the mol-ecules are linked
      by N-H?O and O-H?O hydrogen bonds into sheets parallel to the bc plane. These
      sheets are further connected into a three-dimensional network by weak C-H?O and C
      H?pi inter-actions.

PMID- 22064733
TI  - Effects of supplementation frequency on ruminal fermentation and digestion by
      steers fed medium-quality hay and supplemented with a soybean hull and corn
      gluten feed blend.
AB  - Reducing the frequency of supplementation to beef cattle would reduce labor and
      vehicle maintenance costs and could have the potential to increase profits if
      performance is not negatively affected. Six ruminally cannulated beef steers (362
      +/- 18 kg of BW) were used in a replicated 3 * 3 Latin square design to determine
      the effect of supplementation frequency (daily or on alternate days) on digestion
      and ruminal parameters when feeding medium-quality hay and supplementing with a
      mixture of soybean hulls and corn gluten feed. Dietary treatments consisted of ad
      libitum fescue hay (8.8% CP and 34.8% ADF) that was supplemented at 1% of BW
      daily (SD), supplemented at 2% of BW on alternate days (SA), or not supplemented
      (NS). The supplement (14.6% CP and 29.8% ADF) contained 47% soybean hull pellets,
      47% corn gluten feed pellets, 2% feed grade limestone, and 4% molasses (as fed).
      Each period consisted of a 12-d adaptation phase followed by 6 d of total fecal,
      urine, and ort collection. All supplement offered was consumed within 2 h.
      Ruminal fluid was collected every 4 h for 2 d. Hay intake was reduced (P < 0.01)
      for SD and further reduced (P < 0.01) for SA. Hay intake was 1.54, 1.19, and
      1.02% of BW (SEM +/- 0.036) for NS, SD, and SA, respectively. There was a
      treatment (P < 0.01) * day interaction for mean ruminal pH. On the day of
      supplementation, ruminal pH for SA (6.13) was lower (P < 0.01) than those for
      both SD (6.29) and NS (6.52). However, on the day the SA treatment did not
      receive supplement, ruminal pH of SA (6.53) did not differ (P = 0.87) from
      ruminal pH of NS and was greater (P < 0.01) than that of SD. Ruminal pH of SD was
      lower (P < 0.01) than that of NS. Diet DM digestibility was increased (P < 0.01)
      by supplementation but did not differ (P = 0.58) because of frequency. Dry matter
      digestibility was 57.9, 64.1, and 64.6% (SEM +/- 0.65) for NS, SD, and SA,
      respectively. The amount of N retained did not differ (P = 0.47) because of
      frequency (24.9 +/- 5.61 and 22.0 +/- 5.50 g/d for SD and SA, respectively) and
      was greater (P < 0.01) for the supplemented treatments than for NS (4.2 +/- 3.30
      g/d). When supplementing a blend of soybean hulls and corn gluten feed, producers
      can reduce the frequency of supplementation to every other day without reducing
      digestibility or N retention.

PMID- 22064734
TI  - Amino acid digestibility of corn distillers dried grains with solubles, liquid
      condensed solubles, pulse dried thin stillage, and syrup balls fed to growing
      pigs.
AB  - Distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) has low and variable AA
      digestibility. The variability is often attributed to damage during the heating
      process, and it has been suggested that the damage happens to the soluble
      components of DDGS such as reducing sugars. Combining solubles and grains
      sometimes produces syrup balls (SB); their digestibility is unknown. The
      objective of this experiment was to identify potential sources of poor and
      variable AA digestibility in DDGS. Specifically, our objective was to determine
      whether the problems are associated with the solubles component or with SB. The
      ingredients evaluated were DDGS, intact SB, ground SB, liquid condensed solubles
      (LCS), and pulse dried thin stillage (PDTS) obtained from the same ethanol plant.
      The LCS is produced by evaporation of thin stillage. Each ingredient was used as
      the only source of AA in an experimental diet. In a duplicate 6 * 6 Latin square
      design with 7-d adaptation and collection periods, the 6 treatments consisted of
      an N-free diet and the 5 test ingredients. Pigs had 5 d of adaptation to each
      diet, and on d 6 and 7 ileal digesta were collected from an ileal cannula for 8 h
      each day. Both SB treatments had apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and
      standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of AA that were similar or greater (P <
      0.05) than those of DDGS. The AID and SID values of Lys and a few other AA were
      similar in LCS (SID Lys: 63.1%) and DDGS (SID Lys: 61.5%), but the digestibility
      values of most AA in LCS were less than in DDGS (P < 0.05). The low digestibility
      of AA in LCS was most pronounced for Met (SID: LCS, 41.9% vs. DDGS, 82.8%). The
      LCS had less (P < 0.05) AID and SID of CP (SID: 67.8%) than intact SB (SID:
      85.2%) and ground SB (SID: 85.9%) as well as all AA. The PDTS generally had the
      least AID and SID and had less (P < 0.05) CP (SID: 55.3%) and several AA,
      including Lys, compared with LCS. In conclusion, the presence of SB does not
      decrease AA digestibility of DDGS, and the LCS evaluated has less indispensible
      AA digestibility than DDGS. The LCS has low digestibility of AA that seems to not
      be caused by heat damage.

PMID- 22064735
TI  - Granulated lysozyme as an alternative to antibiotics improves growth performance
      and small intestinal morphology of 10-day-old pigs.
AB  - Lysozyme is a 1,4-beta-N-acetylmuramidase that has antimicrobial properties. The
      objective of this experiment was to determine the effect of a purified granulated
      lysozyme, compared with antibiotics, on growth performance, small intestinal
      morphology, and Campylobacter shedding in 10-d-old pigs. Forty-eight pigs (n = 16
      per treatment), with an initial BW of 4.0 +/- 0.1 kg (P > 0.40), were weaned at
      10 d of age, blocked by litter and sex, and assigned to pens (8 pigs/pen). Each
      block was randomly assigned to consume 1 of 3 liquid dietary treatments for 14 d:
      a control diet, the control diet + lysozyme (100 mg/kg of diet), or the control
      diet + antibiotics (neomycin and oxytetracycline, 16 mg/kg of diet). Pigs were
      weighed and blood was sampled on d 0, 7, and 14. Blood was analyzed for plasma
      urea N and IgA. After 14 d of treatment, pigs were killed and samples of the
      jejunum and ileum were collected and fixed to measure villus height and crypt
      depth. Rectal swabs were taken on d 0, 7, and 14 of treatment, and samples of
      ileal and cecal contents were taken at d 14 of treatment to determine the
      presence of Campylobacter. Pigs consuming lysozyme and antibiotics gained BW at a
      faster rate than did control pigs over the course of the study (402 +/- 12 and
      422 +/- 14 g/d, respectively, vs. 364 +/- 14 g/d; P < 0.02), resulting in heavier
      ending BW (9.9 +/- 0.3, 9.9 +/- 0.3, and 9.0 +/- 0.2 kg for pigs in the lysozyme,
      antibiotic, and control groups, respectively; P < 0.03). Immunoglobulin A
      decreased and plasma urea N increased over the course of the study (P < 0.1),
      regardless of dietary treatment (P > 0.6). Crypt depth was increased in pigs fed
      lysozyme- and antibiotic-treated diets, compared with pigs fed the control diet,
      in both the jejunum (60.0 +/- 2.8 and 62.2 +/- 3.0 um, respectively, vs. 50.7 +/-
      3.1 um; P < 0.03) and ileum (76.0 +/- 7.5 and 72.2 +/- 5.0 um, respectively, vs.
      52.4 +/- 3.5 um; P < 0.02). Villus height did not differ in the jejunum (P > 0.2)
      but was increased in the ileum of pigs consuming the lysozyme- and antibiotic
      treated diets, compared with pigs fed the control diet (312 +/- 20 and 314 +/- 10
      um, respectively, vs. 263 +/- 15 um; P < 0.4). Small intestinal total mucosa and
      mucosal protein concentrations, as well as disaccharidase-specific activities,
      were not altered by lysozyme or antibiotics (P > 0.05). Campylobacter was
      detected in 27% of control samples but in only 5% of samples from pigs fed
      antibiotics and 8% of samples from pigs fed lysozyme (P < 0.01). Thus, granulated
      lysozyme is a suitable alternative to antibiotics for 10-d-old pigs consuming
      manufactured liquid diets.

PMID- 22064736
TI  - Triennial Lactation Symposium: Effects of stress on postpartum reproduction in
      dairy cows.
AB  - The objective was to review the effects of production stressors on reproductive
      performance of dairy cows. It has been well documented that genetic selection for
      milk yield over the last 50 yr has been associated with reduced fertility. In
      addition to negative associations between yield and conception rate, there is
      also an association between milk production and expression of behavioral estrus.
      Stress caused by production diseases in high-yielding dairy cows also contributes
      to the problems of poor fertility. Lameness results in reduced intensity of
      estrus and can contribute to ovulation failure, which is largely due to reduced
      pre-ovulatory estradiol secretion and failure of the LH surge. Mastitis has been
      associated with prolonged intervals to dominant follicle selection, and in
      animals with uterine infection the dominant follicle grows slower and produces
      less estradiol. In a recent study, we identified that milk yield was associated
      with an increased incidence of uterine infection, which is known to contribute to
      reduced fertility and prolonged calving-to-conception intervals. The incidence of
      uterine disease was 73% in high-yielding, compared with 45% in low-yielding cows.
      As well as effects at the ovary, various models of stress have also been shown to
      perturb endocrine secretion in the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary. In
      conclusion, the adverse effects on fertility associated with genetic selection
      for yield in dairy cows is, in part, associated with increased incidences of
      production disease-induced stress but is also associated with high milk yield.

PMID- 22064737
TI  - Use of rosemary, oregano, and a commercial blend of essential oils in broiler
      chickens: in vitro antimicrobial activities and effects on growth performance.
AB  - The present study was conducted to characterize the in vitro antimicrobial
      activities of 3 essential oils [oregano, rosemary, and a commercial blend of
      essential oils (BEO)] against pathogenic and nonpathogenic bacteria and to
      evaluate their effects on broiler chicken performances. The chemical composition
      of the essential oils was determined using the gas chromatography interfaced with
      a mass spectroscopy. The disc diffusion method, the minimum inhibitory
      concentration (MIC), and the minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) were
      applied for the determination of antimicrobial activities of essential oils. In
      vivo study, a total of seven hundred fifty 1-d-old male broiler chickens were
      assigned to 6 dietary treatment groups: basal diet (control; CON), CON + 44 mg of
      avilamycin/kg (A), CON + 100 mg of rosemary essential oil/kg (ROS), CON + 100 mg
      of oregano essential oil/kg (OR), CON + 50 mg of rosemary and 50 mg of oregano
      essential oils/kg (RO), and CON + 1,000 mg of BEO/kg (essential oil mixture,
      EOM). The essential oils isolated from rosemary and oregano were characterized by
      their greater content of 1,8-cineole (49.99%) and carvacrol (69.55%),
      respectively. The BEO was mainly represented by the aldehyde (cinnamaldehyde) and
      the monoterpene (1,8-cineole) chemical groups. The results of the disc diffusion
      method indicated that the rosemary essential oil had antibacterial activity (P <=
      0.05) against only 3 pathogenic bacteria, Escherichia coli (8 mm), Salmonella
      indiana (11 mm), and Listeria innocua (9 mm). The essential oil of oregano had
      antimicrobial activities (P <= 0.05) on the same bacteria as rosemary but also on
      Staphylococcus aureus (22 mm) and Bacillus subtilis (12 mm). Oregano essential
      oil had greater (P <= 0.05) antimicrobial activities against pathogenic bacteria
      than rosemary essential oil but they had no synergism between them. The BEO
      showed an increased antimicrobial activity (P <= 0.05) against all studied
      bacteria (pathogenic and nonpathogenic bacteria) except for Lactobacillus
      rhamnosus. The supplementation of the basal diet with avilamycin or essential
      oils improved (P <= 0.05) broiler chicken BW, BW gain, and G:F compared with the
      CON diet. There were no differences in growth performances among birds fed A,
      ROS, OR, RO, or EOM diets. In general, essential oils contained in rosemary,
      oregano, and BEO can substitute for growth promoter antibiotics. Although the 3
      essential oils had different antimicrobial activities, they exhibited the same
      efficiency in broiler chickens.

PMID- 22064738
TI  - Determining the optimal age for recording the retinal vascular pattern image of
      lambs.
AB  - Newborn Ripollesa lambs (n = 143) were used to assess the optimal age at which
      the vascular pattern of the retina can be used as a reference for identification
      and traceability. Retinal images from both eyes were recorded from birth to
      yearling (d 1, 8, 30, 82, 180, and 388 of age) in duplicate (2,534 images) using
      a digital camera specially designed for livestock (Optibrand, Fort Collins, CO).
      Intra- and inter-age image comparisons (9,316 pairs of images) were carried out,
      and matching score (MS) was used as the exclusion criterion of lamb identity (MS
      <70). Retinal images were used for verifying the identity of live lambs of 4
      Spanish commercial categories: milk-fed lambs (MF; "lechal," 1 mo of age and <12
      kg of BW, n = 136); light fattened lambs (LF; "recental," 3 mo of age and ~25 kg
      of BW, n = 134); recruited replacement lambs (RR; "ovino mayor," 6 mo of age and
      ~35 kg of BW, n = 59); and yearling replacement lambs (YR; >12 mo of age and ~50
      kg of BW, n = 25). Values of MS were treated with a model based on the 1-inflated
      bivariate beta distribution, and treated data were compared by using a likelihood
      ratio test. Intra-age image comparisons showed that average MS and percentage of
      images with MS >=70 increased (P < 0.05) with lamb age from d 1 to 82 (81.0 +/-
      1.0 to 95.9 +/- 0.4, and 75.8 to 100%, respectively) and reached a plateau
      thereafter. Inter-age retinal image comparisons for MF lambs at 30 d showed that
      the percentage of images with MS >=70 was greater when reference images at 8 d
      were used instead of 1-d images (94.8 vs. 87.4%, respectively; P < 0.05). In LF
      lambs, 30-d retinal images matched better than those at 8 d of age (99.6 vs.
      93.6%, respectively; P < 0.05). Regarding RR and YR lambs, the 82-d images
      allowed the confirmation of 100% lamb identity, whereas 8-d images showed a
      smaller (P < 0.05) percentage of matching (87.9 and 89.8%, respectively, for RR
      and YR lambs; P > 0.05); no differences were detected for 30-d images (97.4 and
      98.0%, respectively, for RR and YR lambs; P > 0.05). Total percentage of matching
      was achieved when images were obtained from older lambs (180 and 388 d). In
      conclusion, retinal imaging was a useful tool for verifying the identity and
      auditing the traceability of live lambs from suckling to yearling. Matching
      scores were satisfactory when the reference retinal images were obtained from 1
      mo-old or older lambs.

PMID- 22064739
TI  - Field testing of a system for online classification of beef carcasses for
      longissimus tenderness using visible and near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy.
AB  - The present experiments were conducted to field test a system optimized for
      online prediction of beef LM tenderness based on visible and near-infrared
      (VISNIR) spectroscopy and to develop and validate a model for prediction of
      tenderness that would be unbiased by normal variation in bloom time before
      application of VISNIR. For both Exp. 1 and 2, slice shear force (SSF) was
      measured on fresh (never frozen) steaks at 14 d postmortem. Carcasses with VISNIR
      predicted SSF <=15 kg were classified as VISNIR predicted tender and carcasses
      with VISNIR-predicted SSF >15 kg were classified as VISNIR not predicted tender.
      In Exp. 1, spectroscopy was conducted online, during carcass grading, at 3 large
      scale commercial fed-beef processing facilities. Each carcass (n = 1,155) was
      evaluated immediately after ribbing and again when the carcass was graded. For
      model development and validation, carcasses were blocked by plant and observed
      SSF. One-half of the carcasses (n = 579) were assigned to a calibration data set,
      which was used to develop regression equations, and one-half of the carcasses (n
      = 576) were assigned to a prediction data set, which was used to validate the
      regression equations. Carcasses predicted tender by VISNIR spectroscopy had
      smaller (P < 10(-19)) mean LM SSF values at 14 d postmortem in the calibration
      (13.9 vs. 16.5 kg) and prediction (13.8 vs. 16.4 kg) data sets than did carcasses
      not predicted tender by VISNIR spectroscopy. Relative to carcasses not predicted
      tender by VISNIR, a decreased percentage of carcasses predicted tender by VISNIR
      had LM SSF >25 kg in the calibration (2.0 vs. 7.8%) and prediction (0.8 vs. 8.0%)
      data sets. In Exp. 2, carcasses (n = 4,204) were evaluated with VISNIR online at
      6 commercial fed-beef processing facilities on 38 production days. The carcasses
      predicted tender by VISNIR spectroscopy had decreased mean LM SSF values at 14 d
      postmortem (16.3 vs. 19.9 kg; P < 10(-87)), longer sarcomere lengths (1.77 vs.
      1.72 um; P < 10(-10)), and a greater percentage of desmin degraded (42 vs. 34%; P
      < 10(-5)) by 14 d postmortem. Relative to carcasses not predicted tender by
      VISNIR, a decreased percentage of carcasses predicted tender by VISNIR had LM SSF
      >25 kg (4.9 vs. 21.3%). The present experiments resulted in development and
      independent validation of a robust method to noninvasively predict LM tenderness
      of grain-fed beef carcasses. This technology could facilitate tenderness-based
      beef merchandising systems.

PMID- 22064740
TI  - Evaluation of a ruminally dosed tall fescue seed extract as a model for fescue
      toxicosis in steers.
AB  - Tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum) toxicosis research is often complicated by a
      reduction in intake of infected forage or seed, making treatment comparisons
      difficult. This study was conducted to develop a fescue toxicosis model that
      would allow for variations in DMI without altering the quantity of alkaloids
      consumed over the course of the experiment. Ground tall fescue seed and a tall
      fescue seed extract were used in two 2-period crossover experiments to determine
      the effectiveness of ruminal dosing of a tall fescue seed extract to induce
      fescue toxicosis. This experiment used 4 growing Holstein steers (BW = 337 +/- 24
      kg) surgically fitted with ruminal cannulas. Steers were maintained on a diet of
      endophyte-free fescue hay fed ad libitum throughout the experiment. Endophyte
      infected (E+; 4.1 mg/kg of ergovaline) and uninfected (E-; 0.0 mg/kg of
      ergovaline) KY-31 tall fescue seed was ground and dosed or extracted with
      ethanol, concentrated, and lyophilized before ruminal dosing. Ergovaline
      concentration of the final extract was 102 mg/kg. Animals were given a minimum of
      a 3-wk washout period between treatments. Physiological indicators were measured
      over 7 d at 22 degrees C (d 1 to 3) and 32 degrees C (d 4 to 7) during both seed
      and extract dosing. Seed and extract E+ dosing reduced serum prolactin
      concentrations such that they were not different from zero (P < 0.10). Treatment
      with E+ reduced feed intake (P < 0.05) and heart rate (P < 0.001), and increased
      respiration rate (P < 0.01) and core temperature (P < 0.05) during both seed and
      extract dosing. Increasing environmental temperature from 22 to 32 degrees C
      reduced total intake (P < 0.05) and increased core temperature (P < 0.001) and
      respiration rate (P < 0.001) during both seed and extract dosing. Diastolic blood
      pressure tended (P < 0.09) to be increased during E+ extract dosing and reduced
      during heat stress. These physiological alterations are consistent with those
      reported for cattle grazing or consuming seed from endophyte-infected tall
      fescue. These data indicate that a ruminally dosed ethanol extract of tall fescue
      seed is efficacious in inducing fescue toxicosis in cattle.

PMID- 22064741
TI  - Technical note: validation of a model for online classification of US Select beef
      carcasses for longissimus tenderness using visible and near-infrared reflectance
      spectroscopy.
AB  - The present experiment was conducted to provide a validation of a previously
      developed model for online classification of US Select carcasses for LM
      tenderness based on visible and near-infrared (VISNIR) spectroscopy and to
      determine if the accuracy of VISNIR-based tenderness classification could be
      enhanced by making measurements after postmortem aging. Spectroscopy was
      conducted online, during carcass grading, at a large-scale commercial fed beef
      processing facility, and the strip loin was obtained from the left side of US
      Select carcasses (n = 467). Slice shear force (SSF) was measured on fresh steaks
      at 2 and 14 d postmortem. Online VISNIR tenderness classes differed in mean SSF
      values at both 2 d (29.4 vs. 33.6 kg) and 14 d (18.0 vs. 21.2 kg) postmortem (P <
      10(-7)). Online VISNIR tenderness classes differed in both the percentage of
      carcasses with LM SSF values greater than 40 kg at 2 d postmortem (5.1 vs. 21.0%;
      P < 10(-6)) and the percentage of carcasses with LM SSF values greater than 25 kg
      at 14 d postmortem (6.8 vs. 23.2%; P < 10(-5)). Whereas 15.0% of the carcasses
      sampled for this experiment had LM SSF values greater than 25 kg at 14 d
      postmortem, only 6.8% of the carcasses classified as tender by VISNIR had LM SSF
      values greater than 25 kg. All the carcasses sampled that had LM SSF values
      greater than 35 kg at 14 d postmortem were accurately classified as tough by
      VISNIR. Before measurement of SSF on d 14, VISNIR spectroscopy was conducted on
      the SSF steak. Tenderness classes based on d 14 VISNIR spectra differed both in
      mean SSF value at 14 d postmortem (17.7 vs. 21.6 kg; P < 10(-11)) and the
      percentage of carcasses with LM SSF values greater than 25 kg at 14 d postmortem
      (7.3 vs. 22.7%; P < 10(-5)). These data support our previous work showing that
      VISNIR spectroscopy can be used to classify US Select carcasses noninvasively for
      LM tenderness, and the results establish that this technology could also be
      applied to aged US Select strip loins. This technology would allow packing
      companies and other segments of the beef marketing chain to identify US Select
      carcasses or strip loins that excel in LM tenderness for use in branded beef
      programs.

PMID- 22064742
TI  - Characterization of L-lysine transport across equine and porcine jejunal and
      colonic brush border membrane.
AB  - In nonruminant herbivores, microbially derived AA could contribute to whole-body
      AA homeostasis and thus decrease predicted AA requirements. However, postileal
      capacity of AA uptake is currently unknown. Therefore, to test the hypothesis
      that Lys is transported across the large colon mucosal apical membrane with
      capacity similar to that of the small intestinal mucosa in the pony and pig, we
      examined Lys transport in vitro using brush border membrane vesicles (BBMV).
      Mucosa was collected from the distal jejunum (DJ) and proximal large colon (PLC)
      of growing pigs (n = 3) and ponies (n = 4), flash frozen in liquid nitrogen, and
      stored at -80 degrees C. Jejunal and colonic BBMV were manufactured by Mg(2+)
      precipitation and used to determine initial rates and kinetics [the maximal
      transport rate (V(max)) and the Michaelis constant (K(M))] of l-Lys transport
      into apical epithelia by rapid filtration technique in Na(+)-gradient incubation
      buffer. Initial rates of total l-Lys uptake did not differ between the PLC and DJ
      in either the pig or the pony, or between the pony and the pig, at each l-Lys
      concentration. In the pig, compared with the DJ, l-Lys transport V(max) in the
      PLC did not differ (121 +/- 26 and 180 +/- 26 pmol*mg of protein(-1)*s(-1),
      respectively; P = 0.14) and l-Lys K(M) in the PLC tended to be greater (0.23 +/-
      0.22 and 0.89 +/- 0.22 mM, respectively; P = 0.09). In the pony, compared with
      the DJ, l-Lys transport V(max) in the PLC was greater (62 +/- 25 and 149 +/- 25
      pmol*mg of protein(-1)*s(-1), respectively; P = 0.04) and l-Lys K(M) in the PLC
      was greater (0.08 +/- 0.22 and 1.05 +/- 0.22 mM, respectively; P = 0.02). l
      Lysine diffusion was not different between segments; however, total intestinal
      diffusion was greater (P = 0.03) in the pony than in the pig (115 +/- 10 and 73
      +/- 10 pmol.mg of protein(-1)*s(-1), respectively). These results demonstrate
      that the large colon is capable of l-Lys transport across the apical epithelial
      membrane with greater capacity and less affinity than the jejunum, indicating
      that the large colon may play a significant role in l-Lys absorption and
      homeostasis in hindgut fermenters.

PMID- 22064743
TI  - Application of computer-assisted semen analysis to explain variations in pig
      fertility.
AB  - Sperm quality is often evaluated through computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA)
      and is an indicator of boar fertility. The aim of this research was to study the
      relationship between CASA motility parameters and fertility results in pigs.
      Insemination records and semen parameters from a total of 45,532 ejaculates
      collected over a 3-yr period were used. The statistical model for analysis of
      fertility data from these inseminations included factors related to sow
      productivity. The boar- and semen-related variance (direct boar effect) were
      corrected for the effects of individual boar, genetic line of the boar, age of
      the boar, days between ejaculations, number of sperm cells in an ejaculate,
      number of sperm cells in an insemination dose, and AI station. The remaining
      variance was analyzed if semen motility parameters had a significant effect. This
      analysis revealed significant (P < 0.05) effects of progressive motility,
      velocity curvilinear, and beat cross frequency on farrowing rate (FR). Total
      motility, velocity average path, velocity straight line, and amplitude of lateral
      head displacement affected (P < 0.05) total number of piglets born (TNB). Boar-
      and semen-related parameters explained 5.3% of the variation in FR and 5.9% of
      the variation in TNB. Motility parameters, measured by CASA, explained 9% of the
      boar- and semen-related variation in FR and 10% of the boar- and semen-related
      variation in TNB. Individual boar and genetic line of the boar affected (P <
      0.0001) the variation in FR and TNB. No differences (P > 0.05) were observed
      between effects of AI stations on fertility outcome, underscoring the objectivity
      of the CASA system used. Motility parameters can be measured with CASA to assess
      sperm motility in an objective manner. On the basis of the motility pattern, CASA
      enables one to discriminate between the fertilizing capacity of ejaculates,
      although this depends on the genetic line of the boar used in AI stations.

PMID- 22064744
TI  - Spoilage characteristics of traditionally packaged ground beef with added lactic
      acid bacteria displayed at abusive temperatures.
AB  - Growth of pathogenic organisms such as Escherichia coli O157:H7 and Salmonella
      spp. can be inhibited in ground beef through the addition of certain lactic acid
      producing bacteria (LAB; Lactobacillus acidophilus NP51, Lactobacillus crispatus
      NP35, Pediococcus acidilactici, and Lactococcus lactis ssp. lactis). This study
      evaluated the effects of LAB inclusion on the organoleptic and biochemical
      properties typically associated with spoilage in traditionally packaged ground
      beef displayed at abusive (10 degrees C) temperatures for 36 h. Trained and
      untrained panelist evaluations of lean color and off-odor, as well as
      instrumental color analyses, did not indicate an effect on spoilage traits due to
      LAB utilization (P > 0.05). However, display length affected each variable
      independently and was indicative of decreased stability and acceptability as
      display time (h) increased (P < 0.05). Thiobarbituric acid values were decreased
      for ground beef with added LAB (P < 0.05), but likely can be related to bacterial
      degradation of lipid oxidation by-products because no reduction in organoleptic
      traits due to oxidation was noted between treatments. Overall, LAB did not
      adversely influence the spoilage characteristics of traditionally packaged ground
      beef displayed at abusive temperatures for up to 36 h. Furthermore, biochemical
      and sensory indicators of spoilage were present for all treatments at the
      conclusion of display. Therefore, LAB can be added to ground beef in traditional
      packaging as a processing intervention without masking or delaying the expected
      spoilage characteristics.

PMID- 22064748
TI  - (5S,6R)-6-Bromo-6-methyl-5-phenyl-3,4,5,6-tetra-hydro-2H-cyclo-penta-[b]pyran-7
      one.
AB  - The title compound, C(15)H(15)BrO(2), was synthesized by a Bronsted acid
      catalysed domino electrocyclization-halogenation reaction. The five-membered ring
      is essentially planar (r.m.s. deviation 0.006 A) and forms a dihedral angle of
      72.7 (3) degrees  with the attached phenyl ring. The six-membered heterocycle
      adopts a half-chair conformation. The crystal packing is stabilized by a C-H?O
      contact.

PMID- 22064745
TI  - The effect of intravenous insulin infusion on renal blood flow in conscious sheep
      is partially mediated by nitric oxide but not by prostaglandins.
AB  - To test the effect of insulin on renal perfusion and the participation of NO and
      PG as mediators of this response, renal blood flow (RBF) was measured in sheep (n
      = 8) implanted with ultrasonic flow probes around renal arteries and with a
      systemic arterial pressure (SAP, n = 4) telemetry device. Three protocols were
      performed: 1) RBF and SAP were recorded (0800 to 1800 h) in fed and fasted sheep,
      with the latter receiving intravenous (i.v.) infusions (0.5 mL/min) of insulin at
      2 or 6 mU/(kg.min); 2) fasted sheep received i.v. infusions of either an
      inhibitor of NO synthesis (N(G)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, L-NAME) alone
      [0.22 mg/(kg.min), 1000 to 1200 h] or L-NAME (1000 to 1200 h) + insulin during
      the second hour (6 mU/(kg.min), 1100 to 1200 h); and 3) the same protocol was
      followed as in protocol 2, substituting L-NAME with ketoprofen [0.2 mg/(kg.min)],
      a cyclooxygenase inhibitor. In all protocols, plasma insulin and glucose were
      determined. During insulin administration, euglycemia was maintained and
      hypokalemia was prevented by infusing glucose and KCl solutions. After the onset
      of meals, a long-lasting 18% increase in RBF and a 48% insulin increase were
      observed (P < 0.05), without changes in SAP. Low- and high-dose insulin infusions
      increased RBF by 19 and 40%, respectively (P < 0.05). As after meals, the
      increases in RBF lasted longer than the insulin increase (P < 0.05). The L-NAME
      infusion decreased RBF by 15% (P < 0.05); when insulin was added, RBF increased
      to preinfusion values. Ketoprofen decreased RBF by 9% (P < 0.05); when insulin
      was added, RBF increased to 13% above preinfusion values (P < 0.05). In no case
      was a modification in SAP or glucose noted during the RBF changes. In conclusion,
      insulin infusion mimics the meal-dependent increase in RBF, independent of SAP,
      and lasts longer than the blood insulin plateau. The RBF increase induced by
      insulin was only partially prevented by L-NAME. Ketoprofen failed to prevent the
      insulin-dependent RBF increase. Both facts suggested that complementary
      vasodilatatory agents accounted for the insulin effect on sheep renal
      hemodynamics.

PMID- 22064749
TI  - Diaqua-bis-(4-bromo-benzoato-kappaO)bis-(N,N-diethyl-nicotinamide
      kappaN)manganese(II).
AB  - In the crystal structure of the title Mn(II) complex,
      [Mn(C(7)H(4)BrO(2))(2)(C(10)H(14)N(2)O)(2)(H(2)O)(2)], the Mn(II) cation is
      located on an inversion center and coordinated by two diethyl-nicotinamide (DENA)
      ligands, two 4-bromo-benzoate (PBB) anions and two water mol-ecules in a
      distorted octa-hedral geometry. The dihedral angle between the carboxyl-ate group
      and the adjacent benzene ring is 3.25 (14) degrees . In the mol-ecule, the
      pyridine ring and the benzene ring are oriented at a dihedral angle of 77.24 (5)
      degrees . In the crystal, inter-molecular C-H?O hydrogen bonds link the mol
      ecules into a two-dimensional network. Weak inter-molecular C-H?O hydrogen bonds
      and pi-pi inter-actions between the pyridine rings of neighbouring mol-ecules
      [centroid-centroid distance = 3.537 (1) A] further consolidate the crystal
      packing.

PMID- 22064750
TI  - Spiro-[cyclo-propane-1,3'-indolin]-2'-one.
AB  - In the title mol-ecule, C(10)H(9)NO, the dihedral angle between the mean plane of
      the cyclo-propane ring and the essentially planar [maximum deviation = 0.032 (2)
      A] indole ring system is 87.65 (17) degrees . In the crystal, inter-molecular N
      H?O hydrogen bonds link mol-ecules into one-dimensional chains along [100].

PMID- 22064751
TI  - Predictive role of nasal functionality tests in the evaluation of patients before
      nocturnal polysomnographic recording.
AB  - Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome is a disease characterized by a collapse of the
      pharyngeal airway resulting in repeated episodes of airflow cessation, oxygen
      desaturation, and sleep disruption. It is a common disorder affecting at least 2
      4% of the adult population. The role of nasal resistance in the pathogenesis of
      sleep disordered breathing and sleep apnoea has not been completely clarified.
      Aim of the present study was to establish whether nasal resistance and nasal
      volumes, measured by means of Active Anterior Rhinomanometry and Acoustic
      Rhinometry together with Muco-Ciliary Transport time play a positive predictive
      role in the evaluation of Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome patients before
      running a nocturnal polysomnographic recording. A retrospective study was
      performed analysing 223 patients referred for suspected Obstructive sleep apnoea
      syndrome. All patients were submitted to complete otorhinolaryngological
      evaluation and underwent nocturnal polysomnography. On the basis of
      polysomnographic data analysis, the apnoea-hypopnoea index and snoring index,
      patients were classified into two groups: Group 1 (110/223 patients) with a
      diagnosis of mild-moderate Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (apnoea-hypopnoea
      index < 30) and Group 2 (113/223 patients) affected by snoring without associated
      hypoxaemia/hypercapnia. A control group of 76 subjects, not complaining of sleep
      disorders and free from nasal symptoms was also selected. The results showed, in
      all the snoring and Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome patients, total nasal
      resistance and increased Muco-Ciliary Transport time compared to standard values.
      Furthermore, the apnoea-hypopnoea index was significantly higher in patients with
      higher nasal resistence and significantly different between the groups. These
      results allow us to propose the simultaneous evaluation of nasal functions by
      Active Anterior Rhinomanometry, Acoustic Rhinometry, and Muco-Ciliary Transport
      time in the selection of patients undergoing polysomnography.

PMID- 22064752
TI  - N-(4-Amino-phen-yl)-4-methylbenzene-sulfonamide.
AB  - The title compound, C(13)H(14)N(2)O(2)S, crystallized with two independent mol
      ecules in the asymmetric unit. They both have V-shaped conformations: the
      dihedral angles between their benzene rings are identical [45.86 (13) degrees ]
      and their C-S-N-C torsion angles are similar [67.9 (3) and 70.2 (3) degrees ]. In
      the crystal, the mol-ecules are linked by N-H?O and N-H?N hydrogen bonds,
      generating a three-dimensional network.

PMID- 22064753
TI  - 3-(4-Chloro-benzene-sulfonamido)-5-methyl-cyclo-hex-2-en-1-one.
AB  - For the title compound, C(13)H(14)ClNO(3)S, geometrical parameters, determined
      using X-ray diffraction techniques, are compared with those calculated by density
      functional theory (DFT), using hybrid exchange-correlation functional, B3LYP
      methods. The dihedral angle between the benzene ring and the conjugated part of
      the cyclo-hexene ring is 87.47 (5) degrees . The cyclo-hexene ring and its
      substituents are disordered over two conformations, with occupancies of 0.786 (3)
      and 0.214 (3). In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked into chains in the c-axis
      direction by inter-molecular N-H?O(C=O) hydrogen bonds. C-H?O inter-actions are
      also observed.

PMID- 22064754
TI  - Bis(1-benzyl-3-methyl-imidazolium-kappaC)mercury(II) bis-(hexa
      fluoridophosphate).
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title complex, [Hg(C(11)H(12)N(2))(2)](PF(6))(2),
      consists of one bis-(1-benzyl-3-methyl-imidazolium)mercury(II) cation, one half
      of the cation and an additional Hg(II) atom, which lies on an inversion centre,
      and three hexa-fluorido-phosphate anions. The Hg(II) atoms exist in a linear
      coordination geometry [C-Hg-C = 178.9 (2) and 180 degrees ] formed by two carbene
      C atoms from the imidazole rings. In the crystal, the cations and anions are
      connected via C-H?F hydrogen bonds, forming a three-dimensional network.

PMID- 22064755
TI  - Diphenyl [(S)-1-phenylpropanamido]-phosphate.
AB  - The title compound, C(21)H(22)NO(3)P, was synthesized from the reaction of
      (C(6)H(5)O)(2)P(O)(Cl) and S-1-phenyl-propyl-amine (1:2 mole ratio) at 273 K,
      followed by removal of the S-1-phenyl-propyl-amine hydro-chloride by-product by
      dissolving in H(2)O. The P atom is located in a distorted tetra-hedral
      environment. The bond angles at the P atom vary from 99.51 (12) to 116.68 (12)
      degrees . The sp(2) character of the N atom is reflected by the C-N-P angle
      [120.9 (2) degrees ]. The P=O group and the N-H unit adopt an anti orientation
      with respect to one another. In the crystal, adjacent mol-ecules are linked via N
      H?O(P) hydrogen bonds into a one-dimensional arrangement running parallel to the
      a axis.

PMID- 22064756
TI  - 2,5-Bis(pyridinium-2-yl)-3,6-bis-(2-pyrid-yl)pyrazine bis-[tetra-chlorido
      aurate(III)].
AB  - In the title compound, (C(24)H(18)N(6))[AuCl(4)](2), the cation is located on an
      inversion center. Each of the two independent Au(III) ions lies on an inversion
      center and has a distorted square-planar geometry. In the crystal, inter
      molecular C-H?Cl hydrogen bonds, pi-pi inter-actions [centroid-centroid distances
      = 3.5548 (16) and 3.7507 (16) A] and Au?pi inter-actions [Au?centroid distance =
      3.6424 (10) A] are effective in the stabilization of the structure, resulting in
      the formation of a supra-molecular structure. Intra-molecular N-H?N hydrogen
      bonds are present in the cation.

PMID- 22064757
TI  - Correlation between psychopathology and urinary steroid and biogenic amine
      metabolites in male schizophrenics.
AB  - In eight normals, eight anxiety neurotics and eight patients of acute
      schizophrenic episode, twenty-four-hour urinary excretion of each of the
      following was measured: (1) 17-ketosteroids (17-KS)-total, glucuronides) and
      sulphates, (2)17-hydroxycorticosteroids 17-KS)-total, conjugated and free, (3)
      Vanilamendelic acid (VMA), and (4) total indoles. In case of schizophrenics, such
      measurements were made before starting treatment, and after 30 days of
      chlorpromazine therapy. The psychopathology of schizophrenic subjects were rated
      on Rockland and Pollir (R. P.) scale on both occasions. Correlating the
      psychopathology with the biochemical values, amongst schizophrenics, R. P. score
      was found to show significant positive correlation with VMA and, to a lesser
      extent with total indoles. Schizophrenics excrated greater amount of VMA than
      normals and this returned to near normal levels with treatment. On the other
      hand, schizophrenics excreted lower amounts of most steroid fractions than
      normals, but amongst schizophrenics, there was no significant correlation between
      R. P. score arid steroid excretion.

PMID- 22064758
TI  - Triethyl-ammonium 2,4,6-trisulfanylidene-1,3,5-triazinan-1-ide.
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C(6)H(16)N(+).C(3)H(2)N(3)S(3) (-),
      contains two independent ion pairs. The 2,4,6-trithioxo-1,3,5-triazinan-1-ide
      anion features an almost planar six-membered ring (r.m.s. deviations = 0.009 and
      0.018 A) having exocyclic double-bond S atoms. The anions inter-act by N-H?S
      hydrogen bonds to generate a chain running along [110]. The triethyl-ammonium
      cations are hydrogen bonded to the anions with the ammonium H atom forming a
      hydrogen bond to the negatively-charged N atom of the anion. In the crystal
      structure, both triethyl-ammonium cations are disordered over two orientations
      with equal occupancies.

PMID- 22064759
TI  - 3,15-Dimeth-oxy-10-methyl-tricyclo-[9.4.0.0]penta-deca-1(11),2(7),3,5,9,12,14
      heptaen-8-one.
AB  - The title mol-ecule, C(18)H(16)O(3), contains three fused rings, of which the
      seven-membered cyclo-hept-2-enone ring has a screw-boat conformation. The two
      meth-oxy-phenyl rings make a dihedral angle of 50.4 (2) degrees . In the crystal,
      mol-ecules are linked by inter-molecular C-H?O hydrogen bonds, leading to a three
      dimensional supra-molecular architecture.

PMID- 22064760
TI  - Recurrent pregnancy loss: TNF-alpha and IL-10 polymorphisms.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The recurrent pregnancy loss requires careful consideration of
      genetic, anatomic, endocrine, infectious and immunological factors. Cytokine gene
      polymorphisms in the promoter regions of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha and
      interleukin (IL)-10 are associated with recurrent pregnancy loss. AIM: The aim of
      present study was to investigate the association of the IL-10 -592C/A and TNF
      alpha-308 G/A, promoter polymorphisms among women with at least three consecutive
      miscarriages. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Genotyping was done in 50 women with RPL for
      IL-10-592C/A and TNF-alpha-308G/A promoter polymorphism to see the association of
      these loci with pregnancy loss. The control group included 50 healthy women
      having two or more children (mean age of the female subjects 35 years) for
      statistical comparisons. RESULTS: IL- 10-592C/A and TNF-alpha-308G/A promoter
      polymorphisms were not associated with the recurrent miscarriages. CONCLUSIONS:
      There is a need to screen a larger sample and in different ethnic groups using IL
      10-592C/A and TNF-alpha-308G/A markers to understand their association with
      recurrent miscarriages. This would further help in efficient management of
      immunologically mediated recurrent miscarriages at the sample/individual level.

PMID- 22064761
TI  - Juvenile general paralysis of insane: a case report.

PMID- 22064763
TI  - catena-Poly[[[tetra-aqua-nickel(II)]-MU-4,4'-bipyridyl-kappaN:N'] 3,3'-(p-phenyl
      ene)diacrylate].
AB  - In the title compound, {[Ni(C(10)H(8)N(2))(H(2)O)(4)](C(12)H(8)O(4))}(n), the
      Ni(II), 4,4'-bipyridyl (bipy) and 3,3'-(p-phenyl-ene)diacrylate (L(2-)) moieties
      are situated on inversion centres. The bipy ligands bridge Ni(II) ions into
      positively charged polymeric chains along [101]. The Ni(II) atom is coordinated
      by two N atoms from two bipy ligands and four water mol-ecules in a distorted
      octa-hedral geometry. L(2-) anions inter-act with the polymeric chains via O-H?O
      hydrogen bonds, forming a three-dimensional supra-molecular network.

PMID- 22064764
TI  - cis-Aqua-bis-(2,2'-bipyrimidine-kappaN,N)iodidomanganese(II) iodide monohydrate.
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound, [MnI(C(8)H(6)N(4))(2)(H(2)O)]I.H(2)O,
      consists of a cationic Mn(II) complex, an I(-) anion and a solvent water mol
      ecule. In the complex, the Mn(II) ion is six-coordinated in a distorted octa
      hedral environment defined by four N atoms of the two chelating 2,2'-bipyrimidine
      (bpym) ligands, one I(-) anion and one O atom of a water ligand. The dihedral
      angle between the least-squares planes of the two bpym ligands [maximum deviation
      = 0.092 (7) A] is 79.9 (1) degrees . In the crystal, the complex, anion and
      solvent water mol-ecule are linked by inter-molecular O-H?O, O-H?I and O-H?N
      hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22064765
TI  - Bilateral osseous stenosis of the internal auditory canal: case report.
AB  - Osteomas as well as exostoses of the internal auditory canal are rare, benign,
      usually slow-growing lesions. The most common localizations of these temporal
      bone lesions are the mastoid cortex and the external auditory canal. A rare case
      is reported of bilateral osseous stenosis of the internal auditory canal, in the
      absence of clinical (auditory, vestibular and facial nerve) symptoms. In the
      absence of auditory, vestibular and/or facial nerve symptoms, long-term follow-up
      should be assessed; surgical intervention may be warranted only if symptoms are
      present.

PMID- 22064766
TI  - Use of the MEGA exposure database for the validation of the Stoffenmanager model.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This paper explores the usefulness of the exposure database MEGA for
      model validation and evaluates the capability of two Stoffenmanager model
      equations (i.e. handling of powders/granules and machining) to estimate workers
      exposure to inhalable dust. METHODS: For the task groups, 'handling of powders
      and granules' (handling) and 'machining of wood and stone' (machining)
      measurements were selected from MEGA and grouped in scenarios depending on task,
      product, and control measures. The predictive capability of the model was tested
      by calculating the relative bias of the single measurements and the correlation
      between geometric means (GMs) for scenarios. The conservatism of the model was
      evaluated by checking if the percentage of measurement values above the 90th
      percentile estimate was <=10%. RESULTS: From 22 596 personal measurements on
      inhalable dust within MEGA, 390 could be selected for handling and 1133 for
      machining. The relative bias for the task groups was -25 and 68%, respectively,
      the percentage of measurements with a higher result than the estimated 90th
      percentile 11 and 7%. Correlations on a scenario level were good for both model
      equations as well for the GM (handling: r(s) = 0.90, n = 15 scenarios; machining:
      r(s) = 0.84, n = 22 scenarios) as for the 90th percentile (handling: r(s) = 0.79;
      machining: r(s) = 0.76). CONCLUSIONS: The MEGA database could be used for model
      validation, although the presented analyses have learned that improvements in the
      database are necessary for modelling purposes in the future. For a substantial
      amount of data, contextual information on exposure determinants in addition to
      basic core information is stored in this database. The relative low bias, the
      good correlation, and the level of conservatism of the tested model show that the
      Stoffenmanager can be regarded as a useful Tier 1 model for the Registration,
      Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals legislation.

PMID- 22064767
TI  - 8-Hy-droxy-2-methyl-quinolinium diiodido(2-methyl-quinolin-8-olato
      kappaN,O)zincate.
AB  - The reaction of 2-methyl-8-hy-droxy-quinoline and zinc iodide in acetonitrile
      affords the title salt, (C(10)H(10)NO)[Zn(C(10)H(8)NO)I(2)], in which the Zn(II)
      ion is coordinated by a N,O-chelating 2-methyl-quinolin-8-olate ligand and two
      iodide ligands in a distorted tetra-hedral geometry. The cation is linked to the
      anion by an O-H?O hydrogen bond.

PMID- 22064768
TI  - 4-[Bis(4-fluorophenyl)methyl]piperazin-1-ium 2-(2-phenylethyl)benzoate.
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title salt, C(17)H(19)F(2)N(2) (+.)C(15)H(13)O(2) (-),
      derived from a 1,4-diaza-cyclo-hexane derivative and a carb-oxy-lic acid,
      contains two formula units. The cation is protonated at the secondary amine
      functionality. The six-membered heterocycles adopt chair conformations. The
      fluorophenyl rings in the two cations make dihedral angles of 77.21 (19) and 78.8
      (2) degrees  while the aromatic rings in the anions enclose angles of 69.5 (2)
      and 69.9 (2) degrees . In the crystal, classical N-H?O hydrogen bonds as well as
      C-H?F and C-H?O contacts connect the entities into layers parallel to ac.

PMID- 22064769
TI  - Tris(1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione-kappaN,N')zinc bis-(perchlorate) acetonitrile
      monosolvate.
AB  - In the title compound, [Zn(C(12)H(6)N(2)O(2))(3)](ClO(4))(2).CH(3)CN, the Zn(II)
      atom is coordinated by six N atoms from three chelating 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6
      dione ligands in a distorted octa-hedral environment. In the crystal, inter
      molecular C-H?O hydrogen bonds and O?pi and N?pi inter-actions [O?centroid
      distances = 2.907 (5) and 2.843 (7) A; N?centroid distance = 2.861 (10) A] link
      the complex cations, perchlorate anions and acetonitrile solvent mol-ecules into
      a three-dimensional network.

PMID- 22064770
TI  - 2-Amino-4,6-dimeth-oxy-pyrimidin-1-ium p-toluene-sulfonate.
AB  - In the title salt, C(6)H(10)N(3)O(2) (+).C(7)H(7)O(3)S(-), the 2-amino-4,6-dimeth
      oxy-pyrimidinium cation inter-acts with the sulfonate group of the p-toluene
      sulfonate anion via a pair of N-H?O hydrogen bonds, forming a cyclic hydrogen
      bonded R(2) (2)(8) motif, which in the crystal is linked by further intemolecular
      N-H?O hydrogen bonds, forming supra-molecular chains along the c axis.
      Furthermore, neighboring chains are inter-linked via weak C-H?O hydrogen bonds
      and C-H?pi inter-actions, forming layers.

PMID- 22064771
TI  - 3-Methyl-5-phen-oxy-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazole-4-carbaldehyde.
AB  - In the title compound, C(17)H(14)N(2)O(2), the pyrazole ring makes dihedral
      angles of 73.67 (4) and 45.99 (4) degrees , respectively, with the adjacent
      phenyl and phen-oxy rings. In the crystal, there are no classical hydrogen bonds,
      but a weak C-H?pi inter-action is observed.

PMID- 22064772
TI  - 2,4-Dichloro-N-(2,6-dimethyl-phen-yl)benzene-sulfonamide.
AB  - In the crystal of the title compound, C(14)H(13)Cl(2)NO(2)S, the N-H bond in the
      C-SO(2)-NH-C segment orients itself away from the two ortho-methyl groups in the
      aniline benzene ring and towards the ortho-chloro group of the sulfonyl benzene
      ring. The mol-ecule is bent at the S atom with a C-SO(2)-NH-C torsion angle of 
      100.48 (18) degrees . The sulfonyl and aniline benzene rings are tilted relative
      to each other by 69.6 (1) degrees . Inter-molecular N-H?O hydrogen bonds link the
      mol-ecules into infinite chains.

PMID- 22064773
TI  - (Z)-2-Sulfanyl-idene-5-(thio-phen-2-yl-methyl-idene)imidazolidin-4-one.
AB  - The mol-ecule of the title compound, C(8)H(6)N(2)OS(2), has a V shape with two
      five-membered rings attached to a methyl-ene C atom. All non-H atoms are
      approximately coplanar (r.m.s. deviation = 0.096 A). In the crystal, mol-ecules
      are linked by N-H?O hydrogen bonds into layers. The thio-phene ring is disordered
      over two positions; the major orientation has an occupancy of 0.683 (3). is there
      an intramolecular N---H...S bond?

PMID- 22064774
TI  - Acridine 0.75-hydrate.
AB  - The title compound, C(13)H(9)N.0.75H(2)O was obtained during a study of the
      polymorphic system of acridine, by slow evaporation from an ethanol-water
      solution. There are two acridine mol-ecules (indicated by I and II, respectively)
      and one and a half water mol-ecules in the asymmetric unit. The half-mol-ecule of
      water is located on a crystallographic twofold axis. The crystal structure is
      built up from two threads of mol-ecule II sewn together with water mol-ecules
      through O-H?O and O-H?N hydrogen bonds from one side and with pi-pi inter-actions
      [centroid-centroid distance = 3.640 (3) and 3.7431 (3) A] between overlapping mol
      ecules II on the other side. Mol-ecule I is attached to this thread from both
      sides by C-H?O hydrogen bonds. The threads are connected to each other by pi-pi
      inter-actions [centroid-centroid distances = 3.582 (3) and 3.582 (3) A] between
      the inner side of mol-ecule I and stabilized by a C-H?pi inter-action on the
      other side of mol-ecule I. This thread with rows of mol-ecule I hanging on its
      sides is generated by translation perpendicular to the a axis.

PMID- 22064775
TI  - Standardisation of gujrati version of middlesex hospital questionnaire.
AB  - The Middlesex Hospital Questionnaire is a short clinical diagnostic self rating
      scale for psychoneurotic patients constructed by Crown and Crisp (1966). Aim of
      the present study was to prepare Gujarati Version of the M.H.Q. and to establish
      the reliability and validity of the same.Gujarati version of the M.H.Q. was given
      to 204 normal population consisting of university students, school teachers,
      factory workers, house wives and middle aged men from different walks of the life
      to test the validity. The test was also administered to 30 neurotic patients.
      This Gujarati version was found to be reliable. There was highly significant
      difference between normal population and neurotic patients on total score and on
      all the six subtests, thus establishing the validity of the Gujarati version. It
      also related well with the clinical diagnosis in most of the cases.

PMID- 22064776
TI  - 3,4-Dibromo-2,5-bis-[(dieth-oxy-phosphor-yl)meth-yl]-1-phenyl-sulfonyl-1H
      pyrrole.
AB  - In the title compound, C(20)H(29)Br(2)NO(8)P(2)S, the pyrrole ring is essentially
      planar, with a maximum deviation of 0.013 (3) A for a C atom. The pyrrole ring is
      almost orthogonal to the sulfonyl-bound phenyl ring, with a dihedral angle 88.5
      (2) degrees . Both P atoms exhibit distorted tetra-hedral configurations with O-P
      O angles widened and O-P-C angles narrowed from the ideal tetra-hedral value. In
      the crystal, mol-ecules are linked into centrosymmetric dimers via C-H?O inter
      actions, resulting in R(2) (2)(10) graph-set motifs which are further
      consolidated by R(2) (2)(13) graph-set ring motifs via C-H?O inter-actions,
      further resulting in chains of mol-ecules running parallel to the c axis; a
      phosphono O atom is involved in bifurcated hydrogen bonding. All the eth-oxy
      groups are disordered over two positions each with unequal site-occupancy
      factors.

PMID- 22064777
TI  - Ethyl 1-phenyl-sulfonyl-1H-indole-2-carboxyl-ate.
AB  - In the title compound, C(17)H(15)NO(4)S, the six-membered ring of the indole unit
      makes a dihedral angle of 72.40 (5) degrees  with the phenyl ring. The mol-ecular
      structure features a short C-H?O contact.

PMID- 22064778
TI  - Efficacy of propranolol on schizophrenic thought disorder.
AB  - 15 schizophrenic patients were treated with dl-propranolol in a 4 week open
      study. Dosage was gradually increased over a period of 17 days to 1920 mg/day.
      Improvements were rated on Thought Disorder Scores (A & B) of the MBPRS and GPRS
      subscale for schizophrenia. Majority of the patients showed a 50% improvement in
      terms of their residual scores by the 4th week of treatment and the side effects
      experienced were minimal.

PMID- 22064780
TI  - N'-[(E)-2-Hy-droxy-3,5-diiodo-benzyl-idene]cyclo-hexa-ne-1-carbohydrazide.
AB  - In the title compound, C(14)H(10)I(2)N(2)O(2), the two aromatic rings are
      inclined at a dihedral angle of 16.72 (33) degrees . The mol-ecular structure is
      stabilized by an intra-molecular O-H?N hydrogen bond. In the crystal, inter
      molecular N-H?O inter-actions link the mol-ecules into chains running along the c
      axis. C-H?O inter-actions also occur. The crystal used for the structure
      determination was a non-merohedral twin with a domain ratio of 0.972 (2):0.028
      (2).

PMID- 22064781
TI  - Outcomes of structural fat grafting for paralytic and non-paralytic dysphonia.
AB  - Aims of this prospective study were to evaluate the results of vocal fold
      structural fat grafting for glottic insufficiency and to compare the outcomes
      obtained in unilateral vocal fold paralysis (UVFP) and congenital or acquired
      soft tissue defects in vocal folds. Sixty-six consecutive patients with breathy
      dysphonia, in 43 cases (aged 16-79 years) related to UVFP and in 23 cases (aged
      16-67 years) related to vocal fold iatrogenic scar or sulcus vocalis, underwent
      autologous structural fat grafting into vocal folds. Lipoaspirates were
      centrifuged at 1200 g for 3 min to separate and remove blood, cell debris and the
      oily layer. The refined fat was injected under direct microlaryngoscopy in a
      multilayered way. The main outcome measures were grade, roughness, breathiness,
      asthenicity and strain (GRBAS) perceptual evaluation, maximum phonation time
      (MPT), self-assessed Voice Handicap Index (VHI), and voice acoustic analysis,
      considered pre-operatively and at 3 and 6 months after fat grafting. After
      surgery, MPT, VHI, G and B improved in both groups (p < 0.05). In particular, G
      and VHI functional subscales showed a significantly greater decrease in patients
      with UVFP (p < 0.05). The acoustic variables improved significantly only in the
      UVFP group (p < 0.005). From 3 to 6 months postoperatively, most variables showed
      a trend with further improvement. Vocal fold structural fat grafting was
      significantly effective in treating glottic insufficiency due to UVFP or soft
      tissue defects. Perceptual, acoustic and subjective assessments confirmed that
      patients with UVFP had better outcomes than those with soft tissue defects.

PMID- 22064782
TI  - N-(2-Bromo-phen-yl)-4-methyl-N-(4-methyl-phen-ylsulfon-yl)benzene-sulfonamide.
AB  - In the title compound, C(20)H(18)BrNO(4)S(2), the mean planes formed by the
      toluene substituents are inclined at a dihedral angle of 45.34 (8) degrees . The
      bromo-benzene group is disordered over two positions with an occupancy ratio of
      0.74:0.26, resulting in two conformations of the ring; the two rings are oriented
      at a dihedral angle of 6.6 (6) degrees  with each other. In the crystal
      structure, weak C-H?O inter-actions connect the mol-ecules in a zigzag manner
      along the a axis.

PMID- 22064783
TI  - Tetra-kis(MU(2)-2-phen-oxy-propionato)-kappaO,O':O';kappaO:O,O';kappaO:O'-bis
      [(1,10-phenanthroline-kappaN,N')(2-phen-oxy-propionato-kappaO,O')cerium(III)].
AB  - In the centrosymmetric binuclear title complex,
      [Ce(2)(C(9)H(9)O(3))(6)(C(12)H(8)N(2))(2)], the two Ce(III) ions are linked by
      four 2-phen-oxy-propionate groups in bi- and tridentate bridging modes. Each
      Ce(III) ion is nine-coordinated by one 1,10-phenanthroline mol-ecule, two O atoms
      from a chelating carboxyl-ate, two O atoms derived from a MU(3)-carboxylate and
      two O atoms derived from two MU(2)-carboxylate ligands in a distorted CeN(2)O(7)
      monocapped square-anti-prismatic geometry.

PMID- 22064784
TI  - Bis(nitrato-kappaO)tetra-kis-[1-phenyl-3-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)propan-1
      one]copper(II).
AB  - In the title complex, [Cu(NO(3))(2)(C(11)H(11)N(3)O)(4)], the Cu(II) atom is
      situated on a centre of inversion and is coordinated by two O atoms from two
      nitrate anions and four N atoms from four monodentate 1-phenyl-3-(1H-1,2,4
      triazol-1-yl)propan-1-one ligands in a distorted octa-hedral geometry. Weak inter
      molecular C-H?O and C-H?N hydrogen bonds result in a supra-molecular layer
      parallel to (101). These layers are connected by pi-pi inter-actions between the
      benzene rings [centroid-centroid distance = 3.891 (2) A].

PMID- 22064785
TI  - 3-(4-Bromo-anilino)-3-(4-chloro-phen-yl)-1-phenyl-propan-1-one.
AB  - The asymmetric C atom in the title compound, C(21)H(17)BrClNO, is in a slightly
      distorted tetra-hedral environment and the NH unit adopts a gauche orientation
      with respect to the CO group. In the crystal, pairs of inter-molecular N-H?O
      hydrogen bonds form centrosymmetric dimers.

PMID- 22064786
TI  - N,N'-Bis(2,5-dichloro-phen-yl)isophthalamide.
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C(20)H(12)Cl(4)N(2)O(2), contains one
      half-mol-ecule with a center of symmetry along a C?C axis of the central benzene
      ring. The two C=O groups adopt an anti orientation and the two amide groups are
      twisted away from the central benzene ring by 27.38 (3) and 27.62 (4) degrees .
      The mean planes of the dichloro-substituted benzene rings are twisted by 7.95 (4)
      degrees  with respect to the benzene ring. The crystal packing is stabilized by
      weak inter-molecular N-H?O inter-actions.

PMID- 22064787
TI  - Primary abdominal pregnancy following intra-uterine insemination.
AB  - Primary abdominal pregnancy is an extremely rare type of extrauterine pregnancy.
      It has been reported from many unusual intra-abdominal sites. We report a case of
      primary abdominal pregnancy following intra-uterine insemination (not reported
      earlier to our knowledge). Implanted on the anterior surface of the uterus
      possibly related to an endometriotic foci. Early diagnosis enabled laparoscopic
      management of this case.

PMID- 22064788
TI  - Potassium ditin(IV) tris-[phosphate(V)], KSn(2)(PO(4))(3).
AB  - The title compound, KSn(2)(PO(4))(3), belongs to the NASICON-type family of
      phosphates with the space group R[Formula: see text]. Its structure is
      constructed by very regular [with P-O distances ranging from 1.513 (6) to 1.522
      (6) A] PO(4) tetra-hedra and SnO(6) octa-hedra on the 3. axis, which are linked
      by O atoms, forming an [Sn(2)(PO(4))(3)] framework. The K atoms occupy the
      [Formula: see text]. axis sites and are located in the voids of this arrangement.
      The crystal studied was a merohedral twin with twin law (010 100 00[Formula: see
      text]) and a component ratio of 0.580 (7):0.420 (7).

PMID- 22064789
TI  - 4-Benz-yloxy-2-bromo-1-meth-oxy-benzene.
AB  - In the title compound, C(14)H(13)BrO(2), the phenyl ring is oriented at a
      dihedral angle of 72.6 (3) degrees  with respect to the bromo-meth-oxy-phenyl
      ring. The crystal structure is stabilized by weak inter-molecular C-H?O inter
      actions.

PMID- 22064790
TI  - A new mixed group 5 metal selenide, Nb(1.41)V(0.59)Se(9).
AB  - The new mixed-metallic phase, niobium vanadium nona-selenide, (Nb(2-x)V(x))Se(9)
      (0.18<= x <= 0.59) is isostructural with monoclinic V(2)Se(9). The structure is
      composed of chains of bicapped trigonal-prismatic [MSe(8)] units. The metal (M)
      site is occupied by statistically disordered Nb [0.706 (5)] and V [0.294 (5)]
      atoms. Two trigonal prisms are linked by sharing a recta-ngular face composed of
      two Se(2) (2-) pairs. Through three edging and capping Se atoms, the chains are
      extended along [101]. The chain shows alternating short [2.8847 (7) A] and long
      [3.7159 (7) A] M-M distances. The structure shows a wide range of Se-Se inter
      actions. In addition to the Se(2) (2-) pairs of the recta-ngular face, an inter
      mediate Se?Se separation [2.6584 (5) A] is found. The amount of each metal can
      vary, [(Nb(2-x)V(x))Se(9), 0.18 <= x <=m 0.59] and they seem to form a random
      substitutional solid solution. The M-M distances increase gradually by increasing
      the amount of Nb atoms. The classical charge-balance of the compound can be
      described as [M(4+)](2)[Se(2) (2-)](2)[Se(5) (4-)].

PMID- 22064791
TI  - 2-(2-p-Tolyl-benzo[g]quinolin-3-yl)ethanol.
AB  - In the title compound, C(22)H(19)NO, the pyridine ring and the adjacent
      naphthalene ring system are nearly coplanar, making a dihedral angle of 3.3 (1)
      degrees , while the pyridine and benzene rings are perpendicular to each other,
      with a dihedral angle of 89.9 (1) degrees . The crystal packing is stabilized by
      inter-molecular O-H?N hydrogen bonds and C-H?pi inter-actions.

PMID- 22064792
TI  - Poly[(MU(6)-6-oxidopyridinium-2-carboxyl-ato)caesium].
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the polymeric title salt, [Cs(C(6)H(4)NO(3))](n),
      comprises a Cs(+) cation and a 6-oxidopyridinium-2-carboxyl-ate anion. The Cs(+)
      cation is six-coordinated by O atoms derived from two oxido and four carboxyl-ate
      O atoms; each O atom in the anion bridges two Cs(+) cations. In the crystal,
      inter-molecular N-H?O hydrogen bonding is present and contributes to the
      stability of the three-dimensional network generated by the bridging O atoms.

PMID- 22064793
TI  - Aqua-(2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline-kappaN,N')diformato-kappaO,O';kappaO
      nickel(II) monohydrate.
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound,
      [Ni(HCO(2))(2)(C(14)H(12)N(2))(H(2)O)].H(2)O, contains a mononuclear complex mol
      ecule hydrogen bonded to a lattice water mol-ecule. The Ni(II) atom exhibits a
      distorted octa-hedral coordination geometry formed by the N atoms from a 2,9
      dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline ligand, two O atoms of a chelating formate anion,
      one aqua O atom and one O atom of a coordinating formate anion. The mol-ecules
      are assembled into chains extending along [100] through by O-H?O hydrogen bonds.
      The supra-molecular chains are further linked into layers parallel to (011) by
      weak pi-pi packing inter-actions [centroid-centroid separation = 3.768 (2) A].
      The resulting layers are stacked to meet the requirement of close-packing
      patterns.

PMID- 22064794
TI  - Capillary haemangioma of the middle ear: a rare lesion difficult to evaluate.
AB  - Haemangiomas are benign vascular tumours relatively common in the head and neck
      district but very rare in the temporal bone. Depending on its clinical
      presentation, haemangioma can be mistaken for other vascular masses such as
      glomus tumour or other lesions of the middle ear. Unfortunately, clinical and
      radiological evaluation may be insufficient to make a pre-operative diagnosis and
      the diagnosis is often based upon intra-operative biopsy specimen findings.

PMID- 22064795
TI  - Trichlorido-1kappaCl,2kappaCl-(2,6-dimethyl-phenolato-2kappaO)-MU-oxido
      bis{1,2(eta)-2,3,4,5-tetra-methyl-1-[4-(trimethyl-silyl)phen-yl]cyclo-penta-dien
      yl}dititanium(IV).
AB  - The title dinuclear titanocene, [Ti(2)(C(8)H(9)O)(C(18)H(25)Si)(2)Cl(3)O],
      contains one Ti atom tetra-hedrally coordinated by two Cl atoms, a bridging O
      atom and the substituted cyclo-penta-dienyl ligand, and another Ti atom tetra
      hedrally coordinated by a Cl atom, a bridging O atom, the 2,6-dimethyl-phenolate
      ligand and the substituted cyclo-penta-dienyl ligand. The bridging O atom lies on
      a twofold rotation axis.

PMID- 22064796
TI  - Kernelized locality-sensitive hashing.
AB  - Fast retrieval methods are critical for many large-scale and data-driven vision
      applications. Recent work has explored ways to embed high-dimensional features or
      complex distance functions into a low-dimensional Hamming space where items can
      be efficiently searched. However, existing methods do not apply for high
      dimensional kernelized data when the underlying feature embedding for the kernel
      is unknown. We show how to generalize locality-sensitive hashing to accommodate
      arbitrary kernel functions, making it possible to preserve the algorithm's
      sublinear time similarity search guarantees for a wide class of useful similarity
      functions. Since a number of successful image-based kernels have unknown or
      incomputable embeddings, this is especially valuable for image retrieval tasks.
      We validate our technique on several data sets, and show that it enables accurate
      and fast performance for several vision problems, including example-based object
      classification, local feature matching, and content-based retrieval.

PMID- 22064797
TI  - Constrained Nonnegative Matrix Factorization for Image Representation.
AB  - Nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF) is a popular technique for finding parts
      based, linear representations of nonnegative data. It has been successfully
      applied in a wide range of applications such as pattern recognition, information
      retrieval, and computer vision. However, NMF is essentially an unsupervised
      method and cannot make use of label information. In this paper, we propose a
      novel semi-supervised matrix decomposition method, called Constrained Nonnegative
      Matrix Factorization (CNMF), which incorporates the label information as
      additional constraints. Specifically, we show how explicitly combining label
      information improves the discriminating power of the resulting matrix
      decomposition. We explore the proposed CNMF method with two cost function
      formulations and provide the corresponding update solutions for the optimization
      problems. Empirical experiments demonstrate the effectiveness of our novel
      algorithm in comparison to the state-of-the-art approaches through a set of
      evaluations based on real-world applications. 

PMID- 22064798
TI  - Latent log-linear models for handwritten digit classification.
AB  - We present latent log-linear models, an extension of log-linear models
      incorporating latent variables, and we propose two applications thereof: log
      linear mixture models and image deformation-aware log-linear models. The
      resulting models are fully discriminative, can be trained efficiently, and the
      model complexity can be controlled. Log-linear mixture models offer additional
      flexibility within the log-linear modeling framework. Unlike previous approaches,
      the image deformation-aware model directly considers image deformations and
      allows for a discriminative training of the deformation parameters. Both are
      trained using alternating optimization. For certain variants, convergence to a
      stationary point is guaranteed and, in practice, even variants without this
      guarantee converge and find models that perform well. We tune the methods on the
      USPS data set and evaluate on the MNIST data set, demonstrating the
      generalization capabilities of our proposed models. Our models, although using
      significantly fewer parameters, are able to obtain competitive results with
      models proposed in the literature.

PMID- 22064799
TI  - Object recognition by discriminative combinations of line segments, ellipses, and
      appearance features.
AB  - We present a novel contour-based approach that recognizes object classes in real
      world scenes using simple and generic shape primitives of line segments and
      ellipses. Compared to commonly used contour fragment features, these primitives
      support more efficient representation since their storage requirements are
      independent of object size. Additionally, these primitives are readily described
      by their geometrical properties and hence afford very efficient feature
      comparison. We pair these primitives as shape-tokens and learn discriminative
      combinations of shape-tokens. Here, we allow each combination to have a variable
      number of shape-tokens. This, coupled with the generic nature of primitives,
      enables a variety of class-specific shape structures to be learned. Building on
      the contour-based method, we propose a new hybrid recognition method that
      combines shape and appearance features. Each discriminative combination can vary
      in the number and the types of features, where these two degrees of variability
      empower the hybrid method with even more flexibility and discriminative
      potential. We evaluate our methods across a large number of challenging classes,
      and obtain very competitive results against other methods. These results show the
      proposed shape primitives are indeed sufficiently powerful to recognize object
      classes in complex real-world scenes.

PMID- 22064800
TI  - Simultaneously fitting and segmenting multiple-structure data with outliers.
AB  - We propose a robust fitting framework, called Adaptive Kernel-Scale Weighted
      Hypotheses (AKSWH), to segment multiple-structure data even in the presence of a
      large number of outliers. Our framework contains a novel scale estimator called
      Iterative Kth Ordered Scale Estimator (IKOSE). IKOSE can accurately estimate the
      scale of inliers for heavily corrupted multiple-structure data and is of interest
      by itself since it can be used in other robust estimators. In addition to IKOSE,
      our framework includes several original elements based on the weighting,
      clustering, and fusing of hypotheses. AKSWH can provide accurate estimates of the
      number of model instances and the parameters and the scale of each model instance
      simultaneously. We demonstrate good performance in practical applications such as
      line fitting, circle fitting, range image segmentation, homography estimation,
      and two--view-based motion segmentation, using both synthetic data and real
      images.

PMID- 22064801
TI  - Spacetime texture representation and recognition based on a spatiotemporal
      orientation analysis.
AB  - This paper is concerned with the representation and recognition of the observed
      dynamics (i.e., excluding purely spatial appearance cues) of spacetime texture
      based on a spatiotemporal orientation analysis. The term "spacetime texture" is
      taken to refer to patterns in visual spacetime, (x,y,t), that primarily are
      characterized by the aggregate dynamic properties of elements or local
      measurements accumulated over a region of spatiotemporal support, rather than in
      terms of the dynamics of individual constituents. Examples include image
      sequences of natural processes that exhibit stochastic dynamics (e.g., fire,
      water, and windblown vegetation) as well as images of simpler dynamics when
      analyzed in terms of aggregate region properties (e.g., uniform motion of
      elements in imagery, such as pedestrians and vehicular traffic). Spacetime
      texture representation and recognition is important as it provides an early means
      of capturing the structure of an ensuing image stream in a meaningful fashion.
      Toward such ends, a novel approach to spacetime texture representation and an
      associated recognition method are described based on distributions (histograms)
      of spacetime orientation structure. Empirical evaluation on both standard and
      original image data sets shows the promise of the approach, including significant
      improvement over alternative state-of-the-art approaches in recognizing the same
      pattern from different viewpoints.

PMID- 22064802
TI  - 6-Hy-droxy-2H-1,3-benzodioxole-5-carbaldehyde.
AB  - The title compound, C(8)H(6)O(4), crystallizes with two independent mol-ecules in
      the asymmetric unit. The benzodioxole ring system is almost planar in each mol
      ecule, with maximum deviations of 0.008 (1) and 0.007 (1) A. The mol-ecular
      structure is characterized by strong electrostatic intra-molecular O?O contacts
      [2.649 (3) A] and intra-molecular O-H?O hydrogen-bonding inter-actions. Inter
      molecular O?O inter-actions [3.001 (2) A] are observed in the crystal structure.

PMID- 22064803
TI  - N,N'-Bis(2-methyl-phen-yl)-N''-(2,2,2-trichloro-acet-yl)phospho-ric triamide.
AB  - In the title compound, C(16)H(17)Cl(3)N(3)O(2)P, the P-N bonds in the P(O)[NH(2
      CH(3))C(6)H(4)](2) unit [1.623 (4) and 1.637 (3) A] are shorter than the P-N bond
      in the C(O)NHP(O) fragment [1.704 (3) A]. The phosphoryl and carbonyl groups are
      anti with respect to each other and the P atom has a distorted tetra-hedral
      configuration. In the crystal, adjacent mol-ecules are linked via N-H?O(P) and N
      H?O(C) hydrogen bonds into an extended chain parallel to [101].

PMID- 22064804
TI  - 2-(4-Chloro-phen-yl)-3,5-dimethyl-1lambda,2-thia-zine-1,1-dione.
AB  - In the title compound, C(12)H(12)ClNO(2)S, the S atom is displaced by 0.708 (2) A
      out of the plane through the remaining atoms of the thia-zine ring (r.m.s.
      deviation = 0.0823 A). This plane makes a dihedral angle of 89.33 (7) degrees 
      with the phenyl ring. In the crystal, adjacent mol-ecules are connected through C
      H?O hydrogen bonds into layers parallel to the bc plane.

PMID- 22064805
TI  - Tetra-kis(MU(2)-2-phen-oxy-propionato)-kappaO,O':O';kappaO:O,O';kappaO:O'-bis
      [(1,10-phenanthroline-kappaN,N')(2-phen-oxy-propionato
      kappaO,O')gadolinium(III)].
AB  - In the centrosymmetric binuclear title complex,
      [Gd(2)(C(9)H(9)O(3))(6)(C(12)H(8)N(2))(2)], the two Gd(III) ions are linked by
      four 2-phen-oxy-propionate (L) groups in bi- and tridentate bridging modes. Each
      Gd(III) ion is nine-coordinated by one 1,10-phenanthroline mol-ecule, one
      bidentate chelating carboxyl-ate group and four bridging carboxyl-ate groups in a
      distorted GdN(2)O(7) monocapped square-anti-prismatic geometry.

PMID- 22064806
TI  - N,N'-(Ethane-1,2-di-yl)dibenzene-sulfonamide.
AB  - In the title compound, C(14)H(16)N(2)O(4)S(2), the dihedral angle between the
      terminal phenyl rings is 77.07 (13) degrees . The geometries around the S atoms
      are distorted tetra-hedral, with O-S-O angles of 120.66 (12) and 119.44 (11)
      degrees . In the crystal, mol-ecules are stacked in columns along the a axis via
      inter-molecular N-H?O and C-H?O hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22064807
TI  - A comparative study of guilt and hostility in depressive subjects.

PMID- 22064808
TI  - 8-Hy-droxy-2-methyl-quinolinium tetra-chlorido(pyrazine-2-carboxyl-ato
      kappaN,O)stannate(IV) methanol monosolvate.
AB  - In the title solvated salt, (C(10)H(10)NO)[SnCl(4)(C(5)H(3)N(2)O(2))].CH(3)OH,
      the Sn(IV) atom is chelated by the N,O-bidentate pyrazine-2-carboxyl-ate ligand
      and four chloride ions, and shows a distorted octa-hedral SnNOCl(4) coordination
      at the metal atom. The 8-hy-droxy-2-methyl-quinolinium cation and the anion are
      linked to the methanol mol-ecules by O-H?O, O-H?N and N-H?O hydrogen bonds,
      generating a linear chain running along [1[Formula: see text]0]. There are two
      independent ion pairs and solvent mol-ecules in the asymmetric unit. The crystal
      studied was a non-merohedral twin with a 41.8 (1)% twin component.

PMID- 22064809
TI  - rac-3-{4-[(Furan-2-ylmethyl-idene)-amino]-3-methyl-5-sulfanyl-idene-4,5-dihydro
      1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl}-1,3-diphenyl-propan-1-one.
AB  - In the title mol-ecule, C(23)H(20)N(4)O(2)S, the triazole ring forms dihedral
      angles of 150.3 (2), 77.3 (2) and 77.6 (2) degrees , respectively, with the furan
      ring and the phenyl rings. The furan ring is almost perpendicular to the central
      phenyl ring, making a dihedral angle of 86.0 (3) degrees .

PMID- 22064810
TI  - 4-(5-Oxo-3-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-1-yl)benzene-sulfonamide.
AB  - With respect to the aliphatic planar five-membered ring (r.m.s. deviation = 0.011
      A) of the title compound, C(15)H(13)N(3)O(2)S, the phenyl ring is aligned at 6.9
      (1) degrees  and the phenyl-ene ring at 2.4 (1) degrees , so that the three rings
      are nearly coplanar. The amino group has the N atom in a pyramidal geometry; the
      group is a hydrogen-bond donor to the sulfonyl O atom of one mol-ecule and to the
      ketonic O atom of another mol-ecule, resulting in the formation of a layer
      parallel to the bc plane.

PMID- 22064811
TI  - Tetra-aqua-bis-(2-methyl-1H-benzimidazolium-1,3-diacetato-kappaO)cobalt(II) tetra
      hydrate.
AB  - In the title compound, [Co(C(12)H(11)N(2)O(4))(2)(H(2)O)(4)].4H(2)O, the Co(II)
      atom lies on an inversion center and is octa-hedrally coordinated by six O atoms
      from four water mol-ecules and two monodentate zwitterionic 2-methyl
      benzimidazolium-1,3-diacetate ligands. An intra-molecular O-H?O hydrogen bond
      occurs. In the crystal, inter-molecular O-H?O hydrogen bonds link the mol-ecules
      into a three-dimensional network. pi-pi inter-actions between the imidazole and
      benzene rings [centroid-centroid distance = 3.9031 (17) A] consolidate the
      crystal packing.

PMID- 22064812
TI  - Poly[(MU(5)-5-amino-isophthalato)aqua-barium].
AB  - In the title compound, [Ba(C(8)H(5)NO(4))(H(2)O)](n), the Ba(II) ion is eight
      coordinated by six O atoms and one N atom from five 5-amino-isophthalate ligands
      and one water mol-ecule in a distorted dodeca-hedral geometry. The Ba(II) ions
      are connected via the ligands into a layer parallel to (011). The layers are
      linked by N-H?O hydrogen bonds. The coordinated water mol-ecule is involved in
      intra-layer O-H?O hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22064813
TI  - Identification of patients at high risk for hypocalcemia after total
      thyroidectomy.
AB  - Hypocalcemia is a major post-operative complication of total thyroidectomy,
      causing severe symptoms and increasing hospitalization time. The primary cause is
      secondary hypo-parathyroidism following damage to, or devascularisation of, one
      or more parathyroid glands during surgery. Aim of the study was to develop a
      simple and reliable method for predicting post-operative hypocalcemia in total
      thyroidectomy patients. A retrospective analysis was made of immediate pre
      operative and early post-operative calcium levels in 100 patients. It was found
      that a marked decrease in blood calcium, immediately after surgery, was a
      sensitive predictor of hypocalcemia. In a subsequent prospective series of 67
      patients, the efficacy was assessed of early administration of calcium plus
      Vitamin D in reducing symptomatic hypocalcemia in patients in whom the difference
      (Delta) between pre- and post-operative blood calcium was >= 1.1 mg/dl. This
      treatment was part of a protocol in which normo-calcemic patients were discharged
      immediately after drainage removal (third post-operative day). In the
      retrospective series, 84% of patients who developed hypocalcemia had Delta >= 1.1
      and 54% of patients who did not develop hypocalcemia had Delta < 1.1 (p <
      0.0001). Mean duration of hospitalization was 6.2 days. In the prospective
      series, 76% of patients who developed hypocalcemia had Delta >= 1.1 mg/dl; of the
      patients who did not develop hypocalcemia 75% had Delta < 1.1 mg/dl (p = 0.0013);
      mean hospitalization was 4.7 days (p < 0.0001). Use of the 1.1 mg/dl cut-off for
      deciding whether to start early prophylaxis allowed most patients to avoid
      symptomatic hypocalcemia (and the associated anxiety), while permitting a
      significantly reduced hospital stay, resulting in lower hospitalization costs.

PMID- 22064814
TI  - Dichlorido(2,3-di-2-pyridyl-pyrazine-kappaN,N)platinum(II).
AB  - The Pt(II) ion in the title complex, [PtCl(2)(C(14)H(10)N(4))], is four
      coordinated in a distorted square-planar environment by two N atoms of a
      chelating 2,3-di-2-pyridyl-pyrazine ligand and two chloride anions. The pyridyl
      ring coordinated to the Pt(II) atom is inclined slightly to its carrier pyrazine
      ring [dihedral angle = 13.5 (1) degrees ], whereas the uncoordinated pyridyl ring
      is inclined considerably to the pyrazine ring [dihedral angle = 54.3 (2) degrees
      ]. The dihedral angle between the two pyridyl rings is 59.2 (2) degrees . In the
      crystal, the complexes are assembled through inter-molecular C-H?N and C-H?Cl
      hydrogen bonds, forming a three-dimensional network. Intra-molecular C-H?N and C
      H?Cl hydrogen bonds are also present.

PMID- 22064815
TI  - Przewalski's Horse (Equus ferus przewalskii) Re-introduction in the Great Gobi B
      Strictly Protected Area: from Species to Ecosystem Conservation.
AB  - The Przewalski's horse (Equus ferus przewalskii Poljakov, 1881), or "Takhi" in
      Mongolian, became extinct in the wild by the mid 1960's. The last recorded
      sightings of Przewalski's horses occurred in the Dzungarian Gobi desert in SW
      Mongolia, today's Great Gobi B Strictly Protected Area (SPA). A re-introduction
      program was initiated in 1992 and the first group of captive-born Przewalski's
      horses was airlifted to the SPA. Given the logistical challenges associated with
      such a venture, the initial project focus has been on transport logistics and the
      well-being of the re-introduced horses. Today, conservation efforts are spread
      over the entire protected area. Present day efforts include other mammals,
      vegetation and the local people. Due to its important symbolic value in Mongolian
      culture, the Przewalski's horse became an important flagship species for the
      protected area's conservation and management.

PMID- 22064816
TI  - (E)-1-(2-Amino-phen-yl)-3-(3,4,5-trimeth-oxy-phen-yl)prop-2-en-1-one.
AB  - In the asymmetric unit of the title chalcone derivative, C(18)H(19)NO(4), there
      are three crystallographically independent mol-ecules (mol-ecules A, B and C). In
      mol-ecule A, the dihedral angle between two benzene rings is 12.22 (10) degrees 
      and the plane of the central prop-2-en-1-one unit makes dihedral angles of 11.02
      (13) and 2.64 (12) degrees  with the two adjacent benzene rings. The
      corresponding angles in mol-ecule B are 12.35 (10), 18.78 (12) and 7.29 (12)
      degrees , respectively, and those in mol-ecule C are 15.40 (10), 15.62 (3) and
      3.19 (13) degrees . In each mol-ecule, an intra-molecular N-H?O hydrogen bond
      generates an S(6) ring motif. In the crystal structure, the mol-ecules B are
      linked by inter-molecular N-H?O hydrogen bonds into a zigzag chain along the c
      axis, while the mol-ecules A and C are linked together via an N-H?O hydrogen bond
      into a dimer. Adjacent dimers are further connected by N-H?N hydrogen bonds into
      a three-dimensional network. Weak C-H?O and C-H?pi inter-actions are also
      observed.

PMID- 22064817
TI  - Bis(MU-2-phen-oxy-propionato-kappaO:O')bis-[(1,10-phenanthroline-kappaN,N')bis-(2
      phen-oxy-propionato-kappaO,O')samarium(III)].
AB  - The dimeric title compound, [Sm(2)(C(9)H(9)O(3))(6)(C(12)H(8)N(2))(2)], is
      centrosymmetric and is composed of six 2-phen-oxy-propionate anions and two 1,10
      phenanthroline ligands. The Sm(III) atom is coordinated by two O atoms from two
      bridging anions, four O atoms from two chelating anions and the N atoms of the N
      heterocycle in a distorted dodeca-hedral geometry.

PMID- 22064818
TI  - 4-[2-(4-Bromo-phen-yl)hydrazinyl-idene]-3-methyl-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole-1
      carbothio-amide.
AB  - In the title compound, C(11)H(10)BrN(5)OS, the approximately planar pyrazole ring
      [maximum deviation = 0.014 (2) A] forms a dihedral angle of 5.49 (13) degrees 
      with the benzene ring. An intra-molecular N-H?O hydrogen bond generates an S(6)
      ring motif. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked through inter-molecular N-H?S
      and N-H?O hydrogen bonds, forming a two-dimensional network parallel to (100). A
      short Br?Br contact of 3.5114 (6) A is also observed.

PMID- 22064819
TI  - 3-Benzyl-2-phenyl-1,3-thia-zolidin-4-one.
AB  - In the title compound, C(16)H(15)NOS, the thia-zolidine ring, which is
      essentially planar [maximum deviation = 0.071 (2) A], makes dihedral angles of
      88.01 (8) and 87.21 (8) degrees  with the terminal phenyl rings. The dihedral
      angle between the phenyl rings is 49.45 (5) degrees . In the crystal, mol-ecules
      are linked by a weak inter-molecular C-H?O hydrogen bond, forming a supra
      molecular chain along the b axis. Furthermore, the crystal packing is stabilized
      by a weak C-H?pi inter-action.

PMID- 22064820
TI  - Laryngeal debridement: an alternative treatment for a laryngopyocele presenting
      with severe airway obstruction.
AB  - The laryngocele is an abnormal saccular dilatation of the ventricle of Morgagni,
      which maintains its communication with the laryngeal vestibule. Three types of
      laryngoceles have been described: internal, external, and combined or mixed in
      relation to the position of the sac with respect to the thyrohyoid membrane. If
      the laryngocele becomes obstructed and infected it leads to the so-called
      laryngopyocele which, although a rare disease (8% of laryngoceles), can become an
      emergency causing severe airway obstruction needing urgent management, even
      tracheostomy. An alternative method is presented of emergency management of an
      internal laryngopyocele causing severe airway obstruction using a laryngeal
      microdebrider and avoiding tracheostomy.

PMID- 22064821
TI  - Development of naphtho[1,2-b:5,6-b']dithiophene based novel small molecules for
      efficient bulk-heterojunction organic solar cells.
AB  - Two new small molecules with a rigid planar naphtho[1,2-b:5,6-b']dithiophene
      (NDT) unit were designed and synthesized. Solution processed bulk-hetereojunction
      organic solar cells based on blends of the small molecules and [6,6]-phenyl-C(71)
      butyric acid methyl ester (PC(71)BM) exhibited promising photovoltaic device
      performance with a maximum power conversion efficiency up to 2.20% under the
      illumination of AM 1.5G, 100 mW cm(-2).

PMID- 22064822
TI  - 1-(2,4,6-Triisopropyl-phen-yl)ethanone.
AB  - The title compound, C(17)H(26)O, is a di-ortho-alkyl substituted phenyl ethanone
      that exhibits a significant twisting of the ketone fragment relative to the
      aromatic ring [O-C-C-C torsion angle = 89.32 (17) degrees ] due to steric
      pressure from the ortho-isopropyl groups. One ortho- and the para-isopropyl group
      exhibit orientational disorder with a refined site occupancy factor of 0.562
      (3):0.438 (3).

PMID- 22064823
TI  - catena-Poly[[bis-(nitrato-kappaO)cadmium]bis-[MU-1,4-bis-(pyridin-3-yl-meth
      oxy)benzene-kappaN:N']].
AB  - In the title compound, [Cd(NO(3))(2)(C(18)H(16)N(2)O(2))(2)](n), the six
      coordinated Cd(II) ion is located on an inversion center and has a distorted octa
      hedral environment defined by four N atoms from four 1,4-bis-(pyridin-3-ylmeth
      oxy)benzene ligands and two O atoms from two nitrate anions. The ligands link the
      Cd(II) ions into a ribbon-like structure running along [201]. One O atom of the
      nitrate anion is disordered over two positions with site-occupancy factors of
      0.59 (2) and 0.41 (2).

PMID- 22064824
TI  - 2-[(Indan-1-yl-idene)amino]-ethanol.
AB  - The five-membed ring of the title compound, C(11)H(13)NO, that is fused with the
      aromatic ring is approximately planar (r.m.s. deviation = 0.037 A) despite the
      presence of the sp(3)-hybrid-ized ethyl-ene linkage. The hy-droxy group of the N
      bound hy-droxy-ethyl chain serves as hydrogen-bond donor to the azomethine N atom
      of an adjacent mol-ecule, generating a hydrogen-bonded C(2)-symmetric dimer.

PMID- 22064825
TI  - (4R)-4-(Biphenyl-4-yl)-7-chloro-1,2,3,4-tetra-hydro-quinoline.
AB  - The title compound, C(21)H(18)ClN, was synthesized by an enanti-oselective
      Bronsted acid-catalysed transfer hydrogenation reaction. The six-membered
      heterocycle adopts a half-chair conformation. It has the biphenyl residue in an
      axial position. The two rings of the biphenyl residue are almost coplanar
      [dihedral angle = 2.65 (9) degrees ]. The crystal packing is stabilized by N-H?Cl
      hydrogen bonds, which connect the mol-ecules into chains running along the a
      axis.

PMID- 22064826
TI  - 2-{[2-(2-Hy-droxy-3-meth-oxy-benzyl-idene)hydrazin-1-yl-idene]meth-yl}-6-meth-oxy
      phenol.
AB  - The title compound, C(16)H(16)N(2)O(4), was obtained from the reaction of
      hydrazine hydrate and o-vanilin in absolute ethanol. The mol-ecule is almost
      planar (except for the methyl H atoms), with a mean deviation from the plane of
      0.0259 A. The mol-ecular structure also exhibits an approximate non
      crystallographic twofold axis. Intra-molecular O-H?N hydrogen bonds occur. In the
      crystal, inter-molecular C-H?O hydrogen bonds generate mol-ecular zigzag sheets.
      The sheets stack through C-H?pi inter-actions, leading to a three-dimensional
      network.

PMID- 22064827
TI  - Chemoselective conversion of alpha-unbranched aldehydes to amides, esters, and
      carboxylic acids by NHC-catalysis.
AB  - Depending on the N-heterocyclic carbene catalyst utilized, alpha-unbranched
      aldehydes selectively provided amides, esters, or carboxylic acids through
      oxidation by NCS. The alpha-unbranched aldehyde underwent these reactions
      chemoselectively in the presence of an aromatic or alpha-branched aldehyde.

PMID- 22064828
TI  - Circulatory miR34a as an RNAbased, noninvasive biomarker for brain aging.
AB  - MicroRNAs in blood samples have been identified as an important class of
      biomarkers, which can reflect physiological changes from cancer to brain
      dysfunction. In this report we identify concordant increases in levels of
      expression of miR-34a in brain and two components of mouse blood samples,
      peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and plasma, from 2 day old neonates
      through young adulthood and mid-life to old age at 25 months. Levels of this
      microRNA's prime target, silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1), in brain and the
      two blood-derived specimens decrease with age inversely to miR-34a, starting as
      early as 4 months old, when appreciable tissue aging has not yet begun. Our
      results suggest that: 1. Increased miR-34a and the reciprocal decrease of its
      target, SIRT1, in blood specimens are the accessible biomarkers for age-dependent
      changes in brain; and 2. these changes are predictors of impending decline in
      brain function, as early as in young adult mice.

PMID- 22064829
TI  - Caloxanthone C: a pyran-oxanthone from the stem bark of Calophyllum soulattri.
AB  - THE TITLE COMPOUND [SYSTEMATIC NAME: 5,10-di-hy-droxy-2,2-di-methyl-12-(2-methyl
      but-3-en-2-yl)-pyrano[3,2-b]xanthen-6(2H)-one], C(23)H(22)O(5), isolated from the
      stem bark of Calophyllum soulattri, consists of four six-membered rings and a 2
      methyl-but-3-en-2-yl side chain. The tricyclic xanthone ring system is almost
      planar [maximum deviation = 0.093 (2) A], whereas the pyran-oid ring is in a
      distorted boat conformation. The 2-methyl-but-3-en-2-yl side chain is in a
      synperiplanar conformation. There are two intra-molecular O-H?O hydrogen bonds.
      In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by C-H?O inter-actions, forming a zigzag
      chain propagating in [010].

PMID- 22064830
TI  - Label-free visual detection of nucleic acids in biological samples with single
      base mismatch detection capability.
AB  - We have combined an allosteric molecular beacon for target recognition and
      guanine-rich DNAzyme for signal amplification to develop a new platform for
      visual detection of nucleic acids with single-base mismatch detection capability.
      The fully DNA-structured platform can undergo color change in response to target
      DNA/RNA, which enables sensitive and selective visual detection in biological
      samples.

PMID- 22064831
TI  - 4-((E)-{2-[N-(1,5-Dimethyl-3-oxo-2-phenyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)carboximido
      yl]benzyl-idene}amino)-1,5-dimethyl-2-phenyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-3-one.
AB  - The title compound, C(30)H(28)N(6)O(2), is a symmetric diimine derived from ortho
      dibenzaldehyde. Both C=N bonds are (E)-configured. The terminal N-bonded phenyl
      groups adopt staggered conformations relative to their respective parent
      heterocycles, the relevant least-squares planes inter-sect at angles of 32.35
      (11) and 38.59 (10) degrees . In the crystal, C-H?O contacts connect the mol
      ecules into chains along the b axis and give rise to a C(1) (1)(14)C(1) (1)(14)
      and a R(2) (2)(12) pattern on different levels of graph-set analysis. The
      shortest inter-centroid distance between two centroids was found at 4.2074 (11) A
      between the two five-membered heterocycles.

PMID- 22064832
TI  - Poly[[tetra-MU(3)-acetato-hexa-MU(2)-acetato-diaqua-MU(2)-oxalato-tetra
      lanthanum(III)] dihydrate].
AB  - The title compound, {[La(4)(CH(3)CO(2))(10)(C(2)O(4))(H(2)O)(2)].2H(2)O}(n),
      exhibits a two-dimensional layered structure with the oxalate and acetate ligands
      acting as bridges. The asymmetric unit contains two crystallographically
      independent lanthanum(III) ions, half of an oxalate ligand, five acetate ligands,
      one coordinated water mol-ecule and one uncoordinated water mol-ecule. The
      coordination numbers of the two La ions are 9 and 10. Adjacent layers of the
      structure, which extend parallel to (100), are linked by O-H?O hydrogen bonds and
      are also held together by van der Waals inter-actions between the CH(3) groups of
      the acetate anions.

PMID- 22064834
TI  - (2Z)-1-(5-Hy-droxy-3-methyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)-3-(4-meth-oxy-anilino)but-2
      en-1-one.
AB  - The central residue in the title compound, C(21)H(21)N(3)O(3), is close to planar
      (r.m.s. deviation = 0.0753 A for all non-H atoms from OH to NH inclusive): the hy
      droxy, amino and carbonyl groups all lie to the same side of the mol-ecule (the
      conformation about the ethene bond is Z), facilitating the formation of intra
      molecular O-H?O and N-H?O hydrogen bonds that close S(6) rings. However, overall
      the mol-ecule is twisted as the terminal aromatic rings are not coplanar with the
      central plane [dihedral angles = 20.55 (5) and 80.90 (4) degrees  for the N-bound
      phenyl ring and the meth-oxy-benzene ring, respectively]. The dihedral angle
      between the rings is 82.14 (7) degrees . Supra-molecular layers in the ac plane
      mediated by C-H?pi inter-actions are found in the crystal.

PMID- 22064833
TI  - Abrogation of PIK3CA or PIK3R1 reduces proliferation, migration, and invasion in
      glioblastoma multiforme cells.
AB  - Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly invasive and deadly brain tumor.  Tumor
      cell invasion makes complete surgical resection impossible and reduces the
      efficacy of other therapies.  Genome-wide analyses of mutations, copy-number
      changes, and expression patterns have provided new insights into genetic
      abnormalities common in GBM.  We analyzed published data and identified the
      invasion and motility pathways most frequently altered in GBM. These were most
      notably the focal adhesion and integrin signaling, and extracellular matrix
      interactions pathways.  We mapped alterations in each of these pathways and found
      that they included the catalytic PIK3CA and regulatory PIK3R1 subunit genes of
      the class IA PI3K.  Knockdown of either of these genes separately in GBM cell
      lines by lentiviral-mediated shRNA expression resulted in decreased
      proliferation, migration, and invasion in all lines tested.  FAK activity was
      reduced by knockdown of either PIK3CA or PIK3R1, and MMP2 levels were reduced by
      knockdown of PIK3R1.  We conclude that PIK3R1, like PIK3CA, is a potential
      therapeutic target in GBM and that it also influences tumor cell growth and
      motility.

PMID- 22064835
TI  - Effects of total solar eclipse on mental patients-a clinicobiochemical
      correlation.
AB  - Thirteen treated psychotic cases comprising of eight schizophrenic, four M.D.P.
      (manic type) and one M. D. P. (depressive type), who were clinically symptom
      free, were studied in respect of their hormones and behavioural abnormalities
      under effect of total solar eclipse. Of the hormones studied viz., T(2), T(4),
      TSH, Cortisol and prolactin, it is prolactin which showed an increase in titre
      associated with behavioural abnormalities in concerned patients during and
      immediately after the total solar eclipse. Deflection in both prolactin and
      behaviour gradually seemed to normalise over the post eclipse period.

PMID- 22064836
TI  - 9-(Pent-4-en-yl)anthracene.
AB  - In the title compound, C(19)H(18), the anthracene system is almost planar, with a
      maximum deviation of -0.039 (1) A. The structure is stabilized by C-H?pi inter
      actions. The pentene moiety is not planar and is twisted away from the attached
      anthracene system with a maximum torsion angle of 91.2 (1) degrees .

PMID- 22064837
TI  - Poly[[tetra-aqua-bis-(MU(3)-pyridine-2,6-dicarboxyl-ato)(MU(2)-pyridine-2,6
      dicarboxyl-ato)dilanthanum(III)] dihydrate].
AB  - There are two independent La(III) cations in the polymeric title compound,
      {[La(2)(C(7)H(3)NO(4))(3)(H(2)O)(4)].2H(2)O}(n). One is nine-coordinated in an
      LaN(2)O(7) tricapped trigonal-prismatic geometry formed by three pyridine-2,6
      dicarboxyl-ate anions and two water mol-ecules, while the other is ten
      coordinated in an LaNO(9) bicapped square-anti-prismatic geometry formed by four
      pyridine-2,6-dicarboxyl-ate anions and two water mol-ecules. The two La(III)
      cations are separated by a non-bonding distance of 5.026 (3) A. The pyridine-2,6
      dicarboxyl-ate anions bridge the La(III) cations, forming a three-dimensional
      polymeric complex. The crystal structure contains extensive classical O-H?O
      hydrogen bonds and weak inter-molecular C-H?O hydrogen bonds. The crystal
      structure is further consolidated by pi-pi stacking between pyridine rings, the
      shortest centroid-centroid distance between parallel pyridine rings being 3.700
      (5) A.

PMID- 22064838
TI  - 2-(1H-Benzotriazol-1-yl)-3-(2,6-dichloro-phen-yl)-1-phenyl-propan-1-ol.
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C(21)H(17)Cl(2)N(3)O, contains two
      crystallographically independent mol-ecules with similar conformations. The
      benzotriazole ring is oriented at dihedral angles of 30.61 (5) and 43.36 (5)
      degrees , respectively, to the phenyl and dichloro-phenyl rings in one mol-ecule,
      and 32.25 (5) and 41.04 (5) degrees  in the other. The dihedral angles between
      the phenyl and dichloro-phenyl rings are 66.38 (7) and 66.14 (6) degrees  in the
      two mol-ecules. An intra-molecular O-H?N hydrogen bond links the benzotriazole
      ring and phenyl-propanol unit in each mol-ecule. In the crystal, weak inter
      molecular C-H?N hydrogen bonds link the mol-ecules into chains along the a axis.
      pi-pi stacking between the dichloro-phenyl rings [centroid-centroid distances =
      3.809 (1) and 3.735 (1) A] may further stabilize the crystal structure.

PMID- 22064839
TI  - (E)-Methyl 3-(4-chloro-phen-yl)-2-{2-[(E)-(hy-droxy-imino)-meth-yl]phen-oxy-meth
      yl}acrylate.
AB  - In the title compound, C(18)H(16)ClNO(4), the dihedral angle between the mean
      planes through the aromatic rings is 83.8 (8) degrees . The hy-droxy-ethanimine
      group is essentially coplanar with the ring to which it is attached [O-N-C-C
      torsion angle = -177.96 (13) degrees ]. The mol-ecules are linked into
      centrosymmetric R(2) (2)(6) dimers via O-H?N hydrogen bonds. The crystal packing
      is further stabilized by C-H?O inter-actions.

PMID- 22064840
TI  - Correlation between female sex and allergy was significant in patients presenting
      with dysphonia.
AB  - Aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of allergy in patients
      affected by both organic and/or functional vocal fold disorders. The secondary
      aim was to assess the correlation between sex and allergy in dysphonic patients.
      A retrospective chart review was performed on dysphonic patients. A total of 76
      patients underwent fiberoptic endoscopy to assess the objective picture. Logistic
      regression analyses have been conducted to assess the association between sex and
      the outcome variables. The laryngoscopic examination revealed the presence of
      poor glottic closure in 32.9%, hyperkinesias in 11.8%, redness in 11.84%, polyps
      in 5.3%, oedema in 3.95%, vocal fold hypertrophy in 5.3%, nodules in 42.1%,
      cordectomy in 2.6%. Allergic rhinitis was present in 56.6%, milk intolerance in
      13.2%, asthma in 9.2%, atopic dermatitis in 3.9%, drugs intolerance in 11.8%. A
      total of 76.32% patients presenting with dysphonia were allergic. A statistically
      significant association was found between female sex and presence of allergy. In
      conclusion, allergy testing should be performed routinely on female professional
      voice users. Mild respiratory disorders must be taken into serious consideration
      in female professional voice users, who may primarily complain of vocal
      dysfunction rather than upper and lower respiratory diseases.

PMID- 22064841
TI  - Poly[[bis-(dimethyl-formamide)[MU(7)-5,5'-(methyl-enedi
      oxy)diisophthalato]dizinc] dimethyl-formamide monosolvate].
AB  - In the crystal structure of the title coordination polymer,
      {[Zn(2)(C(17)H(8)O(10))(C(3)H(7)NO)(2)].C(3)H(7)NO}(n), the mol-ecular build-ing
      block (MBB), viz. {Zn(2)(CO(2))(4)(C(3)H(7)NO)(2)}, comprises two zinc atoms,
      each bridged by three carboxyl-ate groups. These two Zn atoms exhibit different
      coordination environments: a distorted coordination intermediate between trigonal
      pyramidal, and square-pyramidal formed by the two coordinated dimethyl-formamide
      mol-ecules and three carboxylate groups, and a distorted tetra-hedral
      coordination defined by carboxy-late groups of which three are bidentate bridging
      and the fourth is a monodentate ligand. Thus, each ligand connects four MBBs,
      forming the three-dimensional polymer.

PMID- 22064842
TI  - Radial shrinkage and ultrasound acoustic emissions of fresh versus pre-dried
      Norway spruce sapwood.
AB  - Acoustic emission (AE) and radial shrinkage were compared between fully saturated
      fresh and pre-dried Norway spruce sapwood during dehydration at ambient
      temperature. Hydraulic conductivity measurements, anatomical investigations on
      bordered pits and X-ray computed tomography (CT) scans were done to search for
      possible AE sources other than the breakage of the water columns inside the
      tracheids. Both fresh and pre-dried specimens showed radial shrinkage due to
      drying surface layers right from the beginning of dehydration, which induced
      almost no AE. Whereas no dimensional changes occurred in pre-dried wood
      thereafter, fresh wood showed a rapid shrinkage increase starting at 25% relative
      water loss. This dimensional change ceased when further moisture got lost and was
      even partially reversed. AE of fresh wood showed much higher activity and energy,
      which is a waveform feature that describes the strength of the acoustic signal.
      Extremely high single AE energy events were detected at this critical stage of
      dehydration. After partial recovery from shrinkage, neither dimensional changes
      nor AE activity showed differences between fresh and pre-dried wood after more
      than 80% relative moisture loss. Our results suggested that fresh sapwood is more
      prone to dehydration stresses than pre-dried sapwood. Differences in AE and
      shrinkage behavior might be due to the weakening or distortion of the pit
      membranes (cavitation fatigue), pit aspiration, structural changes of the cell
      walls and micro-checks, which occurred during the first dehydration cycle.

PMID- 22064843
TI  - 6-Meth-oxy-2-methyl-1-m-tolyl-1H-benzimidazole hemihydrate.
AB  - The title compound, C(16)H(16)N(2)O.0.5H(2)O, is a substituted 1-phenyl
      benzimidazole, which belongs to the class of ATP-site inhibitors of the platelet
      derived growth-factor receptor. In the crystal, the components are linked by an O
      H?N hydrogen bond.

PMID- 22064844
TI  - {5,5'-Bis(diethyl-amino)-2,2'-[(2,2-dimethyl-propane-1,3-di-yl)bis-(nitrilo
      methanylyl-idene)]diphenolato}dioxido-molybdenum(VI).
AB  - In the title compound, [Mo(C(27)H(38)N(4)O(2))O(2)], the Mo(VI) atom is
      coordinated by two oxide O atoms and by two O and two N atoms of the tetra
      dentate Schiff base ligand in a distorted octa-hedral geometry. The Mo-N bond
      trans to a terminal oxide group is significantly longer than the other Mo-N bond,
      which is attributed to the strong trans effect of the oxide O atom. The dihedral
      angle formed between the substituted benzene rings is 71.79 (14) degrees . One of
      the ethyl groups is disordered over two sets of sites, with a refined site
      occupancy ratio of 0.588 (18):0.412 (18).

PMID- 22064845
TI  - trans-Tetra-carbonyl-bis-[tris-(4-fluoro-phen-yl)phosphane-kappaP]chromium(0).
AB  - In the title compound, [Cr(C(18)H(12)F(3)P)(2)(CO)(4)], the Cr atom is octa
      hedrally coordinated by four carbonyl ligands and the two tertiary phosphanes
      that are trans to each other. The Cr atom and two carbonyl groups are on a
      twofold axis. The benzene rings attached to the phospho-rus atom make dihedral
      angles of 80.32 (5), 52.91 (5) and 83.80 (5) degrees  with each other. In the
      crystal, C-H?O and C-H?F inter-molecular inter-actions form an infinite three
      dimensional network.

PMID- 22064846
TI  - Catalytic reactions of chlorite with a polypyridylruthenium(II) complex:
      disproportionation, chlorine dioxide formation and alcohol oxidation.
AB  - cis-[Ru(2,9-Me(2)phen)(2)(OH(2))(2)](2+) reacts readily with chlorite at room
      temperature at pH 4.9 and 6.8. The ruthenium(II) complex can catalyze the
      disproportionation of chlorite to chlorate and chloride, the oxidation of
      chlorite to chlorine dioxide, as well as the oxidation of alcohols by chlorite.

PMID- 22064847
TI  - Hearing preservation surgery in acoustic neuroma. Slow progress and new
      strategies.
AB  - Quality and rate of preserved hearing are crucial to make hearing preservation
      surgery a viable treatment. A long-term experience with hearing preservation
      surgery, with tumour size and hearing as admission criteria, was evaluated to
      assess which size and hearing allowed a high rate of success. The hearing outcome
      in relation to size of tumour and pre-operative hearing was retrospectively
      reviewed in a consecutive series of 115 cases of sporadic acoustic neuroma which
      were operated on with hearing preservation surgery. Inclusion criteria were
      hearing with <= 30 dB pure tone average and >= 70% Speech Discrimination Score.
      The size was <= 15 mm in the first series of 51 cases, and <= 10 mm in the second
      series of 64 cases. Pre-operative and post-operative pure tone average were
      measured at 0.5 to 4.0 KHz, and speech discrimination score at <= 40 dB above
      perception. Post-operative hearing within 30 dB pure tone average and 70% speech
      discrimination score was considered socially useful hearing and successful
      outcome. The change to 40 dB pure tone average and 60% speech discrimination
      score from a pre-operative 30 pure tone average/70% speech discrimination score
      was considered an acceptable outcome. Patients with a tumour of <= 10 mm size in
      the cerebello-pontine-angle and hearing within 20 dB pure tone average/80% speech
      discrimination score had a success rate of 76%. Patients with hearing between the
      20 dB pure tone average/80% speech discrimination score and 30 dB pure tone
      average/ 70% speech discrimination score had a success rate of 41%, which
      increased to 53% if the limit to success was set at 40 dB pure tone average/60%
      speech discrimination score. Patients with a tumour larger than 10 mm or hearing
      worse than 30 dB pure tone average/70% speech discrimination score had a poor
      preservation rate. In conclusion, hearing preservation surgery on a <= 10 mm
      acoustic neuroma with good hearing had a high rate of success and appeared to be
      a realistic treatment option which could be integrated with observation and
      radiotherapy in updated guidelines of treatment.

PMID- 22064848
TI  - Use of micellar mobile phases for the chromatographic determination of melamine
      in dietetic supplements.
AB  - Melamine is a nitrogen-rich industrial chemical which is occasionally used to
      increase the apparent protein content of different products destined for human
      and animal consumption. In this work, a liquid chromatographic procedure that
      uses micellar mobile phases of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) buffered at pH 3, a
      C18 column and UV detection is reported for the determination of melamine in
      dietetic supplements. Samples were reconstituted with a SDS solution and were
      directly injected, thus avoiding long extraction and experimental procedures.
      Melamine was eluted in less than 10 min with no interference by other compounds
      of the matrices. The optimum mobile phase composition was taken by a
      chemometrical approach that considers the retention factor, efficiency and peak
      shape. Validation was performed following the indications of the European
      Commission (Decision 2002/657/EC). The following parameters were considered:
      linearity (0.02-100 MUg mL(-1); R(2) = 0.9996), intra- and inter-day precisions
      (<12.4%), accuracy (90.0-101.3%), and robustness (less than 9.8% and 5.1%, for
      retention time and peak area, respectively). The limits of detection and
      quantification were 9 and 20 ng mL(-1), respectively. Recoveries for several
      spiked samples were in the 85.8-114.3% range. These results indicate that the
      proposed methodology is useful for routine analysis of control quality of infant
      formula and adult dietetic supplements.

PMID- 22064849
TI  - Dual detection strategy for electrochemical analysis of glucose and nitrite using
      a partitionally modified electrode.
AB  - A dual-region modified electrode was designed and fabricated by means of
      partitioned electrodeposition of gold and platinum nanoparticles on an indium tin
      oxide (ITO) conductive glass for dual-component electrochemical detection. The
      two differently modified regions were assigned to detect two analytes, separately
      and simultaneously. The gold nanoparticle modified ITO region (AuNPs/ITO) was
      used for glucose detection while the platinum nanoparticle modified ITO region
      (PtNPs/ITO) for nitrite detection. The glucose oxidation peak current at 0.10 V
      on AuNPs/ITO exhibited a linear dependence on the concentration of glucose and
      was used to determine the concentration of glucose in dual-detection. The nitrite
      reduction peak current at PtNPs/ITO showed a nonlinear dependence on the
      concentration of nitrite. A theoretical model combining the adsorption-controlled
      and the mass-transfer-controlled kinetics was proposed to quantitatively describe
      the nonlinear behavior. Though the presence of glucose interfered with the
      electrochemical detection of nitrite, it was demonstrated that the influence of
      glucose on nitrite detection can be corrected. On the basis of the proposed
      theoretical model, the simultaneous dual-detection of glucose and nitrite was
      accomplished at ITO electrodes partitionally modified with AuNPs and PtNPs.

PMID- 22064850
TI  - Calcium platinum aluminium, CaPtAl.
AB  - A preliminary X-ray study of CaPtAl has been reported previously by Hulliger [J.
      Alloys Compd (1993), 196, 225-228] based on X-ray powder diffraction data without
      structure refinement. With the present single-crystal X-ray study, we confirm the
      assignment of the TiNiSi type for CaPtAl, in a fully ordered inverse structure.
      All three atoms of the asymmetric unit have .m. site symmetry. The structure
      features a (infinity) (3)[AlPt] open framework with a fourfold coordination of Pt
      by Al atoms and vice versa. The Ca atoms are located in the large channels of the
      structure.

PMID- 22064851
TI  - HaploReg: a resource for exploring chromatin states, conservation, and regulatory
      motif alterations within sets of genetically linked variants.
AB  - The resolution of genome-wide association studies (GWAS) is limited by the
      linkage disequilibrium (LD) structure of the population being studied. Selecting
      the most likely causal variants within an LD block is relatively straightforward
      within coding sequence, but is more difficult when all variants are intergenic.
      Predicting functional non-coding sequence has been recently facilitated by the
      availability of conservation and epigenomic information. We present HaploReg, a
      tool for exploring annotations of the non-coding genome among the results of
      published GWAS or novel sets of variants. Using LD information from the 1000
      Genomes Project, linked SNPs and small indels can be visualized along with their
      predicted chromatin state in nine cell types, conservation across mammals and
      their effect on regulatory motifs. Sets of SNPs, such as those resulting from
      GWAS, are analyzed for an enrichment of cell type-specific enhancers. HaploReg
      will be useful to researchers developing mechanistic hypotheses of the impact of
      non-coding variants on clinical phenotypes and normal variation. The HaploReg
      database is available at http://compbio.mit.edu/HaploReg.

PMID- 22064852
TI  - eQuilibrator--the biochemical thermodynamics calculator.
AB  - The laws of thermodynamics constrain the action of biochemical systems. However,
      thermodynamic data on biochemical compounds can be difficult to find and is
      cumbersome to perform calculations with manually. Even simple thermodynamic
      questions like 'how much Gibbs energy is released by ATP hydrolysis at pH 5?' are
      complicated excessively by the search for accurate data. To address this problem,
      eQuilibrator couples a comprehensive and accurate database of thermodynamic
      properties of biochemical compounds and reactions with a simple and powerful
      online search and calculation interface. The web interface to eQuilibrator
      (http://equilibrator.weizmann.ac.il) enables easy calculation of Gibbs energies
      of compounds and reactions given arbitrary pH, ionic strength and metabolite
      concentrations. The eQuilibrator code is open-source and all thermodynamic source
      data are freely downloadable in standard formats. Here we describe the database
      characteristics and implementation and demonstrate its use.

PMID- 22064853
TI  - A cross-sample statistical model for SNP detection in short-read sequencing data.
AB  - Highly multiplex DNA sequencers have greatly expanded our ability to survey human
      genomes for previously unknown single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). However,
      sequencing and mapping errors, though rare, contribute substantially to the
      number of false discoveries in current SNP callers. We demonstrate that we can
      significantly reduce the number of false positive SNP calls by pooling
      information across samples. Although many studies prepare and sequence multiple
      samples with the same protocol, most existing SNP callers ignore cross-sample
      information. In contrast, we propose an empirical Bayes method that uses cross
      sample information to learn the error properties of the data. This error
      information lets us call SNPs with a lower false discovery rate than existing
      methods.

PMID- 22064854
TI  - The CHR promoter element controls cell cycle-dependent gene transcription and
      binds the DREAM and MMB complexes.
AB  - Cell cycle-dependent gene expression is often controlled on the transcriptional
      level. Genes like cyclin B, CDC2 and CDC25C are regulated by cell cycle-dependent
      element (CDE) and cell cycle genes homology region (CHR) promoter elements mainly
      through repression in G(0)/G(1). It had been suggested that E2F4 binding to CDE
      sites is central to transcriptional regulation. However, some promoters are only
      controlled by a CHR. We identify the DREAM complex binding to the CHR of mouse
      and human cyclin B2 promoters in G(0). Association of DREAM and cell cycle
      dependent regulation is abrogated when the CHR is mutated. Although E2f4 is part
      of the complex, a CDE is not essential but can enhance binding of DREAM. We show
      that the CHR element is not only necessary for repression of gene transcription
      in G(0)/G(1), but also for activation in S, G(2) and M phases. In proliferating
      cells, the B-myb-containing MMB complex binds the CHR of both promoters
      independently of the CDE. Bioinformatic analyses identify many genes which
      contain conserved CHR elements in promoters binding the DREAM complex. With Ube2c
      as an example from that screen, we show that inverse CHR sites are functional
      promoter elements that can bind DREAM and MMB. Our findings indicate that the CHR
      is central to DREAM/MMB-dependent transcriptional control during the cell cycle.

PMID- 22064855
TI  - YMDB: the Yeast Metabolome Database.
AB  - The Yeast Metabolome Database (YMDB, http://www.ymdb.ca) is a richly annotated
      'metabolomic' database containing detailed information about the metabolome of
      Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Modeled closely after the Human Metabolome Database,
      the YMDB contains >2000 metabolites with links to 995 different genes/proteins,
      including enzymes and transporters. The information in YMDB has been gathered
      from hundreds of books, journal articles and electronic databases. In addition to
      its comprehensive literature-derived data, the YMDB also contains an extensive
      collection of experimental intracellular and extracellular metabolite
      concentration data compiled from detailed Mass Spectrometry (MS) and Nuclear
      Magnetic Resonance (NMR) metabolomic analyses performed in our lab. This is
      further supplemented with thousands of NMR and MS spectra collected on pure,
      reference yeast metabolites. Each metabolite entry in the YMDB contains an
      average of 80 separate data fields including comprehensive compound description,
      names and synonyms, structural information, physico-chemical data, reference NMR
      and MS spectra, intracellular/extracellular concentrations, growth conditions and
      substrates, pathway information, enzyme data, gene/protein sequence data, as well
      as numerous hyperlinks to images, references and other public databases.
      Extensive searching, relational querying and data browsing tools are also
      provided that support text, chemical structure, spectral, molecular weight and
      gene/protein sequence queries. Because of S. cervesiae's importance as a model
      organism for biologists and as a biofactory for industry, we believe this kind of
      database could have considerable appeal not only to metabolomics researchers, but
      also to yeast biologists, systems biologists, the industrial fermentation
      industry, as well as the beer, wine and spirit industry.

PMID- 22064856
TI  - NucleaRDB: information system for nuclear receptors.
AB  - The NucleaRDB is a Molecular Class-Specific Information System that collects,
      combines, validates and disseminates large amounts of heterogeneous data on
      nuclear hormone receptors. It contains both experimental and computationally
      derived data. The data and knowledge present in the NucleaRDB can be accessed
      using a number of different interactive and programmatic methods and query
      systems. A nuclear hormone receptor-specific PDF reader interface is available
      that can integrate the contents of the NucleaRDB with full-text scientific
      articles. The NucleaRDB is freely available at
      http://www.receptors.org/nucleardb.

PMID- 22064857
TI  - FungiDB: an integrated functional genomics database for fungi.
AB  - FungiDB (http://FungiDB.org) is a functional genomic resource for pan-fungal
      genomes that was developed in partnership with the Eukaryotic Pathogen
      Bioinformatic resource center (http://EuPathDB.org). FungiDB uses the same
      infrastructure and user interface as EuPathDB, which allows for sophisticated and
      integrated searches to be performed using an intuitive graphical system. The
      current release of FungiDB contains genome sequence and annotation from 18
      species spanning several fungal classes, including the Ascomycota classes,
      Eurotiomycetes, Sordariomycetes, Saccharomycetes and the Basidiomycota orders,
      Pucciniomycetes and Tremellomycetes, and the basal 'Zygomycete' lineage
      Mucormycotina. Additionally, FungiDB contains cell cycle microarray data, hyphal
      growth RNA-sequence data and yeast two hybrid interaction data. The underlying
      genomic sequence and annotation combined with functional data, additional data
      from the FungiDB standard analysis pipeline and the ability to leverage orthology
      provides a powerful resource for in silico experimentation.

PMID- 22064858
TI  - Crystal structure of the NurA-dAMP-Mn2+ complex.
AB  - Generation of the 3' overhang is a critical event during homologous recombination
      (HR) repair of DNA double strand breaks. A 5'-3' nuclease, NurA, plays an
      important role in generating 3' single-stranded DNA during archaeal HR, together
      with Mre11-Rad50 and HerA. We have determined the crystal structures of apo- and
      dAMP-Mn(2)(+)-bound NurA from Pyrococcus furiousus (Pf NurA) to provide the basis
      for its cleavage mechanism. Pf NurA forms a pyramid-shaped dimer containing a
      large central channel on one side, which becomes narrower towards the peak of the
      pyramid. The structure contains a PIWI domain with high similarity to argonaute,
      endoV nuclease and RNase H. The two active sites, each of which contains Mn(2)(+)
      ion(s) and dAMP, are at the corners of the elliptical channel near the flat face
      of the dimer. The 3' OH group of the ribose ring is directed toward the channel
      entrance, explaining the 5'-3' nuclease activity of Pf NurA. We provide a DNA
      binding and cleavage model for Pf NurA.

PMID- 22064859
TI  - Direct evidence of nuclear Argonaute distribution during transcriptional
      silencing links the actin cytoskeleton to nuclear RNAi machinery in human cells.
AB  - Mammalian RNAi machinery facilitating transcriptional gene silencing (TGS) is the
      RNA-induced transcriptional gene silencing-like (RITS-like) complex, comprising
      of Argonaute (Ago) and small interfering RNA (siRNA) components. We have
      previously demonstrated promoter-targeted siRNA induce TGS in human
      immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) and simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV),
      which profoundly suppresses retrovirus replication via heterochromatin formation
      and histone methylation. Here, we examine subcellular co-localization of Ago
      proteins with promoter-targeted siRNAs during TGS of SIV and HIV-1 infection.
      Analysis of retrovirus-infected cells revealed Ago1 co-localized with siRNA in
      the nucleus, while Ago2 co-localized with siRNA in the inner nuclear envelope.
      Mismatched and scrambled siRNAs were observed in the cytoplasm, indicating
      sequence specificity. This is the first report directly visualizing nuclear
      compartment distribution of Ago-associated siRNA and further reveals a novel
      nuclear trafficking mechanism for RITS-like components involving the actin
      cytoskeleton. These results establish a model for elucidating mammalian TGS and
      suggest a fundamental mechanism underlying nuclear delivery of RITS-like
      components.

PMID- 22064860
TI  - YY1 associates with the macrosatellite DXZ4 on the inactive X chromosome and
      binds with CTCF to a hypomethylated form in some male carcinomas.
AB  - DXZ4 is an X-linked macrosatellite composed of 12-100 tandemly arranged 3-kb
      repeat units. In females, it adopts opposite chromatin arrangements at the two
      alleles in response to X-chromosome inactivation. In males and on the active X
      chromosome, it is packaged into heterochromatin, but on the inactive X chromosome
      (Xi), it adopts a euchromatic conformation bound by CTCF. Here we report that the
      ubiquitous transcription factor YY1 associates with the euchromatic form of DXZ4
      on the Xi. The binding of YY1 close to CTCF is reminiscent of that at other
      epigenetically regulated sequences, including sites of genomic imprinting, and at
      the X-inactivation centre, suggesting a common mode of action in this
      arrangement. As with CTCF, binding of YY1 to DXZ4 in vitro is not blocked by CpG
      methylation, yet in vivo both proteins are restricted to the hypomethylated form.
      In several male carcinoma cell lines, DXZ4 can adopt a Xi-like conformation in
      response to cellular transformation, characterized by CpG hypomethylation and
      binding of YY1 and CTCF. Analysis of a male melanoma cell line and normal skin
      cells from the same individual confirmed that a transition in chromatin state
      occurred in response to transformation.

PMID- 22064861
TI  - The LANL hemorrhagic fever virus database, a new platform for analyzing biothreat
      viruses.
AB  - Hemorrhagic fever viruses (HFVs) are a diverse set of over 80 viral species,
      found in 10 different genera comprising five different families: arena-, bunya-,
      flavi-, filo- and togaviridae. All these viruses are highly variable and evolve
      rapidly, making them elusive targets for the immune system and for vaccine and
      drug design. About 55,000 HFV sequences exist in the public domain today. A
      central website that provides annotated sequences and analysis tools will be
      helpful to HFV researchers worldwide. The HFV sequence database collects and
      stores sequence data and provides a user-friendly search interface and a large
      number of sequence analysis tools, following the model of the highly regarded and
      widely used Los Alamos HIV database [Kuiken, C., B. Korber, and R.W. Shafer, HIV
      sequence databases. AIDS Rev, 2003. 5: p. 52-61]. The database uses an algorithm
      that aligns each sequence to a species-wide reference sequence. The NCBI RefSeq
      database [Sayers et al. (2011) Database resources of the National Center for
      Biotechnology Information. Nucleic Acids Res., 39, D38-D51.] is used for this; if
      a reference sequence is not available, a Blast search finds the best candidate.
      Using this method, sequences in each genus can be retrieved pre-aligned. The HFV
      website can be accessed via http://hfv.lanl.gov.

PMID- 22064862
TI  - The Candida genome database incorporates multiple Candida species: multispecies
      search and analysis tools with curated gene and protein information for Candida
      albicans and Candida glabrata.
AB  - The Candida Genome Database (CGD, http://www.candidagenome.org/) is an internet
      based resource that provides centralized access to genomic sequence data and
      manually curated functional information about genes and proteins of the fungal
      pathogen Candida albicans and other Candida species. As the scope of Candida
      research, and the number of sequenced strains and related species, has grown in
      recent years, the need for expanded genomic resources has also grown. To answer
      this need, CGD has expanded beyond storing data solely for C. albicans, now
      integrating data from multiple species. Herein we describe the incorporation of
      this multispecies information, which includes curated gene information and the
      reference sequence for C. glabrata, as well as orthology relationships that
      interconnect Locus Summary pages, allowing easy navigation between genes of C.
      albicans and C. glabrata. These orthology relationships are also used to predict
      GO annotations of their products. We have also added protein information pages
      that display domains, structural information and physicochemical properties;
      bibliographic pages highlighting important topic areas in Candida biology; and a
      laboratory strain lineage page that describes the lineage of commonly used
      laboratory strains. All of these data are freely available at
      http://www.candidagenome.org/. We welcome feedback from the research community at
      candida-curator@lists.stanford.edu.

PMID- 22064863
TI  - EcoliWiki: a wiki-based community resource for Escherichia coli.
AB  - EcoliWiki is the community annotation component of the PortEco
      (http://porteco.org; formerly EcoliHub) project, an online data resource that
      integrates information on laboratory strains of Escherichia coli, its phages,
      plasmids and mobile genetic elements. As one of the early adopters of the wiki
      approach to model organism databases, EcoliWiki was designed to not only
      facilitate community-driven sharing of biological knowledge about E. coli as a
      model organism, but also to be interoperable with other data resources. EcoliWiki
      content currently covers genes from five laboratory E. coli strains, 21
      bacteriophage genomes, F plasmid and eight transposons. EcoliWiki integrates the
      Mediawiki wiki platform with other open-source software tools and in-house
      software development to extend how wikis can be used for model organism
      databases. EcoliWiki can be accessed online at http://ecoliwiki.net.

PMID- 22064864
TI  - Gene Expression Atlas update--a value-added database of microarray and sequencing
      based functional genomics experiments.
AB  - Gene Expression Atlas (http://www.ebi.ac.uk/gxa) is an added-value database
      providing information about gene expression in different cell types, organism
      parts, developmental stages, disease states, sample treatments and other
      biological/experimental conditions. The content of this database derives from
      curation, re-annotation and statistical analysis of selected data from the
      ArrayExpress Archive and the European Nucleotide Archive. A simple interface
      allows the user to query for differential gene expression either by gene names or
      attributes or by biological conditions, e.g. diseases, organism parts or cell
      types. Since our previous report we made 20 monthly releases and, as of Release
      11.08 (August 2011), the database supports 19 species, which contains expression
      data measured for 19,014 biological conditions in 136,551 assays from 5598
      independent studies.

PMID- 22064865
TI  - Interferon gamma (IFN-gamma) disrupts energy expenditure and metabolic
      homeostasis by suppressing SIRT1 transcription.
AB  - Chronic inflammation impairs metabolic homeostasis and is intimately correlated
      with the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. The pro-inflammatory cytokine IFN-gamma
      is an integral part of the metabolic inflammation circuit and contributes
      significantly to metabolic dysfunction. The underlying mechanism, however,
      remains largely unknown. In the present study, we report that IFN-gamma disrupts
      the expression of genes key to cellular metabolism and energy expenditure by
      repressing the expression and activity of SIRT1 at the transcription level.
      Further analysis reveals that IFN-gamma requires class II transactivator (CIITA)
      to repress SIRT1 transcription. CIITA, once induced by IFN-gamma, is recruited to
      the SIRT1 promoter by hypermethylated in cancer 1 (HIC1) and promotes down
      regulation of SIRT1 transcription via active deacetylation of core histones
      surrounding the SIRT1 proximal promoter. Silencing CIITA or HIC1 restores SIRT1
      activity and expression of metabolic genes in skeletal muscle cells challenged
      with IFN-gamma. Therefore, our data delineate an IFN-gamma/HIC1/CIITA axis that
      contributes to metabolic dysfunction by suppressing SIRT1 transcription in
      skeletal muscle cells and as such shed new light on the development of novel
      therapeutic strategies against type 2 diabetes.

PMID- 22064866
TI  - Detection of recombination events in bacterial genomes from large population
      samples.
AB  - Analysis of important human pathogen populations is currently under transition
      toward whole-genome sequencing of growing numbers of samples collected on a
      global scale. Since recombination in bacteria is often an important factor
      shaping their evolution by enabling resistance elements and virulence traits to
      rapidly transfer from one evolutionary lineage to another, it is highly
      beneficial to have access to tools that can detect recombination events. Multiple
      advanced statistical methods exist for such purposes; however, they are typically
      limited either to only a few samples or to data from relatively short regions of
      a total genome. By harnessing the power of recent advances in Bayesian modeling
      techniques, we introduce here a method for detecting homologous recombination
      events from whole-genome sequence data for bacterial population samples on a
      large scale. Our statistical approach can efficiently handle hundreds of whole
      genome sequenced population samples and identify separate origins of the
      recombinant sequence, offering an enhanced insight into the diversification of
      bacterial clones at the level of the whole genome. A data set of 241 whole genome
      sequences from an important pandemic lineage of Streptococcus pneumoniae is used
      together with multiple simulated data sets to demonstrate the potential of our
      approach.

PMID- 22064867
TI  - Novel insights into FH-associated disease are KEAPing the lid on oncogenic HIF
      signalling.

PMID- 22064868
TI  - MU-Acetato-MU-(5-chloro-2-{1,3-bis[2-(5-chloro-2
      oxidobenzylideneamino)ethyl]imidazolidin-2-yl}phenolato)-bis[methanolnickel(II)]
      methanol monosolvate monohydrate.
AB  - The crystal structure shows that the title compound,
      [Ni(2)(CH(3)CO(2))(C(27)H(24)Cl(3)N(4)O(3))(CH(4)O)(2)].CH(3)OH.H(2)O, con-tains
      [Ni(2)L(OAc)(CH(3)OH)(2)] mol-ecules in the unit cell {H(3)L = 5-chloro-2-{1,3
      bis[2-(5-chloro-2-oxidobenzylideneimino)-ethyl]imidazolidin-2-yl}phenolate} with
      water and methanol as solvates. The title compound is a neutral dinuclear
      compound, in which the L(3-) Schiff base acts as a hepta-dentate ligand, using
      each one of its N(2)O compartments to coordinate a nickel atom. The acetate anion
      bridges the two nickel atoms via one O while the distorted octahedral
      coordination sphere for each nickel atom is completed by a coordinated methanol
      ligand. One of the coordinated methanol ligands is involved in an intra-molecular
      hydrogen bond to the uncoordinated O atom of the bridging acetate ligand while
      the other forms a hydrogen bond with the methanol solvate. The solvate water mol
      ecule forms strong hydrogen bonds to both terminal phenolato O atoms. The
      methanol solvate mol-ecule also forms a hydrogen bond with the water solvate mol
      ecule.

PMID- 22064869
TI  - 2,3-Dibromo-3-(4-chloro-phen-yl)-1-(2-hy-droxy-phen-yl)propan-1-one.
AB  - In the title mol-ecule, C(15)H(11)Br(2)ClO(2), an S(6) ring motif is formed via
      an intra-molecular O-H?O hydrogen bond. The dihedral angle formed between the
      chloro- and hy-droxy-substituted benzene rings is 34.10 (15) degrees . In the
      crystal, weak inter-molecular C-H?O hydrogen bonds link the mol-ecules into
      chains along the c axis.

PMID- 22064870
TI  - 1,1'-(Propane-1,3-di-yl)bis-(3-phenyl-urea).
AB  - The title compound, C(17)H(20)N(4)O(2), has crystallographic inversion symmetry.
      In the crystal structure, inter-molecular hydrogen bonding between adjacent urea
      groups gives rise to infinite polymeric chains diagonally across the bc plane.
      With a centroid-centroid distance of 3.295 (2) A, pi-pi stacking is present in
      the crystal along the same plane.

PMID- 22064871
TI  - Two consecutive click reactions as a general route to functional cyclic
      polyesters.
AB  - A simple and universal route to functional cyclic polyesters has been
      demonstrated, combining two consecutive click reactions of azide-alkyne
      cycloaddition of linear hetero-bifunctional precursors and thiol-ene coupling for
      post cyclization functionalizations. Functional cationic and thermo-responsive
      cyclic polyphosphoesters have been synthesized to demonstrate the efficiency of
      the procedures.

PMID- 22064872
TI  - The challenge of mental health care in pediatrics.

PMID- 22064873
TI  - Iron in infancy and long-term development.

PMID- 22064874
TI  - A randomized trial of single home nursing visits vs office-based care after
      nursery/maternity discharge: the Nurses for Infants Through Teaching and
      Assessment After the Nursery (NITTANY) Study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare office-based care (OBC) with a care model using a home
      nursing visit (HNV) as the initial postdischarge encounter for "well"
      breastfeeding newborns and mothers. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING:
      A single academic hospital. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 1154 postpartum mothers
      intending to breastfeed and their 1169 newborns of at least 34 weeks' gestation.
      INTERVENTIONS: Home nursing visits were scheduled no later than 2 days after
      discharge; OBC timing was physician determined. OUTCOME MEASURES: Mothers
      completed telephone surveys at 2 weeks, 2 months, and 6 months. The primary
      outcome was unplanned health care utilization for mothers and newborns within 2
      weeks of delivery. Other newborn outcomes were proportion seen within 2 days
      after discharge and breastfeeding duration. Maternal mental health, parenting
      competence, and satisfaction with care outcomes were assessed. Analyses followed
      an intent-to-treat paradigm. RESULTS: At 2 weeks, hospital readmissions and
      emergency department visits were uncommon, and there were no study group
      differences in these outcomes or with unplanned outpatient visit frequency.
      Newborns in the HNV group were seen no more than 2 days after discharge more
      commonly than those in the OBC group (85.9% vs 78.8%) (P = .002) and were more
      likely to be breastfeeding at 2 weeks (92.3% vs 88.6%) (P = .04) and 2 months
      (72.1% vs 66.4%) (P = .05) but not 6 months. No group differences were detected
      for maternal mental health or satisfaction with care, but HNV group mothers had a
      greater parenting sense of competence (P < .01 at 2 weeks and 2 months).
      CONCLUSIONS: Home nursing visits are a safe and effective alternative to OBC for
      the initial outpatient encounter after maternity/nursery discharge with similar
      patterns of unplanned health care utilization and modest breastfeeding and
      parenting benefits.

PMID- 22064875
TI  - Banning all sugar-sweetened beverages in middle schools: reduction of in-school
      access and purchasing but not overall consumption.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine whether state policies that regulate beverages in schools
      are associated with reduced in-school access and purchase of sugar-sweetened
      beverages (SSBs) and reduced consumption of SSBs (in and out of school) among
      adolescents. DESIGN: Cross-sectional. SETTING: Public schools in 40 states.
      PARTICIPANTS: Students sampled in fifth and eighth grades (spring 2004 and 2007,
      respectively). MAIN EXPOSURES: State policies that ban all SSBs and state
      policies that ban only soda for 2006-2007. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: In-school SSB
      access, in-school SSB purchasing behavior, and overall SSB consumption (in and
      out of school) in eighth grade. RESULTS: The proportions of eighth-grade students
      who reported in-school SSB access and purchasing were similar in states that
      banned only soda (66.6% and 28.9%, respectively) compared with states with no
      beverage policy (66.6% and 26.0%, respectively). In states that banned all SSBs,
      fewer students reported in-school SSB access (prevalence difference, -14.9; 95%
      CI, -23.6 to -6.1) or purchasing (-7.3; -11.0 to -3.5), adjusted for
      race/ethnicity, poverty status, locale, state obesity prevalence, and state
      clustering. Results were similar among students who reported access or purchasing
      SSBs in fifth grade compared with those who did not. Overall SSB consumption was
      not associated with state policy; in each policy category, approximately 85% of
      students reported consuming SSBs at least once in the past 7 days. Supplementary
      analyses indicated that overall consumption had only a modest association with in
      school SSB access. CONCLUSION: State policies that ban all SSBs in middle schools
      appear to reduce in-school access and purchasing of SSBs but do not reduce
      overall consumption.

PMID- 22064876
TI  - Doctor-office collaborative care for pediatric behavioral problems: a preliminary
      clinical trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the feasibility and clinical benefits of an integrated
      mental health intervention (doctor-office collaborative care [DOCC]) vs enhanced
      usual care (EUC) for children with behavioral problems. DESIGN: Cases were
      assigned to DOCC and EUC using a 2:1 randomization schedule that resulted in 55
      DOCC and 23 EUC cases. SETTING: Preassessment was conducted in 4 pediatric
      primary care practices. Postassessment was conducted in the pediatric or research
      office. Doctor-office collaborative care was provided in the practice; EUC was
      initiated in the office but involved a facilitated referral to a local mental
      health specialist. PARTICIPANTS: Of 125 referrals (age range, 5-12 years), 78
      children participated. INTERVENTIONS: Children and their parents were assigned to
      receive DOCC or EUC. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Preassessment diagnostic status was
      evaluated using the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School
      aged Children. Preassessment and 6-month postassessment ratings of behavioral and
      emotional problems were collected from parents using the Vanderbilt Attention
      Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Diagnostic Parent Rating Scale, as well as
      individualized goal achievement ratings forms. At discharge, care managers and a
      diagnostic evaluator completed the Clinical Global Impression Scale, and
      pediatricians and parents completed satisfaction and study feedback measures.
      RESULTS: Group comparisons found significant improvements for DOCC over EUC in
      service use and completion, behavioral and emotional problems, individualized
      behavioral goals, and overall clinical response. Pediatricians and parents were
      highly satisfied with DOCC. CONCLUSION: The feasibility and clinical benefits of
      DOCC for behavioral problems support the integration of collaborative mental
      health services for common mental disorders in primary care.

PMID- 22064877
TI  - Iron-fortified vs low-iron infant formula: developmental outcome at 10 years.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess long-term developmental outcome in children who received
      iron-fortified or low-iron formula. DESIGN: Follow-up at 10 years of a randomized
      controlled trial (1991-1994) of 2 levels of formula iron. Examiners were masked
      to group assignment. SETTING: Urban areas around Santiago, Chile. PARTICIPANTS:
      The original study enrolled healthy, full-term infants in community clinics; 835
      completed the trial. At 10 years, 473 were assessed (56.6%). INTERVENTION: Iron
      fortified (mean, 12.7 mg/L) or low-iron (mean, 2.3 mg/L) formula from 6 to 12
      months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: We measured IQ, spatial memory, arithmetic
      achievement, visual-motor integration, visual perception, and motor functioning.
      We used covaried regression to compare iron-fortified and low-iron groups and
      considered hemoglobin level before randomization and sensitivity analyses to
      identify 6-month hemoglobin levels at which groups diverged in outcome. RESULTS:
      Compared with the low-iron group, the iron-fortified group scored lower on every
      10-year outcome (significant for spatial memory and visual-motor integration;
      suggestive for IQ, arithmetic achievement, visual perception, and motor
      coordination; 1.4-4.6 points lower; effect sizes, 0.13-0.21). Children with high
      6-month hemoglobin levels (> 12.8 g/dL [to convert to grams per liter, multiply
      by 10]) showed poorer outcome on these measures if they received iron-fortified
      formula (10.7-19.3 points lower; large effect sizes, 0.85-1.36); those with low
      hemoglobin levels (< 10.5 g/dL) showed better outcome (2.6-4.5 points higher;
      small but significant effects, 0.22-0.36). High hemoglobin levels represented
      5.5% of the sample (n = 26) and low hemoglobin levels represented 18.4% (n = 87).
      CONCLUSION: Long-term development may be adversely affected in infants with high
      hemoglobin levels who receive 12.7 mg/L of iron-fortified formula. Optimal
      amounts of iron in infant formula warrant further study.

PMID- 22064878
TI  - Evaluation of the Web-based computer-tailored FATaintPHAT intervention to promote
      energy balance among adolescents: results from a school cluster randomized trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the short- and long-term results of FATaintPHAT, a Web
      based computer-tailored intervention aiming to increase physical activity,
      decrease sedentary behavior, and promote healthy eating to contribute to the
      prevention of excessive weight gain among adolescents. DESIGN: Cluster randomized
      trial with an intervention group and a no-intervention control group. SETTING:
      Twenty schools in the Netherlands. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 883 students (aged 12
      13 years). INTERVENTION: The FATaintPHAT (VETisnietVET in Dutch) Web-based
      computer-tailored intervention. OUTCOME MEASURES: Self-reported behaviors (diet,
      physical activity, sedentary behavior) and pedometer counts were measured at
      baseline and at 4-month and 2-year follow-up; body mass index (BMI), waist
      circumference, and fitness were measured at baseline and at 2-year follow-up.
      Descriptive and multilevel regression analyses were conducted among the total
      study population and among students not meeting behavioral recommendations at
      baseline (students at risk). RESULTS: The complete case analyses showed that
      FATaintPHAT had no effect on BMI and waist circumference. However, the
      intervention was associated with lower odds (0.54) of drinking more than 400 mL
      of sugar-sweetened beverages per day and with lower snack intake (beta = -0.81
      snacks/d) and higher vegetable intake (beta = 19.3 g/d) but also with a lower
      step count (beta = -10 856 steps/wk) at 4-month follow-up. In addition, among
      students at risk, FATaintPHAT had a positive effect on fruit consumption (beta =
      0.39 g/d) at 4-month follow-up and on step count (beta = 14 228 steps/wk) at 2
      year follow-up but an inverse effect on the odds of sports participation (odds
      ratio, 0.45) at 4-month follow-up. No effects were found for sedentary behavior.
      CONCLUSION: The FATaintPHAT intervention was associated with positive short-term
      effects on diet but with no effects or unfavorable effects on physical activity
      and sedentary behavior.

PMID- 22064879
TI  - Chronic disease: a national men's health problem.

PMID- 22064880
TI  - The economic burden shouldered by public and private entities as a consequence of
      health disparities between men and women.
AB  - On average, American men live shorter, less healthy lives than women. They are
      more likely to be the victim of a violent crime, die in a car crash, commit
      suicide, and be injured at work. In addition, men have higher death rates in 9 of
      the top 10 causes of death, and are less likely to receive routine preventative
      care, leaving men with a life span that is significantly shorter than women's.
      Recently, policy makers and researchers have been paying more attention to health
      disparities including race, sex, and ethnicity. However, men are still noticeably
      absent from these discussions despite being significantly harmed by disparities
      in preventive care, quality of life, and overall health outcomes. Ignoring these
      disparities is costly in terms of lost productivity, lives lost, and financial
      costs incurred by the government and employers each year. Premature death and
      morbidity in men costs federal, state, and local governments in excess of $142
      billion annually. It also costs U.S.employers and society as a whole in excess of
      $156 billion annually in direct medical payments and lost productivity and an
      additional $181 billion annually in decreased quality of life. As federal and
      state governments and the private sector struggle with increasing health
      entitlement burdens-including escalating health care costs-eliminating male
      health inequities emerges as an important source of savings. This analysis will
      examine the economic and intangible costs associated with the health disparities
      that exist between genders and the benefits reaped if these disparities are
      reduced or eliminated.

PMID- 22064881
TI  - Circulating tumor cells in the cerebrospinal fluid: "tapping" into diagnostic and
      predictive potential.

PMID- 22064882
TI  - Genomic aberrations in pediatric diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas.
AB  - Diagnostic biopsy is not routinely performed for children with diffuse intrinsic
      pontine glioma (DIPG). Consequently, our understanding of DIPG biology is
      hindered by limited tissue availability. We performed comparative genomic
      hybridization (CGH) on autopsy specimens to examine the feasibility of
      determining DNA genomic copy number aberrations on formalin-fixed, paraffin
      embedded (FFPE) blocks. Histology on FFPE blocks obtained from autopsy of
      pediatric patients with DIPG was reviewed. Regions were marked for processing,
      and DNA was extracted from the tissue core, labeled by chemical coupling with
      Cy5, and hybridized to 105K oligonucleotide CGH arrays. After hybridization and
      washing, arrays were scanned, and data segmented and processed with Nexus
      software. Twenty-two samples from 13 subjects were obtained. Histologic
      variability was noted. CGH was successfully performed on 18 of 22 samples,
      representing 11 of 13 subjects. All demonstrated DNA copy number abnormalities.
      High copy number amplification of known oncogenes and homozygous deletions of
      known tumor suppressor genes were observed. Additional regions of high copy
      number amplification and homozygous deletion and geographical variations in the
      CGH patterns were found. CGH performed on FFPE tissue obtained from autopsy
      yields satisfactory results. This sample set from patients with DIPG was highly
      informative, with the majority of specimens showing >=1 abnormality related to a
      known cancer gene. Aberrations in candidate drug targets were observed. This
      study establishes the feasibility of genomic DNA analysis from DIPG autopsy
      material, identifies several targets for which molecular targeted therapy exists,
      and suggests significant heterogeneity among patients with DIPG.

PMID- 22064883
TI  - Capture of double-stranded DNA in stacked-graphene: giving new insight into the
      graphene/DNA interaction.
AB  - Colloidal chemically converted graphene sheets (CCGs) are able to contact with
      each other to form stable self-assembled stacked-CCGs via salt "invasion", which
      can serve as powerful building blocks for capturing double-stranded DNA.

PMID- 22064884
TI  - Glutamate and tumor-associated epilepsy.

PMID- 22064885
TI  - (E)-2-[1-(4-Fluoro-phen-yl)pent-1-en-3-yl-idene]malononitrile.
AB  - The title mol-ecule, C(14)H(11)FN(2), is approximately planar except the ethyl
      group, the maximum atomic deviation being 0.105 (5) A. The fluoro-phenyl ring and
      2-propyl-idene-malononitrile unit are located on the opposite sides of the C=C
      double bond, showing an E configuration.

PMID- 22064886
TI  - First principles based mean field model for oxygen reduction reaction.
AB  - A first principles-based mean field model was developed for the oxygen reduction
      reaction (ORR) taking account of the coverage- and material-dependent reversible
      potentials of the elementary steps. This model was applied to the simulation of
      single crystal surfaces of Pt, Pt alloy and Pt core-shell catalysts under Ar and
      O(2) atmospheres. The results are consistent with those shown by past
      experimental and theoretical studies on surface coverages under Ar atmosphere,
      the shape of the current-voltage curve for the ORR on Pt(111) and the material
      dependence of the ORR activity. This model suggests that the oxygen associative
      pathway including HO(2)(ads) formation is the main pathway on Pt(111), and that
      the rate determining step (RDS) is the removal step of O(ads) on Pt(111). This
      RDS is accelerated on several highly active Pt alloys and core-shell surfaces,
      and this acceleration decreases the reaction intermediate O(ads). The increase in
      the partial pressure of O(2)(g) increases the surface coverage with O(ads) and
      OH(ads), and this coverage increase reduces the apparent reaction order with
      respect to the partial pressure to less than unity. This model shows details on
      how the reaction pathway, RDS, surface coverages, Tafel slope, reaction order and
      material-dependent activity are interrelated.

PMID- 22064887
TI  - A naturally occurring nanomaterial from the Sundew (Drosera) for tissue
      engineering.
AB  - In recent years advances have been made in the design of novel materials for
      tissue engineering through the use of polysaccharides. This study evaluated the
      ability of a naturally secreted polysaccharide adhesive from the Sundew (Drosera
      capensis) as a support for cell growth. The Sundew adhesive has several
      advantages including its high elasticity and antibiotic nature. By coating glass
      cover slips with the Sundew adhesive, a network of nanofibers was generated that
      was capable of promoting attachment and differentiation of a model neuronal cell
      line, PC-12. We also demonstrated the potential of this material for repairing
      bone and soft tissue injuries, by testing attachment of osteoblasts and
      endothelial cells. Finally, it was determined that the Sundew biomaterial was
      stable through testing by atomic force microscopy and prolonged cell growth. This
      work has proven the capabilities of using a nanomaterial derived from the Sundew
      adhesive for the purpose of tissue engineering.

PMID- 22064889
TI  - 5-Bromo-2-(4-fluoro-phen-yl)-3-phenyl-sulfinyl-1-benzofuran.
AB  - In the title compound, C(20)H(12)BrFO(2)S, the 4-fluoro-phenyl ring makes a
      dihedral angle of 2.63 (6) degrees  with the mean plane of the benzofuran
      fragment. The dihedral angle between the phenyl ring and the mean plane of the
      benzofuran fragment is 84.60 (6) degrees . In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked
      by weak inter-molecular C-H?O hydrogen bonds, and slipped pi-pi inter-actions
      between the benzene rings of neighbouring mol-ecules [centroid-centroid distance
      = 3.719 (3) A, inter-planar distance = 3.000 (3) A and slippage = 1.520 (3) A].

PMID- 22064890
TI  - Carbon nanotube composite coating of neural microelectrodes preferentially
      improves the multiunit signal-to-noise ratio.
AB  - Extracellular metal microelectrodes are widely used to record single neuron
      activity in vivo. However, their signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) is often far from
      optimal due to their high impedance value. It has been recently reported that
      carbon nanotube (CNT) coatings may decrease microelectrode impedance, thus
      improving their performance. To tease out the different contributions to SNR of
      CNT-coated microelectrodes we carried out impedance and noise spectroscopy
      measurements of platinum/tungsten microelectrodes coated with a polypyrrole-CNT
      composite. Neuronal signals were recorded in vivo from rat cortex by employing
      tetrodes with two recording sites coated with polypyrrole-CNT and the remaining
      two left untreated. We found that polypyrrole-CNT coating significantly reduced
      the microelectrode impedance at all neuronal signal frequencies (from 1 to 10 000
      Hz) and induced a significant improvement of the SNR, up to fourfold on average,
      in the 150-1500 Hz frequency range, largely corresponding to the multiunit
      frequency band. An equivalent circuit, previously proposed for porous conducting
      polymer coatings, reproduced the impedance spectra of our coated electrodes but
      could not explain the frequency dependence of SNR improvement following
      polypyrrole-CNT coating. This implies that neither the neural signal amplitude,
      as recorded by a CNT-coated metal microelectrode, nor noise can be fully
      described by the equivalent circuit model we used here and suggests that a more
      detailed approach may be needed to better understand the signal propagation at
      the electrode-solution interface. Finally, the presence of significant noise
      components that are neither thermal nor electronic makes it difficult to
      establish a direct relationship between the actual electrode noise and the
      impedance spectra.

PMID- 22064892
TI  - (MU-2,2'-Bipyrimidine-kappaN,N:N,N)bis-[triaqua-(sulfato-kappaO)manganese(II)].
AB  - The title complex, [Mn(2)(SO(4))(2)(C(8)H(6)N(4))(H(2)O)(6)], is the second
      monoclinic polymorph [De Munno et al. (1995 ?). Inorg. Chem.34, 408-411; Hong et
      al. (1996 ?). Polyhedron, 15, 447-452]. The asymmetric unit contains two
      crystallographically independent half-mol-ecules of the binuclear Mn(II) complex;
      an inversion centre is located at the centroid of each complex. The two Mn(II)
      atoms in each complex mol-ecules are bridged by a bis-chelating 2,2'-bipyrimidine
      (bpym) ligand and each Mn(II) atom is six-coordinated in a considerably distorted
      octa-hedral environment defined by two N atoms of the bridging bpym ligand and
      four O atoms from one sulfato anionic ligand and three water mol-ecules. In the
      crystal, the complex mol-ecules are linked by O-H?O hydrogen bonds between the
      water and sulfato ligands, forming a three-dimensional network.

PMID- 22064893
TI  - 1-(4-Bromo-phen-yl)-2-(phenyl-sulfon-yl)ethanone.
AB  - The overall conformation of the title mol-ecule, C(14)H(11)BrO(3)S, is L-shaped,
      as seen in the value of the dihedral angle formed between the terminal benzene
      rings of 75.44 (13) degrees . The presence of C-H?O inter-actions leads to the
      formation of linear supra-molecular chains along the a-axis direction in the
      crystal structure. These are connected into supra-molecular arrays in the ab
      plane via C-H?pi contacts.

PMID- 22064894
TI  - (E)-1-(Naphthalen-1-yl)-3-(1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)prop-2-en-1-one.
AB  - In the title mol-ecule, C(22)H(16)N(2)O, the phenyl ring is twisted slightly with
      respect to the plane of the central pyrazole ring [dihedral angle = 14.8 (2)
      degrees ]; the central ring is connected to the naphthyl ring through a -CH=CH
      C(=O)- fragment, whose C=C double bond has an E configuration. The pyrazole ring
      and naphthalene ring system are twisted by 46.3 (1) degrees . Weak inter
      molecular C-H?O hydrogen bonds link the mol-ecules, forming supra-molecular
      chains running along the a axis. The crystal studied was a non-merohedral twin
      with a component ratio of 0.544 (2):0.456 (2).

PMID- 22064895
TI  - Ethyl 3-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1,2-benzothia-zole-2-carboxyl-ate.
AB  - The title compound, C(10)H(9)NO(3)S, was synthesized by the reaction of
      benzo[d]isothia-zol-3(2H)-one with ethyl carbonochloridate in toluol. The
      benzisothia-zolone ring system is approximately planar, with a maximum deviation
      from the mean plane of 0.020 (1) A for the N atom.

PMID- 22064896
TI  - Constitutional factors in male potency disorders.
AB  - Fifty five patients of sexual inadequacy were studied for libidunous strength and
      androgyny score. Androgyny score was compared with a normal male population. The
      results show that premature ejaculators and patients with secondary disorders
      have a high sex drive. Androgyny scores did not differentiate the patients from
      controls as well as different subgroup of potency disorders. Biiliac diameter of
      patients with erectile impotence was more than the patients with premature
      ejaculation.

PMID- 22064897
TI  - tert-Butyl N-[3-hy-droxy-1-phenyl-4-(pyrimidin-2-ylsulfan-yl)butan-2-yl]carbamate
      monohydrate.
AB  - In the title hydrate, C(19)H(25)N(3)O(3)S.H(2)O, the configuration at each chiral
      centre in the organic mol-ecule is S, with the hy-droxy and carbamate
      substituents being anti [O-C-C-N torsion angle = -179.3 (3) degrees ]. The thio
      pyrimidyl and carbamate residues lie to one side of the pseudo-mirror plane
      defined by the C(5)S backbone of the mol-ecule; this plane approximately bis-ects
      the benzene ring at the 1- and 4-C atoms. The dihedral angle formed between the
      terminal rings is 5.06 (18) degrees . In the crystal, supra-molecular tubes
      aligned along the b axis are found: these are sustained by a combination of O
      H?O, O-H?N and N-H?O hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22064898
TI  - N,N-Dimethyl-3-oxo-3-(thio-phen-2-yl)propanaminium chloride.
AB  - In the title mol-ecular salt, C(9)H(14)NOS(+).Cl(-), the crystal packing is
      stabilized by weak inter-molecular N-H?Cl, C-H?Cl and C-H?pi inter-actions, which
      lead to the formation of a two-dimensional supra-molecular layer which stacks
      along the b axis.

PMID- 22064899
TI  - Dibromido(4,7-diazadecane-1,10-di-amine)-copper(II).
AB  - In the title compound, [CuBr(2)(C(8)H(22)N(4))], the Cu(II) atom is six
      coordinate forming a distorted octa-hedral complex and is bonded to two axial
      bromide anions and four equatorial nitro-gen donors. The equatorial Cu-N bond
      distances range from 2.005 (8) to 2.046 (8) A while the axial Cu-Br distances are
      2.8616 (17) and 2.9402 (17) A, thus the six-coordinate Cu complex shows the usual
      Jahn-Teller distortion. All amine hydrogen atoms participate in either inter- or
      intra-molecular hydrogen bonding to the Br anions.

PMID- 22064900
TI  - catena-Poly[[dichloridomercury(II)]-MU-1,4-bis-[(pyridin-2-yl)meth-oxy]benzene
      kappaN:N'].
AB  - In the title compound, [HgCl(2)(C(18)H(16)N(2)O(2))](n), the Hg(II) atom is four
      coordinated in a distorted tetra-hedral environment defined by two Cl atoms and
      two N atoms from two 1,4-bis-(pyridin-2-ylmeth-oxy)benzene ligands. The ligand
      shows a non-coplanar conformation, in which the dihedral angles between the two
      terminal pyridine rings and the linking benzene ring are 7.275 (17) and 74.020
      (14) degrees . The flexible ligands link the Hg(II) atoms into a chain running
      along [010], with an Hg?Hg separation of 10.335 (5) A, which is equal to the b
      axis. The chains are connected by C-H?O and C-H?Cl hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22064901
TI  - No association between ACE polymorphism and risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
AB  - Emerging evidence has shown that angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) plays
      pivotal roles not only in the regulation of cardiovascular homeostasis but also
      in the process of tumorigenesis. A common ACE I/D polymorphism has been found to
      be functional, with the D allele displaying a higher plasma ACE level and ACE
      activity. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the ACE I/D
      polymorphism was related to the risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). The study
      included 175 patients with NPC and 279 age- and sex-matched control subjects. The
      ACE I/D polymorphism was identified by a polymerase chain reaction analysis. No
      association was found between the ACE I/D polymorphism and risk of NPC (ID vs.
      II: odds ratio [OR] = 0.77, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.51-1.17; DD vs. II: OR
      = 0.98, 95%CI 0.56-1.72, respectively). This finding indicates that the ACE I/D
      polymorphism may not play a role in susceptibility to NPC. Further studies are
      warranted to confirm this finding, especially in ethnically disparate
      populations.

PMID- 22064902
TI  - (Penta-fluoro-propionato-kappaO)tetra-kis-(trimethyl-phosphine oxide
      kappaO)copper(II) penta-fluoro-propionate.
AB  - The title compound, [Cu(C(3)F(5)O(2))(C(3)H(9)OP)(4)](C(3)F(5)O(2)), comprises a
      cationic Cu(II) complex and a disordered penta-fluoro-propionate counter-ion. The
      metal atom has a distorted square-pyramidal coordination environment formed by
      four O atoms originating from trimethyl-phosphine oxide mol-ecules and the
      remaining one belonging to the monodentate penta-fluoro-propionate anion, which
      is situated in the basal plane of the pyramid. The mol-ecules are held together
      in the crystal by a net of weak C-H?O and C-H?F hydrogen bonds. The counter anion
      is disordered over two sets of sites in a 0.629 (5):0.371 (5) ratio.

PMID- 22064903
TI  - 1-Benzoyl-3-[3-cyano-8-methyl-4-(1-methyl-1H-pyrrol-2-yl)-5,6,7,8-tetra-hydro
      quinolin-2-yl]thio-urea.
AB  - In the N-substituted benzoyl-thio-urea, C(24)H(23)N(5)OS, the benzoyl-thio-urea
      unit is non-planar (r.m.s. deviation = 0.126 A). The aliphatic part of the tetra
      hydro-quinoline fused-ring system is disordered over two positions in a 0.592
      (5):0.408 (5) ratio. The pyridine and pyrrole rings are twisted by 55.2 (1)
      degrees  in order to avoid crowding of their respective substituents. Pairs of
      mol-ecules are linked by N-H?N hydrogen bonds, forming centrosymmetric dimers.
      Furthermore, an intra-molecular N-H?O hydrogen bond stabilizes the mol-ecular
      conformation.

PMID- 22064904
TI  - Time budget-, behavioral synchrony- and body score development of a newly
      released Przewalski's horse group Equus ferus przewalskii, in the Great Gobi B
      Strictly Protected Area in SW Mongolia.
AB  - The Przewalski's horse (Equus ferus przewalskii) became extinct in the wild in
      the 1960s, but survived as a species due to captive breeding. There have been
      several initiatives to re-introduce the species in central Asia, but until now
      only two projects in Mongolia establish free-ranging populations. Data on basic
      ecology and behavior of the species prior to extinction is largely lacking and a
      good documentation of the re-introduction process is essential. Between 13 May
      and 2 September 2003 we documented the time budget-, group synchrony and body
      score development of a newly released Przewalski's horse group in the Gobi area
      of SW Mongolia.Contrary to our expectations, the newly released Przewalski's
      horses did not show the expected succession of an exploration-, acclimatization-,
      and established phase. Grazing activity was very high after the release,
      decreased to a minimum in July and increased again towards the end of the study
      in September. Resting activity followed the opposite trend, whereas moving
      activity was more or less constant over the entire observation period. Behavioral
      synchronization of the group was high throughout the study period and immigration
      or emigration of members did not result in a de-synchronization of the group. The
      body score index never dropped, but rather increased for all group members.Our
      data suggests that captive bred Przewalski's horses experience little behavioral
      and nutritional stress when being released into the desert steppe of the Gobi
      regions after one year in an adaptation enclosure.

PMID- 22064905
TI  - Bromidotetra-kis-(2-isopropyl-1H-imidazole-kappaN)copper(II) bromide.
AB  - The Cu(II) atom in the title salt, [CuBr(C(6)H(10)N(2))(4)]Br, is coordinated in
      a square-pyramidal geometry by four imidazole N atoms and one bromide anion that
      is located at the apex of the pyramid. The cations and the anions form a two
      dimensional network parallel to (001) through N-H?Br hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22064906
TI  - 2-[3-(1H-Benzimidazol-2-yl)prop-yl]-1-decyl-1H-benzimidazole.
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C(27)H(36)N(4), contains two
      independent mol-ecules. Except for the atoms of the decyl chain, the non-H atoms
      of each mol-ecule are approximately coplanar (r.m.s. deviations = 0.075 and 0.164
      A) and the -CH(2)CH(2)CH(2)- link connecting the two benzimidazolyl fused-ring
      systems is slightly opened up at the middle C atom. The decyl substituent adopts
      an extended zigzag conformation in both mol-ecules. In the crystal, adjacent mol
      ecules inter-act by N-H?N hydrogen bonds, generating a chain parallel to the c
      axis.

PMID- 22064907
TI  - 3-Benzyl-2-(furan-2-yl)-1,3-thia-zolidin-4-one.
AB  - In the title compound, C(14)H(13)NO(2)S, the thia-zolidine ring is approximately
      planar with a maximum deviation of 0.112 (1) A. The furan ring is disordered over
      two orientations, with an occupancy ratio of 0.901 (5):0.099 (5). The central
      thia-zolidine ring makes dihedral angles of 85.43 (8), 87.50 (11) and 87.9 (9)
      degrees  with the phenyl ring and the major and minor components of the
      disordered furan ring, respectively. In the crystal, mol-ecules are connected by
      weak inter-molecular C-H?O hydrogen bonds, forming supra-molecular chains
      parallel to the b axis.

PMID- 22064908
TI  - 2,4-Diiodo-6-{[4-(morpholin-4-yl)phenyl]iminomethyl}phenol.
AB  - In the title compound, C(17)H(16)I(2)N(2)O(2), the two aromatic rings are almost
      coplanar [dihedral angle 2.57 (15) degrees ]. The morpholine ring adopts a chair
      conformation. The mol-ecular structure is stabilized by an O-H?N hydrogen bond
      and the crystal packing exhibits weak inter-molecular C-H?O and pi-pi [centroid
      to-centroid distances 3.663 (3)-4.073 (3) A] inter-actions.

PMID- 22064909
TI  - Saccades and smooth pursuit eye movements in central vertigo.
AB  - In order to analyze the diagnostic efficiency of saccadic and pursuit eye
      movements compared to findings from brain magnetic resonance imaging in patients
      with central vertigo, 108 patients were selected from 580 dizzy patients as cases
      of suspected central origin; the saccadic and pursuit eye movements were
      evaluated by electronystagmography and findings were compared to information from
      magnetic resonance imaging. The study of oculomotor movements in patients
      suspected of having a central lesion revealed a 83.3% sensitivity and 21.2%
      specificity. Restricting consideration to severe alterations in eye movements as
      indicative of a central origin, this test gives a 71.4% sensitivity and 50.0%
      specificity. In conclusion, the study of alterations in oculomotor movements, in
      patients with suspected central lesions, proved to be a test with good
      sensitivity also compared with results of magnetic resonance imaging.

PMID- 22064910
TI  - A non-parametric method for automatic neural spike clustering based on the non
      uniform distribution of the data.
AB  - In this paper, we propose a simple and straightforward algorithm for neural spike
      sorting. The algorithm is based on the observation that the distribution of a
      neural signal largely deviates from the uniform distribution and is rather
      unimodal. The detected spikes to be sorted are first processed with some feature
      extraction technique, such as PCA, and then represented in a space with reduced
      dimension by keeping only a few most important features. The resulting space is
      next filtered in order to emphasis the differences between the centers and the
      borders of the clusters. Using some prior knowledge on the lowest level activity
      of a neuron, such as e.g. the minimal firing rate, we find the number of clusters
      and the center of each cluster. The spikes are then sorted using a simple greedy
      algorithm which grabs the nearest neighbors. We have tested the proposed
      algorithm on real extracellular recordings and used the simultaneous
      intracellular recordings to verify the results of the sorting. The results
      suggest that the algorithm is robust and reliable and it compares favorably with
      the state-of-the-art approaches. The proposed algorithm tends to be conservative,
      it is simple to implement and is thus suitable for both research and clinical
      applications as an interesting alternative to the more sophisticated approaches.

PMID- 22064911
TI  - (Z)-Methyl 2-bromo-methyl-3-(2-chloro-phen-yl)acrylate.
AB  - In the title compound, C(11)H(10)BrClO(2), the dihedral angle between the benzene
      ring and the plane of the acrylate unit is 62.1 (1) degrees . The crystal packing
      is stabilzed by inter-molecular C-H?O hydrogen bonds and C-Cl?pi inter-actions
      [Cl?centroid = 3.829 (1) A and C-Cl?centroid = 165.3 (1) degrees ].

PMID- 22064912
TI  - Poly[[tetra-aquatetrakis-[MU(3)-5-(pyridine-4-carboxamido)
      isophthalato]cobalt(II)digadolinium(III)] tetra-hydrate].
AB  - In the centrosymmetric polymeric title compound,
      {[CoGd(2)(C(14)H(8)N(2)O(5))(4)(H(2)O)(4)].4H(2)O}(n), the Gd(III) cation is
      coordinated by one water mol-ecule and four pyridine-4-carboxamido-isophthalate
      (L) anions in a distorted square-anti-prismatic arrangement, while the Co(II)
      cation, located on an inversion center, is coordinated by two pyridyl-N atoms,
      two carboxyl-ate-O atoms and two water mol-ecules in a distorted octa-hedral
      geometry. The asymmetric unit contains two anionic L ligands: one bridges two Gd
      cations and one Co cation through two carboxyl groups and one pyridine-N atom;
      the other bridges two Gd cations and one Co cation through two carboxyl groups
      and the uncoordinated pyridine-N atom is hydrogen-bonded to the adjacent
      coordinated water mol-ecule. Extensive O-H?O and N-H?O hydrogen bonds are present
      in the crystal structure.

PMID- 22064913
TI  - Diaqua-dichloridobis(pyridine-kappaN)manganese(II).
AB  - The molecular title compound, [MnCl(2)(C(5)H(5)N)(2)(H(2)O)(2)], lies about an
      inversion centre. The Mn(II) atom is in an all-trans octa-hedral environment
      defined by two water mol-ecules, two chloride anions and two pyridine ligands. An
      inter-molecular hydrogen-bonding inter-action between a water mol-ecule and a
      chloride anion bonded to an adjacent Mn(II) atom generates an eight-membered
      ring. The crystal packing exhibits two inter-molecular pi-pi stacking inter
      actions between the aromatic rings, with centroid-centroid distances of 3.485
      (12) and 3.532 (12) A.

PMID- 22064914
TI  - Cationic intermediates in oxidative addition reactions of Cl2 to [PtCl2(cis-1,4
      DACH)].
AB  - Oxidative addition and reductive elimination are fundamental processes in
      transition-metal chemistry. New interest in this field has been generated by the
      exploitation of platinum(IV) complexes as antitumor drugs. The two extra ligands
      can be used to render these species more resistant to attack by biological
      nucleophiles compared to their platinum(II) counterparts, to anchor additional
      pharmacologically active moieties, or, finally, to target the drug to specific
      sites by conferring responsiveness to some type of chemotaxis. On the other hand,
      platinum(IV) species are considered to be prodrugs and to require reduction to
      Pt(II) to become active. Thus, reductive elimination promoted by biological
      reducing agents becomes an important issue and it too could be exploited for
      targeting purposes. In this paper, we investigated the oxidation step in more
      detail and shown that, independent of the solvent used, a solvent molecule
      assists the reaction by entering in a trans position with respect to the
      attacking oxidant. In the case of bifunctional solvent molecules, such as
      dimethylsulfoxide, both S- and O-coordinated species are formed, the latter being
      thermodynamically favored. The substitution of the axially coordinated solvent
      molecule by a free chloride ion is found to be quite slow in organic solvents, as
      well as in water. It is also shown that the intermediate solvato-species can be
      exploited for binding just one molecule of another substrate in the axial
      position.

PMID- 22064915
TI  - Application of PARAFAC to a two-component system exhibiting fluorescence
      resonance energy transfer: from theoretical prediction to experimental
      validation.
AB  - One of the conventionally accepted requirements for parallel factor analysis
      (PARAFAC) to handle the fluorescence excitation emission matrices (EEMs) is the
      independence of each component's absorption and emission spectra in simple
      mixtures of fluorophores. EEMs of samples in which Forster resonance energy
      transfer (FRET) occurs between fluorophores seem to fail to meet this
      requirement. A rigorous theoretical treatment of the steady-state kinetics in the
      present work indicates that the fluorescence in the presence of FRET, excited by
      relatively weak excitation light intensity, can be reasonably separated into
      additive contributions from three parts: donors, acceptors and FRET. This
      prediction is for the first time verified experimentally in sodium dodecyl
      sulfate micellar solutions containing biphenyl as the energy donor and 2,5
      diphenyloxazole as the energy acceptor. The experimental EEMs were well fitted to
      three components as predicted. A well accepted diagnostic test called core
      consistency (CC), specifically designed for modeling simple mixtures of
      fluorophores with PARAFAC, was found to be negative for the 3-component model in
      the present study. The simultaneous occurrence of good model fit and
      significantly negative CC when modeling fluorophore mixtures by conventional
      PARAFAC would be indicative of the presence of physical/chemical processes (e.g.,
      FRET) that deviate from the conventional working requirements for PARAFAC. The
      extent of FRET has been independently measured or calculated by three methods: 1)
      decrease in steady state fluorescence of donor; 2) lifetime measurements with
      population analysis; and 3) Poisson statistics based on PARAFAC-determined
      distribution constants. The results of the three methods are consistent. The
      normalized scores of the three components found by PARAFAC also agree to within a
      few percent with relative concentrations in aqueous and micelle phases determined
      from distribution constants for the solutions prepared with nine different
      combinations of total donor and acceptor concentrations. Our theoretical
      treatment also for the first time spells out in detail the relationship between
      the PARAFAC scores and concentrations of components, in terms of photophysical
      constants of the components and spectral shape factors.

PMID- 22064916
TI  - The promise of standardized data collection: school health variables identified
      by states.
AB  - A gap in data prevents measurement of the needs of school-age children and the
      influence of school nursing interventions on student health and education
      outcomes. Its remedy is in the data collected in school health rooms. A national
      clinical database describing school health will allow education and health
      leaders to build evidence-based programs for children. Several states collect
      school health data describing student needs and school nursing practice. This
      study identified, collated, described, and evaluated the variables compiled from
      state school health reporting documents to identify commonalities and form the
      foundation of a standardized school health reporting system. A comprehensive
      content analysis of variables in the instruments yielded a framework within which
      school health data can be organized and described. It consists of five broad
      categories describing staffing; risk management; health promotion; episodic care;
      and care coordination. The result provides a nationally standardized coding set
      to describe school health.

PMID- 22064917
TI  - Aminobenzoates as building blocks for natural product assembly lines.
AB  - The ortho-, meta-, and para- regioisomers of aminobenzoate are building blocks
      for a wide range of microbial natural products. Both the ortho-isomer
      (anthranilate) and PABA derive from the central shikimate pathway metabolite
      chorismate while the meta-isomer is not available by that route and starts from
      UDP-3-aminoglucose. PABA is largely funnelled into folate biosynthesis while
      anthranilate is the scaffold for biosynthetic elaboration into many natural
      heterocycles, most notably with its role in indole formation for tryptophan
      biosynthesis. Anthranilate is also converted to benzodiazepinones,
      fumiquinazolines, quinoxalines, phenoxazines, benzoxazolinates, quinolones, and
      phenazines, often with redox enzyme participation. The 5-hydroxy form of 3
      aminobenzaote is the starter unit for ansa-bridged rifamycins, ansamitocins, and
      geldanamycins, whereas regioisomers 2-hydroxy, 4-hydroxy and 2,4-dihydroxy-3
      aminobenzoate are key components of antimycin, grixazone, and platencin and
      platensimycin biosynthesis, respectively. The enzymatic mechanisms for generation
      of the aminobenzoate regioisomers and their subsequent utilization for diverse
      heterocycle and macrocycle construction are examined.

PMID- 22064918
TI  - Therapeutic potential of intravenously administered human mesenchymal stromal
      cells.
AB  - Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) represent a stem and progenitor cell population that
      has been shown to promote tissue recovery in pre-clinical and clinical studies.
      The study of MSC migration following systemic infusion of exogenous MSC is
      difficult. The challenges facing these efforts are due to a number of factors,
      including defining culture conditions for MSC, the phenotype of cultured MSC, the
      differences observed between cultured MSC and freshly isolated MSC. However, even
      if, MSC populations consist of a mixture of stem and more committed multipotent
      progenitors, it remains probable that these cell populations are still useful in
      the clinic as discussed in this review.

PMID- 22064920
TI  - New cadmium thio- and selenocyanato coordination compounds: structural snapshots
      on the reaction pathway to more condensed anionic networks.
AB  - In this contribution several new coordination compounds on the basis of
      cadmium(II) thio- and selenocyanate with pyrimidine as co-ligand were prepared
      and investigated for their structural, thermal and spectroscopic properties. The
      reaction of cadmium(II) thiocyanate with pyrimidine leads to the formation of
      four compounds, which from a structural point of view are closely related. In the
      most pyrimidine-rich 1 : 2 compound [Cd(NCS)(2)(pyrimidine)(2)](n) (1A) (1 : 2 =
      ratio between metal salt and the co-ligand pyrimidine) the Cd cations are linked
      by the pyrimidine ligands into layers and are additionally coordinated by two
      terminal N-bonded anions. In the 2 : 3 compound
      {[Cd(NCS)(2)](2)(pyrimidine)(3)}(n) (1B) the Cd cations are linked into chains by
      MU-1,3 bridging thiocyanato anions, which are connected into layers by only half
      of the pyrimidine ligands, whereas the other co-ligands are only terminal
      coordinated. Further reduction of the pyrimidine content leads to the formation
      of the 1 : 1 2D compound [Cd(NCS)(2)(pyrimidine)](n) (1CI) in which the terminal
      N-bonded thiocyanato anions become bridging. Surprisingly, crystallization
      experiments lead to the formation of an additional pyrimidine-deficient
      intermediate of composition {[Cd(NCS)(2)](3)(pyrimidine)(2)}(n) (1D), in which
      some of the MU-1,3 coordinated anions transform into MU-1,1,3 bridging
      thiocyanato anions. Consequently the four structures can be used as snapshots of
      intermediates on the way to a more condensed thiocyanato coordination network. In
      contrast, with cadmium selenocyanate only two different compounds were obtained.
      The 1 : 2 compound [Cd(NCSe)(2)(pyrimidine)(2)](n) (2A) is not isotypic to 1A and
      shows a completely different coordination topology whereas the pyrimidine
      deficient 1 : 1 compound (2B) shows a more condensed network with MU-1,3
      coordinating selenocyanato anions. On heating, the 1 : 2 compound 1A decomposes
      into Cd(NCS)(2)via a new polymorphic modification (1CII) as intermediate which is
      metastable, whereas the 1 : 2 selenocyanato compound 2A transforms into the 1 : 1
      compound 2B on heating which cannot be obtained phase pure under these
      conditions. If faster heating rates are used, there are indications for the
      formation of a 3 : 2 compound, which is amorphous to X-rays. The results are
      compared with those obtained for related thio- and selenocyanato coordination
      polymers with pyridine, pyridazine and pyrazine as co-ligand. Moreover, their
      impact on the structures and thermal reactivity of analogous paramagnetic
      compounds is discussed in detail. Based on the structural data of compound 1D the
      unknown structures of two intermediates were determined, which are formed in the
      thermal decomposition reaction of the Mn and Fe thiocyanato pyrimidine
      coordination polymers, reported recently.

PMID- 22064921
TI  - 1,1'-(2,5-Dimethyl-thio-phene-3,4-di-yl)diethanone.
AB  - The title compound, C(10)H(12)O(2)S, crystallizes with four mol-ecules in the
      asymmetric unit. The main conformational difference between these mol-ecules is
      the orientation of the acetyl groups with respect to the ring. Whereas one acetyl
      group is only slightly twisted with respect to the thio-phene ring [C-C-C-O
      torsion angles = 165.7 (4), -164.6 (4), 164.3 (4) and -163.6 (4) degrees ], the
      other acetyl group is markly twisted out of the ring plane [C-C-C-O torsion
      angles = -61.2 (6), 61.3 (7), -59.7 (7) and 59.9 (6) degrees ]. In the crystal,
      mol-ecules are linked by weak C-H?O inter-actions into infinite chains along the
      c axis.

PMID- 22064922
TI  - 2-Chloro-N-[2-(2-fluoro-benzo-yl)-4-nitro-phen-yl]-N-methyl-acetamide.
AB  - The title compound, C(16)H(12)ClFN(2)O(4), crystallizes with two mol-ecules in
      the asymmetric unit in which the dihedral angles between the mean planes of the
      two benzene rings are 65.1 (7) and 65.6 (6) degrees . In each mol-ecule, the
      nitro group displays rotational disorder over two orientations in a 0.503
      (11):0.497 (11) ratio and the Cl atom is disordered in a 0.432 (5):0.568 (5)
      ratio. In one mol-ecule, the F atoms is statistically disordered over two
      positions. The crystal packing features weak inter-molecular C-H?O and C-H?Cl
      inter-actions, which form a layered network.

PMID- 22064923
TI  - {MU-1,2-Bis[bis-(4-meth-oxy-phen-yl)phosphan-yl]-1,2-diethyl-hydrazine
      kappaP:P'}bis-[chloridogold(I)] tetra-hydro-furan disolvate.
AB  - The title compound, [Au(2)Cl(2)(C(32)H(38)N(2)O(4)P(2))].2C(4)H(8)O, is formed
      from a bidentate phosphine ligand complexed to two linear gold(I) nuclei [P-Au-Cl
      = 175.98 (3) degrees ]. The nuclei are 3.1414 (2) A apart. The mol-ecule exhibits
      a twofold symmetry axis. Stacks of the compound are formed through inter
      molecular C-H?Cl inter-actions, while the tetra-hydro-furan (THF) solvate is
      further attached to the stacks through weak C-H?O hydrogen bonding from the THF O
      atom to two separate H atoms on the complex.

PMID- 22064924
TI  - 2-(1H-1,3-Benzodiazol-2-ylsulfan-yl)-1-(4-chloro-phen-yl)ethanone.
AB  - The mol-ecule in the structure of the title compound, C(15)H(11)ClN(2)OS,
      displays two planar residues [r.m.s. deviation = 0.014 A for the benzimidazole
      residue, and the ketone group is co-planar with the benzene ring to which it is
      attached forming a O-C-C-C torsion angle of -173.18 (14)  degrees ] linked at the
      S atom. The overall shape is based on a twisted V, the dihedral angle formed
      between the two planes being 82.4 (2)  degrees . The amine-H atom is bifurcated,
      forming N-H?O and N-H?S hydrogen bonds leading to dimeric aggregates. These are
      linked into a supra-molecular chain along the c axis via C-H?pi hydrogen bonds.
      Chains form layers in the ab plane being connected along the c axis via weak pi
      pi inter-actions [3.9578 (8) A] formed between centrosymmetrically related chloro
      substituted benzene rings.

PMID- 22064925
TI  - (2E,4E)-N-Benzyl-2-cyano-5-phenyl-penta-2,4-dienamide.
AB  - In the title compound, C(19)H(16)N(2)O, the mol-ecule adopts an E configuration
      about the two C=C double bonds. The dihedral angle between the phenyl rings is
      88.89 (8) degrees . In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by inter-molecular N
      H?N and C-H?O hydrogen bonds into chains running parallel to [130].

PMID- 22064926
TI  - Atomically thin layers of MoS2 via a two step thermal evaporation-exfoliation
      method.
AB  - Two dimensional molybdenum disulfide (MoS(2)) has recently become of interest to
      semiconductor and optic industries. However, the current methods for its
      synthesis require harsh environments that are not compatible with standard
      fabrication processes. We report on a facile synthesis method of layered MoS(2)
      using a thermal evaporation technique, which requires modest conditions. In this
      process, a mixture of MoS(2) and molybdenum dioxide (MoO(2)) is produced by
      evaporating sulfur powder and molybdenum trioxide (MoO(3)) nano-particles
      simultaneously. Further annealing in a sulfur-rich environment transforms
      majority of the excess MoO(2) into layered MoS(2). The deposited MoS(2) is then
      mechanically exfoliated into minimum resolvable atomically thin layers, which are
      characterized using micro-Raman spectroscopy and atomic force microscopy.
      Furthermore Raman spectroscopy is employed to determine the effect of
      electrochemical lithium ion exposure on atomically thin layers of MoS(2).

PMID- 22064927
TI  - 2-[(2-Chloro-benzyl-idene)amino]-4,5,6,7-tetra-hydro-1-benzothio-phene-3
      carbonitrile.
AB  - In the title compound, C(16)H(13)ClN(2)S, the mean planes fitted through all non
      H atoms of the heterocyclic five-membered and the benzene rings are oriented at a
      dihedral angle of 5.19 (7) degrees . In the crystal, a weak C-H?pi inter-action
      occurs, along with weak pi-pi inter-actions [cenroid-centroid distance = 3.7698
      (11) A].

PMID- 22064928
TI  - Serum lithium levels with slow-release and conventional lithium carbonate
      preparation.
AB  - Eighteen physically healthy volunteers were given 1200 mg of standard and
      sustained-release preparations of lithium on two different occasions. Serum
      lithium levels were estimated at four hourly intervals and statistically
      analysed. The findings and the results have been discussed with particular
      reference to their implications for future research.

PMID- 22064929
TI  - catena-Poly[[tetra-kis-(hexa-methyl-phospho-ramide-kappaO)bis-(nitrato
      kappaO,O')samarium(III)] [silver(I)-di-MU-sulfido-tungstate(VI)-di-MU-sulfido]].
AB  - The Sm atom in the cation of the title salt,
      {[Sm(NO(3))(2)(C(6)H(18)N(3)OP)(4)][AgS(4)W]}(n), is coordinated by eight O atoms
      derived from two chelating nitrate anions, and four hexamethylphos-phoramide
      ligand, defining a distorted square-antiprismatic geometry. The anions self
      assemble into polymeric chains via W-S-Ag bridges having a [AgS(4)W] repeat unit;
      the W-Ag-W and Ag-W-Ag angles are 161.657 (17) and 153.978 (9) degrees ,
      respectively. The title complex is isostructural with the Y, Yb, Eu, Nd, La and
      Dy isomorphs.

PMID- 22064930
TI  - (E)-4-[2-(2-Hy-droxy-benzo-yl)-hydra-zin-ylidene]penta-noic acid.
AB  - The title mol-ecule, C(12)H(14)N(2)O(4), adopts a trans configuration with
      respect to the C=N double bond. The amino group is involved in an intra-molecular
      N-H?O hydrogen bond. In the crystal structure, inter-molecular O-H?O hydrogen
      bonds link the mol-ecules into doubled sheets parallel to the (101) plane.

PMID- 22064931
TI  - Spatial resolution of the pain system: a proximal-to-distal gradient of
      sensitivity revealed with psychophysical testing.
AB  - The spatial resolution of the pain system has not been studied in depth, and
      results are contradictory regarding the gradient of spatial resolution.
      Microneurographic recordings have revealed smaller receptive fields and higher
      density of nociceptors in more distal than proximal leg regions, whereas
      histological studies report higher density of C-fibers in more proximal than
      distal body regions. Due to this controversy, we conducted various psychophysical
      tests in order to examine the nociceptive spatial resolution and its gradient.
      Heat-pain threshold (HPT), perceived pain intensity, spatial summation (SS) of
      pain, two-point discrimination (2PD) of pain, and pain localization were measured
      in four body regions: upper back, thigh, lower leg, and foot. The highest HPT was
      demonstrated in the lower leg as compared with more proximal regions (P <
      0.0001). SS was observed in all the regions and was found to be smallest in the
      foot (P < 0.05). The smallest 2PD and localization distances were found in the
      foot (P < 0.01) as compared with the lower leg and upper back. It appears that
      the nociceptive spatial resolution has a proximal-to-distal pattern of
      performance, namely that the spatial resolution of pain is finer in more distal
      than proximal body regions, similar to that of the touch system.

PMID- 22064932
TI  - Sound can improve visual search in developmental dyslexia.
AB  - We examined whether developmental dyslexic adults suffer from sluggish
      attentional shifting (SAS; Hari and Renvall in Trends Cogn Sci 5:525-532, 2001)
      by measuring their shifting of attention in a visual search task with dynamic
      cluttered displays (Van der Burg et al. in J Exp Psychol Human 34:1053-1065,
      2008). Dyslexics were generally slower than normal readers in searching a
      horizontal or vertical target among oblique distracters. However, the addition of
      a click sound presented in synchrony with a color change of the target
      drastically improved their performance up to the level of the normal readers.
      These results are in line with the idea that developmental dyslexics have
      specific problems in disengaging attention from the current fixation, and that
      the phasic alerting by a sound can compensate for this deficit.

PMID- 22064933
TI  - 2,4-Dichloro-N-(2,5-dimethyl-phen-yl)benzene-sulfonamide.
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C(14)H(13)Cl(2)NO(2)S, contains three
      independent moleules. The torsion angles of the C-SO2-NH-C segments in the three
      mol-ecules are 67.5 (2), 83.4 (2) and -77.5 (2) degrees . The two aromatic rings
      are tilted relative to each other by 68.8 (1), 64.1 (1) and 68.5 (1) degrees .
      The crystal structure features dimers linked by pairs of N-H?O hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22064934
TI  - catena-Poly[[triphenyl-tin(IV)]-MU-5-amino-2-nitro-benzoato-kappaO:O].
AB  - The title compound, [Sn(C(6)H(5))(3)(C(7)H(5)N(2)O(4))](n), forms polymeric
      chains along [010]. The Sn(IV) ion is five-coordinated in a distorted trigonal
      bipyramidal geometry by two monodentate carboxyl-ate groups and three phenyl
      rings. The axial sites are occupied by the O atoms of two symmetry-related
      carboxyl-ate groups [O-Sn-O = 170.88 (3) degrees ]. The benzene ring of the 5
      amino-2-nitro-benzoate ligand forms dihedral angles of 82.92 (6), 81.10 (6) and
      83.54 (6) degrees  with respect to the three phenyl rings. In the crystal, the
      chains are linked by inter-molecular N-H?O and weak C-H?O inter-actions into a
      three-dimensional network. The crystal structure is further stabilized by weak
      inter-molecular C-H?pi inter-actions.

PMID- 22064935
TI  - 1'-Methyl-4'-phenyldispiro-[indan-2,2'-pyrrolidine-3',2''-indan]-1,3,1''-trione.
AB  - The conformation of the title compound, C(27)H(21)NO(3), is stabilized by a weak
      intra-molecular C-H?O hydrogen bond, which generates an S(6) ring motif. The
      pyrrolidine ring adopts a half-chair conformation. Both of the other five
      membered rings are in envelope conformations. No significant inter-molecular
      hydrogen bonds are observed.

PMID- 22064936
TI  - N-{(2S)-3-Hy-droxy-4-[(5-methyl-1,3,4-thia-diazol-2-yl)sulfan-yl]-1-phenyl-2-but
      yl}-4-methyl-benzene-sulfonamide.
AB  - The thia-diazoyl and sulfonyl-benzene rings in the title compound,
      C(20)H(23)N(3)O(3)S(3), are aligned to the same side of the mol-ecule, forming a
      twisted 'U' shape [dihedral angle = 77.6 (5) degrees ]. The benzyl-benzene ring
      is orientated in the opposite direction from the mol-ecule but projects
      approximately along the same axis as the other rings [dihedral angle between
      benzene rings = 28.2 (5) degrees ] so that, overall, the mol-ecule has a
      flattened shape. The hy-droxy and amine groups are almost syn which enables the
      formation of inter-molecular hy-droxy-OH?N(thia-diazo-yl) and amine-H?O(sulfon
      yl) hydrogen bonds leading to a supra-molecular chain aligned along the a axis.

PMID- 22064937
TI  - Stepwise synthesis of a hydrido, N-heterocyclic dicarbene iridium(III) pincer
      complex featuring mixed NHC/abnormal NHC ligands.
AB  - We describe a stepwise synthesis of the hydrido, N-heterocyclic dicarbene
      iridium(III) pincer complex [Ir(H)I(C(NHC)CC(aNHC))(NCMe)] (3) which features a
      combination of normal and abnormal NHC ligands. The reaction of the
      bis(imidazolium) diiodide [(CH(imid)CHCH(imid))]I(2) (1) with [Ir(MU-Cl)(cod)](2)
      afforded first the mono-NHC Ir(I) complex [IrI(cod)(CH(imid)CHC(NHC))]I (2),
      which was then reacted with 2 equiv. of Cs(2)CO(3) in acetonitrile at 60  degrees
      C for 40 h to yield 3. These observations support our previously proposed
      mechanism for the formation of hydrido, N-heterocyclic dicarbene iridium(III)
      pincer complexes from the reaction of bis(imidazolium) salts with weak bases
      involving a mono-NHC Ir(I) intermediate. We describe the reactivity of the mono
      NHC Ir(I) complex 2 under various conditions. By changing the reaction solvent
      from MeCN to toluene, we observed the cleavage of the imidazol-2-ylidene ring and
      the formation of an iminoformamide-containing mono-NHC Ir(I) complex
      [IrI(cod){[NHCH=CHN(Ad)CHO]CHC(NHC)}] (4). Complex 4 was also prepared in high
      yield from the reaction of 2 with strong bases (potassium tert-butoxide or
      potassium hexamethyldisilazane), via the initial formation of the complex
      [IrI(cod)(CH(NHC)CHC(NHC))] (5), which contains a coordinated NHC moiety and a
      free carbene arm, followed by subsequent hydrolysis of the latter. The
      bis(imidazolium) salt 1 can be deprotonated by strong bases to form the
      bis(carbene) ligand C(NHC)CHC(NHC) (6), which readily reacts with [Ir(MU
      Cl)(cod)](2) to give the dinuclear complex [{IrI(cod)}(2)(MU-C(NHC)CHC(NHC))]
      (7), in which the N-heterocyclic bis(carbene) ligand bridges the two metals
      through the carbene carbon atoms.

PMID- 22064938
TI  - catena-Poly[(diaqua-strontium)-bis-(MU-2-methyl-3,5-dinitro-benzoato)].
AB  - The title compound, [Sr(C(8)H(5)N(2)O(6))(2)(H(2)O)(2)](n), essentially consists
      of a one-dimensional polymeric network with Sr(2)O(2) rings extending along the
      [100] direction. The range of Sr-O bond lengths is 2.4822 (13)-2.8113 (13) A. C
      H?O and O-H?O hydrogen-bonding inter-actions stabilize the mol-ecules in the form
      of a two-dimensional polymeric network parallel to (001). One of the nitro groups
      is disordered over three sets of sites with the occupancy ratio of
      0.46:0.32:0.22.

PMID- 22064939
TI  - N-(4-Chloro-phenyl-sulfon-yl)-2-methyl-propanamide.
AB  - In the crystal structure of the title compound, C(10)H(12)ClNO(3)S, the N-C bond
      in the C-SO(2)-NH-C segment has a gauche torsion with respect to the S=O bonds.
      The mol-ecule is twisted at the S atom with a C-S-N-C torsion angle of -62.3 (3)
      degrees . The benzene ring and the SO(2)-NH-CO-C segment form a dihedral angle of
      89.3 (1) degrees . In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by pairs of N-H?O
      hydrogen bonds into inversion dimers.

PMID- 22064940
TI  - Multiple depositions of Ag nanoparticles on chemically modified agarose films for
      surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy.
AB  - A facile and cost-effective approach for the preparation of a surface-enhanced
      Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrate through constructing silver nanoparticle/3
      aminopropyltriethoxysilane/agarose films (Ag NPs/APTES/Agar film) on various
      solid supports is described. The SERS performance of the substrate was
      systematically investigated, revealing a maximum SERS intensity with four layers
      of the Ag NP deposition. The enhancement factor of the developed substrate was
      calculated as 1.5 * 10(7) using rhodamine 6G (R6G) as the probe molecule, and the
      reproducibility of the SERS signals was established. A high throughput screening
      platform was designed, manufactured and implemented which utilised the ability to
      cast agarose to assemble arrays. Quantitative analysis of 4-aminobenzoic acid (4
      ABA) and 4-aminothiophenol (4-ATP) was achieved over a ~0.5 nM-0.1 MUM range.

PMID- 22064941
TI  - Purines and the Anti-Epileptic Actions of Ketogenic Diets.
AB  - Ketogenic diets are high in fat and low in carbohydrates and represent a well
      established and effective treatment alternative to anti-epileptic drugs.
      Ketogenic diets are used for the management of a variety of difficult-to-treat or
      intractable seizure disorders, especially pediatric refractory epilepsy. However,
      it has been shown that this dietary therapy can reduce seizures in people of all
      ages, and ketogenic diets are being applied to other prevalent medical conditions
      such as diabetes. Although used effectively to treat epilepsy for nearly 90
      years, the mechanism(s) by which ketogenic diets work to reduce seizures remain
      ill-understood. One mechanism receiving increased attention is based on findings
      that ketogenic diets increase the brain energy molecule ATP, and may also
      increase the levels and actions of the related endogenous inhibitory
      neuromodulator adenosine. ATP and adenosine have both been identified as
      important modulators of seizures; seizures increase the actions of these purines,
      these purines regulate epileptic activity in brain, adenosine receptor
      antagonists are pro-convulsant, and adenosinergic mechanisms have been implicated
      previously in the actions of approved anti-epileptic therapeutics. Here we will
      review recent literature and describe findings that shed light on mechanistic
      relationships between ketogenic diets and the purines ATP and adenosine. These
      emerging mechanisms hold great promise for the effective therapeutic management
      of epileptic seizures and other neurological conditions.

PMID- 22064942
TI  - N-(4-Chloro-1,3-benzothia-zol-2-yl)-2-(3-methyl-phen-yl)acetamide monohydrate.
AB  - In the title compound, C(16)H(13)ClN(2)OS.H(2)O, the dihedral angle between the
      mean planes of the benzothia-zole ring system and the methylphenyl ring is 79.3
      (6) degrees . The crystal packing features inter-molecular O-H?N, O-H?O and N-H?O
      hydrogen bonds involving the water mol-ecule and weak C-H?O, C-H?Cg and pi-pi
      stacking inter-actions [centroid-centroid distances = 3.8743 (7), 3.7229 (7) and
      3.7076 (8) A].

PMID- 22064943
TI  - Effects of temperature and soil moisture on methyl halide and chloroform fluxes
      from drained peatland pasture soils.
AB  - A series of laboratory-based incubations using a stable isotope tracer technique
      was applied to measure the net and gross fluxes of CH(3)Cl and CH(3)Br as well as
      the net fluxes of CHCl(3) from surface soils of the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta
      of California. Annually averaged flux measurements show that these
      mineral/oxidized peat soils are a net source of CH(3)Cl (140 +/- 266 nmol m(-2)
      d(-1)) and CHCl(3) (258 +/- 288 nmol m(-2) d(-1)), and a net sink of CH(3)Br (
      2.3 +/- 4.5 nmol m(-2) d(-1)). Gross CH(3)Cl and CH(3)Br fluxes are strongly
      influenced by both soil moisture and temperature: gross production rates of
      CH(3)Cl and CH(3)Br are linearly correlated with temperature, whereas gross
      consumption rates exhibit Gaussian relationships with maximum consumption at soil
      moisture levels between 20 and 30% volumetric water content (VWC) and a
      temperature range of 25 to 35  degrees C. Although soil moisture and soil
      temperature strongly affect consumption rates, the range of gross consumption
      rates overall is limited (-506 +/- 176 nmol m(-2) d(-1) for CH(3)Cl and -12 +/- 4
      nmol m(-2) d(-1) for CH(3)Br) and is similar to rates reported in previous
      studies. CHCl(3) fluxes are not correlated with methyl halide fluxes,
      temperature, or soil moisture. The annual emission rates of CHCl(3) from the
      Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta are found to be a potentially significant local
      source of this compound.

PMID- 22064944
TI  - Mechanism and determinants of nanoparticle penetration through human skin.
AB  - The ability of nanoparticles to penetrate the stratum corneum was the focus of
      several studies. Yet, there are controversial issues available for particle
      penetration due to different experimental setups. Meanwhile, there is little
      known about the mechanism and determinants of their penetration. In this paper
      the penetration of four model gold nanoparticles of diameter 6 and 15 nm,
      differing in surface polarity and the nature of the vehicle, through human skin
      was studied using multiphoton microscopy. This is in an attempt to profoundly
      investigate the parameters governing particle penetration through human skin. Our
      results imply that nanoparticles at this size range permeate the stratum corneum
      in a similar manner to drug molecules, mainly through the intercellular pathways.
      However, due to their particulate nature, permeation is also dependent on the
      complex microstructure of the stratum corneum with its tortuous aqueous and
      lipidic channels, as shown from our experiments performed using skin of different
      grades of barrier integrity. The vehicle (toluene-versus-water) had a minimal
      effect on skin penetration of gold nanoparticles. Other considerations in setting
      up a penetration experiment for nanoparticles were also studied. The results
      obtained are important for designing a new transdermal carrier and for a basic
      understanding of skin-nanoparticle interaction.

PMID- 22064945
TI  - Polyaspartic acid coated manganese oxide nanoparticles for efficient liver MRI.
AB  - We report in this communication a simple, facile surface modification strategy to
      transfer hydrophobic manganese oxide nanoparticles (MONPs) into water by using
      polyaspartic acid (PASP). We systematically investigated the effect of the size
      of PASP-MONPs on MRI of normal liver and found that the particles with a core
      size of 10 nm exhibited greater enhancement than those with larger core sizes.

PMID- 22064946
TI  - Subcutaneous sarcoidosis: a rare involvement of the paralateral nasal region.
AB  - A case of subcutaneous sarcoidosis involving the paralateral nasal region is
      described and a brief review of the literature is made. Subcutaneous sarcoidosis
      without systemic disease is a rare entity and has seldom been reported on the
      trunk and face. Diagnosis is always difficult as it can only be confirmed by
      histological studies.

PMID- 22064947
TI  - A new method of UV-patternable hydrophobization of micro- and nanofluidic
      networks.
AB  - This work reports a new method to hydrophobize glass-based micro- and nanofluidic
      networks. Conventional methods of hydrophobizing glass surfaces often create
      particulate debris causing clogging especially in shallow nanochannels or require
      skilful handling. Our novel method employs oxygen plasma, silicone oil and
      ultraviolet (UV) light. The contact angle of the modified bare glass surface can
      reach 100 degrees  whilst the inner channels after treatment facilitate stable
      and durable water-in-oil droplet generation. This modified surface was found to
      be stable for more than three weeks. The use of UV in principle enables in
      channel hydrophobic patterning.

PMID- 22064948
TI  - (S)-N-{1-[5-(4-Chloro-benzyl-sulfanyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-yl]eth-yl}-4-methyl
      benzene-sulfonamide.
AB  - The title compound, C(18)H(18)ClN(3)O(3)S(2), adopts by folding the form of a
      distorted disc. Inter-planar angles are 29.51 (7) and 63.43 (7) degrees  from the
      five-membered ring to the aromatic systems and 34.80 (6) degrees  between these
      two latter rings. The absolute configuration was confirmed by determination of
      the Flack parameter. In the crystal, the mol-ecules are linked by four hydrogen
      bonds, one classical (N-H?N) and three 'weak' (C-H?O), forming layers parallel to
      the ac plane; these are in turn linked in the third dimension by Cl?N [3.1689
      (16) A] and Cl?O [3.3148 (13) A] contacts to the heterocyclic ring.

PMID- 22064949
TI  - Increasing access to learning for the adult basic education learner with learning
      disabilities: evidence-based accommodation research.
AB  - Accommodating adult basic education (ABE) learners with learning disabilities
      (LD) is common practice across many instructional, testing, and work settings.
      However, the results from this literature search indicate that very few
      empirically based studies are available to support or reject the effectiveness of
      a great deal of accommodation implementation. In addition, in light of the
      profound changes to literacy taking place in today's digital, networked, and
      multimodal world, technology is redefining traditional concepts of accessibility
      and accommodation.

PMID- 22064950
TI  - The impact of learning disabilities on adulthood: a review of the evidenced-based
      literature for research and practice in adult education.
AB  - It is now well established that learning disabilities (LD) persist into the adult
      years, yet despite a developing literature base in this area, there is a paucity
      of evidence-based research to guide research and practice. Consistent with the
      demands of the adult stage of development, autonomy and self-determination are
      crucial to quality-of-life issues to adults in general, and specifically to
      adults with LD. There are many areas of functioning in which adults need to adapt
      successfully, such as employment, family, social and emotional, daily living
      routines, community, and recreation and leisure. In essence, there are a myriad
      of challenges and outcomes as adults navigate the trials and tribulations of LD
      as it manifests itself into adulthood. This review of the extant evidence-based
      literature seeks to discover relevant knowledge that can be shared with
      practitioners who serve adults with LD in a variety of professional and volunteer
      roles, particularly in adult education settings.

PMID- 22064951
TI  - Effective literacy instruction for adults with specific learning disabilities:
      implications for adult educators.
AB  - Adults with learning disabilities (LD) attending adult basic education, GED
      programs, or community colleges are among the lowest performers on measures of
      literacy. For example, on multiple measures of reading comprehension, adults with
      LD had a mean reading score at the third grade level, whereas adults without LD
      read at the fifth grade level. In addition, large numbers of adults perform at
      the lowest skill levels on quantitative tasks. Clearly, significant instructional
      challenges exist for adults who struggle with literacy issues, and those
      challenges can be greater for adults with LD. In this article, the literature on
      adults with LD is reviewed, and evidenced-based instructional practices that
      significantly narrow the literacy achievement gap for this population are
      identified. Primary attention is given to instructional factors that have been
      shown to affect literacy outcomes for adults with LD. These factors include the
      use of explicit instruction, instructional technology, and intensive tutoring in
      skills and strategies embedded in authentic contexts.

PMID- 22064952
TI  - Effects of a psychosocial intervention on the executive functioning in children
      with ADHD.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to analyze the effects of an intensive psychosocial
      intervention on the executive functioning (EF) in children with ADHD. The
      treatment was carried out in a coordinated manner over a period of 10 weeks with
      27 children with ADHD aged 7 to 10, their parents, and their teachers. A battery
      of neuropsychological tasks was applied to evaluate attention, interference
      control, verbal and visuospatial working memory, planning ability, and
      flexibility. The comparative analysis of the treated group of ADHD children and
      an untreated ADHD group showed significant differences that were especially
      important in visuospatial memory and planning in favor of the treated children,
      even when the scores in the pretreatment phase were included as covariables.
      Likewise, improvements were observed in the parents' and teachers' behavioral
      ratings of hyperactivity or impulsivity and inattention. The conclusion was drawn
      that psychosocial interventions with children with ADHD can have a positive
      effect on some executive functions.

PMID- 22064953
TI  - In situ mechanical analysis of cardiomyocytes at nano scales.
AB  - Nanomechanical behaviors of single living cardiomyocytes are quantitatively
      observed using calculated torsions and deflections of an AFM cantilever. The
      lateral contractions are related to the calcium intensity within rather than the
      vertical beating power of the cardiomyocytes. Drug-induced nanomechanical changes
      of cardiomyocytes were further investigated by measuring lateral contractions in
      real time.

PMID- 22064954
TI  - Python erythrocytes are resistant to alpha-hemolysin from Escherichia coli.
AB  - alpha-Hemolysin (HlyA) from Escherichia coli lyses mammalian erythrocytes by
      creating nonselective cation pores in the membrane. Pore insertion triggers ATP
      release and subsequent P2X receptor and pannexin channel activation. Blockage of
      either P2X receptors or pannexin channels reduces HlyA-induced hemolysis. We
      found that erythrocytes from Python regius and Python molurus are remarkably
      resistant to HlyA-induced hemolysis compared to human and Trachemys scripta
      erythrocytes. HlyA concentrations that induced maximal hemolysis of human
      erythrocytes did not affect python erythrocytes, but increasing the HlyA
      concentration 40-fold did induce hemolysis. Python erythrocytes were more
      resistant to osmotic stress than human erythrocytes, but osmotic stress tolerance
      per se did not confer HlyA resistance. Erythrocytes from T. scripta, which showed
      higher osmotic resistance than python erythrocytes, were as susceptible to HlyA
      as human erythrocytes. Therefore, we tested whether python erythrocytes lack the
      purinergic signalling known to amplify HlyA-induced hemolysis in human
      erythrocytes. P. regius erythrocytes increased intracellular Ca2+ concentration
      and reduced cell volume when exposed to 3 mM ATP, indicating the presence of a
      P2X7-like receptor. In addition, scavenging extracellular ATP or blocking P2
      receptors or pannexin channels reduced the HlyA-induced hemolysis. We tested
      whether the low HlyA sensitivity resulted from low affinity of HlyA to the python
      erythrocyte membrane. We found comparable incorporation of HlyA into human and
      python erythrocyte membranes. Taken together, the remarkable HlyA resistance of
      python erythrocytes was not explained by increased osmotic resistance, lack of
      purinergic hemolysis amplification, or differences in HlyA affinity.

PMID- 22064955
TI  - Sleep disturbances: time to join the top 10 potentially modifiable cardiovascular
      risk factors?

PMID- 22064956
TI  - Diversity of myocardial interstitial proteolytic pathways: gene deletion reveals
      unexpected consequences.

PMID- 22064957
TI  - Catheter-based reperfusion treatment of pulmonary embolism.

PMID- 22064958
TI  - Sex/gender differences in cardiovascular disease prevention: what a difference a
      decade makes.

PMID- 22064959
TI  - Longest survivor of pulmonary atresia with ventricular septal defect: well
      developed major aortopulmonary collateral arteries demonstrated by multidetector
      computed tomography.

PMID- 22064960
TI  - Constrictive pericarditis presenting as a large mediastinal mass causing
      functional tricuspid and pulmonary stenosis.

PMID- 22064961
TI  - Changes in stroke epidemiology, prevention, and treatment.

PMID- 22064963
TI  - Letter by Vorpahl and Kelm regarding article, "Stent thrombogenicity early in
      high-risk interventional settings is driven by stent design and deployment and
      protected by polymer-drug coatings".

PMID- 22064964
TI  - rac-Dichlorido(1-{(diphenyl-phosphan-yl)[2-(diphenyl-phosphan-yl)phen-yl]meth
      yl}ferrocene-kappaP,P')palladium(II) dimethyl sulfoxide disolvate.
AB  - The racemic title compound, [FePdCl(2)(C(5)H(5))(C(36)H(29)P(2))].2(CH(3))(2)SO,
      features a Pd-chelating 1,3-diphosphine, which is substituted at a P-bearing
      asymmetric C atom by a ferrocenyl group. The Pd(II) atom is in a distorted
      quadratic coordination by two P and two Cl atoms with bond lengths of 2.2414 (3)
      and 2.2438 (3) A for Pd-P, and 2.3452 (3) and 2.3565 (3) A for Pd-Cl. The
      conformation of the Pd complex is controlled by an intra-molecular slipped pi-pi
      stacking inter-action between a phenyl and a cyclo-penta-dienyl ring with
      corresponding C?C distances starting at 3.300 (2) A and the distance between ring
      centroids being 3.674 (2) A. The crystal structure is stabilized by C-H?Cl and C
      H?O hydrogen bonds. The (CH(3))(2)SO solvent mol-ecules are arranged in layers
      parallel to (101) and are linked in pairs by C-H?O inter-actions. One
      (CH(3))(2)SO mol-ecule is orientationally disordered [occupancy ratio 0.8766
      (17):0.1234 (17)] with sulfur in two positions at both sides of its C(2)O
      triangle.

PMID- 22064965
TI  - 2-Methyl-propan-2-aminium 2-(meth-oxy-carbon-yl)benzoate.
AB  - In the title compound, C(4)H(12)N(+).C(9)H(7)O(4) (-), two C atoms and the N atom
      of the cation lie on a mirror plane, while all the atoms of the anion are
      disordered about a mirror plane. In the crystal, N-H?O hydrogen bonds link the
      components into chains along [010]. In the anion, the mean planes of the
      methoxycarbonyl and carboxylate groups form dihedral angles of 83.0 (2) and 83.2
      (2) degrees , respectively, with the aromatic ring.

PMID- 22064966
TI  - The place for remodeling technique and stenting in the endovascular management of
      intracranial aneurysms: a single-center analysis from 2008 to 2010.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to analyze the place for the
      balloon remodeling and stenting in the endovascular treatment of intracranial
      aneurysms as well as the impact of their use on the failure and complications
      rates. Analysis was conducted in a recent 3-year period (2008-2010) in a single
      center. METHODS: A total of 287 aneurysms, harbored by 252 patients (age, 16-87
      years; mean, 50.9 +/- 13.4 years), were proposed for endovascular treatment.
      Patient and aneurysms characteristics, modalities of treatment (coiling,
      remodeling, or stenting), failure rate, and rate of adverse events related to the
      treatment were analyzed. RESULTS: Treatment failed in 3/287 aneurysms (1.0%). The
      use of the remodeling technique and stenting increased over time (23.9% and 4.6%
      in 2008, 39.5% and 14.9% in 2009, and 43.9% and 20.7% in 2010, respectively). The
      remodeling technique was used in a similar percentage of cases independent of
      aneurysm characteristics (aneurysm status, location, and size, and neck size),
      except dome-to-neck ratio. Stenting was more frequently used in unruptured
      aneurysms, in internal carotid artery aneurysms, and in wide neck aneurysms. The
      rate of specific adverse events (thromboembolism and intraoperative rupture) was
      similar in coiling (2.8%), remodeling (6.9%), and stenting (1.1%). The rate of
      specific adverse events was similar in 2008, 2009, and 2010 (2.3%, 4.4%, and
      6.1%, respectively). CONCLUSION: In the endovascular management of intracranial
      aneurysms, the large use of the remodeling technique combined with stenting in
      selected cases enables a low rate of treatment failures without increasing the
      rate of complications.

PMID- 22064967
TI  - Few-atomic-layered boron carbonitride nanosheets prepared by chemical vapor
      deposition.
AB  - Few-atomic-layered boron carbonitride (BCN) nanosheets have been grown on Si
      substrate by microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition from a gas mixture of
      CH(4)-N(2)-H(2)-BF(3). The grown BCN nanosheets are oriented with their base
      planes perpendicular to the substrate surface. Ultrathin BCN nanosheets with
      thickness from 2 to a few atomic layers account for a considerable portion of the
      products, although many of them have more than 10 layers. Photoluminescence is
      measured for the BCN nanosheets and intense emission at 3.27 eV with very weak
      defect-related emission is observed for the nanosheets with the composition of
      B(0.38)C(0.27)N(0.35). The present BCN nanosheets are promising for applications
      in nanoelectronics, catalyst supports, gas adsorption, etc.

PMID- 22064968
TI  - One-pot near-ambient temperature syntheses of aryl(difluoroenol) derivatives from
      trifluoroethanol.
AB  - Difluoroalkenylzinc reagents prepared from 1-(2'-methoxy-ethoxymethoxy)-2,2,2
      trifluoroethane and 1-(N,N-diethylcarbamoyloxy)-2,2,2-trifluoroethane at ice bath
      temperatures underwent Negishi coupling with a range of aryl halides in a
      convenient one pot procedure. While significant differences between the enol
      acetal and carbamate reagents were revealed, the Negishi protocol compared very
      favourably with alternative coupling procedures in terms of overall yields from
      trifluoroethanol.

PMID- 22064969
TI  - 1-Heptyl-1,3,6,8-tetraaza-tricyclo-[4.3.1.1]undecan-1-ium iodide.
AB  - The title compound C(14)H(29)N(4) (+).I(-) salt, was obtained by the reaction of
      cage adamanzane-type aminal 1,3,6,8-tetra-aza-tricyclo-[4.3.1.1(3,8)]undecane
      with heptyl iodide. In the cation, the bond lengths and angles are within normal
      ranges, except for one N-C(ring) bond distance of 1.542 (3) A, which is
      unexpectedly long compared with related compounds. In the crystal, ions are
      linked through C-H?I hydrogen bonds. The crystal studied was a non-merohedral
      twin with a minor twin domain of 6.56 (5)%.

PMID- 22064970
TI  - The vitamin D receptor regulates rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblast
      invasion and morphology.
AB  - Serum levels of vitamin D levels are commonly reduced in patients with rheumatoid
      arthritis (RA) and have been implicated in disease pathogenesis. We recently
      identified a new vitamin D receptor transcriptional signature in synovial tissues
      from rats with mild and nonerosive arthritis, suggesting a vitamin D-mediated
      protective effect. In the present study, we address the hypothesis that part of
      the vitamin D protective effect is mediated via interference with fibroblast-like
      synoviocyte (FLS) invasive properties, an in vitro cellular phenotype that
      correlates with radiographic and histological damage in pristane-induced
      arthritis and RA. FLSs derived from DA rats with pristane-induced arthritis and
      RA patients were studied in an in vitro model of invasion through a collagen-rich
      barrier (Matrigel) over a 24-h period, in the presence or absence of calcitriol,
      an active form of vitamin D. Matrix metalloprotease (MMP) expression levels were
      analyzed with zymography and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction,
      and the cytoskeleton was studied with immunofluorescense microscopy. Calcitriol
      significantly inhibited DA and RA FLS invasion by 54% and 53%, respectively.
      Calcitriol also reduced interleukin (IL)-1beta-induced expression of MMP-1 by 95%
      in DA FLSs and by 73.5% in RA FLS. Calcitriol treatment reduced actin
      cytoskeleton reorganization, reduced polarized formation of lamellipodia and
      reduced colocalization of phosphorylated focal adhesion kinase (p-FAK) with
      lamellipodia, all consistent with reduced cell ability to move and invade. In
      conclusion, we identified a new effect of calcitriol in FLS invasion. This
      discovery suggests that the reduced serum levels of vitamin D and its metabolites
      commonly seen in RA might increase risk for FLS-mediated cartilage and bone
      invasion and erosions. Treatment with vitamin D or its analogs has the potential
      to become a helpful adjuvant aimed at preventing or reducing joint destruction.

PMID- 22064971
TI  - Oxidized low-density lipoprotein-dependent platelet-derived microvesicles trigger
      procoagulant effects and amplify oxidative stress.
AB  - The fundamental mechanisms that underlie platelet activation in atherothrombosis
      are still obscure. Oxidative stress is involved in central features of
      atherosclerosis. Platelet-derived microvesicles (PMVs) could be important
      mediators between oxidative stress and platelet activation. CD36 could be a
      receptor of PMVs, thus generating a PMV-CD36 complex. We aimed to investigate the
      detailed pathway by which oxidative damage contributes to platelet activation by
      the PMV-CD36 complex. We found that oxidized low-density lipoprotein stimulated
      the generation of PMVs. PMVs enhanced normal platelet activation, as assessed by
      the expression of integrin alpha(IIb)beta3, secretion of soluble P-selectin and
      platelet aggregation, but CD36-deficient platelets were not activated by PMVs.
      The function of the PMV-CD36 complex was mediated by the MKK4/JNK2 signaling
      axis. Meanwhile, PMVs increased the level of 8-iso-prostaglandin-F2alpha, a
      marker of oxidative stress, in a CD36- and phosphatidylserine-dependent manner.
      We concluded that PMVs are important mediators between oxidative stress and
      platelet activation. PMVs and CD36 may be effective targets for preventing
      platelet activation in cardiovascular diseases.

PMID- 22064973
TI  - N-[(E)-4-(Methyl-sulfon-yl)benzyl-idene]-3-nitro-aniline.
AB  - In the title compound, C(14)H(12)N(2)O(4)S, the dihedral angle between the two
      aromatic rings is 35.65 (12) degrees . The crystal packing is stabilized by weak
      C-H?O hydrogen bonds and aromatic pi-pi ring stacking inter-actions [minimum ring
      centroid separation = 3.697 (3) A].

PMID- 22064972
TI  - The interaction of ApoA-I and ABCA1 triggers signal transduction pathways to
      mediate efflux of cellular lipids.
AB  - Reverse cholesterol transport (RCT) has been characterized as a crucial step for
      antiatherosclerosis, which is initiated by ATP-binding cassette A1 (ABCA1) to
      mediate the efflux of cellular phospholipids and cholesterol to lipid-free
      apolipoprotein A-I (apoA-I). However, the mechanisms underlying apoA-I/ABCA1
      interaction to lead to the lipidation of apoA-I are poorly understood. There are
      several models proposed for the interaction of apoA-I with ABCA1 as well as the
      lipidation of apoA-I mediated by ABCA1. ApoA-I increases the levels of ABCA1
      protein markedly. In turn, ABCA1 can stabilize apoA-I. The interaction of apoA-I
      with ABCA1 could activate signaling molecules that modulate posttranslational
      ABCA1 activity or lipid transport activity. The key signaling molecules in these
      processes include protein kinase A (PKA), protein kinase C (PKC), Janus kinase 2
      (JAK2), Rho GTPases and Ca2+, and many factors also could influence the
      interaction of apoA-I with ABCA1. This review will summarize these mechanisms for
      the apoA-I interaction with ABCA1 as well as the signal transduction pathways
      involved in these processes.

PMID- 22064974
TI  - Concordance rates of Doppler ultrasound and CT angiography in the grading of
      carotid artery stenosis: a systematic literature review.
AB  - Physicians have been increasingly relying on noninvasive imaging methods to grade
      carotid stenosis. The accuracy of Doppler ultrasound (DUS) and CT angiography
      (CTA) versus intra-arterial angiography (IA) has been assessed in many studies
      and at least two meta-analyses. Here, we performed a systematic review of studies
      that compared DUS to CTA. In a PubMed review of the literature from 2000 to 2009,
      we found 12 studies that compared DUS and CTA-based grading of carotid stenosis.
      Only 4 of them included at least 20 patients and provided data to classify the
      diseased arteries into the following categories: mild, moderate or severe NASCET
      stenosis or occlusion. We extracted 431 arteries from 244 patients (range per
      study: 48-164). It was not possible to distinguish symptomatic from asymptomatic
      stenoses. Nearly half arteries had severe stenosis (46% based on DUS and 43%
      based on CTA). The weighted kappa was 0.85 (95% CI 0.76-0.94), and the accuracy
      was 0.78. When the arteries were classified into medical and potentially surgical
      groups, the kappa was 0.76 (95% CI 0.70-0.83), and the accuracy was 0.89.
      Overall, 17% of the stenoses classified as medical based on DUS were reclassified
      as surgical based on CTA and 14% of the stenoses classified as medical based on
      CTA were reclassified as surgical based on DUS. The sparse available data
      comparing DUS and CTA suggest that the grading of a carotid stenosis as medical
      or potentially surgical remains uncertain in a relatively high proportion of
      patients.

PMID- 22064975
TI  - Seroconversion of anti-aquaporin-4 antibody in NMO spectrum disorder: a case
      report.

PMID- 22064976
TI  - Investigation of autonomic function in idiopathic REM sleep behavior disorder.
AB  - Idiopathic REM sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) has been suggested as an early "pre
      motor" stage of Parkinson's disease (PD) in a significant proportion of cases. We
      investigated autonomic function in 15 consecutive iRBD patients and compared
      these findings to PD patients and healthy controls. All participants underwent
      cardiovascular autonomic function testing, and were rated on the COMPASS scale.
      Symptomatic orthostatic hypotension was present in two iRBD patients, two PD
      patients and none of the healthy controls. In the tilt table examination, blood
      pressure changes were similar between iRBD patients and healthy controls. In the
      PD group, blood pressure drops were more pronounced. In the orthostatic standing
      test, iRBD patients had higher blood pressure changes than healthy controls.
      Highest drops were found in PD. Valsalva ratio was lower in iRBD and PD compared
      to healthy controls. Total COMPASS score was higher in iRBD compared to healthy
      controls. Highest scores were found in PD. These results support the presence of
      autonomic dysfunction in iRBD. On several measures, dysfunction was intermediate
      between healthy controls and PD consistent with the concept that iRBD can be
      manifestation of synuclein-associated neurodegenerative disorders. Follow-up
      studies are needed to determine whether iRBD patients with dysfunction on several
      autonomic domains are at particular risk for developing one of these diseases.

PMID- 22064977
TI  - Vivid visual mental imagery in the absence of the primary visual cortex.
AB  - The role of the primary visual cortex in visual mental imagery has provided
      significant debate in the imagery literature. Functional neuroimaging studies
      show considerable variation depending on task and technique. Patient studies can
      be difficult to interpret due to the diverse nature of cortical damage. The type
      of cortical damage in patient SBR is exceedingly rare as it is restricted to the
      gray matter of the calcarine sulcus. In this study, we show that in spite of his
      near-complete cortical blindness, SBR exhibits vivid visual mental imagery both
      behaviorally and when measured with functional magnetic resonance imaging. The
      pattern of cortical activation to visual mental imagery in SBR is
      indistinguishable from individual sighted subjects, in contrast to the visual
      perceptual responses, which are greatly attenuated.

PMID- 22064978
TI  - 2-(5-{6-[5-(Pyrazin-2-yl)-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3-yl]pyridin-2-yl}-1H-1,2,4-triazol-3
      yl)pyrazine.
AB  - In the title mol-ecule, C(17)H(11)N(11), the five rings are almost coplanar
      [maxium deviation 0.1949 (1) A]. The dihedral angles between the two pyrazine
      rings and the two triazole rings are 1.52 (4) and 2.51 (5) degrees ,
      respectively. The central pyridine ring forms dihedral angles of 5.57 (1) and
      1.71 (1) degrees  with the two triazole rings. The crystal packing consists of a
      three-dimensional network structure generated by inter-molecular N-H?N hydrogen
      bonds. The crystal structure is further consolidated by pi-pi stacking [centroid
      to-centroid distances 3.599 (10) and 4.769 (13) A].

PMID- 22064981
TI  - Subpubic cyst. Subpubic degenerative cyst arising from the fibrocartilage of the
      pubic symphysis.

PMID- 22064982
TI  - Reliability of radiographic parameters in adults with hip dysplasia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the reliability of radiographic measurements in adults
      previously treated for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) and to clarify
      whether these parameters differ according to position of the patient (supine
      versus standing). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-one patients (41 females and 10
      males) with 63 affected hips were included in the study. The mean follow-up
      period was 45 (44-49) years in the patients who had not undergone total hip
      replacement (THR). Anteroposterior radiographs of the pelvis were taken with the
      patient in the supine and in the standing position. Measurements used for
      residual hip dysplasia were center-edge (CE) angle and migration percentage (MP).
      The joint space width (JSW) was measured at three or four locations of the upper,
      weight-bearing part of the joint, and the shortest distance was termed the
      minimum joint space width (minJSW). One radiologist and one orthopaedic surgeon,
      each with more than 30 years of experience, independently measured the
      radiographic parameters. RESULTS: The limits of agreement (LOA) of the CE angle
      (mean interobserver difference +/- 2SD) were within the range -8 to 7 degrees .
      The LOA of the MP were in the range -8 to 8% and of the minJSW -0.6 to 1.1 mm.
      The mean differences in CE angle between supine and standing radiographs (supine 
      standing) ranged from -1.1 to 0.0 degrees  and the mean differences in MP
      between supine and standing positions were below 1%. The mean positional
      differences in minJSW were below 0.1 mm and were not statistically significant.
      CONCLUSION: The interobserver variations with regard to CE angle, MP, and minJSW
      were moderate, indicating that these are reliable measurements in clinical
      practice. Femoral head coverage and JSW did not significantly differ between
      supine and weight-bearing positions.

PMID- 22064983
TI  - Cone-beam computed tomography arthrography: an innovative modality for the
      evaluation of wrist ligament and cartilage injuries.
AB  - PURPOSE: Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) has become an important modality in
      dento-facial imaging but remains poorly used in the exploration of the
      musculoskeletal system. The purpose of this study was to prospectively evaluate
      the performance and radiation exposure of CBCT arthrography in the evaluation of
      ligament and cartilage injuries in cadaveric wrists, with gross pathology
      findings as the standard of reference. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Conventional
      arthrography was performed under fluoroscopic guidance on 10 cadaveric wrists,
      followed by MDCT acquisition and CBCT acquisition. CBCT arthrography and MDCT
      arthrography images were independently analyzed by two musculoskeletal
      radiologists working independently and then in consensus. The following items
      were observed: scapholunate and lunotriquetral ligaments, triangular
      fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) (tear, integrity), and proximal carpal row
      cartilage (chondral tears). Wrists were dissected and served as the standard of
      reference for comparisons. Interobserver agreement, sensitivity, specificity, and
      accuracy were determined. Radiation dose (CTDI) of both modalities was recorded.
      RESULTS: CBCT arthrography provides equivalent results to MDCT arthrography in
      the evaluation of ligaments and cartilage with sensitivity and specificity
      between 82 and 100%, and interobserver agreement between 0.83 and 0.97. However,
      radiation dose was significantly lower (p < 0.05) for CBCT arthrography than for
      MDCT arthrography with a mean CTDI of 2.1 mGy (range 1.7-2.2) versus a mean of
      15.1 mGy (range 14.7-16.1). CONCLUSION: CBCT arthrography appears to be an
      innovative alternative to MDCT arthrography of the wrist as it allows an accurate
      and low radiation dose evaluation of ligaments and cartilage.

PMID- 22064984
TI  - Society of Skeletal Radiology 2011 Annual Meeting.
AB  - Peer-reviewed abstracts presented at the 2011 Society of Skeletal Radiology (SSR)
      Annual Meeting were reviewed again following oral presentation. Topics
      representing new concepts, new or novel imaging techniques, and instructive case
      series involving the musculoskeletal system, felt to be of potential interest to
      investigators and practicing clinicians, have been highlighted in this
      compilation and analysis. ePoster highlights have also been submitted.

PMID- 22064985
TI  - Ultrasonographic analysis of subcutaneous angiolipoma.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To describe and analyze the ultrasonographic appearance of
      subcutaneous angiolipoma in pathology-proven cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We
      retrospectively searched the January 2004 to May 2011 surgical pathology database
      for cases of pathology-proven angiolipoma. The ultrasonographic findings were
      analyzed for angiolipoma size, shape, margin, echo texture, echogenicity,
      acoustic enhancement, calcifications, and color Doppler flow. RESULTS: Of 31
      angiolipomas, 19 lesions occurred in an upper extremity, one in a lower
      extremity, nine in the chest and abdominal wall, and two in the back. The mean
      tumor size was 17.7 mm. Twenty-five cases (80%) appeared as oval mass and all
      tumors had well-defined margins. All cases showed hyperechoic; 14 (45%),
      homogeneous; 17 (55%), heterogeneous. Seven cases (23%) showed blood flow in the
      mass. Acoustic enhancement and calcification was not shown in any cases. A
      correct preoperative diagnosis was made in three cases (10%) by ultrasonography.
      CONCLUSIONS: Most subcutaneous angiolipomas are oval-shaped, have well-defined
      margins, and hyperechoic appearance on ultrasonography. Although color Doppler
      flow of subcutaneous angiolipoma is not seen in many cases, it may helpful in
      differentiating angiolipoma from ordinary subcutaneous lipoma.

PMID- 22064986
TI  - Comparison of autophotomontage software programs in eyes with CMV retinitis.
AB  - PURPOSE: Automated mosaic software programs are used to stitch together
      overlapping retinal fundus photographs. The performance of these programs in eyes
      with retinal diseases has not been independently evaluated. This study compares
      the quality of the mosaic products of three autophotomontage software programs,
      using digital fundus photographs of eyes with cytomegalovirus (CMV) retinitis.
      METHODS: Photographs of 99 eyes with CMV retinitis of 94 patients with HIV were
      taken at Maharaj Nakorn Chiang Mai Hospital in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Automated
      mosaic images were created for each of the 99 eyes by three different
      commercially available programs: IMAGEnet (Topcon, Oakland, NJ), i2k Retina
      (DualAlign LLC, Clifton Park, NY), and AutoMontage (OIS, Sacramento, CA). Three
      masked graders ranked each set of mosaics for each eye. The graders also assessed
      the overall image quality and documented mosaic artifacts in each image. RESULTS:
      i2k Retina was ranked as the best program (70%-88%) more often than AutoMontage
      (10%-33%, P < 0.001) or IMAGEnet (0%-4%, P < 0.001) for creating automontages
      from digital fundus photographs of eyes with CMV retinitis. Acceptable quality
      mosaic images were reported most commonly for i2k Retina (93%-94%) and
      AutoMontage (91%-95%), followed by IMAGEnet (27%-56%, P < 0.001). IMAGEnet had a
      significantly higher percentage of mosaic errors than did either i2k Retina or
      AutoMontage (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: In eyes with CMV retinitis, both the i2k
      Retina and AutoMontage software packages appear to create higher quality mosaics
      than does IMAGEnet. Automated retinal mosaic imaging may be valuable in
      diagnosing CMV retinitis and observing disease progression.

PMID- 22064987
TI  - Cultured autologous oral mucosal epithelial cell sheet (CAOMECS) transplantation
      for the treatment of corneal limbal epithelial stem cell deficiency.
AB  - PURPOSE: Total bilateral corneal limbal epithelial stem cell deficiency (LSCD)
      cannot be treated with the surgical transplantation of autologous limbus or
      cultured autologous limbal epithelium. Transplantation of allogenic limbal
      epithelium is possible but requires immunosuppressive treatments. Cultured
      autologous oral mucosal epithelial cell sheet (CAOMECS) is a transparent,
      resistant, viable, and rapidly bioadhesive cell sheet, cultured with the UpCell
      Insert technology (CellSeed, Inc., Tokyo, Japan), which allows for grafting onto
      the patient's corneal stroma without suturing. It has therefore been proposed as
      an alternative treatment for LSCD. METHODS: The objectives were to assess the
      safety and efficacy of CAOMECS, using a prospective Gehan's design. Safety was
      measured in terms of ocular adverse events during the study period, and efficacy
      was measured using a composite criterion based on epithelial defect, punctate
      epithelial keratopathy, conjunctival epithelium on the cornea, number of vascular
      pediculi, and vessel activity. RESULTS: CAOMECS was found to be safe and
      effective. In total, 26 eyes of 25 patients received a graft. Two patients
      experienced serious adverse events classified as not product related. Twenty-five
      patients were included in the efficacy analysis, as one patient was lost to
      follow-up. The treatment was found to be effective in 16 of 25 patients at 360
      days after grafting. Of the 23 patients who completed follow-up at 360 days, 22
      had no ulcers, and 19 showed a decrease in the severity of the punctate
      epithelial keratopathy. CONCLUSIONS: CAOMECS is a well-tolerated and safe tissue
      engineered product. These results suggest its efficacy for reconstructing the
      ocular surface in patients with total bilateral corneal LSCD.

PMID- 22064988
TI  - Molecular characterization of explant cultured human oral mucosal epithelial
      cells.
AB  - PURPOSE: To culture and characterize oral mucosal epithelial cells (OMEC) grown
      on de-epithelialized human amniotic membrane (HAM) to explore their suitability
      as autografts in patients with bilateral ocular surface disease (OSD) and limbal
      stem cell deficiency. METHODS: Oral biopsy samples were obtained from 20 patients
      undergoing oral reconstructive surgery, with informed consent and Institutional
      Ethics Committee approval. Morphologic studies, transmission electron microscopy
      (TEM), reverse transcriptase (RT) PCR and immunocytochemistry were used to
      characterize the OMEC. RESULTS: Morphologic studies and TEM revealed a confluent
      sheet of proliferating, stratified oral epithelial cells connected to each other
      by desmosomes, containing intracellular cytokeratins and abundant mucin granules.
      These characteristics were further corroborated and elucidated by RT-PCR and
      immunocytochemistry. The presence of markers of differentiated, stratified
      epithelial cells (cytokeratin K3, K4, K13, and connexin 43), progenitor stem cell
      cell markers (p63, p75, beta1-integrin/CD29, and ABCG2), and a variety of
      predominantly membrane-bound and a few gel-forming mucins (MUC 1, 5B, 6, 13, 15,
      and 16) was established. CONCLUSIONS: Cultured OMEC have the potential to act as
      autografts for ocular surface reconstruction in patients with bilateral ocular
      surface disease and can prove to be particularly beneficial to ameliorate the
      mucin deficiency state in dry eye associated with OSD.

PMID- 22064989
TI  - Cross-linking with ultraviolet-a and riboflavin reduces corneal permeability.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of cross-linking treatment on corneal
      permeability in a live animal model. METHODS: Rabbit eyes were selected at random
      to be left unoperated or to undergo epithelial debridement with or without
      treatment consisting of cross-linking (CXL) with riboflavin and ultraviolet-A.
      Nine eyes received a total dose of 3.6 J/cm2 and after epithelial healing the
      corneas were placed in a two-chamber system for quantification of the diffusion
      of fluorescein compared with controls. Thirty eyes received a total dose of 5.4
      J/cm2 and, after epithelial healing, in vivo corneal permeability was quantified
      as the pupillary response over a 30-minute period to a dose of topical
      pilocarpine compared with controls. RESULTS: In the ex vivo assay, the mean
      permeability coefficient in the CXL group (2.42 * 10-7) was reduced when compared
      with the unoperated controls (3.73 * 10-7; P = 0.007) and to the eyes that
      received epithelial debridement alone (3.74 * 10-7; P = 0.01). In the in vivo
      permeability assay, the change in pupillary diameter at 30 minutes after
      pilocarpine administration was smaller in the CXL group (-1.9 mm), compared with
      the epithelial debridement group (-2.6 mm; P < 0.001) and with the unoperated
      controls (-2.7 mm; P = 0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Corneal cross-linking with
      ultraviolet-A and riboflavin results in a statistically significant reduction in
      corneal permeability. These findings suggest that dosing of topical medications
      may need to be increased in eyes with a history of CXL to achieve expected
      therapeutic effects, and they may have implications for the long-term health of
      the cornea.

PMID- 22064990
TI  - Substratum compliance regulates human trabecular meshwork cell behaviors and
      response to latrunculin B.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the impact of substratum compliance and latrunculin-B (Lat
      B), both alone and together, on fundamental human trabecular meshwork (HTM) cell
      behavior. Lat-B is a reversible actin cytoskeleton disruptor that decreases
      resistance to aqueous humor outflow and decreases intraocular pressure. METHODS:
      HTM cells were cultured on polyacrylamide hydrogels possessing values for
      compliance that mimic those reported for normal and glaucomatous HTM, or tissue
      culture plastic (TCP). Cells were treated with 0.2 MUM or 2.0 MUM Lat-B in
      dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) or DMSO alone. The impact of substratum compliance
      and/or Lat-B treatment on cell attachment, proliferation, surface area, aspect
      ratio, and migration were investigated. RESULTS: HTM cells had profoundly
      decreased attachment and proliferation rates when cultured on hydrogels
      possessing compliance values that mimic those found for healthy HTM. The effect
      of Lat-B treatment on HTM cell surface area was less for cells cultured on more
      compliant hydrogels compared with TCP. HTM cell migration was increased on
      stiffer hydrogels that mimic the compliance of glaucomatous HTM and on TCP in
      comparison with more compliant hydrogels. Lat-B treatment decreased cellular
      migration on all surfaces for at least 7 hours after treatment. CONCLUSIONS:
      Substratum compliance profoundly influenced HTM cell behaviors and modulated the
      response of HTM cells to Lat-B. The inclusion of substratum compliance that
      reflects healthy or glaucomatous HTM results in cell behaviors and responses to
      therapeutic agents in vitro that may more accurately reflect in vivo conditions.

PMID- 22064991
TI  - The effects of nicotine on the human electroretinogram.
AB  - PURPOSE: To examine the effects of nicotine on responses from the human retina
      measured electrophysiologically. METHODS: Electroretinogram (ERG) responses were
      obtained from ten healthy, visually normal adults who were nonsmokers. Nicotine
      (2 and 4 mg) and a placebo were administered in the form of gum 30 minutes before
      testing in two separate experiments. ERG responses were collected and analyzed
      using a full-field ERG system. Responses were recorded from one eye of each
      subject using a bipolar contact-lens electrode. Intensity-response curves were
      obtained under both dark- and light-adapted conditions. In experiment 1, both
      dark- and light-adapted tests were completed sequentially. In experiment 2, only
      light-adapted testing was performed. Intensity-response functions were analyzed
      using the Naka-Rushton equation. RESULTS: In experiment 1, compared with placebo,
      dark-adapted b-wave amplitude responses decreased significantly after chewing gum
      containing both 2 and 4 mg of nicotine. Under light-adapted conditions, the peak
      b-wave amplitude was significantly decreased after chewing gum containing 4 mg of
      nicotine. In experiment 2, light-adapted b-wave amplitudes were increased after 4
      mg nicotine. Oscillatory potentials were measured but no significant effects
      under nicotine were observed. CONCLUSIONS: To the knowledge of the authors, this
      is the first demonstration that nicotine by itself affects responses in the human
      retina. These data support reports of the expression of nicotinic acetylcholine
      receptors in rabbit and nonhuman primate retina.

PMID- 22064992
TI  - Keratin 13 immunostaining in corneal impression cytology for the diagnosis of
      limbal stem cell deficiency.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to develop a validated, reliable, and
      minimally invasive technique for diagnosing limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD) by
      immunocytochemical detection of conjunctival and corneal keratins on epithelial
      cells collected by impression cytology (IC). METHODS: After validation of
      labeling techniques on a cohort of 10 healthy control patients, keratins K12,
      K13, and K19 were labeled on corneal IC of 10 eyes suspected of LSCD. Positive
      scores for the conjunctival markers K13/K19, coupled with the rarity of the
      corneal marker K12, were diagnostic proof of LSCD. RESULTS: IC is a reliable and
      noninvasive technique for collecting epithelial cells. The labeling validation
      phase has permitted K3 labeling to be eliminated due to lack of corneal
      specificity. Among patients with LSCD, nine samples were diagnosed with LSCD
      (K13+/K19+), which was severe (K12-) in eight cases and mild (K12+) in one case.
      One sample could not be analyzed due to lack of cells. CONCLUSIONS: K13 has shown
      to be a new marker of conjunctival differentiation. The immunocytochemical search
      for the K13/K19 couple by corneal IC provides a simple and reliable method for
      diagnosing LSCD, whereas the level of K12 could provide a score of disease
      severity. On the other hand, the authors question the corneal specificity of K3
      as conventionally established.

PMID- 22064993
TI  - Involvement of EphB/Ephrin-B signaling in axonal survival in mouse experimental
      glaucoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: To examine the functional significance of EphB/ephrin-B upregulation in
      mouse experimental glaucoma. METHODS: In a loss-of-function approach, mouse
      mutants lacking EphB2 (EphB2(-/-)) or EphB3 (EphB3(-/-)) protein, and mutants
      expressing EphB2 truncated in the C-terminus (EphB2(lacZ/lacZ)) were subjected to
      laser-induced ocular hypertension (LIOH), an experimental mouse model of
      glaucoma. The number of optic nerve axons was counted in paraphenylenediamine
      (PPD)-stained sections and compared between EphB mutants and wild type
      littermates. In a gain-of-function approach, retina/optic nerve explants obtained
      from LIOH-treated animals were exposed to EphB2-Fc recombinant proteins or Fc
      control proteins. Tissue sections through the optic nerve head (ONH) were labeled
      with neuron-specific anti-tubulin beta-III antibody to determine axonal
      integrity. RESULTS: Both EphB2 and EphB3 null mutant mice exhibited more severe
      axonal degeneration than wild type littermates after treatment with LIOH. Mutant
      mice in which the C-terminal portion of EphB2 is truncated had an intermediate
      phenotype. Application of EphB2-Fc recombinant protein to LIOH-treated optic
      nerve explants resulted in greater sparing of tubulin beta-III-containing retinal
      ganglion cell (RGC) axons. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide genetic evidence in
      mice that both EphB/ephrin-B forward and reverse signaling feed into an
      endogenous pathway to moderate the effects of glaucomatous insult on RGC axons.
      LIOH-induced axon loss is maintained in retina/optic nerve explants after removal
      from an ocular hypertensive environment. Exogenous application of EphB2 protein
      enhances RGC axon survival in explants, suggesting that modulation of Eph/ephrin
      signaling may be of therapeutic interest.

PMID- 22064994
TI  - p53-regulated increase in oxidative-stress--induced apoptosis in Fuchs
      endothelial corneal dystrophy: a native tissue model.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study compared susceptibility of Fuchs endothelial corneal
      dystrophy (FECD) and normal corneal endothelial cells (CECs) to oxidative stress,
      and studied the mechanism of oxidative-stress-induced apoptosis in FECD-affected
      endothelium. METHODS: For in vitro studies, immortalized normal and FECD human
      corneal endothelial cell lines (HCECi and FECDi, respectively) were exposed to
      tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tBHP). Apoptotic cell populations were distinguished
      using flow cytometry. Reactive oxygen species production was measured by a
      horseradish peroxidase assay. For ex vivo studies, CECs were exposed to tBHP.
      Oxidative DNA damage and apoptosis were assessed by anti-8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine
      antibody and TUNEL assay, respectively. p53 and phospho-p53 levels were assessed
      by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: Flow cytometry revealed a
      higher rate of apoptosis in FECDi than that in HCECi after exposure to 0.5 mM
      (P=0.010) and 1.0 mM tBHP (P=0.041). Further analysis showed increased production
      of H2O2 by FECDi than that by HCECi. Oxidative DNA damage increased in both
      normal and FECD CECs after exposure to 0.5 mM tBHP (P=0.031 and 0.022,
      respectively), leading to a 21% increase in TUNEL-positive CECs in FECD (P=0.015)
      but no change in normal. Baseline p53 expression was twofold higher in FECD than
      that in normal endothelium (P=0.002). Immunofluorescence revealed an increase in
      p53 and phospho-p53 levels in FECD compared with that in normal endothelium.
      CONCLUSIONS: FECD CECs are more susceptible to oxidative DNA damage and oxidative
      stress-induced apoptosis than normal. Increased activation of p53 in FECD
      suggests that it mediates cell death in susceptible CECs. The authors conclude
      that p53 plays a critical role in complex mechanisms regulating oxidative-stress
      induced apoptosis in FECD.

PMID- 22064995
TI  - Ocular biocompatibility of nitinol intraocular clips.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the tolerance and biocompatibility of a preformed nitinol
      intraocular clip in an animal model after anterior segment surgery. METHODS:
      Yucatan mini-pigs were used. A 30-gauge prototype injector was used to attach a
      shape memory nitinol clip to the iris of five pigs. Another five eyes received
      conventional polypropylene suture with a modified Seipser slip knot. The authors
      compared the surgical time of each technique. All eyes underwent standard full
      field electroretinogram at baseline and 8 weeks after surgery. The animals were
      euthanized and eyes collected for histologic analysis after 70 days (10 weeks)
      postsurgery. The corneal thickness, corneal endothelial cell counts, specular
      microscopy parameters, retina cell counts, and electroretinogram parameters were
      compared between the groups. A two sample t-test for means and a P value of 0.05
      were use for assessing statistical differences between measurements. RESULTS: The
      injection of the nitinol clip was 15 times faster than conventional suturing.
      There were no statistical differences between the groups for corneal thickness,
      endothelial cell counts, specular microscopy parameters, retina cell counts, and
      electroretinogram measurements. CONCLUSIONS: The nitinol clip prototype is well
      tolerated and showed no evidence of toxicity in the short-term. The injectable
      delivery system was faster and technically less challenging than conventional
      suture techniques.

PMID- 22064996
TI  - Relationship of ocular biometry and retinal vascular caliber in preschoolers.
AB  - PURPOSE: To systematically examine the association between ocular biometry and
      retinal vascular caliber in Singapore Chinese preschoolers aged 48 to 72 months.
      METHODS: A total of 469 Singapore Chinese children aged 48 to 72 months were
      recruited through the Strabismus, Amblyopia and Refractive Error Study in
      Singaporean Chinese Preschoolers (STARS) from 2006 to 2008. According to
      standardized protocols, cycloplegic autorefraction, ocular biometry measurements,
      and retinal photography were performed. Retinal vascular caliber was measured
      quantitatively and was summarized as the central retinal arteriolar equivalent
      (CRAE) and central retinal venular equivalent (CRVE), respectively. Ocular
      magnification was corrected by using the Bengtsson formula. RESULTS: The mean
      retinal arteriolar and venular calibers were 156.08 MUm and 219.55 MUm in boys,
      and 161.96 MUm and 224.25 MUm in girls, respectively. In multiple linear
      regression adjusted for age, sex, father's education, parental myopia history,
      mean arterial blood pressure, body mass index, and spherical equivalent, each 1.0
      mm increase in axial length was associated with a 3.52 MUm decrease in retinal
      arteriolar caliber (P = 0.023) and a 5.55 MUm decrease in retinal venular caliber
      (P = 0.008). Each 1.00 mm increase in corneal curvature was associated with a
      13.79 MUm decrease (P = 0.004) in retinal venular caliber. CONCLUSIONS: In very
      young children aged 48 to 72 months, narrower retinal arteriolar and venular
      caliber was associated with elongated axial length. Narrower retinal venular
      caliber was associated with larger corneal curvature. This suggests that the
      major structural correlate of myopia might have an effect on retinal
      microvasculature from early childhood.

PMID- 22064997
TI  - 5,13-Disulfamoyl-1,9-diazatetracyclo[7.7.1.0.0]heptadeca-2(7),3,5,10,12,14-hexaen
      1-ium chloride.
AB  - In the title salt, C(15)H(17)N(4)O(4)S(2) (+).Cl(-), the chloride anion is
      disordered over two positions with occupancies of 0.776 (6) and 0.224 (6). The
      cation adopts an L shape and the dihedral angle between the benzene rings is 82.5
      (3) degrees . In the crystal, inversion dimers of cations linked by pairs of N
      H?N hydrogen bonds occur, with the bond arising from the protonated N atom. The
      cationic dimers are linked into chains via the disordered chloride ions by way of
      N-H?Cl hydrogen bonds and N-H?O, C-H?O and C-H?Cl inter-actions also occur, which
      help to consolidate the three-dimensional network.

PMID- 22064998
TI  - 4-(4-Chloro-phen-yl)-8-methyl-2-oxo-1,2,5,6,7,8-hexa-hydro-quinoline-3
      carbonitrile.
AB  - The six-membered N-heterocyclic ring of the title compound, C(17)H(15)ClN(2)O, is
      fused with a methyl-substituted cyclo-hexene ring. The approximately planar nitro
      gen-bearing ring (r.m.s. deviation 0.019 A) is aromatic, and the N atom shows a
      trigonal-planar coordination; its benzene substituent is aligned at 77.1 (1) 
      degrees . The cyclo-hexene ring adopts a half-chair conformation. In the crystal,
      inversion-related mol-ecules are linked by pairs of N-H?O hydrogen bonds,
      generating dimers.

PMID- 22064999
TI  - Pharmacogenetics for oncology practice.

PMID- 22065000
TI  - Germline genetic testing to predict drug response and toxicity in oncology-
      reality or fiction?
AB  - In addition to 6-mercaptopurine, 5-fluorouracil and irinotecan, the United States
      Food and Drug Administration (US FDA) has recently recommended label change for
      tamoxifen, to include pharmacogenetic information on treatment outcome. With the
      increasing availability of pharmacogenetic testing, on germline as well as
      somatic mutations, oncologists are now able to identify individuals at risk of
      severe treatment toxicity or poor treatment response. However, there are still
      knowledge gaps to fill before rationalised therapy based on pharmacogenetics can
      be fully integrated into clinical practice. This review provides an overview on
      the application of pharmacogenetic testing for germ line mutations in oncology to
      predict response and toxicity.

PMID- 22065001
TI  - Inter-ethnic differences--how important is it in cancer treatment?
AB  - It is now well recognised that there are inter-ethnic differences accounting for
      variations in both pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) of drugs,
      resulting in differences in drug responses. Treating physicians should be aware
      of pharmacogenetic differences that may exist between the races while
      extrapolating data generated from other populations to their own patients in
      order to ensure optimal treatment response and minimise toxicity. This is
      especially crucial in the practice of oncology where many anti-cancer drugs have
      narrow therapeutic indices. This paper discusses some commonly used drugs in
      cancer treatment where inter-ethnic differences in drug safety and efficacy are
      known to exist that are relevant to the Asian physician.

PMID- 22065002
TI  - Tumour genetics and genomics to personalise cancer treatment.
AB  - Personalising cancer treatment to optimise therapeutic efficacy while minimising
      exposure to the toxicities of ineffective drugs is the holy grail of medical
      oncology. Clinical parameters and conventional histopathological
      characterisations of cancers are no longer adequate to guide the practising
      oncologists in treatment planning. The explosion of knowledge in cancer molecular
      biology has led to the availability of tumour-specific molecules that serve as
      predictive and prognostic markers. In breast cancer, HER-2 positivity is a good
      predictor for success of anti-HER-2 trastuzumab monoclonal antibody therapy. K
      ras mutational status predicts the likelihood of response to anti-EGFR monoclonal
      antibodies in advanced colorectal cancers. Similarly, EGFR mutational status in
      pulmonary adenocarcinoma is highly predictive for responses or otherwise to
      tyrosine kinase inhibitors. Notwithstanding our deeper understanding of tumour
      biology and the availability of predictive and prognostic laboratory tools, we
      are still far from achieving our dream of the perfect personalised cancer
      treatment, as each tumour in a particular patient is unique to itself. A much
      coveted, real-time, anti-tumour drug sensitivity testing in the future may one
      day pave the way for truly treating the right tumour with the right drug in the
      right patient.

PMID- 22065003
TI  - Challenges and pitfalls in the introduction of pharmacogenetics for cancer.
AB  - There have been several success stories in the field of pharmacogenetics in
      recent years, including the analysis of HER2 amplification for trastuzumab
      selection in breast cancer and VKORC1 genotyping for warfarin dosing in
      thrombosis. Encouraging results from these studies suggest that genetic factors
      may indeed be important determinants of drug response and toxicity for at least
      some drugs. However, to apply pharmacogenetics appropriately, a thorough
      understanding of the scope and limitations of this field is required. The
      challenges include an appreciation of biological variability, logistical issues
      pertaining to the proper management of information, the need for robust methods
      and adequate sample quality with well-designed workflows. At the same time, the
      economics of pharmacogenetic testing from the perspective of clinicians,
      patients, governments, insurance companies and pharmaceutical companies will play
      an important role in determining its future use. Ethical considerations such as
      informed consent and patient privacy, as well as the role of regulatory bodies in
      addressing these issues, must be fully understood. Only once these issues are
      properly dealt with can the full benefits of pharmacogenetics begin to be
      realised.

PMID- 22065004
TI  - Perforated colorectal cancer: an important differential diagnosis in all presumed
      diverticular abscesses.

PMID- 22065005
TI  - Eosinophilic gastroenteritis presenting with duodenal obstruction and ascites.

PMID- 22065006
TI  - No coma, but expressive dysphasia with cerebellar signs: an unique presentation
      of cerebral malaria.

PMID- 22065007
TI  - A good prognosis of central pontine myelinolysis in a type II diabetic patient.

PMID- 22065008
TI  - Two cases of glossopharyngeal neuralgia successfully treated with pulsed
      radiofrequency treatment.

PMID- 22065009
TI  - A verrucous 'tumour' on the scalp.

PMID- 22065010
TI  - 9-Hy-droxy-4,8-dimethyl-12-(pyrrolidin-1-ylmeth-yl)-3,14-dioxatricyclo
      [9.3.0.0]tetra-dec-7-en-13-one.
AB  - The title compound, C(19)H(29)O(4), was synthesized from 9alpha-hy-droxy
      parthenolide (9alpha-hy-droxy-4,8-dimethyl-12-methylen-3,14-dioxatricyclo
      [9.3.0.0(2,4)]tetra-dec-7-en-13-one), which was isolated from the chloro-form
      extract of the aerial parts of Anvillea radiata. The mol-ecule is built up from
      two fused five- and ten-membered rings with the pyrrolidin-1-ylmethyl group as a
      substituent. The five-membered lactone ring has an envelope conformation, whereas
      the ten-membered and pyrrolidine rings display approximate chair-chair and
      twisted conformations, respectively. The dihedral angle between the ten-membered
      ring and the lactone ring is 18.01 (19) degrees . An intra-molecular O-H?N
      hydrogen bond occurs. The crystal structure is stabilized by weak inter-molecular
      C-H?O hydrogen-bonding inter-actions.

PMID- 22065011
TI  - P2Y purinoceptors induce changes in intracellular calcium in acinar cells of rat
      lacrimal glands.
AB  - Adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) is an extracellular signal that regulates various
      cellular functions. Cellular secretory activities are enhanced by ATP as well as
      by cholinergic and adrenergic stimuli. The present study aimed to determine which
      purinoceptors play a role in ATP-induced changes in the intracellular
      concentration of calcium ions ([Ca2+](i)) and in the fine structure of acinar
      cells of rat lacrimal glands. ATP induced exocytotic structures, vacuolation and
      an increase in [Ca2+](i) in acinar cells. The removal of extracellular Ca2+ or
      the use of Ca2+ channel blockers partially inhibited the ATP-induced [Ca2+](i)
      increase. U73122 (an antagonist of PLC) and heparin (an antagonist of IP3
      receptors) did not completely inhibit the ATP-induced [Ca2+](i) increase. P1
      purinoceptor agonists did not induce any changes in [Ca2+](i), whereas suramin
      (an antagonist of P2 receptors) completely inhibited ATP-induced changes in
      [Ca2+](i). A P2Y receptor agonist, 2-MeSATP, induced a strong increase in
      [Ca2+](i), although UTP (a P2Y2,4,6 receptor agonist) had no effect, and reactive
      blue 2 (a P2Y receptor antagonist) resulted in partial inhibition. The potency
      order of ATP analogs (2-MeSATP > ATP >>> UTP) suggested that P2Y1 played a
      significant role in the cellular response to ATP. BzATP (a P2X7 receptor agonist)
      induced a small increase in [Ca2+](i), but alpha,beta-meATP (a P2X1,3 receptor
      agonist) had no effect. RT-PCR indicated that P2X2,3,4,5,6,7 and P2Y1,2,4,12,14
      are expressed in acinar cells. In conclusion, the response of acinar cells to ATP
      is mediated by P2Y (especially P2Y1) as well as by P2X purinoceptors.

PMID- 22065012
TI  - Estimation of regional bone metabolism from whole-body 18F-fluoride PET static
      images.
AB  - PURPOSE: We evaluate a new quantitative method of acquiring and analysing (18)F
      positron emission tomography (PET) studies that enables regional bone plasma
      clearance (K ( i )) to be estimated from static scans acquired at multiple sites
      in the skeleton following a single injection of tracer. METHODS: Dynamic lumbar
      spine (18)F PET data from two clinical trials were used to simulate a series of
      static scans acquired 30-60 min after injection. Venous blood samples were taken
      at 30, 40, 50 and 60 min and K ( i ) evaluated by Patlak analysis and the static
      scan method. The data were used to evaluate the precision errors of the Patlak
      and static scan methods expressed as the percentage coefficient of variation
      (%CV) and compare their response to 6 months of treatment with the bone anabolic
      agent teriparatide. RESULTS: Static scan K ( i ) measurements 30-60 min after
      injection were highly correlated with the Patlak results (r > 0.99). The %CV for
      the static scan method was 17.5% 30 min after injection, decreasing to 14.5% at
      60 min, compared with 13.0% for Patlak analysis. Response to teriparatide
      treatment was +25.2% for the static scan method compared with +24.3% for Patlak
      analysis. The mean ratio (SD) of the static scan and Patlak K ( i ) results was
      1.006 (0.015) at 30 min after injection decreasing to 0.965 (0.015) at 60 min.
      CONCLUSION: (18)F-Fluoride bone plasma clearance can be estimated from a static
      scan and venous blood samples acquired 30-60 min after injection. The method
      enables K ( i ) to be estimated at multiple skeletal sites with a single
      injection of tracer.

PMID- 22065013
TI  - Prospective comparison of combined 18F-FDG and 18F-NaF PET/CT vs. 18F-FDG PET/CT
      imaging for detection of malignancy.
AB  - PURPOSE: Typically, (18)F-FDG PET/CT and (18)F-NaF PET/CT scans are done as two
      separate studies on different days to allow sufficient time for the
      radiopharmaceutical from the first study to decay. This is inconvenient for the
      patients and exposes them to two doses of radiation from the CT component of the
      examinations. In the current study, we compared the clinical usefulness of a
      combined (18)F-FDG/(18)F-NaF PET/CT scan with that of a separate (18)F-FDG-only
      PET/CT scan. METHODS: There were 62 patients enrolled in this prospective trial.
      All had both an (18)F-FDG-alone PET/CT scan and a combined (18)F-FDG/(18)F-NaF
      PET/CT scan. Of the 62 patients, 53 (85%) received simultaneous tracer
      injections, while 9 (15%) received (18)F-NaF subsequent to the initial (18)F-FDG
      dose (average delay 2.2 h). Images were independently reviewed for PET findings
      by two Board-Certified nuclear medicine physicians, with discrepancies resolved
      by a third reader. Interpreters were instructed to only report findings that were
      concerning for malignancy. Reading the (18)F-FDG-only scan first for half of the
      patients controlled for order bias. RESULTS: In 15 of the 62 patients (24%)
      neither the (18)F-FDG-only PET/CT scan nor the combined (18)F-FDG/(18)F-NaF
      PET/CT scan identified malignancy. In the remaining 47 patients who had PET
      findings of malignancy, a greater number of lesions were detected in 16 of 47
      patients (34%) using the combined (18)F-FDG/(18)F-NaF PET/CT scan compared to the
      (18)F-FDG-only PET/CT scan. In 2 of these 47 patients (4%), the (18)F-FDG-only
      scan demonstrated soft tissue lesions that were not prospectively identified on
      the combined study. In 29 of these 47 patients (62%), the combined scan detected
      an equal number of lesions compared to the (18)F-FDG-only scan. Overall, 60 of
      all the 62 patients (97%) showed an equal or greater number of lesions on the
      combined scan than on the (18)F-FDG-only scan. CONCLUSION: The current study
      demonstrated that (18)F-FDG and (18)F-NaF can be combined in a single PET/CT scan
      by administering the two radiopharmaceuticals simultaneously or in sequence on
      the same day. In addition to patient convenience and reduced radiation exposure
      from the CT component, the combined (18)F-FDG/(18)F-NaF PET/CT scan appeared to
      increase the sensitivity for detection of osseous lesions compared to the (18)F
      FDG-only PET/CT scan in the studied population.

PMID- 22065014
TI  - C3 and C4 complement system components as biomarkers in the intermittent atopic
      asthma diagnosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze serum C3 and C4 complement system components with a view to
      their possible utility as biomarkers of intermittent atopic asthma. METHODS:
      Serum levels of the C3 and C4 complement components were assayed in 70 children
      aged from 3 to 14 years and with a history of "wheezy chest." After 2 years'
      outpatients follow-up and after application of inclusion and exclusion criteria,
      the children were divided into two groups: 40 children with intermittent atopic
      asthma and 30 children without asthma. None of the children in either group were
      treated with inhaled or systemic corticosteroids or long-acting bronchodilators.
      The two groups had similar ages according to Student's t test. The C3 and C4
      component test results followed a normal distribution and were therefore compared
      using Student's t test with significance set at p < 0.05. RESULTS: The results
      for the group with intermittent atopic asthma were significantly elevated for C3
      in 85.0% of the children, for C4 in 87.5% of the children, for both C3 and C4 in
      72.5% of the children, and for either C3 or C4 in 97.5% of the children, when
      compared with the results for the children without asthma from the same age
      group. CONCLUSIONS: We observed an increase in the serum levels of the C3 and/or
      C4 components of the complement system in the majority of the patients with
      intermittent atopic asthma studied here, when compared with the results for
      children in the same age group without asthma. We conclude that the presence of
      elevated C3 and/or C4 complement components could represent a biomarker for
      diagnosis of intermittent atopic asthma.

PMID- 22065015
TI  - Management of priority mental disorders in the community.
AB  - As a part of designing a suitable model for mental health care delivery in rural
      India, a study of detection and management of priority mental disorders was
      carried out in 120 villages around rural mental health centre, Sakalwara in
      Bangalore District. During three and a half year period, the team attempted to
      manage 51 schizophrenics, 30 acute psychotics, 27 M. D. P. and 268 epileptics in
      the community with minimum number of drugs. The experiences and outcome of this
      attempt is presented and discussed here.

PMID- 22065016
TI  - 6-Meth-oxy-2-methyl-1-phenyl-1H-indole-3-carbonitrile.
AB  - In the title compound, C(17)H(14)N(2)O, the dihedral angle between the indole
      ring system and the phenyl ring is 64.48 (7) degrees . The crystal packing
      features weak C-H?pi inter-actions.

PMID- 22065017
TI  - 3,3,4,4-Tetra-fluoro-1-[2-(3,3,4,4-tetra-fluoro-pyrrolidin-1-yl)phen
      yl]pyrrolidine.
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C(14)H(12)F(8)N(2), contains one tetra
      fluoro-pyrrolidine system and one half-mol-ecule of benzene; the latter, together
      with a second heterocyclic unit, are completed by symmetry, with a twofold
      crystallographic axis crossing through both the middle of the bond between the C
      atoms bearing the heterocyclic rings and the opposite C-C bonds of the whole
      benzene mol-ecule. The pyrrolidine ring shows an envelope conformation with the
      apex at the N atom. The dihedral angle between the least-squares plane of this
      ring and the benzene ring is 36.9 (5) degrees . There are intra-molecular C-H?N
      inter-actions generating S(6) ring motifs. In the crystal structure, the mol
      ecules are linked by C-H?F inter-actions, forming chains parallel to [010].

PMID- 22065018
TI  - Iowa Case Management for Rural Drug Abuse.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of a
      comprehensive, strengths-based model of case management for clients in drug abuse
      treatment.  METHOD: 503 volunteers from residential or intensive outpatient
      treatment were randomly assigned to one of three conditions of Iowa Case
      Management (ICM) plus treatment as usual (TAU), or to a fourth condition of TAU
      only. All were assessed at intake and followed at 3, 6, and 12 months.  RESULTS:
      Clients in all four conditions significantly decreased substance use by 3 months
      after intake and maintained most gains over time. However, the addition of ICM to
      TAU did not improve substance use outcomes.  CONCLUSION: Overall, the addition of
      case management did not significantly improve drug treatment as hypothesized by
      both researchers and clinicians. Some results were mixed, possibly due to the
      heterogeneous sample, wide range of case management activities, or difficulty
      retaining participants over time.

PMID- 22065019
TI  - catena-Poly[[aqua-[1,4-bis-(1H-imidazol-4-yl)benzene]cadmium]-MU(3)-5-methyl
      isophthalato].
AB  - In the title coordination polymer, [Cd(C(9)H(6)O(4))(C(12)H(10)N(4))(H(2)O)](n),
      the Cd(II) atom has a NO(6) donor set and is coord-inated by five carboxyl-ate O
      atoms from three different 5-methyl-1,3-phenyl-enediacetate (pda(2-)) anions, one
      O atom from a water mol-ecule and one N atom from a 1,4-bis-(1H-imidazol-4
      yl)benzene (L) ligand, displaying a highly distorted penta-gonal-bipyramidal
      geometry. Each pda(2-) anion acts as a MU(3)-bridge, linking Cd(II) atoms to form
      one-dimensional slabs extending parallel to [010]. In the crystal, adjacent mol
      ecules are linked through N-H?N and N-H?O hydrogen bonds into a three-dimensional
      network.

PMID- 22065020
TI  - Dichloridotetra-kis-(diniconazole)nickel(II).
AB  - In the title compound, [NiCl(2)(C(15)H(17)Cl(2)N(3)O)(4)], the Ni atom lies on an
      inversion center and has an axially extended trans-NiCl(2)N(4) octa-hedral
      geometry arising from its coordination by four diniconazole [systematic name: (E)
      (RS)-1-(2,4-dichloro-phen-yl)-4,4-dimethyl-2-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)pent-1-en-3
      ol] ligands and two chloride ions. In the crystal, O-H?Cl hydrogen bonds link the
      mol-ecules into [100] chains.

PMID- 22065021
TI  - 4-[2-(2-Meth-oxy-phen-yl)hydrazinyl-idene]-3-methyl-5-oxo-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole
      1-carbothio-amide.
AB  - In the title mol-ecule, C(12)H(13)N(5)O(2)S, a bifurcated intra-molecular N
      H?O(O) hydrogen bond forms two S(6) ring motifs. The benzene ring forms a
      dihedral angle of 14.36 (11) degrees  with the pyrazole ring. In the crystal,
      pairs of N-H?S hydrogen bonds form centrosymmetric dimers, generating R(2) (2)(8)
      ring motifs, which stack along the b axis.

PMID- 22065022
TI  - 3-(2-Bromo-phen-yl)thia-zolo[3,2-a]benzimidazole.
AB  - The title compound, C(15)H(9)BrN(2)S, was prepared by the reaction of 1-bromo-2
      (2,2-dibromo-vin-yl)benzene with 1H-benzo[d]imidazole-2(3H)-thione. The thia
      zolo[3,2-a]benz-imidazole fused-ring system is nearly planar, the maximum atomic
      deviation being 0.049 (4) A. This mean plane is oriented at a dihedral angle of
      71.55 (17) degrees  with respect ot the bromo-phenyl ring. pi-pi stacking is
      observed in the crystal structure, the centroid-centroid distance between the
      thia-zole and imidazole rings of adjacent mol-ecules being 3.582 (2) A.

PMID- 22065023
TI  - Dichlorido(eta-cyclo-octa-1,5-diene)bis-(propane-nitrile-kappaN)ruthenium(II).
AB  - In the title complex, [RuCl(2)(C(8)H(12))(C(3)H(5)N)(2)], the metal ion is
      coordinated to both double bonds of the cyclo-octa-1,5-diene ligand, two chloride
      ions (in cis positions) and two N-atom donors from two propane-nitrile mol-ecules
      that complete the coordination sphere for the neutral complex. The coordination
      around the Ru(II) atom can thus be considered as octa-hedral with slight trigonal
      distortion.

PMID- 22065024
TI  - Bis(MU-2-phenyl-quinoline-4-carboxyl-ato)bis-[aqua-(1,10-phenanthroline)(2-phenyl
      quinoline-4-carboxyl-ato)manganese(II)] dihydrate.
AB  - In the centrosymmetric dinuclear title complex,
      [Mn(2)(C(16)H(10)NO(2))(4)(C(12)H(8)N(2))(2)(H(2)O)(2)].2H(2)O, the Mn(II) cation
      is in a distorted octa-hedral coordination geometry defined by two N atoms from a
      1,10-phenanthroline ligand, one water O atom and three O atoms from three 2
      phenyl-quinoline-4-carboxyl-ate anions. A pair of 2-phenyl-quinoline-4-carboxyl
      ate anions bridge two Mn cations, forming the dinuclear mol-ecule. An intra
      moleculr O-H?O hydrogen bond occurs. Inter-molecular O-H?O and O-H?N hydrogen
      bonds are present in the crystal structure.

PMID- 22065025
TI  - N-(2-Nitro-oxyeth-yl)picolinamide.
AB  - In the title mol-ecule, C(8)H(9)N(3)O(4), the amide group is involved in the
      formation of an intra-molecular N-H?N hydrogen bond. In the crystal, mol-ecules
      related by translation along the a axis are linked into chains via weak inter
      molecular C-H?O inter-actions.

PMID- 22065026
TI  - Bis(guanidinium) cyananilate.
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound, 2CH(6)N(3) (+).C(8)N(2)O(4) (2-),
      contains one half of a centrosymmetric 2,5-di-cyano-3,6-dioxocyclo-hexa-1,4-diene
      1,4-diolate (cyananil-ate) anion and one guanidinium cation, which are connected
      by N-H?O and N-H?N hydrogen bonds into a three-dimensional network.

PMID- 22065027
TI  - Narrow band imaging and high definition television in the endoscopic evaluation
      of upper aero-digestive tract cancer.
AB  - Narrow band imaging and high definition television are recent innovations in
      upper aero-digestive tract endoscopy. Aim of this prospective, non-randomized,
      unblinded study was to establish the diagnostic advantage of these procedures in
      the evaluation of squamous cell cancer arising from various upper aero-digestive
      tract sites. Between April 2007 and January 2010, 444 patients affected by upper
      aero-digestive tract squamous cell cancer, or previously treated for it, were
      evaluated by white light and narrow band imaging +/- high definition television
      endoscopy, both in the pre-/intra-operative setting and during follow-up. Tumour
      resection was performed taking into account narrow band imaging and high
      definition television information to obtain histopathologic confirmation of their
      validity. Endoscopic and pathologic data were subsequently matched to obtain
      sensitivity, specificity, positive, negative predictive values, and accuracy.
      Overall, 110 (25%) patients showed adjunctive findings by narrow band imaging +/-
      high definition television when compared to standard white light endoscopy. Of
      these patients, 98 (89%) received histopatological confirmation. The sensitivity,
      specificity, positive, negative predictive values, and accuracy for white light
      high definition television were 41%, 92%, 87%, 82%, and 67%, for narrow band
      imaging alone 75%, 87%, 87%, 74%, and 80%, and for narrow band imaging-high
      definition television 97%, 84%, 88%, 96%, and 92%. The highest diagnostic gain
      was observed in the oral cavity and oropharynx (25%). Narrow band imaging and
      high definition television were of value in the definition of superficial tumour
      extension, and in the detection of synchronous lesions in the pre-/intra
      operative settings. These technologies also played an important role during post
      treatment surveillance for early detection of persistences, recurrences, and
      metachronous tumours.

PMID- 22065028
TI  - 7-Benzyl-3-(4-fluoro-phen-yl)-2-(pyrrol-idin-1-yl)-5,6,7,8-tetra-hydro
      pyrido[4',3':4,5]thieno[2,3-d]pyrimidin-4(3H)-one.
AB  - In the title compound, C(26)H(25)FN(4)OS, the thienopyrimidine fused-ring system
      is close to planar (r.m.s. deviation = 0.066 A), with a maximum deviation of
      0.1243 (17) A for the N atom adjacent to the carbonyl group. This ring system
      forms dihedral angles of 67.5 (1) and 88.9 (1)  degrees  with the adjacent six
      membered rings. Inter-molecular C-H?O hydrogen bonding and C-H?pi inter-actions
      help to stabilize the crystal structure.

PMID- 22065029
TI  - 4-(3-Methyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-benzo[g]indazol-1-yl)benzene-sulfonamide.
AB  - In the title compound, C(18)H(17)N(3)O(2)S, the aromatic ring bearing the
      sulfamide unit is aligned at 61.65 (1) degrees  with respect to the pyrrole ring;
      its amino group forms N-H?N and N-H?O hydrogen bonds to neighboring mol-ecules,
      generating sheets in the ac plane.

PMID- 22065030
TI  - 2-(4-Chloro-phen-yl)-2-oxoethyl 4-hy-droxy-benzoate.
AB  - The title compound, C(15)H(11)ClO(4), consists of a chloro-benzene ring and a
      phenol ring which are linked together by a 1,4-dioxo-2-oxabutane-1,4-diyl group.
      The dihedral angle between the chloro-benzene and phenol rings is 65.70 (11)
      degrees . In the crystal, inter-molecular O-H?O hydrogen bonds link the mol
      ecules into chains along [010].

PMID- 22065031
TI  - Heart failure: a problem of our age.

PMID- 22065032
TI  - Thyroid dysfunction and long-term outcome during and after interferon-alpha
      therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Thyroid dysfunction (TD) is a well-established adverse effect in
      chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV)-infected patients, treated with interferon-alpha
      (IFN-alpha), with or without ribavirin. However, the long-term outcome is not
      well-studied. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence and long
      term outcome of TD after HCV-therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective
      analysis of 109 HCV-treated patients (for 6 to 12 months, according to HCV
      genotype), for the period 1996 to 2008. Thyroid function tests were performed
      every 3 months during therapy and after discontinuation (3 months to 12 years).
      Routine laboratory tests and virological assessment were performed according to
      generally accepted practice. RESULTS: TD was observed in 26 patients (23.85%).
      The positive and negative predictive value for thyroid autoantibodies (ATA) was
      80% and 72.7%, respectively. Relative risk for those with positive ATA was 2.9
      (95% CI: 1.6 to 5.3, P = 0.014). The median duration of TD was 12.0 months (min:
      3; max: 132). The median follow-up period for the patients with TD was 25.5
      months (min: 12; max: 144). Finally, 15 patients developed permanent TD (57.69%),
      compared to 11 with temporary TD (42.31%). Sex is a risk factor for TD, as there
      were more females than males affected (P = 0.011). Genotype, viral load, time of
      HCV-exposure prior to therapy, and virological response did not differ between
      patients with and without TD. CONCLUSION: TD among HCV-treated patients was more
      frequent than usually reported, with >50% developing permanent TD. ATA status may
      play a role in estimating the risk of subsequent TD. Women appear to be more
      vulnerable to TD than men.

PMID- 22065033
TI  - Renal cell carcinoma in young patients is associated with poorer prognosis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) in young patients is uncommon but
      thought to represent a distinctive clinical entity from older patients with
      different clinico-pathologic features and outcomes. We evaluated the association
      of age at the time of diagnosis with pathological staging, histological
      parameters, disease recurrence and overall survival (OS) following radical or
      partial nephrectomy for non-metastatic RCC in native kidneys. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: A retrospective review of 316 patients with RCC after nephrectomy at a
      single institution between January 2001 and June 2008 was performed. Eligible
      patients included all histologically proven primary non-metastatic RCC treated by
      radical or partial nephrectomy. They were categorised into group A (<= 40 years
      at diagnosis) and B (> 40 years). Differences in clinical parameters were
      analysed using the Mann Whitney U test. The prognostic potential of age at
      diagnosis was evaluated using Cox proportional hazards regression. Survival was
      estimated using the Kaplan Meier method. RESULTS: There were 33 patients in group
      A and 283 patients in group B. There were more non-clear cell tumours in the
      younger group (30% vs 14%, P <0.05). No statistical differences were found in the
      stage and grade of both groups. At a median follow-up time of 41 months, the
      younger group had a higher metastatic rate (18% vs 10.5%, P <0.05), lower 5-year
      cancer-specific survival (82% vs 98%, P <0.05) and lower 5-year OS (82 % vs 95%,
      P <0.05). CONCLUSION: Younger patients were more likely to have non-clear cell
      RCC with higher disease recurrence and lower OS. They should not be assumed to
      have similar features and outcomes as screen-detected early RCC in older
      patients.

PMID- 22065034
TI  - Acute pyelonephritis and renal abscesses in adults--correlating clinical
      parameters with radiological (computer tomography) severity.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The aim of this study is to evaluate the correlations between
      clinical and biochemical parameters with radiological severity of CT diagnosed
      acute pyelonephritis (APN) and renal abscesses, thereafter defining clinical
      predictors to identify patients with severe APN or renal abscesses. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: The inpatient medical records of all patients diagnosed with APN or
      renal abscesses admitted over one year were reviewed. Patients with CT imaging
      performed were classified into 3 groups--mild APN, severe APN and renal
      abscesses. Clinical and biochemical parameters were correlated with radiological
      severity. RESULTS: One hundred and thirty patients were included in the study.
      Male gender, older age, presence of diabetes mellitus and unobstructing renal
      stones were significantly associated with severe APN or renal abscesses. Clinical
      and biochemical parameters that were associated with more severe disease include
      a higher leucocyte count and C-reactive proteins, left neutrophil shift,
      thrombocytosis or thrombocytopenia, low serum albumin, acute renal impairment and
      bacteremia. The percentage of patients had positive urine and blood cultures were
      40.8% and 30.7% respectively. Of these patients, 97.9% had severe APN or renal
      abscesses on CT imaging had diabetes mellitus (DM), hypotension, acute renal
      failure or leucocyte count of >20K. CONCLUSION: Our study showed a good
      correlation between clinical and radiological severity in adult patients with APN
      and renal abscesses. Patients with severe APN or renal abscesses were likely to
      be diabetics presenting with hypotension, acute renal impairment and a leucocyte
      count of greater than 20K.

PMID- 22065035
TI  - Thoracic endovascular aortic repair: a local single institution experience.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the short-
      to mid-term results of the endovascular repair of thoracic aortic disease and to
      present an overview of our experience with thoracic endovascular aortic repair
      (TEVAR) in our institution. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of all
      patients who were treated and underwent TEVAR in our institution between August
      2004 and November 2009 was conducted. RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in
      100% of the patients and the 30-day mortality rate was 0%. Perioperative endoleak
      was visualised at the end of the procedure in 4 patients. Secondary endoleak was
      observed in 2 patients. Mean hospital length of stay post-TEVAR was 15.4 days.
      Postoperative major complications were observed in 4 patients. The 30-day
      mortality rate was 0%, with 2 mortalities (11.1%) during the followup period.
      CONCLUSION: This study adds to the growing body of literature that support TEVAR
      as an effective procedure in the management of thoracic aortic diseases and
      reflects its feasibility in our population. Further technical advancement in
      stent grafts, careful selection of patients and standardised peri-procedural care
      would contribute to further improvements in clinical outcomes.

PMID- 22065036
TI  - MELAS associated pathological hyperemotionalism: a case report.

PMID- 22065037
TI  - Mismatched bone marrow transplantation for severe aplastic anaemia after liver
      transplantation for associated acute liver failure.

PMID- 22065038
TI  - Anticonvulsant hypersensitivity syndrome secondary to lamotrigine mimicking a
      septic episode.

PMID- 22065039
TI  - A case of myeloid sarcoma with unusually extensive and rapidly progressive skin
      manifestations.

PMID- 22065040
TI  - Giant subphrenic abscess: a rare complication of laparoscopic-assisted vaginal
      hysterectomy.

PMID- 22065041
TI  - Acute upper airway obstruction secondary to gunshot injury splitting cervical
      vertebra.

PMID- 22065042
TI  - A rare mediastinal tumour with spinal cord involvement in an adult.

PMID- 22065043
TI  - 2-Azido-methyl-3-methyl-1-phenyl-sulfonyl-1H-indole.
AB  - In the title compound, C(16)H(14)N(4)O(2)S, the plane of the indole ring is
      twisted by 70.4 (2) degrees  with respect to the plane of the azidomethyl-
      substituent. As a result of the electron-withdrawing character of the phenyl
      sulfonyl groups, the N-C bond lengths are slightly longer than the anti-cipated
      value of approximately 1.355 A for an N atom with a planar configuration. The
      indole ring is essentially planar, with a maximum deviation of 0.0296 A. The
      azide group is almost linear, the N-N-N angle being 171.4 (3) degrees . The
      methyl group on the azide-substituted C atom is in a flagpole position. The
      phenyl ring of the sulfonyl substituent makes a dihedral angle of 87.07 (10)
      degrees  with the best plane of the indole moiety. The crystal packing is
      stabilized by inter-molecular C-H?O inter-actions, which link the mol-ecules into
      infinite chains running parallel to the b axis. The crystal packing is further
      stabilized by C-H?pi inter-actions.

PMID- 22065044
TI  - Poly[[(2,2'-bipyridine)(MU(3)-7-oxabicyclo-[2.2.1]heptane-2,3-dicarboxyl
      ato)cadmium] monohydrate].
AB  - The title compound, {[Cd(C(8)H(8)O(5))(C(10)H(8)N(2))].H(2)O}(n), was obtained by
      the reaction of cadmium acetate with 2,2'-bi-pyridine and 7-oxabicyclo
      (2.2.1)heptane-2,3-dicarb-oxy-lic anhydride. The Cd(II) atom is seven-coordinated
      in a distorted penta-gonal-bipyramidal configuration, defined by five O atoms
      from the carboxyl-ate groups of three 7-oxabicyclo-[2.2.1]heptane-2,3-dicarboxyl
      ato ligands and two N atoms from the 2,2'-bipyridine ligand. Two O atoms link two
      Cd(II) atoms, forming a dinuclear center: the Cd-O-Cd bridging angle is 110.19
      (6) degrees . The polymeric structure extends along [100] and is linked by inter
      molecular O-H?O hydrogen bonds involving the solvent water molecule. Extensive pi
      pi stacking exists between 2,2-bypiridine ligands along [010] with centroid
      centroid distance of 3.650 (2) A

PMID- 22065045
TI  - Context-dependent motor skill and the role of practice.
AB  - Research has shown that retrieval of learned information is better when the
      original learning context is reinstated during testing than when this context is
      changed. Recently, such contextual dependencies have also been found for
      perceptual-motor behavior. The current study investigated the nature of context
      dependent learning in the discrete sequence production task, and in addition
      examined whether the amount of practice affects the extent to which sequences are
      sensitive to contextual alterations. It was found that changing contextual cues
      but not the removal of such cues-had a detrimental effect on performance.
      Moreover, this effect was observed only after limited practice, but not after
      extensive practice. Our findings support the notion of a novel type of context
      dependent learning during initial motor skill acquisition and demonstrate that
      this context-dependence reduces with practice. It is proposed that a gradual
      development with practice from stimulus-driven to representation-driven sequence
      execution underlies this practice effect.

PMID- 22065046
TI  - Expression of antigen processing and presenting molecules in brain metastasis of
      breast cancer.
AB  - Defects in human leukocyte antigen class I antigen processing machinery (APM)
      component expression can have a negative impact on the clinical course of tumors
      and the response to T cell-based immunotherapy. Since brain metastases of breast
      cancer are of increasing clinical significance, the APM component expression
      levels and CD8(+) T cell infiltration patterns were analyzed in primary breast
      and metastatic brain lesions of breast cancer by immunohistochemistry. Comparison
      of unpaired 50 primary and 33 brain metastases showed lower expression of beta2
      microglobulin, transporter associated with antigen processing (TAP) 1, TAP2 and
      calnexin in the brain lesions. Although no significant differences were found in
      APM component scores between primary breast and brain lesions in 15 paired cases,
      primary breast lesions of which patients eventually developed brain metastases
      showed lower levels of beta2-microglobulin, TAP1 and calnexin compared with
      breast lesions without known brain metastases. The extent of CD8(+) T cell
      infiltration was significantly higher in the lesions without metastasis compared
      with the ones with brain metastases, and was positively associated with the
      expression of TAP1 and calnexin. Furthermore, mouse tumor cells stably
      transfected with silencing hairpin (sh)RNA for TAP1 demonstrated a decreased
      susceptibility to cytotoxic T lymphocytes in vitro and enhanced spontaneous brain
      metastasis in vivo. These data support the functional significance of TAP1
      expression in tumor cells. Taken together, our data suggest that patients with
      low or defective TAP1 or calnexin in primary breast cancers may be at higher
      risks for developing brain metastasis due to the defects in T cell-based
      immunosurveillance.

PMID- 22065047
TI  - Regulatory dendritic cells in the tumor immunoenvironment.
AB  - The tumor microenvironment is a pivotal factor in tumorigenesis, and especially
      in progression, as the pathogenesis of cancer critically depends on the complex
      interactions between various microenvironmental components. A key component of
      the tumor immunoenvironment is the infiltration of immune cells, which has been
      proven to play a dual role in tumor growth and progression. This Janus two-faced
      function of the tumor immunoenvironment is seen in tumor infiltration by T cells,
      which correlates with improved patient survival, but also with the homing of
      multiple subsets of immunoregulatory cells that inhibit the antitumor immune
      response. Regulatory dendritic cells (regDCs) have recently been shown to be
      induced by tumor-derived factors and represent a new and potentially important
      player in supporting tumor progression and suppressing the development of
      antitumor immune responses. Our recent data reveal that different tumor cell
      lines produce soluble factors that induce polarization of conventional DCs into
      regDCs, both in vitro and in vivo. These regDCs can suppress the proliferation of
      pre-activated T cells and are phenotypically and functionally different from
      their precursors as well as the classical immature conventional DCs.
      Understanding the biology of regDCs and the mechanisms of their formation in the
      tumor immunoenvironment will provide a new therapeutic target for re-polarizing
      protumorigenic immunoregulatory cells into proimmunogenic effector cells able to
      induce and support effective antitumor immunity.

PMID- 22065048
TI  - A rebuttal to the potential anti-tumour benefit of Helicobacter pylori-induced
      neutrophil-activating protein.

PMID- 22065049
TI  - Visualization of dual coronary artery fistulae drainage to the right ventricle by
      transthoracic echocardiography.
AB  - Coronary artery fistula is a rare abnormality of coronary circulation. It is
      mostly congenital but acquired forms can also occur. Fistulae are usually
      asymptomatic and can sometimes be visualized during cardiac imaging such as
      transthoracic echocardiogram, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, coronary
      computed tomography angiography and coronary angiography.

PMID- 22065050
TI  - 1-[(Z)-8-(4-Chlorophenoxy)-3-(2,4-di-fluorophenyl)-4-oxaocta-2-en-2-yl]-1H-1,2,4
      triazol-4-ium nitrate.
AB  - In the title compound C(21)H(21)ClF(2)N(3)O(2) (+).NO(3) (-), the triazole ring
      makes dihedral angles of 40.7 (3) and 30.2 (4) degrees  with the 4-chloro-pheny
      and 2,4-difluoro-phenyl rings, respectively. The cation adopts a Z-configuration
      about the C=C double bond which links the triazole ring to the 4-chloro-phen-oxy
      unit via a but-yloxy chain. In the crystal, the cations and the anions are linked
      by N-H?O, C-H?O and C-H?F hydrogen bonding.

PMID- 22065051
TI  - The stratum corneum revisited: a new understanding of its role in healthy and
      diseased skin. Introduction.

PMID- 22065052
TI  - Clinical relevance of maintaining the structural and functional integrity of the
      stratum corneum: why is it important to you?

PMID- 22065053
TI  - Managing epidermal barrier function in the treatment of dermatoses.

PMID- 22065054
TI  - Expression of coagulation factors and their receptors in tumor tissue and
      coagulation factor upregulation in peripheral blood of patients with cerebral
      carcinoma metastases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with malignancies often suffer from thrombembolic events
      that complicate the course of cancer disease and reduce the patients' quality of
      life or shorten the survival time in severe cases. This phenomenon is also known
      for patients with primary or secondary brain tumors; but the reasons are not
      identified. METHODS: We performed a prospective case-controlled study of patients
      with brain metastases but without any active peripheral tumor site. Blood of
      patients was collected perioperatively and investigated for coagulation factor
      activities. Moreover, we analyzed the expression of coagulation factors and their
      receptors within the tumor material of brain metastases from clear-cell renal
      cell carcinomas and small-cell carcinomas of the lung. RESULTS: Here, we show
      that even patients without an active peripheral tumor disease that means without
      any tumor masses outside the central nervous system after anticancer treatment by
      surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy but with symptomatic brain metastasis
      develop an increased systemic activation of multiple coagulation factors. The pro
      coagulatory state is expressed preoperatively, but also can be observed in the
      early postoperative period. Additionally to that, intracerebral metastases of
      clear-cell renal cell carcinomas and of small-cell carcinomas of the lung express
      prothrombin, thrombin, factor X, and the protease-activated receptors type 1, 2,
      3, and 4. CONCLUSIONS: These observations support the hypothesis of a link
      between the hemostatic system in the periphery and the malignant tumor disease
      even when the tumor is an intracerebral metastasis and the affected patient
      currently is free of a systemically active tumor. The results of this study
      support the hypothesis that the concerted action of coagulation factors and their
      receptors within the metastasis tissue itself and the systemic coagulation system
      could control the malignant behavior of tumor disease and make larger prospective
      trials mandatory.

PMID- 22065055
TI  - Management of drug-resistant spinal tuberculosis with a combination of surgery
      and individualised chemotherapy: a retrospective analysis of thirty-five
      patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: Drug-resistant tuberculosis is a major public-health concern globally
      and can be difficult to manage clinically. Spinal tuberculosis is the most common
      manifestation of extrapulmonary tuberculosis. However, there have been few
      reports on the topic of drug-resistant spinal tuberculosis. The aim of this study
      was to investigate the clinical characteristics and drug susceptibility patterns
      and the outcomes of management with a combination of surgery and individualised
      chemotherapy, for drug-resistant spinal tuberculosis. METHODS: We retrospectively
      analysed 35 patients with drug-resistant tuberculous spondylitis. After surgery,
      individualised chemotherapy was tailored for each patient according to the drug
      resistance profile and previous history of chemotherapy. The patients were
      followed up clinically and radiologically for an average period of 35.8 months.
      RESULTS: Among 35 drug-resistant spinal tuberculosis cases, 13 were retreatment
      cases. Twelve were multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB), and 23 were non
      MDR-TB. The patients with MDR-TB and non-MDR-TB had undergone previous
      chemotherapy for an average of 14.50 +/- 2.00 (0-60) months and 4.56 +/- 1.54 (0
      74) months, respectively. A total of 32 cases underwent open operations, and the
      other three had percutaneous drainage and local chemotherapy. Patients received
      individualised chemotherapy for an average of 23.6 months postoperatively. Local
      recurrence was observed in six patients. Thirty-three patients had been cured at
      the final follow-up, and the other two were still receiving chemotherapy.
      CONCLUSIONS: Drug-resistant tuberculous spondylitis is mainly acquired through
      previous irregular chemotherapy and the spreading of drug-resistant strains.
      Management with a combination of surgery and individualised chemotherapy is
      feasible in the treatment of severe complications and the prevention of acquired
      drug resistance.

PMID- 22065057
TI  - 5-(4-Fluoro-phen-yl)-3-methyl-sulfanyl-2-phenyl-1-benzofuran.
AB  - In the title compound, C(21)H(15)FOS, the dihedral angle between the mean plane
      of the benzofuran fragment and the mean planes of the pendant 4-fluoro-benzene
      and phenyl rings are 31.72 (6) degrees  and 32.51 (6) degrees , respectively. In
      the crystal, the mol-ecules are linked by weak C-H?pi inter-actions. The crystal
      studied was a merohedral twin with a 0.62 (9):0.38 (9) domain ratio.

PMID- 22065058
TI  - Transurethral prostate biopsy before radical cystectomy remains clinically
      relevant for decision-making on urethrectomy in patients with bladder cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study retrospectively evaluated the clinical relevance of
      transurethral prostate biopsy (TUPB) before radical cystectomy by comparing the
      pathology of prostatic urethra biopsy specimens with that of cystectomy
      specimens. METHODS: Of 294 patients who underwent cystectomy and urinary
      diversion, 101 men with preoperative TUPB were included in this study. For these
      patients, if the result of TUPB was positive for urothelial carcinoma, we
      performed urethrectomy as a rule. If it was negative, we presented the option of
      urethral preservation and decided the final type of urinary reconstruction. The
      sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values (PPV and
      NPV) of TUPB were assessed, and we investigated the number of final urethral
      recurrences. We also tried to identify which clinical and pathological findings
      by TUPB most accurately predicted the disease remaining in the prostate of
      cystectomy specimens. RESULTS: Of the 25 patients with positive TUPB, 18 had
      disease in the prostatic urethra or stroma of cystectomy specimens. There were 3
      patients with negative TUPB but with involvement of the prostate in cystectomy
      specimens. Thus, TUPB achieved 86% sensitivity, 91% specificity, 72% PPV, and 96%
      NPV. Two patients (1.9%) had urethral recurrence in this period. Among the
      findings for TUPB, non-papillary tumors most accurately predicted the disease in
      the prostate of cystectomy specimens. CONCLUSIONS: TUPB achieved a high NPV and
      the urethral recurrence rate was acceptable. If TUPB was negative, patients could
      have chance urethral preservation. Thus, our clinical decision for urethrectomy
      based on the result of TUPB is still useful.

PMID- 22065059
TI  - Development of a light microscopy stain for the sclerites of Gyrodactylus von
      Nordmann, 1832 (Monogenea) and related genera.
AB  - Recent developments in semi-automated identification techniques and the
      increasing ability to rapidly access digital images and taxonomic descriptions
      offer to increase the range of individuals capable of performing taxonomic
      identifications. The present study details methodological approaches undertaken
      in developing a dedicated stain for the visualisation of monogenean haptoral
      skeletal elements and reproductive sclerites. The histochemical protocols centre
      around the use of fluorescent dyes and standard light and laser scanning confocal
      microscopy to support studies of the functional morphology of these hard
      structures in small, relatively uncompressed specimens, making these structures
      more amenable to semi-automated analysis and identification techniques. Staining
      of the sclerites was achieved using a tissue digestion step to remove the
      tegument and tissues enclosing the sclerites and then staining them in situ with
      40 mM chromothrope 2R (C2R) containing 3 mM phosphotungstic acid (PTA) and 0.5%
      acetic acid (AA) at room temperature for up to 2 days. Visualisation of the
      armature of the male copulatory organ of warm water Gyrodactylus species was
      achieved using 40 mM C2R containing 3 mM PTA for 3 days, whilst cold water
      species were best stained in 6.4 mM C2R for 1 day without an NaOH pre-treatment.
      The developed techniques allow for good visualisation of the skeletal elements in
      a number of monogenean groups and promise to assist the preparation and
      identification/description of specimens. The 2D/3D digital images of specimens
      prepared in this manner should provide a useful resource for taxonomists and
      others needing material to assist specimen identification.

PMID- 22065060
TI  - Diagnosis of visceral leishmaniasis: developments over the last decade.
AB  - Diagnostic parameters for visceral leishmaniasis (VL), a potentially fatal
      parasitic disease caused by Leishmania donovani, have been redefined in the last
      decade with the development of serological and molecular tests, though a
      definitive diagnosis still banks on the century-old parasitological methods in
      many areas. Recombinant antigens have improved performance of serodiagnostic
      methods. Serology-based tests, rk39 antigen dipstick, and direct agglutination
      test commonly employed in the field are highly sensitive methods, however, fail
      to distinguish past infections. Molecular approaches have become increasingly
      relevant due to remarkable sensitivity, specificity, and flexibility in choice of
      samples. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction is a highly sensitive and
      specific tool used in referral labs for detection/assessment of parasite load in
      VL patients and subsequently in monitoring treatment response to antileishmanial
      agents. The method displays potential to provide threshold for distinguishing
      asymptomatics in endemic areas. Currently, improvement in VL diagnostics is
      required for successful decentralized (point-of-care) testing in field conditions
      and to detect VL-HIV co-infection. Techniques such as loop-mediated isothermal
      amplification offer a reliable molecular diagnostic method for field application.
      The diagnosis based on bioanalytics/biosensors promise frontiers for point-of
      care VL detection after adequate standardization. This review summarizes the
      recent developments in VL diagnostics, drawing attention towards the need for
      standardization of the diagnostics across the affected regions.

PMID- 22065061
TI  - Essential oils of indigenous in Greece six Juniperus taxa: chemical composition
      and larvicidal activity against the West Nile virus vector Culex pipiens.
AB  - The chemical composition of 14 essential oils (EOs), obtained from various parts
      (leaves, fruits, wood) of the six indigenous in Greece Juniperus family taxa, was
      determined by GC and GC/MS analysis. The insecticidal properties of these EOs
      were evaluated against Culex pipiens L. larvae of 3rd and early 4th instars, in
      order to delineate the relationship between the phytochemical content of the EOs
      and their larvicidal activities. The analytical data indicated that the EOs
      mainly consisted of monoterpenes, mostly cyclic and only occasionally aliphatic,
      and to a lesser percent, of diterpenes. The larvicidal bioassays against C.
      pipiens larvae revealed that the most active EO was derived from the wood of
      Juniperus drupacea and contains mainly non-oxygenated monoterpenes and a
      significant amount of diterpenes, displaying the highest chemodiversity. Its
      initial LC(50) value was 26.47 mg L(-1). On the contrary, the EO isolated from J.
      phoenicea berries, which consisted of monoterpenes (non-oxygenated, cyclic), was
      the less active displaying an LC(50) value of 96.69 mg L(-1). In respect to the
      contained phytochemicals, myrcene was assayed as the most toxic, displaying an
      LC(50) value of 33.83 mg L(-1), while the four isomers of pinene abundant in all
      EOs were less active exhibiting LC(50) values ranging from 70.40 to 94.88 mg L(
      1). Results herein reveal that the EOs isolated from the studied Juniperus family
      taxa represent an inexpensive source of natural mosquito control mixtures.

PMID- 22065062
TI  - Insecticidal potency of bacterial species Bacillus thuringiensis SV2 and Serratia
      nematodiphila SV6 against larvae of mosquito species Aedes aegypti, Anopheles
      stephensi, and Culex quinquefasciatus.
AB  - The tremendous worldwide efforts to isolate novel mosquito larvicidal bacteria
      with improved efficacy present significant promise to control vector-borne
      diseases of public health importance. In the present study, two native bacterial
      isolates, Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt SV2) and Serratia species (SV6) were
      evaluated for mosquito larvicidal potential against the early fourth instar
      larvae of Aedes aegypti, Anopheles stephensi, and Culex quinquefasciatus with
      reference to B. thuringiensis subsp. israelensis (Bti) H 14. The native Gram
      positive, spore-forming Bt SV2 isolate showed 100% mortality against early fourth
      instars of Aedes aegypti, Anopheles stephensi, and Culex quinquefasciatus, in
      parallel to Bti H14 strain. After 24 h, Bt SV2 showed 98%, 89%, and 80.67%, and
      Bti H14 showed 92%, 98.33%, and 60% mortality against Aedes aegypti, Anopheles
      stephensi, and Culex quinquefasciatus, respectively. Serratia SV6 showed highest
      activity against Culex quinquefasciatus (100%) followed by Anopheles stephensi
      (95%) and Aedes aegypti (91%) after 48 h of exposure. The Gram-negative Serratia
      SV6 showed delayed toxicity compared to Bti H14 and Bt SV2 against early fourth
      instars of Aedes aegypti, Anopheles stephensi, and Culex quinquefasciatus. The
      relative mortality of all treatments after 12-h exposures showed the varied
      toxicity with respect to exposure time, bacterial treatment, and mosquito
      species. Genetic relatedness of the strains was confirmed on the basis of
      phylogenetic reconstructions based on alignment of 16S rRNA gene sequences which
      indicated a strong clustering of the strain SV2 with B. thuringiensis and the
      strain SV6 with Serratia nematodiphila. In conclusion, the native isolate B.
      thuringiensis SV2 showed significant toxicity while Serratia SV6 showed less and
      delayed toxicity against several mosquito species compared with BtiH14. They may
      be used as novel bacterial insecticidal agents in mosquito vector-borne disease
      control. To our knowledge, this is the first report on mosquito larvicidal
      potential of Serratia species.

PMID- 22065063
TI  - Larvicidal activity of medicinal plant extracts and lignan identified in Phryma
      leptostachya var. asiatica roots against housefly (Musca domestica L.).
AB  - Medicinal plant extracts from 27 plant species in 20 families were tested for
      their larvicidal activity against housefly, Musca domestica (L.). Responses
      varied with plant material and concentration. Among plant species tested, Phryma
      leptostachya var. asiatica showed 100% larvicidal activity against M. domestica
      at 10 mg/g concentration. Larvicidal activities of Atractylodes japonica,
      Saussurea lappa, Asiasarum sieboldi, and Gleditsia japonica var. koraiensis were
      89.3%, 85.3%, 93.3%, and 96.6% at 10 mg/g concentration, respectively. Extracts
      of Prunus persica, Curcuma longa, and Paeonia moutan produced moderate activity.
      Larvicidal activity of other plant extracts was less than 50%. Among test plant
      species, P. leptostachya var. asiatica showed the most potent larvicidal
      activity. The active constituent of P. leptostachya var. asiatica roots was
      identified as the leptostachyol acetate by spectroscopic analysis. The LC(50)
      values of leptostachyol acetate against M. domestica larvae were 0.039 mg/g.
      Naturally occurring medicinal plant extracts and P. leptostachya var. asiatica
      root-derived compounds merit further study as potential housefly larval control
      agents or lead compounds.

PMID- 22065064
TI  - [Prognosis and quality of life after decompressive hemicraniectomy: a nationwide
      survey in Germany on the attitudes held by doctors and nurses].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Decompressive hemicraniectomy reduces mortality in patients with
      space-occupying MCA infarction. Quality of life in surviving patients is
      discussed controversially. We assessed attitudes of neurologists and nurses
      providing care to this patient group towards decompressive hemicraniectomy.
      METHODS: A postal questionnaire on attitudes and opinions on prognosis and
      quality of life after decompressive hemicraniectomy was returned by 280
      neurologists and 166 nurses from tertiary care centers throughout Germany.
      RESULTS: In both groups of professionals, estimates of the probability of
      survival after decompressive hemicraniectomy and the resulting degree of
      disability were consistent with results of clinical outcomes studies. Only 9% of
      the nurses and 33% of the physicians assumed that the majority of survivors
      achieve an acceptable quality of life; 58% of physicians and 32% of nurses would
      suggest decompressive hemicraniectomy to their nearest relative. Under the
      assumption of an uncertain outcome, 61% of physicians and 22% of nurses would
      agree to decompressive hemicraniectomy. In both professional groups, agreement
      for surgery increases when scenarios with a more favorable outcome were proposed
      [modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 2-5)]. If an outcome of 4 on the mRS is proposed,
      indicating moderately severe disability, only a minority favored decompressive
      hemicraniectomy (25% of doctors and 8% of nurses). CONCLUSIONS: Despite a
      realistic assessment of prognosis after decompressive hemicraniectomy, a majority
      of respondents estimated the quality of life of survivors as unsatisfactory.
      Nurses had a more pessimistic attitude towards decompressive hemicraniectomy. The
      majority of respondents consider an outcome of 4 on the mRS as unacceptable.

PMID- 22065065
TI  - 2-Hy-droxy-N-(4-methyl-phen-yl)benzamide.
AB  - In the crystal structure of the title compound, C(14)H(13)NO(2), the mol-ecules
      are approximately planar, the r.m.s. deviation for all non-H atoms being 0.0435
      A; the dihedral angle between the two rings is 3.45 (12) degrees . The planarity
      is accounted for in terms of the presence of intra-molecular N-H?O and C-H?O
      hydrogen bonding, each of which completes an S(6) ring motif. The mol-ecules are
      stabilized in the form of supra-molecular chains extending along the
      crystallographic c axis due to inter-molecular O-H?O and C-H?O hydrogen bonding;
      each type leads to an R(2) (1)(6) ring motif.

PMID- 22065066
TI  - RNA splicing and debranching viewed through analysis of RNA lariats.
AB  - Intron lariat RNAs, created by pre-mRNA splicing, are sources of information on
      gene expression and structure. Although produced equivalently to their
      corresponding mRNAs, the vast majority of intron lariat RNAs are rapidly
      degraded. However, their levels are enhanced in cells deficient for RNA
      debranching enzyme, which catalyzes linearization of these RNAs, the rate
      limiting step in their degradation. Furthermore, RNA lariats are resistant to
      degradation by the 3' exonuclease polynucleotide phosphorylase (PNPase),
      providing a means to enrich for lariat RNAs. Working with the yeast Saccharomyces
      cerevisiae as a model organism, our goal was to develop novel combinations of
      methods to enhance the use of intron lariat RNAs as objects of study. Using RT
      PCR assays developed for detecting and quantifying specific lariat RNAs, we
      demonstrate the resistance of RNA lariats to degradation by PNPase and their
      sensitivity to cleavage by RNA debranching enzyme. We also employ sequential
      treatments with these two enzymes to produce characteristic effects on linear and
      lariat RNAs. We establish the utility of the methods for analyzing RNA
      debranching enzyme variants and in vitro debranching reactions and discuss
      several possible applications, including measuring relative rates of
      transcription and combining these methods with non-gene-specific RNA sequencing
      as a novel approach for genome annotation. In summary, enzymatic treatments that
      produce characteristic effects on linear and lariat RNAs, combined with RT-PCR or
      RNA sequencing, can be powerful tools to advance studies on gene expression,
      alternative splicing, and any process that depends on the RNA debranching enzyme.

PMID- 22065067
TI  - Genome-wide association analysis to identify chromosomal regions determining
      components of earliness in wheat.
AB  - The modification of flowering date is considered an important way to escape the
      current or future climatic constraints that affect wheat crops. A better
      understanding of its genetic bases would enable a more efficient and rapid
      modification through breeding. The objective of this study was to identify
      chromosomal regions associated with earliness in wheat. A 227-wheat core
      collection chosen to be highly contrasted for earliness was characterized for
      heading date. Experiments were conducted in controlled conditions and in the
      field for 3 years to break down earliness in the component traits: photoperiod
      sensitivity, vernalization requirement and narrow-sense earliness. Whole-genome
      association mapping was carried out using 760 molecular markers and taking into
      account the five ancestral group structure. We identified 62 markers individually
      associated to earliness components corresponding to 33 chromosomal regions. In
      addition, we identified 15 other significant markers and seven more regions by
      testing marker pair interactions. Co-localizations were observed with the Ppd-1,
      Vrn-1 and Rht-1 candidate genes. Using an independent set of lines to validate
      the model built for heading date, we were able to explain 34% of the variation
      using the structure and the significant markers. Results were compared with
      already published data using bi-parental populations giving an insight into the
      genetic architecture of flowering time in wheat.

PMID- 22065068
TI  - Role of Sp1 transcription factor in Interleukin-1-induced ADAMTS-4 (aggrecanase
      1) gene expression in human articular chondrocytes.
AB  - Proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-1 beta (IL-1beta) stimulate
      cartilage extracellular matrix aggrecan degradation by aggrecanases or ADAMTS (a
      disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motif) during the
      pathogenesis of arthritis. Human aggrecanase-1 (ADAMTS-4) gene promoter contains
      at least one specificity protein-1 (Sp1)-transcription factor-binding site. We
      investigated the previously unknown role of Sp1 in the regulation of ADAMTS-4
      gene expression in human articular chondrocytes. Mithramycin and WP631, the
      specific inhibitors of guanine cytosine (GC)-rich Sp1 DNA binding, partially
      suppressed IL-1-induced ADAMTS-4 expression and activity. Genetic inhibition of
      Sp1 by antisense oligonucleotide or by small interfering RNA (siRNA)-mediated Sp1
      knockdown partially inhibited ADAMTS-4 induction by IL-1. Sense oligonucleotide
      and negative control siRNA had no effect. In contrast, cytomegalovirus promoter
      driven Sp1 overexpression further enhanced IL-1-induced ADAMTS-4 expression and
      activity. Constitutively expressed glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase
      (GAPDH) was not affected by any of the agents. These results provide
      pharmacological and genetic evidence for the importance of Sp1 in ADAMTS-4 gene
      regulation by IL-1. Thus, Sp1 could be potentially targeted to reduce arthritis
      associated cartilage aggrecan loss.

PMID- 22065069
TI  - Which clinical variables have the most significant correlation with quality of
      life evaluated by SF-36 survey in Croatian cohort of patient with ankylosing
      spondylitis and psoriatic arthritis?
AB  - The aim of our study was to assess clinical variables with the best correlation
      to quality of life (QOL) assessed by medical outcome survey Short-Form 36 (SF-36)
      in patients with spondyloarthritides, including ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and
      psoriatic arthritis (PsA). We analyzed the cohort of 54 patients (22 patients
      with PsA and 32 patients with AS), who filled the Croatian version of SF-36. For
      each type of arthritis, patients were clinically evaluated using the extensive
      list of clinical variables categorized into subjective and objective group. For
      AS patients, subjective and objective variables (spinal mobility measurements,
      clinical assessment of spinal pain, patient assessments of disease activity and
      pain) correlated mainly with the physical functioning concept of SF-36. Patients
      assessments of fatigue correlated with the energy/fatigue subscale, whereas
      patient assessment of enthesial pain correlated with the pain subscale.
      Correlations between clinical variables and SF-36 concepts of PsA patients showed
      more diverse distribution than for AS. Objective variables (spinal mobility
      measurements, a 76-joint score, clinical assessment of spinal pain) correlated
      with concepts concerning physical health and pain. Several subjective patient
      assessments correlated with energy/fatigue, emotional well-being, pain and
      general health subscales. Both patient and physician assessment of PsA activity
      correlated with the role limitations due to emotional problems. Bath ankylosing
      spondylitis functional index (BASFI) had the strongest correlation with the
      physical functioning concept of SF-36 in both diseases. Our findings provide
      important information to help selecting the variables with strongest impact on
      QOL, for better planning the management strategies and achieving better
      rehabilitation results.

PMID- 22065070
TI  - Is psychological distress intrinsic to fibromyalgia syndrome? Cross-sectional
      analysis in two clinical presentations.
AB  - Clinical presentation of fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) is heterogeneous and often
      involves psychological comorbidities. Clinical subgrouping of FMS patients has
      been proposed as a strategy to improve patients' long-term outcomes by helping
      identify specific treatment needs. Using the 90 Symptom Checklist Revised (SCL-90
      R), we have assessed emotional distress in two FMS patient subpopulations
      discriminated on the basis of their differences in scores on specific items of
      the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ). Subjects classed as type II
      exhibited high emotional distress on all ten dimensions studied, which included
      somatization, obsessive-compulsive, interpersonal sensitivity, depression,
      anxiety, hostility, phobic anxiety, paranoid ideation, psychoticism, and
      additional items subscales, as well as on the global severity index (GSI),
      positive symptom total (PST), and positive symptom distress index (PDSI). T
      scores in these patients were above diagnostic cutoff level of 60 on
      somatization, obsessive-compulsive, and depression subscales. In contrast, the
      profile exhibited by type I subjects fell entirely within normal values for
      nonpsychiatric population. Emotional status was significantly inversely
      correlated with present clinical pain in type I-, but not in type II-fibromyalgia
      patients. Regression analysis revealed a model based on phobic anxiety, paranoid
      ideation, and depression subscales as best contributing to classification. The
      present data suggest that associated psychological distress and maladaptive
      emotional responses that are commonly attributed to the general FMS population
      may be largely a distinguishing feature of one subset of patients.

PMID- 22065071
TI  - Midterm clinico-radiologic findings of an open label observation study of add-on
      tacrolimus with biologics or non-biologic DMARDs.
AB  - Tacrolimus (TAC) suppresses immune-inflammation by an intermediary inhibition of
      calcineurin activation in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Various
      combination therapies for RA have been reported to be superior to monotherapies.
      The aim was therefore to study add-on TAC in a combination with biologics (BIO)
      and/or non-BIO disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) in treatment
      resistant patients. In eight RA patients, TAC was added on to BIO (TAC/BIO group)
      and in forty-one to non-BIO DMARDs (TAC/non-BIO group). The mean C-reactive
      protein (CRP) decreased from 33 mg/l at the baseline to 16 mg/l at first year in
      the TAC/BIO group (P < 0.05), from 41 to 14 mg/l in the TAC/non-BIO group (P <
      0.05); the mean DAS28-CRP (28 joint count) disease activity score decreased from
      5.3 to 4.4 in the TAC/BIO group (P < 0.05) and from 5.0 to 3.9 in the TAC/non-BIO
      group (P < 0.05). The median of Delta modified total Sharp score decreased from
      43 during the year preceding the baseline to 3 during the first year of the
      follow-up in the TAC/BIO group (P < 0.05) and from 22 to 0 during the second year
      in the TAC/non-BIO group (P < 0.05). Twenty-six adverse events occurred in this
      study in 26 patients (53% in all); however, the only severe adverse event was one
      case of an atypical mycobacterial disease (2%). The combination therapy of TAC
      with BIO or non-BIO DMARDs represents an effective and relatively safe mode of
      therapy in treatment-resistant RA.

PMID- 22065072
TI  - Perspectives on quality and content of information for juvenile idiopathic
      arthritis on Italian Web pages: a different way to meet the needs of families?

PMID- 22065073
TI  - Positive power Doppler signal in plantar fasciitis.
AB  - The plantar fascia is a multilayered band of fibrous tissue that support and
      maintain the longitudinal arch of the foot. We report a 34-old obese woman with
      heel pain for the past 3 years. On physical examination, she presented painful
      plantar fascia throughout extension of the foot. In addition, a soft painful,
      mobile nodule was also palpated in the medial aspect of her left heel. An US
      examination of her left foot showed an increased thickness of her plantar fascia
      with reduced echogenity, the presence of an effusion and a positive power Doppler
      signal. Positive US Doppler signal may be helpful in evaluating patients with
      plantar fasciitis and is suggestive of the presence of active microcirculation.

PMID- 22065074
TI  - Correlation of serum prolactin levels and disease activity in systematic lupus
      erythematosus.
AB  - To assess the frequency of hyperprolactinaemia and its possible clinical
      significance in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). In this cross
      sectional study, we determined serum prolactin (PRL) levels in 60 SLE female
      patients (age range 15-60 years). Disease activity was defined according to the
      Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI). Serum PRL
      concentrations were determined by immunoradiometric assay. Elevated serum
      concentrations of PRL (>20 ng/ml) were found in 5 of 60 (8.4%) patients. No
      direct correlation between PRL levels with disease activity of SLE was found (r =
      0.062, P = 0.39). SLE was active in 23 patients (SLEDAI >= 6) and inactive in 37
      (SLEDAI < 6). In those with active disease, median PRL levels were lower (11.0
      ng/ml) than normoprolactinaemic group (12.1 ng/ml). There was no significant
      difference in serum PRL levels between active and non-active patients (P = 0.07).
      There was a significant difference in the frequency of several clinical
      manifestations and serological parameters between SLE patients with normal and
      high prolactin (renal involvement, haematological manifestation and anti-ds DNA).
      This study has shown that hyperprolactinaemia is prevalent in random SLE
      patients. The elevated PRL levels seem not to be associated with disease
      activity. The mechanism and pathoaetiological and clinical significance of
      hyperprolactinaemia in a small subset of SLE patients remain unclear and a longer
      follow-up is necessary.

PMID- 22065075
TI  - A case of leukoencephalopathy associated with adalimumab-treated rheumatoid
      arthritis and a review of literature.
AB  - Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) inhibitor is recently being widely used
      to treat autoimmune diseases, but some noticeable adverse events were reported
      and neurological events have especially been described. It is mandatory to
      compare these cases for finding the risk factors, the duration of the
      neurological events, their processes and their outcomes. We present here the case
      of leukoencephalopathy secondary to adalimumab, which is a tumor necrosis factor
      alpha (TNF-alpha) inhibitor. We also reviewed the other 14 published
      leukoencephalopathy cases associated with the use of TNF inhibitors. Eleven
      patients had underlying rheumatoid arthritis, and the others had psoriatic
      arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and Still's disease. The median duration of
      treatment with anti-TNF-alpha before the presentation of neurological symptoms
      was 9.2 months (range: 1.5-24). The duration of using anti-TNF-alpha was not
      related with the outcome. Although cases of neurological adverse events
      associated with anti-TNF-alpha treatment are rare, it is very important to
      monitor the neurological signs and symptoms suggestive of a demyelinating
      disorder in RA patients who are receiving anti-TNF-alpha treatment and especially
      those patients who are older and who have a history of MS or demyelination.

PMID- 22065076
TI  - Novel photosensory two-component system (PixA-NixB-NixC) involved in the
      regulation of positive and negative phototaxis of cyanobacterium Synechocystis
      sp. PCC 6803.
AB  - Two wild-type substrains of a motile cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803
      show positive phototaxis toward a light source (PCC-P) and negative phototaxis
      away from light (PCC-N). In this study, we found that a novel two-component
      system of photoresponse is involved in the phototactic regulation. Inactivation
      of slr1212 (pixA), which encodes a photoreceptor histidine kinase, reverted the
      positive phototaxis of PCC-P to negative phototaxis, and inactivation of the
      downstream slr1213 (nixB) and slr1214 (nixC), which encode AraC-like
      transcription factor-type and PatA-type response regulators, respectively,
      reverted the negative phototaxis of PCC-N to positive phototaxis. Opposite
      effects of pixA and nixBC disruption implies an unexpected signal transduction
      pathway in the switching of positive and negative phototaxis. The blue/green-type
      cyanobacteriochrome GAF domain of PixA was expressed in Synechocystis and
      phycocyanobilin-producing Escherichia coli. The holoprotein covalently bound a
      chromophore phycoviolobilin and showed reversible photoconversion between the
      violet- (Pv, lambda(peak) = 396 nm) and green-absorbing (Pg, lambda(peak) = 533
      nm) forms, although the protein from E. coli partially bound a precursor
      phycocyanobilin. These results were discussed with regard to an idea that PixA
      serves as a violet light receptor for switching of positive and negative
      phototaxis by transcriptional and functional regulation.

PMID- 22065077
TI  - Multiple myeloma mesenchymal stem cells: characterization, origin, and tumor
      promoting effects.
AB  - Hematologic malignancies rely heavily on support from host cells through a number
      of well-documented mechanisms. Host cells, specifically mesenchymal stem cells
      (MSC), support tumor cell growth, metastasis, survival, bone marrow colonization,
      and evasion of the immune system. In multiple myeloma, similar to solid tumors,
      supporting cells have typically been considered healthy host cells. However,
      recent evidence reveals that many MSCs derived from patients with multiple
      myeloma (MM-MSC) show significant defects compared with MSCs from nondiseased
      donors (ND-MSC). These abnormalities range from differences in gene and protein
      expression to allelic abnormalities and can initiate after less than 1 day of
      coculture with myeloma cells or persist for months, perhaps years, after removal
      from myeloma influence. Alterations in MM-MSC function contribute to disease
      progression and provide new therapeutic targets. However, before the scientific
      community can capitalize on the distinctions between MM-MSCs and ND-MSCs, a
      number of confusions must be clarified, as we have done in this review, including
      the origin(s) of MM-MSCs, identification and characterization of MM-MSCs, and
      downstream effects and feedback circuits that support cancer progression. Further
      advances require more genetic analysis of MM-MSCs and disease models that
      accurately represent MSC-MM cell interactions.

PMID- 22065078
TI  - BEAMing sheds light on drug resistance.
AB  - Targeted therapies against somatically altered genes are currently used for the
      treatment of many human cancers. The nascent technology known as BEAMing has the
      potential to increase the clinical utility of these agents because it allows for
      the detection of cancer mutations in peripheral blood, providing a rapid
      assessment of tumor mutation status.

PMID- 22065079
TI  - Molecular pathways: targeting mechanisms of asbestos and erionite carcinogenesis
      in mesothelioma.
AB  - Malignant mesothelioma is an aggressive malignancy related to asbestos and
      erionite exposure. AP-1 transcriptional activity and the NF-kappaB signaling
      pathway have been linked to mesothelial cell transformation and tumor
      progression. HGF and c-Met are highly expressed in mesotheliomas.
      Phosphoinositide 3-kinase, AKT, and the downstream mTOR are involved in cell
      growth and survival, and they are often found to be activated in mesothelioma.
      p16(INK4a) and p14(ARF) are frequently inactivated in human mesothelioma, and
      ~50% of mesotheliomas contain the NF2 mutation. Molecular therapies aimed at
      interfering with these pathways have not improved the dismal prognosis of
      mesothelioma, except possibly for a small subset of patients who benefit from
      certain therapies. Recent studies have shown the importance of asbestos-induced
      inflammation in the initiation and growth of mesothelioma, and HMGB1 and Nalp3
      inflammasome have been identified as key initiators of this process. Asbestos
      induces cell necrosis, causing the release of HMGB1, which in turn may activate
      Nalp3 inflammasome, a process that is enhanced by asbestos-induced production of
      reactive oxygen species. HMGB1 and Nalp3 induce proinflammatory responses and
      lead to interleukin-1beta and TNF-alpha secretion and NF-kappaB activity, thereby
      promoting cell survival and tumor growth. Novel strategies that interfere with
      asbestos- and erionite-mediated inflammation might prevent or delay the onset of
      mesothelioma in high-risk cohorts, including genetically predisposed individuals,
      and/or inhibit tumor growth. The very recent discovery that germline BAP1
      mutations cause a new cancer syndrome characterized by mesothelioma, uveal
      melanoma, and melanocytic tumors provides researchers with a novel target for
      prevention and early detection.

PMID- 22065080
TI  - Antitumor activity of NVP-BKM120--a selective pan class I PI3 kinase inhibitor
      showed differential forms of cell death based on p53 status of glioma cells.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to show preclinical efficacy and clinical
      development potential of NVP-BKM120, a selective pan class I phosphatidylinositol
      3 kinase (PI3K) inhibitor in human glioblastoma (GBM) cells in vitro and in vivo.
      EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: The effect of NVP-BKM120 on cellular growth was assessed by
      CellTiter-Blue assay. Flow cytometric analyses were carried out to measure the
      cell-cycle, apoptosis, and mitotic index. Mitotic catastrophe was detected by
      immunofluorescence. The efficacy of NVP-BKM120 was tested using intracranial U87
      glioma model. RESULTS: We tested the biologic effects of a selective PI3K
      inhibitor NVP-BKM120 in a set of glioma cell lines. NVP-BKM120 treatment for 72
      hours resulted in a dose-dependent growth inhibition and effectively blocked the
      PI3K/Akt signaling cascade. Although we found no obvious relationship between the
      cell line's sensitivity to NVP-BKM120 and the phosphatase and tensin homolog
      (PTEN) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) statuses, we did observe a
      differential sensitivity pattern with respect to p53 status, with glioma cells
      containing wild-type p53 more sensitive than cells with mutated or deleted p53.
      NVP-BKM120 showed differential forms of cell death on the basis of p53 status of
      the cells with p53 wild-type cells undergoing apoptotic cell death and p53
      mutant/deleted cells having a mitotic catastrophe cell death. NVP-BKM120 mediates
      mitotic catastrophe mainly through Aurora B kinase. Knockdown of p53 in p53 wild
      type U87 glioma cells displayed microtubule misalignment, multiple centrosomes,
      and mitotic catastrophe cell death. Parallel to the assessment of the compound in
      in vitro settings, in vivo efficacy studies using an intracranial U87 tumor model
      showed an increased median survival from 26 days (control cohort) to 38 and 48
      days (treated cohorts). CONCLUSION: Our present findings establish that NVP
      BKM120 inhibits the PI3K signaling pathways, leading to different forms of cell
      death on the basis of p53 statuses. Further studies are warranted to determine if
      NVP-BKM120 has potential as a glioma treatment.

PMID- 22065081
TI  - Modulation of the tumor microvasculature by phosphoinositide-3 kinase inhibition
      increases doxorubicin delivery in vivo.
AB  - PURPOSE: Because effective drug delivery is often limited by inadequate
      vasculature within the tumor, the ability to modulate the tumor microenvironment
      is one strategy that may achieve better drug distribution. We have previously
      shown that treatment of mice bearing tumors with phosphoinositide-3 kinase (PI3K)
      inhibitors alters vascular structure in a manner analogous to vascular
      normalization and results in increased perfusion of the tumor. On the basis of
      that result, we asked whether inhibition of PI3K would improve chemotherapy
      delivery. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Mice with xenografts using the cell line SQ20B
      bearing a hypoxia marker or MMTV-neu transgenic mice with spontaneous breast
      tumors were treated with the class I PI3K inhibitor GDC-0941. The tumor
      vasculature was evaluated by Doppler ultrasound, and histology. The delivery of
      doxorubicin was assessed using whole animal fluorescence, distribution on
      histologic sections, high-performance liquid chromatography on tumor lysates, and
      tumor growth delay. RESULTS: Treatment with GDC-0941 led to approximately three
      fold increases in perfusion, substantially reduced hypoxia and vascular
      normalization by histology. Significantly increased amounts of doxorubicin were
      delivered to the tumors correlating with synergistic tumor growth delay. The GDC
      0941 itself had no effect on tumor growth. CONCLUSION: Inhibition of PI3K led to
      vascular normalization and improved delivery of a chemotherapeutic agent. This
      study highlights the importance of the microvascular effects of some novel
      oncogenic signaling inhibitors and the need to take those changes into account in
      the design of clinical trials many of which use combinations of chemotherapeutic
      agents.

PMID- 22065082
TI  - Targeting tumor-associated endothelial cells: anti-VEGFR2 immunoliposomes mediate
      tumor vessel disruption and inhibit tumor growth.
AB  - PURPOSE: Angiogenesis is a key process in tumor progression. By binding VEGF,
      VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR2) is a main signaling transducer in tumor-associated
      angiogenesis. Accordingly, therapeutic approaches against the VEGF/VEGFR2
      signaling axis have been designed. However, an efficient and specific
      chemotherapeutic targeting of tumor-associated endothelial cells has not yet been
      achieved. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: We have employed anti-VEGFR2 antibodies covalently
      linked to pegylated liposomal doxorubicin (PLD) to specifically ablate tumor
      associated endothelial cells in the Rip1Tag2 mouse model of insulinoma, in the
      MMTV-PyMT mouse model of breast cancer, and in the HT-29 human colon cancer
      xenograft transplantation model. RESULTS: In each model, anti-VEGFR2-targeted
      immunoliposomes (ILs) loaded with doxorubicin (anti-VEGFR2-ILs-dox) were superior
      in therapeutic efficacy to empty liposomes, empty anti-VEGFR2-ILs, antibodies
      alone, and PLD. Efficacy was similar to that of the oral VEGFR1, -2, and -3
      inhibitor PTK787. Detailed histopathologic and molecular analysis revealed a
      strong antiangiogenic effect of anti-VEGFR2-ILs-dox, and the observed
      antiangiogenic therapy was significantly more efficient in reducing tumor burden
      in well-vascularized transgenic mouse models as compared with the less
      vascularized xenograft model. CONCLUSIONS: Anti-VEGFR2 ILs provide a highly
      efficient approach to selectively deplete VEGFR2-expressing tumor vasculature.
      They offer a novel and promising anticancer strategy.

PMID- 22065083
TI  - Antitumor activity of sustained N-myc reduction in rhabdomyosarcomas and
      transcriptional block by antigene therapy.
AB  - PURPOSE: Rhabdomyosarcomas are a major cause of cancer death in children,
      described with MYCN amplification and, in the alveolar subtype, transcription
      driven by the PAX3-FOXO1 fusion protein. Our aim was to determine the prevalence
      of N-Myc protein expression and the potential therapeutic effects of reducing
      expression in rhabdomyosarcomas, including use of an antigene strategy that
      inhibits transcription. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Protein expression was assessed by
      immunohistochemistry. MYCN expression was reduced in representative cell lines by
      RNA interference and an antigene peptide nucleic acid (PNA) oligonucleotide
      conjugated to a nuclear localization signal peptide. Associated gene expression
      changes, cell viability, and apoptosis were analyzed in vitro. As a paradigm for
      antigene therapy, the effects of systemic treatment of mice with rhabdomyosarcoma
      cell line xenografts were determined. RESULTS: High N-Myc levels were
      significantly associated with genomic amplification, presence of the PAX3/7-FOXO1
      fusion genes, and proliferative capacity. Sustained reduction of N-Myc levels in
      all rhabdomyosarcoma cell lines that express the protein decreased cell
      proliferation and increased apoptosis. Positive feedback was shown to regulate
      PAX3-FOXO1 and N-Myc levels in the alveolar subtype that critically decrease PAX3
      FOXO1 levels on reducing N-Myc. Pharmacologic systemic administration of the
      antigene PNA can eliminate alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma xenografts in mice, without
      relapse or toxicity. CONCLUSION: N-Myc, with its restricted expression in non
      fetal tissues, is a therapeutic target to treat rhabdomyosarcomas, and blocking
      gene transcription using antigene oligonucleotide strategies has therapeutic
      potential in the treatment of cancer and other diseases that has not been
      previously realized in vivo.

PMID- 22065084
TI  - Concurrent temozolomide and dose-escalated intensity-modulated radiation therapy
      in newly diagnosed glioblastoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) of radiation (RT) with
      concurrent temozolomide in patients with newly diagnosed glioblastoma (GBM), to
      estimate their progression-free (PFS) and overall survival (OS), and to assess
      the role of (11)C methionine PET (MET-PET) imaging in predicting recurrence.
      EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Intensity-modulated RT (IMRT) doses of 66 to 81 Gy, assigned
      to patients by the time-to-event continual reassessment method, were delivered
      over 6 weeks with concurrent daily temozolomide (75 mg/m(2)) followed by adjuvant
      cyclic temozolomide (200 mg/m(2) d1-5 q28d *6 cycles). Treatment was based on
      gadolinium-enhanced MRI. Pretreatment MET-PET scans were obtained for correlation
      with eventual sites of failure. RESULTS: A total of 38 patients were analyzed
      with a median follow-up of 54 months for patients who remain alive. Late CNS
      grade >=III toxicity was observed at 78 (2 of 7 patients) and 81 Gy (1 of 9
      patients). None of 22 patients receiving 75 or less Gy developed RT necrosis.
      Median OS and PFS were 20.1 (14.0-32.5) and 9.0 (6.0-11.7) months, respectively.
      Twenty-two of 32 patients with pretreatment MET-PET uptake showed uptake beyond
      the contrast-enhanced MRI. Patients whose treatment did not include the region of
      increased MET-PET uptake showed an increased risk of noncentral failure (P <
      0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with GBM can safely receive standard temozolomide
      with 75 Gy in 30 fractions, delivered using IMRT. The median OS of 20.1 months is
      promising. Furthermore, MET-PET appears to predict regions of high risk of
      recurrence not defined by MRI, suggesting that further improvements may be
      possible by targeting metabolically active regions.

PMID- 22065085
TI  - A global view of the OCA2-HERC2 region and pigmentation.
AB  - Mutations in the gene OCA2 are responsible for oculocutaneous albinism type 2,
      but polymorphisms in and around OCA2 have also been associated with normal
      pigment variation. In Europeans, three haplotypes in the region have been shown
      to be associated with eye pigmentation and a missense SNP (rs1800407) has been
      associated with green/hazel eyes (Branicki et al. in Ann Hum Genet 73:160-170,
      2009). In addition, a missense mutation (rs1800414) is a candidate for light skin
      pigmentation in East Asia (Yuasa et al. in Biochem Genet 45:535-542, 2007; Anno
      et al. in Int J Biol Sci 4, 2008). We have genotyped 3,432 individuals from 72
      populations for 21 SNPs in the OCA2-HERC2 region including those previously
      associated with eye or skin pigmentation. We report that the blue-eye associated
      alleles at all three haplotypes were found at high frequencies in Europe;
      however, one is restricted to Europe and surrounding regions, while the other two
      are found at moderate to high frequencies throughout the world. We also observed
      that the derived allele of rs1800414 is essentially limited to East Asia where it
      is found at high frequencies. Long-range haplotype tests provide evidence of
      selection for the blue-eye allele at the three haplotyped systems but not for the
      green/hazel eye SNP allele. We also saw evidence of selection at the derived
      allele of rs1800414 in East Asia. Our data suggest that the haplotype restricted
      to Europe is the strongest marker for blue eyes globally and add further
      inferential evidence that the derived allele of rs1800414 is an East Asian skin
      pigmentation allele.

PMID- 22065086
TI  - A novel locus for autosomal dominant congenital motor nystagmus mapped to 1q31
      q32.2 between D1S2816 and D1S2692.
AB  - Congenital motor nystagmus (CMN) is characterized by bilateral involuntary ocular
      oscillation without any other underlying ocular or systemic diseases. An
      autosomal dominant CMN was identified in a large Chinese family where all
      patients had nystagmus since infancy. The nystagmus in the family is independent
      of any known ocular or systemic diseases. After exclusion of known CMN loci, a
      genome-wide scan was performed by genotyping microsatellite markers at about 10
      cM intervals, together with two-point linkage analysis. Exome sequencing was used
      to screen coding exons of well-annotated genes. Sanger-dideoxy sequencing was
      used to verify candidate variations inside the linkage interval. Congenital motor
      nystagmus in this family shows linkage to markers in a 11.39 Mb (12.1 cM) region
      on chromosome 1q31-q32.2 between D1S2816 and D1S2692. All nine markers in the
      linkage interval gave positive lod scores, with D1S2655 and D1S2636 yielding lod
      scores of 5.16 and 5.18, respectively, at theta = 0. No causative mutation in the
      linkage interval was identified by exome sequencing of gDNA from four patients. A
      linkage study of additional families and further analysis of candidate genes may
      ultimately lead to identification of the gene responsible for dominantly
      inherited CMN.

PMID- 22065087
TI  - Audit of acute Charcot's disease in the UK: the CDUK study.
AB  - AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: We studied factors associated with the development and
      resolution of acute Charcot foot using a web-based observational study. METHODS:
      Clinicians managing cases of acute Charcot foot in the UK and Ireland between
      June 2005 and February 2007 were invited to register anonymised details on a
      secure website. RESULTS: A total of 288 cases (age 57.0 +/- 11.3 years [mean +/-
      SD]; 71.2% male) were registered from 76 centres. Of these, 36% of patients
      recalled an episode of relevant trauma in the preceding 6 months, while 12% had
      had surgery to the affected foot. In 101 (35%) cases, ulceration was present at
      registration and 20% of these had osteomyelitis. Non-removable off-loading
      devices were used at presentation in 35.4% of cases, with removable off-loading
      used in 50%. Data on resolution were available for 219 patients. The median time
      to resolution was 9 months in patients whose initial management included the use
      of non-removable off-loading, compared with 12 months in the remainder (p =
      0.001). Bisphosphonates were administered intravenously in 25.4% and orally in
      19.4% of cases. The median time to resolution in patients who received
      bisphosphonates was 12 months and was longer than in those who did not (10
      months, p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: The median time to resolution was
      longer than in earlier series. Although limited by being observational and non
      randomised, these data suggest that the use of non-removable off-loading at
      presentation may shorten the time to resolution. They provide no evidence to
      indicate that the use of bisphosphonates is beneficial.

PMID- 22065088
TI  - Branched-chain amino acid levels are associated with improvement in insulin
      resistance with weight loss.
AB  - AIMS/HYPOTHESIS: Insulin resistance (IR) improves with weight loss, but this
      response is heterogeneous. We hypothesised that metabolomic profiling would
      identify biomarkers predicting changes in IR with weight loss. METHODS: Targeted
      mass spectrometry-based profiling of 60 metabolites, plus biochemical assays of
      NEFA, beta-hydroxybutyrate, ketones, insulin and glucose were performed in
      baseline and 6 month plasma samples from 500 participants who had lost >=4 kg
      during Phase I of the Weight Loss Maintenance (WLM) trial. Homeostatic model
      assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and change in HOMA-IR with weight loss
      (?HOMA-IR) were calculated. Principal components analysis (PCA) and mixed models
      adjusted for race, sex, baseline weight, and amount of weight loss were used;
      findings were validated in an independent cohort of patients (n = 22). RESULTS:
      Mean weight loss was 8.67 +/- 4.28 kg; mean ?HOMA-IR was -0.80 +/- 1.73, range 
      28.9 to 4.82). Baseline PCA-derived factor 3 (branched chain amino acids [BCAAs]
      and associated catabolites) correlated with baseline HOMA-IR (r = 0.50, p <
      0.0001) and independently associated with ?HOMA-IR (p < 0.0001). ?HOMA-IR
      increased in a linear fashion with increasing baseline factor 3 quartiles. Amount
      of weight loss was only modestly correlated with ?HOMA-IR (r = 0.24). These
      findings were validated in the independent cohort, with a factor composed of
      BCAAs and related metabolites predicting ?HOMA-IR (p = 0.007).
      CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: A cluster of metabolites comprising BCAAs and related
      analytes predicts improvement in HOMA-IR independent of the amount of weight
      lost. These results may help identify individuals most likely to benefit from
      moderate weight loss and elucidate novel mechanisms of IR in obesity.

PMID- 22065089
TI  - Evaluation of teicoplanin dosing designs to achieve a new target trough
      concentration.
AB  - Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) creep in vancomycin has prompted
      guidelines that recommend a target trough concentration (C (min)) of 15-20 mg/L,
      and it is also considered necessary to set a C (min) of >15 mg/L for teicoplanin
      (TEIC), especially in patients with complicated methicillin-resistant
      Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. The aim of this study was to investigate
      the appropriate TEIC regimen for reaching the revised target C (min) (15-30 mg/L)
      in patients with normal renal function and those with renal dysfunction. We
      analyzed patients with MRSA infections who were treated with TEIC between July
      2006 and December 2009. Two-day loading regimen was studied in patients with non
      renal-dysfunction (group 1). The 1-day loading regimen was studied in patients
      with non-renal-dysfunction (group 2, control) and in patients with renal
      dysfunction (group 3). The 178 patients in the study consisted of 76, 28, and 74
      patients in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. C (min) on day 4 was 14.6 +/- 5.6,
      11.9 +/- 4.1, and 13.5 +/- 4.2 mg/L, and the proportion of patients achieving the
      revised target range was 34.2%, 17.9%, and 20.3%, respectively. Only one patient
      in group 1 revealed C (min) of >30 mg/L. Treatment success rates, nephrotoxicity,
      and hepatotoxicity were similar among the three groups. It was difficult to
      achieve the revised target C (min) with the 2-day loading regimen in patients
      without renal dysfunction and with the standard TEIC regimen, even in patients
      with renal dysfunction. Further investigation of an even higher TEIC dosing
      regimen is considered necessary.

PMID- 22065090
TI  - Necrotizing fasciitis following psoas muscle abscess caused by hypermucoviscous
      Klebsiella pneumoniae.
AB  - A 59-year-old Japanese diabetic woman was admitted to a small private hospital
      with general malaise, fever, and a 1-month history of low back pain. A computed
      tomography scan of the abdomen revealed left abdominal necrotizing fasciitis with
      suspected left psoas muscle abscess. She was transferred to Gunma University
      Hospital, received antibiotic therapy, and underwent debridement of the infected
      subcutaneous tissue, fascia, and necrotic left psoas muscle. She was transferred
      to the intensive care unit to receive mechanical ventilation and inotropic
      support. Blood culture showed growth of Klebsiella pneumoniae, from which
      hypermucoviscosity was detected by the string test. She was extubated on day 5 of
      hospitalization and transferred to a general ward on day 14. Free skin grafting
      was performed on day 76, and she was discharged on day 134 without any
      complications.

PMID- 22065091
TI  - Prevalence and clinical usefulness of antiphospholipid and anticofactor
      antibodies in different Spanish preeclampsia subsets.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the prevalence and clinical usefulness of antiphospholipid
      antibodies in different preeclampsia subsets. DESIGN: Observational cross
      sectional study. SETTING: Tertiary teaching hospital. PATIENTS: Ninety-nine women
      with preeclampsia versus 83 healthy pregnant women as controls. INTERVENTIONS: We
      analysed anticardiolipin IgG/IgM, anti-beta(2)glycoprotein IgG/IgM,
      antiphosphatidylserine IgG/IgM, antiAnnexin-A5 IgG/IgM, and lupus anticoagulant.
      MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Comparison of antiphospholipid antibody positivity between
      groups. RESULTS: Antiphospholipid antibody prevalence was 14.14% in the study
      group vs. 7.23% in controls. Excluding antiAnnexin-A5-positive women, overall
      antiphospholipid prevalence was 13.19% vs. 3.61% (p = 0.034). Only IgM
      anticardiolipin positivity showed significant differences between preeclampsia
      group and controls (8.1% vs. 1.20%, p = 0.041). Comparing a severe preeclampsia
      subset vs. controls, we obtained these significant results: for two or more
      positive antiphospholipid tests: 9.09% vs. 1.20 (p = 0.037); IgM-anticardiolipin
      10.91% vs. 1.20% (p = 0.016); IgG/IgM-anti-beta(2)glycoprotein-I 10.91% vs. 1.90%
      (p = 0.016), IgM-anti-beta(2)glycoprotein-I 9.09% vs.1.20 (p = 0.037). When
      comparing early-onset preeclampsia vs. controls we found IgM-anticardiolipin
      11.11% vs. 1.20% (p = 0.029). CONCLUSIONS: Prevalence of antiphospholipid
      antibodies in preeclampsia patients is twice that in healthy pregnant women.
      Multipositive aPL test, IgM-anticardiolipin and IgM-anti-beta(2)glycoprotein-I
      isotypes showed an association with severe and early-onset preeclampsia. Larger
      studies are needed to establish the usefulness of antiphospholipid tests as risk
      markers for severe and early onset preeclampsia.

PMID- 22065092
TI  - Environment and lupus-related diseases.
AB  - Clinical manifestations of lupus are encountered in a variety of disease
      entities, including isolated cutaneous lupus, undifferentiated connective tissue
      disease, mixed connective tissue disease, drug-induced lupus, overlap syndrome,
      and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). While each entity has been recognized as
      a specific disease with its own diverse clinical and serological pattern, one
      could argue that many findings are common. Could it be that all of these entities
      actually represent a spectrum of one disease? Could it be that rather than the
      genetic predisposition and hence controlled factors that govern this spectrum of
      diseases, that environmental factors associated with SLE could also play a role
      in the different entities of this spectrum? The traditional environmental
      triggers in SLE include sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) light, infections, smoking,
      and medications including biologics such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-a)
      blockers. In this review, we update and further substantiate these traditional
      factors in the various lupus-related syndromes. We will also discuss the
      association with vaccine exposure, industrial estrogens, and other factors.

PMID- 22065093
TI  - Vitamin D status in systemic lupus erythematosus patients and its association
      with selected clinical and laboratory parameters.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To identify relationships between vitamin D serum levels and the
      presence of autoantibodies directed against vitamin D and levels of
      interleukin(IL)-17 and IL-23 in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
      METHODS: The study included 49 patients with SLE. Serum concentrations of
      25(OH)D(3) were measured with electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA).
      Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) were used to determine antibodies
      directed against 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) and levels of IL-17 and IL-23 in serum of SLE
      patients. In evaluation of vitamin D status, the control group consisted of 49
      age and gender matched healthy individuals, whereas in assessment of anti-vitamin
      D antibodies the control group comprised 30 sera from blood donors. RESULTS:
      Serum concentration of 25(OH)D(3) in SLE patients during the warm season was
      18.47 +/- 9.14 ng/ml, which was significantly decreased as compared with that of
      the control group - 31.27 +/- 12.65 ng/ml (p = 0.0005). During the cold season a
      trend toward lower concentration of 25(OH)D(3) in SLE patients was revealed;
      however, it did not reach statistical significance (11.71 +/- 7.21 ng/ml vs.
      16.01 +/- 8.46 ng/ml; p = 0.054). Results within the recommended range for
      vitamin D (30-80 ng/ml; 70-200 nmol/l) were observed only in three patients. The
      25(OH)D(3) concentration was decreased in SLE patients with renal disease or
      leucopenia as compared with the levels in patients who did not have either
      problem (p = 0.006 and p = 0.047, respectively). The cold season was found to be
      a risk factor for vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/ml) (odds ratio = 9.25; p =
      0.005). Autoantibodies directed against 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) were detected in three
      SLE patients. No significant difference in 25(OH)D(3) serum concentrations was
      found between SLE patients with and without these autoantibodies. No link was
      shown between the existence of autoantibodies against 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) and
      clinical or laboratory findings, including IL-17 and IL-23 levels. However, serum
      concentrations of IL-23 were lower in patients with vitamin D deficiency (p =
      0.037). CONCLUSIONS: SLE patients, especially those with leucopenia or renal
      involvement, are at high risk of vitamin D deficiency and require vitamin D
      supplementation. Some SLE patient sera contained 1,25(OH)(2)D(3) antibodies, but
      these antibodies do not appear to affect vitamin D levels.

PMID- 22065094
TI  - Cutaneous phaeohyphomycosis caused by Exophiala spinifera in a patient with
      systemic lupus erythematosus.
AB  - Exophiala spinifera can induce both phaeohyphomycosis and chromomycosis. To date
      there have been 18 human infections caused by E. spinifera in the English
      literature. A case of E. spinifera-induced phaeohyphomycosis in a patient with
      systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is described. Direct microscopic examination
      of the pus showed branched, septate and chained hyphae and spores. A dark green
      velvety colony grew on Sabouraud dextrose agar. Slide culture showed branched,
      septate hyphae and spine-like annellated conidiophores. Histopathological biopsy
      revealed yellowish brown hyphae and spores. The isolate was identified as E.
      spinifera by DNA sequence analysis. The strain was unable to liquefy gelatin,
      grew at 25 degrees C to 39 degrees C, and was sensitive to itraconazole,
      amphotericin B, and terbinafine. To our knowledge, this is the first case of
      cutaneous phaeohyphomycosis caused by E. spinifera in SLE patients.

PMID- 22065095
TI  - TLR7/8/9 polymorphisms and their associations in systemic lupus erythematosus
      patients from southern Brazil.
AB  - Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease
      and can affect several organs and systems. It is characterized by high production
      of autoantibodies against nuclear compounds. TLR7/8/9 are responsible for nucleic
      acid recognition and they trigger proinflammatory responses through activation of
      NK-kappaB and Type I IFN production, making a bridge between the innate and the
      adaptative immune systems. We analyzed the frequency of TLR7 rs179008, TLR8
      rs3764880, TLR9 rs5743836 and rs352140 in 370 patients with SLE and 415 healthy
      controls from southern Brazil. All analyses were conducted with regard to gender
      and ethnicity. Genotypic and allelic frequencies were different for TLR7 rs179008
      (0.253 vs. 0.163, p = 0.020 and p = 0.003, OR for T allele: 1.74 CI 95% 1.12
      2.70) and TLR9 rs5743836 (0.174 vs. 0.112, p = 0.045 and p = 0.017, OR for C
      allele: 1.59, CI 95% 0.99-2.57) between European-derived female groups. A higher
      frequency was observed for the presence of Anti-SSa/Ro for TRL9 rs5743836 C
      allele carriers (0.228 vs 0.126, Bonferroni corrected p = 0.06). No statistical
      differences were found for TLR9 haplotypic analyses. We suggest that TLR7
      rs179008 and TLR9 rs5743836 can be considered SLE susceptibility factors for
      women of European descent in our population.

PMID- 22065096
TI  - 17beta-Estradiol (E-2) administration to male (NZB * SWR)F1 mice results in
      increased Id(LN)F1-reactive memory T-lymphocytes and accelerated
      glomerulonephritis.
AB  - While it has been shown that estradiol treatment accelerates the onset of lupus
      nephritis with autoantibody production and kidney damage in both male and female
      lupus-prone mice, the specific mechanism(s) involved are unknown. Our previous
      work has shown that alterations in Id(LN)F(1)-reactive T cells and Id(LN)F(1)+
      antibodies correlated closely with the onset of autoimmune nephritis in female
      F(1) progeny of SWR and NZB (SNF(1)) mice, supporting a critical role for the
      Id(LN)F(1) idiotype in the development of disease. Since male SNF(1) mice
      normally do not develop nephritis, we tested whether administration of 17beta
      estradiol (E-2) to male SNF(1) mice would increase Id(LN)F(1) IgG levels and
      autoreactive T cells, and further, induce nephritis. We found that E-2-treated
      male SNF(1) mice developed nephritis with the same time course and mean survival
      as normal female SNF(1) mice. Moreover, it appeared that the mechanism involved
      increased serum Id(LN)F(1)(+)IgG and its deposition in kidney glomeruli, preceded
      by a striking twofold increase in T-lymphocytes expressing the memory phenotype
      (CD44(+)CD45RB(lo)) predominantly in the Id(LN)F(1)-reactive T-cell population.
      In addition, we noted that cells with this phenotype were increased in the
      nephritic kidneys of treated mice, suggesting a direct involvement of those cells
      in the renal pathology. E-2 treatment also induced increased numbers of
      pathogenic Id(LN)F(1)+ antibody-producing B cells and elevated presentation of
      pathogenic Id(LN)F(1)+ peptide. Taken together, these results suggest a mechanism
      of E-2-induced acceleration of autoimmune disease in lupus-prone mice may involve
      expansion of autoreactive idiotypic T and B-cell populations.

PMID- 22065097
TI  - Cardiovascular event in systemic lupus erythematosus in northern Sweden:
      incidence and predictors in a 7-year follow-up study.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: An increased rate of cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been
      suggested in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The risk for
      myocardial infarction (MI), coronary artery disease and stroke has been reported
      as particularly prevalent in younger females compared with the reference
      population. This study was performed to analyse the standard incidence ratio
      (SIR) of and predictors for cardiovascular events (CVEs) in patients with SLE
      from northern Sweden, with a fairly homogenous population. METHODS: In 2000 all
      prevalent patients with SLE (>=4 American College of Rheumatology [ACR] criteria;
      n = 277) from the four northern-most counties of Sweden were assessed with
      clinical and laboratory analyses. Seven years follow-up data concerning MI and
      stroke were extracted from the national registers of hospitalization and death in
      Sweden. The incidence ratio among the patients was compared with that for the
      general population from the same catchment area using data from the same register
      and Statistics Sweden. To identify time to event and CVE predictors, two matched
      controls for each patient were used and disease related variables as CVD
      predictors. RESULTS: The SIR for a CVE was 1.27 (95% CI 0.82-1.87) and for
      females separately aged 40-49 years was 8.00 (95% CI 1.65-23.38). The overall SIR
      for MI was 2.31 (95% CI 1.34-3.7), for females overall was 1.75 (95% CI 0.84
      3.22) and for females aged between 40 and 49 years was 8.7 (95% CI 1.1-31.4). The
      time to an event was significantly shorter among SLE patients (p < 0.001) and was
      predicted by hypertension adjusted for smoking and disease. High SLEDAI and anti
      cardiolipin IgG antibodies predicted an event in Cox proportional hazards
      regression models adjusted for age and previous MI. Diabetes, smoking ever and
      sex did not affect the prediction models. CONCLUSION: The risk of a CVE, or MI,
      was eight- or nine-fold greater among middle-aged female SLE patients. Time to
      event was significantly shorter and CVE was associated with SLE-related factors
      including hypertension and age.

PMID- 22065098
TI  - Disparate effects of depletion of CD1d-reactive T cells during early versus late
      stages of disease in a genetically susceptible model of lupus.
AB  - Some T cells react with lipid antigens bound to antigen-presenting molecule CD1d.
      Numbers and functions of a subset of such lipid-reactive T cells are reduced in
      patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and their relatives, as well as
      in genetically susceptible and chemically induced animal models of lupus-like
      disease. We have reported that the germline deletion of CD1d exacerbates lupus,
      suggesting a protective role of these cells in the development of lupus. The use
      of a knockout mouse model in this study, however, did not allow examination of
      the role of these cells at different stages of disease. Here, we describe an
      approach to deplete CD1d-dependent T cells, which allowed us to investigate the
      role of these cells at different stages of disease in genetically lupus-prone
      NZB/NZW F1 (BWF1) mice. Repeated intravenous injections of large numbers of CD1d
      transfected cells resulted in ~50-75% reduction in these cells, as defined by the
      expression of CD4, NK1.1 and CD122, and lack of expression of CD62 ligand. TCR
      gammadelta (+)NK1.1(+) cells were also reduced in the recipients of CD1d
      transfected cells as compared with control recipients. Such depletion of CD1d
      reactive T cells in preclinical BWF1 mice resulted in disease acceleration with a
      significant increase in proteinuria and mortality. In older BWF1 mice having
      advanced nephritis, however, such depletion of CD1d-reactive T cells resulted in
      some disease improvement. Taken together, these data as well as our published
      studies suggest that CD1d-reactive T cells protect against the development of
      lupus in animal models. However, these cells appear to be unable to suppress
      established lupus nephritis in these animals, and might even play a disease
      aggravating role in late stages of disease.

PMID- 22065100
TI  - The malignant neuroleptic syndrome (a review with report of three cases).

PMID- 22065101
TI  - Aqua-(dicyanamido-kappaN)(2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline-kappaN,N')(nitrato
      kappaO,O')cobalt(II)-2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline-water (2/1/2).
AB  - In the title compound,
      2[Co(C(2)N(3))(NO(3))(C(14)H(12)N(2))(H(2)O)].C(14)H(12)N(2).2H(2)O, the Co(II)
      ion is coordinated by a bidentate 2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroline (dmphen)
      ligand, a bidentate nitrate anion, a water mol-ecule and a monodentate dicyan
      amide group in a distorted octa-hedral geometry. One uncoordinated dmphen mol
      ecule is situated on a crystallographic twofold axis and the asymmetric unit is
      completed by one water mol-ecule. In the crystal, mol-ecules form a one
      dimensional framework in the [001] direction through O-H?N and O-H?O hydrogen
      bonds. The crystal packing is further stabilized by pi-pi stacking inter-actions
      between the dmphen rings of neighboring mol-ecules, with a centroid-centroid
      separation of 3.5641 (8) A and a partially overlapped arrangement of parallel
      dmphen rings with a distance of 3.407 (2) A.

PMID- 22065099
TI  - Genetic and phenotypic variations of inherited retinal diseases in dogs: the
      power of within- and across-breed studies.
AB  - Considerable clinical and molecular variations have been known in retinal
      blinding diseases in man and also in dogs. Different forms of retinal diseases
      occur in specific breed(s) caused by mutations segregating within each isolated
      breeding population. While molecular studies to find genes and mutations
      underlying retinal diseases in dogs have benefited largely from the phenotypic
      and genetic uniformity within a breed, within- and across-breed variations have
      often played a key role in elucidating the molecular basis. The increasing
      knowledge of phenotypic, allelic, and genetic heterogeneities in canine retinal
      degeneration has shown that the overall picture is rather more complicated than
      initially thought. Over the past 20 years, various approaches have been developed
      and tested to search for genes and mutations underlying genetic traits in dogs,
      depending on the availability of genetic tools and sample resources. Candidate
      gene, linkage analysis, and genome-wide association studies have so far
      identified 24 mutations in 18 genes underlying retinal diseases in at least 58
      dog breeds. Many of these genes have been associated with retinal diseases in
      humans, thus providing opportunities to study the role in pathogenesis and in
      normal vision. Application in therapeutic interventions such as gene therapy has
      proven successful initially in a naturally occurring dog model followed by trials
      in human patients. Other genes whose human homologs have not been associated with
      retinal diseases are potential candidates to explain equivalent human diseases
      and contribute to the understanding of their function in vision.

PMID- 22065102
TI  - Aptamer-based modulation of blood coagulation.
AB  - Nucleic acid based aptamers are single-stranded oligonucleotide ligands isolated
      from random libraries by an in-vitro selection procedure. Through the formation
      of unique three-dimensional structures, aptamers are able to selectively interact
      with a variety of target molecules and are therefore also promising candidates
      for the development of anticoagulant drugs. While thrombin represents the most
      prominent enzymatic target in this field, also aptamers directed against other
      coagulation proteins and proteases have been identified with some currently being
      tested in clinical trials.  In this review, we summarize recent developments in
      the design and evaluation of aptamers for anticoagulant therapy and research.

PMID- 22065104
TI  - Hydronephrosis caused by a relapse of granulomatosis with polyangiitis
      (Wegener's).
AB  - We describe a case of relapsed granulomatosis with polyangiitis (Wegener's) (GPA)
      that presented with abdominal pain. (18)F-fluoro-2-deoxy-D: -glucose positron
      emission tomography (FDG-PET)/computed tomography (CT) clearly depicted an
      inflammation of the left peri-iliac arterial soft tissue, which was thought to be
      the cause of the ureteral obstruction and hydronephrosis. Our case shows that
      peri-iliac arterial inflammation occurs in GPA and causes hydronephrosis. In
      addition, FDG-PET/CT is a useful tool for management of this systemic
      inflammatory disease.

PMID- 22065105
TI  - Transcutaneous interferential electrical stimulation for management of neurogenic
      bowel dysfunction in children with myelomeningocele.
AB  - PURPOSE: We describe the efficacy of transcutaneous interferential (IF)
      electrical stimulation on constipation symptoms in children with myelomeningocele
      (MMC). METHODS: MMC children (30, comprising of 17 girls and 13 boys), mean age
      6.7 +/- 2.9, with moderate to severe intractable constipation were enrolled in
      this study. They were divided into treatment (IF stimulation, 15 children) and
      control (sham stimulation, 15 children) groups. All children underwent anorectal
      manometry before and 6 months after IF therapy considering the rectoanal
      inhibitory reflex and sphincter pressure. Parents were instructed to complete a
      bowel habit diary by providing data on the number of defecations per week, form
      of stool and episodes of pain during defecation. According to parents' report a
      total neurogenic bowel dysfunction score questionnaire was filled before and 6
      months after treatment. A 15-course abdominal area IF electrical stimulation was
      performed for 20 min and three times per week, with low-frequency current in a
      duration of 250 MUs every 6 s. Children were followed up for a minimum period of
      6 months. RESULTS: In the treatment group, sphincter pressure and rectoanal
      inhibitory reflex significantly improved compared with sham stimulation and
      pretreatment measures (P < .05). In 73% of patients, the characteristics of
      constipation decreased immediately after IF therapy, while in 53% patients, they
      persisted for 6 months. Frequency of defecation increased statistically
      significant from 2.5 +/- 1.1 per week before treatment to 4.7 +/- 2.3 per week
      after treatment (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: This pilot study showed that IF therapy
      is safe, noninvasive, and effective modality to improve constipation symptoms and
      anorectal manometry parameters in children with history of myelomeningocele.

PMID- 22065106
TI  - Quality of life after laparoscopic resection rectopexy.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study evaluated continence, constipation, and quality of life (QoL)
      after laparoscopic resection rectopexy (LRR) for full-thickness rectal prolapse.
      Results were compared with existing data after perineal rectosigmoidectomy (PRS).
      METHODS: From May 2003 to February 2008, consecutive patients suffering from full
      thickness rectal prolapse undergoing LRR were retrospectively studied. A
      standardized questionnaire including the Cleveland Clinic Constipation and
      Incontinence Scores (CCCS and CCIS) as well as general and constipation-related
      QoL scores (EQ-5D and PAC-QOL) was administered. Results were compared with those
      after PRS. For statistic analysis, the Wilcoxon test (EQ-5D and EQ-VAS) and two
      sample Student's t test (CCCS, CCIS, and PAC-QOL) were used for LRR, for the
      comparison of both procedures Mann-Whitney test (EQ-5D) and two-sample Student's
      t test (EQ-VAS, CCCS, CCIS, and PAC-QOL). RESULTS: Eighteen patients, 15 female,
      aged 58.1 (+/-20.2) years underwent LRR. Eleven patients completed follow-up.
      Postoperatively, neither functional outcome nor QoL improved. Two recurrences
      occurred, morbidity was n = 2, and mortality n = 1. In comparison, patients after
      PRS benefit from improved constipation, general QoL measures, status of health,
      and all dimensions of constipation-related QoL. CONCLUSIONS: Patients after LRR
      do not benefit from improved general nor constipation-related QoL nor improved
      functional results compared to PRS.

PMID- 22065107
TI  - Impact of fat obesity on laparoscopic total mesorectal excision: more reliable
      indicator than body mass index.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of visceral fat
      obesity (VFO) on early surgical and oncologic outcomes of laparoscopic total
      mesorectal excision (LTME) for rectal cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between June
      2003 and June 2009, a total of 142 patients who had undergone LTME were included.
      Patients were divided into the obese group (OG) and the non-obese group (NOG)
      according to BMI and visceral fat area (VFA). Obesity was defined by BMI >=25
      kg/m2 or VFA >=130 cm2. RESULTS: There were 37 (26.0%) and 29 (20.4%) obese
      patients according to BMI and VFA, respectively. The OG, defined by both VFA and
      BMI, had a significantly longer operative time. The VFO group experienced more
      frequent conversion to laparotomy (17.2% vs. 5.0%; P = 0.047) and significantly
      higher blood loss during surgery (205.8 +/- 257.0 mL vs. 102.5 +/- 219.9 mL; P =
      0.031), whereas there was no significant difference when defined by BMI. Time to
      first flatus was significantly longer in the VFO group compared with the NOG
      (mean 3.5 days vs. 2.7 days; P = 0.046), whereas it was not significantly
      different when classified by BMI. Regarding oncologic parameters, the VFO group
      had a significantly higher number of patients from whom less than 12 total lymph
      nodes were retrieved (65.5% vs. 34.5%; P = 0.002); however, there was no
      difference between the two groups defined by BMI. CONCLUSION: VFO is proven to be
      a more reliable predictive factor than BMI in estimating early surgical outcomes
      for patients who underwent LTME. VFO is associated with fewer numbers of
      retrieved lymph nodes.

PMID- 22065108
TI  - Role of dendritic cells in progression and clinical outcome of colon cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: The dendritic cells (DCs) are key players in the initiation and
      regulation of immune responses including antitumor immunity. In the current
      study, we aimed to elucidate the role of different subtypes of DCs infiltrating
      the tumor stroma and invasive margin for tumor progression and survival of
      patients with colon cancer. METHODS: The presence of immature (CD1a- and S100
      protein+) and mature (CD83- and HLA-DR+) DCs was evaluated by
      immunohistochemistry in tissue samples from 145 patients with colon cancer.
      Patients were dichotomized according to the number of DCs in the tumor stroma and
      invasive margin, and clinical, histological, and survival data were compared
      between the two groups of patients. RESULTS: The number of the mature CD83+ DCs
      in the tumor stroma and in the invasive margin significantly correlated with the
      tumor stage: the lower level of infiltration was found in patients that have
      advanced tumor stage. The frequency of distant metastases was higher in patients
      who had lower numbers of immature CD1a+ DCs in tumor stroma and of CD83+ DCs in
      invasive margin. Patients showing a relatively high number of S100+ DCs in the
      tumor stroma and HLA-DR+ DCs in the invasive margin had a longer overall survival
      (p < 0.05). Patients with lower CD83+ DCs infiltration in invasive margin had
      worse prognosis after surgical therapy compared with those with higher CD83+ DCs
      infiltration (p = 0.0397). CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrate that the
      infiltration of colon cancer with DCs is related with tumor progression and
      patient prognosis, suggesting a central role for DCs in controlling local
      antitumor immunity.

PMID- 22065109
TI  - The effects of tacrolimus on colonic anastomotic healing in rats.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this experimental study is to investigate the effects of
      tacrolimus on colonic anastomotic healing after subcutaneous administration.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty Albino-Wistar male rats were divided into two
      groups, with two equal subgroups each. They all underwent colonic resection
      followed by a single-layer, inverted colon anastomosis and were injected
      subcutaneously with either 1 ml of 0.9% NaCl solution or tacrolimus (0.1 mg/kg
      body weight) depending on their group. Half of the rats were sacrificed on the
      fourth postoperative day, while the remaining half were sacrificed on the eighth
      postoperative day. Macroscopical and histological assessment was performed, while
      anastomotic bursting pressures and the tissue concentrations in hydroxyproline
      and collagenase I were evaluated. RESULTS: On the fourth postoperative day, the
      bursting pressures (217.00 +/- 11.12, p < 0.001), the fibroblast activity (2.80
      +/- 0.42, p = 0.022), the neoangiogenesis (2.10 +/- 0.32, p = 0.007) and the
      tissue hydroxyproline concentration (254.23 +/- 67.10, p = 0.001) were
      significantly higher in the tacrolimus-treated animals. Furthermore, tacrolimus
      significantly decreased the inflammatory cell infiltration (1.50 +/- 0.53, p <
      0.001) and the tissue collagenase I concentration (4.16 +/- 0.76, p = 0.002). On
      the eighth day, the bursting pressure (264.00 +/- 32.61, p < 0.001) and the
      hydroxyproline tissue concentration (331.04 +/- 55.56, p = 0.002) were
      significantly higher in the tacrolimus subgroups. The inflammatory cell
      infiltration (1.20 +/- 0.42, p < 0.001) and the collagenase I concentration (1.61
      +/- 0.83, p < 0.001) were significantly lower. In addition, the adhesion
      formation score was significantly lower (1.20 +/- 0.92, p = 0.065). CONCLUSION:
      Tacrolimus, when injected subcutaneously, promotes healing of colonic anastomoses
      in rats. It impairs not only inflammatory response but also collagen degradation,
      resulting to increased anastomotic strength on the fourth as well as on the
      eighth postoperative day.

PMID- 22065110
TI  - Dukes C colorectal cancer: is the metastatic lymph node ratio important?
AB  - PURPOSE: Although the regional lymph node status is essential for staging of
      colorectal cancer, the importance of the total number of collected nodes remains
      controversial. Our aim was to examine the impact of the metastatic lymph node
      ratio (LNR) on the survival of patients with Dukes C colorectal cancer. METHODS:
      All patients with Dukes C histology were selected from a prospectively collected
      database of all colorectal cancers resected between 1997 and 2007 at our
      institution. Demographic, histopathological and adjuvant treatment data were
      collected. The total number of positive lymph nodes was divided by the total
      number of lymph nodes examined to calculate the LNR. Patients were categorised
      into LNR groups 1 to 5 according to cut-off points: <=0.1, 0.21, 0.36, 0.6 and
      >=0.61. Survival from the date of operation was calculated using Kaplan-Meier
      estimates. Multivariate analysis was performed to identify those factors
      influencing survival. RESULTS: Of 1,098 patients who underwent colorectal cancer
      resections, 41% were staged as Dukes C. Sixty-four percent of patients received
      chemotherapy. The median number of lymph nodes harvested and positive for tumour
      were 11 (range 1-52) and 4 (range 1-28), respectively. In patients who received
      chemotherapy, 5-year survival was 69.3% for LNR 1 and 23.6% for LNR 5. When no
      chemotherapy was given, the 5-year survival was 43.1% for LNR 1 and 8.7% for LNR
      5. CONCLUSIONS: Current evaluation of positive lymph nodes may not accurately
      stage Dukes C colorectal cancer. The assessment of the LNR is a useful prognostic
      method in this heterogenous group of patients.

PMID- 22065111
TI  - Pleiotrophin is a potential colorectal cancer prognostic factor that promotes
      VEGF expression and induces angiogenesis in colorectal cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: Pleiotrophin (PTN) is an important developmental secretory cytokine
      expressed in many types of cancer and involved in angiogenesis and tumor growth;
      however, the significance of PTN expression in colorectal cancer (CRC) has not
      been established. METHODS: Immunohistochemistry, western blot, and enzyme-linked
      immunosorbent assay were used to detect PTN expression in CRC patients. The
      relationship between PTN expression and clinicopathological characteristics and
      survival time was statistically analyzed, and the relationship between PTN and
      vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in tumor angiogenesis was further
      analyzed. RESULTS: Of CRC tissues, 74.70% (62/83) stained positive, with a strong
      positive ratio of 60.24% (50/83). The expression of PTN in CRC tissues was much
      higher than in normal colorectal tissues. PTN serum levels in CRC patients (mean
      = 254.59 +/- 261.76 pg/ml) were significantly higher than those of normal
      volunteers (mean = 115.23 +/- 79.53 pg/ml; p < 0.001). PTN expression was related
      to CRC differentiation and TNM staging. High level of PTN is a predictor of a
      poor prognosis and high expression of PTN is accompanied by high expression of
      VEGF in CRC patients. Investigation of the relationship between PTN and VEGF
      revealed that PTN, through the PTN/RPTPbeta/zeta signaling pathway, increased
      tyrosine phosphorylation of beta-catenin, leading to an increase in VEGF.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our study identifies PTN as an essential growth factor for CRC. PTN
      promotes VEGF expression and cooperates with VEGF in promoting CRC angiogenesis.
      PTN could serve as a prognostic factor for this cancer. Considering that PTN
      shows very limited expression in normal tissue, it may represent an attractive
      new target for CRC therapy.

PMID- 22065112
TI  - The JAK2 variant rs10758669 in Crohn's disease: altering the intestinal barrier
      as one mechanism of action.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aetiology of intestinal barrier dysfunction in Crohn's disease (CD)
      is poorly understood. Associations in relatives of CD families suggest a genetic
      basis, but the relevant variants are still unknown. We hypothesized that variants
      in genes occurring in pathways such as autophagy and IL23 signalling might
      contribute to CD by altering intestinal permeability. METHODS: We analysed five
      variants (rs10758669 within JAK2, rs744166 within STAT3, rs4958847, rs11747270
      and rs13361189 within IRGM) in adult German inflammatory bowel disease patients
      (CD, n = 464; ulcerative colitis (UC), n = 292) and matched healthy controls (n =
      508). These data were correlated with gastrointestinal permeability as assessed
      by lactulose/mannitol ratio in CD patients (n = 141) in remission. RESULTS: Our
      data confirm the association between JAK2 rs10758669 (p = 0.026, OR = 1.25, 95%
      CI = 1.04-1.50) and STAT3 rs744166 (p = 0.04, OR = 0.83, 95% CI = 0.688-0.998)
      with CD, but not UC. With respect to all the analysed IRGM variants, no
      association was found to either CD or UC. Among CD patients, an increased
      intestinal permeability was detected in 65 out of 141 patients (46.1%). Most
      importantly, patients carrying the C risk allele within JAK2 rs10758669 displayed
      an increased permeability more often compared with patients without the C allele
      (p = 0.004). No association with intestinal permeability was found for STAT3
      rs744166 and all IRGM variants. CONCLUSIONS: JAK2 rs10758669 and STAT3 rs744166
      increase susceptibility for CD. We show that the A>C substitution in rs10758669
      of the JAK2 gene is associated with increased intestinal permeability. Altering
      intestinal barrier function might thus be one mechanism how JAK2 contributes to
      CD pathogenesis.

PMID- 22065113
TI  - Capsule endoscopy: comparison of two different reading modes.
AB  - PURPOSE: Capsule endoscopy (CE) is a very useful tool for the evaluation of the
      small intestine, but it is time consuming. The aim of this study was to compare
      evaluation times and detection rates in two different reading modes (single view
      at a speed of 10 frames per second (fps) and four images simultaneously, i.e.,
      quadview mode at a speed of 20 fps) to find the optimum setting mode for
      evaluation of CE videos. METHODS: CE videos of 70 patients performed for
      different indications (obscure bleeding, n = 50; suspected Crohn's disease, n =
      10; and suspected or complicated celiac disease, n = 10) were reviewed by
      investigators A and B in the two different reading modes. RESULTS: The mean
      evaluation time using single view at 10 fps was 22 min (SD +/- 9.1 min) and 11.9
      min (SD +/- 4.8 min) using quadview mode at 20 fps. The detection rates of
      angiodysplasias, erosions, small ulcers, and small polyps were only discreetly
      lower using the quadview mode at 20 fps. In Crohn's disease and celiac disease,
      the essential aspects of inflamed or atrophic mucosa segments were equally
      detected in both reading modes. In one case of complicated celiac disease with
      severe erosive jejunitis, a lymphoma-suspect lesion was overlooked in the
      quadview mode at 20 fps. CONCLUSIONS: It is often possible to read CE videos in
      quadview mode at a higher speed with even so a high diagnostic yield in a
      shortened evaluation time.

PMID- 22065114
TI  - Long-term follow-up of patients undergoing adipose-derived adult stem cell
      administration to treat complex perianal fistulas.
AB  - PURPOSE: In patients with perianal fistulas, administration of adult stem cells
      (ASCs) derived from liposuction samples has proved a promising technique in a
      preceding phase II trial. We aimed to extend follow-up of these patients with
      this retrospective study. METHOD: Patients who had received at least one dose of
      treatment (ASCs plus fibrin glue or fibrin glue alone) were included. Adverse
      events notified since the end of the phase II study were recorded. Clinical and
      magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) criteria were used to determine whether
      recurrence of the healed fistula had occurred. RESULTS: Data were available for
      21 out of 24 patients treated with ASCs plus fibrin glue and 13 out of 25
      patients treated with fibrin glue in the phase II study. Follow-up lasted a mean
      of 38.0 and 42.6 months, respectively. Two adverse events unrelated to the
      original treatment were reported, one in each group. There were no reports of
      anal incontinence associated with the procedure. Of the 12 patients treated with
      ASCs plus fibrin glue who were included in the retrospective follow-up in the
      complete closure group, only 7 remained free of recurrence. MRI was done in 31
      patients. No relationship was detected between MRI results and the clinical
      fistula status, independent of the treatment received. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term
      follow-up reaffirmed the very good safety profile of the treatment. Nevertheless,
      a low proportion of the stem cell-treated patients with closure after the
      procedure remained free of recurrence after more than 3 years of follow-up.

PMID- 22065115
TI  - 6-Benzyl 4-ethyl 2-chloro-5,6,7,8-tetra-hydro-pyrido[4,3-d]pyrimidine-4,6-di
      carboxyl-ate.
AB  - In the title compound, C(18)H(18)ClN(3)O(4), the dihedral angle between the
      pyrimidine ring and the N-bonded ester grouping is 56.27 (7) degrees  and the
      dihedral angle between the aromatic rings is 11.23 (7) degrees .

PMID- 22065116
TI  - First clinical evaluation of a novel capacitive ECG system in patients with acute
      myocardial infarction.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The ECG plays a central role in the rapid diagnosis of acute
      myocardial infarctions (MI). In haemodynamically instable patients, adhesion of
      electrodes sometimes is difficult and assessing ECGs through layers of clothes
      has not been done so far. A novel capacitive measurement of ECG signals is
      possible without skin contact. Whether this technical innovation can be used in
      patients with MI is unclear. METHODS: We evaluated a capacitive ECG system (cECG)
      in patients with anterior and inferior ST elevation MI (STEMI) as compared to
      patients without ST elevations in anterior and inferior leads. The cECG was
      assessed using a sensor array consisting of 15 electrodes of which the classical
      leads I, II, III, aVL, aVF and V(1)-V(3) were calculated from. 66 patients were
      included in the study. In addition to the conventional ECG (kECG) the novel cECG
      was registered before reperfusion therapy was started. RESULTS: In a first round,
      19 patients presented with anterior MI, 23 with inferior MI, and 7 either with
      left bundle branch block or lateral MI. Regarding anterior MI, a significant
      correlation (P < 0.05) was found between ST elevations in leads I, aVL, V(2) and
      V(3) comparing cECG and kECG. In inferior MI, there was only a significant
      correlation (P < 0.05) in lead III between cECG and kECG, but not in II and aVF.
      Therefore, 17 additional patients were included in the study by placing an
      additional electrode further away from the sensor array on the chest. ST
      elevations now correlated in all inferior leads II, III and aVF (P < 0.05) as
      measured in 9 patients with inferior MI. In addition, in 8 patients an inferior
      MI was correctly ruled out. CONCLUSION: It is possible to identify STEMIs by
      cECG. This innovative technique could play an important role in the pre-hospital
      period as well as in the hospital.

PMID- 22065117
TI  - Aqua-chloridobis(2-eth-oxy-6-formyl-phenolato-kappaO,O)chromium(III) acetonitrile
      hemisolvate.
AB  - In the mononuclear complex mol-ecule of the title compound,
      [Cr(C(9)H(9)O(3))(2)Cl(H(2)O)].0.5CH(3)CN, the Cr(III) atom displays an elongated
      octa-hedral coordination geometry. The dihedral angle between the benzene rings
      is 12.27 (11) degrees . Adjacent complex mol-ecules are linked into dimers by O
      H?O hydrogen bonds, generating rings of R(1) (2)(6) and R(1) (2)(5) graph-set
      motifs, and by aromatic pi-pi stacking inter-actions, with a centroid-centroid
      distance of 3.812 (2) A. The crystal packing is further stabilized by inter
      molecular C-H?N hydrogen bonds. The C and N atoms of the acetonitrile solvent mol
      ecule are located on a crystallographic twofold axis.

PMID- 22065118
TI  - 5-Hy-droxy-3-phenyl-5-trifluoro-meth-yl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazole.
AB  - The five-membered dihydro-pyrazole ring in the title compound,
      C(10)H(9)F(3)N(2)O, is approximately planar (r.m.s. deviation 0.111 A for all non
      H atoms) and its phenyl substituent is aligned at an angle of 14.7 (2) degrees .
      Adjacent mol-ecules are linked by N-H?O and O-H?N hydrogen bonds, generating
      ribbons running along the b axis of the monoclinic unit cell.

PMID- 22065119
TI  - Diiodido(1,10-phenanthroline-5,6-dione-kappaN,N')mercury(II).
AB  - The Hg(II) atom in the title complex, [HgI(2)(C(12)H(6)N(2)O(2))], is tetra
      hedrally coordinated by the N atoms of the chelating 1,10-phenanthroline-5,6
      dione ligand and two I atoms. The range of tetra-hedral angles is broad, viz.
      68.94 (17) degrees  for the chelate angle to a wide 132.627 (15) degrees  for the
      I-Hg-I angle. The ligand mol-ecule is non-planar with the O atoms lying 0.422 (5)
      and -0.325 (5) A out of the plane through the remaining atoms [r.m.s. deviation =
      0.068 A]. Mol-ecules are consolidated in the crystal packing by C-H?O inter
      actions.

PMID- 22065120
TI  - (Z)-Methyl 2-[(4-bromo-2-formyl-phen-oxy)meth-yl]-3-o-tolyl-acrylate.
AB  - In the title compound, C(19)H(17)BrO(4), the dihedral angle between the two
      benzene rings is 82.1 (1) degrees . The mol-ecular structure is stabilized by an
      intra-molecular C-H?O hydrogen bond which generates an S(7) ring motif. The
      crystal packing is stabilized by inter-molecular C-H?O hydrogen bonds and C-H?pi
      inter-actions. Inter-molecular C-H?O inter-actions are involved in the formation
      of centrosymmetric R(2) (2)(16) dimers, which are connected into supra-molecular
      tapes running along the [100] direction.

PMID- 22065121
TI  - Rapid improvement of a complex migrainous episode with sodium valproate in a
      patient with CADASIL.
AB  - Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and
      leukoencephalopathy (CADASIL) is an inherited disease of small arteries caused by
      mutations in the Notch3 gene. Complex migrainous episodes, such as acute
      confusional migraine, status migrainosus with persisting aura, and "CADASIL coma"
      have been described in patients with CADASIL. However, there are few descriptions
      of effective treatment of such episodes. We describe a 44-year-old male with
      CADASIL, who presented with sudden-onset aphasia and decreased responsiveness
      after prolonged, severe migraine attack. Subsequently, the patient had two
      generalized seizures. A subtle status epilepticus was suspected because of
      drowsiness and seizures, and intravenous sodium valproate medication was
      initiated. EEG recording showed left hemispheric attenuation but no spike
      discharges, thus not confirming epileptic mechanism. The clinical status of the
      patient improved markedly after the initiation of valproate. The patient started
      speaking again; drowsiness and headache subsided. In repeated EEG recording, the
      left hemispheric attenuation disappeared. Diffusion weighted MR imaging showed no
      signs of recent ischemic events. The patient recovered fully from the episode
      with no further seizures. We suggest that CADASIL patients with acute complex
      migrainous episodes may benefit from intravenous sodium valproate.

PMID- 22065122
TI  - (E)-2-{1-[(6-Chloro-pyridin-3-yl)meth-yl]imidazolidin-2-yl-idene}-2-cyano-N-(2
      methylphenyl)acetamide.
AB  - In the title compound, C(19)H(18)N(5)O, the imidazolidine ring makes dihedral
      angles of 87.62 (17) and 28.27 (11) degrees  with the pyridine and benzene rings,
      respectively. An intra-molecular N-H?O hydrogen bond is observed between the
      carbonyl O atom and an imidazolidine H atom. In the crystal, an inter-molecular N
      H?N hydrogen bond gives rise to a linear chain running along the b axis.

PMID- 22065123
TI  - Poly[aqua-(MU(3)-2-hy-droxy-5-nitro-benzoato-kappaO:O:O)rubidium].
AB  - In the structure of title compound, [Rb(C(7)H(4)NO(5))(H(2)O)](n), the
      centrosymmetric cyclic dimeric repeating unit comprises two irregular RbO(4)
      complex centres bridged by the carboxyl-ate groups of the 5-nitro-salicylate
      ligands. The coordination about each Rb atom is completed by a monodentate water
      mol-ecule and a phenolic O-atom donor which gives a bridging extension [Rb-O
      range = 3.116 (7)-3.135 (5) A]. The polymeric structure is stabilized by inter
      molecular water O-H?O(carboxyl-ate) hydrogen bonds and weak inter-ring pi-pi
      inter-actions [minimum ring centroid separation = 3.620 (4) A]. An intramolecular
      O-H?O hydrogen bond between phenol and carboxylate groups is also present.

PMID- 22065124
TI  - Water based microwave assisted extraction of thiamethoxam residues from
      vegetables and soil for determination by HPLC.
AB  - A microwave assisted extraction (MAE) method for determination of thiamethoxam
      residues in vegetable and soil samples was standardized. Insecticide spiked
      vegetable and soil samples were extracted by MAE using water as an extraction
      solvent, cleaned up by solid phase extraction and analysed by high performance
      liquid chromatography on photodiode array detector. The recoveries of the
      insecticide from various vegetable (tomato, radish, brinjal, okra, French been,
      sugarbeet) and soil (sandy loam, silty clay loam, sandy clay loam, loamy sand)
      samples at 0.1 and 0.5 MUg g(-1) spiking levels ranged from 79.8% to 86.2% and
      from 82.1% to 87.0%, respectively. The recoveries by MAE were comparable to those
      obtained by the conventional blender and shake-flask extraction techniques. The
      precision of the MAE method was demonstrated by relative standard deviations of
      <3% for the insecticide.

PMID- 22065125
TI  - Methylmercury concentrations in six fish species from two Colombian rivers.
AB  - The objective of this study was to determine whether fish collected from the La
      Miel or Nechi Rivers (Colombia) differed in muscle methyl mercury (meHg)
      concentration. Two fish from six different species were collected from markets
      adjacent to each river. Overall, fish collected from the market adjacent to the
      Nechi River contained higher levels of meHg. This result however is being driven
      by very high meHg concentrations in four individual fish, three of which are
      Pimelodid, long-whiskered catfish. These catfish may represent ideal sentinel
      organism for the detection of meHg contamination in Colombian rivers.

PMID- 22065126
TI  - Persistence and dissipation of the insecticide flubendiamide and its metabolite
      desiodo flubendiamide residues in tomato fruit and soil.
AB  - A method for residue analysis of flubendiamide and its metabolite desiodo
      flubendiamide was developed using high performance liquid chromatography. This
      method was then used to evaluate the residual level and dissipation rate of
      flubendiamide and desiodo flubendiamide in the tomato fruit. The half-life of
      flubendiamide in tomato fruit was 1.64 and 1.98 days in recommended and double of
      the recommended dose, respectively. Tomato fruit and soil samples analyzed on the
      10th day after the last spray revealed that flubendiamide and its metabolite
      desiodo flubendiamide residues at below determination level (0.01 MUg g(-1)) at
      either dose of application.

PMID- 22065127
TI  - Weather conditions and political party vote share in Dutch national parliament
      elections, 1971-2010.
AB  - Inclement weather on election day is widely seen to benefit certain political
      parties at the expense of others. Empirical evidence for this weather-vote share
      hypothesis is sparse however. We examine the effects of rainfall and temperature
      on share of the votes of eight political parties that participated in 13 national
      parliament elections, held in the Netherlands from 1971 to 2010. This paper
      merges the election results for all Dutch municipalities with election-day
      weather observations drawn from all official weather stations well distributed
      over the country. We find that the weather parameters affect the election results
      in a statistically and politically significant way. Whereas the Christian
      Democratic party benefits from substantial rain (10 mm) on voting day by gaining
      one extra seat in the 150-seat Dutch national parliament, the left-wing Social
      Democratic (Labor) and the Socialist parties are found to suffer from cold and
      wet conditions. Cold (5 degrees C) and rainy (10 mm) election day weather causes
      the latter parties to lose one or two parliamentary seats.

PMID- 22065128
TI  - 2-[(E)-(6-Amino-1,3-dimethyl-2,4-dioxo-1,2,3,4-tetra-hydro-pyrimidin-5-yl)imino
      meth-yl]pyridinium chloride monohydrate.
AB  - The title compound, C(12)H(14)N(5)O(2) (+).Cl(-).H(2)O, is the monohydrate of the
      hydro-chloride of an oxopurine-derived Schiff base in which protonation took
      place at the pyridine N atom. The organic cation is essentially planar (r.m.s. of
      all fitted non-H atoms = 0.0373 A). In the crystal, N-H?O and N-H?Cl hydrogen
      bonds as well as C-H?O and C-H?Cl contacts connect the different entities into a
      three-dimensional network. The shortest centroid-centroid distance between two
      pyrimidine rings is 3.6364 (9) A.

PMID- 22065129
TI  - 1,5-Dichloro-3(2,7),7(2,7)-dinaphthal-ena-2,4,6,8-tetra-oxa-1(2,6),5(2,6)
      di(1,3,5-triazina)octa-phane.
AB  - In the macrocyclic title compound, C(26)H(12)Cl(2)N(6)O(4), an O-atom-bridged
      calix[2]naphthalene-[2]triazine synthesized using a one-pot approach from
      naphthalene-2,7-diol and cyanuric chloride, the two isolated naphthalene planes
      and the two triazine-2,6-di-oxy planes adopt a 1,3-alternate configuration, with
      a dihedral angle of 84.10 (8) degrees  between the naphthalene rings and a
      dihedral angle of 39.02 (14) degrees  between the triazine rings. In the crystal,
      weak inter-molecular pi-pi stacking inter-actions are found between face-to-face
      naphthalene rings [centroid-centroid distance = 3.662 (7) A].

PMID- 22065130
TI  - 3,4-Dibromo-2,5-dimethyl-1-phenyl-sulfonyl-1H-pyrrole.
AB  - In the title compound, C(12)H(11)Br(2)NO(2)S, the dihedral angle between the two
      rings is 78.79 (12) degrees . The crystal packing features C-H?pi inter-actions.

PMID- 22065131
TI  - 3-(2-Bromo-acet-yl)-6-fluoro-2H-chromen-2-one.
AB  - The non-H atoms of the title compound, C(11)H(6)BrFO(3), are essentially coplanar
      (r.m.s. deviation for all non-H atoms = 0.074 A). In the crystal, the molecules
      are linked by C-H?O and C-H?Br inter-actions.

PMID- 22065132
TI  - N-(2-Chloro-phen-yl)-4-methyl-benzamide.
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C(14)H(12)ClNO, contains two
      independent mol-ecules in which the dihedral angles between the two aromatic
      rings are 51.76 (6) and 51.48 (7) degrees . The crystal structure is stabilized
      by inter-molecular N-H?O hydrogen bonds, which link the mol-ecules into chains
      running along the c axis.

PMID- 22065133
TI  - [1-(1H-Imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthro-lin-2-yl)naphthalen-2-ol
      kappaN,N]diiodidomercury(II).
AB  - In the title compound, [HgI(2)(C(23)H(14)N(4)O)], the Hg(II) atom is four
      coordinated by two N atoms from one 1-(1H-imidazo[4,5-f][1,10]phenanthrolin-2
      yl)naphthalen-2-ol ligand and by two I atoms in a distorted tetra-hedral
      environment. An intra-molecular O-H?N hydrogen bond stabilizes the mol-ecular
      conformation and an inter-molecular N-H?I inter-action stabilizes the crystal
      packing.

PMID- 22065135
TI  - 5-Chloro-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-4-amine.
AB  - In the crystal structure of the title compound, C(9)H(8)ClN(3), amino-pyrazole N
      H?N hydrogen bonds connect the mol-ecules along the [010] direction; the chains
      interact with each other only by van der Waals-type inter-actions. The pyrazole
      and phenyl rings are inclined at a dihedral angle of 45.65 (6) degrees 

PMID- 22065136
TI  - cis-Aqua-bis-(2,2'-bipyrimidine-kappaN,N)iodidomanganese(II) iodide dihydrate.
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound, [MnI(C(8)H(6)N(4))(2)(H(2)O)]I.2H(2)O,
      contains a cationic Mn(II) complex, an I(-) anion and two solvent water mol
      ecules. In the complex, the Mn(II) ion is six-coordinated in a considerably
      distorted octa-hedral environment defined by four N atoms of the two chelating
      2,2'-bipyrimidine (bpym) ligands, one I(-) anion and one O atom of a water
      ligand. As a result of the different trans effects of the I and O atoms, the Mn-N
      bond trans to the I atom is slightly longer than the Mn-N bond trans to the O
      atom. The dihedral angle between the least-squares planes of the two bpym ligands
      [maximum deviation = 0.088 (4) A] is 76.48 (6) degrees . In the crystal, the
      complex cation, the anion and the solvent water mol-ecules are linked by inter
      molecular O-H?O, O-H?I and O-H?N hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22065134
TI  - GSK-3 Inhibitors: Preclinical and Clinical Focus on CNS.
AB  - Inhibiting glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) activity via pharmacological
      intervention has become an important strategy for treating neurodegenerative and
      psychiatric disorders. The known GSK-3 inhibitors are of diverse chemotypes and
      mechanisms of action and include compounds isolated from natural sources,
      cations, synthetic small-molecule ATP-competitive inhibitors, non-ATP-competitive
      inhibitors, and substrate-competitive inhibitors. Here we describe the variety of
      GSK-3 inhibitors with a specific emphasis on their biological activities in
      neurons and neurological disorders. We further highlight our current progress in
      the development of non-ATP-competitive inhibitors of GSK-3. The available data
      raise the hope that one or more of these drug design approaches will prove
      successful at stabilizing or even reversing the aberrant neuropathology and
      cognitive deficits of certain central nervous system disorders.

PMID- 22065137
TI  - Chloroquine-related depression.
AB  - Drugs are known to induce depressive states. Chloroquine, an antimalarial, in
      therapeutic doses administered for malaria therapy, may produce symptoms rather
      indistinguishable from endogenous depression. The possible mechanisms of
      production of depression related to chloroquine use are hypothesised.

PMID- 22065138
TI  - 8-Thia-1,6-diaza-bicyclo-[4.3.0]nonane-7,9-dione.
AB  - There are two independent mol-ecules, A and B, in the asymmetric unit of the
      title compound, C(6)H(8)N(2)O(2)S. In the crystal, pairs of inter-molecular S?O
      contacts [3.286 (1) A] link the B mol-ecules into inversion dimers.

PMID- 22065139
TI  - (E)-4-Phenyl-butan-2-one oxime.
AB  - In the title compound, C(10)H(13)NO, the C-C-C-C torsion angle formed between the
      benzene ring and the butan-2-one oxime unit is 73.7 (2) degrees , with the latter
      lying above the plane through the benzene ring. In the crystal, inter-molecular O
      H?N hydrogen bonds link pairs of mol-ecules into dimers, forming R(2) (2)(6) ring
      motifs which are stacked along the a axis.

PMID- 22065140
TI  - N'-(3,5-Dibromo-2-hy-droxy-benzyl-idene)-4-nitro-benzohydrazide methanol
      monosolvate.
AB  - The title compound, C(14)H(9)Br(2)N(3)O(4).CH(4)O, was obtained as the product of
      the reaction of 3,5-dibromo-salicyl-aldehyde with 4-nitro-benzohydrazide in
      methanol. The benzohydrazide mol-ecule is nearly planar, with a maximum deviation
      of 0.126 (2) A. The mean planes of the two benzene rings make a dihedral angle of
      9.3 (3) degrees . Intra-molecular O-H?N and O-H?Br inter-actions are observed in
      the benzohydrazide mol-ecule. In the crystal, pairs of adjacent benzohydrazide
      mol-ecules are linked by two methanol mol-ecules through inter-molecular O-H?O
      and N-H?O hydrogen bonds, forming a dimer.

PMID- 22065141
TI  - Therapeutic monoclonal antibodies for multiple myeloma: an update and future
      perspectives.
AB  - Multiple myeloma (MM) still remains incurable in most of the patients. Despite of
      treatments with high-dose chemotherapy, stem cell transplantation and other novel
      therapies, most patients will become refractory to the therapies and relapse.
      Thus, it is urgent to develop new approaches for MM treatment. Currently,
      antibody-targeted therapy has been extensively utilized in hematological
      malignancies, including MM. Several novel monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) against MM
      have been generated and developed over the past several years. These mAbs aim to
      target not only tumor cells alone but also tumor microenvironment, including
      interaction of tumor-bone marrow stromal cells and the components of bone marrow
      milieu, such as cytokines or chemokines that support myeloma cell growth and
      survival. These include mAbs specific for CD38, CS1, CD40, CD74, CD70, HM1.24,
      interleukin-6 and beta(2)-microglobulin (beta(2)M). We have shown that anti
      beta(2)M mAbs may be a potential antitumor agent for MM therapy due to their
      remarkable efficacy to induce myeloma cell apoptosis in tumor cell lines and
      primary myeloma cells from patients in vitro and in established myeloma mouse
      models. In this article, we will review advances in the development and
      mechanisms of MM-targeted mAbs and especially, anti-beta(2)M mAbs. We will also
      discuss the potential application of the mAbs as therapeutic agents to treat MM.

PMID- 22065142
TI  - Dimeth-yl(4-methyl-phen-yl)ammonium naphthalene-1,5-disulfonate dihydrate.
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the organic-inorganic hybrid salt,
      2C(9)H(14)N(+).C(10)H(6)O(6)S(2) (2-).2H(2)O, consists of one dimeth-yl(4-methyl
      phen-yl)ammonium cation, one half of a naphthalene-1,5-disulfonate anion lying on
      a crystallographic centre of inversion, and one water mol-ecule. In the crystal,
      O-H?O(S) and N-H?OH(2) hydrogen bonds link the cations and anions forming ring
      motifs.

PMID- 22065143
TI  - An equity framework for health technology assessments.
AB  - Despite the inclusion of equity in the design of many health care systems,
      pragmatic tools for considering equity systematically, alongside the efficiency
      categories of cost-effectiveness in health technology assessment (HTA), remain
      underdeveloped. This article develops a framework to help decision makers
      supplement the standard efficiency criteria of HTA and avoid building inequities,
      explicit or implicit, into their methods. The framework is intended as a first
      step toward creating a checklist for alerting decision makers to a wide range of
      equity considerations for HTA. This framework is intended be used as part of the
      process through which advisory bodies receive their terms of reference; scope the
      agenda prior to the selection of a candidate intervention and its comparators for
      HTA; prepare background briefing for decision makers; and help to structure the
      discussion and composition of professional and lay advisory groups during the
      assessment process. The framework is offered as only a beginning of an ongoing
      process of deliberation and consultation, through which the matters covered can
      be expected to become more comprehensive and the record of past decisions and
      their contexts in any jurisdiction adopting the tool can serve to guide
      subsequent evidence gathering and decisions. In these ways, it may be hoped that
      equity will be more systematically and fully considered and implemented in both
      the procedures and decisions of HTA.

PMID- 22065144
TI  - Test result-based sampling: an efficient design for estimating the accuracy of
      patient safety indicators.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Accuracy studies of Patient Safety Indicators (PSIs) are critical but
      limited by the large samples required due to low occurrence of most events. We
      tested a sampling design based on test results (verification-biased sampling
      [VBS]) that minimizes the number of subjects to be verified. METHODS: We
      considered 3 real PSIs, whose rates were calculated using 3 years of discharge
      data from a university hospital and a hypothetical screen of very rare events.
      Sample size estimates, based on the expected sensitivity and precision, were
      compared across 4 study designs: random and VBS, with and without constraints on
      the size of the population to be screened. RESULTS: Over sensitivities ranging
      from 0.3 to 0.7 and PSI prevalence levels ranging from 0.02 to 0.2, the optimal
      VBS strategy makes it possible to reduce sample size by up to 60% in comparison
      with simple random sampling. For PSI prevalence levels below 1%, the minimal
      sample size required was still over 5000. CONCLUSIONS: Verification-biased
      sampling permits substantial savings in the required sample size for PSI
      validation studies. However, sample sizes still need to be very large for many of
      the rarer PSIs.

PMID- 22065145
TI  - Value of magnetic resonance arthrography in post-traumatic anterior shoulder
      instability prior to arthroscopy: a prospective evaluation of MRA versus
      arthroscopy.
AB  - PURPOSE: This prospective study was designed to evaluate the value of magnetic
      resonance arthrography (MRA) after traumatic anterior shoulder instability prior
      to arthroscopy. METHODS: Patients included had two or more shoulder dislocations,
      at least the first being traumatic. MRA images were scored for Hill Sachs
      lesions, superior labral anterior posterior (SLAP) lesions, rotator cuff tears,
      glenohumeral ligament (GHL) lesions and Bankart lesions. Consequently, a
      standardized shoulder arthroscopy was performed. Five surgeons were involved in
      the study, initially blinded to the MRA results. MRA and arthroscopic findings
      were compared. Interobserver agreement was calculated by using Cohen's Kappa
      coefficients (kappa). RESULTS: Eighteen patients (13 male, 5 female) were
      included (mean age 26.1 years). Hill Sachs lesions demonstrated fair agreement
      (kappa = 0.33) whereas for SLAP lesions moderate agreement was calculated (kappa
      = 0.43). On MRA, four partial thickness rotator cuff lesions were seen, not being
      stated by arthroscopy. GHL lesions were described on MRA in 15 patients; only two
      patients turned out to have GHL lesions at arthroscopy. Two arthroscopically
      diagnosed Bankart lesions which needed surgical treatment were not detected by
      MRA (moderate agreement, kappa = 0.47). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with post
      traumatic anterior glenohumeral instability MRA shows many lesions that can not
      be confirmed by arthroscopy and therefore do not have therapeutical consequences.
      On the other hand some labral lesions which do need surgical treatment are not
      detected on MRA. At least from this study, it can be concluded that MRA has
      limited value prior to the arthroscopic treatment of post-traumatic shoulder
      instability.

PMID- 22065146
TI  - Primary results of Kienbock's disease treated using balloon kyphoplasty system.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Kienbock's disease is difficult to treat and optimal treatments for
      stages II to III continue to elude investigators. We hypothesized that impacting
      the ischemic cancellous trabeculae and increasing the strength and rigidity of
      the lunate with balloon kyphoplasty can prevent lunate collapse, relieve the
      symptoms, and increase wrist range of motion. The purpose of this study was to
      demonstrate the feasibility of percutaneous balloon kyphoplasty for treatment of
      stage II to III Kienbock's disease. METHODS: The study group comprised five
      patients (two in stage II, three in stage III). All were treated with balloon
      kyphoplasty. Pain, strength, and wrist flexion/extension range of motion were
      evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively. The Mayo Wrist Score and the
      Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) Score were used to evaluate
      outcomes. Patient satisfaction was also assessed. Comparisons between
      preoperative and postoperative data were made with SPSS software. RESULTS:
      Clinical data were collected at a mean of 26.6 months (range 24-28 months)
      postoperatively. Pain was significantly reduced from 6.8 +/- 0.8 in the visual
      analog scale preoperatively to 0.6 +/- 0.9 at the 24-month follow-up. Strength
      and range of motion were improved postoperatively in all patients. The mean DASH
      score was 11.3 (range 6.7-18.3), and the mean Mayo Wrist Score was 78 (range 75
      80). All five patients returned to their previous occupations. CONCLUSIONS:
      Balloon kyphoplasty can prevent lunate collapse, reduce pain, and improve wrist
      function of patients with stage II to III Kienbock's disease. Further studies
      regarding the feasibility of this new approach are warranted.

PMID- 22065147
TI  - Fenestrated pedicle screws for cement-augmented purchase in patients with bone
      softening: a review of 21 cases.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This prospective mixed cohort study was designed to evaluate the
      middle- to long-term purchase of cement-augmented pedicular screws in patients
      with poor bone quality. The growing number of surgical procedures performed in
      the spine has highlighted the problem of screws loosening in patients with poor
      bone stock due to osteoporosis and/or tumors. Different methods of increasing
      screw purchase have been reported in the literature, including
      polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) augmentation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From September
      2006 to April 2008, 21 patients with a poor bone stock condition due to
      osteoporosis or tumor underwent posterior stabilization by fenestrated pedicle
      screws and PMMA augmentation. Pain improvement and long-term clinical outcome
      were assessed by visual analogue scale (VAS) score and SF-36 health survey (SF
      36) questionnaire. Implant stability was evaluated by plain radiography and CT
      scans performed three days after surgery and every three months thereafter. After
      the first 12 months, radiologic controls were taken once a year in all surviving
      patients. Complications were evaluated in all cases. RESULTS: All patients were
      clinically and radiographically followed up for a mean of 36 months. VAS scores
      and SF-36 questionnaires showed a statistically significant reduction in pain and
      improvement in the quality of life. No radiological loosening or pulling out of
      screws was observed. In two cases, cement leakage occurred intraoperatively: one
      patient who suffered from a transitory nerve root palsy improved spontaneously,
      while the surgeon immediately removed the excess cement before setting in the
      other case. In three cases, the post-op CT scan revealed a small amount of cement
      in the canal without clinical relevance. CONCLUSIONS: Fenestrated screws for
      cement augmentation provided effective and lasting purchase in patients with poor
      bone quality due to osteoporosis or tumors. No case of loosening was recorded
      after a mean follow-up of 36 months. The only clinical complication strictly
      related to PMMA screw augmentation did not require further surgery.

PMID- 22065148
TI  - Medication induced diabetes during induction in pediatric acute lymphoblastic
      leukemia: prevalence, risk factors and characteristics.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Medication induced diabetes (MID) during induction therapy (MIDi)
      in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is not well characterized in
      children, with recent studies yielding conflicting results. PURPOSE: The purpose
      of the study was to describe the prevalence of MIDi and risk factors for its
      development. METHODS: We retrospectively gathered demographic, disease course and
      treatment data on 363 patients aged 1 to 17.9 years diagnosed with ALL at a
      pediatric tertiary care hospital between 1998 and 2005. MIDi was defined as blood
      glucose >=200 mg/dL (11.1 mmol/L) on at least 2 separate days during induction.
      RESULTS: Fifty-seven subjects (15.7%) developed MIDi during the study period.
      Patients >=10 years were more likely to develop MIDi than those <10 years (odds
      ratio [OR] 9.6, 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.1-17.8). BMI percentile among
      those with MIDi (mean +/- SD 58.2 +/- 31.0) did not differ from those without
      MIDi (52.2 +/- 32.0, P = 0.429). The presence of Trisomy 21 (OR 3.6, 95% CI 1.1
      11.4, P = 0.030) and CNS involvement at diagnosis (OR 3.8, 95% CI 1.4-10.1, P =
      0.009) were associated with an increased risk of MIDi. After adjustment for
      potential confounding variables, age >=10 years and the presence of CNS disease
      at diagnosis remained significantly associated with MIDi. CONCLUSIONS: Older age
      and CNS involvement at diagnosis increase the risk of MIDi. In contrast to
      previous studies, higher BMI was not associated with MIDi in our population.

PMID- 22065150
TI  - [Fibromyalgia].

PMID- 22065151
TI  - Functional centromeres in Astragalus sinicus include a compact centromere
      specific histone H3 and a 20-bp tandem repeat.
AB  - The centromere plays an essential role for proper chromosome segregation during
      cell division and usually harbors long arrays of tandem repeated satellite DNA
      sequences. Although this function is conserved among eukaryotes, the sequences of
      centromeric DNA repeats are variable. Most of our understanding of functional
      centromeres, which are defined by localization of a centromere-specific histone
      H3 (CENH3) protein, comes from model organisms. The components of the functional
      centromere in legumes are poorly known. The genus Astragalus is a member of the
      legumes and bears the largest numbers of species among angiosperms. Therefore, we
      studied the components of centromeres in Astragalus sinicus. We identified the
      CenH3 homolog of A. sinicus, AsCenH3 that is the most compact in size among
      higher eukaryotes. A CENH3-based assay revealed the functional centromeric DNA
      sequences from A. sinicus, called CentAs. The CentAs repeat is localized in A.
      sinicus centromeres, and comprises an AT-rich tandem repeat with a monomer size
      of 20 nucleotides.

PMID- 22065152
TI  - Comparison of bacterial microbiota in skin biopsies from normal and psoriatic
      skin.
AB  - Microorganisms have been implicated in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. Previous
      studies of psoriasis and normal skin have used swabs from the surface rather than
      skin biopsies. In this study, biopsies were taken from 10 patients with psoriasis
      and 12 control subjects from unmatched sites. Samples were analysed with massive
      parallel pyrosequencing on the 454 platform targeting the 16S rRNA gene and the
      variable regions V3-V4. The samples grouped into 19 phyla, 265 taxon and 652
      operational units (OTUs) at 97% identity. A cut-off abundance level was set at
      1%. The three most common phyla in both normal and psoriasis skin were Firmicutes
      (39% psoriasis, 43% normal skin), Proteobacteria (38% psoriasis, 27% normal skin)
      and Actinobacteria (5% psoriasis, 16% normal skin, p = 0.034). In trunk skin,
      Proteobacteria were present at significantly higher levels in psoriasis compared
      to controls (52 vs. 32%, p = 0.0113). The commonest genera were Streptococci in
      both psoriasis (32%) and normal skin (26%). Staphylococci were less common in
      psoriasis (5%) than in controls (16%), as were Propionibacteria (psoriasis
      0.0001669%, controls 0.0254%). Both Staphylococci and Propionibacteria were
      significantly lower in psoriasis versus control limb skin (p = 0.051, 0.046,
      respectively). This study has shown some differences in microbiota between
      psoriasis and normal skin. Whether these are of primary aetiological
      significance, or secondary to the altered skin of psoriasis remains to be
      determined.

PMID- 22065153
TI  - cis-[1,2-Bis(diphenyl-arsan-yl)ethane-kappaAs,As']tetra-carbonyl-chromium(0).
AB  - In the title compound, [Cr(C(26)H(24)As(2))(CO)(4)], the Cr atom is octa-hedrally
      coordinated by four carbonyl ligands and one bidentate 1,2-bis-(diphenyl-arsan
      yl)ethane ligand, which chelates in a cis manner with an As-Cr-As bite angle of
      82.513 (9) degrees . The dihedral angles between the pairs of benzene rings
      attached to each As atom are 84.63 (9) and 77.15 (8) degrees . In the crystal,
      mol-ecules are linked by C-H?O inter-actions, forming infinite chains along the a
      axis. The crystal structure is further stabilized by C-H?pi inter-actions.

PMID- 22065154
TI  - Growth differentiation factor 15: a canary in a coal mine?

PMID- 22065155
TI  - Association of growth differentiation factor-15 with coronary atherosclerosis and
      mortality in a young, multiethnic population: observations from the Dallas Heart
      Study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) is produced by
      cardiomyocytes and atherosclerotic lesions under stress conditions. Although
      higher circulating GDF-15 concentrations are associated with mortality across a
      spectrum of cardiovascular conditions, the relationship of GDF-15 with
      atherosclerosis and mortality in the general population remains undefined.
      METHODS: We measured plasma GDF-15 in 3219 participants of the Dallas Heart
      Study, a population sample of adults ages 30-65 years (55% women, 49% black). GDF
      15 was analyzed in prespecified categories (<1200; 1200-1799; and >=1800 ng/L)
      and continuously. End points included prevalent coronary artery calcium (CAC>10
      Agatston units), increased CAC (CAC>=100 Agatston units) by electron beam
      computed tomography, and mortality through a median 7.3 years of follow-up (120
      deaths, 48 cardiovascular deaths). RESULTS: Increasing GDF-15 associated with
      older age, black race, hypertension, diabetes, smoking, left ventricular (LV)
      mass/body surface area, and worse renal function (P<0.0001 for each). In
      multivariable models adjusted for traditional risk factors, renal function, and
      LV mass/body surface area, GDF-15>=1800 ng/L was associated with CAC>10 (odds
      ratio 2.1; 95% CI 1.2-3.7; P=0.01), CAC>=100 (odds ratio 2.6; 95% CI 1.4-4.9;
      P=0.002), all-cause mortality (hazard ratio 3.5; 95% CI 2.1-5.9, P<0.0001), and
      cardiovascular mortality (hazard ratio 2.5; 95% CI 1.1-5.8, P=0.03). Adding log
      GDF-15 to fully adjusted models modestly improved the c statistic (P=0.025), the
      integrated discrimination index (0.028; P<0.0001) and the category-less net
      reclassification index (0.42; P=0.002). These findings remained significant with
      further adjustment for high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, N-terminal pro-B-type
      natriuretic peptide, and cardiac troponin T. CONCLUSIONS: GDF-15 is independently
      associated with subclinical coronary atherosclerosis and mortality, and its
      potential role for risk stratification in the general population merits further
      evaluation.

PMID- 22065156
TI  - Rosuvastatin, proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 concentrations, and
      LDL cholesterol response: the JUPITER trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although statin therapy is known to increase concentrations of PCSK9,
      whether this effect is related to the magnitude of LDL reduction is uncertain.
      This study was undertaken to understand the extent of this effect and examine the
      relationship between PCSK9 and LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) reduction. METHODS: We
      measured plasma PCSK9 concentrations by ELISA at baseline and at 1 year in 500
      men and 500 women participating in the Justification for Use of Statins in
      Prevention: an Intervention Trial Evaluating Rosuvastatin (JUPITER) trial that
      randomly allocated participants to rosuvastatin 20 mg daily or placebo. We also
      evaluated rs11591147, a single nucleotide polymorphism known to have an impact on
      plasma PCSK9 concentrations. RESULTS: At baseline, median (interquartile range)
      PCSK9 concentrations were higher in women [73 (62-90)] ng/mL than in men [69 (57
      81) ng/mL] (P<0.005). During 1 year, there was no change in PCSK9 concentrations
      in the placebo arm, suggesting stability in time. In contrast, the rosuvastatin
      increased PCSK9 by 35% in women [101 (82-117) ng/mL] and 28% in men [89 (71-109)
      ng/mL] (P<0.0001). Among those allocated to rosuvastatin, greater reductions in
      LDL-C were associated with greater increases in PCSK9 on both absolute and
      relative scales (r=-0.15, P<0.0005). Furthermore PCSK9 (rs11591147) did not alter
      the magnitude of LDL-C reduction associated with rosuvastatin use. CONCLUSIONS:
      In this randomized trial, rosuvastatin increased plasma concentration of PCSK9 in
      proportion to the magnitude of LDL-C reduction; the LDL-C response to statin
      could not be inferred by PCSK9 concentrations.

PMID- 22065157
TI  - Midregional proadrenomedullin for prediction of cardiovascular events in coronary
      artery disease: results from the AtheroGene study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Midregional proadrenomedullin (MR-proADM) is a newly identified
      prognostic marker in heart failure. We evaluated the prognostic impact of MR
      proADM in a cohort of patients with symptomatic coronary artery disease according
      to their clinical presentation. METHODS: We measured baseline MR-proADM
      concentrations in 2240 individuals from the prospective AtheroGene study and
      evaluated the prognostic impact on future fatal and nonfatal cardiovascular
      events during a follow-up period of 3.6 (1.6) years. RESULTS: The sample
      comprised 1355 individuals with stable angina pectoris (SAP) and 885 with acute
      coronary syndrome (ACS). A cardiovascular event occurred in 192 people.
      Individuals presenting with SAP had only slightly lower plasma MR-proADM
      concentrations than those with ACS (0.53 vs 0.55 nmol/L, P=0.006). MR-proADM
      showed a moderate association with age, serum N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic
      peptide (NT-proBNP), glomerular filtration rate, serum C-reactive protein,
      hypertension, diabetes, and prevalent multivessel disease (all P<0.0005).
      Individuals suffering from a cardiovascular event had higher MR-proADM
      concentrations at baseline in both groups (SAP 0.63 vs 0.53 nmol/L and ACS 0.65
      nmol/L vs 0.55 nmol/L, both P<0.0005). Cox regression analysis incorporating
      various variables of cardiovascular risk and NT-proBNP revealed a hazard ratio of
      1.4 (95% CI 1.2-1.6; P<0.0005) per increment of MR-proADM by 1SD. In risk models
      for secondary prevention, MR-proADM provided information comparable to that of NT
      proBNP. CONCLUSIONS: MR-proADM is an independent predictor for future
      cardiovascular events in patients with symptomatic coronary artery disease,
      providing information comparable to NT-proBNP for secondary risk stratification.

PMID- 22065158
TI  - Facial recognition software success rates for the identification of 3D surface
      reconstructed facial images: implications for patient privacy and security.
AB  - Image de-identification has focused on the removal of textual protected health
      information (PHI). Surface reconstructions of the face have the potential to
      reveal a subject's identity even when textual PHI is absent. This study assessed
      the ability of a computer application to match research subjects' 3D facial
      reconstructions with conventional photographs of their face. In a prospective
      study, 29 subjects underwent CT scans of the head and had frontal digital
      photographs of their face taken. Facial reconstructions of each CT dataset were
      generated on a 3D workstation. In phase 1, photographs of the 29 subjects
      undergoing CT scans were added to a digital directory and tested for recognition
      using facial recognition software. In phases 2-4, additional photographs were
      added in groups of 50 to increase the pool of possible matches and the test for
      recognition was repeated. As an internal control, photographs of all subjects
      were tested for recognition against an identical photograph. Of 3D
      reconstructions, 27.5% were matched correctly to corresponding photographs (95%
      upper CL, 40.1%). All study subject photographs were matched correctly to
      identical photographs (95% lower CL, 88.6%). Of 3D reconstructions, 96.6% were
      recognized simply as a face by the software (95% lower CL, 83.5%). Facial
      recognition software has the potential to recognize features on 3D CT surface
      reconstructions and match these with photographs, with implications for PHI.

PMID- 22065159
TI  - Splenectomy enhances the anti-fibrotic effect of bone marrow cell infusion and
      improves liver function in cirrhotic mice and patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In 2003, we initiated a clinical trial to examine autologous bone
      marrow cell infusion (ABMi) therapy for cirrhotic patients and reported the
      clinical effect of the therapy. To analyze how splenectomy may potentiate the
      effects of bone marrow cell infusion on cirrhosis, we performed a mouse study and
      a clinical trial on patients with cirrhosis. METHODS: In mice, we analyzed the
      effect of splenectomy on bone marrow cell infusion in four experimental groups
      (group A, splenectomy + bone marrow cell infusion + CCl(4); group B, sham
      operation + bone marrow cell infusion + CCl(4); group C, splenectomy + CCl(4);
      group D, sham operation + CCl(4)). In clinical, we compared the effect of
      splenectomy on ABMi therapy. RESULTS: We observed significantly increased average
      serum albumin levels and higher expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP),
      matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), and proliferating cell nuclear antigen in the
      livers of group A. We observed MMP9/GFP double-positive cells in the cirrhotic
      livers. A significant decrease in the liver fibrosis areas was observed in group
      A. Splenectomy enhanced the repopulation of bone marrow cells into the cirrhotic
      liver and improved the liver microenvironment via expression of MMP9 secreted
      from repopulating GFP-positive cells. Next, we performed a clinical trial to
      compare the effect of splenectomy on the efficacy of ABMi therapy. Cirrhotic
      patients who underwent splenectomy before ABMi therapy tended to have a greater
      improvement in liver function. CONCLUSION: ABMi therapy with splenectomy may be
      an effective therapeutic modality for cirrhosis.

PMID- 22065160
TI  - A large-scale nationwide multicenter prospective observational study of triple
      therapy using rabeprazole, amoxicillin, and clarithromycin for Helicobacter
      pylori eradication in Japan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In recent years in Japan, the rate of clarithromycin (CAM) resistance
      in Helicobacter pylori has risen to around 30%, and the eradication rate with
      triple therapy [proton pump inhibitor + amoxicillin (AMPC) + CAM] has been
      trending downward to around 70%. In 2007, rabeprazole (RPZ)-based triple therapy
      (RPZ + AMPC + CAM: RAC therapy) was approved in Japan, and a large-scale
      nationwide study was therefore initiated to evaluate the efficacy and safety of
      RAC therapy in clinical practice. METHODS: Patients with H. pylori-positive
      gastric/duodenal ulcer (including ulcer scars) were administered triple therapy
      comprising RPZ 10 mg, AMPC 750 mg, and CAM 200 mg (or 400 mg), twice daily for 7
      days. RESULTS: The eradication rate was 80.7% (2,551/3,162). The results of
      multivariate analysis indicated the following as factors affecting the
      eradication rate: sex, treatment compliance, history of H. pylori treatment,
      presence of urologic disease, presence of respiratory disease, and year of
      starting treatment. The incidence of adverse drug reactions (such as diarrhea and
      dysgeusia) was 4.4% (166/3,789). The results of multivariate analysis indicated
      the following as factors affecting the incidence of adverse drug reactions: sex,
      daily CAM dose, and history of allergies. CONCLUSION: In a large-scale nationwide
      study of use in clinical practice, RAC therapy was confirmed to be effective and
      safe.

PMID- 22065161
TI  - Usefulness of differentiating metabolic syndrome into visceral fat type and
      subcutaneous fat type using ultrasonography in Japanese males.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although metabolic syndrome (MS) is likely to be associated with
      nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), visceral fat type MS and subcutaneous
      fat type MS have not been distinguished. In this study, we divided persons with
      MS into those with visceral and subcutaneous fat types by ultrasonography (US),
      and elucidated differences between these types of MS in Japanese males. METHODS:
      The subjects were 628 males with MS who underwent a medical checkup including
      abdominal US. We examined for the presence of fatty liver and investigated
      biochemical parameters, and we also made a distinction between visceral and
      subcutaneous fat types of MS by US. RESULTS: Total cholesterol (T-CHO), low
      density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), alanine aminotransferase (ALT),
      aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and the frequency of fatty liver were
      significantly higher in visceral fat type MS than in subcutaneous fat type MS. On
      logistic regression analysis with NAFLD (in our study, fatty liver with ALT >=31
      IU/l was defined as NAFLD) as a dependent variable, the age, body mass index
      (BMI), AST, and visceral fat type MS were significant risk factors for NAFLD.
      BMI, AST, and visceral fat type MS were predictors of an increased prevalence of
      NAFLD [odds ratios (ORs) = 1.903, 12.06, and 2.617; 95% confidence intervals
      (CIs) = 1.122-3.228, 7.053-20.61, and 1.741-3.935; p = 0.017, <0.001, and <0.001,
      respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Japanese males with visceral fat type MS are more
      likely to have dyslipidemia, fatty liver, and liver dysfunction than those with
      subcutaneous fat type MS. Visceral fat type MS is one of the most significant
      risk factors for NAFLD in Japanese males with MS.

PMID- 22065162
TI  - Acoustic radiation force impulse elastography for noninvasive assessment of
      chronic pancreatitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Endoscopic ultrasonography or real-time elastography has been applied
      for the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis. Acoustic radiation force impulse
      (ARFI) imaging is another tissue strain imaging technology, and recent
      technological advances have enabled quantification of the stiffness of some
      tissues by measuring the shear wave velocity (SWV) during routine B-mode
      ultrasonography. METHODS: ARFI elastography was performed in 52 healthy
      volunteers and 46 patients with chronic pancreatitis. SWV was measured in the
      head, body, and tail of the pancreas. The diagnostic performance was assessed
      using receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curves. RESULTS: SWV in patients
      with chronic pancreatitis was significantly higher than that in healthy
      volunteers in each part of the pancreas, although the measurement was difficult
      in the tail of the pancreas. The area under the ROC curve was 0.78 in the body of
      the pancreas, with an optimal cut-off value of 1.40 m/s, and the sensitivity,
      specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value were 75,
      72, 69, and 78%, respectively. In the patients with chronic pancreatitis,
      alcoholic etiology and decreased body mass index (BMI) were associated with high
      SWV. CONCLUSIONS: ARFI elastography of the pancreas showed high elasticity in
      chronic pancreatitis compared to findings in the normal pancreas. This modality
      is feasible to use for the diagnosis of chronic pancreatitis.

PMID- 22065163
TI  - Performance of peripheral (serum and molecular) blood markers for diagnosis of
      endometriosis.
AB  - PURPOSE: To quantify the mRNA levels of MMP-3, MMP-9, VEGF and Survivin in
      peripheral blood and the serum levels of CA-125 and Ca19-9 in women with and
      without endometriosis and to investigate the performance of these markers to
      differentiate between deep and ovarian endometriosis. METHODS: A case control
      study enrolled a series of 60 patients. Twenty controls have been matched with 20
      cases of ovarian and 20 cases of deep endometriosis. Univariable and
      multivariable performance of serum CA125 and CA19-9, mRNA for Survivin, MMP9,
      MMP3 and VEGF genes have been evaluated by means of ROC curves and logistic
      regression, respectively. RESULTS: No difference in markers' concentration was
      detected between ovarian and deep endometriosis. In comparison with controls,
      serum CA125 and CA19 yielded the better sensitivity followed by mRNA for Survivin
      gene (81.5, 51.9 and 7.5% at 10% false positive rate, respectively).
      Multivariable estimated odds of endometriosis yielded a sensitivity of 87% at the
      same false positive rate. CONCLUSIONS: A combination of serum and molecular
      markers could allow a better diagnosis of endometriosis.

PMID- 22065164
TI  - Mixed epidermal cyst and mucinous cystadenoma of the ovary: a hitherto unreported
      entity.

PMID- 22065165
TI  - A priori assumptions about characters as a cause of incongruence between
      molecular and morphological hypotheses of primate interrelationships.
AB  - When molecules and morphology produce incongruent hypotheses of primate
      interrelationships, the data are typically viewed as incompatible, and molecular
      hypotheses are often considered to be better indicators of phylogenetic history.
      However, it has been demonstrated that the choice of which taxa to include in
      cladistic analysis as well as assumptions about character weighting, character
      state transformation order, and outgroup choice all influence hypotheses of
      relationships and may positively influence tree topology, so that relationships
      between extant taxa are consistent with those found using molecular data. Thus,
      the source of incongruence between morphological and molecular trees may lie not
      in the morphological data themselves but in assumptions surrounding the ways
      characters evolve and their impact on cladistic analysis. In this study, we
      investigate the role that assumptions about character polarity and transformation
      order play in creating incongruence between primate phylogenies based on
      morphological data and those supported by multiple lines of molecular data. By
      releasing constraints imposed on published morphological analyses of primates
      from disparate clades and subjecting those data to parsimony analysis, we test
      the hypothesis that incongruence between morphology and molecules results from
      inherent flaws in morphological data. To quantify the difference between
      incongruent trees, we introduce a new method called branch slide distance (BSD).
      BSD mitigates many of the limitations attributed to other tree comparison
      methods, thus allowing for a more accurate measure of topological similarity. We
      find that releasing a priori constraints on character behavior often produces
      trees that are consistent with molecular trees. Case studies are presented that
      illustrate how congruence between molecules and unconstrained morphological data
      may provide insight into issues of polarity, transformation order, homology, and
      homoplasy.

PMID- 22065166
TI  - Pedicle subtraction osteotomy through pseudarthrosis to correct thoracolumbar
      kyphotic deformity in advanced ankylosing spondylitis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Surgical treatment is mandatory for spinal pseudarthrosis in
      advanced ankylosing spondylitis (AS) patients with painful sagittal deformity
      and/or neurological deficits. However, the most effective and safe surgical
      procedure for AS-related symptomatic thoracolumbar pseudarthrosis is still
      controversial. The purpose of this study is to explore the outcomes of pedicle
      subtraction osteotomy (PSO) at the level of pseudarthrotic lesion combined with
      supplemental anterior fusion for patients suffering from kyphotic pseudarthrosis
      in AS. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seven AS patients with thoracolumbar pseudarthrosis
      and kyphotic deformity were reviewed. There were 6 males and 1 female with a mean
      age of 41.7 years. All patients had back pain. Imaging findings demonstrated 3
      column extensive discovertebral destruction in all patients. The preoperative
      global kyphosis averaged 75 degrees  (range, 37 degrees -114 degrees ) with the
      apex at the level of pseudarthrosis. Three patients had incomplete neurological
      deficits (Frankel D) preoperatively. All patients underwent PSO at the level of
      pseudarthrosis in the first stage followed by supplemental anterior fusion in the
      second stage. Radiographic and clinical outcomes were assessed with an average
      follow-up of 38 months (range, 24-59 months). The visual analogue scale (VAS) was
      compared before surgery and at the final follow-up. RESULTS: All patients showed
      significant pain relief postoperatively and were satisfied with the kyphosis
      correction as well. Solid bony fusion was shown at the final follow-up. Three
      patients with neurological deficits had complete recovery of neurological
      function. The global kyphosis was corrected from 75o to 30o, with a mean
      correction of 45o. The VAS showed significant improvement. No surgical
      complication was observed. CONCLUSION: PSO can be safely performed through the
      site of pseudarthrotic lesion in AS patients with pseudarthrosis and kyphotic
      deformity. After PSO, supplemental anterior fusion is sometimes necessary to
      support the anterior and middle column in a second stage if there is a bone
      defect in the osteotomy site.

PMID- 22065167
TI  - Use of the iPhone for Cobb angle measurement in scoliosis.
AB  - PURPOSE: The Cobb technique is the universally accepted method for measuring the
      severity of spinal deformities. Traditionally, Cobb angles have been measured
      using protractor and pencil on hardcopy radiographic films. The new generation of
      mobile 'smartphones' make accurate angle measurement possible using an integrated
      accelerometer, providing a potentially useful clinical tool for assessing Cobb
      angles. The purpose of this study was to compare Cobb angle measurements
      performed using a smartphone and traditional protractor in a series of 20
      adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients. METHODS: Seven observers measured major
      Cobb angles on 20 pre-operative postero-anterior radiographs of Adolescent
      Idiopathic Scoliosis patients with both a standard protractor and using an Apple
      iPhone. Five of the observers repeated the measurements at least a week after the
      original measurements. RESULTS: The mean absolute difference between pairs of
      smartphone/protractor measurements was 2.1 degrees , with a small (1 degrees )
      bias toward lower Cobb angles with the iPhone. 95% confidence intervals for intra
      observer variability were +/-3.3 degrees  for the protractor and +/-3.9 degrees 
      for the iPhone. 95% confidence intervals for inter-observer variability were +/
      8.3 degrees  for the iPhone and +/-7.1 degrees  for the protractor. Both of these
      confidence intervals were within the range of previously published Cobb
      measurement studies. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the iPhone is an equivalent
      Cobb measurement tool to the manual protractor, and measurement times are about
      15% less. The widespread availability of inclinometer-equipped mobile phones and
      the ability to store measurements in later versions of the angle measurement
      software may make these new technologies attractive for clinical measurement
      applications.

PMID- 22065168
TI  - Efficacy of exercise therapy for the treatment of adolescent idiopathic
      scoliosis: a review of the literature.
AB  - PURPOSE: Current evidence regarding the use of exercise therapy in the treatment
      of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) was assessed with a review of published
      literature. METHODS: An extensive literature search was carried out with commonly
      used medical databases. A total of 155 papers were identified out of which only
      12 papers were deemed to be relevant. RESULTS: There were nine prospective cohort
      studies, two retrospective studies and one case series. All studies endorsed the
      role of exercise therapy in AIS but several shortcomings were identified--lack of
      clarity of patient recruitment and in the method of assessment of curve
      magnitude, poor record of compliance, and lack of outcome scores. Many studies
      reported "significant" changes in the Cobb angle after treatment, which were
      actually of small magnitude and did not take into account the reported inter or
      intra-observer error rate. All studies had poor statistical analysis and did not
      report whether the small improvements noted were maintained in the long term.
      CONCLUSIONS: This unbiased literature review has revealed poor quality evidence
      supporting the use of exercise therapy in the treatment of AIS. Well-designed
      randomised controlled studies are required to assess the role of exercise therapy
      in AIS.

PMID- 22065170
TI  - A randomized clinical trial of autologous T-cell therapy in multiple sclerosis:
      subset analysis and implications for trial design.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Tovaxin is an autologous T-cell immunotherapy under investigation for
      the treatment of MS. The product consists of in vitro expanded myelin-reactive T
      cells manufactured against up to six immunodominant peptides derived from three
      myelin antigens. METHODS: A Phase 2b placebo controlled study (TERMS) was
      conducted in 150 subjects to gather safety and efficacy data in relapsing
      remitting MS and clinically isolated syndrome subjects. RESULTS: Tovaxin had a
      favorable safety profile. Although no statistically significant clinical or
      radiological benefit of Tovaxin immunotherapy was identified in the modified
      intent-to-treat population, a prospective analysis of subjects with more active
      disease favored Tovaxin in terms of annualized relapse rate (ARR) and disability
      progression. An analysis also found a possible legacy effect of prior disease
      modifying treatment (DMT) which may have contributed to a lowered ARR in the
      placebo group. DMT-naive subjects treated with Tovaxin had a lower ARR compared
      to the placebo group, particularly in those with active baseline disease (ARR >=
      1, ARR>1). However, clinical benefit was not was accompanied by a treatment
      dependent improvement in MRI measures. CONCLUSIONS: Previous DMT exposure may
      reduce effect size and study power. Limiting subject selection to DMT-treatment
      naive individuals may be a reasonable approach to phase 2 or proof-of-concept
      studies of limited duration.

PMID- 22065171
TI  - Retraction note to: Functionalization of titanium based metallic biomaterials for
      implant applications.

PMID- 22065172
TI  - N-(2,4-Dichloro-phen-yl)-4-methyl-benzene-sulfonamide.
AB  - The mol-ecule of the title compound, C(13)H(11)Cl(2)NO(2)S, is bent at the S atom
      with a C-SO(2)-NH-C torsion angle of -69.07 (16) degrees . The sulfonyl and
      aniline rings are rotated relative to each other by 53.0 (1) degrees . In the
      crystal, pairs of N-H?O(S) hydrogen bonds link the mol-ecules into
      centrosymmetric dimers.

PMID- 22065173
TI  - Endonasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy: how to achieve optimal results with
      simple punch technique.
AB  - Endonasal endoscopic dacryocystorhinostomy (EEDCR) has been popularized as a
      minimally invasive technique. Although preliminary reports revealed less success
      in comparison with external approaches, recent endonasal endoscopic surgeries on
      various types of DCR have preserved advantages of this technique while
      diminishing the failures. We described our experience on EEDCR, including the
      main advantages and disadvantages of it. Hundred consecutive cases of lachrymal
      problems underwent EEDCR utilizing simple punch removal of bone, instead of
      powered instrumentation or lasers. The medial aspect of the sac was removed in
      all of patients, while preserving normal mucosa around the sac. Hundred cases of
      EEDCR were performed on 81 patients, with 19 bilateral procedures. Nine
      procedures were performed under local anesthesia. Based on a mean 14 months
      follow-up, 95 cases were free of symptoms, revealing 95% success rate. The punch
      technique diminishes the expenses of powered or laser instrumentation with
      comparable results. It seems that preserving normal tissues and creating a patent
      rhinostomy with least surgical trauma and less subsequent scar, plays the most
      important role in achieving desirable results.

PMID- 22065174
TI  - Spatio-temporal trends of Iberian wild boar contact with Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis complex detected by ELISA.
AB  - The continuing expansion of Eurasian wild boar (Sus scrofa) populations raises
      concerns regarding disease transmission. In south-central Spain, overabundant
      wild boar are reservoirs of Mycobacterium bovis, and related members of the
      Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC), the causative agents of bovine
      tuberculosis (bTB). An indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay using bovine
      purified protein derivative was applied to determine the spatial and temporal
      distribution of wild boar contact with MTBC in the Iberian Peninsula and to model
      and identify the associated risk factors. Wild boar apparent seroprevalence was
      22%. Seropositives were detected in 71% of 81 sites, including 23 sites where
      wildlife was thought to be bTB free. The results described a new geographic range
      of wild boar contact with MTBC and a stable prevalence in this wildlife reservoir
      that contrasts with the success of bTB control in cattle. Inference of which host
      (wild boar or cattle) is driving bTB maintenance was not possible with our
      correlational results. The possibility of a wild boar bTB emergence in non
      endemic regions should urgently be taken into account to avoid a future scenario
      resembling the current situation in south-central Spain.

PMID- 22065175
TI  - Synthesis of novel Eu(III) luminescent probe based on 9- acridinecarboxylic acid
      skelton for sensing of ds-DNA.
AB  - Eu(III)-9-acridinecarboxylate (9-ACA) complex was synthesized and characterized
      by elemental analysis, conductivity measurement, IR spectroscopy, thermal
      analysis, mass spectroscopy, (1)H-NMR, fluorescence and ultraviolet spectra. The
      results indicated that the composition of this complex is [Eu(III)-(9
      ACA)(2)(NCS)(C(2)H(5)OH)(2)] 2.5 H(2)O and the oxygen of the carbonyl group
      coordinated to Eu(III). The interaction between the complex with nucleotides
      guanosine 5'- monophosphate (5'-GMP), adenosine 5'-diphosphates (5'-ADP), inosine
      (5'-IMP) and CT-DNA was studied by fluorescence spectroscopy. The fluorescence
      intensity of Eu(III)-9-acridinecarboxylate complex was enhanced with the addition
      of CT-DNA. The effect of pH values on the fluorescence intensity of Eu(III)
      complex was investigated. Under experimental conditions, the linear range was 9
      50 ng mL(-1) for calf thymus DNA (CT- DNA) and the corresponding detection limit
      was 5 ng mL(-1). The results showed that Eu(III)-(9-ACA)(2) complex binds to CT
      DNA with stability constant of 2.41 * 10(4) M.

PMID- 22065176
TI  - Exploring the structure of psychopathological symptoms: a re-analysis of AMDP
      data by robust nonmetric multidimensional scaling.
AB  - This paper investigates the structure of psychopathological symptoms. Based on
      AMDP symptom profiles, a symptom space was calculated by robust nonmetric
      multidimensional scaling (NMDS) and the symptom structures of a sample dating
      from 1980 and a sample from 2002/2003 were compared. The method of NMDS presented
      in this study allows results from other studies to be confirmed and complemented.
      The symptom factors identified in the past by factor-analytic studies were
      replicated as clusters in two-dimensional symptom maps. Additionally, some
      theoretically assumed clusters of symptoms were detected that were not found in
      previous factor analysis approaches. From the results, which are depicted in a
      continuous space, new insights can be gained, especially with regard to questions
      of categorical and dimensional classifications. The comparison of the structural
      aspects of the symptomatology across more than two decades resulted in only small
      divergences and allows conclusions to be drawn about the stability of these
      structures and consequently of the symptom clusters and dimensions.

PMID- 22065177
TI  - The neurological manifestations of trauma: lessons from World War I.
AB  - Changes in the clinical presentation of functional disorders and the influence of
      social and cultural factors can be investigated through the historical case notes
      from mental hospitals. World War I (WWI) was a potent trigger of functional
      disorders with neurological or psychiatric symptoms. We analysed 100 randomly
      selected case files of German servicemen admitted to the Department of Psychiatry
      of the Charite Medical School of Berlin University during WWI and classified them
      according to contemporaneous and retrospective modern diagnoses. We compared the
      clinical presentations with accounts in the German and British medical literature
      of the time. Most patients obtained the contemporaneous diagnosis of
      'psychopathic constitution' or hysteria reflecting the general view of German
      psychiatrists that not the war but an individual predisposition was the basis for
      the development of symptoms. The clinical picture was dominated by
      pseudoneurological motor or sensory symptoms as well as pseudoseizures. Some
      soldiers relived combat experiences in dream-like dissociative states that partly
      resemble modern-day post-traumatic stress disorder. Most servicemen were
      classified as unfit for military service but very few of them were granted
      compensation. Severe functional disorders of a neurological character could
      develop even without traumatic exposure in combat, which is of interest for the
      current debate on triggers of stress disorders. The high incidence of
      pseudoseizures accords with the psychiatric literature of the time and contrasts
      with accounts of war-related disorders in Britain. The tendency of German
      psychiatrists not to send traumatised servicemen back to active duty also
      distinguished between German and British practice. Our data contribute to the
      debate on the changing patterns of human responses to traumatic experience and
      their historical and social context.

PMID- 22065178
TI  - The childhood obesity epidemic: lessons for preventing socially determined health
      conditions.

PMID- 22065179
TI  - Effects of moral outrage on child welfare reform.

PMID- 22065180
TI  - Crossing growth percentiles in infancy and risk of obesity in childhood.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the associations of upward crossing of major percentiles in
      weight-for-length in the first 24 months of life with the prevalence of obesity
      at ages 5 and 10 years. DESIGN: Longitudinal study. SETTING: Multisite clinical
      practice. PARTICIPANTS: We included 44 622 children aged from 1 month to less
      than 11 years with 122 214 length/height and weight measurements from January 1,
      1980, through December 31, 2008. MAIN EXPOSURE: The number of major weight-for
      length percentiles crossed during each of four 6-month intervals, that is, 1 to 6
      months, 6 to 12 months, 12 to 18 months, and 18 to 24 months. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURES: Odds and observed prevalence of obesity (body mass index [calculated as
      weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared] >=95th percentile) at
      ages 5 and 10 years. RESULTS: Crossing upwards 2 or more weight-for-length
      percentiles was common in the first 6 months of life (43%) and less common during
      later age intervals. Crossing upwards 2 or more weight-for-length percentiles in
      the first 24 months was associated with elevated odds of obesity at ages 5 years
      (odds ratio, 2.08; 95% CI, 1.84-2.34) and 10 years (1.75; 1.53-2.00) compared
      with crossing less than 2 major percentiles. Obesity prevalence at ages 5 and 10
      was highest among children who crossed upwards 2 or more weight-for-length
      percentiles in the first 6 months of life. CONCLUSIONS: Crossing upwards 2 or
      more major weight-for-length percentiles in the first 24 months of life is
      associated with later obesity. Upward crossing of 2 weight-for-length percentiles
      in the first 6 months is associated with the highest prevalence of obesity 5 and
      10 years later. Efforts to curb excess weight gain in infancy may be useful in
      preventing later obesity.

PMID- 22065181
TI  - Physicians' shared decision-making behaviors in attention-deficit/hyperactivity
      disorder care.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To describe the amount of shared decision-making (SDM) behavior
      exhibited during treatment-planning encounters for children newly diagnosed as
      having attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and to explore relationships
      between participant characteristics and the amount of SDM. DESIGN: Prospective
      cohort study. SETTING: Seven community-based primary care pediatric practices in
      the Cincinnati, Ohio; northern Kentucky; and southeast Indiana regions from
      October 5, 2009, through August 9, 2010. PARTICIPANTS: Ten pediatricians and 26
      families with a 6- to 10-year-old child newly diagnosed as having attention
      deficit/hyperactivity disorder. OUTCOME MEASURE: The amount of SDM behavior
      exhibited during videorecorded encounters, as coded by 2 independent raters using
      the validated Observing Patient Involvement (OPTION) scale, which was adapted for
      use in pediatric settings and produces a score ranging from 0 (no parental
      involvement) to 100 (maximal parental involvement). RESULTS: Treatment decisions
      focused on initiation of medication treatment. The mean (SD) total OPTION score
      was 28.5 (11.7). More SDM was observed during encounters involving families with
      white vs nonwhite children (adjusted mean difference score, 14.9; 95% confidence
      interval [CI], 10.2-19.6; P < .001), private vs public health insurance coverage
      (adjusted mean difference score, 15.1; 11.2-19.0; P < .001), mothers with at
      least some college education vs high school graduate or less (adjusted mean
      difference score, 12.3; 7.2-17.4; P < .001), and parents who did not screen
      positive for serious mental illness vs those who did (adjusted mean difference
      score, 15.0; 11.9-18.1; P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Low levels of SDM were observed.
      Exploratory analyses identified potential disparities and barriers. Interventions
      may be needed to foster SDM with all parents, especially those of nonwhite race,
      of lower socioeconomic status, of lower educational level, and with serious
      mental illness.

PMID- 22065182
TI  - A national profile of caregiver challenges among more medically complex children
      with special health care needs.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To profile the national prevalence of more medically complex children
      with special health care needs (CSHCN) and the diversity of caregiver challenges
      that their families confront. DESIGN: Secondary analysis of the 2005-2006
      National Survey of Children With Special Health Care Needs (unweighted n = 40
      723). SETTING: United States-based population. PARTICIPANTS: National sample of
      CSHCN. MAIN EXPOSURE: More complex CSHCN were defined by incorporating components
      of child health and family need, including medical technology dependence and care
      by 2 or more subspecialists. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Caregiver challenges were
      defined by family-reported care burden (including hours providing care
      coordination and home care), medical care use (on the basis of health care
      encounters in the last 12 months), and unmet needs (defined by 15 individual
      medical care needs and a single nonmedical service need). RESULTS: Among CSHCN,
      3.2% (weighted n = 324 323) met criteria for more complex children, representing
      0.4% of all children in the United States. Caregivers of more complex CSHCN
      reported a median of 2 (interquartile range, 1-6) hours per week on care
      coordination and 11 to 20 (interquartile range, 3->21) hours per week on direct
      home care. More than half (56.8%) reported financial problems, 54.1% reported
      that a family member stopped working because of the child's health, 48.8%
      reported at least 1 unmet medical service need, and 33.1% reported difficulty in
      accessing nonmedical services. CONCLUSIONS: Extraordinary and diverse needs are
      common among family caregivers of more complex CSHCN. Enhanced care coordination
      support, respite care, and direct home care may begin to address the substantial
      economic burden and the multiple unmet needs that many of these families face.

PMID- 22065183
TI  - Impact of a more restrictive approach to urinary tract imaging after febrile
      urinary tract infection.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the impact of using an algorithm requiring selective
      rather than routine urinary tract imaging following a first febrile urinary tract
      infection (UTI) on imaging use, detection of vesicoureteral reflux (VUR),
      prophylactic antibiotic use, and UTI recurrence within 6 months. DESIGN:
      Retrospective review comparing outcomes during periods before algorithm use
      (September 1, 2006, to August 31, 2007) and after algorithm use (September 1,
      2008, to August 31, 2009). The new algorithm, which adapted recommendations from
      the United Kingdom's National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence 2007
      guidelines, was implemented in 2008. The algorithm calls for renal
      ultrasonography in most cases and restricts voiding cystourethrography for use in
      patients with certain risk factors. SETTING: County health system. PARTICIPANTS:
      Children younger than 2 years with a first febrile UTI. INTERVENTION: Selective
      algorithm for urinary tract imaging. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Urinary tract imaging
      use, detection of VUR, prophylactic antibiotic use, and UTI recurrence within 6
      months. RESULTS: After introduction of the new algorithm, voiding
      cystourethrography and prophylactic antibiotic use decreased markedly. Rates of
      UTI recurrence within 6 months and detection of grades 4 and 5 VUR did not
      change, but detection of grades 1 to 3 VUR decreased substantially. Patients in
      the prealgorithm group with grades 1 to 3 VUR who would have been missed with
      selective screening underwent no interventions other than successive urinary
      tract imaging and prophylactic antibiotic use. CONCLUSIONS: By restricting
      urinary tract imaging after an initial febrile UTI, rates of voiding
      cystourethrography and prophylactic antibiotic use decreased substantially
      without increasing the risk of UTI recurrence within 6 months and without an
      apparent decrease in detection of high-grade VUR. Clinicians can be more
      judicious in their use of urinary tract imaging.

PMID- 22065184
TI  - Effect of neuromuscular warm-up on injuries in female soccer and basketball
      athletes in urban public high schools: cluster randomized controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of coach-led neuromuscular warm-up on
      reducing lower extremity (LE) injuries in female athletes in a mixed-ethnicity,
      predominantly low-income, urban population. DESIGN: Cluster randomized controlled
      trial. SETTING: Chicago public high schools. PARTICIPANTS: Of 258 coaches invited
      to participate, 95 (36.8%) enrolled (1558 athletes). Ninety coaches and 1492
      athletes completed the study. INTERVENTIONS: We randomized schools to
      intervention and control groups. We trained intervention coaches to implement a
      20-minute neuromuscular warm-up. Control coaches used their usual warm-up. MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASURES: Coach compliance was tracked by self-report and direct
      observation. Coaches reported weekly athlete exposures (AEs) and LE injuries
      causing a missed practice or game. Research assistants interviewed injured
      athletes. Injury rates were compared between the control and intervention groups
      using chi(2) and Fisher exact tests. Significance was set at P < .05. Poisson
      regression analysis adjusted for clustering and covariates in an athlete subset
      reporting personal information (n = 855; 57.3%). RESULTS: There were 28 023
      intervention AEs and 22 925 control AEs. Intervention coaches used prescribed
      warm-up in 1425 of 1773 practices (80.4%). Intervention athletes had lower rates
      per 1000 AEs of gradual-onset LE injuries (0.43 vs 1.22, P < .01), acute-onset
      noncontact LE injuries (0.71 vs 1.61, P < .01), noncontact ankle sprains (0.25 vs
      0.74, P = .01), and LE injuries treated surgically (0 vs 0.17, P = .04).
      Regression analysis showed significant incidence rate ratios for acute-onset
      noncontact LE injuries (0.33; 95% CI, 0.17-0.61), noncontact ankle sprains (0.38;
      95% CI, 0.15-0.98), noncontact knee sprains (0.30; 95% CI, 0.10-0.86), and
      noncontact anterior cruciate ligament injuries (0.20; 95% CI, 0.04-0.95).
      CONCLUSION: Coach-led neuromuscular warm-up reduces noncontact LE injuries in
      female high school soccer and basketball athletes from a mixed-ethnicity,
      predominantly low-income, urban population. TRIAL REGISTRATION CLINICALTRIALS.ORG
      IDENTIFIER: NCT01092286.

PMID- 22065185
TI  - Picture of the month--quiz case. Juvenile dermatomyositis.

PMID- 22065186
TI  - Early identification of children at risk of developing obesity.

PMID- 22065187
TI  - Reduced imaging after urinary tract infection: are benefits accompanied by
      adverse risks?

PMID- 22065188
TI  - Translating cost-effective injury prevention research into sustainable change on
      the playing field: the youth injury epidemic.

PMID- 22065189
TI  - National school lunch program for all.

PMID- 22065190
TI  - Reducing screen time for children.

PMID- 22065191
TI  - Robot-assisted transaxillary thyroid surgery in the United States: is it
      comparable to open thyroid lobectomy?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to compare the outcome of robot
      assisted transaxillary thyroid surgery (RATS) to the standard open technique for
      thyroid lobectomy in the U.S. population. METHODS: Comparison was made between 25
      consecutive patients who underwent thyroid lobectomy via RATS and 25 patients who
      underwent open thyroid lobectomy. All patients met predetermined criteria for
      RATS. Clinical characteristics of patients and operative data were compared
      between groups using the Fisher exact or the Kruskal-Wallis test. RESULTS: The
      RATS and open groups were similar in gender (92% vs 84% female), median body mass
      index (BMI) (25 vs 26), preoperative cytology (P=.71), and postoperative
      diagnosis (P=.91). Operative time for the RATS group was longer than the open
      group [median 121 minutes (range 74-199 minutes) vs 68 minutes (41-112 minutes),
      P<.0001]. Estimated blood loss was greater in the RATS group [median 10 cc (0-150
      cc) vs 0 cc (0-25 cc), P=.0042]. Unlike the open group, postoperative
      complications in the RATS group included 2 patients with neurological deficits in
      the brachial plexus distribution. The postoperative incidence of temporary
      hoarseness, bleeding, infection, seroma, numbness, and length of hospital stay
      did not differ significantly between groups. CONCLUSIONS: In a select group of
      patients, RATS is comparable to open thyroid lobectomy in terms of postoperative
      complications and hospital stay. Patients should be counseled that RATS is
      associated with a longer operative time, a potential for brachial plexus
      neurological deficits, and larger (although still low) blood loss. A prospective
      trial further evaluating cost, quality of life, and patient-reported satisfaction
      is warranted.

PMID- 22065192
TI  - Patterns of care, prognosis, and survival in patients with metastatic
      gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) refractory to first-line imatinib and
      second-line sunitinib.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Data regarding the management and outcome of patients with metastatic
      gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) refractory to 1st-line imatinib and 2nd
      line sunitinib are limited. METHODS: Medical records of 223 imatinib-resistant
      and sunitinib-resistant GIST who were treated in 11 major referral centers were
      reviewed. RESULTS: The three most frequent drugs used in the 3rd-line setting
      were: nilotinib n = 67 (29.5%), sorafenib n = 55 (24.5%), and imatinib n = 40
      (17.5%). There were 18 patients (8%) who received best supportive care (BSC)
      only. The median progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) on 3rd
      line treatment were 3.6 months [95% confidence interval (95% CI), 3.1-4.1] and
      9.2 months (95% CI, 7.5-10.9), respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that,
      in the 3rd-line setting, albumin level and KIT/PDGFRA mutational status were
      significantly associated with PFS, whereas performance status and albumin level
      were associated with OS. After adjustment for prognostic factors, nilotinib and
      sorafenib provided the best PFS and OS. Rechallenge with imatinib was also
      associated with improved OS in comparison with BSC. CONCLUSION: In the 3rd-line
      setting, rechallenge with imatinib provided limited clinical benefit but was
      superior to BSC. Sorafenib and nilotinib have significant clinical activity in
      imatinib-resistant and sunitinib-resistant GIST and may represent an alternative
      for rechallenge with imatinib.

PMID- 22065193
TI  - Molecular detection of sentinel node micrometastases in patients with clinical N0
      gastric carcinoma with real-time multiplex reverse transcription-polymerase chain
      reaction assay.
AB  - PURPOSE: Described is a novel real-time multiplex reverse transcription
      polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay suitable for intraoperative detection of
      micrometastasis (MM) in sentinel nodes (SNs) dissected from patients with
      clinical N0 (cN0) gastric carcinoma. METHODS: One hundred three patients with
      gastric cancer, who were preoperatively diagnosed with cN0 and clinical T1 or T2,
      were enrolled. The patients underwent SN mapping followed by standard radical
      gastrectomy with lymph node dissection. In addition to all SNs, non-SNs (NSNs)
      within the SN lymphatic basin and NSN from a different lymphatic basin were
      randomly sampled. All SNs and NSNs were examined by routine histologic diagnosis
      and RT-PCR for the expression of cytokeratin (CK) 19, CK20, and carcinoembryonic
      antigen (CEA). RESULTS: The RT-PCR assay and histologic examination were
      performed in 512 SNs and 299 NSNs from 103 patients. Pathologic l lymph node
      metastasis was revealed in 13 (12.6%) of 103 patients. All metastatic lymph nodes
      were identified within SNs. SNs of these 13 patients had positive findings on RT
      PCR. Twenty-eight (27.2%) of 103 patients had negative histopathology but
      positive findings on RT-PCR. In 7 patients (6.8%), SNs were negative but NSNs
      were positive on RT-PCR. RT-PCR-positive NSNs were present in the same station as
      corresponding SNs in 3 of these 7 patients and in the same basin as SNs in 4
      patients. CONCLUSIONS: The real-time multiplex RT-PCR assay is a useful tool for
      the detection of MM in SNs and NSNs in patients with gastric cancer.

PMID- 22065194
TI  - Adverse effects of smoking on postoperative outcomes in cancer patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The possible negative effects of smoking on postoperative outcomes
      have not been well studied in cancer patients. METHODS: We used the VA Surgical
      Quality Improvement Program (VASQIP) database for the years 2002-2008, which
      assesses preoperative risk factors and postoperative outcomes for patients
      undergoing major surgery within the VA healthcare system. RESULTS: Compared with
      never smokers, prior smokers and current smokers with GI malignancies were
      significantly more likely to have surgical site infection (SSI) (odds ratio [OR],
      1.25; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.09-1.44) (OR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.05-1.38),
      combined pulmonary complications (combined pulmonary outcome [CPO]: pneumonia,
      failure to wean from ventilator, reintubation) (OR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.38-1.87) (OR,
      1.96; 95% CI, 1.68-2.29), and return to the operating room (OR, 1.20; 95% CI,
      1.03-1.39) (OR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.13-1.53), respectively. Both prior and current
      smokers had a significantly higher mortality at 30 days (OR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.19
      1.89) (OR, 1.41; 95% CI, 1.08-1.82) and 1 year (OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.08-1.38) (OR,
      1.62; 95% CI, 1.43-1.85). Thoracic surgery patients who were current smokers were
      more likely to develop CPO (OR, 1.62; 95% CI, 1.25-2.11) and mortality within 1
      year (OR, 1.50; 95% CI, 1.17-1.92) compared with nonsmokers, but SSI rates were
      not affected by smoking status. Current smokers had a significant increase in
      postsurgical length of stay (overall 4.3% [P < .001], GI 4.7% [P = .003],
      thoracic 9.0% [P < .001]) compared with prior smokers. CONCLUSIONS: Prior and
      current smoking status is a significant risk factor for major postoperative
      complications and mortality following GI cancer and thoracic operations in
      veterans. Smoking cessation should be encouraged prior to all major cancer
      surgery in the VA population to decrease postoperative complications and length
      of stay.

PMID- 22065195
TI  - Aggressive variants of papillary thyroid cancer: incidence, characteristics and
      predictors of survival among 43,738 patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The diffuse sclerosing (DSV) and tall cell (TCV) variants are
      considered aggressive subtypes of papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) for which data
      are limited. METHODS: The Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER)
      database (1988-2008) was used to compare the incidence and clinical/pathologic
      characteristics of DSV and TCV with classic PTC. Prognostic factors associated
      with survival were analyzed by chi-square test, analysis of variance, log rank
      test, and Cox multivariate regression. RESULTS: There were 261 DSV, 573 TCV, and
      42,904 PTC patients. Compared to a 60.8% increase in classic PTC incidence, DSV
      and TCV incidence increased by 126% (P (trend) = 0.052) and 158% (P (trend) =
      0.002), respectively. Aggressive variants were associated with higher rates of
      extrathyroidal extension, multifocality, and nodal and distant metastasis (all P
      < 0.001) compared to classic PTC. Nodal metastasis was more likely with DSV
      (72.2% vs. 66.8% TCV vs. 56.3% PTC, P < 0.001); distant metastasis was most
      common with TCV (11.1% vs. 7.3% DSV vs. 4.3% PTC, P < 0.001). After adjustment,
      DSV [hazard ratio (HR) 1.8, P = 0.007] and TCV (HR 1.9, P < 0.001) histologies
      were associated with significantly reduced survival (5-year overall: 87.5% DSV,
      80.6% TCV vs. 93.5% PTC, P < 0.001). Tumor size independently predicted worse
      prognosis for TCV (HR 1.29, P < 0.001) but not DSV patients. Thyroid surgery and
      radioiodine improved survival of DSV and TCV patients (all P < 0.05). Patients
      with aggressive variants who received external-beam radiotherapy did not
      experience improved survival. CONCLUSIONS: DSV and TCV are rare, increasing in
      incidence, and have a worse prognosis than classic PTC. Patients with these
      variants should be treated aggressively with thyroidectomy and radioiodine,
      regardless of tumor size.

PMID- 22065196
TI  - catena-Poly[[bis-(3-methyl-benzoato-kappaO,O')lead(II)]-MU-4,4'-bipyridine
      kappaN:N'].
AB  - In the title complex, [Pb(C(8)H(7)O(2))(2)(C(10)H(8)N(2))](n), the Pb(II) atom is
      located on a twofold rotation axis and is six-coordinated by four carboxyl-ate O
      atoms from two 3-methyl-benzoate ligands and two N atoms from two 4,4'-bipyridine
      (4,4'-bpy) ligands, displaying a hemi-directed coordination. The 4,4'-bpy ligand
      has an inversion center at the mid-point of the central C-C bond. The Pb(II)
      atoms are linked by bidentate bridging 4,4'-bpy into a chain along [101]. These
      chains are further connected into layers via C-H?O hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22065197
TI  - Endovascular treatment of two concomitant causes of pulsatile tinnitus: sigmoid
      sinus stenosis and ipsilateral jugular bulb diverticulum. Case report and
      literature review.
AB  - We describe a rare case of highly invalidating pulsatile tinnitus associated with
      both stenosis of the sigmoid sinus and ipsilateral jugular bulb diverticulum.
      Both conditions were successfully treated by positioning a stent across the
      sigmoid sinus and jugular bulb. To our knowledge, the present clinical case
      represents the first report of such an approach. The therapeutic decision-making
      is discussed in relation to the etiopathologic hypothesis put forward.

PMID- 22065198
TI  - Gemcitabine-induced posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome: a case report.
AB  - Gemcitabine is a commonly used chemotherapeutic agent for a variety of tumors.
      Although this nucleoside analog antineoplastic agent is similar in structure to
      cytarabine, central nervous system toxicities have rarely been attributed to
      gemcitabine. The posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is a
      condition characterized by reversible neurological and radiological findings that
      has been associated with use of chemotherapeutic and more recently novel targeted
      therapies. We describe one case of a 41-year-old woman with PRES under treatment
      for leiomyosarcoma because of the probable association with gemcitabine. Our
      case, to our knowledge, represents the seventh published report of this
      particular toxicity. Naranjo algorithm, efficacious method for assessing the
      causality of adverse drug reactions (ADRs) from a case report, suggests a direct
      casual relationship. PRES is probably a rare complication of gemcitabine, but the
      oncologist should take it into careful consideration, because PRES is reversible
      with treatment of current hypertension or removal of the causative agent.
      However, failure to quickly recognize the syndrome and discontinue the offending
      agent may result in profound and permanent central nervous system dysfunction or
      death.

PMID- 22065199
TI  - Temozolomide plus radiotherapy for glioblastoma in a Canadian province: efficacy
      versus effectiveness and the impact of O6-methylguanine-DNA-methyltransferase
      promoter methylation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Radiotherapy with concomitant and adjuvant temozolomide has been the
      standard of care for newly diagnosed glioblastoma in adults since the pivotal
      trial by Roger Stupp and colleagues. The effectiveness of this regimen has not
      been evaluated in Canada. Additionally, the impact of O6-methylguanine-DNA
      methyltransferase (MGMT) promoter methylation on patient survival has not been
      confirmed. Hence, survival outcomes and MGMT predictive value were compared for
      the patients in Alberta versus the Stupp trial population. METHODS: Retrospective
      chart review of 215 adult glioblastoma patients who started radiotherapy and
      temozolomide between January 2007 and December 2010 at the Cross Cancer Institute
      (Edmonton, Alberta) or the Tom Baker Cancer Centre (Calgary, Alberta). RESULTS:
      In the Alberta population, median overall survival was 14.3 months (vs. 14.6
      months in trial, p = NS) and median progression-free survival was 5.8 months (vs.
      6.9 months in trial, p = NS). However, unlike the trial, the Alberta MGMT
      subgroup analysis for overall survival was not statistically significant, despite
      a hazard ratio of 0.65 in favor of the methylated group. More Alberta patients
      received corticosteroids (p < 0.0001) and fewer underwent complete resection (p =
      0.0001) or a postprogression second surgery (p = 0.01) than the Stupp population,
      but characteristics were otherwise similar. CONCLUSION: Current practice in
      Alberta enables patients to achieve overall and progression-free survival similar
      to the clinical trial. Further follow-up is required to confirm the predictive
      value of the MGMT assay. Until that is clarified or better treatments are
      developed, it is reasonable to continue offering this treatment regimen to
      patients regardless of MGMT methylation status.

PMID- 22065200
TI  - Twenty years of multidisciplinary research and practice: the Journal of
      Occupational Rehabilitation then and now.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Early research of work disability in the 1980s showed a complexity of
      factors influencing pain and health-related functional limitation at work; hence,
      multidisciplinary perspectives were necessary to understand the complex interplay
      between biomechanical, organizational, social, and psychological factors
      impacting work disability. To address this need, the Journal of Occupational
      Rehabilitation was founded in 1991 with the goal of providing a scientific, yet
      practical forum for presenting multidisciplinary research and practice in work
      disability. Now, the 20-year collection of articles in the Journal reflects
      important trends and directions in the field of occupational rehabilitation.
      METHODS: We conducted a retrospective summary of the past 20 years of the Journal
      of Occupational Rehabilitation, including its inaugural goals and intent, rates
      of submission and acceptance, trends in the types of articles published, study
      topics, global distribution of authors, and future directions. RESULTS: The
      original goal of providing a multidisciplinary scientific and practical forum has
      been met, but current trends reflect a maturing scientific evidence base, with
      less representation of employer-based case studies and practical innovations.
      There has been a dramatic increase in the international representation of
      studies, authors, and peer reviewers outside of the US. Also, published studies
      now address work disability for a larger number of health concerns. CONCLUSIONS:
      Contributions to the Journal continue to reflect a multidisciplinary perspective,
      but the Journal has seen significant changes with respect to international
      representation, the expanding study of non-musculoskeletal sources of work
      disability, and the maturing scientific evidence base in the field of
      occupational rehabilitation. Future volumes of the Journal will likely reflect
      continuing changes in the global economy, workforce fitness, and job demands.

PMID- 22065201
TI  - Organs-on-a-chip: a focus on compartmentalized microdevices.
AB  - Advances in microengineering technologies have enabled a variety of insights into
      biomedical sciences that would not have been possible with conventional
      techniques. Engineering microenvironments that simulate in vivo organ systems may
      provide critical insight into the cellular basis for pathophysiologies,
      development, and homeostasis in various organs, while curtailing the high
      experimental costs and complexities associated with in vivo studies. In this
      article, we aim to survey recent attempts to extend tissue-engineered platforms
      toward simulating organ structure and function, and discuss the various
      approaches and technologies utilized in these systems. We specifically focus on
      microtechnologies that exploit phenomena associated with compartmentalization to
      create model culture systems that better represent the in vivo organ
      microenvironment.

PMID- 22065202
TI  - Nanomaterial-based biosensor as an emerging tool for biomedical applications.
AB  - The combination of nanomaterials and biological sensing elements to selectively
      recognize chemical or biological molecules has resulted in the development of
      novel nanobiosensors. Nanobiosensors offer several important advantages over
      conventional biological procedures, and could have a significant impact on
      humankind. Hence, the momentum toward building miniaturized, reliable, sensitive,
      and selective sensing instruments has focused on combining nanomaterials with
      biomolecules for detection of a wide range of analytes. In this article, we
      present an overview of the various nanomaterial-based biosensors that utilize
      different biological recognition elements for biomedical applications. In this
      review, several types of nanomaterial-based biosensors along with their
      applications are discussed, including the latest developments in the field of
      nanobiosensors for biomedical applications.

PMID- 22065203
TI  - Kinematic modeling-based left ventricular diastatic (passive) chamber stiffness
      determination with in-vivo validation.
AB  - The slope of the diastatic pressure-volume relationship (D-PVR) defines passive
      left ventricular (LV) stiffness kappa. Although kappa is a relative measure,
      cardiac catheterization, which is an absolute measurement method, is used to
      obtain the former. Echocardiography, including transmitral flow velocity (Doppler
      E-wave) analysis, is the preferred quantitative diastolic function (DF)
      assessment method. However, E-wave analysis can provide only relative, rather
      than absolute pressure information. We hypothesized that physiologic mechanism
      based modeling of E-waves allows derivation of the D-PVR(E-wave) whose slope,
      kappa(E-wave), provides E-wave-derived diastatic, passive chamber stiffness. Our
      kinematic model of filling and Bernoulli's equation were used to derive
      expressions for diastatic pressure and volume on a beat-by-beat basis, thereby
      generating D-PVR(E-wave), and kappa(E-wave). For validation, simultaneous
      (conductance catheter) P-V and echocardiographic E-wave data from 30 subjects
      (444 total cardiac cycles) having normal LV ejection fraction (LVEF) were
      analyzed. For each subject (15 beats average) model-predicted kappa(E-wave) was
      compared to experimentally measured kappa(CATH) via linear regression yielding as
      follows: kappa(E-wave) = alphakappa(CATH) + b (R(2) = 0.92), where, alpha = 0.995
      and b = 0.02. We conclude that echocardiographically determined diastatic passive
      chamber stiffness, kappa(E-wave), provides an excellent estimate of simultaneous,
      gold standard (P-V)-defined diastatic stiffness, kappa(CATH). Hence, in chambers
      at diastasis, passive LV stiffness can be accurately determined by means of
      suitable analysis of Doppler E-waves (transmitral flow).

PMID- 22065204
TI  - The Annals of Biomedical Engineering: inception to signature journal.
AB  - The Annals of Biomedical Engineering, the flagship journal of the Biomedical
      Engineering Society, developed through four distinct stages. Once an editorial
      infrastructure was in place and a publisher was secured, a long-lived struggle
      for sufficient manuscripts and financial stability ensued. The journal achieved a
      degree of stableness by the mid-1980s. Electronic communication and on-line
      publishing in the 1990s allowed more rapid turn around but the increased
      acceptance of quality manuscripts created pressures from insufficient available
      pages. The journal finally turned to self-publication. The Board of Directors and
      the Publications Board carefully nurtured the journal over the years with
      financial support and policy. Still, the bulk of the effort was carried by the
      editors. They dealt with an ever increasing complex publishing process that now
      supports three Society journals.

PMID- 22065205
TI  - Occurrence and distribution of salsolinol-like compound, 1-acetyl-6,7-dihydroxy
      1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (ADTIQ) in parkinsonian brains.
AB  - Parkinson's disease (PD) arises from the loss of dopaminergic neurons in the
      substantia nigra. 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) is well
      known to cause Parkinsonism in humans with neurotoxicity specific for
      dopaminergic neurons. The experience with MPTP supports the hypothesis that
      endogenous or xenobiotic neurotoxins are involved in the pathogenesis of PD in
      humans. In our study, 1-acetyl-6, 7-dihydroxy-1, 2, 3, 4-tetrahydro-isoquinoline
      (ADTIQ), a novel compound, was found in frozen human brain tissues. The formation
      of ADTIQ was demonstrated using dopamine and methylglyoxal under physiological
      conditions. Methylglyoxal is a by-product of glycolysis. ADTIQ and its
      precursors, dopamine and methylglyoxal, were detected in different regions of
      frozen human brains such as the substantia nigra, caudate nucleus, putamen,
      frontal cortex, and the cerebellum. A significant difference in ADTIQ levels
      between control and Parkinson's patients was found; for instance, the ADTIQ level
      in putamen of PD patients was 0.76 +/- 0.27 nmol/g compared to 0.10 +/- 0.01
      nmol/g in control. Our results might indicate that ADTIQ is possibly related to
      Parkinson's disease.

PMID- 22065206
TI  - Preparation and properties of nanoscale containers for biomedical application in
      drug delivery: preliminary studies with kynurenic acid.
AB  - The main purpose of this study was to facilitate the delivery of kynurenic acid
      (KYNA) across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) by applying micelles as nanoscale
      containers. Non-ionic amphiphilic molecules were used for preparation of
      spherical micelles for delivery of kynurenic acid in aqueous solution in
      physiological condition. It was established that Triton X 100 and Lutensol AP 20
      non-ionic surfactants are able to produce stable nanocontainers for delivery of
      kynurenic acid molecules. The incorporation of KYNA molecules was investigated by
      dynamic light scattering and the size of micelles were calculated between 5 and
      10 nm in 150 mM NaCl and pH 7.5-7.6 solutions. Encapsulated kynurenic acid showed
      a significantly higher blood-brain barrier permeability compared with non
      encapsulated kynurenic acid. The in vivo experiments showed that the encapsulated
      kynurenic acid is able to display effects within the central nervous system, even
      after its peripheral administration.

PMID- 22065207
TI  - Type A monoamine oxidase is associated with induction of neuroprotective Bcl-2 by
      rasagiline, an inhibitor of type B monoamine oxidase.
AB  - Rasagiline and (-)deprenyl (selegiline), irreversible type B monoamine oxidase
      (MAO-B) inhibitors, protect neuronal cells through gene induction of pro-survival
      Bcl-2 and neurotrophic factors in the cellular models of neurodegenerative
      disorders. In this paper, the role of MAO in the up-regulation of neuroprotective
      Bcl-2 gene by these inhibitors was studied using type A MAO (MAO-A) expressing
      wild SH-SY5Y cells and the transfection-enforced MAO-B overexpressed cells.
      Rasagiline and (-)deprenyl, and also befloxatone, a reversible MAO-A inhibitor,
      increased Bcl-2 mRNA and protein in SH-SY5Y cells. Silencing MAO-A expression
      with short interfering (si) RNA suppressed Bcl-2 induction by rasagiline, but not
      by (-)deprenyl. MAO-B overexpression inhibited Bcl-2 induction by rasagiline and
      befloxatone, but did not affect that by (-)deprenyl, suggesting the different
      mechanisms behind Bcl-2 gene induction by these MAO-B inhibitors. The novel role
      of MAO-A in Bcl-2 induction by rasagiline is discussed with regard to the
      molecular mechanism underlying neuroprotection by the MAO inhibitors.

PMID- 22065208
TI  - Interaction of insulin and PPAR-alpha genes in Alzheimer's disease: the Epistasis
      Project.
AB  - Altered glucose metabolism has been described in Alzheimer's disease (AD). We re
      investigated the interaction of the insulin (INS) and the peroxisome proliferator
      activated receptor alpha (PPARA) genes in AD risk in the Epistasis Project,
      including 1,757 AD cases and 6,294 controls. Allele frequencies of both SNPs
      (PPARA L162V, INS intron 0 A/T) differed between Northern Europeans and Northern
      Spanish. The PPARA 162LL genotype increased AD risk in Northern Europeans (p =
      0.04), but not in Northern Spanish (p = 0.2). There was no association of the INS
      intron 0 TT genotype with AD. We observed an interaction on AD risk between PPARA
      162LL and INS intron 0 TT genotypes in Northern Europeans (Synergy factor 2.5, p
      = 0.016), but not in Northern Spanish. We suggest that dysregulation of glucose
      metabolism contributes to the development of AD and might be due in part to
      genetic variations in INS and PPARA and their interaction especially in Northern
      Europeans.

PMID- 22065209
TI  - CSF biomarkers in different phenotypes of Parkinson disease.
AB  - CSF biomarker studies were performed in 6 patients each with tremor-dominant (TD)
      and non-tremor-dominant (NT) Parkinson disease (PD) patients, 27 Alzheimer
      disease (AD) and 17 age-matched controls. In both NT-PD and AD patients total tau
      levels and the cortex tau/Abeta-42 were significantly increased compared to both
      TD-PD patients and controls (p < 0.01). These data in a small cohort confirm
      previous studies, corroborating the opinion that CSF levels of tau protein and
      the index total-tau/Abeta-42 may be potential markers of the severity of
      neurodegeneration in PD.

PMID- 22065210
TI  - Instability of syllable repetition in progressive supranuclear palsy.
AB  - Dysarthria is a prominent feature of progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and
      consists--amongst other features--of impaired speech fluency. Since in
      Parkinson's disease (PD) steadiness of syllable repetition in the course of the
      performance has been shown to be impaired, the aim of the present study was to
      investigate if measurement of syllable repetition shows similar or even more
      pronounced abnormalities in PSP. Thirty six patients with the clinical diagnosis
      of PSP (16 PSP-Richardson syndrome/PSP-RS and 20 PSP-parkinsonism/PSP-P), 60
      patients with PD and 32 healthy speakers were tested. Participants had to repeat
      a single syllable in a self chosen isochronous pace. Percental coefficient of
      variance (COV) of interval length was measured for description of pace stability
      throughout the performance. All patients were tested according to Unified
      Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS III). Patients with PSP were additionally
      scored according to PSP rating scale (PSPRS). In the PSP group, COV was
      significantly worse not only when compared with healthy speakers but also when
      compared with PD patients of similar disease duration and similar global motor
      impairment. COV showed only a trend to higher values in the subgroup with PSP-RS
      as compared to PSP-P. In the PSP-P, but not in the PSP-RS subgroup, there was a
      positive correlation between COV and PSPRS/UPDRS III. PSP patients feature more
      pronounced difficulties in the steady syllable repetition than patients with PD
      and healthy controls as a hint for a more profound dysfunction of basal motor
      speech performance in PSP than in PD.

PMID- 22065211
TI  - The difficulties of clinical trials evaluating therapeutic agents in patients
      with severe sepsis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Although the pathophysiology of sepsis has been extensively
      studied, the disease remains a common cause of death in the critically ill
      patient. It thus remains one of the most pressing clinical and economic problems
      of modern medicine. A vast amount of inflammatory mediators have been identified
      as key factors in driving sepsis. Therapeutic agents designed to target these
      mediators have so far failed to demonstrate significant clinical benefit.
      METHODS: Clinical trials are the standard for assessing safety and efficacy of
      novel agents but are made difficult by the heterogeneous nature of septic
      patients. This review aims to highlight the complex nature of sepsis and the
      inherent difficulties encountered in designing clinical trials in these patients.
      The major factors contributing to the difficulties in improving internal and
      external validity will be discussed with the aim of guiding future study design.
      CONCLUSIONS: The design of clinical trials on the septic patient remains a
      challenge. Methodology must be rigorous if seemingly positive clinical trials
      which are widely implemented are later discredited as a result of poor study
      design. Many lessons can be learnt from the study design of the PROWESS trial,
      however there remains room for improvement. This review serves as a stimulus and
      guide in motivating much needed high quality clinical trials in sepsis.

PMID- 22065212
TI  - Beyond AREDS: is there a place for antioxidant therapy in the
      prevention/treatment of eye disease?
AB  - Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the major cause of blindness in adults
      (65 years of age and older), and diabetic retinopathy, the major cause of
      blindness in working adults, are chronic, progressive diseases with multifaceted
      etiologies that are not fully understood. Progression and lack of treatment of
      both diseases may lead to the advanced stage with neovascularization. Although
      the detailed cellular mechanisms leading to the development of AMD and diabetic
      retinopathy remain elusive, oxidative damage to the retina and its pigment
      epithelium are considered to be involved. Clinical studies have shown that the
      progression of AMD can be slowed down by nutritional antioxidants, but trials
      with antioxidants for diabetic retinopathy (very limited in number) have been
      inconclusive. Long-term administration of the AREDS antioxidants, the same
      nutritional antioxidants that have been demonstrated to slow the progression of
      AMD, have yielded exciting results in preventing the pathogenesis of retinopathy
      in diabetic rodents. These results suggest the merit of testing the AREDS
      antioxidants in a clinical trial to prevent the development and/or progression of
      diabetic retinopathy, with the possibility of reducing the impact of this common
      vision-threatening disease.

PMID- 22065213
TI  - Are religiosity and spirituality associated with obesity among African Americans
      in the Southeastern United States (the Jackson Heart Study)?
AB  - There are several lines of evidence that suggest religiosity and spirituality are
      protective factors for both physical and mental health, but the association with
      obesity is less clear. This study examined the associations between dimensions of
      religiosity and spirituality (religious attendance, daily spirituality, and
      private prayer), health behaviors and weight among African Americans in central
      Mississippi. Jackson Heart Study participants with complete data on religious
      attendance, private prayer, daily spirituality, caloric intake, physical
      activity, depression, and social support (n = 2,378) were included. Height,
      weight, and waist circumference were measured. We observed no significant
      association between religiosity, spirituality, and weight. The relationship
      between religiosity/spirituality and obesity was not moderated by demographic
      variables, psychosocial variables, or health behaviors. However, greater
      religiosity and spirituality were related to lower energy intake, less alcohol
      use, and less likelihood of lifetime smoking. Although religious participation
      and spirituality were not cross-sectionally related to weight among African
      Americans, religiosity and spirituality might promote certain health behaviors.
      The association between religion and spirituality and weight gain deserves
      further investigation in studies with a longitudinal study design.

PMID- 22065214
TI  - Mass spectrometry-based chemoproteomic approaches.
AB  - The term "chemical proteomics" refers to a research area at the interface of
      chemistry, biochemistry, and cell biology that focuses on studying the mechanism
      of action of bioactive small molecule compounds, which comprises the mapping of
      their target proteins and their impact on protein expression and
      posttranslational modifications in target cells or tissues of interest on a
      proteome-wide level. For this purpose, a large arsenal of approaches has emerged
      in recent years, many of which employing quantitative mass spectrometry. This
      review briefly summarizes major experiment types employed in current chemical
      proteomics research.

PMID- 22065215
TI  - Chemical proteomics in drug discovery.
AB  - Real-world drug discovery and development remains a notoriously unproductive and
      increasingly uneconomical process even in the Omics era. The dominating paradigm
      in the industry continues to be target-based drug design, with an increased
      perception of the role of signaling pathways in homeostasis and in disease. Since
      proteins represent the major type of drug targets, proteomics-based approaches,
      which study proteins under relatively physiological conditions, have great
      potential if they can be reduced to practice such that they successfully
      complement the arsenal of drug discovery techniques. This chapter discusses
      examples of drug discovery processes where chemical proteomics-based assays using
      native endogenous proteins should have substantial impact.

PMID- 22065216
TI  - Compound immobilization and drug-affinity chromatography.
AB  - Bioactive small molecules act through modulating a yet unpredictable number of
      targets. It is therefore of critical importance to define the cellular target
      proteins of a compound as an entry point to understanding its mechanism of
      action. Often, this can be achieved in a direct fashion by chemical proteomics.
      As with any affinity chromatography, immobilization of the bait to a solid
      support is one of the earliest and most crucial steps in the process. Interfering
      with structural features that are important for identification of a target
      protein will be detrimental to binding affinity. Also, many molecules are
      sensitive to heat or to certain chemicals, such as acid or base, and might be
      destroyed during the process of immobilization, which therefore needs to be not
      only efficient, but also mild. The subsequent affinity chromatography step needs
      to preserve molecular and conformational integrity of both bait compound and
      proteins in order to result in the desired specific enrichment while ensuring a
      high level of compatibility with downstream analysis by mass spectrometry. Thus,
      the right choice of detergent, buffer, and protease inhibitors is also essential.
      This chapter describes a widely applicable procedure for the immobilization of
      small molecule drugs and for drug-affinity chromatography with subsequent protein
      identification by mass spectrometry.

PMID- 22065217
TI  - Affinity-based chemoproteomics with small molecule-peptide conjugates.
AB  - In affinity-based chemoproteomics strategies, the direct immobilization of small
      bioactive probe molecules to a solid support may pose problems with respect to
      the preservation of the functional activity toward the target proteins.
      Typically, immobilized molecules on solid supports exhibit lower affinity for
      target proteins compared to the free parent molecule. This may lead to a failure
      to specifically capture the target proteins or to unacceptable losses during the
      washing steps. To circumvent these shortcomings, we have devised small molecule
      peptide conjugates (SMPCs), which enable wide-ranging experimental strategies for
      the capturing of protein targets of small molecules from cells or tissues. With
      the possibilities of synthesizing peptides of tailored biochemical and
      biophysical properties, SMPCs enable the identification of protein targets of
      small molecules from cell-lysates and intact cells. Moreover, labeling of these
      conjugates with fluorophores can provide information on the cellular localization
      and distribution of the target.

PMID- 22065218
TI  - A chemical proteomic probe for detecting dehydrogenases: catechol rhodanine.
AB  - Inherent complexity of the proteome often demands that it be studied as
      manageable subsets, termed subproteomes. A subproteome can be defined in a number
      of ways, although a pragmatic approach is to define it based on common features
      in an active site that lead to binding of a common small molecule ligand (e.g., a
      cofactor or a cross-reactive drug lead). The subproteome, so defined, can be
      purified using that common ligand tethered to a resin, with affinity
      chromatography. Affinity purification of a subproteome is described in the next
      chapter. That subproteome can then be analyzed using a common ligand probe, such
      as a fluorescent common ligand that can be used to stain members of the
      subproteome in a native gel. Here, we describe such a fluorescent probe, based on
      a catechol rhodanine acetic acid (CRAA) ligand that binds to dehydrogenases. The
      CRAA ligand is fluorescent and binds to dehydrogenases at pH > 7, and hence can
      be used effectively to stain dehydrogenases in native gels to identify what
      subset of proteins in a mixture are dehydrogenases. Furthermore, if one is
      designing inhibitors to target one or more of these dehydrogenases, the CRAA
      staining can be performed in a competitive assay format, with or without
      inhibitor, to assess the selectivity of the inhibitor for the targeted
      dehydrogenase. Finally, the CRAA probe is a privileged scaffold for
      dehydrogenases, and hence can easily be modified to increase affinity for a given
      dehydrogenase.

PMID- 22065219
TI  - Probing proteomes with benzophenone photoprobes.
AB  - Benzophenone photoprobes represent powerful tools for chemical proteomics. Upon
      UV irradiation, a benzophenone photoprobe can selectively form a covalent bond
      with its target protein in complex protein mixtures. Thus, photoprobes can be
      used to profile a wide variety of proteins in complex proteomes. This chapter
      describes simple protocols to derivatize fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl (Fmoc)
      protected peptide-nucleic-acid adenine (PNA adenine) into a benzophenone
      photoprobe and its application in photolabeling its target proteins. The method
      as described does not require specialized equipment for probe synthesis and
      photolabeling. In addition, the strategy is applicable to recognition motifs
      other than PNA adenine, such as peptides, to profile their target proteins in
      complex proteomes.

PMID- 22065220
TI  - Biotinylated probes for the analysis of protein modification by electrophiles.
AB  - Formation of covalent protein adducts by lipid electrophiles contributes to
      diseases and toxicities linked to oxidative stress, but analysis of the adducts
      presents a challenging analytical problem. We describe selective adduct capture
      using biotin affinity probes to enrich protein and peptide adducts for analysis
      by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). One approach
      employs biotinamidohexanoic acid hydrazide to covalently label residual carbonyl
      groups on adducts. The other employs alkynyl analogs of lipid electrophiles,
      which form adducts that can be postlabeled with azidobiotin tags by Cu(+)
      catalyzed cycloaddition (Click chemistry). To enhance the selectivity of adduct
      capture, we use an azidobiotin reagent with a photocleavable linker, which allows
      recovery of adducted proteins and peptides under mild conditions. This approach
      allows both the identification of protein targets of lipid electrophiles and
      sequence mapping of the adducts.

PMID- 22065221
TI  - Profiling of methyltransferases and other S-Adenosyl-L-homocysteine-binding
      proteins by Capture Compound mass spectrometry.
AB  - There is a variety of approaches to reduce the complexity of the proteome on the
      basis of functional small molecule-protein interactions. We describe a generic
      approach based on trifunctional Capture Compounds, in which the initial
      equilibrium-driven interaction between a small molecule probe and target proteins
      is irreversibly fixed upon photo-crosslinking between an independent photo
      activable reactivity function of the Capture Compound and the surface of the
      target protein(s). Subsequently, Capture Compound - protein conjugates are
      isolated from complex biological mixtures via the sorting function of the Capture
      Compound. Here, we describe the application of a trifunctional Capture Compound
      that carries the methyltransferase product inhibitor S-Adenosyl-L -homocysteine
      as the selectivity function for the isolation of methyltransferases from a
      complex lysate of Escherichia coli DH5alpha cells. Photo-activated crosslinking
      enhances yield and sensitivity of the experiment, and the specificity can be
      readily tested for in competition experiments using an excess of free S-Adenosyl
      L -homocysteine.

PMID- 22065222
TI  - Identifying cellular targets of small-molecule probes and drugs with biochemical
      enrichment and SILAC.
AB  - Sequencing of the human genome in the last decade has not yet led to a
      concomitant increase in the numbers of novel drug targets. While the
      pharmaceutical industry has invested heavily in improving drugs for existing
      protein targets, it has not tended toward a similar investment in experimental
      approaches to identify cellular targets of drugs. It is striking that the targets
      of numerous widely used FDA-approved drugs remain unknown. The development of
      robust, unbiased methods for target identification would greatly enhance our
      understanding the mechanisms-of-action of small molecules. Cell-based phenotypic
      screens followed by unbiased target identification have the potential to identify
      novel combinations of small molecules and their protein targets, shed light on
      drug polypharmacology, and enable unbiased screening approaches to drug
      discovery. Classical biochemical enrichment with immobilized small molecules has
      been used for over four decades but has been limited by issues concerning
      specificity and sensitivity. The application of mass spectrometry-based
      quantitative proteomics in combination with these affinity reagents has proven to
      be especially useful in addressing these common issues in affinity purification
      experiments. We describe the use of SILAC in identifying proteins that bind small
      molecule probes and drugs in a cellular context.

PMID- 22065223
TI  - Determination of kinase inhibitor potencies in cell extracts by competition
      binding assays and isobaric mass tags.
AB  - Chemical proteomics offers a unique approach for target identification of small
      molecule inhibitors directly from cell extracts, thus enabling characterization
      of target proteins under close to physiological conditions. Here, we describe a
      competition binding procedure that is based on affinity enrichment of potential
      target proteins on a probe matrix in the presence of increasing amounts of free
      test compound in solution. Reduced binding of target proteins to the probe matrix
      as a function of test compound concentration can be measured and thus, enables
      calculation of IC(50) values. The method employs quantitative mass spectrometry
      using isobaric mass tags which enables determination of potency for a large
      number of target proteins in a single analysis.

PMID- 22065224
TI  - Affinity-based profiling of dehydrogenase subproteomes.
AB  - The high cost of drug discovery and development requires more efficient
      approaches to the identification and inhibition of tractable protein targets. One
      strategy is to pursue families of proteins that already possess affinity for a
      drug lead scaffold, where that scaffold plays the dual role of serving (a) when
      tethered to a resin, as a ligand to purify a subproteome of interest, and (b) as
      a lead molecule that has the potential for optimization for a given member of the
      subproteome. Here, we describe an example of the purification of a subproteome
      using a scaffold tailored to the dehydrogenase family of enzymes. Combined with
      modern LC-MS/MS methods and subsequent searching of proteome databases, such
      affinity chromatography strategies can be used to purify and identify any
      proteins with affinity for the scaffold molecule. The method is exemplified using
      the CRAA (catechol rhodanine acetic acid) privileged scaffold, which is tailored
      to dehydrogenases. CRAA affinity column chromatography, combined with LC-MS/MS,
      is described as a method for profiling dehydrogenase subproteomes.

PMID- 22065225
TI  - Probing the specificity of protein-protein interactions by quantitative chemical
      proteomics.
AB  - Chemical proteomics is a versatile tool to investigate protein-small molecule
      interactions, but can be extended to probe also secondary binding investigating
      small molecule-protein 1-protein 2 interactions, providing insight into protein
      scaffolds. This application of chemical proteomics has in particular been applied
      extensively to cyclic nucleotide (cAMP, cGMP) signaling. cAMP regulates cellular
      functions primarily by activating cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA).
      Compartmentalization of PKA plays an important role in the specificity of cAMP
      signaling events and is mediated by interaction of the regulatory subunit (PKA-R)
      with A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs), which often form the core of even
      larger protein machineries. The selective binding of AKAPs to one of the major
      isoforms PKA-R type I (PKA-RI) and PKA-R type II (PKA-RII) is an important
      feature of cAMP/PKA signaling. However, this specificity is not well established
      for most AKAPs. Here, we describe a chemical proteomics approach that combines
      cAMP-based affinity chromatography with quantitative mass spectrometry to
      investigate PKA-R isoform/AKAP specificity directly in lysates of cells and
      tissues of any origin. With this tool, several novel PKA-R/AKAP specificities can
      be easily resolved.

PMID- 22065226
TI  - Fluorescence-based proteasome activity profiling.
AB  - With the proteasome emerging as a therapeutic target for cancer treatment,
      accurate tools for monitoring proteasome (inhibitor) activity are in demand. In
      this chapter, we describe the synthesis and use of a fluorescent proteasome
      activity probe that allows for accurate profiling of proteasomal activity in cell
      lysates, intact cells, and murine and human patient-derived material, with high
      sensitivity using SDS-PAGE. The probe allows for direct scanning of the gel for
      fluorescent emission of the distinct proteasomal subunits and circumvents the use
      of Western blot analysis. Due to its suitable biochemical and biophysical
      properties, the fluorescent probe can also be used for confocal laser scanning
      microscopy and flow cytometry-based experiments.

PMID- 22065227
TI  - Chemical cross-linking and high-resolution mass spectrometry to study protein
      drug interactions.
AB  - This method describes the combination of chemical cross-linking and high
      resolution mass spectrometry for analyzing conformational changes in target
      proteins that are induced by drug binding. Our approach is exemplified for
      detecting conformational changes within the peroxisome proliferator-activated
      receptor alpha upon binding of low-molecular weight compounds, proving that our
      strategy provides a basis to efficiently characterize target protein-drug
      interactions.

PMID- 22065228
TI  - Monitoring ligand modulation of protein-protein interactions by chemical cross
      linking and High-Mass MALDI mass spectrometry.
AB  - Analyzing the effect of ligands on protein-protein interactions is important to
      better understand the cellular processes. In vitro characterization of these
      modulations remains challenging because of the drawbacks associated with the
      analysis of noncovalent interactions. To facilitate the analysis, stabilization
      of the protein complex by chemical cross-linking followed by High-Mass MALDI mass
      spectrometry is a recently developed method offering several advantages: No need
      for immobilization or special tags, the analysis is possible directly on wild
      type protein complexes, no need for buffer exchange, large applicability range
      for any type of protein complex from 0 to 1,500 kDa. Using this method, we
      analyzed the effect of the inhibitors Nutlin-3a and Nutlin-3b on the protein
      complex MDM2-p53. Using this fast and sensitive method, the IC(50) values of
      these inhibitors have been determined.

PMID- 22065229
TI  - Time-controlled transcardiac perfusion crosslinking for in vivo interactome
      studies.
AB  - The time-controlled transcardiac perfusion crosslinking (tcTPC) method differs
      from conventional perfusion fixation in that the crosslinking reagent is
      administered throughout the circulatory system for only a relatively short period
      of time, thereby allowing limited crosslinking to occur. Bait protein complexes
      are isolated by affinity capture (AC) under stringent conditions and are
      recovered from the AC matrix by acidic elution. Affinity-purified proteins are
      reduced, alkylated, and digested with a specific endoproteinase, such as trypsin.
      Subsequently, peptides are isotopically labeled, separated by reversed-phase
      chromatography and analyzed by quantitative tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). The
      proteins crosslinked to the bait protein during tcTPC are identified by database
      searches with conventional protein identification software. The tcTPC strategy
      offers unique advantages over alternative approaches for studying a subset of
      protein complexes which require a particular environment for their structural
      integrity, such as membrane protein complexes that are notorious for their
      tendency to dissociate upon detergent solubilization. The sensitivity and utility
      of this method are influenced by the spatial distribution of chemical groups
      within the bait protein complexes that can engage in productive crosslinks.

PMID- 22065230
TI  - Ligand discovery using small-molecule microarrays.
AB  - Genome-wide association studies and genetic linkage studies have created a
      growing list of proteins related to disease. Small molecules can serve as useful
      probes of function for these proteins in a cellular setting or may serve as leads
      for therapeutic development. High-throughput and general binding assays may
      provide a path for discovering small molecules that target proteins for which
      little is known about structure or function or for which conventional functional
      assays have failed. One such binding assay involves small-molecule microarrays
      (SMMs) containing compounds that have been arrayed and immobilized onto a solid
      support. The SMMs can be incubated with a protein target of interest and protein
      small molecule interactions may be detected using a variety of fluorescent
      readouts. Several suitable methods for manufacturing SMMs exist and different
      immobilization methods may be more or less preferable for any given application.
      Here, we describe protocols for covalent capture of small molecules using an
      isocyanate-coated glass surface and detection of binding using purified protein.

PMID- 22065231
TI  - Working with small molecules: preparing and storing stock solutions and
      determination of kinetic solubility.
AB  - The handling of organic compounds in the laboratory requires the use of organic
      (co-) solvents to mediate solubility. Advantages and disadvantages of the widely
      used solvent dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) are discussed, and guidelines for
      dissolution and storage of compounds are given. Finally, nephelometry is
      introduced as a fast method to determine the kinetic solubility of a compound.

PMID- 22065232
TI  - A database for chemical proteomics: ChEBI.
AB  - Chemical proteomics is concerned with the identification of protein targets
      interacting with small molecules. Hence, the availability of a high quality and
      free resource storing small molecules is essential for the future development of
      the field. The Chemical Entities of Biological Interest (ChEBI) database is one
      such database. The scope of ChEBI includes any constitutionally or isotopically
      distinct atom, molecule, ion, ion pair, radical, radical ion, complex, conformer,
      etc., identifiable as a separately distinguishable entity. These entities in
      question are either products of nature or synthetic products used to intervene in
      the processes of living organisms. In addition, ChEBI contains a chemical
      ontology which relates the small molecules with each other thereby making it
      easier for users to discover data. The ontology also describes the biological
      roles that the small molecules are active in. The ChEBI database also provides a
      central reference point in which to access a variety of bioinformatics data
      points such as pathways and their biochemical reactions; expression data; protein
      sequence and structures.

PMID- 22065233
TI  - Working with small molecules: rules-of-thumb of "drug likeness".
AB  - Based on analyses of existing small organic drug molecules, a set of "rules-of
      thumb" have been devised to assess the likeness of a small molecule under study
      to those existing drugs in terms of physicochemical and topological properties.
      These rules can be used to estimate the likelihood of a small molecule to possess
      the desired efficacy, pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic properties, and toxicity
      profiles to eventually become a drug, and therefore, whether it justifies further
      experimental work and development. These rules are particularly useful when
      selecting a chemical starting point for a given project or choosing a chemical
      series to focus when multiple series are available. Caution should be paid,
      however, not to overly rely on these rules for decision-making, since these rules
      are restricted by knowledge of existing drugs. Novel chemotypes and/or targets
      may be exceptions.

PMID- 22065234
TI  - Adherence to HIV treatment and care among previously homeless jail detainees.
AB  - HIV-infected persons entering the criminal justice system (CJS) often experience
      suboptimal healthcare system engagement and social instability, including
      homelessness. We evaluated surveys from a multisite study of 743 HIV-infected
      jail detainees prescribed or eligible for antiretroviral therapy (ART) to
      understand correlates of healthcare engagement prior to incarceration, focusing
      on differences by housing status. Dependent variables of healthcare engagement
      were: (1) having an HIV provider, (2) taking ART, and (3) being adherent (>=95%
      of prescribed doses) to ART during the week before incarceration. Homeless
      subjects, compared to their housed counterparts, were significantly less likely
      to be engaged in healthcare using any measure. Despite Ryan White funding
      availability, insurance coverage remains insufficient among those entering jails,
      and having health insurance was the most significant factor correlated with
      having an HIV provider and taking ART. Individuals interfacing with the CJS,
      especially those unstably housed, need innovative interventions to facilitate
      healthcare access and retention. 

PMID- 22065235
TI  - The development and psychometric properties of the HIV and Abuse Related Shame
      Inventory (HARSI).
AB  - Shame has been shown to predict sexual HIV transmission risk behavior, medication
      non-adherence, symptomatic HIV or AIDS, and symptoms of depression and PTSD.
      However, there remains a dearth of tools to measure the specific constructs of
      HIV-related and sexual abuse-related shame. To ameliorate this gap, we present a
      31-item measure that assesses HIV and sexual abuse-related shame, and the impact
      of shame on HIV-related health behaviors. A diverse sample of 271 HIV-positive
      men and women who were sexually abused as children completed the HIV and Abuse
      Related Shame Inventory (HARSI) among other measures. An exploratory factor
      analysis supported the retention of three-factors, explaining 56.7% of the sample
      variance. These internally consistent factors showed good test-retest
      reliability, and sound convergent and divergent validity using eight well
      established HIV specific and general psychosocial criterion measures. Unlike
      stigma or discrimination, shame is potentially alterable through individually
      focused interventions, making the measurement of shame clinically meaningful.

PMID- 22065236
TI  - 1-(2-Hy-droxy-2-phenyl-eth-yl)-3-(4-meth-oxy-phen-yl)urea.
AB  - In the title compound, C(16)H(18)N(2)O(3), the dihedral angle between the 4-meth
      oxy-phenyl ring and the urea group is 35.6 (2)  degrees . The H atoms of the urea
      NH groups are positioned syn to each other. In the crystal, inter-molecular N-H?O
      and O-H?O hydrogen bonds link the mol-ecules into a two-dimensional array in the
      ac plane; the carbonyl-O atom is trifurcated.

PMID- 22065237
TI  - Difference in intraosseous blood vessel volume and number in osteoporotic model
      mice induced by spinal cord injury and sciatic nerve resection.
AB  - In the present study, we examined intraosseous blood vessel parameters of the
      tibial metaphysis in mice using microcomputed tomography (uCT) to investigate the
      relationship between post-nerve-injury osteoporosis and local intraosseous blood
      vessel volume and number. Mice were randomly divided into groups receiving spinal
      cord injury (SCI), sciatic nerve resection group (NX), or intact controls (30
      mice/group). Four weeks after surgery, mice were perfused with silicone and the
      distribution of intraosseous blood vessels analyzed by MUCT. The bone density,
      MUCT microstructure, biomechanical properties, and the immunohistochemical and
      biochemical indicators of angiogenesis were also measured. The SCI group showed
      significantly reduced tibial metaphysis bone density, MUCT bone microstructure,
      tibial biomechanical properties, indicators of angiogenesis, and intraosseous
      blood vessel parameters compared to the NX group. Furthermore, the spinal cord
      injured mice exhibited significantly decreased intraosseous blood vessel volume
      and number during the development of osteoporosis. In conclusion, these data
      suggest that decreased intraosseous blood vessel volume and number may play an
      important role in the development of post-nerve-injury osteoporosis.

PMID- 22065238
TI  - Children and adolescents treated with neridronate for osteogenesis imperfecta
      show no evidence of any osteonecrosis of the jaw.
AB  - Over recent years, several reports have been published on unusual cases of
      osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) in adults using second- and third-generation
      nitrogen-containing bisphosphonates such as pamidronate, alendronate, risedronate
      and zoledronate, but no case has ever been reported either in children or in
      adult patients taking neridronate. Children and adolescents affected by
      osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) could belong to a high-risk group for ONJ because
      bone fragility in OI is associated with a connective tissue malfunction. The
      purpose of this study is to evaluate the incidence of ONJ in a pediatric
      population treated with neridronate for OI. A total of 102 pediatric patients
      with OI who received neridronate infusions for a mean of 6.81 years (SD +/- 3.06
      years) were clinically assessed for possible ONJ. Eligibility criteria for
      participation included patients between 1.2 and 24 years old who received
      cyclical neridronate infusions for at least 1 year. All the patients were
      reviewed to determine duration, dosage and cumulative dose of their
      bisphosphonate therapy and were examined clinically to assess their oral health
      status. We have not demonstrated any occurrence of ONJ in our patients. In
      conclusion, at the moment insufficient data are available to prove a greater risk
      of ONJ in children with OI than in children affected by other forms of bone
      fragility. However, cases may emerge in future because the risk of ONJ seems to
      be related to the cumulative dose and the duration of therapy.

PMID- 22065239
TI  - Ethyl 2-[2-(3-meth-oxy-phen-yl)hydrazinyl-idene]-3-oxobutano-ate.
AB  - The title compound, C(13)H(16)N(2)O(4), is approximately planar (r.m.s. deviation
      = 0.065 A for the 19 non-H atoms). An intra-molecular N-H?O hydrogen bond
      generates an S(6) ring motif and the mol-ecule adopts an E conformation with
      respect to the central C=N double bond. In the crystal, pairs of inter-molecular
      C-H?O hydrogen bonds link adjacent mol-ecules into inversion dimers. The crystal
      structure also features weak C-H?pi inter-actions.

PMID- 22065240
TI  - Development of a new Knee Society scoring system.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Knee Society Clinical Rating System was developed in 1989 and has
      been widely adopted. However, with the increased demand for TKA, there is a need
      for a new, validated scoring system to better characterize the expectations,
      satisfaction, and physical activities of the younger, more diverse population of
      TKA patients. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: We developed and validated a new Knee Society
      Scoring System. METHODS: We developed the new knee scoring system in two stages.
      Initially, a comprehensive survey of activities was developed and administered to
      101 unilateral TKA patients (53 women, 48 men). A prototype knee scoring
      instrument was developed from the responses to the survey and administered to 497
      patients (204 men, 293 women; 243 postoperatively, 254 preoperatively) at 15
      medical institutions within the United States and Canada. Objective and
      subjective data were analyzed using standard statistical and psychometric
      procedures and compared to the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Score and SF-12
      scores for validation. Based on this analysis, minor modifications led to the new
      Knee Society Scoring System. RESULTS: We found the new Knee Society Scoring
      System to be broadly applicable and to accurately characterize patient outcomes
      after TKA. Statistical analysis confirmed the internal consistency, construct and
      convergent validity, and reliability of the separate subscale measures.
      CONCLUSIONS: The new Knee Society Scoring System is a validated instrument based
      on surgeon- and patient-generated data, adapted to the diverse lifestyles and
      activities of contemporary patients with TKA. This assessment tool allows
      surgeons to appreciate differences in the priorities of individual patients and
      the interplay among function, expectation, symptoms, and satisfaction after TKA.

PMID- 22065241
TI  - 1-Methyl-3,3-bis-[(4-methyl-phen-yl)sulfan-yl]piperidin-2-one.
AB  - The piperidone ring in the title compound, C(20)H(23)NOS(2), has a half-chair
      distorted to a twisted-boat conformation [Q(T) = 0.5200 (17) A]. One of the S
      bound benzene rings is almost perpendicular to the least-squares plane through
      the piperidone ring, whereas the other is not [dihedral angles = 75.28 (5) and
      46.41 (5) A, respectively]. In the crystal, the presence of C-H?O and C-H?pi
      inter-actions leads to the formation of supra-molecular layers in the ab plane.

PMID- 22065242
TI  - Living the categorical imperative: autistic perspectives on lying and truth
      telling-between Kant and care ethics.
AB  - Lying is a common phenomenon amongst human beings. It seems to play a role in
      making social interactions run more smoothly. Too much honesty can be regarded as
      impolite or downright rude. Remarkably, lying is not a common phenomenon amongst
      normally intelligent human beings who are on the autism spectrum. They appear to
      be 'attractively morally innocent' and seem to have an above average moral
      conscientious objection against deception. In this paper, the behavior of persons
      with autism with regard to deception and truthfulness will be discussed in the
      light of two different ethical theories, illustrated by fragments from
      autobiographies of persons with autism. A systemizing 'Kantian' and an
      empathizing 'ethics of care' perspective reveal insights on high-functioning
      autism, truthfulness and moral behavior. Both perspectives are problematic from
      the point of view of a moral agent with autism. High-functioning persons with
      autism are, generally speaking, strong systemizes and weak empathizers.
      Particularly, they lack 'cognitive empathy' which would allow them to understand
      the position of the other person. Instead, some tend to invent a set of rules
      that makes their behavior compatible with the expectations of others. From a
      Kantian point of view, the autistic tendency to always tell the truth appears
      praiseworthy and should not be changed, though it creates problems in the social
      life of persons with autism. From a care ethics perspective, on the other hand, a
      way should be found to allow the high-functioning persons with autism to respect
      the feelings and needs of other persons as sometimes overruling the duty of
      truthfulness. We suggest this may even entail 'morally educating' children and
      adolescents with autism to become socially skilled empathic 'liars'.

PMID- 22065243
TI  - DLG5 P1371Q is associated with inflammatory bowel disease and complementary to
      R30Q in disease susceptibility.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The SNP R30Q (rs1248696) within the discs large homolog 5
      (DLG5) gene has been associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). In this
      study, we examined the genetic association of another DLG5 SNP P1371Q (rs2289310)
      with IBD and its interaction with R30Q in disease susceptibility. METHODS: A
      total of 213 IBD patients [106 familial; 59 Crohn's disease (CD) and 47
      ulcerative colitis (UC)] and 107 sporadic [57 CD and 50 UC] were included in this
      study. Controls included 139 non-diseased family members of IBD patients and 170
      unrelated healthy subjects. Genotypes for P1371Q and G1066G polymorphisms were
      determined by PCR-based RFLP. Epistasis between P1371Q and R30Q in disease
      susceptibility was analysed using a novel statistical model. RESULTS: P1371Q was
      associated with IBD (OR = 2.335, 95% CI = 1.097-4.972, p = 0.0246), however, the
      synonymous variant G1066G (rs1648234) was not. Gender distribution analysis
      revealed the A allele of P1371Q was significantly associated with IBD in women
      (OR = 3.765, 95% CI = 1.307-10.85, p = 0.0095). Modeling interaction between
      P1371Q and R30Q showed a significant increase in disease association (OR = 2.265,
      95% CI = 1.405-3.652, p = 0.0007) incidence for sporadic and familial IBD
      patients. Further epistatic analysis identified an increased significance in the
      association of gender with IBD (OR = 4.311, 95% CI = 2.101-8.846, p = 0.0001).
      CONCLUSIONS: DLG5 P1371Q was associated with IBD and this association was female
      specific. A significant epistatic interaction between P1371Q and R30Q was
      observed, suggesting that P1371Q is complementary to R30Q, with R30Q exhibiting a
      dominant effect in IBD susceptibility.

PMID- 22065244
TI  - Tigecycline accelerates staphylococcal-infected burn wound healing through matrix
      metalloproteinase-9 modulation.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: We investigated the in vivo efficacy of tigecycline, a new
      glycylcycline (a tetracycline derivative), in the management of methicillin
      resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-infected experimental surgical wounds in
      rats. The main outcome measures were quantitative bacterial culture, histological
      examination and immunohistochemical expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP
      9) and collagen IV. METHODS: An animal model was used to compare the in vivo
      efficacy of teicoplanin and tigecycline in the treatment of burn wound infections
      by S. aureus. A copper bar, heated in boiling water, was placed on the paraspinal
      site of each rat, resulting in full thickness burns. A small gauze was placed
      over each burn and then inoculated with 5 * 10(7) cfu of S. aureus ATCC 43300. To
      mimic the clinical situation in burn patients, surgical debridement was performed
      48 h after the injury. The wounds were left to heal by secondary intention. The
      study included an uninfected control group that did not receive any treatment, a
      contaminated group that did not receive any treatment, and two contaminated
      groups treated with intraperitoneal tigecycline (2 mg/kg) and teicoplanin (7
      mg/kg), respectively. RESULTS: All antibiotic treatments were significantly
      effective. Tigecycline showed the highest antimicrobial activity, with a better
      impact on histological results. Infected rats treated with tigecycline showed a
      significant decrease in MMP-9 expression both in epithelium and in dermis
      compared with rats treated with teicoplanin. CONCLUSIONS: Tigecycline, besides
      its antimicrobial activity, exerts an important modulatory effect on MMP-9,
      accelerating wound healing in staphylococcal-infected burns.

PMID- 22065245
TI  - In vitro evaluation of marginal and internal adaptation after occlusal stressing
      of indirect class II composite restorations with different resinous bases and
      interface treatments. "Post-fatigue adaptation of indirect composite
      restorations".
AB  - The present study evaluated the influence of different composite bases and
      surface treatments on marginal and internal adaptation of class II indirect
      composite restorations, after simulated occlusal loading. Thirty-two class II
      inlay cavities were prepared on human third molars, with margins located in
      cementum. A 1-mm composite base extending up to the cervical margins was applied
      on all dentin surfaces in the experimental groups; impressions were made and
      composite inlays fabricated. The following experimental conditions were tested:
      no liner (control group), flowable composite treated with soft air abrasion
      (experiment 1), flowable composite sandblasted (experiment 2) and restorative
      composite sandblasted (experiment 3). All specimens were submitted to 1,000,000
      cycles with a 100-N eccentric load. Tooth-restoration margins were analysed semi
      quantitatively by scanning electron microscopy before and after loading; internal
      adaptation was also evaluated after test completion. The percentage of perfect
      adaptation in enamel was 79.5% to 92.7% before loading and 73.3% to 81.9% after
      loading. Perfect adaptation to dentin was reduced before loading (54.8% to 77.6%)
      and after loading (41.9% to 63%), but no difference was found among groups for
      pre- and post-loading conditions. No debonding occurred between the base and
      composite luting. A significant, negative influence of cyclic loading was
      observed. The results of the present study support the use of flowable or
      restorative composites as base/liner underneath large class II restorations. Soft
      air abrasion represents a potential alternative to airborne particle abrasion for
      treating cavities before cementation. The application of a composite base
      underneath indirect composite restorations represents a feasible non-invasive
      alternative to surgical crown lengthening to relocate cavity margins from an
      intra-crevicular to supra-gingival position.

PMID- 22065246
TI  - Expression and secretion levels of Th1 and Th2 cytokines in patients with
      aggressive periodontitis.
AB  - The role of Th1 and Th2 cytokines in the pathogenesis of aggressive periodontitis
      has not been previously examined. The aim of this study was to analyse the
      expression and production of IL-2, IFN-gamma, IL-4 and IL-13 in CD4+ cells from
      the peripheral blood of patients with aggressive periodontitis (AgP) and
      periodontally healthy controls. Gene expression was analysed in inactivated and
      activated CD4+ cells by real-time PCR. Cells were activated for 4, 8 and 24 h
      with anti-CD3/CD28 antibody, phytohemagglutinin (PHA), and Porphyromonas
      gingivalis (P.g.) outer membrane protein (OMP). Protein levels were measured in
      supernatants of activated CD4+ cells by bead-based immunoassay (CBA). Statistics
      were performed using U test (p < 0.05). In controls, IL-4 expression was
      increased in inactivated CD4+ cells (p = 0.05), and IFN-gamma and IL-2
      expressions were increased in activated CD4+ cells: IFN-gamma with anti-CD3/anti
      CD28, P.g. OMP and PHA (p < 0.05); IL-2 with P.g. OMP and PHA (p < 0.05). In
      patients, although IL-4 and IL-13 expressions were higher in activated CD4+
      cells, there were no differences compared to controls. The production of IL-4 and
      IL-2 was higher in the patients' CD4+ cells activated with PHA (p < 0.05).
      Although the results showed a predominantly Th1 mRNA profile in activated CD4+
      cells of controls, protein concentrations showed no clear Th1 or Th2 profiles.
      The functional pathways of the Th cell immune response in aggressive
      periodontitis are still not well understood in order to develop individualised
      diagnostic and treatment plans.

PMID- 22065247
TI  - Possible hazardous effects of hydrofluoric acid and recommendations for treatment
      approach: a review.
AB  - Hydrofluoric acid (HF) is commonly used for conditioning the glass ceramics
      either prior to cementation or for intraoral repair in prosthetic and restorative
      dentistry. The present study offers a review of chemical properties of HF used,
      highlight the possible hazardous effects of this agent, and to recommend the
      treatment approach for potential risks. Available published information
      documented in PubMed, Medline, and Picarta literature databases was reviewed.
      Additional information was derived from scientific reports, medical and chemical
      textbooks, handbooks, product information, manufacturers' instructions, Internet
      web sites of the HF manufacturers. No report was found on the incidence of the
      hazardous effects of HF in dentistry. Reports from other fields presented
      incidences of acute and chronic symptoms in exposure to HF. While acute symptoms
      include skin or nail burns, chronic ones involve systemic toxicity, eye injuries,
      inhalation and ingestion-related symptoms that can be even fatal. HF can be
      harmful and particularly aggressive to soft tissues, but symptoms may not be
      apparent immediately after exposure. The hazardous effects are not based on the
      pH value, but on the toxicity of HF. Potential hazards of HF known from other
      applications than dentistry should be considered also in dental applications.
      Especially the clinicians, who often deal with adhesive cementation or repair of
      glass ceramics, should take necessary precautions for possible hazards of HF.

PMID- 22065248
TI  - Identification of valid housekeeping genes for quantitative RT-PCR analysis of
      cardiosphere-derived cells preconditioned under hypoxia or with prolyl-4
      hydroxylase inhibitors.
AB  - Infarction irreversibly damages the heart, with formation of an akinetic scar
      that may lead to heart failure. Endogenous cardiac stem cells (CSCs) are a
      promising candidate cell source for restoring lost tissue and thereby preventing
      heart failure. CSCs may be isolated in vitro, via the formation of cardiospheres,
      to give cardiosphere-derived cells (CDCs). Although qRT-PCR analyses of CDCs have
      been performed, no justification for the selection of the housekeeping gene has
      been published. Here, we evaluated the most suitable housekeeping gene for RNA
      expression analysis in CDCs cultured under normoxia, hypoxia or with prolyl-4
      hydroxylase inhibitors (PHDIs), from both neonatal and adult rats, to determine
      the effects of ageing and different culture conditions on the stability of the
      housekeeping gene for CDCs. Six candidate housekeeping genes, [glyceraldehyde-3
      phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH), beta-actin (Actb), hypoxanthine
      phosphoribosyltransferase 1 (HPRT-1), beta-2-microtubulin (beta2M), 60S acidic
      ribosomal protein large P1 (RPLP-1) and TATA box binding protein (Tbp)] were
      evaluated in this study. Analysis using geNorm and NormFinder revealed that GAPDH
      was the most constant housekeeping gene among all genes tested under normoxia for
      both neonatal and adult CDCs, whereas Actb was the most stable housekeeping gene
      under hypoxia. For the PHDI-treated CDCs, overall, GADPH, Actb and beta2M were
      more consistently expressed, whereas HPRT-1, RPLP-1 and Tbp showed unstable
      expression. The ranking for beta2M, HPRT-1 and RPLP-1 stability was different for
      neonatal and adult cells, indicating that expression of these genes was age
      dependent. Lastly, independent of age or culture conditions, Tbp was the least
      stable housekeeping gene. In conclusion, a combination of Actb and GADPH gave the
      most reliable normalization for comparative analyses of gene transcription in
      neonatal and adult rat CDCs preconditioned by hypoxia or PHDIs.

PMID- 22065249
TI  - Challenges in lung transplantation.
AB  - Lung transplantation is an established therapy for end-stage pulmonary disorders
      in selected patients without significant comorbidities. The particular
      constraints associated with organ transplantation from deceased donors involve
      specific allocation rules in order to optimise the medical efficacy of the
      procedure. Comparison of different policies adopted by national transplant
      agencies reveals that an optimal and unique allocation system is an elusive goal,
      and that practical, geographical and logistic parameters must be taken into
      account. A solution to attenuate the imbalance between the number of lung
      transplant candidates and the limited availability of organs is to consider
      marginal donors. In particular, assessment and restoration of gas exchange
      capacity ex vivo in explanted lungs is a new and promising approach that some
      lung transplant programmes have started to apply in clinical practice. Chronic
      lung allograft dysfunction, and especially bronchiolitis obliterans, remains the
      major medium- and long-term problem in lung transplantation with a major impact
      on survival. Although there is to date no cure for established bronchiolitis
      obliterans, new preventive strategies have the potential to limit the burden of
      this feared complication. Unfortunately, randomised prospective studies are
      infrequent in the field of lung transplantation, and data obtained from larger
      studies involving kidney or liver recipients are not always relevant for this
      purpose.

PMID- 22065250
TI  - Cultivable bacteria from ancient algal mats from the McMurdo Dry Valleys,
      Antarctica.
AB  - The McMurdo Dry Valleys in Antarctica are a favorable location for preservation
      of dormant microbes due to their persistent cold and dry climate. In this study,
      we examined cultivable bacteria in a series of algal mat samples ranging from 8
      to 26539 years old. Cultivable bacteria were found in all samples except one
      (12303 years old), but abundance and diversity of cultivable bacteria decreased
      with increasing sample age. Only members of the Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes,
      and Firmicutes were found in the ancient samples, whereas bacteria in the 8-year
      old sample also included Cyanobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Deinococcus-Thermus.
      Isolates of the Gram-positive spore-forming bacterium Sporosarcina were found in
      5 of 8 samples. The growth of these isolates at different temperatures was
      related to the phylogenetic distance among genotypes measured by BOX-PCR. These
      findings suggest that adaptation to growth at different temperatures had occurred
      among Sporosarcina genotypes in the Dry Valleys, causing the existence of
      physiologically distinct but closely related genotypes. Additionally, fully
      psychrophilic isolates (that grew at 15 degrees C, but not 25 degrees C) were
      found in ancient samples, but not in the modern sample. The preservation of
      viable bacteria in the Dry Valleys could potentially represent a legacy of
      bacteria that impacts on current microbial communities of this environment.

PMID- 22065251
TI  - (R*,S*)-(+/-)-1-(2-{[2,8-Bis(trifluoromethyl)quinolin-4
      yl](hydroxy)methyl}piperidin-1-yl)ethanone methanol monosolvate.
AB  - The title mefloquine derivative has been crystallized as its 1:1 methanol
      solvate, C(19)H(18)F(6)N(2)O(2).CH(3)OH. Each of the meth-ine-hydroxyl residue
      [the C-C-C-O torsion angle is -16.35 (17)  degrees ] and the piperidinyl group
      [distorted chair conformation] lies to one side of the quinolinyl ring system.
      The hydroxyl and carbonyl groups lie to either side of the mol-ecule, enabling
      their participation in inter-molecular inter-actions. Thus, the hydroxyl and
      carbonyl groups of two centrosymmetrically related mol-ecules are bridged by two
      methanol mol-ecules via O-H?O hydrogen bonds, leading to a four-mol-ecule
      aggregate. These are linked into a supra-molecular chain along the a axis via C
      H?O inter-actions involving the hydroxyl-O atom. The chains assemble into layers
      that inter-digitate along the c axis being connected by C-H?F inter-actions.

PMID- 22065252
TI  - Testing standard and modular designs for psychotherapy treating depression,
      anxiety, and conduct problems in youth: a randomized effectiveness trial.
AB  - CONTEXT: Decades of randomized controlled trials have produced separate evidence
      based treatments for depression, anxiety, and conduct problems in youth, but
      these treatments are not often used in clinical practice, and they produce mixed
      results in trials with the comorbid, complex youths seen in practice. An
      integrative, modular redesign may help. OBJECTIVE: Standard/separate and
      modular/integrated arrangements of evidence-based treatments for depression,
      anxiety, and conduct problems in youth were compared with usual care treatment,
      with the modular design permitting a multidisorder focus and a flexible
      application of treatment procedures. DESIGN: Randomized effectiveness trial.
      SETTING: Ten outpatient clinical service organizations in Massachusetts and
      Hawaii. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 84 community clinicians were randomly assigned
      to 1 of 3 conditions for the treatment of 174 clinically referred youths who were
      7 to 13 years of age (70% of these youths were boys, and 45% were white). The
      study was conducted during the period from January 12, 2005 to May 8, 2009.
      INTERVENTIONS: Standard manual treatment (59 youths [34% of the sample];
      cognitive behavioral therapy for depression, cognitive behavioral therapy for
      anxiety, and behavioral parent training for conduct problems), modular treatment
      (62 youths [36%]; integrating the procedures of the 3 separate treatments), and
      usual care (53 youths [30%]). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Outcomes were assessed using
      weekly youth and parent assessments. These assessments relied on a standardized
      Brief Problem Checklist and a patient-generated Top Problems Assessment (ie, the
      severity ratings on the problems that the youths and parents had identified as
      most important). We also conducted a standardized diagnostic assessment before
      and after treatment. RESULTS: Mixed effects regression analyses showed that
      modular treatment produced significantly steeper trajectories of improvement than
      usual care and standard treatment on multiple Brief Problem Checklist and Top
      Problems Assessment measures. Youths receiving modular treatment also had
      significantly fewer diagnoses than youths receiving usual care after treatment.
      In contrast, outcomes of standard manual treatment did not differ significantly
      from outcomes of usual care. CONCLUSIONS: The modular approach outperformed usual
      care and standard evidence-based treatments on multiple clinical outcome
      measures. The modular approach may be a promising way to build on the strengths
      of evidence-based treatments, improving their utility and effectiveness with
      referred youths in clinical practice settings. Trial Registration 
      clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT01178554.

PMID- 22065253
TI  - A multisite study of the clinical diagnosis of different autism spectrum
      disorders.
AB  - CONTEXT: Best-estimate clinical diagnoses of specific autism spectrum disorders
      (autistic disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified, and
      Asperger syndrome) have been used as the diagnostic gold standard, even when
      information from standardized instruments is available. OBJECTIVE: To determine
      whether the relationships between behavioral phenotypes and clinical diagnoses of
      different autism spectrum disorders vary across 12 university-based sites.
      DESIGN: Multisite observational study collecting clinical phenotype data
      (diagnostic, developmental, and demographic) for genetic research. Classification
      trees were used to identify characteristics that predicted diagnosis across and
      within sites. SETTING: Participants were recruited through 12 university-based
      autism service providers into a genetic study of autism. PARTICIPANTS: A total of
      2102 probands (1814 male probands) between 4 and 18 years of age (mean [SD] age,
      8.93 [3.5] years) who met autism spectrum criteria on the Autism Diagnostic
      Interview-Revised and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule and who had a
      clinical diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Best
      estimate clinical diagnoses predicted by standardized scores from diagnostic,
      cognitive, and behavioral measures. RESULTS: Although distributions of scores on
      standardized measures were similar across sites, significant site differences
      emerged in best-estimate clinical diagnoses of specific autism spectrum
      disorders. Relationships between clinical diagnoses and standardized scores,
      particularly verbal IQ, language level, and core diagnostic features, varied
      across sites in weighting of information and cutoffs. CONCLUSIONS: Clinical
      distinctions among categorical diagnostic subtypes of autism spectrum disorders
      were not reliable even across sites with well-documented fidelity using
      standardized diagnostic instruments. Results support the move from existing
      subgroupings of autism spectrum disorders to dimensional descriptions of core
      features of social affect and fixated, repetitive behaviors, together with
      characteristics such as language level and cognitive function.

PMID- 22065254
TI  - Epigenetic signatures of autism: trimethylated H3K4 landscapes in prefrontal
      neurons.
AB  - CONTEXT: Neuronal dysfunction in cerebral cortex and other brain regions could
      contribute to the cognitive and behavioral defects in autism. OBJECTIVE: To
      characterize epigenetic signatures of autism in prefrontal cortex neurons.
      DESIGN: We performed fluorescence-activated sorting and separation of neuronal
      and nonneuronal nuclei from postmortem prefrontal cortex, digested the chromatin
      with micrococcal nuclease, and deeply sequenced the DNA from the mononucleosomes
      with trimethylated H3K4 (H3K4me3), a histone mark associated with transcriptional
      regulation. Approximately 15 billion base pairs of H3K4me3-enriched sequences
      were collected from 32 brains. SETTING: Academic medical center. PARTICIPANTS: A
      total of 16 subjects diagnosed as having autism and 16 control subjects ranging
      in age from 0.5 to 70 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Identification of genomic
      loci showing autism-associated H3K4me3 changes in prefrontal cortex neurons.
      RESULTS: Subjects with autism showed no evidence for generalized disruption of
      the developmentally regulated remodeling of the H3K4me3 landscape that defines
      normal prefrontal cortex neurons in early infancy. However, excess spreading of
      H3K4me3 from the transcription start sites into downstream gene bodies and
      upstream promoters was observed specifically in neuronal chromatin from 4 of 16
      autism cases but not in controls. Variable subsets of autism cases exhibit
      altered H3K4me3 peaks at numerous genes regulating neuronal connectivity, social
      behaviors, and cognition, often in conjunction with altered expression of the
      corresponding transcripts. Autism-associated H3K4me3 peaks were significantly
      enriched in genes and loci implicated in neurodevelopmental diseases.
      CONCLUSIONS: Prefrontal cortex neurons from subjects with autism show changes in
      chromatin structures at hundreds of loci genome-wide, revealing considerable
      overlap between genetic and epigenetic risk maps of developmental brain
      disorders.

PMID- 22065255
TI  - Adjunctive counseling during brief and extended buprenorphine-naloxone treatment
      for prescription opioid dependence: a 2-phase randomized controlled trial.
AB  - CONTEXT: No randomized trials have examined treatments for prescription opioid
      dependence, despite its increasing prevalence. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the
      efficacy of brief and extended buprenorphine hydrochloride-naloxone hydrochloride
      treatment, with different counseling intensities, for patients dependent on
      prescription opioids. DESIGN: Multisite, randomized clinical trial using a 2
      phase adaptive treatment research design. Brief treatment (phase 1) included 2
      week buprenorphine-naloxone stabilization, 2-week taper, and 8-week
      postmedication follow-up. Patients with successful opioid use outcomes exited the
      study; unsuccessful patients entered phase 2: extended (12-week) buprenorphine
      naloxone treatment, 4-week taper, and 8-week postmedication follow-up. SETTING:
      Ten US sites. Patients A total of 653 treatment-seeking outpatients dependent on
      prescription opioids. INTERVENTIONS: In both phases, patients were randomized to
      standard medical management (SMM) or SMM plus opioid dependence counseling; all
      received buprenorphine-naloxone. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Predefined "successful
      outcome" in each phase: composite measures indicating minimal or no opioid use
      based on urine test-confirmed self-reports. RESULTS: During phase 1, only 6.6%
      (43 of 653) of patients had successful outcomes, with no difference between SMM
      and SMM plus opioid dependence counseling. In contrast, 49.2% (177 of 360)
      attained successful outcomes in phase 2 during extended buprenorphine-naloxone
      treatment (week 12), with no difference between counseling conditions. Success
      rates 8 weeks after completing the buprenorphine-naloxone taper (phase 2, week
      24) dropped to 8.6% (31 of 360), again with no counseling difference. In
      secondary analyses, successful phase 2 outcomes were more common while taking
      buprenorphine-naloxone than 8 weeks after taper (49.2% [177 of 360] vs 8.6% [31
      of 360], P < .001). Chronic pain did not affect opioid use outcomes; a history of
      ever using heroin was associated with lower phase 2 success rates while taking
      buprenorphine-naloxone. CONCLUSIONS: Prescription opioid-dependent patients are
      most likely to reduce opioid use during buprenorphine-naloxone treatment; if
      tapered off buprenorphine-naloxone, even after 12 weeks of treatment, the
      likelihood of an unsuccessful outcome is high, even in patients receiving
      counseling in addition to SMM.

PMID- 22065256
TI  - Doppler tissue energy and stress echocardiography in the diagnosis of myocardial
      contusion in canines.
AB  - We sought to evaluate the significance of Doppler tissue energy (DTE) and
      stressed echocardiography for diagnosing myocardial contusion (MC) in canines.
      Ten adult healthy dogs were anesthetized (3% pentobarbital sodium/i.v.) and
      impacted by BIM-II biological impact machine to induce MC. Conventional and
      stressed echocardiographies were used for segmental abnormal ventricular wall
      motions; DTE was also used to detect the abnormal ventricular wall motions and
      areas of injured myocardial fibers after MC, and the results were compared with
      those of triphenyl tetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. The data show that both
      conventional and stressed echocardiographies identified ventricular wall
      segmental abnormal motions or even aneurysms. These segments were mainly
      distributed over the front and middle interventricular walls and anterolateral
      ventricular wall. The ventricular wall motion scoring and wall motion segment
      index (WMSI) increased remarkably after MC induction. Compared with TTC staining,
      the conventional echocardiography showed 100% sensitivity and 66.67% specificity,
      whereas the stressed echocardiography displayed 100% sensitivity and 88.89%
      specificity. DTE showed both the sensitivity and specificity of 100% for MC
      diagnosis. Thus, DTE has higher specificity than conventional and stressed
      echocardiographies. In conclusion, both DTE and stress echocardiography have
      higher clinical value for MC diagnosis in canines.

PMID- 22065257
TI  - Identification of transcriptome profiles and signaling pathways for the
      allelochemical juglone in rice roots.
AB  - Juglone (5-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone) is known allelochemical, but its molecular
      mode of action is not well understood. We found that juglone induced reactive
      oxygen species production and calcium accumulation. To gain more insight into
      these cellular responses, we performed large-scale analysis of the rice
      transcriptome during juglone stress. Exposure to juglone triggered changes in
      transcript levels of genes related to cell growth, cell wall formation, chemical
      detoxification, abiotic stress response and epigenesis. The most predominant
      transcription-factor families were AP2/ERF, HSF, NAC, C2H2, WRKY, MYB and GRAS.
      Gene expression profiling of juglone-treated rice roots revealed upregulated
      signaling and biosynthesis of abscisic acid and jasmonic acid and inactivation of
      gibberellic acid. In addition, juglone upregulated the expression of two calcium
      dependent protein kinases (CDPKs), 6 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)
      genes and 1 MAPK gene and markedly increased the activities of a CDPK-like kinase
      and MAPKs. Further characterization of these juglone-responsive genes may be
      helpful for better understanding the mechanisms of allelochemical tolerance in
      plants.

PMID- 22065258
TI  - Interest in a national research network in surgery in Switzerland.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Networks are known to improve performance and create synergies. A
      research network can provide a significant advantage for all parties involved in
      research in surgery by systematically tracking the outcome of a huge number of
      patients over a long period of time. The aim of the present study was to
      investigate the experiences of surgeons with respect to research activities, to
      evaluate the opinions of surgeons with regard to the development of a national
      network for research in the field of surgery in Switzerland and to obtain data on
      how such a network should be designed. METHODS: An anonymous postal survey of
      board-certified surgeons practising in Switzerland was conducted during summer
      2007. The questionnaire included questions related to research activities, the
      desire to develop a national research network and the design and potential
      advantages of such a network. Qualitative analyses were performed using Mayring's
      content analysis. RESULTS: A total of 337 out of 749 (45%) questionnaires were
      returned. In all, 156/337 (46.3%) surgeons were engaged in research activities.
      During the past five years, 212/337 (62.9%) of the participants had participated
      at least in one multi-centre study. Out of 337, 88 (26.1%) surgeons were members
      of an established research association in Switzerland. Interest in a national
      surgical research network was reported by 266 (78.9%) participants. The reported
      advantages were "power" (53.1%), "teamwork effects" (23.7%), "efficiency" (12.2%)
      and "quality aspects" (8.0%). The most frequently named design proposal was based
      on a clinic for coordinating research, while the younger participants also
      suggested a web-based platform. CONCLUSIONS: Due to the significant interest of
      participants, the establishment of a national research network should be
      considered. An established clinic for coordinating research alongside an
      additional web-based platform to target young surgeons could function as an
      umbrella organisation.

PMID- 22065259
TI  - Sexual isolation between North American and Bogota strains of Drosophila
      pseudoobscura.
AB  - Sexual isolation, the reduced ability of organisms of different species to
      successfully mate, is one of the reproductive barriers that prevent gene flow
      between different taxa. Various species-specific signals during courtship are
      attributed to the sexual isolation between them. Drosophila pseudoobscura has
      been widely used to study the behavioral and genetic mechanisms underlying
      selection for sexual isolation, as a model system for speciation. D.
      pseudoobscura and its sibling species, D. persmilis, live together in many
      locations but are reproductively isolated from one another. North American
      geographic strains of D. pseudoobscura from the American West mate at random.
      Several decades ago, D. pseudoobscura was collected in the vicinity of Bogota,
      Colombia, and later named the subspecies D. pseudoobscura bogotana. Nearly 5,000
      matings were observed in this study. We analyzed mating behavior and cuticular
      hydrocarbon profiles as well as courtship within and between North American and
      Bogota strains of D. pseudoobscura. Here we report for the first time that Bogota
      strains of D. pseudoobscura do show statistically significant sexual isolation
      from North American strains. In addition, there are quantitative variations in
      cuticular hydrocarbons as well as in courtship behavior between Bogota and North
      American strains, and females of both North American and Bogota strains show
      strong preference for North American strain males having high mating
      propensities, suggesting that the Bogota strains are at an early stage that could
      lead to a separate species.

PMID- 22065260
TI  - Migraine attack triggering a generalised seizure: is this a case of migralepsy or
      ictal epileptic headache?

PMID- 22065261
TI  - Who benefits from peer support in psychiatric institutions?
AB  - This study examines the influence of recovery-oriented peer events on
      participants' recovery attitudes and explores who benefits most from such events.
      Changes in participants' recovery attitudes were evaluated (pre, post, follow
      up), and compared with changes of control groups. Distributions of recovery
      related values in subgroups were analyzed descriptively. The results of non
      parametric tests (Friedman) showed participants with significantly higher values
      in the dimension Recovery is possible directly after the interventions (P =
      0.006), but not 6 months later, and not in comparison with members of control
      groups. On a descriptive level, women, participants with schizophrenia and with
      two or more episodes of the disorder showed higher recovery-related values
      compared to men, participants with an affective disorder and only one episode.
      Within their feedback, organizations and peers express a positive view of peer
      support, but evidence for a positive impact of the evaluated peer events on
      recovery attitude is limited.

PMID- 22065263
TI  - Antibiotic prescribing in ambulatory pediatrics in the United States.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Antibiotics are commonly prescribed for children with conditions for
      which they provide no benefit, including viral respiratory infections. Broad
      spectrum antibiotic use is increasing, which adds unnecessary cost and promotes
      the development of antibiotic resistance. OBJECTIVE: To provide a nationally
      representative analysis of antibiotic prescribing in ambulatory pediatrics
      according to antibiotic classes and diagnostic categories and identify factors
      associated with broad-spectrum antibiotic prescribing. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We
      used the National Ambulatory and National Hospital Ambulatory Medical Care
      surveys from 2006 to 2008, which are nationally representative samples of
      ambulatory care visits in the United States. We estimated the percentage of
      visits for patients younger than 18 years for whom antibiotics were prescribed
      according to antibiotic classes, those considered broad-spectrum, and diagnostic
      categories. We used multivariable logistic regression to identify demographic and
      clinical factors that were independently associated with broad-spectrum
      antibiotic prescribing. RESULTS: Antibiotics were prescribed during 21% of
      pediatric ambulatory visits; 50% were broad-spectrum, most commonly macrolides.
      Respiratory conditions accounted for >70% of visits in which both antibiotics and
      broad-spectrum antibiotics were prescribed. Twenty-three percent of the visits in
      which antibiotics were prescribed were for respiratory conditions for which
      antibiotics are not clearly indicated, which accounts for >10 million visits
      annually. Factors independently associated with broad-spectrum antibiotic
      prescribing included respiratory conditions for which antibiotics are not
      indicated, younger patients, visits in the South, and private insurance.
      CONCLUSIONS: Broad-spectrum antibiotic prescribing in ambulatory pediatrics is
      extremely common and frequently inappropriate. These findings can inform the
      development and implementation of antibiotic stewardship efforts in ambulatory
      care toward the most important geographic regions, diagnostic conditions, and
      patient populations.

PMID- 22065262
TI  - Critically ill children during the 2009-2010 influenza pandemic in the United
      States.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The 2009 pandemic influenza A (H1N1) (pH1N1) virus continues to
      circulate worldwide. Determining the roles of chronic conditions and bacterial
      coinfection in mortality is difficult because of the limited data for children
      with pH1N1-related critical illness. METHODS: We identified children (<21 years
      old) with confirmed or probable pH1N1 admitted to 35 US PICUs from April 15,
      2009, through April 15, 2010. We collected data on demographics, baseline health,
      laboratory results, treatments, and outcomes. RESULTS: Of 838 children with pH1N1
      admitted to a PICU, the median age was 6 years, 58% were male, 70% had >=1
      chronic health condition, and 88.2% received oseltamivir (5.8% started before
      PICU admission). Most patients had respiratory failure with 564 (67.3%) receiving
      mechanical ventilation; 162 (19.3%) received vasopressors, and 75 (8.9%) died.
      Overall, 71 (8.5%) of the patients had a presumed diagnosis of early (within 72
      hours after PICU admission) Staphylococcus aureus coinfection of the lung with
      48% methicillin-resistant S aureus (MRSA). In multivariable analyses, preexisting
      neurologic conditions or immunosuppression, encephalitis (1.7% of cases),
      myocarditis (1.4% of cases), early presumed MRSA lung coinfection, and female
      gender were mortality risk factors. Among 251 previously healthy children, only
      early presumed MRSA coinfection of the lung (relative risk: 8 [95% confidence
      interval: 3.1-20.6]; P < .0001) remained a mortality risk factor. CONCLUSIONS:
      Children with preexisting neurologic conditions and immune compromise were at
      increased risk of pH1N1-associated death after PICU admission. Secondary
      complications of pH1N1, including myocarditis, encephalitis, and clinical
      diagnosis of early presumed MRSA coinfection of the lung, were mortality risk
      factors.

PMID- 22065264
TI  - Ductal closure with paracetamol: a surprising new approach to patent ductus
      arteriosus treatment.
AB  - Standard pharmacologic closure of the patent ductus arteriosus currently involves
      the administration of 1 of 2 cyclooxygenase inhibitors: either indomethacin or
      ibuprofen. However, both of these drugs can be associated with potentially
      significant adverse effects. We present here the cases of 5 preterm infants
      (gestational age: 26-32 weeks; postnatal age: 3-35 days) with large,
      hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus who had either failed or had
      contraindications to ibuprofen therapy. Each of these infants was treated with
      off-label oral paracetamol (15 mg/kg per dose every 6 hours). Ductal closure was
      achieved within 48 hours in all the treated infants. No toxicity was observed.

PMID- 22065265
TI  - Parent participation and physician-parent communication during informed consent
      in child leukemia.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In this study we evaluated the effectiveness of a physician-directed
      intervention at enhancing positive physician behaviors and communication
      strategies during informed consent conferences (ICCs) for pediatric acute
      leukemia clinical trials. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Physicians at 2 large pediatric
      hospitals were recruited to participate in a physician-directed intervention
      (PDI), which included 1 full-day seminar and successive half-day booster
      sessions. ICCs were then observed, audiotaped, coded, and analyzed to evaluate
      the effectiveness of the intervention. Data also were collected at 2 control
      sites. Between 2003 and 2007, 59 ICCs were observed and analyzed. RESULTS:
      Significant group differences were found in physician rapport-building behaviors.
      Physicians in the PDI + booster session group engaged in greater rapport-building
      than did physicians in the PDI group who did not attend booster sessions and
      physicians in the control group. No group differences were detected for physician
      partnership-building. In addition, parents in the PDI + booster session group
      engaged in more general communication and study-related communication, and
      mothers in the PDI groups asked significantly more questions per minute than did
      mothers in the control group. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide support for the
      effectiveness of the PDI at enhancing positive physician behaviors. Booster
      session attendance is a critical component of physician-directed interventions to
      improve parental participation and physician-parent communication during ICCs.

PMID- 22065266
TI  - Limits of human viability in the United States: a medicolegal review.

PMID- 22065267
TI  - Undernutrition, poor feeding practices, and low coverage of key nutrition
      interventions.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To estimate the global burden of malnutrition and highlight data on
      child feeding practices and coverage of key nutrition interventions. METHODS:
      Linear mixed-effects modeling was used to estimate prevalence rates and numbers
      of underweight and stunted children according to United Nations region from 1990
      to 2010 by using surveys from 147 countries. Indicators of infant and young child
      feeding practices and intervention coverage were calculated from Demographic and
      Health Survey data from 46 developing countries between 2002 and 2008. RESULTS:
      In 2010, globally, an estimated 27% (171 million) of children younger than 5
      years were stunted and 16% (104 million) were underweight. Africa and Asia have
      more severe burdens of undernutrition, but the problem persists in some Latin
      American countries. Few children in the developing world benefit from optimal
      breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices. Fewer than half of infants
      were put to the breast within 1 hour of birth, and 36% of infants younger than 6
      months were exclusively breastfed. Fewer than one-third of 6- to 23-month-old
      children met the minimum criteria for dietary diversity, and only ~50% received
      the minimum number of meals. Although effective health-sector-based interventions
      for tackling childhood undernutrition are known, intervention-coverage data are
      available for only a small proportion of them and reveal mostly low coverage.
      CONCLUSIONS: Undernutrition continues to be high and progress toward reaching
      Millennium Development Goal 1 has been slow. Previously unrecognized extremely
      poor breastfeeding and complementary feeding practices and lack of comprehensive
      data on intervention coverage require urgent action to improve child nutrition.

PMID- 22065268
TI  - Cobalamin F disease detected by newborn screening and follow-up on a 14-year-old
      patient.
AB  - The cobalamin F (cblF) defect is caused by disturbed lysosomal release of
      cobalamin (vitamin B(12)) into the cytoplasm caused by mutations in the LMBRD1
      gene. We present the clinical and biochemical characterization of a patient with
      newly diagnosed cblF disease and a follow-up on a 14-year-old patient. The new
      patient presented with elevation of propionyl carnitine found on a newborn
      screen. The patient was small for gestational age, exhibited dysmorphic features
      and mild developmental delay, and had trigonocephaly and ventricular septal
      defect. There was biochemical normalization and clinical improvement within 3
      weeks of parenteral cobalamin treatment. The other patient presented at 4 weeks
      of life with failure to thrive and feeding difficulties. She was treated only
      with monthly cyanocobalamin shots. The patient has never experienced metabolic
      decompensation. She had short stature and was an average student with no
      behavioral concerns. Her metabolic derangements normalized after switching to
      weekly hydroxycobalamin. The available data on 14 patients with confirmed cblF
      disease suggest variability in age of onset, presenting symptoms, response to
      treatment, and long-term complications. Common clinical findings include small
      for gestational age, feeding difficulties, growth failure, and developmental
      delays. Some patients have congenital heart defects, dysmorphic features, and
      other congenital anomalies.

PMID- 22065269
TI  - Effect of antihypotensive treatment on cerebral oxygenation of preterm infants
      without PDA.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Preterm infants with hypotension (mean arterial blood pressure [MABP]
      < gestational age [GA]) are treated with volume expansion and/or dopamine to
      ensure adequate cerebral perfusion/oxygenation. We used near-infrared
      spectroscopy to analyze the effects of volume expansion and dopamine on cerebral
      oxygenation in hypotensive preterm infants without patent ductus arteriosus
      (PDA). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Among 390 infants, 71 (GA < 32 weeks) were
      hypotensive and eligible for inclusion. Thirty-three infants received volume
      expansion only (NaCl 0.9%; 20 mL/kg), and 38 received additional dopamine (5
      MUg/kg per minute). Nine and 11 infants initially treated with dopamine
      subsequently needed 7.5 and 10 MUg/kg per minute, respectively. Seventy-one
      infants without hypotension were individually matched to serve as controls. MABP,
      regional cerebral oxygen saturation (rSco(2)), fractional tissue oxygen
      extraction (cFTOE), and arterial saturation (Sao(2)) were monitored 15 minutes
      before and 30 and 60 minutes after volume or dopamine and at comparable postnatal
      ages in controls. RESULTS: No changes in MABP, rSco(2), or cFTOE were found 30
      minutes after volume expansion. MABP increased 60 minutes after 5 MUg/kg per
      minute dopamine (median [range]: 28 [19-32] vs 33 [23-46] mm Hg; P < .001). There
      was a small increase and decrease, respectively, in rSco(2) (63 [43-84] vs 66 [46
      87]%; P < .05) and cFTOE (0.33 [0.14-0.56] vs 0.31 [0.07-0.54]1/1; P < .05).
      However, no differences were found at any time point between controls and infants
      treated with volume or additional dopamine (5, 7.5, and 10 MUg/kg per minute) for
      rSco(2) or cFTOE. CONCLUSIONS: Volume expansion and additional dopamine do not
      cause any significant change in rSco(2) or cFTOE in hypotensive preterm infants
      without PDA. We speculate that very preterm infants with hypotension but without
      signs of a compromised cerebral oxygenation and systemic perfusion might not be
      in need of antihypotensive therapy.

PMID- 22065270
TI  - Recent advances in management and treatment of hereditary angioedema.
AB  - CONTEXT: Hereditary angioedema (HAE) is a rare autosomal-dominant disease
      characterized by recurrent self-limiting episodes of skin and mucosal edema.
      Morbidity and mortality are significant, and new and pending therapies are now
      available to reduce the risk associated with the disease. OBJECTIVE: To update
      the reader on new advances in HAE to improve patient care. METHODS: We performed
      a literature search of Ovid, PubMed, and Google to develop this review. Articles
      that are necessary for the understanding and use of the new therapeutic options
      for HAE were chosen, and studies of high quality were used to support the use of
      therapies, and in most cases, results from phase III studies were used. RESULTS:
      Until recently, therapy for HAE attacks in the United States consisted of symptom
      relief with narcotics, hydration, and fresh-frozen plasma, which contains active
      C1 inhibitor. Therapy to prevent HAE attacks has been confined to androgens and,
      occasionally, antifibrinolytic agents; however, both drug groups have significant
      adverse effects. The approval of C1-inhibitor concentrate for prevention and
      acute therapy has improved efficacy and safety. Ecallantide has also been
      approved for therapy of attacks, and icatibant is expected to be approved in the
      next few months for attacks. Recombinant C1 inhibitor is presently in phase III
      studies and should be available for attacks in the near future. CONCLUSION: In
      this article we review the changing therapeutic options available for patients in
      2011 and beyond.

PMID- 22065271
TI  - Myocardial infarction associated with use of the synthetic cannabinoid K2.
AB  - Designer drugs have been problematic over the years. Products such as K2 and
      Spice, which contain synthetic cannabinoids, are marketed as incense and are
      widely available on the Internet and at various specialty shops. The effects are
      reported as cannabis-like after smoking them. In addition, use of these synthetic
      cannabinoids will not appear on a routine urine toxicology screen. Recently, K2
      became a popular alternative to marijuana among youths. Health implications of
      these designer drugs are not completely understood. Little has been reported
      about the harmful effects of K2. We report here the first (to our knowledge)
      cases of myocardial infarction (MI) after smoking K2. Three patients presented
      separately to the emergency department complaining of chest pain within days
      after the use of K2. Acute MI was diagnosed in each case on the basis of
      electrocardiogram changes and elevated troponin levels. Coronary angiography was
      performed, and the results were normal for the first 2 patients. The incidence of
      ST-elevation MI is low among teenagers, and association with drug use should be
      suspected. Public education and awareness need to be heightened about the
      possible health implications of K2.

PMID- 22065272
TI  - The association of acetaminophen and asthma prevalence and severity.
AB  - The epidemiologic association between acetaminophen use and asthma prevalence and
      severity in children and adults is well established. A variety of observations
      suggest that acetaminophen use has contributed to the recent increase in asthma
      prevalence in children: (1) the strength of the association; (2) the consistency
      of the association across age, geography, and culture; (3) the dose-response
      relationship; (4) the timing of increased acetaminophen use and the asthma
      epidemic; (5) the relationship between per-capita sales of acetaminophen and
      asthma prevalence across countries; (6) the results of a double-blind trial of
      ibuprofen and acetaminophen for treatment of fever in asthmatic children; and (7)
      the biologically plausible mechanism of glutathione depletion in airway mucosa.
      Until future studies document the safety of this drug, children with asthma or at
      risk for asthma should avoid the use of acetaminophen.

PMID- 22065273
TI  - Paternal depressive symptoms and child behavioral or emotional problems in the
      United States.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The negative effects of maternal mental health problems on child
      health are well documented. In contrast, there is a profound paucity of
      information about paternal mental health's association with child health.
      OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of paternal mental health problems and
      depressive symptoms and children's emotional or behavioral problems. METHODS: We
      analyzed Medical Expenditure Panel Survey data, which included a representative
      sample of US children (N = 21 993) aged 5 to 17 years and their mothers and
      fathers. The main outcome measure was child emotional or behavioral problems
      assessed by using the Columbia Impairment Scale. RESULTS: Paternal depressive
      symptoms, as assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-2, and mental health
      problems, more generally, assessed by using the Short-Form 12 Scale, were
      independently associated with increased rates of child emotional or behavioral
      problems even after controlling for numerous potential confounders including
      maternal depressive symptoms and other mental health problems. The adjusted odds
      ratio (aOR) for emotional or behavioral problems among children of fathers with
      depressive symptoms was 1.72 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.33-2.23) and the
      aOR associated with abnormal paternal scores on the mental component scale of the
      Short-Form 12 was 1.33 (95% CI: 1.10-1.62) for those within 1 SD below average
      and 1.48 (95% CI: 1.20-1.84) for those >1 SD below average. CONCLUSIONS: To the
      best of our knowledge, this is the first study to use a representative US sample
      to demonstrate that living with fathers with depressive symptoms and other mental
      health problems is independently associated with increased rates of emotional or
      behavioral problems of children.

PMID- 22065274
TI  - Tricyclic antidepressant overdose in a toddler treated with intravenous lipid
      emulsion.
AB  - We report a case that involves the use of intravenous lipid emulsion as an
      antidote for a drug overdose involving a 20-month-old girl who had ingested a
      potentially lethal amount of the tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) dothiepin. The
      patient's condition continued to deteriorate despite implementation of standard
      pediatric treatment recommendations for TCA toxicity. Administration of
      intravenous lipid emulsion in addition to standard therapy (including sodium
      bicarbonate) and direct-current cardioversion for ventricular arrhythmia led to a
      successful outcome. The case report is followed by a review of the current
      evidence underlying this novel therapy and the background on its use. TCA
      toxicity is addressed specifically.

PMID- 22065275
TI  - Stress hyperglycemia: a sign of familial diabetes in children.
AB  - Stress hyperglycemia in children is considered a benign condition that usually
      does not mandate further investigation. In some clinical settings it might be the
      first sign of diabetes mellitus (DM). Two unrelated boys, one aged 2 years 7
      months and the other aged 5 days, were evaluated in the emergency department for
      a febrile infection and found to have elevated blood glucose levels (238 and 150
      mg/dL [preprandial], respectively). In both cases the elevated hemoglobin A1c
      levels (6.5% and 6.6%, respectively) combined with a history of gestational DM in
      the mother and positive family history for DM suggested maturity-onset diabetes
      of the young. Genetic analysis revealed 2 known heterozygote mutations in the
      glucokinase gene: c.697T->C p.C233R in the first case and c.616A->C p.T206P in
      the second case. Our findings suggest that stress hyperglycemia during early
      childhood in association with a positive family history of DM might be a sign of
      monogenic diabetes.

PMID- 22065276
TI  - Intraoperative parathyroid hormone as an indicator for parathyroid gland
      preservation in thyroid surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Intra-operative parathyroid hormone (PTH) levels have successfully
      been used to assess surgical ablation of parathyroid adenomas, the use of this
      same test to predict preservation of viable gland has not been widely used. AIM:
      to test the sensitivity and specificity of intraoperative rapid PTH assay test in
      predicting permanent postoperative hypoparathyroidism, and applicability to guide
      the search for inadvertently removed parathyroid glands for possible auto
      transplantation. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 52 patients undergoing total thyroidectomy
      for non-malignant thyroid diseases were included. Intraoperative rapid PTH assay
      test was performed. If levels were reduced, or less than 3 parathyroid glands
      were detected, removed thyroid gland was examined for unintentionally removed
      parathyroid tissue for possible auto transplantation. RESULTS: There was a strong
      correlation between intraoperative rapid PTH assays and those taken 24 hours
      after surgery, 16 out of 52 patients had reduction of the PTH intraoperatively to
      levels below 25 pg/ml, of them, 11 patients (who had values between 15-24 pg/ml)
      recovered to normal PTH levels within 4 weeks, while the 5 patients with
      intraoperative PTH levels below 15 pg/ml failed to regain normal PTH levels up to
      12 weeks postoperatively, even in those patients where parathyroid tissue was
      auto transplantated. The 4 patients who had parathyroid tissue reimplanted
      intraoperatively restored some of their parathyroid function as indicated by
      relative rise of their PTH levels, but did not reach even the low normal levels.
      (ROC) curve for prediction of early hypoparathyroidism using intraoperative rapid
      PTH assay was statistically highly significant with optimal cutoff value for
      predicting early hypocalcaemia level <27 pg/ml, (sensitivity 100%, specificity
      68.2%). (ROC) curves for predicting permanent hypoparathyroidism using
      intraoperative rapid PTH assay or standard PTH assay taken 24 hours after surgery
      were statistically significant with optimal cutoff value PTH level <12 pg/ml on
      the intraoperative PTH curve or <15 pg/ml on the postoperative PTH curve
      (sensitivity 100%, specificity 100%). CONCLUSION: Intraoperative PTH assay may
      allow intraoperative monitoring of parathyroid function, predicting postoperative
      outcomes, may identify patients at risk of developing postoperative
      hypoparathyroidism, guiding surgeons to re-examine removed specimens for
      inadvertently removed parathyroid tissue with possible auto transplantation, or
      more practically a guide to early replacement therapy to prevent hypocalcaemia,
      leading to safe and early hospital discharge. Limitations in our study to be
      reconsidered in further studies, are relative small sample size, inability for
      randomisation, and the variable values reported for the cut off value of PTH
      causing hypocalcaemic symptoms needing intervention.

PMID- 22065277
TI  - Reinvestigation of the low-temperature form of Ag(2)Se (naumannite) based on
      single-crystal data.
AB  - The crystal structure of the low-temperature form of synthetic naumannite
      [disilver(I) selenide], Ag(2)Se, has been reinvestigated based on single-crystal
      data. In comparison with previous powder diffraction studies, anisotropic
      displacement parameters are additionally reported. The structure is composed of
      Se layers and two crystallographically independent Ag atoms. One Ag atom lies
      close to the Se layer and is surrounded by four Se atoms in a distorted tetra
      hedral coordination, while the second Ag atom lies between the Se layers and
      exhibits a [3 + 1] coordination defined by three close Se atoms, forming a
      trigonal plane, and one remote Se atom.

PMID- 22065278
TI  - Cloning and characterization of a novel tyrosine ammonia lyase-encoding gene
      involved in bagremycins biosynthesis in Streptomyces sp.
AB  - Tyrosine ammonia lyase catalyzes the deamination of L: -tyrosine to trans
      coumaric acid. A novel tyrosine ammonia lyase-encoding gene, bagA, was cloned and
      sequenced from bagremycins-producing strain Streptomyces sp. Tu 4128 whose
      protein product contains a Ala-Ser-Gly segment in the active site. The disruption
      of the bagA gene abolished trans-coumaric acid and bagremycins production. trans
      coumaric acid restored the formation of bagremycin A in the mutant, but not
      bagremycin B. Thus, trans-coumaric acid is a precursor for biosynthesis of
      bagremycins and the bagA gene codes for tyrosine ammonia lyase to synthesize
      trans-coumaric acid. This is a novel bacterial tal gene reported in actinomycetes
      for the second time and for the first time in a Streptomyces sp.

PMID- 22065279
TI  - H1N1v at a seroepidemiological glance: is the nightmare over?
AB  - When the second wave of pandemic influenza A H1N1v 2009 (H1N1v) emerged in the
      winter of 2010/2011, public health authorities were afraid of dangerous
      implications and severe clinical courses again. As further H1N1v waves might
      appear, achievement of sufficient herd immunity is a matter of urgency. The
      objective of this study was to determine the seroprevalence of antibodies against
      H1N1v by hemagglutination-inhibition test (HI) after the second wave. We compared
      our recent findings with our data obtained after the first pandemic in 2009/2010.
      Between March and May 2011 we collected serum samples from 600 persons aged 1 to
      84 years admitted to University Hospital Frankfurt/Main and analysed the titres
      of anti-H1N1v by HI. The overall seroprevalence of anti-H1N1v has risen from
      36.9% (95% confidence interval (95%CI), 33-41) in unvaccinated persons after the
      first wave to 57.3% (95%CI, 53.1-61.2) in vaccinated and unvaccinated. The
      highest rate of seropositivity was detected in the age group of 10-19 years (66%;
      95%CI, 55.8-75.2), whereas the lowest was found in the age group 40-59 years
      (51%; 95%CI, 40.8-61.1). Although seroprevalence has significantly increased,
      sufficient herd immunity is still not achieved. Therefore, general vaccination
      programs have to be propagated continuously by public health authorities.

PMID- 22065280
TI  - Prevalence and characterisation of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)
      producing Escherichia coli isolates in healthy volunteers in Tunisia.
AB  - The objective of this investigation was to analyse the carriage rate of extended
      spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Escherichia coli in faecal samples of
      healthy humans in Tunisia and to characterise the recovered isolates. One hundred
      and fifty samples were inoculated on MacConkey agar plates supplemented with
      cefotaxime (2 MUg/ml) for ESBL-positive E. coli recovery. The characterisation of
      ESBL genes and their genetic environments, detection of associated resistance
      genes, multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and phylogroup typing were performed by
      polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and sequencing. The presence and characterisation
      of integrons and virulence factors were studied by PCR and sequencing. ESBL
      positive E. coli isolates were detected in 11 of 150 faecal samples (7.3%) and
      one isolate/sample was further characterised. These isolates contained the blaCTX
      M-1 (ten isolates) and blaTEM-52c genes (one isolate). The ISEcp1 (truncated by
      IS10 in four strains) and orf477 sequences were found upstream and downstream,
      respectively, of all bla (CTX-M-1) genes. Seven different sequence types (STs)
      and three phylogroups were identified among CTX-M-1-producing isolates
      [ST/phylogroup (number of isolates)]: ST58/B1 (3), ST57/D (2), ST165/A (1),
      ST155/B1 (1), ST10/A (1), ST398/A (1) and ST48/B1 (1). The TEM-52-producing
      isolate was typed as ST219 and phylogroup B2. Six ESBL isolates contained class 1
      integrons with the gene cassettes dfrA17-aadA5 (five isolates) and dfrA1-aadA1
      (one). Healthy humans in the studied country could be a reservoir of CTX-M-1
      producing E. coli.

PMID- 22065281
TI  - The longitudinal association between glycaemic control and health-related quality
      of life following insulin therapy optimisation in type 2 diabetes patients. A
      prospective observational study in secondary care.
AB  - PURPOSE: To test whether improvement in glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA(1c)) as a
      marker of glycaemic control, following intensifying insulin therapy, is
      associated with improvements in HRQoL. METHODS: Dutch sub-optimally controlled
      (HbA(1c) > 7%) type 2 diabetes patients (N = 447, mean age 59 +/- 11) initiated
      insulin glargine therapy. Data were collected at baseline, 3 and 6 months, and
      included HbA(1c) and measures of HRQoL: diabetes symptom distress (Diabetes
      Symptom Checklist-revised; DSC-r), fear of hypoglycaemia (Hypoglycaemia Fear
      Survey; HFS-w) and emotional well-being (WHO-5 wellbeing index). RESULTS: HbA(1c)
      decreased from 8.8 +/- 1.4% to 8.0 +/- 1.2% and 7.7 +/- 1.3% at 3 and 6 months
      follow-up, respectively (P < 0.001), DSC-r score improved from 17.7 +/- 14.7 to
      14.3 +/- 13.3 and 13.6 +/- 13.3 (P < 0.001). HFS-w score did not significantly
      change. WHO-5 score increased from 56 +/- 23 to 62 +/- 23 and 65 +/- 22 P <
      0.001). A modest, significant association was found between HbA(1c) and WHO-5
      score (B = -1.8, 95% CI: -2.7 to -0.8) and HbA1c and DSC-r score (B = 1.0, 95%
      CI: 0.4 to 1.6). No such association was found for HFS-w score. CONCLUSIONS: An
      association between improvement in HbA(1c) by means of optimising insulin therapy
      and improvement in HRQoL in type 2 diabetes patients has been observed. A weak,
      yet significant longitudinal association was found between improved HbA(1c) and
      emotional well-being and diabetes symptom distress.

PMID- 22065282
TI  - Prevalence of symptoms, with a focus on fatigue, and changes of symptoms over
      three months in outpatients receiving cancer chemotherapy.
AB  - QUESTIONS UNDER STUDY: Prevalence of symptoms, with a focus on fatigue, and
      changes of symptoms were explored over three months in outpatients with lymphoma,
      lung, breast or colorectal cancer, receiving chemotherapy in the oncology
      outpatient clinic of a Swiss tertiary care hospital. METHODS: Prospective,
      descriptive design; symptom prevalence was measured at start of chemotherapy
      (T1), and one week prior to the third and fourth cycle (T2, T3). Included were
      patients starting chemotherapy, with expected survival of >3 months, irrespective
      of stage of disease. The Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale was used to assess 32
      symptoms; fatigue was measured with the FACIT-Fatigue Scale (negative scale).
      Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and random-intercept regression
      models. RESULTS: 77 patients participated at T1, 58 and 50 at T2 and T3. Patients
      experienced on average 9.8, 14.4, and 13.7 symptoms, showing a significant
      increase over time. Lack of energy and feeling drowsy were most frequent. Symptom
      scores for lack of energy, changes in skin, pain, and feeling drowsy remained >2
      over time (scale 0-4, higher scores = more symptoms). Fatigue mean scores were
      36.3, 30.2, and 31.3, showing a significant increase of fatigue over time.
      Individual symptom trajectories varied widely within and among patients.
      CONCLUSIONS: High symptom prevalence at start of chemotherapy as well as over
      time and great variability in symptom experience call for an individual,
      systematic symptom assessment and management that does not focus solely on side
      effects of therapy but includes disease-related symptoms to achieve satisfactory
      control of symptoms in outpatients receiving chemotherapy.

PMID- 22065283
TI  - Isolation of the opdE gene that encodes for a new hydrolase of Enterobacter sp.
      capable of degrading organophosphorus pesticides.
AB  - Microbial enzymes that can hydrolyze organophosphorus compounds have been
      isolated, identified and characterized from different microbial species in order
      to use them in biodegradation of organophosphorus compounds. We isolated a
      bacterial strain Cons002 from an agricultural soil bacterial consortium, which
      can hydrolyze methyl-parathion (MP) and other organophosphate pesticides. HPLC
      analysis showed that strain Cons002 is capable of degrading pesticides MP,
      parathion and phorate. Pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and 16S rRNA
      amplification were performed for strain characterization and identification,
      respectively, showing that the strain Cons002 is related to the genus
      Enterobacter sp. which has a single chromosome of 4.6 Mb and has no plasmids.
      Genomic library was constructed from DNA of Enterobacter sp. Cons002. A gene
      called opdE (Organophosphate Degradation from Enterobacter) consists of 753 bp
      and encodes a protein of 25 kDa, which was isolated using activity methods. This
      gene opdE had no similarity to any genes reported to degrade organophosphates.
      When kanamycin-resistance cassette was placed in the gene opdE, hydrolase
      activity was suppressed and Enterobacter sp. Cons002 had no growth with MP as a
      nutrients source.

PMID- 22065286
TI  - Effects of dabigatran in vitro on thrombin biomarkers by Calibrated Automated
      Thrombography in patients after ischemic stroke.
AB  - Randomized trials suggest superior and safe stroke prevention in patients with
      atrial fibrillation after anticoagulation with dabigatran (D) at a 150 mg BID as
      described in the RE-LY prospective randomized open-label trial when compared to
      warfarin. Thrombin generation (TG) is a cornerstone of coagulation cascade, and
      represents a critical biomarker of atherothrombosis. We, therefore, sought to
      define the effect of D in escalating concentrations on the time course of TG
      using the Calibrated Automated Thrombogram((r)) (CAT) technology in patients
      after ischemic stroke. Serial plasma samples were obtained from 20 patients with
      ischemic stroke documented by neuroimaging, who were treated with aspirin for at
      least 30 days. The impact of 0.1, 0.23, 0.46, 0.69 mM D in platelet-poor plasma
      (PPP) on TG indices was assessed using fluorogenic substrate CAT device. The
      following integrated CAT parameters: TGmax, start time (t-start) peak time (t
      peak), and mean time (t-mean) were calculated for each D dose and compared with
      those of the vehicle. Preincubation of PPP with D resulted in dose-dependent
      significant inhibition of most TG indices. The TGmax was gradually reduced from
      447 +/- 21 nM at baseline and reach significance for 0.46 mM D (355 +/- 44 nM, P
      = 0.03); and decreased further at 0.69 mM D to 302 +/- 27 nM (P = 0.01). The t
      peak has been achieved 2-3 times later than after vehicle already at 0.23 nM D.
      The t-start was delayed 3-4 fold starting from 0.23 mM concentration of D (P <
      0.001 for all), but not different from D 0.1 mM (1.5 vs. 1.6; P = 0.34). The t
      mean was not significantly affected by D. D in vitro impacts indices of TG
      predominantly by dose dependent inhibition of endogenous TG, and delayed thrombin
      production. This preliminary evidence, while intriguing, requires confirmation in
      post-stroke patients receiving orally dosed D in order to determine whether these
      findings are clinically relevant.

PMID- 22065287
TI  - [Clinical and radiological results after operative treatment of mallet fracture
      using Kirschner wire technique].
AB  - BACKGROUND: In our clinic dorsal distal phalanx fractures involving more than 30%
      of the articulare line in the lateral view are treated operatively using the
      Kirschner wire technique. Recently conservative treatment of these fractures is
      more and more recommended. Therefore we investigated in a retrospective study our
      patients with special regards to complications. PURPOSE: The aim of this study
      was to evaluate the complications, as well as the clinical and radiological
      results of patients after operative treatment of dorsal distal phalanx fractures
      using the Kirschner wire technique. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 43 patients with dorsal
      intraarticular fractures of the distal phalanx involving at least one third of
      the articular surface of the distal interphalangeal (DIP) joint were treated
      between 02/05 and 08/09 using Kirschner wire technique. At a mean follow-up of 28
      (8-60, median 24,5) months, 32 patients were evaluated clinically and
      radiologically as well as with ultrasound. RESULTS: 5 patients developed
      superficial wound infections and were treated with antibiotics. 2 of these
      patients needed an early removal of the Kirschner wires. 2 patients showed nail
      deformity and 2 had an ulnar deviation of the DIP joint. The mean extension lag
      was 10 degrees  (0-30 degrees , median 10 degrees ), the mean flexion lag was 19
      degrees  (0-60 degrees , median 15 degrees ). 11 patients had a flexion lag of
      more than 20 degrees . 4 patients had an extension lag of more than 20 degrees .
      All of these patients showed tendon tears or large lesions by ultrasound.
      Degenerative changes were noted in radiographs of 15 patients. CONCLUSIONS:
      Because of unsatisfactory results in 63% (n=20), conservative treatment will be
      our treatment of choice in the future. Operative treatment will only be done in
      patients with subluxation of the distal phalanx.

PMID- 22065288
TI  - 1-(4-Meth-oxy-phen-yl)-2-methyl-1H-indole-3-carbonitrile.
AB  - In the title compound, C(17)H(14)N(2)O, the dihedral angle between the indole
      ring system and the benzene ring is 58.41 (4) degrees . The crystal packing
      features pi-pi stacking [shortest centroid-centroid separation = 3.8040 (9) A]
      and C-H?pi inter-actions.

PMID- 22065289
TI  - N-[(E)-3,4-Dimeth-oxy-benzyl-idene]-2,3-dimethyl-aniline.
AB  - In the title compound, C(17)H(19)NO(2), the aromatic rings are oriented at a
      dihedral angle of 59.27 (12) degrees . In the crystal, inversion dimers linked by
      pairs of weak C-H?O inter-actions generate R(2) (2)(12) loops.

PMID- 22065290
TI  - Adjuvant therapy for HER2+ breast cancer: practice, perception, and toxicity.
AB  - Multiple adjuvant regimens are used for HER2+ breast cancer, but experience in
      routine practice is not reported. We evaluated whether oncologists' perceptions
      of these regimens matches clinical experience. We surveyed Wisconsin medical
      oncologists throughout the state regarding factors impacting selection of TCH
      (docetaxel, carboplatin, and trastuzumab) or anthracycline-based therapy. We also
      reviewed 200 cases of HER2+ breast cancer treated at the University of Wisconsin
      and the Marshfield Clinic and collected data on patient and tumor
      characteristics, chemotherapy regimen, and toxicities. Two-thirds of surveyed
      oncologists prefer anthracycline-based therapy, particularly for node-positive
      cancers. However, TCH was preferred for early-stage (T1a-bN0) tumors. Half of
      oncologists use prophylactic G-CSF with TCH. In the 200 cases reviewed at our
      centers, acute toxicity occurred more frequently with TCH. There were fewer dose
      modifications or delays for AC-TH (doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, paclitaxel, and
      trastuzumab) than TCH (31% vs. 47%, P = 0.07), possibly due to higher use of
      prophylactic G-CSF with AC-TH (77% vs. 34% with TCH, P < 0.001). Fifteen patients
      received prophylactic G-CSF during TCH; none developed neutropenic fever. In
      contrast, 25% developed neutropenic fever during TCH without G-CSF. There were
      modest declines in median left ventricular ejection fraction reaching 9% with AC
      TH and 3% with TCH at 12 months, but early cessation of trastuzumab was similar
      for both regimens. We conclude that TCH and AC-TH are common adjuvant regimens
      used for HER2+ breast cancer. The preference of TCH for early-stage disease and
      anthracycline-based therapy for node-positive disease suggests that many
      oncologists perceive that TCH is safer and AC-TH more effective. Myelosuppression
      from TCH is greater than AC-TH, but can be mitigated with routine G-CSF.

PMID- 22065291
TI  - Prognostic role of CA15.3 in 7942 patients with operable breast cancer.
AB  - To assess the prognostic value of presurgical CA15.3 in a large cohort of
      patients with early breast cancer. A total of 7.942 consecutive patients with
      breast cancer operated at the European Institute of Oncology between 1998 and
      2005 and with presurgical values of CA 15.3 available were included. We explored
      patterns of recurrence by baseline CA 15.3 values. Mean CA15.3 was 17.0 U/ml.
      CA15.3 was associated with age, tumor size, nodal involvement, Ki-67 labeling
      index, grade, HER2 expression, molecular subtype, and perivascular invasion.
      CA15.3 was independently associated with distant metastases [HR > 20 U/ml vs. <=
      20 U/ml: 1.34 (95% CI 1.15-1.56)] and death [HR > 20 U/ml vs. <= 20 U/ml: 1.30
      (95% CI 1.11-1.53)]. When considering CA15.3 as continuous variable, we observed
      a constant risk of metastasis and death from the lowest values to about 15-20
      U/ml, and then a significantly increasing risk with increasing values of CA15.3.
      Finally, CA15.3 provided significant additional information to the common
      prognostic factors to predict the occurrence of metastases (C-index P value
      0.04). In patients with operable breast cancer, presurgical CA15.3 value is an
      independent prognostic factor for metastases and deaths. CA15.3 provides
      additional information to the common prognostic factors and should be considered
      in the adjuvant therapeutic algorithm.

PMID- 22065292
TI  - Bis[3,5-difluoro-2-(4-methyl-pyridin-2-yl)phenyl-kappaC,N](picolinato
      kappaN,O)iridium(III) chloro-form monosolvate.
AB  - In the title complex, [Ir(C(12)H(8)F(2)N)(2)(C(6)H(4)NO(2))].CHCl(3), two similar
      mol-ecules of each component comprise the asymmetric unit. The independent
      complex mol-ecules are linked by inter-molecular pi-pi inter-actions [centroid
      centroid distance = 3.830 (4) A]. The Ir(III) ion adopts a distorted octa-hedral
      geometry, being coordinated by three N atoms, two C atoms, and one O atom of
      three bidentate ligands, with the N atoms arranged meridionally.

PMID- 22065293
TI  - Patients with focal full-thickness cartilage lesions benefit less from ACL
      reconstruction at 2-5 years follow-up.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate differences in patient-reported outcome after anterior
      cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction between patients with and without a
      concomitant full-thickness cartilage lesion. METHODS: 30 primary ACL
      reconstructed patients with an isolated concomitant full-thickness cartilage
      lesion and 59 matched controls without cartilage lesions were identified in the
      Norwegian National Knee Ligament Registry and included in the present study. The
      Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) was used as the outcome
      measure. At a median follow-up of 2.1 years (range, 2-5 years) after ACL
      reconstruction, 80 (90%) of the patients completed the KOOS. RESULTS:
      Preoperatively, there were no differences in KOOS between the study group and the
      control group. At follow-up, patients with full-thickness cartilage lesions
      reported significantly decreased scores compared to patients without cartilage
      lesions in the KOOS subscales pain (mean difference, 8.1; 95% confidence interval
      [CI], 0.8-15.3), activities in daily living (mean difference, 5.8; 95% CI, 0.3
      11.2), sport/recreation (mean difference, 19.8; 95% CI, 5.3-34.3) and quality of
      life (mean difference, 17.2; 95% CI, 4.2-30.1). Patients with full-thickness
      cartilage lesions reported significantly less improvement from preoperative to
      follow-up than patients without cartilage lesions for the KOOS subscales pain
      (mean difference, 11.6; 95% CI, 3.2-19.9), sport/recreation (mean difference,
      20.6; 95% CI, 8.1-33.1) and quality of life (mean difference, 16.3; 95% CI, 3.8
      28.7). CONCLUSIONS: ACL-injured patients with full-thickness cartilage lesions
      reported worse outcomes and less improvement after ACL reconstruction than those
      without cartilage lesions at 2-5 years follow-up. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic;
      prospective cohort study, Level I.

PMID- 22065294
TI  - The effect of tranexamic acid on blood loss and use of blood products in total
      knee arthroplasty: a meta-analysis.
AB  - PURPOSE: Studies have shown that tranexamic acid (TXA) reduces blood loss and
      transfusion need in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However,
      no single study has been large enough to definitively determine whether the drug
      is safe and effective. We report a systematic review and meta-analysis of
      randomised controlled trials evaluating the efficacy and safety of TXA in
      reducing blood loss and transfusion in TKA. METHODS: A comprehensive literature
      search was done in Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CNKI. Two reviewers
      independently identified the eligible studies, assessed their methodological
      quality, and extracted data. The data were evaluated using the generic evaluation
      tool designed by the Cochrane Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group. The relevant
      data were analyzed using RevMan 5.0. RESULTS: Fifteen randomized controlled
      trials involving 842 patients were included. The use of TXA reduced total blood
      loss by a mean of 487 ml [95% confidence interval (CI) -629 to -344], intra
      operative blood loss by a mean of 127 ml (95% CI -313-59), and post-operative
      blood loss by a mean of 245 ml (95% CI -410 to -80). TXA led to a significant
      reduction in the proportion of patients requiring blood transfusion (risk
      difference -0.4). There were no significant differences in deep-vein thrombosis
      (DVT), pulmonary embolism, or other complications among the study groups.
      CONCLUSION: Meta-analysis indicates that TXA may reduce post-operative, total
      blood loss and transfusion in patients undergoing TKA. TXA led to a significant
      reduction in the proportion of patients requiring blood transfusion. LEVEL OF
      EVIDENCE: Therapeutic study (Systematic review of Level I studies with
      inconsistent results), Level II.

PMID- 22065295
TI  - Short-term outcome of the second generation characterized chondrocyte
      implantation for the treatment of cartilage lesions in the knee.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate short-term clinical and MRI outcome of the second generation
      characterized chondrocyte implantation (CCI) for the treatment of cartilage
      defects in the knee. METHODS: Thirty-two patients aged 15-51 years with single
      International Cartilage Repair Society (ICRS) grade III/IV symptomatic cartilage
      defects of different locations in the knee were treated with CCI using a
      synthetic collagen I/III membrane to cover the defect. Clinical outcome was
      measured over 36 months by the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score
      (KOOS) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain. Serial magnetic resonance
      imaging (MRI) scans of 22 patients were scored using the original and modified
      Magnetic resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue (MOCART) system.
      RESULTS: The patients included in this study showed a significant gradual
      clinical improvement after CCI. The MRI findings of this pilot study were
      considered to be promising. No signs of deterioration were observed. A complete
      or hypertrophic filling was observed in 76.5% of the cases at 24 months of follow
      up. No preventive effect of an avital membrane on the occurrence of hypertrophic
      repair tissue was observed on MRI. Three failures were observed among the 32
      patients until now (9.4%). CONCLUSIONS: This investigation provided useful
      information on the efficacy of this treatment. The short-term clinical and MRI
      outcome are promising. Large-scale and long-term trials are mandatory to confirm
      the results and the reliability of this procedure. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: IV.

PMID- 22065296
TI  - The New Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.

PMID- 22065297
TI  - Support for women in osteopathic medicine who breastfeed: a call for action.

PMID- 22065298
TI  - Developmental and persistent developmental stuttering: an overview for primary
      care physicians.
AB  - Stuttering is a speech disorder characterized by a disruption in the fluency,
      timing, and rhythm of normal speech. It affects approximately 5% of children at
      some point in their lives. Although dysfluency often resolves before adulthood,
      it may cause periods of extreme anxiety for patients, especially those who
      continue to stutter in adolescence and adulthood. Although these patients are
      unlikely to stop stuttering, treatment options are available to reduce anxiety
      and therefore the severity of symptoms. In the present review article, the
      authors discuss the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of developmental
      stuttering in children and adults.

PMID- 22065299
TI  - Osteopathic distinctiveness in osteopathic predoctoral education and its effect
      on osteopathic graduate medical education.
AB  - The number of colleges of osteopathic medicine (COMs), osteopathic medical
      students, and osteopathic physicians in practice has been consistently growing
      since the 1960s. In recent years, the growth of the profession has been
      exponential. Despite this growth, graduates of COMs are increasingly choosing
      allopathic residencies. The authors believe that this trend may stem from a lack
      of focus on osteopathic principles and practice in COMs, as well as geographic
      and specialty limitations of available osteopathic residency positions. The
      present article will briefly examine the history of AOA accreditation and the
      current accreditation process and the current state of osteopathic predoctoral
      education and postdoctoral training. The authors call on osteopathic physicians
      to help bring osteopathic distinctiveness to osteopathic predoctoral education by
      mentoring and volunteering at COMs. In addition, the authors urge the osteopathic
      profession to increase the number of osteopathic residencies to account for the
      number of and distribution of osteopathic medical school graduates.

PMID- 22065300
TI  - Sacral stress fracture in a distance runner.
AB  - Sacral stress fractures are uncommon injuries that are associated with repetitive
      load-bearing activities. The authors describe a 23-year-old male cross-country
      runner who presented with low back and buttocks pain. Radiographic findings were
      unremarkable, but a hop test identified a sacral stress fracture. The patient was
      instructed to stop running and to take calcium and vitamin D supplements. Four
      months later, his symptoms completely resolved and he began running again. The
      authors also present a review of the literature, which revealed that patients
      with sacral stress fractures are likely to have normal neurologic examinations
      and full active range of motions. However, they will likely describe discomfort
      with passive hip flexion. The authors recommend the hop test for patients with
      this type of history and these physical examination findings. If a sacral stress
      fracture is found, treatment regimens should consist of 4 to 6 weeks of rest with
      gradual return to activity.

PMID- 22065301
TI  - A safe and effective plant gene switch system for tissue-specific induction of
      gene expression in Arabidopsis thaliana and Brassica juncea.
AB  - The ability to regulate spatial and temporal expression of genes is a useful tool
      in biotechnology as well as studies of functional genomics. Such regulation can
      provide information concerning the function of a gene in a developmental context
      while avoiding potential harmful effects due to constitutive overexpression of
      the gene. A GUS gene construct that uses the ecdysone receptor-based chemically
      inducible system and several different tissue-specific promoters was introduced
      into the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana and into the crop plant Brassica
      juncea. Here we describe the results of studies showing that this system provides
      both temporal and spatial control of transgene expression, and confirm that this
      system is useful for tissue-specific and temporal induction of gene expression in
      A. thaliana and B. juncea.

PMID- 22065302
TI  - Non-occupational sitting and mental well-being in employed adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Emerging evidence suggests that sedentary behaviour may be adversely
      associated with physical health, but few studies have examined the association
      with mental well-being. PURPOSE: This study examined the association of four non
      occupational sedentary behaviours, individually and in total, with mental well
      being in employed adults. METHODS: Baseline data from the evaluation of
      Well@Work, a national workplace health promotion project conducted in the UK,
      were used. Participants self-reported sitting time whilst watching television,
      using a computer, socialising and travelling by motorised transport. Mental well
      being was assessed by the 12-item version of the general health questionnaire.
      Analyses were conducted using multiple linear regression. RESULTS: In models
      adjusted for multiple confounders, TV viewing, computer use and total non
      occupational sitting time were adversely associated with general health
      questionnaire-12 assessed mental well-being in women. Computer use only was found
      to be adversely associated with mental well-being in men. CONCLUSION: Sedentary
      behaviour may be adversely associated with mental well-being in employed adults.
      The association may be moderated by gender.

PMID- 22065303
TI  - Progress of the Asian Society of Cardiovascular Imaging.
AB  - ASCI has continued to grow over the past 5 years since its establishment in 2006.
      Recent record shows total membership of 804 from 34 countries and 1,032
      attendants from 32 countries at the last annual congress in Hong Kong in 2011.
      ASCI publishes ASCI Special Issues twice a year in the International Journal of
      Cardiovascular Imaging. The Asian CCT and CMR Guideline Working Group of ASCI
      published guidelines and protocol in the ASCI Special Issue of the International
      Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging in 2010. ASCI launched the [ASCI](2) (Advanced
      School for Core Investigators from ASCI) Program with the aim to recruit young
      ASCI members of high potential and train them to become representative scholars
      of Asia, which was met with much success in 2010 and 2011. ASCI is trying to
      widen its scope by collaborating with other cardiovascular imaging societies
      including the European Society of Cardiovascular Radiology. Multicenter trials by
      ASCI researchers and cardiac imaging registry in the Asian population are being
      designed to represent ASCI.

PMID- 22065304
TI  - Differing perceptions of intervention thresholds for fracture risk: a survey of
      patients and doctors.
AB  - This survey suggests that patients are prepared to accept higher absolute
      fracture risk than doctors, before considering pharmacological therapy to be
      justified. Patients require that drug treatments confer substantial fracture risk
      reductions in order to consider long-term therapy. INTRODUCTION: Absolute
      fracture risk estimates are now incorporated into osteoporosis treatment
      guidelines. At present, little is known about how patients regard fracture risk
      and its management. We set out to describe and compare the views of patients and
      doctors on the level of fracture risk at which drug treatment is justified.
      METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted on 114 patients referred for bone
      density measurement and 161 doctors whose practice includes management of
      osteoporosis. Participants were asked about fracture risk thresholds for
      pharmacological intervention. RESULTS: The absolute risk of both major
      osteoporotic fracture and hip fracture at which drug treatment was considered by
      patients to be justifiable was higher than that reported by doctors [major
      osteoporotic fracture, median (interquartile range): patients, 50% (25 to 60);
      doctors, 10% (10 to 20); P < 0.0001; hip fracture: patients, 50% (25 to 60);
      doctors, 10% (5 to 20); P < 0.0001]. Patients required that a drug provide a
      median 50% reduction in relative risk of fracture in order to consider taking
      long-term therapy, irrespective of the treatment mode or dosing schedule. Among
      doctors, there was an inverse relationship between the number of osteoporosis
      consultations conducted each month and threshold of risk for recommending drug
      treatment (r = -0.22 and r = -0.29 for major osteoporotic fracture and hip
      fracture, respectively, P < 0.01 for both) CONCLUSIONS: Patients are prepared to
      accept higher absolute fracture risk than doctors, before considering
      pharmacological therapy to be justified. Patients require that drug treatments
      confer substantial fracture risk reductions in order to consider long-term
      therapy.

PMID- 22065305
TI  - Reproductive performance in out-of-breeding season of fatty ewes using implant
      norgestomet with or without PMSG.
AB  - Pregnancy in out-of-breeding season in ewes increases the economical goals.
      Synchronization of estrus and ovulation is essential for above program. The aims
      of this study using implant norgestomet with or without Pregnant Mare Serum
      Gonadotropin (PMSG) were to evaluate the serum progesterone (P4) concentration
      changes: the conception rate and estimation of the lambing rate and litter size.
      In total, 80 non-cycling multiparous Iranian Kurdish breed fat-tailed ewes with
      <0/5 ng/ml P4 were used in April and May 2008 in the suburb of Mashhad, Iran. The
      animals were randomly divided into three groups: a control group (n = 30) without
      hormonal treatment, another group (n = 25) received 3 mg of norgestomet implant
      placed subcutaneously in the convex surface of the ear for 9 days, and the third
      group (n = 25) treated with 3 mg of norgestomet implant for 9 days with an IM
      injection of 500 IU PMSG at implant removal. The progesterone of treatment and
      control groups were measured on days 4, 9, and 13 after removal of the
      norgestomet using radioimmunoassay. Every five ewes were exposed to one ram after
      24 h of norgestomet removal in treatment and control groups, simultaneously. The
      pregnancy was examined after 25 days of ram removal using ultrasonography.
      Progesterone concentration was significantly higher in treatment groups on 9 and
      13 days after norgestomet removal (P < 0.05). The pregnancy rate in the control,
      non-PMSG, and PMSG treatments groups were 17%, 52%, and 72%, respectively. The
      rates of single and twin pregnancy in the non-PMSG treatment group were 69% and
      31%, respectively. These rates in norgestomet and PMSG treatment group were 50%
      and 39%, respectively. Triplet pregnancy (11%) was observed only in the PMSG
      treatment group. It was concluded that using implant norgestomet especially
      accompanied with PMSG can increase and improve the fertilization rate of ewe in
      the out-of-breeding season program.

PMID- 22065306
TI  - Maedi-visna virus infection in Karayaka and Amasya Herik breed sheep from
      provinces in northern Turkey.
AB  - Maedi-visna is an important virus infection of sheep having prolonged incubation
      period (slow disease) and reflecting two distinct forms clinically and
      pathologically. In this study, the presence of MVV was investigated serologically
      in 58 Amasya Herik sheep breed and 525 Karayaka sheep breed. Seropositivity rates
      in Amasya Herik sheep breed and Karayaka sheep breed were detected as 69.0% and
      18.5%, respectively. MVV antibodies were found in 137 of 583 serum samples
      (23.5%). Positivity rates for the provinces varied and were as follows: Samsun
      19.4%, Sinop 15.4%, Ordu 25.8%, Trabzon 26.7%, Rize 36.7%, Amasya 69.0% and Tokat
      35.0%, however no antibody response was detected in all of the sheep in Giresun
      province.

PMID- 22065307
TI  - Presence of an interaction between smoking and being overweight increases risks
      of hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease in outpatients with mood
      disorders.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate the hypothesis that the presence of an
      interaction between smoking and being overweight increases the risks of lifestyle
      related diseases (hypertension, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, and
      cardiovascular disease) in outpatients with mood disorders. METHODS: In this
      cross-sectional survey, using data from 213 outpatients with mood disorders (95
      men, 118 women), we calculated the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence
      intervals (CIs) for each of hypertension, diabetes, dyslipedemia, and
      cardiovascular disease, using a binary logistic regression model; we then
      calculated the adjusted OR values for smokers and non-smokers with body mass
      indexes (BMIs) of <25 or >=25 kg/m2. Next, we examined the data for the presence
      of an interaction between smoking and being overweight, using three measures of
      additive interaction: relative excess risk due to the interaction (RERI),
      attributable proportion due to the interaction (AP), and the synergy index (S).
      RESULTS: Smokers with BMI <25 kg/m2 had a significantly lower risk of
      hypertension (OR 0.27, 95% CI 0.09-0.81) than non-smokers with BMI <25 kg/m2
      (reference group). Compared with the reference group, overweight non-smokers had
      a significantly higher risk (2.82, 1.34-6.19) of hypertension, and overweight
      smokers had a higher risk (4.43, 1.28-15.26) of hypertension and very high risks
      of diabetes (8.24, 2.47-27.42) and cardiovascular disease (13.12, 1.95-88.41).
      The highest RERI was derived from the relation with cardiovascular disease. The
      highest AP and S were derived from the relation with type 2 diabetes. There was
      no interaction of smoking and being overweight with dyslipidemia. CONCLUSION: The
      presence of an interaction between smoking and being overweight exacerbates the
      risks of hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease in outpatients with
      mood disorders.

PMID- 22065308
TI  - The chemical compound PTC124 does not affect cellular electrophysiology of
      cardiac ventricular myocytes.
AB  - PURPOSE: Nonsense mutations that create premature termination codons (PTC)
      leading to disease by a mechanism of haploinsufficiency are relatively common in
      the SCN5A gene encoding the major sodium channel in heart. PTCs in SCN5A are
      associated with isolated conduction disease and Brugada syndrome (BrS).
      Pharmacological therapy does not exist for these disorders, but would be highly
      beneficial. Recently, an orally bio-available drug capable of suppressing
      premature termination, PTC124, has been identified that selectively induces
      ribosomal read-through of premature but not normal termination codons. In this
      study, we tested the acute and long-term effects of PTC124 on action potential
      characteristics of rabbit ventricular cardiomyocytes. METHODS: The effects of
      PTC124 on action potentials of isolated adult rabbit ventricular cardiomyocytes
      were studied using the perforated patch-clamp methodology. Acute effects of
      PTC124 were measured in freshly isolated cardiomyocytes, while long term effects
      were measured after 48 h in cultured cardiomyocytes. RESULTS: Resting membrane
      potential, maximum upstroke velocity, action potential amplitude and action
      potential duration at 20, 50 and 90% of repolarization were not affected by
      application of PTC124, neither acute nor after 48 h. CONCLUSION: PTC124 has no
      acute or long-term effects on rabbit ventricular action potentials. These
      experiments form the basis for future studies evaluating the use of this therapy
      in preventing potentially lethal arrhythmias in patients with BrS and/or
      conduction disease.

PMID- 22065309
TI  - Erratum: 2-Benz-yloxy-1,2,4-triazolo[1,5-a]quinazolin-5(4H)-one. Corrigendum.
AB  - The name of one of the authors in the paper by Al-Salahi et al. [Acta Cryst.
      (2011), E67, o1861] is corrected.[This corrects the article DOI:
      10.1107/S1600536811024962.].

PMID- 22065310
TI  - (R)-2-Phen-oxy-1-(4-phenyl-2-sulfan-ylidene-1,3-oxazolidin-3-yl)ethanone.
AB  - The central 1,3-oxazolidine-2-thione ring in the title compound,
      C(17)H(15)NO(3)S, is approximately planar with maximum deviations of 0.036 (4)
      and -0.041 (5) A for the O and methyl-ene-C atoms, respectively. The dihedral
      angles formed between this plane and the two benzene rings, which lie to the same
      side of the central plane, are 86.5 (2) [ring-bound benzene] and 50.6 (3) degrees
      . The ethan-1-one residue is also twisted out of the central plane, forming a O-C
      N-C torsion angle of 151.5 (5) degrees . The dihedral angle formed by the benzene
      rings is 62.8 (2) degrees  so that overall, the mol-ecule has a twisted U-shape.
      In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked into supra-molecular arrays two mol-ecules
      thick in the bc plane through C-H?O, C-H?S and C-H?pi inter-actions.

PMID- 22065311
TI  - Rhizobium helanshanense sp. nov., a bacterium that nodulates Sphaerophysa salsula
      (Pall.) DC. in China.
AB  - Studying rhizobia in the root nodules of Sphaerophysa salsula (Pall.) DC in the
      northwest of China, we obtained five strains classified as genus Rhizobium on the
      basis of their 16S rRNA gene sequences. The sequence similarity of strain
      CCNWQTX14(T) with the most related species was 99.0%. Further phylogenetic
      analysis of housekeeping genes (recA and atpD) suggested the five strains
      comprised a novel lineage within Rhizobium. The nifH and nodD gene sequences of
      CCNWQTX14(T) were phylogenetically closely related with those of Sinorhizobium
      kummerowiae and R. sphaerophysae, respectively. The five strains isolated from
      different places were also distinct from related Rhizobium species using ERIC
      fingerprint profiles. The DNA-DNA hybridization value was 41.8% between
      CCNWQTX14(T) and Rhizobium sphaerophysae CCNWGS0238(T). Our novel strains were
      only able to form effective nodules on its original host Sphaerophysa salsula.
      Our data showed that the five Rhizobium strains formed a unique genomic species,
      for which a novel species Rhizobium helanshanense sp. nov. is proposed. The type
      strain is CCNWQTX14(T) (=ACCC 16237(T) =HAMBI 3083(T)).

PMID- 22065312
TI  - Update--Ethical standards in sport and exercise science research.

PMID- 22065313
TI  - A 'new' method to normalize exercise intensity.

PMID- 22065314
TI  - Happy Mother's Day.

PMID- 22065315
TI  - Integration of 3D volumetry, portal vein transection and in situ split procedure:
      a new surgical strategy for inoperable liver metastasis.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The purpose of this study was to report on the feasibility of
      integrating 3D preoperative volumetry, portal vein transection and in situ split
      procedure. A 54-year-old female with now resectable colorectal liver metastasis
      (CRLM) (segments III, IVb, V-VIII) underwent a two-staged procedure. METHODS:
      Segment III resection, right portal vein transection and an in situ split
      procedure (first stage) after 3D volumetry based on CT data and a right
      trisegmentectomy (second stage) were performed. RO resection of metastases was
      achieved, and the postoperative course was uneventful. CONCLUSION: The proposed
      strategy seems to be a promising method to achieve higher resectability rates in
      CRLM patients.

PMID- 22065316
TI  - Molecular mechanism underlying the detection of colorectal cancer by 18F-2-fluoro
      2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Biological imaging by positron emission tomography (PET) using 18F-2
      fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) has been widely used clinically for the detection
      of primary tumors and for early prediction of response to chemotherapy. In this
      study, we examined the molecular mechanism underlying the detection of colorectal
      cancers by FDG-PET. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In all, 37 patients with colorectal
      cancer were examined with FDG-PET, and the maximal standardized uptake value
      (SUV) was calculated. Using surgical tissue samples, we examined the expression
      levels of hypoxia-inducible factor alpha (HIF1alpha), a marker of tissue hypoxia;
      proliferative cellular nuclear antigen (PCNA), a marker of proliferation; and
      glucose transporter (GLUT)1 and hexokinase (HK)2, protein of glucose uptake by
      using reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: All except two
      colorectal cancer lesions showed increased uptake of FDG. The mean SUV of FDG-PET
      was 12.0 +/- 1.2 (+/-SEM). The mean mRNA expression levels of GLUT1 and HK2 were
      significantly higher in cancer tissues than in the surrounding normal mucosa.
      Moreover, to promote the upregulation of glucose uptake, the expressions of
      HIF1alpha and PCNA were induced to 2.6 and 3.3 times higher than that in the
      normal mucosa. However, the quantitative correlation analysis showed SUV was
      correlated with HIF1alpha expression but not with PCNA expression. CONCLUSION:
      Our molecular-based analysis suggested that FDG accumulation due to induction of
      glucose uptake proteins might be associated with the hypoxic environment in
      tumors rather than the tumor growth. Therefore, for assessing the efficacy of
      chemotherapy using FDG-PET, we must keep in mind that SUV does not indicate the
      tumor growth directly.

PMID- 22065317
TI  - Budd-Chiari syndrome revisited: 38 years' experience with surgical portal
      decompression.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Ten years ago, we reported our results with what remains as the
      largest clinical experience with surgical portal decompression for Budd-Chiari
      syndrome (BCS) in the West. Since then, our series has expanded to 77 patients,
      and there has been an explosion of interest in and publications about BCS. The
      objectives of this study are to assess the validity of our observations and
      conclusions regarding BCS reported 10 years ago by expansion of our series of
      patients and observations of outcomes over an additional decade of close follow
      up. METHODS: Seventy-seven patients with BCS were allocated to three groups:
      group I, 39 had hepatic vein occlusion alone, treated by side-to-side portacaval
      shunt (SSPCS); group II, 26 had inferior vena cava occlusion treated by
      mesoatrial shunt in eight and combined SSPCS and cavoatrial shunt (CAS) in 18;
      and group III, 12 had decompensated cirrhosis too late for portal decompression
      who were listed for liver transplantation (LT). An extensive diagnostic workup
      included angiography with pressure measurements and needle liver biopsy. Follow
      up was 100%, lasting 5-38 years. RESULTS: In group I, long-term survival is 95%
      with 36 free of ascites, leading lives of good quality 5-38 years post-SSPCS. In
      group II, mesoatrial shunt was discontinued after 1990 because of a high failure
      rate, but combined SSPCS-CAS has resulted in 100% survival for 5-25 years. In
      group III, six patients (50%) are alive and well for more than 5 years post-LT.
      Serial liver biopsies following portal decompression have shown long-term
      reversal of the lesions of BCS. CONCLUSIONS: Long-term survival following portal
      decompression of BCS in the West has not been equaled by any other form of
      therapy, medical or surgical. It is imperative to perform surgical portal
      decompression early in the course of BCS in order to avoid irreversible liver
      damage.

PMID- 22065318
TI  - Effect of neoadjuvant chemoradiation and surgical technique on recurrence of
      localized pancreatic cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To determine the influence of neoadjuvant chemoradiation and
      standardized dissection of the superior mesenteric artery upon the oncologic
      outcome of patients with localized pancreatic adenocarcinoma. METHODS: One
      hundred ninety-four patients with pancreatic adenocarcinoma who underwent
      pancreaticoduodenectomy between 2004 and 2008 were evaluated. The retroperitoneal
      dissection was performed directly along the superior mesenteric artery in all
      cases. A standard histopathologic protocol that measured the "superior mesenteric
      artery (SMA) margin distance" between cancer cells and the superior mesenteric
      artery was employed. RESULTS: Seventy-six percent of patients received
      neoadjuvant chemoradiation. The SMA margin was positive in 4% of patients but an
      additional 22% of patients with a negative margin had a SMA margin distance of
      <=1 mm. Preoperative CT images overestimated the SMA margin distance in 73% of
      cases. Patients who received chemoradiation had longer SMA margin distances than
      those who did not. Patients who received chemoradiation and had a SMA margin of
      >1 mm had the lowest recurrence rates. Administration of neoadjuvant
      chemoradiation and lower estimated blood loss were independently associated with
      longer progression-free survival on multivariate analysis. CONCLUSIONS:
      Preoperative chemoradiation and meticulous dissection of the superior mesenteric
      artery maximize the distance between cancer cells and the SMA margin and may
      influence locoregional control.

PMID- 22065319
TI  - A root-cause analysis of mortality following major pancreatectomy.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Although mortality rates from pancreatectomy have decreased
      worldwide, death remains an infrequent but profound event at an individual
      practice level. Root-cause analysis is a retrospective method commonly employed
      to understand adverse events. We evaluate whether emerging mortality risk
      assessment tools sufficiently predict and account for actual clinical events that
      are often identified by root-cause analysis. METHODS: We assembled a Pancreatic
      Surgery Mortality Study Group comprised of 36 pancreatic surgeons from 15
      institutions in 4 countries. Mortalities after pancreatectomy (30 and 90 days)
      were accrued from 2000 to 2010. For root-cause analysis, each surgeon
      "deconstructed" the clinical events preceding a death to determine cause. We next
      tested whether mortality risk assessment tools (ASA, POSSUM, Charlson, SOAR, and
      NSQIP) could predict those patients who would die (n = 218) and compared their
      prognostic accuracy against a cohort of resections in which no patient died (n =
      1,177). RESULTS: Two hundred eighteen deaths (184 Whipple's resection, 18 distal
      pancreatectomies, and 16 total pancreatectomies) were identified from 11,559
      pancreatectomies performed by surgeons whose experience averaged 14.5 years.
      Overall 30- and 90-day mortalities were 0.96% and 1.89%, respectively. Individual
      surgeon rates ranged from 0% to 4.7%. Only 5 patients died intraoperatively,
      while the other 213 succumbed at a median of 29 days. Mean patient age was 70
      years old (38% were >75 years old). Malignancy was the indication in 90% of
      cases, mostly pancreatic cancer (57%). Median operative time was 365 min and
      estimated blood loss was 700 cc (range, 100-16,000 cc). Vascular repair or
      multivisceral resections were required for 19.7% and 15.1%, respectively. Seventy
      seven percent had a variety of major complications before death. Eighty-seven
      percent required intensive care unit care, 55% were transfused, and 35% were
      reoperated upon. Fifty percent died during the index admission, while another 11%
      died after a readmission. Almost half (n = 107) expired between 31 and 90 days.
      Only 11% had autopsies. Operation-related complications contributed to 40% of
      deaths, with pancreatic fistula being the most evident (14%). Technical errors
      (21%) and poor patient selection (15%) were cited by surgeons. Of deaths, 5.5%
      had associated cancer progression-all occurring between 31 and 90 days. Even
      after root-cause scrutiny, the ultimate cause of death could not be determined
      for a quarter of the patients-most often between 31 and 90 days. While assorted
      risk models predicted mortality with variable discrimination from nonmortalities,
      they consistently underestimated the actual mortality events we report.
      CONCLUSION: Root-cause analysis suggests that risk prediction should include, if
      not emphasize, operative factors related to pancreatectomy. While risk models can
      distinguish between mortalities and nonmortalities in a collective fashion, they
      vastly miscalculate the actual chance of death on an individual basis. This study
      reveals the contributions of both comorbidities and aggressive surgical decisions
      to mortality.

PMID- 22065320
TI  - Pulmonary hypertension, how to diagnose and who to treat?

PMID- 22065321
TI  - BST-2 binding with cellular MT1-MMP blocks cell growth and migration via
      decreasing MMP2 activity.
AB  - MT1-MMP (membrane type 1-matrix metalloproteinase) plays important roles in cell
      growth and tumor invasion via mediating cleavage of MMP2/gelatinase A and a
      variety of substrates including type I collagen. BST-2 (bone marrow stromal cell
      antigen 2) is a membrane tetherin whose expression dramatically reduces the
      release of a broad range of enveloped viruses including HIV from infected cells.
      In this study, we provided evidence that both transient and IFN-alpha induced BST
      2 could decrease the activity of MMP2 via binding to cellular MT1-MMP on its C
      terminus and inhibiting its proteolytic activity; and finally block cell growth
      and migration. Zymography gel and Western blot experiments demonstrated that BST
      2 decreased MMP2 activity, but no effect on the expression of MMP2 and MT1-MMP
      genes. Confocal and immunoprecipitation data showed that BST-2 co-localized and
      interacted with MT1-MMP. This interaction inhibited the proteolytic enzyme
      activity of MT1-MMP, and blocked the activation of proMMP2. Experimental results
      of C-terminus deletion mutant of MT1-MMP showed that activity of MMP2 was no
      change and also no interaction existed between the mutant and BST-2 after co
      transfection with the mutant and BST-2. It meant that C-terminus of MT1-MMP
      played a key role in the interaction with BST-2. In addition, cell growth in 3D
      type I collagen gel lattice and cell migration were all inhibited by BST-2. Taken
      together, BST-2, as a membrane protein and a tetherin of enveloped viruses, was a
      novel inhibitor of MT1-MMP and could be considerable as an inhibitor of cancer
      cell growth and migration on clinic.

PMID- 22065323
TI  - An international perspective on abnormal uterine bleeding.

PMID- 22065324
TI  - A five-year international review process concerning terminologies, definitions,
      and related issues around abnormal uterine bleeding.
AB  - Over the past decade there has been an increasing realization about the extent of
      confusion associated with the many terminologies used to describe abnormal
      uterine bleeding (AUB). This led to the organization of an international workshop
      of 35 experts from 15 countries in Washington, D.C., USA, in 2005, which
      addressed the confusions and controversies around AUB. The workshop
      comprehensively addressed anomalies in the terminologies, definitions, and causes
      of AUB. It also began to address broader issues including investigations, quality
      of life, the need for structured symptom questionnaires, cultural aspects, and
      future research needs. This workshop led to a series of recommendations and
      publications and to the establishment of the International Federation of
      Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) Menstrual Disorders Working Group. Since then, a
      series of international presentations and small group workshops has resulted in a
      wide awareness of the program and a comprehensive series of recommendations and
      publications. A particularly influential large-scale interactive workshop with
      600 attendees was held during the 2009 FIGO World Congress, which demonstrated
      the broad acceptability of the current recommendations. This article describes
      the process leading to the development of international recommendations on
      terminologies, definitions, and classification of causes of AUB and the
      establishment of the FIGO Menstrual Disorders Working Group.

PMID- 22065325
TI  - The FIGO recommendations on terminologies and definitions for normal and abnormal
      uterine bleeding.
AB  - Over the past 5 years there has been a major international discussion aimed at
      reaching agreement on the use of well-defined terminologies to describe the
      normal limits and range of abnormalities related to patterns of uterine bleeding.
      This article builds on concepts previously presented, which include the
      abandonment of long-used, ill-defined, and confusing English-language terms of
      Latin and Greek origin, such as menorrhagia and metrorrhagia. The term 
      DYSFUNCTIONAL UTERINE BLEEDING should also be discarded. Alternative terms and
      concepts have been proposed and defined. The terminologies and definitions
      described here have been comprehensively reviewed and have received wide
      acceptance as a basis both for routine clinical practice and for comparative
      research studies. It is anticipated that these terminologies and definitions will
      be reviewed again on a regular basis through the International Federation of
      Gynecology and Obstetrics Menstrual Disorders Working Group.

PMID- 22065326
TI  - Molecular and cellular causes of abnormal uterine bleeding of endometrial origin.
AB  - Women today may reasonably anticipate in the order of some 400 menstrual cycles
      over their reproductive lifespan. The endometrium is thus subject to repeat
      cycles of shedding and repair and notably healing of the endometrium post menses
      is "scarless". The local molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in post
      menstrual resolution of the inflammatory events associated with menstruation and
      endometrial repair remain to be fully determined. Menstrual complaints are
      common. It is highly likely that unrestrained local inflammatory events and/ or
      deficient repair processes within the endometrium contribute to the women's
      experience of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB). The management of women with HMB
      may need to utilize therapeutic approaches that optimize endometrial repair
      processes, post menses. These approaches may be necessary in addition to current
      therapies that hitherto have focused on limiting the local inflammation
      associated with menstruation. Research endeavors thus need to focus upon the
      molecular and cellular causes of problematic uterine bleeding. Herein the events
      associated with pre-menstrual progesterone withdrawal, limitation of blood loss,
      the expression of vasoactive mediators and factors that may modulate vascular
      morphology are described. Such lines of enquiry and knowledge will be essential
      if novel targets for treatment of menstrual bleeding complaints, such as HMB, are
      to be identified.

PMID- 22065327
TI  - The need for investigations to elucidate causes and effects of abnormal uterine
      bleeding.
AB  - This article describes a modern perspective on the basic investigations for
      abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) in low-resource settings compared with a much
      more detailed approach for high-resource settings, bearing in mind issues of
      effectiveness and cost effectiveness. AUB includes any one or more of several
      symptoms, and it should be evaluated for the characteristics of the woman's
      specific bleeding pattern, her "complaint" and the presence of other symptoms
      (especially pain), the impact on several aspects of body functioning and
      lifestyle, and the underlying cause(s), especially cancer. Ideally, the
      evaluation is comprehensive, considering each of the potential etiological
      domains defined by the International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics PALM
      COEIN system for the classification of causes. However, the detail of the
      questions and the extent of investigations will be significantly influenced by
      the technologies available and the time allotted for a consultation. In general,
      investigations should be performed only if they will make a material difference
      to the management approaches that can be offered. This should be an important
      consideration when a range of costly high-technology tests is accessible or when
      certain tests only have limited availability.

PMID- 22065328
TI  - The structured menstrual history: developing a tool to facilitate diagnosis and
      aid in symptom management.
AB  - Abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) is a prevalent symptom that encompasses
      abnormalities in menstrual regularity, duration, frequency and/or volume, and it
      is encountered frequently by both primary care physicians and obstetrician
      gynecologists. Research on AUB has used numerous methods to measure bleeding and
      assess symptoms, but the lack of universally accepted outcome measures hinder the
      quality of research and the ability of clinical investigators to collaborate in
      multicenter trials. Similarly, clinical care for women reporting heavy,
      prolonged, or irregular menstrual bleeding is not optimized because standard ways
      of evaluating symptoms and change in symptoms over time do not exist. This
      article describes (1) the current methods of evaluating women with AUB, both in
      research and clinical care; and (2) offers suggestions for the development of a
      standardized structured menstrual history for use in both research and clinical
      care.

PMID- 22065329
TI  - An international response to questions about terminologies, investigation, and
      management of abnormal uterine bleeding: use of an electronic audience response
      system.
AB  - More than 600 registrants attended a two-hour interactive symposium on abnormal
      uterine bleeding (AUB) at the Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics World
      Congress in Cape Town, October 2009. Nearly 250 of these participants answered
      multiple questions through an electronic audience responder system. The audience
      heard five structured presentations on clinically important and controversial
      aspects of AUB, including terminologies and definitions, classification of
      causes, mechanisms of AUB in the absence of structural lesions of the
      reproductive tract, the potential for a structured menstrual history, and
      management of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) in low-resource settings. Numerous
      demographic details were collected, and a total of 30 questions to the audience
      were interspersed through each of the presentations. The audience demonstrated
      great variation in the way the terms AUB, menorrhagia, and dysfunctional uterine
      bleeding (DUB) are used, and considerable majorities agreed that the terms
      menorrhagia and DUB should be abolished. AUB should be the overarching term to
      describe all symptomatic departures from normal menstruation or the menstrual
      cycle. HMB is a suitable replacement term for menorrhagia. DUB can be replaced by
      the three clinical entities comprising "nonstructural" causes of AUB. There was a
      high consistency across demographic subgroups in answers to most questions. Acute
      and chronic AUB were defined, and aspects of a classification system for causes
      of AUB and of a structured menstrual history were explored. Issues related to
      investigation and hormonal treatment of HMB in low-resource settings were
      explored by registrants from developing countries.

PMID- 22065330
TI  - Management of abnormal uterine bleeding in low- and high-resource settings:
      consideration of cultural issues.
AB  - In non industrialized countries the incidence of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB)
      appears to be similar to that of industrialized countries, although data is
      scanty. In low-resource settings, women with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB)
      often delay seeking medical care because of cultural beliefs that a heavy red
      menstrual bleed is healthy. Efforts to modify cultural issues are being
      considered. A detailed history and a meticulous examination are the important
      foundations of a definitive diagnosis and management in low-resource settings but
      are subject to time constraints and skill levels of the small numbers of health
      professionals. Women's subjective assessment of blood loss should be combined, if
      possible, with a colorimetric hemoglobin assessment, if full blood count is not
      possible. Outpatient endometrial sampling, transvaginal sonography, and
      hysteroscopy are available in some non industrialized countries but not in the
      lowest resource settings. After exclusion of serious underlying pathology,
      hematinics should be commenced and antifibrinolytic or nonsteroidal anti
      inflammatory drugs considered during menses to control the bleeding. Intrauterine
      or oral progestogens or the combined oral contraceptive are often the most cost
      effective long-term medical treatments. When medical treatment is inappropriate
      or has failed, the surgical options available most often are myomectomy or
      hysterectomy. Hysteroscopic endometrial resection or newer endometrial ablation
      procedures are available in some centers. If hysterectomy is indicated the
      vaginal route is the most appropriate in most low-resource settings. In low
      resource settings, lack of resources of all types can lead to empirical
      treatments or reliance on the unproven therapies of traditional healers. The
      shortage of human resources is often compounded by a limited availability of
      operative time. Governments and specialist medical organizations have rarely
      included attention to AUB and HMB in their health programs. Local guidelines and
      attention to training of doctors, midwives, and traditional health workers are
      critical for prevention and improvement in management of HMB and its consequences
      for iron deficiency anemia and postpartum hemorrhage, the major killer of young
      women in developing countries.

PMID- 22065331
TI  - 5-Meth-oxy-2-{[4-(morpholin-4-yl)phen-yl]imino-meth-yl}phenol.
AB  - In the title compound, C(18)H(20)N(2)O(3), the dihedral angle between the two
      aromatic rings is 33.66 (6) degrees . The morpholine ring adopts a chair
      conformation. The mol-ecular structure is stabilized by an intra-molecular O-H?N
      hydrogen bond. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked via weak inter-molecular C
      H?O and C-H?pi inter-actions.

PMID- 22065332
TI  - Air embolism and blunt chest trauma.

PMID- 22065333
TI  - Seizures following cardiac surgery: the impact of tranexamic acid and other risk
      factors.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Seizures after cardiac surgery are a serious complication. The
      antifibrinolytic agent tranexamic acid (TA), which has known proconvulsant
      properties, may be associated with postoperative seizures. We sought to determine
      the association between TA and other risk factors for seizures after cardiac
      surgery. METHODS AND RESULTS: We analyzed a database of consecutive cardiac
      surgery patients (April 2003 to December 2009) using multivariable logistic
      regression analysis to assess for seizure risk factors. Seizures occurred in 56
      of 5,958 patients (0.94%). TA use was associated with an increased risk of
      seizures (odds ratio 7.4, 95% confidence interval 2.8-19.3; P < 0.001).
      Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that the following factors
      were significantly associated with seizures: TA exposure; Acute Physiology, Age,
      and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score > 20; preoperative cardiac
      arrest; preoperative neurological disease; open chamber surgery; cardiopulmonary
      bypass time > 150 min; and previous cardiac surgery. Seizures occurred at a
      median of 5.3 hr (interquartile range 2.4-15.1 hr) after the end of surgery. In
      all, 58.1% were grand mal, 14.5% were associated with a stroke, and 58.1%
      recurred in hospital. Altogether, 48.3% of the patients were able to discontinue
      anticonvulsant medications prior to discharge. Compared to the non-seizure group,
      seizure patients had an increased rate of postoperative neurological
      complications, defined as delirium and/or stroke (3.2% vs 19.6%, P < 0.001),
      increased intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay (1.0 vs 4.7 days, P < 0.001),
      and increased ICU mortality (1.4 % vs 9.7 %, P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Our data
      suggest that multiple risk factors, including TA, are associated with seizures
      after cardiac surgery. Thus, the TA dose may be a readily modifiable risk factor
      for postoperative seizures.

PMID- 22065334
TI  - 'The body gets used to them': patients' interpretations of antibiotic resistance
      and the implications for containment strategies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Interventions promoting evidence based antibiotic prescribing and use
      frequently build on the concept of antibiotic resistance but patients and
      clinicians may not share the same assumptions about its meaning. OBJECTIVE: To
      explore patients' interpretations of 'antibiotic resistance' and to consider the
      implications for strategies to contain antibiotic resistance. DESIGN: Multi
      country qualitative interview study. PARTICIPANTS: One hundred and twenty-one
      adult patients from primary care research networks based in nine European
      countries who had recently consulted a primary care clinician with symptoms of
      Lower Respiratory Tract Infection (LRTI). APPROACH: Semi-structured interviews
      with patients following their consultation and subjected to a five-stage analytic
      framework approach (familiarization, developing a thematic framework from the
      interview questions and the themes emerging from the data, indexing, charting,
      and mapping to search for interpretations in the data), with local network
      facilitators commenting on preliminary reports. RESULTS: The dominant theme was
      antibiotic resistance as a property of a 'resistant human body', where the
      barrier to antibiotic effectiveness was individual loss of responsiveness. Less
      commonly, patients correctly conceptualized antibiotic resistance as a property
      of bacteria. Nevertheless, the over-use of antibiotics was a strong central
      concept in almost all patients' explanations, whether they viewed resistance as
      located in either the body or in bacteria. CONCLUSIONS: Most patients were aware
      of the link between antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance. The identification
      of the misinterpretation of antibiotic resistance as a property of the human body
      rather than bacterial cells could inform clearer clinician-patient discussions
      and public health interventions through emphasising the transferability of
      resistance, and the societal contribution individuals can make through more
      appropriate antibiotic prescribing and use.

PMID- 22065335
TI  - The relationship between distal and proximal colonic neoplasia: a meta-analysis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association between proximal colonic neoplasia and
      distal lesions as a function of the lesion type. The extent to which health,
      demographic, and study characteristics moderate this association was also
      examined. DATA SOURCES: Google Scholar, Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed. STUDY
      ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: Studies allowing the calculation of OR of proximal
      neoplasia (PN) and proximal advanced neoplasia (PAN) for distal hyperplastic
      polyps (HP), nonadvanced adenomas (NAA), adenomas (AD), and advanced neoplasia
      (AN); also, studies for which the proportions of subjects with isolated (i.e.,
      not accompanied by distal lesions) PN (IPN) and PAN (IPAN) over the total number
      of subjects with PN or PAN could be calculated. STUDY APPRAISAL AND SYNTHESIS
      METHODS: Thirty-two studies were included for calculating OR between proximal
      neoplasia and distal lesions and 40 studies for proportions of IPN and IPAN.
      Subgroup analyses were conducted for presence of symptoms, prevalence of PN and
      PAN, age, proportion of males, geographic region, study design, and demarcation
      point. RESULTS: The association between distal lesions and proximal neoplasia
      increased with the severity of the distal lesions. Odds of PN were higher in
      subjects with HP compared to subjects with a normal distal colon. Odds of PN and
      PAN were higher in subjects with NAA, AD, and AN than in subjects with a normal
      distal colon. PAN were more strongly associated with distal lesions in
      asymptomatic populations, in young populations, and in populations with a low
      prevalence of PAN. In approximately 60% of the subjects with PN and PAN, these
      neoplasia were isolated. LIMITATIONS: The present results may be affected by
      publication bias and dichotomization in the subgroup analyses. Limitations
      related to the individual studies include self-selection, lesion
      misclassification and misses, and technological advances leading to changes in
      the detection of lesions during the time span of the included studies.
      CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS OF KEY FINDINGS: All types of distal lesions are
      predictive of PN. All types of distal neoplasia are predictive of PAN. The
      association between distal lesions and proximal neoplasia increases with the
      severity of the distal lesion. The association between distal lesions and
      proximal advanced neoplasia is stronger in low-risk groups as compared to high
      risk groups.

PMID- 22065336
TI  - Triptolide attenuate the oxidative stress induced by LPS/D-GalN in mice.
AB  - Triptolide, a diterpene triepoxide, is one of the major components of most
      functional extracts of Tripterygium wilfordii Hook f, which is known to have
      various biological effects, including immunosuppressive, anti-inflammatory and
      anti-tumor functions. We studied the inhibitory effect of triptolide on
      endotoxemia (ETM)-induced oxidative stress, which was induced in C57BL/6 mice by
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and D-galactosamine (D-GalN). Pretreatment with
      triptolide decreased the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, mortality rate and
      liver injury after LPS/D-GalN injection. We utilized comprehensive proteomics to
      identify alterations in liver protein expression during pretreatment with
      triptolide or N-acetylcysteine (NAC) after LPS/D-GalN injection, 44 proteins were
      found to be related to oxidative stress, mitochondria, metabolism and signal
      transduction, and 23 proteins of them seemed to be significantly up- or down
      regulated. Furthermore, both triptolide and NAC inhibited activation of c-jun NH2
      terminal kinases (JNK) and mitogen-activated protein kinase p38 (p38),
      phosphorylation of inhibitor of nuclear factor-kappa B (IkappaB) and activation
      of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB). These results demonstrated that triptolide
      inhibited the activation of JNK and p38 by decreasing ROS levels, which in turn
      inhibited the hepatic injury. In addition, we set and validated the
      phosphorylation model of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and proposed
      that triptolide probably induced ERK phosphorylation through inhibiting its
      dephosphorylation rates. These results showed that triptolide can effectively
      reduce the oxidative stress and partially rescue the damage in the liver induced
      by LPS/D-GalN.

PMID- 22065337
TI  - [Comments on the article "Motivation of female surgeons - pleasure or burden" by
      C. Stroh (Zentralbl Chir 2010; 135: 447-450)].

PMID- 22065338
TI  - [Reno-pulmo-aortal fibromuscular dysplasia causing angiorrhexis and mimicking
      pheochromocytoma / paraganglioma - case report].

PMID- 22065339
TI  - [Therapy of paediatric pancreatic trauma].
AB  - BACKGROUND: The goal of this clinical study is to evaluate diagnostics and
      therapeutical strategies for paediatric pancreatic trauma. It is assumed that
      conservative treatment is at least as good as operative treatment. PATIENTS /
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: In a retrospective study 36  children with pancreatic
      trauma treated between the years 1987 and 2010 in the paediatric surgery
      department of the University Medical Centre Mannheim were included. Injury
      grades, diagnostics and treatment were evaluated. RESULTS: In a collective of 36 
      patients with an average age of seven years the following injuries were found: 26
      grade 1, three grade  2, five grade  3 and two grade  4 injuries. Eight patients
      presented with polytrauma, 20 showed additional injuries. Initial levels of
      amylase and lipase and screening ultrasound were not always sensitive. 18 
      patients received conservative treatment. The remaining 18  were operated: either
      exploratory laparotomy and drainage or pancreas reconstruction with inner
      stenting or distal pancreatic resection were performed. Pancreatic pseudocysts
      were drained by transgastric stenting. CONCLUSION: 20 years ago blunt pancreatic
      trauma was usually treated operatively. Today grade 1 and grade 2 injuries should
      be treated conservatively. Higher graded pancreatic ductal injuries can be
      managed operatively with ductal stenting and organ conservation. Pancreatic
      resections are not always necessary. Endoscopic transgastric drainage of
      persisting pancreatic pseudocysts is also successful in children.

PMID- 22065340
TI  - [Diverticulosis as a risk factor for foreign body-associated bowel perforation].

PMID- 22065341
TI  - Functional importance of laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy for the lower esophageal
      sphincter in patients with morbid obesity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Obesity is characterized by excess body fat measured in body mass
      index (BMI), which is the weight in kilograms (kg) divided by the height in
      square meters [m(2)]. In the Northern Hemisphere, the prevalence of overweight
      has increased by up to 34%. This situation is associated with high incidence of
      comorbidities such as gastroesophageal reflux disease. Bariatric surgery is the
      only effective treatment for severe obesity, resulting in amelioration of obesity
      comorbidities. Data on LES competence following sleeve gastrectomy (SG), one of
      the several bariatric procedures, are conflicting. METHODS: In a prospective
      study, we enrolled 37 patients and divided them into two subgroups in order to
      evaluate lower esophageal sphincter pressure (LESP) and esophageal motility
      before and after laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) by means of stationary
      esophageal manometry. A study collective also underwent a gastroscopy.
      Participants (20) were healthy controls who volunteered. RESULTS: Preoperative
      median BMI in group I (control) differed statistically significantly (p < 0.0001)
      as compared to groups II and III (22 vs. 50.5 or 47.5 kg/m2, respectively). After
      LSG, the BMI of groups II and III decreased to 39.5 and 45 kg/m2, respectively.
      Postoperatively, LESP increased significantly, namely, from preoperative 8.4 to
      21.2 mmHg in group II and from 11 to 24 mmHg (p < 0.0001) in group III. Tubular
      esophageal motility profits from LSG. As expected, the gastroscopy findings
      ranged from cardiac insufficiency, esophagitis and hiatal hernia to gastric
      ulcer. CONCLUSION: LSG significantly increased lower esophageal pressure
      independent of weight loss after LSG and may protect obese patients from
      gastroesophageal reflux.

PMID- 22065342
TI  - Lean and fat mass loss in obese patients before and after Roux-en-Y gastric
      bypass: a new application for ultrasound technique.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This study aims to evaluate the thickness of the femoral quadriceps
      and biceps brachii and brachialis muscles bilaterally and the adjacent
      subcutaneous fat in patients undergoing gastric bypass Roux-en-Y before and after
      surgery, using ultrasound as the diagnostic method of choice. METHODS: We studied
      12 patients undergoing this surgical method preoperatively and during the first,
      third, and sixth postoperative months. During these periods, patients were
      evaluated by ultrasound to determine the thickness of subcutaneous adipose tissue
      and muscle of the upper and lower limbs. RESULTS: Postoperatively, these patients
      showed a reduction in the thickness of the upper and lower extremities muscle and
      adipose tissue as compared to their preoperative values. There was a significant
      difference in the loss of muscle thickness in all postoperative months and in the
      thickness of fatty tissue in the sixth month after surgery, compared to the
      preoperative muscle and fatty tissue thickness. CONCLUSIONS: Ultrasound can be
      considered as the diagnostic method of choice when assessment of the fat and lean
      body mass is required in morbidly obese patients before and after bariatric
      surgery.

PMID- 22065343
TI  - Organophosphate and phthalate esters in standard reference material 2585 organic
      contaminants in house dust.
AB  - The levels of 22 phthalate diesters (phthalates) and organophosphate triesters
      (organophosphates) have been investigated in standard reference material 2585
      (SRM 2585) "organic contaminants in house dust." Ultrasonic-assisted solvent
      extraction and solid-phase extraction on a Florisil adsorbent were used as the
      extraction and cleanup steps combined with analysis using gas chromatography
      tandem mass spectrometry in positive ion chemical ionization mode. Seven
      phthalates were detected in the concentration range 1-570 MUg/g. Di(2-ethylhexyl)
      phthalate was the major phthalate present at 570 MUg/g. Ten organophosphates were
      detected in SRM 2585. Tris(2-butoxyethyl) phosphate was the predominant
      organophosphate at 82 MUg/g, and nine organophosphates were determined at
      concentrations ranging from 0.19 to 2.3 MUg/g. Five organophosphates were below
      the method detection limit, of which two were in level with the procedural blank.
      The applied extraction and cleanup method was evaluated for the analysis of SRM
      2585. The extraction yield was >=99%, except for tris(2-chloroethyl) phosphate
      (97%) and diethyl phthalate (98.5%). The problem of calibration curvature is
      addressed, and it is shown that the use of deuterated standards improves the
      analysis. The concentrations of ten organophosphate esters were determined in SRM
      2585, and seven of these were compared with existing data. To our knowledge, this
      is the first report of the levels of the seven phthalates esters in SRM 2585
      "organic contaminants in house dust."

PMID- 22065344
TI  - Analysis of the bioactivity of magnetically immunoisolated peroxisomes.
AB  - Peroxisomes produce reactive oxygen species which may participate in
      biotransformations of innate biomolecules and xenobiotics. Isolating functional
      peroxisomes with low levels of contaminants would be a useful tool to investigate
      biotransformations occurring in these organelles that are usually confounded with
      biotransformations occurring in other co-isolated organelles. Here, we
      immunoisolate peroxisomes and demonstrate that the impurity level after isolation
      is low and that peroxisomes retain their biological activity. In this method, an
      antibody targeting a 70-kDa peroxisomal membrane protein was immobilized to
      silanized magnetic iron oxide beads (1-4 MUm in diameter) coated with Protein A.
      Peroxisomes from L6 rat myoblast homogenates were magnetically captured, washed,
      and then analyzed for subcellular composition using enzymatic assays. Based on
      the ratio of peroxisomal to lysosomal activity, the retained fraction is 70-fold
      enriched relative to the unretained fraction. Similarly, the ratio of peroxisomal
      activity to mitochondrial content suggests that the retained fraction is >30-fold
      enriched relative to the unretained fraction. H(2)O(2) production from the beta
      oxidation of palmitoyl-CoA demonstrated that the isolated peroxisomal fraction
      was biologically active. Capillary electrophoresis with laser-induced
      fluorescence detection (CE-LIF) analysis confirmed that the immunopurified
      fractions were capable of transforming the anticancer drug doxorubicin and the
      fatty acid analog, BODIPY 500/510 C1C12. Besides its use to investigate
      peroxisome biotransformations in health and disease, the combination of magnetic
      immunoisolation with CE-LIF could be widely applicable to investigate subcellular
      specific biotransformations of xenobiotics occurring at immunoisolated
      subcellular compartments.

PMID- 22065345
TI  - Electrochemical uranyl biosensor with DNA oligonucleotides as receptor layer.
AB  - The feasibility of using gold electrodes modified with short-chain ssDNA
      oligonucleotides for determination of uranyl cation is examined. Interaction
      between UO(2)(2+) and proposed recognition layer was studied by means of
      voltammetric and quartz crystal microbalance measurements. It was postulated that
      ssDNA recognition layer functions via strong binding of UO(2)(2+) to phosphate
      DNA backbone. The methylene blue was used as a redox marker for analytical signal
      generation. Biosensor response was based on the difference in electrochemical
      signal before and after subjecting it to sample containing uranyl ion. The lower
      detection limit of 30 nmol L(-1) for UO(2)(2+) was observed for a sample
      incubation time of 60 min. Proposed ssDNA-modified electrodes demonstrated good
      selectivity towards UO(2)(2+) against common metal cations, with only Pb(2+) and
      Ca(2+) showing considerable interfering effect.

PMID- 22065346
TI  - Headspace gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for rapid determination of
      halonitromethanes in tap and swimming pool water.
AB  - Halonitromethanes (HNMs) are one of the most cytotoxic and genotoxic classes
      found among the unregulated disinfection by-products formed by the reaction of
      chemical disinfectants with natural organic matter in water. Typical methods used
      to determine these compounds in water (mainly trichloronitromethane) are based on
      the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) method 551.1 using liquid-liquid
      extraction. A fast and straightforward method for the determination of the nine
      HNMs in water has been developed using a static headspace (HS) coupled with gas
      chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Important parameters controlling
      headspace extraction were optimised to obtain the highest sensitivity: 250 MUL of
      methyl tert-butyl ether (as a chemical modifier) and 6 g of anhydrous sodium
      sulphate were added to the water sample; an oven temperature of 80  degrees C and
      an equilibration time of 20 min were also selected. The addition of a chemical
      modifier favoured the volatilisation of all HNMs, increasing their signals up to
      approximately four times. Under optimum conditions, the method developed provides
      limits of detection between 0.03 and 0.60 MUg/L and a relative standard deviation
      of ~6.0%. The developed method was validated and then compared with the reference
      method EPA 551.1 for the analysis of tap and swimming pool water. A good
      agreement in the results was observed, which corroborated the good performance of
      the proposed HS-GC-MS method.

PMID- 22065347
TI  - Identification of phospholipid species affected by miltefosine action in
      Leishmania donovani cultures using LC-ELSD, LC-ESI/MS, and multivariate data
      analysis.
AB  - Leishmaniasis is a widespread parasitic disease principally treated by
      intravenous drugs. Hexadecylphosphocholine (miltefosine) has recently proved its
      efficacy by oral route. Although its mechanism of action has been investigated,
      and principally relies on perturbations of the metabolism of lipids and
      especially phospholipids, further studies need to be conducted to detect
      precisely which metabolic pathways are impacted. For this purpose, the present
      work proposes a complete lipidomic study focused on membrane phospholipids of
      clones of Leishmania donovani non-treated (NT), treated (T) and resistant (R) to
      miltefosine. Firstly, a separation of phospholipids in normal phase high
      performance liquid chromatography (NP-HPLC) was coupled to a mass spectrometer
      (MS) equipped with an electrospray (ESI) ion source, and response was compared to
      evaporative light scattering detection (ELSD). Secondly, a quantification of
      phospholipid classes was performed using NP-HPLC/ESI/MS on NT, T and R clones of
      L. donovani. Thirdly, full-scan acquisitions of analyzed samples were compared
      using orthogonal signal correction-partial least square-discriminant analysis
      (OSC-PLS-DA) to highlight phospholipid molecular species of interest between the
      three types of clones. Structural determination of the most relevant species has
      finally been performed using tandem mass spectrometry. A first hypothesis on the
      effect of miltefosine on lipid metabolic pathways is then proposed.

PMID- 22065348
TI  - Fragmentation methods on the balance: unambiguous top-down mass spectrometric
      characterization of oxaliplatin-ubiquitin binding sites.
AB  - The interaction between oxaliplatin and the model protein ubiquitin (Ub) was
      investigated in a top-down approach by means of high-resolution electrospray
      ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) using diverse tandem mass spectrometric
      (MS/MS) techniques, including collision-induced dissociation (CID), higher-energy
      C-trap dissociation (HCD), and electron transfer dissociation (ETD). To the best
      of our knowledge, this is the first time that metallodrug-protein adducts were
      analyzed for the metal-binding site by ETD-MS/MS, which outperformed both CID and
      HCD in terms of number of identified metallated peptide fragments in the mass
      spectra and the localization of the binding sites. Only ETD allowed the
      simultaneous and exact determination of Met1 and His68 residues as binding
      partners for oxaliplatin. CID-MS/MS experiments were carried out on orbitrap and
      ion cyclotron resonance (ICR)-FT mass spectrometers and both instruments yielded
      similar results with respect to number of metallated fragments and the
      localization of the binding sites. A comparison of the protein secondary
      structure with the intensities of peptide fragments generated by collisional
      activation of the [Ub+Pt-(chxn)] adduct [chxn = (1R,2R)-cyclohexanediamine]
      revealed a correlation with cleavages in solution phase random coil areas,
      indicating that the N-terminal beta-hairpin and alpha-helix structures are
      retained in the gas phase.

PMID- 22065349
TI  - Qualitative studies on the metabolism and the toxicological detection of the
      fentanyl-derived designer drugs 3-methylfentanyl and isofentanyl in rats using
      liquid chromatography-linear ion trap-mass spectrometry (LC-MS(n)).
AB  - The opioid 3-methylfentanyl, a designer drug of the fentanyl type, was scheduled
      by the Controlled Substance Act due to its high potency and abuse potential. To
      overcome this regulation, isofentanyl, another designer fentanyl, was synthesized
      in a clandestine laboratory and seized by the German police. The aims of the
      presented study were to identify the phase I and phase II metabolites of 3
      methylfentanyl and isofentanyl in rat urine, to identify the cytochrome P450
      (CYP) isoenzymes involved in their initial metabolic steps, and, finally, to test
      their detectability in urine. Using liquid chromatography (LC)-linear ion trap
      mass spectrometry (MS(n)), nine phase I and five phase II metabolites of 3
      methylfentanyl and 11 phase I and four phase II metabolites of isofentanyl could
      be identified. The following metabolic steps could be postulated for both drugs:
      N-dealkylation followed by hydroxylation of the alkyl and aryl moiety,
      hydroxylation of the propanamide side chain followed by oxidation to the
      corresponding carboxylic acid, and, finally, hydroxylation of the benzyl moiety
      followed by methylation. In addition, N-oxidation of isofentanyl could also be
      observed. All hydroxy metabolites were partly excreted as glucuronides. Using
      recombinant human isoenzymes, CYP2C19, CYP2D6, CYP3A4, and CYP3A5 were found to
      be involved in the initial metabolic steps. Our LC-MS(n) screening approach
      allowed the detection of 0.01 mg/L of 3-methylfentanyl and isofentanyl in spiked
      urine. However, in urine of rats after the administration of suspected
      recreational doses, the parent drugs could not be detected, but their common nor
      metabolite, which should therefore be the target for urine screening.

PMID- 22065350
TI  - Double-stranded Let-7 mimics, potential candidates for cancer gene therapy.
AB  - MicroRNAs (miRNAs), a class of small, single-stranded endogenous RNAs, act as
      post-transcriptional regulators of gene expression. The ability of one single
      miRNA regulating multiple functionally related mRNAs makes it a new potential
      candidate for cancer gene therapy. Let-7s miRNAs have been demonstrated as tumor
      suppressor genes in various types of cancers, providing one choice of gene
      therapy by replenishing this miRNA. In the present studies, we demonstrate that
      the chemically synthesized, double-stranded Let-7 mimics can inhibit the growth
      and migration and induce the cell cycle arrest of lung cancer cell lines in
      vitro. Let-7 mimics silence gene expression by binding to the 3' UTR of targeting
      mRNAs. Mutation of seed sequence significantly depresses the gene silencing
      activity of Let-7 mimics. Our results also demonstrate that it is possible to
      increase the activity of Let-7s through mutating the sequence within the 3'end of
      the antisense strand. Directly, co-transfection Let-7 mimics with active siRNAs
      impairs the anti-cancer activities of Let-7 mimics. However, a 3-h interval
      between the introduction of Let-7 mimics and a kind of siRNA avoids the
      competition and enhances the anti-cancer activities of Let-7 mimics. Taken
      together, these results have revealed that Let-7s mimics are potential candidates
      for cancer gene therapy.

PMID- 22065351
TI  - The changing face of family medicine.

PMID- 22065353
TI  - Black hairy tongue in an infant.

PMID- 22065352
TI  - Higher risk of venous thrombosis associated with drospirenone-containing oral
      contraceptives: a population-based cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Combined oral contraceptives are a common method of contraception,
      but they carry a risk of venous and arterial thrombosis. We assessed whether use
      of drospirenone was associated with an increase in thrombotic risk relative to
      third-generation combined oral contraceptives. METHODS: Using computerized
      records of the largest health care provider in Israel, we identified all women
      aged 12 to 50 years for whom combined oral contraceptives had been dispensed
      between Jan. 1, 2002, and Dec. 31, 2008. We followed the cohort until 2009. We
      used Poisson regression models to estimate the crude and adjusted rate ratios for
      risk factors for venous thrombotic events (specifically deep vein thrombosis and
      pulmonary embolism) and arterial thromboic events (specifically transient
      ischemic attack and cerebrovascular accident). We performed multivariable
      analyses to compare types of contraceptives, with adjustment for the various risk
      factors. RESULTS: We identified a total of 1017 (0.24%) venous and arterial
      thrombotic events among 431,223 use episodes during 819 749 woman-years of follow
      up (6.33 venous events and 6.10 arterial events per 10,000 woman-years). In a
      multivariable model, use of drospirenone carried an increased risk of venous
      thrombotic events, relative to both third-generation combined oral contraceptives
      (rate ratio [RR] 1.43, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.15-1.78) and second
      generation combined oral contraceptives (RR 1.65, 95% CI 1.02-2.65). There was no
      increase in the risk of arterial thrombosis with drospirenone. INTERPRETATION:
      Use of drospirenone-containing oral contraceptives was associated with an
      increased risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, but not transient
      ischemic attack or cerebrovascular attack, relative to second- and third
      generation combined oral contraceptives.

PMID- 22065354
TI  - Potential pitfalls of "specialized" primary care.

PMID- 22065355
TI  - The practicality of practice guidelines.

PMID- 22065357
TI  - New network created to assess drug safety.

PMID- 22065358
TI  - Risk of venous thromboembolism with oral contraceptives.

PMID- 22065360
TI  - A comprehensive view of focused practices.

PMID- 22065359
TI  - Breast reconstruction after mastectomy for breast cancer.

PMID- 22065361
TI  - Addressing the social causes of poor health is integral to practising good
      medicine.

PMID- 22065362
TI  - Canada's laws on pharmaceutical intellectual property: the case for fundamental
      reform.

PMID- 22065363
TI  - Improving primary health care delivery: still waiting for the magic bullet.

PMID- 22065365
TI  - Learning to retire gracefully.

PMID- 22065366
TI  - Chloridodiphen-yl{[1-(1,3-thia-zol-2-yl-kappaN)ethyl-idene]-4-phenyl-thio
      semicarbazidato-kappaN,S}tin(IV) methanol monosolvate.
AB  - The title compound, [Sn(C(6)H(5))(2)(C(12)H(11)N(4)S(2))Cl].CH(4)O, is formed
      during the reaction between 2-acetyl-thia-zole 4-phenyl-thio-semicarbazone
      (Hacthptsc) and diphenyl-tin(IV) dichloride in methanol. In the crystal
      structure, the Sn atom exhibits an octa-hedral geometry with the [N(2)S] anionic
      tridentate thio-semicarbazone ligand having chloride trans to the central N and
      the two phenyl groups trans to each other. The Sn-Cl distance is 2.5929 (6), Sn-S
      is 2.4896 (6) and Sn-N to the central N is 2.3220 (16) A. The MeOH mol-ecules
      link the Sn complexes into one-dimensional chains via N-H?O and O-H?Cl hydrogen
      bonds.

PMID- 22065367
TI  - Increased expression of the histamine H4 receptor subtype in hypertrophic
      differentiation of chondrogenic ATDC5 cells.
AB  - Histamine has been regarded as an inflammatory mediator of arthritic disorders.
      We have previously reported that the expression of histamine H(4) receptor
      (H(4)R) mRNA in synovial tissues was significantly higher in patients with
      osteoarthritis (OA) compared to those with rheumatoid arthritis. Chondrocyte
      hypertrophy and endochondral ossification are essential processes in pathologic
      disorders such as osteophyte formation during OA progression. In the present
      study, we examined the expression of H(4) R during differentiation into
      hypertrophic chondrocytes in the ATDC5 cells, a widely used in vitro model of
      chondrogenic differentiation. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain
      reaction showed that the levels of histidine decarboxylase and H(4)R mRNA on
      ATDC5 cells were increased in a time-dependent manner during the culture period.
      By contrast, the expressions of H(1)R and H(2)R were not increased from day 7
      onwards. The mRNA expression of the hypertrophic chondrocyte marker type X
      collagen (COL X) was increased markedly from 14 to 21. Immunocytochemical
      analysis indicated that H(4)R staining was strongly immunoreactive on the plasma
      membrane of ATDC5 cells. Flow cytometry showed increased expression of H(4)R and
      COL X protein in ATDC5 chondrocytes. Furthermore, the majority of the COL X
      positive cells expressed H(4) R throughout the culture period. In summary, we
      showed for the first time that H(4)R is expressed in ATDC5 chondrocytes.
      Moreover, we found that most hypertrophic chondrocytes express H(4)R, suggesting
      that this receptor might be associated with the differentiation of chondrocytes
      into hypertrophic cells, which are abnormally observed in joint lesions in OA.

PMID- 22065368
TI  - The repair of the Achilles tendon rupture: comparison of two percutaneous
      techniques.
AB  - This study proposes a comparison between two percutaneous techniques of
      subcutaneous Achilles tendon rupture by evaluating the risk of lesion developing,
      the morbidity of the surgical technique adopted and the effectiveness of each
      technique. Sixty patients were operated at Padua Orthopaedic Clinic by using the
      two different procedures: (1) Ma and Griffith in 30 cases and (2) Tenolig in 30
      cases. Risk of rupture developing has been evaluated in relation to sex, age,
      side, kind of trauma, work and presence of preoperative risk factors. The
      Morbidity of surgical technique has been evaluated in with respect to surgical
      time, hospital permanence, immobilization, active nonweight-bearing mobilization,
      assisted weight bearing until the full one, number of early and late
      complications before and after hospital discharge. Effectiveness has been
      evaluated in relation to return time to common life, work and sport; anatomical
      and functional features have been evaluated using McComis score, rating results
      as: very good (from 80 to 70), good (from 69 to 60), fair (from 59 to 50) and
      poor (<50). Tenolig group shows shorter average time from hospital admission and
      operation, hospital permanence and immobilization (P < 0.05), and it results in
      an easier and quicker execution and functionally stimulates the tendon healing in
      a short time. Effectiveness was the same for both techniques because average
      McComis score was good (P = 0.35), and there was no significant differences in
      common life returning time (P = 0.12). Tenolig technique seems to be preferable
      to Ma and Griffith.

PMID- 22065369
TI  - Effects of atopic dermatitis on the morphology and water content of scalp hair.
AB  - The effects of atopic dermatitis (AD) on scalp hair properties, such as
      morphology and water content, were investigated using atomic force microscopy
      (AFM) and thermogravimetric analyzer. Hairs from lesional and nonlesional scalp
      regions of eight patients with AD were investigated. The severity of the disease,
      which was evaluated using the SCORing Atopic Dermatitis index, was 48.75 (range,
      40-80). Hairs from 15 normal adults were also examined as controls. The surface
      images were taken in an area of 20 * 20 MUm(2) with 512 * 512 pixels and a scan
      speed of 0.8 line/s. AD affected the cuticle structures and scales of scalp hair.
      The edges of cuticles were torn and collapsed, and the scales were very thick.
      The water contents of both types of AD hair were less than the control: 12% +/-
      0.7%, 11.7% +/- 0.4%, and 13% +/- 0.8% for lesional AD hair, nonlesional AD hair,
      and control hair, respectively. The scalp hair of patients with AD can be
      characterized by thick and globular scale patterns. The hair of patients with AD
      has less water content than normal hair showing a good agreement with the
      property of skin having AD.

PMID- 22065370
TI  - Pressure immobilization after North American Crotalinae snake envenomation.

PMID- 22065371
TI  - Commentary: pressure bandaging for North American snake bite? No!
AB  - This issue of The Journal of Medical Toxicology includes a position statement
      regarding the use of pressure immobilization for the pre-hospital treatment of
      North American Crotalinae envenomation. This commentary discusses the background
      behind the creation of the position statement and explores the issues involved in
      applying science to real-world public health recommendations and practice.

PMID- 22065372
TI  - [Deep infection after treatment of proximal femur fractures--results and
      assessment of life quality].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Proximal femur fractures are the second most prevalent fractures in
      patients older than 65 years. Despite large improvements in implant design and
      surgical technique, complications in fracture healing are very common. Deep
      infection after osteosynthetic treatment is considered to be one of the major
      complications with a high rate of mortality. Little is known about the adequate
      treatment and results in patients with infection of proximal femur fractures. The
      aim of this study was to evaluate the different treatment options for eradication
      of infection as well as to analyse the clinical outcome and quality of life.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: 40 patients treated for infected proximal femur fractures
      between 2001 and 2010 were retrospectively analysed. Quality of life was assessed
      in 21 patients after an average of 40 months using the WOMAC and the SF-12 score.
      RESULTS: Surgical treatment included complete removal of infected implants and
      radical debridement. In 20 patients resection arthroplasty had to be performed.
      Ten patients were treated with a modular prosthesis, 4 patients were treated with
      a proximal femur replacement. Due to severe infection and risk-increasing
      comorbidities, resection arthroplasty had to be performed in the remaining 12
      patients. Re-osteosynthesis could be performed in 13 patients. Average time of
      treatment was 67 days. At the time of follow-up the rate of mortality proved to
      be 15%. The rate of reinfection was 14.6%. At the time of follow-up infection was
      still prevalent in 2 patients. Dislocation after the hip prosthesis occurred in 3
      of 14 patients. Of the 13 patients who received re-osteosynthesis one patient
      suffered a reinfection. Delayed fracture healing was treated with spongiosa
      grafts in 2 cases. 33% of the patients with resection arthroplasty died during
      follow-up. Statistical analysis showed better results in WOMAC and SF-12 scores
      in patients with hip prosthesis. Patients with re-osteosynthesis showed a larger
      variation in results. CONCLUSION: Deep infection after osteosynthetic treatment
      of proximal femur fractures is a severe complication. Radical surgical treatment
      and adequate local and systemic antibiotic application can help clear an
      infection. Quality of life is significantly reduced. Treatment should therefore
      be adapted to the individual patient's condition.

PMID- 22065373
TI  - [Clostridium difficile-associated infections in a septic ward of a level 1 trauma
      centre: an analysis of 159 patients].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Clostridium difficile-associated infections are severe nosocomial
      infections. In recent studies, dramatic increases of CD-associated infections for
      the U.S.A. and Germany have been described, which leads to additional risk for
      patients and higher costs. Despite several studies, there is no study available
      which analyses the incidence of CD-associated infections on a septic ward at a
      level 1 trauma centre. Therefore, this study was performed to analyse the
      incidence and risk factors of developing a CD-associated infection in septic
      trauma patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All patients treated between January 2002
      and December 2009 at the septic ward of a level 1 trauma centre, who developed a
      CD-associated diarrhoea or pseudomembranous colitis, were included in this
      retrospective study. Information about age, sex, admission diagnosis, indication
      for antibiotic therapy, length of antibiotic therapy, number of administered
      antibiotics, length of hospital stay, type of treatment of the CD-associated
      infection as well as the mortality rate was gleaned from the patients' medical
      records. Furthermore, the relation of developing a CD-associated infection was
      determined for the following factors: (i) age > 65 years versus < 65 years; (ii)
      male versus female; (iii) single versus multiple antibiotic therapy; (iv)
      cephalosporins versus remaining antibiotic groups. RESULTS: Between January 2002
      and December 2009 6378 patients with surgical infection were treated at our level
      1 trauma centre, whereas a total of 159 patients (2.5%) developed during the
      hospital stay a Clostridium difficile-associated diarrhoea. The incidence of CD
      associated infection increased dramatically in 2009 and was more than quadrupled
      compared with 2002 or 2003. Patients over 65 years of age developed more
      frequently a CD-associated infection compared to patients less than 65 years of
      age (OR 1.96, 95% CI 1.4 to 2.7). There was no difference between males and
      females as well as between multiple antibiotic therapy and single antibiotic
      therapy (OR 0.96, 95% CI 0.7 to 1.3). Cephalosporins were the most often
      administered antibiotics with a median value of 45.9% followed by gyrase
      inhibitors with a median value of 17.2%. However, there were no differences
      between antibiotic groups (OR 1.11; 95% CI 0,87-1,5). CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion,
      CD-associated infections are frequent nascent infections on a septic ward at a
      level 1 trauma centre. This could result in a therapeutic dilemma in the future,
      especially in septic surgery, where antibiotic therapy is an essential component
      of the therapy. Thus, further prospective clinical and experimental studies are
      essential.

PMID- 22065374
TI  - [Comparative study on the strength of different mechanisms of operation of
      multidirectionally angle-stable distal radius plates].
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Polyaxial angle-stable plating is thought to be particularly
      beneficial in the management of complex intra-articular fractures of the distal
      radius. The present study was performed to investigate the strength of polyaxial
      locking interfaces of distal radius plates. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We tested the
      polyaxial interfaces of 3 different distal radius plates (2.4 mm Variable Angle
      LCP Two-Column Volar Distal Radius Plate, Synthes, Palmar Classic, Konigsee
      Implantate and VariAx Plate Stryker). The strength of 0 degrees  and 10 degrees 
      screw locking angle was obtained during static loading. RESULTS: The strength of
      Palmar Classic with a 0 degrees  locking angle is significantly the best of all
      tested systems. With a 10 degrees  locking angle there is no significant
      difference between Palmar Classic, Two column Plate and VariAx Plate. CONCLUSION:
      The strength of polyaxial interfaces differs between the tested systems. A
      reduction of ultimate strength is due to increases of screw locking angle. The
      design of polyaxial locking interfaces should be investigated in human bone
      models.

PMID- 22065375
TI  - [Training adaptation of the Achilles tendon in competitive athletes--sonographic
      standard values for the Achilles tendon].
AB  - BACKGROUND: Current theories and empirical results regarding the sonographic
      dimensions of the Achilles tendon as well as an alleged training adaptation of
      the tendon in competitive athletes are tested for the first time in a large in
      vivo sample. The pathological validity of a thickened tendon in competitive
      athletes is under scrutiny. MATERIAL AND METHOD: In addition to 202 national
      squad athletes from the German track and field federation, 199 age-matched normal
      individuals were examined sonographically. The portable ultrasound scanner Just
      Vision was used to compare 404 Achilles tendons of athletes with 398 Achilles
      tendons of normal individuals as to tendon diameter. Furthermore, pathologies
      were assessed. RESULTS: Achilles tendon diameter at the calcanear insertion was
      4.2 +/- 0.72 mm on average. Athletes' tendons were thicker than normal tendons (p
      < 0.001) - athletes, however, also reported more clinical symptoms (p < 0.001).
      In athletes, increasing diameters were associated with more clinical problems as
      opposed to normal individuals. At the tendon waist, diameters above 6.0 mm were
      very likely to go along with pathologies. CONCLUSIONS: For the first time, valid
      data of Achilles tendon diameters in competitive athletes and normal individuals
      have been presented. The emerging pattern of results clearly contradicts the
      notion of a physiological training adaptation of the Achilles tendon.

PMID- 22065376
TI  - [Quality of documentation and care for victims of violence for the example of a
      trauma surgery emergency department in a major city].
AB  - BACKGROUND: People who have become victims of violence have manifold problems.
      Besides medical diagnostics and therapy, it is necessary to recognise the
      situation in which these patients have become such victims, to document the
      consequences of this violence for use in court and to offer further assistance.
      Victims of violence often contact primarily a trauma ambulance. The optimisation
      of the medical treatment of the victims is a relevant traumatological topic,
      which so far has received only very scant attention. Therefore the aim of this
      study was to evaluate the necessity for an interdisciplinary combination of
      treatments for the targeted treatment of these victims. MATERIAL AND METHODS:
      Using a standardised data card a retrospective data analysis of all out-patients
      and all in-patients of a trauma centre with regard to the existence of a violent
      context was carried out for the year 2004. All such cases were included and the
      data were evaluated descriptively according to age, gender, information about the
      act of violence, consequences thereof, type and scope of the diagnostic findings,
      as well as inducements for further measures. In this context we differentiated
      between "domestic violence" and "public violence". RESULTS: The data of 7132
      patients were evaluated. Altogether 347 victims of violence were identified
      (among them 109 victims of "public violence", 59 victims of domestic violence,
      and 179 cases that could not be allocated clearly). This results in a quota of
      4.9% of all patients treated. The average age of the victims was 30.6 years. It
      was striking that in many cases the anamnesis and documentation were rather
      fragmentary. CONCLUSION: A very high percentage of victims of violence could be
      found among the patients needing traumatological treatment. With regard to the
      fragmentary care there is an enormous need for medical training and
      interdisciplinary treatment of victims of violence.

PMID- 22065377
TI  - [Comparative findings of balloon kyphoplasty in patients with vertebral fractures
      due to osteoporosis, metastases and myeloma].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: By evaluations of treatment protocols, the documentation of balloon
      kyphoplasty regarding efficacy, duration of action and safety should be expanded.
      In addition, the evaluations should help to clarify the differences in balloon
      kyphoplasty for patients with vertebral fractures concerning efficacy and safety
      in relation to the underlying diseases: osteoporosis, bone metastases or myeloma.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: In order to reposition the endplates of the vertebrae a
      balloon was inserted after placement of the working channels. After removal of
      the balloon, the resulting caverns were filled with PMMA. The radiological and
      clinical follow-up examinations were carried out over a period of up to 3 years.
      The clinical and radiological findings before and after treatment at specified
      visits were transferred to a statistical programme and evaluated. RESULTS: The
      comparisons of the postoperative results according to the initial diagnosis
      (metastases: n = 222, osteoporosis: n = 122, myeloma: n = 122) demonstrated
      significant differences with respect to the cement leakage (14 %, 5 %, 7.5 %),
      but in all cases without any clinical relevance. The small differences related to
      the reduction in pain intensity (VAS > 50 mm in each group) after surgery were up
      to 12 months with no clinical significance. Also in the Oswestry score no
      differences between the 3 groups were registered. In the case of osteoporosis
      patients, due to the lower starting position a more significant increase of
      vertebral body height could be achieved by the kyphoplasty than in the comparison
      groups of patients with metastases or myeloma (? 3.1 mm vs. 0.4-0.5 mm; P <
      0.001). Consequently, the kyphosis angle decreased in the osteoporotic group also
      more strongly than in the comparison groups. CONCLUSIONS: It is evident that the
      pain relief in the vast majority of cases started immediately after surgery.
      Additionally, a significant improvement in functioning (Oswestry score) was
      registered. Both clinical parameters - as far as they could be checked - showed a
      steady degree of improvement over a period of at least 3 years. This comparative
      analysis led to the conclusion that balloon kyphoplasty can be successfully
      applied indiscriminately in patients with vertebral fractures as a result of
      osteoporosis and also to fractures associated with bone metastases or with
      myeloma.

PMID- 22065378
TI  - Characterization and optimization of a simple, repeatable system for the long
      term in vitro culture of aligned myotubes in 3D.
AB  - Increased recent research activity in exercise physiology has dramatically
      improved our understanding of skeletal muscle development and physiology in both
      health and disease. Advances in bioengineering have enabled the development of
      biomimetic 3D in vitro models of skeletal muscle which have the potential to
      further advance our understanding of the fundamental processes that underpin
      muscle physiology. As the principle structural protein of the extracellular
      matrix, collagen-based matrices are popular tools for the creation of such 3D
      models but the custom nature of many reported systems has precluded their more
      widespread adoption. Here we present a simple, reproducible iteration of an
      established 3D in vitro model of skeletal muscle, demonstrating both the high
      levels of reproducibility possible in this system and the improved cellular
      architecture of such constructs over standard 2D cell culture techniques. We have
      used primary rat muscle cells to validate this simple model and generate
      comparable data to conventional established cell culture techniques. We have
      optimized culture parameters for these cells which should provide a template in
      this 3D system for using muscle cells derived from other donor species and cell
      lines.

PMID- 22065379
TI  - Di-n-propyl 4,4'-dihy-droxy-3,3'-{[(3aRS,7aRS)-2,3,3a,4,5,6,7,7a-octa-hydro-1H
      benzimidazole-1,3-di-yl]bis-(methyl-ene)}dibenzoate.
AB  - The title compound, C(29)H(38)N(2)O(6), was prepared as model for studying intra
      molecular hydrogen-bonding inter-actions. Mol-ecules of the title compound are
      located on a crystallographic twofold rotation axis, which passes through the C
      atom linked to the two N atoms on the imidazolidine ring. The mol-ecular
      structure shows the existence of two intra-molecular O-H?N hydrogen-bonding inter
      actions between the two N atoms of the imidazolidine moiety and the hy-droxy
      groups in the aromatic rings. The crystal structure shows the strain of ring
      fusion in the perhydro-benzimidazole moiety according to the endocyclic bond
      angles and the torsion angles, which evidence a puckering of the cyclo-hexane
      ring with respect to normal tetra-hedral bond angles in an ideal chair
      conformation.

PMID- 22065380
TI  - Facilitating the pickup of individual DNA molecules by AFM nanomanipulation with
      tips mechanically worn on bare mica.
AB  - The tip is one of the critical factors to improve the efficiency in picking up
      individual DNA molecules from solid substrates based on atomic force microscope
      (AFM) nanomanipulation. We found that wearing AFM tips on certain solid
      substrates in advance to nanomanipulation operation would largely improve the
      pickup efficiency, which was ascribed to the increasing affinity of the tip to
      the DNA molecules along with the increase of the tip radius after wearing. It was
      demonstrated that bare mica was superior to APTES-modified mica to keep the tip
      clean while wearing, which was crucial for DNA pickup during AFM
      nanomanipulation.

PMID- 22065381
TI  - Current role of interventions in metastatic kidney tumors: single center
      experience.
AB  - This study on the treatment of kidney tumor metastases aims to expose our
      experience in different interventional therapies for renal cell carcinomas
      metastasis in different organs, broaching their complications and comparing our
      results with the literature. In the last 5 years, after informed consent, 22
      patients with metastatic kidney tumors were enrolled in this retrospective
      observational study. According to lesion sites, different interventional
      procedures may be performed: RFA for pancreas, lung, adrenal gland and liver
      lesions; TAE and RFA for bone lesions and IVC filter positioning for thrombosis
      of renal vein. There were mainly satisfactory results: complete necrosis of
      pancreas, lung and adrenal gland metastasis with a technical success rate of
      100%; after TAE and RFA of bone lesions, an acceptable blood loss was registered
      during surgical intervention; no recurrences after liver metastasis ablation were
      observed in a period of 3 months; positioning of IVC filter was technically
      correct in 100% of patients; few complications, such as diffuse abdominal pain
      for pancreas, pneumothorax in the lung RCC metastasis and a post-RFA syndrome for
      the adrenal. There was a nodular recurrence along the ablation margin in one
      liver RCC metastasis. Inclusion criteria were relatively strict and only 22
      patients were included in this study. The follow-up has been relatively short to
      date, so we are not certain of the long-term results, though these are comparable
      to those found in literature. It is possible to conclude that Interventional
      radiology plays an important role in RCC metastasis treatment, if we have few
      complications and improved outcomes.

PMID- 22065382
TI  - Central anticholinergic syndrome presenting as akinetic mutism.
AB  - A case of central anticholinergic syndrome due to overdosage of trihexyphenidyl
      hydrochloride presenting as septal akinetic mutism with unequally dilated pupils
      is discussed in reference to similar presentation in animals and possible
      clinical application.

PMID- 22065383
TI  - Time and number: the privileged status of small values in the brain.

PMID- 22065384
TI  - Microarray-based identification of aminopeptidase N target genes in keratinocyte
      conditioned medium-stimulated dermal fibroblasts.
AB  - Of the many processes that affect the outcome of wound repair, epidermal-dermal
      interactions are essential to extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and in
      particular, soluble factors released by keratinocytes are known to have a direct
      impact on the production of ECM by dermal fibroblasts. Aminopeptidase N (APN) has
      recently been proposed as a cell-surface receptor for stratifin and is
      responsible for the stratifin-mediated matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1)
      upregulation in fibroblasts. The present study examines whether modulation of APN
      gene expression has any impact on the fibroblast ECM gene expression profile. The
      result reveals that in the presence of keratinocyte-derived soluble factors,
      transient knockdown of APN in dermal fibroblasts affects the expression of key
      ECM components such as fibronectin, tenascin-C, MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-12. The
      regulatory effects of APN on fibronectin and selective MMPs appear to be
      associated with receptor-mediated signal transduction independently of its
      peptidase activity. On the contrary, inhibition of the APN enzymatic activity by
      bestatin significantly reduces the tenascin-C expression and enhances the
      contraction of fibroblast-populated collagen gel, suggesting an activity
      dependent regulation of fibroblast contractility by APN. The overall effects of
      APN on the expression of fibronectin, tenascin-C, and MMPs in fibroblasts propose
      an important role for APN in the regulation of keratinocyte-mediated ECM
      remodeling and fibroblast contractile activity.

PMID- 22065385
TI  - Trends in biomedical engineering: focus on Regenerative Medicine.
AB  - Regenerative medicine is a critical frontier in biomedical and clinical research.
      The major progresses in the last few years were driven by a strong clinical need
      which could benefit from regenerative medicine outcomes for the treatment of a
      large number of conditions including birth defects, degenerative and neoplastic
      diseases, and traumatic injuries. Regenerative medicine applies the principles of
      engineering and life sciences to enhance the comprehension of the fundamental
      biological mechanisms underlying the structure-function relationships in
      physiologic and pathologic tissues and to accomplish alternative strategies for
      developing in vitro biological substitutes which are able to restore, maintain,
      or improve tissue, and organ function. This paper reviews selected approaches
      currently being investigated at Politecnico di Milano in the field of
      regenerative medicine. Specific tissue-oriented topics are divided in three
      sections according to each developmental stage: in vitro study, pre-clinical
      study, and clinical application. In vitro studies investigate the basic phenomena
      related to gene delivery, stem cell behavior, tissue regeneration, and to explore
      dynamic culture potentiality in different applications: cardiac and skeletal
      muscle, cartilage, hematopoietic system, peripheral nerve, and gene delivery.
      Specific fields of regenerative medicine, i.e., bone, blood vessels, and
      ligaments engineering have already reached the preclinical stage providing
      promising insights for further research towards clinical applications. The
      translation of the results obtained during in vitro and preclinical steps into
      clinical organ replacement is a very challenging issue, which can offer a valid
      alternative to fight morbidity, organ shortage, and ethical-social problems
      associated with allotransplantation as shown in the clinical case reported in
      this review.

PMID- 22065386
TI  - Trends in biomedical engineering: focus on Smart Bio-Materials and Drug Delivery.
AB  - The present article reviews on different research lines, namely: drug and gene
      delivery, surface modification/modeling, design of advanced materials (shape
      memory polymers and biodegradable stents), presently developed at Politecnico di
      Milano, Italy. For gene delivery, non-viral polycationic-branched
      polyethylenimine (b-PEI) polyplexes are coated with pectin, an anionic
      polysaccharide, to enhance the polyplex stability and decrease b-PEI
      cytotoxicity. Perfluorinated materials, specifically perfluoroether, and
      perfluoro-polyether fluids are proposed as ultrasound contrast agents and smart
      agents for drug delivery. Non-fouling, self-assembled PEG-based monolayers are
      developed on titanium surfaces with the aim of drastically reducing cariogenic
      bacteria adhesion on dental implants. Femtosecond laser microfabrication is used
      for selectively and spatially tuning the wettability of polymeric biomaterials
      and the effects of femtosecond laser ablation on the surface properties of
      polymethylmethacrylate are studied. Innovative functionally graded Alumina-Ti
      coatings for wear resistant articulating surfaces are deposited with PLD and
      characterized by means of a combined experimental and computational approach.
      Protein adsorption on biomaterials surfaces with an unlike wettability and
      surface-modification induced by pre-adsorbed proteins are studied by atomistic
      computer simulations. A study was performed on the fabrication of porous Shape
      Memory Polymeric structures and on the assessment of their potential application
      in minimally invasive surgical procedures. A model of magnesium (alloys)
      degradation, in a finite element framework analysis, and a bottom-up multiscale
      analysis for modeling the degradation mechanism of PLA matrices was developed,
      with the aim of providing valuable tools for the design of bioresorbable stents.

PMID- 22065387
TI  - Trends in biomedical engineering: focus on Genomics and Proteomics.
AB  - Genomics is the study of an organism's genome aimed at the functional
      specification of the different parts of the sequence that comprise the blueprint
      of the living cell to unveil the mechanisms of the physiology of the cell and its
      basic, developmental, and tissue-specific processes. Proteomics is the
      comprehensive study of the executive molecules of the cell coded by the genome,
      further raising the level of complexity, because of the large amplification in
      the number, going from genes to proteins, and to the sophisticated structural and
      functional characterization of protein products, which confer specific
      biochemical properties. While continuous progress in technology provides new
      experimental solutions to study and measure the behavior of genes and proteins in
      the cell, the analysis and the management of biological data cannot be uncoupled
      from the use of mathematics, statistics, and informatics disciplines that play a
      key role in modern molecular biology.Together, genomics and proteomics, meant as
      complementary approaches, delineate the framework of modern molecular medicine,
      where the knowledge of the functional mechanisms on a subcellular scale, both
      under physiologic and pathologic conditions, may lead to an improvement in
      diagnosis, therapy, and drug development.

PMID- 22065388
TI  - Trends in biomedical engineering: focus on Patient Specific Modeling and Life
      Support Systems.
AB  - Over the last twenty years major advancements have taken place in the design of
      medical devices and personalized therapies. They have paralleled the impressive
      evolution of three-dimensional, non invasive, medical imaging techniques and have
      been continuously fuelled by increasing computing power and the emergence of
      novel and sophisticated software tools. This paper aims to showcase a number of
      major contributions to the advancements of modeling of surgical and
      interventional procedures and to the design of life support systems. The selected
      examples will span from pediatric cardiac surgery procedures to valve and
      ventricle repair techniques, from stent design and endovascular procedures to
      life support systems and innovative ventilation techniques.

PMID- 22065389
TI  - Biomechanics of implant-tooth supported prostheses: effects of mesiodistal
      implant angulation and mode of prosthesis connection.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of implant
      angulation and its possible influence on prosthetic connection as regards
      implant/tooth strains in a combined implant and natural tooth abutment fixed
      partial denture. METHODS: A natural tooth was embedded between vertically-aligned
      and 17 degrees  angulated implants in a polymethyl methacrylate acrylic resin
      model. Three designs (Group 1: tooth and vertically-aligned implant; Group 2:
      tooth and 17 degrees  angulated implant, Group 3: tooth and vertically-aligned
      implant having a different prosthetic connection to Group 1) of tooth-implant
      supported prostheses (n=4) were fabricated. Strain gauges were bonded on the
      prostheses and on the approximal sides of the natural tooth abutment and
      implants. Once the test fixed partial dentures were seated, a static load of 150
      N was applied to each prosthesis. During testing, strain-gauge signals were
      digitalized by a data acquisition system and this signal was stored and assessed
      with corresponding software at a sample rate of 10 KHz. RESULTS: The data were
      then evaluated using Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal Wallis tests at 95% confidence
      level. Mesiodistal tilting of implants increased peri-implant strains in implant
      tooth supported prostheses during torque-tightening and under load. The mode of
      prosthesis connection may affect strains within the prosthesis and natural tooth
      abutments, although its impact under static loading conditions seems negligible.
      CONCLUSIONS: This investigation suggests that mesiodistal tilting of implants may
      have a biomechanical effect in tooth-implant supported prostheses.

PMID- 22065390
TI  - Rheological properties of cross-linked hyaluronic acid dermal fillers.
AB  - AIM: Ha based dermal fillers in recent years aroused big interest in the area of
      cosmetic surgery for the rejuvenation of the dermis. There is not a ideal dermal
      filler (DF) for all applications and in commerce there are many types of DF that
      differ for their chemical-physical properties. So the aim of this paper is to
      correlate the rheological and physical properties of different DF to their
      clinical effectiveness. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this frame the samples have
      been subjected to oscillation dynamic rheological and steady shear measurements.
      RESULTS: Our results demonstrate that the viscoelastic properties of different DF
      varie strongly also considering fillers of the same family. Furthermore it was
      found that the materials physical properties influence significantly the
      performance of dermal filler. In particular the clinical data appear to correlate
      with the concentration of the polymer and with the product between the
      concentration and the percent elasticity, so these should be crucial parameters
      for the clinical performance of DF. CONCLUSION: So rheological data can be a tool
      to have an indication on the efficacy and longevity of DF but it has to be
      considered that production technology, in-vivo-conditions, injector skills and
      experience influence them also significantly.

PMID- 22065391
TI  - Influence of metal ions on human lymphocytes and the generation of titanium
      specific T-lymphocytes.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is mounting evidence to suggest the involvement of the immune
      system by means of activation by metal ions released via biocorrosion, in the
      pathophysiologic mechanisms of aseptic loosening of orthopedic implants. However,
      the detailed mechanisms of how metal ions become antigenic and are presented to T
      lymphocytes, in addition to how the local inflammatory response is driven, remain
      to be investigated. METHODS: Human T-lymphocytes were cultured in the presence of
      a variety of metal ions before investigating functional and phenotypic changes
      using flow cytometric analysis. Additionally, human monocyte-derived dendritic
      cells (mDC) loaded with metal ions were used as antigen-presenting cells and
      incubated with naive T-lymphocytes with the aim of generating titanium-specific T
      lymphocytes. RESULTS: Using an autologous in vitro model, with mDC treated with
      Titanium (IV), we were able to induce Titanium (IV)-specific T-lymphocytes. These
      T-lymphocytes responded in a dose-related manner to Titanium (IV), while they did
      not cross-react with Titanium (III) or other metal ions, indicating that the new
      antigenic peptide complexes formed by Titanium (IV) are highly specific.
      CONCLUSION: This study showed that mDC exposed to Titanium (IV) are able to
      induce the generation of Titanium (IV)-specific T-lymphocytes, demonstrating the
      strong and specific antigenicity of Titanium (IV) ions released by biocorrosion.

PMID- 22065392
TI  - Effects of nonenzymatic glycation on mechanical properties of demineralized bone
      matrix under compression.
AB  - PURPOSE: Effects of in vitro induced nonenzymatic glycation of bone collagen on
      stiffness and fracture of demineralized bone matrix in unconfined compression
      were investigated. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Regular specimens from mid-shaft of
      bovine femur were grouped in pairs. One sample (R) from each pair was incubated
      in ribose solution, control samples (C) were incubated in a buffer solution.
      Samples were then demineralized in formic acid. Demineralized samples were
      axially compressed to failure (0.033/s). Direction of compression was along the
      longitudinal axis of femur (L) or perpendicular (transverse) to that (T).
      Mechanical behavior of demineralized samples was characterized in terms of secant
      modulus, stress, and strain at fracture and work to failure. The development of
      damage was examined in terms of acoustic emission (AE) signal recorded during
      loading. RESULTS: In L direction, strain at fracture following glycation was
      lower than in the controls (p=0.038); secant modulus and ultimate stress were not
      significantly different in R and C. In the transverse direction, strain at
      fracture in R was higher than in C (p=0.053), as well as work to failure
      (p=0.020). Anisotropy of bone matrix, defined in terms of a ratio of the
      parameters in two perpendicular directions, decreased markedly in ribosylated
      samples. Both the number of AE events and cumulative AE energy during deformation
      were significantly higher in ribosylated samples than in the control for both
      directions of compression. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated that nonenzymatic
      glycation plays a significant role in modifying organic matrix properties in
      cortical bone.

PMID- 22065393
TI  - Technical features and criteria in designing fiber-reinforced composite
      materials: from the aerospace and aeronautical field to biomedical applications.
AB  - Polymer-based composite materials are ideal for applications where high stiffness
      to-weight and strength-to-weight ratios are required. From aerospace and
      aeronautical field to biomedical applications, fiber-reinforced polymers have
      replaced metals, thus emerging as an interesting alternative. As widely reported,
      the mechanical behavior of the composite materials involves investigation on
      micro- and macro-scale, taking into consideration micromechanics, macromechanics
      and lamination theory. Clinical situations often require repairing connective
      tissues and the use of composite materials may be suitable for these applications
      because of the possibility to design tissue substitutes or implants with the
      required mechanical properties. Accordingly, this review aims at stressing the
      importance of fiber-reinforced composite materials to make advanced and
      biomimetic prostheses with tailored mechanical properties, starting from the
      basic principle design, technologies, and a brief overview of composites
      applications in several fields. Fiber-reinforced composite materials for
      artificial tendons, ligaments, and intervertebral discs, as well as for hip stems
      and mandible models will be reviewed, highlighting the possibility to mimic the
      mechanical properties of the soft and hard tissues that they replace.

PMID- 22065394
TI  - (E)-1-(4-Chloro-benzyl-idene)-2-phenyl-hydrazine.
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C(13)H(11)ClN(2), contains two
      geometrically distinct mol-ecules; one mol-ecule is close to planar [dihedral
      angle between the aromatic rings = 2.44 (18) degrees ] and the other is twisted
      about the linking hydrazide group [dihedral angle = 14.08 (19) degrees ]. In the
      crystal, the N-H groups do not form hydrogen bonds and the mol-ecules are linked
      by weak C-H?pi inter-actions.

PMID- 22065396
TI  - Aqua-{6,6'-dieth-oxy-2,2'-[ethane-1,2-diyl-bis(nitrilo-methanylyl-idene)]diphen
      olato}zinc.
AB  - The mononuclear zinc title complex, [Zn(C(20)H(22)N(2)O(4))(H(2)O)], was obtained
      by the reaction of 3-eth-oxy-salicyl-aldehyde, ethane-1,2-diamine, and zinc
      acetate in methanol. The Zn atom is five-coordinated by two phenolate O and two
      imine N atoms of the tetradentate Schiff base ligand and by one water O atom,
      forming a square-pyramidal geometry. In the crystal, pairs of mol-ecules are
      linked via inter-molecular O-H?O hydrogen bonds, forming dimers.

PMID- 22065397
TI  - Adolescent Sexual Assault and the Medical and Nonmedical Use of Prescription
      Medication.
AB  - Previous research has documented an association between sexual victimization and
      prescription medication use among adults. The purpose of this study was to
      determine whether such a relationship was present for adolescent girls when
      considering sexual victimization by a peer and the use of four drug classes for
      medical and nonmedical reasons. The study was based on a secondary analysis of a
      cross-sectional Web-based, self-administered survey of female students from a
      middle and high school (n = 490). As predicted, sexual victimization increased
      the likelihood of non-medical prescription medication use of opioid analgesics
      and sedative medication, although these relationships varied based on the
      severity of sexual assault. Findings are discussed in light the importance of
      increasing awareness among health professionals, researchers, and the wider
      community of the increased risk for prescription medication abuse among
      adolescent girls who have a history of sexual violence.

PMID- 22065398
TI  - Self-etching adhesive on intact enamel, with and without pre-etching.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Bond strengths of composite resin to enamel using self-etch adhesive
      (SEA) Clearfil SE bond system on intact enamel and enamel pre-etched with
      phosphoric acid were compared. The objective was to determine if the pre-etching
      would increase the bond strengths of the SEA systems to intact enamel and to
      evaluate the effect of pre-etching on bond formation of self-etch adhesives on
      intact enamel. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Labial surfaces of 40 caries free permanent
      upper central and lateral incisors were cleaned, sectioned of their roots. All
      specimens were mounted on acrylic block and divided randomly into four groups. In
      two groups the application of self-etch adhesive, Clearfil SE bond was carried as
      per manufacturer's instructions, composite cylinders were built, whereas in the
      other two groups, 37% phosphoric acid etching was done before the application of
      self-etching adhesives. Then the resin tags were analyzed using scanning electron
      microscope and shear bond strength was measured using Instron universal testing
      machine. RESULTS: When phosphoric acid was used, there was significant increase
      in the depth of penetration of resin tags and in the Shear Bond Strength of
      composite to enamel. CONCLUSION: The results indicate that out of both treatment
      groups, pre-etching the intact enamel with 37% phosphoric acid resulted in
      formation of longer resin tags and higher depth of penetration of resin tags of
      the Clearfil SE bond, and attaining higher bond strength of the Clearfil SE bond
      to intact enamel.

PMID- 22065399
TI  - Development and application of whole-sediment toxicity test using immobilized
      freshwater microalgae Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata.
AB  - A method for a whole-sediment toxicity test using alginate immobilized microalgae
      Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata was developed using spiked sediments and applied
      to contaminated field sediment samples. For method development, a growth
      inhibition test (72 h) with algal beads was conducted for the sediments spiked
      with Cu or diuron. The method was validated by determining dose-response
      relationships for Cu and diuron in both fine-grained and coarse-grained
      sediments. The results of a spiked sediment toxicity test suggested that sediment
      particle size distribution (clay content) had a significant effect on the growth
      of P. subcapitata. The developed method using immobilized microalgae P.
      subcapitata beads was applied successfully in the toxicity test and toxicity
      identification evaluation (TIE) for the four field sediment samples. After a
      series of extractions with 0.01 M CaCl(2) solution, acetone, and dichloromethane,
      the extracted sediment, which was shown to be nontoxic to algae, was used as the
      control and diluent for the same sediment in the whole-sediment toxicity test.
      The results showed that all investigated field sediment samples were found to be
      toxic to the immobilized algae P. subcapitata, with their median effective
      concentration (EC50) values ranging from 41.4 to 79.0% after 72 h exposure. In
      the whole sediment TIE, growth of P. subcapitata was improved to varying degrees
      after adding zeolite, resin, or activated charcoal, suggesting different
      contributions to toxicity from ammonia, metals, and organic contaminants in the
      tested sediments.

PMID- 22065400
TI  - A randomized, crossover, placebo- and moxifloxacin-controlled study to evaluate
      the effects of bosutinib (SKI-606), a dual Src/Abl tyrosine kinase inhibitor, on
      cardiac repolarization in healthy adult subjects.
AB  - Effects of therapeutic and supratherapeutic concentrations of bosutinib, a dual
      Src/Abl tyrosine kinase inhibitor, on the corrected QT interval (QTc) in 60
      healthy adults were assessed, according to ICH-E14 guidelines, in this 2-part,
      randomized, single-dose, double-blind, crossover, placebo- and open-label
      moxifloxacin-controlled study. Subjects received placebo, moxifloxacin and
      bosutinib 500 mg with food (therapeutic) in Part 1. In Part 2, subjects received
      placebo and bosutinib 500 mg plus ketoconazole (supratherapeutic). ANOVA compared
      baseline-adjusted QTc for bosutinib with placebo; and bosutinib plus ketoconazole
      with placebo plus ketoconazole. Primary endpoint was population-specific QT
      correction (QTcN). Secondary endpoints were Bazett QT correction (QTcB),
      Fridericia's formula QT correction (QTcF) and individual QT correction (QTcI).
      Upper bounds for 90% confidence intervals were <10 msec for the mean change in
      QTcN from placebo at all postdose time points, suggesting that mean therapeutic
      exposures (C(max) , 114 ng/mL; AUC, 2,330 ng . h/mL) and mean supratherapeutic
      exposures (C(max) , 326 ng/mL; AUC, 15,200 ng . h/mL) were not associated with
      QTc changes. Similar results were obtained for QTcB, QTcF and QTcI. No clinically
      relevant pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic relationship was observed between
      bosutinib concentrations and QTc. No subjects had QTcB, QTcF, QTcI or QTcN >450
      msec or change from baseline >30 msec. In summary, therapeutic and
      supratherapeutic bosutinib exposures are not associated with QTc prolongation in
      healthy adults.

PMID- 22065402
TI  - 3,3'-Dinitro-bis-phenol A.
AB  - THE TITLE COMPOUND [SYSTEMATIC NAME: 2,2'-dinitro-4,4'-(propane-2,2-di
      yl)diphenol], C(15)H(14)N(2)O(6), crystallizes with two mol-ecules in the
      asymmetric unit. Both have a trans conformation for their OH groups, and in each,
      the two aromatic rings are nearly orthogonal, with dihedral angles of 88.30 (3)
      and 89.62 (2) degrees . The nitro groups are nearly in the planes of their
      attached benzene rings, with C-C-N-O torsion angles in the range 1.21 (17)-4.06
      (17) degrees , and they each accept an intra-molecular O-H?O hydrogen bond from
      their adjacent OH groups. One of the OH groups also forms a weak inter-molecular
      O-H?O hydrogen bond.

PMID- 22065403
TI  - (E)-N'-(5-Bromo-2-meth-oxy-benzyl-idene)-2-chloro-benzohydrazide.
AB  - In the title compound, C(15)H(12)BrClN(2)O(2), the dihedral angle between the two
      substituted aromatic rings is 77.8 (3) degrees . The mol-ecule exists in a trans
      conformation with respect to the methyl-idene unit. In the crystal structure,
      inversion dimers linked by pairs of N-H?O hydrogen bonds generate R(2) (8)(8)
      loops.

PMID- 22065404
TI  - 1-[(E)-4-(Phenyl-diazen-yl)phen-yl]-3-pyrroline-2,5-dione.
AB  - The title compound, C(16)H(11)N(3)O(2), displays a trans configuration with
      respect to the azo group. The mol-ecule is non-planar; the maleimide ring forms a
      dihedral angle of 42.35 (4) degrees  with the benzene ring bonded to its N atom
      and the mean plane of this benzene ring is rotated by 21.46 (8) degrees  with
      respect to the azo group mean plane, which, in turn, forms a dihedral angle of
      24.48 (7) degrees  with the 'terminal' benzene ring. Mol-ecules in the crystal
      are pi-pi stacked along the [100] direction with a mean inter-planar distance of
      3.857 (1) A. In addition, C-H?O inter-actions link them into double layers
      parallel to the ac plane.

PMID- 22065405
TI  - The role of the characteristics of humic substances in binding with
      benzo[h]quinoline.
AB  - The binding constants (K(DOC)) of the mixture of benzo[h]quinoline and its
      protonated analog, benzo[h]quinolinium, to four types of humic substances
      obtained from the International Humic Substances Society were determined by the
      fluorescence quenching method. A simple mixing model was used to eliminate the
      fluorescent interference from the minor analog in the solution and to deduce
      K(mix), which represents the overall binding as the sum of that for the
      individual analogs. The characteristics of humic substances, especially their
      hydrophobicity and aromaticity, established by principal component analysis of
      structural and elemental compositions, were the main determinants of the binding
      affinity with both benzo[h]quinoline and benzo[h]quinolinium (K(BQ) and K (BQH+)
      across a range of pH values. The strongest overall affinity of benzo[h]quinoline
      for humic substances is observed near pH 4 and with more hydrophobic humic
      substances, which suggests possible choices in attempts at remediation of
      benzo[h]quinoline containing particles with humic substances.

PMID- 22065406
TI  - Pathways for water loss from doubly protonated peptides containing serine or
      threonine.
AB  - The doubly-protonated peptides Ala-Ala-Xaa-Ala-Ala-Ala-Arg show extensive loss of
      H(2)O when Xaa = Ser or Thr. Using quasi-MS(3) techniques the fragmentation
      reactions of the [M + 2H - H(2)O](+2) ions have been studied in detail. For both
      Ser and Thr, the [M + 2H - H(2)O](+2) ions show three primary fragmentation
      reactions, elimination of CH(3)CH=NH, elimination of one Ala residue, and
      elimination of two Ala residues, in all cases forming doubly-charged products.
      From a study of the further fragmentation of these products, it is concluded that
      elimination of two Ala residues results in formation of a three-membered
      aziridine ring by interaction with the adjacent amide function as H(2)O is lost.
      The elimination of one Ala residue results in formation of a five-membered
      oxazoline ring through interaction with the N-terminal adjacent carbonyl function
      as H(2)O is lost. The elimination of CH(3)CH=NH appears to involve formation of
      an eight-membered ring by interaction with the remote N-terminal carbonyl
      function as H(2)O is lost. However, this initial structure undergoes
      rearrangement through interaction with the adjacent C-terminal carbonyl function
      prior to further fragmentation. The [MH - H(2)O](+) ion of Ala-Ala-Ser-Ala-Ala
      Ala also shows elimination of CH(3)CH=NH, one Ala residue and two Ala residues.

PMID- 22065407
TI  - Aqua-[4-(hy-droxy-imino-meth-yl)pyridine-kappaN](imino-diacetato
      kappaO,N,O')copper(II).
AB  - In the title complex, [Cu(C(4)H(5)NO(4))(C(6)H(6)N(2)O)(H(2)O)], conventionally
      abbreviated Cu(IDA)(4-OXPy)(H(2)O), where IDA is imino-diacetate and 4-OXPy is 4
      (hy-droxy-imino-meth-yl)pyridine, the Cu(II) atom exhibits a distorted square
      pyramidal coordination geometry, which is constructed from two O atoms and one N
      atom from a IDA ligand, one N atom from 4-OXPy ligand and one O atom from water.
      This mol-ecule looks like a space shuttle, the IDA ligand is its empennage
      (tail), and the 4-OXPy ligand is its airframe. The complexes are linked into two
      dimensional supra-molecular layers parallel to (100) by three pairs of O-H?O
      hydrogen bonds. Two pairs of N-H?O hydrogen bonds further connect these supra
      molecular layers, forming a three-dimensional supra-molecular network.

PMID- 22065408
TI  - 2,4-Dichloro-N-(3,4-dimethyl-phen-yl)benzene-sulfonamide.
AB  - In the title compound, C(14)H(13)Cl(2)NO(2)S, the C-SO(2)-NH-C torsion angle is 
      60.84 (18). The sulfonyl and the aniline benzene rings are tilted relative to
      each other by 66.4 (1) degrees . The crystal structure features inversion-related
      dimers linked by pairs of N-H?O hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22065409
TI  - Representation of non-spatial and spatial information in the lateral entorhinal
      cortex.
AB  - Some theories of memory propose that the hippocampus integrates the individual
      items and events of experience within a contextual or spatial framework. The
      hippocampus receives cortical input from two major pathways: the medial
      entorhinal cortex (MEC) and the lateral entorhinal cortex (LEC). During
      exploration in an open field, the firing fields of MEC grid cells form a
      periodically repeating, triangular array. In contrast, LEC neurons show little
      spatial selectivity, and it has been proposed that the LEC may provide non
      spatial input to the hippocampus. Here, we recorded MEC and LEC neurons while
      rats explored an open field that contained discrete objects. LEC cells fired
      selectively at locations relative to the objects, whereas MEC cells were weakly
      influenced by the objects. These results provide the first direct demonstration
      of a double dissociation between LEC and MEC inputs to the hippocampus under
      conditions of exploration typically used to study hippocampal place cells.

PMID- 22065410
TI  - 5-(4-Fluoro-phen-yl)-2-methyl-3-methyl-sulfinyl-1-benzofuran.
AB  - In the title compound, C(16)H(13)FO(2)S, the 4-fluoro-phenyl ring makes a
      dihedral angle of 38.75 (8) degrees  with the mean plane of the benzofuran
      fragment. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by weak inter-molecular C-H?O
      hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22065411
TI  - (2,6-Difluoro-phen-yl)(4-methyl-piperidin-1-yl)methanone.
AB  - In the title compound, C(13)H(15)F(2)NO, the piperidine ring adopts a chair
      conformation. The dihedral angle between the least-squares plane of the
      piperidine ring and the benzene ring is 48.75 (7) degrees . In the crystal
      structure, the mol-ecules are connected via C-H?O hydrogen bonds, forming a
      zigzag chain along the b axis.

PMID- 22065412
TI  - 4-Chloro-N-(2,3-dimethyl-phen-yl)-2-methyl-benzene-sulfonamide.
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C(15)H(16)ClNO(2)S, contains two
      independent moleules. The conformation of the N-H bonds are anti to the ortho
      methyl groups in the sulfonyl benzene rings of both the mol-ecules, while the N-H
      bonds are anti to the ortho- and meta-methyl groups in the aniline ring of one of
      the mol-ecules and syn in the other. Furthermore, the torsion angles of the C
      SO(2)-NH-C segments in the two mol-ecules of are -66.8 (3) and 70.3 (3) degrees .
      The sulfonyl and the aniline benzene rings are oriented at angles of 44.1 (1) and
      39.7 (1) degrees  in the two mol-ecules. In the crystal, pairs of N-H?O hydrogen
      bonds link the mol-ecules into dimers.

PMID- 22065413
TI  - (E)-N'-(5-Bromo-2-hy-droxy-3-meth-oxy-benzyl-idene)-1H-indole-3-carbo-hydrazide.
AB  - There are three independent mol-eculesi n the asymmetric unit of the title
      compound, C(18)H(16)BrN(3)O(3), in which the dihedral angles between the indole
      and benzene rings are 76.9 (2), 4.9 (2), and 70.9 (2) degrees . All three mol
      ecules exist in a trans configuration with respect to the methyl-idene units. In
      each mol-ecule, there is one intra-molecular O-H?N hydrogen bond. In the crystal,
      N-H?O hydrogen bonds occur.

PMID- 22065414
TI  - Does reconsolidation occur in humans: a reply.

PMID- 22065415
TI  - trans-Diaqua-bis-(dl-valinato-kappaN,O)nickel(II).
AB  - In the title complex, [Ni(C(5)H(9)NO(2))(2)(H(2)O)(2)], the Ni(II) atom, located
      on a centre of inversion, is trans-coordinated by two O atoms and two N atoms
      from d-bidentate valine and l-bidentate valine ligands and two water O atoms in
      an octa-hedral geometry. In the crystal, the discrete mononuclear units are
      linked into a three-dimensional network via O-H?O and N-H?O hydrogen bonds. C-H?O
      inter-actions are also observed.

PMID- 22065416
TI  - 2,2'-[1,5-Bis(4-amino-phen-yl)-1,5-dihydro-benzo[1,2-d;4,5-d']diimidazole-2,6-di
      yl]diphenol.
AB  - The title mol-ecule, C(32)H(24)N(6)O(2), has a crystallographic inversion centre
      in the middle of the benzodiimidazole core. It exists as the enol-imine
      tautomeric form and exhibits a strong intra-molecular O-H?N hydrogen bond. The
      dihedral angles between the planes of the 2-hy-droxy-phenyl and 4-amino-phenyl
      substituents and the plane of the benzodiimidazole unit [12.69 (8) and 84.71 (8)
      degrees , respectively] differ significantly due to steric reasons. In the
      crystal, mol-ecules are linked by C-H?pi inter-actions, forming a two-dimensional
      network.

PMID- 22065417
TI  - XIAP protects oligodendrocytes against cell death in vitro but has no functional
      role in toxic demyelination.
AB  - Oligodendroglial damage and loss are typical characteristics of demyelinating
      diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and the leukodystrophies. Axonal loss is
      the underlying cause of permanent neurological deficits in MS and it is thought
      to arise from a combination of immune-mediated axonal damage and the loss of
      trophic support to axons from myelin sheaths after demyelination. Prevention of
      oligodendroglial damage or death and demyelination are therefore attractive
      neuroprotective treatment strategies. However, a better understanding of
      mechanisms leading to oligodendroglial damage and demyelination is a prerequisite
      for the development of such treatment options. Here, we demonstrate that X-linked
      inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP), the most potent member of the inhibitor of
      apoptosis proteins (IAP) family is expressed in oligodendrocytes in vivo and in
      vitro. Increased expression of XIAP is associated with protection against
      selected cell death pathways, whereas decreased expression increases
      oligodendroglial cell death in vitro. However, lack of XIAP does not modulate
      oligodendroglial cell death in toxic demyelination in vivo.

PMID- 22065419
TI  - The response of diatom central carbon metabolism to nitrogen starvation is
      different from that of green algae and higher plants.
AB  - The availability of nitrogen varies greatly in the ocean and limits primary
      productivity over large areas. Diatoms, a group of phytoplankton that are
      responsible for about 20% of global carbon fixation, respond rapidly to influxes
      of nitrate and are highly successful in upwelling regions. Although recent diatom
      genome projects have highlighted clues to the success of this group, very little
      is known about their adaptive response to changing environmental conditions.
      Here, we compare the proteome of the marine diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana (CCMP
      1335) at the onset of nitrogen starvation with that of nitrogen-replete cells
      using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis. In total, 3,310 protein spots were
      distinguishable, and we identified 42 proteins increasing and 23 decreasing in
      abundance (greater than 1.5-fold change; P < 0.005). Proteins involved in the
      metabolism of nitrogen, amino acids, proteins, and carbohydrates, photosynthesis,
      and chlorophyll biosynthesis were represented. Comparison of our proteomics data
      with the transcriptome response of this species under similar growth conditions
      showed good correlation and provided insight into different levels of response.
      The T. pseudonana response to nitrogen starvation was also compared with that of
      the higher plant Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana), the green alga Chlamydomonas
      reinhardtii, and the cyanobacterium Prochlorococcus marinus. We have found that
      the response of diatom carbon metabolism to nitrogen starvation is different from
      that of other photosynthetic eukaryotes and bears closer resemblance to the
      response of cyanobacteria.

PMID- 22065420
TI  - Nucleoid-enriched proteomes in developing plastids and chloroplasts from maize
      leaves: a new conceptual framework for nucleoid functions.
AB  - Plastids contain multiple copies of the plastid chromosome, folded together with
      proteins and RNA into nucleoids. The degree to which components of the plastid
      gene expression and protein biogenesis machineries are nucleoid associated, and
      the factors involved in plastid DNA organization, repair, and replication, are
      poorly understood. To provide a conceptual framework for nucleoid function, we
      characterized the proteomes of highly enriched nucleoid fractions of proplastids
      and mature chloroplasts isolated from the maize (Zea mays) leaf base and tip,
      respectively, using mass spectrometry. Quantitative comparisons with proteomes of
      unfractionated proplastids and chloroplasts facilitated the determination of
      nucleoid-enriched proteins. This nucleoid-enriched proteome included proteins
      involved in DNA replication, organization, and repair as well as transcription,
      mRNA processing, splicing, and editing. Many proteins of unknown function,
      including pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR), tetratricopeptide repeat (TPR), DnaJ,
      and mitochondrial transcription factor (mTERF) domain proteins, were identified.
      Strikingly, 70S ribosome and ribosome assembly factors were strongly
      overrepresented in nucleoid fractions, but protein chaperones were not. Our
      analysis strongly suggests that mRNA processing, splicing, and editing, as well
      as ribosome assembly, take place in association with the nucleoid, suggesting
      that these processes occur cotranscriptionally. The plastid developmental state
      did not dramatically change the nucleoid-enriched proteome but did quantitatively
      shift the predominating function from RNA metabolism in undeveloped plastids to
      translation and homeostasis in chloroplasts. This study extends the known maize
      plastid proteome by hundreds of proteins, including more than 40 PPR and mTERF
      domain proteins, and provides a resource for targeted studies on plastid gene
      expression. Details of protein identification and annotation are provided in the
      Plant Proteome Database.

PMID- 22065421
TI  - The TOPLESS interactome: a framework for gene repression in Arabidopsis.
AB  - Transcription factors activate or repress target gene expression or switch
      between activation and repression. In animals and yeast, Groucho/Tup1 corepressor
      proteins are recruited by diverse transcription factors to induce context
      specific transcriptional repression. Two groups of Groucho/Tup1-like corepressors
      have been described in plants. LEUNIG and LEUNIG_HOMOLOG constitute one group and
      TOPLESS (TPL) and the four TPL-related (TPR) corepressors form the other. To
      discover the processes in which TPL and the TPR corepressors operate, high
      throughput yeast two-hybrid approaches were used to identify interacting
      proteins. We found that TPL/TPR corepressors predominantly interact directly with
      specific transcription factors, many of which were previously implicated in
      transcriptional repression. The interacting transcription factors reveal that the
      TPL/TPR family has been coopted multiple times to modulate gene expression in
      diverse processes, including hormone signaling, stress responses, and the control
      of flowering time, for which we also show biological validation. The interaction
      data suggest novel mechanisms for the involvement of TPL/TPR corepressors in
      auxin and jasmonic acid signaling. A number of short repression domain (RD)
      sequences have previously been identified in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana)
      transcription factors. All known RD sequences were enriched among the TPL/TPR
      interactors, and novel TPL-RD interactions were identified. We show that the
      presence of RD sequences is essential for TPL/TPR recruitment. These data provide
      a framework for TPL/TPR-dependent transcriptional repression. They allow for
      predictions about new repressive transcription factors, corepressor interactions,
      and repression mechanisms and identify a wide range of plant processes that
      utilize TPL/TPR-mediated gene repression.

PMID- 22065422
TI  - Gravistimulation changes the accumulation pattern of the CsPIN1 auxin efflux
      facilitator in the endodermis of the transition zone in cucumber seedlings.
AB  - Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) seedlings grown in a horizontal position develop a
      specialized protuberance (or peg) on the lower side of the transition zone
      between the hypocotyl and the root. This occurs by suppressing peg formation on
      the upper side via a decrease in auxin resulting from a gravitational response.
      However, the gravity-stimulated mechanism of inducing asymmetric auxin
      distribution in the transition zone is poorly understood. The gravity-sensing
      tissue responsible for regulating auxin distribution in the transition zone is
      thought to be the endodermal cell. To characterize the gravity-stimulated
      mechanism, the auxin efflux facilitator PIN-FORMED1 (CsPIN1) in the endodermis
      was identified and the localization of CsPIN1 proteins during the
      gravimorphogenesis of cucumber seedlings was examined. Immunohistochemical
      analysis revealed that the accumulation pattern of CsPIN1 protein in the
      endodermal cells of the transition zone of cucumber seedlings grown horizontally
      differed from that of plants grown vertically. Gravistimulation for 30 min
      prompted changes in the accumulation pattern of CsPIN1 protein in the endodermis
      as well as the asymmetric distribution of auxin in the transition zone.
      Furthermore, 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid inhibited the differential distribution of
      auxin as well as changes in the accumulation pattern of CsPIN1 in the endodermis
      of the transition zone during gravistimulation. These results suggest that the
      altered pattern of CsPIN1 accumulation in the endodermis in response to
      gravistimulation influences lateral auxin transport through the endodermis,
      resulting in asymmetric auxin distribution in the transition zone.

PMID- 22065423
TI  - Two phases of replacement replenish the olfactory ensheathing cell population
      after injury in postnatal mice.
AB  - Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) support the regeneration of olfactory sensory
      neurons throughout life, however, it remains unclear how OECs respond to a major
      injury. We have examined the proliferation and migration of OECs following
      unilateral bulbectomy in postnatal mice. S100beta-DsRed and OMP-ZsGreen
      transgenic mice were used to visualize OECs and olfactory neurons, respectively,
      and we used the thymidine analogue ethynyl deoxyuridine (EdU) to identify cells
      that were proliferating at the time of administration. Following unilateral
      bulbectomy, there was an initial phase of OEC proliferation throughout the
      olfactory pathway with a peak of proliferation occurring 2 to 7 days after the
      injury. A second phase of proliferation also occurred in which precursors
      localized within the olfactory mucosa divided to replenish the OEC population. We
      then tracked the positions of OECs that had proliferated and found that there was
      a progressive increase in OECs in the cavity for at least 12 to 16 days after
      injury which could not be accounted for solely by local proliferation of OECs
      within the cavity. These results suggest that OECs migrated from the peripheral
      olfactory nerve to populate the mass of cells that filled cavity left by
      bulbectomy. Our results demonstrate that following injury to the olfactory
      nervous system, the OEC population is replenished by migration of cells that
      arise from both local proliferation of OECs throughout the olfactory nerve
      pathway as well as from precursor cells in the olfactory mucosa.

PMID- 22065424
TI  - A perception theory in mind-body medicine: guided imagery and mindful meditation
      as cross-modal adaptation.
AB  - A new theory of mind-body interaction in healing is proposed based on
      considerations from the field of perception. It is suggested that the combined
      effect of visual imagery and mindful meditation on physical healing is simply
      another example of cross-modal adaptation in perception, much like adaptation to
      prism-displaced vision. It is argued that psychological interventions produce a
      conflict between the perceptual modalities of the immune system and vision (or
      touch), which leads to change in the immune system in order to realign the
      modalities. It is argued that mind-body interactions do not exist because of
      higher-order cognitive thoughts or beliefs influencing the body, but instead
      result from ordinary interactions between lower-level perceptual modalities that
      function to detect when sensory systems have made an error. The theory helps
      explain why certain illnesses may be more amenable to mind-body interaction, such
      as autoimmune conditions in which a sensory system (the immune system) has made
      an error. It also renders sensible erroneous changes, such as those brought about
      by "faith healers," as conflicts between modalities that are resolved in favor of
      the wrong modality. The present view provides one of very few psychological
      theories of how guided imagery and mindfulness meditation bring about positive
      physical change. Also discussed are issues of self versus non-self, pain, cancer,
      body schema, attention, consciousness, and, importantly, developing the concept
      that the immune system is a rightful perceptual modality. Recognizing mind-body
      healing as perceptual cross-modal adaptation implies that a century of cross
      modal perception research is applicable to the immune system.

PMID- 22065425
TI  - 4,4'-Dibromo-2,2'-[m-phenyl-enebis(nitrilo-methanylyl-idene)]diphenol.
AB  - The title compound, C(20)H(14)Br(2)N(2)O(2), is a dibasic tetra-dentate Schiff
      base and reveals intra-molecular O-H?N hydrogen bonds between the hy-droxy O
      atoms and the imino N atoms. The dihedral angle between the central and terminal
      benzene rings is 39.7 (1) degrees . In the crystal, the compound is disposed
      about a crystallographic mirror plane parallel to the ac plane passing through
      the two central C atoms. The mol-ecules are stacked in columns along the c axis
      through pi-pi inter-actions, the shortest centroid-centroid distance being 3.872
      (3) A.

PMID- 22065426
TI  - Initial management of and outcome in patients with pneumococcal bacteremia: a
      retrospective study at a Swiss university hospital, 2003-2009.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this quality control study was to assess the time to initial
      diagnostic procedures and the time to the first dose of antibiotics in patients
      with pneumococcal bacteremia, and to investigate whether the timeliness of these
      interventions influenced outcome. METHODS: We retrospectively studied patient
      characteristics, chronological sequence of diagnostic and therapeutic steps, and
      the course of disease of all patients with pneumococcal bacteremia at a Swiss
      university hospital between 2003 and 2009, and we analyzed associations between
      these factors and the length of hospital stay (LOS) and mortality. RESULTS: A
      total of 102 episodes of pneumococcal bacteremia in 98 patients were analyzed, of
      whom 15.7% died during hospitalization. The median time (interquartile range
      [IQR]) to the first antibiotic dose was 4.0 (2.0-5.9) h, and the median times
      (IQR]) to blood cultures, chest radiograph, lumbar puncture, and brain computed
      tomography (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) were 1.4 (0.5-3.3), 2.5
      (1.2-4.2), 4.2 (2.7-7.2), and 2.3 (0.6-6.2) h, respectively. The time to
      diagnostic procedures and therapy were not associated with LOS or death. Risk
      factors for death in the univariable analysis were: Charlson comorbidity index
      [odds ratio [OR] (95% confidence interval) per unit increase, 1.3 (1.1-1.6)],
      neutropenia [OR 10.1 (2.0-51.0)], human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection
      [OR 3.9 (1.1-13.8)], chronic respiratory disease [OR 4.4 (1.2-16.0)], chronic
      liver disease [OR 3.2 (1.0-9.7)], smoking [OR 3.8 (1.1-13.5)], injection drug use
      [OR 9.7 (1.5-63.7)], and antibiotic therapy within 6 months before admission [OR
      4.0 (1.3-12.5)]. The multivariable analysis revealed age >60 years (P = 0.048)
      and alcoholism (P = 0.009) as risks for prolonged LOS. CONCLUSIONS: The outcome
      of pneumococcal bacteremia may be more influenced by patient characteristics than
      by minor differences in the timeliness of initial diagnostic and therapeutic
      measures within the first several hours after hospital admission.

PMID- 22065427
TI  - Anatomy of a nanoscale conduction channel reveals the mechanism of a high
      performance memristor.
AB  - By employing a precise method for locating and directly imaging the active
      switching region in a resistive random access memory (RRAM) device, a nanoscale
      conducting channel consisting of an amorphous Ta(O) solid solution surrounded by
      nearly stoichiometric Ta(2) O(5)  is observed. Structural and chemical analysis
      of the channel combined with temperature-dependent transport measurements
      indicate a unique resistance switching mechanism.

PMID- 22065428
TI  - Shrink-film configurable multiscale wrinkles for functional alignment of human
      embryonic stem cells and their cardiac derivatives.
AB  - A biomimetic substrate for cell-culture is fabricated by plasma treatment of a
      prestressed thermoplastic shrink film to create tunable multiscaled alignment
      "wrinkles". Using this substrate, the functional alignment of human embryonic
      stem cell derived cardiomyocytes is demonstrated.

PMID- 22065429
TI  - Genome size determination using flow cytometry of propidium iodide-stained
      nuclei.
AB  - With the rapid expansion of whole-genome sequencing and other genomic studies in
      nonmodel -organisms, there is a growing demand for robust and user-friendly
      methods for estimating eukaryotic genome sizes across a broad range of taxa.
      Propidium iodide (PI) staining with flow cytometry is a powerful method for
      genome sizing because it is relatively fast, works with a wide variety of
      materials, and provides information on a very large number of nuclei. In this
      method, nuclei are stained with PI, which intercalates into the major groove of
      DNA. Unknown samples are typically costained with standard nuclei of a known
      genome size, and the relative fluorescence is used to calculate the genome size
      of the unknown.

PMID- 22065430
TI  - Chromosome analysis in invertebrates and vertebrates.
AB  - The revolution in molecular techniques over the last 30 years detracted from many
      traditional cytological techniques for examining basic biological problems. One
      of these casualties is the preparation of karyotypes and analysis of chromosomal
      structure, behaviour, and variation. Recent technology permitting the full
      sequencing of organisms has highlighted (but does not replace) the importance of
      understanding chromosomal constitution and karyotype structure, which underpin
      genome organisation. This chapter provides simple and straightforward protocols
      for the preparation of chromosome spreads from animals, and more advanced
      techniques for cell culture and chromosomal banding and hybridisation.

PMID- 22065431
TI  - Genomic libraries: I. Construction and screening of fosmid genomic libraries.
AB  - Large insert genome libraries have been a core resource required to sequence
      genomes, analyze haplotypes, and aid gene discovery. While next generation
      sequencing technologies are revolutionizing the field of genomics, traditional
      genome libraries will still be required for accurate genome assembly. Their
      utility is also being extended to functional studies for understanding DNA
      regulatory elements. Here, we present a detailed method for constructing genomic
      fosmid libraries, testing for common contaminants, gridding the library to nylon
      membranes, then hybridizing the library membranes with a radiolabeled probe to
      identify corresponding genomic clones. While this chapter focuses on fosmid
      libraries, many of these steps can also be applied to bacterial artificial
      chromosome libraries.

PMID- 22065432
TI  - Genomic libraries: II. Subcloning, sequencing, and assembling large-insert
      genomic DNA clones.
AB  - Sequencing large insert clones to completion is useful for characterizing
      specific genomic regions, identifying haplotypes, and closing gaps in whole
      genome sequencing projects. Despite being a standard technique in molecular
      laboratories, DNA sequencing using the Sanger method can be highly problematic
      when complex secondary structures or sequence repeats are encountered in genomic
      clones. Here, we describe methods to isolate DNA from a large insert clone
      (fosmid or BAC), subclone the sample, and sequence the region to the highest
      industry standard. Troubleshooting solutions for sequencing difficult templates
      are discussed.

PMID- 22065433
TI  - Reduced representation methods for subgenomic enrichment and next-generation
      sequencing.
AB  - Several methods have been developed to enrich DNA for subsets of the genome prior
      to next-generation sequencing. These front-end enrichment strategies provide
      powerful and cost-effective tools for researchers interested in collecting large
      scale genomic sequence data. In this review, I provide an overview of both
      general and targeted reduced representation enrichment strategies that are
      commonly used in tandem with next-generation sequencing. I focus on several key
      issues that are likely to be important when deciding which enrichment strategy is
      most appropriate for a given experiment. Overall, these techniques can enable the
      collection of large-scale genomic data in diverse species, providing a powerful
      tool for the study of evolutionary biology.

PMID- 22065434
TI  - Accessing the transcriptome: how to normalize mRNA pools.
AB  - As advances in next generation sequencing continue to provide increasing access
      to the genomics -revolution for research systems having few or no genomic
      resources, transcriptome sequencing will only increase in importance as a fast
      and direct means of accessing the genes themselves. However, constructing a
      comprehensive cDNA library for deep sequencing is very difficult, as highly
      abundant transcripts hamper de novo identification of low-expressed genes, and
      genes expressed only under very specific conditions will remain elusive. The
      reduction of variance in gene expression levels to within a tenfold range of
      differences by cDNA normalization provides an important means of allocating
      sequencing across a greater fraction of genes, directly translating into a more
      even coverage across genes. Here, we outline two different normalization methods,
      addressing many of the important issues we think need consideration when going
      from RNA isolation to the cDNA material required for sequencing. This will
      provide coding gene information across thousands of genes from any organism,
      providing rapid insights into topics such as gene family member identification
      and genetic variation that may be associated with a studied phenotype.

PMID- 22065435
TI  - Transcriptome sequencing goals, assembly, and assessment.
AB  - Transcriptome sequencing provides quick, direct access to the mRNA. With this
      information, one can design primers for PCR of thousands of different genes, SNP
      markers, probes for microarrays and qPCR, or just use the sequence data itself in
      comparative studies. Transcriptome sequencing, while getting cheaper, is still an
      expensive endeavor, with an examination of data quality and its assembly
      infrequently performed in depth. Here, we outline many of the important issues we
      think need consideration when starting a transcriptome sequencing project. We
      also walk the reader through a detailed analysis of an example transcriptome
      dataset, highlighting the importance of both within-dataset analysis and
      comparative inferences. Our hope is that with greater attention focused upon
      assessing assembly performance, advances in transcriptome assembly will increase
      as prices continue to drop and new technologies, such as Illumina sequencing,
      start to be used.

PMID- 22065436
TI  - Rapid retrieval of DNA target sequences by primer extension capture.
AB  - There is a widespread need for methods to enrich DNA samples for sequences of
      interest prior to high-throughput sequencing and to reduce the costs associated
      with a shotgun approach. While useful for targeting megabase-sized regions in a
      few samples, hybridization capture approaches such as those using microarrays
      currently involve bulky handling steps, long incubation times, and high per
      sample costs. In contrast, the primer extension capture (PEC) method allows
      direct selection of small genomic regions from DNA sources within 2 h, with low
      costs for use with parallel samples. PEC promises useful applications in studies
      such as ancient DNA or forensic sequencing, taxonomic surveying of metagenomic
      samples, or genomic mapping of repetitive elements.

PMID- 22065437
TI  - SNP discovery and genotyping for evolutionary genetics using RAD sequencing.
AB  - Next-generation sequencing technologies are revolutionizing the field of
      evolutionary biology, opening the possibility for genetic analysis at scales not
      previously possible. Research in population genetics, quantitative trait mapping,
      comparative genomics, and phylogeography that was unthinkable even a few years
      ago is now possible. More importantly, these next-generation sequencing studies
      can be performed in organisms for which few genomic resources presently exist. To
      speed this revolution in evolutionary genetics, we have developed Restriction
      site Associated DNA (RAD) genotyping, a method that uses Illumina next-generation
      sequencing to simultaneously discover and score tens to hundreds of thousands of
      single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers in hundreds of individuals for
      minimal investment of resources. In this chapter, we describe the core RAD-seq
      protocol, which can be modified to suit a diversity of evolutionary genetic
      questions. In addition, we discuss bioinformatic considerations that arise from
      unique aspects of next-generation sequencing data as compared to traditional
      marker-based approaches, and we outline some general analytical approaches for
      RAD-seq and similar data. Despite considerable progress, the development of
      analytical tools remains in its infancy, and further work is needed to fully
      quantify sampling variance and biases in these data types.

PMID- 22065438
TI  - DNA microarray-based mutation discovery and genotyping.
AB  - DNA microarrays provide an efficient means of identifying single-nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) in DNA samples and characterizing their frequencies in
      individual and mixed samples. We have studied the parameters that determine the
      sensitivity of DNA probes to SNPs and found that the melting temperature (T (m))
      of the probe is the primary determinant of probe sensitivity. An isothermal
      melting temperature DNA microarray design, in which the T (m) of all probes is
      tightly distributed, can be implemented by varying the length of DNA probes
      within a single DNA microarray. I describe guidelines for designing isothermal
      melting temperature DNA microarrays and protocols for labeling and hybridizing
      DNA samples to DNA microarrays for SNP discovery, genotyping, and quantitative
      determination of allele frequencies in mixed samples.

PMID- 22065439
TI  - Genotyping with Sequenom.
AB  - Often in evolutionary genetics research, one needs to analyze polymorphisms in
      populations for which cost-efficient high-throughput arrays are nonexistent,
      either because the species is not a model organism or because the populations
      have been subjected to such specific conditions that their base variation is
      almost unique. In this situation, custom-made genotyping assays are required.
      Sequenom's MassARRAY((r)) genotyping platform is a powerful and flexible method
      for assaying up to a few thousand markers and up to thousands of individuals. It
      is based on distinguishing allele-specific primer extension products by mass
      spectrometry (MALDI-TOF). Most stages of the experimental protocol reflect
      adaptations of established PCR protocols to multiplexing, which allows the
      simultaneous amplification and detection of multiple markers per reaction.

PMID- 22065440
TI  - Isolating microsatellite loci: looking back, looking ahead.
AB  - Microsatellite DNA loci are tandemly repeated simple sequence repeats (SSRs) that
      are ubiquitous in eukaryotic genomes. When flanked by unique sequences, length
      variation (driven by high rates of strand slippage during DNA replication) at a
      given repeat locus can be assayed by PCR and electrophoretic separation of the
      resulting DNA fragments (representing alleles defined by fragment size or repeat
      number at that locus). In nonmodel organisms that do not have sequence
      information at SSR loci (or at SSRs in a closely related taxon), microsatellites
      must be isolated and sequenced de novo. Traditionally, this has been accomplished
      with cloning of genomic DNA fragments enriched for SSRs, a protocol described in
      detail here. PCR primers flanking microsatellite repeats can be used to assay
      repeat length variation among individuals (typically through fluorescent labeling
      of one strand and capillary electrophoresis), useful for questions related to
      population variation, individual assignment, mating studies, selection scans,
      mapping, and phenotypic traits. High-throughput next-generation sequencing will
      likely supplant traditional cloning methods for the discovery of microsatellite
      loci.

PMID- 22065441
TI  - Design of custom oligonucleotide microarrays for single species or interspecies
      hybrids using Array Oligo Selector.
AB  - New technologies for DNA sequencing have made it feasible to determine the genome
      sequence of any organism of interest. This sequence is the resource required to
      create tools for downstream studies, including DNA microarrays. A number of
      vendors can produce DNA microarrays containing customer-specified sequences,
      allowing investigators to design and order arrays customized for any species of
      interest. Freely available, user-friendly computer programs are available for
      designing microarray probes. These design programs can be used to create probes
      that distinguish between two related genomes, allowing investigation of gene
      expression or gene representation in intra- or interspecies hybrids or in samples
      containing DNA from multiple species.

PMID- 22065442
TI  - Identification of homologous gene sequences by PCR with degenerate primers.
AB  - Degenerate primers are mixtures of similar oligonucleotides that are used in a
      PCR, so-called degenerate PCR, to amplify unknown DNA sequences, typically coding
      sequences of genes. Degenerate primers are designed based on sequence data of
      related and already sequenced gene homologs. This method is useful for
      identifying new members of a gene family or orthologous genes from different
      organisms where genomic information is not available. We describe here how to
      design degenerate primers, set up the PCR (with genomic DNA or cDNA as a
      template), clone the resulting PCR fragments, and sequence them. Since this
      method only yields partial coding sequences, complete gene sequences must then be
      achieved by other approaches such as inverse PCR (see Chapter 16), 5' RACE, 3'
      RACE, or circular RACE (see Chapter 15).

PMID- 22065443
TI  - Characterizing cDNA ends by circular RACE.
AB  - Rapid amplification of cDNA ends (RACE) is a widely used PCR-based method to
      identify the 5' and 3' ends of cDNA transcripts from partial cDNAs. While
      conceptually simple, this method often requires substantial optimization before
      accurate end identification is achieved. This is due in part to the anchoring of
      a universal primer to a cDNA or mRNA for PCR, which can lead to the generation of
      nonspecific amplification. Here, we describe an improvement of the original RACE
      method, circular RACE, which can be used to simultaneously identify both the 5'
      and 3' end of a target cDNA.

PMID- 22065444
TI  - Identification of DNA sequences that flank a known region by inverse PCR.
AB  - The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) with its multiple applications in molecular
      genetic analysis is the cornerstone of modern basic and applied biomedical
      research. This chapter focuses on the inverse PCR technique that has been used
      widely over the last two decades in genotyping and chromosome walking
      applications for the isolation of unknown DNA sequences upstream and downstream
      of a known DNA region. The method is based on the use of circularized templates
      and primers facing outward from the known sequence, rather than primers facing
      each other used in conventional PCR. As a result, the original genome sequence is
      rearranged, and stretches of known sequence end up flanking the unknown DNA
      sequence in the inverse PCR product. I also discuss the special case of using
      outward facing primers to isolate the intergenic region between genes clustered
      in tandem or inverted arrangement, since it can hugely simplify the cloning of
      cis-regulatory sequences in new species of interest.

PMID- 22065445
TI  - Quantification of transcript levels with quantitative RT-PCR.
AB  - Differential gene expression is a key factor driving phenotypic divergence.
      Determining when and where gene expression has diverged between organisms
      requires a quantitative method. While large-scale approaches such as microarrays
      or high-throughput mRNA sequencing can identify candidates, quantitative RT-PCR
      is the definitive method for confirming gene expression differences. Here, we
      describe the steps for performing qRT-PCR including extracting total RNA, reverse
      transcribing it to make a pool of cDNA, and then quantifying relative expression
      of a few candidate genes using real-time or quantitative PCR.

PMID- 22065446
TI  - Using pyrosequencing to measure allele-specific mRNA abundance and infer the
      effects of cis- and trans-regulatory differences.
AB  - Changes in gene expression are an important source of phenotypic differences
      within and between species. Differences in RNA abundance can be readily
      quantified between genotypes using a variety of tools, including microarrays,
      quantitative real-time PCR, cDNA sequencing, and in situ hybridization, but
      determining the genetic basis of heritable expression differences has
      historically been less straightforward. Genetic changes that affect RNA abundance
      can be broadly classified into two groups depending on how they affect gene
      expression: cis-acting changes affect expression of a single allele in a diploid
      cell and are typically located close to the affected gene in the genome, whereas
      trans-acting changes affect expression of both alleles of a gene in a diploid
      cell and can be located virtually anywhere within a genome. By comparing relative
      expression of two alleles in an F(1) hybrid with relative expression between the
      two parental genotypes, the net effects of cis- and trans-acting changes can be
      discerned. Here, I describe how pyrosequencing can be used to obtain relative
      gene-specific and allele-specific expression. I also describe how such data can
      be used to infer the relative contribution of cis- and trans-acting changes to
      expression differences between genotypes.

PMID- 22065447
TI  - Whole-mount in situ hybridization of sectioned tissues of species hybrids to
      detect cis-regulatory changes in gene expression pattern.
AB  - To distinguish whether differences in gene expression between species or between
      individuals of the same species are caused by cis-regulatory changes or by
      distribution differences in trans-regulatory proteins, comparison of species
      specific mRNA expression in an F1 hybrid by whole-mount in situ hybridization is
      a rarely used yet very powerful tool. If asymmetric expression pattern is
      observed for the two alleles, this implies a cis-regulatory divergence of this
      gene. Alternatively, if symmetric expression pattern is observed for both
      alleles, the change in expression of this gene is probably caused by changes in
      the distribution of trans-regulatory proteins. In this chapter, I describe how to
      prepare RNA probes, tissue samples and how to detect mRNA expression pattern
      using in situ hybridization. Although I choose to present here the detection of
      yellow-related gene (YRG) expression pattern in the larval epidermis of
      swallowtail butterflies, this protocol can be adapted to other species and
      tissues. YRG mRNA expression is correlated with interspecific differences of
      yellow and green larval color pattern such as V-shaped markings in swallowtail
      butterflies. F1 hybrids show an intermediate color pattern between parental
      species. In this case, both species-specific YRG mRNA showed a similar expression
      pattern in F1 hybrids, suggesting that the change in expression of YRG is mainly
      caused by changes in the distribution of trans-regulatory proteins.

PMID- 22065448
TI  - Identifying fluorescently labeled single molecules in image stacks using machine
      learning.
AB  - In the past several years, a host of new technologies have made it possible to
      visualize single molecules within cells and organisms (Raj et al., Nat Methods
      5:877-879, 2008; Pare et al., Curr Biol 19:2037-2042, 2009; Lu and Tsourkas,
      Nucleic Acids Res 37:e100, 2009; Femino et al., Science 280:585-590, 1998;
      Rodriguez et al., Semin Cell Dev Biol 18:202-208, 2007; Betzig et al., Science
      313:1642-1645, 2006; Rust et al., Nat Methods 3:793-796, 2006; Fusco et al., Curr
      Biol 13:161-167, 2003). Many of these are based on fluorescence, either
      fluorescent proteins or fluorescent dyes coupled to a molecule of interest. In
      many applications, the fluorescent signal is limited to a few pixels, which poses
      a classic signal processing problem: how can actual signal be distinguished from
      background noise? In this chapter, I present a MATLAB (MathWorks (2010) MATLAB.
      Retrieved from http://www.mathworks.com) software suite designed to work with
      these single-molecule visualization technologies (Rifkin (2010) spotFinding
      Suite. http://www.biology.ucsd.edu/labs/rifkin/software.html). It takes images or
      image stacks from a fluorescence microscope as input and outputs locations of the
      molecules. Although the software was developed for the specific application of
      identifying single mRNA transcripts in fixed specimens, it is more general than
      this and can be used and/or customized for other applications that produce
      localized signals embedded in a potentially noisy background. The analysis
      pipeline consists of the following steps: (a) create a gold-standard dataset, (b)
      train a machine-learning algorithm to classify image features as signal or noise
      depending upon user defined statistics, (c) run the machine-learning algorithm on
      a new dataset to identify mRNA locations, and (d) visually inspect and correct
      the results.

PMID- 22065449
TI  - Experimental approaches to evaluate the contributions of candidate cis-regulatory
      mutations to phenotypic evolution.
AB  - Elucidating the molecular bases by which phenotypic traits have evolved provides
      a glimpse into the past, allowing the characterization of genetic changes that
      cumulatively contribute to evolutionary innovations. Historically, much of the
      experimental attention has been focused on changes in protein-coding regions that
      can readily be identified by the genetic code for translating gene coding
      sequences into proteins. Resultantly, the role of noncoding sequences in trait
      evolution has remained more mysterious. In recent years, several studies have
      reached an unprecedented level of detail in describing how noncoding mutations in
      gene cis-regulatory elements contribute to morphological evolution. Based on
      these and other studies, we describe an experimental framework and some of the
      genetic and molecular methods to connect a particular cis-regulatory mutation to
      the evolution of any phenotypic trait.

PMID- 22065450
TI  - Experimental approaches to evaluate the contributions of candidate protein-coding
      mutations to phenotypic evolution.
AB  - Identifying mechanisms of molecular adaptation can provide important insights
      into the process of phenotypic evolution, but it can be exceedingly difficult to
      quantify the phenotypic effects of specific mutational changes. To verify the
      adaptive significance of genetically based changes in protein function, it is
      necessary to document functional differences between the products of derived and
      wild-type alleles and to demonstrate that such differences impinge on higher
      level physiological processes (and ultimately, fitness). In the case of metabolic
      enzymes, this requires documenting in vivo differences in reaction rate that give
      rise to differences in flux through the pathway in which the enzymes function.
      These measured differences in pathway flux should then give rise to differences
      in cellular or systemic physiology that affect fitness-related variation in whole
      organism performance. Efforts to establish these causal connections between
      genotype, phenotype, and fitness require experiments that carefully control for
      environmental variation and background genetic variation. Here, we discuss
      experimental approaches to evaluate the contributions of amino-acid mutations to
      adaptive phenotypic change. We discuss conceptual and methodological issues
      associated with in vitro and in vivo studies of protein function, and the
      evolutionary insights that can be gleaned from such studies. We also discuss the
      importance of isolating the effects of individual mutations to distinguish
      between positively selected substitutions that directly contribute to
      improvements in protein function versus positively selected, compensatory
      substitutions that mitigate negative pleiotropic effects of antecedent changes.

PMID- 22065451
TI  - Making reporter gene constructs to analyze cis-regulatory elements.
AB  - Cis-regulatory sequences control when, where, and how much genes are transcribed.
      A better understanding on these elements is a fundamental keystone to better
      understand development, cell differentiation, and morphogenesis. Several methods
      based on in silico analysis or ChIP-seq experiments have been developed to detect
      cis-acting sequences. Here, we describe a protocol to isolate such sequences from
      genomic DNA and to clone them into expression vectors for functional assays using
      the Gateway cloning technology.

PMID- 22065452
TI  - PCR-directed in vivo plasmid construction using homologous recombination in
      baker's yeast.
AB  - A variety of applications require the creation of custom-designed plasmids,
      including transgenic reporters, heterologous gene fusions, and phenotypic rescue
      plasmids. These plasmids are created traditionally using restriction digests and
      in vitro ligation reactions, but these techniques are dependent on available
      restriction sites and can be laborious given the size and number of fragments to
      be ligated. The baker's yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae provides a powerful
      platform to create nearly any plasmid through PCR-directed yeast-mediated
      ligation. This technique can ligate complex plasmids of up to 50 kilobasepairs
      (kb) in vivo to produce plasmids with precisely defined sequences.

PMID- 22065453
TI  - Production of fosmid genomic libraries optimized for liquid culture
      recombineering and cross-species transgenesis.
AB  - Genomic DNA libraries are a valuable source of large constructs that can contain
      all the regulatory elements necessary for recapitulating wild-type gene
      expression when introduced into animal genomes as a transgene. Such clones can be
      directly used in complementation studies. In combination with recombineering
      manipulation, the tagged genomic clones can serve as faithful in vivo gene
      activity reporters that enable studies of tissue specificity of gene expression,
      subcellular protein localization, and affinity purification of complexes. We
      present a detailed protocol for generating an unbiased genomic library in a
      custom pFlyFos vector that is optimized for liquid culture recombineering
      manipulation and site-specific transgenesis of fosmid-size loci across different
      Drosophila species. The cross-species properties of the library can be used, for
      example, to establish the specificity of RNAi phenotypes or to selectively
      introgress specific genomic loci among different Drosophila species making it an
      ideal tool for experimental evolutionary studies. The FlyFos system can be easily
      adapted to other organisms.

PMID- 22065454
TI  - Recombination-mediated genetic engineering of large genomic DNA transgenes.
AB  - Faithful gene activity reporters are a useful tool for evo-devo studies enabling
      selective introduction of specific loci between species and assaying the activity
      of large gene regulatory sequences. The use of large genomic constructs such as
      BACs and fosmids provides an efficient platform for exploration of gene function
      under endogenous regulatory control. Despite their large size they can be easily
      engineered using in vivo homologous recombination in Escherichia coli
      (recombineering). We have previously demonstrated that the efficiency and
      fidelity of recombineering are sufficient to allow high-throughput transgene
      engineering in liquid culture, and have successfully applied this approach in
      several model systems. Here, we present a detailed protocol for recombineering of
      BAC/fosmid transgenes for expression of fluorescent or affinity tagged proteins
      in Drosophila under endogenous in vivo regulatory control. The tag coding
      sequence is seamlessly recombineered into the genomic region contained in the
      BAC/fosmid clone, which is then integrated into the fly genome using phiC31
      recombination. This protocol can be easily adapted to other recombineering
      projects.

PMID- 22065455
TI  - Overlap extension PCR: an efficient method for transgene construction.
AB  - Combining genes or regulatory elements to make hybrid genes is a widely used
      methodology throughout the biological sciences. Here, we describe an optimized
      approach for hybrid gene construction called overlap extension PCR. In this
      method, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is employed for efficient and
      reliable construction of hybrid genes. A PCR-based approach does not rely on
      available restriction sites or other specific sequences, an advantage over more
      conventional cloning or recombineering methods. With the use of high-fidelity DNA
      polymerase, this method can be used for making even very large constructs (>20
      kb) with minimal unwanted mutations. Finally, overlap extension-PCR can be used
      as a means for site-directed mutagenesis, introducing desired mutations to the
      final hybrid gene.

PMID- 22065456
TI  - Gene knockdown analysis by double-stranded RNA injection.
AB  - The discovery of RNAi, in which double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) suppresses the
      translation of homologous mRNA, has had a huge impact on evolutionary genetics by
      enabling the analysis of loss-of-function phenotypes in organisms in which
      classical genetic analysis is laborious or impossible. In this chapter, we
      discuss an RNAi method via simple dsRNA injection in the red flour beetle,
      Tribolium castaneum. Tribolium is gaining popularity in evolutionary genetics due
      in part to the ease of RNAi application. We describe procedures for dsRNA
      synthesis and injection and provide a description of the injection apparatus. In
      addition, we detail two methods to validate the efficacy of RNAi (real-time PCR
      and western blot analyses). Although this chapter focuses mainly on Tribolium,
      many of the molecular biology and injection procedures described here are
      applicable to other organisms with some modifications. A few notes regarding
      dsRNA injection in other species are also included.

PMID- 22065457
TI  - Copper(II)-catalyzed hydrosilylation of ketones using chiral dipyridylphosphane
      ligands: highly enantioselective synthesis of valuable alcohols.
AB  - In the presence of PhSiH(3) as the reductant, the combination of enantiomeric
      dipyridylphosphane ligands and Cu(OAc)(2).H(2)O, which is an easy-to-handle and
      inexpensive copper salt, led to a remarkably practical and versatile chiral
      catalyst system. The stereoselective formation of a selection of synthetically
      interesting beta-, gamma- or delta-halo alcohols bearing high degrees of
      enantiopurity (up to 99.9% enantiomeric excess (ee)) was realized with a
      substrate-to-ligand molar ratio (S/L) of up to 10,000. The present protocol also
      allowed the hydrosilylation of a diverse spectrum of alkyl aryl ketones with
      excellent enantioselectivities (up to 98% ee) and exceedingly high turn-over
      rates (up to 50,000 S/L molar ratio in 50 min reaction time) in air, under very
      mild conditions, which offers great opportunities for the preparation of various
      physiologically active targets. The synthetic utility of the chiral products
      obtained was highlighted by the efficient conversion of optically enriched beta
      halo alcohols into the corresponding styrene oxide, beta-amino alcohol, and beta
      azido alcohol, respectively.

PMID- 22065458
TI  - 4-Amino-2-chloro-benzoic acid.
AB  - The title compound, C(7)H(6)ClNO(2), crystallizes with two roughly planar mol
      ecules in the asymmetric unit (r.m.s. deviations = 0.073 and 0.074 A). The amine
      H atoms of the two mol-ecules have opposite orientations. In the crystal, mol
      ecules are linked into dimers by pairs of O-H?O hydrogen bonds, generating R(2)
      (2)(8) loops. N-H?N and N-H?Cl hydrogen bonds link the dimers into a three
      dimensional network. The crystal studied was found to be a racemic twin.

PMID- 22065459
TI  - Vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome presenting as rapidly progressive multiple
      arterial aneurysms and dissections.
AB  - Life expectancy in vascular Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is shortened due to
      spontaneous rupture of arteries, the colon and the gravid uterus. Two adolescent
      males with vascular EDS illustrate rapid progression of arterial aneurysms,
      dissections, and rupture. Radiologic imaging played an important role in
      initially diagnosing and monitoring the evolution of arterial involvement. Both
      prophylactic and emergency management remain largely ineffective in this
      connective tissue disorder; however, noninvasive imaging may provide important
      prognostic information.

PMID- 22065460
TI  - Transition from anodic titania nanotubes to nanowires: arising from nanotube
      growth to application in dye-sensitized solar cells.
AB  - Anodic formation of titania nanowires has been interpreted using a bamboo
      splitting model; however, a number of phenomena are difficult to explain with
      this model. Herein, transition from nanotubes to nanowires is investigated by
      varying the anodizing conditions. The results indicate that the transition
      requires a large number of hydrogen ions to reduce the passivated area of tube
      walls, and therefore can be observed only in an intermediate chemical dissolution
      environment. Accordingly, a model in terms of stretching and splitting is
      proposed to interpret the transition process. The model provides a basis to
      suppress the nanowires with surface treatments before anodization and to clear
      the nanowires with an ultrasonication process after anodization. The nanotube
      nanowire transition also arises when the tubes are directly used in dye
      sensitized solar cells. Treatment with titanium tetrachloride solution for about
      10 h is found to be effective in suppressing the nanowires, and thus improving
      the photovoltaic properties of the solar cells.

PMID- 22065461
TI  - 5-Methyl-1,2-oxazole-3-carb-oxy-lic acid.
AB  - In the crystal structure of the title compound, C(5)H(5)NO(3), all the non-H
      atoms are approximately coplanar: the carb-oxy O atoms deviating by 0.013 (2) and
      -0.075 (2) A from the isoxazole ring plane. In the crystal, the molecules form
      inversion dimers linked by pairs of O-H?O hydrogen bonds and the dimers stack via
      pi-pi inter-actions [centroid-centroid distance = 3.234 (2) A].

PMID- 22065462
TI  - {N'-[1-(2-Pyrid-yl)ethyl-idene-kappaN]benzo-hydrazidato-kappaN',O}{N'-[1-(2-pyrid
      yl)ethyl-idene-kappaN]benzohydrazide-kappaN',O}copper(II) trichloro-acetate.
AB  - In the title complex, [Cu(C(14)H(13)N(3)O)(C(14)H(12)N(3)O)](CCl(3)COO), the
      central Cu(II) ion exhibits a distorted octa-hedral geometry with the two ligands
      coordinating in an meridional format. The N(4)O(2) ligand environment is defined
      by two benzoyl O atoms, two pyridyl N atoms and imino N atoms. As evidenced by
      the bond lengths, the two benzohydrazone ligands exist in distinctively different
      forms, one of them as a regular neutral ligand and the other as an anionic
      enolate arising from deprotonation. The much longer Cu-O bond and longer Cu-N
      bond lengths in the neutral benzohydrazone ligand imply weak ligation in
      comparison with the anionic enolate form. The acute angles of the five-membered
      rings cause a significant deviation from a regular octa-hedral geometry.

PMID- 22065463
TI  - Synthesis and analytical investigation of C-terminally modified peptide aldehydes
      and ketone: application to oxime ligation.
AB  - C-terminally modified peptides aldehyde (glycinal and alpha-oxo aldehyde
      peptides) and ketone (pyruvic acid-containing peptide) were synthesised to get
      new insights into the mechanism of acido-catalysed oxime ligation. Their
      tetrahedral hydrated forms were investigated in solution and in the gas phase,
      using NMR and in-source collision-induced dissociation mass spectrometry,
      respectively, and the kinetics of the oximation reactions followed using
      analytical HPLC. The results obtained confirmed that the first step of the
      oximation reaction was the limiting step for the pyruvic acid-containing peptides
      because of the steric effect and of the carbon angular strain of the ketone. The
      second step is the determining step for the aldehyde peptides because the
      basicity of the oxygen of the hydroxyl function of the tetrahedral form is
      greater for glycinal than for alpha-oxo aldehyde. These data strongly suggest
      that the hydrated form of the aldehyde partner has to be considered when oxime
      reactions are performed in aqueous buffer.

PMID- 22065464
TI  - Insomnia as predictor versus outcome of PTSD and depression among Iraq combat
      veterans.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The study conducted a longitudinal assessment of insomnia as an
      antecedent versus consequence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and
      depression symptoms among combat veterans. DESIGN: Two postdeployment time points
      were used in combination with structural equation modeling to examine the
      relative strength of two possible directions of prediction: insomnia as a
      predictor of psychological symptoms, and psychological symptoms as a predictor of
      insomnia. Participants were active duty soldiers (N = 659) in a brigade combat
      team who were assessed 4 months after their return from a 12-month deployment to
      Iraq, and then again eight months later. RESULTS: Although both insomnia and
      psychological symptoms were associated at both time periods and across time
      periods, insomnia at 4 months postdeployment was a significant predictor of
      change in depression and PTSD symptoms at 12 months postdeployment, whereas
      depression and PTSD symptoms at 4 months postdeployment were not significant
      predictors of change in insomnia at 12 months postdeployment. CONCLUSIONS:
      Results support the role of insomnia in the development of additional
      psychological problems and highlight the clinical implications for combat
      veterans, to include the importance of longitudinal assessment and monitoring of
      sleep disturbances, and the need for early intervention.

PMID- 22065465
TI  - 4-(6-Chloro-imidazo[1,2-b]pyridazin-3-yl)benzonitrile.
AB  - In the title compound, C(13)H(7)ClN(4), the imidazopyridazine ring system is
      essentially planar [maximum deviation 0.015 (1) A]. It is inclined to the benzene
      ring of the benzonitrile group by 11.31 (2) degrees . In the crystal, molecules
      are linked via C-H?Cl and C-H?N interactions.

PMID- 22065466
TI  - Bis{2-[(E)-(5-tert-butyl-2-hy-droxy-phen-yl)diazen-yl]benzoato}dimethyl-tin(IV).
AB  - In the title diorganotin dicarboxyl-ate, [Sn(CH(3))(2)(C(17)H(17)N(2)O(3))(2)],
      the tin(IV) atom is six-coordinated by four O atoms derived from asymmetrically
      coordinating carboxyl-ate ligands, and two methyl-C atoms. The resulting C(2)O(4)
      donor set defines a skew-trapezoidal bipyramid with the Sn-C bonds disposed over
      the weaker Sn-O bonds. Within each carboxyl-ate ligand, the hydroxyl-H atom forms
      bifurcated O-H?(O,N) hydrogen bonds with carboxyl-ate-O and azo-N atoms. The
      dihedral angles between the benzene rings in the two ligands are 10.44 (11) and
      34.24 (11) degrees . In the crystal, centrosymmetric dimers are formed through
      pairs of Sn?O inter-actions [2.8802 (16) A], and the dimers are linked into supra
      molecular layers in the ac plane by C-H?pi inter-actions.

PMID- 22065467
TI  - rac-(6S)-6-Hy-droxy-6-{2-[2-(propan-2-yl-idene)hydrazinyl-idene]prop
      yl}indolo[2,1-b]quinazolin-12(6H)-one.
AB  - The chiral title compound, C(21)H(20)N(4)O(2), crystallizes as a racemic mixture.
      In the crystal, mol-ecules form centrosymmetric pi-overlapping dimers [inter
      planar distance = 3.338 (6) A], which are further connected along the a axis
      forming centrosymmetric dimers via O-H?N hydrogen bonds. C-H?O inter-actions are
      also observed. The indolo[2,1-b]quinazoline group is somewhat bent, with a small
      dihedral angle of 6.3 (4) degrees  between the plane of the quinazoline system
      and the plane of the benzene ring of the indole moiety. The C=N-N=C atoms of the
      azine group is oriented almost perpendicular [84.1 (2) degrees ] to the mean
      plane of the quinazoline system.

PMID- 22065468
TI  - Assessment of community food resources: A Latino neighborhood study in upstate
      New York.
AB  - This study aims to assess availability, affordability, and accessibility of food
      items in a low-income Latino neighborhood within a small city using an on-site
      food store survey. Store locations were identified by on-site GPS. Results showed
      the Latino neighborhood had limited availability and above average cost of high
      fiber bread. Fresh vegetables were more expensive compared to the non-Latino
      neighborhood, and more stores in the Latino neighborhood participated in
      Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Food Program. The lack of supermarkets, fewer
      stores with disability access, and the lack of public transportation left Latino
      residents without a vehicle or with physical disabilities with few food shopping
      options.

PMID- 22065469
TI  - (2-{[2-(1H-Benzimidazol-2-yl-kappaN)phen-yl]imino-methyl-kappaN}-5-methyl
      phenolato-kappaO)chloridozinc(II).
AB  - In the title mononuclear complex, [Zn(C(21)H(16)N(3)O)Cl], the Zn(II) ion is
      coordinated in a distorted tetra-hedral geometry by two benzimidazole N atoms and
      one phenolate O atom from the tridentate Schiff base ligand and a chloride
      ligand. The benzimidazole ring system forms dihedral angles of 26.68 (9) and
      56.16 (9) degrees  with the adjacent benzene ring and the methyl-phenolate group
      benzene ring, respectively. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by N-H?Cl
      hydrogen bonds into chains along [100]. Furthermore, weak C-H?O and C-H?pi inter
      actions, in addition to pi-pi inter-actions with centroid-centroid distances in
      the range 3.5826 (13)-3.9681 (13) A, are also observed.

PMID- 22065470
TI  - Diaqua-(5-carb-oxy-benzene-1,3-dicarboxyl-ato-kappaO,O)(6,6'-dimethyl-2,2'
      bipyridine-kappaN,N')nickel(II) hepta-hydrate.
AB  - In the title compound, [Ni(C(9)H(4)O(6))(C(12)H(12)N(2))(H(2)O)(2)].7H(2)O, the
      Ni(II) atom is six-coordinated by two O atoms from a chelating carboxyl-ate group
      of a 5-carb-oxy-benzene-1,3-dicarboxyl-ate ligand, two O atoms of two water mol
      ecules and two N atoms from a 6,6'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine ligand in a distorted
      octa-hedral geometry. The compound exhibits a three-dimensional supra-molecular
      structure composed of the complex mol-ecules and lattice water mol-ecules, which
      are linked together by inter-molecular O-H?O hydrogen bonds and partly
      overlapping pi-pi inter-actions between the pyridine and benzene rings [centroid
      centroid distances = 3.922 (2) and 3.921 (2) A]. One of the lattice water mol
      ecules is disordered over two positions in an occupancy ratio of 0.521 (6):0.479
      (6).

PMID- 22065471
TI  - Bis[MU-N'-(2-methyl-1-oxidopropanyl-idene)-2-oxidobenzohydrazidato]tetra-pyridine
      trinickel(II).
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title trinuclear Ni(II) compound,
      [Ni(3)(C(11)H(11)N(2)O(3))(C(5)H(5)N)(4)], contains two independent mol-ecules
      which are located on individual inversion centres. The central Ni atom, located
      on an inversion centre, is coordinated by two pyridine N atoms and is further N,O
      chelated by two N-(2-methyl-propano-yl)salicyloylhydrazidate anions in an
      elongated octa-hedral coordination geometry. The terminal Ni atom is coordinated
      by a pyridine ligand and is further N,N',O-chelated by an N-(2-methyl-propano
      yl)salicyloyl-hydrazidate anion in a distorted square-planar coordination
      geometry. Weak intra-molecular C-H?O hydrogen bonding is observed in the
      structure.

PMID- 22065472
TI  - Moyamoya disease (presenting as schizophrenia).
AB  - The aetiology of Schizophrenia is still obscure. This case report is of interest
      because it draws attention to a hitherto neglected area in this filed, i.e., the
      role of cerebro-vascular malformation and the resulting insufficiency in the
      cerebral circulation as a possible factor in the pathogenesis of Schizophrenia.

PMID- 22065473
TI  - Medical students' attitudes toward the anatomy dissection room in relation to
      personality.
AB  - Assessment of the personalities of medical students could enable medical
      educators to formulate strategies for the best development of academic and
      clinical competencies. In this article, we focus on the experience of students in
      the anatomy dissecting room. While there have been many attempts to evaluate the
      emotional responses of medical students to human cadaveric dissection, there has
      been no investigation into how different personality traits affect the responses.
      The main hypothesis tested was that there is a relationship between personality
      traits and attitudes toward the dissection room. For the present study, a group
      of French medical students (n = 403; mean age 21.3 +/- 1.6; 65.3% female)
      completed a "Big Five" personality inventory and a questionnaire to assess their
      attitudes in regard to human dissection. The findings are consistent with our
      hypothesis, in that we found a relationship between reporting anxiety and four of
      the "Big Five" dimensions (all except openness). The rated level of anxiety was
      positively correlated with negative affectivity, more strongly at the beginning
      than at the end of the course. There were significant gender differences in
      attitudes toward dissection. The findings are discussed in relation to the
      possibility of preparing students for the dissecting room experience and also in
      relation to the students' understanding of mortality issues.

PMID- 22065474
TI  - Browsing software of the Visible Korean data used for teaching sectional anatomy.
AB  - The interpretation of computed tomographs (CTs) and magnetic resonance images
      (MRIs) to diagnose clinical conditions requires basic knowledge of sectional
      anatomy. Sectional anatomy has traditionally been taught using sectioned
      cadavers, atlases, and/or computer software. The computer software commonly used
      for this subject is practical and efficient for students but could be more
      advanced. The objective of this research was to present browsing software
      developed from the Visible Korean images that can be used for teaching sectional
      anatomy. One thousand seven hundred and two sets of MRIs, CTs, and sectioned
      images (intervals, one millimeter) of a whole male cadaver were prepared. Over
      900 structures in the sectioned images were outlined and then filled with
      different colors to elaborate each structure. Software was developed where four
      corresponding images could be displayed simultaneously; in addition, the
      structures in the image data could be readily recognized with the aid of the
      color-filled outlines. The software, distributed free of charge, could be a
      valuable tool to teach medical students. For example, sectional anatomy could be
      taught by showing the sectioned images with real color and high resolution.
      Students could then review the lecture by using the sectioned and color-filled
      images on their own computers. Students could also be evaluated using the same
      software. Furthermore, other investigators would be able to replace the images
      for more comprehensive sectional anatomy.

PMID- 22065477
TI  - Synthesis and helical structure of spiroborate-based double-stranded helicate
      with oligophenol strands bearing bipyridine units.

PMID- 22065478
TI  - Computational study of bond dissociation enthalpies for substituted beta-O-4
      lignin model compounds.
AB  - The biopolymer lignin is a potential source of valuable chemicals. Phenethyl
      phenyl ether (PPE) is representative of the dominant beta-O-4 ether linkage. DFT
      is used to calculate the Boltzmann-weighted carbon-oxygen and carbon-carbon bond
      dissociation enthalpies (BDEs) of substituted PPE. These values are important for
      understanding lignin decomposition. Exclusion of all conformers that have
      distributions of less than 5% at 298 K impacts the BDE by less than 1 kcal mol(
      1). We find that aliphatic hydroxyl/methylhydroxyl substituents introduce only
      small changes to the BDEs (0-3 kcal mol(-1)). Substitution on the phenyl ring at
      the ortho position substantially lowers the C-O BDE, except in combination with
      the hydroxyl/methylhydroxyl substituents, for which the effect of methoxy
      substitution is reduced by hydrogen bonding. Hydrogen bonding between the
      aliphatic substituents and the ether oxygen in the PPE derivatives has a
      significant influence on the BDE. CCSD(T)-calculated BDEs and hydrogen-bond
      strengths of ortho-substituted anisoles, when compared with M06-2X values,
      confirm that the latter method is sufficient to describe the molecules studied
      and provide an important benchmark for lignin model compounds.

PMID- 22065479
TI  - Influence of uncommon histology on breast conservation therapy for breast cancer
      biology dictates technique?
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Although trends and variations in the use of breast conservation
      therapy (BCT) for ductal carcinoma have been studied, little is known about
      uncommon breast cancer histologies. METHODS: The Surveillance, Epidemiology and
      End Results (SEER) database was used to identify 338,682 patients with T1 or T2
      (<=5 cm) ductal, lobular, tubular, mucinous, medullary, or papillary carcinoma of
      the breast from 1998 to 2008. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used
      to identify predictors of BCT. RESULTS: The majority of patients underwent BCT
      (60%). The rate of BCT remained relatively constant from 1998 to 2008 overall but
      varied from 50% for lobular to 79% for tubular. The highest rate of mastectomy
      was seen in lobular (49%). Nodal positivity following surgical staging was lowest
      for tubular (6%) and mucinous (8%). Adjuvant radiation was given to 72% overall
      and was lowest for papillary (58%). Predictors of BCT included tubular (OR 1.8,
      95% CI 1.7-1.9) and medullary (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.8-2.2) subtypes (vs. ductal).
      CONCLUSIONS: Patients with uncommon breast cancer histologies show wide variation
      in the application of BCT depending on the primary tumor. This suggests that an
      individualized approach in the use of BCT depending on histology should be used.

PMID- 22065480
TI  - 5-Hy-droxy-3-methyl-5-phenyl-4,5-di-hydro-1H-pyrazole-1-carbothio-amide.
AB  - In the title compound C(11)H(13)N(3)OS, the aromatic ring and the dihydro
      pyrazole ring are oriented orthogonally with respect to each other, making a
      dihedral angle of 89.92 (9) degrees . An intra-molecular O-H?S hydrogen bond
      occurs. In the crystal, weak N-H?N and N-H?S hydrogen bonds link the mol-ecules
      into a columnar stack propagating along the b axis.

PMID- 22065481
TI  - Minimal genotype--phenotype correlation for small deletions within distal 1p36.

PMID- 22065482
TI  - Flocculation and transcriptional adaptation to fermentation conditions in a
      recombinant wine yeast strain defective for KNR4/SMI1.
AB  - KNR4 defective recombinant wine yeast strains were previously shown to
      oversecrete mannoproteins during alcoholic fermentation and, depending on the
      genetic background, to contribute to protein stability of white wines. We have
      tried to get a deeper insight into the consequences of KNR4 deletion in a wine
      yeast strain, from both a biological and an enological standpoint, and to
      understand the mechanisms leading to improved mannoprotein release. In
      fermentation experiments, followed by aging on lees, and compared to the parent
      strain, the recombinant strain shows increased release of mannoproteins during
      the fermentation but little increase during aging. Mannoprotein release by the
      recombinant strain takes place mainly during the fermentation step. In contrast,
      autolysis of the recombinant strain keeps going after aging for 78 days. In
      addition, the recombinant strain is moderately flocculent, which would be
      interesting for the production of sparkling wines. This might be related to
      changes in the expression of Flo1p-regulated genes. The new biological processes
      affected by KNR4 deletion in wine yeasts, as revealed by this transcriptomic
      study are flocculation, adaptation to anaerobiosis, oxidative stress response,
      and ethanol tolerance, as well as FKS1 overexpression; but no overexpression was
      detected for genes coding for major structural mannoproteins of the cell wall.

PMID- 22065483
TI  - Carboxylate-directed tandem functionalisations of alpha,beta-dihaloalkenoic acids
      with 1-alkynes: a straightforward access to (Z)-configured, alpha,beta
      substituted gamma-alkylidenebutenolides.

PMID- 22065484
TI  - 2,4-Diamino-5-(4-chloro-phen-yl)-6-ethyl-pyrimidin-1-ium 2-acet-amido-benzoate.
AB  - The title compound, C(12)H(14)ClN(4) (+).C(9)H(8)NO(3) (-), is a salt with a 1:1
      ratio of cation and anion components inter-acting with each other forming an R(2)
      (2)(8) ring motif. The crystal structure is stabilized by hydrogen bonds (N-H?O)
      involving two different eight-membered rings. One of them is formed between the
      pyrimidine ring (donor) and the carboxylate group (acceptor) from the benzoate,
      whereas the other ring is formed by N-H?O interactions, which help to form a
      dimer between two symmetry-related salts in the unit cell. In addition, an
      intramolecular C-H?N and intermolecular C-H?Cl interactions help to control the
      molecules in the unit-cell packing.

PMID- 22065485
TI  - 2011 ACCF/AHA/SCAI guideline for percutaneous coronary intervention: a report of
      the American College of Cardiology Foundation/American Heart Association Task
      Force on Practice Guidelines and the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and
      Interventions.

PMID- 22065486
TI  - Peri-operative chemotherapy for resectable colorectal liver metastasis: does
      timing of systemic therapy matter?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The benefit of pre-operative chemotherapy in patients with resectable
      colorectal liver metastases (CRLM) remains ill defined. We sought to evaluate the
      impact of peri-operative systemic chemotherapy timing on outcome following
      resection of CRLM. METHODS: 676 patients who underwent surgery for CRLM were
      identified from two hepatobiliary center databases. Data were collected and
      analyzed utilizing multivariate, matched, and propensity-score analyses. RESULTS:
      Median number of metastases was 2 and median tumor size was 3.3 cm. 334 patients
      (49.4%) received pre-operative chemotherapy while 342(50.6%) did not. Surgical
      treatment was resection only (n = 555; 82.1%; minor hepatectomy, n = 399; 59.1%).
      While there was no difference in morbidity following minor liver resection (pre
      operative chemotherapy: 17.9% versus no pre-operative chemotherapy: 16.5%; P =
      0.72), morbidity was higher after major hepatic resection (pre-operative
      chemotherapy: 23.1% versus no pre-operative chemotherapy: 14.2%; P = 0.06).
      Patients treated with pre-operative chemotherapy had worse 5-year survival (43%)
      as compared to patients not treated with pre-operative chemotherapy (55%)(P =
      0.009). Controlling for baseline characteristics, pre-operative chemotherapy was
      not associated with outcome on multivariate (HR = 1.04, P = 0.87) or propensity
      score analysis (HR = 1.40, P = 0.12). CONCLUSION: Pre-operative chemotherapy was
      associated with a trend toward increased morbidity among patients undergoing a
      major hepatic resection. Receipt of pre-operative chemotherapy was associated
      with neither an advantage nor disadvantage in terms of long-term survival.

PMID- 22065487
TI  - Intragenic deletion of UBE3A gene in 2 sisters with Angelman syndrome detected by
      MLPA.

PMID- 22065488
TI  - High-throughput analysis of intraclonal variability of glycoprotein sialylation.
AB  - Development of recombinant Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cells producing
      therapeutic proteins requires analyzing the quality, such as sialic acid content,
      of proteins produced by many cell clones. In order to perform these analyses,
      high-throughput methods are required. Conventional methods for quantifying sialic
      acid, however, require protein purification, which is time consuming and cannot
      be used for high-throughput analysis. Here we used a high-throughput method (HTM)
      that we recently developed to analyze the intraclonal variability of 24 CHO cell
      subclones. The sialic acid content varied significantly from 1 to 70 mg sialic
      acid/g protein, and the concentration of total proteins secreted by the cells
      varied from 41 to 214 mg/L. In addition, the sialic acid content was negatively
      correlated with total protein concentration. This trend agrees with previous
      theoretical and experimental studies. Overall, the HTM can finish these analyses
      in 15 minutes, while conventional methods used in previous studies will require
      at least 24 days. Thus, the HTM can significantly accelerate the analyses of
      clonal and intraclonal variability in cell line development

PMID- 22065489
TI  - Synthesis of alpha,beta-unsaturated ketones by Pd-catalyzed decarboxylative
      allylation of alpha-oxocarboxylates.

PMID- 22065490
TI  - Temporal decision making in simultaneous timing.
AB  - With two experiments it was examined whether one or two clocks operate the timing
      of two intervals presented simultaneously. The target interval always preceded
      the distracter interval, and was longer than it. Thus, the distracter was
      completely embedded within the target interval. The participants used the method
      of temporal production. The stimuli to be judged differed in modality which
      allowed for testing the hypothesis of modality-specific internal clocks that
      operate in parallel and independent from one another when two stimuli were
      presented at the same time. The main results of this study were as follows.
      First, production times of the target interval increased proportionally with
      production times of the distracter interval. Second, the auditory distracter
      interval was on average produced in less time than the visual distracter
      interval. Third, a target interval that was accompanied by an auditory distracter
      interval was on average produced in less time than a target interval that was
      accompanied by a visual distracter interval. The results obtained support the
      hypothesis of multiple clocks being involved in the timing of different intervals
      presented simultaneously.

PMID- 22065491
TI  - Soil amendments with Brassica cover crops for management of Phytophthora blight
      on squash.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Phytophthora blight induced by Phytophthora capsici is responsible
      for serious yield loss in vegetable production in the United States and other
      countries. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of Brassica cover
      crops used as soil amendments for managing Phytophthora blight of squash.
      RESULTS: In greenhouse studies, disease incidence on squash plants was
      significantly reduced by soil amendment with mustard shoots or roots used at 1
      and 2.5% (plant tissue/soil, w/w). The shoots of canola used at 1 or 2.5% also
      suppressed disease, while the roots of canola or other crops did not reduce
      disease significantly. In field studies, soil amendments with mustard and canola
      provided the greatest disease reduction and increased squash yield significantly
      compared with the non-treated control. Mustard and canola did not appear to be
      susceptible to P. capsici. CONCLUSION: The results indicated that some Brassica
      crops, particularly mustard and canola, had the potential to significantly reduce
      Phytophthora blight on squash when used as soil amendments. As P. capsici has a
      remarkable ability to develop resistance to chemical fungicides, use of effective
      Brassica cover crops could be a biorational alternative to fungicides and a
      valuable component in developing integrated disease management programs.

PMID- 22065492
TI  - Overexpression of survivin is correlated with increased invasion and metastasis
      of colorectal cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the association of survivin
      expression with metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC). METHODS: RT-PCR and
      Western blot assays were performed to detect survivin expression in CRC cells and
      normal intestinal epithelial cell. The expression of survivin gene was also
      detected in 15 CRC tissues, surrounding and adjacent colon tissues. Moreover,
      survivin expression in 48 CRC tissues with or without lymph node metastasis was
      analyzed. Multivariate analysis for lymph node metastasis was performed using
      logistic regression model. RNA interference was used to inhibit survivin
      expression in CRC cells and analyze its effect on invasion and metastasis of CRC
      cells. RESULTS: The expression levels of survivin mRNA and protein were higher in
      CRC cells than in normal intestinal epithelial cell line. The average levels of
      survivin mRNA and protein were higher in CRC tissues than surrounding or adjacent
      colon tissues (P < 0.05). High survivin expression was an independent factor for
      predicting lymph node metastasis of CRC (P = 0.043). RNAi-mediated survivin
      knockdown could significantly inhibit in vitro invasion and in vivo metastasis of
      CRC cells, which might be inactivation of matrix metalloproteinases. CONCLUSION:
      Targeting survivin will be a potential strategy to suppress metastasis of CRC.

PMID- 22065493
TI  - A hydrogen-bridged adduct 3,4,6,7,8,9-hexa-hydro-2H-pyrimido[1,2-a]pyrimidin-1
      ium [1,3-bis-(tert-butyl-dimethyl-sil-yloxy)-1,3-bis-(pyridin-2-yl)propan-2-yl
      idene]nitro-nate acetonitrile monosolvate.
AB  - The title compound, C(7)H(14)N(3) (+).C(25)H(40)N(3)O(4)Si(2) (-).CH(3)CN, was
      obtained by the reaction of 2-nitro-1,3-di(pyridin-2-yl)-1,3-di(tert-butyl
      dimethyl-sil-yloxy)propane with 1,3,4,6,7,8-hexa-hydro-2H-pyrimido[1,2
      a]pyrimidine. Two hydrogen bonds stabilize the Lewis acid/base pair of the nitro
      nate and the guanidinium moiety with N?O distances of 2.772 (3) and 2.732 (3) A.
      Both hydrogen atoms are more closely bound to the guanidinium [N-H distances of
      0.83 (3) and 0.93 (3) A] than to the nitro-nate moiety. The nitro-nate is double
      bonded to the respective carbon with an N=C bond length of 1.316 (3) A.

PMID- 22065494
TI  - 2,3-Dichloro-pyridine.
AB  - The complete mol-ecule of the title compound, C(5)H(3)Cl(2)N, is generated by
      crystallographic twofold symmetry, which forces the pyridine N atom and the
      opposite C-H group to be statistically disordered. In the crystal, weak aromatic
      pi-pi stacking [centroid-centroid separation = 3.805 (4) A and slippage = 1.704
      A] leads to [100] stacks of mol-ecules. Short Cl?Cl contacts [3.334 (3) A] are
      also observed.

PMID- 22065495
TI  - 10,21-Dimethyl-2,7,13,18-tetraphenyl-3,6,14,17
      tetraazatricyclo[17.3.1.1]tetracosa-1(23),2,6,8(24),9,11,13,17,19,21-decaene
      23,24-diol cyclohexane 0.33-solvate.
AB  - The title compound, C(46)H(40)N(4)O(2).0.33C(6)H(12), was obtained
      unintentionally as a product of an attempted synthesis of a cadmium(II) complex
      of the [2,6-{PhSe(CH(2))(2)N=CPh}(2)C(6)H(2)(4-Me)(OH)] ligand. The full tetra
      imino-diphenol macrocyclic ligand is generated by the application of an inversion
      centre. The macrocyclic ligand features strong intra-molecular O-H?N hydrogen
      bonds. The dihedral angles formed between the phenyl ring incorporated within the
      macrocycle and the peripheral phenyl rings are 82.99 (8) and 88.20 (8) degrees .
      The cyclo-hexane solvent mol-ecule lies about a site of [Formula: see text]
      symmetry. Other solvent within the lattice was disordered and was treated with
      the SQUEEZE routine [Spek (2009). Acta Cryst. D65, 148-155].

PMID- 22065496
TI  - (4-Chloro-3-nitro-benzoato)triphenyl-tin(IV).
AB  - In the title compound, [Sn(C(6)H(5))(3)(C(7)H(3)ClNO(4))], the four-coordinate
      Sn(IV) atom exists in a distorted tetra-hedral geometry, formed by a monodentate
      carboxyl-ate group and three phenyl rings. The conformation is stabilized by an
      intra-molecular C-H?O hydrogen bond, which generates an S(5) ring. The aromatic
      ring of the 4-chloro-3-nitro-benzoate ligand makes dihedral angles of 75.64 (12),
      64.37 (12) and 2.97 (12) degrees  with the three phenyl ligands. The O atoms of
      the nitro group are disordered over two sets of sites in a 0.817 (5):0.183 (5)
      ratio. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked via inter-molecular C-H?O hydrogen
      bonds into chains running parallel to [010].

PMID- 22065497
TI  - A novel model for DNA sequence similarity analysis based on graph theory.
AB  - Determination of sequence similarity is one of the major steps in computational
      phylogenetic studies. As we know, during evolutionary history, not only DNA
      mutations for individual nucleotide but also subsequent rearrangements occurred.
      It has been one of major tasks of computational biologists to develop novel
      mathematical descriptors for similarity analysis such that various mutation
      phenomena information would be involved simultaneously. In this paper, different
      from traditional methods (eg, nucleotide frequency, geometric representations) as
      bases for construction of mathematical descriptors, we construct novel
      mathematical descriptors based on graph theory. In particular, for each DNA
      sequence, we will set up a weighted directed graph. The adjacency matrix of the
      directed graph will be used to induce a representative vector for DNA sequence.
      This new approach measures similarity based on both ordering and frequency of
      nucleotides so that much more information is involved. As an application, the
      method is tested on a set of 0.9-kb mtDNA sequences of twelve different primate
      species. All output phylogenetic trees with various distance estimations have the
      same topology, and are generally consistent with the reported results from early
      studies, which proves the new method's efficiency; we also test the new method on
      a simulated data set, which shows our new method performs better than traditional
      global alignment method when subsequent rearrangements happen frequently during
      evolutionary history.

PMID- 22065498
TI  - A comparison of melancholic and nonmelancholic recurrent major depression in Han
      Chinese women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although the diagnosis of melancholia has had a long history, the
      validity of the current DSM-IV definition remains contentious. We report here the
      first detailed comparison of melancholic and nonmelancholic major depression (MD)
      in a Chinese population examining in particular whether these two forms of MD
      differ quantitatively or qualitatively. METHODS: DSM-IV criteria for melancholia
      were applied to 1,970 Han Chinese women with recurrent MD recruited from 53
      provincial mental health centers and psychiatric departments of general medical
      hospitals in 41 cities. Statistical analyses, utilizing Student's t-tests and
      Pearson's chi(2) , were calculated using SPSS 13.0. RESULTS: Melancholic patients
      with MD were distinguished from nonmelancholic by being older, having a later age
      at onset, more episodes of illness and meeting more A criteria. They also had
      higher levels of neuroticism and rates of lifetime generalized anxiety disorder,
      panic disorder, and social and agoraphobia. They had significantly lower rates of
      childhood sexual abuse but did not differ on other stressful life events or rates
      of MD in their families. DISCUSSION: Consistent with most prior findings in
      European and US populations, we find that melancholia is a more clinically severe
      syndrome than nonmelancholic depression with higher rates of comorbidity. The
      evidence that it is a more "biological" or qualitatively distinct syndrome,
      however, is mixed.

PMID- 22065499
TI  - 1-(tert-But-oxy-carbon-yl)piperidine-4-carb-oxy-lic acid.
AB  - In the title compound, C(11)H(19)NO(4), the piperidine ring adopts a chair
      conformation. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked by inter-molecular O-H?O and
      C-H?O hydrogen bonds, forming a layer parallel to the bc plane.

PMID- 22065500
TI  - Methyl 2,2-bis-(2,4-dinitro-phen-yl)ethano-ate.
AB  - In the title compound, C(15)H(10)N(4)O(10), the dihedral angle between the
      aromatic rings is 89.05 (16) degrees . One O atom of one of the nitro groups is
      disordered over two sites in a 0.70:0.30 ratio. In the crystal, the mol-ecules
      are linked by weak C-H?O inter-actions.

PMID- 22065501
TI  - Bis[1,3-bis(1-propyl-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)-2-oxapropane]-cadmium(II) dipicrate
      dimethyl-formamide monosolvate.
AB  - In the title compound, [Cd(C(22)H(26)N(4)O)(2)](C(6)H(2)N(3)O(7))(2).C(3)H(7)NO,
      the Cd(II) ion is coordinated by four N atoms and two O atoms from two tridentate
      1,3-bis-(1-propyl-1H-benzimidazol-2-yl)-2-oxopropane ligands in a distorted octa
      hedral coordination environment. There are significant differences in the
      chemically equivalent Cd-O bond lengths [2.618 (2) A and 2.561 (2) A].

PMID- 22065502
TI  - Coronary artery disease in a Werner syndrome-like form of progeria characterized
      by low levels of progerin, a splice variant of lamin A.
AB  - Classical Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) is caused by LMNA mutations
      that generate an alternatively spliced form of lamin A, termed progerin. HGPS
      patients present in early childhood with atherosclerosis and striking features of
      accelerated aging. We report on two pedigrees of adult-onset coronary artery
      disease with progeroid features, who were referred to our International Registry
      of Werner Syndrome (WS) because of clinical features consistent with the
      diagnosis. No mutations were identified in the WRN gene that is responsible for
      WS, among these patients. Instead, we found two novel heterozygous mutations at
      the junction of exon 10 and intron 11 of the LMNA gene. These mutations resulted
      in the production of progerin at a level substantially lower than that of HGPS.
      Our findings indicate that LMNA mutations may result in coronary artery disease
      presenting in the fourth to sixth decades along with short stature and a
      progeroid appearance resembling WS. The absence of early-onset cataracts in this
      setting should suggest the diagnosis of progeroid laminopathy. This study
      illustrates the evolving genotype-phenotype relationship between the amount of
      progerin produced and the age of onset among the spectrum of restrictive
      dermopathy, HGPS, and atypical forms of WS.

PMID- 22065503
TI  - catena-Poly[[diaqua-strontium]-bis-(MU-quinoline-3-carboxyl-ato)].
AB  - The title compound, [Sr(C(10)H(6)NO(2))(2)(H(2)O)(2)](n), contains an eight
      coordinate Sr(II) ion displaying a distorted square-anti-prismatic geometry, two
      quinoline-3-carboxyl-ate ligands and two terminal water mol-ecules. The Sr(II)
      atom is surrounded by six carboxyl-ate O atoms from four separate quinoline-3
      carboxyl-ate ligands and two O atoms from two coordinated water mol-ecules. The
      bridging carboxyl-ate O atoms [Sr-O = 2.498 (3) and 2.495 (3) A] link Sr(II)
      atoms, forming a chain substructure extending along the c axis. The chains are
      linked by O-H?N and O-H?O hydrogen bonds, giving a three-dimensional framework
      structure.

PMID- 22065504
TI  - 5-Cyclo-pentyl-2-methyl-3-phenyl-sulfonyl-1-benzofuran.
AB  - In the title compound, C(20)H(20)O(3)S, the cyclo-pentyl ring adopts an envelope
      conformation. The phenyl ring makes a dihedral angle of 81.40 (6) degrees  with
      the mean plane of the benzofuran fragment. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked
      by weak inter-molecular C-H?O hydrogen bonds and C-H?pi inter-actions.

PMID- 22065505
TI  - (2R)-2-(1,3-Dioxoisoindolin-2-yl)-3-methyl-butanoic acid.
AB  - In the title compound, C(13)H(13)NO(4), the dihedral angle between the nine
      membered phthalimino ring system and the carb-oxy-lic acid group is 67.15 (9)
      degrees . An intra-molecular C-H?O close contact, which forms an S(6) ring, may
      help to establish the mol-ecular conformation. In the crystal, mol-ecules are
      linked by O-H?O hydrogen bonds, thereby forming C(7) chains propagating in [010].

PMID- 22065506
TI  - 5-Hy-droxy-3,4',6,7-tetra-meth-oxy-flavone.
AB  - The title compound, C(19)H(18)O(7) [systematic name 5-hy-droxy-3,6,7-tri-meth-
      oxy-2-(4-meth-oxy-phen-yl)-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one], is a flavonoid which was
      isolated from the traditional Chinese medicine Laggera alata. The benzene ring of
      the benzopyran-one unit forms dihedral angles of 1.72 (3) and 37.39 (5) degrees 
      with the pyran ring and the substituent benzene ring, respectively. The mol
      ecular conformation is stabilized by an intra-molecular phenol O-H?O(ketone)
      hydrogen bond.

PMID- 22065507
TI  - 2,4-Diamino-5-(4-chloro-phen-yl)-6-ethyl-pyrimidin-1-ium 2-propanamido-benzoate.
AB  - In the title salt, C(12)H(14)ClN(4) (+).C(10)H(10)NO(3) (-), zwitterionic N-H?O
      inter-actions form an R(2) (2)(8) ring. The crystal structure is stabilized by N
      H?O and N-H?N hydrogen bonds involving two different eight-membered rings. An N
      H?O inter-action occurs between the pyrimidine ring (donor) and carboxyl-ate
      group (acceptor) while the other ring is formed by N-H?N inter-actions, which
      form a dimer between two symmetry-related salts. An intra-molecular N-H?O
      hydrogen bond forms a six-membered ring in the benzoate. Inter-molecular C-H?O
      inter-actions are also observed.

PMID- 22065508
TI  - (2E)-1-(2,4-Dimethyl-quinolin-3-yl)-3-(thio-phen-2-yl)prop-2-en-1-one.
AB  - Two independent but virtually identical mol-ecules comprise the asymmetric unit
      in the title compound, C(18)H(15)NOS. With reference to the quinolin-3-yl group,
      the 3-(thio-phen-2-yl)prop-2-en-1-one residue is almost perpendicular, with all
      but the carbonyl O atom lying to one side of the plane. This conformation is
      reflected by the C-C-C-C torsion angles of -102.2 (3) and 81.1 (3) degrees  in
      the two independent mol-ecules. The dihedral angle formed between the 13 non-H
      atoms directly associated with the quinolin-3-yl group and the thio-phen-2-yl
      ring is 87.70 (11) degrees  [83.85 (10) degrees  for the second independent mol
      ecule]. The presence of C-H?O, C-H?N and pi-pi inter-actions [centroid-centroid
      distance = 3.5590 (12) A] lead to supra-molecular chains along the c-axis
      direction. These are connected along the a-axis direction by C-H?pi inter
      actions. The resultant supra-molecular layers stack along the b axis.

PMID- 22065509
TI  - What line drawings reveal about the visual brain.
AB  - Scenes in the real world carry large amounts of information about color, texture,
      shading, illumination, and occlusion giving rise to our perception of a rich and
      detailed environment. In contrast, line drawings have only a sparse subset of
      scene contours. Nevertheless, they also trigger vivid three-dimensional
      impressions despite having no equivalent in the natural world. Here, we ask why
      line drawings work. We see that they exploit the underlying neural codes of
      vision and they also show that artists' intuitions go well beyond the
      understanding of vision found in current neurosciences and computer vision.

PMID- 22065510
TI  - 2,2'-[(1E)-3-Phenyl-prop-2-ene-1,1-di-yl]bis-(3-hy-droxy-5,5-dimethyl-cyclo-hex-2
      en-1-one).
AB  - In the title mol-ecule, C(25)H(30)O(4), the two cyclo-hexene rings adopt envelope
      conformations. The two hy-droxy groups are involved in the formation of intra
      molecular O-H?O hydrogen bonds. In the crystal structure, weak inter-molecular C
      H?O hydrogen bonds link mol-ecules related by translation along the axis a into
      chains.

PMID- 22065511
TI  - CONTINUOUS-TIME FILTERS FOR STATE ESTIMATION FROM POINT PROCESS MODELS OF NEURAL
      DATA.
AB  - Neural spike trains, the primary communication signals in the brain, can be
      accurately modeled as point processes. For many years, significant theoretical
      work has been done on the construction of exact and approximate filters for state
      estimation from point process observations in continuous-time. We have previously
      developed approximate filters for state estimation from point process
      observations in discrete-time and applied them in the study of neural systems.
      Here, we present a coherent framework for deriving continuous-time filters from
      their discrete-counterparts. We present an accessible derivation of the well
      known unnormalized conditional density equation for state evolution, construct a
      new continuous-time filter based on a Gaussian approximation, and propose a
      method for assessing the validity of the approximation following an approach by
      Brockett and Clark. We apply these methods to the problem of reconstructing arm
      reaching movements from simulated neural spiking activity from the primary motor
      cortex. This work makes explicit the connections between adaptive point process
      filters for analyzing neural spiking activity in continuous-time, and standard
      continuous-time filters for state estimation from continuous and point process
      observations.

PMID- 22065512
TI  - 4-Nitro-N-(3-nitro-phen-yl)benzamide.
AB  - The title compound, C(13)H(9)N(3)O(5), prepared as a solid derivative of 3-nitro
      analine via reaction with 4-nitro-benzoyl chloride, crystallizes in a chiral
      space group. The mol-ecule is non-planar with a dihedral angle of 26.1 (1)
      degrees  between the two benzene rings. Both nitro groups are twisted slightly
      out of the plane of their corresponding benzene rings, making dihedral angles of
      10.7 (4) and 13.5 (4) degrees . The mol-ecules are stacked along the a axis with
      benzene ring centroid-centroid distances of 3.8878 (6) A. In the crystal, inter
      molecular benzene C-H?O inter-actions involving one nitro group and the carbonyl
      group link the mol-ecules, forming chains along [001]. An additional set of
      aromatic C-H?O inter-actions with the second nitro group form chains along [101],
      connecting adjacent chains to create layers perpendicular to the b axis.

PMID- 22065513
TI  - 3,3'-Diallyl-1,1'-[o-phenyl-enebis(methyl-ene)]diimidazol-3-ium bis-(hexa-fluoro
      phosphate).
AB  - In the cation of the title mol-ecular salt, C(20)H(24)N(4) (2+).2PF(6) (-), the
      central benzene ring makes dihedral angles of 84.19 (7) and 79.10 (7) degrees 
      with the pendant imidazole rings. In one of the hexa-fluoro-phosphate anions, the
      six F atoms are disordered over two sets of sites, with an occupancy ratio of
      0.842 (3):0.158 (3). In the crystal, the cations and anions are linked by
      numerous C-H?F hydrogen bonds, thereby forming a three-dimensional network.

PMID- 22065514
TI  - A second monoclinic polymorph of bis-(2,2'-bipyridine-kappaN,N')diiodido
      manganese(II).
AB  - The Mn(II) ion in the title complex, [MnI(2)(C(10)H(8)N(2))(2)], is six
      coordinated in a distorted cis-N(4)I(2)Mn octa-hedral environment by four N atoms
      of the two chelating 2,2'-bipyridine ligands and two iodide anions. As a result
      of the different trans effects of the N and I atoms, the Mn-N bonds trans to the
      I atom are slightly longer than the Mn-N bonds trans to the N atom. The dihedral
      angle between the approximately planar ligands [maximum deviation = 0.064 (7) A]
      is 75.0 (1) degrees . Numerous inter- and intra-molecular pi-pi inter-actions
      between the pyridyl rings are present, the shortest centroid-centroid distance
      being 3.905 (5) A. The structure reported herein represents a new monoclinic
      polymorph of the previously reported monoclinic (P2(1)/c) form [Ha (2011 ?). Z.
      Kristallogr. New Cryst. Struct.226, 187-188].

PMID- 22065515
TI  - Effects of camptothecin and hydroxycamptothecin on insect cell lines Sf21 and
      IOZCAS-Spex-II.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In recent years, concerns over the potential impact of synthetic
      pesticides on the environment have made the discovery and development of
      environmentally friendly pesticides a more pressing issue. Camptothecin (CPT) and
      its derivatives have attracted much attention owing to their unique mechanisms of
      action against insects. In this paper, two insect cell lines, Sf21 and IOZCAS
      Spex-II, were used to conduct a preliminary investigation of the potential of CPT
      and hydroxycamptothecin (HCPT) as inducers of apoptosis in insect cell lines, and
      to illustrate the mechanism of action of CPT on insects at the cellular level.
      RESULTS: The results showed that both CPT and HCPT demonstrate potent cytotoxic
      effects to the tested insect cell lines in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The
      DNA fragmentation, activation of caspases and cytochrome c release were observed
      in both IOZCAS-Spex-II and Sf21 treated with CPT and HCPT. There is no
      significant difference in cytotoxicity and caspase-3 activation (P < 0.05, except
      when treated for 2 h) between CPT and HCPT, although the caspase-3 activation was
      slightly stronger when treated with HCPT in both Sf21 and IOZCAS-Spex-II.
      CONCLUSION: The results confirm the existence of the mitochondrial-dependent
      pathway of apoptosis induced by CPT and HCPT in Sf21 and IOZCAS-Spex-II cell
      lines. Further investigations are required to reveal the mitochondrial mechanisms
      and regulation of caspase activation during apoptosis. These studies will provide
      basic knowledge needed to understand the mechanisms of action of CPT and to
      develop CPT and its derivatives as insecticides.

PMID- 22065516
TI  - (E)-1-(1-Benzyl-5-methyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)-3-(4-fluoro-phen-yl)prop-2-en-1
      one.
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C(19)H(16)FN(3)O, contains two
      crystallographically independent mol-ecules. The triazole rings in both mol
      ecules are essentially planar with maximum deviations of 0.002 (1) and 0.001 (1)
      A. The dihedral angles between the benzene and fluorophenyl rings are 79.36 (9)
      and 89.40 (10) degrees  in the two molecules. In the crystal, the two independent
      mol-ecules are linked by C-H?N hydrogen bonds, forming dimers. Furthermore, the
      crystal structure is stabilized by C-H?pi inter-actions.

PMID- 22065517
TI  - 2-Amino-4-methyl-6-oxo-3,6-dihydro-pyrimidin-1-ium perchlorate-2-amino-6-methyl
      pyrimidin-4(1H)-one-water (1/1/1).
AB  - In the title compound, C(5)H(8)N(3)O(+).ClO(4) (-).C(5)H(7)N(3)O.H(2)O, each
      perchlorate anion is paired with a protonated cationic 2-amino-6-methyl-pyrimidin
      4(1H)-one and another non-protonated entity of the same organic pyrimidinone. The
      crystal structure is stabilized by N-H?O(org), N-H?O(water), N-H?O(ClO4), O
      H?O(ClO4), N-H?N and C-H?O(ClO4) hydrogen bonds between the anions, organic
      entities and water mol-ecules. Inter-molecular pi-pi stacking inter-actions
      between neighbouring organic rings are observed with a face-to-face distance of
      3.776 (2) A, and O-H?O hydrogen bonds link the perchlorate anions and the water
      mol-ecules into chains along the b-axis direction. The perchlorate anion and the
      inter-stitial water mol-ecule are disordered over two mutually incompatible
      positions with a common occupancy ratio of 0.678 (16):0.322 (16).

PMID- 22065518
TI  - 3,4-Bis[4-(4-meth-oxy-phen-oxy)phen-yl]-1-methyl-1H-pyrrole-2,5-dione.
AB  - The title compound, C(31)H(25)NO(6), has a structure related to other 3,4-diaryl
      substituted maleic anhydride derivatives which have been shown to be useful as
      photochromic materials. The dihedral angles between the maleimide ring system and
      the benzene rings bonded to it are 44.48 (3) and 17.89 (3) degrees , while the
      angles between each of the latter rings and the corresponding ether bridging
      connected meth-oxy-benzene rings are 78.61 (8) and 72.67 (7) degrees . In the
      crystal, the molecules are linked by C-H?O inter-actions.

PMID- 22065519
TI  - Clinical efficacy of paclitaxel/cisplatin as an adjuvant chemotherapy for
      patients with cervical cancer who underwent radical hysterectomy and systematic
      lymphadenectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to compare the clinical
      efficacy of paclitaxel/cisplatin (TP) as an adjuvant chemotherapy to adjuvant
      radiotherapy (RT) after radical hysterectomy and systematic lymphadenectomy for
      patients with cervical cancer. METHODS: A total of 125 patients with early-stage
      cervical cancer, who underwent radical hysterectomy, and received adjuvant
      therapy due to recurrent risk factors were retrospectively analyzed. Forty-nine
      patients were treated with RT, and 32 received paclitaxel/cisplatin (TP) for
      three to six cycles at 4-week interval. Survival and postoperative complications
      were compared between two modalities. RESULTS: There was no significant
      difference of 3-year disease-free survival between two groups (P = 0.23), while
      significantly better 3-year overall survival in TP group than RT group (P =
      0.02). Seven of 32 patients (21.9%) treated with adjuvant TP, 16 of 49 patients
      (32.7%) treated with RT showed disease recurrence. Median of survival time after
      recurrence in RT group and TP group was 8.5 months, 12.0 months, respectively.
      Postoperative bowel obstruction was significantly more frequent in the RT group
      compared to the TP group (P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Postoperative chemotherapy
      using TP might be more beneficial for survival than adjuvant RT and can reduce
      postoperative complications for cervical cancer patients treated with radical
      hysterectomy.

PMID- 22065520
TI  - Changing sociodemographic and clinical profile of patients attending a general
      hospital psychiatric clinic: some indications of community acceptance.
AB  - Demographic and clinical variables of first one thousand new patients attending a
      general hospital psychiatric clinic during each of the two years 1967 and 1977,
      were compared. The profile of a typical patient seems to have undergone a marked
      change over the decade. More patients are low drawn from lower income and
      occupational categories and the proportion of rural patients has increased.
      Proportion or acute psychiatric presentation particularly acute psychosis has
      increased markedly. Follow up rate has improved. All these indicate an increasing
      acceptance of this facility by the community and a better psychiatric awareness.

PMID- 22065521
TI  - (E)-4-{[(3-Propyl-5-sulfanyl-idene-4,5-dihydro-1H-1,2,4-triazol-4-yl)imino]-meth
      yl}-3-(p-tol-yl)-1,2,3-oxadiazol-3-ium-5-olate.
AB  - The title compound, C(15)H(16)N(6)O(2)S, exists in a trans configuration with
      respect to the acyclic N=C bond. The 1,2,3-oxadiazol-3-ium ring makes dihedral
      angles of 10.59 (8) and 73.94 (8) degrees , respectively, with the 1,2,4-triazole
      and benzene rings. The mol-ecular structure is stabilized by an intra-molecular C
      H?S hydrogen bond, which generates an S(6) ring motif. In the crystal, mol-ecules
      are linked into inversion dimers by pairs of inter-molecular N-H?S hydrogen
      bonds, generating eight-membered R(2) (2)(8) ring motifs. The dimers are further
      connected by C-H?O hydrogen bonds, forming a sheet parallel to the bc plane. The
      ethyl group is disordered over two sets of sites with occupancies of 0.744 (7)
      and 0.256 (7).

PMID- 22065522
TI  - A new support measure to quantify the impact of local optima in phylogenetic
      analyses.
AB  - Phylogentic analyses are often incorrectly assumed to have stabilized to a single
      optimum. However, a set of trees from a phylogenetic analysis may contain
      multiple distinct local optima with each optimum providing different levels of
      support for each clade. For situations with multiple local optima, we propose p
      support which is a clade support measure that shows the impact optima have on a
      final consensus tree. Our p-support measure is implemented in our PeakMapper
      software package. We study our approach on two published, large-scale biological
      tree collections. PeakMapper shows that each data set contains multiple local
      optima. p-support shows that both datasets contain clades in the majority
      consensus tree that are only supported by a subset of the local optima. Clades
      with low p-support are most likely to benefit from further investigation. These
      tools provide researchers with new information regarding phylogenetic analyses
      beyond what is provided by other support measures alone.

PMID- 22065523
TI  - Isopropyl 3-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1,2-benzothia-zole-2-carboxyl-ate.
AB  - The title compound, C(11)H(11)NO(3)S, was synthesized by the reaction of
      benzo[d]isothia-zol-3(2H)-one with isopropanol in toluene. The benzoisothia
      zolone ring system is essentially planar, with a mean deviation of 0.018 (2) A
      from the least-squares plane defined by the nine constituent atoms. In the
      crystal, mol-ecules are linked by weak inter-molecular C-H?O hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22065524
TI  - A missense mutation in PIK3R5 gene in a family with ataxia and oculomotor
      apraxia.
AB  - Autosomal recessive ataxias are heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by
      cerebellar atrophy and peripheral sensorimotor neuropathy. Molecular
      characterization of this group of disorders identified a number of genes
      contributing to these overlapping phenotypes. Ataxia with oculomotor apraxia type
      2 (AOA2) is an autosomal recessive form of ataxia caused by mutations in the SETX
      gene. We report on a consanguineous family with autosomal recessive inheritance
      and clinical characteristics of AOA2, and no mutations in the SETX gene. We
      mapped the AOA locus in this family to chromosome 17p12-p13. Sequencing of all
      genes in the refined region identified a homozygous missense mutation in PIK3R5
      that was absent in 477 normal controls. Our characterization of the PIK3R5
      protein and findings suggest that it may play a role in the development of the
      cerebellum and vermis.

PMID- 22065525
TI  - Clinical predictors of familial depression in Han Chinese women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A number of clinical features potentially reflect an individual's
      familial vulnerability to major depression (MD), including early age at onset,
      recurrence, impairment, episode duration, and the number and pattern of
      depressive symptoms. However, these results are drawn from studies that have
      exclusively examined individuals from a European ethnic background. We
      investigated which clinical features of depressive illness index familial
      vulnerability in Han Chinese females with MD. METHODS: We used lifetime MD and
      associated clinical features assessed at personal interview in 1,970 Han Chinese
      women with DSM-IV MD between 30-60 years of age. Odds Ratios were calculated by
      logistic regression. RESULTS: Individuals with a high familial risk for MD are
      characterized by severe episodes of MD without known precipitants (such as stress
      life events) and are less likely to feel irritable/angry or anxious/nervous.
      CONCLUSIONS: The association between family history of MD and the lack of a
      precipitating stressor, traditionally a characteristic of endogenous or
      biological depression, may reflect the association seen in other samples between
      recurrent MD and a positive family history. The symptomatic associations we have
      seen may reflect a familial predisposition to other dimensions of
      psychopathology, such as externalizing disorders or anxiety states.

PMID- 22065526
TI  - Where do we come from? What are we? Where are we going?

PMID- 22065527
TI  - Evidence that autistic traits show the same etiology in the general population
      and at the quantitative extremes (5%, 2.5%, and 1%).
AB  - CONTEXT: Genetic factors play an important role in the etiology of both autism
      spectrum disorders and autistic traits. However, little is known about the
      etiologic consistency of autistic traits across levels of severity. OBJECTIVE: To
      compare the etiology of typical variation in autistic traits with extreme scoring
      groups (including top 1%) that mimicked the prevalence of diagnosed autism
      spectrum disorders in the largest twin study of autistic traits to date. DESIGN:
      Twin study using phenotypic analysis and genetic model-fitting in the total
      sample and extreme scoring groups (top 5%, 2.5%, and 1%). SETTING: A nationally
      representative twin sample from the general population of England. PARTICIPANTS:
      The families of 5968 pairs aged 12 years old in the Twins' Early Development
      Study. Main Outcome Measure  Autistic traits as assessed by the Childhood Autism
      Spectrum Test. RESULTS: Moderate to high heritability was found for autistic
      traits in the general population (53% for females and 72% for males). High
      heritability was found in extreme-scoring groups. There were no differences in
      heritability among extreme groups or between the extreme groups and the general
      population. A continuous liability shift toward autistic trait affectedness was
      seen in the cotwins of individuals scoring in the top 1%, suggesting shared
      etiology between extreme scores and normal variation. CONCLUSION: This evidence
      of similar etiology across normal variation and the extremes has implications for
      molecular genetic models of autism spectrum disorders and for conceptualizing
      autism spectrum disorders as the quantitative extreme of a neurodevelopmental
      continuum.

PMID- 22065528
TI  - Brain gray matter deficits at 33-year follow-up in adults with attention
      deficit/hyperactivity disorder established in childhood.
AB  - CONTEXT: Volumetric studies have reported relatively decreased cortical thickness
      and gray matter volumes in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder
      (ADHD) whose childhood status was retrospectively recalled. We present, to our
      knowledge, the first prospective study combining cortical thickness and voxel
      based morphometry in adults diagnosed as having ADHD in childhood. OBJECTIVES: To
      test whether adults with combined-type childhood ADHD exhibit cortical thinning
      and decreased gray matter in regions hypothesized to be related to ADHD and to
      test whether anatomic differences are associated with a current ADHD diagnosis,
      including persistent vs remitting ADHD. DESIGN: Cross-sectional analysis embedded
      in a 33-year prospective follow-up at a mean age of 41.2 years. SETTING: Research
      outpatient center. PARTICIPANTS: We recruited probands with ADHD from a cohort of
      207 white boys aged 6 to 12 years. Male comparison participants (n = 178) were
      free of ADHD in childhood. We obtained magnetic resonance images in 59 probands
      and 80 comparison participants (28.5% and 44.9% of the original samples,
      respectively). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Whole-brain voxel-based morphometry and
      vertexwise cortical thickness analyses. RESULTS: The cortex was significantly
      thinner in ADHD probands than in comparison participants in the dorsal
      attentional network and limbic areas (false discovery rate < 0.05, corrected). In
      addition, gray matter was significantly decreased in probands in the right
      caudate, right thalamus, and bilateral cerebellar hemispheres. Probands with
      persistent ADHD (n = 17) did not differ significantly from those with remitting
      ADHD (n = 26) (false discovery rate < 0.05). At uncorrected P < .05, individuals
      with remitting ADHD had thicker cortex relative to those with persistent ADHD in
      the medial occipital cortex, insula, parahippocampus, and prefrontal regions.
      CONCLUSIONS: Anatomic gray matter reductions are observable in adults with
      childhood ADHD, regardless of the current diagnosis. The most affected regions
      underpin top-down control of attention and regulation of emotion and motivation.
      Exploratory analyses suggest that diagnostic remission may result from
      compensatory maturation of prefrontal, cerebellar, and thalamic circuitry.

PMID- 22065529
TI  - Depression and history of attempted suicide as risk factors for heart disease
      mortality in young individuals.
AB  - CONTEXT: Although depression is associated with increased cardiovascular
      morbidity and mortality, there is virtually no information on whether it also
      increases the risk in young populations. OBJECTIVES: We sought to determine the
      association of unipolar and bipolar depression and a history of attempted suicide
      with mortality due to ischemic heart disease (IHD) and cardiovascular disease
      (CVD) in young US adults and to examine potential sex differences. DESIGN:
      Longitudinal epidemiologic study. SETTING: Nationally representative sample of US
      adults. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 7641 US adults aged 17 to 39 years from the 1988
      1994 Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. MAIN OUTCOME
      MEASURES: Cardiovascular disease and IHD mortality. Unipolar/bipolar depression
      and a history of attempted suicide were assessed via the Diagnostic Interview
      Schedule. RESULTS: After a median follow-up of 14.9 years, a total of 51 subjects
      (0.67%) died of CVD causes and 28 (0.37%) died of IHD. Depression (538
      individuals [7.04%]) and history of attempted suicide (419 [5.48%]) were each
      associated with an increased risk of IHD death, with adjusted hazard ratios of
      3.70 (95% CI, 1.32-10.35) for depression and 7.12 (2.67-18.98) for a history of
      attempted suicide. Women with depression or a history of attempted suicide had a
      3-fold adjusted risk of CVD (adjusted hazard ratio, 3.20 [95% CI, 1.12-9.17]) and
      a 14-fold adjusted risk of IHD (14.57 [2.65-80.10]). Corresponding figures for
      men were 2.37 (0.85-6.58) and 3.52 (1.05-11.76). CONCLUSION: In adults younger
      than 40 years, depression and history of attempted suicide are significant
      independent predictors of premature CVD and IHD mortality in both sexes.

PMID- 22065530
TI  - Protein binding in patients with late-life depression.
AB  - CONTEXT: Depression has been identified as a risk factor and a prodrome of
      dementia. Common neurobiological mechanisms may underlie this clinical and
      phenomenologic overlap. OBJECTIVE: To examine and compare protein (amyloid and
      tau) binding in critical brain regions in patients diagnosed as having late-life
      major depressive disorder (MDD) and healthy control individuals using 2-(1-{6-[(2
      [(18)F]fluoroethyl)(methyl)-amino]-2-naphthyl}ethylidene) malononitrile
      ([(18)F]FDDNP) positron emission tomography. DESIGN: A cross-section neuroimaging
      study using positron emission tomography. SETTING: University of California, Los
      Angeles. Patients  Our samples comprised 20 patients diagnosed as having MDD and
      19 healthy control individuals of comparable age, sex, and educational level.
      Main Outcome Measure  Relative distribution volume in regions of interest was
      used as the measure of [(18)F]FDDNP binding in all study participants. RESULTS:
      When compared with controls, [(18)F]FDDNP binding was significantly higher
      overall and in the posterior cingulate and lateral temporal regions in the MDD
      group. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that neuronal injury associated with
      higher protein load in critical brain regions might provide a mechanism in the
      pathophysiologic manifestation of MDD in late life and have implications for the
      therapeutics of depression in elderly individuals.

PMID- 22065531
TI  - Personality disorders and the 3-year course of alcohol, drug, and nicotine use
      disorders.
AB  - CONTEXT: Little is known about the role of a broad range of personality disorders
      in the course of substance use disorder (SUD) and whether these differ by
      substance. The existing literature focuses mostly on antisocial personality
      disorder and does not come to clear conclusions. OBJECTIVE: To determine the
      association between the 10 DSM-IV personality disorders and the persistence of
      common SUDs in a 3-year prospective study of a national sample. DESIGN: Data were
      drawn from participants in the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and
      Related Conditions (NESARC) who had alcohol dependence (n = 1172), cannabis use
      disorder (n = 454), or nicotine dependence (n = 4017) at baseline and who were
      reinterviewed 3 years later. Control variables included demographic
      characteristics, family history of substance disorders, baseline Axis I disorders
      and treatment status, and prior SUD duration. Main Outcome Measure  Persistent
      SUD, defined as meeting full criteria for the relevant SUD throughout the 3-year
      follow-up period. RESULTS: Persistent SUD was found among 30.1% of participants
      with alcohol dependence, 30.8% with cannabis use disorder, and 56.6% with
      nicotine dependence at baseline. Axis I disorders did not have strong or
      consistent associations with persistent SUD. In contrast, antisocial personality
      disorder was significantly associated with persistent alcohol, cannabis, and
      nicotine use disorders (adjusted odds ratios, 2.46-3.51), as was borderline
      personality disorder (adjusted odds ratios, 2.04-2.78) and schizotypal
      personality disorder (adjusted odds ratios, 1.65-5.90). Narcissistic, schizoid,
      and obsessive-compulsive personality disorders were less consistently associated
      with SUD persistence. CONCLUSIONS: The consistent findings on the association of
      antisocial, borderline, and schizotypal personality disorders with persistent SUD
      indicates the importance of these personality disorders in understanding the
      course of SUD. Future studies should examine dimensional representations of
      personality disorders and the role of specific components of these disorders,
      biological and environmental contributors to these relationships, and potential
      applications of these findings to treatment development.

PMID- 22065532
TI  - Mirtazapine to reduce methamphetamine use: a randomized controlled trial.
AB  - CONTEXT: No approved pharmacologic treatments for methamphetamine dependence
      exist. Methamphetamine use is associated with high morbidity and is a major
      cofactor in the human immunodeficiency virus epidemic among men who have sex with
      men (MSM). OBJECTIVE: To determine whether mirtazapine would reduce
      methamphetamine use among MSM who are actively using methamphetamine. DESIGN:
      Double-blind, randomized, controlled, 12-week trial of mirtazapine vs placebo
      conducted from September 5, 2007, to March 4, 2010. SETTING: San Francisco
      Department of Public Health. PARTICIPANTS: Participants were actively using,
      methamphetamine-dependent, sexually active MSM seen weekly for urine sample
      collection and substance use counseling. INTERVENTIONS: Random assignment to
      daily oral mirtazapine (30 mg) or placebo; both arms included 30-minute weekly
      substance use counseling. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary study outcome was
      reduction in methamphetamine-positive urine test results. Secondary outcomes were
      study medication adherence (by self-report and medication event monitoring
      systems) and sexual risk behavior. RESULTS: Sixty MSM were randomized, 85% of
      follow-up visits were completed, and 56 participants (93%) completed the final
      visit. In the primary intent-to-treat analysis, participants assigned to the
      mirtazapine group had fewer methamphetamine-positive urine test results compared
      with participants assigned to the placebo group (relative risk, 0.57; 95% CI,
      0.35-0.93, P = .02). Urine positivity decreased from 67% (20 of 30 participants)
      to 63% (17 of 27) in the placebo arm and from 73% (22 of 30) to 44% (12 of 27) in
      the mirtazapine arm. The number needed to treat to achieve a negative weekly
      urine test result was 3.1. Adherence was 48.5% by medication event monitoring
      systems and 74.7% by self-report; adherence measures were not significantly
      different between arms (medication event monitoring systems, P = .82; self
      report, P = .92). Most sexual risk behaviors decreased significantly more among
      participants taking mirtazapine compared with those taking placebo (number of
      male partners with whom methamphetamine was used, P = .009; number of male
      partners, P = .04; episodes of anal sex with serodiscordant partners, P = .003;
      episodes of unprotected anal sex with serodiscordant partners, P = .003; episodes
      of insertive anal sex with serodiscordant partners, P = .001). There were no
      serious adverse events related to study drug or significant differences in
      adverse events by arm (P >= .99). CONCLUSION: The addition of mirtazapine to
      substance use counseling decreased methamphetamine use among active users and was
      associated with decreases in sexual risk despite low to moderate medication
      adherence. Trial Registration  clinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT00497081.

PMID- 22065534
TI  - Microdeletion of Xq28 involving the AFF2 (FMR2) gene in two unrelated males with
      developmental delay.
AB  - Fragile X E (FRAXE) is an X-linked form of intellectual disability characterized
      by mild to moderate cognitive impairment, speech delay, hyperactivity, and
      autistic behavior. The folate-sensitive fragile site FRAXE is located in Xq28
      approximately 600 kb distal to the fragile X syndrome fragile site (FRAXA) and
      harbors an unstable GCC (CCG) triplet repeat adjacent to a CpG island in the 5'
      untranslated region of the AFF2 (FMR2) gene. The disorder results from
      amplification and methylation of the GCC repeat and resultant silencing of AFF2.
      Although chromosome abnormalities that disrupt AFF2 have been reported in two
      individuals with mild-moderate intellectual disability, microdeletions of Xq28
      that delete only AFF2 have not been described as a potential cause of FRAXE
      intellectual disability. We performed clinical and molecular characterization of
      two males with 240 and 499 kb deletions, respectively, at Xq28, both of which
      encompassed only one gene, AFF2. The 240 kb deletion in Patient 1 was intragenic
      and lead to the loss of 5' exons 2-4 of AFF2; the 499 kb deletion in Patient 2
      removed the 5' exons 1-2 of AFF2 including approximately 350 kb upstream of the
      gene. Both individuals had developmental and speech delay, and one had mild
      dysmorphism. We predict disruption of AFF2 in these two patients is likely the
      cause of their overlapping phenotypes.

PMID- 22065533
TI  - Racial/ethnic variations in substance-related disorders among adolescents in the
      United States.
AB  - CONTEXT: While young racial/ethnic groups are the fastest growing population in
      the United States, data about substance-related disorders among adolescents of
      various racial/ethnic backgrounds are lacking. OBJECTIVE: To examine the
      magnitude of past-year DSM-IV substance-related disorders (alcohol, marijuana,
      cocaine, inhalants, hallucinogens, heroin, analgesic opioids, stimulants,
      sedatives, and tranquilizers) among adolescents of white, Hispanic, African
      American, Native American, Asian or Pacific Islander, and multiple
      race/ethnicity. DESIGN: The 2005 to 2008 National Survey on Drug Use and Health.
      SETTING: Academic research. PARTICIPANTS: Noninstitutionalized household
      adolescents aged 12 to 17 years. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Substance-related
      disorders were assessed by standardized survey questions administered using the
      audio computer-assisted self-interviewing method. RESULTS: Of 72 561 adolescents
      aged 12 to 17 years, 37.0% used alcohol or drugs in the past year; 7.9% met
      criteria for a substance-related disorder, with Native Americans having the
      highest prevalence of use (47.5%) and disorder (15.0%). Analgesic opioids were
      the second most commonly used illegal drugs, following marijuana, in all
      racial/ethnic groups; analgesic opioid use was comparatively prevalent among
      adolescents of Native American (9.7%) and multiple race/ethnicity (8.8%). Among
      27 705 past-year alcohol or drug users, Native Americans (31.5%), adolescents of
      multiple race/ethnicity (25.2%), adolescents of white race/ethnicity (22.9%), and
      Hispanics (21.0%) had the highest rates of substance-related disorders.
      Adolescents used marijuana more frequently than alcohol or other drugs, and 25.9%
      of marijuana users met criteria for marijuana abuse or dependence. After
      controlling for adolescents' age, socioeconomic variables, population density of
      residence, self-rated health, and survey year, adjusted analyses of adolescent
      substance users indicated elevated odds of substance-related disorders among
      Native Americans, adolescents of multiple race/ethnicity, adolescents of white
      race/ethnicity, and Hispanics compared with African Americans; African Americans
      did not differ from Asians or Pacific Islanders. CONCLUSIONS: Substance use is
      widespread among adolescents of Native American, white, Hispanic, and multiple
      race/ethnicity. These groups also are disproportionately affected by substance
      related disorders.

PMID- 22065535
TI  - Screening of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) for resistance against temperate
      root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.).
AB  - BACKGROUND: An important part of the production area of common bean (Phaseolus
      vulgaris L.) in Belgium is located on the sandy soils of the provinces of Antwerp
      and Limburg where Meloidogyne chitwoodi (Golden), M. fallax (Karssen) and M.
      hapla (Chitwood) are present. The host plant status of ten bean cultivars for
      root-knot nematodes was determined by evaluating penetration, development and egg
      mass formation after inoculation with second-stage juveniles. RESULTS: The tested
      cultivars were poor to good hosts for M. chitwoodi, non-hosts or bad hosts for M.
      fallax and excellent hosts for M. hapla. Significantly fewer M. fallax were found
      in the roots, and their development was delayed. Penetration of M. hapla took
      place over a longer period than that of M. chitwoodi and M. fallax. The number of
      mature females of M. chitwoodi in cv. Polder 6 weeks after inoculation was no
      different from that in other cultivars, although fewer egg masses were found on
      this cultivar in the screening test. There was no influence of M. chitwoodi on
      vegetative growth of cv. Polder. CONCLUSION: The differences found in host plant
      status of bean cultivars stress the importance of a correct diagnosis of the
      Meloidogyne species in agricultural fields. Cultivar Polder showed potential as a
      trap crop for M. chitwoodi.

PMID- 22065536
TI  - The influence of postoperative glycemic control on recurrence after curative
      resection in diabetics with hepatitis C virus-related hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: To elucidate the influence of diabetes on tumor
      recurrence after curative resection for hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related
      hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: A total of 100 patients who underwent
      curative resection for solitary HCV-related HCC were analyzed. Data from 26
      patients with diabetes were compared to those of 74 patients without diabetes.
      The two groups were matched in terms of presence of cirrhosis, Child-Pugh
      classification, and tumor size (within 10%). RESULTS: Tumor-free survival rates
      were 45% and 48% at 3 years and 27% and 27% at 5 years in patients with and
      without diabetes, respectively. No significant difference was observed in the
      tumor-free survival rates between patients with and without diabetes. Tumor-free
      survival rates were 66% and 27% at 3 years in patients with normal postoperative
      glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level (HbA1c, <6.5%) and elevated postoperative HbA1c
      level (HbA1c, >=6.5%), respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that poor
      glycemic control (HbA1c, >=6.5%) was associated with postoperative tumor
      recurrence in patients with diabetes [odds ratio (OR) = 3.551, 95% confidence
      interval (CI) = 1.129-11.172, P = 0.030]. CONCLUSIONS: Careful control of plasma
      glucose should be performed to prevent tumor recurrence after curative resection
      for HCV-related HCC in patients with diabetes.

PMID- 22065537
TI  - Memory dysfunction in panic disorder: an investigation of the role of chronic
      benzodiazepine use.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Studies of the neurocognitive effects of long-term benzodiazepine use
      have been confounded by the presence of neurocognitive deficits characterizing
      the clinical conditions for which these medications are taken. Similarly, studies
      of the neurocognitive effects of anxiety disorders have been confounded by the
      inclusion of chronically benzodiazepine-medicated patients. This study was
      designed to tease apart the potentially confounding effects of long-term
      benzodiazepine use and panic disorder (PD) on memory and visuoconstructive
      abilities. METHODS: Twenty chronically benzodiazepine-medicated and 20
      benzodiazepine-free patients with PD with agoraphobia were compared with a group
      of 20 normal control participants, group-matched for age, education, and gender
      on a battery of neuropsychological tests assessing short-term, episodic long
      term, and semantic memory, as well as visuoconstructive abilities. RESULTS:
      Results indicated that benzodiazepine-free panic patients were relatively
      impaired in nonverbal short-term and nonverbal episodic long-term memory and
      visuoconstructive abilities, whereas verbal short-term and verbal episodic memory
      and semantic memory were preserved. Only limited evidence was found for more
      pronounced impairments in chronically benzodiazepine-medicated PD patients.
      CONCLUSIONS: This study provides evidence that patients with PD are characterized
      by relative impairments in nonverbal memory and visuoconstructive abilities,
      independent of benzodiazepine use. Nonetheless, we found evidence that chronic
      treatment with benzodiazepines is associated with intensification of select
      relative impairments in this realm. Documentation of these deficits raises
      questions about the broader etiology of neurocognitive impairment in PD as well
      as its impact on daily functioning.

PMID- 22065538
TI  - CDH13 gene coding T-cadherin influences variations in plasma adiponectin levels
      in the Japanese population.
AB  - Adiponectin is most abundantly expressed in adipose tissue and well known to play
      an important role in metabolic regulation. Several studies have attempted to
      identify the genetic determinants of metabolic syndrome (MetS), though no study
      has revealed a cis- or trans-single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) that affects
      plasma adiponectin levels, except the adiponectin structure gene and genes
      encoding adiponectin-regulatory proteins. We performed a genome-wide association
      study in regards to plasma adiponectin concentrations in 3,310 Japanese subjects.
      We identified the strongest statistically associated SNP (rs4783244) with
      adiponectin levels (P = 3.8 * 10(-19)) in the first intron of CDH13 (T-cadherin)
      gene in a 30-kb haplotype block covering the promoter region to first intron. In
      addition, rs12051272 SNP genotypes in linkage disequilibrium with rs4783244 were
      found to be more significantly associated with adiponectin levels (P = 9.5*10(
      20)) and specifically with the levels of high-molecular weight (HMW) adiponectin,
      a subtype form associated with parameters related to glucose metabolism. Our
      results did show more significant association with adiponectin levels than
      rs12444338 (in CDH13) SNP genotypes reported recently. We suggest that the
      phenotype-affecting haplotype tagged by rs12051272 SNP would affect the plasma
      adiponectin levels and that we have to take the CDH13 genotype into account
      before considering the functional relevance of the adiponectin level.

PMID- 22065539
TI  - 5-Cyclo-pentyl-2-(4-fluoro-phen-yl)-3-methyl-sulfinyl-1-benzofuran.
AB  - In the title compound, C(20)H(19)FO(2)S, the cyclo-pentyl ring adopts an envelope
      conformation. The 4-fluoro-phenyl ring makes a dihedral angle of 27.10 (7)
      degrees  with the mean plane of the benzofuran fragment. In the crystal, mol
      ecules are linked by weak inter-molecular C-H?O hydrogen bonds and C-H?pi inter
      actions. In the cyclo-pentyl ring, one C atom is disordered over two orientations
      with site-occupancy factors of 0.617 (7) and 0.383 (7).

PMID- 22065540
TI  - Split hand-split foot-ectodermal dysplasia and amelogenesis imperfecta with a
      TP63 mutation.
AB  - We report on a mother and son who were affected with split hand-split foot
      (formerly described as ectrodactyly), ectodermal dysplasia, hyperpigmentation of
      skin, and dystrophic nails. Their hair was wiry, brownish, and slow-growing.
      Scanning electron micrography of their scalp hair showed hypoplastic hair bulbs,
      partial loss of hair cuticles, and frayed hair shafts. The son was affected with
      amelogenesis Imperfecta (hypocalcification, hypoplasia, and hypomaturation
      types), in the primary and permanent dentition. An unerupted supernumerary
      maxillary second premolar and fusion of mandibular incisors were observed in the
      primary dentition and their permanent successors. Mutation analysis showed a
      c.588-2A > C mutation in TP63 in the mother and her son. It is predicted that an
      alternative splice site was used, specifically the AG located just three
      nucleotides upstream. Use of this site is predicted to include three extra
      nucleotides in the transcript and thus incorporation of a single extra amino acid
      (p.Thr195_Tyr196insPro). This is the first time that amelogenesis imperfecta,
      fusion of teeth, and a supernumerary premolar have been shown to be associated
      with a TP63 mutation.

PMID- 22065541
TI  - A novel structural position-specific scoring matrix for the prediction of protein
      secondary structures.
AB  - MOTIVATION: The precise prediction of protein secondary structure is of key
      importance for the prediction of 3D structure and biological function. Although
      the development of many excellent methods over the last few decades has allowed
      the achievement of prediction accuracies of up to 80%, progress seems to have
      reached a bottleneck, and further improvements in accuracy have proven difficult.
      RESULTS: We propose for the first time a structural position-specific scoring
      matrix (SPSSM), and establish an unprecedented database of 9 million sequences
      and their SPSSMs. This database, when combined with a purpose-designed BLAST
      tool, provides a novel prediction tool: SPSSMPred. When the SPSSMPred was
      validated on a large dataset (10,814 entries), the Q3 accuracy of the protein
      secondary structure prediction was 93.4%. Our approach was tested on the two
      latest EVA sets; accuracies of 82.7 and 82.0% were achieved, far higher than can
      be achieved using other predictors. For further evaluation, we tested our
      approach on newly determined sequences (141 entries), and obtained an accuracy of
      89.6%. For a set of low-homology proteins (40 entries), the SPSSMPred still
      achieved a Q3 value of 84.6%. AVAILABILITY: The SPSSMPred server is available at
      http://cal.tongji.edu.cn/SPSSMPred/ CONTACT: lith@tongji.edu.cn

PMID- 22065542
TI  - Magnetic field-induced acceleration of the accumulation of magnetic iron oxide
      nanoparticles by cultured brain astrocytes.
AB  - Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe-NPs) are considered for various biomedical
      and neurobiological applications that involve the presence of external magnetic
      fields. However, little is known on the effects of a magnetic field on the uptake
      of such particles by brain cells. Cultured brain astrocytes accumulated
      dimercaptosuccinate-coated Fe-NP in a time-, temperature-, and concentration
      dependent manner. This accumulation was strongly enhanced by the presence of the
      magnetic field generated by a permanent neodymium iron boron magnet that had been
      positioned below the cells. The magnetic field-induced acceleration of the
      accumulation of Fe-NP increased almost proportional to the strength of the
      magnetic field applied, increasing the cellular-specific iron content from an
      initial 10 nmol/mg protein within 4 h of incubation at 37 degrees C to up to
      12,000 nmol/mg protein. However, presence of a magnetic field also increased the
      amounts of iron that attached to the cells during incubation with Fe-NP at 4
      degrees C. These results suggest that the presence of an external magnetic field
      promotes in cultured astrocytes both the binding of Fe-NP to the cell membrane
      and the internalization of Fe-NP.

PMID- 22065543
TI  - Prognostic values of the miR-17-92 cluster and its paralogs in colon cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: MicroRNAs have been shown to offer great potential in both the
      diagnosis and prognosis of cancer. Despite the well-established role of the miR
      17-92 in cancer formation and progression, the contribution of each individual
      miRNA remains to be characterized. Thus, we investigated whether deregulation of
      the miR-17-92 associated with colon cancer prognosis. METHODS: Expression levels
      of the miR-17-92 cluster and its paralogs were determined in 48 colon tumor and
      48 paired normal tissues by real-time qRT-PCR. Associations with miRNA
      expression, age, sex, TNM staging, and survival prognosis were evaluated.
      RESULTS: MiR-17-92 cluster and its paralogs were significantly overexpressed in
      colon tumor. No significant associations were found between the deregulation of
      certain miRNAs and the clinical and pathologic characteristics observed in
      patients. Kaplan-Meier curves demonstrated significantly reduced overall survival
      in patients expressing high levels of miR-17. In multivariate Cox models, miR-17
      overexpression (HR 2.67; P = 0.007) and TNM staging (HR 8.87; P = 0.002) were
      significantly associated with a risk of death. CONCLUSIONS: The miR-17-92 cluster
      and its paralogs were significantly elevated in patients with colon cancer, and
      heightened expression of miR-17 was associated with poor survival. Moreover, miR
      17 and TNM staging were both identified as significant, but independent,
      prognostic biomarkers in colon cancer.

PMID- 22065544
TI  - Do patients with hoarding disorder have autistic traits?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hoarding symptoms have been described in individuals with autism
      spectrum disorders (ASD). Furthermore, individuals with hoarding disorder (HD)
      may display some ASD-like features. In order to further refine the diagnostic
      boundaries of HD, we examined the presence of autistic traits and theory of mind
      deficits in individuals with HD and of hoarding behavior in patients with ASD.
      METHODS: Two hundred and twenty-one participants in five groups (HD, ASD,
      obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders (AD), and healthy controls
      (HC)) were administered measures of autistic traits (Autism-Spectrum Quotient),
      theory of mind (eyes test-revised), and hoarding severity (saving inventory
      revised; SI-R (add acronym)). RESULTS: Hoarders displayed more autistic traits
      compared to healthy individuals but not to psychiatric controls. Participants
      with ASD had significantly higher scores on the SI-R than both psychiatric (OCD
      or AD) and HC groups, indicating more severe hoarding behavior, but had lower
      scores than participants with HD. The presence of autistic traits in individuals
      with HD was related to the presence of comorbid OCD, but the presence of hoarding
      symptoms in individuals with ASD was unrelated to comorbid OCD. CONCLUSIONS: We
      conclude that individuals with HD do not display more autistic traits than
      psychiatric controls, thus supporting its status as an independent diagnostic
      entity. More research is needed to further understand the phenomenology and
      clinical relevance of hoarding symptoms in ASD.

PMID- 22065545
TI  - CRB1 mutations in inherited retinal dystrophies.
AB  - Mutations in the CRB1 gene are associated with variable phenotypes of severe
      retinal dystrophies, ranging from leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) to rod-cone
      dystrophy, also called retinitis pigmentosa (RP). Moreover, retinal dystrophies
      resulting from CRB1 mutations may be accompanied by specific fundus features:
      preservation of the para-arteriolar retinal pigment epithelium (PPRPE) and
      retinal telangiectasia with exudation (also referred to as Coats-like
      vasculopathy). In this publication, we report seven novel mutations and classify
      over 150 reported CRB1 sequence variants that were found in more that 240
      patients. The data from previous reports were used to analyze a potential
      correlation between CRB1 variants and the clinical features of respective
      patients. This meta-analysis suggests that the differential phenotype of patients
      with CRB1 mutations is due to additional modifying factors rather than particular
      mutant allele combination.

PMID- 22065546
TI  - Authors response to correspondence about an improved compensation method.

PMID- 22065547
TI  - 2,2-Diethyl 4-methyl 5-(4-nitro-phen-yl)-4-phenyl-pyrrolidine-2,2,4-tricarboxyl
      ate.
AB  - The title compound, C(24)H(26)N(2)O(8), was synthesized by the cyclo-addition
      reaction of methyl 2-phenyl-acrylate, diethyl 2-amino-malonate and 4-nitro
      benzaldehyde. The pyrrolidine ring exhibits an envelope conformation. The two
      benzene rings are located on opposite sides of the pyrrolidine ring and subtend a
      dihedral angle of 59.16 (14) degrees . The crystal packing is stabilized by N-H?O
      and weak C-H?O hydrogen bonding.

PMID- 22065548
TI  - Blood platelet adhesion to printed von Willebrand factor.
AB  - Von Willebrand factor (vWF), a glycoprotein in blood, mediates the adhesion of
      blood platelets and thus plays a crucial role in hemostasis and thrombosis.
      Functional coating of surfaces with vWF allows the investigation of in vitro
      adhesion of blood platelet. We used soft lithography to create a functional
      patterned substrate. vWF was printed on plasma-treated glass and mica surfaces,
      producing elongated network-like fibril structures. A minimum layer thickness of
      3 nm was observed, corresponding to the height of a monolayer of vWF. The
      stability of the patterns was verified in a laminar fluid flow, and the
      bioactivity of the structures was tested with platelet adhesion experiments.
      Platelets adhered to and spread on printed vWF. These results indicate that
      printed vWF substrates are stable and functional in typical perfusion
      experiments, and thus provide a useful tool for studying thrombus formation in
      vitro.

PMID- 22065549
TI  - A prognostic model to predict outcome of patients failing to achieve pathological
      complete response after anthracycline-containing neoadjuvant chemotherapy for
      breast cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate factors that could possibly
      affect the outcome of patients failing to achieve pathological complete response
      (pCR) after anthracycline-containing neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT) for breast
      cancer, and built a prognostic model to predict patients' outcome. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: Data from 199 stage II-III breast cancer patients who failed to achieve
      pCR after NCT were used. Variables at baseline and at surgery (age, menopausal
      status, tumour size, grade, histotype, node status, vascular invasion, ER, PR,
      HER-2, Cathepsin D, P53, Topo-IIalpha, Nm-23, Bcl-2, BAX, MDR, GSTN, PS2, P27,
      Cyclin D1 and Ki-67) were investigated. RESULTS: Tumour marker Ki-67, Cathepsin D
      status and number of positive lymph nodes at surgery were significant prognostic
      factors in multivariate analysis for both DFS and OS. According to our prognostic
      model, the 5-year DFS rates in low, intermediate-low, intermediate-high and high
      risk groups were 94%, 65%, 43% and 28%, respectively (log-rank test P < 0.001).
      The 5-year OS rates in these four groups were 94%, 84%, 66% and 34%, respectively
      (log-rank test P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: Our prognostic model could easily
      discriminate patients with different risks of experiencing an event or death,
      which could allow physicians to tailor treatment strategies specifically and
      individually.

PMID- 22065550
TI  - Investigation of telomere length and psychological stress in rape victims.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Women are at an increased risk of depression and other mental health
      problems following rape. Various etiological factors for depression, including
      predisposing genetic factors, have been identified. Telomeres are repetitive
      nucleoprotein structures located at chromosomal ends that protect them from
      premature degradation. Telomeres reduce in length with each cell division,
      resulting in cellular senescence and apoptosis. METHODS: Relative quantification
      of telomeric repeats using qPCR was performed to investigate whether shorter
      relative leukocyte telomere length (LTL) in a cohort of 64 rape victims was
      associated with resilience, the development of rape trauma-related major
      depressive disorder (MDD) or the development of posttraumatic stress disorder
      (PTSD) after 3 months. RESULTS: Out of the 64 participants, 23 participants were
      diagnosed with MDD at baseline and 31 after 3 months. Nine participants were
      diagnosed with PTSD (MDD and PTSD specifically related to the trauma). No
      significant associations were observed between relative LTL and resilience or the
      development of MDD at either baseline or after 3 months in this cohort. However,
      a marginally significant association was evident between relative LTL and PTSD
      status. CONCLUSIONS: The significant association between relative LTL and PTSD
      suggests that shorter relative LTL might have acted as a predisposing factor in
      the development of PTSD after a severely traumatic event. The results of this
      study indicate that telomere shortening may be an important marker of PTSD risk,
      with implications for early intervention and timely treatment, and as such
      warrant replication in a larger cohort.

PMID- 22065551
TI  - Effects of exposition to polluted environments on blood cells of the fish
      Prochilodus lineatus.
AB  - In this study, we investigated the effects of contaminated water on the blood
      parameters of the fish Prochilodus lineatus exposed during 7 and 20 days. Blood
      was collected with heparinized syringes, and blood smears were prepared and
      stained with Leishman stain. Slides were examined and photographed using a Leica
      light microscope. Total white blood cell counts and differential counts of
      thrombocytes and leukocytes were obtained for statistical analysis. The group
      exposed to water samples from Lago Azul exhibited an increase in the number of
      leukocytes and in the total number of white blood cells, suggesting that the
      chemical contaminants in this environment were acting similarly to antigens in
      this fish species, causing the proliferation of defense cells. In the group
      exposed to detergent during 20 days, the number of thrombocytes decreased. These
      results suggest that the variations in the number of leukocytes were indicators
      of environmental pollution and that biodegradable detergents may, after a certain
      time of exposure, affect vital functions in fish, such as coagulation and
      prevention of infections, which directly involves thrombocytes.

PMID- 22065552
TI  - Proteome profiling of the green sulfur bacterium Chlorobaculum tepidum by N
      terminal proteomics.
AB  - In this study, we performed the first large-scale identification of N-terminal
      peptides from the green sulfur bacterium Chlorobaculum tepidum. Combined
      fractional diagonal chromatography (COFRADIC) was used to isolate protein N
      terminal peptides from three different proteome preparations, and following LC
      MS/MS analysis, over 621 different proteins were identified by their N-terminal
      peptides. Our data constitute the largest data set currently available for
      protein N-termini of prokaryotic photosynthetic organisms.

PMID- 22065553
TI  - Micropatterned agarose scaffolds covalently modified with collagen for culture of
      normal and neoplastic hepatocytes.
AB  - Anchorage-dependent cells including hepatocytes, the main functional cellular
      constituent comprising liver tissue, require a substrate for cell adhesion when
      cultured outside their native tissue. The challenge with hepatocyte culture is
      that material substrates and designs supporting hepatocyte attachment, phenotype,
      and function are not readily available. Our laboratory previously published that
      type I collagen found in the liver extracellular matrix supports hepatocyte
      culture. We hypothesized that micropatterned agarose with a coating of collagen
      covalently bound to the surface would facilitate hepatocyte adhesion and
      phenotype. To test this hypothesis, primary canine hepatocytes and neoplastic
      human HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells were cultured on these substrates.
      Hepatocyte adhesion was dependent on the cell type and also the micropattern
      design. Viable normal and neoplastic hepatocytes attached to the microchannel
      troughs rather than on the ridges. In contrast, hepatocyte adhesion on the
      microcircular patterns was similar to control agarose as cells did not sense
      differences in surface topology on these substrates. Neoplastic cells exhibited a
      distinct difference in growth behavior following 7 days in culture on the
      microchannel patterns, exhibiting aberrant proliferation relative to normal
      hepatocytes which did not proliferate. Our results suggest that patterned
      microchannel agarose may be useful to evaluate hepatoprotective and noxious
      agents.

PMID- 22065554
TI  - Treatment change of somatic symptoms and cultural syndromes among Cambodian
      refugees with PTSD.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is only one previously published study of treatment change
      across initial pharmacological treatment for a minority or refugee group with
      posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). That study found that certain somatic
      symptoms among Southeast Asian populations did not improve across treatment. This
      article assesses in a culturally sensitive way symptom change through time of
      Cambodian patients presenting for pharmacotherapy treatment of PTSD. METHODS:
      Fifty-six Cambodian refugees with PTSD and no previous psychiatric treatment were
      assessed at baseline and then at 3 and 6 months after initiating pharmacotherapy.
      The measures included the PTSD Checklist; the Cambodian Somatic Symptom and
      Syndrome Inventory (SSI) to assess culturally salient somatic symptoms and
      cultural syndromes; and the Short Form-12 Health Survey to assess self-perceived
      functioning. RESULTS: Across treatment, large effect sizes were seen on all
      measures (Cohen's d = 1.1-1.4). The SF-12 change score was more highly correlated
      to the SSI change score (r = .82) than to the PTSD change score (r = .61).
      Significant change only occurred from baseline to 3 months. CONCLUSIONS:
      Pharmacological treatment for traumatized Cambodian refugees with PTSD seems to
      lead to improvement not only in PTSD symptoms, but also in culturally salient
      somatic symptoms and cultural syndromes. Culturally sensitive assessment and
      treatment should ideally include the assessment of culturally salient somatic
      symptoms and cultural syndromes.

PMID- 22065555
TI  - B-flow imaging for the measurement of residual lumen diameter of renal artery
      stenosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to assess the accuracy and efficacy of B
      flow imaging (BFI) in the diagnosis and measurement of renal artery stenosis
      (RAS) compared with color duplex ultrasonography (CDU) and digital subtraction
      angiography (DSA). METHODS: Fifty-one consecutive patients with RAS diagnosed and
      measured with DSA were subsequently and independently examined with BFI for the
      measurement of residual lumen diameter, and with CDU for the measurement of peak
      systolic velocity and renal-aortic velocity ratio. The diagnostic performances of
      BFI and CDU in determining 60-99% RAS were compared by receiver operating
      characteristic curve analysis. The agreement between DSA and BFI stenosis
      measurements was evaluated with Bland-Altman method. RESULTS: The area under
      curve was 0.983 for BFI and 0.959 for CDU, without a significant difference in
      diagnostic performances (p = 0.26). BFI yielded an 88% sensitivity and 94%
      specificity in the diagnosis of RAS with a 3% underestimation of RAS compared to
      DSA (95% confidence interval 1.4%, 4.6%). CONCLUSIONS: BFI is an accurate method
      that minimally underestimates RAS. It might provide an additional benefit to CDU
      in patients with RAS.

PMID- 22065556
TI  - Analysis of proteome and frost tolerance in chromosome 5A and 5B reciprocal
      substitution lines between two winter wheats during long-term cold acclimation.
AB  - Dynamics of cold tolerance and crown proteome composition has been analysed in a
      set of two winter wheat cultivars Mironovskaya 808 and Bezostaya 1 and four
      reciprocal substitution lines with interchanged chromosomes 5A and 5B during a
      long-term cold-acclimation (CA) treatment. Proteome analysis has revealed 298
      differently abundant spots during experiment. Most of them (260) were changed due
      to CA process and only 52 spots displayed differences between genotypes. Two
      hundred and seven protein spots were successfully identified by tandem mass
      spectrometry. Comparison of samples before and after vernalization fulfillment by
      a combination of ANOVA and Student' T-test displayed ten differentially abundant
      protein spots (e.g. chopper chaperones). However, differences in the accumulation
      of these spots did not reflect differences in vernalization requirement of
      genotypes. Therefore, our results indicate that vernalization process has not
      influenced total proteome of CA wheat crowns. A few protein spots (14 spots; e.g.
      malate dehydrogenase) revealed differential accumulation levels between the
      individual genotypes or their groups possessing chromosome 5A or 5B from
      Mironovskaya 808 versus Bezostaya 1. The study has shown the effect of chromosome
      5A on physiological traits and also proteome in winter wheat. Putative candidate
      protein markers for cold tolerance in wheat are discussed.

PMID- 22065557
TI  - 1-(3,4-Dimeth-oxy-phen-yl)propan-1-one.
AB  - The title compound, C(11)H(14)O(3), was isolated from the stems of Trigonostemon
      xyphophylloides, which belongs to Trigonostemon genus of Euphorbiaceae. The
      plants in this genus were used in folk medicine, such as for the treatment of
      diseases caused by viruses and fungi. The limited investigation of the chemistry
      of this plant prompted an examination of constituents of its twigs, from which
      the title compound was isolated. The mol-ecule is approximately planar with an
      r.m.s. deviation of 0.1237A. In the crystal, inter-molecular C-H?O hydrogen bonds
      connect the mol-ecules into a two-dimensional network structure with an R(2)
      (2)(12) graph-set motif.

PMID- 22065558
TI  - 1,2-Bis(benz-yloxy)-1,2-bis-(4-chloro-phen-yl)-3,8-dimeth-oxy-acenaphthene.
AB  - In the title compound, C(40)H(32)Cl(2)O(4), the two chloro-benzene rings are in
      syn orientations with respect to the naphthalene ring system and make dihedral
      angles of 57.12 (6) and 85.74 (6) degrees  with it. The benzene rings of the benz
      yloxy group make dihedral angles of 75.34 (6) and 83.95 (7) degrees , with the
      naphthalene ring system. In the crystal, the mol-ecules are linked by inter
      molecular C-H?Cl inter-actions between the methyl-ene H atoms of the benz-yloxy
      group and the Cl atoms in adjacent mol-ecules. Furthermore, centrosymmetrically
      related mol-ecules are linked into dimeric units by pairs of C-H?pi inter
      actions.

PMID- 22065559
TI  - Optimization of poly(epsilon-caprolactone) surface properties for apatite
      formation and improved osteogenic stimulation.
AB  - A biodegradable polymer with surface properties that promotes cell attachment and
      host integration is widely recognized as a useful three-dimensional construct for
      bone tissue engineering applications. In this work, studies were carried out to
      correlate surface properties of modified polycaprolactone (PCL) films with cell
      material interactions. PCL film substrates were subjected to various degrees of
      chemical hydrolysis using different pretreatment solutions to introduce different
      densities of carboxylate groups onto the surfaces. The extent of hydrolysis on
      the films was optimized to allow the deposition of a dense and uniform bone-like
      apatite layer by an alternate soak treatment, followed by subsequent incubation
      in simulated body fluid (SBF). The hydrolyzed and apatite-coated PCL films were
      investigated using scanning electron microscopy, thin film X-ray diffractometer
      (TF-XRD), water contact angle, and Alizarin red staining. Surface wettability,
      roughness, and chemistry of various PCL substrates were correlated with cell
      attachment, proliferation, viability, and alkaline phosphatase activity. Results
      demonstrated that cell attachment increased with increasing surface
      hydrophilicity and roughness. The apatite-coated films showed significantly
      improved surface wettability and enhanced surface roughness, which subsequently
      led to better cell attachment potential, high-cell viability, and enhanced bone
      formation capability. Thus, surface modification with an apatite coating layer is
      a promising approach for enhancing the efficacy of the polymeric scaffold for
      bone tissue engineering applications.

PMID- 22065560
TI  - Childhood maltreatment and social anxiety disorder: implications for symptom
      severity and response to pharmacotherapy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Childhood maltreatment has been associated with symptom severity,
      reduced quality of life, and impaired functioning in adults with social anxiety
      disorder (SAD). No study has investigated how childhood maltreatment impacts
      pharmacotherapy outcomes in this population, despite evidence for such a link in
      depression. The current study replicates previous work on childhood maltreatment
      within SAD and examines its impact on response to pharmacotherapy. METHODS: One
      hundred and fifty six individuals seeking treatment for SAD completed the
      Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, which measures various types of abuse and
      neglect, along with the measures of symptom severity, quality of life, and
      disability. Data from a subset of patients enrolled in a paroxetine trial (N =
      127) were analyzed to gauge the impact of childhood maltreatment on attrition and
      treatment response. RESULTS: All types of maltreatment except for sexual abuse
      and physical abuse were related to greater symptom severity. Emotional abuse and
      neglect were related to greater disability, and emotional abuse, emotional
      neglect, and physical abuse were related to decreased quality of life. Emotional
      abuse significantly predicted attrition. A time by emotional abuse interaction
      suggests that for those who stayed the course, the impact of emotional abuse on
      severity of social anxiety weakened significantly over time. CONCLUSIONS:
      Emotional maltreatment was most strongly linked to dysfunction in SAD, despite a
      tendency in the anxiety literature to focus on the effects of sexual and physical
      abuse. Additionally, individuals reporting emotional abuse were more likely to
      dropout from pharmacotherapy, but those who stayed the course displayed similar
      outcomes to those without such a history.

PMID- 22065561
TI  - Multiclass mycotoxin analysis in food, environmental and biological matrices with
      chromatography/mass spectrometry.
AB  - Mold metabolites that can elicit deleterious effects on other organisms are
      classified as mycotoxins. Human exposure to mycotoxins occurs mostly through the
      intake of contaminated agricultural products or residues due to carry over or
      metabolite products in foods of animal origin such as milk and eggs, but can also
      occur by dermal contact and inhalation. Mycotoxins contained in moldy foods, but
      also in damp interiors, can cause diseases in humans and animals. Nephropathy,
      various types of cancer, alimentary toxic aleukia, hepatic diseases, various
      hemorrhagic syndromes, and immune and neurological disorders are the most common
      diseases that can be related to mycotoxicosis. The absence or presence of mold
      infestation and its propagation are seldom correlated with mycotoxin presence.
      Mycotoxins must be determined directly, and suitable analytical methods are
      necessary. Hundreds of mycotoxins have been recognized, but only for a few of
      them, and in a restricted number of utilities, a maximum acceptable level has
      been regulated by law. However, mycotoxins seldom develop alone; more often
      various types and/or classes form in the same substrate. The co-occurrence might
      render the individual mycotoxin tolerance dose irrelevant, and therefore the mere
      presence of multiple mycotoxins should be considered a risk factor. The advantage
      of chromatography/mass spectrometry (MS) is that many compounds can be determined
      and confirmed in one analysis. This review illustrates the state-of-the-art of
      mycotoxin MS-based analytical methods for multiclass, multianalyte determination
      in all the matrices in which they appear. A chapter is devoted to the history of
      the long-standing coexistence and interaction among humans, domestic animals and
      mycotoxicosis, and the history of the discovery of mycotoxins. Quality assurance,
      although this topic relates to analytical chemistry in general, has been also
      examined for mycotoxin analysis as a preliminary to the systematic literature
      excursus. Sample handling is a crucial step to devise a multiclass analytical
      method; so when possible, it has been treated separately for a better comparison
      before tackling the instrumental part of the whole analytical method. This
      structure has resulted sometimes in unavoidable redundancies, because it was also
      important to underline the interconnection. Most reviews do not deal with all the
      possible mycotoxin sources, including the environmental ones. The focus of this
      review is the analytical methods based on MS for multimycotoxin class
      determination. Because the final purpose to devise multimycotoxin analysis should
      be the assessment of the danger to health of exposition to multitoxicants of
      natural origin (and possibly also the interaction with anthropogenic
      contaminants), therefore also the analytical methods for environmental relevant
      mycotoxins have been thoroughly reviewed. Finally, because the best way to shed
      light on actual risk assessment could be the individuation of exposure
      biomarkers, the review covers also the scarce literature on biological fluids.

PMID- 22065562
TI  - The nuclear proteome of the green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii.
AB  - Nuclear proteins play a central role in regulating gene expression. Their
      identification is important for understanding how the nuclear repertoire changes
      over time under different conditions. Nuclear proteins are often underrepresented
      in proteomic studies due to the frequently low abundance of proteins involved in
      regulatory processes. So far, only few studies describing the nuclear proteome of
      plant species have been published. Recently, the genome sequence of the
      unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii has been obtained and annotated,
      allowing the development of further detailed studies for this organism. However,
      a detailed description of its nuclear proteome has not been reported so far.
      Here, we present an analysis of the nuclear proteome of the sequenced
      Chlamydomonas strain cc503. Using LC-MS/MS, we identified 672 proteins from
      nuclei isolates with a maximum 1% peptide spectrum false discovery rate. Besides
      well-known proteins (e.g. histones), transcription factors and other
      transcriptional regulators (e.g. tubby and HMG) were identified. The presence of
      protein motifs in nuclear proteins was investigated by computational tools, and
      specific over-represented protein motifs were identified. This study provides new
      insights into the complexity of the nuclear environment and reveals novel
      putative protein targets for further studies of nuclear mechanisms.

PMID- 22065563
TI  - Fabrication of protein micropatterns using a functional substrate with
      convertible protein-adsorption surface properties.
AB  - A functional substrate capable of regulating protein adsorption was prepared
      using a crosslinked albumin (cl-albumin) film for use in the fabrication of
      protein micropatterns. The adsorption of proteins with different characteristics
      onto cl-albumin film, including serum proteins, serum albumin, and lysozyme, was
      investigated using a quartz crystal microbalance. The results showed that
      surfaces coated with cl-albumin film are highly resistant to protein adsorption,
      regardless of protein charge and rigidity. In addition, this adsorption
      resistance property can be easily converted to promote protein adsorption by
      exposing the cl-albumin film to a charged polymer solution. By combining the
      convertible surface property of cl-albumin film and inkjet printing techniques, a
      precise protein micropattern was successfully fabricated on the substrate.
      Protein adsorption onto the wall surface of microchannels could also be
      suppressed or promoted by coating the surface with cl-albumin film. This approach
      will aid in the development of biomaterials carrying protein micropatterns, such
      as biosensors, biochips, and cellular scaffolds.

PMID- 22065564
TI  - Virtual reality exposure therapy in anxiety disorders: a quantitative meta
      analysis.
AB  - Virtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) is a promising intervention for the
      treatment of the anxiety disorders. The main objective of this meta-analysis is
      to compare the efficacy of VRET, used in a behavioral or cognitive-behavioral
      framework, with that of the classical evidence-based treatments, in anxiety
      disorders. A comprehensive search of the literature identified 23 studies (n =
      608) that were included in the final analysis. The results show that in the case
      of anxiety disorders, (1) VRET does far better than the waitlist control; (2) the
      post-treatment results show similar efficacy between the behavioral and the
      cognitive behavioral interventions incorporating a virtual reality exposure
      component and the classical evidence-based interventions, with no virtual reality
      exposure component; (3) VRET has a powerful real-life impact, similar to that of
      the classical evidence-based treatments; (4) VRET has a good stability of results
      over time, similar to that of the classical evidence-based treatments; (5) there
      is a dose-response relationship for VRET; and (6) there is no difference in the
      dropout rate between the virtual reality exposure and the in vivo exposure.
      Implications are discussed.

PMID- 22065565
TI  - Transgenic mice with SCA10 pentanucleotide repeats show motor phenotype and
      susceptibility to seizure: a toxic RNA gain-of-function model.
AB  - Spinocerebellar ataxia type 10 (SCA10) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative
      disorder manifested by ataxia and seizure. SCA10 is caused by a large expansion
      of an intronic ATTCT pentanucleotide repeat in the ATXN10 gene. We have recently
      postulated a toxic RNA-mediated gain of function in the pathogenesis of spinal
      cerebellar ataxia type 10 (SCA10). The spliced intron-9 RNA containing the
      expanded AUUCU repeat aggregates in SCA10 cells and sequesters hnRNP K. hnRNP K
      sequestration triggers the translocation of protein kinase Cdelta (PKCdelta) to
      mitochondria, leading to activation of caspase-3 and apoptosis. To confirm the
      toxic RNA-mediated gain of function, we generated a new transgenic mouse model in
      which the expanded pentanucleotide repeats are constructed in the 3'-untranslated
      region (3'UTR) to ensure transcription without translation of the repeat. We
      constructed an artificial transgene containing the SCA10 (ATTCT)(500) track
      within the 3'UTR of the LacZ gene driven by the rat prion promoter (PrP) and used
      this to generate a new transgenic mouse model for SCA10. We then examined these
      mice for neurological phenotypes and histopathological, molecular, and cellular
      changes. The transgenic mice showed irregular gait and increased seizure
      susceptibility at the age of 6 months, resembling the clinical phenotype of
      SCA10. The cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and pontine nuclei showed neuronal loss.
      The brains of these animals also showed molecular and cellular changes similar to
      those previously found in an SCA10 cell model. Expression of the expanded SCA10
      AUUCU repeat within the 3'UTR of a gene results in neuronal loss with associated
      gait abnormalities and increased seizure susceptibility phenotypes, which
      resemble those seen in SCA10 patients. Moreover, these results bolster the idea
      that the SCA10 disease mechanism is mediated by a toxic RNA gain-of-function
      mutation of the expanded AUUCU repeat.

PMID- 22065566
TI  - Tetra-kis(picolinato-kappaN,O)zirconium(IV) dihydrate.
AB  - In the title compound, [Zr(C(6)H(4)NO(2))(4)].2H(2)O, the Zr(IV) atom is located
      on a crystallographic fourfold rotoinversion axis ([Formula: see text]) and is
      coordinated by four picolinate anions with Zr-O and Zr-N distances of 2.120 (2)
      and 2.393 (2) A, respectively. An approximate square-anti-prismatic coordination
      polyhedron of the N,O-coordination ligand atoms is formed, with a distortion
      towards dodeca-hedral geometry. The crystal packing is stabilized by inter
      molecular pi-pi inter-actions between adjacent picolinate rings [centroid
      centroid distances = 3.271 (1) and 3.640 (2) A], as well as O-H?O hydrogen bonds
      between the solvent mol-ecules and the coordinated ligands, thereby linking the
      mol-ecules into a supra-molecular three-dimensional network.

PMID- 22065567
TI  - (E)-6-Amino-1,3-dimethyl-5-[(pyridin-2-yl-methyl-idene)amino]-pyrimidine
      2,4(1H,3H)-dione.
AB  - In the title compound, C(12)H(13)N(5)O(2), a Schiff-base-derived chelate ligand,
      the non-aromatic heterocycle and its substituents essentially occupy one common
      plane (r.m.s. of fitted non-H atoms = 0.0503 A). The N=C bond is E-configured.
      Intra-cyclic angles in the pyridine moiety cover the range 117.6 (2)-124.1 (2)
      degrees . Intra- and inter-molecular N-H?N and N-H?O hydrogen bonds are observed
      in the crystal structure, as are intra- and inter-molecular C-H?O contacts which,
      in total, connect the mol-ecules into a three-dimensional network. The shortest
      ring-centroid-to-ring-centroid distance of 3.5831 (14) A is between the two
      different types of six-membered rings.

PMID- 22065568
TI  - Proteomic analysis of urinary biomarker candidates for nonmuscle invasive bladder
      cancer.
AB  - Nonmuscle invasive tumors of the bladder often recur and thereby bladder cancer
      patients need regular re-examinations which are invasive, unpleasant, and
      expensive. A noninvasive and less expensive method, e.g. a urine dipstick test,
      for monitoring recurrence would thus be advantageous. In this study, the
      complementary techniques mass spectrometry (MS) and Western blotting (WB)/dot
      blot (DB) were used to screen the urine samples from bladder cancer patients.
      High resolving MS was used to analyze and quantify the urinary proteome and 29
      proteins had a significantly higher abundance (p<0.05) in bladder cancer samples
      compared with control urine samples. The increased abundance found in urine from
      bladder cancer patients compared with controls was confirmed with Western blot
      for four selected proteins; fibrinogen beta chain precursor, apolipoprotein E,
      alpha-1-antitrypsin, and leucine-rich alpha-2-glycoprotein 1. Dot blot analysis
      of an independent urine sample set pointed out fibrinogen beta chain and alpha-1
      antitrypsin as most interesting biomarkers having sensitivity and specificity
      values in the range of 66-85%. Exploring the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) also
      revealed that bladder cancer tumors are the likely source of these proteins. They
      have the potential of being useful in diagnosis, monitoring of recurrence and
      thus may improve the treatment of bladder tumors, especially nonmuscle invasive
      tumors.

PMID- 22065569
TI  - (E)-1-(1-Benzyl-5-methyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)-3-phenyl-prop-2-en-1-one.
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C(19)H(17)N(3)O, contains two
      independent mol-ecules. In one mol-ecule, the essentially planar triazole ring
      [maximum deviation = 0.003 (2) A] forms dihedral angles of 5.57 (12) and 87.51
      (12) degrees  with the two phenyl rings, while in the other mol-ecule [maximum
      deviation in triazole ring = 0.001 (2) A] these angles are 1.55 (10) and 82.73
      (11) degrees . The dihedral angles between the two phenyl rings in the two mol
      ecules are 87.77 (13) and 81.22 (11) degrees . In the crystal, the independent
      mol-ecules are connected via a weak C-H?N hydrogen bond, forming dimers. Further
      stabilization is provided by weak C-H?pi inter-actions.

PMID- 22065570
TI  - Genetic drift. The mall test (or fun with a dysmorphologist).

PMID- 22065571
TI  - Disorder-specific mental health service use for mood and anxiety disorders:
      associations with age, sex, and psychiatric comorbidity.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The objectives of this study are to examine the prevalence of
      disorder-specific mental health service use for mood and anxiety disorders, and
      relationships between helpseeking and age, sex, and psychiatric comorbidity.
      METHODS: The authors used Wave 2 data from the National Epidemiologic Survey of
      Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC), which included 34,653 adults. Cross
      tabulations provided helpseeking prevalence rates for five anxiety disorders and
      three mood disorders by age and sex, as well as for individuals with and without
      comorbid anxiety and mood disorders. Logistic regression analyses explored the
      likelihood of helpseeking among younger and middle-aged adults in comparison to
      older adults. RESULTS: The prevalence of helpseeking was highest for panic
      disorder (45.3%) and dysthymia (44.5%) and lowest for specific phobias (7.8%).
      For each condition except panic disorder service use was most likely among middle
      aged adults and especially unlikely among older individuals. Sex differences in
      treatment seeking favoring women showed only modest variability with age.
      Finally, the prevalence of helpseeking was generally lower among individuals
      without comorbid anxiety or mood disorders, and the hill-shaped influence of age
      on service use was attenuated in this pure group. CONCLUSIONS: The results of
      this study highlight the highest prevalence of disorder-specific service use
      among middle-aged adults and women, and among individuals with panic disorder and
      dysthymia. For purposes of identifying groups who are in need of targeted efforts
      to increase service use, helpseeking was especially unlikely among people
      suffering from specific phobia, as well as among men and older adults.

PMID- 22065572
TI  - Inhibitor of kappaB kinase epsilon (IKK(epsilon)), STAT1, and IFIT2 proteins
      define novel innate immune effector pathway against West Nile virus infection.
AB  - West Nile virus is an emerging virus whose virulence is dependent upon viral
      evasion of IFN and innate immune defenses. The actions of IFN-stimulated genes
      (ISGs) impart control of virus infection, but the specific ISGs and regulatory
      pathways that restrict West Nile virus (WNV) are not defined. Here we show that
      inhibitor of kappaB kinase epsilon (IKKepsilon) phosphorylation of STAT1 at
      serine 708 (Ser-708) drives IFIT2 expression to mediate anti-WNV effector
      function of IFN. WNV infection was enhanced in cells from IKKepsilon(-/-) or
      IFIT2(-/-) mice. In IKKepsilon(-/-) cells, the loss of IFN-induced IFIT2
      expression was linked to lack of STAT1 phosphorylation on Ser-708 but not Tyr-701
      nor Ser-727. STAT1 Ser-708 phosphorylation occurs independently of IRF-3 but
      requires signaling through the IFN-alpha/beta receptor as a late event in the IFN
      induced innate immune response that coincides with IKKepsilon-responsive ISGs
      expression. Biochemical analyses show that STAT1 tyrosine dephosphorylation and
      CRM1-mediated STAT1 nuclear-cytoplasmic shuttling are required for STAT1 Ser-708
      phosphorylation. When compared with WT mice, WNV-infected IKKepsilon(-/-) mice
      exhibit enhanced kinetics of virus dissemination and increased pathogenesis
      concomitant with loss of STAT1 Ser-708 phosphorylation and IFIT2 expression. Our
      results define an IFN-induced IKKepsilon signaling pathway of specific STAT1
      phosphorylation and IFIT2 expression that imparts innate antiviral immunity to
      restrict WNV infection and control viral pathogenesis.

PMID- 22065573
TI  - Nuclear factor kappaB subunits RelB and cRel negatively regulate Toll-like
      receptor 3-mediated beta-interferon production via induction of transcriptional
      repressor protein YY1.
AB  - The induction of beta-interferon (IFN-beta) is a key anti-viral response to
      infection by RNA viruses. Virus-induced expression of IFN-beta requires the co
      operative action of the transcription factors IRF-3/7, NF-kappaB, and ATF-2/c-Jun
      on the IFN-beta promoter leading to the orderly recruitment of chromatin
      remodeling complexes. Although viruses strongly activate NF-kappaB and promote
      its binding to the IFN-beta promoter, recent studies have indicated that NF
      kappaB is not essential for virus-induced expression of IFN-beta. Herein, we
      examined the role of NF-kappaB in regulating IFN-beta expression in response to
      the viral-sensing Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3). Intriguingly pharmacological
      inhibition of the NF-kappaB pathway augments late phase expression of IFN-beta
      expression in response to TLR3 stimulation. We show that the negative effect of
      NF-kappaB on IFN-beta expression is dependent on the induction of the
      transcriptional repressor protein YinYang1. We demonstrate that the TLR3 ligand
      polyriboinosinic:polyribocytidylic acid (poly(I:C)) induces expression and
      nuclear translocation of YinYang1 where it interacts with the IFN-beta promoter
      and inhibits the binding of IRF7 to the latter. Evidence is also presented
      showing that the NF-kappaB subunits c-Rel and RelB are the likely key drivers of
      these negative effects on IFN-beta expression. These findings thus highlight for
      the first time a novel self-regulatory mechanism that is employed by TLR3 to
      limit the level and duration of IFN-beta expression.

PMID- 22065574
TI  - Alternative mRNA splicing of corepressors generates variants that play opposing
      roles in adipocyte differentiation.
AB  - The SMRT and NCoR corepressors partner with, and help mediate repression by, a
      wide variety of nuclear receptors and non-receptor transcription factors. Both
      SMRT and NCoR are expressed by alternative mRNA splicing, resulting in the
      production of a series of interrelated corepressor variants that differ in their
      tissue distribution and in their biochemical properties. We report here that
      different corepressor splice variants can exert opposing transcriptional and
      biological effects during adipocyte differentiation. Most notably, the NCoRomega
      splice variant inhibits, whereas the NCoRdelta splice variant promotes,
      adipogenesis. Furthermore, the ratio of NCoRomega to NCoRdelta decreases during
      adipogenic differentiation. We propose that this alteration in corepressor
      splicing helps convert the cellular transcriptional program from one that
      maintains the pre-adipocyte in an undifferentiated state to a new transcriptional
      context that promotes differentiation and helps establish the proper physiology
      of the mature adipocyte.

PMID- 22065575
TI  - The WD40 repeat protein WDR26 binds Gbetagamma and promotes Gbetagamma-dependent
      signal transduction and leukocyte migration.
AB  - The Gbetagamma subunits of heterotrimeric G proteins transmit signals to control
      many cellular processes, including leukocyte migration. Gbetagamma signaling may
      regulate and be regulated by numerous signaling partners. Here, we reveal that
      WDR26, a member of the WD40 repeat protein family, directly bound free Gbetagamma
      in vitro, and formed a complex with endogenous Gbetagamma in Jurkat T cells
      stimulated by the chemokine SDF1alpha. Suppression of WDR26 by siRNAs selectively
      inhibited Gbetagamma-dependent phospholipase Cbeta and PI3K activation, and
      attenuated chemotaxis in Jurkat T cells and differentiated HL60 cells in vitro
      and Jurkat T cell homing to lymphoid tissues in scid mice. Similarly, disruption
      of the WDR26/Gbetagamma interaction via expression of a WDR26 deletion mutant
      impaired Gbetagamma signaling and Jurkat T cell migration, indicating that the
      function of WDR26 depends on its binding to Gbetagamma. Additional data show that
      WDR26 also controlled RACK1, a negative regulator, in binding Gbetagamma and
      inhibiting leukocyte migration. Collectively, these experiments identify WDR26 as
      a novel Gbetagamma-binding protein that is required for the efficacy of
      Gbetagamma signaling and leukocyte migration.

PMID- 22065576
TI  - Signal-dependent hydrolysis of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate without
      activation of phospholipase C: implications on gating of Drosophila TRPL
      (transient receptor potential-like) channel.
AB  - In Drosophila, a phospholipase C (PLC)-mediated signaling cascade, couples photo
      excitation of rhodopsin to the opening of the transient receptor potential (TRP)
      and TRP-like (TRPL) channels. A lipid product of PLC, diacylglycerol (DAG), and
      its metabolites, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) may function as second
      messengers of channel activation. However, how can one separate between the
      increase in putative second messengers, change in pH, and phosphatidylinositol
      4,5-bisphosphate (PI(4,5)P(2)) depletion when exploring the TRPL gating
      mechanism? To answer this question we co-expressed the TRPL channels together
      with the muscarinic (M1) receptor, enabling the openings of TRPL channels via G
      protein activation of PLC. To dissect PLC activation of TRPL into its molecular
      components, we used a powerful method that reduced plasma membrane-associated
      PI(4,5)P(2) in HEK cells within seconds without activating PLC. Upon the addition
      of a dimerizing drug, PI(4,5)P(2) was selectively hydrolyzed in the cell membrane
      without producing DAG, inositol trisphosphate, or calcium signals. We show that
      PI(4,5)P(2) is not an inhibitor of TRPL channel activation. PI(4,5)P(2)
      hydrolysis combined with either acidification or application of DAG analogs
      failed to activate the channels, whereas PUFA did activate the channels.
      Moreover, a reduction in PI(4,5)P(2) levels or inhibition of DAG lipase during
      PLC activity suppressed the PLC-activated TRPL current. This suggests that
      PI(4,5)P(2) is a crucial substrate for PLC-mediated activation of the channels,
      whereas PUFA may function as the channel activator. Together, this study defines
      a narrow range of possible mechanisms for TRPL gating.

PMID- 22065577
TI  - Subunit and domain requirements for adenylate-mediated protection of Snf1 kinase
      activation loop from dephosphorylation.
AB  - Members of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) family are activated by
      phosphorylation at a conserved threonine residue in the activation loop of the
      kinase domain. Mammalian AMPK adopts a phosphatase-resistant conformation that is
      stabilized by binding low energy adenylate molecules. Similarly, binding of ADP
      to the Snf1 complex, yeast AMPK, protects the kinase from dephosphorylation.
      Here, we determined the nucleotide specificity of the ligand-mediated protection
      from dephosphorylation and demonstrate the subunit and domain requirements for
      this reaction. Protection from dephosphorylation was highly specific for adenine
      nucleotides, with ADP being the most effective ligand for mediating protection.
      The full-length alpha subunit (Snf1) was not competent for ADP-mediated
      protection, confirming the requirement for the regulatory beta and gamma
      subunits. However, Snf1 heterotrimeric complexes that lacked either the glycogen
      binding domain of Gal83 or the linker region of the alpha subunit were competent
      for ADP-mediated protection. In contrast, adenylate-mediated protection of
      recombinant human AMPK was abolished when a portion of the linker region
      containing the alpha-hook domain was deleted. Therefore, the exact means by which
      the different adenylate nucleotides are distinguished by the Snf1 enzyme may
      differ compared with its mammalian ortholog.

PMID- 22065578
TI  - Natural diterpenoid compound elevates expression of Bim protein, which interacts
      with antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2, converting it to proapoptotic Bax-like
      molecule.
AB  - Overwhelming evidence indicates that Bax and Bak are indispensable for mediating
      cytochrome c release from mitochondria during apoptosis. Here we report a Bax/Bak
      independent mechanism of cytochrome c release and apoptosis. We identified a
      natural diterpenoid compound that induced apoptosis in bax/bak double knock-out
      murine embryonic fibroblasts and substantially reduced the tumor growth from
      these cells implanted in mice. Treatment with the compound significantly
      increased expression of Bim, which migrated to mitochondria, altering the
      conformation of and forming oligomers with resident Bcl-2 to induce cytochrome c
      release and caspase activation. Importantly, purified Bim and Bcl-2 proteins
      cooperated to permeabilize a model mitochondrial outer membrane; this was
      accompanied by oligomerization of these proteins and deep embedding of Bcl-2 in
      the membrane. Therefore, the diterpenoid compound induces a structural and
      functional conversion of Bcl-2 through Bim to permeabilize the mitochondrial
      outer membrane, thereby inducing apoptosis independently of Bax and Bak. Because
      Bcl-2 family proteins play important roles in cancer development and relapse,
      this novel cell death mechanism can be explored for developing more effective
      anticancer therapeutics.

PMID- 22065579
TI  - Formation of ternary complex of human biliverdin reductase-protein kinase Cdelta
      ERK2 protein is essential for ERK2-mediated activation of Elk1 protein, nuclear
      factor-kappaB, and inducible nitric-oxidase synthase (iNOS).
AB  - Growth factors, insulin, oxidative stress, and cytokines activate ERK1/2 by
      PKCdelta and MEK1/2. Human biliverdin reductase (hBVR), a Ser/Thr/Tyr kinase and
      intracellular scaffold/bridge/anchor, is a nuclear transporter of MEK1/2
      stimulated ERK1/2 (Lerner-Marmarosh, N., Miralem, T., Gibbs, P. E., and Maines,
      M. D. (2008) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 105, 6870-6875). hBVR, PKCdelta, and
      MEK1/2 overlap in their tissue expression profile and type of activators.
      Presently, we report on formation of an hBVR-PKCdelta-ERK2 ternary complex that
      is essential for ERK2 signal transduction and activation of genes linked to cell
      proliferation and cancer. MEK1/2 and the protein phosphatase PP2A were also
      present in the complex. When cells were stimulated with insulin-like growth
      factor-1 (IGF-1), an increased interaction between hBVR and PKCdelta was detected
      by FRET-fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy. hBVR and ERK2 were
      phosphorylated by PKCdelta; however, the PKC was not a substrate for either ERK2
      or hBVR. IGF-1 and phorbol ester increased hBVR/PKCdelta binding; hBVR was
      required for the activation of PKCdelta and its interaction with ERK2. The C
      terminal phenylalanine residues of PKCdelta (Phe(660), Phe(663), and Phe(665))
      were necessary for binding to ERK2 but not for hBVR binding. Formation of the
      hBVR-PKCdelta-ERK2 complex required the hBVR docking site for ERK, FXFP (DEF, C
      box) and D(delta)-box (ILXXLXL) motifs. The hBVR-based peptide KKRILHCLGLA
      inhibited PKC activation and PKCdelta/ERK2 interaction. Phorbol ester- and TNF
      alpha-dependent activation of the ERK-regulated transcription factors Elk1 and NF
      kappaB and expression of the iNOS gene were suppressed by hBVR siRNA; those
      activities were rescued by hBVR. The findings reveal the direct input of hBVR in
      PKCdelta/ERK signaling and identify hBVR-based peptide regulators of ERK-mediated
      gene activation.

PMID- 22065580
TI  - Crystal structure and RNA binding properties of the RNA recognition motif (RRM)
      and AlkB domains in human AlkB homolog 8 (ABH8), an enzyme catalyzing tRNA
      hypermodification.
AB  - Humans express nine paralogs of the bacterial DNA repair enzyme AlkB, an iron/2
      oxoglutarate-dependent dioxygenase that reverses alkylation damage to
      nucleobases. The biochemical and physiological roles of these paralogs remain
      largely uncharacterized, hampering insight into the evolutionary expansion of the
      AlkB family. However, AlkB homolog 8 (ABH8), which contains RNA recognition motif
      (RRM) and methyltransferase domains flanking its AlkB domain, recently was
      demonstrated to hypermodify the anticodon loops in some tRNAs. To deepen
      understanding of this activity, we performed physiological and biophysical
      studies of ABH8. Using GFP fusions, we demonstrate that expression of the
      Caenorhabditis elegans ABH8 ortholog is widespread in larvae but restricted to a
      small number of neurons in adults, suggesting that its function becomes more
      specialized during development. In vitro RNA binding studies on several human
      ABH8 constructs indicate that binding affinity is enhanced by a basic alpha-helix
      at the N terminus of the RRM domain. The 3.0-A-resolution crystal structure of a
      construct comprising the RRM and AlkB domains shows disordered loops flanking the
      active site in the AlkB domain and a unique structural Zn(II)-binding site at its
      C terminus. Although the catalytic iron center is exposed to solvent, the 2
      oxoglutarate co-substrate likely adopts an inactive conformation in the absence
      of tRNA substrate, which probably inhibits uncoupled free radical generation. A
      conformational change in the active site coupled to a disorder-to-order
      transition in the flanking protein segments likely controls ABH8 catalytic
      activity and tRNA binding specificity. These results provide insight into the
      functional and structural adaptations underlying evolutionary diversification of
      AlkB domains.

PMID- 22065581
TI  - Human mutation within Per-Arnt-Sim (PAS) domain-containing protein kinase (PASK)
      causes basal insulin hypersecretion.
AB  - PAS kinase (PASK) is a glucose-regulated protein kinase involved in the control
      of pancreatic islet hormone release and insulin sensitivity. We aimed here to
      identify mutations in the PASK gene that may be associated with young-onset
      diabetes in humans. We screened 18 diabetic probands with unelucidated maturity
      onset diabetes of the young (MODY). We identified two rare nonsynonymous
      mutations in the PASK gene (p.L1051V and p.G1117E), each of which was found in a
      single MODY family. Wild type or mutant PASKs were expressed in HEK 293 cells.
      Kinase activity of the affinity-purified proteins was assayed as
      autophosphorylation at amino acid Thr307 or against an Ugp1p-derived peptide.
      Whereas the PASK p.G1117E mutant displayed a ~25% increase with respect to wild
      type PASK in the extent of autophosphorylation, and a ~2-fold increase in kinase
      activity toward exogenous substrates, the activity of the p.L1051V mutant was
      unchanged. Amino acid Gly1117 is located in an alpha helical region opposing the
      active site of PASK and may elicit either: (a) a conformational change that
      increases catalytic efficiency or (b) a diminished inhibitory interaction with
      the PAS domain. Mouse islets were therefore infected with adenoviruses expressing
      wild type or mutant PASK and the regulation of insulin secretion was examined.
      PASK p.G1117E-infected islets displayed a 4-fold decrease in glucose-stimulated
      (16.7 versus 3 mM) insulin secretion, chiefly reflecting a 4.5-fold increase in
      insulin release at low glucose. In summary, we have characterized a rare mutation
      (p.G1117E) in the PASK gene from a young-onset diabetes family, which modulates
      glucose-stimulated insulin secretion.

PMID- 22065582
TI  - Exogenous ceramide-1-phosphate reduces lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-mediated cytokine
      expression.
AB  - Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) is a component of the innate immune system that
      recognizes a diverse group of molecular structures, such as lipopolysaccharide
      (LPS) from Gram-negative bacteria. TLR4 signaling ultimately leads to activation
      of the transcription factor, nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB), and the
      production of cytokines. Ceramide is a bioactive sphingolipid that has been
      suggested to regulate TLR4-induced NF-kappaB signaling, although reports on the
      role of ceramide in TLR4 activation conflict. We investigated the possibility
      that ceramide metabolites, such as ceramide-1-phosphate (C-1-P), may explain
      these discrepancies. We now report that exogenous C-1-P, but not ceramide,
      reduces NF-kappaB-mediated gene transcription in HEK 293 cells stably transfected
      with human TLR4, CD14, and MD-2. We demonstrate that inhibition of NF-kappaB by
      exogenous C-1-P is dose-dependent and specific to TLR4 in a reporter assay. We
      further demonstrate a requirement for both the phosphate moiety and the sphingoid
      backbone to inhibit LPS-activated NF-kappaB transcription. Specifically, C-1-P
      prevents the degradation of IkappaB, the phosphorylation of the p65 subunit of NF
      kappaB, and LPS-stimulated MAPK activation. The functional consequence of C-1-P
      inhibition of NF-kappaB is a reduction in LPS-mediated cytokine release from HEK
      293 TLR4-expressing cells and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Taken
      together, these data demonstrate that C-1-P may function as an anti-inflammatory
      lipid mediator of immune response.

PMID- 22065583
TI  - Global expression analysis identified a preferentially nerve growth factor
      induced transcriptional program regulated by sustained mitogen-activated protein
      kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and AP-1 protein activation
      during PC12 cell differentiation.
AB  - Neuronal differentiation of PC12 cells in response to NGF is a prototypical model
      in which signal duration determines a biological response. Sustained ERK activity
      induced by NGF, as compared with transient activity induced by EGF, is critical
      to the differentiation of these cells. To characterize the transcriptional
      program activated preferentially by NGF, we compared global gene expression
      profiles between cells treated with NGF and EGF for 2-4 h, when sustained ERK
      signaling in response to NGF is most distinct from the transient signal elicited
      by EGF. This analysis identified 69 genes that were preferentially up-regulated
      in response to NGF. As expected, up-regulation of these genes was mediated by
      sustained ERK signaling. In addition, they were up-regulated in response to other
      neuritogenic treatments (pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide and
      12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate plus dbcAMP) and were enriched for genes
      related to neuronal differentiation/function. Computational analysis and
      chromatin immunoprecipitation identified binding of CREB and AP-1 family members
      (Fos, FosB, Fra1, JunB, JunD) upstream of >30 and 50%, respectively, of the
      preferentially NGF-induced genes. Expression of several AP-1 family members was
      induced by both EGF and NGF, but their induction was more robust and sustained in
      response to NGF. The binding of Fos family members to their target genes was
      similarly sustained in response to NGF and was reduced upon MEK inhibition,
      suggesting that AP-1 contributes significantly to the NGF transcriptional
      program. Interestingly, Fra1 as well as two other NGF-induced AP-1 targets (HB
      EGF and miR-21) function in positive feedback loops that may contribute to
      sustained AP-1 activity.

PMID- 22065584
TI  - Translational repression of the disintegrin and metalloprotease ADAM10 by a
      stable G-quadruplex secondary structure in its 5'-untranslated region.
AB  - Anti-amyloidogenic processing of the amyloid precursor protein APP by alpha
      secretase prevents formation of the amyloid-beta peptide, which accumulates in
      senile plaques of Alzheimer disease patients. alpha-Secretase belongs to the
      family of a disintegrin and metalloproteases (ADAMs), and ADAM10 is the primary
      candidate for this anti-amyloidogenic activity. We recently demonstrated that
      ADAM10 translation is repressed by its 5'-UTR and that in particular the first
      half of ADAM10 5'-UTR is responsible for translational repression. Here, we asked
      whether specific sequence motifs exist in the ADAM10 5'-UTR that are able to form
      complex secondary structures and thus potentially inhibit ADAM10 translation.
      Using circular dichroism spectroscopy, we demonstrate that a G-rich region
      between nucleotides 66 and 94 of the ADAM10 5'-UTR forms a highly stable,
      intramolecular, parallel G-quadruplex secondary structure under physiological
      conditions. Mutation of guanines in this sequence abrogates the formation of the
      G-quadruplex structure. Although the G-quadruplex structure efficiently inhibits
      translation of a luciferase reporter in in vitro translation assays and in living
      cells, inhibition of G-quadruplex formation fails to do so. Moreover, expression
      of ADAM10 was similarly repressed by the G-quadruplex. Mutation of the G
      quadruplex motif results in a significant increase of ADAM10 levels and
      consequently APPsalpha secretion. Thus, we identified a critical RNA secondary
      structure within the 5'-UTR, which contributes to the translational repression of
      ADAM10.

PMID- 22065585
TI  - Conserved structural mechanisms for autoinhibition in IpaH ubiquitin ligases.
AB  - The IpaH family of novel E3 ligase (NEL) enzymes occur in a variety of pathogenic
      and commensal bacteria that interact with eukaryotic hosts. We demonstrate that
      the leucine-rich repeat (LRR) substrate recognition domains of different IpaH
      enzymes autoinhibit the enzymatic activity of the adjacent catalytic novel E3
      ligase domain by two distinct but conserved structural mechanisms. Autoinhibition
      is required for the in vivo biological activity of two IpaH enzymes in a
      eukaryotic model system. Autoinhibition was retro-engineered into a
      constitutively active IpaH enzyme from Yersinia pestis by introduction of single
      site substitutions, thereby demonstrating the conservation of autoregulatory
      infrastructure across the IpaH enzyme family.

PMID- 22065586
TI  - Oncogenic Ras and B-Raf proteins positively regulate death receptor 5 expression
      through co-activation of ERK and JNK signaling.
AB  - Oncogenic mutations of ras and B-raf frequently occur in many cancer types and
      are critical for cell transformation and tumorigenesis. Death receptor 5 (DR5) is
      a cell surface pro-apoptotic death receptor for tumor necrosis factor-related
      apoptosis-inducing ligand and has been targeted in cancer therapy. The current
      study has demonstrated induction of DR5 expression by the oncogenic proteins Ras
      and B-Raf and revealed the underlying mechanisms. We demonstrated that both Ras
      and B-Raf induce DR5 expression by enforced expression of oncogenic Ras (e.g. H
      Ras12V or K-Ras12V) or B-Raf (i.e. V600E) in cells and by analyzing gene
      expression array data generated from cancer cell lines and from human cancer
      tissues. This finding is further supported by our results that knockdown of
      endogenous K-Ras or B-Raf (V600E) reduced the expression of DR5. Importantly, we
      have elucidated that Ras induces DR5 expression through co-activation of ERK/RSK
      and JNK signaling pathways and subsequent cooperative effects among the
      transcriptional factors CHOP, Elk1, and c-Jun to enhance DR5 gene transcription.
      Moreover, we found that the majority of cancer cell lines highly sensitive to the
      DR5 agonistic antibody AMG655 have either Ras or B-Raf mutations. Our findings
      warrant further study on the biology of DR5 regulation by Ras and B-Raf, which
      may provide new insight into the biology of Ras and B-Raf, and on the potential
      impact of Ras or B-Raf mutations on the outcome of DR5-targeted cancer therapy.

PMID- 22065587
TI  - 3-Formylchromone interacts with cysteine 38 in p65 protein and with cysteine 179
      in IkappaBalpha kinase, leading to down-regulation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF
      kappaB)-regulated gene products and sensitization of tumor cells.
AB  - 3-Formylchromone (3-FC) has been associated with anticancer potential through a
      mechanism yet to be elucidated. Because of the critical role of NF-kappaB in
      tumorigenesis, we investigated the effect of this agent on the NF-kappaB
      activation pathway. Whether activated by inflammatory agents (such as TNF-alpha
      and endotoxin) or tumor promoters (such as phorbol ester and okadaic acid), 3-FC
      suppressed NF-kappaB activation. It also inhibited constitutive NF-kappaB
      expressed by most tumor cells. This activity correlated with sequential
      inhibition of IkappaBalpha kinase (IKK) activation, IkappaBalpha phosphorylation,
      IkappaBalpha degradation, p65 phosphorylation, p65 nuclear translocation, and
      reporter gene expression. We found that 3-FC inhibited the direct binding of p65
      to DNA, and this binding was reversed by a reducing agent, thus suggesting a role
      for the cysteine residue. Furthermore, mutation of Cys38 to Ser in p65 abolished
      this effect of the chromone. This result was confirmed by a docking study. 3-FC
      also inhibited IKK activation directly, and the reducing agent reversed this
      inhibition. Furthermore, mutation of Cys179 to Ala in IKK abolished the effect of
      the chromone. Suppression of NF-kappaB activation led to inhibition of anti
      apoptotic (Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, survivin, and cIAP-1), proliferative (cyclin D1 and COX
      2), invasive (MMP-9 and ICAM-1), and angiogenic (VEGF) gene products and
      sensitization of tumor cells to cytokines. Thus, this study shows that
      modification of cysteine residues in IKK and p65 by 3-FC leads to inhibition of
      the NF-kappaB activation pathway, suppression of anti-apoptotic gene products,
      and potentiation of apoptosis in tumor cells.

PMID- 22065588
TI  - Crystal structures of the laminarinase catalytic domain from Thermotoga maritima
      MSB8 in complex with inhibitors: essential residues for beta-1,3- and beta-1,4
      glucan selection.
AB  - Laminarinases hydrolyzing the beta-1,3-linkage of glucans play essential roles in
      microbial saccharide degradation. Here we report the crystal structures at 1.65
      1.82 A resolution of the catalytic domain of laminarinase from the thermophile
      Thermotoga maritima with various space groups in the ligand-free form or in the
      presence of inhibitors gluconolactone and cetyltrimethylammonium. Ligands were
      bound at the cleft of the active site near an enclosure formed by Trp-232 and a
      flexible GASIG loop. A closed configuration at the active site cleft was observed
      in some molecules. The loop flexibility in the enzyme may contribute to the
      regulation of endo- or exo-activity of the enzyme and a preference to release
      laminaritrioses in long chain carbohydrate hydrolysis. Glu-137 and Glu-132 are
      proposed to serve as the proton donor and nucleophile, respectively, in the
      retaining catalysis of hydrolyzation. Calcium ions in the crystallization media
      are found to accelerate crystal growth. Comparison of laminarinase and
      endoglucanase structures revealed the subtle difference of key residues in the
      active site for the selection of beta-1,3-glucan and beta-1,4-glucan substrates,
      respectively. Arg-85 may be pivotal to beta-1,3-glucan substrate selection. The
      similarity of the structures between the laminarinase catalytic domain and its
      carbohydrate-binding modules may have evolutionary relevance because of the
      similarities in their folds.

PMID- 22065589
TI  - Polypeptide modulators of caspase recruitment domain (CARD)-CARD-mediated protein
      protein interactions.
AB  - The caspase recruitment domain (CARD) is present in a large number of proteins.
      Initially, the CARD was recognized as part of the caspase activation machinery.
      CARD-CARD interactions play a role in apoptosis and are responsible for the Apaf
      1-mediated activation of procaspase-9 in the apoptosome. CARD-containing proteins
      mediate the inflammasome-dependent activation of proinflammatory caspase-1. More
      recently, new roles for CARD-containing proteins have been reported in signaling
      pathways associated with immune responses. The functional role of CARD-containing
      proteins and CARDs in coordinating apoptosis and inflammatory and immune
      responses is not completely understood. We have explored the putative cross-talk
      between apoptosis and inflammation by analyzing the modulatory activity on both
      the Apaf-1/procaspase-9 interaction and the inflammasome-mediated procaspase-1
      activation of CARD-derived polypeptides. To this end, we analyzed the activity of
      individual recombinant CARDs, rationally designed CARD-derived peptides, and
      peptides derived from phage display.

PMID- 22065590
TI  - Critical role of calpain in axonal damage-induced retinal ganglion cell death.
AB  - Calpain, an intracellular cysteine protease, has been widely reported to be
      involved in neuronal cell death. The purpose of this study is to investigate the
      role of calpain activation in axonal damage-induced retinal ganglion cell (RGC)
      death. Twelve-week-old male calpstatin (an endogenous calpain inhibitor) knockout
      mice (CAST KO) and wild-type (WT) mice were used in this study. Axonal damage was
      induced by optic nerve crush (NC) or tubulin destruction induced by leaving a
      gelatin sponge soaked with vinblastine (VB), a microtubule disassembly chemical,
      around the optic nerve. Calpain activation was assessed by immunoblot analysis,
      which indirectly quantified the cleaved alpha-fodrin, a substrate of calpain.
      RGCs were retrogradely labeled by injecting a fluorescent tracer, Fluoro-Gold
      (FG), and the retinas were harvested and flat-mounted retinas prepared. The
      densities of FG-labeled RGCs harvested from the WT and CAST KO groups were
      assessed and compared. Additionally, a calpain inhibitor (SNJ-1945, 100
      mg/kg/day) was administered orally, and the density of surviving RGCs was
      compared with that of the vehicle control group. The mean density of surviving
      RGCs in the CAST KO group was significantly lower than that observed in the WT
      group, both in NC and in VB. The mean density of surviving RGCs in the SNJ-1945
      treated group was significantly higher than that of the control group. The
      calpain inhibitor SNJ-1945 has a neuroprotective effect against axonal damage
      induced RGC death. This pathway may be an important therapeutic target for
      preventing this axonal damage-induced RGC death, including glaucoma and diabetic
      optic neuropathy and other CNS diseases that share a common etiology.

PMID- 22065591
TI  - 14-3-3epsilon marks the amyloid-stimulated microglia long-term activation.
AB  - Microglia-mediated inflammation in the central nervous system is a hallmark of
      the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's
      disease. Microglial cells activation follows the deposition of amyloid beta
      fibrils and it is generally considered a triggering factor in the early steps of
      the onset of Alzheimer's disease. Although the initial engagement of microglia
      seems to play a neuroprotective role, many lines of evidence indicate that a
      persistent activation with the production of proinflammatory molecules
      contributes to dismantle neuronal activity and to induce neuronal loss occurring
      in neurodegenerative diseases. To date, limited proteomic data are available on
      activated microglial cells in response to extracellular amyloidogenic peptides.
      In this study, murine microglial cells have been employed to investigate the
      effects of amyloid beta peptides in triggering microglial activation. The
      response was monitored at the proteome level through a two-dimensional gel
      electrophoresis-based approach. Results show only a limited number of
      differentially expressed proteins, among these a more acidic species of the
      cytosolic actin, and the 14-3-3epsilon protein, found significantly upregulated
      in Abeta-activated cells. 14-3-3epsilon belongs to a regulatory protein family
      involved in important cellular processes, including those leading to
      neurodegenerative diseases, and thus its increased expression suggests a role of
      this protein in tuning microglia activation.

PMID- 22065592
TI  - Two large-scale surveys on community attitudes toward an opt-out biobank.
AB  - Although US research regulations allow for de-identified biorepositories to be
      developed without formal informed consent from the patients whose samples are
      included, it is unknown whether this model will be well-received by community
      members. Based on early evidence that such a biobank could be successful if
      patients who object have the opportunity to opt-out, Vanderbilt University
      developed a biorepository named BioVU that follows this model. This study reports
      the findings from two large-scale surveys among communities important to this
      biorepository. In the first, a population-based phone survey of Nashville
      residents, we found that approval for BioVU is high (93.9%) and that this
      approval is similar among all population groups. A hypothetical biobank that does
      not obtain some form of written permission is much less well received. In the
      second, an online survey of Vanderbilt University faculty and staff, we found a
      higher level of support for BioVU (94.5%) among faculty and staff working
      throughout the university. In this survey, employees least likely to approve of
      BioVU are those employees who prefer not to receive medical care at Vanderbilt
      University. These surveys demonstrate the highest level of approval for a genomic
      biobank ever reported in the literature, even among groups traditionally cautious
      about such research. This high level of approval may reflect increasing comfort
      with genomic research over time combined with the effect that trust in a specific
      institution can have on approval for an operating biobank compared with approval
      of a hypothetical biobank.

PMID- 22065593
TI  - Attachment and alliance in the treatment of depressed, sexually abused women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Depression among women with sexual abuse histories is less treatment
      responsive than in general adult samples. One contributor to poorer treatment
      outcomes may be abused women's difficulties in forming and maintaining secure
      relationships, as reflected in insecure attachment styles, which could also
      impede the development of a positive therapeutic alliance. The current study
      examines how attachment orientation (i.e. anxiety and avoidance) and development
      of the working alliance are associated with treatment outcomes among depressed
      women with histories of childhood sexual abuse. METHOD: Seventy women seeking
      treatment in a community mental health center who had Major Depressive Disorder
      and a childhood sexual abuse history were randomized to Interpersonal
      Psychotherapy or treatment as usual. RESULTS: Greater attachment avoidance and
      weaker working alliance were each related to worse depression symptom outcomes;
      these effects were independent of the presence of comorbid Borderline Personality
      Disorder and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. The effect of avoidant attachment on
      outcomes was not mediated by the working alliance. Further, working alliance had
      a stronger effect on depression outcomes in the Interpersonal Psychotherapy
      group. CONCLUSION: Understanding the influence of attachment style and the
      working alliance on treatment outcomes can inform efforts to improve the
      treatments for depressed women with a history of childhood sexual abuse.

PMID- 22065594
TI  - Immunoglobulin D amyloidosis: a distinct entity.
AB  - IgD monoclonal gammopathies are uncommon. They are seen rarely as a monoclonal
      gammopathy of undetermined significance and are present in 1%-2% of patients with
      multiple myeloma. In light-chain amyloidosis, IgD monoclonal proteins are found
      in ap-proximately 1% of patients. When an IgD monoclonal protein is found,
      amyloidosis is often omitted from the differential diagnosis. In the present
      study, we reviewed the natural history of IgD-associated amyloidosis among 53
      patients seen over 41 years. The distribution of clinical syndromes suggests that
      these patients have a lower frequency of renal and cardiac involvement. The
      overall survival of these patients does not appear to be different from that of
      patients who have light-chain amyloidosis associated with another monoclonal
      protein.

PMID- 22065595
TI  - The relationship between tissue factor and cancer progression: insights from
      bench and bedside.
AB  - It is now widely recognized that a strong correlation exists between cancer and
      aberrant hemostasis. Patients with various types of cancers, including
      pancreatic, colorectal, and gastric cancer, often develop thrombosis, a
      phenomenon commonly referred to as Trousseau syndrome. Reciprocally, components
      from the coagulation cascade also influence cancer progression. The primary
      initiator of coagulation, the transmembrane receptor tissue factor (TF), has
      gained considerable attention as a determinant of tumor progression. On complex
      formation with its ligand, coagulation factor VIIa, TF influences protease
      activated receptor-dependent tumor cell behavior, and regulates integrin
      function, which facilitate tumor angiogenesis both in vitro and in mouse models.
      Furthermore, evidence exists that an alternatively spliced isoform of TF also
      affects tumor growth and tumor angiogenesis. In patient material, TF expression
      and TF cytoplasmic domain phosphorylation correlate with disease outcome in many,
      but not in all, cancer subtypes, suggesting that TF-dependent signal transduction
      events are a potential target for therapeutic intervention in selected types of
      cancer. In this review, we summarize our current understanding of the role of TF
      in tumor growth and metastasis, and speculate on anticancer therapy by targeting
      TF.

PMID- 22065596
TI  - Defects in Glanzmann thrombasthenia and LAD-III (LAD-1/v) syndrome: the role of
      integrin beta1 and beta3 in platelet adhesion to collagen.
AB  - Patients with Glanzmann thrombasthenia or Leukocyte Adhesion Deficiency-III
      syndrome (LAD-III or LAD-1/variant) present with increased bleeding tendency
      because of the lack or dysfunction of the fibrinogen receptor GPIIb/IIIa
      (integrin alphaIIbbeta3), respectively. Although the bleeding disorder is more
      severe in LAD-III patients, classic aggregometry or perfusion of Glanzmann or LAD
      III platelets over collagen-coated slides under physiologic shear rate does not
      discriminate between these 2 conditions. However, in a novel flow cytometry-based
      aggregation assay, Glanzmann platelets were still capable of forming small
      aggregates upon collagen stimulation, whereas LAD-III platelets were not. These
      aggregates required functional GPIa/IIa (integrin alpha2beta1) instead of
      integrin alphaIIbbeta3, thus explaining the clinically more severe bleeding
      manifestations in LAD-III patients, in which all platelet integrins are
      functionally defective. These findings provide genetic evidence for the
      differential requirements of platelet integrins in thrombus formation and
      demonstrate that correct integrin function assessment can be achieved with a
      combination of diagnostic methods.

PMID- 22065597
TI  - The cell cycle regulator CDC25A is a target for JAK2V617F oncogene.
AB  - The JAK2(V617F) mutation is present in the majority of patients with polycythemia
      vera and one-half of those with essential thrombocythemia and primary
      myelofibrosis. JAK2(V617F) is a gain-of-function mutation resulting in
      constitutive JAK2 signaling involved in the pathogenesis of these diseases.
      JAK2(V617F) has been shown to promote S-phase entry. Here, we demonstrate that
      the CDC25A phosphatase, a key regulator of the G1/S cell-cycle transition, is
      constitutively overexpressed in JAK2(V617F)-positive cell lines, JAK2-mutated
      patient CD36(+) progenitors, and in vitro-differentiated proerythroblasts.
      Accordingly, CDC25A is overexpressed in BM and spleen of Jak2(V617F) knock-in
      mice compared with wild-type littermates. By using murine FDC-P1-EPOR and human
      HEL and SET-2 cell lines, we found that JAK2(V617F)-induced CDC25A up-regulation
      was caused neither by increased CDC25A transcription or stability nor by the
      involvement of its upstream regulators Akt and MAPK. Instead, our results suggest
      that CDC25A is regulated at the translational level through STAT5 and the
      translational initiation factor eIF2alpha. CDC25A inhibition reduces the
      clonogenic and proliferative potential of JAK2(V617F)-expressing cell lines and
      erythroid progenitors while moderately affecting normal erythroid
      differentiation. These results suggest that CDC25A deregulation may be involved
      in hematopoietic cells expansion in JAK2(V617F) patients, making this protein an
      attracting potential therapeutic target.

PMID- 22065598
TI  - The PI3K/PKB signaling module as key regulator of hematopoiesis: implications for
      therapeutic strategies in leukemia.
AB  - An important mediator of cytokine signaling implicated in regulation of
      hematopoiesis is the PI3K/protein kinase B (PKB/c-Akt) signaling module.
      Constitutive activation of this signaling module has been observed in a large
      group of leukemias. Because activation of this signaling pathway has been
      demonstrated to be sufficient to induce hematologic malignancies and is thought
      to correlate with poor prognosis and enhanced drug resistance, it is considered
      to be a promising target for therapy. A high number of pharmacologic inhibitors
      directed against either individual or multiple components of this pathway have
      already been developed to improve therapy. In this review, the safety and
      efficacy of both single and dual-specificity inhibitors will be discussed as well
      as the potential of combination therapy with either inhibitors directed against
      other signal transduction molecules or classic chemotherapy.

PMID- 22065599
TI  - Tcl1 interacts with Atm and enhances NF-kappaB activation in hematologic
      malignancies.
AB  - The T-cell leukemia/lymphoma 1 (TCL1) oncogene is a target of chromosomal
      translocations and inversions at 14q31.2, and its rearrangement in T cells causes
      T-cell prolymphocytic leukemias. TCL1 dysregulation in B cells is responsible for
      the development of an aggressive form of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), the
      most common human leukemia. We have investigated the mechanisms underlying the
      oncogenic functions of Tcl1 protein using a mass spectrometry approach and have
      identified Atm (ataxia-telangiectasia mutated) as a candidate Tcl1-interacting
      protein. The Tcl1-Atm complex formation was validated by coimmunoprecipitation
      experiments. Importantly, we show that the association of Atm with Tcl1 leads to
      enhanced IkappaBalpha phosphorylation and ubiquitination and subsequent
      activation of the NF-kappaB pathway. Our findings reveal functional cross-talk
      between Atm and Tcl1 and provide evidence for a novel pathway that could be
      targeted in leukemias and lymphomas.

PMID- 22065600
TI  - (4-Bromo-2-{[2-(morpholin-4-yl)ethyl-imino]-meth-yl}phenolato)dioxido
      vanadium(V).
AB  - In the title mononuclear dioxidovanadium(V) complex,
      [V(C(13)H(16)BrN(2)O(2))O(2)], the V(V) atom is five-coordinated by one phenolate
      O, one imine N and one morpholine N atom of the Schiff base ligand, and by two
      oxide O atoms, forming a distorted square-pyramidal geometry. In the crystal,
      weak C-H?O inter-actions and a short Br?Br contact [3.4597 (12) A] are observed.

PMID- 22065601
TI  - Cellular and molecular effects of resveratrol in health and disease.
AB  - Resveratrol, a natural polyphenol abundantly found in grape skins and red wine,
      possesses diverse biochemical and physiological actions, including anti
      inflammatory, anti-oxidation, anti-proliferation and promotion of
      differentiation, and chemopreventive effects. Recently, it is attracting
      increased attention due to its health benefits, especially in common age-related
      diseases such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, type 2 diabetes, and
      neurological conditions. In this review, we discuss the latest cellular and
      molecular findings that account for the beneficial actions of resveratrol.

PMID- 22065602
TI  - UTP affects the Schwannoma cell line proteome through P2Y receptors leading to
      cytoskeletal reorganisation.
AB  - Glial cells in the peripheral nervous system, such as Schwann cells, respond to
      nucleotides, which play an important role in axonal regeneration and myelination.
      Metabotropic P2Y receptor agonists are promising therapeutic molecules for
      peripheral neuropathies. Nevertheless, the proteomic mechanisms involved in
      nucleotide action on Schwann cells remain unknown. Here, we studied intracellular
      protein changes in RT4-D6P2T Schwann cells after treatment with nucleotides and
      Nucleo CMP Forte (CMPF), a nucleotide-based drug. After treatment with CMPF, 2-D
      DIGE revealed 11 differential gel spots, which were all upregulated. Among these,
      six different proteins were identified by MS. Some of these proteins are involved
      in actin remodelling (actin-related protein, Arp3), membrane vesicle transport
      (Rab GDP dissociation inhibitor beta, Rab GDI), and the endoplasmic reticulum
      stress response (protein disulfide isomerase A3, PDI), which are hallmarks of a
      possible P2Y receptor signalling pathway. Expression of P2Y receptors in RT4
      D6P2T cells was demonstrated by RT-PCR and a transient elevation of intracellular
      calcium measured in response to UTP. Actin reorganisation was visualized after
      UTP treatment using phalloidin-FITC staining and was blocked by the P2Y
      antagonist suramin, which also inhibited Arp3, Rab GDI, and PDI protein
      upregulation. Our data indicate that extracellular UTP interacts with Schwann P2Y
      receptors and activates molecular machinery that induces changes in the glial
      cell cytoskeleton.

PMID- 22065603
TI  - Short stature due to 15q26 microdeletion involving IGF1R: report of an additional
      case and review of the literature.

PMID- 22065604
TI  - The conversion of nickel-bound CO into an acetyl thioester: organometallic
      chemistry relevant to the acetyl coenzyme A synthase active site.
AB  - When three become one: Within one nickel-based model system, the three reactants
      CO, MeI, and PhSH have been assembled to yield an acetyl thioester. The
      reactivity is of relevance for the functioning of the acetyl coenzyme A synthase
      active site and provides insights into possible binding sequences.

PMID- 22065605
TI  - In vivo magnetic resonance imaging tracking of SPIO-labeled human umbilical cord
      mesenchymal stem cells.
AB  - Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) can be efficiently labeled
      by superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) nanoparticles, which produces low signal
      intensity on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in vitro. This study was to
      evaluate the feasibility of in vivo tracking for hUC-MSCs labeled by SPIO with
      noninvasive MRI. SPIO was added to cultures at concentrations equivalent to 0, 7,
      14, 28, and 56 ug Fe/ml (diluted with DMEM/F12) and incubated for 16 h. Prussian
      Blue staining was used to determinate the labeling efficiency. Rats were randomly
      divided into three groups, control group, hUC-MSCs group, and SPIO-labeled hUC
      MSCs group. All groups were subjected to spinal cord injury (SCI) by weight drop
      device. Rats were examined for neurological function. In vivo MRI was used to
      track SPIO-labeled hUC-MSCs transplanted in rats spinal cord. Survival and
      migration of hUC-MSCs were also explored using immunofluorescence. Significant
      improvements in locomotion were observed in the hUC-MSCs groups. There was
      statistical significance compared with control group. In vivo MRI 1 and 3 weeks
      after injection showed a large reduction in signal intensity in the region
      transplanted with SPIO-labeled hUC-MSCs. The images from unlabeled hUC-MSCs
      showed a smaller reduction in signal intensity. Transplanted hUC-MSCs engrafted
      within the injured rats spinal cord and survived for at least 8 weeks. In
      conclusion, hUC-MSCs can survive and migrate in the host spinal cord after
      transplantation, which promote functional recovery after SCI. Noninvasive imaging
      of transplanted SPIO-labeled hUC-MSCs is feasible.

PMID- 22065606
TI  - Investigation of the effect of hyperglycemia on intracerebral hemorrhage by
      proteomic approaches.
AB  - Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is associated with high mortality and disability,
      and hyperglycemia worsens the clinical and neurological outcomes of patients with
      ICH. In this study, we utilized proteomic approaches to investigate the role of
      hyperglycemia in ICH. Hyperglycemia was induced by intraperitoneal injection of
      streptozotocin (STZ) in adult Sprague-Dawley male rats; ICH was induced by
      stereotaxic infusion of collagenase/heparin into the right striatum. It was
      observed that the size of induced hemorrhage was significantly larger in the
      hyperglycemic group (n=6 in each group). On the first day after ICH, an apparent
      decrease in the bilateral grasp was also observed for the lesioned hyperglycemic
      rats compared with normoglycemic ones. When employing 2-DE and MS to examine the
      proteomes of perihematomal and control regions in individual hyperglycemic and
      normoglycemic rats, eight differentially expressed protein targets were
      identified. Most noteworthy, in response to ICH significant increase of albumin
      was ubiquitously observed in the brains of normoglycemic rats but not in the
      brains of hyperglycemic rats. Coincidentally, more significant neuronal apoptosis
      were found in the perihematomal regions of hyperglycemic rats. These observations
      described suggest the protection role of albumin in acute stage of ICH, which may
      be dependent on different blood sugar levels.

PMID- 22065607
TI  - 8p21 microdeletion in a patient with intellectual disability and behavioral
      abnormalities.

PMID- 22065608
TI  - 2-[(E)-(6-Amino-1,3-dimethyl-2,4-dioxo-1,2,3,4-tetra-hydro-pyrimidin-5-yl)imino
      meth-yl]pyridinium bromide.
AB  - The title compound, C(12)H(14)N(5)O(2) (+).Br(-), is the hydro-bromide salt of a
      Schiff base in which protonation has taken place at the pyridine N atom. This
      organic cation is essentially planar (r.m.s. of all fitted non-H atoms = 0.0448
      A). In the crystal, N-H?Br hydrogen bonds as well as C-H?O and C-H?Br inter
      actions connect the mol-ecules, forming a three-dimensional network.

PMID- 22065609
TI  - Gender roles and their influence on life prospects for women in urban Karachi,
      Pakistan: a qualitative study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Pakistan is a patriarchal society where men are the primary authority
      figures and women are subordinate. This has serious implications on women's and
      men's life prospects. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to explore current gender roles in
      urban Pakistan, how these are reproduced and maintained and influence men's and
      women's life circumstances. DESIGN: Five focus group discussions were conducted,
      including 28 women representing employed, unemployed, educated and uneducated
      women from different socio-economic strata. Manifest and latent content analyses
      were applied. FINDINGS: TWO MAJOR THEMES EMERGED DURING ANALYSIS: 'Reiteration of
      gender roles' and 'Agents of change'. The first theme included perceptions of
      traditional gender roles and how these preserve women's subordination. The power
      gradient, with men holding a superior position in relation to women, distinctive
      features in the culture and the role of the extended family were considered to
      interact to suppress women. The second theme included agents of change, where the
      role of education was prominent as well as the role of mass media. It was further
      emphasised that the younger generation was more positive to modernisation of
      gender roles than the elder generation. CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals serious
      gender inequalities and human rights violations against women in the Pakistani
      society. The unequal gender roles were perceived as static and enforced by
      structures imbedded in society. Women routinely faced serious restrictions and
      limitations of autonomy. However, attainment of higher levels of education
      especially not only for women but also for men was viewed as an agent towards
      change. Furthermore, mass media was perceived as having a positive role to play
      in supporting women's empowerment.

PMID- 22065610
TI  - Gold(I)-1,3-diene complexes: connecting structure, bonding, and reactivity.

PMID- 22065611
TI  - Lectin capture strategy for effective analysis of cell secretome.
AB  - Secreted proteins play important roles in physiological and pathological
      processes. However, effective proteomic detection of low-abundant secreted
      proteins is often shielded by the presence of a large amount of intracellular
      proteins released from unavoidable dead cells during cell culture. In the present
      study, we applied lectin affinity capture approach to enrich the secreted
      proteins in the conditioned media (CM) of three human breast cell lines (MCF-10A,
      MCF-7, and MDA-MB-231). Lectin capture showed efficient enrichment of the
      secreted proteins in CM of all three cell lines and significantly increased the
      number of secreted proteins detected: from 183 to 292 for MCF-10A, 196 to 325 for
      MCF-7, and 194 to 368 for MDA-MB-231. Based on more comprehensive profiling of
      the secreted proteins, we identified 92 secreted proteins which were both
      upregulated in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231, with 82 only found in lectin-captured
      samples. It should be noted that among these 82 potential biomarkers, 59 were not
      reported in the previous proteomic studies of breast cancer. These data indicate
      that the lectin capture approach is a powerful means to move toward more
      comprehensive analysis and comparison of secretomes.

PMID- 22065612
TI  - Striking phenotypic variability in familial TRPV4-axonal neuropathy spectrum
      disorder.

PMID- 22065613
TI  - Taming the Friedel-Crafts reaction: organocatalytic approach to optically active
      2,3-dihydrobenzofurans.
AB  - Fine-tuning: Three types of optically active trans-2,3-disubstituted-2,3
      dihydrobenzofurans having three contiguous stereogenic centers can be efficiently
      accessed by one-pot reaction cascades (see scheme; TMS = trimethylsilyl). High
      substitution diversity of the final products can be achieved from the same common
      precursors by fine-tuning of their reactivity through simple structural
      modifications.

PMID- 22065614
TI  - A newborn with overlapping features of AEC and EEC syndromes.
AB  - Ectrodactyly, ectodermal dysplasia, clefting (EEC) syndrome is the prototype of
      several p63 conditions, which include ankyloblepharon, ectodermal dysplasia,
      clefting (AEC) syndrome, limb-mammary syndrome (LMS), Rapp-Hodgkin syndrome
      (RHS), ADULT syndrome, and others. All these disorders include combinations of
      ectodermal dysplasia, orofacial clefting and limb malformations in variable
      severity. A newborn patient is presented with diffuse erythematous and
      desquamating skin lesions and anal atresia. She also had sparse and lightly
      colored thin hair, deeply set eyes, hypoplastic alae nasi, and a short philtrum.
      Cleft lip/palate and ankyloblepharon were not present. Complete cutaneous
      syndactyly was present on both hands in between the third and fourth fingers.
      Mild ectrodactyly was evident on all four extremities in between first and second
      digits. There was post-axial polydactyly on both feet. Anal atresia was present
      and defecation occurred through a rectovaginal fistula. The patient represented
      an interesting overlapping clinical condition between AEC and EEC syndromes.
      Diffuse skin lesions with excoriation and desquamation suggest AEC syndrome,
      despite the absence of ankyloblepharon, however; ectrodactyly and polydactyly
      strongly suggest the EEC syndrome. C308Y mutation in exon 8 of TP63 gene was
      detected, which was previously described to lead only to EEC syndrome and not to
      any of the other allelic conditions. These data emphasize the large degree of
      clinical variability that may be seen for specific TP63 mutations.

PMID- 22065615
TI  - Effect of mass spectrometric parameters on peptide and protein identification
      rates for shotgun proteomic experiments on an LTQ-orbitrap mass analyzer.
AB  - The success of a shotgun proteomic experiment relies heavily on the performance
      and optimization of both the LC and the MS systems. Despite this, little
      consideration has, so far, been given to the importance of evaluating and
      optimizing the MS instrument settings during data-dependent acquisition mode.
      Moreover, during data-dependent acquisition, the users have to decide and choose
      among various MS parameters and settings, making a successful analysis even more
      challenging. We have systematically investigated and evaluated the effect of
      enabling and disabling the preview mode for FTMS scan, the number of microscans
      per MS/MS scan, the number of MS/MS events, the maximum ion injection time for
      MS/MS, and the automatic gain control target value for MS and MS/MS events on
      protein and peptide identification rates on an LTQ-Orbitrap using the
      Saccharomyces cerevisiae proteome. Our investigations aimed to assess the
      significance of each MS parameter to improve proteome analysis and coverage. We
      observed that higher identification rates were obtained at lower ion injection
      times i.e. 50-150 ms, by performing one microscan and 12-15 MS/MS events. In
      terms of ion population, optimal automatic gain control target values were at
      5*10(5) -1*10(6)  ions for MS and 3*10(3) -1*10(4)  ions for MS/MS. The preview
      mode scan had a minimal effect on identification rates. Using optimized MS
      settings, we identified 1038 (+/-2.3%) protein groups with a minimum of two
      peptide identifications and an estimated false discovery rate of ~1% at both
      peptide and protein level in a 160-min LC-MS/MS analysis.

PMID- 22065616
TI  - Molecular wheels of ruthenium and osmium with bridging chalcogenolate ligands:
      edge-shared-octahedron structures and metal-ion binding.
AB  - Inventing new wheels: reaction of [M(3)(CO)(12) ] (M=Ru, Os) with 4-RC(6)H(4)SH
      afforded [{M(S-4-RC(6)H(4))(2)(CO)(2)}(8)] (R=H; I) or [{M(S-4
      RC(6)H(4))(2)(CO)(2)}(6)] (R=Me, iPr; II; see scheme), all of which have been
      structurally characterized. The octamers I are unique metal molecular wheels
      featuring skew-edge-shared octahedra with a central planar M(8) octagon. [{Ru(S-4
      iPrC(6)H(4))(2)(CO)(2)}(6)] selectively binds a Cu(+) or Ag(+) ion to form
      [M'{Ru(S(4-iPr-C(6)H(4)))(2)(CO)(2)}(6)](+) (III).

PMID- 22065617
TI  - 4,4'-Bipyridine-3-(thio-phen-3-yl)acrylic acid (1/2).
AB  - In the title 1/2 adduct, C(10)H(8)N(2).2C(7)H(6)O(2)S, the dihedral angle between
      the pyridine rings is 18.41 (11) degrees . In the thio-phene-acrylic acid mol
      ecules, the dihedral angles between the respective thio-phene and acrylic acid
      units are 5.52 (17) degrees  and 23.92 (9) degrees . In the crystal, the
      components are linked via O-H?N hydrogen-bonding inter-actions, forming units of
      two 3-thio-phene-acrylic acid mol-ecules and one 4,4'-bipyridine mol-ecule.

PMID- 22065619
TI  - Reassessment of oral frenula in Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: a study of 32 patients
      with the hypermobility type.

PMID- 22065618
TI  - Dissociation of response and feedback negativity in schizophrenia:
      electrophysiological and computational evidence for a deficit in the
      representation of value.
AB  - Contrasting theories of schizophrenia propose that the disorder is characterized
      by a deficit in phasic changes in dopamine activity in response to ongoing events
      or, alternatively, by a weakness in the representation of the value of responses.
      Schizophrenia patients have reliably reduced brain activity following incorrect
      responses but other research suggests that they may have intact feedback-related
      potentials, indicating that the impairment may be specifically response-related.
      We used event-related brain potentials and computational modeling to examine this
      issue by comparing the neural response to outcomes with the neural response to
      behaviors that predict outcomes in patients with schizophrenia and
      psychiatrically healthy comparison subjects. We recorded feedback-related
      activity in a passive gambling task and a time estimation task and error-related
      activity in a flanker task. Patients' brain activity following an erroneous
      response was reduced compared to comparison subjects but feedback-related
      activity did not differ between groups. To test hypotheses about the possible
      causes of this pattern of results, we used computational modeling of the
      electrophysiological data to simulate the effects of an overall reduction in
      patients' sensitivity to feedback, selective insensitivity to positive or
      negative feedback, reduced learning rate, and a decreased representation of the
      value of the response given the stimulus on each trial. The results of the
      computational modeling suggest that schizophrenia patients exhibit weakened
      representation of response values, possibly due to failure of the basal ganglia
      to strongly associate stimuli with appropriate response alternatives.

PMID- 22065620
TI  - 3-Hy-droxy-2-[(2E)-1-(2-hy-droxy-6-oxocyclo-hex-1-en-1-yl)-3-(2-meth-oxy-phen
      yl)prop-2-en-1-yl]cyclo-hex-2-en-1-one.
AB  - In the title compound, C(22)H(24)O(5), each of the cyclo-hexenone rings adopts a
      half-chair conformation. The hy-droxy and carbonyl O atoms face each other and
      are orientated to allow for the formation of the two intra-molecular O-H?O
      hydrogen bonds which are typical of xanthene derivatives. In the crystal, weak
      inter-molecular C-H?O hydrogen bonds link mol-ecules into layers parallel to the
      ab plane.

PMID- 22065621
TI  - Lewis acid catalyzed intramolecular [3+2] cross-cycloaddition of donor-acceptor
      cyclopropanes with carbonyls: a general strategy for the construction of
      acetal[n.2.1] skeletons.
AB  - Build a bridge: The first catalytic intramolecular [3+2] cycloaddition of
      monodonor-monoacceptor cyclopropanes (see scheme) provides a general and
      efficient strategy for construction of structurally diverse acetal[n.2.1] and 1,4
      dioxygen-substituted cyclic skeletons, which are widely distributed in
      biologically important natural products.

PMID- 22065622
TI  - 2-Oxo-4-(thio-phen-2-yl)-1,2,5,6-tetra-hydro-benzo[h]quinoline-3-carbonitrile.
AB  - In the mol-ecule of the title compound, C(18)H(12)N(2)OS, the tetra-hydro
      benzo[h]quinoline fused-ring system is buckled owing to the ethyl-ene -CH(2)CH(2)
      fragment, the benzene ring and the pyridine ring being twisted by 16.0 (1)
      degrees . The 4-substituted aromatic ring is bent away from the pyridine ring by
      59.5 (2) degrees  (for the major disordered thienyl component) in order to avoid
      crowding the cyanide substituent. In the crystal, two mol-ecules are linked by a
      pair of N-H?O hydrogen bonds to form a centrosymmetric dimer. The thienyl ring is
      disordered over two sites in a 72.7 (2):27.3 ratio.

PMID- 22065623
TI  - N-[4-(7-Meth-oxy-2-oxo-2H-chromen-8-yl)-2-methyl-butan-2-yl]propionamide.
AB  - In the crystal structure of the title osthol derivative, C(18)H(23)NO(4), mol
      ecules are linked by N-H?O hydrogen bonds into an infinite chain running parallel
      to the c axis. The CH(3)CH(2)- atoms of the propionamide group are disordered
      over two sets of sites with refined occupancies of 0.689 (12) and 0.311 (12).

PMID- 22065624
TI  - 2-Oxo-4-phenyl-1,2,5,6-tetra-hydro-benzo[h]quinoline-3-carbonitrile.
AB  - In the mol-ecule of the title compound, C(20)H(14)N(2)O, the tetra-hydro
      benzo[h]quinoline fused-ring system is buckled owing to the ethyl-ene -CH(2)CH(2)
      fragment, the benzene ring and the pyridine ring being twisted by 19.7 (1)
      degrees . The 4-substituted aromatic ring is bent away from the pyridine ring by
      62.9 (1) degrees  in order to avoid crowding the cyanide substituent. In the
      crystal, two mol-ecules are linked by a pair of N-H?O hydrogen bonds to form a
      centrosymmetric dimer.

PMID- 22065625
TI  - The box C/D and H/ACA snoRNPs: key players in the modification, processing and
      the dynamic folding of ribosomal RNA.
AB  - Box C/D and H/ACA RNPs are essential ribonucleoprotein particles that are found
      throughout both eukaryotes [small nucleolar RNPs (snoRNPs)] and archaea [snoRNP
      like complexes (sRNPs)]. These complexes catalyze the site-specific
      pseudouridylation and most of the methylation of ribosomal RNA (rRNA). The
      numerous modifications, which are clustered in functionally important regions of
      the rRNA, are important for rRNA folding and ribosome function. The RNA component
      of the complexes [small nucleolar RNA (snoRNA) or small RNA (sRNA)] functions in
      substrate binding by base pairing with the target site and as a scaffold
      coordinating the organization of the complex. In eukaryotes, a subset of snoRNPs
      do not catalyze modification but, through base pairing to the rRNA or flanking
      precursor sequences, direct pre-rRNA folding and are essential for rRNA
      processing. In the last few years there have been significant advances in our
      understanding of the structure of archaeal sRNPs. High resolution structures of
      the archaeal C/D and H/ACA sRNPs have not only provided a detailed understanding
      of the molecular architecture of these complexes but also produced key insights
      into substrate binding and product release. In both cases, this is mediated by
      significant movement in the complexes. Advances have also been made in our
      knowledge of snoRNP recruitment and release from pre-ribosome complexes in
      eukaryotes. New snoRNA-rRNA interactions have been documented, and the roles of
      RNA helicases in releasing snoRNP complexes from the rRNA have been described.

PMID- 22065626
TI  - Writers cramp in office workers-an epidemiologic and psychosomatic study.
AB  - The study is aimed at investigating the occurrence of writers cramp in office
      workers, drawn from ten major offices of Kanpur to determine the nature and
      relationship of various emotional factors in the development of this disability.
      The observations on writers cramp cases were compared with a group of normal and
      diseased controls. Out of a surveyed population of 3,325 office workers, there
      were 18 cases of writers cramp. Cramp cases scored significantly higher on all
      the subscales of Middlesex hospital questionnaire than the diseased and normal
      controls. Emotional stress of sufficient intensity was recorded in an increased
      percentage (66.70%) of writers cramp cases as compared to diseased and normal
      controls (53.3% and 46.7% respectively). The most frequent area of disturbance
      was severe maladjustment found in 38.9% of writers cramp cases, while in diseased
      and normal controls the type of stresses were of a different nature.

PMID- 22065627
TI  - 2-[(1R,3S)-6,7-Dimeth-oxy-1-phenyl-1,2,3,4-tetra-hydro-isoquinolin-3-yl]-4-phenyl
      1,3-thia-zole.
AB  - In the title compound, C(26)H(24)N(2)O(2)S, the dihedral angle between the thia
      zole ring and the adjacent phenyl ring is 3.02 (15) degrees . The N-containing
      six-membered ring of the tetra-hydro-isoquinoline unit adopts a half-chair
      conformation. The dihedral angle between the least-squares plane of the tetra
      hydro-isoquinoline ring system and its nearest phenyl ring is 76.90 (13) degrees
      . No classical hydrogen bonds nor pi-pi inter-actions were found in the crystal
      structure.

PMID- 22065628
TI  - Single-domain parvulins constitute a specific marker for recently proposed deep
      branching archaeal subgroups.
AB  - Peptidyl-prolyl cis/trans isomerases (PPIases) are enzymes assisting protein
      folding and protein quality control in organisms of all kingdoms of life. In
      contrast to the other sub-classes of PPIases, the cyclophilins and the FK-506
      binding proteins, little was formerly known about the parvulin type of PPIase in
      Archaea. Recently, the first solution structure of an archaeal parvulin, the PinA
      protein from Cenarchaeum symbiosum, was reported. Investigation of occurrence and
      frequency of PPIase sequences in numerous archaeal genomes now revealed a strong
      tendency for thermophilic microorganisms to reduce the number of PPIases. Single
      domain parvulins were mostly found in the genomes of recently proposed deep
      branching archaeal subgroups, the Thaumarchaeota and the ARMANs (archaeal
      Richmond Mine acidophilic nanoorganisms). Hence, we used the parvulin sequence to
      reclassify available archaeal metagenomic contigs, thereby, adding new members to
      these subgroups. A combination of genomic background analysis and phylogenetic
      approaches of parvulin sequences suggested that the assigned sequences belong to
      at least two distinct groups of Thaumarchaeota. Finally, machine learning
      approaches were applied to identify amino acid residues that separate archaeal
      and bacterial parvulin proteins from each other. When mapped onto the recent PinA
      solution structure, most of these positions form a cluster at one site of the
      protein possibly indicating a different functionality of the two groups of
      parvulin proteins.

PMID- 22065629
TI  - Methyl rac-(2R,11S,12R)-12-(2-chloro-phen-yl)-22-oxo-9,13,21-trioxapenta-cyclo
      [12.8.0.0.0.0]docosa-1(14),3,5,7,15(20),16,18-hepta-ene-11-carboxyl-ate.
AB  - In the title compound C(27)H(19)ClO(6), the coumarin ring system is not exactly
      planar, with a dihedral angle of 4.12 (7) degrees  between its benzene and
      lactone rings. The cis-fused pyran rings adopt half-chair conformations. The
      carbometh-oxy and chloro-phenyl groups are in a trans configuration. The crystal
      packing is stabilized by inter-molecular C-H?O interactions, which produce a
      centrosymmetric R(2) (2)(14) dimer and two centrosymmetric R(2) (2)(18) dimers
      connecting the mol-ecules in a two-dimensional fashion.

PMID- 22065630
TI  - catena-Poly[[silver(I)-MU-bis-{2-[(E)-phenyl-diazen-yl]-1H-imidazol-1-yl}methane]
      trifluoro-methane-sulfonate].
AB  - The title compound, {[Ag(C(19)H(16)N(8))](CF(3)SO(3))}(n), is a coordin-ation
      polymer with cationic chain motif. The Ag(+) cation is coordinated by two
      unsubstituted imidazolyl N atoms of two independent 2-paBIM ligands [2-paBIM is
      bis-{2-[(E)-phenyl-diazen-yl]-1H-imidazol-1-yl}methane]. The shortest Ag?Ag
      separation in a cationic chain is 8.841 (2) A and the dihedral angle between two
      2-phenyl-diazenyl-imidazole planes in the same ligand is 74.7 (3) degrees . Weak
      C-H?O interactions are seen in the crystal.

PMID- 22065631
TI  - 2-(2-Hy-droxy-phen-yl)-3,4-dihydro-iso-quinolin-1(2H)-one.
AB  - There are two independent mol-ecules in the asymmetric unit of the title
      compound, C(15)H(13)NO(2), in both the six-membered dihydro-pyridine rings adopt
      a half-chair conformation. The two benzene rings make dihedral angles of 43.66
      (10) and 62.22 (10) degrees  in the two mol-ecules. In the crystal, the two
      independent mol-ecules are linked alternately by inter-molecular O-H?O hydrogen
      bonds, forming a zigzag chain along the c axis. Furthermore, inter-molecular C
      H?pi inter-actions link the chains into a three-dimensional network.

PMID- 22065632
TI  - (Z)-4-[(2-Amino-anilino)(phen-yl)methyl-idene]-3-methyl-1-phenyl-1H-pyrazol-5(4H)
      one.
AB  - The mol-ecule of the title compound, C(23)H(20)N(4)O, assumes a non-planar
      conformation in which the pyrazolone ring forms dihedral angles of 10.33 (11),
      65.34 (11) and 63.52 (10) degrees  with the three benzene rings. In the crystal,
      the mol-ecules are linked by inter-molecular N-H?N hydrogen bonds, generating
      chains parallel to the b axis. The secondary amino group is involved in an intra
      molecular N-H?O hydrogen bond.

PMID- 22065633
TI  - 4-Meth-oxy-anilinium nitrate.
AB  - The title compound, C(7)H(10)NO(+).NO(3) (-), crystallized with two p-ansidinium
      cations and two nitrate anions in the asymmetric unit. As well as Columbic and
      van der Waals forces, moleucles inter-act via multiple bifurcated N-H?O hydrogen
      bonds that help consolidate the crystal packing, resulting in a three-dimensional
      network.

PMID- 22065634
TI  - catena-Poly[[diaquaterbium(III)]-tetrakis(MU(2)-pyridine-4-carboxylato-kappaO:O')
      [diaquaterbium(III)]-bis(MU(2)-pyridine-4-carboxylato-kappaO:O')].
AB  - The title complex, [Tb(2)(C(6)H(4)NO(2))(6)(H(2)O)(4)](n), was isolated under
      hydro-thermal conditions using the ligand pyridine-4-carb-oxy-lic acid (HL) and
      Tb(2)O(3). The deprotonated L(2-) ligands adopt bridging coordination modes. The
      central Tb(III) atom is bridged by L(2-) ligands, forming a polymeric chain
      parallel to the a axis. Supra-molecular O-H?N inter-actions link the chains,
      building up a layer parallel to (010). O-H?O hydrogen bonds also occur. Two of
      the pyridine rings are disordered by rotation around the central C-N direction
      with occupancy ratios of 0.53 (1):0.47 (1).

PMID- 22065635
TI  - 6-(4-Meth-oxy-phen-yl)-7-phenyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrrolizine-5-carbaldehyde.
AB  - The 4-meth-oxy-phenyl residue in the title compound, C(21)H(19)NO(2), is oriented
      at a dihedral angle of 54.6 (5) degrees  with respect to the phenyl ring and at a
      dihedral angle of 52.5 (8) degrees  with respect to the pyrrole ring of the
      pyrrolizine system. The phenyl ring is oriented at a dihedral angle of 36.2 (5)
      degrees  with respect to the pyrrole ring. The meth-oxy group makes a C-C-O-C
      torsion angle of 3.8 (9) degrees  with the attached benzene ring.

PMID- 22065636
TI  - An intramolecular salt bridge drives the soluble domain of GTP-bound atlastin
      into the postfusion conformation.
AB  - Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) network branching requires homotypic tethering and
      fusion of tubules mediated by the atlastin (ATL) guanosine triphosphatase
      (GTPase). Recent structural studies on the ATL soluble domain reveal two dimeric
      conformers proposed to correspond to a tethered prefusion state and a postfusion
      state. How the prefusion conformer transitions to the postfusion conformer is
      unknown. In this paper, we identify an intramolecular salt bridge mediated by two
      residues outside the GTPase domain near the point of rotation that converts the
      prefusion dimer to the postfusion state. Charge reversal of either residue
      blocked ER network branching, whereas a compensatory charge reversal to
      reestablish electrostatic attraction restored function. In vitro assays using the
      soluble domain revealed that the salt bridge was dispensable for GTP binding and
      hydrolysis but was required for forming the postfusion dimer. Unexpectedly, the
      postfusion conformation of the soluble domain was achieved when bound to the
      nonhydrolyzable GTP analogue guanosine 5'-[beta,gamma-imido]triphosphate,
      suggesting that nucleotide hydrolysis might not be required for the prefusion to
      postfusion conformational change.

PMID- 22065637
TI  - Hsp42 is required for sequestration of protein aggregates into deposition sites
      in Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
AB  - The aggregation of proteins inside cells is an organized process with
      cytoprotective function. In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, aggregating proteins are
      spatially sequestered to either juxtanuclear or peripheral sites, which target
      distinct quality control pathways for refolding and degradation. The cellular
      machinery driving the sequestration of misfolded proteins to these sites is
      unknown. In this paper, we show that one of the two small heat shock proteins of
      yeast, Hsp42, is essential for the formation of peripheral aggregates during
      physiological heat stress. Hsp42 preferentially localizes to peripheral
      aggregates but is largely absent from juxtanuclear aggregates, which still form
      in hsp42Delta cells. Transferring the amino-terminal domain of Hsp42 to Hsp26,
      which does not participate in aggregate sorting, enables Hsp26 to replace Hsp42
      function. Our data suggest that Hsp42 acts via its amino-terminal domain to
      coaggregate with misfolded proteins and perhaps link such complexes to further
      sorting factors.

PMID- 22065638
TI  - Existence of a novel clathrin-independent endocytic pathway in yeast that depends
      on Rho1 and formin.
AB  - Yeast is a powerful model organism for dissecting the temporal stages and
      choreography of the complex protein machinery during endocytosis. The only known
      mechanism for endocytosis in yeast is clathrin-mediated endocytosis, even though
      clathrin-independent endocytic pathways have been described in other eukaryotes.
      Here, we provide evidence for a clathrin-independent endocytic pathway in yeast.
      In cells lacking the clathrin-binding adaptor proteins Ent1, Ent2, Yap1801, and
      Yap1802, we identify a second endocytic pathway that depends on the GTPase Rho1,
      the downstream formin Bni1, and the Bni1 cofactors Bud6 and Spa2. This second
      pathway does not require components of the better-studied endocytic pathway,
      including clathrin and Arp2/3 complex activators. Thus, our results reveal the
      existence of a second pathway for endocytosis in yeast, which suggests
      similarities with the RhoA-dependent endocytic pathways of mammalian cells.

PMID- 22065639
TI  - Cdk1 phosphorylation of the kinetochore protein Nsk1 prevents error-prone
      chromosome segregation.
AB  - Cdk1 controls many aspects of mitotic chromosome behavior and spindle microtubule
      (MT) dynamics to ensure accurate chromosome segregation. In this paper, we
      characterize a new kinetochore substrate of fission yeast Cdk1, Nsk1, which
      promotes proper kinetochore-MT (k-MT) interactions and chromosome movements in a
      phosphoregulated manner. Cdk1 phosphorylation of Nsk1 antagonizes Nsk1
      kinetochore and spindle localization during early mitosis. A nonphosphorylatable
      Nsk1 mutant binds prematurely to kinetochores and spindle, cementing improper k
      MT attachments and leading to high rates of lagging chromosomes that
      missegregate. Accordingly, cells lacking nsk1 exhibit synthetic growth defects
      with mutations that disturb MT dynamics and/or kinetochore structure, and lack of
      proper phosphoregulation leads to even more severe defects. Intriguingly, Nsk1 is
      stabilized by binding directly to the dynein light chain Dlc1 independently of
      the dynein motor, and Nsk1-Dlc1 forms chainlike structures in vitro. Our findings
      establish new roles for Cdk1 and the Nsk1-Dlc1 complex in regulating the k-MT
      interface and chromosome segregation.

PMID- 22065640
TI  - Cryoelectron tomography of radial spokes in cilia and flagella.
AB  - Radial spokes (RSs) are ubiquitous components in the 9 + 2 axoneme thought to be
      mechanochemical transducers involved in local control of dynein-driven
      microtubule sliding. They are composed of >23 polypeptides, whose interactions
      and placement must be deciphered to understand RS function. In this paper, we
      show the detailed three-dimensional (3D) structure of RS in situ in Chlamydomonas
      reinhardtii flagella and Tetrahymena thermophila cilia that we obtained using
      cryoelectron tomography (cryo-ET). We clarify similarities and differences
      between the three spoke species, RS1, RS2, and RS3, in T. thermophila and in C.
      reinhardtii and show that part of RS3 is conserved in C. reinhardtii, which only
      has two species of complete RSs. By analyzing C. reinhardtii mutants, we
      identified the specific location of subsets of RS proteins (RSPs). Our 3D
      reconstructions show a twofold symmetry, suggesting that fully assembled RSs are
      produced by dimerization. Based on our cryo-ET data, we propose models of
      subdomain organization within the RS as well as interactions between RSPs and
      with other axonemal components.

PMID- 22065641
TI  - Tim50's presequence receptor domain is essential for signal driven transport
      across the TIM23 complex.
AB  - N-terminal targeting signals (presequences) direct proteins across the TOM
      complex in the outer mitochondrial membrane and the TIM23 complex in the inner
      mitochondrial membrane. Presequences provide directionality to the transport
      process and regulate the transport machineries during translocation. However,
      surprisingly little is known about how presequence receptors interact with the
      signals and what role these interactions play during preprotein transport. Here,
      we identify signal-binding sites of presequence receptors through photo-affinity
      labeling. Using engineered presequence probes, photo cross-linking sites on
      mitochondrial proteins were mapped mass spectrometrically, thereby defining a
      presequence-binding domain of Tim50, a core subunit of the TIM23 complex that is
      essential for mitochondrial protein import. Our results establish Tim50 as the
      primary presequence receptor at the inner membrane and show that targeting
      signals and Tim50 regulate the Tim23 channel in an antagonistic manner.

PMID- 22065642
TI  - Dichlorido[1-(2,6-dimethyl-phenyl-imino)-1,2-diphenyl-propan-2-ol
      kappaN,O]palladium(II) methanol monosolvate.
AB  - The title compound, [PdCl(2)(C(23)H(23)NO)].CH(3)OH, was obtained by the reaction
      of 1-(2,6-dimethyl-phenyl-imino)-1,2-diphenyl-propan-2-ol and palladium chloride
      in methanol. The Pd atom is four-coordinated by the O atom of a tertiary alcohol,
      the imine N atom of the hy-droxy-limine part of the bidentate ligand and by two
      chloride ions, forming a nearly square-planar geometry. The complex mol-ecule and
      the uncoordinated methanol mol-ecule are connected via an O-H?O hydrogen bond.

PMID- 22065643
TI  - catena-Poly[[tetra-kis-(hexa-methyl-phospho-ramide-kappaO)bis-(nitrato
      kappaO,O')yttrium(III)] [silver(I)-di-MU-sulfido-molybdenum(VI)-di-MU-sulfido]].
AB  - In the cation of the title compound,
      {[Y(NO(3))(2)(C(6)H(18)N(3)OP)(4)][AgMoS(4)]}(n), the Y atom is coordinated by
      eight O atoms from two chelating nitrate groups and four hexa-methyl-phospho
      ramide (hmp) ligands, which gives rise to a distorted square-anti-prismatic
      environment. Together with the two nitrate ligands, the overall charge for the
      complex cation is +1, which leads to the anionic chain having a monovalent repeat
      unit. The polymeric anionic chain, with Mo-Ag-Mo and Ag-Mo-Ag angles of 161.916
      (13) and 153.915 (13) degrees , respectively, presents a distorted linear
      configuration. The cations and the anions are linked via weak C-H?S hydrogen
      bonding inter-actions while the cations exhibit inter-molecular C-H?O inter
      actions. The structure is isotypic with the corresponding W, Yb, Eu, Nd, La and
      Dy complexes.

PMID- 22065644
TI  - (Acetyl-acetonato-kappaO,O')bis-[5-meth-oxy-2-(naphth[1,2-d][1,3]oxazol-2
      yl)phenyl-kappaC,N]iridium(III).
AB  - In the title compound, [Ir(C(18)H(12)NO(2))(2)(C(5)H(7)O(2))], the Ir atom is
      O,O'-chelated by the acetyl-acetonate group and C,N-chelated by the 2-aryl
      naphth[1,2-d]oxazole groups. The six-coordinate metal atom displays a distorted
      octa-hedral geometry. Intra-molecular C-H?O hydrogen bonds occur. In the crystal,
      inter-molecular C-H?O hydrogen bonds link the mol-ecules into columns parallel to
      the b axis.

PMID- 22065645
TI  - A cocrystal strategy to tune the luminescent properties of stilbene-type organic
      solid-state materials.
AB  - The one- and two-photon luminescence of stilbene-type solid-state materials can
      be tuned and controlled from blue to yellow color by a supramolecular cocrystal
      method.

PMID- 22065646
TI  - Application of Barluenga Boronic Coupling (BBC) to the parallel synthesis of drug
      like and drug fragment-like molecules.

PMID- 22065647
TI  - Practical synthesis of photochromic diarylethenes in integrated flow microreactor
      systems.
AB  - An effective method for the synthesis of photochromic diarylethenes through the
      generation of heteroaryllithiums and subsequent reaction with
      octafluorocyclopentene has been developed by using integrated flow microreactor
      systems. Reactions can be conducted without using cryogenic conditions by virtue
      of effective temperature and residence time control, although much lower
      temperatures (<-78  degrees C) are needed for batch macroreactions. Moreover, the
      synthesis of unsymmetrical diarylethenes, which is difficult to achieve when
      using conventional batch macrosystems, has been accomplished based on the
      selective introduction of one aryl group to give arylheptafluorocyclopentene
      followed by the introduction of another aryl group. The productivity of the
      laboratory-scale system is approximately 0.5 mmol min(-1). Therefore, the present
      integrated flow microreactor method serves as a practical way of synthesizing
      various photochromic diarylethene derivatives.

PMID- 22065648
TI  - Long-range attraction in aqueous colloidal suspensions.
AB  - Long-range attractions in aqueous suspensions were observed between polymeric
      microspheres and also between microspheres and a gel bead. Attractive
      displacements were consistently seen even between like-charged entities, and they
      were observed over spans as large as 2 mm. Such behaviors are unexpected, and may
      reside in a long-range attraction mechanism.

PMID- 22065649
TI  - Quantum rod-sensitized solar cells.

PMID- 22065650
TI  - Bis(eta-1-tert-butyl-inden-yl)nickel(II).
AB  - The title compound, [Ni(C(13)H(15))(2)], shows a slightly distorted sandwich
      structure with two independent mol-ecules in the asymmetric unit. Both Ni atoms
      are located on crystallographic centres of inversion.

PMID- 22065651
TI  - [(2R,3S,6S)-3-Acet-yloxy-6-(1-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-4-yl)-3,6-dihydro-2H-pyran
      2-yl]methyl acetate.
AB  - In the title compound, C(18)H(19)N(3)O(5), the 3,6-dihydro-2H-pyran ring adopts a
      half-chair, distorted towards a half-boat, conformation with Q(T) = 0.5276(14) A.
      The benzene ring is twisted out of the place of the triazole ring [dihedral angle
      = 23.54 (8) degrees ]. In the crystal, supra-molecular layers in the ac plane are
      formed through C-H?O and C-H?pi(triazole) inter-actions. These stack along the b
      axis being connected by C-H?N contacts.

PMID- 22065652
TI  - Post-thyroidectomy dysphonia in patients with bilateral resection of the superior
      laryngeal nerve: a comparative spectrographic study.
AB  - The most serious complications of total thyroidectomy, in cases of widespread and
      invasive diseases, are mainly hypoparathyroidism and laryngeal inferior nerve
      palsy. Lesions of the external branch of superior laryngeal nerve instead,
      although less obvious than the those caused by the recurrent laryngeal nerve
      lesions, have been taken less into consideration. The frequency of this lesion
      varies from 14% to 20% of cases, although in reality it is underestimated; in
      fact, on the one hand it is difficult to assess this, and on the other, post
      thyroidectomy dysphonia is often considered inevitable. In the present
      retrospective research, 15 thyroidectomized patients (4 male, 11 female), have
      been subjected to qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the voice. Of these,
      7 had a nerve lesion, while 8 did not. All the patients received a self
      evaluation voice questionnaire (VHI). In all cases, a videolaryngostroboscopy has
      been carried out and the voice acoustic features examined through a
      spectrographic analysis. The results showed that removal of the thyroid, at the
      end of a 12-month post-surgery period, still causes an impact on the qualitative
      and quantitative aspects of the vocal function, whether the superior larynx nerve
      was injured or not. The majority of the patients, in both groups, reported that
      their voice had worsened in quality and durability. Hence, we have shown that the
      patients with upper larynx nerve lesion have an alteration of F0, show a lower
      energy level and a modified spectrographic quality compared to patients without
      injury. This low voice is often considered by patients as a normal consequence of
      thyroid surgery. The present research confirms that the attempt to identify and
      protect the superior laryngeal nerve is essential to prevent post-thyroidectomy
      dysphonia, but this is not sufficient to obtain the best results because of the
      existence of muscular and psychogenic factors that reduce the still voice
      capacity of the patient.

PMID- 22065653
TI  - 3-Amino-1-methyl-9,10-dihydro-phenanthrene-2,4-dicarbonitrile.
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C(17)H(13)N(3), contains two
      independent mol-ecules, which are non-planar as they are buckled owing to the
      ethyl-ene portion. The dihedral angle between the benzene rings is 26.4 (1)
      degrees  in one mol-ecule and 32.9 (1) degrees  in the other. In the crystal, the
      mol-ecules are disposed about a false inversion center, and are linked by two N
      H?N hydrogen bonds, generating a dimer. The dimers are linked by further N-H?N
      hydrogen bonds, resulting in a chain that runs along the longest axis of the
      ortho-rhom-bic unit cell.

PMID- 22065654
TI  - Propane-1,3-diaminium bis-(pyridine-4-carboxyl-ate) monohydrate.
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C(3)H(12)N(2) (2+).2C(6)H(4)NO(2) (
      ).H(2)O, consists of half of a doubly protonated propane-1,3-diammonium dication,
      a pyridine-4-carboxyl-ate anion and half of a solvent water mol-ecule; the
      dication and the solvent water are located on a twofold rotation axis which
      passes through the central C atom of the dication and the water O atom. The
      carboxyl-ate group of the anion appears to be delocalized on the basis of the C-O
      bond lengths. In the crystal, the components are linked by inter-molecular N-H?O,
      N-H?N and O-H?O hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22065655
TI  - 3-(4-Nitro-phen-yl)-1H-1,2,4-triazole-5(4H)-thione.
AB  - In the title compound, C(8)H(6)N(4)O(2)S, the 1,2,4-triazole ring and the nitro
      group form dihedral angles of 6.26 (13) and 9.5 (3) degrees , respectively, with
      the phenyl ring. In the crystal, the mol-ecules are linked via pairs of N-H?S
      hydrogen bonds, generating [010] chains which contain R(2) (2) (8) ring motifs.
      The crystal structure is further stabilized by pi-pi stacking [centroid-centroid
      distance = 3.5491 (14) A] inter-actions.

PMID- 22065656
TI  - 2-Bromo-N-(2-hy-droxy-5-methyl-phen-yl)-2-methyl-propanamide.
AB  - In the title mol-ecule, C(11)H(14)BrNO(2), there is twist between the mean plane
      of the amide group and the benzene ring [the C-N-C-C torsion angle is -172.1 (2)
      degrees ]. The amide H atom forms an intra-molecular hydrogen bond with the Br
      atom. In the crystal, inter-molecular O-H?O and weak C-H?O hydrogen bonds link
      mol-ecules into a chain along [100].

PMID- 22065657
TI  - Prognostic effect size of cardiovascular biomarkers in datasets from
      observational studies versus randomised trials: meta-epidemiology study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare the reported effect sizes of cardiovascular biomarkers in
      datasets from observational studies with those in datasets from randomised
      controlled trials. DESIGN: Review of meta-analyses. STUDY SELECTION: Meta
      analyses of emerging cardiovascular biomarkers (not part of the Framingham risk
      score) that included datasets from at least one observational study and at least
      one randomised controlled trial were identified through Medline (last update,
      January 2011). DATA EXTRACTION: Study-specific risk ratios were extracted from
      all identified meta-analyses and synthesised with random effects for (a) all
      studies, and (b) separately for observational and for randomised controlled trial
      populations for comparison. RESULTS: 31 eligible meta-analyses were identified.
      For seven major biomarkers (C reactive protein, non-HDL cholesterol,
      lipoprotein(a), post-load glucose, fibrinogen, B-type natriuretic peptide, and
      troponins), the prognostic effect was significantly stronger in datasets from
      observational studies than in datasets from randomised controlled trials. For
      five of the biomarkers the effect was less than half as strong in the randomised
      controlled trial datasets. Across all 31 meta-analyses, on average datasets from
      observational studies suggested larger prognostic effects than those from
      randomised controlled trials; from a random effects meta-analysis, the estimated
      average difference in the effect size was 24% (95% CI 7% to 40%) of the overall
      biomarker effect. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiovascular biomarkers often have less
      promising results in the evidence derived from randomised controlled trials than
      from observational studies.

PMID- 22065658
TI  - Why do the results of randomised and observational studies differ?

PMID- 22065659
TI  - Doctors in Israeli detention facilities are complicit in torture, says report.

PMID- 22065660
TI  - Extent of Dutch psychologist's research fraud was "unprecedented".

PMID- 22065661
TI  - Surgeon's return to work highlights need for urgent reform of GMC.

PMID- 22065662
TI  - Care in the community is an "unfinished revolution," says think tank.

PMID- 22065663
TI  - GMC rules against doctor who used unconventional tests and treatments for chronic
      fatigue syndrome.

PMID- 22065664
TI  - 2-[5-(4-Meth-oxy-phen-yl)-3-phenyl-4,5-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-1-yl]-6-methyl-1,3
      benzothia-zole.
AB  - In the title compound, C(24)H(21)N(3)OS, the pyrazole ring makes dihedral angles
      of 5.40 (7) and 6.72 (8) degrees  with the benzo[d]thiazole ring system and the
      benzene ring, respectively, and a dihedral angle of 85.72 (8) degrees  with the
      meth-oxy-substituted benzene ring. In the crystal structure, the mol-ecules are
      linked by C-H?pi inter-actions.

PMID- 22065665
TI  - 'FOLIE A DEUX': (A Case Report from Kenya).
AB  - The author presents the first case report of folie a deux from Saharan Africa.
      The clinical presentation of this disorder in Africa does not significantly
      differ from those reported elsewhere. But cultural factors like superstitions and
      witchcraft play an important role in the management of these patients. In the
      author's view, cooperation with the traditional healer with simultaneous
      administration of modern drugs may be the ideal way to treat such patients.

PMID- 22065667
TI  - Risks of cardiac imaging.

PMID- 22065669
TI  - 2-Methyl-1H-benzimidazol-3-ium hydrogen phthalate.
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C(8)H(9)N(2) (+).C(8)H(5)O(4) (-),
      contains two independent ion pairs. In each 2-methyl-1H-benzimidazolium ion, an
      intra-molecular O-H?O bond forms an S(7) graph-set motif. In the crystal, the
      components are linked by N-H?O hydrogen bonds, forming chains along [210].
      Further stabilization is provided by weak C-H?O hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22065670
TI  - Hyperprolactinemia: An often missed cause of male infertility.

PMID- 22065671
TI  - Redetermination of (E)-3-(anthracen-9-yl)-1-(2-hy-droxy-phen-yl)prop-2-en-1-one.
AB  - The redetermined structure of title chalcone derivative, C(23)H(16)O(2), corrects
      errors in the title, scheme and synthesis in the previous report of the same
      structure [Jasinski et al. (2011 ?). Acta Cryst. E67, o795]. There are two
      independent mol-ecules in the asymmetric unit with slight differences in bond
      lengths and angles. The dihedral angle between the benzene ring and the
      anthracene ring system is 73.30 (4) degrees  in one mol-ecule and 73.18 (4)
      degrees  in the other. Both mol-ecules feature an intra-molecular O-H?O hydrogen
      bond, which generates an S(6) ring. In the crystal, mol-ecules are arranged into
      sheets lying parallel to the ac plane and further stacked along the b axis by pi
      pi inter-actions with centroid-centroid distances in the range 3.6421 (6)-3.7607
      (6) A. The crystal structure is further stabilized by C-H?pi inter-actions. There
      are also C?O [3.2159 (15) A] short contacts.

PMID- 22065672
TI  - Synthetic double-stranded RNA induces innate immune responses similar to a live
      viral vaccine in humans.
AB  - Adjuvants are critical for the success of vaccines. Agonists of microbial pattern
      recognition receptors (PRRs) are promising new adjuvant candidates. A mechanism
      through which adjuvants enhance immune responses is to stimulate innate immunity.
      We studied the innate immune response in humans to synthetic double-stranded RNA
      (polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid [poly IC] stabilized with poly-L-lysine [poly
      ICLC]), an agonist for toll-like receptor (TLR) 3, and the cytosolic RNA helicase
      MDA-5. Transcriptional analysis of blood samples from eight volunteers, after
      subcutaneous administration of poly ICLC, showed up-regulation of genes involved
      in multiple innate immune pathways in all subjects, including interferon (IFN)
      and inflammasome signaling. Blocking type I IFN receptor ex vivo significantly
      dampened the response to poly IC. Comparative transcriptional analysis showed
      that several innate immune pathways were similarly induced in volunteers
      immunized with the highly efficacious yellow fever vaccine. Therefore, a
      chemically defined PRR agonist like poly ICLC can be a reliable and authentic
      microbial mimic for inducing innate immune responses in humans.

PMID- 22065673
TI  - Register shifting of an insulin peptide-MHC complex allows diabetogenic T cells
      to escape thymic deletion.
AB  - In nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice, two sets of autoreactive CD4(+) T cells
      recognize the B:9-23 segment of the insulin B chain. One set, type A, recognizes
      insulin presented by antigen-presenting cells (APCs). These T cells are highly
      deleted in the thymus. The second set, type B, does not recognize insulin protein
      but reacts with soluble B chain peptide. This set is not deleted in the thymus
      but is activated in the islets of Langerhans. In this study, we examine the
      specificity of these two types of T cells. The protein-reactive set recognizes
      the stretch of residues 13-21 of the insulin B chain. The set reactive to peptide
      only recognizes the stretch from residues 12-20. A single amino acid shift of the
      B chain peptide bound to I-A(g7) determines whether T cells recognize peptides
      generated by the processing of insulin, and consequently their escape from thymic
      purging. Biochemical experiments indicate that peptides bound in the 13-21
      register interact more favorably with I-A(g7) than peptides that bind in the 12
      20 register. Thus, self-reactive T cells can become pathogenic in the target
      organ where high concentrations of antigen and/or differences in intracellular
      processing present peptides in registers distinct from those found in the thymus.

PMID- 22065674
TI  - Diaqua-bis-(5-methyl-pyrazine-2-carboxyl-ato-kappaN,O)cadmium.
AB  - In the title compound, [Cd(C(6)H(5)N(2)O(2))(2)(H(2)O)(2)], the Cd(II) ion is
      coordinated in a severely distorted octa-hedral geometry. The N atoms are cis to
      each other, while the water O atoms and ligand O atoms are mutually trans. The
      crystal structure is stabilized by a network of O-H?O, O-H?N and C-H?O hydrogen
      bonds and pi-pi stacking inter-actions [centroid-centroid distances = 3.730 (3)
      and 3.652 (3) A] between the 5-methyl-pyrazine-2-carboxyl-ate ligands. The
      structure is isotypic with the manganese analog.

PMID- 22065675
TI  - HTLV-2 APH-2 expression is correlated with proviral load but APH-2 does not
      promote lymphocytosis.
AB  - We recently discovered the antisense protein of human T-cell leukemia virus
      (HTLV) type 2 (APH-2), whose messenger RNA is encoded by the antisense strand of
      the HTLV-2 genome. We quantified proviral load, level of tax, and APH-2 in a
      series of blood samples obtained from a cohort of HTLV-2 carriers. We determined
      whether APH-2 promotes cell proliferation. APH-2 was detectable in most samples
      tested and was correlated with proviral load. APH-2 levels were not correlated
      with lymphocyte count in vivo, consistent with the inability of APH-2 to promote
      cell proliferation in vitro. APH-2 does not promote cell proliferation and does
      not cause lymphocytosis.

PMID- 22065676
TI  - Backing the wrong horse.

PMID- 22065677
TI  - The ICMJE's definition of authorship is illogical and unethical.

PMID- 22065678
TI  - GlaxoSmithKline pays $3bn to settle dispute over rosiglitazone and other drugs.

PMID- 22065679
TI  - UK government spends 2m pound to raise awareness of dementia.

PMID- 22065680
TI  - Something in the water.

PMID- 22065681
TI  - Organisations challenge basis for recommending HPV vaccine for boys.

PMID- 22065682
TI  - India's experience of using recycled pacemakers could benefit other countries.

PMID- 22065683
TI  - Bad medicine: adult attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

PMID- 22065684
TI  - Breast cancer surgeon is struck off because of risk to patients.

PMID- 22065685
TI  - [Bis-(4-methyl-1,3-thia-zol-2-yl-kappaN)methane]-tricarbonyl-dichlorido
      tungsten(II).
AB  - The title compound, [WCl(2)(C(9)H(10)N(2)S(2))(CO)(3)], is a hepta-coordinate
      tungsten(II) complex with a capped-octa-hedral coordination sphere in which one
      CO ligand caps a face formed by a chloro ligand and the two other carbonyls. The
      chloro ligands are mutually trans positioned at an angle of 156.98 (7) degrees .
      The chelating bis-(4-methyl-1,3-thia-zol-2-yl)methane ligand coordinates with the
      imine N atoms. In the crystal, mol-ecules are linked into chains parallel to
      [201] by weak C-H?O contacts between the CH(2) group of the bis-(4-methyl-thia
      zol-2-yl)methane ligand and the O atom of the capping CO group.

PMID- 22065686
TI  - The ethics of the affordability of health insurance.
AB  - In this essay we argue that the concept of affordable health insurance is rooted
      in a social obligation to protect fair equality of opportunity. Specifically,
      health insurance plays a limited but significant role in protecting opportunity
      in two ways: it helps keep people functioning normally and it protects their
      financial security. Together these benefits enable household members to exercise
      reasonable choices about their plans of life. To achieve truly affordable
      coverage, society must be able to contain the overall cost of health care, and
      health insurance must be progressively financed, meaning that those who are best
      able to pay for coverage should pay the largest share. While the recently passed
      Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) falls short on both of these
      counts, we argue that it makes important contributions toward household
      affordability through the use of subsidies and regulations. The main shortcoming
      of the ACA is an insufficient protection against burdensome cost sharing, which
      we illustrate using several hypothetical scenarios. We conclude with
      recommendations about how to make opportunity-enhancing expansions to the current
      coverage subsidies.

PMID- 22065689
TI  - Cyclo-linopeptide K butanol disolvate monohydrate.
AB  - The title compound, C(56)H(83)N(9)O(11)S.2C(4)H(10)O.H(2)O, is a butanol-water
      solvate of the cyclo-linopeptide cyclo(Metsulfone(1)-Leu(2)-Ile(3)-Pro(4)-Pro(5)
      Phe(6)-Phe(7)-Val(8)-Ile(9)) (henceforth referred to as CLP-K) which was isolated
      from flax oil. All the amino acid residues are in an l configuration based on the
      CORN rule. The cyclic nona-peptide exhibits eight trans peptide bonds and one cis
      peptide bond observed between the two proline residues. The conformation is
      stabilized by an alpha- and a beta-turn, each containing an N-H?O hydrogen bond
      between the carbonyl group O atom of the first residue and the amide group H atom
      of the fourth (alpha-turn) and the third residue (beta-turn), repectively. In the
      crystal, the components of the structure are linked by inter-molecular N-H?O and
      O-H?O hydrogen bonds into a two-dimensional network parallel to (001). The 
      C(H(2))OH group of one of the butanol solvent mol-ecules is disordered over two
      sets of sites with refined occupancies of 0.863 (4) and 0.137 (4).

PMID- 22065690
TI  - Neurological biomarkers in the perioperative period.
AB  - The rapid detection and evaluation of patients presenting with perioperative
      neurological dysfunction is of great clinical relevance. Biomarkers have been
      defined as biological molecules that can be used as an indicator of new onset or
      progression of a biological process or effect of treatment. Biomarkers have
      become increasingly important in this setting to supplement other modalities of
      diagnosis such as EEG, sensory- or motor-evoked potential, transcranial Doppler,
      near-infrared spectroscopy, or imaging methods. A number of neuro-proteins have
      been identified and are currently under investigation for potential to provide
      insights into injury severity, outcome, and the ability to monitor cellular
      damage and molecular events that occur during neurological injury. S100B is a
      protein released by glial cells and is considered a marker of blood-brain barrier
      dysfunction. Clinical studies in patients undergoing cardiac and non-cardiac
      surgery indicate that serum levels of S100B are increased intraoperatively and
      after operation. The neurone-specific enolase has also been extensively
      investigated as a potential marker of neuronal injury in the context of cardiac
      and non-cardiac surgery. A third biomarker of interest is the Tau protein, which
      has been linked to neurodegenerative disorders. Tau appears to be more specific
      than the previous two biomarkers since it is only found in the central nervous
      system. The metalloproteinase and ubiquitin C terminal hydroxylase-L1 (UCH-L1)
      are the most recently researched markers; however, their usefulness is still
      unclear. This review presents a comprehensive overview of S100B, neuronal
      specific enolase, metalloproteinases, and UCH-L1 in the perioperative period.

PMID- 22065691
TI  - Brain-penetrating IgG-iduronate 2-sulfatase fusion protein for the mouse.
AB  - Mucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) type II (Hunter's syndrome) is caused by mutations in
      the iduronate 2-sulfatase (IDS) fusion protein. MPS-II affects the brain, and
      enzyme replacement therapy is not effective in the brain, because the enzyme does
      not cross the blood-brain barrier. To treat mouse models of MPS-II with brain
      penetrating IDS, the lysosomal enzyme was reengineered as an IgG-IDS fusion
      protein. The mature human IDS was fused to the carboxyl terminus of both heavy
      chains of the chimeric monoclonal antibody (MAb) against the mouse transferrin
      receptor (TfR), and the fusion protein is designated cTfRMAb-IDS. The purity and
      identity of the fusion protein was confirmed by electrophoresis and Western
      blotting with antibodies to mouse IgG and human IDS. The EC50 of binding of the
      cTfRMAb-IDS fusion protein to the mouse TfR (0.85 +/- 0.15 nM) was comparable to
      the EC50 of binding of the cTfRMAb (0.78 +/- 0.05 nM). The IDS enzyme activity of
      the cTfRMAb-IDS fusion protein was 126 +/- 1 nmol . h-1 . MUg-1 protein. After
      intravenous injection in the mouse, the cTfRMAb-IDS fusion protein was rapidly
      removed from plasma and distributed to tissues, including brain and spinal cord.
      The uptake of the fusion protein by brain or spinal cord was 1.3 +/- 0.1 and 2.2
      +/- 0.2% injected dose/g, respectively, which is 100-fold greater than the brain
      uptake of IDS alone. This work shows that a lysosomal sulfatase can be
      reengineered as an IgG-enzyme fusion protein that rapidly penetrates the brain
      after intravenous administration.

PMID- 22065692
TI  - Poly[(5,5'-dimethyl-2,2'-bipyridine-kappaN,N')(MU(3)-5-hy-droxy-isophthalato
      kappaO:O,O:O)cadmium].
AB  - In the title compound, [Cd(C(8)H(4)O(5))(C(12)H(12)N(2))], the Cd(II) cation is
      coordinated by three 5-hy-droxy-isophthalate anions and one 5,5'-bimethyl-2,2'
      bipyridine ligand in a distorted CdO(4)N(2) octa-hedral geometry. The 5-hy-droxy
      isophthalate anions bridge the Cd cations, forming a two-dimensional polymeric
      complex parallel to (100). In the complex, the hy-droxy group is linked to the
      uncoordinated carb-oxy-O atom via an O-H?O hydrogen bond. Weak C-H?O hydrogen
      bonds are also present in the crystal structure. One of the methyl groups is
      disordered over two positions in a 0.536 (11):0.464 (11) ratio.

PMID- 22065693
TI  - Hexa-MU-chlorido-MU(4)-oxido-tetra-kis-({1-[(pyridin-2-yl)meth-yl]-1H
      benzimidazole-kappaN}copper(II)).
AB  - The title tetra-nuclear complex, [Cu(4)Cl(6)O(C(13)H(11)N(3))(4)], features a
      tetra-hedral arrangement of copper(II) ions bonded to the central O atom (site
      symmetry [Formula: see text]). Each of the six edges of the Cu(4) tetra-hedron is
      bridged by a chloride ion (one of which has site symmetry 2), so that each copper
      ion is linked to the other three metal ions through the central O atom and
      through three separate chloride-ion bridges. The fifth coord-ination position,
      located on the central Cu-O axis on the outside of the cluster, is occupied by an
      N atom of the mono-dentate 1-(pyridin-2-ylmeth-yl)-1H-benzimidazole ligand. The
      resulting coordination geometry of the metal ion is a distorted trigonal
      bipyramid with the O and N atoms in the axial positions. The dihedral angle
      between the benzimidazole ring system and the pendant pyridine ring is 61.0 (2)
      degrees .

PMID- 22065694
TI  - 3-Hy-droxy-2-(hy-droxy-meth-yl)pyridinium chloride.
AB  - The cation of the title compound, C(6)H(8)NO(2) (+).Cl(-), is essentially planar
      (r.m.s. deviation = 0.0104 A). Intermolecular O-H?Cl and N-H?Cl hydrogen bonds,
      as well as C-H?O contacts, connect the mol-ecules in the crystal structure. A
      short C?C distance of only 3.3930 (19) A between C atoms of neighbouring rings is
      indicative of pi-stacking. The corresponding centroid-centroid distance between
      the two aromatic systems is 4.2370 (7) A due to the small overlap of the adjacent
      rings.

PMID- 22065695
TI  - 2,6,6-Trimethyl-cyclo-hexene-1-carbaldehyde oxime.
AB  - In the crystal of the title compound C(10)H(17)NO, synthesized by the reaction of
      beta-cyclo-citral with hydroxyl-amine hydro-chloride, inversion-related mol
      ecules are linked by a pair of O-H?N hydrogen-bonding inter-actions between the
      oxime functionalities, forming R(2) (2)(6) loops. The molecular conformation is
      stabilized by intra-molecular methyl C-H?N inter-actions. The cyclohexene ring
      has the typical half-chair conformation.

PMID- 22065696
TI  - Piperazine-1,4-diium naphthalene-1,5-disulfonate.
AB  - The title molecular salt, C(4)H(12)N(2) (2+).C(10)H(6)O(6)S(2) (2-), consists of
      a piperazinium cation and a 1,5-naphthalene-disulfonate anion. Crystallographic
      inversion centers are situated at the center of the ring of the dication as well
      as at the midpoint of the central carbon-carbon bond in the dianion. In the
      crystal, inter-molecular N-H?O hydrogen bonds link the cations and anions.

PMID- 22065697
TI  - Tris(1,10-phenanthroline)iron(II) MU-oxido-bis-[trichloridoferrate(III)].
AB  - In the title salt, [Fe(C(12)H(8)N(2))(3)][Fe(2)Cl(6)O], the ionic components are
      linked into a two-dimensional supra-molecular layer by two pairs of C-H?Cl
      hydrogen bonds and pi-pi stacking inter-actions [centroid-centroid distances =
      3.655 (4) and 3.498 (3) A]. The salt is characterized as a mixed-valent Fe(II)
      Fe(III) compound, in which an Fe(II) atom is coordinated by three phen ligands,
      forming a six-coordinated cationic entity and the anionic part is formed by two
      Fe(III) atoms in tetra-hedral coordination environments constructed by three
      chloride ions and one bridging oxide ligand. Intra-molecular C-H?N hydrogen bonds
      are observed.

PMID- 22065698
TI  - [3-Chloro-N'-(2-oxidonaphthalen-1-yl
      methylidene)benzohydrazidato]methanol(methanolato)oxidovanadium(V).
AB  - In the title complex, [V(C(18)H(11)ClN(2)O(2))(CH(3)O)O(CH(3)OH)], the V(V) ion
      is coordinated by a tridendate 3-chloro-N'-(2-oxidonaphthalen-1
      ylmethylidene)benzohydrazidate ligand, one oxido ligand and by O atoms from a
      methanol and a methoxide ligand, forming a distorted octa-hedral geometry. The
      dihedral angle between the benzene ring and the naphthyl-ene ring system is 6.4
      (3) degrees . The deviation of the V(V) ion from the plane defined by the three
      donor atoms of the tridentate ligand and the meth-oxy O atom towards the oxido O
      atom is 0.323 (2) A. In the crystal, pairs of inter-molecular O-H?N hydrogen
      bonds form centrosymmetric dimers.

PMID- 22065699
TI  - 2-[4-(2-Formyl-phen-oxy)-but-oxy]-benzaldehyde.
AB  - In the crystal structure of the title compound, C(18)H(18)O(4), the full mol
      ecule is generated by the application of an inversion centre. The mol-ecule is
      essentially planar, with an r.m.s. deviation of 0.017 (1) A for all non-H atoms.
      The mol-ecules are linked through inter-molecular C-H?O inter-actions to form a
      mol-ecular sheet parallel to the ([Formula: see text]02) plane.

PMID- 22065700
TI  - Bis(hydrogen l-glutamato)palladium(II).
AB  - In the title compound, [Pd(C(5)H(8)NO(4))(2)], the Pd(II) atom is coordinated by
      two O atoms and two N atoms of two N,O-chelating hydrogen l-glutatmate ligands in
      a square-planar geometry with the N and O atoms in a mutually trans arrangement.
      The complex units are embedded in a network of N-H?O and O-H?O hydrogen-bonding
      inter-actions that stabilize the three-dimensional crystal structure. The
      strongest hydrogen bonds are formed between the gamma-COOH untis of adjacent
      glutamate ligands, leading to dimers of the type R(2) (2)(8) with O?O separations
      of 2.640 (6) A.

PMID- 22065701
TI  - The mixed-valent titanium phosphate, Li(2)Ti(2)(PO(4))(3), dilithium
      dititanium(III/IV) tris-(orthophosphate).
AB  - The mixed-valent titanium phosphate, Li(2)Ti(2)(PO(4))(3), has been prepared by
      the reactive halide flux method. The title compound is isostructural with
      Li(2)TiM(PO(4))(3) (M = Fe, Cr) and Li(2)FeZr(PO(4))(3) and has the same (3)
      (infinity)[Ti(2)(PO(4))(3)](2-) framework as the previously reported Li(3-)
      (x)M(2)(PO(4))(3) phases. The framework is built up from corner-sharing TiO(6)
      octa-hedra and PO(4) tetra-hedra, one of which has 2 symmetry. The Li(+) ions are
      located on one crystallographic position and reside in the vacancies of the
      framework. They are surrounded by four O atoms in a distorted tetra-hedral
      coordination. The classical charge-balance of the title compound can be
      represented as Li(+) (2)(Ti(3+)/Ti(4+))(PO(4) (3-))(3).

PMID- 22065702
TI  - trans-Carbonyl-chloridobis[tris(naph-thalen-1-yl)-phosphane-kappaP]rhodium(I)
      acetone trisolvate.
AB  - In the title compound, trans-[RhCl{P(C(10)H(7))(3)}(2)(CO)].3C(3)H(6)O, where
      P(C(10)H(7))(3) is trinaphthyl-phosphine, the Rh-P bond lengths are 2.3360 (10)
      and 2.3258 (10) A, while the Rh-Cl bond length is 2.3525 (11) A. The coordination
      around the Rh atom shows a slightly distorted square-planar arrangement.

PMID- 22065703
TI  - Sociocultural beliefs and treatment acceptance.
AB  - The beliefs of patients attending walk-in clinic and outpatient section,
      Department of Psychiatry, NIMHANS, Bangalore were studied separately. The Walk-in
      Clinic and Outpatient population were divided into three groups by systematic
      randomization. The beliefs of Group I, Hand III were left untouched, contradicted
      and supported respectively. The follow up attendance pattern of the patients was
      taken as an indicator of treatment acceptance and according to the regularity of
      follow up in each group patients were categorised as good, fair and poor
      attenders.The significance of these findings is discussed and it is inferred that
      supporting scientifically tenable beliefs and keeping a neutral attitude towards
      unscientific beliefs may be the best policy for a clinician.

PMID- 22065704
TI  - catena-Poly[[[bis-(3-amino-pyrazine-2-carboxyl-ato)triaqua-praseodymium(III)]-MU
      3-amino-pyrazine-2-carboxyl-ato-[(3-amino-pyrazine-2-carboxyl-ato)diaqua
      formatopraseodymium(III)]-MU-3-amino-pyrazine-2-carboxyl-ato] hexa-hydrate].
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the polymeric title compound,
      {[Pr(2)(C(5)H(4)N(3)O(2))(5)(CHO(2))(H(2)O)(5)].6H(2)O}(n), has two independent
      Pr(III) atoms; one is coordinated by two water mol-ecules and the other by three
      water mol-ecules. The first is N,O-chelated by three 3-amino-pyrazine-2-carboxyl
      ate ions, whereas the second is chelated by two carboxyl-ate ions; both exist in
      a monocapped square-anti-prismatic geometry. The polymeric chains that run along
      the a axis inter-act with the lattice water mol-ecules, generating a three
      dimensional hydrogen-bonded network. The formate ion is disordered over two
      positions with respect to the non-coordinated atoms in a 1:1 ratio.

PMID- 22065705
TI  - Chlorido(10,11,12,13-tetra-hydro-4,5,9,14-tetra-aza-benzo[b]triphenyl-ene
      kappaN,N)copper(I).
AB  - The Cu(I) atom in the title compound, [CuCl(C(18)H(14)N(4))], is N,N'-chelated by
      the N-heterocyclic ligand and coordinated by one Cl(-) anion in a distorted
      trigonal geometry. In the crystal, the Cu(I) atom is disordered over two
      positions in a 0.667 (6):0.333 (6) ratio. The deviation of the Cu atom from the
      N/N/Cl coordination plane is 0.013 (3) A for the major component and 0.073 (6) A
      for the minor component. Two methyl-ene C atoms are also disordered over two
      positions in a 0.667 (6):0.333 (6) ratio.

PMID- 22065706
TI  - [(E)-10-(2,6-Dimethyl-phenyl-imino)-9-methyl-9,10-dihydro-phenanthren-9
      olato]penta-methyl-dialuminum(III).
AB  - The two Al atoms in the title compound, [Al(2)(CH(3))(5)(C(23)H(20)NO)], are four
      coordinated in a distorted tetra-hedral environment. The coordination of one Al
      atom includes three methyl-C atoms and the O atom from the ligand, whereas the
      second Al atom is surrounded by the O atom and one N atom from the ligand as well
      as by two methyl-C atoms. In the ligand, the dihedral angle between the two
      phenyl rings in the 9,10-dihydro-phenanthren unit is 20.64 (12) degrees .

PMID- 22065707
TI  - Evaluation of a method for assessing pulmonary function in laryngectomees.
AB  - In total laryngectomies the impairment of pulmonary function reflects the sum of
      pre- and post-operative ventilatory changes. Objective information on the
      respiratory condition in laryngectomees, as assessed in the pulmonary function
      laboratory is somewhat limited, perhaps because of difficulties related to
      methodology. The aim of our study was to evaluate the reproducibility of a method
      employed to assess the pulmonary function in laryngectomized patients. The
      experimental extra-tracheal device was set up with a silicone adapter through a
      cardboard tube to the skin around the tracheostoma. Pulmonary function tests
      included measurements of forced vital capacity, force expiratory volume at 1
      second and Tiffeneau index in 3 consecutive evaluations, in 11 patients who
      underwent total laryngectomy. The control group comprised 11 patients, not
      laryngectomized, evaluated by conventional spirometry. Those responsible for
      evaluating were asked to report possible technical failures and to demonstrate
      the reproducibility of the curves resulting from the tests. The use of the
      silicone adapter and skin adhesive provided a complete, airtight seal of the
      system, in all cases. The presence of the tracheo-oesophageal prosthesis did not
      negatively affect the test results. All patients attributed a maximum value, both
      for comfort and acceptance, of the device. The values are comparable in both
      groups, thus indicating the accuracy of the proposed methodology. All
      examinations were reproducible. After total laryngectomy, pulmonary function
      testing, with an extra-tracheal device, is not only reliable but also easy to
      perform in a routine out-patient setting. The methodology did not present air
      leaks and was, therefore, well accepted by all patients tested.

PMID- 22065708
TI  - N-(2-Chloro-phen-yl)-N'-(2-methyl-phen-yl)succinamide.
AB  - In the title compound, C(17)H(17)ClN(2)O(2), the asymmetric unit contains half a
      mol-ecule with a centre of symmetry at the mid-point of the central C-C bond. The
      conformations of the amide O atoms are anti to the methyl-ene atoms. Further, the
      N-H bonds in the amide fragments are anti to the ortho-chloro/methyl groups in
      the adjacent benzene rings. The dihedral angle between the benzene ring and the
      NH-C(O)-CH(2) segment in the two halves of the mol-ecule is 62.0 (2) degrees . In
      the crystal, a series of N-H?O inter-molecular hydrogen bonds link the mol-ecules
      into column-like infinite chains along the a axis. The methyl and Cl groups are
      disordered with respect to the ortho positions of the benzene ring, with site
      occupation factors of 0.5 each.

PMID- 22065709
TI  - Nuclear detonation and infertility: Evidence.

PMID- 22065710
TI  - 4-(4-Bromo-phen-yl)-2,3,3a,4,5,11c-hexa-hydro-benzo[f]furo[3,2-c]quinoline.
AB  - In the title compound, C(21)H(18)BrNO, both heterocyclic rings, viz. the hydro
      pyridine ring and the adjacent hydro-furan ring, adopt envelope conformations.
      These two heterocycles make a dihedral angle of 37.3 (1) degrees . The dihedral
      angle between the hydro-pyridine and benzene rings is 69.6 (1) degrees . In the
      crystal, adjacent mol-ecules are linked by pairs of inter-molecular C-H?O
      hydrogen bonds, forming centrosymmetric dimers.

PMID- 22065711
TI  - Dicaesium diaqua-bis-(methyl-ene-diphospho-nato-kappaO,O')cobaltate(II).
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound, Cs(2)[Co(CH(4)O(6)P(2))(2)(H(2)O)(2)],
      is comprised of one bidentate methyl-enediphospho-nate ligand and one water mol
      ecule which are coordinated to the Co(II) atom, as well as a caesium counter
      cation. The Co atom occupies a special position on a crystallographic inversion
      center. The caesium ion is octa-hedrally coordinated by six O atoms with Cs-O
      distances ranging from 3.119 (2) to 3.296 (2) A. A three-dimensional network is
      formed through O-H?O hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22065712
TI  - 2,2'-(1,3-Diazinane-1,3-di-yl)diaceto-nitrile: a second monoclinic polymorph.
AB  - A new monoclinic polymorph of the title compound, C(8)H(12)N(4), in the space
      group P2(1)/n (Z = 4) is reported. The previously known form was also monoclinic,
      P2(1)/c (Z = 4), but the unit-cell parameters and crystal packing were different
      [Shoja & Saba (1993 ?). Acta Cryst. C49, 354-355]. The hexa-hydro-pyrimidine ring
      of the title compound adopts a chair conformation with a diequatorial
      substitution and with the CH(2)-C N groups oriented nearly parallel and in the
      same direction [NC-CH(2)?CH(2)-CN pseudo torsion angle = -6.27 (18) degrees ]. In
      the crystal, inter-molecular C-H? N hydrogen bonds connects the mol-ecules into a
      chain along the b axis.

PMID- 22065713
TI  - {4-[(2,4-Dichloro-benzo-yloxy)meth-yl]-1-phenyl-1H-1,2,3-triazol-5-yl}methyl 2,4
      dichloro-benzoate.
AB  - In the title molecule, C(24)H(15)Cl(4)N(3)O(4), the triazole ring makes dihedral
      angles of 72.02 (12), 81.60 (12) and 73.82 (11) degrees , respectively, with the
      adjacent phenyl ring and the two dichloro-benzene rings. In the crystal, a weak C
      H?N inter-action, a short Cl?Cl contact [3.307 (2) A] and a pi-pi stacking inter
      action [centroid-centroid distance = 3.568 (4) A] are observed. An intra
      molecular C-H?O inter-action is also present.

PMID- 22065714
TI  - 2-(3H-1,3-Benzothia-zol-2-yl-idene)-propane-dial.
AB  - In the title compound, C(10)H(7)NO(2)S, the dihedral angle between the
      benzimidazole and malonaldehyde group is 1.41 (2) degrees . An intra-molecular
      hydrogen bond is formed between the NH group and one of the adjacent carbonyl O
      atoms. In addition, the NH group forms an inter-molecular hydrogen bond to a
      symmetry equivalent of this carbonyl O atom, connecting the mol-ecules into
      centrosymmetric dimers. The structure also contains C-H?O inter-molecular inter
      actions.

PMID- 22065715
TI  - (2-Benzoyl-phen-yl)(2-meth-oxy-1-naphth-yl)methanone.
AB  - In the title compound C(25)H(18)O(3), the central benzene ring forms dihedral
      angles of 87.4 (5) and 85.4 (4) degrees  with the phenyl ring and the naphthalene
      ring system, respectively. The carbonyl O atoms deviate significantly from the
      phenyl ring and the meth-oxy-substituted naphthalene ring system [by 0.508 (1)
      and 0.821 (1) A, respectively]. The crystal packing is stabilized by C-H?O
      hydrogen bonds, which generate C(6) chains, and C-H?pi inter-actions.

PMID- 22065716
TI  - 1-Azido-N'-(phenylsulfonyl)methan-imid-amide.
AB  - In the title compound, C(7)H(7)N(5)O(2)S, the aromatic ring is oriented at
      dihedral angles of 79.46 (2) and 89.17 (2) degrees , respectively, with respect
      to the amino-(azido)-methyl and the S(6) six-membered ring motif generated by an
      intra-molecular N-H?O inter-action [N?O = 2.8901 (15) A]. Inter-molecular N-H?O
      hydrogen bonds [N?O = 2.9177 (15) and 2.9757 (15) A] generate an infinite one
      dimensional network along the base vector (010).

PMID- 22065717
TI  - (2,4-Dihy-droxy-6-meth-oxy-phen-yl)(3,5-dihy-droxy-phen-yl)methanone monohydrate.
AB  - The title benzophenone compound, C(14)H(12)O(6).H(2)O, was isolated from the bark
      of Garcinia hombroniana Pierre (Guttiferae). The mol-ecule is twisted, the
      dihedral angle between the two benzene rings being 59.13 (7) degrees . The meth
      oxy group is approximately coplanar with the attached benzene ring, with a C-O-C
      C torsion angle of 1.91 (18) degrees . The water mol-ecule is disordered over two
      positions in a 0.555 (19):0.445 (19) ratio. An intra-molecular O-H?O hydrogen
      bond generates an S(6) ring motif. The crystal structure is stabilized by inter
      molecular O-H?O hydrogen bonds. These inter-actions link the mol-ecules into
      sheets parallel to the ac plane. The sheets are stacked along the b axis by pi-pi
      inter-actions, with centroid-centroid distances of 3.6219 (7) A. A weak O-H?pi
      inter-action was also noted.

PMID- 22065718
TI  - {meso-Tetra-kis[p-(hept-yloxy)phen-yl]-porphyrinato}silver(II).
AB  - The title compound, [Ag(C(72)H(84)N(4)O(4))], crystallizes with the Ag(II) cation
      on a centre of symmetry. The macrocyclic 24-membered ring core is planar with a
      mean deviation of 0.0311 (15) A and the four-coordinate Ag(II) cation fits into
      its center, at 2.0814 (19) and 2.0872 (19) A, from the surrounding pyrrole-N
      atoms, in agreement with what is found in related compounds. The p-heptyl
      oxyphenyl groups are rotated 75.51 (5) and 84.45 (8) degrees  with respect to the
      porphyrin mean plane, due to steric hindrance with the pyrrole-H atoms of the
      macrocycle.

PMID- 22065719
TI  - N-Benzyl-5-(dimethyl-amino)-naphthalene-1-sulfonamide.
AB  - The structure of the title compound, C(19)H(20)N(2)O(2)S, displays inter
      molecular N-H?O hydrogen bonding, which generates inversion dimers. There is no
      pi-pi stacking in the crystal structure. The dihedral angle between the phenyl
      ring and naphthalene ring system is 59.16 (11) degrees .

PMID- 22065720
TI  - Activated STAT5 promotes long-lived cytotoxic CD8+ T cells that induce regression
      of autochthonous melanoma.
AB  - Immunotherapy based on adoptive transfer of tumor antigen-specific CD8(+) T cell
      (TC) is generally limited by poor in vivo expansion and tumor infiltration. In
      this study, we report that activated STAT5 transcription factors (STAT5CA) confer
      high efficiency on CD8(+) effector T cells (eTC) for host colonization after
      adoptive transfer. Engineered expression of STAT5CA in antigen-experienced TCs
      with poor replicative potential was also sufficient to convert them into long
      lived antigen-responsive eTCs. In transplanted mastocytoma- or melanoma-bearing
      hosts, STAT5CA greatly enhanced the ability of eTCs to accumulate in tumors,
      become activated by tumor antigens, and to express the cytolytic factor granzyme
      B. Taken together, these properties contributed to an increase in tumor
      regression by STAT5CA-transduced, as compared with untransduced, TCs including
      when the latter control cells were combined with infusion of interleukin (IL)
      2/anti-IL-2 complexes. In tumors arising in the autochthonous TiRP transgenic
      model of melanoma associated with systemic chronic inflammation, endogenous
      CD8(+) TCs were nonfunctional. In this setting, adoptive transfer of STAT5CA
      transduced TCs produced superior antitumor effects compared with nontransduced
      TCs. Our findings imply that STAT5CA expression can render TCs resistant to the
      immunosuppressive environment of melanoma tumors, enhancing their ability to home
      to tumors and to maintain high granzyme B expression, as well as their capacity
      to stimulate granzyme B expression in endogenous TCs.

PMID- 22065721
TI  - Use of multifunctional sigma-2 receptor ligand conjugates to trigger cancer
      selective cell death signaling.
AB  - One major challenge in the development of cancer therapeutics is the selective
      delivery of the drugs to their cellular targets. In the case of pancreatic
      cancer, the sigma-2 receptor is a unique target that triggers apoptosis upon
      activation. We have previously developed a series of chemical compounds with high
      affinity for the sigma-2 receptor and showed rapid internalization of the
      ligands. One particular specific ligand of the sigma-2 receptor, SV119, binds to
      pancreatic cancer cells and induces target cell death in vitro and in vivo. In
      this study, we characterized the ability of SV119 to selectively deliver other
      death-inducing cargos to augment the cytotoxic properties of SV119 itself. When
      conjugated to SV119, small molecules that are known to interfere with
      intracellular prosurvival pathways retained their ability to induce cell death,
      the efficiency of which was enhanced by the combinatorial effect of SV119
      delivered with its small molecule cargo. Our findings define a simple platform
      technology to increase the tumor-selective delivery of small molecule
      therapeutics via sigma-2 ligands, permitting chemotherapeutic synergy that can
      optimize efficacy and patient benefit.

PMID- 22065722
TI  - A dynamic inflammatory cytokine network in the human ovarian cancer
      microenvironment.
AB  - Constitutive production of inflammatory cytokines is a characteristic of many
      human malignant cell lines; however, the in vitro and in vivo interdependence of
      these cytokines, and their significance to the human cancer microenvironment, are
      both poorly understood. Here, we describe for the first time how three key
      cytokine/chemokine mediators of cancer-related inflammation, TNF, CXCL12, and
      interleukin 6, are involved in an autocrine cytokine network, the "TNF network,"
      in human ovarian cancer. We show that this network has paracrine actions on
      angiogenesis, infiltration of myeloid cells, and NOTCH signaling in both murine
      xenografts and human ovarian tumor biopsies. Neutralizing antibodies or siRNA to
      individual members of this TNF network reduced angiogenesis, myeloid cell
      infiltration, and experimental peritoneal ovarian tumor growth. The dependency of
      network genes on TNF was shown by their downregulation in tumor cells from
      patients with advanced ovarian cancer following the infusion of anti-TNF
      antibodies. Together, the findings define a network of inflammatory cytokine
      interactions that are crucial to tumor growth and validate this network as a key
      therapeutic target in ovarian cancer.

PMID- 22065723
TI  - Dichloridotetra-kis-(diniconazole)cobalt(II).
AB  - In the crystal structure of the title compound,
      [CoCl(2)(C(15)H(17)Cl(2)N(3)O)(4)], the Co(II) cation lies on an inversion center
      and has a slightly distorted octa-hedral coordination geometry. The equatorial
      positions are occupied by four N atoms from four diniconazole [systematic name:
      (E)-(RS)-1-(2,4-dichloro-phen-yl)-4,4-dimethyl-2-(1H-1,2,4-triazol-1-yl)pent-1-en
      3-ol] ligands. The axial sites are occupied by two Cl(-) anions. In the two
      independent organic ligands, the triazole ring is oriented at dihedral angles of
      18.28 (14) and 32.15 (14) degrees  with respect to the dichloro-phenyl ring.
      Inter-molecular O-H?Cl hydrogen bonds consolidate the crystal packing.

PMID- 22065724
TI  - 2-(1,3-Benzoxazol-2-yl)-1-phenyl-ethenyl benzoate.
AB  - In the title mol-ecule, C(22)H(15)NO(3), the configuration about the ethyl-enic
      double bond is Z configuration and it is approximately coplanar with the adjacent
      phenyl ring and benzoxazole ring system as indicated by the C(H)=C(O)-C(phen-yl)
      C(phen-yl) and O(benzoxazole)-C-C(H)=C(O) torsion angles of 179.88 (15) and 5.7
      (2) degrees , respectively. The dihedral angle between the essentially planar
      (r.m.s. deviation = 0.080 A) 2-(1,3-benzoxazol-2-yl)-1-phenyl-ethenyl group and
      the benzoate phenyl ring is 61.51 (6) degrees . A short intra-molecular O?O non
      bonded inter-action of 2.651 (2) A is present.

PMID- 22065725
TI  - Cyclo-hex-yl(meth-yl)ammonium {bis-[cyclo-hex-yl(meth-yl)amino]-phosphor-yl}(4
      methyl-phenyl-sulfon-yl)aza-nide.
AB  - In the anion of the title salt, C(7)H(16)N(+).C(21)H(35)N(3)O(3)PS(-), the P and
      S atoms are both in distorted tetra-hedral environments and the angles at the
      tertiary N atoms confirm their sp(2) character. The two S=O groups are in syn and
      gauche conformations with respect to the phosphoryl group. In the crystal, N
      H?O(=S) and N-H?O(=P) hydrogen bonds involving two anions and two cations form a
      centrosymmetric four-component cluster.

PMID- 22065726
TI  - 5-(Biphenyl-4-yl)-3-(3-meth-oxy-benzyl-idene)furan-2(3H)-one.
AB  - In the title compound, C(24)H(18)O(3), the dihedral angles between the mean
      planes of the five-membered furan ring and the meth-oxy-substituted benzene and
      the adjacent and outer biphenyl benzene rings are 2.43 (7), 4.48 (7) and 30.47
      (8) degrees , respectively. The crystal packing is stabilized by weak C-H?O and C
      H?pi inter-molecular hydrogen bonds and pi-pi stacking inter-actions [centroid
      centroid distances = 3.8752 (8) and 3.8331 (8) A].

PMID- 22065727
TI  - A clinical and follow up study of atypical psychoses.
AB  - Twenty-two cases who fulfilled the criteria of having atypical manifestation at
      any stage of illness and had minimum follow up of three years were studied in
      detail. Their family history and follow up was analysed. The findings of the
      present study suggest that the cases showing admixture of schizophrenic and
      affective symptoms are probably a variant of affective disorders although a
      possibility of their being a third independent psychosis cannot be ruled out.

PMID- 22065728
TI  - 3,4,5-Trihy-droxy-benzohydrazide.
AB  - In the title compound, C(7)H(8)N(2)O(4), the dihedral angle between the aromatic
      ring and the hydrazide grouping is 21.34 (7) degrees . In the crystal, the mol
      ecules are linked into a three-dimensional network by O-H?O, O-H?N and N-H?O
      hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22065729
TI  - 6-Methyl-nicotinic acid.
AB  - All non-H atoms of the title compound, C(7)H(7)NO(2), are nearly coplaner, the
      r.m.s. deviation being 0.0087 A. In the crystal, the partially overlapped
      arrangement and the face-to-face distance of 3.466 (17) A between parallel
      pyridine rings of neighboring mol-ecules indicates the existence of pi-pi
      stacking. Inter-molecular O-H?N hydrogen bonding and weak C-H?O hydrogen bonding
      are present in the crystal structure.

PMID- 22065730
TI  - Cerebral abscess following adenotonsillectomy: a rare complication.
AB  - In the present paper, we report an extremely rare case of a 4-year-old girl who
      developed a frontal lobe intracerebral abscess following adenotonsillectomy. This
      was diagnosed by computerised tomography at scan 21 days post-tonsillectomy when
      she presented with bilateral sixth nerve palsies. We believe that intracranial
      complications should be considered in any patient who present with headache or
      vomiting following tonsil surgery, especially if the patient has a spiking
      pyrexia.

PMID- 22065731
TI  - N'-[(1E)-(2-Hy-droxy-naphthalen-1-yl)methyl-idene]-2-meth-oxy-benzohydrazide.
AB  - There are three independent mol-ecules in the asymmetric unit of the title
      compound, C(19)H(16)N(2)O(3), in which the dihedral angles between the
      naphthalene ring system and the benzene ring are 7.52 (16), 18.15 (18), and 13.9
      (2) degrees . All the mol-ecules exist in the trans configuration with respect to
      the methyl-idene units. In each mol-ecule there is one O-H?N and one N-H?O intra
      molecular hydrogen bond. In the crystal, two of the mol-ecules are linked via a
      bifurcated N-H?(O,O) hydrogen bond. All three mol-ecules are further linked via C
      H?O inter-actions.

PMID- 22065732
TI  - Leptin promotes the mobilization of vascular progenitor cells and
      neovascularization by NOX2-mediated activation of MMP9.
AB  - AIMS: Bone marrow (BM) progenitors participate in new vessel formation and
      endothelial repair. The leptin receptor (ObR) is expressed on hematopoietic
      cells; however, the effects of leptin on BM progenitor cells and their angiogenic
      potential are unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS: In the present study, we show that
      the short-term administration of leptin (over five consecutive days) into wild
      type mice increased the number of circulating, BM-derived sca-1(+), flk-1(+)
      vascular progenitors, 95 +/- 1.7% of which also expressed ObR. Ex vivo
      stimulation of BM cells with leptin enhanced the expression of NADPH oxidase
      isoform 2 (NOX2), and the leptin-induced increase in reactive oxygen species
      production, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) expression and circulating soluble
      KitL levels was absent in mice lacking NOX2. Furthermore, intraperitoneal
      injections of leptin improved perfusion and increased the number of BM-derived,
      CD31-positive endothelial cells in ischaemic hindlimbs after femoral artery
      ligation. The effects of leptin on the mobilization of sca-1(+), flk-1(+) cells
      and neovascularization were abolished in mice transplanted with BM from ObR
      deficient and in NOX2(-/-) mice. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that the
      angiogenic effects of leptin involve sca-1(+), flk-1(+) vascular progenitor cells
      mobilized from the BM in response to ObR-mediated activation of NOX2, increased
      MMP9 expression, and sKitL release.

PMID- 22065733
TI  - MicroRNA and vascular remodelling in acute vascular injury and pulmonary vascular
      remodelling.
AB  - Vascular remodelling is an integral pathological process central to a number of
      cardiovascular diseases. The complex interplay between distinct cell populations
      in the vessel wall following vascular injury leads to inflammation, cellular
      dysfunction, pro-growth signals in the smooth muscle cell (SMC) compartment, and
      the acquisition of a synthetic phenotype. Although the signals for vascular
      remodelling are diverse in different pathological contexts, SMC proliferation and
      migration are consistently observed. It is therefore critical to elucidate key
      mechanisms central to these processes. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding
      sequences of RNA that have the capacity to regulate many genes, pathways, and
      complex biological networks within cells, acting either alone or in concert with
      one another. In diseases such as cancer and cardiac disease, the role of miRNA in
      disease pathogenesis has been documented in detail. In contrast, despite a great
      deal of interest in miRNA, relatively few studies have directly assessed the role
      of miRNA in vascular remodelling. The potential for modulation of miRNA to
      achieve therapeutic benefits in this setting is attractive. Here, we focus on the
      role of miRNA in vascular inflammation and remodelling associated with acute
      vascular injury (vein graft disease, angioplasty restenosis, and in-stent
      restenosis) as well as in vascular remodelling associated with the development of
      pulmonary arterial hypertension.

PMID- 22065735
TI  - Bromocriptine or cabergoline-induced cerebrospinal fluid rhinorrhea: A life
      threatening complication during management of prolactinoma.

PMID- 22065734
TI  - Role of microRNAs in diabetes and its cardiovascular complications.
AB  - Diabetes is the most common metabolic disorder and is recognized as one of the
      most important health threats of our time. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a novel group
      of non-coding small RNAs that have been implicated in a variety of physiological
      processes, including glucose homeostasis. Recent research has suggested that
      miRNAs play a critical role in the pathogenesis of diabetes and its related
      cardiovascular complications. This review focuses on the aberrant expression of
      miRNAs in diabetes and examines their role in the pathogenesis of endothelial
      dysfunction, cardiovascular disease, and diabetic retinopathy. Furthermore, we
      discuss the potential role of miRNAs as blood biomarkers and examine the
      potential of therapeutic interventions targeting miRNAs in diabetes.

PMID- 22065736
TI  - N-(Prop-2-yn-1-yl)-1,3-benzothia-zol-2-amine.
AB  - In the title compound, C(10)H(8)N(2)S, the 2-amino-benzothia-zole and propyne
      groups are not coplanar [dihedral angle = 71.51 (1) degrees ]. The crystal
      structure is stabilized by strong inter-molecular N-H?N hydrogen bonds and C-H?C,
      C-H?pi and F-type aromatic-aromatic [centroid-centroid distance = 3.7826 (12) A]
      inter-actions are also observed.

PMID- 22065737
TI  - Glycogen synthase kinase (GSK)-3 promotes p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase
      (p70S6K) activity and cell proliferation.
AB  - The p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1 (S6K1) plays a key role in cell growth and
      proliferation by regulating insulin sensitivity, metabolism, protein synthesis,
      and cell cycle. Thus, deregulation of S6K contributes to the progression of type
      2 diabetes, obesity, aging, and cancer. Considering the biological and clinical
      importance of S6K1, a complete understanding of its regulation is critical. One
      of the key motifs in the activation of S6K1 is a turn motif, but its regulation
      is not well understood. Here we provide evidence for two mechanisms of modulating
      turn motif phosphorylation and S6K1 activity. First, mammalian target of
      rapamycin regulates turn motif phosphorylation by inhibiting its
      dephosphorylation. Second, we unexpectedly found that glycogen synthase kinase
      (GSK)-3 promotes turn motif phosphorylation. Our studies show that mammalian
      target of rapamycin and GSK-3 cooperate to control the activity of S6K1, an
      important regulator of cell proliferation and growth. Our unexpected results
      provide a clear rationale for the development and use of drugs targeting GSK-3 to
      treat diseases such as diabetes, cancer, and age-related diseases that are linked
      to improper regulation of S6K1.

PMID- 22065738
TI  - Impaired lymphatic contraction associated with immunosuppression.
AB  - To trigger an effective immune response, antigen and antigen-presenting cells
      travel to the lymph nodes via collecting lymphatic vessels. However, our
      understanding of the regulation of collecting lymphatic vessel function and lymph
      transport is limited. To dissect the molecular control of lymphatic function, we
      developed a unique mouse model that allows intravital imaging of autonomous
      lymphatic vessel contraction. Using this method, we demonstrated that endothelial
      nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) in lymphatic endothelial cells is required for
      robust lymphatic contractions under physiological conditions. By contrast, under
      inflammatory conditions, inducible NOS (iNOS)-expressing CD11b(+)Gr-1(+) cells
      attenuate lymphatic contraction. This inhibition of lymphatic contraction was
      associated with a reduction in the response to antigen in a model of immune
      induced multiple sclerosis. These results suggest the suppression of lymphatic
      function by the CD11b(+)Gr-1(+) cells as a potential mechanism of self-protection
      from autoreactive responses during on-going inflammation. The central role for
      nitric oxide also suggests that other diseases such as cancer and infection may
      also mediate lymphatic contraction and thus immune response. Our unique method
      allows the study of lymphatic function and its molecular regulation during
      inflammation, lymphedema, and lymphatic metastasis.

PMID- 22065739
TI  - Anthropogenic fire drives the evolution of seed traits.
AB  - Fire is a major disturbance affecting ecosystems worldwide. Phylogenetic studies
      have shown that the evolution of seed persistence (fire resistance) is associated
      with fire frequency or severity. However, the existence of specific seed traits
      resulting from natural selection mediated by fire remains a key question in plant
      evolution. We evaluated the role of fire in the evolution of seed traits from a
      microevolutionary perspective, using as a study system a native forb from the
      Chilean matorral, where fire is a novel, anthropogenic disturbance. We show that
      anthropogenic fires are shaping the evolution of seed traits such as pubescence
      and shape. Among-population variation in seed pubescence, shape, and pericarp
      thickness was strongly associated with fire frequency, and within a population,
      fire selected those plants with more pubescent seeds, thicker pericarps, and less
      rounded seeds. Seed pubescence and shape were shown to be heritable traits. Our
      findings provide insights into the understanding of the evolution of seed traits
      in fire-prone environments and demonstrate that human-made fires can be driving
      evolutionary changes in plant species from ecosystems where fires do not occur
      naturally.

PMID- 22065740
TI  - Role of type 2 deiodinase in response to acute lung injury (ALI) in mice.
AB  - Thyroid hormone (TH) metabolism, mediated by deiodinase types 1, 2, and 3 (D1,
      D2, and D3) is profoundly affected by acute illness. We examined the role of TH
      metabolism during ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) in mice. Mice exposed to
      VILI recapitulated the serum TH findings of acute illness, namely a decrease in
      3,5,3'-triiodothyronine (T(3)) and thyroid-stimulating hormone and an increase in
      reverse T(3). Both D2 immunoreactivity and D2 enzymatic activity were increased
      significantly. D1 and D3 activity did not change. Using D2 knockout (D2KO) mice,
      we determined whether the increase in D2 was an adaptive response. Although
      similar changes in serum TH levels were observed in D2KO and WT mice, D2KO mice
      exhibited greater susceptibility to VILI than WT mice, as evidenced by poorer
      alveoli integrity and quantified by lung chemokine and cytokine mRNA induction.
      These data suggest that an increase in lung D2 is protective against VILI.
      Similar findings of increased inflammatory markers were found in hypothyroid WT
      mice exposed to VILI compared with euthyroid mice, indicating that the lungs were
      functionally hypothyroid. Treatment of D2KO mice with T(3) reversed many of the
      lung chemokine and cytokine profiles seen in response to VILI, demonstrating a
      role for T(3) in the treatment of lung injury. We conclude that TH metabolism in
      the lung is linked to the response to inflammatory injury and speculate that D2
      exerts its protective effect by making more TH available to the injured lung
      tissue.

PMID- 22065741
TI  - Endonuclease VIII-like 3 (Neil3) DNA glycosylase promotes neurogenesis induced by
      hypoxia-ischemia.
AB  - Neural stem/progenitor cell proliferation and differentiation are required to
      replace damaged neurons and regain brain function after hypoxic-ischemic events.
      DNA base lesions accumulating during hypoxic-ischemic stress are removed by DNA
      glycosylases in the base-excision repair pathway to prevent cytotoxicity and
      mutagenesis. Expression of the DNA glycosylase endonuclease VIII-like 3 (Neil3)
      is confined to regenerative subregions in the embryonic and perinatal brains.
      Here we show profound neuropathology in Neil3-knockout mice characterized by a
      reduced number of microglia and loss of proliferating neuronal progenitors in the
      striatum after hypoxia-ischemia. In vitro expansion of Neil3-deficient neural
      stem/progenitor cells revealed an inability to augment neurogenesis and a reduced
      capacity to repair for oxidative base lesions in single-stranded DNA. We propose
      that Neil3 exercises a highly specialized function through accurate molecular
      repair of DNA in rapidly proliferating cells.

PMID- 22065742
TI  - HSV-1 gene expression from reactivated ganglia is disordered and concurrent with
      suppression of latency-associated transcript and miRNAs.
AB  - In cell cultures, HSV-1 replication is initiated by recruitment by virion protein
      16 of transcriptional factors and histone-modifying enzymes to immediate early
      (alpha) gene promoters. HSV establishes latent infections characterized by
      suppression of viral gene expression except for latency-associated transcripts
      (LATs) and miRNAs. The latent virus reactivates in stressed neurons. A
      fundamental question is how reactivation initiates in the absence of virion
      protein 16. We report the following findings in the ganglion explant model. (i)
      Anti-nerve growth factor antibody accelerated the reactivation of latent virus.
      Viral mRNAs were detected as early as 9 h after explantation. (ii) After
      explantation the amounts of viral mRNAs increased whereas amounts of miRNAs and
      LATs decreased. The decrease in miRNAs and LATs required ongoing protein
      synthesis, raising the possibility that LAT and miRNAs were degraded by a viral
      gene product. (iii) The expression of viral genes in explanted ganglia was
      disordered rather than sequentially ordered as in infected cells in culture.
      These findings suggest that in reactivating ganglia gene expression is totally
      derepressed and challenge the current models in that establishment of or exit
      from latency could not be dependent on the suppression or activation of single or
      small clusters of viral genes. Finally, miRNAs and LATs reached peak levels 9-11
      d after corneal inoculation, thus approximating the pattern of virus replication
      in these ganglia. These findings suggest that the patterns of accumulation of
      LATs and miRNAs reflect many different stages in the infection of neurons.

PMID- 22065743
TI  - Phytoplasma protein effector SAP11 enhances insect vector reproduction by
      manipulating plant development and defense hormone biosynthesis.
AB  - Phytoplasmas are insect-transmitted phytopathogenic bacteria that can alter plant
      morphology and the longevity and reproduction rates and behavior of their insect
      vectors. There are various examples of animal and plant parasites that alter the
      host phenotype to attract insect vectors, but it is unclear how these parasites
      accomplish this. We hypothesized that phytoplasmas produce effectors that
      modulate specific targets in their hosts leading to the changes in plant
      development and insect performance. Previously, we sequenced and mined the genome
      of Aster Yellows phytoplasma strain Witches' Broom (AY-WB) and identified 56
      candidate effectors. Here, we report that the secreted AY-WB protein 11 (SAP11)
      effector modulates plant defense responses to the advantage of the AY-WB insect
      vector Macrosteles quadrilineatus. SAP11 binds and destabilizes Arabidopsis
      CINCINNATA (CIN)-related TEOSINTE BRANCHED1, CYCLOIDEA, PROLIFERATING CELL
      FACTORS 1 and 2 (TCP) transcription factors, which control plant development and
      promote the expression of lipoxygenase (LOX) genes involved in jasmonate (JA)
      synthesis. Both the Arabidopsis SAP11 lines and AY-WB-infected plants produce
      less JA on wounding. Furthermore, the AY-WB insect vector produces more offspring
      on AY-WB-infected plants, SAP11 transgenic lines, and plants impaired in CIN-TCP
      and JA synthesis. Thus, SAP11-mediated destabilization of CIN-TCPs leads to the
      down-regulation of LOX2 expression and JA synthesis and an increase in M.
      quadrilineatus progeny. Phytoplasmas are obligate inhabitants of their plant host
      and insect vectors, in which the latter transmits AY-WB to a diverse range of
      plant species. This finding demonstrates that pathogen effectors can reach beyond
      the pathogen-host interface to modulate a third organism in the biological
      interaction.

PMID- 22065744
TI  - Lower specific infectivity of protease-resistant prion protein generated in cell
      free reactions.
AB  - Prions are unconventional infectious agents that cause transmissible spongiform
      encephalopathy (TSE) diseases, or prion diseases. The biochemical nature of the
      prion infectious agent remains unclear. Previously, using a protein misfolding
      cyclic amplification (PMCA) reaction, infectivity and disease-associated protease
      resistant prion protein (PrPres) were both generated under cell-free conditions,
      which supported a nonviral hypothesis for the agent. However, these studies
      lacked comparative quantitation of both infectivity titers and PrPres, which is
      important both for biological comparison with in vivo-derived infectivity and for
      excluding contamination to explain the results. Here during four to eight rounds
      of PMCA, end-point dilution titrations detected a >320-fold increase in
      infectivity versus that in controls. These results provide strong support for the
      hypothesis that the agent of prion infectivity is not a virus. PMCA-generated
      samples caused the same clinical disease and neuropathology with the same rapid
      incubation period as the input brain-derived scrapie samples, providing no
      evidence for generation of a new strain in PMCA. However, the ratio of the
      infectivity titer to the amount of PrPres (specific infectivity) was much lower
      in PMCA versus brain-derived samples, suggesting the possibility that a
      substantial portion of PrPres generated in PMCA might be noninfectious.

PMID- 22065745
TI  - Nanoparticle-mediated signaling endosome localization regulates growth cone
      motility and neurite growth.
AB  - Understanding neurite growth regulation remains a seminal problem in
      neurobiology. During development and regeneration, neurite growth is modulated by
      neurotrophin-activated signaling endosomes that transmit regulatory signals
      between soma and growth cones. After injury, delivering neurotrophic therapeutics
      to injured neurons is limited by our understanding of how signaling endosome
      localization in the growth cone affects neurite growth. Nanobiotechnology is
      providing new tools to answer previously inaccessible questions. Here, we show
      superparamagnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) functionalized with TrkB agonist
      antibodies are endocytosed into signaling endosomes by primary neurons that
      activate TrkB-dependent signaling, gene expression and promote neurite growth.
      These MNP signaling endosomes are trafficked into nascent and existing neurites
      and transported between somas and growth cones in vitro and in vivo. Manipulating
      MNP-signaling endosomes by a focal magnetic field alters growth cone motility and
      halts neurite growth in both peripheral and central nervous system neurons,
      demonstrating signaling endosome localization in the growth cone regulates
      motility and neurite growth. These data suggest functionalized MNPs may be used
      as a platform to study subcellular organelle localization and to deliver
      nanotherapeutics to treat injury or disease in the central nervous system.

PMID- 22065747
TI  - Conserved metabolic energy production pathways govern Eiger/TNF-induced
      nonapoptotic cell death.
AB  - Caspase-independent cell death is known to be important in physiological and
      pathological conditions, but its molecular regulation is not well-understood.
      Eiger is the sole fly ortholog of TNF. The ectopic expression of Eiger in the
      developing eye primordium caused JNK-dependent but caspase-independent cell
      death. To understand the molecular basis of this Eiger-induced nonapoptotic cell
      death, we performed a large-scale genetic screen in Drosophila for suppressors of
      the Eiger-induced cell death phenotype. We found that molecules that regulate
      metabolic energy production are central to this form of cell death: it was
      dramatically suppressed by decreased levels of molecules that regulate cytosolic
      glycolysis, mitochondrial beta-oxidation of fatty acids, the tricarboxylic acid
      cycle, and the electron transport chain. Importantly, reducing the expression of
      energy production-related genes did not affect the cell death triggered by
      proapoptotic genes, such as reaper, hid, or debcl, indicating that the energy
      production-related genes have a specific role in Eiger-induced nonapoptotic cell
      death. We also found that energy production-related genes regulate the Eiger
      induced cell death downstream of JNK. In addition, Eiger induced the production
      of reactive oxygen species in a manner dependent on energy production-related
      genes. Furthermore, we showed that this cell death machinery is involved in
      Eiger's physiological function, because decreasing the energy production-related
      genes suppressed Eiger-dependent tumor suppression, an intrinsic mechanism for
      removing tumorigenic mutant clones from epithelia by inducing cell death. This
      result suggests a link between sensitivity to cell death and metabolic activity
      in cancer.

PMID- 22065748
TI  - Metabolic cycling without cell division cycling in respiring yeast.
AB  - Despite rapid progress in characterizing the yeast metabolic cycle, its
      connection to the cell division cycle (CDC) has remained unclear. We discovered
      that a prototrophic batch culture of budding yeast, growing in a phosphate
      limited ethanol medium, synchronizes spontaneously and goes through multiple
      metabolic cycles, whereas the fraction of cells in the G1/G0 phase of the CDC
      increases monotonically from 90 to 99%. This demonstrates that metabolic cycling
      does not require cell division cycling and that metabolic synchrony does not
      require carbon-source limitation. More than 3,000 genes, including most genes
      annotated to the CDC, were expressed periodically in our batch culture, albeit a
      mere 10% of the cells divided asynchronously; only a smaller subset of CDC genes
      correlated with cell division. These results suggest that the yeast metabolic
      cycle reflects a growth cycle during G1/G0 and explains our previous puzzling
      observation that genes annotated to the CDC increase in expression at slow
      growth.

PMID- 22065749
TI  - Genomic dissection of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/PI3K pathway
      reveals frequent deletion of the EGFR phosphatase PTPRS in head and neck cancers.
AB  - Activation of the PI3K and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) pathway is
      able to drive oncogenesis in multiple human cancers, including head and neck
      squamous cell carcinoma. Targeted agents such as cetuximab and erlotinib are
      currently used in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, but, in
      this disease, the genomic alterations that cause pathway activation and determine
      response to pharmacologic inhibition remain ill-defined. Here, we present a
      detailed dissection of the EGFR/PI3K pathway, composed of sequencing of the core
      pathway components, and high-resolution genomic copy number assessment. Mutations
      were found in PIK3CA (6%), but no point mutations were observed in other pathway
      genes such as PTEN and EGFR. In contrast, we observed frequent copy number
      alterations of genes in the pathway, including PIK3CA, EGFR, protein tyrosine
      phosphatase receptor S (PTPRS), and RICTOR. In total, activating genetic pathway
      alterations were identified in 74% of head and neck tumors. Importantly,
      intragenic microdeletions of the EGFR phosphatase PTPRS were frequent (26%),
      identifying this gene as a target of 19p13 loss. PTPRS loss promoted EGFR/PI3K
      pathway activation, modulated resistance to EGFR inhibition, and strongly
      determined survival in lung cancer patients with activating EGFR mutations. These
      findings have important implications for our understanding of head and neck
      cancer tumorigenesis and for the use of targeted agents for this malignancy.

PMID- 22065750
TI  - Sulfanyl stabilization of copper-bonded phenoxyls in model complexes and
      galactose oxidase.
AB  - Integrating sulfanyl substituents into copper-bonded phenoxyls significantly
      alters their optical and redox properties and provides insight into the influence
      of cysteine modification of the tyrosine cofactor in the enzyme galactose
      oxidase. The model complexes [1(SR2)](+) are class II mixed-valent Cu(II)
      phenoxyl-phenolate species that exhibit intervalence charge transfer bands and
      intense visible sulfur-aryl pi -> pi* transitions in the energy range, which
      provides a greater spectroscopic fidelity to oxidized galactose oxidase than non
      sulfur-bearing analogs. The potentials for phenolate-based oxidations of the
      sulfanyl-substituted 1(SR2) are lower than the alkyl-substituted analogs by up to
      ca. 150 mV and decrease following the steric trend: -S(t)Bu > -S(i) Pr > -SMe.
      Density functional theory calculations suggest that reducing the steric demands
      of the sulfanyl substituent accommodates an in-plane conformation of the
      alkylsulfanyl group with the aromatic ring, which stabilizes the phenoxyl hole by
      ca. 8 kcal mol(-1) (1 kcal = 4.18 kJ; 350 mV) through delocalization onto the
      sulfur atom. Sulfur K-edge X-ray absorption spectroscopy clearly indicates a
      contribution of ca. 8-13% to the hole from the sulfur atoms in [1(SR2)](+). The
      electrochemical results for the model complexes corroborate the ca. 350 mV
      (density functional theory) contribution of hole delocalization on to the
      cysteine-tyrosine cross-link to the stability of the phenoxyl radical in the
      enzyme, while highlighting the importance of the in-plane conformation observed
      in all crystal structures of the enzyme.

PMID- 22065751
TI  - Influence of coastal vegetation on the 2004 tsunami wave impact in west Aceh.
AB  - In a tsunami event human casualties and infrastructure damage are determined
      predominantly by seaquake intensity and offshore properties. On land, wave energy
      is attenuated by gravitation (elevation) and friction (land cover). Tree belts
      have been promoted as "bioshields" against wave impact. However, given the lack
      of quantitative evidence of their performance in such extreme events, tree belts
      have been criticized for creating a false sense of security. This study used 180
      transects perpendicular to over 100 km on the west coast of Aceh, Indonesia to
      analyze the influence of coastal vegetation, particularly cultivated trees, on
      the impact of the 2004 tsunami. Satellite imagery; land cover maps; land use
      characteristics; stem diameter, height, and planting density; and a literature
      review were used to develop a land cover roughness coefficient accounting for the
      resistance offered by different land uses to the wave advance. Applying a spatial
      generalized linear mixed model, we found that while distance to coast was the
      dominant determinant of impact (casualties and infrastructure damage), the
      existing coastal vegetation in front of settlements also significantly reduced
      casualties by an average of 5%. In contrast, dense vegetation behind villages
      endangered human lives and increased structural damage. Debris carried by the
      backwash may have contributed to these dissimilar effects of land cover. For
      sustainable and effective coastal risk management, location of settlements is
      essential, while the protective potential of coastal vegetation, as determined by
      its spatial arrangement, should be regarded as an important livelihood provider
      rather than just as a bioshield.

PMID- 22065752
TI  - Time-resolved structural dynamics of thin metal films heated with femtosecond
      optical pulses.
AB  - We utilize 100 fs optical pulses to induce ultrafast disorder of 35- to 150-nm
      thick single Au(111) crystals and observe the subsequent structural evolution
      using 0.6-ps, 8.04-keV X-ray pulses. Monitoring the picosecond time-dependent
      modulation of the X-ray diffraction intensity, width, and shift, we have measured
      directly electron/phonon coupling, phonon/lattice interaction, and a histogram of
      the lattice disorder evolution, such as lattice breath due to a pressure wave
      propagating at sonic velocity, lattice melting, and recrystallization, including
      mosaic formation. Results of theoretical simulations agree and support the
      experimental data of the lattice/liquid phase transition process. These time
      resolved X-ray diffraction data provide a detailed description of all the
      significant processes induced by ultrafast laser pulses impinging on thin
      metallic single crystals.

PMID- 22065753
TI  - Heat shock protein 70 kDa chaperone/DnaJ cochaperone complex employs an unusual
      dynamic interface.
AB  - The heat shock protein 70 kDa (Hsp70)/DnaJ/nucleotide exchange factor system
      assists in intracellular protein (re)folding. Using solution NMR, we obtained a
      three-dimensional structure for a 75-kDa Hsp70-DnaJ complex in the ADP state,
      loaded with substrate peptide. We establish that the J domain (residues 1-70)
      binds with its positively charged helix II to a negatively charged loop in the
      Hsp70 nucleotide-binding domain. The complex shows an unusual "tethered" binding
      mode which is stoichiometric and saturable, but which has a dynamic interface.
      The complex represents part of a triple complex of Hsp70 and DnaJ both bound to
      substrate protein. Mutagenesis data indicate that the interface is also of
      relevance for the interaction of Hsp70 and DnaJ in the ATP state. The solution
      complex is completely different from a crystal structure of a disulfide-linked
      complex of homologous proteins [Jiang, et al. (2007) Mol Cell 28:422-433].

PMID- 22065754
TI  - Copy number variation detection in whole-genome sequencing data using the
      Bayesian information criterion.
AB  - DNA copy number variations (CNVs) play an important role in the pathogenesis and
      progression of cancer and confer susceptibility to a variety of human disorders.
      Array comparative genomic hybridization has been used widely to identify CNVs
      genome wide, but the next-generation sequencing technology provides an
      opportunity to characterize CNVs genome wide with unprecedented resolution. In
      this study, we developed an algorithm to detect CNVs from whole-genome sequencing
      data and applied it to a newly sequenced glioblastoma genome with a matched
      control. This read-depth algorithm, called BIC-seq, can accurately and
      efficiently identify CNVs via minimizing the Bayesian information criterion.
      Using BIC-seq, we identified hundreds of CNVs as small as 40 bp in the cancer
      genome sequenced at 10* coverage, whereas we could only detect large CNVs (> 15
      kb) in the array comparative genomic hybridization profiles for the same genome.
      Eighty percent (14/16) of the small variants tested (110 bp to 14 kb) were
      experimentally validated by quantitative PCR, demonstrating high sensitivity and
      true positive rate of the algorithm. We also extended the algorithm to detect
      recurrent CNVs in multiple samples as well as deriving error bars for breakpoints
      using a Gibbs sampling approach. We propose this statistical approach as a
      principled yet practical and efficient method to estimate CNVs in whole-genome
      sequencing data.

PMID- 22065755
TI  - alpha-Synuclein fate is determined by USP9X-regulated monoubiquitination.
AB  - alpha-Synuclein is central to the pathogenesis of Parkinson disease (PD).
      Mutations as well as accumulation of alpha-synuclein promote the death of
      dopaminergic neurons and the formation of Lewy bodies. alpha-Synuclein is
      monoubiquitinated by SIAH, but the regulation and roles of monoubiquitination in
      alpha-synuclein biology are poorly understood. We now report that the
      deubiquitinase USP9X interacts in vivo with and deubiquitinates alpha-synuclein.
      USP9X levels are significantly lower in cytosolic fractions of PD substantia
      nigra and Diffuse Lewy Body disease (DLBD) cortices compared to controls. This
      was associated to lower deubiquitinase activity toward monoubiquitinated alpha
      synuclein in DLBD cortical extracts. A fraction of USP9X seems to be aggregated
      in PD and DLBD, as USP9X immunoreactivity is detected in Lewy bodies. Knockdown
      of USP9X expression promotes accumulation of monoubiquitinated alpha-synuclein
      species and enhances the formation of toxic alpha-synuclein inclusions upon
      proteolytic inhibition. On the other hand, by manipulating USP9X expression
      levels in the absence of proteolytic impairment, we demonstrate that
      monoubiquitination controls the partition of alpha-synuclein between different
      protein degradation systems. Deubiquitinated alpha-synuclein is mostly degraded
      by autophagy, while monoubiquitinated alpha-synuclein is preferentially degraded
      by the proteasome. Moreover, monoubiquitination promotes the degradation of alpha
      synuclein, whereas deubiquitination leads to its accumulation, suggesting that
      the degradation of deubiquitinated alpha-synuclein by the autophagy pathway is
      less efficient than the proteasomal one. Lower levels of cytosolic USP9X and
      deubiquitinase activity in alpha-synucleinopathies may contribute to the
      accumulation and aggregation of monoubiquitinated alpha-synuclein in Lewy bodies.
      Our data indicate that monoubiquitination is a key determinant of alpha-synuclein
      fate.

PMID- 22065756
TI  - Terminal protein-primed amplification of heterologous DNA with a minimal
      replication system based on phage Phi29.
AB  - The DNA amplification performed by terminal protein-primed replication systems
      has not yet been developed for its general use to produce high amounts of DNA
      linked to terminal protein (TP). Here we present a method to amplify in vitro
      heterologous DNAs using the Phi29 DNA replication machinery and producing DNA
      with TP covalently attached to the 5' end. The amplification requires four Phi29
      proteins, DNA polymerase, TP, single-stranded DNA binding protein and double
      stranded DNA binding protein (p6). The DNA to be amplified is inserted between
      two sequences that are the Phi29 DNA replication origins, consisting of 191 and
      194 bp from the left and right ends of the phage genome, respectively. The
      replication origins do not need to have TP covalently attached beforehand to be
      functional in amplification and they can be joined to the DNA to be amplified by
      cloning or ligation. The facts that two functional origins were required at the
      ends of a linear template DNA and that the kinetics of DNA synthesis was very
      similar to that obtained using the TP-containing Phi29 genome as template support
      the proposal that genuine amplification is taking place. Amplification factors of
      30-fold have been obtained. Possible applications of DNAs produced by this method
      are discussed.

PMID- 22065757
TI  - Femtosecond dynamics coupled to chemical barrier crossing in a Born-Oppenheimer
      enzyme.
AB  - Contributions of fast (femtosecond) dynamic motion to barrier crossing at enzyme
      catalytic sites is in dispute. Human purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP) forms
      a ribocation-like transition state in the phosphorolysis of purine nucleosides
      and fast protein motions have been proposed to participate in barrier crossing.
      In the present study, (13)C-, (15)N-, (2)H-labeled human PNP (heavy PNP) was
      expressed, purified to homogeneity, and shown to exhibit a 9.9% increase in
      molecular mass relative to its unlabeled counterpart (light PNP). Kinetic isotope
      effects and steady-state kinetic parameters were indistinguishable for both
      enzymes, indicating that transition-state structure, equilibrium binding steps,
      and the rate of product release were not affected by increased protein mass.
      Single-turnover rate constants were slowed for heavy PNP, demonstrating reduced
      probability of chemical barrier crossing from enzyme-bound substrates to enzyme
      bound products. In a second, independent method to probe barrier crossing, heavy
      PNP exhibited decreased forward commitment factors, also revealing mass-dependent
      decreased probability for barrier crossing. Increased atomic mass in human PNP
      alters bond vibrational modes on the femtosecond time scale and reduces on-enzyme
      chemical barrier crossing. This study demonstrates coupling of enzymatic bond
      vibrations on the femtosecond time scale to barrier crossing.

PMID- 22065758
TI  - Insights regarding guanine nucleotide exchange from the structure of a DENN
      domain protein complexed with its Rab GTPase substrate.
AB  - Rab GTPases are key regulators of membrane traffic pathways within eukaryotic
      cells. They are specifically activated by guanine nucleotide exchange factors
      (GEFs), which convert them from their "inactive" GDP-bound form to the "active"
      GTP-bound form. In higher eukaryotes, proteins containing DENN-domains comprise a
      major GEF family. Here we describe at 2.1-A resolution the first structure of a
      DENN-domain protein, DENND1B-S, complexed with its substrate Rab35, providing
      novel insights as to how DENN-domain GEFs interact with and activate Rabs.
      DENND1B-S is bi-lobed, and interactions with Rab35 are through conserved surfaces
      in both lobes. Rab35 binds via switch regions I and II, around the nucleotide
      binding pocket. Positional shifts in Rab residues required for nucleotide binding
      may lower its affinity for bound GDP, and a conformational change in switch I,
      which makes the nucleotide-binding pocket more solvent accessible, likely also
      facilitates exchange.

PMID- 22065759
TI  - Inferring the rules of interaction of shoaling fish.
AB  - Collective motion, where large numbers of individuals move synchronously
      together, is achieved when individuals adopt interaction rules that determine how
      they respond to their neighbors' movements and positions. These rules determine
      how group-living animals move, make decisions, and transmit information between
      individuals. Nonetheless, few studies have explicitly determined these
      interaction rules in moving groups, and very little is known about the
      interaction rules of fish. Here, we identify three key rules for the social
      interactions of mosquitofish (Gambusia holbrooki): (i) Attraction forces are
      important in maintaining group cohesion, while we find only weak evidence that
      fish align with their neighbor's orientation; (ii) repulsion is mediated
      principally by changes in speed; (iii) although the positions and directions of
      all shoal members are highly correlated, individuals only respond to their single
      nearest neighbor. The last two of these rules are different from the classical
      models of collective animal motion, raising new questions about how fish and
      other animals self-organize on the move.

PMID- 22065760
TI  - Nanostructure of cellulose microfibrils in spruce wood.
AB  - The structure of cellulose microfibrils in wood is not known in detail, despite
      the abundance of cellulose in woody biomass and its importance for biology,
      energy, and engineering. The structure of the microfibrils of spruce wood
      cellulose was investigated using a range of spectroscopic methods coupled to
      small-angle neutron and wide-angle X-ray scattering. The scattering data were
      consistent with 24-chain microfibrils and favored a "rectangular" model with both
      hydrophobic and hydrophilic surfaces exposed. Disorder in chain packing and
      hydrogen bonding was shown to increase outwards from the microfibril center. The
      extent of disorder blurred the distinction between the I alpha and I beta
      allomorphs. Chains at the surface were distinct in conformation, with high levels
      of conformational disorder at C-6, less intramolecular hydrogen bonding and more
      outward-directed hydrogen bonding. Axial disorder could be explained in terms of
      twisting of the microfibrils, with implications for their biosynthesis.

PMID- 22065761
TI  - Evolution of D-lactate dehydrogenase activity from glycerol dehydrogenase and its
      utility for D-lactate production from lignocellulose.
AB  - Lactic acid, an attractive, renewable chemical for production of biobased
      plastics (polylactic acid, PLA), is currently commercially produced from food
      based sources of sugar. Pure optical isomers of lactate needed for PLA are
      typically produced by microbial fermentation of sugars at temperatures below 40 
      degrees C. Bacillus coagulans produces L(+)-lactate as a primary fermentation
      product and grows optimally at 50  degrees C and pH 5, conditions that are
      optimal for activity of commercial fungal cellulases. This strain was engineered
      to produce D(-)-lactate by deleting the native ldh (L-lactate dehydrogenase) and
      alsS (acetolactate synthase) genes to impede anaerobic growth, followed by growth
      based selection to isolate suppressor mutants that restored growth. One of these,
      strain QZ19, produced about 90 g L(-1) of optically pure D(-)-lactic acid from
      glucose in < 48 h. The new source of D-lactate dehydrogenase (D-LDH) activity was
      identified as a mutated form of glycerol dehydrogenase (GlyDH; D121N and F245S)
      that was produced at high levels as a result of a third mutation (insertion
      sequence). Although the native GlyDH had no detectable activity with pyruvate,
      the mutated GlyDH had a D-LDH specific activity of 0.8 MUmoles min(-1) (mg
      protein)(-1). By using QZ19 for simultaneous saccharification and fermentation of
      cellulose to D-lactate (50  degrees C and pH 5.0), the cellulase usage could be
      reduced to 1/3 that required for equivalent fermentations by mesophilic lactic
      acid bacteria. Together, the native B. coagulans and the QZ19 derivative can be
      used to produce either L(+) or D(-) optical isomers of lactic acid (respectively)
      at high titers and yields from nonfood carbohydrates.

PMID- 22065762
TI  - Niemann-Pick type C 1 function requires lumenal domain residues that mediate
      cholesterol-dependent NPC2 binding.
AB  - Niemann-Pick type C1 (NPC1) protein is needed for cellular utilization of low
      density lipoprotein-derived cholesterol that has been delivered to lysosomes. The
      protein has 13 transmembrane domains, three large lumenal domains, and a
      cytoplasmic tail. NPC1's lumenally oriented, N-terminal domain binds cholesterol
      and has been proposed to receive cholesterol from NPC2 protein as part of the
      process by which cholesterol is exported from lysosomes into the cytosol. Using
      surface plasmon resonance and affinity chromatography, we show here that the
      second lumenal domain of NPC1 binds directly to NPC2 protein. For these
      experiments, a soluble NPC1 lumenal domain 2 was engineered by replacing adjacent
      transmembrane domains with antiparallel coiled-coil sequences. Interaction of
      NPC2 with NPC1 lumenal domain 2 is only detected at acidic pH, conditions that
      are optimal for cholesterol binding to NPC2 and transfer to NPC1; the pH is also
      appropriate for the acidic environment where binding would take place. Binding to
      NPC1 domain 2 requires the presence of cholesterol on NPC2 protein, a finding
      that supports directional transfer of cholesterol from NPC2 onto NPC1's N
      terminal domain. Finally, human disease-causing mutations in NPC1 domain 2
      decrease NPC2 binding, suggesting that NPC2 binding is necessary for NPC1
      function in humans. These data support a model in which NPC1 domain 2 holds NPC2
      in position to facilitate directional cholesterol transfer from NPC2 onto NPC1
      protein for export from lysosomes.

PMID- 22065763
TI  - Algorithm discovery by protein folding game players.
AB  - Foldit is a multiplayer online game in which players collaborate and compete to
      create accurate protein structure models. For specific hard problems, Foldit
      player solutions can in some cases outperform state-of-the-art computational
      methods. However, very little is known about how collaborative gameplay produces
      these results and whether Foldit player strategies can be formalized and
      structured so that they can be used by computers. To determine whether high
      performing player strategies could be collectively codified, we augmented the
      Foldit gameplay mechanics with tools for players to encode their folding
      strategies as "recipes" and to share their recipes with other players, who are
      able to further modify and redistribute them. Here we describe the rapid social
      evolution of player-developed folding algorithms that took place in the year
      following the introduction of these tools. Players developed over 5,400 different
      recipes, both by creating new algorithms and by modifying and recombining
      successful recipes developed by other players. The most successful recipes
      rapidly spread through the Foldit player population, and two of the recipes
      became particularly dominant. Examination of the algorithms encoded in these two
      recipes revealed a striking similarity to an unpublished algorithm developed by
      scientists over the same period. Benchmark calculations show that the new
      algorithm independently discovered by scientists and by Foldit players
      outperforms previously published methods. Thus, online scientific game frameworks
      have the potential not only to solve hard scientific problems, but also to
      discover and formalize effective new strategies and algorithms.

PMID- 22065764
TI  - Complementing apolipoprotein secretion by cultured retinal pigment epithelium.

PMID- 22065765
TI  - Separation of stem cell maintenance and transposon silencing functions of Piwi
      protein.
AB  - Piwi-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) and Piwi proteins have the evolutionarily
      conserved function of silencing of repetitive genetic elements in germ lines. The
      founder of the Piwi subfamily, Drosophila nuclear Piwi protein, was also shown to
      be required for the maintenance of germ-line stem cells (GSCs). Hence, null
      mutant piwi females exhibit two types of abnormalities, overexpression of
      transposons and severely underdeveloped ovaries. It remained unknown whether the
      failure of GSC maintenance is related to transposon derepression or if GSC self
      renewal and piRNA silencing are two distinct functions of the Piwi protein. We
      have revealed a mutation, piwi(Nt), removing the nuclear localization signal of
      the Piwi protein. piwi(Nt) females retain the ability of GSC self-renewal and a
      near-normal number of egg chambers in the ovarioles but display a drastic
      transposable element derepression and nuclear accumulation of their transcripts
      in the germ line. piwi(Nt) mutants are sterile most likely because of the
      disturbance of piRNA-mediated transposon silencing. Analysis of chromatin
      modifications in the piwi(Nt) ovaries indicated that Piwi causes chromatin
      silencing only of certain types of transposons, whereas others are repressed in
      the nuclei without their chromatin modification. Thus, Piwi nuclear localization
      that is required for its silencing function is not essential for the maintenance
      of GSCs. We suggest that the Piwi function in GSC self-renewal is independent of
      transposon repression and is normally realized in the cytoplasm of GSC niche
      cells.

PMID- 22065766
TI  - The musculoskeletal system of humans is not tuned to maximize the economy of
      locomotion.
AB  - Humans are known to have energetically optimal walking and running speeds at
      which the cost to travel a given distance is minimized. We hypothesized that
      "optimal" walking and running speeds would also exist at the level of individual
      locomotor muscles. Additionally, because humans are 60-70% more economical when
      they walk than when they run, we predicted that the different muscles would
      exhibit a greater degree of tuning to the energetically optimal speed during
      walking than during running. To test these hypotheses, we used electromyography
      to measure the activity of 13 muscles of the back and legs over a range of
      walking and running speeds in human subjects and calculated the cumulative
      activity required from each muscle to traverse a kilometer. We found that
      activity of each of these muscles was minimized at specific walking and running
      speeds but the different muscles were not tuned to a particular speed in either
      gait. Although humans are clearly highly specialized for terrestrial locomotion
      compared with other great apes, the results of this study indicate that our
      locomotor muscles are not tuned to specific walking or running speeds and,
      therefore, do not maximize the economy of locomotion. This pattern may have
      evolved in response to selection to broaden the range of sustainable running
      speeds, to improve performance in motor behaviors not related to endurance
      locomotion, or in response to selection for both.

PMID- 22065767
TI  - Vbeta2 natural killer T cell antigen receptor-mediated recognition of CD1d
      glycolipid antigen.
AB  - Natural killer T cell antigen receptors (NKT TCRs) recognize lipid-based antigens
      (Ags) presented by CD1d. Although the TCR alpha-chain is invariant, NKT TCR Vbeta
      exhibits greater diversity, with one (Vbeta11) and three (Vbeta8, Vbeta7, and
      Vbeta2) Vbeta chains in humans and mice, respectively. With the exception of the
      Vbeta2 NKT TCR, NKT TCRs possess canonical tyrosine residues within
      complementarity determining region (CDR) 2beta that are critical for CD1d
      binding. Thus, how Vbeta2 NKT TCR docks with CD1d-Ag was unclear. Despite the
      absence of the CDR2beta-encoded tyrosine residues, we show that the Vbeta2 NKT
      TCR engaged CD1d-Ag in a similar manner and with a comparable affinity and
      energetic footprint to the manner observed for the Vbeta8.2 and Vbeta7 NKT TCRs.
      Accordingly, the germline-encoded regions of the TCR beta-chain do not
      exclusively dictate the innate NKT TCR-CD1d-Ag docking mode. Nevertheless, clear
      fine specificity differences for the CD1d-Ag existed between the Vbeta2 NKT TCR
      and the Vbeta8.2 and Vbeta7 NKT TCRs, with the Vbeta2 NKT TCR exhibiting greater
      sensitivity to modifications to the glycolipid Ag. Furthermore, within the Vbeta2
      NKT TCR-CD1d-alphaGalCer complex, the CDR2beta loop mediated fewer contacts with
      CD1d, whereas the CDR1beta and CDR3beta loops contacted CD1d to a much greater
      extent compared with most Vbeta11, Vbeta8.2, and Vbeta7 NKT TCRs. Accordingly,
      there is a greater interplay between the germline- and nongermline-encoded loops
      within the TCR beta-chain of the Vbeta2 NKT TCR that enables CD1d-Ag ligation.

PMID- 22065768
TI  - Surface-engineered substrates for improved human pluripotent stem cell culture
      under fully defined conditions.
AB  - The current gold standard for the culture of human pluripotent stem cells
      requires the use of a feeder layer of cells. Here, we develop a spatially defined
      culture system based on UV/ozone radiation modification of typical cell culture
      plastics to define a favorable surface environment for human pluripotent stem
      cell culture. Chemical and geometrical optimization of the surfaces enables
      control of early cell aggregation from fully dissociated cells, as predicted from
      a numerical model of cell migration, and results in significant increases in cell
      growth of undifferentiated cells. These chemically defined xeno-free substrates
      generate more than three times the number of cells than feeder-containing
      substrates per surface area. Further, reprogramming and typical gene-targeting
      protocols can be readily performed on these engineered surfaces. These substrates
      provide an attractive cell culture platform for the production of clinically
      relevant factor-free reprogrammed cells from patient tissue samples and
      facilitate the definition of standardized scale-up friendly methods for disease
      modeling and cell therapeutic applications.

PMID- 22065769
TI  - Fcgamma receptor IIB (FcgammaRIIB) maintains humoral tolerance in the human
      immune system in vivo.
AB  - Maintenance of immunological tolerance is crucial to prevent development of
      autoimmune disease. The production of autoantibodies is a hallmark of many
      autoimmune diseases and studies in mouse model systems suggest that inhibitory
      signaling molecules may be important checkpoints of humoral tolerance. By
      generating humanized mice with normal and functionally impaired Fcgamma receptor
      IIB (FcgammaRIIB) variants, we show that the inhibitory Fcgamma-receptor is a
      checkpoint of humoral tolerance in the human immune system in vivo. Impaired
      human FcgammaRIIB function resulted in the generation of higher levels of serum
      immunoglobulins, the production of different autoantibody specificities, and a
      higher proportion of human plasmablasts and plasma cells in vivo. Our results
      suggest that the inhibitory FcgammaRIIB may be an important checkpoint of humoral
      tolerance in the human immune system.

PMID- 22065770
TI  - Keeping proteasomes under control--a role for phosphorylation in the nucleus.

PMID- 22065771
TI  - Energetic consequences of thermal and nonthermal food processing.
AB  - Processing food extensively by thermal and nonthermal techniques is a unique and
      universal human practice. Food processing increases palatability and edibility
      and has been argued to increase energy gain. Although energy gain is a well-known
      effect from cooking starch-rich foods, the idea that cooking meat increases
      energy gain has never been tested. Moreover, the relative energetic advantages of
      cooking and nonthermal processing have not been assessed, whether for meat or
      starch-rich foods. Here, we describe a system for characterizing the energetic
      effects of cooking and nonthermal food processing. Using mice as a model, we show
      that cooking substantially increases the energy gained from meat, leading to
      elevations in body mass that are not attributable to differences in food intake
      or activity levels. The positive energetic effects of cooking were found to be
      superior to the effects of pounding in both meat and starch-rich tubers, a
      conclusion further supported by food preferences in fasted animals. Our results
      indicate significant contributions from cooking to both modern and ancestral
      human energy budgets. They also illuminate a weakness in current food labeling
      practices, which systematically overestimate the caloric potential of poorly
      processed foods.

PMID- 22065772
TI  - Multiple emergences of genetically diverse amphibian-infecting chytrids include a
      globalized hypervirulent recombinant lineage.
AB  - Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) is a globally ubiquitous fungal infection
      that has emerged to become a primary driver of amphibian biodiversity loss.
      Despite widespread effort to understand the emergence of this panzootic, the
      origins of the infection, its patterns of global spread, and principle mode of
      evolution remain largely unknown. Using comparative population genomics, we
      discovered three deeply diverged lineages of Bd associated with amphibians. Two
      of these lineages were found in multiple continents and are associated with known
      introductions by the amphibian trade. We found that isolates belonging to one
      clade, the global panzootic lineage (BdGPL) have emerged across at least five
      continents during the 20th century and are associated with the onset of
      epizootics in North America, Central America, the Caribbean, Australia, and
      Europe. The two newly identified divergent lineages, Cape lineage (BdCAPE) and
      Swiss lineage (BdCH), were found to differ in morphological traits when compared
      against one another and BdGPL, and we show that BdGPL is hypervirulent. BdGPL
      uniquely bears the hallmarks of genomic recombination, manifested as extensive
      intergenomic phylogenetic conflict and patchily distributed heterozygosity. We
      postulate that contact between previously genetically isolated allopatric
      populations of Bd may have allowed recombination to occur, resulting in the
      generation, spread, and invasion of the hypervirulent BdGPL leading to
      contemporary disease-driven losses in amphibian biodiversity.

PMID- 22065773
TI  - RNAi-mediated knockdown of Xist can rescue the impaired postimplantation
      development of cloned mouse embryos.
AB  - Cloning mammals by somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) is highly inefficient.
      Most SCNT-generated embryos die after implantation because of unidentified,
      complex epigenetic errors in the process of postimplantation embryonic
      development. Here we identify the most upstream level of dysfunction leading to
      impaired development of clones by using RNAi against Xist, a gene responsible for
      X chromosome inactivation (XCI). A prior injection of Xist-specific siRNA into
      reconstructed oocytes efficiently corrected SCNT-specific aberrant Xist
      expression at the morula stage, but failed to do so thereafter at the blastocyst
      stage. However, we found that shortly after implantation, this aberrant XCI
      status in cloned embryos had been corrected autonomously in both embryonic and
      extraembryonic tissues, probably through a newly established XCI control for
      postimplantation embryos. Embryo transfer experiments revealed that siRNA-treated
      embryos showed 10 times higher survival than controls as early as embryonic day
      5.5 and this high survival persisted until term, resulting in a remarkable
      improvement in cloning efficiency (12% vs. 1% in controls). Importantly, unlike
      control clones, these Xist-siRNA clones at birth showed only a limited
      dysregulation of their gene expression, indicating that correction of Xist
      expression in preimplantation embryos had a long-term effect on their postnatal
      normality. Thus, contrary to the general assumption, our results suggest that the
      fate of cloned embryos is determined almost exclusively before implantation by
      their XCI status. Furthermore, our strategy provides a promising breakthrough for
      mammalian SCNT cloning, because RNAi treatment of oocytes is readily applicable
      to most mammal species.

PMID- 22065774
TI  - RNAi screening reveals requirement for host cell secretory pathway in infection
      by diverse families of negative-strand RNA viruses.
AB  - Negative-strand (NS) RNA viruses comprise many pathogens that cause serious
      diseases in humans and animals. Despite their clinical importance, little is
      known about the host factors required for their infection. Using vesicular
      stomatitis virus (VSV), a prototypic NS RNA virus in the family Rhabdoviridae, we
      conducted a human genome-wide siRNA screen and identified 72 host genes required
      for viral infection. Many of these identified genes were also required for
      infection by two other NS RNA viruses, the lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus of
      the Arenaviridae family and human parainfluenza virus type 3 of the
      Paramyxoviridae family. Genes affecting different stages of VSV infection, such
      as entry/uncoating, gene expression, and assembly/release, were identified.
      Depletion of the proteins of the coatomer complex I or its upstream effectors
      ARF1 or GBF1 led to detection of reduced levels of VSV RNA. Coatomer complex I
      was also required for infection of lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus and human
      parainfluenza virus type 3. These results highlight the evolutionarily conserved
      requirements for gene expression of diverse families of NS RNA viruses and
      demonstrate the involvement of host cell secretory pathway in the process.

PMID- 22065776
TI  - CD95 triggers Orai1-mediated localized Ca2+ entry, regulates recruitment of
      protein kinase C (PKC) beta2, and prevents death-inducing signaling complex
      formation.
AB  - The death receptor CD95 plays a pivotal role in immune surveillance and immune
      tolerance. Binding of CD95L to CD95 leads to recruitment of the adaptor protein
      Fas-associated death domain protein (FADD), which in turn aggregates caspase-8
      and caspase-10. Efficient formation of the CD95/FADD/caspase complex, known as
      the death-inducing signaling complex (DISC), culminates in the induction of
      apoptosis. We show that cells exposed to CD95L undergo a reorganization of the
      plasma membrane in which the Ca(2+) release-activated Ca(2+) channel Orai1 and
      the endoplasmic reticulum-resident activator stromal interaction molecule 1
      colocalize with CD95 into a micrometer-sized cluster in which the channel elicits
      a polarized entry of calcium. Orai1 knockdown and expression of a dominant
      negative construct (Orai1E106A) reveal that on CD95 engagement, the Orai1-driven
      localized Ca(2+) influx is fundamental to recruiting the Ca(2+)-dependent protein
      kinase C (PKC) beta2 to the DISC. PKCbeta2 in turn transiently holds the complex
      in an inactive status, preventing caspase activation and transmission of the
      apoptotic signal. This study identifies a biological role of Ca(2+) and the Orai1
      channel that drives a transient negative feedback loop, introducing a lag phase
      in the early steps of the CD95 signal. We suggest that these localized events
      provide a time of decision to prevent accidental cell death.

PMID- 22065775
TI  - Wip1 promotes RUNX2-dependent apoptosis in p53-negative tumors and protects
      normal tissues during treatment with anticancer agents.
AB  - The inactivation of the p53 tumor suppressor pathway in many cancers often
      increases their resistance to anticancer therapy. Here we show that a previously
      proposed strategy directed to Wip1 inhibition could be ineffective in tumors
      lacking p53. On the contrary, Wip1 overexpression sensitized these tumors to
      chemotherapeutic agents. This effect was mediated through interaction between
      Wip1 and RUNX2 that resulted, in response to anticancer treatment, in RUNX2
      dependent transcriptional induction of the proapoptotic Bax protein. The
      potentiating effects of Wip1 overexpression on chemotherapeutic agents were
      directed only to tumor cells lacking p53. The overexpression of Wip1 in normal
      tissues provided protection from cisplatin-induced apoptosis through decreased
      strength of upstream signaling to p53. Thus, Wip1 phosphatase promotes apoptosis
      in p53-negative tumors and protects normal tissues during treatment with
      anticancer agents.

PMID- 22065777
TI  - Age dynamics in scientific creativity.
AB  - Data on Nobel Laureates show that the age-creativity relationship varies
      substantially more over time than across fields. The age dynamics within fields
      closely mirror field-specific shifts in (i) training patterns and (ii) the
      prevalence of theoretical contributions. These dynamics are especially pronounced
      in physics and coincide with the emergence of quantum mechanics. Taken together,
      these findings show fundamental shifts in the life cycle of research
      productivity, inform theories of the age-creativity relationship, and provide
      observable predictors for the age at which great achievements are made.

PMID- 22065778
TI  - Increased functional connectivity indicates the severity of cognitive impairment
      in multiple sclerosis.
AB  - Correlations in spontaneous brain activity provide powerful access to large-scale
      organizational principles of the CNS. However, making inferences about cognitive
      processes requires a detailed understanding of the link between these couplings
      and the structural integrity of the CNS. We studied the impact of multiple
      sclerosis, which leads to the severe disintegration of the central white matter,
      on functional connectivity patterns in spontaneous cortical activity. Using a
      data driven approach based on the strength of a salient pattern of cognitive
      pathology, we identified distinct networks that exhibit increases in functional
      connectivity despite the presence of strong and diffuse reductions of the central
      white-matter integrity. The default mode network emerged as a core target of
      these connectivity modulations, showing enhanced functional coupling in bilateral
      inferior parietal cortex, posterior cingulate, and medial prefrontal cortex.
      These findings imply a complex and diverging relation of anatomical and
      functional connectivity in early multiple sclerosis and, thus, add an important
      observation for understanding how cognitive abilities and CNS integrity may be
      reflected in the intrinsic covariance of functional signals.

PMID- 22065779
TI  - Flux through hepatic pyruvate carboxylase and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase
      detected by hyperpolarized 13C magnetic resonance.
AB  - In the heart, detection of hyperpolarized [(13)C]bicarbonate and (13)CO(2) by
      magnetic resonance (MR) after administration of hyperpolarized [1-(13)C]pyruvate
      is caused exclusively by oxidative decarboxylation of pyruvate via the pyruvate
      dehydrogenase complex (PDH). However, liver mitochondria possess alternative
      anabolic pathways accessible by [1-(13)C]pyruvate, which may allow a wider
      diagnostic range for hyperpolarized MR compared with other tissue. Metabolism of
      hyperpolarized [1-(13)C]pyruvate in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle was
      monitored in the isolated perfused liver from fed and fasted mice. Hyperpolarized
      [1-(13)C]pyruvate was rapidly converted to [1-(13)C]lactate, [1-(13)C]alanine, [1
      (13)C]malate, [4-(13)C]malate, [1-(13)C]aspartate, [4-(13)C]aspartate, and
      [(13)C]bicarbonate. Livers from fasted animals had increased lactate:alanine,
      consistent with elevated NADH:NAD(+). The appearance of asymmetrically enriched
      malate and aspartate indicated high rates of anaplerotic pyruvate carboxylase
      activity and incomplete equilibration with fumarate. Hyperpolarized
      [(13)C]bicarbonate was also detected, consistent with multiple mechanisms,
      including cataplerotic decarboxylation of [4-(13)C]oxaloacetate via
      phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK), forward TCA cycle flux of [4
      (13)C]oxaloacetate to generate (13)CO(2) at isocitrate dehydrogenase, or
      decarboxylation of [1-(13)C]pyruvate by PDH. Isotopomer analysis of liver
      glutamate confirmed that anaplerosis was sevenfold greater than flux through PDH.
      In addition, signal from [4-(13)C]malate and [4-(13)C]aspartate was markedly
      blunted and signal from [(13)C]bicarbonate was completely abolished in livers
      from PEPCK KO mice, indicating that the major pathway for entry of hyperpolarized
      [1-(13)C]pyruvate into the hepatic TCA cycle is via pyruvate carboxylase, and
      that cataplerotic flux through PEPCK is the primary source of [(13)C]bicarbonate.
      We conclude that MR detection of hyperpolarized TCA intermediates and bicarbonate
      is diagnostic of pyruvate carboxylase and PEPCK flux in the liver.

PMID- 22065780
TI  - Genotypes of predomestic horses match phenotypes painted in Paleolithic works of
      cave art.
AB  - Archaeologists often argue whether Paleolithic works of art, cave paintings in
      particular, constitute reflections of the natural environment of humans at the
      time. They also debate the extent to which these paintings actually contain
      creative artistic expression, reflect the phenotypic variation of the surrounding
      environment, or focus on rare phenotypes. The famous paintings "The Dappled
      Horses of Pech-Merle," depicting spotted horses on the walls of a cave in Pech
      Merle, France, date back ~25,000 y, but the coat pattern portrayed in these
      paintings is remarkably similar to a pattern known as "leopard" in modern horses.
      We have genotyped nine coat-color loci in 31 predomestic horses from Siberia,
      Eastern and Western Europe, and the Iberian Peninsula. Eighteen horses had bay
      coat color, seven were black, and six shared an allele associated with the
      leopard complex spotting (LP), representing the only spotted phenotype that has
      been discovered in wild, predomestic horses thus far. LP was detected in four
      Pleistocene and two Copper Age samples from Western and Eastern Europe,
      respectively. In contrast, this phenotype was absent from predomestic Siberian
      horses. Thus, all horse color phenotypes that seem to be distinguishable in cave
      paintings have now been found to exist in prehistoric horse populations,
      suggesting that cave paintings of this species represent remarkably realistic
      depictions of the animals shown. This finding lends support to hypotheses arguing
      that cave paintings might have contained less of a symbolic or transcendental
      connotation than often assumed.

PMID- 22065781
TI  - Hypo- and hyperactivated Notch signaling induce a glycolytic switch through
      distinct mechanisms.
AB  - A switch from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis is frequently observed in
      cancer cells and is linked to tumor growth and invasion, but the underpinning
      molecular mechanisms controlling the switch are poorly understood. In this report
      we show that Notch signaling is a key regulator of cellular metabolism. Both
      hyper- and hypoactivated Notch induce a glycolytic phenotype in breast tumor
      cells, although by distinct mechanisms: hyperactivated Notch signaling leads to
      increased glycolysis through activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/AKT
      serine/threonine kinase pathway, whereas hypoactivated Notch signaling attenuates
      mitochondrial activity and induces glycolysis in a p53-dependent manner. Despite
      the fact that cells with both hyper- and hypoactivated Notch signaling showed
      enhanced glycolysis, only cells with hyperactivated Notch promoted aggressive
      tumor growth in a xenograft mouse model. This phenomenon may be explained by that
      only Notch-hyperactivated, but not -hypoactivated, cells retained the capacity to
      switch back to oxidative phosphorylation. In conclusion, our data reveal a role
      for Notch in cellular energy homeostasis, and show that Notch signaling is
      required for metabolic flexibility.

PMID- 22065782
TI  - A yeast functional screen predicts new candidate ALS disease genes.
AB  - Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a devastating and universally fatal
      neurodegenerative disease. Mutations in two related RNA-binding proteins, TDP-43
      and FUS, that harbor prion-like domains, cause some forms of ALS. There are at
      least 213 human proteins harboring RNA recognition motifs, including FUS and TDP
      43, raising the possibility that additional RNA-binding proteins might contribute
      to ALS pathogenesis. We performed a systematic survey of these proteins to find
      additional candidates similar to TDP-43 and FUS, followed by bioinformatics to
      predict prion-like domains in a subset of them. We sequenced one of these genes,
      TAF15, in patients with ALS and identified missense variants, which were absent
      in a large number of healthy controls. These disease-associated variants of TAF15
      caused formation of cytoplasmic foci when expressed in primary cultures of spinal
      cord neurons. Very similar to TDP-43 and FUS, TAF15 aggregated in vitro and
      conferred neurodegeneration in Drosophila, with the ALS-linked variants having a
      more severe effect than wild type. Immunohistochemistry of postmortem spinal cord
      tissue revealed mislocalization of TAF15 in motor neurons of patients with ALS.
      We propose that aggregation-prone RNA-binding proteins might contribute very
      broadly to ALS pathogenesis and the genes identified in our yeast functional
      screen, coupled with prion-like domain prediction analysis, now provide a
      powerful resource to facilitate ALS disease gene discovery.

PMID- 22065784
TI  - Competition is a driving force in topographic mapping.
AB  - Topographic maps are the primary means of relaying spatial information in the
      brain. Understanding the mechanisms by which they form has been a goal of
      experimental and theoretical neuroscientists for decades. The projection of the
      retina to the superior colliculus (SC)/tectum has been an important model used to
      show that graded molecular cues and patterned retinal activity are required for
      topographic map formation. Additionally, interaxon competition has been suggested
      to play a role in topographic map formation; however, this view has been recently
      challenged. Here we present experimental and computational evidence demonstrating
      that interaxon competition for target space is necessary to establish topography.
      To test this hypothesis experimentally, we determined the nature of the
      retinocollicular projection in Math5 (Atoh7) mutant mice, which have severely
      reduced numbers of retinal ganglion cell inputs into the SC. We find that in
      these mice, retinal axons project to the anteromedialj portion of the SC where
      repulsion from ephrin-A ligands is minimized and where their attraction to the
      midline is maximized. This observation is consistent with the chemoaffinity model
      that relies on axon-axon competition as a mapping mechanism. We conclude that
      chemical labels plus neural activity cannot alone specify the retinocollicular
      projection; instead axon-axon competition is necessary to create a map. Finally,
      we present a mathematical model for topographic mapping that incorporates
      molecular labels, neural activity, and axon competition.

PMID- 22065785
TI  - Nanoparticles enhance brain delivery of blood-brain barrier-impermeable probes
      for in vivo optical and magnetic resonance imaging.
AB  - Several imaging modalities are suitable for in vivo molecular neuroimaging, but
      the blood-brain barrier (BBB) limits their utility by preventing brain delivery
      of most targeted molecular probes. We prepared biodegradable nanocarrier systems
      made up of poly(n-butyl cyanoacrylate) dextran polymers coated with polysorbate
      80 (PBCA nanoparticles) to deliver BBB-impermeable molecular imaging probes into
      the brain for targeted molecular neuroimaging. We demonstrate that PBCA
      nanoparticles allow in vivo targeting of BBB-impermeable contrast agents and
      staining reagents for electron microscopy, optical imaging (multiphoton), and
      whole brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), facilitating molecular studies
      ranging from individual synapses to the entire brain. PBCA nanoparticles can
      deliver BBB-impermeable targeted fluorophores of a wide range of sizes: from 500
      Da targeted polar molecules to 150,000-Da tagged immunoglobulins into the brain
      of living mice. The utility of this approach is demonstrated by (i) development
      of a "Nissl stain" contrast agent for cellular imaging, (ii) visualization of
      amyloid plaques in vivo in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease using
      (traditionally) non-BBB-permeable reagents that detect plaques, and (iii)
      delivery of gadolinium-based contrast agents into the brain of mice for in vivo
      whole brain MRI. Four-dimensional real-time two-photon and MR imaging reveal that
      brain penetration of PBCA nanoparticles occurs rapidly with a time constant of
      ~18 min. PBCA nanoparticles do not induce nonspecific BBB disruption, but
      collaborate with plasma apolipoprotein E to facilitate BBB crossing.
      Collectively, these findings highlight the potential of using biodegradable
      nanocarrier systems to deliver BBB-impermeable targeted molecular probes into the
      brain for diagnostic neuroimaging.

PMID- 22065786
TI  - Low paternity skew and the influence of maternal kin in an egalitarian,
      patrilocal primate.
AB  - Levels of reproductive skew vary in wild primates living in multimale groups
      depending on the degree to which high-ranking males monopolize access to females.
      Still, the factors affecting paternity in egalitarian societies remain
      unexplored. We combine unique behavioral, life history, and genetic data to
      evaluate the distribution of paternity in the northern muriqui (Brachyteles
      hypoxanthus), a species known for its affiliative, nonhierarchical relationships.
      We genotyped 67 individuals (22 infants born over a 3-y period, their 21 mothers,
      and all 24 possible sires) at 17 microsatellite marker loci and assigned
      paternity to all infants. None of the 13 fathers were close maternal relatives of
      females with which they sired infants, and the most successful male sired a much
      lower percentage of infants (18%) than reported for the most successful males in
      other species. Our findings of inbreeding avoidance and low male reproductive
      skew are consistent with the muriqui's observed social and sexual behavior, but
      the long delay (>=2.08 y) between the onset of male sexual behavior and the age
      at which males first sire young is unexpected. The allocation of paternity
      implicates individual male life histories and access to maternal kin as key
      factors influencing variation in paternal--and grandmaternal--fitness. The
      apparent importance of lifelong maternal investment in coresident sons resonates
      with other recent examinations of maternal influences on offspring reproduction.
      This importance also extends the implications of the "grandmother hypothesis" in
      human evolution to include the possible influence of mothers and other maternal
      kin on male reproductive success in patrilocal societies.

PMID- 22065783
TI  - Role of donor genital tract HIV-1 diversity in the transmission bottleneck.
AB  - The predominant mode of HIV-1 infection is heterosexual transmission, where a
      genetic bottleneck is imposed on the virus quasispecies. To probe whether limited
      genetic diversity in the genital tract (GT) of the transmitting partner drives
      this bottleneck, viral envelope sequences from the blood and genital fluids of
      eight transmission pairs from Rwanda and Zambia were analyzed. The chronically
      infected transmitting partner's virus population was heterogeneous with distinct
      genital subpopulations, and the virus populations within the GT of two of four
      women sampled longitudinally exhibited evidence of stability over time intervals
      on the order of weeks to months. Surprisingly, the transmitted founder variant
      was not derived from the predominant GT subpopulations. Rather, in each case, the
      transmitting variant was phylogenetically distinct from the sampled locally
      replicating population. Although the exact distribution of the virus population
      present in the GT at the time of transmission cannot be unambiguously defined in
      these human studies, it is unlikely, based on these data, that the transmission
      bottleneck is driven in every case by limited viral diversity in the donor GT or
      that HIV transmission is solely a stochastic event.

PMID- 22065787
TI  - Profile of Eric F. Lambin.

PMID- 22065788
TI  - Malaria antifolate resistance with contrasting Plasmodium falciparum
      dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR) polymorphisms in humans and Anopheles mosquitoes.
AB  - Surveillance for drug-resistant parasites in human blood is a major effort in
      malaria control. Here we report contrasting antifolate resistance polymorphisms
      in Plasmodium falciparum when parasites in human blood were compared with
      parasites in Anopheles vector mosquitoes from sleeping huts in rural Zambia. DNA
      encoding P. falciparum dihydrofolate reductase (EC 1.5.1.3) was amplified by PCR
      with allele-specific restriction enzyme digestions. Markedly prevalent
      pyrimethamine-resistant mutants were evident in human P. falciparum infections-
      S108N (>90%), with N51I, C59R, and 108N+51I+59R triple mutants (30-80%). This
      resistance level may be from selection pressure due to decades of
      sulfadoxine/pyrimethamine use in the region. In contrast, cycloguanil-resistant
      mutants were detected in very low frequency in parasites from human blood samples
      S108T (13%), with A16V and 108T+16V double mutants (~4%). Surprisingly,
      pyrimethamine-resistant mutants were of very low prevalence (2-12%) in the
      midguts of Anopheles arabiensis vector mosquitoes, but cycloguanil-resistant
      mutants were highly prevalent-S108T (90%), with A16V and the 108T+16V double
      mutant (49-57%). Structural analysis of the dihydrofolate reductase by in silico
      modeling revealed a key difference in the enzyme within the NADPH binding pocket,
      predicting the S108N enzyme to have reduced stability but the S108T enzyme to
      have increased stability. We conclude that P. falciparum can bear highly host
      specific drug-resistant polymorphisms, most likely reflecting different selective
      pressures found in humans and mosquitoes. Thus, it may be useful to sample both
      human and mosquito vector infections to accurately ascertain the epidemiological
      status of drug-resistant alleles.

PMID- 22065789
TI  - Profile of Philip N. Johnson-Laird.

PMID- 22065790
TI  - CD83-stimulated monocytes suppress T-cell immune responses through production of
      prostaglandin E2.
AB  - CD83 is commonly known as a specific marker for mature dendritic cells. It has
      been shown to be important for CD4(+) T-cell development in the thymus. However,
      its function in the peripheral immune system remains enigmatic. Here, we show
      that CD83 inhibits proliferation and production of IL-2 and IFN-gamma by T cells,
      and the inhibitory effect of CD83 is mediated by monocytes. Prostaglandin E2
      (PGE(2)), but not IL-10 or TGF-beta, was up-regulated specifically by CD83 in
      monocytes. Consistent with high levels of PGE(2), expression of COX-2 also was
      increased upon CD83 treatment. NF-kappaB activation also is required for
      induction of PGE(2) by CD83. Finally, application of the COX-2-selective
      inhibitor NS-398 fully prevented CD83-triggered inhibition of T-cell responses.
      Our study establishes an immune-regulatory mechanism by CD83 via stimulation of
      PGE(2) production in monocytes.

PMID- 22065791
TI  - IFN-alpha and CD46 stimulation are associated with active lupus and skew natural
      T regulatory cell differentiation to type 1 regulatory T (Tr1) cells.
AB  - Immune suppressive activities exerted by regulatory T-cell subsets have several
      specific functions, including self-tolerance and regulation of adaptive immune
      reactions, and their dysfunction can lead to autoimmune diseases and contribute
      to AIDS and cancer. Two functionally distinct regulatory T-cell subsets are
      currently identified in peripheral tissues: thymus-developed natural T regulatory
      cells (nTregs) controlling self-tolerance and antiinflammatory IL-10-secreting
      type 1 regulatory T cells (Tr1) derived from Ag-stimulated T cells, which
      regulate inflammation-dependent adaptive immunity and minimize immunopathology.
      We establish herein that cell contact-mediated nTreg regulatory function is
      inhibited by inflammation, especially in the presence of the complement C3b
      receptor (CD46). Instead, as with other T-cell subsets, the latter inflammatory
      conditions of stimulation skew nTreg differentiation to Tr1 cells secreting IL
      10, an effect potentiated by IFN-alpha. The clinical relevance of these findings
      was verified in a study of 152 lupus patients, in which we showed that lupus
      nTreg dysfunction is not due to intrinsic defects but is rather induced by C3b
      stimulation of CD46 and IFN-alpha and that these immune components of
      inflammation are directly associated with active lupus. These results provide a
      rationale for using anti-IFN-alpha Ab immunotherapy in lupus patients.

PMID- 22065792
TI  - Modulation of the feedback-related negativity by instruction and experience.
AB  - A great deal of research focuses on how humans and animals learn from trial-and
      error interactions with the environment. This research has established the
      viability of reinforcement learning as a model of behavioral adaptation and
      neural reward valuation. Error-driven learning is inefficient and dangerous,
      however. Fortunately, humans learn from nonexperiential sources of information as
      well. In the present study, we focused on one such form of information,
      instruction. We recorded event-related potentials as participants performed a
      probabilistic learning task. In one experiment condition, participants received
      feedback only about whether their responses were rewarded. In the other
      condition, they also received instruction about reward probabilities before
      performing the task. We found that instruction eliminated participants' reliance
      on feedback as evidenced by their immediate asymptotic performance in the
      instruction condition. In striking contrast, the feedback-related negativity, an
      event-related potential component thought to reflect neural reward prediction
      error, continued to adapt with experience in both conditions. These results show
      that, whereas instruction may immediately control behavior, certain neural
      responses must be learned from experience.

PMID- 22065793
TI  - 2-(4-Bromo-phen-yl)-3,4-dihydro-isoquinolin-2-ium thio-cyanate hemihydrate.
AB  - In the title hemihydrated salt, C(15)H(13)BrN(+).NCS(-).0.5H(2)O, the two benzene
      rings are aligned at a dihedral angle of 46.9 (1) degrees . The six-membered
      heterocycle of the dihydro-isoquinoline unit adopts a half-chair conformation.
      The water mol-ecule and thio-cyanate ion are linked by O-H?N hydrogen bonds,
      generating a four-membered ring motif. In addition, C-H?O and C-H?S inter-actions
      link the components into a chain along the c axis. pi-pi inter-actions [centroid
      centroid distance = 3.974 (2) A] link the chains into sheets and further pi-pi
      [centroid-centroid distance = 3.746 (2) A] and C-H?pi inter-actions give rise to
      a three-dimensional nework.

PMID- 22065794
TI  - Dichloridobis[4-(1H-pyrazol-3-yl)pyridine-kappaN]zinc.
AB  - In the title compound, [ZnCl(2)(C(8)H(7)N(3))(2)], the Zn(II) cation is
      coordinated by two Cl(-) anions and two 4-(1H-pyrazol-3-yl)pyridine ligands in a
      distorted tetra-hedral geometry. In the two 4-(1H-pyrazol-3-yl)pyridine ligands,
      the dihedral angles between the pyrazole and pyridine rings are 3.3 (3) and 13.3
      (3) degrees . Inter-molecular N-H?N and N-H?Cl hydrogen bonding is present in the
      crystal structure.

PMID- 22065795
TI  - Utility of thyroid collars in cephalometric radiography.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: A study was carried out to investigate the rationale that use of a
      thyroid collar (TC) in cephalometric radiography hampers the diagnostic and
      descriptive quality of lateral cephalogram. METHODS: A randomized observer
      blinded study was designed. The study consisted of two groups. The first group
      data were retrieved from the oral radiology archival system having lateral
      cephalogram without a TC. The second group was selected from the oral radiology
      department of patients where lateral cephalogram was taken using a TC. Lateral
      cephalogram was taken on direct digital system, the Kodak 9000 unit (Eastman
      Kodak, Rochester, NY). 2 observers blinded about the aim of the study were
      appointed to identify 15 sets of landmarks on the lateral cephalogram.
      Interobserver variance was also analysed for the study. RESULTS: 50 lateral
      cephalograms in each group were studied. Out of 15 sets of landmarks, 12 were
      identified consistent with the TC group. Three landmarks, namely the hyoid bone,
      second cervical vertebra and third cervical vertebra could not be identified on
      the TC group. There was no significant difference in the interobserver markings
      on lateral cephalogram. CONCLUSIONS: TCs do mask a few landmarks on the lateral
      cephalogram. These landmarks are mainly used for analysis of skeletal maturity
      index (SMI). Lead TCs are probably the most convenient and easily available means
      to protect the thyroid from unwanted radiation while taking lateral cephalogram.
      It is therefore encouraged to use a TC during routine cephalometric radiography
      where SMI information is not needed.

PMID- 22065796
TI  - A prospective study of three diagnostic sonographic methods in differentiation
      between benign and malignant salivary gland tumours.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of three diagnostic
      sonographic methods, greyscale sonography (GSS), colour Doppler sonography (CDS)
      and spectral Doppler (SPD), in differentiating between benign and malignant
      salivary gland (SG) tumours. METHODS: 44 patients with SG masses were examined
      using GSS, CDS and SPD. The morphological features of each tumour were evaluated
      using GSS, the distribution and number of detected blood vessels were assessed
      using CDS, and peak systolic velocity (PSV), resistive index (RI) and pulsatility
      index (PI) were measured on SPD. All cases underwent excisional biopsy and a
      definite tissue diagnosis was obtained. RESULTS: Histopathological examination
      revealed that 28 of the 44 tumours were benign and 16 were malignant. GSS showed
      that malignant SG tumours had a significantly higher incidence of ill-defined
      borders and lymph node involvement than benign tumours, but there was no
      significant difference between benign and malignant SG tumours regarding
      echogenicity, homogeneity or sonographic shape. CDS demonstrated malignant
      tumours with significantly higher vascularity and a scattered distribution. Using
      SPD, malignant tumours had significantly higher PSV, RI and PI compared with
      benign tumours. CONCLUSION: RI values above 0.7, PI values above 1.2, PSV values
      above 44.3 cm s(-1), ill-defined borders, lymph node involvement, Grade 2 or 3
      vascularity and hilar distribution of blood vessels should alert the clinician to
      suspect a malignant SG tumour. After consensus on the threshold values of PSV, RI
      and PI in differentiating benign from malignant SG tumours, these numbers should
      be incorporated into the software of ultrasound machines to guide the sonographer
      in his or her analysis.

PMID- 22065797
TI  - Comparison of ultrasonography with computed tomography in the diagnosis of nasal
      bone fractures.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study is to compare ultrasonography with CT in the
      diagnosis of nasal bone fractures. METHODS: 40 patients (9 female and 31 male)
      with mid-facial fractures, which were suspected nasal bone fractures, were
      included. All of the patients had mid-facial CT images. Ultrasonography with a
      7.5 MHz transducer (Aloka 3500, Tokyo, Japan) was used to evaluate the nasal bone
      fractures. All of the sonograms were compared with CT findings for sensitivity,
      specificity and predictive values. A chi(2) test was applied to the data to
      assess statistical significance. RESULTS: CT diagnosed nasal bone fractures in 24
      of the 40 patients (9 unilateral fractures and 15 bilateral fractures) while
      ultrasonography diagnosed the fractured bones in 23 patients (9 unilateral
      fractures and 14 bilateral fractures). Ultrasonography missed one fractured bone
      in a bilateral fractured case and a unilateral fracture was also missed (two
      false-negative results). The sensitivity and specificity of ultrasonography in
      assessing nasal bone fracture in comparison with CT were 94.9% and 100%,
      respectively. The positive predictive value (PPV) and the negative predictive
      value (NPV) of ultrasonographic evaluation of the nasal bone fractures were 100%
      and 95.3%, respectively. The chi(2) test did not show any significant difference
      between CT and ultrasonography in diagnosis of nasal bone fractures (P  = 
      0.819). CONCLUSION: Ultrasonography can be used as a first line of diagnostic
      imaging for evaluating nasal bone fractures, especially in children and pregnant
      women.

PMID- 22065798
TI  - Comparison of linear and angular measurements using two-dimensional conventional
      methods and three-dimensional cone beam CT images reconstructed from a volumetric
      rendering program in vivo.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare the linear and angular
      measurements made on two-dimensional (2D) conventional cephalometric images and
      three-dimensional (3D) cone beam CT (CBCT) generated cephalograms derived from a
      3D volumetric rendering program. METHODS: Pre-treatment cephalometric digital
      radiographs of 11 patients and their corresponding CBCT images were randomly
      selected. The digital cephalometric radiographs were traced using Vista Dent OC
      (GAC International, Inc Bohemia, NY) and by hand. CBCT and Maxilim(r) (Medicim,
      Sint-Niklass, Belgium) software were used to generate cephalograms from the CBCT
      data set that were then linked to the 3D hard-tissue surface representations. In
      total, 16 cephalometric landmarks were identified and 18 widely used measurements
      (11 linear and 7 angular) were performed by 2 independent observers.
      Intraobserver reliability was assessed by calculating intraclass correlation
      coefficients (ICC), interobserver reliability was assessed with Student t-test
      and analysis of variance (ANOVA). Mann-Whitney U-tests and Kruskal-Wallis H tests
      were also used to compare the three methods (P < 0.05). RESULTS: The results
      demonstrated no statistically significant difference between interobserver
      analyses for CBCT-generated cephalograms (P < 0.05), except for Gonion-Menton (Go
      Me) and Condylion-Gnathion (Co-Gn). Intraobserver examinations showed low ICCs,
      which was an indication of poor reproducibility for Go-Me and Sella-Nasion (S-N)
      in CBCT-generated cephalograms and poor reproducibility for Articulare-Gonion (Ar
      Go) in the 2D hand tracing method (P < 0.05). No statistical significance was
      found for Vista Dent OC measurements (P > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Measurements from
      in vivo CBCT-generated cephalograms from Maxilim(r) software were found to be
      similar to conventional images. Thus, owing to higher radiation exposure, CBCT
      examinations should only be used when the inherent 3D information could improve
      the outcome of treatment.

PMID- 22065799
TI  - Fractal dimension evaluation of cone beam computed tomography in patients with
      bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to (1) evaluate the fractal dimension (FD)
      in regions of the mandible on cone beam CT (CBCT) images of patients with
      bisphosphonate-associated osteonecrosis of the jaws (BP-ONJ) and (2) to select
      the most suitable region of interest (ROI) for further study on detection of bone
      alterations associated with bisphosphonates. METHODS: CBCT images of patients
      with BP-ONJ were included with matched controls. Values of FD were compared
      between groups. Selected ROIs were: ROI-1 - below the mandibular foramen; ROI-2 -
      above the mandibular foramen; ROI-3 - anterior to the mental foramen; ROI-4 -
      above the mandibular canal. The area of bone exposure was included as ROI-5. The
      results were analysed using generalized estimating equations and conditional
      logistic regression. RESULTS: There were 36 patients (67% female) with a mean age
      of 60.7 years. The mean FDs were: ROI-1 - 1.678 for controls and 1.673 for
      patients (P  =  0.81); ROI-2 - 1.657 for controls and 1.653 for patients (P  = 
      0.78); ROI-3 - 1.661 for controls and 1.684 for patients (P  =  0.17); and ROI-4 
      1.670 for controls and 1.698 for patients (P  =  0.03). The value of the FD in
      the area of exposed bone was the highest (1.729). The odds of being a BP-ONJ
      patient vs being a control was six times as high for individuals with a higher FD
      score at ROI-4, although the confidence interval was quite wide owing to the
      small sample size. CONCLUSION: In this preliminary study, BP-ONJ patients had
      higher FD values than controls at regions close to the alveolar process. The
      results suggest that FD is a promising tool for detection of bone alterations
      associated with BP-ONJ.

PMID- 22065800
TI  - A suggested technique for the application of the cone beam computed tomography
      periapical index.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Cone beam CT (CBCT) produces undistorted three-dimensional (3D)
      images of the maxillofacial region with a radiation dosage lower than
      conventional CT. The periapical index score (PAI) is commonly used to follow up
      the lesions in the bone using periapical radiographs. Recently, a new PAI based
      on CBCT was introduced (CBCT-PAI). The aim of this technical report is to present
      a modified reproducible method to assess the CBCT-PAI. METHODS: CBCT was used to
      evaluate a periapical bone lesion observed in the area of tooth number 13 before
      treatment and 2 years after treatment. The modified CBCT-PAI was applied to both
      the examinations to measure the lesion. The dimensional analysis of the lesion
      was performed in each plane, assessing three fixed and reproducible dimensions:
      mesiodistal (M-D), buccolingual (B-L) and coronoapical (C-A). The images were
      evaluated by three mutually independent examiners. Data were collected and
      reported in a chart. The results were compared with each other and with the PAI
      score from the periapical radiographs. RESULTS: The three observers reported the
      same measurements of the lesion for each plane. The CBCT-PAI follow-up showed a
      reduction of the size of the lesion (5D vs 4D) but also an increase in the
      erosion of the buccal cortical plate. The comparison of CBCT-PAI with classic PAI
      showed the first method to be more precise. CONCLUSIONS: This technical report
      shows how the CBCT-PAI can be applied to the CBCT exam of a periapical lesion in
      a reproducible way.

PMID- 22065801
TI  - Abnormal radiological features in a multiple myeloma patient: a case report and
      radiological review of myelomas.
AB  - Multiple myeloma is the prototype of malignant monoclonal gammopathies. The most
      common skeletal sites are pelvis, skull, spine, ribs and femoral and humeral
      shafts. The classic radiographic presentation of multiple myeloma is lytic
      skeletal lesions. Other types of presentation include sclerotic and porotic
      changes. Primary sclerotic manifestations are rare and occur in only 3% of cases.
      Although exceptional, multiple myeloma must be borne in mind in the presence of
      bone sclerosis. This report presents a patient with multiple myeloma with a
      sunburst/hair-on-end pattern on the radiograph and sclerotic skeletal lesions.

PMID- 22065802
TI  - Cone beam CT sialography of Stafne bone cavity.
AB  - Stafne bone cavity (SBC) was mostly described as a small oval radiolucency in the
      posterior mandibular region. To the best of our knowledge, the literature does
      not contain any report of the use of cone beam CT (CBCT) sialography for the
      diagnosis of this entity. The aim of this paper is to present a large, irregular
      and expanded atypical SBC, which made diagnosis difficult. A CBCT sialography was
      performed to get a definite diagnosis of this rare entity.

PMID- 22065803
TI  - Tetrafid mandibular condyle: a unique case report and review of the literature.
AB  - Morphological changes such as bifid and trifid mandibular condyle are rare
      entities. The aim of the present report is to describe a unique morphological
      variation of the mandibular condyle which has four separate condylar heads
      (tetrafid mandibular condyle) and to discuss clinical and radiological
      differential diagnosis of tetrafid mandibular condyle with advanced imaging
      techniques.

PMID- 22065804
TI  - Worth syndrome as a diagnosis for mandibular osteosclerosis.
AB  - This case report presents an unusual incidental radiographic finding on a dental
      panoramic radiograph that caused diagnostic confusion. A 46-year-old female
      presented with symmetrical sclerotic cortical thickening of the anterior mandible
      visible on radiograph, with no other major clinical examination findings. The
      patient subsequently showed no change in radiographic appearance over a 6 year
      period. Based on this evidence, and the benign nature of the history, we propose
      a diagnosis of Worth syndrome. This report aims to clarify the difference in
      terminology and presentation of two conditions known to produce mandibular
      osteosclerosis: Worth syndrome and Van Buchem disease, both of which are often
      quoted synonymously in the literature.

PMID- 22065805
TI  - Spontaneous regression of large mandibular lesions: consider Langerhans cell
      histiocytosis.

PMID- 22065806
TI  - An interesting artefact!

PMID- 22065809
TI  - 1H-1,2,4-Triazol-4-ium 4-nitro-benzene-sulfonate monohydrate.
AB  - In the 4-nitro-benzene sulfonate anion of the title compound, C(2)H(4)N(3)
      (+).C(6)H(4)NO(5)S(-).H(2)O, the nitro group is slightly twisted from the plane
      of the benzene ring [dihedral angle = 2.8 (3) degrees ]. In the crystal, the
      three components are linked via N-H?O, O-H?N, O-H?O and C-H?O hydrogen bonds,
      forming a two-dimensional network parallel to the bc plane. A short inter
      molecular O?N contact of 2.872 (3) A is also observed between the nitro and
      sulfonate groups.

PMID- 22065810
TI  - Diethyl 4,4'-(diazenediyl)dibenzoate.
AB  - The full mol-ecule of the title compound, C(18)H(18)N(2)O(4), is generated by the
      application of an inversion centre. There are strong pi-pi inter-actions between
      adjacent mol-ecules with a centroid-centroid distance of 3.298 (2)A.

PMID- 22065811
TI  - 1,3-Benzothia-zole-oxalic acid (2/1).
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title compound, C(7)H(5)NS.0.5C(2)H(2)O(4), contains
      one benzothia-zole mol-ecule and half an oxalic acid mol-ecule, the complete mol
      ecule being generated by inversion symmetry. The benzothia-zole mol-ecule is
      essentially planar, with a maximum deviation of 0.007 (1) A. In the crystal, the
      benzothia-zole mol-ecules inter-act with the oxalic acid mol-ecules via O-H?N and
      C-H?O hydrogen bonds generating R(2) (2)(8) (* 2) and R(4) (4)(10) motifs,
      thereby forming supra-molecular ribbons along [101].

PMID- 22065812
TI  - (E)-2-[4-(2-Chloro-phen-yl)but-3-en-2-yl-idene]malononitrile.
AB  - There are two independent but virtually identical mol-ecules in the asymmetric
      unit of the title compound, C(13)H(19)ClN(2). Each mol-ecular skeleton displays
      an approximately planar structure except for the methyl group [the r.m.s.
      deviations for all 16 non-H atoms are 0.039 (mol-ecule 1) and 0.056 A (mol-ecule
      2)]. An E configuration is found about each of the C=C bonds. The crystal packing
      is stabilized by C-H?N inter-actions that connect the independent mol-ecules into
      supra-molecular chains along the c-axis direction.

PMID- 22065813
TI  - (E)-1-(3-Nitro-phen-yl)ethanone (2-methyl-phen-yl)hydrazone.
AB  - In the title Schiff base compound, C(15)H(15)N(3)O(2), the azomethine double bond
      adopts an E configuration. The dihedral angle between the two aromatic rings is
      13.4 (12) degrees . In the crystal, mol-ecules are arranged in wave-like layers
      parallel to (100) without any classical hydrogen bonding.

PMID- 22065814
TI  - Diethyl [benzyl-amino-(1,3-diphenyl-1H-pyrazol-4--yl)meth-yl]phospho-nate.
AB  - In the title compound, C(27)H(30)N(3)O(3)P, the pyrazole ring is essentially
      planar [maximum deviation = 0.002 (2) A] and it forms dihedral angles of 9.3 (1)
      and 40.2 (1) degrees , respectively, with the phenyl rings attached to the N and
      C atoms. In the crystal, pairs of centrosymmetrically related mol-ecules are
      linked into dimers by N-H?O hydrogen bonds.

PMID- 22065815
TI  - A monoclinic polymorph of dichlorido(2,4,6-tri-2-pyridyl-1,3,5-triazine
      kappaN,N,N)manganese(II).
AB  - The Mn(II) ion in the title complex, [MnCl(2)(C(18)H(12)N(6))], is five
      coordinated in a distorted square-pyramidal geometry by three N atoms of the
      tridentate 2,4,6-tri-2-pyridyl-1,3,5-triazine ligand and two chloride anions. In
      the crystal, the pyridyl rings are located approximately parallel to their
      carrier triazine ring, making dihedral angles of 5.0 (1), 3.8 (1) and 3.2 (1)
      degrees . Intramolecular C-H?N hydrogen bonds are present. The complexes are
      stacked in columns along the c axis and linked by inter-molecular C-H?Cl hydrogen
      bonds, forming one-dimensional chains. In the column, inter-molecular pi-pi inter
      actions between the six-membered rings are present, the shortest centroid
      centroid distance being 3.623 (2) A. The structure reported herein represents a
      monoclinic polymorph of the previously reported triclinic form [Ha (2010 ?). Acta
      Cryst. E66, m262].

PMID- 22065816
TI  - {2,2'-[(2,2-Dimethyl-propane-1,3-diyl-dinitrilo)-bis-(phenyl-methyl-idyne)]
      diphenolato}nickel(II).
AB  - The asymmetric unit of the title complex, [Ni(C(31)H(28)N(2)O(2))], comprises two
      crystallographically independent mol-ecules. The geometry around the Ni(II) atom
      in each mol-ecule is distorted square planar. The dihedral angles between the two
      phen-oxy rings in each mol-ecule are 17.8 (4) and 36.5 (4) degrees . The crystal
      packing is stabilized by weak pi-pi inter-actions [centroid-centroid distance =
      3.758 (5) A] and C-H?pi inter-actions.

PMID- 22065817
TI  - 4,4'-Dichloro-2,2'-[imidazolidine-1,3-diylbis(methylene)]diphenol.
AB  - The imidazolidine ring in the title compound, C(17)H(18)Cl(2)N(2)O(2), adopts a
      twist conformation. The observed conformation is stabilized by two intra
      molecular O-H?N hydrogen bonds, with both N atoms acting as hydrogen-bond
      acceptors. The phenyl substituents are aligned at 70.0 (1) and 76.6 (1) degrees 
      with respect to the best plane through the five atoms of the imidazolidine ring.
      Weak inter-molecular C-H?O inter-actions stabilize the crystal packing.

PMID- 22065818
TI  - Hexaaqua-magnesium bis-(3-carb-oxy-4-hy-droxy-benzene-sulfonate) dihydrate.
AB  - In the crystal structure of the title compound,
      [Mg(H(2)O)(6)](C(7)H(5)O(6)S)(2).2H(2)O, the octa-hedral complex cation lies on
      an inversion centre and is hydrogen bonded through the coordinated water
      molecules to the substituted benzene-sulfonate monoanions and the water mol
      ecules of solvation. These inter-actions together with a carb-oxy-lic acid O
      H?O(sulfonate) association give a three-dimensional structure.

PMID- 22065819
TI  - 2-(2-Pyrid-yl)pyridinium (2,2'-bipyridine-kappaN,N')tetra-kis-(nitrato
      kappaO,O')bis-muthate(III).
AB  - The structure of the title compound,
      (C(10)H(9)N(2))[Bi(NO(3))(4)(C(10)H(8)N(2))], consists of 2-(2-pyrid
      yl)pyridinium cations and anions [Bi(NO(3))(4)(C(10)H(8)N(2))](-). The Bi(3+) ion
      lies on the twofold axis. It is coordinated by two nitro-gen atoms from one 2,2'
      bipyridine ligand and eight oxygen atoms from four NO(3) (-) anions. The
      disordered cation is positioned at the inversion centre. The
      [Bi(NO(3))(4)(C(10)H(8)N(2))](-) anions and 2-(2-pyrid-yl)pyridinium cations are
      connected via N-H?O hydrogen bonds into chains. Moreover, these chains are
      further linked into a two-dimensional layered structure through pi-pi stacking
      inter-actions between bipyridine ligands along the c axis [centroid-centroid
      distance = 2.868 (4) A].

PMID- 22065820
TI  - Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
AB  - Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) is an iatrogenic complication of
      assisted reproduction technology. The syndrome is characterized by cystic
      enlargement of the ovaries and a fluid shift from the intravascular to the third
      space due to increased capillary permeability and ovarian neoangiogenesis. Its
      occurrence is dependent on the administration of human chorionic gonadotrophin
      (hCG). beta-hCG and its analogs, estrogen, estradiol, prolactin, histamine and
      prostaglandins have all been implicated in OHSS but now it is increasingly better
      understood that the vasoactivesubstances such as interleukins, tumor necrosis
      factor-alpha, endothelin-1, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)
      secreted by the ovaries have been implicated in increasing vascular permeability.
      Enlargement of the ovaries causes abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting. Leakage of
      fluid from follicles, increased capillary permeability leading to third spacing
      (due to the release of vasoactive substances), or frank rupture of follicles can
      all cause ascites. Due to leakage of fluid through the impaired blood vessels
      both within and outside the ovary there is massive fluid-shift from the intra
      vescular bed to the third compartment results in intravascular hypovolemia with
      concomitant development of edema, ascites, hydrothorax and/or hydropericardium.
      Low-dose gonadotrophin protocols have been implemented to reduce the risks of
      fertility treatment in polycystic ovary syndrome patients. Prophylactic albumin
      administration may interrupt the development of OHSS by increasing the plasma
      oncotic pressure and binding mediators of ovarian origin. OHSS is significantly
      lower in an antagonist protocol than in an agonist protocol. Cabergoline inhibits
      partially the VEGF receptor 2 phosphorylation levels and associated vascular
      permeability without affecting luteal angiogenesis reduces the 'early' (within
      the first 9 days after hCG) onset of OHSS. To prevent thrombosis, subcutaneous
      heparin 5000-7500 U/d is begun on the first day of admission. These patients need
      a hospital ward where the clinical picture is well understood and the personnel
      have expertise in its treatment and follow-up. Admission to an intensive care
      unit is necessary when critical OHSS develops.

PMID- 22065821
TI  - Subglottic stenosis following percutaneous tracheostomy: a single centre report
      as a descriptive study.
AB  - Tracheal stenosis is a potential complication of tracheostomy. The present study
      aimed to describe the epidemiologic profile of subglottic stenosis in a referral
      medical centre. During a 4-year period, all patients who had been admitted in an
      Intensive Care Unit of Imam Khomeini Hospital (affiliated to Tehran University of
      Medical Sciences) and had undergone percutaneous tracheostomy during 7-10 days
      after endotracheal intubation were enrolled in the study. After removing the
      tracheostomy tube, patients were evaluated regarding development of tracheal
      stenosis using fiberoptic bronchoscopy and multi-slice computed tomography scan.
      During the study period, percutaneous tracheostomy was performed in 140 patients
      with a mean age of 38 years. Overall 54 patients died due to the severity of the
      disorder during hospitalization. In the remaining 86 patients, 54 cases needed
      permanent or long-term mechanical ventilation and were excluded from the study.
      Twelve patients died during the first 3 months and 20 patients were left for
      final assessment. Multi-slice computed tomography scan imaging showed subglottic
      stenosis in 17 cases (85%). Of these, 9 patients (52%) had tracheal stenosis of <
      50%. Tracheal stenosis of 25- 40% was found in 5 cases (25%). Patients in whom
      the tracheostomy tube had been removed in the first 3 weeks after tracheostomy
      did not present tracheal stenosis (n = 3, 15%). The present study revealed that
      subglottic stenosis is frequent in patients who have undergone percutaneous
      tracheostomy in the Intensive Care unit setting. However, the stenosis is
      generally mild and is not associated with serious and/ or life-threatening
      clinical manifestations.

PMID- 22065822
TI  - Ethyl-enediammonium tetra-aqua-disulfato-cadmate.
AB  - The crystal structure of the title compound,
      [NH(3)(CH(2))(2)NH(3)][Cd(SO(4))(2)(H(2)O)(4)], consists of
      [Cd(SO(4))(2)(H(2)O)(4)](2-) anions that are built from octa-hedral
      Cd(H(2)O)(4)O(2) and SO(4) tetra-hedral units linked by corner sharing. The ethyl
      ene-diamminium cations are linked to the anions via N-H?O hydrogen bonds. The
      asymmetric unit contains one-half of the compound, the other half being related
      to the first by an inversion centre. The crystal structure presents alternate
      stacking of the inorganic and organic layers along the crystallographic b axis.
      The structure cohesion and stability is further assured by O(water)-H?O hydrogen
      bonds.

PMID- 22065823
TI  - Tetra-MU-acetato-kappaO:O'-bis-[(3,5-di-methyl-1H-pyrazole-kappaN)-copper(II)].
AB  - The dinuclear centrosymmetric title compound,
      [Cu(2)(CH(3)CO(2))(4)(C(5)H(8)N(2))(2)], has a distorted square-pyramidal
      coordination geometry around each Cu(II) atom in which four O atoms from the
      bridging acetate ligands form the basal plane while two N atoms from the pyrazole
      ligands occupy the apical positions. The crystal has two half mol-ecules in the
      asymmetric unit with a Cu?Cu distance of 2.6762 (4) A. Disorder was found for two
      O atoms and two C atoms of one acetate ligand and refined with occupancies of
      0.265 (7) and 0.735 (7). The crystal also features mol-ecules linked through two
      N-H?O hydrogen bonds resulting in one-dimensional chains extending along the
      crystallographic b axis.

PMID- 22065824
TI  - Lithium cobalt(II) pyrophosphate, Li(1.86)CoP(2)O(7), from synchrotron X-ray
      powder data.
AB  - Structure refinement of high-resolution X-ray powder diffraction data of the
      title compound gave the composition Li(1.865)CoP(2)O(7), which is also verified
      by the ICP measurement. Two Co sites exist in the structure: one is a CoO(5)
      square pyramid and the other is a CoO(6) octa-hedron. They share edges and are
      further inter-connected through P(2)O(7) groups, forming a three-dimensional
      framework, which exhibits different kinds of inter-secting tunnels containing Li
      cations and could be of great inter-est in Li ion battery chemistry. The
      structure also exhibits cation disorder with 13.5% Co residing at the lithium
      (Li1) site. Co seems to have an average oxidation state of 2.135, as obtained
      from the strutural stochiometry that closely supports the magnetic susceptibility
      findings.

PMID- 22065825
TI  - Deacetyl-nomilin monohydrate.
AB  - In the title compound (systematic name 1-hy-droxy-1,2-dihydro-obacunoic acid 3,4
      lactone monohydrate), C(26)H(32)O(8).H(2)O, the dihedral angles between the
      planes of the ester groups and the furan plane are 43.06 (12) and 56.06 (7)
      degrees , while that between the furan plane and the keto group is 58.50 (9)
      degrees . The A/B, B/C and C/D ring junctions are all trans-fused. Inter
      molecular O-H?O hydrogen bonds between the hy-droxy and carbonyl groups and the
      water mol-ecule give rise to a three-dimensional structure.

PMID- 22065826
TI  - Bis(triphenyl-phosphanyl-idene)iminium dichloridotriphenyl-stannate(IV).
AB  - The structure of the title compound, [Ph(3)P=N=PPh(3)](+)[Ph(3)SnCl(2)](-) or
      (C(36)H(30)NP(2))[Sn(C(6)H(5))(3)Cl(2)], obtained as a by product of the reaction
      between Ph(3)SnCl and [Ph(3)P=N=PPh(3)](+).HSeO(3) (-), consists of discrete
      essentially isolated ions. Both the cation and the anion lie on twofold axes
      which pass through the central N atom in the cation and through the Sn(IV) atom
      in the anion. In the crystal, the ions inter-act only through a weak inter-action
      between the Cl atom of the anion and an H atom of a phenyl ring of the cation.

PMID- 22065827
TI  - 4,4'-[p-Phenyl-enebis(-oxy)]dibutanoic acid.
AB  - The complete mol-ecule of the title compound, C(14)H(18)O(6), has a center of
      inversion at the centroid of the benzene ring and the asymmetric unit contains
      one half-mol-ecule. The conformation of the side chain is anti [C-C-C-C = -171.40
      (17) degrees ]. In the crystal, pairs of head-to-head carb-oxy-lic acid O-H?O
      hydrogen bonds link the mol-ecules into infinite zigzag chains propagating along
      [130]. Weak C-H?pi inter-actions between adjacent chains expand the structure
      into a layered network in the ac plane.

PMID- 22065828
TI  - 3-(3-Chloro-phenyl-sulfon-yl)-2,5-dimethyl-1-benzofuran.
AB  - In the title molecule, C(16)H(13)ClO(3)S, the 3-chloro-phenyl ring makes a
      dihedral angle of 76.30 (5) degrees  with the mean plane of the benzofuran
      fragment. In the crystal, pairs of inter-molecular C-H?pi inter-actions link the
      mol-ecules into inversion dimers.

PMID- 22065829
TI  - 2,9-Dichloro-6H,13H-5:12,7:14-di-methano-dibenzo[d,i][1,3,6,8]tetra-azecine.
AB  - The title compound, C(16)H(14)Cl(2)N(4), is isomorphous with 2,9-dimethyl-6H,13H
      5:12,7:14-dimethano-dibenzo[d,i]-[1,3,6,8]tetra-azecine [Rivera et al. (2009 ?).
      Acta Cryst. E65, o2553] and has twofold symmetry, with two carbon atoms located
      on a twofold axis. Only van der Waals forces occur between molecules in the
      crystal. In the isomorphous compound the crystal structure is stabilized by weak
      C-H?pi inter-actions.

PMID- 22065830
TI  - (E)-N'-(3-Bromo-5-chloro-2-hy-droxy-benzyl-idene)nicotinohydrazide.
AB  - There are two independent mol-ecules in the asymmetric unit of the title
      compound, C(13)H(9)BrClN(3)O(2), in which the dihedral angles between the benzene
      and pyridine rings are 8.23 (9) degrees  and 52.84 (12) degrees . Both the mol
      ecules exist in an E configuration with respect to the C=N double bond. The two
      mol-ecules in the asymmetric unit are linked via weak C-H?O hydrogen bonds. In
      both the mol-ecules, an intra-molecular O-H?N hydrogen bond generate an S(6)
      graph-set motif. In the crystal, inter-molecular N-H?O and C-H?O hydrogen bonds
      generate bifurcated R(1) (2)(7) ring motifs. The crystal packing is further
      stabilized by weak inter-molecular N-H?O, N-H?N, C-H?O and pi-pi [centroid
      centroid distance 3.615 (2) A] inter-actions.

PMID- 22065831
TI  - Minimally-invasive parathyroid surgery.
AB  - During the last two decades, several techniques for minimally-invasive
      parathyroidectomy have been developed, including open approaches (open minimally
      invasive parathyroidectomy - OMI P), minimally-invasive radio-guided
      parathyroidectomy (MI-RP), video-assisted parathyroidectomy (VAP), video-assisted
      parathyroidectomy through a lateral approach (VAP-LA) and purely endoscopic
      parathyroidectomy (EP). We have reviewed the pertinent literature, analyzing the
      indications, outcomes, advantages and disadvantages of the different techniques.
      Even if the field of minimally-invasive parathyroidectomy is heterogeneous, there
      is some evidence that minimally-invasive video-assisted parathyroidectomy (MIVAP)
      should be preferred over OMIP for better cosmetic outcomes, improved
      visualization of neck structures and control of pain. There is also low-level
      evidence that MIVAP has some advantages over other purely endoscopic procedures
      for parathyroidectomy and VAP-LA, in terms of technical difficulties, in addition
      to the possibility to perform bilateral exploration and associated procedures on
      the thyroid gland. While the data on medium-term results are encouraging, longer
      follow-up times are still needed to confirm its safety and rate of cure with
      respect to conventional surgery. It has been demonstrated that MIVAP is also
      feasible in secondary and familial hyperparathyroidism, although no conclusive
      data are available.

PMID- 22065832
TI  - An evaluation of the effect of infertility on marital, sexual satisfaction
      indices and health-related quality of life in women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The effect of infertility on marital and sexual functioning, health
      related quality of life (QoL) and the acceptability of the treatment modalities
      is a poorly researched area in India. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To measure and compare
      the impact of infertility on marital adjustment, sexual functioning, QoL and the
      acceptability of various treatment modalities in infertility. DESIGN AND SETTING:
      Hospital-based cross-sectional controlled study. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Data
      regarding infertility, socio-demographic characteristics and treatment
      acceptability was obtained via a semi-structured questionnaire. validated,
      standardized scales were used to measure marital adjustment (abbreviated dyadic
      adjustment scale), sexual functioning (abbreviated sexual functioning
      questionnaire) in cases and controls, and quality of life (FertiQol) in cases.
      Data from 106 women attending tertiary infertility centers who met the definition
      of primary infertility and 212 controls attending the medical outpatient
      department in the same centers was obtained. RESULTS: Body mass index and
      socioeconomic status were significant (P < 0.006 and < 0.0001 respectively) for
      infertility. Fertility-enhancing regimens and adoption had the highest
      acceptability with a wide dispersion of range for adoption and least acceptance
      for sperm, egg, embryo donation and surrogate motherhood. Logistic regression
      analysis revealed a significant effect size of infertility on marital adjustment
      (Nagelkerke R(2) 0.725, Cohen's D 0.86) and sexual functioning (Nagelkerke R(2)
      0.73, Cohen's D 0.815). QoL showed a decrease in mean scores on the FertiQol
      scale similar to normative data. CONCLUSIONS: Effective counseling, reassurance
      and measures to reduce the impact of the condition on marital and sexual life,
      overall QoL are needed to impart a holistic treatment in infertility.

PMID- 22065833
TI  - Propyl 3-oxo-2,3-dihydro-1,2-benzothia-zole-2-carboxyl-ate.
AB  - The title compound, C(11)H(11)NO(3)S, was synthesized by the reaction of
      benzo[d]isothia-zol-3(2H)-one with propyl carbono-chloridate in toluene. The
      benzoisothiazolone ring system is approximately planar with a maximum deviation
      from the mean plane of 0.0226 (14) A for the N atom. Weak inter-molecular C-H?O
      hydrogen bonding occurs in the crystal structure.

PMID- 22065834
TI  - 4,4'-Dimeth-oxy-2,2'-{[(3aRS,7aRS)-2,3,3a,4,5,6,7,7a-octa-hydro-1H-1,3
      benzimidazole-1,3-diyl]bis(methyl-ene)}diphenol.
AB  - The title compound, C(23)H(30)N(2)O(4), is a Mannich base useful for studying the
      effect of an electron-donating phenol substituent on intra-molecular hydrogen
      bonding. In the mol-ecular structure, the cyclo-hexane ring adopts a chair
      conformation and the five-membered ring has a twisted envelope conformation. Each
      meth-oxy group is oriented in the same plane of the respective aromatic ring,
      showing torsion angles below 11.8 (3) degrees  and bond angles between the meth
      oxy group and the aromatic ring of 116.6 (2) and 116.6 (1) degrees . The
      structure shows inter-actions between two the N atoms of the heterocyclic ring
      and the hy-droxy groups by intra-molecular O-H?N hydrogen-bonding inter-actions.
      In the crystal, C-H?O inter-actions are observed. The crystal studied was a
      racemic mixture of RR and SS enanti-omers.

PMID- 22065835
TI  - (2E)-1-(Pyridin-2-yl)-3-(2,4,6-trimeth-oxy-phen-yl)prop-2-en-1-one.
AB  - The title heteroaryl chalcone derivative, C(17)H(17)NO(4), is a condensation
      product of 2-acetyl-pyridine and 2,4,6-trimeth-oxy-benzaldehyde. The mol-ecule is
      roughly planar, the dihedral angle between the pyridine and benzene rings being
      5.51 (10) degrees . All the three meth-oxy groups are almost co-planar with the
      bound benzene ring [r.m.s. deviation of 0.0306 (2) A]. A weak C-H?O intra
      molecular inter-action involving one of the ortho-meth-oxy groups generates an
      S(6) ring motif. In the crystal, the mol-ecules are linked by weak C-H?O inter
      actions into anti-parallel face-to-face pairs. Adjacent pairs are further
      connected into sheets parallel to the ab plane.

PMID- 22065836
TI  - 3,4-Dimethyl-anilinium 4-methyl-benzene-sulfonate.
AB  - In the crystal structure of the title compound, C(8)H(12)N(+).C(7)H(7)O(3)S(-), N
      H?O hydrogen bonds link the cations and anions into ribbons parallel to the c
      axis. N-H?S inter-actions also occur.

PMID- 22065837
TI  - 2-(2-Chloro-phen-yl)-3-methyl-5,6-diphenyl-2,3-dihydro-pyrazine.
AB  - In the title mol-ecule, C(23)H(19)ClN(2), the heterocyclic ring adopts a screw
      boat conformation, with all substituents equatorial. The benzene ring at position
      2 makes dihedral angles of 77.88 (12) and 76.31 (12) degrees  with the phenyl
      rings at positions 5 and 6, respectively. The dihedral angle between the phenyl
      rings at positions 5 and 6 is 70.05 (10) degrees . The Cl atom is disordered over
      two positions with occupancy factors of 0.946 (5) and 0.054 (5). In the crystal,
      C-H?pi inter-actions are found.

PMID- 22065838
TI  - A NOD to zebrafish models of inflammatory bowel disease pathogenesis.

PMID- 22065839
TI  - Pathological looping in the synucleinopathies: investigating the link between
      Parkinson's disease and Gaucher disease.

PMID- 22065840
TI  - Mouse genetics for studying mechanisms of deafness and more: an interview with
      Karen Steel. Interview by Sarah Allan.

PMID- 22065842
TI  - Regulating complement in the kidney: insights from CFHR5 nephropathy.
AB  - Complement factor H related protein 5 (CFHR5) nephropathy is a monogenic disorder
      of complement regulation that is endemic in Cyprus. The disease is characterised
      by haematuria, C3 glomerulonephritis and kidney failure. Its identification
      suggests a role for the CFHR5 protein in the regulation of complement in the
      kidney. In this review, we discuss how studying CFHR5 nephropathy can contribute
      to our understanding of the role of complement in kidney diseases such as dense
      deposit disease, C3 glomerulonephritis and atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome.

PMID- 22065843
TI  - Lactate shuttles at a glance: from physiological paradigms to anti-cancer
      treatments.
AB  - Hypoxia and oncogene expression both stimulate glycolytic metabolism in tumors,
      thereby leading to lactate production. However, lactate is more than merely a by
      product of glycolysis: it can be used as a metabolic fuel by oxidative cancer
      cells. This phenomenon resembles processes that have been described for skeletal
      muscle and brain that involve what are known as cell-cell and intracellular
      lactate shuttles. Two control points regulate lactate shuttles: the lactate
      dehydrogenase (LDH)-dependent conversion of lactate into pyruvate (and back), and
      the transport of lactate into and out of cells through specific monocarboxylate
      transporters (MCTs). In tumors, MCT4 is largely involved in hypoxia-driven
      lactate release, whereas the uptake of lactate into both tumor cells and tumor
      endothelial cells occurs via MCT1. Translating knowledge of lactate shuttles to
      the cancer field offers new perspectives to therapeutically target the hypoxic
      tumor microenvironment and to tackle tumor angiogenesis.

PMID- 22065846
TI  - Off-pump vs. on-pump CABG: are we any closer to a resolution?

PMID- 22065844
TI  - Set points, settling points and some alternative models: theoretical options to
      understand how genes and environments combine to regulate body adiposity.
AB  - The close correspondence between energy intake and expenditure over prolonged
      time periods, coupled with an apparent protection of the level of body adiposity
      in the face of perturbations of energy balance, has led to the idea that body
      fatness is regulated via mechanisms that control intake and energy expenditure.
      Two models have dominated the discussion of how this regulation might take place.
      The set point model is rooted in physiology, genetics and molecular biology, and
      suggests that there is an active feedback mechanism linking adipose tissue
      (stored energy) to intake and expenditure via a set point, presumably encoded in
      the brain. This model is consistent with many of the biological aspects of energy
      balance, but struggles to explain the many significant environmental and social
      influences on obesity, food intake and physical activity. More importantly, the
      set point model does not effectively explain the 'obesity epidemic'--the large
      increase in body weight and adiposity of a large proportion of individuals in
      many countries since the 1980s. An alternative model, called the settling point
      model, is based on the idea that there is passive feedback between the size of
      the body stores and aspects of expenditure. This model accommodates many of the
      social and environmental characteristics of energy balance, but struggles to
      explain some of the biological and genetic aspects. The shortcomings of these two
      models reflect their failure to address the gene-by-environment interactions that
      dominate the regulation of body weight. We discuss two additional models--the
      general intake model and the dual intervention point model--that address this
      issue and might offer better ways to understand how body fatness is controlled.

PMID- 22065856
TI  - Distribution of the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance in Mexican
      children and adolescents.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Several cutoff points of the homeostasis model assessment of insulin
      resistance (HOMA-IR; varying from 2.5 to 4.0) have been suggested for diagnosing
      IR in youth. In this study, we determined the distribution of the HOMA-IR in
      Mexican children and adolescents. DESIGN AND METHODS: A total of 6132 children
      and adolescents from San Luis Potosi, Leon, Queretaro, and Durango, which are
      cities in central and northern Mexico, were enrolled in a population-based cross
      sectional study. Eligible participants were apparently healthy children and
      adolescents aged 6-18 years. Pregnancy and the presence of chronic illnesses were
      exclusion criteria. RESULTS: A total of 3701 (60.3%) girls and 2431 (39.7%) boys
      were included in this study. In the overall population, the mean body mass index,
      insulin levels, and fasting glucose levels were 21.8+/-1.3 kg/m(2), 7.1+/-3.2
      MUU/ml, and 86.2+/-10.0 mg/dl respectively. The concentrations of insulin and
      fasting glucose gradually increased from 6 to 12 years of age, whereas the
      concentrations tended to plateau in the 13- to 18-year-old population. The
      absolute mean of the HOMA-IR was 2.89+/-0.7. The HOMA-IR gradually increased with
      age and reached a plateau at 13 years of age. CONCLUSIONS: Because the insulin
      concentrations, glucose levels, and HOMA-IR exhibited a gradual increase with age
      that was not related to obesity, our results suggested that the evaluation of IR
      in children should be based on percentiles of the HOMA-IR rather than a
      dichotomous value derived from a single cutoff point.

PMID- 22065857
TI  - DG3173 (somatoprim), a unique somatostatin receptor subtypes 2-, 4- and 5
      selective analogue, effectively reduces GH secretion in human GH-secreting
      pituitary adenomas even in Octreotide non-responsive tumours.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Somatostatin analogues (SSA) reduce autonomous GH secretion by
      activating somatostatin receptors (sst) 2 and 5 in 50-60% of acromegalic
      patients. However, by inhibiting insulin secretion these SSA reduce glucose
      tolerance. DG3173 is a novel SSA with additional binding to sst4 and low insulin
      suppressing activity. We investigated the effect of DG3173, including its
      relation to specific tumour characteristics, on GH secretion in human somatotroph
      adenoma cell cultures (hSA) in comparison with Octreotide. METHODS: Twenty-seven
      hSA were characterised immunohistochemically for their hormone- and sst
      expression, granularity and pre-surgical therapy with SSA. GH was determined in
      supernatants of hSA treated with DG3173 or Octreotide in time- (n=6) and dose
      response (n=21) experiments. A positive response was defined as GH suppression to
      below 80% of baseline. RESULTS: In the dose-response experiments DG3173
      suppressed GH secretion in more adenomas than Octreotide (10/21 vs 5/21),
      including 38% (6/16) of Octreotide non-responders. In responders the extent of GH
      suppression and IC(50) were comparable for both SSA. The response-rate of both
      SSA was higher in monohormonal vs bihormonal adenomas, yet GH declined similarly
      in both groups. Neither pre-surgical SSA (n=6) nor tumour morphology was related
      to the GH response. However, semi-quantitative analysis indicated a small but
      significant negative correlation between the GH response to Octreotide and the
      immunoreactivity scores of sst2 expression. CONCLUSIONS: DG3173 equalled
      Octreotide in suppressing GH secretion in hSA. Since DG3173 suppressed GH in some
      Octreotide-non-responsive adenomas, its clinical effectiveness will be worth
      testing. Moreover, its reduced insulin-suppressive potency would make it a
      valuable alternative to Octreotide.

PMID- 22065859
TI  - Follicular assembly: mechanisms of action.
AB  - The differentiation of primordial germ cells (PGCs) into functional oocytes is
      important for the continuation of species. In mammals, PGCs begin to
      differentiate into oocytes during embryonic development. Oocytes develop in
      clusters called germ line cysts. During fetal or neonatal development, germ cell
      cysts break apart into single oocytes that become surrounded by pregranulosa
      cells to form primordial follicles. During the process of cyst breakdown, a
      subset of cells in each cyst undergoes cell death with only one-third of the
      initial number of oocytes surviving to form primordial follicles. The mechanisms
      that control cyst breakdown, oocyte survival, and follicle assembly are currently
      under investigation. This review describes the mechanisms that have been
      implicated in the control of primordial follicle formation, which include
      programmed cell death regulation, growth factor and other signaling pathways,
      regulation by transcription factors and hormones, meiotic progression, and
      changes in cell adhesion. Elucidation of mechanisms leading to formation of the
      primordial follicle pool will help research efforts in ovarian biology and
      improve treatments of female infertility, premature ovarian failure, and
      reproductive cancers.

PMID- 22065860
TI  - Porcine uterus contains a population of mesenchymal stem cells.
AB  - The uterus has a remarkable ability of cycling remodeling throughout the
      reproductive life of the female. Recent findings in the human and mouse indicate
      that adult stem/progenitor cells may play a prominent role in the maintenance of
      uterine endometrial and myometrial homeostasis. We aimed to characterize the
      prospective stem/progenitor cells in the porcine uterus and establish a new model
      for uterine stem cell research. In this study, we demonstrated that cells
      isolated from porcine uterus have capacity for in vitro differentiation into
      adipogenic and osteogenic lineages and express the mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)
      markers CD29, CD44, CD144, CD105, and CD140b as revealed by RT-PCR. Moreover, we
      showed that some cells isolated from the porcine uterus when cultured at low
      density produce large clones with an efficiency of 0.035%. Simultaneously, they
      were negative for hematopoietic stem cell markers such as CD34 and CD45. Low
      expression of nestin, which is specific for neural stem cells and various
      progenitor cells, was also detected. We conclude that the porcine uterus contains
      a small population of undifferentiated cells with MSC-like properties similar to
      human and mouse uteri.

PMID- 22065858
TI  - Delineating the role of alterations in lipid metabolism to the pathogenesis of
      inherited skeletal and cardiac muscle disorders: Thematic Review Series: Genetics
      of Human Lipid Diseases.
AB  - As the specific composition of lipids is essential for the maintenance of
      membrane integrity, enzyme function, ion channels, and membrane receptors, an
      alteration in lipid composition or metabolism may be one of the crucial changes
      occurring during skeletal and cardiac myopathies. Although the inheritance
      (autosomal dominant, autosomal recessive, and X-linked traits) and
      underlying/defining mutations causing these myopathies are known, the
      contribution of lipid homeostasis in the progression of these diseases needs to
      be established. The purpose of this review is to present the current knowledge
      relating to lipid changes in inherited skeletal muscle disorders, such as
      Duchenne/Becker muscular dystrophy, myotonic muscular dystrophy, limb-girdle
      myopathic dystrophies, desminopathies, rostrocaudal muscular dystrophy, and
      Dunnigan-type familial lipodystrophy. The lipid modifications in familial
      hypertrophic and dilated cardiomyopathies, as well as Barth syndrome and several
      other cardiac disorders associated with abnormal lipid storage, are discussed.
      Information on lipid alterations occurring in these myopathies will aid in the
      design of improved methods of screening and therapy in children and young adults
      with or without a family history of genetic diseases.

PMID- 22065861
TI  - Comparison of 7alpha-methyl-19-nortestosterone effectiveness alone or combined
      with progestins on androgen receptor mediated-transactivation.
AB  - 7alpha-methyl-19-nortestosterone (MENT) is an androgen with potent gonadotropin
      inhibitory activity and prostate-sparing effects. These attributes give MENT
      advantages over testosterone as a male contraceptive, but, as in the case of
      testosterone, a partial dose-dependent suppression of spermatogenesis has been
      observed. Combination of testosterone or MENT with synthetic progestins improves
      the rate of azoospermia; however, it is unknown whether these combinations affect
      hormone androgenicity or exert synergistic effects via progestational or
      androgenic interaction. Herein, using transactivation assays, we examined the
      ability of MENT alone or combined with several 19-nor-derived synthetic
      progestins to activate androgen receptor (AR)-dependent gene transcription. In
      addition, the capability of 7alpha-methyl-estradiol (7alpha-methyl-E(2)), an
      aromatized metabolite of MENT, to transactivate gene transcription via estrogen
      receptor alpha (ERalpha; ESR1) or ERbeta (ESR2) was also investigated. As
      expected, MENT induced gene transactivation through either the progesterone
      receptor (PGR) or the AR. MENT was as efficient as progesterone in activating PGR
      mediated reporter gene expression, but it was ten times more potent than
      testosterone and dihydrotestoterone in activating of AR-driven gene expression.
      The addition of increasing concentrations of other 19-nortestosterone derivatives
      (norethisterone or levonorgestrel) did not affect, in a significant manner, the
      ability of MENT to activate AR-dependent reporter gene transcription. The same
      results were obtained with different cell lines. 7alpha-Methyl-E(2) resulted in
      potent estrogen activity via both ER subtypes with efficiency similar to natural
      E(2). These results suggest that the addition of 19-nortestosterone-derived
      progestins, as a hormonal adjuvant in male fertility strategies for effective
      spermatogenic suppression, does not display any detrimental effect that would
      interfere with MENT androgenic transcriptional activity.

PMID- 22065862
TI  - Normalizing action of exendin-4 and GLP-1 in the glucose metabolism of
      extrapancreatic tissues in insulin-resistant and type 2 diabetic states.
AB  - Exendin-4 (Ex-4) mimics glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1 or GCG as listed in the
      HUGO database), being anti-diabetic and anorectic, in stimulating glucose and
      lipid metabolism in extrapancreatic tissues. We studied the characteristics of Ex
      4 and GLP-1 action, during prolonged treatment, on GLUTs expression (mRNA and
      protein), glycogen content (GC), glucose transport (GT), glycogen synthase a
      (GSa), and kinase (PI3K and MAPKs) activity, in liver, muscle, and fat of insulin
      resistant (IR, by fructose) and type 2 diabetic (T2D, streptozotocin at birth)
      rats compared with normal rats. In both IR and T2D, the three tissues studied
      presented alterations in all measured parameters. In liver, GLP-1 and also Ex-4
      normalized the lower than normal Glut2 (Slc2a2) expression and showed a trend to
      normalize the reduced GC in IR, and GLP-1, like Ex-4, also in T2D, effects
      mediated by PI3K and MAPKs. In skeletal muscle, neither GLP-1 nor Ex-4 modified
      Glut4 (Slc2a4) expression in either experimental model but showed normalization
      of reduced GT and GSa, in parallel with the normalization of reduced PI3K
      activity in T2D and MAPKs in both models. In adipose tissue, the altered GLUT4
      expression in IR and T2D, along with reduced GT in IR and increased GT in T2D,
      and with hyperactivated PI3K in both, became normal after GLP-1 and Ex-4
      treatment; yet, MAPKs, that were also higher, became normal only after Ex-4
      treatment. The data shows that Ex-4, as well as GLP-1, exerts a normalizing
      effect on IR and T2D states through a distinct post-receptor mechanism, the liver
      being the main target for Ex-4 and GLP-1 to control glucose homeostasis.

PMID- 22065863
TI  - Longitudinal structure-function correlates in elderly reveal MTL dysfunction with
      cognitive decline.
AB  - By integrating behavioral measures and imaging data, previous investigations have
      explored the relationship between biological markers of aging and cognitive
      functions. Evidence from functional and structural neuroimaging has revealed that
      hippocampal volume and activation patterns in the medial temporal lobe (MTL) may
      predict cognitive performance in old age. Most past demonstrations of age-related
      differences in brain structure-function were based on cross-sectional
      comparisons. Here, the relationship between 6-year intraindividual change in
      functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) signal and change in memory
      performance over 2 decades was examined. Correlations between intraindividual
      change in fMRI signal during episodic encoding and change in memory performance
      measured outside of scanning were used as an estimate for relating brain-behavior
      changes. The results revealed a positive relationship between activation change
      in the hippocampus (HC) and change in memory performance, reflecting reduced
      hippocampal activation in participants with declining performance. Using a
      similar analytic approach as for the functional data, we found that individuals
      with declining performance had reduced HC volume compared with individuals with
      intact performance. These observations provide a strong link between cognitive
      change in older adults and MTL structure and function and thus provide insights
      into brain correlates of individual variability in aging trajectories.

PMID- 22065864
TI  - Differential expression patterns of striate cortex-enriched genes among Old
      World, New World, and prosimian primates.
AB  - A group of 5 genes, OCC1, testican-1, testican-2, 5-HT1B, and 5-HT2A, are
      selectively expressed in layer 4 (4C of Brodmann) of striate cortex (visual area
      V1) of both Old World macaques and New World marmoset monkeys. The expression of
      these genes is activity dependent, as expression is reduced after blocking
      retinal activity. Surprisingly, the pronounced expression pattern has not been
      found in rodents or carnivores. Thus, these genes may be highly expressed in V1
      of some but perhaps not all primates. Here, we compared the gene expression in
      members of 3 major branches of primate evolution: prosimians, New World monkeys,
      and Old World monkeys. Although the expression pattern of 5-HT1B was well
      conserved, those of the other genes varied from the least distinct in prosimian
      galagos to successively more in New World owl monkeys, marmosets, squirrel
      monkeys, and Old World macaque monkeys. In owl monkeys, the expression of 5-HT2A
      was significantly reduced by monocular tetrodotoxin injection, while those of
      OCC1 and 5-HT1B were not. Thus, we propose that early primates had low levels of
      expression and higher levels emerged with anthropoid primates and became further
      enhanced in the Old World catarrhine monkeys that are more closely related to
      humans.

PMID- 22065865
TI  - Use of an automatic application for wall motion classification based on
      longitudinal strain: is it affected by operator expertise in echocardiography? A
      multicentre study by the Israeli Echocardiography Research Group.
AB  - AIMS: Assessing the quality of wall motion (WM) on echocardiograms remains a
      challenge. Previously, we validated an automated application used by experienced
      echocardiographers for WM classification based on longitudinal two-dimensional
      (2D) strain. The aim of this study was to show that the use of this automatic
      application was independent of the user's experience. METHODS AND RESULTS: We
      compared the WM classifications obtained by the application when used by 12
      highly experienced readers (Exp-R) vs. 11 inexperienced readers (InExp-R). Both
      classifications were compared with expert consensus classifications using the
      standard visual method. Digitized clips of cardiac cycles from three apical views
      in 105 patients were used for these analyses. Reproducibility of both groups was
      high (overall intra-class correlation coefficient: InExp-R = 0.89, Exp-R = 0.83);
      the lowest was noted for hypokinetic segments (InExp-R = 0.79, Exp-R = 0.72).
      InExp-R scores were concordant with Exp-R mode scores in 88.8% of segments; they
      were overestimated in 5.8% and underestimated in 3.2%. The sensitivity,
      specificity, and accuracy of InExp-R vs. Exp-R for classifying segments as
      normal/abnormal were identical (87, 85, and 86%, respectively). CONCLUSION:
      Classification of WM from apical views with an automatic application based on
      longitudinal 2D strain by InExp-R vs. Exp-R was similar to visual classification
      by Exp-R. This application may be useful for inexperienced
      echocardiographers/technicians and may serve as an automated 'second opinion' for
      experienced echocardiographers.

PMID- 22065866
TI  - Multi-modality imaging of apical aortic conduit.

PMID- 22065867
TI  - Penicilliosis in children without HIV infection--are they immunodeficient?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Penicillium marneffei infection is indigenous to Southeast Asia.
      Majority of penicilliosis occurs in patients with AIDS, and less commonly with
      secondary immunodeficiencies. Penicilliosis is rare in otherwise healthy persons,
      but information on their immunological status is often lacking. METHODS: From
      1996 to 2009, we diagnosed penicilliosis in 5 children. Their clinical features,
      immunological findings, and genetic studies were analyzed. A systematic review of
      the English and Chinese literature was performed. Case reports/series on patients
      <18 years with penicilliosis were included, and patients stated to be human
      immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive excluded. RESULTS: All of our 5 patients
      were HIV negative. Presentations included fungemia (n = 2), multifocal
      lymphadenopathy (n = 2), and necrotizing pneumonia (n = 1). Four patients had
      recurrent mucocutaneous candidiasis. Hyperimmunoglobin E syndrome was diagnosed
      in 1 patient, while another had functional defect in interleukin-12/interferon
      gamma axis. Three patients were lymphopenic with low natural killer cell counts,
      but a specific immune defect was not identified. Systematic review of 509 reports
      on human penicilliosis identified 32 patients aged 3 months to 16 years with no
      known HIV infection. Twenty-four patients (75%) had disseminated disease, and 55%
      died of penicilliosis. Eight patients had primary immunodeficiencies or blood
      disorders, while 4 others had abnormal immune functions. Immune evaluations of
      the remaining patients were unstated. CONCLUSION: Penicilliosis is a severe
      disease causing high mortality in children. As an AIDS-defining illness,
      penicilliosis should be regarded as an indicator for underlying immunodeficiency
      in HIV-negative individuals. Immunological investigations should be performed,
      especially in those with recurrent infections. Multicentered collaborative
      studies are needed to collect information on long-term prognosis and define
      immune defects underlying penicilliosis.

PMID- 22065868
TI  - Experiential and rational decision making: a survey to determine how emergency
      physicians make clinical decisions.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dual-process psychological theories argue that clinical decision
      making is achieved through a combination of experiential (fast and intuitive) and
      rational (slower and systematic) cognitive processes. OBJECTIVE: To determine
      whether emergency physicians perceived their clinical decisions in general to be
      more experiential or rational and how this compared with other physicians.
      METHODS: A validated psychometric tool, the Rational Experiential Inventory (REI
      40), was sent through postal mail to all emergency physicians registered with the
      College of Physicians and Surgeons of Ontario, according to their website in
      November 2009. Forty statements were ranked on a Likert scale from 1 (Definitely
      False) to 5 (Definitely True). An initial survey was sent out, followed by
      reminder cards and a second survey to non-respondents. Analysis included
      descriptive statistics, Student t tests, analysis of variance and comparison of
      mean scores with those of cardiologists from New Zealand. RESULTS: The response
      rate in this study was 46.9% (434/925). The respondents' median age was 41-50
      years; they were mostly men (72.6%) and most had more than 10 years of clinical
      experience (66.8%). The mean REI-40 rational scores were higher than the
      experiential scores (3.93/5 (SD 0.35) vs 3.33/5 (SD 0.49), p<0.0001), similar to
      the mean scores of cardiologists from New Zealand (mean rational 3.93/5, mean
      experiential 3.05/5). The mean experiential scores were significantly higher for
      female respondents than for male respondents (3.40/5 (SD 0.49) vs 3.30/5 (SD
      0.48), p=0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, emergency physicians favoured rational
      decision making rather than experiential decision making; however, female
      emergency physicians had higher experiential scores than male emergency
      physicians. This has important implications for future knowledge translation and
      decision support efforts among emergency physicians.

PMID- 22065869
TI  - Short- and long-term outcomes of intracoronary and endogenously mobilized bone
      marrow stem cells in the treatment of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction:
      a meta-analysis of randomized control trials.
AB  - AIMS: Bone marrow stem cell (BMSC) treatment of ST-segment elevation myocardial
      infarction (STEMI) has been primarily via the intracoronary route or via
      endogenous mobilization using granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF).
      Studies have provided conflicting results. We therefore performed a meta-analysis
      of these treatments, examining short- and long-term efficacy and safety. METHODS
      AND RESULTS: Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of BMSC-based therapy for STEMI,
      delivered within 9 days of reperfusion, were identified by systematic search.
      Random effects models were used to calculate pooled effects of clinical outcomes,
      with meta-regression to assess dependence of the magnitude of effect sizes on
      study characteristics. Twenty-nine RCTs enrolling 1830 patients were included.
      Intracoronary BMSC therapy resulted in an overall improvement in left ventricular
      ejection fraction (LVEF) of 2.70% [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.48-3.92; P <
      0.001] in the short term and 3.31% (95% CI 1.87-4.75; P < 0.001) longer term.
      Meta-regression suggested a dose-response relationship between quantity of
      CD34(+) cells delivered and increase in LVEF (P = 0.007). G-CSF treatment
      resulted in a trend towards similar benefits (P = 0.20). No significant
      differences were observed in pooled adverse outcome rates between intervention
      and control groups of either treatment approach, except for lower
      revascularization rates with intracoronary BMSC vs. control (odds ratio 0.68, 95%
      CI 0.47-0.97; P = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Intracoronary BMSC therapy post-STEMI
      improves LVEF beyond standard medical treatment, in both the short and longer
      term. G-CSF treatment shows positive but non-significant trends. Both treatments
      demonstrate safety comparable with conventional medical treatment.

PMID- 22065870
TI  - Exercise training in recently hospitalized heart failure patients enrolled in a
      disease management programme: design of the EJECTION-HF randomized controlled
      trial.
AB  - AIMS: The Exercise Joins Education: Combined Therapy to Improve Outcomes in Newly
      discharged Heart Failure (EJECTION-HF) study will evaluate the impact of a
      supervised exercise training programme (ETP) on clinical outcomes in recently
      hospitalized heart failure patients attending a disease management programme
      (DMP). Methods This multisite, pragmatic randomized controlled trial enrols
      patients discharged from participating hospitals with clinical evidence of heart
      failure who are willing and able to participate in a DMP and considered
      clinically safe to exercise. Enrolment includes participants with impaired and
      preserved left ventricular systolic function. Baseline assessment and programme
      commencement occur within 6 weeks of hospital discharge. The control group DMP
      includes individualized education and follow-up from a multidisciplinary heart
      failure team; a weekly education programme for 12 weeks; self-management advice;
      and medical follow-up. Home exercise is recommended for all participants. In
      addition, intervention participants are offered 36 supervised, structured gym
      based 1 h exercise sessions over 24 weeks. Sessions are tailored to exercise
      capacity and include aerobic, resistance, and balance exercises. Enrolment target
      is 350 participants. Primary outcome is 12-month mortality and readmissions.
      Secondary outcomes include blinded evaluation of depressive symptoms, sleep
      quality, cognition, and functional status (activities of daily living, 6 min walk
      distance, grip strength) at 3 and 6 months. A cost-utility analysis will be
      conducted. CONCLUSION: This study will enrol a representative group of
      hospitalized heart failure patients and measure a range of patient and health
      service outcomes to inform the design of post-hospital DMPs for heart failure.
      Enrolment will be completed in 2013. ACTRN12608000263392.

PMID- 22065871
TI  - Ventricular automaticity as a predictor of sudden death in ischaemic heart
      disease.
AB  - Opinion has oscillated in the cardiology community regarding the significance of
      ventricular premature beats and non-sustained ventricular tachycardia as
      predictors of sudden cardiac death. Automaticity can be a marker of underlying
      structural heart disease. It is unclear whether the apparent association with
      sudden death is simply a reflection of this fact. Older data are unreliable as
      the populations studied probably had a high prevalence of unrecognized structural
      heart disease. Current risk stratification is imperfect. The balance of evidence
      suggests that automaticity does predict risk and it may have a role in risk
      assessment algorithms, but at present the dataset is insufficient.

PMID- 22065872
TI  - Quantitative analysis of response to treatment with erlotinib in advanced non
      small cell lung cancer using 18F-FDG and 3'-deoxy-3'-18F-fluorothymidine PET.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relevance for the prediction of
      clinical benefit of first-line treatment with erlotinib using different
      quantitative parameters for PET with both (18)F-FDG and 3'-deoxy-3'-(18)F
      fluorothymidine ((18)F-FLT) in patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer.
      METHODS: Data were used from a prospective trial involving patients with
      untreated stage IV non-small cell lung cancer. (18)F-FDG PET and (18)F-FLT PET
      were performed before and 1 (early) and 6 (late) weeks after erlotinib treatment.
      Several quantitative standardized uptake values (SUVs) using different
      definitions of volumes of interest with varying isocontours (maximum SUV
      [SUV(max)], 2-dimensional peak SUV [SUV(2Dpeak)], 3-dimensional [3D] peak SUV
      [SUV(3Dpeak)], 3D isocontour at 50% of the maximum pixel value [SUV(50)], 3D
      isocontour at 50% adapted for background [SUV(A50)], 3D isocontour at 41% of the
      maximum pixel value adapted for background [SUV(A41)], 3D isocontour at 70% of
      the maximum pixel value [SUV(70)], 3D isocontour at 70% adapted for background
      [SUV(A70)], and relative SUV threshold level [SUV(RTL)]) and metabolically active
      volume measurements were obtained in the hottest single tumor lesion and in the
      sum of up to 5 lesions per scan in 30 patients. Metabolic response was defined as
      a minimum reduction of 30% in each of the different SUVs and as a minimum
      reduction of 45% in metabolically active volume. Progression-free survival (PFS)
      was compared between patients with and without metabolic response measured with
      each of the different parameters, using Kaplan-Meier statistics and a log-rank
      test. RESULTS: Patients with a metabolic response on early (18)F-FDG PET and
      (18)F-FLT PET in the hottest single tumor lesion as well as in the sum of up to 5
      lesions per scan had a significantly longer PFS, regardless of the method used to
      calculate SUV. However, the highest significance was obtained for SUV(max),
      SUV(50), SUV(A50), and SUV(A41.) Patients with a metabolic response measured by
      SUV(max) and SUV(3Dpeak) on late (18)F-FDG PET in the hottest single tumor lesion
      had a significantly longer PFS. Furthermore, Kaplan-Meier analyses showed a
      strong association between PFS and response seen by metabolically active volume,
      measured either in early (18)F-FLT or in late (18)F-FDG. CONCLUSION: Early (18)F
      FDG PET and (18)F-FLT PET can predict PFS regardless of the method used for SUV
      calculation. However, SUV(max), SUV(50), SUV(A50), and SUV(A41) measured with
      (18)F-FDG might be the best robust SUV to use for early response prediction.
      Metabolically active volume measurement in early (18)F-FLT PET and late (18)F-FDG
      PET may have an additional predictive value in monitoring response in patients
      with advanced non-small cell lung cancer treated with erlotinib.

PMID- 22065874
TI  - 18F-FDG PET/CT as a sensitive and early treatment monitoring tool: will this
      become the major thrust for its clinical application in infectious and
      inflammatory disorders?

PMID- 22065875
TI  - A pilot study to evaluate 3'-deoxy-3'-18F-fluorothymidine pet for initial and
      early response imaging in mantle cell lymphoma.
AB  - Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Proliferation
      activity is considered an important prognostic marker. Immunohistochemical
      analysis from core biopsy or lymph node may not represent the proliferation rate.
      We investigated the in vivo proliferation marker 3'-deoxy-3'-(18)F
      fluorothymidine ((18)F-FLT) to characterize MCL. METHODS: Eight untreated MCL
      patients were recruited prospectively. (18)F-FLT PET/CT was performed 45 min
      after injection of (18)F-FLT. (18)F-FDG PET/CT served as reference. Mean (18)F
      FLT standardized uptake values were assessed per lesion and compared with
      respective (18)F-FDG uptake. Correlation of mean (18)F-FLT and (18)F-FDG uptake
      in the hottest lesion to Ki67 immunostaining was performed. Five patients
      underwent repetitive early (18)F-FLT PET. RESULTS: All lymphoma lesions
      identified by (18)F-FDG PET/CT showed increased (18)F-FLT uptake.
      Semiquantitative analysis revealed a high mean (18)F-FLT standardized uptake
      value of 9.9 (range, 5.5-15.9). Mean (18)F-FLT uptake and Ki67 expressions showed
      a strong positive correlation. CONCLUSION: PET using (18)F-FLT as a biomarker for
      proliferative activity showed a high sensitivity for MCL. (18)F-FLT uptake shows
      a correlation with proliferation. Our results warrant further analysis of (18)F
      FLT PET in MCL.

PMID- 22065876
TI  - In vivo near-infrared fluorescence imaging of integrin alpha2beta1 in prostate
      cancer with cell-penetrating-peptide-conjugated DGEA probe.
AB  - The overexpression of integrin alpha(2)beta(1) has been demonstrated to correlate
      with prostate tumor aggressiveness and metastatic potential. Recently, we
      reported that the DGEA peptide is a promising targeting ligand for near-infrared
      fluorescence and microPET imaging of integrin alpha(2)beta(1) expression in
      prostate cancers. Here, we aimed to further improve the targeting efficacy of
      this peptide by incorporating a series of cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs) into
      the DGEA sequence. METHODS: After the conjugation with appropriate fluorescent
      dyes, the CPP-DGEA peptides were evaluated in human prostate cell lines (PC-3,
      CWR-22, and LNCaP) that contain different integrin alpha(2)beta(1) expression
      levels. In addition, to reduce excess kidney uptake, a carboxypeptidase-specific
      sequence Gly-Lys was incorporated into the probe design, allowing for cleavage by
      the kidney brush border enzymes of the CPP before uptake by proximal tubule
      cells. RESULTS: Although the CPP motif greatly facilitated the translocation of
      CPP-DGEA without affecting binding specificity in vitro, fluorescent dye-labeled
      CPP-DGEA demonstrated extremely high kidney uptake in vivo. Kidney uptake was
      dramatically decreased after a carboxypeptidase-specific peptide linker (Gly-Lys)
      had been incorporated into the probe design. The optimized probe demonstrated a
      prominent accumulation of activity in PC-3 tumor (integrin alpha(2)beta(1)
      positive). Receptor specificity was confirmed with blocking experiments and
      evaluation in a CWR-22 control tumor model with low alpha(2)beta(1) expression.
      CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that the introduction of a CPP sequence can
      facilitate the internalization of an integrin-targeted peptide probe in vitro.
      Moreover, a cleavable peptide linker successfully reduced kidney uptake while
      preserving good tumor uptake in vivo.

PMID- 22065877
TI  - Feasibility of 11C-acetate PET/CT for imaging of fatty acid synthesis in the
      atherosclerotic vessel wall.
AB  - Fatty acids are a common constituent of atherosclerotic plaque and may be
      synthesized in the plaque itself. Fatty acid synthesis requires acetyl-coenzyme-A
      (CoA) as a main substrate, which is produced from acetate. Currently, (11)C
      acetate PET/CT is used for the evaluation of malignancies. There are no data
      concerning its potential for the characterization of atherosclerotic plaque.
      Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to examine the prevalence,
      distribution, and topographic relationship of arterial (11)C-acetate uptake and
      vascular calcification in major arteries. METHODS: Thirty-six patients were
      examined by whole-body (11)C-acetate PET/CT. Tracer uptake in various arterial
      segments was analyzed both qualitatively and semiquantitatively by measuring the
      blood-pool-corrected standardized uptake value (target-to-background ratio). CT
      images were used to measure calcified plaque burden. RESULTS: (11)C-acetate
      uptake was observed at 220 sites in 32 (88.8%) of the 36 study patients, and mean
      target-to-background ratio was 2.5 +/- 1.0. Calcified atherosclerotic lesions
      were observed at 483 sites in 30 (83.3%) patients. Sixty-four (29.1%) of the 220
      lesions with marked (11)C-acetate uptake were colocalized with arterial
      calcification. However, only 13.3% of all arterial calcification sites
      demonstrated increased radiotracer accumulation. CONCLUSION: Our data indicate
      the feasibility of using (11)C-acetate PET/CT for imaging of fatty acid synthesis
      in the atherosclerotic vessel wall. This study provides a rationale to
      incorporating (11)C-acetate PET into further preclinical and clinical studies to
      obtain new insights into fatty acid synthesis in atherosclerotic lesions and to
      evaluate whether it may be used to monitor pharmacologic intervention with fatty
      acid synthase inhibitors.

PMID- 22065878
TI  - Obituary. Anthony Clive James (1943-2011).

PMID- 22065879
TI  - Avoiding complications with Aptos sutures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Over the past decade, several methods of minimally-invasive thread
      mediated lifting have been widely adopted in aesthetic surgery. Early use of
      these methods met with great enthusiasm, and threadlifting was often performed
      without sufficient regard for proper indications, controls, or outcomes. Soon
      after, reports of early-relapse ptosis, complications, and other undesirable side
      effects began to appear in the literature. OBJECTIVES: The authors describe the
      current best practices associated with threadlifting to ensure proper use and
      improved results. METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed their collective
      case data, analyzing the results of 12,788 face and neck threadlift procedures in
      6098 patients over 12.5 years. RESULTS: The data showed inconsistent results and
      early relapse of deformity with the Aptos Thread and Aptos Thread 2G methods.
      Complications included thread visibility, migration, and exposure; linear
      bleeding along the needle course; skin dimpling; hypocorrection and
      hypercorrection; transient paresthesias; and a small number of cases of injury to
      major vessels, nerve branches, and parotid capsule/duct. As new devices were
      developed and the indications for each technique refined, soft tissue suspension
      became more effective and durable, and the incidence of complications
      correspondingly decreased in the latter part of the series. CONCLUSIONS:
      Threadlifting is a relatively modern trend in aesthetic surgery that demands a
      similarly novel approach from surgeons. When performed properly, threadlifting is
      associated with minor and infrequent complications and is a helpful clinical
      alternative to traditional facial rejuvenation techniques.

PMID- 22065880
TI  - The minimal access deep plane extended vertical facelift.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Modern facelift techniques have benefited from a "repopularization"
      of shorter incisions, limited skin elevation, and more limited dissection of the
      superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) and platysma in order to shorten
      postoperative recovery times and reduce surgical risks for patients. OBJECTIVES:
      The authors describe their minimal access deep plane extended (MADE) vertical
      vector facelift, which is a hybrid technique combining the optimal features of
      the deep plane facelift and the short scar, minimal access cranial suspension
      (MACS) lift. METHODS: The authors retrospectively reviewed the case records of
      181 patients who underwent facelift procedures performed by the senior author
      (AAJ) during a two year period between March 2008 and March 2010. Of those
      patients, 153 underwent facelifting with the MADE vertical technique. With this
      technique, deep plane dissection releases the zygomatico-cutaneous ligaments,
      allowing for more significant vertical motion of the midface and jawline during
      suspension. Extended platysmal dissection was utilized with a lateral platysmal
      myotomy, which is not traditionally included in a deep plane facelift. The
      lateral platysmal myotomy allowed for separation of the vertical vector of
      suspension in the midface and jawline from the superolateral vector of suspension
      that is required for neck rejuvenation, obviating the need for additional
      anterior platysmal surgery. RESULTS: The average age of the patients was 57.8
      years. The average length of follow-up was 12.7 months. In 69 consecutive
      patients from this series, average vertical skin excision measured 3.02 cm on
      each side of the face at the junction of the pre auricular and temporal hair tuft
      incision (resulting in a total excision of 6.04 cm of skin). Data from the entire
      series revealed a revision rate of 3.9%, a hematoma rate of 1.9%, and a temporary
      facial nerve injury rate of 1.3%. CONCLUSIONS: The common goal of all facelifting
      procedures is to provide a long-lasting, natural, balanced, rejuvenated aesthetic
      result with few complications and minimal downtime. The MADE vertical facelift
      fulfills these criteria and often yields superior results in the midface and neck
      areas, where many short scar techniques fail. Furthermore, this procedure can be
      performed under local anesthesia, which is a benefit to both patients and
      surgeons.

PMID- 22065881
TI  - The Lassus vertical technique.
AB  - In this historical perspective article, the author outlines the evolution of his
      vertical scar technique, first developed in 1964. He describes the procedure and
      reports the results of his 42-year experience with a series of 2000 breasts.

PMID- 22065882
TI  - Four-dimensional breast imaging, part II: clinical implementation and validation
      of a computer imaging system for breast augmentation planning.
AB  - BACKGROUND: No publications exist describing the impact of three-dimensional
      imaging on the consultation process for breast augmentation, nor have existing
      software products claiming simulation features been validated. OBJECTIVES: The
      authors describe the application of four-dimensional technology during patient
      consultation to assist in planning implant size and type. METHODS: Forty-six
      primary breast augmentation patients underwent preoperative consultation with 4D
      simulation software; 35 out of 46 also received follow-up imaging. At six months
      postoperatively, simulated measurements were compared to actual measurements and
      questionnaires were mailed to patients asking them to assess the imaging
      experience. A follow-up phone survey 18 months postoperatively examined the
      persistence of patient attitudes about implant size and imaging. Practice
      productivity was evaluated by comparing specific parameters (such as scheduling
      rates) between three separate time periods for the same clinic. RESULTS: Across
      all parameters, breast augmentation simulations correlated highly with positive
      surgical outcomes (R-value = 0.68). The majority (95%) of patients believed the
      simulations were accurate; 89% also expressed that it enhanced trust in the
      surgeon and 74% reporting that it helped in choosing an implant size. Despite 48%
      also indicating that they would select a larger implant if they were to undergo
      surgery again, no patients have undergone reoperations of any kind. Compared to
      historical controls, scheduling rates in the practice increased from 40% to 77%
      after addition of simulation software. CONCLUSIONS: 4D breast imaging appears to
      be an accurate system for analysis, planning, simulation, and patient education
      for women considering primary breast augmentation, and application of this
      technology during the consultation process was correlated with a high degree of
      patient satisfaction and practice productivity.

PMID- 22065883
TI  - Commentary on: Four-dimensional breast imaging, parts I and II.

PMID- 22065884
TI  - The influence of career stage, practice type and location, and physician's sex on
      surgical practices among board-certified plastic surgeons performing breast
      augmentation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Breast augmentation is the most commonly performed cosmetic surgical
      procedure in the United States, but surgeon preferences in terms of technique and
      postoperative care regimen vary widely. OBJECTIVES: The authors investigated the
      influence of career stage, practice type and location, and physician's sex on
      surgical technique preferences among board-certified plastic surgeons performing
      breast augmentation. METHODS: In October 2009, an online survey was e-mailed to
      all active members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons practicing within
      the United States. Response frequencies were calculated and correlated with
      surgeon demographics. RESULTS: From the pool of 4737 respondents, 898 responses
      were received (18.9%). Surgeons performing breast augmentation were more
      frequently male, between 46 and 65 years old, and had practiced for at least 20
      years in solo private practice in a suburban setting. Surgical volume most
      frequently consisted of 10% to 25% cosmetic surgery, with 10 to 50 breast
      augmentations performed per year. Surgeons in practice for five years or less
      were more likely to use smooth, round silicone gel-filled implants, to select
      implants smaller than 300 cc, to use the dual-plane pocket, and to recommend
      yearly follow-up. Surgeons in practice for more than 20 years were more likely to
      select saline implants, utilize the subglandular plane, perform closed
      capsulotomy, and place drains. Surgeons at academic centers performed fewer
      breast augmentation surgeries and placed smaller implants than those in private
      practice, while surgeons in suburban locations performed more breast
      augmentations than those in urban or rural locations. Surgeons in the West
      performed the greatest number of augmentations, although the largest-sized
      implants were placed in the Southwest. Compared with men, women surgeons appeared
      significantly less likely to use saline implants, were less likely to perform
      more than 100 breast augmentations per year, and were significantly more likely
      to place implants less than 300 cc. CONCLUSIONS: Surgical preferences were
      associated with years in practice and included differences in technique and
      postoperative care. Practice location was associated with differences in
      procedural volume, implant size, incision location, and recommended follow-up
      time, while practice type was related to surgical volume, implant size, implant
      location, and percentage of cosmetic surgery performed.

PMID- 22065885
TI  - Minimal-scar handlift: a new surgical approach.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Removal of excess skin from the aging hand can cause scarring in one
      of the body's most visible areas, which is highly undesirable for patients. A
      minimal-scar approach to tightening this skin, in conjunction with the
      rejuvenating effects of minimally-invasive procedures, is therefore needed.
      OBJECTIVES: The authors describe a new technique for limiting scar size and
      visibility by locating the incision in a unique position on the ulnar side of the
      dorsum of the hand. METHODS: Eleven patients were treated with the authors'
      method between March and September 2009. Both hands were treated for each
      patient, but these procedures occurred separately, at an interval of two to four
      months. The surgical approach included skin flap advancement and rotation, and
      the procedure took place under local anesthesia and sedation. The resultant scar
      was S-shaped. Changes in postoperative stress ratio were visualized. RESULTS:
      Patients reported being highly satisfied with this procedure with regard to scar
      size, quality, and location. No major complications were observed, such as
      infection, flap necrosis, and nerve damage. All minor complications were treated
      conservatively. Patients with Fitzpatrick skin types I-III profited from less
      scar visibility in their outcomes. All patients experienced quick recovery with
      minimal downtime, independent of skin type. CONCLUSIONS: The minimal-scar
      handlift technique is an effective surgical approach to rejuvenating the hand and
      can be implemented concurrently with minimally-invasive techniques for volume
      restoration. The complication rate is low, and patient/surgeon satisfaction with
      outcomes is high.

PMID- 22065886
TI  - Commentary on: Minimal-scar handlift: a new surgical approach.

PMID- 22065887
TI  - Plastic surgery marketing in a generation of "tweeting".
AB  - BACKGROUND: "Social media" describes interactive communication through Web-based
      technologies. It has become an everyday part of modern life, yet there is a lack
      of research regarding its impact on plastic surgery practice. OBJECTIVES: The
      authors evaluate and compare the prevalence of classic marketing methods and
      social media in plastic surgery. METHODS: The Web sites of aesthetic surgeons
      from seven US cities were compared and evaluated for the existence of Facebook,
      Twitter, or MySpace links and promotions. To find the sites, the authors
      conducted a Google search for the phrase "plastic surgery" with the name of each
      city to be studied: Beverly Hills, California; Dallas, Texas; Houston, Texas; Las
      Vegas, Nevada; Miami, Florida; New York City, New York; and San Francisco,
      California. The trends of social networking memberships were also studied in each
      of these cities. RESULTS: In comparison to aesthetic surgeons practicing in other
      cities, those in Miami, Florida, favored social media the most, with 50%
      promoting a Facebook page and 46% promoting Twitter. Fifty-six percent of New
      York City aesthetic surgeons promoted their featured articles in magazines and
      newspapers, whereas 54% of Beverly Hills aesthetic surgeons promoted their
      television appearances. An increase in the number of new Facebook memberships
      among cosmetic providers in the seven cities began in October 2008 and reached a
      peak in October, November, and December 2009, with subsequent stabilization. The
      increase in the number of new Twitter memberships began in July 2008 and remained
      at a steady rate of approximately 15 new memberships every three months.
      CONCLUSIONS: Social media may seem like a new and unique communication tool, but
      it is important to preserve professionalism and apply traditional Web site
      building ethics and principles to these sites. We can expect continued growth in
      plastic surgeons' utilization of these networks to enhance their practices and
      possibly to launch direct marketing campaigns.

PMID- 22065888
TI  - "What not to wear" and other aspects of professionalism.

PMID- 22065889
TI  - Cosmetic plastic surgery training in the United Kingdom.

PMID- 22065890
TI  - Hydrogen quantum effects in hydride LaNi(5)H(7).
AB  - Energy eigenvalues and wave functions of hydrogen atoms in hydride LaNi(5)H(7)
      are calculated. First-principles electronic structure calculations are employed
      to obtain the three-dimensional potential energy structure of each hydrogen site.
      These quantum effects are not negligibly small in evaluation of enthalpy of
      formation, an important property of hydrogen storage. Including the temperature
      effect from hydrogen gas, experimental values are well reproduced. The excitation
      probability of inelastic neutron scattering is also calculated using the wave
      functions obtained.

PMID- 22065891
TI  - Effects of a Foster Parent Training Program on Young Children's Attachment
      Behaviors: Preliminary Evidence from a Randomized Clinical Trial.
AB  - Young children who enter foster care experience disruptions in care and
      maltreatment at a point when maintaining attachment relationships is a key,
      biologically based task. In previous research, we have found that young children
      experience challenges as they form attachments with new caregivers. They tend to
      push their new caregivers away, even though such children are especially in need
      of nurturing care. Further, many caregivers do not respond in nurturing ways when
      their children are distressed, which we have found is problematic for young
      children in foster care. We developed an intervention that is designed to help
      caregivers provide nurturance even when children do not elicit it, and even when
      it does not come naturally to them. This paper presents preliminary findings of
      the effectiveness of this intervention on children's attachment behaviors. Forty
      six children were randomly assigned to either the experimental intervention or to
      an educational intervention. For three consecutive days, attachment behaviors
      were reported across three distress-eliciting situations. Children whose parents
      had received the experimental intervention showed significantly less avoidance
      than children whose parents had received the educational intervention. These
      preliminary results suggest that the intervention is successful in helping
      children develop trusting relationships with new caregivers.

PMID- 22065892
TI  - Optimization of a Hybrid Magnetic Bearing for a Magnetically Levitated Blood Pump
      via 3-D FEA.
AB  - In order to improve the performance of a magnetically levitated (maglev) axial
      flow blood pump, three-dimensional (3-D) finite element analysis (FEA) was used
      to optimize the design of a hybrid magnetic bearing (HMB). Radial, axial, and
      current stiffness of multiple design variations of the HMB were calculated using
      a 3-D FEA package and verified by experimental results. As compared with the
      original design, the optimized HMB had twice the axial stiffness with the
      resulting increase of negative radial stiffness partially compensated for by
      increased current stiffness. Accordingly, the performance of the maglev axial
      flow blood pump with the optimized HMBs was improved: the maximum pump speed was
      increased from 6000 rpm to 9000 rpm (50%). The radial, axial and current
      stiffness of the HMB was found to be linear at nominal operational position from
      both 3-D FEA and empirical measurements. Stiffness values determined by FEA and
      empirical measurements agreed well with one another. The magnetic flux density
      distribution and flux loop of the HMB were also visualized via 3-D FEA which
      confirms the designers' initial assumption about the function of this HMB.

PMID- 22065893
TI  - Culturally-Competent Treatments for Asian Americans: The Relevance of Mindfulness
      and Acceptance-Based Psychotherapies.
AB  - The development of effective treatments for Asian Americans is important because
      treatment disparities continue to exist for this population. Because of their
      theoretical grounding in East Asian philosophies, mindfulness and acceptance
      based psychotherapies appear to constitute promising ways to provide culturally
      responsive mental health care to Asian Americans. However, in practice these
      approaches often reflect conceptions of mental health that are more consistent
      with Western world views. We review points of intersection and divergence between
      Western-based mindfulness and acceptance psychotherapies and Asian American
      cultural values. We then propose a culturally syntonic approach that accentuates
      certain components of mindfulness and acceptance psychotherapies and adapts other
      components of these approaches to be more consistent with Asian American cultural
      values.

PMID- 22065894
TI  - Development of standard digital images for pneumoconiosis.
AB  - We developed the standard digital images (SDIs) to be used in the classification
      and recognition of pneumoconiosis. From July 3, 2006 through August 31, 2007, 531
      retired male workers exposed to inorganic dust were examined by digital (DR) and
      analog radiography (AR) on the same day, after being approved by our
      institutional review board and obtaining informed consent from all participants.
      All images were twice classified according to the International Labour Office
      (ILO) 2000 guidelines with reference to ILO standard analog radiographs (SARs) by
      four chest radiologists. After consensus reading on 349 digital images matched
      with the first selected analog images, 120 digital images were selected as the
      SDIs that considered the distribution of pneumoconiosis findings. Images with
      profusion category 0/1, 1, 2, and 3 were 12, 50, 40, and 15, respectively, and a
      large opacity were in 43 images (A = 20, B = 22, C = 1). Among pleural
      abnormality, costophrenic angle obliteration, pleural plaque and thickening were
      in 11 (9.2%), 31 (25.8%), and 9 (7.5%) images, respectively. Twenty-one of 29
      symbols were present except cp, ef, ho, id, me, pa, ra, and rp. A set of 120 SDIs
      had more various pneumoconiosis findings than ILO SARs that were developed from
      adequate methods. It can be used as digital reference images for the recognition
      and classification of pneumoconiosis.

PMID- 22065895
TI  - Validity of self-reported healthcare utilization data in the Community Health
      Survey in Korea.
AB  - To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity of Community Health Survey (CHS), we
      analyzed data from 11,217 participants aged >= 19 yr, in 13 cities and counties
      in 2008. Three healthcare utilization indices (admission, outpatient visits,
      dental visits) as comparative variables and the insurance benefit claim data of
      the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service as the gold-standard were used.
      The sensitivities of admission, outpatient visits, and dental visits in CHS were
      54.8%, 52.1%, and 61.0%, respectively. The specificities were 96.4%, 85.6%, and
      82.7%, respectively. This is the first study to evaluate the validity of
      nationwide health statistics resulting from questionnaire surveys and shows that
      CHS needs a lot of efforts to reflect the true health status, health behavior,
      and healthcare utilization of the population.

PMID- 22065896
TI  - Different clinical characteristics among Aeromonas hydrophila, Aeromonas veronii
      biovar sobria and Aeromonas caviae monomicrobial bacteremia.
AB  - This study aimed to compare the clinical presentations of Aeromonas hydrophila,
      A. veronii biovar sobria and A. caviae monomicrobial bacteremia by a
      retrospective method at three hospitals in Taiwan during an 8-yr period. There
      were 87 patients with A. hydrophila bacteremia, 45 with A. veronii biovar sobria
      bacteremia and 22 with A. caviae bacteremia. Compared with A. hydrophila and A.
      veronii biovar sobria bacteremia, A. caviae bacteremia was more healthcare
      associated (45 vs 30 and 16%; P = 0.031). The patients with A. caviae bacteremias
      were less likely to have liver cirrhosis (27 vs 62 and 64%; P = 0.007) and severe
      complications such as shock (9 vs 40 and 47%; P = 0.009) and thrombocytopenia (45
      vs 67 and 87%; P = 0.002). The APACHE II score was the most important risk factor
      of Aeromonas bacteremia-associated mortalities. The APACHE II scores of A. caviae
      bacteremias were lower than A. hydrophila bacteremia and A. veronii biovar sobria
      bacteremia (7 vs 14 and 16 points; P = 0.002). In conclusion, the clinical
      presentation of A. caviae bacteremia was much different from A. hydrophila and A.
      veronii biovar sobria bacteremia. The severity and mortality of A. caviae
      bacteremia were lower than A. hydrophila or A. veronii biovar sobria bacteremia.

PMID- 22065897
TI  - Safety and immunogenicity of a new trivalent inactivated split-virus influenza
      vaccine in healthy Korean children: a randomized, double-blinded, active
      controlled, phase III study.
AB  - We report results of a randomized, double-blinded, active-controlled, phase III
      study conducted to evaluate the immunogenicity and safety of a new trivalent
      inactivated split-virus influenza vaccine (GC501) manufactured by the Green Cross
      Corporation in Korea. A total of 283 healthy children aged 6 months to < 18 yr
      were randomized to receive either GC501 or control. Of the GC501 recipients,
      seroconversion occurred in 48.5% for A/H1N1, 67.7% for A/H3N2 and 52% for
      influenza B. The proportion of subjects who had post-vaccination hemagglutination
      inhibition titers of 1:40 or greater was 90.7% for A/H1N1, 86.8% for A/H3N2 and
      82.4% for influenza B in the GC501 recipients. No serious adverse events related
      to vaccination, or withdrawals because of adverse events were reported. The
      majority of solicited adverse events were mild in intensity. GC501 vaccine has
      good tolerability and favorable immunogenicity in children aged 6 months to < 18
      yr. The addition of one more brand of influenza vaccine may allow for better
      global accessibility of vaccine for epidemics or future pandemics.

PMID- 22065898
TI  - Genes associated with recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma: integrated analysis
      by gene expression and methylation profiling.
AB  - Gene expression is suppressed by DNA methylation. The goal of this study was to
      identify genes whose CpG site methylation and mRNA expression are associated with
      recurrence after surgical resection for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Sixty-two
      HCCs were examined by both whole genome DNA methylation and transcriptome
      analysis. The Cox model was used to select genes associated with recurrence. A
      validation was performed in an independent cohort of 66 HCC patients. Among fifty
      nine common genes, increased CpG site methylation and decreased mRNA expression
      were associated with recurrence for 12 genes (Group A), whereas decreased CpG
      site methylation and increased mRNA expression were associated with recurrence
      for 25 genes (Group B). The remaining 22 genes were defined as Group C.
      Complement factor H (CFH) and myosin VIIA and Rab interacting protein (MYRIP) in
      Group A; proline/serine-rich coiled-coil 1 (PSRC1), meiotic recombination 11
      homolog A (MRE11A), and myosin IE (MYO1E) in Group B; and autophagy-related
      protein LC3 A (MAP1LC3A), and NADH dehydrogenase 1 alpha subcomplex assembly
      factor 1 (NDUFAF1) in Group C were validated. In conclusion, potential tumor
      suppressor (CFH, MYRIP) and oncogenes (PSRC1, MRE11A, MYO1E) in HCC are reported.
      The regulation of individual genes by methylation in hepatocarcinogenesis needs
      to be validated.

PMID- 22065899
TI  - Intravenous KITENIN shRNA injection suppresses hepatic metastasis and recurrence
      of colon cancer in an orthotopic mouse model.
AB  - KITENIN (KAI1 C-terminal interacting tetraspanin) promotes invasion and
      metastasis in mouse colon cancer models. In the present study, we evaluated the
      effects of KITENIN knockdown by intravenous administration of short hairpin RNAs
      (shRNAs) in an orthotopic mouse colon cancer model, simulating a primary or
      adjuvant treatment setting. We established orthotopic models for colon cancer
      using BALB/c mice and firefly luciferase-expressing CT-26 (CT26/Fluc) cells.
      Tumor progression and response to therapy were monitored by bioluminescence
      imaging (BLI). In the primary therapy model, treatment with KITENIN shRNA
      substantially delayed tumor growth (P = 0.028) and reduced the incidence of
      hepatic metastasis (P = 0.046). In the adjuvant therapy model, KITENIN shRNA
      significantly reduced the extent of tumor recurrence (P = 0.044). Mice treated
      with KITENIN shRNA showed a better survival tendency than the control mice (P =
      0.074). Our results suggest that shRNA targeting KITENIN has the potential to be
      an effective tool for the treatment of colon cancer in both adjuvant and
      metastatic setting.

PMID- 22065900
TI  - Calculation of the cardiothoracic ratio from portable anteroposterior chest
      radiography.
AB  - Cardiothoracic ratio (CTR), the ratio of cardiac diameter (CD) to thoracic
      diameter (TD), is a useful screening method to detect cardiomegaly, but is
      reliable only on posteroanterior chest radiography (chest PA). We performed this
      cross-sectional 3-phase study to establish reliable CTR from anteroposterior
      chest radiography (chest AP). First, CD(Chest PA)/CD(Chest AP) ratios were
      determined at different radiation distances by manipulating chest computed
      tomography to simulate chest PA and AP. CD(Chest PA) was inferred from
      multiplying CD(Chest AP) by this ratio. Incorporating this CD and substituting
      the most recent TD(Chest PA), we calculated the 'corrected' CTR and compared it
      with the conventional one in patients who took both the chest radiographies.
      Finally, its validity was investigated among the critically ill patients who
      performed portable chest AP. CD(Chest PA)/CD(Chest AP) ratio was {0.00099 *
      (radiation distance [cm])} + 0.79 (n = 61, r = 1.00, P < 0.001). The corrected
      CTR was highly correlated with the conventional one (n = 34, difference: 0.00016
      +/- 0.029; r = 0.92, P < 0.001). It was higher in congestive than non-congestive
      patients (0.53 +/- 0.085; n = 38 vs 0.49 +/- 0.061; n = 46, P = 0.006). Its
      sensitivity and specificity was 61% and 54%. In summary, reliable CTR can be
      calculated from chest AP with an available previous chest PA. This might help
      physicians detect congestive cardiomegaly for patients undergoing portable chest
      AP.

PMID- 22065901
TI  - Relationships of basal level of serum 17-hydroxyprogesterone with that of serum
      androstenedione and their stimulated responses to a low dose of ACTH in young
      adult patients with congenital adrenal hyperplasia due to 21-hydroxylase
      deficiency.
AB  - A single measurement of serum 17alpha-hydroxyprogesterone (17OHP) level can be
      unreliable because of its marked diurnal variation. We investigated the
      relationship of serum level of 17OHP with that of androstenedione (AD), which
      shows a smaller diurnal variation. And we tested whether the responses of these
      two hormones to low-dose ACTH stimulation are correlated in patients with 21
      hydroxylase deficiency. Baseline serum 17OHP and AD levels were measured in 87
      patients and a low-dose ACTH stimulation test was performed in 41 patients. The
      basal 17OHP level correlated positively with the basal AD level independently of
      sex, type of 21-hydroxylase deficiency, and the time of day of blood sampling (n
      = 87, R(2) = 0.75, P < 0.001). The area under the curve of 17OHP and AD
      correlated positively with their respective basal levels. The fold-change
      increase in 17OHP after ACTH injection correlated negatively with the basal 17OHP
      level, but that of AD did not correlate with the basal AD level. The random serum
      17OHP level, used in the clinic, is a reliable guide and a low-dose ACTH
      stimulation test provides no extra benefit for assessing the treatment adequacy
      in patients with 21-hydroxylase deficiency.

PMID- 22065902
TI  - Overlapping medication associated with healthcare switching among Korean elderly
      diabetic patients.
AB  - This study was performed to describe the patterns of healthcare switching with
      overlapping use of anti-diabetic medication in the elderly using the Korea Health
      Insurance Review and Assessment Service's claims data. The study subjects were
      ambulatory elderly diabetic patients (ICD-10, E10-14) receiving at least one oral
      anti-diabetic drug or insulin, and visiting healthcare facilities more than two
      times between January and December 2005. A total of 457,975 elderly diabetic
      ambulatory care patients were identified. The mean of visiting frequencies was
      9.0 ( +/- 3.6) and switching frequencies was 1.5 ( +/- 0.8) during 2005.
      Switching group consisted of 33% of total study subject. Healthcare switching was
      common in female patients who were older, and had treated polytherapy more in
      rural areas. The movement among primary care medical services was very common
      among the patients in the switching group (52.6%). A statistically significant
      correlation was observed between the healthcare switching and concomitant drug
      use (rho = 0.96), and overlapping days (rho = 0.57). The use of overlapping anti
      diabetic medication increased with the extent of healthcare switching. Further,
      frequent switching of healthcare between primary clinics was observed. Efforts
      should be made to establish continuity for the elderly diabetic patients with the
      identification of frequent switching with overlapping medication.

PMID- 22065903
TI  - Spirometric standards for healthy children and adolescents of Korean Chinese in
      northeast China.
AB  - In China there are 1,923,842 Korean Chinese, who live mostly (92.27%) in the
      country's three northeast provinces. In spite of this sizeable number, no
      spirometric data are available at present on them. The present study investigated
      normal spirometric reference values for the Korean Chinese children and
      adolescents. Spirometry was performed in 443 healthy Korean Chinese children and
      adolescents aged 8-18 yr with measurements of forced vital capacity (FVC), forced
      expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), peak expiratory flow (PEF) and maximum mid
      expiratory flow (MMEF). Reference equations for FEV1, FVC, PEF and MMEF were
      derived by using multiple regression analysis. All of the measured spirometric
      parameters correlated positively with height and age significantly (P < 0.001).
      The predicted values of FVC and FEV1 were higher than values obtained by using
      Caucasian and other Asian equations (P < 0.001). A set of spirometric reference
      equations has been derived using a relatively large, healthy, non-smoking young
      Korean Chinese population with a wide range of ages and heights, the results of
      which differ from those gained from several other reference equations. These
      reference equations should be used for evaluation of lung function in this
      population.

PMID- 22065904
TI  - Sulforaphane induces antioxidative and antiproliferative responses by generating
      reactive oxygen species in human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells.
AB  - Sulforaphane (SFN) is a naturally occurring compound which is known to induce the
      phase II antioxidant genes via Nrf2 activation, although the underlying mechanism
      has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we investigated Nrf2 induction in
      response to SFN in human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells and determined the
      signaling pathways involved in this process. SFN treatment reduced cell
      viability. Prior to cell death, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were
      generated at a high rate within a minute of commencing SFN treatment.
      Pretreatment with antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) blocked SFN-induced decrease
      in cell growth. Erk1/2 was activated within 30 min of SFN addition, whereas Akt
      phosphorylation did not significantly change until the first 8 hr after SFN
      treatment but then became substantially low until 48 hr. Inhibition of Erk1/2
      phosphorylation attenuated SFN-induced loss of cell viability. Nrf2 protein
      levels in both nuclear and whole cell lysates were increased by SFN treatment,
      which was dependent on ROS production. Knockdown of Nrf2 with siRNA attenuated
      SFN-induced heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) up-regulation. Induction of the Nrf2/HO-1
      after SFN treatment was potently suppressed by pretreatment with NAC. Overall,
      our results indicate that SFN mediates antioxidative and antiproliferative
      responses by generating ROS in BEAS-2B cells.

PMID- 22065905
TI  - Frequency of killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) in Korean patients
      with chronic HCV infection.
AB  - Natural killer (NK) cells play an important role in innate immunity, especially
      in the response to viral infections, such as hepatitis C virus (HCV). Killer cell
      immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) are the primary receptors of NK cells that
      mediate innate immunity. KIRs are also involved in acquired immunity, because
      some KIRs are expressed on the surface of certain subsets of T cells. In this
      study, the frequency of KIR genes, HLA-C allotypes, and combinations of KIR genes
      with their HLA-C ligands were evaluated in two different groups of the Korean
      population: controls and patients with chronic HCV infection. The study
      population consisted of 147 Korean patients with chronic HCV infection. The
      frequency of KIR2DS2 in patients with chronic HCV infection was 9.5% which was
      significantly lower than 19.5% of the control (P < 0.01). However, there were no
      significant differences in the frequency of other KIR genes, HLA-C allotypes or
      different combinations of KIR genes with their HLA-C ligands. This study can
      contribute to the further prospective study with a larger scale, suggesting the
      assumption that KIR2DS2 might aid in HCV clearance by enhancing both the innate
      and acquired immune responses of people in Korea.

PMID- 22065906
TI  - Apoptotic effects of genistein, biochanin-A and apigenin on LNCaP and PC-3 cells
      by p21 through transcriptional inhibition of polo-like kinase-1.
AB  - Natural isoflavones and flavones are important dietary factors for prostate
      cancer prevention. We investigated the molecular mechanism of these compounds
      (genistein, biochanin-A and apigenin) in PC-3 (hormone-independent/p53 mutant
      type) and LNCaP (hormone-dependent/p53 wild type) prostate cancer cells. A cell
      growth rate and apoptotic activities were analyzed in different concentrations
      and exposure time to evaluate the antitumor activities of genistein, biochanin-A
      and apigenin. The real time PCR and Western blot analysis were performed to
      investigate whether the molecular mechanism of these compounds are involving the
      p21 and PLK-1 pathway. Apoptosis of prostate cancer cells was associated with p21
      up-regulation and PLK-1 suppression. Exposure of genistein, biochanin-A and
      apigenin on LNCaP and PC-3 prostate cancer cells resulted in same pattern of cell
      cycle arrest and apoptosis. The inhibition effect for cell proliferation was
      slightly greater in LNCaP than PC-3 cells. In conclusion, flavonoids treatment
      induces up-regulation of p21 expression, and p21 inhibits transcription of PLK-1,
      which promotes apoptosis of cancer cells.

PMID- 22065907
TI  - Protective effect of hypoxic preconditioning on hypoxic-ischemic injured newborn
      rats.
AB  - Brief episodes of cerebral hypoxia-ischemia cause transient ischemic tolerance to
      subsequent ischemic events that are otherwise lethal. This study was conducted to
      evaluate the protective effect of hypoxic preconditioning on hypoxic-ischemic
      injury in the neonatal rat and the persistence of a protective window after
      hypoxic preconditioning. The rats were preconditioned with hypoxia (8% oxygen,
      92% nitrogen) for three hours, subjected to ischemia using ligation of the right
      common carotid artery, and then exposed to another three hours of hypoxia. Using
      proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase
      mediated dUTP-biotin nick end-labeling (TUNEL) staining, and morphologic scores,
      this study shows that hypoxic preconditioning 6-hr to 1-day before hypoxic
      ischemic injury increases survival rates and has neuroprotective effects against
      subsequent hypoxic-ischemic injury. The mechanism of the protective effects of
      hypoxic preconditioning in the newborn rat brain may involve downregulation of
      apoptotic cell death.

PMID- 22065908
TI  - Orthopedic surgeon's awareness can improve osteoporosis treatment following hip
      fracture: a prospective cohort study.
AB  - Through retrospective Jeju-cohort study at 2005, we found low rates of detection
      of osteoporosis (20.1%) and medication for osteoporosis (15.5%) in those who
      experienced hip fracture. This study was to determine the orthopedic surgeons'
      awareness could increase the osteoporosis treatment rate after a hip fracture and
      the patient barriers to osteoporosis management. We prospectively followed 208
      patients older than 50 yr who were enrolled for hip fractures during 2007 in Jeju
      cohort. Thirty four fractures in men and 174 in women were treated at the eight
      hospitals. During the study period, orthopedic surgeons who worked at these
      hospitals attended two education sessions and were provided with posters and
      brochures. Patients were interviewed 6 months after discharge using an evaluation
      questionnaire regarding their perceptions of barriers to osteoporosis treatment.
      The patients were followed for a minimum of one year. Ninety-four patients
      (45.2%) underwent detection of osteoporosis by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry
      and 67 (32.2%) were prescribed medication for osteoporosis at the time of
      discharge. According to the questionnaire, the most common barrier to treatment
      for osteoporosis after a hip fracture was patients reluctance. The detection and
      medication rate for osteoporosis after hip fracture increased twofold after
      orthopedic surgeons had attended the intervention program. Nevertheless, the
      osteoporosis treatment rate remains inadequate.

PMID- 22065909
TI  - Plexiform angiomyxoid myofibroblastic tumor of the stomach: a case report.
AB  - Plexiform angiomyxoid myofibroblastic tumor (PAMT) is a recently described
      mesenchymal tumor of the stomach. We report the first case of PAMT in Korea. A 52
      yr-old man underwent esophagogastroduodenoscopy due to dyspepsia for 2 yr. There
      was a submucosal mass with small mucosal ulceration in the gastric antrum. The
      tumor measured 3.5 * 2.3 cm in size and showed multinodular plexiform growth
      pattern of bland-looking spindle cells separated by an abundant myxoid or
      fibromyxoid matrix rich in small thin-walled blood vessels. The tumor cells were
      negative for CD117 (c-KIT), CD34 and S-100 protein, but diffusely positive for
      smooth muscle actin consistent with predominant myofibroblastic differentiation.
      The patient is doing well without recurrence or metastasis for 5 months after
      surgery. Although there have been limited follow-up data, PAMT is regarded as a
      benign gastric neoplasm with histological and immunohistochemical characteristics
      distinguished from gastrointestinal stromal tumor and other mesenchymal tumors of
      the stomach.

PMID- 22065910
TI  - Use of drug-eluting stent with provisional T-stenting technique in the treatment
      of renal artery bifurcation stenosis; long-term angiographic follow-up.
AB  - Atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (RAS) usually involves the ostium and the
      proximal one-third of the renal artery main branch. Percutaneous renal artery
      angioplasty with stent placement is a well recognized treatment for
      atherosclerotic RAS. Occasionally, atherosclerotic RAS involves renal artery
      bifurcations. However, stent implantation in atherosclerotic RAS involving
      bifurcation is not only troublesome, but also challenging because of side branch
      occlusion and in-stent restenosis (ISR). In the present report, we describe the
      use of drug-eluting stents (DES) with provisional T-stenting technique for the
      treatment of renal artery bifurcation lesion. Follow-up angiogram showed no
      significant ISR 18 months after the procedure. In the treatment of renal
      bifurcation lesions, a two-stent strategy using DES could be a viable option in
      selected patients.

PMID- 22065911
TI  - Dura mater graft-associated Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease: the first case in Korea.
AB  - Since 1987, dura mater graft-associated iatrogenic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease
      (dCJD) has been reported in many countries. We report the first case of dCJD in
      Korea. A 54-yr-old woman, who underwent resection of the meningioma in the left
      frontal region and received a dura mater graft 23 yr ago presented with
      dysesthesia followed by psychiatric symptoms and ataxia. Her neurological
      symptoms rapidly progressed to such an extent that she exhibited myoclonus,
      dementia, and pyramidal and extrapyramidal signs within 8 weeks. The 14-3-3
      protein was detected in her cerebrospinal fluid; however, an electroencephalogram
      did not reveal characteristic positive sharp wave complexes. Diffusion-weighted
      magnetic resonance images, obtained serially over 64 days, revealed the rapid
      progression of areas of high signal intensity in the caudate nucleus and
      cingulate gyrus to widespread areas of high signal intensity in the cortex and
      basal ganglia. Pathological examination of brain biopsy specimens confirmed the
      presence of spongiform changes and deposition of prion protein in the neurons and
      neuropils.

PMID- 22065912
TI  - Recurrent bilateral branch retinal artery occlusion with hearing loss and
      encephalopathy: the first case report of Susac syndrome in Korea.
AB  - We report the first case of Susac syndrome in Koreans, in a 23-yr-old female
      patient who presented with sudden visual loss and associated neurological
      symptoms. Ophthalmic examination and fluorescein angiography showed multiple
      areas of branch retinal artery occlusion, which tended to recur in both eyes.
      Magnetic resonance imaging showed dot-like, diffusion-restricted lesions in the
      corpus callosum and left fornix, and audiometry showed low-frequency sensory
      hearing loss, compatible with Susac syndrome. She received immunosuppressive
      therapy with oral steroid and azathioprine. Three months later all the symptoms
      disappeared but obstructive vasculitis have been relapsing. This patient
      demonstrated the entire clinical triad of Susac syndrome, which tends to occur in
      young females. Although this disorder has rarely been reported in Asian
      populations, a high index of suspicion is warranted for early diagnosis and
      timely treatment.

PMID- 22065913
TI  - Early non-invasive diagnosis and treatment of acute eosinophilic myopericarditis
      by cardiac magnetic resonance.
AB  - We report a case of early non-invasive diagnosis of acute eosinophilic
      myopericarditis (AEM) by cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) before cardiac
      biopsy. A 35-yr-old woman presented with a flu-like illness, followed by
      pleuritic chest pain and shortness of breath. Transthoracic echocardiography
      revealed mild left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction with borderline LV wall
      thickness and moderate pericardial effusion. The patient had peripheral
      eosinophilia and CMR was performed immediately at first day of visit before
      cardiac biopsy. CMR showed diffuse subepicardial high T2 signals and diffuse late
      gadolinium enhancement in LV. Steroid therapy was immediately initiated and
      patient's symptom was rapidly improved. Endomyocardial biopsy at hospital day 3
      reported multifocal mild infiltration of eosinophils and lymphocytes. The patient
      was finally confirmed as acute eosinophilic myopericarditis. This presentation
      emphasizes on the role of CMR which enables early non-invasive diagnosis of AEM
      and visualize the extent of the myocarditis.

PMID- 22065914
TI  - Polymorphisms in apoptosis-related genes and TP53 mutations in non-small cell
      lung cancer.
AB  - Apoptosis plays an essential role in the elimination of mutated or transformed
      cells from the body. Therefore, polymorphisms of apoptosis-related genes may lead
      to an alteration in apoptotic capacity, thereby affecting the occurrence of TP53
      mutations in lung cancer. We investigated the relationship between potentially
      functional polymorphisms of apoptosis-related genes and TP53 mutations in non
      small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Twenty-seven single nucleotide polymorphisms in
      20 apoptosis-related genes were genotyped by a sequenome mass spectrometry-based
      genotyping assay in 173 NSCLCs and the associations with TP53 mutations in the
      entire coding exons (exons 2-11), including splicing sites of the gene, were
      analyzed. None of the 27 polymorphisms was significantly associated with the
      occurrence of TP53 mutations. This suggests that apoptosis-related genes may not
      play an important role in the occurrence of TP53 mutations in lung cancer.

PMID- 22065916
TI  - Protein changes in the retina following experimental retinal detachment in
      rabbits.
AB  - PURPOSE: Retinal detachment leads to the widespread cellular remodeling of the
      retina. The purpose of this study was to identify protein changes that accompany
      these cellular alterations by comparing the proteomic profiles of sham and
      experimentally detached rabbit retina. Elucidation of the proteins most
      dramatically affected by retinal detachment would add further understanding to
      the pathophysiology of this condition, and potentially identify therapeutic
      targets useful in preventing the deleterious effects of detachment, including
      photoreceptor cell death and the activation of non-neuronal microglial and Muller
      cells. METHODS: Retinal detachments were induced in the right eyes of six New
      Zealand Red pigmented rabbits. Sham surgery was performed in the right eyes of
      six other rabbits that were used as controls. At seven days, the eyes were
      enucleated and the retinal tissue was harvested. The individual retinal samples
      were subjected to high resolution two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel
      electrophoresis. Differentially expressed protein spots were processed for
      identification by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Further
      investigation was undertaken with western blotting, and immunocytochemical
      studies on a further set of four sham and four detached retinas. RESULTS:
      Eighteen protein spots were found to be at least twofold differentially expressed
      between the sham and detached retinas. These protein spots were identified as:
      vimentin; tubulin beta-2C; fragments of alpha-enolase; fructose-bisphosphate
      aldolase A; ATP synthase subunit beta; mitochondrial creatine kinase; N-terminal
      fragments of albumin; prohibitin; and transducin-beta(1). CONCLUSIONS: The
      differentially expressed proteins determined in this study may play an important
      role in the cellular responses of the retina after its detachment, subsequent
      ability to recover following surgical reattachment, as well as in serious
      complications such as subretinal fibrosis and proliferative vitreoretinopathy.

PMID- 22065917
TI  - Evaluation of topical cysteamine therapy in the CTNS(-/-) knockout mouse using in
      vivo confocal microscopy.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to assess the ability of quantitative in
      vivo confocal microscopy (CM) to detect changes in cystine crystal volume in the
      cystinosisn (Ctns(-/-))mouse cornea following topical cysteamine therapy.
      METHODS: Fifteen Ctns(-/-) mice were sequentially followed using in vivo CM from
      3 to 10 months of age. In a second experiment, five mice receiving topical
      cysteamine eyedrops (0.55%) for 4 weeks were compared to five untreated mice. The
      volume of corneal cystine crystals was determined by thresholding and counting
      high intensity pixels in the in vivo CM scans and dividing by the stromal volume
      to calculate a crystal volume index (CVI). RESULTS: Corneal crystals
      progressively increased in density with age, reaching a peak density at 6-8
      months and showing a 70 fold increase in CVI. Eyes treated with cysteamine drops
      showed significantly less crystal accumulation compared to control eyes (p<0.001)
      with only a 15% increase in treated eyes (p=ns) compared to 173% increase
      (p<0.04) for untreated eyes. CONCLUSIONS: Measurement of CVI shows that there is
      a progressive increase in cystine crystal volume up to 8 months of age and that
      cysteamine eyedrops significantly inhibits progression in the Ctns(-/-) mouse.
      These findings are similar to those seen clinically in patients with cystinosis,
      and suggest that measurement of CVI in the Ctns(-/-) mouse may be used as a model
      to develop novel therapeutic strategies for treating corneal cystinosis.

PMID- 22065918
TI  - CFH 184G as a genetic risk marker for anterior uveitis in Chinese females.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association of three single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) in the complement factor H (CFH), KIAA1109, and interleukin
      27 (IL-27) genes in patients with anterior uveitis (AU). METHODS: A case-control
      study was performed in 98 Chinese AU patients and 308 healthy controls. Three
      SNPs including CFH-rs800292, KIAA1109-rs4505848, and IL27-rs4788084 were detected
      using TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays. Analyses were also stratified according to
      gender, clinical features and human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B27 status of the
      patients. RESULTS: No significant association was found between all three SNPs
      and AU. However, when stratified by gender, there were significant increases in
      the frequency of the CFH-rs800292 184G allele and GG homozygosity in female
      patients compared with control subjects (p=0.003 and p=0.009, respectively).
      Similar association was not detected in males. No significant association was
      found between AU and KIAA1109-rs4505848 or IL27-rs4788084 even stratified by
      gender. There was no significant difference in genotypes of AU patients
      stratified by various clinical features. Subgroup analyses showed that all three
      SNPs (rs800292, rs4505848, and rs4788084) were not associated with AU in HLA-B27
      positive patients, neither in HLA-B27-negative patients. CONCLUSIONS: Our results
      showed an association between AU and CFH polymorphism in Chinese female patients
      but not in males, indicating gender-specific genetic differences in CFH. Gender
      should be considered in genetic studies of anterior uveitis even extending to
      other immunologic diseases.

PMID- 22065919
TI  - Combined treatment with antioxidants and immunosuppressants on cytokine release
      by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells - chemically injured keratocyte
      reaction.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the effect of antioxidants and immunosuppresants on mixed
      peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) - chemically injured keratocytes
      reaction (MLKR). METHODS: The PBMC stimulation assay was performed using
      chemically injured keratocytes treated with 0.05 N NaOH for 90 s (MLKR). MLKR
      were treated with various drugs including rapamycin, dexamethasone, mycophenoleic
      acid (MPA), alpha lipoic acid (ALA), and N-acetyl cysteine (NAC). Matrix
      metalloprotease-9 (MMP-9), transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta1),
      interleukin-6 (IL-6), and macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) secretion
      profiles of activated PBMCs stimulated by NaOH-treated keratocytes were
      determined by ELISA. RESULTS: Anti-oxidants as well as immunosuppressants
      suppressed PBMC proliferation. MMP-9 levels were lower in antioxidants group. IL
      6 levels decreased in dexamethasone group and anti-oxidants group. Combination of
      immunosuppressants and antioxidants suppressed more PBMC proliferation except for
      rapamycin + ALA group, suppressed MMP-9 production except for MPA + ALA group,
      decreased IL-6 levels and increased MIF levels except for rapamycin + ALA group.
      TGF-beta1 levels were elevated in rapamycin group and rapamycin + ALA group.
      CONCLUSIONS: Cytokine production was different depending on combination of
      drugs.Our results suggest that the different drugs should be selected for
      treatment according to the phases of corneal chemical burn.

PMID- 22065920
TI  - Age-related retention of fiber cell nuclei and nuclear fragments in the lens
      cortices of multiple species.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the differences between species in the retention of lens
      fiber cell nuclei and nuclear fragments in the aging lens cortex and the
      relationship of nuclear retention to lens opacity. For this purpose old human,
      monkey, dog, and rat lenses were compared to those of three strains of mouse. We
      also investigated possible mechanisms leading to nuclear retention. METHODS:
      Fixed specimens of the species referred to above were obtained from immediate on
      site sacrifice of mice and rats, or from recently fixed lenses of other species,
      dogs, monkeys, and humans, obtained from collaborators. The retention of
      undegraded nuclei and nuclear fragments was graded 1-4 from histologic
      observation. All species lenses were examined microscopically in fixed sections
      stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) or 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI).
      Slit lamp observations were made only on the mice and rats before sacrifice and
      lens fixation. Values of 0 to 4 (clear lens to cataract) were given to degree of
      opacity. MRNA content in young versus old C57BL/6 mouse lenses was determined by
      quantitative PCR (qPCR) for DNase II-like acid DNase (DLAD) and other proteins.
      DLAD protein was determined by immunofluorescence of fixed eye sections. RESULTS:
      In old C57BL/6 and DBA mice and, to a lesser degree, in old CBA mice and old
      Brown Norway (BN) rats lenses were seen to contain a greatly expanded pool of
      unresolved whole nuclei or fragments of nuclei in differentiating lens fiber
      cells. This generally correlated with increased slit lamp opacities in these
      mice. Most old dog lenses also had an increase in retained cortical nuclei, as
      did a few old humans. However, a second rat strain, BNF1, in which opacity was
      quite high had no increase in retained nuclei with age nor did any of the old
      monkeys, indicating that retained nuclei could not be a cause of opacity in these
      animals. The nuclei and nuclear fragments were located at all levels in the outer
      cortex extending inward from the lens equator and were observable by the DAPI.
      These nuclei and nuclear fragments were seen from 12 months onward in all C57BL/6
      and DBA/2 mice and to a lesser degree in the CBA, increasing in number and in
      space occupancy with increasing age. Preliminary results suggest that retention
      of nuclei in the C57BL/6 mouse is correlated with an age-related loss of DLAD
      from old lenses. CONCLUSIONS: A very marked apparently light refractive condition
      caused by retained cortical nuclei and nuclear fragments is present in the lens
      cortices, increasing with age in the three strains of mice examined and in one of
      two strains of rats (BN). This condition was also seen in some old dogs and a few
      old humans. It may be caused by an age-related loss of DLAD, which is essential
      for nuclear DNA degradation in the lens. However, this condition does not develop
      in old BNF1 rats, or old monkeys and is only seen sporadically in humans. Thus,
      it can not be a universal cause for age related lens opacity or cataract
      presence, although it develops concurrently with opacity in mice. This phenomenon
      should be considered when using the old mouse as a model for human age-related
      cataract.

PMID- 22065921
TI  - A mutation in the UBIAD1 gene in a Han Chinese family with Schnyder corneal
      dystrophy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To identify the molecular defect in the UbiA prenyltransferase domain
      containing 1 (UBIAD1) gene in a four-generation Chinese family with Schnyder
      corneal dystrophy (SCD). METHODS: A four-generation Chinese family with SCD and
      50 unrelated normal individuals as controls were enrolled in. The complete
      ophthalmic examination was performed and blood samples were taken for subsequent
      genetic analysis. Mutation screening of UBIAD1 was performed by polymerase chain
      reaction (PCR) based DNA sequencing. RESULTS: The missense mutation N102S in
      UBIAD1 was identified in this pedigree from the mainland of China for the first
      time. The molecular defect cosegregates with the affected individuals, whereas
      not found in unaffected family members or normal controls. CONCLUSIONS: The
      nonsynonymous mutation, N102S, in UBIAD1 detected in this family confirms that it
      is a mutation hot spot not only in Caucasian but also in Chinese. This finding
      adds support to the proposal that N102S has been independently mutated and argues
      against the likelihood of a founder effect.

PMID- 22065922
TI  - Congenital anterior polar cataract associated with a missense mutation in the
      human alpha crystallin gene CRYAA.
AB  - PURPOSE: To identify the potential pathogenic mutation over four generations of a
      Chinese family with congenital anterior polar cataracts (APC). METHODS: We
      investigated four generations of a Chinese family who are afflicted with anterior
      polar cataracts. The family resides in a relatively isolated region of Northern
      China. Peripheral blood samples were collected from all of the family members,
      and genomic DNA was then extracted from the blood samples. A gene scan was
      performed using about 400 primers labeled with fluorescent stain. Linkage
      software defined the region of the diseased gene with a Linkage analysis, and
      Cyrillic software processed the resulting haplotypes. Mutation detection was
      performed in the candidate gene by sequencing amplified products. RESULTS: A
      maximum logarithm of odds score (LOD) score was obtained at marker D21S1252(LOD
      score [Z]=3.23, recombination fraction [theta]=0.0. Haplotype analysis traced the
      disease gene to an 18.47 cM region bounded by D21S263 and D21S266 on
      chromosome21q22.11-q22.3. Direct sequencing of the candidate alpha A crystallin
      (CRYAA) gene revealed a c.347G>A transition in exon 3 of CRYAA that co-segregated
      with the cataract in the family members and was not observed in 100 control
      patients. This single-nucleotide change resulted in the substitution of a highly
      conserved Arginine by Histidine (R116H). CONCLUSIONS: The present study
      identified a missense mutation (R116H) in the CRYAA gene that causes autosomal
      dominant congenital anterior polar cataracts in a Chinese family. Our finding
      confirms the high rate of apparently independent mutations at this dinucleotide.

PMID- 22065923
TI  - Interaction between Pax6 and its novel mutant in Bufo raddei Strauch.
AB  - PURPOSE: Exploration of the relationship between a novel paired box 6 (Pax6)
      mutant and Pax6 in Bufo raddei Strauch. METHODS: RT-PCR, yeast 2-hybrid system,
      and co-immunoprecipitation were used to analyze the Pax6 protein and its mutant
      during embryonic eye development in Bufo raddei Strauch. RESULTS: We have cloned
      the Pax6 ORF sequence from Bufo raddei Strauch. Here we report the cloning of a
      novel Pax6 homolog of Bufo raddei Strauch named Pax6 variant. Comparing the 2
      genes, the homolog of ORF nucleotide sequence is more than 99% in Bufo raddei
      Strauch; only the proline-serine-threonine(PST)-rich transaction domain differs.
      The deduced amino acid sequences of PST region are 53.1% identical. An
      interaction was found between Pax6 and Pax6 variant via yeast 2-hybrid system;
      with further study, we found that they interacted in vivo via co
      immunopricipitation. CONCLUSIONS: A Pax6 mutant was first found in Bufo raddei
      Strauch. Interaction between Pax6 and Pax6 variant may play a critical role
      during eye development in Bufo raddei Strauch. This suggests that expression of
      Pax6 variant may play a role and appears to be a necessity in eye development,
      but that Pax6 itself is still pivotal in eye development.

PMID- 22065924
TI  - RDH12 retinopathy: novel mutations and phenotypic description.
AB  - PURPOSE: To identify patients with autosomal recessive retinal dystrophy caused
      by mutations in the gene, retinal dehydrogenase 12 (RDH12), and to report the
      associated phenotype. METHODS: After giving informed consent, all patients
      underwent full clinical evaluation. Patients were selected for mutation analysis
      based upon positive results from the Asper Ophthalmics Leber congenital amaurosis
      arrayed primer extansion (APEX) microarray screening, linkage analysis, or their
      clinical phenotype. All coding exons of RDH12 were screened by direct Sanger
      sequencing. Potential variants were checked for segregation in the respective
      families and screened in controls, and their pathogenicity analyzed using in
      silico prediction programs. RESULTS: Screening of 389 probands by the APEX
      microarray and/or direct sequencing identified bi-allelic mutations in 29
      families. Seventeen novel mutations were identified. The phenotype in these
      patients presented with a severe early-onset rod-cone dystrophy. Funduscopy
      showed severe generalized retinal pigment epithelial and retinal atrophy, which
      progressed to dense, widespread intraretinal pigment migration by adulthood. The
      macula showed severe atrophy, with pigmentation and yellowing, and corresponding
      loss of fundus autofluorescence. Optical coherence tomography revealed marked
      retinal thinning and excavation at the macula. CONCLUSIONS: RDH12 mutations
      account for approximately 7% of disease in our cohort of patients diagnosed with
      Leber congenital amaurosis and early-onset retinal dystrophy. The clinical
      features of this disorder are highly characteristic and facilitate candidate gene
      screening. The term RDH12 retinopathy is proposed as a more accurate description.

PMID- 22065925
TI  - Zebularine suppresses TGF-beta-induced lens epithelial cell-myofibroblast
      transdifferentiation by inhibiting MeCP2.
AB  - PURPOSE: Posterior capsular opacification (PCO) is a common long-term
      complication of modern cataract surgery. Remnant lens epithelial cells (LECs)
      undergo a myofibroblast transdifferentiation that is thought to be the initial
      step of PCO pathogenesis. The purpose of this study is to determine the effects
      of zebularine on transforming growth factor-beta (TGFbeta)-induced, LEC
      myofibroblast transdifferentiation. METHODS: The expression levels of methyl CpG
      binding protein 2 (MeCP2) and alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA) in human PCO
      membranes were evaluated by confocal microscopy. The role that MeCP2 played in
      TGFbeta2-induced alpha-SMA expression was analyzed by western blotting both
      before and after MeCP2 knockdown with MeCP2-specific siRNA. The effect of
      zebularine on MeCP2 expression was analyzed over time using a variety of dosages.
      The effect of zebularine on TGFbeta2-induced alpha-SMA expression was determined
      by western blot analysis. RESULTS: MeCP2 and alpha-SMA co-localized in human PCO
      membranes. When MeCP2 was depleted, TGFbeta2 could not induce alpha-SMA
      expression. Zebularine decreased MeCP2 expression in lens epithelial cells in a
      time- and dose-dependent pattern and reversed TGFbeta2-induced alpha-SMA
      expression. CONCLUSIONS: MeCP2 plays an important role in TGFbeta2-induced alpha
      SMA expression in lens epithelial cells. Zebularine could reverse the TGFbeta2
      induced alpha-SMA expression by inhibiting MeCP2 expression. Therefore,
      zebularine could potentially prevent PCO formation.

PMID- 22065926
TI  - Enhanced in vitro antiproliferative effects of EpCAM antibody-functionalized
      paclitaxel-loaded PLGA nanoparticles in retinoblastoma cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To specifically deliver paclitaxel (PTX) to retinoblastoma (RB)
      cells, the anionic surface-charged poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) NPs
      loaded with paclitaxel were conjugated with epithelial cell adhesion molecule
      (EpCAM) antibody for enhancing site-specific intracellular delivery of paclitaxel
      against EpCAM overexpressing RB cells. METHODS: PTX-loaded PLGA NPs were prepared
      by the oil-in-water single emulsion solvent evaporation method, and the PTX
      content in NPs was estimated by the reverse phase isocratic mode of high
      performance liquid chromatography. Ethyl-3-[3-dimethylaminopropyl] carbodiimide
      hydrochloride/N-hydroxysuccinimide chemistry was employed for the covalent
      attachment of monoclonal EpCAM antibody onto the NP surface. In vitro
      cytotoxicity of native PTX, unconjugated PTX-loaded NPs (PTX-NPs), and EpCAM
      antibody-conjugated PTX-loaded nanoparticles (PTX-NP-EpCAM) were evaluated on a
      Y79 RB cell line by a dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide
      assay, while cellular apoptosis, cysteinyl-aspartic acid protease (caspase)-3
      activation, Poly (adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase (PARP) cleavage, and
      cell-cycle arrest were quantified by flow cytometry. By employing flow cytometry
      and fluorescence image analyses, the extent of cellular uptake was comparatively
      evaluated. RESULTS: PTX-NP-EpCAM had superior antiproliferation activity,
      increased arrested cell population at the G(2)-M phase, and increased activation
      of caspase-3, followed by PARP cleavage in parallel with the induction of
      apoptosis. Increased uptake of PTX-Np-EpCAM by the cells suggests that they were
      mainly taken up through EpCAM mediated endocytosis. CONCLUSIONS: EpCAM antibody
      functionalized biodegradable NPs for tumor-selective drug delivery and overcoming
      drug resistance could be an efficient therapeutic strategy for retinoblastoma
      treatment.

PMID- 22065927
TI  - The human Muller cell line MIO-M1 expresses opsins.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine whether the human Muller cell line Moorfields/Institute of
      Ophthalmology-Muller 1 (MIO-M1) expresses opsins. METHODS: The gene expression of
      opsins was determined by reverse-transcription PCR (RT-PCR). The presence of
      opsin proteins was determined by western blotting and immunocytochemistry. The
      light sensitivity of the cells was examined with imaging experiments using the
      calcium-sensitive dye Fluo-4. RESULTS: MIO-M1 cells express glial (glutamine
      synthase [GLUL], vimentin [VIM], glial fibrillary acidic protein [GFAP], cellular
      retinaldehyde-binding protein [RLBP1], glial high-affinity glutamate transporter
      [SLCA1], aquaporin-4 [AQP4], inwardly rectifying potassium channel Kir4.1
      [Kir4.1]), neuronal (Thy-1 cell surface antigen [THY1], heavy neurofilament
      polypeptide [NEFH], microtubule-associated protein 2 [MAP2], neurogenic
      differentiation 1 [NEUROD1], neuronal nuclei [NEUN]), and neural progenitor
      markers (Nestin [NES], paired-type homeobox transcription factor [PAX6],
      neurogenic locus notch homolog 1 [NOTCH1]). The cells contain mRNA for the
      following opsins: blue opsin (OPN1SW), rhodopsin (OPN2), panopsin (OPN3),
      melanopsin (OPN4), neuropsin (OPN5), and peropsin (RRH), as well as for the
      transducins (guanine nucleotide binding protein [GNAZ], alpha transducing
      activity polypeptide 1 [GNAT1], alpha transducing activity polypeptide 2
      [GNAT2]). The presence of blue opsin and melanopsin was confirmed with
      immunocytochemistry and western blotting. The immunoreactivity and mRNA of red
      green opsin were found in some but not all cultures, while the immunoreactivity
      for rhodopsin was absent in all cultures investigated. Repetitive stimulation
      with 480 nm light evoked slow and fast transient calcium responses in the
      majority of cells investigated, while irradiation with 600 nm light was
      ineffective. CONCLUSIONS: The human Muller cell line MIO-M1 expresses opsins.
      This suggests immortalized Muller cells could be used as a cellular source to
      produce human opsins for their potential application as therapeutic agents in
      patients with retinitis pigmentosa.

PMID- 22065928
TI  - Analysis of candidate genes for age-related macular degeneration subtypes in the
      Japanese population.
AB  - PURPOSE: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is thought to be a polygenetic
      disease. It is divided into three subtypes; neovascular AMD (nAMD), polypoidal
      choroidal vasculopathy, and retinal angiomatous proliferation (RAP). These
      subtypes are thought to have different pathophysiological and genetic
      backgrounds. We aimed to investigate the relationships between single nucleotide
      polymorphisms (SNPs) in candidate genes and subtypes of AMD in the Japanese
      population. METHODS: We genotyped 685 AMD patients and 277 controls for four SNPs
      of the selected candidate genes: rs800292 in complement factor H, rs10490924 in
      age-related maculopathy susceptibility 2 (ARMS2), rs2301995 in elastin (ELN), and
      rs1801133 in methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR). Case-control studies
      were performed using these AMD subtypes. Logistic regression analysis was
      performed using a history of hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and smoking as
      cardiovascular risks. RESULTS: The genotype-dominant or recessive distribution of
      all four SNPs differed significantly between the controls and the AMD patients.
      In the subtype analysis, there were significant differences between the controls
      and the AMD patients in genotype distributions. This was true for all AMD subtype
      analyses of both rs800292 (complement factor H) and rs10490924 (ARMS2). Logistic
      regression analysis indicated the TT genotype of the ARMS2 gene to be
      significantly more common in RAP patients (p=1.54*10(-13), odds ratio: 22.18). In
      contrast, there were significant differences in the genotype distribution between
      the controls and nAMD patients only for rs2301995 (ELN, p=0.022) and rs1801133
      (MTHFR, p=2.50*10(-3)). CONCLUSIONS: Our results indicate that SNPs of the ARMS2
      gene may serve as strong genetic markers of RAP, and that SNPs of the ELN and
      MTHFR genes are potential genetic markers for nAMD.

PMID- 22065929
TI  - Effects of a myosin light chain kinase inhibitor on the optics and accommodation
      of the avian crystalline lens.
AB  - PURPOSE: While many studies investigate the cytoskeletal properties of the lens
      with respect to cataract development, examinations of how these molecular
      structures interact are few. Myosin light chain kinase (MLCK), actin, and myosin
      are present on the crystalline lenses of chickens. The purpose of this experiment
      was to determine whether contractile proteins found on the lens play a role in
      the optical functions of the lens at rest, and during accommodation. METHODS:
      Eyes of 6-day old white Leghorn chicks (Gallus gallus domesticus) were
      enucleated, with the ciliary nerve intact. One eye was treated with the MLCK
      inhibitor 1-(5-iodonaphthalene-1-sulfonyl)-1H-hexahydro-1,4-diazepine
      hydrochloride (ML-7) and the other eye with vehicle only. Three concentrations of
      ML-7 were used: 1 uM, 10 uM, and 100 uM. The back vertex focal lengths (BVFLs)
      were measured before, during, and after accommodation using an optical laser
      scanning monitor (ScantoxTM). To further confirm ML-7 activity, western blotting
      was performed to detect whether MLCK was inhibited. RESULTS: Western blots
      confirmed that MLCK was inhibited at all three ML-7 concentrations. Ten uM ML-7
      treatments led to longer BVFLs at rest (p=0.0338), while 100 uM treatments led to
      opposite changes, resulting in shorter BVFLs (p=0.0220). While 1 uM treatments
      did not lead to significant optical changes (p=0.4416), BVFLs were similar in
      pattern to those of the 10 uM group. ML-7 had no effects on accommodative
      amplitudes (p=0.7848). CONCLUSIONS: Inhibition of MLCK by ML-7 led to
      differential changes in BVFLs that presumably affected lenticular integrity. No
      apparent effect on accommodative amplitudes was observed.

PMID- 22065930
TI  - A novel frame-shift mutation in FRMD7 causes X-linked idiopathic congenital
      nystagmus in a Chinese family.
AB  - PURPOSE: To screen mutations in the FERM domain-containing 7 (FRMD7) gene in a
      Chinese family with X-linked idiopathic congenital nystagmus (ICN). METHODS: It
      has been reported that FRMD7 mutations account for approximately 47% of X-linked
      nystagmus in Chinese patients. We collected 5 ml of blood samples from members of
      a family with X-linked ICN and 100 normal controls. Mutations in FRMD7 were
      determined by sequencing PCR products. RESULTS: We identified a previously
      unreported 4 bp deletion in FRMD7 (c.1486-1489 del TTTT) in a Chinese family. The
      mutation co-segregated with the disease phenotype in patients and female
      carriers, while it was not detected in other relatives or in the 100 normal
      controls. CONCLUSIONS: Our results expand the spectrum of FRMD7 mutations causing
      ICN, and further confirm the role of FRMD7 in the pathogenesis of ICN. Direct
      sequencing of FRMD7 could be used as a diagnostic testing of idiopathic
      congenital nystagmus.

PMID- 22065931
TI  - Decreased total antioxidants status in the plasma of patients with
      pseudoexfoliation glaucoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate total antioxidant status (TAS) in the plasma of
      pseudoexfoliation glaucoma (PEG) patients and to compare this level with a
      matching control group. Additionally, we aim to investigate the effect of the
      combined action of the lysyl oxidase-like 1 (LOXL1) mutation status with TAS
      level on the development of PEG. METHODS: Plasma samples were obtained from 54
      PEG patients and 54 controls of matching age, sex, and ethnicity. TAS in all
      samples was determined by spectrophotometric and enzyme-linked immunosorbent
      assay methods. The coding region of LOXL1, where it encompasses both single
      nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs; rs1048661 and rs3825942), was sequenced. RESULTS:
      The mean (+/-SD) total antioxidant (TAS) value was lower among patients: 0.87
      (0.24), range 0.9-1.41 than controls: 1.07 (0.23), range 0.72-1.94, and this
      difference was statistically significant (p<0.0001: 95%CI: -0.295-0.114).
      Evaluating the impact of age, sex, and the mutation in addition to the mean TAS
      value in patients with PEG, a logistic regression analysis was conducted using
      diseased/not diseased as the outcome of interest (the dependent variable).
      Results show that, controlling for all other variables, mean TAS value (p<0.0001)
      and the mutation G/G in rs3825942 (p=0.041) are significant risk factors for PEG.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our findings provide evidence that TAS decreases in the plasma of
      PEG patients, suggesting that TAS may have an important role in the pathogenesis
      of PEG. The combined effect of the "G" allele and the decreased TAS may
      contribute to the overall pathogenesis of PEG.

PMID- 22065932
TI  - A novel PIKFYVE mutation in fleck corneal dystrophy.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report the findings of the clinical and molecular evaluation in a
      Greek family with fleck corneal dystrophy (CFD). METHODS: A 58-year-old woman was
      seen on routine ophthalmic examination and diagnosed as having CFD. All available
      family members were examined to evaluate the clinical findings and inheritance of
      the disease. Twenty members of the family in five generations underwent slit-lamp
      examination. Eleven were females and nine males, aged from two years to 85 years
      old. Blood samples were available from four patients with CFD and seven
      unaffected relatives, and the DNAs were subjected to molecular screening of the
      phosphoinositide kinase, five finger-containing (PIKFYVE) gene by direct
      sequencing or denaturing high performance liquid chromatography (DHPLC). RESULTS:
      The clinical evaluation revealed six family members (five females and one male)
      with CFD. In two CFD patients early cataract formation was noticed. All patients
      affected with the corneal dystrophy were asymptomatic. The molecular analyses
      demonstrated the existence of a novel c.3060-3063delCCTT (p.P968Vfs23) mutation
      in PIKFYVE in all CFD patients tested but in none of the six unaffected family
      members. No molecular screening was performed in the seventh unaffected member as
      the causative mutation was clearly transmitted from his affected wife to his
      affected son. CONCLUSIONS: We report on the clinical and molecular findings of a
      five generation Greek family with CFD and we conclude that the novel c.3060
      3063delCCTT (p.P968Vfs23) mutation in PIKFYVE, which segregated with the disease,
      was the causative mutation in this family.

PMID- 22065933
TI  - Increased response to oxidative stress challenge in Graves' ophthalmopathy
      orbital fibroblasts.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate whether orbital fibroblasts from patients with Graves'
      ophthalmopathy (GO) are more responsive to oxidative stress. METHODS: Lipid
      peroxidation, oxidative DNA damage, reactive oxygen species (ROS) contents and
      activities of antioxidant enzymes were measured in cultured orbital fibroblasts
      from GO patients and age-matched normal controls in response to 200 MUM hydrogen
      peroxide (H(2)O(2)). RESULTS: GO fibroblasts had increased basal levels of
      malondialdehyde (MDA), 8-hydroxy 2'-deoxyguanosine, superoxide anions, H(2)O(2),
      and manganese-dependent superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) activity, as well as
      decreased glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity and the ratio between reduced
      (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) compared with the orbital fibroblasts from
      normal subjects. After treatment of the cells with 200 MUM H(2)O(2), the
      amplitude of increase in the intracellular levels of MDA (63% versus 26%),
      H(2)O(2) (24% versus 13%) and Mn-SOD activity (48% versus 23%) was exaggerated in
      GO fibroblasts compared with normal controls, respectively. In addition,
      treatment of GO fibroblasts with 200 MUM H(2)O(2) led to a dramatic reduction of
      catalase activity (-59% versus -29%), GPx activity (-56% versus -13%), and
      GSH/GSSG ratio (-49% versus -21%), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Elevated ROS and
      redox imbalance in GO orbital fibroblasts were exacerbated by H(2)O(2) as a
      result of exhaustion of GSH and compromise of antioxidant enzymes.
      Hypersensitivity to oxidative stress of GO orbital fibroblasts may play a role in
      the pathogenesis of GO.

PMID- 22065934
TI  - Fibroblast growth factor 10 upregulates the expression of mucins in rat
      conjunctival epithelial cells.
AB  - PURPOSE: This in vitro study aimed to gain insight into the function of
      fibroblast growth factor 10 (FGF10) on the ocular surface, especially its effect
      on mRNA expression of the mucins Muc1, Muc4, and Muc5ac, and mucin protein
      synthesis. METHODS: We isolated primary cultured rat conjunctival epithelial
      cells (Cj-ECs) and treated them with FGF10 (1 ng/ml, 10 ng/ml, 100 ng/ml, and 200
      ng/ml) and basic fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2; 10 ng/ml) for 24 h or 48 h.
      The proliferation of Cj-ECs was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3
      carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium (MTS). mRNA levels of
      Muc1, Muc4, and Muc5ac were determined by real-time PCR. Synthesis levels of MUC1
      and MUC4 were measured by western blot. Flow cytometry and Annexin V/PI double
      staining revealed degrees of apoptosis. RESULTS: In primary culture, the
      epithelial cells were compact and cobblestone pavement in shape. Most of the
      cells were positive for cytokeratin (CK). FGF10 and FGF2 significantly stimulated
      Muc1, Muc4, and Muc5ac mRNA expression, cell proliferation, and synthesis of MUC1
      and MUC4 proteins. FGF10 was more potent than FGF2 in these regards. FGF10 did
      not restrain the apoptosis of Cj-ECs. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study
      demonstrated that FGF10 is associated with the promotion of Cj-EC proliferation
      and mucin production. The effects of FGF10 on Cj-ECs support a rationale to
      investigate its therapeutic potential for ocular surface diseases.

PMID- 22065935
TI  - A tribute to Dr Naranjan S Dhalla on his 75th birthday.

PMID- 22065936
TI  - Trastuzumab-induced cardiac dysfunction: A 'dual-hit'.
AB  - Trastuzumab (Trz) is a monoclonal antibody against the human epidermal growth
      factor receptor 2 that is found to be overexpressed in 25% to 30% of breast
      cancer patients. In spite of the therapeutic benefits of Trz, cardiotoxic side
      effects are still an issue. This effect is potentiated particularly when Trz is
      administered following doxorubicin (DOX) treatment. Among the various mechanisms
      that may account for DOX and Trz-induced cardiotoxicity, the role of oxidative
      stress has gained significant support. The present review discusses the evidence
      supporting the hypothesis that oxidative stress comes from multiple sources
      through an increase in the production of reactive oxygen species and/or a
      decrease in antioxidant defense systems. The adjuvant use of Trz can potentiate
      cardiomyocyte damage through a 'dual-hit' mechanism, which includes inhibition of
      the neuregulin-1 survival signalling pathway and angiotensin II-induced
      activation of NADPH oxidase, with the ability to further increase reactive oxygen
      species production. Preventive therapies for DOX- and Trz-induced cardiac
      dysfunction have eluded investigators, but may include the prophylactic use of
      angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, beta-blockers and use of antioxidants.
      Thus, a better understanding of the mechanisms leading to this characteristic
      drug-induced cardiomyopathy, as well as potential cardioprotective strategies is
      required.

PMID- 22065937
TI  - Effect of sarpogrelate on cardiovascular disorders.
AB  - The present article, dedicated to Dr NS Dhalla on the occasion of the jubilee of
      his life's work, is a brief review of articles based on the authors' studies of
      sarpogrelate conducted in collaboration with Dr NS Dhalla. These studies on the
      effects of sarpogrelate on cardiovascular disorders have been ongoing for more
      than 10 years, and 10 articles have been published to date.

PMID- 22065939
TI  - Prevention of diabetes-induced myocardial dysfunction in rats using the juice of
      the Emblica officinalis fruit.
AB  - Normalization of hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia and oxidative stress is an
      important objective in preventing diabetes-induced cardiac dysfunction. The
      present study investigated the effects of the fruit juice obtained from Emblica
      officinalis on myocardial dysfunction in diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by
      streptozotocin (STZ), and the rats were treated with E officinalis fruit juice
      for eight weeks. Injection of STZ produced loss of body weight, polydypsia,
      polyphagia, hyperglycemia, hypoinsulinemia and dyslipidemia. It also produced
      hypertension, bradycardia, hypertrophy and myocardial functional alterations
      associated with an increase in serum lactate dehydrogenase and creatinine kinase
      MB levels. Treatment with the fruit juice not only prevented STZ-induced loss of
      body weight, increases in water and food intake, increases in serum glucose
      levels and disturbed lipid profile, but also an increase in serum lactate
      dehydrogenase and creatinine kinase-MB levels, and increased myocardial
      hypertrophy and cardiomyopathy. There was an increase in the area under the curve
      (AUC) for glucose, and a decrease in AUC(insulin) was observed in diabetic rats;
      treatment decreased AUC(glucose) but not AUC(insulin) or hyperinsulinemia. There
      was a decrease in antioxidant enzyme levels (in superoxide dismutase, reduced
      glutathione and catalase) in diabetic hearts, which could be improved by
      treatment with fruit juice. The present data suggest that fruit juice may be
      beneficial for the treatment of myocardial damage associated with type 1 diabetes
      mellitus. The activity of E officinalis fruit juice can be attributed to the
      concentration of polyphenol present.

PMID- 22065938
TI  - An integrated approach for the mechanisms responsible for atherosclerotic plaque
      regression.
AB  - Atherosclerosis was originally considered to be an ongoing process that was
      inevitably associated with age. However, plaques are highly dynamic, and are able
      to progress, stabilize or regress depending on their surrounding milieu. A great
      deal of research attention has been focused on understanding the involvement of
      high-density lipoprotein in atherosclerotic plaque regression. However,
      atherosclerotic plaque regression encompasses a variety of processes that can be
      grouped into three main areas: removal of lipids and necrotic material;
      restoration of endothelial function and repair of denuded areas; and cessation of
      vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and phenotype reversal. In addition to
      the role of high-density lipoproteins in lipid removal, resident macrophages and
      foam cells are able to regain motility and rapidly migrate on milieu improvement,
      moving both lipids and necrotic material to regional lymph nodes. Neighbouring
      endothelial cells can proliferate and replace dead and dysfunctional cells.
      Circulating endothelial progenitor cells can similarly restore vessel function.
      Finally, abrogation of smooth muscle cell proliferation occurs secondarily to
      these processes. This information is integrated in the current article to present
      a comprehensive and clear depiction of plaque regression. This integrated view of
      regression is essential to optimize the pharmaceutical targeting of the many
      processes and pathways involved in plaque regression.

PMID- 22065940
TI  - Effect of a glutathione S-transferase inhibitor on oxidative stress and ischemia
      reperfusion-induced apoptotic signalling of cultured cardiomyocytes.
AB  - Oxidative stress and ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury are crucial in the
      pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. The antioxidant glutathione S
      transferase (GST) is responsible for the high-capacity metabolic inactivation of
      electrophilic compounds and toxic substrates. The main objective of the present
      study was to examine the effect of GST inhibition (with the administration of
      ethacrynic acid [EA]) on the viability and apoptosis of cardiomyocytes when these
      cells are exposed to various stress components of I/R and mitogen-activated
      protein kinase (c-Jun N-terminal kinase, p38 and extracellular signal-regulated
      kinase [ERK]) inhibitors. The primary culture of neonatal rat cardiomyocytes was
      divided into six experimental groups: control group of cells (group 1), cells
      exposed to H(2)O(2) (group 2), I/R (group 3), I/R and EA (group 4), H(2)O(2)
      coupled with EA (group 5), and EA alone (group 6). The viability of
      cardiomyocytes was determined using a colorimetric MTT assay. The apoptosis ratio
      was evaluated via fluorescein isothiocyanate-labelled annexin V and propidium
      iodide staining. c-Jun N-terminal kinase, p38, Akt/protein kinase B and ERK/p42
      p44 transcription factors were monitored with flow cytometry. c-Jun N-terminal
      kinase activation increased due to GST inhibition during I/R. EA administration
      led to a significant increase in p38 activation following both H(2)O(2) treatment
      and I/R. ERK phosphorylation increased when GST was exposed to I/R. A pronounced
      decrease in Akt phosphorylation was observed when cells were cotreated with EA
      and H(2)O(2). GST plays an important role as a regulator of mitogen-activated
      protein kinase pathways in I/R injury.

PMID- 22065941
TI  - MicroRNA signatures of stem cells.
AB  - The unique properties of embryonic stem (ES) cells to self-renew indefinitely or
      to differentiate to any cell type (pluripotency) warrants their clinical
      application in regenerative medicine. MicroRNAs are crucial for post
      transcriptional gene regulation and, thus, remain an essential element of the
      regulation of ES cells. The present review discusses the essential elements of
      microRNAs that regulate the life and death of ES cells.

PMID- 22065942
TI  - Effects of amino acid supplementation on myocardial cell damage and cardiac
      function in diabetes.
AB  - Although amino acid deficiencies are known to occur in diabetes patients and are
      considered to contribute to the occurrence of cardiomyopathy, the mechanisms of
      the impact of the restoration of amino acids on improved cardiac function are not
      completely understood. Accordingly, the present study was conducted to examine
      the beneficial effects of dietary supplementation of taurine, arginine and
      carnitine, individually or in combination, in an experimental model of chronic
      diabetes. For inducing diabetes, rats received a single injection of
      streptozotocin (65 mg/kg body weight). Experimental animals were treated (by oral
      gavage) daily for three weeks with amino acids before the induction of diabetes;
      this treatment was continued for an additional eight-week period. Diabetes was
      observed to induce cardiac dysfunction, myocardial cell damage, and changes in
      plasma glucose and lipid levels. Treatment of diabetic animals with taurine,
      unlike carnitine or arginine, attenuated alterations in cardiac function, as
      evidenced by echocardiography and in vivo catheterization techniques. Taurine,
      carnitine and arginine, individually or in combination, attenuated diabetes
      induced cell damage as revealed by electron microscopy. While carnitine alone
      reduced plasma levels of triglycerides with an increase in high-density
      lipoprotein cholesterol, none of the amino acids, alone or in combination, had an
      effect on myocardial glycogen content, lipid accumulation or hyperglycemia. These
      results suggest that dietary supplementation of taurine attenuates diabetes
      induced changes in cardiac contractile function and ultrastructure without any
      alterations in plasma lipid and glucose levels.

PMID- 22065943
TI  - Impaired cardiac ischemic tolerance in spontaneously hypertensive rats is
      attenuated by adaptation to chronic and acute stress.
AB  - Chronic hypertension may have a negative impact on the myocardial response to
      ischemia. On the other hand, intrinsic ischemic tolerance may persist even in the
      pathologically altered hearts of hypertensive animals, and may be modified by
      short- or long-term adaptation to different stressful conditions. The effects of
      long-term limitation of living space (ie, crowding stress [CS]) and brief
      ischemia-induced stress on cardiac response to ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury
      are not yet fully characterized in hypertensive subjects. The present study was
      designed to test the influence of chronic and acute stress on the myocardial
      response to I/R in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) compared with their
      effects in normotensive counterparts. In both groups, chronic, eight-week CS was
      induced by caging five rats per cage in cages designed for two rats (200
      cm(2)/rat), while controls (C) were housed four to a cage in cages designed for
      six animals (480 cm(2)/rat). Acute stress was evoked by one cycle of I/R (5 min
      each, ischemic preconditioning) before sustained I/R in isolated Langendorff
      perfused hearts of normotensive and SHR rats. At baseline conditions, the effects
      of CS were manifested only as a further increase in blood pressure in SHR, and by
      marked limitation of coronary perfusion in normotensive animals, while no changes
      in heart mechanical function were observed in any of the groups. Postischemic
      recovery of contractile function, severity of ventricular arrhythmias and lethal
      injury (infarction size) were worsened in the hypertrophied hearts of C-SHR
      compared with normotensive C. However, myo-cardial stunning and reperfusion
      induced ventricular arrhythmias were attenuated by CS in SHR, which was different
      from deterioration of I/R injury in the hearts of normotensive animals. In
      contrast, ischemic preconditioning conferred an effective protection against I/R
      in both groups, although the extent of anti-infarct and anti-arrhythmic effects
      was lower in SHR. Both forms of stress may improve the altered response to
      ischemia in hypertensive subjects. In contrast to short-term preconditioning
      stress, chronic psychosocial stress was associated with a higher risk of lethal
      arrhythmias and contractile failure in normotensive animals exposed to an acute
      ischemic challenge.

PMID- 22065944
TI  - The impact of different sources of body mass index assessment on smoking onset:
      An application of multiple-source information models.
AB  - Multiple-source data are often collected to provide better information of some
      underlying construct that is difficult to measure or likely to be missing. In
      this article, we describe regression-based methods for analyzing multiple-source
      data in Stata. We use data from the BROMS Cohort Study, a cohort of Swedish
      adolescents who collected data on body mass index that was self-reported and that
      was measured by nurses. We draw together into a single frame of reference both
      source reports and relate these to smoking onset. This unified method has two
      advantages over traditional approaches: 1) the relative predictiveness of each
      source can be assessed and 2) all subjects contribute to the analysis. The
      methods are applicable to other areas of epidemiology where multiple-source
      reports are used.

PMID- 22065945
TI  - Prevalence of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in rural women of Tamilnadu:
      implications for refining disease burden assessments attributable to household
      biomass combustion.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is the 13th leading
      cause of burden of disease worldwide and is expected to become 5th by 2020.
      Biomass fuel combustion significantly contributes to COPD, although smoking is
      recognized as the most important risk factor. Rural women in developing countries
      bear the largest share of this burden resulting from chronic exposures to biomass
      fuel smoke. Although there is considerable strength of evidence for the
      association between COPD and biomass smoke exposure, limited information is
      available on the background prevalence of COPD in these populations. OBJECTIVE:
      This study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of COPD and its associated
      factors among non-smoking rural women in Tiruvallur district of Tamilnadu in
      Southern India. DESIGN: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 900 non
      smoking women aged above 30 years, from 45 rural villages of Tiruvallur district
      of Tamilnadu in Southern India in the period between January and May 2007. COPD
      assessments were done using a combination of clinical examination and spirometry.
      Logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the association between
      COPD and use of biomass for cooking. R software was used for statistical
      analysis. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of COPD in this study was found to be
      2.44% (95% CI: 1.43-3.45). COPD prevalence was higher in biomass fuel users than
      the clean fuel users 2.5 vs. 2%, (OR: 1.24; 95% CI: 0.36-6.64) and it was two
      times higher (3%) in women who spend >2 hours/day in the kitchen involved in
      cooking. Use of solid fuel was associated with higher risk for COPD, although no
      statistically significant results were obtained in this study. CONCLUSION: The
      estimates generated in this study will contribute significantly to the growing
      database of available information on COPD prevalence in rural women. Moreover,
      with concomitant indoor air pollution measurements, it may be possible to
      increase the resolution of the association between biomass use and COPD
      prevalence and refine available attributable burden of disease estimates.

PMID- 22065946
TI  - Concurrent imaging of synaptic vesicle recycling and calcium dynamics.
AB  - Synaptic transmission involves the calcium dependent release of neurotransmitter
      from synaptic vesicles. Genetically encoded optical probes emitting different
      wavelengths of fluorescent light in response to neuronal activity offer a
      powerful approach to understand the spatial and temporal relationship of calcium
      dynamics to the release of neurotransmitter in defined neuronal populations. To
      simultaneously image synaptic vesicle recycling and changes in cytosolic calcium,
      we developed a red-shifted reporter of vesicle recycling based on a vesicular
      glutamate transporter, VGLUT1-mOrange2 (VGLUT1-mOr2), and a presynaptically
      localized green calcium indicator, synaptophysin-GCaMP3 (SyGCaMP3) with a large
      dynamic range. The fluorescence of VGLUT1-mOr2 is quenched by the low pH of
      synaptic vesicles. Exocytosis upon electrical stimulation exposes the luminal
      mOr2 to the neutral extracellular pH and relieves fluorescence quenching.
      Reacidification of the vesicle upon endocytosis again reduces fluorescence
      intensity. Changes in fluorescence intensity thus monitor synaptic vesicle exo-
      and endocytosis, as demonstrated previously for the green VGLUT1-pHluorin. To
      monitor changes in calcium, we fused the synaptic vesicle protein synaptophysin
      to the recently improved calcium indicator GCaMP3. SyGCaMP3 is targeted to
      presynaptic varicosities, and exhibits changes in fluorescence in response to
      electrical stimulation consistent with changes in calcium concentration. Using
      real time imaging of both reporters expressed in the same synapses, we determine
      the time course of changes in VGLUT1 recycling in relation to changes in
      presynaptic calcium concentration. Inhibition of P/Q- and N-type calcium channels
      reduces calcium levels, as well as the rate of synaptic vesicle exocytosis and
      the fraction of vesicles released.

PMID- 22065947
TI  - Spatiotemporal Molecular Approach of in utero Electroporation to Functionally
      Decipher Endophenotypes in Neurodevelopmental Disorders.
AB  - We have only just begun to decipher the complexity of our brain, including its
      maturation. Correct brain development and communication among brain areas are
      crucial for proper cognitive behavior. Brain area-specific genes expressed within
      a particular time window direct neurodevelopmental events such as proliferation,
      migration, axon guidance, dendritic arborization, and synaptogenesis. These genes
      can pose as susceptibility factors in neurodevelopmental disorders eventually
      resulting in area-specific cognitive deficits. Therefore, in utero
      electroporation (IUE)-mediated gene transfer can aid in creating valuable animal
      models in which the regionality and time of expression can be restricted for the
      targeted gene(s). Moreover, through the use of cell-type-specific molecular
      constructs, expression can be altered in a particular neuronal subset within a
      distinct area such that we are now able to causally link the function of that
      gene in that brain region to the etiology of the disorder. Thus, IUE-mediated
      gene transfer is an attractive molecular technique to spatiotemporally address
      the developmental aspects of gene function in relation to neurodevelopmental
      disorder-associated endophenotypes.

PMID- 22065948
TI  - Beyond cAMP: The Regulation of Akt and GSK3 by Dopamine Receptors.
AB  - Brain dopamine receptors have been preferred targets for numerous pharmacological
      compounds developed for the treatment of various neuropsychiatric disorders.
      Recent discovery that D2 dopamine receptors, in addition to cAMP pathways, can
      engage also in Akt/GSK3 signaling cascade provided a new framework to understand
      intracellular signaling mechanisms involved in dopamine-related behaviors and
      pathologies. Here we review a recent progress in understanding the role of Akt,
      GSK3, and related signaling molecules in dopamine receptor signaling and
      functions. Particularly, we focus on the molecular mechanisms involved,
      interacting partners, role of these signaling events in the action of
      antipsychotics, psychostimulants, and antidepressants as well as involvement in
      pathophysiology of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and Parkinson's disease.
      Further understanding of the role of Akt/GSK3 signaling in dopamine receptor
      functions could provide novel targets for pharmacological interventions in
      dopamine-related disorders.

PMID- 22065949
TI  - ROCKing Regeneration: Rho Kinase Inhibition as Molecular Target for
      Neurorestoration.
AB  - Regenerative failure in the CNS largely depends on pronounced growth inhibitory
      signaling and reduced cellular survival after a lesion stimulus. One key mediator
      of growth inhibitory signaling is Rho-associated kinase (ROCK), which has been
      shown to modulate growth cone stability by regulation of actin dynamics.
      Recently, there is accumulating evidence the ROCK also plays a deleterious role
      for cellular survival. In this manuscript we illustrate that ROCK is involved in
      a variety of intracellular signaling pathways that comprise far more than those
      involved in neurite growth inhibition alone. Although ROCK function is currently
      studied in many different disease contexts, our review focuses on
      neurorestorative approaches in the CNS, especially in models of neurotrauma.
      Promising strategies to target ROCK by pharmacological small molecule inhibitors
      and RNAi approaches are evaluated for their outcome on regenerative growth and
      cellular protection both in preclinical and in clinical studies.

PMID- 22065950
TI  - Enhanced Synaptic Activity and Epileptiform Events in the Embryonic KCC2
      Deficient Hippocampus.
AB  - The neuronal potassium-chloride co-transporter 2 [indicated thereafter as KCC2
      (for protein) and Kcc2 (for gene)] is thought to play an important role in the
      post natal excitatory to inhibitory switch of GABA actions in the rodent
      hippocampus. Here, by studying hippocampi of wild-type (Kcc2(+/+)) and Kcc2
      deficient (Kcc2(-/-)) mouse embryos, we unexpectedly found increased spontaneous
      neuronal network activity at E18.5, a developmental stage when KCC2 is thought
      not to be functional in the hippocampus. Embryonic Kcc2(-/-) hippocampi have also
      an augmented synapse density and a higher frequency of spontaneous glutamatergic
      and GABA-ergic postsynaptic currents than naive age matched neurons. However,
      intracellular chloride concentration ([Cl(-)](i)) and the reversal potential of
      GABA-mediated currents (E(GABA)) were similar in embryonic Kcc2(+/+) and Kcc2(-/
      ) CA3 neurons. In addition, KCC2 immunolabeling was cytoplasmic in the majority
      of neurons suggesting that the molecule is not functional as a plasma membrane
      chloride co-transporter. Collectively, our results show that already at an
      embryonic stage, KCC2 controls the formation of synapses and, when deleted, the
      hippocampus has a higher density of GABA-ergic and glutamatergic synapses and
      generates spontaneous and evoked epileptiform activities. These results may be
      explained either by a small population of orchestrating neurons in which KCC2
      operates early as a chloride exporter or by transporter independent actions of
      KCC2 that are instrumental in synapse formation and networks construction.

PMID- 22065952
TI  - How emotions change time.
AB  - Experimental evidence suggests that emotions can both speed-up and slow-down the
      internal clock. Speeding up has been observed for to-be-timed emotional stimuli
      that have the capacity to sustain attention, whereas slowing down has been
      observed for to-be-timed neutral stimuli that are presented in the context of
      emotional distractors. These effects have been explained by mechanisms that
      involve changes in bodily arousal, attention, or sentience. A review of these
      mechanisms suggests both merits and difficulties in the explanation of the
      emotion-timing link. Therefore, a hybrid mechanism involving stimulus-specific
      sentient representations is proposed as a candidate for mediating emotional
      influences on time. According to this proposal, emotional events enhance sentient
      representations, which in turn support temporal estimates. Emotional stimuli with
      a larger share in ones sentience are then perceived as longer than neutral
      stimuli with a smaller share.

PMID- 22065953
TI  - Social Defeat during Adolescence and Adulthood Differentially Induce BDNF
      Regulated Immediate Early Genes.
AB  - Stressful life events generally enhance the vulnerability for the development of
      human psychopathologies such as anxiety disorders and depression. The incidence
      rates of adult mental disorders steeply rises during adolescence in parallel with
      a structural and functional reorganization of the neural circuitry underlying
      stress reactivity. However, the mechanisms underlying susceptibility to stress
      and manifestation of mental disorders during adolescence are little understood.
      We hypothesized that heightened sensitivity to stress during adolescence reflects
      age-dependent differences in the expression of activity-dependent genes involved
      in synaptic plasticity. Therefore, we compared the effect of social stress during
      adolescence with social stress in adulthood on the expression of a panel of genes
      linked to induction of long-term potentiation (LTP) and brain-derived
      neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling. We show that social defeat during
      adolescence and adulthood differentially regulates expression of the immediate
      early genes BDNF, Arc, Carp, and Tieg1, as measured by qPCR in tissue lysates
      from prefrontal cortex, nucleus accumbens, and hippocampus. In the hippocampus,
      mRNA levels for all four genes were robustly elevated following social defeat in
      adolescence, whereas none were induced by defeat in adulthood. The relationship
      to coping style was also examined using adult reactive and proactive coping rats.
      Gene expression levels of reactive and proactive animals were similar in the
      prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. However, a trend toward a differential
      expression of BDNF and Arc mRNA in the nucleus accumbens was detected. BDNF mRNA
      was increased in the nucleus accumbens of proactive defeated animals, whereas the
      expression level in reactive defeated animals was comparable to control animals.
      The results demonstrate striking differences in immediate early gene expression
      in response to social defeat in adolescent and adult rats.

PMID- 22065954
TI  - The organization of shape and color in vision and art.
AB  - The aim of this work is to study the phenomenal organization of shape and color
      in vision and art in terms of microgenesis of the object perception and creation.
      The idea of "microgenesis" is that the object perception and creation takes time
      to develop. Our hypothesis is that the roles of shape and color are extracted in
      sequential order and in the same order these roles are also used by artists to
      paint objects. Boundary contours are coded before color contours. The
      microgenesis of the object formation was demonstrated (i) by introducing new
      conditions derived from the watercolor illusion, where the juxtaposed contours
      are displaced horizontally or vertically, and based on variations of Matisse's
      Woman, (ii) by studying descriptions and replications of visual objects in adults
      and children of different ages, and (iii) by analyzing the linguistic sequence
      and organization in a free naming task of the attributes related to shape and
      color. The results supported the idea of the microgenesis of the object
      perception, namely the temporal order in the formation of the roles of the object
      properties (shape before color). Some general principles were extracted from the
      experimental results. They can be a starting point to explore a new domain
      focused on the microgenesis of shape and color within the more general problem of
      object organization, where integrated and multidisciplinary studies based on art
      and vision science can be very useful.

PMID- 22065955
TI  - External measures of cognition.
AB  - The human brain is undoubtedly the most impressive, complex, and intricate organ
      that has evolved over time. It is also probably the least understood, and for
      that reason, the one that is currently attracting the most attention. In fact,
      the number of comparative analyses that focus on the evolution of brain size in
      Homo sapiens and other species has increased dramatically in recent years. In
      neuroscience, no other issue has generated so much interest and been the topic of
      so many heated debates as the difference in brain size between socially defined
      population groups, both its connotations and implications. For over a century,
      external measures of cognition have been related to intelligence. However, it is
      still unclear whether these measures actually correspond to cognitive abilities.
      In summary, this paper must be reviewed with this premise in mind.

PMID- 22065951
TI  - Anatomical pathways involved in generating and sensing rhythmic whisker
      movements.
AB  - The rodent whisker system is widely used as a model system for investigating
      sensorimotor integration, neural mechanisms of complex cognitive tasks, neural
      development, and robotics. The whisker pathways to the barrel cortex have
      received considerable attention. However, many subcortical structures are
      paramount to the whisker system. They contribute to important processes, like
      filtering out salient features, integration with other senses, and adaptation of
      the whisker system to the general behavioral state of the animal. We present here
      an overview of the brain regions and their connections involved in the whisker
      system. We do not only describe the anatomy and functional roles of the cerebral
      cortex, but also those of subcortical structures like the striatum, superior
      colliculus, cerebellum, pontomedullary reticular formation, zona incerta, and
      anterior pretectal nucleus as well as those of level setting systems like the
      cholinergic, histaminergic, serotonergic, and noradrenergic pathways. We conclude
      by discussing how these brain regions may affect each other and how they together
      may control the precise timing of whisker movements and coordinate whisker
      perception.

PMID- 22065956
TI  - "Pulling telescoped phantoms out of the stump": manipulating the perceived
      position of phantom limbs using a full-body illusion.
AB  - Most amputees experience phantom limbs, or the sensation that their amputated
      limb is still attached to the body. Phantom limbs can be perceived in the
      location previously occupied by the intact limb, or they can gradually retract
      inside the stump, a phenomenon referred to as "telescoping".  Telescoping is
      relevant from a clinical point of view, as it tends to be related to increased
      levels of phantom pain. In the current study we demonstrate how a full-body
      illusion can be used to temporarily revoke telescoping sensations in upper limb
      amputees. During this illusion participants view the body of a mannequin from a
      first person perspective while being subjected to synchronized visuo-tactile
      stimulation through stroking, which makes them experience the mannequin's body as
      their own. In Experiment 1 we used an intact mannequin, and showed that amputees
      can experience ownership of an intact body as well as referral of touch from both
      hands of the mannequin. In Experiment 2 and 3 we used an amputated mannequin, and
      demonstrated that depending on the spatial location of the strokes applied to the
      mannequin, participants experienced their phantom hand to either remain
      telescoped, or to actually be located below the stump. The effects were supported
      by subjective data from questionnaires, as well as verbal reports of the
      perceived location of the phantom hand in a visual judgment task. These findings
      are of particular interest, as they show that the temporary revoking of
      telescoping sensations does not necessarily have to involve the visualization of
      an intact hand or illusory movement of the phantom (as in the rubber hand
      illusion or mirror visual feedback therapy), but that it can also be obtained
      through mere referral of touch from the stump to the spatial location
      corresponding to that previously occupied by the intact hand. Moreover, our study
      also provides preliminary evidence for the fact that these manipulations can have
      an effect on phantom pain sensations.

PMID- 22065958
TI  - Dopamine Modulates Spike Timing-Dependent Plasticity and Action Potential
      Properties in CA1 Pyramidal Neurons of Acute Rat Hippocampal Slices.
AB  - Spike timing-dependent plasticity (STDP) is a cellular model of Hebbian synaptic
      plasticity which is believed to underlie memory formation. In an attempt to
      establish a STDP paradigm in CA1 of acute hippocampal slices from juvenile rats
      (P15-20), we found that changes in excitability resulting from different slice
      preparation protocols correlate with the success of STDP induction. Slice
      preparation with sucrose containing ACSF prolonged rise time, reduced frequency
      adaptation, and decreased latency of action potentials in CA1 pyramidal neurons
      compared to preparation in conventional ASCF, while other basal
      electrophysiological parameters remained unaffected. Whereas we observed
      prominent timing-dependent long-term potentiation (t-LTP) to 171 +/- 10% of
      controls in conventional ACSF, STDP was absent in sucrose prepared slices. This
      sucrose-induced STDP deficit could not be rescued by stronger STDP paradigms,
      applying either more pre- and/or postsynaptic stimuli, or by a higher stimulation
      frequency. Importantly, slice preparation with sucrose containing ACSF did not
      eliminate theta-burst stimulation induced LTP in CA1 in field potential
      recordings in our rat hippocampal slices. Application of dopamine (for 10-20 min)
      to sucrose prepared slices completely rescued t-LTP and recovered action
      potential properties back to levels observed in ACSF prepared slices. Conversely,
      acute inhibition of D1 receptor signaling impaired t-LTP in ACSF prepared slices.
      No similar restoring effect for STDP as seen with dopamine was observed in
      response to the beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol. ELISA measurements
      demonstrated a significant reduction of endogenous dopamine levels (to 61.9 +/-
      6.9% of ACSF values) in sucrose prepared slices. These results suggest that
      dopamine signaling is involved in regulating the efficiency to elicit STDP in CA1
      pyramidal neurons.

PMID- 22065957
TI  - Sex differences in the relationship of dietary Fatty acids to cognitive measures
      in american children.
AB  - Because the first neurons evolved in an environment high in the n-3 (omega-3)
      fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), this fatty acid became a major component
      of neural structure and function and makes up 10% of the dry weight of the human
      brain. Since n-3 fatty acids must come from the diet, this suggests a possible
      positive role for dietary n-3 fatty acids in cognition and a possible negative
      role for n-6 fatty acids, which compete with n-3 for access to critical enzymes.
      Because human females must provide DHA for the growth of the unusually large
      brains of their offspring from maternal fat stored during childhood, their need
      for DHA is especially great. We used stepwise regression to determine whether
      particular dietary fatty acids and other nutrients were related to cognitive
      performance in over 4000 American children aged 6-16 from the Third National
      Health and Nutrition Examination Survey; a variety of possible biological,
      social, and environmental risk factors were statistically controlled. In this
      context the only dietary factors related to cognitive performance were n-3 and n
      6 fatty acids. Dietary n-3 fatty acids were positively related to cognitive test
      scores in male and female children, while n-6 showed the reverse relationship,
      significantly so in females. In female children the positive effects of n-3
      intake were twice as strong as in males and exceeded the negative effects of lead
      exposure. This suggests that increasing dietary intake of n-3 and decreasing n-6
      fatty acids may have cognitive benefits in children, especially in females.

PMID- 22065959
TI  - Alpe adria report 2010 - conclusions and recommendations for the treatment of
      alcohol dependence.

PMID- 22065960
TI  - How Prevalent is "Food Addiction"?
AB  - Increasing evidence suggests that binge eating-related disorders could be related
      to addiction-like eating patterns due to the addictive potential of
      hyperpalatable foods. Subsequently, important implications have been derived for
      treatment of those disorders and even political actions. However, studies on the
      prevalence of food addiction are rare. Few recent studies investigated addictive
      eating in children, adolescents, and adults. This mini-review presents these
      first attempts to assess addictive eating and how prevalent addictive eating
      patterns were in the respective studies. It is concluded that the prevalence of
      food addiction is increased in obese individuals and even more so in obese
      patients with binge eating disorder. However, prevalence of food addiction is not
      sufficient to account for the obesity epidemic. Conversely, an arguably high
      prevalence of food addiction can also be found in under-, normal-, and overweight
      individuals. Future studies may investigate which factors are associated with
      addictive eating in non-obese individuals.

PMID- 22065961
TI  - A cognitive architecture for the coordination of utterances.
AB  - Dialog partners coordinate with each other to reach a common goal. The analogy
      with other joint activities has sparked interesting observations (e.g., about the
      norms governing turn-taking) and has informed studies of linguistic alignment in
      dialog. However, the parallels between language and action have not been fully
      explored, especially with regard to the mechanisms that support moment-by-moment
      coordination during language use in conversation. We review the literature on
      joint actions to show (i) what sorts of mechanisms allow coordination and (ii)
      which types of experimental paradigms can be informative of the nature of such
      mechanisms. Regarding (i), there is converging evidence that the actions of
      others can be represented in the same format as one's own actions. Furthermore,
      the predicted actions of others are taken into account in the planning of one's
      own actions. Similarly, we propose that interlocutors are able to coordinate
      their acts of production because they can represent their partner's utterances.
      They can then use these representations to build predictions, which they take
      into account when planning self-generated utterances. Regarding (ii), we propose
      a new methodology to study interactive language. Psycholinguistic tasks that have
      traditionally been used to study individual language production are distributed
      across two participants, who either produce two utterances simultaneously or
      complete each other's utterances.

PMID- 22065962
TI  - Enhancing the Clinical Potential of AAV Vectors by Capsid Engineering to Evade
      Pre-Existing Immunity.
AB  - Vectors based on adeno-associated viruses (AAV) have shown considerable promise
      in both preclinical models and increasingly in clinical trials. However, one
      formidable challenge is pre-existing immunity due to widespread exposure to
      numerous AAV variants and serotypes within the human population, which affect
      efficacy of clinical trials due to the accompanying high levels of anti-capsid
      neutralizing antibodies. Transient immunosuppression has promise in mitigating
      cellular and humoral responses induced by vector application in naive hosts, but
      cannot overcome the problem that pre-existing neutralizing antibodies pose toward
      the goal of safe and efficient gene delivery. Shielding of AAV from antibodies,
      however, may be possible by covalent attachment of polymers to the viral capsid
      or by encapsulation of vectors inside biomaterials. In addition, there has been
      considerable progress in using rational mutagenesis, combinatorial libraries, and
      directed evolution approaches to engineer capsid variants that are not recognized
      by anti-AAV antibodies generally present in the human population. While
      additional progress must be made, such strategies, alone or in combination with
      immunosuppression to avoid de novo induction of antibodies, have strong potential
      to significantly enhance the clinical efficacy of AAV vectors.

PMID- 22065963
TI  - An alternative path for the evolution of biological nitrogen fixation.
AB  - Nitrogenase catalyzed nitrogen fixation is the process by which life converts
      dinitrogen gas into fixed nitrogen in the form of bioavailable ammonia. The most
      common form of nitrogenase today requires a complex metal cluster containing
      molybdenum (Mo), although alternative forms exist which contain vanadium (V) or
      only iron (Fe). It has been suggested that Mo-independent forms of nitrogenase (V
      and Fe) were responsible for N(2) fixation on early Earth because oceans were Mo
      depleted and Fe-rich. Phylogenetic- and structure-based examinations of multiple
      nitrogenase proteins suggest that such an evolutionary path is unlikely. Rather,
      our results indicate an evolutionary path whereby Mo-dependent nitrogenase
      emerged within the methanogenic archaea and then gave rise to the alternative
      forms suggesting that they arose later, perhaps in response to local Mo
      limitation. Structural inferences of nitrogenase proteins and related paralogs
      suggest that the ancestor of all nitrogenases had an open cavity capable of
      binding metal clusters which conferred reactivity. The evolution of the
      nitrogenase ancestor and its associated bound metal cluster was controlled by the
      availability of fixed nitrogen in combination with local environmental factors
      that influenced metal availability until a point in Earth's geologic history
      where the most desirable metal, Mo, became sufficiently bioavailable to bring
      about and refine the solution (Mo-nitrogenase) we see perpetuated in extant
      biology.

PMID- 22065964
TI  - Immune Responses to rAAV6: The Influence of Canine Parvovirus Vaccination and
      Neonatal Administration of Viral Vector.
AB  - Recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vectors promote long-term gene transfer
      in many animal species. Significant effort has focused on the evaluation of rAAV
      delivery and the immune response in both murine and canine models of
      neuromuscular disease. However, canines provided for research purposes are
      routinely vaccinated against canine parvovirus (CPV). rAAV and CPV possess
      significant homology and are both parvoviruses. Thus, any immune response
      generated to CPV vaccination has the potential to cross-react with rAAV vectors.
      In this study, we investigated the immune response to rAAV6 delivery in a cohort
      of CPV-vaccinated canines and evaluated multiple vaccination regimens in a mouse
      model of CPV-vaccination. We show that CPV-vaccination stimulates production of
      neutralizing antibodies with minimal cross-reactivity to rAAV6. In addition, no
      significant differences were observed in the magnitude of the rAAV6-directed
      immune response between CPV-vaccinated animals and controls. Moreover, CPV
      vaccination did not inhibit rAAV6-mediated transduction. We also evaluated the
      immune response to early rAAV6-vaccination in neonatal mice. The influence of
      maternal hormones and cytokines leads to a relatively permissive state in the
      neonate. We hypothesized that immaturity of the immune system would permit
      induction of tolerance to rAAV6 when delivered during the neonatal period. Mice
      were vaccinated with rAAV6 at 1 or 5 days of age, and subsequently challenged
      with rAAV6 exposure during adulthood via two sequential IM injections, 1 month
      apart. All vaccinated animals generated a significant neutralizing antibody
      response to rAAV6-vaccination that was enhanced following IM injection in
      adulthood. Taken together, these data demonstrate that the immune response raised
      against rAAV6 is distinct from that which is elicited by the standard parvoviral
      vaccines and is sufficient to prevent stable tolerization in neonatal mice.

PMID- 22065965
TI  - Low-grade lymphoma: Beyond fludarabine-single therapy.

PMID- 22065966
TI  - Engineered therapeutic antibodies with enhanced effector functions: Clinical
      application of the Potelligent(r) Technology.

PMID- 22065967
TI  - Fortuitous detection of esophageal pneumatosis in a neutropenic patient.

PMID- 22065968
TI  - Plasma cell leukemia with rouleaux formation involving neoplastic cells and RBC.

PMID- 22065969
TI  - Treatment of chronic graft-versus-host disease: Past, present and future.
AB  - Chronic GVHD was recognized as a complication of allogeneic hematopoietic cell
      transplantation more than 30 years ago, but progress has been slowed by the
      limited insight into the pathogenesis of the disease and the mechanisms that lead
      to development of immunological tolerance. Only 6 randomized phase III treatment
      studies have been reported. Results of retrospective studies and prospective
      phase II clinical trials suggested overall benefit from treatment with
      mycophenolate mofetil or thalidomide, but these results were not substantiated by
      phase III studies of initial systemic treatment for chronic GVHD. A comprehensive
      review of published reports showed numerous deficiencies in studies of secondary
      treatment for chronic GVHD. Fewer than 10% of reports documented an effort to
      minimize patient selection bias, used a consistent treatment regimen, or tested a
      formal statistical hypothesis that was based on a contemporaneous or historical
      benchmark. In order to enable valid comparison of the results from different
      studies, eligibility criteria, definitions of individual organ and overall
      response, and time of assessment should be standardized. Improved treatments are
      more likely to emerge if reviewers and journal editors hold authors to higher
      standards in evaluating manuscripts for publication.

PMID- 22065970
TI  - ABO-incompatible renal transplantation: From saline flushes to antigen-specific
      immunoadsorption-Tools to overcome the barrier.
AB  - On April 23, 1951, a 30-year-old woman received the first intentional ABOi (ABO
      incompatible) renal transplantation in Boston. At that time, it was commonly
      believed that intensely rinsing the graft to remove blood would be sufficient to
      overcome any immunological problems associated with blood type incompatibility.
      However, when the abovementioned patient and another ABOi transplant recipient
      died within a month, Humes and colleagues arrived at the same conclusion: "We do
      not feel that renal transplantation in the presence of blood incompatibility is
      wise." In the decades that followed, we learned that the oligosaccharide surface
      antigens representing the ABO-blood group antigens are expressed not only on
      erythrocytes but also on cells from various tissues, including the vascular
      endothelium. The growing gap between organ demand and availability has sparked
      efforts to overcome the ABO barrier. After its disappointing results in the early
      1970s, Japan became the leader of this endeavor in the 1980s. All protocols are
      based on 2 strategies: removal of preformed antibodies with extracorporeal
      techniques and inhibition of ongoing antibody production. Successful ABOi renal
      transplantation became possible with the advent of splenectomy, new
      immunosuppressive drugs (e.g., rituximab, a monoclonal antibody against CD20),
      and extracorporeal methods such as antigen-specific immunoadsorption. This review
      summarizes the underlying pathophysiology of ABOi transplantation and the
      different protocols available. Further, we briefly touch potential short- and
      long-term problems, particularly the incidence of infectious complications and
      malignancies, that can arise with high-intensity immunosuppressive therapy.

PMID- 22065971
TI  - Recent advances in the path toward the cure for chronic myeloid leukemia.
AB  - Through the phase 3 International Randomized Study of Interferon vs. STI571
      (IRIS) trial, imatinib emerged as the standard treatment for chronic myeloid
      leukemia (CML) and has successfully prolonged the duration of both the chronic
      phase (CP) and the disease-free state. The majority of newly diagnosed patients
      treated for CP-CML achieve a complete cytogenetic response (CCyR), and over time,
      most of these eventually achieve major molecular responses (MMRs) and even
      complete molecular responses (CMRs). In ongoing phase 3 randomized trials of
      second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), nilotinib and dasatinib have
      been found to have superior efficacies in helping achieve cytogenetic and
      molecular responses, including MMRs and CMRs. However, only the MMR rate was
      significantly higher in bosutinib compared with the imatinib control, but not in
      CCyR rate. Current reports of imatinib discontinuation suggested that achieving
      CMR is an important prerequisite for CML to be cured. Recent data from the STIM
      (Stop Imatinib) trial showed that imatinib can be successfully discontinued in
      patients who achieve a certain level of CMR. Standardized real-time quantitative
      reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RQ-PCR) assays have been
      available in routine clinical practice, and efforts are being focused on
      achieving higher sensitivity and optimizing the time of imatinib discontinuation.
      Although very few patients are cured by administration of only Bcr-Abl TKIs,
      including imatinib and second-generation TKIs, current advances may eventually
      make this possible. This report summarizes the detailed clinical data obtained in
      the DASISION, ENESTnd, and BELA studies and discusses high-sensitivity detection
      methods and future therapeutic strategies.

PMID- 22065972
TI  - Clinical significance of B cell-activating factor (BAFF) and a proliferation
      inducing ligand (APRIL) in acute graft-versus-host disease after allogeneic
      hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
AB  - BACKGROUND: BAFF (B cell-activating factor) and APRIL (a proliferation-inducing
      ligand) are members of the tumor necrosis factor family and promote B cell
      survival and proliferation. We evaluated the correlation between serum
      concentration of BAFF or APRIL and severity of acute graft-versus-host disease
      (GVHD). METHODS: Fifteen patients who received allogeneic hematopoietic stem
      transplantation for leukemia and developed acute GVHD were enrolled. We
      determined serum concentrations of BAFF and APRIL at the onset of the first
      clinical manifestation of GVHD by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS:
      Nine patients had grade 2 acute GVHD, and 6 had grade 3-4 acute GVHD. The BAFF
      serum concentration was higher in patients with grade 3-4 acute GVHD (1,093.42 in
      grade 2 vs. 2,171.99 pg/mL in grade 3-4), although the difference was not
      significant (P=0.077). However, the ratio of BAFF serum concentration to absolute
      lymphocyte count (ALC) (BAFF/ALC) was significantly higher in patients with grade
      3-4 acute GVHD (P=0.045). The APRIL serum concentration and APRIL/ALC ratio
      showed similar results (P=0.077 and P=0.013, respectively). CONCLUSION: Patients
      with grade 3-4 acute GVHD had higher BAFF/ALC and APRIL/ALC ratios than patients
      with grade 2 acute GVHD. These findings suggest that B cells might play an
      important role in the development of acute GVHD, and that the BAFF and APRIL
      concentrations in serum might be significant predictive factors for estimating
      the severity of acute GVHD. Their clinical significance should be further
      evaluated in a larger patient population.

PMID- 22065973
TI  - Fludarabine-containing chemotherapy for patients with previously untreated low
      grade non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The clinical efficacy and safety of fludarabine combination
      chemotherapy was investigated for the treatment of previously untreated patients
      with low-grade (NHL). METHODS: Twenty-five patients who were newly diagnosed as
      low-grade NHL were treated with fludarabine combination chemotherapy. Fludarabine
      combination regimens consisted of fludarabine, mitoxantrone and dexamethasone or
      fludarabine, cyclophosphamide and mitoxantrone with or without rituximab and
      repeated every 4 weeks. RESULTS: The median age was 60 years (range, 35-77
      years), with 13 of 25 patients (52%) >=60 years of age. Seven of 25 patients
      (28%) with an intermediate risk follicular lymphoma international prognostic
      index (FLIPI) and 9 of 25 patients (36%) with a high risk FLIPI were enrolled in
      this study. The delivered median number of chemotherapy was six (range, 2-9
      cycles). The overall response rate with fludarabine-based treatment was 88%,
      including 52% complete remission and 36% partial remission. During the median
      follow-up of 19 months, the estimated 2-year event-free survival was 63+/-10%
      (95% CI, 43-83) and the 2-year overall survival was 78+/-9% (95% CI, 60-96).
      Fludarabine combination chemotherapy was frequently associated with grade 3 or 4
      neutropenia in 84% patients. However, neutropenic infection was observed in only
      one (4%) patient. Four patients (16%) showed grade 3 or more non-hematologic
      toxicities, such as acute coronary syndrome, intracranial hemorrhage, anaphylaxis
      and gastric cancer. CONCLUSION: Fludarabine-combination treatment was a highly
      active regimen with well toleration in untreated low-grade NHL.

PMID- 22065974
TI  - New clinical score for disease activity at diagnosis in Langerhans cell
      histiocytosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The clinical presentation and course of Langerhans cell histiocytosis
      (LCH) are variable, ranging from an isolated, spontaneously remitting bone lesion
      to multisystem disease with risk organ involvement. Treatment of LCH ranges from
      a wait-and-see attitude to intensive multidrug therapy and, in some cases, bone
      marrow transplantation. It is necessary to develop an objective score for
      assessing disease activity in patients with LCH. We propose a new clinical
      scoring system to evaluate disease activity at diagnosis that can predict the
      clinical outcomes of LCH and correlate it with clinical courses. METHODS:
      Clinical data, obtained from children diagnosed with LCH at Asan Medical Center
      and Hanyang University Hospital between March 1998 and February 2009, were
      studied retrospectively. The scoring system was developed according to the basic
      biological data, radiological findings, and physical findings and applied to a
      database containing information on 133 patients. RESULTS: The median age of the
      133 patients (74 male, 59 female) was 52 months (range, 0.6-178 months), and LCH
      was diagnosed based on CD1a positivity. At diagnosis, the score distributions
      were highly asymmetrical: the score was between 1 and 2 in 75.9% of cases, 3-6 in
      15.8%, and greater than 6 in 8.3%. Initial scores above 6 were highly predictive
      of reactivation and late complications. CONCLUSION: This new LCH disease activity
      score provides an objective tool for assessing disease severity, both at
      diagnosis and during follow-up.

PMID- 22065975
TI  - Genotypic influence of alpha-deletions on the phenotype of Indian sickle cell
      anemia patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Some reports have shown that co-inheritance of alpha-thalassemia and
      sickle cell disease improves hematological parameters and results in a relatively
      mild clinical picture for patients; however, the exact molecular basis and
      clinical significance of the interaction between alpha-thalassemia and sickle
      cell disease in India has not yet been described. There is little agreement on
      the clinical effects of alpha-thalassemia on the phenotype of sickle cell
      disease. METHODS: Complete blood count and red cell indices were measured by an
      automated cell analyzer. Quantitative assessment of hemoglobin variants HbF, HbA,
      HbA(2), and HbS was performed by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).
      DNA extraction was performed using the phenol-chloroform method, and molecular
      study for common alpha-deletions was done by gap-PCR. RESULTS: Out of 60 sickle
      cell anemia patients, the alpha-thalassemia genotype was found in 18 patients.
      Three patients had the triplicated alpha-genotype (Anti alpha-3.7 kb), and the
      remaining patients did not have alpha-deletions. This study indicates that
      patients with co-existing alpha-thalassemia and sickle cell disease had a mild
      phenotype, significantly improved hematological parameters, and fewer blood
      transfusions than the patients with sickle cell anemia without co-existing alpha
      deletions. CONCLUSION: Co-existence of alpha-thalassemia and sickle cell anemia
      has significant effects on the phenotype of Indian sickle cell patients.

PMID- 22065976
TI  - The prevalence of anemia and iron depletion in the population aged 10 years or
      older.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Anemia and iron depletion continue to be common disorders in the
      world. This study was aimed at assessing the prevalence of anemia and iron
      depletion in apparently healthy Koreans aged 10 years or more. METHODS: We used
      the data of the 4(th) Korean National Health & Nutrition Examination Survey
      (KNHANES), which assessed 7,607 individuals (3,337 males and 4,270 females). Iron
      depletion was defined as serum ferritin less than 15 ng/mL. RESULTS: In males,
      mean hemoglobin (Hb) concentration decreased after the age of 50. The prevalence
      of anemia was 7.1% in 60 to 69 year olds and 12.3% in men aged 70 or older. As
      for females, the prevalence of anemia was 8.8% in 15 to 17 year olds, 16.7% in 18
      to 49 year olds, 10.9% in 60 to 69 year olds, and 18.2% women aged 70 or older.
      In males, the prevalence of iron depletion was 8.6% at ages 10 to 14 years, 3.9%
      at 15 to 17, and 2.6% at 70 years or older. In females, the prevalence of iron
      depletion was 17.2% at ages 10 to 14 years, 24.1% at 15 to 17, 33.0% at 18 to 49,
      and 5.7% at 70 years or older. Although normocytic anemia was most common in both
      males and females, the proportion of microcytosis and macrocytosis increased at
      age 70 or older. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of anemia and iron depletion was high
      in women of reproductive age and in the elderly. Considering the rapid increase
      in the older population, an intervention to prevent anemia and iron depletion is
      imperative.

PMID- 22065977
TI  - Clinical significance of anti-mitochondrial antibodies in a patient with chronic
      graft-versus-host disease following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.
AB  - Recent studies indicate that patients with chronic graft-versus-host disease
      (GVHD) are not expected to show positivity for anti-mitochondrial antibody (AMA),
      which is a specific disease marker for primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). A
      differential diagnosis between PBC and hepatic involvement of GVHD based on
      clinical manifestations and pathologic study is difficult because both diseases
      show similar results. Therefore, the presence of AMA may be important for
      distinguishing each disease. Here, we report a case of hepatic involvement of
      chronic GVHD with positive AMA, in which the pathologic findings and initial
      presentation of clinical findings were compatible with both PBC and chronic GVHD.

PMID- 22065978
TI  - A case of follicular B-cell lymphoma treated using clarithromycin.
AB  - We report a case of follicular B-cell lymphoma (FL) treated successfully using
      clarithromycin (CAM). A 44-year-old man who presented with lymphadenopathy was
      diagnosed with FL after a histological examination of his biopsy specimens. He
      was administered chemotherapy with R-CHOP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide,
      adriamycin, vincristine, and prednisolone) following which stable disease was
      achieved. However, the subsequent clinical course showed partial remission of FL
      and stable disease with tumor regrowth, each of which was treated with
      chemotherapeutic regimens. Since the patient was diagnosed with leukocytopenia,
      he could not undergo chemotherapy for the third regrowth; hence, he was
      administered CAM. His lymphadenopathy regressed and the levels of soluble
      interleukin 2-receptor decreased. This case shows that treatment using CAM may be
      effective in some cases of FL.

PMID- 22065979
TI  - A controversial conclusion regarding primary extranodal diffuse large B-cell
      lymphoma.

PMID- 22065980
TI  - Acceptance and expectance: Cultural norms for alcohol use in Denmark.
AB  - Alcohol consumption levels in Denmark are high with the risk of increased
      morbidity and mortality in the population. It is suggested that people's views of
      "normal" use of alcohol must be the platform for formulating effective alcohol
      education and prevention strategies. However, little is known about the cultural
      norms for alcohol use. The aim of this article is to examine the perceptions of
      cultural norms for alcohol use in Denmark among different age groups and the
      similarities and differences between the groups, including examining how people
      construct and negotiate the cultural norms for drinking. Five focus group
      interviews were conducted with one group per the following age groups: 16-20; 21
      34; 35-44; 45-64; and 65-82. These groups consisted of both men and women with
      five to six participants in each group (a total of 27). Thematic analysis was
      performed with the aim of developing themes that reflected the cultural norms for
      alcohol use. The unifying theme of this research was Danish people's acceptance
      and expectance of social drinking. Alcohol is widely accepted and associated with
      mutual expectations to drink, leading to identification of cultural influences
      and facilitation to drink. The social drinking context plays an important role in
      people's perceptions of the normality of drinking. This includes the selection of
      particular beverages, and regularly leads to consumption above the recommended
      levels for low risk to health. This calls for public health attention that
      promotes low risk drinking in the social context and aims to prevent and reduce
      serious alcohol-related harm and health problems across the population.

PMID- 22065981
TI  - Social injury: An interpretative phenomenological analysis of the attitudes
      towards suicide of lay persons in Ghana.
AB  - One way of furthering our understanding of suicidal behaviour is to examine
      people's attitudes towards it and how they conceive the act. The aim of this
      study was to understand how lay persons conceive the impact of suicide on others
      and how that influences their attitudes towards suicide; and discuss the
      implications for suicide prevention in Ghana. This is a qualitative study, using
      a semi-structured interview guide to investigate the attitudes and views of 27
      lay persons from urban and rural settings in Ghana. Interpretative
      Phenomenological Analysis was used to analyse the data. Findings showed that the
      perceived breach of interrelatedness between people due to suicidal behaviour
      influenced the informants' view of suicide as representing a social injury. Such
      view of suicide influenced the negative attitudes the informants expressed
      towards the act. The negative attitudes towards suicide in Ghana are cast in
      consequential terms. Thus, suicide is an immoral act because it socially affects
      others negatively. The sense of community within the African ethos and The Moral
      Causal Ontology for Suffering are theoretical postulations that are used to offer
      some explanations of the findings in this study.

PMID- 22065982
TI  - Gout, genetics and ABC transporters.
AB  - Gout is a chronic arthritic disease associated with high levels of urate in
      blood. Recent advances in research have permitted the identification of several
      new and common genetic factors underlying the disease. Among them, a polymorphism
      in the ABC transporter gene ATP-binding cassette transporter isoform G2 has been
      highlighted. ATP-binding cassette transporter isoform G2 was found to be involved
      in renal urate elimination, and the presence of the Q141K polymorphism to induce
      a 2-fold decrease in urate efflux. The Q141K variant has been shown to have
      impaired trafficking, leading to its intracellular retention, whereas the wild
      type protein is expressed on the cell surface. Several agents are being studied
      for the purpose of improving folding, trafficking and function of various ABC
      transporters, including ATP-binding cassette transporter isoform G2. If
      successful, this strategy opens doors to potential new therapies for gout.

PMID- 22065983
TI  - Acute spontaneous spinal subdural haematoma presenting as paraplegia and complete
      recovery with non-operative treatment.
AB  - Spontaneous spinal subdural haematoma (SSDH) with no underlying pathology is a
      very rare condition. Only 20 cases have been previously reported. It can be
      caused by abnormalities of coagulation, blood dyscrasia, or trauma, underlying
      neoplasm, and arteriovenous malformation. It occurs most commonly in the thoracic
      spine and presents with sudden back pain radiating to the arms, legs or trunk,
      and varying degrees of motor, sensory, and autonomic disturbances. Although the
      main approach to management is surgical decompression, conservative management is
      used as well. We report the case of a 57-year-old man who presented with sudden
      severe low back pain followed by rapid onset of complete paraplegia. Magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) revealed an anterior subdural haematoma from T9 to L1
      with cord compression. Corticosteroid treatment was administered. The patient
      showed substantial clinical improvement after 7 days of bed rest and an intense
      rehabilitation programme. An MRI scan and a computed tomography angiogram did not
      reveal any underlying pathology to account for the subdural haematoma.

PMID- 22065984
TI  - Antigenic, immunologic and genetic characterization of rough strains B. abortus
      RB51, B. melitensis B115 and B. melitensis B18.
AB  - The lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is considered the major virulent factor in Brucella
      spp. Several genes have been identified involved in the synthesis of the three
      LPS components: lipid A, core and O-PS. Usually, Brucella strains devoid of O-PS
      (rough mutants) are less virulent than the wild type and do not induce
      undesirable interfering antibodies. Such of them proved to be protective against
      brucellosis in mice. Because of these favorable features, rough strains have been
      considered potential brucellosis vaccines. In this study, we evaluated the
      antigenic, immunologic and genetic characteristics of rough strains B. abortus
      RB51, B. melitensis B115 and B. melitensis B18. RB51 derived from B. abortus 2308
      virulent strain and B115 is a natural rough strain in which the O-PS is present
      in the cytoplasm. B18 is a rough rifampin-resistan mutant isolated in our
      laboratory. The surface antigenicity of RB51, B115 and B18 was evaluated by
      testing their ability to bind antibodies induced by rough or smooth Brucella
      strains. The antibody response induced by each strain was evaluated in rabbits.
      Twenty-one genes, involved in the LPS-synthesis, were sequenced and compared with
      the B. melitensis 16M strain. The results indicated that RB51, B115 and B18 have
      differences in antigenicity, immunologic and genetic properties. Particularly, in
      B115 a nonsense mutation was detected in wzm gene, which could explain the
      intracellular localization of O-PS in this strain. Complementation studies to
      evaluate the precise role of each mutation in affecting Brucella morphology and
      its virulence, could provide useful information for the assessment of new,
      attenuated vaccines for brucellosis.

PMID- 22065985
TI  - Estimation of recurrence of colorectal adenomas with dependent censoring using
      weighted logistic regression.
AB  - In colorectal polyp prevention trials, estimation of the rate of recurrence of
      adenomas at the end of the trial may be complicated by dependent censoring, that
      is, time to follow-up colonoscopy and dropout may be dependent on time to
      recurrence. Assuming that the auxiliary variables capture the dependence between
      recurrence and censoring times, we propose to fit two working models with the
      auxiliary variables as covariates to define risk groups and then extend an
      existing weighted logistic regression method for independent censoring to each
      risk group to accommodate potential dependent censoring. In a simulation study,
      we show that the proposed method results in both a gain in efficiency and
      reduction in bias for estimating the recurrence rate. We illustrate the
      methodology by analyzing a recurrent adenoma dataset from a colorectal polyp
      prevention trial.

PMID- 22065986
TI  - Flavaglines alleviate doxorubicin cardiotoxicity: implication of Hsp27.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Despite its effectiveness in the treatment of various cancers, the
      use of doxorubicin is limited by a potentially fatal cardiomyopathy. Prevention
      of this cardiotoxicity remains a critical issue in clinical oncology. We
      hypothesized that flavaglines, a family of natural compounds that display potent
      neuroprotective effects, may also alleviate doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity.
      METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Our in vitro data established that a pretreatment
      with flavaglines significantly increased viability of doxorubicin-injured H9c2
      cardiomyocytes as demonstrated by annexin V, TUNEL and active caspase-3 assays.
      We demonstrated also that phosphorylation of the small heat shock protein Hsp27
      is involved in the mechanism by which flavaglines display their cardioprotective
      effect. Furthermore, knocking-down Hsp27 in H9c2 cardiomyocytes completely
      reversed this cardioprotection. Administration of our lead compound (FL3) to mice
      attenuated cardiomyocyte apoptosis and cardiac fibrosis, as reflected by a 50%
      decrease of mortality. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: These results suggest a
      prophylactic potential of flavaglines to prevent doxorubicin-induced cardiac
      toxicity.

PMID- 22065987
TI  - Comparison of intravenous medetomidine and medetomidine/ketamine for
      immobilization of free-ranging variable flying foxes (Pteropus hypomelanus).
AB  - Medetomidine (0.03 mg/kg) and medetomidine/ketamine (0.05/5.0 and 0.025/2.5
      mg/kg), administered by intravenous injection, were evaluated for short-term
      immobilization of wild-caught variable flying foxes (Pteropus hypomelanus).
      Medetomidine alone produced incomplete chemical restraint and a stressful,
      prolonged induction. Both ketamine/medetomidine doses produced a smooth induction
      and complete immobilization. The combined medetomidine/ketamine dose of 0.025/2.5
      mg/kg produced a rapid induction (232+/-224 sec) with minimal struggling and
      vocalization, a complete and effective immobilization period, and tended to lead
      to a faster and better quality recovery than medetomidine alone or a higher dose
      of medetomidine and ketamine (0.05/5.0 mg/kg), thus reducing holding time and
      permitting an earlier release of the bat back into the wild.

PMID- 22065988
TI  - Characterization of the GDP-D-mannose biosynthesis pathway in Coxiella burnetii:
      the initial steps for GDP-beta-D-virenose biosynthesis.
AB  - Coxiella burnetii, the etiologic agent of human Q fever, is a gram-negative and
      naturally obligate intracellular bacterium. The O-specific polysaccharide chain
      (O-PS) of the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) of C. burnetii is considered a
      heteropolymer of the two unusual sugars beta-D-virenose and
      dihydrohydroxystreptose and mannose. We hypothesize that GDP-D-mannose is a
      metabolic intermediate to GDP-beta-D-virenose. GDP-D-mannose is synthesized from
      fructose-6-phosphate in 3 successive reactions; Isomerization to mannose-6
      phosphate catalyzed by a phosphomannose isomerase (PMI), followed by conversion
      to mannose-1-phosphate mediated by a phosphomannomutase (PMM) and addition of GDP
      by a GDP-mannose pyrophosphorylase (GMP). GDP-D-mannose is then likely converted
      to GDP-6-deoxy-D-lyxo-hex-4-ulopyranose (GDP-Sug), a virenose intermediate, by a
      GDP-mannose-4,6-dehydratase (GMD). To test the validity of this pathway in C.
      burnetii, three open reading frames (CBU0671, CBU0294 and CBU0689) annotated as
      bifunctional type II PMI, as PMM or GMD were functionally characterized by
      complementation of corresponding E. coli mutant strains and in enzymatic assays.
      CBU0671, failed to complement an Escherichia coli manA (PMM) mutant strain.
      However, complementation of an E. coli manC (GMP) mutant strain restored capsular
      polysaccharide biosynthesis. CBU0294 complemented a Pseudomonas aeruginosa algC
      (GMP) mutant strain and showed phosphoglucomutase activity (PGM) in a pgm E. coli
      mutant strain. Despite the inability to complement a manA mutant, recombinant C.
      burnetii PMI protein showed PMM enzymatic activity in biochemical assays. CBU0689
      showed dehydratase activity and determined kinetic parameters were consistent
      with previously reported data from other organisms. These results show the
      biological function of three C. burnetii LPS biosynthesis enzymes required for
      the formation of GDP-D-mannose and GDP-Sug. A fundamental understanding of C.
      burnetii genes that encode PMI, PMM and GMP is critical to fully understand the
      biosynthesic pathway of GDP-beta-D-virenose and LPS structure in C. burnetii.

PMID- 22065989
TI  - Environmental factors controlling the distribution of symbiodinium harboured by
      the coral Acropora millepora on the Great Barrier Reef.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Symbiodinium community associated with scleractinian corals is
      widely considered to be shaped by seawater temperature, as the coral's upper
      temperature tolerance is largely contingent on the Symbiodinium types harboured.
      Few studies have challenged this paradigm as knowledge of other environmental
      drivers on the distribution of Symbiodinium is limited. Here, we examine the
      influence of a range of environmental variables on the distribution of
      Symbiodinium associated with Acropora millepora collected from 47 coral reefs
      spanning 1,400 km on the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), Australia.
      METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The environmental data included Moderate
      Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite data at 1 km spatial
      resolution from which a number of sea surface temperature (SST) and water quality
      metrics were derived. In addition, the carbonate and mud composition of sediments
      were incorporated into the analysis along with in situ water quality samples for
      a subset of locations. Analyses were conducted at three spatio-temporal scales
      [GBR (regional-scale), Whitsunday Islands (local-scale) and Keppel Islands/Trunk
      Reef (temporal)] to examine the effects of scale on the distribution patterns.
      While SST metrics were important drivers of the distribution of Symbiodinium
      types at regional and temporal scales, our results demonstrate that spatial
      variability in water quality correlates significantly with Symbiodinium
      distribution at local scales. Background levels of Symbiodinium types were
      greatest at turbid inshore locations of the Whitsunday Islands where SST
      predictors were not as important. This was not the case at regional scales where
      combinations of mud and carbonate sediment content coupled with SST anomalies and
      mean summer SST explained 51.3% of the variation in dominant Symbiodinium
      communities. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Reef corals may respond to global-scale
      stressors such as climate change through changes in their resident symbiont
      communities, however, management of local-scale stressors such as altered water
      quality is also necessary for maintenance of coral-Symbiodinium associations.

PMID- 22065990
TI  - Reducing crowding by weakening inhibitory lateral interactions in the periphery
      with perceptual learning.
AB  - We investigated whether lateral masking in the near-periphery, due to inhibitory
      lateral interactions at an early level of central visual processing, could be
      weakened by perceptual learning and whether learning transferred to an untrained,
      higher-level lateral masking known as crowding. The trained task was contrast
      detection of a Gabor target presented in the near periphery (4 degrees ) in the
      presence of co-oriented and co-aligned high contrast Gabor flankers, which
      featured different target-to-flankers separations along the vertical axis that
      varied from 2lambda to 8lambda. We found both suppressive and facilitatory
      lateral interactions at target-to-flankers distances (2lambda - 4lambda and
      8lambda, respectively) that were larger than those found in the fovea. Training
      reduces suppression but does not increase facilitation. Most importantly, we
      found that learning reduces crowding and improves contrast sensitivity, but has
      no effect on visual acuity (VA). These results suggest a different pattern of
      connectivity in the periphery with respect to the fovea as well as a different
      modulation of this connectivity via perceptual learning that not only reduces low
      level lateral masking but also reduces crowding. These results have important
      implications for the rehabilitation of low-vision patients who must use
      peripheral vision to perform tasks, such as reading and refined figure-ground
      segmentation, which normal sighted subjects perform in the fovea.

PMID- 22065991
TI  - Batf3-dependent CD11b(low/-) peripheral dendritic cells are GM-CSF-independent
      and are not required for Th cell priming after subcutaneous immunization.
AB  - Dendritic cells (DCs) subsets differ in precursor cell of origin, functional
      properties, requirements for growth factors, and dependence on transcription
      factors. Lymphoid-tissue resident CD8alpha(+) conventional DCs (cDCs) and
      CD11b(low/-)CD103(+) non-lymphoid DCs are developmentally related, each being
      dependent on FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (Flt3L), and requiring the
      transcription factors Batf3, Irf8, and Id2 for development. It was recently
      suggested that granulocyte/macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF) was
      required for the development of dermal CD11b(low/-)Langerin(+)CD103(+) DCs, and
      that this dermal DC subset was required for priming autoreactive T cells in
      experimental autoimmune encephalitis (EAE). Here, we compared development of
      peripheral tissue DCs and susceptibility to EAE in GM-CSF receptor deficient
      (Csf2rb(-/-)) and Batf3(-/-) mice. We find that Batf3-dependent dermal CD11b(low/
      )Langerin(+) DCs do develop in Csf2rb(-/-) mice, but that they express reduced,
      but not absent, levels of CD103. Further, Batf3(-/-) mice lacking all peripheral
      CD11b(low/-) DCs show robust Th cell priming after subcutaneous immunization and
      are susceptible to EAE. Our results suggest that defective T effector priming and
      resistance to EAE exhibited by Csf2rb(-/-) mice does not result from the absence
      of dermal CD11b(low/-)Langerin(+)CD103(+) DCs.

PMID- 22065992
TI  - Fossil plotopterid seabirds from the Eo-Oligocene of the Olympic Peninsula
      (Washington State, USA): descriptions and functional morphology.
AB  - The plotopterids (Aves, Plotopteridae) were a group of extinct wing-propelled
      marine birds that are known from Paleogene-aged sediments (Eocene to Miocene),
      mostly around the Pacific Rim (especially Japan and the northwest coast of North
      America). While these birds exhibit a strikingly similar wing morphology to
      penguins (Spheniscidae), they also share derived characters with pelecaniform
      birds that are absent in penguins and exhibit apparently superficial similarities
      with auks (Alcidae: Charadriiformes). Despite quite an abundant fossil record,
      these birds have been little studied, and in particular their functional
      morphology remains little understood. Here we present osteological overviews of
      specimens from the northwest coast of Washington state (USA). We give an amended
      diagnosis for the well-represented North American genus, Tonsala Olson, 1980,
      describe a new large species, and examine the functional morphology of
      plotopterids showing that the ratio of humeral strength to femoral strength is
      quite low in one well-represented species Tonsala buchanani sp.nov., relative to
      both extant penguins and alcids. While the femoral strength of Tonsala buchanani
      is 'penguin-grade', its humeral strength is more 'alcid-grade'. These results
      have implications for understanding the mode-of-locomotion of these extinct
      marine birds. Although not related to Spheniscidae, our descriptions and
      functional results suggest that Tonsala buchanani sustained similar loads in
      walking, but slightly lower humeral loads during swimming, than a modern penguin.
      This suggests a swimming mode that is more similar to living alcids, than to the
      highly-specialised locomotor strategy of living and fossil penguins.

PMID- 22065993
TI  - CCND1 as a predictive biomarker of neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with
      locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cyclin D1 (CCND1) has been associated with chemotherapy resistance
      and poor prognosis. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that CCND1 expression
      determines response and clinical outcomes in locally advanced head and neck
      squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy
      followed by surgery and radiotherapy. METHODOLOGY AND FINDINGS: 224 patients with
      HNSCC were treated with either cisplatin-based chemotherapy followed by surgery
      and radiotherapy (neoadjuvant group, n = 100) or surgery and radiotherapy (non
      neoadjuvant group, n = 124). CCND1 expression was assessed by
      immunohistochemistry. CCND1 levels were analyzed with chemotherapy response,
      disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). There was no significant
      difference between the neoadjuvant group and non-neoadjuvant group in DFS and OS
      (p = 0.929 and p = 0.760) when patients treated with the indiscriminate
      administration of cisplatin-based chemotherapy. However, in the neoadjuvant
      group, patients whose tumors showed a low CCND1 expression more likely respond to
      chemotherapy (p<0.001) and had a significantly better OS and DFS than those whose
      tumors showed a high CCND1 expression (73% vs 8%, p<0.001; 63% vs 6%, p<0.001).
      Importantly, patients with a low CCND1 expression in neoadjuvant group received
      more survival benefits than those in non-neoadjuvant group (p = 0.016), however
      patients with a high CCND1 expression and treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy
      had a significantly poor OS compared to those treated with surgery and
      radiotherapy (p = 0.032). A multivariate survival analysis also showed CCND1
      expression was an independent predictive factor (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: This
      study suggests that some but not all patients with HNSCC may benefit from
      neoadjuvant chemotherapy with cisplatin-based regimen and CCND1 expression may
      serve as a predictive biomarker in selecting patients undergo less than two
      cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

PMID- 22065994
TI  - Differential gene expression at coral settlement and metamorphosis--a subtractive
      hybridization study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A successful metamorphosis from a planktonic larva to a settled
      polyp, which under favorable conditions will establish a future colony, is
      critical for the survival of corals. However, in contrast to the situation in
      other animals, e.g., frogs and insects, little is known about the molecular basis
      of coral metamorphosis. We have begun to redress this situation with previous
      microarray studies, but there is still a great deal to learn. In the present
      paper we have utilized a different technology, subtractive hybridization, to
      characterize genes differentially expressed across this developmental transition
      and to compare the success of this method to microarray. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL
      FINDINGS: Suppressive subtractive hybridization (SSH) was used to identify two
      pools of transcripts from the coral, Acropora millepora. One is enriched for
      transcripts expressed at higher levels at the pre-settlement stage, and the other
      for transcripts expressed at higher levels at the post-settlement stage. Virtual
      northern blots were used to demonstrate the efficacy of the subtractive
      hybridization technique. Both pools contain transcripts coding for proteins in
      various functional classes but transcriptional regulatory proteins were
      represented more frequently in the post-settlement pool. Approximately 18% of the
      transcripts showed no significant similarity to any other sequence on the public
      databases. Transcripts of particular interest were further characterized by in
      situ hybridization, which showed that many are regulated spatially as well as
      temporally. Notably, many transcripts exhibit axially restricted expression
      patterns that correlate with the pool from which they were isolated. Several
      transcripts are expressed in patterns consistent with a role in calcification.
      CONCLUSIONS: We have characterized over 200 transcripts that are differentially
      expressed between the planula larva and post-settlement polyp of the coral,
      Acropora millepora. Sequence, putative function, and in some cases temporal and
      spatial expression are reported.

PMID- 22065995
TI  - Multi-locus analysis reveals a different pattern of genetic diversity for
      mitochondrial and nuclear DNA between wild and domestic pigs in East Asia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A major reduction of genetic diversity in mtDNA occurred during the
      domestication of East Asian pigs. However, the extent to which genetic diversity
      has been lost in the nuclear genome is uncertain. To reveal levels and patterns
      of nucleotide diversity and to elucidate the genetic relationships and
      demographic history of domestic pigs and their ancestors, wild boars, we
      investigated 14 nuclear markers (including 8 functional genes, 2 pseudogenes and
      4 intergenic regions) from 11 different chromosomes in East Asia-wide samples and
      pooled them with previously obtained mtDNA data for a combined analysis.
      PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: The results indicated that domestic pigs and wild boars
      possess comparable levels of nucleotide diversity across the nuclear genome,
      which is inconsistent with patterns that have been found in mitochondrial genome.
      CONCLUSIONS: This incongruence between the mtDNA and nuclear genomes is
      suggestive of a large-scale backcross between male wild boars and female domestic
      pigs in East Asia. Our data reveal the impacts of founder effects and backcross
      on the pig genome and help us better understand the complex demographic histories
      of East Asian pigs, which will be useful for future work on artificial selection.

PMID- 22065996
TI  - A differential concentration-dependent effect of IVIg on neutrophil functions:
      relevance for anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMN) play a key role in host defences
      against invading microorganisms but can also potentiate detrimental inflammatory
      reactions in case of excessive or misdirected responses. Intravenous
      immunoglobulins (IVIg) are used to treat patients with immune deficiencies and,
      at higher doses, in autoimmune, allergic and systemic inflammatory disorders.
      METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: We used flow cytometry to examine the effects of
      IVIg on PMN functions and survival, using whole-blood conditions in order to
      avoid artifacts due to isolation procedures. IVIg at low concentrations induced
      PMN activation, as reflected by decreased L-selectin and increased CD11b
      expression at the PMN surface, oxidative burst enhancement, and prolonged cell
      survival. In contrast, IVIg at higher concentrations inhibited LPS-induced CD11b
      degranulation and oxidative burst priming, and counteracted LPS-induced PMN
      lifespan prolongation. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: IVIg appears to have
      differential, concentration-dependent effects on PMN, possibly supporting the use
      of IVIg as either an anti-microbial or an anti-inflammatory agent.

PMID- 22065997
TI  - Male moth songs tempt females to accept mating: the role of acoustic and
      pheromonal communication in the reproductive behaviour of Aphomia sociella.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Members of the subfamily Galleriinae have adapted to different
      selective environmental pressures by devising a unique mating process.
      Galleriinae males initiate mating by attracting females with either chemical or
      acoustic signals (or a combination of both modalities). Six compounds considered
      candidates for the sex pheromone have recently been identified in the wing gland
      extracts of Aphomia sociella males. Prior to the present study, acoustic
      communication had not been investigated. Signals mediating female attraction were
      likewise unknown. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Observations of A. sociella
      mating behaviour and recordings of male acoustic signals confirmed that males
      initiate the mating process. During calling behaviour (stationary wing fanning
      and pheromone release), males disperse pheromone from their wing glands. When a
      female approaches, males cease calling and begin to produce ultrasonic songs as
      part of the courtship behaviour. Replaying of recorded courting songs to virgin
      females and a comparison of the mating efficiency of intact males with males
      lacking tegullae proved that male ultrasonic signals stimulate females to accept
      mating. Greenhouse experiments with isolated pheromone glands confirmed that the
      male sex pheromone mediates long-range female attraction.
      CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE: Female attraction in A. sociella is chemically mediated,
      but ultrasonic communication is also employed during courtship. Male ultrasonic
      songs stimulate female sexual display and significantly affect mating efficiency.
      Considerable inter-individual differences in song structure exist. These could
      play a role in female mate selection provided that the female's ear is able to
      discern them. The A. sociella mating strategy described above is unique within
      the subfamily Galleriinae.

PMID- 22065998
TI  - Interactions between Upf1 and the decapping factors Edc3 and Pat1 in
      Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
AB  - In Saccharomyces cerevisiae, mRNA transcripts with premature termination codons
      are targeted for deadenylation independent decapping and 5' to 3' decay in a
      quality control pathway termed nonsense-mediated decay (NMD). Critical factors in
      NMD include Upf1, Upf2, and Upf3, as well as the decapping enzyme, Dcp2/Dcp1.
      Loss of Upf2 or Upf3 leads to the accumulation of not only Upf1 and Dcp2 in P
      bodies, but also of the decapping-activators Pat1, Dhh1, and Lsm1. An interaction
      between Upf1 and Dcp2 has been identified, which might recruit Dcp2 to the NMD
      decapping complex. To determine the nature and significance of the Dcp2-Upf1
      interaction, we utilized the yeast two-hybrid assay to assess Upf1 interactions
      with various mRNA decapping factors. We find that although Dcp2 can interact with
      Upf1, this interaction is indirect and is largely dependent on the Edc3 protein,
      which interacts with the N-terminal domain of Upf1 at an overlapping, but not
      identical, site as Upf2. We also found that Pat1 has an independent two-hybrid
      interaction with the N-terminus of Upf1. Assessment of both reporter and
      endogenous NMD transcripts suggest that the decapping stimulators, including Edc3
      and Pat1, as well as Edc1 and Edc2, are not essential for NMD under normal
      conditions. This work defines a larger decapping complex involved in NMD, but
      indicates that components of that complex are not required for general NMD and
      might either regulate a subset of NMD transcripts or be essential for proper NMD
      under different environmental conditions.

PMID- 22065999
TI  - Long timescale fMRI neuronal adaptation effects in human amblyopic cortex.
AB  - An investigation of long timescale (5 minutes) fMRI neuronal adaptation effects,
      based on retinotopic mapping and spatial frequency stimuli, is presented in this
      paper. A hierarchical linear model was developed to quantify the adaptation
      effects in the visual cortex. The analysis of data involved studying the
      retinotopic mapping and spatial frequency adaptation effects in the amblyopic
      cortex. Our results suggest that, firstly, there are many cortical regions,
      including V1, where neuronal adaptation effects are reduced in the cortex in
      response to amblyopic eye stimulation. Secondly, our results show the regional
      contribution is different, and it seems to start from V1 and spread to the
      extracortex regions. Thirdly, our results show that there is greater adaptation
      to broadband retinotopic mapping as opposed to narrowband spatial frequency
      stimulation of the amblyopic eye, and we find significant correlation between
      fMRI response and the magnitude of the adaptation effect, suggesting that the
      reduced adaptation may be a consequence of the reduced response to different
      stimuli reported for amblyopic eyes.

PMID- 22066000
TI  - Association between multi-dose drug dispensing and quality of drug treatment--a
      register-based study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In the elderly in Scandinavia, multi-dose drug dispensing (MDD) is a
      common alternative to ordinary prescriptions (OP). MDD patients receive their
      drugs in unit bags, one for each dose occasion. The prescribing procedure differs
      between MDD and OP. The aim of the present study was to investigate the
      association between MDD and quality of drug treatment (QDT).
      METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: A cross-sectional study was performed of all
      inhabitants in Region Vastra Gotaland alive on December 31st 2007, aged >=65
      years, with >=1 prescribed drug and >=2 health care visits for >=2 diagnoses for
      obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes mellitus, and/or cardiovascular disease
      in 2005-2007 (n = 24,146). For each patient, drug treatment on December 31st 2007
      was estimated from drugs registered in the Swedish Prescribed Drug Register. QDT
      was evaluated according to established quality indicators (>=10 drugs, Long
      acting benzodiazepines, Drugs with anticholinergic action, >=3 psychotropics, and
      Drugs combinations that should be avoided). Logistic regression, with adjustments
      for age, sex, burden of disease, and residence, was performed to investigate the
      association between MDD and QDT. Mean age was 77 years, 51% were females, and 20%
      used MDD. For all quality indicators, the proportion of patients with poor QDT
      was greater in patients with MDD than in patients with OP (all P<0.0001).
      Unadjusted and adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for poor QDT (MDD
      patients vs. OP patients) ranged from 1.47 (1.30-1.65) to 7.08 (6.30-7.96) and
      from 1.36 (1.18-1.57) to 5.48 (4.76-6.30), respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: Patients with MDD have poorer QDT than patients with
      OP. This cannot be explained by differences in age, sex, burden of disease, or
      residence. These findings must be taken into account when designing alternative
      prescribing systems. Further research is needed to evaluate causative factors and
      if the findings also apply to other dose dispensing systems.

PMID- 22066001
TI  - Novel candidate genes associated with hippocampal oscillations.
AB  - The hippocampus is critical for a wide range of emotional and cognitive
      behaviors. Here, we performed the first genome-wide search for genes influencing
      hippocampal oscillations. We measured local field potentials (LFPs) using 64
      channel multi-electrode arrays in acute hippocampal slices of 29 BXD recombinant
      inbred mouse strains. Spontaneous activity and carbachol-induced fast network
      oscillations were analyzed with spectral and cross-correlation methods and the
      resulting traits were used for mapping quantitative trait loci (QTLs), i.e.,
      regions on the genome that may influence hippocampal function. Using genome-wide
      hippocampal gene expression data, we narrowed the QTLs to eight candidate genes,
      including Plcb1, a phospholipase that is known to influence hippocampal
      oscillations. We also identified two genes coding for calcium channels, Cacna1b
      and Cacna1e, which mediate presynaptic transmitter release and have not been
      shown to regulate hippocampal network activity previously. Furthermore, we showed
      that the amplitude of the hippocampal oscillations is genetically correlated with
      hippocampal volume and several measures of novel environment exploration.

PMID- 22066002
TI  - Effects of dietary fish oil on the depletion of carcinogenic PAH-DNA adduct
      levels in the liver of B6C3F1 mouse.
AB  - Many carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and their metabolites
      can bind covalently to DNA. Carcinogen-DNA adducts may lead to mutations in
      critical genes, eventually leading to cancer. In this study we report that fish
      oil (FO) blocks the formation of DNA adducts by detoxification of PAHs. B6C3F1
      male mice were fed a FO or corn oil (CO) diet for 30 days. The animals were then
      treated with seven carcinogenic PAHs including benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) with one of
      two doses via a single intraperitoneal injection. Animals were terminated at 1,
      3, or 7 d after treatment. The levels of DNA adducts were analyzed by the (32)P
      postlabeling assay. Our results showed that the levels of total hepatic DNA
      adducts were significantly decreased in FO groups compared to CO groups with an
      exception of low PAH dose at 3 d (P = 0.067). Total adduct levels in the high
      dose PAH groups were 41.36+/-6.48 (Mean+/-SEM) and 78.72+/-8.03 in 10(9)
      nucleotides (P = 0.011), respectively, for the FO and CO groups at 7 d. Animals
      treated with the low dose (2.5 fold lower) PAHs displayed similar trends. Total
      adduct levels were 12.21+/-2.33 in the FO group and 24.07+/-1.99 in the CO group,
      P = 0.008. BPDE-dG adduct values at 7 d after treatment of high dose PAHs were
      32.34+/-1.94 (CO group) and 21.82+/-3.37 (FO group) in 10(9) nucleotides with P
      value being 0.035. Low dose groups showed similar trends for BPDE-dG adduct in
      the two diet groups. FO significantly enhanced gene expression of Cyp1a1 in both
      the high and low dose PAH groups. Gstt1 at low dose of PAHs showed high levels in
      FO compared to CO groups with P values being 0.014. Histological observations
      indicated that FO played a hepatoprotective role during the early stages. Our
      results suggest that FO has a potential to be developed as a cancer
      chemopreventive agent.

PMID- 22066003
TI  - Discrimination task reveals differences in neural bases of tinnitus and hearing
      impairment.
AB  - We investigated auditory perception and cognitive processing in individuals with
      chronic tinnitus or hearing loss using functional magnetic resonance imaging
      (fMRI). Our participants belonged to one of three groups: bilateral hearing loss
      and tinnitus (TIN), bilateral hearing loss without tinnitus (HL), and normal
      hearing without tinnitus (NH). We employed pure tones and frequency-modulated
      sweeps as stimuli in two tasks: passive listening and active discrimination. All
      subjects had normal hearing through 2 kHz and all stimuli were low-pass filtered
      at 2 kHz so that all participants could hear them equally well. Performance was
      similar among all three groups for the discrimination task. In all participants,
      a distributed set of brain regions including the primary and non-primary auditory
      cortices showed greater response for both tasks compared to rest. Comparing the
      groups directly, we found decreased activation in the parietal and frontal lobes
      in the participants with tinnitus compared to the HL group and decreased response
      in the frontal lobes relative to the NH group. Additionally, the HL subjects
      exhibited increased response in the anterior cingulate relative to the NH group.
      Our results suggest that a differential engagement of a putative auditory
      attention and short-term memory network, comprising regions in the frontal,
      parietal and temporal cortices and the anterior cingulate, may represent a key
      difference in the neural bases of chronic tinnitus accompanied by hearing loss
      relative to hearing loss alone.

PMID- 22066004
TI  - Thermodynamic concepts in the study of microbial populations: age structure in
      Plasmodium falciparum infected red blood cells.
AB  - Variability is a hallmark of microbial systems. On the one hand, microbes are
      subject to environmental heterogeneity and undergo changeable conditions in their
      immediate surroundings. On the other hand, microbial populations exhibit high
      cellular diversity. The relation between microbial diversity and variability of
      population dynamics is difficult to assess. This connection can be quantitatively
      studied from a perspective that combines in silico models and thermodynamic
      methods and interpretations. The infection process of Plasmodium falciparum
      parasitizing human red blood cells under laboratory cultivation conditions is
      used to illustrate the potential of Individual-based models in the context of
      predictive microbiology and parasitology. Experimental data from several in vitro
      cultures are compared to the outcome of an individual-based model and analysed
      from a thermodynamic perspective. This approach allows distinguishing between
      intrinsic and external constraints that give rise to the diversity in the
      infection forms, and it provides a criterion to quantitatively define transient
      and stationary regimes in the culture. Increasing the ability of models to
      discriminate between different states of microbial populations enhances their
      predictive capability which finally leads to a better the control over culture
      systems. The strategy here presented is of general application and it can
      substantially improve modelling of other types of microbial communities.

PMID- 22066005
TI  - Effects of non-local diffusion on structural MRI preprocessing and default
      network mapping: statistical comparisons with isotropic/anisotropic diffusion.
AB  - Neuroimaging community usually employs spatial smoothing to denoise magnetic
      resonance imaging (MRI) data, e.g., Gaussian smoothing kernels. Such an isotropic
      diffusion (ISD) based smoothing is widely adopted for denoising purpose due to
      its easy implementation and efficient computation. Beyond these advantages,
      Gaussian smoothing kernels tend to blur the edges, curvature and texture of
      images. Researchers have proposed anisotropic diffusion (ASD) and non-local
      diffusion (NLD) kernels. We recently demonstrated the effect of these new
      filtering paradigms on preprocessing real degraded MRI images from three
      individual subjects. Here, to further systematically investigate the effects at a
      group level, we collected both structural and functional MRI data from 23
      participants. We first evaluated the three smoothing strategies' impact on brain
      extraction, segmentation and registration. Finally, we investigated how they
      affect subsequent mapping of default network based on resting-state functional
      MRI (R-fMRI) data. Our findings suggest that NLD-based spatial smoothing maybe
      more effective and reliable at improving the quality of both MRI data
      preprocessing and default network mapping. We thus recommend NLD may become a
      promising method of smoothing structural MRI images of R-fMRI pipeline.

PMID- 22066006
TI  - Evolution of interactions and cooperation in the spatial prisoner's dilemma game.
AB  - We study the evolution of cooperation in the spatial prisoner's dilemma game
      where players are allowed to establish new interactions with others. By employing
      a simple coevolutionary rule entailing only two crucial parameters, we find that
      different selection criteria for the new interaction partners as well as their
      number vitally affect the outcome of the game. The resolution of the social
      dilemma is most probable if the selection favors more successful players and if
      their maximally attainable number is restricted. While the preferential selection
      of the best players promotes cooperation irrespective of game parametrization,
      the optimal number of new interactions depends somewhat on the temptation to
      defect. Our findings reveal that the "making of new friends" may be an important
      activity for the successful evolution of cooperation, but also that partners must
      be selected carefully and their number limited.

PMID- 22066007
TI  - Nevirapine plasma concentrations are associated with virologic response and
      hepatotoxicity in Chinese patients with HIV infection.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Limited information is available on the relationship between
      nevirapine plasma concentrations and virologic response or liver toxicity in
      Chinese patients with HIV infection. The objective of this prospective study was
      to test this relationship and to determine the minimal therapeutic trough
      concentration of nevirapine for Chinese patients. METHODS: A total of 227 HIV
      infected, treatment naive patients were enrolled into this study. Blood samples
      were taken at C(trough) (12 hr postdose) and C(2) (2 hr postdose) for measurement
      of nevirapine concentrations 6 months after treatment initiation. Therapeutic
      outcomes, viral load and CD4 cell count, were assessed at 3 and 6 months after
      starting therapy, while the evaluation of hepatotoxicity was undertaken 12 months
      after nevirapine treatment. RESULTS: A significant correlation between nevirapine
      trough concentrations and viral load was noticed after 6 months of treatment,
      particularly in patients with partial response and viral failure (p<0.01). The
      therapeutic C(trough) of nevirapine for Chinese patients was determined to be 3.9
      ug/ml using the receiver operating characteristic curve. Virologic failure was
      observed in 21% (6/29) of patients with low nevirapine concentrations (<3.9
      ug/ml) versus 5% (4/87) in patients with concentrations higher than 3.9 ug/ml (p
      = 0.015). Hepatotoxicity was significantly associated with the median nevirapine
      trough concentrations among male patients (8.20 vs. 5.48 ug/ml, p = 0.015) and
      hepatitis C virus co-infection (p = 0.039). CONCLUSIONS: Among Chinese patients
      with HIV infection, the therapeutic C(trough) of nevirapine was 3.9 ug/ml, higher
      than the recommended 3.0 ug/ml. The correlation between nevirapine
      concentrations, efficacy and hepatotoxicity suggests the benefit of dosage
      adjustment based on therapeutic drug monitoring among Chinese HIV-infected
      patients to optimize nevirapine containing antiretroviral therapy.

PMID- 22066008
TI  - A photolyase-like protein from Agrobacterium tumefaciens with an iron-sulfur
      cluster.
AB  - Photolyases and cryptochromes are evolutionarily related flavoproteins with
      distinct functions. While photolyases can repair UV-induced DNA lesions in a
      light-dependent manner, cryptochromes regulate growth, development and the
      circadian clock in plants and animals. Here we report about two photolyase
      related proteins, named PhrA and PhrB, found in the phytopathogen Agrobacterium
      tumefaciens. PhrA belongs to the class III cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer (CPD)
      photolyases, the sister class of plant cryptochromes, while PhrB belongs to a new
      class represented in at least 350 bacterial organisms. Both proteins contain
      flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) as a primary catalytic cofactor, which is
      photoreduceable by blue light. Spectral analysis of PhrA confirmed the presence
      of 5,10-methenyltetrahydrofolate (MTHF) as antenna cofactor. PhrB comprises also
      an additional chromophore, absorbing in the short wavelength region but its
      spectrum is distinct from known antenna cofactors in other photolyases. Homology
      modeling suggests that PhrB contains an Fe-S cluster as cofactor which was
      confirmed by elemental analysis and EPR spectroscopy. According to protein
      sequence alignments the classical tryptophan photoreduction pathway is present in
      PhrA but absent in PhrB. Although PhrB is clearly distinguished from other
      photolyases including PhrA it is, like PhrA, required for in vivo
      photoreactivation. Moreover, PhrA can repair UV-induced DNA lesions in vitro.
      Thus, A. tumefaciens contains two photolyase homologs of which PhrB represents
      the first member of the cryptochrome/photolyase family (CPF) that contains an
      iron-sulfur cluster.

PMID- 22066009
TI  - Longitudinal analysis of QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube in children with adult
      household tuberculosis contact in South Africa: a prospective cohort study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: QuantiFERON-TB Gold In Tube (QFT-GIT) is a tool for detecting M.
      tuberculosis infection. However, interpretation and utility of serial QFT-GIT
      testing of pediatric tuberculosis (TB) contacts is not well understood. We
      compared TB prevalence between baseline and 6 months follow-up using QFT-GIT and
      tuberculin skin testing (TST) in children who were household contacts of adults
      with pulmonary TB in South Africa, and explored factors associated with QFT-GIT
      conversions and reversions. METHOD: Prospective study with six month longitudinal
      follow-up. RESULTS: Among 270 enrolled pediatric contacts, 196 (73%) underwent 6
      month follow-up testing. The 6-month prevalence estimate of MTB infection in
      pediatric contacts increased significantly from a baseline of 29% (79/270, 95%CI
      [24-35]) to 38% (103/270, 95% CI [32-44], p<0.001) using QFT-GIT; prevalence
      increased from a baseline of 28% (71/254, 95%CI [23-34]) to 33% (88/263, 95%CI
      [21-32], p = 0.002) using TST. Prevalence estimates were influenced by thresholds
      for positivity for TST, but not for QFT-GIT. Among 134 children with a negative
      or indeterminate baseline QFT-GIT, 24 (18%) converted to positive at follow-up;
      conversion rates did not differ significantly when using more stringent
      thresholds to define QFT-GIT conversion. Older age >10 years (AOR 8.9 95%CI [1.1
      72]) and baseline TST positivity >=5 mm (AOR 5.2 95%CI [1.2-23]) were associated
      with QFT-GIT conversion. Among 62 children with a positive baseline QFT-GIT, 9
      (15%) reverted to negative; female gender (AOR 18.5 95%CI [1.1-321]; p = 0.04]
      was associated with reversion, while children with baseline positive TST were
      less likely to have QFT-GIT reversion (AOR 0.01 95%CI [0.001-0.24]). CONCLUSION:
      Among pediatric contacts of adult household TB cases in South Africa, prevalence
      estimates of TB infection increased significantly from baseline to 6 months.
      Conversions and reversions occurred among pediatric TB contacts using QFT-GIT,
      but QFT-GIT conversion rates were less influenced by thresholds used for
      conversions than were TST conversion rates.

PMID- 22066010
TI  - Pathobiological implications of MUC16 expression in pancreatic cancer.
AB  - MUC16 (CA125) belongs to a family of high-molecular weight O-glycosylated
      proteins known as mucins. While MUC16 is well known as a biomarker in ovarian
      cancer, its expression pattern in pancreatic cancer (PC), the fourth leading
      cause of cancer related deaths in the United States, remains unknown. The aim of
      our study was to analyze the expression of MUC16 during the initiation,
      progression and metastasis of PC for possible implication in PC diagnosis,
      prognosis and therapy. In this study, a microarray containing tissues from
      healthy and PC patients was used to investigate the differential protein
      expression of MUC16 in PC. MUC16 mRNA levels were also measured by RT-PCR in the
      normal human pancreatic, pancreatitis, and PC tissues. To investigate its
      expression pattern during PC metastasis, tissue samples from the primary
      pancreatic tumor and metastases (from the same patient) in the lymph nodes,
      liver, lung and omentum from Stage IV PC patients were analyzed. To determine its
      association in the initiation of PC, tissues from PC patients containing pre
      neoplastic lesions of varying grades were stained for MUC16. Finally, MUC16
      expression was analyzed in 18 human PC cell lines. MUC16 is not expressed in the
      normal pancreatic ducts and is strongly upregulated in PC and detected in
      pancreatitis tissue. It is first detected in the high-grade pre-neoplastic
      lesions preceding invasive adenocarcinoma, suggesting that its upregulation is a
      late event during the initiation of this disease. MUC16 expression appears to be
      stronger in metastatic lesions when compared to the primary tumor, suggesting a
      role in PC metastasis. We have also identified PC cell lines that express MUC16,
      which can be used in future studies to elucidate its functional role in PC.
      Altogether, our results reveal that MUC16 expression is significantly increased
      in PC and could play a potential role in the progression of this disease.

PMID- 22066011
TI  - Clinical validation of integrated nucleic acid and protein detection on an
      electrochemical biosensor array for urinary tract infection diagnosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Urinary tract infection (UTI) is a common infection that poses a
      substantial healthcare burden, yet its definitive diagnosis can be challenging.
      There is a need for a rapid, sensitive and reliable analytical method that could
      allow early detection of UTI and reduce unnecessary antibiotics. Pathogen
      identification along with quantitative detection of lactoferrin, a measure of
      pyuria, may provide useful information towards the overall diagnosis of UTI.
      Here, we report an integrated biosensor platform capable of simultaneous pathogen
      identification and detection of urinary biomarker that could aid the
      effectiveness of the treatment and clinical management. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL
      FINDINGS: The integrated pathogen 16S rRNA and host lactoferrin detection using
      the biosensor array was performed on 113 clinical urine samples collected from
      patients at risk for complicated UTI. For pathogen detection, the biosensor used
      sandwich hybridization of capture and detector oligonucleotides to the target
      analyte, bacterial 16S rRNA. For detection of the protein biomarker, the
      biosensor used an analogous electrochemical sandwich assay based on capture and
      detector antibodies. For this assay, a set of oligonucleotide probes optimized
      for hybridization at 37 degrees C to facilitate integration with the immunoassay
      was developed. This probe set targeted common uropathogens including E. coli, P.
      mirabilis, P. aeruginosa and Enterococcus spp. as well as less common
      uropathogens including Serratia, Providencia, Morganella and Staphylococcus spp.
      The biosensor assay for pathogen detection had a specificity of 97% and a
      sensitivity of 89%. A significant correlation was found between LTF concentration
      measured by the biosensor and WBC and leukocyte esterase (p<0.001 for both).
      CONCLUSION/SIGNIFICANCE: We successfully demonstrate simultaneous detection of
      nucleic acid and host immune marker on a single biosensor array in clinical
      samples. This platform can be used for multiplexed detection of nucleic acid and
      protein as the next generation of urinary tract infection diagnostics.

PMID- 22066012
TI  - c-Rel controls multiple discrete steps in the thymic development of Foxp3+ CD4
      regulatory T cells.
AB  - The development of natural Foxp3(+) CD4 regulatory T cells (nTregs) proceeds via
      two steps that involve the initial antigen dependent generation of
      CD25(+)GITR(hi)Foxp3(-)CD4(+) nTreg precursors followed by the cytokine induction
      of Foxp3. Using mutant mouse models that lack c-Rel, the critical NF-kappaB
      transcription factor required for nTreg differentiation, we establish that c-Rel
      regulates both of these developmental steps. c-Rel controls the generation of
      nTreg precursors via a haplo-insufficient mechanism, indicating that this step is
      highly sensitive to c-Rel levels. However, maintenance of c-Rel in an inactive
      state in nTreg precursors demonstrates that it is not required for a constitutive
      function in these cells. While the subsequent IL-2 induction of Foxp3 in nTreg
      precursors requires c-Rel, this developmental transition does not coincide with
      the nuclear expression of c-Rel. Collectively, our results support a model of
      nTreg differentiation in which c-Rel generates a permissive state for foxp3
      transcription during the development of nTreg precursors that influences the
      subsequent IL-2 dependent induction of Foxp3 without a need for c-Rel
      reactivation.

PMID- 22066013
TI  - Cost-of-illness analysis of type 2 diabetes mellitus in Iran.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Diabetes is a worldwide high prevalence chronic progressive disease
      that poses a significant challenge to healthcare systems. The aim of this study
      is to provide a detailed economic burden of diagnosed type 2 diabetes mellitus
      (T2DM) and its complications in Iran in 2009 year. METHODS: This is a prevalence
      based cost-of-illness study focusing on quantifying direct health care costs by
      bottom-up approach. Data on inpatient hospital services, outpatient clinic
      visits, physician services, drugs, laboratory test, education and non-medical
      cost were collected from two national registries. The human capital approach was
      used to calculate indirect costs separately in male and female and also among
      different age groups. RESULTS: The total national cost of diagnosed T2DM in 2009
      is estimated at 3.78 billion USA dollars (USD) including 2.04+/-0.28 billion
      direct (medical and non-medical) costs and indirect costs of 1.73 million.
      Average direct and indirect cost per capita was 842.6+/-102 and 864.8 USD
      respectively. Complications (48.9%) and drugs (23.8%) were main components of
      direct cost. The largest components of medical expenditures attributed to
      diabetes's complications are cardiovascular disease (42.3% of total Complications
      cost), nephropathy (23%) and ophthalmic complications (14%). Indirect costs
      include temporarily disability (335.7 million), permanent disability (452.4
      million) and reduced productivity due to premature mortality (950.3 million).
      CONCLUSIONS: T2DM is a costly disease in the Iran healthcare system and consume
      more than 8.69% of total health expenditure. In addition to these quantified
      costs, T2DM imposes high intangible costs on society in terms of reduced quality
      of life. Identification of effective new strategies for the control of diabetes
      and its complications is a public health priority.

PMID- 22066014
TI  - Relating neuronal to behavioral performance: variability of optomotor responses
      in the blowfly.
AB  - Behavioral responses of an animal vary even when they are elicited by the same
      stimulus. This variability is due to stochastic processes within the nervous
      system and to the changing internal states of the animal. To what extent does the
      variability of neuronal responses account for the overall variability at the
      behavioral level? To address this question we evaluate the neuronal variability
      at the output stage of the blowfly's (Calliphora vicina) visual system by
      recording from motion-sensitive interneurons mediating head optomotor responses.
      By means of a simple modelling approach representing the sensory-motor
      transformation, we predict head movements on the basis of the recorded responses
      of motion-sensitive neurons and compare the variability of the predicted head
      movements with that of the observed ones. Large gain changes of optomotor head
      movements have previously been shown to go along with changes in the animals'
      activity state. Our modelling approach substantiates that these gain changes are
      imposed downstream of the motion-sensitive neurons of the visual system.
      Moreover, since predicted head movements are clearly more reliable than those
      actually observed, we conclude that substantial variability is introduced
      downstream of the visual system.

PMID- 22066015
TI  - Recurrent DNMT3A R882 mutations in Chinese patients with acute myeloid leukemia
      and myelodysplastic syndrome.
AB  - Somatic mutations of DNMT3A gene have recently been reported in acute myeloid
      leukemia (AML) and myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). We examined the entire coding
      sequences of DNMT3A gene by high-resolution melting analysis and sequencing in
      Chinese patients with myeloid malignancies. R882 mutations were found in 12/182
      AML and in 4/51 MDS, but not in either 79 chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), or 57
      myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), or 4 chronic monomyelocytic leukemia. No
      other DNMT3A mutations were detected in all patients. R882 mutations were
      associated with old age and more frequently present in monoblastic leukemia (M4
      and M5, 7/52) compared to other subtypes (5/130). Furthermore, 14/16 (86.6%) R882
      mutations were observed in patients with normal karyotypes. The overall survival
      of mutated MDS patients was shorter than those without mutation (median 9 and 25
      months, respectively). We conclude that DNMT3A R882 mutations are recurrent
      molecular aberrations in AML and MDS, and may be an adverse prognostic event in
      MDS.

PMID- 22066016
TI  - Spleen-resident CD4+ and CD4- CD8alpha- dendritic cell subsets differ in their
      ability to prime invariant natural killer T lymphocytes.
AB  - One important function of conventional dendritic cells (cDC) is their high
      capacity to capture, process and present Ag to T lymphocytes. Mouse splenic cDC
      subtypes, including CD8alpha(+) and CD8alpha(-) cDC, are not identical in their
      Ag presenting and T cell priming functions. Surprisingly, few studies have
      reported functional differences between CD4(-) and CD4(+) CD8alpha(-) cDC
      subsets. We show that, when loaded in vitro with OVA peptide or whole protein,
      and in steady-state conditions, splenic CD4(-) and CD4(+) cDC are equivalent in
      their capacity to prime and direct CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cell differentiation. In
      contrast, in response to alpha-galactosylceramide (alpha-GalCer), CD4(-) and
      CD4(+) cDC differentially activate invariant Natural Killer T (iNKT) cells, a
      population of lipid-reactive non-conventional T lymphocytes. Both cDC subsets
      equally take up alpha-GalCer in vitro and in vivo to stimulate the iNKT hybridoma
      DN32.D3, the activation of which depends solely on TCR triggering. On the other
      hand, and relative to their CD4(+) counterparts, CD4(-) cDC more efficiently
      stimulate primary iNKT cells, a phenomenon likely due to differential production
      of co-factors (including IL-12) by cDC. Our data reveal a novel functional
      difference between splenic CD4(+) and CD4(-) cDC subsets that may be important in
      immune responses.

PMID- 22066017
TI  - Heritability and artificial selection on ambulatory dispersal distance in
      Tetranychus urticae: effects of density and maternal effects.
AB  - Dispersal distance is understudied although the evolution of dispersal distance
      affects the distribution of genetic diversity through space. Using the two
      spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae, we tested the conditions under which
      dispersal distance could evolve. To this aim, we performed artificial selection
      based on dispersal distance by choosing 40 individuals (out of 150) that settled
      furthest from the home patch (high dispersal, HDIS) and 40 individuals that
      remained close to the home patch (low dispersal, LDIS) with three replicates per
      treatment. We did not observe a response to selection nor a difference between
      treatments in life-history traits (fecundity, survival, longevity, and sex-ratio)
      after ten generations of selection. However, we show that heritability for
      dispersal distance depends on density. Heritability for dispersal distance was
      low and non-significant when using the same density as the artificial selection
      experiments while heritability becomes significant at a lower density.
      Furthermore, we show that maternal effects may have influenced the dispersal
      behaviour of the mites. Our results suggest primarily that selection did not work
      because high density and maternal effects induced phenotypic plasticity for
      dispersal distance. Density and maternal effects may affect the evolution of
      dispersal distance and should be incorporated into future theoretical and
      empirical studies.

PMID- 22066018
TI  - Effects of elevated temperature and carbon dioxide on the growth and survival of
      larvae and juveniles of three species of northwest Atlantic bivalves.
AB  - Rising CO(2) concentrations and water temperatures this century are likely to
      have transformative effects on many coastal marine organisms. Here, we compared
      the responses of two life history stages (larval, juvenile) of three species of
      calcifying bivalves (Mercenaria mercenaria, Crassostrea virginica, and Argopecten
      irradians) to temperatures (24 and 28 degrees C) and CO(2) concentrations (~250,
      390, and 750 ppm) representative of past, present, and future summer conditions
      in temperate estuaries. Results demonstrated that increases in temperature and
      CO(2) each significantly depressed survival, development, growth, and lipid
      synthesis of M. mercenaria and A. irradians larvae and that the effects were
      additive. Juvenile M. mercenaria and A. irradians were negatively impacted by
      higher temperatures while C. virginica juveniles were not. C. virginica and A.
      irradians juveniles were negatively affected by higher CO(2) concentrations,
      while M. mercenaria was not. Larvae were substantially more vulnerable to
      elevated CO(2) than juvenile stages. These findings suggest that current and
      future increases in temperature and CO(2) are likely to have negative
      consequences for coastal bivalve populations.

PMID- 22066019
TI  - Boswellic acid suppresses growth and metastasis of human pancreatic tumors in an
      orthotopic nude mouse model through modulation of multiple targets.
AB  - Pancreatic cancer (PaCa) is one of the most lethal cancers, with an estimated 5
      year survival of <5% even when patients are given the best treatment available.
      In addition, these treatments are often toxic and expensive, thus new agents
      which are safe, affordable and effective are urgently needed. We describe here
      the results of our study with acetyl-11-keto-beta-boswellic acid (AKBA), an agent
      obtained from an Ayurvedic medicine, gum resin of Boswellia serrata. Whether AKBA
      has an activity against human PaCa, was examined in in vitro models and in an
      orthotopic nude mouse model of PaCa. We found that AKBA inhibited the
      proliferation of four different PaCa cell lines (AsPC-1, PANC-28, and MIA PaCa-2
      with K-Ras and p53 mutations, and BxPC-3 with wild-type K-Ras and p53 mutation).
      These effects correlated with an inhibition of constitutively active NF-kappaB
      and suppression of NF-kappaB regulating gene expression. AKBA also induced
      apoptosis, and sensitized the cells to apoptotic effects of gemcitabine. In the
      orthotopic nude mouse model of PaCa, p.o. administration of AKBA alone (100
      mg/kg) significantly inhibited the tumor growth; this activity was enhanced by
      gemcitabine. In addition, AKBA inhibited the metastasis of the PaCa to spleen,
      liver, and lungs. This correlated with decreases in Ki-67, a biomarker of
      proliferation, and CD31, a biomarker of microvessel density, in the tumor tissue.
      AKBA produced significant decreases in the expression of NF-kappaB regulating
      genes in the tissues. Immunohistochemical analysis also showed AKBA downregulated
      the expression of COX-2, MMP-9, CXCR4, and VEGF in the tissues. Overall these
      results demonstrate that AKBA can suppress the growth and metastasis of human
      pancreatic tumors in an orthotopic nude mouse model that correlates with
      modulation of multiple targets.

PMID- 22066020
TI  - Accuracy and cut-off values of pepsinogens I, II and gastrin 17 for diagnosis of
      gastric fundic atrophy: influence of gastritis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To establish optimal cutoff values for serologic diagnosis of fundic
      atrophy in a high-risk area for oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma and gastric
      cancer with high prevalence of Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) in Northern Iran,
      we performed an endoscopy-room-based validation study. METHODS: We measured serum
      pepsinogens I (PGI) and II (PGII), gastrin 17 (G-17), and antibodies against
      whole H. pylori, or cytotoxin-associated gene A (CagA) antigen among 309
      consecutive patients in two major endoscopy clinics in northeastern Iran. Updated
      Sydney System was used as histology gold standard. Areas under curves (AUCs),
      optimal cutoff and predictive values were calculated for serum biomarkers against
      the histology. RESULTS: 309 persons were recruited (mean age: 63.5 years old,
      59.5% female). 84.5% were H. pylori positive and 77.5% were CagA positive. 21
      fundic atrophy and 101 nonatrophic pangastritis were diagnosed. The best cutoff
      values in fundic atrophy assessment were calculated at PGI<56 ug/l (sensitivity:
      61.9%, specificity: 94.8%) and PGI/PGII ratio<5 (sensitivity: 75.0%, specificity:
      91.0%). A serum G-17<2.6 pmol/l or G-17>40 pmol/l was 81% sensitive and 73.3%
      specific for diagnosing fundic atrophy. At cutoff concentration of 11.8 ug/l,
      PGII showed 84.2% sensitivity and 45.4% specificity to distinguish nonatrophic
      pangastritis. Exclusion of nonatrophic pangastritis enhanced diagnostic ability
      of PGI/PGII ratio (from AUC = 0.66 to 0.90) but did not affect AUC of PGI. After
      restricting study samples to those with PGII<11.8, the sensitivity of using
      PGI<56 to define fundic atrophy increased to 83.3% (95%CI 51.6-97.9) and its
      specificity decreased to 88.8% (95%CI 80.8-94.3). CONCLUSIONS: Among endoscopy
      clinic patients, PGII is a sensitive marker for extension of nonatrophic
      gastritis toward the corpus. PGI is a stable biomarker in assessment of fundic
      atrophy and has similar accuracy to PGI/PGII ratio among populations with
      prevalent nonatrophic pangastritis.

PMID- 22066021
TI  - Defence responses of Arabidopsis thaliana to infection by Pseudomonas syringae
      are regulated by the circadian clock.
AB  - The circadian clock allows plants to anticipate predictable daily changes in
      abiotic stimuli, such as light; however, whether the clock similarly allows
      plants to anticipate interactions with other organisms is unknown. Here we show
      that Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis) has circadian clock-mediated variation in
      resistance to the virulent bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato
      DC3000 (Pst DC3000), with plants being least susceptible to infection in the
      subjective morning. We suggest that the increased resistance to Pst DC3000
      observed in the morning in Col-0 plants results from clock-mediated modulation of
      pathogen associated molecular pattern (PAMP)-triggered immunity. Analysis of
      publicly available microarray data revealed that a large number of Arabidopsis
      defence-related genes showed both diurnal- and circadian-regulation, including
      genes involved in the perception of the PAMP flagellin which exhibit a peak in
      expression in the morning. Accordingly, we observed that PAMP-triggered callose
      deposition was significantly higher in wild-type plants inoculated with Pst
      DC3000 hrpA in the subjective morning than in the evening, while no such temporal
      difference was evident in arrhythmic plants. Our results suggest that PAMP
      triggered immune responses are modulated by the circadian clock and that temporal
      regulation allows plants to anticipate and respond more effectively to pathogen
      challenges in the daytime.

PMID- 22066022
TI  - Serum microRNA-21 as marker for necroinflammation in hepatitis C patients with
      and without hepatocellular carcinoma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: MicroRNA-21 (miR-21) is up-regulated in tumor tissue of patients with
      malignant diseases, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Elevated
      concentrations of miR-21 have also been found in sera or plasma from patients
      with malignancies, rendering it an interesting candidate as serum/plasma marker
      for malignancies. Here we correlated serum miR-21 levels with clinical parameters
      in patients with different stages of chronic hepatitis C virus infection (CHC)
      and CHC-associated HCC. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: 62 CHC patients, 29
      patients with CHC and HCC and 19 healthy controls were prospectively enrolled.
      RNA was extracted from the sera and miR-21 as well as miR-16 levels were analyzed
      by quantitative real-time PCR; miR-21 levels (normalized by miR-16) were
      correlated with standard liver parameters, histological grading and staging of
      CHC. The data show that serum levels of miR-21 were elevated in patients with CHC
      compared to healthy controls (P<0.001); there was no difference between serum miR
      21 in patients with CHC and CHC-associated HCC. Serum miR-21 levels correlated
      with histological activity index (HAI) in the liver (r = -0.494, P = 0.00002),
      alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (r = -0.309, P = 0.007), aspartate
      aminotransferase (r = -0.495, P = 0.000007), bilirubin (r = -0.362, P = 0.002),
      international normalized ratio (r = -0.338, P = 0.034) and gamma
      glutamyltransferase (r = -0.244, P = 0.034). Multivariate analysis revealed that
      ALT and miR-21 serum levels were independently associated with HAI. At a cut-off
      dC(T) of 1.96, miR-21 discriminated between minimal and mild-severe
      necroinflammation (AUC = 0.758) with a sensitivity of 53.3% and a specificity of
      95.2%. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE: The serum miR-21 level is a marker for
      necroinflammatory activity, but does not differ between patients with HCV and HCV
      induced HCC.

PMID- 22066023
TI  - CCL28 induces mucosal homing of HIV-1-specific IgA-secreting plasma cells in mice
      immunized with HIV-1 virus-like particles.
AB  - Mucosae-associated epithelial chemokine (MEC or CCL28) binds to CCR3 and CCR10
      and recruits IgA-secreting plasma cells (IgA-ASCs) in the mucosal lamina propria.
      The ability of this chemokine to enhance migration of IgA-ASCs to mucosal sites
      was assessed in a mouse immunization model using HIV-1(IIIB) Virus-like particles
      (VLPs). Mice receiving either HIV-1(IIIB) VLPs alone, CCL28 alone, or the
      irrelevant CCL19 chemokine were used as controls. Results showed a significantly
      increased CCR3 and CCR10 expression on CD19(+) splenocytes of HIV-1(IIIB) VPL
      CCL28-treated mice. HIV-1 Env-specific IFN-gamma, IL-4 and IL-5 production, total
      IgA, anti-Env IgA as well as gastro-intestinal mucosal IgA-secreting plasma cells
      were also significantly augmented in these mice. Notably, sera and vaginal
      secretions from HIV-1(IIIB) VLP-CCL28-treated mice exhibited an enhanced
      neutralizing activity against both a HIV-1/B-subtype laboratory strain and a
      heterologous HIV-1/C-subtype primary isolate. These data suggest that CCL28 could
      be useful in enhancing the IgA immune response that will likely play a pivotal
      role in prophylactic HIV vaccines.

PMID- 22066024
TI  - Legacy effects of canopy disturbance on ecosystem functioning in macroalgal
      assemblages.
AB  - Macroalgal assemblages are some of the most productive systems on earth and they
      contribute significantly to nearshore ecosystems. Globally, macroalgal
      assemblages are increasingly threatened by anthropogenic activities such as
      sedimentation, eutrophication and climate change. Despite this, very little
      research has considered the potential effects of canopy loss on primary
      productivity, although the literature is rich with evidence showing the
      ecological effects of canopy disturbance. In this study we used experimental
      removal plots of habitat-dominating algae (Order Fucales) that had been initiated
      several years previously to construct a chronosequence of disturbed macroalgal
      communities and to test if there were legacy effects of canopy loss on primary
      productivity. We used in situ photo-respirometry to test the primary productivity
      of algal assemblages in control and removal plots at two intertidal elevations.
      In the mid tidal zone assemblage, the removal plots at two sites had average
      primary productivity values of only 40% and 60% that of control areas after 90
      months. Differences in productivity were associated with lower biomass and
      density of the fucoid algal canopy and lower taxa richness in the removal plots
      after 90 months. Low-shore plots, established three years earlier, showed that
      the loss of the large, dominant fucoid resulted in at least 50% less primary
      productivity of the algal assemblage than controls, which lasted for 90 months;
      other smaller fucoid species had recruited but they were far less productive. The
      long term reduction in primary productivity following a single episode of canopy
      loss of a dominant species in two tidal zones suggests that these assemblages are
      not very resilient to large perturbations. Decreased production output may have
      severe and long-lasting consequences on the surrounding communities and has the
      potential to alter nutrient cycling in the wider nearshore environment.

PMID- 22066025
TI  - Amelioration of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by plumbagin through
      down-regulation of JAK-STAT and NF-kappaB signaling pathways.
AB  - Plumbagin (PL), a herbal compound derived from roots of the medicinal plant
      Plumbago zeylanica, has been shown to have immunosuppressive properties. Present
      report describes that PL is a potent novel agent in control of encephalitogenic T
      cell responses and amelioration of mouse experimental autoimmune
      encephalomyelitis (EAE), through down-regulation of JAK-STAT pathway. PL was
      found to selectively inhibit IFN-gamma and IL-17 production by CD4(+) T cells,
      which was mediated through abrogated phosphorylation of JAK1 and JAK2. Consistent
      with IFN-gamma and IL-17 reduction was suppressed STAT1/STAT4/T-bet pathway which
      is critical for Th1 differentiation, as well as STAT3/ROR pathway which is
      essential for Th17 differentiation. In addition, PL suppressed pro-inflammatory
      molecules such as iNOS, IFN-gamma and IL-6, accompanied by inhibition of IkappaB
      degradation as well as NF-kappaB phosphorylation. These data give new insight
      into the novel immune regulatory mechanism of PL and highlight the great value of
      this kind of herb compounds in probing the complex cytokine signaling network and
      novel therapeutic targets for autoimmune diseases.

PMID- 22066026
TI  - Normal mouse intestinal epithelial cells as a model for the in vitro invasion of
      Trichinella spiralis infective larvae.
AB  - It has been known for many years that Trichinella spiralis initiates infection by
      penetrating the columnar epithelium of the small intestine; however, the
      mechanisms used by the parasite in the establishment of its intramulticellular
      niche in the intestine are unknown. Although the previous observations indicated
      that invasion also occurs in vitro when the infective larvae are inoculated onto
      cultures of intestinal epithelial cells (e.g., human colonic carcinoma cell line
      Caco-2, HCT-8), a normal readily manipulated in vitro model has not been
      established because of difficulties in the culture of primary intestinal
      epithelial cells (IECs). In this study, we described a normal intestinal
      epithelial model in which T. spiralis infective larvae were shown to invade the
      monolayers of normal mouse IECs in vitro. The IECs derived from intestinal crypts
      of fetal mouse small intestine had the ability to proliferate continuously and
      express specific cytokeratins as well as intestinal functional cell markers.
      Furthermore, they were susceptible to invasion by T. spiralis. When inoculated
      onto the IEC monolayer, infective larvae penetrated cells and migrated through
      them, leaving trails of damaged cells heavily loaded with T. spiralis larval
      excretory-secretory (ES) antigens which were recognized by rabbit immune sera on
      immunofluorescence test. The normal intestinal epithelial model of invasion
      mimicking the natural environment in vivo will help us to further investigate the
      process as well as the mechanisms by which T. spiralis establishes its intestinal
      niche.

PMID- 22066027
TI  - Hands-on parameter search for neural simulations by a MIDI-controller.
AB  - Computational neuroscientists frequently encounter the challenge of parameter
      fitting--exploring a usually high dimensional variable space to find a parameter
      set that reproduces an experimental data set. One common approach is using
      automated search algorithms such as gradient descent or genetic algorithms.
      However, these approaches suffer several shortcomings related to their lack of
      understanding the underlying question, such as defining a suitable error function
      or getting stuck in local minima. Another widespread approach is manual parameter
      fitting using a keyboard or a mouse, evaluating different parameter sets
      following the users intuition. However, this process is often cumbersome and time
      intensive. Here, we present a new method for manual parameter fitting. A MIDI
      controller provides input to the simulation software, where model parameters are
      then tuned according to the knob and slider positions on the device. The model is
      immediately updated on every parameter change, continuously plotting the latest
      results. Given reasonably short simulation times of less than one second, we find
      this method to be highly efficient in quickly determining good parameter sets.
      Our approach bears a close resemblance to tuning the sound of an analog
      synthesizer, giving the user a very good intuition of the problem at hand, such
      as immediate feedback if and how results are affected by specific parameter
      changes. In addition to be used in research, our approach should be an ideal
      teaching tool, allowing students to interactively explore complex models such as
      Hodgkin-Huxley or dynamical systems.

PMID- 22066028
TI  - Dystrophin is required for the normal function of the cardio-protective K(ATP)
      channel in cardiomyocytes.
AB  - Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy patients often develop a cardiomyopathy
      for which the pathogenesis is still unknown. We have employed the murine animal
      model of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (mdx), which develops a cardiomyopathy that
      includes some characteristics of the human disease, to study the molecular basis
      of this pathology. Here we show that the mdx mouse heart has defects consistent
      with alteration in compounds that regulate energy homeostasis including a marked
      decrease in creatine-phosphate (PC). In addition, the mdx heart is more
      susceptible to anoxia than controls. Since the cardio-protective ATP sensitive
      potassium channel (K(ATP)) complex and PC have been shown to interact we
      investigated whether deficits in PC levels correlate with other molecular events
      including K(ATP) ion channel complex presence, its functionality and interaction
      with dystrophin. We found that this channel complex is present in the dystrophic
      cardiac cell membrane but its ability to sense a drop in the intracellular ATP
      concentration and consequently open is compromised by the absence of dystrophin.
      We further demonstrate that the creatine kinase muscle isoform (CKm) is displaced
      from the plasma membrane of the mdx cardiac cells. Considering that CKm is a
      determinant of K(ATP) channel complex function we hypothesize that dystrophin
      acts as a scaffolding protein organizing the K(ATP) channel complex and the
      enzymes necessary for its correct functioning. Therefore, the lack of proper
      functioning of the cardio-protective K(ATP) system in the mdx cardiomyocytes may
      be part of the mechanism contributing to development of cardiac disease in
      dystrophic patients.

PMID- 22066029
TI  - Predicting a positive response to intravenous immunoglobulin in isolated lower
      motor neuron syndromes.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine clinically related characteristics in patients with pure
      lower motor neuron (LMN) syndromes, not fulfilling accepted diagnostic criteria,
      who were likely to respond to intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) treatment.
      METHODS: Demographic, clinical, laboratory and neurophysiological characteristics
      were prospectively collected from patients with undifferentiated isolated LMN
      syndromes who were then treated with IVIg. Patients were classified as either
      responders or non-responders to therapy with IVIg based on clinical data and the
      two groups were compared. RESULTS: From a total cohort of 42 patients (30 males,
      12 females, aged 18-83 years), 31 patients responded to IVIg and 11 did not.
      Compared to patients that developed progressive neurological decline, responders
      were typically younger (45.8 compared to 56.0 years, P<0.05) and had upper limb
      (83.9% compared to 63.6%, NS), unilateral (80.6% compared to 45.5%, P<0.05), and
      isolated distal (54.1% compared to 9.1%, P<0.05) weakness. Patients with
      predominantly upper limb, asymmetrical, and distal weakness were more likely to
      respond to IVIg therapy. Of the patients who responded to treatment, only 12.9%
      had detectable GM(1) antibodies and conduction block (not fulfilling diagnostic
      criteria) was only identified in 22.6%. CONCLUSIONS: More than 70% of patients
      with pure LMN syndromes from the present series responded to treatment with IVIg
      therapy, despite a low prevalence of detectable GM(1) antibodies and conduction
      block. Patients with isolated LMN presentations, not fulfilling accepted
      diagnostic criteria, may respond to IVIg therapy, irrespective of the presence of
      conduction block or GM(1) antibodies, and should be given an empirical trial of
      IVIg to determine treatment responsiveness.

PMID- 22066030
TI  - Individual differences and metacognitive knowledge of visual search strategy.
AB  - A crucial ability for an organism is to orient toward important objects and to
      ignore temporarily irrelevant objects. Attention provides the perceptual
      selectivity necessary to filter an overwhelming input of sensory information to
      allow for efficient object detection. Although much research has examined visual
      search and the 'template' of attentional set that allows for target detection,
      the behavior of individual subjects often reveals the limits of experimental
      control of attention. Few studies have examined important aspects such as
      individual differences and metacognitive strategies. The present study analyzes
      the data from two visual search experiments for a conjunctively defined target
      (Proulx, 2007). The data revealed attentional capture blindness, individual
      differences in search strategies, and a significant rate of metacognitive errors
      for the assessment of the strategies employed. These results highlight a
      challenge for visual attention studies to account for individual differences in
      search behavior and distractibility, and participants that do not (or are unable
      to) follow instructions.

PMID- 22066031
TI  - Benzonidazole therapy modulates interferon-gamma and M2 muscarinic receptor
      autoantibody responses in Trypanosoma cruzi-infected children.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The presence of autoantibodies with adrenergic and cholinergic
      activity, capable of triggering neurotransmitter receptor-mediated effects, has
      been associated with pathogenesis in T. cruzi-infected hosts. The goal of this
      study was to investigate the production of anti-M2 muscarinic receptor
      autoantibodies (Anti-M2R AAbs) as well as the IFN-gamma profile in children at
      the early stage of Chagas disease, and to examine whether trypanocidal
      chemotherapy with benzonidazole (BZ) could modify both response patterns.
      METHODS: This study comprised 30 T. cruzi-infected children (mean age: 13.8
      years) and 19 uninfected controls (mean age: 12.7 years). Infected patients were
      treated with BZ and followed-up. Blood samples collected at diagnosis-T0, end of
      treatment-T1, and six months later-T2 were analysed by ELISA for detection of
      Anti-M2R AAbs and circulating levels of IFN-gamma. RESULTS: At T0, anti-M2R AAbs
      were demonstrated in 56.7% of T. cruzi-infected patients, whereas uninfected
      controls were 100% negative. The average age of Anti-M2R AAbs(+) patients was
      higher than that from negative population. Infected children also displayed
      significantly stronger serum IFN-gamma responses than controls. Upon BZ
      treatment, a significant linear decreasing trend in Anti-M2R AAb reactivity was
      recorded throughout the follow-up, with 29.7-88.1% decrease at T2. IFN-gamma
      circulating levels also declined by T2. CONCLUSION: Anti-M2R AAbs and IFN-gamma
      raise early during chagasic infection in children and are downmodulated by BZ
      therapy. These findings reinforce the usefulness of early BZ treatment not only
      to eliminate the parasite but also to reduce potentially pathogenic immune
      responses.

PMID- 22066033
TI  - Conducting correlation seminars in basic sciences at KIST Medical College, Nepal.
AB  - KIST Medical College is a new medical school in Lalitpur, Nepal. In Nepal, six
      basic science subjects are taught together in an integrated organ system-based
      manner with early clinical exposure and community medicine. Correlation seminars
      are conducted at the end of covering each organ system. The topics are decided by
      the core academic group (consisting of members from each basic science
      department, the Department of Community Medicine, the academic director, and the
      clinical and program coordinators) considering the public health importance of
      the condition and its ability to include learning objectives from a maximum
      number of subjects. The learning objectives are decided by individual departments
      and finalized after the meeting of the core group. There are two student
      coordinators for each seminar and an evaluation group evaluates each seminar and
      presenter. Correlation seminars help students revise the organ system covered and
      understand its clinical importance, promote teamwork and organization, and
      supports active learning. Correlation seminars should be considered as a learning
      modality by other medical schools.

PMID- 22066034
TI  - Endometrial stromal sarcoma metastasis to the lumbar spine and sphenoid bone.
AB  - Endometrial stromal sarcoma (ESS) is typically associated with metastasis to the
      abdomen, pelvis, and lung. We found three case reports of ESS metastasis to the
      bone (two to the thoracic spine, and one to the parietal bone). Our objective is
      to review the literature on ESS spinal and intracranial metastases and, report
      the first case of ESS metastatic to the lumbar paraspinal region and sphenoid
      bone. A 53-year-old female with ESS status-post radiation, chemotherapy, and
      pelvic exenteration surgery presented with right hip weakness, back pain, and
      radicular leg pain that were explained by chemotherapy-induced neuropathy,
      radiation-induced lumbosacral plexopathy, and femoral nerve and obturator nerve
      injury during pelvic exenteration surgery. During routine positron emission
      tomography, we found metastasis to the L3 lumbar spinal region. L3 laminectomy
      and subtotal resection of the mass was performed with tumor residual in the
      neuroforamina and pedicles. One month later, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
      performed for persistent headaches revealed a large lesion in the sphenoid bone
      that was biopsied transsphenoidally with the same diagnosis, but no further
      surgery was performed. She is intolerant of chemotherapy and currently undergoing
      whole brain radiation. Delay in the diagnosis and management of lumbar paraspinal
      and sphenoid bone metastasis of ESS likely occurred because of the uniqueness of
      the location and aggressiveness of ESS metastasis. Health care providers should
      be aware of potentially aggressive metastasis of ESS to bone, in particular the
      unusual locations of the lumbar paraspinal region and sphenoid bone.

PMID- 22066035
TI  - Salvage surgery for a giant melanoma on the back.
AB  - We report a case of a giant melanoma on the back with a very extreme Breslow
      thickness. On physical examination a large odorous and ulcerating tumour was seen
      adjacent to two large crusted lesions, probably in transit metastases. In the
      right and left axilla enlarged lymph nodes were palpated. The patient underwent
      salvage surgery consisting of a complete wide excision of the tumors on the back
      as well as axillary lymph node dissection on both sides. Histopathology showed a
      malignant melanoma with a Breslow thickness of 48 mm. Four of fifteen nodes in
      the right axilla and one of nine nodes in the left axilla, were positive for
      metastatic disease. Also various in transit and subcutaneous metastases were
      found in the wide excision specimen. The interest of our observation relies in
      the rarity of a melanoma with such an extreme Breslow thickness and the
      difficulty in performing adequate palliative therapy that offers quality of life
      by means of tumor control.

PMID- 22066036
TI  - Efficacy of trabectedin in metastatic solitary fibrous tumor.
AB  - Solitary fibrous tumor is a rare tumor type and has an unpredictable course.
      Local recurrence rate varies between 9 and 19%, and rate of metastatic
      involvement between 0 and 36 %. It is characterized by a typical architecture and
      immuno-histochemistry tests. The most important prognostic factor is the complete
      resection of primary tumor. Treatment of recurrences is not clearly established.
      If a solitary fibrous tumor is too advanced to allow surgical resection,
      radiotherapy and chemotherapy may be used. The most often used drugs are
      doxorubicine and?or ifosfamide. We report the case of man with metastatic
      solitary fibrous tumor treated with trabectedin, administered at a dose of 1.5
      mg/m2 every 3 weeks. After 3 cycles, metastases had significantly decreased.
      Recurrence of the disease was demonstrated 8 months after the start of
      trabectedin. This case shows that trabectedin is a possible treatment option.

PMID- 22066037
TI  - A pure microcytic bladder carcinoma synchronous to prostatic adenocarcinoma.
AB  - Small cell carcinoma (SCC) or microcytic carcinoma of the urinary bladder is a
      rare entity comprising approximately 0.5% of all bladder tumors. Due to its
      rarity, no prospective studies evaluating the most effective treatment have been
      published in the medical literature. Several cases of bladder SCC have been
      presented so far. We describe our case report and we revise the recent
      literature. Our patient was diagnosed with pure bladder SCC and prostatic
      adenocarcinoma. After the initial and complete transurethral resection of the
      bladder tumour (TUR-BT), he underwent a thorax and mediastinum computer
      tomography (CT) examination to exclude primary pulmonary small cell carcinoma and
      a bone scan scintigraphy for staging purposes. He received a three 14-day cycles
      of Cisplatin-containing chemotherapeutic schema and a single dose of Luteinizing
      Hormone Releasing hormone (LHRH) analogue injection after 14 days of bicalutamide
      administration. The patient is followed for 24 months without any signs of
      bladder SCC recurrence or biochemical or local relapse from prostatic
      adenocarcinoma.

PMID- 22066038
TI  - Massive recurring angiomyxoma of the scrotum in a obese man.
AB  - Aggressive angiomyxoma (AAM) is a rare mesenchymal benign myxoid tumor,
      characterized by locally infiltrative nature and high recurrence rate. AAM occurs
      almost exclusively in adult females, arising from the soft tissue of the pelvic
      region: to our knowledge, only 43 cases occurring in men have been reported. We
      report a case of massive recurrence of scrotal AAM in a 46-year-old obese man,
      who already underwent surgery for the same disease in 2004 and 2005. The mass had
      a circumference of 106 cm and weighted 30 kg. It was impossible to appreciate the
      testes and to find the penis. The patient underwent scrotal resection, bilateral
      orchidopexia and transposition of the penis, by means of a preputial flap.
      Residual scrotal skin was modeled in order to create a neoscrotum, where the
      testes were placed and secured with interrupted sutures. Histologic examination
      showed diffuse angiomyxoma-like lipomatosis. After three months, the patient
      presented with local relapse which also involved the external urethral orifice.

PMID- 22066039
TI  - Response to radiation in renal medullary carcinoma.
AB  - Renal medullary carcinoma (RMC) is a rare and highly aggressive malignancy
      arising from the renal medulla and found mostly in patients with sickle cell
      trait. RMC usually presents with widely metastatic disease. We describe a young
      man diagnosed with metastatic RMC who sustained a complete response to systemic
      chemotherapy but developed brain metastases with leptomeningeal involvement and
      subsequently had a partial response to brain irradiation. The use of radiation in
      the management of RMC is reviewed. Due to the apparent propensity for RMC to
      spread to the central nervous system, prophylactic treatment such as craniospinal
      irradiation should be considered along with chemotherapy in patients with
      metastatic RMC to potentially improve the progression-free interval.

PMID- 22066040
TI  - Primary tracheal adenocystic carcinoma and tracheal tumors during pregnancy.
AB  - Cancer complicates approximately 0.1% of all pregnancies. Primary tracheal
      carcinoma is one of very rarely seen tumors and the rate of its being seen makes
      up approximately % 0.2 of all tumors of respiratory tract. The patient, 28 years
      old, who has 28-weeks-pregnant, was diagnosed with primary tracheal adenocystic
      carcinoma. Patient was made operation as thoracotomy and tracheal tumor was
      removed at the 28(th) week of pregnancy. Patient was delivered with sectio
      abdominale at the 39(th) week of pregnancy. Primary tracheal adenocystic
      carcinoma is very rarely seen tumors and it is the first tracheal ACC with
      pregnancy case in literature to have been detected and surgically treated during
      pregnancy. We discussed primary tracheal adenocystic carcinoma and tracheal
      tumors during pregnancy with literature.

PMID- 22066041
TI  - Merkel cell carcinoma in a 17-year-old boy, report of a highly aggressive fatal
      case and review of the literature.
AB  - Merkel cell carcinoma is a rare tumor frequently involving the skin with an
      aggressive behavior and fatal outcome. It occurs mostly in the caucasian race
      between 60-80 years of age and it is rare in children. Herein we report our
      experience with a highly aggressive fatal Merkel cell carcinoma in an
      immunocompetent 17-year-old boy. Its characteristics and treatment modalities
      will be also discussed.

PMID- 22066042
TI  - The indices of body size and aggressiveness of papillary thyroid carcinoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: The incidence of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is increasing
      worldwide. Positive associations between indices of body size and thyroid cancer
      have been reported. However, the relationships to cancer severities and/or
      behaviors are uncertain. METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of the
      data of patients who underwent total thyroidectomy due to PTC. The epidemiologic
      factor and pathologic report after operation were determined based on chart
      review. The relationships between indices of body size and these parameters were
      assessed. RESULTS: Positive association between body mass index and T stage was
      found, but it was not statically significant. In neck lymph node metastasis, the
      group with metastasis had a tendency for larger mean height and weight, but
      significant difference was found only in height. However, in the multivariate
      analysis, the age and size of nodules were only identified as independent risk
      factors of neck lymph node metastasis (P = 0.000 and 0.019). CONCLUSION: There
      was no independent association between indices of body size and stages of PTC in
      patients who underwent total thyroidectomy.

PMID- 22066043
TI  - The effects of laparoscopic assisted total gastrectomy on surgical outcomes in
      the treatment of gastric cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of laparoscopic assisted total gastrectomy
      (LATG), we compared its early surgical outcomes with those of conventional open
      total gastrectomy (OTG) in patients who were diagnosed as having early gastric
      cancer preoperatively. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed early surgical
      outcomes in 190 consecutive patients who underwent total gastrectomy for early
      gastric cancer between January 2009 to April 2010. The patients were divided into
      those who underwent LATG and those who underwent OTG. Their early surgical
      outcomes were analyzed to evaluate the effectiveness of LATG. RESULTS: There was
      no significant difference in postoperative complication rates (P = 0.291). But in
      the analysis of other early surgical outcomes, we found that LATG could improve
      time to first flatus (P < 0.001), time to commencement of soft diet (P = 0.034),
      administration of analgesics (P = 0.024), pain score (Numeric Rating Scale), and
      hospital discharge (P = 0.045). CONCLUSION: Although LATG didn't show better
      results for postoperative complications than those of OTG, LATG contributes to
      the improvement of early surgical outcomes, including bowel movement, pain score
      and hospital discharge. Therefore, we suggest that LATG could be a method to
      improve early surgical outcomes in patients who need total gastrectomy.

PMID- 22066044
TI  - Migrating motor complex changes after side-to-side ileal bypass in mouse ileum ex
      vivo: mechanism underlying the blind loop syndrome?
AB  - PURPOSE: This study was intended to investigate the migrating motor complex (MMC)
      changes after ileal bypass in ex-vivo mouse models. METHODS: Partial (side-to
      side) and total bypass (occlusion of proximal part of bypassed loop) were
      performed on ileums of female Institute of Cancer Research mice. After 2 and 4
      weeks, the bypassed segments were harvested and MMCs were recorded at 4 different
      sites ex-vivo. Amplitude, duration, interval, direction of propagation, and the
      area under the curve (AUC) of MMCs were measured and compared to those of the
      controls. RESULTS: In control mice (n = 7), most MMCs propagated aborally
      (91.1%). After 2 weeks of partial bypass (n = 4), there was a significant
      decrease in both amplitude and AUC, and orally-propagating MMCs increased
      significantly (45%, P = 0.002). Bidirectional MMCs (originating in the bypassed
      loop and propagating in both directions) were also observed (10%). The amplitude
      of the MMCs remained decreased at 4 weeks after partial bypass (n = 4), and
      neither the AUC nor the direction of propagation showed significant changes
      compared to 2 weeks. Similarly, in the total bypass model, both the amplitude and
      AUC of the MMCs decreased significantly compared to controls. In contrast to
      partial bypass, 95% of the MMCs within the bypassed loop propagated aborally
      after 2 weeks (n = 6), which was similar to the control state. After 4 weeks (n =
      5), however, MMCs either lost their temporal relationship or completely
      disappeared. CONCLUSION: The changes in propagation direction of the MMCs in the
      partially bypassed loop may contribute to stagnation of bowel contents and the
      development of blind loop syndrome.

PMID- 22066045
TI  - Prognostic implication of metastatic lymph node ratio in node-positive rectal
      cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prognostic significance of the
      ratio between metastatic and examined lymph nodes (LNs) in patients with stage
      III rectal cancer. METHODS: A review was made of 175 (male, 98) patients with
      stage III rectal cancer of R0 resection. LN disease was stratified both by the
      American Joint Committee on Cancer/International Union Against Cancer nodal
      classification (pN) and by quartiles of the lymph node ratio (LNR). Disease-free
      survivals (DFS) were made using Kaplan-Meier curves and assessed by the log rank
      test and multivariate analysis was performed using the Cox proportional hazards
      model. RESULTS: Patients ranged in age from 29 to 83 (median, 60) years with
      median follow-up of 47 months (range, 13 to 181 months). months. There was a
      significant correlation between the number of metastatic LNs and the LNR (r =
      0.8681, P < 0.0001). Cut-off points of LNR quartiles best to separate patients
      with regard to 5-year DFS were between quartile 2 and 3, and between 3 and 4
      (LNR1, 2, and 3); the 5-year DFS according to such stratification was 89.6%,
      55.8%, and 18.2% in LNR1, 2, and 3, respectively (P < 0.0001). Cox model
      identified the LNR as the most significant independent prognostic covariate; LNR2
      showed 3.6 times (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.682 to 7.584; P = 0.0009) and
      LNR3, 18.7 times (95% CI, 6.872 to 50.664; P < 0.0001) more risky than LNR1.
      CONCLUSION: This study suggests that ratio-based LN staging, which reflects the
      number of LNs examined and the quality of LN dissection, is a simple and reliable
      system for prognostic LN stratification in patients with stage III rectal cancer.

PMID- 22066046
TI  - Gynecologic pathologies in our appendectomy series and literature review.
AB  - PURPOSE: Appendectomy applied from the diagnosis of acute appendicitis is one the
      most common operations in surgery. The rates of negative appendectomy are still
      high. The rates of negative appendectomy in males and females differ and are
      higher in females. In our study, these differences, particularly in females, were
      studied and possible solutions were discussed. METHODS: Between October 2002 and
      October 2009, among women receiving urgent appendectomies, those whose primary
      cause was gynecological pathology were studied retrospectively. All our women
      subjects were examined by preoperative gynecologists. After gynecological
      consultation, the patients were evaluated by a general surgeon due to lack of
      urgent ultrasonography, computed tomography (CT) and diagnostic laparoscopy and
      the patient received appendectomy due to acute appendicitis. RESULTS: In our
      series of 1,969 appendectomies, the rate of female/male is 811/1,158. It was
      determined that the primary cause in 47 (47/811; 5.8%) women with applied
      appendectomy was gynecological pathology. As a gynecological pathology, it was
      observed that the most common cause was ovarian cyst ruptures at a rate of 72.3%.
      The negative appendectomy rate in males was found to be 14.94% (173/1,158), and
      in females it was 22.56% (183/811). The difference between them is significant (P
      < 0.01). Of these women, 5.8% were gynecologically-induced and 16.76% were
      unrelated to gynecological causes. CONCLUSION: We believe that gynecological
      consultation before appendectomy in women is necessary, but not sufficient. It is
      also important that at least one of the facilities, such as us, CT, magnetic
      resonance imaging, and diagnostic laparoscopy should be available in surgical use
      for the diagnosis of negative appendicitis.

PMID- 22066047
TI  - Multiple renal arteries challenge in laparoscopic donor nephrectomy: how far can
      we go?
AB  - PURPOSE: Living donor kidneys with multiple arteries are routinely procured
      laparoscopically. We aim to present our experience with laparoscopic donor
      nephrectomy (LDN) and to compare the graft function and outcome between cases
      with single versus multiple arteries. METHODS: We compared the demographic data,
      operation time, warm ischemia time, rejection rate, and graft function between
      LDN kidneys with single artery and those with multiple arteries. RESULTS: Seventy
      three cases with 1 renal artery (group LDN-1), 8 cases with 2 renal arteries
      (group LDN-2) and 5 cases with 3 or more renal arteries (group LDN-3) were
      included in the study. The mean operative time was significantly higher in groups
      LDN-2 (100.3 +/- 9.5 minutes) and LDN-3 (120.6 +/- 10.3 minutes) compared to
      group LDN-1 (75.7 +/- 10 minutes, P < 0.001). Similar results were detected with
      respect to the warm ischemia time. There were no statistically significant
      differences related to graft function and outcome among these groups. CONCLUSION:
      Multiple renal arteries present a special challenge in both donor nephrectomy and
      renal transplantation. However, laparoscopic procurement of a kidney with
      multiple renal arteries, regardless of the number, is reliable and has no
      significant impact on the graft outcome.

PMID- 22066048
TI  - Surgical resection of metastasis to the pancreas.
AB  - PURPOSE: Metastasis to the pancreas is rare, and the benefit of resection for
      pancreatic metastasis is poorly defined. The aim of this study was to review our
      experiences of the operative management of metastasis to the pancreas. METHODS:
      Between 1995 and 2009, 11 patients (8 men and 3 women; median age, 54 years) were
      admitted to our institution with a metachronously metastatic lesion to the
      pancreas and later underwent pancreatic resection. The clinical features and
      outcomes of treatments were examined. RESULTS: The primary cancers were renal
      cell carcinoma (RCC, n = 7), carcinoid tumor (n = 2), rectal cancer and
      leiomyosarcoma. Six patients underwent distal pancreatectosplenectomy, 3
      pancreaticoduodenectomy and 2 patients underwent enucleation for small RCC. One
      patient died of metastatic RCC at 53 months after surgery and ten patients remain
      alive; four patients without disease at 7 to 69 months postoperatively, and the
      other six with disease at 11 to 68 months. Median postoperative survival of all
      patients was 34 months. CONCLUSION: Patients with a low surgical risk should be
      considered for pancreatic metastasectomy if curative resection is possible.
      Primary cancer type, which is associated with survival benefit, would be the best
      candidate for surgical resection of metastases to the pancreas.

PMID- 22066049
TI  - The early and mid-term results of carotid artery stenting in high-risk patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate early and mid-term outcomes of carotid
      artery stenting (CAS). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 111 patients who were
      treated for carotid stenosis between October 2004 and December 2009 (42 CASs and
      69 carotid endarterectomies [CEAs]). RESULTS: CAS group was older than CEA group
      (70 years vs. 67 years, P = 0.001). Coronary artery disease and high lesion above
      the 2nd cervical vertebral body were more common in CAS group (29% vs. 13%, P =
      0.002; 4% vs. 24%, P = 0.004). The 30-days stroke rate was higher in CAS group
      (10% vs. 1% in CEA group, P = 0.067, Fisher's exact test). New brain lesions on
      diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging were more common in CAS group (48%
      vs. 20% in CEA group, P = 0.002, chi-square test). The 1-, 3-year freedom from
      stroke were 91%, 84% in CAS group and 99%, 99% in CEA group (P = 0.007, log-rank
      test). Univariate analysis showed that female gender and age > 70 years were
      related with postprocedural neurological complications (P = 0.046 and P = 0.007,
      log-rank test). However, none were independent risk factors on multivariate
      analysis. CONCLUSION: In our series, the rates of peri-procedural neurological
      complications in CAS group were significantly high. These results suggest that
      more experience and restricted patient selection will be needed for CAS.

PMID- 22066050
TI  - Association with inflammatory cells and apolipoproteins to the progression of
      atherosclerosis.
AB  - PURPOSE: Inflammatory cells are known to be associated with the progression of
      atherosclerosis and plaque rupture. However, the relation to inflammatory cells
      and apolipoproteins on the progression of atherosclerosis is unknown. This study
      was aimed at examining the different expressions of inflammatory cells and
      evaluate the effect of apolipoprotein (APO) C1 and APO E during the progression
      of atherosclerosis. METHODS: Ten atherosclerotic tissues were compared with five
      non-atherosclerotic tissues. The presence of vascular smooth muscle cells
      (VSMCs), macrophages, T-cells, APO C1, and APO E were identified by Western
      blotting and immunohistochemical analysis with antibodies. The senescence was
      analyzed by senescence-associated beta-galactosidase. RESULTS: The protein
      expression and senescence of macrophages, APO C1 and APO E were significantly
      higher in the main atherosclerotic lesion than the non-atherosclerotic lesion. A
      high concentration of inflammatory cells and the paucity of VSMCs were present in
      the shoulder area. In addition, macrophage and T-cells are expressed in the early
      stage of atherosclerotic development and more expanded in advanced
      atherosclerotic plaques. APO C1 was expressed mainly within the necrotic core,
      and APO E existed mostly around the necrotic core and the fibrous cap in advanced
      atherosclerotic plaques. CONCLUSION: Our study indicated that the expression and
      the senescence of macrophage and T-cells may be closelyrelated to induction and
      deposition of APO C1 and APO E. This contributes to the development and
      progression of atherosclerotic plaque by expanding the necrotic core.

PMID- 22066051
TI  - Adrenal ganglioneuroma with hepatic metastasis.
AB  - Ganglioneuroma is the most differentiated tumor of neural crest origin and rarely
      arises in the adrenal gland. Ganglioneuroma is typically known to be benign, but
      very rarely can metastasize to distant sites. We report a case of a 31-year-old
      man with a huge adrenal mass with hepatic metastases.

PMID- 22066052
TI  - Clinical significance of morphologic characteristics in triple negative breast
      cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: No clinically useful target molecule has been identified for triple
      negative (TN) breast cancer, i.e., estrogen receptor-negative, progesterone
      receptor-negative, human epidermal growth factor receptor-2-negative phenotype,
      and its prognosis is poor. The aim of this study is to clarify the clinical and
      pathologic characteristics of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). METHODS: The
      study subjects, 87 women with TNBC, were a subset of patients operated at Kosin
      University Gospel Hospital from January 2000 to December 2005. We examined
      pathologic characteristics such as tumor necrosis, infiltrating border,
      lymphocytic infiltration, prominent nucleoli in TNBC. And we studied the
      correlation between TNBC and several factors related to pathologic morphology.
      Chi-squared tests were used for statistical analysis. Kaplan-Meier estimates are
      presented for the survival function, and differences in survival were analyzed
      using the log rank test. RESULTS: Tumor necrosis was found in 51 patients (58.3%)
      in TNBC. And infiltrating border was found in 71 patients (81.0%). Also
      continuous lymphocytic distribution and prominent nucleoli was found in 31
      patients (35.7%), 52 patients (59.7%), respectively. No association was detected
      between pathologic characteristics and other biological markers. Patients with
      tumor necrosis positive for TNBC didn't show shorter disease-free survival (P =
      0.4490) or overall survival (P = 0.979) than patients without tumor necrosis.
      CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that pathologic characteristics cannot be used
      to classify triple-negative breast cancer into only two subtypes with differing
      prognoses. But because our study is small size study, more abundant patients'
      dates will be needed to evaluate the morphologic characteristics' predictive
      role.

PMID- 22066053
TI  - Experience and analysis of level VII cervical lymph node metastases in patients
      with papillary thyroid carcinoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: Papillary thyroid cancer with level VII (anterior superior mediastinal
      lymph nodes) lymph node metastasis belongs to Stage IV a according to the
      Americal Joint Committee on Cancer cancer staging. The aim of our study was to
      identify clinicopathologic factors that are related to level VII cervical lymph
      node metastasis and to suggest recommendations for level VII dissection. METHODS:
      We reviewed 195 patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma who had their initial
      operation containing level VII dissection from April 2006 to June 2007. Level VII
      dissection involved lymph nodes in the anterior superior mediastinum and
      tracheoesophageal grooves, extending from the suprasternal notch to the
      innominate artery. Clinicophathologic factors, such as gender, age and lateral
      neck metastasis, related to Level VII metastasis were analyzed by tumor size,
      multifocality of tumor, extrathyroidal extension and lymphovascular invasion.
      RESULTS: Nine (4.6%) of 195 patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma had level
      VII metastasis. Clinicopathologic factors that were related to level VII
      metastasis included lateral neck metastasis (P < 0.01), tumor size (P < 0.01) and
      lymphovascular invasion (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: If preoperatively, the tumor size
      is over 1.5 cm, or there is lateral neck metastasis, level VII dissection must be
      considered. If there is lymphovascular invasion pathologic findings
      postoperatively, special attention should be paid for detection of level VII
      recurrence.

PMID- 22066054
TI  - Clinical usefulness of laparoscopic total extraperitoneal hernia repair for
      recurrent inguinal hernia.
AB  - PURPOSE: Hernia repair after recurrence is a challenging procedure, and many
      approaches have been suggested for it. Total extraperitoneal (TEP) hernia repair
      should be considered in recurrent hernia. This study was conducted for the
      purpose of investigating the clinical usefulness of laparoscopic TEP hernia
      repair for recurrent inguinal hernia. METHODS: Among the 191 patients who
      underwent TEP hernia repair at these authors' center from June 2006 to January
      2010, the bilateral-hernia cases and the patients with a history of previous
      pelvic surgery were excluded. A total of 19 patients (12.5%) were enrolled in the
      recurrent-inguinal-hernia group (group R), and 133 patients (87.5%) in the
      primary-hernia group (group P). Data were investigated retrospectively, based on
      the medical records. RESULTS: The mean operation time was 97 minutes in group R
      and 99 minutes in group P (>0.05). In group R, no operation modality change
      occurred, and temporary urinary retention was developed in four patients (21.1%).
      In group P, on the other hand, operation modality change from TEP to the
      transabdominal preperitoneal approach was necessary in four patients (3%).
      Additionally, in group P, 30 patients (22.6%) had temporary urinary retention and
      six (4.5%) had testicular edema. No recurrence was identified during the follow
      up period in both groups (mean follow-up period: 15.8 months for group R and 18.0
      months for group P). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic TEP hernia repair seems to be a
      safe and useful method for correcting recurrent inguinal hernia.

PMID- 22066055
TI  - Laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal repair without suprapubic port: comparison
      with conventional totally extraperitoneal repair.
AB  - PURPOSE: We have treated 24 patients through laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal
      (TEP) repair without suprapubic port by using reliability and reducing the
      invasiveness of two surgery. This study is aimed to assess the safety and
      feasibility of the TEP repair without suprapubic port compared to conventional
      TEP repair. METHODS: From September 2007 to 11 May 2010, we compared two groups
      that suffer from inguinal hernias. One is comprised of 24 patients who were
      treated without suprapubic port laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal repair
      (Group A), and the other is comprised of 100 patients who were treated with
      conventional laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal repair (Group B). Data
      regarding patient demographics (sex, age, site of hernia, and the type of
      hernia), operating time, postoperative hospital stay, the use of analgesics, and
      complications were prospectively collected. RESULTS: There was no significant
      difference noted between two groups in relation to sex, age, site, and the type
      of hernia. The mean operating time and postoperative hospital stay was longer for
      the Group B (62.9 minutes, 3.55 days) than for the Group A (59.0 minutes, 2.54
      days) (P = 0.389, P < 0.001). Postoperative urinary retention, seroma, wound
      infection were respectively 4.2%, 8.3%, 0% in Group A, and 12.0%, 8.0%, 7% in
      group B. There was difference between the two groups, but not statistical
      significance. Group B used more analgesics than Group A (0.33 vs. 0.48), but it
      wasn't significant statistically (P = 0.234). CONCLUSION: Although prospective
      randomized studies with long-term follow-up evaluation are needed to confirm our
      study between laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal repair without suprapubic-port
      and conventional laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal repair, our method have
      some advantages in postoperative pain, urinary retention, operating time,
      postoperative hospital stay, and cosmetic effect.

PMID- 22066056
TI  - Routine chest computed tomography as a preoperative work-up for primary
      colorectal cancer: is there any benefit in short-term outcome?
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to assess the role of pre-operative chest
      computed tomography (CT) compared with abdominopelvic CT (AP-CT) and chest
      radiography (CXR) for detecting pulmonary metastasis in patients with primary
      colorectal cancer (CRC). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the data of 619
      patients with primary CRC who simultaneously received a preoperative chest CT
      (chest CT group), AP-CT with hilar extension, and CXR (CXR group). RESULTS: In
      the chest CT group, there were 297 (48.0%) normal, 198 (32%) benign, 96 (15.5%)
      indeterminate, 26 (4.2%) metastasis, and two lung cancers. Eighteen patients
      (2.9%) in the CXR group who had no pulmonary metastasis were diagnosed with
      pulmonary metastasis on a chest CT. The sensitivity and accuracy were 83.9% and
      99.0% in the chest CT group, respectively, and 29.0% and 91.5% in the CXR group,
      respectively (P < 0.0001 and P = 0.0003). CONCLUSION: Chest CT appears to improve
      the accuracy of pre-operative staging in patients with CRC and is useful for the
      early detection of pulmonary metastasis as a baseline study for abnormal lung
      nodules.

PMID- 22066057
TI  - Lessons learned from 100 initial cases of laparoscopic liver surgery.
AB  - PURPOSE: Laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) is now widely accepted and is being
      increasingly performed. The present study describes our experience with LLR at a
      single center over an eight-year period. METHODS: This retrospective study
      enrolled 100 patients between October 2002 and February 2010. Forty-six benign
      lesions and 54 malignant lesions were included. The LLR performed included 58
      pure laparoscopy procedures, 18 hand-assisted laparoscopy procedures and 24
      hybrid technique procedures. RESULTS: The mean age of the patients was 57 years;
      among these patients, 31 were over 65 years of age. The mean operation time was
      220 minutes. The overall morbidity was 11% and the mortality was zero. Among the
      20 patients with simple hepatic cysts, 50% unexpectedly recurred. Among the 41
      patients with hepatocellular carcinoma, 21 patients (51%) underwent preoperative
      radiofrequency ablation therapy or transarterial chemoembolization. During
      parenchymal-transection, 11 received blood transfusion. The width of the
      resection margins was under 0.5 cm in 11 cases (27%); 0.5 to 1 cm in 22 cases
      (54%) and over 1 cm in eight cases (12%). There was no port site seeding, but
      argon beam coagulation-induced tumor dissemination was observed in two cases. The
      overall two-year survival rate was 75%. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the
      applications for LLR can be gradually expanded when assuring that the safety and
      curability of LLR are equivalent to that of open liver resection.

PMID- 22066058
TI  - Characteristic clinical and pathologic features for preoperative diagnosed groove
      pancreatitis.
AB  - PURPOSE: Groove pancreatitis is a rare specific form of chronic pancreatitis that
      extends into the anatomical area between the pancreatic head, the duodenum, and
      the common bile duct, which are referred to as the groove areas. We present the
      diagnostic modalities, pathological features and clinical outcomes of a series of
      symptomatic patients with groove pancreatitis who underwent
      pancreaticoduodenectomy. METHODS: Six patients undergoing pancreaticoduodenectomy
      between May 2006 and May 2009 due to a clinical diagnosis of symptomatic groove
      pancreatitis were retrospectively included in the study. RESULTS: Five cases were
      male and one case was female, with a median age at diagnosis of 50 years. Their
      chief complaints were abdominal pain and vomiting. Abdominal computed tomography,
      endoscopic ultrasound and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography were
      performed. Preoperative diagnosis of all patients was groove pancreatitis.
      Histological finding was compatible with clinically diagnosed groove pancreatitis
      in five patients and the pathologic diagnosis of the remaining patient was
      adenocarcinoma of distal common bile duct. Following pancreaticoduodenectomy,
      four living patients experienced significant pain alleviation. CONCLUSION: The
      diagnostic imaging modalities of choice for groove pancreatitis are computed
      tomography and endoscopic ultrasonography. If symptomatic groove pancreatitis is
      suspected, careful follow-up of patients is necessary and pancreaticoduodenectomy
      seems to be a reasonable treatment option.

PMID- 22066059
TI  - Measurement of carotid artery stenosis: correlation analysis between B-mode
      ultrasonography and contrast arteriography.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of B-mode ultrasonography (US) in measurement
      of carotid stenosis% (CS%). METHODS: One hundred and thirth-three carotid
      arteries in 96 patients who underwent both carotid US and carotid arteriography
      (CA) were included in this retrospective study. To measure CS% on US, a cross
      sectional view of the most stenotic segment of the internal carotid artery was
      captured and residual diameter and original diameter of that segment were
      measured with electronic caliper on the same plane and in the same direction. To
      measure CS% on an angiogram, we used European Carotid Surgery Trial (ECST) and
      the North American Symptomatic Carotid Endarterectomy Trial (NASCET) methods.
      Pearson's correlation analysis and linear regression analysis were used to
      determine the correlation between CS% on an US and angiogram. RESULTS: Pearson's
      correlation coefficient (R) between CS% measured in US and CA were 0.853 (ECST
      method, P < 0.001) and 0.828 (NASCET method, P < 0.001). Accuracies of B-mode US
      were 93.2%, 88.0%, and 81.2% for estimating CS% by ECST method and 86.5%, 82.7%,
      and 82% for estimating CS% by NASCET method. CONCLUSION: CS% measured in B-mode
      US was simpler and showed a strong positive correlation with that measured on an
      arteriogram either ECST or NASCET method.

PMID- 22066060
TI  - Home intravenous antibiotic treatment for intractable cholangitis in patients
      with biliary atresia following Kasai portoenterostomies.
AB  - PURPOSE: Patients with biliary atresia (BA) treated with Kasai portoenterostomy
      may later develop intractable cholangitis (IC) that is unresponsive to routine
      conservative treatment. It may cause biliary cirrhosis and eventually hepatic
      failure with portal hypertension. Control of IC requires prolonged
      hospitalization for the administration of intravenous antibiotics. To reduce the
      hospitalization period, we designed a home intravenous antibiotic treatment
      (HIVA) which can be administered after initial inpatient treatment. In this
      study, we reviewed the effects of this treatment. METHODS: We reviewed medical
      records of 10 patients treated with HIVA for IC after successful Kasai
      portoenterostomies performed for BA between July 1997 and June 2009. RESULTS: The
      duration of HIVA ranged from 8 to 39 months (median, 13.5 months). The median
      length of hospital stay was 5.7 days per month for conventional treatments to
      manage IC before HIVA and, 1.5 days per month (P = 0.012) after HIVA. The median
      amount of medical expenses per month was reduced by about one tenth with HIVA.
      One patient underwent liver transplantation due to uncontrolled esophageal
      variceal bleeding, but the other nine patients had acceptable hepatic function
      with native livers. CONCLUSION: HIVA may be an effective primary treatment for IC
      after Kasai portoenterostomies for BA, and reduce length of hospital stay and
      medical expense.

PMID- 22066061
TI  - Hemorrhage from a jejunal polypoid hemangioma: single incisional laparoscopic
      approach.
AB  - Bleeding lesions in the small bowel are a much more significant challenge in
      terms of detection and treatment than those of the stomach or the large bowel,
      and require extensive gastrointestinal evaluation before a diagnosis can be made.
      The authors report the case of an 81-year-old female patient who underwent small
      bowel segmental resection by single incisional laparoscopic approach for distal
      jejunalhemangioma, which caused severe anemia. An abdominal computed tomography
      scan demonstrated a highly enhancing polypoid tumor in the distal ileum. During
      the single incisional laparoscopic exploration using a 2 cm sized skin incision,
      jejuno-jejunal intussusceptions and a jejunal tumor were noted. Single incisional
      laparoscopy was performed to assist the jejunal segmental resection. Pathologic
      reports confirmed the lesion to be a jejunalhemangioma. The authors report an
      unusual case of jejunalhemangioma caused by intussusception and gastrointestinal
      hemorrhage, which was treated by single incisional laparoscopic surgery.

PMID- 22066062
TI  - Isolated primary schwannoma arising on the colon: report of two cases and review
      of the literature.
AB  - Primary schwannoma of the large intestine is an extremely rare neoplasm. Here, we
      report two cases of colonic schwannoma confirmed pathologically after
      laparoscopic resection. A 52-year-old female and a 59-year-old female were
      referred by their general practitioners to our coloproctologic clinic for further
      evaluation and management of colonic submucosal masses. Colonoscopies performed
      in our institution revealed round submucosal tumors with a smooth and intact
      mucosa in the mid-ascending and descending colon, respectively. Computed
      tomography (CT) scans showed an enhancing soft tissue mass measuring 2 * 2 cm in
      the right colon and well-defined soft tissue nodule measuring 1.5 * 1.7 cm in the
      proximal descending colon, respectively. We performed laparoscopic right
      hemicolectomy and segmental left colectomy under the preoperative impression of
      gastrointestinal stromal tumors. Two cases were both diagnosed to be benign
      schwannoma of the colon after immunohistochemical stains (S-100 (+), smooth
      muscle actin (-), CD117 (-), and CD34 (-)).

PMID- 22066063
TI  - The effective distribution system for the concentration of patients to extra
      large hospitals.
AB  - PURPOSE: In Korean society, extra-large hospitals are congested with the majority
      of patients. Because of the congestions, the urgent patients need to wait
      anywhere from as short as a month to around three months. These concentrations of
      the patients on the extra-large hospitals causes not only the economic problem in
      terms of loss of opportunity cost and resources of other medium and large
      hospitals but also the fear and the consequential stress of the patients and the
      families of the patients who are waiting for the surgeries. The phenomenon of the
      concentrations derived due to the insufficient information to the medical
      consumers. If the information on medical treatment services such as surgery
      schedule is provided before the selection of hospital, we expect that the
      selection of hospital for the patients and their family will differ, resulting in
      redistribution of concentration phenomenon. In this paper, we propose and verify
      the effective distribution system for the concentration on the extra-large
      hospitals. METHODS: Web simulation survey was conducted. A total 100 respondents
      were divided into 4 groups of 25 respondents and the different information was
      provided to each group. RESULTS: Through multiple comparisons among groups, only
      group which was provided with both information about 'the difference of surgical
      results' and 'the waiting time for surgery', had difference in significance.
      CONCLUSION: By providing two sets of information to patients, reckless selection
      of extra-large hospitals can be spread to more appropriate hospitals and
      therefore achieve effective distribution of the population concentration on extra
      large hospital.

PMID- 22066064
TI  - Risk factors for postoperative ileus after urologic laparoscopic surgery.
AB  - PURPOSE: Although its incidence has decreased with the widespread use of less
      invasive surgical techniques including laparoscopic surgery, postoperative ileus
      remains a common postoperative complication. In the field of urologic surgery,
      with the major exception of radical cystectomy, few studies have focused on
      postoperative ileus as a complication of laparoscopic surgery. The present study
      aims to offer further clues in the management of postoperative ileus following
      urological laparoscopic surgery through an assessment of the associated risk
      factors. METHODS: The medical records of 267 patients who underwent laparoscopic
      surgery between February 2004 and November 2009 were reviewed. After excluding
      cases involving radical cystectomy, combined surgery, open conversion, and severe
      complications, a total of 249 patients were included for this study. The subjects
      were divided into a non-ileus group and an ileus group. The gender and age
      distribution, duration of anesthesia, American Society of Anesthesiologists
      Physical Status Classification Score, body mass index, degree of operative
      difficulty, presence of complications, surgical procedure and total opiate dosage
      were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Of the 249 patients, 10.8% (n =
      27) experienced postoperative ileus. Patients with ileus had a longer duration of
      anesthesia (P = 0.019), and perioperative complications and blood loss were all
      correlated with ileus (P = 0.000, 0.004, respectively). Multiple linear
      regression analysis showed that the modified Clavien classification was an
      independent risk factor for postoperative ileus (odds ratio, 5.372; 95%
      confidence interval, 2.084 to 13.845; P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Postoperative ileus
      after laparoscopic urologic surgery was more frequent in patients who experienced
      more perioperative complications.

PMID- 22066065
TI  - Non-invasive ventilation for surgical patients with acute respiratory failure.
AB  - PURPOSE: Acute respiratory failure is a relatively common complication in
      surgical patients, especially after abdominal surgery. Non-invasive ventilation
      (NIV) is increasingly used in the treatment of acute respiratory failure. We have
      assessed the usefulness of NIV in surgical patients with acute respiratory
      failure. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the medical charts of patients who
      were admitted to a surgical intensive care unit between March 2007 and February
      2008 with acute respiratory failure. The patients who have got respiratory care
      for secondary reason such as sepsis and encephalopathy were excluded from this
      study. RESULTS: Of the 74 patients who were treated with mechanical ventilation,
      15 underwent NIV and 59 underwent invasive ventilation. The causes of acute
      respiratory failure in the NIV group were atelectasis in 5 patients, pneumonia in
      5, acute lung injury in 4, and pulmonary edema in 1, this group included 3
      patients with acute respiratory failure after extubation. Overall success rate of
      NIV was 66.7%. CONCLUSION: NIV may be an alternative to conventional ventilation
      in surgical patients with acute respiratory failure. Use of NIV may avoid re
      intubation in patients who develop respiratory failure after intubation.

PMID- 22066066
TI  - Prognostic significance of cytosolic phospholipase A2 expression in patients with
      colorectal cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: Cyclooxygenase-2 is believed to be an important enzyme in the
      pathogenesis of colorectal cancer (CRC). Cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2),
      also, have been suggested to be related to the carcinogenesis of CRC. The aim of
      this study was to investigate cPLA2 expression and its relationship with
      prognostic significance in CRC. METHODS: Eighty-eight patients with colorectal
      cancer who underwent curative surgery were enrolled in this study. cPLA2 was
      examined in 88 primary CRCs by immunohistochemistry and we compared their
      expression with clinicopathologic findings, recurrence and survival in patients
      with CRC. RESULTS: The expression of cPLA2 was positive in 54.5% (48/88). The
      expression of cPLA2 was not correlated with clinicopathologic parameters.
      However, cPLA2 expression was significantly related with vascular endothelial
      growth factor expression. Kaplan-Meier analysis didn't show any clinical
      significance in disease-free survival and overall survival according to cPLA2
      expression. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that cPLA2 expression was not
      associated with the prognosis of CRC. However, further large-scale studies are
      needed to clarify the prognostic effect of cPLA2 in CRC.

PMID- 22066067
TI  - Expression of the survivin-2B splice variant related to the progression of
      colorectal carcinoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: Recently, two alternatively spliced survivin variants, survivin-DeltaEx3
      and survivin-2B, were identified in a single copy of the survivin gene. It has
      been reported that the expressions of survivin splice variants significantly
      correlates with the clinical results in many types of human carcinoma. We
      investigated the transcription levels of survivin and its splice variants in
      human colorectal carcinomas, and analyzed correlations between survivin
      expression levels and clinicopathologic features. METHODS: We used Western blot
      and real-time quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT
      PCR) to analyze the protein and mRNA expression levels of survivin variants in 51
      colorectal carcinomas. The quantitative RT-PCR was performed using primer pairs
      specific for survivin and each of its splice variants, then normalized for the
      gene that encodes glyceraldehydes-3-phosphate dehydrogenase. RESULTS: In Western
      blotting, the protein levels of survivin were higher in the tumor tissue than in
      normal tissue. The expression of survivin, survivin-2B and survivin-DeltaEx3 mRNA
      was present in 96%, 64.7%, and 82.4% of the samples, respectively. When the
      pathologic parameters were compared, colorectal cancers of advanced pT stages
      showed significant decrease in survivin-2B mRNA expression by the quantitative RT
      PCR (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The decreased expression of survivin-2B might be
      related to tumor progression in colorectal cancers. This finding indicates that
      alternatively spliced variants of survivin may be involved in refining the
      functions of survivin during tumor progression.

PMID- 22066068
TI  - Liver resection for hepatocellular carcinoma: case-matched analysis of
      laparoscopic versus open resection.
AB  - PURPOSE: To analyze the outcomes of laparoscopic liver resection compared with
      open liver resection in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS:
      Between July 2005 and December 2009, 26 consecutive patients with HCC underwent a
      pure laparoscopic liver resection, and data from this group (laparoscopic liver
      resection group, L-group) were compared with a retrospective control group of 29
      patients who underwent open liver resection for HCC (open liver resection group,
      O-group) during the same period. The two groups were matched in terms of
      demographic data, tumor size, degree of liver cirrhosis, American Society of
      Anesthesiology score, type of resection, and tumor location. RESULTS: Median
      operation time and the amount of intraoperative packed red blood cell transfusion
      in the L-group were 147.5 minutes and 0.35 units, respectively. The L-group
      revealed a shorter operation time (147.5 vs. 220.0 minutes, P = 0.031) than the O
      group. No difference in perioperative morbidity or mortality rates was observed
      (3.8, 0 vs. 24.1%, 0%; P = 0.054, non-specific, respectively); the L-group was
      associated with a shorter hospital stay than the O-group (11.08 vs. 16.07 days, P
      = 0.034). After a mean follow-up of 23.9 months (range, 0.7 to 59.4 months), the
      1-year disease-free survival rate was 84.6% in the L-group and 82.8% in the O
      group (P = 0.673). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic liver resection for HCC is feasible
      and safe in selected patients and can produce good surgical results with a
      shorter postoperative hospital stay and similar outcomes in terms of
      perioperative morbidity, mortality, and disease-free survival than open
      resection.

PMID- 22066069
TI  - Inguinal hernia repair in patients with liver cirrhosis accompanied by ascites.
AB  - PURPOSE: We describe the clinical characteristics and assess the outcomes and
      stability of inguinal hernia repair under local anesthesia for patients with
      liver cirrhosis accompanied by ascites. METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the
      medical records of 22 patients with cirrhosis and ascites who underwent mesh plug
      hernia repair performed by a single surgeon from January 2002 to August 2009, and
      the clinical characteristics and outcomes of the patients were analyzed. RESULTS:
      Twenty-two patients were included in the study. Fifteen (68.2%) were Child's
      class B and seven (31.8%) were Child's class C. Hernia repairs were successful
      without major complications or recurrence in all patients. Minor complications
      occurred in only three patients, consisting of two hematomas and one case of
      scrotal swelling. Complications were resolved spontaneously without the need for
      blood transfusion or reintervention. Thirteen patients died during follow-up
      (59.1%); eight of these patients died within 1 year after hernia repair. However,
      there was no 30-day postoperative mortality. Five of the eight patients who died
      were Child's class B and the remaining three patients were Child's class C.
      Deaths were all related to cirrhotic complications, and there was no operation
      related mortality. CONCLUSION: Inguinal hernia repairs under local anesthesia in
      patients with cirrhosis accompanied by ascites were performed safely and
      effectively. Therefore, surgical repair is recommended even in patients with
      refractory ascites and poor hepatic function to prevent life-threatening
      complications or severe pain and improve quality of life.

PMID- 22066070
TI  - Laparoscopic total extraperitoneal repair for incarcerated inguinal hernia.
AB  - PURPOSE: We wanted to measure and compare the patient demographics and
      perioperative outcomes between patients with incarcerated and patients with non
      incarcerated inguinal hernia. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis of
      945 patients who were scheduled for laparoscopic total extraperitoreal (TEP)
      repair of inguinal hernia from May 2002 to May 2010. There were 66 patients who
      had incarcerated hernia and 879 patients who had non-incarcerated hernia.
      RESULTS: The mean age was younger in the incarcerated hernia group than in the
      non-incarcerated hernia group (41.67 vs. 48.50 years, P < 0.01), and all the
      incarcerated inguinal hernias patients were male. Most of the incarcerated
      hernias (63 out of 66 cases, 95%) were indirect hernias. The mean hospital stay
      showed no difference between the two groups (1.03 vs. 0.93 days, P = 0.142) but
      the operation time was longer for the incarcerated group than that for the non
      incarcerated group (33.36 vs. 24.59 minutes, P < 0.01). Postoperative swelling
      (including seroma) was more frequent in the incarcerated group (14 out of 66
      cases, 21%, P < 0.01), but postoperative pain was similar in both groups (3.0 vs.
      8.9%, P = 0.095). There was one recurrence in the non-incarcerated group, but
      this had no statistical significance. CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic TEP repair for the
      patients with chronic incarcerated inguinal hernias was safe and feasible.
      However, a well-designed study is needed to confirm if it is suitable for acute
      incarcerated inguinal hernias.

PMID- 22066071
TI  - Clinical experience with persistent cloaca.
AB  - PURPOSE: Persistent cloaca is one of the most severe types of anorectal
      malformation. Appropriate initial drainage is difficult due to their various
      malformations and hydrocolpos or dilated urinary bladder. Corrective surgery also
      differs among individual patients. We describe our experiences with the surgical
      management of children with persistent cloaca. METHODS: We retrospectively
      reviewed 16 children diagnosed with persistent cloaca at Asan Medical Center.
      RESULTS: Sixteen patients were managed in their neonatal period. Twelve patients
      had enlarged bladder or vagina at birth. Three patients, who did not undergo
      cystostomy or vaginostomy at first operation, had earlier complications after
      surgery or required drainage tube insertion. One patient who did not undergo
      hydrocolpos drainage died of sepsis and complications. Nine patients underwent
      corrective surgery; posterior sagittal anorectovaginourethroplasty using the Pena
      method. Three patients required additional operations due to complications after
      surgery. CONCLUSION: Patients found to have anatomical malformations before
      colostomy, as well as hydrocolpos and bladder enlargement, require a vaginostomy
      with or without a cystostomy to reduce complications. Follow-up is required in
      patients with hydrocolpos and bladder enlargement to determine whether vaginal
      drainage improves dilated bladder. Continuous long-term follow-up examination is
      required to determine the long-term results of corrective surgery.

PMID- 22066072
TI  - Round ligament varicosities mimicking inguinal hernia in pregnancy.
AB  - Round ligament varicosities during pregnancy are rare, and can easily be mistaken
      for an inguinal hernia. On physical examination, round ligament varicosities and
      groin hernia are difficult to distinguish. The diagnosis of round ligament
      varicosities can be established on gray-scale and color Doppler sonography. We
      experienced a case of round ligament varicosities in which a 29-year-old woman
      presented symptoms at 36 weeks gestation. The patient was diagnosed using Doppler
      sonography, managed with conservative therapy, and had an uncomplicated vaginal
      delivery at 40 weeks. The symptoms were resolved completely by two weeks
      postpartum. We report a case of round ligament varicosities that was diagnosed at
      36 weeks of gestation with a review of the literature.

PMID- 22066073
TI  - Hepatoid adenocarcinoma of the gallbladder with production of alpha-fetoprotein.
AB  - Hepatoid adenocarcinoma (HAC) is a tumor with aberrant hepatocellular
      differentiation that occurs in extrahepatic organs. HAC of the gallbladder is
      rare, and cases of alpha-fetoprotein production are extremely rare. A 61-year-old
      man was diagnosed with gallbladder adenocarcinoma after laparoscopic
      cholecystectomy. A radical operation including resection of liver bed and lymph
      node dissection was performed, and no tumor cell was found. However, at
      postoperative 19 months, he showed lymphadenopathy of the portocaval area and
      tumor thrombi in the right portal vein with high levels of serum alpha
      fetoprotein. After right hemihepatectomy and portahepatis lymph node dissection
      was performed, he was diagnosed with metastatic HAC. On reviewing the gallbladder
      specimen, the tumor finally demonstrated HAC as the primary origin. Despite
      adjuvant therapy, the patient died from multiple liver metastasis 26 months after
      cholecystectomy. Although HAC of the gallbladder is a very rare malignancy,
      awareness of its existence is critical to avoid misdiagnosis.

PMID- 22066074
TI  - Laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy for gastric cancer after liver
      transplantation.
AB  - A case report described a 72-year-old man with a history of a deceased-donor
      liver transplantation (due to hepatitis B-associated end-stage liver cirrhosis)
      performed in 1994. The patient was diagnosed with renal cell carcinoma and
      pulmonary metastasis in 1997 and was successfully treated with radiofrequency
      ablation and thoracoscopic superior segmentectomy. There was no evidence of newly
      diagnosed metastatic lesions or recurrence until the 19th post-operative month.
      Gastric cancer was identified by endoscopy during a routine follow-up
      examination; the pre-pyloric antral lesion measured 1.5 cm in size and was
      histologically well-differentiated and confined to the submucosal layers on
      endoscopic ultrasound. Laparoscopic gastrectomy and lymph node dissection (D1 +
      beta) was successfully performed in March 2009, and the patient was discharged on
      the 5th post-operative day without complications. This suggests that laparoscopic
      surgery is one of the feasible methods for resection of gastric cancer in liver
      transplant patients.

PMID- 22066075
TI  - Segmental duodenectomy with duodenojejunostomy of gastrointestinal stromal tumor
      involving the duodenum.
AB  - Duodenal gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are uncommon and a relatively
      small subset of GISTs whose optimal surgical procedure has not been well defined.
      Because submucosal spread and local lymph node involvement is infrequent in
      GISTs, wide margins with routine lymph node dissection may not be required.
      Various techniques of limited resection for duodenal GISTs have been described
      depending on the site and the size of the tumors. In this study, we report two
      cases of GIST involving the third and fourth portion of the duodenum successfully
      treated by segmental duodenectomy with end-to-end duodenojejunostomy. This
      technique should be considered as a treatment option for GIST located at the
      third and fourth portion of the duodenum.

PMID- 22066076
TI  - Pneumomediastinum caused by colonic diverticulitis perforation.
AB  - A 59-year-old man presented with abdominal and left flank pain. The symptom had
      started 30 days before as an acute nephrolithiasis, which had worsened despite
      conservative management. The abdomen was slightly distended and tender over the
      lower abdomen, without signs of generalized peritoneal irritation. A computed
      tomography (CT) scan showed an abscess in left para-renal space up to the
      subphrenic space and an unexpected pneumomediastinum. An emergency operation was
      performed, which showed retroperitoneal diverticulitis perforation of the sigmoid
      descending junction with abscess formation. A segmental resection of the diseased
      colon and end-colostomy was performed (Hartmann's procedure). However, the
      patient's condition progressively deteriorated, and he died of sepsis and multi
      organ failure on the 5th postoperative day. Although pneumomediastinum caused by
      colonic diverticulitis perforation is extremely rare, it could be a life
      threatening condition in patients without signs of peritonitis because of delayed
      diagnosis.

PMID- 22066077
TI  - Laparoscopic resection of a appendiceal mucocele.
AB  - Laparoscopic resection of appendiceal mucoceles has recently been described, but
      the safety and efficacy are controversial. We present two cases of laparoscopic
      mucocelectomies involving 14 and 15 cm cystic masses originating from the
      appendix. The laparoscopic mucocelectomies were performed using four ports. From
      the beginning of the procedure, a laparoscopic bag was used to safely contain the
      mucocele, prevent rupture of the mucocele, and retract the mucocele. An
      endoscopic stapling device was used to transect the base of the cecum. Minimal
      handling was achieved by gravity and with the use of laparoscopic instruments.
      Laparoscopic appendectomies are widely performed for acute appendicitis, but
      laparoscopic resection is not routinely performed for an appendiceal mucocele
      because of the risk of perforation and subsequent pseudomyxoma peritonei. We
      report two cases of laparoscopic appendiceal mucocelectomies, which were
      performed safely with laparoscopic instruments and minimal manipulation.

PMID- 22066078
TI  - Sarcomatoid carcinoma of colon: extremely poor prognosis.
AB  - Colonic sarcomatoid carcinomas are known to be extremely rare tumors, with only
      22 cases reported either as sarcomatoid carcinomas or carcinosarcomas in the
      literature. The known characteristics are rapid growth, a high recurrence rate,
      and an extremely poor prognosis. Herein we report a case of a patient who had a
      sarcomatoid carcinoma of the sigmoid colon and died only 22 days after surgery
      due to rapid tumor growth.

PMID- 22066079
TI  - Primary adenosquamous carcinoma of the colon.
AB  - Adenosquamous cell carcinoma (Ad-SCC) of the colon is rare. The pathogenesis of
      Ad-SCC is unclear, however, several hypotheses have been suggested. The clinical
      presentation and gross findings of Ad-SCC of the colon are similar to those of
      adenocarcinoma of the colon, but Ad-SCC has a more aggressive clinical course and
      a poorer prognosis. We report on two cases of Ad-SCC of the colon with
      obstruction; a collision-type Ad-SCC that has not only obstruction but also
      numerous hepatic metastases, and a composite-type Ad-SCC treated with left
      hemicolectomy followed by an adjuvant chemotherapy.

PMID- 22066080
TI  - Graft-versus-host disease after kidney transplantation.
AB  - Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is a rare complication after kidney
      transplantation. We describe a 62-year-old female with end-stage renal disease
      due to hypertension. She received a kidney with 4 mismatched human leukocyte
      antigen (HLA) out of 6 HLA - A, B, DR from a deceased donor. After the procedure,
      the patient showed watery diarrhea on postoperative day (POD) 45. An endoscopic
      biopsy of the colon revealed some apoptotic cells consistent with GVHD.
      Thrombocytopenia was gradually developed on POD 54. She received steroid pulse
      therapy, and thrombocytopenia did not progress. However, pneumonia, renal
      failure, and cardiac failure occurred. She died due to multiple organ failure. We
      must consider GVHD in renal transplant recipients without homozygous or identical
      HLA, who had only watery diarrhea without other typical GVHD symptoms such as
      skin rash and fever, although GVHD is rare in renal transplant recipients.

PMID- 22066081
TI  - Cardiac tamponade caused by tuberculosis pericarditis in renal transplant
      recipients.
AB  - A 50-year-old male, renal transplant recipient, was admitted with fever and chest
      discomfort. At admission, chest radiologic finding was negative and
      echocardiography showed minimal pericardial effusion. After 2 days of admission,
      chest pain worsened and blood pressure fell to 60/40 mmHg. Emergency
      echocardiography showed a large amount of pericardial effusion compressing the
      entire heart. Pericardiocentesis was performed immediately. Mycobacterium
      tuberculosis was isolated from pericardial fluid. Tuberculosis pericarditis
      should be considered as the cause of cardiac tamponade in renal transplant
      recipients, even with the absence of pericardial effusion in the initial study or
      suggestive history.

PMID- 22066082
TI  - A giant retroperitoneal lymphangioma in a patient with neurofibromatosis type 1.
AB  - Neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF-1) is a genetically inherited disorder that may
      cause skin abnormalities and tumors that form on nerve tissues. These tumors can
      be small or large and can occur anywhere in the body, including the brain, spinal
      cord, or other peripheral nerves. Retroperitoneal lymphangiomas are very rare
      benign malformations of the lymphatic system. About 95% lymphangiomas occur in
      the skin and the subcutaneous tissues of the head, neck and axillary region and
      the remaining 5% appear in other parts of the body such as lungs, pleura,
      pericardium, liver, gallbladder, kidney, and the mesentery. Herein, we report the
      case of a giant retroperitoneal lymphangioma in a patient with NF-1 with a review
      of the literature.

PMID- 22066083
TI  - Pneumatosis intestinalis after adult liver transplantation.
AB  - Pneumatosis intestinalis is an uncommon disorder characterized by an accumulation
      of gas in the bowel wall. We described three cases undertaking liver
      transplantation. The patients developed diarrhea in three cases and high fever in
      two. An abdominal X-ray and computed tomography scan demonstrated extensive
      pneumatosis intestinalis in the colon with pneumoperitoneum mimicking hollow
      organ perforation. However, the patients had no abdominal symptoms and there was
      no evidence of peritonitis. The infection work-up was negative except one case
      with cytomegalovirus antigenemia. After one week of conservative management
      including bowel rest and antibiotic therapy, their pneumoperitoneum resolved
      spontaneously without any complication. Pneumatosis intestinalis should be
      considered as a differential diagnosis after adult liver transplantation with
      patients suffering from watery diarrhea and fever. Pneumoperitoneum, air-density
      in mesentery and retroperitoneum in patients with pneumatosis intestinalis
      without signs of peritonitis improved with conservative management, which
      included bowel rest and antibiotic therapy.

PMID- 22066084
TI  - Auxiliary partial orthotopic liver transplantation for adult onset type II
      citrullinemia.
AB  - Adult-onset type II citrullinemia (CTLN2) is a disorder caused by an inborn error
      of metabolism affecting the liver. CTLN2 is an autosomal recessive disorder
      characterized by recurrent encephalopathy with hyperammonemia due to highly
      elevated plasma levels of citrulline and ammonia, caused by a deficiency of
      argininosuccinate synthetase in the liver. A small number of patients have
      undergone liver transplantation with favorable results. In Korea, the limitations
      of the deceased donor pool have made living donor liver transplantation a common
      alternative treatment option. We report the case of a patient with type II
      citrullinemia who was treated successfully with auxiliary partial orthotopic
      liver transplantation (APOLT) from a living donor. This is the first description
      of an APOLT for a patient with adult onset type II citrullinemia in Korea.

PMID- 22066085
TI  - Cystic lymphangioma of the pancreas mimicking pancreatic pseudocyst.
AB  - Lymphangiomas are rare congenital benign tumors arising from the lymphatic
      system, and are mostly encountered in the neck and axillary regions of pediatric
      patients (95%). Lymphangioma of the pancreas is extremely rare accounting for
      less than 1% of these tumors. We report here on a case of pancreatic cystic
      lymphangioma. A 54-year-old woman presented with intermittent postprandial
      abdominal discomfort and radiating back pain. Abdominal computed tomography scan
      revealed 8 * 6.5 cm hypodense cystic mass arising from the tail of the pancreas
      without septa or solid component. The initial impression was a pancreatic
      pseudocyst. The patient underwent distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy. The
      histopathologic and immunohistochemical study helped make the diagnosis of a
      pancreatic cystic lymphangioma. Herein, we report a case of pancreatic cystic
      lymphangioma mimicking pancreatic pseudocyst and review the relevant medical
      literature.

PMID- 22066086
TI  - Laparoscopic splenectomy for sclerosing angiomatoid nodular transformation of the
      spleen.
AB  - Primary splenic tumors are rare and mainly found incidentally on radiologic
      studies. Among them, sclerosing angiomatoid nodular transformation (SANT) of the
      spleen is a new entity defined as a benign pathologic lesion. Most SANTs have no
      clinical symptoms and are occasionally accompanied by other splenic diseases such
      as malignancies. So, the exact diagnosis of the nature of the splenic tumor is
      mandatory for further treatment. But, preoperative diagnosis is not easy since it
      is difficult to obtain the tissue from the spleen for pathological study.
      Recently, laparoscopic splenectomy has become the more standard procedure for the
      spleen for diagnosis and treatment. Here, we report a rare case of SANT diagnosed
      following laparoscopic splenectomy.

PMID- 22066087
TI  - Early gastric cancer arising from heterotopic gastric mucosa in the gastric
      submucosa.
AB  - The incidence of heterotopic gastric mucosa located in the submucosa in resected
      stomach specimens has been reported to be 3.0 to 20.1%. Heterotopic gastric
      mucosa is thought to be a benign disease, which rarely becomes malignant.
      Heterotopic gastric mucosa exists in the gastric submucosa, and gastric cancer
      rarely occurs in heterotopic gastric mucosa. Since tumors are located in the
      normal submucosa, they appear as submucosal tumors during endoscopy, and are
      diagnosed through endoscopic biopsies with some difficulty. For such reasons,
      heterotopic gastric mucosa is mistaken as gastric submucosal tumor. Recently, two
      cases of early gastric cancer arising from heterotopic gastric mucosa in the
      gastric submucosa were treated. Both cases were diagnosed as submucosal tumors
      based on upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, endoscopic ultrasound, and computed
      tomography findings, and in both cases, laparoscopic wedge resections were
      performed, the surgical findings of which also suggested submucosal tumors.
      However, pathologic assessment of the surgical specimens led to the diagnosis of
      well-differentiated intramucosal adenocarcinoma arising from heterotopic gastric
      mucosa in the gastric submucosa.

PMID- 22066088
TI  - Components separation technique for large abdominal wall defect.
AB  - Repairing large incisional hernia with abdominal wall reconstruction is a
      technically challenging problem for surgeons. We report our experience of large
      midline incisional hernia which was repaired successfully with components
      separation technique. A patient with incisional hernia, 35 * 20 cm in size,
      underwent operation following standard components separation technique. The
      aponeurosis of the external abdominal oblique muscle was longitudinally
      transected from the rectus sheath, and the external abdominal oblique muscle was
      separated from the internal abdominal oblique muscle. With further separation of
      the posterior rectus sheath from the rectus abdominis muscle, closure of the
      abdominal wall was attained without tension. The post-operative course was
      uneventful with minor wound seroma. The patient discharged safely, and no further
      complication in terms of recurrence and wound problem has occurred. Components
      separation technique could be a possible and effective treatment option for
      repair of large abdominal wall defect.

PMID- 22066089
TI  - Experience of non-vascular complications following endovascular aneurysm repair
      for abdominal aortic aneurysm.
AB  - Endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) for the treatment of abdominal aortic
      aneurysm (AAA) is a widely used method, and its decreased invasiveness compared
      to traditional surgical repair has brought about reduced rates of morbidity and
      mortality. Several vascular complications related to the procedure have been
      reported, but non-vascular complications have rarely occurred. We report herein
      the case of a 78-year-old man who underwent EVAR for AAA and presented with
      active duodenal ulcer bleeding and acute acalculous cholecystitis as
      complications after the procedure. We must consider that a wide spectrum of
      complications may occur following EVAR, and therefore it is important to evaluate
      the risks of complication and to take the necessary measures to minimize them.

PMID- 22066090
TI  - Pseudoaneurysm of the popliteal artery mimicking tumorous condition.
AB  - Diagnosing pseudoaneurysms of the popliteal artery is usually straightforward in
      physical examinations and imaging findings. However, when a pseudoaneurysm shows
      a soft tissue mass with adjacent osseous change, it can mimic a bone tumor or a
      soft tissue sarcoma. We present a case of a 65-year-old man who had a
      pseudoaneurysm of the popliteal artery showing soft tissue mass and insinuating
      into the intramedullary cavity of the tibia. This presented case emphasizes the
      importance of considering pseudoaneurysms in the differential diagnosis of an
      apparent soft tissue mass with pressure erosion in adjacent bone.

PMID- 22066091
TI  - Adventitial cystic disease of common femoral vein.
AB  - Adventitial cystic disease (ACD) of venous system is an extremely rare condition.
      Very few reports of ACD in venous system have been described. In this report we
      discuss two cases of common femoral vein ACD that presented with a swollen leg by
      the obstruction of the vein. Ultrasound imaging showed the typical hypoechoic
      fluid filled cyst with a posterior acoustic window. Computed tomography scan and
      ascending venogram showed a stenosis to flow in the common femoral vein caused by
      an extrinsic mass. Trans-adventitial evacuation of cyst with removal of vein wall
      was performed for both cases. During operation we found the gelatinous material
      in the cysts arising in the wall of the common femoral vein and compressing the
      lumen. The patients were released after short hospitalization and have remained
      symptom free with no recurrence.

PMID- 22066092
TI  - Desmoplastic small round cell tumor of the stomach mimicking a gastric cancer in
      a child.
AB  - Intra-abdominal desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is a highly malignant
      tumor of uncertain histogenesis. Here we report a case of DSRCT involving the
      stomach, initially misdiagnosed as gastric cancer. A 12-year-old boy presented
      with upper abdominal pain developed 1 month prior. On gastroscopy, a 7-cm mass
      was noted involving the esophago-gastric junction to the fundus, and positron
      emission tomography showed multiple hot uptakes suggesting distant metastasis.
      Gastroscopic biopsy showed poorly differentiated malignant cells. We diagnosed as
      stage IV gastric cancer and treated with 6 cycles of chemotherapy. Laparotomy
      revealed a huge gastric mass along with peritoneal disseminations. Palliative
      proximal gastrectomy was performed. Pathological examination revealed transmural
      involvement of DSRCT, and t(11;22)(p12;q12) was demonstrated on fluorescence in
      situ hybridization test. The chemotherapeutic regimen was changed and the patient
      underwent 8 additional cycles of post-operative chemotherapy. The patient is now
      alive and the residual tumor shows no significant changes after chemotherapy.

PMID- 22066093
TI  - Primary segmental volvulus of the ileum mimicking meconium plug syndrome.
AB  - Primary segmental volvulus (PSV) of the ileum in neonate occurs rarely but shows
      an aggressive clinical course. Thus, early diagnosis is important to prevent
      necrosis and perforation of the intestine. We report a case of PSV of the ileum
      in a 2-day-old female neonate whose clinical features and radiologic findings
      appeared to be meconium plug syndrome.

PMID- 22066094
TI  - Investigation of relationship between inhalation injury assessment and prognosis
      in burn patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: Inhalation injury is one of the most severe morbidity and mortality
      factors in burn patients. The purpose of this study is to analyze the impact of
      inhalation injury to the prognosis of burn patients and to investigate the
      relationship between the inhalation injury assessment and the prognosis of
      patients. METHODS: Bronchoscopy was performed in 170 patients who had the
      suspicion of inhalation injury and the patients were reviewed retrospectively
      from January 2008 to December 2009. Mortality was compared between the factors of
      brochoscopic findings, age, total body surface area (TBSA) burned,
      carboxyhemoglobin (COHb) level, PaO(2)/FiO(2) (P/F) ratio. RESULTS: Of 170
      patients, 28 patients had no inhalation bronchoscopic finding. 109 patients had
      mild inhalation, 31 patients had moderate inhalation, only 2 patients had severe
      inhalation findings. The patients of moderate and severe inhalation findings had
      higher mortality (48.5%) than mild inhalation patients (31.1%). The larger total
      burnsurface area in inhalation patients, the greater the mortality. When compared
      to total admitted burn patients during the same period, inhalation patients
      showed higher mortality in the patients between 10 to 40% total burn surface
      area. Inhalation patients whose P/F ratio was below 300 showed higher mortality
      than above 300. But inhalation patients whose COHb level was below 1.5 had no
      difference in mortality with patients above 1.5. The COHb level and P/F ratio was
      the statistically different factors between inhalation patients and non
      inhalation group in the mortality. CONCLUSION: Bronchoscopic findings, age, TBSA
      burned, P/F ratio were related with mortality in inhalation patients. When the
      international standardization of bronchoscopic classification developed, it can
      be possible to assess the inhalation patients more objectively and that will lead
      to the advancement in inhalation treatment and research.

PMID- 22066095
TI  - Short-term results of ABO-incompatible living donor kidney transplantation:
      comparison with ABO-compatible grafts.
AB  - PURPOSE: ABO incompatible (ABOi) kidney transplantation (KT) has been increasing
      to compensate for the shortage of organ donors. However, detailed comparative
      analyses of ABOi KT with ABO compatible (ABOc) KT are still rare. METHODS: This
      retrospective study compared 12 consecutive ABOi KTs to 50 ABOc KTs that employed
      the same maintenance immunosuppressive agents during the same period. Comparisons
      of patient survival, graft survival, graft function, and complications were made
      until post-transplant day 90. RESULTS: Baseline characteristics of the two groups
      were similar except for the positivity of panel reactive antibody (12% in the
      ABOc group vs. 42% in the ABOi group; P = 0.029). There were no significant
      differences in patient survival, graft survival, post-operative renal function,
      incidence of acute rejection, infections, or medical and surgical complications.
      However, bleeding complications were more common in the ABOi group (25%) than
      versus the ABOc group (6%) (P = 0.08). The preoperative and total hospital stay
      of the ABOi patients was significantly longer than the ABOc patients (P = 0.001).
      CONCLUSION: ABOi KT is a viable and safe option for patients whose only donor is
      blood incompatible, despite the longer preoperative hospital stay for
      preparation.

PMID- 22066096
TI  - Clinicopathologic characteristics of serosa-positive gastric carcinoma in elderly
      patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: The relationship between the prognosis and the age of patients with
      gastric carcinoma is controversial. This study examined the clinicopathologic
      features of elderly gastric carcinoma patients with serosal invasion. METHODS: We
      reviewed the hospital records of 136 elderly gastric carcinoma patients with
      serosal invasion retrospectively to compare the clinicopathologic findings in the
      elderly (aged > 70 years) and young (aged < 36 years). RESULTS: The 5-year
      survival rates of elderly and young patients with curative resection did not
      differ statistically (33.9% vs. 43.3%; P = 0.318). Multivariate analysis showed
      that two factors were independent, statistically significant parameters
      associated with survival: histologic type (risk ratio, 1.805; 95% confidence
      interval [CI], 1.041 to 3.132; P < 0.05) and operative curability (risk ratio,
      2.506; 95% CI, 1.371 to 4.581; P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated
      that elderly gastric carcinoma patients with serosal invasion do not have a worse
      prognosis than young patients. The important prognostic factor was whether the
      patients underwent curative resection.

PMID- 22066097
TI  - Comparative analysis of radiofrequency ablation and surgical resection for
      colorectal liver metastases.
AB  - PURPOSE: To evaluate the comparative therapeutic efficacy of radiofrequency
      ablation (RFA) and hepatic resection for the treatment of colorectal liver
      metastasis (CRLM). METHODS: Between 1996 and 2008, 177 patients underwent RFA,
      278 underwent hepatic resection and 27 underwent combination therapy for CRLM.
      Comparative analysis of clinical outcomes was performed including number of liver
      metastases, tumor size, and time of CRLM. RESULTS: Based on multivariate
      analysis, overall survival (OS) correlated with the number of liver metastases
      and the use of combined chemotherapy (P < 0.001, respectively). Disease-free
      survival (DFS) also correlated with the number of liver metastases (P < 0.001).
      In the 226 patients with solitary CRLM < 3 cm, OS and DFS rates did not differ
      between the RFA group and the resection group (P = 0.962 and P = 0.980). In the
      70 patients with solitary CRLM >= 3 cm, DFS was significantly lower in the RFA
      group as compared with the resection group (P = 0.015). CONCLUSION: The results
      indicate that RFA may be a safe alternative treatment for solitary CRLM less than
      3 cm, with outcomes equivalent to those achieved with hepatic resection. A
      randomized controlled study comparing RFA and resection for patients with single
      small metastasis would help to determine the most efficient treatment modalities
      for CRLM.

PMID- 22066098
TI  - An early single-center experience of portal vein thrombosis in living donor liver
      transplantation: clinical feature, management and outcome.
AB  - PURPOSE: Portal vein thrombosis (PVT) has been considered a relative
      contraindication for living donor liver transplantation (LDLT). However, it is no
      longer a contraindication of LDLT due to improvement in surgical techniques and
      approaches to PVT. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of PVT on
      outcomes in LDLT patients. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the data from 97
      adult patients undergoing LDLT in our center from July 2008 to June 2010.
      Intraoperative findings and preoperative imaging results were reviewed for PVT
      grading (Yerdel grading). We analyzed the technical aspects and comparisons of
      risk factors, perioperative variables, and survivals between patients with and
      without PVT based on the grades. RESULTS: In the 97 LDLT patients, 18 patients
      were confirmed to have PVT (18.5%) including grade I cases (n = 8), grade II (n =
      7), and grade III (n = 3). Prior treatment of portal hypertension was found to be
      an independent risk factor for PVT (P = 0.001). The comparisons between PVT and
      no PVT groups showed no significant difference in intraoperative and
      postoperative variables except for postoperative bleeding (P = 0.036). The short
      term portal vein patency, in-hospital mortality and survival rates were not
      significantly different between the PVT and control groups. CONCLUSION: The
      outcomes are similar to non-PVT group in terms of in-hospital mortality, survival
      rates, and postoperative complications. Therefore, our study suggests that PVT
      cannot be considered to be a contraindication for LDLT and LDLT could be
      undertaken without increased morbidity and mortality in patients with PVT, in
      spite of operative complexity.

PMID- 22066099
TI  - Hybrid surgery versus percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy for the thrombosed
      hemodialysis autogenous arteriovenous fistulas.
AB  - PURPOSE: For the successful treatment of thrombosed autogenous arteriovenous
      fistula (AVF), we designed and performed a hybrid surgery. Its clinical outcomes
      were compared with those of percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy,
      retrospectively. METHODS: Forty cases of thrombosed autogenous AVFs underwent
      hybrid surgery, whereas 19 cases received percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy.
      Hybrid surgery consisted of surgical thrombectomy, balloon angioplasty and/or
      additional surgical angioplasty. Percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy included
      catheter-introduced thrombus aspiration, balloon angioplasty and/or stenting.
      Procedure related outcomes such as technical success rates and primary patency
      rates were analyzed, retrospectively. RESULTS: There were no statistically
      significant differences between the two groups in terms of demographic data of
      the patients including age, gender, diabetes status, and frequency of
      antiplatelet use, as well as the characteristics of thrombosed autogenous AVFs
      such as access age, site, type, and length of time between thrombosis and AVF
      creation (P > 0.05). Technical success rates (92.5% vs. 68.4%, P = 0.005,
      respectively) and primary patency rates (85.9% vs. 36.8% at 6 months, 81.1% vs.
      26.3% at 12 months, 81.1% vs.21.1% at 18 and 24 months respectively, log-rank
      test, (P < 0.001) were significantly higher in the hybrid surgery group. In terms
      of cost analysis, supply cost was not different (P = 0.065), but total cost was
      statistically lower in the hybrid surgery group (P = 0.019). CONCLUSION: Hybrid
      surgery showed better technical success rates and patency rates in the salvaging
      of thrombosed autogenous AVFs than in percutaneous mechanical thrombectomy.

PMID- 22066100
TI  - One surgeon experiences in childhood inguinal hernias.
AB  - PURPOSE: In this manuscript we report one pediatric surgeon's experience in
      childhood inguinal hernia repair. METHODS: From 2005 to 2008, 402 children with
      inguinal hernias were operated on by one surgeon. A retrospective survey of their
      charts was carried out to evaluate the demographics and clinical aspects of these
      patients. RESULTS: The ages ranged from 20 days to 16 years with a male-to-female
      ratio of 2.5:1. 64.9% right, 27.1% left, and 7.9% bilateral hernias. Hydroceles
      were present in 6.2% assosiated hernias. Incarceration occurred in 8.7% of
      children. An opposite-side hernia developed in 5.7%. 5.3 percent of patients with
      a hernia repair on the right side later developed a hernia on the left side, and
      8.2% of patients with a hernia repair on the left side later developed one on the
      right side. 4.5 percent of all male patients in this series and 8.6% of female
      patients developed an opposite-side hernia. While overall recurrence rate was
      1.2%, our recurrence rate was 0.25%. There was a 0.24% wound infection rate, and
      1 (0.24%) testicle was atrophic at follow-up. CONCLUSION: In this study, in the
      recurrence of childhood hernia, the general surgeon's intervention was the
      prominent cause. It is suggested by the study that inguinal hernias on the
      contralateral side becomes symptomatic within the first six months following
      initial operation.Therefor, close observation is needed in that time.

PMID- 22066101
TI  - The impact of the prenatal ultrasonography on birth of babies with Korean
      pediatric surgical index diseases.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of prenatal
      ultrasonography (US) on the birth of babies with diseases listed on the Korean
      pediatric surgery index diseases (IDs). METHODS: Depending the ease of diagnosis
      using prenatal US, [diagnostic facility if prenatal US] IDs were divided into
      easily diagnosed (ED), not easily diagnosed (NED) and detected with difficulty
      (DD) groups. Five-year data were obtained for the total live birth number (TBN)
      from the Korean Statistical Information Service, and the actual birth number of
      IDs (ABNID) from the Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service. The
      certified incidences of IDs (I) were obtained from a prestigious textbook of
      pediatric surgery. The estimated abortion rate (AR) of fetus in each group was
      obtained using the following formula: AR (%) = [1 - (ABNID)/(TBN * I)] * 100.
      RESULTS: The AR with all IDs was 38 to 77%. The AR was 78 to 93% for ED group, 38
      to 66% for NED group and 0% for DD group. CONCLUSION: In spite of high survival
      rates after treatment, the AR of each group depends on the ease of diagnosis
      using prenatal US in Korea. A recommendatory policy for the fetus with IDs should
      be urgently established after general consensus within the related medical
      societies.

PMID- 22066102
TI  - Fibrous hamartoma of infancy: an experience of a single institute.
AB  - PURPOSE: Fibrous hamartoma (FH) of infancy is a distinctive fibrous growth that
      most frequently occurs at birth and during the postnatal period. It is important
      for clinicians and pathologists to recognize this entity to avoid an aggressive
      approach. METHODS: We herein describe the clinicopathologic features of 9 FHs
      diagnosed at a single institution between 1997 and 2010. RESULTS: There were 7
      boys and 2 girls, and the mean age of presentation was 14.7 months. The common
      locations were the lower back and gluteal region (n = 3) and scrotum (n = 2).
      They were solitary lesions, and measured 1.0 to 7.0 cm in maximum diameter (mean,
      4.9 cm). The excised masses tended to be poorly circumscribed, and consisted of
      an intimate mixture of firm, gray-white tissue with fat. Histologically, these
      lesions were composed of 3 components forming a vague, irregular, organoid
      pattern: well-defined intersecting trabeculae of fibrocollagenous tissue; loosely
      textured areas of small, rounded, primitive mesenchymal cells; and mature fat.
      Over a median follow-up of 72 months, no patient showed recurrence. CONCLUSION:
      FH should be distinguished from other forms of fibromatosis and malignant tumors
      because it is benign and usually cured by local excision.

PMID- 22066103
TI  - Melanosis ilei induced by prolonged charcoal ingestion.
AB  - Gastrointestinal melanosis is observed most frequently in the colon it also can
      develop in the ileum, duodenum and esophagus very rarely. Melanosis ilei was
      thought that causative materials such as aluminum, magnesium, silicate, titanium
      and other compounds entered the body through the ingestion of agents. We
      experienced a case of melanosis in the terminal ileum that a 65-year-old female
      patient ingested 10 g edible charcoal everyday for 3 years to address symptoms of
      chronic abdominal pain. In Korea, edible charcoal has been considered to be an
      effective folk remedy for patients with diarrhea or chronic abdominal pain. In
      our case, a follow up colonoscopy was performed 3.5 years after the termination
      of the ingestion of edible charcoal, at which point pigmentation was faded color
      intensity. In conclusion, it is thought that melanosis ilei is a rare disease by
      ingestion of causative materials and is discontinuous, local and reversible
      disease.

PMID- 22066104
TI  - Synchronous granular cell tumors in the perianus and chest wall.
AB  - Granular cell tumor (GCT) is a rare tumor that originates from the Schwann cells
      in the skin, soft tissues, and internal organs. Usually, GCTs are clinically
      benign, although malignant and multifocal forms are very rarely known to occur.
      Cases of GCT of the perianus are rare, and thus far, no study has reported
      synchronous GCTs of the perianus and the chest wall. We report a case of a 31
      year-old woman with synchronous GCTs of the perianus and the chest wall to have a
      mind of consideration of the possibility of GCT in the differential diagnosis of
      perianal tumor.

PMID- 22066105
TI  - Review of atypical cytology of thyroid nodule according to the Bethesda system
      and its beneficial effect in the surgical treatment of papillary carcinoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: For the atypical cases of fine needle aspiration (FNA) cytology of
      thyroid nodules, ultrasonographic findings are a primary guideline for the
      surgical treatment. However, they have the intrinsic risk of overtreatment, as
      well. In this study we examined whether the Bethesda system could provide a real
      effect on the diagnostic rate of atypical cytology, and thereby reduce the number
      of cases diagnosed as atypical from FNA cytology. METHODS: We reviewed 166 cases
      diagnosed as atypical by FNA cytology at this institute between the years 2005 to
      2010. We classified these cases on the basis of ultrasonographic and cytological
      findings and compared them with the histological results. RESULTS:
      Ultrasonographically, findings suspicious for malignancy and indeterminate were
      associated with 83.7% and 47.2% of malignancy rates, respectively.
      Cytopathologically, the malignancy rates varied according to the main cytological
      features and the highest malignancy rate was 77.3%. Based on the Bethesda system,
      39.2% of the cases diagnosed as atypical could be grouped into the category of
      suspicious for malignancy and yielded a malignancy rate of 76.9%. CONCLUSION:
      Although ultrasonography provides an excellent guideline for the surgical
      treatment of atypical cases, it also showed considerable risk of overtreatment.
      The Bethesda system did not offer definitive effects on the rate of atypical
      cytology, but this system seemed to provide stricter boundaries for the atypical
      cytology and to aid in reducing the rates thereof. This in turn may permit that
      more limited cases are allotted to ultrasonographic decision making.

PMID- 22066106
TI  - Induction of apoptosis with diallyl disulfide in AGS gastric cancer cell line.
AB  - PURPOSE: Diallyl disulfide (DADS) is a major organosulfur compound derived from
      garlic. It has been reported that DADS is able to inhibit the proliferation of
      several tumor cells. In this study, the effect of DADS was investigated in terms
      of the proliferation of AGS, gastric adenocarcinoma cell line at various
      concentrations. METHODS: The viability of cultured cells was determined by 3-(4,5
      dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide assay. To detect the
      induction of apoptosis, Annexin V-FITC/propodium iodide (PI) staining assay was
      performed. Analysis of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the distribution of
      cells in the cell cycle were measured by a flow cytometer. And using the Western
      blot analysis, the change of Fas, caspase-3, Bax, Bcl-2 activity was measured.
      RESULTS: The percentage of live AGS cells was decreased to 23% of that in the
      control group after 400 uM DADS treatment for 48 hours. The Annexin V positive/PI
      negative (apoptosis portion) area increased from low concentration of DADS to
      high concentration. When comparing among the DADS treatment groups, the amount of
      ROS production increased in a dose dependent manner. The percentage of sub
      diploid DNA content increased from 8.71% at 50 uM to 25.74% at 400 uM DADS
      treatment group. The expressions of Fas, caspase-3, Bax were increased and that
      of Bcl-2 was decreased in a dose dependent manner. CONCLUSION: DADS decreases the
      viability of AGS cell lines and induces apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. But
      the relationship of the anti-proliferative effect of DADS and related molecular
      changes were not clearly proportional to the concentration of DADS.

PMID- 22066107
TI  - Is the critical pathway effective for the treatment of gastric cancer?
AB  - PURPOSE: The present study was conducted to investigate the low compliance rate
      of the critical pathway (CP) and whether CP is effective for treatment of gastric
      cancer in radical gastrectomy. METHODS: The medical records of 631 patients who
      had undergone radical gastrectomy with D2 lymph node dissection were reviewed.
      This study compared data from patients in early gastric cancer (EGC) and advanced
      gastric cancer (AGC) groups, which were further subdivided into general care (non
      CP) and CP groups. RESULTS: The mean length of preoperative hospital stays were
      significantly different between the EGC and AGC patients (P < 0.05). However,
      there was no difference in the mean length of postoperative hospital stays
      between non-CP and CP groups among either EGC patients or AGC patients (P >
      0.05). The postoperative and total cost of hospitalization was not statistically
      different between either of the groups (P > 0.05); however, the mean preoperative
      costs were significantly different (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: We conclude that use
      of the CP following gastrectomy is unnecessary. To decrease the length of
      hospital stay and associated costs, preoperative examination and consultation
      should be performed before admission.

PMID- 22066108
TI  - F18-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography and computed tomography is
      not accurate in preoperative staging of gastric cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: To investigate the clinical benefits of F18-fluorodeoxyglucose-positron
      emission tomography and computed tomography ((18)F-FDG-PET/CT) over multi
      detector row CT (MDCT) in preoperative staging of gastric cancer. METHODS: FDG
      PET/CT and MDCT were performed on 78 patients with gastric cancer pathologically
      diagnosed by endoscopy. The accuracy of radiologic staging retrospectively was
      compared to pathologic result after curative resection. RESULTS: Primary tumors
      were detected in 51 (65.4%) patients with (18)F-FDG-PET/CT, and 47 (60.3%)
      patients with MDCT. Regarding detection of lymph node metastasis, the sensitivity
      of FDG-PET/CT was 51.5% with an accuracy of 71.8%, whereas those of MDCT were
      69.7% and 69.2%, respectively. The sensitivity of (18)F-FDG-PET/CT for a primary
      tumor with signet ring cell carcinoma was lower than that of (18)F-FDG-PET/CT for
      a primary tumor with non-signet ring cell carcinoma (35.3% vs. 73.8%, P < 0.01).
      CONCLUSION: Due to its low sensitivity, (18)F-FDG-PET/CT alone shows no definite
      clinical benefit for prediction of lymph node metastasis in preoperative staging
      of gastric cancer.

PMID- 22066109
TI  - Computed tomography classification for parastomal hernia.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to investigate the clinical and radiological
      incidence of parastomal hernia. METHODS: We reviewed, retrospectively, 83
      patients with end colostomy operated on from January 2003 to June 2009 at Ajou
      University hospital. Age, sex, surgical procedure type, body mass index
      (weight/length(2)), stoma size, and respiratory co-morbidity were documented. We
      compared the incidence of radiological and clinical parastomal hernia. RESULTS:
      There were 47 males (56.6%) and 36 females (43.4%). During an overall median
      follow-up of 30 months (range, 6 to 45 months), 24 patients (28.9%) developed a
      radiological parastomal hernia postoperatively and 20 patients (24.1%) presented
      clinical symptoms. Using computed tomography (CT) classification, the groups were
      as follows: type 0 (40, 48.2%), type Ia (19, 22.9%), type Ib (8, 9.6%), type II
      (4, 4.8%) and type III (12, 14.5%), with 63 asymptomatic patients and 20
      symptomatic patients. The aperture size was significantly different between
      symptomatic and asymptomatic patients (76.45 mm vs. 49.41 mm; P = 0.000). There
      was a significant correlation between aperture size and the radiological type (P
      = 0.003). CONCLUSION: This study showed the incidence of radiological parastomal
      hernia is acceptable compared to previous studies. CT classification may be
      useful to evaluate parastomal hernia.

PMID- 22066110
TI  - Up-regulation of cyclooxygenase-2-derived prostaglandin E(2) in colon cancer
      cells resistant to 5-fluorouracil.
AB  - PURPOSE: It has been suggested that constitutive up-regulation of cyclooxygenase
      (COX)-2 is associated with resistance to apoptosis, increased angiogenesis, and
      increased tumor invasiveness in various cancers including colon cancer. There are
      many factors involved in the resistance to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in colon cancer.
      However, little is known about the role of COX-2 in acquired resistance to 5-FU
      in colon cancer. METHODS: Hence we investigated whether COX-2 contribute to
      acquired resistance to 5-FU in colon cancer cells, using cytotoxicity assay for
      cell survival, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for
      vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), quantitative RT-PCR for COX-1 and COX
      2, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for PGE(2). RESULTS: The 5-FU resistant
      colon cancer cells, SNU-C5/5FUR, showed increased expression of COX-2,
      prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)), and VEGF, compared to its parental cell (SNU-C5). By
      treatment with meloxicam, the expression of PGE(2) and VEGF was reduced
      significantly in the resistant cells, but not in the parent cells. CONCLUSION:
      These results demonstrate that COX-2 derived PGE(2) is up-regulated and COX-2
      inhibitor may have an anti-angiogenic effect in the colon cancer cells resistant
      to 5-FU.

PMID- 22066111
TI  - Clinicopathological features of retrorectal tumors in adults: 9 years of
      experience in a single institution.
AB  - PURPOSE: Primary tumors of the retrorectal space in adults are very rare. Most of
      them are benign masses, but malignant masses are reported on occasion. This study
      aimed to investigate the clinicopathological features of retrorectal tumors.
      METHODS: The medical records of fifteen patients who underwent surgical resection
      of a retrorectal tumor from March 2002 to April 2010 in our hospital were
      reviewed retrospectively. RESULTS: Out of 15 patients, thirteen were females and
      two males. About 1.7 patients were diagnosed with retrorectal tumor annually in
      our hospital. The incidence is one per 1,500 surgeries performed under general
      anesthesia. An anterior approach was performed in eight patients and a posterior
      approach with excision of the coccyx in five patients. Combined approach was
      performed in two patients. Four patients (three in abdominal approach and one in
      combined approach) underwent laparoscopic resection. The mean size of tumors was
      6.2 +/- 2.9 cm. Mature teratoma (four) and neurilemmoma (four) were the most
      common tumors. Except for one case of chondrosarcoma, fourteen tumors were
      confirmed to be of benign nature in histologic examination. Patients who
      underwent a transabdominal approach with laparoscopic surgery had no
      postoperative complication and had a tendency to experience earlier recovery than
      those with open surgery. CONCLUSION: Surgical resection of a retrorectal tumor is
      recommended to relieve pressure symptoms and to confirm the diagnosis. A
      laparoscopic approach may offer excellent visualization of the deep structures in
      the retrorectal space, reduce surgical trauma, and be helpful for early
      postoperative recovery.

PMID- 22066112
TI  - Laparoscopic common bile duct exploration for elderly patients: as a first
      treatment strategy for common bile duct stones.
AB  - PURPOSE: Common bile duct (CBD) stone is a relatively common disease in elderly
      patients. There have been many reports about the efficacy and safety of LCBDE.
      But for elderly patients, only a few studies about its efficacy and safety exist.
      The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy, safety and the surgical
      outcome of LCBDE in patients who are 70 years or older and compare the results
      with those of the younger group. METHODS: From January 2000 to November 2009, 132
      patients underwent LCBDE. We divided these patients into two groups according to
      age and conducted a retrospective analysis. The elderly group included patients
      who were 70 years old or older (n = 64), and the younger group included those who
      were younger than 70 (n = 68). The elderly group was compared to the younger
      group with respect to their clinical characteristics, operation time,
      postoperative hospital stay, open conversion rate, first meal time, postoperative
      complication, recurrence rate and mortality. RESULTS: The elderly group showed
      high American Society of Anesthesiologists score (2.2 vs. 1.9) (P = 0.003),
      preoperative morbidity (47 vs. 29) (P < 0.001), and previous abdominal operation
      (18 vs. 14) (P = 0.046). There were no significant differences in mean operation
      time, postoperative hospital stay, first meal time, recurrence rate, remnant
      stone, complication rates or mortality in both groups (P > 0.05). CONCLUSION:
      LCDBE is a safe and effective treatment modality for CBD stones not only for
      younger patients but also for elderly patients.

PMID- 22066113
TI  - Hepatoblastoma: 15-year experience and role of surgical treatment.
AB  - PURPOSE: Hepatoblastoma is the most common malignant liver tumor in children. The
      aim of this study was to review our results of hepatoblastoma treatment and to
      determine the role of surgical treatment in hepatoblastoma. METHODS: This is a
      retrospective clinical study. The medical records of patients with
      hepatoblastoma, treated between October 1994 and October 2009, were reviewed. The
      patients were classified according to the pretreatment extent of disease
      (PRETEXT) grouping system. The main outcome variable was survival. Secondary
      outcome variables were complete, partial and no response to chemotherapy and
      surgery, when indicated. RESULTS: Twenty-seven patients were treated during the
      observation period. Eighteen were males. Five were PRETEXT group I, 8 group II,
      13 group III and 1 group IV. Complete excision was achieved in all patients
      except in one case that underwent liver transplantation (group IV). Median follow
      up and survival rate were 2.3 years and 100%, 6.6 years and 75%, 5.8 years and
      92%, 7.7 years and 100%, for groups I to IV, respectively. Twenty patients are
      currently considered to be in complete response status and three patients are
      receiving postoperative chemotherapy. Four patients died; the causes of death
      were cytomegalovirus hepatitis, bone marrow suppression during adjuvant
      chemotherapy, primarynonfunction after the transplantation for recurrent tumor
      and metachronous rectal cancer, respectively. CONCLUSION: Favorable long-term
      outcome could be expected for hepatoblastoma with complete tumor excision and
      adjuvant chemotherapy.

PMID- 22066114
TI  - Cystic lymphangioma of the pancreas.
AB  - Lymphangioma is a benign form of neoplasm arising from the lymphatic system. It
      occurs as a result of congenital malformations of the lymphatics leading to the
      obstruction of local lymph flow and the development of lymphangiectasia.
      Lymphangiomas are common in pediatric patients, in the soft tissues of the neck
      and the axillae, but lymphangioma of the pancreas is extremely rare, accounting
      for less than 1% of these tumors. It occurs more frequently in females and is
      often located in the distal pancreas. Although extremely rare, cystic
      lymphangioma of the pancreas should be taken into consideration as a differential
      diagnosis of pancreatic cystic or retroperitoneal lesions, especially in women.
      Herein, we report on a case of cystic lymphangioma of the distal pancreas in a 37
      year-old woman who was treated with complete surgical resection with a review of
      the literature.

PMID- 22066115
TI  - Undifferentiated carcinoma of the pancreas with osteoclast-like giant cells.
AB  - Undifferentiated carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells is a rare neoplasm of
      the exocrine pancreas. Some similar cases have been reported, but the
      histogenesis of these tumors varies and is controversial. We report here on a
      case of undifferentiated carcinoma of the pancreas with osteoclast-like giant
      cells. A 77-year old woman presented with abdominal pain and anorexia. Abdominal
      computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging showed an approximately 10 * 5
      cm highly attenuated mass arising from the tail of the pancreas and invading the
      spleen and adjacent bowel loop. The initial impression was a malignant endocrine
      tumor or solid-pseudopapillary tumor of the pancreas. The patient underwent a
      distal pancreatectomy with splenectomy and left hemicolectomy. The histopathology
      and immunohistochemistry helped make the diagnosis that of an undifferentiated
      carcinoma with osteoclast-like giant cells of the pancreas.

PMID- 22066116
TI  - The current status and future perspectives of laparoscopic surgery for gastric
      cancer.
AB  - Gastric cancer is most common cancer in Korea. Surgery is still the main axis of
      treatment. Due to early detection of gastric cancer, the innovation of surgical
      instruments and technological advances, gastric cancer treatment is now shifting
      to a new era. One of the most astonishing changes is that minimally invasive
      surgery (MIS) is becoming more dominant treatment for early gastric cancer. These
      MIS are represented by endoscopic resection, laparoscopic surgery, robotic
      surgery, single-port surgery and natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery.
      Among them, laparoscopic gastrectomy is most actively performed in the field of
      surgery. Laparoscopy-assisted distal gastrectomy (LADG) for early gastric cancer
      (EGC) has already gained popularity in terms of the short-term outcomes including
      patient's quality of life. We only have to wait for the long-term oncologic
      results of Korean Laparoscopic Gastrointestinal Surgery Study Group. Upcoming top
      issues following oncologic safety of LADG are function-preserving surgery for
      EGC, application of laparoscopy to advanced gastric cancer and sentinel lymph
      node navigation surgery. In the aspect of technique, laparoscopic surgery at
      present could reproduce almost the whole open procedures. However, the other
      fields mentioned above need more evidences and experiences. All these new ideas
      and attempts provide technical advances, which will minimize surgical insults and
      maximize the surgical outcomes and the quality of life of patients.

PMID- 22066117
TI  - Clinical outcomes of TS-1 chemotherapy for advanced and recurrent gastric cancer.
AB  - PURPOSE: Titanium silicate (TS)-1 chemotherapy has been widely used against
      gastric cancer in Japan. The aim of the present study was to assess the efficacy
      and hematological safety of TS-1 as treatment for advanced and recurrent gastric
      cancer. METHODS: From September 2006 to February 2011, 51 advanced or recurrent
      gastric cancers were treated with TS-1. One course of treatment consisted of 40,
      50, or 60 mg/m(2) of TS-1 twice a day for 28 days, followed by withdrawal for two
      weeks. The primary end point was progression-free survival (PFS), and the
      secondary end point was overall survival (OS). RESULTS: The disease control rate
      was 39.2% (complete response, 0/51; partial response, 6/51; stable disease,
      14/51; progressive disease, 23/51; not evaluable, 8/51). The median PFS was 4.0
      months (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.2 to 5.7); the median PFS of the advanced
      group was 6.0 months (95% CI, 2.8 to 9.1), and the median PFS of the recurrent
      group was 3.0 months (95% CI, 1.8 to 4.1). The median OS was 11.0 months (95% CI,
      6.3 to 15.6); the median OS of the advanced group was 10.0 months (95% CI, 4.9 to
      15.0), and the median OS of the recurrent group was 14.0 months (95% CI, 4.1 to
      23.8). Grade 3 or 4 hematological toxicity occurred in three patients (5.9%),
      anemia occurred in two patients (3.9%), and thrombocytopenia occurred in one
      patient (2%). CONCLUSION: TS-1 chemotherapy was safe and effective, with
      relatively long PFS and OS in patients with advanced and recurrent gastric
      cancers.

PMID- 22066118
TI  - Long-term results in the treatment of fistula-in-ano with fibrin glue: a
      prospective study.
AB  - PURPOSE: This prospective study was done to analyze the efficacy of commercial
      fibrin glue application in the healing of patients with fistulas-in-ano from a
      long-term (mean 4.5 years) research period. METHODS: This clinical trial of forty
      six patients was performed during the period from January 2004 to February 2005.
      Thirty-nine men and seven women were treated for a fistula-in-ano with a
      commercial fibrin glue application. In the operating room, the patients underwent
      an anorectal examination under spinal anesthesia. The external and internal
      fistula tract openings were then identified. The fistula tract was curetted.
      Fibrin glue was injected into the external fistula opening until the fibrin glue
      could be seen coming from the internal opening. RESULTS: The overall initial
      success rate was 86.95% (40/46). Recurrence rate was 41.30% (19/46). Two patients
      underwent a re-application with fibrin glue and the fistulas of these patients
      closed. The total recurrence rate was 36.95% (17/46). The long-term overall
      success rate was 63.04% (29/46). CONCLUSION: Fibrin glue application was thus
      found to be an easy, safe, acceptable, successful alternative treatment in the
      management of fistulas-in-ano. Choosing the patient correctly is very important
      because long (more than 4 cm) and non-ramificate fistula tracts usually close
      with commercial fibrin glue.

PMID- 22066119
TI  - Therapeutic potential of adipose tissue-derived stem cells for liver failure
      according to the transplantation routes.
AB  - PURPOSE: Even though adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) have been
      spotlighted as a possible alternative for liver transplantation in an
      experimental setting, the mechanism by which ADSCs improve liver dysfunction
      remains poorly characterized. The objective of this study was to evaluate the
      therapeutic ability of undifferentiated ADSCs, and find a few clues on how ADSCs
      alleviate liver damage by comparing the transplantation routes. METHODS: In vitro
      generated human ADSCs were checked for surface markers and stage-specific genes
      for characterization. Afterwards, they were transplanted into C57BL/6 mice with
      CCl4-induced liver injury. The transplantations were made via tail vein, portal
      vein, and direct liver parenchymal injection. At 1 and 3 post-transplantation
      days, serum biochemical parameters and/or liver specimens were evaluated.
      RESULTS: We have shown here that ADSCs have the characteristics of mesenchymal
      stem cells, and belong to endodermal and/or early hepatic differentiation stage.
      After transplantation into the mice with acute liver failure, markers of liver
      injury, such as alanineaminotransferase, aspartateaminotransferase, as well as
      ammonia, decreased. Of these transplantation routes, transplantation via tail
      vein rendered the most prominent reduction in the biochemical parameters.
      CONCLUSION: Undifferentiated ADSCs have the ability to improve hepatic function
      in mice with acute liver injury. Moreover, our transplantation route study
      supports the theory that ADSCs in systemic circulation can exert endocrine or
      paracrine effects to ameliorate the injured liver.

PMID- 22066120
TI  - Survival benefits of surgical resection in recurrent cholangiocarcinoma.
AB  - PURPOSE: Attempt to identify the beneficial effects associated with surgical
      procedures on survival outcome of patients with recurrent cholangiocarcinoma.
      METHODS: 921 patients diagnosed with cholangiocarcinoma underwent surgical
      resection with curative intent in a single institute during the last 15 years.
      Patients with recurrent disease were divided into two groups according to whether
      surgical procedures were performed for the treatment of recurrence.
      Clinicopathologic variables, ranges of survival based on sites of recurrence, and
      types of treatment were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: The median follow-up
      period was 21.8 months and 316 (34.3%) patients had recurrence. 27 (group A)
      patients with recurrent disease were treated surgically and 289 patients (group
      B) were not treated. Liver resection, metastasectomy, pancreaticoduodenectomy,
      partial pancreatectomy, and regional lymph node dissection were performed on the
      patients in group A. The overall survival rate was statistically higher in group
      A (P = 0.001). Among the surgical procedures, resection of locoregional
      recurrences (except liver) in abdominal cavity (4.0 to 101.8 months vs. 0.6 to
      71.6 months) and metastasectomy of abdominal or chest wall (3.5 to 18.9 months
      vs. 1.9 to 2.2 months) showed remarkable differences with respect to the range of
      survival. CONCLUSION: Better survival outcomes can be expected by performing
      surgical resection of locoregional recurrences (except liver) in abdominal cavity
      and abdominal or chest wall metastatic lesions in recurrent cholangiocarcinoma.

PMID- 22066121
TI  - Management of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography-related
      perforations.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to analyze the treatment strategies of
      patients with endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP)-related
      perforations. This is a retrospective study. METHODS: We experienced 13
      perforations associated with ERCP. We reviewed the medical recordsand classified
      ERCP-related perforations according to mechanism of injury in terms of
      perforating device. Injury by endoscopic tip or insertion tube was classified as
      type I, injury by cannulation catheter or sphincterotomy knife as type II, and
      injury by guidewire as type III. RESULTS: Of four type I injuries, one case was
      managed by conservative management after primary closure with a hemoclip during
      ERCP. The other three patients underwent surgical treatments such as primary
      closure orpancreatico-duodenectomy. Of five type II injuries, two patients
      underwent conservative management and the other three cases were managed by
      surgical treatment such as duodenojejunostomy, duodenal diverticulization and
      pancreatico-duodenectomy. Of four type III injuries, three patients were managed
      conservatively and the remaining patient was managed by T-tube choledochostomy.
      CONCLUSION: Type I injuries require immediate surgical management after EPCP or
      immediate endoscopic closure during ERCP whenever possible. Type II injuries
      require surgical or conservative treatment according to intra- and retro
      peritoneal dirty fluid collection findings following radiologic evaluation. Type
      III injuries almost always improve after conservative treatment with endoscopic
      nasobilliary drainage.

PMID- 22066122
TI  - Inguinal hernia repair in overweight and obese patients.
AB  - PURPOSE: To describe the clinical characteristics and outcomes after inguinal
      hernia repair in overweight and obese patients. METHODS: We retrospectively
      reviewed the medical records of 636 adult patients who underwent mesh plug
      inguinal hernia repair performed by one surgeon from November 2001 to January
      2009.The clinical characteristics and surgical outcomes of the patients were
      analyzed. According to the body mass index, patients higher than 23 were defined
      as overweight and obese patient group (O group) and patients between 18.5 and 23
      were defined as normal weight patient group (N group). Seventeen underweight
      patients were excluded in this study. RESULTS: Of 619 cases, the number for O
      group was 344 (55.6%) and for N group was 275 (44.4%). The mean age was
      significantly higher in N group (62.2 +/- 12.6 vs. 64.4 +/- 14.8, P = 0.048).
      Underlying diseases were present in 226 (65.7%) of the O group and 191 (69.5%) of
      the N group (P = 0.322). Anesthesia method, operative time and postoperative
      hospital stay had no significant difference between the two groups. Postoperative
      complications developed in 41 (11.9%) of the O group and in 28 (10.2%) of the N
      group, respectively, and no major complications developed in either group.
      CONCLUSION: Adult inguinal hernias developed at a relatively younger age in
      overweight and obese patients than in normal weight patients. There were no
      specific differences in other clinical characteristics and outcomes between the
      two groups. Therefore inguinal hernia repair in overweight and obese patients is
      a safe procedure as in normal weight patients.

PMID- 22066123
TI  - Myoepithelial carcinoma with contralateral invasive micropapillary carcinoma of
      the breast.
AB  - Adenomyoepithelioma (AME) is a rare benign tumor composed of myoepithelial cells
      (MECs) which are located beneath the epithelial cells of exocrine glands,
      especially in breast and salivary glands. These tumor cells show biphasic
      proliferation of epithelial and MECs. Malignant AME is characterized by distant
      metastasis, local recurrence, cytologic atypia, high mitotic activity and
      infiltrating tumor margins. A 51-year-old woman presented with an 8 months growth
      in the left breast. She underwent core-needle biopsy and consecutively mammotome
      assisted biopsy at a local clinic. After resection, she complained about re
      growing remnant lesion and a newly developed solid mass in the right breast.
      Finally, the remnant mass in the left breast was diagnosed with myoepithelial
      carcinoma. Concurrently, contralateral breast mass was diagnosed with invasive
      micropapillary carcinoma. Herein we report an unusual case of synchronous
      myoepithelial carcinoma and invasive micropapillary carcinoma of the breast with
      a review of literatures.

PMID- 22066124
TI  - Intramural gallbladder hematoma mimicking gallbladder neoplasm in a 55-year-old
      male patient.
AB  - Hemorrhage in the gallbladder (GB) is usually associated with cholecystitis, GB
      neoplasm, trauma, hemobilia, and cystic artery aneurysm. Our patient had not
      experienced any previous abdominal trauma, and GB hemorrhage was unlikely to
      result from cholecystitis or bleeding diathesis. A 55-year-old male was admitted
      because of right upper quadrant pain. Both prothrombin time and partial
      thromboplastin time were normal. Abdominal computed tomography, endoscopic
      ultrasound and magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography were performed. Image
      studies revealed GB wall thickening and an intraluminal mass. Laparoscopic
      cholecystectomy was performed. Upon opening the GB postoperatively, a large
      amount of fresh blood and old blood clot was noted. The incidence of GB hematoma
      is very rare. GB hematoma should always be considered in the differential
      diagnosis of GB tumor. In such a situation, surgical intervention is needed for
      further patient evaluation and management. We present a rare case of intramural
      GB hematoma, of which we were unable to make a definitive diagnosis
      preoperatively.

PMID- 22066125
TI  - Pancreatic serous cystadenocarcinoma with invasive growth into the colon and
      spleen.
AB  - Serous cystic neoplasms of the pancreas are almost always benign lesions.
      However, there are some case reports of malignant serous neoplasms of the
      pancreas. It is very difficult to distinguish malignant and benign tumors.
      Indeed, only clinicopathologic findings of locoregional invasion and metastasis
      represent a malignancy. We report a serous cystadenocarcinoma of the pancreas
      that was initially considered to be colon cancer. Post-operatively, the tumor was
      confirmed to be a malignant serous cystic tumor of the pancreas. One year later,
      the patient remains disease-free.

PMID- 22066126
TI  - Tacrolimus related neurologic complication after pediatric kidney
      transplantation.
AB  - Recently significant neurotoxicity has been reported with the use of carcineurin
      inhibitors. An 11-year-old-girl had undergone a transplantation of kidney from
      her mother. On post-operative day 12, hypertension, headache, and left motor
      weakness (grade I) suddenly occurred. The brain-magnetic resonance imaging and
      magnetic resonance angiography showed acute cerebral infarction at subcortical
      white matter of the right hemisphere and multiple stenoses of both anterior
      cerebral artery and middle cerebral artery. While stopping tacrolimus treatment,
      we experienced clinical and radiological improvement. So, the neurological
      complications of this patient seem to have been caused by the use of tacrolimus.

PMID- 22066127
TI  - Toward a comprehensive demography: rethinking the research agenda on change and
      response.
AB  - This essay drafts a new interdisciplinary agenda for research on population and
      development. Starting from Kingsley Davis's 1963 formulation of change and
      response, Davis's analytical categories are broadened to include inertia as well
      as change and to encompass both demographic and non-demographic responses at the
      micro, meso, and macro levels. On that basis the essay proposes what can be
      called a comprehensive demography, an approach drawing principally on micro-level
      methodologies like those employed in anthropological demography. Like
      anthropological demography, comprehensive demography questions the rationality of
      actors, emphasizes cultural infuences, and stops short of the postmodernist
      extremes of anthropology. But it also takes explicit account of higher-level
      social, economic, and political factors bearing on demographic behavior and
      outcomes. The conclusion raises some epistemological issues. Illustrative
      examples are offered throughout to demonstrate the feasibility of the approach,
      mainly referring to sub-Saharan africa and the Caribbean and often drawn from the
      authors' own fieldwork.

PMID- 22066128
TI  - Economic recession and fertility in the developed world.
AB  - This article reviews research on the effects of economic recessions on fertility
      in the developed world. We study how economic downturns, as measured by various
      indicators, especially by declining GDP levels, falling consumer confidence, and
      rising unemployment, were found to affect fertility. We also discuss particular
      mechanisms through which the recession may have influenced fertility behavior,
      including the effects of economic uncertainty, falling income, changes in the
      housing market, and rising enrollment in higher education, and also factors that
      influence fertility indirectly such as declining marriage rates. Most studies
      find that fertility tends to be pro-cyclical and often rises and declines with
      the ups and downs of the business cycle. Usually, these aggregate effects are
      relatively small (typically, a few percentage points) and of short durations; in
      addition they often influence especially the timing of childbearing and in most
      cases do not leave an imprint on cohort fertility levels. Therefore, major long
      term fertility shifts often continue seemingly uninterrupted during the recession
      including the fertility declines before and during the Great Depression of the
      1930s and before and during the oil shock crises of the 1970s. Changes in the
      opportunity costs of childbearing and fertility behavior during economic downturn
      vary by sex, age, social status, and number of children; childless young adults
      are usually most affected. Furthermore, various policies and institutions may
      modify or even reverse the relationship between recessions and fertility. The
      first evidence pertaining to the recent recession falls in line with these
      findings. In most countries, the recession has brought a decline in the number of
      births and fertility rates, often marking a sharp halt to the previous decade of
      rising fertility rates.

PMID- 22066129
TI  - Social capital and women's reduced vulnerability to HIV infection in rural
      Zimbabwe.
AB  - Social capital-especially through its "network" dimension (high levels of
      participation in local community groups)-is thought to be an important
      determinant of health in many contexts. We investigate its effect on HIV
      prevention, using prospective data from a general population cohort in eastern
      Zimbabwe spanning a period of extensive behavior change (1998-2003). Almost half
      of the initially uninfected women interviewed were members of at least one
      community group. In an analysis of 88 communities, individuals with higher levels
      of community group participation had lower incidence of new HIV infections and
      more of them had adopted safer behaviors, although these effects were largely
      accounted for by differences in socio-demographic composition. Individual women
      in community groups had lower HIV incidence and more extensive behavior change,
      even after controlling for confounding factors. Community group membership was
      not associated with lower HIV incidence in men, possibly refecting a propensity
      among men to participate in groups that allow them to develop and demonstrate
      their masculine identities-often at the expense of their health. Support for
      women's community groups could be an effective HIV prevention strategy in
      countries with large-scale HIV epidemics.

PMID- 22066130
TI  - A model of greenhouse gas emissions from the management of turf on two golf
      courses.
AB  - An estimated 32,000 golf courses worldwide (approximately 25,600 km2), provide
      ecosystem goods and services and support an industry contributing over $124
      billion globally. Golf courses can impact positively on local biodiversity
      however their role in the global carbon cycle is not clearly understood. To
      explore this relationship, the balance between plant-soil system sequestration
      and greenhouse gas emissions from turf management on golf courses was modelled.
      Input data were derived from published studies of emissions from agriculture and
      turfgrass management. Two UK case studies of golf course type were used, a Links
      course (coastal, medium intensity management, within coastal dune grasses) and a
      Parkland course (inland, high intensity management, within woodland).Playing
      surfaces of both golf courses were marginal net sources of greenhouse gas
      emissions due to maintenance (Links -2.2 +/- 0.4 Mg CO2e ha(-1) y(-1); Parkland -
      2.0 +/- 0.4 Mg CO2e ha(-1) y(-1)). A significant proportion of emissions were
      from the use of nitrogen fertiliser, especially on tees and greens such that 3%
      of the golf course area contributed 16% of total greenhouse gas emissions. The
      area of trees on a golf course was important in determining whole-course emission
      balance. On the Parkland course, emissions from maintenance were offset by
      sequestration from turfgrass, and trees which comprised 48% of total area,
      resulting in a net balance of -5.4 +/- 0.9 Mg CO2e ha(-1) y(-1). On the Links
      course, the proportion of trees was much lower (2%) and sequestration from links
      grassland resulted in a net balance of -1.6 +/- 0.3 Mg CO2e ha(-1) y(-1).
      Recommendations for golf course management and design include the reduction of
      nitrogen fertiliser, improved operational efficiency when mowing, the inclusion
      of appropriate tree-planting and the scaling of component areas to maximise golf
      course sequestration capacity. The findings are transferrable to the management
      and design of urban parks and gardens, which range between fairways and greens in
      intensity of management.

PMID- 22066131
TI  - The early days of the neurosciences intensive care unit.

PMID- 22066132
TI  - The recombination, repair and modification of DNA.
AB  - This article is an overview of the author's involvement in theoretical and
      experimental research on genetic recombination and DNA repair, and also on the
      enzymic modification of cytosine in DNA to 5-methyl cytosine. It includes the
      history of the discovery of the central intermediate in genetic recombination at
      the DNA level, and the repair of mismatched bases. These explain the major
      features of genetic fine structure. The first repair and recombination defective
      mutants in any eukaryote were isolated in the smut fungus Ustilago maydis. The
      hypothesis that DNA methylation has a role in gene expression in higher organism
      is now supported by abundant evidence. Direct evidence that gene silencing in
      mammalian cells is causally related to DNA methylation has been obtained.

PMID- 22066133
TI  - Notice of duplicate publication.
AB  - The Journal of the American Dental Association has learned that the results of a
      study described in a February 2010 JADA article were published previously. An
      article by Dr. Masoumeh Moslemi and colleagues entitled "The Effect of Er,
      Cr:YSGG Laser and Air Abrasion on Shear Bond Strength of a Fissure Sealant to
      Enamel" contained results of research previously published in The Journal of
      Islamic Dental Association of Iran (JIDA).

PMID- 22066134
TI  - Symmetrical ventricular lesions in an adolescent male.

PMID- 22066135
TI  - Posterior fossa mass with multiple cranial neuropathies.

PMID- 22066136
TI  - Frontal intra-axial mass lesion in an adult. Invasive aspergillosis.

PMID- 22066137
TI  - A cystic lesion in the fourth ventricle. Dermoid cyst.

PMID- 22066138
TI  - Sound and fury after stem cell ruling.

PMID- 22066139
TI  - Mending mental health in Misrata.

PMID- 22066140
TI  - A search for wisdom.

PMID- 22066141
TI  - Max Harry (Hal) Weil, MD, PhD, ScD (hon), MACP Master, FCCP, FACC, FCCM, FAHA
      1927 to 2011.

PMID- 22066142
TI  - Retinoid X receptor alpha acts as a negative regulator in Nurr1-induced
      dopaminergic differentiation in rat neural precursor cells.

PMID- 22066143
TI  - Retinoid X receptor alpha acts as a negative regulator in Nurr1-induced
      dopaminergic differentiation in rat neural precursor cells.
AB  - To investigate the role of retinoid X receptor (RXRalpha)-Nurr1 heterodimers in
      tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression, we observed retrovirus-induced RXRalpha
      Nurr1 heterodimer interactions with, and transactivation of, the TH promoter
      region in cultured rat embryonic neural precursor cells. Interestingly, forced
      expression of RXRalpha with Nurr1 remarkably reduced Nurr1 activity in TH+
      dopaminergic neuron generation and significantly down-regulated TH promoter
      activity. These regulatory activities were altered in both Nurr1dim- and
      RXRalphadim- that disrupted dimeric binding, verifying that the Nurr1-RXRalpha
      heterodimer represses TH promoter activity. Therefore, a plausible explanation
      for the inhibitory role of RXRalpha in Nurr1-induced TH expression is that
      RXRalpha differentially affects an inhibitory element of the TH promoter.

PMID- 22066144
TI  - The ESC goes global: policies to prevent all chronic diseases.

PMID- 22066145
TI  - A pioneer in cardiology, professor Sir Salvador Moncada MD, PhD, FRS.

PMID- 22066146
TI  - Systematic review and meta-analysis of pre-clinical research: the need for
      reporting guidelines.

PMID- 22066149
TI  - Donor conception and sharing of genetic information.

PMID- 22066150
TI  - Between state power and popular desire: tobacco in pre-conquest Manchuria, 1600
      1644.
AB  - Tobacco entered Manchuria on the same wave of early modern globalization that
      brought it from the Americas to other parts of Eurasia in the early seventeenth
      century. Introduced into northeast Asia sometime after 1600, it began to
      circulate widely in Manchuria precisely at a time when Hong Taiji (1592-1643) was
      building the early Qing state. This essay examines Hong Taiji's efforts to
      criminalize tobacco in the 1630s and 1640s, arguing that these prohibitions were
      largely directed at gaining state control over a valuable economic resource.
      However, within the commercialized milieu of seventeenth-century Liaodong, a
      region with ties to broader transregional circuits of trade, tobacco's lucrative
      profits and its pleasurable allure simply overpowered state efforts to monopolize
      it. As in most other early seventeenth-century Eurasian societies, the Qing
      tobacco bans quickly gave way to legalization and taxation.

PMID- 22066151
TI  - Between passion and repression: medical views of demon dreams, demonic fetuses,
      and female sexual madness in late imperial China.
AB  - This article argues that early Chinese physicians had already related female
      ailments to their sexual frustration. Moreover, many physicians paid more
      attention to non-reproductive women - nuns, widows, and unmarried women - as if
      they were more prone to suffer from unfulfilled desires and sexual frustration
      and, as a result, produce the sexual dreams and monstrous births that were
      described in the medical literature of medieval China as physical ailments. The
      earlier body-oriented etiology of these female illnesses gradually shifted to
      emotion-oriented perspectives in late imperial China. In particular, the
      sixteenth- and seventeenth-century doctors began to categorize women's sexual
      frustration as "yu disorders" or "love madness." In this article I will show not
      only the changing medical views of female sexual madness throughout the ages, but
      how these views were shaped by the societies in which both the doctors and
      patients were situated.

PMID- 22066152
TI  - The pharmacological tables of Rhazes.
AB  - This article deals with the 22nd volume of Muhammad ibn Zakariya' al-Razi's
      (Rhazes, d. 313/925) medical encyclopedia al-Hawi fi l-tibb. Volume twenty-two is
      dedicated to pharmacology and pharmacological tables, and introduced by a short
      treatise in which Rhazes explains his unusual choice of tabular design and
      terminological arrangement. Following upon a brief bio-bibliographical survey and
      forming the core of this article, Rhazes' introductory treatise is re-edited here
      in the original Arabic and further made accessible through an annotated English
      translation. Edition and translation, in turn, are followed by a detailed study
      of both the treatise and the tables, including explanatory diagrams, statistical
      evaluations, a source-critical analysis, and some observations regarding the
      tradition of synoptic tables in Arabic pharmaceutical literature - thus gradually
      emerges the conceptual originality of Rhazes' implementation, and new light is
      thrown on his broad linguistic interests and abilities. The article concludes
      with an excursion into the realm of Persian-Chinese intellectual exchange,
      suggesting the possibility of a stimulus to Rhazes' imagination from a remote and
      otherwise mostly hidden corner.

PMID- 22066153
TI  - Community, difference and identity: the case of the Irish in Sheffield.
AB  - There is a growing body of research in racial and ethnic studies on the processes
      of identity construction within minority ethnic populations. This article seeks
      to build on this work by analysing emerging collective identity formations in an
      'invisible' minority ethnic group. Based upon focus groups and in-depth
      interviews with Irish people in Sheffield, the article aims to advance three key
      arguments. First, the concept of community is central to an Irish collective
      identity, but is negotiated in a multiplicity of ways. Second, Irish collective
      identity has been shaped not only by demographic differences but by shared
      experiences of non-recognition and stereotyping. Third, there is a simultaneous
      assertion of an Irish identity running parallel with a perception that the
      'traditional' Irish community may have to re-invent itself in response to
      changing demographics at the local level. The paper concludes by considering the
      implications of these arguments for an understanding of Irish ethnicity in
      multicultural Britain.

PMID- 22066154
TI  - A pragmatic assessment of government support for organic agriculture in Ireland.
AB  - Drawing on a pragmatic approach, this paper provides an analysis of government
      support for organic farming in Ireland. Varying levels of encouragement and
      programmes are provided to farmers in their conversion from conventional to
      organic production, and in their maintenance of organic production. As support
      policies vary across regions and are linked to European Union legislation, it is
      challenging to document the many types of support in place. This paper
      investigates relevant technical, financial, and policy support available to
      organic farmers in Ireland. As an exploratory study, it develops an assessment of
      Ireland within eight key categories of organic agricultural support: policy,
      leadership, technical support, financial support, research, education and
      information, marketing and promotion, and future outlook. Information and data
      from the Irish Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (DAFF), the Irish
      Agriculture and Food Development Authority (Teagasc), and other government and
      semi-governmental agencies were utilized to assess the level of support in each
      category. This assessment provides key findings which will allow policymakers,
      organizations and citizens to better understand the current situation and set a
      path for the future development of organic farming in Ireland.

PMID- 22066155
TI  - The goal of the Journal of Invasive Cardiology is to provide state-of-the-art
      information that will support clinicians in the effective management of patients
      with cardiovascular disease. Introduction.

PMID- 22066156
TI  - [Genital cancers in the woman].

PMID- 22066158
TI  - [The financial administration    of a village hospital: Allauch in the 18th
      century].

PMID- 22066159
TI  - [The brides and grooms of 1810 in Vaucluse:    imperial manna and social
      reality].

PMID- 22066160
TI  - [Post doc in the USA - a report of experiences].

PMID- 22066161
TI  - [Compulsory care with a question mark].

PMID- 22066162
TI  - [To breastfeed or not to breastfeed and unnuanced opinion. "Knattetanger" and
      breast feeding fascism].

PMID- 22066163
TI  - [EQUALIS expert group for coagulation. Functional method for the first choice
      diagnostics of hereditary antithrombin deficiency].

PMID- 22066164
TI  - [40 percent of high school pupils abuse alcohol. Strong connection with exposure
      to physical or sexual violence].

PMID- 22066165
TI  - [Specialized pain teams and primary health care in sparsely populated areas--a
      painless cooperation. Team-based work for patients with chronic pain assessed].

PMID- 22066166
TI  - [Hereditary antithrombin deficiency--rare, but serious. Great risk of venous
      thromboembolism].

PMID- 22066167
TI  - [DSM-5: Psychiatry widens its territory].

PMID- 22066168
TI  - [Ambiguous and difficult to interpret results on the effect of antipsychotics on
      brain volume].

PMID- 22066169
TI  - [Counterproductive not to treat streptococcal throat infection].

PMID- 22066170
TI  - [The National Board of Health and Welfare on breast feeding recommendation:
      matter-of-fact and objective information can never be unethical].

PMID- 22066171
TI  - [A definite biological marker].

PMID- 22066172
TI  - Oxygen enhances phosphine toxicity for postharvest pest control.
AB  - Phosphine fumigations under superatmospheric oxygen levels (oxygenated phosphine
      fumigations) were significantly more effective than the fumigations under the
      normal 20.9% atmospheric oxygen level against western flower thrips
      [Frankliniella occidentalis (Pergande)] adults and larvae, leafminer Liriomyza
      langei Frick pupae, grape mealybug [Pseudococcus maritimus (Ehrhorn)] eggs, and
      Indianmeal moth [Plodia interpunctella (Hubner)] eggs and pupae. In 5-h
      fumigations with 1,000 ppm phosphine at 5 degrees C, mortalities of western
      flower thrips increased significantly from 79.5 to 97.7% when oxygen was
      increased from 20.9 to 40% and reached 99.3% under 80% O2. Survivorships of
      leafminer pupae decreased significantly from 71.2% under 20.9% O2 to 16.2% under
      40% O2 and reached 1.1% under 80% O2 in 24-h fumigations with 500 ppm phosphine
      at 5 degrees C. Complete control of leafminer pupae was achieved in 24-h
      fumigations with 1,000 ppm phosphine at 5 degrees C under 60% O2 or higher.
      Survivorships of grape mealybug eggs also decreased significantly in 48-h
      fumigations with 1,000 ppm phosphine at 2 degrees C under 60% O2 compared with
      the fumigations under 20.9% O2. Indian meal moth egg survivorships decreased
      significantly from 17.4 to 0.5% in responses to an oxygen level increase from
      20.9 to 40% in 48-h fumigations with 1,000 ppm phosphine at 10 degrees C and
      reached 0.2% in fumigations under 80% O2. When the oxygen level was reduced from
      20.9 to 15 and 10% in fumigations, survivorships of Indianmeal moth eggs
      increased significantly from 17.4 to 32.9 and 39.9%, respectively. Increased O2
      levels also resulted in significantly lower survival rates of Indianmeal moth
      pupae in response to 24-h fumigations with 500 and 1,000 ppm phosphine at 10
      degrees C and a complete control was achieved in the 1,000 ppm phosphine
      fumigations under 60% O2. Oxygenated phosphine fumigations have marked potential
      to improve insecticidal efficacy. Advantages and limitations of oxygenated
      phosphine fumigation are discussed.

PMID- 22066173
TI  - Modeling the sterile insect technique for suppression of light brown apple moth
      (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae).
AB  - A population model was derived for light brown apple moth, Epiphyas postvittana
      (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), subject to the sterile insect technique
      (SIT). The model was parameterized from the literature and from recent laboratory
      studies conducted in New Zealand and Australia. Relationships were fitted for
      several model parameters that vary with irradiation dose, allowing the model to
      simulate effectively complete sterility at 300 Gy through inherited sterility
      occurring from lower doses. At 300 Gy, the model suggests that eventual
      population extinction is 95% probable when the ratio of released to wild males in
      monitoring traps exceeds 6.4. Higher overflooding rates would be required to
      achieve eradication more rapidly. The optimal release interval, in terms of
      minimizing the required rate of production of factory moths, is approximately
      weekly. There is little advantage in releasing males only compared with releasing
      both sexes. Female-only releases are unlikely to be a useful tool for inherited
      sterility eradication because there is no reduction in the fertility of F1
      offspring. The critical release rate required to halt population increase
      declines with decreasing irradiation dose, but at doses of < 171 Gy there is a
      risk that irradiated-lineage moths may form a self-sustaining population, making
      eradication by SIT alone impossible. The model suggests that a dose of around 200
      Gy may be optimal because the resulting inherited sterility would reduce by a
      third the number of factory moths required compared with 300 Gy.

PMID- 22066174
TI  - Cross-pollination of nontransgenic corn ears with transgenic Bt corn: efficacy
      against lepidopteran pests and implications for resistance management.
AB  - The efficacy of nontransgenic sweet corn, Zea mays L., hybrids cross-pollinated
      by Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) sweet corn hybrids expressing Cry1Ab toxin was
      evaluated in both field and laboratory studies in Minnesota in 2000. Non-Bt and
      Bt hybrids (maternal plants) were cross-pollinated with pollen from both non-Bt
      and Bt hybrids (paternal plants) to create four crosses. Subsequent crosses were
      evaluated for efficacy in the field against European corn borer, Ostrinia
      nubilalis (Hubner), and corn earworm, Helicoverpa zea (Boddie), and in laboratory
      bioassays against O. nubilalis. Field studies indicated that crosses with
      maternal Bt plants led to low levels of survival for both O. nubilalis and H. zea
      compared with the non-Bt x non-Bt cross. However, the cross between non-Bt ears
      and Bt pollen led to survival rates of 43 and 63% for O. nubilalis and H. zea
      larvae, respectively. This intermediate level of survival also was reflected in
      the number of kernels damaged. Laboratory bioassays for O. nubilalis, further
      confirmed field results with larval survival on kernels from the cross between
      non-Bt ears and Bt pollen reaching 60% compared with non-Bt crossed with non-Bt.
      These results suggest that non-Bt refuge plants, when planted in proximity to Bt
      plants, and cross-pollinated, can result in sublethal exposure of O. nubilalis
      and H. zea larvae to Bt and may undermine the high-dose/refuge resistance
      management strategy for corn hybrids expressing Cry1Ab.

PMID- 22066175
TI  - Effect of host plant tissue on the vector transmission of grapevine leafroll
      associated virus 3.
AB  - Many biotic and abiotic factors affect the transmission efficiency of vector
      borne plant pathogens. Insect vector within-plant distribution and host tissue
      preference are known to affect pathogen acquisition and inoculation rates. In
      this study, we first investigated whether feeding tissue affects the transmission
      of Grapevine leafroll-associated virus 3 by Planococcus ficus (Signoret)
      (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) and the effect of mealybug within-plant distribution
      on virus transmission under greenhouse conditions. Results showed no significant
      effect on transmission efficiency after insect confinement on leaf blades,
      petioles or stems of virus source or healthy test plants for either acquisition
      or inoculation trials. Transmission efficiency of a single mealybug varied from 4
      to 25% in those trials. Second, we tested whether leaf position affected
      transmission efficiency due to potentially variable virus populations within
      acquisition plant tissues. No significant differences of transmission rate among
      acquisition leaf position were observed, probably because there were no
      differences in the virus population within source tissues. Finally, we examined
      the seasonality of the virus in field-collected samples and found that GLRaV-3
      prevalence varied along a growing season, such that GLRaV-3 translocated along
      expanding shoots to leaves. Similarly, mealybug populations are known to increase
      in spring, and then mealybugs spread to cordons and leaves. This coordination of
      spatial and temporal dynamics of the virus and its vector may increase the risk
      of GLRaV-3 transmission during late spring and early summer. Further integration
      of information about pathogen populations in plants, vector feeding behavior and
      vector population seasonality could lead to more effective management practices.

PMID- 22066176
TI  - Vector transmission efficiency of liberibacter by Bactericera cockerelli
      (Hemiptera: Triozidae) in zebra chip potato disease: effects of psyllid life
      stage and inoculation access period.
AB  - Successful transmission of plant pathogens by insects depends on the vector
      inoculation efficiency and how rapidly the insect can effectively transmit the
      pathogen to the host plant. The potato psyllid, Bactericera cockerelli (Sulc),
      has recently been found to transmit "Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum," a
      bacterium associated with zebra chip (ZC), an emerging and economically important
      disease of potato in several parts of the world. Currently, little is known about
      the epidemiology of ZC and its vector's inoculation capabilities. Studies were
      conducted in the field and laboratory to 1) assess transmission efficiency of
      potato psyllid nymphs and adults; 2) determine whether psyllid inoculation access
      period affects ZC incidence, severity, and potato yield; and 3) determine how
      fast the psyllid can transmit liberibacter to potato, leading to ZC development.
      Results showed that adult potato psyllids were highly efficient vectors of
      liberibacter that causes ZC and that nymphs were less efficient than adults at
      transmitting this bacterium. It was also determined that inoculation access
      period had little influence on overall ZC disease incidence, severity, and
      resulting yield loss. Moreover, results showed that exposure of a plant to 20
      adult potato psyllids for a period as short as 1 h resulted in ZC symptom
      development. Furthermore, it was shown that a single adult potato psyllid was
      capable of inoculating liberibacter to potato within a period as short as 6 h,
      thereby inducing development of ZC. This information will help in developing
      effective management strategies for this serious potato disease.

PMID- 22066177
TI  - Does use of pesticides known to harm natural enemies of spider mites (Acari:
      Tetranychidae) result in increased number of miticide applications? An
      examination of California walnut orchards.
AB  - Integrated pest management (IPM) offers guidelines to reduce spider mite (Acari:
      Tetranychidae) outbreaks by avoiding pesticides known to be harmful to the
      natural enemies of spider mites. However, in practice, these guidelines can be
      inconsistent in their effectiveness. The project examined whether California
      walnut (Juglans L.) growers, following IPM guidelines to avoid pesticides harmful
      to the natural enemies of spider mites, achieved lower miticide use. Significant
      statistical tests suggested that fields with harmful applications were 40% more
      likely to have a miticide application than fields without. Although the IPM
      guidelines achieved the goal of reducing miticide use, further analysis of other
      potential causal mechanisms behind outbreaks could strengthen the effectiveness
      of the guidelines, potentially increasing IPM adoption.

PMID- 22066178
TI  - Bacillus subtilis subspecies virginiana, a new subspecies of antitermitic
      compound-producing endophytic bacteria isolated from Juniperus virginiana.
AB  - Termites are worldwide pests causing considerable damage to agriculture, forestry
      and buildings. Although physical and chemical methods have been tried to
      eliminate termite populations, they have the limitations such as low
      effectiveness, high-toxicity residue, environmentally harmful and high cost.
      Therefore, it has attracted much attention to develop highly effective, low
      toxic, long residual period, environmentally friendly and low-cost termiticidals.
      Here, we report the characterization and antitermitic activities of a new
      antitermitic compound-producing endophytic bacterium HUB-I-47 isolated from
      eastern red-cedar, Juniperus virginiana L. The morphological, physiochemical
      characteristics of strain HUB-I-47 and its 16S rDNA sequences, and the
      antitermitic compound were analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were
      studied. We found that the morphology of HUB-I-47 was very similar to that of
      Bacillus subtilis but presented some differences in shape and cell size. Growth
      evaluation showed that the lowest, highest, and optimum growth temperatures of
      HUB-I-47 were 12, 47, and 31 degrees C, respectively, which were different from
      those of reference strains. The 16S rDNA sequence analysis revealed a high
      similarity of 99% to those of B. subtilis. Based on these analyses, we named
      strain HUB-I-47 as B. subtilis subsp. virginiana D. P. Zhou, K. Zhao, J. Liu et
      W. X. Ping, subsp. nov. This is the first report on the analysis of antitermitic
      compounds from endophytic bacteria. Our study identified a new resource of
      antitermitic compounds through endophytic bacteria fermentation.

PMID- 22066179
TI  - Generic phytosanitary radiation treatment for tephritid fruit flies provides
      quarantine security for Bactrocera latifrons (Diptera: Tephritidae).
AB  - Bactrocera latifrons (Hendel) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is a quarantine pest of
      several solanaceous crops and tropical fruits that are treated using irradiation
      before export from Hawaii to the U.S. mainland. A dose of 150 Gy is approved as a
      generic irradiation treatment for tephritid fruit flies, but no confirmation of
      efficacy has been reported for B. latifrons. Dose response of B. latifrons was
      used to determine the most tolerant life stage and identify a dose that prevents
      adult emergence. Data indicated doses (plus 95% confidence limits) required to
      prevent adult emergence of 13.4 (10.0-29.6), 17.5 (14.4-24.8), and 88.1 (68.0
      133.8) Gy for eggs, first instars and third instars, respectively. In large-scale
      confirmatory tests of the most radiotolerant life stage, a radiation dose of 150
      Gy applied to B. latifrons late third instars in bell peppers (Capsicum annuum
      L.) resulted in no survival to the adult stage of 157,112 individuals, a
      treatment efficacy consistent with Probit 9-level mortality. The relative
      radiotolerance of melon fly Bactrocera cucurbitae Coquillet, and B. latifrons
      also was tested using a diagnostic radiation dose of 30 Gy. In diet, a mean of
      6.9% of irradiated B. cucurbitae third instars developed to the adult stage,
      whereas no B. latifrons third instars developed to adults. In papaya, Carica
      papaya L., fruit, a mean of 3.3% of irradiated B. cucurbitae third instars
      developed to the adult stage, whereas 0.5% B. latifrons third instars developed
      to adults. This report supports the use of a generic radiation dose of 150 Gy in
      quarantine scenarios to control tephritid fruit flies on fresh commodities.

PMID- 22066180
TI  - Worldwide host plants of the highly polyphagous, invasive Epiphyas postvittana
      (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae).
AB  - The light brown apple moth, Epiphyas postvittana (Walker) (Lepidoptera:
      Tortricidae), is a highly successful biological invader. It was accidentally
      introduced to several countries including New Zealand, Hawaii, England, and
      California. Light brown apple moth attacks a wide range of crop plants and other
      woody and herbaceous plants, but a more comprehensive analysis of its host range
      is needed for risk assessments, to evaluate the likely economic and environmental
      impacts, and to enable targeting of particular plant species for detection
      surveys and treatments. We reviewed and synthesized the host range and host
      selection behavior of light brown apple moth by using information from Australia
      and invaded countries. The host range of light brown apple moth is determined by
      the behavior of both adult females and larvae. Females use visual, chemical and
      physical cues to choose host plants. Larvae are capable of limited active
      dispersal by walking and longer range dispersal by ballooning on silken strands;
      therefore, larvae also may need to select host plants. We review larval
      performance indicators across a range of plants. Based on our review, there are
      at least 545 plant species in 363 genera from 121 families that have been
      reported as hosts of light brown apple moth. Some plants were reported only once
      and need verification. Nevertheless, many host plant species and their wide
      phylogenetic range (from ferns to higher dicotyledons) indicates that light brown
      apple moth is one of the most polyphagous insects known. This information and our
      categorization of frequency of host use are valuable for incursion response and
      pest management activities.

PMID- 22066181
TI  - Temperature-dependent demography of Chilades pandava peripatria (Lepidoptera:
      Lycaenidae).
AB  - Chilades pandava peripatria Hsu and its host plant Cycas taitungensis Shen, Hill,
      Tsou & Chen are both endemic species to Taiwan. Ch. pandava peripatria has a
      specific association with buds and soft leaves of cycad plants. The introduced
      species, Cy. revoluta, have prolonged budding periods and extensive auxiliary
      buds that extensively contribute to the outbreak of Ch. pandava peripatria. An in
      depth knowledge of the development, survival, and fecundity of Ch. pandava
      peripatria under different environmental conditions is necessary to understand
      the population growth of Ch. pandava peripatria. The demography of Ch. pandava
      peripatria was studied based on the age-stage, two-sex life table at 20, 23, 25,
      28, and 31 degrees C, 70% RH, and a photoperiod of 16:8 (L:D) h under laboratory
      conditions. Ch. pandava peripatria completed its development under tested
      temperatures but did not produce offsprings at 23 degrees C. Because of the high
      egg mortality at 20 degrees C, the data at this given temperature were excluded
      from this study. The intrinsic rate of increase (r) under these tested
      temperatures was 0.1846, 0.2919, and 0.1412 d(-1), respectively. The net
      reproductive rate (H(o)) was 165.47, 262.32, and 56.68 offsprings per individual
      and the mean generation time (T) was 27.72, 19.10, and 28.67 d, respectively. Our
      results indicated that Ch. pandava peripatria is highly adaptable to environments
      where temperature ranges from 25 to 31 degrees C.

PMID- 22066182
TI  - Bioefficacy of Alpinia galanga (Zingiberaceae) rhizome extracts, (E)-p
      acetoxycinnamyl alcohol, and (E)-p-coumaryl alcohol ethyl ether against
      Bactrocera dorsalis (Diptera: Tephritidae) and the impact on detoxification
      enzyme activities.
AB  - The application of insecticides to control oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera
      dorsalis Hendel (Diptera: Tephritidae), is a principal component of the current
      management of these fruit flies. However, we evaluated four extracts of Alpinia
      galanga Wild Linn (Zingiberaceae) rhizomes against adult flies and found hexane
      and ethanol extracts to be most effective (LC50 = 4,866 and 6,337 ppm,
      respectively, after 24 h). This suggested that both nonpolar and polar compounds
      could be active in the candidate plant. Accordingly, the hexane extract was
      further processed to isolate nonpolar active compounds from this plant source.
      Two compounds, (E)-p-acetoxycinnamyl alcohol and (E)-p-coumaryl alcohol ethyl
      ether, were identified as active ingredients and found to be more active than
      total hexane extract (LC50 = 3,654 and 4,044 ppm, respectively, after 24 h). The
      data suggested that the compounds were not synergistic but may have some additive
      effect in a mixture. The activity of the hexane extract against detoxification
      enzymes, carboxylesterase (CE) and glutathione transferase (GST) also was
      determined in vitro. CE was inhibited by 70%, whereas GST was not significantly
      inhibited. Insect CEs mediate insecticide resistance via their induction;
      therefore, inhibition of these enzymes by plant allelochemicals could be a useful
      alternative approach for the management of the pest in the field.

PMID- 22066183
TI  - Lethal and sublethal toxicity of fipronil and imidacloprid on Psyttalia concolor
      (Hymenoptera: Braconidae).
AB  - Psyttalia concolor (Szepligeti) (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) is a koinobiont
      endoparasitoid of several species of tephritid (Diptera) larvae, such as
      Bactrocera oleae (Gmelin) and Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann). Here, we report on
      the effects of imidacloprid and fipronil on P. concolor females, when different
      routes of exposure were evaluated: residual contact (cover and bait sprays) and
      via treatment of host species. Moreover, the persistence of the bait formulated
      compound also was studied. For each experiment, lethal (mortality) and sublethal
      effects (parasitization rate or longevity) were studied. Fipronil produced 100%
      mortality irrespective of exposure route, and it was very persistent, because 34
      d-old residues still produced this high mortality rate, being as toxic or even
      more toxic than the reference product dimethoate. Toxicity of imidacloprid
      depends on the mode of exposure, although always remained less toxic than
      dimethoate. Imidacloprid caused high mortality or sublethal effect to the progeny
      in cover sprays and when applied via treated host, being harmless in bait sprays
      application. In conclusion, our results suggest that fipronil should not be used
      in the field when the parasitoid is present. On the contrary, although
      imidacloprid is physiologically active against females of P. concolor, ecological
      selectivity may result through the use of bait treatment.

PMID- 22066184
TI  - Response of Pisum sativum (Fabales: Fabaceae) to Sitona lineatus (Coleoptera:
      Curculionidae) infestation: effect of adult weevil density on damage, larval
      population, and yield loss.
AB  - Sitona lineatus L. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is an invasive pest in North
      America and its geographical range is currently expanding across the Canadian
      prairies. Adults and larvae of S. lineatus feed upon the foliage and root
      nodules, respectively, of field pea, Pisum sativum L. (Fabales: Fabaceae), and
      may contribute to economic losses when population densities are high. Integrated
      pest management (IPM) programs that incorporate economic thresholds should be
      used to manage S. lineatus populations in a sustainable manner. The impact of
      nitrogen fertilizer on field pea yield and the relationships between adult weevil
      density and above- and below-ground damage and yield were investigated in
      southern Alberta, Canada using exclusion cages on field pea plots. In each cage,
      32 field pea plants were exposed to weevil densities ranging from zero to one
      adult weevil per plant. Nitrogen-fertilized plants yielded 16% more than
      unfertilized plants. Nitrogen-fertilized plants had fewer root nodules than
      unfertilized plants, but fertilizer had no effect on foliar feeding by S.
      lineatus. Adult density affected foliar feeding damage, with increases in above
      ground damage associated with increases in S. lineatus density. Adult density did
      not affect root nodule damage, larval density, foliar biomass or seed weight.
      Overall, these results indicate that terminal leaf damage may be used to estimate
      adult weevil density but cannot be used to predict larval density or yield loss.
      Further research is required to better understand the impact of larval damage on
      yield and determine if economic thresholds can be developed using data from large
      scale production systems.

PMID- 22066185
TI  - Relative feeding and development of armyworm on switchgrass and corn, and its
      potential effects on switchgrass grown for biomass.
AB  - To help assess the potential for damage by armyworms [Mythimna (Pseudaletia)
      unipuncta (Haworth) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)] to switchgrass (Panicum virgatum
      L.) and surrounding crops, survival and development were evaluated for larvae
      reared on leaves of switchgrass, corn (Zea mays L.), and miscanthus (Miscanthus x
      giganteus Greef and Deuter ex Hodkinson and Renvoize). Additional tests assessed
      the relationship between leaf position and the concentration of saponins (plant
      compounds which can provide protection from insect herbivores) and examined the
      effect of defoliation on switchgrass dry mass. Survival to adulthood was similar
      when larvae were reared on field-grown leaves of switchgrass and corn. However,
      lower larval mass (10 d) and delayed development of M. unipuncta (to pupation,
      adult emergence) suggest switchgrass is an inferior host relative to corn. When
      fed field-grown miscanthus, no larvae survived 10 d. Few differences were noted
      between switchgrass and corn grown under controlled (laboratory) conditions, but
      M. unipuncta survival seemed to decline rapidly when larvae were fed the fourth
      and fifth leaves of switchgrass. Switchgrass leaf samples collected from
      different leaf positions and stages of tiller maturity showed up to 10-fold
      differences in the concentration of the saponin protodioscin, with the greatest
      concentrations in the fourth and fifth leaves. However, other saponins showed an
      opposite pattern, indicating the role of protodioscin on insect development
      should be tested in isolation (e.g., by addition of the purified compound to an
      artificial diet). Defoliation trials indicated that extremely high M. unipuncta
      populations may be necessary to cause any significant reduction in switchgrass
      biomass. Collectively, results suggest M. unipuncta may not present a significant
      risk to biomass production in switchgrass, but that the spring emergence of
      switchgrass provides an alternate host for M. unipuncta before colonizing annual
      food and feed crops.

PMID- 22066186
TI  - Soybean aphid and soybean cyst nematode interactions in the field and effects on
      soybean yield.
AB  - How above- and belowground plant pests interact with each other and how these
      interactions affect productivity is a relatively understudied aspect of crop
      production. Soybean cyst nematode, Heterodera glycines Ichinohe, a root parasite
      of soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merr., is the most threatening pathogen in soybean
      production and soybean aphid, Aphis glycines Matsumura, an aboveground phloem
      feeding insect that appeared in North America in 2000, is the key aboveground
      herbivore of soybean in the midwestern United States. Now, both soybean aphid and
      soybean cyst nematode co-occur in soybean-growing areas in the Upper Midwest. The
      objectives of this study were to examine aphid colonization patterns and
      population growth on soybean across a natural gradient of nematode density
      (range, approximately 900 and 27,000 eggs per 100 cm3 soil), and to investigate
      the effect of this pest complex on soybean productivity. Alate (winged) soybean
      aphid colonization of soybean was negatively correlated to soybean cyst nematode
      egg density (r = -0.363, P = 0.0095) at the end of July, at the onset of peak
      alate colonization. However, both a manipulative cage study and openly colonized
      plants showed that soybean cyst nematode density below ground was unrelated to
      variation in aphid population growth (r approximately -0.01). Based on regression
      analyses, soybean aphids and cyst nematodes had independent effects on soybean
      yield through effects on different yield components. High soybean cyst nematode
      density was associated with a decline in soybean yield (kg ha(-1)), whereas
      increasing soybean aphid density (both alate and apterous) significantly
      decreased seed weight (g 100 seeds(-1)).

PMID- 22066187
TI  - Impact of Lygus spp. (Hemiptera: Miridae) on damage, yield and quality of
      lesquerella (Physaria fendleri), a potential new oil-seed crop.
AB  - Lesquerella, Physaria fendleri (A. Gray) S. Watson, is a mustard native to the
      western United States and is currently being developed as a commercial source of
      valuable hydroxy fatty acids that can be used in a number of industrial
      applications, including biolubricants, biofuel additives, motor oils, resins,
      waxes, nylons, plastics, corrosion inhibitors, cosmetics, and coatings. The plant
      is cultivated as a winter-spring annual and in the desert southwest it harbors
      large populations of arthropods, several of which could be significant pests once
      production expands. Lygus spp. (Hemiptera: Miridae) are common in lesquerella and
      are known pests of a number of agronomic and horticultural crops where they feed
      primarily on reproductive tissues. A 4-yr replicated plot study was undertaken to
      evaluate the probable impact of Lygus spp. on production of this potential new
      crop. Plant damage and subsequent seed yield and quality were examined relative
      to variable and representative densities of Lygus spp. (0.3-4.9 insects per sweep
      net) resulting from variable frequency and timing of insecticide applications.
      Increasing damage to various fruiting structures (flowers [0.9-13.9%], buds [1.2
      7.1%], and seed pods [19.4-42.5%]) was significantly associated with increasing
      pest abundance, particularly the abundance of nymphs, in all years. This damage,
      however, did not consistently translate into reductions in seed yield (481-1,336
      kg/ha), individual seed weight (0.5-0.7 g per 1,000 seed), or seed oil content
      (21.8-30.4%), and pest abundance generally explained relatively little of the
      variation in crop yield and quality. Negative effects on yield were not sensitive
      to the timing of pest damage (early versus late season) but were more pronounced
      during years when potential yields were lower due to weed competition and other
      agronomic factors. Results suggest that if the crop is established and managed in
      a more optimal fashion, Lygus spp. may not significantly limit yield.
      Nonetheless, additional work will be needed once more uniform cultivars become
      available and yield effects can be more precisely measured. Densities of Lygus
      spp. in unsprayed lesquerella are on par with those in other known agroecosystem
      level sources of this pest (e.g., forage and seed alfalfa, Medicago sativa L.).
      Thus, lesquerella production may introduce new challenges to pest management in
      crops such as cotton.

PMID- 22066188
TI  - Mortality impact of Bt transgenic maize roots expressing eCry3.1Ab, mCry3A, and
      eCry3.1Ab plus mCry3A on western corn rootworm larvae in the field.
AB  - Mortality of the western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte,
      larvae due to feeding on maize, Zea mays L., expressing Bacillus thuringiensis
      Berliner (Bt) was evaluated in five Missouri sites in 2007, 2008, and 2009.
      Specifically, eCry3.1Ab (5307), mCry3A (MIR604), and eCry3.1Ab plus mCry3A
      proteins relative to survivorship on maize with the same genetic background
      without these genes (isoline maize) was evaluated. An average of 890.8 +/- 152.3
      beetles emerged from isoline plots, whereas average beetle emergence from 5307,
      MIR604, and 5307 x MIR604 was 1.9 +/- 0.6, 19.3 +/- 6.3, and 0.8 +/- 0.3,
      respectively, when averaged across 22 replications in five environments. Overall,
      66, 50, 61, and 51% of beetles recovered from 5307, MIR604, 5307 x MIR604, and
      isoline maize, respectively, were female, and there was no significant difference
      between the number of male and female beetles that emerged from any of these
      treatments. Mortality due to 5307, MIR604, and 5307 x MIR604 was 99.79, 97.83,
      and 99.91%, respectively. There was an 8.0-d delay in time to 50% beetle
      emergence from 5307 compared with isoline maize, which was significantly later
      than to the other three maize lines. The average delay to 50% emergence from
      MIR604 and 5307 x MIR604 averaged 4.1 and 4.6 d, respectively later than 50%
      emergence from isoline maize. Female beetles had a significant delay in time to
      50% emergence compared with male beetles from all treatments with the exception
      of 5307 x MIR604. Data are discussed in terms of insect resistance management in
      relation to other control measures for western corn rootworm.

PMID- 22066189
TI  - A male-produced aggregation pheromone of Monochamus alternatus (Coleoptera:
      Cerambycidae), a major vector of pine wood nematode.
AB  - The beetle Monochamus alternatus Hope (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) is an efficient
      vector of pine wood nematode, the causal pathogen of pine wilt disease, that has
      resulted in devastating losses of pines in much of Asia. We assessed the response
      of adult M. alternatus to 2-(undecyloxy)-ethanol, the male-produced pheromone of
      the congeneric M. galloprovincialis Dejean, in field experiments in Fujian
      Province, People's Republic of China. Both sexes of M. alternatus were attracted
      to lures consisting of 2-(undecyloxy)-ethanol combined with the host plant
      volatiles alpha-pinene and ethanol. A follow-up experiment showed that 2
      (undecyloxy)-ethanol was synergized by both ethanol and alpha-pinene. Coupled gas
      chromatography mass-spectrometry analyses of volatiles sampled from field
      collected beetles of both sexes revealed that 2-(undecyloxy)-ethanol was a sex
      specific pheromone component produced only by males. The combination of 2-
      (undecyloxy) -ethanol with ethanol and/or alpha-pinene will provide a valuable
      and badly needed tool for quarantine detection, monitoring, and management of M.
      alternatus.

PMID- 22066190
TI  - Evaluation of Agrilus planipennis (Coleoptera: Buprestidae) control provided by
      emamectin benzoate and two neonicotinoid insecticides, one and two seasons after
      treatment.
AB  - Effective methods are needed to protect ash trees (Fraxinus spp.) from emerald
      ash borer, Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire (Coleoptera: Buprestidae), an invasive
      buprestid that has killed millions of North American ash (Fraxinus spp.) trees.
      We randomly assigned 175 ash trees (11.5-48.1 cm in diameter) in 25 blocks
      located in three study sites in Michigan to one of seven insecticide treatments
      in May 2007. Treatments included 1) trunk-injected emamectin benzoate; 2) trunk
      injected imidacloprid; 3) basal trunk spray of dinotefuran with or 4) without
      Pentra-Bark, an agricultural surfactant; 5) basal trunk spray of imidacloprid
      with or 6) without Pentra-Bark; or (7) control. Foliar insecticide residues
      (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and toxicity of leaves to adult A.
      planipennis (4-d bioassays) were quantified at 3-4-wk intervals posttreatment.
      Seven blocks of trees were felled and sampled in fall 2007 to quantify A.
      planipennis larval density. Half of the remaining blocks were retreated in spring
      2008. Bioassays and residue analyses were repeated in summer 2008, and then all
      trees were sampled to assess larval density in winter. Foliage from emamectin
      benzoate-treated trees was highly toxic to adult A. planipennis, and larval
      density was < 1% of that in comparable control trees, even two seasons
      posttreatment. Larval densities in trees treated with trunk-injected imidacloprid
      in 2007 + 2008 were similar to control trees. Dinotefuran and imidacloprid were
      effectively translocated within trees treated with the noninvasive basal trunk
      sprays; the surfactant did not appreciably enhance A. planipennis control. In
      2008, larval densities were 57-68% lower in trees treated with dinotefuran or
      imidacloprid trunk sprays in 2007 + 2008 than on controls, but densities in trees
      treated only in 2007 were similar to controls. Highly effective control provided
      by emamectin benzoate for > or = 2 yr may reduce costs or logistical issues
      associated with treatment.

PMID- 22066191
TI  - Effectiveness of odor-baited trap trees for plum curculio (Coleoptera:
      Curculionidae) monitoring in commercial apple orchards in the northeast.
AB  - The plum curculio, Conotrachelus nenuphar (Herbst), is a key pest of pome and
      stone fruit in eastern and central North America. For effective management of
      this insect pest in commercial apple (Malus spp.) orchards in the northeastern
      United States and Canada, one of the greatest challenges has been to determine
      the need for and timing of insecticide applications that will protect apple fruit
      from injury by adults. In a 2004-2005 study, we assessed the efficacy and
      economic viability of a reduced-risk integrated pest management strategy
      involving an odor-baited trap tree approach to determine need for and timing of
      insecticide use against plum curculio based on appearance of fresh egg-laying
      scars. Evaluations took place in commercial apple orchards in seven northeastern
      U.S. states. More specifically, we compared the trap-tree approach with three
      calendar-driven whole-block sprays and with heat-unit accumulation models that
      predict how long insecticide should be applied to orchard trees to prevent injury
      by plum curculio late in the season. Trap tree plots received a whole-plot
      insecticide spray by the time of petal fall, and succeeding sprays (if needed)
      were applied to peripheral-row trees only, depending on a threshold of one fresh
      plum curculio egg-laying scar out of 25 fruit sampled from a single trap tree. In
      both years, level of plum curculio injury to fruit sampled from perimeter-row,
      the most interior-row trees and whole-plot injury in trap tree plots did not
      differ significantly from that recorded in plots subject to conventional
      management or in plots managed using the heat-unit accumulation approach. The
      amount of insecticide used in trap tree plots was reduced at least by 43%
      compared with plots managed with the conventional approach. Advantages and
      potential pitfalls of the bio-based trap tree approach to plum curculio
      monitoring in apple orchards are discussed.

PMID- 22066192
TI  - Delaying onion planting to control onion maggot (Diptera: Anthomyiidae): efficacy
      and underlying mechanisms.
AB  - Onion maggot, Delia antiqua (Meigen) (Diptera: Anthomyiidae), is an important
      pest of onion, Allium cepa L., in northern temperate areas, especially in the
      Great Lakes region of North America Management of D. antiqua relies on
      insecticide use at planting, but insecticide resistance can cause control
      failures that threaten the long-term viability of this strategy. Delaying the
      time onions are planted was investigated as an alternative management approach
      for D. antiqua and the ecological and behavioral mechanisms underlying host age
      and insect relationships were examined in laboratory and field experiments.
      Delaying onion planting by two to four weeks reduced damage to onions by 35 and
      90%, respectively. Onions planted later emerged later and this reduced the period
      overwintered flies had to oviposit on the plants. Moreover, flies tended to lay
      few to no eggs on these young, late-planted onions. As anticipated, D. antiqua
      laid 4-8 times more eggs on older onions than on young onions, and older onions
      were more resilient to injury caused by D. antiqua neonates compared with younger
      onions. However, the resiliency to maggot attack lessened as the density of D.
      antiqua increased from 2 to 10 eggs per plant, which probably explains why
      greater levels of maggot damage are typically observed in early onion plantings
      compared with later plantings. Delaying onion planting until mid-May reduced D.
      antiqua damage without jeopardizing the period required to produce marketable
      yield, but this cultural tactic must be combined with other management strategies
      to prevent economic loss.

PMID- 22066193
TI  - Repellency of naturally occurring volatile alcohols to fungus gnat Bradysia sp.
      nr. coprophila (Diptera: Sciaridae) adults under laboratory conditions.
AB  - This study, conducted under laboratory conditions, was designed to determine the
      repellent activity of 10 naturally occurring volatile alcohol constituents
      against adults of the fungus gnat, Bradysia sp. nr. coprophila (Lintner)
      (Diptera: Sciaridae). The essential oil constituents were octanoic acid,
      furfural, acetophenone, benzaldehyde, dimethoxybenzene, borneol, menthol, 1-octen
      3-ol, and 7-hydroxycitronellol, and alpha-terpineol. alpha-Terpineol, octanoic
      acid and furfural were tested at several concentrations, whereas the remaining
      seven were tested at only one concentration. The essential oil constituents'
      menthol, 1-octen-3-ol, and borneol displayed the most repellent activity. The
      mean percentage of fungus gnat adults recovered from the test compound petri
      dishes associated with the three essential oil constituents was between 6 and 15%
      compared with between 36 and 50% for the petri dishes with distilled water. The
      mean +/- SEM number of fungus gnat adults present in the sample compartments
      associated with menthol (10.4 +/- 2.6), 1-octen-3-ol (18.8 +/- 2.4), and borneol
      (23.4 +/- 5.6) was statistically lower than those in the petri dishes containing
      distilled water (60.9 +/- 7.4, 49.8 +/- 4.0, and 79.7 +/- 13.5), respectively.
      Only the highest concentration of alpha-terpineol (8.0 micromol) displayed
      significant repellent activity against fungus gnat adults. The other essential
      constituents tested, including octanoic acid (all three concentrations), furfural
      (both concentrations), acetophenone, dimethoxybenzene, and 7-hydroxycitronellol,
      were not statistically different from the distilled water control. The results of
      this study indicate that certain essential oil constituents repel fungus gnat
      adults, which may be useful, from a practical standpoint, in deterring adults
      from laying eggs into growing media.

PMID- 22066194
TI  - Phenological dynamics of Dasineura mali (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) and its
      parasitoid Platygaster demades (Hymenoptera: Platygasteridae) in apple orchards.
AB  - The midge Dasineura mali Kieffer (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae) is an important pest of
      apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) and a potential fresh fruit contaminant, causing
      quarantine concerns. The phenological dynamics of D. mali and its egg parasitoid
      Platygaster demades Walker (Hymenoptera: Platygasteridae) were studied in the
      field in Palmerston North, New Zealand, for 2 yr. Both shoot infestation rate by
      D. mali and D. mali density per shoot sharply increased in the second generation,
      reaching approximately 65% and 100-200 eggs, respectively. However, although the
      infestation rate in the third generation remained as high as in the second
      generation, the pest density per shoot significantly decreased to 40-60 eggs in
      the third generation. In the fourth generation, both infestation rate and pest
      density per shoot decreased to approximately 30% and 10 eggs. Due to the
      simultaneous decline of the apple shoot number and D. mali density in the third
      and fourth D. mali generations, the absolute number of D. mali in the orchard
      also has declined proportionally during the same period. The parasitism and
      superparasitism rates significantly increased as the season progressed, from 45
      to 55 and 37% in the first generation to 87 and 82% in the fourth generation,
      respectively. Our results suggest that P. demades contributes to the continuous
      decline of D. mali numbers in the field; it is a good searcher, particularly when
      its hosts become increasingly scarcer over the season, and it avoids overshooting
      the host population later in the season by increasing superparasitism. The
      frequency of P. demades aestivation increases from late spring to midsummer and
      then decreases during the late summer and early autumn. Although the emergence of
      P. demades was approximately 2 to 3 wk behind that of D. mali in each generation,
      the increasing parasitism rates from the first to the fourth generations indicate
      that P. demades is synchronized with D. mali in the field.

PMID- 22066195
TI  - Chemosterilant bait stations coupled with sterile insect technique: an integrated
      strategy to control the Mediterranean fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae).
AB  - During 2008 and 2009, the efficacy of the combination of two Mediterranean fruit
      fly, Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae), control techniques,
      sterile insect technique (SIT) and a chemosterilant bait station system (Adress),
      was tested in three crops: citrus (Citrus spp.), stone fruit (Prunus spp.), and
      persimmon (Diospyros spp.). Two thousand sterile males were released per ha each
      week in the whole trial area (50,000 ha, SIT area). For 3,600 ha, within the
      whole trial area, 24 Adress traps per ha were hung (SIT + Adress area). Ten SIT +
      Adress plots and 10 SIT plots in each of three different fruit crops were
      arranged to assess Mediterranean fruit fly population densities and fruit damage
      throughout the trial period. To evaluate the efficacy of each treatment, the male
      and female populations were each monitored from August 2008 to November 2009, and
      injured fruit was assessed before harvest. Results showed a significant reduction
      in the C. capitata population in plots treated with both techniques versus plots
      treated only with the SIT. Likewise, a corresponding reduction in the percentage
      of injured fruit was observed. These data indicate the compatibility of these
      techniques and suggest the possibility of using Adress coupled with SIT to reduce
      C. capitata populations in locations with high population densities, where SIT
      alone is not sufficiently effective to suppress fruit fly populations to below
      damaging levels.

PMID- 22066196
TI  - Rainfastness and residual activity of insecticides to control Japanese beetle
      (Coleoptera: scarabaeidae) in Grapes.
AB  - Field-based bioassays and residue profile analysis were used to determine the
      relative toxicity, rainfastness, and field degradation over time of five
      insecticides from five insecticide classes on adult Japanese beetles, Popillia
      japonica Newman (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), in grapes, Vitis labrusca L.
      Bioassays assessed Japanese beetle condition as alive, knockdown, or immobile
      when exposed for 24 h or 7-d field-aged residues of phosmet, carbaryl,
      bifenthrin, thiamethoxam, or indoxacarb after 0, 12.7, or 25.4 mm of rain had
      been simulated. We found that the two most toxic insecticides to Japanese beetle
      were phosmet and carbaryl, followed by bifenthrin, thiamethoxam, and then
      indoxacarb. The efficacy of phosmet decreased because of rainfall, but not
      because of field aging. The efficacy of carbaryl decreased because of rainfall
      and field aging. The efficacies of bifenthrin and thiamethoxam were not affected
      by rainfall but decreased because of field aging. The efficacy of indoxacarb was
      not affected by rainfall or field aging. This study will help vineyard managers
      make informed decisions on when reapplications of insecticides are needed with
      the aim of improving integrated pest management programs.

PMID- 22066197
TI  - Comparative efficacy of plant-derived essential oils for managing ambrosia
      beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) and their corresponding mass
      spectral characterization.
AB  - Ambrosia beetles (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae) pose a significant
      challenge to producers of ornamental nursery stock. Conventional insecticides are
      commonly used for management purposes, but plant-derived essential oils also may
      discourage ambrosia beetles from initiating attacks. To identify promising
      commercially available products, field-based efficacy trials were conducted in
      Ohio in 2009 and 2010 with the following products: Armorex (Soil Technologies),
      Cinnacure (Proguard, Inc.), EcoTrol (EcoSMART Technologies, Inc.), and Veggie
      Pharm (Pharm Solutions, Inc.). Potted Magnolia virginiana L. were first injected
      with 75 ml of 5% ethanol to ensure ambrosia beetle pressure on experimental
      trees. Mixtures of each product (10% in water) and a water control were applied
      until runoff and attacks occurring under field conditions were quantified at 1,
      4, 7, and 14 d after treatment (DAT). Ambrosia beetle attacks generally increased
      over time but at differing rates depending on the particular treatment. In 2009,
      Armorex and Veggie Pharm were associated with the lowest cumulative attacks 14
      DAT. In 2010, Armorex and Cinnacure were associated with the fewest attacks 14
      DAT. Solid phase microextraction-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to
      characterize the volatile compounds associated with each product. Allyl
      isothiocyanate, a compound with known repellent and insecticidal properties, was
      unique and predominant in Armorex. These experiments identified commercially
      available botanicals containing plant essential oils with activity against
      ambrosia beetles, along with demonstrating the usefulness of ethanol-injection to
      ensure ambrosia beetle pressure under field conditions. Characterizing the
      constituents of efficacious botanically based products could also lead to the
      development of improved botanical insecticides.

PMID- 22066198
TI  - Prevalence of a koinobiont endoparasitoid Misotermes mindeni (Diptera: Phoridae)
      in colonies of the fungus-growing termite Macrotermes gilvus (Blattodea:
      Termitidae) in Malaysia.
AB  - A survey of the infestation rate of colonies of Macrotermes gilvus (Hagen)
      (Termitidae: Macrotermitinae) with the koinobiont endoparasitoid Misotermes
      mindeni Disney & Neoh (Diptera: Phoridae) was conducted in Malaysia from
      September 2009 to January 2011 in the states of Kedah, Penang, Perak, Selangor,
      Kuala Lumpur, Johor, Terengganu, and Sarawak. Of the 1,125 M. gilvus mounds
      surveyed, 12.4% contained termites parasitized by M. mindeni and these mounds
      occurred only in the states of Penang and Perak. High frequencies of mounds
      containing parasitized termites were found at sites in Penang: Bayan Lepas
      (21.1%), Minden Campus of Universiti Sains Malaysia ([USM]; 24.5%), Teluk Bahang
      (28.0%), and Bukit Mertajam (35.0%); the lowest frequency (4.0%) was recorded
      from Gelugor. The parasitized colonies at all sites were classified as healthy,
      with exception of several from the Minden Campus of USM (96.4% healthy) and Ayer
      Itam (87.5% healthy). Most parasitized colonies (71.2%) had a low level of M.
      mindeni infestation. Only 16.7 and 12.1% of the infested colonies had moderate or
      high parasite infestation levels, respectively. The height of infected mounds was
      significantly higher than that of the healthy mounds, but there was no difference
      between the mound diameters of infested and uninfested mounds. Parasite
      infestation level was not significantly correlated with mound height or mound
      diameter. The ambient light intensity at sites with infested mounds was
      significantly lower than that of uninfested mounds. There was also a significant
      negative relationship between light intensity and degree of parasitism.

PMID- 22066199
TI  - Mineral oil and aliphatic alcohols: toxicity and analysis of synergistic effects
      on German cockroaches (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae).
AB  - Two mineral oils and 12 linear primary alcohols were studied, alone and in
      combination, to determine their contact toxicity to adult German cockroaches,
      Blattella germanica (L.) (Dictyoptera: Blattellidae). The more toxic oil, PD23
      (LD50 = 1.45 mg per cockroach) was used for combination studies. Alcohols with
      carbon chain lengths of C3 and C8 through C12 were the most toxic, with LD50
      values ranging from 0.3 to 0.6 mg. C1 (methanol) and C14 (1-tetradecanol) were
      least toxic, with LD50 values of 2.35 and 1.75 mg, respectively. Eight of the 12
      combinations of a nonlethal dose of PD23 oil with an LD10 dose of alcohol
      produced significantly greater mortality than predicted under the assumption of
      additive effects. A sample of five synergistic oil + alcohol combinations,
      covering most of the alcohol carbon chain length range over which synergy
      occurred, was further studied by calculating LD50 values for three fixed mixture
      ratios (80:20, 50:50, and 20:80) of each combination. Results were analyzed using
      both graphical techniques (isobole analysis) and by nonlinear regression. At
      least one, but not necessarily all, of the three fixed ratio combinations of each
      oil + alcohol pairing indicated synergy. The conclusions drawn from the isobole
      and regression analyses were consistent.

PMID- 22066200
TI  - Reinvasion and colony expansion of Coptotermes formosanus (Isoptera:
      Rhinotermitidae) after areawide elimination.
AB  - The population recovery of Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki (Isoptera:
      Rhinotermitidae) colonies were monitored after an areawide elimination of all
      detectable colonies from September 2003 to August 2005 in Louis Armstrong Park,
      New Orleans, LA. Six colonies reinvaded the vacant niche created by the full
      elimination. These colonies expanded their territories throughout the study
      period. This represented 43% of the original number of colonies present in the
      park before the elimination. To determine the mode of the reinvasion, nuptial
      pair establishment was monitored during the C. formosanus dispersal flight
      seasons. Nuptial pairs were discovered up to 1 yr after the elimination.
      Morphological and genetic data were collected from field colonies before the full
      elimination in 2002 and again in 2005 after the reinvasion of these territories
      by new colonies. These data were used to estimate the relative age of reinvading
      colonies as compared with their predecessors. It is proposed that the first three
      reinvading colonies detected were smaller colonies that were undetectable before
      the full elimination, or were older, established colonies present outside of the
      park, that expanded their foraging territories into the park in the absence of
      competition from the eliminated populations. The subsequent three colonies to
      reinvade seemed to be small colonies founded during or just before the study
      period by an imago pair after a dispersal flight into the park from outlying
      areas. The implications of this study on subterranean termite areawide integrated
      pest management strategies are discussed.

PMID- 22066201
TI  - Susceptibility of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) strains from
      central Colombia to two insecticides, methomyl and lambda-cyhalothrin: a study of
      the genetic basis of resistance.
AB  - Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is an important pest
      of several crops in the western hemisphere. This insect has genetically
      differentiated into two host-associated populations: the corn (Zea mays L.) and
      the rice (Oryza sativa L.) strains. The corn strain also is found in cotton
      (Gossypium hirsutum L.) and sorghum and the rice strain in Bermuda grass [Cynodon
      dactylon (L.) Pers.] and millet. In the United States and Brazil, lines from
      corn, rice, Bermuda grass, and millet were used to evaluate the resistance of
      both strains to various insecticides, and found that the corn strain is more
      resistant than the rice strain. However, in these studies the larvae were not
      genotyped. In Colombia, genotyping of fall armyworm is necessary because the rice
      strain also can be found in corn fields. In this work, collected larvae from corn
      and rice fields from Tolima (central Colombia) were genotyped and evaluated for
      the resistance to methomyl and lambda-cyhalothrin. We found that the rice strain
      does not significantly differ in resistance to methomyl compared with the corn
      strain but it develops tolerance more rapidly to lambda-cyhalothrin. The eggs
      viability of treated females also was significantly affected by methomyl on each
      generation. The realized heritability of resistance was higher for lambda
      cyhalothrin (0.23-0.42) than for methomyl (0.04-0.14). The number of generations
      needed for 10-fold increase in resistance is approximately 11.5 generations for
      methomyl and 6.5 for lambda-cyhalothrin. Finally, the genetic basis of resistance
      to both insecticides involves few recessive autosomal genes. The results obtained
      here suggest that methomyl is a better option than lambda-cyalothin to control
      fall armyworm.

PMID- 22066202
TI  - A multiplex real-time polymerase chain reaction assay to diagnose Epiphyas
      postvittana (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae).
AB  - A molecular assay for diagnosis of light brown apple moth, Epiphyas postvittana
      (Walker) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), in North America is reported. The assay
      multiplexes two TaqMan real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) probe systems
      that are designed to target DNA segments of the internal transcribed spacer
      region 2 (ITS2) and 18S rRNA gene. The RT-PCR probe designed for the 18S target
      recognizes a DNA sequence conserved in all of the moths included in the study and
      functions as a control in the assay. The second probe recognizes a segment of the
      ITS2 specifically found in E. postvittana and not found in the other moths
      included in the study, i.e., this segment is not conserved. Inclusion of the two
      markers in a single multiplex reaction did not affect assay performance. The
      assay was tested against 637 moths representing > 90 taxa in 15 tribes in all
      three subfamilies in the Tortricidae. The assay generated no false negatives
      based on analysis of 355 E. postvittana collected from California, Hawaii,
      England, New Zealand, and Australia. Analysis of a data set including 282 moths
      representing 41 genera generated no false positives. Only three inconclusive
      results were generated from the 637 samples. Spike experiments demonstrated that
      DNA contamination in the assay can affect samples differently. Contaminated
      samples analyzed with the ITS2 RT-PCR assay and DNA barcode methodology by using
      the cytochrome oxidase I gene can generate contradictory diagnoses.

PMID- 22066203
TI  - Sequence analysis of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacers region in psocids
      (Psocoptera: Liposcelididae) for phylogenetic inference and species
      discrimination.
AB  - Psocids (Psocoptera: Liposcelididae: Liposcelis spp.) are major pests of stored
      grain and commonly occur on a wide range of stored products. Increasingly, the
      genus of Liposcelis has gained recognition of their importance due to their
      feeding on stored grains, contaminating food, and agricultural commodities as
      well as transmitting harmful microorganisms, including fungi and bacteria.
      Psocids have close morphological similarities and often commix occur at the same
      ecosystems. Therefore, a first step necessary to further implement population
      studies is the accurate identification of species, based on molecular methods. In
      this study, we determined nucleotide sequences of the nuclear rDNA internal
      transcribed spacer (ITS)1-5.8S-ITS2 region in 100 individuals of six Liposcelis
      species (including Liposcelis bostrychophila Badonnel, Liposcelis entomophila
      (Enderlein), Liposcelis decolor (Pearman), Liposcelis tricolor Badonnel,
      Liposcelis paeta Pearman, and Liposcelis yunnaniensis Li & Li) from 16 locations
      of China. We evaluated the suitability of this marker for phylogenetic inference
      study in the Liposcelis species. We also developed a molecular identification
      method for six Liposcelis species based on ITS2 sequence. Results demonstrate
      that ITS1-5.8S-ITS2 sequences are a useful tool for the population genetic study
      and phylogeny estimation of Liposcelis species. The results of this study
      indicate that the ITS2 sequences can be a reliable tool for species
      discrimination of the six species of psocids tested here. In addition, the
      multiplex method described proved reliable when tested across different
      geographical populations.

PMID- 22066204
TI  - Resistance performances of transgenic bt rice lines T(2A)-1 and T1c-19 against
      Cnaphalocrocis medinalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae).
AB  - The transgenic Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) rice, Oryza sativa L., lines T(2A)-1
      and T1c-19 expressing Cry2A* and Cry1C* from 'Minhui 63' (MH63) were evaluated
      for resistance to newly hatched and third-instar larvae of Cnaphalocrocis
      medinalis (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae), by using detached leaf laboratory bioassays.
      Both T(2A)-1 and T1c-19 rice showed high C. medinalis resistance; however, the
      lethal time (LT)50 of larvae fed with T(2A)-1 rice was significantly longer than
      that of larvae fed with T1c-19 rice, implying T1c-19 rice was more toxic to C.
      medinalis larvae. Larval mortality after 4 d on nitrogen-free MH63 was 25.5%
      compared with 2.4% mortality on high nitrogen fertilizer (250 kg N/ha) plants.
      Larval mortality on high nitrogen T(2A)-1 plants declined by 20% compared with
      nitrogen-free plants. However, resistance in T1c-19 plants was unaffected by
      nitrogen fertilizer. C. medinalis moths preferred MH63 at both the seedling and
      grain milk stages for oviposition but not the T1c-19 and T(2A)-1 Bt rice lines.

PMID- 22066205
TI  - Distribution and diversity of Russian wheat aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae) biotypes
      in South Africa and Lesotho.
AB  - Russian wheat aphid, Diuraphis noxia (Kurdjumov) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) was
      recorded for the first time in South Africa in 1978. In 2005, a second biotype,
      RWASA2, emerged, and here we report on the emergence of yet another biotype,
      found for the first time in 2009. The discovery of new Russian wheat aphid
      biotypes is a significant challenge to the wheat, Triticum aestivum L., industry
      in South Africa. Russian wheat aphid resistance in wheat, that offered wheat
      producers a long-term solution to Russian wheat aphid control, may no longer be
      effective in areas where the new biotypes occur. It is therefore critical to
      determine the diversity and extent of distribution of biotypes in South Africa to
      successfully deploy Russian wheat aphid resistance in wheat. Screening of 96
      Russian wheat aphid clones resulted in identification of three Russian wheat
      aphid biotypes. Infestations of RWASA1 caused susceptible damage symptoms only in
      wheat entries containing the Dn3 gene. Infestations of RWASA2 caused susceptible
      damage symptoms in wheat entries containing Dn1, Dn2, Dn3, and Dn9 resistant
      genes. Based on the damage-rating scores for the seven resistance sources, a new
      biotype, which caused damage rating scores different from those for RWASA1 and
      RWASA2, was evident among the Russian wheat aphid populations tested. This new
      biotype is virulent to the same resistance sources as RWASA2 (Dn1, Dn2, Dn3, and
      Dn9), but it also has added virulence to Dn4, whereas RWASA2 is avirulent to this
      resistance source.

PMID- 22066206
TI  - Sampling of Cacopsylla pyri (Hemiptera: Psyllidae) and Pilophorus gallicus
      (Hemiptera: Miridae) in pear orchards.
AB  - The psyllid Cacopsylla pyri L. (Hemiptera: Psyllidae), is one of the principal
      pests of pear (Pyrus spp.) orchards and, along with its natural enemies, needs to
      be carefully monitored for correct integrate pest management and biological pest
      control decision making. We compare sampling techniques and develop sampling
      methods for C. pyri and Pilophorus gallicus Remane (Heteroptera: Miridae). Four
      pear orchards were sampled periodically from 2007 to 2010 in southern Spain by
      beating branches into funnels or 45-cm-diameter nets and taking shoot samples.
      Different sampling techniques were compared, and several sampling methods were
      assayed for adults and nymphs of C. pyri and P. gallicus. Psylla adult and P.
      gallicus counts in the nets and funnels were similar and closely correlated.
      Counts of C. pyri adults in the funnels and nets were higher than on shoots, but
      all measures were closely correlated. The number of nymphs on shoots and leaves
      was correlated, as were the counts on leaves within shoots. A guide for choosing
      the sampling unit in cost/precision terms is given. C. pyri nymphs and adults
      showed an aggregated distribution, whereas P. gallicus had a less-crowded spatial
      distribution. Enumerative sequential sampling was evaluated for both insects by
      using the different sampling techniques by resampling experimental data. The
      negative binomial distribution fitted the experimental data gathered using the
      different sampling techniques for C. pyri adults and P. gallicus. The use of
      binomial sampling is discussed for the two insects and the costs involved are
      compared with those implied in the sequential enumerative method.

PMID- 22066207
TI  - Spatial associations of insects and mites in stored wheat.
AB  - The spatial association pattern of insect and mite populations in a steel bin
      containing stored wheat, Triticum durum Desf., in central Greece, was studied
      using the Spatial Analysis by Distance IndicEs (SADIE). The monitoring was
      carried out for 7 mo by using grain trier samples and probe traps. The most
      abundant insect species were Cryptolestes ferrugineus (Stephens) (Coleoptera:
      Laemophloeidae) and Plodia interpunctella (Hubner) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). For
      mites, the most abundant species were the phytophagous Lepidoglyphus destructor
      (Schrank) (Acari: Glycyphagidae) and the predator Blattisocius tarsalis (Berlese)
      (Mesostigmata: Ascidae). Both for P. interpunctella and C. ferrugineus, trap
      catches were associated with numbers of individuals in the trier samples, but the
      overall association index calculated among trap and sample counts was significant
      only in the 33% of trap-sample pairs of values. Generally, P. interpunctella had
      the main patch areas in the central part of the bin, with few exceptions, during
      the entire monitoring period. Similar trends also were noted in the case of C.
      ferrugineus, which was clearly aggregated in the center of the grain mass.
      Spatial association maps indicated a stable positive association in the central
      part of the bin, but in most of the other sampling zones the association was
      negative. However, distribution of L. destructor, based on trier samples,
      indicated increased presence in peripheral zones of the grain sampling area.
      Moreover, B. tarsalis presented the most dispersed distribution among all four
      species. For each species, the association between two consecutive samplings was
      significant in the majority of cases, indicating a stable spatial pattern.
      Finally, B. tarsalis was spatially associated to a higher degree with the insects
      found rather than with L. desctructor. Moreover, there was no association of
      insect and mite presence with grain temperature and moisture content. The results
      of the current study suggest that the coexistence of insects and mites in bulked
      grain follows a complex pattern, with significant interactions, especially in the
      case of mite predators, which are spatially associated with insect species.

PMID- 22066208
TI  - Efficacy of pyriproxyfen for control of stored-product psocids (Psocoptera) on
      concrete surfaces.
AB  - The insect growth regulator pyriproxyfen was evaluated as a surface treatment for
      control of three stored-product psocid pests Liposcelis bostrychophila Badonnel,
      Liposcelis decolor (Pearman), and Liposcelis paeta Pearman (Psocoptera:
      Liposcelididae). Nymphs were exposed for 35 d on a concrete surface treated with
      2.3 mg of active ingredient/m2 pyriproxyfen. Exposure to pyriproxyfen
      significantly reduced the numbers of both adults and nymphs in comparison with
      untreated controls. In adults, the greatest reduction (> 90%) was for L. decolor
      and L. bostrychophila, whereas for L. paeta it was 49%. Few adults of any species
      were found in the pyriproxyfen treatments. The greatest numbers of nymphs were
      recorded for L. bostrychophila for both pyriproxyfen treatments and controls. Few
      adults of any species were found in the pyriproxyfen treatments. The results
      indicate that pyriproxyfen is effective for control of L. bostrychophila, L.
      decolor, and L. paeta on concrete, and although complete control was not
      achieved, the results warrant further long-term study to determine whether
      pyriproxyfen can completely eliminate psocid populations over time.

PMID- 22066209
TI  - Modeling assessment for ammonium nitrogen recovery from wastewater by chemical
      precipitation.
AB  - Chemical precipitation to form magnesium ammonium phosphate (MAP) is an effective
      technology for recovering ammonium nitrogen (NH4(+)-N). In the present research,
      we investigated the thermodynamic modeling of the PHREEQC program for NH4(+)-N
      recovery to evaluate the effect of reaction factors on MAP precipitation. The
      case study of NH4(+)-N recovery from coking wastewater was conducted to provide a
      comparison. Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to assist in
      understanding the relative significance of reaction factors and the interactive
      effects of solution conditions. Thermodynamic modeling indicated that the
      saturation index (SI) of MAP followed a polynomial function of pH. The SI of MAP
      increased logarithmically with the Mg2+/NH4+ molar ratio (Mg/N) and the initial
      NH4(+)-N concentration (CN), respectively, while it decreased with an increase in
      Ca2+/NH4+ and CO3(2-)/NH4+ molar ratios (Ca/N and CO3(2-)/N), respectively. The
      trends for NH4(+)-N removal at different pH and Mg/N levels were similar to the
      thermodynamic modeling predictions. The RSM analysis indicated that the factors
      including pH, Mg/N, C(N), Ca/N, (Mg/N)x (CO3(2-)/N), (pH)2, (Mg/N)2, and (C(N))2
      were significant. Response surface plots were useful for understanding the
      interaction effects on NH4(+)-N recovery.

PMID- 22066210
TI  - Using fluorescence-based microplate assay to assess DOM-metal binding in reactive
      materials for treatment of acid mine drainage.
AB  - One potential drawback of compost-based passive bioreactors, which is a promising
      biotechnology for acid mine drainage (AMD) treatment, is the transport of
      dissolved organic matter (DOM)-metal complexes in surface waters. To address this
      problem, the objective of this study was to assess the maximum capacity of
      organic substrates to release soluble DOM-metal complexes in treated water. The
      reactivities of DOM in maple wood chips and sawdust, composted poultry manure,
      and leaf compost were quantified toward Cd2+, Ni2+, Fe2+, and Cu2+ using
      fluorescence quenching. The DOM showed the highest reactivity toward Fe, but a
      limited number of available sites for sorption, whereas DOM-Cd complexes
      exhibited the lowest fluorescence quenching. Overall, the DOM from a mixture of
      wastes formed higher concentrations of DOM-metal complexes relative to sole
      substrates. Among DOM-metal complexes, the concentrations of DOM-Ni complexes
      were the highest. After reaching steady-state, low concentrations of DOM-metal
      complexes were released in treated water, which is in agreement with theoretical
      predictions based on geochemical modeling. Therefore, in addition to
      physicochemical characterization, fluorescence quenching technique is recommended
      for the substrate selection of bioreactors.

PMID- 22066211
TI  - Formation of disinfection byproducts in typical Chinese drinking water.
AB  - Eight typical drinking water supplies in China were selected in this study. Both
      source and tap water were used to investigate the occurrence of chlorinated
      disinfection byproducts (DBPs), and seasonal variation in the concentrations of
      trihalomethanes (THMs) of seven water sources was compared. The results showed
      that the pollution level for source water in China, as shown by DBP formation
      potential, was low. The most encountered DBPs were chloroform, dichloroacetic
      acid, trichloroacetic acid, and chlorodibromoacetic acid. The concentration of
      every THMs and haloacetic acid (HAA) compound was under the limit of standards
      for drinking water quality. The highest total THMs concentrations were detected
      in spring.

PMID- 22066212
TI  - Distribution and origin of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in surface sediments
      from an urban river basin at the Metropolitan region of Curitiba, Brazil.
AB  - The concentrations of 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) were determined
      in surface sediment samples from nine sites located at the Iguacu River Basin in
      the Metropolitan Region of Curitiba, Brazil to evaluate their distribution and
      sources. The total concentration of the PAHs was greater for sediments from
      highly urbanized areas, while the sediments from the Irai Environmental
      Protection Area (Irai EPA) showed significantly low concentrations. The sediments
      from the Iguacu and Barigui rivers were classified as highly contaminated, while
      those from the Cercado and Curralinho rivers were classified as moderately
      contaminated. The predominance of PAHs containing two to four aromatic rings in
      most of the samples suggested the direct input of raw sewage into the water
      resources evaluated. Benzo[g,h,i]perylene, dibenzo[a,h]anthracene and
      indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene were predominant in sediments from the areas under the
      greatest urban and industrial development. The correlation between thermodynamic
      stability and the kinetics of evolution presented by the isomeric pairs indicated
      that combustion is the predominant source of PAHs in the sediments because the
      combustion of fossil fuels affected most of the points evaluated, followed by
      combustion of biomass and eventually combustion of oil product inputs. In
      general, the results showed that areas under strong urban influence, as well as
      the Irai EPA, receive contributions of PAHs from similar sources.

PMID- 22066213
TI  - Effect of dissolved organic matter on mercury release from water body.
AB  - Dissolved organic matter (DOM) plays an important role in the process of mercury
      release from water body. In this study, the influence of DOM from different
      sources (DOM(R), DOM(S) and DOM(H), extracted from rice straw, compost and humic
      soil respectively) on mercury reduction was investigated. The molecular weight
      distribution and chemical composition of DOM from each source were determined
      using ultrafiltration membrane technique and elemental analysis respectively. The
      result showed that mercury release from DOM-added samples was much lower than the
      control; the lowest mercury release flux was observed in the treatment of DOM(H),
      25.02% of the control, followed by DOM(S) and DOM(R), 62.46% and 64.95% of the
      control, respectively. The higher saturation degree and lower molecular weight of
      DOM(H) was responsible for the highest inhibition degree on the mercury release.
      The link between DOM(H), concentration and mercury flux was also estimated and
      the result showed that mercury flux was increased with DOM(H) at lower
      concentration, while decreased with DOM(H) at higher concentration. Different
      mechanism dominated the influence of DOM on mercury release with variation of DOM
      concentration.

PMID- 22066214
TI  - Kappaphycus alvarezii waste biomass: a potential biosorbent for chromium ions
      removal.
AB  - The Cr(III) sorption experiments onto Kappaphycus alvarezii waste biomass were
      conducted at different pH values (2-6) under the conditions of initial metal
      concentration of 10-50 mg/L and the chemical compositions of Cr-Cu and Cr-Cd. The
      Cr(III) sorption capacities were slightly dependent on pH, and the maximum
      sorption capacity was 0.86 mg/g at pH 3. The sorption capacities increased with
      increase in the initial metal concentration, whereas it was suppressed by the
      presence of Cu(II) and Cd(III) in the solution. The Cr(III) sorption equilibrium
      was evaluated using Langmuir, Freundlich and BET isotherms. The sorption
      mechanisms were characterised using scanning electron microscopy and Fourier
      transform infrared spectroscopy. The main mechanisms were ion exchange coupled
      with a complexation mechanism. Kappaphycus alvarezii waste biomass represents a
      potential for Cr(III) ion removal from aqueous solution.

PMID- 22066215
TI  - Stepwise superposition approximation approach for analytical solutions with non
      zero initial concentration using existing solutions of zero initial concentration
      in contaminate transport.
AB  - Analytical solutions for contaminant transport are widely used for both
      theoretical and practical purposes. However, many existing solutions are obtained
      subject to an initial condition of zero concentration, which is often unrealistic
      in many practical cases. This article proposed a stepwise superposition
      approximation approach to solve the non-zero initial concentration problem for
      first-type and third-type boundary conditions by using the existing zero initial
      concentration solution. Theoretical examples showed that the approach was highly
      efficient if a proper superposition scheme with relative concentration increments
      was constructed. The key parameter that controlled the convergence speed was the
      time increment (lambdat) multiplied by the rate constant (lambda). The approach
      served also as an alternative way to make a convenient concentration calculation
      even if the non-zero initial concentration solution of a problem was known.

PMID- 22066216
TI  - Application of the AERMOD modeling system for environmental impact assessment of
      NO2 emissions from a cement complex.
AB  - We applied the model of American Meteorological Society-Environmental Protection
      Agency Regulatory Model (AERMOD) as a tool for the analysis of nitrogen dioxide
      (NO2) emissions from a cement complex as a part of the environmental impact
      assessment. The dispersion of NO2 from four cement plants within the selected
      cement complex were investigated both by measurement and AERMOD simulation in dry
      and wet seasons. Simulated values of NO2 emissions were compared with those
      obtained during a 7-day continuous measurement campaign at 12 receptors. It was
      predicted that NO2 concentration peaks were found more within 1 to 5 km, where
      the measurement and simulation were in good agreement, than at the receptors 5 km
      further away from the reference point. The Quantile-Quantile plots of NO2
      concentrations in dry season were mostly fitted to the middle line compared to
      those in wet season. This can be attributed to high NO2 wet deposition. The
      results show that for both the measurement and the simulation using the AERMOD,
      NO2 concentrations do not exceed the NO2 concentration limit set by the National
      Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) of Thailand. This indicates that NO2
      emissions from the cement complex have no significant impact on nearby
      communities. It can be concluded that the AERMOD can provide useful information
      to identify high pollution impact areas for the EIA guidelines.

PMID- 22066217
TI  - Emissions of C2 - C12 hydrocarbons in the Hsuehshan tunnel, Taiwan.
AB  - The concentrations of 56 hydrocarbons from C2 to C12 were measured simultaneously
      in the southbound bore, the northbound bore and the exhaust air shafts of the
      Hsuehshan tunnel near Yilan, Taiwan for 12 days during 2007 and 2008. A total of
      60 integrated air samples were collected using stainless steel canisters and
      analyzed using GC/FID and GC/MS. The five most abundant species in all samples
      were ethylene, acetylene, isopentane, propylene and toluene. The exit/entrance
      ratios of total non-methane hydrocarbons (NMHC) concentration were 7.8 and 4.8
      for the southbound and northbound bores, respectively. Furthermore, the exhaust
      from the vertical shafts affects air quality in the neighborhood. The most
      abundant species of emission rate (ER) was toluene (21.93-42.89 mg/sec), followed
      by isopentane, ethylene, propylene and 1-butene, with ER ranging from 2.50 to
      9.31 mg/sec. The species in the three exhaust air shafts showed that the
      reactivities of these emissions are similar to those of vehicle emissions.
      Notably, the control of emissions in the vertical shafts of the vehicle tunnel
      will be important in the future.

PMID- 22066218
TI  - Forest soil CO2 fluxes as a function of understory removal and N-fixing species
      addition.
AB  - We report on the effects of forest management practices of understory removal and
      N-fixing species (Cassia alata) addition on soil CO2 fluxes in an Eucalyptus
      urophylla plantation (EUp), Acacia crassicarpa plantation (ACp), 10-species-mixed
      plantation (Tp), and 30-species-mixed plantation (THp) using the static chamber
      method in southern China. Four forest management treatments, including (1)
      understory removal (UR); (2) C. alata addition (CA); (3) understory removal and
      replacement with C. alata (UR+CA); and (4) control without any disturbances (CK),
      were applied in the above four forest plantations with three replications for
      each treatment. The results showed that soil CO2 fluxes rates remained at a high
      level during the rainy season (from April to September), followed by a rapid
      decrease after October reaching a minimum in February. Soil CO2 fluxes were
      significantly higher (P < 0.01) in EUp (132.6 mg/(m2 x hr)) and ACp (139.8 mg/(m2
      x hr)) than in Tp (94.0 mg/(m2 x hr)) and THp (102.9 mg/(m2 x hr)). Soil CO2
      fluxes in UR and CA were significantly higher (P < 0.01) among the four
      treatments, with values of 105.7, 120.4, 133.6 and 112.2 mg/(m2 x hr) for UR+CA,
      UR, CA and CK, respectively. Soil CO2 fluxes were positively correlated with soil
      temperature (P < 0.01), soil moisture (P < 0.01), NO3(-)-N (P < 0.05), and
      litterfall (P < 0.01), indicating that all these factors might be important
      controlling variables for soil CO2 fluxes. This study sheds some light on our
      understanding of soil CO2 flux dynamics in forest plantations under various
      management practices.

PMID- 22066219
TI  - Nitrogen cycle of a typical Suaeda salsa marsh ecosystem in the Yellow River
      estuary.
AB  - The nitrogen (N) biological cycle of the Suaeda salsa marsh ecosystem in the
      Yellow River estuary was studied during 2008 to 2009. Results showed that soil N
      had significant seasonal fluctuations and vertical distribution. The N/P ratio
      (15.73 +/- 1.77) of S. salsa was less than 16, indicating that plant growth was
      limited by both N and P. The N absorption coefficient of S. salsa was very low
      (0.007), while the N utilization and cycle coefficients were high (0.824 and
      0.331, respectively). The N turnover among compartments of S. salsa marsh showed
      that N uptake from aboveground parts and roots were 2.539 and 0.622 g/m2,
      respectively. The N translocation from aboveground parts to roots and from roots
      to soil were 2.042 and 0.076 g/m2, respectively. The N translocation from
      aboveground living bodies to litter was 0.497 g/m2, the annual N return from
      litter to soil was far less than 0.368 g/m2, and the net N mineralization in
      topsoil during the growing season was 0.033 g/m2. N was an important limiting
      factor in S. salsa marsh, and the ecosystem was classified as unstable and
      vulnerable. S. salsa was seemingly well adapted to the low-nutrient status and
      vulnerable habitat, and the nutrient enrichment due to N import from the Yellow
      River estuary would be a potential threat to the S. salsa marsh. Excessive
      nutrient loading might favor invasive species and induce severe long-term
      degradation of the ecosystem if human intervention measures were not taken. The N
      quantitative relationships determined in our study might provide a scientific
      basis for the establishment of effective measures.

PMID- 22066220
TI  - Desulfurization of dibenzothiophene (DBT) by a novel strain Lysinibacillus
      sphaericus DMT-7 isolated from diesel contaminated soil.
AB  - A new bacterial strain DMT-7 capable of selectively desulfurizing
      dibenzothiophene (DBT) was isolated from diesel contaminated soil. The DMT-7 was
      characterized and identified as Lysinibacillus sphaericus DMT-7 (NCBI GenBank
      Accession No. GQ496620) using 16S rDNA gene sequence analysis. The desulfurized
      product of DBT, 2-hydroxybiphenyl (2HBP), was identified and confirmed by high
      performance liquid chromatography analysis and gas chromatography-mass
      spectroscopy analysis respectively. The desulfurization kinetics revealed that
      DMT-7 started desulfurization of DBT into 2HBP after the lag phase of 24 hr,
      exponentially increasing the accumulation of 2HBP up to 15 days leading to
      approximately 60% desulfurization of the DBT. However, further growth resulted
      into DBT degradation. The induced culture of DMT-7 showed shorter lag phase of 6
      hr and early onset of stationary phase within 10 days for desulfurization as
      compared to that of non-induced culture clearly indicating the inducibility of
      the desulfurization pathway of DMT-7. In addition, Lysinibacillus sphaericus DMT
      7 also possess the ability to utilize broad range of substrates as sole source of
      sulfur such as benzothiophene, 3,4-benzo DBT, 4,6-dimethyl DBT, and 4,6-dibutyl
      DBT. Therefore, Lysinibacillus sphaericus DMT-7 could serve as model system for
      efficient biodesulfurization of diesel and petrol.

PMID- 22066221
TI  - Levels of synthetic musk fragrances in human milk from three cities in the
      Yangtze River Delta in Eastern China.
AB  - Synthetic musks are used as additives in many household products. After
      absorption into the human body, they accumulate and their concentrations in human
      milk reflect both the mother and her infant's exposure level. Concentrations of
      four synthetic musks, musk xylene (1-tert-butyl-2,6-dimethyl-2,4,6
      trinitrobenzene, MX), musk ketone (4-tert-butyl-2,6-dimethyl-3,5
      dinitroacetophenone, MK), 1,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro-4,6,6,7,8,8
      hexamethylcyclopenta[gamma]-2-benzopyran (HHCB) and 7-acetyl-1,1,3,4,4,6
      hexamethyl- 1,2,3,4-tetrahydronaphthalene (AHTN), were determined in human milk
      samples collected from Shanghai, Wuxi, and Shaoxing in Eastern China. The four
      synthetic musks were found in most samples analyzed, with HHCB the dominant
      component followed by MX. The median (mean) values for HHCB, AHTN, MX and MK
      concentrations were 63 (82), 5 (12), 17 (24) and 4 (9) ng/g lipid weight,
      respectively. These data suggested the total synthetic musk contamination was
      low, and the distribution percentage was HHCB > MX > AHTN approximately MK. The
      relative high ratio of nitro to polycylic musk indicated that nitro musks were
      still widely used. The musk concentrations in these cities were not significantly
      different from each other (p > 0.05). Principal components score plots were
      obtained, which showed similar exposure sources. The amount of total synthetic
      musks in human milk were not associated with mother's age, although HHCB was
      significantly correlated with AHTN (p < 0.05). Daily ingestion of HHCB, AHTN, MX
      and MK for infants from human milk were estimated as (2526 +/- 2926), (370 +/-
      524), (7391 +/- 832), and (277 +/- 462) ng/day, respectively. Those doses were 1
      2 orders of magnitude below the provisional tolerable daily intakes.

PMID- 22066222
TI  - Comparative study of heavy metal and pathogenic bacterial contamination in sludge
      and manure in biogas and non-biogas swine farms.
AB  - The objective of this study is to determine and compare the heavy metal (Zn, Cu,
      Cd, Pb) and bacterial (E. coli, coliform and Salmonella spp.) contamination
      between swine farms utilizing biogas and non-biogas systems in the central part
      of Thailand. Results showed that average levels of E. coli, coliform, BOD, COD,
      Zn, Cu and Pb in sludge from the post-biogas pond were higher than the standard
      limits. Moreover, the levels of E. coli, coliform, Cd and Pb were also higher
      than the standard limits for dry manure. The levels of E. coli, coliform and BOD
      on biogas farms were lower than on non-biogas farms. Following isolation of
      Salmonella spp., it was found that Salmonella serovars Rissen was the most
      abundant at 18.46% (12/65), followed by Anatum 12.31% (8/65), and Kedougou 9.23%
      (6/65). The pathogenic strains of Salmonella serovars Paratyphi B var. java and
      Typhimurium were present in equal amounts at 4.62% (3/65) in samples from all
      swine farms. This study revealed that significant reduction in E. coli and
      coliform levels in sludge from covered lagoon biogas systems on swine farms. The
      presence of Salmonella as well as Cd and Pb, in significant amount in dry manure,
      suggests that there is a high probability of environmental contamination if it is
      used for agricultural purposes. Thus, careful waste and manure disposal from
      swine farms and the regular monitoring of wastewater is strongly recommended to
      ensure the safety of humans, other animals and the environment.

PMID- 22066223
TI  - Photoelectrochemical degradation of Methylene Blue with beta-PbO2 electrodes
      driven by visible light irradiation.
AB  - Beta-PbO2 electrodes were prepared by electro-deposition and characterized by
      scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron
      spectroscopy, and linear sweep voltammetry. We confirmed pure (beta-PbO2 crystals
      were on the electrode and it had a high oxygen evolution potential. The
      photoactivity and photoelectrochemical (PEC) properties of the beta-PbO2
      electrode were investigated under visible light irradiation (lambda > 420 nm) for
      the decolorization of Methylene Blue. Pseudo first-order kinetics parameter
      (K(app)) for dye decolorization using the beta-PbO2 electrode achieved 6.71 x 10(
      4) min(-1) under visible light irradiation, which indicated its excellent visible
      light-induced photoactivity. The K(app) of the PEC process was as much as 1.41 x
      10(-3) min(-1) and was 1.71 times that of visible light irradiation or
      electrolysis even in the presence of the beta-PbO2 electrode. A significant
      synergetic effect was observed in the PEC system. We also employed TiO2 modified
      beta-PbO2 electrodes in this test, which revealed that the TiO2 immobilized on
      the beta-PbO2 electrode inhibited the visible light-induced PEC efficiency
      despite the amount of TiO2 used for electrode preparation. The beta-PbO2
      electrode was also superior to the dimensionally stable anode
      (Ti/Ru(0.3)Ti(0.7)O2) in visible light-induced photoactivity and PEC efficiency.

PMID- 22066224
TI  - Combining material characterization with single and multi-oxyanion adsorption for
      mechanistic study of chromate removal by cationic hydrogel.
AB  - Cationic hydrogel with magnetic property was synthesized via radical
      polymerization and its removal capacity of chromate from contaminated water was
      found to be 200 mg/g. Using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR)
      study, the mechanism of chromate removal by hydrogel was found to be non-specific
      adsorption, mainly due to ion exchange, as evidenced by the positively charged
      functional group, trimethyl ammonium -N+(CH3)3, in the monomer. Verifications
      were accordingly determined by testing different oxyanion adsorption onto the
      hydrogel. The results of the chromate adsorption experiments illustrated that the
      amount of chromate adsorbed was nearly equal to that of the chloride released
      from the hydrogel, which is part of the evidence for ion exchange. Single and
      multi-oxyanion adsorption experiments were also performed, and it was
      demonstrated that ion removal was species independent, but charge dependent,
      another characteristic of the ion exchange process. It was found that the same
      Langmuir model can be applied to best fit the findings of single and multi
      oxyanion adsorption, which further indicates the mechanism of chromate removal is
      attributed to ion exchange. In view of the above, the background anions compete
      for adsorption sites with chromate, evidenced by inhibitive chromate removal in
      the presence of background electrolytes in the batch studies, further echoing the
      ion exchange mechanism.

PMID- 22066225
TI  - N2O and NH3 emissions from a bioreactor landfill operated under limited aerobic
      degradation conditions.
AB  - The combination of leachate recirculation and aeration to landfill may be an
      efficient way for in-situ nitrogen removal. However, nitrogenous substances
      contained in the landfill layer are concomitantly transformed into N2O and NH3,
      leading to increased emissions into the atmosphere. In the present study, the
      emissions of N2O and NH3 were measured under conditions of fresh or partially
      stabilized refuse with or without leachate recirculation or intermittent
      aeration. The results showed that the largest N2O emission (12.4 mg-N/L of the
      column) was observed in the aerated column loaded with partially stabilized
      refuse and recycled with the leachate of low C/N ratio; while less than 0.33 mg
      N/L of the column was produced in the other columns. N2O production was
      positively correlated with the prolonged aerobic time and negatively related with
      the C/N ratio in the recycled leachate. NH3 volatilization increased with
      enhanced gas flow and concentration of free ammonia in the leachate, and the
      highest cumulative volatilization quantity was 1.7 mg-N/L of the column.

PMID- 22066226
TI  - Application of waste frying oils in the biosynthesis of biodemulsifier by a
      demulsifying strain Alcaligenes sp. S-XJ-1.
AB  - Exploration of biodemulsifiers has become a new research aspect. Using waste
      frying oils (WFOs) as carbon source to synthesize biodemulsifiers has a potential
      prospect to decrease production cost and to improve the application of
      biodemulsifiers in the oilfield. In this study, a demulsifying strain,
      Alcaligenes sp. S-XJ-1, was investigated to synthesize a biodemulsifier using
      waste frying oils as carbon source. It was found that the increase of initial pH
      of culture medium could increase the biodemulsifier yield but decrease the
      demulsification ratio compared to that using paraffin as carbon source. In
      addition, a biodemulsifier produced by waste frying oils and paraffin as mixed
      carbon source had a lower demulsification capability compared with that produced
      by paraffin or waste frying oil as sole carbon source. Fed-batch fermentation of
      biodemulsifier using waste frying oils as supplementary carbon source was found
      to be a suitable method. Mechanism of waste frying oils utilization was studied
      by using tripalmitin, olein and tristearin as sole carbon sources to synthesize
      biodemulsifier. The results showed saturated long-chain fatty acid was difficult
      for S-XJ-1 to utilize but could effectively enhance the demulsification ability
      of the produced biodemulsifier. Moreover, FT-IR result showed that the
      demulsification capability of biodemulsifiers was associated with the content of
      C=O group and nitrogen element.

PMID- 22066227
TI  - Voltammetric response of ferroceneboronic acid to diol and phenolic compounds as
      possible pollutants.
AB  - A voltammetric determination of possible organic pollutants such as diol and
      phenolic compounds in water was studied using ferroceneboronic acid (FBA) as a
      redox-active marker. A cyclic voltammogram of FBA exhibited a pair of oxidation
      and reduction peaks at 230 and 170 mV at pH 7.0, respectively, while another pair
      of redox peaks was observed in the presence of diol or phenolic compounds tested.
      The results were rationalized based on the formation of boronate esters of FBA
      with the added compounds. The changes in the redox peak currents were dependent
      on the concentration of the additives, suggesting a usefulness of FBA in the
      electrochemical determination of these compounds in water.

PMID- 22066228
TI  - Effect of manufacturing methods of AgCl/Al2O3 catalyst on selective catalytic
      reduction of NO(x).
AB  - The AgCl/Al2O3 catalyst has potential for use in the selective catalytic
      reduction (SCR) of NO(x). A compound hydrocarbon, following oxygenation is used
      as a type of reducing agent. In this experiment, the AgCl/Al2O3 catalyst was
      produced by four different methods, and the differences among their reduction
      catalysis of NO(x) were compared. Ethanol was used as a type of reducing agent. X
      ray diffraction analysis was performed to study the crystalline structure and
      scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope (TEM) were
      applied to determine the microindentation. The results indicated that, in the
      range of 350-400 degrees C, there was no significant difference on the NO(x)
      reduction rate; however, there was dispersion at high and low temperature ranges.
      The size of the AgCl particles was about 20-100 nm.

PMID- 22066229
TI  - Tyrosinase-modified carbon felt-based flow-biosensors: the role of ultra
      sonication in shortening the enzyme immobilization time and improving the
      sensitivity for p-chlorophenol.
AB  - Tyrosinase (TYR) was covalently immobilized onto amino-functionalized carbon felt
      surface via glutaraldehyde-coupling under ultrasonic treatment for 10 min. The
      resulting TYR-immobilized carbon felt was used as a working electrode unit of
      bioelectrocatalytic flow-through detector for TYR substrates (catechol, p
      chlorophenol (p-CP), p-cresol, phenol etc.). Cathodic peak currents based on the
      electroreduction of enzymatically produced o-quinones were detected at -50 mV vs.
      Ag/AgCl. Compared with previous work in which TYR was immobilized onto amino
      functionalized carbon felt for 16 hr without the ultrasonic treatment, we
      succeeded in (1) shortening the enzyme immobilization time from 16 hr to 10 min,
      (2) enhancing the sensitivity of p-CP, and (3) improving the operational
      stability of p-CP. The ultrasonic treatment during the TYR immobilization step
      would lead to certain changes in the structure of the immobilized TYR and the
      morphology of the immobilized TYR-layer on the carbon felt surface.

PMID- 22066230
TI  - Mineralization of aqueous pentachlorophenolate by anodic contact glow discharge
      electrolysis.
AB  - Exhaustive mineralization of pentachlorophenolate ion (PCP) in phosphate buffer
      was carried out using anodic contact glow discharge electrolysis (CGDE), in which
      plasma was sustained between the electrolyte and anode. During CGDE, PCP degraded
      smoothly. The amount of total organic carbon decreased significantly, indicating
      the eventual conversion of the carbon atoms of benzene nucleus to inorganic
      carbons. Furthermore, chlorine atoms in PCP were liberated as chloride ions. As a
      primary intermediate product, 2,3,5,6-tetrachloro-1,4-benzoquinone was detected,
      and oxalate and formate as byproducts were also found. It was revealed that
      disappearance of PCP obeyed first-order kinetics. The reaction rate was generally
      unaffected by both O2 and inert gases in the cell, although it decreased by
      raising initial pH of solution. In addition, a plausible reaction pathway
      involving hydroxyl radical was proposed.

PMID- 22066231
TI  - Electropolymerized poly(Toluidine blue)-modified carbon felt for highly sensitive
      amperometric determination of NADH in flow injection analysis.
AB  - Poly(pheniothiazine) films were prepared on a porous carbon felt (CF) electrode
      surface by an electrooxidative polymerization of three phenothiazine derivatives
      (i.e.,Tthionine (TN), Toluidine Blue (TB) and Methylene Blue (MB)) from 0.1 mol/L
      phosphate buffer solution (pH 7.0). Among the three phenothiazies, the poly(TB)
      film-modified CF exhibited an excellent electrocatalytic activity for the
      oxidation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide reduced form (NADH) at +0.2 V vs.
      Ag/AgCl. The poly(TB) film-modified CF was successfully used as working electrode
      unit of highly sensitive amperometric flow-through detector for NADH. The peak
      currents (peak heights) were almost unchanged, irrespective of a carrier flow
      rate ranging from 2.0 to 4.1 mL/min, resulting in the measurement of NADH (ca. 30
      samples/hr) at 4.1 mL/min. The peak current responses of NADH showed linear
      relationship over the concentration range from 1 to 30 micromol/L (sensitivity:
      0.318 microA/(micromol/L); correlation coefficient: 0.997). The lower detection
      limit was found to be 0.3 micromol/L (S/N = 3).

PMID- 22066232
TI  - [Characteristics of hydronephrosis due to obstruction of the pyeloureteral
      segment combined with dorsal rotation of the kidney].
AB  - Rotation of the kidney is caused by its dystopia and abnormal blood circulation.
      Dorsal rotation of the kidney in normal position is a rare anomaly. We studied a
      clinical course, evidence obtained at renosonography, excretory urography,
      computed tomography, radionuclide investigation, anatomic variants of
      pyeloureteral segment obstruction in female patients with right-side
      hydronephrosis in the presence of dorsal rotation of the kidney before and after
      pyeloplasty. We made pyeloplasty for obstruction of the pyeloureteral segment in
      266 patients in 2001-2009. Hydronephrosis was accompanied with dorsal rotation of
      the kidney in 21 (7.9%) cases. Surgical approaches to the pelviureteral segment
      are characterized. The dorsal approach is a good alternative to standard
      subcostal approach, provides good visualization in creation of anastomosis,
      significantly reduces distance from the skin cut to pyeloureteral segment and
      offers the best cosmetic result. In subcostal approach mobilization of the pelvis
      and pyeloureteral segment is preferable on the posterior surface of the kidney. A
      laparoscopic transperitoneal approach is not justified as it implies wide
      mobilization of the kidney, the anastomosis is created in extremely limited
      space.

PMID- 22066233
TI  - [Efficacy of uro-vaxom in recurrent infectious-inflammatory diseases of the
      urogenital system].
AB  - Our study prospects of urovaxom in improvement of efficacy and prevention of
      recurrent urogenital infection. One capsule of oral vaccine uro-vaxom was given
      daily for a month to 127 patients: 23 males with chronic bacterial
      prostatitis/urethroprostatitis, 75 females with chronic cystitis, 29 females with
      urolithiasis complicated with secondary chronic pyelonephritis. Control
      examination was made each two months for a year. In signs of inflammation the
      patients received one more course of uro-vaxom for a month. It was followed by
      control examinations each three month for a year. We observed a 6-12 month "cold"
      period after one course of uro-vaxom in 86.7% patients. After the second course
      of immunoprophylaxis recurrent urogenital infection occurred 8 times less often.
      Thus, immunoprophylaxis of urogenital infection with oral vaccine uro-vaxom is
      highly effective, is well tolerated and, therefore, must enter the standards of
      medical care for patients with urogenital infection.

PMID- 22066234
TI  - [Choice of an optimal free graft for replacement urethroplasty in extensive
      urethral strictures].
AB  - Irrespective of the type and properties of a free graft in urethroplasty,
      survival of the graft depends on blood circulation in the nutrient bed. We made
      an experimental trial to study engraftment of free grafts of buccal and lingual
      mucosa on different types of the nutrient bed. Free flaps (78 buccal and 86
      lingual mucosa samples) were taken from 52 male Wistar rats (300 to 470 body
      mass). Grafting was made on different types of nutrient bed - skeletal muscle,
      subcutaneous fat and penile tunica albuginea. Histological examination of the
      grafts was made 2, 4, 7 and 14 days after transplantation. The process of
      engraftment followed all the stages of nonspecific inflammation. The alteration
      stage (48 hours) is characterized by marked epithelial atrophy, necrosis of most
      of the cross-striate muscular fibers of the graft, necrotic alterations of the
      nutrient bed, primarily in the suture area. Excudation and emigration (2-4 days)-
      by continued necrotic changes with infiltration of the graft with neutrophilic
      leukocytes, edema of the upper layer stroma and infiltrate extention on the
      nutrient bed. Proliferation (day 7)--by attenuation of necroinflammatory
      processes, decline of leukocyte infiltration, formation of blood vessels in the
      subepithelial base of the graft. Regeneration (day7-14)--by recovery of the
      epithelial graft layer, development of granulation tissue in the submucosal base.
      The best engraftment was registered on transplantation on penile tunica albuginea
      (buccal graft--93.4%, lingual one--88.9%). Successful implantation on the muscle
      occurred in 90.7% for buccal and 87.9% for lingual grafts. On fat tissue buccal
      transplant failed in 19, lingua--in 23.89% transplantations. Thus, staging in
      interaction between different grafts and types of nutrient bed do not depend on
      characteristics of the bed and graft. Necroinflammatory changes in the buccal
      graft change for proliferative processes earlier than in the lingual one.
      Proliferative and regenerative processes develop earlier on penile tunica
      albuginea. Alteration and exudation are more pronounced on subcutaneous fat.

PMID- 22066235
TI  - [Mini-invasive operations for correction of urinary incontinence in females].
AB  - We compared efficacy of surgical treatment of urinary incontinence in women
      depending on the size of the synthetic sling and technique of its installation.
      From January to September 2009 we made 75 operations with synthetic suburethral
      slings: TVT-SECUR (TVT-S)--group 1 (n = 35) and TVT-O- group 2 (n = 40). The
      sling was installed in U position in 14 patients of group 1 and in H position in
      21 patients. The control examinations included questionnaire survey, cough stress
      test (in bladder volume more than 150 ml), vaginal investigation, uroflowmetry,
      in urgency--complex urodynamic examination. A total of 32 patients of group 1 and
      40 patients of group 2 were examined postoperatively. A positive result was
      achieved in 20 (62%) and 38 (95%) (p = 0.0006) patients of group 1 and 2,
      respectively. Quality of life was assessed as good and very good by 22 (68%) and
      37 (93%) patients of groups 1 and 2 (p = 0.0105), respectively. The control
      examination after 6 months of follow-up showed good result in 7 (53%) and 13
      (68%) patients of group 1 (subgroups U and H, respectively). Reoperation for
      urinary incontinence was made in 4 (30%) patients of subgroup U and 1 (5%)--of
      subgroup H. Thus, surgical treatment of urinary incontinence in women according
      to TVT-0 technique is more effective than in TVT-S surgery, but minisling TVT-S
      is more effective in patients with bad somatic status and in H position.

PMID- 22066236
TI  - [Combined lumbosacral and vaginal physiotherapy in the treatment of overactive
      bladder in postmenopausal women].
AB  - Efficacy of combined application of physical factors including lumbosacral
      magnetotherapy and vaginal vibromagnetic impact is shown in 48 postmenopausal
      women (mean age 62.5 +/- 1.6 years) with overactive bladder (OAB). Choice of this
      combination is explained by a multifactorial OAB pathogenesis and degenerative
      spinal diseases often encountered in postmenopausal women (70.8% in this study).
      The exposures of the spine and the bladder (vaginal) were made one after the
      other with duration of the first stage 10-15 min, of the second--5-7 min, the
      course consisted of 10-12 procedures. The results of the treatment were assessed
      by urination rhythm, volume, number of incontinence episodes. Quality of life was
      evaluated according to special questionnaires. Trophic function of the spinal
      cord and innervation of the bladder were studied by n. tibialis conduction
      measured by electroneuromyography (ENMG). The following results were obtained:
      reduction of urinations for 24 hours by 36.9%, urgent episodes--by 44%, urgent
      incontinence--by 59.7%. Voiding volume significantly increased (by 26%). A total
      score of anxiety related to OAB fell by 51.3%. M-response amplitude in ENMG rose
      1.5-fold, while velocity of the impulse conduction along the n. tibialis enhanced
      1.2-fold. The technique was accomplished with AMUS-01-Intramag device and
      attachment to it Rectomassager made in Russia.

PMID- 22066237
TI  - [Using zidena in the treatment of erectile dysfunction associated with stress
      induced arterial hypertension in workers of locomotive teams].
AB  - Thirty train drivers with erectile dysfunction (ED) and arterial hypertension
      were examined : physical examination, blood count, urinalysis, penile laser
      Doppler flowmetry (LDF). ED severity was assessed by Loran-Segal questionnaire of
      male copulative function (MCF) and international index of erectile function
      (IIEF). Zidena was used in a dose 100 mg 30 min before coitus twice a weak.
      Examinations have detected mild and moderate ED, spastic disorders of penile
      microcirculation. MCF significant improvement (p < 0.05), rise of IIEF score were
      seen after 30 days of zidena treatment. A positive trend was observed after 15
      days of treatment. LDF registered a significant (p < 0.05) improvement of
      microcirculation. Tissue hypoxia and ischemia lowered, blood inflow in the system
      of microcirculation increased. A passive mechanism of blood flow regulation,
      vasodilation almost corresponded to physiological standards. Administration of
      zidena in patients with stress-induced hypertension has improved libido, quality
      and duration of erection, penile microcirculation due to better tissue perfusion
      with blood, reduction of ischemia and blood congestion in the venules. Duration
      of coitus increased.

PMID- 22066238
TI  - [Correction of complement system failure in patients with chronic prostatitis].
AB  - The aim of the study was detection of local and systemic changes in the
      complement system in patients with chronic abacterial prostatitis (CAP) and
      chronic bacterial prostatitis (CBP) and to assess a relevant corrective efficacy
      of the hardware and software complex Andro-Gin (KAP-ELM-01 Andro-Gin). Before
      treatment, blood plasma of CAP patients contained elevated concentrations of all
      studied components of the compliment system and factor H but subnormal
      concentration of C1-inhibitor. Locally, all the compliment indices were high
      including C1-inhibitor and factor H except component C5. Initial blood plasma
      compliment fractions in CBP patients were elevated but regulatory proteins
      concentrations were low. Local compliment components C3, C4, C5 and C5a and
      factor H were significantly higher. Standard treatment of CAP partially corrected
      the level of C3, C3a, C4 components, locally normalized concentration of C3
      component and corrected C4 component, while in CBP standard treatment normalized
      concentration of C3 component and reduced C3a, C4, C5 and C5a components, locally
      normalized the levels of C3, C4 components, corrected concentration of C3a, C5,
      C5a components, raised regulatory factors. Combination of the standard treatment
      with Andro-Gin unit compared to standard treatment alone, in CAP corrected plasma
      concentrations of C3, C3a, C4 compliment components and significantly raised
      levels of regulatory factors, locally--partially normalized the level of factor
      H. In CBP additional use of Andro-Gin more significantly improved concentrations
      of C3a and C5a components , locally--C5a component, raised significantly
      concentration of regulatory factors C1-inhibitor and factor H. Thus, KAP-ELM-01
      Andro-Gin administration in CAP and CBP patients promotes more effective
      correction of systemic and local disorders in the compliment system, the
      improvement being more pronounced in CBP.

PMID- 22066239
TI  - [Current approaches to the treatment of non-gonococcal urethritis in men].
AB  - The study was made of 50 men suffering from non-gonococcal urethritis caused by
      mixed pathogenic and opportunistic urogenital infection. Clinical characteristics
      of urethritis in relation to infection pathogen are shown. The results of
      clinical and laboratory examinations were considered in choice of antibacterial
      therapy. Safocid, a combined antibacterial medicine, demonstrated its clinical
      and microbiological efficacy in the treatment of patients with non-gonococcal
      urethritis of mixed etiology.

PMID- 22066240
TI  - [Erectile dysfunction: choice of the treatment method].
AB  - The 15-year clinical experience with falloendoprosthetic operations (FEPO) in
      patients with erectile dysfunction is reviewed including algorithm of diagnostic
      examination, prostheses of different generations, indications and
      contraindications for falloendoprosthetic surgery. The results of 117 FEPO are
      outlined with special emphasis on 19 cases of postoperative complications. The
      conclusion is made that FEPO is most effective in erectile dysfunction by the
      presented criteria of the erectile dysfunction treatment efficacy.

PMID- 22066241
TI  - [Elective simultaneous operations in elderly and senile urological patients].
AB  - Surgeons of Samara Regional Veterans' Hospital made elective-simultaneous
      operations in 229 presenile and senile patients. Surgery was performed in the
      urological department in 1995-2010. It is shown that over 12% patients of
      urological geriatric departments need elective situltaneous operations, of them
      8.7% are mild, 78.6%--moderate and 12.7%--severe. The results of simultaneous
      operations in 133 patients and staged operations in 60 control patients
      (adenomectomy and Vinkelman) differed insignificantly (p > 0.05). Such
      achievement was realized due to advanced prophessional education of all medical
      personnel of the department, introduction of new techniques in examination and
      treatment: accurate definition of absolute and relative contraindications for
      simultaneous surgery, effective preoperative preparation, low-invasive
      operations, different variants of non-endotracheal anesthesia. In addition to a
      positive clinical effect, new technology of simultaneous operations reduces 2.3
      fold economic costs vs staged surgery, improves significantly quality of life of
      the above patients.

PMID- 22066242
TI  - [Treatment of chlamydial infection in chronic prostatitis].
AB  - Clinical efficacy of cycloferon (solution for injections) in combination with
      azitromycin was studied in males with newly diagnosed chronic prostatitis of
      chlamydial etiology and silent urogenital chlamydial infection. Administration of
      cycloferon in recommended regimen promotes clinical recovery and prevents
      recurrences. High clinical efficacy of cycloferon results from immunotropic
      activity of the drug which normalizes immune response and leads to elimination of
      the pathogen 3-6 months after the end of the treatment.

PMID- 22066243
TI  - [Methods of increasing the effectiveness of radical prostatectomy].
AB  - In search of ways to improve the results of radical surgical treatment of
      patients with prostatic cancer (PC), we analysed the results of examination and
      treatment of 130 patients with local PC performed in 2000-2010 years. All the
      patients have undergone retropubic radical prostatectomy (RPE). Of them, 25.4%
      received neoadjuvant hormonal therapy. Follow-up median was 53 months (16-122
      months). We also estimated direct and indirect costs of RPE. Erectile dysfunction
      after RPE was registered in 93.1% patients, urinary incontinence--in 20%
      patients, anastomosis stricture--in 22.6%. Five and 10 year recurrence-free
      survival was 80 and 72%, respectively. Total (direct and indirect) costs of one
      PC patient's surgical treatment (RPE) reached 140891,29 roubles. Our calculations
      show that certain measures taken in practical activity of the urologists can
      reduce direct costs by about 25%. Thus, our study demonstrates that it is
      possible to avoid unjustified expenses and achieve good outcomes in surgical
      treatment of PC.

PMID- 22066244
TI  - [Administration of vitaprost plus for prevention of infectious-inflammatory
      complications of transurethral prostatic resection in patients with prostatic
      adenoma].
AB  - The study of efficacy and safety of the drug vitaprost plus (rectal
      suppositories) in its use for prevention of infectious-inflammatory complications
      after transurethral resection (TUR) of the prostate for adenoma included 55 male
      surgical patients with prostatic adenoma (PA). The patients were randomized into
      two groups matched by age, symptoms and clinical data. The control group
      consisted of 20 patients (group 1), the study group--of 35 patients (group 2).
      TUR of the prostate was made in both groups, but patients of group 2 were given
      additional prophylactic treatment--vitaprost plus, one suppository before going
      to bed 2 days before surgery and for 8 days after TUR, the course lasted for 10
      days. Postoperative blood and urine samples showed inflammatory changes more
      often in group 1, free of infection bacterial tests were more often in group 2.
      Renal microcirculation in group 1 after TUR evidenced for functional depression
      on perfusion intensity and renal ischemia and congestion. These changes persisted
      on postoperative day 8, being a potential cause of renal inflammation and
      ascending pyelonephritis. Group 2 patients exhibited insignificant postoperative
      microcirculatory disorders in the kidneys and were not registered on
      postoperative day 8. Infectious-inflammatory complications in group 1 patients
      were registered much more frequently than in group 2 patients. Thus, vitaprost
      plus can be recommended for prophylaxis of infectious-inflammatory complications
      of TUR in PA patients.

PMID- 22066245
TI  - [The role of ultrasonography in diagnosis of cryptorchidism in children].
AB  - Complex preoperative ultrasonic investigation of the inguinoscrotal area and
      abdominal cavity was made in 265 patients with cryptorchidism aged 1 to 14 years.
      The data of this investigation allowed development of an original technique of
      differential diagnosis of testicular retention and ectopy. Informative value of
      ultrasonic investigation in diagnosis of testicular ectopy and retention reached
      100%. Examination of 44 children with unpalpable testes diagnosed abdominal
      cryptorchidism in 42 (65.6%) patients. In 10 (15.6%) patients testicular
      visualization failed. Testicular aplasia was diagnosed in 12 (18.8%) patients.
      Assessment of morphofunctional condition of the retained gonade showed that all
      the children had deficiency of testicular volume and abnormal intratesticular
      blood circulation.

PMID- 22066246
TI  - [Hormonal therapy of prostatic cancer: current status of the problem].

PMID- 22066247
TI  - [Hormone replacement therapy in men: practical aspects].

PMID- 22066248
TI  - [A giant recurrent urethro-vesico-vaginal fistula with a 44 year history with a
      complete prolapse of the urinary bladder].

PMID- 22066249
TI  - [A giant prostatic adenoma without disturbance of patient's quality of life].

PMID- 22066250
TI  - [Oral mucosa transplantation in extended urethral stricture].

PMID- 22066251
TI  - [Surgical treatment of kidney calculi in the horse-shoe kidney].

PMID- 22066252
TI  - [Prognostic value of ICP, CPP and regional blood flow monitoring in diffuse and
      focal traumatic cerebral lesions].
AB  - Forty patients with severe traumatic brain injury (GCS score 8 and less) aged 16
      54 years treated in our clinic were analyzed. Correlations between clinical
      symptoms, CT signs of diffuse and focal traumatic lesions, intracranial
      hemorrhage, indices of cerebral blood flow (CBF) according to perfusion CT study,
      intracranial pressure (ICP) and cerebral perfusion pressure (CPP) were assessed.
      Main mechanism of injury in 27 of 40 (67.5%) patients was acceleration
      deceleration due to traffic accidents which usually leads to diffuse axonal
      injury (DAI) of different severity. In the other 13 (32.5%) cases injury was
      associated with coup-countercoup mechanism which caused focal contusions mostly.
      Not only GCS score but CT-signs of DAI severity, intracranial hemorrhage and
      minimal levels of CPP had significant prognostic value. Results of perfusion CT
      studies demonstrated that in 37 of 40 (92.5%) patients cerebral blood flow
      decreased (below 28.6 ml/100 g/min) in one or more arterial blood distribution
      areas. Increase of CBF was registered in 9 cases (over 69 ml/100 g/min), in 6 of
      them elevation of CBF in one arterial distribution area was associated with
      reduction in the other. Generally, mean CBF values were higher in the middle
      cerebral artery circulation than in the other. The lowest CBF levels (16.3 +/- 6
      ml/100 g/min) were observed in cortical and subcortical hemorrhagic foci while
      these values were significantly higher in the same contralateral intact zones
      (36.0 +/- 10.0 ml/100 g/min; p < 0.01). In 3 patients with DAI the CBF in the
      midbrain varied from 12.5 to 30.1 ml/100 g/min with the lowest levels in
      hemorrhagic focus in cerebral peduncle. It corresponded to cystic-atrophic
      alterations found on subsequent follow-up MRI. Thus, reduction of CBF and
      episodes of low CPP were the leading pathophysiological phenomena of diffuse and
      focal brain damages.

PMID- 22066253
TI  - [Long-latency components (N100, N200 and P300) of acoustic evoked potentials in
      prediction of mental recovery in severe traumatic brain injury].
AB  - The authors analyzed correlations of amplitude and latency levels of N100, N200
      and P300 components of acoustic evoked potentials (AEP) registered during sonic
      stimulation and counting of target-oriented stimuli in 22 patients in vegetative
      state and mutism as an outcome of traumatic brain injury. Results were analyzed
      with association of electrophysiological findings with data of diffusion-tensor
      MRI. 55 healthy volunteers were included into control group. It is described that
      patients in vegetative state with formal recovery to the level of clear
      consciousness develop all three components of AEP in response to target-oriented
      tone. The instruction "to counts" leads to their better development. Patients
      with restoration to minimal level of consciousness produce all components during
      audition of sounds and only N100 and N200 in response to standard tone after
      instruction "to count". It is discovered that levels of amplitude have bigger
      correlation according to Spearman's criterion with outcome in comparison to
      latency. There changes are more prominent in N100 and N200 components rather in
      P300. In addition, after instruction "to count sounds" the registered changes
      between stages of vegetative state and mutism are significant for leads of left
      hemisphere, and during audition of sounds--for sagittal leads. The study showed
      correspondence of acquired changes with MRI data. Chronic unconscious state is
      associated with changes in corpus callosum (degeneration fibers) and
      corticospinal tracts in the brainstem. The data are discussed in light of
      hypothesis of the role of morphofunctional disconnections (brainstem-thalamus and
      interhemispheric) in impairment of attention and in genesis of different forms of
      posttraumatic unconscious state.

PMID- 22066254
TI  - [Syndrome of cerebral hyperperfusion after carotid endarterectomy].
AB  - The aim of this study was to assess the role of different modalities in early
      diagnosis of cerebral hyperperfusion syndrome (CHPS) following carotid
      endarterectomy, as well as to develop effective treatment protocol for
      abovementioned complication. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Study group consisted of 61
      patient who underwent uni- or bilateral carotid endarterectomy (CEA). Diagnostic
      modalities included transcranial Doppler study (TCD), cerebral oximetry,
      perfusion CT scanning and neuropsychological evaluation. STUDY RESULTS: We
      demonstrated that both bilateral carotid stenosis and stroke were independent
      predictive factors for CHPS at early postoperative period. "Classical" two-fold
      increase of cerebral blood flow in ipsilateral CMA was seen in 15% patients only.
      According to our data, predictive TCD-value was 1.48 increase of CBF. The most
      informative tool for early CHPS diagnosis was perfusion CT scans: preoperative
      mean transit time asymmetry in temporal areas (in the group of patients with
      unilateral carotid stenosis) correlated with CHPS development. Effective medical
      treatment for CHPS was achieved with Ca2+ channel antagonists use, that enabled
      us to prevent evolution of "mild" clinical appearance of CHPS into status
      epilepticus or intracerebral hemorrhage. CONCLUSION: Modern diagnostic modalities
      that assess brain perfusion can (with certain rate of accuracy) predict CHPS
      development even preoperatively. Early therapy of this complication with Ca2+
      antagonists can usually control it.

PMID- 22066255
TI  - [The role of intraoperative flowmetry in surgery of cerebral aneurysms].
AB  - Aim of the study was to assess the capabilities of intraoperative ultrasonic
      flowmetry in cerebral aneurysm surgery for prevention and immediate correction of
      cerebral ischemia. Ultrasonic flowmeter (Model HT313/323, "ransonic Systems
      Inc.", USA) was used during surgery in patients with complicated, large and giant
      aneurysms for evaluation of cerebral blood flow in main arteries (internal
      carotid, anterior and middle cerebral) and their branches (branches of M2-M3 and
      A2 segments). The series included 20 adult patients (13 male and 7 female)
      operated in Burdenko Moscow Neurosurgery Institute during 2008-2011 years. Mean
      age was 47.4 +/- 8.6 years. Giant aneurysms (> 2.5 cm) were present in 12 (60%)
      patients, large (1.5-2.5 cm)--in 5 (25%). Aneurysms of internal carotid artery
      were found in 8 cases. 1 female patient was operated on giant aneurysm of
      anterior cerebral--anterior communicating artery. In 4 (20%) cases significant
      alterations of blood flow were registered after clipping (> 25% according to
      initial), the changes were not visible. This allowed to correct the position of
      clips. In 2 surgeries ('low' paraclinoid aneurysms) the collateral flow was
      sufficient during temporary clipping, this allowed trapping of aneurysms with
      good neurological outcome. In 3 cases flowmeter was used to evaluate blood flow
      after extracranial-intracranial bypass. Ultrasonic flowmetry is a simple,
      reproducible and safe technique for intraoperative assessment of blood flow.
      Despite visual sufficiency of arteries flowmetry allows detection of surgically
      significant alterations of blood flow after clipping.

PMID- 22066256
TI  - [Clinical manifestation and surgical treatment of superior lumbar disc
      herniation].
AB  - On the basis of analysis of presentation and surgical treatment of 103 patients
      with lumbar disc herniation the authors performed comparative assessment of
      symptoms and therapeutic techniques in patients with higher and lower lumbar disc
      disease. Short-term and long-term results were evaluated using visual analogue
      scale and Oswestry disability index (ODI). Statistically significant differences
      in dynamics of pain and ODI were not present. In spite of differences in clinical
      presentation, the results of surgical treatment in both groups were similar. They
      depended on severity of preoperative neurological deficit regardless of level of
      lesion. Specific features of surgical procedure in superior lumbar disk
      herniation are described.

PMID- 22066257
TI  - [Long-term results of surgical treatment for lumbar spine degenerative. Disease
      in patients above 60 of age].
AB  - Aim of this study was to assess results of surgical treatment of patients with
      degenerative lumbar spine disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We analyzed 68 patients
      65-82 years old. Clinical neurological examination, questionnaires, X-rays,
      multispiral CT scans were used for evaluation. RESULTS: After decompressive
      (group A) and decompressive-stabilizing surgery (group B) we observed significant
      decrease of low back pain intensity according to visual analogue scale (chi2 =
      10.0; p = 0.024; p < 0.05) and leg pain intensity (chi2 = 24.4; p = 0.001; p <
      0.05). However, Oswestry disability index (ODI) 4-6 years after decompressive
      stabilizing surgery remained substantially low in comparison with decompressive
      procedures. ODI after surgery also remained significantly lower in comparison
      with preoperative level in both groups (chi2 = 71.4; p = 0.001; p < 0.05),
      however, after decompressive-stabilizing procedures positive dynamics of ODI was
      more prominent. Complex assessment of treatment outcomes discovered significant
      difference in rates of good and poor results between two groups. Good
      postoperative results in group A reached 38.7% while in group B--67.6% (z = 2.2;
      p = 0.032; p < 0.05); poor results in groups A and B were 29.0% and 2.7%,
      respectively (z = 2.7, p = 0.007, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Decompressive
      stabilizing procedures are the most effective in treatment of degenerative lumbar
      spine disease.

PMID- 22066258
TI  - [Urgent neurosurgical operations in neurooncology].
AB  - 26 patients with intracranial tumors on the stage of severe clinical
      decompensation were treated in S.P. Botkin Municipal Hospital from 2005 till
      2010. The main group (18 cases) included patients who underwent urgent
      neurosurgical procedures due to decompensation. This group was evaluated
      prospectively. Control group (8 cases) consisted of patients who received only
      conservative treatment. Application of this therapeutic tactics allowed decrease
      of mortality from 100% after palliative conservative treatment to 11% (2 cases)
      after aggressive surgical management shortly after deterioration. Condition of
      patients was assessed using GCS. Outcomes were evaluated by GOS. Mean
      preoperative GCS score was 5.3 in the surgical group. In control group this value
      was 4. Mean postoperative GOS score was 3.9. In control group mortality reached
      100%. Perioperative ICP monitoring demonstrated severe intracranial hypertension
      in all cases. Analysis showed that urgent decompressive procedure in
      decompensated patients with intracranial tumors is treatment of choice if
      antiedematous treatment is ineffective. If no positive dynamics in neurological
      symptoms is observed, neurosurgeon should immediately perform wide external and
      internal decompression with duraplasty. Decision about urgent operation is
      strictly individual and should be based on size and localization of the tumor,
      concominant diseases, duration of coma and stability of haemodynamics.

PMID- 22066259
TI  - [Surgical tactics in fractures of frontal bone involving frontal sinus].
AB  - Review of literature dealing with fractures of frontal bone involving frontal
      sinus is presented. 3 cases of successful surgical treatment of different frontal
      sinus injuries are reported in the paper. The author demonstrates importance of
      selection of correct surgical tactics for primary reconstruction of frontal bone
      using craniofacial osteosynthesis. The key moment of surgical procedure is making
      a decision about preservation or elimination (obliteration or cranialization) of
      the frontal sinus which should be based on meticulous analysis of symptoms and CT
      data preoperatively and intraoperatively. Special attention should be paid to
      application of pericranial flap for closure of fractured posterior wall of the
      frontal sinus. Original technique of using a split pericranial pedicled flap for
      isolation of dura from sinus and stimulation of reparative osteogenesis is
      described.

PMID- 22066260
TI  - [Intraosseous cranioorbital hemangiomas].
AB  - The authors describe 2 cases of primary intraosseous cavernous hemangioma (PICH).
      PICH are extremely rare tumors that represent less than 1% of all tumors of the
      bone. Only 20% of them involve skull. In both cases clinical findings were
      presented by proptosis, oculomotor disorders and chronic daily headaches. Surgery
      is the most recommended method of treatment. The best surgical management is
      gross total resection within intact tissue. In both cases tumor was removed
      completely.

PMID- 22066261
TI  - [Metastatic skull base tumors (biology, clinical presentation and evaluation)].
AB  - Metastatic skull base tumors are rare and complicated lesions. They involve
      cranial nerves and craniobasal vascular structures causing multiform clinical
      presentation. Despite modern neurovisualization techniques, risk of preoperative
      diagnostic pitfall remains high. Final diagnosis and planning of further
      treatment are possible only after surgical removal of tumor with subsequent
      immunohistochemical verification.

PMID- 22066262
TI  - [Where intestinal epithelial stem cells are localized? About molecular markers].
AB  - Using stem cells as an example the review considers a new history and methodology
      of search for stem cells (SC), found in tissues of adult Homo sapiens and
      Drosophila melanogaster organisms. These studies of SC resulted in several
      original hypotheses explaining their unusual features. Impressive progress
      recently achieved in this direction (2008-2010) is associated with employment of
      new methods of somatic recombination for long-term registration of various
      strains of differentiated cells, early and distant SC progeny. 1) Although
      anatomic localization of intestinal epithelium cells lacking marked morphological
      and biochemical differentiation markers (the lower third of intestinal and colon
      crypts) is known for about 40 years results of their experimental identification,
      isolation and detection of their functional characteristics still represent the
      subject for discussions. Particularly, it remains unclear, which SC are involved
      in crypt regeneration: the same as those involved into homeostatic renewal or
      their various subpopulations or early SC progenies acquired stem features by
      reprogramming? 2) In addition, most detected biochemical markers of potential SC
      are common for SC from other tissues of embryonic and mature organisms so it is
      possible to apply method developed for intestinal epithelium for their isolation.
      3) Data on induction of intestinal epithelium polyps and neoplasias by mutations
      in genes encoding SC markers and identification of biochemical characteristics of
      potential SC in these tumors support the hypothesis of stem tumor cell
      origination from normal SC or their earliest progeny. In general, facts
      considered in this review may be useful for both development of optimal methods
      for the use of SC in cell therapy (as the source of humoral factors),
      regenerative medicine (as the source of differentiated cells for restoration of
      injured tissue), and also for targeted search of antitumor drugs (SC as the
      target) and preparations modifying genetic and epigenetic reactions of SC to
      genotoxic and stress treatments.

PMID- 22066263
TI  - [Poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) and biopolymer systems on the basis of this polyester].
AB  - Biodegradable biopolymers attract much attention in biology and medicine due to
      its wide application. The present review is designed to be a comprehensive source
      for research of biodegradable and biocompatible bacterial polymer, poly(3
      hydroxybutyrate). This paper focuses on basic properties of biopolymer:
      biodegradability and biocompatibility, as well as on biopolymer systems: various
      materials, devices and compositions on the basis of biopolymer. Application of
      biopolymer systems based on poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) in medicine as surgical
      implants, in bioengineering as scaffold for cell cultures, and in pharmacy as
      drug dosage forms and drug systems is observed in the present review.

PMID- 22066264
TI  - [Study of Dj-1 protein in tissue specimens, cultured cells and serum of prostate
      cancer patients].
AB  - Two isoforms of Dj-1 protein were identified using a proteomic study in tissue
      specimens from two groups of patients with confirmed benign prostate hyperplasia
      (BPH) and prostate cancer (PCa). Dj-1 was also found in the cell lines PC-3, DU
      145, LNCaP, BPH-1, and the lowest level of Dj-1 was found in BPH-1.
      Immunochemical study (ELISA) of serum levels of Dj-1, Bcl-2, IGF-1 and IGFBP-3
      proteins revealed statistically significant distinctions between two groups of
      patients (p=0,004, Mann-Whitney test) only for Dj-1. Taken together, these data
      suggest that Dj-1 protein is a perspective biomarker candidate for PCa.

PMID- 22066265
TI  - [Screening of potential substrates or inhibitors of cytochrome P450 17A1
      (CYP17A1) by electrochemical methods].
AB  - The electrochemical reduction of the recombinant form of human cytochrome P450
      17A1 (CYP17A1) was investigated. Hemeprotein was immobilized on electrode
      modified with biocompatable nanocomposite material based on the membrane-like
      synthetic surfactant didodecyldimethylammonium bromide (DDAB) and gold
      nanoparticles. Analytical characteristics of DDAB/Au/CYP17A1 electrodes were
      investigated with cyclic voltammetry, square wave voltammetry, and differential
      pulse voltammetry. Analysis of electrochemical behaviour of cytochrome P450 17A1
      was conducted in the presence of substrate pregnenolone (1), inhibitor
      ketoconazole (2), and in the presence of synthetic derivatives of pregnenolone:
      acetylpregnenolone (3), cyclopregnenolone (4), and tetrabrompregnenolone (5).
      Ketoconazole, azole inhibitor of cytochromes P450, blocked catalytic current in
      the presence of substrate pregnenolone (1). Compounds 3-5 did not demonstrate
      substrate properties towards electrode/CYP17A1 system. Compound 3 did not block
      catalytic activity towards pregnenolone, but compounds 4 and 5 inhibited such
      activity. Electrochemical reduction of CYP17A1 may serve as an adequate
      substitution of the reconstituted system which requires additional redox partners
      - for the exhibition of catalytic activity of hemoproteins of the cytochrome P450
      superfamily.

PMID- 22066266
TI  - [Renin-angiotensin system gene expression in the kidney and in the heart in
      hypertensive ISIAH rats].
AB  - The content of mRNA of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) genes in the kidney and
      heart of hypertensive ISIAH and normotensive WAG rats was measured by the real
      time PCR. Statistically significant decrease of RAS gene mRNA was registered in
      the kidney of ISIAH rats, including Ren (by 45%), Ace (43%), AT1A (34%), COX-2
      (50%). In the myocardium AT1A mRNA expression decreased by 28% while Ace mRNA
      expression increased by 80%. These results demonstrate the reduction of renal RAS
      basal activity in the hypertensive ISIAH rats, and this allows us to consider the
      ISIAH rat, as a low-renin hypertensive strain. In support of this viewpoint, in
      the ISIAH rats, a two-fold increase in the connective tissue sodium concentration
      as well as statistically significant plasma sodium increase (from 136 +/- 0,25
      micromol/l in WAG to 139 +/- 0,3 micromol/l in the ISIAH rats) were found. Our
      conclusion backed by a tendency of the ISIAH plasma aldosterone level decrease
      giving in sum a classical picture of a low-renin hypertensive state in the ISIAH
      rats. It was suggested that the formation of low-renin arterial hypertension in
      the ISIAH rats may depend on changes in kidney ion channels function. In
      addition, renal NO system alterations could be also involved in the pathogenesis
      of arterial hypertension in the ISIAH rats.

PMID- 22066267
TI  - [Regularities of endogenous lipid metabolites formation in phorbol 12-miristate
      13-acetate-stimulated peripheral blood lymphocytes at leukemia].
AB  - Regularities of biologically active lipid metabolites formation in dynamics (5,
      10, 30, 60 s) by phorbol 12-miristate 13-acetate stimulation in [14C]palmitic
      acid have been investigated in normal and leukemia peripheral blood lymphocytes
      prelabeled with [14C]palmitate. In normal cells there was two-phase formation of
      1,2-diacylglycerol (5, 30 s), lysophosphatidylcholine (10, 60 s), as well as free
      palmitic acid at 10 s of stimulation. Under the identical experimental conditions
      there was inhibition of investigated lipid release processes at early (5 and 10
      s) stages of stimulation of leukemic lymphocytes. At later (30, 60 s) terms of
      these lymphocytes the activation, basically, similar to norm changes in the
      formation of palmitic acid-containing metabolites except free palmitic acid (the
      level of which raised only at 60 second of the post-stimulation) was found.
      Various protein kinases C are involved in the regulation of investigated lipid
      levels at certain stages of signal transduction both in norm, and in blast cells.
      Short-term (5, 10 s) activations of healthy donors lymphocytes are coupled to
      functioning of Ca2+-independent isoforms of protein kinase C. The inhibition of
      this protein kinase C in leukemic cells leads to normalization of the
      investigated lipid release. The data obtained suggests disorders of early
      membrane-bound reactions in agonist - and a protein kinase C-mediated processes
      of formation palmitic acid-containing lipid metabolites in the leukemic cells in
      comparison with the norm.

PMID- 22066268
TI  - [Studies of mutagenic activity of positively charged alkyl glycerolipids in Ames
      test].
AB  - Mutagenic activity of non-phosphorous cationic alkyl glycerolipid rac-N-{4-[(2
      Methoxy-3-octadecyloxy)propyl]oxycarbonylbutyl}-N,N-dimethyl-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)
      ammonium iodide was evaluated. According performed Ames assay results indicated
      on non-mutagenic properties tested compound. Resulting data open the possibility
      to carry out biological study in vivo for class of ether cationic glycerolipids
      and further applications as a potential agent of anticancer therapy.

PMID- 22066269
TI  - [All signs of metabolic syndrome in the hypertensive ISIAH rats are associated
      with increased activity of transcription factors PPAR, LXR, PXR, and CAR in the
      liver].
AB  - It is known that the metabolic syndrome (MS), which includes hypertension,
      dislipidemia, glucose intolerance, and obesity leads to cardiovascular diseases.
      The MS risk is growing catastrophically. Molecular mechanisms allowing to
      understand the reason of integrated dysfunctions, taking place at MS cases, have
      remained almost unstudied. The chronical stress plays a crucial role in MS
      development; therefore in the present work a hypertensive rat strain with
      Inherited Stress-Induced Arterial Hypertension (ISIAH) was used as a model. It
      was shown that ISIAH rat strain as compared with the control WAG rat strain is
      characterized by increased content of triglyceride, VLDL and LDL cholesterols, a
      decreased content of HDL cholesterol, a high level of apolipoprotein B-100, and
      decreased level of apolipoprotein A-I. The ISIAH rats body weight was higher as
      compared with WAG rats; ISIAH rats blood glucose content was higher too. Thus,
      strain hypertension for ISIAH rat is accompanied by dislipidemia, increased
      glucose content, and increased body weight, representing a whole set of MS signs.
      Since at MS cases the systemic abnormalities in lipid and carbohydrate metabolism
      take place, the functional activity of transcription factors (TFs) participating
      in integral regulation of lipid and carbohydrate metabolism genes in liver was
      measured. PPAR, LXR, PXR, CAR DNA-binding activity was increased in ISIAH rats,
      suggesting involvement of these TFs in MS development. Integrated investigation
      of PPAR, LXR, PXR, CAR regulatory mechanisms, signal transduction and
      transcriptional targets will provide insights into the pathogenesis of MS and
      offer valuable information for designing of drugs for MS treatment.

PMID- 22066270
TI  - [Effect of N-stearoylethanolamine on free amino acid levels in rat plasma and
      liver with burn].
AB  - The effect of the endocannabinoid congener N-stearoylethanolamine (NSE) on the
      content of plasma and liver free amino acids in burned rats was studied. The
      animals after the thermal burn of the skin received per os during 7 days the
      water suspension of NSE in the doze 10 mg/kg of body weight. In the other group
      of rats the suspension was applied on the wound (the concentration of NSE was 10
      mg/ml). In experimental animals the total amount of free amino acids in plasma
      decreased after burn while the total amount of free amino acids in liver
      significantly increased. In burn animals the ratio of plasma and liver Phe/Tyr
      and Gly/Val was found to be augmented while the Fischer ratio
      (Ile+Leu+Val/Phe+Tyr) diminished compared with intact rats. It was shown for the
      first time that NSE caused normalization of the concentration of some free amino
      acids and of Phe/Tyr, Gly/Val ratios, and the Fischer ratio in blood plasma and
      liver of rats with the burn injury. Altogether, these data demonstrate that NSE
      possesses adaptogenic properties, and is involved in the organism response to a
      burn. These findings suggest possibility of NSE usage for burn treatment.

PMID- 22066271
TI  - [Study of cytokines content and gangliosides metabolism at experimental brain
      edema].
AB  - The content of cytokines, and gangliosides metabolism, and the quantity of lipid
      peroxidation products were studied at experimental brain edema. Data obtained
      show increase the level of proinflammatory cytokins and decrease the level of
      antiinflammatory cytokines during development of brain edema. Along with this we
      reveal the accumulation of lipid peroxidation products (diene conjugates,
      hydroperoxides, and malonic dialdehyde). Each fraction of gangliosides decreased,
      but the product of their hydrolytic dissociation sphingosine increased at
      experimental brain edema.

PMID- 22066272
TI  - [Neopterin as a rarameter, reflecting the inflammatory phase of a dermal wound
      process].
AB  - Effectiveness of the influence of a natural cytokine complex "Superlymph" on a
      wound process was evaluated in albino rats. The preparation was used right after
      surgical treatment and then during 5 days. Interrelationship between
      morphological and immunobiochemical factors on local and organismic levels was
      studied. During uncomplicated wound process no statistically significant
      difference in concentration of blood serum neopterin was found. The main changes
      occured locally. There was correlation between morphological and
      immunobiochemical factors.

PMID- 22066273
TI  - [Mass-spectrometric investigation of degradation of the inhalation anesthetic
      sevoflurane in flow anesthesia].
AB  - The highest concentration of the Sevoflurane degradation product in the gas
      mixture was 65 ppm. Biochemical analysis did not reveal any nephro- and
      hepatotoxic effect.

PMID- 22066274
TI  - Prevalence of and predictors of substance use among adolescents in rural villages
      of Moshi district, Tanzania.
AB  - PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence of substance use among primary school pupils
      and out-of-school adolescents in Moshi rural district, northern Tanzania.
      METHODS: A school-based cross-sectional study focusing on primary school
      adolescents in standards 6 and 7 in Kahe rural community. We also conducted a
      population-based cross-sectional study among out-of-school adolescents in the
      same rural villages. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data
      from the school-based survey while for the out-of-school survey the questionnaire
      was administered in the households using trained interviewers. RESULTS: A total
      of 545 in-school and 668 out-of-school adolescents participated in the study. Of
      the 545 school adolescents, 45.4% were males and 56.6% females while for the out
      of-school adolescents, 68.1% were males and 31.9% females. Of the school
      adolescents, more males than females reported being alcohol drinkers (16.7%
      versus 9.2%; odds ratio (OR) = 1.9, 95% CI, 1.17 - 3.29). The prevalence
      proportions of cigarette smoking were 26.2% for men and 15.5% for women while
      prevalence proportions of marijuana smoking were 4.1% for men and 3.0% for women.
      As for the out-of-school adolescents, the prevalence proportions of alcohol use
      were 26.2% for men and 15.5% for women. The prevalence proportions of cigarette
      smoking were 14.3% for men and 1.9% for women while the prevalence proportions of
      marijuana smoking were 1.5% for men and 1.4% for women. CONCLUSIONS: Substance
      use among adolescents is very high suggesting the need for interventions in this
      rural population of Tanzania.

PMID- 22066275
TI  - Epidemiology of non-penetrative sex among university students in the context of
      HIV/AIDS prevention in Northwestern Ethiopia.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study was conducted to explore the knowledge, attitude and
      practices related to non-penetrative sexual behavior in the context of HIV/AIDS
      prevention among Bahir Dar University students in Northwestern Ethiopia. METHODS:
      We conducted a cross-sectional study among a representative sample of 624 regular
      students attending their education in academic year 2007 in Bahir Dar University
      in Ethiopia selected by stratified sampling technique. Association between
      practices and the explanatory variables was assessed in bivariate analysis using
      Chi-square tests and the associations were further expanded using multivariate
      logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: The overall knowledge assessments of the
      respondents showed that 65.2% of the respondents were having reasonable and good
      knowledge. Around 46.7% were currently practicing one or more of the non
      penetrative sexual practices. Among those who were practicing one or more of the
      non penetrative sexual behaviors (n = 286) were for the reasons as make sexual
      pleasure (56.8%), prevent HIV and STI (49.8%), keeping virginity (17.1%) and
      prevention of pregnancy (16.7%)respectively. Around 60.7% had unfavorable
      attitude towards non penetrative sexual behavior. Having good knowledge, being
      male gender, and having favorable attitudes towards NPS were associated with non
      penetrative sexual practice. CONCLUSIONS: Most of the students have relatively
      good knowledge and a considerable proportion of them were already engaged in one
      of the NPS practices withstanding the unfavorable attitude they have towards NPS.
      This remained that it is advisable to further consider NPS as one option and
      additional menu for avoiding unwanted penetrative sex in order to maximize young
      people's options to prevent HIV/AIDS and STIs along with broader IEC/BCC
      interventions.

PMID- 22066276
TI  - Socio-demographic correlates of sexual behaviours: a cross sectional survey of
      adolescents in Imo State secondary schools.
AB  - The study was designed to determine the socio-demographic correlates of sexual
      behaviours of the adolescents in Imo State secondary schools. Three objectives
      and three hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. A cross sectional survey
      design was used and sample size was 3360 (2.2%) adolescents. A structured,
      validated and reliable questionnaire (r = 0.79) and focus group discussion were
      used as the instruments for data collection. Data analysis was done using mean
      and ANOVA statistics. The result generally, showed that the average sexual
      behaviours of the adolescents were below the decision mean of 2.50 and as such
      the adolescents were said to be sexually inactive. In Imo State secondary
      schools, various family sizes did not significantly influence the sexual
      behaviours of the adolescents (F-cal. 2.39, F-tab. 3.00 & P > 0.05), family
      structure significantly influenced their sexual behaviours (F-cal. 17.78, F-tab.
      3.00 & P < 0.05) and different financial strengths influenced the adolescents
      sexual behaviours significantly (F-cal. 22.88, F-tab. 2.37 & P < 0.05. Of great
      worry is that unrestricted/uncontrolled adolescents sexual behaviours may expose
      them to sexually transmitted infections/HIV/AIDS, unwanted pregnancies, illegal
      abortion and dropping out of school. Thus comprehensive sex education was
      recommended.

PMID- 22066277
TI  - Stress, motivation and professional satisfaction among health care workers in
      HIV/AIDS care and treatment centers in urban Tanzania: a cross-sectional study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Shortages of health care workers (HCWs) represents a serious
      challenge to ensuring effective HIV care in resource-limited settings (RLS).
      Stress, motivation, and job satisfaction have been linked with HCW retention and
      are important in addressing HCW shortages. In this cross-sectional study HCW
      stress, motivation and perceived ability to meet patient needs were assessed in
      PEPFAR-supported urban HIV care and treatment clinics (CTCs) in Tanzania.
      METHODS: A self-administered questionnaire measuring motivation, stress, and
      perceived ability to and meet patient needs was given to HCWs at 16 CTCs. Scales
      measuring HCW satisfaction, motivation, and stress were developed using principle
      components analysis. Hierarchical linear models were used to explore the
      association of HCW and site characteristics with reported satisfaction, stress,
      motivation, and ability to meet patients' needs. RESULTS: Seventy-three percent
      (279) of HCWs completed the questionnaire. Most (73%) HCWs reported minimal/no
      work-related stress, with 48% reporting good/excellent motivation, but 41% also
      reporting feeling emotionally drained. Almost all (98%) reported feeling able to
      help their patients, with 68% reporting work as rewarding. Most reported receipt
      of training and supervision, with good availability of resources. In the
      multivariate model, direct clinical providers reported lower motivation than
      management (p < 0.05) and HCWs at medium-sized sites reported higher motivation
      than HCWs at larger sites (p < 0.05). HCWs at small and medium sites were more
      likely to feel able to help patients than those from larger sites (p < 0.05 and p
      < 0.001 respectively). CONCLUSION: Despite significant patient loads, HCWs in
      these PEPFAR-supported CTCs reported high levels of motivation, job satisfaction,
      ability to meet patients' needs, low levels of stress but significant emotional
      toll. Understanding the relationship between support systems such as strong
      supervision and training and these outcomes is critical in designing
      interventions to improve motivation, reduce stress and increase retention of
      HCWs.

PMID- 22066278
TI  - Schistosomiasis in Cameroon: an assessment of community knowledge pattern.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Schistosomiasis is one of the most widespread of all human parasitic
      diseases and is a serious health problem in Cameroon despite tremendous efforts
      by health authorities. The purpose of this study was to determine community
      knowledge of the infection in order to evaluate control programmes put in place.
      METHODS: A random sampling method was used to administer questionnaires to 3200
      individuals in 80 communities throughout the ten regions of the country. RESULTS:
      Globally the percentage of persons with good knowledge of schistosomiasis was low
      (28.8%). Of the 2586 who responded 1311 (50.7%) were females and 1275 (49.3%)
      were males. There was a statistically significant difference in the community
      knowledge pattern by gender (chi2 = 157.28, P < 0.05), and persons with good
      knowledge were more frequent among males than females (61.8% vs. 38.2% P < 0.05).
      The percentage of people who had good knowledge about the disease was highest in
      the Far North region (35.4), followed by the North (33.8) and the Southwest
      (31.1) regions. There was a statistically significant difference in community
      knowledge pattern of Schistosomiasis by region and gender (chi2 = 1265.648 P <
      0.001). Also, there was a statistically significant difference in community
      knowledge pattern of by setting (chi2 = 38.538 P = 0.001) and the percentage of
      people who had a good knowledge of the disease was higher in rural areas than in
      urban areas (72.5% vs. 3.1% P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: was a low community knowledge
      pattern of schistosomiasis, mostly among the female population and among people
      living in urban areas. We advocated that health education should be adopted as
      one of the control strategies by the

PMID- 22066279
TI  - Herpes simplex virus type-2 and human immunodeficiency virus infections in a
      rural population in Kilimanjaro Tanzania.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To estimate the seroprevalence of Herpes Simplex Type 2 (HSV-2) and
      its association with Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) infections in
      rural Kilimanjaro Tanzania. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in
      Oria village from March to June 2005 involving all individuals aged 15-44 years
      with permanent address in the village. Following an informed written consent,
      participants gave blood for HIV-1 testing and further interviewed regarding their
      risk behaviours. All HIV cases and randomly selected controls were tested for HSV
      2 antibodies. RESULTS: The weighted HSV-2 seroprevalence estimate in the whole
      population was 33.2%. The HSV-2 seroprevalence was 87.5% and 29.5% among HIV-1
      seropositive cases and seronegative controls respectively (Odds ratio (OR) 2.9;
      95% Confidence interval: 1.9-4.3). After adjusting for sexual risk behaviors, the
      association between HSV-2 and HIV-1 infections remained strong (adjusted OR 14.1;
      CI: 5.0-28.3). Multiple sexual partners, transactional sex and unprotected casual
      sex were independently associated with HIV-1 infection. CONCLUSIONS: These
      results demonstrate that HSV-2 is highly prevalent in rural communities in
      Tanzania and strongly associated with HIV-1 infection. Sexual risk behaviours may
      play a major role in the transmission of both HSV-2 and HIV-1 infection. Due to
      lack of HSV-2 suppressive antiretroviral therapy in this and similar communities,
      prevention through promotion of behavioural change might be the most important
      strategy to mitigate HSV-2 and HIV-1 transmission.

PMID- 22066280
TI  - Primary motives for demand of ivermectin drug in mass distribution programmes to
      control onchocerciasis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This report of a survey study presents findings from a sample of 594
      persons out of a total of 35,763 treated individuals who voluntarily demanded
      Ivermectin treatment during a community-based Ivermectin distribution exercise.
      The distribution, which took place in 2008, was the seventh in the planned ten or
      more years of mass distribution of the microfilaricide to control onchocerciasis
      in endemic communities of Ezinihitte in the Imo River Basin of Nigeria. METHODS:
      The subjects were selected by quota sampling procedure on the basis of community
      and gender, and were asked to rank-order six plausible reasons for seeking
      treatment in terms of their order of importance in motivating them to demand
      Ivermectin. RESULTS: "To gain treatment and prevention of Skin Problems" and
      "Desire to be De-wormed" ranked first and second respectively. "To gain promotion
      of general wellbeing" and "To improve state of vision and prevent of blindness"
      ranked third and fourth respectively. In the fifth and sixth rank-ordered
      positions were "To prevent hanging groin" and "to prevent/relieve enlargement of
      the scrotum or clitoris" in that order. A test of hypothesis to determine if
      there was significant agreement among treated persons on the rank order of
      importance of their reasons for demanding Ivermectin gave a Kendall's Coefficient
      of Concordance of, W = 0.62, p < 0.01. CONCLUSION: The findings are interpreted
      within the framework of the major postulations of the health belief model with
      consideration to perceptions of severity of the conditions and belief that
      submitting to treatment will abate the perceived risk of the conditions. The role
      of endemicity of specific manifestations of onchocerciasis in lay assessment of
      risk of this disease is also discussed.

PMID- 22066281
TI  - Birthing support and breastfeeding initiation in Somaliland: experiences at the
      Edna Adan Maternity Hospital in Hargeisa, Somaliland.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Research has identified a relationship between birthing practices and
      breastfeeding initiation Continuous support during labor and delivery is a key
      component to increasing breastfeeding initiation. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this
      project was to assess the impact of labor support on breastfeeding initiation in
      a setting in which women receive traditional birthing support from female family
      members. METHODS: Research was conducted at the Edna Adan Maternity Hospital in
      Hargeisa, Somaliland using the grounded theory method of qualitative research.
      Semi-structured interviews, direct observations and participant observations were
      conducted. A purposeful, non-statistical sample was chosen: ten women, five
      family members, six health care providers and five birth observations were
      included. The CDC EZ-Text, a software program developed by the Center for Disease
      Control and Prevention for use in qualitative research, was used in managing and
      analyzing the data. Data analysis and interpretation was conducted using micro
      analysis, open, axial and selective coding procedures. RESULTS: The results
      indicated that due to cultural influences, contradictory beliefs and practices,
      lack of critical thinking and lack of long term planning, traditional birthing
      support was not always indicative of immediate breastfeeding initiation.
      CONCLUSIONS: The presence of a labor companion is a low-cost, preventative
      intervention that is consistent with the cultural practices of Somaliland.
      Breastfeeding education and support should, therefore, include a tertiary
      approach which includes pregnant and birthing women, labor support persons or
      family members and health care providers.

PMID- 22066282
TI  - Bacteriological quality of water and water borne diseases in Bangalore: a
      longitudinal study.
AB  - In developing countries diarrhea diseases take a big toll which can be prevented
      by adequate supply of safe drinking water. Thus a longitudinal study was taken up
      to determine the morbidity due to water borne diseases and bacteriological
      quality of water. 150 houses in two different areas, one supplied by bore well
      and other by tap water was selected by modified cluster sampling. Weekly
      morbidity details collected. Monthly water samples were assessed for
      bacteriological quality from main supply, household storage and morbidity
      reported houses. The difference in proportion of potable and non potable water at
      storage points was statistically significant. The overall incidence rate of
      target diseases was 3.58%,majority were diaarrhoel diseases with increased
      incidence in children less than five years.

PMID- 22066283
TI  - Demographic and health indicators as predictors of life expectancy in African
      countries: implications for population education and health promotion in Nigeria.
AB  - This study was meant to analyse the relationship between vital statistics and
      life expectancy as measure of population control and welfare of citizenry in
      African countries and lessons Nigeria could draw from it. Thirty-one African
      countries were sampled for the study using data sourced from UNICEF-vital
      statistics (2010). Two hypotheses were tested and it was found that although
      there was negative correlation between demographic variables and life expectancy,
      demographic variables were not predictor of life expectancy. Although,
      environment/preventive health variables were collectively predictors of life
      expectancy, individually they were not. Nigeria should draw lessons on reducing
      under 5 and infant mortality, continuous improvement on water, sanitation,
      expanded programme on immunization and increase use of treated mosquito net to
      improve life expectancy.

PMID- 22066284
TI  - Utilization of health care services by pregnant mothers during delivery: a
      community based study in Nigeria.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Poor utilization of health facilities during delivery by pregnant
      mothers is still a major cause of maternal and childhood morbidity and mortality
      in Nigeria. The aim of this study was to determine the level of utilization of
      health care services by pregnant women during delivery in Gokana Local Government
      Area of River State, Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a cross-sectional,
      questionnaire; based study involving 112 mothers aged 15 years to 49 years from
      Gokana Local Government Area of Rivers State, Nigeria. The local Government Area
      has 12 health centres and 6 health centres were selected by multistage sampling.
      112 were then selected by simple random sampling. RESULTS: Of the 112 mothers
      interviewed 91 (81.3%) were married, 13 (11.6%) were single, 5 (4.5%) were
      widows, 2 (1.8%) divorced and 1 (0.9%) separated. Ninety seven (86.6%) of these
      mothers (n = 112) had formal education while 15 (13.4%) had no formal education.
      Most 42 (37.5%) of the mothers were between 25-29 years. Sixty four (57.1%) of
      the 112 mothers in their recent delivery used a health facility while 48 (42.9%)
      did not. Factors responsible for non utilization of health facility for delivery
      include: Long distance to health facility 33 (68.7%), onset of labour at night 40
      (83.3%), unavailability of means of transportation 37 (77.1%), Lack of money for
      transportation 26 (54.2%), unsatisfactory services at health facility 26 (54.2%),
      unfriendly attitude of staff of the health facility 34 (70.8%), unavailability of
      staff at health facility 32 (64.0%), lack of urgency at health facility 36
      (75.0%), previous uneventful delivery at the health facility 32 (66.7%).
      CONCLUSION: Utilization of health care services during delivery in Nigeria is
      still poor. Concerted efforts should be made both at community and Government
      levels to improve utilization of health facility during delivery. This will go a
      long way in reducing maternal and child mortality.

PMID- 22066285
TI  - Availability and affordability of anticancer medicines at the Ocean Road Cancer
      Institute in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To ensure effective control of cancer, patients undergoing
      chemotherapy should get continuous supply of anticancer medicines. In Tanzania
      and other East African countries little is documented regarding the availability
      and affordability of anticancer medicines at the patient level. The number of
      anticancer medicines prescribed to the cancer patients and its cost implication
      is also not known. OBJECTIVE: To determine the availability of anticancer
      medicines to patients attending chemotherapy clinic at Ocean Road Cancer
      Institute (ORCI) in Dar es salaam, Tanzania. Also to find out the prices of
      anticancer medicines in private pharmacies and affordability by cancer patients
      treated at ORCI. METHODOLOGY: A cross-sectional study was carried out between
      February and May 2010 in patients receiving cancer chemotherapy at ORCI. A total
      of 384 adult cancer patients registered for chemotherapy were included in the
      study. Patients, health care providers at the chemotherapy department and
      dispensing personnel in the private pharmacies were interviewed regarding
      availability, accessibility and affordability of anticancer medicines. RESULTS:
      The mean anticancer medicines prescribed per patient was 2.01, with the mean cost
      for anticancer drugs reported by patients to be 106,300 shillings. The
      availability of medicines at the ORCI for the management of cancer patients was
      about 50% of all surveyed medicines. As a result more than 70% of patients did
      not get the prescribed anticancer medicines at the hospital. In the private
      pharmacies, the unit cost for anticancer medicines was very high, ranging from
      2,500 to 744,000 shillings, which is equivalent to 1-7 months income of the
      patient. CONCLUSION: Availability of anticancer medicines at ORCI in Dar es
      Salaam is not adequate. As a result, some patients are required to buy anticancer
      medicines from private pharmacies. In these private pharmacies anticancer
      medicines are too costly and most patients are not covered by health insurance to
      purchase their medicines. Efforts should be made to increase budgetary allocation
      to ensure adequate and uninterrupted supply of anticancer medicines to cancer
      patients at ORCI.

PMID- 22066286
TI  - Seroprevalence of ovine brucellosis in south Wollo, north eastern Ethiopia.
AB  - A cross-sectional study was conducted in south Wollo zone, north east Ethiopia
      between October, 2008 and March, 2009 aimed at determining the sero-prevalence
      and to identify potential risk factors of ovine brucellosis. A total of 800 sheep
      were sampled from two districts, Kalu and Harbu. All sheep above six months of
      age with no history of previous vaccination against brucellosis were selected.
      Rose Bengal Plate Test (RBPT) was utilized as a screening test for Brucella
      agglutinins while Complement Fixation Test (CFT) (Addlestone, United Kingdom) was
      used to confirm the reactors by RBPT. Over all seroprevalence of 1.5% (12 of 800)
      ovine brucellosis was observed. Seroprevalence was higher in female sheep
      compared to male sheep. Seroprevalence was calculated between sexually immature
      and sexually mature sheep, between animals kept under extensive and semi
      intensive management system, and between animals of the two districts. Higher
      levels of sero-prevalence was observed in sexually mature sheep, in animals kept
      under extensive management system, and in sheep of Kalu with level of 1.54%, 1.6%
      and 1.58%, respectively. However, there was no statistically significant
      difference between the sero-prevalences of brucellosis in the different study
      groups of sheep. In conclusion, even though the prevalence of brucellosis
      observed in this study is low, it can be potential hazard for public health in
      the study area; therefore, the public especially small ruminant producers should
      be informed about the risk of ovine brucellosis.

PMID- 22066287
TI  - AIDS awareness among women and its influence on attitude toward people living
      with HIV/AIDS in Burundi.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate women's knowledge on HIV and their attitude toward AIDS
      infected people. METHODS: Structured and oriented questionnaire on AIDS
      knowledge, behavior and attitude toward people with HIV/AIDS, sources of
      information was used in assessing women's level of AIDS awareness. 2042 women
      participated in this study. RESULTS: Living in urban area was associated with
      taking care without worry (OR: 0.59; CI: 0.37-0.95; P = 0.02) and eating on same
      plate (OR: 0.44; CI: 0.33-0.74; P = 0.07). Catholic religion (OR: 1.79; CI: 1.09
      2.24; P = 0.03) and protestant (OR: 2.09; CI: 1.19-3.70; P = 0.06) were
      associated with taking care without worry. Good knowledge was associated with
      taking care without worry (OR: 1.08; CI: 1.09-2.94; P = 0.04) and with sharing
      same work office (OR: 0.87; CI: 2.49-3.61; P = 0.03). Sources of information were
      ranked from health care workers (97.5%), mass media (91.2%) and clerical leader
      (87.9%). CONCLUSION: This research revered discrepancies on HIV knowledge between
      urban and rural women. Misunderstanding on HIV/AIDS remains in Burundi women even
      having high level of awareness. Communication between parents/women and
      friend/friend women was less used in HIV sensitization. Knowledge alone cannot
      counter bad behavior and attitudes toward people with HIV.

PMID- 22066288
TI  - Prevalence of osteopenia among sedentary young women.
AB  - The purpose of this study was evaluating prevalence of osteopenia in young
      women.40 young untrained women between the age of 20-25 years (obese n = 20, BMI
      > 30 and thin n = 20, BMI < 20) volunteered to participate in this study. Bone
      mass density (BMD), percentage body fat and lean mass (g/cm2) were measured with
      the dual X-ray absorptiometry scans (DEXA). Student's t-test was used for
      determining the amount of bone normalizing among subjects. The study finding
      showed that 20% of obese and 65% of thin women had osteopenia and thin groups
      3.2% more than obese groups were at risk of bone loss. These findings will help
      educate the medical community and the public about the importance of prevention-
      targeting young women who are at risk while they still have time to change their
      habits and improve their bone health.

PMID- 22066289
TI  - Sexual behavior and condom use in female students in Dar-es-Salaam, Tanzania:
      differences by steady and casual partners.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In Tanzania female youth are increasingly becoming at greater risk of
      sexually transmitted HIV infection, whereby more than 80% cases occur through un
      protected sex. The objective of this study was to examine related-factors which
      influence female students to have risky sexual contacts with casual partners
      including condom use and sex with sugar daddies. METHODS: A cross section study
      involving face-to-face interview was conducted regarding sexual behavior among
      219 sexually-debuted female students aged between 18 and 24 years who were
      attending high schools and colleges in Dar-es-salaam, Tanzania. RESULTS: Eighty
      three percent had at least one boyfriend in the past 12 months, 57% had engaged
      in sex with a "sugar daddy", and 24% had engaged in sex with a casual partner
      other than a sugar daddy. Sixty-nine percent had ever used a condom, and 66% had
      used a condom during their most recent sexual encounter. Thirty-two percent
      reported always using a condom during sex with their boyfriends, whereas only 2%
      always used a condom with a sugar daddy. Decision-making about condom use during
      sex with boyfriends was made by couples together (48%) or by the girls alone
      (34%), whereas the decision during sex with a sugar daddy was predominantly made
      by the male partner (79%). Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for
      Social Sciences (SPSS) version 9.5 for frequencies, cross-tabulations and chi
      squired test and statistical significance set at p<0.05. CONCLUSION: The study
      highlighted risk factors for female students towards HIV infection. Receiving
      money and/or presents were the major motivations for having sex irrelevant with
      types of sex partners. Although most female's students disagreed in principle to
      have sex in exchange for money or presents, sex with sugar daddies was common
      among female students and was a major risk factor for HIV infection. Based on the
      findings, recommendations for improvement in prevention programs among female
      youth within Tanzanian context are discussed.

PMID- 22066290
TI  - Reported human traffickers' profiles: a key step in the prevention of trafficking
      in persons through HIV and AIDS interventions in Tanzania.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: a gap in comprehensive knowledge of trafficking in persons and the
      traffickers exists globally and in Tanzania in particular. Consequently,
      information on the profiles of human traffickers in the country is tremendously
      scanty. METHODS: we conducted a baseline study in eight administrative regions of
      Tanzania Mainland using both qualitative and quantitative methods to generate
      data in to inform anti-human trafficking health interventions and programs to be
      implemented in the country. Study participants included the national, regional
      and district Community Development Officers, District Medical Officers, local
      government leaders, managers or representatives of non-governmental organizations
      involved in anti-trafficking in persons activities, members of the community and
      victims. RESULTS: different individuals or groups, knowingly or ignorantly,
      contribute to trafficking in persons and their roles differ at the places of
      origin, transit and destinations. Traffickers are males or females with varied
      age, marital status, relationships with victims, socio-economic status,
      experience and occupations. CONCLUSIONS: active traffickers at many stages of
      this crime rarely come into contact with the law enforcement system; fled or
      rescued victims may not be willing or unable to testify against their traffickers
      and coercing victims to do so could further traumatize them. Further research in
      needed to generate knowledge on human traffickers' profiles to inform trafficking
      in persons control programs through HIV and AIDS interventions in Tanzania.

PMID- 22066291
TI  - Utilization of alternative medical services by people of a north central city of
      Nigeria.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: The use of alternative therapies is becoming more popular in the
      recent times especially due to the increasing cost, distrust and limitations of
      modern western medical care. There is a universal trend toward naturalness and
      herbal medicine is now being modernized and being accepted by people who would
      not have used them. This community based study seeks to assess the prevalence,
      pattern, behaviour and determinants of AT use. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was a
      cross-sectional descriptive survey among adults in the Ilorin city of Nigeria.
      Participants were selected by multistage sampling and information obtained by the
      use of semi-structured questionnaire. RESULTS: Total prevalence AT use was 67.7%
      while total prevalence of indigenous and foreign AT use was 44.8 and 30.4%
      respectively. Among indigenous AT users, 87.5% will use both conventional and
      modernized type while 12.5% will use only the modernized type. More than 10% were
      new users of AT. Respondents use AT for promotive, preventive and curative
      purposes. Only 3.5% were considered as safe users according to 9-point items. The
      male respondents and the never married ones practice a safer use of alternative
      therapy (p<0.05). Similarly, the respondents with higher educational status also
      have a safer practice of AT use (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: There is high prevalence
      but unsafe AT use in Ilorin. There should be intensification of regulation of
      advertisement and sales of unwholesome herbal medicines. Further research to
      integrate the practice into modern healthcare is recommended.

PMID- 22066292
TI  - Immunogenicity and efficacy of Hoshino strain of mumps vaccine in Iran; two years
      study.
AB  - This report describes the immunogenicity and efficacy and long term immunity of
      Hoshino strain of Mumps (included in MMR Vaccine) in shahr-e-kord, Islamic
      Republic of Iran (I.R.Iran). A total of 338 Children aged 3-18 years were tested
      for Mumps IgG using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The proportion of
      susceptible, mumps IgG negative, children was 19.8% (67 subjects). Of the 67
      susceptible children, 36 received the MMR vaccination and successfully completed
      the study. Blood was collected by venipuncture 3, 12, and 24 months after
      vaccination and serum samples were tested by ELISA for detection of Mumps IgM and
      IgG. The overall seroconversion rate was 86.1%, 77.7% and 75% at 3, 12, and 24
      months after vaccination respectively.

PMID- 22066293
TI  - Elemental profile in amniotic fluid of some Nigerian pregnant women.
AB  - In this study concentration level of calcium, cadmium, copper, iron, magnesium,
      manganese, nickel, lead and zinc were determined in the amniotic fluid of
      pregnant women, aged 15 - 45 years enrolled at the Obafemi Awolowo University
      Teaching Hospitals Complex Ile - Ife. This was with a view to predict the body
      burden of the metals in the pregnant women and assess the health implications of
      the toxic elements to the pregnant women and their fetuses. Fifty samples of the
      amniotic fluid were collected from the pregnant women. The efficiency of
      extraction of trace metals using conventional wet acid digestion method (CDM) and
      microwave induced acid digestion method (MWD) was determined by recovery
      experiments. Levels of trace metals were determined using Atomic Absorption
      Spectrophotometry. The high percentage recoveries obtained from MWD made it a
      more efficient method than the CDM and hence its adoption for sample digestion.
      Statistical analysis of data using descriptive and inferential statistics
      revealed that age; education and profession have effects on the levels of the
      trace metals. The mean levels of most of the toxic metals obtained in this study
      were lower than the recommended limits of trace metals in women whole blood.

PMID- 22066294
TI  - Knowledge, attitudes and practices relating to malaria in a semi-urban area of
      Cameroon: choices and sources of antimalarials, self-treatment and resistance.
AB  - BACHGROUND: Malaria is a major public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa where
      it kills a child below five years ever 30 seconds. In Cameroon, malaria accounts
      for 40-45% of medical consultations, 57% of hospitalization days and 40% of
      mortality among children below 5 years. Community knowledge, attitudes and
      practices can enhance the fight against this disease. OBJECTIVE: To make a local
      analysis of the malaria problem and to establish epidemiological and behavioural
      baseline data and their implications for malaria control. METHODS: The study
      design was an observational community-based cross-sectional study in a semi-urban
      setting. Two hundred and fifty three participants of different socio-demographic
      status took part in the study from among 350 contacted. A structured
      questionnaire was administered to volunteers. The respondent's consent was sought
      and gained and subjects who could not read or write or understand English
      language were communicated to in the local language. The questionnaire was
      administered by a trained interviewer according to the schedule of the
      respondent. The data was analysed using SPSS. RESULTS: Antimalarials commonly
      cited for malaria treatment were chloroquine (26.09%) and nivaquine (14.62%) and
      analgesics: panadol (22.92%) and paracetamol (12.25%) including native drugs
      (6.32%). One hundred and forty-one (55.7%) [95% confidence interval (CI): 49.58
      61.82%)] participants practiced self-treatment of malaria. Only 26.09%
      participants knew the correct adult malarial dosage for chloroquine and/or
      nivaquine. One hundred and twenty five (40.41%) [95% CI: 34.36-46.46%]
      participants got their antimalarials from authorized sources. One hundred and
      twenty five (40.41%) participants indicated that they get their antimalarials
      from the health center, 27(10.61%) from the shop, 24(9.49%) from hawkers,
      23(9.09%) from the open market and 16 (6.3%) from herbalists. Only 66 (26.09%)
      [95% CI: 20.67-31.50%] participants knew the correct adult dosage for chloroquine
      or nivaquine treatment of malaria. Eighty five (33.6%) [95% CI: 27.78-36.57%]
      participants had correct knowledge of malarial resistance. Of the 85 (33.6%)
      participants who had knowledge of malaria resistance, 52(20.55%) ascribed malaria
      resistance to continuous fever for a long time during treatment, 15 (5.93%) to
      serious fever during treatment and 18 (7.12%) when chloroquine does not stop the
      malarial fever. Most (27.06%) of those who had the correct knowledge of malarial
      resistance were in the age group 31-35 bracket compared with other age groups
      (P>0.05). There was no difference in correct knowledge of malarial resistance and
      participant's professions. CONCLUSION: Malaria self-treatment is common but
      knowledge of malaria resistance is poor. This method should be improved upon by
      giving correct information on the dosage of adult malaria treatment on radio,
      television, posters and newspapers because banning it will push many people to
      use it in hiding since it has its advantages. Malaria drug abuse can lead to drug
      resistance hence in-vitro and in-vivo tests are warranted to confirm malaria
      resistance.

PMID- 22066295
TI  - You cannot prevent a disease; you only treat diseases when they occur: knowledge,
      attitudes and practices to water-health in a rural Kenyan community.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Almost 1 billion individuals lack access to improved water supplies,
      with 2.6 billion lacking adequate sanitation. This leads to the propagation of
      multiple waterborne diseases. The objective of this study was to explore local
      knowledge, attitudes and practices to understand the mechanisms and pre
      conditions for sustainable uptake and use of these facilities. METHODS: Data
      collection took place in a rural Kenyan community in September 2009. A
      qualitative approach was taken, with 4 focus groups and 25 in-depth interviews
      conducted. Participant characteristics varied by age, gender, education, marital
      status, employment and community standing. RESULTS: Few participants reported
      current access to improved water and sanitation facilities. Though they expressed
      desire for latrines and water sources, barriers including lack of funds and
      social capital, decrease the ability for installation. Participants understood
      that there was a link between the quality of water and their health, however,
      perceived benefits of current contaminated sources outweigh the potential health
      impacts and proliferate their continued use. CONCLUSION(S): While water-health
      links are understood to varying degrees within the community, contextual
      (physical environment), compositional (individual) and collective (community)
      factors interact to influence health. Community challenges, such as lack of
      unity, lack of education and lack control were identified as the main barriers to
      initiating change, despite a desire for increased access to safe water and
      sanitation.

PMID- 22066296
TI  - Soaps and germicides as adjunct topical antimycotic agents on candida species
      implicated in vulvovaginal candidasis.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The study aims at evaluating the potentials of soaps and
      germicides/disinfectants as adjunct topical anti-vulvovaginal candidasis agents.
      METHODS: In vitro inhibitory activities of the test agents, prepared according to
      the manufacturer's specification for toilet and midwifery purposes were
      determined using modified agar well-diffusion method. RESULTS: Varied
      susceptibility patterns were exhibited by Candida albicans (26.5%), C. glabrata
      (18.4%), C. pseudotropicalis (14.3%) and C. tropicalis (40.8%) implicated in
      vulvovaginal candidasis, indicating Crusader oil (100%), Meriko (95%), Tetmosol
      (84.7%) and Aloe (68.4%) as the most inhibitory soaps against the Candida
      strains. The in vitro inhibitory activities of the germicides and disinfectants
      ranged between (Dettol; 34.6% and Purit; 84.6%) for C. albicans; (Roberts; 33.3%
      and Purit; 83.3%) for C. glabrata; (Roberts; 21.4% and Purit; 92.9%) for C.
      pseudotropicalis; (Dettol; 35.0% and Purit; 87.5%) for C. tropicalis
      respectively. All the Candida strains were totally inhibited by the germicides
      and disinfectants at the second lower dilutions, except in Morigad towards C.
      albicans (69.2%]) C. glabrata (72.2%), C. pseudotropicalis (92.9%) and C.
      tropicalis (82.5%) but none of the vaginal Lactobacillus strains was inhibited by
      the soaps, germicides or disinfectant. About 90% of a control group indicated
      relief after pubic cleansing with soaps, germicides and disinfectants.
      CONCLUSION: Results indicatied the safety of soaps, germicides and disinfectants
      as potential adjunct topical cleansing-agents in cases of vaginal itching and
      candidasis, a common mucosal infection caused by opportunistic yeasts of the
      Candida genus.

PMID- 22066297
TI  - Self-percieved need for dental care: a questionnaire study.
AB  - AIM: To assess the prevalence of perceived need of problem based dental care.
      OBJECTIVES: - To evaluate the self-perceived need for dental care in general
      population.To assess the need for any type of dental care in general population
      of Belgaum city.To assess the need of general dental check-ups. METHODOLOGY: A
      convenient sample of 300 in the range of 20-60 years of age was randomly selected
      from general population of Belgaum city. The questionnaire consisted of general
      information of the respondent like name, age, sex, address .The respondents were
      asked to mark the answers, confidentiality of the results is assure. RESULTS:
      More number of males are in a need of dental treatment than compared to females
      .Many people think that their teeth need to be cleaned by dentist. CONCLUSION:
      The findings indicate that although most of the people were not satisfied with
      condition of oral health and describe their condition of teeth as fairly poor and
      mostly visited the dentist when they are in pain. Most of the population do
      neither have appointment to see a dentist nor they ought to go to a dentist for
      check up very soon .Many people think that their teeth need to be cleaned by
      dentist.

PMID- 22066298
TI  - Influence of percieved body image on nutrient intake and nutritional health of
      female students of Moi University.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Issues related to dietary patterns and body image concerns have been
      among western cultures. It would therefore be inappropriate to use these findings
      as a basis of intervention in developing countries because this is an emerging
      issue in developing countries. Although this situation may be in Kenya, there is
      no data to quantify it and thus the need for research in this area. The main
      objective of this study was to investigate the perceived body image of Moi
      University undergraduate female students and its influence on their nutrient
      intake and nutritional health. METHODS: Cross sectional Survey was done on 260
      female students of Moi University aged 20-25. Stratified followed by systematic
      sampling was used to get the sample. Questionnaires were used to collect data.
      Measurements of weight, height and mid-upper arm circumference were taken by the
      researcher using standardized procedures and equipments. SPSS was used for data
      analysis. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize data. Chi square tests, t
      tests and logistic regression were further done. RESULTS: It was found that most
      of the respondents with positive (69%) and negative (75%) body image were not
      comfortable with overweight. The mean BMI was 21.73 +/- 3.03 kg/m2 and MUAC was
      26.55 +/- 3.15 cm. Prevalence of underweight and overweight based on BMI was 46%
      and 9% respectively. Mean intakes of energy, protein, vitamin A and iron were,
      1245.92 kcals/day, 36.99g/day, 368.29 RE/day and 12.6g/day respectively. Factors
      associated with adequacy of nutrient intake were knowledge on food choice and
      irregular meal patterns. CONCLUSION: There is need for nutritional counseling and
      education among university students to address the issue of body image vis a viz
      food intake since most students skipped meals and this together with knowledge on
      food choice were found to significantly predict nutrient intake and body image
      perceptions.

PMID- 22066299
TI  - Awareness of information, expectations and experiences among women for obstetric
      sonography in a south east Nigeria population.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The role of obstetric sonography in the development of diagnostic
      ultrasound technology has remained invaluable in obstetric and gynaecological
      investigation. OBJECTIVES: This work investigated the awareness of information,
      expectations and experiences of pregnant women coming for obstetric sonography.
      METHODS: One hundred and ten (110) pregnant women in Anambra State of Nigeria
      were prospectively studied during prenatal ultrasound scan. RESULTS: The mean age
      of the studied population was 30.5 +/- 14.5 years. Majority (85%) of the subjects
      were already aware of obstetric ultrasound scan. Most of the subjects were
      between the ages of 26-35. 73% got their information from antenatal centre. Over
      20% were interested in the lies and presentation of their foetus. During the
      scan, about 69% subjects interested with the sonographers, and more than half of
      the population (51%) saw their babies. CONCLUSION: The role of prenatal a
      sonography in obstetric care should be promoted by creating awareness campaign in
      antenatal centres, and initiating mother/sonographers interaction are necessary.

PMID- 22066300
TI  - Validity of the WHO criteria for adolescent hypertension.
AB  - BACKGROUND: WHO Second Task Force Criteria of adolescent hypertension (95th
      percentile for age) has been use for a long time and different studies have
      indicated wide variation of hypertension through out the world. OBJECTIVE: To
      find out the validity of the WHO diagnostic criteria for adolescent hypertension.
      METHODS: A cross-sectional study was undertaken in an urban slum of Chetla,
      Kolkata, among 1081 adolescent population (10-19 yrs of age). Initially 95th
      percentile values for age of systolic and diastolic blood pressure were
      calculated in different age groups and comparison was made between hypertensive
      subjects identified by the study values and the WHO reference values, using
      sensitivity and specificity parameters. RESULTS: In all the different age groups,
      the diagnostic criteria of hypertension in the study had sensitivity 100%, but
      specificity varied in the different age groups i.e. 95.34% (10-12 years), 93.89%
      (13-15 years), 97.41% (16-18 years), 95.34% (10-18 years) and 100% (19 year).
      CONCLUSION: Age specific reference values for blood pressure of adolescents
      should be formulated locally in different regions to aid in the identification of
      children with high blood pressure.

PMID- 22066301
TI  - Environmental pollution of lead in traffic air and blood of traffic policemen in
      Khartoum State, Sudan.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: A cross sectional study was conducted in Khartoum State. A total of
      45 males' traffic policemen were divided into two groups according to exposure to
      car exhaust; n=30 taken as exposed group, n=15 taken as controls, who were not
      exposed to car exhaust. OBJECTIVES: The study was conducted to determine lead
      concentrations in traffic ambient air, to determine lead levels in blood of
      traffic policemen, and to evaluate the effect of exposure to car exhaust on
      traffic policemen during January 2009. METHODS: The level of lead in ambient air
      was determined in 14 locations which were taken randomly at the intersections and
      entrances to the bridges using personal sampler "Cassella, U.K". The blood
      samples of all policemen were analyzed by atomic absorption Spectrophotometer to
      determine lead levels. A questionnaire was designed to assess the adverse health
      effects on the traffic policemen. RESULTS: The degree of environmental lead
      pollution in traffic ambient air was found to be 0.1937 +/- 0.1768 mg/m3 with
      range between 0.000-0.5166 mg/m3. In seven locations out of fourteen locations
      lead concentrations were 0.1940 and 0.5166 above the permissible level of 0.15
      mg/m3 permitted internationally. Blood lead levels on traffic policemen (exposed
      and control groups) were found to be 2.4691 +/- 1.4065 microg/100 ml and 0.3944
      +/- 1.2471 microg/100 ml respectively and there is no significant differences
      between the two groups where using SPSS program. A questionnaire findings were:
      average age mean of 35.9 +/- 7.7 years, 47.48% worked for periods of more than 20
      years, 74.19% did not work before joining the traffic police, 51.6% of them
      recognized traffic air pollution as a problem of high level, 45.2% of them
      estimated it as medium, and 3.2% as low. As habits 38.71% were smokers, and for
      health complaints, 61.29% have various complaints of headache, fatigue,
      abdominal, hypertension and anemia. All these symptoms have a close relationship
      with lead poisoning. CONCLUSION: When we compared the results of age groups and
      work duration with lead levels of blood samples the results was not significant.

PMID- 22066302
TI  - Attitudes and practices on HIV preventions among students of higher education
      institutions in Ethiopia: the case of Addis Ababa University.
AB  - The main objective of this cross-sectional study is to assess higher education
      students' attitudes, their practice on preventive measures against HIV/AIDS; and
      examined factors affecting attitude and practice of the students related to
      HIV/AIDS prevention. The 606 study participants were drawn from Addis Ababa
      University, which is the oldest and biggest public university in Ethiopia,
      through multistage sampling. Data were collected using survey quantitative
      (questionnaire) and qualitative (FGDs), and subsequently, analysis of the data
      was made through the use of descriptive statistics (Frequency and logistic
      regression model). The findings of the study revealed that 207 (34.2%) of
      respondents were sexually active during the survey. Of these, 144 (23.8%) of them
      had sexual intercourse with their partner or someone in the last 6 months. The
      mean and median age at first sex debut was computed as 17.8 and 18.0 years
      respectively. About 489 (80.7%) did not perceive being at risk of contracting
      HIV/AIDS. But 65.5% of the respondent had favorable attitude on HIV prevention.
      359 (59.2%) of the respondents had experienced at least one of the three HIV
      prevention practice. Of which, more than half (52.4%) adopted abstinence as top
      preventive measure. The result also showed that out of the total respondents
      47.2% had been tested for HIV/AIDS and more than 80% have willingness to take VCT
      service for HIV/AIDS. As to the multivariate analysis result; sex, previous
      residence, religious participation, pornographic viewing, currently alcohol
      intake, chewing khat and cigarette smoking were found to be determinant of AAU
      students' attitude on HIV prevention. Similarly, age, having pocket money,
      pornographic film show and currently khat chewing were determinants of practices
      on HIV prevention. Finally, based on the findings, the study has forwarded some
      workable recommendations.

PMID- 22066303
TI  - Emergence of dengue virus serotype 3 on Mayotte Island, Indian Ocean.
AB  - A serosurvey carried out in 2006 in Mayotte, a French overseas collectivity in
      the Indian Ocean, confirmed previous circulation of dengue virus (DENV) on the
      island, but since the set up of a laboratory-based surveillance of dengue-like
      illness in 2007, no case of DENV has been confirmed. In response to an outbreak
      of DENV-3 on Comoros Islands in March 2010 surveillance of dengue-like illness in
      Mayotte was enhanced. By September 15, 76 confirmed and 31 probable cases of DENV
      have been identified in Mayotte. In urban and periurban settings on the island,
      Aedes albopictus is the predominant Aedes species, but Ae. aegyptii remains the
      most common species in rural areas. Given the epidemic potential of dengue virus
      in Mayotte, adequate monitoring including early detection of cases, timely
      investigation and sustained mosquito control actions remain essential.

PMID- 22066304
TI  - Antenatal care and morbidity profile of pregnant women in an urban resettlement
      colony of Delhi, India.
AB  - CONTEXT: The burden of antenatal morbidities and health care services utilization
      during antenatal period serve an important role in defining service needs and to
      assess reproductive health status of women. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the burden of
      antenatal morbidities in women and to assess the health care utilization by study
      subjects during antenatal period. MATERIALS AND METHOD: A community based follow
      up study was carried out in an urban resettlement colony of Delhi. All pregnant
      women in the study area were enrolled and followed for two more visits to collect
      information about morbidities suffered and health care services utilized during
      pregnancy. Appropriate tests of significance were applied. RESULTS: Of 358 women
      enrolled, three hundred could be followed for two more visits. Majority of women
      (80.3%) suffered one or more morbidities during their current pregnancy but
      overall care sought for illness during pregnancy was poor. Visits for routine
      preventive check up was made by most of women (95% and above) but recommended
      three antenatal visits was significantly low among women of age more than thirty
      (OR=16.6; 2.2-125.9), of lower middle socio economic status (OR=2.84; 1.16-6.93)
      and parity three or more (OR=4.37; 1.07-17.83). Women with education status of
      high school and above had significantly lower odd ratio (OR=0.33; 0.11-0.99) for
      having less than three antenatal visits. CONCLUSIONS: Care sought for antenatal
      morbidities is still poor among women of urban resettlement colonies and age,
      parity and education of women has a significant bearing on antenatal visits.

PMID- 22066305
TI  - Asthma, atopy and COPD in sub-Saharan countries: the challenges.
AB  - Asthma and COPD are the most important chronic airways diseases worldwide.
      Urbanization and westernization of African countries are important factors for
      the development of chronic respiratory diseases. Unfortunately for many reasons,
      only few studies on atopy, asthma and COPD have been carried out in Africa and
      risk factors are not well known on the continent. Moreover, in many African
      countries drugs for asthma and COPD are either lacking or expensive. There is a
      need for setting up clear strategies to stop progression of asthma and COPD by
      reducing risk factors such as tobacco consumption and environment pollution.

PMID- 22066306
TI  - A comprehensive review of diverse issues related to sickle cell disease.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This review was carried out to understand diverse issues in sickle
      cell disease (SCD), such as its prevalence, clinical manifestations, preventive
      measures, secondary infections, nutrition and therapies. METHODS: A deductive
      reasoning approach was followed to unearth the information from the published
      literature. Vast amount of resources (online and offline) were referred to
      collect and analyse the content related to SCD. The research publications were
      analysed following the standard content analysis procedures. RESULTS: The study
      results revealed a dearth of literature. The available information seems
      inconclusive due to the local nature of the disease, the high prevalence in the
      developing world where the accessibility to healthcare is a big issue. The
      prevalence data is scarce; the studies conducted so far reveal a very small
      sample size making the generalization of results difficult. CONCLUSION: The
      review of literature for diverse issues related to Sickle cell disease (SCD)
      revealed varied aspects to address the SCD related issues. Although there are
      reports that provide interesting insights of SCD, majority of them are
      inconclusive. The prevalence reported by different authors varies significantly
      that warrants initiation of a comprehensive SCD screening programme. The
      pathophysiological changes in the patients with SCD present a challenging and
      dynamic situation, which needs to be studied in more details. The many clinical
      complications reported by different authors call for a more concerted effort for
      additional understanding. Furthermore, the studies conducted so far are found to
      have very less sample size, especially in light of the prevalence estimates
      reported by various authors. The review indicates the important aspects of SCD
      that are to be addressed in urgency such as follow-up of newborns screening
      tests, stroke prevention, pregnancy complications, pain prevention, morbidity and
      mortality studies, and genetic studies for the better life of people with SCD.

PMID- 22066307
TI  - DES: an ongoing disaster.

PMID- 22066308
TI  - Quetiapine. A me-too neuroleptic; no panacea.
AB  - Quetiapine, a so-called atypical neuroleptic, is authorised in the European Union
      for use in the standard indications of neuroleptics. However, it is the only
      neuroleptic licensed for the treatment and prevention of depressive episodes in
      patients with bipolar disorder, and as add-on therapy for depressive episodes
      inadequately improved by an antidepressant. In patients with schizophrenia, the
      authors of two meta-analyses, one including 12 trials (3443 patients) and the
      other 21 trials (4101 patients), concluded that quetiapine was not clearly more
      effective than other conventional or atypical neuroleptics. In bipolar patients
      with manic episodes, the results of two trials suggest that quetiapine
      monotherapy is not more effective than haloperidol or lithium. Two placebo
      controlled trials of add-on quetiapine therapy in patients receiving a mood
      stabiliser (lithium or divalproate sodium) yielded conflicting results. In
      bipolar patients with a depressive episode, the only available trial, versus
      placebo and versus paroxetine in 740 patients, failed to provide conclusive
      evidence. In two trials with controversial designs, in which quetiapine was added
      to a mood stabiliser in order to prevent new depressive or manic episodes in
      bipolar patients, quetiapine appeared to be more effective than placebo: about
      15% to 20% more patients were stabilised on quetiapine than on placebo. There are
      no trials to show whether quetiapine is more effective in preventing manic
      episodes than a neuroleptic. In a trial including 1226 patients in whom
      quetiapine was effective during a first depressive or manic episode, quetiapine
      appeared to be more effective than lithium in preventing a depressive episode
      (relapse rate 8.9% versus 13.5%) but not a manic episode. These comparisons may
      be biased, however. Two placebo-controlled trials assessed quetiapine add-on
      therapy in patients in whom an antidepressant was inadequately effective. The
      conflicting results obtained in these two trials rule out drawing firm
      conclusions as to the efficacy of quetiapine. Overall, quetiapine has the adverse
      effect profile common to atypical neuroleptics. However, hypercholesterolaemia is
      more frequent than with risperidone, and both clinical trials and post-marketing
      data have shown that quetiapine carries a risk of hypothyroidism. Animal studies
      suggested a risk of cataracts, but this adverse effect has not yet been confirmed
      in humans. The risk of sudden cardiovascular death appears similar to that
      reported with other neuroleptics. A retrospective survey suggests that the
      consequences of acute overdose are more severe with quetiapine than with other
      neuroleptics. Quetiapine is metabolised by cytochrome P450 isoenzyme CYP3A4,
      creating a high risk of pharmacokinetic interactions. In practice, quetiapine has
      not been shown to provide a therapeutic advantage over other treatments, although
      additional trials in the prevention of depressive episodes are warranted in
      selected patients.

PMID- 22066309
TI  - Fondaparinux and isolated superficial-vein thrombosis. Of little interest.
AB  - No proven decline in mortality; no tangible prevention of pulmonary embolism;
      beware of bleeding.

PMID- 22066310
TI  - Omalizumab 75 mg. Whatever the dosage, the drug should be avoided in severe
      persistent asthma.

PMID- 22066311
TI  - Onsenal: marketing authorisation withdrawn in the European Union. Company failed
      to supply required data.

PMID- 22066312
TI  - INN common-stem: -conazole.

PMID- 22066313
TI  - Psychological consequences of DES exposure in utero.
AB  - Between the 1950s and the late 1970s, millions of women worldwide took
      diethylstilbestrol (DES) during pregnancy. It was claimed that DES prevented
      miscarriage, even though a clinical trial was interrupted in 1953 when an interim
      analysis showed no beneficial effect in the prevention of miscarriage. In 1971,
      it emerged that DES exposure in utero was associated with somatic effects in
      adulthood, including female genital abnormalities with obstetric consequences,
      vaginal cancer, and male urogenital disorders. This article examines the
      psychological effects of exposure to DES in utero, based on a review of the
      literature using the standard Prescrire methodology. In two experimental studies,
      mice exposed to DES during gestation were found to be more aggressive than
      unexposed mice. A randomised clinical trial and epidemiological studies have
      pointed to a risk of psychological disorders during adolescence and adulthood
      after DES exposure in utero. A placebo-controlled randomised trial of DES was
      conducted in London in the 1950s but was never published. In the 1980s, a
      research team recovered some of the original data and obtained information on the
      adult health status of the persons exposed in utero. Compared to the placebo
      group, psychological disorders were twice as frequent in the adults who were
      likely to have been exposed to DES in utero. Three large epidemiological studies
      were also conducted. One study showed that major depressive episodes were about
      1.5 times more frequent in women exposed to DES in utero than in unexposed women;
      the second showed that exposed women had an episode of major weight loss more
      often than unexposed women; while the third showed no significant difference
      between the groups in terms of depressive episodes. Smaller studies also suggest
      that depressive episodes tend to be more frequent after DES exposure in utero. In
      practice, these data suggest that persons exposed to DES in utero have an
      increased risk of experiencing psychological disorders and should be monitored
      accordingly.

PMID- 22066314
TI  - Exenatide and sitagliptin: pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer. Harms on the rise.

PMID- 22066315
TI  - Dutasteride: high-grade prostate cancer. Risky in prostate cancer prevention.

PMID- 22066316
TI  - Tadalafil: visual and auditory disorders. Inform patients of these risks.

PMID- 22066317
TI  - Analgesia for terminally ill adult patients. Preserve quality of life.
AB  - Adequate pain management is crucial in maintaining the best possible quality of
      life for terminally ill patients. This article examines pain management in the
      palliative care setting, based on a review of the literature using the standard
      Prescrire methodology. Accurate pain evaluation, preferably by the patient, is
      essential for guiding treatment decisions. Some causes of pain are amenable to
      specific treatments. The expected benefits and harms of the various treatment
      options and procedures must be weighed on a case by case basis. Quality of life
      should always be the first priority. The World Health Organization has developed
      a "three-step analgesic ladder", based on the use of increasingly potent
      analgesics: step I analgesics include paracetamol and nonsteroidal anti
      inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs); codeine is the standard step II analgesic; and
      morphine is the standard step III analgesic. Fentanyl is an alternative to
      morphine. The daily morphine dose must be determined for each patient. Morphine
      titration starts with oral doses given every 4 hours, but additional doses can be
      taken every hour if necessary. Total consumption is then used to calculate the
      dose required the following day. A sustained-release product can be used to
      reduce the number of doses required when a consistently effective daily dose has
      been established. When patients are unable to take morphine orally, it can be
      given by subcutaneous injection, and by subcutaneous or intravenous infusion.
      Pumps allow the patient to self-administer morphine on demand. Fentanyl
      transdermal patches are another option for stable pain. Immediate-release oral
      forms and injections are useful for preventing or treating breakthrough pain. If
      morphine requirements increase during treatment, the most likely explanations are
      exacerbations of pain or an excessively long interval between doses.
      Pharmacological tolerance and psychological dependence are rare during palliative
      care. In case of renal failure, the morphine dose should be reduced, sustained
      release morphine should be replaced by immediate-release morphine, or morphine
      should be replaced by fentanyl, as fentanyl metabolism is only slightly affected
      by renal function. The main adverse effects of morphine are constipation, nausea
      and vomiting. Drowsiness is frequent at initiation of treatment. Respiratory
      depression is rare when morphine is introduced gradually. Tricyclic
      antidepressants and carbamazepine have acceptable harm-benefit balances in
      patients with neuropathic pain. Cannabinoids are another option but have not been
      adequately assessed. Localised refractory pain may respond to local anaesthesia,
      chemical neurolysis or surgical ablation. In practice, it is best to allow
      patients to control their own analgesic consumption, within limits set by their
      physician to prevent dosing errors.

PMID- 22066318
TI  - Simple cystitis: symptoms persist longer without antibiotics.
AB  - A randomised trial has shown that antibiotic therapy can be avoided in 20% to 25%
      of women with simple cystitis, with no increase in the risk of complications but
      with longer duration of symptoms.

PMID- 22066319
TI  - Analysing an adverse event in primary care: a multidisciplinary, collaborative
      process.
AB  - Beyond detecting a healthcare-related adverse event, in-depth analysis (to
      determine which elements were preventable) sometimes requires the collaboration
      of all the healthcare professionals involved in the patient's care. The objective
      of collective, multidisciplinary analysis of healthcare-related adverse events is
      to improve patient safety; it is an extension of personal "reflexivity" (the
      ability to reflect on one's own actions). A morbidity and mortality conference
      (M&MC) is a means of collectively learning through errors; its aim is improve
      professional practice and quality of care. This approach is mainly used in
      hospitals, but it can be used by all healthcare professionals, including those in
      primary care, based on working procedures to be developed by the group concerned.
      Collective analysis of adverse events can improve communication, teamwork and
      promote a culture of safety among healthcare professionals. The problems detected
      can be of relevance to all the healthcare professionals involved.

PMID- 22066320
TI  - European Medicines Agency: an unacceptable choice.

PMID- 22066321
TI  - Public knowledge, attitude and perception of over the counter medicines: case
      study in Dar es Salaam region, Tanzania.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate on misuse, abuse and the
      general public opinion as well as perception of OTC medicines. METHODS: Data were
      collected, by face-to-face interview guided with a semi-structured questionnaire.
      The key questions focused on community attitude towards retail pharmacy, use of
      OTC medicines, views on OTC in terms of safety and effectiveness and knowledge
      and opinion on misuse and abuse of OTC medicines. The collected data were coded
      and statistically analyzed using EPI-Info version 6 database. RESULTS: Out of 270
      interviewees, 50% admitted to have had visited retail pharmacies at least once
      per month. More than half of the participants (64.1%) reported to having been
      buying OTC medicines at least once in a month and 55.7% used the medicines as per
      containers label or leaflets' instructions The public demonstrated high awareness
      on the potential misuse of OTC medicines. CONCLUSION: The study revealed a high
      level of awareness on the potential abuse of OTC medicines and positive
      perception with regard to safety and effectiveness of OTC medicines. From these
      findings, it shows those pharmacists need to be more proactive in the management
      of inappropriate OTC drug use.

PMID- 22066322
TI  - Is Nottingham Health Profile a reliable tool to measure quality of life of
      Filipinos with chronic kidney diseases undergoing hemodialysis.
AB  - The quality of life (QOL) of hemodialysis patients is often compromised and many
      tools have been developed to assess the health-related QOL of chronic kidney
      disease (CKD) patients undergoing hemodialysis. However, no such tool is
      currently in use in the Philippines. The objective of this study is to determine
      if Nottingham Health Profile (NHP) can be a useful tool in the Philippines.
      Eighty patients undergoing hemodialysis in the dialysis unit of our hospital were
      enrolled for this study. Sixty-nine patients completed the study. Comparative
      analysis revealed significant difference in social isolation with favorable
      result for the Filipino patients. Other measures correlate well although with
      differences that were not statistically significant. NHP can be successfully
      applied as a standard QOL tool in the Philippines. However, it should be
      translated into Filipino to avoid language difficulty. NHP may be recommended for
      QOL determination in other developing countries.

PMID- 22066323
TI  - Teenagers must think about healthy living.
AB  - The aim of the current study was to investigate the impact of promoting health
      through talks and workshops, to students at schools and colleges. We believe that
      this would impact on designing a dynamic curriculum for training health/medical
      students in a higher education setting. Schools and colleges in the region were
      contacted with the prospect of offering free health promotion service by
      qualified academics from a higher education establishment. Questionnaires were
      distributed prior to the start of the talks and were collected at the end. The
      talks focussed on smoking, drug and alcohol abuse, healthy eating and STD's. The
      results showed that the interest, originality and impact factor were high for all
      talks. The comments obtained from students reflected the need for an external
      organisation to deliver such talks. The method of delivery and the content of the
      talks also contributed to the high interest factor. It is therefore essential
      that a health/medical curriculum should reflect the need for health professionals
      to work interprofessionally in order to help deliver effective health promotion
      programmes to schools and to the wider community.

PMID- 22066324
TI  - Assessment of the protective effect of male circumcisioin from HIV infection and
      sexually transmitted diseases: evidence from 18 demographic and health surveys in
      Sub-Saharan Africa.
AB  - A cross-sectional comparative study based on secondary data of 18 Demographic
      Health Surveys (DHS) carried out in Sub-Saharan Africa starting from 2003 was
      conducted to assess the protective effect of male circumcision from HIV infection
      and STDs. From all surveys, information on 70,554 males aged 15-59 years was
      extracted. The association between male circumcision and HIV infection and STD
      symptoms (Genital discharge or genital ulcer/sore) was assessed using binary
      logistic regression. Adjustment was made for sexual history and basic
      sociodemographic variables. The weighted prevalence of HIV among men 15-59 years
      was 3.1%. In the bivairate analysis being uncircumcised was significantly
      associated with risk of HIV with Odds Ratio (OR) of 4.12 aged (95% CI: 3.85
      4.42). The association was even more significant, 4.95 (95% CI: 4.57-5.36), after
      adjustment for number of lifetime sexual partners and socio-demographic
      variables. The risk associated with uncircumcision is significantly lower among
      younger men aged 15-29 years than those in 30-59 years age category. About 5.5%
      of the study subjects reported either genital discharge or genital sore/ulcer in
      the preceding 12 months of the surveys. Circumcision was not significantly
      associated with either of the symptoms of STD with adjusted OR of 1.07 (95% CI:
      0.99-1.15). The study concludes that male circumcision provides a strong
      protection against acquisition of HIV infection. Hence, it can be considered as a
      possible way of reducing the spread of HIV infection in areas where the practice
      is rare. A comprehensive study to assess the association between circumcision and
      different types STDs is recommended.

PMID- 22066325
TI  - Prevalence and factors influencing consistent condom use among sexually active
      young people attending a youth friendly centre in Kenya, 2008.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Young people in Kenya engage in unprotected sexual intercourse with
      resultant high rates of unwanted pregnancy, STIs and HIV infection. To formulate
      effective and acceptable approaches that encourage safer sexual behavior, we need
      to understand young people sexual behavior. We thus conducted a study to
      determine prevalence and factors influencing consistent condom use among youths
      in Kenya. METHODS: We carried out a cross-sectional study at the Youth Friendly
      Centre of Provincial General Hospital in Nakuru town. A self-administered
      questionnaire was used to collect data from persons aged 15 to 24 years using
      systematic random sampling method. Subjects who self reported positively on all
      three variables i.e." ever condom use", "condom use within the last three
      months", and "condom use during the last sexual encounter" were defined as
      "consistent condom users". Data analysis was performed using Chi-square test with
      alpha level of significance at 0.05. RESULTS: Among the 223 enrolled subjects 196
      (87%) were sexually active. The prevalence of consistent condom use was 36%.
      independently promoters of consistent condom use were; talking with parents about
      condom (OR = 2.65; 95% CI = 137-5.12; p = 0.004); attaining college level
      education (OR = 2.55; 95% CI = 132-4.94; p = 0.006) and having multiple sexual
      partners (OR= 2.05; 95% CI = 1.01-4.16; p = 0.048). Belief that condom diminishes
      pleasure (OR = 0.50; 95% CI = 0.26-0.96; p = 0.037) and last sexual partner being
      a spouse (OR = 0.36; 95% CI = 0.13-0.97; p = 0.044) were independent hindrances
      to consistent condom use. CONCLUSIONS: Majority of youths are sexually active
      with few of them not consistently using condom. Parents should be informed on the
      sexual behavior of the youth inorder to discuss about safer sexual behavior with
      their youths while encourage abstinence or postponement of sexually activity.
      Youth peer education need to be strengthened to foster safer sexual behaviors.

PMID- 22066326
TI  - Examining household possession and willingness to pay for the retreatment of ITNs
      with insecticides among local residences in a malaria endemic area.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine the household possession and willingness to pay for the
      retreatment of ITNs with insecticides among local residences in a malaria endemic
      area of Ethiopia. METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted
      between October 2008 and December 2008 using a pre-tested questionnaire in
      Azendabo town, Ethiopia. 246 household members were interviewed on the household
      possession and willingness to pay for the retreatment of ITNs with insecticides.
      RESULTS: Over all, 96.3% of the respondents had awareness about ITNs. 90.2% had
      heard about ITNs retreatment with insecticides. However, merely 53.2% of the
      respondents were willing to pay for ITNs retreatment. Chi-square results revealed
      a strong association between respondents average monthly income and number of
      ITNs possessed per household (chi2 = 29.53; p = 0.005; df = 9). Similarly, the
      association between educational status and frequency of ITNs utilization was
      statistically significant (chi2 = 13.99; p = 0.029; df = 6). In addition, the chi
      square results shows close association between respondents economic status and
      willingness to pay for ITNs retreatment (chi2 = 12.16; p = 0.006; df = 3).
      CONCLUSION: Indeed, ITNs are one of the most powerful weapons in the fight
      against vector-borne diseases particularly malaria in sub-Saharan Africa. The
      efficiency of ITNs can be enhanced substantially by means of retreatment with
      insecticides. However, the present study results suggest that nearly half of the
      respondents were not willing to pay for ITNs retreatment due to lack of their
      affordability. Therefore, insecticide retreatment campaign should be initiated at
      free of cost at least yearly once in order to reduce the unbearable burden of
      malaria.

PMID- 22066327
TI  - Risk factors associated with cholera in Harare City, Zimbabwe, 2008.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Two suspected cholera cases at Beatrice Road Infectious Diseases
      Hospital were reported to Harare City Health Department on 14 October 2008
      setting in motion investigation and control measures. We determined the extent of
      the epidemic and risk factors for contracting cholera. METHODS: An unmatched 1:1
      case-control study was conducted. CASE: Any resident of Harare City, 2 years and
      above, with acute watery diarrhoea, with or without vomiting from 30 October 2008
      to 01 December 2008. CONTROL: Any resident of Harare City, 2 years and above,
      neighbour to a case, who did not contract cholera during the same period.
      RESULTS: From 14 October 2008 to 21 January 2009, 11203 cases were reported with
      a case fatality rate (CFR) of 3.98%. We interviewed 140 cases and 140 controls.
      Median age was 28 years (Q1 = 20; Q3 = 37.5) and 28.5 years (Q1 = 23; Q3 = 38)
      for cases and controls respectively. Having a diarrhoea contact at home [AOR =
      12.02; 95% CI (5.46 - 26.44)], having attained less than secondary education [AOR
      = 4.40; 95% CI (2.28 - 8.48)]; eating cold food [AOR = 4.24; 95% CI (1.53 -
      11.70)] were independent risk factors while drinking tap water [AOR = 0.05; 95%
      CI (0.03 - 0.11)], washing hands after using toilet [AOR = 0.19; 95% CI (0.09 -
      0.39)]; eating hot food always [AOR= 0.29; 95% CI (0.17 - 0.49)] were
      independently protective factors. DISCUSSION: The high CFR may be due to poor
      case management and staff shortage in treatment camps. Th e cholera outbreak in
      Harare resulted from poor personal and hygiene practices that occur when water
      supplies are cut. Lack of water, low knowledge on cholera prevention measures and
      delays in community health education campaigns contributed to the protracted
      outbreak. Having a diarrhoea contact at home increases chances of household
      members acquiring infection. Provision of safe drinking water, community health
      education, recruitment of staff and training of health workers on cholera case
      management must be prioritized.

PMID- 22066328
TI  - Relationship between uninvestigated dyspepsia and body mass index: a population
      based study.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM: Recent studies have shown inconsistent results about the
      association between body mass index and symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders.
      The aim of this study was to assess the association between body mass index (BMI)
      and symptoms of uninvestigated dyspepsia in patients with gastrointestinal
      symptoms and their relations with age. METHODS: This study was designed as a
      cross-sectional and population based evaluation that was conducted in Iran. The
      patients were interviewed by using questionnaire which was arranged on the basis
      of Rome III criteria for functional dyspepsia. The association between body mass
      index, age and dyspepsia symptoms was determined. RESULTS: A total of 790
      patients with gastrointestinal symptoms (249 men, mean +/- SD of age, 49.9 +/- 19
      years; mean +/- SD of BMI, 25.4 +/- 4.7) were included and among them 681 (86.2%)
      had symptoms of dyspepsia. The prevalence of dyspepsia symptoms among females
      younger and older than 50 years were 83% and 93.8% ,respectively, but these
      percentages among males younger and older than 50 years were 84.5% and 81.5%.In
      males younger and older than 50 years 42.9% and 37.6% had BMI over than 25, but
      these percentages were 51.3% and 54.8% for females. Among overweight and obese
      patients the prevalence of dyspepsia symptoms were 82.7% and 78%, respectively,
      compared with normal weight (90.7%). CONCLUSION: After the age of 50, the
      prevalence of dyspepsia symptoms and high body mass index were increased in
      females, but were decreased in males. No relation between symptoms of dyspepsia
      and body mass index in both genders was found.

PMID- 22066329
TI  - The story of abortion: issues, controversies and a case for the review of the
      Nigerian national abortion laws.
AB  - Abortion continues to be a major public health issue that evokes social,
      political, legal, cultural and religious sentiments and debates in all societies.
      This is particularly so in countries with restrictive abortion laws. It is one of
      the leading causes of maternal mortality and morbidity. Despite variations in the
      legal status of abortions in favor of restrictiveness in developing countries
      compared with developed countries, overall rates are quite higher in the
      developing countries. This review article therefore, examines the historical
      perspectives of induced abortion as well as the issues and controversies
      associated with induced abortion. Also, a review of the Nigeria national abortion
      law is made. We believe that this is capable of identifying useful interventions
      for designing programs that will lead to a reduction in the burden of unsafe
      abortion in developing countries.

PMID- 22066330
TI  - Assessment of water storage, treatment and use in the semi arid Kimana area,
      Oloitokitok district, Kenya.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: This study sought to identify the methods and associations of water
      storage, treatment and use among residents in the Kimana Fenced Area,
      Oloitokitok, Kenya for comparison with current best practices in order to develop
      recommendations to improve water sanitation issues in this area. METHODS: In a
      cross-sectional study design, 330 households were randomly selected and
      interviewed on water storage, treatment, and use practices. RESULTS: Eighty two
      percent of observed containers met CDC guidelines for improved water storage
      containers. Fifty seven percent of survey respondents reported not treating their
      drinking water, of which 49% indicated that they believed the water was already
      clean. Logistic regression showed that people who believed their water was unsafe
      were twice more likely to treat their water than those who perceived their water
      to be somewhat safe (p = 0.058). Those living outside the furrows were 56% less
      likely to treat their water in the home compared to those living along the furrow
      (p = 0.023). Respondents with a pastoral lifestyle were 69% less likely to treat
      their water than those with a non-pastoral lifestyle (p = .009). In terms of
      tribe, the largest treatment disparity was noted amongst the Maasai, with only
      37.7% reporting any form of treatment. CONCLUSION: Tribe, pastoral lifestyle,
      proximity to the furrow and socio-economic status were found to contribute to
      water storage method and treatment within the Kimana fence. It is critical that
      these factors be addressed in future water storage and treatment interventions in
      this area.

PMID- 22066331
TI  - Prevalence of dental caries among elementary school attendees in Iran.
AB  - PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to find out the dental caries status in
      six to nine years (6-9 years) old children. MATERIAL & METHODS: A total of 792
      children including 396 girls and 396 boys were selected from several schools in
      Qazvin based on cluster sampling. Name, age, gender, address, and caries status
      each subject was recorded using a questionnaire. Intra-oral examinations were
      performed using a mirror and probes under suitable light-rays were not taken to
      diagnose the caries. RESULTS: Of a total of 792 children, 396 (50%) were males
      and the rest (50%) females. The dmft was 3.83, 3.57, 3.04 and 2.8 for aged six,
      seven, eight and nine respectively. The frequency of caries was higher in age
      group of six. The DMFT was 0.31 for each child. CONCLUSION: The present study
      showed that the frequency of caries was found to be higher than reported is
      unexpectedly high among the age group investigated in our research. According to
      the high prevalence obtained in our study, health recommendations on oral hygiene
      to target population and also parents and teachers should be made.

PMID- 22066332
TI  - Contraceptive knowledge, attitudes and practice among married women in Samaru
      community, Zaria, Nigeria.
AB  - Contraceptive use and fertility rates vary substantially among developing
      countries. In some sub-Saharan African countries, fewer than 10% of married women
      use contraception. Despite all efforts by governments to ensure availability of
      the products, prevalence has remained low. We conducted a community-based study
      to examine contraceptive knowledge, attitude and practice of family planning
      among married women in Samaru, Zaria, Nigeria. Multi-stage random sampling
      technique was used to study 200 women in Samaru community of Zaria, Nigeria. Mean
      age of the respondents was 30.6 +/- 1.5 years. In this study contraceptive
      prevalence was 12.5% and respondents had a positive attitude towards family
      planning. Thirty years after Alma Ata of which one of the components is to ensure
      maternal and child health (MCH) and family planning, contraceptive use in most of
      the communities in Northern Nigeria is low. There is urgent need to step-up
      public awareness campaigns on family planning to ensure wide spread acceptability
      and utilization among women within reproductive age group.

PMID- 22066333
TI  - Homicide of children in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Although data are sparse, it has been estimated that the highest
      rates of homicide death amongst children are in Africa. Little information is
      available on ages 0-14 years. No known quantitative surveillance of early
      neonaticide (killed at less than one week) has been conducted previously in
      Africa. METHODS: A Violent Death Survey following WHO/CDC Guidelines was
      completed in Dar es Salaam region, Tanzania (population 2.845 million) in 2005.
      Qualitative and quantitative data were gathered and analyzed. RESULTS: The
      overall age adjusted rate of discarded and killed children in DSM was 2.05 per
      100,000. The rate of early neonaticide was 27.7 per 100,000 while the rate of
      homicide incidence for children older than one week was 0.54 per 100,000
      DISCUSSION: The overall estimated homicide rate for Africa of children under age
      15 was 4.53 per 100,000. The rate in DSM was closer to the estimated global rate
      of 1.7 per 100,000. The results in DSM show that broad age groupings such as "< 1
      year", "0-4 years" and "0-14 years" may mask a high incidence of neonaticide and
      an otherwise low incidence of murdered children. The print media provided good in
      depth coverage for a few cases but it is not known if the reported cases are
      representative. CONCLUSION: Eighty percent of homicides of children in DSM were
      neonaticides. Since it is believed that the forces behind neonaticide are
      fundamentally different than homicides of older children, it is suggested that
      data of future surveys be parsed to include neonates, until the phenomenon is
      more clearly understood and addressed. Further understanding of the mother and
      father of the deceased is needed. Continued surveillance data collection is
      important to expand the sample size.

PMID- 22066334
TI  - Environmental pollution of lead in traffic air and blood of traffic policemen in
      Khartoum State, Sudan.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: A cross sectional study was conducted in Khartoum State. A total of
      45 males' traffic policemen were divided into two groups according to exposure to
      car exhaust; n = 30 taken as exposed group, n = 15 taken as controls, who were
      not exposed to car exhaust. OBJECTIVES: The study was conducted to determine lead
      concentrations in traffic ambient air, to determine lead levels in blood of
      traffic policemen, and to evaluate the effect of exposure to car exhaust on
      traffic policemen during January 2009. METHODS: The level of lead in ambient air
      was determined in 14 locations which were taken randomly at the intersections and
      entrances to the bridges using personal sampler "Cassella, U.K". The blood
      samples of all policemen were analyzed by atomic absorption Spectrophotometer to
      determine lead levels. A questionnaire was designed to assess the adverse health
      effects on the traffic policemen. RESULTS: The degree of environmental lead
      pollution in traffic ambient air was found to be 0.1937 +/- 0.1768 mg/m3 with
      range between 0.000-0.5166 mg/m3. In seven locations out of fourteen locations
      lead concentrations were 0.1940 and 0.5166 above the permissible level of 0.15
      mg/m3 permitted internationally. Blood lead levels on traffic policemen (exposed
      and control groups) were found to be 2.4691 +/- 1.4065 microg/100 ml and 0.3944
      +/- 1.2471 microg/100 ml respectively and there is no significant differences
      between the two groups where using SPSS program. A questionnaire findings were:
      average age mean of 35.9 +/- 7.7 years, 47.48% worked for periods of more than 20
      years, 74.19% did not work before joining the traffic police, 51.6% of them
      recognized traffic air pollution as a problem of high level, 45.2% of them
      estimated it as medium, and 3.2% as low. As habits 38.71% were smokers, and for
      health complaints, 61.29% have various complaints of headache, fatigue,
      abdominal, hypertension and anemia. All these symptoms have a close relationship
      with lead poisoning. CONCLUSION: When we compared the results of age groups and
      work duration with lead levels of blood samples the results was not significant.

PMID- 22066335
TI  - Water risk factors pre-disposing the under five children to diarrhoeal morbidity
      in Mandera district, Kenya.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The main causes of mortality and morbidity in Mandera are conditions
      related to inadequate water and sanitation such as diarrhoea, which has led to
      malnutrition and mortality among children under five years. This paper highlights
      the main sources of water in the district and identifies the water risk factors
      associated with diarrhoeal morbidity among these children. METHODS: A cross
      sectional descriptive study was carried out within the district, specifically in
      Khalalio, Central, Malkamari and Hareri divisions, the main respondents being
      caregivers from households where there was one or more children under the age of
      five. A sample size of 350 respondents from the households was interviewed using
      interview schedules. Other methods used were focus group discussions, observation
      and key informant interviews. RESULTS: Most of the respondents used the river as
      the main water source; however, there were differences in the divisions on the
      water sources. Often times, the water sources were not available throughout the
      year and the residents mainly depended on the river during times of drought. The
      river was as a result a major avenue for contamination. Most of the water sources
      were close to the households, but they used crude methods in transporting the
      water to the households, such as rolling jerricans on the ground. Less care was
      given to handling water at the household level, even after the poor means of
      transport, resulting in more children suffering from diarrhoea. CONCLUSIONS: The
      significant water risk factors as identified were the mode of water
      transportation, and the poor handling of water at the household level, including
      lack of or inappropriate water treatment methods. These, combined with the low
      education level further pre dispose the under five children to diarrhoea, thus
      calling for increased health education on safe water handling.

PMID- 22066336
TI  - Mortality among orthopaedic and traumatology admissions: a ten year review.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Mortality in orthopaedic patients is not a common event. This study
      sets out to review the incidence and causes of mortality in orthopaedic and
      trauma admissions in a tertiary centre in a developing country. METHODS: Medical
      records of patients admitted to the Orthopaedic wards of the Obafemi Awolowo
      University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife over a ten year period (January 1999
      December 2008) were retrospectively reviewed. The death certificates and
      postmortem examination findings were used in conjunction with the medical records
      to arrive at the possible cause of death in the deceased patients. Frequency
      analysis was done using SPSS version 13. RESULTS: Over this period, 2418 patients
      were admitted for orthopaedic and trauma with 84 deaths giving an overrall crude
      mortality rate of 3.47% (1.27% for paediatrics and 4.39% for the adults). Fourty
      nine patients (58.4%) died from trauma (fracture) related diagnoses followed by
      tumour (21, 25%) and infection (14,16.7%). Males were more affected 73.8% and the
      average age at death was 45.7years. Co-morbid conditions were found in 393% of
      the deceased patients. CONCLUSION: Trauma related deaths were the leading cause
      of mortality in our ward admissions and male patients at the prime of their lives
      were more often involved. Accident prevention and provision of facilities for
      appropriate management of trauma victims will help reduce substantially these
      untimely deaths in our world. The high incidence of co-morbid conditions
      emphasizes the role of multidisciplinary care in orthopaedic and trauma patients.

PMID- 22066337
TI  - Urban-rural estimation of hepatitis C virus infection sero-prevalence in north
      Central Nigeria.
AB  - BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: The epidemiology of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection has
      been partially described for at risk groups in urban communities in Nigeria. On
      the other hand, literature on the possible spread of the virus in rural Nigeria
      remains extremely scanty. The objective of this study was to estimate the
      prevalence of HCV in a rural and urban community in Nigeria. METHODS: Four
      hundred and twenty four (n = 424) plasma samples belonging to 238 rural
      inhabitants and 186 urban dwellers in North Central Nigeria were tested for anti
      HCV markers using a third generation quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent
      assay (ELISA) that uses recombinant proteins and synthetic peptides derived from
      core and non-structural regions. RESULTS: 29(12.2%, CI = 0.17-0.86) of the rural
      samples and 5(2.7%, CI = 0.01-0.06) of urban samples were positive for HCV
      infection. The highest number of infections was in the 21-40 years age category.
      Our preliminary findings indicates that the number of HCV infection in rural was
      higher (p = 0.03) when compared with urban settings in Nigeria. CONCLUSION: Our
      results suggest a higher prevalence of HCV infection in rural than urban Nigeria
      in the region studied and possibly in Nigeria as a whole. HCV transmission is
      active in rural Nigeria and large scale studies to understand the dynamics of the
      infection are required so as to plan targeted preventive measures.

PMID- 22066338
TI  - Reimbursement changes coming--CMs key to meet payer requirements.
AB  - Case managers can have a big impact their hospital's bottom line when the Centers
      for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)begins rolling out initiatives that will
      reimburse hospitals for the value of the services they provide, in addition to
      volume. Start now to learn about the new reimbursement initiatives and work with
      quality staff and physicians to determine what issues need to be addressed. Take
      a proactive approach to discharges. Ensure patients understand their treatment
      plans and that there is a smooth transition to the next level of care. Hospitals
      with excess readmissions for heart failure, pneumonia, and acute myocardial
      infarction (AMI) will receive reduced reimbursement. Medicare will start tracking
      spending per-beneficiary for the entire episode of care, beginning three days
      before admission through 30 days after discharge.

PMID- 22066339
TI  - Reimbursement changes are on the way.

PMID- 22066340
TI  - Will you be ready for ICD-10 conversion?
AB  - In less than two years, the United States will convert to ICD-10, which will
      result in major changes in coding requirements. Much more detailed documentation
      will be needed for the coders to do their job correctly. Every department in the
      hospital that uses data will be affected. Case management software must be
      adjusted to accommodate the expanded fields. Case managers don't need extensive
      training on the new codes, but they do need to be aware of the documentation
      requirements.

PMID- 22066341
TI  - Handling the transition from staff nurse to case manager.

PMID- 22066342
TI  - The 9 phases of CM transition.

PMID- 22066343
TI  - Successful initiative cuts readmissions.
AB  - Bassett Medical Center's multidisciplinary readmission reduction program resulted
      in a 70% drop in readmissions for high-risk diagnoses at the Cooperstown, NY,
      facility. Case managers assess all patients for risk of readmission and alert the
      team when patients are at high risk. Staff members use the teach-back method and
      have simplified discharge instructions. Case managers and nurses try to identify
      barriers to follow-up care while the patient is in the hospital. A patient
      services coordinator calls at-risk patients after discharge.

PMID- 22066344
TI  - Literacy screen of parents helps cut costs.

PMID- 22066345
TI  - [In vitro combination effects of doripenem with aminoglycoside or ciprofloxacin
      against Pseudomonas aeruginosa].
AB  - This study evaluated the in vitro activity of combinations of doripenem (DRPM)
      with aminoglycosides (tobramycin or amikacin) or fluoroquinolone (ciprofloxacin)
      against 92 isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa from 16 clinical facilities in 2004
      in Japan. We also tested combination effect of other carbapenems (imipenem (IPM),
      meropenem, biapenem) with aminoglycosides or fluoroquinolone by checkerboard
      dilution methods. DRPM showed synergistic or additive effects with the
      aminoglycosides or the fluoroquinolone against 90% of the isolates. The
      combination of DRPM and aminoglycosides showed the strongest synergistic effects
      against IPM-intermediate resistant and IPM resistant strains among the tested
      combinations. These results suggested that combination of DRPM with
      aminoglycosides would be useful for the treatment of infections caused by P
      aeruginosa including IPM-resistant strains.

PMID- 22066346
TI  - [Clinical study of levofloxacin 500 mg qd in the treatment of cervicitis and
      intrauterine infections caused by Chlamydia trachomatis].
AB  - The clinical efficacy and safety of levofloxacin (LVFX) 500mg qd were evaluated
      in female patients with cervicitis with Chlamydia trachomatis and intrauterine
      infections. LVFX was administered orally at 500 mg qd for 7 days. Bacteriological
      efficacy was 94.4% (17/18) and clinical efficacy was 100% (16/16) at 14 to 21
      days after the end of treatment in cervicitis. On the other hand, bacteriological
      efficacy and clinical efficacy at the end of treatment in intrauterine infections
      were 68.8% (11/16) and 94.7% (18/19), respectively. For safety, adverse drug
      reactions occurred in 9 of 43 patients (20.9%), i.e., increased y-GTP in 2
      patients, glucose urine present in 2, and each of all other adverse reactions
      occurred in 1. All adverse drug reactions observed were either mild or moderate.
      Results suggested that LVFX 500 mg qd was effective and safe in the treatment of
      cervicitis with Chlamydia trachomatis and intrauterine infections.

PMID- 22066347
TI  - [Influence of inoculum size on MICs for methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus
      aureus and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus].
AB  - Using 49 clinical methicillin-susceptible Staphylococcus aureus isolates (MSSA)
      and 54 clinical methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) isolates, we
      examined the change of MIC using five different inocula (2.5-4 x 10(2) cfu/spot
      2.5-4 x 10(6) cfu/spot). We found the big change of the MIC with the increase of
      the inoculum size in ampicillin against MSSA, and the change was small in
      cefazolin, meropenem, ciprofloxacin. For anti-MRSA antibiotics, we found the
      small change with the increase of the inoculums size in vancomycin and arbekacin,
      and the middle change in teicoplanin and linezolid against MSSA and MRSA. The
      data from this study suggest that in serious and high inocula infections caused
      by S. aureus, the presence of an inoculum effect should be considered in curing.

PMID- 22066348
TI  - [Case of meningitis caused by group B Streptococcus treated with high dose of
      meropenem].
AB  - We reported a case of meningitis caused by group B Streptococcus treated with
      high dose of meropenem (MEPM). A 67-year-old male was suffering from lumbago,
      fever up, vomiting and convulsion. He had received tumor resection of spinal cord
      at 40 years old. At the first consultation to our hospital, he had felt strong
      neck stiffness with Glasgow Coma Scale 5 (El, V1, M3), and his body temperature
      was 37.0 degrees C. His laboratory findings were as follows; white blood cell
      count 14600/microL, C-reactive protein 4.39mg/dL, and marked elevation of the
      cell count in the cerebrospinal fluid. We had administered high dose of
      meropenem, 6 g/day, and also vancomycin (VCM) on therapeutic drug monitoring.
      Since his clinical symptoms and laboratory findings had not shown adequate
      response after 4 days later, we had changed VCM to linezolid 1200 mg/day, and had
      also continued MEPM, which had resulted in prompt resolution of the clinical
      symptoms and laboratory findings. Microbiological examination for cerebrospinal
      fluid has yielded a growth of serotype III group B Streptococcus (Streptococcus
      agalactiae). Since there have been few data on 6 g/day MEPM against meningitis in
      spite of recommendation in several guidelines, further studies would be necessary
      including pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic analysis.

PMID- 22066349
TI  - [Drug resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in four community hospitals: influence
      of antimicrobial use density].
AB  - We investigated the relation between hospital antimirobial use density (AUD) and
      minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) for Pseudomonas aeruginosa in four
      community hospitals. Subjects were a total of 476 strains isolated from urine,
      sputum, and pus during a total of seven years since 2002, for which 50- and 90
      percentile MICs were analyzed. Hospitals A, B, and C moved in 2000, 2005, and
      2009, respectively, but MIC50 and MIC90 were stable. MIC values showed
      significance in five drugs, in which Hospital B showed maximal values in five and
      Hospital D showed minimal values in four drugs. AUD values were different in nine
      drugs, Hospital B showing the highest data in meropenem, flomoxef, and
      sulbactam/cefoperazone while Hospital D having the lowest data in meropenem,
      ceftazidime, cefotaxime, and sulbactam/cefoperazone. Thus MIC for P aeruginosa
      may show resistance in the presence of high AUD with wide antimicrobial spectrum.

PMID- 22066350
TI  - Bridging the gap from innovation to implementation: proceedings from the 4th
      Florida Valve Symposium.

PMID- 22066351
TI  - Quantitative echocardiographic assessment of native mitral regurgitation: two-
      and three-dimensional techniques.
AB  - Chronic mitral regurgitation (MR) is a common valvular lesion. During recent
      years, it has become increasingly evident that moderate to severe MR, even in the
      absence of left ventricular dilatation and dysfunction, may have adverse
      prognostic consequences. Thus, the accurate quantification of MR, using
      echocardiography, is vitally important in clinical medicine. Because of the
      mitral valve's structural complexity, MR is often difficult to define, especially
      with two-dimensional (2D) imaging methods. Both qualitative and quantitative
      approaches to the quantification of MR are widely used. Color Doppler imaging
      allows measurement of the regurgitant jet area and vena contracta (VC) width;
      these two qualitative methods are simple to apply in daily practice but often are
      inaccurate, especially in patients with eccentric MR. 2D quantitative methods
      include the calculation of regurgitant fraction, regurgitant volume, and proximal
      isovelocity surface area. While these parameters are well-established indicators
      of MR severity, they require tailored image acquisition and additional
      calculations; moreover, their accuracy may be compromised in the setting of
      eccentric MR or aortic insufficiency. With three-dimensional (3D)
      echocardiography, many of the geometric assumptions necessary with 2D imaging are
      obviated. A realistic depiction of the VC, which often is non-circular, and of
      the anatomic regurgitant orifice area, which usually is non-planar, becomes
      possible with 3D zoom-mode imaging. Ongoing efforts to characterize MR in
      asymptomatic or minimally symptomatic patients include investigations into stress
      echocardiography and strain rate imaging. The distinct geometry of the mitral
      valve, and the various mechanisms of MR, will continue to challenge cardiac
      research teams during the coming years.

PMID- 22066352
TI  - Past, present, and future of minimally invasive mitral valve surgery.
AB  - Minimally invasive mitral valve surgery (mini-MVS) has evolved into a safe and
      efficient surgical option for many patients. The overall complication rate is
      reduced, patient satisfaction increased, and hospital costs are lower with this
      approach, while providing safe and durable surgery. The repair/replacement of
      mitral valves via a minimally invasive technique represents a significant recent
      paradigm shift in cardiac surgery. The rapid development and refinement of
      minimally invasive valve surgery has enabled the repair of complex valves and,
      most importantly, has yielded similar results to those provided by standard
      surgical approaches.

PMID- 22066353
TI  - Transcatheter aortic valve implantation: complications and management.
AB  - Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is an emerging and promising
      modality to treat severe aortic stenosis in a select group of patients who are
      poor surgical candidates. Despite the lesser degree of invasiveness of TAVI
      compared to open aortic valve replacement (AVR), TAVI is associated with a
      significant potential for serious life-threatening complications, both
      intraoperatively and postoperatively. These include vascular injuries, stroke,
      structural injury to the aorta and the heart and its valves, aortic root or
      annulus injury, conduction tissue injury, paravalvular leak, valve malposition,
      coronary complications such as obstruction or ischemia, pericardial effusion and
      tamponade, and procedural cardiac depression requiring immediate cardiopulmonary
      bypass for resuscitation. The prevention, detection, and treatment of these
      complications demands a skill set requiring the services of a cardiovascular
      surgeon with endovascular skills, an interventional cardiologist, a cardiac
      perfusion team, and cardiac anesthesia. Therefore, the optimal care of TAVI
      patients requires a multidisciplinary approach involving these services. The
      range of serious complications associated with TAVI, and the management
      strategies utilized in their treatment, are discussed.

PMID- 22066354
TI  - A low-volume tester for the thrombogenic potential of mechanical heart valve
      prostheses.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: During the development of a mechanical heart
      valve prosthesis, many studies are conducted to guarantee its correct function.
      Currently, investigations into the thrombogenic potential of a valve after its
      replacement are conducted with expensive and time-consuming chronic animal
      trials. Hence, the study aim was to develop and test an alternative system to
      resolve such thrombogenic issues. METHODS: The Thrombosis Tester of the Helmholtz
      Institute Aachen (THIA II) has a reasonably small priming volume (220-270 ml)
      that allows analysis of the thrombogenic potential of two valves, using one human
      blood bottle. RESULTS: Hydrodynamic evaluation demonstrated an absolutely stable
      physiological pressure and flow progression at the aortic and pulmonary
      positions. A sinus geometry of the human aortic root is implemented downstream of
      the valve in order to guarantee physiological leaflet motion. The tester remained
      absolutely thrombus-free during several tests carried out with minimally
      anticoagulated porcine blood, while the valves showed reproducible thrombus
      formation in reasonable locations. Tests with fully heparinized porcine blood
      showed that a soft silicon fixture for the valve could reduce hemolysis in the
      THIA II. CONCLUSION: This in-vitro test protocol can enable the optimization of a
      valve design during the early stages of its research and development. The system
      can provide a unique and suitable supplement to animal trials for testing
      thrombogenic performance, under constant and reproducible boundary conditions,
      including considerable physiological and pathological circumstances such as the
      influence of valve position (aortic, pulmonic), and a comparison of different
      valve types.

PMID- 22066355
TI  - Results of the first randomized French study evaluating self-testing of the
      International Normalized Ratio.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: In this single-center French study, the
      conventional management of patients receiving vitamin K antagonists (VKAs) was
      compared with an International Normalized Ratio (INR) self-testing program. The
      aim was to determine the reliability of self-testing devices, and to estimate the
      variability of the self-measured INR within the therapeutic and target range.
      METHODS: A total of 206 patients who had undergone valve replacement with a
      mechanical prosthesis, with or without myocardial revascularization, between May
      2004 and September 2007 was randomized into two groups. Group 1 patients (n =
      103) underwent INR monitoring at a laboratory, while Group 2 patients (n = 103)
      underwent self-testing INR using either the CoaguChek (Roche) (Group 2A; n = 55)
      or INRatio (Hemosense) (Group 2B; n = 48) system. Patients in Group 1 underwent
      at least once-monthly INR measurement, while those in Group 2 carried out once
      weekly self-testing, and also underwent once-monthly INR measurement at the
      laboratory. The large majority of patients (97.9%) were treated with fluindione.
      RESULTS: The mean follow up period was 49.0 +/- 10.3 weeks. Self-testing was
      reliable, with a correlation coefficient between device- and laboratory-measured
      INRs of 0.80 [CI: 0.78, 0.82] (p < 0.0001). The proportion of time spent within
      the INR target range was significantly higher for Group 2 (61.5 +/- 19.3% versus
      55.5 +/- 19.9%; p < 0.05), while the absolute mean deviation of INR from the
      target range was higher in Group 1 (60.1 +/- 70.2% versus 47.4 +/- 51.5%).
      Adverse events were reported by seven patients in Group 1, but by no patients in
      Group 2 (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: INR self-testing devices are reliable and
      beneficial. Moreover, INR self-monitoring allows an enhanced stability within a
      target range, and also helps to prevent serious postoperative complications.

PMID- 22066356
TI  - Successful thrombolysis of late, non-obstructive mitral bioprosthetic valve
      thrombosis: case report and review of the literature.
AB  - Bioprosthetic valve thrombosis is an unexpected complication which has no
      guidelines for its management. A 70-year-old female presented 10 days after a
      stroke, three years after having undergone mitral bioprosthetic valve
      implantation. Both, transthoracic echocardiography and transesophageal
      echocardiography (TEE) revealed a large mobile, non-obstructive mass attached to
      the atrial side of the sewing ring of the bioprosthesis. The administration of
      low-molecular-weight heparin and aspirin resulted only in a reduction of thrombus
      size, whereas a slow streptokinase infusion resulted in complete disappearance of
      the thrombus after 16 h. A review of the literature shows that late non
      obstructive bioprosthetic valve thrombosis, as diagnosed with TEE, is a rare
      condition that can be successfully treated either by anticoagulant or
      thrombolytic therapy. Late bioprosthetic valve thrombosis should be considered as
      a cause of prosthetic valve dysfunction, and long-term preventive anticoagulant
      treatment of high-risk patients is warranted. Slow thrombolytic therapy is safe
      and successful, even for large non-obstructive bioprosthetic thrombi, if there
      are no contraindications.

PMID- 22066357
TI  - Left ventricular remodeling, hemodynamics and early clinical outcomes after
      aortic valve replacement with the Pericarbon Freedom stentless bioprosthesis:
      results from the Italian Prospective Multicenter Trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: The aims of this multicenter prospective
      observational trial were to evaluate: (i) the left ventricular remodeling,
      hemodynamics and early clinical outcomes of patients undergoing aortic valve
      replacement (AVR) with the Pericarbon Freedom (PF) stentless bioprosthesis; and
      (ii) the impact of the two suture techniques--continuous and interrupted--on the
      hemodynamic performance of the bioprosthesis. METHODS: Between November 2001 and
      April 2004, a total of 226 patients (131 females, 95 males; mean age 73.2 +/- 8.8
      years) underwent AVR with the PF valve (Sorin Group, Saluggia, Italy) at eight
      Italian cardiac surgery centers. Associated surgery was performed in 73 patients
      (32%); of these operations, 54 were coronary artery bypass grafting. A continuous
      suture technique was used in 132 patients (58%), and an interrupted-suture in 90
      (40%). The suture technique was not available for four patients. All patients
      underwent clinical and echocardiographic evaluation immediately before surgery,
      and at one, six, and 12 months thereafter. The median follow up was 380 days (Q1:
      363 days; Q3: 410 days), and the total cumulative follow up 236.9 patient-years
      (pt-yr). RESULTS: The overall 30-day mortality was 3.5% (n = 8). Late deaths
      occurred in 10 patients (4%/pt-yr), of which three were valve-related (1%/pt-yr).
      The overall and valve-related survivals at one year were 92 +/- 2% and 98 +/- 1%,
      respectively. Freedom from structural valve deterioration, endocarditis,
      reoperation and thromboembolic events was 100%, 93 +/- 1%, 98 +/- 1% and 99 +/-
      1% at one year, respectively. The peak and mean transprosthetic gradients at one
      year were: 19.7 +/- 12.27 and 8.7 +/- 6.0 mmHg, respectively. After 12 months,
      significant reductions (compared to preoperative) were observed in the left
      ventricular mass (148.5 +/- 48.8 versus 194.4 +/- 54.6 g/m2; p < 0.001) and mean
      wall thickness (1.08 +/- 0.19 versus 1.32 +/- 0.23 cm; p < 0.001). The continuous
      suture technique showed a trend towards lower postoperative gradients than did
      the interrupted-suture technique. CONCLUSION: The data obtained indicated that
      the PF bioprosthesis provided excellent results in terms of left ventricular mass
      regression, hemodynamics, and early clinical outcome. Although a trend towards a
      better hemodynamic performance of the continuous-suture technique was observed,
      this aspect requires further evaluation.

PMID- 22066358
TI  - The value of intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography in patients
      undergoing aortic valve replacement.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: While the role of intraoperative transesophageal
      echocardiography (IOTEE) in valve repair surgery is well documented, its value in
      patients undergoing valve replacement is debatable. The study aim was to assess
      the impact of IOTEE on the management of a large cohort of patients referred for
      aortic valve replacement (AVR). METHODS: The departmental echocardiography
      database for patients undergoing AVR with IOTEE between April 1999 and September
      2006 at the authors' institution was reviewed. Patients with a diagnosis of
      infective endocarditis, aortic dissection, or those in whom a composite graft was
      implanted, were excluded from the study. RESULTS: The study group included 604
      patients (319 males, 285 females; mean age 70 +/- 11 years) who underwent AVR for
      either predominant aortic stenosis (n = 520; 86.1%) or aortic regurgitation (n =
      84; 13.9%). Pre-pump IOTEE was performed in 440 patients (72.8%), and post-pump
      IOTEE in 586 (97.0%). Overall major preoperative findings influencing the
      operative plan were found in 106 of the 440 patients (24.1%); decisions regarding
      the mitral valve were the most frequent. The post-pump study revealed unexpected
      findings requiring a second pump run in 20 patients (3.4%), of whom nine cases
      (1.5%) applied to the replaced aortic prostheses (paravalvular leak in five
      patients, coronary obstruction by an aortic bioprosthesis in two, and detection
      and closure of a pseudoaneurysm in the mitral-aortic fibrosa and incompetent
      bioprosthesis in one patient each). Eleven patients (1.8%) required a second pump
      run because of failed mitral/tricuspid repair or hemodynamic compromise.
      CONCLUSION: The main use of a routine application of IOTEE among patients
      undergoing AVR was to detect additional lesions preoperatively, and technical
      failures postoperatively.

PMID- 22066359
TI  - Statin treatment and gene expression of anti-atherogenic factor C-type
      natriuretic peptide system in stenotic aortic valves.
AB  - AIMS: Aortic valve calcification is an actively regulated process with
      endothelial dysfunction displaying hallmarks of atherosclerosis. C-type
      natriuretic peptide (CNP) system has been reported to have a role in the
      pathogenesis of vascular atherosclerosis and to be distinctly downregulated in
      aortic valve stenosis (AS). Here we studied gene expressions of CNP and is target
      receptor natriuretic peptide receptor type B (NPR-B) in human aortic valves.
      Furthermore, we compared gene expression of CNP system in patients with HMG
      coenzyme-A reductase (statin) treatment to non-statin-treated patients in AS
      group. METHODS AND RESULTS: With the study population of 108 patients, we
      characterized expression of CNP and NPR-B in human aortic valves and compared
      normal control valves (n = 12) with valves obtained from patients with aortic
      regurgitation (AR, n = 16), AR with fibrosis (AR+fibr., n = 19) and AS (n = 61).
      By reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), CNP mRNA levels were
      89% lower (p = 0.022) in stenotic valves, when compared to AR group. Moreover,
      the mRNA levels of NPR-B, the target receptor of CNP, were 62% lower (p < 0.001)
      in stenotic valves when compared to control group and 54% lower (p = 0.002) in
      stenotic valves, when compared to AR group. There was no statistical significant
      difference in CNP and NPR-B levels in AS group when the statin-treated patients
      were compared to untreated patients. CONCLUSIONS: These results show for the
      first time that the gene expression of anti-atherogenic CNP system did not differ
      between statin-treated and non-statin-treated patients in AS. The research data
      supports the results of clinical trials with the same drug class.

PMID- 22066360
TI  - Echocardiographic patterns of incomplete Shone's syndrome in adults.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Whilst several cases of complete Shone's complex
      have been reported in children, the incomplete form--characterized by two or
      three components--has rarely been described in adults. Because of the wide
      spectrum of severity of each pattern, the correct diagnosis may be challenging.
      Moreover, as the hemodynamic interdependence between defects is thought to be a
      major determinant of clinical outcome and long-term follow up, it is crucial to
      consider the lesions as part of the same Shone's syndrome. METHODS: Between May
      2005 and December 2009, six male patients (mean age 38 +/- 8 years) were referred
      to the authors' institute with progressive worsening of heart failure symptoms
      related to valvular disease. All patients had a clinical history of surgery for
      coarctation of the aorta (CoA), and all but one had a bicuspid aortic valve.
      Standard transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiographies were performed in
      all patients to identify the valvular heart disease responsible for clinical
      deterioration. RESULTS: Unexpected findings of dysplastic mitral valvular
      apparatus compatible with parachute deformity of the mitral valve (PMV) or 'PMV
      like' morphology were disclosed in all patients. The association with major
      anatomic abnormalities (bicuspid aortic valve, subaortic ridge, and previous CoA
      surgical repair) was highly suggestive of adult incomplete Shone's syndrome.
      CONCLUSION: The findings of the present case series emphasized the need for a
      greater awareness regarding the rare incomplete Shone's syndrome in adulthood, as
      it occurs far more frequently than might be expected following a random
      diagnosis. The findings also highlight the additional value of a carefully
      performed step-by-step echocardiographic study to support the clinical decision
      making in this array of left heart anomalies.

PMID- 22066361
TI  - Incremental prognostic value of echocardiography in patients with prior mitral
      valve surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Patients with prior mitral valve surgery are at
      increased risk for events late after surgery. The study aim was to investigate
      the value of assessing clinical variables, and left and right heart anatomy and
      function, to predict outcome in these patients. METHODS: Two-dimensional
      echocardiography, Doppler echocardiography and tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) were
      performed in 84 patients at a mean of 7.3 +/- 7.1 years after mitral valve
      surgery. The left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was 50 +/- 15%, and 30% of
      patients were in NYHA class III/IV (congestive heart failure; CHF). Follow up was
      obtained for events that included repeat mitral or tricuspid valve surgery, and
      death. RESULTS: During a follow up period of 4.3 +/- 2.0 years, 28 patients
      suffered events, the univariate clinical predictors of which were NYHA class,
      calcium antagonist therapy, hyperlipidemia, and tobacco smoking. Left heart
      predictors included the mean mitral valve gradient (MMVG), left atrial volume
      index, and lateral wall TDI systolic velocity. Right heart predictors were atrial
      and right ventricular (RV) dimensions, RV systolic pressure, tricuspid
      regurgitation (TR) severity, RV free wall TDI E-velocity and E/e' ratio.
      Multivariate analysis showed that NYHA class (p = 0.02; RR 1.8 (1.1-2.9)), MMVG
      (p < 0.001; RR 1.16 (1.08-1.24)) and RV dimensions (p = 0.001; RR = 3.2 (1.7
      6.2)) were independent predictors of events. A step-wise analysis of independent
      predictors showed that MMVG added an incremental value to NYHA class (p = 0.003),
      while RV size added additional value (p = 0.007) to the combination of NYHA class
      and MMVG. CONCLUSION: Echocardiographic assessments of the left and right heart
      can add significant prognostic value to the clinical assessment of patients after
      mitral valve surgery.

PMID- 22066362
TI  - Functional tricuspid valve regurgitation in adults with congenital heart disease:
      an emerging problem.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: At present, limited data are available regarding
      functional tricuspid regurgitation (TR) in adults with congenital heart disease
      (ACHD). Functional TR is the consequence of right ventricular (RV) dilation or
      dysfunction that, in these patients, is typically associated with chronic RV
      volume overloading. The study aim was to resolve this problem by evaluating
      results obtained from patients after surgical treatment of ACHD. METHODS: A total
      of 65 patients (mean age 46 years) with ACHD underwent an operation to correct
      functional TR during elective cardiac surgery between January 2000 and December
      2008 at the authors' institution. The preoperative median NYHA functional class
      was 3, and the median TR grade was 3. Surgical treatment of the primary cardiac
      lesion included atrial septal defect (ASD) closure in 40 patients and pulmonary
      valve implantation in 25. Functional TR was treated by annuloplasty (n = 48),
      rigid tricuspid valve ring (n = 14), or tricuspid valve replacement (n = 3).
      RESULTS: There were no in-hospital deaths. The median TR grade at discharge was
      0. During a mean follow up period of 63 months (range: 12-96 months) there was
      one delayed death that was not cardiac-related. Both, the NYHA functional class
      (p = 0.001) and TR grade (p = 0.001) were significantly improved among survivors.
      One patient (1.5%) had tricuspid valve replacement at five years after
      annuloplasty. No significant differences regarding annuloplasty versus rigid
      tricuspid valve ring were noted during the follow up period. CONCLUSION:
      Functional TR is an emerging, though as yet still underestimated, problem in
      ACHD. It is a consequence of RV dilation/dysfunction that, in these patients, is
      typically related to chronic RV volume overloading. Surgery should be considered
      to resolve this problem, and can be performed at low risk and with good mid-term
      results.

PMID- 22066363
TI  - Cryopreserved homograft in the Ross procedure: outcomes and prognostic factors.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: The study aim was to determine the dynamics and
      risk factors related to cryopreserved homografts implanted to reconstruct the
      right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) during the Ross procedure. METHODS: A
      retrospective study, conducted between 1993 and 2009, included 107 consecutive
      patients who underwent a Ross procedure with implantation of a homograft (102
      pulmonary, five aortic). The median patient age at implant was 18.8 years (range:
      2 months - 67 years). The main cardiac defects were congenital aortic stenosis (n
      = 44), congenital aortic regurgitation (n = 20), and combined (n = 23) and
      acquired (n = 20) aortic regurgitation. The study endpoints were homograft
      stenosis (peak gradient > or = 20 mmHg), regurgitation (grade > or = moderate),
      homograft dysfunction (stenosis > or = 50 mmHg or regurgitation > or = moderate),
      homograft explant, and failure (explant or balloon dilation). The mean follow up
      was 5.7 +/- 0.4 years. The statistical analysis was conducted using univariate
      and multivariate Cox regression tests. RESULTS: The overall patient survival was
      97% at 18 years. Homograft stenosis occurred in 54% of patients, regurgitation in
      18%, dysfunction in 27%, explant in 5%, and failure in 6%. Freedom from homograft
      dysfunction was 75% and 55% at five and 10 years, respectively, while freedom
      from homograft failure was 99% and 84% at five and 10 years, respectively. The
      main multivariate risk factors for dysfunction were: homograft diameter < 22 mm
      (OR: 11, p = 0.019), aortic homograft (OR: 18, p = 0.019) and preoperative right
      ventricle/left ventricle pressure ratio > 0.4 (OR: 5, p = 0.018). Univariate risk
      factors for failure were: homograft diameter < 22 mm (p = 0.006), donor age < 30
      years (p = 0.03), cold ischemia time < 2 days (p = 0.04), and decontamination
      time < 12 h (p = 0.01). CONCLUSION: In the Ross procedure, the cryopreserved
      homograft represents an excellent means to reconstruct the RVOT, with a good long
      term longevity. Almost 85% of patients did not require any surgery or
      percutaneous intervention at 10 years after implantation. The homograft long-term
      durability depends on both homograft-related and patient-related factors.
      Pulmonary homografts, with a diameter > 22 mm, a donor age > 30 years, and a cold
      ischemia time > 2 days are to be preferred.

PMID- 22066364
TI  - Antibiotic pretreatment of heart valve prostheses to prevent early prosthetic
      valve endocarditis.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIM OF THE STUDY: Prosthetic valve endocarditis (PVE), a rare but
      major complication after heart valve replacement surgery, has potentially
      catastrophic consequences despite maximal treatment. Thus, preventive measures
      are essential. The study aim was to investigate the effect of pretreating heart
      valve prostheses with the antibiotics baneomycin and daptomycin, with and without
      surgical sealant fibrin glue as a drug-releasing substance. The biocompatibility
      of baneocin and daptomycin was also investigated. METHODS: Samples of
      polyethylene terephthalate (PTE), as used for the sewing cuffs of prosthetic
      heart valves, were tested; untreated samples served as controls. All samples were
      contaminated with Staphylococcus epidermidis, and colony-forming units (CFUs)
      then counted. Cytotoxicity tests were performed using the MTT-assay to evaluate
      the effects of baneomycin and daptomycin on cell proliferation and wound healing.
      RESULTS: Untreated and fibrin glue-coated samples were directly infected with a
      bacterial count of 2.82 +/- 0.63 x 10(5) CFU/ml and 2.80 +/- 1.07 x 10(5) CFU/ml,
      on average. Baneocin-impregnated samples were sterile for 1.9 +/- 0.38 days, with
      a subsequent bacterial count of 2.26 +/- 0.6 x 10(5) CFU/ml, while daptomycin
      impregnated samples were sterile for 2.9 +/- 0.38 days, with a subsequent
      bacterial count of 1.81 +/- 0.53 x 10(5) CFU/ml. Samples coated with a fibrin
      glue-baneocin mixture were sterile for 3.14 +/- 0.38 days, after which the
      bacterial count was 0.74 +/- 0.47 x 10(5) CFU/ml. After coating with a fibrin
      glue-daptomycin mixture, samples were sterile for 7.0 +/- 0.58 days, and the
      bacterial count was 0.70 +/- 0.56 x 10(5) CFU/ml. CONCLUSION: In this in-vitro
      study, the pretreatment of prosthetic heart valves with antibiotics reduced the
      risk of bacterial adhesion and consequent infection. The combination of
      antibiotics with fibrin glue prolonged this preventive effect, with baneocin
      demonstrating a better biocompatibility than daptomycin. On the basis of its
      antibacterial efficacy, daptomycin appears to be a more suitable antibiotic to
      prevent early PVE with Gram-positive bacteria. The soaking of prosthetic heart
      valves in antibiotic solutions prior to implantation, in combination with fibrin
      glue in cases of suspected endocarditis, can prevent the development of early
      PVE. This preventive strategy should be investigated for use as a standard
      procedure in clinical practice.

PMID- 22066365
TI  - Polyester mesh: an alternative material for reinforcing the pulmonary autograft
      root.
AB  - Today, it is widely accepted that the pulmonary autograft should be reinforced
      when used as a root in the Ross operation. Various techniques using a vascular
      conduit have been reported. Herein is described an alternative technique, using a
      polyester mesh, that was applied in a 15-year-old boy with recurrent congenital
      stenosis. The advantages of using a mesh rather than a solid vascular prosthesis
      are discussed.

PMID- 22066366
TI  - Designing a stentless valve conduit for use in a biological Bentall procedure.
AB  - Various modifications of the Bentall procedure have been described using
      mechanical valve conduits. A further modification, using a bioprosthetic valve,
      has grown in popularity as this prevents the need for lifelong anticoagulation.
      Additional innovation using a stentless bioprosthetic valve has the theoretical
      advantages of allowing for a larger bioprosthesis and an improved durability. The
      technical aspects involved in designing a stentless valve conduit for use in a
      biological Bentall procedure are described.

PMID- 22066367
TI  - Alternative valve-in-root concepts for redo procedures.
AB  - Since aortic root reoperations are challenging procedures, alternative lower-risk
      procedures should be considered in certain cases. Herein are presented two
      different approaches to high-risk root reoperations. The first patient, a 59-year
      old male who had undergone root replacement 11 years previously with an Edwards
      Prima stentless valve, presented with severe aortic regurgitation and a heavily
      calcified aortic root. An open implantation of an Edwards Sapien valve was
      performed via an aortotomy distal to the calcified aortic root. The second
      patient, a 60-year-old female, underwent transapical implantation of an Edwards
      Sapien transcatheter valve for stenosis of the aortic valve in an aortic
      homograft implanted 11 years previously. The long-term durability of these
      implants has yet to be evaluated.

PMID- 22066368
TI  - Pneumococcal endocarditis with extremely rapid valve destruction in a
      splenectomized host.
AB  - A 45-year-old patient presented with fever and pneumococcal bacteremia.
      Transthoracic echocardiography, performed on the second day of admission, was
      unremarkable; however, repeat imaging performed only 60 h later showed
      destruction of posterior mitral valve leaflet with severe mitral regurgitation,
      and large, newly developed vegetations appearing on the mitral valve and the left
      ventricular outflow tract (LVOT). The patient underwent successful mitral valve
      replacement, with debridement of the LVOT vegetation. The findings of the present
      case illustrate the highly aggressive nature of pneumococcal endocarditis that is
      uncommonly encountered in the current, penicillin, era.

PMID- 22066369
TI  - Myxoma on a mechanical mitral valve annulus.
AB  - To date, myxoma on a mechanical valve annulus has not been reported. The case is
      reported of a 74-year-old woman who was admitted to hospital following the
      identification of an intracardiac tumor mass. Six years previously, the patient
      had received a mechanical valve implanted in the mitral position. Transesophageal
      echocardiography revealed a mobile hypoechogenic tumorous mass attached to the
      anterior annulus of the prosthesis. The tumor was successfully treated by
      surgical excision, and a diagnosis of myxoma was confirmed both clinically and
      pathologically.

PMID- 22066370
TI  - Successful balloon mitral valvotomy in rheumatic mitral stenosis with Ebstein's
      anomaly.
AB  - The association of Ebstein's anomaly of tricuspid valve with rheumatic mitral
      stenosis is extremely rare. The case is presented of a young female who had been
      admitted with progressive dyspnea secondary to severe rheumatic mitral stenosis
      with moderate pulmonary hypertension, along with Ebstein's anomaly of tricuspid
      valve. The patient underwent successful balloon mitral valvotomy, using the Inoue
      technique, with a marked improvement in her symptoms.

PMID- 22066371
TI  - Unusual complication after aortic valve replacement with the Freedom Solo
      stentless bioprosthesis.
AB  - The case is presented of an unusual complication after aortic valve replacement
      with a Freedom Solo bioprosthesis. Excision of the aortic valve created a
      discontinuity of the aortic annulus that was missed intraoperatively and left
      uncorrected after supra-annular placement of the bioprosthesis; this created a
      pseudoaneurysm with direct communication to the pericardial cavity. When
      implanting the Freedom Solo bioprosthesis, care must be taken to exclude the
      presence of any aortic annular discontinuity. Implantation of the Freedom Solo
      bioprosthesis is not precluded by this possible complication, provided that any
      annular disruption is promptly recognized and adequately closed before placement
      of the supra-annular sutures.

PMID- 22066372
TI  - A valid option for complex reoperations on the ascending aorta.

PMID- 22066373
TI  - [The three lives of "Doctor Pack"].

PMID- 22066374
TI  - [The dependence debate].

PMID- 22066375
TI  - [The worrying associations of the governmental report of social and financial
      dependence].

PMID- 22066376
TI  - [Respect towards people with alzheimer's disease].
AB  - The quality of life and the dignity of the residents with Alzheimer dementia (AD)
      passes by the respect that is demonstrated to them. A study conducted in Quebec
      (Canada) seeks to define the concrete manifestations of this concept often put
      forward but rarely made explicit. Elements of answer are found in the attitude of
      the caregivers as well as in the environment and the activities proposed to the
      elderly.

PMID- 22066378
TI  - [The administrator of Ehpad retirement home].

PMID- 22066377
TI  - [Helping the caregivers of alzheimer patients].

PMID- 22066379
TI  - [Depression in the elderly. Towards a common approach].

PMID- 22066380
TI  - [The psychological dynamics of depression in the elderly].
AB  - Depression in the elderly can be difficult to detect. Examining the normal
      depressive and pathological affect can help to determine the meaning of the
      depression. Likewise, the effects of psychological dynamics on the clinical
      profile and treatments clarify our approaches and our practices.

PMID- 22066381
TI  - [Detecting the signs of suicide in the elderly].
AB  - The assessment of the suicide risk in elderly people is carried out in accordance
      with specific criteria. Difficulties are linked to the person's representations
      and attitudes towards death. There are indications and early signs which must be
      recognised in order to prevent suicide attempts.

PMID- 22066382
TI  - [Suicide in elderly people, an underestimated public health phenomenon].
AB  - Although adolescent suicide is more widely spoken about, the suicide rate is
      actually higher among elderly people. Preventing elderly people from attempting
      suicide and raising awareness among family and friends are priorities for our
      nursing practices.

PMID- 22066383
TI  - [The elderly and death].
AB  - The approach of death is the source of an ambivalence for the elderly. Between
      anguish and weariness, some do however succeed in attaining some sort of
      serenity. Talking about death, which is a taboo in our modern societies, allows a
      person at the end of her life to exorcise her one fears but may hurt the
      relatives who are not well prepared. The understanding of each one of these
      aspects is crucial when dealing with the medical care of the elderly.

PMID- 22066384
TI  - [Pain as a symptom of depression in the elderly].
AB  - Depression in elderly people can manifest itself in an unexpected manner. In the
      case of Mrs Y., the physical pain masked psychological suffering linked to
      anxiety about death and abandonment. The care provided by a multi-disciplinary
      team, based on a joint thinking process, enabled her to emerge from this impasse
      and benefit from a coherent care project.

PMID- 22066385
TI  - [Home nursing care for depressed elderly people].
AB  - The freelance nurse must be adaptable and reactive in order to meet the needs of
      a depressed or suicidal elderly person. In addition to her own particular
      relationship with the patient, the nurse must activate a network of other
      professionals who can carry out home visits.

PMID- 22066386
TI  - [Depression in the elderly. Bibliography].

PMID- 22066387
TI  - [Diabetic foot in the elderly].

PMID- 22066388
TI  - [Long-term care].

PMID- 22066389
TI  - [Effects of covering on growth potential and chlorophyll content of hardwood
      cutting of Lycium barbarum].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of plastic film covering, straw covering, plastic
      film covering in greenhouse and no-covering cutting on growth and Chlorophyll
      content of Lycium barbarum hardwood cutting seedlings. METHODS: Single factor
      randomized block design method was used in this research. RESULTS: The effect of
      different covering treatments on germination rate, seedling rate and growth
      potential were all plastic film covering in greenhouse > plastic film covering >
      straw covering > no-covering cutting. Chlorophyll a, Chlorophyll b, Chlorophyll a
      + b content and Ca/Cb were significantly different with different coverings in
      different periods. CONCLUSION: The optimal covering on hardwood cutting of Lycium
      barbarum is plastic film covering in greenhouse. Both plastic film and straw
      covering are better than no-covering cutting.

PMID- 22066390
TI  - [Study on the virus-free technology of Pinellia temata].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To solve the degradation of production and quality of Pinellia caused
      by the virus accumulation, rapid propagation technical of virus-free Pinellia was
      researched. METHODS: Pinellia leaves,petioles as explants, technology of using
      high temperature (38 degrees C, 40d) and shoot tip culture producing virus-free
      Pinellia was explored. RESULTS: The results showed that leaves without virus
      spots was about 88.9% when explants were culture for 40d at high temperature (38
      degrees C). 1.0 mg/L 6-BA and 0.1 mg/L NAA could induce seedling from shoot
      tip,seedling rate is up to 91.4%; MS added 0.5 mg/L 6-BA and 0.1 mg/L NAA was
      conducive to growth of the plantlets; added 0.5 mg/L KT and 0.5 mg/L NAA was in
      favor of inducing root and promoting root growth, the survival rate of the
      transplanting seedling could reach 89.5%. CONCLUSION: A reliable system of virus
      free Pinellia propagation is established.

PMID- 22066391
TI  - [Inhibitory effects of Gecko alcohol extract on human esophageal squamous
      carcinoma cell line EC-109 proliferation and associated mechanism].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the proliferation inhibition effects of Gecko alcohol
      extract (GAE) on human esophageal squamous carcinoma cell line EC-109 and its
      mechanism. METHODS: The inhibitory effects of GAE on proliferation of EC-109
      cells were measured by MTT. Nucleolus change of apoptotic cells was observed by
      Hoechest33342 fluorescence staining. Apoptosis rate of EC-109 cells was detected
      by flow cytometry. The expressions of apoptosis protein Caspase-3 and FAS in EC
      109 cells were investigated by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS: GAE had the
      inhibition effects on the proliferation of esophageal carcinoma cell EC-109. The
      apoptosis rate of EC-109 cell treated with GAE(3.0 mg/mL, 4.0 mg/mL) for 48h was
      20.63% and 39.73%, respectively. Compared with control group,the expression of
      Fas and Caspase-3 was significantly up-regulated in GAE treated group.
      CONCLUSION: GAE can inhibit the proliferation of esophageal carcinoma EC-109
      cells and induce them apoptosis which may be correlated with increasing
      expression of protein Fas and Caspase-3.

PMID- 22066392
TI  - [Study on the flavon ingredients of Malus hupehensis].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the flavon ingnedients of Malus hupehensis, Malus
      toringoides and Malus hupehensis var. pinyiensis. METHODS: TLC was used for the
      qualitative identification of Malus hupehensis, Malus toringoides and Malus
      hupehensis var. pinyiensis. The content of total flavonoids was determined by UV
      spectrophotometry and the content of phlorizin was determined by HPLC. RESULTS:
      The TLC spots were clear and well separated. The maximum absorption wavelength of
      phlorizin was 287 nm. The content of total flavonoids of 6 batches of Malus
      hupehensis ranged from 19.65 mg/g to 20.97 mg/g, Malus toringoides ranged from
      10.71 mg/g to 12.13 mg/g and Malus hupehensis var. pinyiensis. ranged from 3.49
      mg/g to 3.67 mg/g. The content of phlorizin of Malus hupehensis was 15.51 mg/g,
      Malus toringoides was 14.66 mg/g and Malus hupehensis var. pinyiensis was 2.05
      mg/g. CONCLUSION: Established method is applicable for the study of flavonoid
      compositione ingredients.

PMID- 22066393
TI  - [Study on seed morphology of the section Cruciata Gaudin].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To provide a scientific evidence for the identification of the section
      Cruciata Gaudin. METHODS: Seed morphology of the section Cruciata Gaudin in
      different regions from Gansu were studied by means of scanning electronic
      microscopy (SEM). RESULTS: The seeds of section Cruciata Gaudin had relative
      conformability in terms of shape,size and ornamentation. But the reticulate cell
      of Gentiana dahurica was obviously wider than those of other species. CONCLUSION:
      This study provides some useful information for classification and identification
      of section Cruciata Gaudin.

PMID- 22066394
TI  - [Quantitative determination of peimisin and total alkaloids in Fritillaria
      taipaiensis of different growing stage].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the content of peimisine and total alkaloids in Fritllaria
      taipaiensis of different growing stage. METHODS: High performance liquid
      chromatography coupled with evaporative light scattering detector was employed,
      and peimisine was separated and quantified upon an Agilent Extend C18 (250 mm x
      4.0 mm, 5 microm), using acetonitrile-water-diethylamine as the mobile phase at
      the flow rate of 1.0 mL min(-1); UV spectrophotometry was used for the
      determination of total alkaloids. RESULTS: During from two to three years period,
      the content of peimisine in F. taipaiensis increased with growing stage, from
      four to six years, it decreased with growing stage; From two to four years, the
      content of total alkaloids in F. taipaiensis increased with growing stage, from
      five to six years, it decreased with growing stage. CONCLUSION: It is suitable to
      harvest F. taipaienssi of four years growing stage.

PMID- 22066395
TI  - [Study on the initial processing of Corydalis yanhusuo].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To establish initial processing technology of Corydalis yanhusuo.
      METHODS: Investigated the effect of the factors such as slice method, dry method,
      drying temperature on the content of water-extract, ethanol-extract, effective
      component in Corydalis yanhusuo pieces. Compared the quality with that of the
      traditional initial processing samples. RESULTS: The best initial process method
      was: cut fresh Corydalis yanhusuo into 4 - 5 mm thick slices, dry at 70 - 80
      degrees C or microwave dry. CONCLUSION: The study provides theoretical base for
      modifying the initial processing.

PMID- 22066396
TI  - [Fingerprints of Rosae Rugosae Flos by HPLC].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To establish a HPLC fingerprint of Rosae Rugosae Flos. METHODS:
      Inertsil ODS-3 (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 microm) was used with the mixture of methanol,
      acetonitrile and 0.06% TFA as mobile phase. The flow rate was 1.0 mL/min, the
      column temperature was 32degrees C, and the detection wavelength was 254 nm.
      RESULTS: HPLC fingerprint of 9 main peaks was established preliminarily from 13
      samples of Rosae Rugosae Flos which achieved the technical requirements of the
      fingerprint of traditional Chinese medicine. CONCLUSION: The method is reliable,
      accurate and can be used for quality comtrol of Rosae Rugosae Flos.

PMID- 22066397
TI  - [Chemical constituents of Carya cathayensis and their antitumor bioactivity].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the chemical constituents of Carya cathayensis and
      their antitumor bioactivity. METHODS: The compounds were isolated by Sephadex LH
      20 and silica gel column chromatography. Their structures were identified by
      physicochemical properties and spectroscopic analysis. Then their cytotoxic
      activity was studied. RESULTS: Five compounds were elucidated as chrysophanol
      (1), physcion (2), beta-sitosterol (3), pinostrobin(4), 4,8-dihydroxy-1-tetralone
      (5). CONCLUSION: Compounds 2 and 5 are isolated from Carya cathayensis for the
      first time. In the MTT antitumor experiments, the compounds 1,4 and 5 have the
      cytotoxic activity to KB cell.

PMID- 22066398
TI  - [Study on the chemical constituents of aerial part of Ligusticum jeholense].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the chemical constituents of the aerial part of Ligusticum
      jeholense. METHODS: The constituents were isolated by sillica gel column
      chromatography, Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography and their structures were
      elucidated by spectral analysis. RESULTS: Seven compounds were separated from the
      EtOH extracts. Their structures were identified as psoralen (1), beta-sitosterol
      (2), daucosterol (3), kaempferol-3-O-(2",4"-di-E-p-coumaroyl)-alpha-L-rhamnoside
      (4), kaempferol-3-O-beta-D-galactoside (5), quercetin-3-O-beta-D-galactoside (6),
      sucrose (7). CONCLUSION: Compounds 1, 4, 5 and 6 are isolated from the genus for
      the first time. Compounds 2, 3 and 7 are isolated from the aerial part of the
      plant for the first time.

PMID- 22066399
TI  - [Study on the chemical constituents of Pithecellobium clypearia].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the chemical constituents of Pithecellobium clypearia.
      METHODS: Silica gel column chromatography and Sephadex LH-20 were used to
      separate and purify compounds from the EtOAc soluble fraction of Pithecellobium
      clypearia. 9 compounds were elucidated on the basis of physicochemical properties
      and spectrascopic analysis. RESULTS: They were identified as beta-Sitosterol (1),
      tritriacontane (2), 5-hydroxy-3,7,3',4'-tetramethoxyflavone (3), oleanolic acid
      (4), 5,4'-dihydroxy-3,7,3'-trimethoxyflavone (5), alpha-amyrin (6), luteolin (7),
      ursolic acid (8), luteoloside (9). CONCLUSION: Compounds 3 and 5 are isolated
      from this plant for the first time.

PMID- 22066400
TI  - [Isolation of alkaloids from Corydalis saxicola by high-speed counter-current
      chromatography].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To develop a method for the rapid isolation of alkaloids from the
      crude extract of Corydalis saxicola. METHODS: High-speed counter-current
      chromatography (HSCCC) was applied for the separation of alkaloids from Corydalis
      saxicola, with the biphase solvent systems comprised n-butanol-ethyl acetate
      water-formic acid (5: 1: 5: 0.01) and n-butanol-ethyl acetate-methanol-water
      formic acid (5: 5: 1:9:0.05). RESULTS: About 300 mg of crude extract was isolated
      by HSCCC, yielding 3.6 mg of scoulerine, 9.2 mg of isocorydine, 5.5 mg of
      dehydrocheilanthifoline, 7.5 mg of dehydrocavidine, 20.4 mg of palmatine and 20.9
      mg of berberine, with purities of 71%, 92%, 85%, 76%, 90%, 97%, respectively.
      CONCLUSION: It is time-saving and simple to isolate alkaloids from Corydalis
      saxicola by HSCCC with high yields and purities.

PMID- 22066401
TI  - [Analysis of the chemical constituents of essential oil from Ligustrum quihoui by
      GC-MS].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: [corrected] To study the chemical constituents of essential oil from
      Ligustrum quihoui. METHODS: Essential oil was extracted by steam distillation
      (SD). The chemical constituents of essential oil was analyzed by GC-MS. RESULTS:
      The chemical components in the oil were qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed
      by GC-MS, 76 components were seperated and 35 components were identified. The
      main components are n-Hexadecanoic acid (17.28%), (Z, Z, Z)-9, 12, 15
      Octadecatrienoic acid, ethyl ester (12.13%), Phytol (5.80%). CONCLUSION: The
      method is simple, reliable and with good reprodutivity.

PMID- 22066402
TI  - [Analysis of the constituents of volatile oil from Fructus Auranti Immaturus by
      GC-MS].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analysis the constituents of volatile oil from Fructus Auranti
      Immaturus by GC-MS. METHODS: The volatile oil was extracted by steam
      distillation, then separated by capillary gas chromatography. The constituents of
      volatile oil were identified and their amount were determined by normalization
      method. RESULTS: Nineteen components were identified from Fructus Auranti
      Immaturus and their amount accounted 95.791% of total volatile oil. The main
      components were Limonene (68.25%), gamma-Terpinene (13.02%), alpha-Terpinol
      (3.28%), beta-Cymene (3.09%), beta-Myrcene (2.34%), alpha-Pinene (1.53%), beta
      Pinene (1.05%). CONCLUSION: The main component of volatile oil from Fructus
      Auranti is Limonene.

PMID- 22066403
TI  - [Simulation study of antithrombotic active fraction of Naodesheng by support
      vector machine].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To screen the antithrombotic active fraction of Naodesheng. METHODS:
      The collagen and adrenaline-induced thrombosis by tail intravenous injection in
      mice was used. Based on orthogonal design, the support vector machine model was
      established for pharmacodynamics prediction of TCM prescriptions. RESULTS: The
      model established in this study could predict the drug actions of different
      combinations. CONCLUSION: The pharmacodynamic actions of several formulas are
      superior to that of the original formula and CD has the best effect.

PMID- 22066404
TI  - [Effect of Nuanxin Capsule on two rat models with heart failure].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of Nuanxin Capsule (NC) on the rat models of
      heart failure induced by abdominal aorta constriction and adriamycin. METHODS:
      Rats were randomly divided into the following groups: model control group, low
      dose and high-dose, and digoxin group. Meanwhile, the pseudo-operation and NC
      groups were seperately established. After treatment for 30 days, the heart rate,
      systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), left ventricular
      systolic pressure (LVSP), left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP),
      maximal rate of increase and decrease in left ventricular pressure (+/- dp/dt),
      mean peripheral blood pressure (MBP) as well as levels of serum superoxide
      dismustase (SOD), malondialdeh-vde (MDA), cardiac index and heart size were
      measured. RESULTS: SBP, LVSP, +/- dp/dt and SOD activity increased,while
      LVEDP,serum MDA levels decreased in high and low-dose NC groups of two models.
      The heart rates also decreased, but the difference was insignificant (P>0.05,
      compared with those of model group). Besides, the heart rate,heart size and
      cardiac index, as well as serum Ang II levels also decreased. The differences
      were significant as compared with the digoxin group (P>0.05). The high-dose NC
      also significatly improved MBP and SOD (P<0.05 and P<0.01). CONCLUSION: Nuanxin
      Capsule has good therapeutic effects on the rats models of adriamycin and
      abdominal aorta constriction induced heart failure.

PMID- 22066405
TI  - [Effect of Limax lyophilized powder on bronchial asthma].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the effect of Limax lyophilized powder on bronchial asthma.
      METHODS: The allergic asthma model was established in guinea pigs by combined
      utilization of aluminum hydroxide and egg albumin to investigate the effect of
      Limax lyophilized powder on the bronchial flow and on the level of inflammator in
      bronchoalveolar lavage and serum. RESULTS: The mortality of asthma laboratory
      guinea pigs was reduced and the incubation period of asthma was extended
      significantly in Limax lyophilized powder groups. Its antiasthmatic effect was as
      efficient as the control drug (aminophylline). The leucocyte count was decreased
      in peripheral blood and the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. The infiltration of
      pulmonary tissues eosinophil was also significantly reduced. Further more,the
      most efficient effects was showed in Limax lyophilized powder at the moderate
      dosage (63 mg/kg). The bronchial perfusion flow was increased and the level of IL
      2 and IL-4 in blood serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was decreased
      obviously in the aminophylline group and Limax lyophilized powder groups at
      moderate and high dosage. CONCLUSION: Limax lyophilized powder could inhibit
      bronchial asthma evidently.

PMID- 22066406
TI  - [Effect of total alkaloid of Sophora alopecuroides on SW480 cells and Balb/c nude
      mice tumor xenograft].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the anti-tumor effect of total alkaloid of Sophora
      alopecuroides (TASA) on human colon adenocarcinoma SW480 cells and Balb/c nude
      mice tumor xenograft. METHODS: The effect of TASA on cell proliferation was
      assessed using MTT assay and the cell apoptosis was detected using Annexin V-FITC
      apoptosis assay. The nude mouse model bearing transplanted solid tumor SW480 was
      established. The changes of the volume and weight of the tumor were determined
      after treatment the mice with TASA. Fluorescence quantitative PCR was used to
      detect Caspase-3, Caspase-9 and BCL-2 mRNA expressions in the tumor. RESULTS:
      TASA inhibited the proliferation of SW480 cells in a dose- and time-dependent
      manner. The apoptotic rate of cells was the best when the concentration of TASA
      was 0.92 mg/mL at 48 hours. The volume and weight of the tumor xenograft in TASA
      groups were decreased when compared with those of the control group. The results
      of RT-PCR showed that TASA activated the pro-apoptotic Caspase-3 and Caspase-9
      and lowered expressions of BCL-2. CONCLUSION: TASA can inhibit the growth of
      SW480 cells and the growth of transplanted solid tumor of human SW480 cell line,
      the mechanism of which involves the effect of Caspase-3, Caspase-9 and BCL-2
      expression.

PMID- 22066407
TI  - [Effect of taspine derivatives on human liver cancer SMMC7721].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyse the inhibition effect of taspine derivatives on human Liver
      cancer SMMC7721 cell and its mechanism. METHODS: The effects of five taspine
      derivatives on SMMC7721 cell growth were determined by MTT. The flow cytometry
      was used to determine the cell cycle. The effects of Tas-D1 on the EGF and VEGF
      in SMMC7721 cell were determined by ELISA. The mRNA level of EGF and VEGF in
      SMMC7721 cell was determined by RT-PCR. RESULTS: The MTT assay demonstrated that
      the taspine derivative Tas-D1 significantly inhibited the growth of SMMC7721 cell
      in a dose-dependent manner. Cell was stopped at S phase by Tas-D1. Tas-D1
      inhibited the expression of EGF and VEGF and their mRNA in a dose-dependent
      manner (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The taspine derivative Tas-D1 can inhibit the
      growth of human Liver cancer SMMC7721 cell and change cell cycle, which may be
      related to the inhibition of EGF and VEGF expression.

PMID- 22066408
TI  - [Optimization of microwave-assisted extraction with RSM and HPLC determination
      for three iridoid glycosides in Cornus officinalis].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To establish a method of microwave-assisted extraction and high
      performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) for simultaneous determination of three
      iridoid glycosides including loganin, sweroside and cornuside in Cornus
      officinalis. METHODS: The extraction conditions of microwave power,ethanol
      concentration, liquid to sample ratio were optimized with a response surface
      methodology (RSM); Three constituents were separated on an Agilent TC-C18 column
      by gradient elution using acetonitrile and water as the mobile phase. The flow
      rate was 1.0 mL/min. The detection wave length was 240 nm. RESULTS: The optimal
      conditions of microwave extraction were as follows: microwave power 400 W,
      ethanol concentration 72%, liquid to sample ratio 15 mL/g, the extraction time 10
      min, the extraction times 2; The HPLC peak areas of all the constituents showed
      good linearity (r>0.9994) in the range of the tested concentration,the average
      recoveries of the method were 98.68%, 98.24% and 98.29%, respectively.
      CONCLUSIONS: The established method of microwave-assisted extraction and HPLC
      simultaneously determination has the advantages of convenient, precision and
      reliability. It can be used in simultaneous determination of three iridoid
      glycosides in Cornus officinalis.

PMID- 22066409
TI  - [Study on preparation of salidroside and polysaccharide in Rhodiola crenulata].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To optimize the preparation process of salidroside and polysaccharide
      in Rhodiola crenulata. METHODS: Water-extraction and alcohol-precipitation was
      used. The effect of added water volume, decoction time and frequency on water
      extracting process was investigated by L9 (3(4)) orthogonal design using
      extraction rate, content of salidroside and polysaccharide as the assessment
      indexes. The effect of liquor strength and ethanol concentration on alcohol
      precipitating process was investigated as well, using content of salidroside and
      polysaccharide as the assessment indexes. RESULTS: The optimum conditions for
      water-extracting process were as follows: decocting 3 times, and each time adding
      8 fold of water and extracting 2 h. For alcohol-precipitating process,it was that
      liquor strength was 0.4 g/mL, and ethanol concentration in liquor was 70%.
      CONCLUSION: The optimized process has guidance for the development and
      comprehensive utilization of this plant.

PMID- 22066410
TI  - [Optimization of ultrasonic-assisted extraction of total flavonoids from leaves
      of the Artocarpus heterophyllus by response surface methodology].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the ultrasonic-assisted extract on of total flavonoids
      from leaves of the Artocarpus heterophyllus. METHODS: Investigated the effects of
      ethanol concentration, extraction time, and liquid-solid ratio on flavonoids
      yield. A 17-run response surface design involving three factors at three levels
      was generated by the Design-Expert software and experimental data obtained were
      subjected to quadratic regression analysis to create a mathematical model
      describing flavonoids extraction. RESULTS: The optimum ultrasonic assisted
      extraction conditions were: ethanol volume fraction 69.4% and liquid-solid ratio
      of 22.6:1 for 32 min. Under these optimized conditions, the yield of flavonoids
      was 7.55 mg/g. CONCLUSION: The Box-Behnken design and response surface analysis
      can well optimize the ultrasonic-assisted extraction of total flavonoids from
      Artocarpus heterophyllus.

PMID- 22066411
TI  - [Rationality for dynamic detection of shikonin of Arnerbia euchroma in industrial
      process].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To discover reasons for great loss of shikonin during the
      concentrating process of percolate of Arnerbia euchroma (Royle) Johnst and
      develop a reasonable method for determination of shikonin. METHODS: Shikonin was
      selected as index, optimized chromatographic condition was used for analyzing the
      affection of alcohol content and crude drug content of sample solution on
      determination of shikonin, furthermore, reasonable sample preparation and
      determination methodology was examined and defined. RESULTS: The optimized
      chromatographic condition was as follows: shikonin was analyzed with a Zorbax
      Extend C-18 column (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 microm), methanol: water (82: 18) as the
      mobile phase, the column was maintained at 35 degrees C, the flow rate was 1.0 mL
      min(-1), detection wavelength was set at 516 nm and the time for analysis reduced
      from 40 min to 24 min. Alcohol content of sample solution influenced
      determination results significantly, peak area of equal content shikonin in low
      alcohol content (<40%) was only about 20% - 30% of that of high alcohol content
      (>70%), the reasonable content of sample solution were 0.0167 - 0.083 g mL(-1)
      with alcohol content above 40%. The method showed good linearity, precision,
      reproducibility and accuracy. CONCLUSION: The alcohol content of sample solution
      correlated with peak area closely for the first time, which indicate another
      important reason for "great loss" of shikonin during concentration process is
      that too much low ethanol content in test solution leads too much low results.
      The new method can detect shikonin more effectively and more reasonably and can
      monitor production process with high efficiency and low cost.

PMID- 22066412
TI  - [Study on the enzyme extraction process of hypericin by pectinase].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To explore the best enzyme and optimal conditions for extracting
      Hypericin from Hypericum perforatum. METHODS: Chose the best enzyme from
      Pectinase, Xylanase, Glucanase, beta-Glucanase and Enzyme (SPE-007A). The effeet
      of solid-liquid ratio enzyme dosage, PH, temperature and the extraction time were
      investigated by L9 (3(4)) orthogonal design using extraction rate and the content
      of Hypericin as assessment index. RESULTS: The best enzyme was Pectinase and the
      optimum extraction process was as follows: PH 4.6, enzyme dosage 1.5%,
      temperature 50 degrees C, extraction time 5 h, liquid-solid ratio 15 times.
      CONCLUSION: This method is efficient and stable. It could be used in the future
      research of Hypericum perforatum.

PMID- 22066413
TI  - [Network pharmacology and drug discovery].
AB  - The pharmaceutical industry has historically relied on particular families of
      'druggable' proteins against which to develop compounds with desired actions. But
      proteins rarely function in isolation in and outside the cell; rather, proteins
      operate as part of highly interconnected cellular networks. Network pharmacology
      is an emerging area of pharmacology which utilizes network analysis of drug
      action. By considering drug actions in the context of the cellular networks,
      network analysis promises to greatly increase our knowledge of the mechanisms
      underlying the multiple actions of drugs. Network pharmacology can provide new
      approaches for drug discovery for complex diseases. This review introduced the
      recent progress of network pharmacology and its importance to understand the
      mechanism of drug actions and drug discovery.

PMID- 22066414
TI  - [Abnormality of renin-angiotensin system in podocyte dysfunction in diabetic
      kidney disease].
AB  - Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is currently the leading cause of end-stage renal
      disease (ESRD). DKD is stamped by proteinuria and progressive renal dysfunction.
      Excessive activation of RAS under hyperglycemic condition is associated with the
      development of DKD. Suppression of RAS markedly reduces proteinuria and retards
      progression of DKD in clinic. Podocyte forms the final barrier to protein in
      glomerular filtration. Podocyte injury leads to abnormality in glomerular
      filtration permeability, results in proteinuria. Various components of RAS have
      been identified to be expressed in podocyte. Here we reviewed the progress on RAS
      in regulating the function of podocyte and progress of DKD.

PMID- 22066415
TI  - [New perspectives in the treatment of diabetes by interfering with glucagon
      signaling pathway].
AB  - Glucagon, a hormone secreted from the alpha cell of the endocrine pancreas, is a
      major counterpart to insulin. After released into blood, glucagon will combine
      with its receptor in targeting tissues and form a compound, which then activates
      its signaling pathway, produces cAMP, promotes gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis
      and inventually increases blood glucose. Researches recently display that it will
      be an important addition to treatment method by inhibiting synthesis and
      secretion of glucagon, neutralizing circulating glucagon, using glucagon receptor
      antagonists and prohibiting gene expression of glucagon receptor.

PMID- 22066416
TI  - [Glutamate receptors and gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors in pancreatic cells].
AB  - Glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors are mainly expressed in
      central nervous system and play critical roles in neural signal transduction. It
      has been demonstrated that glutamate and GABA receptors are also found in
      pancreatic islets. Interestingly, almost all of glutamate and GABA receptor
      subunits are present in islets. Here, we summarize current progresses of these
      receptors in islets, focusing on there expressions, physiological implications,
      interactions, as well as a novel approach to investigate roles of the receptors
      in islets slice. All these investigations will potentially supply new
      understanding of working mechanism of these receptors in islet and also shed a
      new insight for neuroscientific research.

PMID- 22066417
TI  - [Specific expression of microRNA in different tissues of nervous system and
      expression changes in nerve regeneration].
AB  - MicroRNA is a class of endogenous non-coding RNA, which regulates the expression
      of target genes at the post-transcriptional level. In recent years, researches
      have shown that microRNA expresses specifically and plays an important role in
      the nervous system under physiological condition. Furthermore, the distribution
      and expression level of microRNA were changed after the injury of nervous system,
      which presents important effect on nerve regeneration. This effect of microRNA is
      significant to the clinical diagnosis and treatment on the injury of nervous
      system.

PMID- 22066418
TI  - [Research progress in relations between renin angiotensin system and diabetic
      cardiomyopathy].
AB  - Renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is activated in diabetes. The rise of angiotension
      II (Ang II) stimulates the cardiac fibroblast proliferation and the alteration of
      collagen metabolism through AT1 receptor on cell surface, causing the myocardium
      interstitial and perivascular fibrosis, and the ventricular myocardium rigidity
      and diastolic function disturbance, leading to the clinical symptoms of diabetic
      cardiomyopathy (DCM). The main members of RAS including Ang II, Ang-(1-7), Ac
      SDKP and ATR play the important role in the development of DCM. This article
      reviewed the interactions between RAS and endothelin (ET), reactive oxygen
      species (ROS), transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1), nuclear factor
      kappa b (NF-kappaB), signal transduction system and apoptosis in DCM.

PMID- 22066419
TI  - [Research advance of the protective role of PACAP in the nervous system
      diseases].
AB  - In the central nervous system, pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide
      (PACAP) exerts different actions as neurotransmitter, neuromodulator,
      neurotrophic and neuroprotective factors via multiple signaling pathways. PACAP
      plays an important protective role in the nervous system diseases, such as focal
      cerebral ischemia, traumatic brain injury (TBI), schizophrenia, anxiety disorders
      Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. Now, we reviewed the research
      advances about the protective role of PACAP in the nervous system diseases.

PMID- 22066420
TI  - [The progress study of HDAC2 function in diseases].
AB  - HDAC2 is a histone acetyltransferase I, promotes the hormone and cytokine
      dependent signal transduction. HDAC2 is unique marker for oral, prostate,
      ovarian, endometrial or gastric cancer, and related with muscle and heart related
      diseases, it plays an important role in embryonic development and neural
      function. As the precise target of drug development and drug intervention
      technology, HDAC2 has been proved to be an effective treatment. In this paper,
      the role of HDAC2 is summarized in health and related diseases.

PMID- 22066421
TI  - [Progress in research of arachidonic acid-cytochrome P450 pathway in diabetes].

PMID- 22066422
TI  - [Advances in studies on the protein homocysteinylation].

PMID- 22066423
TI  - [TMEM16/ANOCTAMIN: the newest chloride channel family].

PMID- 22066424
TI  - [Canonical transient receptor potential and cell proliferation].

PMID- 22066425
TI  - [Progress in liver X receptor and neuroimmunology].

PMID- 22066426
TI  - [Progress in the research of ghrelin and reproductive system].

PMID- 22066427
TI  - [The Rho/Rho kinase signaling pathway and vessels contraction].

PMID- 22066428
TI  - [A new concept of the nerve conduction: the nerve conduction of excitation
      without action potentials].

PMID- 22066429
TI  - [NALP3 inflammasome and non-infectious inflammatory diseases].

PMID- 22066430
TI  - [Feasibility analysis of application of future contract in Chinese materia medica
      transaction].
AB  - With the rapid development of Chinese economy, the traditional Chinese medicine
      has been paid more attention worldwide because of its therapeutic effect and the
      special health care function. The future contract which was born under the modern
      economic system, by its price discovery function and the circumvention risk
      function, occupies the main superiority in the commodity exchange. The
      traditional Chinese medicine, which has a glorious transaction history commodity,
      whether future contract could be used to carry on the transaction still to lack
      the scientific examination. This article reviewed traditional Chinese medicine
      tradition trading mode forms with in the evolution foundation, summarized the
      Chinese materia medica tradition trading mode characteristic, discussed necessity
      and feasibility of the future contract as a supplement sale way for traditional
      Chinese medicine transaction. It also forecasted possible risk of future
      contract, proposed the preliminary implementation method for traditional Chinese
      medicine future contract.

PMID- 22066431
TI  - [Network target: a starting point for traditional Chinese medicine network
      pharmacology].
AB  - Understanding the interactions between numerous chemical compounds of herbs or
      herbal formulae and complex biological systems related with diseases or
      traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndromes is one of great dilemmas in current
      studies on TCM. To address such a difficult issue, we propose a novel concept and
      methodology of "Network Target" based on our previous works and from the
      perspective of network pharmacology as well as systems biology. The network
      target treats a disease-specific biomolecular network as a target to help design
      and predict the best possible treatments. Focused on mapping disease phenotypes
      and herbal compounds into biomolecular networks and then calculating, analyzing
      and predicting the mechanism of their mutual interactions, the network target
      approaches will facilitate discovery of effective compounds and their
      combinations, elucidation of mechanistic relationships between herbal formulae
      and diseases or TCM syndromes, and development of rational drug designs for TCM.
      In this paper, our recent progresses on the methodology of Network Target and its
      applications in herbal medicine are reviewed to provide reference for the coming
      TCM network pharmacology.

PMID- 22066432
TI  - [Advances in studies on metabolism and biotansformation of ginsenosides in
      vitro].
AB  - As a famous traditional Chinese medicine, ginseng's metabolism has been a hot
      spot in recent years. In this review, relevant literatures on the research
      progress of the metabolism of ginsenosides in vitro have been introduced. This
      review focuses on artifical juice metabolism, intestinal bacteria metabolism,
      microbial and enzymatic biotransformation of ginsenosides. Main metabolic
      pathways of ginsenosides in vitro are also analyzed, which will provide a
      reference for the systematic study on metabolism of ginsenosides.

PMID- 22066433
TI  - [Effect of Tongfeng trace elements nutrient balance agent on growth,
      physiological characteristics and content of active constituents of Glycyrrhiza
      uralensis].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of Tongfeng trace elements nutrient balance
      agent on the various growth indicators, physiological indicators, and the
      contents of liquiritin and glycyrrhizic acid in one-year old Glycyrrhiza
      uralensis. METHOD: The plants of G. uralensis growing in Chifeng of Inner
      Mongolia and medicinal garden of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine were
      fertilized for two times, respectively. The photosynthetic physiological
      indicators were measured by LI-6400 photosynthetic instrument. The pigments and
      antioxidase activities of the leaves were determined. Then contents of liquiritin
      and glycyrrhizic acid in the plants were determined by HPLC. RESULT: The
      application of this trace element nutrient balance agent could significantly
      improve the height, chla and chlb, and the photosynthetic physiology indicator
      such as P(n), C(i), and G(s). Similarly, it could significantly increase the
      fresh weight of shoots and dry weight of the roots. Compared with control block
      (CK), the fertilizer which was diluted by 300 times (T(1)) and 600 times (T(2))
      significantly increased the content of glycyrrhizic acid by 24.72% and 20. 23%.
      There was significant difference between different treatments (P < 0.05).
      CONCLUSION: The Tongfeng trace elements nutrient balance agent could promote
      growth, physiology and the content of active constituents of G. uralensis,
      especially the effect of T(1) was superior to T(2).

PMID- 22066434
TI  - [Influences of enhanced UV-B radiation and drought stress on biomass accumulation
      and allocation of Fagopyrum dibotrys].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the influences of enhanced UV-B radiation and drought stress
      on the biomass accumulation and allocation of Fagopyrum dibotrys, and so as to
      provide a theoretical basis for the cultivation, the protection and use of F.
      dibotrys. METHOD: By experiment of potted plant, the biomass accumulation and
      allocation of F. dibotrys were measured under different drought stresses and UV-B
      radiations. RESULT: In conditions of adequate water, enhanced UV-B radiation
      significantly reduced biomass accumulation to root, biomass accumulation to
      leaves, total biomass accumulation and biomass allocation to root in F. dibotrys,
      while it could increase biomass allocation to stem. In conditions of moderate
      drought stress, enhanced UV-B radiation increased biomass accumulation to root,
      biomass accumulation to stem and biomass accumulation to root. In the conditions
      of severe drought stress, enhanced UV-B radiation increased biomass accumulation
      to root, it also could lead in a certain increase to biomass accumulation to
      stem. Biomass allocation to root, stem and leaves was not sensitive to enhanced
      UV-B radiation. CONCLUSION: The influences of enhanced UV-B radiation in
      simulation and drought stress on the biomass accumulation and allocation of F.
      dibotrys were determined by water conditions and different apparatus. Overall, we
      verified that enhanced UV-B radiation would reduce the influences of biomass
      accumulation of F. dibotrys by drought.

PMID- 22066435
TI  - [Study on seed quality of Achyranthes bidentata].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the seed quality of Achyranthes bidentata from different
      sources and establish a standard of seed quality grading. METHOD: Seed weight and
      moisture content determination, germination test, purity analysis were carried
      out by 100 grains method, high-temperature drying, double deck filter paper and
      GB/T354. 3-Seed Testing for Crops methods respectively. Eight collections were
      planted in several field plots. RESULT: The 1 000 grains weight of 33 collections
      is 0.69 to 3.54 g with a variance coefficient 24.83%, the germination rate
      between 19.02% to 99% with a variance coefficient 38.24%. Seed moisture content
      and purity showed no significantly difference. K-means cluster analysis showed
      that 33 collections were divided into 3 grades: the first grade including 23
      collections, the second and third grade including 5 collections respectively.
      Eight collections showed different field growth and yield characters. CONCLUSION:
      There are significant differences in seed quality of A. bidentata, so the
      classification management is needed in medicinal materials market. Germination
      test is an effective method before cultivating.

PMID- 22066436
TI  - [Study on quality of medicinal material of Thesium chinense].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the quality of medicinal material of Thesium chinense.
      METHOD: The active ingredients of total flavonoids, kaempferol, mannitol,
      polysaccharides were selected as the evaluative indicators to comprehensively
      evaluate the quality of medicinal material of T. chinense. RESULT: The total
      flavone 3.38%, kaempferol 0.984 7 mg x g(-1), mannitol 6.12%, polysaccharides
      14.08% and water soluble extract 30.28% were measured in the sample of T.
      chinense. There was a certain correlation among these selected active
      ingredients. The compositions of most biological activities component in T.
      chinense of different populations were similar, but the contents were different
      significantly. The content of activities component in T. chinense showed a
      general tendency of declining during growth period and with the increase time of
      storage. CONCLUSION: Flavone, kaempferol, mannitol, polysaccharides should be
      selected as the indicators to evaluate the quality of medicinal material of T.
      chinense.

PMID- 22066437
TI  - [Effects of waste batteries leaching solution stress on resistance physiological
      indices of volatile constituents from Schizonepeta tenuifolia].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: The effect of waste batteries leaching on the seedling growth and
      volatile constituents in leaves of Schizonepeta tenuifolia was assayed. METHOD:
      The different concentrations of waste batteries leaching on the seedling growth
      were discussed. Volatile compounds were analyzed by solid-phase micro-extraction
      (SPME) coupled with gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). RESULT: The
      results indicated that S. tenuifolia showed resistance to heavy metal polluting,
      but the high rate of waste batteries leaching had the inhibiting effect to
      seedlings growth. The waste batteries leaching cause the major volatile
      constituents in leaves of S. tenuifolia was changed greatly under waste batteries
      leaching solution stress. CONCLUSION: Heavy metal leached by waste batteries had
      great effect on growth of S. tenuifolia, reducing its value for food and medical
      purposes.

PMID- 22066438
TI  - [Isolation and characterization of promoter of ADS from Artemisia annua].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To try to find the ways to enhance the expression of ADS gene encoding
      amorpha-4,11-diene synthase, a key enzyme in artemisinin biosynthesis pathway
      catalyzing the formation of amorpha-4,11-diene from farnesyl diphosphate, and
      accelerate the artemisinin synthesis, the promoter of ADS was isolated and
      characterized. METHOD: 5' untranslated regions of ADS were isolated from
      Artemisia annua with PCR. For functional characterization, the isolated fragment
      was fused with GUS reporter gene and introduced into Nicotiana tabacum by
      Agrobacterium-mediated transformation. The GUS expression regulated by 5'
      untranslated regions of ADS in transgenic N. tabacum under the normal or stressed
      conditions were detected by histochemical staining and quantitative
      spectrophotometry assay. RESULT: The 2 448 bp DNA fragment upstream of ADS coding
      sequence was isolated from A. annua and introduced into N. tabacum. Histochemical
      staining showed that the isolated fragment conferred stable GUS expression in
      transgenic plants. The quantitative results showed that the GUS activity in
      transgenic tobacco plants treated by low-temperature (4 degrees C) and
      ultraviolet irradiation were 1. 6 and 2.2 folds higher than that in the controls.
      CONCLUSION: It was suggested that the isolated fragment had promoter activity and
      maybe responsive to adverse environmental stresses.

PMID- 22066439
TI  - [Comparision of adsorption-desorption dynamics of huanglian jiedu decoction using
      different macroporous resins combinations].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To establish the techniques for the purification of Huanglian Jiedu
      decoction by macroporous resins combinations, and to lay the foundation of
      improvement of dosage forms in clinical application and realization of
      industrialized production about Huanglian Jiedu decoction. METHOD: Four kinds of
      macroporous resins (X-5, S-8, HPD100, AB-8) were chosen and combined in six
      different forms. Adsorption and desorption experiments were carried out and
      contents of six index constituents, gardenoside, baicalin, palmatine, berberine,
      baicalein and wogonin, in different groups were compared before and after
      purification. RESULT: Adsorption rates of six index constituents in Huanglian
      Jiedu decoction of different combinations of macroporous resins groups were all
      nearly 100%, but desorption rates had remarkable differences. CONCLUSION: Through
      comprehensive comparison, macroporous resins combination 6 resulted in high
      contents of index suitable relatively. It is suitable for purification of
      Huanglian Jiedu decoction.

PMID- 22066440
TI  - [A new water-soluble lubricant of tablets-L-leucine combined with PEG6000].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To prepare an effective and water-soluble lubricant. METHOD: Co
      sprayed lubricant (L-leucine and polyethylene glycol 6000 co-sprayed according to
      a certain proportion) and mixed lubricant (the physical mixture of spayed L
      leucine and crushed polyethylene glycol 6000) were prepared and polyethylene
      glycol 6000, L-leucine, magnesium stearate, sodium stearyl fumarate and sodium
      chloride are crushed and sieved, respectively. Residual force, appearance of
      solution and disintegration time were considered as response variables of the
      lubrication effect to evaluate different lubricants. The changes of the co
      sprayed lubricant were studied by differential scanning calorimetry, fourier
      infrared, electronic scanning microscope and X-ray diffraction. RESULT: The
      efficacy of co-sprayed lubricant is better than other lubricants. Efficacy is
      improved by external form change without inner components and crystal changes.
      CONCLUSION: Co-sprayed lubricant is a good water soluble tablet lubricant which
      has good efficacy.

PMID- 22066441
TI  - [Chemical reaction and products in processed Cibotium barometz].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the chemical variation and its mechanism in processing
      of Cibotium barometz. METHOD: The methods of TLC and HPLC were carried out to
      identify the chemical variation in processing of C. barometz, and the compounds
      changed significantly were isolated by chromatography. RESULT: Chemical
      components were changed significantly in processing of C. barometz. CONCLUSION:
      Maillard reaction is involved in the process of rhizome C. barometz, which may be
      contributed to the activity between raw and processed C. barometz.

PMID- 22066442
TI  - [Variation of 4 kinds of compounds in Psoralea corylifolia processed by different
      methods].
AB  - OBJECITVE: To established an efficient method for simultaneous quantification of
      7 compounds belonging to 4 chemical types in Psoralea corylifolia processed by
      different methods, and to elucidate variations of 4 kinds of compounds in
      different processed P. corylifolia. METHOD: The chromatographic separation was
      performed on an ACUITY C18 column using acetonitrile and 0.1% formic acid aqueous
      solution in the gradient elution at 0.4 mL x min(-1). Detection wavelength was
      set at 246 nm. Column temperature was fixed at 50 degrees C. RESULT: The 4 kinds
      of compounds including psoralenoside, isopsoralenoside (benzofuran glycosides),
      psoralen, isopsoralen, psoralidin (coumarins), bavachin (flavonoids), and
      bakuchiol (meroterpenes) were separated in 25 min. The correlation coefficients
      of those compounds were over 0.9993 in the tested range. The intra- and inter-day
      precisions were below 1.5%. The average recoveries ranged from 99.2% to 106%.
      CONCLUSION: This method is simple, rapid and accurate, which can be used for the
      determination of the 4 kinds of compounds in different processed P. corylifolia.
      In P. corylifolia processed by different methods, the contents of benzofuran
      glycosides, flavonoids, and meroterpenes in P. corylifolia processed by Leigong's
      method decrease obviously, while the contents of psoralen and isopsoralen
      increase significantly.

PMID- 22066443
TI  - [Study on network compatibility of metabolisms in vivo rat for volatile oil in
      houttuyniae herba and 2-undecanone].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study on the differences of metabolites in the blood of rats after
      injection or oral administration of volatile oil in Houttuyniae Herba and of 2
      undecanone in order to validate hypothesis of network compatability and to
      establish the theoretical foundation of elucidating metabolic mechanism for
      multiple constituents in Chinese Material. METHOD: A gas chromatography-mass
      spectrometry method was employed for qualitative determination of the metabolites
      in blood of rats by injection or oral administration of volatile oil in
      Houttuyniae Herba and of 2-undecanone, which were compared with the differences
      between binary two drugs as well as two administration. RESULT: There were 45
      kinds of ingredients in volatile oil for original materials for Houttuyniae
      Herba, and 53, 69 kinds of metabolites were detected in blood of rats for oral
      administration of volatile oil in Houttuyniae Herba, and 2-undecanone,
      respectively, whereas 52, 42 kinds of metabolites were detected for injection
      administration. Although there were various constitutes, i. e. single versus
      multiple ingredients, administrated by various ways, i. e. oral versus injection,
      the metabolites were so similar with each manners, in which alpha-pinene and beta
      myrcene occurred in two constitute forms and two administrations, while there
      were 18, 13 kinds of ingredients for oral or injection administration of volatile
      oil in Houttuyniae Herba, i. e. 34%, 25% of total ingredients, respectively, and
      17, 15 kinds of ingredients, i. e. 24.6%, 35.7% for that of, 2-undecanone,
      respectively, on average of 29.8% that suggested one of third as co-metabolites.
      CONCLUSION: There are network compatibility existed in metabolism of the
      houttuynia volatile oil in rats, and similar metabolic pathways in accordance
      with original plant, among their ingredients no matter alone or multiple
      constitute forms and oral or injection administration.

PMID- 22066444
TI  - [Rubrofusarin glucosides of Berchemia polyphylla var. leioclada and their
      scavenging activities for DPPH radical].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the rubrofusarin glucosides from whole plants of Berchemia
      polyphylla var. leioclada, and their scavenging activities for 2,2-diphenyl-1
      picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical. METHOD: The chemical constituents were isolated
      and purified via repeated silica gel and Sephadex LH-20 column chromatography.
      Their structures were elucidated by spectral analysis and the compounds were
      tested for their scavenging activities on DPPH radical. RESULT: Three
      rubrofusarin glucosides compounds were isolated and identified as rubrofusarin-6
      O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (1), rubrofusarin-6-O-beta-D-(6'-O-acetyl)
      glucopyranoside (2), rubrofusarin-6-O-alpha-L-rhamnosyl-(1-6) -O-beta-D
      glucopyranside (3). Three isolated compounds showed strong scavenging activities
      on DPPH radical, the concentration of half elimination ratio( micromol x L(-1))
      of VitC and Compounds 1-3 were 18.2, 40.5, 23.3 and 13.6, respectively.
      CONCLUSION: Compounds 1-3 were isolated from this plant for the first time and
      compound 2 was a new compound. They showed significant antioxidant activity, and
      the scavenging activity of compound 3 was a little stronger than that of VitC.

PMID- 22066445
TI  - [Diterpenoids from Chinese eaglewood].
AB  - Column chromatography on silica gel, Sephadex LH-20, semi-preparative HPLC were
      used to separate and purify the compounds from the petroleum ether and ethanol
      extract of Chinese eaglewood. Nine compounds were isolated. On the basis of their
      spectroscopic data, their structures were identified as dehydroabietic acid (1),
      methyl dehydroabietate (2), methyl 7-oxodehydroabietate (3), 7alpha, 15
      dihydroxydehydroabietic acid (4), 7alpha-hydroxypodocarpen-8(14)-en-13-on-18-oic
      acid (5), pimaric acid (6), pimarol (7), 18-norpimara-8 (14), and 15-dien-4alpha
      ol (8), 18-norisopimara-8 (14), 15-dien-4beta-ol (9). All of the compounds were
      isolated from this plant for the first time, and compounds 5, 8 and 9 are
      norditerpenoids.

PMID- 22066446
TI  - [Liposolubility constituents from leaves of Aquilaria sinensis].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the chemical constituents of the leaves of Aquilaria
      sinensis. METHOD: The compounds were isolated and purified by the methods of
      solvent extraction and chromatographic technique, and their structures were
      identified on the basis of the analyses of spectral data. RESULT: Eleven
      compounds were obtained and identified as beta-sitosterol (1), hexacosanic acid
      (2), cryptotanshinone (3), 2alpha-hydroxyursane (4), dihydrotanshinone I (5),
      tanshinone I (6), tanshinone II(A) (7), 2alpha-hydroxyursolic acid (8), p
      hydroxybenzoic acid (9), hydroquinone (10), and daucosterol (11), respectively.
      CONCLUSION: All compounds except for compound 9 were isolated from the leaves of
      A. sinensis for the first time.

PMID- 22066447
TI  - [Study on triterpenes from Solanum torvum].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study on the chemical constituents of Solanum torvum. METHOD: The
      aerial parts of S. torvum swartz were extracted with 95% alcohol and the
      constituents were isolated and purified by chromatographic silica gel and
      Sephadex LH-20. Their structures were determined by NMR and MS spectral analysis.
      RESULT: Six triterpenes were isolated and identified as 3beta-acetyloleanolic
      acid (1), 3-O-acetyl-11alpha, 12alpha-epoxy-oleanan-28, 13beta-olide (2),
      oleanolic acid (3), ursolic acid (4), 2alpha-hydroxy-oleanolic acid (5), 2alpha,
      3beta-dihydroxyursolic acid (6). CONCLUSION: All compounds were obtained from
      this plant for the first time.

PMID- 22066448
TI  - [Studies on new hydrolysate of aconitine using HPLC-MS(n) and quantum chemistry
      calculation].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the new hydrolysate of aconitine using HPLC-MS(n) and quantum
      chemistry calculation. METHOD: The HPLC method was applied in gradient elution
      program and the mass spectrometry was in positive ion mode. Geometries of the
      possible hydrolysates were optimized at DFT/6-31G(d) level. RESULT: The new
      hydrolysate was found and its protonated molecularions was at m/z 482. The
      quantum chemistry calculation results show that the product of elimination
      reations at C8 and C15 got the lowest energy conformation. The compound at m/z
      482 was decluced to be the hydrolysate of carbony at C15. CONCLUSION: Delydration
      aconine was detected for the first time and the new hydrolysis pathways of
      aconitine in water were deduced.

PMID- 22066449
TI  - [Correlation of DNJ between taxilli herba and its host-plants].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the correlation of 1-deoxynojirimycin (DNJ) between Taxilli
      Herba parasitized in mulberry and its host-plants. METHOD: The contents of DNJ of
      Taxilli Herba parasitized in mulberry and non-mulberry were determined by RP
      HPLC. DNJ was extracted with 0.05 mol x L(-1) HCl, and then detected by
      fluorescence detector after derivatized with FMOC-Cl at pH 8.0 with borate
      buffer. The separation was performed on an Agilent C18 (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5
      microm) column with a mobile phase of acetonitrile-0.1% aqueous acetic acid (51:
      49) at a flow rate of 1.0 mL x min(-1). The wavelength of fluorescence detector
      was operated at lambda(EX) = 254 nm and lambda(EM) = 322 nm. RESULT: The linear
      range of DNJ was 3.72-37.2 mg x L(-1) (r = 0.999 9). The average recovery was
      96.42%. The contents of DNJ in mulberry and Taxilli Herba parasitized in mulberry
      were 1.39-10.16 mg x g(-1) and 0.46-2.72 mg x g(-1), respectively. However, the
      contents of DNJ could not be detected in Taxilli Herba parasitized in non
      mulberry and its host-plants. CONCLUSION: As the characteristic constituent of
      mulberry, DNJ was accumulated in Taxilli Herba This method can be applied to the
      quality control of Taxilli Herba from mulberry.

PMID- 22066450
TI  - [Determination of underivatized glycine and proline in vinegar turtle shell by
      HPLC-ELSD].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To establish a method to determine the underivatized glycine (Gly) and
      proline (Pro) in vinegar turtle shell. METHOD: An HPLC-ELSD method was conducted
      on a Prevail C18 column (4.6 mm x 250 mm, 5 microm) with the mobile phase of
      acetonitrile and 0.7% trifluoroacetic acid solution (containing 5.0 mmol x L(-1)
      heptafluorobutyric acid), and elution time was 15 min. RESULT: The calibration
      curves were showed good linearity within the concentration range of 0.14-0.6 g x
      L(-1). The average recoveries were 101.2% and 102.5%, and RSD were 1.9% and 2.5%,
      respectively. CONCLUSION: Since this method needs neither the special amino acid
      analyzer nor derivation of amino acid., it is efficient, simple and accurate.,
      which could be used for quality control of vinegar turtle shell.

PMID- 22066451
TI  - [Determination of four alkaloids in Corydalis decumbens by HPLC].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To establish a quantitative HPLC method for determination of
      protopine, palmatine hydrochloride, bicuculline and tetrahydropalmatine, in
      Corydalis decumbens. METHOD: The separation was performed on a ZORBAX Eclipse XDB
      C18 column (4.6 mm x 150 mm, 5 microm) at a flow rate of 1.0 mL x min(-1) using
      mixtures of two solvents [A(20 mmol x L(-1) ammonium acetate)-B(acetonitrile)]:
      with a gradient elution. The column oven temperature was 30 degrees C and the
      detection wavelength was set at 280 nm. RESULT: The 4 alkaloids were well
      separated by this HPLC method. Linearifies of protopine, palmatine hydrochloride,
      bicuculline and tetrahydropalmatine were good in the ranges of 1.44-46.0 (r =
      0.999 4), 1.2640.2 (r = 0.999 8), 1.37-44.0 (r = 0.999 9), and 1.3643.6 mg x L(
      1) (r = 0.999 9), respectively. The average recoveries were 98.2% with RSD 2.7%
      for protopine, 101.9% with RSD 2.5% for palmatine hydrochloride, 102.8% with RSD
      3.5% for tetrahydropalmatine, and 98.8% with RSD 3.1% for tetrahydropalmatine.
      CONCLUSION: This method is proved to be convenient, reliable and accurate., and
      it can be used for quality control of C. decumbens.

PMID- 22066452
TI  - [Study of molecular mechanisms of fuyuan capsule, icariin and arasaponin R1 in
      treatment of osteoarthritis].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the molecular mechanisms of Fuyuan capsule serum containing,
      icariin and arasaponin R1 in the treatment of osteoarthritis from the urokinase
      type plasminogen activator (uPA) system. METHOD: Chondrocytes were isolated,
      cultured and identified using type II collagens immunostaining. After stimulating
      with TNF-alpha 10 microg x L(-1), 1 h, then the chondrocytes were treatment with
      glucosamine hydrochloride 25 g x L(-1), 20% Fuyuan capsule serum containing,
      icariin 12.5 mg x L(-1), arasaponin R1 125 mg x L(-1), icariin 12.5 mg x L(-1) +
      arasaponin R1 125 mg x L(-1). After 2 h, expression of uPA and nuclear factor
      kappa B (NF-kappaB P65) mRNA was detected by reverse transcription polymerase
      chain reaction (RT-PCR), the activities of NF-kappaB(P65) combine DNA were
      determined by electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA), 1kappaBalpha were
      detected by Western blotting. RESULT: Fuyuan capsule, icariin and arasaponin R1
      could significantly reduce NF-kappaB (P65) activities and uPA mRNA expression,
      and increase expression of IkappaBalpha (P < 0.01), but no significant difference
      between all treatment groups. CONCLUSION: Fuyuan capsule and its two main active
      ingredients, icariin and arasaponin R1, could protect chondrocytes from damage
      through reducing the NF-kappaB (P65) activities, increasing the express of
      IkappaBalpha and then reducing uPA of chondrocytes.

PMID- 22066453
TI  - [Attenuation effects of compatible medicines on arsenical and lead toxicity of
      badu shengji san].
AB  - Badu Shengji San(BDSJS) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) used for drawing
      out toxin, eliminating suppuration and promoting granulation. Toxic minerals such
      as arsenic and lead are the two most important components of BDSJS. Previous
      hypothesis indicated that according to the compatibility theory of TCM, the
      toxicity of the entire BDSJS was weaker than that of arsenic and lead,
      respectively. In the present study, SD rats with injured skin were treated with
      distilled water and different composition of BDSJS (complete formulations,
      compatible herbs, mineral medicine containing arsenic and lead, mineral medicine
      containing arsenic and mineral medicine containing lead) once a day for
      consecutive 2 weeks. Kidney coefficient and urinary beta-N-acetyl glucosidase
      (NAG) were used as the indicators of renal toxicity and the content of
      malondiadehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH
      PX), glutathione (GSH) and metallothionein (MT) in the renal tissue were
      measured. Our data showed that kidney coefficient, the severity of renal
      pathological lesion and MT level in the kidney of the entire BDSJS group
      decreased significantly compared with arsenic and lead group. Additionally, the
      NAG content of the entire BDSJS group had the decreased trend. The kidney CuZn
      SOD level of the entire BDSJS group had the increased trend, but the MDA, GSH-PX,
      GSH level had no obvious difference. Our results suggested that compatible herbs
      in BDSJS relieved renal injury induced by arsenic and lead, and the attenuation
      mechanism may be related to MT and CuZn-SOD, but not to MDA, GSH-PX and GSH
      directly.

PMID- 22066454
TI  - [Effects of isopsoralen on bone marrow stromal stem cells differentiate and
      proliferate in vitro].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigated the effects of isopsoralen on bone marrow stromal stem
      cells (BMSCs) differentiate and proliferate in vitro. METHOD: The stratum of
      mononuclear cells were separated and collected from the rat bone marrow sample by
      the all bone marrow cell culture methods. The cells were cultured in DMEM
      contained 10% fetal bovine serum. The culture medium was changed after three
      days. Nine days later, cells were treatment by isopsoralen with the concentration
      1 x 10(-5), 1 x 10(-4), 1 x10(-6), 1 x 10(-7) mol x L(-1). MTT method was used
      for the proliferated analyzing. Under the induced condition, the alkaline
      phosphatase (ALP) activity, calcium salt sediment yield and osteocalcin were
      measured at the 4, 8, 12, 16 d. At the fifteenth day, histochemistry dyeing for
      calcified tubercle and ALP was proceeded. Total RNA was isolated and the gene
      expression of bFGF, IGF-1, Osterix and Runx-2 were investigated by Real Time PCR.
      RESULT: The BMSCs proliferation refrained by isopsoralen with dose dependent. But
      it significantly enhanced osteogenesis, which was represented by the promotion of
      the ALP activity, calcium salt sediment yield, osteocalcin, and calcified
      tubercle amount. Besides, it also enhanced the mRNA level of bFGF, IGF-1, Osterix
      and Runx-2. CONCLUSION: The isopsoralen with the concentration 1 x 10(-5) mol x
      L(-1) can promote BMSCs differentiation to osteoblasts. It demonstrated the
      isopsoralen can prevent antiosteoporotic, which is an active part of the
      traditional Chinese medicine psoralea corylifolia.

PMID- 22066455
TI  - [Apoptosis inducing effect of tanshinone II(A) on human nasopharyngeal carcinoma
      CNE cells].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate anticancer effect and potential mechanism of tanshinone
      II(A) (Tan II(A)) on human nasopharyngeal carcinoma cell line CNE cells. METHOD:
      Antiproliferative effect of Tan II(A) on CNE cells was evaluated by morphological
      examination, cell growth curves, colonial assay and MTT assay. Apoptosis
      detection was carried out using Hoechest 33258 and PI double-dyeing method.
      Intracellular Ca2+ concentration and mitochondria membrane potential were
      detected by fluorospectrophotometer. Bad and MT-1A transcript analysis in CNE
      cells was analyzed by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction
      (RT-PCR). RESULT: Tan II(A) could inhibit CNE cells proliferation in dose- and
      time-dependent manner. 50% inhibiting concentration of Tan II(A) on CNE cells in
      24, 48, 72 h was 45.7, 24.8, 3.3 mg x L(-2), respectively. Typical apoptotic
      morphology such as chromatin aggregation was observed in CNE cells with Tan II(A)
      treated for 24 h, and the apoptotic inducing effect was in a dose-dependent
      manner. After treated with Tan II(A), intracellular Ca2+ concentration of CNE
      cells was increased, mitochondria membrane potential of the cells was decreased,
      relative mRNA level of Bad and MT-1A was up-regulated. CONCLUSION: Tan II(A) had
      anticancer effect on CNE cells through apoptosis via calcineurin-dependent
      pathway and MT-1A downregulation.

PMID- 22066456
TI  - [Effect of tetrandrine on nitroglycerin induced activation of satellite cells in
      trigeminal ganglia].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of tetrandrine (Tet) on nitroglycerin(GTN)
      induced activation of the satellite cells released inflammatory cytokines and to
      explore its mechanism. METHOD: Neonatal rat satellite cells of trigeminal ganglia
      were cultured and separated into three groups. Group CON: the cells were normal
      cultured; Group TGN: the cells were cultured with 0.55 mmol x L(-1) GTN; Group
      Tet: the cells were treated with 0.55 mmol x L(-1) GTN and 1 x 10(-7) mol x L(-1)
      Tet respectively. Cell viability after GTN and Tet was detected by AlamarBlue
      assay. The concentration change of intracellular Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) in single
      satellite cell loaded with Fluo-3/AM was determined by laser scanning confocal
      microscopy. NF-kappaB and IL-1beta mRNA levels were determined by FQ-PCR. Through
      double-immunofluorescent staining identifies satellite cells and determines the
      expression of NF-kappaB protein. RESULT: Satellite cells activities decreased
      with GTN stimulating, but according to the viability and modality of the cells, 1
      x 10(-7) mol x L(-1) Tet was the suitable prophylaxis. Tet can inhibit the
      elevation of cytosolic free calcium of rat satellite cell and decrease the mRNA
      and protein levels of NF-kappaB and the mRNA levels of IL-1beta. CONCLUSION: Via
      preventing Ca2+ influxion, Tet inhibited NF-kappaB activation of satellite cell
      which decreased IL-1beta expression.

PMID- 22066457
TI  - [Activity evaluation of components and preparation of effective components group
      of xiaoxuming decoction for anti-cerebral ischemic].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: On basis of preliminary studies, to prepare the effective components
      group of Xiaoxuming decoction for anti-ischemic by combining chemical analysis
      with pharmacological activity screening. METHOD: Free radical scavenging was
      assayed by DPPH method; the cell viability injured by hydrogen peroxide, L
      glutamate, and hypoxia was determined by MTT assay; TBA method was used to
      determine mitochondrial lipid peroxidation. RESULT: Comprehensive analysis of
      multi-target results, the comprehensive activities of 40% ethanol elution and the
      middle layer were the highest. CONCLUSION: 40% ethanol elution and the middle
      layer were proportionally mixed as the effective components group of Xiaoxuming
      decoction.

PMID- 22066458
TI  - [Antiproliferative effects mechanism of beta-sitosterul in hepatoma HepG2 cells].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To study the antiproliferative effects of beta-sitosterul and its
      mechanism in hepatoma HepG2 cells. METHOD: Cell proliferation was assessed by MTT
      assay. Cell cycle distribution, apoptosis and mitochondrial membrane potential
      were measured by high content screening (HCS). The protein expression of caspase
      3, caspase-8, caspase-9, Bcl-2, Bax, tBid and cytochrome c in the HepG2 cells
      were evaluated by Western Blots. RESULT: beta-Sitosterul exerted significant
      antiproliferative effects in HepG2 cells. Furthermore, beta-sitosterul also
      induced HepG2 cells apoptosis, lost mitochondrial membrane potential, activated
      caspase-3, caspase-8 and caspase-9, up-regulate Bax, tBid protein, down
      regulation Bcl-2 protein. However, beta-sitosterul had hardly any effects on
      QSG7701 cells. CONCLUSION: beta-Sitosterul exerted antiproliferative effects and
      induced HepG2 cells apoptosis via mitochondrial pathway and membrane death
      receptor pathway.

PMID- 22066459
TI  - [Role of vascular endothelial active facters in gas exchange impairment induced
      by tourniquet and the effect of shenmai injection].
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of Shenmai injection on vascular endothelial
      active facters nitric oxide (NO) and endothelin-1 (ET-1), and pulmonary gas
      exchange induced by tourniquet deflation in patients undergoing lower extremity
      surgery. METHOD: Twenty-six patients scheduled for unilateral lower extremity
      surgery were randomly divided into 2 groups: control group (group C, n = 14) and
      Shenmai injection group (group SM, n = 12). All the patients agreed to a combined
      spinal-epidural anesthesia at the L2-L3 interspace and a radial artery catheter
      was placed for sampling. Patients in group SM were injected Shenmai injection 0.6
      mL x kg(-1) and physiological saline 100 mL, while patients in group C were
      injected equal volume of normal saline instead 15 min before tourniquet
      inflation. Blood samples which were used for blood gas analysis and measurement
      of nitric oxide (NO) and endothelin-1 (ET-1) were taken before tourniquet
      inflation (T0, baseline) and 30 min (T1), 2 h (T2), 6 h (T3), 24 h (T4) after
      tourniquet deflation. RESULT: Compared with the baseline values at T0, in group C
      at T3 P(a) O2 and the levels of NO were significantly decreased, while P(A-a) DO2
      and the levels of ET-1 at T3 were significantly increased (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01),
      in group SM, the levels of NO at T3 were significantly decreased (P < 0.05).
      Compared with group C, the changes of P(a)O2, P(A-a) DO2, NO and ET-1 were
      significantly mitigated in group SM. CONCLUSION: The concentrations of NO and ET
      1 is connected with the pulmonary gas exchange impairment induced by tourniquet
      application. Shenmai injection can improve the pulmonary gas exchange based on
      rising the level of NO, reducing the level of ET-1.

PMID- 22066460
TI  - CO2 sequestration through mineral carbonation of iron oxyhydroxides.
AB  - Carbon dioxide sequestration via the use of sulfide reductants and mineral
      carbonation of the iron oxyhydroxide polymorphs lepidocrocite, goethite, and
      akaganeite with supercritical CO(2) (scCO(2)) was investigated using in situ
      attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR), X
      ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The exposure
      of the different iron oxyhydroxides to aqueous sulfide in contact with scCO(2) at
      ~70-100  degrees C resulted in the partial transformation of the minerals to
      siderite (FeCO(3)) and sulfide phases such as pyrite (FeS(2)). The relative yield
      of siderite to iron sulfide bearing mineral product was a strong function of the
      initial sulfide concentration. The order of mineral reactivity with regard to the
      amount of siderite formation in the scCO(2)/sulfide environment for a specific
      reaction time was goethite < lepidocrocite <= akaganeite. Given the presence of
      goethite in sedimentary formations, this conversion reaction may have relevance
      to the subsurface sequestration and geologic storage of carbon dioxide.

PMID- 22066461
TI  - Smart high-kappa nanodielectrics using solid supported polyoxometalate-rich
      nanostructures.
AB  - Utilizing Langmuir-Blodgett deposition and scanning probe microscopy, we have
      investigated the extent to which cations alter the self-assembly processes of
      hybrid polyoxometalates (POMs) on surfaces. The well-defined 2D hexagonal
      nanostructures obtained were extensively characterized and their properties were
      studied, and this has revealed fascinating dielectric behavior and reversible
      capacitive properties. The nanostructures are extremely stable under ambient
      conditions, and yet exhibit fascinating self-patterning upon heating. These
      findings present POMs as effective smart nanodielectrics and open up a new field
      for future POM applications.

PMID- 22066462
TI  - Hydrogels containing rutin intended for cutaneous administration: efficacy in
      wound healing in rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Development of a hydrogel containing rutin at 0.025% (w/w) and
      evaluation of its in vivo efficacy in cutaneous wound healing in rats. METHODS:
      Hydrogels were prepared using Carbopol Ultrez(r) 10 NF and an aqueous dispersion
      of rutin in polysorbate 80. Hydrogels were characterized by means of pH
      measurement, rheological and spreadability analysis and rutin content
      determination by liquid chromatography. The in vivo healing effect was evaluated
      through the regression of skin lesions in rats and by analysis of oxidative
      stress. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Hydrogels showed adequate pH values (5.50-6.50)
      and pseudoplastic non-Newtonian behavior. After 5 days of treatment of wounds,
      hydrogels containing rutin presented a higher decrease in the wound area compared
      to the control hydrogels. Analysis of the oxidative stress showed a decrease in
      lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyl content as well as an increase in
      catalase activity after the treatment with the hydrogel containing rutin.
      Furthermore, this treatment increased total protein levels. CONCLUSION: This
      study shows for the first time the feasibility of using dermatological
      formulations containing rutin to improve skin wound healing.

PMID- 22066463
TI  - Prediction and diagnosis of clinical outcomes affecting restoration margins.
AB  - The longevity of dental restorations is largely dependent on the continuity at
      the interface between the restorative material and adjacent tooth structure (the
      restoration margin). Clinical decisions on restoration repair or replacement are
      usually based upon the weakest point along that margin interface. Physical
      properties of a restorative material, such as polymerisation shrinkage, water
      sorption, solubility, elastic modulus and shear strength, all have an effect on
      stress distribution and can significantly affect margin integrity. This review
      will focus on two aspects of margin deterioration in the oral environment: the in
      vitro testing of margin seal using emersion techniques to simulate the oral
      environment and to predict clinical margin failure and the relationship between
      clinically observable microleakage and secondary caries. The many variables
      associated with in vitro testing of marginal leakage and the interpretation of
      the data are presented in detail. The most recent studies of marginal leakage
      mirror earlier methodology and lack validity and reliability. The lack of
      standardised testing procedures makes it impossible to compare studies or to
      predict the clinical performance of adhesive materials. Continual repeated in
      vitro studies contribute little to the science in this area. Clinical evidence is
      cited to refute earlier conclusions that clinical microleakage (penetrating
      margin discoloration) leads to caries development and is an indication for
      restoration replacement. Margin defects, without visible evidence of soft dentin
      on the wall or base of the defect, should be monitored, repaired or resealed, in
      lieu of total restoration replacement.

PMID- 22066464
TI  - Vertebrate ancient-long opsin has molecular properties intermediate between those
      of vertebrate and invertebrate visual pigments.
AB  - VA/VAL opsin is one of the four kinds of nonvisual opsins that are closely
      related to vertebrate visual pigments in the phylogenetic tree of opsins.
      Previous studies indicated that among these opsins, parapinopsin and pinopsin
      exhibit molecular properties similar to those of invertebrate bistable visual
      pigments and vertebrate visual pigments, respectively. Here we show that VA/VAL
      opsin exhibits molecular properties intermediate between those of parapinopsin
      and pinopsin. VAL opsin from Xenopus tropicalis was expressed in cultured cells,
      and the pigment with an absorption maximum at 501 nm was reconstituted by
      incubation with 11-cis-retinal. Light irradiation of this pigment caused cis-to
      trans isomerization of the chromophore to form a state having an absorption
      maximum in the visible region. This state has the ability to activate Gi and Gt
      types of G proteins. Therefore, the active state of VAL opsin is a visible light
      absorbing intermediate, which probably has a protonated retinylidene Schiff base
      as its chromophore, like the active state of parapinopsin. However, this state
      was apparently photoinsensitive and did not show reverse reaction to the original
      pigment, unlike the active state of parapinopsin, and instead similar to that of
      pinopsin. Furthermore, the Gi activation efficiency of VAL opsin was between
      those of pinopsin and parapinopsin. Thus, the molecular properties of VA/VAL
      opsin give insights into the mechanism of conversion of the molecular properties
      from invertebrate to vertebrate visual pigments.

PMID- 22066465
TI  - Urine metabolic signature of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma by (1)h nuclear
      magnetic resonance: identification, mapping, and evolution.
AB  - Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a dismal prognosis and is highly
      chemoresistant. Early detection is the only means to impact long-term survival,
      but screening methods are lacking. Given the complex and heterogeneous nature of
      pancreatic cancer, unbiased analytical methods such as metabolomics by nuclear
      magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy show promise to identify disease-specific
      molecular fingerprints. NMR profiles constitute a fingerprint of the biofluid,
      reporting quantitatively on all detectable small biomolecules. NMR spectroscopy
      was applied to investigate the urine metabolome of PDAC patients (n = 33) and to
      detect altered metabolic profiles in comparison with healthy matched controls (n
      = 54). The spectral data were analyzed using multivariate statistical techniques.
      Statistically significant differences were found between urine metabolomic
      profiles of PDAC and control individuals (p < 10(-5)). Group discrimination was
      possible due to average concentration differences of several metabolite signals,
      pointing to a multimolecular signature of the disease. The robustness of the
      determined statistical model is confirmed by its predictive performance
      (sensitivity = 75.8%, specificity = 90.7%). Additionally, the method allowed for
      a neat separation between spectral profiles of individuals with intermediate and
      advanced pathologic staging, as well as for the discrimination of samples based
      on tumor localization. NMR spectroscopy analysis of urinary metabolic profiles
      proved successful in identifying a complex molecular signature of PDAC.
      Furthermore, results of a descriptive-level analysis show the possibility to
      follow disease evolution and to carry out tumor site mapping. Given the high
      reproducibility and the noninvasive nature of the analytical procedure, the
      described method bears potential to impact large-scale screening programs.

PMID- 22066466
TI  - High frequency region of the snore spectra carry important information on the
      disease of sleep apnoea.
AB  - Snoring is the most common symptom of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). Several
      researchers have reported differences between the power spectra of non-OSA and
      OSA snorers. The traditional approach over the years has been to record snore
      sounds at a bandwidth of < 5 kHz. Narrowing of the upper airways during OSA
      events and the resulting upward shift of snore frequencies also lend support to
      the idea of examining snore sounds beyond 5 kHz. In this paper, we compute the
      power spectra of snores in three different bands defined as: low-frequency band
      (LFB: < 5 kHz); middle-frequency band (MFB: 5-10 kHz) and high-frequency band
      (HFB: 10-20 kHz). We illustrate that there is a significant difference between
      non-OSA snorers (Apnoea Hypopnoea Index (AHI) < 10) and OSA snorers (AHI > 10) in
      the region > 5 kHz. We then develop a feature to diagnose OSA based on the
      spectral differences in the high frequency region and evaluate its performance on
      a database of 20 subjects. Our results strongly suggest that the high-frequency
      region of the snore sounds carry information, hitherto disregarded, on the
      disease of sleep apnoea.

PMID- 22066467
TI  - Perceptions of aggressive conflicts and others' distress in children with callous
      unemotional traits: 'I'll show you who's boss, even if you suffer and I get in
      trouble'.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Children with callous-unemotional (CU) traits may have a particularly
      malevolent view of social conflicts and a pervasive insensitivity to others'
      distress. The current study examined whether children with CU traits have unique
      expectations and values regarding the consequences of aggressive conflicts and a
      ubiquitous lack of concern for others' feelings independent of co-occurring
      aggression. METHODS: Participants were 96 (46 males, 50 females) children
      recruited from elementary schools within an urban city. Associations between CU
      traits and child reports of outcome expectancies/values following aggressive
      conflicts and facets of empathy were examined after controlling for aggression,
      academic abilities, and demographic covariates. RESULTS: Children with higher CU
      traits were less likely to expect that aggression would result in victim
      suffering and feelings of remorse. After controlling for co-occurring aggression,
      children with higher CU traits were more likely to expect that aggression would
      result in peer dominance, while children with higher levels of aggression were
      more likely to expect that attacking others would reduce their aversive behavior.
      Children with higher CU traits were less concerned that aggressive behavior would
      result in punishment, victim suffering, and feelings of remorse. Moreover,
      children with higher CU traits reported lower levels of empathetic concern and
      sadness in response to others' distress outside of aggressive conflicts.
      CONCLUSIONS: Children with CU traits tend to minimize the extent to which
      aggression causes victim suffering and openly acknowledge caring less about
      distress and suffering in others. They are less intimidated by the possibility of
      being punished for aggressive behavior and tend to view aggression as an
      effective means for dominating others. In sum, children with CU traits have a
      particularly malicious social schema that may be difficult to change using
      conventional treatment methods.

PMID- 22066469
TI  - Synthesis of substituted isoquinolines via Pd-catalyzed cross-coupling
      approaches.
AB  - Palladium complexes incorporating ligands based on a 1,3,5,7-tetramethyl-2,4,8
      trioxa-6-phosphaadamantanyl scaffold were used to catalyze the arylation of ethyl
      cyanoacetate, malononitrile, and various ketones. The products from these
      reactions can be elaborated to substituted beta-arylethylamines and used in
      microwave-assisted Pictet-Spengler reactions. The protocol developed is suitable
      for the synthesis of libraries of substituted isoquinolines.

PMID- 22066470
TI  - High-frequency monitoring of the genetic diversity and the  potential toxicity of
      a Microcystis aeruginosa bloom in a French  shallow lake.
AB  - During cyanobacterial blooms, processes influencing the population dynamics of
      blooming species remain partially unexplained. To provide new information, we
      performed a high-frequency monitoring - every 2 days at six sampling points - of
      a Microcystis aeruginosa population blooming in a shallow lake. At each sampling
      date, there was no spatial heterogeneity in the ITS genotypic composition of the
      population and in the proportion of potentially microcystin- producing (mcyB+)
      cells, whereas high variations were recorded in cell abundances. In contrast,
      when looking at the temporal evolution of these parameters, the ITS genotypic
      composition of the population and in a lesser extent the percentage of mcyB+
      cells displayed high variations during the growth phase of the bloom, but not
      during the plateau phase or the subsequent decline. This suggests that during the
      development of the bloom, there was no directional selection leading to the
      dominance of a restricted number of genotypes and that a balancing selection
      process permitted the maintenance of a high genetic diversity in the Microcystis
      population. Finally, no relationship was found between these variations occurring
      in the Microcystis population and those recorded for several environmental
      parameters, suggesting that many factors and processes interacting together might
      be involved in these variations.

PMID- 22066468
TI  - Mechanisms of altered redox regulation in neurodegenerative diseases--focus on S-
      glutathionylation.
AB  - SIGNIFICANCE: Neurodegenerative diseases are characterized by progressive loss of
      neurons. A common feature is oxidative stress, which arises when reactive oxygen
      species (ROS) and/or reactive nitrogen species (RNS) exceed amounts required for
      normal redox signaling. An imbalance in ROS/RNS alters functionality of cysteines
      and perturbs thiol-disulfide homeostasis. Many cysteine modifications may occur,
      but reversible protein mixed disulfides with glutathione (GSH) likely represents
      the common steady-state derivative due to cellular abundance of GSH and ready
      conversion of cysteine-sulfenic acid and S-nitrosocysteine precursors to S
      glutathionylcysteine disulfides. Thus, S-glutathionylation acts in redox signal
      transduction and serves as a protective mechanism against irreversible cysteine
      oxidation. Reversal of protein-S-glutathionylation is catalyzed specifically by
      glutaredoxin which thereby plays a critical role in cellular regulation. This
      review highlights the role of oxidative modification of proteins, notably S
      glutathionylation, and alterations in thiol homeostatic enzyme activities in
      neurodegenerative diseases, providing insights for therapeutic intervention.
      RECENT ADVANCES: Recent studies show that dysregulation of redox signaling and
      sulfhydryl homeostasis likely contributes to onset/progression of
      neurodegeneration. Oxidative stress alters the thiol-disulfide status of key
      proteins that regulate the balance between cell survival and cell death. CRITICAL
      ISSUES: Much of the current information about redox modification of key enzymes
      and signaling intermediates has been gleaned from studies focused on oxidative
      stress situations other than the neurodegenerative diseases. FUTURE DIRECTIONS:
      The findings in other contexts are expected to apply to understanding
      neurodegenerative mechanisms. Identification of selectively glutathionylated
      proteins in a quantitative fashion will provide new insights about
      neuropathological consequences of this oxidative protein modification.

PMID- 22066471
TI  - Processing of CXCL12 by different osteoblast-secreted cathepsins.
AB  - Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) are known to reside in
      specialized niches at the endosteum in the trabecular bone. Osteoblasts are the
      major cell type of the endosteal niche. It is well established that secreted
      proteases are involved in cytokine-induced mobilization processes that release
      stem cell from their niches. However, migratory processes such as the regular
      trafficking of HSPCs between their niches and the periphery are not fully
      understood. In the current study we analyzed whether osteoblast-secreted cysteine
      cathepsins are able to reduce the direct interaction of HSPCs with bone-forming
      osteoblasts. Isolated human osteoblasts were shown to secrete proteolytically
      active cysteine cathepsins, such as cathepsins B, K, L, and X. All of these
      cathepsins were able to digest, although with different efficacy, the chemokine
      CXCL12, which is known to be important for retaining HSPCs in their niches. Of
      the 4 identified cathepsins, only cathepsin X was able to reduce binding of HSPCs
      to osteoblasts. Interestingly, nonactivated pro-cathepsin X and mature cathepsin
      X did not interfere with HSPC-osteoblast interactions. Only pro-cathepsin X
      treated with dithiothreitol, which unfolds but does not lead to full maturation
      of cathepsin X, significantly reduced HSPC adhesion to osteoblasts. These
      observations argue for a role of the accessible cathepsin X prodomain in
      diminishing cell binding. Our findings strongly suggest that the cysteine
      cathepsins B, K, and L constitutively secreted by osteoblasts are part of the
      fine-tuned regulation of CXCL12 in the bone marrow, whereas pro-cathepsin X with
      its prodomain can affect HSPC trafficking in the niche.

PMID- 22066472
TI  - Human heat shock protein (Hsp) 90 interferes with Neisseria meningitidis adhesin
      A (NadA)-mediated adhesion and invasion.
AB  - NadA (N eisseria meningitidisadhesin A), a meningococcal surface protein,
      mediates adhesion to and invasion of human cells, an activity in which host
      membrane proteins have been implicated. While investigating these host factors in
      human epithelial cells by affinity chromatography, we discovered an unanticipated
      interaction of NadA with heat shock protein (Hsp) 90, a molecular chaperone. The
      specific in vitro interaction of recombinant soluble NadA and Hsp90 was confirmed
      by co-immunoprecipitations, dot and far-Western blot. Intriguingly, ADP, but not
      ATP, was required for this association, and the Hsp90 inhibitor 17-AAG promoted
      complex formation. Hsp90 binding to an Escherichia coli strain used as carrier to
      express surface exposed NadA confirmed these results in live bacteria. We also
      examined RNA interference, plasmid-driven overexpression, addition of exogenous
      rHsp90 and 17-AAG inhibition in human epithelial cells to further elucidate the
      involvement of Hsp90 in NadA-mediated adhesion and invasion. Together, these data
      suggest an inverse correlation between the amount of host Hsp90 and the NadA
      adhesive/invasive phenotype. Confocal microscopy also demonstrated that
      meningococci interact with cellular Hsp90, a completely novel finding. Altogether
      our results show that variation of host Hsp90 expression or activity interferes
      with adhesive and invasive events driven by NadA.

PMID- 22066473
TI  - Impression techniques for multiple implants: a photoelastic analysis. Part I:
      comparison of three direct methods.
AB  - The purpose of this article was to compare through photoelastic analysis the
      stress distribution in 3 direct transfer techniques for implants with splinting.
      Three photoelastic resin blocks were made with 2 implants placed parallel to each
      other and 2 square transfer copings splinted. Both transfers were splinted with
      acrylic resin chemically activated in 3 different techniques: metallic sticks
      (T1), prefabricated acrylic bars (T2), or dental floss (T3). A circular
      polariscope was used, and the distortion energy (E) was calculated in 4 periods:
      20 minutes and 3, 24, and 36 hours. Statistically significant differences were
      found among the 3 techniques (P < .05). The dental floss presented the greatest
      distortion energy values (T3 = 0.469 Kgf/mm(2)) and the metallic sticks the
      lowest values (T1 = 0.0 Kgf/mm(2)). Thus, the metallic sticks technique (T1)
      appears to be the most accurate protocol to be used for implant-supported
      prosthesis with multiple abutments. 

PMID- 22066474
TI  - Ecological inference on bacterial succession using curve-based community
      fingerprint data analysis, demonstrated with rhizoremediation experiment.
AB  - Nucleic acid-based community fingerprinting methods are valuable tools in
      microbial ecology, as they offer rapid and robust means to compare large series
      of replicates and references. To avoid the time-consuming and potentially
      subjective procedures of peak-based examination, we assessed the possibility to
      apply direct curve-based data analysis on community fingerprints produced with
      bacterial length heterogeneity PCR (LH-PCR). The dataset comprised 180 profiles
      from a 21-week rhizoremediation greenhouse experiment with three treatments and
      10 sampling times. Curve-based analysis quantified the progressive effect of the
      plant (Galega orientalis) and the reversible effect of the contaminant (fuel oil)
      on bacterial succession. The major observed community shifts were assigned to
      changes in plant biomass and contamination level by canonical correlation
      analysis. A novel method to extract relative abundance data from the fingerprint
      curves for Shannon diversity index revealed contamination to reversibly decrease
      community complexity. By cloning and sequencing the fragment lengths, recognized
      to change in time in the averaged LH-PCR profiles, we identified Aquabacterium
      (Betaproteobacteria) as the putative r-strategic fuel oil degrader, and K
      strategic Alphaproteobacteria growing in abundance later in succession. Curve
      based community fingerprint analysis can be used for rapid data prescreening or
      as a robust alternative for the more heavily parameterized peak-based analysis.

PMID- 22066475
TI  - Do patients gain weight after thyroidectomy for thyroid cancer?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients who undergo thyroidectomy often complain of weight gain,
      which they frequently attribute to inadequate thyroid hormone replacement. To
      assess the weight changes associated with thyroid hormone replacement or
      suppressive therapy after thyroidectomy, we measured the weights of patients
      before and after thyroidectomy and compared them to the weights of euthyroid
      patients with thyroid nodules who were being followed for many years. METHODS:
      The weights and heights of 67 women and 35 men who underwent total thyroidectomy
      for thyroid cancer were recorded before and for a mean of 8.3 years after
      thyroidectomy. All patients received either suppressive or replacement doses of
      levothyroxine. As a comparison group, 70 women and 22 men with goiter or thyroid
      nodules and were euthyroid had serial measurements of height and weight. They
      were followed for a mean of 7.6 years. The body mass index (BMI) and age-adjusted
      BMI percentiles were calculated. The weight, BMI, and BMI percentile changes were
      compared both unadjusted and adjusted for age, gender, thyrotropin (TSH) level,
      and duration between measurements. RESULTS: At baseline, patients with thyroid
      nodules were older (mean 50.4 years) than those with thyroid cancer (mean 45.8
      years). There were no significant differences in baseline weight, BMI, or BMI
      percentile. The baseline TSH levels were lower for patients with thyroid cancer
      (mean 0.8 mIU/L) than for those with nodules (mean 1.8 mIU/L) (p=0.002). There
      were no significant differences between the changes in weight, BMI, or BMI
      percentile from the start to the completion of the study whether unadjusted or
      after adjustment for age, gender, TSH, and duration of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS:
      Despite the perception of many patients that their thyroidectomy and thyroid
      hormone replacement or suppressive therapy is responsible for their subsequent
      weight gain, there were no significant differences in weight gain over time in
      comparison to a control group of euthyroid patients with thyroid nodules or
      goiter.

PMID- 22066477
TI  - Similar clinical performance of a novel chimeric thyroid-stimulating hormone
      receptor bioassay and an automated thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor binding
      assay in Graves' disease.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Graves' disease (GD) is caused by the continuous stimulation of the
      thyroid gland by autoantibodies directed against the thyroid-stimulating hormone
      receptor (TSHR). Two frequent assays for the measurement of TSHR autoantibodies
      (TSHRAb) were compared, one measuring stimulation of cyclic adenosine
      monophosphate (cAMP) production and one measuring inhibition of TSH binding, with
      regard to diagnostic accuracy for GD as well as whether there was an existence of
      their discordant results in patients with GD and painless thyroiditis (PT).
      METHODS: Using 106 sera from untreated GD and 80 sera from autoimmune PT, we
      compared the diagnostic performance of two TSHRAb assays that have been recently
      developed. The first one is a bioreporter assay using chimera TSHR (Mc-4), which
      detects a stimulation signal of cAMP level in cultured CHO cells (Mc4-TSAb
      assay). The second is a binding inhibition assay using the extracelluar domain of
      porcine TSHR and a monoclonal antibody (M22) closely mimicking the binding to TSH
      (M22-TRAb assay). In addition, we compared both assays by using eight sera from
      eight GD subjects becoming spontaneously hypothyroid due to appearance of thyroid
      blocking autoantibodies (TBAb) that were measured with inhibition rates of TSH
      stimulated cAMP in porcine cells. RESULTS: The Mc4-TSAb assay and the M22-TRAb
      assay were positive in 94.3% and 92.5% of the GD patients, respectively, whereas
      they were negative in 95.0% and 98.8% of the PT subjects. However, 10 of 106 GD
      sera (9.4%) showed discordant results. Six of 106 cases with untreated GD (5.7%)
      were Mc4-TSAb positive and M22-TRAb negative. In contrast, 4 of 106 sera (3.8%)
      were Mc4-TSAb negative but M22-TRAb positive. Two cases of untreated GD were
      negative for both Mc4-TSAb and M22-TRAb. In eight GD subjects with TBAb and
      hypothyroidism, the binding assay was highly positive, although Mc4-TSAb was
      negative. CONCLUSION: Similar and excellent performance was noted for the Mc4
      TSAb and M22-TRAb assays in a large group of patients with GD. However, there was
      9.4% discordance with regard to false negatives for GD and 3.8% discordance
      between the two tests with regard to false positives for PT. With regard to the
      relatively high rate of discordancy, a combination of both assays could reduce
      the presence of TSHRAb-seronegative GD.

PMID- 22066476
TI  - Review and hypothesis: does Graves' disease develop in non-human great apes?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Graves' disease, caused by stimulatory thyrotropin receptor (TSHR)
      autoantibodies, has not been observed in animals. In contrast, Hashimoto's
      thyroiditis develops in chickens, rats, mice, dogs, and marmosets. Attempts to
      induce an immune response in mice to the luteinizing-hormone receptor suggested
      that autoantigen glycosylation was one parameter involved in breaking self
      tolerance. Over evolution, TSHR glycosylation increased from three asparagine
      linked-glycans (N-glycans) in fish to six N-glycans in humans and great apes. All
      other placental mammals lack one N-glycan in the shed TSHR A-subunit, the primary
      Graves' disease autoantigen. We hypothesized that (a) lesser TSHR A-subunit
      glycosylation reduces immunogenicity, accounting for the absence of Graves'
      disease in most placental mammals; (b) due to human-like A-subunit glycosylation,
      Graves' disease might arise in great apes. Here, we review and analyze the
      literature on this subject and report the results of a survey of veterinarians at
      primate centers and zoos in North America. SUMMARY: Previous experimental data
      from induced TSHR antibodies in mice support a role for A-subunit glycosylation
      in breaking self-tolerance. An extensive search of the great-ape literature
      revealed five reports of noncongenital thyroid dysfunction, four with
      hypothyroidism and one with hyperthyroidism. The latter was a gorilla who was
      treated with anti-thyroid drugs but is now deceased. Neither serum nor thyroid
      tissue from this gorilla were available for analysis. The survey of veterinarians
      revealed that none of the 979 chimpanzees in primate research centers had a
      diagnosis of noncongenital thyroid dysfunction and among ~1100 great apes
      (gorillas, orangutans, and chimpanzees) in U.S. zoos, only three were
      hypothyroid, and none were hyperthyroid. CONCLUSIONS: Graves' disease appears to
      be either very rare or does not occur in great apes based on the literature and a
      survey of veterinarians. Although the available data do not advance our
      hypothesis, there is a paucity of information regarding thyroid function tests
      and thyroid autoantibodies in the great apes In addition, these primates may be
      protected against TSHR autoimmunity by the absence of genetic polymorphisms and
      putative environmental triggers. Finally, larger numbers of great apes need to be
      followed, and tests of thyroid function and thyroid autoantibodies be performed,
      to confirm that spontaneous Graves' disease is restricted to humans.

PMID- 22066478
TI  - Identification of continuity of transected nerve on sonography after neck
      dissection: direct sign of traumatic neuroma.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Traumatic neuroma can be confused with a metastatic lymph node after
      neck dissection for malignancy, thereby increasing patient anxiety and
      necessitating fine needle aspiration (FNA). To date, however, there have been no
      reports showing a direct ultrasonographic (US) sign of traumatic neuroma that
      could help distinguish it from a metastatic lymph node after neck dissection.
      Here, we describe a patient with traumatic neuroma who showed a direct US sign
      after total thyroidectomy with modified radical neck dissection (MRND). SUMMARY:
      A 61-year-old man who had undergone total thyroidectomy with bilateral MRND for
      papillary thyroid carcinoma was found to have an oval-shaped nodule in his right
      lateral neck by US examination, which was first suspected of being a metastatic
      lymph node. However, when the position of the US transducer was changed to the
      oblique plane, a thin, cord-like, hypoechoic structure was found to be connected
      to the nodule. This structure passed between the longus capitis and scalenus
      medius muscles in an upward direction, and was ultimately located in the groove
      of the right transverse process of the C4 vertebra. Based on this anatomic
      relation, we concluded that the nodule was a traumatic neuroma and did not
      perform an unnecessary FNA. CONCLUSIONS: The detection of a mass in the line of
      the transected nerve may be a direct US indication of traumatic neuroma after
      neck dissection.

PMID- 22066479
TI  - Delta-like 4/Notch pathway is differentially regulated in benign and malignant
      thyroid tissues.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Angiogenesis plays an essential role in embryonic and tumoral
      developments. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), one of the best known
      proangiogenic factors, is increased in thyroid cancers, especially in papillary
      carcinomas (PC). However, other regulating mechanisms refine VEGF-induced
      cellular changes, such as the Notch family of ligands and receptors. Their role
      has not yet been investigated in the thyroid. The purpose of our study was to
      analyze the expression of Notch1, Notch4, and Delta-like 4 (DLL4) in benign and
      malignant thyroid lesions. METHODS: The expression of Notch1, Notch4, and DLL4
      was analyzed by immunohistochemistry, quantitative reverse transcriptase
      polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and Western-blot in normal thyroids (NTs),
      hyperplasic thyroids from patients with Graves' disease (GD), microcarcinomas,
      PC, and follicular carcinomas. RESULTS: The immunohistochemical expression of
      Notch1, Notch4, and DLL4 was highly variable in thyrocytes from NTs and GD. In
      contrast, the staining in tumors was homogeneous and often intense. The increased
      expression of Notch1, Notch4, and DLL4 in carcinomas compared with the
      neighboring normal tissue was confirmed by qRT-PCR and Western-blot. However,
      only capillary endothelial cells from GD samples were positive for DLL4, the
      expression being restricted to large vessels in carcinomas and NTs. CONCLUSIONS:
      The detection of Notch1, Notch4, and DLL4 in thyrocytes and their regulation in
      various pathologies suggest that this pathway may play a role in thyroid
      carcinogenesis and angiogenesis.

PMID- 22066480
TI  - Graves'-like orbitopathy in a patient with chronic autoimmune pancreatitis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Graves' orbitopathy is an inflammatory orbital disease that
      represents the commonest extrathyroidal manifestation of Graves' disease.
      Autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) is a rare inflammatory disease characterized by
      prominent lymphocytic infiltration and fibrosis of the pancreas causing organ
      dysfunction. SUMMARY: This report provides the first clinical description of
      severe Graves'-like orbitopathy occurring in association with AIP. Although there
      was no clear evidence of autoimmune thyroid disease or dysfunction in our
      patient, the clinical course of his orbitopathy was related to that of AIP, the
      relapses of orbital inflammation being temporally coincident. CONCLUSIONS: Our
      data suggest that shared autoantigens between the pancreas and the orbit might be
      responsible for the unusual disorder observed in our patient.

PMID- 22066481
TI  - Meningocele due to closed spina bifida mimicking a metastasis of papillary
      thyroid carcinoma on whole body radioactive iodine scan.

PMID- 22066482
TI  - Weight changes in euthyroid patients undergoing thyroidectomy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Thyroidectomized patients frequently report weight gain resistant to
      weight loss efforts, identifying their thyroidectomy as the event precipitating
      subsequent weight gain. We wished to determine whether recently thyroidectomized
      euthyroid patients gained more weight over 1 year than matched euthyroid patients
      with preexisting hypothyroidism. METHODS: We performed a retrospective chart
      review of subjects receiving medical care at an academic medical center. One
      hundred twenty patients had their weight and thyroid status documented after
      thyroidectomy and achievement of euthyroidism on thyroid hormone replacement, and
      one year later. Three additional groups of 120 patients with preexisting
      hypothyroidism, no thyroid disease, and thyroid cancer were matched for age,
      gender, menopausal status, height, and weight. Anthropometric data were
      documented at two time points 1 year apart. We compared the weight changes and
      body mass index changes occurring over a 1-year period in the four groups.
      RESULTS: Patients with recent postsurgical hypothyroidism gained 3.1 kg during
      the year, whereas matched patients with preexisting hypothyroidism gained 2.2 kg.
      The patients without thyroid disease and those with iatrogenic hyperthyroidism
      gained 1.3 and 1.2 kg, respectively. The weight gain in the thyroidectomized
      group was significantly greater than that in the matched hypothyroid group (p
      value 0.004), the group without thyroid disease (p-value 0.001), and the patients
      with iatrogenic hyperthyroidism (p-value 0.001). Within the thyroidectomized
      group, the weight gain in menopausal women was greater than in either
      premenopausal women (4.4 vs. 2.3 kg, p-value 0.007) or men (4.4 vs. 2.5 kg, p
      value 0.013). CONCLUSION: Patients who had undergone thyroidectomy in the
      previous year did, in fact, gain more weight than their matched counterparts with
      preexisting hypothyroidism. In addition, all patients with hypothyroidism, even
      though treated to achieve euthyroidism, experienced more weight gain than both
      subjects without hypothyroidism and subjects with iatrogenic hyperthyroidism. The
      greatest weight gain in the thyroidectomized group was in menopausal women. These
      data raise the question of an unidentified factor related to taking thyroid
      hormone replacement that is associated with weight gain, with an additional
      intriguing effect of thyroidectomy itself. Menopausal status confers additional
      risk. These groups should be targeted for diligent weight loss efforts.

PMID- 22066483
TI  - Characterization of Loeffler eosinophilic myocarditis by means of real time three
      dimensional contrast-enhanced echocardiography.
AB  - Loeffler endocarditis is a rare myocardial disease often due to eosinophil
      leukemia or idiopathic hypereosinophilic syndrome. Degranulation of eosinophils
      within the eosinophil infiltrated myocardium is associated with myocardial
      necrosis due to the release of toxic cationic proteins, and with mural thrombi
      formation, which can occur anywhere in the ventricles. Thrombus formed on denuded
      myocardium is replaced by fibrosis as the final pathological stage of the
      disease, eventually leading to restrictive cardiomyopathy. We describe a
      multimodality imaging approach to the diagnosis and follow-up evaluation of
      Loeffler disease complicated by thrombus formation and neoangiogenesis of LV
      apex.

PMID- 22066484
TI  - Together yes, but not coupled: new insights into the roles of RAD51 and DMC1 in
      plant meiotic recombination.
AB  - The eukaryotic recombinases RAD51 and DMC1 are essential for DNA strand-exchange
      between homologous chromosomes during meiosis. RAD51 is also expressed during
      mitosis, and mediates homologous recombination (HR) between sister chromatids. It
      has been suggested that DMC1 might be involved in the switch from intersister
      chromatid recombination in somatic cells to interhomolog meiotic recombination.
      At meiosis, the Arabidopsis Atrad51 null mutant fails to synapse and has
      extensive chromosome fragmentation. The Atdmc1 null mutant is also asynaptic, but
      in this case chromosome fragmentation is absent. Thus in plants, AtDMC1 appears
      to be indispensable for interhomolog homologous recombination, whereas AtRAD51
      seems to be more involved in intersister recombination. In this work, we have
      studied a new AtRAD51 knock-down mutant, Atrad51-2, which expresses only a small
      quantity of RAD51 protein. Atrad51-2 mutant plants are sterile and hypersensitive
      to DNA double-strand break induction, but their vegetative development is
      apparently normal. The meiotic phenotype of the mutant consists of partial
      synapsis, an elevated frequency of univalents, a low incidence of chromosome
      fragmentation and multivalent chromosome associations. Surprisingly, non
      homologous chromosomes are involved in 51% of bivalents. The depletion of AtDMC1
      in the Atrad51-2 background results in the loss of bivalents and in an increase
      of chromosome fragmentation. Our results suggest that a critical level of AtRAD51
      is required to ensure the fidelity of HR during interchromosomal exchanges.
      Assuming the existence of asymmetrical DNA strand invasion during the initial
      steps of recombination, we have developed a working model in which the initial
      step of strand invasion is mediated by AtDMC1, with AtRAD51 required to check the
      fidelity of this process.

PMID- 22066485
TI  - Assessment of vaccination by a phase I Coxiella burnetii-inactivated  vaccine in
      goat herds in clinical Q fever situation.
AB  - A study was carried out to assess the efficacy of vaccination, using a phase I
      Coxiella burnetii-inactivated vaccine (Coxevac(r); CEVA), within three goat herds
      experiencing Q fever abortions waves. The stratification of the population (n =
      905) was based on parity and on infection status related to both serological and
      qPCR vaginal shedding results. Control (n = 443) and vaccinated (n = 462) groups
      were established in each farm. Vaccination was administered to does before mating
      and to kids after active immunity acquisition (at least 3-4 months old). The
      vaccine effectiveness was analyzed at subsequent farrowing on both clinical
      incidence and vaginal shedding at the delivery day. Among the 231 animals
      considered as susceptible, that is, seronegative nonshedders, about 90% were
      infected whatever the group, showing that vaccination did not prevent infection
      under high infection exposure. Fortunately, vaccination induced an overall
      decrease in shedding levels. A significant average difference between groups was
      estimated to 1.16 log(10) bacteria per swab for primiparous and even higher (1.81
      log(10)) for initially susceptible ones. Thus, in a clinical context, vaccination
      should be implemented first in renewal animals. Indeed, young animals are those
      which best respond to vaccination by significantly reducing C. burnetii burden
      and, conversely, which excrete bacteria most massively if not vaccinated.

PMID- 22066486
TI  - Clinical and economic analysis of rescue intracytoplasmic sperm injection cycles.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To identify clinical and embryological factors that may predict
      success in rescue intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) cycles (after total
      fertilization failure has occurred) and to evaluate the cost effectiveness of
      rescue ICSI strategy. Additionally, follow-up of 20 rescue ICSI pregnancies is
      reported. DESIGN: Retrospective analysis of total fertilization failure cycles.
      SETTING: University-based tertiary medical center. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In
      total, 92 patients who had undergone conventional in-vitro fertilization (IVF)
      cycles with total fertilization failure were included. The patients were divided
      into two subgroups: those who conceived through rescue ICSI and those who did
      not. RESULTS: The pregnant members of the rescue ICSI subgroup were found to be
      significantly younger (32.9 +/- 4.2 vs. 36.3 +/- 4.5, respectively, p = 0.0035,)
      and to have better-quality embryos than those who did not conceive (cumulative
      embryo score: 38.3 +/- 20.4 vs. 29.3 +/- 14.7, p = 0.025). Cost effectiveness
      analysis showed 25% reduction in the cost per live birth when rescue ICSI is
      compared to cycle cancellation approach. The pregnancies follow-up did not show
      adverse perinatal outcome. CONCLUSIONS: Rescue ICSI is an option for salvaging
      IVF cycles complicated by total fertilization failure. Success in rescue ICSI was
      found to be associated with younger age and higher quality of embryos.
      Furthermore, the cost effectiveness of rescue ICSI in terms of total
      fertilization failure was found to be worthwhile.

PMID- 22066487
TI  - Predictors of postoperative sore throat in intubated children.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The incidence of postoperative sore throat (POST) following
      intubation is not well defined in the pediatric population. The etiology is
      multifactorial and includes impairment of subglottic mucosal perfusion and edema
      as a result of the pressures exerted by cuffed or uncuffed tubes. AIM: To
      determine the incidence of, and risk factors for, POST in intubated children
      undergoing elective day-case surgery. METHODS: Five hundred patients aged 3-16
      years were studied prospectively. Endotracheal tube (ETT) choice (cuffed or
      uncuffed) was left to the anesthetist. The cuff was inflated either until loss of
      audible leak or to a determined pressure using a cuff manometer. The research
      team then measured the cuff pressure (CP). POST incidence and intensity was
      determined by interviewing patients prior to discharge from the same day
      procedure unit. Chi-square testing and stepwise logistic regression were used to
      determine the predictors of POST. RESULTS: Of the 111 (22%) children developed a
      sore throat, 19 (3.8%) a sore neck, and 5 (1%) a sore jaw. 19% of patients with
      cuffed ETTs complained of sore throat compared with 37% of those intubated with
      an uncuffed ETT. The incidence of POST increased with CP; 0-10% at 0 cmH(2)O, 4%
      at 11-20 cmH(2)O, 20% at 21-30 cmH(2)O, 68% at CP 31-40 cmH(2)O, and 96% at CP
      >40 cmH(2)O. The ETT CP and use of uncuffed ETTs were univariate predictors of
      POST. CONCLUSIONS: Children intubated with uncuffed ETTs are more likely to have
      POST. ETT CP is positively correlated with the incidence of POST. When using
      cuffed ETTs, CP should be routinely measured intraoperatively.

PMID- 22066488
TI  - Genome-wide screening and identification of antigens for  rickettsial vaccine
      development.
AB  - The capacity to identify immunogens for vaccine development by genome-wide
      screening has been markedly enhanced by the availability of microbial genome
      sequences coupled to proteomic and bioinformatic analysis. Critical to this
      approach is in vivo testing in the context of a natural host-pathogen
      relationship, one that includes genetic diversity in the host as well as among
      pathogen strains. We aggregate the results of three independent genome-wide
      screens using in vivo immunization and protection against Anaplasma marginale as
      a model for discovery of vaccine antigens for rickettsial pathogens. In silico
      analysis identified 62 outer membrane proteins (Omp) from the 949 predicted
      proteins in the A. marginale genome. These 62 Omps were reduced to 10 vaccine
      candidates by two independent genome-wide screens using IgG2 from vaccinates
      protected from challenge following vaccination with outer membranes (screen 1) or
      bacterial surface complexes (screen 2). Omps with broadly conserved epitopes were
      identified by immunization with a live heterologous vaccine, A. marginale ssp.
      centrale (screen 3), reducing the candidates to three. The genome-wide screens
      identified Omps that have orthologs broadly conserved among rickettsial
      pathogens, highlighted the importance of identifying immunologically subdominant
      antigens, and supported the use of reverse vaccinology approaches in vaccine
      development for rickettsial diseases.

PMID- 22066489
TI  - Erythromycin enhances abomasal emptying in healthy unweaned lambs as shown by
      acetaminophen absorption test.

PMID- 22066490
TI  - Rat bite fever: fever, arthritis, and rash in a 4-year-old boy.
AB  - Rat bite fever is a rare but potentially fatal Gram-negative infection that
      predominantly affects populations with exposure to rats, notably children. The
      clinical presentation is nonspecific and requires a high threshold of suspicion
      to elicit a history of rat exposure. We report here a case of a child whose
      diagnosis was made retrospectively but with good outcome.

PMID- 22066491
TI  - Family-centred care: a qualitative study of Chinese and South Asian immigrant
      parents' experiences of care in paediatric oncology.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Over the past two decades, there is increasing emphasis being placed
      upon providing family-centred care (FCC) in paediatric oncology settings.
      However, there is a lack of knowledge of FCC in paediatric oncology from the
      perspectives of immigrant parents. The purpose of this paper is to describe
      Chinese and South Asian immigrant parents' experiences of FCC in paediatric
      oncology settings in Canada. METHODS: This study adopted a constructivist
      grounded theory approach. Fifty first generation Chinese and South Asian parents
      of children with cancer who were at least 6 months post-diagnosis were recruited
      from six Canadian paediatric oncology centres. Interviews were conducted in
      English, Cantonese, Mandarin, Urdu, Punjabi or Hindi, and transcribed into
      English. Analysis involved line-by-line, focused and theoretical coding, and the
      use of the constant comparison method. RESULTS: Findings indicated that overall
      parents were highly satisfied with the care and services they received, and their
      experiences were reflective of the key elements of FCC. However, there were some
      areas of concern identified by participants: parents not perceiving themselves as
      a member of the medical team; inconsistency in the quality and co-ordination of
      services among healthcare providers; disrespectful and mechanical manner of a few
      healthcare providers; and parents' discomfort with healthcare providers
      communicating sensitive health-related information directly with their child.
      CONCLUSIONS: In order to successfully provide family-centred services to
      immigrant parents of children with cancer, better communication of the elements
      of FCC between healthcare staff and families is needed to negotiate a clear role
      for the parents as partners of the healthcare team. Moreover, a better
      understanding of how family relationships are structured in immigrant families
      will assist healthcare providers to balance the best interests of the child with
      that of the family as a unit.

PMID- 22066492
TI  - Rapid, label-free, electrical whole blood bioassay based on nanobiosensor
      systems.
AB  - Biomarker detection based on nanowire biosensors has attracted a significant
      amount of research effort in recent years. However, only very limited research
      work has been directed toward biomarker detection directly from physiological
      fluids mainly because of challenges caused by the complexity of media. This
      limitation significantly reduces the practical impact generated by the
      aforementioned nanobiosensors. In this study, we demonstrate an In(2)O(3)
      nanowire-based biosensing system that is capable of performing rapid, label-free,
      electrical detection of cancer biomarkers directly from human whole blood
      collected by a finger prick. Passivating the nanowire surface successfully
      blocked the signal induced by nonspecific binding when performing active
      measurement in whole blood. Passivated devices showed markedly smaller signals
      induced by nonspecific binding of proteins and other biomaterials in serum and
      higher sensitivity to target biomarkers than bare devices. The detection limit of
      passivated sensors for biomarkers in whole blood was similar to the detection
      limit for the same analyte in purified buffer solutions at the same ionic
      strength, suggesting minimal decrease in device performance in the complex media.
      We then demonstrated detection of multiple cancer biomarkers with high
      reliability at clinically meaningful concentrations from whole blood collected by
      a finger prick using this sensing system.

PMID- 22066493
TI  - Ditetraalkylammonium amino acid ionic liquids as CO2 absorbents of high capacity.
AB  - By grafting butyl or ethyl onto tetramethylethylenediamine, quaternary ammonium
      salts with two positive charge centers were formed at the first step. Metathesis
      with Ag(2)O followed. Through neutralization with glycine, l-alanine, or valine,
      a series of new ditetraalkylammonium amino acid ionic liquids (DILs) for CO(2)
      capture were generated. The structures of DILs, as shown in Figure 1, were
      verified by using (1)H NMR and EA. These DILs were found to be of quite high
      viscosity which militated against their industrial application in CO(2) removal.
      Drawing on the experience of mixed amines' aqueous solutions, these DILs were
      blended with water or N-methyldiethanolamine (MDEA) aqueous solutions to act as
      special absorbents of CO(2). Using a Double-Tank Absorption System, the
      absorption performance of these DIL solutions was investigated in detail. The
      experimental results indicated that among the three aqueous solutions of DILs
      (20%, 40%, and 80 wt %), the solution of 40% DIL had a higher absorption rate of
      CO(2) than the other two, demonstrating the different effects of concentration
      and viscosity on the absorption. The solution of 40% DIL or the 15% DIL + 15%
      MDEA had much higher capacity for CO(2) than the corresponding monocation
      tetraalkylammonium AAILs, due to the special structure of the dication which
      could influence the solubility of CO(2) in the aqueous solution.

PMID- 22066494
TI  - Investigating the role of metal chelation in HIV-1 integrase strand transfer
      inhibitors.
AB  - HIV-1 integrase (IN) has been validated as an attractive target for the treatment
      of HIV/AIDS. Several studies have confirmed that the metal binding function is a
      crucial feature in many of the reported IN inhibitors. To provide new insights on
      the metal chelating mechanism of IN inhibitors, we prepared a series of metal
      complexes of two ligands (HL1 and HL2), designed as representative models of the
      clinically used compounds raltegravir and elvitegravir. Potentiometric
      measurements were conducted for HL2 in the presence of Mg(II), Mn(II), Co(II),
      and Zn(II) in order to delineate a metal speciation model. We also determined the
      X-ray structures of both of the ligands and of three representative metal
      complexes. Our results support the hypothesis that several selective strand
      transfer inhibitors preferentially chelate one cation in solution and that the
      metal complexes can interact with the active site of the enzyme.

PMID- 22066495
TI  - Heme ligand identification and redox properties of the cytochrome c synthetase,
      CcmF.
AB  - Cytochrome c maturation in many bacteria, archaea, and plant mitochondria
      involves the integral membrane protein CcmF, which is thought to function as a
      cytochrome c synthetase by facilitating the final covalent attachment of heme to
      the apocytochrome c. We previously reported that the E. coli CcmF protein
      contains a b-type heme that is stably and stoichiometrically associated with the
      protein and is not the heme attached to apocytochrome c. Here, we show that
      mutation of either of two conserved transmembrane histidines (His261 or His491)
      impairs stoichiometric b-heme binding in CcmF and results in spectral
      perturbations in the remaining heme. Exogeneous imidazole is able to correct
      cytochrome c maturation for His261 and His491 substitutions with small side
      chains (Ala or Gly), suggesting that a "cavity" is formed in these CcmF mutants
      in which imidazole binds and acts as a functional ligand to the b-heme. The
      results of resonance Raman spectroscopy on wild-type CcmF are consistent with a
      hexacoordinate low-spin b-heme with at least one endogeneous axial His ligand.
      Analysis of purified recombinant CcmF proteins from diverse prokaryotes reveals
      that the b-heme in CcmF is widely conserved. We have also determined the
      reduction potential of the CcmF b-heme (E(m,7) = -147 mV). We discuss these
      results in the context of CcmF structure and functions as a heme reductase and
      cytochrome c synthetase.

PMID- 22066496
TI  - Artificial tactile sensing approach in aortic-repair-laparoscopy: aorta cross
      clamping during surgery.
AB  - Abdominal aortic aneurysm is one of the most common diseases of the vascular
      system for which the most definitive treatment is surgery. Laparoscopy is a
      primary method of minimally invasive surgery that could be useful in aortic
      repair surgeries. Although this method of surgery has significant advantages, the
      difficulty of exactly distinguishing the aorta from its surrounding tissues is
      its main drawback; this can cause many problems during the aorta cross clamping
      process. One of the most important limitations is that it is a time-consuming
      process; aorta cross clamping leads to increases in surgery duration. Artificial
      tactile sensing is an innovative technology aiming to make tactile data more
      available for surgeons, especially in situations where developments in technology
      make the surgeons less efficient. In this paper, considering the present problems
      during aortic repair laparoscopy, applicability of a novel tactile robotic system
      capable of cross clamping an artery during laparoscopy was evaluated. Having
      considered a small, 5-degree-of-planar-freedom robot and imitated surgeon's
      palpation using software, the path followed by the tip of the new tactile robotic
      system was extracted. It is shown that this new tactile robotic system is well
      capable of dissecting an artery from its adjacent tissues in a short time with an
      acceptable accuracy. The functional principles of the tactile robotic system
      capable of cross clamping the aorta during laparoscopy will also be presented.

PMID- 22066497
TI  - An epidemiological study of ADHD symptoms among young persons and the
      relationship with cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption and illicit drug use.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study investigates the relationship between attention deficit
      hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and cigarette smoking, alcohol use and
      illicit drug use. METHOD: The participants were 10,987 pupils in the final three
      years of their compulsory education in Iceland (ages 14-16 years). The
      participants completed questionnaires in class relating to anxiety, depression
      and antiestablishment attitudes, ADHD symptoms, smoking, alcohol consumption and
      illicit drug use. RESULTS: Of the total sample, 5.4% met screening criteria for
      ADHD. Smoking, alcohol and illicit drug use were significantly related to ADHD
      symptoms. In addition, the number of different illicit drugs consumed was
      significantly higher among the ADHD symptomatic than the nonsymptomatic
      participants, including the illicit use of sedatives. The main distinguishing
      illicit drug substances were lysergic acid diethylamide (odds ratio or OR = 8.0),
      cocaine (OR = 7.5), mushrooms (OR = 7.1) and amphetamines (OR = 6.5). Logistic
      multiple regressions showed that after controlling for gender and school grade,
      ADHD symptoms predicted smoking, alcohol use and illicit drug use independent of
      anxiety, depression and antiestablishment attitudes. In addition, poly-substance
      use was linearly and incrementally related to ADHD symptoms with a large effect
      size. CONCLUSIONS: The findings underscore the vulnerability of young persons
      with ADHD symptoms to smoking, alcohol and illicit drug use, possibly as a means
      of self-medication, and emphasize a need for early identification and treatment
      to reduce the risk of escalation.

PMID- 22066498
TI  - Formation routes of interstellar glycine involving carboxylic acids: possible
      favoritism between gas and solid phase.
AB  - Despite the extensive search for glycine (NH2CH2COOH) and other amino acids in
      molecular clouds associated with star-forming regions, only upper limits have
      been derived from radio observations. Nevertheless, two of glycine's precursors,
      formic acid and acetic acid, have been abundantly detected. Although both
      precursors may lead to glycine formation, the efficiency of reaction depends on
      their abundance and survival in the presence of a radiation field. These facts
      could promote some favoritism in the reaction pathways in the gas phase and solid
      phase (ice). Glycine and these two simplest carboxylic acids are found in many
      meteorites. Recently, glycine was also observed in cometary samples returned by
      the Stardust space probe. The goal of this work was to perform theoretical
      calculations for several interstellar reactions involving the simplest carboxylic
      acids as well as the carboxyl radical (COOH) in both gas and solid (ice) phase to
      understand which reactions could be the most favorable to produce glycine in
      interstellar regions fully illuminated by soft X-rays and UV, such as star
      forming regions. The calculations were performed at four different levels for the
      gas phase (B3LYP/6-31G*, B3LYP/6-31++G**, MP2/6-31G*, and MP2/6-31++G**) and at
      MP2/6-31++G** level for the solid phase (ice). The current two-body reactions
      (thermochemical calculation) were combined with previous experimental data on the
      photodissociation of carboxylic acids to promote possible favoritism for glycine
      formation in the scenario involving formic and acetic acid in both gas and solid
      phase. Given that formic acid is destroyed more in the gas phase by soft X-rays
      than acetic acid is, we suggest that in the gas phase the most favorable
      reactions are acetic acid with NH or NH2OH. Another possible reaction involves
      NH2CH2 and COOH, one of the most-produced radicals from the photodissociation of
      acetic acid. In the solid phase, we suggest that the reactions of formic acid
      with NH2CH or NH2CH2OH are the most favorable from the thermochemical point of
      view.

PMID- 22066500
TI  - Analogs of Grubbs' second generation catalyst with hydrophilic phosphine ligands:
      phase transfer activation of ring closing alkene metathesis.
AB  - Analogs of Grubbs' second generation catalyst with hydrophilic phosphine ligands
      are synthesized, and those with Cy(2)PCH(2)CH(2)N(CH(3))(3)(+) Cl(-) and
      Cy(2)PCHCH(2)CH(2)N(CH(3))(2)(+)CH(2)CH(2) Cl(-) give much faster ring closing
      metatheses under CH(2)Cl(2)/aqueous or CH(2)Cl(2)/aqueous HCl biphasic as opposed
      to CH(2)Cl(2) monophasic conditions. This is attributed to rapid phase transfer
      of the dissociated ligand to the aqueous phase, where under acidic conditions it
      is protonated.

PMID- 22066499
TI  - Bacteria associated with skeletal tissue growth anomalies in the coral Platygyra
      carnosus.
AB  - Scleractinian corals with growth anomalies, often referred to as 'tumors', have
      been reported globally. A recent survey of Hong Kong waters showed that > 60% of
      Platygyra carnosus colonies developed tumors. Here we report for the first time,
      the bacterial community associated with tumors in P. carnosus over different
      seasons and locations in Hoi Ha Wan Marine Park and Port Shelter. Culture-based
      methods for strain isolation and molecular techniques of 16S rRNA analysis for
      strain identification were used, as well as the culture-independent technique
      terminal-restriction fragment length polymorphism. We tested the hypothesis that
      the community composition would be considerably different between healthy and
      tumor corals and aimed to investigate whether potential differences because of
      tumors would override the seasonal and spatial influences. Our analysis detected
      only minor differences between the communities associated with the healthy and
      tumor corals, indicating that tumors are not associated with major changes in the
      bacterial community structure. In contrast, community structure was strongly
      influenced by the location and season, with greater Alphaproteobacteria diversity
      in the winter than in the summer. This study demonstrated that the coral
      associated bacterial community composition was more related to environmental
      variables (i.e. season and location) than to disease (i.e. tumor).

PMID- 22066501
TI  - Effects of long-term fertilization of forest soils on potential  nitrification
      and on the abundance and community structure of  ammonia oxidizers and nitrite
      oxidizers.
AB  - Forest fertilization in British Columbia is increasing, to alleviate timber
      shortfalls resulting from the mountain pine beetle epidemic. However,
      fertilization effects on soil microbial communities, and consequently ecosystem
      processes, are poorly understood. Fertilization has contrasting effects on
      ammonia-oxidizing bacteria and archaea (AOB and AOA) in grassland and
      agricultural ecosystems, but there are no studies on AOB and AOA in forests. We
      assessed the effect of periodic (6-yearly application 200 kg N ha-1) and annual
      (c. 75 kg N ha-1) fertilization of lodgepole pine and spruce stands at five long
      term maximum productivity sites on potential nitrification (PN), and the
      abundance and diversity of AOB, AOA and Nitrobacter and Nitrospira-like nitrite
      oxidizing bacteria (NOB). Fertilization increased AOB and Nitrobacter-like NOB
      abundances at some sites, but did not influence AOA and Nitrospira-like NOB
      abundances. AOB and Nitrobacter-like NOB abundances were correlated with PN and
      soil nitrate concentration; no such correlations were observed for AOA and
      Nitrospira-like NOB. Autotrophic nitrification dominated (55-97%) in these
      forests and PN rates were enhanced for up to 2 years following periodic
      fertilization. More changes in community composition between control and
      fertilized plots were observed for AOB and Nitrobacter-like NOB than AOA. We
      conclude that fertilization causes rapid shifts in the structure of AOB and
      Nitrobacter-like NOB communities that dominate nitrification in these forests.

PMID- 22066502
TI  - Pediatric psychiatry, and a note on malpractice.

PMID- 22066503
TI  - This issue: treatment of child and adolescent mental health.

PMID- 22066504
TI  - A 16-year-old girl with leg pain and swelling.

PMID- 22066505
TI  - Management of anxiety disorders in the pediatric primary care setting.

PMID- 22066506
TI  - Treatment of depression in children and adolescents.

PMID- 22066507
TI  - Treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder.

PMID- 22066508
TI  - Management of disruptive behavior disorders.

PMID- 22066509
TI  - Evidence-based treatment approach to autism spectrum disorders.

PMID- 22066510
TI  - Human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells undergo cellular
      senescence in response to oxidative stress.
AB  - Since human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are therapeutically attractive for
      tissue regeneration and repair, we examined the physiological responses of human
      umbilical cord blood-derived MSCs (hUCB-MSCs) to genotoxic stress. We found that
      that sublethal doses of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and ionizing radiation
      cause DNA damage and reduce DNA synthesis and cell proliferation in hUCB-MSCs,
      resulting in cellular senescence. In contrast, these physiological changes were
      limited in human fibroblast and cancer cells. Our data show that reduced
      activities of antioxidant enzymes, which may occur due to low gene expression
      levels, cause hUCB-MSCs to undergo cellular senescence in response to oxidative
      stress and ionizing radiation. Resistance of hUCB-MSCs to oxidative stresses was
      restored by increasing the intracellular antioxidant activity in hUCB-MSCs via
      exogenous addition of antioxidants. Therefore, the proliferation and fate of hUCB
      MSCs can be controlled by exposure to oxidative stresses.

PMID- 22066511
TI  - Oncological outcome after laparoscopic abdominoperineal excision of the rectum.
AB  - AIM: Abdominoperineal excision of the rectum (APER) for cancer has been
      associated with higher circumferential resection margin (CRM) involvement and
      failure of local disease control. The aim of this study was to investigate
      whether the introduction of laparoscopic APER altered the incidence of CRM
      involvement. METHOD: Consecutive patients undergoing open or laparoscopic APER
      for adenocarcinomas of the rectum were studied. Patient demographics,
      preoperative staging, neoadjuvant treatment, operative findings, length of stay
      and pathological details were collected from operative and radiology databases
      and compared. RESULTS: There were 16 laparoscopic and 25 open APER performed over
      a 3-year period. Neoadjuvant therapy was given to 43.8% (7/16) of the
      laparoscopic group and 56.0% (14/25) of the open group. Complete laparoscopic
      resection was possible in 14 (87.5%) of 16 patients. The median harvested number
      of nodes was 14 (4-33) in both groups. The median length of stay was 7 (3-13) and
      15 (9-40) days in the laparoscopic and open groups (P < 0.001). The CRM was clear
      in all cases. There was no local recurrence in either group at a median follow-up
      of 23 months. There were no in-hospital deaths and no significant differences in
      overall survival. There were no significant differences in preoperative or
      postoperative histopathological T stage between the two groups (P = 0.057 and P =
      0.121). CONCLUSION: Laparoscopic APER for selected rectal cancers can achieve
      comparable oncological outcome to open surgery but is associated with a much
      shorter length of stay. Patient and tumour characteristics must be taken into
      consideration when deciding on a laparoscopic approach for low rectal cancer.

PMID- 22066512
TI  - Esthetics in implant-supported prostheses: a literature review.
AB  - Esthetics is important for success of implant-supported prostheses. This study
      aimed to review esthetics concepts for implant treatment. Research in the PubMed
      database included studies published from 1995 to 2010 with the keywords implant
      esthetics, implant-supported prostheses, and esthetics. Forty-five studies were
      evaluated regarding the presurgical planning, surgical phase, and temporary and
      final restoration phases. It was concluded that esthetics in implant-supported
      prostheses results from a multidisciplinary approach from planning until
      insertion of the final restoration.

PMID- 22066513
TI  - In situ identification of keratin-hydrolyzing organisms in swine manure
      inoculated anaerobic digesters.
AB  - Feathers, a poultry byproduct, are composed of > 90% keratin which is resistant
      to degradation during anaerobic digestion. In this study, four 42-L anaerobic
      digesters inoculated with adapted swine manure were used to investigate feather
      digestion. Ground feathers were added into two anaerobic digesters for biogas
      production, whereas another two without feathers were used as negative control.
      Feather degradation and enhanced methane production were recorded. Keratin
      hydrolyzing organisms (KHOs) were visualized in the feather bag fluids after
      boron-dipyrromethene (BODIPY) fluorescence casein staining. Their abundances
      correlated (R(2)  = 0.96) to feather digestion rates. A 16S rRNA clone library
      was constructed for the bacterial populations attached to the feather particles.
      Ninety-three clones (> 1300 bp) were retrieved and 57 (61%) belonged to class
      Clostridia in the phylum Firmicutes, while 34 (37%) belonged to class Bacteroidia
      in the phylum Bacteroidetes. Four oligonucleotide FISH probes were designed for
      the major Clostridia clusters and used with other FISH probes to identify the
      KHOs. Probe FIMs1029 hybridized with most (> 80%) of the KHOs. Its targeted
      sequence perfectly matches that possessed by 10 Clostridia 16S rRNA gene clones
      belonging to a previously uncharacterized new genus closely related to
      Alkaliphilus in the subfamily Clostridiaceae 2 of family Clostridiaceae.

PMID- 22066514
TI  - Errata.

PMID- 22066515
TI  - ZINC TOLERANCE INDUCED BY IRON 1 reveals the importance of glutathione in the
      cross-homeostasis between zinc and iron in Arabidopsis thaliana.
AB  - Zinc is an essential micronutrient for plants, but it is toxic in excess
      concentrations. In Arabidopsis, additional iron (Fe) can increase Zn tolerance.
      We isolated a mutant, zinc tolerance induced by iron 1, designated zir1, with a
      defect in Fe-mediated Zn tolerance. Using map-based cloning and genetic
      complementation, we identified that zir1 has a mutation of glutamate to lysine at
      position 385 on gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase (GSH1), the enzyme involved in
      glutathione biosynthesis. The zir1 mutant contains only 15% of the wild-type
      glutathione level. Blocking glutathione biosynthesis in wild-type plants by a
      specific inhibitor of GSH1, buthionine sulfoximine, resulted in loss of Fe
      mediated Zn tolerance, which provides further evidence that glutathione plays an
      essential role in Fe-mediated Zn tolerance. Two glutathione-deficient mutant
      alleles of GSH1, pad2-1 and cad2-1, which contain 22% and 39%, respectively, of
      the wild-type glutathione level, revealed that a minimal glutathione level
      between 22 and 39% of the wild-type level is required for Fe-mediated Zn
      tolerance. Under excess Zn and Fe, the recovery of shoot Fe contents in pad2-1
      and cad2-1 was lower than that of the wild type. However, the phytochelatin
      deficient mutant cad1-3 showed normal Fe-mediated Zn tolerance. These results
      indicate a specific role of glutathione in Fe-mediated Zn tolerance. The induced
      accumulation of glutathione in response to excess Zn and Fe suggests that
      glutathione plays a specific role in Fe-mediated Zn tolerance in Arabidopsis. We
      conclude that glutathione is required for the cross-homeostasis between Zn and Fe
      in Arabidopsis.

PMID- 22066516
TI  - Relation between NT-proBNP levels, iron overload, and early stage of myocardial
      dysfunction in beta-thalassemia major patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Heart failure (HF) secondary to myocardial iron loading remains the
      leading cause of death in beta-thalassemia major (beta-TM) patients. The early
      diagnosis and treatment of HF in these patients is related to survival. We aimed
      to evaluate myocardial performance using conventional and tissue Doppler
      echocardiography and its relation to plasma NT-proBNP levels and iron overload
      indices in beta-TM patients with preserved systolic function. METHODS: The study
      population included 49 beta-TM patients (24.0 +/- 4.2 years) and 48 age-matched
      healthy controls. Doppler-echocardiographic study was performed and blood samples
      for NT-proBNP measurements were drawn on the third day following blood
      transfusion. Patients were divided as group-1, without diastolic dysfunction:
      E/E' ratio < 9 and group-2, with suspected diastolic dysfunction: E/E' ratio >=
      9. RESULTS: NT-proBNP levels and E/E' ratio were increased in patients compared
      with controls (P < 0.001 and P < 0.001) but did not correlate with each other. A
      strong positive correlation was detected between NT-proBNP levels and mean
      ferritin levels in beta-TM patients (r(s) = 0.939; P < 0.001). Median NT-proBNP
      levels were significantly higher in group-1 in comparison to controls [51.2
      (41.51-113.5) vs 30.1 (17.97-68.16) ng/mL, P < 0.01]. NT-proBNP levels were also
      increased in group-2 in comparison to group-1 but this increase was not
      statistically significant. CONCLUSION: NT-proBNP secretion begins in the early
      phase of the disease before the increase in diastolic pressure becomes overt.
      While there was a strong correlation between the plasma NT-proBNP levels and iron
      overload, there was no correlation between NT-proBNP levels and diastolic
      dysfunction parameters in patients in the third decade of life.

PMID- 22066517
TI  - Coxiella burnetii vaginal shedding and antibody responses in  dairy goat herds in
      a context of clinical Q fever outbreaks.
AB  - This study, carried out in three goat herds, was aimed at describing individual
      responses to Q fever infection in an abortive context, focusing on both antibody
      and shedding levels. Seroprevalence of Coxiella burnetii (Cb) infection and
      vaginal shedding of 1083 goats were investigated using ELISA and realtime qPCR
      assays, respectively. At the end of the outbreaks, a seroprevalence of 45.0% was
      found, and vaginal shedding appeared massive with levels above 10(4) Cb per swab
      in 42.3% of the whole population and above 10(6) Cb per swab for 90.9% of aborted
      goats. Susceptible animals (i.e. seronegative nonshedders) were unfrequent
      (31.2%), most of them being kids (94.7%). Seronegative females were predominant
      among nonshedders and conversely seropositive ones, predominant among high
      shedders (above 10(6) Cb per swab). Nevertheless, at least 43.3% of seronegative
      goats shed bacteria confirming the need of interpreting serology on a herd scale.
      The subsequent farrowing period was characterized by a significant reduction in
      the number of clinical cases. Females that had already aborted were more often
      involved than others. Shedding quantities remained high, particularly for
      primiparous does, mainly when facing infection for the first time. Thus, Q fever
      control must be based on both preventive measures directed to the preherd and
      environmental precautions.

PMID- 22066518
TI  - A new design for an old concept of wheelchair pushrim.
AB  - PURPOSE: Report on the development of an ergonomic manual wheelchair pushrim and
      evaluate the user's perception of the quality of the device. METHOD: Based on
      anthropometric features and ergonomic concepts, a new wheelchair pushrim was
      designed, and a prototype was manufactured in polyurethane, using the rapid
      prototyping technique and serial production of parts by molding. The prototype
      was tested by a sample of wheelchair users, who rated the perceived quality of
      the device after testing both the new and conventional pushrims in a wheelchair
      propulsion experimental protocol. RESULTS: The new ergonomic pushrim was found to
      be, in general, better than the conventional round tube pushrim. Specifically,
      experienced wheelchair users found the new wheelchair pushrim better in terms of
      easy and comfortable propulsion, braking and maneuvering of the wheelchair, and
      appearance. CONCLUSIONS: The new wheelchair pushrim provides a proper fit for the
      hands due to its ergonomic design and its polyurethane composition, making
      wheelchair propulsion easier and more comfortable than the conventional
      wheelchair pushrim. Assistive technology devices should be design based on
      ergonomic concepts that involve less effort and offer greater comfort for the
      user. [Box: see text].

PMID- 22066519
TI  - Nephrotoxicity of recreational party drugs.
AB  - N-benzylpiperazine (BZP) is the active ingredient in recreational 'party' pills
      with a stimulant, euphoric mechanism of action akin to that of 3,4
      methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or ecstasy). Many people (ab)use BZP-based
      party pills usually without any significant toxic effects. However,
      nephrotoxicity secondary to hyperthermia and rhabdomyolysis has been reported.
      Another serious renal-related side-effect is hyponatraemia with acute cerebral
      oedema. There is also evidence that these agents may have a specific toxic effect
      producing acute kidney injury. Thus, acute kidney injury either direct or
      secondary to the effects of BZP or MDMA need to be considered when any individual
      presents with symptoms of a recreational party drug overdose.

PMID- 22066520
TI  - Restriction of the growth of a nonpathogenic spotted fever  group rickettsia.
AB  - The growth kinetics of pathogenic and nonpathogenic rickettsiae were compared to
      elucidate the mechanism responsible for the pathogenicity of rickettsiae. Vero
      and HeLa cells derived from mammals were inoculated with a nonpathogenic species
      of spotted fever group rickettsia, Rickettsia montanensis, before being infected
      with the pathogenic species Rickettsia japonica. The mammalian cells became
      persistently infected with R. montanensis and produced low levels of rickettsiae.
      On the other hand, superinfection of the R. montanensis-infected cells with R.
      japonica resulted in increased yields of R. montanensis accompanied by R.
      japonica growth. Both rickettsiae also grew well in the R. japonica-infected
      cells subjected to superinfection with R. montanensis. Western blotting with an
      antibody to the autophagy-related protein LC3B found that autophagy was induced
      in the cells infected with R. montanensis alone. On the contrary, autophagy was
      restricted in the cells that were co-infected with R. japonica. Electron
      microscopy of the cells infected with R. montanensis alone demonstrated
      rickettsia particles being digested in intracytoplasmic vacuoles. Conversely,
      many freely growing rickettsiae were detected in the co-infected cells.

PMID- 22066521
TI  - Feasibility of an obesity intervention for paediatric primary care targeting
      parenting and children: Helping HAND.
AB  - BACKGROUND:   The primary care setting offers the opportunity to reach children
      and parents to encourage healthy lifestyle behaviours, and improve weight status
      among children. OBJECTIVE:   Test the feasibility of Helping HAND (Healthy
      Activity and Nutrition Directions), an obesity intervention for 5- to 8-year-old
      children in primary care clinics. METHODS:   A randomized controlled pilot study
      of Helping HAND, a 6-month intervention, targeted children with body mass index
      85-99%tile and their parents. Intervention group attended monthly sessions and
      self-selected child behaviours and parenting practices to change. Control group
      received regular paediatric care and was wait-listed for Helping HAND. Session
      completion, participant satisfaction, child anthropometrics, dietary intake,
      physical activity, TV viewing and behaviour-specific parenting practices were
      measured pre and post intervention. RESULTS:   Forty parent-child dyads enrolled:
      82.5% were Hispanic, 80% had a girl and 65% reported income <= $30, 000/year.
      There was 20% attrition from Helping HAND (attended <4/6 sessions). Families self
      selected 4.35 (SD 1.75) behaviours to target during the 6-month programme and
      each of the seven behaviours was selected by 45-80% of the families. There were
      no between group differences in the child's body mass index z-score, dietary
      intake or physical activity post intervention. Intervention group viewed 14.9 (SE
      2.3) h/week of TV post intervention versus control group 23.3 (SE 2.4) h/week (P
      < 0.05). CONCLUSION:   Helping HAND is feasible, due to low attrition, good
      programme attendance, and clinically relevant improvements in some child and
      parenting behaviours.

PMID- 22066522
TI  - Direct measurements of the rate constants of the reactions NCN + NO and NCN + NO2
      behind shock waves.
AB  - The high-temperature rate constants of the reactions NCN + NO and NCN + NO(2)
      have been directly measured behind shock waves under pseudo-first-order
      conditions. NCN has been generated by the pyrolysis of cyanogen azide (NCN(3))
      and quantitatively detected by sensitive difference amplification laser
      absorption spectroscopy at a wavelength of 329.1302 nm. The NCN(3) decomposition
      initially yields electronically excited (1)NCN radicals, which are subsequently
      transformed to the triplet ground state by collision-induced intersystem crossing
      (CIISC). CIISC efficiencies were found to increase in the order of Ar < NO(2) <
      NO as the collision gases. The rate constants of the NCN + NO/NO(2) reactions can
      be expressed as k(NCN+NO)/(cm(3) mol(-1)s(-1)) = 1.9 * 10(12) exp[-26.3
      (kJ/mol)/RT] (+/-7%,DeltaE(a) = +/- 1.6 kJ/mol, 764 K < T < 1944 K) and
      k(NCN+NO(2))/(cm(3) mol(-1)s(-1)) = 4.7 * 10(12) exp[-38.0(kJ/mol)/RT] (+/
      19%,DeltaE(a) = +/- 3.8 kJ/mol, 704 K < T < 1659 K). In striking contrast to
      reported low-temperature measurements, which are dominated by recombination
      processes, both reaction rates show a positive temperature dependence and are
      independent of the total density (1.7 * 10(-6) mol/cm(3) < rho < 7.6 * 10(-6)
      mol/cm(3)). For both reactions, the minima of the total rate constants occur at
      temperatures below 700 K, showing that, at combustion-relevant temperatures, the
      overall reactions are dominated by direct or indirect abstraction pathways
      according to NCN + NO -> CN + N(2)O and NCN + NO(2) -> NCNO + NO.

PMID- 22066523
TI  - Acral peeling skin syndrome: a clinically and genetically heterogeneous disorder.
AB  - Acral peeling skin syndrome (APSS) is a rare, autosomal, recessive genodermatosis
      characterized by painless spontaneous exfoliation of the skin of the hands and
      feet at a subcorneal or intracorneal level. It usually presents at birth or
      appears later in childhood or early adulthood. Some cases result from mutations
      in the TGM5 gene that encodes transglutaminase 5, which has an important role in
      cross-linking cornified cell envelope proteins. We report a new APSS pedigree
      from Jordan that contains at least 10 affected family members, although
      sequencing of the TGM5 gene failed to disclose any pathogenic mutation(s). On the
      basis of probable consanguinity, we performed homozygosity mapping and identified
      areas of homozygosity on chromosomes 1, 6, 10, 13, and 16, although none of the
      intervals contained genes of clear relevance to cornification. APSS is a
      clinically and genetically heterogeneous disorder, and this Jordanian pedigree
      underscores the likelihood of still further heterogeneity.

PMID- 22066524
TI  - Examining mechanisms of groundwater Hg(II) treatment by reactive materials: an
      EXAFS study.
AB  - Laboratory batch experiments were conducted to examine mechanisms of Hg(II)
      removal by reactive materials proposed for groundwater treatment. These materials
      included granular iron filings (GIF), 1:1 (w/w) mixtures of metallurgical
      granular Fe powder + elemental S (MGI+S) and elemental Cu + elemental S (Cu+S),
      granular activated carbon (GAC), attapulgite clay (ATP), ATP treated with 2-amino
      5-thiol-1,3,4-thiadiazole (ATP-a), and ATP treated with 2,5-dimercapto-1,3,4
      thiadiazole (ATP-d). Following treatment of simulated groundwater containing 4 mg
      L(-1) Hg for 8 or 16 days, the solution pH values ranged from 6.8 to 8.8 and Eh
      values ranged from +400 to -400 mV. Large decreases in aqueous Hg concentrations
      were observed for ATP-d (>99%), GIF (95%), MGI+S (94%), and Cu+S (90%). Treatment
      of Hg was less effective using ATP (29%), ATP-a (69%), and GAC (78%). Extended X
      ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) spectra of Hg on GIF, MGI+S, and GAC
      indicated the presence of an Hg-O bond at 2.04-2.07 A, suggesting that Hg was
      bound to GIF corrosion products or to oxygen complexes associated with water
      sorbed to activated carbon. In contrast, bond lengths ranging from 2.35 to 2.48 A
      were observed for Hg in Cu+S, ATP-a, and ATP-d treatments, suggesting the
      formation of Hg-S bonds.

PMID- 22066525
TI  - Novel 3,4-isoxazolediamides as potent inhibitors of chaperone heat shock protein
      90.
AB  - A structural investigation on the isoxazole scaffold led to the discovery of 3,4
      isoxazolediamide compounds endowed with potent Hsp90 inhibitory properties. We
      have found that compounds possessing a nitrogen atom directly attached to the C-4
      heterocycle ring possess in vitro Hsp90 inhibitory properties at least comparable
      to those of the structurally related 4,5-diarylisoxazole derivatives. A group of
      compounds from this series of diamides combine potent binding affinity and cell
      growth inhibitory activity in both series of alkyl- and aryl- or
      heteroarylamides, with IC50 in the low nanomolar range. The 3,4-isoxazolediamides
      were also very effective in causing dramatic depletion of the examined client
      proteins and, as expected for the Hsp90 inhibitors, always induced a very strong
      increase in the expression levels of the chaperone Hsp70. In vivo studies against
      human epidermoid carcinoma A431 showed an antitumor effect of morpholine
      derivative 73 comparable to that induced by the reference compound 10.

PMID- 22066526
TI  - Is carbohydrate counting enough? Towards perfection or unwanted complexity?

PMID- 22066527
TI  - The cost-effectiveness of saxagliptin versus NPH insulin when used in combination
      with other oral antidiabetes agents in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus
      in Poland.
AB  - BACKGROUND: This study compared the health and economic benefits of saxagliptin
      versus insulin as second-line therapy with either metformin (MET) or sulfonylurea
      (SU) after failure of the respective monotherapies for patients with type 2
      diabetes in Poland. METHODS: The cost-effectiveness was assessed using a
      previously published diabetes model. Disease progression, utilities, and effects
      of changes in glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), weight, and hypoglycemic events
      were taken from published studies, and Polish sources were used where possible.
      RESULTS: MET + saxagliptin reduced severe hypoglycemic complications and weight
      versus MET + insulin, with an incremental benefit of 0.13 quality-adjusted life
      years (QALYs) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) of 27,454 Polish
      zloty (PLN) ($9,966 U.S.) per QALY gained. SU + saxagliptin showed an incremental
      benefit of 0.14 QALYs and ICER of 24,663 PLN ($8,953 U.S.) per QALY gained versus
      SU + insulin, with reduced incidence of symptomatic and severe hypoglycemias.
      Results were most sensitive to disutilities associated with weight gain,
      hypoglycemia, injection fear, HbA1c changes, threshold for switching treatment,
      and patients' age. Results were robust to various model assumptions and inputs.
      Using a willingness-to-pay threshold of 100,000 PLN ($36,300 U.S.) per QALY
      gained, the probability that saxagliptin is cost-effective in these analyses was
      74% (MET) and 76% (SU). CONCLUSIONS: Saxagliptin in combination with MET or SU is
      likely to represent a cost-effective treatment option in Polish patients with
      type 2 diabetes failing first-line treatment.

PMID- 22066528
TI  - Evidence of a discrete axial structure in unimodal collagen fibrils.
AB  - The collagen fibrils of cornea, blood vessel walls, skin, gut, interstitial
      tissues, the sheath of tendons and nerves, and other connective tissues are known
      to be made of helically wound subfibrils winding at a constant angle to the
      fibril axis. A critical aspect of this model is that it requires the axial
      microfibrils to warp in an implausible way. This architecture lends itself quite
      naturally to an epitaxial layout where collagen microfibrils envelop a central
      core of a different nature. Here we demonstrate an axial domain in collagen
      fibrils from rabbit nerve sheath and tendon sheath by means of transmission
      electron microscopy after a histochemical reaction designed to evidence all
      polysaccharides and by tapping-mode atomic force microscopy. This axial domain
      was consistently found in fibrils with helical microfibrils but was not observed
      in tendon, whose microfibrils run longitudinal and parallel.

PMID- 22066529
TI  - Activation of RIG-I-like receptor signal transduction.
AB  - Mammalian cells have the ability to recognize virus infection and mount a
      powerful antiviral response. Pattern recognition receptor proteins detect
      molecular signatures of virus infection and activate antiviral signaling
      cascades. The RIG-I-like receptors are cytoplasmic DExD/H box proteins that can
      specifically recognize virus-derived RNA species as a molecular feature
      discriminating the pathogen from the host. The RIG-I-like receptor family is
      composed of three homologous proteins, RIG-I, MDA5, and LGP2. All of these
      proteins can bind double-stranded RNA species with varying affinities via their
      conserved DExD/H box RNA helicase domains and C-terminal regulatory domains. The
      recognition of foreign RNA by the RLRs activates enzymatic functions and
      initiates signal transduction pathways resulting in the production of antiviral
      cytokines and the establishment of a broadly effective cellular antiviral state
      that protects neighboring cells from infection and triggers innate and adaptive
      immune systems. The propagation of this signal via the interferon antiviral
      system has been studied extensively, while the precise roles for enzymatic
      activities of the RNA helicase domain in antiviral responses are only beginning
      to be elucidated. Here, current models for RLR ligand recognition and signaling
      are reviewed.

PMID- 22066530
TI  - Randomised clinical trial: a comparative study of 10-day sequential therapy with
      7-day standard triple therapy for Helicobacter pylori infection in naive
      patients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The eradication rates following standard triple therapy for
      Helicobacter pylori infection are declining worldwide. Recent studies have shown
      that sequential therapy for H. pylori infection yields high cure rates. AIM: To
      compare the efficacy and tolerability of a sequential regimen as first-line
      treatment of H. pylori infection with a standard triple regimen. METHODS: A total
      of 348 naive H. pylori-infected patients from six hospitals in Korea were
      assigned randomly to standard triple or sequential therapy groups. Standard
      triple therapy consisted of 20 mg of rabeprazole, 1 g of amoxicillin and 500 mg
      of clarithromycin, twice daily for 7 days. Sequential therapy consisted of a 5
      day dual therapy (20 mg of rabeprazole and 1 g of amoxicillin, twice daily)
      followed by a 5-day triple therapy (20 mg of rabeprazole, 500 mg of
      clarithromycin, and 500 mg of metronidazole, twice daily). RESULTS: The intention
      to-treat (ITT) and per-protocol (PP) eradication rates were 62.2% (95% CI 54.8
      69.6%) and 76.0% (95% CI 68.5-83.5%) in the standard triple group, and 77.8% (95%
      CI 71.4-84.2%) and 87.9% (95% CI 82.3-93.5%) in the sequential group,
      respectively. The eradication rate was significantly higher in the sequential
      group compared with the standard triple group in both the ITT and PP populations
      (P = 0.002 and P = 0.013 respectively), whereas the incidence of adverse events
      was similar. CONCLUSIONS: Ten-day sequential therapy is more effective and
      equally tolerated for eradication of H. pylori infection compared with standard
      triple therapy. Sequential therapy may have a role as first-line treatment for H.
      pylori infection.

PMID- 22066531
TI  - Bacterial cytoplasm production of an EGFP-labeled single-chain Fv antibody
      specific for the HER2 human receptor.
AB  - The human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is the main diagnostic marker
      of breast and ovary cancers. Here, to obtain a rapid and sensitive
      immunodiagnostic tool a single-chain antibody (scFv800E6) specific for the HER2
      was fused to the N-terminus of the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) by a
      flexible linker. The soluble production of the novel scFv800E6-EGFP protein in
      the cytoplasm of Escherichia coli was investigated at different induction
      temperatures (25, 30 and 37 degrees C); the intrinsic fluorescent properties and
      the binding activity to HER2 positive tumour cells of the fusion protein were
      analysed. Western blotting and fluorescence analysis of SDS-PAGE revealed the
      presence of two scFv800E6-EGFP forms, with different mobility and optical
      properties, their ratio depending on the induction temperature. The fluorescent
      form maintained the optical fluorescence properties of EGFP and exhibited a
      binding activity to the HER2-expressing cells comparable to that of the non-fused
      scFv800E6. In addition, to provide an insight into the effect of the induction
      temperature on the molecular structure, the folding of the fusion protein was
      assessed at atomic level by performing molecular dynamics simulations of the
      homology-derived model of scFv800E6-EGFP at 300 K and 310 K. The comparison of
      the data collected at these two temperatures revealed that the higher temperature
      affects specific structural elements. To improve the production of the soluble
      and functional scFv800E6-EGFP protein, "in silico" results could be utilised for
      ad hoc design of the molecular structure.

PMID- 22066532
TI  - Role of salt bridge dynamics in inter domain recognition of human IMPDH isoforms:
      an insight to inhibitor topology for isoform-II.
AB  - Inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH) enzyme involves in the biosynthesis
      pathway of guanosine nucleotide. Type II isoform of the enzyme is selectively
      upregulated in neoplastic fast replicating lymphocytes and CML cancer cells. The
      hIMPDH-II is an excellent target for antileukemic agent. The detailed
      investigation during MD-Simulation (15 ns) of three different unliganded
      structures (1B3O, 1JCN and 1JR1) have clearly explored the salt bridge mediated
      stabilization of inter or intra domain (catalytic domains I(N), I(C) with res.
      Id. 28-111 and 233-504, whereas two CBS domains C1, C2 are 112-171 and 172-232)
      in IMPDH enzyme which are mostly inaccessible in their X-rays structures. The
      salt bridge interaction in I(N)---C1 inter-domain of hIMPDH-I, I(N)---C2 of IMPDH
      II and C1---I(C) of nhIMPDH-II are discriminative features among the isoforms.
      The I(N)---C2 recognition in hIMPDH-II (1B3O) is missing in type-I isoform
      (1JCN). The salt bridge interaction D232---K238 at the surface of protein and the
      involvement of three conserved water molecules or the hydrophilic centers
      (WA232(OD1), WB 232(OD2) and W238(NZ)) to those acidic and basic residues seem to
      be unique in hIMPDH-II. The hydrophilic susceptibility, geometrical and
      electronic consequences of this salt bridge interaction could be useful to design
      the topology of specific inhibitor for hIMPDH-II which may not be effective for
      hIMPDH-I. Possibly, the aliphatic ligand containing carboxyl, amide or
      hydrophilic groups with flexible structure may be implicated for hIMPDH-II
      inhibitor design using the conserved water mimic drug design protocol.

PMID- 22066533
TI  - The effect of thiobarbituric acid on tyrosinase: inhibition kinetics and
      computational simulation.
AB  - Tyrosinase plays various roles in organisms and much research has focused on the
      regulation of tyrosinase activity. We studied the inhibitory effect of
      thiobarbituric acid (TBA) on tyrosinase. Our kinetic study showed that TBA
      inhibited tyrosinase in a reversible noncompetitive manner (K(i) 5 14.0 +/- 8.5
      mM and IC50 5 8.0 +/- 1.0 mM). Intrinsic and ANS-binding fluorescences studies
      were also performed to gain more information regarding the binding mechanism. The
      results showed that no tertiary structural changes were obviously observed. For
      further insight, we predicted the 3D structure of tyrosinase and simulated the
      docking between tyrosinase and TBA. The docking simulation was successful with
      significant scores (binding energy for AutoDock4: -5.52 kcal/mol) and suggested
      that TBA was located in the active site. The 11 ns molecular dynamics simulation
      convinced that the four HIS residues (residue numbers: 57, 90, 250, and 282) were
      commonly responsible for the interaction with TBA. Our results provide a new
      inhibition strategy that works using an antioxidant rather than targeting the
      copper ions within the tyrosinase active site.

PMID- 22066534
TI  - Lose weight with traditional chinese medicine? Potential suppression of fat mass
      and obesity-associated protein.
AB  - Overweight and obesity are common health problems in modern society, particularly
      in developed countries. Excessive body mass has been linked to numerous diseases,
      such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer. Fat mass and obesity
      associated protein (FTO) activity have direct impact on food intake and results
      in obesity. Inhibition of FTO activity may cause weight loss and reduce obese
      linked health risks. We investigated the potential weight loss effects of
      traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), particularly by inhibiting FTO functions.
      Molecular docking was performed to screen TCM compounds from TCM Database@Taiwan
      (http://tcm.cmu.edu.tw). Three candidates were identified that contained either a
      tetrahydropyridine group or potent electronegative phenol group in the structure
      scaffold. Molecular dynamics simulation analysis of the docking poses of each
      complex indicated stabilizing trends in the protein-ligand complex movements. In
      addition, the number of hydrogen bonds increased throughout the 20 ns simulation.
      These results suggest that these TCM candidates could be potential FTO inhibitors
      through competitive inhibition.

PMID- 22066535
TI  - High-resolution crystal structure of spectrin SH3 domain fused with a proline
      rich peptide.
AB  - A new chimeric protein, named WT-CIIA, was designed by connecting the proline
      rich decapeptide PPPVPPYSAG to the C-terminus of the alpha-spectrin SH3 domain
      through a natural twelve-residue linker to obtain a single-chain model that would
      imitate intramolecular SH3-ligand interaction. The crystal structure of this
      fusion protein was determined at 1.7 A resolution. The asymmetric unit of the
      crystal contained two SH3 globules contacting with one PPPVPPY fragment located
      between them. The domains are related by the two-fold non-crystallographic axis
      and the ligand lies in two opposite orientations with respect to the conservative
      binding sites of SH3 domains.

PMID- 22066536
TI  - Mechanical transduction mechanisms of RecA-like molecular motors.
AB  - A majority of ATP-dependent molecular motors are RecA-like proteins, performing
      diverse functions in biology. These RecA-like molecular motors consist of a
      highly conserved core containing the ATP-binding site. Here I examined how ATP
      binding within this core is coupled to the conformational changes of different
      RecA-like molecular motors. Conserved hydrogen bond networks and conformational
      changes revealed two major mechanical transduction mechanisms: (1) intra-domain
      conformational changes and (2) inter-domain conformational changes. The intra
      domain mechanism has a significant hydrogen bond rearrangement within the domain
      containing the P-loop, causing relative motion between two parts of the protein.
      The inter-domain mechanism exhibits little conformational change in the P-loop
      domain. Instead, the major conformational change is observed between the P-loop
      domain and an adjacent domain or subunit containing the arginine finger. These
      differences in the mechanical transduction mechanisms may link to the underlying
      energy surface governing a Brownian ratchet or a power stroke.

PMID- 22066537
TI  - Dynamics of endoglucanase catalytic domains: implications towards
      thermostability.
AB  - Thermostable endoglucanases play a crucial role in the production of biofuels to
      breakdown plant cellulose. Analyzing their structure-dynamics relationship can
      inform about the origins of their thermostability. Although tertiary structures
      of many endoglucanase proteins are available, the relationship between
      thermostability, structure, and dynamics is not explored fully. We have generated
      elastic network models for thermostable and mesostable endoglucanases with the
      (alphabeta)8 fold in substrate bound and unbound states. The comparative analyses
      shed light on the relation between protein dynamics, thermostability, and
      substrate binding. We observed specific differences in the dynamic behavior of
      catalytic residues in slow modes: while both the nucleophile and the acid/base
      donor residues show positively correlated motions in the thermophile, their
      dynamics is uncoupled in the mesophile. Our proof-of-concept comparison study
      suggests that global dynamics can be harnessed to further our understanding of
      thermostability.

PMID- 22066538
TI  - Why the OPLS-AA force field cannot produce the beta-hairpin structure of H1
      peptide in solution when comparing with the GROMOS 43A1 force field?
AB  - The optimal combination of force field and water model is an essential problem
      that is able to increase molecular dynamics simulation quality for different
      types of proteins and peptides. In this work, an attempt has been made to explore
      the problem by studying H1 peptide using four different models based on different
      force fields, water models and electrostatic schemes. The driving force for H1
      peptide conformation transition and the reason why the OPLS-AA force field cannot
      produce the beta-hairpin structure of H1 peptide in solution while the GROMOS
      43A1 force field can do were investigated by temperature replica exchange
      molecular dynamics simulation (T-REMD). The simulation using the GROMOS 43A1
      force field preferred to adopt a beta-hairpin structure, which was in good
      agreement with the several other simulations and the experimental evidences.
      However, the simulation using the OPLS-AA force field has a significant
      difference from the simulations with the GROMOS 43A1 force field simulation. The
      results show that the driving force in H1 peptide conformation transition is
      solvent exposure of its hydrophobic residues. However, the subtle balances
      between residue-residue interactions and residue-solvent interaction are
      disrupted by using the OPLS-AA force field, which induced the reduction in the
      number of residue-residue contact. Similar solvent exposure of the hydrophobic
      residues is observed for all the conformations sampled using the OPLS-AA force
      field. For H1 peptide which exhibits large solvent exposure of the hydrophobic
      residues, the GROMOS 43A1 force field with the SPC water model can provide more
      accurate results.

PMID- 22066539
TI  - Structure and energy of non-canonical basepairs: comparison of various
      computational chemistry methods with crystallographic ensembles.
AB  - Different types of non-canonical basepairs, in addition to the Watson-Crick ones,
      are observed quite frequently in RNA. Their importance in the three dimensional
      structure is not fully understood, but their various roles have been proposed by
      different groups. We have analyzed the energetics and geometry of 32 most
      frequently observed basepairs in the functional RNA crystal structures using
      different popular empirical, semi-empirical and ab initio quantum chemical
      methods and compared their optimized geometry with the crystal data. These
      basepairs are classified into three categories: polar, non-polar and sugar
      mediated, depending on the types of atoms involved in hydrogen bonding. In case
      of polar basepairs, most of the methods give rise to optimized structures close
      to their initial geometry. The interaction energies also follow similar trends,
      with the polar ones having more attractive interaction energies. Some of the C
      H...O/N hydrogen bond mediated non-polar basepairs are also found to be
      significantly stable in terms of their interaction energy values. Few polar
      basepairs, having amino or carboxyl groups not hydrogen bonded to anything, such
      as G:G H:W C, show large flexibility. Most of the non-polar basepairs, except A:G
      s:s T and A:G w:s C, are found to be stable; indicating C-H...O/N interaction
      also plays a prominent role in stabilizing the basepairs. The sugar mediated
      basepairs show variability in their structures, due to the involvement of
      flexible ribose sugar. These presumably indicate that the most of the polar
      basepairs along with few non-polar ones act as seed for RNA folding while few may
      act as some conformational switch in the RNA.

PMID- 22066540
TI  - Unique hole-trapping property of the human telomere sequence.
AB  - The hypothetical protection of genes from oxidative damage provided by the G-rich
      telomeric overhangs located at the end of chromosomes, which consist, in humans,
      of single strands of TTAGGG sequence repeats, is investigated here. First
      principle Moller-Plesset perturbation theory calculations reveal that the TTAGGG
      human telomere sequence is particularly prone to oxidation and can act as a
      profound hole trap as deep as a sequence of five consecutive guanines. In
      addition, we show that the sequence dependence is very important and that
      modifications in the human telomeric sequence can induce crucial changes in the
      electronic structure of the sequence, with concomitant increase of the ionization
      energy. These theoretical results provide, for the first time, quantitative data
      indicating a high and unique efficiency of the human telomeric sequence as a trap
      in long-range hole migration which will aid in the design of subsequent
      experiments.

PMID- 22066541
TI  - How flexible are DNA constituents? The quantum-mechanical study.
AB  - Relaxed force constants (RFCs) and vibrational root-mean-square deviations have
      been evaluated by the original calculation method for conformational parameters
      of the DNA structural units and their constituents: nucleic acid bases (uracile,
      thymine, cytosine, adenine and guanine) and their 'building blocks' (benzene,
      pyrimidine, imidazole and purine molecules), as well as the DNA backbone
      structural units: tetrahydrofuran, 1,2-dideoxyribose, methanol and
      orthophosphoric acid. It has been found that the RFCs for nomenclature torsions
      beta, gamma, epsilon; and sugar pseudorotation angle P in 1,2-dideoxyribose are
      sensible to the molecule conformation and their values are in the range of 1-25
      kcal/(mole.rad2) obeying the inequality K(gamma)> K(epsilon) > K(rho) > K(beta).
      The RFCs values for endocyclic torsions of nucleic acid bases six-member rings
      lie within 15-45 kcal/(mole.rad2) in pyrimidines and within 20-60
      kcal/(mole.rad2) in purines. It is shown that the quantum zero-point motion
      effectively neglects the amino group non-planarity in cytosine, adenine and
      partially in guanine.

PMID- 22066542
TI  - Nucleosome positioning patterns derived from human apoptotic nucleosomes.
AB  - This communication reports on the nucleosome positioning patterns (bendability
      matrices) for the human genome, derived from over 8_million nucleosome DNA
      sequences obtained from apoptotically digested lymphocytes. This digestion
      procedure is used here for the first time for the purpose of extraction and
      sequencing of the nucleosome DNA fragments. The dominant motifs suggested by the
      matrices of DNA bendability calculated for light and heavy isochores are
      significantly different. Both, however, are in full agreement with the linear
      description YRRRRRYYYYYR, and with earlier derivations by N-gram extensions.
      Thus, the choice of the nucleosome positioning patterns crucially depends on the
      G + C composition of the analyzed sequences.

PMID- 22066543
TI  - Effect of the alkaline cations on the stability of the model polynucleotide
      poly(dG-dC).poly(dG-dC).
AB  - When the model polynucleotide poly(dG-dC)?poly(dG-dC) [polyGC] is titrated with a
      strong acid (HCl) in unbuffered aqueous solutions containing the chlorides of the
      alkali metals in the concentration range 0.010 M-0.600 M, two transitions in the
      absorbance vs. pH plots are evidenced, characterized by the constants pK(a(1))
      and pK(a(2)). The limiting values at infinite saline concentrations of these two
      constants, namely pK(infinity)(a(1)) and pK(infinity)(a(2)) obtained making use
      of the "one site saturation constant" equation or, in turn, of the double
      logarithmic plot: pK(a) vs. log([salt]-1), exhibit a clear dependence on the
      nature of the cations. The effects of the different alkali cations on the
      pK(infinity)(a) values follow the Hofmeister series. In fact, the
      pK(infinity)(a(1)) and the pK(infinity)(a(2)) values are smaller for Li+ and Na+
      than for Rb+ and Cs+, with K+ at the border between the two, showing that the
      transitions require higher concentrations of protons to occur in the presence of
      high concentrations of the cosmotropic ions.

PMID- 22066544
TI  - Retraction: Molecular modeling and molecular dynamics simulation studies of Delta
      Notch complex.
AB  - Majumder R, Roy, S, Thakur AR, J Biomol Struct Dyn .2011 Oct;29(2):297-310.
      According to a letter that the Journal received as an attachment to an email
      dated September 27, 2011 from the senior author Prof. Ashoke Ranjan Thakur, they
      have indicated to have their paper retracted, because an original reviewer raised
      questions (when he saw the published copy) regarding the correctness assignment
      of a residue number in their calculation. The authors have already started the
      recalculation. They intend to submit the whole paper back again for consideration
      for publication in a future issue of the Journal.

PMID- 22066545
TI  - Predictive value of the baseline T-QRS ratio of the fetal electrocardiogram in
      intrapartum fetal monitoring: a prospective cohort study.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the added value of the baseline T/QRS ratio to other known
      risk factors in predicting adverse outcome and interventions for suspected fetal
      distress. DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. SETTING: Three academic and six non
      academic teaching hospitals in the Netherlands. POPULATION: Laboring women with a
      high-risk cephalic singleton pregnancy beyond 36 weeks of gestation. METHODS: We
      obtained STAN((r)) recordings (ST-analysis, Neoventa, Sweden) from two previous
      studies. Three patient groups were defined: cases with adverse outcome, cases
      with emergency delivery because of suspected fetal distress without adverse
      outcome, and a reference group of uncomplicated cases. Baseline T/QRS ratios
      among the adverse outcome and intervention for suspected fetal distress cases
      were compared to those of the uncomplicated cases. The ability of baseline T/QRS
      to predict adverse outcome and suspected fetal distress was determined using a
      multivariable logistic model. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The added value of the
      baseline T/QRS to other known risk factors in the prediction of adverse outcome
      and interventions for suspected fetal distress. RESULTS: From 3462 recordings,
      2459 were available for analysis. Median baseline T/QRS for uncomplicated cases,
      adverse outcome and interventions for suspected fetal distress were 0.12 (range
      0.00-0.52), 0.12 (0.00-0.42) and 0.13 (0.00-0.39), respectively. There was no
      statistical difference between these groups. Multivariable analysis showed no
      added value of baseline T/QRS in the prediction of either adverse outcome or
      interventions for suspected fetal distress. CONCLUSION: Baseline T/QRS has no
      added value in the prediction of adverse neonatal outcome or interventions for
      suspected fetal distress.

PMID- 22066546
TI  - Bacterial community composition in low-flowing river water  with different
      sources of pollutants.
AB  - Pollution of water resources is a major risk to human health and water quality
      throughout the world. The purpose of this study was to determine the influence of
      pollutant sources from agricultural activities, urban runoffs, and runoffs from
      wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) on bacterial communities in a low-flowing
      river. Bacterial community structure was monitored using terminal restriction
      fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) and 16S rRNA gene clone library. The
      results were analyzed using nonmetric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) and
      UniFrac, coupled with principal coordinate analysis (PCoA) to compare diversity,
      abundance, community structure, and specific functional groups of bacteria in
      surface water affected by nonpoint sources. From all the sampling points,
      Bacteria were numerically dominated by three phyla - the Proteobacteria,
      Bacteroidetes, and Cyanobacteria - accounting for the majority of taxa detected.
      Overall results, using the b diversity measures UniFrac, coupled with PCoA,
      showed that bacterial contamination of the low-flowing river was not
      significantly different between agricultural activities and urban runoff.

PMID- 22066547
TI  - Copper-mediated reduction of CO2 with pinB-SiMe2Ph via CO2 insertion into a
      copper-silicon bond.
AB  - Reaction of [(IPr)Cu-OtBu] (1) with pinB-SiMe(2)Ph (2) leads to the Cu-silyl
      complex [(IPr)Cu-SiMe(2)Ph] (3). Insertion of CO(2) into the Cu-Si bond of 3 is
      followed by transformation of the resulting silanecarboxy complex [(IPr)Cu
      O(2)CSiMe(2)Ph] (4) to the silanolate complex [(IPr)Cu-OSiMe(2)Ph] (5) via
      extrusion of CO. As 5 reacts readily with 2 to regenerate 3, a catalytic CO(2)
      reduction to CO is feasible. The individual steps were studied by in situ(13)C
      NMR spectroscopy of a series of stoichiometric reactions. Complexes 3, 4, and 5
      were isolated and fully characterized, including single-crystal X-ray diffraction
      studies. Interestingly, the catalytic reduction of CO(2) using silylborane 2 as a
      stoichiometric reducing agent leads not only to CO and pinB-O-SiMe(2)Ph but also
      to PhMe(2)Si-CO(2)-SiMe(2)Ph as an additional reduction product.

PMID- 22066548
TI  - Autophagy in stem cell maintenance and differentiation.
AB  - Autophagy is a lysosome-dependent degradation pathway that allows cells to
      recycle damaged or superfluous cytoplasmic content, such as proteins, organelles,
      and lipids. As a consequence of autophagy, the cells generate metabolic
      precursors for macromolecular biosynthesis or ATP generation. Deficiencies in
      this pathway were associated to several pathological conditions, such as
      neurodegenerative and cardiac diseases, cancer, and aging. The aim of this review
      is to summarize recent discoveries showing that autophagy also plays a critical
      role in stem cell maintenance and in a variety of cell differentiation processes.
      We also discuss a possible role for autophagy during cellular reprogramming and
      induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell generation by taking advantage of ATP
      generation for chromatin remodeling enzyme activity and mitophagy. Finally, the
      significance of autophagy modulation is discussed in terms of augmenting
      efficiency of iPS cell generation and differentiation processes.

PMID- 22066549
TI  - In consideration of GMOs: a virtual special issue of the Plant Biotechnology
      Journal.

PMID- 22066551
TI  - 10-year survival of total ankle arthroplasties: a report on 780 cases from the
      Swedish Ankle Register.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: There is an ongoing need to review large series of total
      ankle replacements (TARs) for monitoring of changes in practice and their
      outcome. 4 national registries, including the Swedish Ankle Register, have
      previously reported their 5-year results. We now present an extended series with
      a longer follow-up, and with a 10-year survival analysis. PATIENTS AND METHODS:
      Records of uncemented 3-component TARs were retrospectively reviewed, determining
      risk factors such as age, sex, and diagnosis. Prosthetic survival rates were
      calculated with exchange or removal of components as endpoint-excluding
      incidental exchange of the polyethylene meniscus. RESULTS: Of the 780 prostheses
      implanted since 1993, 168 (22%) had been revised by June 15, 2010. The overall
      survival rate fell from 0.81 (95% CI: 0.79-0.83) at 5 years to 0.69 (95% CI: 0.67
      0.71) at 10 years. The survival rate was higher, although not statistically
      significantly so, during the latter part of the period investigated. Excluding
      the STAR prosthesis, the survival rate for all the remaining designs was 0.78 at
      10 years. Women below the age of 60 with osteoarthritis were at a higher risk of
      revision, but age did not influence the outcome in men or women with rheumatoid
      arthritis. Revisions due to technical mistakes at the index surgery and
      instability were undertaken earlier than revisions for other reasons.
      INTERPRETATION: The results have slowly improved during the 18-year period
      investigated. However, we do not believe that the survival rates of ankle
      replacements in the near future will approach those of hip and knee replacements
      even though improved instrumentation and design of the prostheses, together with
      better patient selection, will presumably give better results.

PMID- 22066552
TI  - Survival and prognostic factors in chondrosarcoma: results in 115 patients with
      long-term follow-up.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: There have been few long-term studies on the outcome of
      chondrosarcoma and the findings regarding prognostic factors are controversial.
      We examined a homogeneous group of patients with primary central chondrosarcoma
      of bone who were treated according to a uniform surgical protocol at our
      institution, in order to determine the factors that influence survival and
      identify potential improvements to our therapeutic algorithm. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: We performed a retrospective analysis of 115 patients with primary
      central chondrosarcoma of bone who presented with localized disease and who had a
      minimum follow-up of 5 years after diagnosis. 68 tumors were localized in the
      extremities and 47 in the axial skeleton or pelvis. 59 patients had a high-grade
      (II and III) and 56 a low-grade (I) tumor. 94 patients underwent surgical
      resection with adequate (wide or radical) margins, while 21 patients had
      inadequate (marginal or intralesional) margins. RESULTS: Tumor grade and
      localization were found to be statistically significant independent predictors of
      disease-related deaths in multivariate analysis. The quality of surgical margins
      did not influence survival. The AJCC staging system was able to predict prognosis
      in patients with chondrosarcoma of the extremities, but not in those with tumors
      of the axial skeleton and pelvis. Long-term survival after secondary metastatic
      disease was only observed when metastases were resected with wide margins.
      Patients with metastases who received further treatment with conventional
      chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and/or further surgery had significantly better
      survival compared to those who received best supportive care. INTERPRETATION: The
      outcome in patients with primary central chondrosarcoma of bone who present with
      localized disease is mostly affected by tumor-related parameters.

PMID- 22066553
TI  - High rate of complications and radiographic loosening of the biaxial total wrist
      arthroplasty in rheumatoid arthritis: 32 wrists followed for 6 (5-8) years.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The third generation of total wrist arthroplasty (TWA)
      was designed to solve the early loosening problem, but there have been few long
      term follow-ups. We present the outcome of the biaxial total wrist prosthesis (no
      longer available) after 5-8 years of follow-up. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 40 biaxial
      wrist prostheses were implanted uncemented in 36 patients with rheumatoid
      arthritis. 32 wrists were followed clinically and radiographically. 7 prostheses
      had been revised at median 21 (8-71) months; 1 patient died from an unrelated
      cause. Mean follow-up of the remaining 32 wrists was 6 (5-8) years. Kaplan-Meier
      survival analysis was performed with revision defined as failure. RESULTS:
      Survival after 7 years was 81% (95% CI: 64-91). There were 31 complications. 22
      wrists showed radiographic loosening. Range of motion improved, except for
      pronation. The mean DASH score improved and the median postoperative pain score
      (from 0 to 10) was 0 (0-6) at rest and 0 (0-7) during activity. INTERPRETATION:
      One quarter of the prostheses had been revised and radiographic loosening had
      occurred in two thirds of the cases. Radiographic and clinical follow-up is
      therefore necessary for patients with this implant.

PMID- 22066554
TI  - Low infection rates after 34,361 intramedullary nail operations in 55 low- and
      middle-income countries: validation of the Surgical Implant Generation Network
      (SIGN) online surgical database.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The Surgical Implant Generation Network (SIGN) supplies
      intramedullary (IM) nails for the treatment of long bone fractures free of charge
      to hospitals in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Most operations are
      reported to the SIGN Online Surgical Database (SOSD). Follow-up has been reported
      to be low, however. We wanted to examine the pattern of follow-up and to assess
      whether infection rates could be trusted. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The SOSD
      contained 36,454 IM nail surgeries in 55 LMICs. We excluded humerus and hip
      fractures, and fractures without a registered surgical approach. This left 34,361
      IM nails for analysis. A generalized additive regression model (gam) was used to
      explore the association between follow-up rates and infection rates. RESULTS: The
      overall follow-up rate in the SOSD was 18.1% (95% CI: 17.7-18.5) and national
      follow-up rates ranged from 0% to 74.2%. The overall infection rate was 0.7% (CI:
      0.6-0.8) for femoral fractures and 1.2% (CI: 1.0-1.4) for tibial fractures. If
      only nails with a registered follow-up visit were included (n = 6,224), infection
      rates were 3.5% (CI: 3.0-4.1) for femoral fractures and 7.3% (CI: 6.2-8.4) for
      tibial fractures. We found an increase in infection rates with increasing follow
      up rates up to a level of 5%. Follow-up above 5% did not result in increased
      infection rates. INTERPRETATION: Reported infection rates after IM nailing in the
      SOSD appear to be reliable and could be used for further research. The low
      infection rates suggest that IM nailing is a safe procedure also in low- and
      middle-income countries.

PMID- 22066555
TI  - High degree of kinesiophobia after lumbar disc herniation surgery: a cross
      sectional study of 84 patients .
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Several studies have investigated outcomes after disc
      surgery. However, the occurrence of kinesiophobia has not been investigated
      previously in patients after disc herniation surgery. In this cross-sectional
      study, we investigated kinesiophobia in patients who had been treated surgically
      for lumbar disc herniation, and we related the results to established outcome
      measures. PATIENTS AND METHODS: 10-34 months after surgery, questionnaires were
      sent to 97 patients who had undergone standardized open discectomy. Outcome
      measures included Tampa scale for kinesiophobia (TSK); Oswestry disability index
      (ODI); European quality of life in 5 dimensions (EQ-5D); visual analog scale
      (VAS) for leg and back pain, work disability, and patient satisfaction; Zung self
      rating depression scale (ZDS); pain catastrophizing scale (PCS); and a self
      efficacy scale (SES). RESULTS: 36 of 80 patients reported having kinesiophobia.
      There were statistically significant differences in ODI, EQ-5D, VAS leg and back
      pain, ZDS, PCS, and SES between patients with and without kinesiophobia.
      INTERPRETATION: Half of the patients suffered from kinesiophobia 10-34 months
      after surgery for disc herniation. These patients were more disabled, had more
      pain, more catastrophizing thoughts, more symptoms of depression, lower self
      efficacy, and poorer health-related quality of life than patients without
      kinesiophobia.

PMID- 22066556
TI  - Improved spinal fusion efficacy by long-term delivery of bone morphogenetic
      protein-2 in a rabbit model.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Various new delivery systems for recombinant human bone
      morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) have been introduced to improve its efficacy in
      osteogenesis. Of these, we have previously developed heparin-conjugated PLGA
      nanospheres (HCPN) as a long-term delivery system for BMP-2. In vitro studies
      have shown that the BMP-2 long-term delivery system enhances the level of bone
      formation. However, the long-term effects of BMP-2 on spinal fusion have not been
      assessed. Therefore, we now tested the hypothesis that the long-term delivery of
      BMP-2 using HCPN improves spinal fusion compared to short-term delivery in a
      rabbit fusion model. METHODS: 24 adult New Zealand White rabbits underwent
      posterolateral fusion (6 animals in 4 groups). The autograft group received an
      autologous iliac chip bone graft as a positive control. The BMP-2-PN group
      received rhBMP-2 (20 MUg per implant) and PLGA nanospheres (PN) suspended in
      fibrin gel, and served as a short-term release group. The HCPN group received
      HCPN suspended in fibrin gel without BMP-2 as a negative control. The BMP-2-HCPN
      group received rhBMP-2 (20 MUg per implant)-bound HCPN suspended in fibrin gel
      and served as a long-term release group. All animals were killed 12 weeks after
      surgery. Manual palpation, axial tensile tests, radiography, and histological
      evaluations were then performed. RESULTS: The spinal fusion rate and Young's
      modulus of the fusion mass were better in the BMP-2 long-term delivery group than
      in the short-term delivery group at an equivalent dose. However, the outcome of
      the long-term delivery was inferior to that of the autograft group.
      INTERPRETATION: The HCPN system showed potential as an effective carrier that
      might improve the osteogenic efficacy of BMP-2 for spinal fusion.

PMID- 22066557
TI  - Atypical fracture of the ulna associated with alendronate use.

PMID- 22066558
TI  - Maximum temperatures of 89 degrees C recorded during the mechanical preparation
      of 35 femoral heads for resurfacing.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: We noticed that our instruments were often too hot to
      touch after preparing the femoral head for resurfacing, and questioned whether
      the heat generated could exceed temperatures known to cause osteonecrosis.
      PATIENTS AND METHODS: Using an infra-red thermal imaging camera, we measured real
      time femoral head temperatures during femoral head reaming in 35 patients
      undergoing resurfacing hip arthroplasty. 7 patients received an ASR, 8 received a
      Cormet, and 20 received a Birmingham resurfacing arthroplasty. RESULTS: The
      maximum temperature recorded was 89 degrees C. The temperature exceeded 47
      degrees C in 28 patients and 70 degrees C in 11. The mean duration of most stages
      of head preparation was less than 1 min. The mean time exceeded 1 min only on
      peripheral head reaming of the ASR system. At temperatures lower than 47 degrees
      C, only 2 femoral heads were exposed long enough to cause osteonecrosis. The
      highest mean maximum temperatures recorded were 54 degrees C when the proximal
      femoral head was resected with an oscillating saw and 47 degrees C during
      peripheral reaming with the crown drill. The modified new Birmingham resurfacing
      proximal femoral head reamer substantially reduced the maximum temperatures
      generated. Lavage reduced temperatures to a mean of 18 degrees C. INTERPRETATION:
      11 patients were subjected to temperatures sufficient to cause osteonecrosis
      secondary to thermal insult, regardless of the duration of reaming. In 2 cases
      only, the length of reaming was long enough to induce damage at lower
      temperatures. Lavage and sharp instruments should reduce the risk of thermal
      insult during hip resurfacing.

PMID- 22066559
TI  - Similar TKA designs with differences in clinical outcome: a randomized,
      controlled trial of 77 knees with a mean follow-up of 6 years.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: To try to improve the outcome of our TKAs, we started to
      use the CKS prosthesis. However, in a retrospective analysis this design tended
      to give worse results. We therefore conducted a randomized, controlled trial
      comparing this CKS prosthesis and our standard PFC prosthesis. Because many
      randomized studies between different TKA concepts generally fail to show
      superiority of a particular design, we hypothesized that these seemingly similar
      designs would not lead to any difference in clinical outcome. PATIENTS AND
      METHODS: 82 patients (90 knees) were randomly allocated to one or other
      prosthesis, and 39 CKS prostheses and 38 PFC prostheses could be followed for
      mean 5.6 years. No patients were lost to follow-up. At each follow-up, patients
      were evaluated clinically and radiographically, and the KSS, WOMAC, VAS patient
      satisfaction scores and VAS for pain were recorded. RESULTS: With total Knee
      Society score (KSS) as primary endpoint, there was a difference in favor of the
      PFC group at final follow-up (p = 0.04). Whereas there was one revision in the
      PFC group, there were 6 revisions in the CKS group (p = 0.1). The survival
      analysis with any reoperation as endpoint showed better survival in the PFC group
      (97% (95% CI: 92-100) for the PFC group vs. 79% (95% CI: 66-92) for the CKS
      group) (p = 0.02). INTERPRETATION: Our hypothesis that there would be no
      difference in clinical outcome was rejected in this study. The PFC system showed
      excellent results that were comparable to those in previous reports. The CKS
      design had differences that had considerable negative consequences clinically.
      The relatively poor results have discouraged us from using this design.

PMID- 22066560
TI  - Why still in hospital after fast-track hip and knee arthroplasty?
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Length of stay (LOS) following total hip and knee
      arthroplasty (THA and TKA) has been reduced to about 3 days in fast-track setups
      with functional discharge criteria. Earlier studies have identified patient
      characteristics predicting LOS, but little is known about specific reasons for
      being hospitalized following fast-track THA and TKA. PATIENTS AND METHODS: To
      determine clinical and logistical factors that keep patients in hospital for the
      first postoperative 24-72 hours, we performed a cohort study of consecutive,
      unselected patients undergoing unilateral primary THA (n = 98) or TKA (n = 109).
      Median length of stay was 2 days. Patients were operated with spinal anesthesia
      and received multimodal analgesia with paracetamol, a COX-2 inhibitor, and
      gabapentin-with opioid only on request. Fulfillment of functional discharge
      criteria was assessed twice daily and specified reasons for not allowing
      discharge were registered. RESULTS: Pain, dizziness, and general weakness were
      the main clinical reasons for being hospitalized at 24 and 48 hours
      postoperatively while nausea, vomiting, confusion, and sedation delayed discharge
      to a minimal extent. Waiting for blood transfusion (when needed), for start of
      physiotherapy, and for postoperative radiographic examination delayed discharge
      in one fifth of the patients. INTERPRETATION: Future efforts to enhance recovery
      and reduce length of stay after THA and TKA should focus on analgesia, prevention
      of orthostatism, and rapid recovery of muscle function.

PMID- 22066561
TI  - Risk of periprosthetic femur fracture after anterior cortical bone windowing: a
      mechanical analysis of short versus long cemented stems in pigs.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Removal of distal cement at femoral implant revision is
      technically challenging and is associated with complications such as cortical
      perforations. A technique that can reduce the risks and operating time is to make
      a small cortical window in the distal femur for enhanced access. We wanted to
      determine whether the use of long, bridging, cemented femoral stems is necessary
      to reduce the risk of postoperative periprosthetic fractures after using an
      anterior cortical bone window. METHODS: 66 fresh pig femurs underwent mechanical
      testing. Steel rods were implanted at 3 locations: (1) at the distal window edge,
      (2) 15 mm proximally to the cortical window edge, and (3) 15 mm distally. 54
      femurs were tested using a 3-point bending setup and 12 femurs were tested using
      a torsional load setup. RESULTS: Load to fracture ratio and bending stiffness
      ratio were similar in the 3 groups, for either the 3-point bending test or the
      torsional load test. INTERPRETATION: Our findings suggest that bypass of cortical
      windows with a revision femoral component may not reduce the risk of
      periprosthetic fracture.

PMID- 22066562
TI  - Infection after primary hip arthroplasty: a comparison of 3 Norwegian health
      registers.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: The aim of the present study was to assess incidence of
      and risk factors for infection after hip arthroplasty in data from 3 national
      health registries. We investigated differences in risk patterns between surgical
      site infection (SSI) and revision due to infection after primary total hip
      arthroplasty (THA) and hemiarthroplasty (HA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This
      observational study was based on prospective data from 2005-2009 on primary THAs
      and HAs from the Norwegian Arthroplasty Register (NAR), the Norwegian Hip
      Fracture Register (NHFR), and the Norwegian Surveillance System for Healthcare
      Associated Infections (NOIS). The Norwegian Patient Register (NPR) was used for
      evaluation of case reporting. Cox regression analyses were performed with
      revision due to infection as endpoint for data from the NAR and the NHFR, and
      with SSI as the endpoint for data from the NOIS. RESULTS: The 1-year incidence of
      SSI in the NOIS was 3.0% after THA (167/5,540) and 7.3% after HA (103/1,416). The
      1-year incidence of revision due to infection was 0.7% for THAs in the NAR
      (182/24,512) and 1.5% for HAs in the NHFR (128/8,262). Risk factors for SSI after
      THA were advanced age, ASA class higher than 2, and short duration of surgery.
      For THA, the risk factors for revision due to infection were male sex, advanced
      age, ASA class higher than 1, emergency surgery, uncemented fixation, and a
      National Nosocomial Infection Surveillance (NNIS) risk index of 2 or more. For
      HAs inserted after fracture, age less than 60 and short duration of surgery were
      risk factors of revision due to infection. INTERPRETATION: The incidences of SSI
      and revision due to infection after primary hip replacements in Norway are
      similar to those in other countries. There may be differences in risk pattern
      between SSI and revision due to infection after arthroplasty. The risk patterns
      for revision due to infection appear to be different for HA and THA.

PMID- 22066563
TI  - No improvement in long-term wear and revision rates with the second-generation
      Biomet cup (RingLoc) in young patients: 141 hips followed for median 12 years.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A number of excellent results with the cementless titanium femoral
      component of the Mallory Head Total Hip Replacement have been published.
      Unfortunately, these excellent results have been counteracted by the poor
      performance of the cementless titanium acetabular components. In 1994, the HexLoc
      acetabular component was replaced with a second-generation design, the RingLoc.
      We hypothesized that the new generation would have improved the results. METHODS:
      We retrospectively studied 111 consecutive patients (150 hips) younger than 55
      years. Median follow-up time was 14 (6-18) years for the HexLoc and 10 (1-14)
      years for the RingLoc. 7 patients were lost to follow-up and 7 patients died. The
      10-year survival rate, radiographic liner wear, and radiographic signs of
      prosthesis failure were compared between the 2 acetabular components. RESULTS:
      The Kaplan-Meier survival estimate with revision for any reason as the endpoint
      showed a 10-year survival of 89% (95% CI: 81-97) for the HexLoc and 92% (CI: 85
      98) for the RingLoc. The mean annual wear rate for the HexLoc was 0.16 (SD 0.16)
      mm and it was 0.15 (0.1) mm for the RingLoc (p = 0.3). The radiographic signs of
      failure were equally distributed between the 2 groups. INTERPRETATION: Compared
      to the HexLoc type, the RingLoc system did not improve the mean percentage
      survival at 10 years; nor did it reduce the liner wear. Despite correction of the
      known design flaws in the HexLoc design, the RingLoc system did not show a
      clinically relevant improvement compared to its predecessor.

PMID- 22066564
TI  - Adverse events in spine surgery in Sweden: a comparison of patient claims data
      and national quality register (Swespine) data .
AB  - BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Our knowledge of complications and adverse events in
      spinal surgery is limited, especially concerning incidence and consequences. We
      therefore investigated adverse events in spine surgery in Sweden by comparing
      patient claims data from the County Councils' Mutual Insurance Company register
      with data from the National Swedish Spine Register (Swespine). METHODS: We
      analyzed patient claims (n = 182) to the insurance company after spine surgery
      performed between 2003 and 2005. The medical records of the patients filing these
      claims were reviewed and compared with Swespine data for the same period.
      RESULTS: Two-thirds (119/182, 65%) of patients who claimed economic compensation
      from the insurance company were registered in Swespine. Of the 210 complications
      associated with these 182 claims, only 74 were listed in Swespine. The most
      common causes of compensated injuries (n = 139) were dural lesions (n = 40) and
      wound infections (n = 30). Clinical outcome based on global assessment, leg pain,
      disability, and quality of health was worse for patients who claimed economic
      compensation than for the total group of Swespine patients. INTERPRETATION: We
      found considerable under-reporting of complications in Swespine. Dural lesions
      and infections were not well recorded, although they were important reasons for
      problems and contributed to high levels of disability. By analyzing data from
      more than one source, we obtained a better understanding of the patterns of
      adverse events and outcomes after spine surgery.

PMID- 22066565
TI  - Metabolic strategies of free-living and aggregate-associated bacterial
      communities inferred from biologic and chemical profiles in the Black Sea suboxic
      zone.
AB  - The Black Sea is a permanently anoxic basin with a well-defined redox gradient.
      We combine environmental 16S rRNA gene data from clone libraries, terminal
      restriction fragment length polymorphisms, and V6 hypervariable region
      pyrosequences to provide the most detailed bacterial survey to date. Furthermore,
      this data set is informed by comprehensive geochemical data; using this
      combination of information, we put forward testable hypotheses regarding possible
      metabolisms of uncultured bacteria from the Black Sea's suboxic zone
      (microaerophily, nitrate reduction, manganese cycling, and oxidation of methane,
      ammonium, and sulfide). Dominant bacteria in the upper suboxic zone included
      members of the SAR11, SAR324, and Microthrix groups and in the deep suboxic zone
      included members of BS-GSO-2, Marine Group A, and SUP05. A particulate fraction
      (30 MUm filter) was used to distinguish between free-living and aggregate
      attached communities in the suboxic zone. The particulate fraction contained
      greater diversity of V6 tag sequences than the bulk water samples. Lentisphaera,
      Epsilonproteobacteria, WS3, Planctomycetes, and Deltaproteobacteria were enriched
      in the particulate fraction, whereas SAR11 relatives dominated the free-living
      fraction. On the basis of the bacterial assemblages and simple modeling, we find
      that in suboxic waters, the interior of sinking aggregates potentially support
      manganese reduction, sulfate reduction, and sulfur oxidation.

PMID- 22066566
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 22066567
TI  - Errata.

PMID- 22066568
TI  - A combination of clinical and microbiological management of generalized
      aggressive periodontitis in primary teeth. A case report.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Generalized aggressive periodontitis (GAP) in primary teeth is a rare
      periodontal disease that occurs during or soon after eruption of the primary
      teeth. An association with systemic diseases is a possibility. CASE REPORT: A 4
      year-old Brazilian girl presented with GAP involving the entire primary
      dentition. The patient and her parents and sister were subjected to
      microbiological testing to identify the microorganisms involved in the disease.
      The patient underwent tooth extraction to eradicate the disease and received a
      prosthesis for the restoration of masticatory function. After the permanent teeth
      erupted, fixed orthodontic appliances were place to restore dental arch form and
      occlusion. CONCLUSIONS: The results show the importance of an early diagnosis of
      GAP and of a multidisciplinary approach involving laboratory and clinical
      management to treat the disease and to restore masticatory function, providing a
      better quality of life for patients.

PMID- 22066569
TI  - Quantitative assessment of left ventricular systolic function in patients with
      coronary heart disease by velocity vector imaging.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the left ventricular (LV) longitudinal systolic function and
      asynchrony in patients with coronary atherosclerotic heart disease (CAD) by syngo
      velocity vector imaging (VVI). METHODS: Twenty-eight control subjects and 79
      patients with CAD were examined, including 28 patients with myocardial
      infarction, 26 patients with coronary lumen stenosis <50%, and 25 patients with
      myocardial ischemia. According to the results of coronary arteriography and
      electrocardiogram (ECG), the myocardial segments of the LV of CAD patients were
      divided into four groups: ischemic, infarcted, nonischemic, and normal. Dynamic
      imaging was performed on all subjects. The systolic peak strain (Smax), systolic
      strain rate (SRmax), time to peak strain (PTs), and time to peak strain rate
      (PTsr) in every cardiac cycle were measured. RESULTS: A total of 1,253 out of
      1,712 (96.5%) segments were successfully analyzed with VVI. Smax and SRmax of the
      ischemic and infarcted segments were impaired in CAD patients. Optimal
      sensitivity and specificity were obtained with strain and strain rate cutoffs of 
      14.08% and -0.83 s(-1) , respectively, for detecting ischemic segments and -6.65%
      and -0.38 s(-1) , respectively, for detecting infarcted segments. The PTs and
      PTsr were significantly longer in the ischemic and infarcted segments compared to
      those of the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Utilizing VVI, the longitudinal strain,
      strain rate, and peak time in CAD patients are easy to obtain and reproducible.
      Strain and strain rate cutoff values of abnormal myocardium are valuable for
      detecting ischemia and infarction. The PTs and PTsr values possibly estimate
      myocardium asynchrony in CAD patients.

PMID- 22066570
TI  - Morphine affects HIV-induced inflammatory response without influencing viral
      replication in human monocyte-derived macrophages.
AB  - Opiate-abusing individuals are in the top three risk-factor groups for HIV
      infection. In fact, almost 30% of HIV-infected individuals in the USA are
      reported to abuse opiates, highlighting the intersection of drugs of abuse with
      HIV/AIDS. Opiate-abusers are cognitively impaired and suffer from neurological
      dysfunctions that may lead to high-risk sexual behavior, poor adherence to
      antiretroviral regimens, and hepatitis-C virus infection. Collectively, these
      factors may contribute to accelerated HIV central nervous system (CNS) disease
      progression. To understand the role of morphine in disease progression, we sought
      to determine whether morphine influences HIV-induced inflammation or viral
      replication in human monocyte-derived macrophages (h-mdms) and MAGI cells
      infected with HIV and exposed to morphine. Chronic morphine exposure of HIV
      infected h-mdms led to significant alterations in the secretion of IL-6 and
      monocyte chemoattractant protein 2 (MCP-2). Morphine enhanced IL-6 secretion and
      blunted MCP-2 secretion from HIV-infected h-mdms. However, exposure of HIV
      infected h-mdms to morphine had no effect on tumor necrosis factor alpha
      secretion. Morphine had no effect on later stages of viral replication in HIV
      infected h-mdms. Morphine had a potentially additive effect on the HIV-induced
      production of IL-6 and delayed HIV-induced MCP-2 production. These results
      suggest that in HIV-infected opiate-abusers, enhanced CNS inflammation might
      result even when HIV disease is controlled.

PMID- 22066572
TI  - The role of the twin-arginine translocation pathway in Escherichia coli K1
      pathogenicity in the African migratory locust, Locusta migratoria.
AB  - Escherichia coli K1 infection is a major cause of neonatal meningitis, with high
      rates of mortality and disability. Despite years of research, only a small number
      of factors contributing to E. coli K1 virulence have been identified. The Tat
      (twin-arginine translocation) protein export system is found in the cytoplasmic
      membrane of E. coli and is involved in the transport of folded proteins. In vivo
      and ex vivo models using the African migratory locust, Locusta migratoria, were
      employed to explore the role of Tat pathway in E. coli K1 virulence using tat
      deletion mutants. Groups of locusts were infected and mortality was recorded at
      24-h intervals. The findings revealed that DeltatatA, DeltatatAC and Deltatat
      produced levels of mortality similar to wild-type E. coli K1, with >78% mortality
      recorded within 72 h. Bacteraemia was determined from haemolymph obtained 3 and
      24 h postinfection. Again, wild-type and DeltatatA produced similar levels of
      bacteraemia. In contrast, DeltatatAC and Deltatat produced lower levels of
      bacteraemia. Following injection of bacteria into isolated head capsules ex vivo,
      all mutants invaded the CNS. Overall, these studies showed no evidence of
      involvement of the Tat pathway in locust mortality but suggest its possible role
      in bacteraemia.

PMID- 22066571
TI  - Impact of aging on pulmonary responses to acute ozone exposure in mice: role of
      TNFR1.
AB  - CONTEXT: Chamber studies in adult humans indicate reduced responses to acute
      ozone with increasing age. Age-related changes in TNFalpha have been observed.
      TNFalpha induced inflammation is predominantly mediated through TNFR1. OBJECTIVE:
      To examine the impact of aging on inflammatory responses to acute ozone exposure
      in mice and determine the role of TNFR1 in age-related differences. MATERIALS AND
      METHODS: Wildtype and TNFR1 deficient (TNFR1(-/-)) mice aged 7 or 39 weeks were
      exposed to ozone (2 ppm for 3 h). Four hours after exposure, bronchoalveolar
      lavage (BAL) was performed and BAL cells, cytokines, chemokines, and protein were
      examined. RESULTS: Ozone-induced increases in BAL neutrophils and in neutrophil
      chemotactic factors were lower in 39- versus 7-week-old wildtype, but not (TNFR1(
      /-)) mice. There was no effect of TNFR1 genotype in 7-week-old mice, but in 39
      week-old mice, BAL neutrophils and BAL concentrations of MCP-1, KC, MIP-2, IL-6
      and IP-10 were significantly greater following ozone exposure in TNFR1(-/-)
      versus wildtype mice. BAL concentrations of the soluble form of the TNFR1
      receptor (sTNFR1) were substantially increased in 39-week-old versus 7-week-old
      mice, regardless of exposure. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: The data suggest that
      increased levels of sTNFR1 in the lungs of the 39-week-old mice may neutralize
      TNFalpha and protect these older mice against ozone-induced inflammation.

PMID- 22066573
TI  - Hyperglycaemia emerging during general anaesthesia induces rat acute kidney
      injury via impaired microcirculation, augmented apoptosis and inhibited cell
      proliferation.
AB  - AIM: Major surgery under general anaesthesia frequently triggers acute kidney
      injury by yet unknown mechanisms. We investigated the role of anaesthesia
      triggered systemic hyperglycaemia in impairment of renal functioning, renal
      tissue injury, intra-renal Angiotensin-II synthesis and endogenous insulin
      production in anaesthetized rats. METHODS: Eighty-eight Sprague-Dawley rats
      underwent general anaesthesia for 1 h by different anaesthetic compounds. Some of
      the animals were either injected with high glucose, or received insulin prior to
      anaesthesia. Blood pressure, renal functioning estimated by cystatin-C and urea,
      renal perfusion evaluated by laser Doppler technique, blood glucose and insulin
      were surveyed. Subsequently, rat kidneys were excised, to be used for
      immunohistochemical examinations or preparation of renal extracts for intra-renal
      Angiotensin-II measurements. RESULTS: Elevated blood sugar was observed 5 min
      following induction of anaesthesia, concurrently with deterioration of renal
      functioning, drop of systemic blood pressure and decreased renal blood flow.
      Blood insulin concentrations positively correlated with glucose levels. Intra
      renal Angiotensin-II was significantly augmented. Immunohistochemical
      examinations demonstrated enhanced staining for pro-apoptotic proteins and
      negligible cell proliferation in tubular tissues. Renal damage resultant from
      anaesthesia-induced hyperglycaemia could be attenuated by insulin injections.
      Rats challenged with glucose prior to anaesthesia demonstrated cumulative
      hyperglycaemia, further increase in insulin secretion, drop of renal blood flow
      and increased apoptosis. The effects were specific, since they could not be
      mimicked by replacing glucose with mannose. CONCLUSION: Anaesthesia-induced
      hyperglycaemia affects intra-renal auto-regulation via decreased renal perfusion,
      thus triggering renal function deterioration and tubular injury. Increased intra
      renal Angiotensin-II aggravates the damage. Tight hypoglycaemic control might
      prevent or, at least, attenuate anaesthesia-induced renal injury.

PMID- 22066574
TI  - Parenting children with neurodevelopmental disorders and/or behaviour problems.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Parenting behaviours influence child well-being and development.
      However, much of the research on parenting behaviours and their correlates has
      focused on caregivers of healthy, typically developing children. Relatively less
      is known about the parenting behaviours of caregivers of children with chronic
      health conditions. OBJECTIVE: To examine and compare three parenting behaviours
      (positive interactions, consistency and ineffective parenting) among caregivers
      of children with neurodevelopmental disorders and/or externalizing behaviour
      problems, before and after accounting for child and family socio-demographic
      characteristics. METHODS: Participants (n= 14 226) were drawn from the National
      Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth, a long-term study of Canadian children
      that follows their development and well-being from birth to early adulthood.
      Children (and their caregivers) were divided into four groups according to the
      presence of a neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD; n= 815), the presence of an
      externalizing behaviour problem (EBP; n= 1322), the presence of both conditions
      (BOTH; n= 452) or neither of these conditions (NEITHER; n= 11 376). RESULTS:
      Caregivers of children in the NEITHER group reported significantly higher
      positive interaction scores and lower ineffective parenting behaviours than
      caregivers of children in any of the other three groups. Caregivers of children
      in the EBP and BOTH groups reported similar levels of consistency, but
      significantly lower levels than caregivers of NDD or NEITHER children. These
      associations largely remained after accounting for child and family socio
      demographic characteristics, with two exceptions: caregivers' reports of positive
      interactions were no longer significantly associated with child's NDD and BOTH
      conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Parenting children with multiple health conditions can
      be associated with less positive, less consistent and more ineffective parenting
      behaviours. Understanding the factors that are associated with the challenges of
      caring for these children may require additional research attention.

PMID- 22066575
TI  - Sensitive fluorescent detection and Lewis basicity of aliphatic amines.
AB  - In this contribution is reported the sensitive properties of the Zn(II) Schiff
      base complex, 1, in dichloromethane with respect a series of primary, secondary,
      and tertiary aliphatic amines through the study of fluorescence enhancement upon
      amine coordination to the Lewis acidic Zn(II) metal center with formation of 1:1
      adducts. It is found that complex 1 exhibits selectivity and nanomolar
      sensitivity for primary and alicyclic amines. A distinct selectivity is also
      observed along the series of secondary or tertiary amines, paralleling the
      increasing steric hindrance at the nitrogen atom. The binding interaction can be
      related to the Lewis basicity of the coordinating amine; thus, complex 1
      represents a suitable reference Lewis acid, and estimated binding constants
      within the investigated amine series can be related to their relative Lewis
      basicity. A relative order of the Lewis basicity can be established for acyclic
      amines, primary > secondary > tertiary, while an inverted order, tertiary >
      secondary ~ primary (acyclic), is found in the case of alicyclic amines. The
      present approach represents a simple, suitable method to ranking the relative
      Lewis basicity of aliphatic amines in low-polarity, nonprotogenic solvents.

PMID- 22066576
TI  - Agminated, eruptive pyogenic granuloma-like lesions developing over congenital
      vascular stains.
AB  - We report three infants who developed agminated pyogenic granulomas over
      congenital vascular malformations, all of which had an aggressive growth pattern.
      There were no precipitating events such as laser therapy or surgery. Lesions were
      excised.

PMID- 22066577
TI  - Novel lanthanide-based polymeric chains and corresponding ultrafast dynamics in
      solution.
AB  - Two types of structurally related one-dimensional coordination polymers were
      prepared by reacting lanthanide trichloride hydrates [LnCl(3).(H(2)O)(m)] with
      dibenzoylmethane (Ph(2)acacH) and a base. Using cesium carbonate (Cs(2)CO(3)) and
      praseodymium, neodymium, samarium, or dysprosium salts yielded
      [Cs{Ln(Ph(2)acac)(4)}](n) (Ln = Pr (1), Nd (2), Sm (3), Dy (4)) in considerable
      yields. Reaction of potassium tert-butoxide (KOtBu) and the neodymium salt
      [NdCl(3).(H(2)O)(6)] with Ph(2)acacH resulted in [K{Nd(Ph(2)acac)(4)}](n) (5).
      All polymers exhibit a heterobimetallic backbone composed of alternating
      lanthanide and alkali metal atoms which are bridged by the Ph(2)acac ligands in a
      linear fashion. ESI-MS investigations on DMF solutions of 1-5 revealed a
      dissociation of all the five compounds upon dissolution, irrespective of the
      individual lanthanide and alkali metal present. Temporal profiles of changes in
      optical density were acquired performing pump/probe experiments with DMF
      solutions of 1-5 via femtosecond laser spectroscopy, highlighting a lanthanide
      specific relaxation dynamic. The corresponding relaxation times ranging from
      seven picoseconds to a few hundred picoseconds are strongly dependent on the
      central lanthanide atom, indicating an intramolecular energy transfer from
      ligands to lanthanides. This interpretation also demands efficient intersystem
      crossing within one to two picoseconds from the S(1) to T(1) level of the
      ligands. Magnetic studies show that [Cs{Dy(Ph(2)acac)(4)}](n) (4) has slow
      relaxation of the magnetization arising from the single Dy(3+) ions and can be
      described as a single-ion single molecule magnet (SMM). Below 0.5 K, hysteresis
      loops of the magnetization are observed, which show weak single chain magnet
      (SCM) behavior.

PMID- 22066578
TI  - Dimeric ent-kaurane diterpenoids from Isodon excisus.
AB  - Five new dimeric ent-kauranoids, biexcisusins A-E (1-5), were isolated from the
      aerial parts of Isodon excisus. The structures and relative configurations of
      these compounds were determined on the basis of spectroscopic data
      interpretation. Of these, biexcisusins C-E (3-5) are dimeric ent-kaurane
      diterpenoids exhibiting an unprecedented linkage through a nine-membered lactone
      ring between two ent-kaurane subunits. Compounds 1-5 showed no inhibitory effects
      on the LPS-induced production of nitric oxide in murine macrophage RAW264.7
      cells, up to a dose of 50 MUM.

PMID- 22066579
TI  - MDM2 SNP309 polymorphism and colorectal cancer risk: appraisal of a recent meta
      analysis.

PMID- 22066580
TI  - CDH1 C-160A polymorphism and gastric cancer risk: evidence needed for
      clarification.

PMID- 22066581
TI  - Binding at birth: the newborn brain detects identity relations and sequential
      position in speech.
AB  - Breaking the linguistic code requires the extraction of at least two types of
      information from the speech signal: the relations between linguistic units and
      their sequential position. Furthermore, these different types of information need
      to be integrated into a coherent representation of language structure. The brain
      networks responsible for these abilities are well known in adults, but not in
      young infants. Our results show that the neural architecture underlying these
      abilities is operational at birth. In three optical imaging studies, we found
      that the newborn brain detects identity relations, as evidenced by enhanced
      activation in the bilateral superior temporal and left inferior frontal regions.
      More importantly, the newborn brain can also determine whether such identity
      relations hold for the initial or final positions of speech sequences, as
      indicated by increased activity in the inferior frontal regions, possibly Broca's
      area. This implies that the neural foundations of language acquisition are in
      place from birth.

PMID- 22066582
TI  - Visuo-tactile integration in personal space.
AB  - Integration of information across sensory modalities is enhanced when stimuli in
      both modalities are in the same location. This "spatial rule" of multisensory
      integration has been primarily studied in humans by comparing stimuli located
      either in the same versus opposite side of the body midline or in peripersonal
      versus extrapersonal space, both of which involve large, categorical differences
      in spatial location. Here we used psychophysics and ERPs to investigate visuo
      tactile integration in personal space (i.e., on the skin surface). We used the
      mirror box technique to manipulate the congruence of visual and tactile
      information about which finger on either the right or left hand had been touched.
      We observed clear compatibility effects for both visual and tactile judgments of
      which finger on the left hand had been touched. No such effects, however, were
      found for judgments about the right hand. ERP data showed a similar pattern.
      Amplitude of the vertex P200 potential was enhanced and that of the N2 was
      reduced for congruent visuo-tactile events on the left, but not the right, hand.
      Similarly, a later positivity over posterior parietal cortices (P300) showed
      contralateral enhancement for congruent visuo-tactile events on both the left and
      right hands. These results provide clear evidence for spatial constraints on
      visuo-tactile integration defined in personal space and also reveal clear
      lateralization of these effects. Furthermore, these results link these
      "ultraprecise" spatial constraints to processing in the right posterior parietal
      cortex.

PMID- 22066583
TI  - Effects of Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol administration on human encoding and
      recall memory function: a pharmacological FMRI study.
AB  - Deficits in memory function are an incapacitating aspect of various psychiatric
      and neurological disorders. Animal studies have recently provided strong evidence
      for involvement of the endocannabinoid (eCB) system in memory function.
      Neuropsychological studies in humans have shown less convincing evidence but
      suggest that administration of cannabinoid substances affects encoding rather
      than recall of information. In this study, we examined the effects of
      perturbation of the eCB system on memory function during both encoding and
      recall. We performed a pharmacological MRI study with a placebo-controlled,
      crossover design, investigating the effects of Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
      inhalation on associative memory-related brain function in 13 healthy volunteers.
      Performance and brain activation during associative memory were assessed using a
      pictorial memory task, consisting of separate encoding and recall conditions.
      Administration of THC caused reductions in activity during encoding in the right
      insula, the right inferior frontal gyrus, and the left middle occipital gyrus and
      a network-wide increase in activity during recall, which was most prominent in
      bilateral cuneus and precuneus. THC administration did not affect task
      performance, but while during placebo recall activity significantly explained
      variance in performance, this effect disappeared after THC. These findings
      suggest eCB involvement in encoding of pictorial information. Increased precuneus
      activity could reflect impaired recall function, but the absence of THC effects
      on task performance suggests a compensatory mechanism. These results further
      emphasize the eCB system as a potential novel target for treatment of memory
      disorders and a promising target for development of new therapies to reduce
      memory deficits in humans.

PMID- 22066584
TI  - The neural underpinings of simultanagnosia: disconnecting the visuospatial
      attention network.
AB  - Because of our limited processing capacity, different elements of the visual
      scene compete for the allocation of processing resources. One of the most
      striking deficits in visual selection is simultanagnosia, a rare
      neuropsychological condition characterized by impaired spatial awareness of more
      than one object at time. To decompose the neuroanatomical substrates of the
      syndrome and to gain insights into the structural and functional organization of
      visuospatial attention, we performed a systematic evaluation of lesion patterns
      in a group of simultanagnosic patients compared with patients with either (i)
      unilateral visuospatial deficits (neglect and/or extinction) or (ii) bilateral
      posterior lesions without visuospatial deficits, using overlap/subtraction
      analyses, estimation of lesion volume, and a lesion laterality index. We next
      used voxel-based morphometry to assess the link between different visuospatial
      deficits and gray matter and white matter (WM) damage. Lesion overlap/subtraction
      analyses, lesion laterality index, and voxel-based morphometry measures converged
      to indicate that bilateral parieto-occipital WM disconnections are both
      distinctive and necessary to create symptoms associated with simultanagnosia. We
      also found that bilateral gray matter damage within the middle frontal area (BA
      46), cuneus, calacarine, and parieto-occipital fissure as well as right
      hemisphere parietal lesions within intraparietal and postcentral gyri were
      associated with simultanagnosia. Further analysis of the WM based on tractography
      revealed associations with bilateral damage to major pathways within the
      visuospatial attention network, including the superior longitudinal fasciculus,
      the inferior fronto-occipital fasciculus, and the inferior longitudinal
      fasciculus. We conclude that damage to the parieto-occipital regions and the
      intraparietal sulcus, together, with bilateral WM disconnections within the
      visuosptial attention network, contribute to poor visual processing of multiple
      objects and the loss of processing speed characteristic of simultanagnosia.

PMID- 22066585
TI  - Interaction between visual- and goal-related neuronal signals on the trajectories
      of saccadic eye movements.
AB  - During natural viewing, the trajectories of saccadic eye movements often deviate
      dramatically from a straight-line path between objects. In human studies,
      saccades have been shown to deviate toward or away from salient visual
      distractors depending on visual- and goal-related parameters, but the
      neurophysiological basis for this is not well understood. Some studies suggest
      that deviation toward is associated with competition between simultaneously
      active sites within the intermediate layers of the superior colliculus (SC), a
      midbrain structure that integrates sensory and goal-related signals for the
      production of saccades. In contrast, deviation away is hypothesized to reflect a
      higher-level process, whereby the neural site associated with the distractor
      isactively suppressed via a form of endogenous, top-down inhibition. We tested
      this hypothesis by measuring presaccadic distractor-evoked activation of SC
      visuomotor neurons while monkeys performed a simple task configured specifically
      to induce a high degree of saccades that deviate away. In the SC, cognitive
      processes such as top-down expectation are represented as variation in the
      sustained, low-frequency presaccadic discharge. We reasoned that any inhibition
      at the distractor-related locus associated with saccade deviation should affect
      the excitability of the neuron, thereby affecting the discharge rate. We found
      that, although the task produced robust deviation away, there was no evidence of
      a relationship between saccade deviation and distractor-evoked activation outside
      a short perisaccadic window that began no earlier than 22 msec before saccade
      onset. This indicates that deviation away is not adequately explained by a form
      of sustained, top-down inhibition at the distractor-related locus in the SC. The
      results are discussed in relation to the primary sources of inhibition associated
      with saccadic control.

PMID- 22066586
TI  - Incongruent abstract stimulus-response bindings result in response interference:
      FMRI and EEG evidence from visual object classification priming.
AB  - Stimulus repetition often leads to facilitated processing, resulting in neural
      decreases (repetition suppression) and faster RTs (repetition priming). Such
      repetition-related effects have been attributed to the facilitation of repeated
      cognitive processes and/or the retrieval of previously encoded stimulus-response
      (S-R) bindings. Although previous research has dissociated these two forms of
      learning, their interaction in the brain is not fully understood. Utilizing the
      spatial and temporal resolutions of fMRI and EEG, respectively, we examined a
      long-lag classification priming paradigm that required response repetitions or
      reversals at multiple levels of response representation. We found a repetition
      effect in occipital/temporal cortex (fMRI) that was time-locked to stimulus onset
      (EEG) and robust to switches in response, together with a repetition effect in
      inferior pFC (fMRI) that was time-locked to response onset (EEG) and sensitive to
      switches in response. The response-sensitive effect occurred even when changing
      from object names (words) to object pictures between repetitions, suggesting that
      S-R bindings can code abstract representations of stimuli. Most importantly, we
      found evidence for interference effects when incongruent S-R bindings were
      retrieved, with increased neural activity in inferior pFC, demonstrating that
      retrieval of S-R bindings can result in facilitation or interference, depending
      on the congruency of response between repetitions.

PMID- 22066587
TI  - Somatosensory anticipatory alpha activity increases to suppress distracting
      input.
AB  - Effective processing of sensory input in daily life requires attentional
      selection and amplification of relevant input and, just as importantly,
      attenuation of irrelevant information. It has been proposed that top-down
      modulation of oscillatory alpha band activity (8-14 Hz) serves to allocate
      resources to various regions, depending on task demands. In previous work, we
      showed that contralateral somatosensory alpha activity decreases to facilitate
      processing of an anticipated target stimulus in a tactile discrimination task. In
      the current study, we asked whether somatosensory alpha activity is also
      modulated when expecting incoming distracting stimuli on the nonattended side. We
      hypothesized that an ipsilateral increase of alpha to suppress distracters would
      be required for optimal task performance. We recorded magneto-encephalography
      while subjects performed a tactile stimulus discrimination task where a cue
      directed attention either to their left or right hand. Distracters were presented
      simultaneously to the unattended hand. We found that alpha power contralateral to
      the attended hand decreased, whereas ipsilateral alpha power increased. In
      addition, posterior alpha power showed a general increase. Importantly, these
      three alpha components all contributed to discrimination performance. This study
      further extends the notion that alpha band activity is involved in shaping the
      functional architecture of the working brain by determining the engagement and
      disengagement of specific regions: Contralateral alpha decreases to facilitate
      stimulus detection, whereas ipsilateral alpha increases when active suppression
      of distracters is required. Importantly, the ipsilateral alpha increase is
      crucial for optimal task performance.

PMID- 22066588
TI  - Visuomotor coordination and motor representation by human temporal lobe neurons.
AB  - The division of cortical visual processing into distinct dorsal and ventral
      streams is a key concept in primate neuroscience [Goodale, M. A., & Milner, A. D.
      Separate visual pathways for perception and action. Trends in Neurosciences, 15,
      20-25, 1992; Steele, G., Weller, R., & Cusick, C. Cortical connections of the
      caudal subdivision of the dorsolateral area (V4) in monkeys. Journal of
      Comparative Neurology, 306, 495-520, 1991]. The ventral stream is usually
      characterized as a "What" pathway, whereas the dorsal stream is implied in
      mediating spatial perception ("Where") and visually guided actions ("How"). A
      subpathway emerging from the dorsal stream and projecting to the medial-temporal
      lobe has been identified [Kravitz, D. J., Saleem, K. S., Baker, C. I., & Mishkin,
      M. A new neural framework for visuospatial processing. Nature Reviews
      Neuroscience, 12, 217-230, 2011; Cavada, C., & Goldman-Raiuc, P. S. Posterior
      parietal cortex in rhesus monkey: I. Parcellation of areas based on distinctive
      limbic and sensory cortico-cortical connections. Journal of Comparative
      Neurology, 287, 393-421, 1989]. The current article studies the coordination of
      visual information typically associated with the dorsal stream ("Where"), with
      planned movements, focusing on the temporal lobe. We recorded extracellular
      activity from 565 cells in the human medial-temporal and frontal lobes while 13
      patients performed cued hand movements with visual feedback (visuomotor task),
      without feedback (motor task), or observed visual feedback without motor movement
      (visual-only task). We discovered two different neural populations in the human
      medial-temporal lobe. One consists of motor-like neurons representing hand
      position, speed or acceleration during the motor task but not during the
      visuomotor or visual tasks. The other is specific to the parahippocampal gyrus
      (an area known to process visual motion [Gur, M., & Snodderly, D. M. Direction
      selectivity in V1 of alert monkeys: Evidence for parallel pathways for motion
      processing. Journal of Physiology, 585, 383-400, 2007; Sato, N., & Nakamura, K.
      Visual response properties of neurons in the parahippocampal cortex of monkeys.
      Journal of Neurophysiology, 90, 876-886, 2003]) and encodes speed, acceleration,
      or direction of hand movements, but only during the visuomotor task: neither
      during visual-only nor during motor tasks. These findings suggest a functional
      basis for the anatomical subpathway between the dorsal stream and the medial
      temporal lobe. Similar to the recent expansion of the motor control process into
      the sensory cortex [Matyas, F., Sreenivasan, V., Marbach, F., Wacongne, C.,
      Barsy, B., Mateo, C., et al. Motor control by sensory cortex. Science, 330, 1240
      1243, 2010], our findings render the human medial-temporal lobe an important
      junction in the process of planning and execution of motor acts whether
      internally or externally (visually) driven. Thus, the medial-temporal lobe might
      serve as an integration node between the two processing streams. Our findings
      thus shed new light on the brain mechanisms underlying visuomotor coordination
      which is a crucial capacity for everyday survival, whether it is identifying and
      picking up food, sliding a key into a lock, driving a vehicle, or escaping a
      predator.

PMID- 22066589
TI  - An application of univariate and multivariate approaches in FMRI to quantifying
      the hemispheric lateralization of acoustic and linguistic processes.
AB  - The question of hemispheric lateralization of neural processes is one that is
      pertinent to a range of subdisciplines of cognitive neuroscience. Language is
      often assumed to be left-lateralized in the human brain, but there has been a
      long running debate about the underlying reasons for this. We addressed this
      problem with fMRI by identifying the neural responses to amplitude and spectral
      modulations in speech and how these interact with speech intelligibility to test
      previous claims for hemispheric asymmetries in acoustic and linguistic processes
      in speech perception. We used both univariate and multivariate analyses of the
      data, which enabled us to both identify the networks involved in processing these
      acoustic and linguistic factors and to test the significance of any apparent
      hemispheric asymmetries. We demonstrate bilateral activation of superior temporal
      cortex in response to speech-derived acoustic modulations in the absence of
      intelligibility. However, in a contrast of amplitude-modulated and spectrally
      modulated conditions that differed only in their intelligibility (where one was
      partially intelligible and the other unintelligible), we show a left dominant
      pattern of activation in STS, inferior frontal cortex, and insula. Crucially,
      multivariate pattern analysis showed that there were significant differences
      between the left and the right hemispheres only in the processing of intelligible
      speech. This result shows that the left hemisphere dominance in linguistic
      processing does not arise because of low-level, speech-derived acoustic factors
      and that multivariate pattern analysis provides a method for unbiased testing of
      hemispheric asymmetries in processing.

PMID- 22066591
TI  - Advancers in optical imaging in cancer research--part 2.

PMID- 22066592
TI  - Near infrared photonic finger imager for prostate cancer screening.
AB  - A portable rectal near infrared (NIR) scanning polarization imaging unit with an
      optical fiber-based rectal probe, designated as a Photonic Finger (PF), was
      designed, developed, built and tested. PF was used to image and locate the three
      dimensional (3D) positions of abnormal prostate tissue embedded inside normal
      prostate tissue. An inverse image reconstruction algorithm, namely Optical
      Tomography using Independent Component Analysis (OPTICA) was developed to unmix
      the signal from targets (cancerous tissue) embedded in a turbid media (normal
      tissue) in the backscattering imaging geometry. The Photonic Finger combined with
      OPTICA was ex vivo tested to characterize different target(s) inside different
      tissue medium, including cancerous prostate tissue embedded inside large pieces
      of normal tissue. This new developed instrument, Photonic Finger, may provide an
      alternative imaging technique, which is accurate, of high spatial resolution and
      non-or-less invasive for prostate cancers screening.

PMID- 22066590
TI  - Imaging of homeostatic, neoplastic, and injured tissues by HA-based probes.
AB  - An increase in hyaluronan (HA) synthesis, cellular uptake, and metabolism occurs
      during the remodeling of tissue microenvironments following injury and during
      disease processes such as cancer. We hypothesized that multimodality HA-based
      probes selectively target and detectably accumulate at sites of high HA
      metabolism, thus providing a flexible imaging strategy for monitoring disease and
      repair processes. Kinetic analyses confirmed favorable available serum levels of
      the probe following intravenous (i.v.) or subcutaneous (s.c.) injection. Nuclear
      (technetium-HA, (99m)Tc-HA, and iodine-HA, (125)I-HA), optical (fluorescent Texas
      Red-HA, TR-HA), and magnetic resonance (gadolinium-HA, Gd-HA) probes imaged liver
      ((99m)Tc-HA), breast cancer cells/xenografts (TR-HA, Gd-HA), and vascular injury
      ((125)I-HA, TR-HA). Targeting of HA probes to these sites appeared to result from
      selective HA receptor-dependent localization. Our results suggest that HA-based
      probes, which do not require polysaccharide backbone modification to achieve
      favorable half-life and distribution, can detect elevated HA metabolism in
      homeostatic, injured, and diseased tissues.

PMID- 22066593
TI  - Transrectal ultrasound-integrated spectral optical tomography of hypoxic
      progression of a regressing tumor in a canine prostate.
AB  - The objective of this study was to evaluate if transrectal optical tomography
      implemented at three wavelength bands for spectral detection could monitor
      changes of the hemoglobin oxygen saturation (StO2) in addition to those of the
      total hemoglobin concentration ([HbT]) in lesions of a canine prostate, including
      an induced tumor modeling canine prostate cancer. Near-infrared (NIR) optical
      tomography was integrated with ultrasound (US) for transrectal imaging. Multi
      spectral detection at 705_nm, 785_nm and 808_nm rendered measurements of [HbT]
      and StO2. Canine transmissible venereal tumor (TVT) cells were injected into the
      right lobe of a dog's prostate gland, which had a pre-existing cyst in the left
      lobe. Longitudinal assessments of the prostate were performed weekly over a 63
      day duration by NIR imaging concurrent with grey-scale and Doppler US.
      Ultrasonography revealed a bi-lobular tumor-mass regressing from day-49 to day
      63. At day-49 this tumor-mass developed a hypoxic core that became larger and
      more intense by day-56 and expanded further by day-63. The tumor-mass presented a
      strong hyper-[HbT] feature on day-56 that was inconsistent with US-visualized
      blood flow. Histology confirmed two necrotic TVT foci within this tumor-mass. The
      cyst appeared to have a large anoxic-like interior that was greater in size than
      its ultrasonographically delineated lesion, and a weak lesional elevation of
      [HbT]. On day-56, the cyst presented a strong hyper-[HbT] feature consistent with
      US-resolved blood flow. Histology revealed acute and chronic hemorrhage in the
      periphery of the cyst. The NIR imaging features of two other TVT nodules and a
      metastatic lymph node were evaluated retrospectively. Transrectal US-integrated
      spectral optical tomography seems to enable longitudinal monitoring of intra
      lesional oxygenation dynamics in addition to the hemoglobin content of lesions in
      the canine prostate.

PMID- 22066594
TI  - Monitoring the response to primary medical therapy for breast cancer using three-
      dimensional time-resolved optical mammography.
AB  - Primary medical therapy is used to reduce tumour size prior to surgery in women
      with locally advanced breast cancer. Optical tomography is a functional imaging
      technique using near- infrared light to produce three-dimensional breast images
      of tissue oxygen saturation and haemoglobin concentration. Its advantages include
      the ability to display quantitative physiological information, and to allow
      repeated scans without the hazards associated with exposure to ionising
      radiation. There is a need for a non-invasive functional imaging tool to evaluate
      response to treatment, so that non-responders can be given the opportunity to
      change their treatment regimen. Here, we evaluate the use of optical tomography
      for this purpose. Four women with newly diagnosed breast cancer who were about to
      undergo primary medical therapy gave informed and voluntary consent to take part
      in the study. Changes in physiological and optical properties within the tumour
      were evaluated during the course of neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Optical imaging was
      performed prior to treatment, after the first cycle of chemotherapy, halfway
      through, and on completion of chemotherapy. Images of light absorption and
      scatter at two wavelengths were produced, from which images of total haemoglobin
      concentration and oxygen saturation were derived. All patients that showed a good
      or complete response to treatment on MRI showed a corresponding recovery in the
      haemoglobin concentration images. Changes in mean tumour total haemoglobin
      concentration could be seen four weeks into treatment. The tumour oxygen
      saturation was low compared to background in three out of four patients, and also
      showed a return to baseline over treatment. Optical imaging of the breast is
      feasible during primary medical therapy and can be used to assess response to
      treatment over six months.

PMID- 22066595
TI  - Using in-vivo fluorescence imaging in personalized cancer diagnostics and
      therapy, an image and treat paradigm.
AB  - The major goal in developing drugs targeting specific tumor receptors, such as
      Monoclonal AntiBodies (MAB), is to make a drug compound that targets selectively
      the cancer-causing biomarkers, inhibits their functionality, and/or delivers the
      toxin specifically to the malignant cells. Recent advances in MABs show that
      their efficacy depends strongly on characterization of tumor biomarkers.
      Therefore, one of the main tasks in cancer diagnostics and treatment is to
      develop non-invasive in-vivo imaging techniques for detection of cancer
      biomarkers and monitoring their down regulation during the treatment. Such
      methods can potentially result in a new imaging and treatment paradigm for cancer
      therapy. In this article we have reviewed fluorescence imaging approaches,
      including those developed in our group, to detect and monitor Human Epidermal
      Growth Factor 2 (HER2) receptors before and during therapy. Transition of these
      techniques from the bench to bedside is the ultimate goal of our project. Similar
      approaches can be used potentially for characterization of other cancer related
      cell biomarkers.

PMID- 22066596
TI  - Feasibility of identification of gamma knife planning strategies by
      identification of pareto optimal gamma knife plans.
AB  - The use of conformity indices to optimize Gamma Knife planning is common, but
      does not address important tradeoffs between dose to tumor and normal tissue.
      Pareto analysis has been used for this purpose in other applications, but not for
      Gamma Knife (GK) planning. The goal of this work is to use computer models to
      show that Pareto analysis may be feasible for GK planning to identify dosimetric
      tradeoffs. We define a GK plan A to be Pareto dominant to B if the prescription
      isodose volume of A covers more tumor but not more normal tissue than B, or if A
      covers less normal tissue but not less tumor than B. A plan is Pareto optimal if
      it is not dominated by any other plan. Two different Pareto optimal plans
      represent different tradeoffs between dose to tumor and normal tissue, because
      neither plan dominates the other. 'GK simulator' software calculated dose
      distributions for GK plans, and was called repetitively by a genetic algorithm to
      calculate Pareto dominant plans. Three irregular tumor shapes were tested in 17
      trials using various combinations of shots. The mean number of Pareto dominant
      plans/trial was 59 +/- 17 (sd). Different planning strategies were identified by
      large differences in shot positions, and 70 of the 153 coordinate plots (46%)
      showed differences of 5mm or more. The Pareto dominant plans dominated other
      nearby plans. Pareto dominant plans represent different dosimetric tradeoffs and
      can be systematically calculated using genetic algorithms. Automatic
      identification of non-intuitive planning strategies may be feasible with these
      methods.

PMID- 22066598
TI  - Rectal planning risk volume correlation with acute and late toxicity in 3
      dimensional conformal radiation therapy for prostate cancer.
AB  - The purpose of this study was to evaluate rectum motion during 3-Dimensional
      conformal radiation therapy (3D-CRT) in prostate cancer patients, to derive a
      planning volume at risk (PRV) and to correlate the PRV dose-volume histograms
      (DVH) with treatment complications.This study was conducted in two phases.
      Initially, the PRV was defined prospectively in 50 consecutive prostate cancer
      patients (Group 1) who received a radical course of 3-D CRT. Then, the obtained
      PRV was used in the radiotherapy planning of these same 50 patients plus another
      59 prostate cancer patients (Group 2) previously treated between 2004 and 2008.
      All these patients' data, including the rectum and PRV DVHs, were correlated to
      acute and late complications, according to the Common Toxicity Criteria (CTC)
      v4.0.The largest displacement occurred in the anterior axis. Long-term
      gastrointestinal (GI) complications grade >= 2 were seen in 9.2% of the cases.
      Factors that influenced acute GI reactions were: doses at 25% (p 5 0.011) and 40%
      (p 5 0.005) of the rectum volume and at 40% of the PRV (p 5 0.012). The dose at
      25% of the rectum volume (p 5 0.033) and acute complications >=  grade 2 (p 5
      0.018) were prognostic factors for long-term complications. The PRV DVH did not
      correlate with late toxicity. The rectum showed a significant inter-fraction
      motion during 3D-CRT for prostate cancer. PRV dose correlated with acute
      gastrointestinal complications and may be a useful tool to predict and reduce
      their occurrence.

PMID- 22066597
TI  - Improved normal tissue sparing in head and neck radiotherapy using biological
      cost function based-IMRT.
AB  - Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) has reduced the impact of acute and late
      toxicities associated with head and neck radiotherapy. Treatment planning system
      (TPS) advances in biological cost function based optimization (BBO) and improved
      segmentation techniques have increased organ at risk (OAR) sparing compared to
      conventional dose-based optimization (DBO). A planning study was undertaken to
      compare OAR avoidance in DBO and BBO treatment planning. Simultaneous integrated
      boost treatment plans were produced for 10 head and neck patients using both
      planning systems. Plans were compared for tar get coverage and OAR avoidance.
      Comparisons were made using the BBO TPS Monte Carlo dose engine to eliminate
      differences due to inherent algorithms. Target coverage (V95%) was maintained for
      both solutions. BBO produced lower OAR doses, with statistically significant
      improvement to left (12.3%, p = 0.005) and right parotid mean dose (16.9%, p =
      0.004), larynx V50_Gy (71.0%, p = 0.005), spinal cord (21.9%, p < 0.001) and
      brain stem dose maximums (31.5%, p = 0.002). This study observed improved OAR
      avoidance with BBO planning. Further investigations will be undertaken to review
      any clinical benefit of this improved planned dosimetry.

PMID- 22066599
TI  - A spatial resolution study of a new optical tomography-based polymer gel
      dosimetry system.
AB  - A spatial resolution investigation of the OCTOPUSTM-IQ scanner in combination
      with the new BANG3-Pro2(r) polymer gel was performed by scanning a high-contrast
      needle phantom. The phantom contained five thin needles (0.3_mm diameter)
      embedded in gel positioned in different patterns: needles were inserted (a) at 45
      degrees  angle from the center of the gel container, and (b) vertically along the
      gel axis. The non-irradiated needle phantoms were scanned at various slice
      spacings (0.25-1.0_mm) and for two different laser beam orientations. Optical
      density profiles and their full width at half maximum (FWHM) were evaluated for
      resolution limit. The modulation transfer function (MTF) corresponding to
      measured point spread function (PSF) data was calculated. With high resolution
      scanning mode and 0.25_mm pixel resolution, the measured PSFs at the center of
      the gel dosimeter have a FWHM of 0.95_mm. The MTF for the 0.25_mm reconstruction
      pixel size suggests that the resolution of the system is 0.5_mm or less. We also
      observed a progressive degradation of the vertical needle images with off-axis
      distance, attributable to the defocusing of the laser beam. No significant
      degradation was observed up to the maximum useful reconstructed image radius of
      50_mm from the gel dosimeter center axis.

PMID- 22066600
TI  - Comparison of internal target volumes for hepatocellular carcinoma defined using
      3DCT with active breathing coordinator and 4DCT.
AB  - The aim of this paper is to study the feasibility for determining the individual
      internal target volume (ITV) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using 3DCT
      associated with active breathing coordinator (ABC), comparing the ITVs defined by
      3DCT associated with ABC and 4DCT. Thirteen patients with HCC after transarterial
      chemoembolization (TACE) treatment underwent 4DCT simulation and 3DCT simulation
      associated with ABC in free breathing (FB), end inspiration hold (EIH) and end
      expiration hold (EEH). The 4DCT images were sorted into 10 phases according to
      the respiratory cycle and labeled as CT(0), CT(10)...CT(90); and CT(MIP) (the
      maximum intensity projection image) was reconstructed. GTV(0), GTV(10)...GTV(90),
      GTV(MIP) on 4DCT, and the GTV(FB), GTV(EIH), GTV(EEH) on 3DCT were contoured.
      GTV(0,10...90), GTV(0) and GTV(50), GTV(EIH) and GTV(EEH) were merged into
      ITV(1), ITV(2) and ITV(3). The individual margins from GTV(FB) to ITV(1-3) were
      obtained and applied to ITV(FB) (labeled as ITV(FB-1), ITV(FB-2), ITV(FB-3)),
      respectively. All the target volumes were normalized by ITV(1). The volume of
      GTVs, ITVs and the margins were compared. There was no significant difference of
      diaphragm mobility between 4DCT and 3DCT (P > 0.05), nor significant difference
      among the volume of the GTVs. The three ITVs were larger than the GTV(MIP) (P <
      0.05), but there was no significant difference among three ITVs. It's similar to
      the differences both in the margins of three dimensions from GTV(FB) to ITV(1-3)
      and in the volumes among ITV(FB-1), ITV(FB-2) and ITV(FB-3) (P > 0.05). This
      study shows that it's safe and feasible to determine the individual ITV for HCC
      using 3DCT associated with ABC in comparison with 4DCT.

PMID- 22066601
TI  - Imaging tumor vascularization for detection and diagnosis of breast cancer.
AB  - Breast cancer is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in western
      women. Current screening and diagnostic imaging modalities, like x-ray
      mammography and ultrasonography, focus on morphological changes of breast tissue.
      However, these techniques still miss some cancers and often falsely detect
      cancer. The sensitivity and specificity for detecting the disease can probably be
      improved by focusing on the consequences of tumor angiogenesis: the increased
      microvessel density with altered vascular characteristics. In this review,
      various techniques for imaging breast tumor vasculature are discussed. Dynamic
      contrast enhanced magnetic resonance imaging is the most-used imaging modality in
      this field. It has a proven high sensitivity, but a low specificity and cannot be
      applied in all women. Moreover, it has problems with detecting ductal carcinoma
      in situ (DCIS). On the contrary, contrast enhanced digital mammography can detect
      DCIS, but requires the use of ionizing radiation. Contrast enhanced ultrasound
      provides real-time information about true intravascular blood volume and flow.
      However, this technique still has difficulties with discriminating benign from
      malignant tissue. Moreover, these three imaging modalities all require the
      injection of contrast agents. Two relatively new techniques that do not use
      external contrast agents are diffuse optical imaging and photoacoustic imaging.
      Both visualize the increased concentration of hemoglobin in malignant tissue and
      thereby provide a high intrinsic contrast.

PMID- 22066602
TI  - Host biomarkers of clinical relevance in tuberculosis: review of gene and protein
      expression studies.
AB  - CONTEXT: Identification of clinically relevant biomarkers is required for better
      diagnosis, prevention and treatment of tuberculosis. OBJECTIVE: In this review,
      potential host biomarkers in blood or blood cells in tuberculosis were identified
      by a systematic approach. METHODS: A total of 55 articles were selected from
      PubMed and Google Scholar that analyzed gene and or protein expression in humans
      in active and or latent TB. Articles were scored according to certain criteria
      and categorized as strong or weak studies. Biomarkers reported by more than one
      article or by a single strong article were identified as potential biomarkers.
      RESULTS: Six most promising markers (IP-10, IL-6, IL-10, IL-4, FOXP3 and IL-12)
      were identified based on their presence in both mycobacterial antigen-stimulated
      and -unstimulated samples. CONCLUSIONS: With this review we hope to provide a
      reliable guideline for biomarker studies in tuberculosis.

PMID- 22066603
TI  - An indirect method to compare the reference centres for corneal measurements.
AB  - PURPOSE: Corneal measurements are commonly presented with respect to a specific
      reference centre, but the location of the reference centre on the corneal surface
      could vary from one diagnostic modality to another. This study aimed to develop a
      method for comparing reference centres used by corneal measurement systems.
      METHODS: An indirect method was developed to compare reference centres by making
      use of the pupil centre and its offset from the reference centre. Reference
      centres in a Scheimpflug imaging system, the Pentacam HR, and a Placido-ring
      corneal topography system, the ATLAS Corneal Topography System, were compared for
      the right and left eyes of 30 subjects. The subjects all had similar pupil sizes
      when measured by the two systems. Differences and correlations of the pupil
      centre offsets between the two systems were statistically tested and compared by
      Bland-Altman analyses. RESULTS: There were no significant differences in mean
      pupil offsets between the two systems for either the right or left eyes (p >
      0.05). There were strong correlations of the pupil centre offsets between the two
      systems for each eye (right eye x-axis: r = 0.95, p < 0.0001; right eye y-axis: r
      = 0.98, p < 0.0001; left eye x-axis: r = 0.96, p < 0.0001, left eye y-axis: r =
      0.93, p < 0.0001). Bland-Altman analyses revealed no significant differences in
      pupil centre offsets between the two systems. CONCLUSIONS: The Pentacam HR system
      and the ATLAS system have very similar reference centres. Thus it is possible to
      directly analyze data from the Pentacam HR and other instruments using the
      corneal vertex or the pupil centre as the reference centres due to the similarity
      in the reference centre settings between the two systems.

PMID- 22066604
TI  - A validation study of the CEMACH recommended modified early obstetric warning
      system (MEOWS).
AB  - The 2003-2005 Confidential Enquiry into Maternal and Child Health report
      recommended the introduction of the modified early obstetric warning system
      (MEOWS) in all obstetric inpatients to track maternal physiological parameters,
      and to aid early recognition and treatment of the acutely unwell parturient. We
      prospectively reviewed 676 consecutive obstetric admissions, looking at their
      completed MEOWS charts for triggers and their notes for evidence of morbidity.
      Two hundred patients (30%) triggered and 86 patients (13%) had morbidity
      according to our criteria, including haemorrhage (43%), hypertensive disease of
      pregnancy (31%) and suspected infection (20%). The MEOWS was 89% sensitive (95%
      CI 81-95%), 79% specific (95% CI 76-82%), with a positive predictive value 39%
      (95% CI 32-46%) and a negative predictive value of 98% (95% CI 96-99%). There
      were no admissions to the intensive care unit, cardio respiratory arrests or
      deaths during the study period. This study suggests that MEOWS is a useful
      bedside tool for predicting morbidity. Adjustment of the trigger parameters may
      improve positive predictive value.

PMID- 22066605
TI  - Self-assembling small molecules form nanofibrils that bind procaspase-3 to
      promote activation.
AB  - Modulating enzyme function with small-molecule activators, as opposed to
      inhibitors, offers new opportunities for drug discovery and allosteric
      regulation. We previously identified a compound, called 1541, from a high
      throughput screen (HTS) that stimulates activation of a proenzyme, procaspase-3,
      to generate mature caspase-3. Here we further investigate the mechanism of
      activation and report the surprising finding that 1541 self-assembles into
      nanofibrils exceeding 1 MUm in length. These particles are an unanticipated
      outcome from an HTS that have properties distinct from standard globular protein
      aggregators. Moreover, 1541 nanofibrils function as a unique biocatalytic
      material that activates procaspase-3 via induced proximity. These studies
      demonstrate a novel approach for proenzyme activation through binding to fibrils,
      which may mimic how procaspases are naturally processed on protein scaffolds.

PMID- 22066606
TI  - Human amniotic fluid stem cell preconditioning improves their regenerative
      potential.
AB  - Human amniotic fluid stem (hAFS) cells, a novel class of broadly multipotent stem
      cells that share characteristics of both embryonic and adult stem cells, have
      been regarded as promising candidate for cell therapy. Taking advantage by the
      well-established murine model of acute kidney injury (AKI), we studied the
      proregenerative effect of hAFS cells in immunodeficient mice injected with the
      nephrotoxic drug cisplatin. Infusion of hAFS cells in cisplatin mice improved
      renal function and limited tubular damage, although not to control level, and
      prolonged animal survival. Human AFS cells engrafted injured kidney predominantly
      in peritubular region without acquiring tubular epithelial markers. Human AFS
      cells exerted antiapoptotic effect, activated Akt, and stimulated proliferation
      of tubular cells possibly via local release of factors, including interleukin-6,
      vascular endothelial growth factor, and stromal cell-derived factor-1, which we
      documented in vitro to be produced by hAFS cells. The therapeutic potential of
      hAFS cells was enhanced by cell pretreatment with glial cell line-derived
      neurotrophic factor (GDNF), which markedly ameliorated renal function and tubular
      injury by increasing stem cell homing to the tubulointerstitial compartment. By
      in vitro studies, GDNF increased hAFS cell production of growth factors,
      motility, and expression of receptors involved in cell homing and survival. These
      findings indicate that hAFS cells can promote functional recovery and contribute
      to renal regeneration in AKI mice via local production of mitogenic and
      prosurvival factors. The effects of hAFS cells can be remarkably enhanced by GDNF
      preconditioning.

PMID- 22066607
TI  - Speckle tracking global strain rate E/E' predicts LV filling pressure more
      accurately than traditional tissue Doppler E/E'.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The ratio of early diastolic transmitral flow velocity (E) to tissue
      Doppler (TD) mitral annular early diastolic velocity (E/E'(VEL-TD)) has been
      widely used for the noninvasive assessment of LV diastolic filling pressures.
      However, it has been reported that E/E'(VEL-TD) is not accurate particularly when
      being applied to patients with advanced heart failure. METHODS: Fifty-six ICU
      patients with decompensated heart failure underwent simultaneous echocardiography
      and PCWP measurements. Patients with elevated PCWP (n = 41) were compared with
      patients normal PCWP (n = 15) as well as age-matched healthy controls (n = 32).
      In the apical 4-chamber view, the ratio of E to speckle tracking (ST) mitral
      annular velocity (E/E'(VEL-ST)) and early diastolic global LV longitudinal strain
      rate (E/E'(SR-ST)) were evaluated as new surrogate markers of elevated PCWP.
      RESULTS: Correlations with PCWP were observed for speckle tracking derived
      E/E'(VEL-ST) (r = 0.40,P = 0.002) and E/E'(SR-ST) (r = 0.56, P < 0.001), although
      the traditional E/E'(VEL-TD) did not show a significant correlation (r = 0.23, P
      = 0.082). Compared with controls, patients with elevated PCWP had significant
      increases in all variables. The best cutoff values and diagnostic accuracies for
      identifying elevated PCWP were E/E'(VEL-TD) >12 (Sensitivity/Specificity/area
      under the ROC curve: 0.58/0.90/0.78), E/E'(VEL-ST) > 14 (0.60/0.85/0.80), and
      E/E'(SR-ST) > 93 (0.80/0.88/0.89). CONCLUSION: Speckle tracking derived E/E'(SR
      ST) may be a robust surrogate marker of elevated LV filling pressure. In ICU
      patients, E/E'(SR-ST) showed better correlation with PCWP and higher diagnostic
      accuracy than the tissue Doppler approach.

PMID- 22066608
TI  - Comparison of 16S rRNA and protein-coding genes as molecular markers for
      assessing microbial diversity (Bacteria and Archaea) in ecosystems.
AB  - PCR amplification of the rRNA gene is the most popular method for assessing
      microbial diversity. However, this molecular marker is often present in multiple
      copies in cells presenting, in addition, an intragenomic heterogeneity. In this
      context, housekeeping genes may be used as taxonomic markers for ecological
      studies. However, the efficiency of these protein-coding genes compared to 16S
      rRNA genes has not been tested on environmental data. For this purpose, five
      protein marker genes for which primer sets are available, were selected (rplB,
      pyrG, fusA, leuS and rpoB) and compared with 16S rRNA gene results from PCR
      amplification or metagenomic data from aquatic ecosystems. Analysis of the major
      groups found in these ecosystems, such as Actinobacteria, Bacteroides,
      Proteobacteria and Cyanobacteria, showed good agreement between the protein
      markers and the results given by 16S rRNA genes from metagenomic reads. However,
      with the markers it was possible to detect minor groups among the microbial
      assemblages, providing more details compared to 16S rRNA results from PCR
      amplification. In addition, the use of a set of protein markers made it possible
      to deduce a mean copy number of rRNA operons. This average estimate is
      essentially lower than the one estimated in sequenced genomes.

PMID- 22066609
TI  - End-of-life care pathways as tools to promote and support a good death: a
      critical commentary.
AB  - This paper calls into question whether and how end-of-life care pathways
      facilitate the accomplishment of a 'good death'. Achieving a 'good death' is a
      prominent social and political priority and an ideal which underpins the
      philosophy of hospice and palliative care. End-of-life care pathways have been
      devised to enhance the care of imminently dying patients and their families
      across care settings and thereby facilitate the accomplishment of a 'good death'.
      These pathways have been enthusiastically adopted and are now recommended by
      governments in the UK as 'best practice' templates for end-of-life care. However,
      the literature reveals that the 'good death' is a nebulous, fluid concept.
      Moreover, concerns have been articulated regarding the efficacy of care pathways
      in terms of their impact on patient care and close analysis of two prominent end
      of-life pathways reveals how biomedical aspects of care are privileged.
      Nonetheless drawing on a diverse range of evidence the literature indicates that
      end-of-life care pathways may facilitate a certain type of 'good death' and one
      which is associated with the dying process and framed within biomedicine.

PMID- 22066610
TI  - The treatment of hernias.

PMID- 22066612
TI  - Knee joint function, meniscal disease, and osteoarthritis.

PMID- 22066611
TI  - Diagnosis and treatment of porto-systemic shunts.

PMID- 22066613
TI  - Neural regulation of swallowing in the dog.

PMID- 22066614
TI  - Dyspnea: How to solve the problem.

PMID- 22066615
TI  - An update in dentistry.

PMID- 22066616
TI  - Abdominal drainage in ten dogs with septic peritonitis.

PMID- 22066617
TI  - Diagnosis and treatment of gastric disease.

PMID- 22066618
TI  - Feline asthma syndrome.

PMID- 22066619
TI  - Cowpox in cats and man.

PMID- 22066620
TI  - Growth hormone: Its clinical relevance.

PMID- 22066621
TI  - The differential diagnosis of polyuria/polydipsia in dogs.

PMID- 22066622
TI  - Variable structures of mitochondrial DNA in dogs.

PMID- 22066623
TI  - FIP, easy to diagnose?

PMID- 22066624
TI  - Cytostatic treatment in veterinary medicine.

PMID- 22066626
TI  - Diagnostic imaging in dogs: Radiography, ultrasonography, and computed tomography
      for examination of the abdomen.

PMID- 22066625
TI  - Diagnosis of cardiac disease.

PMID- 22066627
TI  - Basic principles of thoracic radiography.

PMID- 22066628
TI  - Arthroscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of front leg lameness.

PMID- 22066629
TI  - The use of iohexol to measure glomerular filtration rate in the dog.

PMID- 22066630
TI  - The skin in systemic disease.

PMID- 22066631
TI  - Skin disorders in cats.

PMID- 22066632
TI  - Diagnosis and treatment of conjunctival and corneal diseases.

PMID- 22066633
TI  - Retinal diseases: An update.

PMID- 22066634
TI  - The role of tonometry in the clinical management of the glaucomas in companion
      animals.

PMID- 22066635
TI  - Eye lesions in Turkish dancing bears.

PMID- 22066636
TI  - Clinical, electrophysiological, and morphological findings in a case of neuronal
      ceroid lipofuscinosis in The Polish Owczarek Nizinny (PON) dog.

PMID- 22066637
TI  - Rod dysplasia and early retinal degeneration in a young Briard Sheepdog.

PMID- 22066638
TI  - Polymerase chain reaction: A revolution in diagnosis of ocular Leishmaniosis?

PMID- 22066639
TI  - Cataracts in rapidly growing farm raised Atlantic salmon (Salmo Salar).

PMID- 22066640
TI  - Changing the way we practice: How to thrive and not just survive in veterinary
      medicine.

PMID- 22066641
TI  - Diseases of the respiratory tract in psittacine birds.

PMID- 22066642
TI  - The nutritional requirements of ornamental fish.

PMID- 22066644
TI  - Seek and find in the literature.

PMID- 22066646
TI  - Photomedicine and LLLT Literature Watch.

PMID- 22066645
TI  - Ultra-conservative minimally invasive surgery (UCMIS) with pulsed non-Gaussian
      CO(2) laser beams focused through the shortest possible focal length.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: This article describes a mathematical approach to identifying the
      absolute shortest laser optical focusing head f(min) associated with the smallest
      not-to-exceed ablative crater radius and depth to be used during ultra
      conservative minimally invasive surgery (UCMIS) procedures with pulsed CO(2)
      lasers. This value is important because it allows forecasting the micro-boundary
      ablative conditions of a laser device implemented in the operating room (OR) in
      conjunction with minimally invasive tools. The primary goals of reducing the
      invasive character of an operation, and the associated risks of unwanted lateral
      tissue damage during surgery, are the key objectives of MIS protocols. BACKGROUND
      DATA: Currently, the data available in the literature do not report any numerical
      value of a critical focal length and its spot size that produce the smallest
      ablations. This would help to further improve the overall quality of the MIS
      protocols via endoscopic scalpels to deliver minimal ablative energy on the
      irradiated tissue. METHODS: Several mathematical software routines have been used
      in parallel to handle all the complex numerical calculations needed to
      extrapolate f(min) by using the crater, the crater depth acceleration, and speed
      coupled with the relaxation time ?r of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and other
      time-related parameters. RESULTS: The minimal focal length value f(min)=0.013?
      for a TEM(22) laser beam profile can be used for reference in UCMIS procedures
      using commercially available pulsed CO2 lasers at the wavelength of 10.6??m. No
      laser thermoablation of compact PMMA samples is possible below f(min) while
      delivering I(min)=7.6?mW on its spot. Gaussian beams showing TEM00 profile need
      longer focal lengths for the same minimally ablated volume. Suggestions about the
      calibration requirements for such a lens are presented. More investigations are
      needed to validate the whole procedure before any preliminary surgical
      utilization can be considered.

PMID- 22066647
TI  - Sublingual vaccination with fusion protein consisting of the functional domain of
      hemagglutinin A of Porphyromonas gingivalis and Escherichia coli maltose-binding
      protein elicits protective immunity in the oral cavity.
AB  - This study demonstrated that sublingual immunization with a fusion protein, 25k
      hagA-MBP, which consists of a 25-kDa antigenic region of hemagglutinin A purified
      from Porphyromonas gingivalis fused to maltose-binding protein (MBP) originating
      from Escherichia coli as an adjuvant, elicited protective immune responses.
      Immunization with 25k-hagA-MBP induced high levels of antigen-specific serum IgG
      and IgA, as well as salivary IgA. High level titers of serum IgG and IgA were
      also induced for almost 1 year. In an IgG subclass analysis, sublingual
      immunization with 25k-hagA-MBP induced both IgG1 and IgG2b antibody responses.
      Additionally, numerous antigen-specific IgA antibody-forming cells were detected
      from the salivary gland 7 days after the final immunization. Mononuclear cells
      isolated from submandibular lymph nodes (SMLs) showed significant levels of
      proliferation upon restimulation with 25k-hagA-MBP. An analysis of cytokine
      responses showed that antigen-specific mononuclear cells isolated from SMLs
      produced significantly high levels of IL-4, IFN-gamma, and TGF-beta. These
      results indicate that sublingual immunization with 25k-hagA-MBP induces efficient
      protective immunity against P. gingivalis infection in the oral cavity via Th1
      type and Th2-type cytokine production.

PMID- 22066648
TI  - Tracheal aspirate gene expression in preterm newborns and development of
      bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) occurs in association with prenatal
      conditions predisposing infants to inflammation and remodeling of the premature
      lungs. Because of the lack of useful biomarkers for BPD, the gene expression of
      tracheal aspirate fluid (TAF) cells in premature infants was analyzed. METHODS:
      Of 148 consecutive patients, 26 preterm infants (gestational age <34 weeks) were
      enrolled, who underwent assisted ventilation at birth for respiratory failure.
      Patients with congenital disorders were excluded. Half of these infants developed
      BPD. Interleukin (IL)-10, interferon (IFN)-gamma, transforming growth factor
      (TGF)-beta1, and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-B mRNA of TAF cells were
      quantified on real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS: IL-10 (P < 0.01) and
      IFN-gamma (P= 0.03) but not TGF-beta1 or PDGF-B mRNA levels at birth were higher
      in BPD than in non-BPD infants. IL-10 expression differentiated BPD with the
      highest sensitivity (92%) and specificity (77%). IL-10 levels correlated with TGF
      beta1 (P= 0.03) and IFN-gamma (P= 0.01), but not with PDGF-B levels. When BPD
      infants were classified according to comorbidity (group 1, six patients who
      suffered respiratory distress syndrome [RDS] but not chorioamnionitis [CAM];
      group 2, five patients who had CAM but not RDS), PDGF-B levels were higher in
      group 2 (P= 0.01). High IL-10 expression was selected as a risk factor for BPD in
      infants who had CAM but not RDS (P= 0.01), although prolonged oxygen therapy was
      the most sensitive indicator for BPD (P < 0.01) on multivariate analysis.
      CONCLUSIONS: High IL-10 expression in TAF cells at birth could predict the
      evolution of BPD, but with less impact than oxygen requirement. PDGF might play a
      different role in the inflammatory process of premature lungs.

PMID- 22066649
TI  - The 2007-2010 Q fever epidemic in The Netherlands: characteristics of notified
      acute Q fever patients and the association with dairy goat farming.
AB  - We describe the Q fever epidemic in the Netherlands with emphasis on the
      epidemiological characteristics of acute Q fever patients and the association
      with veterinary factors. Data from 3264 notifications for acute Q fever in the
      period from 2007 through 2009 were analysed. The patients most affected were men,
      smokers and persons aged 40-60 years. Pneumonia was the most common clinical
      presentation (62% in 2007 and 2008). Only 3.2% of the patients were working in
      the agriculture sector and 0.5% in the meat-processing industry including
      abattoirs. Dairy goat farms with Coxiella burnetii-induced abortion waves were
      mainly located in the same area where human cases occurred. Airborne transmission
      of contaminated dust particles from commercial dairy goat farms in densely
      populated areas has probably caused this epidemic. In 2010, there was a sharp
      decline in the number of notified cases following the implementation of control
      measures on dairy goat and sheep farms such as vaccination, hygiene measures and
      culling of pregnant animals on infected farms. In combination with a rise in the
      human population with antibodies against C. burnetii, these have most likely
      ended the outbreak. Development of chronic Q fever in infected patients remains
      an important problem for years to come.

PMID- 22066650
TI  - Swedish nursing and medical students' high vaccination adherence during the
      influenza A (H1N1) pandemic 2009: insights for pandemic preparedness.
AB  - The aim of this study was to analyze Swedish health science student decision
      making regarding vaccination against pandemic influenza during a national mass
      vaccination campaign. A questionnaire was distributed to 430 students during the
      influenza A (H1N1) pandemic in 2009. The data from medical and nursing students
      were compared and a multiple logistic regression model was applied to identify
      items independently associated with the decision to be vaccinated. The overall
      survey response rate was 90%. More medical (93.2%) than nursing students (84.8%)
      reported that they had received the vaccine (p < 0.01). Only the perception that
      benefits can outweigh possible side effects was significantly (p < 0.001)
      associated with the decision to get vaccinated. We recommend that, during
      pandemics, health science universities focus vaccination information for students
      on objective risk communication. It should be taken into account that the
      pandemic information provided by authorities to the general public also affects
      health care students.

PMID- 22066653
TI  - Shyness in late childhood: relations with attributional styles and self-esteem.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Shyness in late childhood is related to social and psychological
      problems. The present study examined the relations among shyness, attributional
      styles and self-esteem. It was hypothesized that self-esteem mediated the effects
      of attributional styles on shyness. METHODS: Self-reported data on degree of
      shyness, attributional styles and self-esteem were obtained from 326 Chinese
      children with mean age of 10.85 years. RESULTS: It was found that positive
      attributional styles predicted shyness in the negative direction and the effects
      were fully mediated by self-esteem, and negative attributional styles predicted
      shyness in the positive direction both directly and through self-esteem.
      CONCLUSION: The results imply that how children attribute positive and negative
      outcomes affect both self-esteem and shyness. It is suggested that practitioners
      should conduct attribution-retraining workshops for shy children and help
      teachers and parents learn how to mitigate negative attributional style and
      foster positive attributional styles in children.

PMID- 22066654
TI  - Phenomenological kinetics of the thermal decomposition of sodium
      hydrogencarbonate.
AB  - Aiming to find rigorous understanding and novel features for their potential
      applications, the physico-geometrical kinetics of the thermal decomposition of
      sodium hydrogencarbonate (SHC) was investigated by focusing on the
      phenomenological events taking place on a single crystalline particle during the
      course of the reaction. The overall kinetics evaluated by systematic measurements
      of the kinetic rate data by thermogravimetry under carefully controlled
      conditions were interpreted in association with the morphological studies on the
      precursory reaction, mechanism of surface reaction, structure of the surface
      product layer, diffusion path of evolved gases, crystal growth of the solid
      product, and so on. The precursory reaction was identified as the decomposition
      of impurity, taking place at the boundary between the surface of the SHC crystal
      and the adhesive small SHC particles deposited on the surface. In flowing dry
      N(2), the thermal decomposition of SHC proceeds by two-dimensional shrinkage of
      the reaction interface controlled by chemical reaction with the apparent
      activation energy of about 100 kJ mol(-1), after rapid completion of the surface
      reaction and formation of porous surface product layer. Atmospheric CO(2) and
      water vapor influence differently on the overall kinetics of the thermal
      decomposition of SHC. Added gas phase of CO(2) slightly inhibits the overall rate
      because of the increasing contribution of the surface reaction. Under higher
      water vapor pressure, the physico-geometrical mechanism of the surface reaction
      changes drastically, indicating the preliminary reformation of reactant surface
      and the formation of needle crystals of solid product on the surface. The
      mechanistic change and extended contribution of the surface reaction result in
      the deceleration of the surface reaction and acceleration of the established
      reaction.

PMID- 22066655
TI  - Erythema dyschromicum perstans in a Japanese child.
AB  - Erythema dyschromicum perstans (EDP) is asymptomatic slate-gray to blue-brown
      macules. Idiopathic eruptive macular pigmentation is asymptomatic brown
      nonconfluent macules. We describe electron microscopic studies of a 9-year-old
      Japanese girl with EDP. The ultrastructural figures indicated that the production
      of immature, small, irregular-shaped melanosomes in melanocytes and peripheral
      localization of melanosomes in keratinocytes caused the clinical appearance of
      EDP. The ultrastructural evidence distinguishes EDP from idiopathic eruptive
      macular pigmentation and suggests a distinct pathogenesis of the disease.

PMID- 22066656
TI  - Thiocyanate linkage isomerism in a ruthenium polypyridyl complex.
AB  - Ruthenium polypyridyl complexes have seen extensive use in solar energy
      applications. One of the most efficient dye-sensitized solar cells produced to
      date employs the dye-sensitizer N719, a ruthenium polypyridyl thiocyanate
      complex. Thiocyanate complexes are typically present as an inseparable mixture of
      N-bound and S-bound linkage isomers. Here we report the synthesis of a new
      complex, [Ru(terpy)(tbbpy)SCN][SbF(6)] (terpy = 2,2';6',2''-terpyridine, tbbpy =
      4,4'-di-tert-butyl-2,2'-bipyridine), as a mixture of N-bound and S-bound
      thiocyanate linkage isomers that can be separated based on their relative
      solubility in ethanol. Both isomers have been characterized spectroscopically and
      by X-ray crystallography. At elevated temperatures the isomers equilibrate, the
      product being significantly enriched in the more thermodynamically stable N-bound
      form. Density functional theory analysis supports our experimental observation
      that the N-bound isomer is thermodynamically preferred, and provides insight into
      the isomerization mechanism.

PMID- 22066657
TI  - Culture change is not easy... But it can be done.

PMID- 22066658
TI  - CBT-pharmacotherapy combo lessens pediatric OCD symptoms.

PMID- 22066662
TI  - The 12-month outcome of three consecutive monthly intravitreal injections of
      ranibizumab for myopic choroidal neovascularization.
AB  - PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the 12-month outcomes, efficacy,
      and safety of three consecutive monthly intravitreal ranibizumab injections for
      myopic choroidal neovascularization (CNV). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed
      the medical records of 25 consecutive eyes that received a loading dose of three
      consecutive monthly intravitreal injections of ranibizumab for myopic CNV between
      February, 2008, and March, 2010, with a follow-up of 12 months. Eyes with
      persistent or recurrent CNV after 3 months received additional ranibizumab
      injections as needed. Patients' demographic data, best corrected visual acuity
      (BCVA), CNV findings on fluorescent angiography (FAG), central macular thickness
      (CMT) on optical coherence tomography (OCT), total number of treatments, and
      complications were recorded. RESULTS: Mean baseline BCVA was 0.73 logarithm of
      the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) (standard deviation [SD] 0.63), and
      improved significantly to 0.42 logMAR (SD 0.43) at 1 month, 0.38 logMAR (SD 0.47)
      at 2 months, 0.34 logMAR (SD 0.43) at 3 months, and 0.34 logMAR (SD 0.40) at 12
      months (all P<0.001, Wilcoxon signed-rank test). The average number of injections
      was 3.44 (SD 0.92). At 12 months, mean improvement was 2.88 lines (SD 2.35), and
      20 eyes (80%) showed a gain of at least one line after treatment. At 3 months,
      OCT showed significant reduction in CMT (P=0.012, two-tailed t-test), and FAG
      showed significant reduction of mean CNV size from 0.3 (SD 0.16) to 0.19 (SD
      0.12) disc area (P=0.007, two-tailed t-test). No angiographic leakage was evident
      at 3 months in 21 eyes (84%); four eyes (16%) required additional injections for
      persistent leakage. Two eyes (8%) had recurrent CNV during follow-up and required
      retreatment. No complications were noted after treatment. CONCLUSIONS: An initial
      loading dose of three ranibizumab injections is safe and effective in treating
      myopic CNV, with visual improvement maintained over 12 months.

PMID- 22066663
TI  - Biophysical properties and supramolecular structure of self-assembled
      liposome/epsilon-peptide/DNA nanoparticles: correlation with gene delivery.
AB  - Using solid-phase synthesis, lysine can be oligomerized by a reaction of the
      peptide carboxylate with the epsilon-amino group to produce nontoxic,
      biodegradable cationic peptides, epsilon-oligo(L-lysines). Here alpha-substituted
      derivatives of such epsilon-oligo(L-lysines) containing arginine and histidine in
      the side chain were tested as vectors for in vitro gene delivery. Combination of
      epsilon-oligolysines with the cationic lipid DOTAP and plasmid DNA resulted in
      transfection efficiency exceeding that of DOTAP alone, without significant
      increase in cytotoxicity. Synchrotron small-angle X-ray scattering studies
      revealed self-assembly of the DOTAP, epsilon-oligolysines, and DNA to ordered
      lamellar complexes. High transfection efficiency of the nanoparticles correlates
      with increase in zeta potential above +20 mV and requires particle size to be
      below 500 nm. The synergistic effect of branched epsilon-oligolysines and DOTAP
      in gene delivery can be explained by the increase in surface charge and by the
      supramolecular structure of the DOTAP/epsilon-oligolysine/DNA nanoparticles.

PMID- 22066664
TI  - Romidepsin: a guide to its clinical use in cutaneous T-cell lymphoma.
AB  - Intravenous romidepsin (Istodax(r)), a histone deacetylase inhibitor, is
      indicated in the US for the treatment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL) in
      adults who have received at least one prior systemic therapy. In two
      noncomparative trials in adults with relapsed, refractory, and/or advanced CTCL,
      romidepsin was associated with an overall response (i.e. complete or partial
      response) rate of 34% and 35%, and a complete response rate of 6% (in both
      trials). Romidepsin had an acceptable tolerability profile, with the most common
      grade 3 or 4 adverse events considered at least possibly related to romidepsin
      being hematologic or asthenic in nature.

PMID- 22066665
TI  - Bone mineral density and genetic markers involved in three connected pathways
      (focal adhesion, actin cytoskeleton regulation and cell cycle): the CUMAGAS-BMD
      information system.
AB  - The focal adhesion, the actin cytoskeleton and cell-cycle are connected pathways
      and their genes are implicated in the pathogenesis of low BMD. Data from 211
      studies that investigated the association between BMD and gene variants involved
      in these pathways were catalogued in a web-based information system and analyzed.
      In individual studies, significant association was found for 16 variants in
      lumbar spine, 11 in femoral neck and 5 in hip. In meta-analysis, significant
      results were shown for the variants COL1A1 rs1800012 (in lumbar spine and femoral
      neck), COL1A1 rs1107946 (in lumbar spine), TGFB1 rs1982073 (in femoral neck and
      hip) and TGFB1 rs1800469 (in lumbar spine).

PMID- 22066666
TI  - Making a point through qualitative research.

PMID- 22066668
TI  - Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiographic imaging of double valve repair
      for aortic and mitral stenosis.
AB  - An intraoperative echocardiographic evaluation to determine the feasibility and
      adequacy of the valve repair procedure is crucial for a successful repair.
      However, aortic valve repair in severe aortic stenosis (AS) is very limited and,
      consequently, its intraoperative echocardiographic evaluation has not been
      described well. Here, we describe an intraoperative transesophageal
      echocardiographic evaluation of a double-valve repair procedure for a patient
      with severe AS, moderate aortic insufficiency, and severe mitral stenosis.

PMID- 22066669
TI  - Unveiling the transcriptional features associated with coccolithovirus infection
      of natural Emiliania huxleyi blooms.
AB  - Lytic viruses have been implicated in the massive cellular lysis observed during
      algal blooms, through which they assume a prominent role in oceanic carbon and
      nutrient flows. Despite their impact on biogeochemical cycling, the
      transcriptional dynamics of these important oceanic events is still poorly
      understood. Here, we employ an oligonucleotide microarray to monitor host
      (Emiliania huxleyi) and virus (coccolithovirus) transcriptomic features during
      the course of E. huxleyi blooms induced in seawater-based mesocosm enclosures.
      Host bloom development and subsequent coccolithovirus infection was associated
      with a major shift in transcriptional profile. In addition to the expected
      metabolic requirements typically associated with viral infection (amino acid and
      nucleotide metabolism, as well as transcription- and replication-associated
      functions), the results strongly suggest that the manipulation of lipid
      metabolism plays a fundamental role during host-virus interaction. The results
      herein reveal the scale, so far massively underestimated, of the transcriptional
      domination that occurs during coccolithovirus infection in the natural
      environment.

PMID- 22066671
TI  - Editorial.

PMID- 22066672
TI  - European veterinary dissertations.

PMID- 22066670
TI  - Association of distress symptoms and use of complementary medicine among patients
      with cancer.
AB  - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the association
      between distress symptoms and the types of complementary and alternative medicine
      use in patients with cancer. BACKGROUND: Patients diagnosed with cancer have
      increasingly turned to the use of complementary and alternative medicine to
      manage its symptoms and cope with the side effects of conventional treatment.
      DESIGN: A descriptive cross-sectional study. METHODS: A face-to-face interview
      using a structured questionnaire was conducted with 208 outpatients at a medical
      centre in central Taiwan. The questionnaire included questions on socio
      demographic information, disease specifics, distress symptoms and complementary
      and alternative medicine usage in the past 12 months. Logistic regression
      analysis was used to assess the association between distress symptoms and the use
      of different complementary and alternative medicine modalities. RESULTS: A total
      of 165 (79.3%) patients reported use of at least one complementary and
      alternative medicine modality during the past 12 months. Complementary and
      alternative medicine users and non-users were not significantly different in age,
      sex, marital status, education level, religious affiliation and disease-related
      variables. Fatigue (66.8%) was the most frequently reported symptoms and was
      significantly associated with complementary and alternative medicine use (OR =
      14.11, p = 0.001). Regarding specific complementary and alternative medicine
      modalities, chanting and enzyme therapy were found to be associated with 13
      (68.4%) of the 19 distress symptoms. CONCLUSIONS: There was no association
      between complementary and alternative medicine use and demographic or disease
      related variables. Complementary and alternative medicine was widely used by
      patients with cancer, and symptom of fatigue was most strongly associated with
      complementary and alternative medicine use. Chanting and enzyme therapy were the
      two most frequently used complementary and alternative medicine modalities that
      were significantly associated with the 19 distress symptoms. RELEVANCE TO
      CLINICAL PRACTICE: Health care providers should ask their patients about their
      complementary and alternative medicine use to avoid possible adverse interactions
      between conventional treatment and complementary and alternative medicine
      interventions, in particular, those remedies that are likely to interact with
      cancer medications.

PMID- 22066673
TI  - Development of an assay for rapid detection and quantification of Verticillium
      dahliae in soil.
AB  - ABSTRACT   Verticillium dahliae is responsible for Verticillium wilt on a wide
      range of hosts, including strawberry, on which low soil inoculum densities can
      cause significant crop loss. Determination of inoculum density is currently done
      by soil plating but this can take 6 to 8 weeks to complete and delay the grower's
      ability to make planting decisions. To provide a faster means for estimating
      pathogen populations in the soil, a multiplexed TaqMan real-time polymerase chain
      reaction (PCR) assay based on the ribosomal DNA (rDNA) intergenic spacer (IGS)
      was developed for V. dahliae. The assay was specific for V. dahliae and included
      an internal control for evaluation of inhibition due to the presence of PCR
      inhibitors in DNA extracted from soil samples. An excellent correlation was
      observed in regression analysis (R(2) = 0.96) between real-time PCR results and
      inoculum densities determined by soil plating in a range of field soils with
      pathogen densities as low as 1 to 2 microsclerotia/g of soil. Variation in copy
      number of the rDNA was also evaluated among isolates by SYBR Green real-time PCR
      amplification of the V. dahliae-specific amplicon compared with amplification of
      several single-copy genes and was estimated to range from ~24 to 73 copies per
      haploid genome, which translated into possible differences in results among
      isolates of ~1.8 cycle thresholds. Analysis of the variation in results of V.
      dahliae quantification among extractions of the same soil sample indicated that
      assaying four replicate DNA extractions for each field sample would provide
      accurate results. A TaqMan assay also was developed to help identify colonies of
      V. tricorpus on soil plates.

PMID- 22066675
TI  - Generation and envelope protein analysis of internalization defective Brucella
      abortus mutants in professional phagocytes, RAW 264.7.
AB  - Brucella abortus is a facultative intracellular bacteria that replicates within a
      macrophage without producing any classical virulence factors. It can become
      internalized to cells by zipper-like and/or swimming internalization mechanisms.
      However, the bacterial proteins involved in internalization remain unclear. To
      define these bacterial proteins, random insertion mutants of B. abortus were
      generated by the Tn5 transposome complexes. In all, 132 mutants were screened,
      cellular internalization-defective mutants were selected, and these genomic and
      envelope proteomic features were identified. The transposon insertion sites were
      ccmC,ppk and BruAb2_0168 for the mutant C10, C29 and D7, respectively. Mutant C10
      showed a deficiency in internalization without any changes in expression of the
      cell envelope proteins; however, mutant C29 showed a reduced expression of OMP25,
      and a mutant D7 also showed reduced expression of OMP25, OMP28 and Porin2b. These
      results suggest OMP25 is not an essential factor, but might be involved in host
      cellular internalization. We identified the ppk gene and BruAb2_0168 locus which
      are associated to expression of OMP25, OMP28 and Porin2b as well as pleiotropic
      effects of ccmC gene.

PMID- 22066674
TI  - Mitochondrial haplotype analysis for differentiation of isolates of Phytophthora
      cinnamomi.
AB  - Although Phytophthora cinnamomi is heterothallic, there are few instances of
      successful crossing in laboratory experiments, and analysis of field populations
      indicates a clonally reproducing population. In the absence of sexual
      recombination, the ability to monitor mitochondrial haplotypes may provide an
      additional tool for identification of clonal isolates and analysis of population
      structure. To determine mitochondrial haplotypes for this species, seven
      mitochondrial loci spanning a total of 6,961 bp were sequenced for 62 isolates
      representing a geographically diverse collection of isolates with A1 and A2
      mating type. Three of the regions were primarily intergenic regions between trnG
      and rns, rns and nad3, and nad6 and cox1, while the remaining loci spanned cox2,
      nad9, rps10, and secY coding regions and some of the flanking spacer regions. In
      total, 45 mitochondrial haplotypes were identified (75% of the total isolates
      examined) with differences due to single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs, totaling
      152 bp) and length mutations (17 indels >2 bp representing a total of 910 bp in
      length). SNPs were the predominate mutation in the four coding regions and their
      flanking intergenic regions, while both SNPs and length mutations were observed
      in the three primarily intergenic regions. Some of the length mutations in these
      regions were due to addition or loss of unique sequences while others were due to
      variable numbers of subrepeats (in the trnG-rns region, there were 3 to 12 copies
      of a 24-bp subrepeat sequence that differentiated 17 haplotypes). Network
      analysis of the haplotypes identified eight primary clades, with the most
      divergent clade representing primarily A1 isolates collected from Papua New
      Guinea. The isolate grouping in the network corresponded to mating type and
      previously published isozyme classifications, with three exceptions: a haplotype
      representing an A1 mating type (H29) was placed well within the A2 mating type
      haplotype grouping, one haplotype (H26) had isolates with two isozyme
      classifications, and one isozyme group was represented on separate network
      clades, suggesting that recombination has occurred in the past. Among the 62
      isolates examined, several examples were identified of isolates recovered from
      different geographic regions having the same mitochondrial haplotype, suggesting
      movement of isolates via plant material. Analysis of the data set to determine
      whether fewer loci could be sequenced to classify haplotypes indicated that the
      trnG-rns and rns-nad6 loci would classify 87% of the haplotypes identified in
      this study, while additional sequencing of the nad9 or secY loci would further
      differentiate the remaining six haplotypes. Based on conservation of gene order
      in Phytophthora spp., the trnG-rns locus should be useful for mitochondrial
      haplotype classification in other species, as should the cox2, nad9, rps10, and
      secY loci. However, the rns-nad3 and nad6-cox1 loci span regions that can have a
      different gene order in some Phytophthora spp.

PMID- 22066676
TI  - Colocalization of Porphyromonas gingivalis with CD4+ T cells in periodontal
      disease.
AB  - Porphyromonas gingivalis, an anaerobic, asaccharolytic gram-negative bacterium,
      is a causative agent in chronic periodontitis. It has many virulence factors that
      facilitate infection of the gingiva, but little is known about the local immune
      cells that respond to this bacterium. The aims of this study were to quantify P.
      gingivalis in gingival biopsies from patients with periodontitis using laser
      capture microdissection (LCM) plus qRT-PCR and to determine the phenotype of
      immune cells associated with the bacteria using immunofluorescence. The presence
      of P. gingivalis was confirmed in periodontitis gingival tissue from 10 patients,
      and differences in bacterial distribution in the epithelium and connective tissue
      with or without inflammatory infiltrates were observed. Immune cells found in the
      biopsy tissues, including CD20+ mature B cells and CD138+ plasma cells, were
      associated with the Th2-type immune response. Most P. gingivalis was in direct
      contact with CD4+ T cells. This study revealed for the first time the
      colocalization of P. gingivalis with immune cells. Use of LCM combined with qRT
      PCR enabled quantitative analysis of bacteria in a selected area of a biopsy
      sample without any tissue degradation. Observation of the immune cells associated
      with these bacteria was also performed by immunofluorescence.

PMID- 22066677
TI  - Risk factors for invasive mold infections following allogeneic hematopoietic stem
      cell transplantation: a single center study of 190 recipients.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Invasive mold infection (IMI) is a major cause of infection-related
      mortality following allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo
      HSCT). METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed 190 allo-HSCT recipients at Changhai
      Hospital between the y 2000 and 2007. The survival rate was evaluated with Kaplan
      Meier curves. Logistic and Cox regression models were used for multivariate
      analyses. RESULTS: The 1(st) y cumulative incidence rate of IMI was 12.8%, and
      invasive aspergillosis was the most commonly observed IMI (85%). Multivariate
      logistic regression analyses showed that significant predictors of IMI were
      corticosteroid therapy (odds ratio (OR) 1.656, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.047
      2.621, p = 0.031), positive cytomegalovirus antigenemia (OR 5.301, 95% CI 1.902
      14.772, p = 0.001), and secondary neutropenia (OR 5.250, 95% CI 1.741-15.834, p =
      0.003). The mortality rate of IMI at 12 weeks after diagnosis was 60%. In Cox
      regression models, IMI-related mortality was related to the dose of
      corticosteroid (2 mg/kg/day or more) administered at the time of IMI diagnosis
      (hazards ratio (HR) 20.841, 95% CI 2.151-201.944, p = 0.009) and neutropenia (HR
      7.043, 95% CI 1.186-41.827, p = 0.032). CONCLUSIONS: These data confirm previous
      findings that the incidence and mortality of IMI are mostly associated with
      immunodeficiency caused by immunosuppressive therapy or virus infection.

PMID- 22066678
TI  - Effect of intracanal dentine wettability on human dental pulp cell attachment.
AB  - AIM: To evaluate the effect of intracanal dentine wettability on human dental
      pulp cell (HDPC) attachment after application of endodontic irrigants.
      METHODOLOGY: Twenty extracted human premolar teeth with straight canals were
      sectioned at the apical and coronal thirds of each root, and the remaining mid
      root portions were bisected longitudinally. After polishing, the specimens were
      divided into two groups for wettability and cell attachment measurements,
      respectively. The intracanal surface wettability was assessed by atomic force
      microscopy after a rinse of H(2) O (control), 5.25% sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl),
      17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) and MTAD (n = 5). Additionally, HDPCs
      were seeded onto the irrigated root canal dentine and the cell attachment was
      evaluated by calcein-CAM and propidium iodide (PI) dying under fluorescence
      microscope (n = 5). Data were analysed by means of one-way anova and LSD test.
      RESULTS: Compared with the control group, 5.25% NaOCl, 17% EDTA and MTAD
      treatment significantly increased surface wettability (P < 0.001). The rank order
      of adhesion force was MTAD >17% EDTA >5.25% NaOCl > H(2) O. The highest average
      numbers of viable HDPCs were observed on the root canals irrigated with MTAD,
      followed by the 17% EDTA group (P < 0.001), and the lowest average numbers of
      viable cells were detected in the 5.25% NaOCl and H(2) O groups. CONCLUSIONS:
      Surface wettability was affected by the irrigants. Increasing in wettability
      produced higher levels of HDPC attachment to irrigated dentine.

PMID- 22066680
TI  - Therapeutic effect of fucoidan-stimulated endothelial  colony-forming cells in
      peripheral ischemia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Fucoidan, an antithrombotic polysaccharide, can induce endothelial
      colony-forming cells (ECFC) to adopt an angiogenic phenotype in vitro.
      OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the effect of fucoidan on vasculogenesis induced by ECFC
      in vivo. METHODS: We used a murine hindlimb ischemia model to probe the synergic
      role of fucoidan-treatment and ECFC infusion during tissue repair. RESULTS: We
      found that exposure of ECFC to fucoidan prior to their intravenous injection
      improved residual muscle blood flow and increased collateral vessel formation.
      Necrosis of ischemic tissue was significantly reduced on day 14, to 12.1% of the
      gastronecmius cross-sectional surface area compared with 40.1% in animals
      injected with untreated-ECFC. ECFC stimulation with fucoidan caused a rapid
      increase in cell adhesion to activated endothelium in flow conditions, and
      enhanced transendothelial extravasation. Fucoidan-stimulated ECFC were resistant
      to shear stresses of up to 21 dyn cm(-2). Direct binding assays showed strong
      interaction of fucoidan with displaceable binding sites on the ECFC membrane.
      Bolus intramuscular administration of fucoidan 1 day after surgery reduces
      rhabdomyolysis. Mice injected with fucoidan (15 mg kg(-1)) had significantly
      lower mean serum creatine phosphokinase (CPK) activity than control animals. This
      CPK reduction was correlated with muscle preservation against necrosis (P <
      0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Fucoidan greatly increases ECFC-mediated angiogenesis in
      vivo. Its angiogenic effect would be due in part to its transportation to the
      ischemic site and its release after displacement by proteoglycans present in the
      extracellular matrix. The use of ECFC and fucoidan together, will be an efficient
      angiogenesis strategy to provide therapeutic neovascularization.

PMID- 22066679
TI  - Mitochondria as a source and target of lipid peroxidation products in healthy and
      diseased heart.
AB  - The heart is a highly oxidative organ in which cardiomyocyte turnover is
      virtually absent, making it particularly vulnerable to accumulation of lipid
      peroxidation products (LPP) formed as a result of oxidative damage. Reactive
      oxygen and nitrogen species are the most common electrophiles formed during lipid
      peroxidation and lead to the formation of both stable and unstable LPP. Of the
      LPP formed, highly reactive aldehydes are a well-recognized causative factor in
      ageing and age-associated diseases, including cardiovascular disease and
      diabetes. Recent studies have identified that the mitochondria are both a primary
      source and target of LPP, with specific emphasis on aldehydes in cardiomyocytes
      and how these affect the electron transport system and Ca(2+) balance. Numerous
      studies have found that there are functional consequences in the heart following
      exposure to specific aldehydes (acrolein, trans-2-hexanal, 4-hydroxynonenal and
      acetaldehyde). Because these LPP are known to form in heart failure, cardiac
      ischaemia-reperfusion injury and diabetes, they may have an underappreciated role
      in the pathophysiology of these disease processes. Lipid peroxidation products
      are involved in the transcriptional regulation of endogenous anti-oxidant
      systems. Recent evidence demonstrates that transient increases in LPP may be
      beneficial in cardioprotection by contributing to mitohormesis (i.e. induction of
      anti-oxidant systems) in cardiomyocytes. Thus, exploitation of the
      cardioprotective actions of the LPP may represent a novel therapeutic strategy
      for future treatment of heart disease.

PMID- 22066681
TI  - Theoretical calculation of the OH vibrational overtone spectra of 1,5-pentanediol
      and 1,6-hexanediol.
AB  - It is well-known that intramolecular hydrogen bonding affects the relative
      energetics of conformers, as well as the OH stretching peak positions,
      intensities, and width. In this study we simulated the Deltav(OH) = 3, 4 overtone
      spectra of 1,5-pentanediol (PeD) and 1,6-hexanediol (HD) using the peak
      positions, intensities, and width calculated from the B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p) method.
      Furthermore, room temperature free energy calculations were performed using
      B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p) MP2/6-31+G(d,p), and MP2/6-311++G(3df,3pd) to obtain the
      relative population of the conformers. From the calculation of 109 and 381
      distinct conformers for PeD and HD, respectively, we find that for these long
      chain diols the intramolecular hydrogen bonded conformers are not the most
      dominant conformation at room temperature. This is in stark contrast with shorter
      chain diols such as ethylene glycol for which the hydrogen bonded conformer
      dominates the population at room temperature. On the other hand, we found that
      the correlation between the hydrogen bonded OH red shift versus the homogeneous
      width, Gamma = 0.0155(Deltaomega)(1.36), which was derived for shorter chain
      diols, is valid even for these longer chain diols. We also showed that the
      intramolecular hydrogen bonded OH initially decays through the CCOH torsion and
      COH bending mode no matter how long the alkanediol chain length is for 1,n
      alkanediols for n up to 6.

PMID- 22066682
TI  - Transthoracic echocardiographic features of cardiac pheochromocytoma: a single
      institution experience.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Cardiac pheochromocytoma is extremely rare. Previous papers usually
      are reports of a single case. Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) offers a
      useful option, but the features of cardiac pheochromocytoma on TTE have not been
      favorably reported. In this study, the findings of cardiac pheochromocytoma on
      TTE in nine cases were presented. METHODS: TTE images (especially two-dimensional
      ultrasound) of nine patients with cardiac pheochromocytomas were analyzed
      retrospectively and compared with the findings from surgery. RESULTS: Among the
      nine patients with cardiac pheochromocytomas identified in Peking Union Medical
      College Hospital (PUMCH) clinical and echocardiographic database, TTE identified
      one cardiac tumor in seven cases (77.8%), two cardiac tumors in one case (11.1%),
      and a false-negative result in another (11.1%). Cardiac pheochromocytomas were
      usually located on the base of the heart, near the origin of great arteries. The
      tumors were usually round or ovoid, ranging from 1.4 cm to 7.7 cm in diameter,
      with homogeneous and moderate echoes and low activity. They could press or invade
      surrounding cardiac structures and influence hemodynamics. In this study the
      majority of cardiac pheochromocytoma seemed marginated and appeared to be
      encapsulated on TTE. Apical four-chamber view and parasternal short-axis view of
      the aortic valve were most effective in identifying cardiac pheochromocytomas.
      The findings on TTE were similar to those from surgical procedures. CONCLUSION:
      Cardiac pheochromocytomas presented characteristic TTE appearances in aspect of
      location, size, texture, and shape of tumors. Understanding of these
      characteristics on TTE can help correctly recognize this extremely rare disease.

PMID- 22066683
TI  - Characterization of low energy charge transfer transitions in
      (terpyridine)(bipyridine)ruthenium(II) complexes and their cyanide-bridged bi-
      and tri-metallic analogues.
AB  - The lowest energy metal-to-ligand charge transfer (MLCT) absorption bands found
      in ambient solutions of a series of [Ru(tpy)(bpy)X](m+) complexes (tpy =
      2,2':3',2''-terpyridine; bpy = 2,2'-bipyridine; and X = a monodentate ancillary
      ligand) feature one or two partly resolved weak absorptions (bands I and/or II)
      on the low energy side of their absorption envelopes. Similar features are found
      for the related cyanide-bridged bi- and trimetallic complexes. However, the weak
      absorption band I of [(bpy)(2)Ru{CNRu(tpy)(bpy)}(2)](4+) is missing in its
      [(bpy)(2)Ru{NCRu(tpy)(bpy)}(2)](4+) linkage isomer demonstrating that this
      feature arises from a Ru(II)/tpy MLCT absorption. The energies of the MLCT band I
      components of the [Ru(tpy)(bpy)X](m+) complexes are proportional to the
      differences between the potentials for the first oxidation and the first
      reduction waves of the complexes. Time-dependent density functional theory (TD
      DFT) computational modeling indicates that these band I components correspond to
      the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) to lowest unoccupied molecular
      orbital (LUMO) transition, with the HOMO being largely ruthenium-centered and the
      LUMO largely tpy-centered. The most intense contribution to a lowest energy MLCT
      absorption envelope (band III) of these complexes corresponds to the convolution
      of several orbitally different components, and its absorption maximum has an
      energy that is about 5000 cm(-1) higher than that of band I. The multimetallic
      complexes that contain Ru(II) centers linked by cyanide have mixed valence
      excited states in which more than 10% of electronic density is delocalized
      between the nearest neighbor ruthenium centers, and the corresponding
      stabilization energy contributions in the excited states are indistinguishable
      from those of the corresponding ground states. Single crystal X-ray structures
      and computational modeling indicate that the Ru-(C=N)-Ru linkage is quite
      flexible and that there is not an appreciable variation in electronic structure
      or energy among the conformational isomers.

PMID- 22066684
TI  - A new assay for endonuclease/methyltransferase activities based on graphene
      oxide.
AB  - A new endonuclease/methyltransferase activity assay method based on graphene
      oxide (GO) is developed. Substrate DNA is designed to possess a double-stranded
      part to serve as a nuclease substrate and a single-stranded part for anchoring
      the DNA to the GO surface via strong noncovalent binding. Nuclease-mediated DNA
      hydrolysis induces the recovery of fluorescence intensity of the dye attached to
      the end of the double-stranded DNA region. This GO-based method allows real-time
      measurement and quantitative assay for endonuclease/methyltransferase activities
      in short time.

PMID- 22066685
TI  - Motion interactive video games in home training for children with cerebral palsy:
      parents' perceptions.
AB  - PURPOSE: To explore parents' perceptions of using low-cost motion interactive
      video games as home training for their children with mild/moderate cerebral
      palsy. METHOD: Semi-structured interviews were carried out with parents from 15
      families after participation in an intervention where motion interactive games
      were used daily in home training for their child. A qualitative content analysis
      approach was applied. RESULTS: The parents' perception of the training was very
      positive. They expressed the view that motion interactive video games may promote
      positive experiences of physical training in rehabilitation, where the social
      aspects of gaming were especially valued. Further, the parents experienced less
      need to take on coaching while gaming stimulated independent training. However,
      there was a desire for more controlled and individualized games to better
      challenge the specific rehabilitative need of each child. CONCLUSIONS: Low-cost
      motion interactive games may provide increased motivation and social interaction
      to home training and promote independent training with reduced coaching efforts
      for the parents. In future designs of interactive games for rehabilitation
      purposes, it is important to preserve the motivational and social features of
      games while optimizing the individualized physical exercise.

PMID- 22066687
TI  - The influence of pre-admission hypoglycaemic therapy on cardiac morbidity and
      mortality in type 2 diabetic patients undergoing major non-cardiac surgery: a
      prospective observational study.
AB  - It remains unclear whether type 2 diabetics treated with either insulin or oral
      hypoglycaemic agents have the same incidence of cardiac morbidity and mortality
      after major non-cardiac surgery. We prospectively studied 360 type 2 diabetic
      patients undergoing major non-cardiac surgery of which 105 were treated with
      insulin only, 171 were treated with oral hypoglycaemics only and 84 were treated
      with a combination of insulin and oral hypoglycaemics. All-cause mortality after
      30 days and after 12 months was highest in the insulin (10% and 26%) and lowest
      in the oral hypoglycaemics group (2% and 13%; p = 0.02 and 0.007, respectively).
      Insulin treatment was independently associated with increased mortality after 30
      days (hazard ratio 3.93; 95% CI 1.22-12.64; p = 0.022) and 12 months (hazard
      ratio 2.03; 95% CI 1.16-3.58; p = 0.014) after multivariate adjustment for age,
      sex and the revised cardiac risk index (insulin treatment excluded). The
      increased mortality in insulin-treated diabetic patients may be due to a more
      progressive disease state in these patients rather than the treatment modality
      itself.

PMID- 22066688
TI  - Asymmetric toggling of a natural photoswitch: ultrafast spectroscopy of Anabaena
      sensory rhodopsin.
AB  - Photochemistry in retinal proteins (RPs) is determined both by the properties of
      the retinal chromophore and by its interactions with the surrounding protein. The
      initial retinal configuration, and the isomerization coordinates active in any
      specific protein, must be important factors influencing the course of
      photochemistry. This is illustrated by the vast differences between the
      photoisomerization dynamics in visual pigments which start 11-cis and end all
      trans, and those observed in microbial ion pumps and sensory rhodopsins which
      start all-trans and end in a 13-cis configuration. However, isolating these
      factors is difficult since most RPs accommodate only one active stable ground
      state configuration. Anabaena sensory rhodopsin, allegedly functioning in
      cyanobacteria as a wavelength sensor, exists in two stable photoswitchable forms,
      containing all-trans and 13-cis retinal isomers, at a wavelength-dependent ratio.
      Using femtosecond spectroscopy, and aided by extraction of coherent vibrational
      signatures, we show that cis-to-trans photoisomerization, as in visual pigments,
      is ballistic and over in a fraction of a picosecond, while the reverse is nearly
      10 times slower and kinetically reminiscent of other microbial rhodopsins. This
      provides a new test case for appreciating medium effects on primary events in
      RPs.

PMID- 22066689
TI  - Heparan sulfate enhances the self-renewal and therapeutic potential of
      mesenchymal stem cells from human adult bone marrow.
AB  - Insufficient cell number hampers therapies utilizing adult human mesenchymal stem
      cells (hMSCs) and current ex vivo expansion strategies lead to a loss of
      multipotentiality. Here we show that supplementation with an embryonic form of
      heparan sulfate (HS-2) can both increase the initial recovery of hMSCs from bone
      marrow aspirates and increase their ex vivo expansion by up to 13-fold. HS-2 acts
      to amplify a subpopulation of hMSCs harboring longer telomeres and increased
      expression of the MSC surface marker stromal precursor antigen-1. Gene expression
      profiling revealed that hMSCs cultured in HS-2 possess a distinct signature that
      reflects their enhanced multipotentiality and improved bone-forming ability when
      transplanted into critical-sized bone defects. Thus, HS-2 offers a novel means
      for decreasing the expansion time necessary for obtaining therapeutic numbers of
      multipotent hMSCs without the addition of exogenous growth factors that
      compromise stem cell fate.

PMID- 22066690
TI  - UV-responsive polymeric superamphiphile based on a complex of malachite green
      derivative and a double hydrophilic block copolymer.
AB  - We have prepared a UV-responsive polymeric superamphiphile, formed by a malachite
      green derivative and the double hydrophilic block copolymer methoxy-poly(ethylene
      glycol)(114)-block-poly(l-lysine hydrochloride)(200) (PEG-b-PLKC) on the basis of
      electrostatic interactions. The malachite green derivative undergoes photo
      ionization upon UV irradiation, which makes it more hydrophilic, resulting in
      changes in the self-assembly behavior of the polymeric superamphiphile. For this
      reason, the polymeric superamphiphile originally self-assembles to form sheetlike
      aggregates, which disassemble after UV irradiation because of the increased
      solubility of the malachite green derivative. By use of Nile red as a probe, the
      polarity of the polymeric superamphiphile solution is confirmed to be increased
      after UV irradiation by fluorescence spectra, which also explains the disassembly
      of the polymeric superamphiphile.

PMID- 22066691
TI  - Differences in treatment and survival among African-American and Caucasian women
      with early stage operable breast cancer.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To examine racial disparities associated with breast cancer treatment
      and survival in elderly patients with early stage operable breast cancer.
      METHODS: We studied 23,110 women with node-positive and 31,572 women with node
      negative tumor who were aged >=65 with stages I, II, or IIIA breast cancer in
      1991-2002 using the Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER)-Medicare
      linked data. Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the odds of
      receiving adjuvant chemotherapy and radiation after breast conserving surgery
      (BCS) for blacks compared to whites. Cox proportional hazard regression models
      were used to determine the risk of mortality in blacks compared to whites,
      stratified by types of treatment. RESULTS: Black women with node-positive and
      node-negative tumors were 25% (odds ratio = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.65-0.87) and 17%
      (0.83, 0.70-0.99) less likely to receive chemotherapy than white women, after
      adjusting for patient and tumor characteristics. This relation was not attenuated
      and remained statistically significant even after adjustment for socioeconomic
      status. In women with node-negative tumor who did not receive chemotherapy, black
      women were significantly more likely to die than white women (hazard ratio (HR) =
      1.14, 95% CI = 1.04-1.24) after adjusting for patient and tumor characteristics,
      and comorbidity; and (1.11, 1.01-1.22) after additionally adjusting for
      socioeconomic status. CONCLUSIONS: There were racial disparities between black
      and white women in receiving adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy following
      BCS. Higher risk of mortality in black compared to white women was found only in
      those receiving no chemotherapy. Future studies should explore the root causes of
      racial disparities beyond treatment factors.

PMID- 22066692
TI  - Potential beneficial effects of low molecular weight heparin on cognitive
      impairment in elderly patients on haemodialysis.
AB  - Vascular cognitive impairment or mixed vascular cognitive impairment and
      Alzheimer's disease (AD) appear to be much more common in elderly patients than
      AD alone. Furthermore, vascular dementia (VaD) and AD are more prevalent in
      elderly patients receiving haemodialysis (HD), leading to a loss of independence
      and a poor quality of life. Hypotensive episodes in patients receiving HD
      contribute to vascular changes in the brain, with consequent progression of VaD
      and AD. The use of the lowest individually optimized bolus dose of low molecular
      weight heparin (LMWH) during HD, with fewer hypotensive episodes during and
      between HD procedures, may exert a sparing effect on changes in microvascular
      circulation and decrease the incidence of VaD and AD. We believe that long-term
      use of LMWH, with its direct effect on amyloid beta protein (Abeta) in the blood
      and on Abeta accumulation in the brain and indirect effects on prevention of
      complement activation, may delay the progression of cognitive impairment in
      patients receiving HD. There is a need for a robustly designed, prospective trial
      to evaluate the effects of long-term treatment with LMWH on mild cognitive
      impairment, VaD and AD in elderly patients receiving maintenance HD.

PMID- 22066694
TI  - Vasodilatory activity and antihypertensive profile mediated by inhibition of
      phosphodiesterase type 1 induced by a novel sulfonamide compound.
AB  - LASSBio-985 is a sulfonamide compound designed as a simplified structure of a
      nonselective phosphodiesterase type 4 (PDE-4) inhibitor that promotes
      vasodilatory activity in vitro. PDE are enzymes responsible for the hydrolysis of
      cyclic adenosine 3',5'- monophosphate and cyclic guanosine 3',5'-monophosphate.
      Five different isozymes of PDE are found in vascular smooth muscle (PDE1-PDE5).
      Aortic rings, with or without endothelium, from male normotensive and
      spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were prepared for isometric tension
      recording. Blood pressure was measured in Wistar Kyoto (WKY) rats and SHR during
      intravenous infusion of LASSBio-985 (10 mg/kg/min) during 15 min. LASSBio-985
      induced a concentration-dependent vasodilation in aortic rings from normotensive
      and SHR, which was almost completely inhibited in endothelium-denuded vessels.
      Vasodilatory activity was also reduced in endothelium-intact aortic rings that
      had been pretreated with N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride (L
      NAME), a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor and 1H-[1,2,4]oxadiazolod[4,3
      a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ), a guanylate cyclase inhibitor. LASSBio-985-induced
      vasodilation was also inhibited by sildenafil (100 MUm) and SQ 22536, a PDE5
      inhibitor and adenylate cyclase inhibitor, respectively. To evaluate the
      involvement of some endothelial receptors, atropine, diphenhydramine, HOE 140,
      naloxone, propranolol, indomethacin, and wortmannin were tested, but none
      inhibited the effects of LASSBio-985. The residual effect observed on endothelium
      denuded aortic rings was abolished by nicardipine, a voltage-sensitive-Ca(2+)
      channel blocker. Intravenous infusion of LASSBio-985 (10 mg/kg/min) significantly
      reduced systolic and diastolic pressures in both WKY and SHR. LASSBio-985 is a
      compound with vasodilatory activity, which could be consequent to PDE1 inhibition
      and voltage-sensitive-Ca(2+)-channel blockade.

PMID- 22066695
TI  - Soil characteristics more strongly influence soil bacterial  communities than
      land-use type.
AB  - To gain insight into the factors driving the structure of bacterial communities
      in soil, we applied real-time PCR, PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoreses,
      and phylogenetic microarray approaches targeting the 16S rRNA gene across a range
      of different land usages in the Netherlands. We observed that the main
      differences in the bacterial communities were not related to land-use type, but
      rather to soil factors. An exception was the bacterial community of pine forest
      soils (PFS), which was clearly different from all other sites. PFS had lowest
      bacterial abundance, lowest numbers of operational taxonomic units (OTUs), lowest
      soil pH, and highest C : N ratios. C : N ratio strongly influenced bacterial
      community structure and was the main factor separating PFS from other fields. For
      the sites other than PFS, phosphate was the most important factor explaining the
      differences in bacterial communities across fields. Firmicutes were the most
      dominant group in almost all fields, except in PFS and deciduous forest soils
      (DFS). In PFS, Alphaproteobacteria was most represented, while in DFS, Firmicutes
      and Gammaproteobacteria were both highly represented. Interestingly, Bacillii and
      Clostridium OTUs correlated with pH and phosphate, which might explain their high
      abundance across many of the Dutch soils. Numerous bacterial groups were highly
      correlated with specific soil factors, suggesting that they might be useful as
      indicators of soil status.

PMID- 22066697
TI  - European veterinary dissertations.

PMID- 22066698
TI  - Trend analysis of cancer incidence in Japan using data from selected population
      based cancer registries.
AB  - Population-based cancer registries are operated by over 80% of prefectures in
      Japan. However, only a limited proportion of the registries can provide long-term
      incidence data. Here, we aimed to establish a method for monitoring cancer
      incidence trends in Japan using data from selected prefectures. Based on the
      availability of long-term (>= 20 years) high-quality data, we collected incidence
      data from five prefectures (Miyagi, Yamagata, Fukui, Osaka, and Nagasaki), which
      included an annual average of 54,539 primary cancer cases diagnosed between 1985
      and 2004. Cancer mortality data for 1995-2004 were obtained from the vital
      statistics. Representativeness and homogeneity of the trends were examined by
      funnel plot analysis of log-linear regression coefficients calculated for the
      most recent 10 years of data (1995-2004) of age-standardized rates (ASR). The ASR
      of incidence for five prefectures in total (5-pref total) showed a significant
      decrease, with an annual percent change (APC) of -1.0 (95% confidence interval
      [CI] -1.4: -0.6) for males and -0.4 (95% CI -0.8: -0.1) for females. Excluding
      data from Osaka (4-pref total) reversed the decreasing trend; the corresponding
      APC was +0.4 (95% CI -0.2: +1.0) for males and +0.7 (95% CI +0.5: +0.9) for
      females. The APCs for the ASR of mortality for the 4-pref total (males, -1.5;
      females, -1.3) were more representative of nationwide data (males, -1.4 [95% CI 
      1.7: -1.2]; females, -1.1 [95% CI -1.4: -0.9]) than those for the 5-pref total
      (males, -1.7; females, -1.4). We conclude that using data from Miyagi, Yamagata,
      Fukui, and Nagasaki prefectures, with continuous monitoring of the
      representativeness of the data, is a provisionally relevant way to evaluate
      cancer incidence trends in Japan.

PMID- 22066699
TI  - Altered phosphate metabolism in HIV-1-infected patients with metabolic syndrome.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Metabolic syndrome (MS) represents a cluster of cardiovascular risk
      factors that has become a serious problem for HIV-1-infected patients. It has
      been proposed that disturbance of phosphate metabolism may represent a key
      feature of MS. Thus, we undertook the present study to investigate the
      relationship between phosphate levels and the presence of the characteristics of
      MS. METHODS: One hundred and twenty-one HIV-1-infected patients were
      consecutively enrolled in a prospective, cross-sectional, single-centre study.
      Kidney tubular function was examined using tubular resorption of phosphate and
      normalized renal threshold phosphate concentration. RESULTS: Univariate analysis
      showed that serum phosphate levels correlated negatively with systolic and
      diastolic blood pressure, glucose values, waist circumference, insulin, and
      triglycerides. Moreover, there was a positive relationship between phosphate and
      high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. Multivariate analysis showed that
      insulin levels were correlated with serum phosphate concentration (r = - 0.24, p
      = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Our data show that HIV-1-infected patients with MS have
      lower phosphate levels.

PMID- 22066696
TI  - Isolation and gene flow: inferring the speciation history of European house mice.
AB  - Inferring the history of isolation and gene flow during species differentiation
      can inform us on the processes underlying their formation. Following their recent
      expansion in Europe, two subspecies of the house mouse (Mus musculus domesticus
      and Mus musculus musculus) have formed a hybrid zone maintained by hybrid
      incompatibilities and possibly behavioural reinforcement, offering a good model
      of incipient speciation. We reconstruct the history of their divergence using an
      approximate Bayesian computation framework and sequence variation at 57 autosomal
      loci. We find support for a long isolation period preceding the advent of gene
      flow around 200,000 generations ago, much before the formation of the European
      hybrid zone a few thousand years ago. The duration of the allopatric episode
      appears long enough (74% of divergence time) to explain the accumulation of many
      post-zygotic incompatibilities expressed in the present hybrid zone. The ancient
      contact inferred could have played a role in mating behaviour divergence and laid
      the ground for further reinforcement. We suggest that both subspecies originally
      colonized the Middle East from the northern Indian subcontinent, domesticus
      settling on the shores of the Persian Gulf and musculus on those of the Caspian
      Sea. Range expansions during interglacials would have induced secondary contacts,
      presumably in Iran, where they must have also interacted with Mus musculus
      castaneus. Future studies should incorporate this possibility, and we point to
      Iran and its surroundings as a hot spot for house mouse diversity and speciation
      studies.

PMID- 22066700
TI  - Modulation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa lipopolysaccharide-induced lung inflammation
      by chronic iron overload in rat.
AB  - Iron constitutes a critical nutrient source for bacterial growth, so iron
      overload is a risk factor for bacterial infections. This study aimed at
      investigating the role of iron overload in modulating bacterial endotoxin-induced
      lung inflammation. Weaning male Wistar rats were intraperitoneally injected with
      saline or iron sucrose [15 mg kg(-1) body weight (bw), 3 times per week, 4
      weeks]. They were then intratracheally injected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (5 MUg kg(-1) bw) or saline. Inflammatory indices were
      evaluated 4 or 18 h post-LPS/saline injection. At 4 h, LPS-treated groups
      revealed significant increases in the majority of inflammatory parameters (LPS
      binding protein (LBP), immune cell recruitment, inflammatory cytokine synthesis,
      myeloperoxidase activity, and alteration of alveolar-capillary permeability), as
      compared with control groups. At 18 h, these parameters reduced strongly with the
      exception for LBP content and interleukin (IL)-10. In parallel, iron acted as a
      modulator of immune cell recruitment; LBP, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, cytokine
      induced neutrophil chemoattractant 3, and IL-10 synthesis; and alveolar-capillary
      permeability. Therefore, P. aeruginosa LPS may only act as an acute lung
      inflammatory molecule, and iron overload may modulate lung inflammation by
      enhancing different inflammatory parameters. Thus, therapy for iron overload may
      be a novel and efficacious approach for the prevention and treatment of bacterial
      lung inflammations.

PMID- 22066701
TI  - Differential effector responses by circulating/blood and tissue/peritoneal
      neutrophils following burn combined with Enterococcus faecalis infection.
AB  - Recently we found that superimposition of Enterococcus faecalis infection on burn
      injury caused an eruption of host mortality not seen with either individual
      challenge. We hypothesized that the Enterococcus bacteria, and/or factors related
      to these organisms, aggravate burn-induced modulations in host defense by
      neutrophils. Our study focuses on alterations in neutrophils' oxidative,
      proteolytic, and adhesive functions and transendothelial migration of neutrophils
      in burn rats inoculated with E. faecalis. Rats were subjected to burn (30% total
      body surface area) and then intra-abdominally inoculated with E. faecalis
      (10(4)CFU kg(-1) b.w). Polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMNs) were harvested from
      circulating/blood and tissue/peritoneal cavity at day-2 post injury.
      Extracellular release of O(-)(2) anion production was determined by luminometry,
      and intracellular production of reactive oxygen species was measured by digital
      imaging technique. Fluoroscan analysis and confocal microscopy determined
      intracellular elastase production. The expression of adhesion molecule CD11b/CD18
      was performed by flow cytometry. Calcein AM-labeled PMNs were co-cultured with
      TNF-alpha-stimulated rat lung microvascular endothelial cells, and their ability
      to adhere was assessed by fluorometry and digital imaging and finally, chemotaxis
      was measured by neutrophil transmigration assays. The results showed differential
      effector responses by circulatory and/or tissue PMNs. Tissue/peritoneal PMNs
      produced more O(-)(2), less intracellular elastase, and increased expression of
      CD11b/CD18 accompanied with increased adhesivity of MIP-2-stimulated PMNs to
      endothelial cells as compared to circulatory/blood PMNs. This differential effect
      was more pronounced following burn plus E. faecalis infection, indicating that
      the combined injury changed neutrophil functions.

PMID- 22066702
TI  - Diversity and distribution of diazotrophic communities in the South China Sea
      deep basin with mesoscale cyclonic eddy perturbations.
AB  - The South China Sea (SCS) is an oligotrophic subtropical marginal ocean with a
      deep basin and a permanently stratified central gyre. Upwelling and nitrogen
      fixation provide new nitrogen for primary production in the SCS. This study was
      aimed at an investigation of phylogenetic diversity and quantification of the
      diazotroph community in the SCS deep basin, which is characterized by frequent
      mesoscale eddies. The diazotroph community had a relatively low diversity but a
      distinct spatial heterogeneity of diversity in the SCS deep basin. The potential
      for nitrogen fixation consistently occurred during cyclonic eddies, although
      upwelling of nutrient-replete deep water might have alleviated nitrogen
      limitation in the SCS. However, diazotrophic proteobacteria were dominant, but
      neither Trichodesmium nor heterocystous cyanobacterial diatom symbionts.
      Quantitative PCR analysis using probe-primer sets developed in this study
      revealed that the nif H gene of the two dominant alpha- and gammaproteobacterial
      groups was at the highest abundance (up to 10(4)  to 10(5)  copies L(-1) ).
      Trichodesmium thiebautii was detected with an average density of 10(2)  trichomes
      L(-1)  in the euphotic waters, while Richelia intracellularis was observed
      sporadically under the microscope. The unicellular cyanobacterial groups A and B
      were not detected in our libraries. Our results suggested that diazotrophic
      proteobacteria were significant components potentially contributing to nitrogen
      fixation in this oligotrophic marginal ocean ecosystem.

PMID- 22066703
TI  - Substance use among populations displaced by conflict: a literature review.
AB  - This paper reviews the literature on substance use among populations displaced by
      conflict. Of the 17 publications presenting primary data retained for review, all
      consider populations in or recovering from protracted conflict, the majority (10)
      in non-camp settings. Most studies (10) offer prevalence estimates, suggesting
      that substance use (such as of alcohol, opiates, or minor tranquilizers) is
      common in some displaced settings. Five describe harmful consequences of
      substance use among displaced populations (such as HIV transmission, tuberculosis
      treatment failure, gender-based violence, and economic problems). Three studies
      suggest risk factors for substance use problems (such as gender, trauma-related
      conditions, pre-displacement substance use, and socio-economic factors); two
      examine qualitatively the gendered nature of alcohol-related harm and its links
      with gender-based violence. One study examines an intervention. The evidence base
      is weak. Findings are used to develop a conceptual framework emphasizing the risk
      environment to inform further research, to encourage debate among researchers and
      practitioners, and to enable the development of interventions.

PMID- 22066704
TI  - Universal pharmacological thromboprophylaxis for total knee  arthroplasty may not
      be necessary in low-risk populations:  a nationwide study in Taiwan.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Thromboprophylaxis should be universally administered in major
      orthopedic surgery. However, epidemiology of venous thromboembolism (VTE)
      following major knee surgery in Asia is scarce. OBJECTIVE: To describe the use of
      thromboprophylaxis and calculate the incidence and risk factors of symptomatic
      VTE following major knee surgery in Taiwan. METHODS: We used Taiwan's National
      Health Insurance Research Database to retrospectively identify patients (>=45
      years) who underwent major knee surgery from 1998 to 2007 and collected the
      medical records within 3 months after the discharge. Logistic regression analysis
      was used to determine the risk factors of symptomatic VTE after the surgery.
      RESULTS: We identified 113 844 patients (mean age, 69.0 +/- 7.7 years; female,
      75.2%) receiving major knee arthroplasties. The mean length of stay was 9.1 +/-
      3.3 days. The overall pharmacological thromboprophylaxis rate was 2.2%. The 3
      month cumulative incidence of procedure-related symptomatic VTE was 0.46% (95%
      CI, 0.42-0.50%). The median time to the first post-operation VTE was 7 days, with
      85.4% occurring within 2 weeks after the discharge.Logistic regression analysis
      showed that previous VTE, malignancy, heart failure and neurologic disorder with
      extremity paralysis or pararesis were independent risk factors (P < 0.05) for
      symptomatic VTE following major knee arthroplasties. CONCLUSIONS: The
      thromboprophylaxis rate is low, which may be due to the very low incidence of
      symptomatic VTE after the surgery in Taiwan. Most symptomatic VTE occurred within
      2 weeks after the surgery. Universal thromboprophylaxis for knee arthroplasties
      may not be necessary in Taiwan, but it should be considered in some high-risk
      populations.

PMID- 22066705
TI  - Photoinduced electron transfer (PET) based Zn2+ fluorescent probe: transformation
      of turn-on sensors into ratiometric ones with dual emission in acetonitrile.
AB  - Ratiometric sensors for the detection of metal ions have gained increasing
      attention due to its self-calibration tendency for the environmental effects. In
      this context, we have synthesized and characterized a dual emitting ratiometric
      Zn(2+) probe (1) having acridinedione as a fluorophore and N,N-bis(2
      pyridylmethyl)amine (BPA) as a receptor unit. Existence of two different
      conformation of the molecule with photoinduced electron transfer (PET) from amine
      moiety to the acridinedione fluorophore leads to dual emission, namely locally
      excited (425 nm) and anomalous charge transfer emission (560 nm) in aprotic
      solvents. In the presence of one equivalent of Zn(2+), a 15-fold fluorescence
      enhancement in the locally excited state together with the quenching of charge
      transfer emission is observed. The intensity changes at the two emission peaks
      allow a ratiometric detection of Zn(2+) under PET signaling mechanism. The
      utilization of PET process for the ratiometric fluorescence change will further
      signify the importance of PET mechanism in sensing action. Addition of Zn(2+) to
      1 in acetonitrile/water mixtures shows a single emission peak with fluorescence
      enhancement.

PMID- 22066706
TI  - A more informative approach for characterization of polymer monolithic phases:
      small angle neutron scattering/ultrasmall angle neutron scattering.
AB  - Neutron scattering techniques have been used frequently to characterize
      geological specimens and to determine the structures of glasses and of polymers
      as solutions, suspensions, or melts. Little work has been reported on their
      application in determining polymers' structural properties relevant to
      separations. Here, we present a comparison of characterization results from
      nitrogen porosimetry and from combined small angle neutron scattering (SANS) and
      ultrasmall angle neutron scattering (USANS) experiments. We show that SANS is
      extremely sensitive to the pore characteristics. Both approaches can provide
      information about porosity and pore characteristics, but the neutron scattering
      techniques provide additional information in the form of the surface
      characteristics of the pores and their length scales. Fits of the scattering data
      show that cylindrical pores are present with diameters down to 0.6 MUm and that,
      for length scales down to approxmately 20 A, the material shows self-similar
      (fractal) slopes of -3.4 to -3.6. Comparison of these characteristics with other
      examples from the scattering literature indicate that further investigation of
      their meaning for chromatographic media is required.

PMID- 22066707
TI  - Realizing visible-light-induced self-cleaning property of cotton through coating
      N-TiO2 film and loading AgI particles.
AB  - The visible-light-induced self-cleaning property of cotton has been realized by
      coating N-TiO(2) film and loading AgI particles simultaneously. The physical
      properties were characterized by means of XRD, SEM, TEM, XPS, and DRS techniques.
      The visible light photocatalytic activities of the materials were evaluated using
      the degradation of methyl orange. In comparison with TiO(2)-cotton, the dramatic
      enhancement in the visible light photocatalytic performance of the AgI-N-TiO(2)
      cotton could be attributed to the synergistic effect of AgI and N-TiO(2),
      including generation of visible light photocatalytic activity and the effective
      electron-hole separations at the interfaces of the two semiconductors. The
      photocatalytic activity of the AgI-N-TiO(2)-cotton was fully maintained upon
      several numbers of photodegradation cycles. In addition, according to the XRD
      patterns of the AgI-N-TiO(2)-cotton before and after reaction, AgI was stable in
      the composites under visible light irradiation. Moreover, a possible mechanism
      for the excellent and stable photocatalytic activity of AgI-N-TiO(2)-cotton under
      visible light irradiation was also proposed.

PMID- 22066708
TI  - Emotional well-being and adjustment to vision loss in later life: a meta
      synthesis of qualitative studies.
AB  - PURPOSE: To review perceived emotional well-being in older people with visual
      impairment and perceived factors that inhibit/facilitate psychosocial adjustment
      to vision loss. METHOD: The databases of MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO and CINAHL
      were searched for studies published from January 1980 to December 2010, which
      recruited older people with irreversible vision loss, and used qualitative
      methods for both data collection and analysis. Results sections of the papers
      were synthesised using a thematic-style analysis to identify the emergent and
      dominant themes. RESULTS: Seventeen qualitative papers were included in the
      review, and five main themes emerged from the synthesis: 1) the trauma of an
      ophthalmic diagnosis, 2) impact of vision loss on daily life, 3) negative impact
      of visual impairment on psychosocial well-being, 4) factors that inhibit social
      well-being, and 5) factors that facilitate psychological well-being. We found the
      response shift model useful for explaining our synthesis. CONCLUSIONS: Acquired
      visual impairment can have a significant impact on older people's well-being and
      make psychosocial adjustment to the condition a major challenge. Acceptance of
      the condition and a positive attitude facilitate successful psychosocial
      adjustment to vision loss as well as social support from family, friends and
      peers who have successfully adjusted to the condition.

PMID- 22066709
TI  - Cutaneous involvement with B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

PMID- 22066710
TI  - Breast implant-associated anaplastic large cell lymphoma: a newly recognized
      entity that needs further refinement of its definition.

PMID- 22066711
TI  - Non-relapse mortality in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia: a systematic
      review and meta-analysis.
AB  - The primary objective of the study was to describe non-relapse mortality (NRM)
      and the proportion of first events that are deaths in children with acute
      lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Secondary objectives were to identify groups at
      higher risk and to determine whether proportions have changed over time. We
      performed a systematic review of randomized pediatric ALL studies. From 1337
      articles, 59 were included, comprising a total of 49 071 patients. The induction
      death rate was 1.38%, remission death rate was 1.94% and total NRM was 3.60%.
      Deaths were responsible for 53.84% of first events during induction and 13.03% in
      total. Standard risk patients had significantly lower NRM during remission. The
      year of study was not associated with NRM. The results of the study show that the
      rate of NRM in children with ALL is 3.60% and those with high risk ALL have
      significantly higher NRM during remission, but NRM has not changed over time.
      Future research should focus on the exploration of patient-related risk factors
      for NRM.

PMID- 22066712
TI  - A novel CCAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha germline variant in a case of acute
      myeloid leukemia.

PMID- 22066713
TI  - LIM domain only 2 protein expression, LMO2 germline genetic variation, and
      overall survival in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in the pre-rituximab era.
AB  - Both LMO2 (LIM domain only 2) mRNA and protein expression in diffuse large B-cell
      lymphoma (DLBCL) have been associated with superior survival. However, a role for
      germline genetic variation in LMO2 has not been previously reported.
      Immunohistochemistry (IHC) for LMO2 was conducted on tumor tissue from diagnostic
      biopsies, and 20 tag single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) from LMO2 were
      genotyped from germline DNA. LMO2 IHC positivity was associated with superior
      survival (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.55; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.31-0.97). Four
      LMO2 SNPs (rs10836127, rs941940, rs750781, rs1885524) were associated with
      survival after adjusting for LMO2 IHC and clinical factors (p < 0.05), and one of
      these SNPs (rs941940) was also associated with IHC positivity (p = 0.02).
      Compared to a model with clinical factors only (c-statistic = 0.676), adding the
      four SNPs (c-statistic = 0.751) or LMO2 IHC (c-statistic = 0.691) increased the
      predictive ability of the model, while inclusion of all three factors (c
      statistic = 0.754) did not meaningfully add predictive ability above a model with
      clinical factors and the four SNPs. In conclusion, germline genetic variation in
      LMO2 was associated with DLBCL prognosis and provided slightly stronger
      predictive ability relative to LMO2 IHC status.

PMID- 22066714
TI  - The fast and the slow: folding and trapping of lambda6-85.
AB  - Molecular dynamics simulations combining many microsecond trajectories have
      recently predicted that a very fast folding protein like lambda repressor
      fragment lambda(6-85) D14A could have a slow millisecond kinetic phase. We
      investigated this possibility by detecting temperature-jump relaxation to 5 ms.
      While lambda(6-85) D14A has no significant slow phase, two even more stable
      mutants do. A slow phase of lambda(6-85) D14A does appear in mild denaturant. The
      experimental data and computational modeling together suggest the following
      hypothesis: lambda(6-85) takes only microseconds to reach its native state from
      an extensively unfolded state, while the latter takes milliseconds to reach
      compact beta-rich traps. lambda(6-85) is not only thermodynamically but also
      kinetically protected from reaching such "intramolecular amyloids" while folding.

PMID- 22066715
TI  - Immediate recall influences the effects of pre-encoding stress on emotional
      episodic long-term memory consolidation in healthy young men.
AB  - The stress-associated activation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis
      influences memory. Several studies have supported the notion that post-learning
      stress enhances memory consolidation, while pre-retrieval stress impairs
      retrieval. Findings regarding the effects of pre-encoding stress, in contrast,
      have been rather inconsistent. In the current two studies, the impact of an
      immediate retrieval task on these effects was explored. In the first study, 24
      healthy young male participants were exposed to a psychosocial laboratory
      stressor (Trier Social Stress Test) or a control condition before viewing
      positive, negative, and neutral photographs, which were accompanied by a brief
      narrative. Immediate as well as delayed (24 h later) free recall was assessed.
      Stress was expected to enhance emotional long-term memory without affecting
      immediate recall performance. Stress caused a significant increase in salivary
      cortisol concentrations but had no significant effects on immediate or delayed
      retrieval performance, even though a trend toward poorer memory of the stress
      group was apparent. Based on these findings, the second experiment tested the
      hypothesis that the beneficial effects of stress on emotional long-term memory
      performance might be abolished by an immediate recall test. In the second study
      (n = 32), the same design was used, except for the omission of the immediate
      retrieval test. This time stressed participants recalled significantly more
      negative photographs compared to the control group. The present study indicates
      that an immediate retrieval attempt of material studied after stress exposure can
      prevent or even reverse the beneficial effects of pre-encoding stress on
      emotional long-term memory consolidation.

PMID- 22066716
TI  - Calibration and prediction of amino acids in stevia leaf powder using near
      infrared reflectance spectroscopy.
AB  - The use of stevia as animal feed additive has been researched over the years, but
      how to rapidly predict its amino acid contents has not been studied yet by using
      near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy. In the present study, 301 samples of
      stevia leaf powder were defined as the calibration set from which calibration
      models were optimized, and the performance of prediction was evaluated. Compared
      with other mathematical treatments, the models developed with the "1, 12, 12, 1"
      treatment, combined with modified partial least-squares regression and standard
      normal variance with de-trending, had a significant potential in predicting amino
      acid contents, such as threonine, serine, etc. Six spectral regions were found to
      possess large spectrum variation and show high contribution to calibration
      models. From the present study, the calibration models of amino acids in stevia
      were successfully developed and could be applied to quality control in feed
      processing, breeding selection and mutant screening.

PMID- 22066717
TI  - Management of pediatric eosinophilic esophagitis: an update.
AB  - Eosinophilic esophagitis is an important chronic esophageal disorder with
      gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)-like symptoms, prominent esophageal
      mucosal eosinophilia, strongly associated with allergic disorders and
      unresponsive to anti-GERD therapy. Treatment of eosinophilic esophagitis has been
      successful with the use of dietary restrictions and topical corticosteroids. A
      subset of patients benefits from concurrent anti-GERD therapy; those with
      demonstrable esophageal strictures report variable duration symptom relief after
      esophageal dilation. At the current time, anti-interleukin-5 monoclonal antibody
      agents are being investigated in multicenter trials, and it is hoped that future
      therapy may be targeted against mediators of esophageal remodeling and fibrosis
      in eosinophilic esophagitis.

PMID- 22066718
TI  - Identification and characterization of C106R, a novel mutation in the DNA-binding
      domain of GCMB, in a family with autosomal-dominant hypoparathyroidism.
AB  - OVERVIEW: Glial cells missing B (GCMB) is a transcription factor that is
      expressed in the parathyroid hormone (PTH)-secreting cells of the parathyroid
      glands. Several mutations in GCMB have been reported to cause hypoparathyroidism
      (HP). We identified a family with two individuals in two generations (mother and
      son), who are affected by autosomal-dominant hypoparathyroidism (AD-HP). A novel
      heterozygous mutation in exon 2 of GCMB was identified in both affected
      individuals that changes cysteine at position 106 of the putative DNA-binding
      domain of GCMB to arginine (C106R). METHODS: We performed mutational analysis of
      the genes encoding GCMB, pre-pro PTH, GATA3 and CaSR using polymerase chain
      reaction (PCR)-amplified genomic DNA. The identified GCMB mutant was
      characterized by functional studies including nuclear localization,
      electrophoretic mobility shift assays (EMSA) and luciferase reporter assays, and
      homology modelling was performed to generate a three-dimensional structural model
      for the DNA-binding domain of GCMB to predict the structural consequences of the
      identified mutation. RESULTS: The C106R mutant of GCMB failed to interact with
      the DNA consensus recognition motif, as determined by EMSA. Furthermore, in
      comparison with wild-type GCMB, the C106R mutant demonstrated reduced
      transactivation in luciferase reporter assays; however, the mutant GCMB failed to
      reduce the activity of the wild-type protein. Consistent with the EMSA findings,
      homology modelling analysis suggested that replacement of cysteine 106 with
      arginine would interfere with DNA binding. CONCLUSIONS: We have identified a
      novel GCMB mutation that may explain AD-HP in our family. However, the exact
      mechanism by which this heterozygous mutation leads to the disease in the
      described family remains to be elucidated.

PMID- 22066719
TI  - Impact of post-transplant anemia on patient and graft survival rates after kidney
      transplantation: a meta-analysis.
AB  - The impact of post-kidney transplant anemia (PTA) on patient and graft survival
      rates remains controversial. We performed a meta-analysis to evaluate its impact
      in causing death of a patient with a functioning graft (DPWFG) and death-censored
      graft loss (DCGL). A systematic review of 11 observational studies (11,632 kidney
      transplant patients) that reported the impact of PTA or hemoglobin (Hb) level on
      these endpoints was performed. Using the World Health Organization (WHO)
      definition (Hb <12 g/dL in women and Hb <13 g/dL in men), PTA was not associated
      with DPWFG when results were expressed as an adjusted hazard ratio (aHR: 1.23
      [0.97-1.57]), but was associated with higher DPWFG when results were expressed as
      unadjusted rates (aHR: 2.48 [1.36-4.52]) and when cut-off level for anemia was
      lower than the WHO definition (aHR: 3.12 [1.92-5.07]). A -1 g/dL decrease in Hb
      level was associated with higher DPWFG rates (aHR: 1.19 [1.12-1.26]). Using WHO
      criteria, PTA was associated with higher DCGL rates when results were expressed
      as aHR (aHR: 1.53 [1.26-1.85]) or as unadjusted rates (aHR: 3.55 [2.36-5.33]); a 
      1 g/dL decrease in Hb level was associated with higher DCGL rates (aHR: 1.14
      [1.11-1.16]). This meta-analysis reveals that the association between PTA and
      DPWFG varies with PTA definition and adjustment for confounders. In all sub-meta
      analyses, PTA was significantly associated with DCGL.

PMID- 22066720
TI  - Optical bifunctionality of europium-complexed luminescent graphene nanosheets.
AB  - Graphene is an intriguing two-dimensional material, which could be modified for
      achieving tunable properties with many applications. Photoluminescence of
      graphene due to plasmonic emission is well-known, however, attempts to develop
      strong luminescent graphene have been difficult. Synthesis of a graphene-based
      material with a dual optical functionality, namely quenching the fluorescence of
      organic dyes while maintaining its own self-luminescence, is an interesting and
      challenging proposition. Here, we demonstrate this optical bifunctionality in a
      lattice-modified luminescent graphene, where europium(III) cations are complexed
      with graphene through oxygen functionalities. After excitation at 314 nm, a
      hypersensitive red emission is observed at 614 and 618 nm showing the
      complexation of europium(III) with graphene. We demonstrate dual functionality of
      this graphene by the quenching of luminescence of Rhodamine-B while displaying
      its own hypersensitive red emission. The decay lifetime observed through the time
      resolved spectroscopy confirms its potential for applications in biosensing as
      well as optoelectronics.

PMID- 22066721
TI  - Anaerobic naphthalene degradation by Gram-positive, iron-reducing bacteria.
AB  - An anaerobic naphthalene-degrading culture (N49) was enriched with ferric iron as
      electron acceptor. A closed electron balance indicated the total oxidation of
      naphthalene to CO(2). In all growing cultures, the concentration of the presumed
      central metabolite of naphthalene degradation, 2-naphthoic acid, increased
      concomitantly with growth. The first metabolite of anaerobic methylnaphthalene
      degradation, naphthyl-2-methyl-succinic acid, was not identified in culture
      supernatants, which does not support a methylation to methylnaphthalene as the
      initial activation reaction of naphthalene, but rather a carboxylation, as
      proposed for other naphthalene-degrading cultures. Substrate utilization tests
      revealed that the culture was able to grow on 1-methyl-naphthalene, 2-methyl
      naphthalene, 1-naphthoic acid or 2-naphthoic acid, whereas it did not grow on 1
      naphthol, 2-naphthol, anthracene, phenanthrene, indane and indene. Terminal
      restriction fragment length polymorphism and 16S rRNA gene sequence analyses
      revealed that the microbial community of the culture was dominated by one
      bacterial microorganism, which was closely related (99% 16S sequence similarity)
      to the major organism in the iron-reducing, benzene-degrading enrichment culture
      BF [ISME J (2007) 1: 643; Int J Syst Evol Microbiol (2010) 60: 686]. The
      phylogenetic classification supports a new candidate species and genus of Gram
      positive spore-forming iron-reducers that can degrade non-substituted aromatic
      hydrocarbons. It furthermore indicates that Gram-positive microorganisms might
      also play an important role in anaerobic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon
      degradation.

PMID- 22066723
TI  - Reviews on animal diseases recently published in other journals.

PMID- 22066722
TI  - Nutrition and division of labor: Effects on foraging and brain gene expression in
      the paper wasp Polistes metricus.
AB  - Deeply conserved molecular mechanisms regulate food-searching behaviour in
      response to nutritional cues in a wide variety of vertebrates and invertebrates.
      Studies of the highly eusocial honey bee have shown that nutritional physiology
      and some conserved nutrient signalling pathways, especially the insulin pathway,
      also regulate the division of labour between foraging and non-foraging
      individuals. Typically, lean workers leave the nest to forage for food, and well
      nourished workers perform tasks inside the nest. Here we provide the first direct
      test of whether similar mechanisms operate in a primitively eusocial insect in an
      independently evolved social lineage, the paper wasp Polistes metricus. We found
      that food deprivation caused reduced lipid stores and higher levels of colony and
      individual foraging. Individuals with greatly reduced lipid stores foraged at
      extremely elevated levels. In addition, brain expression of several foraging
      related genes was influenced by food deprivation, including insulin-like peptide
      2 (ilp2). Together with previous findings, our results demonstrate that nutrition
      regulates foraging division of labour in two independently evolved social insect
      lineages (bees and wasps), despite large differences in social organization. Our
      results also provide additional support for the idea that nutritional asymmetries
      among individuals, based on differences in nutritional physiology and expression
      of conserved nutrient signalling genes in the brain, are important in the
      division of labour in eusocial societies.

PMID- 22066725
TI  - Influence of gastric acid on gastric emptying and gastric distension-induced pain
      response in rats--effects of famotidine and mosapride.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gastroduodenal acidification has been reported to aggravate upper
      abdominal discomfort and pain that are symptoms suffered by functional dyspepsia
      (FD) patients. Delayed gastric emptying and hypersensitivity to gastric
      distension (GD) contribute importantly to the pathophysiology of FD. METHODS: In
      the present study, we determined the influence of pentagastrin-stimulated
      endogenous gastric acid on gastric emptying and GD-induced pain responses using
      rat model systems. Moreover, we evaluated the effects of famotidine and mosapride
      on changes in gastric emptying and the GD-induced pain response to gastric acid
      hypersecretion. Gastric emptying was measured by excretion of glass beads that
      had been intragastrically administered with a liquid nutrient, and gastric pain
      response was evaluated by observing whether a GD-induced increase in mean blood
      pressure occurred. KEY RESULTS: Pentagastrin (2 mg kg(-1), s.c.) which markedly
      and continuously stimulated gastric acid secretion, significantly delayed and
      enhanced respectively, gastric emptying and pain compared with saline-injected
      groups. Oral famotidine (0.1-3 mg kg(-1)) and mosapride (0.3-3 mg kg(-1))
      administration in a dose-dependent manner accelerated the delay of gastric
      emptying. Furthermore, famotidine (0.3-3 mg kg(-1)) significantly alleviated the
      aggravation of the GD-induced pain response, but mosapride (10 mg kg(-1)) did
      not. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES: We established rat models to evaluate the effect
      of gastric acid hypersecretion on gastric emptying and the GD-induced pain
      response. In these models, acid hypersecretion delayed gastric emptying and
      aggravated the pain response. Furthermore, we showed that famotidine ameliorated
      both delayed gastric emptying and gastric hypersensitivity, whereas mosapride
      only improved delayed gastric emptying.

PMID- 22066734
TI  - Relationship between NF-kappaB1 and NF-kappaBIA genetic polymorphisms and Crimean
      Congo hemorrhagic fever.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is an acute viral hemorrhagic
      fever caused by the Crimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV). Nuclear factor
      (NF)-kappaB regulates the expression of hundreds of genes, including inflammatory
      and immunoregulatory, cell cycle regulating, and anti-apoptotic genes. NF
      kappaBIA (IkappaBalpha) encodes an inhibitory version of the NF-kappaB proteins.
      METHODS: This study is the first to investigate the association between NF
      kappaB1 - 94W/D and NF-kappaBIA 3->UTR A->G polymorphisms and CCHF using the
      polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP)
      method. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in NF-kappaB1 - 94W/D
      genotype distribution between CCHF patients and control populations (p = 0.001).
      Comparison of the WW genotype with both WD and DD genotypes revealed that the
      difference between CCHF patients and controls was statistically significant (p =
      0.043 for WD genotype, p = 0.018 for DD genotype). However, a significant
      deviation was found between patients with fatal CCHF and control populations (p =
      0.025). The results show that patients with fatal CCHF with the DD genotype have
      a 4.06-times higher risk for CCHF compared to patients in the control group (odds
      ratio (OR) 4.06, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11-14.87). A significant
      difference in NF-kappaBIA 3->UTR A->G polymorphisms was observed between CCHF
      patients and controls in both AA vs AG and AA vs GG (OR 2.04, p = 0.019; OR 2.01,
      p = 0.049, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that NF-kappaB1 -
      94W/D and NF-kappaBIA 3->UTR A->G polymorphisms may be valuable predictors of the
      clinical course in CCHF disease.

PMID- 22066735
TI  - An adaptive governance approach to disaster-related behavioural health services.
AB  - This paper explores the provision of disaster-related behavioural and mental
      health (DBH) services as a problem of institutional collective action in the
      United States. This study reviews the challenges that providers have in
      surmounting multi-organizational disconnects, unstable professional legitimacy,
      ambiguous information, and shifting disaster needs in developing a system for
      delivering DBH services. Based on the adaptive governance framework, it argues
      that existing protocols such as the National Incident Management System (NIMS)
      and Incident Command System (ICS) may be helpful in advancing collective action,
      but that real progress will depend on a recognition of norms, expectations, and
      credentials across many spheres-in other words, on the ability of responders to
      continuously adjust their procedures and administrative boundaries for
      behavioural health institutions.

PMID- 22066736
TI  - Evolutionary conservation of the tissue factor disulfide bonds  and
      identification of a possible oxidoreductase binding motif.

PMID- 22066737
TI  - Carotid intima-media thickness measurements are not affected by the ultrasound
      frequency.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) is a B-mode ultrasound measure of
      subclinical atherosclerosis predictive of future cardiovascular risk. Carotid IMT
      measurements were historically obtained at an ultrasound frequency of 8 MHz or
      lower, but it is unknown whether measurements obtained at higher frequencies
      using newer, more advanced ultrasound technology allow for valid comparison to
      the older general population databases that are commonly used for the
      interpretation of carotid IMT results. METHODS: Carotid IMT studies were
      conducted in 35 consecutive patients at standard (8 MHz) and high (14 MHz)
      frequencies and measurements were performed by two independent expert readers.
      Systematic bias was assessed by using the paired t-test and agreement was
      analyzed with the Bland-Altman method. RESULTS: The sample mean carotid IMT
      obtained at 14 MHz was 0.006 mm lower than that obtained at 8 MHz. The 95%
      confidence interval (CI) for the mean difference between frequencies indicated
      that the population mean for 14 MHz is unlikely to be more than 0.02 mm lower
      than for 8 MHz (95% CI -0.017 to 0.004). The 95% reference range for the
      difference between the two transducer frequencies indicated that the thickness
      obtained at 14 MHz was within 0.05 mm of that obtained at 8 MHz for 95% of
      subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Carotid IMT measurements obtained at higher transducer
      frequencies are similar to those obtained at standard frequency. This finding has
      important clinical implications because it validates comparison of carotid IMT
      measurements obtained with newer, more advanced ultrasound technology with the
      landmark reference carotid IMT studies commonly used for interpretation of
      carotid IMT results.

PMID- 22066738
TI  - Comparison of annular diffusion denuder and high volume air samplers for
      measuring per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in the atmosphere.
AB  - Overestimation of the particle phase concentration collected on glass-fiber
      filters (GFFs) has been reported for perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs)
      using conventional high volume air samplers. In this study, per- and
      polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) were determined in the gas and particulate
      phases using colocated annular diffusion denuder and high volume air samplers at
      a semiurban site in Toronto, Canada, in winter 2010. Samples were analyzed for 7
      PFAS classes (i.e., PFCAs, perfluoro-alkane sulfonic acids (PFSAs), fluorotelomer
      alcohols (FTOHs), fluorotelomer methacrylates (FTMACs), fluorotelomer acrylates
      (FTACs), perfluorooctane sulfonamides (FOSAs), and perfluorooctane
      sulfonamidoethanols (FOSEs)). The gas diffusion coefficients for individual PFASs
      were calculated and the denuder performance was evaluated. Modeled subcooled
      liquid vapor pressures (p(L)) correlated well with the vapor phase breakthrough
      for the denuder and high volume air systems. Total air concentrations for PFASs
      measured using annular diffusion denuders and high volume samplers were in
      agreement within a factor of 4; however, much greater differences were observed
      for measurements of gas-particle partitioning. Vapor phase PFSAs and PFCAs can
      adsorb to the GFF using high volume air samplers, resulting in much higher
      particle-associated fractions for these chemicals compared to the annular
      diffusion denuder sampler. This effect was not observed for the FTOHs, FTMACs,
      FTACs, FOSAs, and FOSEs. Thus, for investigations of gas-particle partitioning of
      PFSAs and PFCAs, the diffusion denuder sampler is the preferred method. The
      results of this study improve our understanding of the gas-particle partitioning
      of PFASs, which is important for modeling their long-range transport in air.

PMID- 22066739
TI  - Enhanced field-emission from SnO2:WO(2.72) nanowire heterostructures.
AB  - The field-emission properties of SnO(2):WO(2.72) hierarchical nanowire
      heterostructure have been investigated. Nanoheterostructure consisting of SnO(2)
      nanowires as stem and WO(2.72) nanothorns as branches are synthesized in two
      steps by physical vapor deposition technique. Their field emission properties
      were recorded. A low turn-on field of ~0.82 V/MUm (to draw an emission current
      density ~10 MUA/cm(2)) is achieved along with stable emission for 4 h duration.
      The emission characteristic shows the SnO(2):WO(2.72) nanoheterostructures are
      extremely suitable for field-emission applications.

PMID- 22066740
TI  - "It is about taking grips and not let myself be ravaged by my body": a
      qualitative study of outcomes from in-patient multidisciplinary rehabilitation
      for patients with chronic rheumatic diseases.
AB  - PURPOSE: To explore how patients experience the process and personal impact of
      deriving outcomes from a rheumatological rehabilitation program. METHODS: Semi
      structured interviews were conducted with 23 patients with inflammatory rheumatic
      diseases approximately 2 months after a 4-week hospital based multidisciplinary
      rehabilitation program. A thematic analysis was applied. RESULTS: Overarching
      themes were increased dignity and self-respect. Initial uncertainty regarding
      illness management was exchanged with confident coping and of becoming an active
      agent in ones own life. Strategies and coping tools tried out during the
      rehabilitation stay, do by their experienced effect become primary sources of
      gained insight into illness and symptom manifestation. Both elements give a sense
      of control and influence self-confidence and motivation to engage in self
      management. The process from gained insight and experienced effect of coping
      tools, to active self management, is however, not automatic. Psychological
      factors play a key role, and there is a need to take individual psychological
      themes into account and tailor interventions accordingly. CONCLUSIONS:
      Specialized multidisciplinary rehabilitation is an ongoing active process, in
      which psychological factors play a key role and must be accounted for. Well
      targeted rehabilitation has the potential to create outcomes of major personal
      impact.

PMID- 22066741
TI  - Interstitial flow, zebrafish, and lymphatic vascular development.

PMID- 22066742
TI  - Mesenteric lymph flow in endotoxemic guinea pigs.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a structural component of the outer
      membrane of gram-negative bacteria. LPS activates the host cells, leading to the
      production and release of proinflammatory cytokines. Given the induction duration
      for the release of cytokines, the initial mechanisms that produce LPS action on a
      timescale of minutes are not fully understood. We studied the effect of initial
      LPS-induced action on the lymphatic system by measuring the time-dependent
      changes in mesenteric lymph flow in guinea pigs in vivo. In addition, we
      determined the leakage of plasma protein into the lymphatic system using Evans
      blue dye. METHODS AND RESULTS: The mesenteric lymphatic vessel was cannulated
      with a polyethylene catheter. We administered drugs via a catheter in jugular
      vein. The control animals received vehicle intravenously (i.v.). The experimental
      group received 1 mg/kg or 10 mg/kg LPS i.v. Twenty minutes before injection of
      the vehicle or LPS, Evans blue dye (5 mg/kg i.v.) was administered. Lymph output
      was measured every 20 min. The amount of Evans blue in the lymph was determined
      by spectrophotometry. The mesenteric lymph showed a steady flow rate of
      approximately 290 MUL/kg/20 min. The lymph flow immediately increased after the
      administration of LPS and reached 3.4-fold and 7.4-fold after 1 h of 1 mg/kg and
      10 mg/kg LPS injection, respectively. The albumin content in lymph significantly
      increased in proportion to the increased lymph volume. CONCLUSIONS: These results
      suggest that the early increase in mesenteric lymph flow rate in guinea pigs
      produced by LPS is mediated by vascular hyperpermeability and plasma albumin
      leakage.

PMID- 22066743
TI  - Prevalence and prognostic significance of secondary lymphedema following breast
      cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The adverse consequences of lymphedema following breast cancer in
      relation to physical function and quality of life are clear; however, its
      potential relationship with survival has not been investigated. Our purpose was
      to determine the prevalence of lymphedema and associated upper-body symptoms at 6
      years following breast cancer and to examine the prognostic significance of
      lymphedema with respect to overall 6-year survival (OS). METHODS AND RESULTS: A
      population-based sample of Australian women (n = 287) diagnosed with invasive,
      unilateral breast cancer was followed for a median of 6.6 years and prospectively
      assessed for lymphedema (using bioimpedance spectroscopy [BIS], sum of arm
      circumferences [SOAC], and self-reported arm swelling), a range of upper-body
      symptoms, and vital status. OS was measured from date of diagnosis to date of
      death or last follow-up. Kaplan-Meier methods were used to calculate OS and Cox
      proportional hazards models quantified the risk associated with lymphedema.
      Approximately 45% of women had reported at least one moderate to extreme symptom
      at 6.6 years postdiagnosis, while 34% had shown clinical evidence of lymphedema,
      and 48% reported arm swelling at least once since baseline assessment. A total of
      27 (9.4%) women died during the follow-up period, and lymphedema, diagnosed by
      BIS or SOAC between 6-18 months postdiagnosis, predicted mortality (BIS: HR =
      2.5; 95% CI: 0.9, 6.8, p = 0.08; SOAC: 3.0; 95% CI: 1.1, 8.7, p = 0.04). There
      was no association (HR = 1.2; 95% CI: 0.5, 2.6, p = 0.68) between self-reported
      arm swelling and OS. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that lymphedema may
      influence survival following breast cancer treatment and warrant further
      investigation in other cancer cohorts and explication of a potential underlying
      biology.

PMID- 22066744
TI  - Expression of angiogenic and vasculogenic factors in human lymphedematous tissue.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Lymphedema is the progressive distention of tissue due to lymphatic
      dysfunction. The affected area enlarges over time because of fibroadipose
      deposition, causing morbidity. Because increasing tissue mass requires
      neovascularization, we hypothesized that angiogenesis or vasculogenesis might be
      upregulated in lymphedema. METHODS AND RESULTS: Lymphedematous tissue was
      collected prospectively from nine patients after resection: upper extremity (n =
      1), lower extremity (n = 3), penis/scrotum (n = 5). Neovascularization was
      compared to normal tissue. Specimens were analyzed using immunohistochemistry for
      alpha-smooth muscle actin (pericyte marker), CD31 (microvascular density),
      CD31/Ki67 (proliferating endothelial cells), and CD34/CD133 (endothelial
      progenitor cells). Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to determine
      mRNA expression of progenitor cells (CD133) and factors that recruit them:
      vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A), hypoxia-inducible factor 1alpha
      (HIF-1alpha), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and stromal-cell derived factor
      1alpha (SDF-1alpha). Angiopoetin-1,-2 (ANG-1,-2), matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP
      2), and VEGF receptors (VEGFR1,2) were quantified using qRT-PCR. There was no
      difference in microvascular density, pericytic density, or endothelial
      proliferation between lymphedematous and normal tissue (p = 0.1). Endothelial
      progenitor cells were not present in lymphedema or normal specimens (p < 0.01).
      VEGF-A (1.3-fold), HIF-1alpha (0.8-fold), SDF-1alpha (2.1-fold), VEGFR2 (0.09
      fold), and CD133 (0.02-fold) expression were not elevated compared to normal
      tissue (p = 0.1). ANG-1 (5.6-fold), ANG-2 (2.5-fold), MMP-2 (3.9-fold), MMP-9
      (33.4-fold), and VEGFR1 (12.8-fold) mRNA was increased in lymphedematous
      specimens compared to control (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Lymphedematous tissue does
      not exhibit upregulation of angiogenesis or vasculogenesis. Neovascularization is
      unlikely to be involved in the pathogenesis of this disease.

PMID- 22066745
TI  - Normal interstitial flow is critical for developmental lymphangiogenesis in the
      zebrafish.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The lymphatic system plays a critical role in the body's fluid and
      protein homeostasis, immune regulation, and dietary fat absorption. One of the
      major pathologies of the lymphatic system is primary lymphedema, which occurs in
      approximately 0.6% of live births and is caused by missing or impaired lymphatic
      vessels. Although there is a great need for medical intervention into diseases of
      the lymphatic system, very little is known about its development or how it
      maintains integrity over time. Recent studies have suggested that biophysical
      components, such as local extracellular fluid flow, may be important factors
      during initiation of lymphangiogenesis. We hypothesize that interstitial fluid
      flow functions as an important morphoregulator during developmental
      lymphangiogenesis. METHODS AND RESULTS: In the present study we use
      pharmacological agents and a mutant fish line to modulate interstitial flow. Our
      data confirm that a sufficient increase or decrease in interstitial flow can
      profoundly affect lymphatic patterning and may result in a lymphedema-like
      phenotype. Proper interstitial flow appears to be necessary during LEC migration
      for proper lymphatic development. CONCLUSIONS: These results support the
      contention that interstitial flow is an important morphoregulator of
      developmental lymphangiogenesis.

PMID- 22066746
TI  - Surgical management of lymphedema: past, present, and future.
AB  - Recent advances in surgical management of lymphedema have provided options for
      patients who have failed conservative management with manual lymphatic massage
      and/or compression garments. The purpose of this review is to provide a
      historical background to the surgical treatment of lymphedema and how these
      options have evolved over time. In addition, we aim to delineate the various
      types of surgical approaches available, indications for surgery, and reported
      outcomes. Our goal is to increase awareness of these options and foster research
      to improve their outcomes.

PMID- 22066750
TI  - Glycolaldehyde as a probe molecule for biomass derivatives: reaction of C-OH and
      C?O functional groups on monolayer Ni surfaces.
AB  - Controlling the activity and selectivity of converting biomass derivatives to
      syngas (H(2) and CO) is critical for the utilization of biomass feedstocks as
      renewable sources for chemicals and fuels. One key chemistry in the conversion is
      the selective bond scission of the C-OH and C?O functionalities, which are
      present in many biomass derivatives. Because of the high molecular weight and low
      vapor pressure, it is relatively difficult to perform fundamental surface science
      studies of C6 sugars, such as glucose and fructose, using ultrahigh vacuum
      techniques. Glycolaldehyde (HOCH(2)CH?O) is the smallest molecule that contains
      both the C-OH and C?O functional groups, as well as the same C/O ratio as C6
      sugars, and thus is selected as a probe molecule in the current study to
      determine how the presence of the C?O bond affects the reaction mechanism. Using
      a combination of density functional theory calculations and experimental
      measurements, our results indicate that the reaction pathway of glycolaldehyde to
      produce syngas can be enhanced by supporting monolayer Ni on a Pt substrate,
      which shows higher activity than either of the parent metals. Furthermore, the Pt
      substrate can be replaced by tungsten monocarbide to achieve similar activity and
      selectivity, indicating the possibility of using Ni/WC to replace Ni/Pt as active
      and selective catalysts with higher stability and lower cost.

PMID- 22066751
TI  - Screening for addictive disorders within a workers' compensation clinic: an
      exploratory study.
AB  - We conducted a cross-sectional study investigating the extent of addictive
      disorders within a workers' compensation (WC) clinic. We also examined the
      feasibility of substance abuse screening within the same clinic. In  2009 , 100
      patients were asked to complete the World Health Organization's Alcohol, Smoking,
      Substance Involvement Screening Test (WHO-ASSIST) and the Current Opioid Misuse
      Measure (COMM). According to the WHO-ASSIST, we found that 46% of WC patients
      required intervention for at least one substance-related disorder (25% tobacco,
      23% sedatives, 8% opioids), and according to the COMM, 46% screened positive for
      prescription opioid misuse. Importantly, the addition of this screening was
      brief, economical, and well accepted by patients. Further research should analyze
      the costs and benefits of detection and intervention of substance-related
      disorders in this setting.

PMID- 22066752
TI  - Effects of phytoestrogens derived from soy bean on expression of adhesion
      molecules on HUVEC.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The risks of hormone replacement therapy have led to a search for new
      alternatives such as phytoestrogens, plant compounds with estrogen-like
      biological activity. Isoflavones are the phytoestrogens most extensively studied
      and can be found in soybean, red clover and other plants. Due to this estrogen
      like activity, phytoestrogens can have some effect on atherosclerosis. Human
      umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) have been extensively used to study the
      biology and pathobiology of human endothelial cells and most of the knowledge
      acquired is due to experiments with cultures of these cells. OBJECTIVE: To
      evaluate the effects of the phytoestrogen extracts from Glycine max soy bean,
      genistein, formononetin, biochanin A and daidzein, as well as a mixture of these
      extracts (Mix), on expression of adhesion molecules, VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and E
      selectin, by endothelial cell HUVEC, stimulated with lipopolysaccharide. METHODS:
      HUVEC were cultured in medium EBM(2), pretreated with isoflavones for 24 and 48 h
      and then stimulated with lipopolysaccharide; in addition, isoflavones were added,
      after stimulation by lipopolysaccharide, to HUVEC. We evaluated the production of
      VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and E-selectin on cell surface, by cell-based enzyme immunoassay,
      and of sVCAM-1, sICAM-1 and sE-selectin in culture supernatant, by ELISA.
      RESULTS: Genistein, formononetin, biochanin A and daidzein, as well as the Mix
      were able to reduce VCAM-1, ICAM-1 and E-selectin on cell surface and in culture
      supernatant. Conclusion Isoflavones extracted from Glycine max soy bean, in
      vitro, presented antiatherogenic effects, reducing the expression of adhesion
      molecules and acting as preventive agents as well as therapeutic agents.

PMID- 22066753
TI  - Behavior of protein in the presence of calcium during heating of whey protein
      concentrate solutions.
AB  - The effect of added CaCl(2) on heat-induced changes in whey protein (WP)
      solutions prepared from whey protein isolate (WP1), acid whey protein concentrate
      (WP2), and cheese whey protein concentrate (WP3) was investigated. The loss of
      native-like, proteins, aggregation, and gel firmness of WP were maximum at
      certain levels of added CaCl(2). These levels were different for different WP
      products. The effect of added CaCl(2) on these changes appeared to be related to
      the initial calcium concentrations of these solutions. The higher the calcium
      content of the product, the less available sites for added CaCl(2) to bind. It
      was considered that addition of CaCl(2) changed the types of protein interactions
      that formed the protein aggregates during heating. Added calcium caused dramatic
      decreases in fracture stress of WP gels due to the formation of large protein
      aggregates.

PMID- 22066754
TI  - Does the EQ-5D reflect lost earnings?
AB  - BACKGROUND: An important methodological issue in economic evaluations of
      healthcare is how to include productivity costs (the costs related to reduced
      productivity due to illness, disability and premature death). Traditionally, they
      were included in the numerator of a cost-effectiveness analysis, through either
      the human-capital or the friction-cost method. It has been argued, however, that
      productivity costs are already included in the denominator (i.e. in the QALY
      measure) because respondents consider the effect a given health state will have
      on their income when valuing health states. If that is the case, many previous
      economic evaluations might have double counted productivity costs by including
      them in both the numerator and the denominator. AIM: The aim of this study was to
      determine whether respondents valuing EQ-5D health states using the time trade
      off (TTO) method spontaneously consider income effects, whether this
      consideration influences subsequent valuations and whether explicit ex post
      instructions influence valuations. METHODS: Through an online survey, we asked
      321 members of the Dutch general population to value four EQ-5D health states
      through three different TTO exercises. The first exercise was a standard TTO
      question. Respondents were then asked whether they had included income effects.
      Depending on their answer, the second TTO exercise instructed them to either
      include or exclude income effects. The third TTO exercise provided explicit
      information regarding the income loss associated with the health state. RESULTS:
      Data were available from 321 members of the Dutch general public. Of these
      respondents, 49% stated they had spontaneously included income effects. Twenty
      five percent of the sample did not trade any time in any of the TTO exercises and
      these respondents were excluded from the analysis. Results of t-tests showed
      there were only weakly significant differences in valuations for one health state
      between those who spontaneously included income effects and those who did not.
      Explicit instruction led to some significant differences at the aggregate level,
      but the effect was inconsistent at the individual level. When explicit
      information on the amount of income loss was provided, all states were valued
      lower when associated with a larger income loss. CONCLUSIONS: This study offers
      further evidence indicating that income losses do not significantly affect health
      state valuations.

PMID- 22066755
TI  - Predicting the onset of Addison's disease: ACTH, renin, cortisol and 21
      hydroxylase autoantibodies.
AB  - CONTEXT: Autoantibodies to 21-hydroxylase (21OH-AA) precede onset of autoimmune
      Addison's disease (AD). Progression to AD can take months to years, and early
      detection of metabolic decompensation may prevent morbidity and mortality.
      OBJECTIVE: To define optimal methods of predicting progression to overt AD
      (defined by subnormal peak cortisol response to Cosyntropin) in 21OH-AA+
      individuals. DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: Individuals were screened for 21OH
      AA at the Barbara Davis Center from 1993 to 2011. Subjects positive for 21OH-AA
      (n = 87) were tested, and the majority prospectively followed for the development
      of Addison's disease, including seven diagnosed with AD upon 21OH-AA discovery
      (discovered), seven who progressed to AD (progressors) and 73 nonprogressors.
      MAIN OUTCOME MEASURED: Plasma renin activity (PRA), ACTH, baseline cortisol, peak
      cortisol and 21OH-AA were measured at various time points relative to diagnosis
      of AD or last AD-free follow-up. RESULTS: Compared with nonprogressors, in the
      time period 2 months-2 years prior to the onset of AD, progressors were
      significantly more likely to have elevated ACTH (11-22 pM, P < 1E-4), with no
      significant differences in mean PRA (P = 0.07) or baseline cortisol (P = 0.08),
      and significant but less distinct differences seen with 21OH-AA levels (P < 1E-4)
      and poststimulation cortisol levels (P = 6E-3). CONCLUSION: Moderately elevated
      ACTH is a more useful early indicator of impending AD than 21OH-AA, PRA or peak
      cortisol, in the 2 months-2 years preceding the onset of AD.

PMID- 22066756
TI  - Acute kidney injury as defined by the RIFLE criteria is a risk factor for kidney
      transplant graft failure.
AB  - Acute kidney injury (AKI) is not recognized as a major complication at the
      maintenance phase after kidney transplantation (KTx). Moreover, it is not clear
      whether the onset of AKI leads to graft failure. We examined the incidence of AKI
      that developed three months or later after KTx at our institute. We examined
      whether the incidence of AKI defined by the Risk of renal dysfunction, Injury to
      the kidney, Failure of kidney function, Loss of kidney function and End-stage
      kidney disease criteria associates with graft failure by matched-pair Cox
      regression analysis. A total of 289 patients were available for the final
      analysis. The overall incidence of AKI was 20.4%, and the common etiology of AKI
      was bacterial infectious diseases. The group that developed AKI had significantly
      lower graft survival than non-AKI group independently of acute rejection. AKI
      Risk represented a high risk for graft failure and AKI Injury/Failure represented
      a higher risk for graft failure. The analysis by the AKIN classification yielded
      the similar results. These results indicate that AKI is a relatively common
      complication of KTx and represents the major risk for graft failure. We should
      make every effort in the prevention and early detection to avoid the occurrence
      of AKI and the subsequent graft failure after KTx.

PMID- 22066757
TI  - Effects of poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) on Siberian sturgeon (Acipenser
      baerii) fingerlings performance and its gastrointestinal tract microbial
      community.
AB  - Poly-beta-hydroxybutyrate (PHB) is a natural polymer that can be depolymerized
      into water-soluble short-chain fatty acid monomers. These monomers can act as
      microbial control agents. In this study, the effects of partially replacing the
      diet of Siberian sturgeon fingerlings with 2% and 5% PHB were investigated.
      Replacing 2% of the diet with PHB improved weight gain, specific growth rate
      (SGR) and survival in the sturgeon fingerlings during the 10-week experimental
      period. Community-level physiological profiling and PCR-denaturing gradient gel
      electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) were used to analyze the microbial community diversity
      and community organization in the sturgeon gastrointestinal tract. DGGE analysis
      revealed that PHB affected the intestinal microbial species richness and
      diversity. The highest species richness was observed with 2% PHB. DNA sequencing
      of the dominant bands in 2% and 5% PHB treatments revealed that PHB stimulated
      bacteria belonging to the genera Bacillus and Ruminococcaceae. Principal
      component analysis, Lorenz curves and the Shannon index of Biolog Ecoplate data
      revealed that aerobic metabolic potential of the bacterial community was
      different in the PHB-treated fishes as compared with the control situation.
      Overall, our results indicate that PHB act as microbial control agents and
      replacement of 2% of Siberian sturgeon fingerling diet with PHB has beneficial
      effects.

PMID- 22066758
TI  - Genetic evidence for multiple events of hybridization between wolves and domestic
      dogs in the Iberian Peninsula.
AB  - Hybridization between wild species and their domestic counterparts may represent
      a major threat to natural populations. However, high genetic similarity between
      the hybridizing taxa makes the detection of hybrids a difficult task and may
      hinder attempts to assess the impact of hybridization in conservation biology. In
      this work, we used a combination of 42 autosomal microsatellites together with Y
      chromosome microsatellite-defined haplotypes and mtDNA sequences to investigate
      the occurrence and dynamics of wolf-dog hybridization in the Iberian Peninsula.
      To do this, we applied a variety of Bayesian analyses and a parallel set of
      simulation studies to evaluate (i) the differences between Iberian wolves and
      dogs, (ii) the frequency and geographical distribution of hybridization and (iii)
      the directionality of hybridization. First, we show that Iberian wolves and dogs
      form two well-differentiated genetic entities, suggesting that introgressive
      hybridization is not a widespread phenomenon shaping both gene pools. Second, we
      found evidence for the existence of hybridization that is apparently restricted
      to more peripheral and recently expanded wolf populations. Third, we describe
      compelling evidence suggesting that the dynamics of hybridization in wolf
      populations is mediated by crosses between male dogs and female wolves. More
      importantly, the observation of a population showing the occurrence of a
      continuum of hybrid classes forming mixed packs may indicate that we have
      underestimated hybridization. If future studies confirm this pattern, then an
      intriguing avenue of research is to investigate how introgression from free
      ranging domestic dogs is enabling wolf populations to adapt to the highly
      humanized habitats of southern Europe while still maintaining their genetic
      differentiation.

PMID- 22066760
TI  - European dissertations from 1997 onwards on the viruses and the virus-induced
      diseases reviewed in the preceding three articles.

PMID- 22066759
TI  - Equine herpesvirus 1 and 4 infections: An update.
AB  - Summary   Equine herpesvirus 1 (EHV1) and equine herpesvirus 4 (EHV4) are
      important ubiquitous equine pathogens, causing much damage to the viral horse
      industry. EHV1 strains are associated with respiratory disease, abortion, and
      paresis/paralysis, whereas EHV4 strains are predominantly associated with
      respiratory disease. In the past decades much research effort has been put into
      improving knowledge about these viruses.   In this paper the current state of
      knowledge of these viruses and the most important aspects of these virus
      infections, e.g. epidemiology, clinical aspects, pathogenesis and pathology,
      immunity, diagnosis, preventive management and management in the course of an
      outbreak and vaccination, is reviewed. Because we performed some research
      ourselves in the areas of diagnosis, epidemiology and vaccinology these aspects
      are reviewed in more depth than the other aspects. Still many questions have
      remained and new questions have risen. Consequently, research priorities should
      be made in an attempt to answer these questions. Therefore, this review ends with
      some personal recommendations for important priorities for future research.

PMID- 22066761
TI  - Reviews on animal diseases recently published in other journals.

PMID- 22066763
TI  - Fluoroquinolone resistance of Escherichia coli and Salmonella from healthy
      livestock and poultry in the EU.
AB  - The potential for transmission of antibiotic-resistant enteric zoonotic bacteria
      from animals to humans has been a public health concern for several decades.
      Bacteria carrying antibiotic resistance genes found in the intestinal tract of
      food animals can contaminate carcasses and may lead to food-borne disease in
      humans that may not respond to antibiotic treatment. It is consequently important
      to monitor changes in antimicrobial susceptibility of zoonotic and commensal
      organism; in this context, there are a number of veterinary monitoring programmes
      that collect bacteria in food-producing animals at slaughter and determine their
      susceptibility against antibiotics relevant for human medicine. The data
      generated are part of the risk analysis for potential food-borne transmission of
      resistance. There has been much debate about the use of fluoroquinolones in
      veterinary medicine, and so, this review will consider the fluoroquinolone data
      from two surveys and compare them to national surveillance programmes. At the
      outset, it must be pointed out that there is, however, a lack of agreement
      between several programmes on what is meant by the term 'fluoroquinolone
      resistance' through use of different definitions of resistance and different
      resistance breakpoints. An additional aim of this paper is to clarify some of
      those definitions. Despite the debate about the contribution of antibiotic use in
      veterinary medicine to the overall resistance development in human pathogens, the
      data suggest that clinical resistance to fluoroquinolones in Escherichia coli and
      nontyphoidal Salmonella is generally uncommon, except for a few countries.
      Ongoing surveillance will continue to monitor the situation and identify whether
      this situation changes within the respective animal populations. For the benefit
      of both the epidemiologist and the clinician, it would be strongly advantageous
      that national monitoring surveys report both percentages of clinical resistance
      and decreased susceptibility.

PMID- 22066764
TI  - Fatty acid profile and influence of oxythiamine on fatty acid content in
      Malassezia pachydermatis, Candida albicans and Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
AB  - Malassezia pachydermatis and Candida albicans are fungi involved in the skin
      diseases and systemic infections. The therapy of such infections is difficult due
      to relapses and problems with pathogen identification. In our study, we compare
      the fatty acids profile of M. pachydermatis, C. albicans and S. cerevisiae to
      identify diagnostic markers and to investigate the effect of oxythiamine (OT) on
      the lipid composition of these species. Total fatty acid content is threefold
      higher in C. albicans and M. pachydermatis compared with S. cerevisiae. These two
      species have also increased level of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and
      decreased content of monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA). We noted differences in
      the content of longer chain (>18) fatty acids between studied species (for
      example a lack of 20 : 1 in S. cerevisiae and 22 : 0 in M. pachydermatis and C.
      albicans). OT reduces total fatty acids content in M. pachydermatis by 50%. In S.
      cerevisiae, OT increased PUFA whereas it decreased MUFA content. In C. albicans,
      OT decreased PUFA and increased MUFA and SFA content. The results show that the
      MUFA to PUFA ratio and the fatty acid profile could be useful diagnostic tests to
      distinguish C. albicans, M. pachydermatis and S. cerevisiae, and OT affected the
      lipid metabolism of the investigated species, especially M. pachydermatis.

PMID- 22066775
TI  - Diversity of extended-spectrum beta-lactamase-producing Enterobacteriaceae on
      hospital admission.
AB  - Extended-spectrum beta-lactamase (ESBL)-producing Enterobacteriaceae have become
      prevalent in both the hospital and the community. We describe the epidemiology of
      ESBL-producing isolates and patient characteristics at hospital admission. Data
      on clinical properties, medical history, previous hospitalizations, and previous
      antibiotic treatments were collected. ESBL genes (bla(CTX-M), bla(TEM), and
      bla(SHV)) were identified by polymerase chain reaction. One hundred and sixteen
      patients carried 122 ESBL-producing Enterobacteriaceae: 79 Escherichia coli, 26
      Klebsiella pneumoniae, 16 Enterobacter spp., and 1 Citrobacter koseri. ESBL
      producing E. coli were associated with admission from home (odds ratio (OR) 3.04,
      p = 0.02) and a history of recent urinary tract infection (OR 3.38, p = 0.04),
      and exhibited a lower rate of antimicrobial resistance to aminoglycosides (p <=
      0.005) and co-trimoxazole (p = 0.003), whereas other ESBL-producing
      Enterobacteriaceae tended to be associated with a recent surgery (OR 0.42, p =
      0.057). Although the CTX-M enzymes were more frequently found in E. coli (76%),
      they were also identified in other Enterobacteriaceae (45%), suggesting
      penetration of CTX-M-type enzymes into both community- and hospital-acquired
      enterobacterial species.

PMID- 22066776
TI  - Tryptose phosphate broth improves Rickettsia felis replication  in mammalian
      cells.
AB  - In cell culture, Rickettsia felis grows only at low temperatures (< 31  degrees
      C). Therefore, its ability to enter, survive and grow in cell lines has primarily
      been tested in cells derived from amphibians and arthropods, which naturally grow
      at low temperatures, and only infrequently in mammalian cells. We subcultured R.
      felis in mammalian cells for more than 10 passages using media supplemented with
      tryptose phosphate broth (TPB) and found that TPB is critical for optimal growth
      of R. felis in mammalian cells.

PMID- 22066777
TI  - Communities of purple sulfur bacteria in a Baltic Sea coastal lagoon analyzed by
      puf  LM  gene libraries and the impact of temperature and NaCl concentration in
      experimental enrichment cultures.
AB  - Shallow coastal waters, where phototrophic purple sulfur bacteria (PSB) regularly
      form massive blooms, are subjected to massive diurnal and event-driven changes of
      physicochemical conditions including temperature and salinity. To analyze the
      ability of PSB to cope with these environmental factors and to compete in complex
      communities we have studied changes of the environmental community of PSB of a
      Baltic Sea lagoon under experimental enrichment conditions with controlled
      variation of temperature and NaCl concentration. For the first time, changes
      within a community of PSB were specifically analyzed using the photosynthetic
      reaction center genes pufL and M by RFLP and cloning experiments. The most
      abundant PSB phylotypes in the habitat were found along the NaCl gradient from
      freshwater conditions up to 7.5% NaCl. They were accompanied by smaller numbers
      of purple nonsulfur bacteria and aerobic anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria. Major
      components of the PSB community of the brackish lagoon were affiliated to PSB
      genera and species known as marine, halophilic or salt-tolerant, including
      species of M arichromatium, H alochromatium, T hiorhodococcus, A llochromatium, T
      hiocapsa, T hiorhodovibrio, and T hiohalocapsa. A dramatic shift occurred at
      elevated temperatures of 41 and 44 degrees C when M arichromatium gracile became
      most prominent which was not detected at lower temperatures.

PMID- 22066778
TI  - Social, not physical, infrastructure: the critical role of civil society after
      the 1923 Tokyo earthquake.
AB  - Despite the tremendous destruction wrought by catastrophes, social science holds
      few quantitative assessments of explanations for the rate of recovery. This
      article illuminates four factors-damage, population density, human capital, and
      economic capital-that are thought to explain the variation in the pace of
      population recovery following disaster; it also explores the popular but
      relatively untested factor of social capital. Using time-series, cross-sectional
      models and propensity score matching, it tests these approaches using new data
      from the rebuilding of 39 neighbourhoods in Tokyo after its 1923 earthquake.
      Social capital, more than earthquake damage, population density, human capital,
      or economic capital, best predicts population recovery in post-earthquake Tokyo.
      These findings suggest new approaches for research on social capital and
      disasters as well as public policy avenues for handling catastrophes.

PMID- 22066779
TI  - Air pollution-associated procoagulant changes: the role of  circulating
      microvesicles.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Epidemiological studies suggest an association between exposure to
      particulate matter (PM) in air pollution and the risk of venous thromboembolism
      (VTE). OBJECTIVES: To investigate the underlying pathophysiological pathways
      linking PM exposure and VTE. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We assessed potential
      associations between PM exposure and coagulation and inflammation parameters,
      including circulating microvesicles, in a group of 233 patients with diabetes.
      RESULTS: The numbers of circulating blood platelet-derived and annexin V-binding
      microvesicles were inversely associated with the current levels of PM(2.5) or
      PM(10), measured on the day of sampling. Recent past exposure to PM(10), up to 1
      week prior to blood sampling, estimated at the patients' residential addresses,
      was associated with elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (CRP),
      leukocytes and fibrinogen, as well as with tissue factor (TF)-dependent
      procoagulant changes in thrombin generation assays. When longer windows of past
      exposure were considered, up to 1 year preceding blood sampling, procoagulant
      changes were evident from the strongly increased numbers of red blood cell
      derived circulating microvesicles and annexin V-binding microvesicles, but they
      no longer associated with TF. Past PM exposure was never associated with
      activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), prothrombin time (PT), or factor
      (F) VII, FVIII, FXII or D-dimers. Residential distance to a major road was only
      marginally correlated with procoagulant changes in FVIII and thrombin generation.
      CONCLUSIONS: Increases in the number of microvesicles and in their procoagulant
      properties, rather than increases in coagulation factors per se, seem to
      contribute to the risk of VTE, developing during prolonged exposure to air
      pollutants.

PMID- 22066780
TI  - Evaluation of right ventricular function in early period following transcatheter
      closure of atrial septal defect.
AB  - AIMS: There is limited data on alterations in novel right ventricular (RV)
      function indices like tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) and
      tricuspid annular systolic velocity (TASV) after transcatheter atrial septal
      defect (ASD) closure. We aimed to evaluate RV function by echocardiography (ECG)
      with these novel indices in early period in patients with secundum-type ASD that
      was closed percutaneously. METHODS: Patients were enrolled to study if they had
      secundum-type ASD that was suitable for percutaneous closure. Patient population
      consisted of 4 men and 16 women. Echocardiography was performed before and 1
      month after closure. RESULTS: Mean age was 37 +/- 16. Mean diameter of ASD and
      total atrial septum length measured by ECG were 19 +/- 6 mm and 49 +/- 7 mm,
      respectively. Mean diameter of defect in transesophageal echocardiography was 20
      +/- 6 mm. Stretched mean diameter in catheterization was 23 +/- 6 mm. One month
      after closure, there were statistically significant decreases in RV end-diastolic
      diameters (43.3 +/- 10.7 mm vs. 34.9 +/- 5.5 mm; P < 0.001), RV/left ventricular
      (LV) end-diastolic diameter ratio (1.1 +/- 0.3 vs. 0.87 +/- 0.1; P < 0.001), TASV
      (16.9 +/- 3.2 cm/sec vs. 14.3 +/- 3.3 cm/sec; P < 0.05), early diastolic
      tricuspid annular velocity (15.3 +/- 3.1 cm/sec vs. 13.4 +/- 2.4 cm/sec P <0.05),
      late diastolic tricuspid annular velocity (16.2 +/- 5.4 cm/sec vs. 14.3 +/- 6.3
      cm/sec; P < 0.05), and TAPSE (29.9 +/- 6.2 mm vs. 22.4 +/- 7.4 mm; P < 0.001). LV
      end-diastolic diameter (38.0 +/- 6.9 mm and 40.0 +/- 4.5 P < 0.05) was increased,
      whereas there was no change in LV ejection fraction. CONCLUSION: Closure of ASD
      by using Amplatzer devices led to decrease in right heart chamber size, tissue
      Doppler-derived tricuspid annular velocities and TAPSE in early period.

PMID- 22066781
TI  - Chiral separations: a review of current topics and trends.

PMID- 22066782
TI  - Cheminformatics-driven discovery of selective, nanomolar inhibitors for
      staphylococcal pyruvate kinase.
AB  - We have recently mapped the protein interaction network of methicillin-resistant
      Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which revealed its scale-free organization with
      characteristic presence of highly connected hub proteins that are critical for
      bacterial survival. Here we report the discovery of inhibitors that are highly
      potent against one such hub target, staphylococcal pyruvate kinase (PK).
      Importantly, the developed compounds demonstrate complete selectivity for the
      bacterial enzyme compared to all human orthologues.  The lead 91nM inhibitor IS
      130 has been identified through ligand-based cheminformatic exploration of a
      chemical space around micromolar hits initially generated by experimental
      screening. The following crystallographic study resulted in identification of a
      tetrameric MRSA PK structure where IS-130 is bound to the interface between the
      protein's subunits. This newly described binding pocket is not present in
      otherwise highly similar human orthologues and can be effectively utilized for
      selective inhibition of bacterial PK. The following synthetic modifications of IS
      130, guided by structure-based molecular modeling, resulted in the development of
      MRSA PK inhibitors with much improved antimicrobial properties.  Considering a
      notable lack of recent reports on novel antibacterial targets and cognate
      antibacterial compounds, this study provides a valuable perspective on the
      development of a new generation of antimicrobials. Equally noteworthy, the
      results of the current work highlight the importance of rigorous cheminformatics
      based exploration of the results of high-throughput experiments.

PMID- 22066783
TI  - PEG-detachable cationic polyaspartamide derivatives bearing stearoyl moieties for
      systemic siRNA delivery toward subcutaneous BxPC3 pancreatic tumor.
AB  - For systemic siRNA delivery into tumor tissues, a safe and efficient vehicle is
      strongly required. Therefore, we designed a block copolymer of detachable
      poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) polycation bearing low pKa amines and hydrophobic
      moieties in the side chain to develop a smart siRNA complex possessing
      biocompatibility, high complex stability, and endosomal escaping functionality. A
      disulfide linkage (-SS-) was inserted as a linker between PEG and a cationic
      polyaspartamide derivative, poly{N-[N-(2-aminoethyl)-2-aminoethyl]aspartamide}
      (PAsp(DET)), with a flanking stearoyl moiety, where PAsp(DET) segment provides
      the excellent ability of endosome destabilization by direct interaction with the
      membrane. The resulting polymer, stearoyl PEG-SS-PAsp(DET), was confirmed to form
      the siRNA complex with an environment-responsive PEG palisade, which was detached
      from the complex surface under reductive conditions mimicking tumor tissues and
      cytoplasm because of the disulfide cleavage. The smart siRNA complex allowed
      significant gene silencing against cultured pancreatic cancer cells without
      considerable cytotoxicity and erythrocyte disruption, whereas such significant
      gene silencing was not observed in a control siRNA complex without the disulfide
      linkage. This enhanced gene silencing activity might be because of the enhanced
      cellular uptake and subsequent translocation of siRNA into cytoplasm facilitated
      by PEG detachment around and/or in the cancer cells. Further, intravital real
      time confocal laser scanning microscopic observation revealed the effect of
      hydrophobic stearoyl modification on the stabilization of the siRNA complex for
      longevity in the blood. Significant in vivo gene silencing of the smart siRNA
      complex was achieved by systemic administration of vascular endothelial growth
      factor siRNA in a mouse model bearing a subcutaneous pancreatic tumor, leading to
      40% regression in tumor growth. These results demonstrate the strong potential of
      stearoyl PEG-SS-PAsp(DET) as a vehicle for systemic delivery of siRNA in cancer
      therapy.

PMID- 22066785
TI  - Boron cluster-based development of potent nonsecosteroidal vitamin D receptor
      ligands: direct observation of hydrophobic interaction between protein surface
      and carborane.
AB  - We report here the design and synthesis of a novel vitamin D receptor (VDR)
      agonist whose hydrophobic core structure is p-carborane (1,12-dicarba-closo
      dodecaborane, an icosahedral carbon-containing boron cluster having remarkable
      thermal and chemical stability and a characteristically hydrophobic B-H surface).
      This carborane-based VDR ligand exhibited moderate vitamin D activity, comparable
      to that of the natural hormone, despite its simple and flexible structure. X-ray
      structure analysis provided direct evidence that the carborane cage binds to the
      hydrophobic surface of the ligand-binding pocket of the receptor, promoting
      transition to the active conformation. These results indicate that the spherical
      B-H surface of carborane can function efficiently as a hydrophobic anchor in
      binding to the receptor surface, thereby allowing induced fitting of the three
      essential hydroxyl groups on the alkyl chains to the appropriate positions for
      interaction with the VDR binding site, despite the entropic disadvantage of the
      flexible structure. We suggest that carborane structure is a promising option in
      the design of novel drug candidates.

PMID- 22066784
TI  - Inhibition of exocytosis or endocytosis blocks activity-dependent redistribution
      of synapsin.
AB  - The synaptic vesicle cycle encompasses the pre-synaptic events that drive
      neurotransmission. Influx of calcium leads to the fusion of synaptic vesicles
      with the plasma membrane and the release of neurotransmitter, closely followed by
      endocytosis. Vacated release sites are repopulated with vesicles which are then
      primed for release. When activity is intense, reserve vesicles may be mobilized
      to counteract an eventual decline in transmission. Recently, interplay between
      endocytosis and repopulation of the readily releasable pool of vesicles has been
      identified. In this study, we show that exo-endocytosis is necessary to enable
      detachment of synapsin from reserve pool vesicles during synaptic activity. We
      report that blockage of exocytosis in cultured mouse hippocampal neurons, either
      by tetanus toxin or by the deletion of munc13, inhibits the activity-dependent
      redistribution of synapsin from the pre-synaptic terminal into the axon.
      Likewise, perturbation of endocytosis with dynasore or by a dynamin dominant
      negative mutant fully prevents synapsin redistribution. Such inhibition of
      synapsin redistribution occurred despite the efficient phosphorylation of
      synapsin at its protein kinase A/CaMKI site, indicating that disengagement of
      synapsin from the vesicles requires exocytosis and endocytosis in addition to
      phosphorylation. Our results therefore reveal hitherto unidentified feedback
      within the synaptic vesicle cycle involving the synapsin-managed reserve pool.

PMID- 22066786
TI  - Unusual colours of plasma.

PMID- 22066787
TI  - The major aminoglycoside-modifying enzyme AAC(3)-II found in Escherichia coli
      determines a significant disparity in its resistance to gentamicin and amikacin
      in China.
AB  - The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of aminoglycoside
      modifying enzymes in Escherichia coli in different areas of China and to explore
      the relationship between pandemic enzyme type and bacterial resistance to
      antimicrobial agents in China. Gentamicin- or etimicin-resistant clinical
      isolates of E. coli were collected from different areas of China, and the in
      vitro antibacterial activity of 11 aminoglycoside agents was determined using
      standard (Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute) agar dilution methods.
      Twelve aminoglycoside-modifying enzyme genes were detected by PCR and confirmed
      by DNA sequencing. A total of 205 E. coli strains were collected from nine
      hospitals in seven cities. All strains were highly resistant to gentamicin or
      etimicin, whereas resistance to tobramycin, netilmicin, and kanamycin was
      slightly lower. However, less than 15% of isolates were resistant to amikacin and
      isepamicin. Of the gentamicin-resistant strains, 88.2% and 86.7% were sensitive
      to isepamicin and amikacin, respectively. Five aminoglycoside-modifying enzyme
      genes were detected in 191 strains, whereas the remaining 14 strains were
      negative. The most common gene type was aac(3)-II (162 strains), followed by
      aac(6')-I (50 strains), ant(3")-I (28 strains), aph(3')-II (20 strains), and
      ant(2")-I (20 strains). Ninety-five strains yielded aac(3)-II only, whereas the
      others contained two or three genes. The three main gene combinations were
      aac(6')-I/aac(3)-II (28 strains), aac(3)-II/ant(3")-I (11 strains), and aac(3)
      II/aac(6')-I (10 strains). Regional bacterial resistance and enzyme distribution
      were roughly similar, although minor differences were found in Guangzhou, Jinan,
      and Dalian, which were the sources of most of the amikacin- or isepamicin
      resistant strains. Chinese clinical isolates of E. coli remain highly resistant
      to gentamicin and etimicin, but are susceptible to amikacin and isepamicin. The
      dominant type of aminoglycoside-modifying enzyme, AAC(3)-II, might be the main
      source of the disparity in E. coli resistance to different aminoglycoside agents.

PMID- 22066788
TI  - Association between the androgen levels and erectile function, cognitive
      functions and hypogonadism symptoms in aging males.
AB  - PURPOSE: Aging in men is characterized by a moderate decrease in plasma
      testosterone (T) levels. However, the association between partial androgen
      deficiency of the aging male and clinical symptoms and the ideal screening test
      are controversial. In this study, we investigated the association between the
      androgen levels and erectile function, cognitive functions and hypogonadism
      symptoms in aging males. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We investigated the association
      between total (TT), calculated free (FT) and bioavailable (BT) testosterone, and
      various clinical and laboratory parameters in 103 healthy males, 50-80 years old.
      Biochemical assessment was done after overnight fasting. Questionnaires were used
      to test for hypogonadism symptoms, erectile and cognitive functions. RESULTS: TT
      levels were not correlated with aging in this study. However, FT and BT were
      found to decrease with age due to rising sex hormone binding globulin. TT levels
      were strongly correlated with FT and BT levels (respectively p = 0.0001, p =
      0.0001). TT, FT and BT were only correlated with cognitive functions (p = 0.012,
      p = 0.004, p = 0.02 respectively). There was no correlation between TT, FT and BT
      levels and erectile function and hypogonadism symptoms. CONCLUSION: T values in
      our study sample did not correlate with clinical signs and symptoms of
      hypogonadism. Thus, according to our data, symptoms in the aging male should not
      be indiscriminately assigned to a decrease in TT, FT or BT levels.

PMID- 22066789
TI  - Hydrodynamic force on a microparticle approaching a wall in a nanoparticle
      dispersion: observation of a separation-dependent effective viscosity.
AB  - Colloid probe atomic force microscopy was used to measure the hydrodynamic force
      exerted on a 30-MUm-diameter silica particle being moved toward or away from a
      silica plate in aqueous dispersions of 22-nm-diameter silica nanoparticles (6 or
      8 vol %). Upon comparing the measured force to predictions made using the well
      known expression of Cox and Brenner (Cox, R. G.; Brenner, H. Chem. Eng. Sci.1967,
      22, 1753-1777) assuming a constant viscosity equal to that of the bulk
      dispersion, the measured drag force was found to become significantly less than
      that predicted at smaller particle-plate separation distances (e.g., <500 nm). A
      recent theoretical paper by Bhattacharya and Blawzdziewicz (Bhattacharya, S.;
      Blawzdziewicz, J. J. Chem. Phys.2008, 128, 214704) predicted that in a solution
      of dispersed nanoparticles the effective viscosity characterizing the
      hydrodynamic force on the particle should vary from that of the solvent at
      contact to that of the bulk dispersion at large separations. By adjusting the
      viscosity in the Cox and Brenner expression to make the predicted hydrodynamic
      force match that measured (i.e., the effective viscosity), a curve showing these
      exact characteristics was obtained. The effective viscosity profile was not a
      function of particle speed, and changes in the effective viscosity extended to
      separation distances of as large as 2 MUm (nearly 100 times the hard diameter of
      the nanoparticles). These results suggest that in the range of typical colloidal
      forces (on the order of 100 nm), the dynamics of particle motion in such systems
      are determined by the viscosity of the solvent and not that of the bulk
      dispersion.

PMID- 22066790
TI  - Randomized placebo- and active-controlled study of desvenlafaxine for menopausal
      vasomotor symptoms.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of desvenlafaxine (administered as
      desvenlafaxine succinate) vs. tibolone and placebo for menopausal vasomotor
      symptoms and the incidence of uterine bleeding. METHODS: This 12-week, double
      blind, randomized, controlled trial was conducted at 35 sites in Europe, two
      sites in South Africa, and one site in Mexico. Postmenopausal women with >=50
      moderate or severe hot flushes per week (n = 485) were randomized to
      desvenlafaxine 100 mg/day, tibolone 2.5 mg/day, or placebo. Reduction in the
      average daily number of moderate and severe hot flushes at weeks 4 and 12
      (primary endpoint) was evaluated using analysis of covariance. Safety assessments
      included incidence of uterine bleeding, adverse events, laboratory values, and
      vital signs. RESULTS: At week 12, no statistically significant difference was
      observed in reduction of the average daily number of moderate and severe hot
      flushes for desvenlafaxine (-5.78) vs. placebo (-5.82; p = 0.921), although time
      to 50% reduction was significantly less than placebo (13 vs. 26 days, p = 0.006).
      Hot flush reduction with tibolone (-8.21) was significantly greater than placebo
      (p < 0.001). Nausea was the most common adverse event with desvenlafaxine, was
      generally mild to moderate, and resolved within the first 2 weeks. Significantly
      more subjects experienced bleeding with tibolone (23%) vs. desvenlafaxine (12%; p
      < 0.024) or placebo (9%; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Desvenlafaxine did not separate
      from placebo in reducing the number of moderate to severe hot flushes at week 12,
      although it did allow women to achieve 50% reduction sooner than placebo.
      Tibolone did separate from placebo, but with smaller than expected effect. The
      placebo effect was high (57%). Adverse drug reactions were consistent with the
      known safety profile of desvenlafaxine, and significantly more women who received
      tibolone experienced episodes of bleeding compared with women who received
      desvenlafaxine or placebo.

PMID- 22066791
TI  - Low-dose fish oil consumption prevents hepatic lipid accumulation in high
      cholesterol diet fed mice.
AB  - We examined the effects of low-dose fish oil ingestion on hepatic lipid
      accumulation caused after high cholesterol feeding in C57BL/6J mice. The mice
      were fed purified experimental diets consisting of 20 energy % (en%) safflower
      oil (SO or SO/CH), 2 en% fish oil + 18 en% safflower oil (2FO or 2FO/CH), or 5
      en% fish oil + 15 en% safflower oil (5FO or 5FO/CH) with or without 2 weight %
      (wt %) cholesterol for 8 weeks. Hepatic triglyceride and total cholesterol
      contents were significantly lower in groups that were fed diets containing fish
      oil and cholesterol than in those that were fed safflower oil and cholesterol.
      The hepatic mRNA levels of fatty acid synthase (FAS) were lower in groups fed
      cholesterol or fish oil. Fatty acid oxidation-related hepatic gene expressions
      were higher in fish oil-fed groups. Fecal cholesterol excretion was higher in all
      cholesterol-fed groups; cholesterol excretion was high in groups fed fish oil and
      cholesterol. These results suggest that low-dose fish oil diets improve lipid
      metabolism by modifying the expression of lipid metabolism-related genes in the
      liver and increasing fecal cholesterol excretion.

PMID- 22066792
TI  - The development of the Tuebingen Cushing's disease quality of life inventory
      (Tuebingen CD-25). Part II: normative data from 1784 healthy people.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: In part I of the study, a health-related quality of life (HRQoL)
      inventory for Cushing's disease (CD), the Tuebingen Cushing-25 quality of life
      inventory (Tuebingen CD-25) was developed. In this second part, we aimed to
      assess normative data from healthy controls (HC) with which the individual
      patients' scores can be compared. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS:
      Sixty-three patients with CD (52 women, 11 men) and 1784 HC (1210 women, 574 men)
      filled out the Tuebingen CD-25. MEASUREMENTS: HC received the inventory as a
      nondisease-specific quality of life questionnaire omitting the introductory
      sentence 'Because of my Cushing's disease' which was included in the CD group to
      be able to compare HRQoL in persons with and without CD. Slight and severe
      impairments were categorized according to the following principles: percent
      ranges >84.0% were classified as slight and percent ranges >95.0% as severe
      impairment. RESULTS: In 28.6% of our patients with CD, we found slight and in
      41.3% severe impairment in the Total Score of the Tuebingen CD-25 compared with
      HC. Less than one-third of our patient sample presented with unimpaired HRQoL. In
      the patient population, impairment was found in all scales of the Tuebingen CD-25
      to a similar extent (P = 0.444), pointing to the fact that all HRQoL domains are
      similarly impaired. We observed that female patients perceived a worse HRQoL than
      men in the domains depressive symptoms and social environment (P < 0.05).
      CONCLUSION: The Tuebingen CD-25 is a feasible instrument to assess HRQoL in CD in
      a clinical and investigative setting and provides normative data for all age
      groups and genders.

PMID- 22066793
TI  - Outcomes of liver transplantation for glycogen storage disease: a matched-control
      study and a review of literature.
AB  - BACKGROUND: The clinical characteristics and outcomes of patients with glycogen
      storage disease (GSD) who undergo liver transplantation (LT) have not been well
      defined. In this study, our objective was to determine the outcome of LT in
      patients with GSD and compare it with a comparable group of patients without GSD
      (matched controls). METHODS: UNOS data from 1986 to 2007 were used for this
      study. For each GSD patient (n = 95; men 62%) who was transplanted, three
      patients (n = 285, men 60%) without GSD (case controls) matched for age +/- five
      yr, year of transplantation and donor risk index (DRI) +/- 0.2 were identified
      from the UNOS database in a random manner. Unadjusted patient survival was
      determined by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and significance determined by log
      rank test. RESULTS: The mean age of the group was 17.9 yr. GSD patients had lower
      BMI (22 vs. 24, p = 0.002), lower serum bilirubin (2.7 vs. 13.5 mg/dL, p <
      0.0001), higher serum albumin (3.7 vs. 3.1 g/dL, p < 0.0001), and higher wait
      list time (239 vs. 74 d, p < 0.0001) compared to case controls. Recipient age and
      DRI were similar between the groups. Tumors were more common in GSD group (13.7%
      vs. 5%). Patient survival was significantly better (p = 0.024) in GSD group at
      one, five, and 10 yr (82%, 76%, and 64%) than non-GSD (73%, 65%, and 59%) group.
      CONCLUSIONS: In this matched-control study, patients who underwent LT for GSD had
      a better long-term survival than a comparable group of patients without GSD.

PMID- 22066794
TI  - Transit time affects the community stability of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium
      species in an in vitro model of human colonic microbiotia.
AB  - Retention time, which is analogous to transit time, is an index for bacterial
      stability in the intestine. Its consideration is of particular importance to
      optimize the delivery of probiotic bacteria in order to improve treatment
      efficacy. This study aims to investigate the effect of retention time on
      Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria stability using an established in vitro human
      colon model. Three retention times were used: 72, 96, and 144 h. The effect of
      retention time on cell viability of different bacterial populations was analyzed
      with bacterial plate counts and PCR. The proportions of intestinal
      Bifidobacteria, Lactobacilli, Enterococci, Staphylococci and Clostridia
      populations, analyzed by plate counts, were found to be the same as that in human
      colonic microbiota. Retention time in the human colon affected the stability of
      Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria communities, with maximum stability observed at
      144 h. Therefore, retention time is an important parameter that influences
      bacterial stability in the colonic microbiota. Future clinical studies on
      probiotic bacteria formulations should take into consideration gastrointestinal
      transit parameters to improve treatment efficacy.

PMID- 22066795
TI  - Construction of a potentiometric glutamate biosensor for determination of
      glutamate in some real samples.
AB  - The potentiometric glutamate biosensor based on ammonium-selective
      poly(vinylchloride) (PVC) membrane electrode was constructed by chemically
      immobilizing glutamate oxidase. Ammonium ions produced after an enzymatic
      reaction were determined potentiometrically. We determined the optimum working
      conditions of the biosensor such as buffer concentration, buffer pH, lifetime,
      response time, linear working range, kinetic constants (K(m) and V(max)) of
      glutamate oxidase enzyme used for biosensor construction values, and other
      response characteristics. Additionally, glutamate assay in some real samples such
      as chicken bullion, healthy human serum, and commercial multipower amino acid
      mixture were also successfully carried out. The results showed good agreement
      with previously reported values.

PMID- 22066796
TI  - Polymerized human placenta hemoglobin given before ischemia protects rat heart
      from ischemia reperfusion injury.
AB  - This study was to investigate whether polymerized human placenta hemoglobin
      (PolyPHb) given before ischemia protects in vivo rat heart function against
      ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Forty-five male Sprague-Dawley rats were
      randomly divided (n = 15 per group) into a sham group, control group
      (pretreatment with Lactated Ringer's solution), or PolyPHb group (pretreatment
      with 0.1 gHb/kg PolyPHb). Rat hearts were subjected to 30-min ischemia by
      occlusion of left anterior descending, followed by 2-hr reperfusion. As compared
      to the control group, PolyPHb preserved cardiac function and reduced cardiac
      troponin-I release and histopathological changes. Therefore, PolyPHb pretreatment
      provided a profound cardioprotective effect on the in vivo rat heart.

PMID- 22066797
TI  - Immune safety evaluation of polymerized porcine hemoglobin (pPolyHb): a potential
      red blood cell substitute.
AB  - Polymerized Porcine Hemoglobin (pPolyHb), a hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier
      (HBOC), was developed as a potential red blood substitute for clinical
      applications. Assessment of its effects on the immune system is an important
      component of the overall safety evaluation of HBOC. For this purpose, we assessed
      three inflammation indicators, including complement C3a, IL-6, and TNF-? in
      cultured cells and in a rat model when pPolyHb was incubated or administrated
      with the cells/animals. Our results suggested that the levels of these three
      indicators were not statistically changed upon pPolyHb stimulation, indicating
      that pPolyHb is not immunotoxic to cells and animals in this aspect.

PMID- 22066798
TI  - Molecular genetic and chemotaxonomic characterization of the  terrestrial
      cyanobacterium Nostoc commune and its  neighboring species.
AB  - The phylogeny of the terrestrial cyanobacterium Nostoc commune and its
      neighboring Nostoc species was studied using molecular genetic and chemotaxonomic
      approaches. At least eight genotypes of N. commune were characterized by the
      differences among 16S rRNA gene sequences and the petH gene encoding ferredoxin
      NADP+ oxidoreductase and by random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis. The
      genotypes of N. commune were distributed in Japan without regional specificity.
      The nrtP gene encoding NrtP-type nitrate/nitrite permease was widely distributed
      in the genus Nostoc, suggesting that the occurrence of the nrtP gene can be one
      of the characteristic features that separate cyanobacteria into two groups. The
      wspA gene encoding a 36-kDa water stress protein was only found in N. commune and
      Nostoc verrucosum, suggesting that these Nostoc species that form massive
      colonies with extracellular polysaccharides can be exclusively characterized by
      the occurrence of the wspA gene. Fifteen species of Nostoc and Anabaena were
      investigated by comparing their carotenoid composition. Three groups with
      distinct patterns of carotenoids were related to the phylogenic tree constructed
      on the basis of 16S rRNA sequences. Nostoc commune and Nostoc punctiforme were
      clustered in one monophyletic group and characterized by the occurrence of
      nostoxanthin, canthaxanthin, and myxol glycosides.

PMID- 22066799
TI  - Supramolecular shuttle based on inclusion complex between cucurbit[6]uril and
      bispyridinium ethylene.
AB  - Cucurbit[6]uril (CB6) and bispyridinium ethylene form a stable inclusion complex.
      A rotaxane derived from this complex was prepared in which a CB6 wheel shuttles
      along an axle in an NMR time-resolved regime.

PMID- 22066800
TI  - Associations between technical quality of diabetes care and patient experience.
AB  - AIMS: It has long been held that high-quality care has both technical and
      interpersonal aspects. The nature and strength of any association between both
      aspects remain poorly explored. This study investigated the associations between
      diabetes patients' reports of receiving recommended care (as measures of
      technical quality) and their experience and ratings (as measures of interpersonal
      care). METHODS: Using data from a cross section of 3096 patients with diabetes
      nested within 24 diabetes-care-networks, we conducted multilevel regression
      analysis of the relationships between nine indicators of receiving care
      recommended in practice guidelines and: six scales of patient experience and
      global ratings of general practitioner, nurses, and overall diabetes care.
      RESULTS: On average, reporting having received recommended care was associated
      with reporting better patient experience and ratings. The extent and frequencies
      of these associations varied across the different care processes. Receiving foot
      examination, physical activity advice, smoking status check, eye examination, and
      HbA1c testing, but not nutritional advice, urine, cholesterol or blood pressure
      checks, were statistically associated with better patient experience and global
      ratings. Those who received HbA1c testing rated their overall care 1.002 points
      higher (95% confidence interval: 0.726-1.278) on a scale of 0-10 than those who
      did not. CONCLUSIONS: Higher self-reported technical quality of care in diabetes
      appears to be frequently but not always associated with better experiences and
      ratings. It is possible that the former leads to the latter and/or that both
      share a common cause within providers. Both care aspects do not seem
      interchangeable during performance assessment.

PMID- 22066801
TI  - Distribution patterns of mast cells in the uterus of pregnant Meishan pigs.
AB  - The present study was performed to investigate the numerical distribution of mast
      cells (MCs) in the uteri of pregnant Meishan pigs to explore the functions of MCs
      in pig pregnancy. The uterine samples from pregnant (on days 15, 26 and 50 of
      gestation) pigs were obtained respectively and stained with toluidine blue. The
      results were as follows: MCs were constitutively located in the uterus of the
      Meishan pig, with the distribution varying with gestational stages. On days 15
      and 26 of gestation, MCs were mainly distributed around the blood vessels and
      uterine glands within the endometrium. On day 50 of gestation, MCs were mostly
      distributed in the myometrium. These results indicated that uterine MCs possibly
      have versatile functions in pig pregnancy.

PMID- 22066803
TI  - Reviews on animal diseases recently published in other journals.

PMID- 22066802
TI  - Interspecific hybridization increases MHC class II diversity in two sister
      species of newts.
AB  - Our understanding of the evolutionary mechanisms generating variation within the
      highly polymorphic major histocompatibility complex (MHC) genes remains
      incomplete. Assessing MHC variation across multiple populations, of recent and
      ancient divergence, may facilitate understanding of geographical and temporal
      aspects of variation. Here, we applied 454 sequencing to perform a large-scale,
      comprehensive analysis of MHC class II in the closely related, hybridizing newts,
      Lissotriton vulgaris (Lv) and Lissotriton montandoni (Lm). Our study revealed an
      extensive (299 alleles) geographically structured polymorphism. Populations at
      the southern margin of the Lv distribution, inhabited by old and distinct
      lineages (southern Lv), exhibited moderate MHC variation and strong population
      structure, indicating little gene flow or extensive local adaptation. Lissotriton
      vulgaris in central Europe and the northern Balkans (northern Lv) and almost all
      Lm populations had a high MHC variation. A much higher proportion of MHC alleles
      was shared between Lm and northern Lv than between Lm and southern Lv.
      Strikingly, the average pairwise F(ST)  between northern Lv and Lm was
      significantly lower than between northern and southern Lv for MHC, but not for
      microsatellites. Thus, high MHC variation in Lm and northern Lv may result from
      gene flow between species. We hypothesize that the interspecific exchange of MHC
      genes may be facilitated by frequency-dependent selection. A marginally
      significant correlation between the MHC and microsatellite allelic richness
      indicates that demographic factors may have contributed to the present-day
      pattern of MHC variation, but unequivocal signatures of adaptive evolution in MHC
      class II sequences emphasize the role of selection on a longer timescale.

PMID- 22066813
TI  - Characterization of class I integrons among Salmonella enterica serovar
      Enteritidis isolated from humans and poultry.
AB  - A total of 84 Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (S. Enteritidis) isolates,
      42 of human and 42 of poultry origin, were characterized for antimicrobial
      resistance patterns and class I integrons. Among them, 58 (69%) S. Enteritidis
      were multidrug-resistant (MDR) and showed resistance to two or more antibiotic
      classes. By PCR assays and DNA sequencing, 50 (59.5%) S. Enteritidis isolates
      were found to carry class I integrons. Amplification of internal variable regions
      of class I integrons revealed five different arrays (0.75 kb only, 1 kb only, 1.3
      kb only, both 1 and 1.2 kb, and both 1 and 1.3 kb). The integrons were further
      sequenced and the dfrA25 (0.75 kb), aadA1 (1 kb), aadA2 (1 kb), bla(PSE1) (1.2
      kb) aadA6-orfD (1.3 kb) gene cassette arrays were identified. Ciprofloxacin
      minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) values for the three isolates that showed
      resistance or reduced susceptibility via the disc diffusion method were 0.5-4 MUg
      mL(-1), although only three isolates exhibited resistance to cefteriaxone (MIC:
      128-256 MUg mL(-1)) and four isolates were resistant to florfenicol (MIC: 32-128
      MUg mL(-1)). In conclusion, the high rates of multidrug-resistance and class I
      integrons found among S. Enteritidis isolates in humans and poultry in Tehran
      suggest that efforts are needed to confine the prevalence of MDR Salmonella
      isolates.

PMID- 22066814
TI  - Late presenters, repeated testing, and missed opportunities in a Danish
      nationwide HIV cohort.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We aimed to estimate the incidence and predictors of late
      presentation among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected individuals in
      Denmark. METHODS: Incidence rates (IR) of presentation with advanced HIV (CD4 <
      200 cells/MUl and/or acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)) and late
      presentation (CD4 < 350 cells/MUl and/or AIDS) were calculated per 100,000
      population aged 16-60 y. Mortality rate ratios (MRR) were estimated using Poisson
      regression analysis. RESULTS: Three thousand and twenty-seven individuals were
      diagnosed with HIV in 1995-2009; 34.7% presented with advanced HIV and 51.2% were
      late presenters. The IR of HIV was stable (6.2/100,000 population), but IR of
      presentation with advanced HIV declined during the study period from 2.2 (95%
      confidence interval (CI) 1.8-2.8) to 1.1 (95% CI 0.8-1.5). Age >50 y,
      heterosexuals of non-Danish origin, 'other' route of transmission, and diagnosis
      before 2002 were associated with an increased risk of presenting with advanced
      HIV, whereas a negative HIV test prior to diagnosis was associated with a
      significantly reduced risk. A total of 414 individuals (40.0%) had attended a
      hospital 1-3 y before presenting with advanced HIV. After 2002 the proportion of
      men who have sex with men with a negative HIV test prior to diagnosis increased
      (incidence rate ratio (IRR) 1.3, 95% CI 1.1-1.6), coinciding with a reduction in
      IR of presentation with advanced HIV. Mortality rates were increased the first 2
      y following presentation with advanced HIV (MRR 5.9, 95% CI 3.6-9.4 and MRR 2.5,
      95% CI 1.4-4.1, respectively). CONCLUSION: In a setting with a low HIV
      prevalence, the rate of presentation with advanced HIV can potentially be reduced
      by repeated HIV testing of individuals with a continuous high risk of
      transmission and by adhering to guidelines for targeted HIV testing.

PMID- 22066815
TI  - Historical microbiology: revival and phylogenetic analysis of the luminous
      bacterial cultures of M. W. Beijerinck.
AB  - Luminous bacteria isolated by Martinus W. Beijerinck were sealed in glass
      ampoules in 1924 and 1925 and stored under the names Photobacterium phosphoreum
      and 'Photobacterium splendidum'. To determine if the stored cultures were viable
      and to assess their evolutionary relationship with currently recognized bacteria,
      portions of the ampoule contents were inoculated into culture medium. Growth and
      luminescence were evident after 13 days of incubation, indicating the presence of
      viable cells after more than 80 years of storage. The Beijerinck strains are
      apparently the oldest bacterial cultures to be revived from storage. Multi-locus
      sequence analysis, based on the 16S rRNA, gapA, gyrB, pyrH, recA, luxA, and luxB
      genes, revealed that the Beijerinck strains are distant from the type strains of
      P. phosphoreum, ATCC 11040(T), and Vibrio splendidus, ATCC 33125(T), and instead
      form an evolutionarily distinct clade of Vibrio. Newly isolated strains from
      coastal seawater in Norway, France, Uruguay, Mexico, and Japan grouped with the
      Beijerinck strains, indicating a global distribution for this new clade,
      designated as the beijerinckii clade. Strains of the beijerinckii clade exhibited
      little sequence variation for the seven genes and approximately 6300 nucleotides
      examined despite the geographic distances and the more than 80 years separating
      their isolation. Gram-negative bacteria therefore can survive for many decades in
      liquid storage, and in nature, they do not necessarily diverge rapidly over time.

PMID- 22066816
TI  - Emotional and behavioural reactions to tremors of the Umbria-Marche earthquake.
AB  - This is a study of 100 citizens of Fabriano, Italy, who experienced an
      earthquake. Results of a structured interview provide information on their
      emotional and behavioural reactions during and immediately after the earthquake
      as well as descriptions of the context. Respondents identify their coping
      responses during the earthquake as taking flight, freezing, taking shelter,
      failing to realize what was happening, reaching and protecting significant
      others, seeking information from the social environment, and recovering personal
      belongings. Moreover, in the aftermath of the earthquake, the most common
      responses were: evacuation, returning to houses, reuniting with family members,
      undertaking activities, observing the scene, recovering personal belongings,
      meeting in groups, and continuing activities. Respondents describe their
      emotional reactions as fear, helplessness, worry, and terror. Prosocial behaviour
      was frequent and looting did not occur. Emotional and cognitive reactions were
      influenced by environmental and social factors.

PMID- 22066817
TI  - Fast track echo of abdominal aortic aneurysm using a real pocket-ultrasound
      device at bedside.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Ultraminiaturization of echographic systems extraordinarily provides
      the image "within" the clinical examination. Abdominal aorta aneurysm (AAA)
      diagnosis based on conventional evaluation with a dedicated operator and
      ultrasound machine is still controversial due to the lack of evidence of the
      proposed management and guidelines' cost-effectiveness. We hypothesized that less
      expensive ultraportable devices could identify AAA with the same level of
      accuracy as conventional approaches. METHODS: A first step of this study was to
      validate the VSCAN's image capabilities in patients referred to the vascular
      Doppler laboratory. Abdominal aorta measurements were performed by an experienced
      physician using conventional equipment followed by a second blinded physician
      using the ultraportable device VSCAN. Then, 204 patients hospitalized in our
      cardiology institute were prospectively included for a systematic screening of
      AAA at bedside using the VSCAN in order to determine the feasibility and impact
      of fast track evaluation compared to clinical examination. RESULTS: A strong
      correlation was obtained between measurements of abdominal aorta diameters using
      the two ultrasound systems (r = 0.98, CI: 0.97-0.99, P < 0.001) with 100% of
      agreement for AAA diagnosis. In the second part of the study, visualization and
      measurement of the transverse diameter of the abdominal aorta was obtained in 199
      patients, resulting in a feasibility of 97.5%. Among these patients, 18 AAAs were
      detected, which corresponds to a prevalence of 9%, whereas clinical evaluation
      did not detect any of them. Patients with AAA were more likely men (77.77% vs.
      57.45%, P < 0.05) and hypertensive (88.8% vs. 56.9%, P < 0.05) as compared to
      those without AAA. Two patients with large AAA were quickly referred to the
      surgery department. CONCLUSION: Considering its low cost, diagnostic accuracy,
      and widespread availability, screening for AAA using an ultraportable ultrasound
      device such as VSCAN by an experienced physician is promising and should be used
      as an extension of routine physical examination in vascular patients.

PMID- 22066818
TI  - Mesogenic and luminescent properties of lyotropic liquid crystals containing
      Eu(III) and Tb(III) ions.
AB  - Lyotropic metallomesogens containing trivalent rare-earth metal ions have unique
      attractive behavior due to the combination of some specific properties of the
      lanthanide ions with anisotropic supramolecular organization liquid crystal and
      provide new promises in biochemistry and materials science. In this article, we
      have studied the liquid crystal and luminescence properties of lyotropic systems
      containing Eu(III) and Tb(III) ions based on nonionic surfactants. The type, the
      structural parameters of the mesophases, and the structure of a liquid crystal
      complex have been investigated using polarized optical microscopy (POM), X-ray
      diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared. In addition, on the basis of the
      luminescence lifetime, the structure of the first coordination sphere was
      determined. The results obtained based on time-resolved spectroscopy data are
      discussed in the light of the influence ligand environment, ion type, and the
      type of supramolecular organization on the luminescence efficiency of lyotropic
      lanthanide containing systems. The first time was reported for Eu(III) complexes
      increasing the luminescence efficiency in the hexagonal phase compared to the
      lamellar mesophase.

PMID- 22066819
TI  - Dark chocolate inhibits platelet isoprostanes via NOX2 down-regulation in
      smokers.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Dark chocolate is reported to decrease platelet activation but the
      underlying mechanism is still undefined. Dark chocolate is rich in polyphenols
      that could exert an antiplatelet action via inhibition of oxidative stress. The
      aim of the present study was to assess if dark chocolate inhibits platelet
      reactive oxidant species (ROS) formation and platelet activation. METHODS: Twenty
      healthy subjects (HS) and 20 smokers were randomly allocated to receive 40 g of
      dark (cocoa > 85%) or milk chocolate (cocoa < 35%) in a cross-over, single-blind
      study. There was an interval of 7 days between the two phases of the study. At
      baseline and 2 h after chocolate ingestion, platelet recruitment (PR), platelet
      ROS, platelet isoprostane 8-ISO-prostaglandin F2alpha (8-iso-PGF2alpha),
      Thromboxane (TxA2) and platelet activation of NOX2, the catalytic sub-unit of
      NADPH oxidase, and serum epicatechin were measured. RESULTS: Compared with HS,
      smokers showed enhanced PR, platelet formation of ROS and eicosanoids and NOX2
      activation. After dark chocolate, platelet ROS (-48%, P < 0.001), 8-iso-PGF2alpha
      (-10%, P < 0.001) and NOX2 activation (-22%, P < 0.001) significantly decreased;
      dark chocolate did not affect platelet variables in HS. No effect of milk
      chocolate was detected in both groups. Serum epicatechin increased after dark
      chocolate in HS (from 0.454 +/- 0.3 nm to 118.3 +/- 53.7 nm) and smokers (from
      0.5 +/- 0.28 nm to 120.9 +/- 54.2 nm). Platelet incubation with 0.1-10 MUm
      catechin significantly reduced PR, platelet 8-iso-PGF2alpha and ROS formation and
      NOX2 activation only in platelets from smokers. CONCLUSIONS: Dark chocolate
      inhibits platelet function by lowering oxidative stress only in smokers; this
      effect seems to be dependent on its polyphenolic content.

PMID- 22066820
TI  - Drug safety evaluation of intravitreal  triamcinolone acetonide.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Triamcinolone acetonide (TA) is a steroidal drug that has been
      widely administered intravitreally for retinal and choroidal conditions. Safety
      of steroidal products for intraocular use is essential because of their risk of
      ocular adverse events. This review comprehensively discusses the safety of
      intravitreal administration of TA. AREAS COVERED: This paper analyzes the
      mechanisms of action and key pharmacokinetic attributes and provides a discussion
      of the main clinical trials investigating clinical applications of intravitreal
      TA. The safety of intravitreal TA is evaluated through a search of the Medline
      database from 1980 to 2011. The most relevant literature on the safety of
      intravitreal TA is also discussed. EXPERT OPINION: The complications of
      intravitreal TA therapy include secondary ocular hypertension in about 20 - 40%
      of eyes, steroid-induced cataract in about 15 - 20% of cases and postinjection
      infectious endophthalmitis and pseudoendophthalmitis in less than 1%. TA is an
      effective drug for various retinal and choroidal diseases when delivered
      intravitreally. It may imply an off-label use and it may be associated with
      ocular adverse events. Intravitreal TA is not associated with significant
      systemic safety risks.

PMID- 22066821
TI  - Reactions at interfaces: oxygenation of n-butyl ligands anchored on silica
      surfaces with methyl(trifluoromethyl)dioxirane.
AB  - The oxygenation of n-butyl and n-butoxy chains bonded to silica with
      methyl(trifluoromethyl)dioxirane (1) revealed the ability of the silica matrix to
      release electron density toward the reacting C(2)-H sigma-bond through the Si
      C(1) and Si-O(1) sigma-bonds connecting the alkyl chain to the surface (silicon
      beta-effect). The silica surface impedes neither the alkyl chain adopting the
      conformation required for the silicon beta-effect nor dioxirane 1 approaching the
      reactive C(2) methylene group. Reaction regioselectivity is insensitive to
      changes in the solvation of the reacting system, the location of organic ligands
      on the silica surface, and the H-bonding character of the silica surface.
      Reaction rates are faster for those organic ligands either within the silica
      pores or bonded to hydrophilic silica surfaces, which evidence the enhanced
      molecular dynamics of confined dioxirane 1 and the impact of surface phenomena on
      the reaction kinetics. The oxygenation of n-butyl and n-butoxy chains carrying
      trimethylsilyl, trimethoxysilyl, and tert-butyl groups with dioxirane 1 under
      homogeneous conditions confirms the electronic effects of the silyl substituents
      and the consequences of steric hindrance on the reaction rate and
      regioselectivity. Orthosilicic acid esters react preferentially at the methylene
      group adjacent to the oxygen atom in clear contrast with the reactivity of the
      carboxylic or sulfonic acid alkyl esters, which efficiently protect this position
      toward oxidation with 1.

PMID- 22066822
TI  - Organization of water and atmospherically relevant ions and solutes: vibrational
      sum frequency spectroscopy at the vapor/liquid and liquid/solid interfaces.
AB  - The nature of water's hydrogen-bonding network is a vital influence on the
      chemistry that occurs at interfaces, but a complete understanding of interfacial
      water has proven elusive. Even-order nonlinear optical spectroscopies, such as
      vibrational sum frequency generation (VSFG) spectroscopy and heterodyne detected 
      phase-sensitive sum frequency generation (PS-SFG) spectroscopy, are inherently
      surface specific. With the advent of advances in these spectroscopic techniques,
      researchers can now explore many long-standing questions about the dynamics and
      structures present at the vapor-water and water-solid interfaces. Of special
      interest to the atmospheric chemistry community is the accommodation of ions and
      solutes by water's hydrogen-bonding network. A better understanding of how ions
      and solutes behave in hydrogen-bonded water has afforded a fresh perspective of
      aqueous aerosols, because the interactions involved therein drive phenomena such
      as the hydrolysis of atmospheric chemical species. In this Account, we present
      work from our laboratory focusing on applying VSFG and the recently developed PS
      SFG techniques to probe the perturbation of water's hydrogen-bonding network at
      the vapor-water interface by a variety of ions and solutes. We also present very
      recent results from our laboratory on the direct observation of the adsorption of
      ions at the water-CaF(2) interface.  We begin by discussing the influence of ions
      and solutes on interfacial water structure. Results for halide salts and the acid
      analogs on interfacial water structure are shown to be quite different, as would
      be expected from differences in surface tension measurements that have been known
      for a long time. Also examined are systems with the largely polarizable molecular
      anions nitrate (NO(3)(-)), sulfate (SO(4)(2-)), carbonate (CO(3)(2-)), and
      bicarbonate (HCO(3)(-)).These systems feature more complicated influences on
      interfacial water structure than halide-containing solutions; however, our
      conventional VSFG results for both nitrate and sulfate solutions are in agreement
      with recent PS-SFG results and molecular dynamics simulations.  We also discuss
      recent PS-SFG work on carbonate and bicarbonate systems in which the
      accommodation of the bicarbonate ion at the vapor-water interface is in stark
      contrast to the carbonate results. Perturbation of interfacial water by solutes
      is examined for solutions of dimethyl sulfoxide and methylsulfonic acid. PS-SFG
      results for these systems are striking: they illustrate the dramatic changes that
      interfacial water molecules undergo in the presence of solutes that are not
      observed with conventional VSFG. Finally, we discuss direct sulfate ion
      adsorption for the aqueous sodium sulfate-CaF(2) interface, with the goal of
      elucidating water behavior at this surface.

PMID- 22066823
TI  - One-pot synthesis of hybrid multifunctional silica nanoparticles with tunable
      coating by click chemistry in reverse w/o microemulsion.
AB  - Multifunctional hybrid silica nanoparticles with a fluorescent core and tunable
      organic or polymeric shell can easily be prepared by a sol-gel process followed
      by 1,3 dipolar cycloaddition (CuAAC) in the same reverse quaternary W/O
      microemulsion. Compared to a classical multistep process, this one-pot synthesis
      reduces greatly the number of purification steps and avoids aggregation
      phenomena. The confinement of reactants inside the micellar system gives rise to
      a noticeable increase of the CuAAC reaction rate. In addition, using
      simultaneously two different substrates for CuAAC on silica allows us to obtain
      directly multifunctional hybrid nanoparticles displaying a double grafting
      without any separation or purification steps except the final recovery by
      centrifugation, which opens the door to a tunable coating of the nanoparticles.
      Particularly, the hydrophilic-lipophilic balance of the coating can be adjusted
      by implementing the pertinent MPEG:dodecyl azide ratio. As an application, the
      great versatility of this strategy has been proved by the one-pot synthesis of
      fluorescent silica nanoparticles with a PEG coating and encapsulating silver
      clusters.

PMID- 22066824
TI  - Soy protein based supplementation supports metabolic effects of resistance
      training in previously untrained middle aged males.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To determine changes in body composition, physical performance,
      metabolic and hormonal parameters induced by lifestyle counselling, resistance
      training and resistance training with soy protein based supplemention in middle
      aged males. DESIGN: Randomised controlled study consisting of resistance training
      without (RT-G) or with (RTS-G) a soy protein based supplement and a control group
      with lifestyle education only (LE-G). SUBJECTS: Forty healthy middle aged men (50
      65 years, BMI 25-29.9 kg/m2). MEASUREMENTS: Changes in body weight (BW) and waist
      circumference (WC) were measured and body composition (BC), fat mass (FM), lean
      body mass (LBM) were measured by skin fold anthropometry at baseline and after 12
      weeks of intervention. In addition, changes in physical fitness, metabolic and
      hormonal parameters (lipids, glucose, fructosamines, insulin, insulin-like growth
      factor-1, Leptin, human growth hormone, dehydroepiandrosterone, testosterone, hs
      CRP, Il-6) were evaluated. RESULTS: Thirty-five participants completed the 12
      week study. No significant changes in BW were noted although RM and WC dropped
      and LBM increased after training, particularly in the RTS group (FM 22.6 +/- 5.5
      kg to 21.2 +/- 4.7 kg; LBM 68.5 +/- 7.2 kg to 70.1 +/- 7.4; p < 0.01). Subjects
      in the RTS group experienced more pronounced improvements in the strength
      measurements than the RT group. After the training intervention there were
      significant changes in hormonal and metabolic parameters as well as in glycemic
      control, particularly in the RTS group. CONCLUSIONS: Our data suggest that
      resistance training, particularly in combination with a soy protein based
      supplement improves body composition and metabolic function in middle aged
      untrained and moderately overweight males.

PMID- 22066825
TI  - Universal tracer monitored titrations.
AB  - Titrations, while primarily known as the chemical rite of passage for fledgling
      science students, are still widely used for chemical analysis. With its many
      years of existence and improvement, the method would seem an unlikely candidate
      for innovation, yet it is desirable, in this age of autonomous sensing where
      analyzers may be sent into space or to the bottom of the ocean, to have a
      simplified titrimetric method that does not rely upon volumetric or gravimetric
      measurement of sample and titrant. In previous work on the measurement of
      seawater alkalinity, we found that use of a tracer in the titrant eliminates the
      need to measure mass or volume. Here, we show the versatility of the method for
      diverse types of titrations and tracers. The results suggest that tracers may be
      employed in all types of titrations, opening the door for greatly simplified
      laboratory and field-based chemical analysis.

PMID- 22066826
TI  - Cerebellar malformations alter regional cerebral development.
AB  - AIM: The aim of this study was to compare total and regional cerebral volumes in
      children with isolated cerebellar malformations (CBMs) with those in typically
      developing children, and to examine the extent to which cerebellar volumetric
      reductions are associated with total and regional cerebral volumes. METHOD: This
      is a case-control study of children diagnosed with isolated CBMs. Each child was
      matched on age and sex to two typically developing children. Using advanced three
      dimensional volumetric magnetic resonance imaging, the cerebrum was segmented
      into tissue classes and partitioned into eight regions. Analysis of variance was
      used to compare cerebral volumes between children with CBMs and control children,
      and linear regressions to examine the impact of cerebellar volume reduction on
      cerebral volumes. RESULTS: Magnetic resonance imaging was performed at a mean age
      of 27 months in 20 children (10 males, 10 females) with CBMs and 40 typically
      developing children. Children with CBMs showed significantly smaller deep grey
      matter nuclei (p < 0.001), subgenual white matter (p = 0.03), midtemporal white
      matter (p = 0.02), and inferior occipital grey matter (p = 0.03) volumes than
      typically developing children. Greater cerebellar volumetric reduction in
      children with CBMs was associated with decreased total cerebral volume and deep
      grey matter nuclei (p = 0.02), subgenual white/grey matter (p = 0.001),
      midtemporal white (p = 0.02) and grey matter (p = 0.01), and parieto-occipital
      grey matter (p = 0.004). INTERPRETATION: CBMs are associated with impaired
      regional cerebral growth, suggesting deactivation of principal cerebello-cerebral
      pathways.

PMID- 22066827
TI  - Efficacy of porcine placental extracts with hormone therapy for postmenopausal
      women with knee pain.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Knee pain related to osteoarthritis increases with age and is more
      common in middle-aged women. Although hormone replacement therapy (HRT) improves
      knee pain, women unresponsive to HRT need an effective adjunctive therapy. The
      aim of this study was to assess whether oral porcine placental extracts (PPE)
      have an impact on patients with knee pain as an adjunctive therapy combined with
      HRT. METHODS: Forty-eight postmenopausal women with knee pain receiving HRT were
      enrolled into this open-label, randomized, controlled study. Subjects were
      randomized into Group 1 (n= 24) or Group 2 (n=24). Subjects in Group 1 were given
      3 months open treatment with calcium (260 mg/day) as adjunctive therapy combined
      with HRT. Group 2 received PPE (9 capsules/day) as adjunctive therapy combined
      with HRT. Changes in the degree of knee pain were evaluated by the Visual Analog
      Scale (VAS). RESULTS: Treatment with PPE was significantly effective in reducing
      the VAS score for knee pain at 4 weeks (p < 0.05), at 8 weeks (p< 0.01) and at 12
      weeks (p<0.01), compared with the control group. Interestingly, the effects
      continued for 4 weeks after cessation of treatment in the PPE group (p< 0.01)
      compared with the control group. The PPE treatment had no significant adverse
      effects on blood biochemical and metabolic profiles, especially related to the
      risk factors for cardiovascular disease. CONCLUSION: PPE is a possible option as
      an adjunctive oral supplement in the case of HRT-resistant, long-lasting knee
      pain.

PMID- 22066828
TI  - Emerging research supporting the positive effects of berries on human health and
      disease prevention.
AB  - The cluster of papers included here is taken from research presentations at the
      most recent Berry Health Benefits Symposium (BHBS). The BHBS is a biennial
      conference that was initiated in 2005 and met for the fourth time in 2011.
      Similar to the past three meetings, the 2011 BHBS covers emerging and adds to the
      growing body of scientific knowledge supporting the positive effects of berry
      fruit on human health promotion and disease prevention. Important aspects of the
      BHBS also include fostering open communication and collaboration among several
      disparate groups necessary to ensure regular and continued consumption of berry
      fruits among the population. These groups include berry growers, producers, and
      processors, as well as basic and clinical researchers, media representatives, and
      health professionals. Thus, the BHBS continues to be an excellent forum for
      presenting and disseminating new and ongoing berry health benefits research. 

PMID- 22066830
TI  - Regiochemical substituent switching of spin states in
      aryl(trifluoromethyl)carbenes.
AB  - Although aryl(trifluoromethyl)diazirines have achieved great popularity in
      photoaffinity labeling applications, the properties of the corresponding carbenes
      have not been as widely explored. Here, low-temperature matrix-isolation
      spectroscopy and reactivity studies indicate that in contrast to m
      methoxyphenyl(trifluoromethyl)carbene and most known aryl(CF(3))carbenes, the
      para isomer is a ground-state singlet rather than triplet. DFT calculations
      support these results as well as the notion that the p-CH(3)O group stabilizes
      the singlet carbene via resonance. These results may have relevance to the wide
      range of substituted aryl(CF(3))diazirines in photoaffinity applications.

PMID- 22066831
TI  - Effects of L-ascorbic acid 2-phosphate magnesium salt on the properties of human
      gingival fibroblasts.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: L-Ascorbic acid 2-phosphate magnesium salt (APM) is an
      L-ascorbic acid (AsA) derivative developed to improve AsA stability and display
      effective biochemical characteristics. This study aimed to investigate the
      effects of APM on the functions and properties of human gingival fibroblasts with
      respect to the prevention of periodontal disease in comparison with those of AsA.
      MATERIAL AND METHODS: Human gingival fibroblasts were incubated in the presence
      or absence of APM or L-ascorbic acid sodium salt (AsANa). Intracellular AsA was
      analysed by HPLC. Collagen synthesis was measured by ELISA and real-time RT-PCR.
      Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by hydrogen peroxide
      (H(2)O(2)) were quantified using a fluorescence reagent, and cell damage was
      estimated with calcein acetoxymethyl ester. Furthermore, intracellular ROS
      induced by tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) were quantified, and
      expression of TNF-alpha-induced interleukin-8 expression, which increases due to
      inflammatory reactions, was measured by ELISA and real-time RT-PCR. RESULTS: APM
      remarkably and continuously enhanced intracellular AsA and promoted type 1
      collagen synthesis and mRNA expression. Furthermore, APM decreased cell damage
      through the suppression of H(2)O(2)-induced intracellular ROS and inhibited
      interleukin-8 production through the suppression of TNF-alpha-induced
      intracellular ROS. These effects of APM were superior to those of AsANa.
      CONCLUSION: These results suggest that APM is more effective than AsANa in terms
      of intake, collagen synthesis, decreasing cell damage and inhibiting interleukin
      8 expression in human gingival fibroblasts. This suggests that local application
      of APM can help to prevent periodontal disease.

PMID- 22066832
TI  - Recording of quality indicators in the management of acute coronary syndromes:
      predictors of reperfusion times.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There is wide variation in recording of reperfusion times in the
      management of ST segment elevation acute coronary syndromes (ACS). We
      investigated factors that could predict time to reperfusion. METHODS: Single
      centre, retrospective study of all consecutive patients admitted for primary PCI
      from June 2009 to October 2010. Door-to-artery (D2A) and Door-to-balloon (D2B)
      times were calculated from times noted by cathlab. nurses and compared with times
      from digital recordings of PCI procedures. Predictors of time to reperfusion were
      identified by logistic regression. RESULTS: 300 patients were included. Median
      (interquartile range) D2B time recorded by cathlab. nurses (D2B-CN) was 35.5 (24;
      52) minutes, 32 (20; 51) min from PCI recordings (D2B-PCI). Average difference
      between D2B-CN and D2B-PCI was 6.2 min (P < 0.0001). Concordance of percent
      patients with a D2B time < 90 and < 45 min was mediocre, kappa coefficients 0.44
      (95% CI: 0.10-0.79) and 0.68 (95% CI: 0.57-0.80) respectively. By multivariate
      analysis, older patients had longest D2A times (P = 0.04); patients with longest
      D2A and D2B times more frequently had elevated creatinine (P = 0.002 (D2A), P =
      0.0003 (D2B). Organizational aspects did not influence reperfusion times.
      CONCLUSION: Data regarding reperfusion times are unreliable when recorded by
      nurses. Age and creatinine levels are significantly associated with reperfusion
      times, whereas organizational aspects are not.

PMID- 22066833
TI  - Bacterial communities associated with hydraulic fracturing fluids in thermogenic
      natural gas wells in North Central Texas, USA.
AB  - Hydraulic fracturing is used to increase the permeability of shale gas formations
      and involves pumping large volumes of fluids into these formations. A portion of
      the frac fluid remains in the formation after the fracturing process is complete,
      which could potentially contribute to deleterious microbially induced processes
      in natural gas wells. Here, we report on the geochemical and microbiological
      properties of frac and flowback waters from two newly drilled natural gas wells
      in the Barnett Shale in North Central Texas. Most probable number studies showed
      that biocide treatments did not kill all the bacteria in the fracturing fluids.
      Pyrosequencing-based 16S rRNA diversity analyses indicated that the microbial
      communities in the flowback waters were less diverse and completely distinct from
      the communities in frac waters. These differences in frac and flowback water
      communities appeared to reflect changes in the geochemistry of fracturing fluids
      that occurred during the frac process. The flowback communities also appeared
      well adapted to survive biocide treatments and the anoxic conditions and high
      temperatures encountered in the Barnett Shale.

PMID- 22066834
TI  - Echinopsacetylenes A and B, new thiophenes from Echinops transiliensis.
AB  - Two new polyacetylene thiophenes, echinopsacetylenes A and B (1 and 2), were
      isolated from the roots of Echinops transiliensis. The structures of 1 and 2 were
      elucidated on the basis of spectroscopic analyses and chemical transformations.
      Echinopsacetylenes A (1) is the first natural product possessing an alpha
      terthienyl moiety covalently linked with another thiophene moiety.
      Echinopsacetylenes B (2) is the first natural thiophene conjugated with a fatty
      acid moiety. Echinopsacetylene A (1) showed toxicity against the Formosoan
      subterranean termite (Coptotermes formosanus).

PMID- 22066835
TI  - Successful sirolimus rescue in tacrolimus-induced thrombotic microangiopathy
      after living-related liver transplantation.
AB  - TMA is a rare complication of tacrolimus. Disruption of endothelial cells,
      platelet aggregation, and intravascular mechanical fragmentation of red cells are
      core mechanisms of injury; however, exact pathways of toxicity are not clear. The
      clinical presentation may vary but TMA is a potentially life-threatening
      condition usually demanding aggressive treatment. We present the case of TMA in a
      child after living-related liver transplantation (LRLTx) on tacrolimus-based
      immunosuppressive regiment successfully converted to sirolimus.

PMID- 22066837
TI  - Bibliographic data, including abstracts and addresses of the authors.

PMID- 22066836
TI  - Effect of dilution temperature on boar semen quality.
AB  - As boar semen is very sensitive to cold shock and changes in temperature during
      semen processing can have a profound impact on semen quality, the effect of the
      extender temperature at the time of dilution was investigated in a two-step
      dilution protocol for boar semen being processed for liquid storage. Fifteen
      boars of different breeds and ages from a commercial artificial insemination
      centre were included. One ejaculate per boar was collected and processed with
      Beltsville Thawing Solution semen extender. Each ejaculate was diluted (1 : 1) at
      30  degrees C, and subsequently, the samples were diluted (30 * 10(6) sperm/ml)
      with either preheated extender [29.3  degrees C +/- 0.2  degrees C, group A (GA)]
      or extender at room temperature [22.7  degrees C +/- 0.6  degrees C, group B
      (GB)]. Samples were transported to the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine (University
      of Ghent, Belgium) in two isotherm boxes (one per group), stored at 17  degrees C
      and investigated for three consecutive days (D0 to D2). At D0, D1 and D2,
      motility parameters [computer-assisted semen analysis (CASA)] and the per cent of
      sperm with intact membrane (% IM) by eosin nigrosin staining were evaluated. At
      D0 and D2, the % of sperm with intact acrosome (% IA) was studied by Pisum
      sativum agglutinin staining. The average temperature of the 1 : 1 dilution was
      29.4  degrees C +/- 1.1  degrees C immediately after extender addition. No
      significant differences were found between groups for per cent motility [79.3 +/-
      9.0 for GA and 81.1 +/- 9.2 for GB (p = 0.372)], % progressive motility [56.5 +/-
      13.3 for GA and 58.4 +/- 13.8 for GB (p = 0.737)] or any CASA parameter. No
      differences were found for % IM [85.1 +/- 10.7 and 84.5 +/- 3.8 for GA and GB,
      respectively (p = 0.761)] and % IA [72.2 +/- 9.4 for GA and 68.3 +/- 16.6 for GB
      (p = 0.792)]. In conclusion, when a two-step dilution is performed, preheating
      the extender for the second dilution to match the semen temperature did not
      result in better semen quality compared to a dilution at a moderate room
      temperature.

PMID- 22066839
TI  - The genetic basis of evolution, adaptation and speciation.
AB  - A primary question in biology concerns the genetic basis of the evolution of
      novel traits, often in response to environmental changes, and how this can
      subsequently cause species isolation. This topic was the focus of the symposium
      on the Genetics of Speciation and Evolution at the annual meeting of the Canadian
      Society for Ecology and Evolution, held in Banff in May 2011. The presentations
      revealed some of the rapid advances being made in understanding the genetic basis
      of adaptation and speciation, as well as the elegant interplay between an
      organism's genetic complement and the environment that organism experiences.

PMID- 22066850
TI  - Two-dimensional antigenic dendrogram and phylogenetic tree of avian influenza
      virus H5N1.
AB  - The hemagglutination-inhibition (HI) titers of a panel of 25 mouse monoclonal
      antibodies (MAbs) against 44 isolates of highly pathogenic avian influenza virus
      H5N1 were determined. A two-dimensional antigenic dendrogram was constructed by
      hierarchical clustering of HI titers. Viruses with similar reactivity patterns
      were clustered horizontally, whereas MAbs were clustered vertically. In this 2-D
      dendrogram, with 40% similarity as a cut-off, four virus clusters and four MAbs
      clusters were identified. A phylogenetic tree based on the deduced amino acid
      sequence of the hemagglutinin gene of tested viruses was constructed and its
      topology was compared to the antigenic dendrogram. Interestingly, viruses with
      high genetic homology in the phylogenetic tree also had high similarity in their
      reactivity patterns, as indicated by their relatedness in the tree and close
      clustering in the dendrogram, respectively. However, the reverse and the converse
      were also true. Of the five pairs of viruses in the dendrogram with bootstrap
      values higher than 75, four pairs were in concordance with their genetic
      relatedness. However, one pair contained viruses belong to two distinct genetic
      clades. These results were discussed in the context of antigenic variation,
      genetic polymorphism, and the potential application of MAbs in antigenic
      analysis.

PMID- 22066851
TI  - Kinetics of hepatitis C virus load and hemodialysis: is there any influence of
      the reuse of dialysis membrane on HCV viremia?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) on regular hemodialysis
      are at increased risk of acquiring hepatitis C virus (HCV). Although
      controversial, a distinct dynamic of the HCV load has been reported in this group
      - a lower HCV viremia compared to non-uremic patients. The reasons for this
      remain unclear, but the host immune response related to the hemodialysis
      procedure and the reuse of dialysis membranes are the most investigated factors.
      METHODS: We analyzed the kinetics of HCV RNA viremia in 21 hemodialysis patients
      infected with genotype 1, through a highly sensitive quantitative method (real
      time polymerase chain reaction), immediately before and at the end of the first
      use and the last reuse of the cellulose diacetate dialysis membrane. RESULTS:
      Initial HCV load did not correlate with demographic or biochemical parameters,
      but higher HCV viremia was associated with a longer time on hemodialysis (r =
      0.44, p = 0.04). Although not significant, HCV RNA decreased in 11/21 (52.3%)
      patients after the first dialysis session (median 279,000 vs 176,000 IU/ml, p =
      0.91). However, a significant increase in HCV RNA viremia was observed in 17/21
      (80.9%) patients after the tenth session (median 187,000 vs 342,000 IU/ml, p =
      0.009). CONCLUSIONS: Except for the first session of hemodialysis, we did not
      confirm a decrease in HCV viremia related to the time on hemodialysis or with the
      reuse of the dialysis membrane. Factors other than the reuse of the dialysis
      membrane might be involved in the multifaceted kinetics of HCV RNA in CKD
      patients on hemodialysis.

PMID- 22066852
TI  - Biodiversity, abundance, and activity of nitrogen-fixing bacteria during primary
      succession on a copper mine tailings.
AB  - Microorganisms are important in soil development, inputs and biogeochemical
      cycling of nutrients and organic matter during early stages of ecosystem
      development, but little is known about their diversity, distribution, and
      function in relation to the chemical and physical changes associated with the
      progress of succession. In this study, we characterized the community structure
      and activity of nitrogen-fixing microbes during primary succession on a copper
      tailings. Terminal fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) and clone sequencing of
      nifH genes indicated that different N(2) -fixing communities developed under
      primary succession. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a diversity of nifH sequences
      that were mostly novel, and many of these could be assigned to the taxonomic
      divisions Proteobacteria, Cyanobacteria, and Firmicutes. Members of the
      Cyanobacteria, mostly affiliated with Nostocales or not closely related to any
      known organisms, were detected exclusively in the biological soil crusts and
      represented a substantial fraction of the respective diazotrophic communities.
      Quantitative PCR (and statistical analyses) revealed that, overall, copy number
      of nifH sequences increased with progressing succession and correlated with
      changes in physiochemical properties (including elementary elements such as
      carbon and nitrogen) and the recorded nitrogenase activities of the tailings. Our
      study provides an initial insight into the biodiversity and community structure
      evolution of N(2) -fixing microorganisms in ecological succession of mine
      tailings.

PMID- 22066853
TI  - Long-term gendered consequences of permanent disabilities caused by the 2005
      Pakistan earthquake.
AB  - This study documents the long-term gendered impact of the 2005 Pakistan
      earthquake on women and men who were rendered paraplegic as a result of spinal
      cord injuries sustained during the disaster. Coping mechanisms are also mapped.
      The findings show that three years after the disaster, paraplegic women are
      socially, emotionally, and financially isolated. The small stipend they receive
      is a significant source of income, but it has also led to marital distrust,
      violence, and abuse. In contrast, men receive full social and emotional support.
      Their key concern is that the government is not providing them with opportunities
      to be economically productive. Contemporary discourse and post-disaster policies,
      while acknowledging the importance of incorporating a gender perspective in the
      immediate post-disaster period, have failed to acknowledge and address the longer
      term gendered impact of disasters, in terms of the different types of impact and
      strategies adopted by women and men.

PMID- 22066854
TI  - Which factors impact myocardial function in systemic sclerosis?
AB  - BACKGROUND: The aim of our study was to determine clinical and echocardiographic
      parameters, which impacted the left (LV) and right ventricular (RV) diastolic and
      global function in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). METHODS: The study
      included 50 SSc patients and 48 age-matched healthy volunteers. All the patients
      underwent clinical examination, serological tests, pulmonary function testing,
      and complete two-dimensional echocardiography, which included pulsed and tissue
      Doppler. We determined the ratio of early diastolic transtricuspid/transmitral
      and the lateral area of the tricuspid/mitral annulus flow velocities
      (E/e';(lateral) ). RV and LV global ventricular function was estimated by the Tei
      index. Pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) was calculated by using
      echocardiographic parameters. RESULTS: Tricuspid inflow E/A ratio was decreased
      in the SSc group (P < 0.001), also as e'/a' ratio (P < 0.001), whereas
      E/e'(tricuspid) was increased (P = 0.001). The RV Tei index was increased in SSc
      patients (P < 0.001). PVR was significantly higher than in controls (P < 0.001).
      The multivariate analysis showed that brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) level
      (beta= 0.403, P = 0.016), diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO; beta=
      0.361, P = 0.025), RV systolic pressure (beta= 0.449, P = 0.011), and PVR (beta=
      0.507, P < 0.001) were independently associated with RV diastolic function
      (tricuspid E/e'(lateral) ). Similar results were achieved for the RV Tei index.
      Multiple regression showed that BNP level (beta= 0.337, P = 0.029), DLCO (beta=
      0.405, P = 0.011), and PVR (beta= 0.449, P = 0.022) were independently associated
      with LV diastolic function (mitral E/e'(lateral) ). Similar results were obtained
      for the LV Tei index. CONCLUSION: Our study revealed some new noninvasive
      parameters (BNP, DLCO, and PVR), which are useful for everyday clinical practice
      for determining of early myocardial involvement in SSc. (Echocardiography,
      ****;**:1-11).

PMID- 22066855
TI  - The clinical safety of  lenalidomide  in multiple myeloma and myelodysplastic
      syndromes.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Lenalidomide is an IMiDs(r) oral immunomodulatory compound
      developed for the treatment of patients with multiple myeloma (MM) and
      myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Long-term continuous treatment with lenalidomide
      beyond first response may be important to optimize responses and delay relapse.
      AREAS COVERED: This review summarizes the lenalidomide mechanism of action,
      pharmacodynamics, key clinical studies with a focus on safety and post-marketing
      surveillance data. The necessity for early adverse-event management, including
      dose modifications for neutropenia and thrombocytopenia, and venous
      thromboembolism prophylaxis, where applicable, in order to maintain patients on
      treatment and achieve optimal efficacy, is discussed. Secondary primary
      malignancies in MM and progression to acute myeloid leukemia in MDS patients in
      the context of lenalidomide treatment are also discussed. Finally, as
      lenalidomide is renally excreted, the requirement for dose adjustment according
      to creatinine clearance is discussed. EXPERT OPINION: Lenalidomide is highly
      effective and generally well tolerated. Most adverse events occur early during
      the course of treatment and are manageable. Lenalidomide is not associated with
      peripheral neuropathy and has a lack of cumulative toxicity, making it an
      effective treatment option for long-term use in the management of MM and
      low/intermediate-1-risk MDS, specifically with chromosome 5q deletion with or
      without other cytogenetic abnormalities.

PMID- 22066856
TI  - Detection of vertical root fractures in non-endodontically treated molars using
      cone-beam computed tomography: a report of four representative cases.
AB  - Vertical root fractures (VRFs) in teeth without endodontic treatment are
      relatively uncommon. The diagnosis is based on clinical and radiographic
      presentations. It might be difficult to detect VRFs in non-endodontically treated
      molars by conventional radiographs in certain situations because of the
      limitations of 2D images and many others factors such as the VRFs being in their
      early stages. Root morphology variation and the orientation of VRFs can influence
      conventional radiographic detection and the interpretation of a radiolucent
      fracture line. The four case reports presented here describe and discuss the use
      of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) in successfully diagnosing VRFs based on
      direct visualization of radiolucent lines, especially those suspected from
      routine conventional radiographs, as well as their symptoms and clinical
      findings. CBCT also provides more information on the presence of VRFs.

PMID- 22066857
TI  - Preparation of a family of 10-hydroxybenzo[h]quinoline analogues via a modified
      Sanford reaction and their excited state intramolecular proton transfer
      properties.
AB  - We have developed a highly optimized methodology that allows for the oxidative
      acetoxylation of a sterically and electronically demanding library of analogues
      of benzo[h]quinoline. The optimal conditions for the insertion of an OAc group
      were identified after examining various reaction parameters (solvent, oxidant,
      catalyst, temperature, time). The conditions identified (Pd(OAc)(2), PhI(OAc)(2),
      MeCN, 150  degrees C, 16 h), combined with the hydrolysis of acetates, resulted
      in the formation of hydroxybenzoquinolines in 27-59% yield, whereas all
      previously published procedures were ineffective. This synthesis was compatible
      with diverse functionalities (ester, aldehyde, carbon-carbon triple bond) and,
      most importantly, worked for sterically hindered analogues as well as for
      compounds possessing electron-donating and electron-withdrawing substituents at
      various positions. All the obtained compounds demonstrated excited-state
      intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) manifesting as small fluorescence quantum
      yields and large Stokes shifts (8300-9660 cm(-1)). The effect of structural
      variations in eight 10-hydroxybenzo[h]quinoline analogues on absorption and
      emission properties was studied in detail.

PMID- 22066858
TI  - Nanomolar hydrogen peroxide detection using horseradish peroxidase covalently
      linked to undoped nanocrystalline diamond surfaces.
AB  - In this article, we report on the low-level detection of hydrogen peroxide, a key
      player in the redox signaling pathway and a toxic product in the cellular system,
      using a colorimetric solution assay. Amine-terminated undoped nanocrystalline
      diamond thin films were grown on glass using a linear-antenna microwave plasma
      CVD process. The diamond surface consists mainly of -NH(2) termination. The
      aminated diamond surface was decorated with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) enzyme
      using carbodiimide coupling chemistry. The success of the HRP immobilization was
      confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The enzymatic activity of
      immobilized HRP was determined with a colorimetric test based on the HRP
      catalyzed oxidation of 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sufonic acid
      (ABTS) in the presence of hydrogen peroxide. The surface coverage of active HRP
      was estimated to be Gamma = 7.3 * 10(13) molecules cm(-2). The use of the
      functionalized diamond surface as an optical sensor for the detection of hydrogen
      peroxide with a detection limit of 35 nM was demonstrated.

PMID- 22066859
TI  - Social, cultural and political factors in the design of HIV programmes with
      Papuan highland communities.
AB  - The Indonesian province of Papua faces a growing HIV epidemic, particularly
      amongst remote highland Papuans, such as the Western Dani. The specific,
      challenging political and sociocultural context of Papuan highland communities
      greatly influences the transmission of HIV. Different initiatives have struggled
      to meet the sexual and reproductive health needs of Papuan communities and of
      minority ethnic communities and the challenges they pose. The prolonged cultural
      tensions between Papuan and Indonesian communities are a major barrier to
      effective dialogue between the Indonesian state and its minority ethnic
      communities, the absence of which only exacerbates the epidemic. Tackling HIV in
      Papua requires responses that are both culturally and politically sensitive, in
      direct challenge to existing development paradigms.

PMID- 22066860
TI  - Total synthesis and structural revision of the piperarborenines via sequential
      cyclobutane C-H arylation.
AB  - A strategy for the construction of unsymmetrical cyclobutanes using C-H
      functionalization logic is demonstrated in the total synthesis of piperarborenine
      B and piperarborenine D (reported structure). These syntheses feature a new
      preparation of cis-cyclobutane dicarboxylates from commercially available
      coumalate starting materials and a divergent approach to the controlled cis or
      trans installation of the two distinct aryl rings found in the natural products
      using the first example of cyclobutane C-H arylation. The structure of
      piperarborenine D is reassigned to a head-to-head dimer, which was synthesized
      using an intramolecular [2+2] photocycloaddition strategy.

PMID- 22066861
TI  - A comparative study of the sonographic appearance and anatomy of the obturator
      internus in normal males.
AB  - The aim of this study was to compare the appearance of the normal male obturator
      internus on transrectal ultrasound with anatomical examination to advance the
      knowledge of the male pelvic muscles. This information may help to provide a new
      imaging method for observation of the normal male obturator internus and may
      facilitate the treatment of obturator internus abscesses and various other types
      of interventional therapies. Ten formalin-fixed male cadavers were dissected to
      examine the appearance and structure of the obturator internus and its
      relationship with the structures in close proximity. The obturator internus was
      also observed in five fresh male cadavers using transrectal ultrasound, after
      which the anatomy of the muscle was confirmed by dissection and its thickness
      measured. The visible fusiform was observed by sonography. The measurements of
      obturator internus thickness were 13.33 +/- 0.32 mm on the right and 13.41 +/-
      0.26 mm on the left; in the formalin-fixed fresh cadaver, the measurements were
      13.16 +/- 0.21 mm on the right and 13.17 +/- 0.22 mm on the left. Using
      transrectal ultrasound to recognize and observe the obturator internus is a new
      imaging method that will provide a foundation for the recognition of its
      abnormalities in the future.

PMID- 22066862
TI  - Ergonomics of and technologies for single-port lapaxroscopic surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: There are a number of major constraints in ergonomics of and
      technologies for single port laparoscopic surgery. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The
      review is based on a complete literature search through PubMed, Medline. Single
      port laparoscopic surgery (SPLS), single incision laparoscopic surgery (SILS),
      laparoscopic single-site surgery (LESS), ergonomics, technologies, robotic SPLS,
      SPLS or SILS operations were the keywords used for the literature search. RESULTS
      AND DISCUSSION: The SPLS approach imposes several restrictions: Maintenance of
      sufficient exposure, sustained pneumoperitoneum, adequate retraction, collision
      between instruments (internal and external), collision between instruments and
      optics, and limited instrument manipulation and triangulation. Compensatory
      techniques such as using percutaneous sutures for retraction and employing
      coaxial, flexible, and articulating instruments have been used to improve
      triangulation. CONCLUSIONS: The ergonomics imposed by this approach are different
      from those of multi-port laparoscopic surgery. Considerable progress in port and
      instruments for SPLS has been achieved in the last five years in order to
      overcome the constraints and problems facing the operating surgeon when using the
      SPLS approach. Further more advanced instrumentation such as hand-held
      manipulators with seven degrees of freedom (DOF) and robotic devices for SPLS is
      needed to realize the full potential of the SPLS approach.

PMID- 22066863
TI  - Low bone mineral density in Indian patients with fragility fractures.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Low bone mineral density (BMD) is a major risk factor for fragility
      fractures in osteoporosis. In recent studies, its use with clinical risk factors
      has been shown to enhance prediction of fragility fractures. The present study
      was done to assess BMD in Indian patients with fragility fractures using digital
      X-ray radiogrammetry (DXR-BMD). METHODS: A total of 228 patients (64 male and 164
      female) admitted to an Orthopedic Hospital for management of fragility fracture
      were recruited. For each patient, DXR-BMD was obtained from an anteroposterior
      radiograph of the non-dominant hand. RESULTS: The number of subjects with hip
      fracture was 104 (40 male, 64 female). Vertebral fractures were seen in 67
      patients (11 male, 56 female) and distal radial fracture in 57 patients (13 male,
      44 female). The DXR-BMD (g/cm(2)) was significantly lower in subjects with any
      fragility fracture (0.51 vs. 0.58 in men and 0.41 vs. 0.54 in women). When
      compared to the age-matched normative reference data by decade, all subjects with
      fragility fracture had significantly lower DXR-BMD except male subjects in the
      age decade of 40-49 years. CONCLUSION: This study confirms lower DXR-BMD in
      Indian subjects with fragility fractures. This may have a potential role in
      fracture prediction when used with clinical risk factors in the Indian
      population.

PMID- 22066864
TI  - Impact of vitamin D-related serum PTH reference values on the diagnosis of mild
      primary hyperparathyroidism, using bivariate calcium/PTH reference regions.
AB  - BACKGROUND, OBJECTIVE: An international consensus conference underlined the
      importance of defining upper parathyroid hormone (PTH) reference values based on
      25-OH-vitamin D [25(OH)D] to diagnose mild primary hyperparathyroidism. We
      determined the importance of this factor in a Belgian population. DESIGN,
      PATIENTS, METHODS: Intact PTH and 25(OH)D were measured in 261 healthy controls
      (18-65 years, winter/summer). They were classified as 25(OH)D replete (50-153
      nmol/l; n = 129) or deplete (8-50 nmol/l; n = 132). PTH was determined in 49
      patients with surgically proven primary hyperparathyroidism. PTH thresholds for
      95% specificities and corresponding sensitivities were computed from both 25(OH)D
      replete and deplete receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. The 95%
      bivariate reference ellipses, relating PTH to calcium for 25(OH)D replete and
      deplete controls, were compared to the PTH/calcium pairs of patients with primary
      hyperparathyroidism. RESULTS: Parathyroid hormone correlated with 25(OH)D (r = 
      0.3232; P < 0.0001). PTH normative values were 20% lower in 25(OH)D replete than
      deplete controls (P < 0.0001). PTH thresholds, providing 95% specificities for
      primary hyperparathyroidism diagnosis, were 7.6 pmol/l and 5.8 pmol/l, using ROC
      curves derived from 25(OH)D deplete or replete controls, respectively.
      Corresponding sensitivities were of 56%vs 88%, respectively (P < 0.05). The 95%
      PTH/calcium bivariate reference ellipses for?deplete and replete 25(OH)D controls
      differed, but the PTH/calcium pairs of patients with primary hyperparathyroidism
      did not overlap these ellipses. CONCLUSION: For a given specificity, primary
      hyperparathyroidism diagnostic parathyroid hormone thresholds were lower and
      sensitivities higher using ROC curves, derived from 25(OH)D replete vs deplete
      controls. The 25(OH)D status does not affect the efficiency of primary
      hyperparathyroidism diagnosis, using bivariate PTH/calcium reference density
      ellipses.

PMID- 22066865
TI  - Well-defined binuclear chiral spiro copper catalysts for enantioselective N-H
      insertion.
AB  - An asymmetric N-H insertion of alpha-diazoesters with anilines catalyzed by well
      defined copper complexes of chiral spiro bisoxazoline ligands was studied in
      detail. The copper-catalyzed asymmetric N-H insertion of a wide range of alpha
      alkyl-alpha-diazoacetates with anilines was accomplished with excellent
      enantioselectivity (up to 98% ee) and provided an efficient method for the
      preparation of optically active alpha-amino acid derivatives. A correlation study
      of the electronic properties of the substrates with the enantioselectivity of the
      N-H insertion reaction supports a stepwise insertion mechanism, and the
      significant first-order kinetic isotope effect proves that the proton transfer is
      most likely the rate-limiting step. A binuclear chiral spiro copper catalyst
      having 14-electron copper centers, a trans coordination model, a perfect C(2)
      symmetric chiral pocket, and significant Cu-Cu interaction was isolated and
      extensively studied. The novel structure of the binuclear chiral spiro copper
      catalyst leads to unique reactivity as well as enantioselectivity in the N-H
      insertion reaction.

PMID- 22066866
TI  - Proanthocyanidin-rich extracts from cranberry fruit (Vaccinium macrocarpon Ait.)
      selectively inhibit the growth of human pathogenic fungi Candida spp. and
      Cryptococcus neoformans.
AB  - Cranberry ( Vaccinium macrocarpon ) has been shown in clinical studies to reduce
      infections caused by  Escherichia coli  and other bacteria, and proanthocyanidins
      are believed to play a role. The ability of cranberry to inhibit the growth of
      opportunistic human fungal pathogens that cause oral, skin, respiratory, and
      systemic infections has not been well-studied. Fractions from whole cranberry
      fruit were screened for inhibition of five  Candida  species and  Cryptococcus
      neoformans , a causative agent of fungal meningitis.  Candida glabrata ,  Candida
      lusitaniae ,  Candida krusei , and  Cryptococcus neoformans  showed significant
      susceptibility to treatment with cranberry proanthocyanidin fractions in a broth
      microdilution assay, with minimum inhibitory concentrations as low as 1 MUg/mL.
      MALDI-TOF MS analysis of subfractions detected epicatechin oligomers of up to 12
      degrees of polymerization. Those containing larger oligomers caused the strongest
      inhibition. This study suggests that cranberry has potential as an antifungal
      agent.

PMID- 22066867
TI  - The antimicrobial peptide LL-37 is anti-inflammatory and proapoptotic in human
      periodontal ligament cells.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The antimicrobial peptide LL-37 is expressed in
      periodontal tissue, and variations in LL-37 levels have been associated with
      periodontal disease. The effects of LL-37 on periodontal ligament cell function
      have not been described before. Here, we assess anti-inflammatory properties of
      LL-37 and investigate the effects of LL-37 on cell differentiation, cell
      proliferation and apoptosis in human periodontal ligament cells. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: Periodontal ligament cells were obtained from teeth extracted for
      orthodontic reasons. Cytokine (interleukin-6) and chemokine (monocyte
      chemoattractant protein-1) expression was determined by quantitative PCR, cell
      differentiation by alkaline phosphatase activity, cell proliferation by counting
      cells in a Burker chamber, DNA synthesis by incorporation of radiolabeled
      thymidine and apoptosis by cell morphology and activated caspase 3 quantities.
      RESULTS: Treatment with 0.1 and 1 MUm of LL-37 totally reversed
      lipopolysaccharide-induced monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 expression and
      suppressed lipopolysaccharide-induced interleukin-6 expression by 50-70%. LL-37
      had no effect on alkaline phosphatase activity. Incubation with 8 MUm LL-37
      strongly reduced cell number. DNA synthesis was attenuated by about 90% in
      response to 8 MUm LL-37, confirming its antiproliferative effect. Cell morphology
      was altered in an apoptosis-like fashion in cells treated with 8 MUm LL-37.
      Furthermore, the quantity of activated caspase 3 was increased in cells treated
      with 1 and 8 MUm of LL-37, suggesting apoptosis. CONCLUSION: LL-37 strongly
      attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced cytokine and chemokine expression and, in
      high concentrations, reduces cell proliferation through inhibition of DNA
      synthesis and by promoting apoptosis in human periodontal ligament cells.

PMID- 22066868
TI  - Combating biofilms.
AB  - Biofilms are complex microbial communities consisting of microcolonies embedded
      in a matrix of self-produced polymer substances. Biofilm cells show much greater
      resistance to environmental challenges including antimicrobial agents than their
      free-living counterparts. The biofilm mode of life is believed to significantly
      contribute to successful microbial survival in hostile environments. Conventional
      treatment, disinfection and cleaning strategies do not proficiently deal with
      biofilm-related problems, such as persistent infections and contamination of food
      production facilities. In this review, strategies to control biofilms are
      discussed, including those of inhibition of microbial attachment, interference of
      biofilm structure development and differentiation, killing of biofilm cells and
      induction of biofilm dispersion.

PMID- 22066869
TI  - Validating T-RFLP as a sensitive and high-throughput approach  to assess
      bacterial diversity patterns in human anterior nares.
AB  - While recent works aimed to thoroughly characterize the bacterial community of
      the human anterior nares of a few candidates, this work sought to analyse a
      greater cross-section by sampling 100 volunteers. After optimizing and validating
      the method of terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism against six
      previously pyrosequenced samples, abundant species could be discriminated and
      their relative abundances measured in a high-throughput manner. The 100
      volunteers could be statistically clustered into 12 groups, where two-thirds of
      volunteers shared more than 40% similarity in respect to their bacterial
      community structure, while the remaining third clustered into smaller groups
      being dominated by Dolosigranulum pigrum, Moraxella spp. or Staphylococcus
      aureus. Moraxella spp. was present predominantly in women rather than in men. The
      use of network analysis charting bacterial ecological co-occurrences revealed new
      evidence of likely positive associations between some core human nasal species.
      So, in the age of post 'omics' and 'deep sequencing', there is still a place for
      these well-tried and well-tested methods that can offer a rapid, reproducible and
      economical alternative, whereby also yielding valuable new information.

PMID- 22066870
TI  - Factors influencing weaning from mechanical ventilation in elderly patients with
      severe pneumonia.
AB  - AIMS: The purpose of this study was to determine the factors that adversely
      affect the weaning of elderly patients with community-acquired pneumonia from
      mechanical ventilation. METHODS: This study retrospectively investigated the
      medical records of 71 elderly patients (65 years or older) who were admitted to
      the hospital because of community-acquired pneumonia and required mechanical
      ventilation between January 2003 and December 2007. The patients were divided
      into two groups: group A, which included 33 patients who were successfully weaned
      from mechanical ventilation, and group B, which included 38 patients who could
      not be weaned from mechanical ventilation. The study compared the patients'
      background, vital signs, and laboratory and bacteriological examinations at the
      beginning of mechanical ventilation. A multiple logistic regression analysis was
      performed to identify the factors associated with difficulties in weaning
      patients from mechanical ventilation. RESULTS: In group B, there were
      significantly more smokers (P < 0.05) and more patients with emphysematous
      changes on thoracic CT (P < 0.05). In group A, the concentrations of total serum
      protein (P < 0.05) and albumin (P < 0.05) were significantly higher. A multiple
      logistic regression analysis revealed that patients with community-acquired
      pneumonia who showed emphysematous changes on thoracic CT (OR = 4.92, 95%CI 1.08
      22.46) and/or a low concentration of serum albumin <3.0 g/dL (OR = 4.25, 95%CI
      1.17-15.45) had difficulty being weaned from mechanical ventilation. CONCLUSION:
      Our study suggests that elderly patients with community-acquired pneumonia with
      emphysematous changes on thoracic CT and/or a low concentration of serum albumin
      level have difficulty being weaned from mechanical ventilation.

PMID- 22066871
TI  - A method for the reductive scission of heterocyclic thioethers.
AB  - A mild, chemoselective, and generally high-yielding method for the reductive
      scission of heterocyclic thioethers is described. Suitable heterocycles have a
      thioether substituent at the 2-position relative to a ring heteroatom. The
      convenient and straightforward method is demonstrated with reactants which are
      not compatible with the standard Raney nickel conditions such as sulfides,
      sulfones, and thiophenes. In addition, benzyl esters, benzyl amides, and benzyl
      carbamates are tolerated by the reductive reaction conditions.

PMID- 22066872
TI  - Reviews on animal diseases recently published in other journals.

PMID- 22066874
TI  - Hybrid swarm between divergent lineages of mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus).
AB  - Studies of hybrid zones have revealed an array of evolutionary outcomes, yet the
      underlying structure is typically characterized as one of three types: a hybrid
      zone, a hybrid swarm or a hybrid taxon. Our primary objective was to determine
      which of these three structures best characterizes a zone of hybridization
      between two divergent lineages of mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), mule deer and
      black-tailed deer. These lineages are morphologically, ecologically and
      genetically distinct, yet hybridize readily along a zone of secondary contact
      between the east and west slopes of the Cascade Mountains (Washington and Oregon,
      USA). Using microsatellite and mitochondrial DNA, we found clear evidence for
      extensive hybridization and introgression between lineages, with varying degrees
      of admixture across the zone of contact. The pattern of hybridization in this
      region closely resembles a hybrid swarm; based on data from 10 microsatellite
      loci, we detected hybrids that extend well beyond the F1 generation, did not
      detect linkage disequilibrium at the centre of the zone and found that genotypes
      were associated randomly within the zone of contact. Introgression was
      characterized as bidirectional and symmetric, which is surprising given that the
      zone of contact occurs along a sharp ecotone and that lineages are characterized
      by large differences in body size (a key component of mating success). Regardless
      of the underlying mechanisms promoting hybrid swarm maintenance, it is clear that
      the persistence of a hybrid swarm presents unique challenges for management in
      this region.

PMID- 22066882
TI  - Using cognitive-behavioural techniques to improve exclusive breastfeeding in a
      low-literacy disadvantaged population.
AB  - Despite being an important component of Pakistan's primary health care programme,
      the rates of exclusive breastfeeding at 6 months remain among the lowest in the
      world. Low levels of literacy in women and deeply held cultural beliefs and
      practices have been found to contribute to the ineffectiveness of routine
      counselling delivered universally by community health workers in Pakistan. We
      aimed to address this by incorporating techniques of cognitive-behavioural
      therapy (CBT) into the routine counselling process. We conducted qualitative
      studies of stakeholders' opinions (mothers, community health workers, their
      trainers and programme managers) and used this data to develop a psycho
      educational approach that combined education with techniques of CBT that could be
      integrated into the health workers' routine work. The workers were trained to use
      this approach and feedback was obtained after implementation. The new
      intervention was successfully integrated into the community health worker
      programme and found to be culturally acceptable, feasible and useful.
      Incorporating techniques of CBT into routine counselling may be useful to promote
      health behaviours in traditional societies with low literacy rates.

PMID- 22066883
TI  - Antibiotic susceptibility and intracellular localization of  Diplorickettsia
      massiliensis.
AB  - Diplorickettsia massiliensis is an obligate intracellular bacterium from the
      Coxiellaceae family recently isolated from Ixodes ricinus ticks. The inhibitory
      effects of antimicrobial agents were assessed by two different methods,
      immunofluorescence and Gimenez staining assay. Different markers (EEA1, Lamp-1,
      Cathepsin D, and LysoTracker Red DND99) were used to reveal the nature of the
      vacuole containing the bacterium. Ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, and rifampin had
      MIC values of 2 lg mL(-1). We found that 4 lg mL(-1) of Doxycycline inhibited the
      growth of D. massiliensis strain. Surprisingly, D. massiliensis was resistant to
      chloramphenicol up to the concentration of 64 lg mL(-1). We found that penicillin
      G, ammonium chloride, gentamycin, omeprazole, bafilomycin A1, and chloroquine
      were not active against D. massiliensis. Studies performed with markers EEA1,
      Lamp-1, Cathepsin D, and LysoTracker Red DND99 showed that D. massiliensis is
      localized within an acidic compartment that is not an early phagosome, but a late
      phagosome or a phagolysosome. Gimenez staining stays a good method that will work
      with a very low number of bacteria and can be used to determine the MICs of new
      therapeutic antibiotics precisely. The resistance profile of D. massiliensis was
      found to be quite unusual for intracellular Gram-negative bacterium with marked
      resistance to chloramphenicol. Despite of localization in acidic compartment, pH
      neutralizing agents do not significantly inhibit intracellular growth of
      bacterium. The results of these studies prove that antibiotic resistance does not
      depend on pH of vacuole. This pH-related mechanism seems not to play a
      contributing role in the overall resistance of D. massiliensis.

PMID- 22066884
TI  - Chemoprotective effect of all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) on oxidative stress and
      lung metastasis induced by benzo(a)pyrene.
AB  - Chemoprevention is regarded as one of the most promising and realistic approaches
      in the prevention of cancer. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) is an active
      metabolite of vitamin A under the family retinoids, derived by irreversible
      oxidation of retinol (vitamin A), the parent compound for all natural retinoids.
      The aim of the present study is to divulge the chemopreventive and
      chemoprotective nature of ATRA during benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) induced lung cancer
      development in BALB/c mice. Administration of B(a)P (50 mg/kg body weight) to
      mice resulted in increased lipid peroxides (LPO), lipid hydroperoxides (LOOH) and
      nitric oxide (NO) with concomitant decrease in the levels of tissue anti-oxidants
      like superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx),
      reduced glutathione (GSH) and vitamin C. ATRA supplementation (0.585 mg/kg body
      weight) attenuated all these alterations, which indicates the anti-cancer effect
      that was further confirmed by histopathological analysis. Overall, the above data
      show that the anti-cancer effect of ATRA is more pronounced when used as an
      chemopreventive agent against B(a)P-induced lung carcinogenesis.

PMID- 22066885
TI  - Chloroflexi bacteria are more diverse, abundant, and similar in high than in low
      microbial abundance sponges.
AB  - Some marine sponges harbor dense and phylogenetically complex microbial
      communities [high microbial abundance (HMA) sponges] whereas others contain only
      few and less diverse microorganisms [low microbial abundance (LMA) sponges]. We
      focused on the phylum Chloroflexi that frequently occurs in sponges to
      investigate the different associations with three HMA and three LMA sponges from
      New Zealand. By applying a range of microscopical and molecular techniques a
      clear dichotomy between HMA and LMA sponges was observed: Chloroflexi bacteria
      were more abundant and diverse in HMA than in LMA sponges. Moreover, different
      HMA sponges contain similar Chloroflexi communities whereas LMA sponges harbor
      different and more variable communities which partly resemble Chloroflexi
      seawater communities. A comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of our own and
      publicly available sponge-derived Chloroflexi 16S rRNA gene sequences (> 780
      sequences) revealed the enormous diversity of this phylum within sponges
      including 29 sponge-specific and sponge-coral clusters (SSC/SCC) as well as a
      'supercluster' consisting of > 250 sponge-derived and a single nonsponge-derived
      16S rRNA gene sequence. Interestingly, the majority of sequences obtained from
      HMA sponges, but only a few from LMA sponges, fell into SSC/SCC clusters. This
      indicates a much more specific association of Chloroflexi bacteria with HMA
      sponges and suggests an ecologically important role for these prominent bacteria.

PMID- 22066886
TI  - An analysis of seismic risk from a tourism point of view.
AB  - Global awareness of natural calamities increased after the destructive Indian
      Ocean tsunami of December 2004, largely because many foreigners lost their lives,
      especially in Thailand. This paper explores how best to communicate the seismic
      risk posed by different travel destinations to crisis management personnel in
      tourists' home countries. The analysis of seismic risk should be straightforward
      enough for non-specialists, yet powerful enough to identify the travel
      destinations that are most at risk. The output for each location is a point in 3D
      space composed of the natural and built-up environment and local tourism. The
      tourism-specific factors can be tailored according to the tourists' nationality.
      The necessary information can be collected from various directories and
      statistics, much of it available over the Internet. The output helps to
      illustrate the overall seismic risk conditions of different travel destinations,
      allows for comparison across destinations, and identifies the places that are
      most at risk.

PMID- 22066887
TI  - Prognostic value of pulsed tissue Doppler imaging for the assessment of left
      ventricular systolic function in patients with nonischemic dilated
      cardiomyopathy.
AB  - There is still some debate regarding the prognostic significance of left
      ventricular longitudinal systolic dysfunction as assessed by tissue Doppler (TD)
      imaging in patients with chronic heart failure (HF), since previous studies have
      included patients with postischemic wall motion abnormalities. Thus, this study
      was designed to ascertain whether TD-derived longitudinal systolic dysfunction
      may influence the outcome of patients with nonischemic chronic HF. In 200
      consecutive patients with chronic HF secondary to dilated cardiomyopathy and no
      history of ischemic heart disease, peak systolic mitral annular velocity (S(m) )
      was measured by pulsed TD at the septal and lateral annular sites. The end points
      were cardiac death or hospitalization for worsening HF. Mean follow-up duration
      was 30 months. In a time independent analysis, averaged S(m) calculated as the
      average of septal and lateral S(m) , resulted to be a significant predictor of
      outcome in the study population (area under receiver-operator characteristic
      curve: cardiovascular death, 0.69, P < 0.0001; cardiovascular events, 0.64, P =
      0.0005). In a time-dependent analysis, average S(m) was associated with both
      cardiovascular death (hazard ratio 0.832, P = 0.0019) and cardiovascular events
      (hazard ratio 0.904, P = 0.039), independently of other clinical risk factors and
      echocardiographic parameters of systolic function. Septal S(m) but not lateral
      S(m) was independently associated with the outcome measures. In conclusion, the
      assessment of systolic mitral annular velocity by pulsed TD is a useful indicator
      for prognostic stratification of patients with nonischemic dilated cardiomyopathy
      and chronic HF.

PMID- 22066888
TI  - Nuclear accident like Fukushima unlikely in the rest of the world?

PMID- 22066889
TI  - Non-contraceptive benefits of hormonal contraception: time for renewed awareness.

PMID- 22066890
TI  - Does structured counselling influence combined hormonal contraceptive choice?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To assess the effect of structured counselling on women's
      contraceptive decisions and to evaluate gynaecologists' perceptions of
      comprehensive contraceptive counselling. METHODS: Belgian women (18-40 years old)
      who were considering using a combined hormonal contraceptive (CHC) were
      counselled by their gynaecologists about available CHCs (combined oral
      contraceptive [COC], transdermal patch, vaginal ring), using a comprehensive
      leaflet. Patients and gynaecologists completed questionnaires that gathered
      information on the woman's pre- and post-counselling contraceptive choice, her
      perceptions, and the reasons behind her post-counselling decision. RESULTS: The
      gynaecologists (N=121) enrolled 1801 eligible women. Nearly all women (94%) were
      able to choose a method after counselling (53%, 5%, and 27% chose the COC, the
      patch, and the ring, respectively). Counselling made many women (39%) select a
      different method: patch use increased from 3% to 5% (p<0.0001); ring use tripled
      (from 9% to 27%, p<0.0001). Women who were undecided before counselling most
      often opted for the method their gynaecologist recommended, irrespective of
      counselling. CONCLUSION: Counselling allows most women to select a contraceptive
      method; a sizeable proportion of them decide on a method different from the one
      they initially had in mind. Gynaecologists? preferences influenced the
      contraceptive choices of women who were initially undecided regarding the method
      to use.

PMID- 22066891
TI  - Effects of a monophasic combined oral contraceptive containing nomegestrol
      acetate and 17beta-oestradiol compared with one containing levonorgestrel and
      ethinylestradiol on haemostasis, lipids and carbohydrate metabolism.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To compare the effects of a combined oral contraceptive (COC)
      containing nomegestrol acetate and 17beta-oestradiol (NOMAC/E2) on haemostasis,
      lipids, carbohydrate metabolism, C-reactive protein (CRP) and sex hormone-binding
      globulin (SHBG) with those of a COC containing levonorgestrel and
      ethinylestradiol (LNG/EE). METHODS: In a randomised, open-label study, 121
      healthy women, 18-50 years of age, were randomly assigned to receive NOMAC/E2
      (2.5 mg/1.5 mg) in a 24/4-day regimen (n=60) or LNG/EE (150 MUg/30 MUg) in a 21/7
      day regimen (n=61) for six cycles. The primary outcome was the change from
      baseline to cycle 6 for all indices. RESULTS: All parameters were similar at
      baseline between the two groups. Over six cycles, NOMAC/E2 had less effect on
      most haemostatic indices than LNG/EE. Lipids were essentially unchanged with
      NOMAC/E2, whereas with LNG/EE high-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased and
      low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides slightly increased.
      NOMAC/E2 induced negligible changes in glucose and insulin parameters, in
      contrast to LNG/EE. A much smaller increase in CRP was observed with NOMAC/E2
      than with LNG/EE. NOMAC/E2 was associated with a greater increase in SHBG.
      CONCLUSIONS: The monophasic COC NOMAC/E2 had less influence on haemostasis,
      lipids and carbohydrate metabolism than the COC LNG/EE.

PMID- 22066892
TI  - Effects of Anethum graveolens L. on fertility in male rats.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The effects of Anethum graveolens seed extract on fertility of male
      rats were investigated. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were divided into five groups
      according to the treatment they received during 42 days: control, low dose (0.5
      g/kg) and high dose (5 g/kg) of aqueous extracts, and low dose (0.045 g/kg) and
      high dose (0.45 g/kg) of ethanol extracts of Anethum graveolens seed. Sperm count
      and motility and testosterone concentration were measured. Sections of the
      testes, epididymis, and seminal vesicles were stained with peroxidase-conjugated
      lectins of Ulex europaeus agglutinin, peanut agglutinin, Dolichos biflorus
      agglutinin, soy bean agglutinin and concanavalin A. The treated male rats were
      mated with females and the crown-rump lengths and weights of their newborn pups
      were measured. RESULTS: No significant differences in sperm count, sperm motility
      or testosterone concentration were observed in the experimental groups. However,
      female rats did not become pregnant after mating with rats given the high dose of
      the ethanol extract. The distribution of terminal sugars on the epithelial
      surface of the reproductive structures decreased in the experimental groups.
      CONCLUSION: Anethum graveolens extract decreased fertility rate by modifying some
      terminal sugars on the cell surface of male reproductive organs involved in sperm
      maturation, capacitation and oocyte recognition.

PMID- 22066894
TI  - Transient discoloration of the coronal fragment in intra-alveolar root fractures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Root fractures are a relatively rare type of injury with frequencies
      of 0.5-7% of traumatized permanent teeth. It is well known that teeth with intra
      alveolar root fractures have a good prognosis. The pulp remains vital in about
      80% of these teeth. If pulp necrosis develops, this normally only occurs in the
      coronal fragment. Although several studies on intra-alveolar root fractures have
      been published during the last decades, none have mentioned that transient
      discoloration can occur. The aim of our study was to study the frequency and
      prognosis for intra-alveolar root fractures with discoloration. MATERIAL AND
      METHODS: The material consisted of 42 permanent incisors from 21 boys and 18
      girls aged 7-19 years (mean = 12.7, median 12.0). In two girls and one boy, two
      incisors exhibited concurrent intra-alveolar root fractured. The follow-up period
      ranged from 1 to 9 years. The colour changes were determined at each control by
      transillumination of the clinical crown from the facial and palatal surfaces.
      Electrometric sensibility was evaluated and compared to the values of adjacent
      teeth using an electric pulp tester. At the final clinical and radiographic
      control, the type of healing was registered. RESULTS: Discoloration was found in
      nine teeth. The root development was completed in all these teeth. The
      discoloration disappeared within 4 weeks to 6 months in eight teeth. The
      sensibility, which was lost at the injury, followed the changes in discoloration,
      and all teeth had regained normal sensibility when the discoloration had
      disappeared. Only one tooth, which showed a greyish hue, developed pulp necrosis.
      CONCLUSION: Transient discoloration in intra-alveolar fractures is relatively
      common and is indicative of a good prognosis for healing.

PMID- 22066895
TI  - Synthesis of 2-(trifluoromethyl)oxazoles from beta-monosubstituted enamines via
      PhI(OCOCF3)2-mediated trifluoroacetoxylation and cyclization.
AB  - Treatment of beta-monosubstituted enamines with phenyliodine
      bis(trifluoroacetate) (PIFA) was found to give a variety of 4,5-disubstituted 2
      (trifluoromethyl)oxazoles. This approach allows the incorporation of the
      trifluoromethyl moiety in PIFA into the final products, which presumably takes
      place via the oxidative beta-trifluoroacetoxylation of the enamine substrates
      followed by subsequent intramolecular cyclization.

PMID- 22066896
TI  - Aspirations and realities of love, marriage and education among Hmong women.
AB  - Stereotypical portrayals of the Hmong in Vietnam emphasize their apparently
      exotic customs related to sexual relationships and marriage and their alleged
      backwardness and resistance to change. Yet their history shows their ability to
      respond to changing socioeconomic contexts. This study details practices and
      aspirations concerning love, marriage and education among different generations
      of White Hmong women in the northern mountains of Vietnam, with particular
      attention to the perspectives of young women. We found a diversity of ideas and
      identified certain rapidly changing practices regarding marriage. Forced marriage
      through 'wife-snatching' was reported to have always been rare and its meaning
      and prevalence has seemingly been misunderstood by outsiders. Bride price payment
      was reported to be an important element of most Hmong marriages. Hmong girls
      studying at high school and secondary level were found to have particular
      aspirations pertaining to their marriage, education and career, but lacked
      confidence in their abilities to create their desired future. Findings also
      reveal how patrilocal residence following marriage places young women under the
      strict control of their husbands and parents-in-law, which is likely to
      contribute to their lack of self-esteem and sense of autonomy.

PMID- 22066897
TI  - Profiles of liquid drops at the bottom of cylindrical fibers standing on flat
      substrates.
AB  - Based on Carroll's derivation that describes a symmetric liquid drop sitting on
      an infinite cylindrical fiber and the shape of the drop, we have extended the
      derivation to describe a drop located at the bottom of cylindrical fibers
      standing on flat substrates. According to our derivation, the shape of the drop
      forms a bell as predicted by Carroll but is cut off by the flat substrate. This
      theoretical prediction was verified experimentally using water, ethylene glycol,
      and Kaydol drops on glass, nylon and polypropylene cylindrical fibers, and on
      polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and polyester (PET) flat substrates. We found that
      only four parameters are required to obtain agreement between the theoretical
      shape and the observed shape: the drop volume, the fiber radius, the liquid-fiber
      contact angle, and liquid-flat substrate contact angle.

PMID- 22066898
TI  - Vaginal cone for postmenopausal women with stress urinary incontinence:
      randomized, controlled trial.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of vaginal cones and pelvic floor muscle
      training (PFTM) in postmenopausal women with stress urinary incontinence.
      METHODS: This randomized, controlled study included postmenopausal women, who
      complained of stress urinary incontinence. Forty-five women were allocated to
      three groups: a group given therapy with vaginal cones (n = 15), a group
      receiving therapy with PFTM (n = 15), and the control group (n = 15). Subjects in
      the intervention groups were treated for 6 weeks with twice-weekly sessions of 40
      min. Women in the vaginal cone group carried out the pelvic floor muscle
      strengthening with vaginal cones. The control group did not receive any treatment
      during the corresponding time. They were evaluated before, at the end of
      treatment and 6 weeks after treatment completion for primary outcomes (1-h pad
      test for urinary loss and pelvic floor muscle pressure) and secondary outcomes
      (quality of life with King's Health Questionnaire, satisfaction with treatment,
      and continuity of training). RESULTS: For urinary leakage, there were statistical
      differences between the treated groups and the control group at the end of
      treatment and 6 weeks after treatment (all p < 0.01; effect size: vaginal cone
      group 20.97; PFMT group 20.96). The same behavior was shown for treatment with
      pelvic floor muscle pressure (all p < 0.01; effect size: vaginal cone group
      22.58; PFMT group 21.68). There were no differences between the vaginal cone and
      PFMT groups in any of the evaluations. In outcomes for quality of life,
      significant differences were observed for incontinence impact and gravity domains
      when both treated groups were compared with the control group after treatment.
      Both groups reported similar satisfaction levels and the vaginal cone group
      demonstrated lower training continuity. CONCLUSION: Based on this study, there
      were similar positive results for treatment with the vaginal cone and pelvic
      floor muscle training for urinary leakage, pelvic floor muscle pressure and
      quality of life for postmenopausal women with stress urinary incontinence after 6
      weeks.

PMID- 22066899
TI  - Nickel-catalyzed Heck-type reactions of benzyl chlorides and simple olefins.
AB  - Nickel-catalyzed intermolecular benzylation and heterobenzylation of unactivated
      alkenes to provide functionalized allylbenzene derivatives are described. A wide
      range of both the benzyl chloride and alkene coupling partners are tolerated. In
      contrast to analogous palladium-catalyzed variants of this process, all reactions
      described herein employ electronically unbiased aliphatic olefins (including
      ethylene), proceed at room temperature, and provide 1,1-disubstituted olefins
      over the more commonly observed 1,2-disubstituted olefins with very high
      selectivity.

PMID- 22066900
TI  - Characterization of the gene encoding pisatin demethylase (FoPDA1) in Fusarium
      oxysporum.
AB  - The pea pathogen Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. pisi is able to detoxify pisatin
      produced as a defense response by pea, and the gene encoding this detoxification
      mechanism, FoPDA1, was 82% identical to the cytochrome P450 pisatin demethylase
      PDA1 gene in Nectria haematococca. A survey of F. oxysporum f. sp. pisi isolates
      demonstrated that, as in N. haematococca, the PDA gene of F. oxysporum f. sp.
      pisi is generally located on a small chromosome. In N. haematococca, PDA1 is in a
      cluster of pea pathogenicity (PEP) genes. Homologs of these PEP genes also were
      found in the F. oxysporum f. sp. pisi isolates, and PEP1 and PEP5 were sometimes
      located on the same small chromosomes as the FoPDA1 homologs. Transforming FoPDA1
      into a pda(?) F. oxysporum f. sp. lini isolate conferred pda activity and
      promoted pathogenicity on pea to some transformants. Different hybridization
      patterns of FoPDA1 were found in F. oxysporum f. sp. pisi but these did not
      correlate with the races of the fungus, suggesting that races within this forma
      specialis arose independently of FoPDA1. FoPDA1 also was present in the formae
      speciales lini, glycines, and dianthi of F. oxysporum but they had mutations
      resulting in nonfunctional proteins. However, an active FoPDA1 was present in F.
      oxysporum f. sp. phaseoli and it was virulent on pea. Despite their evolutionary
      distance, the amino acid sequences of FoPDA1 of F. oxysporum f. sp. pisi and F.
      oxysporum f. sp. phaseoli revealed only six amino acid differences, consistent
      with a horizontal gene transfer event accounting for the origin of these genes.

PMID- 22066901
TI  - Synthesis of the flavonoid-induced lipopolysaccharide of Rhizobium Sp. strain
      NGR234 requires rhamnosyl transferases encoded by genes rgpF and wbgA.
AB  - In the presence of flavonoids, Rhizobium sp. strain NGR234 synthesizes a new
      lipopolysaccharide (LPS), characterized by a rhamnan O-antigen. The presence of
      this rhamnose-rich LPS is important for the establishment of competent symbiotic
      interactions between NGR234 and many species of leguminous plants. Two putative
      rhamnosyl transferases are encoded in a cluster of genes previously shown to be
      necessary for the synthesis of the rhamnose-rich LPS. These two genes, wbgA and
      rgpF, were mutated. The resulting mutant strains synthesized truncated rough LPS
      species rather than the wild-type rhamnose-rich LPS when grown with flavonoids.
      Based on the compositions of these purified mutant LPS species, we inferred that
      RgpF is responsible for adding the first one to three rhamnose residues to the
      flavonoid-induced LPS, whereas WbgA is necessary for the synthesis of the rest of
      the rhamnan O-antigen. The NGR234 homologue of lpsB, which, in other bacteria,
      encodes a glycosyl transferase acting early in synthesis of the core portion of
      LPS, was identified and also mutated. LpsB was required for all the LPS species
      produced by NGR234, in the presence or absence of flavonoids. Mutants (i.e., of
      lpsB and rgpF) that lacked any portion of the rhamnan O-antigen of the induced
      LPS were severely affected in their symbiotic interaction with Vigna unguiculata,
      whereas the NGR?wbgA mutant, although having very few rhamnose residues in its
      LPS, was able to elicit functional nodules.

PMID- 22066902
TI  - The iturin-like lipopeptides are essential components in the biological control
      arsenal of Bacillus subtilis against bacterial diseases of cucurbits.
AB  - The antibacterial potential of four strains of Bacillus subtilis, UMAF6614,
      UMAF6619, UMAF6639, and UMAF8561, previously selected on the basis of their
      antifungal activity and efficacy against cucurbit powdery mildew, was examined.
      Among these strains, UMAF6614 and UMAF6639 showed the highest antibacterial
      activity in vitro, especially against Xanthomonas campestris pv. cucurbitae and
      Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum. These strains produced the three
      families of lipopeptide antibiotics known in Bacillus spp.: surfactins, iturins,
      and fengycins. Using thin-layer chromatography analysis and direct bioautography,
      the antibacterial activity could be associated with iturin lipopeptides. This
      result was confirmed by mutagenesis analysis using lipopeptide-defective mutants.
      The antibacterial activity was practically abolished in iturin-deficient mutants,
      whereas the fengycin mutants retained certain inhibitory capabilities. Analyses
      by fluorescence and transmission electron microscopy revealed the cytotoxic
      effect of these compounds at the bacterial plasma membrane level. Finally,
      biological control assays on detached melon leaves demonstrated the ability of
      UMAF6614 and UMAF6639 to suppress bacterial leaf spot and soft rot; accordingly,
      the biocontrol activity was practically abolished in mutants deficient in iturin
      biosynthesis. Taken together, our results highlight the potential of these B.
      subtilis strains as biocontrol agents against fungal and bacterial diseases of
      cucurbits and the versatility of iturins as antifungal and antibacterial
      compounds.

PMID- 22066904
TI  - Stereoselective syntheses of all stereoisomers of lariciresinol and their plant
      growth inhibitory activities.
AB  - All stereoisomers of lariciresinol were synthesized to examine the effect of
      stereochemistry on plant growth. Configuration of benzylic 7-positions was
      constructed through S(N)1 or S(N)2 intramolecular etherification. 8- and 8'
      position configurations were established from the starting material except for
      all cis stereoisomers, the 8-position configurations of which were achieved by
      employing stereoselective hydroboration. (-)-Lariciresinol and its 7S,8S,8'R
      stereoisomer inhibited the root growth of Italian ryegrass to 51-55% relative to
      the negative control, whereas other stereoisomers had less effect. These results
      demonstrate that the stereochemistry of lignans is one of the important factors
      influencing their inhibitory activity.

PMID- 22066905
TI  - Intensity of pituitary adenoma on T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging predicts
      the response to octreotide treatment in newly diagnosed acromegaly.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Primary, preoperative medical treatment is an option in selected
      patients with acromegaly, but a subset of patients respond poorly. Valid
      prediction of response to somatostatin analogues (SA) might thus alter treatment
      stratification. The aims of this study were to assess whether T2 signal intensity
      could determine long-term response to first-line SA treatment and to assess
      clinical and biochemical baseline characteristics, as well as histological
      subtype in relation to the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) appearances. METHODS:
      In 45 newly diagnosed patients, T2-weighted signal intensity of the tumour was
      classified into hypo-, iso- or hyperintense. Biochemical and clinical baseline
      variables for the three groups were compared. In 25 patients primarily treated
      with long-acting SA for a median of 6 months [interquartile range (IQR):155-180
      days], GH and IGF-1 reduction was assessed, and in 34 cases, immunohistochemical
      granulation pattern was evaluated. RESULTS: The results showed that 12 (27%)
      adenomas were hypointense, 15 (33%) isointense and 18 (40%) hyperintense. Median
      IGF-1 [ratio IGF-1/ULN; (upper limit of normal)] was 3.5 (2.3-4.9), 2.9 (2.6-3.8)
      and 1.9 (1.3-2.6), respectively (P = 0.006 for difference between groups). Median
      GH values (MUg/l) of a 3- to 5-point profile were 17.5 (6.1-35), 9.3 (6.0-32.5)
      and 4.1 (1.5-8.3), (P = 0.025). Median IGF-1 reduction (% of baseline) after
      first-line SA treatment was 51 (49-70), 36 (19-74) and 13 (5-42) (P = 0.03);
      median reduction in GH (% of baseline) was 86 (72-94), 78 (62-85) and 46 (1-70)
      (P = 0.02). T2 hyperintensity was associated with sparse granulation pattern on
      immunohistochemistry. CONCLUSION: In patients with acromegaly, T2 signal
      intensity at diagnosis correlates with histological features and predicts
      biochemical outcome of first-line SA treatment.

PMID- 22066906
TI  - Lifetime return on investment increases with leaf lifespan among 10 Australian
      woodland species.
AB  - * Co-occurring species often differ in their leaf lifespan (LL) and it remains
      unclear how such variation is maintained in a competitive context. Here we test
      the hypothesis that leaves of long-LL species yield a greater return in carbon
      (C) fixed per unit C or nutrient invested by the plant than those of short-LL
      species. * For 10 sympatric woodland species, we assessed three-dimensional shoot
      architecture, canopy openness, leaf photosynthetic light response, leaf dark
      respiration and leaf construction costs across leaf age sequences. We then used
      the YPLANT model to estimate light interception and C revenue along the measured
      leaf age sequences. This was done under a series of simulations that incorporated
      the potential covariates of LL in an additive fashion. * Lifetime return in C
      fixed per unit C, N or P invested increased with LL in all simulations. * In
      contrast to other recent studies, our results show that extended LL confers a
      fundamental economic advantage by increasing a plant's return on investment in
      leaves. This suggests that time-discounting effects, that is, the compounding of
      income that arises from quick reinvestment of C revenue, are key in allowing
      short-LL species to succeed in the face of this economic handicap.

PMID- 22066907
TI  - Design of chiral bis-phosphoric acid catalyst derived from (R)-3,3'-di(2-hydroxy
      3-arylphenyl)binaphthol: catalytic enantioselective Diels-Alder reaction of
      alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehydes with amidodienes.
AB  - Chiral bis-phosphoric acid 1 was designed to identify a new class of structural
      features in chiral Bronsted acid catalysts. X-ray diffraction analysis revealed
      the single atropisomer 1, bearing S axial chirality at 3,3'-biaryl substituents
      on (R)-binaphthyl and intramolecular hydrogen bonding between the two phosphoric
      acid moieties. The newly designed bis-phosphoric acid 1 was evaluated in the
      Diels-Alder reaction of alpha,beta-unsaturated aldehydes 4 with 1-N-acylamino-1,3
      butadienes 3. After systematic variation of the catalyst substituents, as well as
      the N-acyl substituents of 1,3-butadiene, the use of an N-Cbz amidodiene 3a in
      the presence of bis-phosphoric acid 1e with a 2,4,6-tri-isopropylphenyl group was
      found to be optimal to yield the 1S,6R enantiomeric product 5aa in a Diels-Alder
      reaction of acrolein (4a). Application of this method to substituted substrates
      was found to be an efficient approach to the enantioselective synthesis of 3- and
      3,6-substituted cyclic formylcarbamates 5. The specific character as well as the
      utility of 1e was further established by comparing its enantioselectivity,
      absolute stereochemistry, and catalytic efficiency with those of mono-phosphoric
      acid 2.

PMID- 22066908
TI  - Emotional impact of a paediatric exon-skipping therapy trial.

PMID- 22066909
TI  - The ligands of Numb proteins X1 and X2 are specific markers  for chronic Q fever.
AB  - Q fever is a disease caused by Coxiella burnetii, an obligate intracellular
      bacterium. Acute Q fever is spontaneously resolutive and is characterized by an
      efficient immune response. In contrast, chronic Q fever is characterized by
      dysregulated immune response, as demonstrated by the failure of C. burnetii to
      induce lymphoproliferation and the lack of granulomas. Recently, it has been
      demonstrated that when co-expressed in heterologous mammalian cell lines, the
      ligands of Numb proteins X1 and X2 (LNX1 and LNX2) regulate the level of the T
      cell co-receptor CD8, which plays an essential role in T-cell-mediated immune
      response. We decided to investigate the expression of LNX1 and LNX2 genes in
      patients with acute or chronic Q fever. Interestingly, we found a high level of
      LNX1 and LNX2 mRNAs in endocarditis, the principal manifestation of chronic Q
      fever, but not in acute Q fever. Our data suggest that LNXs may be used as
      complementary biomarkers to follow the prognosis of chronic Q fever.

PMID- 22066910
TI  - Biogeography of symbiotic and other endophytic bacteria  isolated from medicinal
      Glycyrrhiza species in China.
AB  - A total of 159 endophytic bacteria were isolated from surface-sterilized root
      nodules of wild perennial Glycyrrhiza legumes growing on 40 sites in central and
      northwestern China. Amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) genomic
      fingerprinting and sequencing of partial 16S rRNA genes revealed that the
      collection mainly consisted of Mesorhizobium, Rhizobium, Sinorhizobium,
      Agrobacterium and Paenibacillus species. Based on symbiotic properties with the
      legume hosts Glycyrrhiza uralensis and Glycyrrhiza glabra, we divided the
      nodulating species into true and sporadic symbionts. Five distinct Mesorhizobium
      groups represented true symbionts of the host plants, the majority of strains
      inducing N2-fixing nodules. Sporadic symbionts consisted of either species with
      infrequent occurrence (Rhizobium galegae, Rhizobium leguminosarum) or species
      with weak (Sinorhizobium meliloti, Rhizobium gallicum) or no N2 fixation ability
      (Rhizobium giardinii, Rhizobium cellulosilyticum, Phyllobacterium sp.).
      Multivariate analyses revealed that the host plant species and geographic
      location explained only a small part (14.4%) of the total variation in bacterial
      AFLP patterns, with the host plant explaining slightly more (9.9%) than geography
      (6.9%). However, strains isolated from G. glabra were clearly separated from
      those from G. uralensis, and strains obtained from central China were well
      separated from those originating from Xinjiang in the northwest, indicating both
      host preference and regional endemism.

PMID- 22066911
TI  - Comparing statistical methods for quantifying drug sensitivity based on in vitro
      dose-response assays.
AB  - In vitro chemosensitivity assays are invaluable for assessing chemotherapeutic
      agents' effects on cancer cells. Yet the dose-response curves generated by those
      assays, usually approximated by four-parameter logistic (4PL) models, are
      oftentimes difficult to interpret, with no clear indication of which metric
      should be used to compare them. Here, five commonly used metrics, absolute and
      relative half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC(50)), area under the dose
      response curve (AUC) based on trapezoidal rule and a parametric approach, and the
      effect at the maximal concentrations (E(max)), were compared in both simulations
      and real-life scenarios to evaluate their use with 4PL curves. Despite the fact
      that IC(50) is the most widely used metric to analyze dose-response curves, this
      study demonstrated that it was not the most reliable of the metrics tested.
      Fitted AUC showed the best overall performance in both the simulation and real
      life scenarios; trapezoidal AUC showed similar performance to fitted AUC in most
      cases.

PMID- 22066912
TI  - Dynamic mass redistribution assays decode surface influence on signaling of
      endogenous purinergic P2Y receptors.
AB  - Interactions with extracellular matrices (ECM) shape the signaling and functions
      of many types of cells and receptors, and distinct ECM coatings have been used in
      a wide range of substrates for drug discovery processes. Here, we investigate the
      influence of ECM protein coatings on the signaling of endogenous purinergic 2Y
      (P2Y) receptors in human embryonic kidney HEK293 cells using dynamic mass
      redistribution (DMR) assays enabled by label-free optical biosensor. Results
      showed that ECM proteins had significant impacts on the DMR characteristics,
      potency, and efficacy of seven P2Y agonists. This study documents the importance
      of surface chemistry in regulating receptor signaling.

PMID- 22066913
TI  - Thermal denaturation assays in chemical biology.
AB  - Thermal denaturation-based methods are becoming increasingly used to characterize
      protein stability and interactions. Recent technical advances have made these
      methods more suitable for high throughput screening. Reasonable throughput and
      the ability to perform these screens using commonly used instruments, such as RT
      PCR machines or simple plate readers equipped with heating devices, facilitate
      these experiments in almost any laboratory. Introducing an aggregation-based
      monitoring approach as well as alternative fluorophores has allowed the screening
      of a wider range of proteins, including membrane proteins, against large chemical
      libraries. Thermal denaturation-based methods are independent of protein
      function, which is especially useful for the identification of orphan protein
      function. Here, we review applications of thermal denaturation-based methods in
      characterizing protein stability and ligand binding, and also provide information
      on protocol modifications that may further increase throughput.

PMID- 22066914
TI  - Day-care service use is a risk factor for long-term care placement in community
      dwelling dependent elderly.
AB  - AIMS: To identify predictors of long-term care placement and to examine the
      effect of day-care service use on long-term care placement over a 36-month follow
      up period among community-dwelling dependent elderly. METHODS: This study was a
      prospective cohort analysis of 1739 community-dwelling elderly and 1442
      caregivers registered in the Nagoya Longitudinal Study for Frail Elderly. Data
      included the clients' demographic characteristics, basic activities of daily
      living, comorbidities, and use of home care services, including the day-care,
      visiting nurse, and home-help services, as well as caregivers' demographic
      characteristics and care burden. Analysis of long-term care placement over 36
      month was conducted using Kaplan-Meier curves and multivariate Cox proportional
      hazards models. RESULTS: Among the 1739 participants, 217 were institutionalized
      at long-term care facilities during the 36-month follow-up. Multivariate Cox
      regression models, adjusted for potential confounders, showed that day-care
      service use was significantly associated with an elevated risk for long-term care
      placement within the 36-month follow-up period. Participants using a day-care
      service two or more times/week had significantly higher relative hazard ratios
      than participants not using such a service. CONCLUSION: The results highlight the
      need for effective measures to reduce the long-term care placement of day-care
      service users. Policy makers and practitioners must consider implementing
      multidimensional support programs to reduce the caregivers' willingness to
      consider long-term care placement.

PMID- 22066915
TI  - Management of complicated crown-root fractures using intentional replantation:
      two case reports.
AB  - The management of complicated crown-root fractures is a challenge. Intentional
      replantation with 180 degrees  rotation may be a useful procedure to overcome
      this problem. In Case 1, a 23-year-old woman with complicated crown-root
      fractured teeth #11, #21, and #22 was referred for treatment. All fractured teeth
      were extracted, rotated 180 degrees , and replanted in a slightly extruded
      position. After 3 months, root canal treatment was completed and the final
      restorations fabricated. At the 18-month follow up, the patient was asymptomatic,
      the tooth was functional, and no root resorption was observed radiographically.
      At the 90-month follow up, slight cervical root resorption of tooth #11 was
      noted. In Case 2, a 27-year-old woman with a crown-root fractured tooth #21 was
      referred for treatment. Despite immediate repositioning of the coronal fragment
      and a 2-week stabilization with a wire splint, the coronal fragment remained
      separated from the apical tooth segment. The apical segment was extracted,
      rotated 180 degrees , and replanted in a slightly extruded position. After 1 and
      4 weeks, the root canal treatment was completed and the final restoration
      fabricated, respectively. At the 24-month follow up, the patient was asymptomatic
      and apical healing was completed.

PMID- 22066928
TI  - Snapping magnetosome chains by asymmetric cell division in magnetotactic
      bacteria.
AB  - The mechanism by which prokaryotic cells organize and segregate their
      intracellular organelles during cell division has recently been the subject of
      substantial interest. Unlike other microorganisms, magnetotactic bacteria (MTB)
      form internal magnets (known as magnetosome chain) for magnetic orientation, and
      thus face an additional challenge of dividing and equipartitioning this magnetic
      receptor to their daughter cells. Although MTB have been investigated more than
      four decades, it is only recently that the basic mechanism of how MTB divide and
      segregate their magnetic organelles has been addressed. In this issue of
      Molecular Microbiology, the cell cycle of the model magnetotactic bacterium,
      Magnetospirillum gryphiswaldense is characterized by Katzmann and co-workers. The
      authors have found that M. gryphiswaldense undergoes an asymmetric cell division
      along two planes. A novel wedge-like type of cellular constriction is observed
      before separation of daughter cells and magnetosome chains, which is assumed to
      help cell cope with the magnetic force within the magnetosome chain. The data
      shows that the magnetosome chain becomes actively recruited to the cellular
      division site, in agreement with the previous suggestions described by Staniland
      et al. (2010), and the actin-like protein MamK is likely involved in this fast
      polar-to-midcell translocalization. With the use of cryo-electron tomography, an
      arc-shaped Z ring is observed near the division site, which is assumed to trigger
      the asymmetric septation of cell and magnetosome chain.

PMID- 22066929
TI  - Simazine application inhibits nitrification and changes the ammonia-oxidizing
      bacterial communities in a fertilized agricultural soil.
AB  - s-Triazine herbicides are widely used for weed control, and are persistent in
      soils. Nitrification is an essential process in the global nitrogen cycle in
      soil, and involves ammonia-oxidizing Bacteria (AOB) and ammonia-oxidizing Archaea
      (AOA). In this study, we evaluated the effect of the s-triazine herbicide
      simazine on the nitrification and on the structure of ammonia-oxidizing microbial
      communities in a fertilized agricultural soil. The effect of simazine on AOB and
      AOA were studied by PCR-amplification of amoA genes of nitrifying Bacteria and
      Archaea in soil microcosms and denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE)
      analyses. Simazine [50 MUg g(-1)  dry weight soil (d.w.s)] completely inhibited
      the nitrification processes in the fertilized agricultural soil. The inhibition
      by simazine of ammonia oxidation observed was similar to the reduction of ammonia
      oxidation by the nitrification inhibitor acetylene. The application of simazine
      affected AOB community DGGE patterns in the agricultural soil amended with
      ammonium, whereas no significant changes in the AOA community were observed. The
      DGGE analyses strongly suggest that simazine inhibited Nitrosobacteria and
      specifically Nitrosospira species. In conclusion, our results suggest that the s
      triazine herbicide not only inhibits the target susceptible plants but also
      inhibits the ammonia oxidation and the AOB in fertilized soils.

PMID- 22066930
TI  - Regional atrial myocardial velocity in normal fetuses: evaluation by quantitative
      tissue velocity imaging.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Quantitative tissue velocity imaging (QTVI) is a new noninvasive
      method that derives measurements of velocities directly from the myocardium. Data
      on atrial myocardial tissue velocities in normal fetuses have not been
      established. The objective of this study was to evaluate atrial myocardial
      velocity and the myocardial velocity gradient of normal fetuses by using QTVI.
      METHODS: We measured motion velocities of the left and right atrial wall along
      the long axis in 50 normal fetuses aged 21-32 weeks gestation (mean, 25.3 +/- 2.8
      weeks). In all fetuses, peak myocardial velocity during early diastole (EW),
      atrial contraction (AW), and ventricular systole (SW) waves was recorded in the
      basal and mid-atrial segments. Correlation analysis was conducted between
      segmental velocities of the left atrium (LA) and right atrium (RA) and
      gestational age. RESULTS: The mean values for EW, AW, and SW of the long axis in
      the same right basal segment of the RA were greater than those of the LA (P <
      0.01). There was a degressive gradient with velocity from the basal to superior
      in the atrial wall. There was a linear relationship with gestation for all basal
      myocardial velocities of the left and right atrial free wall (P < 0.05). However,
      the myocardial velocity variables of the midatrial wall showed no age-dependence.
      CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that QTVI is reproducible and provides readily
      obtained parameters that provide unique data regarding segmental atrial
      myocardial velocity in normal fetuses.

PMID- 22066931
TI  - Outcome of challenge with Coxsackievirus B4 in young mice after maternal
      infection with the same virus during gestation.
AB  - Enteroviral infections go usually unnoticed, even during pregnancy, yet some case
      histories and mouse experiments indicate that these viruses may be transmitted
      vertically. More frequently, however, transmission occurs by (fecal)
      contamination during and shortly after birth. The aim of this study was to
      investigate the effect of maternal infection in mice (1) on gravidity outcome and
      (2) on subsequent challenge of the offspring with the same virus. CD1 outbred
      female mice were infected by the oral route with coxsackievirus B4 strain E2 or
      mock-infected at days 4, 10, or 17 of gestation. Weight and signs of sickness
      were noted daily. Pups were infected at day 25 after birth (4 days postweaning).
      Organs (brain, pancreas, and heart) were analyzed for viral RNA and
      histopathology. We observed that maternal infection at day 4 or day 17 of
      gestation had little effect on pregnancy outcome, whereas infection at day 10
      affected dams and/or offspring. Infection of pups resulted in severe inflammation
      of the pancreas, but only when dams were previously infected, especially at day
      17. The blood glucose levels were elevated. Because no trace of infection was
      found at the time of challenge, a role for immunopathology is suggested.

PMID- 22066932
TI  - Fatty acids in serum and diet--a canonical correlation analysis among toddlers.
AB  - Fatty acid concentrations in blood are potential biomarkers of dietary fat
      intake, but methodological studies among children are scarce. The large number of
      fatty acids and their complex interrelationships pose a special challenge in
      research on fatty acids. Our target was to assess the interrelationships between
      the total fatty acid profiles in diet and serum of young children. The study
      subjects were healthy control children from the birth cohort of the Type 1
      Diabetes Prediction and Prevention Study. A 3-day food record and a frozen serum
      sample were available from 135 children at the age of 1 year, from 133 at 2
      years, and from 92 at 3 years. The relationship between dietary and serum fatty
      acid profiles was analysed using canonical correlation analysis. The consumption
      of fatty milk correlated positively with serum fatty acids, pentadecanoic acid,
      palmitic acid and conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) at all ages. Correlations
      between dietary and serum eicosapentaenoic and/or docosahexaenoic acid were
      observed at 2 and 3 years of age. Serum linoleic acid was positively associated
      with the consumption of infant formula at the age of 1 year, and with the
      consumption of vegetable margarine at 2 and 3 years. The results indicate a high
      quality of the 3-day food records kept by parents and other caretakers of the
      children, and suitability of non-fasting, un-fractioned serum samples for total
      fatty acid analyses. The correlation between intake of milk fat and serum
      proportion of CLA is a novel finding.

PMID- 22066934
TI  - Exploiting the ring strain in bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane systems for the
      stereoselective preparation of highly functionalized cyclopentene, dihydrofuran,
      pyrroline, and pyrrolidine scaffolds.
AB  - The high strain of bicyclic systems drives retro-condensation reactions on
      bridgehead substituted bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-2-enes giving rise to orthogonally
      functionalized cyclopentene, 2,5-dihydrofuran, and 3-pyrroline scaffolds. Retro
      Dieckman reactions were easily carried out on 3-tosyl-(7-carba/7-oxa/7
      aza)bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-en-2-ones. Retro-aldol reactions of N-Boc-3-tosyl-7
      azabicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-en-2-ol and functionalized N-Boc-3-tosyl-7
      azabicyclo[2.2.1]heptan-2-ols yield functionalized pyrrolidine scaffolds
      stereoselectively. The same reaction does not work with corresponding norbornene
      and 7-oxanorbornene derivatives.

PMID- 22066935
TI  - A framework for comparing processes of speciation in the presence of gene flow.
AB  - How common is speciation-with-gene-flow? How much does gene flow impact on
      speciation? To answer questions like these requires understanding of the common
      obstacles to evolving reproductive isolation in the face of gene flow and the
      factors that favour this crucial step. We provide a common framework for the ways
      in which gene flow opposes speciation and the potential conditions that may ease
      divergence. This framework is centred on the challenge shared by most scenarios
      of speciation-with-gene-flow, i.e. the need for coupling among different
      components of reproductive isolation. Using this structure, we review and compare
      the factors favouring speciation with the intention of providing a more
      integrated picture of speciation-with-gene-flow.

PMID- 22066936
TI  - Seasonal variations of insulin sensitivity from a euglycemic insulin clamp in
      elderly men.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: Seasonal variations in hemoglobin-A1c have been reported in
      diabetic patients, but the underlying mechanisms have not been elucidated. AIMS:
      To study if insulin sensitivity, insulin secretion, and fasting plasma glucose
      showed seasonal variations in a Swedish population-based cohort of elderly men.
      METHODS: Altogether 1117 men were investigated with a euglycemic insulin clamp
      and measurements of fasting plasma glucose and insulin secretion after an oral
      glucose tolerance test. Values were analyzed in linear regression models with an
      indicator variable for winter/summer season and outdoor temperature as
      predictors. RESULTS: During winter, insulin sensitivity (M/I, unit = 100 * mg *
      min(-1) * kg(-1)/(mU * L(-1))) was 11.0% lower (4.84 versus 5.44, P = 0.0003),
      incremental area under the insulin curve was 16.4% higher (1167 versus 1003 mU/L,
      P = 0.007). Fasting plasma glucose was, however, not statistically significantly
      different (5.80 versus 5.71 mmol/L, P = 0.28) compared to the summer season.
      There was an association between outdoor temperature and M/I (0.57 units increase
      (95% CI 0.29-0.82, P < 0.0001) per 10 degrees C increase of outdoor temperature)
      independent of winter/summer season. Adjustment for life-style factors, type 2
      diabetes, and medication did not alter these results. CONCLUSIONS: Insulin
      sensitivity showed seasonal variations with lower values during the winter and
      higher during the summer season. Inverse compensatory variations of insulin
      secretion resulted in only minor variations of fasting plasma glucose. Insulin
      sensitivity was associated with outdoor temperature. These phenomena should be
      further investigated in diabetic patients.

PMID- 22066937
TI  - Does hormone therapy, tibolone or raloxifene modify VEGF expression in cervical
      epithelial cells?
AB  - AIM: Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) seems to be a critical molecule in
      cervical carcinogenesis. We aimed to investigate the possible associations
      between hormonal factors and VEGF expression in cervical epithelial cells from
      postmenopausal women. METHOD: A total of 105 healthy postmenopausal women (aged
      45-68 years old) attending a university menopause clinic were enrolled in this
      cross-sectional study. Pap smears were derived from current users of 17beta
      estradiol 1 mg + norethisterone acetate 0.5 mg (n = 28), tibolone 2.5 mg (n =
      23), raloxifene HCl 60 mg (n = 21) and women not receiving treatment (n = 33).
      VEGF immunostaining was evaluated in squamous, glandular and metaplastic cells,
      using a semiquantitative method (rating scale: 0-3). RESULTS: Concerning
      endogenous hormones, higher Delta4-androstenedione levels were associated with
      more intense VEGF immunostaining in glandular (p = 0.041) and metaplastic cells
      (p = 0.004). Hormone therapy and raloxifene did not induce any changes in VEGF
      immunoreactivity in the examined cells. In contrast, tibolone administration was
      accompanied by diminished VEGF presence in metaplastic cells (p = 0.016 vs.
      controls). CONCLUSION: Our findings may in part reflect the molecular processes
      contributing to the safe profile of hormone therapy, tibolone and raloxifene in
      cervical carcinogenesis.

PMID- 22066938
TI  - Prospective study of erythema toxicum neonatorum: epidemiology and predisposing
      factors.
AB  - We performed a prospective study of 1,000 neonates investigated in the first 72
      hours of life in the health area of Ferrol (northwest of Spain) to assess the
      prevalence of erythema toxicum neonatorum, the anatomical sites most frequently
      involved, the influence of different maternal and neonatal parameters, day of
      life of medical examination, and type of delivery (vaginal or Cesarean). Overall
      prevalence of erythema toxicum neonatorum was 16.7%. Lesions most frequently
      involved the trunk, buttocks, and proximal areas of limbs. A higher prevalence of
      this dermatosis was found in Caucasian newborns (p = 0.01) and those with higher
      birthweight (p < 0.05), greater gestational age (p < 0.05), vaginal delivery (p <
      0.05), maternal age of <30 years (p = 0.28), and fewer than two previous
      pregnancies (p = 0.12).

PMID- 22066939
TI  - Extremes of an aromatase index predict increased 25-year risk of cardiovascular
      mortality in older women.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Peripheral conversion of androgens to oestrogens via aromatase is the
      primary source of oestrogen in postmenopausal women and may play a role in
      cardiovascular health. DESIGN: Prospective. PARTICIPANTS, MEASUREMENTS: The
      association of an index of aromatase activity (AROM), the serum oestrone-to
      androstenedione ratio, with 25-year cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality was
      examined in 819 postmenopausal non-oestrogen using women (mean age at baseline =
      72). RESULTS: Overall, 247 deaths were attributed to CVD. The median AROM value
      was 60 (95% range 17-129). AROM was positively correlated with age (r = 0.28) and
      body mass index (BMI) (r = 0.22) (P < 0.001). The age-adjusted risk for CVD
      mortality was significantly elevated for women in the lowest (HR = 2.01, 95% CI
      1.31-3.12) and highest (HR = 1.51, 95%CI 1.02-2.22) quintiles of AROM, compared
      with the middle quintile. This U-shaped association persisted after additional
      adjustment for BMI, waist-to-hip ratio, exercise, smoking, alcohol use and
      traditional CVD risk factor covariates. There was a significant interaction of
      AROM and BMI (P = 0.001), such that high AROM was associated with a 63% reduction
      in risk of CVD death for women with low BMI (<22 kg/m(2) ), but with 2.1- to 2.5
      fold increased risk in women with mid-range (22-<25 kg/m(2) ) and high (>=25
      kg/m(2) ) BMI. Oestradiol did not influence AROM associations and was not
      independently related to CVD death. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that
      aromatase is a novel endocrine factor predictive of CVD mortality among
      postmenopausal women. If confirmed, additional studies are needed to determine
      whether extremes of aromatase reflect genetic influences or underlying disease
      processes.

PMID- 22066940
TI  - Molecular scale modeling of polymer imprint nanolithography.
AB  - We present the results of large-scale molecular dynamics simulations of two
      different nanolithographic processes, step-flash imprint lithography (SFIL), and
      hot embossing. We insert rigid stamps into an entangled bead-spring polymer melt
      above the glass transition temperature. After equilibration, the polymer is then
      hardened in one of two ways, depending on the specific process to be modeled. For
      SFIL, we cross-link the polymer chains by introducing bonds between neighboring
      beads. To model hot embossing, we instead cool the melt to below the glass
      transition temperature. We then study the ability of these methods to retain
      features by removing the stamps, both with a zero-stress removal process in which
      stamp atoms are instantaneously deleted from the system as well as a more
      physical process in which the stamp is pulled from the hardened polymer at fixed
      velocity. We find that it is necessary to coat the stamp with an antifriction
      coating to achieve clean removal of the stamp. We further find that a high
      density of cross-links is necessary for good feature retention in the SFIL
      process. The hot embossing process results in good feature retention at all
      length scales studied as long as coated, low surface energy stamps are used.

PMID- 22066941
TI  - Bingo! Externally supported performance intervention for deficient visual search
      in normal aging, Parkinson's disease, and Alzheimer's disease.
AB  - External support may improve task performance regardless of an individual's
      ability to compensate for cognitive deficits through internally generated
      mechanisms. We investigated if performance of a complex, familiar visual search
      task (the game of bingo) could be enhanced in groups with suboptimal vision by
      providing external support through manipulation of task stimuli. Participants
      were 19 younger adults, 14 individuals with probable Alzheimer's disease (AD), 13
      AD-matched healthy adults, 17 non-demented individuals with Parkinson's disease
      (PD), and 20 PD-matched healthy adults. We varied stimulus contrast, size, and
      visual complexity during game play. The externally supported performance
      interventions of increased stimulus size and decreased complexity resulted in
      improvements in performance by all groups. AD also obtained benefit from
      increasing contrast, presumably by compensating for their contrast sensitivity
      deficit. The general finding of improved performance across healthy and afflicted
      groups suggests the value of visual support as an easy-to-apply intervention to
      enhance cognitive performance.

PMID- 22066942
TI  - Topological and electronic influences on magnetic exchange coupling in Fe(III)
      ethynylbenzene dendritic building blocks.
AB  - Significant variance in the magnitude of reported exchange coupling parameters
      (both experimental and computed) for paramagnetic transition metal-ethynylbenzene
      complexes suggests that nuances of the magnetostructural relationship in this
      class of compounds remain to be understood and controlled, toward maximizing the
      stability of high-spin ground states. We report the preparation, electrochemical
      behavior, magnetic properties, and results of computational investigations of a
      series of iron ethynylbenzene complexes with coordination environments suitable
      for metallodendrimer assembly: [(dmpe)(2)FeCl(C(2)Ph)](OTf) (1),
      [(dmpe)(4)Fe(2)Cl(2)(MU-p-DEB)](BAr(F)(4))(2) (2), [(dmpe)(6)Fe(3)Cl(3)(TEB)]
      (3), [(dmpe)(6)Fe(3)Cl(3)(MU(3)-TEB)](OTf)(3) (4), and [(dmpe)(4)Fe(2)Cl(2)(MU-m
      DEB)](BAr(F)(4))(2) (5) [dmpe = 1,2-bis(dimethylphosphino)ethane; p-H(2)DEB = 1,4
      diethynylbenzene; BAr(F)(4) = tetrakis[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]borate;
      H(3)TEB = 1,3,5-triethynylbenzene; m-H(2)DEB = 1,3-diethynylbenzene]. As
      expected, the ligand topology drives the antiferromagnetic coupling in 2 (J = 
      134 cm(-1) using the H = -2JS(1).S(2) convention) and the ferromagnetic coupling
      in 4 and 5 (J = +37 cm(-1), J' = +5 cm(-1) for 4; J = +11 cm(-1) for 5); the
      coupling is comparable to but deviates significantly from values reported for
      related Cp*-containing species (Cp* = eta(5)-C(5)Me(5)). The origins of these
      differences are explored computationally: a density functional theory (DFT)
      approach for treating the coupling of three spin centers as a linear combination
      of single-determinantal descriptions is developed and described, and the results
      of these computations can be generalized to other paramagnetic systems.
      Unrestricted B3LYP hybrid DFT calculations performed on rotamers of 4 and 5 and
      related complexes, as well as Cp* analogues, provide J values that correlate with
      the experimental values. We find that geometric considerations dominate the
      magnetism of the Cp* complexes, while topology and alkynyl ligand electronics
      combine more subtly to drive the magnetism of the new complexes reported here.
      These calculations imply that substantial magnetic exchange parameters, with
      accompanying well-isolated high-spin ground states, are achievable for
      ethynylbenzene-bridged paramagnetic metallodendrimers.

PMID- 22066944
TI  - Denervation affects regenerative responses in MRL/MpJ and repair in C57BL/6 ear
      wounds.
AB  - The MRL/MpJ mouse displays the rare ability amongst mammals to heal injured ear
      tissue without scarring. Numerous studies have shown that the formation of a
      blastema-like structure leads to subsequent tissue regeneration in this model,
      indicating many parallels with amphibian limb regeneration and mammalian
      embryogenesis. We have recently shown that the MRL/MpJ mouse also possesses an
      enhanced capacity for peripheral nerve regeneration within the ear wound. Indeed,
      nerves are vital for the initial phase of blastema formation in the amphibian
      limb. In this study we investigated the capacity for wound regeneration in a
      denervated ear. The left ears of MRL/MpJ mice and C57BL/6 (a control strain known
      to have a poorer regenerative capacity) were surgically denervated at the base
      via an incision and nerve transection, immediately followed by a 2-mm ear punch
      wound. Immunohistochemical analysis showed a lack of neurofilament expression in
      the denervated ear wound. Histology revealed that denervation prevented blastema
      formation and chrondrogenesis, and also severely hindered normal healing, with
      disrupted re-epithelialisation, increasing wound size and progressive necrosis
      towards the ear tip. Denervation of the ear obliterated the regenerative capacity
      of the MRL/MpJ mouse, and also had a severe negative effect on the ear wound
      repair mechanisms of the C57BL/6 strain. These data suggest that innervation may
      be important not only for regeneration but also for normal wound repair
      processes.

PMID- 22066945
TI  - Light interception efficiency explained by two simple variables: a test using a
      diversity of small- to medium-sized woody plants.
AB  - * Plant light interception efficiency is a crucial determinant of carbon uptake
      by individual plants and by vegetation. Our aim was to identify whole-plant
      variables that summarize complex crown architecture, which can be used to predict
      light interception efficiency. * We gathered the largest database of digitized
      plants to date (1831 plants of 124 species), and estimated a measure of light
      interception efficiency with a detailed three-dimensional model. Light
      interception efficiency was defined as the ratio of the hemispherically averaged
      displayed to total leaf area. A simple model was developed that uses only two
      variables, crown density (the ratio of leaf area to total crown surface area) and
      leaf dispersion (a measure of the degree of aggregation of leaves). * The model
      explained 85% of variation in the observed light interception efficiency across
      the digitized plants. Both whole-plant variables varied across species, with
      differences in leaf dispersion related to leaf size. Within species, light
      interception efficiency decreased with total leaf number. This was a result of
      changes in leaf dispersion, while crown density remained constant. * These
      results provide the basis for a more general understanding of the role of plant
      architecture in determining the efficiency of light harvesting.

PMID- 22066946
TI  - First prescription of new elderly patients attending the psychiatry outpatient of
      a tertiary care institute in North India.
AB  - AIM: There is lack of data on prescription patterns in elderly patients from
      developing countries. The aim of this study is to examine the first prescription
      given to elderly patients (age >60 years) attending the psychiatry outpatient
      clinic of a tertiary care hospital. METHODS: In this retrospective study, data on
      patients older than 60 years attending the psychiatric outpatient clinic of a
      tertiary care hospital between 1 January 2009 and 30 November 2010 were extracted
      from the computer-based registry and analyzed. RESULTS: During the study period,
      1192 new patients older than and equal to 60 years registered with the
      psychiatric outpatient clinic. Exact prescription data was available for 975
      patients. The most common major diagnostic group was mood disorders (33.9%),
      followed by neurotic, stress-related and somatoform disorders (23.1%). Across all
      diagnostic groups, olanzapine was the most commonly prescribed antipsychotic
      medication (20.7% of patients with an organic mental disorder, 40.8% with
      psychotic disorder, 30.2% with bipolar disorder); quetiapine and risperidone were
      the other commonly prescribed antipsychotics. Across all diagnostic groups,
      escitalopram was the most commonly prescribed antidepressant, and sertraline was
      the second most frequently prescribed SSRI. Among mood stabilizers, valproate was
      preferred over lithium (25.4% vs.12.7%). Sedative-hypnotic medications were
      frequently prescribed across all diagnostic groups. Clonazepam and lorazepam were
      the most often prescribed benzodiazepines. The mean number of psychotropic
      medications was highest among bipolar disorder patients (1.84) and least among
      the patients with an organic mental disorder (1.25). CONCLUSIONS: Olanzapine,
      SSRI and clonazepam were the most commonly prescribed antipsychotic,
      antidepressant, and benzodiazepine, respectively, and valproate was preferred
      over lithium among elderly patients with bipolar disorder.

PMID- 22066948
TI  - Enrichment of sulfate-reducing bacteria and resulting mineral  formation in media
      mimicking pore water metal ion  concentrations and pH conditions of acidic pit
      lakes.
AB  - Acid mine drainage sites are extreme environments with high acidity and metal ion
      concentrations. Under anoxic conditions, microbial sulfate reduction may trigger
      the formation of secondary minerals as a result of H2S production and pH
      increase. This process was studied in batch experiments with enrichment cultures
      from acidic sediments of a pit lake using growth media set at different pH values
      and containing elevated concentrations of Fe2+ and Al3+. At initial pH values of
      5 and 6, sulfate reduction occurred shortly after inoculation. Sulfate- reducing
      bacteria affiliated to the genus Desulfosporosinus predominated the microbial
      communities as shown by 16S rRNA gene analysis performed at the end of the
      incubation. At initial pH values of 3 and 4, sulfate reduction and cell growth
      occurred only after an extended lag phase, however, at a higher rate than in the
      less acidic assays. At the end of the growth phase, enrichments were dominated by
      Thermodesulfobium spp. suggesting that these sulfate reducers were better adapted
      to acidic conditions. Iron sulfides in the bulk phase were common in all assays,
      but specific aluminum precipitates formed in close association with cell surfaces
      and may function as a detoxification mechanism of dissolved Al species at low pH.

PMID- 22066949
TI  - Effect of JPEG compression on the diagnostic accuracy of periapical images in the
      detection of root fracture.
AB  - The ability of a periapical radiograph to exhibit the fracture depends on many
      factors including, but not limited to, the resolution of the image. The quality
      can be reduced by the image compression. The purpose of this study is to evaluate
      the effect of Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) compressions on the
      diagnostic capability of periapical images in the detection of root fractures.
      Ten dry human mandibles containing 151 teeth were used in this study. Mandibles
      were radiographed with direct digital imaging sensor using the paralleling
      technique. Four observers detected root fracture on the images saved in one
      uncompressed and two compressed formats. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC)
      and anova analyses were performed to compare the performance of the three
      different systems and evaluate the effect of the compression on the accuracy of
      root fracture detection. Results did not show any statistically significant
      difference between the original, large images presented in tagged image file
      format (TIFF) and the two compressed images (JPEG medium file and JPEG small file
      images) in the detection of root fractures. The intra-rater comparison showed a
      significant consistency in the detection of the fracture. The compression reduced
      the file size considerably (from 1.77 MB to 453 and 95 Kb), but it did not affect
      the accuracy of root fracture detection. The file size reduction, on the other
      hand, is very beneficial for image electronic storage and mainly in
      teleradiology.

PMID- 22066947
TI  - Human Immunodeficiency Virus nef signature sequences are associated with
      pulmonary hypertension.
AB  - Severe pulmonary hypertension (PH) associated with vascular remodeling is a long
      term complication of HIV infection (HIV-PH) affecting 1/200 infected individuals
      vs. 1/200,000 frequency in the uninfected population. Factors accounting for
      increased PH susceptibility in HIV-infected individuals are unknown. Rhesus
      macaques infected with chimeric SHIVnef virions but not with SIV display PH-like
      pulmonary vascular remodeling suggesting that HIV-Nef is associated with PH;
      these monkeys showed changes in nef sequences that correlated with pathogenesis
      after passage in vivo. We further examined whether HIV-nef alleles in HIV-PH
      subjects have signature sequences associated with the disease phenotype. We
      evaluated specimens from participants with and without HIV-PH from European
      Registries and validated results with samples collected as part of the Lung-HIV
      Studies in San Francisco. We found that 10 polymorphisms in nef were
      overrepresented in blood cells or lung tissue specimens from European HIV-PH
      individuals but significantly less frequent in HIV-infected individuals without
      PH. These polymorphisms mapped to known functional domains in Nef. In the
      validation cohort, 7/10 polymorphisms in the HIV-nef gene were confirmed; these
      polymorphisms arose independently from viral load, CD4(+) T cell counts, length
      of infection, and antiretroviral therapy status. Two out of 10 polymorphisms were
      previously reported in macaques with PH-like pulmonary vascular remodeling.
      Cloned recombinant Nef proteins from clinical samples down-regulated CD4,
      suggesting that these primary isolates are functional. This study offers new
      insights into the association between Nef polymorphisms in functional domains and
      the HIV-PH phenotype. The utility of these polymorphisms as predictors of PH
      should be examined in a larger population.

PMID- 22066957
TI  - An activation domain of plasmid R1 TraI protein delineates stages of gene
      transfer initiation.
AB  - Bacterial conjugation is a form of type IV secretion that transports protein and
      DNA to recipient cells. Specific bacteriophage exploit the conjugative pili and
      cell envelope spanning protein machinery of these systems to invade bacterial
      cells. Infection by phage R17 requires F-like pili and coupling protein TraD,
      which gates the cytoplasmic entrance of the secretion channel. Here we
      investigate the role of TraD in R17 nucleoprotein uptake and find parallels to
      secretion mechanisms. The relaxosome of IncFII plasmid R1 is required. A ternary
      complex of plasmid oriT, TraD and a novel activation domain within the N-terminal
      992 residues of TraI contributes a key mechanism involving relaxase-associated
      properties of TraI, protein interaction and the TraD ATPase. Helicase-associated
      activities of TraI are dispensable. These findings distinguish for the first time
      specific protein domains and complexes that process extracellular signals into
      distinct activation stages in the type IV initiation pathway. The study also
      provided insights into the evolutionary interplay of phage and the plasmids they
      exploit. Related plasmid F adapted to R17 independently of TraI. It follows that
      selection for phage resistance drives not only variation in TraA pilins but
      diversifies TraD and its binding partners in a plasmid-specific manner.

PMID- 22066958
TI  - Isolates of Thermoanaerobacter thermohydrosulfuricus from decaying wood compost
      display genetic and phenotypic microdiversity.
AB  - In this study, 12 strains of Thermoanaerobacter were isolated from a single
      decaying wood compost sample and subjected to genetic and phenotypic profiling.
      The 16S rRNA encoding gene sequences suggested that the isolates were most
      similar to strains of either Thermoanaerobacter pseudethanolicus or
      Thermoanaerobacter thermohydrosulfuricus. Examination of the lesser conserved
      chaperonin-60 (cpn60) universal target showed that some isolates shared the
      highest sequence identity with T. thermohydrosulfuricus; however, others to
      Thermoanaerobacter wiegelii and Thermoanaerobacter sp. Rt8.G4 (formerly
      Thermoanaerobacter brockii Rt8.G4). BOX-PCR fingerprinting profiles identified
      differences in the banding patterns not only between the isolates and the
      reference strains, but also among the isolates themselves. To evaluate the extent
      these genetic differences were manifested phenotypically, the utilization
      patterns of 30 carbon substrates were examined and the niche overlap indices
      (NOI) calculated. Despite showing a high NOI (> 0.9), significant differences
      existed in the substrate utilization capabilities of the isolates suggesting that
      either a high degree of niche specialization or mechanisms allowing for non
      competitive co-existence, were present within this ecological context. Growth
      studies showed that the isolates were physiologically distinct in both growth
      rate and the fermentation product ratios. Our data indicate that phenotypic
      diversity exists within genetically microdiverse Thermoanaerobacter isolates from
      a common environment.

PMID- 22066959
TI  - Myocardial systolic velocities and deformation assessed by speckle tracking for
      early detection of left ventricular dysfunction in asymptomatic patients with
      severe primary mitral regurgitation.
AB  - AIMS: In asymptomatic patients with severe primary mitral regurgitation (PMR),
      early detection of left ventricular (LV) dysfunction indicates the optimal timing
      of mitral valve surgery; however, normal ejection fraction (EF) and end-systolic
      diameter (ESD) can mask significant LV impairment. METHODS: We studied 28
      asymptomatic patients (59 +/- 13 years, 18 male) with severe PMR, EF > 60%, and
      ESD < 45 mm, and 10 age-matched healthy subjects. All underwent echocardiography
      with tissue velocity imaging to assess LV geometry, EF, and longitudinal systolic
      function; and two-dimensional speckle tracking to assess longitudinal strain (LS)
      and longitudinal strain rate (LSR), and radial strain (RS) and radial strain rate
      (RSR). Patients were reevaluated 14 days after successful mitral valve repair and
      divided in: IA, with a postoperative EF reduction >10% (13 patients) and IB, with
      an EF reduction <10% (15 patients). RESULTS: Patients with PMR had longitudinal
      dysfunction and decreased radial systolic deformation, by comparison with
      controls, although EF and ESD were similar. Subgroup IA had significantly lower
      S(TVI) , LS, and RS than IB (7.3 +/- 0.9 vs 10.8 +/- 1.5 m/s; -16.0 +/- 4.2% vs 
      21.7 +/- 2.1%; and 37.4 +/- 2.5% vs 41.6 +/- 2.4%; all p < 0.001) although
      preoperative LV mass index, LV diameters, and EF were similar. Multiple stepwise
      regression analysis showed that S(TVI) and the combination of S(TVI) and LS
      represent the main independent predictors for a postoperative EF reduction >10%
      (r(2) = 0.52, p < 0.001; and r(2) = 0.70, p < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION:
      Myocardial systolic velocities as well as radial and longitudinal LV deformation
      assessed by speckle tracking can detect subclinical LV dysfunction and predict
      impaired postoperative LV function in asymptomatic patients with severe PMR.

PMID- 22066960
TI  - Susceptibility to and resistance determinants of fusidic acid in Staphylococcus
      aureus isolated from Chinese children with skin and soft tissue infections.
AB  - This study aims to determine the resistance rates and determinants of fusidic
      acid among Staphylococcus aureus isolates collected from Chinese pediatric
      patients with skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs). Between 2008 and 2009, a
      total of 186 clinical S. aureus isolates were collected from the pediatric
      patients with SSTIs, abscess (44.6%) was the most common SSTI in children 0-16
      years old. Four clinical isolates (4/186, 2.2%) were resistant to fusidic acid.
      Two of these isolates were methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) that carry the
      fusC gene. The other two isolates were methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA)
      that carry the fusB gene. In the two fusB-positive clinical isolates, the fusB
      gene was located in a transposon-like element that has 99% identity with a pUB101
      fragment from S. aureus. The four fusidic acid-resistant clinical isolates were
      ST1-MRSA-SCCmecV-t127, ST93-MRSA-SCCmecIII-t202, ST680-MSSA-t5415, and ST680-MSSA
      t377. The fusidic acid resistance rate of S. aureus isolated from Chinese
      pediatric patients with SSTIs was low, and the genes fusB and fusC were the main
      resistance determinants. The transposon-like element that contains the fusB gene
      might participate in the transmission of fusidic acid resistance genes. This is
      the first report regarding the emergence of fusidic acid-resistant clinical S.
      aureus isolates in mainland China.

PMID- 22066961
TI  - A prospective, multi-centre, randomised, open label, parallel, comparative study
      to evaluate effects of AQUACEL(r) Ag and Urgotul(r) Silver dressing on healing of
      chronic venous leg ulcers.
AB  - This study compared wound healing efficacy of two silver dressings, AQUACEL((r)) 
      Ag and Urgotul((r))  Silver, against venous ulcers at risk of infection, over 8
      weeks of treatment. The primary objective was to show non inferiority of
      AQUACEL((r))  Ag to Urgotul((r))  Silver. Patients (281) were randomised into two
      groups. The AQUACEL((r))  Ag group had 145 patients treated with AQUACEL((r))  Ag
      for 4 weeks followed by AQUACEL for another 4 weeks. TheUrgotul((r))  Silver
      group had 136 patients treated with Urgotul((r))  Silver for 4 weeks followed by
      Urgotul((r))  for another 4 weeks. In both groups, ulcer size and depth, safety
      events and ulcer healing were compared. After 8 weeks of treatment, the
      AQUACEL((r))  Ag group had a relative wound size reduction (49.65% +/- 52.53%)
      compared with the Urgotul((r))  Silver group (42.81% +/- 60.0%). The non
      inferiority of the AQUACEL((r))  Ag group to the Urgotul((r))  Silver group was
      established based on the difference between them (6.84% +/- 56.3%, 95% confidence
      interval -6.56 to 20.2) and the pre-defined non inferiority margin (-15%).
      Composite wound healing analysis showed that the AQUACEL((r))  Ag group had
      statistically higher percentage of subjects with better wound progression (66.9%
      versus 51.9%, P = 0.0108). In general, both dressings were effective at promoting
      healing of venous ulcers.

PMID- 22066966
TI  - Highly efficient synthesis of quinoxalinone-N-oxide via tandem
      nitrosation/aerobic oxidative C-N bond formation.
AB  - An efficient method for constructing quinoxalinone-N-oxides from
      cyanoacetanilides has been developed. This transformation can be achieved using
      inexpensive reagents and molecular oxygen under mild conditions, thus offering a
      practical pathway to quinoxalinone-containing pharmaceuticals such as ataquimast
      and opaviraline.

PMID- 22066968
TI  - Phylogeographic analyses of the southern leopard frog: the impact of geography
      and climate on the distribution of genetic lineages vs. subspecies.
AB  - The southeastern United States is a major phylogeographic break hotspot for
      amphibians, but the processes underlying this hotspot remain to be explicitly
      tested. We test the correlation of genetic lineages with subspecies breaks in the
      southeastern United States and the association of such breaks with climate, using
      Rana sphenocephala as a case study, and place our results in the broader context
      of the Alabama-Appalachian suture zone (AL-Appalachian SZ). We use genetic and
      ecological methods to (i) determine whether genetic lineages are coincident with
      the AL-Appalachian SZ or the subspecies and (ii) test the correlation of major
      climatic breaks with genetic structure and morphological variation in R.
      sphenocephala. Bayesian phylogenetic analyses of the ND1 mtDNA gene and
      microsatellite cluster analyses revealed two distinct lineages with over 4%
      sequence divergence. The geographic distributions of the two lineages are
      concordant with the AL-Appalachian SZ but do not correspond to the ranges of the
      subspecies based on morphology. Mantel tests revealed that isolation by distance
      and historical barriers to gene flow, rather than climate, are the major drivers
      of genetic divergence at neutral loci. Examination of climate breaks across the
      Southeast revealed a pattern incongruent with suture zone hotspots, suggesting
      that phylogenetic structure has been driven primarily by historical factors, such
      as isolation, the Appalachian Mountains and the Apalachicola/Chattahoochee/Flint
      River Basin. However, climate breaks are consistent with the geographic
      distribution of the subspecies of R. sphenocephala, suggesting that environmental
      pressures may be driving divergence in morphological traits that outpaces
      molecular evolution.

PMID- 22066969
TI  - Maxillary sinus floor elevation using a tissue-engineered bone with calcium
      magnesium phosphate cement and bone marrow stromal cells in rabbits.
AB  - The objective of this study was to assess the effects of maxillary sinus floor
      elevation with a tissue-engineered bone constructed with bone marrow stromal
      cells (bMSCs) and calcium-magnesium phosphate cement (CMPC) material. The calcium
      (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and phosphorus (P) ions released from calcium phosphate
      cement (CPC), magnesium phosphate cement (MPC), and CMPC were detected by
      inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES), and the
      proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of bMSCs seeded on CPC, MPC, and
      CMPC or cultured in CPC, MPC, and CMPC extracts were measured by MTT analysis,
      alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity assay, alizarin red mineralization assay, and
      real-time PCR analysis of the osteogenic genes ALP and osteocalcin (OCN).
      Finally, bMSCs were combined with CPC, MPC, and CMPC and used for maxillary sinus
      floor elevation in rabbits, while CPC, MPC, or CMPC without cells served as
      control groups. The new bone formation in each group was detected by histological
      finding and fluorochrome labeling at weeks 2 and 8 after surgical operation. It
      was observed that the Ca ion concentrations of the CMPC and CPC scaffolds was
      significantly higher than that of the MPC scaffold, while the Mg ions
      concentration of CMPC and MPC was significantly higher than that of CPC. The
      bMSCs seeded on CMPC and MPC or cultured in their extracts proliferated more
      quickly than the cells seeded on CPC or cultured in its extract, respectively.
      The osteogenic differentiation of bMSCs seeded on CMPC and CPC or cultured in the
      corresponding extracts was significantly enhanced compared to that of bMSCs
      seeded on MPC or cultured in its extract; however, there was no significant
      difference between CMPC and CPC. As for maxillary sinus floor elevation in vivo,
      CMPC could promote more new bone formation and mineralization compared to CPC and
      MPC, while the addition of bMSCs could further enhance its new bone formation
      ability significantly. Our data suggest that CMPC possesses moderate
      biodegradability and excellent osteoconductivity, which may be attributed to its
      Ca and Mg ion composition, and the tissue-engineered bone constructed of CMPC and
      bMSCs might be a potential alterative graft for maxillofacial bone regeneration.

PMID- 22066970
TI  - What can we learn from studies on regional differences in the utilization of
      laboratory tests?

PMID- 22066971
TI  - The type I interferon system in the etiopathogenesis of autoimmune diseases.
AB  - Many patients with systemic autoimmune diseases have signs of a continuous
      production of type I interferon (IFN) and display an increased expression of IFN
      alpha-regulated genes. The reason for the on-going IFN-alpha synthesis in these
      patients seems to be an activation of plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs) by
      immune complexes (ICs), consisting of autoantibodies in combination with DNA or
      RNA-containing autoantigens. Such interferogenic ICs are internalized via the
      FcgammaRIIa expressed on pDCs, reach the endosome, and stimulate Toll-like
      receptor (TLR)-7 or -9, which subsequently leads to IFN-alpha gene transcription.
      Variants of genes involved in both the IFN-alpha synthesis and response have been
      linked to an increased risk to develop systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and
      other autoimmune diseases. Among these autoimmunity risk genes are IFN regulatory
      factor 5 (IRF5), which is involved in TLR signaling, and the signal transducer
      and activator of transcription 4 (STAT4) that interacts with the type I IFN
      receptor. Several other gene variants in the IFN signaling pathway also confer an
      increased risk to develop an autoimmune disease. The observations that IFN-alpha
      therapy can induce autoimmunity and that many autoimmune conditions have an on
      going type I IFN production suggest that the type I IFN system has a pivotal role
      in the etiopathogenesis of these diseases. Possible mechanisms behind the
      dysregulated type IFNsystem in autoimmune diseases and how the IFN-alpha produced
      can contribute to the development of an autoimmune process will be reviewed.

PMID- 22066972
TI  - Regional variations in test requiring patterns of general practitioners in Spain.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To analyze the requesting patterns for a range of laboratory tests
      ordered in 2009 from eight laboratories providing services to eight health areas,
      using appropriate indicators. DESIGN: Indicators measured every test request per
      1,000 inhabitants, and indicators that measured the number of tests per related
      test requested by general practitioners were calculated. The savings generated,
      if each Health Care Department achieved the appropriate indicator standard, were
      also calculated. Laboratory Information System registers were collected, and
      indicators were calculated automatically in each laboratory using a data
      warehouse application. RESULTS: There was a large difference in demand for tests
      by health areas. The ratio of related tests also showed a great variability. The
      savings generated if each Health Care Department had achieved the appropriate
      indicator standard were ?172,116 for free thyroxine, ?18,289 for aspartate
      aminotransferase, and ?62,678 for urea. CONCLUSIONS: Considerable variability
      exists in general practitioners' demand for laboratory tests.

PMID- 22066973
TI  - Comparison of epidural tramadol-ropivacaine and fentanyl-ropivacaine for labor
      analgesia: a prospective randomized study.
AB  - BACKGROUND: To test the hypothesis that 5 mg/mL tramadol is superior to 3 ?g/mL
      fentanyl when combined with 0.125% ropivacaine in parturients undergoing labor
      during epidural analgesia. METHODS: Sixty-one parturients undergoing labor
      selected for delivery with epidural analgesia were randomized into two groups:
      Group tramadol (0.125% ropivacaine plus tramadol 5 mg/mL) and Group fentanyl
      (0.125% ropivacaine plus fentanyl 3 ug/mL). Hemodynamics, rate of cesarean
      delivery, sensory block level, Bromage motor scale scores, instrument-assisted
      delivery, oxytocin use, visual analog scale (VAS) scores, Apgar scores, umbilical
      cord artery gas analysis, and maternal side-effects including nausea, vomiting,
      pruritus, urinary retention, shivering, hypotension, and respiratory depression
      were recorded. RESULTS: The two groups had no significant differences with
      respect to maternal hemodynamics, neonatal heart rate, VAS scores, rate of
      cesarean delivery, sensory block level, Bromage motor scale scores, instrument
      assisted delivery, oxytocin use, hypotension, nausea, vomiting, and respiratory
      depression (p > 0.05). The incidence of pruritus, shivering, and urinary
      retention were more commonly observed in Group fentanyl despite there was no
      significant difference between the two groups. Umbilical artery pH was
      significantly lower while PCO(2) was higher in Group fentanyl than Group tramadol
      (p = 0.003 and p = 0.026, respectively). Birth-weight, umbilical artery PO(2) and
      base deficit, and Apgar scores at 1 and 5 min were comparable between the two
      groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Our observations suggest that tramadol seems to
      be a safe alternative to fentanyl for labor analgesia due to its similar
      analgesic efficacy.

PMID- 22066974
TI  - Several sources of error in estimation of left ventricular mass with M-mode
      echocardiography in elderly subjects.
AB  - INTRODUCTION: M-mode echocardiography estimates of the left ventricular mass
      (LVM) were greater than magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) estimates. There are
      substantial differences between the methods both in the means of measuring and
      the calculation formula. The aim of this study was to investigate whether any
      difference in estimates of LVM between M-mode echocardiography and MRI is due to
      the means of measuring or to the calculation formula, using MRI as the gold
      standard. MATERIAL AND METHODS: M-mode echocardiography and MRI were performed on
      229 randomly selected 70-year-old community-living subjects. LVM was calculated
      from echocardiography (LVM(echo)) and from MRI (LVM(MRI)) measurements using
      standard techniques. Additionally LVM was calculated with the echocardiography
      formula from echo-mimicking measurements made on MR images (LVM(MRI/ASE)).
      RESULTS: There were significant differences between all three LVM estimates in
      women, in men, and in the entire population. Echocardiography estimated LVM to be
      larger than did MRI, and the LVM(MRI/ASE) estimate was larger than the LVM(MRI).
      The difference between LVM(MRI) and LVM(MRI/ASE) was larger than the difference
      between LVM(echo) and LVM(MRI/ASE). There was a low correlation between LVM(echo)
      and LVM(MRI) (R(2) = 0.46) as well as between LVM(MRI/ASE) and LVM(MRI) (R(2) =
      0.65). CONCLUSION: The means of measuring and the calculation formula both
      independently add to the error in LVM estimation with M-mode echocardiography.
      The error of the calculation formula seems to be greater than the error of the
      means of measuring in a population of community-living elderly men and women.

PMID- 22066975
TI  - A randomized controlled trial of exercise versus wait-list in chronic tennis
      elbow (lateral epicondylosis).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Chronic tennis elbow (lateral epicondylosis) is a common disorder.
      Like other chronic soft-tissue pain conditions it is often difficult to treat
      successfully. The effects of exercise have been discussed, but no convincing
      evidence has been put forward so far, and a simple protocol for exercise is
      lacking. AIMS OF THE STUDY: This study is a randomized, controlled, clinical
      trial of the effect of exercise versus expectation (wait-list) on pain, muscle
      strength, function, and quality of life in patients with long-standing lateral
      epicondylosis. METHODS: Eighty-one subjects with tennis elbow lasting for more
      than 3 months were randomly allocated to an exercise group (n = 40) or a
      reference group (n = 41). The exercise group performed daily exercise, with
      weekly load increase, for 3 months. The reference group was wait-listed, but
      otherwise followed in the same way. Outcome measures were pain during maximum
      voluntary muscle contraction (Cozen's test) and pain during maximum muscle
      elongation with a load (modified Empty-can-test); muscle strength was measured
      with a Chatillon MSE 100 hand-held dynamometer, and the Disability of the Arm,
      Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and the Gothenburg Quality of Life questionnaires.
      RESULTS: The exercise group had greater and faster regression of pain, both
      during muscle contraction and muscle elongation, than the reference group (p =
      0.0005 and p = 0.0016, respectively). There was a non-significant muscle strength
      difference between the groups, but no differences regarding DASH scores or
      quality of life measures. CONCLUSIONS: Exercise appears to be superior to
      expectation in reducing pain in chronic lateral epicondylosis.

PMID- 22066976
TI  - A case report of multidisciplinary treatment of an adult patient with bilateral
      cleft lip and palate.
AB  - This is a case report about the successful orthodontic treatment of a bilateral
      cleft lip and palate patient by using a combination of bone grafting and
      subsequent prosthodontic rehabilitation. An adult patient with a bilateral cleft
      lip and palate presented with a concave profile, anterior and lateral crossbite,
      a markedly deep overbite, and residual bilateral alveolar clefts. His jaw
      movement patterns were unstable and irregular due to his collapsed bite.
      Orthodontic treatment with bilateral bone grafting improved his concave profile
      by downward and backward rotation of the mandible within the freeway space, and
      optimum occlusion and functionally stable and smooth jaw movements were obtained.
      After a 6-year retention period, no skeletal relapse could be detected, and his
      occlusal stability was satisfactory. 

PMID- 22066977
TI  - Lupus erythematosus panniculitis in children: report of three cases and review of
      previously reported cases.
AB  - Lupus erythematosus panniculitis (LEP) is a rare finding in children, with only
      12 fully reported prior cases in the English literature. We describe three cases
      of LEP in children younger than 18 and compare them to previous cases reported in
      the literature. We examine laboratory tests performed, biopsy results, age at
      onset and diagnosis, presence or absence of systemic symptoms, and outcomes after
      treatment. It is unknown what the risk is of these patients developing future
      systemic lupus erythematosus. We also discuss the relevance of subcutaneous
      panniculitis-like T-cell lymphoma, because the clinical and pathologic pictures
      are similar in presentation.

PMID- 22066978
TI  - Comparison of cytokine levels from undiluted vitreous of untreated patients with
      retinal vein occlusion.
AB  - PURPOSE: To compare cytokines in undiluted vitreous of treatment-naive patients
      with macular oedema without vitreomacular traction secondary to branch (BRVO),
      central (CRVO) and hemi-central (H-CRVO) retinal vein occlusion. METHODS: Ninety
      four patients (median age 72 years, 42 men) underwent an intravitreal combination
      therapy, including a single-site 23-gauge core vitrectomy and the application of
      bevacizumab and dexamethasone due to vision-decreasing macular oedema. Among
      these were 43 patients with BRVO, 35 with CRVO and 16 patients with hemi-CRVO,
      which were distributed in a fresh or old retinal vein occlusion type (seven or
      more months after onset). Undiluted vitreous samples were analysed for
      interleukin 6 (IL-6), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and vascular
      endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) with cytometric BEAD assay. Vitreous samples
      from patients with idiopathic epiretinal membrane served as controls (n = 14).
      RESULTS: The mean cytokine values were highest in the CRVO group with IL-6 = 64.7
      pg/ml (SD +/- 115.8), MCP-1 = 1015.8 pg/ml (+/-970.1) and VEGF-A = 278.4 pg/ml
      (+/-512.8), followed by the H-CRVO group with IL-6 = 59.9 pg/ml (SD +/- 97.5),
      MCP-1 = 938.8 pg/ml (+/-561.1) and VEGF-A = 211.5 pg/ml (+/-232.4). The BRVO
      group had IL-6 = 23.2 pg/ml (SD +/- 48.8), MCP-1 = 602.6 g/ml (+/-490.3) and VEGF
      A = 161.8 pg/ml (+/-314.4). The values of MCP-1 and VEGF-A were significantly
      different for CRVO or H-CRVO versus BRVO. All values were significantly higher
      than in the control samples, which had 6.2 +/- 3.4 pg/ml (IL-6), 253 +/- 74 pg/ml
      (MCP-1) and 7 +/- 4.9 pg/ml (VEGF-A). Within the old RVO type, only MCP-1 was
      significantly different for CRVO or H-CRVO versus BRVO. CONCLUSIONS: Both
      inflammatory markers and VEGF-A were higher in CRVO and H-CRVO than in BRVO
      undiluted vitreous samples. It seems that monocyte recruitment to the vessel
      wall, which might underlie the importance of eosinophils in tissue remodelling
      after RVO, is of special interest owing to the significant difference in MCP-1 in
      the older RVO types.

PMID- 22066979
TI  - Regulating the size and stabilization of lipid raft-like domains and using
      calcium ions as their probe.
AB  - We apply a means to probe, stabilize, and control the size of lipid raft-like
      domains in vitro. In biomembranes the size of lipid rafts is ca. 10-30 nm. In
      vitro, mixing saturated and unsaturated lipids results in microdomains, which are
      unstable and coalesce. This inconsistency is puzzling. It has been hypothesized
      that biological line-active surfactants reduce the line tension between saturated
      and unsaturated lipids and stabilize small domains in vivo. Using solution X-ray
      scattering, we studied the structure of binary and ternary lipid mixtures in the
      presence of calcium ions. Three lipids were used: saturated, unsaturated, and a
      hybrid (1-saturated-2-unsaturated) lipid that is predominant in the phospholipids
      of cellular membranes. Only membranes composed of the saturated lipid can adsorb
      calcium ions, become charged, and therefore considerably swell. The selective
      calcium affinity was used to show that binary mixtures, containing the saturated
      lipid, phase separated into large-scale domains. Our data suggests that by
      introducing the hybrid lipid to a mixture of the saturated and unsaturated
      lipids, the size of the domains decreased with the concentration of the hybrid
      lipid, until the three lipids could completely mix. We attribute this behavior to
      the tendency of the hybrid lipid to act as a line-active cosurfactant that can
      easily reside at the interface between the saturated and the unsaturated lipids
      and reduce the line tension between them. These findings are consistent with a
      recent theory and provide insight into the self-organization of lipid rafts,
      their stabilization, and size regulation in biomembranes.

PMID- 22066980
TI  - Maternal proviral load and vertical transmission of human T cell lymphotropic
      virus type 1 in Guinea-Bissau.
AB  - The relative importance of routes of transmission of human T cell lymphotropic
      virus type 1 (HTLV-1) in Guinea-Bissau is largely unknown; vertical transmission
      is thought to be important, but there are very few existing data. We aimed to
      examine factors associated with transmission in mothers and children in Guinea
      Bissau, where HTLV-1 is endemic (prevalence of 5% in the adult population). A
      cross-sectional survey was performed among mothers and their children (aged <15
      years) in a rural community in Guinea-Bissau. A questionnaire to identify risk
      factors for infection and a blood sample were obtained. HTLV-1 proviral load in
      peripheral blood was determined and PCR was performed to compare long terminal
      repeat (LTR) sequences in mother-child pairs. Fourteen out of 55 children (25%)
      of 31 HTLV-1-infected mothers were infected versus none of 70 children of 30
      uninfected mothers. The only factor significantly associated with HTLV-1
      infection in the child was the proviral load of the mother; the risk of infection
      increased significantly with the log(10) proviral load in the mother's peripheral
      blood (OR 5.5, 95% CI 2.1-14.6, per quartile), adjusted for weaning age and
      maternal income. HTLV-1 sequences of the LTR region obtained from mother-child
      pairs were identical within pairs but differed between the pairs. Vertical
      transmission plays an important role in HTLV-1 transmission in this community in
      Guinea-Bissau. The risk of transmission increases with the mother's proviral load
      in the peripheral blood. Identical sequences in mother-child pairs give
      additional support to the maternal source of the children's infection.

PMID- 22066981
TI  - Predicting the size and properties of dendrimersomes from the lamellar structure
      of their amphiphilic Janus dendrimers.
AB  - Dendrimersomes are stable, monodisperse unilamellar vesicles self-assembled in
      water from amphiphilic Janus dendrimers. Their size, stability, and membrane
      structure are determined by the chemical structure of Janus dendrimer and the
      method of self-assembly. Comparative analysis of the periodic arrays in bulk and
      dendrimersomes assembled by ethanol injection in water of 11 libraries containing
      108 Janus dendrimers is reported. Analysis in bulk and in water was performed by
      differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, dynamic light scattering,
      and cryo-TEM. An inverse proportionality between size, stability, mechanical
      properties of dendrimersomes, and thickness of their membrane was discovered.
      This dependence was explained by the tendency of alkyl chains forming the
      hydrophobic part of the dendrimersome to produce the same local packing density
      regardless of the branching pattern from the hydrophobic part of the dendrimer.
      For the same hydrophobic alkyl chain length, the largest, toughest, and most
      stable dendrimersomes are those with the thinnest membrane that results from the
      interdigitation of the alkyl groups of the Janus dendrimer. A simplified
      spherical-shell model of the dendrimersome was used to demonstrate the direct
      correlation between the concentration of Janus dendrimer in water, c, and the
      size of self-assembled dendrimersome. This concentration-size dependence
      demonstrates that the mass of the vesicle membrane is proportional with c. A
      methodology to predict the size of the dendrimersome based on this correlation
      was developed. This methodology explains the inverse proportionality between the
      size of dendrimersome and its membrane thickness, and provides a good agreement
      between the experimental and predicted size of dendrimersome.

PMID- 22066982
TI  - High but not dry: diverse epiphytic bromeliad adaptations to exposure within a
      seasonally dry tropical forest community.
AB  - * Vascular epiphytes have developed distinct lifeforms to maximize water uptake
      and storage, particularly when delivered as pulses of precipitation, dewfall or
      fog. The seasonally dry forest of Chamela, Mexico, has a community of epiphytic
      bromeliads with Crassulacean acid metabolism showing diverse morphologies and
      stratification within the canopy. We hypothesize that niche differentiation may
      be related to the capacity to use fog and dew effectively to perform
      photosynthesis and to maintain water status. * Four Tillandsia species with
      either 'tank' or 'atmospheric' lifeforms were studied using seasonal field data
      and glasshouse experimentation, and compared on the basis of water use, leaf
      water delta(18) O, photosynthetic and morphological traits. * The atmospheric
      species, Tillandsia eistetteri, with narrow leaves and the lowest succulence, was
      restricted to the upper canopy, but displayed the widest range of physiological
      responses to pulses of precipitation and fog, and was a fog-catching
      'nebulophyte'. The other atmospheric species, Tillandsia intermedia, was highly
      succulent, restricted to the lower canopy and with a narrower range of
      physiological responses. Both upper canopy tank species relied on tank water and
      stomatal closure to avoid desiccation. * Niche differentiation was related to
      capacity for water storage, dependence on fog or dewfall and physiological
      plasticity.

PMID- 22066983
TI  - PLS-DA - Docking Optimized Combined Energetic Terms (PLSDA-DOCET) protocol: a
      brief evaluation.
AB  - Docking studies have become popular approaches in drug design, where the binding
      energy of the ligand in the active site of the protein is estimated by a scoring
      function. Many promising techniques were developed to enhance the performance of
      scoring functions including the fusion of multiple scoring functions outcomes
      into a so-called consensus scoring function. Hereby, we evaluated the target
      oriented consensus technique using the energetic terms of several scoring
      functions. The approach was denoted PLSDA-DOCET. Optimization strategies for
      consensus energetic terms and scoring functions based on ROC metric were compared
      to classical rigid docking and to ligand-based similarity search methods
      comprising 2D fingerprints and ROCS. The ROCS results indicate large performance
      variations depending on the biological target. The AUC-based strategy of PLSDA
      DOCET outperformed the other docking approaches regarding simple retrieval and
      scaffold-hopping. The superior performance of PLSDA-DOCET protocol relative to
      single and combined scoring functions was validated on an external test set. We
      found a relative low mean correlation of the ranks of the chemotypes retrieved by
      the PLSDA-DOCET protocol and all the other methods employed here.

PMID- 22066984
TI  - Effect of milk renewal on human periodontal ligament fibroblast viability in
      vitro.
AB  - Milk has been studied extensively and has gained wide acceptance as a suitable
      storage medium capable of maintenance of avulsed teeth that cannot be replanted
      immediately. The objective of this study was to evaluate whether the renewal of
      milk as a storage medium every 24 h for up to 120 h is able to increase its
      ability to maintain human periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLF) viability in
      vitro. Plates with confluent PDLF were soaked in minimum essential medium (MEM)
      at 37 degrees C (positive control) and in skimmed milk (22 wells) and water
      (negative control) for 24, 48, 72, 96, and 120 h at 5 and 20 degrees C. The
      skimmed milk was renewed every 24 h in 11 of the wells of each plate. After these
      periods, cell viability was determined by the tetrazolium salt-based colorimetric
      (MTT) assay. Data were statistically analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis and Scheffe tests
      (alpha = 5%). At 24 h, milk and MEM performed similarly. However, from 48 h
      onwards, MEM was significantly better than renewed and not renewed milk at both
      temperatures. Regardless of temperature (5 or 20 degrees C), renewal of milk with
      fresh milk did not affect its ability to maintain PDLF viability.

PMID- 22066985
TI  - Cost-effectiveness of prasugrel in a US managed care population.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Decision-makers in the US may be interested in the applicability to
      their populations of cost-effectiveness results generated from clinical trial
      populations. METHODS: An economic model estimating the cost-effectiveness of
      prasugrel plus aspirin relative to clopidogrel plus aspirin for patients with
      acute coronary syndromes (ACS) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention
      (PCI) was developed from a managed care organization (MCO) perspective. The model
      estimated 15-month cardiovascular events or bleeding-related outcomes, life
      expectancy, and costs for patients who received thienopyridine treatment during
      and after a PCI following a diagnosis of ACS. Post-ACS event rates for patients
      treated with clopidogrel were from an MCO. The relative risks of these events
      with prasugrel compared with clopidogrel were from a head-to-head clinical trial.
      RESULTS: The results of the base-case analysis indicated that, in an MCO
      population, use of prasugrel-based therapy rather than clopidogrel-based therapy
      at current prices resulted in cost-savings and fewer clinical events over the 15
      months after an ACS diagnosis followed by PCI. At possible lower prices for
      generic clopidogrel-based therapy, the cost-effectiveness ratio for prasugrel
      based therapy compared with clopidogrel-based therapy was between $6643 and
      $13,906 per life-year gained. The results were most sensitive to the relative
      costs of the two treatments and the cost for hospital stays. LIMITATIONS:
      Limitations of the study included lack of follow-up of patients disenrolling from
      the MCO before the end of the 15-month observation period, the assumption of
      equal relative risks of events in an MCO as in the clinical trial, and the lack
      of information on the ratio of cost to charges in the MCO database. CONCLUSIONS:
      Use of prasugrel-based therapy compared with clopidogrel-based therapy in ACS
      patients having a PCI resulted in cost-savings at current prices and favorable
      cost-effective ratios at likely generic prices for clopidogrel-based therapy
      because of offsetting savings in the costs of rehospitalization.

PMID- 22066986
TI  - Association of 29C>T polymorphism in the transforming growth factor-beta1 gene
      with lean body mass in community-dwelling Japanese population.
AB  - AIM: Sarcopenia is the significant degenerative loss of skeletal muscle mass and
      strength associated with aging, and it is one of the components of frailty. We
      previously reported an association between the 29C>T polymorphism in the
      transforming growth factor-beta1 gene (rs1800470) and the prevalence of vertebral
      fractures in subjects with postmenopausal osteoporosis. The association was not
      attributable to bone mineral density, which suggests that polymorphism influences
      some aspects of bone quality that affects strength and/or frailty rather than
      bone strength itself. Thus, we examined the relationship between genetic
      polymorphism and lean body mass in a Japanese population. METHODS: A total of 479
      adults comprising 143 men and 336 women, age 23 to 85 years, participated in the
      present study. Fat-free mass was measured by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry,
      and the relative skeletal muscle index was calculated as the ratio of
      appendicular (sum of arms and legs) fat-free mass to the square of height.
      RESULTS: Total, leg, and appendicular fat-free mass as well as the relative
      skeletal muscle index were significantly lower in male subjects with CT/TT
      genotypes compared to those with CC genotype. Female subjects did not show any
      genotype-dependent differences when analyzed as a group, but when those without
      menstruation (postmenopausal women) were analyzed, arm fat-free mass was
      significantly lower in the CT/TT genotypes than in the CC genotype. CONCLUSIONS:
      T allele of the 29C>T polymorphism in the transforming growth factor-beta1 gene
      might be a risk factor of sarcopenia in a Japanese population.

PMID- 22066987
TI  - Effects of food ration on SMR: influence of food consumption on individual
      variation in metabolic rate in juvenile coho salmon (Onchorhynchus kisutch).
AB  - 1. Consistency of differences in standard metabolic rate (SMR) between individual
      juvenile salmonids and the apparently limited ability of individuals to regulate
      their SMR has led many researchers to conclude that differences in individual SMR
      are fixed (i.e. genetic). 2. To test for the effects of food ration on individual
      performance and metabolism, SMR was estimated by measuring oxygen consumption
      using flow-through respirometry on individually separated young of the year coho
      salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) placed on varying food rations over a period of 44
      days. 3. Results demonstrate that the quantity of food consumed directly affects
      SMR of juvenile coho salmon, independent of specific dynamic action (SDA, an
      elevation in metabolic rate from the increased energy demands associated with
      digestion immediately following a meal) and indicates that higher food
      consumption is a cause of elevated SMR rather than a consequence of it. Juvenile
      coho salmon therefore demonstrated an ability to regulate their SMR according to
      food availability and ultimately food consumption. 4. This study indicates that
      food consumption may play a pivotal role in understanding individual variation in
      SMR independent of inherent genetic differences. We suggest that studies
      involving SMR need to be cautious about the effects of intra-individual
      differences in food consumption in communal tanks or in different microhabitats
      in the wild as disproportionate food consumption may contribute more to variation
      in SMR than intrinsic (genetic) factors. 5. In general, our results suggest that
      evolutionary changes in SMR are likely a response to selection on food
      consumption and growth, rather than SMR itself.

PMID- 22066988
TI  - Ciliate food vacuole content and bacterial community composition in the warm
      monomictic crater Lake Alchichica, Mexico.
AB  - To evaluate trophic relationships between ciliates and bacterioplankton during
      the stratification period in a lake, samples from three different layers [the
      upper part of the metalimnion (UM), the base of the metalimnion (BM) and the
      hypolimnion] were studied. The autotrophic picoplankton numbers, phylogenetic
      composition of heterotrophic picoplankton (HPP), and HPP composition in ciliates'
      food vacuoles were analyzed. Additionally, in situ incubations in dialysis bags
      were performed at the same selected depths to assess potential changes in
      picoplankton composition related to ciliates' feeding activity. Among the in situ
      HPP assemblage, no phylogenetic group dominated in the selected layers within the
      course of the study. The ciliate assemblage was dominated by scuticociliates,
      haptorids, and hypotrichs. Comparing ciliates' food vacuole content and in situ
      HPP composition, a high preference for Alphaproteobacteria was found at all three
      depths. Planctomycetes, and Delta- and Gammaproteobacteria were selected at BM
      and hypolimnion, respectively. However, selection of a given phylogenetic group
      in the time course of this study was observed only for Alphaproteobacteria in the
      UM. Similar trends were found in the incubations, but no relationship was found
      between the vacuole content of the ciliates and changes in HPP composition.

PMID- 22066989
TI  - Monoubiquitinated proteins decorate the Anaplasma  phagocytophilum-occupied
      vacuolar membrane.
AB  - An emerging theme among vacuole-adapted bacterial pathogens is the ability to
      hijack ubiquitin machinery to modulate host cellular processes and secure
      pathogen survival. Mono- and polyubiquitination differentially dictate the
      subcellular localization, activity, and fate of protein substrates.
      Monoubiquitination directs membrane traffic from the plasma membrane to the
      endosome and has been shown to promote autophagy. Anaplasma phagocytophilum is an
      obligate intracellular bacterium that replicates within a host cell-derived
      vacuole that co-opts membrane traffic and numerous other host cell processes.
      Here, we show that monoubiquitinated proteins decorate the A. phagocytophilum
      occupied vacuolar membrane (AVM) during infection of promyelocytic HL-60 cell,
      endothelial RF/6A cells, and to a lesser extent, embryonic tick ISE6 cells.
      Monoubiquitinated proteins are present on the AVM upon its formation and continue
      to accumulate throughout infection. Tetracycline-mediated inhibition of de novo
      bacterial protein synthesis promotes the loss of ubiquitinated proteins from the
      AVM. This effect is reversible, as removal of tetracycline restores AVM
      ubiquitination to pretreatment levels. These results demonstrate a novel
      mechanism by which A. phagocytophilum remodels the composition of its host cell
      derived vacuolar membrane and present the first example of a Rickettsiales
      pathogen co-opting ubiquitin during intracellular residence.

PMID- 22066998
TI  - Localization and activity of the calcineurin catalytic and regulatory subunit
      complex at the septum is essential for hyphal elongation and proper septation in
      Aspergillus fumigatus.
AB  - Calcineurin, a heterodimer composed of the catalytic (CnaA) and regulatory (CnaB)
      subunits, plays key roles in growth, virulence and stress responses of fungi. To
      investigate the contribution of CnaA and CnaB to hyphal growth and septation,
      DeltacnaB and DeltacnaADeltacnaB strains of Aspergillus fumigatus were
      constructed. CnaA colocalizes to the contractile actin ring early during
      septation and remains at the centre of the mature septum. While CnaB's septal
      localization is CnaA-dependent, CnaA's septal localization is CnaB-independent,
      but CnaB is required for CnaA's function at the septum. Catalytic null mutations
      in CnaA caused stunted growth despite septal localization of the calcineurin
      complex, indicating the requirement of calcineurin activity at the septum.
      Compared to the DeltacnaA and DeltacnaB strains, the DeltacnaADeltacnaB strain
      displayed more defective growth and aberrant septation. While three Ca(2+) 
      binding motifs in CnaB were sufficient for its association with CnaA at the
      septum, the amino-terminal arginine-rich domains (16-RRRR-19 and 44-RLRKR-48) are
      dispensable for septal localization, yet required for complete functionality.
      Mutation of the 51-KLDK-54 motif in CnaB causes its mislocalization from the
      septum to the nucleus, suggesting it is a nuclear export signal sequence. These
      findings confirm a cooperative role for the calcineurin complex in regulating
      hyphal growth and septation.

PMID- 22066999
TI  - Larval exposure to Francisella tularensis LVS affects fitness of the mosquito
      Culex quinquefasciatus.
AB  - Francisella tularensis is an environmental bacterium capable of infecting a wide
      spectrum of species from mammals and birds to reptiles. It has been demonstrated
      that F. tularensis can invade and survive within protozoa, but an association
      with aquatic insects has not been thoroughly investigated. We examined the
      interaction of F. tularensis LVS biofilms and Culex quinquefasciatus larvae to
      determine the effects on larvae and adults. Our results demonstrate that F.
      tularensis LVS can form and persist as biofilms in natural water and that the
      mosquito larvae of C. quinquefasciatus readily feed on biofilm and planktonic
      forms of F. tularensis LVS. Larvae raised in both bacteria-only cultures suffered
      significant delays in pupation. Adults resulting from larvae continuously exposed
      to the bacteria had significantly reduced wing lengths in males and fecundity of
      both sexes. The bacteria may be exerting these effects through localization and
      persistence within the midgut and Malpighian tubule cells of the larvae. The
      study of oral acquisition of pathogens by insect larvae can significantly
      contribute to the study of environmental persistence of pathogens. We show that
      oral uptake of F. tularensis LVS by C. quinquefasciatus larvae results in not
      only larval effects but also has effects on adult mosquitoes. These effects are
      important in understanding both the ecology of tularemia as well as bacterial
      interactions with aquatic invertebrates.

PMID- 22067000
TI  - No need for biopsies: comparison of three sample techniques for wound microbiota
      determination.
AB  - The aim of the study was to compare three sampling techniques used in routine
      diagnostics to identify the microbiota in chronic venous leg ulcers. A total of
      46 patients with persisting venous leg ulcers were included in the study. At
      inclusion, swab, biopsy and filter paper pad samples were collected. After 4
      weeks, additional biopsy and filter paper pad samples were collected. Bacteria
      were isolated and identified at species level by standard methods. The most
      common bacterial species detected was Staphylococcus aureus found in 89% of the
      ulcers. No methicillin-resistant S. aureus isolates were found. We did not find
      any significant differences regarding the bacterial species isolated between the
      three sampling techniques. However, using multiple techniques led to
      identification of more species. Our study suggests that it is sufficient to use
      swab specimens to identify the bacterial species present in chronic wounds, thus
      avoiding complications during and after biopsy sampling.

PMID- 22067001
TI  - Anti-c-Fms antibody inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced osteoclastogenesis in
      vivo.
AB  - It has been reported that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) has the ability to induce
      inflammation and osteoclastogenesis. Osteoclast formation is dependent on
      macrophage-colony-stimulating factor (M-CSF) and ligand for the receptor
      activator of necrosis factor-kB. In this study, the effect of antibody against c
      Fms, which is the receptor of M-CSF, on LPS-mediated osteoclastogenesis was
      investigated in mice. LPS was administered with or without anti-c-Fms antibody
      into the supracalvaria of mice. The number of osteoclasts and the levels of mRNA
      for cathepsin K and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase, which are osteoclast
      markers, in mice administered both LPS and anti-c-Fms antibody were lower than
      those in mice administered LPS alone. The level of tartrate-resistant acid
      phosphatase 5b as a marker of bone resorption in mice administered both LPS and
      anti-c-Fms antibody was also lower. Furthermore, the expression of the receptor
      activator of necrosis factor-kB, which is receptor activator of nuclear factor
      kappa-B ligand, was increased upon LPS administration, but the expression was
      inhibited by anti-c-Fms antibody. These results showed that anti-c-Fms antibody
      inhibits LPS-induced osteoclast formation. In conclusion, M-CSF and its receptor
      are potential therapeutic targets in bacterial infection-induced
      osteoclastogenesis, and anti-c-Fms antibody might be useful for inhibition of
      bacterial infection-induced bone destruction.

PMID- 22067002
TI  - Predictors for the development of severe tricuspid regurgitation with
      anatomically normal valve in patients with atrial fibrillation.
AB  - BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Atrial fibrillation (AF) may be a risk factor for severe
      functional tricuspid valve regurgitation (FTR). We aimed to determine the
      predictors of severe FTR in patients with AF. METHODS AND RESULTS: From our
      echocardiographic laboratory database, we searched for and reviewed the medical
      records of consecutive patients with severe FTR and AF seen at Mayo Clinic in
      Arizona from 2002 through 2009. Our search identified 42 patients who met all
      inclusion criteria. These patients (cases) with severe FTR and AF were compared
      with 38 patients (controls) with AF who had no greater than mild tricuspid
      regurgitation. Case patients with severe FTR were older than controls (mean, 81
      years vs. 76 years; P < 0.001) and more frequently had chronic AF (69% vs 26%; P
      < 0.001). Mean right atrial volume (86 mL/m(2) vs 46 mL/m(2) ; P < 0.001), right
      ventricular volume (42 mL +/- 33 mL vs 22 mL +/-8 mL; P < 0.001) and tricuspid
      annular diameter (3.6 cm vs 3.0 cm; P < 0.001) were larger in cases than in
      controls. Patients with severe FTR also had a higher prevalence of right-sided
      heart failure (69% vs 16%; P < 0.001). After adjusting for age and gender, right
      atrial and right ventricular volumes were independent predictors for the
      development of severe FTR in patients with AF (odds ratio, 1.7 [95% CI, 1.3-2.8]
      for every 10 mL/m(2) increase in right atrial volume; P = 0.0002 and odds ratio,
      3.1 [95% CI, 1.5-8.9] for every 10 mL increase in right ventricular volume; P =
      0.0002). CONCLUSIONS: Severe FTR occurs in older patients with chronic AF as a
      result of marked right atrial and right ventricular dilatation; and enlargement
      of the tricuspid annulus in the absence of pulmonary hypertension. More
      importantly, severe FTR leads to increased prevalence of right-sided heart
      failure underscoring the nonbenign nature of chronic AF.

PMID- 22067007
TI  - A divergent and selective synthesis of isomeric benzoxazoles from a single N-Cl
      imine.
AB  - A divergent and regioselective synthesis of either 3-substituted benzisoxazoles
      or 2-substituted benzoxazoles from readily accessible ortho-hydroxyaryl N-H
      ketimines is described. The reaction proceeds in two distinct pathways through a
      common N-Cl imine intermediate: (a) N-O bond formation to form benzisoxazole
      under anhydrous conditions and (b) NaOCl mediated Beckmann-type rearrangement to
      form benzoxazole, respectively. The reaction path also depends on the electronic
      nature of the aromatic ring, with the electron-rich aromatic rings favoring the
      rearrangement and the electron-deficient rings favoring the N-O bond formation. A
      Beckmann-type rearrangement mechanism via net [1,2]-aryl migration for the
      formation of 2-substituted benzoxazole is proposed.

PMID- 22067008
TI  - A systematic review of issues around antenatal screening and prenatal diagnostic
      testing for genetic disorders: women of Asian origin in western countries.
AB  - Antenatal screening has become standard practice in many countries. However, not
      all pregnant women choose to be tested. In the UK, the incidence of some birth
      defects is found to be higher in babies of Asian women than in those of women
      from other ethnic groups, while there is some evidence suggesting that ethnic
      minorities, especially Asian women, are less likely to undergo antenatal
      screening and prenatal diagnosis, the reasons for which are unclear. This study
      aims to identify and describe the literature on issues around antenatal screening
      and prenatal diagnostic testing for genetic disorders among women of Asian
      descent in western countries. The Medline, CINAHL, ASSIA and PsycInfo databases
      were searched for the period of 1995 and 2010. Twenty-one studies met the
      inclusion criteria and were therefore reviewed. In general, Asian women were
      found to hold favourable attitudes towards testing. However, they reported a
      poorer understanding of testing than white women and not being offered a test,
      and were less able to make informed choices. Asian women in the UK and Australia
      were found to be less likely than their white counterparts to have undergone
      prenatal diagnosis, while such differences were not found in the USA and Canada.
      The equity of access to quality antenatal care, alongside comprehensive well
      thought out antenatal screening programmes, can be assured if strategies are in
      place which actively involve all ethnic groups and take account of social and
      cultural appropriateness for the population served. An understanding of broad
      factors that inform women's decision-making on test uptake would help health
      professionals provide women and their families with more culturally sensitive
      information and support that they may additionally need to make more informed
      choices.

PMID- 22067009
TI  - Effects of cysteine on the pharmacokinetics of docetaxel in rats with protein
      calorie malnutrition.
AB  - The objective of this study is to report the effects of cysteine on the
      pharmacokinetics of intravenous and oral docetaxel in rats with protein-calorie
      malnutrition (PCM). The in vivo pharmacokinetics and in vitro hepatic/intestinal
      metabolism of docetaxel were assessed using control, CC (control with cysteine),
      PCM and PCMC (PCM with cysteine) rats. The effects of cysteine on the intestinal
      absorption of docetaxel were further investigated through in vitro transport
      studies using rat intestine and Caco-2 cell monolayers. The AUCs (the areas under
      the plasma concentration-time curve from time zero to time infinity) of
      intravenous docetaxel in PCM rats were significantly greater than in the control
      rats because of the significant decrease in the hepatic CYP3A. In PCMC rats, the
      elevated AUCs in PCM rats returned to control levels. The AUC(0-6 h)s of oral
      docetaxel in PCM rats were significantly smaller than that in the control rats,
      mainly due to the decrease in gastrointestinal absorption. In CC and PCMC rats,
      oral cysteine supplement enhanced the gastrointestinal absorption of docetaxel
      probably via intestinal P-gp inhibition. If the present rat data could be
      expressed to humans, the alterations in docetaxel absorption and metabolism
      should be considered in designing a dosage regimen for cancer patients with PCM
      state after cysteine supplement.

PMID- 22067010
TI  - Exercise is an effective treatment modality for reducing cancer-related fatigue
      and improving physical capacity in cancer patients and survivors: a meta
      analysis.
AB  - The use of exercise interventions to manage cancer-related fatigue (CRF) is a
      rapidly developing field of study. However, results are inconsistent and
      difficult to interpret across the literature, making it difficult to draw
      accurate conclusions regarding the true effectiveness of exercise interventions
      for CRF management. The aims of this study were to apply a meta-analysis to
      quantitatively assess the effects of exercise intervention strategies on CRF, and
      to elucidate appropriate exercise prescription guidelines. A systematic search of
      electronic databases and relevant journals and articles was conducted. Studies
      were eligible if subjects were over the age of 18 years, if they had been given a
      diagnosis of or had been treated for cancer, if exercise was used to treat CRF as
      a primary or secondary endpoint, and if the effects of the intervention were
      evaluated quantitatively and presented adequate statistical data for analysis. A
      total of 16 studies, representing 1426 participants (exercise, 759; control, 667)
      were included in a meta-analysis using a fixed-effects model. The standardized
      mean difference effect size (SMD) was used to test the effect of exercise on CRF
      between experimental and control groups. The results indicate a small but
      significant effect size in favour of the use of exercise interventions for
      reducing CRF (SMD 0.26, p < 0.001). Furthermore, aerobic exercise programs caused
      a significant reduction in CRF (SMD 0.21, p < 0.001) and overall, exercise was
      able to significantly improve aerobic and musculoskeletal fitness compared with
      control groups (p < 0.01). Further investigation is still required to determine
      the effects of exercise on potential underlying mechanisms related to the
      pathophysiology of CRF.

PMID- 22067011
TI  - Pressure immobilization after North American Crotalinae snake envenomation.

PMID- 22067012
TI  - Pressure bandaging for North American snake bite? No!
AB  - This issue of Clinical Toxicology includes a Position Statement regarding the use
      of pressure immobilization for the pre-hospital treatment of North American
      Crotalinae envenomation. This Commentary discusses the background behind the
      creation of the Position Statement and explores the issues involved in applying
      science to real world public health recommendations and practice.

PMID- 22067013
TI  - Control of metal-enhanced fluorescence with pH- and thermoresponsive hybrid
      microgels.
AB  - In this paper, we report on the Ag nanoparticle-containing hybrid poly(N
      isopropylacrylamide-co-acrylic acid) (PNIPAM-co-PAA) microgels with pH- and
      thermoresponsive metal-enhanced fluorescence (MEF). The hybrid microgels were
      prepared by in situ reducing Ag salts to Ag nanoparticles in the PNIPAM-co-PAA
      microgels. According to the interaction distance-dependent nature of MEF effects,
      we can realize a controllable MEF effect by adjusting the average interaction
      distance between fluorophores and Ag nanoparticles due to the good stimuli
      responsive swelling-shrinking behavior of the hybrid microgels. The results show
      that MEF effect can be well tuned in the pH region 2-12 as well as the
      temperature region of 20-50  degrees C. By this method, an enhanced fluorescence
      detection can possibly be manipulated by adjusting external stimuli such as pH
      and temperature.

PMID- 22067014
TI  - An evaluation of a novel instrument for measuring macular pigment optical
      density: the MPS 9000.
AB  - PURPOSE: Of the antioxidants found in the human retina, only the macular
      carotenoid quantities can be estimated noninvasively (albeit in a collective
      fashion), thus facilitating study of their role in that tissue. The aim of this
      study was to evaluate concordance between macular pigment optical density (MPOD)
      values recorded on a commercially available instrument, the MPS 9000, with those
      of an already validated heterochromatic flicker photometry instrument. Also, we
      assessed and compared test-retest variability for each instrument. METHODS:
      Macular pigment optical density at 0.5 retinal eccentricity was measured using
      two different heterochromatic flicker photometers, the MPS 9000 and the Macular
      Densitometer(TM), in 39 healthy subjects. Test-retest variability was evaluated
      separately for each instrument by taking three readings over a 1-week period in
      25 subjects. RESULTS: There was a moderate positive correlation for MPOD at 0.5
      degrees  of retinal eccentricity between the MPS 9000 and the Macular
      Densitometer described by the linear equation y = 0.763x + 0.172 (r = 0.68, p <
      0.001, r(2) = 0.46); however, a paired-samples t-test showed a significant
      difference in terms of mean values, with a bias of lower MPOD values being
      yielded by the MPS 9000 (t = -4.103, p < 0.001). Bland-Altman analysis indicated
      only moderate agreement between the two instruments, reflected in 95% limits of
      agreement of 0.1 +/- 0.27. Inter-sessional repeatability, expressed as a
      coefficient of repeatability, ranged from 0.18 to 0.21 [mean (+/-SD): 0.19
      (0.02)] for the MPS 9000 and from 0.11 to 0.12 [mean (+/-SD): 0.12 (0.01)] for
      the Macular Densitometer. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate that the MPS 9000
      consistently yields MPOD readings, which are lower than that found with the
      Macular Densitometer, and exhibits substantial test-retest variability.

PMID- 22067015
TI  - NAOMI: on the almost trivial task of reading molecules from different file
      formats.
AB  - In most cheminformatics workflows, chemical information is stored in files which
      provide the necessary data for subsequent calculations. The correct
      interpretation of the file formats is an important prerequisite to obtain
      meaningful results. Consistent reading of molecules from files, however, is not
      an easy task. Each file format implicitly represents an underlying chemical
      model, which has to be taken into consideration when the input data is processed.
      Additionally, many data sources contain invalid molecules. These have to be
      identified and either corrected or discarded. We present the chemical file format
      converter NAOMI, which provides efficient procedures for reliable handling of
      molecules from the common chemical file formats SDF, MOL2, and SMILES. These
      procedures are based on a consistent chemical model which has been designed for
      the appropriate representation of molecules relevant in the context of drug
      discovery. NAOMI's functionality is tested by round robin file IO exercises with
      public data sets, which we believe should become a standard test for every
      cheminformatics tool.

PMID- 22067016
TI  - Terminal hematuria associated with oral isotretinoin treatment in a patient with
      acne vulgaris.
AB  - Hematuria is defined as the abnormal presence of red blood cells in the urine and
      is commonly divided into gross and microscopic hematuria. Terminal hematuria
      occurs at the end of the urine stream and may have a prostatic, bladder, or
      trigonal cause. Here, we present a 16-year-old boy who developed terminal
      hematuria after 1 month of treatment with isotretinoin for acne vulgaris. This
      side effect of isotretinoin is not reported in the literature. This is the first
      case report.

PMID- 22067017
TI  - Electrical properties and magnetic response of cobalt germanosilicide nanowires.
AB  - The effects of partial substitution of Ge for Si in cobalt germanosilicide
      (CoSi(1-x)Ge(x) and Co(2)Si(1-x)Ge(x)) nanowires (NWs) on the electrical
      transport, magnetic properties, and magnetoresistance (MR) have been
      investigated. Cobalt germanosilicide NWs were synthesized by a spontaneous
      chemical vapor transport growth method. The Ge concentration can be selectively
      controlled from 0 to 15% and 0-50% for CoSi(1-x)Ge(x) and Co(2)Si(1-x)Ge(x) NWs,
      respectively, by varying the reaction temperature. Electrical measurements showed
      that the resistivities of CoSi(1-x)Ge(x) NWs are 90, 60, 30, and 23 MUOmega-cm
      for x = 0, 0.01, 0.05, and 0.15, respectively. Therefore, the electrical
      resistivity of CoSi(1-x)Ge(x) NWs was found to decrease significantly with an
      increasing Ge concentration, which is believed to be a result of the band gap
      narrowing. On the other hand, the Co(2)Si(1-x)Ge(x) (x <= 0.5) NWs exhibited
      ferromagnetism at 300 K, which is attributed to the uncoordinated Co atoms on the
      NW surface and spin-glass behavior at low temperature. The highest MR response of
      Co(2)Si(1-x)Ge(x) NWs occurred at x = 0.5, where a MR ratio of 11.7% can be
      obtained at 10-25 K with a magnetic field of 8 T. The enhanced physical
      properties of cobalt germanosilicide NWs with Ge substitution shall lead to
      promising application in the fabrication of nanodevices, including spintronics
      and serving as the gate and interconnect material.

PMID- 22067020
TI  - Women's reported weight: is there a discrepancy?
AB  - OBJECTIVE: To compare self-reported pre-pregnancy weight & delivery weight with
      documented pre-pregnancy & delivery weight and determine whether there are
      differences compared with the Institute of Medicine's (IOM) guidelines. METHODS:
      This is a retrospective analysis of 234 women. Inclusion criteria included
      documented height, self-reported pre-pregnancy weight, self-reported delivery
      weight, documented pre-pregnancy weight +/- 12 weeks from last menstrual period,
      and documented delivery weight +/- 2 weeks from delivery. We determined the
      difference between self-reported pre-pregnancy weight vs. documented pre
      pregnancy weight and self-reported delivery weight vs. documented delivery
      weight. Using documented pre-pregnancy weight and documented delivery weight, we
      calculated gestational weight gain (GWG) relative to IOM criteria. RESULTS: Self
      reported pre-pregnancy weight was 2.94 kg less than documented pre-pregnancy
      weight (p < 0.0001). Self-reported BMI was 1.11 mg/kg(2) less than documented BMI
      (p < 0.0001). Self-reported GWG was 3.01 kg greater than documented GWG (p <
      0.0001). Ninety-eight percent of normal weight correctly classified pregravid BMI
      in contrast to 86% of obese (p < 0.005) and 73% of overweight (p < 0.001).
      CONCLUSIONS: Overweight and obese women underestimated self-reported pre
      pregnancy weight & overestimated GWG, thereby mistakenly categorizing IOM
      guidelines.

PMID- 22067021
TI  - Expression of ghrelin is correlated to a favorable outcome in invasive breast
      cancer.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Expression of the peptide hormones ghrelin and obestatin has
      previously been demonstrated in human mammary glands. However, the clinical
      implications of the expression of these peptides in breast cancer are unclear.
      The aim of this study was to investigate the potential clinical value of ghrelin
      and obestatin as breast cancer biomarkers. METHODS: A tissue microarray
      containing breast cancer specimens from 144 patients was immunostained with
      antibodies directed towards ghrelin and obestatin. Using varying cut-offs, the
      expression of the two peptides was evaluated and correlated to previously known
      prognostic factors in breast cancer and to the outcome. Cox regression analysis
      was used to assess whether these markers may predict survival of breast cancer
      patients. RESULTS: Moderate to strong immunoreactivity for ghrelin and obestatin
      was observed in 71.5% and 77.1% of the cases, respectively. Ghrelin and obestatin
      expression was significantly but weakly correlated to low histological grade,
      estrogen receptor positivity, small tumor size and low proliferation. Only
      ghrelin expression was significantly correlated to better recurrence-free and
      breast cancer-specific survival (HR = 0.3-0.4, p = 0.02-0.05) in both uni- and
      multivariate analyses. The optimal cut-off was any ghrelin expression versus
      none. Reproducibility between the two readers was very good for both stainings
      with kappa values of 0.94-1.00. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with tumors expressing
      ghrelin had 2.5-3 times lower risk for recurrence or breast cancer death than
      those lacking ghrelin expression. Ghrelin expression is easily assessable with
      high reproducibility using immunohistochemistry. Further investigations are
      needed to establish the clinical significance of ghrelin as a biomarker in breast
      cancer.

PMID- 22067022
TI  - Multi-objective behavioural mechanisms are adopted by foraging animals to achieve
      several optimality goals simultaneously.
AB  - 1. Animals foraging for resources are under a variety of selective pressures, and
      separate optimality models have been developed predicting the optimal
      reproductive strategies they should adopt. 2. In most cases, the proximate
      behavioural mechanisms adopted to achieve such optimality goals have been
      identified. This is the case, for example, for optimal patch time and sex
      allocation in insect parasitoids. However, behaviours modelled within this
      framework have mainly been studied separately, even though real animals have to
      optimize some behaviours simultaneously. 3. For this reason, it would be better
      if proximate behavioural rules were designed to attain several goals
      simultaneously. Despite their importance, such multi-objective proximate rules
      remain to be discovered. 4. Based on experiments on insect parasitoids that
      simultaneously examine their optimal patch time and sex allocation strategies, it
      is shown here that animals can adopt multi-objective behavioural mechanisms that
      appear consistent with the two optimal goals simultaneously. 5. Results of
      computer simulations demonstrate that these behavioural mechanisms are indeed
      consistent with optimal reproductive strategies and have thus been most likely
      selected over the course of the evolutionary time.

PMID- 22067023
TI  - Competition between two wood-degrading fungi with distinct  influences on
      residues.
AB  - Many wood-degrading fungi colonize specific types of forest trees, but often lack
      wood specificity in pure culture. This suggests that wood type affects
      competition among fungi and indirectly influences the soil residues generated.
      While assessing wood residues is an established science, linking this information
      to dominant fungal colonizers has proven to be difficult. In the studies
      presented here, we used isolate-specific quantitative PCR to quantify competitive
      success between two distinct fungi, Gloeophyllum trabeum and Irpex lacteus, brown
      and white rot fungi, respectively, colonizing three wood types (birch, pine,
      oak). Ergosterol (fungal biomass), fungal species-specific DNA copy numbers, mass
      loss, pH, carbon fractions, and alkali solubility were determined 3 and 8 weeks
      postinoculation from replicate wood sections. Quantitative PCR analyses indicated
      that I. lacteus consistently outcompeted G. trabeum, by several orders of
      magnitude, on all wood types. Consequently, wood residues exhibited distinct
      characteristics of white rot. Our results show that competitive interactions
      between fungal species can influence colonization success, and that this can have
      significant consequences on the outcomes of wood decomposition.

PMID- 22067024
TI  - CD154 as a potential early molecular biomarker for rapid quantification analysis
      of active Staphylococcus enterotoxin A.
AB  - Staphylococcus aureus is a major bacterial pathogen producing a group of 21
      enterotoxins (SEs). These enterotoxins have two separate but related biological
      activities. They cause gastroenteritis, and they function as superantigens that
      activate large numbers of T cells. In the current study, we demonstrate that
      short-term ex vivo exposure of primary naive CD4(+) T-cells to SEA induces
      differential expression of the T cell surface receptor CD154 in a time- and dose
      dependent manner. In addition, we show that SEA induces higher CD154 protein
      expression and higher splenocyte cell proliferation compared with SEB. We also
      demonstrate that expression of CD154 can be used for rapid detection of active
      SEA in milk.

PMID- 22067034
TI  - Yeast communities associated with the bulk-soil, rhizosphere and
      ectomycorrhizosphere of a Nothofagus pumilio forest in northwestern Patagonia,
      Argentina.
AB  - Soil microorganisms play an important role in soil quality and they interact
      closely with vegetation. Little is known about yeast diversity and function in
      forest soil ecosystems and their interactions with other biotic soil components,
      particularly in the mycorrhizosphere. We studied the diversity of yeasts
      inhabiting the bulk-soil, rhizosphere and ectomycorrhizosphere of a Nothofagus
      pumilio forest in Nahuel Huapi National Park (Bariloche, Argentina).
      Ectomycorrhizal infection was observed in all N. pumilio trees studied. A total
      of 126 yeast isolates were obtained, including 18 known and three possibly new
      species. Basidiomycetous yeasts were predominant in all soil fractions, and the
      most frequently isolated species was Cryptococcus podzolicus. Diversity indices
      and multivariate analyses were used to study and compare yeast communities in the
      bulk-soil, rhizosphere and ectomycorrhizosphere. Yeasts able to ferment glucose
      were found associated with the rhizosphere. Many of the recovered yeast species
      were associated with lignocelluloses compound degradation, which suggest that
      yeast plays an important role as a decomposer in these forest soils. Each soil
      fraction has a distinct yeast assemblage related to their physiologic capacities
      and soil nutrient availability.

PMID- 22067035
TI  - MicroRNA signature in diabetic wound healing: promotive role of miR-21 in
      fibroblast migration.
AB  - A major complication of diabetes mellitus is the disruption of normal wound
      repair process, characterised by insufficient production of growth factors. A
      molecular genetic approach wherein resident cells synthesise and deliver the
      growth factors to the wound site would be a powerful therapeutic strategy to
      treat diabetic wounds. One such molecular approach could be the application of
      microRNAs (miRNAs). This study reports differential expression of miRNAs related
      to cell development and differentiation, during wound healing in diabetic mice.
      Comparison of skin tissue from normal and diabetic mice showed that 14 miRNAs
      were differentially expressed in diabetic skin; miR-146b and miR-21 were the most
      noteworthy. Expression pattern of these miRNAs was also altered during healing of
      diabetic wounds. A subset of miRNAs (miR-20b, miR-10a, miR-10b, miR-96, miR-128,
      miR-452 and miR-541) exhibited similar basal levels in normal and diabetic skins,
      but displayed dysregulation during healing of diabetic wounds. Amongst the miRNAs
      studied, miR-21 showed a distinct signature with increased expression in diabetic
      skin but decreased expression during diabetic wound healing. We analysed the role
      of miR-21 in fibroblast migration, because migration of fibroblasts into the
      wound area is an important landmark facilitating secretion of growth factors and
      migration of other cell types into the wound, thus enhancing the healing process.
      Using gain-of and loss-of function approaches, we show that miR-21 is involved in
      fibroblast migration. Our preliminary studies implicate an important role for
      miRNAs in the pathogenesis of diabetic wounds.

PMID- 22067036
TI  - Development and evaluation of new primers for PCR-based  identification of type
      II fimA of Porphyromonas gingivalis.
AB  - For more accurate PCR-based identification of Porphyromonas gingivalis harboring
      genotype II fimA, the most prevalent type in periodontitis patients, a new primer
      set was developed and evaluated. The previous type II primers hybridized to the
      DNA of P gingivalis strains harboring type Ib as well as type II fimA, while the
      new primers specifically amplified only the DNA fragment of type II fimA. In the
      investigation using mixed bacterial culture and 155 clinical samples from peri
      implantitis patients, the new primers increased the accuracy of PCR-based
      detection of type II fimA by excluding false-negatives as well as false
      positives.

PMID- 22067037
TI  - Extrinsic mechanism obstructing the opening of a prosthetic mitral valve: an
      unusual case of suture entrapment.
AB  - Obstruction to a prosthetic cardiac valve is a well-recognized complication of
      cardiac valve replacement. Malfunction of the mobile component of a prosthetic
      valve to open or close correctly may occur in consequence of intrinsic or
      extrinsic causes (thrombus, vegetation, entrapment of left ventricular
      myocardium, suture entanglement, and pannus formation) that may result prosthetic
      valve stenosis and/or insufficiency. In the case we report a 48-year-old female
      with valve dysfunction occurred early after surgery, as one valve leaflet was
      only able to partially open due to suture entrapment.

PMID- 22067038
TI  - Development and molecular characterization of wheat--Aegilops kotschyi addition
      and substitution lines with high grain protein, iron, and zinc.
AB  - Over two billion people, depending largely on staple foods, suffer from
      deficiencies in protein and some micronutrients such as iron and zinc. Among
      various approaches to overcome protein and micronutrient deficiencies,
      biofortification through a combination of conventional and molecular breeding
      methods is the most feasible, cheapest, and sustainable approach. An
      interspecific cross was made between the wheat cultivar 'Chinese Spring' and
      Aegilops kotschyi Boiss. accession 396, which has a threefold higher grain iron
      and zinc concentrations and about 33% higher protein concentration than wheat
      cultivars. Recurrent backcrossing and selection for the micronutrient content was
      performed at each generation. Thirteen derivatives with high grain iron and zinc
      concentrations and contents, ash and ash micronutrients, and protein were
      analyzed for alien introgression. Morphological markers, high molecular weight
      glutenin subunit profiles, anchored wheat microsatellite markers, and GISH showed
      that addition and substitution of homoeologous groups 1, 2, and 7 chromosomes of
      Ae. kotschyi possess gene(s) for high grain micronutrients. The addition of 1U/1S
      had high molecular weight glutenin subunits with higher molecular weight than
      those of wheat, and the addition of 2S in most of the derivatives also enhanced
      grain protein content by over 20%. Low grain protein content in a derivative with
      a 2S-wheat translocation, waxy leaves, and absence of the gdm148 marker strongly
      suggests that the gene for higher grain protein content on chromosome 2S is
      orthologous to the grain protein QTL on the short arm of group 2 chromosomes.

PMID- 22067039
TI  - Concerted proton-electron transfers. Consistency between electrochemical kinetics
      and their homogeneous counterparts.
AB  - The concerted proton-electron transfer (CPET) oxidation of phenol with water (in
      water) and hydrogen phosphate as proton acceptors provides a good example for
      testing the consistency of the electrochemical and homogeneous approaches to a
      reaction, the comprehension of which raises more mechanistic and kinetic
      challenges than that of a simple outer-sphere electron transfer. Comparison of
      the intrinsic kinetic characteristics (obtained at zero driving force of the CPET
      reaction) shows that consistency is indeed observed after a careful
      identification and quantitation of side factors (electrical work terms, image
      force effects). Water (in water) appears as a better intrinsic proton acceptor
      than hydrogen phosphate in both cases in terms of reorganization energy and pre
      exponential factor, corroborating the mechanism by which electron transfer is
      concerted with Grotthus-type proton translocation in water. Detailed compared
      analysis of the approaches also revealed that modest but significant electric
      field effects may be at work in the electrochemical case. Comparison with
      phenoxide ion oxidation, taken as a reference outer-sphere electron transfer,
      points to a CPET precursor complex that possesses a precise spatial structure
      allowing the formation of one or several H-bonds as required by the occurrence of
      the CPET reaction, thus decreasing considerably the number of efficient
      collisions compared with those undergone by structureless spherical reactants.

PMID- 22067040
TI  - Enantioselective boronate additions to N-acyl quinoliniums catalyzed by tartaric
      acid.
AB  - Tartaric acid catalyzes the asymmetric addition of vinylboronates to N-acyl
      quinoliniums, affording highly enantioenriched dihydroquinolines. The catalyst
      serves to activate the boronate through a ligand-exchange reaction and generates
      the N-acyl quinolinium in situ from the stable quinoline-derived N,O-acetal.

PMID- 22067041
TI  - Factors associated with lobar vs. non-lobar intracerebral hemorrhage.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: The relationship between body mass index (BMI) and stroke subtypes
      has received more research attention than that between BMI and location of
      intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Lobar hemorrhage (LH) differs from non-LH
      primarily in terms of etiology, i.e. cerebral amyloid angiopathy is the main
      cause of LH. This study aimed to determine the relationship between BMI and ICH.
      MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this retrospective study involving 460 consecutive
      patients with ICH, BMI was significantly lower in LH than for other ICH
      locations. BMI categories were underweight (BMI < 18.5 kg/m(2)), normal weight
      (18.5-23.0 kg/m(2)), overweight (23.0-27.5 kg/m(2)), or obesity (>=27.5 kg/m(2)).
      Outcome at 1 year was evaluated by the modified Rankin Scale (mRS). We
      investigated the relationship of BMI and other clinical characteristics with LH
      and non-LH. RESULTS: LH was associated with age (>70 years), underweight,
      unfavorable outcome (mRS >=3), and daily alcohol consumption. Hypertension and
      intraventricular bleeding were significantly less common in patients with LH than
      those with non-LH. CONCLUSIONS: Alongside risk factors conventionally thought to
      be related to LH, underweight may also be a LH-related factor, specifically in
      the elderly.

PMID- 22067042
TI  - Tissue engineering of lips and muco-cutaneous junctions: in vitro development of
      tissue engineered constructs of oral mucosa and skin for lip reconstruction.
AB  - We report for the first time the fabrication of a three-dimensional tissue
      structure containing, in a continuous layer, the morphological features of a lip:
      epidermal skin, vermillion, and oral mucosa. This tissue engineered muco
      cutaneous (M/C) equivalent was manufactured using human oral and skin
      keratinocytes grown on an acellular, nonimmunogenic dermal equivalent
      (AlloDerm((r))) to produce a tissue equivalent with similar anatomic and handling
      properties as native human lips. Confirmation of the structural composition of
      the construct was performed using routine histology and immunohistochemistry by
      identification of epithelial markers that are differentially expressed in
      separate anatomic areas of the lips. These full-thickness human lip skin
      equivalents can be used in surgical lip reconstruction in individuals suffering
      from lip loss from cancer, congenital deformations, and injuries after accidents.
      We propose this technique can be used as a general basis for tissue engineering
      of M/C junctions in other parts of the body, such as anus and vagina.

PMID- 22067043
TI  - The roles of peroxidase and phospholipase A2 activities of peroxiredoxin 6 in
      protecting pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells against peroxidative stress.
AB  - AIMS: Peroxiredoxin 6 (Prdx6), a bifunctional enzyme with glutathione peroxidase
      and phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) activities, has been demonstrated as playing a
      critical role in antioxidant defense of the lung. Our aim was to evaluate the
      relative role of each activity in Prdx6-mediated protection of mouse pulmonary
      microvascular endothelial cells (PMVECs) against the peroxidative stress of
      treatment with tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tBOOH). RESULTS: PMVEC from Prdx6 null
      mice showed increased lethality on tBOOH exposure (50-200 MUM) compared with wild
      type (WT) controls. Treatment with 1-hexadecyl-3-trifluoroethylglycero-sn-2
      phosphomethanol (MJ33), a Prdx6 PLA(2) activity inhibitor, increased the
      sensitivity of WT cells to peroxidative stress, but did not further sensitize
      Prdx6 null cells. Lethality in Prdx6 null PMVEC was "rescued" by transfection
      with a construct leading to the expression of WT rat Prdx6. Expression of mutant
      Prdx6 with either peroxidase activity or PLA(2) activity alone each partially
      rescued the survival of Prdx6 null cells, while constructs with both active sites
      mutated failed to rescue. Co-transfection with two different constructs, each
      expressing one activity, rescued cells as well as the WT construct. INNOVATION
      AND CONCLUSION: Contrary to the general assumption that the peroxidase activity
      is the main mechanism for Prdx6 antioxidant function, these results indicate that
      the PLA(2) activity also plays a substantial role in protecting cells against
      oxidant stress caused by an exogenous hydroperoxide.

PMID- 22067044
TI  - Effect of vehicle systems, pH and enhancers on the permeation of highly
      lipophilic aripiprazole from Carbopol 971P gel systems across human cadaver skin.
AB  - The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of vehicle systems, pH
      and enhancers on the permeation of a highly lipophilic basic drug aripiprazole
      (ARPZ) through human cadaver skin. Solubility of ARPZ in single, binary,
      tertiary, and quaternary vehicle systems of N-methyl pyrrolidone (NMP), dimethyl
      sulfoxide (DMSO), water, ethanol and isopropyl myristate (IPM) was studied. Gel
      formulations of 5% ARPZ were developed with 0.5% Carbopol 971P in quaternary
      vehicle systems consisting of NMP, DMSO, water and ethanol or IPM at optimum
      ratio of 40/40/5/15. The effect of pH of the gel formulations and fatty acids
      with different chain lengths on the permeation was studied. The flux of ARPZ from
      gel formulation with IPM and ethanol was comparable. A four fold increase in APRZ
      flux was observed when the pH of the gel systems was lowered from pH 8.2 to pH 6
      or pH 7. For fatty acids, the order of flux is lauric acid > myristic acid >
      caprylic acid > oleic acid. In all the cases, in vitro permeation rate of ARPZ
      through human cadaver skin followed zero order kinetics. This study demonstrated
      that ARPZ in tertiary vehicle system of NMP/DMSO/water/IPM at ratio of 40/40/5/15
      and gel system of Carbopol 971P with pH 7 is a promising candidate for
      transdermal delivery.

PMID- 22067045
TI  - Naturally occurring structural isomers in serum IgA1 o-glycosylation.
AB  - IgA is the most abundantly produced antibody and plays an important role in the
      mucosal immune system. Human IgA is represented by two isotypes, IgA1 and IgA2.
      The major structural difference between these two subclasses is the presence of
      nine potential sites of O-glycosylation in the hinge region between the first and
      second constant region domains of the heavy chain. Thr(225), Thr(228), Ser(230),
      Ser(232) and Thr(236) have been identified as the predominant sites of O-glycan
      attachment. The range and distribution of O-glycan chains at each site within the
      context of adjacent sites in this clustered region create a complex heterogeneity
      of surface epitopes that is incompletely defined. We previously described the
      analysis of IgA1 O-glycan heterogeneity by use of high resolution LC-MS and
      electron capture dissociation tandem MS to unambiguously localize all amino acid
      attachment sites in IgA1 (Ale) myeloma protein. Here, we report the
      identification and elucidation of IgA1 O-glycopeptide structural isomers that
      occur based on amino acid position of the attached glycans (positional isomers)
      and the structure of the O-glycan chains at individual sites (glycan isomers).
      These isomers are present in a model IgA1 (Mce1) myeloma protein and occur
      naturally in normal human serum IgA1. Variable O-glycan chains attached to
      Ser(230), Thr(233) or Thr(236) produce the predominant positional isomers,
      including O-glycans composed of a single GalNAc residue. These findings represent
      the first definitive identification of structural isomeric IgA1 O-glycoforms,
      define the single-site heterogeneity for all O-glycan sites in a single sample,
      and have implications for defining epitopes based on clustered O-glycan
      variability.

PMID- 22067046
TI  - Fibroblasts contribute to melanoma tumor growth and drug resistance.
AB  - The role of tumor-stromal interactions in progression is generally well accepted,
      but their role in initiation or treatment is less well understood. It is now
      generally agreed that, rather than consisting solely of malignant cells, tumors
      consist of a complex dynamic mixture of cancer cells, host fibroblasts,
      endothelial cells and immune cells that interact with each other and
      microenvironmental factors to drive tumor progression. We are particularly
      interested in stromal cells (for example fibroblasts) and stromal factors (for
      example fibronectin) as important players in tumor progression since they have
      also been implicated in drug resistance. Here we develop an integrated approach
      to understand the role of such stromal cells and factors in the growth and
      maintenance of tumors as well as their potential impact on treatment resistance,
      specifically in application to melanoma. Using a suite of experimental assays we
      show that melanoma cells can stimulate the recruitment of fibroblasts and
      activate them, resulting in melanoma cell growth by providing both structural
      (extracellular matrix proteins) and chemical support (growth factors). Motivated
      by these experimental results we construct a compartment model and use it to
      investigate the roles of both stromal activation and tumor aggressiveness in
      melanoma growth and progression. We utilize this model to investigate the role
      fibroblasts might play in melanoma treatment resistance and the clinically
      observed flare phenomenon that is seen when a patient, who appears resistant to a
      targeted drug, is removed from that treatment. Our model makes the unexpected
      prediction that targeted therapies may actually hasten tumor progression once
      resistance has occurred. If confirmed experimentally, this provocative prediction
      may bring important new insights into how drug resistance could be managed
      clinically.

PMID- 22067047
TI  - Analysis of the bone metabolism by quantitative computer tomography and clinical
      chemistry in a primate model (Callithrix jacchus).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Common marmosets are widely used as experimental primates; however,
      little is still known about their bone physiology. Therefore, the aim of our
      study was to analyse body weight, age and bone-specific blood parameters in
      relation to morphological bone parameters. METHODS: Fifty-eight common marmosets
      were analysed for blood calcium (Ca), inorganic phosphor (P(i) ), alkaline
      phosphatase (AP) and 17-beta-estradiol (E2). The examination of bone parameters
      was undertaken in the lumbar spine by computer tomography. RESULTS: There was a
      correlation between bone mineral density (BMD) and body weight, trabecular area
      ratio and polar moment as well as between BMD and AP or Ca (only males), whereas
      there were no correlations between BMD and age, P(i) or E2 in all analysed
      genders. CONCLUSIONS: Our data support the assumption that the common marmoset is
      a reliable primate model to study changes in bone metabolism because of the
      similarity of our results to humans.

PMID- 22067048
TI  - Complement system activation and endothelial dysfunction in patients with age
      related macular degeneration (AMD): possible relationship between AMD and
      atherosclerosis.
AB  - Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) shares several pathological and
      epidemiological similarities with systemic atherosclerosis (AS). First, an
      association between AS and AMD is apparent from the analyses of the histological
      and biochemical structure of atherosclerotic plaques in the vascular walls and
      retinal drusen, the hallmark of AMD. Second, there is considerable evidence
      implicating endothelial dysfunction in the pathogenesis of both disorders, and
      cellular oxidative stress appears to be a common denominator underlying this
      process. Moreover, there are observations that the complement system (CS)
      triggering inflammatory response contributes to the onset and advancement of both
      diseases. The CS plays a role in the generation of drusen and neovascularization
      in AMD as well as in vascular endothelium activation, cell damage and ultimately
      atherosclerotic plaque formation in the course of systemic arteriosclerosis. It
      is widely recognized that both AMD and AS are not only related to local
      stimulation of the CS, but also result in its systemic activation. In addition, a
      specific Y402H polymorphism of the complement inhibitor factor H has been found
      to be associated with the incidence of both AMD and AS. Here, we propose a
      linking hypothesis between CS activation, endothelial dysfunction and the
      pathogenesis of two common and age-related pathological processes, AS and AMD. We
      also discuss the potential therapeutic value of pharmacological modulation of CS
      activation in these disorders.

PMID- 22067049
TI  - Atypical molluscum contagiosum accompanied by CD30-positive lymphoid infiltrates.
AB  - Atypical presentations of molluscum contagiosum require histophathologic
      examination and may show pleomorphic lymphocytic infiltrates of a reactive
      nature, mimicking cutaneous lymphoproliferative diseases. Serial sections of
      specimens or polymerase chain reactions to show T-cell receptor clonality may be
      helpful for differential diagnosis. We report a case of atypical molluscum
      contagiosum accompanied by atypical lymphocytic infiltration showing CD30
      positivity.

PMID- 22067050
TI  - Nanopore analysis of individual RNA/antibiotic complexes.
AB  - Nanopores in thin solid-state membranes are used to rapidly analyze individual
      RNA/drug complexes. The interactions of a truncated A-site RNA model of the
      prokaryotic ribosome with aminoglycoside antibiotics are characterized by passing
      individual molecules through a 3-3.5 nm diameter pore fabricated in a 8-10 nm
      thick silicon nitride membrane. Complexes of the A-site RNA with aminoglycosides
      can be distinguished from unbound A-site based on the ion current signatures
      produced as they pass through the nanopores. Counting the fraction of free and
      drug-bound molecules affords label-free drug-RNA binding isotherms consistent
      with literature reports and with data generated using independent fluorescence
      based assays. Our measurements are supported by molecular dynamics simulations,
      which illustrate the relationship between the ionic current and complexation of
      the A-site RNA with paramomycin, a prototypical aminoglycoside antibiotic.

PMID- 22067051
TI  - Ectopic expression of FaDREB2 enhances osmotic tolerance in paper mulberry.
AB  - Dehydration-responsive element binding (DREB) proteins are a subfamily of AP2/ERF
      transcription factors that have been shown to improve tolerance to osmotic
      stresses in plants. To improve the osmotic stress tolerance of paper mulberry
      (Broussonetia papyrifera L. Vent), an economically important tree, we transformed
      it with a plasmid carrying tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb) FaDREB2 under
      the control of CaMV 35S. The ectopic expression of FaDREB2 did not cause growth
      retardation, and the paper mulberry seedlings expressing FaDREB2 showed higher
      salt and drought tolerance than wild-type plants (WT). After 13 d of withholding
      water, or 15 d in the presence of 250 mM NaCl, all the WT plants died, while the
      plants expressing FaDREB2 survived. The FaDREB2 transgenic plants had higher leaf
      water and chlorophyll contents, accumulated more proline and soluble sugars, and
      had less membrane damage than the WT plants under high salt and water-deficient
      conditions. Taken together, the results indicate the feasibility of improving
      tolerance to multiple environmental stresses in paper mulberry seedlings via
      genetic engineering, by introducing FaDREB2, which promotes the increased
      accumulation of osmolytes (soluble sugars and proline), to counter osmotic
      stresses caused by abiotic factors.

PMID- 22067052
TI  - Two-stage bone expansion technique using spear-shaped implants associated with
      overlapped flap: a case report.
AB  - The conventional method of ridge expansion uses a mucoperiosteal flap elevation
      to allow bone corticotomy, which is followed by bone expansion performed with
      chisels and bone expanders. To facilitate corticotomy and avoid flap elevation,
      bone expansion can be performed in 2 stages. This case report presents a modified
      2-stage bone expansion technique to achieve better implant stabilization and
      wound closure. This modified approach may be an efficient procedure for
      minimizing complications. 

PMID- 22067053
TI  - Annual research review: impact of advances in genetics in understanding
      developmental psychopathology.
AB  - It was hoped that diagnostic guidelines for, and treatment of, child psychiatric
      disorders in DSM-5 would be informed by the wealth of clinical genetic research
      related to neurodevelopmental disorders. In spite of remarkable advances in
      genetic technology, this has not been the case. Candidate gene, genome-wide
      association, and rare copy number variant (CNV) studies have been carried out for
      attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), Autism, Tourette's Syndrome, and
      schizophrenia, with intriguing results, but environmental factors, incomplete
      penetrance, pleiotropy, and genetic heterogeneity, underlying any given phenotype
      have limited clinical translation. One promising approach may be the use of
      developmental brain imaging measures as more relevant phenotypes. This is
      particularly important, as subtle abnormalities in timing and expression of gene
      pathways underlying brain development may well link these disorders and be the
      ultimate target of treatments.

PMID- 22067054
TI  - Tracking the autochthonous carbon transfer in stream biofilm  food webs.
AB  - Food webs in the rhithral zone rely mainly on allochthonous carbon from the
      riparian vegetation. However, autochthonous carbon might be more important in
      open canopy streams. In streams, most of the microbial activity occurs in
      biofilms, associated with the streambed. We followed the autochthonous carbon
      transfer toward bacteria and grazing protozoa within a stream biofilm food web.
      Biofilms that developed in a second-order stream (Thuringia, Germany) were
      incubated in flow channels under climate-controlled conditions. Six-week-old
      biofilms received either 13C- or 12C-labeled CO2, and uptake into phospholipid
      fatty acids was followed. The dissolved inorganic carbon of the flow channel
      water became immediately labeled. In biofilms grown under 8-h light/16-h dark
      conditions, more than 50% of the labeled carbon was incorporated in biofilm
      algae, mainly filamentous cyanobacteria, pennate diatoms, and nonfilamentous
      green algae. A mean of 29% of the labeled carbon reached protozoan grazer. The
      testate amoeba Pseudodifflugia horrida was highly abundant in biofilms and seemed
      to be the most important grazer on biofilm bacteria and algae. Hence, stream
      biofilms dominated by cyanobacteria and algae seem to play an important role in
      the uptake of CO2 and transfer of autochthonous carbon through the microbial food
      web.

PMID- 22067055
TI  - Worldwide detection and identification of new and old  rickettsiae and
      rickettsial diseases.
AB  - To determine the prevalence and distribution of rickettsial pathogens around the
      world, scientists have relied more and more upon molecular techniques in addition
      to serological and culture methods. The ease of use and sensitivity/specificity
      of molecular techniques such as quantitative real-time PCR assays and multilocus
      sequence typing have lead to an increase in reports of the detection and
      identification of new and old rickettsiae in previously known and in new endemic
      regions. These assays have been successfully used with clinical samples such as
      serum, blood, and tissue biopsies and with environmental samples such as
      arthropod vectors including ticks, fleas, lice, and mites, and blood and tissue
      specimens from small mammal collections and from wild and domestic large animals.
      These methods have lead to the detection of new and old rickettsial pathogens
      often in new locations leading investigators to suggest new regions of risk of
      these rickettsioses.

PMID- 22067056
TI  - Effect of a multi-species synbiotic formulation on fecal bacterial microbiota of
      healthy cats and dogs as evaluated by pyrosequencing.
AB  - The effect of a multi-species synbiotic on the fecal microbiota of healthy cats
      (n = 12) and dogs (n = 12) was evaluated. The synbiotic (containing 5 * 10(9) 
      CFU of a mixture of seven probiotic strains, and a blend of
      fructooligosaccharides and arabinogalactans) was administered daily for 21 days.
      Fecal and serum samples were collected before, during, and up to 3 weeks after
      administration. Changes in the fecal microbiota were analyzed using denaturing
      gradient gel electrophoresis, 16S rRNA gene libraries, quantitative real-time
      PCR, and 16S rRNA gene 454-pyrosequencing. Probiotic species were detectable in
      10/12 dogs and 11/12 cats during product administration. Abundances of
      Enterococcus and Streptococcus spp. were significantly increased in at least one
      time point during administration, and returned to baseline abundance after
      treatment was discontinued. No changes in the major bacterial phyla were
      identified on 454-pyrosequencing. No adverse gastrointestinal effects were
      recorded and no significant changes in gastrointestinal function or immune
      markers were observed during the study period. This study shows that while the
      ingestion of probiotics and prebiotics does not appear to alter the predominant
      bacterial phyla present in feces, supplementation with the investigated synbiotic
      leads to an increased abundance of probiotic bacteria in the feces of healthy
      cats and dogs.

PMID- 22067057
TI  - Developing a new clinical tool for diagnosing chronic Q fever: the Coxiella
      ELISPOT.
AB  - Definitively establishing a clinical diagnosis of chronic Q fever remains
      challenging, as the diagnostic performance of both conventional serological tests
      and PCR is limited. Given the importance of an early diagnosis of chronic Q
      fever, there is a need for a reliable diagnostic test. We developed an enzyme
      linked immunospot assay to measure Coxiella burnetii (C. burnetii)-specific T
      cell responses (Coxiella ELISPOT) to both phase I and phase II antigens and
      tested convalescent Q fever patients (without chronic disease, n = 9) and
      patients with an established diagnosis of chronic Q fever (n = 3). The Coxiella
      ELISPOT adequately identified convalescent Q fever patients from healthy controls
      by demonstrating C. burnetii-specific T-cell interferon-gamma production to both
      phase I and phase II antigens. Compared to convalescent Q fever patients, chronic
      Q fever patients showed a distinct Coxiella ELISPOT profile characterized by a
      much higher spot count for both phase I and phase II (18-fold for phase II, 8
      fold higher for phase I) and a consistent shift towards more phase I reactivity.
      The diagnostic potential of the Coxiella ELISPOT is promising and warrants
      further investigation.

PMID- 22067058
TI  - A randomized controlled pilot study of a brief web-based mindfulness training.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Mindfulness has been shown to be effective in treating various
      medical and mental problems. Especially its incorporation in cognitive
      behavioural interventions has improved long-term outcomes of those treatments. It
      has also been shown, that brief mindfulness-based trainings are effective in
      reducing distress. There have been few web-based interventions incorporating
      mindfulness techniques in their manual and it remains unclear whether a brief web
      based mindfulness intervention is feasible. METHODS: Out of 50 adults (different
      distress levels; exclusion criteria: <18 years, indication of psychotic or
      suicidal ideation in screening) who were recruited via e-mail and screened
      online, 49 were randomized into an immediate 2-weeks-treatment group (N=28) or a
      waitlist-control group (N=21), starting with a 2-week delay. Distress (BSI),
      perceived stress (PSQ), mindfulness (FMI), as well as mood and emotion regulation
      (PANAS/SEK-27) were measured at pre-, post- and 3-month follow-up (3MFU).
      Intention-to-treat analyses using MI for missing data and per-protocol analyses
      (>=50% attendance) were performed. RESULTS: 26 participants of the treatment
      group completed post-measures. Most measures under ITT-analysis revealed no
      significant improvement for the treatment group, but trends with medium effect
      sizes for PSQ (d=0.46) and PANASneg (d=0.50) and a small, non-significant effect
      for FMI (d=0.29). Per-protocol analyses for persons who participated over 50% of
      the time revealed significant treatment effects for PSQ (d=0.72) and PANASneg
      (d=0.77). Comparing higher distressed participants with lower distressed
      participants, highly distressed participants seemed to profit more of the
      training in terms of distress reduction (GSI, d=0.85). Real change (RCI) occurred
      for PSQ in the treatment condition (OR=9). Results also suggest that participants
      continued to benefit from the training at 3MFU. CONCLUSION: This study of a brief
      web-based mindfulness training indicates that mindfulness can be taught online
      and may improve distress, perceived stress and negative affect for regular users.
      Although there were no significant improvements, but trends, for most measures
      under ITT, feasibility of such a program was demonstrated and also that persons
      continued to use techniques of the training in daily life. TRIAL REGISTRATION:
      German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS): DRKS00003209.

PMID- 22067059
TI  - A case of recurrent earthquake stress cardiomyopathy with a differing wall motion
      abnormality.
AB  - We present the case of a Caucasian woman who survived two major earthquakes,
      presenting on each occasion with stress cardiomyopathy, but with a different
      pattern of regional wall motion abnormality on the second occasion. The first
      Christchurch earthquake struck on September 4, 2010. At 7.1 on the Richter scale,
      it was larger than the major Haiti quake, but miraculously there were no direct
      fatalities. In the week following, eight women meeting modified Mayo criteria for
      stress cardiomyopathy presented to Christchurch Hospital. The second Christchurch
      earthquake was on February 22, 2011. It measured 6.4 on the Richter scale and
      caused 180 direct fatalities. In the week following this earthquake, 24 women
      were admitted with stress cardiomyopathy. One patient presented after both
      earthquakes. This 76-year-old woman first presented on September 4 with 10 hours
      of chest pain. Electrocardiogram showed inferolateral deep T-wave inversion and
      QT prolongation. TnI peaked at 0.81 MUg/L. Coronary angiography demonstrated
      diffuse atheroma with a moderate mid LAD lesion that was stented at the time.
      Echocardiography showed a classic takotsubo pattern. Her follow-up echocardiogram
      on September 28 was normal and she was completely well at that point. However,
      during the second earthquake of February 22, she again developed chest pain and
      shortness of breath. TnI peaked at 1.3 MUg/L. Echocardiogram showed a midwall
      variant takotsubo with apical sparing. She was discharged from hospital on the
      25th, planning to leave Christchurch for a new home in another city, but returned
      for follow-up echocardiogram on July 27. This was normal.

PMID- 22067060
TI  - Designing nanomaterials with desired mechanical properties by constraining the
      evolution of their grain shapes.
AB  - Grain shapes are acknowledged to impact nanomaterials' overall properties.
      Research works on this issue include grain-elongation and grain-strain
      measurements and their impacts on nanomaterials' mechanical properties. This
      paper proposes a stochastic model for grain strain undergoing severe plastic
      deformation. Most models deal with equivalent radii assuming that nanomaterials'
      grains are spherical. These models neglect true grain shapes. This paper also
      proposes a theoretical approach of extending existing models by considering grain
      shape distribution during stochastic design and modelling of nanomaterials'
      constituent structures and mechanical properties. This is achieved by introducing
      grain 'form'. Example 'forms' for 2-D and 3-D grains are proposed. From the
      definitions of form, strain and Hall-Petch-Relationship to Reversed-Hall-Petch
      Relationship, data obtained for nanomaterials' grain size and conventional
      materials' properties are sufficient for analysis. Proposed extended models are
      solved simultaneously and tested with grain growth data. It is shown that the
      nature of form evolution depends on form choice and dimensional space. Long-run
      results reveal that grain boundary migration process causes grains to become
      spherical, grain rotation coalescence makes them deviate away from becoming
      spherical and they initially deviate away from becoming spherical before
      converging into spherical ones due to the TOTAL process. Percentage deviations
      from spherical grains depend on dimensional space and form: 0% minimum and 100%
      maximum deviations were observed. It is shown that the plots for grain shape
      functions lie above the spherical (control) value of 1 in 2-D grains for all
      considered grain growth mechanisms. Some plots lie above the spherical value, and
      others approach the spherical value before deviating below it when dealing with 3
      D grains. The physical interpretations of these variations are explained from
      elementary principles about the different grain growth mechanisms. It is observed
      that materials whose grains deviate further away from the spherical ones have
      more enhanced properties, while materials with spherical grains have lesser
      properties. It is observed that there exist critical states beyond which Hall
      Petch Relationship changes to Reversed Hall-Petch Relationship. It can be
      concluded that if grain shapes in nanomaterials are constrained in the way they
      evolve, then nanomaterials with desired properties can be designed.

PMID- 22067061
TI  - Coordinated increase of gamma-secretase reaction products in the plasma of some
      female Japanese sporadic Alzheimer's disease patients: quantitative analysis of
      p3-Alcalpha with a new ELISA system.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Aggregatable amyloid beta-peptide (Abeta) and non-aggregatable p3
      Alcalpha are metabolic products of the gamma-secretase cleavage of amyloid beta
      protein precursor (APP) and Alcadeinalpha (Alcalpha), respectively. Familial AD
      (FAD) -linked mutations in the presenilin 1 or 2 (PS1 or PS2) component of gamma
      secretase can cause alternative intramembranous processing of APP and Alcalpha,
      leading to a coordinated generation of variants of both Abeta and p3-Alcalpha.
      Variant Alcalpha peptides have been observed in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of
      patients with mild cognitive impairment and sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD).
      Since, like APP, Alcalpha is largely expressed in brain, one might predict that
      alternative processing of Alcalpha would be reflected in body fluids of some AD
      patients. These patients with misprocessing of multiple gamma-secretase
      substrates might define an endophenotype of p3-Alcalpha, in whom AD is due either
      to dysfunction of gamma-secretase or to a disorder of the clearance of
      hydrophobic peptides such as those derived from transmembrane domains. RESULTS:
      We developed a simple procedure for extraction of p3-Alcalpha from plasma and for
      analyzing this extract in a sensitive, p3-Alcalpha-specific sandwich enzyme
      linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) system. Plasma p3-Alcalpha levels and Abeta40
      levels were examined in sporadic AD subjects from two independent Japanese
      cohorts. In some of these patients, levels of plasma p3-Alcalpha were
      significantly higher, and were accompanied by parallel changes in Abeta40 levels.
      This AD-related difference was more marked in female subjects, but this
      phenomenon was not observed in subjects with frontotemporal lobar degeneration
      (FTLD). CONCLUSION: Reagents and procedures have been established that enable
      extraction of p3-Alcalpha from plasma and for quantification of plasma p3
      Alcalpha levels by ELISA. Some populations of AD subjects apparently show
      increased levels of both p3-Alcalpha and Abeta40. Quantification of p3-Alcalpha
      level may be useful as a readily accessible biomarker for a population of
      sporadic AD patients in which disease pathogenesis is associated with either
      dysfunction of gamma-secretase or with a disorder of the clearance of
      transmembrane domain-derived peptides.

PMID- 22067062
TI  - Diastereoselective access to nonracemic 2-cis-substituted and 2,6-cis
      disubstituted piperidines.
AB  - Access to nonracemic amino ketones via a
      hydrozirconation/transmetalation/acylation sequence applied to Boc-protected 1
      aminobut-3-enes is presented. This method was applied to the stereoselective
      synthesis of cyclic imines (or iminiums) which were diastereoselectively
      converted into 2-cis-substituted and 2,6-cis-disubstituted piperidines. The
      potential of this approach in the field of alkaloid synthesis was illustrated by
      the synthesis of (-)-coniine and (-)-indolizidine 209D. Furthermore, access to
      indolizidines bearing a quaternary center could also be envisioned through this
      strategy.

PMID- 22067063
TI  - Risk of second primary cancer after treatment for esophageal cancer: a pooled
      analysis of nine cancer registries.
AB  - The introduction of new treatments for esophageal cancer including surgery,
      chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or a combination of these modalities has not only
      improved patient survival, but may also increase the risk of the second primary
      cancers. The available evidence is conflicting with most risk estimates based on
      sparse numbers. Here we estimated standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) of second
      cancer among 24,557 esophageal cancer survivors (at least 2 months) in the
      Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program between 1973 and 2007,
      who had been followed up for median 6.5 years (range 2 months-29.3 years). Second
      cancer risk was statistically significantly elevated (SIR = 1.34, 95% confidence
      interval [CI]= 1.25-1.42) among the survivors compared with the general
      population; the SIRs for cancers of oral and pharynx, stomach, small intestine,
      larynx, lung and bronchus, thyroid and prostate cancer were 8.64 (95% CI = 7.36
      10.07), 2.87 (95% CI = 2.10-3.82), 3.80 (95% CI = 1.82-7.00), 3.19 (95% CI = 2.12
      4.61), 1.68 (95% CI = 1.46-1.93), 2.50 (95% CI = 1.25-4.47), and 0.77 (95% CI =
      0.65-0.90), respectively. Radiotherapy raised cancer risk of larynx (SIR = 3.98,
      95% CI = 2.43-6.14) and thyroid (SIR = 3.57, 95% CI = 1.54-7.03) among all
      esophageal cancer survivors. For patients who had 5-9 years of follow up after
      radiotherapy, the SIR for lung cancer was 3.46 (95% CI = 2.41-4.82). Patients
      with esophageal cancer are at increased risks of second cancers of oral and
      pharynx, larynx, lung, and thyroid, while at a decreased risk for prostate
      cancer. These findings indicate that radiotherapy for esophageal cancer patients
      may increase risk of developing second cancers of larynx, lung, and thyroid.
      Thus, randomized clinical trials to address the association of radiotherapy and
      the risk of secondary cancer are warranted.

PMID- 22067064
TI  - Monitoring phytoplankton and marine biotoxins in production waters of the
      Netherlands: results after one decade.
AB  - Shellfish products may be contaminated with marine biotoxins which, after
      consumption, may lead to human illness. The Netherlands has a regular monitoring
      programme for marine biotoxins and the possible toxic phytoplankton in shellfish
      production waters. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the presence of
      potential toxic phytoplankton species and marine biotoxins in Dutch production
      waters over the last decade, and to analyse the relationship between toxin levels
      and abundance of possible causative phytoplankton species. The results of the
      monitoring programme of the period 1999-2009 were used. The presence of
      Alexandrium spp. were negligible, but Pseudo-nitzschia spp. and phytoplankton
      causing diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP toxin-producing phytoplankton) were
      present in nearly all three main production areas and years. The main DSP toxin
      producing species was Dinophysis acuminata followed by D. rotundata and
      Prorocentrum lima. Toxins causing paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) and amnesic
      shellfish poisoning (ASP) were present in only a few individual shellfish
      samples, all at low levels. At the end of 2002, an episode of DSP toxicity was
      recorded, based on the rat bioassay results. Of the samples that were chemically
      analysed for DSP toxins in 2007 and 2008, about half of the samples in 2007
      contained these toxins, although levels were low and no positive results were
      obtained using the rat bioassay. There was a slight positive correlation between
      concentrations of DSP toxin-producing phytoplankton and levels of DSP toxins in
      2007. Increased DSP toxin levels were found up to 5 weeks after the peak in DSP
      toxin-producing phytoplankton. This positive, but weak, relationship needs to be
      confirmed in future research using more samples and chemical methods to quantify
      the presence of DSP toxins. If this relationship is further substantiated and
      quantified, it could be used within the current monitoring programme in the
      Netherlands to predict the risk areas regarding DSP toxicity in shellfish.

PMID- 22067065
TI  - Kawasaki disease in Jordan: demographics, presentation, and outcome.
AB  - Kawasaki disease is the leading cause of acquired coronary artery disease in
      young children. There is a lack of data on Kawasaki disease and its effect on
      coronary arteries in Jordan and other developing countries. We report clinical
      and demographic data of Kawasaki disease in Jordan from a single institution,
      with emphasis on cardiac involvement and short to intermediate follow-up. Review
      of the medical records of 34 patients with Kawasaki disease from 1997 to 2010 was
      done for clinical and demographic variables. Echocardiographic and angiographic
      images were reviewed for patients at presentation and follow-up. The median age
      at presentation was 19 months, ranging from 2 months to 8 years, with a male to
      female ratio of 3.9:1. In all, 12 patients (35%) had incomplete Kawasaki disease.
      There was a high incidence of coronary artery involvement (41%), where 20.5% had
      aneurysms and 20.5% had ectasia without aneurysm. Most coronary aneurysms were
      present at the time of diagnosis. The only independent variable for prediction of
      coronary involvement was age, with an odds ratio of 0.63 per year (95% confidence
      interval 0.41-0.95).

PMID- 22067066
TI  - A multilevel analysis of the determinants of high-risk sexual behaviour in sub
      Saharan Africa.
AB  - A number of authors have identified multiple concurrent sexual partnerships by
      both men and women to lie at the root of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in sub-Saharan
      Africa. This study applies multilevel models to Demographic and Health Survey
      data collected during 2003-2008 in 20 sub-Saharan African countries to examine
      the influence of social and cultural context on involvement with multiple sexual
      partnerships in the region, above and beyond the effects of individual
      characteristics. The findings provide support for the ecological argument that
      health behaviours are shaped and determined by societal conditions, in addition
      to the effects of individual and household characteristics. Involvement with
      multiple sex partners is most prevalent in societies in which sexual norms are
      widely permissive and where polygyny is common. Individual autonomy is
      substantial and attitudes towards sexuality are more liberal among men and women
      who live in communities in which sexual norms are widely permissive. Men and
      women who are most likely to have multiple sex partners in the sub-Saharan region
      are those who initiated sexual activity earlier and those who have the individual
      attributes (e.g. young age, urban residence, education, media exposure and
      working for cash and away from home) that bring to them more rights and/or
      decision-making autonomy, but not necessarily more financial resources and
      economic security (mostly among women). On the other hand, involvement with
      multiple partners is determined by cultural norms (i.e. permissive sexual norms)
      and social change (i.e. mass education, expansion of cash employment). The
      findings suggest a number of opportunities for more effective policy and
      programmatic responses to curb the prevalence of multiple partnerships in sub
      Saharan Africa.

PMID- 22067067
TI  - Pathology of the jaw: the importance of radiographs.
AB  - High-quality radiographs are essential in diagnosing pathology of the jaw. When
      appropriate radiographs are not submitted to the pathologist along with a biopsy
      specimen, misdiagnosis and mismanagement may occur. In this case study, we
      highlight the complementary value of panoramic and intraoral radiographs in
      allowing a definitive diagnosis of a mixed lesion of the jaw and preventing
      inappropriate treatment. Although many general dental practitioners tend to refer
      potential bony pathology, they should acquire and communicate high-quality
      radiographic information to specialty providers so that a precise diagnosis can
      be made.

PMID- 22067068
TI  - Esthetic rehabilitation of anterior teeth with porcelain laminates and sectional
      veneers.
AB  - Full-coverage bonded porcelain restorations offer predictable treatment options
      in dentistry, but a certain amount of tooth material must be removed to allow
      space for the required thickness of the restorative material. Laminate veneers
      and inlays are considered minimally invasive, but they also require removal of
      sound enamel. Sometimes, it may be preferable to extend the veneer preparations
      beyond the contact points toward the palatal surface, to hide the margins of the
      restoration, which necessitates removal of additional tissue. Improvements in
      adhesive technologies mean that small indirect restorations may be applied with
      removal of only a superficial layer of enamel. This clinical report describes a
      situation in which application of porcelain laminates and sectional veneers was
      chosen as the therapy of choice. A step-by-step protocol is proposed for
      cementation of these delicate restorations, and finishing procedures are
      described.

PMID- 22067069
TI  - Pre-exposure chemoprophylaxis of HIV infection: quo vadis?
AB  - The pre-exposure chemoprophylaxis (now commonly referred to as PrEP) of HIV
      infection has gained increased momentum, concomitantly with the successful use of
      combination drug regimens for the treatment of AIDS. A pivotal component in the
      current drug combination regimens for the treatment of AIDS as well as the
      ongoing PrEP trials is tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF, Viread(r)) and its
      combination with emtricitabine (FTC). The combination of TDF with FTC has been
      marketed as Truvada(r). TDF and TDF/FTC has proven effective, if orally
      administered daily or intermittently, in the prevention of rectal simian human
      immunodeficiency virus (SHIV) infection in macaques. Topical tenofovir gel has
      proven effective in the prevention of HIV infection in women in South Africa.
      Oral TDF/FTC has proven effective in the prevention of HIV infection in men
      having sex with men, and recent press releases divulged that oral TDF/FTC is also
      effective in preventing HIV infection in serodiscordant couples in Botswana,
      Kenya and Uganda. Other PrEP studies are still ongoing. Available data point to
      the efficacy and safety of TDF with or without FTC in the prophylaxis of HIV
      infection (AIDS).

PMID- 22067070
TI  - Is size important?

PMID- 22067071
TI  - Antifouling coatings and ecological control in marinas.

PMID- 22067072
TI  - Genetic diversity of group A rotaviruses associated with repeated outbreaks of
      diarrhea in a farrow-to-finish farm: identification of a porcine rotavirus strain
      bearing a novel VP7 genotype, G26.
AB  - Group A rotaviruses (GARs) are one of the most common causes of diarrhea in
      suckling pigs. Although a number of G and P genotypes have been identified in
      porcine GARs, few attempts have been made to study the molecular epidemiology of
      these viruses associated with diarrhea outbreaks within a farm over an extended
      period of time. Here, we investigated the molecular characteristics of GARs that
      caused four outbreaks of diarrhea among suckling pigs in a farrow-to-finish farm
      over the course of a year. G and P genotyping of GARs detected at each outbreak
      demonstrated genetic diversity in this farm as follows: G9P[23] was detected at
      the first outbreak, G9P[13]/[22] and G9P[23] at the second, G3P[7] at the third,
      and G9P[23], G5P[13]/[22], and P[7] combined with an untypeable G genotype at the
      fourth. Sequence analysis of the detected GARs revealed that such genetic
      diversity could have resulted not only from the introduction of new GAR strains,
      but also from gene reassortment between GAR strains within the farm. Further, the
      GAR strain carrying the untypeable G genotype was shown to be a novel porcine GAR
      bearing a new G26 genotype, as confirmed by the Rotavirus Classification Working
      Group.

PMID- 22067073
TI  - Annual research review: conceptualising functional impairment in children and
      adolescents.
AB  - Functional impairment is a key factor in the clinical importance of mental health
      problems in children. Yet, the nature of impairment and criteria for defining and
      assessing impairment in childhood disorders has been surprisingly overlooked in
      much of the literature. The current article examines the extant literature on the
      conceptualisation, nature and assessment of impairment in childhood disorders.
      Relations between diagnostic symptoms and functional impairment are discussed
      together with the influence of impairment on diagnostic decisions and prevalence
      rates. Several factors influencing impairment in childhood such as culture,
      development and gender are considered. This article concludes with a discussion
      of the utility of separating judgements of impairment from specific diagnoses,
      which is proposed for consideration in the forthcoming DSM-5.

PMID- 22067074
TI  - What characterizes changing-state speech in affecting short-term memory? An EEG
      study on the irrelevant sound effect.
AB  - The irrelevant sound effect (ISE) describes reduced verbal short-term memory
      during irrelevant changing-state sounds which consist of different and distinct
      auditory tokens. Steady-state sounds lack such changing-state features and do not
      impair performance. An EEG experiment (N=16) explored the distinguishing
      neurophysiological aspects of detrimental changing-state speech (3-token
      sequence) compared to ineffective steady-state speech (1-token sequence) on
      serial recall performance. We analyzed evoked and induced activity related to the
      memory items as well as spectral activity during the retention phase. The main
      finding is that the behavioral sound effect was exclusively reflected by
      attenuated token-induced gamma activation most pronounced between 50-60 Hz and 50
      100 ms post-stimulus onset. Changing-state speech seems to disrupt a behaviorally
      relevant ongoing process during target presentation (e.g., the serial binding of
      the items).

PMID- 22067075
TI  - Facile preparation of highly-dispersed cobalt-silicon mixed oxide nanosphere and
      its catalytic application in cyclohexane selective oxidation.
AB  - Highly dispersed cobalt-silicon mixed oxide [Co-SiO2] nanosphere was
      successfully prepared with a modified reverse-phase microemulsion method. This
      material was characterized in detail by X-ray diffraction, transmission electron
      microscopy, Fourier transform infrared, ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance
      spectra, X-ray absorption spectroscopy near-edge structure, and N2 adsorption
      desorption measurements. High valence state cobalt could be easily obtained
      without calcination, which is fascinating for the catalytic application for its
      strong oxidation ability. In the selective oxidation of cyclohexane, Co-SiO2
      acted as an efficient catalyst, and good activity could be obtained under mild
      conditions.

PMID- 22067076
TI  - Combining immunolabeling and surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy on cell
      membranes.
AB  - We applied surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) to immunolabeled
      endothelial cells to derive enhanced spectra of the biomolecular makeup of the
      cellular surface. A two-step immunolabeling protocol with gold-conjugated
      antibodies coupled with silver enhancement to attach silver nanoparticles to the
      cell surface was employed. This approach generated ~50-fold SERS enhancement of
      spectral signals. The SERS spectra exhibited several SERS-enhanced peaks
      associated with cell membrane components. The SERS detection of silver
      nanoparticles proved more far more sensitive than conventional light microscopy
      techniques. The SERS enhancement allowed us to carry out spectral mapping using
      wavenumbers associated with membrane components that correlated directly with the
      distribution of silver nanoparticles. SERS has the potential to detect
      immunolabeling at lower levels than is possible using conventional immunolabeling
      methods while simultaneously providing unique, spatially defined, biochemical
      information.

PMID- 22067077
TI  - Microbial diversity in deep-sea sediment from the cobalt-rich crust deposit
      region in the Pacific Ocean.
AB  - Cobalt-rich crusts are important metallic mineral resources with great economic
      potential, usually distributed on seamounts located in the Pacific Ocean.
      Microorganisms are believed to play a role in the formation of crusts as well as
      in metal cycling. To explore the microbial diversity related to cobalt-rich
      crusts, 16S ribosomal RNA gene clone libraries were constructed from three
      consecutive sediment layers. In total, 417 bacterial clones were obtained from
      three bacterial clone libraries, representing 17 distinct phylogenetic groups.
      Proteobacteria dominated in the bacterial communities, followed by Acidobacteria
      and Planctomycetes. Compared with high bacterial diversity, archaea showed a
      remarkably low diversity, with all 137 clones belonging to marine archaeal group
      I except one novel euryarchaeotal clone. The microbial communities were
      potentially involved in sulfur, nitrogen and metal cycling in the area of cobalt
      rich crusts. Sulfur oxidation and metal oxidation were potentially major sources
      of energy for this ecosystem. This is the first reported investigation of
      microbial diversity in sediments associated with cobalt-rich crusts, and it casts
      fresh light on the microbial ecology of these important ecosystems.

PMID- 22067078
TI  - Anesthesia of growing pigs with tiletamine-zolazepam and reversal with
      flumazenil.
AB  - The aim of the present study was to evaluate the anesthetic and cardiorespiratory
      effects of tiletamine/zolazepam and the effect of flumazenil on the recovery from
      tiletamine/zolazepam anesthesia in the pig. Six Landrace and Yorkshire cross-bred
      pigs (three females and three males, 3-4 months old) weighing 35.8 +/- 1.7 kg
      were used in this study. Pigs were given tiletamine/zolazepam intramuscularly at
      a dose of 4.4 mg kg(-1) (2.2 mg kg(-1) tiletamine and 2.2 mg kg(-1) zolazepam) of
      body weight. Twenty minutes after the administration of tiletamine/zolazem, the
      pigs were given saline solution (control, Group TZ) or given flumazenil
      intravenously at a dose of 0.08 mg kg(-1) of body weight (Group TZF). Anesthesia
      and recovery times, scores of anesthetic effects and cardiorespiratory variables
      were recorded for each pig. There was a significant difference between the
      duration of tiletamine/zolazepam anesthesia with and without the antagonist.
      Flumazenil significantly shortened the recovery time. A significant difference in
      blood gas variables was observed between the two groups. The anesthetic effects
      induced by tiletamine/zolazepam could be reversed successfully and safely by
      flumazenil alone. Therefore, flumazenil administration could be considered in
      cases in which quick recovery is required in pigs.

PMID- 22067079
TI  - Nicotinamide attenuates the decrease of astrocytic phosphoprotein PEA-15 in focal
      cerebral ischemic injury.
AB  - Nicotinamide exerts neuroprotective effects against focal cerebral ischemic
      injury. Phosphoprotein enriched in astrocytes 15 (PEA-15) is prominently
      expressed in astrocytes that exert broad anti-apoptotic functions. This study
      investigated whether nicotinamide modulates PEA-15 and levels of two
      phosphorylated PEA-15 (Serine 104 and 116) in an animal model of middle cerebral
      artery occlusion (MCAO)-induced injury. Adult male rats were treated with vehicle
      or nicotinamide (500 mg/kg) 2 hr after the onset of MCAO and cerebral cortices
      were collected at 24 hr after MCAO. In a proteomic approach, MCAO induced
      decreases of PEA-15 levels, while nicotinamide treatment attenuated the injury
      induced decrease in PEA-15. The results of Western blot analysis suggest that
      nicotinamide prevented injury-induced reduction in phospho-PEA-15 (Serine 104)
      and phospho-PEA-15 (Serine 116) levels. The phosphorylation of PEA-15 exerts anti
      apoptotic functions, and reduction of PEA-15 phosphorylation leads to apoptotic
      cell death. These results suggest that nicotinamide exerts a neuroprotective
      effect by attenuating the injury-induced decreases of PEA-15 and phospho-PEA-15
      (Ser 104 and Ser 116) proteins.

PMID- 22067080
TI  - A case of renal oxalosis in a 3-month-old cat raised under controlled conditions.
AB  - The kidneys of a 3-month-old female cat were examined. The cat which had been
      raised under controlled conditions with no history of any poisoning showed
      progressive weight loss with increases in blood BUN and creatinine
      concentrations. At necropsy, both kidneys were firm in consistency with formation
      of focal scars. Histopathologically, widespread deposition of crystals was
      observed in the renal tubules (in both dilated lumina and degenerative epithelia)
      accompanying mild interstitial fibrosis with lymphocyte infiltration. The
      crystals were colorless or basophilic on the hematoxilin and eosin-stained
      section and could be visualized with polarized light as doubly fractile crystals.
      The crystals were identified as calcium oxalate crystals by histochemical
      examinations using von Kossa stain and alizarin red S stain under different
      conditions and by ultrastructural examination. Judging from the above-mentioned
      findings, the present renal lesion detected in an infant cat was diagnosed as
      renal oxalosis which was suspected to be hereditary in nature.

PMID- 22067081
TI  - A giant parovarian cyst in a dog with a granulosa cell tumor.
AB  - A 13-year old intact female poodle showed persistent signs of estrus.
      Ultrasonographically, a large cystic mass containing echogenic fluid with a thin
      wall was observed, and it was 8 cm in diameter. The cystic mass was located at
      the mesovarium between the left ovary and uterine horn, and it was identified as
      a giant parovarian cyst. A right ovarian mass was histologically diagnosed as a
      granulosa cell tumor. Persistent estrogen hormone secretion by the granulosa cell
      tumor was thought to cause a rapid increase in the size of the parovarian cyst.
      This rare cystic mass originated from the genital system and was differentiated
      from the uterus.

PMID- 22067082
TI  - Anatomic modifications in the enteric nervous system of JF1 mice with the classic
      piebald mutation.
AB  - The Japanese Fancy Mouse 1 (JF1) has a characteristic coat color similar to a
      very old mutant, piebald. The mutation in JF1 and the classic piebald was
      previously thought to be the same recessive allele in the endothelin B receptor
      gene (Ednrb) according to the haplotype pattern, which is insufficient for this
      conclusion. In this study, we identified the same insertion of a retroposon-like
      element in intron 1 of the Ednrb gene in JF1 as in the classic piebald mutation
      by PCR. Further, we investigated whether the intestine shows neuronal intestinal
      malformations such as hypoganglionosis and immaturity of ganglion cells by
      histochemical staining. Though it has been assumed that the defect of neural
      crest-derived lineages is restricted to melanocytes in JF1, we found that the
      enteric innervation and neuronal density were impaired throughout the whole colon
      in JF1 mice.

PMID- 22067083
TI  - Constructing stochastic models from deterministic process equations by propensity
      adjustment.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Gillespie's stochastic simulation algorithm (SSA) for chemical
      reactions admits three kinds of elementary processes, namely, mass action
      reactions of 0th, 1st or 2nd order. All other types of reaction processes, for
      instance those containing non-integer kinetic orders or following other types of
      kinetic laws, are assumed to be convertible to one of the three elementary kinds,
      so that SSA can validly be applied. However, the conversion to elementary
      reactions is often difficult, if not impossible. Within deterministic contexts, a
      strategy of model reduction is often used. Such a reduction simplifies the actual
      system of reactions by merging or approximating intermediate steps and omitting
      reactants such as transient complexes. It would be valuable to adopt a similar
      reduction strategy to stochastic modelling. Indeed, efforts have been devoted to
      manipulating the chemical master equation (CME) in order to achieve a proper
      propensity function for a reduced stochastic system. However, manipulations of
      CME are almost always complicated, and successes have been limited to relative
      simple cases. RESULTS: We propose a rather general strategy for converting a
      deterministic process model into a corresponding stochastic model and
      characterize the mathematical connections between the two. The deterministic
      framework is assumed to be a generalized mass action system and the stochastic
      analogue is in the format of the chemical master equation. The analysis
      identifies situations: where a direct conversion is valid; where internal noise
      affecting the system needs to be taken into account; and where the propensity
      function must be mathematically adjusted. The conversion from deterministic to
      stochastic models is illustrated with several representative examples, including
      reversible reactions with feedback controls, Michaelis-Menten enzyme kinetics, a
      genetic regulatory motif, and stochastic focusing. CONCLUSIONS: The construction
      of a stochastic model for a biochemical network requires the utilization of
      information associated with an equation-based model. The conversion strategy
      proposed here guides a model design process that ensures a valid transition
      between deterministic and stochastic models.

PMID- 22067084
TI  - Why California retailers stop selling tobacco products, and what their customers
      and employees think about it when they do: case studies.
AB  - BACKGROUND: In California, some 40,000 retailers sell tobacco products. Tobacco's
      ubiquitousness in retail settings normalizes use and cues smoking urges among
      former smokers and those attempting cessation. Thus, limiting the number of
      retailers is regarded as key to ending the tobacco epidemic. In the past decade,
      independent pharmacies and local grocery chains in California and elsewhere have
      voluntarily abandoned tobacco sales. No previous studies have examined the
      reasons for this emerging phenomenon. We sought to learn what motivated retailers
      to discontinue tobacco sales and what employees and customers thought about their
      decision. METHODS: We conducted case studies of seven California retailers (three
      grocery stores, four pharmacies) that had voluntarily ceased tobacco sales within
      the past 7 years. We interviewed owners, managers, and employees, conducted
      consumer focus groups, unobtrusively observed businesses and the surrounding
      environment, and examined any media coverage of each retailer's decision. We
      analyzed data using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: For independent
      pharmacies, the only reason given for the decision to end tobacco sales was that
      tobacco caused disease and death. Grocers listed health among several factors,
      including regulatory pressures and wanting to be seen as "making a difference."
      Media coverage of stores' new policies was limited, and only three retailers
      alerted customers. Management reported few or no customer complaints and
      supportive or indifferent employees. Pharmacy employees were pleased to no longer
      be selling a deadly product. Grocery store management saw the decision to end
      tobacco sales as enhancing the stores' image and consistent with their inventory
      of healthy foods. Focus group participants (smokers and nonsmokers) were largely
      unaware that retailers had stopped selling tobacco; however, almost all supported
      the decision, viewing it as promoting public health. Many said knowing this made
      them more likely to shop at the store. Most thought that advertising the store's
      policy was essential to generate good public relations and tobacco norm changes.
      CONCLUSIONS: Voluntary retailer abandonment of tobacco sales both reflects and
      extends social norm changes that have problematized tobacco in California. Our
      findings suggest that such voluntary initiatives by retailers are welcomed by
      consumers and should be publicized, enhancing public health efforts.

PMID- 22067085
TI  - The sequences of groESL operon of Anaplasma  phagocytophilum among human patients
      in Slovenia.
AB  - Anaplasma phagocytophilum is an emerging tick-borne pathogen. Great genetic
      diversity of A. phagocytophilum has been described in animals and ticks. The
      present study is focused on the genetic variability of the groESL operon of A.
      phagocytophilum in human patients in Slovenia. During 1996-2008, there were 66
      serologically confirmed patients with human granulocytic anaplasmosis. Of these,
      46 were tested with a screening PCR for a small part of the 16S rRNA gene of A.
      phagocytophilum and 28 (60.9%) were positive. Positive samples were additionally
      tested with a PCR targeting the groESL operon and a larger fragment of the 16S
      rRNA gene. All amplicons were further sequenced and analyzed. The homology search
      and the alignment of the groESL sequences showed only one genetic variant.
      Sequence analysis of the 16S rRNA gene revealed 100% identity among amplicons.
      Slovenia is a small country with diverse climate, vegetation, and animal
      representatives. In previous studies in deer, dogs, and ticks, great diversity of
      the groESL operon was found. In contrast, in wild boar and in human patients from
      this study, only one genetic variant was detected. The results suggest that only
      one genetic variant might be pathogenic for humans or is competent enough to
      replicate in humans. To support this theory, other genetic markers and further
      studies need to be performed.

PMID- 22067086
TI  - Management of patients with transient ischemic attack is safe in an outpatient
      clinic based on rapid diagnosis and risk stratification.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Transient ischemic attack (TIA) patients are at high risk of short
      term stroke, myocardial infarction and vascular death. Stroke risk is reduced by
      immediate treatment initialization. Stroke unit treatment is recommended for TIA
      patients. We established an outpatient TIA clinic to address the question whether
      outpatient evaluation of suspected TIA is safe. METHODS: TIA workup included
      cerebral imaging, duplex sonography, transcranial Doppler screening for patent
      foramen ovale, electrocardiography, blood tests, ABCD(2) score and ankle-brachial
      index within one day. TIA patients received secondary prophylaxis immediately.
      TIA patients fulfilling predefined criteria for high early stroke risk (ABCD(2)
      score >=4 points and TIA within 72 h, symptomatic stenosis, newly detected atrial
      fibrillation, recurrent TIA) were referred to the stroke unit. The remaining
      patients were discharged home. 90-day telephone follow-up was obtained. RESULTS:
      123 consecutive patients with suspected TIA (53 male, age 59 +/- 17.2 years) were
      prospectively evaluated. TIA or minor stroke was diagnosed in 69 (56%), and TIA
      mimics in 54 (44%) patients. Median time from symptom onset to presentation was
      48 h (1 h to 3 months). Patients with TIA/minor stroke presented significantly
      more frequently with ABCD(2) score >=4 points (p = 0.021). Twelve patients (9.8%)
      were admitted to the stroke unit. There were 2 strokes during follow-up. The
      stroke rate was 1.6% within all patients, and 2.9% within the subgroup of
      patients with TIA/minor stroke, compared to 5.7% predicted by the ABCD(2) score.
      Other vascular end points were not found. CONCLUSION: Based on risk
      stratification, outpatient evaluation of TIA is safe. TIA mimics are frequent.

PMID- 22067087
TI  - A presumably benign human ether-a-go-go-related gene mutation (R176W) with a
      malignant primary manifestation of long QT syndrome.
AB  - A 12-year-old girl presented with a first prolonged syncope. She was successfully
      resuscitated by external defibrillation after recording torsade de pointes
      tachycardia. Repeated electrocardiograms and a 12-channel Holter monitoring
      showed an intermittent prolongation of the QT interval. Genetic analysis
      identified a heterozygous point mutation in the KCNH2 gene, which is thought to
      be associated with a rather mild clinical phenotype of the long QT syndrome.

PMID- 22067088
TI  - HER2 status in unusual histological variants of gastric adenocarcinomas.
AB  - AIM: To investigate HER2 status in a cohort of 109 gastric adenocarcinomas also
      including unusual variants, such as 14 hepatoid (HAS) and 9 mitochondrion-rich
      (MRC), characterised by an opposing clinical behaviour. METHODS AND RESULTS:
      Using HercepTest (DAKO) and FISH test (pharmDx DAKO), HER2
      overexpression/amplification was encountered in 23 of 109 (21.10%) of all gastric
      adenocarcinomas. A progressive increase in HER2 overexpression was observed
      moving from the poorly cohesive histotype to MRC, tubular adenocarcinomas and
      HAS. A statistically significant difference was found between poorly cohesive
      carcinomas and the others; a similar significant difference was encountered
      between HAS and all other variants of adenocarcinoma. HER2 overexpression was
      significantly associated with high grade, advanced stage, high Ki-67 labelling
      index value and death from gastric cancer. Multivariate analysis identified HER2
      overexpression as an independent unfavourable prognostic variable for
      adenocarcinomas as a whole and also for the HAS variant. CONCLUSIONS: Trastuzumab
      has been confirmed as an additional useful therapeutic standard option for
      patients with HER2-positive advanced gastric cancers, and also in aggressive
      variants of adenocarcinomas such as HAS.

PMID- 22067089
TI  - End-of-life preferences of elderly patients with chronic heart failure.
AB  - AIMS: Elderly heart failure (HF) patients are assumed to prefer improved quality
      of life over longevity, but sufficient data are lacking. Therefore, we assessed
      the willingness to trade survival time for quality-of-life (QoL) and the
      preferences for resuscitation. METHODS AND RESULTS: At baseline and after 12 and
      18 months, 622 HF patients aged >=60 years (77 +/- 8 years, 74% NYHA-class >=III)
      participating in the Trial of Intensified vs. standard Medical therapy in Elderly
      patients with Congestive Heart Failure had prospective evaluation of end-of-life
      preferences by answering trade-off questions (willingness to accept a shorter
      life span in return for living without symptoms) and preferences for
      resuscitation if necessary. The time trade-off question was answered by 555
      patients (89%), 74% of whom were not willing to trade survival time for improved
      QoL. This proportion increased over time (Month 12: 85%, Month 18: 87%, P <
      0.001). In multivariable analysis, willingness to trade survival time increased
      with age, female sex, a reduced Duke Activity Status Index, Geriatric Depression
      Score, and history of gout, exercise intolerance, constipation and oedema, but
      even combining these variables did not result in reliable prediction. Of 603
      (97%) patients expressing their resuscitation preference, 51% wished
      resuscitation, 39% did not, and 10% were undecided, with little changes over
      time. In 430 patients resuscitation orders were known; they differed from
      patients' preferences 32% of the time. End-of-life preferences were not
      correlated to 18-month outcome. CONCLUSION: Elderly HF patients are willing to
      address their end-of-life preferences. The majority prefers longevity over QoL
      and half wished resuscitation if necessary. Prediction of individual preferences
      was inaccurate.

PMID- 22067090
TI  - High on-thienopyridine platelet reactivity in elderly coronary patients: the
      SENIOR-PLATELET study.
AB  - AIMS: The aim of this study was to compare on-thienopyridine platelet reactivity
      of elderly patients (>=75 years) vs. younger patients (<75 years). Elderly
      patients represent a growing and challenging segment of the coronary population
      for whom the effect of dual antiplatelet therapy on platelet inhibition has not
      been specifically addressed. METHODS AND RESULTS: The SENIOR-PLATELET study
      included 1331 coronary patients chronically (>14 days) treated with aspirin and a
      thienopyridine (clopidogrel 75 mg, n= 1027; clopidogrel 150 mg, n= 139; or
      prasugrel 10 mg, n= 165). Platelet response to clopidogrel and prasugrel was
      assessed by the VerifyNow assay and light transmission aggregrometry (LTA).
      Response to treatment, rate of high platelet reactivity (HPR), and inhibition
      (HPI) were compared in the two age categories. On-treatment platelet reactivity
      with clopidogrel 75 mg, 150 mg or prasugrel 10 mg was higher in elderly patients
      (n= 205) than in younger patients (n= 1126) whichever the test used. The
      difference in P2Y(12) reaction units (PRU) between the two populations was +45 in
      patients treated with clopidogrel 75 mg (P< 0.0001), +30 in patients treated with
      clopidogrel 150 mg (P= 0.17), and +20 with prasugrel 10 mg (P= 0.10). Differences
      in residual platelet aggregation were consistent when measured by LTA. Elderly
      patients treated with clopidogrel 75 mg were more likely to have HPR than younger
      patients (38.2 vs. 18.2%, OR: 2.58, 95% CI: 1.76-3.79; P< 0.0001) even after
      adjustment for potential confounders (adj OR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.16-2.87; P= 0.009).
      CONCLUSION: Elderly patients present an impaired response to clopidogrel with a
      high rate of HPR. Clopidogrel 150 mg or prasugrel 10 mg blunt, but do not
      eliminate the difference in response observed between old and young patients.

PMID- 22067091
TI  - Coagulase-negative staphylococci from non-mastitic bovine mammary gland:
      characterization of Staphylococcus chromogenes and Staphylococcus haemolyticus by
      antibiotic susceptibility testing and pulsed-field gel electrophoresis.
AB  - During routine microbiological examination of milk samples from dairy cows
      without clinical signs of mastitis, quarter milk samples of 231 dairy cows from
      12 herds were investigated for the presence of coagulase-negative staphylococci
      (CNS). The isolates were identified on the basis of colony morphology, Gram
      staining, catalase and coagulase test and the commercial kit, API Staph. CNS was
      detected in 29% (67/231) of the cows. A total of seven CNS species were
      identified with the most prevalent being Staphylococcus (Staph.) chromogenes
      (30%) and Staph. haemolyticus (28.8%), followed by Staph. simulans (11.2%),
      Staph. xylosus (11.2%), Staph. epidermidis (7.5%), Staph. hyicus (6.3%) and
      Staph. sciuri (5%). The predominant species, Staph. chromogenes and Staph.
      haemolyticus, were further characterized by antibiotic susceptibility testing
      using the agar disc diffusion method (Kirby-Bauer) and by pulsed-field gel
      electrophoresis (PFGE). Considerable resistance to ampicillin and penicillin was
      observed in both species. Isolates with identical or highly similar PFGE profiles
      were detected at the herd level despite a marked heterogeneity seen for both
      species. On the basis of somatic cell count, absence of clinical signs of
      inflammation and heterogeneity of genotypes, we assume that CNS isolated in this
      study could not be considered as important causative agents of the bovine mammary
      gland inflammation.

PMID- 22067092
TI  - Efavirenz interference in urine screening immunoassays for tetrahydrocannabinol.
AB  - BACKGROUND: It has been known for some time that the antiretroviral drug,
      efavirenz (EFV), cross-reacts in urine immunoassays for tetrahydrocannabinol
      (THC). Because published studies investigating this phenomenon are limited, cross
      reactivity information for several immunoassays is lacking. Reports of possible
      false-positive THC results from clinicians conducting workplace testing prompted
      us to investigate cross-reactivity for assays frequently employed in our own
      setting. In light of the potentially deleterious consequences of
      misclassification, information about EFV cross-reactivity should be included in
      product information to facilitate interpretation of results and assay selection.
      METHODS: Random urine samples from 30 patients on EFV therapy were analysed for
      THC metabolites by two near-testing devices (THC One Step Marijuana and Rapid
      Response((r)) Drugs of Abuse Test Strips) and two automated immunoassays (Roche
      Diagnostics Cannabinoids II and Beckman Coulter SYNCHRON((r)) Systems THC2). THC
      confirmatory testing was performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC
      MS). RESULTS: GC-MS failed to detect THC metabolites in any of the samples, as
      did three of the four immunoassays. However, the Rapid Response((r)) test strips
      yielded positive results in 28 out of 30 samples, which could be reversed on re
      testing after sample pretreatment with glucuronidase. CONCLUSIONS: Our study
      supports previous findings that interference is attributable to a glucuronidated
      EFV metabolite. We postulate that cross-reactivity is influenced by the
      composition of immunogens used to elicit anti-THC antibodies. Since access to
      such information is restricted, contributions from scientists in the antibody
      industry may be enlightening.

PMID- 22067093
TI  - Seasonal pseudohyperkalaemia: no longer an issue?
AB  - BACKGROUND: Spurious hyperkalaemia is a well-recognized problem when reporting
      potassium results in samples originating from Primary Care. This is particularly
      relevant in laboratories serving large geographical areas where sample transport
      can cause significant delays in sample centrifugation. We have carried out a
      retrospective audit comparing serum potassium results on samples centrifuged at
      the general practice (GP) with those centrifuged on arrival at the clinical
      laboratory. METHODS: Potassium results were reviewed on serum samples received
      from 87 GPs in the Grampian region between August 2010 and March 2011. Potassium
      results were compared between samples centrifuged at the practice versus those
      centrifuged on arrival at the clinical laboratory. RESULTS: In the period between
      November 2010 and February 2011, median monthly serum potassium results were
      significantly different between samples centrifuged at practices and those
      centrifuged on arrival at the laboratory. Median potassium concentrations were
      10.2% higher in January 2011 (4.8 mmol/L; interquartile range [IQR]: 4.5-5.1)
      compared with August 2010 (4.3 mmol/L; IQR: 4.0-4.6). A similar trend in monthly
      median potassium concentrations was not evident in samples centrifuged at source
      over the same period. CONCLUSIONS: The introduction of centrifuges into all GPs
      across NHS Grampian has significantly reduced the effect of seasonal variation in
      serum potassium results. There has also been a concurrent reduction in the number
      of cases of spurious hyperkalaemia. This exercise has significantly improved the
      overall quality of potassium results reported to Primary Care.

PMID- 22067095
TI  - Circumpolar health collaborations: a description of players and a call for
      further dialogue.

PMID- 22067096
TI  - Suicide and alcohol-related disorders in the U.S. Arctic: boosting research to
      address a primary determinant of health disparities.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To review the existing epidemiological literature on suicide and
      alcohol-related disorders and their social determinants in the U.S. Arctic, as it
      relates to U.S. government research and evaluation efforts, and to offer
      recommendations to boost research capacity in the U.S. Arctic and collaborations
      across the circumpolar Arctic as part of global health initiatives. STUDY DESIGN:
      Synthetic literature review. METHODS: Published literature; federal and state
      reports on suicide and alcohol-related disorders; and federal databases on
      research and program evaluation in the U.S Arctic were reviewed, with a focus on
      epidemiological trends over the past 50 years. RESULTS: Suicide and alcohol
      related disorders play a significant role in health disparities in the U.S.
      Arctic, with evidence of a disturbing prevalence trend over the past 50 years.
      Important variations exist in suicide rates across different regions of Alaska
      with different majority populations of Alaska Native cultural groups - and, in
      selected key instances, within these regions - with immense implications for
      guiding effective prevention efforts. Consequences of alcohol abuse are severe
      and particularly significant in their impact upon Alaska Native people. Health
      related conditions associated with alcohol abuse are among the leading causes of
      mortality. CONCLUSIONS: Recommendations to boost research capacity in behavioural
      health in the U.S. Arctic are offered, specifically on strategies and methods of
      inquiry and analysis; distinctions between populations and communities in rural
      circumpolar contexts; and future epidemiological and implementation research.

PMID- 22067097
TI  - Providers' perceptions of barriers to the management of type 2 diabetes in remote
      Aboriginal settings.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: To examine providers' perspectives of the barriers to providing
      diabetes care in remote First Nation communities in the Sioux Lookout Zone (SLZ)
      of Northwestern Ontario, Canada. STUDY DESIGN: A qualitative study involving key
      informant interviews and focus groups was conducted with health care providers
      working in remote First Nation communities in SLZ. METHODS: Twenty-four nurses,
      doctors, diabetes educators and community health representatives (CHRs)
      participated in qualitative interviews and focus groups. Data collected from the
      interviews and focus groups was coded and thematically analysed using NVIVO
      software. RESULTS: Barriers to diabetes care were grouped into patient, clinic
      and system factors. Providers' perceptions of patient factors were divided
      between those advocating for a patient-provider partnership and those advocating
      for greater patient responsibility. Clinic-related barriers such as short
      staffing, staff turnover and system fragmentation were discussed, but were often
      overshadowed by a focus on patient factors and a general sense of frustration
      among providers. Cultural awareness and issues with clinic management were not
      mentioned, though they are both within the providers' control. CONCLUSIONS: This
      study characterizes a range of barriers to diabetes care and shows that patient
      related factors are of primary concern for many providers. We conclude that
      patient-focused interventions and cultural competence training may help improve
      patient-provider partnerships. Funding and supporting quality improvement
      initiatives and clinic reorganization may increase the providers' knowledge of
      the potential for clinical strategies to improve patient outcomes and focus
      attention on those factors that providers can change. Future research into the
      factors driving quality of care and strategies that can improve care in
      Aboriginal communities should be a high priority in addressing the rising burden
      of diabetes and related complications.

PMID- 22067098
TI  - ApoptoProteomics, an integrated database for analysis of proteomics data obtained
      from apoptotic cells.
AB  - Apoptosis is the most commonly described form of programmed cell death, and
      dysfunction is implicated in a large number of human diseases. Many quantitative
      proteome analyses of apoptosis have been performed to gain insight in proteins
      involved in the process. This resulted in large and complex data sets that are
      difficult to evaluate. Therefore, we developed the ApoptoProteomics database for
      storage, browsing, and analysis of the outcome of large scale proteome analyses
      of apoptosis derived from human, mouse, and rat. The proteomics data of 52
      publications were integrated and unified with protein annotations from UniProt
      KB, the caspase substrate database homepage (CASBAH), and gene ontology.
      Currently, more than 2300 records of more than 1500 unique proteins were
      included, covering a large proportion of the core signaling pathways of
      apoptosis. Analysis of the data set revealed a high level of agreement between
      the reported changes in directionality reported in proteomics studies and
      expected apoptosis-related function and may disclose proteins without a current
      recognized involvement in apoptosis based on gene ontology. Comparison between
      induction of apoptosis by the intrinsic and the extrinsic apoptotic signaling
      pathway revealed slight differences. Furthermore, proteomics has significantly
      contributed to the field of apoptosis in identifying hundreds of caspase
      substrates. The database is available at http://apoptoproteomics.uio.no.

PMID- 22067099
TI  - Extending the dynamic range of label-free mass spectrometric quantification of
      affinity purifications.
AB  - Affinity purification (AP) of protein complexes combined with LC-MS/MS analysis
      is the current method of choice for identification of protein-protein
      interactions. Their interpretation with respect to significance, specificity, and
      selectivity requires quantification methods coping with enrichment factors of
      more than 1000-fold, variable amounts of total protein, and low abundant,
      unlabeled samples. We used standardized samples (0.1-1000 fmol) measured on high
      resolution hybrid linear ion trap instruments (LTQ-FT/Orbitrap) to characterize
      and improve linearity and dynamic range of label-free approaches. Quantification
      based on spectral counts was limited by saturation and ion suppression effects
      with samples exceeding 100 ng of protein, depending on the instrument setup. In
      contrast, signal intensities of peptides (peak volumes) selected by a novel
      correlation-based method (TopCorr-PV) were linear over at least 4 orders of
      magnitude and allowed for accurate relative quantification of standard proteins
      spiked into a complex protein background. Application of this procedure to APs of
      the voltage-gated potassium channel Kv1.1 as a model membrane protein complex
      unambiguously identified the whole set of known interaction partners together
      with novel candidates. In addition to discriminating these proteins from
      background, we could determine efficiency, cross-reactivities, and selection
      biases of the used purification antibodies. The enhanced dynamic range of the
      developed quantification procedure appears well suited for sensitive
      identification of specific protein-protein interactions, detection of antibody
      related artifacts, and optimization of AP conditions.

PMID- 22067100
TI  - An integrated chemical cross-linking and mass spectrometry approach to study
      protein complex architecture and function.
AB  - Knowledge of protein structures and protein-protein interactions is essential for
      understanding biological processes. Chemical cross-linking combined with mass
      spectrometry is an attractive approach for studying protein-protein interactions
      and protein structure, but to date its use has been limited largely by low yields
      of informative cross-links (because of inefficient cross-linking reactions) and
      by the difficulty of confidently identifying the sequences of cross-linked
      peptide pairs from their fragmentation spectra. Here we present an approach based
      on a new MS labile cross-linking reagent, BDRG (biotin-aspartate-Rink-glycine),
      which addresses these issues. BDRG incorporates a biotin handle (for enrichment
      of cross-linked peptides prior to MS analysis), two pentafluorophenyl ester
      groups that react with peptide amines, and a labile Rink-based bond between the
      pentafluorophenyl groups that allows cross-linked peptides to be separated during
      MS and confidently identified by database searching of their fragmentation
      spectra. We developed a protocol for the identification of BDRG cross-linked
      peptides derived from purified or partially purified protein complexes, including
      software to aid in the identification of different classes of cross-linker
      modified peptides. Importantly, our approach permits the use of high accuracy
      precursor mass measurements to verify the database search results. We demonstrate
      the utility of the approach by applying it to purified yeast TFIIE, a
      heterodimeric transcription factor complex, and to a single-step affinity
      purified preparation of the 12-subunit RNA polymerase II complex. The results
      show that the method is effective at identifying cross-linked peptides derived
      from purified and partially purified protein complexes and provides complementary
      information to that from other structural approaches. As such, it is an
      attractive approach to study the topology of protein complexes.

PMID- 22067101
TI  - Aluminum alters NMDA receptor 1A and 2A/B expression on neonatal hippocampal
      neurons in rats.
AB  - BACKGROUND: High aluminum (Al) content in certain infant formula raises the
      concern of possible Al toxicity on brain development of neonates during their
      vulnerable period of growing. Results of in vivo study showed that Al content of
      brain tissues reached to 74 MUM when oral intake up to 1110 MUM, 10 times of that
      in the hi-Al infant formula. METHODS: Utilizing a cultured neuron cells in vitro
      model, we have assessed Al influence on neuronal specific gene expression
      alteration by immunoblot and immunohistochemistry and neural proliferation rate
      changes by MTT assay. RESULTS: Microscopic images showed that the neurite
      outgrowth of hippocampal neurons increased along with the Al dosages (37, 74 MUM
      Al (AlCl3)). MTT results also indicated that Al increased neural cell viability.
      On the other hand, the immunocytochemistry staining suggested that the protein
      expressions of NMDAR 1A and NMDAR 2A/B decreased with the Al dosages (p < 0.05).
      CONCLUSION: Treated hippocampal neurons with 37 and 74 MUM of Al for 14 days
      increased neural cell viability, but hampered NMDAR 1A and NMDAR 2A/B
      expressions. It was suggested that Al exposure might alter the development of
      hippocampal neurons in neonatal rats.

PMID- 22067102
TI  - Insulin detemir in a twice daily insulin regimen versus a three times daily
      insulin regimen in the treatment of type 1 diabetes in children: A pilot
      randomized controlled trial.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Children with type 1 diabetes (DM1) often use three daily (TID)
      injections with intermediate acting insulin at breakfast and bedtime, and rapid
      acting insulin at breakfast and dinner. Substituting the evening intermediate
      acting insulin with a long acting insulin analogue (LAIA) at dinner in a twice
      daily (BID) injection regimen may be as effective as a TID regimen. The objective
      of this pilot study was to compare HbA1c in children with DM1 using a BID regimen
      with a LAIA at dinner (intervention) to those using a standard TID regimen
      (control) over 6 months. METHODS: Randomized controlled trial with main outcome
      measure being HbA1c at 0, 3 and 6 months. Secondary outcomes were frequency of
      adverse events (hypoglycemia, diabetic ketoacidosis, weight gain) and scores on
      the Diabetes Quality of Life Measure for Youth (DQOLY). RESULTS: 18 subjects (10
      control, 8 intervention). Mean years (standard deviations) for control and
      intervention respectively were: age at diagnosis of DM1 6.31 (2.91) vs 7.76
      (3.22), duration of DM1 5.96 (4.95) vs 3.76 (3.37). No significant differences
      were seen in the mean HbA1c between control and intervention at 0 months
      [8.48(0.86) vs 8.57(1.13)], 3 months [8.47(0.50) vs 7.99(0.61)], or 6 months
      [8.42(0.63) vs 8.30(0.76)]. No significant differences were found between groups
      for frequency of adverse events or DQOLY. CONCLUSIONS: In this pilot study,
      incorporating LAIA in a BID regimen did not cause deterioration in HbA1c or
      increases in adverse events; suggesting that this may be a viable option for
      families where a more simplified insulin regimen would be beneficial and
      compliance may be improved. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT00522210.

PMID- 22067103
TI  - Long-term follow-up after lamellar keratoplasty in a patient with bilateral
      idiopathic corneal keloid.
AB  - PURPOSE: To report a case of bilateral idiopathic corneal keloid. METHODS:
      Retrospective review of clinical features, histopathological findings, clinical
      management, and outcome. RESULTS: A 2-year-old boy with bilateral corneal keloid
      was treated with lamellar keratoplasty and tranilast eye drops. Peripheral
      localized white corneal nodules had been present bilaterally since the age of
      approximately 6 months in the absence of any history of trauma, inflammatory
      disease, or relevant family history. Pathological examination of the excised
      corneal buttons revealed myofibroblast proliferation (positive staining for alpha
      smooth muscle actins), a haphazard arrangement of collagen bundles, and the
      absence of inflammatory cells. On the basis of these findings, a diagnosis of
      corneal keloid was assigned. The size of the corneal lesion in the right eye
      decreased in response to therapy with tranilast eye drops. Lamellar keratoplasty
      resulted in improved bilateral visual acuity, which was maintained at the 12-year
      follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: This report describes a very rare case of bilateral
      corneal keloid in the absence of trauma or inflammation that was diagnosed by
      histological and immunohistochemical examination and electron microscopy. Good
      visual acuity was maintained over an extended period of postsurgery follow-up.
      Tranilast may represent a novel adjuvant therapy for corneal keloid.

PMID- 22067104
TI  - Superoxide radical production and performance index of Photosystem II in leaves
      from magnetoprimed soybean seeds.
AB  - Priming of soybean seeds with static magnetic field exposure of 200 mT (1 h) and
      150 mT (1 h) resulted in plants with enhanced performance index (PI). The three
      components of PI i.e the density of reaction centers in the chlorophyll bed
      (RC/ABS), exciton trapped per photon absorbed (phipo) and efficiency with which a
      trapped exciton can move in electron transport chain (Psio) were found to be 17%,
      27% and 16% higher, respectively in leaves from 200 mT (1h) treated compared to
      untreated seeds. EPR spectrum of O2.--PBN adduct revealed that the O2.-radical
      level was lower by 16% in the leaves of plants that emerged from magnetic field
      treatment. Our study revealed that magnetoprimed seeds have a long lasting
      stimulatory effect on plants as reduced superoxide production and higher
      performance index contributed to higher efficiency of light harvesting that
      consequently increased biomass in plants that emerged from magnetoprimed seeds.

PMID- 22067105
TI  - Genetic regulation of life cycle transitions in the brown alga Ectocarpus.
AB  - The life cycle of an organism is one of its most elemental features, underpinning
      a broad range of phenomena including developmental processes, reproductive
      fitness, mode of dispersal and adaptation to the local environment. Life cycle
      modification may have played an important role during the evolution of several
      eukaryotic groups, including the terrestrial plants. Brown algae are potentially
      interesting models to study life cycle evolution because this group exhibits a
      broad range of different life cycles. Currently, life cycle studies are focused
      on the emerging brown algal model Ectocarpus. Two life cycle mutants have been
      described in this species, both of which cause the sporophyte generation to
      exhibit gametophyte characteristics. The ouroboros mutation is particularly
      interesting because it induces complete conversion of the sporophyte generation
      into a functional, gamete-producing gametophyte, a class of mutation that has not
      been described so far in other systems. Analysis of Ectocarpus life cycle mutants
      is providing insights into several life-cycle-related processes including
      parthenogenesis, symmetric/asymmetric initial cell divisions and sex
      determination.

PMID- 22067106
TI  - Fearful symmetry in aposematic plants.
AB  - Symmetry has been proposed to increase the efficiency of visual aposematic
      displays in animals, and I suggest that it may also be true for many aposematic
      spiny or poisonous plants. For instance, in the very spiny plant taxa cacti, Aloe
      sp., Agave sp. and Euphorbia sp., which have been proposed to be aposematic
      because of their colorful spine system, the shoots, and in cacti, the spiny
      fruits as well, are usually radially symmetric. Moreover, in the radial symmetric
      shoots of Agave and Aloe their individual spiny leaves are also bilaterally
      symmetric. Spiny or poisonous fruits of various other taxa, the symmetric spiny
      leaf rosettes and flowering spiny heads of many Near Eastern species of the
      Asteraceae and other taxa, and poisonous colorful flowers in taxa that were
      proposed to be aposematic are also symmetric. Thus, in plants, like in animals,
      symmetry seems to be commonly associated with visual aposematism and probably
      contributes to its effectiveness. Symmetry may stem from developmental
      constraints, or like in flowers, have other signaling functions. However, because
      of the better perception of symmetry by animals it may exploit inherited modes of
      animal sensing that probably result in paying more attention to symmetric shapes.
      All these possible alternatives do not negate the probable deterring role of
      symmetry in plant aposematism.

PMID- 22067107
TI  - Strategy for shoot meristem proliferation in plants.
AB  - Shoot apical meristem (SAM) of plants harbors stem cells capable of generating
      the aerial tissues including reproductive organs. Therefore, it is very important
      for plants to control SAM proliferation and its density as a survival strategy.
      The SAM is regulated by the dynamics of a specific gene network, such as the WUS
      CLV interaction of A. thaliana. By using a mathematical model, we previously
      proposed six possible SAM patterns in terms of the manner and frequency of stem
      cell proliferation. Two of these SAM patterns are predicted to generate either
      dichotomous or axillary shoot branch. Dichotomous shoot branches caused by this
      mechanism are characteristic of the earliest vascular plants, such as Cooksonia
      and Rhynia, but are observed in only a small minority of plant species of the
      present day. On the other hand, axillary branches are observed in the majority of
      plant species and are induced by a different dynamics of the feedback regulation
      between auxin and the asymmetric distribution of PIN auxin efflux carriers.
      During evolution, some plants may have adopted this auxin-PIN system to more
      strictly control SAM proliferation.

PMID- 22067108
TI  - Basic helix-loop-helix transcription factors and regulation of alkaloid
      biosynthesis.
AB  - Transcription factors of the basic Helix-Loop-Helix (bHLH) family play a central
      role in cell proliferation, determination, and differentiation. In plants, the
      regulatory functions of bHLHs in phenylpropanoid biosynthesis have been well
      established with regard to other interacting-proteins; i.e., MYB and WD40 repeat
      proteins. On the other hand, those in alkaloid biosynthesis are greatly limited
      due to the limited distribution of alkaloids in plant species. Recently, several
      groups have reported the regulatory functions of bHLH in alkaloid biosynthesis:
      novel CjbHLH1 in isoquinoline alkaloid biosynthesis in Coptis japonica, and
      Jasmonate-inducible MYC2-type bHLHs in nicotine-alkaloid biosynthesis in
      Nicotiana plants and indole alkaloid biosynthesis in Catharanthus roseus. We
      report here the JA-inducibility of CjbHLH1 and discuss the similarity and
      differences of non-MYC2-resemblant CjbHLH1 and MYC2-type bHLHs in nicotine and
      indole alkaloid biosynthesis.

PMID- 22067109
TI  - Role of the iron transporter OsNRAMP1 in cadmium uptake and accumulation in rice.
AB  - The heavy metal cadmium (Cd) is toxic to humans, and its accumulation in rice
      grains is a major agricultural problem. Rice has seven putative metal transporter
      NRAMP genes, but microarray analysis showed that only OsNRAMP1 is highly up
      regulated by iron (Fe) deficiency. OsNRAMP1 localized to the plasma membrane and
      transported Cd as well as Fe. OsNRAMP1 expression was observed mainly in roots
      and was higher in the roots of a high-Cd-accumulating cultivar (Habataki) than in
      those of a low-Cd-accumulating cultivar (Sasanishiki). The amino acid sequence of
      OsNRAMP1 in the Sasanishiki and Habataki cultivars was found to be 100%
      identical. These results suggest that OsNRAMP1 participates in cellular Cd uptake
      and that the differences observed in Cd accumulation among cultivars are because
      of differences in OsNRAMP1 expression levels in roots.

PMID- 22067110
TI  - Phytochrome A-specific signaling in Arabidopsis thaliana.
AB  - Among the five phytochromes in Arabidopsis thaliana, phytochrome A (phyA) plays a
      major role in seedling de-etiolation. Until now more then ten positive and some
      negative components acting downstream of phyA have been identified. However,
      their site of action and hierarchical relationships are not completely understood
      yet.

PMID- 22067111
TI  - Multistrand RNA secondary structure prediction and nanostructure design including
      pseudoknots.
AB  - We are presenting NanoFolder, a method for the prediction of the base pairing of
      potentially pseudoknotted multistrand RNA nanostructures. We show that the method
      outperforms several other structure prediction methods when applied to RNA
      complexes with non-nested base pairs. We extended this secondary structure
      prediction capability to allow RNA sequence design. Using native PAGE, we
      experimentally confirm that four in silico designed RNA strands corresponding to
      a triangular RNA structure form the expected stable complex.

PMID- 22067112
TI  - Reduced carbohydrate diet to improve metabolic outcomes and decrease adiposity in
      obese peripubertal African American girls.
AB  - OBJECTIVE: Obesity prevalence among African American (AA) girls is higher than
      that in other groups. Because typical energy-restriction obesity treatment
      strategies have had limited success, alterations in macronutrient composition may
      effectively improve metabolic outcomes in this population and affect future body
      composition trajectories. The objective was to evaluate the efficacy of a
      moderately restricted carbohydrate (CHO) versus a standard CHO diet on weight/fat
      loss and metabolic parameters in overweight/obese AA girls ages 9 to 14 years.
      METHODS: A total of 26 AA girls (ranging from 92nd body mass index percentile and
      above) were assigned to either a reduced- (SPEC: 42% energy from CHO, n = 12) or
      a standard- (STAN: 55% of energy from CHO, n = 14) CHO diet (protein held
      constant) for 16 weeks. All of the meals were provided and clinically tailored to
      meet the estimated energy requirements (resting energy expenditure * 1.2 in
      eucaloric phase and resting energy expenditure * 1.2 - 1000 kcal in energy
      deficit phase). The first 5 weeks encompassed a eucaloric phase evaluating
      metabolic changes in the absence of weight change. The subsequent 11 weeks were
      hypocaloric (1000 kcal/day deficit) to promote weight/fat loss. Meal tests were
      performed during the eucaloric phase for metabolic analyses. Dual-energy x-ray
      absorptiometry was used to evaluate body composition. RESULTS: Both groups
      experienced reductions in weight/adiposity, but the difference did not reach
      significance. The solid meal test indicated improved glucose/insulin homeostasis
      on the SPEC diet up to 3 hours postingestion. In addition, significantly lower
      triglycerides (P < 0.001) were observed on the SPEC diet. CONCLUSIONS: Dietary
      CHO reduction favorably influences metabolic parameters but did not result in
      greater weight/fat loss relative to a standard diet in obese AA girls. Future
      research is needed to determine long-term effectiveness of a reduced CHO diet on
      glucose and insulin homeostasis and how it may apply to weight maintenance/fat
      loss during development alone and/or in combination with additional weight
      loss/metabolic improvement strategies.

PMID- 22067113
TI  - TGF-beta2 induces maturation of immature human intestinal epithelial cells and
      inhibits inflammatory cytokine responses induced via the NF-kappaB pathway.
AB  - OBJECTIVES: Breast milk transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta2 is associated with
      healthy immune maturation and reduced risk of immune-mediated disease in infants.
      We sought to investigate whether conditioning with TGF-beta2 may result in a more
      mature immune responder phenotype in immature human intestinal epithelial cells
      (IECs). METHODS: Primary human fetal IECs (hFIECs) and the human fetal small
      intestinal epithelial cell line (H4 cells) were conditioned with breast milk
      levels of TGF-beta2, and an inflammatory response was subsequently induced.
      Inflammatory cytokine secretion and mRNA expression were measured by enzyme
      linked immunosorbent assay and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction,
      respectively. Alterations in activation of inflammatory signaling pathways were
      detected from IECs by immunoblotting and immunofluorescence. The effects of TGF
      beta2 conditioning on gene expression patterns in hFIECs were assessed by cDNA
      microarray analysis and quantitative PCR. RESULTS: Conditioning with TGF-beta2
      significantly attenuated subsequent interleukin (IL)-1beta-, TNF-alpha-, and poly
      I:C-induced IL-8 and IL-6 responses in immature human IECs. Conditioning with TGF
      beta2 inhibited IL-1beta-induced IkappaB-alpha degradation and NF-kappaB p65
      nuclear translocation, which may partially result from TGF-beta2-induced changes
      in the expression of genes in the NF-kappaB signaling pathway detected by cDNA
      microarray and qPCR. CONCLUSIONS: Conditioning with TGF-beta2 attenuates the
      subsequent inflammatory cytokine response in immature human IECs by inhibiting
      signaling in the NF-kappaB pathway. The immunomodulatory potential of breast milk
      may in part be mediated by TGF-beta2, which may provide a novel means of
      supporting intestinal immune maturation in neonates.

PMID- 22067115
TI  - Introduction to this special issue. Inmates and communicable and chronic
      diseases.

PMID- 22067116
TI  - A qualitative study of relationships among parenting strategies, social capital,
      the juvenile justice system, and mental health care for at-risk African American
      male youth.
AB  - For many poor, African American families living in the inner city, the juvenile
      justice system has become a de facto mental health service provider. In this
      article, longitudinal, ethnographic study methods were used to examine how
      resource-deprived, inner-city parents in a New York City community relied on the
      juvenile justice system to provide their African American male children with
      mental health care resources. The results of three case studies indicate that
      this strategy actually contributed to an escalation in delinquency among the
      youth.

PMID- 22067117
TI  - Challenges and strategies of frontline staff providing HIV services for inmates
      and releasees.
AB  - Linkages to services for HIV-infected inmates are critically important; however,
      little is known about the challenges faced by staff coordinating these linkages.
      This qualitative evaluation describes the challenges and strategies of frontline
      staff involved in HIV-related services for inmates and releasees participating in
      the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/Health Resources and Services
      Administration Corrections Demonstration Project. Eight focus groups were held
      during a national meeting of community-based organizations. Content analysis
      revealed multiple themes. This evaluation emphasizes the lack of and difficulty
      obtaining services for this population. Staff recognize the role of security and
      safety when working in facilities and have identified methods to coordinate and
      communicate to facilitate their work. Communication with key partners and
      colleagues is important to understand the challenges and identify strategies;
      however, political advocacy is important for increased awareness and resources.
      Consideration of these issues within an ecological framework may help frontline
      staff translate findings to practice.

PMID- 22067118
TI  - Dihydrochalcone glycosides from Oxytropis myriophylla.
AB  - Chemical investigations of the 70% alcohol extract of Oxytropis myriophylla
      (Pall.) DC. (Leguminosae) have afforded the new natural product neohesperidin
      dihydrochalcone (1) and the known phloretin-4'-O-beta-D-glucopyranoside (2),
      which was the first reported from the genus Oxytropis. This paper reports the
      isolation and full spectroscopic characterization of compounds 1 and 2 by NMR,
      UV, IR and MS data.

PMID- 22067127
TI  - Expression of pro- and anti-angiogenic isoforms of VEGF in the mouse model of
      oxygen-induced retinopathy.
AB  - Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) has become one of the leading causes of
      blindness and visual loss in children over the last half century. Vascular
      endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A) is the principal stimulator of angiogenesis.
      Recently, it has been identified that VEGF was differentially spliced from exons
      8 to exons 8a and 8b to form two families: the pro-angiogenic VEGFxxx family and
      the anti-angiogenic VEGFxxxb family. This alternate splicing produced VEGFxxxb
      proteins of the same length as VEGFxxx family, but with different C terminal
      amino acid sequences. VEGFxxxb appeared to be able to inhibit VEGFxxx-dependent
      angiogenesis. In our study, we investigated the protein expression course of
      VEGFxxx and VEGFxxxb by Western-blot in a mouse model of Oxygen-induced
      Retinopathy (OIR) from postnatal day 1 (P1) to postnatal day 21 (P21). We also
      analyzed the relative protein expression level of VEGF(165)b isoform in the OIR
      mouse model. We found that both VEGFxxx and VEGFxxxb were present in the mouse
      retina, among which, VEGF(164) and VEGF(165)b appeared to be predominant VEGFxxx
      and VEGFxxxb isoforms respectively in the mouse retina. We also found that the
      two family had different expression pattern correlated with neovascularization
      development and that the relative expression level of VEGF(165)b isoform switched
      during the neovascularization development in the OIR mouse model. In OIR group,
      the protein level of total VEGF isoforms (a mix of VEGF(164) and VEGF(165)b,
      detected by pan-VEGF antibody) continuously increased and peaked at P17 while
      VEGF(165)b continuously decreased from P9 which was well related with the vessel
      obliteration and neovascularization development in the mouse model of OIR. The
      neovascularization development correlates with an increase of total VEGF isoforms
      and the decrease of VEGF(165)b, indicating that there is a pro-angiogenic VEGF
      shift. Therefore, anti-angiogenic therapy that could alter the ratio of
      VEGFxxxb/VEGFxxx may be more effective.

PMID- 22067128
TI  - Effect of prostaglandin analogues on tear proteomics and expression of cytokines
      and matrix metalloproteinases in the conjunctiva and cornea.
AB  - The purpose of this work was to identify potential tear-film-based proteins and
      their effect on changes in the conjunctiva and cornea in eyes using prostaglandin
      (PG) analogues. Recruited subjects were individuals who had used PG for at least
      1 year and comparison with eyes of normal controls and timolol using patients
      were done. Approximately 3-5 MUL of tears were sampled from both eyes of each
      subject using glass microcapillaries. Proteomic analysis was done to compare the
      pooled tear samples from each group by Bradford assay and cytokine arrays.
      Impression cytology was used to gather mRNA from conjunctival epithelial cells,
      and target protein mRNA was quantified by PCR. Rabbits treated with PG were
      scarified, and changes in the corneal stroma were evaluated by
      immunohistochemical staining and western blot analysis. There were increased
      levels of IL-1beta, IL-6, MMP-1, MMP-3, and MMP-9 and decreased levels of TIMP-1
      and TIMP-2 in the tears of PG-treated patients. The mRNA of IL-1beta, MMP-1, MMP
      3, and MMP-9 was elevated and mRNA of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 was decreased in the
      conjunctival epithelial cells. Rabbits treated with PG showed corneal thinning
      with decreased collagen type I expression. The protein of MMP-1 and MMP-9 was
      elevated and protein of TIMP-1 was decreased in the rabbit cornea by western blot
      analysis. Immunohistochemical staining showed elevated expression of MMP-1 and
      MMP-9 and the decreased expression of TIMP-1 in the corneal stroma. The topical
      use of PG analogues results in an altered balance between MMPs and TIMPs, which
      may be triggered by inflammatory cytokines. This results in an increase of matrix
      degradation and decrease of stromal collagens in the cornea by PG treatments.

PMID- 22067129
TI  - Removal of the basement membrane enhances corneal wound healing.
AB  - Recurrent corneal erosions are painful and put patients' vision at risk.
      Treatment typically begins with debridement of the area around the erosion site
      followed by more aggressive treatments. An in vivo mouse model has been developed
      that reproducibly induces recurrent epithelial erosions in wild-type mice
      spontaneously within two weeks after a single 1.5 mm corneal debridement wound
      created using a dulled-blade. This study was conducted to determine whether 1)
      inhibiting MMP9 function during healing after dulled-blade wounding impacts
      erosion development and 2) wounds made with a rotating-burr heal without
      erosions. Oral or topical inhibition of MMPs after dulled-blade wounding does not
      improve healing. Wounds made by rotating-burr heal with significantly fewer
      erosions than dulled-blade wounds. The localization of MMP9, beta4 integrin and
      basement membrane proteins (LN332 and type VII collagen), immune cell influx, and
      reinnervation of the corneal nerves were compared after both wound types.
      Rotating-burr wounds remove the anterior basement membrane centrally but not at
      the periphery near the wound margin, induce more apoptosis of corneal stromal
      cells, and damage more stromal nerve fibers. Despite the fact that rotating-burr
      wounds do more damage to the cornea, fewer immune cells are recruited and
      significantly more wounds resolve completely.

PMID- 22067130
TI  - Development of new therapeutic modalities for corneal endothelial disease focused
      on the proliferation of corneal endothelial cells using animal models.
AB  - This review describes our recent attempts to develop new therapeutic modalities
      for corneal endothelial disease using animal models including non-human primate
      model in which the proliferative ability of corneal endothelial cells is severely
      limited, as is the case in humans. First, we describe our attempt to develop new
      surgical treatments using cultivated corneal endothelial cells for advanced
      corneal endothelial dysfunction. It includes two different approaches; a "corneal
      endothelial cell sheet transplantation" with cells grown on a type-I collagen
      carrier, and a "cell-injection therapy" combined with the application of Rho
      kinase (ROCK) inhibitor. Recently, it was reported that the selective ROCK
      inhibitor, Y-27632, promotes cell adhesion and proliferation and inhibits the
      apoptosis of primate corneal endothelial cells in culture. When cultivated
      corneal endothelial cells were injected into the anterior chamber of animal eyes
      in the presence of ROCK inhibitor, endothelial cell adhesion was promoted and the
      cells achieved a high cell density and a morphology similar to corneal
      endothelial cells in vivo. We are also trying to develop a novel medical
      treatment for the early phase of corneal endothelial disease by the use of ROCK
      inhibitor eye drops. In rabbit and monkey experiments using partial endothelial
      dysfunction models, corneal endothelial wound healing was accelerated by the
      topical application of ROCK inhibitor to the ocular surface, and resulted in the
      regeneration of a corneal endothelial monolayer with a high endothelial cell
      density. We are now trying to advance the clinical application of these new
      therapies for patients with corneal endothelial dysfunction.

PMID- 22067131
TI  - Radical instability and spurious branch support by likelihood when applied to
      matrices with non-random distributions of missing data.
AB  - Non-random distributions of missing data are a general problem for likelihood
      based statistical analyses, including those in a phylogenetic context. Extensive
      non-randomly distributed missing data are particularly problematic in supermatrix
      analyses that include many terminals and/or loci. It has been widely reported
      that missing data can lead to loss of resolution, but only very rarely create
      misleading or otherwise unsupported results in a parsimony context. Yet this does
      not hold for all parametric-based analyses because of their assumption of
      homogeneity across characters and lineages, which can lead to both long-branch
      attraction and long-branch repulsion. Contrived examples were used to demonstrate
      that non-random distributions of missing data, even without rate heterogeneity
      among characters and a well fitting model, can provide misleading likelihood
      based topologies and branch-support values that are radically unstable based on
      slight modifications to character sampling. The same can occur despite complete
      absence of parsimony-informative characters. Otherwise unsupported resolution and
      high branch support for these clades were found to occur frequently in 22
      empirical examples derived from a published supermatrix. Partitioning characters
      based on the distribution of missing data helped to decrease, but did not
      eliminate, these artifacts. These artifacts were exacerbated by low quality tree
      searches, particularly when holding only a single optimal tree that must be fully
      resolved.

PMID- 22067132
TI  - Evidence-based medicine comes to Gaza.

PMID- 22067133
TI  - The neurological manifestations of acute liver failure.
AB  - Acute liver failure is a disorder which impacts on multiple organ systems and
      results from hepatocellular necrosis in a patient with no previous history of
      chronic liver disease. It typically culminates in the development of liver
      dysfunction, coagulopathy and encephalopathy, and is associated with high
      mortality in poor prognostic groups. In acute liver failure, some patients may
      develop cerebral edema and increased intracranial pressure although recent data
      suggest that intracranial hypertension is less frequent than previously
      described, complicating 29% of acute cases who have proceeded to grade 3/4 coma.
      Neurological manifestations are primarily underpinned by the development of brain
      edema. The onset of encephalopathy can be rapid and dramatic with the development
      of asterixis, delirium, hyperreflexia, clonus, seizures, extensor posturing and
      coma. Ammonia plays a definitive role in the development of cytotoxic brain
      edema. Patients with acute liver failure have a marked propensity to develop
      renal insufficiency and hence impaired ammonia excretion. The incidence of both
      bacterial and fungal infection occurs in approximately one third of patients. The
      relationship between inflammation, as opposed to infection, and progression of
      encephalopathy is similar to that observed in chronic liver disease. Intracranial
      pressure monitoring is valuable in identifying surges in intracranial
      hypertension requiring intervention. Insertion of an intracranial bolt should be
      considered only in the subgroup of patients who have progressed to grade 4 coma.
      Risk factors for developing intracranial hypertension are those with hyperacute
      and acute etiologies, progression to grade 3/4 hepatic encephalopathy, those who
      develop pupillary abnormalities (dilated pupils, sluggishly responsive to light)
      or seizures, have systemic inflammation, an arterial ammonia >150 MUmol/L,
      hyponatremia, and those in receipt of vasopressor support. Strategies employed in
      patients with established encephalopathy (grade 3/4) aim to maintain freedom from
      infection/inflammatory milieu, provide adequate sedation, and correct hypo
      osmolality.

PMID- 22067134
TI  - Rat brain slices oxidize glucose at high rates: a (13)C NMR study.
AB  - Since glucose is the main cerebral substrate, we have characterized the
      metabolism of various (13)C glucose isotopomers in rat brain slices. For this, we
      have used our cellular metabolomic approach that combines enzymatic and carbon 13
      NMR techniques with mathematical models of metabolic pathways. We identified the
      fate and the pathways of the conversion of glucose carbons into various products
      (pyruvate, lactate, alanine, aspartate, glutamate, GABA, glutamine and CO(2)) and
      determined absolute fluxes through pathways of glucose metabolism. After 60 min
      of incubation, lactate and CO(2) were the main end-products of the metabolism of
      glucose which was avidly metabolized by the slices. Lactate was also used at high
      rates by the slices and mainly converted into CO(2). High values of flux through
      pyruvate carboxylase, which were similar with glucose and lactate as substrate,
      were observed. The addition of glutamine, but not of acetate, stimulated pyruvate
      carboxylation, the conversion of glutamate into succinate and fluxes through
      succinate dehydrogenase, malic enzyme, glutamine synthetase and aspartate
      aminotransferase. It is concluded that, unlike brain cells in culture, and
      consistent with high fluxes through PDH and enzymes of the tricarboxylic acid
      cycle, rat brain slices oxidized both glucose and lactate at high rates.

PMID- 22067135
TI  - Selected sociodemographic factors and related differences in patterns of alcohol
      use among university students in Slovakia.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Alcohol use and misuse and their relation to sociodemograhic factors
      are well studied among university students in Western European countries and the
      USA, but less is known about students in Eastern Europe. The historical past as
      communistic countries might have affected the social life among these
      populations, which is again one of the main factors determining the alcohol
      consumption among university students. The aim of our study was to assess the
      association of selected sociodemographic factors with different patterns of
      alcohol use among university students in Slovakia. METHODS: A sample of 813 young
      adults (mean age 21.1 years, 63.8% females; response rate of 71%) from four
      universities in Kosice answered questions about their sociodemographic background
      and about alcohol use. To obtain a detailed picture of different aspects, alcohol
      use was measured by four variables: frequency of alcohol use, heavy episodic
      drinking, frequency of drunkenness and problem drinking. Four separate logistic
      regression models were used to assess the association between sociodemographic
      and alcohol-related variables. To assess the potentially different effects in
      both genders, all two-way interactions with gender were tested. RESULTS: While
      41% of the students drank alcohol once a week or more often, 77% reported heavy
      episodic drinking and 49% had been drunk more than once in the last month.
      Problem drinking existed in 23.3% of the sample. Gender was consistently
      associated with all four alcohol-related variables, with males being at higher
      risk. A higher study year was associated only with lower levels of heavy episodic
      drinking, but displayed no association with the other studied variables. Living
      with parents during the semester was consistently associated with less frequent
      heavy episodic drinking, drunkenness episodes, and problem drinking while having
      an intimate relationship was associated with less problem drinking only.
      CONCLUSIONS: Our findings for the university students from Slovakia are in line
      with previous studies in Western Europe. Additionally, it appears that frequent
      alcohol use, excessive alcohol use (heavy episodic drinking and drunkenness) and
      problem drinking among university students represent a continuum and are
      influenced by the same sociodemographic factors.

PMID- 22067136
TI  - Spontaneous multiple cervical artery dissection in the puerperium.

PMID- 22067137
TI  - Long-term inhaled iloprost use in children with pulmonary arterial hypertension.
AB  - BACKGROUND: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients with pulmonary
      arterial hypertension receiving inhaled iloprost in a single centre to evaluate
      long-term tolerability, safety, and efficacy of chronic inhaled iloprost therapy
      in children. METHODS: A total of 20 patients with either idiopathic or associated
      pulmonary arterial hypertension were treated with iloprost between April, 2003
      and January, 2010. The median age and weight of the patients were 3.8 years-
      ranging from 4 months to 19 years--and 12.3 kilograms--ranging from 4 to 73
      kilograms-- respectively. Pulmonary arterial hypertension was idiopathic or
      hereditary in eight patients (40%) and associated with congenital cardiac disease
      in 12 patients (60%). RESULTS: Of the 20 patients, 15 had combined therapy--12
      patients with two and three patients with three different classes of drugs. In
      all, six patients died during follow-up. The median follow-up time was 18 months,
      ranging from 6 to 74 months. The 6-minute walking test was performed in 7 out of
      20 patients at baseline and on follow-up. The median 6-minute walking test
      increased from 420 to 490 metres after iloprost therapy (p = 0.028). After
      initiation of iloprost therapy, one patient complained of headache and another
      had a rash around his mouth, none necessitating discontinuation of therapy.
      Overall compliance with inhaled iloprost was good. CONCLUSION: Pulmonary
      hypertension is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Careful
      assessment of each patient and timely combination of specific vasodilator therapy
      is needed to improve clinical outcomes. This study suggests that inhaled
      iloprost, with or without concomitant endotelin receptor antagonist and/or
      phosphodiesterase inhibitor, is safe and efficacious for treatment of pulmonary
      arterial hypertension in children.

PMID- 22067138
TI  - Nutritional determinants of cognitive aging and dementia.
AB  - The objective of this review is to provide an overview of nutritional factors
      involved in cognitive aging and dementia with a focus on nutrients that are also
      important in neurocognitive development. Several dietary components were
      targeted, including antioxidant nutrients, dietary fats and B-vitamins. A
      critical review of the literature on each nutrient group is presented, beginning
      with laboratory and animal studies of the underlying biological mechanisms,
      followed by prospective epidemiological studies and randomised clinical trials.
      The evidence to date is fairly strong for protective associations of vitamin E
      from food sources, the n-3 fatty acid, DHA, found in fish, a high ratio of
      polyunsaturated to saturated fats, and vitamin B12 and folate. Attention to the
      level of nutrient intake is crucial for interpreting the literature and the
      inconsistencies across studies. Most of the epidemiological studies that observe
      associations have sufficient numbers of individuals who have both low and
      adequate nutrient status. Few of the randomised clinical trials are designed to
      target participants who have low baseline status before randomising to vitamin
      supplement treatments, and this may have resulted in negative findings. Post-hoc
      analyses by some of the trials reveal vitamin effects in individuals with low
      baseline intakes. The field of diet and dementia is a relatively young area of
      study. Much further work needs to be done to understand dietary determinants of
      cognitive aging and diseases. Further, these studies must be particularly focused
      on the levels of nutrient intake or status that confer optimum or suboptimal
      brain functioning.

PMID- 22067139
TI  - Parkinson's disease and dementia: a longitudinal study (DEMPARK).
AB  - BACKGROUND: Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative motor
      disorder. However, non-motor complications frequently alter the course of the
      disease. A particularly disabling non-motor symptom is dementia. METHODS/DESIGN:
      The study is designed as a multicentre prospective, observational cohort study of
      about 700 PD patients aged 45-80 years with or without dementia and PD-mild
      cognitive impairment (MCI). The patients will be recruited in eight specialized
      movement disorder clinics and will be followed for 36 months. Information about
      the patients' functional status will be assessed at baseline and 6-/12- month
      intervals. In addition, 120 patients with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) will be
      included. Well-established standardized questionnaires/tests will be applied for
      detailed neuropsychological assessment. In addition, patients will be asked to
      participate in modules including volumetric MRI, genetic parameters, and
      neuropsychology to detect risk factors, early diagnostic biomarkers and
      predictors for dementia in PD. RESULTS: The study included 604 PD patients by
      March 2011; 56.3% were classified as having PD alone, with 30.6% of patients
      suffering from PD-MCI and 13.1% from PD with dementia. The mean age of the cohort
      was 68.6 +/- 7.9 years, with a mean disease duration of 6.8 +/- 5.4 years. There
      was a preponderance of patients in the earlier Hoehn and Yahr stages. CONCLUSION:
      The main aim of the study is to characterize the natural progression of cognitive
      impairment in PD and to identify factors which contribute to the evolution and/or
      progression of the cognitive impairment. To accomplish this aim we established a
      large cohort of PD patients without cognitive dysfunction, PD patients with MCI,
      and PD patients with dementia, to characterize these patients in a standardized
      manner, using imaging (serial structural MRI), genetic and proteomic methods in
      order to improve our understanding of the course of the PD process and the
      development of cognitive dysfunction and dementia in this disease. The inclusion
      of the DLB patients will start in the second quarter of 2011 in the BMBF-funded
      follow-up project LANDSCAPE.

PMID- 22067140
TI  - Combining brain diagnosis and therapy in a single strategy: the safety,
      reliability, and cost implications using same-day versus separate-day
      stereotactic procedures.
AB  - BACKGROUND: A therapeutic radiosurgery procedure usually follows a separate
      diagnostic stereotactic procedure after days or weeks. OBJECTIVES: To define the
      clinical reliability, safety, and cost implications of same-day diagnostic
      stereotactic biopsy and therapeutic radiosurgery. METHODS: During an 8-year
      interval, 26 patients underwent stereotactic brain biopsy followed by immediate
      therapeutic stereotactic radiosurgery in a single-day combined procedure. The
      intraoperative diagnosis was determined using standard histopathological
      techniques. Diagnostic accuracy, hospital costs, and contribution margins
      associated with this treatment strategy were compared to those of 26 case-matched
      patients (controls) who underwent a stereotactic diagnostic procedure followed by
      a separate-day outpatient SRS procedure within 6 weeks during the same time
      interval. RESULTS: The intraoperative diagnosis correlated with the final
      histopathological diagnosis in 96% of the patients. Biopsy-related morbidity did
      not occur in this series. The mean total costs of same-day patients was
      significantly lower than the costs of patients who had two-stage procedures (USD
      9,077 +/- 2,366 vs. 11,284 +/- 3,025; p = 0.008). The net contribution to the
      hospital margin of USD 13,736 was not significantly different between the two
      management strategies. CONCLUSIONS: The advantages of the same-day approach
      included a single stereotactic head frame application, reduced total admission
      time, consecutive histopathological diagnosis and therapy in a single hospital
      admission, and reduced total hospital costs. For patients who are highly
      suspected to have a brain tumor for which SRS is likely to be an effective
      therapeutic strategy, same-day diagnostic stereotactic biopsy followed by
      therapeutic SRS proved to be a safe, reliable, and cost-effective management
      strategy.

PMID- 22067142
TI  - Analyzing 2D gel images using a two-component empirical Bayes model.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Two-dimensional polyacrylomide gel electrophoresis (2D gel, 2D PAGE,
      2-DE) is a powerful tool for analyzing the proteome of a organism. Differential
      analysis of 2D gel images aims at finding proteins that change under different
      conditions, which leads to large-scale hypothesis testing as in microarray data
      analysis. Two-component empirical Bayes (EB) models have been widely discussed
      for large-scale hypothesis testing and applied in the context of genomic data.
      They have not been implemented for the differential analysis of 2D gel data. In
      the literature, the mixture and null densities of the test statistics are
      estimated separately. The estimation of the mixture density does not take into
      account assumptions about the null density. Thus, there is no guarantee that the
      estimated null component will be no greater than the mixture density as it should
      be. RESULTS: We present an implementation of a two-component EB model for the
      analysis of 2D gel images. In contrast to the published estimation method, we
      propose to estimate the mixture and null densities simultaneously using a
      constrained estimation approach, which relies on an iteratively re-weighted least
      squares algorithm. The assumption about the null density is naturally taken into
      account in the estimation of the mixture density. This strategy is illustrated
      using a set of 2D gel images from a factorial experiment. The proposed approach
      is validated using a set of simulated gels. CONCLUSIONS: The two-component EB
      model is a very useful for large-scale hypothesis testing. In proteomic analysis,
      the theoretical null density is often not appropriate. We demonstrate how to
      implement a two-component EB model for analyzing a set of 2D gel images. We show
      that it is necessary to estimate the mixture density and empirical null component
      simultaneously. The proposed constrained estimation method always yields valid
      estimates and more stable results. The proposed estimation approach proposed can
      be applied to other contexts where large-scale hypothesis testing occurs.

PMID- 22067141
TI  - Human brain endothelial cells endeavor to immunoregulate CD8 T cells via PD-1
      ligand expression in multiple sclerosis.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS), an inflammatory disease of the central
      nervous system (CNS), is characterized by blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption
      and massive infiltration of activated immune cells. Engagement of programmed cell
      death-1 (PD-1) expressed on activated T cells with its ligands (PD-L1 and PD-L2)
      suppresses T cell responses. We recently demonstrated in MS lesions elevated PD
      L1 expression by glial cells and absence of PD-1 on many infiltrating CD8 T
      cells. We have now investigated whether human brain endothelial cells (HBECs),
      which maintain the BBB, can express PD-L1 or PD-L2 and thereby modulate T cells.
      METHODS: We used primary cultures of HBECs isolated from non-tumoral CNS tissue
      either under basal or inflamed conditions. We assessed the expression of PD-L1
      and PD-L2 using qPCR and flow cytometry. Human CD8 T cells were isolated from
      peripheral blood of healthy donors and co-cultured with HBECs. Following co
      culture with HBECs, proliferation and cytokine production by human CD8 T cells
      were measured by flow cytometry whereas transmigration was determined using a
      well established in vitro model of the BBB. The functional impact of PD-L1 and PD
      L2 provided by HBECs was determined using blocking antibodies. We performed
      immunohistochemistry for the detection of PD-L1 or PD-L2 concurrently with
      caveolin-1 (a cell specific marker for endothelial cells) on post-mortem human
      brain tissues obtained from MS patients and normal controls. RESULTS: Under basal
      culture conditions, PD-L2 is expressed on HBECs, whilst PD-L1 is not detected.
      Both ligands are up-regulated under inflammatory conditions. Blocking PD-L1 and
      PD-L2 leads to increased transmigration and enhanced responses by human CD8 T
      cells in co-culture assays. Similarly, PD-L1 and PD-L2 blockade significantly
      increases CD4 T cell transmigration. Brain endothelium in normal tissues and MS
      lesions does not express detectable PD-L1; in contrast, all blood vessels in
      normal brain tissues are PD-L2-positive, while only about 50% express PD-L2 in MS
      lesions. CONCLUSIONS: Our observations suggest that brain endothelial cells
      contribute to control T cell transmigration into the CNS and immune responses via
      PD-L2 expression. However, such impact is impaired in MS lesions due to
      downregulation of endothelium PD-L2 levels.

PMID- 22067143
TI  - Detection of coronary stenosis with myocardial contrast echocardiography using
      regadenoson, a selective adenosine A2A receptor agonist.
AB  - AIMS: Regadenoson is comparable to adenosine in pharmacologic radionuclide stress
      tests but has not been studied with stress myocardial contrast echocardiography.
      This study assessed the haemodynamic profile and ability of regadenoson, a novel
      selective A(2A) receptor agonist, to detect coronary artery stenosis during
      myocardial contrast echocardiography. METHODS AND RESULTS: Myocardial contrast
      echocardiography was performed to measure myocardial blood volume, myocardial
      blood flow velocity, and total regional myocardial blood flow before and after
      administration of regadenoson (5 ug kg(-1), 10 s bolus) in 10 open-chest dogs
      with mild-to-moderate coronary stenosis that was not flow limiting at rest.
      Regadenoson decreased blood pressure but did not change heart rate. It increased
      coronary blood flow significantly (P < 0.05) for 30 min, which was attenuated in
      proportion to coronary stenosis severity. Whereas myocardial blood volume
      maximally increased by 0.5-0.75-fold in the control region, it did not change in
      the region supplied by the non-flow limiting stenosis. Perfusion defects were
      visually and quantitatively detectable for as long as 10 min after administration
      of regadenoson. No arrhythmias were noted with regadenoson either prior to or
      during myocardial contrast echocardiography. CONCLUSION: Regadenoson can be used
      as a vasodilator stress agent with myocardial contrast echocardiography to detect
      the presence of physiologically significant coronary stenosis. The optimum time
      for image acquisition was 3-10 min after drug administration.

PMID- 22067144
TI  - Characterization of Mg2+ inhibition of mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake by a mechanistic
      model of mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter.
AB  - Ca(2+) is an important regulatory ion and alteration of mitochondrial Ca(2+)
      homeostasis can lead to cellular dysfunction and apoptosis. Ca(2+) is transported
      into respiring mitochondria via the Ca(2+) uniporter, which is known to be
      inhibited by Mg(2+). This uniporter-mediated mitochondrial Ca(2+) transport is
      also shown to be influenced by inorganic phosphate (Pi). Despite a large number
      of experimental studies, the kinetic mechanisms associated with the Mg(2+)
      inhibition and Pi regulation of the uniporter function are not well established.
      To gain a quantitative understanding of the effects of Mg(2+) and Pi on the
      uniporter function, we developed here a mathematical model based on known kinetic
      properties of the uniporter and presumed Mg(2+) inhibition and Pi regulation
      mechanisms. The model is extended from our previous model of the uniporter that
      is based on a multistate catalytic binding and interconversion mechanism and
      Eyring's free energy barrier theory for interconversion. The model satisfactorily
      describes a wide variety of experimental data sets on the kinetics of
      mitochondrial Ca(2+) uptake. The model also appropriately depicts the inhibitory
      effect of Mg(2+) on the uniporter function, in which Ca(2+) uptake is hyperbolic
      in the absence of Mg(2+) and sigmoid in the presence of Mg(2+). The model
      suggests a mixed-type inhibition mechanism for Mg(2+) inhibition of the uniporter
      function. This model is critical for building mechanistic models of mitochondrial
      bioenergetics and Ca(2+) handling to understand the mechanisms by which Ca(2+)
      mediates signaling pathways and modulates energy metabolism.

PMID- 22067145
TI  - Qualitative network modeling of the Myc-p53 control system of cell proliferation
      and differentiation.
AB  - A kinetic model of a molecular control system for the cellular decision to
      proliferate or differentiate is formulated and analyzed for the purpose of
      understanding how the system can break down in cancer cells. The proposed core of
      this control system is composed of the transcription factors Myc and p53. The
      network of interactions between these factors involves negative and positive
      feedback loops that are linked to pathways involved in differentiation, cell
      cycle, and apoptosis. Understanding the dynamics of the Myc-p53 control system is
      aided by the postulate that there exists a cancer zone defined as a range of
      oncogenic Myc activities where the probability of initiating cancer is high. We
      propose that an essential role of p53 is to prevent the system from entering or
      staying too long in the cancer zone by downregulating Myc or, when Myc activity
      somehow becomes too high, by inducing apoptosis, cell cycle arrest, or
      differentiation. Kinetic modeling illustrates how deletions or aberrations in
      PTEN, MDM2, and ARF (genes implicated in various cancers, including glioma)
      affect the Myc-p53 control system. In addition, computer simulations demonstrate
      how this control system generates different cellular phenotypes characterized by
      rates of cellular differentiation and proliferation.

PMID- 22067146
TI  - Quantitative modeling of membrane deformations by multihelical membrane proteins:
      application to G-protein coupled receptors.
AB  - The interpretation of experimental observations of the dependence of membrane
      protein function on the properties of the lipid membrane environment calls for a
      consideration of the energy cost of protein-bilayer interactions, including the
      protein-bilayer hydrophobic mismatch. We present a novel (to our knowledge)
      multiscale computational approach for quantifying the hydrophobic mismatch-driven
      remodeling of membrane bilayers by multihelical membrane proteins. The method
      accounts for both the membrane remodeling energy and the energy contribution from
      any partial (incomplete) alleviation of the hydrophobic mismatch by membrane
      remodeling. Overcoming previous limitations, it allows for radially asymmetric
      bilayer deformations produced by multihelical proteins, and takes into account
      the irregular membrane-protein boundaries. The approach is illustrated by
      application to two G-protein coupled receptors: rhodopsin in bilayers of
      different thickness, and the serotonin 5-HT(2A) receptor bound to
      pharmacologically different ligands. Analysis of the results identifies the
      residual exposure that is not alleviated by bilayer adaptation, and its
      quantification at specific transmembrane segments is shown to predict favorable
      contact interfaces in oligomeric arrays. In addition, our results suggest how
      distinct ligand-induced conformations of G-protein coupled receptors may elicit
      different functional responses through differential effects on the membrane
      environment.

PMID- 22067147
TI  - Linking flickering to waves and whole-cell oscillations in a mitochondrial
      network model.
AB  - It has been shown that transient single mitochondrial depolarizations, known as
      flickers, tend to occur randomly in space and time. On the other hand, many
      studies have shown that mitochondrial depolarization waves and whole-cell
      oscillations occur under oxidative stress. How single mitochondrial flickering
      events and whole-cell oscillations are mechanistically linked remains unclear. In
      this study, we developed a Markov model of the inner membrane anion channel in
      which reactive-oxidative-species (ROS)-induced opening of the inner membrane
      anion channel causes transient mitochondrial depolarizations in a single
      mitochondrion that occur in a nonperiodic manner, simulating flickering. We then
      coupled the individual mitochondria into a network, in which flickers occur
      randomly and sparsely when a small number of mitochondria are in the state of
      high superoxide production. As the number of mitochondria in the high-superoxide
      production state increases, short-lived or abortive waves due to ROS-induced ROS
      release coexist with flickers. When the number of mitochondria in the high
      superoxide-production state reaches a critical number, recurring propagating
      waves are observed. The origins of the waves occur randomly in space and are self
      organized as a consequence of random flickering and local synchronization. We
      show that at this critical state, the depolarization clusters exhibit a power-law
      distribution, a signature of self-organized criticality. In addition, the whole
      cell mitochondrial membrane potential changes from exhibiting small random
      fluctuations to more periodic oscillations as the superoxide production rate
      increases. These simulation results may provide mechanistic insight into the
      transition from random mitochondrial flickering to the waves and whole-cell
      oscillations observed in many experimental studies.

PMID- 22067148
TI  - Permeabilized rat cardiomyocyte response demonstrates intracellular origin of
      diffusion obstacles.
AB  - Intracellular diffusion restrictions for ADP and other molecules have been
      predicted earlier based on experiments on permeabilized fibers or cardiomyocytes.
      However, it is possible that the effective diffusion distance is larger than the
      cell dimensions due to clumping of cells and incomplete separation of cells in
      fiber preparations. The aim of this work was to check whether diffusion
      restrictions exist inside rat cardiomyocytes or are caused by large effective
      diffusion distance. For that, we determined the response of oxidative
      phosphorylation (OxPhos) to exogenous ADP and ATP stimulation in permeabilized
      rat cardiomyocytes using fluorescence microscopy. The state of OxPhos was
      monitored via NADH and flavoprotein autofluorescence. By varying the ADP or ATP
      concentration in flow chamber, we determined that OxPhos has a low affinity in
      cardiomyocytes. The experiments were repeated in a fluorometer on cardiomyocyte
      suspensions leading to similar autofluorescence changes induced by ADP as
      recorded under the microscope. ATP stimulated OxPhos more in a fluorometer than
      under the microscope, which was attributed to accumulation of ADP in fluorometer
      chamber. By calculating the flow profile around the cell in the microscope
      chamber and comparing model solutions to measured data, we demonstrate that
      intracellular structures impose significant diffusion obstacles in rat
      cardiomyocytes.

PMID- 22067149
TI  - Investigating circular dorsal ruffles through varying substrate stiffness and
      mathematical modeling.
AB  - Circular dorsal ruffles (CDRs) are transient actin-rich ringlike structures that
      form on the dorsal surface of growth-factor stimulated cells. However, the
      dynamics and mechanism of formation of CDRs are still unknown. It has been
      observed that CDR formation leads to stress fibers disappearing near the CDRs.
      Because stress fiber formation can be modified by substrate stiffness, we
      examined the effect of substrate stiffness on CDR formation by seeding NIH 3T3
      fibroblasts on glass and polydimethylsiloxane substrates of varying stiffnesses
      from 20 kPa to 1800 kPa. We found that increasing substrate stiffness increased
      the lifetime of the CDRs. We developed a mathematical model of the signaling
      pathways involved in CDR formation to provide insight into this lifetime and size
      dependence that is linked to substrate stiffness via Rac-Rho antagonism. From the
      model, increasing stiffness raised mDia1-nucleated stress fiber formation due to
      Rho activation. The increased stress fibers present increased replenishment of
      the G-actin pool, therefore prolonging Arp2/3-nucleated CDR formation due to Rac
      activation. Negative feedback by WAVE-related RacGAP on Rac explained how CDR
      actin propagates as an excitable wave, much like wave propagation in other
      excitable medium, e.g., nerve signal transmission.

PMID- 22067150
TI  - Focal adhesion kinase stabilizes the cytoskeleton.
AB  - Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a central focal adhesion protein that promotes
      focal adhesion turnover, but the role of FAK for cell mechanical stability is
      unknown. We measured the mechanical properties of wild-type (FAKwt), FAK
      deficient (FAK-/-), FAK-silenced (siFAK), and siControl mouse embryonic
      fibroblasts by magnetic tweezer, atomic force microscopy, traction microscopy,
      and nanoscale particle tracking microrheology. FAK-deficient cells showed lower
      cell stiffness, reduced adhesion strength, and increased cytoskeletal dynamics
      compared to wild-type cells. These observations imply a reduced stability of the
      cytoskeleton in FAK-deficient cells. We attribute the reduced cytoskeletal
      stability to rho-kinase activation in FAK-deficient cells that suppresses the
      formation of ordered stress fiber bundles, enhances cortical actin distribution,
      and reduces cell spreading. In agreement with this interpretation is that cell
      stiffness and cytoskeletal stability in FAK-/- cells is partially restored to
      wild-type level after rho-kinase inhibition with Y27632.

PMID- 22067151
TI  - Topographic modulation of the orientation and shape of cell nuclei and their
      influence on the measured elastic modulus of epithelial cells.
AB  - The influence of nucleus shape and orientation on the elastic modulus of
      epithelial cells was investigated with atomic force microscopy. The shape and
      orientation were controlled by presenting the epithelial cells with anisotropic
      parallel ridges and grooves of varying pitch at the cell substratum. As the cells
      oriented to the underlying topography, the volume of the nucleus increased as the
      pitch of the topography increased from 400 nm to 2000 nm. The increase in nucleus
      volume was reflected by an increase in the measured elastic modulus of the
      topographically aligned cells. Significant alterations in the shape of the
      nucleus, by intimate contact with the topographic ridge and grooves of the
      underlying cell, were also observed via confocal microscopy, indicating that the
      nucleus may also act as a direct mechanosensor of substratum topography.

PMID- 22067152
TI  - Extracellular proton modulation of the cardiac voltage-gated sodium channel,
      Nav1.5.
AB  - Low pH depolarizes the voltage dependence of voltage-gated sodium (Na(V)) channel
      activation and fast inactivation. A complete description of Na(V) channel proton
      modulation, however, has not been reported. The majority of Na(V) channel proton
      modulation studies have been completed in intact tissue. Additionally, several
      Na(V) channel isoforms are expressed in cardiac tissue. Characterizing the proton
      modulation of the cardiac Na(V) channel, Na(V)1.5, will thus help define its
      contribution to ischemic arrhythmogenesis, where extracellular pH drops from pH
      7.4 to as low as pH 6.0 within ~10 min of its onset. We expressed the human
      variant of Na(V)1.5 with and without the modulating beta(1) subunit in Xenopus
      oocytes. Lowering extracellular pH from 7.4 to 6.0 affected a range of
      biophysical gating properties heretofore unreported. Specifically, acidic pH
      destabilized the fast-inactivated and slow-inactivated states, and elevated
      persistent I(Na). These data were incorporated into a ventricular action
      potential model that displayed a reduced maximum rate of depolarization as well
      as disparate increases in epicardial, mid-myocardial, and endocardial action
      potential durations, indicative of an increased heterogeneity of repolarization.
      Portions of these data were previously reported in abstract form.

PMID- 22067153
TI  - Role of the KcsA channel cytoplasmic domain in pH-dependent gating.
AB  - The KcsA channel is a representative potassium channel that is activated by
      changes in pH. Previous studies suggested that the region that senses pH is
      entirely within its transmembrane segments. However, we recently revealed that
      the cytoplasmic domain also has an important role, because its conformation was
      observed to change dramatically in response to pH changes. Here, to investigate
      the effects of the cytoplasmic domain on pH-dependent gating, we made a chimera
      mutant channel consisting of the cytoplasmic domain of the KcsA channel and the
      transmembrane region of the MthK channel. The chimera showed a pH dependency
      similar to that of KcsA, indicating that the cytoplasmic domain can act as a pH
      sensor. To identify how this region detects pH, we substituted certain
      cytoplasmic domain amino acids that are normally negatively charged at pH 7 for
      neutral ones in the KcsA channels. These mutants opened independently of pH,
      suggesting that electrostatic charges have a major role in the cytoplasmic
      domain's ability to sense and respond to pH.

PMID- 22067154
TI  - Bax forms two types of channels, one of which is voltage-gated.
AB  - When activated, the proapoptotic protein Bax permeabilizes the mitochondrial
      outer membrane, allowing the release of proteins into the cytosol and thus
      initiating the execution phase of apoptosis. When activated Bax was reconstituted
      into phospholipid membranes, we discovered a new, to our knowledge, property of
      Bax channels: voltage gating. We also found that the same Bax sample under the
      same experimental conditions could give rise to two radically different channels:
      Type A, which is small, well behaved, homogeneous, and voltage-gated, and Type B,
      which is large, noisy, and voltage-independent. One Type B channel can be
      converted irreversibly into a population of Type A channels by the addition of
      La(3+). This conversion process appears to involve a two-dimensional budding
      mechanism. The existence of these two types of Bax channels suggests a process
      for controlling the degree of mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization.

PMID- 22067156
TI  - Divalent cation-dependent formation of electrostatic PIP2 clusters in lipid
      monolayers.
AB  - Polyphosphoinositides are among the most highly charged molecules in the cell
      membrane, and the most common polyphosphoinositide, phosphatidylinositol-4,5
      bisphosphate (PIP(2)), is involved in many mechanical and biochemical processes
      in the cell membrane. Divalent cations such as calcium can cause clustering of
      the polyanionic PIP(2), but the origin and strength of the effective attractions
      leading to clustering has been unclear. In addition, the question of whether the
      ion-mediated attractions could be strong enough to alter the mechanical
      properties of the membrane, to our knowledge, has not been addressed. We study
      phase separation in mixed monolayers of neutral and highly negatively charged
      lipids, induced by the addition of divalent positively charged counterions, both
      experimentally and numerically. We find good agreement between experiments on
      mixtures of PIP(2) and 1-stearoyl-2-oleoyl phosphatidylcholine and simulations of
      a simplified model in which only the essential electrostatic interactions are
      retained. In addition, we find numerically that under certain conditions the
      effective attractions can rigidify the resulting clusters. Our results support an
      interpretation of PIP(2) clustering as governed primarily by electrostatic
      interactions. At physiological pH, the simulations suggest that the effective
      attractions are strong enough to give nearly pure clusters of PIP(2) even at
      small overall concentrations of PIP(2).

PMID- 22067155
TI  - FRET detection of calmodulin binding to the cardiac RyR2 calcium release channel.
AB  - Calmodulin (CaM) binding to the type 2 ryanodine receptor (RyR2) regulates Ca
      release from the cardiac sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). However, the structural
      basis of CaM regulation of the RyR2 is poorly defined, and the presence of other
      potential CaM binding partners in cardiac myocytes complicates resolution of
      CaM's regulatory interactions with RyR2. Here, we show that a fluorescence
      resonance-energy-transfer (FRET)-based approach can effectively resolve RyR2 CaM
      binding, both in isolated SR membrane vesicles and in permeabilized ventricular
      myocytes. A small FRET donor was targeted to the RyR2 cytoplasmic assembly via
      fluorescent labeling of the FKBP12.6 subunit. Acceptor fluorophore was attached
      at discrete positions within either the N- or the C-lobe of CaM. FRET between
      FKBP12.6 and CaM bound to SR vesicles indicated CaM binding at a single high
      affinity site within 60 A of FKBP12.6. Micromolar Ca increased the apparent
      affinity of CaM binding and slowed CaM dissociation, but did not significantly
      affect maximal FRET efficiency at saturating CaM. FRET was strongest when the
      acceptor was attached at either of two positions within CaM's N-lobe versus sites
      in CaM's C-lobe, providing CaM orientation information. In permeabilized
      ventricular myocytes, FKBP12.6 and CaM colocalized to Z-lines, and the efficiency
      of energy transfer to both the N- and C-lobes of CaM was comparable to that
      observed in SR vesicle experiments. Results also indicate that both the location
      and orientation of CaM binding on the RyR2 are very similar to the skeletal
      muscle RyR1 isoform. Specific binding of CaM to functional RyR2 channels in the
      cardiac myocyte environment can be monitored using FKBP biosensors and FRET.

PMID- 22067157
TI  - Crystal structure of a phosphorylated light chain domain of scallop smooth-muscle
      myosin.
AB  - We have determined the crystal structure of a phosphorylated smooth-muscle myosin
      light chain domain (LCD). This reconstituted LCD is of a sea scallop catch muscle
      myosin with its phosphorylatable regulatory light chain (RLC SmoA). In the
      crystal structure, Arg(16), an arginine residue that is present in this isoform
      but not in vertebrate smooth-muscle RLC, stabilizes the phosphorylation site.
      This arginine interacts with the carbonyl group of the phosphorylation-site
      serine in the unphosphorylated LCD (determined previously), and with the
      phosphate group when the serine is phosphorylated. However, the overall
      conformation of the LCD is essentially unchanged upon phosphorylation. This
      result provides additional evidence that phosphorylation of the RLC is unlikely
      to act as an on-switch in regulation of scallop catch muscle myosin.

PMID- 22067158
TI  - Crowding of molecular motors determines microtubule depolymerization.
AB  - The assembly and disassembly dynamics of microtubules (MTs) is tightly controlled
      by MT-associated proteins. Here, we investigate how plus-end-directed
      depolymerases of the kinesin-8 family regulate MT depolymerization dynamics.
      Using an individual-based model, we reproduce experimental findings. Moreover,
      crowding is identified as the key regulatory mechanism of depolymerization
      dynamics. Our analysis reveals two qualitatively distinct regimes. For motor
      densities above a particular threshold, a macroscopic traffic jam emerges at the
      plus-end and the MT dynamics become independent of the motor concentration. Below
      this threshold, microscopic traffic jams at the tip arise that cancel out the
      effect of the depolymerization kinetics such that the depolymerization speed is
      solely determined by the motor density. Because this density changes over the MT
      length, length-dependent regulation is possible. Remarkably, motor cooperativity
      affects only the end-residence time of depolymerases and not the depolymerization
      speed.

PMID- 22067159
TI  - A change in the radius of rotation of F1-ATPase indicates a tilting motion of the
      central shaft.
AB  - F(1)-ATPase is a water-soluble portion of F(o)F(1)-ATP synthase and rotary
      molecular motor that exhibits reversibility in chemical reactions. The rotational
      motion of the shaft subunit gamma has been carefully scrutinized in previous
      studies, but a tilting motion of the shaft has never been explicitly postulated.
      Here we found a change in the radius of rotation of the probe attached to the
      shaft subunit gamma between two different intermediate states in ATP hydrolysis:
      one waiting for ATP binding, and the other waiting for ATP hydrolysis and/or
      subsequent product release. Analysis of this radial difference indicates a ~4
      degrees  outward tilting of the gamma-subunit induced by ATP binding. The tilt
      angle is a new parameter, to our knowledge, representing the motion of the gamma
      subunit and provides a new constraint condition of the ATP-waiting conformation
      of F(1)-ATPase, which has not been determined as an atomic structure from x-ray
      crystallography.

PMID- 22067160
TI  - Calcium and stretch activation modulate power generation in Drosophila flight
      muscle.
AB  - Many animals regulate power generation for locomotion by varying the number of
      muscle fibers used for movement. However, insects with asynchronous flight
      muscles may regulate the power required for flight by varying the calcium
      concentration ([Ca(2+)]). In vivo myoplasmic calcium levels in Drosophila flight
      muscle have been found to vary twofold during flight and to correlate with
      aerodynamic power generation and wing beat frequency. This mechanism can only be
      possible if [Ca(2+)] also modulates the flight muscle power output and muscle
      kinetics to match the aerodynamic requirements. We found that the in vitro power
      produced by skinned Drosophila asynchronous flight muscle fibers increased with
      increasing [Ca(2+)]. Positive muscle power generation started at pCa = 5.8 and
      reached its maximum at pCa = 5.25. A twofold variation in [Ca(2+)] over the
      steepest portion of this curve resulted in a two- to threefold variation in power
      generation and a 1.2-fold variation in speed, matching the aerodynamic
      requirements. To determine the mechanism behind the variation in power, we
      analyzed the tension response to muscle fiber-lengthening steps at varying levels
      of [Ca(2+)]. Both calcium-activated and stretch-activated tensions increased with
      increasing [Ca(2+)]. However, calcium tension saturated at slightly lower
      [Ca(2+)] than stretch-activated tension, such that as [Ca(2+)] increased from pCa
      = 5.7 to pCa = 5.4 (the range likely used during flight), stretch- and calcium
      activated tension contributed 80% and 20%, respectively, to the total tension
      increase. This suggests that the response of stretch activation to [Ca(2+)] is
      the main mechanism by which power is varied during flight.

PMID- 22067161
TI  - Characterizing and controlling the motion of ssDNA in a solid-state nanopore.
AB  - Sequencing DNA in a synthetic solid-state nanopore is potentially a low-cost and
      high-throughput method. Essential to the nanopore-based DNA sequencing method is
      the ability to control the motion of a single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) molecule at
      single-base resolution. Experimental studies showed that the average
      translocation speed of DNA driven by a biasing electric field can be affected by
      ionic concentration, solvent viscosity, or temperature. Even though it is
      possible to slow down the average translocation speed, instantaneous motion of
      DNA is too diffusive to allow each DNA base to stay in front of a sensor site for
      its measurement. Using extensive all-atom molecular dynamics simulations, we
      study the diffusion constant, friction coefficient, electrophoretic mobility, and
      effective charge of ssDNA in a solid-state nanopore. Simulation results show that
      the spatial fluctuation of ssDNA in 1 ns is comparable to the spacing between
      neighboring nucleotides in ssDNA, which makes the sensing of a DNA base very
      difficult. We demonstrate that the recently proposed DNA transistor could
      potentially solve this problem by electrically trapping ssDNA inside the DNA
      transistor and ratcheting ssDNA base-by-base in a biasing electric field. When
      increasing the biasing electric field, we observed that the translocation of
      ssDNA changes from ratcheting to steady-sliding. The simulated translocation of
      ssDNA in the DNA transistor was theoretically characterized using Fokker-Planck
      analysis.

PMID- 22067162
TI  - Base-flipping mechanism in postmismatch recognition by MutS.
AB  - DNA mismatch recognition and repair is vital for preserving the fidelity of the
      genome. Conserved across prokaryotes and eukaryotes, MutS is the primary protein
      that is responsible for recognizing a variety of DNA mismatches. From molecular
      dynamics simulations of the Escherichia coli MutS-DNA complex, we describe
      significant conformational dynamics in the DNA surrounding a G.T mismatch that
      involves weakening of the basepair hydrogen bonding in the basepair adjacent to
      the mismatch and, in one simulation, complete base opening via the major groove.
      The energetics of base flipping was further examined with Hamiltonian replica
      exchange free energy calculations revealing a stable flipped-out state with an
      initial barrier of ~2 kcal/mol. Furthermore, we observe changes in the local DNA
      structure as well as in the MutS structure that appear to be correlated with base
      flipping. Our results suggest a role of base flipping as part of the repair
      initiation mechanism most likely leading to sliding-clamp formation.

PMID- 22067163
TI  - Size distribution of amyloid nanofibrils.
AB  - We consider the size distribution of amyloid nanofibrils (protofilaments) in
      nucleating protein solutions when the nucleation process occurs by the mechanism
      of direct polymerization of beta-strands (extended peptides or protein segments)
      into beta-sheets. Employing the atomistic nucleation theory, we derive a general
      expression for the stationary size distribution of amyloid nanofibrils
      constituted of successively layered beta-sheets. The application of this
      expression to amyloid beta(1-40) (Abeta(40)) fibrils allows us to determine the
      nanofibril size distribution as a function of the protein concentration and
      temperature. The distribution is most remarkable with its exhibiting a series of
      peaks positioned at "magic" nanofibril sizes (or lengths), which are due to deep
      local minima in the work for fibril formation. This finding of magic sizes or
      lengths is consistent with experimental results for the size distribution of
      aggregates in solutions of Abeta(40) proteins. Also, our approach makes it
      possible to gain insight into the effect of point mutations on the nanofibril
      size distribution, an effect that may play a role in experimentally observed
      substantial differences in the fibrillation lag-time of wild-type and point
      mutated amyloid-beta proteins.

PMID- 22067165
TI  - Smoothing protein energy landscapes by integrating folding models with structure
      prediction.
AB  - Decades of work has investigated the energy landscapes of simple protein models,
      but what do the landscapes of real, large, atomically detailed proteins look
      like? We explore an approach to this problem that systematically extracts simple
      funnel models of actual proteins using ensembles of structure predictions and
      physics-based atomic force fields and sampling. Central to our effort are
      calculations of a quantity called the relative entropy, which quantifies the
      extent to which a given set of structure decoys and a putative native structure
      can be projected onto a theoretical funnel description. We examine 86 structure
      prediction targets and one coupled folding-binding system, and find that in a
      majority of cases the relative entropy robustly signals which structures are
      nearest to native (i.e., which appear to lie closest to a funnel bottom).
      Importantly, the landscape model improves substantially upon purely energetic
      measures in scoring decoys. Our results suggest that physics-based models
      including both folding theories and all-atom force fields-may be successfully
      integrated with structure prediction efforts. Conversely, detailed predictions of
      structures and the relative entropy approach enable one to extract coarse
      topographic features of protein landscapes that may enhance the development and
      application of simpler folding models.

PMID- 22067164
TI  - Segmental polymorphism in a functional amyloid.
AB  - Although amyloid fibrils are generally considered to be causative or contributing
      agents in amyloid diseases, several amyloid fibrils are also believed to have
      biological functions. Among these are fibrils formed by Pmel17 within
      melanosomes, which act as a template for melanin deposition. We use solid-state
      NMR to show that the molecular structures of fibrils formed by the 130-residue
      pseudo-repeat domain Pmel17:RPT are polymorphic even within the biologically
      relevant pH range. Thus, biological function in amyloid fibrils does not
      necessarily imply a unique molecular structure. Solid-state NMR spectra of three
      Pmel17:RPT polymorphs show that in all cases, only a subset (~30%) of the full
      amino acid sequence contributes to the immobilized fibril core. Although the
      repetitive nature of the sequence and incomplete spectral resolution prevent the
      determination of unique chemical shift assignments from two- and three
      dimensional solid-state NMR spectra, we use a Monte Carlo assignment algorithm to
      identify protein segments that are present in or absent from the fibril core. The
      results show that the identity of the core-forming segments varies from one
      polymorph to another, a phenomenon known as segmental polymorphism.

PMID- 22067166
TI  - Distinct hydration properties of wild-type and familial point mutant A53T of
      alpha-synuclein associated with Parkinson's disease.
AB  - The propensity of alpha-synuclein to form amyloid plays an important role in
      Parkinson's disease. Three familial mutations, A30P, E46K, and A53T, correlate
      with Parkinson's disease. Therefore, unraveling the structural effects of these
      mutations has basic implications in understanding the molecular basis of the
      disease. Here, we address this issue through comparing details of the hydration
      of wild-type alpha-synuclein and its A53T mutant by a combination of wide-line
      NMR, differential scanning calorimetry, and molecular dynamics simulations. All
      three approaches suggest a hydrate shell compatible with a largely disordered
      state of both proteins. Its fine details, however, are different, with the mutant
      displaying a somewhat higher level of hydration, suggesting a bias to more open
      structures, favorable for protein-protein interactions leading to amyloid
      formation. These differences disappear in the amyloid state, suggesting basically
      the same surface topology, irrespective of the initial monomeric state.

PMID- 22067167
TI  - Carbon nanotube inhibits the formation of beta-sheet-rich oligomers of the
      Alzheimer's amyloid-beta(16-22) peptide.
AB  - Alzheimer's disease is associated with the abnormal self-assembly of the amyloid
      beta (Abeta) peptide into toxic beta-rich aggregates. Experimental studies have
      shown that hydrophobic nanoparticles retard Abeta fibrillation by slowing down
      the nucleation process; however, the effects of nanoparticles on Abeta oligomeric
      structures remain elusive. In this study, we investigate the conformations of
      Abeta(16-22) octamers in the absence and presence of a single-walled carbon
      nanotube (SWCNT) by performing extensive all-atom replica exchange molecular
      dynamics simulations in explicit solvent. Our simulations starting from eight
      random chains demonstrate that the addition of SWCNT into Abeta(16-22) solution
      prevents beta-sheet formation. Simulation starting from a prefibrillar beta-sheet
      octamer shows that SWCNT destabilizes the beta-sheet structure. A detailed
      analysis of the Abeta(16-22)/SWCNT/water interactions reveals that both the
      inhibition of beta-sheet formation and the destabilization of prefibrillar beta
      sheets by SWCNT result from the same physical forces: hydrophobic and pi-stacking
      interactions (with the latter playing a more important role). By analyzing the
      stacking patterns between the Phe aromatic rings and the SWCNT carbon rings, we
      find that short ring-centroid distances mostly favor parallel orientation,
      whereas large distances allow all other orientations to be populated. Overall,
      our computational study provides evidence that SWCNT is likely to inhibit
      Abeta(16-22) and full-length Abeta fibrillation.

PMID- 22067168
TI  - Analysis of aquaporin-mediated diffusional water permeability by coherent anti
      stokes Raman scattering microscopy.
AB  - Water can pass through biological membranes via two pathways: simple diffusion
      through the lipid bilayer, or water-selective facilitated diffusion through
      aquaporins (AQPs). Although AQPs play an important role in osmotic water
      permeability (P(f)), the role of AQPs in diffusional water permeability remains
      unclear because of the difficulty of measuring diffusional water permeability
      (P(d)). Here, we report an accurate and instantaneous method for measuring the
      P(d) of a single HeLa S3 cell using coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering (CARS)
      microscopy with a quick perfusion device for H(2)O/D(2)O exchange. Ultra-high
      speed line-scan CARS images were obtained every 0.488 ms. The average decay time
      constant of CARS intensities (tau(CARS)) for the external solution H(2)O/D(2)O
      exchange was 16.1 ms, whereas the intracellular H(2)O/D(2)O exchange was 100.7 +/
      19.6 ms. To evaluate the roles of AQP in diffusional water permeability, AQP4
      fused with enhanced green fluorescent protein (AQP4-EGFP) was transiently
      expressed in HeLa S3 cells. The average tau(CARS) for the intracellular
      H(2)O/D(2)O exchange in the AQP4-EGFP-HeLa S3 cells was 43.1 +/- 15.8 ms. We also
      assessed the cell volume and the cell surface area to calculate P(d). The average
      P(d) values for the AQP4-EGFP-HeLa S3 cells and the control EGFP-HeLa S3 cells
      were 2.7 +/- 1.0 * 10(-3) and 8.3 +/- 2.6 * 10(-4) cm/s, respectively. AQP4
      mediated water diffusion was independent of the temperature but was dependent on
      the expression level of the protein at the plasma membrane. These results suggest
      the possibility of using CARS imaging to investigate the hydrodynamics of single
      mammalian cells as well as the regulation of AQPs.

PMID- 22067169
TI  - Quantification of fluorophore copy number from intrinsic fluctuations during
      fluorescence photobleaching.
AB  - We present a theoretical technique for quantifying the cellular copy-number of
      fluorophores that relies on the random nature of the photobleaching process. Our
      approach does not require single-molecule sensitivity, and therefore can be used
      with commonly used epifluorescence microscopes. Fluctuations arising from
      photobleaching can be used to estimate the proportionality between fluorescence
      intensity and copy-number, which can then be used with subsequent intensity
      measurements to estimate copy-number. We calculate the statistical errors of our
      approach and verify them with stochastic simulations. By using fluctuations over
      the entire photobleaching process, we obtain significantly smaller errors than
      previous approaches that have used fluctuations arising from cytoplasmic proteins
      partitioning during cellular division. From the time-dependence of the
      fluctuations as photobleaching proceeds, we can discriminate between desired
      photobleach fluctuations and background noise or photon shot noise. Our approach
      does not require cellular division and the photobleaching rate sets a timescale
      that is adjustable with respect to cellular processes. We hope that our approach
      will now be applied experimentally.

PMID- 22067170
TI  - DNA multiphoton absorption generates localized damage for studying repair
      dynamics in live cells.
AB  - Investigations into the spatiotemporal dynamics of DNA repair using live-cell
      imaging are aided by the ability to generate well defined regions of
      ultravioletlike photolesions in an optical microscope. We demonstrate that
      multiphoton excitation of DNA in live cells with visible femtosecond pulses
      produces thymine cyclopyrimidine dimers (CPDs), the primary ultraviolet DNA
      photoproduct. The CPDs are produced with a cubic to supercubic power dependence
      using pulses in the wavelength range from at least 400 to 525 nm. We show that
      the CPDs are confined in all three spatial dimensions, making multiphoton
      excitation of DNA with visible light an ideal technique for generating localized
      DNA photolesions in a wide variety of samples, from cultured cells to thicker
      tissues. We demonstrate the utility of this method by applying it to investigate
      the spatiotemporal recruitment of GFP-tagged topoisomerase I (TopI) to sites of
      localized DNA damage in polytene chromosomes within live cells of optically thick
      Drosophila salivary glands.

PMID- 22067171
TI  - Poroelasticity of cartilage at the nanoscale.
AB  - Atomic-force-microscopy-based oscillatory loading was used in conjunction with
      finite element modeling to quantify and predict the frequency-dependent
      mechanical properties of the superficial zone of young bovine articular cartilage
      at deformation amplitudes, delta, of ~15 nm; i.e., at macromolecular length
      scales. Using a spherical probe tip (R ~ 12.5 MUm), the magnitude of the dynamic
      complex indentation modulus, |E*|, and phase angle, phi, between the force and
      tip displacement sinusoids, were measured in the frequency range f ~ 0.2-130 Hz
      at an offset indentation depth of delta(0) ~ 3 MUm. The experimentally measured
      |E*| and phi corresponded well with that predicted by a fibril-reinforced
      poroelastic model over a three-decade frequency range. The peak frequency of
      phase angle, f(peak), was observed to scale linearly with the inverse square of
      the contact distance between probe tip and cartilage, 1/d(2), as predicted by
      linear poroelasticity theory. The dynamic mechanical properties were observed to
      be independent of the deformation amplitude in the range delta = 7-50 nm. Hence,
      these results suggest that poroelasticity was the dominant mechanism underlying
      the frequency-dependent mechanical behavior observed at these nanoscale
      deformations. These findings enable ongoing investigations of the nanoscale
      progression of matrix pathology in tissue-level disease.

PMID- 22067172
TI  - Operative approach and venous thromboembolism in colorectal surgery: casual or
      causal association?

PMID- 22067173
TI  - Practice parameters for the management of perianal abscess and fistula-in-ano.

PMID- 22067174
TI  - Readmission rates and cost following colorectal surgery.
AB  - BACKGROUND: Hospital readmission is emerging as a quality indicator by the state,
      federal, and private payors with the goal of denying payment for select
      readmissions. OBJECTIVE: We designed a study to measure the rate, cost, and risk
      factors for hospital readmission after colorectal surgery. STUDY DESIGN/SETTING:
      We reviewed commercial health insurance records of 10,882 patients who underwent
      colorectal surgery over a 7-year period (2002-2008). PATIENTS: All patients
      undergoing colon and/or rectal resection ages 18 to 64 were included. MAIN
      OUTCOME MEASURE: The 30-day and 90-day readmission rates, the number of
      readmissions per patient, the median cost, length of stay, and risk factors for
      readmission were analyzed. RESULTS: Thirty-day readmission occurred in 11.4%
      (1239/10,882) of patients. Readmission between 31 and 90 days occurred in an
      additional 11.9% (1027/10,882) of patients for a total 90-day readmission rate of
      23.3%. Two or more readmissions occurred in 1.4% (155) and 5.2% (570) of patients
      in the first 30 and 90 days. Mean readmission length of stay was 8 days, and the
      median cost per stay was $8885. Initial hospitalization risk factors for
      readmission were the diagnosis of a surgical site infection (OR 1.2), creation of
      a stoma (OR 1.2), discharge to nursing home (OR 1.2), index admission length of
      stay >7 days (OR 1.2), proctectomy (OR 1.1), and severity of illness score
      (severity of illness 3 = OR 1.1; severity of illness 4 = OR 1.3). CONCLUSIONS:
      Readmission after colorectal surgery occurs frequently and is associated with a
      cost of approximately $9000 per readmission. Nationwide these findings account
      for $300 million in readmission costs annually for colorectal surgery alone.
      Clinical and systems-based prevention strategies are needed to reduce
      readmission.

PMID- 22067175
TI  - Preoperative diagnosis of Lynch syndrome with DNA mismatch repair
      immunohistochemistry on a diagnostic biopsy.
AB  - BACKGROUND: DNA mismatch repair immunohistochemistry on tumor tissue is a simple,
      readily available, and cost-effective method of identifying patients with Lynch
      syndrome in the postoperative setting. The aim of the study was to assess whether
      the mismatch repair status of a colorectal cancer can be confirmed by mismatch
      repair immunohistochemistry on preoperative biopsy. DESIGN: Germline positive
      patients with Lynch syndrome were identified from a prospectively collected
      Familial Cancer Clinic database. Preoperative colorectal cancer biopsy specimens
      were obtained from the source pathology provider to generate a cohort of matched
      preoperative and postoperative specimens. The specimens were sectioned and
      stained for 4 mismatch repair proteins (MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2). An age-matched
      cohort to compare specimens was selected from Bethesda positive but mismatch
      repair immunohistochemistry negative patients. All slides were reviewed by a
      single blinded pathologist. The Wilson method was used to calculate a true
      underlying proportion of patients for whom the preoperative result matched the
      postoperative test result with a 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: Of 128
      germline positive mutation carriers, 40 patients (mean age 41, SD 11.3) had
      colorectal resections. Thirty-three preoperative specimens were retrievable and
      were matched with biopsies from 33 controls. The germline mutations included in
      the study were 8 MLH1, 19 MSH2, 3 MSH6, and 2 PMS2. In patients where germline
      positive status was known, sensitivity was 100% (95% CI 89.2-100) and specificity
      was 100% (95% CI 89.2-100). Identical sensitivity and specificity were observed
      in 33 age-matched patients. The sensitivity of the endoscopic biopsy in
      predicting germline status was 94.9% (95% CI 80.4-98.3). CONCLUSION: The mismatch
      repair disease status of a colorectal cancer can be reliably confirmed by
      mismatch repair immunohistochemistry on a diagnostic colorectal cancer biopsy
      sample before definitive surgery. Ascertaining a diagnosis of Lynch syndrome
      before definitive surgery can influence surgical planning.